Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” Joins The Spotify Billions Club

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Darius Rucker has joined a very exclusive group of country artists. His 2013 hit “Wagon Wheel” has become only the 15th country song to reach a billion streams on Spotify, gaining him entrance into the Spotify Billions Club. It is far and away Darius’ career song, going Diamond (10-million units sold) in 2022. Check out the complete list of country Spotify Billions Club members below.

Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan
“Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
“Beautiful Crazy” – Luke Combs
“When It Rains It Pours” – Luke Combs
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves
“Love Story” – Taylor Swift
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Whiskey Glasses” – Morgan Wallen
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
“You Belong To Me (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
“Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1989, Naomi Judd had a lot to celebrate. She married her husband, Larry Strickland. That wasn’t the only good news – the Judds’ single, “Young Love (Strong Love),” topped the country charts.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley played a concert date at the Armadillo Ballroom in Brazoria, Texas, which amounted to his final show. He was dead three days later of alcohol poisoning.
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson released the hit single, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
Today in 1993, IRS agents seized possessions from the Mississippi home of Jerry Lee Lewis for failing to pay more than $1.6-million in overdue.
Today in 1994, the single, “Before You Kill Us All,” by Randy Travis topped the country singles charts.
Today in 1994, Garth Brooks hosted his second TV special on NBC.
Today in 1996, Lee Roy Parnell released the single, “Givin’ Water to a Drowning Man.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s single, “You’re Still The One,” was certified platinum.
Today in 2006, Bon Jovi rocked at #1 on the “Billboard” country chart with the Jennifer Nettles collaboration, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree.
Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn wrap the two-day Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, for a crowd of 30,000. Also playing: Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Green and Sugarland.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift’s “Mean” video had its world premiere on CMT.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban hosted the fifth We’re All For The Hall benefit at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Lee Ann Womack, among others.

Midland Announces Their Next Album

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Midland has new music on the way. The band announced yesterday that their next album, “Stages,” is due out next month. The ten-track album features appearances by Mackenzie Carpenter and country legend Clint Black, and will be available everywhere June 12th. Check out the track listing for “Stages” below.

Midland – Stages

1. “Marlboro Man”
2. “One Day You Won’t”
3. “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
4. “Walk A Mile”
5. “Glass Half Empty”
6. “I Wish You Would” (with Mackenzie Carpenter)
7. “Up In Texas” (feat. Clint Black)
8. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey ”
9. “Drunk Enough”
10. “Vaquero”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: “It’s a strange deal. I’m supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and the way normal folks live. But mostly I’m living in motel rooms and traveling on my special bus.”
Today in 1982, Vince Gill and his first wife, Janis, welcomed their daughter, Jenny.
Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell topped the charts with the single, “After All This Time.”
Today in 1995, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the singles charts with “Gonna Get A Life.”
Today in 1997, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill welcomed their first baby, Gracie Katherine McGraw. At age nine, she had her “big break” as part of the children’s chorus at the close of her dad’s hit single, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released his box set, “The Limited Series.” LeAnn Rimes also released her “Sittin’ On Top of the World” album, John Michael Montgomery’s “Leave A Mark” project, and Mark Wills album, “Wish You Were Here,” also arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill took four trophies in the 34^th annual Academy of Country Music awards. She won Single Record and Video of the Year, for “This Kiss”; claimed Top Female Vocalist; and shared Vocal Event with Tim McGraw, for “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant made their first national television appearance together as newlyweds today on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The couple was plugging the Electrolux USA Championship women’s golf tournament, which they were jointly hosting.
Today in 2000, the annual issue of “In Style” magazine’s “Makeover Edition,” credited Faith Hill as one of the “most improved” and LeAnn Rimes’ fashion sense as “coming of age.” Faith was also featured in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame” section that focused on “celebrities for whom change is the only constant.”
Today in 2001, Blake Shelton performed his breakthrough single, “Austin,” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton received a Tony nomination in New York for Best Original Score for “9 To 5: The Musical.” She lost out to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for their work in “Next To Normal.”
Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album, “Traveller,” was released.
Today in 2017, the Colt Ford album, “Love Hope Faith,” was released.
Today in 2018, Taylor Swift visited an 8-year-old fan at the Arizona Burn Center at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix.
Today in 2018, the Dustin Lynch single, “Good Girl,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini’s “Yeah Boy” earned a platinum single from the RIAA.
Today in 2020, Brothers Osborne’s “All Night” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Ballantine Books published “Live In Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes,” authored by Thomas Rhett’s wife, Lauren Akins.

Next Round Of Performers For The ACM Awards Announced

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The next round of performers for the upcoming ACM awards has been announced. New names added to the growing list include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top. They join previously announced performers Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green. The 61st ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17th, at 8pm ET/5pm PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, the folk group Kingston Trio won the first country music GRAMMY for “Tom Dooley.”
Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ second album, “Always and Forever,” was released.
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 1992, fans buying tickets for Garth Brooks’ show in Waterloo, Iowa, overloaded the phone lines, knocking out 911 service in three counties.
Today in 1993, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for sales of 10-million.
Today in 1995, Clay Walker’s “If I Could Make A Living” album went platinum.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain raced to number one on the Billboard country chart with “You Win My Love.”
Today in 1999, Tim McGraw released his album, “A Place In The Sun,” while Steve Wariner’s “Two Teardrops” album also arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Big & Rich’s debut album, “Horse of a Different Color,” rode into stores.
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s video, “You Belong With Me,” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2010, Chely Wright’s autobiography, “Like Me: Confessions Of A Heartland Country Singer,” was released – and with it, she officially became the first-ever openly gay commercial country artist.
Today in 2011, Marie Osmond remarried first husband Stephen Craig at a Mormon temple in Las Vegas. She wore the same bridal gown she wore when she first walked down the aisle in June 1982.
Today in 2015, Trace Adkins played a colonel on the NBC series “The Night Shift.”
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Somewhere On A Beach.”
Today in 2016, Darius Rucker was announced as a national chair for the National Museum of African American Music, destined to be built in Nashville. He shared the distinction with India.Arie, Keb’ Mo’ and CeCe Winans.
Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini sang “Peter Pan” in a guest slot on the ABC drama “Nashville,” providing a backdrop as the characters of Mark Collie and Charles Esten duked it out in the alley behind the bar.
Today in 2017, Jennifer Nettles took a tumble and broke a rib during a corporate performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and gets checked into a Nashville hospital. She returned to the stage the following October to honor Alan Jackson at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction.
Today in 2018, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, Travis Tritt and Terri Clark are on the guest list for the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Gala on the eve of the race in Louisville. Also appearing are Kid Rock, Naomi Judd, Richie Sambora and Eddie Montgomery.
Today in 2019, Randy Travis celebrated his 60^th birthday with an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing “Forever And Ever, Amen” with Ricky Skaggs and songwriter Don Schlitz. Charles Esten performed “Honky Tonk Moon” and Josh Turner sang “Out Of My Bones.”
Today in 2020, Dwight Yoakam announced his marriage to longtime love Emily Joyce in March, just before COVID-19 forced a quarantine. The ceremony in Santa Monica was attended by 10 people, each of them separated by at least six-feet for safety. The couple welcomed their son, Dalton Loren Yoakam, on August 16^th, 2020.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Elvis Presley married his longtime girlfriend, 21-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. They had their daughter, Lisa Marie just nine months later. After six years of marriage, the couple divorced but remained very close.
Today in 1969, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan taped the first installment of “The Johnny Cash Show” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Future singer/songwriter John Hiatt was in the audience. Country Music named Loretta Lynn its 80’s Artist of the Decade.
Today in 1982, “Mountain Music” peaked at #1 for Alabama on the Billboard Country singles chart.
Today in 1980, the Academy of s released The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s album “Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2.” The guests included Johnny Cash, Levon Helm, Roy Acuff, John Denver, Chris Hillman, Roger McGuinn, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.
Today in 1989, the “Sweet Sixteen” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1993, Charley Pride joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1999, Dixie Chick Emily Erwin married Charlie Robison at a West Texas ranch. They made the wedding a Texas family-and-friends event rather than a Nashville extravaganza and did the planning themselves. While they later divorced, fellow Chick Natalie Maines met her future husband, Adrian Pasdar, at the ceremony – and they’re still hitched.
Today in 2000, Steve Wariner was in Colorado to help raise money for the construction of a new library at Columbine High School library. He signed autographs in exchange for donations to “Hope Columbine,” an organization formed by the Columbine High School families after the 1999 shooting tragedy.
Today in 2000, SHeDAISY staged a free concert as part of the USTA festivities. The event kicked off with a morning tennis clinic at Centennial Park in cooperation with the Tennessee Education Association. Following the clinic, Governor Sundquist officially renamed the state Tennis-e for the day. Then tennis stars like Patrick McEnroe and Alexandra Stevenson conducted a tennis exhibition/clinic. The event at War Memorial Plaza concluded with a free lunchtime concert from the sisters.
Today in 2002, Chely Wright was the only country artist to be featured in People magazine’s annual “50 Most Beautiful” issue.
Today in 2008, George Strait picked up a gold album for “”
Today in 2010, Rascal Flatts signed the national anthem before the Kentucky Derby at Louisville’s Churchill Downs. Amongst the attendees were Little Big Town, Smokey Robinson and Terry Bradshaw, won by Super Saver.
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” album was released.
Today in 2016, Dustin Lynch brought out two surprise guests – Jay Popoff and Jeremy Popoff, of the rock band Lit – for a version of “My Own Worst Enemy” during the Stagecoach Country Festival at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California. Lynch later joins headliner Luke Bryan on “Play Something Country” and “She’s Country.”
Today in 2018. the downtown Nashville venue Ole Red, associated with Blake Shelton and the Grand Ole Opry, opened its doors on lower Broadway.
Today in 2019, Dan + Shay sang “Speechless” as pop singer Joe Jonas married actress Sophie Tucker at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2020, Kenny Chesney album, “Here And Now,” was released.
Today in 2020, the Luke Combs single, “Six Feet Apart,” to radio.
Today in 2021, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley took part in the Natchez Trace Century Ride, a cycling event in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Blake Shelton Announces Seventh Ole Red Location

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton‘s business portfolio continues to grow. The singer has announced that he’ll be opening his seventh Ole Red location in Indianapolis. There are already two in Nashville, along with locations in Las Vegas, Orlando, Gatlinburg, and in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The newest Ole Red will be a massive 37-thousand-square-foot, multi-level space, and will sit just steps from multiple entertainment venues including the Ritz-Carlton Indianapolis and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’ll be awhile before the newest location opens; right now, the doors are expected to open in late 2027.

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

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Django”, a 4 year old black Terrier, Pit Bull mix. Django has an awesome personality, and makes friends quickly. Django is a sweet guy who loves car rides and loves to play with other dogs, and would make a great dog for any family! Django is fully vetted, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped and would love to meet you!

And since Django is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $100 this week!

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

Keith Urban Gives Details On His Yacht Rock Album, Drops First Two Tracks

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Keith Urban has given fans all the details on his upcoming “yacht rock” album. Yesterday, the singer dropped two tracks from the upcoming project: a cover of the 1972 Seals & Crofts hit “Summer Breeze,” and the album’s lone original track “We Go Back,” with yacht rock legend Michael McDonald helping on vocals. The album, “Flow State,” consists of eleven tracks and also features contributions from John Mayer and Little Big Town. “Flow State” drops June 12.

See the track list below.

“Steal Away” (originally by Robbie Dupree)
“Baby Come Back” (originally by Player)
“Magnet and Steel” ft. Little Big Town
“Just the Two of Us” (originally by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers)
“On and On” (originally by Stephen Bishop)
“We Go Back” ft. Michael McDonald
“Help Is On Its Way” (originally by Little River Band)
“How Much I Feel” (originally by Ambrosia)
“Summer Breeze” (originally by Seals & Crofts)
“I Just Wanna Stop” (originally by Gino Vanelli)
“Guitar Man” ft. John Mayer (originally by Bread)

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