This Day in Country History: May 4
Many significant events have happened on May 4 in the country music industry. Loretta Lynn had a stroke, which she recovered from, Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland fell and broke a…
Many significant events have happened on May 4 in the country music industry. Loretta Lynn had a stroke, which she recovered from, Jennifer Nettles from Sugarland fell and broke a rib, and Nashville suffered from a devastating flood, causing damage to the Grand Ole Opry. This day has also witnessed great performances and Recording Industry Association of America certifications.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
Significant events on May 4 in past years include:
- 2016: Husky-voiced singer Chris Stapleton's version of "Tennessee Whiskey" was certified Platinum by the RIAA. At the 2025 Grammy Awards, Stapleton won Best Country Solo Performance for “It Takes a Woman,” marking his 11th career Grammy.
- 2016: Dierks Bentley's "Somewhere on a Beach" received RIAA Gold certification. Bentley has earned two Country Music Association Awards, two American Country Music Awards, and 14 Grammy nominations. He's best known for his song "Drunk on a Plane."
Cultural Milestones
- 1959: The legendary Randy Travis was born on May 4. Travis is a major influence on country music, maintaining traditional country music roots and gospel with hits such as "Three Wooden Crosses," "If I Didn't Have You" and "There'll Always Be a Honkey Tonk Somewhere." The singer-songwriter is one of the biggest-selling country music artists of all time.
- 1991: On May 3, the famous country star Travis Tritt made his debut appearance at the legendary Grand Ole Opry in Nashville and was later inducted in 1992. Travis is a Grammy Award-winning singer and songwriter who has graced the country music scene with his gospel and American roots songs like "It's a Great Day to Be Alive" and "Ghost Town Nation."
Notable Recordings and Performances
From the Stagecoach Festival to the Ryman Auditorium, there were fabulous performances on May 4:
- 2008: Tim McGraw, Carrie Underwood, George Jones, and Billy Joe Shaver performed on the final day of the Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California. This festival is organized by the same people who host the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, featuring pop and R&B stars.
- 2019: Singer Cody Johnson performed a sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. He sang hit songs such as "On My Way to You" and George Strait's "Troubadour."
Industry Changes and Challenges
Country music artists have faced challenges on May 4:
- 2010: During the devastating floods in Nashville, the Grand Ole Opry had to close and move performances, including the one on May 4, to its War Memorial Auditorium. Marty Stuart performed, and Senator Lamar Alexander played the "Tennessee Waltz" on keyboards.
- 2017: Country music queen Loretta Lynn suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, at the age of 85. Fortunately, Lynn recovered after a stay at a Nashville hospital, and she died peacefully at her home at the age of 90.
- 2017: Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles fell when she tripped over bulky lighting fixtures while heading onstage at a corporate event in New York and broke a rib.
May 4 is a day to celebrate country legend Randy Travis' birthday and his contribution to the country music industry. It also marks the anniversary of a memorable Stagecoach Festival, an event that's still going strong with top country artists headlining.
