What’s old is new again. Shenandoah and Luke Combs have released a brand new re-recording of the bands 1989 #1 country hit “Two Dozen Roses.” So how did the 80’s and 90’s country hitmakers join forces with one of today’s superstars?
“People would send us videos of him performing the song live and we thought, ‘How cool would it be to have Luke record the song with us?'” Shenandoah lead singer Marty Raybon told “Billboard” magazine. They joined Combs in the studio over the summer, and according to Raybon, “he sang the florist bill off of it. It appears ‘Two Dozen Roses’ is as big as it ever was and having Luke’s vocal on there just proves the timelessness of what folks have felt about this song for years.”
Today in 1939, Gene Autry’s “Back In The Saddle Again” was released.
Today in 1976, Willie Nelson released “The Troublemaker” album.
Today in 1979, “Just Good Ol’ Boys” (not the theme for “Dukes of Hazzard,” which belongs to Waylon Jennings) hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart for duet partners Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley.
Today in 1983, the Everly Brothers performed together for the first time in 10 years at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Today in 1985, Willie Nelson, John Cougar and Neil Young hosted the first Farm Aid concert in Champaign, Illinois, raising $10-million for troubled family farmers.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” album was released.
Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks released his album, “The Chase.” It was the second country album ever to enter both the pop and country album charts at #1 – his “Ropin’ the Wind” was the first.
Today in 1995, Collin Raye was #1 with the single, “One Boy, One Girl.”
Today in 1998, Vince Gill’s album, “The Key,” was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Lee Ann Womack released the album, “Some Things I Know.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks performed for the first time in Latin America at the world’s largest rodeo in Barretos, Brazil.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million. On the same day, the Chicks won three awards at the CMAs during the 33rd ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. They were named Vocal Group of the Year, while “Wide Open Spaces” took Single and Music Video of the Year
Today in 2001, Cyndi Thomson’s debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” began a three-week run at #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Golden Road” album went triple-platinum.
Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts’ “Take Me There,” which was written by Kenny Chesney, hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2008, Toby Keith ranked #3 on the “Forbes” List of the World’s Best-Paid Music Stars, earning $48-million that year. Rascal Flatts’ $40-million puts them at #7. In the pop arena, Justin Timberlake was #4; Madonna came in at #5; and The Police were at the top of the heap at #1 with earnings of $115-million.
Today in 2009, Eli Young Band frontman Mike Eli got engaged to Kacey Herndon. The happy couple exchanged “I do’s” the following March – and have since welcomed a daughter Kline Olivia (in 2012) and their son, Kash (in 2018).
Today in 2009, Diamond Rio’s album, “The Reason,” was released.
Today in 2010, Del McCoury was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
Today in 2010, Toby Keith’s single, “Bullets In The Gun,” was released.
Today in 2011, Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos On This Town” video dropped on YouTube.
Today in 2012, Brad Paisley performed “Southern Comfort Zone” publicly for the first time during the iHeart Radio Music Festival at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Taylor Swift sings five songs during her portion of the show, including “Sparks Fly,” “Mean” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
Today in 2014, Kenny Chesney’s “Til It’s Gone” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard got engaged to Hayley Stommel. The lovebirds got hitched the following. Since then, the couple has welcomed two sons and a daughter.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Say You Do,” was released.
Today in 2015, Lady A’s Hillary Scott announced she was establishing a scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro specifically for women pursuing a career in the music business
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan turned his concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, into a benefit for Hurricane Harvey victims.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson performed “Funny How Time Slips Away” with soul singer Leon Bridges at a Hurricane Harvey relief concert at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. Also on the bill are James Taylor, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Bingham, Asleep At The Wheel and Paul Simon, who covered “Waltz Across Texas” with Edie Brickell.
Today in 2017, Reba McEntire celebrated 40 years since her Grand Ole Opry debut. Her Opry anniversary includes surprise appearances by Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood, who performed with McEntire on “Does He Love You.” Underwood’s set also includes “Wasted” and “I Told You So.”
Today in 2018, Charlie Worsham and Kristen Korzenowski married at Christ The King Catholic Church in Nashville. The famous faces in attendance included Jeannie Seely, Jenny Gill, songwriters Don Schlitz and Luke Dick, as well as producers Frank Liddell and Eric Masse.
Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and Sturgill Simpson played the annual Farm Aid concert at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. Willie Nelson and fellow board members John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Neil Young also welcomed Margo Price, Lukas Nelson and Nathaniel Rateliff, among others.
Today in 2020, Mercury signed Priscilla Block to a recording deal…and promptly released her debut single, “Just About Over You.”
Today in 2020, “One Too Many,” Keith Urban’s duet With P!nk, was released.
Today in 2021, Ashley McBryde fell while horseback riding in Montana and landed on her head, suffering a concussion and requiring stitches. In the days following the accident, she was unable to walk without assistance and cancels a series of concerts. She’s since made a full recovery.
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Peaches”, an affectionate and friendly 3 year old Pit Bull Mix. Peaches is vocal when she wants affection (or treats) loves kids, cats & dogs, and gets along great with everyone. Peaches is housetrained and would love to be your buddy! Peaches is fully vaxxed and vetted and ready to meet you!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Peaches or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.
Today in 1990, The Internal Revenue Service placed liens totaling $16.7-million on Willie Nelson’s property to guarantee that he paid $6.5-million in back taxes.
Today in 1993, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified for sales of 5-million copies.
Today in 1993, the Country Music Association announced it would induct Willie Nelson into its Hall of Fame. The actual induction took place on September 29th.
Today in 1994, Garth Brooks’ “No Fences” album was certified for sales of 11-million copies.
Today in 1994, Pam Tillis’ “Sweetheart’s Dance” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, John Berry’s debut album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, the album, “Games Rednecks Play,” by Jeff Foxworthy was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1996, the audience at the Grand Ole Opry witnessed a historic moment when 23-year-old Hank Williams III, son of Hank Williams Jr. and grandson of country music legend Hank Williams made his Opry debut. Hank III wore a black western shirt trimmed with green fringe that belonged to his grandfather.
Today in 1999, Brooks & Dunn’s album, “Tight Rope,” was released.
Today in 2001, newlyweds Vince Gill and wife Amy Grant announced that they were expecting their first child together. The couple welcomed their daughter Corrina Grant Gill, into the world at 12:36 am CT on March 11th. Here are two fun facts for you: First, Vince and Amy didn’t find out if they were having a boy or a girl until she made her debut. Second, the baby’s name isn’t a combination of the couple’s last names – “Grant” is actually Vince’s middle name.
Today in 2004, Keith Urban’s “Be Here” album was released.
Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood, Ashley Gorley and Chris DeStefano wrote their future hit, “Good Girl,” in Los Angeles.
Today in 2013, Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid featured Kacey Musgraves, Carlene Carter, Pete Seeger, Jack Johnson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Neil Young, among others, at the Saratoga Springs Performing Arts Center in New York.
Today in 2015, Dierks Bentley was a surprise guest during Taylor Swift’s concert at the Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. They teamed up on “Every Mile A Memory.”
Today in 2016, the Garth Brooks album, “The Ultimate Hits,” was certified 10-times platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, “The Highwomen” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2019, Tenille Arts made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2021, Cody Johnson’s single, “‘Til You Can’t,” was released.
Kane Brown teased a big tour announcement last week, and yesterday he delivered. The “In The Air” tour runs through most of the spring and summer and Kane will be joined by a bunch of his country music friends along the way.
The tour kicks off March 28 in Charlottesville, Virginia and continues through the next several months, wrapping with a stop in Arlington, Texas on September 14. Depending on the night and the city, Kane will have various openers along the way, including Tyler Hubbard, Parmalee, Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Bailey Zimmerman, LoCash and RaeLynn.
Tickets for most of the dates on Brown’s “In the Air Tour” will go on sale next Thursday (September 28) at 10AM, though a handful will not be available until Oct. 5. For more details visit the singer’s website.
Today in 1973, a day after Gram Parsons died, his body was stolen during transfer at the Los Angeles International Airport, then taken to Joshua Tree, where it was burned, in accordance with his request. Road manager Phil Kaufman is among two charged with the crime – he was ultimately fined $750.
Today in 1992, Charlie Daniels hosts Volunteer Jam XV at Nashville’s Starwood Amphitheater. It features Eddie Rabbitt, Paulette Carlson, Suzy Bogguss, Jo-El Sonnier, Pirates Of The Mississippi, Confederate Railroad, The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Feat, Hal Ketchum, Poco and The Desert Rose Band, among others.
Today in 1997, during an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Paycheck received an invitation from Opry general manager Bob Whittaker to join the cast.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “Who’s Your Daddy?” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2002, Lynchburg, Virginia, names a street after hometown boy Phil Vassar when he performed in the city. Lynchburg also proclaimed “Phil Vassar Day” and presented him with a key to the city.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum’s single “Hello World” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2011, Vince Gill and Sting shot an edition of “CMT Crossroads” at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Included in the set list: “Liza Jane,” “Whenever You Come Around” and “Let It Be Me.”
Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s single, “Humble And Kind,” went platinum.
The Oaks are calling it a day. After eighty years as a band, and fifty with their current lineup, the legendary Oak Ridge Boys have announced they are embarking on their farewell tour.
They formed in 1943 as the Oak Ridge Quartet, and had many lineup changes before the current and longest running lineup got together in 1973: lead singer Duane Allen, tenor Joe Bonsall, baritone William Lee Golden, and bass Richard Sterban.
Dubbed “American Made: The Farewell Tour,” the first set of dates have been announced. The tour will kick off today with two dates at the Mansion Theater For The Performing Arts in Branson, Missouri, before running through the rest of the year. Beyond that, even the band has no idea how long this final tour will run, with Allen saying, “I don’t know how long the tour will last, but we hope to return to as many parts of the country as we can. Thank you so much for these 50 years. For me, it’s 57 1/2 years. I have given you the best part of my life and you have rewarded me with a wonderful career.” See the updated list of show dates here.
Keith Whitley was considered a generational talent – a superstar in the making whose career – and life – was cut far too short, like those of legends like Patsy Cline and Hank Williams before him.
Though he passed in 1989 at the age of 34, his career left a lasting impression on artists that have followed him, as well as fans. The Grand Ole Opry is set to honor the late singer with an evening of music and memories, and a roster of big names will be on hand to lend their talents.
Titled “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me: The Opry Remembers Keith Whitley,” the evening honors a man who ironically hever became a member of the Opry; Whitley passed just three weeks before he would have received the call for his induction. To celebrate the life and legacy of Whitley, the Opry is hosing two shows (7:30p and 9p) the night of October 14, featuring big names like Ashley McBryde, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Whitley’s widow Lorrie Morgan and son Jesse Keith Whitley. Tickets for the event are available here.
Today in 1970, Crystal Gayle hit the country charts for the first time with “I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes.” Her sister, Loretta Lynn, wrote the song.
Today in 1981, Lee Greenwood made his chart debut with “It Turns Me Inside Out.”
Today in 1988, Patty Loveless released her “Honky Tonk Angel” album.
Today in 1990, Travis Tritt’s “Country Club” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, BlackHawk’s self-titled debut album was certified gold.
Today in 1994, George Jones was released from the hospital just one week after undergoing triple bypass surgery.
Today in 1995, Tim McGraw’s “All I Want” album was released.
Today in 1996, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified for sales of 7-million.
Today in 1996, Reba McEntire’s “Merry Christmas To You” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1996, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” album was certified double platinum. The same day, his “I Still Believe In You” album was certified for sales of 4-million copies.
Today in 1997, Trace Adkins’ album, “Dreamin Out Loud,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt, Kent Robbins (“Straight Tequila Night”) and Merle Kilgore (“Ring Of Fire”) were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville.
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was celebrating her induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and getting ready to kick off her European tour in Dublin, Ireland.
Today in 2000, George Strait’s 27th album, which was also his first self-titled release, arrived in stores.
Today in 2000, Kenny Chesney visited his old stomping grounds of Luttrell, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. While in his hometown, Kenny also made an appearance at a Gibbs High School assembly — his alma mater. At the event, he was presented with a proclamation declaring September 19th “Kenny Chesney Day” in Lutrell.
Today in 2000, Terri Clark’s “Fearless” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2000, George Strait released his first self-titled album.
Today in 2001, Clint Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, had more than a new baby to celebrate. The couple’s duet, “Easy for Me to Say” debuted at #56 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart. It was also the first time that Lisa debuted on the magazine’s chart. But wait…what about…1999’s “When I Said I Do?” Of course, that was a huge hit, too, but Lisa wasn’t officially listed in the credits and therefore didn’t appear on the “Billboard” chart.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley launched the inaugural “CMT Most Wanted Live” tour in Phoenix. While Brad was the featured headliner, the show’s opening acts varied throughout the schedule and included Steve Azar, Chris Cagle, Tammy Cochran, Andy Griggs, Steve Holy, Shannon Lawson, Rascal Flatts, Tommy Shane Steiner, Phil Vassar, Pinmonkey and Darryl Worley.
Today in 2003, Johnny Cash posthumously won three trophies at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
Today in 2007, Brooks & Dunn nab a platinum album for “The Greatest Hits Collection II.”
Today in 2009, the financial company TIAA-CREF began airing a television commercial that features Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” behind on-screen images of meerkats.
Today in 2015, the “CMT Crossroads” episode pairing Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon premiered. They team on Evans’ hits “A Real Fine Place To Start” and “Born To Fly,” as well as REO’s “Keep It On The Run” and “Roll With The Changes.”
Today in 2016, despite a doctor’s warning against performing, Jana Kramer fought through the pain of a rib injury on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” performing to Gavin DeGraw’s live rendition of “I Don’t Want To Be.”
Maren Morris has confirmed what many thought was coming – she’s leaving country music behind. The singer released a new “two-pack” of songs Friday that, along with the accompanying videos, made it pretty clear she was done with country music. The hints were there: her dabbling in pop music, her switch of record labels from Columbia Nashville to Columbia, the singer increasingly finding herself at odds politically and ideologically from many of her country music peers and fans.
With the release of “The Tree” and “Get The Hell Out Of Here” Friday, along with an interview with the “LA Times,” it was made quite clear: Maren Morris was putting country music in the rearview mirror. “I thought I’d like to burn it to the ground and start over,” she said of the genre, “But it’s burning itself down without my help,” Morris told the outlet. She admitted she felt “very distanced” from the music format, saying “I had to take a step back. The way I grew up was so wrapped in country music, and the way I write songs is very lyrically structured in the Nashville way of doing things. But I think I needed to purposely focus on just making good music and not so much on how we’ll market it,” she told the publication. “The last few records, that’s always been in the back of my mind: Will this work in the country music universe?”
Morris says a full-length album is coming; for now the two songs, packaged as “The Bridge,” are exactly that for the singer – a bridge between her country past and the music she hopes will take her and her fans into the future.
