This Day in Country History: March 24
Charity events with country music stars rising to the occasion to help others in need, happened on March 24. On this day, milestone hits were released, artists faced challenges due to COVID-19, and a country music legend was inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Noteworthy releases and milestones on March 24 include:
- 2017: Singer RaeLynn debuted her album WildHorse. It showcased her contemporary and country music blend with songs such as “Your Heart” and “Praying for Rain.”
- 2018: Country music legend Jimmy Fortune was inducted into the Virginia Music Hall of Fame. Fortune sang with the Staller’s Brothers for years before he became a solo artist. His catchy songs included “Flowers on the Wall” and “Too Much on My Heart.”
Cultural Milestones
Country music stars have influenced the culture, including:
- 2012: Country music greats Rascal Flatts joined Reba McEntire at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa in Phoenix, Arizona, for Celebrity Fight Night. The event raised money for the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and other charities. Musical guests included pop star Miley Cyrus and Lionel Richie.
- 2012: Country music star Martina McBride and Sam’s Club associates teamed up to help raise awareness for hunger relief through the Feeding America campaign. McBride and other volunteers helped load pallets of food to donate to the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance in Phoenix, Arizona.
Notable Recordings and Performances
The following achievements and performances were particularly remarkable:
- 2023: Country music superstar Morgan Wallen performed at the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, Australia, during his One Night at a Time World Tour.
- 2023: Chris Young played Billy Bob’s Texas at the Fort Worth Stockyard in Texas. Young is known for songs such as “Gettin’ You Home” and “What She Sees in Me.”
Industry Changes and Challenges
Marriages and COVID-19 brought changes and challenges to the country music industry:
- 1984: The late country singer Toby Keith married his sweetheart, Tricia Lucas. Tricia was instrumental in Keith’s career, overseeing his business affairs and ventures related to their entertainment company, Show Dog Nashville.
- 2020: Due to COVID restrictions, Garth Brooks announced he would be rescheduling his upcoming concerts at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Many artists across all genres had to postpone and cancel tours as the global pandemic raged.
From stand-out performances to charity events, March 24 was a significant day in the country music industry. Many of these events helped shape our culture as we know it today, and still have a lasting effect.
