Today in country music history:

2011 - Taylor Swift took home the night's biggest honor, Artist of the Year, at the American Music Awards. She had previously won favorite country female artist and favorite country album Adele won three awards, and Nicki Minaj picked up two awards.

2004 - Lonestar picked up a number one hit with "Mr. Mom."

2003 - Travis Tritt and his wife Theresa welcomed their son Tarian Nathaniel in Marietta, Georgia.

2001 - Deana Carter released her first holiday album, Father Christmas, on her own record label, Deanatone.

1999 - Patty Loveless rode the Santa Train from Pikeville, Kentucky to Kingsport, Tennessee, distributing 15 tons of Christmas gifts to people in three states.

1986 - Ex-smoker Chet Atkins was the honorary chairman of the sixth annual Great American Smokeout.

1961 - Jimmy Dean went to number one with "Big Bad John."

Birthdays:

Dierks Bentley - singer, "What Was I Thinkin'," "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes"

Josh Turner - singer, "Long Black Train," "Why Don't We Just Dance"

Image: Capitol Nashville

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