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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Sheldon”, a 7 year old Domestic Longhair/Mix kitty. Sheldon is a chill dude, and is the perfect companion for someone looking for a lap cat to cuddle up with on the couch. He’s an affectionate fellow who gets along with other cats, and even dogs! Sheldon is fully vaccinated, vetted and would love to meet you?

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

TAYLOR SWIFT CLOSES IN ON DOLLY PARTON RECORD

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift now has more than 100 career hits on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with 22 new entries from her album “Speak Now (Taylor’s Version).” Swift now has 108 career hits on the chart. She is the second woman to have more than 100 career hits on the chart, just behind Dolly Parton’s record of 110 hit songs.

Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart lists the most popular country music songs on a weekly basis, based on digital downloads, streaming, and radio airplay. Swift’s first song to make it onto the Hot Country Songs chart was “Tim McGraw” in 2006, which debuted at number 60 at the time.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1966, Jim Reeves’ “The Best Of Jim Reeves” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1988, the video, “George Strait Live,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1990, Keith Whitley’s album, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” was certified gold – he had died from alcohol poisoning a year earlier.
  • Today in 1992, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Ten Strait Hits” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, the “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” album by Chris Ledoux was released.
  • Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “Kickin’ It Up” video was certified gold.
  • Today in 1996, Garth Brooks played to a special crowd in Denver, Colorado: The audience included the one-millionth ticket-buyer for his three-year-long world tour. Garth celebrated the occasion by giving the buyer – Coral Volland – flowers, tour merchandise and a brand new Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith occupied the #1 position in the Billboard with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
  • Today in 2012, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, welcomed their son, Dylan Jay Marcus.
  • Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the last of three stadiums on his 2013 tour itinerary. Also on the bill were Kelly Clarkson, Jake Own, and Thomas Rhett.
  • Today in 2015, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are granted a divorce by an Oklahoma judge
  • Today in 2016, the video for Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls,” featuring rocker Elle King, premieres on NBC’s “Today”
  • Today in 2017, Josh Abbott announced his engagement to Taylor Parnell
  • Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in his first Music City concert in 13 years.
  • Today in 2018, Charles Esten makes his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2018, Garth Brooks finished #2 among Billboard’s Money Makers for receipts of $52.2-million. Other country acts among the Top 25 include: Luke Bryan, #15 (with $21-million); Florida Georgia Line, #16 (adding $20.9-million to their bank account); Eric Church, #19 (after racking up $19.4-million); and Chris Stapleton, #21 (collecting $17.9- million).
  • Today in 2019, T Graham Brown is named an Arkansas Traveler by Governor Asa Hutchinson when he performs at the Independence County Fair in Batesville.

TOBY KEITH TO RECIEVE COUNTRY ICON AWARD AT PEOPLE’S CHOICE COUNTRY AWARDS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Toby Keith will be making an appearance at the upcoming People’s Choice Country Awards this fall as he will be awarded the very first “Country Icon” award. Fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton will be handing the trophy off to the “Big Dog Daddy.”

The awards show, an offshoot of the annual People’s Choice Awards, will be hosted by Little Big Town and will air and stream at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock, live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville.

  • In other Toby news, the singer continues to not-so-gradually make his way into playing shape by once again taking the stage, this time joining LoCash at the Tin Roof in Orlando for a rousing rendition of Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B. Goode” . On their socials, LoCash said, “[Toby Keith] was in the house the other night. We loved gettin’ to play some songs up there with him and tear it up.” And fans loved to see it.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her debut on the charts with her first single, “Honky Tonk Girl.”
  • Today in 1969, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition appeared on the US country charts for the first time with “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town.”
  • Today in 1989, Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1991, the “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” album by Alan Jackson was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, on her way to a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Dottie West was involved in a motor vehicle accident when her brakes failed. She hit a wall, but sustained only minor injuries. Just weeks later, she was involved in another car crash that took her life.
  • Today in 1992, Diamond Rio topped the charts with “Norma Jean Riley.”
  • Today in 1993, Patty Loveless hit #1 with the single, “Blame It On Your Heart.”
  • Today in 1993, both the Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” album and Aaron Tippin’s “Read Between The Lines” project were both certified platinum.
  • Today In 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter hit the charts with “I Take My Chances.”
  • Today in 1994, Diamond Rio’s “Love A Little Stronger” album was released.
  • Today in 1994, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits Volume II” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Loretta Lynn made a special appearance on the Friday Night Opry, opening with her first #1 hit, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” from 1966 and followed with “We’ve Come a Long Way Baby” from 1978. To round out the night, Loretta performed “How Great Thou Art” without accompaniment, for which she received a standing ovation and finished with her signature tune, ” Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
  • Today in 2000, Reba McEntire was tapped to host “The 2nd Annual Family Television Awards.” The awards show recognizes outstanding programming for family viewing. Awards are given to television shows and actors who best represent family programming and values.
  • Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn were included in a very select group of artists, as one of their summer tour shirt designs was the only country item included in “Entertainment Weekly’s” concert merchandise wrap-up. The shirt was emblazoned with the duo’s album artwork from “Steers & Stripes” (with them in full rodeo clown make-up).
  • Today in 2003, the video for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the Alan Jackson collaboration with Jimmy Buffett, made its debut on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live”
  • Today in 2004, Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party” album was certified double-platinum.
  • Today in 2014, Blake Shelton headlined Wrigley Field in Chicago, and was joined on the bill by The Band Perry, Neal McCoy and Dan + Shay. Shelton’s set list included “All About Tonight,” “Doin’ What She Likes” and “God Gave Me You.”
  • Today in 2015, Surprise! Sam Hunt shows up during Taylor Swift’s concert at Soldier Field in Chicago. The two duet on “Take Your Time.”
  • Today in 2016, an overpass in central Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was renamed the George Hamilton IV Bridge.
  • Today in 2018, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill lend their support to When We All Vote, a voter registration campaign launched by Michelle Obama that also deploys Tom Hanks, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Janelle Monae and basketball player Chris Paul.
  • Today in 2018, Luke Combs earns his first platinum album from the RIAA with “This One’s For You.”
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert revealed on social media that she adopted two bunnies from Metro Animal Care in Nashville. She names them Frida and Selena.
  • Today in 2021, Taylor Swift ranked #1 on the Billboard list of Money Makers, after grossing a reported $23.8-million in the previous year. Also on the list are: Luke Combs, #16 (raking in $9.2M); George Strait, #26 (with $6.9M); and Blake Shelton, #28 (adding $6.7M to his bank account).

LUKE COMBS EXPLAINS WHY HE RECORDED “FAST CAR”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs made a triumphant return to his hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina this past weekend – and while he was there, he told the story of why he recorded the 1987 Tracy Chapman hit, “Fast Car.”

“I remember riding around in a 1989 Ford F-150 with a campertop on it. It was brown and the campertop was tan,”Combs, said. “My dad had a cassette tape of this album by this lady named Tracy Chapman. Listening to that album with my dad meant a lot to me and kind of sparked my love for music and kind of landed me where I am today.” The country star then brought his dad on stage for a hug before launching into the hit. “This is for you, Pop.” Check out a clip of Luke’s performance here.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, “I’m Sorry” by Brenda Lee topped the singles charts.
  • Today in 1981, the single, “Seven Year Ache,” by Rosanne Cash peaked at #22 on the pop singles chart. More recently, Rosanne re-worked the tune with Trisha Yearwood, who covers it on her “Inside Out,” album. Rosanne also provided background vocals.
  • Today in 1986, after 28 years with Columbia Records, Johnny Cash was dropped from the label. Here’s the kicker – he learned about his contract’s cancellation in the newspapers.
  • Today in 1989, Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus peaked at #4 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1995, Jeff Foxworthy’s “Games Rednecks Play” album was released.
  • Today in 1997, the single, “All the Good Ones are Gone” by Pam Tillis peaked at #6 on the charts.
  • Today in 2000, the album, “Kinleys II,” arrived in stores. Darryl Worley also celebrated the arrival of his debut album, “Hard Rain Don’t Last.”
  • Today in 2000, Travis Tritt was tapped as a celebrity spokesperson for Goodwill Industries.
  • Today in 2001, Lonestar enjoyed their sixth week at the top of the charts with their single, “I’m Already There.”
  • Today in 2002, “Redbook” magazine revealed that 2,500 of their readers had some definite ideas about what celebrity enjoys the most balanced life. In fact, an astounding 63% of “Redbook” readers say they’re most impressed with the way that Faith Hill balances her personal and professional lives. 31% preferred a life like Oprah Winfrey’s and only 3% wished to be adored by millions like Julia
  • Today in 2006, Rodney Atkins’ album, “If You’re Going Through Hell,” and Eric Church’s debut album, “Sinners Like Me,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2008, Garth Brooks – clad in a Mets jersey – was a surprise guest at the final concert at New York’s Shea Stadium, singing “Shameless” with the night’s attraction, Billy Joel. Also making appearances: Steven Tyler, Roger Daltrey and Paul McCartney.
  • Today in 2014, Jason Aldean performed “Burnin’ It Down” live for the first time while headlining a stadium date at Cleveland’s Progressive Field. A drunk fan died tragically at the show, which also features Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line and Tyler Farr.
  • Today in 2016, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Vice,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Luke Bryan’s single “Move.”
  • Today in 2019, the video, “One Thing Right,” by Marshmello & Kane Brown was released.
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert’s single, “It All Comes Out In The Wash,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2019, Alabama cancelled two shows in Canada as Randy Owen battles migraines and vertigo.
  • Today in 2021, Blake Shelton’s concert at the Country Thunder Music Festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, included a surprise guest: wife Gwen Stefani, who performs the classic No Doubt hit, “Don’t Speak.”

TOBY KEITH MISSES PERFORMING SO MUCH, HE SINGS IN HIS UBER

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Maybe he feels he’s been away too long. Despite two pop-up shows earlier this month, Toby Keith has been kept on the sidelines as he battles stomach cancer. But performing as long as Toby has (his first single hit #1 way back in 1993), you start itching to get that mic back in your hand.

It’s as good an explanation as any for the video Toby posted to his Twitter feed over the weekend. It showed Toby sitting in the back of an Uber, doing his own version of “Carpool Karaoke” – and he chose a song he knows well: “Courtesy Of The Red, White & Blue (The Angry American)” – one of his biggest hits. And for a guy who’s been out of commission for over a year, he sounds (and looks) pretty good!

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.

DAN + SHAY ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, DROP THREE NEW SONGS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The long wait for Dan+Shay fans is over. After months of teases, pics from recording studios, and even a raw and emotional video clip talking about the journey to where they are now, the duo took to Instagram yesterday to give fans what they’ve been waiting for: news, and new music.

With the two of them posing for what appears to be the album cover, the duo announced their new album. “Our new album, BIGGER HOUSES, will be available everywhere September 15th and pre-order begins tonight at 11 PM CT. In addition to SAVE ME THE TROUBLE, you’ll also get 2 more of our favorite songs, HEARTBREAK ON THE MAP, and the title track, BIGGER HOUSES. We poured every bit of our hearts into this album and truly cannot wait for y’all to hear it. New era starts now! ????”

In the comments below that post, Dan Smyers (the “Dan” of “Dan+Shay”) said from his own Instagram account, “I’m so proud of this album”.

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