This Day in Country History: April 10
Some memorable events in country music history took place on April 10, including the 2006 Country Music Television Music Awards and the debut of The Judds docuseries on the Oprah…
NEW YORK – AUGUST 11: Singer Carrie Underwood performs on ABC’s Good Morning America concert series in Bryant Park on August 11, 2006 in New York City. (Photo by Peter Kramer/Getty Images)
Some memorable events in country music history took place on April 10, including the 2006 Country Music Television Music Awards and the debut of The Judds docuseries on the Oprah Winfrey Network.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
On April 10, country music stars won music video awards and performed at the 2006 CMT Awards:
- 2006: The CMT Music Awards ceremony was held in Nashville, Tennessee. Carrie Underwood won Breakthrough Video of the Year for "Jesus, Take the Wheel," Keith Urban won Video of the Year for "Better Life," and Kenny Chesney won Male Video of the Year for "Who You'd Be Today."
- 2006: Performers at the CMT Music Awards included Keith Urban, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn of Brooks and Dunn, Gretchen Wilson, Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood.
- 2011: The Judds debuted their documentary series, The Judds, on the Oprah Winfrey Network. This show followed Naomi Judd and her daughter, Wynonna, and explored their relationship as they toured the U.S. and made music.
Cultural Milestones
Country music industry legends were honored on April 10, and country artists held fundraiser events and celebrated music release anniversaries:
- 2012: Keith Urban hosted the benefit concert, We're All for the Hall, which he had rescheduled for medical reasons. The concert raised money for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
- 2019: Lon Helton, one of the most highly respected radio industry executives, received the Bob Kingsley Living Legend Award at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Country music artists who performed at this event included Garth Brooks, Dierks Bentley, and Vince Gill.
- 2022: Legendary country singer Tanya Tucker performed at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of her smash hit "Delta Dawn." This was also a stop on Tucker's Hard Luck Tour.
Industry Changes and Challenges
April 10 has witnessed some challenges in the country music industry due to illnesses, accidents, and deaths, including:
- 2003: Noel Fox, who was a bass singer for the Oak Ridge Boys, died after experiencing a series of strokes. He was 63 and is survived by his wife, son, and two daughters.
- 2016: Three men from country music star Luke Bryan's crew were injured in a car accident near Odessa, New York. Two were trapped in the vehicle and needed paramedics to remove them with hydraulic rescue tools, and all three were taken to the hospital in a helicopter.
- 2020: Country music singer Sturgill Simpson tested positive for COVID-19. A doctor refused to test Simpson when he began exhibiting severe symptoms in March.
As the country music industry evolves, more changes will occur. However, country music artists will continue to host benefit concerts and honor others in this industry.
