- Today in 1964, Buck Owens’ “Together Again” took him to #1 again on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1970, Conway Twitty rose to #1 on the Billboard Country chart with “Hello Darlin.”
- Today in 1980, the Gatlin Brothers’ “Straight Ahead” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1981, “Elvira” by Oak Ridge Boys entered the Top 40 chart.
- Today in 1995, Doug Stone earned gold certification for his album, “Greatest Hits Volume I.”
- Today in 1997, the “How Do I Live” single by LeAnn Rimes was released.
- Today in 1998 George Strait’s “I Just Want To Dance With You” stepped to the top of the Billboard country singles chart
- Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack made her debut appearance on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She didn’t take the “Leno” stage alone, though — when she got the request to perform her breakthrough hit, “I Hope You Dance,” she called her collaborators on the tune, the Sons of the Desert. It was the Sons’ first national TV appearance.
- Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood became part of one of the hottest — and sexiest – shows on television. The song, “For Only You,” was released as part of the soundtrack from the smash-hit HBO series “Sex And The City.” It wasn’t the first time Trisha took part in a soundtrack project, but what’s interesting is how it happened. While Trisha was in L.A. for the Academy of Country Music awards, she got a call about possibly recording a new song. The song was actually supposed to be recorded by Natalie Cole, but the singer had vocal problems and was forced to back out at the last minute. When Trisha heard the song, she instantly loved it and was thrilled that it was part of one of her favorite shows. So, she said yes and was off to the recording studio. Trisha actually recorded the jazzy ‘40s style song the very next night.
- Today in 2000, it was announced that AOL subscribers had dubbed Lonestar’s “Amazed” as the “Top Love Song of All Time.” The single, which topped both the country and Hot 100 charts, was chosen over such classics as “Unchained Melody” (Righteous Brothers), “I Knew I Loved You” (Savage Garden), “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” (Bryan Adams) and “All My Life” (K-Ci & JoJo). Also in the Top 10 were “I Will Always Love You” (both the Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston versions), “My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion) and two ‘N Sync songs.
- Today in 2000, Rascal Flatts’ self-titled debut album and Ronnie Milsap’s “40 #1 Hits” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2000, Clint Black’s “Biography” debuted on the A&E network.
- Today in 2001, it was announced that Vince Gill would be the recipient of the second annual “Country Weekly” Career Achievement Award at the TNN & CMT “Country Weekly” Awards.
- Today in 2001, Travis Tritt’s home state of Georgia announced plans to honor him by renaming a three-mile section of Highway 92 “Travis Tritt Highway.”
- Today in 2003, Kenny Chesney headlined a stadium show for the first time in his career, playing to nearly 62-thousand (61,780 to be exact) in the rain at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium. Joining him on the bill: Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, The Warren Brothers and Deana Carter.
- Today in 2005, Toby Keith’s singles “I Love This Bar” and “Beer For My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson, are certified gold.
- Today in 2009, George Strait headlined the inaugural event at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton. Lee Ann Womack was a last-minute replacement for Julianne Hough, who bowed out with strep throat.
- Today in 2012 Carrie Underwood wins “Video of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year” at the CMT Awards.
- Today in 2013, Taylor Swift brought out surprise guests Tim McGraw and Keith Urban to play “Highway Don’t Care” at Nashville’s LP Field during the CMA Music Festival. The Zac Brown Band likewise welcomed two unannounced guests: Kenny Rogers and Kid Rock.
- Today in 2014, Jimmy C. Newman made what would ultimately be his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood made a surprise appearance to sing “Somethin’ Bad” with Miranda Lambert at Nashville’s LP Field during the CMA Music Festival. The stadium lineup also features Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and Travis Tritt.
- Today in 2016, Blake Shelton’s single, “She’s Got A Way With Words,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2016, Darius Rucker raised $197,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with his seventh annual benefit at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. The bill included Scotty McCreery, Hunter Hayes, Terri Clark, Drake White and Charley Pride, who sang with Darius on “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
- Today in 2017, Clay Walker held his annual Chords of Hope benefit at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville – and was joined by Bryan White and John Berry.
- Today in 2017, Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” was certified gold, platinum and double-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2017, Tough way to rehearse: Miranda Lambert found herself stuck in an elevator on the day she was set to prep her next-day performance with the crew for the CMT Music Awards at Nashville’s Music City Center.
- Today in 2017, Montgomery Gentry played the St. Jude Jam, a benefit for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Memphis Cook Convention Center along with Kim Carnes, Clare Dunn and R.E.M. guitarist Mike Mills.
- Today in 2017, Earth, Wind & Fire was the centerpiece of a “CMT Crossroads” shoot in downtown Nashville. They were joined by Lady Antebellum on “September,” plus Rascal Flatts, Dan + Shay, Sara Evans, Drake White, Martina McBride and Darius Rucker, who helps out on “Shining Star.”
- Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert leads a MuttNation Mutt March, a parade on the first day of the CMA Music Festival in Nashville to encourage pet adoption. Sixty-one dogs find new homes during the festival.
- Today in 2019, Chely Wright, Lee Brice, Mickey Guyton, Daughtry and Billy Gilman guested at Ty Herndon’s Concert for Love & Acceptance, raising money for GLAAD at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville.
- Today in 2020, Carly Pearce and Michael Ray performed on the Grand Ole Opry in their last public appearance before she files for divorce.
- Today in 2021, Garth Brooks is among the recipients as CBS aired”The Kennedy Center Honors.” Kelly Clarkson performed “The Dance” in his honor, James Taylor sang “The River,” Jimmie Allen offered “The Thunder Rolls” and “Friends In Low Places,” and Gladys Knight closed with “We Shall Be Free.”
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This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1980, The John Travolta movie “Urban Cowboy” premiered. It includes music by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Anne Murray, The Eagles, The Charlie Daniels Band, Jimmy Buffet, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and J.D. Souther.
- Today in 1981, John Denver’s “Greatest Hits, Volume II” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1992, Wynonna Judd’s debut album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1993, the legendary Conway Twitty passed away. He was 59 years old.
- Today in 1993, Toby Keith’s first single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” hit #1 on the charts.
- Today in 1995, the 29th annual Music City News Country Awards were held with Alan Jackson & Reba McEntire walking away as the night’s top winners.
- Today in 2000, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was certified for sales of 13 million. This distinction tied with Bruce Springsteen’s “Live 1975-1985” as the biggest-selling live album in history. As a bit of trivia, that certification pushed Garth’s total career sales to 5 million. As of now, his sales exceed 100 million.
- Today in 2000, George Strait got great news. His 1995 compilation, “Strait Out of the Box,” jumped to the 7-million sales level matching Led Zeppelin’s 1990 self-titled collection as the highest-certified box set released in the ’90s. Plus, George’s 1998 album, “One Step at a Time,” was certified double platinum.
- Today in 2000, Martina McBride was working overtime during her visit to the Washington, D.C. area. After turning in a stellar performance during the George Strait Country Music Festival’s stop in Landover, Maryland, Martina performed another show at the much more intimate setting of the Birchmere, a music hall located in Alexandria, Virginia. Country stars rarely perform two concerts at different places during the same day, but Martina made an exception after hearing the tragic story of a local murder. In April 2000, 8-year-old Kevin Shifflett was stabbed to death as he played outside his grandparents’ home in Alexandria. Martina’s concert raised $100,000 for a reward fund to find the young boy’s killer. Raising $100,000 for one show at the Birchmere was an impressive feat since 500 fans gladly paid $200 per ticket to see Martina’s concert.
- Today in 2000, Vince Gill’s album, “I Still Believe in You,” was certified for sales of 5-million.
- Today in 2000, Mark Chesnutt’s “Greatest Hits” album went platinum.
- Today in 2000, Mary Chapin Carpenter had plenty to celebrate, with her “Stones in the Road” reaching double platinum and her greatest hits collection, “Party Doll and Other Favorites,” going gold.
- Today in 2000, Even in the midst of an extended hiatus, the Dixie Chicks showed no signs of slowing down. Their debut album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was certified for sales in excess of 11-million. When the critically acclaimed disc surpassed 10-million the trio became the only group in the history of country music to receive a prestigious RIAA Diamond Award. The news was certainly made sweeter for the band as their follow-up album, “Fly,” had already well over the 9-million mark and hit 10-million before summer was in full swing.
- Today in 2001, Trisha Yearwood’s album, “Inside Out,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2003, Dwight Yoakam receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
- Today in 2007, After kicking off their Soul2Soul concert tour, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill received the Academy of Country Music’s Career Achievement Award.
- Today in 2014, Chris Young had to cancel many tour dates due to the hand he severely cut while making dinner.
- Today in 2016, as he turned 36, Carrie Underwood gave her husband, hockey player Mike Fisher, a cannon.
- Today in 2017, the estate of Bill Monroe announced it was willing to sell rights to his name and likeness, plus tons of memorabilia, including 1,800 personal checks, some of them written to Ralph Stanley, Johnny Paycheck, and Earl Scruggs.
- Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line held the grand opening of its Nashville restaurant, FGL House.
- Today in 2017, Brooks & Dunn made a surprise appearance at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, playing “Red Dirt Road” with Darius Rucker as Rucker raised $402,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Center. Also appearing were Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, John Oates, and Michael Ray, who teamed with Rucker on “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
- Today in 2019, Luke Combs received a quadruple-platinum single award from the RIAA for “Hurricane,” a double-platinum cert for “One Number Away” and “Houston, We Got A Problem” went gold as well.
- Today in 2020, Mitchell Tenpenny’s single, “Alcohol You Later,” went gold.
- Today in 2021, Kid Rock lashed out at fans using a homophobic slur during a performance at the FishLipz Bar & Grill in Smithville, Tennessee. The moment became a controversy when the video got posted online.
- Today in 2021, Lindsay Ell broke her right leg when she jumped off the bus in Nashville while chasing her dog at the end of a tour.
Eric Church Couldn’t Get a Gig on Broadway in Nashville Because He Wouldn’t Play Covers
Posted on by Bob Ballard
If you’re just starting out and want to make it on Broadway . . . Nashville’s Broadway, that is . . . you have to play covers. And when Eric Church moved to Nashville, he wasn’t interested in that.
He says, quote, “I couldn’t get a gig on Broadway. Nothing. I couldn’t even bartend on Broadway. They didn’t want original music. They wanted you to play whatever the songs were at the time. I didn’t really do that. I was a songwriter.”
He finally found a place called the Fiddle & Steel Guitar Bar, where he bonded with other guys who were serious about songwriting . . . including Toby Keith, who had just laid out a guy who was harassing other patrons.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1982, Alabama held their first ever June Jam in their hometown of Fort Payne, Alabama. More than 30,000 attended the charity concert near the high school, where the hometown band shares the stage with Janie Fricke, The Oak Ridge Boys, Louis Mandrell, and R.C. Bannon.
- Today in 1996, Kenny Chesney put out his “Me & You” album, Lorrie Morgan released her “Greater Need” project and Neal McCoy’s self-titled album hit the record stores.
- Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire performed a special concert simulcast via satellite on TV screens in over 1200 Wal-Mart electronics departments nationwide. The concert was part of a benefit for Children’s Miracle Network, and over 2,300 Wal-Mart stores nationwide donated a dollar from the sale of every Brooks & Dunn and Reba album to the cause.
- Today in 1999, Tim McGraw and more than 400 fans were forced to evacuate his charity concert at the 7th House in Pontiac, Michigan, after a woman used pepper spray against a man that she claimed groped her. During the show, Tim fell to his knees mid-song, choking. Frightened audience members fled from the hall, coughing and holding shirts over their faces. On a happier note, his album, “A Place In The Sun,” had been certified gold and platinum simultaneously that same day.
- Today in 1999, the Kinleys earned their first gold album for “Just Between You and Me.”
- Today in 2002, Shannon Lawson’s debut album, “Chase The Sun,” arrived in stores. “Wheels” from Hometown News was also released.
- Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems, goes gold and platinum.
- Today in 2003, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart, George Jones, Deana Carter, Kenny Chesney, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Sara Evans performed for CMT’s taping of its “100 Greatest Songs of Country Music” special.
- Today in 2006, a fall in her home in Tennessee caused Loretta Lynn to break her shoulder and subsequently cancel nine concerts through July.
- Today in 2011, Trace and Rhonda Adkins’ home in Brentwood, Tennessee was destroyed by a fire.
- Today in 2014, Alan Jackson played a surprise show with Lee Ann Womack in downtown Nashville.
- Today in 2015, Loretta Lynn and Jack White were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame.
- Today in 2016, Taylor Swift surprised fan Max Singer by showing up at his wedding at the Brant Beach Yacht Club in Brant Beach, New Jersey. But she didn’t just show up – she performed an acoustic version of “Blank Space” for the newlyweds and their guests.
- Today in 2017, six years after controversy knocked his song off of “Monday Night Football,” Hank Williams Jr. shot a new version of “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” in Nashville for the 2017 NFL season on ESPN.
- Today in 2018, the Brett Eldredge single, “Love Someone,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2019, Margo Price and her husband Jeremy Ivey welcomed their daughter, Ramona Lynn Ivey.
- Today in 2020, Luke Bryan ranked #45 on the “Forbes Celebrity 100” after making $45.5 million in a year. Blake Shelton came in at #70.. with an income of $ 43.5 million.
- Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson filed for divorce from Brandon Blackstock in Los Angeles. The very messy split was finalized in March 2022.
- Today in 2021, Walker Hayes’ EP “Country Stuff” was released. On the same day, Brett Young’s album, “Weekends Look A Little Different These Days,” also went on sale.
Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde Will Host ABC’s CMA Fest Special
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde will host this year’s CMA Fest special. The three-hour concert will air June 25th at 8:00 p.m. Eastern on ABC. It’ll stream the next day on Hulu.
CMA Fest takes place this Thursday through Sunday in Nashville.
It’ll include performances from Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Hardy, and Lainey Wilson.
MORGAN WALLEN’S “THIS BAR” OPENS FOR BUSINESS
Posted on by Bob Ballard
A week after delaying the Memorial Day weekend opening of his “This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen,” the doors of Morgan Wallen‘s new Nashville establishment opened for business Saturday morning at 11am. There’s still no official word on why the week-long delay, though a source told “Billboard” that the restaurant/bar opening was pushed back as it awaited final inspections .
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1949, an eighth grader named Elvis Presley got his report card – he scored an “A” in language, but only a “C” in music.
- Today in 1972, Donna Fargo topped the country music charts with her single, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA.”
- Today in 1982, the album, “Strait From The Heart,” by George Strait was released.
- Today in 1989, Reba McEntire married her road manager, Narvel Blackstock, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He had previously been her steel guitar player. Reba joked that after she’d promoted him to road manager, she demoted him to husband. The couple has one child, Shelby Stephen.
- Today in 1989, Steve Wariner’s single, “Where Did I Go Wrong,” was #1 on the country charts.
- Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt filmed his first video, “Too Cold At Home.”
- Today in 1991, Willie Nelson released the album, “Who’ll Buy My Memories: The IRS Tapes.” Sales of the album helped pay off the $ 16 million he owed the federal government in back taxes.
- Today in 1997, Tim McGraw released “Everywhere,” Pam Tillis released her “Greatest Hits” collection, and Sons of the Desert released their debut CD, “Whatever Comes First.”
- Today in 2000, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney were arrested in Buffalo, New York, after Kenny rode off on a mounted police officer’s horse and Tim allegedly attacked sheriff’s deputies who attempted to stop him. The pair was acquitted on all charges related to the skirmish the following May.
- Today in 2006, Dierks Bentley’s “Settle For A Slowdown” settled in at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2009, George Strait’s “Troubadour” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 2011, Kenny Chesney’s “You And Tequila” video, featuring Grace Potter, debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert’s album, “Platinum,” was released.
- Today in 2016, Maren Morris’ album, “Hero,” was released.
- Today in 2019, Old Dominion’s single, “One Man Band,” was released.
- Today in 2020, Miranda Lambert scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Little Red Wagon,” and picked up a double-platinum single for “Somethin’ Bad,” her duet with Carrie Underwood.
- Today in 2020, Vince Gill’s wife, Amy Grant, had successful open-heart surgery to correct a congenital condition – she’s made a full recovery.
- Today in 2020, Kane Brown’s “Worldwide Beautiful” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Tim McGraw, and Lady Antebellum appeared on “CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists Of The Year Special,” which honors people who are instrumental in battling a pandemic. Also aboard were Darius Rucker, Kelsea Ballerini, Thomas Rhett, and Kane Brown, who closed with “Stand By Me.”
CARLY PEARCE REVEALS MEDICAL CONDITION ON INSTAGRAM
Posted on by Bob Ballard
“Hey y’all, I have always been transparent and honest about every part of my life…” Carly Pearce began in a message to fans on Instagram. “You guys know that I have been dealing with some health issues. Through that, I’ve developed something called Pericarditis, which is a heart issue,” she revealed. “I’ve been working with doctors and talking to my cardiologist, and I still want to be out on the road, it’s really important to me, but we have all decided that it is in my best interest as I’m healing to alter my shows a little bit, so, if my shows look a little bit different, just know it’s because I have to keep my heart rate under control right now.” She ended by urging fans to “listen to (their) bodies” and take care of themselves.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1973, Tanya Tucker’s “What’s Your Mama’s Name?” album was released.
- Today in 1984, Willie Nelson & Julio Iglesias’ duet, “To All The Girls
- I’ve Loved Before,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1986, “Whoever’s In New England” took Reba McEntire to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1985, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Rowdy” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1988, Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes” album and the “Alabama Live” album were released.
- Today in 1991, Joe Diffie topped the charts with “If The Devil Danced in
- Empty Pockets.”
- Today in 1991, Randy Travis married his manager, Lib Hatcher, in Maui, Hawaii.
- Today in 1991, Tracy Lawrence left a Nashville studio in the early morning hours to celebrate finishing recording his first album, “Sticks and Stones.” A few hours later, he and a female friend were robbed at gunpoint — Tracy was shot four times.
- Today in 1995, Shania Twain received her first gold album for “The Woman In Me.” The album went on to become the biggest selling album of all time by a female country artist, before being surpassed by her follow-up “Come On Over.”
- Today in 1997, a very nervous Lee Ann Womack made her Grand Ole Opry debut. She was so nervous that she barely moved from center stage during her performance. Of her big night jitters, Lee Ann later said, quote, “If I had moved, I would’ve peed in my pants.”
- Today in 2000, after months of speculation, it was finally announced that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw would tour together. The couple’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour went on to become one of the year’s highest grossing tours.
- Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook were married in Nashville. Bandmates Kimberly Roads (now Schlapman) and Phillip Sweet are among the witnesses.
- Today in 2008, Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney and Tiffany Fallon welcomed their son, Jagger Donovan Rooney.
- Today in 2012, Kelly Clarkson and Brandon Blackstock made their public debut as a couple, attending a party for Blackstock’s management client, Blake Shelton, in Nashville.
- Today in 2013, Cassadee Pope begins her first major concert tour as an opening act for Rascal Flatts and The Band Perry at Jones Beach, New York.
- Today in 2016, Dustin Lynch announced the launch of his Stay Country clothing line.
- Today in 2016, Kiefer Sutherland made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry, where he covers Merle Haggard’s “The Bottle Let Me Down.”
- Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton postponed nine concert dates and cancels a CMA Music Festival appearance. A day later, he announced he broke his right index finger, limiting his ability to play guitar.
- Today in 2017, Kelsea Ballerini provided the voice of a toucan in an episode of the animated Nickelodeon series “Blaze And The Monster Machines.” The same day? She scored a gold single from the RIAA for her song, “Yeah Boy.”
- Today in 2019, Luke Combs performed “Lovin’ On You” in concert for the first time during a show at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: GEORGIA
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Georgia”, a beautiful 2 year old Domestic Shorthair/Mix kitty who is full of affection with a calm disposition. Georgia is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home. And because Georgia is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee for Georgia is only $30 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Georgia 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 Georgia with Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
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