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This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1960, “I’m Sorry” by Brenda Lee topped the singles charts.
  • Today in 1981, the single, “Seven Year Ache,” by Rosanne Cash peaked at #22 on the pop singles chart. More recently, Rosanne re-worked the tune with Trisha Yearwood, who covers it on her “Inside Out,” album. Rosanne also provided background vocals.
  • Today in 1986, after 28 years with Columbia Records, Johnny Cash was dropped from the label. Here’s the kicker – he learned about his contract’s cancellation in the newspapers.
  • Today in 1989, Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus peaked at #4 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1995, Jeff Foxworthy’s “Games Rednecks Play” album was released.
  • Today in 1997, the single, “All the Good Ones are Gone” by Pam Tillis peaked at #6 on the charts.
  • Today in 2000, the album, “Kinleys II,” arrived in stores. Darryl Worley also celebrated the arrival of his debut album, “Hard Rain Don’t Last.”
  • Today in 2000, Travis Tritt was tapped as a celebrity spokesperson for Goodwill Industries.
  • Today in 2001, Lonestar enjoyed their sixth week at the top of the charts with their single, “I’m Already There.”
  • Today in 2002, “Redbook” magazine revealed that 2,500 of their readers had some definite ideas about what celebrity enjoys the most balanced life. In fact, an astounding 63% of “Redbook” readers say they’re most impressed with the way that Faith Hill balances her personal and professional lives. 31% preferred a life like Oprah Winfrey’s and only 3% wished to be adored by millions like Julia
  • Today in 2006, Rodney Atkins’ album, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” and Eric Church’s debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2008, Garth Brooks – clad in a Mets jersey – was a surprise guest at the final concert at New York’s Shea Stadium, singing “Shameless” with the night’s attraction, Billy Joel. Also making appearances: Steven Tyler, Roger Daltrey and Paul McCartney.
  • Today in 2014, Jason Aldean performed “Burnin’ It Down” live for the first time while headlining a stadium date at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. A drunk fan died tragically at the show, which also features Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr.
  • Today in 2016, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Vice,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Luke Bryan’s single “Move.”
  • Today in 2019, the video, “One Thing Right,” by Marshmello & Kane Brown was released.
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert’s single, “It All Comes Out In The Wash,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2019, Alabama cancelled two shows in Canada as Randy Owen battles migraines and vertigo.
  • Today in 2021, Blake Shelton’s concert at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, included a surprise guest: wife Gwen Stefani, who performs the classic No Doubt hit, “Don’t Speak.”

Mega Millions jackpot grows to $640 million, among highest in lottery game’s history

DES MOINES — The Mega Millions top prize has grown again to an estimated $640 million after there was no winner of the lottery’s latest giant jackpot.

The numbers drawn late Friday night were: 10, 24, 48, 51, 66 and gold Mega Ball 15.

The estimated $640 million jackpot in the next drawing would only be distributed to a winner who chooses an annuity paid over 29 years. Nearly all grand prize winners opt to take a cash payout, which for Tuesday night’s drawing is an estimated $328 million.

The jackpot is the seventh largest in the game’s history, Mega Millions said in a statement.

Four tickets matched all five white balls to garner the second prize level in the drawing. A ticket sold in South Carolina included an optional multiplier making it worth $2 million. Two tickets in California and one in North Carolina also were second-tier winners, Mega Millions said.

Despite the game’s long odds of 1 in 302.6 million, players continue to purchase tickets as the size of the grand prize grows.

The last time a Mega Millions player hit the top prize was April 18.

Mega Millions is played in 45 states as well as in Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Iowa ‘on front row seat’ as ’24 campaign intensifies

By O. Kay Henderson (Radio Iowa)

The 2024 Iowa Caucuses are now a little less than six months away and the intensity of the GOP presidential contest is growing.

About 2000 evangelical Christians heard from six candidates Friday in Des Moines. Former Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson interviewed each candidate onstage, with the war in Ukraine as the top topic.

Bob Vander Plaats is president and CEO of The Family Leader, the group that hosted the event. He urged the crowd to look for an authentic candidate.

“God has called us for such a time as this. Pinch yourself! We’re on a front row seat of this. He has us in the crosshairs of it,” Vander Plaats said. “…Raise up a standard bearer that we can cheer on and tell our kids and grandkids: ‘Grow up to be like him.’”

Vander Plaats has said it’s time for the GOP to “turn the page” from former President Trump. David Johnson of Grimes, who was at the Family Leadership Summit, said he’s tired of the way Trump is acting these days.

“I was a big Trump supporter for the last two times he ran, but I’m just wearying of his meanness, for lack of a better word,” Johnson said. “He wants to throw anybody under the bus who ever disagrees with him about any aspect of anything.”

Trump is due in Cedar Rapids tomorrow to tape a program with Sean Hannity that will air on the Fox News Channel. It’s Trump’s first appearance here after complaining last week that Governor Kim Reynolds is maintaining neutrality in the 2024 presidential race, after he endorsed her in 2018. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis said some of the Iowans he met this weekend were riled by Trump’s remarks about Reynolds.

“I think she’s been a model public servant,” DeSantis said this weekend, “and anybody who’s a Republican that’s trying to denigrate her I think is way off base on that.”

DeSantis has joined the list of candidates who say they’ll visit each of Iowa’s 99 counties before the Caucuses.

Soldier from Pella dies in military training in Georgia

FORT MOORE – A Fort Moore soldier who graduated from Pella High School in 2022 has died following a medical emergency while training.

According to Fort Moore officials, 19-year-old Pfc. Jacob T. Atchison died from his injuries following a medical emergency on July 12.

Atchison, assigned to Delta Company, 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment, 197th Infantry Brigade, experienced a medical emergency while participating in a training event with his company on post.

Officials say training company leadership immediately notified Emergency Medical Services and Drill Sergeants administered combat lifesaver procedures.

Upon arrival, EMS continued to administer medical attention and then transported him to Martin Army Community Hospital. Medical staff pronounced Atchison’s death shortly after his arrival.

“We are all deeply saddened by the loss of this outstanding Soldier and send our heartfelt condolences to his family,” said Lt. Col. Josh Horner, commander of 3rd Battalion, 47th Infantry Regiment. “They are in our thoughts and prayers.”

An investigation will be conducted to determine cause of death.

Southern Iowa Fair Begins Today

By Sam Parsons

The Southern Iowa Fair returns to Oskaloosa for another go-round this week.

Each day at the fair, the Kids Zone and Tractor Engine & Display will be open all day to visitors, and inflatables will be open from 4-9pm. The remainder of the events will depend on the day: today, there are 4-H and FFA check-ins throughout the day as well as the queen contest, bingo, jack pot barrel races, and a classic rock concert featuring Alliance all happening this evening.

A PDF of this year’s fair schedule is available for viewing and download here.

TOBY KEITH MISSES PERFORMING SO MUCH, HE SINGS IN HIS UBER

Maybe he feels he’s been away too long. Despite two pop-up shows earlier this monthToby Keith has been kept on the sidelines as he battles stomach cancer. But performing as long as Toby has (his first single hit #1 way back in 1993), you start itching to get that mic back in your hand.

It’s as good an explanation as any for the video Toby posted to his Twitter feed over the weekend. It showed Toby sitting in the back of an Uber, doing his own version of “Carpool Karaoke” – and he chose a song he knows well: “Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)” – one of his biggest hits. And for a guy who’s been out of commission for over a year, he sounds (and looks) pretty good!

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ hit single, “The River,” remained at #1 on the country music chart for the second week.
  • Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” hit #1 on the charts and stayed for an entire month.
  • Today in 1997, Clay Walker’s “Rumor Has It” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Terri Clark scored her first #1 single with “Now That I Found You.”
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s “Intimate Portrait” premiered on Lifetime Television.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad’s music and to present him with the “Distinguished West Virginian Award.” The honor is presented to native West Virginians who have shown a lifetime commitment to community service and excellence in their respective career fields. Past award recipients include Kathy Mattea and astronaut John McBride. This date was also dubbed “Brad Paisley Day” in his home state.
  • Today in 2001, Travis Tritt sold out his September 21st show at the Great Frederick Fair in Fredericksburg, Maryland. Why was that so unique? Well, the Fair released pre-sale tickets by mail order and they sold the entire 4,650 by mail!
  • Today in 2002, Andy Griggs’ long-awaited sophomore album, “Freedom,” made an impressive chart debut. The project nailed the #7 spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
  • Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks appeared in the “Nancy” comic strip for the sixth time. Creator Guy Gilchrist has been a long-time supporter of the group and an avid country music fan. The ladies appeared on the cover of a magazine titled “New Music.”
  • Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” spent the first of seven weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, American Idol alum Kellie Pickler was officially signed to a recording contract.
  • Today in 2012, Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina, scored a gold single from the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “Kill The Lights” album went double platinum.
  • Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” went gold.

DAN + SHAY ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, DROP THREE NEW SONGS

The long wait for Dan+Shay fans is over. After months of teases, pics from recording studios, and even a raw and emotional video clip talking about the journey to where they are now, the duo took to Instagram yesterday to give fans what they’ve been waiting for: news, and new music.

With the two of them posing for what appears to be the album cover, the duo announced their new album. “Our new album, BIGGER HOUSES, will be available everywhere September 15th and pre-order begins tonight at 11 PM CT. In addition to SAVE ME THE TROUBLE, you’ll also get 2 more of our favorite songs, HEARTBREAK ON THE MAP, and the title track, BIGGER HOUSES. We poured every bit of our hearts into this album and truly cannot wait for y’all to hear it. New era starts now! ????”

In the comments below that post, Dan Smyers (the “Dan” of “Dan+Shay”) said from his own Instagram account, “I’m so proud of this album”.

This day in Country Music History

  • Today in 1967, the “I Walk The Line” album by Johnny Cash was certified gold.
  • Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1981, the album, “My Home’s In Alabama,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1987, the “Always & Forever” album by Randy Travis was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 1987, the “Trio” album, which featured Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Tracy Lawrence’s “Sticks And Stones” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, Clint Black’s album, “The Hard Way,” was released.
  • Today in 1995, Vince Gill scored a #1 hit with the single, “You Better Think Twice.”
  • Today in 1998, Deana Carter’s “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” album was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 1998, the album, “Where Your Road Leads,” by Trisha Yearwood was released.
  • Today in 1998, a Nashville radio station announced that it wanted to dispel rumors that Elvis Presley was still alive and offered $1-million to anyone who could produce him. The money has gone unclaimed.
  • Today in 1999, Lonestar’s “Crazy Nights” album was certified gold. On the same day, their “Lonely Grill” was also certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, Alabama’s “Super Hits” collection by Alabama was certified gold while their “Dancin’ On The Boulevard” CD was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Clint Black’s “Nothin’ But The Tailights” album was certified platinum and his “Greatest Hits” collection was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1999, the album, “Ten Thousand Angels” by Mindy McCready was certified double platinum.
  • Yesterday in 2000, Brad Paisley played for 40,000 folks in his hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia at the 24th “Jamboree in the Hills.” Brad played his heart out for the crowd of what Brad joked was about “10% relatives.”
  • Today in 2000, Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now?!” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 2002, Travis Tritt brought his “Down the Road I Go” tour to Lake Placid’s Olympic Center. The concert took place after the third annual ESPN Great Outdoor Games wrapped up at various Lake Placid venues.
  • Today in 2005, the Montgomery Gentry video “Something To Be Proud Of” premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2009, Sara Evans sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch during the Major League All-Star Game at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Sheryl Crow performed the national anthem. The American League defeats the National League, 4-3.
  • Today in 2012, Kenny Chesney’s concert at Angels Stadium in Anaheim featured a surprise guest: actor Ashton Kutcher, who joined him on “Back Where I Come From.” Also appearing were Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.
  • Today in 2014, Justin Moore and wife Kate welcomed a daughter, Rebecca Klein Moore.
  • Today in 2015, Kelsea Ballerini earned her first gold single from the RIAA for her debut, “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
  • Today in 2018, Emmylou Harris was celebrated along with Neil Diamond, Louis Jordan, Queen and drummer Hal Blaine as PBS shoots a “Grammy Salute To Music Legends” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

Lisa Marie Presley died from small bowel obstruction caused by bariatric surgery, coroner says

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Lisa Marie Presley died from complications from bariatric surgery she had several years ago, authorities said Thursday.

The January 12 death at age 54 of the singer, songwriter and heir of Elvis Presley was ruled as being from natural causes due to effects of a small bowel obstruction.

Additional details about what caused Presley’s death were included in an autopsy report released Thursday afternoon by the office of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

The report says the complication that Presley experienced is a common complication from bariatric surgery, which is a weight loss procedure. The Mayo Clinic says it is often done when other weight loss methods haven’t worked or if a person has a serious medical condition.

Presley died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been rushed by paramedics responding to a 911 call of a woman in cardiac arrest at her home. No indication was made public at the time of what may have caused the medical issue.

The autopsy report said she had been complaining of stomach pain earlier in the day.

She was buried at a Jan. 22 funeral at Graceland, the home where she lived with her father as a child that has become a museum, tourist attraction and shrine for Elvis fans.

Presley left behind three daughters, 34-year-old “Daisy Jones & the Six” actor Riley Keough and 15-year-old twins Harper and Finley Lockwood. A son, Benjamin Keough, died in 2020.

In the immediate aftermath of her death, it appeared that a major legal fight would ensue over Presley’s estate. Four days after her funeral, her mother, Priscilla Presley, filed court documents disputing a 2016 amendment to Lisa Marie Presley’s living trust that removed Priscilla Presley and a former business manager as trustees and replaced them with her two eldest children.

But Priscilla Presley and Riley Keough – who is now acting as sole trustee – agreed to a settlement in May.

Riley Keough was nominated for her first Emmy on Wednesday, for best actress in a limited series or TV movie for “Daisy Jones & the Six.”

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