Iowa State Fair Announces Loaded Country Lineup

Posted on April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 by Bob Ballard

The Iowa State Fair announced their concert lineup yesterday, and it is stacked. Multiple genres are represented: rap (Ludacris), comedy (Jeff Dunham), Contemporary Christian (For King & Country) and pop (New Kids On The Block) – but by far the lion’s share of the performance schedule definitely leans country.

Big names are lined up, including Jason Aldean, Eric Church, Maren Morris, Tyler Hubbard and The Chicks. Check out the concert schedule for the 2023 Iowa State Fair and plan your road trips accordingly:

Thursday, August 10th – For King + Country
Friday, August 11th – Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line
Saturday, August 12th – New Kids on the Block
Sunday, August 13th – Eric Church
Monday, August 14th – The Black Keys
Tuesday, August 15th – Jeff Dunham
Wednesday, August 16th – Lindsey Stirling
Thursday, August 17th – Maren Morris
Friday, August 18th – Ludacris
Saturday, August 19th – The Chicks
Sunday, August 20th – Jason Aldean

Source: Who13DesMoines

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 21, 2023April 21, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1947, Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” and “I Saw The Light” at Nashville’s Castle Studio during his first MGM recording session.
Today in 1987, the “Hillbilly Deluxe” album by Dwight Yoakam was released.
Today in 1987, Reba’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Brooks and Dunn scored a #1 hit with “Little Miss Honky Tonk.”
Today in 1998, the “One Step At A Time” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 1999, Brooks & Dunn debut their newest video, “South of Santa Fe,” at 10 am ET, while the website, Country.com simultaneously streamed the video using Microsoft Windows Media technology. It was the first time that a country video debuted simultaneously on TV and the Internet.
Today in 2002, Reprise released Dwight Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Delux” album.
Today in 2002, “CMT Crossroads” paired blues-rock trio ZZ Top with Brooks & Dunn. The list included “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Hard Workin’ Man,” and “La Grange.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith each won two trophies at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Today in 2006, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill began their “Soul2Soul Tour II” at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It was Hill’s first tour in six years and generated $89 million dollars in over five months. The tour was the top-grossing country tour in history.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood’s “Wasted” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2009, Capitol released Luke Bryan’s single “Do I” to radio. The song was co-written with Lady Antebellum members Charles Kelly and Dave Haywood. Lady A’s Hillary Scott on backing vocals were featured.
Today in 2012, Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He performed “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “Days Go By” and “Without You.”
Today in 2013, Lee Brice married Sara Reeveley at the Integrity Hills Chapel in Branson, Missouri. The couple’s first dance was Brice’s “I Don’t Dance,” which was inspired by her.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley attended the Boston Marathon to cheer for his wife, Cassidy Bentley. She finished the 26.2-mile course in three house and 34 minutes.
Today in 2015, Brett Eldredge’s “Lose My Mind” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Canaan Smith scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Love You Like That.”
Today in 2017, Brad Paisley’s album, “Love And War,” was released.
Today in 2017, Cody Johnson made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2019, Little Big Town is featured as CBS aired “Motown 60: A Grammy Celebration.” The cast also includes Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Tori Kelly, Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, Valerie Simpson and songwriting team Holland, Dozier & Holland.
Today in 2019, Maren Morris was a surprise guest at the Coachella music festival, performing “The Middle” with pop artist Zedd at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California.
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton pledged $150-thousand to a regional food bank during Give From Home Day on KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: ‘SCRAPPY’

Posted on April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Scrappy”, a 2 year old Shepherd mix. Scrappy is a super-friendly and affectionate fellow looking for his new best friend! Scrappy has some fur missing on his back and side from a 3rd degree chemical burn, but he’s on the mend, and will make some lucky human a great companion. Scrappy behaves great on a leash and would love to take walks with you! Scrappy’s fully vetted and vaccinated and ready to meet you.

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

Luke Bryan Reacts To AI ‘Luke Bryan’ Song

Posted on April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by Bob Ballard

AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the hot topic these days – and certainly in the music industry, where artists like Drake and Oasis have had AI takes on their sounds and styles go viral. Some of the attempts to replicate the singers are so-so, but some are uncanny – mimicking the writing style and even the vocal quality to an eerie degree.

Luke Bryan was on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this week when Jimmy informed him they had an AI attempt an original Luke Bryan tune. Luke was game to hear it, saying the word “beer” would probably be in there somewhere. Cue Luke “Br-AI-an” (head to the 5:27 mark to hear the song).

After hearing the tune, while Kimmel said it was “too close for comfort,” Luke – who has 30 #1 country songs to his credit – seemed unphased. “I think I’m okay for now on the AI,” he says. “The problem is, if I really sound like that, yeah, 31 [chart-topping hits] will not happen.”

Source: TasteOfCountry

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 20, 2023April 20, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, 12-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single, “Puppy Love.”
Today in 1977, the Glen Campbell hit “Southern Nights” went gold.
Today in 1987, the “Greatest Hits” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1987, Eddie Rabbitt performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Get it? Eddie “the Easter” Rabbitt?
Today in 1988, “The Last One To Know” album by Reba McEntire was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Willie Nelson was among the performers at an Earth Day benefit concert in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ “Only What I Feel” album was released.
Today in 1993, the “Honky Tonk Attitude” album by Joe Diffie was released.
Today in 1993, Shania Twain’s self-titled album was released.
Today in 1993, Tracy Lawrence’s album, “Alibis,” went gold.
Today in 1993, Mercury released Toby Keith’s self-titled debut album.
Today in 1996, Lee Roy Parnell was #1 on the country charts with “Heart’s Desire.”
Today in 2000, Diamond Rio announced plans for a “Fan Appreciation Concert.” The event, which included a silent auction served as a benefit for Kaia Jergenson, a David Lipscomb University student and basketball star who was tragically stricken with meningitis. As a result of the infection, both of Kaia’s legs, were amputated below the knee. The skyrocketing cost of Kaia’s care overwhelmed the family. Located in Nashville, David Lipscomb University is the alma mater of Diamond Rio’s lead singer, Marty Roe.
Today in 2000, Clay Davidson made his “Fox & Friends” debut with a performance of “Unconditional.”
Today in 2000, Randy Travis performed “A Little Left of Center” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “My List” begun a five-week run at the top of the Billboard country list.
Today in 2008, Hank Williams, Steve Wariner and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band were added to the Music City Walk of Fame.
Today in 2011, Jo Dee Messina sung the national anthem at a Nashville Predators playoff game. Carrie Underwood sung “Cowboy Casanova” during intermission while Vince Gill played the guitar.
Today in 2012, Eric Church’s “Springsteen” went gold.
Today in 2013, the Band Perry’s “Pioneer” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2015, Willie Nelson uses 4/20 – ‘National Weed Day’ – to formally announce plans to launch Willie’s Reserve, his own brand of cannabis. The product will initially be available in Colorado and Washington, the only U.S. states where pot is legal.
Today in 2016, Jana Kramer’s single, “Whiskey,” went gold.
Today in 2016, Thomas Rhett sang “Die A Happy Man” in a guest role on ABC-TV’s “Nashville.”
Today in 2017, Rodney Atkins headlined the Back The Badge, a benefit for law enforcement at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2017, a certified pilot – Dierks Bentley – was appointed to the board of commissioners that oversees the Nashville Airport. He resigned the post in 2018.
Today in 2019, Brooks & Dunn’s “Reboot” debuted at the top of the Billboard country albums chart. The project features a dozen previous hits remade with younger country acts, including Brothers Osborne, Thomas Rhett, Kane Brown, Brett Young, Ashley McBryde, Luke Combs and Kacey Musgraves.
Today in 2020, Upchurch’s album, “Everlasting Country,” was released.
Today in 2020, Lady A’s single “Champagne Night” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, Jana Kramer files for divorce from Mike Caussin, accusing him of adultery (again), in Williamson County, Tennessee. The divorce was finalized on July 22, 2021.

Taylor Swift’s Concert Mistaken for UFOs in Florida

Posted on April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift fans may be star-struck, but apparently her latest concert in Tampa had the townspeople seeing Aliens as well as stars! Apparently, lots of people outside the stadium noticed strange lights in the sky that they couldn’t explain.

People who weren’t in the concert took videos and posted them on TikTok, showing a wide band of lights moving across the cloudy sky.

Some people were very sure it was Aliens, and not a pop-star at all. One person in a video exclaimed, “That is NOT Taylor Swift!” But concertgoers were able to point out that really the lights were just from her show. Taylor Swift has not been confirmed to be an alien at this time, despite her star-power.

Source: TMZ

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 19, 2023April 19, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1924, “National Barn Dance” premiered on WLS radio in Chicago. Later, the famous program would be renamed “The National Barn Dance” and became the first country music jamboree on radio. (“The Grand Ole Opry” on WSM Radio began in 1925.) “National Barn Dance” continued for many years on the radio station that was owned by retailer, Sears Roebuck & Co. WLS, in fact, stood for “World’s Largest Store”. Though the “Barn Dance” gave way to rock music and eventually, talk radio. On the other hand, “The Grand Ole Opry” continues each weekend.
Today in 1969, Glen Campbell reached the top of the Billboard country singles chart wit the Jimmy Webb song “Galveston.”
Today in 1975, Emmylou Harris debuted on the charts with “Too Far Gone.”
Today in 1978, Willie Nelson released his album “Stardust.”
Today in 1980, for the first time ever, women held the top five positions on the “Billboard” country chart. The artists were Crystal Gayle, Dottie West, Debby Boone, Emmylou Harris and Tammy Wynette (with George Jones).
Today in 1988, the “Strait Country” album by George Strait was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Lorrie Morgan’s “Leave The Light On” album was certified gold.
Today in 1990, the “Lost In The Fifties” album by Ronnie Milsap was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt scored his first #1 hit, “Drift Off to Dream.”
Today in 1993, the “Slow Dancing With The Moon” album by Dolly Parton was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the Eagles played Starwood Amphitheatre in Nashville to a celebrity-filled audience including Clay Walker, Tim McGraw, Doug Supernaw, Brooks & Dunn, Steve Winwood, Reba McEntire, Lorrie Morgan, and Diamond Rio’s Brian Prout.
Today in 2000, Clay Davidson appeared on CNN’s “On The Shelf” segment.
Today in 2000, the British paper, “The Weekly News,” reported that Shania was responsible for helping a 14-year-old boy come out of a coma. In October 1999, the child was struck by a car and left in a coma. The boy’s mother said that doctors told her to expect the worst for her son. Then, a few weeks into the boy’s treatment, his family brought him a personal stereo and a copy of Shania’s “Come On Over” album. Reportedly, every time the hospital staff switched off the CD for any reason, there were immediate changes in his vital signs. Slowly, he started to come out of his coma and in late December, his mother heard the precious words, “I want my mum!” A few weeks later, the boy’s family was given the best news of all – that he could come home permanently. At last check, the family said that everything is improving and that “Come On Over” is still his favorite album.
Today in 2003, Brad Paisley’s “Celebrity” video premiered during CMT’s “Most Wanted Live,” with celebrity cameos by Jason Alexander, Jim Belushi, Little Jimmy Dickens, Trista Rehn, and William Shatner.
Today in 2005, Carrie Underwood sang “MacArthur Park” as one of the seven remaining contestants on “American Idol.”
Today in 2007, Keith Urban’s video “I Told You So” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2010, “The Foundation” album by Zac Brown Band went double-platinum.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean, and Miranda Lambert were the big winners at the 50^th Academy of Country Music Awards.
Today in 2016, the Brothers Osborne performed “Stay A Little Longer” as they made their Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman introduced a line of kitchen items, Love & Daisies, on the Home Shopping Network.
Today in 2017, Kid Rock visited president Donald Trump in the Oval Office along with Ted Nugent and Republican politician Sarah Palin.

Blake Shelton’s ‘Barmageddon’ Returning For Season 2

Posted on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Well, he does need something to occupy his time. Blake Shelton is leaving his judging chair on “The Voice” after 23 seasons, and he just wrapped his “Back To The Honky Tonk” tour, so what’s man to do with all this free time? If you’re Blake, you jump on Instagram and announced that your bar-themed game show “Barmageddon” is coming back for Season 2.

Blake – along with co-host Carson Daly – announced yesterday that the popular USA Network show was coming back for a second season. Promising “new games, more celebs. more smack talk,” the show had the biggest series premiere in three years for the network. It features celebrities paired with internet sensations going head-to-head in oversized bar games, like Air Cannon Cornhole, Keg Curling, Drunken Axe Hole and Sharts (Shelton Darts).

Expect a whole new group of celebs to take part in the festivities. Gwen Stefani, Chris Young, Trace Adkins and Kane Brown were among the celebrity guests in the inaugural season. No premiere date has been set as yet.

Source: TasteOfCountry

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 18, 2023April 18, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1939, Gene Autry recorded “Back In The Saddle Again.”
Today in 1948, Earl Scruggs married Louise Certain, and she became the manager of Flatt & Scruggs.
Today in 1981, Alabama reached the top of the Billboard country chart with “Old Flame.”
Today in 1988, the “Reba” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1990, the Judds’ “Great Video Hits” video was released.
Today in 1992, Aaron Tippin picks up his first #1 single in Billboard: “There Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong With The Radio.”
Today in 1996, the album, “Revelations,” by Wynonna Judd was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1997, Tim McGraw’s single, “It’s Your Love,” (featuring his wife Faith Hill) was released.
Today in 1998, Diamond Rio was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The band opened their performance with their first #1 hit “Meet in the Middle.”
Today in 2000, the “D’lectrified” album by Clint Black was certified gold.
Today in 2000, George Strait’s “Latest Greatest Straitest Hits” collection was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 2000, Eric Heatherly’s debut album, “Swimming in Champagne,” was released.
Today in 2002, it was revealed that the Tammy Wynette’s four daughters dropped their suit against Dr. Wallis Marsh, the Pennsylvania physician who had prescribed large quantities of painkillers for Tammy. Pittsburgh attorney, Wilbur McCoy Otto, who represented Dr. Marsh, said, quote, “Both parties are quite happy that it’s over and done with.” Both sides in the lawsuit have also agreed to keep the terms of their settlement quiet. Tammy’s daughters had asked for $50 million in damages from Dr. Marsh, whom they accused of mismanaging her medical problems.
Today in 2003, Dierks Bentley made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2006, the Charlie Daniels Band performed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq, the final stop on a Stars For Stripes tour in which the band played for U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.
Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum won in three categories – Top Vocal Group and Single Record and Song of the Year, for “Need You Now” – during the 45^th Academy of Country Music Awards from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Today in 2013, although it’s actually on April 29^th, Willie Nelson’s 80th birthday was celebrated with a “CMT Crossroads” taping. On hand were Sheryl Crow, Jack White, Neil Young, Leon Russell, Norah Jones, Ashley Monroe and Jamey Johnson.
Today in 2014, Glen Campbell’s documentary “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me” about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease debuted during the Nashville Film Festival.
Today in 2015, Klaussner Home Furnishings unveiled the Trisha Yearwood Home Collection in High Point, North Carolina.
Today in 2015, Darius Rucker hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “Southern Style.”
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton’s single, “Parachute,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Jimmy Webb’s autobiography, “The Cake And The Rain,” was released.
Today in 2017, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and former NFL player Kevin Carter hosted the 16^th Waiting For Wishes charity event at The Palm in Nashville, raising $125,000. Servers included John Rich, Hunter Hayes, Charles Esten, Cassadee Pope, Eric Paslay, Vince Neil and Kellie Pickler.

Brad Paisley Sings ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ On The Streets Of Kyiv

Posted on April 17, 2023April 17, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Brad Paisley has been a huge supporter of the Ukrainian war effort – from collaborating with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on a song called “Same Here” in February, to serving as a global ambassador for United24, which is the country’s official fundraising platform.

After many months of supporting Ukrainian people from afar, the country singer finally got to visit the country this past week. He finally got to meet with the President for the first time face-to-face, as well as getting to tour the city of Kyiv and meeting the people that live there. “It’s an emotional experience seeing all of this firsthand,” Paisley commented during a press conference, referring to the wreckage caused by the war in Ukraine. “For me, looking around this city and being here for the first time, I’m absolutely struck by the resilience of life and the beautiful nature of the way this city is trying to thrive in the middle of conflict.”

It wasn’t all bleak during the singer’s visit; he got to perform for people in St. Michael’s Square in Kyiv, playing guitar while performing the song he had done with the Ukrainian president, “Same Here,” as well as a song known by most music fans in the States (“Take Me Home, Country Roads“), but that was a little unfamiliar to the folks in Kyiv. He led the crowd in a somewhat lackluster sing-along, joking “Terrible!” when few in the audience could fill in the lyric, “West Virginia, mountain mama.”

Source: TheBoot

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