This Day in Country History: May 14
The COVID-19 pandemic sideswiped everyone, including country music artists and fans. However, through the trials and tribulations of these turbulent months, artists saw reprieve and hope as restrictions began to…
The COVID-19 pandemic sideswiped everyone, including country music artists and fans. However, through the trials and tribulations of these turbulent months, artists saw reprieve and hope as restrictions began to ease across the United States.
Big Hits and Milestones
The the 1984 Annual Academy of Country Music Awards had some big winners, including:
- 1984: The 19th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards happened on May 14 at Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton famous duet song, "Islands in the Stream," won Single of the Year, and nd Garry Morris' version of "The Wind Beneath My Wings" took home Song of the Year.
- 1984: At the awards show, the band Alabama won Entertainer of the Year for the third time in a row. In addition, the group won Top Vocal Group and Album of the Year for Roll On.
- 2013: The legendary country music artist George Strait's twenty-eighth studio album, Love Is Everything, was released on May 14 by MCA Nashville. The hit single from this album, "Give It All We Got Tonight," was a top-10 single.
Cultural Milestones
Fans notice when country music stars marry, and Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert's wedding was significant. This and other notable events took place on this date:
- 2011: On May 14, country music superstars Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert got married. Shelton and Lambert have collaborated on many songs, including "Over You," which was about Shelton's loss of his older brother, Richie Shelton.
- 2020: Amid the rules and restrictions of COVID-19, country star Keith Urban held an unusual yet heartwarming show at the Stardust Drive-In movie theater in Nashville, Tennessee, for about 200 frontline health workers who watched from their cars as Urban performed.
- 2021: After months of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Grand Ole Opry canceled its capacity restrictions. Opry members Lorrie Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys performed at this iconic venue for the historical event.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Fun shows and performances for May 14 in country music history include:
- 2022: Chris Stapleton performed at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, as part of his All-American Road Tour.
- 2024: Jelly Roll played at Billy Bob's Texas in Fort Worth, Texas, a benefit concert for the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which provides mortgage-free homes to first responders.
- 2024: Country star Eric Church played at the Neon Steeple at Chief's On Broadway in Nashville. Fans enjoyed seeing Church perform hits such as "Broadway Lights" and "Hell of a View."
Industry Changes and Challenges
Bringing babies into the world is a life-changing experience.
- 2017: Midland's Jess Carson delivered his and his wife's baby in the hospital parking lot on May 14. Jess and Camille were on their way to the hospital when Camille went into labor and gave birth to their son, Parker, in their Chevy Suburban.
- 2021: The drummer, Tripp Howell, from the band LANCO, and his wife, Alli, welcomed a baby boy, James, on May 14. Howell said that he couldn't describe the love a man has for his son and that his life was changed.
May 14 was a significant day in country music history. Musical artists create music that evokes emotion, is carried across generations, and continues to inspire musicians and performers today.
