This Day in Country History: February 19
Feb. 19 is a significant day in country music history. It highlights numerous major chart successes and special performances. From Luke Bryan and Thomas Rhett dominating the charts to the debut of Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger,” this date has witnessed defining moments for artists and fans. It has also been a day of reflection, marking the loss of several country legends and celebrating new achievements. Here are some of the most important events from this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some breakthrough chart-toppers and milestones from Feb. 19:
- 2014: Luke Bryan’s “Drink a Beer” was still at the top of the charts, holding its place for five consecutive weeks.
- 2015: Luke Bryan’s “I See You” was at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart for a few more days before being replaced by Sam Hunt’s “Take Your Time.”
- 2016: Thomas Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” continued its fame at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart, where it stayed for 17 weeks until Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” knocked it off.
Cultural Milestones
Some key cultural milestones from Feb. 19 include:
- 1998: Country singer and banjo player Louis Marshall Jones (Grandpa Jones) died. He was inducted as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1978.
- 2003: Country singer Johnny Paycheck passed away in Nashville.
- 2008: Chris Cagle released My Life’s Been a Country Song, his fourth studio album, through Capitol Records Nashville.
- 2018: Country singer Johnny Mosby passed away. He was part of the husband-and-wife country music vocal duo Johnny and Jonie Mosby, who had 17 singles on the country music charts from 1963-73.
- 2021: Capitol/Buena Vista released The Flipsides, the first major-label EP by songwriter Adam Hambrick.
- 2021: Luke Bryan received the Country Radio Seminar Artist Humanitarian Award during the annual CRS Artist Interview.
- 2022: “Freedom Was a Highway” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. This song became Jimmie Allen’s third and Brad Paisley’s 20th No. 1 single on that chart.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some notable performances from Feb. 19:
- 2020: Blake Shelton surprised the audience during Gwen Stefani’s concert at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas. They sang their duet, “Nobody But You” together.
- 2006: Carrie Underwood performed during the half-time show of the NBA All-Star game held in Houston.
- 2025: Popular country singers Dwight Yoakam and Turnpike Troubadours will headline the LA fire relief show at Bridgestone Arena.
- 2025: Jelly Roll, Ernest, and Drew Baldridge will perform at the Opry 100 at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
Feb. 19 has left a mark on country music, from record-breaking hits to standout performances. As artists continue to create and perform, these moments are a reminder of the genre’s rich history. Listen to these landmark songs and stay tuned for what’s to come.
