This Day in Country History: February 12
Feb. 12 has been a big day for country music, filled with noteworthy hits and album releases, from Charley Pride’s early success to country music’s continuous success at the Grammys….
Sean M. Haffey via Getty Images
Feb. 12 has been a big day for country music, filled with noteworthy hits and album releases, from Charley Pride's early success to country music's continuous success at the Grammys. It's also seen the rise of new artists and industry shake-ups that have shaped country music over the years.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some important hits and milestones for Feb. 12:
- 1972: "Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs" was seven weeks into a 16-week stay at the No. 1 spot on Billboard's U.S. Hot Country Albums chart. Charley Pride was RCA Records's best-selling performer from 1969-75, outselling even Elvis Presley.
- 1989: Randy Travis's "Old 8×10" spent its 14th week at No. 1 on the country album chart.
- 1993: Toby Keith released "Should've Been a Cowboy," which reached No. 1 on the country singles chart. It's one of the most played country songs of the 90s.
- 2005: Kenny Chesney's “Be as You Are (Songs from an Old Blue Chair)” replaced Shania Twain's "Greatest Hits" album at the No. 1 spot on the country album chart.
- 2005: Rascal Flatt's "Bless The Broken Road" reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts.
- 2008: Tom T. Hall spoke at the Country Music Hall of Fame inductee press conference. He was later formally inducted on June 29, having written 11 No. 1 hit songs.
- 2012: Taylor Swift's "Mean" wins "Best Country Song" and "Best Country Solo Performance" at the Grammy Awards.
- 2012: Lady Antebellum takes home the award for "Best Country Album" for "Own the Night" at the Grammy Awards.
- 2017: Sturgill Simpson wins "Best Country Album" for "A Sailor's Guide to Earth" at the Grammy Awards.
- 2017: Maren Morris wins "Best Country Solo Performance" for "My Church" at the Grammy Awards.
- 2017: "Jolene" by Pentatonix featuring Dolly Parton wins "Best Country Duo/Group Performance" at the Grammy Awards.
- 2017: Songwriter Lori McKenna wins "Best Country Song" for "Humble and Kind" at the Grammy Awards.
Cultural Milestones
Notable cultural milestones include:
- 1944: Moe Bandy was born. He sang the 1979 No. 1 country hit "I Cheated Me Right Out of You."
- 2018: Country music singer Daryle Singletary passes away. He entered the top 40 of the Hot Country Songs charts as many as five times in the 90s, reaching No. 2 with "Amen Kind of Love" and "I Let Her Lie", and No. 4 with "Too Much Fun".
- 2022: Trisha Yearwood inducts Lauren Alaina as the Opry's first member of 2022. At 27 years old, Alaina became the youngest member of the Opry.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some notable recordings and performances from Feb. 12:
- 2023: American singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Stapleton sang the National Anthem at the Super Bowl.
- 2025: Lauren Alaina, Mark Wills, and Locash perform as part of the NWTF Foundation Conservation Aid at The Opry.
With rising stars and classic hits, Feb. 12 has left its mark on country music history. These milestones show how the genre has evolved and will continue to evolve over time, yet it somehow manages to hold onto its roots. Give these songs a listen and stay tuned for the latest country releases.
Related Stories
