Today in country music history:

2003 - Johnny Cash died of complications from diabetes in Nashville.  He was 71.

1999 - A sold-out crowd of 23 thousand fans showed up for Farm Aid ‘99 to hear Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young, Dave Matthews Band and Deana Carter perform.

1998 - Vince Gill made his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.

1998 - A concert by Shania Twain was televised live on DirecTV.  It was the first time direct broadcast had been used for a country star.

Birthdays:

George Jones - singer, Country Music Hall of Fame member, "He Stopped Loving Her Today," "The Grand Tour"

Jennifer Nettles - lead singer, Sugarland, "Stay," "Baby Girl"

Image: David McClister

Provided by ABC News Radio