Blake Shelton’s Side Hustle: Corn Farmer

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Born and raised in Oklahoma, he may be living the Hollywood lifestyle these days, but Blake Shelton is still a country boy at heart. When he’s not judging “The Voice” or playing shows to packed houses across the globe, Blake has a side-hustle/hobby he obviously loves – corn farming.

Tweeting out a clip from high atop his Kubota tractor (get off the phone while you’re driving, Blake!), the country singer enthused about the warmer weather and what comes next.

“It’s corn time y’all!!!!!! #kubotacountry.” The video showed the country star riding on his tractor as he said, “It’s early April, there is absolutely no frost in the forecast. That means it’s corn time, baby. Woo! We’re farmin’.”

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 10, 2023April 10, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26^th in Salem, Virginia.
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21^st.

Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Luke Combs Is Letting Fans Choose His Next Single

Posted on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs believes in his fans – and he believes in the democratic process. Together, those two things will determine which of his new tracks will be his next single at country radio.

Luke jumped on Twitter to ask fans to go to his website and vote for what they want the next single to be: “Love You Anyway” or “Five-Leaf Clover.” He’s giving fans a week to vote and he’ll announce the ultimate fan-voted choice at his concert next Saturday in Nashville.

“I always just believed in the songs that you guys love and this is just a way for you guys to actually pick my next single, so if you’d go vote I’d sure appreciate it – and I look forward to seeing what y’all decide!” Cast your vote now at lukecombs.com.

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 7, 2023April 7, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1959, Marty Robbins recorded “El Paso” and “Big Iron” in at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville.
Today in 1990, Farm Aid IV was held at the Indiana Hoosierdome. Performers included Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp, Guns N’ Roses and Jackson Browne. Elton John dedicated the song “Candle in the Wind” to AIDS patient Ryan White during the show. White died later that night.
Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s single, “You’re Still The One,” was certified gold.
Today in 1999, Shania Twain became the first country female to have two albums reach the high mark for her “Come On Over” album, which was recognized for shipments of 10 million copies.
Today in 2003, Toby Keith won three awards at the second annual CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Today in 2009, Jason Aldean’s album, “Wide Open,” was released.
Today in 2012, while performing “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” during a concert in Vero Beach, Florida, Jake Owen proposed to then-girlfriend, Lacey Buchanan. She said yes – and the couple exchanged vows a month later…on May 7^th, 2012.
Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert won trophies in three categories for the 48^th annual Academy of Country Music awards, aired by CBS in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Her titles include: Female Vocalist of the Year and “Over You” took Single Record and Song of the Year.
Today in 2015, Thomas Rhett’s “Crash And Burn” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood performed “Something In The Water” at the close of FOX’s “American Idol.” Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Kelly Clarkson, Danny Gokey, Casey James and Bucky Covington were among the guests on the last edition of the show, where Keith Urban sat on the judges panel.
Today in 2017, “If Not For You,” the debut solo album by the late Joey Feek, ws released – it had been recorded in 2005.
Today in 2017, Ben Speer – a member of Gospel Music Hall of Fame group The Speer Family, died in Nashville. He also sang background on the Elvis Presley hits “Heartbreak Hotel,” “I Was The One” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.”
Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill launched their Soul2Soul 2017 Tour at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Matthew McConaughey among the famous folks in the house.
Today in 2017, the Patsy Cline Museum opened in downtown Nashville.
Today in 2019, Dan + Shay claimed three trophies during the 54^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, aired by CBS from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They took Vocal Duo of the Year, while “Tequila” earned Single and Song of the Year.
Today in 2020, John Prine died of complications from COVID-19 at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Medical Center. A 2019 inductee in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he earned a Top 5 country album with “The Tree Of Forgiveness” and wrote Don Williams’ “Love Is On A Roll” and George Strait’s “I Just Want To Dance With You.”
Today in 2020, “Me And Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust: My Friendship With Patsy Cline,” authored by Loretta Lynn and her daughter, Patsy Lynn Russell, was released.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “CIMON”

Posted on April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Cimon”, a 3 year old Retriever/Lab mix. Cimon’s a big fella, but a friendly chap who loves to play and gets along not only with people and kids, but also other dogs and even cats! Cimon’s kind of a hero, since he’s a blood donor for other dogs in need and he has even been in Oskaloosa’s lighted Christmas parade! We believe he’s also housetrained, as he keeps his kennel clean. Cimon is an all-around great dog who deserves a loving home. Cimon’s fully vetted, vaccinated, and would love to meet you!

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

Taylor Swift Has A ‘Magic Trick’ To Stealthily Get To ‘Eras Tour’ Stops

Posted on April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Apparently Taylor Swift has a new magic trick when to avoid the paparazzi. Fans have caught her hiding in a janitor’s cart before her concerts!

Fans have now captured Swift on video being rolled onto concert stages in a janitor’s cart on TikTok. This is pretty close to a previous fan theory that she had been transported in suitcases to avoid detection. Maybe she got inspiration from her fan’s theories!

Source: AV Club

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 6, 2023April 6, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1957, Brenda Lee made her debut on the country chart with “One Step at a Time.” She was 12-years-old at the time, just a year younger than LeAnn Rimes was when she debuted with her single, “Blue,” in 1996.
Today in 1982, the album, “Bobbie Sue,” by the Oak Ridge Boys was certified gold.
Today in 1987, the “Half Nelson” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr. was named Entertainer of the Year by the Academy of Country Music while Randy Travis won the Album of Year award for “Storms of My Life.”
Today in 1987, singing cowboy Gene Autry becomes the first person honored with five stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1990, Alan Jackson’s single, “Here in the Real World,” topped the “Radio & Records’” country chart. Aside from the obvious notable achievement, this also marked his first chart hit.
Today in 1992, Diamond Rio’s single “Walkin Away” hit #2 on the charts.
Today in 1994, Restless Heart’s “Big Iron Horses” album was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks was honored by the NAACP for promoting civil rights with his song, “We Shall Be Free.”
Today in 1998, Tammy Wynette died in Nashville at the age of 55. While her cause of death was originally listed as a blood clot to the lungs, her daughters weren’t so sure. In fact, they took their suspicions to court and sued Tammy’s physician, Wallis Marsh, for mismanaging their mother’s case. Included in the suit was pharmacy Care Solutions of Nashville for delivering the painkiller and Tammy’s last husband, George Richey, for helping to administer her medications. In April 2002, the legal challenge was resolved in a secret, out-of-court settlement.
Today in 1998, led by Tim McGraw, a group of country artists, filed suit against Los Angeles resident Jim Salmon who registered the names of the plaintiffs as website domain names. Those joining Tim in the suit included Deana Carter, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Alan Jackson, Martina McBride, Mindy McCready, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Pam Tillis and Trisha Yearwood.
Today in 1999, Montgomery Gentry’s album “Tattoos & Scars” was released. The album was released two months early due to overwhelming demand and has since been certified gold.
Today in 1999, Johnny Cash made an unannounced appearance at his tribute concert in New York City. He performed his classic hit “Folsom Prison Blues.” Other artists at the tribute included Mary Chapin Carpenter, Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Sheryl Crow.
Today in 2000, Brooks & Dunn kicked off their tour to support the “Tight Rope” album in Madison, Wisconsin. The show featured Lonestar, Montgomery Gentry, Mark Wills, Andy Griggs and Yankee Grey as rotating opening acts.
Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was presented with a gold album for his debut release, “Who Needs Pictures,” in Nashville. The project was certified for sales of 500,000 weeks earlier.
Today in 2001, the “Girls’ Night Out” summer tour, which featured Reba McEntire, Martina McBride, Sara Evans, Jamie O’ Neal and Carolyn Dawn Johnson was officially announced.
Today in 2002, following their performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Trick Pony were surprised onstage with a gold album by Brooks & Dunn.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley was in Wheeling, West Virginia for his first-ever homecoming benefit event at the Wheeling Civic Center. The sell-out event, which was officially titled, “Brad Paisley and Jamboree USA present ‘An Evening Back Home,'” was a fundraiser for the Brad Paisley Foundation. Proceeds from the concert went to local charities in the Upper Ohio Valley Area (where he was born and raised).
Today in 2007, Luke Bryan made his Grand Ole Opry debut with a performance of “All My Friends Say.”
Today in 2009, George Strait was honored as the Academy of Country Music’s Artist of the Decade during a taping for a CBS-TV special at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Strait closes the night with the rest of the cast backing him on “Troubadour.”
Today in 2013, George Jones performed at the Knoxville Coliseum in Tennessee in what turns out to be the last concert of his life. It marked his final public performance of “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert took home three trophies during the 49^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards: Female Vocalist of the Year; Single Record, for “Mama’s Broken Heart”; and Vocal Event, for the Keith Urban duet, “We Were Us.”
Today in 2016, Merle Haggard died of pneumonia at his home on his 79^th
Today in 2017, the late Merle Haggard was honored with an all-star concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, featuring Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, Loretta Lynn and Jamey Johnson.

Darius Rucker Pinpoints The Moment He Decided To Try His Hand At Country Music

Posted on April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Steven Tyler of Aerosmith tried it. Bret Michaels of Poison did too. So have quite a few others. But no matter how huge a rock star they were, a move to country proved too difficult to pull off for those legends – which makes the move that Hootie & The Blowfish lead singer Darius Rucker made to Nashville – and his massive success there – all the more impressive. Add to that the fact that Darius is Black – and Black singers were incredibly rare in country music – the move seemed crazy to almost everyone that wasn’t Darius Rucker.

So what brought about such a seemingly random change? Darius wasn’t just a rock singer. He’d put out a solo R&B album, “Back To Then” – and being born and raised in South Carolina was surrounded by country music while he was growing up – so for Darius, country music seemed natural, though others were having trouble seeing it. “When I very first started, there was a lot of naysayers and everything, but once ‘Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It’ hit, I think acceptance started.” So what was the trigger that sent a bonafide rock star to the country side of things? “The moment I knew it was time was when we had a meeting and we said we weren’t going to tour… anymore like that, so I knew it was time to go to Nashville and see if I could do it,” he said.

“Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” was Rucker’s first solo country single, in May 2008. It eventually reached the number one spot in September of that year. At the 2009 Country Music Association Awards, Rucker earned New Artist of the Year at age 43. “I didn’t expect the success I got, but I’m really glad it happened,” Rucker said.

Darius continues to live with a foot in both genres; he still plays with Hootie & The Blowfish, and he has an upcoming CMT Crossroads episode with Georgia rockers The Black Crowes – and just released a new single to country radio, “Fires Don’t Start Themselves.”

Source: FoxNews

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 5, 2023April 5, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, the single, “Thank God I’m A Country Boy,” by John Denver entered the top 40 chart.
Today in 1980, the Bellamy Brothers topped the country charts with “Sugar Daddy.”
Today in 1995, Alan Jackson’s second album, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” was certified quadruple platinum. On the same day, his third album, “A Lot About Livin’ (and A Little ‘Bout Love),” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5- million.
Today in 1995, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million. On the same day, their “Hard Workin’ Man” project was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 1995, the album, “Homeward Looking Angel,” by Pam Tillis was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Diamond Rio’s album, “Love A Little Stronger,” was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the “Not A Moment Too Soon” album by Tim McGraw was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 1995, Tracy Byrd won two Country Dance Music Awards for the “Watermelon Crawl.”
Today in 1996, Terri Clark earned a gold record for her self-titled debut album.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain’s video, “The Woman In Me,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1997, Trace Adkins received his first #1 single in Billboard with “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing.”
Today in 1999, three of Tammy Wynette’s daughters filed a $50-million lawsuit that blamed the singer’s death on negligence by her husband and her doctor.
Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw debuted on “Sesame Street” with “Take A Turn,” their song about sharing.
Today in 2002, Dolly Parton kicked-off the tourist season by serving as the Grand Marshal of her “Chasing Rainbows” parade in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. She officially opened her Dollywood theme park for the season the following day.
Today in 2003, Darryl Worley started his seven-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Have You Forgotten?”
Today in 2008, Johnny Cash’s “Hurt” ranked #1 when CMT debuted its latest installment of “100 Greatest Videos.”
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley won Top Male Vocalist among three trophies during the 44^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. He also earns Video of the Year, for “Waitin’ On A Woman”; and Vocal Event, for the Keith Urban duet, “Start A Band.”
Today in 2012, Trace Adkins attended as 250 new acres from the Battle of Shiloh are dedicated by the Civil War Trust at Pickwick Landing State Park in Savannah, Tennessee.
Today in 2013, the Band Perry headlined the Academy of Country Music’s Party For A Cause at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas. Also on the bill: Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Florida Georgia Line, Greg Bates and Cassadee Pope.
Today in 2014, Craig Campbell performed at the Las Vegas reception for a couple two days after sitting next to the groom, Tony Ramos, on a flight. The set list included “Keep Them Kisses Comin’.”
Today in 2014, Keith Urban topped the bill on the second night of the Academy of Country Music’s Party For A Cause at The Linq in Las Vegas. Also appearing: Joe Nichols, Chris Young, Brett Eldredge, Dan + Shay and Jerrod Niemann.
Today in 2017, Keith Urban was honored with the Recording Artists’ Coalition Award from the Recording Academy for his commitment to music education during the annual GRAMMYs On The Hill Awards in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2017, the Country Music Association announced Alan Jackson, the late Jerry Reed and songwriter Don Schlitz as the 2017 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2017, Jana Kramer was honored with the Voice of Empowerment Award from Safe Horizon in New York for speaking out publicly about domestic violence.
Today in 2018, the Blackberry Smoke album, “Find A Light,” was released.
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton enjoyed four singles receiving new certifications from the RIAA. “Every Time I Hear That Song” went gold, “Came Here To Forget” and “She’s Got A Way With Words” hit platinum, and “A Guy With A Girl” went gold and
Today in 2020, Dan + Shay earned three multi-platinum singles from the RIAA: “Tequila” was certified quintuple-platinum, “Speechless” went quadruple-platinum and “10,000 Hours,” featuring Justin Bieber, hit double-platinum. Additionally, “Keeping Score,” featuring Kelly Clarkson, went gold.
Today in 2020, Gabby Barrett’s “I Hope” earned a platinum single from the RIAA.

2023 Country Music Hall Of Fame Inductees Announced

Posted on April 4, 2023April 4, 2023 by Bob Ballard

The Country Music Hall of Fame welcomed its latest class of inductees Monday: country icons Patty Loveless and Tanya Tucker, and legendary songwriter Bob McDill.

Announced by country singer and current Eagles member Vince Gill, the three are the latest inductees to a hall that is widely regarded as country music’s highest honor. Loveless and Tucker were selected for the annual “Modern Era Artist” and “Veteran Era Artist” categories, respectively. McDill was selected in the “Songwriter” category.

Tanya Tucker broke onto the country music scene while barely in her teens, with the classic “Delta Dawn” in 1972. She would go on to a string of hits that would extend into the mid-90’s, putting out such classics as “What’s Your Mama’s Name?”, “Two Sparrows In A Hurricane,” “Strong Enough To Bend” and “Lizzie And The Rainman.” She’s won multiple CMA, ACM and GRAMMY awards over the course of her storied career

Patty Loveless began her country music career in 1985, but her first big hit came in 1988 with “If My Heart Had Windows.” She would go on to score 20 Top Ten country hits, including the #1 smashes “Timber, I’m Falling In Love,” “Chains,” “Blame It On Your Heart,” “You Can Feel Bad” and “Lonely Too Long”

Bob McDill has written (or co-written) 31 #1 country hits over his career. His classic songs include “Amanda” (performed by both Don Williams and Waylon Jennings), “Song Of The South” (Alabama), “Louisiana Saturday Night” (Mel McDaniel), “Don’t Close Your Eyes” (Keith Whitley), “Gone Country” (Alan Jackson) and many others.

The induction ceremony will be held on a date not yet set, but expected to be some time in the fall.

Source: The Boot

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