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Reba McEntire Pleads With Fans To Help Save PBS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Reba McEntire has some history with PBS, from “Austin City Limits” in 1987, to “South Pacific in Concert” from Carnegie Hall in 2006, to her appearance on “Sesame Street” in 2021. Now that there is a very real possibility federal funding for the network may be slashed, Reba has put out a plea to her fans for support. In a video clip shared by the PBS social media accounts, the singer says, “Hey, it’s Reba. From my appearances on Austin City Limits in 1987, to South Pacific in Concert from Carnegie Hall in 2006, I’ve had a long relationship with PBS. Now, PBS needs our help. In just a few short days, the Senate is going to vote on a bill that would remove federal funding from PBS….If you believe in PBS like I do, check out ProtectMyPublicMedia.org to find out how you can help. Let’s help keep PBS keep delivering the incredible programming that we all love so much.” The funding now rests in the hands of the Senate, as the House of Representatives approved the package.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ hit single, “The River,” remained at #1 on the country music chart for the second week.
  • Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” hit #1 on the charts and stayed for an entire month.
  • Today in 1997, Clay Walker’s “Rumor Has It” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Terri Clark scored her first #1 single with “Now That I Found You.”
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s “Intimate Portrait” premiered on Lifetime Television.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad’s music and to present him with the “Distinguished West Virginian Award.” The honor is presented to native West Virginians who have shown a lifetime commitment to community service and excellence in their respective career fields. Past award recipients include Kathy Mattea and astronaut John McBride. This date was also dubbed “Brad Paisley Day” in his home state.
  • Today in 2001, Travis Tritt sold out his September 21st show at the Great Frederick Fair in Fredericksburg, Maryland. Why was that so unique? Well, the Fair released pre-sale tickets by mail order and they sold the entire 4,650 by mail!
  • Today in 2002, Andy Griggs’ long-awaited sophomore album, “Freedom,” made an impressive chart debut. The project nailed the #7 spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
  • Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks appeared in the “Nancy” comic strip for the sixth time. Creator Guy Gilchrist has been a long-time supporter of the group and an avid country music fan. The ladies appeared on the cover of a magazine titled “New Music.”
  • Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” spent the first of seven weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, American Idol alum Kellie Pickler was officially signed to a recording contract.
  • Today in 2012, Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina, scored a gold single from the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “Kill The Lights” album went double platinum.
  • Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” went gold.

Zac Brown Band Announces New Album, Las Vegas Sphere Residency

Posted on by Bob Ballard

We told you last week that the Zac Brown Band had purged their socials, which usually means big news is incoming. Big news…was kind of an understatement. The band made two major announcements yesterday. First, there’s a new album incoming. The group announced their next album, “Love & Fear,” was on the way and there were some high-profile features on it, including Dolly Parton, Snoop Dogg and Marcus King. The album drops December 5, with the first single (“Let It Run” featuring Snoop) coming out this Friday. See the track list for “Love & Fear” below.

December 5 is a big day for the band, not only because of the album’s release, but also because of “Big Announcement #2.” To celebrate the new album, the band will embark on a mini-residency at the world-famous Sphere in Las Vegas. The first show is December 5, with three more shows on December 6, 12 and 13. Tickets will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, July 25 at 10AM PT. See the Zac Brown Band’s website to purchase your tickets.

Oh, and to cap off an incredible week for the band (and it’s only Wednesday!), they performed the National Anthem before the All-Star game last night.

Track list for Zac Brown Band’s “Love & Fear,” due out December 5:

1. “I Ain’t Worried About It”
2. “Hard Run” (feat. Marcus King)
3. “The Sum”
4. “Let It Run” (feat. Snoop Dogg)
5. “Animal”
6. “Butterfly” (feat. Dolly Parton)
7. “Give It Away”
8. “Can You Hear Me Now”
9. “Thank You for Loving Her”
10. “Come to Me”
11. “Nothing’s a Coincidence”
12. “Passenger”
13. “What You Gonna Do”

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1983, Alabama hit #1 with “The Closer You Get.”
  • Today in 1993, Wynonna’s second solo album, “Tell Me Why,” went platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut album, “Some Gave All,” was certified for sales of 9-million copies. It became the first debut album by a country artist certified for wholesale sales of 9-million.
  • Today in 1996, Rick Trevino released his album, “Learning As You Go.”
  • Today in 1997, Vince Gill earned a platinum album for “High Lonesome Sound.”
  • Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks played their first show on the “Lillith Fair” tour.
  • Today in 2002, the album, “Trail Of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology,” arrived in stores. The same day, Darryl Worley’s “I Miss My Friend” project was released.
  • Today in 2002, Joe Nichols lost his musician father, Mike Nichols, who died at the age of 46, in North Carolina following a lengthy illness.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith celebrated his second week on the top of “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart with his single, “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American).”
  • Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney was on top of the world – and on top of the “Billboard” Country Singles chart with his single, “The Good Stuff.” On top of that, Kenny’s “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” album was enjoying its third month at #1 on the “Billboard” Country Albums chart.
  • Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney set a new record for a country show when his concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts grossed $4-million.
  • Today in 2012, Florida Georgia Line signed their recording deal with Republic Nashville.
  • Today in 2013, Cassadee Pope performed “Wasting All These Tears” as she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2014, Brett Eldredge celebrated a #1 single with “Beat Of The Music” by diving with the sharks in the Bahamas.
  • Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was announced as an inductee in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with “Live Like You Were Dying” author Craig Wiseman, “Always On My Mind” writer Mark James and “I Love A Rainy Night” composer Even Stevens.
  • Today in 2016, Bonnie Brown, of The Browns, died after a battle with lung cancer at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
  • Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton brought out surprise guest Miranda Lambert during his show in Buffalo. She joined him on “Fire Away.”

Darius Rucker Loses His Voice, Gives Refunds To The Entire Crowd

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Recently we’ve heard that Zach Top, Luke Combs and Luke Bryan performed shows where they were so dissatisfied with how things went, they told the crowds that despite the fact they got a full show, they were also getting their tickets refunded. Another artist has followed suit. Darius Rucker lost his voice halfway though his Atlantic City show Saturday night, and informed the crowd that he was sorry, and he was giving them their money back. On his Instagram Stories, Rucker said, “I feel awful and I’m so sorry. I have never lost my voice in all my years of performing. We looked at every option to reschedule, but unfortunately, it’s just not possible this year, so we’re issuing full refunds.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1986, “Alabama’s Greatest Video Hits” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1987, the album, “Love Me Like You Used To,” album by Tanya Tucker was released.
  • Today in 1992, Travis Tritt’s album, “It’s All About To Change,” was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Joe Diffie’s “Third Rock From The Sun” album was released.
  • Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin and his wife, Thea, were married.
  • Today in 1997, Sherrié Austin’s album, “Words,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1998, Alan Jackson debuted his first video in over a year on CMT with “I’ll Go On Loving You.”
  • Today in 1998, Diamond Rio’s “Greatest Hits” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn and Reba McEntire kicked off their second tour together in Jacksonville, Florida.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn’s “If You See Her” album and LeAnn Rimes’ “Sittin’ on Top of the World” CD were both certified platinum.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith was tapped for a special honor. His song, “My List,” struck such a powerful chord that the NYPD asked if they could incorporate the tune into their training video and sessions.
  • Today in 2003, Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2004, legendary Loretta Lynn and newcomer Mindy Smith each earned triple nominations for the annual Americana Music Awards.
  • Today in 2005, the movie “Wedding Crashers,” starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, debuted in theaters. Why do you care? Dwight Yoakam was featured in the opening scene being chewed out by an ex as a “hillbilly” in a divorce negotiation.
  • Today in 2010, songwriter Hank Cochran died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Among his compositions: Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces,” Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away,” Vern Gosdin’s “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.” He was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
  • Today in 2011, Jason Aldean’s singles, “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party,” went platinum.
  • Today in 2013, Frankie Ballard’s single, “Helluva Life,” was released.
  • Today in 2016, Willie Nelson made an unscheduled appearance with Neil Young and Promise Of The Real at Temre Di Caracalla in Rome, Italy. Nelson does two songs, including “On The Road Again.”
  • Today in 2016, Ronnie Milsap was hospitalized in Georgia with dehydration and nausea.
  • Today in 2017, The Eagles played their first full concert since the death of Glenn Frey, appearing at the Classic West Festival at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with Vince Gill and Dylan Frey taking Frey’s part.

George Strait Announces “Strait To The Heart” Benefit Concert For Texas Flood Victims

Posted on by Bob Ballard

With the total damage from the Texas floods still not known, one of the Lone Star state’s favorite sons is already stepping forward to help. George Strait has announced that he and some friends have organized “Strait to the Heart,” an intimate benefit dinner and concert scheduled for Sunday, July 27 at Estancia at Thunder Valley indoor arena in Boerne, Texas. In a statement, Strait said, “The destruction and loss in our community from the recent flood is hard to wrap your head around. Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The goal with this event is to raise meaningful, immediate support that can be put directly into the hands of flood victims without delay, while also honoring the first responders that work tirelessly to save lives.” Some of the names joining him on stage include Riley Green, Jamey Johnson, Ray Benson, Randy Houser and more. Tickets are selling fast; to buy tickets, email Vaquerosdm@gmail.com.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1967, the “I Walk The Line” album by Johnny Cash was certified gold.
  • Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1981, the album, “My Home’s In Alabama,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1987, the “Always & Forever” album by Randy Travis was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 1987, the “Trio” album, which featured Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Tracy Lawrence’s “Sticks And Stones” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, Clint Black’s album, “The Hard Way,” was released.
  • Today in 1995, Vince Gill scored a #1 hit with the single, “You Better Think Twice.”
  • Today in 1998, Deana Carter’s “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” album was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 1998, the album, “Where Your Road Leads,” by Trisha Yearwood was released.
  • Today in 1998, a Nashville radio station announced that it wanted to dispel rumors that Elvis Presley was still alive and offered $1-million to anyone who could produce him. The money has gone unclaimed.
  • Today in 1999, Lonestar’s “Crazy Nights” album was certified gold. On the same day, their “Lonely Grill” was also certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, Alabama’s “Super Hits” collection by Alabama was certified gold while their “Dancin’ On The Boulevard” CD was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Clint Black’s “Nothin’ But The Tailights” album was certified platinum and his “Greatest Hits” collection was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1999, the album, “Ten Thousand Angels” by Mindy McCready was certified double platinum.
  • Yesterday in 2000, Brad Paisley played for 40,000 folks in his hometown of Wheeling, West Virginia at the 24th “Jamboree in the Hills.” Brad played his heart out for the crowd of what Brad joked was about “10% relatives.”
  • Today in 2000, Toby Keith’s “How Do You Like Me Now?!” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 2002, Travis Tritt brought his “Down the Road I Go” tour to Lake Placid’s Olympic Center. The concert took place after the third annual ESPN Great Outdoor Games wrapped up at various Lake Placid venues.
  • Today in 2005, the Montgomery Gentry video “Something To Be Proud Of” premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2009, Sara Evans sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch during the Major League All-Star Game at St. Louis’ Busch Stadium. Sheryl Crow performed the national anthem. The American League defeats the National League, 4-3.
  • Today in 2012, Kenny Chesney’s concert at Angels Stadium in Anaheim featured a surprise guest: actor Ashton Kutcher, who joined him on “Back Where I Come From.” Also appearing were Tim McGraw, Jake Owen and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.
  • Today in 2014, Justin Moore and wife Kate welcomed a daughter, Rebecca Klein Moore.
  • Today in 2015, Kelsea Ballerini earned her first gold single from the RIAA for her debut, “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
  • Today in 2018, Emmylou Harris was celebrated along with Neil Diamond, Louis Jordan, Queen and drummer Hal Blaine as PBS shoots a “Grammy Salute To Music Legends” at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEEK: NADO

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Nado”, a 2 year old American Pit Bull mix. Nado is very puppy-like, and is BFFs with all dogs and does pretty well with cats. Nado loves kids, and loves to be outdoors. Nado is fully vetted, microchipped, vaccinated, and ready to meet you!

And since Nado is the Pet of the Week, this week his adoption fee is only $100!

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

Zac Brown Band Purges Its Socials

Posted on by Bob Ballard

It’s a very “2020s” thing to do; if you have a social media presence, you wipe it clean to get everyone’s attention before making a big career move or announcement. Latest to employ that tactic: the Zac Brown Band, who purged their instagram, leaving a solitary post where they wrote, “There’s no way to sum up what the last chapter has meant to us… We’ve played thousands of shows, crossed countless state lines, and seen every kind of weather and welcome you could imagine…From every hand we shook, every sign we saw in the crowd, every voice lifted back to us from the front row to the lawn, we felt your love. And we gave it right back, night after night. This isn’t goodbye. It’s a thank you. A reflection. The next chapter? It’s the biggest one yet. We’ll see you there.” While this may seem confusing, it’s worth nothing the band will play a gig at the MLB All-Star game in Atlanta next week, and have already mentioned a Las Vegas Sphere run was in the planning stages so…we wait and we wonder.

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