- Today in 1925, WSM first broadcast the radio show “Barn Dance,” the program that eventually became the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1964, Connie Smith’s debut single, “Once A Day,” landed at #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 1972, Charlie Rich recorded his classic, “Behind Closed Doors,” in Nashville.
- Today in 1992, Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry – he was the first new member added following the death of Roy Acuff.
- Today in 2003, Dolly Parton was paired with Melissa Etheridge as the latest episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, debuted. Songs in the one-hour telecast include “Bring Me Some Water,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
- Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Roads married Stephen Schlapman on a Caribbean island. Witnessing the moment are her bandmates: Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook – who married each other six months earlier – and Phillip Sweet.
- Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” began a five-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line performed “Cruise” and Brett Eldredge sang “Don’t Ya” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Also riding down Broadway were Kellie Pickler, Jimmy Fallon and Fall Out Boy. Carrie Underwood briefly appeared on the NBC telecast, promoting the December special, “The Sound Of Music.”
- Today in 2014, Jason Aldean was paired with Bob Seger as a new installment of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. The set list includes “Tattoos On This Town,” “Turn The Page,” “Against The Wind” and “Night Train.”
- Today in 2016, Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” The Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” and the Merle Haggard album, “Okie From Muskogee,” were announced as GRAMMY Hall of Fame additions. Other new entries include records by Arlo Guthrie, The Beach Boys, Dion and Sonny & Cher.
- Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton was the leading country nominee as finalists are announced for the 60th annual GRAMMY Awards. He was in the running for Best Country Song, for “Broken Halos”; Best Country Album, “From A Room: Vol. 1”; and Best Country Solo Performance, “Either Way.” His take home? A sweep.
- Today in 2018, the celebration of lighting of the national Christmas tree near the White House in Washington, DC included LoCash singing “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” Also performing: Thompson Square, Gabby Barrett, Abby Anderson and The Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins, who duets on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
- Today in 2018, Brett Eldredge, Martina McBride and Kellie Pickler performed from New York City on the NBC special “Christmas In Rockefeller Center.” Also in the lineup were Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, John Legend and Pentatonix, who served up an a cappella version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”
- Today in 2018, the Dan + Shay single, “Tequila,” was certified double-platinum.
- Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert performed “Bluebird” and “Settling Down” during “The Thanksgiving Day Parade On CBS.” Chris Janson lip synced “Good Vibes” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on NBC. Also riding floats through midtown were Tenille Townes and Chris Young, who covered “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
- Today in 2020, Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over” landed at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
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This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1973, Charlie Rich earned his first gold album with, “Behind Closed Doors.”
- Today in 1980, William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys stopped trimming his beard.
- Today in 1993, Joe Diffie joined the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1996, “Sling Blade” opened in American movie theaters.
- Today in 2001, Reba McEntire was nominated for a People’s Choice Award for her acting in the TV series, “Reba.” Other country stars that received nominations were The Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, and George Strait.
- Today in 2002, Keith Urban rode off with a gold album for, “Golden Road.”
- Today in 2003, Toby Keith performed “Beer For My Horses,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!” and “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” at halftime when the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Dolphins in a Thanksgiving Day game.
- Today in 2006, Dierks Bentley received a gold album for “Long Trip Alone.”
- Today in 2008, Trace Adkins performed “You’re Gonna Miss This” at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Today in 2014, Cole Swindell, riding a Domino Sugar float, sings “Chillin’ It” as snow falls during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Other participants include Dan + Shay, Lucy Hale, Nick Jonas and Kiss.
- Today in 2015, Tanya Tucker performed “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” during the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville.
- Today in 2016, Olivia Newton-John is the grand marshal of the Hollywood Christmas Parade. Scotty McCreery performed “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” during a pre-parade concert, and Cyndi Lauper sang “Hard Candy Christmas.”
- Today in 2017, parts of the ceiling broke free and dropped on the stageas Brothers Osborne performed “Stay A Little Longer” at the Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho. Fortunately, no one was hurt.
- Today in 2017, Mel Tillis was sent off with a round of “Detroit City”during his memorial service at the Mount Hermon Baptist Church in Clarksville, Tennessee. Aside from daughters Pam and Carrie Tillis, other mourners included Charley Pride, Bobby Bare, Jeannie Seely and “One More Day” songwriter Bobby Tomberlin.
- Today in 2017, as ABC aired the eighth annual “CMA Country Christmas,” host Reba McEntire performed “A Holly Jolly Christmas” while Trisha Yearwood turned in a great performance of “Hard Candy Christmas.” Other folks like up the stage include Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay and Alan Jackson.
BLAKE SHELTON HAS A NEW HALLMARK HOLIDAY MOVIE ON THE WAY
Blake Shelton may have walked away from “The Voice,” but he hasn’t walked away from television. Besides hosting his own “Barmageddon” game show, Blake also executive produces a series of films for the Hallmark Channel – and another one is on the way, just in time for the holidays.
“Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” is the fifth movie in a series of films based on Blake’s 2012 holiday tune, “Time For Me To Come Home.” It’s preceded by 2018’s “Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas,” which was followed by “Time for Us to Come Home for Christmas,” “Time for You to Come Home for Christmas” and “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas.” The film stars Chris Carmack, one of the stars of “Nashville,” and Grace Leer, who’s a country singer-songwriter and was a contestant on Season 18 of “American Idol.” The film debuts this Thursday.
We’ve got a brand new movie coming y’alls way!!!! “Time For Her To Come Home For Christmas” premieres Thu Nov 30 at 8/7c on @hallmarkmovie!!!! #ComeHomeForChristmas pic.twitter.com/Tz5S53D3NE
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) November 22, 2023
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MAREN MORRIS WALKS IT BACK: “I’VE NOT LEFT COUNTRY MUSIC”
Maren Morris shocked quite a few fans when she hinted she was leaving country music behind. While not explicitly saying she and country music were quits, she certainly alluded to a parting of the ways, and her videos for “The Bridge” and “Get The Hell Out Of Here” were full of breakup imagery. So what’s the real deal?
Maren was on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen” when a viewer asked her a question that set her up to answer that question definitively. “Is it true that you are working with (noted pop/rock producer) Jack Antonoff on the next album, and, since you’re leaving country music, can you describe your sound now?”
For the first part of the question, Morris admitted that yes, she was working with Antonoff, as well as several other producers. And for the question about leaving country music, she answered, “I will sort of, like, just clarify, like, I have not left country music, that was, like, the headline, but…I actually – what I said was, I’m just leaving behind the sort of toxic parts of it, and that’s like in any part of the music industry…yeah, I want to take the good parts with me,” adding, “It was a headline, like, ‘click-bait’ that got blown up.”
So that’s Maren’s official story, though it’s worth noting that she’s switched her label imprint home from Nashville to New York, and from country to pop. She’s also on record as saying “I thought I’d like to burn it (country music) to the ground and start over, but it’s burning itself down without my help.” So whether Maren Morris is “leaving” country music may not be the point; the point may be whether country music leaves her.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1972, the “Garden Party” single by Ricky Nelson was certified gold.
- Today in 1973, Charlie Rich’s single, “Behind Closed Doors,” topped the country singles chart – it was also his first top 20 pop chart hit.
- Today in 1976, “The Outlaws” album by Jennings/Nelson/Colter/Glaser was certified Platinum
- Today in 1986, “Million Mile Reflection” album by Charlie Daniels Band was certified double-platinum.
- Today in 1990, KT Oslin scored a #1 country single in Billboard with “Come Next Monday.”
- Today in 1995, Alan Jackson’s CD, “The Greatest Hits Collection,” was #1 on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
- Today in 1998, Ashland, Kentucky, proclaimed Billy Ray Cyrus Day, presenting the singer with a key to the city. A section of Kentucky Route 693 in nearby Flatwoods was renamed Billy Ray Cyrus Boulevard.
- Today in 1999, the album, “In…the Life Of Chris Gaines,” by Garth Brooks was certified gold, platinum and double-platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2001, Toby Keith’s “I Wanna Talk About Me” grabbed the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2002, before his show in Lexington, Kentucky, Toby Keith was made an Honorary Kentucky Colonel and presented with a certificate was signed by Kentucky Governor Patton.
- Today in 2005, Jason Aldean performed “Hicktown” during pre-game activities at Texas Stadium in Irving, as the Dallas Cowboys hosted the Denver Broncos in a Thanksgiving game. Sheryl Crow performed at halftime of Denver’s 24-21 victory.
- Today in 2007, Dierks Bentley rode to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go).”
- Today in 2011, the latest edition of “CMT Crossroads,” pairing Vince Gill and Sting, had its cable debut. The set list included “Liza Jane,” “Every Breath You Take,” “Whenever You Come Around” and “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slippin’ Away.”
- Today in 2013, Taylor Swift topped the list of winners with four trophies at the American Music Awards. Other country victors include Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan and Lady Antebellum.
- Today in 2014, Luke Bryan, Brantley Gilbert, Carrie Underwood and Florida Georgia Line come up winners in the American Music Awards.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1984, Suzy Bogguss moved to Nashville from Illinois.
- Today in 1986, Lorrie Morgan married Keith Whitley.
- Today in 1990, Garth Brooks and Patty Loveless road floats down Broadway in New York during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Today in 1995, Diamond Rio’s album, “Love A Little Stronger,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, the Tractors’ self-titled album was certified double platinum.
- Today in 2001, Lee Ann Womack sang the National Anthem prior to the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game against the Denver Broncos.
- Today in 2001, Billy Ray Cyrus and Billy Gilman appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
- Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd appeared at the eighth annual American Veteran Awards at the ritzy Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles.
- Today in 2003, Wynonna married security guard D.R. Roach in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. Fast forward to March 22, 2007 – and he was arrested for sexual assault of a child under the age of 13. Wy filed for divorce five days later.
- Today in 2007, Wynonna performed “Winter Wonderland” while riding down Broadway in Manhattan during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Dolly Parton appeared on the lead float.
- Today in 2008, Tim McGraw sang one verse of “Real Good Man” during the opening monologue as he hosted NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live.”
- Today in 2009, Taylor Swift won five trophies, including Artist of the Year, during the American Music Awards, telecast on ABC from Los Angeles.
- Today in 2011, Keith Urban had surgery to remove a polyp from his vocal cords.
- Today in 2012, Jake and Lacey Owen welcomed a daughter, Olive Pearl Owen, in Nashville.
- Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line was country’s only double-winner during the American Music Awards. They repeat as Favorite Country Duo/Group and earn Favorite Country Album, for “Anything Goes.”
- Today in 2016, Tracy Lawrence raises $133,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission during the second Mission Possible benefit at the Wildhorse Saloon, joined by Big & Rich, Jerrod Niemann, Ben Rue and Halfway To Hazard.
- Today in 2016, Dustin Lynch’s “Mind Reader” single went a gold.
- Today in 2016, Blackberry Smoke appeared on the CBS drama, “NCIS: New Orleans.”
- Today in 2017, Walker Hayes collected his first gold single from the RIAA for “You Broke Up With Me.”
- Today in 2018, Sugarland lip synced “Babe” and Kane Brown performed “Good As You” in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, joined on the streets of New York by Carly Pearce and Kelly Clarkson. Other celebrity participants included John Legend, Tegan Marie, Pentatonix and Martina McBride.
- Today in 2019, Jimmie Rodgers received his second Mississippi Country Music Trail marker. This one is posted in Bristol, Tennessee, at 416 State Street, where he recorded his first sides in sessions that are considered part of the Big Bang in Country Music.
- Today in 2019, Jason Aldean’s “9” album was released.
- Today in 2019, Tanya Tucker’s single, “Bring My Flowers Now,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2019, the eight-part Netflix series “Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings” debuted.
- Today in 2020, Dan + Shay won three trophies at the American Music Awards. They took Favorite Country Duo or Group, while “10,000 Hours,” recorded with Justin Bieber, won Favorite Country Song and Collaboration of the Year.
- Today in 2020, Whiskey Myers guitarist John Jeffers and his wife, Hope, welcomed their son, Jag Wilder Jeffers.
TIM MCGRAW DROPS SURPRISE EP, “POET’S RESUMÉ”
Tim McGraw is a fortunate man. His decades-long career puts him among the historically elite in country music. Tim recognizes this and yesterday, posted a “thank you” note on Instagram, along with a surprise for his fans.
“In the spirit of being thankful, I’m so grateful for all of you and the ways you have supported me, my family and my music through the years. Here’s a little surprise drop of a few songs you’ve never heard. Enjoy!” And with that, Tim announced the release of a suprise six-song EP, “Poet’s Resumé.” The unexpected music comes just three months after McGraw’s full-length album, “Standing Room Only.”
Poet’s Resumé tracklist:
1. Runnin’ Outta Love
2. Hurt People
3. 20 For 30
4. One Bad Habit
5. Been Around A While
6. Poet’s Resumé
Source: WhiskeyRiff
Lainey Wilson Honored By Cowgirl Hall Of Fame
Lainey Wilson continues to rack up honors. The reigning CMA Entertainer Of The Year was among one of five inductees and three award winners to be celebrated during the 47th Annual Cowgirl Hall of Fame Induction Luncheon and Ceremony that took place last week at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Wilson received the Patsy Montana Entertainer Award, named for 1987 Honoree Patsy Montana. The honor has since been given out to females who work in the entertainment industry and have acted as strong representatives for the traditions of the cowgirl in the fields of film, television, music, writing, and theatre. “It feels like this award recognizes my roots, my family, my growth, and my current chapter,” she posted on Instagram. “I left TX so inspired by the women at @cowgirlmuseum…their strength, impact, and spirit is like no other.”
This day in Country Music News
- Today in 1955, in a deal engineered by Colonel Tom Parker, RCA Records bought Elvis Presley’s contract and master tapes from Sam Phillips’ Sun Records for $35,000. The papers were signed at the Sun Recording Studio in Memphis.
- Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends (Have Settled Down)” settles in at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1986, Lynn Anderson collects the only platinum album of her career, for “Rose Garden.”
- Today in 1992, Alabama claims the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why).”
- Today in 2002, Mark Wills’ “19 Somethin'” video debuted.
- Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts walked off with two trophies at the American Music Awards, broadcast by ABC from Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. Other country victors include Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Toby Keith and Carrie Underwood.
- Today in 2008, the Lady Antebellum video, for “Lookin’ For A Good Time” debuted.
- Today in 2011, the Band Perry, Darius Rucker, Kris Kristofferson and Dierks Bentley play for president Barack Obama at the White House. The bill also features Lauren Alaina, Lyle Lovett and Alison Krauss.
- Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart, ultimately topping the list a total of 23 weeks through August 2016.
- Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini’s single, “Peter Pan,” went platinum.
- Today in 2017, Old Crow Medicine Show performed “Old Flames Can’t Hold A Candle To You” and “Wagon Wheel” with Kesha while shooting a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
- Today in 2018, Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs performed “Go Rest High On That Mountain” during a memorial for Roy Clark at Rhema Bible Church in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. Also participating: Larry Gatlin, Rudy Gatlin, Moe Bandy, Barbara Fairchild, Buck Trent and Rodney Lay.
Dustin Lynch Says the “Scariest Thing” About Dating in Nashville Is . . . Kiss-and-Tell
There are more than two million people in the Nashville metro area, but it can STILL be considered a small town in some respects . . . like when it comes to the country music DATING SCENE.
In a recent interview, Dustin Lynch said dating in Nashville is “scary” . . . because women KISS-AND-TELL. He said, quote, “I’m scared of the gossip that happens afterwards.”
And he underlined that he doesn’t see men running their mouths, it’s the “girls.”
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