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Jelly Roll Scores His First-Ever Wrestling Win

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Congratulations to Jelly Roll, whose wrestling side hustle is starting to pay dividends. The full time singer/part time wrestler scored his first victory in the ring during Friday night’s “Smackdown,” putting Kit Wilson down for the count. And the rumor is bigger ring things are in store for Jelly next month. According to longtime WWE insider Dave Meltzer, Jelly Roll could be factored into WWE’s programming for WrestleMania. “I wasn’t actually told that there is a match [for Jelly Roll], but when you look at it, it certainly seems like they’re building it,” Meltzer says. “It just feels to me they’re going to build to some gimmick match with Kit Wilson, maybe a tag with The Miz because The Miz has been involved in the storyline. They could do that.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1962, Patsy Cline hit the top of the country charts with “She’s Got You.”
  • Today in 1973, Johnny Rodriguez charted his first number one song “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me.”
  • Today in 1981, Dolly Parton performed “9 to 5” at the Oscar awards, delayed for a day after the shooting of President Reagan.
  • Today in 1986, Alabama’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified Gold and Platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1992, the “Wynonna” album by Wynonna Judd was released.
  • Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt’s second album “Longnecks and Short Stories” was released.
  • Today in 1995, Joe Diffie’s single “So Help Me Girl” topped the charts.
  • Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s “The Greatest Hits Collection” went quadruple-platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn shot footage for their “If You See Him, If You See Her” video with Reba McEntire.
  • Today in 2000, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Riders in the Sky presented their 21st annual benefit concert to aid Hospital Hospitality House. It offers a home away from home for family members of critically ill patients and outpatients receiving medical treatment in Nashville area hospitals.
  • Today in 2002, Jo Dee Messina was in Atlanta to perform the national anthem for the Atlanta Braves’ season opener.
  • Today in 2003, the Great American Ball Park opened with the Cincinnati Reds losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates. President W. Bush threw out the first pitch and Clay Walker and Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless The U.S.A.”
  • Today in 2005, The “Honky Tonk Angels” album — featuring Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette — was certified Platinum.
  • Today in 2006, John Michael Montgomery held his first Hunting & Fishing Show in Bardstown, Kentucky.
  • Today in 2006, Tim McGraw made a guest appearance on “The Today Show” where he performed “When the Stars Go Blue” and other hits.
  • Today in 2006, Jake Owen made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2006, at the Kennedy Center, Vince Jill, Kris Krostofferson, Lee Ann Womack, and The Judds sang “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” as part of three weeks of country shows in the capitol.
  • Today in 2007, Angela Hacker, “Nashville Star’s” season five winner, made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2007, LeAnn Rimes made an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality dinner, an event supporting the gay community.
  • Today in 2009, Brad Paisley learned he’d won the Academy of Country Music Awards for Video of the Year with his clip “Waitin’ On a Woman,” and that he and Keith Urban got the nod for Vocal Event of the Year for their collaborative hit “Start a Band.” The winners in these categories were announced in advance of the annual ACM Awards ceremony, which took place five days later.
  • Today in 2009, Craig Morgan hosted his Charity Ride, which included an acoustic concert and silent auction as well as a motocross and four-wheeler ride in Van Leer, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2009, new CD releases included Keith Urban’s “Defying Gravity,” Rodney Atkins’ “It’s America,” and Dailey and Vincent’s “Brothers From Different Mothers.”
  • Today in 2011, Mel McDaniel died at his Nashville-area home following a battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
  • Today in 2011, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina sang “I Told You So,” the Randy Travis/Carrie Underwood duet on “American Idol.”
  • Today in 2012, Taylor Swift received The Big Help Award at the Kids’ Choice Awards from First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the award.
  • Today in 2013, Blake Shelton hosted the NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot in Boulder City, Nevada, which raised money for military related charities while Darius Rucker hosted the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic charity event in Las Vegas. Both fundraisers were held in conjunction with the annual Academy of Country Music awards.
  • Today in 2013, a second visitation day was held for the late Earl Scruggs at a Nashville funeral home. The bluegrass legend died a few days earlier at the age of 88.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1962, the single, “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” by Elvis Presley was certified gold.
  • Today in 1967, Barbara Mandrell and Navy pilot, Ken Dudney, were engaged.
  • Today in 1974, “Sunshine On My Shoulders” by John Denver peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1974, Tanya Tucker’s “Would Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)” reached #1 in Billboard.
  • Today in 1974, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Pure Love,” entered the charts. It went on to become his first #1.
  • Today in 1976, “The Outlaws” album by Jennings/Nelson/Colter/Glaser was certified gold.
  • Today in 1977, “John Denver’s Greatest Hits, Volume II” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1984, Justin Moore was born in Poyen, Arkansas. His hit, “Small Town USA” of 2009, welcomed a musical persona built on hard country and brash Southern rock.
  • Today in 1987, The Oak Ridge Boys gave William Lee Golden the boot because he supposedly disliked the other members of the group. He later returned to the fold.
  • Today in 1990, Rhett Akins and his wife became parents to son Thomas Rhett Akins Jr.
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks made the cover of “Time.” They called him a “jumping-jack-flash performer who can bring 40-year-olds to tears with existential hymns about accepting life’s compromises” inside their pages.
  • Today in 1998, David Kersh met his idol, guitar pioneer Les Paul, during a trip to New York.
  • Today in 2000, the “Heartaches” album by Patsy Cline was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2001, Jessica Andrews’ album, “Who I Am,” was certified gold. The same day, the project’s title track hit #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2002, Martina McBride and “Blessed” reached the #1 spot in Billboard.
  • Today in 2004, Brad Paisley taped an installment of the Radney Foster-hosted “CMT Crossroads” in New York. He teamed up with pop singer/songwriter/guitarist John Mayer.
  • Today in 2004, Tracy Lawrence’s album “Strong” was released.
  • Today in 2005, Trace Adkins’ CD “Songs About Me” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. In addition, his discs “Comin’ On Strong” and “Greatest Hits Volume 1” were also on the listing, marking the first time he’d had three CDs on the chart at the same time.
  • Today in 2006, Little Big Town kicked off their tour with John Mellencamp in Evansville, Indiana.
  • Today in 2006, CMT debuted Phil Vassar’s “Last Day Of My Life” video and The Wreckers’ “Leave The Pieces.”
  • Today in 2007, “Nashville Star” winner Angela Hacker made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2007, George Jones University, which offers classes on country music, officially opened at the singer’s Franklin, Tennessee home with the start of its first class.
  • Today in 2007, Carolyn Dawn Johnson participated in the Musicians On Call 3rd annual benefit concert at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York City. Proceeds helped the organization bring live and recorded music to patients who are bed-ridden in healthcare facilities.
  • Today in 2009, Darryl Worley shot the video for his single, “Sounds Like Life To Me” in Nashville. He was originally slated to film the clip four days earlier, but the shoot was postponed due to bad weather.
  • Today in 2010, new album releases included Alan Jackson’s “Freight Train” and Gretchen Wilson’s “I Got Your Country Right Here.”
  • Today in 2011, Taylor Swift wrapped up the European portion of her “Speak Now World Tour” with a sold out show in London. Backstage at the concert, Taylor received a plaque commemorating her reaching the 20-million mark in album sales. Half of those sales occurred in the previous 18-months.
  • Today in 2011, noted songwriter Harley Allen died at his Brentwood, Tennessee home following a battle with cancer. He was 55. Allen’s credits included the Alan Jackson hits “Everything I Love” and “Between the Devil and Me,” Ricky Skaggs’ “A Simple Life,” Blake Shelton’s “The Baby,” Garth Brooks’ “Rollin’,” Dierks Bentley’s “My Last Name,” and Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life.”
  • Today in 2012, services were held in Nashville for the late bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, who passed away two days earlier at the age of 88.
  • Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves performed “Merry Go ‘Round” during her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2015, Blake Shelton’s single, “Sangria,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2015, Keith Urban’s video for “Raise ‘Em Up,” which features Eric Church, premiered at Conan O’Brien’s website, TeamCoco.com.
  • Today in 2016, Merle Haggard cancelled all his concert appearances for the month of April, still battling pneumonia four months after his initial diagnosis.
  • Today in 2017, Jaren Johnston of the Cadillac Three became a dad as he and his wife, Evyn Mustoe, welcomed their son, Jude Daniel Johnston.
  • Today in 2020, Parker McCollum’s “Pretty Heart” hit the airwaves.

Morgan Wallen Could Be Teasing New Music

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Is Morgan Wallen‘s break almost over? Over the weekend, the singer posted a series of pics of him working out, in the studio and with podcaster Theo Von, with the caption “I guess it’s about time I come out of hibernation for a bit.” This could just mean he hasn’t posted on social media for awhile, but working out, pics in the studio, could hint at something more career oriented. The last time Wallen posted anything was a tease for his “McArthur” collaboration with Eric Church, Tim McGraw and Hardy eight weeks ago.

Darius Rucker Has Bought Into A NASCAR Team

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Rock star. Country star. NASCAR owner? Darius Rucker‘s resume continues to grow. Legacy Motor Club announced this week that the country singer has joined the organization as an investor. Rucker himself broke the news on “The Dan Patrick Show,” where the host called him “[Jimmie} Johnson’s Michael Jordan.” According to the team, Rucker will work with Legacy on initiatives to bridge sports, music and fan engagement, while supporting the team’s continued efforts and development. Legacy Motor Club currently fields two full-time NASCAR Cup Series entries with drivers John Hunter Nemechek (No. 42) and Erik Jones (No. 43). Johnson, a seven-time Cup champion, drives the No. 84 car in select events.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on 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.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: VALENTINA

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Valentina”, a lovely 6 month old German Shepherd who gets along great with other dogs, and would make any family a perfect furry best friend! Valentina is fully vaccinated, vetted, spayed, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Valentina is the Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $50 this week!

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

Introducing Alan Jackson’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Fest

Posted on by Bob Ballard

He may be getting off the road, but that doesn’t mean Alan Jackson is through with live country music. Announced yesterday, the creation of the very first “5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest.” The inaugural event will be held at The Palm Beaches Waterfront Commons in West Palm Beach, Florida June 12-13. And when Alan Jackson calls and asks if you want to be a part, you mark your calendar and call your band. Headlining the two-day event are Ella Langley, Old Dominion and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Dylan Scott, Clint Black, Shenandoah, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, and more will also take the stage that weekend. In a statement, Jackson said, “I’ve gotten to enjoy so many experiences at my concerts over the years. I’m not touring anymore, but I like the idea of still being able to give people an opportunity to have a ‘Good Time’ and enjoy some great country music while they do.” All tickets fo on sale tomorrow; check out the event’s website for more information.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on “The Kate Smith Show” show.
  • Today in 1955, the single “Ballad of Davy Crockett” topped the U.S. charts.
  • Today in 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first when he hit number one with three consecutive releases, “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Wooden Heart.”
  • Today in 1983, “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1983, John Anderson went to #1 on the Billboard country chard with “Swinging’.”
  • Today in 1986, 23-year-old Kerry McCarver Lewis — the sixth wife of then-51-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis – filed for divorce. The couple later reconciled. However, the couple split again in 2003.
  • Today in 1990, “Diamond & Dirt” became Rodney Crowell’s first gold album.
  • Today in 1993, Clint Black hit number one on the country charts with the single “When My Ship Comes In.”
  • Today in 1997, Garth Brooks held a press conference on a New York City rooftop to announce that he’d be giving a free concert in Central Park on August 7th. He also announced he would release his album “Sevens” the same day.
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks and rapper Warren G released a joint statement saying they had settled their five-month legal dispute over the use of the lower case letter “g.” Garth said he now had a whole new understanding of the alphabet, explaining he learned that in the rap world “g” represents young people who aren’t into violence and drugs but who are making positive contributions to society. He added, quote, “Knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.”
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill subbed for Whitney Houston during a medley of old Oscar-nominated songs at the 72nd annual Academy Awards. Garth Brooks was also involved in the segment. Later he said he was thankful Faith was gracious enough to step in at the last minute and that he felt for Whitney, who was “so sick.”
  • Today in 2002, Martina McBride was celebrating her second week at number one on the country charts with her single “Blessed.”
  • Today in 2002, Phil Vassar married his longtime love, Julie Wood, in a private ceremony on a beach in Florida.
  • Today in 2002, the NItty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was re-released in a 30th anniversary by Capitol Records. It included additional tracks and new artwork.
  • Today in 2003, Darryl Worley’s single “Have You Forgotten” was at number one.
  • Today in 2005, Craig Morgan began a four-week visit at the top of the Billboard chart with “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
  • Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney turned 39 by throwing a party at the Tin Roof in Nashville. He performed for hours, and Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Jewel, Sara Evans, and Montgomery Gentry joined him onstage. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill attended the show.
  • Today in 2007, Danielle Peck organized her first Safe Haven event at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
  • Today in 2007, Tim McGraw performed his single “Last Dollar” on CBS’s “Early Show.”
  • Today in 2008, Clay Walker hosted the “Clay Walker Charity Classic,” a charity golf tournament in Houston, Texas, to support those battling multiple sclerosis.
  • Today in 2011, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, performing in support of his solo bluegrass album, “The Great Divide.”
  • Today in 2012, Mercury released Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, featuring such guests as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffett, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson.
  • Today in 2012, Kris Kristofferson received the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation at an event in Nashville. Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn, and Charlie Daniels were among the performers at the gala along with Vince Gill, who also served as the event’s host.
  • Today in 2013, new country releases included Blake Shelton’s “Based on a True Story…,” Thompson Square’s “Just Feels Good,” Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories, Volume 2,” and Crystal Bowersox’s “All That For This.”
  • Today in 2014, word surfaced that Trace Adkins and his wife Rhonda were ending their marriage of nearly 17 years. Rhonda filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
  • Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson, the Lady Antebellum songwriter, wrote “Bartender” on a bus ride from Kansas City to Omaha.
  • Today in 2015, Willie Nelson announced plans to launch his own brand of weed, Willie’s Reserve, in states where grass has been legalized.
  • Today in 2016, Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” kicked off a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2016, Clay Walker hosted his fourth annual Band Against MS bike ride in Humble, Texas.
  • Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Hotel Key” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina was named New Female Vocalist of the Year for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, while Brett Young is tapped as New Male Vocalist and Midland took New Vocal Duo or Group.
  • Today in 2019, Chase Rice scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Eyes On You.”
  • Today in 2020, Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were announced among the celebrities contributing to a Tennessee public service announcement campaign, “Do Your Part, Stay Apart.” The effort encourages citizens to maintain safe social distances and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Announces 2026 Return

Posted on by Bob Ballard

On the road again…it was announced yesterday that Willie Nelson‘s Outlaw Music Festival was coming back again this year. With only 12 shows on the schedule, the festival has been pared down some compared to previous years, but the lineup hasn’t. Along with Willie Nelson & Family, the tour will feature (depending on the date) The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola. The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Presales start tomorrow ahead of the general sale on Friday at 10am local time. Check out the dates and performers below; visit Willie’s website for complete information. 

2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates:

Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola

Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
sponsored by Huntsman, The Woodlands, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

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