Luke Bryan Reveals 2026 Farm Tour Details

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

We already knew the dates and locations for Luke Bryan‘s fall 2026 Farm Tour, but yesterday he revealed who would be coming along for the ride. Dasha, Kenny Whitmire, the Peach Pickers and DJ Rock have been announced as special guests for the 2026 Farm Tour dates. Tickets are available now at Luke’s website.

As a reminder, the four fall Farm Tour dates are listed below:

September 17: Latrobe, Pennsylvania — 1846 Farms
September 18: Millersport, Ohio — Miller Family Farm
September 19: Brookston, Indiana — Prairie View Farms
September 20: Allegan, Michigan — John Schaendorf Dairy

This Day in Country Music History

Posted on July 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers left the New Christy Minstrels and later formed the First Edition.
Today in 1967, Bobbie Gentry recorded the hit single “Ode to Billie Joe” at a Hollywood studio.
Today in 1970, Johnny Cash recorded Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”
Today in 1972, Tom T. Hall entered the charts with “I Remember The Year That Clayton Delaney Died.”
Today in 1982, “Any Day Now” by Ronnie Milsap peaked at #14 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1982, “Love’s Been A Little Bit Hard On Me” by Juice Newton peaked at #7 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1998, Collin Raye’s “I Can Still Feel You” hits the top of Radio & Records’ country chart.
Today in 2000, U-S Customs officials at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport seize a shipment of Kenny Chesney’s single, “I Lost It.” The promotional C-D singles were assembled with a package that included imported “English water.” On the cover, Kenny, who was dressed in a black suit and black hat, appeared to be partially immersed in a pool of water.
Today in 2001, it was officially announced that Chalee Tennison had become officially engaged to guitar player Mark Gillespie. The happy couple tied the knot on November 10^th in a private ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Today in 2002, Dolly Parton launched a 13-city tour, marking her first tour in decades.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher at the Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia.
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kellie Pickler sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2013, Randy Travis underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke at the Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano in Texas.
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley announced that his 15-year-old dog, Jake, had died. His pet was a sidekick through much of Bentley’s career, introduced in the video to “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Today in 2017, Brett Eldredge was high on the platinum single he scored from the RIAA for “Drunk On Your Love.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood joined Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to help construct a new house in Edmonton in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.
Today in 2018, Halfway To Hazard launches a monthly residency at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville with surprise guests Chris Young, Jon Stone and Ira Dean.

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

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Hawk”, a 4 year old male Pointer mix. Hawk weighs about 50 lbs, and is a handsome and friendly fellow! Hawk gets along great with other dogs and doesn’t seem to mind cats. Hawk also enjoys walks and behaves very well on a leash, and he loves to play fetch with a tennis ball!

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

And since Hawk is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $20 this week!

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

Randy Travis Announces First New Album In Nearly 20 Years

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

A country legend is readying new music. Randy Travis has announced that his first album of new music in 18 years is on the way. Kyle Lehning, Randy’s longtime producer, assembled, remixed, and remastered the previously unreleased songs from throughout their career together. The full album’s title and release date have not yet been announced, but the first single from the record, “Fish On,” will be available everywhere tomorrow.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Born To Boogie” album was released.
Today in 1988, John Berry and his wife, Robin, were married.
Today in 1991, Roy Acuff was one of 12 recipients of the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony hosted by president George Bush
Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, “Blue.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks got all kinds of good news. His self-titled debut was certified for sales of 9-million, his “Fresh Horses” album was certified for sales of 6-million copies and his album, “In Pieces,” was certified for sales of 8-million. That’s not all, his “No Fences” album was certified for sales of 16-million, Garth’s album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified for sales of 13-million and his album, “The Chase,” was certified for sales of 8-million. Doing the math – that total added up to an astounding total of 60-million albums sold.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney became the first artist in five years to sell out Cowboy’s in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 1999, just minutes before curtain, Mary Chapin Carpenter cancelled a concert at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri. Soon afterwards, a hall official broke the news that Mary Chapin had to fly home to tend to her very ill golden retriever.
Today in 1999, Lonestar began a nine-week run at #1 on “Radio & Records’” country chart with “Amazed.”
Today in 2001, the Country Music Association announces 12 honorees will be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame: Bill Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Sam Phillips, The Louvin Brothers, The Delmore Brothers, The Jordanaires, Webb Pierce, Don Gibson, The Everly Brothers, Don Law, Ken Nelson and Homer & Jethro.
Today in 2002, the “Halos and Horns” album from Dolly Parton and Andy Griggs’ “Freedom” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” topped the “Radio & Records” and “Billboard” singles charts.
Today in 2004, Wynonna and the rock band Heart teamed up in an installment of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster. The episode included performances of “Only Love,” “No One Else On Earth” and “Love Hurts”
Today in 2010, A “CMT Crossroads” episode featuring Kenny Chesney and Steve Miller debuted. The set list included “I Go Back,” “Rock N’ Me” and “Living In Fast Forward”
Today in 2011, Cheyenne Kimball shocked her bandmates by quitting Gloriana via Twitter after a concert at the Franklin County Fair in Missouri.
Today in 2016, Jon Pardi’s “California Sunrise” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton opened for hard-rock band Guns N’ Roses at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, performing “Nobody To Blame,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “Tennessee Whiskey” before GNR cranks out “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Paradise City.”
Today in 2017, Maren Morris got engaged to Ryan Hurd while visiting his family in Michigan. The were married March 24, 2018.
Today in 2017, it was revealed that Cassadee Pope and All Time Low’s Rian Dawson had called off their engagement. Together for seven years and engaged for five months, she channeled her feelings into a song – it’s been speculated that it’s either “Take You Home” or “Don’t Ask Me.”
Today in 2018, Eli Young Band vocalist Mike Eli and his wife, Kacey, welcomed son, Kash Eli, in Dallas.

Garth Brooks Announces New Arena Tour

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

We now know what that mysterious countdown on Garth Brooks’ website was about. Brooks announced yesterday that his upcoming “Blame It All On My Roots: The Arena Tour” will launch in August. The initial stop on the tour will be a two-night stand at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, on August 21-22. No other dates or cities have been announced as yet; tickets for the Indiana shows go on sale via Ticketmaster on July 17 at 10am ET.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1972, when a concert date was canceled, Barbara Mandrell officially joined the Grand Ole Opry, three weeks earlier than scheduled.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and then-wife, Sandy Brooks, welcomed their first child, daughter Taylor Mayne Pearl Brooks, in Nashville.
Today in 1993, the “Merry Christmas To You” album by Reba McEntire was certified gold.
Today in 1994, Travis Tritt scored a #1 hit with his single, “Foolish Pride.”
Today in 1996, Keifer Thompson moved to Nashville from Oklahoma. Shortly after, he meets future wife and fellow Thompson Square partner Shawna McIlwain.
Today in 1997, Marty Stuart married Connie Smith on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Afterward, they drove out into the wilderness and end up dancing on a cliff to Buck Owens’ “Your Tender Loving Care.”
Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “If You See Her” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1998, the Roy Orbison Estate filed a $12-million royalty suit against Sony Music Entertainment Inc. The suit alleged that Sony, in selling licenses from the artist’s Monument Records master recordings, consistently underpaid Roy in domestic and international royalties.
Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” began a five-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley was #1 on the country charts with his single, “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song).”
Today in 2010, Taylor Swift shot the wedding scene for her “Mine” video at the Christ Church in Kennebunk, Maine, with British actor Toby Hemingway in the role of the groom.
Today in 2013, Darius Rucker’s single, “Radio,” was released.
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s “Dirt” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks became the first country artist to headline at the new Yankee Stadium in New York. He sang two songs written by New Yorker Billy Joel, “Shameless” and “Piano Man.” Brooks also joined wife Trisha Yearwood on “In Another’s Eyes.”
Today in 2017, Julianne Hough married NHL player Brooks Laich near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Her brother, Derek Hough, was a member of the wedding party. The couple announced their separation (after months of questions) in May 2020. They’ve since finalized their divorce.
Today in 2018, Josh Abbott married Taylor Parnell at Brazos Hall in Austin, Texas.
Today in 2019, the Thomas Rhett single, “Remember You Young,” was released.
Today in 2020, Lady A filed suit in Nashville against blues singer Lady A to protect its trademark of the name, granted in 2011. The group was formerly known as Lady Antebellum, but shortened the official name in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, running into an unexpected conflict in the process.
Today in 2021, the Walker Hayes single, “Fancy Like,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, Morgan Wallen closed on the sale of his four-bedroom Nashville residence…as in, the house where he was notoriously recorded using a racial slur the previous February. The property went for $835,000, nearly 20% more than the $700-grand he bought it for in 2020.

Luke Combs Sets Another Venue Record

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs is proving his appeal isn’t just with American country fans, its global. While he’s used to setting attendance records here at home, he’s shown that his concerts draw huge crowds in other parts of the world as well. Saturday night, 60,826 people were on site in Gothenburg, Sweden as Luke kicked off his European tour at the iconic Ullevi Stadium. That set a new attendance record as the largest country music concert ever held in the Nordic region. His next show is tonight at the Accor Arena in Paris…is another attendance record about to fall?

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1954, Memphis disc jockey Dewey Phillips played Elvis Presley’s debut single, “That’s All Right,” on his radio show. It was the first time an Elvis record had ever been played on the radio.
Today in 1992, “Achy Breaky Heart” single by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified gold and platinum. “Weird Al” Yankovic later parodied it into “Achy Breaky Song.”
Today in 1993, the Recording Industry Association of America announced that Garth Brooks was the leading recording artist of the decade, with sales of 24 million records.
Today in 1995, Shania Twain topped the country charts with “Any Man of Mine.”
Today in 1995, Collin Raye’s album, “In This Life,” went platinum.
Today in 1998, LeAnn Rimes’ “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1998, beloved singing cowboy Roy Rogers died of heart failure at the age of 86.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks album, “Fly,” was certified with the coveted Diamond Award from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which commemorates sales of 10-million units.
Today in 2004, Jimmy Buffett’s “Hey, Good Lookin'” video – featuring appearances by George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Clint Black and Alan Jackson – debuted on CMT.
Today in 2004, Big & Rich’s debut album, “Horse Of A Different Color,” was certified gold.
Today in 2007, Montgomery Gentry rolled straight sevens by topping the Billboard chart with “Lucky Man” on 7-7-07.
Today in 2007, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed “We Shall Be Free” from the National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., for the Al Gore-sponsored Live Earth charity concerts.
Today in 2008, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman welcomed their daughter, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban, at Baptist Hospital in Nashville.
Today in 2011, Blake Shelton’s “God Gave Me You” was released.
Today in 2012, Eric Church wrote his 2014 single, “Talladega,” with Luke Laird at the Times Union Center in Albany, New York.
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s “Roller Coaster,” which was written by Cole Swindell, hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Craig Morgan filed a $40-million suit against Kent Sporting Goods and a subsidiary that manufactured the live vest his son was wearing when he drowned in July 2016, indicating the vest was not certified for water sports, but had the appearance of vests that have been approved.
Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line played the first of three summer stadium shows at Boston’s Fenway Park, joined by The Backstreet Boys, Nelly and Chris Lane. FGL and BSB team on “God, Your Mama, And Me,” Nelly covers “Die A Happy Man,” and the whole crew closed the concert with a mass version of “Cruise.”
Today in 2017, the film, “Hickok,” debuted with Trace Adkins and Kris Kristofferson having starring roles.

Kenny Chesney Receives Pandora Billionaire Plaque

Posted on July 3, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Kenny Chesney continues to be both a legend and a current country powerhouse. Prior to his show last Friday at the Sphere, the singer was surprised with a Pandora Billionaire plaque commemorating eight billion streams on the streaming platform. Kenny still has a way to go to be the biggest Pandora country artist ever; Jason Aldean currently holds that title with 11 billion streams.

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