This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 22, 2024March 22, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Carl Perkins got into a car accident, breaking his collarbone.
Today in 1958, 8-year-old Hank Williams Jr. made his stage debut in Swainsboro, Georgia. His father, the late country singer Hank Williams, passed away New Year’s Day 1953.
Today in 1971, at the Academy of Country & Western Music Awards, Merle Haggard won Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year, and his band Strangers won Top Touring Band.
Today in 1977, John Denver’s TV special, “Thank God, I’m a Country Boy,” aired on ABC-TV.
Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers performed at Carnegie Hall in New York City with Oak Ridge Boys and Dottie West as his opening acts.
Today in 1984, Kathy Mattea released her self-titled debut album.
Today in 1988, the album, “80’s Ladies,” by K.T. Oslin was certified gold.
Today in 1988, Restless Heart’s album, “Wheels,” was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Garth Brooks topped the “Radio & Records” chart for the second straight week with “Two Of A Kind, Workin On A Full House.”
Today in 1995, the “Buenos Noches From A Lonely Room” album by Dwight Yoakam was certified platinum.
Today in 1996, Clay Walker’s “Hypnotize The Moon” album was certified gold.
Today in 1999, the album, “Come On Over,” by Shania Twain was certified for sales of 9-million.
Today in 1999, Diamond Rio’s album, “Unbelievable,” was certified gold.
Today in 1999, Sheryl Crow played the Grand Ole Opry to an audience that included Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, Deana Carter, and the Dixie Chicks.
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire’s “Video Bio” premiered on CMT.
Today in 2001, after months of speculation, Shania Twain and her music producer/husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange confirmed that they were expecting their first child. The happy couple welcomed their son, Eja (pronounced “Asia”) Lange, on August 12^th. Here’s the best part – Shania and Mutt were able to keep the news private until August 20^th.
Today in 2003, The Dixie Chicks hit the top of the Billboard country chart with “Travelin’ Soldier.”
Today in 2007, Jason Aldean’s “Johnny Cash” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2013, the album, “Here’s To the Good Times,” by Florida Georgia Line went gold.
Today in 2015, Dwight Yoakam served as the honorary starter for NASCAR’s Auto Club 400 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California.
Today in 2015, Dierks Bentley, Amy Grant and several stars from “Nashville”—Connie Britton, Charles Esten and Lennon and Maisy Stella – played a benefit for the African Children’s Choir at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson’s publicist told the Associated Press that a story claiming that he was “deathly ill” was without merit, pointing out that he was well enough just days after the initial report to perform at RodeoHouston.

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

Posted on March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Nora”, an adorable 4 year old Bulldog mix. Nora is extremely friendly, playful and goofy gal who loves everyone and walks well on a leash. Nora also gets along great with other dogs, cats and kids. Nora loves belly rubs and would love to meet her new best friend! Nora is fully vetted, vaccinated and ready to go to a loving home!

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

JELLY ROLL TO RETURN AS HOST FOR OPRY NEXTSTAGE

Posted on March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Jelly Roll has been announced as the host for this year’s Opry NextStage Live From Texas show on May 15. The show takes place a day before the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 16. Jelly is returning as host, and recognizes the importance of the event.

“Opry NextStage is important because I think it’s creating a culture around younger artists, introducing them to the Opry the right way, and then bringing them up to that next stage. It’s showing them the way and getting that Opry love that we all look for in the industry. There’s no more special of a co-sign in Country music than the Grand Ole Opry.”

Taking the stage this year are newcomers Anne Wilson, Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Madeline Edwards, and Wyatt Flores, along with other special guests. The showcase takes place at the Lava Cantina on May 15 at 2:30 pm CT in The Colony, Texas. The general public on-sale to see the show in person begins Friday, March 22 at 10 am CT via Eventbrite.

Since the event began in 2019, some eventual big names got some of their first exposure at NextStage: Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Lainey Wilson, Priscilla Block, Breland, Travis Denning, Niko Moon, Jameson Rodgers, Elvie Shane, Nate Smith and Hailey Whitters have all gotten a boost from the prestigious event.

Source: TheMusicUniverse

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 21, 2024March 21, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1955, Johnny Cash auditioned for Sam Philips at Sun Records in Memphis. Philips liked “Hey, Porter,” and asked Cash to come back and record the next day, despite passing on most of his other songs.
Today in 1981, Willie Nelson got a #1 single with “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground.”
Today in 1987, Restless Heart hit the top of the charts with “I’ll Still Be Loving You.”
Today in 1988, at the Academy of Country Music awards, Randy Travis won Top Male Vocalist and his song “Forever And Ever, Amen,” won Single Record and Song of the Year.
Today in 1994, the “8 seconds” soundtrack went gold. Artists who contributed included John Anderson, Pam Tillis, Billy Dean, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, McBride & The Ride, Karla Bonoff, David Lee Murphy, Mark Chesnutt, Patty Smyth, and Bill Conti.
Today in 1998, Clint Black and Steve Wariners “Nothin’ But The Taillights” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1999, Garth Brooks experienced the beginning of spring training, getting a single up the middle of pitcher Mike Sirotka during a San Diego Padres game, as they lost to the Chicago White Sox.
Today in 2000, Nickel Creek released a self-titled debut album.
Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts singer Gary LeVox and his wife Tara gave birth to their second daughter, Brooklyn Leigh Vernon.
Today in 2014, in an episode of “CMT Crossroads,” Dierks Bentley and OneRepublic sang “Apologize,” “Up On The Ridge,” “Pride (In The Name Of Love)” and “I Hold On.”
Today in 2015, Jason Aldean married Brittany Kerr in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. “Duck Dynasty” star Willie Robertson conducted the ceremony, and Tyler Farr was one of the groomsmen. Aldean and Kerr’s first dance? Lionel Richie’s “Stuck On You.”
Today in 2017, Little Big Town performed in Australia for the first time, appearing at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney with opening act Kip Moore.
Today in 2018, Keith Urban’s “Coming Home” hit the airwaves.

FIRST CMT MUSIC AWARDS PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED

Posted on March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 by Bob Ballard

As we draw closer to the 2024 “CMT Music Awards.” the evening is beginning to take shape. Kelsea Ballerini will once again be hosting the festivities, which will take place Sunday, April 7. Yesterday, the first round of performers for the event was announced.

Taking the stage alongside Ballerini, who will both host and perform, will be Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Sam Hunt. More performers will be announced between now and the night of the show. The fan-voted award show airs live from Austin, Texas’ Moody Center on Sunday, April 7 from 8-11 pm ET/PT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

Source: TheMusicUniverse

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 20, 2024March 20, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1984, The Judds made their first large-venue appearance opening for the Statler Brothers at an arena in Omaha.
Today in 1993, George Strait’s “Heartland” topped the Billboard charts at #1.
Today in 1998, Steve Wariner gave his first public performance during the Grand Ole Opry of “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven.”
Today in 2002, Alison Krauss + Union Station picked up a gold album for “New Favorite.”
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw rose to #1 in Billboard with “Watch The Wind Blow By.”
Today in 2004, Gretchen Wilson’s video for “Redneck Woman” debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.” The clip included Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock.
Today in 2011, “Do not challenge the intelligence of my audience,” said John Rich, taking offense after Jose Canseco and Richard Hatch put down his theme song for Camping World on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The men’s team won the episode.
Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum nabbed a quadruple-platinum album from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Need You Now.”
Today in 2014, Canaan Smith announced his engagement to Christy Hardesty. The lovebirds married the following August and in October 2019? Th they welcomed daughter Virginia Rose Smith.
Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood portrayed Mary, the mother of Jesus, as FOX aired a live two-hour TV special, “The Passion.”
Today in 2018, Sturgill Simpson was honored by the state legislature in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Today in 2018, Chris Janson joined the Grand Ole Opry…inducted by Garth Brooks.
Today in 2019, Lefty Frizzell’s “The Long Black Veil” was entered into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress. The 2019 class also included music by Cyndi Lauper, Sam & Dave, Neil Diamond and Ritchie Valens.
Today in 2019, Randy Owen received the Heart Of An Eagle Award from the Boy Scouts of America during a luncheon in Anniston, Alabama.

2024 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES ANNOUNCED

Posted on March 19, 2024March 19, 2024 by Bob Ballard

The Country Music Hall Of Fame has announced their 2024 inductees. Along with long-time Nashville musician James Burton being inducted in “Recording and/or Touring Musician” category, two country performers also got the call: 80s and 90s superstar John Anderson, and the late Toby Keith.

Anderson, who resided on country radio for twenty years and put out such classics as “Swingin’,” “Straight Tequila Night” and “Seminole Wind,” said of the honor, “After several days, I am still trying to grasp the reality of being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It is one of the greatest honors I could ever receive. My love and heartfelt gratitude goes out to the fans who have supported me through the years, everyone at the Country Music Hall of Fame and all of those who made this possible. I am proud and honored beyond words.”

Toby Keith’s family also released a statement, saying “Toby’s passing left our hearts broken. We miss him so much, but we take comfort that his music and legacy will live forever. Thank you, Country Music Hall of Fame, for helping keep it alive.” Son Stelen Covel made a brief speech of gratitude on behalf of his family. Sarah Trahern, the Country Music Association’s CEO, explained during the announcement that she received the voting results on February 6, only a day after Keith passed after battling stomach cancer. Trahern had awakened the same morning to news of Keith’s death. When she saw the results that afternoon, she said, “my heart sank … knowing that we missed the chance to inform Toby while he was still with us.”

A formal induction ceremony for Burton, Anderson and Keith will take place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater this October.

See the entire induction announcement ceremony below.

Source: TheMusicUniverse

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 19, 2024March 19, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1953, Tex Ritter performed the theme to “High Noon” at the Academy Awards. “Do Not Forsake Me,” became the first country title to win the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Today in 1957, Elvis Presley bought Graceland, a former church on the outskirts of Memphis that had been converted into a 23 room mansion. It was named after the aunt of the previous owner.
Today in 1968, Tom T. Hall married “Truck Drivin’ Son-Of-A-Gun” songwriter Dixie Deen, shoo he affectionately calls “Miss Dixie.”
Today in 1974, the “Would You Lay With Me” album by Tanya Tucker was released.
Today in 1977, Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” reached #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1984, RCA recording artists The Judds made their first stage appearance, opening for the Statler Brothers in Omaha, Nebraska.
Today in 1988, Porter Howell of Little Texas married his wife, Angela.
Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton scored his first number one with the Harland Howard classic “Life Turned Her That Way.”
Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Chill Of An Early Fall” album was released. Kathy Mattea also released “Time Passes By.”
Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ single “Blame It On Your Heart” debuted on the charts.
Today in 1994, Neal McCoy picked up a #1 single in Billboard with “No Doubt About It.”
Today in 1996, Shania Twain’s album “The Woman In Me” officially became the best selling studio album ever by a female country artist after being certified for sales of six million copies. Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” previously had that distinction.
Today in 1999, 67-year-old George Jones walked out of the hospital 13 days after his near fatal traffic accident.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney topped the “Radio & Records” charts with “How Forever Feels.”
Today in 2002, Martina McBride’s single “Blessed” hit number one on both the “Billboard” and “Radio & Records” charts.
Today in 2002, Diamond Rio’s Brian Prout announced that he and his wife, songwriter Stephanie Bentley — who wrote Faith Hill’s “Breathe” — were expecting their first child in October. The happy couple welcomed their daughter, Lily Arlina Kay Prout, on September 25th in Nashville.
Today in 2003, Kenny Chesney was on the 50-yard line of the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium announcing plans for the “Back Where I Come From 3: One Night At Neyland” concert, which turned out to be one of the biggest shows of his career.
Today in 2003, Terri Clark was in Nashville to celebrate the chart-topping success of her single “I Just Wanna Be Mad.”
Today in 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus was told by a judge on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” that he looked “like a crazy bear lost in a swamp.” Dance pro Julianne Hough, former McCartney bride Heather Mills and ‘N Sync alumnus Joey Fatone also performed in the episode.
Today in 2008, Charlie Daniels was recognized at a special reception in honor of his 50th anniversary in the music business.
Today in 2008, Wynonna and Travis Tritt were performers at the Lili Claire Foundation’s First Annual “Everyone’s A Miracle” Benefit Concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Jo Dee Messina and Lorrie Morgan also performed while Alison Krauss was among those attending the fundraising event.
Today in 2008, Kellie Pickler made a guest appearance on Fox’s “American Idol.”
Today in 2009, Jake Owen, Julianne Hough, and the Zac Brown Band received their trophies as the Academy of Country Music’s “Top New” winners. Owen took the title of Top New Male Vocalist, Hough was named Top New Female Vocalist, and Zac Brown Band earned Top New Duo or Group. They received their awards on the TV special “ACM Top New Artists,” hosted by Sara Evans.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s video for “I Run To You” premiered on com
Today in 2010, The Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet collaborated on “Margaritaville,” “Chicken Fried,” and “Toes” on a new episode of “CMT Crossroads.”
Today in 2011, Craig Morgan received an award backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House in recognition of his heroics a few weeks earlier, in which he rescued two small kids from a burning house in Charlotte, Tennessee. He also received an honorary lifetime membership to the Tennessee City Fire Department.
Today in 2013, David Allan Coe was hospitalized after a car accident in Ocala, Florida. The then-73-year-old singer suffered multiple cuts, neck, side, and back injuries in the crash, and needed firefighters to remove him from his mangled vehicle. Coe had to cancel several shows because of the accident.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves’ album “Same Trailer Different Park” was released.
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s “Spring Break 6…Like We Ain’t Ever” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Today in 2015, Chris Janson put a new song, “Buy Me A Boat,” up for sale on iTunes. Within weeks, the track got him signed to Warner Bros.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell played Peyton Manning’s annual Celebration of Caring benefit at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Manning joins him on “You Never Even Called Me By Name.”

Here’s Why Eric Church Wears Sunglasses Inside

Posted on March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Eric Church didn’t start wearing sunglasses onstage to make a fashion statement. Quote, “I wear contacts and my eyes don’t do real well with lubrication, but we would play all these bars and clubs . . .

“The . . . lights would bake my contacts and they’d fall off. So I ended up being blind on stage. Someone suggested glasses and it worked . . . it ended up being a thing.”

It’s to the point now that he doesn’t feel right if he’s onstage WITHOUT his shades. But he doesn’t wear them 24-7, just when he’s performing.

(On a related note, Eric just announced a residency at his new bar Chief’s in Nashville. Here’s the announcement. And you can grab more info here.)

(Distractify)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 18, 2024March 18, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1985, Kris Kristofferson was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York.
Today in 1989, Ricky Van Shelton hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with his remake of “From A Jack To A King.”
Today in 1996, Brooks & Dunn released the single, “My Maria.”
Today in 2000, “How Do You Like Me Now?!” by Toby Keith began a five-week period at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks album, “Home,” was certified for shipments of 6-million copies.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s “Living In Fast Forward” began its three weeks at #1.
Today in 2009, on “American Idol,” Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis sang “I Told You So,” and Brad Paisley performed “Then.”
Today in 2013, Kellie Pickler got great footwork feedback as ABC-TV launched a new season of “Dancing With The Stars.” Wynonna competed with family members Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd and husband Cactus Moser seated in the studio audience.
Today in 2014, Jessie James Decker and her husband, NFL player Eric Decker, welcomed a daughter, Vivianne Rose Decker.
Today in 2014, John Rich launched a new fashion line, Redneck Riviera, during an event at Spinnaker in Panama City, Florida.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town started their two-week reign at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart, with “The Breaker.”
Today in 2017, music pioneer Chuck Berry died in St. Louis. As a songwriter, he enjoyed country hits with Buck Owens’ “Johnny B. Goode,” Emmylou Harris’ “(You Never Can Tell) C’est La Vie,” George Jones & Johnny Paycheck’s “Mabellene” and Waylon Jennings’ “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” Hours later, Brad Paisley paid tribute by playing “Johnny B. Goode” during a concert in Kissimmee, Florida.
Today in 2019, Jordan Davis snagged a gold single from the RIAA for “Take It From Me,” while Jon Pardi’s “Night Shift” single also went gold.
Today in 2019, Luke Combs collected a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Beautiful Crazy” and a triple-platinum single for “When It Rains It Pours.” The same day, Kacey Musgraves collected a platinum single from the RIAA for “Blowin’ Smoke” and Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” earned two multi-platinum singles from the RIAA, going triple- and quadruple-platinum.
Today in 2019, a representative for Jerry Lee Lewis announced that the Killer had been moved to a rehabilitation facility, two weeks after he was hospitalized with a stroke. He has since returned to music.
Today in 2019, Kathy Mattea received the American Master Award from the Berklee College of Music at Warner Music Nashville.
Today in 2019, Brooks & Dunn, Ray Stevens and retired producer/label executive Jerry Bradley were announced as the 2019 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

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