This Day in Country History: September 16
From Academy of Country Music Award winners to benefit concerts, Sept. 16 has witnessed many interesting and significant events over the years. Fans danced to artists at a music festival,…
From Academy of Country Music Award winners to benefit concerts, Sept. 16 has witnessed many interesting and significant events over the years. Fans danced to artists at a music festival, Morgan Wallen performed a small halftime show at a football game, and Craig Morgan signed a new deal with his old record label on this day.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Winners at the 55th ACM Awards on Sept. 16 included:
- 2020: This year's event was moved to Nashville, Tennessee, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Ceremonies were held at three different locations, with Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood tying for Entertainer of the Year, Maren Morris winning Female Artist of the Year, and Luke Combs earning the Male Artist of the Year award.
- 2020: Other winners on this day included Luke Combs' Album of the Year, What You See Is What You Get, Blake Shelton's Single of the Year, "God's Country, " and Old Dominion's Song of the Year, "One Man Band."
Cultural Milestones
Benefit concerts, such as these on Sept. 16, help raise money for those in need:
- 2017: Willie Nelson brought his annual Farm Aid concert to KeyBank Pavilion in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania. He was joined by artists such as Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Blackberry Smoke, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp.
- 2019: Country music artists came together to support the Hope Town community at the Songwriters in Paradise HOPE 4 HOPE TOWN benefit concert. Held at the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the event featured artists such as Florida Georgia Line, Riley Green, and Dierks Bentley.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Outstanding performances on Sept. 16 included:
- 2018: The up-and-coming star Morgan Wallen provided the halftime entertainment during the Tennessee Titans football game at Nissan Stadium. Before becoming the superstar he is today, Wallen toured with Florida Georgia Line, Jake Owen, and Luke Bryan.
- 2024: Fans at the eclectic Bourbon & Beyond music festival in Louisville, Kentucky, enjoyed performances by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and the Hogslap String Band.
Industry Changes and Challenges
There were interesting changes and challenges in country music on Sept. 16:
- 2010: Indy country star Justin Townes Earle was arrested after an altercation during his performance at Radio Radio in Indianapolis. The incident occurred after a shirt was thrown on stage, landing on his guitar, and escalated when Earle smashed items in the dressing room and reportedly punched the venue owner's daughter. He was charged with assault and battery and was ordered to pay money for damages to the venue.
- 2019: The "Redneck Yacht Club" singer Craig Morgan resigned with Broken Bow Records. Morgan was originally with BBR from 2002 to 2008, recording hits such as "International Harvester" and "Almost Home." He released his album God, Family, Country"under the BBR label almost 10 years later.
It's concerning to hear about a performer acting unruly and getting arrested during a performance. Conversely, benefit concerts, like the ones on Sept. 16, showcase artists coming together to raise money and awareness for important causes.
