This Day in Country History: October 16
Keith Urban surprised his fans at a pop-up performance in Nashville on Oct. 16. Other notable events from this autumn day include Darius Rucker getting inducted into the Grand Ole…
Keith Urban surprised his fans at a pop-up performance in Nashville on Oct. 16. Other notable events from this autumn day include Darius Rucker getting inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, fans having fun at the Outlaw Festival, and the death of two great record producers and songwriters.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Keith Urban and Craig Morgan were important names on this day:
- 2017: Superstar Keith Urban surprised eager fans with a pop-up show at The Basement in Nashville, Tennessee. Some of the songs Urban sang in this intimate venue included "Days Go By," "You Look Good in My Shirt," and "Blue Ain't Your Color."
- 2018: The "Redneck Yacht Club" singer Craig Morgan celebrated 10 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 16 by performing at this legendary venue. Morgan, who is a strong supporter of the U.S. military, was invited to join in 2008 after performing for troops stationed at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, where he was also stationed for two years.
Cultural Milestones
It was an honor to see Darius Rucker inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and to hear Chris Issack sing a Hank Williams song on Oct. 16:
- 2012: The former frontman for the award-winning rock group Hootie & the Blowfish, Darius Rucker, who turned country star, was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 16. Rucker's debut at this hallowed venue was in 2008 after signing with Capitol Records Nashville.
- 2020: As part of PBS's GRAMMY Salute to Music Legends special, which was recorded live at the Dolby Theater in Hollywood, California, crooner Chris Issack sang Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart." This was a tribute to the legendary talent scout Frank Walker, who discovered Hank Williams and helped launch the singer's career.
Notable Recordings and Performances
These Oct. 16 performances were notable:
- 2021: Dan + Shay continued their The (Arena) Tour on Oct. 16 at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, California. GRAMMY-nominated singer Ingrid Andress and The Band CAMINO were special guests.
- 2022: The annual Outlaw Festival was held at the now-closed FivePoint Amphitheatre in Irvine, California. Willie Nelson & Family, Particle Kid, Jamestown Revival, and The Avett Brothers entertained fans at this country music festival.
Industry Changes and Challenges
Having legends such as John Jennings and Johnny Bush die had a big impact on the music industry on Oct. 16:
- 2015: The legendary record producer John Jennings died from kidney cancer. Jennings was instrumental in producing Mary Chapin Carpenter's eight albums, which helped launch her career. Jennings received a GRAMMY Award nomination for Best Country Album for Stones in the Road.
- 2020: Singer/songwriter Johnny Bush died on Oct. 16 in San Antonio, Texas, due to complications from pneumonia. Bush was known for writing the hit song "Whiskey River," recorded by Willie Nelson. Johnny Bush, nicknamed "The Country Caruso," was a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.
Oct. 16 saw significant events, including Dan + Shay's performance in San Diego, California, and Chris Issack singing Hank Williams' "Your Cheatin' Heart." Another memorable event was Craig Morgan celebrating his 10th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2018.
