This Day in Country History: February 17
Country Music Singer, Brad Paisley during rehearsals at Staples Center for the 43rd Annual Grammys 2001 in Los Angeles, CA. February 19, 2001 Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Feb. 17 has been a momentous day in country music history with record-breaking albums, breakthrough hits, and cultural milestones. From Dolly Parton’s No. 1 album The Bargain Store to Brad Paisley’s induction into the Grand Ole Opry, this date has been significant to the country music industry.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some key hits and milestones from Feb. 17:
- 1975: Dolly Parton released her 15th solo studio album, The Bargain Store. The title track reached No. 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
- 1998: David Kersh released his album If I Never Stop Loving You.
- 2001: Jamie O’Neal reached No. 1 with “There Is No Arizona.”
Cultural Milestones
Key cultural milestones on Feb. 17 include:
- 1931: Fiddle player and singer-songwriter Uncle Jimmy Thompson passed away. Jimmy was the first performer to play on Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, previously known as the WSM Barn Dance.
- 1935: Singer-songwriter and drummer Johnny Bush was born. Lovingly dubbed the “Country Caruso,” Johnny wrote the top 10 hit single “Whiskey River.”
- 1938: Instrumentalist Buck Trent was born. Trent is known for inventing the electric banjo and being a member of Porter Wagoner’s band Wagon Masters.
- 1965: Tennessee governor Frank Clement unofficially named “Tennessee Waltz” the state song.
- 1969: Singer-songwriter Jon Randall was born. Randall co-wrote “Whiskey Lullaby,” sung by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss, which made it to No. 3 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
- 1974: Singer-songwriter Bryan White was born. His 1999 album, How Lucky I Am, produced two Top 40 hits –– “You’re Still Beautiful To Me” and “God Gave Me You.”
- 1998: The Nashville Network premiered “The George Jones Show.” Jones interviewed some of country’s biggest stars, such as Faith Hill, Merle Haggard, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Tim McGraw.
- 2001: At 28 years old, Brad Paisley became the youngest member inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
- 2013: Mindy McCready passed away at the age of 37. McCready’s first four studio albums produced 12 hits on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
- 2021: Singer-songwriter Ray Fulcher signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment. Ray is best known for writing many of Luke Combs’ songs, including “When It Rains It Pours” and “Going, Going, Gone.”
- 2023: Songwriter Kyle Jacobs passed away. He co-wrote Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory,” the first song to debut at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.
- 2024: Singer-songwriter and producer Bryan White, musical band Ricochet, and songwriter Verlon Thompson were inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some important recordings and performances on this date:
- 1969: Bob Dylan re-recorded “Girl from the North Country” as a duet with Johnny Cash.
- 2023: Award-winning country singers Shenandoah, Billy Dean, and Wade Hayes performed at the Country Comeback Tour at Paradise Theater in Bossier City.
From iconic recordings to chart achievements, Feb. 17 has left a lasting mark on country music. As you reflect on these moments, celebrating the artists and events that have shaped the genre, listen to some of the hits and stay tuned for new releases.
Join the Family
Get Our Latest Articles in Your Inbox
By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.