This Day in Country History: February 21
TAMWORTH, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 25: Australasian Country Music Roll of Renown inductee and Top-Selling Australian Country Album for 2024 winner Keith Urban speaks on stage during the 2025 Golden Guitar Awards at Tamworth Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre on January 25, 2025 in Tamworth, Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
Feb. 21 has been a notable date in country music history, witnessing many popular songs and career-defining moments. From The Band Perry’s success in 2012 to Zach Bryan’s recent wins in 2024, this date has seen GRAMMY victories, legendary performances, and historic milestones in country music.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some key country hits from Feb. 21:
- 2015: Sam Hunt’s “Take Your Time” climbed to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, holding that position until early May.
- 2017: Little Big Town’s “Better Man” was at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart for the second week.
- 2019: Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” remained at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart for the third consecutive week.
- 2020: Maren Morris’ “The Bones” remained at the top of the Country Airplay chart for a second week.
- 2022: Walker Hayes’ “Fancy Like” remained at the top of the Hot Country Songs chart.
- 2023: Zach Bryan’s “Something in the Orange” remained at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
- 2024: Zach Bryan, featuring Kacey Musgraves’ “I Remember Everything,” held No.1 on the Hot Country Songs chart.
Cultural Milestones
The following country milestones have made their mark on the genre:
- 1958: Merle Haggard was moved to San Quentin Prison after attempting to escape from Bakersfield Jail. He was arrested in 1957 for trying to rob a roadhouse in Bakersfield.
- 1990: Country winners at the GRAMMY Awards included Lyle Lovett’s “Lyle Lovett and His Large Band” for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Rodney Crowell’s “After All This Time” for Best Country Song.
- 2001: Faith Hill took home three GRAMMY Awards, including two for “Breathe” and another for “Let’s Make Love” alongside Tim McGraw.
- 2001: Johnny Cash was released from the hospital after receiving treatment for pneumonia to attend the GRAMMY Awards, where he won his 10th GRAMMY for Best Male Vocal Country Performance for “Solitary Man.”
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some notable performances from Feb. 21:
- 2008: Crystal Gayle performed live after she was inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in Mount Vernon.
- 2025: Cody Johnson performed as part of his Leather Deluxe Tour at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo.
- 2025: Brett Young and Kylie Morgan sang live at The Met in Philadelphia.
- 2025: Singer-songwriter Chris Janson performed at Knoxville Civic Auditorium in Knoxville.
- 2025: The Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville hosted the OPRY 100, showcasing artists such as Ringo Starr, Lauren Alaina, Mickey Guyton, and Molly Tuttle.
- 2025: Keith Urban performed “High” live at Fontainebleau in Las Vegas.
Country music revolves around tradition, innovation, and storytelling. Each year brings new milestones as it continues to captivate and shape the future. Listen to these classics and stay tuned for new releases.
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