This Day in Country History: May 11
Country music fans have enjoyed several music festivals on May 11, singing and dancing in the sun and fresh air. Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift received Gold and Platinum Recording…
Country music fans have enjoyed several music festivals on May 11, singing and dancing in the sun and fresh air. Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift received Gold and Platinum Recording Industry Association of America certifications on this day, and Dolly Parton and Darius Rucker were also honored.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
These artists received recognition on May 11:
- 2016: The RIAA certified Tim McGraw's single "Humble and Kind" as Gold. McGraw is a major country star to this day.
- 2016: Former country star Taylor Swift's single "Out Of The Woods" was awarded RIAA Platinum certification. Swift, now a mega pop star, is one of the most influential and wealthiest artists of all time.
- 2019: GRAMMY Award-winning country star Maren Morris performed at The Fillmore Detroit in Michigan as part of her Girl: The World Tour, supporting her second studio album, Girl. Morris won her first GRAMMY in 2017 for her song "My Church," has toured with Keith Urban, and was part of the all-female supergroup, the Highwomen.
Cultural Milestones
Artists honored for their work and cultural contribution on May 11 include:
- 2012: Dolly Parton earned RIAA Gold certification for her two-disc set An Evening With Dolly. Parton is an award-winning country star known for her philanthropic work, including her Imagine Library, a free book gifting program for children.
- 2013: Former rocker, now country star, Darius Rucker gave the commencement speech at his alma mater, the University of South Carolina in Columbia. He was also presented with an honorary Doctor of Music degree from the university.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Historically, music festivals have dominated the scene on May 11:
- 2024: Americana/country fans headed to Highlands, North Carolina, to hear their favorite performers at the Bear Shadow music festival. The May 11 lineup included North Mississippi Allstars, American Aquarium, and JJ Grey & Mofro.
- 2024: In Rome, Georgia, country music fans enjoyed music at the Rock the Country music festival with headliners Jason Aldean, Koe Wetzel, and Colt Ford.
- 2024: The Big as Texas music festival is an annual event in Conroe, Texas. On May 11, fans were thrilled to sing and dance to music by Dwight Yoakam, Los Lobos, and Billy Strings. Additional performers included Alana Springsteen, The Fearless Flyers, and Trent Cowie.
Industry Changes and Challenges
From new record labels to the passing of a country music legend, May 11 has witnessed several changes and challenges:
- 2005: Country legend Marty Stuart launched a new imprint, Superlatone Records, in conjunction with Universal South Records. The first release under this label was a collection of his gospel songs called Soul's Chapel.
- 2020: Legendary country music producer Charles "Fuzzy" Owen died at his home in Bakersfield, California, on May 11. He is known for working with Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, and Ferlin Husky. He also co-founded Tally Records, Merle Haggard's first record label.
Country music is a significant genre in the music industry, and the RIAA recognizes artists with chart-topping songs. Fans enjoy music festivals, and May 11 has hosted several memorable events.
