Aug 8, 1975

Johnny Cash stars in the TV special "Flower Out Of Place," eventually renamed "Behind Prison Walls." Cash's set includes "Folsom Prison Blues," "Orange Blossom Special" and "A Boy Named Sue." Also featured: Roy Clark, Foster Brooks and Linda Ronstadt, who sings "Desperado"

Aug 8, 1975

Robert Altman's movie, "Nashville," premieres at Nashville's 100 Oaks Theater. The country parody earns him an Oscar nomination for Best Director. Appearing on screen: fiddler Vassar Clements and songwriters Merle Kilgore and Jonnie Barnett

Aug 8, 1975

Hank Williams Jr. has a near-fatal accident while climbing Ajax Mountain in Montana. His head hits several jutting rocks as he falls 500 feet. It takes six hours for medics to reach him and deliver him to Missoula Community Hospital

Aug 8, 1974

Olivia Newton-John performs on NBC's "The Mac Davis Show," also featuring guests Raymond Burr, Gabe Kaplan and Jerry Van Dyke

Aug 8, 1974

Eric Clapton's album "461 Ocean Boulevard" is certified gold by the RIAA. The disc's musicians include Jamie Oldaker, future drummer for The Tractors

Aug 8, 1973

Mark Wills is born in Cleveland, Tennessee. After winning the Academy of Country Music's Top New Male award in 1999, he earns his signature hit with the nostalgic 2002 single "19 Somethin'"

Aug 8, 1970

"Charley Pride's 10th Album" begins an eight-week reign at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart

Aug 8, 1970

"Andy Williams Presents Ray Stevens" makes its last prime-time appearance on NBC. The summer replacement series features "Everything Is Beatiful" as its theme song

Aug 8, 1970

Sonny James starts a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with "Don't Keep Me Hangin' On"

Aug 8, 1970

"Me And Bobby McGee" vocalist Janis Joplin purchases a headstone for late blues singer Bessie Smith