Vince Gill Plans EP And Summer Tour

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Vince Gill has some big plans for 2026. On Friday, he drops “Down At The Borderline,” the fourth installment of his EP series “50 Years From Home.” The project includes a collab on the title track with Lainey Wilson. There have also been 14 more dates added to his tour with stops in St. Louis, Cincinnati, Ohio as well as stops in the Carolinas and more. See the full list of dates here. The country icon also has gigs at The Sphere in Las Vegas with the Eagles. Tickets for his new solo tour dates go on sale Friday.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 11, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” got Loretta Lynn her first #1 Billboard single.
Today in 1975, Alabama’s Randy Owen married his wife, Kelly.
Today in 1982, “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson was released.
Today in 1984, Vince Gill debuted on the charts with “Victim of Life’s Circumstances.”
Today in 1984, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Jerry Lee Lewis on tax evasion charges. He was acquitted the following October.
Today in 1992, new releases included Reba McEntire’s video “For My Broken Heart” and John Anderson’s album “Seminole Wind.”
Today in 1994, George Strait hit number one with “I’d Like To Have That One Back.”
Today in 1999, tornadoes earlier in the week forced a CD manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Illinois, to shut down production, causing a possible delay for Steve Wariner’s single “Two Teardrops.” But his record label persuaded two manufacturing plants to press 400 copies of the single while volunteers addressed and stuffed envelopes to get the single shipped to radio stations on time.
Today in 2002, “The Essential Johnny Cash” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2003, Terri Clark’s single “I Just Wanna Be Mad” hit number one on the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 chart. It also marked a milestone — it was the first time in 46 weeks that a solo female artist grabbed the top spot on the “Radio & Records” chart.
Today in 2003, new album releases included Vince Gill’s “Next Big Thing,” George Strait’s live effort “For The Last Time – Live from the Astrodome,” and the Dixie Chicks’ DVD/video “Home.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s album “When The Sun Goes Down” debuted at the top of the “Billboard” album charts.
Today in 2006, Trisha Yearwood sang with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry house. Raul Malo was the host.
Today in 2006, weeks after the departure of Kristen Hall, Sugarland performed their first concert as a duo.
Today in 2007, the Dixie Chicks won five trophies at the GRAMMYs: Record and Song of the Year for “Not Ready to Make Nice,” Best Country Performance by a Duo of Group, and Album of the Year and Best Country Album for “Taking The Long Way.” Other country winners included Carrie Underwood, who was named Best New Artist, as well as Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Bryan Sutton and Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who got the nod for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on the group’s hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Bob Wills was acknowledged as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Today in 2007, Trent Willmon and Lorrie Morgan were among the judges for The Corner Pub’s 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff in Nashville.
Today is 2008, on a new episode of “CMT Crossroads,” Alison Krauss and Robert Plant performed a list which included “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On),” “Black Dog,” and When the Levee Breaks.”
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley led the pack of nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Other multiple nominees included George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and Heidi Newfield. LeAnn Rimes was tapped to receive the ACM/Home Depot Humanitarian Award.
Today in 2009, Dierks Bentley’s “Feel That Fire” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, ending Taylor Swift’s 12-week run in the top spot with “Fearless.” In addition, the title track to Bentley’s CD was at number one on the Country Singles chart.
Today in 2009, Pat Green and Clay Walker were among those taking part in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am charity golf tournament.
Today in 2009, the Trace Adkins-voiced ad campaign promoting the Grand Ole Opry began its media run.
Today in 2010, Justin Moore became a dad with the birth of his first child, Ella Kole.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood’s “Sesame Street” character made her debut on the long-running PBS children’s series. “Carrie Underworm” is an orange worm with long blonde hair who sings. On the show, Carrie’s invertebrate alter-ego performed “The Worm Anthem.”
Today in 2011, Kenny Chesney was officially honored as the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s “Tennessean of the Year” at an event in Nashville.
Today in 2011, LeAnn Rimes was among the performers at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Barbra Streisand.
Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley recorded “Remind Me.”
Today in 2012, Dierks Bentley served as the Honorary Chairman of the Arizona Centennial Motorcycle Ride, which took place in his hometown of Phoenix as part of the state’s 100th anniversary celebration. Bentley’s hit “Home” was the official song of the event.
Today in 2014, Trick Pony announced their reunion.
Today is 2014, Eric Church’s album, “The Outsiders,” was released.
Today in 2016, Darius Rucker received the Award of Merit from the National Golf Course Owners Association during a conference in San Diego.
Today in 2016, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and his wife, Cassie, welcomed their son, Ward Charles Kelley, in Nashville.
Today in 2016, the “Columbia Daily Herald” reports Jason Aldean has purchased a 120-acre property with a 4,500-square-foot home in Columbia, Tennessee for $5.35-million.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town’s “Better Man” – which was written by Taylor Swift – hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2019, Trace Adkins, Charles Esten, Cassadee Pope, Jimmie Allen, Deana Carter and Morgan Evans performed at Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks, California, to raise money for victims of a mass shooting three months prior at the Borderline country club.
Today in 2019, Garth Brooks practiced fielding at third base and in the outfield as he begins a week of spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Florida.
Today in 2019, Kacey Musgraves single, “Rainbow,” hit the airwaves.

Ella Langley Makes Billboard Chart History

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Ella Langley has made Billboard chart history with an impressive first. She is the first woman to simultaneously lead the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, and Country Airplay charts thanks to her single “Choosin’ Texas.” The song was co-written by Langley, Luke Dick and Joybeth Taylor and produced by Langley, Miranda Lambert and Ben West. Only three songs have previously been number one on the lists simultaneously, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” Post Malone and Morgan Wallen’s “I Had Some Help,” and Wallen’s “Last Night.” “Choosin’ Texas” is from Ella’s upcoming album “Dandelion” which drops on April 10th.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “It Was Almost Like A Song,” was certified gold.
Today in 1979, Eddie Rabbitt topped the country singles chart with “Every Which Way But Loose.”
Today in 1984, Alabama topped the country charts with “Roll On [18 Wheeler].”
Today in 1986, “The Highwayman” album by Waylon, Willie, Johnny, Kris Kristofferson was certified gold.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s album, “Whoever’s In New England,” was released.
Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ first album, “Storms of Life,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Patty Loveless hit #1 with the single, “Here I Am.”
Today in 1998, Sammy Kershaw earned a gold certification for his album, “Labor of Love.”
Today in 1998, “How Do I Live,” by Diane Warren got an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, as it appeared in the film, “Con Air.” The song had been recorded by both Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes that year – Trisha’s version was the one included in the film (and nominated for the Oscar). And while LeAnn’s version had been more successful in charting, Trisha’s version (which was also successful) was the first of the two to be released – and for the first time in history, the GRAMMY Awards nominated two artists for the same song in the same category. Directly following LeAnn’s performance of the song, Trisha took home GRAMMY Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. What happened with the Oscar nod? It lost out to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” from “Titanic.”
Today in 2000, the book, “The Great Canadian Book of Lists,” dubbed Shania Twain as “Canada’s Sexiest Woman.”
Today in 2000, Jim Varney, one of America’s most beloved comedic actors, died of lung cancer at his home in White House, Tennessee. He was 50 years old. Starring in nine “Ernest” movies and as Jed Clampett in the movie “Beverly Hillbillies,” he was also the voice of “Slinky Dog.” He also performed in many other film and television productions. His burial was in Lexington, Kentucky with a public memorial service in Nashville, Tennessee.
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire’s video for “We’re All Alone,” her duet with Jose y Durval, topped the charts on CMT Brazil. The song is from Reba’s album, “So Good Together.”
Today in 2002, Joe Diffie hosted his 10^th annual Country Steps In For the First Steps concert. The Judds, Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Cyndi Thomson, and comedian Cledus T. Judd all performed.
Today in 2005, the video to “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry premiered on CMT.
Today in 2008, at the 50^th annual GRAMMYs, “Before He Cheats” won two awards: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Carrie Underwood, and Best Country Song for Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins.
Today in 2011, “Crazy Girl,” by The Eli Young Band, was released.
Today in 2013, at the 55^th annual GRAMMYs, Carrie Underwood and writers Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins won the same awards again, but this time for “Blown Away.”
Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins began writing the future Florida Georgia Line hit, “Dirt,” at the Big Loud Shirt building in Nashville.
Today in 2019, an employee at the Stoney Creek Steakhouse in Nashville called police, reporting that Miranda Lambert was fighting with another customer.
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini scored a gold single from the RIAA for “homecoming queen?”
Today in 2020, Midland introduced Insolito, its own tequila brand, in Texas.
Today in 2020, Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, welcomed their daughter, Lennon Love Akins.
Today in 2021, “Variety” reported Jeep has pulled an ad featuring Bruce Springsteen following reports he was arrested for DWI in November. Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” was tabbed among country’s 500 greatest singles in the 2003 Country Music Foundation book “Heartaches By The Number.”
Today in 2021, a week after a video surfaced with Morgan Wallen using a racial slur, Jason Isbell pledges to donate all the royalties he receives for Wallen’s version of his song, “Cover Me Up” to the NAACP.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, Willie Nelson recorded “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”
Today in 1980, the Oak Ridge Boys hit #1 with “Leavin’ Louisiana In The Broad Daylight.”
Today in 1991, “Brother Jukebox” by Mark Chesnutt was #1.
Today in 1996, Joe Diffie hit #1 with “Bigger Than the Beatles.”
Today in 1998, Lee Roy Parnell released the single, “All That Matters Anymore.”
Today in 1998, Oprah Winfrey announced that Garth Brooks had agreed to donate his earnings from sales of his latest album, “Sevens,” for a seven-day period to her charity, “Oprah’s Angel Network.” The organization uses the donations to fund college scholarships for underprivileged students.
Today in 2001, the soundtrack to “O Brother, Where Art Though?” featuring Alison Krauss, The Soggy Bottom Boys, Emmylou Harris, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, Harry, McClintock, The Whites, and Normal Blake went gold.
Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “Alcohol” went gold.
Today in 2009, “It Happens” by Sugarland was released.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed in Singapore for the first time to kick off her international tour.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban performed “Don’t Let Me Down” with John Mayer and Brad Paisley teams with Pharrell Williams on “Here Comes The Sun” as CBS airs “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute To The Beatles.” The telecast also features John Legend, Alicia Keys and The Eurythmics.
Today in 2015, Big & Rich performed “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” on ABC-TV’s “The Bachelor.”
Today in 2015, Dan + Shay’s “Nothin’ Like You” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Old Dominion was featured on the PBS music series “Soundstage.” On the same date in 2019, the band earned a trio of gold singles from the RIAA, for “Written In The Sand,” “Song For Another Time” and “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart.”
Today in 2018, Scotty McCreery scored an RIAA-certified gold single for “Five More Minutes.”
Today in 2019, Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha performed “Meant To Be” for Clive Davis’ annual pre-GRAMMY party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Their audience included Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Julianne Hough, Alice Cooper, Joni Mitchell, Julia Michaels and Tori Kelly.
Today in 2019, John Prine was honored in a concert at The Troubadour in Los Angeles. Dwight Yoakam lead the closing round of “Paradise” with the entire cast, including Margo Price, Anderson East, Boz Scaggs, Bob Weir, Ashley McBryde and John Paul White.
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan’s family adopted an 18-year-old dog, Poochie. Sadly, Poochie passed two-weeks later…but as Luke’s wife, Caroline, offered via Insta – Poochie was loved “by so many.”

Carly Pearce Names Her Dream Collabs

Posted on February 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Carly Pearce has teamed up with some high-powered collaborators: Lee Brice, Ashley McBryde and Chris Stapleton to name just three. Recently, she explained there were still some singers she had her sights set on. “Chris was my top dream, like period, so it’s been kind of crazy for me to think about, you know, what else?” Pearce shared. “But I would say a few people – I love Lee Ann Womack, I love Alison Krauss and Union Station, I love Cody Johnson, I love Brothers Osborne. So yeah, there’s definitely other people. I just, I love great voices.” Pearce may be able to check a few more of those names off her bucket list. Her upcoming album features at least one big collab, with Carly calling them “one of the biggest artists in our format and also one of my childhood heroes.”

Ella Langley Wants Your Help In Making “Choosin’ Texas” A Pop Hit

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Ella Langley has topped the country charts, more than once. She now has her sights set on topping another chart, and she needs your help. On her Instagram Stories, she explained to fans that they can help her achieve a rare feat in music: a female country singer topping the Billboard Hot 100 (a primarily pop chart). She said that her song “Choosin’ Texas” is locked in a tight race for the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, going neck and neck with Olivia Dean’s “Man I Need. “Y’all have put me in a position to do something only a few females in country music have ever done. I’m being told we’re neck and neck on getting the #1 and if we have one last push on iTunes we might make country music history.” She added that “less than 10 women in country music have gotten a number one on Billboard. I know we can do it.” If Ella pulls is off, her name would be up there with Dolly Parton, Olivia Newton-John, Faith Hill, Bobbie Jo Gentry and a few others who have achieved the rare feat.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1963, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their first on-screen appearance on the CBS sitcom “The Beverly Hillbillies,” in order to sing their new song, “Pearl Pearl Pearl.” They had already been performing the theme song.
Today in 1971, the song “Joshua” got Dolly Parton her first #1 single.
Today in 1976, Ronnie Milsap joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1980, George Jones recorded “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” He made a bet with his producer that it wouldn’t go to #1 on the charts.
Today in 1989, Patty Loveless married producer Emory Gordy in a quiet ceremony.
Today in 2001, Diamond Rio’s album “One More Day” was released.
Today in 2011, at the Super Bowl, Keith Urban performed “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” as the Packers beat the Steelers 31-25.
Today in 2012, Eric Church’s song, “Springsteen,” was released.
Today in 2014, an episode of CMT Crossroads featuring Dierks Bentley and OneRepublic was shot. Songs included “Counting Stars,” “Up On The Ridge,” “I Hold On,” and “Pride (In The Name Of Love.)”
Today in 2016, just days after cancelling all his February shows, Merle Haggard played a concert in Las Vegas, struggling through six songs before giving the stage to Toby Keith. The last performance of Haggard’s life included “Ramblin’ Fever” and “Sing Me Back Home.”

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

Posted on February 5, 2026February 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Ponyboy”, a happy-go-lucky 9 month old kitty who loves attention and gets along great with adults and kids, as well as other cats. Ponyboy’s a little reluctant when it comes to dogs, and though he might look grumpy, he has a very friendly disposition. Ponyboy loves to be picked up and held, and loves playing with other cats as well.

Ponyboy is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered and microchipped and ready to go!

And since Ponyboy is the Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1938, Roy Acuff debuted his Grande Ole Opry at the Dixie Tabernacle in Nashville.
Today in 1972, Loretta Lynn’s “One’s On The Way” hits number one in Billboard.
Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear” stuck at number one on the Billboard country singles chart for four weeks.
Today in 1998, Patty Loveless receives a platinum album for “The Trouble With The Truth.”
Today in 2000, The Dixie Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” rose to number one on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley opens for George Strait at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. His former schoolmate, Cassie Black, attended this concert, which lead to their marriage later in the year.
Today in 2011, on the Super Bowl Eve, Faith Hill collaborated with The Pretenders for a live “CMT” edition from Grand Prairie, Texas. The songs included “Back On The Chain Gang,” “I’ll Stand By You,” “This Kiss” and “Breathe.”
Today in 2012, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton sang “America, The Beautiful” and Kelly Clarkson performed the national anthem before the Super Bowl at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The New York Giants won against the New England Patriots, 21-17.
Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Automatic,” which features background vocals by Carolyn Dawn Johnson, was released.
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan performed the national anthem before Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium in Houston, where the New England Patriots downed the Atlanta Falcons, 34-28, in overtime. The Zac Brown Band performed “My Old Man” during pre-game events. Kenny Chesney watched the game in a luxury box with Patriots owner Robert Kraft.

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