This Day in Country History: March 18
From chart-topping hits to unforgettable performances and iconic moments, March 18 has seen its fair share of fascinating country music milestones. Keep reading for some incredible facts from this day in country music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
A couple of milestones for March 18 include:
- 2012: Country music icon Randy Travis marked 25 years in the music industry with a tour stop in Gainesville, Texas. Over the course of his career, Travis has earned more than five Country Music Association awards and 10 Academy of Country Music honors, and was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1986.
- 2023: Morgan Wallen’s “One Thing at a Time” hit No.1 on the Billboard 200 charts. This album spent 12 weeks at No.1 on this chart, earning over 501,000 equivalent album units in the United States.
Cultural Milestones
Country music has a rich legacy of entertaining and uplifting communities. Here are some standout cultural moments:
- 1934: Country singer Charley Pride was born on March 18 in Sledge, Mississippi. Pride was recognized as one of country music’s first Black performers and made it big in the genre with chart toppers such as “Kiss an Angel Good Mornin'” and “Crystal Chandeliers.”
- 2017: Country music diva Reba McEntire performed at the Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona. This popular event benefited the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.
- 2019: Prolific country star Kathy Mattea received an American Master Award from the Berklee College of Music. This prestigious award is given to those who have an impact or major influence on their industry, such as Mattea’s contribution to country and folk.
Notable Recordings and Performances
March 18 had some interesting shows and performances on this day in country music history, including:
- 2017: Country great Brad Paisley paid tribute to the late Chuck Berry with his rendition of “Johnny B. Goode” to honor Berry on the day he died, March 18, 2017. This show was held at the Runaway Country Music Festival in Kissimmee, Florida.
- 2017: Country music band Lonestar performed at the Cystic Fibrosis Benefit at the West Plains Civic Center in West Plains, Missouri.
- 2018: Grammy-nominated Cassadee Pope sang the national anthem at the NASCAR Auto Club 400 at Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Country music’s evolution is evident in its genre-crossing superstars and how it has weathered unprecedented global challenges. From groundbreaking international tours to pandemic-related setbacks and innovative acts of solidarity, these moments highlight the industry’s resilience and capacity for reinvention:
- 2012: Taylor Swift performed at the Vector Arena in Aukland, New Zealand, with her country music style on the Speak Now World Tour. Today, Swift is one of the hottest and highest-paid pop stars, crossing genres from country to pop.
- 2020: Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, Sturgill Simpson canceled his A Good Lookin’ Tour. He was to have had Tyler Childs as a special guest at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto, Canada.
- 2020: Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of the country music duo Florida Georgia Line gifted their employees at the FGL House restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee, $1,000 each. This gift was to help compensate for the loss of revenue due to COVID restrictions.
March 18 has shown the enduring spirit of country music through the years with groundbreaking achievements, heartfelt tributes, and bold performances that continue to inspire artists and fans.
