This Day in Country History: April 15
April 15 is not only typically Tax Day but also a significant day in country music history. It has hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards, featured major performances by…
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 22: Chris Stapleton performs onstage during the 12th Annual ACM Honors at Ryman Auditorium on August 22, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Davis/Getty Images for AMC)
April 15 is not only typically Tax Day but also a significant day in country music history. It has hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards, featured major performances by superstars, and witnessed the birth of twins to Chris Stapleton and his wife.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
The 53rd ACM Awards were held on April 15, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Big winners included the following:
- 2018: Jason Aldean won Entertainer of the Year, and Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton were named Female and Male Vocalists of the Year, respectively.
- 2018: The Vocal Group of the Year award went to Old Dominion, and Lauren Alaina and Brett Young won the New Female Vocalist of the Year and New Male Vocalist of the Year awards, respectively.
- 2018: Chris Stapleton won Album of the Year for From a Room Vol. 1, Sam Hunt's "Body Like a Back Road" won Single Record of the Year, and Song of the Year went to Miranda Lambert for "Tin Man."
Cultural Milestones
From legendary birthdays and milestone performances on April 15 include:
- 1933: Country music legend and Hall of Famer Roy Clark was born on April 15 in Meherrin, Virginia. Clark co-hosted the TV show Hee-Haw with Buck Owens and is known for hit songs such as “I Never Picked Cotton," “Honeymoon Feelin'," and “If I Had to Do It All Over Again."
- 2016: Country singer Jimmy Wayne played his 200th show on the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. He sang two of his biggest hits, “Do You Believe Me Now” and “I Love You This Much."
- 2023: Country music great Reba McEntire headlined her first performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City as part of her Reba: Live in Concert tour. McEntire has hosted shows such as the ACM Awards and the Celebrity Fight Night charity event, and her hit songs include "Cowgirls Don't Cry," "Consider Me Gone," and "For My Broken Heart."
Notable Recordings and Performances
These notable performances occurred on April 15:
- 2018: At an ACM Awards after-party at the House of Blues Las Vegas, Blake Shelton sang a duet with his wife, pop star Gwen Stefani.
- 2010: Former country singer turned famed pop star Taylor Swift performed in Los Angeles, California, during her Fearless tour.
Industry Changes and Challenges
From births and deaths to cancellations, the country music industry has seen changes and challenges on April 15, including:
- 2018: Chris Stapleton won at the ACM Awards but was unable to attend, as he was by his wife's side when they welcomed twins on the same day.
- 2021: The group Little Big Town announced the cancellation of their appearance at the upcoming ACM Awards due to band member Phillip Sweet contracting COVID-19.
The ACM Awards bring exciting performances and anticipation about who will win. COVID-19 presented certain challenges across the industry, but there were also heartwarming benefits to lift everyone's spirits.
