
When: Annually, September 17.
International Country Music Day – very surprisingly – focuses on Country music and is held every year on 17 September.
Why September 17?
The choice of September 17 is a logical one. It is the day when one of the most famous Country singers was born. That was Hank Williams Jr. He saw the light of day in 1923. Williams died on January 1, 1953, from a combination of morphine and alcohol. Despite his short life, Williams is still considered one of the most influential Country singers from the United States.
Origin of the day
Incidentally, the day has not been around very long. Only in 2003 was the day introduced. That was right at the time when several music festivals were held on the day that focused on this genre of music. This marked the 80th anniversary of Williams Sr’s birth.
Although Country music (also known as Country and Western or Country and Western Music) has origins in the southern states of the US, the style of music has long since ceased to be bound only to the US. There are numerous artists known outside the country who make music in this style. Hence, it is fair to call it an international day. So the day is not tied to just the US.
Needless to say, this music genre is very popular in the US itself. There are numerous artists that we in the Netherlands and the rest of Europe do not even know. Now, of course, the same is true the other way around. Besides the US, the music style is also very popular in neighbouring Canada. Interestingly, Country music is also very popular in Australia and the UK.
Country music in other parts of the world
Country music is not only popular in the US. The style of music is also popular in other countries. Therefore, the name International Country Music Day suffices. It is therefore incorrect to use the term or name National Country Music Day, referring only to the US.
More information
In short, September 17 is a day to express your appreciation for Country music or to learn more about it. The Wikipedia page is a good start, should you not yet know much about the style of music and its history.