Jun 8, 1845

President Andrew Jackson dies of tuberculosis at his home, The Hermitage, in Nashville. As a colonel, he helped fight the "bloody British" during the War of 1812 and is referenced in the Johnny Horton country hit, "The Battle Of New Orleans"

Nov 30, 1889

Vito Pellettieri born in Nashville. Beginning in 1934, he assists George D. Hay in organizing the Grand Ole Opry in his longtime role as stage manager. Pellettieri also co-writes Roy Acuff's 1948 hit "Unloved And Unclaimed"

Sep 4, 1890

Belmont College opens in Nashville. The school develops a music business curriculum in the 1970s, providing an important building block for such performers as Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Lee Ann Womack, among others

May 12, 1892

The Ryman Auditorium opens for public services as the Union Gospel Tabernacle in downtown Nashville. It eventually hosts the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974

Jun 22, 1897

The balcony is completed at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, future home of the Grand Ole Opry. The extra level of seats is installed to accommodate an upcoming convention of Confederate War veterans

Dec 11, 1902

The Nashville Musicians Union--Local 257--is founded. All musicians who play on a "master" recording are paid through the AFM

Dec 25, 1904

Riverboat captain Thomas Ryman, who funded construction of the Union Tabernacle, dies in Nashville. After his passing, the building is renamed the Ryman Auditorium, eventually becoming the venue for the Grand Ole Opry

Jan 9, 1911

Entertainment journalist Red O'Donnell is born in Nashville. He becomes one of the first reporters to write regularly about country music for "The Nashville Banner"

Jun 15, 1911

Piano player Marvin Hughes is born in Nashville. His credits include: The Everly Brothers' "Problems," Elvis Presley's "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You" and Jim Reeves' "He'll Have To Go," on which he plays vibes

Dec 8, 1912

Music publisher Jack Stapp born in Nashville, Tennessee. He co-founds Tree Publishing, which holds copyrights for "Heartbreak Hotel," "I Fall To Pieces" and "King Of The Road," among others. He joins the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1989