Travis Tritt Extends Tour Before It Begins

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Travis Tritt had to cancel several concert dates last December as his injured knee required surgery – and he was sidelined for the rest of 2022. But 2023 is proving that Travis is not only back on his feet but back in the swing of things – his tour kicks off tomorrow in Troy, Ohio, and he’s feeling well enough to add a half dozen additional dates to his tour schedule.

Announced on Instagram yesterday, Travis has added a half-dozen dates to his tour – bringing the number of dates the legend is playing to 28 over the next few months. The new dates:

7/21/23 – Macon, GA – Macon City Auditorium
7/27/23 – Manteo, NC – Roanoke Island Festival Park
8/10/23 – Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre
8/12/23 – French Lick, IN – French Lick Resort
9/14/23 – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Restaurant & Theatre
9/21/23 – Pueblo, CO – Pueblo Memorial Hall

See the Instagram post for presale details – which begins at 9am this morning.

Source: WhiskeyRiff

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 29, 2023March 29, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1960, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge opened in Nashville. The lounge became a nightclub for Grand Ole Opry members during the Opry’s Ryman Auditorium years.
Today in 1968, Glen Campbell got a big break. CBS announced that the singer would host the “Summer Replacement Variety Hour” to fill the Smothers Brothers timeslot.
Today in 1971, the “Amos Moses” single by Jerry Reed was certified gold.
Today in 1989, Roy Orbison’s “Mystery Girl” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1991, the “Pickin’ On Nashville” video by Kentucky Headhunters was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Diamond Rio hit #1 on the charts with the single, “Walkin’ Away.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain began her first headlining tour, along with a nine-piece band in her Canadian homeland in Sudbury, Ontario.
Today in 1998, at 3:33 pm Nashville time, Martina McBride and her husband John welcomed their second daughter, Emma Justine. Emma, weighing in at 7 pounds 11 1/2 ounces, is the McBrides’ second child. The first was their other daughter, Delaney.
Today in 1999, Wynonna Judd performed at a special benefit in Los Angeles called “11 1/2 Million Waiting to Be Freed.” The benefit was designed to raise money for the fight against the oppression of women in Afghanistan. Wy’s sister Ashley and mom Naomi were also on hand as speakers at the event. As part of the festivities, an exclusive photo of 100 celebrity women with their daughters (including the Judd women), mothers or sisters was shot for the cover of “Parade”
Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s “Breathe” album was certified triple platinum. It has since gone on to be certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million.
Today in 2003, Jennifer Hanson gave a benefit concert for the Officers’ Wives’ Club at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. More than 17,000 soldiers from the facility had been deployed to the Persian Gulf – with more on duty in Afghanistan.
Today in 2003, Joe Nichols picks up his first #1 single in Billboard with “Brokenheartsville.”
Today in 2004, Dierks Bentley underwent knee surgery in Nashville, nine days after an on-stage accident left him with a torn ligament and bruised knee bone.
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift scored up a platinum single for “Begin Again.”
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan spent the first of six weeks total at #1 in Billboard with “This Is How We Roll.”
Today in 2015, Jennifer Nettles concluded her run as Roxie Hart in a Broadway production of “Chicago” at the Ambassador Theatre in New York.
Today in 2016, Luke Bryan and Jason Derulo mixed it up as an episode of “CMT Crossroads” gets shot at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. Among Bryan’s hits in the set list were “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” “Strip It Down” and “That’s My Kind Of Night.”
Today in 2016, Scotty McCreery received the Patrick D. Kenan Award for Vocal Health and Wellness from Duke University at the Cary Arts Center in Cary, North Carolina.
Today in 2017, the A&E series “Duck Dynasty” aired its final original episode. Along the way, the reality show’s stars, The Robertsons, earned a #1 country album with the 2013 release, “Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas.”
Today in 2017, Luke Combs was on his way to the ACM Awards in Las Vegas, but was arrested at the Nashville Airport…when he left a gun in his baggage.

CMT Music Awards Trims Video Of The Year Noms To Six

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by Bob Ballard

The CMT Music Awards are this Sunday – and they’ve narrowed down the original list of sixteen nominees for the top award – the CMT Music Video Of The Year – to six worthy candidates.

Up for the big prize:

Blake Shelton – “No Body”
Carrie Underwood “Hate My Heart”
Cody Johnson – “Human”
HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson – “wait in the truck”
Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown – “Thank God”
Morgan Wallen – “You Proof”

Fans have been casting their votes for their favorite videos across all categories over the past three weeks. On the morning of the awards, the six clips in the Video of the Year shortlist will be narrowed down to a Top 3; voting will then continue through the live show, before the announcement of the winner at the end of the broadcast.

The show will be broadcast live on CBS from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday at 8pm ET/11pm PT, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Source: Yahoo

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 28, 2023March 28, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Texas Women” hit #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1992, Reba McEntire hit the top of the Billboard charts with “Is There Life Out There.”
Today in 2001, the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack went platinum. It featured Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, the Soggy Bottom Boys, Alison Krauss, Harry McClintock, Gillian Welch, John Hartford and The Cox Family, it was produced by T Bone Burnett.
Today in 2003, CMT placed Johnny Cash in the number 1 spot when it listed “The 40 Greatest Men Of Country Music.”
Today in 2009, Love and Theft performed “Runaway” in its Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2013, Black Shelton sung The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” dressed like a chicken with three cast members from NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” He also performed “Sure Be Cool If You Did.”
Today in 2017, Eric Paslay announced a long-term partnership with Habitat For Humanity.
Today in 2018, Cam teamed with Smokey Robinson as a new edition of “CMT Crossroads” premiered. Among the performances: “Burning House,” “The Tears Of A Clown” and “I Second That Emotion.”
Today in 2018, Bebe Rexha’s pop single, “Meant To Be,” which features Florida Georgia Line, was certified platinum and double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2020, Jan Howard died in Gallatin, Tennessee, a day after her 49th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A former wife of songwriter Harlan Howard and duet partner of Bill Anderson, she earned a Top 5 country hit with the 1966 single “Evil On Your Mind” and a Top 15 hit with “My Son,” written about her boy, who died in Vietnam. That evening, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jenny Gill and Corinna Grant Gill performed “How Great Thou Art” to honor Jan as the Opry was held in front of an empty house while much of the nation was on COVID-19 quarantine.

Kenny Chesney/Kelsea Ballerini Tour Begins With A Bang

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Kenny Chesney‘s “I Go Back” tour kicked off to a sold-out crowd in Charlottesville, Virginia Thursday night – and he brought Kelsea Ballerini along for the ride as his opening act. The two of them sent fans home knowing they caught an incredible three hours of country music awesomeness.

Kelsea kicked off the show with 50 minutes of her greatest hits mixed with new music – and then Kenny took over, playing for over two hours – and putting Kelsea back to work as she joined him on-stage for “Wild Child” and their duet “Half Of My Hometown.” Next stop on the tour: Wichita, Kansas Thursday night. See the complete list of tour dates here.

Check out both artist’s setlists from the tour opener:

Kelsea’s Set

Love Is A Cowboy

The Chicks’ “Cowboy Take Me Away” (interlude)

Hole In The Bottle

Heartfirst

Love Me Like You Mean It

Dibs

Yeah Boy

If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)

You’re Drunk, Go Home

Penthouse

Blindsided (hear a clip of the performance here)

Muscle Memory

Peter Pan

Miss Me More

Kenny’s Set

Til It’s Gone

Beer In Mexico

We Do

Here And Now

Summertime

Reality

Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven

Somewhere With You

I Go Back (hear a clip of the performance here)

Get Along

The Good Stuff

Big Star

Save It For A Rainy Day

When The Sun Goes Down

All The Pretty Girls

Living In Fast Forward

Young

Noise

Wild Child (feat. Kelsea Ballerini)

Half Of My Hometown (feat. Kelsea Ballerini) (hear a clip of the performance here)

American Kids

Setting The World On Fire

Everything’s Gonna Be Alright

Out Last Night

How Forever Feels

Anything But Mine

Don’t Happen Twice

Beer Can Chicken (Snippet)

Source: CountryNow

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 27, 2023March 27, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road” hit the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1971, Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn’s “After The Fire Is Gone” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1985, RCA released Restless Heart’s self-titled debut album.
Today in 1996, CMT premiered Trace Adkin’s debut video, “There’s A Girl In Texas.”
Today in 1998, after Gene Autry sold the California Angels baseball team to Disney, he was honored with a bronze statue as Anaheim Stadium reopened after major repairs.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels” began its six-week stay at the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2002, Shania Twain’s album “Come On Over” was certified for shipments of 19-million units.
Today in 2002, Lyle Lovett broke his leg in 20 places while working for his uncle’s ranch in Texas. He was flipped by the bull while protecting his uncle. He later underwent surgery at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Today in 2007, Curb released Tim McGraw’s “Let It Go” album.
Today in 2008, during NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” season finale, Trace Adkin’s sang “You’re Gonna Miss This” and beat opponent, Piers Morgan.
Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” was certified gold.
Today in 2017, guest mentor Luke Bryan gave advice to two contestants who were assigned “In The Midnight Hour” by Blake Shelton during NBC’s “The Voice.”
Today in 2017, the Toby Keith public service announcement seeking donations for wildfire victims in Kansas and Oklahoma made its debut.
Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Haywire” album went gold.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton stopped his show in Vancouver BC so a couple could get married on stage.

Wynonna, Tyler Hubbard, Darius Rucker w/The Black Crowes Added To CMT Music Awards Lineup

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Wynonna is making her return to the CMT Music Awards stage, just a year after she and mother Naomi Judd performed together on that same stage, it was announced yesterday. The singer will be performing with Ashley McBryde, who accompanied her on the remaining “The Judds: The Final Tour” dates after the passing of Naomi last year.

In other CMT Music Awards news, it was announced that Darius Rucker and The Black Crowes would take the stage at the awards ceremony to play the Crowes classic, “She Talks To Angels” – and Tyler Hubbard will be making his first solo appearance since the split of his duo Florida Georgia Line. Country/rock/rap superstar Jelly Roll will also be making his country awards show debut that night.

The awards air live on CBS and Paramount+ April 2.

Source: ETOnline

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 24, 2023March 24, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1958, Private Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army. Thousands of fans wept the following day when his hair was cut by James Peterson. Elvis quipped, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” His salary immediately dropped from $10,000 a month to $78 a month!
Today in 1973, Tanya Tucker’s first number one single “What’s Your Mama’s Name, Child” charted.
Today in 1977, the “Dreaming My Dreams” album by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
Today in 1984, Toby Keith married his wife, Tricia.
Today in 1984, Alabama scored their 12th number one hit as “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” reached the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 1993, Diamond Rio earned a platinum album for their self-titled debut.
Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood was at #1 with her single, “Thinkin’ About You.”
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s album, “Merry Christmas Strait To You,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, the album “Right Or Wrong” by George Strait was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook – A Collection of Hits” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s “Strait Country” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s album, “When Love Finds You,” was certified as selling 4-million copies.
Today in 2001, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, and Brad Paisley were part of the lineup as George Strait kicked off his fourth and final Country Music Festival tour in Tampa, Florida.
Today in 2002, Faith Hill returned to the hallowed stage at the Academy Awards. She performed an astounding rendition of the Oscar-nominated song, “There You’ll Be.”
Today in 2004, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts picked up four nominations each at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us” video premiered on television for CMT.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood performed as the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Life,” singing “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.” The segment was hosted by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Today in 2008, Sara Evans announced her engagement to Alabama radio personality Jay Barker.
Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s “Raising Sand” topped the Canadian folk magazine “Penguin Eggs'” list of the Critics’ Albums of the Year for 2007.
Today in 2009, new album releases included Martina McBride’s “Ride,” Eric Church’s “Carolina,” John Rich’s “Son Of A Preacher Man,” and Shooter Jennings & the 357’s’ “Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings & 357’s;” as well as the compilation CDs “NOW That’s What I Call Music! 30,” which included songs from Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, and “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” the soundtrack album with material from Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Today in 2011, Sugarland made their “American Idol” debut, performing “Stuck Like Glue” on the Fox reality show.
Today in 2012, Reba McEntire marked her seventh consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2013, Trace Adkins joked with team member Stephen Baldwin as he gave him the finger during an episode of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The team won an assignment to promote a hair-care product which would guarantee they’re stay for the next week.
Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Gary Allan received a gold album from the RIAA for “Set You Free” and a platinum cert for his single, “Watching Airplanes.”
Today in 2016, Jennifer Nettles teamed up with Cheap Trick on “CMT Crossroads.” The episode included the Sugarland hits “Stay,” “Something More” and “Settlin’,” plus the classic-rock titles “I Want You To Want Me” and “Dream Police.”
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker and John Mellencamp were featured as a new version of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. They lock voices on “Pink Houses,” “Hold My Hand,” “Alright” and “Wagon Wheel.”
Today in 2017, was a big day for RaeLynn. Not only was her self-titled debut album released, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declared RaeLynn Day, AND she gave $10,000 check from her foundation to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Dolly Parton Announces New Book: “Behind The Seams – My Life In Rhinestones”

Posted on March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton announced yesterday that she has a new book coming out this fall – all about her lifelong passion for style and fashion. Titled “Behind The Seams – My Life In Rhinestones,” the book will detail the many fashions and looks the icon has had in her 50+ years in the entertainment industry. It offers a look at Parton’s private costume archive, with photographs highlighting many of her most iconic looks, beginning with the 1960s and chronicling her style through present-day. The book spotlights her famous wigs, towering heels and sparkly stage clothes – including the bunny suit she wore on the cover of “Playboy,” outfits worn at the legendary Studio 54, and costumes from many of her film and television roles.

And it wouldn’t be true Dolly without plenty of stories and humor, as she also discusses fashion that had an impact on her childhood and career, such as the clothes her mother would sew out of feed sacks (including her famous “Coat of Many Colors”). The book comes out October 17.

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 23, 2023March 23, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1926, country instrumentalist great “Mother” Maybelle Addington joined the Carter Family when she married Ezra Carter.
Today in 1956, Singer/songwriter Harley Allen was born in Dayton, Ohio. He wrote Alan Jackson’s “Between The Devil And Me,” Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” and Blake Shelton’s “The Baby.”
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley recorded “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, his single “Wooden Heart” began a six-week run at number one on the UK pop singles chart.
Today in 1961, the single, “Wooden Heart,” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks.
Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire received her first gold album for “Whoever’s In New England.”
Today in 1988, the album, “Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town,” by Emmylou Harris was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Clint Black collected his first platinum album for “Killin’ Time”
Today in 1993, Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” album was released.
Today in 1998, at the Academy Awards ceremony, Trisha Yearwood sang her version of, “How Do I Live,” her hit song from the movie “Con Air.” The song, written by Diane Warren, was beaten out for the Oscar by Celine Dion’s “Titanic” hit, “My Heart Will Go On.” In fact, “Titanic” swept the awards, winning a slew of trophies including Best Picture.
Today in 1999, Jessica Andrews made her acting debut, playing herself on the daytime drama, Another World. The same day, her debut album, “Heart-Shaped World,” arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Patty Loveless’ greatest hits collection, “Classics,” was released.
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks performed at the New Millennium Ball. The event was a benefit for the UCLA School of Medicine and was the largest fundraising event for the School of Medicine that year. Garth was joined by comedian and host of “Politically Incorrect,” Bill Maher as well as Brad At the time, it was said that one of the reasons behind Garth performing for the School was his late mother, Colleen. She received cancer treatment at the famed facility.
Today in 2002, A memorial service for the late Waylon Jennings was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Today in 2004, Alabama received the USO’s Merit Award at the organization’s annual event in Washington, DC. The group was honored for its support of the members of the military.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw participated in a benefit dinner supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee.
Today in 2004, Mary Chapin Carpenter released the album “Between Here and Gone.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s single “When the Sun Goes Down” hit number one on “Radio & Records'” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers on a mountaintop in Deadwood, South Dakota. They met during Gretchen Wilson’s video shoot for “Redneck Woman.”
Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney launched his Somewhere in the Sun Tour with the first of two shows in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The start of the road trip had been delayed two weeks because Chesney injured his ankle shortly before the original kick-off date, and needed the time to recover.
Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts was honored at a party in Nashville celebrating the group’s sales accomplishment. Total sales of the trio’s three albums had topped the six-million-mark.
Today in 2005, Miranda Lambert’s debut disc “Kerosene” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number one. The only other artists to have their first CDs enter the chart at the top spot are Wynonna, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Buddy Jewell, and Gretchen Wilson.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney launched his The Road & The Radio tour with a concert in Dayton, Ohio. Dierks Bentley and Sugarland were also on the bill for the shows.
Today in 2006, Johnny Cash’s video “The Man, His World, His Music” and Joe Nichols’ album “III” were certified Gold.
Today in 2007, George Strait launched his 25th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood claimed four victories at the top of the list as the CMT.com Loaded Awards winners were announced.
Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood picked up four nods to lead all artists as the nominees were announced for the second annual CMT Online awards.
Today in 2009, Darius Rucker has his second consecutive chart-topping country hit with “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Today in 2009, Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings’ episode of “CMT Crossroads” had its premiere.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” Collector’s Edition was released.
Today in 2010, new releases included Mindy McCready’s comeback album, “I’m Still Here.”
Today in 2011, Alan Jackson announced that he was developing his own imprint, ACR (Alan’s Country Records), with Capitol Records Nashville.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride sang the national anthem at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. perform at halftime in the AFC Championship Game.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed “Mine,” “Fifteen” and “Love Story” during an intimate concert at London’s Abbey Road Studio for an audience that includes Amy Winehouse.
Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young made guest appearances on ABC-TV’s “Nashville,” as they showed up at a music-business party.
Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum hosted their inaugural “Ping Pong & Song” fundraiser in Nashville. The event supported their LadyAID charity.
Today in 2013, Reba McEntire marked her eighth consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2016, twelve days before the 51^st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Chris Stapleton was named New Male Vocalist of the Year, Kelsea Ballerini claimed New Female, and Old Dominion took New Vocal Duo or Group.
Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl” hit the airwaves.

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