This Day in Country History: April 23
The Academy of Country Music Awards, held on April 23, 1997, saw winners such as George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, and Sawyer Brown. This day has also seen country music artists…
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – NOVEMBER 07: Morgan Wallen performs onstage during the 2023 BMI Country Awards at BMI Nashville on November 07, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images for BMI)
The Academy of Country Music Awards, held on April 23, 1997, saw winners such as George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, and Sawyer Brown. This day has also seen country music artists perform at benefit concerts and the passing of a couple of industry legends.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
The 32nd ACM Awards were held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles, California. There were some expected and surprising wins, including:
- 1997: George Strait was awarded Top Male Vocalist and won Album of the Year for Blue Clear Sky, while Brooks & Dunn won Entertainer of the Year and Top Vocal Duet.
- 1997: LeAnn Rimes won Single of the Year and Song of the Year for "Blue," and Patty Loveless was awarded Top Female Vocalist. Video of the Year went to Collin Raye for "I Think About You."
- 1997: The Top Vocal Group award went to Sawyer Brown, Ricochet won the Top New Duet/Group award, and Trace Adkins was named Top New Male Vocalist.
Cultural Milestones
From helping musicians during the COVID-19 pandemic to artists performing for U.S. service members, April 23 has featured significant cultural milestones:
- 2021: Jameson Rodgers & Friends played a benefit at The Listening Room in Nashville. They raised funds for Independent Nashville Music Venues to help struggling artists during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 2023: The late country music legend Toby Keith performed for U.S. Navy sailors at the hangar bay of the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier the USS Abraham Lincoln. This was the 10th time Toby Keith performed for the United Services Organization for deployed service members.
Notable Recordings and Performances
April 23 saw these memorable events:
- 2016: The Off the Rails Music Festival in Frisco, Texas, featured performances by Blake Shelton, Eric Church, and Sam Hunt. This two-day country music festival was held at Toyota Stadium, home to the FC Dallas soccer team.
- 2018: The 19th Nashville Best Cellars dinner was held, featuring country greats such as Martina McBride, Old Dominion, RaeLynn, and Reba McEntire. The benefit raised $215,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation for cancer research.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The passing of country legends impacts the industry:
- 2012: Country star Chris Ethridge died in Meridian, Mississippi. Ethridge was a founding member of the Flying Burrito Brothers and played bass for this fun band.
- 2021: Country legend Charlie Black passed away at the age of 71. Black was a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and wrote several No. 1 hit songs, including "Shadows In The Moonlight" and "A Little Good News."
- 2023: Morgan Wallen abruptly canceled his concert at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Ole Miss because he lost his voice. Over 60,000 fans were disappointed, and one even filed a lawsuit against the country singer, despite being promised ticket refunds.
While country music stars are busy writing and recording songs, many find time to attend and perform at charity events. It's always exciting to see who will win the various industry awards and receive other honors.
