This Day in Country History: June 27
Many memorable moments in country music have taken place on June 27. When COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of live performances, some artists found clever ways to perform for…
NASHVILLE, TN – APRIL 18: Dolly Parton attends Stella Parton’s Red Tent Women’s Conference 2014 at the Doubletree Hotel Downtown on April 18, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images)
Many memorable moments in country music have taken place on June 27. When COVID-19 restrictions led to the cancellation of live performances, some artists found clever ways to perform for their fans. Unusual performances, music festivals, fundraisers, and more have all happened on June 27.
Breakthrough Hits and Milestones
On this day, Dolly Parton showed a different side to her musical style, and an important tour resumed:
- 2014: Country music star Dolly Parton performed at the O2 Arena in London, England, as part of her Blue Smoke tour. While Parton sang several of her well-known songs, such as "I Will Always Love You" and "Little Sparrow," she also did a cover of the rock band Bon Jovi's "Lay Your Hands on Me" with surprise guest Richie Sambora from Bon Jovi.
- 2021: After a one-year hiatus due to restrictions from the coronavirus pandemic, the United Service Organization Tour resumed, entertaining military personnel and their families at bases across the United States and one stop at Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The tour featured performances from country music duo LOCASH.
Cultural Milestones
Performances to raise money and shows to empty venues have happened on June 27, including:
- 2019: Country music legend Charlie Daniels performed at the second Veteran Impact Celebration fundraiser held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This event raised over $100,000, which Daniels donated to his Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center.
- 2020: Brad Paisley and blues singer Keb' Mo' performed at the Grand Ole Opry. Due to pandemic restrictions, they played to an empty audience, but the show was streamed across multiple social media channels so fans could still watch.
- 2020: Country music superstar Garth Brooks performed at a drive-in theater, with the show live-streamed across 300 drive-in theaters across the country so fans could see the performance while staying isolated inside their vehicles due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Notable Recordings and Performances
Summer is the best time of year to attend country music festivals, and there have been several on June 27, including:
- 2014: At the inaugural OKCFest held in Oklahoma City, country music stars Merle Haggard, Dierks Bentley, and the Josh Abbott Band performed. Fans also saw Jaida Dreyer and the Casey Donahew Band at this fun festival.
- 2024: In a fun way to bring the community together, the Cotton Fest in Lubbock, Texas, had live country music, BBQ cook-offs, camping, corn hole competitions, and a silent auction that raised money for the local High Cotton Relief Fund. Country music artists at this festival included Pat Green, the Hub City Drifters, and William Clark Green.
- 2024: Country music fans flocked to Bonner Springs, Kansas, to see their favorite artists at the Country Stampede outdoor music and camping festival. Headliners at this fun festival included superstars Chris Janson, LOCASH, and Tanner Adell. Additional performers included Savanna Chestnut, Cory Jackson, and Drew Green.
Country music artists have a huge influence on the music industry, their fans, and the country community. From raising money to help others to entertaining military personnel, country music artists stand strong with each other and society.
