This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go smoothly as 1974 Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich, who was there to award the trophy, pulled out a lighter and torched the envelope to express his outrage.
Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Only One Love In My Life,” was certified gold.
Today in 1980, at the 14^th annual CMA Awards, Johnny Cash was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Barbara Mandrell was named Entertainer of the Year, Emmylou Harris and George Jones were Female and Male Vocalists of the Year and the Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Today in 1986, at the 20^th annual CMA Awards, Reba McEntire became the first woman in five years to be named Entertainer of the Year. She was also named Female Vocalist of the Year, while George Strait was named Male Vocalist. The Horizon Award went to Randy Travis, and the Single of the Year was “Bop” by Dan Seals.
Today in 1992, Reba McEntire scored another #1 hit with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”
Today in 1993, the “Haunted Heart” album by Sammy Kershaw was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Travis Tritt’s “No More Looking Over My Shoulder” CD arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill confirmed that he and Amy Grant were an item.
Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of seven million.
Today in 2001, Martina McBride thrilled thousands of fans as she performed her very first live concert on pay-per-view.
Today in 2001, Alan Jackson’s “Where I Come From” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Better Life” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2007, Sammy Hagar’s 60^th birthday bash featured performances by Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Ted Nugent and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith at Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Today in 2008, Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2009, Keith Urban hosted a concert at Nashville’s Sommet Center, raising $500-thousand for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Also on board: Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.
Today in 2010, Elvis Presley’s album “How Great Thou Art” was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2010, Blake Shelton launched his first headlining tour at the Ogden Theatre in Denver.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride completed a cross-country train trip to promote her album “Eleven” as she arrives in New York City. McBride gives a performance at Manhattan’s Penn Station that includes her current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan was the only country artist to appear on the ballot twice as nominees for the American Music Awards are announced.
Today in 2015, RaeLynn announced her engagement to Josh Davis on Instagram. The couple married the following October. The year after their marriage…he enlisted in the military and she’s since said she loves being a military wife.
Today in 2015, Sam Hunt leads the country field with three nominations in the American Music Awards. Taylor Swift tops the entire list with six nominations as a pop artist.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks single, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down And Dance” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Carly Pearce’s album, “Every Little Thing,” was released. On the same day, Jessie James Decker’s “Southern Girl City Lights” album arrived on shelves.
Today in 2017, Dolly Parton visited patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. She also announced she was making a $1-million donation to the facility.
Today in 2017, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Peer were among the honorees as PBS airs a “Great Performances” episode that featured a GRAMMY salute to legends. Dwight Yoakam delivers a three-song medley of Rodgers’ hits, Neal McCoy covers Pride’s “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone” and Pride sings “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
Today in 2018, Kellie Pickler played a benefit for Tyler Rich, a 29-year-old who had a lung transplant, at the Campos Family Vineyards in Bryan, California.
Today in 2019, Gretchen Wilson and her entourage were told to leave Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after allegedly making excessive noise in the early hours. Body cam footage released by police two weeks later suggests the hotel may have sent officers to the wrong room.

Blake Shelton Is Leaving ‘The Voice’

Posted on October 12, 2022October 12, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton is ready to say goodbye to “The Voice.” He announced on Instagram that he will be leaving the NBC talent competition after the spring 2023 season, which will be the show’s 23rd.

“The show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” he shares in a statement on Instagram. “It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at The Voice.”

Blake notes that he’s made a “lifelong bond with Carson (Daly) and every single one of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani,” and gave a shoutout to all the singers who have appeared on the show.

“Lastly it’s about y’all the fans, who watch and support these artists, us coaches and everyone at The Voice who are chasing their dreams,” he concludes, adding, “It would not happen without you.”

Blake has been with “The Voice” since it debuted in 2011, and was the only coach to appear on all 22 seasons, winning eight times.

As for season 23, while Blake will be back, Gwen, Camila Cabello and John Legend won’t be returning, with Kelly Clarkson set to return, along with newcomers Niall Horan of One Direction and Chance the Rapper.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 12, 2022October 12, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, the 15^th annual CMA Awards were held. In a history-making move, Barbara Mandrell won Female Vocalist honors as well as Entertainer of the Year for the second year in a row (she was the first artists to do so); George Jones won Male Vocalist and the Horizon Award went to Teri Gibbs. The Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today” by George Jones.
Today in 1985, Marie Osmond and Dan Seals enjoyed having a #1 single with “Meet Me In Montana.”
Today in 1987, the 21^st annual CMA Awards were held. Hank Williams Jr. was named Entertainer of the Year; Randy Travis and Reba McEntire were the Male and Female Vocalists, and the Horizon Award went to Holly Dunn. The Single of the Year was “Forever and Ever, Amen” by Randy Travis.
Today in 1991, Sammy Kershaw made his chart debut with “Cadillac Style.”
Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s drove to #1 with his single, “Keep It Between The Lines.”
Today in 1993, the “Cheap Seats” album by Alabama and the “Honky Tonk Christmas” album by Alan Jackson were released.
Today in 1993, Suzy Bogguss’ “Voices In The Wind” album was certified gold.
Today in 1993, the “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles,” which had with some of the royalties benefitting the Walden Woods Project, arrived in stores. Among the artists contributing: Clint Black, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill and Trisha Yearwood
Today in 1996, Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and other performed in front of 45-thousand fans at Farm Aid ’96 in Columbia, South Carolina.
Today in 1996, the truth was that Trisha Yearwood was at #1 in Billboard with “Believe Me Baby (I Lied).”
Today in 1997, singer/songwriter/actor John Denver was killed when the experimental plane he was piloting crashed into the Monterey Bay. He was 53.
Today in 2010, The Band Perry’s self-titled debut album was released.
Today in 2012, Thomas Rhett married his lovely wife, Lauren Gregory.
Today in 2013, the ribbon cutting was held for the $4-million Taylor Swift Education Center at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Today in 2015, Scotty McCreery joined North Carolina governor Pat McCrory in Garner for the official announcement that online driver renewal was being made available statewide.
Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson, Bonnie Raitt and B.B. King were inducted in the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame during an event at Austin City Limits Live.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton made his first visit to Disneyland in Anaheim, California, joining Gwen Stefani and her three children.
Today in 2016, Elvis Presley ranked #4 as Forbes listed the top-earning dead celebrities after earning $27-million in a year. Also in the Top 13: Michael Jackson, was #1 ($825-million) and John Lennon was #8 with $12-million.
Today in 2018, while Lindsay Ell was writing a song in Los Angeles, her parked rental car was broken into – and the thieves stole her laptop, her wallet and $5,000 worth of gear.
Today in 2018, Kane Brown and Katelyn Jae were married at Mint Springs Farm in Tennessee. Since that happy day? The couple welcomed their first daughter in October 2019 – and their second daughter in December 2021.
Today in 2018, Chris Lane’s single, “Take Back Home Girl,” which features Tori Kelly, was certified platinum.
Today in 2018, Justin Moore’s single, “The Ones That Didn’t Make It Back Home,” was released.
Today in 2019, Marshmello & Kane Brown hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with “One Thing Right.”
Today in 2019, Whiskey Myers’ self-titled album debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart
Today in 2019, NBC taped “Dolly Parton: 50 Years At The Opry” at the Grand Ole Opry. Lady A performed “Islands In The Stream,” and Toby Keith sang “Kentucky Gambler.” Also honoring Parton? Chris Janson, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Margo Price and Hank Williams Jr.
Today in 2019, Trace Adkins married Victoria Pratt in New Orleans with Blake Shelton as the officiant.
Today in 2020, Parmalee drummer Scott Thomas married Lexia Chamryk at A Little White Wedding Chapel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2020, Luke Bryan’s “Down To One” hit the airwaves.

Loretta Lynn Laid To Rest On Tennessee Estate

Posted on October 11, 2022October 11, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Loretta Lynn passed away October 4^th at age 90 and according to a report in “The Tennessean” she was laid to rest Friday at her family’s cemetery on her estate in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee.

The singer was buried following a private ceremony attended by about 100 guests, with a larger service already in the works, per Loretta’s own instructions.

According to a spokesperson for the Lynn family, details about the larger celebration of Loretta’s life will be coming soon. “A public memorial is being planned,” rep Ebie McFarland shares. “The family did have a private ceremony Friday with no other details available to share at this time.”

Source: The Tennessean

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 11, 2022October 11, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded “Always On My Mind” and “The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas.
Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Bobby Braddock and Ray Whitley. Braddock was noted for George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Whitley wrote Gene Autry’s theme song, “Back In The Saddle Again.”
Today in 1982, Alabama won three honors – Entertainer, Vocal Group and Instrumental Group of the Year – from the Country Music Association during the 16th annual awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Today in 2002, The Dixie Chicks’ “Home” album was officially certified triple-platinum.
Today in 2003, Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man” made a real good showing in Billboard by reaching #1 on the country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Gary Allan’s “Tough All Over” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Toby Keith’s single, “Red Solo Cup,” was released.
Today in 2014, Ralph Stanley was formally inducted in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Others in his class included actor Al Pacino, author John Irving and former secretary of labor Robert Reich.
Today in 2015, “Girl Crush,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, earned Song of the Year from the Nashville Songwriters Association International at the Music City Center. Taylor Swift was named Songwriter/Artist of the Year a seventh time, while Rodney Clawson took Songwriter.
Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was added to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during a dinner at the Music City Center. The class also included “Drivin’ My Life Away” songwriter Even Stevens, “Suspicious Minds” author Mark James and “Live Like You Were Dying” composer Craig Wiseman.
Today in 2017, Rhiannon Giddens was named a MacArthur Fellow by the MacArthur Foundation, an award for creative leaders that included a $625,000 prize.
Today in 2019, former president Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter were introduced on the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood after a week of work building houses with Habitat For Humanity. The night’s lineup includds Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Margo Price and Bill Anderson.
Today in 2019, Chris Lane’s single, “Big, Big Plans,” was released.
Today in 2019, Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater with the show taped for “CMT Crossroads.” The set included “Peter Pan,” “Miss Me More” and “homecoming queen?”
Today in 2020, Whiskey Myers guitarist John Jeffers was hospitalized with a skull fracture and a loss of hearing in one ear following an ATV accident. He’s since made a full recovery – and you can hear about that journey in the band’s song, “Heavy on Me.”

Kenny Chesney Surprises Kelsea Ballerini On Stage

Posted on October 10, 2022October 10, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Kelsea Ballerini got a big surprise during her recent concert at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. Kenny Chesney hopped onstage to sing their duet, “Half of My Hometown,” from her 2020 album “Kelsea.” The 29-year-old country singer told the crowd she was experiencing tracking issues and killing time until her tour crew could fix the problem. That’s when Chesney snuck up behind her.

The 54-year-old singer told “People” “Singing ‘Half of My Hometown’ with Kelsea is always magic, because she grew up where I did… and she knows all those places, too. So proud of her, especially at the Greek last night.”

Kelsea took to Instagram to gush “half of my hometown showed up in los angeles last night. @kennychesney WHAT A SURPRISE IM STILL LOSING IT?!?” He replied “Very happy your team kept it a secret. Haha. Love you and very proud of you.”

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 10, 2022October 10, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week and a half earlier. As a result of the incident, Elvis’ dad, Vernon, arranged to have the bodies of both his son and wife Gladys moved and re-buried side-by-side on the grounds of the Graceland mansion.
Today in 1979, “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap topped the country singles chart with “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.
Today in 1981, G. Sheppard’s “Party Time” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1986, Hank Williams Jr. won his second Entertainer of the Year trophy and claimed Album of the Year for “Born To Boogie” during the 22^nd annual Country Music Association awards.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis’ album, “An Old Time Christmas,” was released.
Today in 1989, Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas In America” album was released.
Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was released.
Today in 2000, “Pollstar” announced that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour was the largest grossing country tour of the summer.
Today in 2000, the “Strong Heart” album by Patty Loveless and Sara Evans’ “Born To Fly” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, Lonestar’s “With Me” video debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.
Today in 2002, Alan Jackson was nominated for a record 10 CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year. In fact, his 10 nominations beat the previous record of 9, which was set by Merle Haggard in 1970.
Today in 2002, Lee Ann Womack sang “I Hope You dance” with Gloria Estefan while taping Lifetime Television’s third annual “Women Rock! Girls & Guitars” in Los Angeles.
Today in 2005, Alabama, Glen Campbell and DeFord Bailey were announced by the Country Music Association as the latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” played as ABC debuted “Nashville.”
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift received five nominations, leading all country artists as the ballot for the American Music Awards was announced. Florida Georgia Line received four nominations.
Today in 2016, the Chicks played the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Opening act Elle King returned during the Chicks’ set to help out on “Landslide.”
Today in 2016, Tyler Farr married Hannah Freeman in Nolensville, Tennessee. Groomsmen included Jason Aldean, Colt Ford, Lee Brice and Maddie & Tae. Brad Paisley also gave a surprise performance of “Today.”
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Cruise,” was certified 11-times platinum.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell headlined a concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge before the Nashville Predators’ home opener. Also in the lineup were Billy Ray Cyrus, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and Terri Clark.
Today in 2019, it was a big day for Dan + Shay. They snapped up a quadruple-platinum certification for their single, “Tequila.” On top of that, their single, “Speechless,” hit triple-platinum status and the single, “All To Myself,” went platinum.
Today in 2019, Maren Morris’ single, “Girl,” was certified platinum. On the same day, Sam Hunt’s single, “Downtown’s Dead,” went gold – and so did Eric Church’s single, “Some Of It” (it went gold).
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan scored a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and a platinum award for “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” His singles for “Games,” “We Rode In Trucks” and “Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets” were also certified gold.
Today in 2020, Niko Moon made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Moon co-wrote the Zac Brown Band hits “Loving You Easy,” “Homegrown” and “My Old Man.”
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s Christmas package, “My Gift,” hit the top of the Billboard country albums chart.

Wynonna Says She And Ashley Aren’t Fighting Over Naomi’s Will

Posted on October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Wynonna Judd is using this week’s “People” cover story to clear some rumors up. She and sister Ashley Judd are not fighting over their mom Naomi’s will. When someone told Wy the rumor, she said “Huh? I’m fighting with Ashley? Oh. Again? Fighting over what? I have such a great life. Ashley has a great life. Why would we be fighting over the will?”

The “Why Not Me” singer also notes that Naomi’s husband Larry Strickland is the executor of the estate and if anything happens to him, the sisters will split the estate. It’s that simple.

Besides the fact that there’s no reason to fight over the will, Wynonna shares “I’m not savvy enough to go, ‘I’m going to contest the will.’ It never occurred to me.”

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, Merle Haggard married fellow country singer, Leona Williams.
Today in 1984, the movie, “Songwriter,” starring Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson premiered in Nashville.
Today in 1986, the Judds’ album, “Rockin’ with the Rhythm,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1986, Dolly Parton’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified platinum.
Today in 1994, the “City Of New Orleans” album by Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
Today in 2000, Chris LeDoux got a new liver. After being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis two months earlier, he underwent transplant surgery at the Nebraska Health System hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith made his Monday Night Football debut, but he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Toby and Ford launched the first of several truck ads featuring Toby during the game.
Today in 2002, Mary Chapin Carpenter was named the honorary chairwoman for the Habitat For Humanity’s Women Build Project.
Today in 2006, Big & Rich and Lynyrd Skynyrd perform a benefit concert at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta to raise funds for a memorial to the 173rd Airborne, the division commemorated in “8th Of November.”
Today in 2008, Josh Turner and John Rich are in the audience when presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama debate on national TV from Nashville’s Belmont University.
Today in 2010, Kenny Chesney’s single, “You Save Me,” went gold.
Today in 2010, the Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss collaboration “Whiskey Lullaby” was certified platinum.
Today in 2012, Mary Chapin Carpenter was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Tony Arata (“The Dance”), Larry Henley (“The Wind Beneath My Wings”) and Kim Williams (“Three Wooden Crosses”) at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s single, “Lettin’ The Night Roll,” was released.
Today in 2014, Broken Bow released Jason Aldean’s album “Old Boots, New Dirt.”
Today in 2014, Jason Aldean’s album, “Old Boots, New Dirt,” was released.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell performed “Chillin’ It” and “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2015, the Judds reunite for a nine-date “Girls Night Out” mini-residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The set list included “Give A Little Love,” “Why Not Me” and “Love Can Build A Bridge.”
Today in 2015, Maddie & Tae launched their first headlining tour at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. The night included performances of “Fly,” “Girl In A Country Song” and “9 To 5.”
Today in 2016, Naomi Judd was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Pet Philanthropy Circle during the Pet Hero Awards at Gotham Hall in New York.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton received nine sales certifications from the RIAA, with gold honors for “Came Here To Forget,” “Footloose” and “Kiss My Country Ass.” Plus, his singles “Ol’ Red” and “Doin’ What She Likes” went platinum.
Today in 2016, it was a huge day for Luke Bryan as five singles receive certifications from the RIAA: “Roller Coaster” and “I See You” went gold and platinum; “Play It Again” hit double- and triple-platinum status; AND “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day” and his Karen Fairchild collaboration, “Home Alone Tonight,” also went gold.
Today in 2017, Live from New York: Six days after a shocking concert massacre in Las Vegas, Jason Aldean opened “Saturday Night Live” with a defiant cover of the late Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
Today in 2018, Taylor Swift made her first-ever campaign endorsement – backing Tennessee Democrat Phil Bredesen for senator. Fast forward two years later on the same day? She endorsed Joe Biden for president.
Today in 2019, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood join former president Jimmy Carter as Habitat For Humanity begins building 21 new homes in Nashville.
Today in 2020, NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live” canceled Morgan Wallen as the musical guest for the October 10^th edition after videos surfaced showing him skirting social-distancing protocols while partying with college-age women after an Alabama football game on October 3^rd. Wallen announced he is stepping away from his career for “self-work.” Still, in February 2021 another video was released… capturing Wallen screaming a racial slur. More self-work…and some charitable donations…saw Wallen re-emerge in July 2021 with an appearance on “GMA.” His music ultimately returned to the airwaves August 2021.

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

Posted on October 6, 2022October 6, 2022 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Meow”, an adorable 10 month old female domestic shorthair cat. Meow has a great disposition, is very loving and loves attention. She’s fully vetted and would love to meet you!

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

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