This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 9, 2024May 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, John Denver’s single, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” topped the country charts.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley was found dead of alcohol poisoning in his Nashville home. Sadly, his career had just hit an all-time high. He was survived by his wife, Lorrie Morgan.
Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam scored his first platinum certification for the album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc.”
Today in 1989, after dropping out of Northeast Louisiana University, Tim McGraw moves to Nashville. On his first day in town, he heard “Indian Outlaw,” which was destined to become his first hit. He also met songwriter Craig Wiseman, who ultimately wrote several future hits for Tim.
Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ wife, Leticia (aka Tish), gave birth to the couple’s second child – Braison Chance – in Nashville.
Today in 1997, the “Academy Of Country Music-101 Greatest Country Hits” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2000, Steve Wariner’s album, “Faith in You,” was released. The project featured “Katie Wants a Fast One,” Steve’s duet with Garth The Judds’ album, “Judds Reunion: Live” and Craig Morgan’s “Something To Write Home About” also hit stores.
Today in 2001, after nine long years, Toby Keith hollered a resounding, “How do you like me now!?,” as he accepted his very first Academy of Country Music award in the Album of the Year category. He also won in the Top Male Category. Other winners included Dixie Chicks as Entertainers of the Year, Faith Hill as Top Female Vocalist with Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert winning in the Vocal Event, Single and Song of the Year categories. Brooks & Dunn snagged Top Duo honors while Rascal Flatts scored their first ACM in the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category. Other special moments included Glen Campbell presenting Kenny Rogers with the Career Achievement Award and a stunned Barbara Mandrell accepting the Pioneer Award. Prior to the invitation to join her sister, Louise, on stage — Barbara had no idea that she was going to receive the honor.
Today in 2002, Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, had about 300-thousand reasons to be happy. The happy couple raised $300,000 with the help of their famous friends at the 10^th annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf event, The event, which took place at the Legends Club of Tennessee, wrapped up that week and has raised nearly $3-million since 1993 for Tennessee Junior Golf and youth programs across Tennessee.
Today in 2005, barefoot Kenny Chesney married actress Renee Zellweger in the Virgin Islands. Zellweger filed for an annulment four months later claiming “fraud.” While the gossip columns went nuts, Chesney later explained that the term was simply a legal technicality.
Today in 2010, Blake Shelton proposed to Miranda Lambert in the woods near her home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. They married in 2011…and surprised the world when they announced they were divorced in 2015.
Today in 2012, Lyle Lovett and Sheryl Crow performed “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” for President Barack Obama at the White House as Burt Bacharach and Hal David were honored with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The same night, Lee Ann Womack offered up “I Hope You Dance” for numerous politicians and their spouses at the Washington Hilton in an event honoring first lady Michelle Obama.
Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” was certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA. On the same day, Josh Turner’s single, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” went platinum and Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In A Small Town” went gold.
Today in 2014, Hunter Hayes played 10 concerts in 10 cities in a 24-hour period, beginning with a “Good Morning, America” performance in New York City, which included his performance of “Invisible.”
Today in 2015, Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” kicked off a 13-week run at the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 2016, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Keith Urban threw out the ceremonial first pitch and announced the starting lineups in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. The New York Mets defeated the Dodgers, 4-2.
Today in 2016, The Library of Congress announce the establishment of the Marty Stuart Collection, which was made up of hundreds of hours of audio-visual material amassed by Stuart. Included is footage from the Grand Ole Opry, “The Johnny Cash Show” and “The Marty Stuart Show,” plus home movies of Lester Flatt’s band.
Today in 2017, Josh Abbott had a first date in Texas with Taylor Parnell…who became his wife 14-months later.
Today in 2017, “Women’s Wear Daily” reported that the Federal Trade Commission had written letters to a number of celebrities – including Luke Bryan and Lucy Hale – warning them that they need to indicate a financial relationship when they advertise products online.
Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson snagged three nominations to lead the list of finalists in the Americana Honors & Awards – Artist of the Year; Song of the Year, for “All Around You”; and Album, for “A Sailor’s Guide To Earth.”
Today in 2017, Maren Morris performed “I Could Use A Love Song” as a musical guest on NBC’s “The Voice,” featuring celebrity coaches Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line held a benefit for Hurricane Irma victims at the San Carlos Theater in Key West. They shared the stage with Morgan Wallen and RaeLynn.
Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton made a surprise appearance during Justin Timberlake’s concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The pair duet on “Tennessee Whiskey.”

SECOND ROUND OF ACM PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED

Posted on May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

The 59th Annual ACM Awards are fast approaching, and the Academy announced a second round of performers yesterday who will take the stage on the big night. Just added, duets from Kelsea Ballerini and Noah Kahan, Nate Smith and Avril Lavigne, and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani, along with solo performances from Post Malone and Parker McCollum. The first round of performers included big names like Jason Aldean, Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson. The ACMs air live Thursday, May 16th at 8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 8, 2024May 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, The Man in Black donned a black robe: Johnny Cash receives an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from San Diego’s National University. San Diego mayor Pete Wilson declares Johnny Cash Day.
Today in 1982, Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” was at #1 on “Billboard’s” country singles chart.
Today in 1995, Lee Roy Parnell released “A Little Bit of You.”
Today in 1999, Martina McBride played herself in a cameo appearance on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The show was about a guy named Gary, who magically gets tomorrow’s paper a day early so he can prevent tragedies from occurring. In the episode, he read in “the paper” that Martina would be seriously injured while rehearsing with her band, so he raced to the concert hall to save her.
Today in 2000, Brad Paisley made his “Tonight Show” debut.
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire snagged the top spot on “Billboard’s” Liquid Audio chart with the single, “We’re So Good Together.” It was her first foray into downloadable music.
Today in 2004, “You’ll Think Of Me” took Keith Urban to the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Mindy McCready was taken to a Nashville hospital after ex-boyfriend William McKnight broke into her home, beat and choked her. McKnight was later charged with attempted murder. They soon reconciled and a year later, she gave birth to their son, Zander. They split again, of course, and sadly in spite of her attempts to get her life together, she ultimately committed suicide on February 17, 2013.
Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum performed “Wanted You More” on the season finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” One of Blake Shelton’s team members, Jermaine Paul, is voted the winner.
Today in 2017, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross waltzed to “Humble And Kind” as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” receiving nine out of 10 points from each of the four judges, including Julianne Hough.

MIRANDA LAMBERT ANNOUNCES “MUSIC FOR MUTTS” BENEFIT CONCERT

Posted on May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Miranda Lambert is known for her love of the fur-babies. Animals are her jam, and she’s raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for animal-related causes. To that end, the singer announced her first-ever “Music For Mutts” benefit concert, which will raise money for her MuttNation Foundation that she founded with her mother Bev in 2009. The concert takes place Saturday, October 5 at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater,with Miranda headlining and other acts to be announced closer to the event. Miranda says that she wanted to do something special to celebrate the 15th anniversary of MuttNation, and the weekend will also include adoption opportunities. Tickets for the show go on sale to the public this Friday. For more details go to Miranda’s website.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 7, 2024May 7, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1949, Hank Williams made his first appearance at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Lovesick Blues.”
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)” was released.
Today in 1993, Lee Roy Parnell’s single, “Tender Moment,” hit #1.
Today in 1994, Clint Black topped the charts with his single, “A Good Run Of Bad Luck.”
Today in 1996, the album, “Politics, Religion and Her,” by Sammy Kershaw was released.
Today in 1997, Clint Black’s album, “Put Yourself In My Shoes,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1997, the album, “The Coast Is Clear,” by Tracy Lawrence was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt succumbed to lung cancer after being diagnosed with the disease one year earlier. He was 56.
Today in 2002, Kellie Coffey’s debut album, “When You Lie Next To Me,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” was released.
Today in 2007, Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley were featured among “People” magazine’s ‘100 Most Beautiful People,’ as were Barbara Mandrell, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Miley Cyrus.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert, Kix Brooks and Travis Tritt attended the Kentucky Derby at Louisville’s Churchill Downs, where Animal Kingdom won. Also present: Laura Bell Bundy, Randy Owen, Eddie Montgomery and Linda Davis.
Today in 2012, Jake Owen married Lacey Buchanan in Vero Beach, Florida. The couple’s first dance at the reception is to “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Today in 2016, Lady Antebellum performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a rainstorm before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Nyquist won the race, attended by Joey Fatone, Eddie Montgomery, Travis Tritt, Will Chase, Tanya Tucker and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson.
Today in 2017, Lady Antebellum sang the national anthem and Phil Vassar performed during intermission when the Nashville Predators defeat the St. Louis Blues, 3-1, at the Bridgestone Arena, propelling team to the NHL’s Western Conference finals for the first time in its history.

GEORGE STRAIT ANNOUNCES NEW SONG AND ALBUM ARE ON THE WAY

Posted on May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Good news for George Strait fans. The King has new music coming out! While playing at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis over the weekend, George announced he was playing a new song, but prefaced it by telling the crowd, “We are going to do a few new things tonight. We’ve got a new record it’s called ‘Cowboys and Dreamers.’ It’s going to be coming out soon.” George then played a song called “Three Drinks Behind.” He played a second new song with tour-mate Chris Stapleton, later in the show, called “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 6, 2024May 6, 2024 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.

Luke Combs’ Tour Is Breaking Records

Posted on May 3, 2024May 3, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs is breaking records on his Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old Tour. His two-night stand at American Family Field in Milwaukee attracted 90,828 fans, a two-night record for the venue.

He played to similar numbers during his two nights in Buffalo, New York, setting a record there as well. He also set the record for highest-selling and highest-grossing concert at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium.

Meanwhile, Luke’s got a new song on the way called “Huntin’ by Yourself”.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 3, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, Alabama’s album, “The Closer You Get,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1986, Dolly Parton opened her Dollywood amusement park in Tennessee.
Today in 1993, the “Some Gave All” album by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified for sales of 7-million.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks were the big winners at the 29th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Los Angeles. Garth skipped the show to be in Nashville with his then-wife, Sandy, as she gave birth to the couple’s second child, August Anna. She was born the night Garth received the ACM’s Entertainer of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year. That same night, “We Shall Be Free” was named Video of the Year.
Today in 1994, the “Rhythm, Country and Blues” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1996, John Michael Montgomery hit #1 with “Long As I Live.”
Today in 1997, Travis Tritt, Bill Anderson, Stonewall Jackson and others attended the 50^th anniversary celebration for the Ernest Tubb Record Shops in downtown Nashville.
Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me” video made its worldwide debut on CMT’s “Delivery Room.” Other videos premiering included the Kinleys’ “She Ain’t The Girl For You,” “One Voice” from Billy Gilman and Sonya Isaacs’ “Since I Gave My Heart Away.”
Today in 2000, in an incident that no one has ever been able to truly explain, Roseanne Barr crashed the party that Lonestar’s record company hosted following the ACM Awards show. Lonestar and their friends were busy celebrating their ACM Single of the Year award for “Amazed,” so it’s not surprising that it took some time before anyone noticed that someone had walked away with the trophy presented to the record label. A few days later, Roseanne admitted that she hid the award under her jacket as she left the celebration at the ritzy Posto Restaurant in Los Angeles. She followed her confession by sending the trophy to Nashville, where it was placed on display at the record label’s office.
Today in 2002, Chely Wright was among “People” magazine’s annual “50 Most Beautiful.” She was the only country singer.
Today in 2003, Buddy Jewell became the first “Nashville Star.”
Today in 2006, Ricky Van Shelton wrote an open letter to fans announcing his retirement from the road, assuring fans he and his wife, Bettye were in good health, he said they “need to be close to our families” in Virginia.
Today in 2007, Taylor Swift picked up a gold single for her debut, “Tim McGraw.”
Today in 2010, water from the Cumberland River flooded Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House peaking more than two feet above the venue’s stage. The Opry moved to other locations for four months.
Today in 2013, Keith Urban made a surprising appearance during The Rolling Stones’ show at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, joining the band while playing “Respectable.”
Today in 2014, Kacey Musgraves performs “Follow Your Arrow” at the GLAAD Media Awards in New York, following an introduction by Chely Wright.
Today in 2017, the video for “Craving You,” by Thomas Rhett featuring Maren Morris, hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Toby Keith covered “MacArthur Park,” while Dwight Yoakam played “Wichita Lineman” at Carnegie Hall in New York during a salute to Jimmy Webb. A fundraiser for Alzheimer’s, the show also featured Ashley Campbell, Judy Collins, Art Garfunkel, Amy Grant, Graham Nash, and Johnny Rivers.

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

Posted on May 2, 2024May 2, 2024 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Turkey”, a 3 year old Domestic Shorthair/Mix kitty with a grumpy face but a loving personality. Turkey loves attention and gets along great with other cats and doesn’t seem to mind dogs. And since Turkey is the H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week his adoption fee is only $30! “Turkey” is fully vetted, microchipped, vaccinated and ready to go to a loving home.

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Turkey 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 Turkey with Shanna & Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

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