The Boot Staff

On Jan. 22, 1969, Campbell received the first gold single of his career.

On Jan. 17, 2000, Brooks was named the Artist of the Decade at the American Music Awards.

On Jan. 13, 1968, Cash played a concert at California's Folsom Prison.

Jan. 13, 1990, was a bittersweet day for Whitley's friends, family and fans.

On Jan. 5, 1985, Strait was starting the new year on a high note.

On Jan. 3, 2000, Rimes kicked off the new year -- and the new millennium -- on a high note.

Jan. 3, 1950, was an historic day for country music, although no one was aware of it at the time.

In 1892, the Ryman Auditorium opened its doors.

On Jan. 1, 1959, the Man in Black kicked off the new year on a high note.

The connection between a country music legend and the football icon is a surprising one.