The 60th anniversary of the ACM Awards took audiences on a nostalgic journey through country music history, highlighting Song of the Year winners from each of the past six decades. Iconic performances by legends like Reba McEntire and newer stars such as Dan + Shay showcased the evolution of musical styles and lyrical themes in country music over time. This retrospective featured memorable renditions of classic hits, paying tribute to artists who shaped the genre’s sound across different eras.
Reba McEntire started the celebration with a lively homage to Merle Haggard, followed by Clint Black honoring Glen Campbell. Wynonna Judd brought emotional depth with her mother Naomi’s hit, while LeAnn Rimes represented the '90s pop crossover era. Little Big Town and Dan + Shay closed out the timeline with modern hits. Despite Sugarland's absence due to illness, the medley successfully encapsulated country music's transformation over six decades.
A Legacy of Country Hits Across Generations
This segment of the ACM Awards highlighted how country music evolved stylistically and thematically over six decades. Each decade was represented by a standout performance that captured its unique essence. Reba McEntire opened with Merle Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee," symbolizing the rebellious spirit of the late '60s. Clint Black then paid tribute to Glen Campbell's "Rhinestone Cowboy," showcasing the polished sounds of the '70s. Wynonna Judd delivered an emotional rendition of "Why Not Me," reflecting the heartfelt storytelling of the '80s.
The evening began with Reba McEntire channeling the fiery energy of Merle Haggard's "Okie from Muskogee," a song that became synonymous with cultural resistance in 1969. Next, Clint Black performed "Rhinestone Cowboy," capturing the glitz and glamour of Glen Campbell's era. His sparkling blazer and playful nod to cell phones added a modern twist to the classic tune. Wynonna Judd's poignant delivery of "Why Not Me" honored both her late mother Naomi and the New Traditionalism movement of the '80s. These performances not only celebrated iconic songs but also underscored their lasting impact on country music history.
Modern Voices in Country Music
The latter half of the medley showcased contemporary artists whose work reflects current trends in country music. LeAnn Rimes offered a lush orchestral version of "Blue," representing the '90s when Nashville embraced pop influences. Little Big Town and Dan + Shay brought the timeline into the present day with their respective hits "Girl Crush" and "Tequila." These performances demonstrated how modern country music blends traditional roots with innovative sounds.
LeAnn Rimes transported the audience back to the '90s with her soulful interpretation of "Blue," emphasizing the era when country music seamlessly merged with mainstream pop. Her rich vocals and symphonic accompaniment highlighted the sophistication of that period. Moving forward, Little Big Town performed "Girl Crush," a hauntingly beautiful track that won Song of the Year in 2015. Their harmonies and emotive delivery illustrated the introspective nature of modern country ballads. Finally, Dan + Shay closed the set with "Tequila," a cross-genre hit that exemplifies today's boundary-pushing approach to songwriting. Although Sugarland couldn't participate due to unforeseen circumstances, these acts collectively proved that country music continues to thrive by embracing change while preserving its core identity. Looking ahead, this year's nominees like Lainey Wilson and Kacey Musgraves could become future classics in similar retrospectives.