This Day in Country History: February 14
Feb. 14 has many milestone moments in country music, from artists achieving breakthrough hits to several cultural milestones. We’re talking about everything from the birthdays of important country artists to recordings of chart-topping songs. Here’s a look at some key events in country music history on Feb. 14.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Here are some breakthrough hits and milestones from this day in country music history:
- 1977: Jimmy Buffett releases one of his most recognizable hits, “Margaritaville.” The song would reach No. 1 on Adult Contemporary, No. 8 on the Hot 100 charts, and No. 13 on Hot Country songs.
- 2006: “Boondocks” by Little Big Town was certified as a gold single. It would later go on to be 3x Platinum certified.
- 2006: A remake of “Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly Fond of Each Other” by Willie Nelson is released.
Cultural Milestones
Notable cultural milestones for Feb. 14 include several births and milestone events:
- 1939: Razzy Bailey was born in Alabama. He had six consecutive hits in the early 1980s.
- 1997: Ty England and wife welcome their third child, Levi Wyatt.
- 1998: Hal Ketchum married his third wife, Gina Pacconi, in Austin, Texas.
- 2001: Emily Robison from Dixie Chicks appeared on the celebrity version of “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”
- 2010: Taylor Swift debuted in the movie “Valentine’s Day.”
- 2016: Joey Floyd from Toby Keith’s Easy Money Band passed away. Floyd played guitar, fiddle, and banjo for the band and, as a youngster, acted in a movie with Willie Nelson.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Here are some important recordings and performances from Feb. 14 that have left their mark on country music history:
- 1974: Bob Dylan performs with The Band in Los Angeles. Those in attendance included Warren Beatty, Ringo Starr, and Neil Young.
- 1977: Dolly Parton launched her 18th solo studio album, “New Harvest…First Gathering.” This was her first self-produced album.
- 1985: Randy Travis signed a Warner Bros. contract two weeks after recording “On The Other Hand.” The song reached No. 1 on the country charts.
Besides its significance for star-struck lovers, Feb. 14 is a day filled with important accomplishments in country music, from unforgettable breakthrough hits to key cultural milestones. Take a listen to these songs from age-old country music stars and keep an ear out for new releases in this popular genre.
