This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 1, 2022December 1, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, the “Elvis Country” album by Elvis Presley was certified gold.
Today in 1987, George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1992, Brooks & Dunn’s “Brand New Man” album was certified double-platinum.
Today in 1993, the “Big Time” album by Little Texas was certified gold.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s album, “A Lot About Livin’ (And A Little ‘Bout Love),” went triple-platinum, while his single “Chattahoochee” was certified gold, for sales of half a million copies.
Today in 1993, George Strait’s “Easy Come, Easy Go” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1993, the album, “Greatest Hits, Volume II,” by Reba McEntire was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1994, Brooks & Dunn’s “Waitin’ On Sundown” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1995, Alabama hit the top of the charts with the single, “In Pictures.”
Today in 1995, David Lee Murphy’s debut album, “Out With A Bang,” went gold
Today in 1996, Clint Black’s “Greatest Hits” went gold and platinum.
Today in 1998, the single, “This Kiss,” by Faith Hill was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, Alan Jackson’s “Under The Influence” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 2000, Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” debuted at #1 on the “Billboard” Country Albums chart.
Today in 2000, Aaron Tippin and his wife, Thea, welcomed a new addition to their family – their second son, Thomas Aaron. He was born at 5:10 PM at Baptist Women’s Pavilion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Thomas weighed in at seven pounds, four ounces and measured 20 inches long.
Today in 2005, Ricky Skaggs and The Whites performed at the lighting of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. Also participating: CeCeWinans, Maya Angelou and President George W. Bush.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood got big results from “So Small” as the song reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2011, Jennifer Nettles hosted as ABC-TV aired the holiday special “CMA Country Christmas.” Guests include Rascal Flatts, Little Big Town, Faith Hill, Amy Grant, Martina McBride, Darius Rucker and Keith Urban
Today in 2012, Shania Twain began a two-year, 120-show residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
Today in 2014, Little Big Town’s single, “Girl Crush,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Brett Eldredge earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Lose My Mind.” On the same day, Brantley Gilbert scored a triple-platinum single from the RIAA for “Bottoms Up.”
Today in 2016, an agitated Luke Bryan slapped a heckler in the front row as he performed “Move” during Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Also on board are Kid Rock, Travis Tritt, Larry The Cable Guy and Chris Stapleton, who joins Daniels on “Can’t You See”
Today in 2016, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas Of Many Colors – Circle Of Love” aired on NBC. Jennifer Nettles and Rick Schroder starred in the holiday special, which Dolly narrates, sings and plays a sex worker.
Today in 2016, Loretta Lynn told “People” magazine that she tried marijuana for the first – and last – time in 2016 after a physician prescribed it as she battled glaucoma: “I took one smoke off of it and it hit me right here in the chest. I like to have died! Glaucoma is just going to have to take over.”
Today in 2016, Eli Young Band bass player Jon Jones and his wife, Sarah, welcomed daughter Lila Pascale Jones in Fort Worth, Texas.
Today in 2016, “Forbes” named Taylor Swift the highest-paid musician after a year in which she earned $170-million. Elsewhere on the list are Garth Brooks at #6 ($70M); Kenny Chesney at #13 ($56M), Luke Bryan at #19 ($53M), Toby Keith clocked in at #22 ($47.5-million) and Jimmy Buffett was #27 ($40.5M).
Today in 2017, Luke Combs scored his first gold album from the RIAA for “This One’s For You.”
Today in 2018, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman caused a public stir when they dined at a Kentucky Fried Chicken in a Sydney, Australia mall and shopped for kids’ clothing at Kmart.
Today in 2018, Adam Wakefield’s debut album, “Gods & Ghosts,” was released.
Today in 2020, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins hosted “CMA Country Christmas” on ABC. Also in the lineup were Little Big Town, Lady A, Kelsea Ballerini, Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay and Florida Georgia Line.
Today in 2020, Jake Owen announces his engagement to longtime love Erica Hartlein. Still going strong, the lovebirds still haven’t set a date.
Today in 2020, Kellie Pickler sang “Silent Night” from Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for the lighting of the national Christmas tree in Washington, D.C. Thanks to COVID-19, the event – also featuring performances by Jerrod Niemann, Laine Hardy and Leaving Austin – is closed to the public and will be viewable only online.

Loretta Lynn’s Family Starts Petition To Rename State Park After Her

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by Bob Ballard

The family of the late Loretta Lynn is asking for help from country music fans to try to get the state of Kentucky to rename Paintsville State Park in her honor. The family tweeted out a link to the petition requesting the renaming; the petition needs at least 25k signatures before Governor Andy Beshear will consider it.

Lynn lived near the park, and her daughter Peggy Lynn Marchetti says she spent time with friends there throughout her life. “She would LOVE this so much,” the tweet reads, adding that “Kentucky, and especially her home area were always in her heart.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on November 30, 2022November 30, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1963, Dottie West debuted on the charts with the single, “Let Me Off at the Corner.”
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “The Gambler,” was certified gold.
Today in 1982, the album, “Heaven’s Just A Sin Away,” by the Kendalls was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “Heroes And Friends” album was certified gold.
Today in 1990, the album, “No Fences,” by Garth Brooks was certified double-platinum. It has since gone on to be certified for sales of over 16-million copies.
Today in 1991, the Judds graced the cover of TV Guide.
Today in 1996, Mark Wills and his wife, Kelly, were married.
Today in 1997, Pam Tillis’ single, “Land of the Living,” hit the top five of the country charts.
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s video, “Where Are You Now,” hit #1 on CMT Brazil.
Today in 2002, “These Days” propelled Rascal Flatts to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2009, Sugarland performed “Silent Night” with Jennifer Hudson on a Christmas edition of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” Tim McGraw joined Alicia Keys on John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over).”
Today in 2011, a Nashville judge ruled Tim McGraw was free to record for a label other than Curb Records.
Today in 2012, Glen Campbell delivered the final concert of his career at the Uptown Theatre in Napa, California. The set included “Try A Little Kindness,” “Wichita Lineman,” “Southern Nights” and the last song of his lifetime, “Gentle On My Mind.”
Today in 2016, “Dolly Parton’s Christmas Of Many Colors – Circle Of Love” aired on NBC with Jennifer Nettles and Rick Schroder starring. Parton narrated, sang and played a hooker. “Some women,” her character notes, “say I’m their worst nightmare.”
Today in 2018, the Tennessee Historical Commission announced two former homes of country stars were added to the National Register of Historic Places: the ex-residence of Hank Snow and the place June Carter and Maybelle Carter used to live in.
Today in 2020, a Los Angeles judge awarded Kelly Clarkson primary custody of her two children amidst the legal wranglings surrounding her divorce from Brandon Blackstock.
Today in 2020, Jake Owen announced his engagement to girlfriend (and mother of his daughter Paris Hartley) Erica Hartlein.
Today in 2020, Thomas Rhett and Lauren Akins host “CMA Country Christmas” on ABC.

Keith Urban, Kacey Musgraves, And More Decorate Opryland Trees For Charity

Posted on November 29, 2022November 29, 2022 by Bob Ballard

For the 39^th year, Gaylord Opryland Resort is hosting its “A Country Christmas” event that features its Parade of Trees, a set of Christmas trees decorated yearly by some big names. Universal Music Group hosted the Parade of Trees this year and brought in some Grand Ole Opry members to decorate for the holidays.

Artists like Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, George Strait, and more all pitched in to decorate for the event. Each star also donated a “Once in a Lifetime” VIP experience to benefit the First Responders Children’s Foundation.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on November 29, 2022November 29, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, “The Battle Of New Orleans” won Song of the Year for composer Jimmy Driftwood and Best Country & Western Performance for Johnny Horton during the second annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 1960, “Are You Lonesome Tonight” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks. (Fun fact: Elvis also released a version of that song where he breaks up into laughter.)
Today in 1961, the Grand Ole Opry came to Carnegie Hall, with Patsy Cline, Grandpa Jones, Bill Monroe, Minnie Pearl, Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, Faron Young and The Jordanaires. The performance benefitted the Musicians’ Aid Society. In the crowd: Jimmy Dean and comic Jack Benny.
Today in 1964, Willie Nelson made his debut performance at the Grand Ole Opry, following his induction.
Today in 1979, Mac Davis’ “Greatest Hits” album was released.
Today in 1987, Steve Wariner held the #1 country chart position with “Lynda.”
Today in 1992, Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1994, Toby Keith’s “Boomtown” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson earned triple platinum certification for his album, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
Today in 1994, Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man” album was certified triple platinum, while their “Brand New Man” project scored quadruple platinum honors.
Today in 1996, Deana Carter made her debut on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Today in 1996, Alan Jackson had more than a “little” to be happy about. He hit #1 with the single, “Little Bitty,” and released his album, “Everything I Love.”
Today in 1998, Faith Hill topped the charts with “Let Me Let Go.
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina appeared on CBS TV’s “Touched by an Angel” for the first time.
Today in 2000, with two albums (his debut project, “One Voice,” and his Christmas album, “Classic Christmas”) in the top 10, Billy Gilman was the country’s top selling artist.
Today in 2000, the finalists for the 2000 Billboard Music Awards were announced, and Faith Hill was the leading nominee.
Today in 2000, the “Lonely Grill” album by Lonestar was certified triple platinum.
Today in 2001, NBC-TV aired Faith Hill’s TV special, “Faith Hill: When The Lights Go Down.” The show performed very well among the holiday offerings. Barely edging out her husband, Tim McGraw’s, first-ever special, which aired the night before, the show was watched in 6.9-million U.S. households.
Today in 2001, Lee Ann Womack kicked off a unique Christmas tour in Sewell, New Jersey – performing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra.
Today in 2006, when Trick Pony performed at the Fremont Street Experience in Las Vegas, it marked Heidi Newfield’s final tour stop as a member of the trio.
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Fearless” rose to #1 on the Billboard country albums chart. It ultimately spent a total of 35 weeks in that position over the next 15 months.
Today in 2010, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles hosted the ABC special, “CMA Country Christmas,” with Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow, Martina McBride, LeAnn Rimes, Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker and Little Big Town. Most of the cast also joined forces for the finale, “Jingle Bell Rock.”
Today in 2013, a new installment of “CMT Crossroads” debuted with The Band Perry and Fall Out Boy. They combined forces on “Better Dig Two,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely,” “My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” and “DONE.”
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s brother-in-law died. As a result, Luke postponed recording of his album, “Kill The Lights,” which had been set to begin in days. He also moved his orphaned nephew, Tilden Cheshire, into his family home…and is now raising him.
Today in 2017, Old Dominion scored a platinum single from the RIAA for the song, “Snapback.”
Today in 2018, Jana Kramer and her then-husband, Michael Caussin, welcomed son Jace Joseph Caussin. The couple finalized their divorce July 2021.
Today in 2018, Luke Combs announced his engagement to Nicole Hocking. The happy couple became “Mr. and Mrs.” in August 2020.
Today in 2019, Midland’s Mark Wystrach and his wife, Ty Haney, welcomed their daughter, Sundance “Sunny” Leon Wystrach. While the couple hasn’t ever explained it, it turns out that little Sunny developed a medical emergency, and Midland was forced to postpone a series of concerts in Europe and the U.S. The best news? She’s all good now!
Today in 2020, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen” by Chase Rice – and featuring Florida Georgia Line – was released.
Today in 2021, Gabby Barrett sang “Silent Night” on ABC’s “CMA Country Christmas.” Also appearing: Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Lainey Wilson, BRELAND, Brett Eldredge, Jimmie Allen and Barrett’s co-host, Carly Pearce.

Shania Twain Releases Deluxe ‘Come On Over’ Including Duets With Nick Jonas And More

Posted on November 28, 2022November 28, 2022 by Bob Ballard

A new deluxe version of Shania Twain’s 1997 album “Come On Over” was given to fans yesterday thanks to Apple Music’s holiday countdown. The album’s deluxe version includes several duets, including two live versions of “You’re Still The One,” one with Chris Martin recorded earlier this year and another with Elton John taped in 1999.

Fans will also find a duet from Stagecoach in 2017 when Twain and Nick Jonas teamed up for “Party for Two.” The album is the best-selling studio album by a female solo country artist ever and had 12 number-one singles

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on November 28, 2022November 28, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1925, WSM first broadcast the radio show “Barn Dance,” the program that eventually became the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1964, Connie Smith’s debut single, “Once A Day,” landed at #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1972, Charlie Rich recorded his classic, “Behind Closed Doors,” in Nashville.
Today in 1992, Marty Stuart joined the Grand Ole Opry – he was the first new member added following the death of Roy Acuff.
Today in 2003, Dolly Parton was paired with Melissa Etheridge as the latest episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, debuted. Songs in the one-hour telecast include “Bring Me Some Water,” “Jolene” and “I Will Always Love You.”
Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Roads married Stephen Schlapman on a Caribbean island. Witnessing the moment are her bandmates: Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook – who married each other six months earlier – and Phillip Sweet.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” began a five-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line performed “Cruise” and Brett Eldredge sang “Don’t Ya” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York. Also riding down Broadway were Kellie Pickler, Jimmy Fallon and Fall Out Boy. Carrie Underwood briefly appeared on the NBC telecast, promoting the December special, “The Sound Of Music.”
Today in 2014, Jason Aldean was paired with Bob Seger as a new installment of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. The set list includes “Tattoos On This Town,” “Turn The Page,” “Against The Wind” and “Night Train.”
Today in 2016, Elvis Presley’s “Jailhouse Rock,” The Everly Brothers’ “Wake Up Little Susie” and the Merle Haggard album, “Okie From Muskogee,” were announced as GRAMMY Hall of Fame additions. Other new entries include records by Arlo Guthrie, The Beach Boys, Dion and Sonny & Cher.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton was the leading country nominee as finalists are announced for the 60^th annual GRAMMY Awards. He was in the running for Best Country Song, for “Broken Halos”; Best Country Album, “From A Room: Vol. 1”; and Best Country Solo Performance, “Either Way.” His take home? A sweep.
Today in 2018, the celebration of lighting of the national Christmas tree near the White House in Washington, DC included LoCash singing “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town.” Also performing: Thompson Square, Gabby Barrett, Abby Anderson and The Zac Brown Band’s John Driskell Hopkins, who duets on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
Today in 2018, Brett Eldredge, Martina McBride and Kellie Pickler performed from New York City on the NBC special “Christmas In Rockefeller Center.” Also in the lineup were Tony Bennett, Diana Ross, John Legend and Pentatonix, who served up an a cappella version of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.”
Today in 2018, the Dan + Shay single, “Tequila,” was certified double-platinum.
Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert performed “Bluebird” and “Settling Down” during “The Thanksgiving Day Parade On CBS.” Chris Janson lip synced “Good Vibes” during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York on NBC. Also riding floats through midtown were Tenille Townes and Chris Young, who covered “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”
Today in 2020, Chris Stapleton’s “Starting Over” landed at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.

Kenny Chesney Announces 2023 ‘I Go Back’ Tour

Posted on November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Kenny Chesney gave some fans a new answer to the question “What do you want for Christmas?” yesterday…concert tickets. Chesney announced that he and Kelsea Ballerini would hit the road on the “I Go Back Tour” next year, with ticket presales starting on Monday through Ticketmaster.

Why did he chose that name for the trek? It’s simple, many of the cities on the tour are where he played on his way up as a way to say thank you.

The 20-show tour is currently scheduled to run from March 25^th through May 27^th, and general ticket sales will start on Friday, December 2^nd. Here are the first few dates of the tour; you can see the rest on Chesney’s website by clicking here.

March 25 University Park, Pennsylvania Bryce Jordan Center
March 30 Wichita, Kansas Intrust Bank Arena
April 1 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Paycom Center
April 6 Uncasville, Connecticut Mohegan Sun Arena
April 8 Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza
April 12 Birmingham, Alabama Legacy Arena at the BJCC
April 14 Jacksonville, Florida Daily’s Place Amphitheater
April 16 Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida Tortuga Music Festival
April 25 Lexington, Kentucky Rupp Arena
April 27 Greenville, South Carolina Bon Secours Wellness Arena

Source: KennyChesney.com

This day in Country Music History

Posted on November 25, 2022November 25, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1968, Glen Campbell began work on his classic song, “Galveston,” at Capitol Studios in Hollywood. The song was completed on January 9^th, 1969.
Today in 1997, one day after its release, Garth Brooks’ “Sevens” album broke a record by placing 12 of its 14 songs in “Billboard” magazine’s Hot Country Singles and Tracks Chart. The previous record holder? Garth’s “Fresh Horses” project, with 8 tracks.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood made her first appearance on CBS-TV’s “JAG” in the recurring role of forensics specialist, Teresa Coulter.
Today in 1999, Clint and Lisa Hartman Black’s duet, “When I Said I Do,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 1999, Baptist LeAnn Rimes performs for Catholic Pope John Paul II.
Today in 2001, Garth Brooks topped “Billboard’s” Top Country Album chart as well as the Top 200 Album Chart with his album, “Scarecrow,” which was released the previous Tuesday. This marked the ninth time that Garth topped the country album chart and seventh time that he debuted at the #1 position on the pop chart — more times than any other artist. His other #1 debut albums (on the pop charts) include: “Ropin’ The Wind,” “The Chase,” “In Pieces,” “Double Live,” “The Limited Series Box Set” and “Sevens.” Over his impressive career, Garth has spent 51 weeks in the #1 position on the sales chart. That’s longer than any other artist in the 90’s since the inception of SoundScan.
Today in 2001, Trace Adkins was arraigned on charges of driving under the influence, speeding and carrying an open container of an alcoholic beverage following a July 5^th He plead guilty to the DUI charge and was sentenced to two days in jail and a year’s probation. He also lost his license for a year.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw’s “Tim McGraw & the Dancehall Doctors” CD arrived in stores. A book chronicling the making of the album was also released.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride’s “Joy Of Christmas” tour kicked off in Philadelphia.
Today in 2002, Trace Adkins headed overseas on a USO tour to spend the Thanksgiving holidays with our troops.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks’ released a special 2-disc version of their “Home” CD. The release featured a totally redesigned package (which includes a new cover and hard bound book-type packaging), rare and unseen photos – over 50 of them – and much more. The music CD includes one extra track, “Landslide – The Sheryl Crow Remix,” which was produced by Sheryl. The DVD features the videos, “Landslide,” “Long Time Gone,” “Wide Open Spaces” and “Goodbye Earl.”
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s “Cry” album was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The news came nearly six weeks after the project’s release.
Today in 2008, Zac Brown has Lasik eye surgery in Atlanta.
Today in 2009, Billy Currington sang, “People Are Crazy,” on a train float in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from New York.
Today in 2010, Willie Nelson was arrested in Sierra Blanca, Texas, for possession of six ounces of marijuana. He was released after posting a $2,500 bound.
Today in 2010, Keith Urban played “Days Go By,” “Put You In A Song” and “Better Life” during halftime at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as the New Orleans Saints defeat Dallas, 30-27, in an NFL game.
Today in 2011, Jennifer Nettles married Justin Miller in east Tennessee with Sugarland partner Kristian Bush in attendance.
Today in 2013, Tim McGraw collected a gold album for “Two Lanes Of Freedom.”

Here’s How To Score Taylor Swift Tix Without Going Broke

Posted on November 23, 2022November 23, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift fans when she released her new album “Midnights” and announced a new tour last month, but Swifties aren’t feeling quite as happy this week, as overwhelming demand for Swift tickets caused Ticketmaster to cancel its public on-sale and prices to soar.

Your best bet to find Swift tickets online now is to go through a re-seller — but be prepared to pay a hefty mark-up in prices. We’ve rounded up the best deals below to take a bit less bite out of your wallet:

Tickets on VividSeats.com currently start at $300 and if you use the promo code RS15 you can save $15 at checkout. Vivid Seats also has a rewards program that lets you buy ten tickets and get the 11th ticket free1
Meanwhile on Stubhub.com, tickets also start at around $300 for upper-level seats. While there isn’t an active StubHub promo online right now, the site does have one of the best policies in case Swift has to cancel one of her shows. If an event is canceled, the site will give you a StubHub credit for 120% of the amount you paid.
You might not be able to find Taylor Swift tickets on Ticketmaster, but we spotted great seats available on TicketNetwork.com. The resale site has floor seats from $800 online, and if you use promo code TNTIX25 fans can save $25.

Source: Rolling Stone

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