This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 2, 2026October 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1970, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified gold.
Today in 1977, a month after what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest Hill Cemetery, the bodies of Elvis and his mother, Gladys, were moved from the public cemetery. They now rest at the Presley mansion, Graceland.
Today in 1984, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton released the “Once Upon A Christmas” album.
Today in 1985, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Greatest Hits Volume 2,” was certified gold.
Today in 1985, the film, “Sweet Dreams,” starring Jessica Lange as Patsy Cline, opened in theaters nationwide.
Today in 1986, the Everly Brothers were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1987, Kathy Mattea’s “Untasted Honey” album arrived in stores.
Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt released his album, “Too Cold At Home.”
Today in 1991, The “Garth Brooks” video was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1991, Tanya Tucker’s son, Beau Grayson, was born.
Today in 1998, Gene Autry, Hollywood’s original singing cowboy and former owner of the Anaheim Angels, died at the age of 91.
Today in 2001, George Jones’ CD, “The Rock: Stone Cold Country 2001,” arrived in stores. Other projects released on this date include Gary Allan’s “Alright Guy” album and the soundtrack to Dwight Yoakam’s film, “South of Heaven, West of Hell.”
Today in 2002, Elvis Presley’s posthumously released project, Elvis: 30 #1 Hits,” debuted at the top of the pop and the country charts.
Today in 2009, CMT premiered a bundle of videos: Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova,” Billy Currington’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice,” Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar,” Kenny Chesney & Dave Matthews’ “I’m Alive” and Reba McEntire’s “Consider Me Gone.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood performed her first concert at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
Today in 2012, Taylor Swift spent the day shooting the “Begin Again” video in Paris, France.
Today in 2013, The Band Perry teamed with Fall Out Boy to shoot an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at Rocketown in Nashville. The set list includes “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “DONE.”
Today in 2015, Taylor Swift welcomed a surprise guest during her concert at the Rogers Centre in Toronto: Keith Urban joined her to perform “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Somebody Like You.”
Today in 2017, Danielle Bradbery scored her first gold single for the song, “The Heart Of Dixie.”
Today in 2019, Jon Pardi interrupts his show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to propose to girlfriend Summer Duncan. She said yes, of course…and the happy couple exchanged their “I do’s” in November 2020.
Today in 2020, Brett Young performed a virtual concert to raise money for Pathways, a California organization that helps struggling young women get a new start.

Shania Twain Announces Expanded “Little Miss Twain”

Posted on October 2, 2026October 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

For fans who haven’t gotten enough of Shania Twain‘s latest album “Little Miss Twain,” we have good news. The singer has announced an expanded edition of the album, featuring five brand new songs, is coming out October 9. In a post announcing the release, Shania wrote, “I released Little Miss Twain this summer, and in giving you the stories of my youth, it made me want to share more from those days with you. ‘Little Miss Twain – The Places I’ll Go’ has five more stories that paint the full picture leading up to me signing my recording contract in Nashville,” she writes. “I’m really happy these five songs have their place on the record.” The five new songs are:

Who Do You Love
What’s Going On In There
Hate That Way
Tripping On Good Luck
The Places I’ll Go

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PETS OF THE WEEK: DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE

Posted on October 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pets of the Week are “Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”, a pair of 2 year old domestic shorthair twin kittys who are brothers. Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde love to play together and stare at each other through the window. Despite their monikers, both are very sweet cats and would be great best-buds for any cat lover. It’s strongly preferred they be adopted together, but could be adopted separately.

Both are fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde are the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week their adoption fee is very low this week. If you adopt one, it’s $10, or adopt them both for only $15!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde 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 Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 1, 2026September 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Loretta Lynn recorded her signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared October to be Country Music Month.
Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified gold. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry later that same year.
Today in 1991, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1991, Clint Black’s “Put Yourself In My Shoes” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1995, nearly $1-million was raised at the Farm Aid concert in Louisville, Kentucky.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook: A Collection of Hits” went gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1997, the video for “In Another’s Eyes,” which consisted of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performing the song on “The Tonight Show,” debuted on CMT.
Today in 1999, Neal McCoy kicked off his 5^th annual benefit weekend for the East Texas Angel Network in his hometown of Longview, Texas.
Today in 2002, the “Will The Circle Be Unbroken III” album by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, LeAnn Rimes’ “Twisted Angel” CD and Randy Travis’ “Rise & Shine” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley announced that he was officially engaged to his actress/screenwriter girlfriend, Kimberly Williams. The couple exchanged vows the following May.
Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and performed “Come A Little Closer” after being introduced by Marty Stuart.
Today in 2009, Dailey & Vincent were repeated as Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association awards in Nashville.
Today in 2010, Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2011, Lady A sang “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 2012, Chris Young’s “I Can Take It From There” hit the radio.
Today in 2014, Peggy Sue Evers, a 53-year-old woman who looks nothing like Alison Krauss, is jailed in the Bernalillo Metropolitan Detention Center in New Mexico for parading as the bluegrass singer and defrauding a senior citizen of his home and $40-grand.
Today in 2015, A Thousand Horses played the Troubadour in Los Angeles, where they brought out a surprise guest, former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.
Today in 2016, Eric Church guested on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” where he called Ole Miss “the best 2-2 team maybe ever.”
Today in 2016, LeAnn Rimes announced via Twitter that she was rescheduling the weekend’s two shows in Indiana as she struggled with jaw pain which was preventing her from singing.
Today in 2016, Dolly Parton played the first of two concerts at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
Today in 2016, Jason Aldean’s album, “They Don’t Know,” debuted at #1.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn performed publicly for the first time since suffering a stroke the previous May. Her set – during the Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival on her ranch in Hurricane Mills – included “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “You Ain’t Woman Enough.”
Today in 2018, it was a pretty big day for Miranda Lambert. The RIAA tapped six Miranda Lambert titles with sales awards: the albums “Revolution” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” went double-platinum, while the singles “The House That Built Me” and “Mama’s Broken Heart” were certified triple-platinum, “Over You” hit double-platinum and “Automatic?” It was platinum.
Today in 2019, Hunter Hayes and Devin Dawson performed during the second annual Andrew Dorff memorial concert at City Winery in Nashville. The event raised money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, the show also included Rachel Wammack and songwriters Lori McKenna and Jeffrey Steele.
Today in 2019, Jon Pardi’s first-ever headlining concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville included a surprise appearance by Brooks & Dunn, who team with Pardi on “Neon Moon” and “My Next Broken Heart.”
Today in 2019, the Lacs receive their first gold single for “Kickin’ Up Mud.”
Today in 2020, the video to Maren Morris’ “Better Than We Found It” was released.
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett and Kane Brown were double nominees in the E! People’s Choice Awards.

Dolly Parton Stars In Cup Of Ambition Coffee Commercial Filmed Before Her Passing

Posted on October 1, 2026September 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton ensured she’d be here for the nationwide launch of her “Cup of Ambition” coffee, despite being terminally ill. Her coffee brand launched nationally yesterday, on “National Coffee Day.” Along with the launch was a :30 ad, featuring the legend herself, as her hit “9 to 5” (from which the brand got its name) plays. “Cup of Ambition” coffee sales will support Parton’s Imagination Library, which aims to encourage young children to love reading. “Cup of Ambition” coffee is available everywhere now.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 30, 2026September 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1950, WSM-AM radio’s country music showcase, “Grand Ole Opry,” was telecast for the first time.
Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “Welcome To My World” album was certified gold.
Today in 1984, the album, “His Epic – The First Eleven – To Be Continued,” by Merle Haggard was released.
Today in 1992, George Jones was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1996, the album, “The Closer You Get,” by Alabama was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ “You Light Up My Life” single was certified gold.
Today in 1997, Patty Loveless released her ninth album “Long Stretch of Lonesome.”
Today in 2002, the Chicks’ “Home” album was certified gold, platinum and double-platinum simultaneously.
Today in 2003, Billy Currington’s self-titled album debuted.
Today in 2006, George Strait lifts the Jamey Johnson-penned “Give It Away” to the top of the Billboard chart.
Today in 2013, The Band Perry’s Kimberly Perry got engaged to Toronto Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia at her parents’ home in Greeneville, Tennessee. The lovebirds exchanged “I do’s” the following June 19^th (2014)…sadly they split in 2018.
Today in 2014, Warner Bros. released the Blake Shelton album, “Bringing Back The Sunshine.”
Today in 2015, Blake Shelton sang “Boys ‘Round Here” on the CW special “iHeart Radio Music Festival.” Lee Brice made a brief appearance on the two-hour show, with performances by Sam Smith, Puff Daddy and Fall Out Boy.
Today in 2016, John Prine’s album, “For Better, Or Worse,” was released. It features duets with Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert, Kacey Musgraves, Kathy Mattea, Morgane Stapleton, Alison Krauss and Iris DeMent, among others.
Today in 2016, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Star Of The Show,” was released.
Today in 2017, Blake Shelton was presented with a key to the city as he headlined a grand-opening concert at Ole Red Tishomingo in Oklahoma. He was joined on the bill by RaeLynn, Ronnie Milsap, John Conlee and Jeannie Seely.
Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes” began a three-week run at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2019, Dan + Shay performed “Speechless,” “Tequila” and “10,000 Hours” at the second wedding of Justin Bieber and Hailey Baldwin at Somerset Chapel in Bluffton, South Carolina. Also attending were Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, Billy Baldwin and Chynna Phillips.
Today in 2019, Kane Brown’s “Homesick” went gold – and his song, “Good As You,” went platinum.
Today in 2020, “Some Girl” singer Jameson Rodgers and Sarah Allison Turner got engages at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe, the club where they met nine years prior. The lovebirds became Mr. And Mrs. the following September.
Today in 2021, Justin Moore’s “With A Woman You Love” hit the airwaves. The same day? Blake Shelton’s single, “Come Back As A Country Boy,” was released.

Riley Green Announces 2027 “That’s Just Me” Tour

Posted on September 30, 2026September 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Riley Green is hitting the road. Yesterday he announced his 29 date “That’s Just Me Tour 2027.” The run of shows kicks off April 1 in Spokane, with dates in both Canada and the US including Calgary, Knoxville and more before a final show July 31st in Milwaukee. Muscadine Bloodline, Randy Houser, Jake Worthington and Hannah McFarland will be opening, depending on the date. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday at 10AM local. See the first ten dates of the tour below; hit up Riley’s website for a complete list of dates and to buy tickets.

* indicates Muscadine Bloodline opening

^ indicates Randy Houser opening

+ indicates Jake Worthington opening

• indicates Hannah McFarland opening

April 1st, 2027 – Spokane, WA – Numerica Veterans Arena*+•
April 2nd, 2027 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena*+•
April 3rd, 2027 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena*+•
April 8th, 2027 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place*+•
April 9th, 2027 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome*+•
April 10th, 2027 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Centre*+•
April 29th, 2027 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek^+•
April 30th, 2027 – Knoxville, TN – Food City Center^+•
May 1st, 2027 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena^+•
May 6th, 2027 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena^+•

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 29, 2026September 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, Jerry Lee Lewis was arrested. He was celebrating his birthday by popping off a few rounds on his .357 Magnum. Two of those rounds hit bass player Butch Owens square in the chest. Amazingly, Owens survived and “The Killer” was later charged with setting-off a firearm within city limits.
Today in 1980, Ronnie Milsap released his “Greatest Hits” collection.
Today in 1984, Keith Whitley made his debut on the country charts with “Turn Me On To Love.”
Today in 1987, the Judds’ “Christmas Time With The Judds” project and the “Just Us” album by Alabama arrived in stores.
Today in 1993, Mark Chesnutt won the CMA Horizon Award.
Today in 1993, Vince Gill had a lot to celebrate. Not only was his album, “I Still Believe In You,” certified double platinum, but he also took home 5 trophies (including Entertainer of the Year) at the CMA Awards.
Today in 1993, Willie Nelson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1995, Tracy Lawrence topped the singles charts with “If the World Had a Front Porch.”
Today in 1998, Martina McBride released her first holiday album, “White Christmas,” and Lorrie Morgan released “Secret Love,” her album of pop standards.
Today in 1999, Garth Brooks’ NBC-TV special, “In The Life of Chris Gaines,” premiered.
Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s album, “Faith,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of five million.
Today in 2000, Keith Urban made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2004, Randy Travis received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney’s “Who You’d Be Today” video and Toby Keith’s “Big Blue Note” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2009, Miranda Lambert’s album, “Revolution,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, John Rich and his wife, Joan, welcomed their son, Colt Daniel Rich.
Today in 2014, Eric Paslay’s “She Don’t Love You” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Dierks Bentley celebrated 10 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Among the songs in his extended set were “What Was I Thinkin’,” “Settle For A Slowdown,” “Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go)” and “Home.”
Today in 2015, Reba McEntire and Little Big Town members Karen Fairchild and Kimberly Schlapman made a surprise appearance at a Nashville club, singing “Jolene” with The Shadowboxers at the Basement East.
Today in 2017, it was a big day for Kenny Chesney. His singles “Save It For A Rainy Day” and the Grace Potter collaboration, “Wild Child,” went gold He also earns a platinum single for the P!nk duet, “Setting The World On Fire”
Today in 2017, Shania Twain’s “Now” album was released.
Today in 2017, Miranda Lambert’s single “Vice” is certified gold and platinum by the RIAA. On the same day, “Think Of You,” the Chris Young duet with Cassadee Pope, was certified platinum and Brad Paisley snags a single, “Perfect Storm,” also went gold.
Today in 2018, Willie Nelson headlined a fundraising concert for Texas Democratic congressional candidate Beto O’Rourke, playing for 50,000 people at Auditorium Shores in Austin. Also on the bill were Lukas Nelson & Promise Of The Real and Joe Ely.
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty” hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2019, Kimberly Williams-Paisley’s third Dance Party To End Alz raises $350,000 for charity at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Performances for the ’80s-themed event include Jamie O’Neal’s “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” Hunter Hayes’ “Footloose,” Shenandoah’s “Two Dozen Roses” and Brad Paisley’s “Dixieland Delight.”
Today in 2020, Mac Davis diedin Nashville several days after undergoing heart bypass surgery. A recording artist, actor and TV host, he earned country hits with “It’s Hard To Be Humble” and “Texas In My Rear View Mirror” and penned hits for Elvis Presley, Bobby Goldsboro and Kenny Rogers & The First Edition.
Today in 2020, Luke Combs was named the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s Artist/Songwriter of the Year for the second straight year.

Reba McEntire Says She Missed A Final Phone Call From Dolly Parton

Posted on September 29, 2026September 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Reba McEntire has one big regret when it comes to her relationship with Dolly Parton. Talking to “Entertainment Tonight,” the singer explained, “She did call me the last of July, and I was in a meeting and I missed her call. I tried to get back in touch with her and I couldn’t; never made connection. And then when…my buddy called me and said, ‘Dolly’s gone,’ I thought, ‘I’ll never know why she called me’.” However, she knows it won’t be a mystery forever, adding, “I’ll find out one day.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 28, 2026September 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1928, the first recording session in Nashville took place at the YMCA. One of the first acts to be recorded was Warmack’s Gully Jumpers.
Today in 1956, RCA Records credited Elvis Presley with selling more than 10-million records in his first year with the label.
Today in 1968, Jeannie C. Riley went to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Harper Valley P.T.A.”
Today in 1974, Waylon Jennings’ “I’m A Ramblin’ Man” resided at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1983, the “Man Of Steel” album by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
Today in 1984, George Strait’s album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” arrived in stores.
Today in 1991, Garth Brooks’ album, Ropin’ the Wind, became the first country music album to debut at # 1 on Billboard’s pop album chart. The project also took the top spot on the country albums chart. In fact, Brooks’ two previous albums, “No Fences” and “Garth Brooks,” held the # 2 and #5 positions on the country chart at the same time.
Today in 1993, the “Easy Come, Easy Go” album by George Strait, as well as Reba McEntire’s “Greatest Hits, Volume II” album were released.
Today in 1993, the album, “I Still Believe In You,” by Vince Gill was certified double platinum.
Today in 1995, the “Something Up My Sleeve” album by Suzy Bogguss was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” was certified for sales of 8-million.
Today in 1995, Tracy Lawrence topped the country charts with the single, “If The World Had A Front Porch.”
Today in 1996, the Judds staged a mini reunion at Shoreline Amphitheater in Mt. View, California. They sang the heartfelt ballad, “Grandpa.”
Today in 1998, Alabama’s “For The Record – 41 Number One Hits” album by Alabama was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1999, Clint Black’s “D’lectrified” album, Garth Brooks’ “In…the Life Of Chris Gaines” project were released.
Today in 1999, Kenny Rogers’ album, “She Rides Wild Horses,” was certified gold.
Today in 2000, Billy Gilman’s new video, “Oklahoma,” debuted on CMT’s “Delivery Room.”
Today in 2001, Jamie O’Neal’s debut album, “Shiver,” was certified gold.
Today in 2002, Diamond Rio tidied up at #1 in Billboard with their single, “Beautiful Mess.”
Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts’ “Feels Like Today” album was released.
Today in 2009, Trace Adkins’ “All I Ask For Anymore” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2010, A mass of artists performed “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” as the Grand Ole Opry House reopened following May floods. They include Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Jason Aldean and Little Jimmy Dickens.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley raised $335,000 for charity with his annual Miles & Music For Kids motorcycle ride and concert in Nashville. The lineup also features Chris Young, Kip Moore, Randy Houser and Jon Pardi.
Today in 2016, Kellie Pickler and her husband, songwriter Kyle Jacobs, were honored by the Defense Department with the Spirit of Hope award in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2018, “Rainy Night In Georgia” songwriter Tony Joe White made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2019, little 10-year-old Makenna Wallace brought a sign to Eric Church’s concert at the Chase Center in San Francisco, asking for a donation for a new school playground. She got it – he pledged $10-thousand from the stage.
Today in 2019, songwriter/producer busbee died from a form of brain cancer. He oversaw sessions by Maren Morris, Keith Urban and Lauren Alaina, and authored such titles as Hunter Hayes’ “Storm Warning,” Lady A’s “You Look Good” and Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing.”
Today in 2019, Neal McCoy welcomed Diamond Rio for his annual East Texas Angel Network benefit concert at the Belcher Center in Longview.
Today in 2019, Hunter Hayes performed for soldiers at Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Today in 2020, the Luke Combs single, “Better Together,” hit the airwaves. On the same day, Michael Ray’s “Whiskey And Rain” was released.
Today in 2021, Connie Smith invited Mandy Barnett to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2021, Alan Jackson revealed on NBC’s “Today” that he had been diagnosed with a degenerative nerve disease (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disorder) 10 years prior. The illness adversely affects his ability to tour and perform.

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