This Day in Country History: September 23
Several events, performances, and certifications have happened on Sept. 23. New exhibitions opened at the Country Music Hall of Fame, benefit concerts raised money for good causes, and legendary artists…
Several events, performances, and certifications have happened on Sept. 23. New exhibitions opened at the Country Music Hall of Fame, benefit concerts raised money for good causes, and legendary artists passed away. Continue reading to learn about significant moments from this day in country music history.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Major country music milestones happened on Sept. 23, including:
- 2015: The now eight-time GRAMMY Award-winning artist Kacey Musgraves performed as a headliner for the first time at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. This sold-out show was during Musgrave's Country & Western Rhinestone Revue tour.
- 2015: Old Dominion received a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for their single "Break Up With Him." This song eventually received a 2x Platinum certification.
- 2015: Chris Young's single "I'm Comin' Over" received a Gold certification. On March 29, 2024, it was certified 4x Platinum.
Cultural Milestones
From a benefit concert to an exhibit opening, these cultural milestones occurred on this day:
- 2015: Jamey Johnson headlined a benefit concert at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. His friends and fellow country music artists Randy Houser, Shooter Jennings, and Jerrod Niemann raised nearly $45,000 for pancreatic cancer research at this show.
- 2016: The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville opened an exhibit called Charlie Daniels: Million Mile Reflections. This exhibit highlighted Daniel's musical instruments, stage costumes, photographs, and awards and was available from Sept. 23, 2016, through March 2017.
Notable Recordings and Performances
A couple of fun performances happened on Sept. 23, including:
- 2012: During Carrie Underwood's concert at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, fellow country music star Brad Paisley surprised her by joining her on stage. The audience was thrilled when Underwood and Paisley sang a duet, "Remind Me."
- 2023: Blake Shelton and the band Broken Roots sang "God's Country" on the season finale of America's Got Talent. Broken Roots were contestants on the TV show, and during the quarter finals, they won second place.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Sept. 23 hosted these changes and challenges in the country music world:
- 2010: Singer Justin Townes Earle announced he was canceling his upcoming tours. After being charged with battery, public intoxication, and resisting arrest earlier in the year, Earle decided to check himself into rehab.
- 2020: The famous drummer W.S. "Fluke" Holland died at the age of 85. Holland was known as the "Father of Drums" and was Johnny Cash's drummer for almost 40 years. When Cash formed the supergroup, The Highwaymen, with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson, Holland became the group's drummer.
Although Justin Townes Earle, son of country legend Steve Earle, tried to fight his addictions by checking into rehab, he eventually died from a drug overdose in 2020. On a bright note, Brad Paisley surprised Carrie Underwood during one of her shows, and musicians came together to raise money to help others in need. Sept. 23 has definitely played a major role in shaping the country music industry.
