This Day in Country History: June 17

Breakthrough Hits and Milestones

• 2015: Two big country names, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn, started a Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. This residency, REBA, BROOKS & DUNN: Together in Vegas, reunited Brooks & Dunn and became the longest-running country music residency in Las Vegas.
• 2019: "Try Harder Than That" singer Meghan Linsey got engaged to her boyfriend, musician Tyler Cain, after seven years of dating. Cain proposed to Lindsey during a music video shoot near Homer, Alaska.
• 2021: Singer Carly Pearce, known for songs such as "Next Girl" and "What He Didn't Do," was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by her idol, Dolly Parton. Pearce was backstage at this iconic venue and was taken by surprise by Parton's invitation.

Cultural Milestones

• 1973: Dolly Parton recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1968 at the legendary RCA Studio B in Nashville, Tennessee. The RCA Studio B is known as a recording studio that hosted iconic country music stars such as Chet Atkins, Charlie Daniels, and Dottie West.
• 2010: Taylor Swift, who was a major country music star before becoming the pop queen she is today, received the prestigious Hal David Starlight Award from the Songwriters' Hall of Fame. This award honors young songwriters who have had a significant impact on the music industry through their original songwriting.
• 2021: Jason Isbell, Rosanne Cash, Keb’ Mo', and other musical artists livestreamed a show to benefit Music Health Alliance. The artists pre-recorded their show at various Nashville venues, including the iconic Bluebird Cafe and Ryman Auditorium.
• 2021: "Waitin' on a Woman" singer Brad Paisley was voted as Father of the Year by the Father's Day/Mother's Day Council. Other honorees for 2021 included Pfizer CEO Dr. Albert Bourla and “All-Star” Dad Michael J. White.

Notable Recordings and Performances

• 2013: The Pistol Annies received a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for their album, Hell on Heels. This group is made up of country singers Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley.
• 2017: Brad Paisley performed at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California, as a stop on his Weekend Warrior World Tour. Fans were thrilled to hear Paisley sing hits such as "American Saturday Night" and "Mud on the Tires."
• 2021: Superstar Tim McGraw performed at a Texas Rangers charity event for the Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation's TEX Gala. This event raises money for children, the military, and first responders in the community.