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Garth Brooks: ‘No Phones’ At Vegas Residency

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Garth Brooks is starting his Las Vegas residency at Caesars Palace next week, but with a twist – the event will be a “phone free experience”. Fans will have to give up their phones upon arrival, and they will be locked in secure cases until the concert is over.

The “no phones” policy has become increasingly popular among artists who want to prevent their performances from being recorded and posted online. Most artists use the “Yondr” cases, and Brooks is no different. Garth Brooks’ Las Vegas residency begins on May 18th at Caesars Palace.

Source: Whisky Riff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1989, Chely Wright moved to Nashville.
  • Today in 1991, George Strait’s “If I Know Me” peaked at #1 on the Billboard Country chart.
  • Today in 1993, the album “Big Time” by Little Texas was released.
  • Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ “Greatest Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1993, Wynonna released her second solo album, “Tell Me Why.”
  • Today in 1993, Brooks & Dunn claimed three honors during NBC’s telecast of the 28th annual Academy of Country Music Awards from Los Angeles’ Universal Amphitheatre. Top Vocal Duet, Single Record of the Year, for “Boot Scootin’ Boogie.” Album of the year was awarded for “Brand New Man.”
  • Today in 1996, Steve Wariner was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1994, Faith Hill earned her first gold record for her debut album, “Take Me As I Am.”
  • Today in 1997, Trace Adkins married former record company publicist Rhonda Forlaw in a traditional Southern ceremony in the garden of Nashville’s historic Belle Meade Mansion.
  • Today in 1999, the “Shania Twain Live” video was released.
  • Today in 1999, Kenny Rogers’ album, “She Rides Wild Horses,” was released.
  • Today in 1999, SHeDAISY’s “The Whole Shebang” went gold.
  • Today in 2001, Darryl Worley and his longtime girlfriend, Beverly Dean Irvin, were married on the courthouse steps in Darryl’s hometown of Savannah, Tennessee. They divorced in 2006, and Darryl married Kimberly Lee Perkins December 2007.
  • Today in 2002, Cyndi Thomson married Daniel Goodman in Nashville. The couple shared vows in a traditional candlelight ceremony in the chapel of the Woodmont Christian Church. Truly a sentimental event, Rev. Scotty Smith, family pastor for Daniel’s family, officiated.
  • Today in 2004, Gretchen Wilson’s debut album “Here For The Party” was released.
  • Today in 2005, Ronnie Mislap and Los Lonely Boys performed together in Franklin, Tennessee, during a taping of “CMT Crossroads.” The set list included “Stranger In My House,” “It Was Almost Like A Song,” “All Is Fair In Love And War” and “Smoky Mountain Rain.”
  • Today in 2010, Jason Aldean, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum and Carrie Underwood earned three nominations a piece during the CMT Music Awards.
  • Today in 2013, Willie Nelson received an honorary doctorate from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, alongside Carole King and Annie Lennox.
  • Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley’s “Drunk On A Plane” video premiered.
  • Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s single, “Humble And Kind,” was certified gold by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2018, Billy Ray Cyrus and late comedian Stringbean were inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame at the Center for Rural Development in Somerset, along with Jackie DeShannon, Dale Ann Bradley, Jason Crabb and Bobby Lewis.
  • Today in 2020, the Bellamy Brothers announced a new entry, Afterglow, in their Old Hippie Stash line of medical cannabis, which is available in Florida.

Morgan Wallen Cancels Six Weeks Of Shows For Medical Reasons

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Unfortunate news for Morgan Wallen fans – and Morgan himself. The singer took to Instagram yesterday to tell the world: he’s sidelined for the next six weeks.

To get everyone up to speed: Morgan was just about to take the stage in Oxford, Mississippi April 23 when he canceled the show at the last minute, claiming “my voice was shot.” Shortly after, Wallen claimed he was put on vocal rest by his doctors, forcing him to reschedule three concerts as he gave his vocal chords a break. He resumed live performing with a series of three concerts in Florida this past weekend, even though he said prior to the first concert that he “wasn’t quite 100%.” While breaking the bad news yesterday, Morgan recounted that he played the three Florida shows but by the end of the third one, he “felt terrible,” causing him to revisit his docs at the Vanderbilt Voice Center. The result: a diagnosis of “vocal fold trauma” – and as a result, the country star has been forced to cancel or postpone all his concerts for the next six weeks – and, in fact, they advised him to talk as little as possible. If he goes against this medical advice, his doctors have told him he risks damage to his vocal chords.

Falling victim to his being put on the IL: his scheduled performance at the ACM Awards this Thursday night, and a number of festivals that won’t be possible to reschedule – though he says he plans on making those good next year.

Morgan’s website has apparently been updated to reflect the cancellations; his next listed show is June 22 at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

Source: Fox News

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1952, Hank Thompson took over the #1 position in the Billboard country chart with “The Wild Side Of Life.”
  • Today in 1962, Johnny Cash played prestigious Carnegie Hall in New York, supporting on the bill by George Jones, Tompall & The Glaser Brothers and The Carter Family.
  • Today in 1975, Gary Stewart received his only #1 single in Billboard with one of the greatest country titles of all-time, “She’s Actin’ Single (I’m Drinkin’ Doubles).”
  • Today in 1984, Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless The U.S.A.” was released.
  • Today in 1986, The Judds topped #1 in Billboard with “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Old Days).”
  • Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam’s album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc. Etc.,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1993, fire heavily damaged Mickey Gilley’s theater in Branson, Missouri.
  • Today in 1994, the album, “Ten Feet Tall And Bulletproof,” album by Travis Tritt was released.
  • Today in 1994, Lorrie Morgan’s “War Paint” album was released.
  • Today in 1994, right before John Berry was about to have surgery to remove a brain tumor, he found out that his single “Your Love Amazes Me” had become his first #1 hit.
  • Today in 1994, Willie Nelson was arrested on drug possession charges in Hewitt, Texas, after a police officer found him asleep in his car with a marijuana cigarette in the ashtray. The case was later thrown out of court, the cop was fired, and Willie was…um…on the road again!
  • Today in 1995, Reba McEntire became the first woman in 15 years to be named Entertainer of the Year at the 30th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, broadcasted live on NBC-TV from Los Angeles’ Universal Amphitheatre. She also reclaimed Top Female Vocalist.
  • Today in 1997, Barbara Mandrell launched her own jewelry line on the QVC cable TV channel. The “Country Sentiments” line of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces range in price from $20 to $125.
  • Today in 2000, LeAnn Rimes debuted the song, “I Need You,” on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill appeared in “Here’s To You Charlie Brown: 50 Great Years!,” the landmark television tribute to the late “Peanuts” creator, Charles Schulz. Faith started working on the project while Charles was still alive and had hoped to meet him. Unfortunately, he passed away before the meeting could take place, but she was told by the show’s producers that the late artist was thrilled that she was participating in the event. In the special, Faith serenaded Charlie Brown about girl trouble with “Poor, Sweet Baby,” a song from 1983’s “Snoopy: The Musical.”
  • Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley’s “Modern Day Drifter” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, welcomed by Garth Brooks. She performed “Last name,” “All-American Girl” and “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
  • Today in 2013, Randy Houser’s “Runnin’ Outta Moonlight” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2016, Cole Swindell sang “You Should Be Here” at the top of One World Trade Center in New York…becoming the first artist to perform there since it opened.
  • Today in 2016, Lauren Alaina admitted in a “Time” magazine interview that she had bulimia in her teens.
  • Today in 2017, George Strait threw a party at RCA Studio A in Nashville to introduce his Codigo tequila to the market. Guests included Kix Brooks, Chase Rice and Martina McBride.
  • Today in 2017, Vince Gill was on hand as Nashville Mayor Megan Barry declared Ryman Auditorium Day as the former home of the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 125th
  • Today in 2017, Scotty McCreery self-released his single, “Five More Minutes.” It went on to become his first #1 hit!
  • Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller” album went triple-platinum.
  • Today in 2019, Alison Krauss + Union Station got a gold single from the RIAA for “When You Say Nothing At All.”
  • Today in 2021, Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey was briefly hospitalized after he fell off a ladder while replacing a light bulb. He suffered a cracked rib, a collapsed lung, plus minor scrapes and bruises. His warning to fans on Twitter: “be careful out there & get someone to hold ur ladder.”
  • Today in 2021, Jimmie Allen played a benefit for the family of a slain Delaware police officer at Bottle & Cork in Dewey Beach.

Keith Urban’s Car Is Up For Sale – But It’ll Cost You

Posted on by Bob Ballard

A car previously owned by Keith Urban – and featured on “Jay Leno‘s Garage” – is up for sale, if you’re in the market for a nice Italian sports car.

The car in question is a 2014 Pagani Huayra. There were only 100 of this particular model made, making it a rarity based on that alone. Add to that the fact that it was owned by a celebrity and has just over 6K miles on it, and doesn’t even have a price tag attached (you have to call the dealer to discuss price), and you know it’s going to cost someone quite a bit.

So how much will this car cost someone? While the website doesn’t mention a price, a quick Google search indicates that cars of the same make and model have sold for over $2M. Time to break the piggy bank.

Source: duPont Registry

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1975, John Denver’s single, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” topped the country charts.
  • Today in 1989, Keith Whitley was found dead of alcohol poisoning in his Nashville home. Sadly, his career had just hit an all time high. He was survived by his wife, Lorrie Morgan.
  • Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam scored his first platinum certification for the album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc.”
  • Today in 1989, after dropping out of Northeast Louisiana University, Tim McGraw moves to Nashville. On his first day in town, he heard “Indian Outlaw,” which was destined to become his first hit. He also met songwriter Craig Wiseman, who ultimately wrote several future hits for Tim.
  • Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Moon” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ wife, Leticia (aka Tish), gave birth to the couple’s second child – Braison Chance – in Nashville.
  • Today in 1997, the “Academy Of Country Music-101 Greatest Country Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2000, Steve Wariner’s album, “Faith in You,” was released. The project featured “Katie Wants a Fast One,” Steve’s duet with Garth The Judds’ album, “Judds Reunion: Live” and Craig Morgan’s “Something To Write Home About” also hit stores.
  • Today in 2001, after nine long years, Toby Keith hollered a resounding, “How do you like me now!?,” as he accepted his very first Academy of Country Music award in the Album of the Year category. He also won in the Top Male Category. Other winners included Dixie Chicks as Entertainers of the Year, Faith Hill as Top Female Vocalist with Lee Ann Womack and Sons of the Desert winning in the Vocal Event, Single and Song of the Year categories. Brooks & Dunn snagged Top Duo honors while Rascal Flatts scored their first ACM in the Top New Vocal Duo or Group category. Other special moments included Glen Campbell presenting Kenny Rogers with the Career Achievement Award and a stunned Barbara Mandrell accepting the Pioneer Award. Prior to the invitation to join her sister, Louise, on stage — Barbara had no idea that she was going to receive the honor.
  • Today in 2002, Vince Gill and his wife, Amy Grant, had about 300-thousand reasons to be happy. The happy couple raised $300,000 with the help of their famous friends at the 10th annual Vinny Pro-Celebrity Golf event, The event, which took place at the Legends Club of Tennessee, wrapped up that week and has raised nearly $3-million since 1993 for Tennessee Junior Golf and youth programs across Tennessee.
  • Today in 2005, barefoot Kenny Chesney married actress Renee Zellweger in the Virgin Islands. Zellweger filed for an annulment four months later claiming “fraud.” While the gossip columns went nuts, Chesney later explained that the term was simply a legal technicality.
  • Today in 2010, Blake Shelton proposed to Miranda Lambert in the woods near her home in Tishomingo, Oklahoma. They married in 2011…and surprised the world when they announced they were divorced in 2015.
  • Today in 2012, Lyle Lovett and Sheryl Crow performed “I’ll Never Fall In Love Again” for President Barack Obama at the White House as Burt Bacharach and Hal David were honored with the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The same night, Lee Ann Womack offered up “I Hope You Dance” for numerous politicians and their spouses at the Washington Hilton in an event honoring first lady Michelle Obama.
  • Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” was certified quadruple-platinum by the RIAA. On the same day, Josh Turner’s single, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” went platinum and Miranda Lambert’s “Famous In A Small Town” went gold.
  • Today in 2014, Hunter Hayes played 10 concerts in 10 cities in a 24-hour period, beginning with a “Good Morning, America” performance in New York City, which included his performance of “Invisible.”
  • Today in 2015, Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” kicked off a 13-week run at the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
  • Today in 2016, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Keith Urban threw out the ceremonial first pitch and announced the starting lineups in Los Angeles at Dodger Stadium. The New York Mets defeated the Dodgers, 4-2.
  • Today in 2016, The Library of Congress announce the establishment of the Marty Stuart Collection, which was made up of hundreds of hours of audio-visual material amassed by Stuart. Included is footage from the Grand Ole Opry, “The Johnny Cash Show” and “The Marty Stuart Show,” plus home movies of Lester Flatt’s band.
  • Today in 2017, Josh Abbott had a first date in Texas with Taylor Parnell…who became his wife 14-months later.
  • Today in 2017, “Women’s Wear Daily” reported that the Federal Trade Commission had written letters to a number of celebrities – including Luke Bryan and Lucy Hale – warning them that they need to indicate a financial relationship when they advertise products online.
  • Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson snagged three nominations to lead the list of finalists in the Americana Honors & Awards – Artist of the Year; Song of the Year, for “All Around You”; and Album, for “A Sailor’s Guide To Earth.”
  • Today in 2017, Maren Morris performed “I Could Use A Love Song” as a musical guest on NBC’s “The Voice,” featuring celebrity coaches Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
  • Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line held a benefit for Hurricane Irma victims at the San Carlos Theater in Key West. They shared the stage with Morgan Wallen and RaeLynn.
  • Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton made a surprise appearance during Justin Timberlake’s concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The pair duet on “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Eric Church Gets Star On Nashville Walk Of Fame

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Eric Church experienced another career highlight Thursday, as the North Carolina native was honored with his own star on Nashville’s Music City Walk Of Fame.

At his induction ceremony, Church reflected on getting his start in Music City – and the city that’s become his home: “I came to this town in a 1987 two-tone Chevy Blazer in 2000. And I remember pulling in. I didn’t know anyone. I had a guitar, mediocre songs at the time, and big, big dreams…I thought I had big dreams. But this is beyond those things. I’ve been here 23 years now. I met my wife here. My manager Jon Peat’s here. Had my kids here. Go to baseball games here now. It’s become home to me. So the honor is for the accomplishments I’ve had in my career, but it’s also for: This is home.”

The Walk of Fame is across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame on Demonbreun Street in downtown Nashville. Eric’s star is the 99th on the Walk, joining legends like Hank Williams, Dolly Parton, Randy Travis and others – making the Walk a must for Music City tourists.

Source: WhiskeyRiff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1976, The Man in Black donned a black robe: Johnny Cash receives an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from San Diego’s National University. San Diego mayor Pete Wilson declares Johnny Cash Day.
  • Today in 1982, Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” was at #1 on “Billboard’s” country singles chart.
  • Today in 1995, Lee Roy Parnell released “A Little Bit of You.”
  • Today in 1999, Martina McBride played herself in a cameo appearance on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The show was about a guy named Gary, who magically gets tomorrow’s paper a day early so he can prevent tragedies from occurring. In the episode, he read in “the paper” that Martina would be seriously injured while rehearsing with her band, so he raced to the concert hall to save her.
  • Today in 2000, Brad Paisley made his “Tonight Show” debut.
  • Today in 2000, Reba McEntire snagged the top spot on “Billboard’s” Liquid Audio chart with the single, “We’re So Good Together.” It was her first foray into downloadable music.
  • Today in 2004, “You’ll Think Of Me” took Keith Urban to the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
  • Today in 2005, Mindy McCready was taken to a Nashville hospital after ex-boyfriend William McKnight broke into her home, beat and choked her. McKnight was later charged with attempted murder. They soon reconciled and a year later, she gave birth to their son, Zander. They split again, of course, and sadly in spite of her attempts to get her life together, she ultimately committed suicide on February 17, 2013.
  • Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum performed “Wanted You More” on the season finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” One of Blake Shelton’s team members, Jermaine Paul, is voted the winner.
  • Today in 2017, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross waltzed to “Humble And Kind” as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” receiving nine out of 10 points from each of the four judges, including Julianne Hough.

Blake Shelton To Get A Star On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton is getting his flowers – in the form of a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

The country singer-turned-reality tv judge’s star will be the 2,755th to earn a place on the Walk Of Fame  – with his coming in the category of Recording for his “outstanding achievements in the music industry.”

In a statement from Walk Of Fame producer Ana Martinez, she said “Blake Shelton is one of the music and television world’s most popular entertainers. He keeps “The Voice” audiences in stitches with his witty banter and he has captured many fan’s hearts with his soulful country voice. To think that he began his career at the age of 17 is amazing. We are proud to have him join the Hollywood Walk of Fame.”

The dedication will take place at 6212 Hollywood Boulevard in front of Amoeba Music in Los Angeles, California on Friday, May 12 at 11:30 AM PST. If you can’t fly off to Hollywood, Blake’s star ceremony will be streamed live exclusively at walkoffame.com.

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: “It’s a strange deal. I’m supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and the way normal folks live. But mostly I’m living in motel rooms and traveling on my special bus.”
  • Today in 1982, Vince Gill and his first wife, Janis, welcomed their daughter, Jenny.
  • Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell topped the charts with the single, “After All This Time.”
  • Today in 1995, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the singles charts with “Gonna Get A Life.”
  • Today in 1997, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill welcomed their first baby, Gracie Katherine McGraw. At age nine, she had her “big break” as part of the children’s chorus at the close of her dad’s hit single, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released his box set, “The Limited Series.” LeAnn Rimes also released her “Sittin’ On Top of the World” album, John Michael Montgomery’s “Leave A Mark” project and Mark Wills album, “Wish You Were Here,” also arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill took four trophies in the 34th annual Academy of Country Music awards. She won Single Record and Video of the Year, for “This Kiss”; claimed Top Female Vocalist; and shared Vocal Event with Tim McGraw, for “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
  • Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant made their first national television appearance together as newlyweds today on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The couple was plugging the Electrolux USA Championship women’s golf tournament, which they were jointly hosting.
  • Today in 2000, the annual issue of “In Style” magazine’s “Makeover Edition,” credited Faith Hill as one of the “most improved” and LeAnn Rimes’ fashion sense as “coming of age.” Faith was also featured in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame” section that focused on “celebrities for whom change is the only constant.”
  • Today in 2001, Blake Shelton performed his breakthrough single, “Austin,” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2009, Dolly Parton received a Tony nomination in New York for Best Original Score for “9 To 5: The Musical.” She lost out to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for their work in “Next To Normal.”
  • Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album, “Traveller,” was released.

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