Years in Country Music - 1970s

1970s

• 1979 in country music, Kenny Rogers releases second signature story song, "Coward Of The County," becomes top crossover artist.
• 1978 in country music, Barbara Mandrell's decade-old career hits new heights with her first No. 1 record; Kenny Rogers releases "The Gambler"; Bob Kingsley becomes host of "American Country Countdown" (after several years of producing show).
• 1977 in country music, Death of Elvis Presley; six weeks at No. 1 for Waylon Jennings' "Lukenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love);" Kenny Rogers makes comeback as solo country singer; Dolly Parton begins recording pop-oriented music instead of merely country.
• 1976 in country music, CB radio-song craze hits its peak; Wanted! The Outlaws released; Loretta Lynn's autobiography becomes a New York Times best seller.
• 1975 in country music, Continued backlash over pop-influenced country after John Denver is named CMA Entertainer of the Year; country music records chart highly on the Billboard Hot 100; Willie Nelson becomes major star 15 years after his first recordings with album Redheaded Stranger.
• 1974 in country music, Rise of Australian pop singer Olivia Newton-John and her surprise win of the Country Music Association Female Vocalist of the Year award; veteran country performers respond with the short-lived Association of Country Entertainers in attempt to keep country music "country."
• 1973 in country music, Grand Ole Opry moves from the Ryman Auditorium to its new house in Opryland; murder of Stringbean; premiere of "American Country Countdown"; Johnny Rodriguez becomes the first Hispanic country star.
• 1972 in country music, Fan Fair debuts; Opryland USA opens; "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" album issued; 13-year-old Tanya Tucker becomes an overnight sensation.
• 1971 in country music, Television's rural purge; African-American singer Charley Pride named CMA Entertainer of the Year; Lynn Anderson's international crossover hit "Rose Garden".
• 1970 in country music, Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty — who each release their signature songs during the year (she with "Coal Miner's Daughter, he with "Hello Darlin'") — record their first duet, "After the Fire is Gone."