This Day in Country History: February 25
Feb. 25 is a significant date in country music history. It’s seen the release of major albums and singles and notable performances, from Alabama’s “Mountain Music,” which dominated the charts in 1982, to Beyoncé’s 2024 hit “Texas Hold ‘Em.” It’s also a day to celebrate cultural milestones, such as the birth of Dr. Ralph Stanley and GRAMMY wins by country legends. Let’s look at some of the most memorable moments in country music history on this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
These are some notable country music breakthrough hits and milestones on Feb. 25:
- 1982: Alabama released Mountain Music, its sixth studio album. This was the band’s most successful album and second U.S. No. 1 hit.
- 2013: Zac Brown Band released “Jump Right In,” the third single from the album Uncaged.
- 2017: Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and stayed there for 25 weeks.
- 2022: Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave” spent its last day at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart and was replaced the following day by Cody Johnson’s “‘Til You Can’t.”
- 2023: Morgan Wallen’s “Thought You Should Know” was No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts.
- 2024: Nate Smith’s “World on Fire” spent its last week at No. 1 on the Country Airplay charts.
Cultural Milestones
Some important cultural milestones for Feb. 25 include:
- 1927: Singer and musician Dr. Ralph Stanley was born. He sang the Appalachian dirge “O Death” in the 2000 film O Brother, Where Art Thou?
- 1932: Singer-songwriter Faron Young was born. His hits included “Live Fast, Love Hard, Die Young” and “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’).”
- 1981: Country music winners at the 23rd Annual GRAMMY Awards included George Jones, who was awarded Best Country Vocal Performance, Male for “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” and Emmylou Harris and Roy Orbison, who won Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with “That Lovin’ You Feelin’ Again.”
- 1992: Johnny Cash was awarded the GRAMMY Legend Award “for ongoing contributions and influence in the recording field” by the National Trustees at the 34th Annual GRAMMY Awards.
- 1998: Johnny Cash’s album Unchained won Best Country Album at the GRAMMY Awards.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some key recordings and performances from Feb. 25:
- 2020: Singer/songwriter Chris Bandi made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville.
- 2025: Opry members Lauren Alaina, The Isaacs, and Lorrie Morgan performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.
From milestone albums to key performances, Feb. 25 has influenced country music history. The achievements of artists such as Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, and Morgan Wallen showcase the genre’s evolution. As the years go by, this date continues to showcase the talent and resilience of country music’s biggest stars, proving its legacy resonates stronger than ever.
