Dollywood Celebrating 50 years Of ‘I Will Always Love You’ With All-Star Concert Series

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

Dolly Parton’s classic song “I Will Always Love You” is turning 50 years old this year, and Dollywood is celebrating with a new event – The “I Will Always Love You Celebration”! The theme park will host this event from March 11th to April 8th.

Guests can enjoy a celebrity concert series and hear from renowned songwriters, including those who wrote popular country hits, every Saturday for five weeks! The concerts will feature artists Natalie Grant, Ricky Skaggs, Jo Dee Messina, the Gatlin Brothers, and Lauren Alaina.

The event will also have special food, decor, and merchandise. Admission to the concerts is included with park admission, which starts at $89 per adult.

Check out the concerts below:

March 11 – Natalie Grant
March 18 – Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder
March 25 – Jo Dee Messina
April 1 – Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers
April 8 – Lauren Alaina

Source: USA Today

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1965, “Tennessee Waltz” was declared the official state song of Tennessee.
Today in 1969, rock legend Bob Dylan went to Nashville to record with Johnny Cash, but only two songs cut at those sessions ever saw the light of day. Later that year, Dylan was one of the first guests on Johnny’s TV show.
Today in 1976, The Eagles released “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which included “Lyin’ Eyes.”
Today in 1993, Lyle Lovett sung “Stand By Your Man” with Tammy Wynette on “The Tonight Show.”
Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped the country charts.
Today in 1995, Tanya Tucker earned one platinum album and three gold ones, including “Strong Enough to Bend.”
Today in 1995, Wade Hayes scored his first #1 hit, “Old Enough to Know Better.”
Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” was released.
Today in 1996, Joe Diffie’s “Bigger Than The Beatles” became a #1 hit on the Billboard country singles list.
Today in 2001, Jamie O’Neal’s “There Is No Arizona” hit the top of the charts.
Today in 2001, Brad Paisley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. He wore Buck Owen’s the yellow jacket from the night he recorded the album “Live At Carnegie Hall.” Paisley sang “Two People Fell In Love.”
Today in 2002, Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock performed “Family Tradition” and “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” on CMT Crossroads.
Today in 2013, Mindy McCready died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line’s “Sippin’ On Fire” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, the Indiana legislature recognized Joey+Rory with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state’s highest honor.
Today in 2017, Dustin Lynch’s single, “Small Town Boy,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Mayor Don Iveson declared Garth Brooks Day in Edmonton, Alberta, as Brooks launched a nine-concert engagement at Rogers Place.
Today in 2017, the Alison Krauss album, “Windy City,” was released.
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood donated $10,000 through a Go Fund Me page to an Oklahoma police officer who was injured in a car accident
Today in 2019, Blake Shelton performed “Suspicious Minds” as host of NBC’s “Elvis All-Star Tribute Special,” celebrating 50 years since the King’s 1968 comeback special. Also featured: Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Mac Davis, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.
Today in 2019, Dolly Parton took a curtain call as “9 To 5: The Musical” opened in London.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs said there is “no excuse” for 2015 photos that depict him with Confederate flag images, adding that he “would never want to be associated with something that brought so much pain to someone else.” The comments came during a Country Radio Seminar panel on country and race that also featured Maren Morris.

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

Posted on February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Odie”, a 10 month old domestic shorthair kitty. Odie’s quite the friendly chap, who loves not only people, but also gets along great with other cats and dogs. Not only would he love to be your new best friend and curl up next to you on the couch, but occasionally he will come up to you and ask you to hold “hands” with him.

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

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood Hint At New Duet Album

Posted on February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Garth Brooks revealed during his weekly Facebook session with fans that he will be releasing a duets album this year. When pressed if the duet album would be with his wife, he said he’s got one duet album coming out this year.

Although it’s not clear whether it will feature any collaborations with his wife Trisha Yearwood, fans have been anticipating a duets album from the couple for years. “Maybe after that duet album, we can work on our duet album,” Trisha joked during their session.

Brooks and Yearwood have collaborated several times in the past, including on the songs “In Another’s Eyes,” “Whiskey to Wine,” and “What Gave Me Away.” Brooks also shared that he’s looking forward to a busy year, which will include his Las Vegas residency and potentially more tour news in the future.

You can check out the question about the duet question starting at 18:55 by clicking here to be taken directly to that timestamp.

Source: Taste Of Country

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 16, 2023February 16, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, George Jones and Tammy Wynette tied the knot. Strangely, they announced that they had gotten married on August 22^nd, 1968, but didn’t actually go through with it until this date.
Today in 1971, Johnny Cash recorded “Man in Black.”
Today in 1974, “Sunshine On My Shoulders” by John Denver entered the Top 40 chart.
Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers’ “Coward Of The County” single was #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart.
Today in 1986, the NBC-TV movie “The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” featured Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Ed Bruce, David Allan Coe, and June Carter Cash.
Today in 1995, Rosanne Cash’s “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Marty Robbins’ “Greatest Hits, Volume III” collection was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the album, “What A Crying Shame,” by The Mavericks was certified platinum.
Today in 1996, Collin Raye topped the country charts with “Not That Different.”
Today in 1997, Garth Brooks welcomed Melinda and Ricky Huffman with a raft of gifts as his tour got its 2 millionth customers. The couple was given a Chevy Tahoe and a Caribbean vacation.
Today in 2001, Andy Griggs and his bandmate Kevin Weaver got into some hot water after taking an ambulance for a joyride in Tallahassee, Florida. When they returned the rig, police took them into custody. Eventually, the charges were dropped — thanks in part to their lack of criminal records, humble apologies, and a charity concert.
Today in 2002, Hank Williams Jr. appeared at the Grand Ole Opry with Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart to celebrate Waylon Jennings.
Today in 2005, Brooks and Dunn performed as part of a nightly post-events concert series at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Today in 2006, John Michael Montgomery was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky on numerous charges including DUI and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Today in 2006, Rascal Flatt’s music video for “What Hurts The Most” premiered on CMT.
Today in 2007, in a taping of “CMT Cross Country,” Big & Rich and John Anderson performed together. Their collaborations included “Swingin,” and “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy.)”
Today in 2007, two country couples split up. Hank Williams Jr. and his wife, Mary Jane filed for divorce, as well as Terri Clark and her husband, Greg Kaczor. Discussing the end of her marriage, Clark said the split was amicable, although she was sad that the relationship was over. She singer called Kaczor “one of my dearest friends and a wonderful person,” and added that they, quote, “are sorry that we’re here.” While their marriage only lasted 17 months, Clark and Kaczor had known each other for a decade.
Today in 2007, Keith Urban gave his first U.S. TV interview since leaving the Betty Ford Center a month earlier. He opened up about his recovery on NBC’s “Today” show, and noted that both he and wife Nicole Kidman had grown through the process.
Today in 2007, Clay Walker joined the 2007 Original Krewe of Orpheus in Mandeville, Louisiana as the Celebrity Grand Marshall of their parade.
Today in 2007, Lonestar’s Keech Rainwater, Terri Clark, and Trent Tomlinson were the celebrity players for the final day of Country Week on the game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
Today in 2008, Tracy Lawrence hosted his 12th annual Arkansas Homecoming in Texarkana, Arkansas. Clay Waker was among the performers at the event.
Today in 2008, Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away. Lord had a long-running television show in the 1960s and ’70s, and he served as a co-host for The Nashville Network’s “Country Sportsman” for several years before retiring and moving back to his native Florida with his wife Mozelle.
Today in 2009, Steve Wariner, Chuck Wicks, and Julianne Hough performed at Music 4 Music, a benefit in support of the Ravenwood High School Marching Band. The school, in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood, also hosted the event.
Today in 2010, Trace Adkins resumed his tour with a performance at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. He’d skipped his show two nights earlier with Martina McBride in the wake of a fatal traffic accident involving his tour bus.
Today in 2010, Tim McGraw’s second children’s book, “Love Your Heart,” arrived in stores. The book was the sequel to his first book, “My Little Girl,” which was based on his song from the movie “Flicka.” The singer collaborated with Tom Douglas on both books.
Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s “Revolution” album went gold.
Today in 2011, Justin Moore’s tour bus caught fire while he was traveling to a show in Detroit. No one was hurt in the blaze, which was extinguished in about ten minutes and caused minimal damage.
Today in 2017, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line netted nominations in five categories apiece as the Academy of Country Music announced finalists for the 52^nd annual ACM Awards.
Today in 2019, Brothers Osborne welcomed surprise guest Lee Ann Womack as they delivered their third sell-out concert in four nights at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Elsewhere in the set list were “Shoot Me Straight,” “Burning Man,” “It Ain’t My Fault” and a cover of “Copperhead Road.”
Today in 2020, Aaron Watson attended the seventh birthday party of a Waco, Texas, girl who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

The Chicks Set 2023 World Tour

Posted on February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 by Bob Ballard

The Chicks are going on a world tour starting this June! They’ll be joined by Maren Morris, Wild Rivers, and Ben Harper who will be opening for select shows. The tour will take place in over 30 cities before wrapping up in Toronto in September.

The Chicks are also going to be performing a six-concert Las Vegas residency in May and will participate in Willie Nelson’s 90th birthday concert in April. Tickets for the shows in the US, Europe, UK, and Canada will go on sale starting Friday.

The tour kicks off June 20th in Oslo, Norway at the Oslo Spektrum Arena with Marren Morris, and will with everywhere from Sweden to Nashville until their last show Winnepeg at the Canada Life Centre on September 12th.

The first ten shows are below, and you can check out all the tour details here.

June 20 – Oslo, Norway – Oslo Spektrum Arena
June 21 – Stockholm, Sweden – Ericsson Globe
June 23 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
June 27 – Cardiff, England – Cardiff Castle
June 28 – Glasgow, United Kingdom – OVO Hydro
June 30 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
July 2 – Birmingham, United Kingdom – Utilita Arena Birmingham
July 4 – Manchester, United Kingdom – AO Arena
July 21 – Tulsa, Oklahoma – BOK Center
July 22 – North Little Rock, Arkansas – Simmons Bank Arena

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 15, 2023February 15, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1971, Glen Campbell’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
Today in 1972, the album, “Charley Pride Sings Heart Songs,” was certified gold.
Today in 1975, Jessi Colter’s single, “I’m Not Lisa,” hit the charts.
Today in 1975, G. Sheppard’s “Devil in the Bottle” became the #1 country single.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified gold.
Today in 1978, the “We Must Believe In Magic” album by Crystal Gayle was certified platinum. She was the first female country singer to get a platinum album.
Today in 1979, Willie Nelson won two trophies for Best Country Vocal Performance, Male (for “Georgia On My Mind”) and Best Country Vocal Duo or Group (for “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” with Waylon Jennings) at the GRAMMYs.
Today in 1985, Lee Greenwood’s album, “You’ve Got A Good Love Comin’,” was certified gold.
Today in 1987, the “Wild-Eyed Dream” album by Ricky Van Shelton was released.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks stayed at the top of the Billboard country singles chart for four weeks for “What She’s Doing Now.”
Today in 2006, Billy Currington’s single, “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” went gold.
Today in 2008, Brad Paisley’s “I’m Still A Guy” was released.
Today in 2015, Eric and Katherine Church welcomed their son, Tennessee Hawkins Church.
Today in 2017, Reba McEntire headlined at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for the first time. Her set in the evening includes surprise guests Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson on “Softly And Tenderly”; Linda Davis for “Does He Love You”; The Isaacs in a gospel number; and three family members on “I’ll Fly Away.”
Today in 2019, “Star Trek” actor William Shatner makes his Grand Ole Opry debut, performing alongside Alabama guitarist Jeff Cook.
Today in 2019, Florida Georgia Line’s album, “Can’t Say I Ain’t Country,” was released.
Today in 2019, the Brothers Osborne’s concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville includes a surprise appearance by The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on a cover of “Tulsa Time.”
Today in 2020, Maren Morris sang “Oops! Whoops! Wait, Ah Ha!” on HBO’s “Sesame Street.”

Jason Aldean Announces 41-City 2023 Highway Desperado Tour

Posted on February 14, 2023February 14, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Jason Aldean is hitting the road for his “2023 Highway Desperado Tour” starting from July 14th in Bethel, New York. He will be joined by Mitchell Tenpenny, Corey Kent and Dee Jay Silver, ending on October 28th in Tampa, Florida. The tour will hit a massive 41 different cities!

Aldean took to Instagram to announce the tour, telling his followers “Lets ride!” The tickets for the Highway Desperado Tour go on sale on February 17th at 10 AM! Check out the first few tour dates below, and the full tour details here.

July 14 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 15 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
July 16 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
July 20 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
July 21 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
July 27 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion^
July 28 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium
July 29 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
August 4 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
August 5 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 14, 2023February 14, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, the President’s daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, requested that Eddy Arnold attend a White House dinner. Arnold was almost late after getting stuck in an elevator.
Today in 1973, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
Today in 1981, Charly McClain earned a #1 country single for “Who’s Cheatin’ Who.”
Today in 1985, two weeks after recording “On The Other Hand,” Randy Travis signed a recording contract with Warner Brothers.
Today in 1988, Kathy Mattea married songwriter Jon Vezner, who co-wrote her Grammy-winning hit “Where’ve You Been.”
Today in 1989, Reba McEntire gave her then-fiancé Narvel Blackstock a chainsaw for Valentine’s Day. The couple cut each other loose in Summer 2015.
Today in 1995, Alan Jackson’s album, “Who I Am,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood’s “Thinkin’ About You” album was released.
Today in 1997, Ty England and his wife, Shanna, welcomed their third child, Levi Wyatt, into the world.
Today in 1998, Hal Ketchum and makeup artist Gina Pacconi tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in Austin, Texas. Hal’s hits include “Small Town Saturday Night” and “Past the Point of Rescue.”
Today in 2001, Emily Robison and Amy Grant were contestants on “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” while Jo Dee Messina was on “Hollywood Squares.”
Today in 2001, before the last wall of the new Country Music Hall of Fame, was sealed, cranes lifted Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac, Webb Pierce’s Pontiac, and Nudie’s sign onto the third floor.
Today in 2002, Steve Holy was in Newport News, Virginia to help 40 couples get hitched in a mass Valentine’s Day ceremony. As the lovebirds said, “I do,” they took their “first dance” as newlyweds while Steve performed his #1 song, “Good Morning Beautiful.” The happy couples had plenty of witnesses, too — nearly 1000 folks showed up to watch as the lovebirds kissed their single days goodbye.
Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s single, “Boondocks,” went gold.
Today in 2011, Eric Church’s single, “Homeboy,” was released.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes’ was a “Wanted” man – as his new single hit the airwaves.
Today in 2013, Thompson Square’s video for the single, “If I Didn’t Have You,” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan was the celebrity monarch for the Krewe of Endymion Parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini sang “Islands In The Stream” and Keith Urban performed “To Love Somebody” as CBS recorded “Stayin’ Alive: A Grammy Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees” at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Also appearing: Little Big Town, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Celine Dion and Barry Gibb.
Today in 2018, Troy Gentry’s widow, Angela Gentry, filed suit in Philadelphia against Sikorsky Aircraft and Keystone Helicopter, charging that a design flaw was responsible for the Montgomery Gentry singer’s September 2017 death. Less than a week later, she also filed suit against an event promoter in connection with the helicopter crash.

Chris Stapleton Was Worried About His National Anthem Super Bowl Performance

Posted on February 13, 2023February 13, 2023 by Bob Ballard

Chris Stapleton sang the National Anthem at the upcoming Super Bowl last night, but get this – he had previously said he would never perform the anthem…unless it was at the Super Bowl! But now that he was invited to perform at the Super Bowl, he let on that he was pretty worried about the gig.

“It’s one of those calls you think you’re not gonna get. And then you get the call and you’re like, ‘Okay, let’s do this!’ I think I said it ‘cause I thought I wouldn’t get asked. The national anthem’s not an easy song for singers, and it’s one that can go horribly wrong as we’ve seen many times in the past,” Chris shared.

Despite his nerves, he received positive reviews of his performance. Many players and coaches were seen crying on the sidelines during his performance.

Source: Universal Music Group

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