Today In Country Music History [VIDEO]

Big Machine Records rush-releases Taylor Swift's single "Mine" to radio, two weeks earlier than originally planned, after the song was leaked on the Internet. It was released as the lead single from Swift's third studio album, Speak Now.

Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn join the esteemed company of Bob Hope, Lucille Ball and Bugs Bunny,  receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Jimmy Buffett's album 'Liscense To Chill' spent its third of four consecutive weeks atop the Country Albums chart. This album, Buffett's first #1 of his long career, consists mostly of duets, including songs with Martina McBride, George Strait, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Clint Black, Bill Withers and Alan Jackson.

Jason Aldean marries Jessica Ussery in Macon, Georgia. The pair would be married for 12 years, divorcing in 2013. They have two daughters.

Leann Rimes makes her movie debut with a cameo in the movie Coyote Ugly, which debuts on this date in 2000.

George Strait earns 5 nominations and becomes the most nominated artist in the history of the Country Music Association Awards as his 47 passes Merle Haggard's 43.

Strait's total has risen to 79 in the years since.

The Judds make their first appearance at #1 on the Billboard country chart with "Mama He's Crazy." The mother & daughter duo of Naomi & Wynonna would go on to score 4 #1 albums and 15 #1 singles, including 9 consecutive chart toppers starting with this single.

Ricky Skaggs marries Sharon White in 1981. happy anniversary to the pair who are set to release an album of duets, entitled Hearts Like Ours on Sept 30th.

21-year old Connie Smith wins a talent contest in Columbus, Ohio, and gains the attention of guest artist Bill Anderson, who helps her get her first recording contract. She has gone on to earn 11 Grammy award nominations, 20 top ten Billboard country singles, and 31 charting albums, three of which have hit number one.

On October 21, 2012, Smith became the 12th solo female vocalist and 19th woman to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.