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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1949, an eighth grader named Elvis Presley got his report card – he scored an “A” in language, but only a “C” in music.
  • Today in 1972, Donna Fargo topped the country music charts with her single, “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA.”
  • Today in 1982, the album, “Strait From The Heart,” by George Strait was released.
  • Today in 1989, Reba McEntire married her road manager, Narvel Blackstock, in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. He had previously been her steel guitar player. Reba joked that after she’d promoted him to road manager, she demoted him to husband. The couple has one child, Shelby Stephen.
  • Today in 1989, Steve Wariner’s single, “Where Did I Go Wrong,” was #1 on the country charts.
  • Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt filmed his first video, “Too Cold At Home.”
  • Today in 1991, Willie Nelson released the album, “Who’ll Buy My Memories: The IRS Tapes.” Sales of the album helped pay off the $ 16 million he owed the federal government in back taxes.
  • Today in 1997, Tim McGraw released “Everywhere,” Pam Tillis released her “Greatest Hits” collection, and Sons of the Desert released their debut CD, “Whatever Comes First.”
  • Today in 2000, Tim McGraw and Kenny Chesney were arrested in Buffalo, New York, after Kenny rode off on a mounted police officer’s horse and Tim allegedly attacked sheriff’s deputies who attempted to stop him. The pair was acquitted on all charges related to the skirmish the following May.
  • Today in 2006, Dierks Bentley’s “Settle For A Slowdown” settled in at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2009, George Strait’s “Troubadour” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2011, Kenny Chesney’s “You And Tequila” video, featuring Grace Potter, debuted on CMT.

Taylor Swift And ‘Toy Story’ Announce Original Song

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Once again, Swifties were right! After a day of speculations and easter eggs, Taylor Swift and “Toy Story 5” have announced her new original song, “I Knew It, I Knew You,” which will be released this Friday. Yesterday, visitors to TaylorSwift.com were greeted by a clouded countdown that would reveal the collaboration at 2PM Eastern. Taylor wrote on her socials about the song saying, “I’ve always dreamed of getting to write for these characters who I’ve adored since I was a 5 year old.”

The GRAMMY winning singer also revealed she got to see the film in its “early stages” and confessed, “I wrote this song as soon as I got home from the screening” cheekily adding, “Sometimes you just know, right?” The song, co-written by her longtime collaborator Jack Antonoff, will see Taylor return to her country roots and is being released with three variants: the original, an acoustic version, and a piano version.

The excitement follows a viral easter egg campaign with mysterious “TS” billboards that many Swifties were sure hinted at a collab. The movie’s director Andrew Stanton noted Taylor’s connection to Jessie and “the immediate way she understood what the character was going through was undeniable. The song is so deeply connected to ‘Toy Story.’ So much so that on first listen, it instantly felt like it had always belonged there, like a long-lost family member.” “Toy Story 5” arrives in theaters on June 19th.

 

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1953, Elvis Presley graduated from L.C. Humes High School in Memphis.
  • Today in 1986, Randy Travis’ “Storms Of Life” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, Hal Ketchum’s Past “The Point Of Rescue” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, Martina McBride began her first major concert tour, opening for Garth Brooks in Denver, Colorado.
  • Today in 1993, Pam Tillis’ “Homeward Looking Angel” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1995, Wade Hayes’ “Still Dancin’ With You” was the #1 single.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “If You See Her” album was released. On the same day, Reba McEntire’s released her album “If You See Him.”
  • Today in 1998, Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander, a skydiving veteran who had jumped more than 200 times, had his picture taken at 9,500 feet, with the Space Shuttle Discovery streaking skyward in the background over Cape Canaveral.
  • Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” album was certified for sales of eleven million, temporarily tying it with her own “The Woman In Me” as the best-selling album by a female country artist.
  • Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks kicked off their first headlining tour in Winnipeg, Canada.
  • Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney‘s single, “Don’t Happen Twice,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2002, Mary Chapin Carpenter married contractor Timmy Smith. Well-known for being intensely private, the nuptials weren’t confirmed until weeks later, by friends of the couple – not from anyone in Mary Chapin’s camp.
  • Today in 2000, with his wife Faith Hill on his arm, Tim McGraw was officially named Father of the Year by the National Fatherhood Initiative, at a ceremony in Washington D.C.
  • Today in 2003, Alan Jackson’s duet with Jimmy Buffett, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” was released.
  • Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler earned her first gold single with “Red High Heels.”
  • Today in 2010, Faith Hill and Emmylou Harris performed at the White House as Paul McCartney received the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize. Also playing for the president: Jack White, Elvis Costello, and The Jonas Brothers.
  • Today in 2011, Shania Twain received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Riley Green Announces Fourth Album

Posted on by Bob Ballard

We already told you that Riley Green was teasing new music; that music came out Friday (“Think As You Drunk”). What we learned after the single dropped was that Riley has a new album coming out as well. His fourth studio album, “That’s Just Me,” arrives September 18. Two of the cool things about “Think As You Drunk”: the melody sounds a lot like Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was,” and the late legend even shows up for a bit at the end of the song. The second cool thing about the tune: a portion of the song’s proceeds will be donated to the Toby Keith Foundation.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1964, Dolly Parton moved to Nashville a day after her high school graduation and met her future husband, Carl Dean, at a laundromat.
  • Today in 1974, Ronnie Milsap collected the first #1 country single of his career with “Pure Love.” Here’s a fun fact, it was written by Eddie Rabbitt.
  • Today in 1975, Willie Nelson’s “Red Headed Stranger” album was released.
  • Today in 1991, Diamond Rio collected their first #1 single on the “Billboard” country chart with their debut, “Meet In The Middle.”
  • Today in 1994, Restless Heart performed at the opening of The Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville after a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Marty Stuart and Tanya Tucker. Among the acts that become the house band at the venue: Lonestar, Ricochet and Sons of the Desert.
  • Today in 1997, Kenny Rogers married Wanda Miller.
  • Today in 1999, Brad Paisley’s debut album, “Who Needs Pictures,” was released.
  • Today in 2006, Josh Turner claimed the first two gold singles of his career, awarded for “Long Black Train” and “Your Man.”
  • Today in 2011, Luke Bryan taped an installment of “CMT Crossroads” with The Doobie Brothers at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. Included in the set list: “Do I,” “Rain Is A Good Thing,” “Long Train’ Runnin'” and “China Grove.”
  • Today in 2012, The Band Perry’s video for “Postcard From Paris” debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2014, Brad Paisley put on a surprise two-hour after-concert show at 1am at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. He was joined alive with Randy Houser, Charlie Worsham and Leah Turner.
  • Today in 2014, Rolling Stone Country ranked Johnny Cash’s “I Walk The Line” #1 as it lists the “100 Greatest Country Songs Of All Time.”
  • Today in 2015, Rhonda Adkins rescinded her divorce petition from Trace Adkins. The move would allow them to settle without public scrutiny…but they remain married today.
  • Today in 2015, Brothers Osborne’s John Osborne (the one with the beard) married singer/songwriter Lucie Silvas.
  • Today in 2018, Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlow announced on social media that she was engaged to longtime boyfriend Jonah Font…the happy couple said their “I do’s” November 2019 and Maddie Marlow became Maddie Font.
  • Today in 2018, Tracy Byrd, Rick Trevino and Deryl Dodd play a benefit for abused foster children at the South Plains Fair Park Coliseum in Lubbock, Texas.
  • Today in 2019, Kellie Pickler starred as the Hallmark Channel debuted “Wedding At Graceland.” Lee Brice appeared in a singing role.
  • Today in 2019, Taylor Swift publicly urged the Senate to pass the Equality Act, which would ban discrimination against the LGBTQ community.
  • Today in 2020, decades after Ricky Skaggs quit school one credit short of graduating to begin his music career, he was surprised with a diploma from Lawrence County High School in Louisa, Kentucky, during a virtual commencement ceremony.
  • Today in 2020, Mickey Guyton’s single “Black Like Me” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2020, the “Iconic Women Of Country” special debuted on PBS, celebrating such classic female acts as Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Barbara Mandrell, Patsy Cline, Connie Smith, Tammy Wynette and Jeannie C. Riley.
  • Today in 2021, the Oak Ridge Boys joined Governor Bill Lee in Jonesborough, Tennessee, to celebrate the state’s 225th anniversary.

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK – MAE

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is Mae, a 2 year old female Terrier, Pit Bull/Mix who is very sweet, good with kids and other pets and would make a great addition to any family!

Mae is fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

And since Mae is the Pet of the Week, her adoption fee is only $50.00 this week.

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Mae 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 Mae with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here: https://on.soundcloud.com/gHTtM5Wc7i4UX7xa4B

Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop Grand Opening Announced

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton‘s next business venture is about to go public. “Dolly’s Tennesseean Travel Stop” is celebrating its grand opening June 24. The travel center is located at exit 22 off of I-65 in Cornersville, Tennessee, approximately one hour south of Nashville. The concept: A place where professional drivers and families alike can experience comfort, good food, and a genuine welcome while running the roads. The Stop will feature a shop where travelers can buy custom merch, as well as a full-service sit down cafe and restaurant that will feature DLY BBQ, Dolly’s Cup of Ambition Coffee and more. Additional details on grand opening festivities will be revealed in the coming weeks.

 

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1967, Barbara Mandrell married Ken Dudney. Barbara met Ken when he was hired by her family’s band, The Mandrells, as a drummer. They were married shortly after Ken received his wings as a Navy pilot.
  • Today in 1988, Kathy Mattea’s single, “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses,” was #1 for the second consecutive week. At the time, she was only the second female to accomplish the feat. Dolly Parton was the first, with “You’re The Only One” back in 1979.
  • Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s “It’s All About To Change” album was released.
  • Today in 1996, Bill Engvall’s album, “Here’s Your Sign,” was released.
  • Today in 1993, Toby Keith’s debut single, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy,” topped the charts.
  • Today in 1994, Tim McGraw’s single, “Don’t Take The Girl,” hit #1.
  • Today in 1996, Vince Gill’s “High Lonesome Sound” album was released.
  • Today in 1999, Brad Paisley made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us” began a five-week stay at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1961, Johnny Cash turned TV actor. He appeared on the NBC drama, “The Deputy.”
  • Today in 1978, John Conlee entered the country charts for the first time with “Rose Colored Glasses.”
  • Today in 1981, the “Feels So Right” album by Alabama was certified gold.
  • Today in 1993, “The Patsy Cline Collection” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, Tim McGraw’s album, “Not A Moment Too Soon,” was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1994, “Super Hits” album by Willie Nelson was released.
  • Today in 1994, the Eagles begin their first concert tour in 14 years at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, California.
  • Today in 1995, Ty Herndon peaks at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “What Mattered Most”
  • Today in 2006, Jason Aldean topped the Billboard chart for the first time with “Why.”
  • Today in 2009, Jamey Johnson and Lee Ann Womack duet on “Give It Away” during “George Strait: Artist Of The Decade” on CBS. The special included Sugarland, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jack Ingram and John Rich.
  • Today in 2012, Martina McBride sang the national anthem before the Indianapolis 500 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Ashley Judd’s then-hubby, Dario Franchitti, won for the third time in his career.
  • Today in 2013, Trace Adkins served as the honorary grand marshal at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
  • Today in 2013, Jewel portrayed June Carter Cash in the Lifetime Television biopic “Ring Of Fire.” John Doe played A.P. Carter, of the Carter Family, in the film, which also portrays Johnny Cash, Carl Smith, Rosanne Cash, June Carter Cash and Carlene Carter.
  • Today in 2015, Tim McGraw, Little Big Town, Rascal Flatts and Sam Hunt were among the performers as NBC aired the iHeartRadio Country Festival as a two-hour special. Brad Paisley opens with “Crushin’ It”; Darius Rucker closes with “Wagon Wheel.”
  • Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley’s “Black” album hit store shelves. As part of the release day frivolity? Dierks opened a Black Pop-Up Shop at 4th & Broadway in downtown Nashville.
  • Today in 2016, Jon Pardi snagged up a gold single from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots.”
  • Today in 2017, Charles Esten performed from the lawn near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., as PBS aired the National Memorial Day Concert.
  • Today in 2017, Clay Walker performed as the Houston Astros’ owner, Jim Crane, married Whitney Wheeler at the Floridian National Golf Club in Palm City, Florida.
  • Today in 2017, Gregg Allman died at his home in Savannah, Georgia. A co-founder of The Allman Brothers Band, he wrote “Midnight Rider,” which became a country hit after Willie Nelson covered it for the movie, “The Electric Horseman.”
  • Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton’s “From A Room: Volume 1” debuted in the top spot on the “Billboard” country albums chart.
  • Today in 2018, Charles Esten performed “Some Gave All” from the lawn near the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., as PBS aired the National Memorial Day Concert. Leona Lewis sang “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and Gary Sinise’ Lt. Dan Band offered up “Chicken Fried” and “God Bless The U.S.A.”
  • Today in 2019, Justin Moore performed “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home” at the National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C.
  • Today in 2020, Morgan Wallen’s single, “More Than My Hometown,” was released.
  • Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson delivered the national anthem remotely from home prior to the scheduled launch of the SpaceX capsule from the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The flight was subsequently delayed by bad weather.
  • Today in 2020, the Kelsea Ballerini single, “hole in the bottle,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, Jimmie Allen married his longtime love Alexis Gale in Perkasie, Pennsylvania. Among those on hand for the ceremony? Darius Rucker, Tyler Rich and Chuck Wicks.

Lauren Alaina Is Hitting The Road

Posted on by Bob Ballard

In support of her upcoming album “Stages” (out August 28), Lauren Alaina is hitting the road. “The Stages Tour” kicks off October 1 in Milwaukee, with stops in Charlotte, Des Moines and more before a final show at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville November 12. Depending on the date, openers will include Shane Profitt, Ashley Kutcher and “American Idol” winner Hannah Harper. Tickets for most dates are available on Friday at 10AM local time. For complete tour and ticket information, visit Lauren’s website. See the first ten dates of the tour below. 

  • Oct 1 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater
  • Oct 2 – Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place
  • Oct 3 – Clear Lake, IA – Surf Ballroom
  • Oct 8 – Norfolk, VA – The NorVa
  • Oct 9 – Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
  • Oct 10 – Jacksonville, FL – FIVE
  • Oct 15 – Springfield, MO – Gillioz Theatre
  • Oct 16 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
  • Oct 17 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
  • Oct 22 – Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall

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