This Day in Country History: May 2
May 2 has seen heartwarming benefits with country music stars performing, milestone hits, and notable recordings. This day also marks the anniversary of historical industry changes and challenges, including cancelled…
May 2 has seen heartwarming benefits with country music stars performing, milestone hits, and notable recordings. This day also marks the anniversary of historical industry changes and challenges, including cancelled shows and floods, and a memorial to the late great George Jones.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Milestones in country music history on May 2 include:
- 1998: Country star Shania Twain's "You're Still the One" spent 42 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 2 on May 2. Twain was one of the biggest-selling female artists in country music history.
- 2006: Chris Young won the fourth season of USA Network's country talent show Nashville Star. He secured a recording contract with Sony BMG Nashville and a brand-new Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck.
Cultural Milestones
Country stars opened their hearts to perform benefit concerts helping those in need:
- 2019: Singer Devin Dawson performed at the Senator Theater in Chico, California, as part of his fundraising California Smoke Tour. The proceeds from the six-date concert series went to the California Fire Foundation to support firefighters and those affected by the wildfires that ravaged the state.
- 2019: Brett James, best known for writing the hit song "Jesus, Take the Wheel," performed at Nashville's City Winery as a benefit for the nonprofit MusiCares. This charitable foundation, established by the Recording Academy, provides relief for musical artists in times of need.
Notable Recordings and Performances
These memorable recordings and performances were uplifting:
- 2011: Country group Lady Antebellum (now known as Lady A) released "Just a Kiss" to radio and retailers on May 2. This is a sweet song about a goodnight kiss between a couple.
- 2015: Fun-loving Kenny Chesney, well known for his island-influenced country music, performed at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, California, during his The Big Revival Tour. Fans were thrilled by songs such "Summertime" and "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem."
- 2024: During his Las Vegas residency, Garth Brooks performed at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. His songs included "The Thunder Rolls" and "That Summer."
Industry Changes and Challenges
From touching memorials to losses of musical gear due to flooding, May 2 saw various changes and challenges:
- 2010: Nashville, Tennessee, had a massive rainstorm and flood that dumped over 13 inches of rain in 24 hours, killing over 29 people in the area. Many musicians, including superstar Keith Urban, lost their musical instruments due to the flood.
- 2013: The George Jones Memorial Service was held at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee. Many celebrities and notable personalities attended the memorial service for this country music icon, including Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson, and Patty Loveless.
- 2015: The Zac Brown Band had to cancel their May 2 show at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, due to the frontman's vocal problems.
May 2 marks a notable day in the country music industry. It's always touching to see artists give their time at benefit concerts and hardworking stars getting recognition for their contribution to the music industry.
