This Day in Country History: February 5
February 5th is a significant date in country music, marked by genre-defining moments. It’s the birthday of Claude King (1923), known for his million-selling hit ” Wolverton Mountain,” and Henson Cargill (1941), best known for his No. 1 hit “Skip A Rope.” Additionally, on this date in 2021, the Grammy-winning Zac Brown Band signed with Bertelsmann Music Group (BMG).
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Many significant album and single releases are associated with February 5th.
- 2001: Montgomery Gentry released “She Couldn’t Change Me” as the first single from their breakthrough album, Carrying On. The single would peak at number 2 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
- 2013: Tim McGraw releases his 12th studio album, “Two Lanes of Freedom”. The record reached number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart and went to number 2 on the Billboard 200.
- 2016: Country duo Dan + Shay released the lead single, “From the Ground Up,” from their second studio album, Obsessed. The track debuted at number 37 on the US Billboard Country Airplay chart and peaked at number one in August.
- 2021: Dan + Shay release their pop-infused single, “Glad You Exist.” The upbeat track peaked at number 21 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 2 on the US Billboard Country Airplay charts.
Cultural Milestones
February 5th also marks the anniversary of many important cultural milestones that influenced country music.
- 2020: Alabama country group Little Big Town ranks number one on the US Billboard Top Country Albums chart with their ninth studio album, “Nightfall.” The album also peaked at number one on the UK Country Albums chart.
- 2023: Country icon Willie Nelson takes home the first country music award at the 65th Grammy Awards for Best Country Solo Performance for his cover of Billy Joe Shaver’s “Live Forever.” The singer-songwriter won the Best Country Album award the same night for “A Beautiful Time.”
Notable Recordings and Performances
Several landmark performances and recordings took place on this date:
- 1962: The first of two initial recording sessions for Ray Charles’ groundbreaking album, “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” occurs at Capitol Studios in New York. Its lead single, “I Can’t Stop Loving You,” received massive airplay on country radio stations and won Charles an award at the 5th Annual Grammy Awards the next year.
- 2000: The Dixie Chicks score a number-one hit single as their “Cowboy Take Me Away” moves to the top of the US Billboard Hot Country Singles and Tracks chart.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Country music has also undergone challenges and changes that have impacted the culture and the wider music industry.
- 2016: A new species of spider discovered in California is named after Country legend Johnny Cash. The tarantula, named Aphonopelma johnnycashi, was one of 14 new species found near Folsom Prison in California, for which Cash also wrote a famous song.
- 2024: Toby Keith dies at 62 after battling stomach cancer. The prolific star released 21 studio albums over his career, with five topping the Billboard 200 Albums chart.
The impact of February 5th on country music is undeniable. Over the years, this day has been filled with groundbreaking performances, historic recognitions, and industry shifts. Each milestone has helped shape the genre’s identity, ensuring it continues to evolve.
