KEITH WHITLEY IS GETTING A GRAND OLE OPRY PLAQUE

Posted on October 16, 2023October 16, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Keith Whitley tragically passed away after just two albums and an EP, but his legacy is massive, with many country singers that came after him name-checking him as a huge influence. Whitley passed away at the age of 34, just as he was reaching superstardom. One of his life’s dreams was to receive an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Unbeknownst to him, the Opry was set to surprise him with the coveted invite, but three weeks before they could ask him, Whitley passed away. Thirty-four years later, that missed opportunity has been rectified.

Saturday night, the Opry hosted a star-studded evening to honor the late country singer. Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Ashley McBryde, singer and Whitley’s widow Lorrie Morgan, Mark Wills and more were on hand to sing Keith’s songs and remember the legend. And to complete Whitley’s legacy.

Garth Brooks announced to the crowd that Whitley would be honored with a plaque like those presented to members of the Grand Ole Opry, which will hang backstage to recognize the contributions Keith Whitley made not only to the Grand Ole Opry, but to country music. Garth said, “I will say this: Garth Brooks would never be anywhere close to getting the life and the joy of singing I got if it wasn’t for Keith Whitley. This guy is country music. So it’s an honor to be here today. As you guys know, the voice of Keith Whitley was silenced on May 9, 1989, just three weeks before he was supposed to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. So this plaque is the plaque that you get when you become an Opry member. I’m very lucky to have one of these. It’s out there. The Opry house has decided in his recognition to put this out there with the other Opry members. I will say this: Whether he got to be officially inducted or not, the fact of having Keith Whitley’s name out there among the rest will elevate the Grand Ole Opry and guys like me who have my name out there.” See Garth’s speech here.

Source: WhiskeyRiff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 16, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on “The Louisiana Hayride,” singing “That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” two times each. Drummer D.J. Fontana plays with Presley for the first time, though he’s forced to play behind a curtain
Today in 1972, Loretta Lynn became the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in the sixth annual awards at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. She also takes Female Vocalist and shares Vocal Duo with Conway Twitty.
Today in 1982, Dolly Parton took “I Will Always Love You” to #1 for the second time. The new version was recorded for the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas”
Today in 1987, “Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits” was certified triple-platinum, the first album by a female country artist to reach 3 million in shipments
Today in 1993, Clay Walker earned his first #1 single in Billboard with “What’s It To You”
Today in 2003, Pat Benatar joined Martina McBride to tape an installment of the Radney Foster-hosted “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville. Among the songs they perform together: “Independence Day,” “We Belong” and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues”
Today in 2004, Sara Evans cleaned up, gaining a #1 single in Billboard with “Suds In The Bucket”
Today in 2005, Vince Gill, Jerry Reed, “Prisoner Of The Highway” songwriter Mike Reid, “What Mattered Most” composer Gary Burr and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” creator Roger Murrah are added to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during an event at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Today in 2011, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Thom Schuyler, Allen Shamblin and John Bettis during a ceremony at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2012, Darius Rucker was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2014, Rosanne Cash was recognized during the Smithsonian Magazine American Ingenuity Awards in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2016, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels and Monument Records founder Fred Foster were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2017, Sam Hunt earned a quadruple-platinum single from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Body Like A Back Road.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks turned up for a surprise appearance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe to perform with some of the writers behind his biggest hits: Pat Alger, Victoria Shaw, Kent Blazy and Tony Arata. The night’s music includes “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The River,” “The Thunder Rolls” and “The Dance.”
Today in 2018, Sara Evans scored a gold album from the RIAA for “Stronger.”
Today in 2018, Craig Morgan marked his 10^th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, performing “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday” during the show.
Today in 2018, Guest mentor Keith Urban joined Blake Shelton to coach two contestants in a cover of Steve Winwood’s “Back In The High Life Again” during NBC’s “The Voice.” Thomas Rhett was a guest mentor for Kelly Clarkson’s team, while CeeLo Green sat in with Adam Levine’s squad.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 13, 2023October 13, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go smoothly as 1974 Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich, who was there to award the trophy, pulled out a lighter and torched the envelope to express his outrage.
Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Only One Love In My Life,” was certified gold.
Today in 1980, at the 14^th annual CMA Awards, Johnny Cash was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Barbara Mandrell was named Entertainer of the Year, Emmylou Harris and George Jones were Female and Male Vocalists of the Year and the Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Today in 1986, at the 20^th annual CMA Awards, Reba McEntire became the first woman in five years to be named Entertainer of the Year. She was also named Female Vocalist of the Year, while George Strait was named Male Vocalist. The Horizon Award went to Randy Travis, and the Single of the Year was “Bop” by Dan Seals.
Today in 1992, Reba McEntire scored another #1 hit with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”
Today in 1993, the “Haunted Heart” album by Sammy Kershaw was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Travis Tritt’s “No More Looking Over My Shoulder” CD arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill confirmed that he and Amy Grant were an item.
Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of seven million.
Today in 2001, Martina McBride thrilled thousands of fans as she performed her very first live concert on pay-per-view.
Today in 2001, Alan Jackson’s “Where I Come From” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Better Life” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2007, Sammy Hagar’s 60^th birthday bash featured performances by Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Ted Nugent and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith at Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Today in 2008, Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2009, Keith Urban hosted a concert at Nashville’s Sommet Center, raising $500-thousand for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Also on board: Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.
Today in 2010, Elvis Presley’s album “How Great Thou Art” was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2010, Blake Shelton launched his first headlining tour at the Ogden Theatre in Denver.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride completed a cross-country train trip to promote her album “Eleven” as she arrives in New York City. McBride gives a performance at Manhattan’s Penn Station that includes her current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan was the only country artist to appear on the ballot twice as nominees for the American Music Awards are announced.
Today in 2015, RaeLynn announced her engagement to Josh Davis on Instagram. The couple married the following October. The year after their marriage…he enlisted in the military and she’s since said she loves being a military wife.
Today in 2015, Sam Hunt leads the country field with three nominations in the American Music Awards. Taylor Swift tops the entire list with six nominations as a pop artist.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks single, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down And Dance” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Carly Pearce’s album, “Every Little Thing,” was released. On the same day, Jessie James Decker’s “Southern Girl City Lights” album arrived on shelves.
Today in 2017, Dolly Parton visited patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. She also announced she was making a $1-million donation to the facility.
Today in 2017, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Peer were among the honorees as PBS airs a “Great Performances” episode that featured a GRAMMY salute to legends. Dwight Yoakam delivers a three-song medley of Rodgers’ hits, Neal McCoy covers Pride’s “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone” and Pride sings “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
Today in 2018, Kellie Pickler played a benefit for Tyler Rich, a 29-year-old who had a lung transplant, at the Campos Family Vineyards in Bryan, California.
Today in 2019, Gretchen Wilson and her entourage were told to leave Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after allegedly making excessive noise in the early hours. Body cam footage released by police two weeks later suggests the hotel may have sent officers to the wrong room.

LEE GREENWOOD TRIBUTE COMING TO THEATERS; KID ROCK, DOLLY PARTON ON BOARD

Posted on October 13, 2023October 13, 2023 by Bob Ballard

“An All-Star Salute To Lee Greenwood” is coming to theaters throughout the United States next month, featuring star-studded performances of Greenwood’s career hit songs by some big names. This one-night-only event will premiere in movie theaters across the United States over Veterans Day 2023 weekend, Sunday, November 12th, and will feature appearances or performances by Dolly Parton, Kid Rock, Paula Deen and President George W. Bush.

Other names slated to perform: Dustin Lynch, Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Michael W. Smith & The Isaacs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Tracy Lawrence, Big & Rich, Jamey Johnson, Gavin DeGraw, Scott Stapp of Creed, Crystal Gayle, Sam Moore & T. Graham Brown, Larry Gatlin & Debby Boone, Mark Wills, Home Free, The Frontmen, Ty Herndon & Janie Fricke, and more. For a trailer for the event, ticket information and a theater near you, go here.

Source: TheMusicUniverse

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

Posted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Bruno”, an adorable 7 month old domestic shorthair mix kitty. Bruno is a very friendly fella who loves everyone, including kids, other cats and even dogs! He’s very affectionate and loves to ‘talk’ and chase flies. Bruno is litter trained and is in search of his ‘furr-ever’ home.

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

TOBY KEITH BACK ON TOP WITH “DON’T LET THE OLD MAN IN”

Posted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Toby Keith‘s last Top Ten hit was “Beers Ago” eleven years ago. After that, his presence on the country charts and country radio has lessened considerably. But perhaps this is a lesson for fans, to never count the Big Dog Daddy out.

Toby has been quite public with his recent health issues, battling stomach cancer for the last few years. So when Toby was honored with the Country Icon award at last month’s People’s Choice Country Awards, it was encouraging to see him take the stage to perform, and when he did, he played a relatively unknown song that has taken on a whole new meaning for the singer and his fans.

“Don’t Let The Old Man In,” a reflection on someone facing the last years of their life, was especially poignant considering the circumstances. With many in the crowd on hand and at home watching in tears, the song landed hard – and continues to have an impact. Surprisingly, the performance led to the song’s resurgence, and this past week ending up at the #1 spot on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. So congratulations and best wishes for a continued recovery to country treasure Toby Keith.

https://youtu.be/GdZtSLzL3WQ

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 12, 2023October 12, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, the 15^th annual CMA Awards were held. In a history-making move, Barbara Mandrell won Female Vocalist honors as well as Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row (she was the first artists to do so); George Jones won Male Vocalist and the Horizon Award went to Teri Gibbs. The Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones.
Today in 1985, Marie Osmond and Dan Seals enjoyed having a #1 single with “Meet Me In Montana.”
Today in 1987, the 21^st annual CMA Awards were held. Hank Williams Jr. was named Entertainer of the Year; Randy Travis and Reba McEntire were the Male and Female Vocalists, and the Horizon Award went to Holly Dunn. The Single of the Year was “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis.
Today in 1991, Sammy Kershaw made his chart debut with “Cadillac Style.”
Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s drove to #1 with his single, “Keep It Between The Lines.”
Today in 1993, the “Cheap Seats” album by Alabama and the “Honky Tonk Christmas” album by Alan Jackson were released.
Today in 1993, Suzy Bogguss’ “Voices In The Wind” album was certified gold.
Today in 1993, the “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles,” which had with some of the royalties benefitting the Walden Woods Project, arrived in stores. Among the artists contributing: Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill and Trisha Yearwood
Today in 1996, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and other performed in front of 45-thousand fans at Farm Aid ’96 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Today in 1996, the truth was that Trisha Yearwood was at #1 in Billboard with “Believe Me Baby (I Lied).”
Today in 1997, singer/songwriter/actor John Denver was killed when the experimental plane he was piloting crashed into the Monterey Bay. He was 53.
Today in 2010, The Band Perry’s self-titled debut album was released.
Today in 2012, Thomas Rhett married his lovely wife, Lauren Gregory.
Today in 2013, the ribbon cutting was held for the $4-million Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Today in 2015, Scotty McCreery joined North Carolina governor Pat McCrory in Garner for the official announcement that online driver renewal was being made available statewide.
Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King were inducted in the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame during an event at Austin City Limits Live.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton made his first visit to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, joining Gwen Stefani and her three children.
Today in 2016, Elvis Presley ranked #4 as Forbes listed the top-earning dead celebrities after earning $27-million in a year. Also in the Top 13: Michael Jackson, was #1 ($825-million) and John Lennon was #8 with $12-million.
Today in 2018, while Lindsay Ell was writing a song in Los Angeles, her parked rental car was broken into – and the thieves stole her laptop, her wallet and $5,000 worth of gear.
Today in 2018, Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae were married at Mint Springs Farm in Tennessee. Since that happy day? The couple welcomed their first daughter in October 2019 – and their second daughter in December 2021.
Today in 2018, Chris Lane’s single, “Take Back Home Girl,” which features Tori Kelly, was certified platinum.
Today in 2018, Justin Moore’s single, “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” was released.
Today in 2019, Marshmello & Kane Brown hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with “One Thing Right.”
Today in 2019, Whiskey Myers’ self-titled album debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart
Today in 2019, NBC taped “Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry” at the Grand Ole Opry. Lady A performed “Islands In The Stream,” and Toby Keith sang “Kentucky Gambler.” Also honoring Parton? Chris Janson, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Margo Price and Hank Williams Jr.
Today in 2019, Trace Adkins married Victoria Pratt in New Orleans with Blake Shelton as the officiant.
Today in 2020, Parmalee drummer Scott Thomas married Lexia Chamryk at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2020, Luke Bryan’s “Down To One” hit the airwaves.

NEW CMA PROMO STARS LUKE BRYAN, PEYTON MANNING

Posted on October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 by Bob Ballard

The 57th Annual CMA Awards are less than a month away, and returning hosts Peyton Manning and Luke Bryan are pumped to be coming back for a second time. In a new promo to promote their return – and the upcoming awards – the country superstar and the NFL legend are seen on horseback riding off into the sunset when Peyton gets a call asking them to host again.

“Wait a minute. You want us to host the CMA Awards again?” he says. “I got to be honest, we’re in the middle of riding off into the sunset.”

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 11, 2023October 11, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded “Always On My Mind” and “The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas.
Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Bobby Braddock and Ray Whitley. Braddock was noted for George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Whitley wrote Gene Autry’s theme song, “Back In The Saddle Again.”
Today in 1982, Alabama won three honors – Entertainer, Vocal Group and Instrumental Group of the Year – from the Country Music Association during the 16th annual awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Today in 2002, The Dixie Chicks’ “Home” album was officially certified triple-platinum.
Today in 2003, Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man” made a real good showing in Billboard by reaching #1 on the country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Gary Allan’s “Tough All Over” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Toby Keith’s single, “Red Solo Cup,” was released.
Today in 2014, Ralph Stanley was formally inducted in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Others in his class included actor Al Pacino, author John Irving and former secretary of labor Robert Reich.
Today in 2015, “Girl Crush,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, earned Song of the Year from the Nashville Songwriters Association International at the Music City Center. Taylor Swift was named Songwriter/Artist of the Year a seventh time, while Rodney Clawson took Songwriter.
Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was added to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during a dinner at the Music City Center. The class also included “Drivin’ My Life Away” songwriter Even Stevens, “Suspicious Minds” author Mark James and “Live Like You Were Dying” composer Craig Wiseman.
Today in 2017, Rhiannon Giddens was named a MacArthur Fellow by the MacArthur Foundation, an award for creative leaders that included a $625,000 prize.
Today in 2019, former president Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter were introduced on the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood after a week of work building houses with Habitat For Humanity. The night’s lineup includes Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Margo Price and Bill Anderson.
Today in 2019, Chris Lane’s single, “Big, Big Plans,” was released.
Today in 2019, Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater with the show taped for “CMT Crossroads.” The set included “Peter Pan,” “Miss Me More” and “homecoming queen?”
Today in 2020, Whiskey Myers guitarist John Jeffers was hospitalized with a skull fracture and a loss of hearing in one ear following an ATV accident. He’s since made a full recovery – and you can hear about that journey in the band’s song, “Heavy on Me.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 10, 2023October 10, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week and a half earlier. As a result of the incident, Elvis’ dad, Vernon, arranged to have the bodies of both his son and wife Gladys moved and re-buried side-by-side on the grounds of the Graceland mansion.
Today in 1979, “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap topped the country singles chart with “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.
Today in 1981, G. Sheppard’s “Party Time” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1986, Hank Williams Jr. won his second Entertainer of the Year trophy and claimed Album of the Year for “Born To Boogie” during the 22^nd annual Country Music Association awards.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis’ album, “An Old Time Christmas,” was released.
Today in 1989, Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas In America” album was released.
Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was released.
Today in 2000, “Pollstar” announced that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour was the largest grossing country tour of the summer.
Today in 2000, the “Strong Heart” album by Patty Loveless and Sara Evans’ “Born To Fly” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, Lonestar’s “With Me” video debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.
Today in 2002, Alan Jackson was nominated for a record 10 CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year. In fact, his 10 nominations beat the previous record of 9, which was set by Merle Haggard in 1970.
Today in 2002, Lee Ann Womack sang “I Hope You dance” with Gloria Estefan while taping Lifetime Television’s third annual “Women Rock! Girls & Guitars” in Los Angeles.
Today in 2005, Alabama, Glen Campbell and DeFord Bailey were announced by the Country Music Association as the latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” played as ABC debuted “Nashville.”
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift received five nominations, leading all country artists as the ballot for the American Music Awards was announced. Florida Georgia Line received four nominations.
Today in 2016, the Chicks played the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Opening act Elle King returned during the Chicks’ set to help out on “Landslide.”
Today in 2016, Tyler Farr married Hannah Freeman in Nolensville, Tennessee. Groomsmen included Jason Aldean, Colt Ford, Lee Brice and Maddie & Tae. Brad Paisley also gave a surprise performance of “Today.”
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Cruise,” was certified 11-times platinum.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell headlined a concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge before the Nashville Predators’ home opener. Also in the lineup were Billy Ray Cyrus, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and Terri Clark.
Today in 2019, it was a big day for Dan + Shay. They snapped up a quadruple-platinum certification for their single, “Tequila.” On top of that, their single, “Speechless,” hit triple-platinum status and the single, “All To Myself,” went platinum.
Today in 2019, Maren Morris’ single, “Girl,” was certified platinum. On the same day, Sam Hunt’s single, “Downtown’s Dead,” went gold – and so did Eric Church’s single, “Some Of It” (it went gold).
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan scored a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and a platinum award for “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” His singles for “Games,” “We Rode In Trucks” and “Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets” were also certified gold.
Today in 2020, Niko Moon made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Moon co-wrote the Zac Brown Band hits “Loving You Easy,” “Homegrown” and “My Old Man.”
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s Christmas package, “My Gift,” hit the top of the Billboard country albums chart.

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