TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""

Chris Stapleton Extends “All-American Road Show” Tour Into 2026

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Chris Stapleton‘s “All-American Road Show” tour just got extended. It was announced yesterday that six more dates (all in February) have been tacked on to the end of his current run of shows. The six dates include two shows each in Las Vegas, Thackerville, Oklahoma and Uncasville, Connecticut. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 26. See the newly-announced dates below, and visit Chris Stapleton’s website for more information. 

  • February 4 — Las Vegas, NV — Dolby Live at Park MGM
  • February 5 — Las Vegas, NV — Dolby Live at Park MGM
  • February 20 — Thackerville, OK — WinStar Lukas Oil Live
  • February 21 — Thackerville, OK — WinStar Lukas Oil Live
  • February 27 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun Casino
  • February 28 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun Casino

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1970, Crystal Gayle hit the country charts for the first time with “I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes.” Her sister, Loretta Lynn, wrote the song.
  • Today in 1981, Lee Greenwood made his chart debut with “It Turns Me Inside Out.”
  • Today in 1988, Patty Loveless released her “Honky Tonk Angel” album.
  • Today in 1990, Travis Tritt’s “Country Club” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, BlackHawk’s self-titled debut album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, George Jones was released from the hospital just one week after undergoing triple bypass surgery.
  • Today in 1995, Tim McGraw’s “All I Want” album was released.
  • Today in 1996, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified for sales of 7-million.
  • Today in 1996, Reba McEntire’s “Merry Christmas To You” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” album was certified double platinum. The same day, his “I Still Believe In You” album was certified for sales of 4-million copies.
  • Today in 1997, Trace Adkins’ album, “Dreamin Out Loud,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt, Kent Robbins (“Straight Tequila Night”) and Merle Kilgore (“Ring Of Fire”) were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville.
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was celebrating her induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and getting ready to kick off her European tour in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait’s 27th album, which was also his first self-titled release, arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, Kenny Chesney visited his old stomping grounds of Luttrell, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. While in his hometown, Kenny also made an appearance at a Gibbs High School assembly — his alma mater. At the event, he was presented with a proclamation declaring September 19th “Kenny Chesney Day” in Lutrell.
  • Today in 2000, Terri Clark’s “Fearless” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait released his first self-titled album.
  • Today in 2001, Clint Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, had more than a new baby to celebrate. The couple’s duet, “Easy for Me to Say” debuted at #56 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart. It was also the first time that Lisa debuted on the magazine’s chart. But wait…what about…1999’s “When I Said I Do?” Of course, that was a huge hit, too, but Lisa wasn’t officially listed in the credits and therefore didn’t appear on the “Billboard” chart.
  • Today in 2002, Brad Paisley launched the inaugural “CMT Most Wanted Live” tour in Phoenix. While Brad was the featured headliner, the show’s opening acts varied throughout the schedule and included Steve Azar, Chris Cagle, Tammy Cochran, Andy Griggs, Steve Holy, Shannon Lawson, Rascal Flatts, Tommy Shane Steiner, Phil Vassar, Pinmonkey and Darryl Worley.
  • Today in 2003, Johnny Cash posthumously won three trophies at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
  • Today in 2007, Brooks & Dunn nab a platinum album for “The Greatest Hits Collection II.”
  • Today in 2009, the financial company TIAA-CREF began airing a television commercial that features Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” behind on-screen images of meerkats.
  • Today in 2015, the “CMT Crossroads” episode pairing Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon premiered. They team on Evans’ hits “A Real Fine Place To Start” and “Born To Fly,” as well as REO’s “Keep It On The Run” and “Roll With The Changes.”
  • Today in 2016, despite a doctor’s warning against performing, Jana Kramer fought through the pain of a rib injury on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” performing to Gavin DeGraw’s live rendition of “I Don’t Want To Be.”

Dolly Parton Backs Out Of Dollywood Appearance For Health Reasons

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton canceled a scheduled appearance at Dollywood yesterday, and fans immediately grew concerned. Knowing ahead of time they’d react that way, the icon filmed a recorded message to play for those that showed up to see her. “Hello Dollywood! It’s me! I know, I’m here and you’re there and wondering why that is,” Parton said in the clip. She went on to explain that health reasons were keeping her away. “I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone,” she revealed, saying “Turns out there was an infection, and the doctor said: ‘You don’t need to be traveling around this minute…You need a few days to feel better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.” Dolly, who looked like her normal, healthy self in the clip, told fans she was “there in spirit” and had been looking forward to being at the theme park. She concluded the video with an apology: ‘I’ll be back as quick as I can. Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be okay. Just can’t do it today.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1947, Carnegie Hall hosted its first country music show with Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff as headliners.
  • Today in 1981, George Jones’ “I Am What I Am” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1986, the “#7” album by George Strait was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, Willie Nelson’s “Take It To The Limit” album was certified gold and his “Pretty Paper” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Clint Black’s album, “The Hard Way,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1997, Patty Loveless’ “Long Stretch Of Lonesome” album was released.
  • Today in 1997, the Farm Aid concert – canceled due to low ticket sales at the Texas Stadium – was rescheduled at the New World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Illinois, for the same day…October 4th. The benefit was a sell-out.
  • Today in 1998, Reba McEntire joined the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star, the 2,120th planted in the famous foot thoroughfare, was unveiled in front of the Johnny Grant Building, 7018 Hollywood Boulevard.
  • Today in 1998, Jett Williams paid tribute to her late father, Hank Williams, who would have been 75 the day before, on the Grand Ole Opry. She saluted her dad by performing “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” a song released after his death on New Year’s Eve, 1952. Jett told the crowd, quote, “He never sang the song on the Opry. He never sang it live.”
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill graced the cover of “TV Guide.”
  • Today in 2000, Toby Keith was the guest of honor at a special event in Nashville. Toby was the benefactor of the first songwriter/artist endowment to support the work and mission of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
  • Today in 2001, Martina McBride’s “Greatest Hits” collection and Aaron Tippin’s “A December To Remember” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Joe Nichols scored a number of firsts: a debut artist, a debut single, a brand new label and a #1 record! Joe’s debut single, “The Impossible,” leapt four chart positions to claim the top spot on the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2004, “Days Go By” took Keith Urban to the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, Willie and Bobbie Nelson received misdemeanor citations for drug possession when his bus stopped on Interstate 10 in Louisiana. A search of the vehicle yielded 1.5-pounds of pot and 2/10 of a pound of mushrooms.
  • Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant won two trophies – Duo/Group of the Year and Album of the Year for “Raising Sand” – during the seventh annual Americana Honors & Awards.
  • Today in 2010, Billy Currington rose to the top of the Billboard country singles chart with “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer.”
  • Today in 2015, Miranda Lambert launched her eighth annual Paws For The Cause fundraiser for the MuttNation Foundation in Luckenbach, Texas. She’s joined by Radney Foster, Gwen Sebastian and songwriters Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander.
  • Today in 2017, Three years after the previous signs were removed, new signs proclaiming Marshville, North Carolina, as the birthplace of Randy Travis were dedicated. Travis was also presented keys to the city.
  • Today in 2017, Kellie Pickler and Ben Aaron launched their new talk show, “Pickler & Ben,” launches on television with surprise guest Dolly Parton. Faith Hill is one of several executive producers.

Luke Combs Finally Records Song His Fans Have Been Begging For

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs teased a song on his socials back in the spring that had fans hitting him up for an official release. The tune, “My Kinda Saturday Night,” has been in the back of many of their minds, and apparently, in the back of Luke’s mind too. This week he posted a video to Instagram of him singing the song, and the post included the caption, “I saw all of the comments for My Kinda Saturday Night. Excited to let y’all know I finished recording it the other day.” With Luke steadily working on his next album, seems like a safe bet that the track will be part of that project. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Luke Combs 🎤 (@lukecombs)

 

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 1977, Reba McEntire made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed “Invitation to the Blues.”
  • Today in 1996, Alabama released their second holiday album, “Alabama Christmas II,” and John Berry released his album, “Faces.”
  • Today in 1996, the mayor of Rhinelander, Wisconsin proclaimed today’s date as “Trace Adkins Day,” and presented Trace with the key to the city. The previous month, the mayor of Trace’s hometown of Sarepta, Louisiana had made such a declaration.
  • Today in 1996, Ty England’s “Two Ways to Fall” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Fly,” began its second straight week at #1 on both the pop and country albums charts. In just two weeks, the album sold 545,000 units, which means it had already gone gold (you need 500,000 copies sold for a gold album). In fact, first day sales were 75,000. SoundScan figures show that the album had the highest first week sales of any act in country music history except for Garth Brooks. In addition, “Fly,” became the first country album to spend more than one week at #1 on the pop albums chart since Garth’s album, “Double Live,” in 1998.
  • Today in 1999, Lisa Hartman Black joined her hubby Clint Black on stage for their first public performance of their mega-hit, “When I Said I Do.”
  • Today in 2000, Alan Jackson, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young and a host of other performers in Bristow, Virginia for the 15th anniversary of Farm Aid.
  • Today in 2002, Clay Walker’s album, “Christmas,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd and his wife, Michelle, finally had a name for their third child, who had arrived two weeks earlier – Jared James. When he left St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, Jared – aka J.J. – joined his sister, Evee Elisabeth, and brother, Logan Lynn. By the way, in case you’re wondering, the Byrd family did not break the record for delayed baby-naming – not even close. The State of Texas told them it once took a family three months to decide on what to call their child.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill was in Los Angeles to tape an NBC concert special, which aired on Thanksgiving.
  • Today in 2005, The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single “Islands in The Stream” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Duets”
  • Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
  • Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2017, LANCO lead singer Brandon Lancaster and Tiffany Trotter were married near Nashville. The ceremony was attended by all his bandmates: Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Jared Hampton and Chandler Baldwin.
  • Today in 2018, Faith Hill headlines a voting rally at Marathon Music Works in Nashville for a non-profit agency, When We All Vote.
  • Today in 2019, Luke Combs joined Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris at All For The Hall, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame at The Novo in Los Angeles.
  • Today in 2019, Old Dominion scored a gold single from the RIAA for “One Man Band.”
  • Today in 2021, the Carly Pearce album, “29: Written In Stone,” and Scotty McCreery’s “Same Truck” album were released.

Kenny Chesney Suprises Megan Moroney At Her First Headlining Stadium Show

Posted on by Bob Ballard

It was a big night for Megan Moroney in Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend. While she’d played stadiums before, she’d never headlined one. Backstage at the Credit One Stadium and just minutes before she was set to take the stage, Kenny Chesney paid a surprise visit which the singer was clearly not expecting, as she squealed, “Kenny! What are you doing here?” and gave him a big hug. The surprise ended up being for the entire crowd, as later in the evening he also joined Moroney on stage for a performance of their duet, “You Had To Be There.”

@megmoroney very nonchalant! i am annoying & you’re the best @Kenny Chesney ♬ You Had To Be There – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette scored her #1 hit when she topped the “Billboard” country singles chart with “My Elusive Dreams,” her duet with David Houston.
  • Today in 1985, the “Alabama Christmas” album by Alabama was released.
  • Today in 1986, Johnny Cash signed with Polygram Records after two decades with Columbia.
  • Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton’s album, “Loving Proof,” was released.
  • Today in 1991, Willie Nelson married makeup artist Ann-Marie D’Angelo. The couple, who met on the set of Nelson’s 1986 movie, “Red Headed Stranger,” has two sons.
  • Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker’s “What Do I Do With Me” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, the “War Paint” album by Lorrie Morgan was certified gold.
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 2002, Trace Adkins was in Washington, D.C. to perform at a political fundraiser for Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin – aka “the Cajun Congressman.” The event served as a kick-off for Trace’s two-day swing through the Washington DC, which also included headlining a USO event honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush.
  • Today in 2005, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single, “Islands in the Stream,” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Debuts.”
  • Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
  • Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuts on CMT. The video featured a guest appearance by actor Garrett Hedlund.
  • Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s “Off The Beaten Path” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2014, Tim McGraw’s album, “Sundown Heaven Town,” was released.
  • Today in 2016, Jon Pardi scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots.”
  • Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood introduced a signature perfume and body mist, available exclusively at Walmart stores.
  • Today in 2017, Willie Nelson brought Farm Aid to Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and was joined by Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and The Avett Brothers. Nelson’s set includes “Whiskey River,” “Good Hearted Woman” and “On The Road Again.”
  • Today in 2017, Old Dominion’s “Happy Endings” was at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2017, Rhett Akins married Sonya Mansfield in Tennessee. In the wedding party? His son, Thomas Rhett, as well as songwriters Ben Hayslip and Dallas Davidson.
  • Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed on “CBS Sunday Morning” that she endured three miscarriages during 2017 and 2018.
  • Today in 2019, the Florida Georgia Line single, “Talk You Out Of It,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2019, Colt Ford scored a gold certification from the RIAA for his 2008 debut album, “Ride Through The Country.” The project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert and John Michael Montgomery.
  • Today in 2021, Parmalee’s “Take My Name” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, during a performance of “Famous Friends” at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri – Kane Brown brought out Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Joining Brown on the song as well? Opening acts Chris Lane and Restless Road.

Jelly Roll Meets The Pope

Posted on by Bob Ballard

A new picture posted on social media by Jelly Roll probably had more than one person double-checking to see if it was AI-generated. The photo had a smiling Jelly Roll, looking much thinner and rocking an all-black suit, shaking hands with none other than Pope Leo XIV. Alongside, Jelly wrote “From rock bottom to holy ground. ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.'” While the meet-up seems unlikely on the surface, it happened as Jelly Roll joined fellow artists Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Karol G and more for the “Grace for the World” concert at Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square on Saturday. We already knew he’d come a long way from his days behind bars, but this is next-level stuff. 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Jelly Roll (@jellyroll615)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1957, Patsy Cline married Charlie Dick.
  • Today in 1972, Merle Haggard’s The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard album was released.
  • Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ “Love Of Something Like It” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Crystal Gayle’s “When I Dream” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1979, the single, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” by the Charlie Daniels Band peaked at #3 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1981, Alabama’s “Feels So Right” album was certified Platinum.
  • Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s album, “Born To Boogie,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Pure Country” album was released.
  • Today in 2001, Wynonna made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2003, former “Nashville Star” contestant Miranda Lambert signed with Epic Records.
  • Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley released his second gold album “Modern Day Drifter.”
  • Today in 2007, Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” became the first song to debut at #1 on Billboard’s country singles list.
  • Today in 2014, Eric Church’s “Talladega” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line collects a platinum single from the RIAA for “Sun Daze” and a gold one for “Anything Goes.”
  • Today in 2016, Trace Adkins received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the U.S. Army at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
  • Today in 2017, the Big & Rich album, “Did It For The Party,” was released.
  • Today in 2018, Jo Dee Messina headlined the 15th annual Burgundy Ball, a fundraiser for local cancer patients in Springfield, Missouri.
  • Today in 2019, “Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns” premiered on PBS. Key contributors in the mini-series include Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Ketch Secor and Rhiannon Giddens.
  • Today in 2020, the book, “Me And Sister Bobbie: True Tales Of The Family Band,” a book by Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson, was released.
  • Today inn 2021, Kane Brown and Dolly Parton were on the annual “Time 100” list of the most influential people. Also highlighted: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Britney Spears, Simone Biles and Lil Nas X.

NEWSLETTER

Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter.