This Day in Country History: April 25
April 25 saw some big winners at the 25th Academy of Country Music Awards, including George Strait and Clint Black. There were also benefit concerts and a Country Music Marathon…
AUSTIN, TEXAS – APRIL 25: Luke Combs performs onstage during the 2024 Mack, Jack & McConaughey Gala at ACL Live on April 25, 2024 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Amy E. Price/Getty Images)
April 25 saw some big winners at the 25th Academy of Country Music Awards, including George Strait and Clint Black. There were also benefit concerts and a Country Music Marathon featuring several industry stars on this day over the years.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
The ACM Awards were held on April 25, 1990, in the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California. Winners at this annual event included:
- 1990: George Strait won Entertainer of the Year, Clint Black was named Top Male Vocalist of the Year, and Kathy Mattea won the Top Female Vocalist of the Year award.
- 1990: The Top Vocal Duo, Top Vocal Group, and New Vocal Duo or Group awards went to The Judds, Restless Heart, and The Kentucky Headhunters, respectively.
- 1990: Clint Black won Single Record of the Year for "A Better Man," Jon Vezner and Don Henry's "Where've You Been" was named Song of the Year, and Clint Black won the Album of the Year award for Killin' Time.
Cultural Milestones
From major music festivals to a guitar gallery opening and benefit concerts, April 25 has seen several milestones:
- 2015: Country stars Alison Krauss, Lucinda Williams, and Dan Zane performed at the Lead Belly 125: A Tribute to an American Songster at the Kennedy Center in New York City. This was a tribute to the legendary William Ledbetter, Lead Belly, known for his contributions to the folk, blues, and country music industry.
- 2015: Over 27,000 runners competed in the Country Music Half and Full Marathons. Singers Terri Clark and Bryan White ran the half-marathon, demonstrating how artists stay in shape to manage the challenges of performing.
- 2017: The Gallery of Iconic Guitars at Belmont University in Nashville celebrated its grand opening. Country music stars Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs gave demonstrations to showcase legendary and vintage guitars, including the Gibson Les Paul Standard Sunburst Electric guitar and a Martin acoustic guitar made in 1939.
- 2019: Award-winning country star Chris Stapleton headlined the Mack, Jack & McConaughey gala in Austin, Texas. This charity event, helmed by actor Matthew McConaughey, former University of Texas football coach Mack Brown, and country singer Jack Ingram, raises funds for five children's charities.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Several artists gave memorable performances on April 25:
- 2015: The Stagecoach Music Festival was held in Indio, California. Mega superstars such as Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Ellie King, and Bailey Zimmerman thrilled crowds at this annual festival.
- 2024: Luke Bryan wrapped up the Canadian leg of his Mind of a Country Boy Tour with a performance at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Bryan is known as a judge on the TV show American Idol, and for hit songs such as "Play It Again" and "Country Girl."
- 2024: Country singer Luke Combs performed at the Moody Theater in Austin, Texas, for the MJ&M fundraiser. Proceeds went to various children's health care foundations.
As April winds down and summer approaches, music festivals, benefit concerts, and performances dominate the country music scene. The ACM Awards bring great excitement, and April 25th did not disappoint.
