Today in Country Music History: Weddings, Women, and a Summer Hit

The third of July has been a big day in country music with many charts, milestones, and even a celebrity wedding that combined the country and pop worlds.

1993: Garth Brooks In Charts

On this day in 1993, Garth Brooks was on top of the charts with "That Summer." The story told of a young boy and a lonely woman, but one of the 'PG" ways country music could talk about a coming-of-age experience. The song was co-written by Garth, Pat Alger and Sandy Mahl (Garth's first wife). That track, also included on his fourth studio album, The Chase, went on to be in just about every greatest hits collection he has released, including: The Hits, The Ultimate Hits, The Limited Series, and Double Live. If Garth has a playlist, I would guess that one would be on it.

1993: Alison Krauss Joins Grand Ole Opry

That same day, Alison Krauss was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. With her combination of bluegrass and country, Krauss was capturing a lot of attention. Krauss went on to become the most awarded female artist in Grammy history. This was until Beyoncé managed to barely edge Alison Krauss out in 2021. Quick fact: when Krauss won her first Grammy in 1991, she was the second youngest ever to win a Grammy.

2021: Blake and Gwen Say "I Do"

Flash forward to 2021, when Blake Shelton married Gwen Stefani at their home (located inside his ranch) in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. After a six-month engagement (as well as a charm offensive that included a lifetime of millions of impressions as the cutest couple on The Voice), they finally married. The wedding was that brand of starry-eyed, small-town marriage that we have all fallen in love with about country music.

July 3rd has proven that whether it's hits, honors, marriage vows, or important events; it is always nice to reflect on country music history.