Pure Platinum - Today In Country Music History

January 24th, 1994

The Pure Country soundtrack becomes George Strait's first triple-platinum album. The soundtrack album featured three singles that were released to radio: "I Cross My Heart" (#1), "Heartland" (#1) and "When Did You Stop Loving Me" (#6). "Overnight Male" also charted at #72 from unsolicited airplay.

Despite Strait's super-star status in the music world, Pure Country only grossed just over $15 million at the box office.The film also received many negative reviews upon its release, but critics responded nicely to certain aspects of the film.

On the television program Siskel and Ebert, film critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both gave the film a "Two thumbs down" rating, but their reviews were more mixed than negative. Both praised George Strait's performance citing it was very good, and he was convincing in the lead, especially considering the challenges of a singer becoming an actor.

The soundtrack remains as Stait's best selling album to date.

2003
Joe Nichols sets a Grand Ole Opry precedent while performing "Brokenheartsville" at the Ryman Auditorium. A green bra is tossed from the seats as he sings, supposedly the first time an undergarment has ever been thrown on stage in show history.
#1 On This Date
SINGLES
2009 – Brad Paisley w/Keith Urban – “Start A Band”
2004 – Kenny Chesney – “There Goes My Life”
1998 – Tim McGraw – “Just To See You Smile”
1987 – The Judds – “Cry Myself To Sleep”
1981 – Dolly Parton – “9 To 5”
1976 – C.W. McCall – “Convoy”
1970 – David Houston – “Baby, Baby (I Know You Are A Lady)”
1953 – Hank Williams – “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive”
1948 – Eddy Arnold – “I’ll Hold You In My Heart (Till I Can Hold You In My Arms)

ALBUMS
2009 – Taylor Swift – Fearless
2004 – Toby Keith – Shock’n Y’all
1998 – Garth Brooks – Sevens
1987 – Reba McEntire – What Am I Gonna Do About You
1981 – Kenny Rogers – Greatest Hits
1976 – C.W. McCall – Black Bear Road
1970 – Charley Pride – The Best Of
Birthdays
Singer Ray Stevens is 74
Session bass player Glenn Worf is 61
Drummer Keech Rainwater (Lonestar) is 52
Singer/guitarist Stephen Barker Liles (Love & Theft) is 33

Filed Under: The Grand Ole Opry, Today In Country Music History

Categories: Country Music News, History, Movies

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