This Day in Country History: July 17
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are one of country music’s super couples, each with their own successful career, and both gave memorable performances on July 17 in different years. This…
Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are one of country music's super couples, each with their own successful career, and both gave memorable performances on July 17 in different years. This date has also seen fun country music festivals, notable record and album certifications, and the passing of a legendary Country Music Hall of Fame member.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
July 17 has marked impressive milestones for artists over the years, including:
- 2009: Performing at the Hollywood Bowl is a major honor, and Faith Hill made her debut at the prestigious Los Angeles venue with a special show. Backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, she sang fan favorites such as "The Way You Love Me" and "This Kiss."
- 2019: Maren Morris received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America for her debut album Hero. Hit songs from this album include "My Church" and "80s Mercedes."
Cultural Milestones
From the birth of one of modern country music's superstars to a charity event headlined by Tim McGraw, July 17 has been the backdrop for several cultural milestones:
- 1976: Luke Bryan, one of country music's most successful artists of his generation, was born in Leesburg, Georgia. Bryan is known for his electrifying performances, fun country songs, and role as a judge on American Idol.
- 2015: Tim McGraw headlined A Concert for Sandy Hook Promise at the XFINITY Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut, with his touring partners — Chase Bryant and Billy Currington — also performing at the charity event. Proceeds went to organizations to help protect children from gun violence.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Music festivals and certifications from July 17 include:
- 2019: Jimmie Allen, known for his hit "Freedom Was a Highway," received a Platinum certification from the RIAA for his single "Make Me Want To," released on Stoney Creek Records.
- 2021: The Country Jam USA music festival in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, featured headliners Jon Pardi, Sawyer Brown, and Tracy Lawrence. Additional performers were Shenandoah, Mojo Lemon, and BlackHawk.
- 2021: On the third day of the Country Thunder Wisconsin festival in Twin Lakes, fans were thrilled to see performances by Kane Brown, ERNEST, and Chris Lane. The audience also enjoyed performances by Chicks with Hits, Kameron Marlowe, and Ashland Craft.
Industry Changes and Challenges
The country music industry has endured some fluctuations and trials on July 17:
- 2021: The COVID-19 pandemic led to widespread performance cancellations, including one by Chris Stapleton. His rescheduled concert, originally set for August 29, 2020, was finally held on this date at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
- 2023: Legendary music executive and Country Music Hall of Fame member Jerry Bradley died at the age of 83. Bradley was the head of RCA's Nashville division, helping artists such as Dolly Parton, Ronnie Milsap, Ray Price, and Alabama achieve stardom.
Fans of Faith Hill were in for a real treat when she performed in the luxurious setting of the Hollywood Bowl on July 17. Country music fans also enjoyed lively summer music festivals on this date, while artists Jimmie Allen and Maren Morris were honored with Platinum certifications from the RIAA.
