Today in Country Music History: July 11th

July 11th has seen its fair share of country music milestones with everything from classic recordings and chart-topping hits to the birth of one of Nashville’s most successful songwriters.

Hank Williams Is a True Gem

In 1947, Hank Williams rolled into Castle Studio in Nashville and laid down a few tracks that would go on to become big hits in the country genre. "My Sweet Love Ain't Around", "The Blues Come Around", "Mansion on the Hill", and "I'll Be a Bachelor 'Til I Die" are songs that helped define what we think of when we think of classic country music. With sweet heartbreak in his voice and words that cut you to the core, Hank Williams didn't just make music, he made history.

Happy Birthday, Scotty Emerick

Born on this date in 1973 in Hollywood, Florida, Scotty Emerick is the man behind lots of Toby Keith's biggest hits including "I Love This Bar," "Beer for My Horses," "Whiskey Girl", and "As Good as I Once Was." He also added a hand in creating crowd favorites including "Get Drunk and Be Somebody" and "A Little Too Late". If Toby Keith is your guy, you've got Scotty to thank for a whole bunch of that!

George Strait's All My Ex's Live in Texas Goes #1

In 1987, George Strait landed at number one with "All My Ex's Live in Texas." The song is about a man with so many ex-girlfriends living in Texas, he had to leave for Tennessee, just to get away from them. Clever and catchy, this is a song that will always be a player at country music shows.

Luke Bryan Brings the Summer Feels

In July 2012, Luke Bryan grabbed number one on the charts with "Drunk on You," the third single from his album, Tailgates and Tanlines. This track is designed for warm nights, cold drinks, and summer love; and it was the moment when Luke Bryan exploded into country star stardom.

From heartache to honkytonk, July 11th proves once again, country music can keep it real.