1. Birth of Elvis Presley: On January 8, 1935, the "King of Rock and Roll" was born in Tupelo, Mississippi. Although he was not from Tennessee, Presley moved to Memphis in his teens and recorded his first song at Sun Studio there. Later, he bought his famous Graceland estate in Memphis, where he lived until his death in 1977.

2. Battle of New Orleans: On January 8, 1815, the final battle of the War of 1812 was fought in New Orleans, Louisiana. The decisive American victory, led by future President Andrew Jackson, made him a national hero and propelled him to the White House. Jackson was born in nearby Waxhaws area, which is now located in South Carolina.

3. Founding of Memphis: On January 8, 1819, John Overton, James Winchester, and Andrew Jackson founded the city of Memphis, Tennessee. The city's strategic location as a port on the Mississippi River made it a hub for transportation and trade of goods and people. Today, Memphis is known for its rich blues music heritage, barbecue, and tourist attractions like Beale Street and Graceland.

4. Women's Suffrage: On January 8, 1919, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution, giving women the right to vote. The decisive vote by 24-year-old Harry Burn was secured thanks to a letter from his mother, urging him to support the amendment. This historic moment is commemorated at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville.

5. Civil Rights Movement: On January 8, 1964, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, calling for racial justice and economic opportunities for all. This speech, known as the "Stevie Wonder" because it referenced the musician's song "Blowin' in the Wind," highlighted the importance of nonviolent resistance and coalition building in achieving social change.