H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: FADE

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Fade”, a beautiful 6 year old kitty who has spent a year at the shelter. Fade is a cool cat with a very relaxed disposition who gets along great with everyone, including other cats and even dogs. In honor of Fade’s birthday, his adoption fee has been waved, so it’s the purr-fect opportunity to give this fellow the loving home he deserves! Fade is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered and microchipped and ready to meet you!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Fade or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Check out our visit about Fade with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Morgan Wallen Named Billboard’s Top Artist Of 2025

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Morgan Wallen‘s huge year gets a big bow on it from “Billboard” magazine, which named him “Billboard’s Top Artist of 2025.” That makes him the first male country artist to earn this title since Garth Brooks in 1993. He’s also the first artist who mainly records country music to be named artist of the year since Taylor Swift back in 2009, when she was still recording music played on country stations. The “Top Artist” ranking is based purely on statistics and data from the past year, with Wallen obviously being named the “Top Country Artist of 2025” as well.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, “Flowers On The Wall” by Statler Brothers entered the Top 40 chart for the first time. In 2000, an updated version of the song was re-released by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly.
Today in 1973, the “John Denver’s Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1982, Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe married his wife, Robin.
Today in 1990, the Statler Brothers were given the American Spirit Award. It’s the highest award presented to civilians by the Air Force recruiting service.
Today in 1992, Clint Black topped the country charts with the single, “Burn One Down.”
Today in 1995, “Billboard” named the year’s top five country artists: John Michael Montgomery, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw.
Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country albums chart. Shania Twain’s album, “The Woman In Me,” followed in second and John Michael Montgomery’s self-titled album was third.
Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country singles chart. The song, “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain followed.
Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s debut CD, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was certified platinum. At the party celebrating the certification of the album, Mindy was presented with a platinum belly button ring!
Today in 1997, Emmylou Harris, Jewel and Sinead O’Connor performed the Beatles’ classic, “In My Life,” together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo.
Today in 2001, Garth Brooks was named as the next recipient of the American Music Awards’ Award of Merit. Following in the footsteps of some of music’s biggest names, Garth received a tribute during the 29th annual American Music Awards telecast, which took place on January 9th. Previous winners of the “Award of Merit” include Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Tammy Wynette. The news followed some other pretty incredible news. Also on this day, Garth Brooks’ “Scarecrow” album was certified gold, platinum, double and triple platinum simultaneously.
Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” tour won in the “Most Creative Tour Package” category for “Pollstar’s” 2002 Concert Industry Awards.
Today in 2001, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry joined the ranks of platinum-selling artists. Gary’s “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Tattoos & Scars” albums were both certified platinum. Plus, Billy Gilman’s “One Voice” project achieved double platinum status.
Today in 2002, Diamond Rio shot its video for “I Believe” in Nashville.
Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood joined CeCe Winans, Ciara, and The Click Five to perform for president George W. Bush at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The concert became a TNT special called, “Christmas In Washington.”
Today in 2009, Garth Brooks performed the first concert in a five-year deal with Wynn Las Vegas.
Today in 2011, Sugarland performed “Stuck Like Glue” during the Nobel Peace Prize concert at the Spektrum Arena in Oslo, Norway.
Today in 2015, Mel Tillis performed “The Arms Of A Fool” on the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It marked Tillis’ final appearance on the show.
Today in 2015, Cam’s debut album, “Untamed,” was released.
Today in 2015, Little Big Town backed up Gregg Allman on “Midnight Rider” during an installment of “Skyville Live,” a livestreaming event from Nashville. Also featured in the lineup: Taj Mahal and Chris Stapleton, who covered the Allmans’ “Whipping Post.”
Today in 2016, Brandy Clark joined Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Grace Potter and Maria Muldaur in a tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Don Henley also made a surprise appearance, performing “Desperado.” Proceeds were earmarked for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line vocalist Tyler Hubbard go Christmas caroling in Nashville. Their performances include “White Christmas.”
Today in 2017, Taylor Swift earned 11 sales awards from the RIAA, including six multi-platinum albums: “Fearless” is certified for 10 million; “1989,” 9 million; “Taylor Swift,” 7 million; “Red” and “Speak Now,” 6 million each; and “Reputation,” triple-platinum.
Today in 2018, Lee Brice single, “Boy,” went gold.
Today in 2019, the Loretta Lynn biopic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” was named to the National Film Registry by the Library.
Today in 2019, Randy Houser had a surprise in store for fans at New York’s Webster Hall: Miranda Lambert stepped on to the stage to duet with Houser on the Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn classic, “After The Fire Is On.”
Today in 2020, Dolly Parton announced a partnership with Edge Beauty to develop a fragrance. In 2021, Dolly: Scent From Above was launched. Described as an Amber Floral fragrance, top notes are Peony, Pear, Black Currant and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Jasmine, Vanilla orchid and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Musk, Amber, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Fir.
Today in 2020, Cyndi Lauper’s annual Home For The Holidays benefit ran as an online event, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. Her guest list included Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Cher and Brandi Carlile.

Trisha Yearwood Announces Acoustic Tour, Deluxe Edition Of “The Mirror”

Posted on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Trisha Yearwood has announced she’s releasing an extended edition of her album “The Mirror,” and jointly has revealed she’s heading out on tour. To celebrate the arrival of “The Mirror (Deluxe),” Yearwood will embark on “The Mirror Tour: An Intimate Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs,” joined by singer-songwriters Leslie Satcher and Bridgette Tatum. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10AM local time. As for the deluxe version of the album (which includes four new tracks and a fifth bonus track), it will be released digitally January 23rd. See the first ten dates of the tour below. Visit Trisha’s website for ticket info and a complete listing of dates.

The Mirror Tour: An Intimate Acoustic Evening of Stories and Songs Dates:

March 4 — Santa Rosa, CA — Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
March 5 — Palm Desert, CA — McCallum Theatre
March 6 — Chandler, AZ — Chandler Center for the Arts
March 8 — Beaver Creek, CO — Vilar Performing Arts Center
March 9 — Aspen, CO — Wheeler Opera House
March 12 — Salina, KS — The Stiefel Theatre
March 13 — Des Moines, IA — Hoyt Sherman Place
March 14 — Green Bay, WI — Meyer Theater
March 19 — Bloomington, IL — Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts
March 20 — Shipshewana, IN — Blue Gate Performing Arts Center

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 10, 2025December 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas. He became country’s first mainstream star of Hispanic descent, emerging out of Tom T. Hall’s band in 1972. He recorded numerous songs in Spanglish, with a line of hits that stretch from 1972-1983.
Today in 1973, Charlie Rich picked up his second gold single for “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
Today in 1988, George Strait went to #1 in Billboard with a remake of an old Faron Young hit, “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’).”
Today in 2004, Keith Urban’s “You’re My Better Half” video first public aired on CMT.
Today in 2005, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood married at their home in Owasso, Oklahoma.
Today in 2010, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” debuted in theaters with Carrie Underwood singing the end theme, “There’s A Place For Us.”
Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum owned #1 position on the “Billboard” country singles chart with “We Owned The Night.”
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan claimed nine trophies to top the winners list in the American Country Awards, aired by Fox from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.
Today in 2016, Maren Morris was the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” performing “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.”
Today in 2017, Eric Church performed a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at a home in Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Lee is now Governor-elect Lee.
Today in 2018, three Luke Bryan singles were certified multi-platinum by the RIAA: “Do I” reaches triple-platinum, “Play It Again” hits quintuple-platinum and “Country Girl (Shake It From Me)” goes six-times platinum.
Today in 2019, Blake Shelton’s single, “God’s Country,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, Cole Swindell’s single, “Love You Too Late,” was certified gold.
Today in 2019, Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber picked up a timely gold single for “10,000 Hours.”
Today in 2020, Charley Pride went into hospice care in Texas.

“Don’t Call It A Breakup”: Maddie & Tae Split

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Maddie & Tae are going their separate ways, but don’t call it a breakup. The duo of Maddie Marlow Font and Tae Dye Kerr are calling it a day for their musical partnership, but unlike most breakups, this one is more than amicable. Talking to “People” magazine, the pair explained that Kerr is taking a break from music to focus on her family, which includes her husband and two kids. As for Maddie, she’s readying a solo career. And this may not be a permanent split. “We’re leaving this so open-ended because, you know, we might make another record one day,” Font says. “We might go do some tour dates one day.” And to reassure fans that things are fine between them, Font says, “Even though we’re not gonna go on this journey as Maddie & Tae together, we’re still walking and doing life together outside of it. And I think I’m really excited to just be best friends and nurture our friendship and not have to worry as much about the work and still get to raise our babies together. None of that changes.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 9, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1980, the “Theme” from “The Dukes Of Hazzard” single by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire’s “Greatest Hits” went gold.
Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell became the first country artist to release an album that included five singles that went #1 in the U.S.
Today in 1989, Garth Brooks scored his first #1 hit on the country charts with the single, “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker earned a gold record for “Can’t Run From Yourself.”
Today in 1995, Nick Kane of the Mavericks married his wife Kimberly.
Today in 1996, the “Marshall Tucker Band’s Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million.
Today in 1999, Brad Paisley guest starred on the “Woman’s Day Holiday Special with Florence Henderson” on TNN. Brad wasn’t really interested in holiday crafts — he just wanted to meet Florence, better known as Mrs. Brady from “The Brady Bunch.” With Lari White and Lee Roy Parnell also on the show, they all helped Florence bake gingerbread cookies. At the time, Brad said that if anyone had told him a year before that he’d be baking cookies on TV with Carol Brady and Lee Roy Parnell, he would’ve thought they were crazy.
Today in 2003, Toby Keith was named Country Singles Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. Other country acts taking home awards included Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and the Dixie Chicks.
Today in 2003, Toby Keith’s “Shock’n Y’all” album went gold, platinum, and double platinum.
Today in 2004, CMT premiered the videos for Craig Morgan’s “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and Billy Dean’s “Let Them Be little.”
Today in 2005, the film “Brokeback Mountain” opened in theaters. The film featured music by Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, and Linda Ronstadt.
Today in 2009, The Zac Brown Band performed “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Margaritaville” with Jimmy Buffet during their installment of “CMT Crossroads.”
Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood’s two-disc compilation, “Greatest Hits: Decade #1,” was released.
Today in 2016, Jason Aldean earned a triple-platinum single from the RIAA for “Big Green Tractor.” The same day? Jana Kramer single, “I Got The Boy,” also went platinum – and Blake Shelton’s single, “She’s Got A Way With Words,” went gold as well.
Today in 2016, Kacey Musgraves performed Christmas songs for residents at the Little Flower Manor, a nursing home in Darby, Pennsylvania.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed the first of three concerts at the Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, recognizing the 75^th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill were at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “The Rest Of Our Life.”
Today in 2018, Brett Eldredge became a wedding singer when Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo got married.
Today in 2019, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were surprise guests during a Nashville Unlimited concert at the Christ Church Cathedral for the homeless shelter Room In The Inn. The show also features Emmylou Harris, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz and Charles Esten.
Today in 2020, Dustin Lynch, Travis Denning, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton and Tyler Farr delivered an online benefit concert, The Farm Must Go On, from Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl.

2026 Music City Rodeo Headliners Named

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Last year, for the inaugural “Music City Rodeo,” the headliners were Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire and Tim McGraw. This year, the headliners have been announced as Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi and Charley Crockett. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Event will return to Bridgestone Arena in Nashville May 28–30; Tim McGraw himself voiced the announcement in an X post. It’s three nights of top-shelf rodeo, and each night features a concert: Miranda on Friday, Charley Crockett on Saturday and Jon Pardi closing out the weekends festivities after the rodeoing is done Sunday night.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 8, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1962, Flatt & Scruggs perform at New York’s Carnegie Hall. The concert is recorded for later release as an album.
Today in 1982, Marty Robbins died of a heart attack at the age of 57. Marty had at least one hit on the U.S. country singles chart every year between 1956 and 1982. In fact, he recorded 500 songs in his lifetime – 18 of them went gold – including the first #1 hit of the 60’s, “El Paso.”
Today in 1983, “The Very Best Of Conway Twitty” album was certified gold.
Today in 1986, the album “Willie Nelson’s Greatest Hits (& Some That Will Be)” was certified double-platinum.
Today in 1994, Mark Chesnutt and his wife, Tracie, welcomed their son, Waylon Nelson.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin hit #1 with “That’s As Close As I’ll Get to Loving You.”
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood presented Garth Brooks with the Artist Achievement Award at the “Billboard” LeAnn Rimes also took home four trophies, including Artist of the Year and Country Artist of the Year.
Today in 2000, Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” CD entered its second week at #1 on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
Today in 2003, Chris Cagle’s self-titled sophomore album went gold.
Today in 2003, Brad Paisley’s “Mud On The Tires” album rolled to gold certification.
Today in 2004, “CMT Homecoming: Jimmy Carter In Plains” premiered, which featured a Willie Nelson concert that was taped in the former president’s hometown.
Today in 2005, Brad Paisley, Gretchen Wilson, and Jerry Douglas each received four Grammy Award nominations.
Today in 2005, Brad Paisley’s “When I Get Where I’m Going” video, featuring Dolly Parton and Scott Hamilton, premiered on CMT.
Today in 2012, Keith Urban received the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Today in 2012, Marty Stuart celebrated his 20^th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Also appearing on the show? His wife, Connie Smith, as well as Charley Pride, Old Crow Medicine Show and songwriter Brandy Clark.
Today in 2014, Jason Aldean’s album, “Old Boots, New Dirt,” went platinum.
Today in 2015, cover girl Miranda Lambert addressed her divorce from Blake Shelton as “Cosmopolitan” magazine hit newsstands. “It’s about living in the moment and feeling every tinge of pain,” she offered. “Then waking up the next day going, ‘All right, I’m going to ride my ponies. I’m going to have a girls’ night.’ That’s where I am.”
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “What Makes You Country” album was released. The same day? The Walker Hayes album, “boom,” also dropped.
Today in 2018, Eric Paslay and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their daughter, Piper Lily Paslay, in Nashville.
Today in 2018, Jake Owen hosted his 12^th annual benefit at the Indian River County Fairgrounds in Vero Beach, Florida, joined by Joe Diffie, Chris Lane and Morgan Wallen. Surprise guest Colt Ford teamed with Owen on “Dirt Road Anthem,” and golfer John Daly gets backup help from Owen, Wallen and Diffie on Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door.”
Today in 2018, Toby Keith received the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony during the Symphony Ball at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. He performed “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “God Love Her,” “American Soldier” and the movie song, “Don’t Let The Old Man In” with the orchestra.
Today in 2018, Gretchen Wilson performed “Here For The Party” and “Redneck Woman” during Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding benefit concert at the Celebrity Theater in Phoenix. Also on the bill? Johnny Depp, Larry The Cable Guy, Sebastian Bach and two members of Blue Oyster Cult.
Today in 2019, Dolly Parton appeared on screen with Danica McKellar and Niall Matter as the Hallmark Channel debuts “Christmas At Dollywood.” The soundtrack includes Parton’s recordings of “Winter Wonderland,” “Joy To The World” and “Hard Candy Christmas.”
Today in 2019, Chris Young, Chase Rice, Russell Dickerson and LANCO were among the acts playing the acoustic 10 Man Jam at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth, with funds marked for a local food bank.
Today in 2019, Blake Shelton and his mother, Dorothy Shackleford, were the executive producers as the Hallmark Channel debuted a new special, “Time For You To Come Home For Christmas,” starring Alison Sweeney and Lucas Bryant.
Today in 2019, Linda Ronstadt received a Kennedy Center Honor in Washington, D.C., hailed by Emmylou Harris and Don Henley. Carrie Underwood covered “Blue Bayou” and “When Will I Be Loved,” and Trisha Yearwood performed “You’re No Good.” Other honorees include Earth, Wind & Fire, Sally Field and “Sesame Street,” who was saluted by Thomas Rhett.
Today in 2020, Darius Rucker was officially welcomed as an investor in the Nashville Stars, a group of athletes and businessmen attempting to bring major baseball to Music City.

Post Malone To Headline Super Bowl Weekend Concert

Posted on December 5, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Post Malone must have made quite an impression on the NFL brass with his Thanksgiving Day halftime show. Yesterday it was announced that he would be playing Super Bowl weekend, headlining a show called “Bud Light Presents Post Malone & Buddies.” The show happens two days prior to the big game (February 6), and Posty promises that there will be brand new music at the show. “So we’re working and working, but there will be new music by then… Allegedly,” he teased. “Allegedly a hundred percent maybe, definitely. Keep your ears [open].” The show happens Friday evening at Fort Mason in San Francisco, an hour away from Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, where the Super Bowl will be held. And, so far, no word on who “Buddies” is.

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