This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, the “Spirit” album by John Denver was certified gold.
Today in 1977, the day after Elvis Presley’s death, President Jimmy Carter issued the following statement, “Elvis Presley’s death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. More than twenty years ago, he burst upon the scene with an impact that was unprecedented and will probably never be equaled. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense and he was a symbol to people the world over, of the vitality, rebelliousness and good humor of his country.”
Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album was certified platinum. It has since been certified for sales of 5-million.
Today in 1993, a U.S. postal stamp honoring the late Patsy Cline was unveiled in Boston.
Today in 1994, Vince Gill’s “When Love Finds You” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1994, David Ball’s debut album, “Thinkin’ Problem,” was certified gold.
Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack made her second, appearance on NBC-TV’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She had just made her debut on the show June 6^th, 2000.
Today in 2001, Tim McGraw performed on NBC’s “Today” show as part of their “Summer Concert Series” and drew nearly 4,000 fans into Rockefeller Plaza. According to “Today” show sources, this is among the largest crowds they have ever seen as part of their live concert performances. He entertained the masses with three songs – “Angel Boy,” “Things Change” and “Grown Men Don’t Cry” – from his album, “Set This Circus Down.”
Today in 2003, LeAnn Rimes sang the national anthem before the NASCAR Winston Cup Series GFSMarketplace 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
Today in 2003, it was announced that the Dixie Chicks were the top grossing country tour of the year just as they wrapped up the North American leg of their hugely successful “Top of the World Tour.” In three months, the Chicks played to over 1-million people and pulled in $61-million in ticket sales. The “Top of the World Tour” kicked off on May 1^st in Greenville, South Carolina and continued for a total of 63 performances, with an average attendance of 15,753 grossing roughly $976,000 paid attendance for each show. On top of that, 57 of the dates were complete sellouts.
Today in 2006, Jason Aldean’s “Amarillo Sky” video had its world premiere on CMT.
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley’s “Welcome To The Future” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2012, Florida Georgia Line performed “Cruise” in their Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2012, the “Teachers Rock” special aired on CBS-TV. Among the performances, Garth Brooks’ live rendition of “The River,” as well as music by Dierks Bentley, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Freeman and the pop group fun.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson’s concert at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles included a surprise guest: Kris Kristofferson and opening act Kacey Musgraves. They joined Willie for a gospel medley of “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” “I’ll Fly Away” and “I Saw The Light.”
Today in 2017, Keith Urban’s single, “The Fighter,” which features Carrie Underwood, was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA. The same day, Eric Church scored a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Drink In My Hand,” as well as a platinum award for “Record Year.” He also nabbed gold singles for “Mr. Misunderstood” and his Rhiannon Giddens collabo, “Kill A Word.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1964, Roy Rogers had a nine-hour surgery to repair vertebrae in his back damaged by years of riding his horse, Trigger.
Today in 1982, “Ernest Tubb makes his final appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1995, Shania Twain was certified double-platinum for the first time in her career, with “The Woman In Me.”
Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ “The Hits” became the first best-of album by a country-based artist certified for shipments of 7-million units.
Today in 2001, Alison Krauss + Union Station’s album, “New Favorite,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2003, a power outage zapped the electricity for 50-million residents in the Northeast – so Jo Dee Messina improvised with a 30-minute acoustic set at the Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. Her performance included the apropos “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia.”
Today in 2003, Toby Keith and Scotty Emerick performed for 25,000 troops and president George W. Bush at Miramar Marine Air Corps Station near San Diego. Among the day’s selections: “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me.”
Today in 2007, Luke Bryan’s debut album, “I’ll Stay Me,” was released.
Today in 2007, Heartland’s Jason Albert and his wife, Kelly, welcomed their daughter, Kelson Noel Albert, at Huntsville Hospital in Alabama.
Today in 2012, Dierks Bentley’s single “Sideways” went gold.
Today in 2012, Ricky Skaggs was added to the Gospel Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Hendersonville, Tennessee, along with Aretha Franklin and four other acts.
Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Craving You,” featuring Maren Morris, was certified gold by the RIAA. The same day, Justin Moore’s “Bait A Hook” single reeled in a platinum award.
Today in 2017, a North Carolina judge dismissed a copyright lawsuit brought against Alan Jackson by songwriter Timothy Arnett, who maintained that Jackson’s hit “Remember When” ripped off his own “Remember Me.”

Luke Combs Extends “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” Into 2027

Posted on August 14, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Since he just played his last scheduled “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” date, it seems that Luke has pulled out the old “But wait! There’s more!” card. When the countdown clock went “all zeros,” the word came down: the “My Kinda Saturday Night Tour” was getting a whole other leg in 2027. As suspected, the in-the-round shows will feature special guests Treaty Oak Revival, Avery Anna, Shenandoah and Wyatt McCubbin.

The 12 newly-announced dates include two in Canada. The new leg begins April 3rd in Arlington, Texas, with stops in Detroit, Boston and more before a final show in San Diego June 26th. Tickets go on sale next Friday, with pre-sales beginning Wednesday. See Luke’s website for complete tour and ticket information.

Luke Combs 2027 My Kinda Saturday Night Tour Dates:

April 3 – Arlington, TX – AT&T Stadium
April 10 – Minneapolis, MN – U.S. Bank Stadium
April 17 – Detroit, MI – Ford Field
April 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Lincoln Financial Field
May 1 – Foxborough, MA – Gillette Stadium
May 8 – Pittsburgh, PA – Acrisure Stadium
May 15 – Kansas City, MO – Arrowhead Stadium
May 29 – Edmonton, AB – Commonwealth Stadium
June 05 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place
June 12 – Boise, ID – Albertsons Stadium
June 19 – Denver, CO – Empower Field at Mile High
June 26 – San Diego, CA – Petco Park

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

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Cheshire”, an adorable 3 month old male orange tabby kitten. Cheshire is a curious and playful kitty who loves making new friends and would make any cat-lover a ‘purr-fect’ new best friend!

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

And since Cheshire is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

Lainey Wilson To Host All-Star “All For The Hall” Concert

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This year’s “All For The Hall” benefit concert has a date, a location, and a host. Lainey Wilson takes the reins, with the event taking place on Thursday, September 17th, at The Novo in the L.A. Live complex. Lainey is also the first named performer for the evening, with more to be announced in the coming weeks. “I’m so excited to host All for the Hall this fall,” Wilson shares. “The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum does incredible work preserving the music we love and sharing it with the next generation, and it means a lot to me to support that mission. It’s going to be a special night, and I’m honored to be part of it.” Launched in 2007, the All for the Hall campaign challenges artists to donate proceeds of one annual performance to the nonprofit museum. Tickets for this year’s benefit concert go on sale this Friday at 10am PT. Tickets can be purchased through the venue or Ticketmaster.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1988, Willie Nelson became the first artist ever to have an album spend 10 years on the Billboard country chart as “Stardust” logs its 520^th
Today in 1991, Brooks & Dunn’s album, “Brand New Man,” was released.
Today in 1996, the Statler Brothers’ Gospel Favorites album was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Ty Herndon released his second album, “Living In A Moment,” and Randy Travis released “Full Circle.”
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks held a private show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville for members of the country music industry. The concert was mostly a listening party, as they ran through all of the music from their new album, “Home,” in sequential order, start to finish.
Today in 2009, Toby Keith’s “American Ride” video debuted on CMT.com
Today in 2011, as Sugarland prepared to perform, a wind gust collapsed the stage at the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. Seven people eventually died and another 45 were treated for injuries.
Today in 2013, Luke Bryan’s album, “Crash My Party,” was released.
Today in 2016, Gwen Stefani’s show at the Gexa Energy Pavilion in Dallas included a surprise guest: her boo, Blake Shelton, who joined her on their song, “Go Ahead And Break My Heart.”
Today in 2016, Rascal Flatts reached 10-million concert tickets sold during their career when their “Rhythm And Roots Tour” landed in Hartford, Connecticut.
Today in 2016, Vince Gill celebrated 25 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. He was joined during his Opry performance by Patty Loveless, who joined him to sing “Go Rest High On That Mountain,” but they weren’t alone. Rodney Crowell turned up to duet on on “Oklahoma Borderline,” and a number of other acts – including The Time Jumpers, Ashley Monroe, Charlie Worsham and Bill Anderson – teamed up to cover his classic, “Liza Jane.”
Today in 2017, Lloyd Gentry Jr., the father of Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry, died in Nicholasville, Kentucky. A few weeks later, Troy himself was killed in a helicopter crash en route to a show in New Jersey.
Today in 2017, the Wreckers reunited in Nashville during a Michelle Branch concert at Marathon Music Works. It marked the first time Branch and former musical partner Jessica Harp had seen each other in seven years.

Taylor Swift Youngest Person Named To The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift is making history once again. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has announced the musician is being inducted in to the hall this fall, becoming its youngest-ever honoree at 36-years-old. The recognition arrives 20 years after the release of her self-titled debut album.

Swift reacted to the nomination in a statement. “From the time I started writing songs as a child, I fixated on Nashville as the perfect place to be,” she shares. “I wanted to learn with and from the best and get to immerse myself in a community of storytellers, and thankfully Nashville turned out to be exactly what I’d dreamed of. A town that validated and prioritized hard work, determination and imagination. Where the writers show up to work every day even when the mysterious muses and the magic don’t. To be honored by this city I love so much is a beautiful thing, and I’m very grateful.”

The honor follows her June induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York, where she became its youngest female member. Lyle Lovett, Shawn Camp, Lee Thomas Miller, and Bruce Channel will also join the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame this year. The induction ceremony will take place this fall, though an official date has not yet been confirmed.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 12, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1989, Patty Loveless notched her first #1 country single with “Timber, I’m Falling In Love.”
Today in 1993, Vince Gill racked up eight nominations and Alan Jackson got seven, as the Country Music Association unveiled finalists for its 1993 awards. Gill and Jackson face Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire for Entertainer of the Year.
Today in 2000, Lonestar landed at the top of the Billboard Country chart with their single, “What About Now.”
Today in 2001, Shania Twain and then-husband/producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange welcomed their first child, a son named Eja (pronounced like Asia) in the world. The news wasn’t revealed to the world until August 20^th.
Today in 2002, Chad Brock and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their daughter, Kennedy Victoria. Lil’ Ms. Kennedy, who arrived a couple of weeks early, still managed to weigh in at 8-pounds, 11-ounces.
Today in 2002, it was announced that Reba McEntire was member of the first class of inductees into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. The honor is a special achievement for Reba since her family has been competing and entertaining at the annual rodeo event for 70 years, beginning with her world-champion steer roper grandfather, John McEntire. Reba’s induction took place on September 23^rd in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
Today in 2006, Rodney Atkins earned his first #1 single in Billboard: “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
Today in 2011, Hunter Hayes performed “Storm Warning” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2013, Dierks Bentley’s single, “I Hold On,” was released.
Today in 2016, Chris Lane’s single, “For Her,” was released.
Today in 2017, Kenny Rogers and Bobbie Nelson were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Carthage Civic Center.
Today in 2019, both Maren Morris’ single “The Bones” and Kip Moore’s “She’s Mine” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart and songwriter Dean Dillon were announced as 2020 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Garth Brooks Name-Checks Current Artists That Impress Him

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Garth Brooks came in with an amazing class of country musicians; Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson and more all broke through at about the same time. More than 35 years later, what does the legend think of the current crop of musicians? In an interview with WGN TV, Garth was asked which artists he’s listening to and liking right now, and he showed a lot of love for the women in country. “Guys, It’s harder than ever to be an artist, bar none, but the females in our world, they’re tearing it up right now.” He then pointed to two artists in particular. “Lainey [Wilson], Ella [Langley], they’re tearing it up right now…being the dad of three daughters and being married to one of the greatest singers ever, it’s just, they have to work a thousand times harder to have as much success, so I love to see it.” Women in country are certainly having a day, and Garth is all for it.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on August 11, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1952, Hank Williams was fired from the Grand Ole Opry for unreliability due to alcoholism.
Today in 1984, “That’s The Thing About Love” by Don Williams topped the country charts.
Today in 1989, Holly Dunn was #1 with the single, “Are You Ever Gonna Love Me.”
Today in 1992, Alabama’s “American Pride” album was released.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “A Lot About Livin’” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, Neal McCoy earned his first gold album for “No Doubt About It.”
Today in 1995, the album, “The Last One To Know,” by Reba McEntire was certified for sales of one million copies, bringing her total number of platinum albums to 11.
Today in 1998, Vince Gill’s album, “The Key,” was released.
Today in 1998, the Wilkinsons released their debut album, “Nothing But Love.”
Today in 1998, the Dixie Chicks received the first of their many chicken-feet tattoos, which adorn their feet and ankles. Each tattoo celebrates the band’s #1 hits and album sales certifications.
Today in 1999, John Michael Montgomery’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2000, Lonestar’s single, “What About Now,” ended Lee Ann Womack’s six-week reign she enjoyed at the top of “Radio & Records’” country chart with “I Hope You Dance.”
Today in 2001, Blake Shelton picked up his first #1 single in Billboard with “Austin,” which remained at the top for five weeks.
Today in 2005, Steve Earle and Allison Moorer were married in Nashville in his seventh wedding and her second. The couple divorced in 2014, but do have a son together.
Today in 2005, Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2006, “CMT Cross Country” debuts, demonstrating the parallels between a pair of country performers. The inaugural episode matches Josh Turner with one of his biggest influences, Randy Travis.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” album was released.
Today in 2010, Luke Bryan and his wife, Caroline, welcomed son Tatum “Tate” Christopher Bryan.
Today in 2013, Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2017, Lindsay Ell’s debut album, “The Project,” was released.
Today in 2017, Taylor Swift’s former bodyguard testified in a Denver courtroom that he saw a disc jockey grab her buttocks during a 2013 photo op. Later in the day, the judge dropped the radio host’s suit against Swift, though her mother and an employee were still defendants as the dee jay seeks damages for losing his job.
Today in 2017, Jason Aldean holds a Concert For The Kids with Luke Combs at Macon Coliseum in Georgia, raising $700,000 for the local Children’s Hospital. A section of road at the hospital was dedicated as Jason Aldean Way.
Today in 2018, Kenny Chesney’s “Songs For The Saints” album hit the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2018, Dolly Parton won the inaugural Dolly Parton Excellence In Leadership Award during a ceremony at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
Today in 2019, when he performed at the Railbird Festival, Tyler Childers received a key to the city of Lexington, Kentucky.

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