This Day in Country History: November 27
Nov. 27, 2017, saw a fun Country Music Association Christmas special, and Blake Shelton was named Sexiest Man Alive in the very same day’s People magazine release. Also on this…
Nov. 27, 2017, saw a fun Country Music Association Christmas special, and Blake Shelton was named Sexiest Man Alive in the very same day's People magazine release. Also on this day in country music history, a group of nine women, including notable country talents, were inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
From Reba McEntire to Blake Shelton, these big names enjoyed milestones on Nov. 27:
- 2017: Reba McEntire, Kelsea Ballerini, Chris Young, and Dan + Shay were among the performers as the CMA Country Christmas special aired on TV. Other acts taking to the stage included Little Big Town, Dustin Lynch, Trisha Yearwood, and Lady A, and audiences were treated to songs such as "Jingle Bells," "Winter Wonderland," and "Mary, Did You Know?"
- 2017: Fans were delighted with the Nov. 27 release of People magazine, as Blake Shelton appeared on the cover and was named Sexiest Man Alive for 2017. The eight-time GRAMMY-nominated artist is known for songs such as "God's Country" and "Ol' Red," his work as a coach on the TV show The Voice, and his marriage to pop star Gwen Stefani.
Cultural Milestones
Several country music legends were honored on Nov. 27:
- 2017: The late Mel Tillis's funeral was held in Clarksville, Tennessee, with attendees including Charley Pride, Bobby Bare, and Jeannie Seely. Tillis was a beloved country music entertainer, a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and a Country Music Hall of Famer. He died on Nov. 19, 2017.
- 2018: Nine women, many of them noted country artists, was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. The inductees were Jody Miller, Gail Davies, Gayla Peevey, Katrina Elam, Gus Hardin, Lorrie Collins, Kellie Coffey, Evelyn LaRue Pittman, and Molly Bee.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Little Big Town and Kenny Chesney had memorable moments on Nov. 27:
- 2012: Kenny Chesney's album Greatest Hits II received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America, following its Gold certification on June 30, 2010. Hit songs from the record included "Beer in Mexico" and "When the Sun Goes Down."
- 2017: As part of Little Big Town's Ryman Residency at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, they surprised the crowd with guests Eric Paslay, Jamey Johnson, and Gladys Knight. Songs included "Lost in California," "Girl Crush," and "When Someone Stops Loving You."
Industry Changes and Challenges
Two deaths rocked the country music industry on Nov. 27:
- 2011: Ricky Skaggs's percussionist, Tom Roady, died at the age of 62. Sadly, Roady passed away in his sleep on a tour bus as he, Skaggs, and other members of Ricky Skaggs and The Whites headed to a show on the "Skaggs Family Christmas" tour.
- 2012: The influential guitarist Mickey Baker died at the age of 87. While best known as a jazz and blues guitarist, he was also part of the duo Mickey and Sylvia and wrote Jim Reeves's hit song "Two Shadows On Your Window."
Kenny Chesney's Platinum certification showed his ongoing popularity, and Little Big Town had a historic good time with their Ryman Auditorium residency and fun guests on Nov. 27. On a sadder note, the industry said goodbye to two powerhouse musicians, and loved ones gave Mel Tillis a moving send-off on this day.
