This Day in Country Music History, January 17
2015
Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr hold an engagement party at Citizen in Nashville. Guests include Luke Bryan and Eric Church
2013
Republic Nashville announces the signing of Cassadee Pope to a recording contract
2010
Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett win Best Original Song, for “The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart),” in the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel
2006
Sugarland posts a message on its website announcing Kristen Hall is leaving the trio to concentrate on songwriting
2000
Garth Brooks is named Artist of the Decade for the ’90s during the American Music Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. He also wins trophies for Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album, for “Sevens.” Shania Twain nets two
1998
Tim McGraw begins a six-week residency at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Just To See You Smile”
1982
Amanda Wilkinson is born in Belleville, Ontario. The Canadian singer joins father Steve and brother Tyler to form The Wilkinsons, who mesh tight harmonies in their sentimental 1998 single “26 Cents”
1981
Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” hits #1 on the Billboard country singles chart
1971
Bob Ritchie, better known as rap-rocker Kid Rock, is born in Dearborn, Michigan. He collects a country hit with “All Summer Long” and earns country awards nominations for his duet with Sheryl Crow, “Picture”
1955
Singer/songwriter Steve Earle is born at the Army hospital in Fort Monroe, Virginia. His gritty 1986 album “Guitar Town” subsequently becomes an influential signpost for the alt-country movement
