This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Taquito”, an adorable 7 month old female kitty. Taquito is a very affectionate and social little girl who loves to cuddle, loves kids, and she gets along great with other cats. Taquito is fully vetted and vaccinated, and is looking for her “fur-ever” home!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Taquito 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 Taquito with Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
George Strait and Chris Stapleton have been hanging out a lot lately – as they are currently touring together, and have just extended the tour to go through 2024. It’s not surprising to see them together under ordinary circumstances – but one place they were seen recently has raised some eyebrows and some hopes.
Nashville studio veteran Brent Mason shared photos from the Castle Studio in Franklin, Tennessee last week, saying he’s a part of a new Strait album that’s currently being recorded. The guitarist indicates that the group reportedly recorded in late August and early September. Pictures find Stapleton behind the sound board and behind Strait in a group shot.
So people are wondering: are Chris and George working together on one or more tracks? Or was Stapleton just hanging out? George is usually shy about collabing with people; since 2011 he’s done just one feature – a Willie Nelson song, “Sing One With Willie,” that appeared on his most recent album in 2019. See the pic below – and cross your fingers.
Today in 1976, Waylon Jennings scored six nominations and Willie Nelson picked up five as the Country Music Association announces the finalists for its annual awards in Nashville.
Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1992, Suzy Bogguss’ “Aces” album was certified gold.
Today in 1992, John Michael Montgomery’s first single, “Life’s A Dance,” was released.
Today in 1993, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth” album and Martina McBride’s album, “The Way That I Am,” were released.
Today in 1998, Shania Twain won awards in six of the eight categories for which she was nominated in the Canadian Country Music Awards.
Today in 1999, Martina McBride’s “Emotion” album was released.
Today in 2001, Cyndi Thomson’s debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” topped the “Radio & Records” country chart. The following day, it hit #1 on the “Billboard” country singles chart as well.
Today in 2004, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson and Martina McBride each received double nominations for the American Music Awards.
Today in 2005, Renee Zellweger filed for an annulment of her marriage to Kenny Chesney in Los Angeles, barely four months after the couple exchanged vows.
Today in 2010, the two-disc Jamey Johnson album, “The Guitar Song,” was released.
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan became the first country artist to headline at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, joined on the bill by Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.
Blake Shelton was made for this. The legendary “The Voice” judge knows a thing or two about country music and music competitions – so that dovetails nicely into his role as executive producer of a new documentary on 80’s and 90’s country stars Sawyer Brown.
For those that don’t know, Sawyer Brown first came to national attention when they won the 1983 season of “Star Search” – the precursor to televised singing competitions like “The Voice” and “American Idol.” They went on to a huge career in country music in the 80’s and 90’s, putting out such chart-topping hits as “Some Girls Do,” “Thank God For You” and “Step That Step.” The documentary centers on their impressive career in the face of the country music industry’s wary approach to a band getting their start on a prime time talent competition.
For his part, Shelton grew up a fan of the group, stating many times that Sawyer Brown was his first-ever concert and their “The Race Is On” was one of his very first music purchases. The movie, which will debut October 1 at the Nashville Film Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, features interviews with Shelton, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley and Mac McAnally, among others.
Today in 1973, Tom T. Hall recorded “I Love” at midday at the Mercury Custom Studios in Nashville.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s “Little Rock” checks in at #1 on the Billboard country singles list.
Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes sang “Blue” in her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, along with “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky.”
Today in 2003, The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a stamp featuring Roy Acuff during a ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The art is based on a photo that appeared in a 1949 edition of Collier’s magazine.
Today in 2006, Kellie Pickler’s debut single, “Red High Heels,” was released.
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” won Best Female Video during the MTV Video Music Awards. Kanye West infamously interrupted her acceptance speech at New York’s Radio City Music Hall to insist that Beyoncé should have won.
Today in 2010, Keith Urban’s “Put You In A Song” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2011, The Band Perry picked up a triple-platinum single award for “If I Die Young.”
Today in 2014, Brad Paisley’s “Moonshine In The Trunk” opens in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2014, Kenny Rogers and Little Big Town performed “God Bless America” in Baltimore during a live PBS special honoring the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The event’s lineup also featured Melissa Etheridge, Jordin Sparks, Kristen Chenoweth, Train and Smokey Robinson.
Today in 2015, the 2015 edition of Carrie Underwood’s “Sunday Night Football” theme, “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night,” debuted on NBC.
Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson sailed away with Album of the Year, for “A Sailor’s Guide To Earth,” during the Americana Music Awards at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives earn Group/Duo of the Year, and John Prine was recognized as Artist of the Year.
Today in 2018, a breach of peace charge was dropped against Gretchen Wilson in Enfield, Connecticut, when she agrees to donate to a local charity. She had alleged caused a ruckus at a local airport.
Today in 2018, Jesse McReynolds had emergency surgery for a bladder blockage.
Today in 2018, Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein quoted Aaron Tippin during a ceremony for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in Washington, D.C. saying, “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll for anything.”
Today in 2018, Jon Pardi scored double-platinum singles from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots,” while his “Heartache On The Dance Floor” went gold and platinum.
Today in 1980, as a result of a television report on ABC-TV’s “20/20,” the official case surrounding the 1977 death of Elvis Presley was reopened.
Today in 1986, Eddie Rabbitt and Juice Newton’s single, “Both To Each Other (Friends & Lovers),” went to #1 in “Radio & Records.”
Today in 1990, Alan Jackson’s “Here In The Real World” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, the album, ‘If There Was A Way,” by Dwight Yoakam was certified gold.
Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, on his birthday, George Jones underwent triple bypass surgery at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital.
Today in 1995, George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the “Greatest Hits – From The Beginning” album by Travis Tritt was released
Today in 1995, George Jones’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 1998, a concert by Shania Twain was televised live on DirecTV, in what the direct broadcast satellite service claimed is the first such TV event for the country star.
Today in 1998, Vince Gill made his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1999, a sold-out crowd of 23,000 people listened to Willie Nelson, Deana Carter, Sawyer Brown, Trisha Yearwood, John Mellencamp and other performers at Farm Aid ’99. The all-day event, the latest in a series of fund-raisers for farmers that started in 1985, came at a time when many East Coast growers were facing a severe drought. Since it began, Farm Aid has given $14.5 million to more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service groups in 44 states.
Today in 2002, the rumors were official – the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Home,” was certified platinum. Now, official Soundscan figures have confirmed it. In its second week of release, the project sold 367,000 copies (following record setting first-week sales of 779,828). It was enough to keep them on top of the Billboard 200 charts and the “Billboard” Top Country Albums chart for another week.
Today in 2002, George Strait launched his “Road Less Traveled” tour in Detroit Jo Dee Messina as his opening act. It was George’s first arena tour in five years. He been headlining his George Strait Country Music Festival at stadiums from 1999 to 2001.
Today in 2003, the famed “The Man in Black” Johnny Cash, who became a towering figure in American music with such hits as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “A Boy Named Sue,” died at the age of 71. In a statement issued by Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Cash’s longtime manager and friend, Lou Robin, said, “Johnny died due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure.” He noted that Cash died at the hospital at 1 am ET and added, “I hope that friends and fans of Johnny will pray for the Cash family to find comfort during this very difficult time.” The stunning news came as Cash had been released from the hospital the previous Wednesday after a two-week stay for treatment of an unspecified stomach ailment. Some reports circulated that he had been suffering from pancreatitis. The illness caused him to miss the MTV Music awards, where he had been nominated in seven categories and won the trophy for Best Cinematography. In his later years, Cash had battled a disease of the nervous system, autonomic neuropathy, and pneumonia. His beloved wife, June, had passed four months earlier.
Today in 2003, the “Man In Black” – aka Johnny Cash – passed away. He joined his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, who had died the previous May. Among his accolades, Cash was a member of both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame.
Today in 2007, Brad Paisley scored a gold album for “5th“
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2014, Garth Brooks took batting practice with the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. The night’s baseball game is rained out.
Today in 2014, The Band Perry’s single, “Postcard From Paris,” went gold.
Today in 2016, Jana Kramer took the stage as a contestant for “Dancing With The Stars.” Julianne Hough returns as a judge. Other competitors include Vanilla Ice, Maureen McCormick, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and former Texas governor Rick Perry, who danced a cha cha to “God Blessed Texas.”
Today in 2017, Kane Brown, who was formerly homeless, participated in a congressional briefing on the rental housing crisis in Washington, DC.
Today in 2017, George Strait headlined a Hurricane Harvey benefit concert at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio – he was joined on the bill by Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. It became part of the multi-network special, “Hand In Hand: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief.” Blake Shelton and Usher performed “Stand By Me” were from the Grand Ole Opry …as were Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Demi Lovato and CeCe Winans, who offered up, “A Little Help From My Friends.”
LeAnn Rimes got some help from her dog Fleetwood and Santa Claus himself to announce her upcoming holiday tour.
The singer took to Instagram for a little skit that contained a big announcement. Addressing her dog Fleetwood, she accused him of visiting Santa Claus again – removing a note on the dog apparently from Jolly St. Nick himself. “Ho! Ho! Dear LeAnn: it’s almost that time of year,” “Santa” said in voiceover as she read the note, “…and I need your help to spread some joy and cheer over the holidays!” Santa went on to tell LeAnn she was booked for a number of cities on her new “Joy: The Holiday Tour” concert tour. “Alright Fleetwood,” the singer says, “Looks like we’re going on tour!”
Wynonna Judd’s mama, Naomi Judd, may be gone, but that doesn’t mean the holiday spirit has to quiet down. The country icon is set to host “Christmas At The Opry” for NBC and Peacock this holiday season.
“Wynonna is one of the most recognized and lauded performers in country music,” said NBCUniversal VP Cassandra Tryon. Tryon also announced that Judd will receive the first Country Champion Award at the first People’s Choice Country Awards on September 28th.
“We can’t think of a better person to honor as our inaugural ‘Country Champion’ and to celebrate the holidays with across these two major country music events.” “Christmas At The Opry” will premiere on December 7th.
Today in 1978, the Statler Brothers’ “Christmas Card” album was released.
Today in 1982, Jerry Reed hit the mother lode on Billboard’s country chart, going to #1 with “She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft).”
Today in 1984, Barbara Mandrell and two of her children were seriously injured in a car crash that killed the other driver. She spent a long time recuperating and firmly believed that seat belts saved their lives.
Today in 1989, the albums, “Anniversary – Ten Years Of Hits,” by George Jones and “Greatest Hits Volume II,” by Johnny Paycheck were both certified gold.
Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “Heroes And Friends” album and the Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” album were released.
Today in 1993, Merle Haggard married Theresa Ann Lane.
Today in 1996, Clay Walker’s album, “Hypnotize The Moon,” and Collin Raye’s album, “I Think About You,” were both certified platinum.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performed their single, “In Another’s Eyes” on NBC-TV’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” After the performance, Trisha was presented with a platinum album for her album, “Songbook: A Collection of Hits.” It had sold 1.4-million copies in just 4 days.
Today in 1997, Ricochet’s Eddie Kilgallon and his wife, Terry, welcomed their first child, Landon James.
Today in 1999, Chely Wright went to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Single White Female,” a song written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Today in 2002, “Family Circle” magazine honored Reba McEntire with its “Women Who Make A Difference” Lifetime Achievement Award. As part of the tribute, she was profiled in the magazine’s October 8th
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters to Me,” was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 2001, a terrorist attack leveled both towers at the World Trade Center in New York, smashed into the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. In Manhattan during the chaos, though they are unhurt: Garth Brooks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash and Billy Gilman.
Today in 2002, as the nation paused to reflect on the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, several country stars turned in appearances and performances around the country. Lonestar, Martina McBride and Phil Vassar were in Nashville to participate in a candlelight vigil. Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire appeared on NBC’s “Concert for America,” which was taped two days earlier at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Charlie Daniels offered a performance of “The Last Fallen Hero” on the Fox News Channel. Neal McCoy was at the Kansas City Royals/ Chicago White Sox game to sing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2004, Terri Clark made an appearance at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Girls Lie Too.”
Today in 2008, Clay Walker’s family was among thousands of people who vacated Galveston, Texas, before the onslaught of Hurricane Ike.
Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler’s video for “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2012, Little Big Town’s album, “Tornado,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood’s new “Sunday Night Football” theme – “Oh, Sunday Night,” using the melody of “Somethin’ Bad” – debuts on NBC prior to an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals.
Today in 2017, six years after he was excised from “Monday Night Football” telecasts, a new version of Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” theme song, featuring Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo, returned to ESPN.
Today in 2017, John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash welcomed daughter, Grace June Cash, in Nashville.
Today in 2017, Kenny Chesney launched his Love For Love City charity, a fund to assist the Virgin Islands following the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
Today in 2018, The Zac Brown Band teamed with pop singer Shawn Mendes to shoot an episode of “CMT Crossroads” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. ZBB songs in the mix included “Keep Me In Mind,” “Homegrown” and “Colder Weather.”
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins” hit the airwaves.
Nominees for the 57th Annual CMA Awards were just announced with Lainey Wilson leading with nine nods and she makes history as the only artist to ever lead nominations in her first two times on the ballot. Jelly Roll is a first time contender with five noms.
When it comes to the night’s most coveted award, Entertainer of the Year, Morgan Wallen along with Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Wilson and Carrie Underwood.
The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, airs November 8th on ABC. Check out this year’s nominees below
Entertainer of the Year
Carrie Underwood
Chris Stapleton
Lainey Wilso
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Single of the Year
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineer: Chip Matthews
“Heart Like A Truck” – Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
“Need A Favor” – Jelly Roll; Producer: Austin Nivarel; Mix Engineer: Jeff Braun
“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Mix Engineer: Jim Cooley
“wait in the truck” – HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson; Producers: HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells; Mix Engineer: Joey Moi
Album of the Year
Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde; Producers: John Osborne, John Peets; Mix Engineers: Gena Johnson, John Osborne
Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Mix Engineers: Jason Hall, Jay Joyce
Gettin’ Old – Luke Combs; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton; Mix Engineers: Michael H. Brauer, Jim Cooley, Chip Matthews
One Thing At A Time – Morgan Wallen; Producers: Jacob Durrett, Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi, Cameron Montgomery; Mix Engineers: Josh Ditty, Joey Moi, Eivind Nordland
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat – Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini, Alysa Vanderheym; Mix Engineers: Dan Grech-Marguerat, Alysa Vanderheym
Song of the Year
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs; Songwriter: Tracy Chapman
“Heart Like A Truck” – Lainey Wilson; Songwriters: Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Lainey Wilson
“Next Thing You Know” – Jordan Davis; Songwriters: Jordan Davis, Greylan James, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne
“Tennessee Orange” – Megan Moroney; Songwriters: David Fanning, Paul Jenkins, Megan Moroney, Ben Williams
“wait in the truck” – HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson; Songwriters: Renee Blair, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt
Female Vocalist of the Year
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
Kelsea Ballerini
Lainey Wilson
Miranda Lambert
Male Vocalist of the Year
Chris Stapleton
Cody Johnson
Jelly Rol
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady A
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Maddie & Tae
The War And Treaty
New Artist of the Year
Hailey Whitters
Jelly Roll
Megan Moroney
Parker McCollum
Zach Bryan
Musical Event of the Year
“Save Me” – Jelly Roll featuring Lainey Wilson; Producers: Zach Crowell, David Ray Stevens
“She Had Me At Heads Carolina (Remix)” – Cole Swindell & Jo Dee Messina; Producer: Zach Crowell
“Thank God” – Kane Brown featuring Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff
“wait in the truck” – HARDY featuring Lainey Wilson; Producers: HARDY, Joey Moi, Jordan Schmidt, Derek Wells
