This Day in Country History: December 2
Dec. 2 was a day of holiday cheer in country history with several Christmas specials. Highlights included Dolly Parton’s rock album hitting No. 1 on the Billboard chart, Reba McEntire…
NASHVILLE, TN – NOVEMBER 06: Morgan Evans and Kelsea Ballerini attend the 55th annual ASCAP Country Music awards at the Ryman Auditorium on November 6, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty ImagesDec. 2 was a day of holiday cheer in country history with several Christmas specials. Highlights included Dolly Parton's rock album hitting No. 1 on the Billboard chart, Reba McEntire receiving a distinct honor, and Kelsea Ballerini's wedding in Mexico.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
From Reba McEntire to Dolly Parton, these were milestones for Dec. 2:
- 2018: Reba McEntire received an award at the Kennedy Center Honors ceremony. The award recognized artists who have significantly impacted American culture through the musical arts.
- 2023: Dolly Parton's rock and roll album Rockstar went to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Album Sales Chart. The album received a Gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America the following March.
Cultural Milestones
An exhibit and a benefit concert took place on Dec. 2:
- 2005: The Grand Tour: George Jones Country exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened on Dec. 2. This exhibit showcased artifacts and memorabilia from the legendary George Jones during his decades-long career.
- 2018: Country music duo Dan + Shay performed a Concert for Unity benefit event in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to raise funds to rebuild the Tree of Life Synagogue.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Christmas specials on Dec. 2 included:
- 2020: Dolly Parton, Brett Eldredge, and Dan + Shay performed at the Christmas in Rockefeller Center TV special. Eclectic duets on this holiday special included Parton singing with TV host Jimmy Fallon and Brett Eldredge performing with Kelly Clarkson.
- 2014: The legendary GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill was the Grand Marshal for the 59th Annual Nashville Christmas Parade, which he led through downtown Nashville with the theme of Christmas Around the World.
Industry Changes and Challenges
From a serious fall off a stage to a wedding, these were industry changes for Dec. 2:
- 2016: Granger Smith sustained injuries when he fell off the stage onto a metal barricade during a performance at New Jersey's Starland Ballroom, resulting in the cancellation of upcoming shows.
- 2017: Kelsea Ballerini married Morgan Evans in Cabo San Lucas, Baja Sur, Mexico, with 100 of their closest friends and family members in attendance. The couple exchanged handwritten vows during the ceremony.
The holidays bring out the best in people, as we saw with the Christmas shows, parades, and benefits that occurred on this day in country history on Dec. 2. Meanwhile, musicians who tour often face challenges, as Granger Smith discovered when he fell off the stage during a performance in 2016.
