This Day in Country History: April 22
The Academy of Country Music Awards are always exciting, and the 1998 event had plenty of big winners. April 22 also saw the deaths of several prominent country music singer/songwriters,…
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 03: Recording artist Kenny Chesney performs onstage during the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on April 3, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
The Academy of Country Music Awards are always exciting, and the 1998 event had plenty of big winners. April 22 also saw the deaths of several prominent country music singer/songwriters, while benefit concerts helped support the community.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
The 33rd ACM Awards were held on April 22, 1998, at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California:
- 1998: Top Vocal Duo/Group at the 33rd ACM Awards went to Brooks & Dunn. Top Female Vocalist went to Trisha Yearwood, while George Strait earned the Top Male Vocalist award.
- 1998: Garth Brooks won Entertainer of the Year at the 33rd ACM Awards, and Top New Male Vocalist went to a young Kenny Chesney.
- 1998: The biggest winners of the 33rd ACM Awards were Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, who won Video of the Year, Vocal Event of the Year, Song of the Year, and Single Record of the Year for “It's Your Love.”
Cultural Milestones
The following milestones influenced the country music industry on April 22:
- 1936: The legendary and influential Glen Campbell was born in Arkansas. Campbell became a household name with hits including “Rhinestone Cowboy” and “Wichita Lineman.”
- 2007: Country music stars were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame. Artists included John Hiatt, Wynonna Judd, and Emmylou Harris, all influential musicians in the country music industry.
- 2020: Country star Zac Brown sold his property that included his recording studio, Southern Ground Nashville, for $10 million. Top stars, such as Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, and Willie Nelson, recorded at this iconic studio.
Notable Recordings and Performances
April 22 has seen some fun performances, including:
- 2005: Vince Gill and Toby Keith performed a benefit concert to honor rescue workers from the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building, which killed 168 people.
- 2016: Popular Kenny Chesney made a surprise performance at a house of fraternity brothers at Auburn University in Alabama. At the house, Chesney played a 20-minute acoustic set featuring hits including “Keg in the Closet” and “American Kids.”
- 2016: George Strait began his Las Vegas residency at T-Mobile Arena. Award-winning artist Kacey Musgraves helped open the show for Strait.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Some influential artists and songwriters died or retired on April 22:
- 2003: Songwriter Felice Bryant died. Bryant was a prolific songwriter who composed the Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” and Buddy Holly's “Raining in My Heart,” to name just two of her hits.
- 2013: Legendary folk singer Richie Havens died. He performed at Woodstock in 1969 and had hits including “Here Comes the Sun” and “Freedom.”
- 2021: Legendary country music icon Delbert McClinton announced his retirement. McClinton performed for over six decades and was known for “Every Time I Roll the Dice,” “Sending Me Angels,” and others.
April 22 was a significant day for the country music industry with the ACM Awards, benefit concerts, and the passing of several songwriters. Country music continues to influence new artists while supporting the local community.
