Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Announces 2026 Return

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

On the road again…it was announced yesterday that Willie Nelson‘s Outlaw Music Festival was coming back again this year. With only 12 shows on the schedule, the festival has been pared down some compared to previous years, but the lineup hasn’t. Along with Willie Nelson & Family, the tour will feature (depending on the date) The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola. The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Presales start tomorrow ahead of the general sale on Friday at 10am local time. Check out the dates and performers below; visit Willie’s website for complete information.

2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates:

Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola

Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
sponsored by Huntsman, The Woodlands, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1939, “Billboard” magazine introduced the hillbilly chart, which has since become the country music chart.
Today in 1950, Hank Williams charted what would be come the number one single “Long Gone Lonesome Blues.”
Today in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded “Only the Lonely.”
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley made his last concert appearance for eight years with a show on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The show was a benefit concert, which raised 62-thousand-dollars for the USS Arizona memorial fund.
Today in 1966, Buck Owens played a sold-out concert at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
Today in 1963, Johnny Cash recorded “Ring Of Fire.”
Today in 1966, Buck Owens recorded a live album at Carnegie Hall, starting with “Act Naturally.”
Today in 1969, Roy Orbison married his second wife, Barbara, in Nashville.
Today in 1971, Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” won her the one and only gold album of her career.
Today in 1972, Donna Fargo’s “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” charted.
Today in 1974 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Charlie Rich won Top Male Vocalist, Single Record, and Album of the Year for “Behind Closed Doors,” which was also named the Song of the Year.
Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt got his second gold single for “Drivin’ My Life Away,” just fifteen days after the first.
Today in 1985, Kenny Rogers performed for the first time in months following surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords.
Today in 1987, Randy Travis released “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
Today in 1989, “New Fool At An Old Game” earned Reba McEntire the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1989, Garth Brooks made his chart debut with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson scored another number one hit with “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All.”
Today in 1997, new album releases included Tanya Tucker’s “Complicated” and Alison Krauss’ “So Long, So Wrong.”
Today in 2002, the re-release version of LeAnn Rimes’ “I Need You” album arrived in stores. While the original version of the project had ten tracks, the new edition had bonus cuts including “Light The Fire Within,” the theme song of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. There were also brand new radio mixes of four songs.
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire’s WB sitcom, “Reba,” was renewed for a third season on the network.
Today in 2004, the Georgia State House of Representatives voted unanimously to name a stretch of Interstate 85 in honor of Alan Jackson. The measure had already passed in the State Senate.
Today in 2005, Blaine Larsen made his first career appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during his first-ever trip to New York City.
Today in 2006, Chely Wright performed at a USO show during the “Welcome Home” celebration at Fort Stewart, Georgia for members of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Today in 2006, Mark Wills performed a benefit concert for the TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers & Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Money raised benefits families of fallen officers.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s “Living in Fast Forward” was spending its third week at number-one on Billboard’s country chart.
Today in 2007, Billy Currington sang the National Anthem prior to the Food City 500 NASCAR race in Bristol, Tennessee.
Today in 2007, Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Merle Haggard embarked on their “Last of the Breed” tour. They were backed by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.
Today in 2008, new releases included “Clover Country,” a compilation CD supporting the 4-H featuring Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill, as well as Sugarland, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Luke Bryan, and Alabama.
Today in 2009, Lee Ann Womack performed at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s first ever Honors Gala, which took place in Nashville. Country Music Hall of Famer Frances Preston and former Vice President Al Gore were among those recognized at the event.
Today in 2009, Phil Vassar, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Lee Greenwood were among the celebrities who appeared on “Americans Feeding Americans,” a Hallmark Channel special supporting the charity Feed The Children.
Today in 2010, Jamey Johnson, Mac McAnally, and Mac Davis were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2011, the Texas prosecutor handling Willie Nelson’s marijuana possession case proposed a deal in which the country legend could resolve the matter by paying a 100-dollar fine and performing approximately two-and-a-half-minutes of community service — in the form of singing his 1975 chart-topper “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” in court.
Today in 2011, it was George Strait and Reba McEntire Day in New Mexico. The singers’ performance at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces set a new attendance record of 13-thousand-44. The previous record had been set by Elton John, who in 2005 entertained a crowd of 12-thousand-560.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band and the Randy Rogers Band were the big winners at the second annual Texas Regional Music Awards, which took place in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 2006, Buck Owens died in his sleep. He was known for his red, white, and blue guitar, for hosting the TV Show “Hee Haw,” and for classics including “Together Again,” and “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail.”
Today in 2013, “The Voice” began its fourth season on NBC. The winner-to-be, Danielle Bradbery joined Blake Shelton’s team after performing “Mean,” and other contestants sang “Blown Away,” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Usher, and Shakira sang “Come Together.”
Today in 2013, Charlie Daniels was admitted to a Nashville area hospital to have a pacemaker implanted in his chest. Doctors discovered he had an irregular heartbeat while treating him for a mild case of pneumonia.
Today in 2014, new country releases included Jerrod Niemann’s “High Noon” and the “lost” Johnny Cash album, “Out Among The Stars. ”
Today in 2014, at Charlie Daniels annual fundraiser for veterans scholarships at Nashville’s David Lipscomb University, Luke Bryan joined him for a surprise rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, and The Grascals also appeared, and Lee Greenwood came unannounced to perform “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Today in 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys, The Browns and guitarist Grady Martin were announced as 2015 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Today in 2015, Reba McEntire and Deana Carter were featured on ABC’s telecast of “Nashville: On The Record.” Also performing were cast members Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Will Chase, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten and Lennon & Maisy Stella.
Today in 2016, Hank Williams biopic, “I Saw The Light,” debuted in theaters.
Today in 2016, the Margo Price album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” was released.
Today in 2017, LeAnn Rimes was recognized with the Ally for Equality Award when the Human Rights Campaign held its Nashville Equality Dinner at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2017, Craig Morgan kicked off a USO tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
Today in 2019, Brett Young’s single, “Mercy,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, Caylee Hammack’s debut single, “Family Tree,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2019, Luke Combs was named New Male Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, while Ashley McBryde wins New Female Artist and LANCO takes New Group.
Today in 2020, Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” and Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away” were announced by the Library of Congress as new additions to the National Recording Registry. Also in the class are the Dusty Springfield album “Dusty In Memphis” and Whitney Houston’s version of the Dolly Parton-penned “I Will Always Love You.”
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini was paired with pop singer Halsey as a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” debuted. Music during the one-hour telecast includes Ballerini’s hits “Peter Pan,” “homecoming queen?” and “Miss Me More.”
Today in 2021, the North Carolina Department of Transportation launched two anti-litter PSAs featuring native son Luke Combs.

Cody Johnson Sets New RodeoHouston Record

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

George Strait basically owns Texas, so that makes Cody Johnson‘s record-breaking feat at RodeoHouston even more impressive. Johnson closed out this year’s event with a headlining set on Sunday night with Jon Pardi and Randy Houser opening. The show set a new all-time concert-only attendance record of 80,203 fans attended the show at NRG Stadium. The previous record (held by Strait): 80,020, back in 2013.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1958, Private Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army. Thousands of fans wept the following day when his hair was cut by James Peterson. Elvis quipped, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” His salary immediately dropped from $10,000 a month to $78 a month!
Today in 1973, Tanya Tucker’s first number one single “What’s Your Mama’s Name, Child” charted.
Today in 1977, the “Dreaming My Dreams” album by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
Today in 1984, Toby Keith married his wife, Tricia.
Today in 1984, Alabama scored their 12th number one hit as “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” reached the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 1993, Diamond Rio earned a platinum album for their self-titled debut.
Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood was at #1 with her single, “Thinkin’ About You.”
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s album, “Merry Christmas Strait To You,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, the album “Right Or Wrong” by George Strait was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook – A Collection of Hits” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s “Strait Country” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s album, “When Love Finds You,” was certified as selling 4-million copies.
Today in 2001, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, and Brad Paisley were part of the lineup as George Strait kicked off his fourth and final Country Music Festival tour in Tampa, Florida.
Today in 2002, Faith Hill returned to the hallowed stage at the Academy Awards. She performed an astounding rendition of the Oscar-nominated song, “There You’ll Be.”
Today in 2004, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts picked up four nominations each at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us” video premiered on television for CMT.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood performed as the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Life,” singing “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.” The segment was hosted by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Today in 2008, Sara Evans announced her engagement to Alabama radio personality Jay Barker.
Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s “Raising Sand” topped the Canadian folk magazine “Penguin Eggs'” list of the Critics’ Albums of the Year for 2007.
Today in 2009, new album releases included Martina McBride’s “Ride,” Eric Church’s “Carolina,” John Rich’s “Son Of A Preacher Man,” and Shooter Jennings & the 357’s’ “Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings & 357’s;” as well as the compilation CDs “NOW That’s What I Call Music! 30,” which included songs from Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, and “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” the soundtrack album with material from Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Today in 2011, Sugarland made their “American Idol” debut, performing “Stuck Like Glue” on the Fox reality show.
Today in 2012, Reba McEntire marked her seventh consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2013, Trace Adkins joked with team member Stephen Baldwin as he gave him the finger during an episode of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The team won an assignment to promote a hair-care product which would guarantee they’re stay for the next week.
Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Gary Allan received a gold album from the RIAA for “Set You Free” and a platinum cert for his single, “Watching Airplanes.”
Today in 2016, Jennifer Nettles teamed up with Cheap Trick on “CMT Crossroads.” The episode included the Sugarland hits “Stay,” “Something More” and “Settlin’,” plus the classic-rock titles “I Want You To Want Me” and “Dream Police.”
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker and John Mellencamp were featured as a new version of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. They lock voices on “Pink Houses,” “Hold My Hand,” “Alright” and “Wagon Wheel.”
Today in 2017, was a big day for RaeLynn. Not only was her self-titled debut album released, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declared RaeLynn Day, AND she gave $10,000 check from her foundation to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Keith Urban To Record “Yacht Rock” Covers Album

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Keith Urban‘s next album will be a covers album…and, perhaps surprisingly, it won’t be country covers. While at Country Radio Seminar on Thursday, Urban explained what his next project will be. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done an album of covers. There is one original on the record. It’s a thematic record: yacht rock songs. You think I’m kidding, I’m not kidding…Am I terrified? Absolutely.” For those that don’t know, “yacht rock” is a softer rock that was largely popular from the mid 70s to the early 80s – think Ambrosia, Christopher Cross, the Little River Band, etc. One band you probably won’t hear on the album: Player (“Baby Come Back”), who famously sued Keith in 2015, claiming his Player line of guitars and accessories amounted to copyright infringement (the suit was dismissed). No word on when the album would be released.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1926, country instrumentalist great “Mother” Maybelle Addington joined the Carter Family when she married Ezra Carter.
Today in 1956, Singer/songwriter Harley Allen was born in Dayton, Ohio. He wrote Alan Jackson’s “Between The Devil And Me,” Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” and Blake Shelton’s “The Baby.”
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley recorded “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, his single “Wooden Heart” began a six-week run at number one on the UK pop singles chart.
Today in 1961, the single, “Wooden Heart,” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks.
Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire received her first gold album for “Whoever’s In New England.”
Today in 1988, the album, “Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town,” by Emmylou Harris was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Clint Black collected his first platinum album for “Killin’ Time”
Today in 1993, Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” album was released.
Today in 1998, at the Academy Awards ceremony, Trisha Yearwood sang her version of, “How Do I Live,” her hit song from the movie “Con Air.” The song, written by Diane Warren, was beaten out for the Oscar by Celine Dion’s “Titanic” hit, “My Heart Will Go On.” In fact, “Titanic” swept the awards, winning a slew of trophies including Best Picture.
Today in 1999, Jessica Andrews made her acting debut, playing herself on the daytime drama, Another World. The same day, her debut album, “Heart-Shaped World,” arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Patty Loveless’ greatest hits collection, “Classics,” was released.
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks performed at the New Millennium Ball. The event was a benefit for the UCLA School of Medicine and was the largest fundraising event for the School of Medicine that year. Garth was joined by comedian and host of “Politically Incorrect,” Bill Maher as well as Brad At the time, it was said that one of the reasons behind Garth performing for the School was his late mother, Colleen. She received cancer treatment at the famed facility.
Today in 2002, A memorial service for the late Waylon Jennings was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Today in 2004, Alabama received the USO’s Merit Award at the organization’s annual event in Washington, DC. The group was honored for its support of the members of the military.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw participated in a benefit dinner supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee.
Today in 2004, Mary Chapin Carpenter released the album “Between Here and Gone.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s single “When the Sun Goes Down” hit number one on “Radio & Records'” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers on a mountaintop in Deadwood, South Dakota. They met during Gretchen Wilson’s video shoot for “Redneck Woman.”
Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney launched his Somewhere in the Sun Tour with the first of two shows in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The start of the road trip had been delayed two weeks because Chesney injured his ankle shortly before the original kick-off date, and needed the time to recover.
Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts was honored at a party in Nashville celebrating the group’s sales accomplishment. Total sales of the trio’s three albums had topped the six-million-mark.
Today in 2005, Miranda Lambert’s debut disc “Kerosene” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number one. The only other artists to have their first CDs enter the chart at the top spot are Wynonna, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Buddy Jewell, and Gretchen Wilson.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney launched his The Road & The Radio tour with a concert in Dayton, Ohio. Dierks Bentley and Sugarland were also on the bill for the shows.
Today in 2006, Johnny Cash’s video “The Man, His World, His Music” and Joe Nichols’ album “III” were certified Gold.
Today in 2007, George Strait launched his 25th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood claimed four victories at the top of the list as the CMT.com Loaded Awards winners were announced.
Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood picked up four nods to lead all artists as the nominees were announced for the second annual CMT Online awards.
Today in 2009, Darius Rucker has his second consecutive chart-topping country hit with “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Today in 2009, Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings’ episode of “CMT Crossroads” had its premiere.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” Collector’s Edition was released.
Today in 2010, new releases included Mindy McCready’s comeback album, “I’m Still Here.”
Today in 2011, Alan Jackson announced that he was developing his own imprint, ACR (Alan’s Country Records), with Capitol Records Nashville.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride sang the national anthem at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. perform at halftime in the AFC Championship Game.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed “Mine,” “Fifteen” and “Love Story” during an intimate concert at London’s Abbey Road Studio for an audience that includes Amy Winehouse.
Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young made guest appearances on ABC-TV’s “Nashville,” as they showed up at a music-business party.
Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum hosted their inaugural “Ping Pong & Song” fundraiser in Nashville. The event supported their LadyAID charity.
Today in 2013, Reba McEntire marked her eighth consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2016, twelve days before the 51^st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Chris Stapleton was named New Male Vocalist of the Year, Kelsea Ballerini claimed New Female, and Old Dominion took New Vocal Duo or Group.
Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl” hit the airwaves.

Luke Combs Hints He Sees An Endgame For His Career

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Could Luke Combs be formulating an exit strategy for his music career already? Luke’s first single, “Hurricane,” came out almost ten years ago, but his career started several years before that. Now that he’s achieved almost everything one can achieve in country music, and he has a wife and three young children, Luke may think there’s more to life than work. On Bert Kresicher‘s “Bertcast” podcast, they talked about how Garth Brooks walked away from country music while at the very top of his game, and whether Luke has considered a similar move. “That day is rapidly approaching. That will happen at some point. I think you have to accept that, and I think it’s okay to not want that to happen…” He added that he wasn’t sure exactly what form the decision to walk away would take. “I wonder if I want to do the slow decline thing and be okay with it. Which I would be if that’s what I decided to do. Or do you just (cut it off and) hit delete? And you’re just kind of like, ‘I’m out for a while.’ And I’m just gone for the next five years.” Check out the complete episode of the podcast here.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1984, The Judds made their first large-venue appearance opening for the Statler Brothers at an arena in Omaha.
Today in 1993, George Strait’s “Heartland” topped the Billboard charts at #1.
Today in 1998, Steve Wariner gave his first public performance during the Grand Ole Opry of “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.”
Today in 2002, Alison Krauss + Union Station picked up a gold album for “New Favorite.”
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw rose to #1 in Billboard with “Watch The Wind Blow By.”
Today in 2004, Gretchen Wilson’s video for “Redneck Woman” debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.” The clip included Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock.
Today in 2011, “Do not challenge the intelligence of my audience,” said John Rich, taking offense after Jose Canseco and Richard Hatch put down his theme song for Camping World on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The men’s team won the episode.
Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum nabbed a quadruple-platinum album from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Need You Now.”
Today in 2014, Canaan Smith announced his engagement to Christy Hardesty. The lovebirds married the following August and in October 2019? Th they welcomed daughter Virginia Rose Smith.
Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, as FOX aired a live two-hour TV special, “The Passion.”
Today in 2018, Sturgill Simpson was honored by the state legislature in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Today in 2018, Chris Janson joined the Grand Ole Opry…inducted by Garth Brooks.
Today in 2019, Lefty Frizzell’s “The Long Black Veil” was entered into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. The 2019 class also included music by Cyndi Lauper, Sam & Dave, Neil Diamond and Ritchie Valens.
Today in 2019, Randy Owen received the Heart Of An Eagle Award from the Boy Scouts of America during a luncheon in Anniston, Alabama.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: MISS CLAIRE

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Miss Claire”, a sweet female 3 year old domestic shorthair kitty who loves meet new people, loves to cuddle and enjoys sitting in the window and watching birds. Miss Claire gets along well with other cats, is fully vaccinated, vetted, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Miss Claire is the Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Miss Claire 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 Miss Claire with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Garth Brooks Has His Tenth Diamond Certification

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Garth Brooks continues to cement his status in music history. The legend has officially secured his tenth diamond award following the latest certification for his “Triple Live.” The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) officially pronounced the 2018 collection’s status yesterday as 13X platinum, which blows past the ten million-unit threshold required for diamond status. This makes Garth the only artist in history to have ten diamond-certified albums. Coming in a distant second: The Beatles, who have six. The Beatles are still the highest-selling artist in music history, with 207.5-million overall albums sold. Brooks is in second, with 200.5-million.

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