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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1986, Dan Seals’ nostalgic “Bop” goes to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2001, inaugural celebrations for President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., included performances by Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Lee Ann Womack, and Brooks & Dunn, who sang “Only In America.”
  • Today in 2006, Keith Urban’s “Be Here” album went triple-platinum.
  • Today in 2007, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby taped a new edition of “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville. The set list included “Mandolin Rain” and “Don’t Get Above Your Raising.” They were also joined by John Anderson for a surprise rendition of “Super Freak.”
  • Today in 2009, Garth Brooks sang “We Shall Be Free” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during an inaugural event for Barack Obama. Also appearing: James Taylor, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi, and Sheryl Crow.
  • Today in 2013, George Strait launched the “Cowboy Rides Away Tour,” his last official concert trek, at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas, with opener Martina McBride. Strait’s set included “Here For A Good Time,” “The Chair” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”
  • Today in 2014, Jerrod Niemann joined The Oak Ridge Boys on “Elvira” during a benefit concert for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Journey keyboard player Jonathan Cain also took part in the event, which raised $200,000.
  • Today in 2016, Glenn Frey died in New York with multiple ailments, including colitis. He was 67.
  • Today in 2017, Blake Shelton’s album, “If I’m Honest,” became the first country title in history to win Favorite Album in the People’s Choice Awards. Shelton also claimed Favorite Male Country Artist, and “The Voice” was named Favorite Competition TV Show. Carrie Underwood was Favorite Country Female; Little Big Town took Favorite Country Group.
  • Today in 2018, Midland’s single, “Drinkin’ Problem,” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2019, with the American government in partial shutdown, John Prine provided lunch at the Nashville Airport for Transportation Safety Administration employees who have been forced to work without receiving paychecks.
  • Today in 2019, Cody Johnson’s album, “Ain’t Nothin’ To It,” was released.
  • Today in 2021, Kane Brown performed “Stand By Me” for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
  • Today in 2021, Gabby Barrett and her husband Cade Foehner welcome a daughter, Baylah May Foehner.

Dierks Bentley’s 10th Album ‘Gravel & Gold’ Releasing in February

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dierks Bentley has announced that he is releasing his tenth studio album, “Gravel & Gold”. The album will be released on February 24th with 14 tracks, including collaborations with Ashley McBryde and Billy Strings.

“I wrote and recorded two records that I didn’t feel were good enough and had to start over…twice,” says Bentley. “I’m going to be able look back on it for the rest of my life and be like, yeah, that was harder than I thought it would be, but zero regrets. I had to get it right. That’s the ‘Gravel & Gold’ of it all.”

The album will be a celebration of his 20-year career and will showcase his diverse musical interests, from his love of bluegrass to modern country. Bentley has not yet announced a tour to support the album but he already has several dates booked throughout 2023 including performances at country music festivals and a George Jones tribute concert.

Source: Saving Country Music

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1972, a section of Memphis’ Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The road passes in front of Graceland.
  • Today in 1973, Epic released Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors”
  • Today in 1976, “Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In L.A.)” by Glen Campbell peaked at #11 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1986, Reba McEntire became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “No Holdin’ Back” album went platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ first TV special, “This Is Garth Brooks,” aired on NBC.
  • Today in 1992, Doug Stone hit #1 with “A Jukebox With A Country Song.”
  • Today in 1995, the single, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” by Shania Twain was released.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn were #1 on the charts with the single, “He’s Got You.”
  • Today in 1998, Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile” begun a six-week residency at the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2000, Garth Brooks was named Artist of the Decade for the ’90s during the American Music Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. He also won trophies for Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album, for “Sevens.” Shania Twain received two.
  • Today in 2001, According to the Zogby America poll, which asked over 1000 people what their “favorite musical genre” was, Americans said that they preferred country music over rock, classical or rap. In the South specifically, 23% of respondents chose country as their favorite type of music, compared with 29% in the Central/Great Lakes region. Overall, country music took the prize nationally with 22% of those polled saying they preferred to get “countrified.”
  • Today in 2006, Sugarland posted a message on its website announcing Kristen Hall leaving the trio to concentrate on songwriting.
  • Today in 2010, Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett won Best Original Song, for “The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart),” in the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
  • Today in 2013, following her win on NBC’s “The Voice,” Cassadee Pope finally got signed to a recording contract – with Republic Nashville.
  • Today in 2015, Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr had an engagement party at Citizen in Nashville. Guests included Luke Bryan and Eric Church.
  • Today in 2017, “What Ifs,” by Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina was released.
  • Today in 2017, Alabama performed for 200 diplomats in Washington, D.C., during the Chairman’s Global Dinner two days prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump.
  • Today in 2017, the Eli Young Band’s tour bus went up in flames outside of Topeka, Kansas. Fortunately, the band wasn’t aboard at the time – and while the bus driver got out safely, he did save one guitar.
  • Today in 2018, Dierks Bentley’s “Woman, Amen” hit the airwaves.

Maren Morris Apologizes to RuPaul on Behalf of the County Music Community

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Maren Morris was a guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” on Friday. Morris showed up dressed to impress, and gushed to the contestants “I can’t believe I am in here right now. I feel like I’ve stepped through my TV screen.”

The singer turned serious during her time, however. Morris has been openly vocal about LGBTQ rights, and wanted to voice her support for the performers. “Coming from country music and its relationship with LGBTQ+ members, I just want to say I’m sorry.”

Morris said it was important for her to put her feelings out there, as she noted she had been rejected by everyone for a long time in her country music career, but had found the strength to carry on. “I love you guys for making me feel like a brave voice in country music. I just thank you guys so much for inspiring me.” The contestants appreciated her apology and her being there as an ally.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1953, Bill Monroe suffered 19 broken bones in a head-on collision on Highway 31 near White House, Tennessee. He still managed to get out of the car and pull another passenger, Bessie Lee Mauldin, out from the other side. Monroe was unable to tour until May.
  • Today in 1980, the “Kenny” album by Kenny Rogers was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1982, Ronnie Milsap hit #1 on the Billboard country chart with “I Wouldn’t Have Missed It For The World”
  • Today in 1984, Alabama’s “Roll On” album was released.
  • Today in 1984, RCA released Alabama’s “Roll On” album
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s album, “Chill Of An Early Fall,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1992, the album, “Shadowland,” by K.D. Lang was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, Gary Morris’ “Why Lady Why” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1993, Patty Loveless performed on the Grand Ole Opry. It was her first Opry appearance since undergoing vocal surgery.
  • Today in 1997, Reba McEntire’s album, “What If It’s You,” was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 1997, Garth Brooks’ “In Pieces” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
  • Today in 1998, Lee Ann Womack’s self-titled debut was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn topped the charts with their single, “He’s Got You.”
  • Today in 1998, Wynonna Judd’s album, “The Other Side,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, “Right On The Money,” written by Phil Vassar, took Alan Jackson to the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood received a special proposal while making a guest appearance on the historic Ryman Auditorium stage. Grand Ole Opry member and segment host, Ricky Skaggs, invited her to become the 71st member of the Opry cast. She quickly accepted.
  • Today in 2001, the Warren Brothers issued a formal apology for their scuffle with a manager at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon during Fan Fair. The charges filed in relation to the incident were officially dropped on January 23rd.
  • Today in 2001, Trisha Yearwood announced that she was teaming up with the “4 Your Life: CPR” campaign to provide CPR training to residents of Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
  • Today in 2001, the “When It All Goes South” album by Alabama was released.
  • Today in 2003, Kenny Chesney was in Tupelo, Mississippi to launch his 2003 “Margaritas ‘n’ Senoritas”
  • Today in 2004, “Unleashed” became the first Toby Keith album certified quadruple-platinum, while his “Shock’n Y’all” album reached triple-platinum status.
  • Today in 2006, The Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line” earned three Golden Globes: Best Musical or Comedy plus trophies for Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. The “Brokeback Mountain” piece “A Love That Will Never Grow Old” won Best Original Song.
  • Today in 2007, The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) issued a gold album for Taylor Swift’s self-titled album, which had been released the previous October.
  • Today in 2016, Scotty McCreery performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. In the game that followed, the New England Patriots finished off the Kansas City Chiefs, 27-20.

Grand Ole Opry Holding Special Events To Celebrate Dolly’s Birthday Next Week

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The Grand Ole Opry is having two special shows on January 21st to celebrate Dolly Parton’s 77th birthday. Even though she won’t be there in person, they’re going to have a whole lot going on to honor the star. Events include live performances by Chapel Hart, The Fairfield Four, Caitlyn Smith, Marty Stuart, and Chris Young. The event will also be donating a portion of the ticket sales to the Opry Trust Fund in her honor.

The Opry will have a lot of other fun stuff going on too like “77 Hours of Dolly” giveaways on their social media, birthday cupcakes, a big birthday card for fans to sign, a Dolly impersonator for photo opportunities, and even signature Dolly drinks at the bars.

Tickets are available at www.opry.com/full-calendar.

Source: The Tennessean

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1968, Johnny Cash recorded the live album, “Johnny Cash At Folsom Prison” in California – he remade “Folsom Prison Blues” in the process. Also on hand – June Carter, The Carter Family, Carl Perkins and The Statler Brothers.
  • Today in 1978, the “Waylon Live” album by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
  • Today in 1981, country movie music scores big at the GRAMMYs, as the “Urban Cowboy” soundtrack scored four nominations.” Roadie” songs get three, and “Honeysuckle Rose” picks up two. Sissy Spacek gets a nomination for her performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter”
  • Today in 1990, Keith Whitley hits #1 on the Billboard country chart with “It Ain’t Nothin'”
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Clint Black’s fourth album, “No Time To Kill,” went platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Alan Jackson hit #1 with the single, “Gone Country.”
  • Today in 1995, Joe Diffie’s album, “Third Rock from the Sun,” went platinum.
  • Today in 1995, the “Lead On” album by George Strait was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1996, Faith Hill was at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “It Matters To Me”
  • Today in 1996, Martina McBride made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry since becoming a member the previous November. Terri Clark made her Opry debut the same evening.
  • Today in 1997, Brooks & Dunn’s album, “Borderline,” went double platinum.
  • Today in 1997, Toby Keith’s “Blue Moon” album went gold.
  • Today in 1999, the album, “Who I Am,” by Alan Jackson was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 2002, the first episode of “CMT Crossroads” aired, pairing a country act with a non-country performer. In this inaugural show matched “Passionate Kisses” songwriter Lucinda Williams with Elvis Costello.
  • Today in 2006, Big & Rich’s “Comin’ To Your City” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 2010, Trace Adkins signs a recording deal with Toby Keith’s Show Dog-Universal Music during a press conference at BMI in Nashville.
  • Today in 2012, Jake Owen broke his collarbone skiing in Crested Butte, Colorado, forcing the cancellation of several concerts.
  • Today in 2015, Brad Paisley’s “Crushin’ It” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2017, Dierks Bentley took his annual polar plunge for New Year’s nearly two weeks late. Penalizing himself for his tardiness, he stayed in the 38-degree water for 13 minutes.
  • Today in 2018, Billy Currington was thrown into panic when he received an official cell phone alert warning of an in-bound ballistic missile. The alarm, it was soon discovered, was the result of human error.
  • Today in 2020, Darius Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel” was certified eight-times platinum.
  • Today in 2020, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown and Brett Young topped the bill as Bobby Bones hosted his annual Million Dollar Show to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Surprise acts included Sawyer Brown, Old Dominion, Lindsay Ell and Sam Hunt, who performed “Kinfolks” and “Body Like A Back Road.”
  • Today in 2020, Josh Gracin and his wife, Katie, welcomed their son, Luka Roman Gracin, in Nashville.
  • Today in 2020, Jordan Davis picked up a double-platinum certification from the RIAA for his song, “Singles You Up.” The same day, Luke Bryan’s single, “That’s My Kind Of Night,” was certified quintuple-platinum.
  • Today in 2021, moments after Donald Trump became the first president to be impeached twice, he presented Toby Keith and Ricky Skaggs the National Medal of Arts in the East Room of the White House.
  • Today in 2021, Tennessee State Rep. John Windle introduced a bill to create a statue of Dolly Parton to reside at the Capitol in Nashville. As “humbled” as she was about the suggestion, Dolly later asked that the legislation be dropped – noting, “With all that is going on in the world, I don’t think that putting me on a pedestal is appropriate at this time.”

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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Walleye”, a sweet 9 month old Domestic Shorthair/Mix kitty with gorgeous eyes and a loving disposition. She’d make a great furry best friend for any family, and gets along well with kids. Walleye is fully vetted, vaccinated, and would love to meet you!

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

 

Eric Church Announces 27-Show ‘The Outsiders Revival Tour’

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Eric Church is going on tour this summer, with his newly announced “The Outsiders Revival Tour”, starting June 22nd! The first leg of the tour kicks off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and ends in Tampa Florida on September 30th. Church announced the tour to Church Choir, his fan club, last night. The tour will be completely outdoors, with more than a dozen other artists set to join him on different dates of the tour like Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, and Ashley McBryde.

Church told his fan club that he always wants to bring new experiences to the tours and this is the first time they’re doing an outdoor summer tour. Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 20th on Ticketmaster.com, while Church Choir members get a head start and are able to purchase tickets Tuesday the 17th.

Fans have been waiting expectantly for news like this. Before the tour was announced Church was teasing it on his social media, posting a video clip that incorporated snippets of his own music and some of the opening acts.

Check out the tour dates HERE!

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks rose to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Unanswered Prayers”
  • Today in 1993, Marty Stuart earned his first-ever gold album for “This One’s Gonna Hurt You.”
  • Today in 1993, the video, “Reba In Concert,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Tim Rushlow of Little Texas became the proud father of daughter, Bailey Nicole.
  • Today in 1998, Shania Twain inducted the Mamas & the Papas into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York.
  • Today in 1999, “The Very Best Of John Denver” was certified gold and platinum.
  • Today in 2006, Sugarland’s appearance on “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” was marked by the absence of original member Kristen Hall. It was seen as a sign of her departure, which the group announced days later.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” was released.
  • Today in 2014, a Yoplait ad featuring Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” had its first airing on TV.
  • Today in 2017, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman and husband Stephen announce they’d adopted daughter, Dolly Grace Schlapman. She joined their other daughter, Daisy Pearl, who was born in 2007.
  • Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood’s “The Champion” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Smooth” and Justin Moore’s single, “Somebody Else Will,” also went gold.
  • Today in 2019, Chris Stapleton sang “Whiskey River” to launch the A&E taping of “Willie: Life & Songs Of An American Outlaw” at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. The lineup included Eric Church, George Strait, Emmylou Harris, Sturgill Simpson, Lyle Lovett, Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson.
  • Today in 2019, Tom T. Hall and John Prine were announced as 2019 inductees in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, part of a class that included Cat Stevens, Missy Elliot,t and Jack Tempchin.
  • Today in 2020, Tanya Tucker welcomed surprise guest Billy Ray Cyrus to duet on “Old Town Road” in a concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Tucker’s guests also included Billy Joe Shaver, Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Rodriguez, Dennis Quaid, Jamey Johnson and Margo Price, who joins Tucker on “Love Me Like You Used To.”
  • Today in 2021, the Jimmie Allen/ Brad Paisley single, “Freedom Was A Highway,” hit the airwaves. The same day, Tim McGraw & Tyler Hubbard’s single, “Undivided,” was also released.

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