This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 26, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1987, George Strait’s “Strait From The Heart” turned into a gold album and he received a platinum award for his “Greatest Hits.”
Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes won two trophies, Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Blue” at the 39^th annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 2001, Toby Keith received a platinum certification for his album, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”
Today in 2001, Martina McBride earned her first triple-platinum album award for “Evolution.”
Today in 2002, Sony released the soundtrack to “We Were Soldiers,” featuring a collaboration between Johnny Cash and Dave Matthews, plus a duet from Jamie O’Neal and Michael McDonald.
Today in 2004, Pat Green netted his first gold album, for “Wave On Wave.”
Today in 2006, Willie Nelson rode in the Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.
Today in 2007, Little Bit Town’s Jimi Westbrook broke his little toe jumping on the couch at his home in Nashville.
Today in 2011, Luke Bryan checked in at top of the “Billboard” country singles list with “Someone Else Calling You Baby.”
Today in 2017, Lady A performed “You Look Good” during the pre-game events for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 at the Daytona Motor Speedway. Kurt Busch won the race.

Blake Shelton Announces Exclusive Nashville Concert

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton has, on occasion, popped up at one of his Ole Red locations to play a short set, often surprising the patrons who just stopped by for a meal or a quick drink, not knowing the owner would be dropping in. Yesterday, Blake announced that he’s performing at his Nashville Ole Red, and this time he’s giving fans advance notice, though you won’t be able to buy tickets. You’ll have to win your way in, as Blake explained on Instagram. “To enter for a chance to see Blake live, visit any Ole Red location this March and scan the QR code on your table,” the post reads. There are six Ole Red locations: two in Nashville (Broadway and at the airport), and one each in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, Las Vegas, Gatlinburg, Tennessee and Orlando, Florida. Fans have until March 31 to enter. Winners of the “Spring Blake Sweepstakes” will be notified by April 17th, with the show happening April 29 at the Ole Red location on Broadway. Good luck!

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1949, Hank Williams Sr.’s “Lovesick Blues” was released. It was the song that got him his first invitation to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1956, Elvis Presley received his first #1 record on the top Billboard country singles chart for “I Forgot To Remember To Forget.”
Today in 1981, George Jones won Best Country Vocal Performance, male, for “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” during the 23^rd annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam took the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart with “I Sang Dixie.”
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks won his first Grammy for the album “Ropin’ The Wind.” Mary Chapin Carpenter also took home her first Grammy, for “Down at the Twist and Shout.”
Today in 1993, Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Toy Caldwell died of respiratory failure at his home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was 45.
Today in 1994, Vince Gill topped the country charts with “Tryin’ to Get Over You.”
Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood took home trophies in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance category for “How Do I Live” and in the Best Country Vocal Collaboration category for “In Another’s Eyes,” her duet with Garth Brooks, the 40th annual Grammy Awards. Other winners included Alison Krauss & Union Station, who earned Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with “Looking in the Eyes of Love,” and Vince Gill, who received his 11th Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance with “Pretty Little Adriana.”
Today in 2000, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence praised the Dixie Chicks for raising public awareness of the issue.
Today in 2002, Garth Brooks helped honor Billy Joel as the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks made the first of two appearances on “Sesame Street.”
Today in 2003, Johnny PayCheck was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville. Johnny was buried in a plot donated by and next to one reserved for his longtime friend, George Jones.
Today in 2005, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely performed during the Nashville stop of “The Vagina Monologues” touring production.
Today in 2005, Tim McGraw became the first country artist to receive a platinum single for digital downloads when his “Over And Over” pop collaboration with Nelly was certified for 1-million downloads.
Today in 2007, Collin Raye, Mel Tillis, The Bellamy Brothers, and Suzy Bogguss set sail on an eight-day “Country Cruise” from Ft. Lauderdale to the ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Catalina Island, Domincan Republic; and Nassua, Grand Bahamas.
Today in 2008, John Rich, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson and Kellie Pickler were among the performers for “Phoenix Rising! Musicians United to Benefit the Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire.” The Providence, Rhode Island concert raised money for the those injured and the families of those killed in the fire at the West Warwick, Rhode Island nightclub five years ago during a Great White concert. One-hundred people were killed, while nearly 200 others were injured.
Today in 2009, Martina McBride took part in a concert at the White House honoring Stevie Wonder as the recipient of the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Today in 2009, Jewel began rehab for tendinitis in her knees, which she developed with her intense rehearsals for her participation on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the second of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum and Josh Kear co-wrote “Need You Now” in Nashville.
Today in 2010, Easton Corbin and Tom T. Hall were among the performers at the Country Radio Seminar’s CRS Live Show.
Today in 2011, Eric Church got the nod as the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Solo Vocalist, while The Band Perry was named Top New Vocal Duo or Group. With their wins they also became the nominees for Top New Artist at the 46th annual ACM Awards, which took place five weeks later.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley’s album “Riser” was released.
Today in 2015, Keith Urban and Eric Church shot the video for “Raise ‘Em Up” in Nashville.

Luke Combs Teases Another Unreleased Song

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

At the rate he’s going, Luke Combs will have few surprises left by the time his new album comes out. He’s that person who insists you open his gift now, because he can’t contain himself. Fans of his social media know that any day can bring a new Luke tune, and yesterday was no exception. His new album has 22 tracks on it, of which he has already teased or released five – six, with the clip he posted yesterday. The singer posted a snippet of an unreleased song called “Wish Upon A Whiskey,” which (it is presumed) will be on his upcoming album. “The Way I Am” comes out March 20.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Johnny Cash recorded his album “Johnny Cash At San Quentin,” including the song “A Boy Named Sue.” June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed with him.
Today in 1976, the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which includes featured “Lyin’ Eyes” was certified platinum.
Today in 1980, NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which was based on Jeannie C. Riley’s hit single.
Today in 1982, at the GRAMMYs, “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton won both Best Country Song and Best Female Country Performance.
Today in 1984, Sawyer Brown won “Star Search” and collected $100,000.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire won her first Grammy for “Whoever’s In New England.” Other winners at the 29th annual Grammy Awards included the Judds and Ronnie Milsap.
Today in 1989, Rosanne Cash’s album “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” was released.
Today in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce died.
Today in 1993, at the GRAMMYs, Vince Gill won two awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country Song (shared with co-writer John Jarvis) for “I Still Believe in You.” Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, and Mary Stuart were also big winners.
Today in 1995, George Strait was number one on the country charts with “You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody.”
Today in 2001, “But For The Grace Of God” earned Keith Urban his first #1 single in Billboard.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Willie Nelson performed “Bridge over Troubled Water” on the closing night of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Today in 2004, the DVDs “The Best of Tracy Byrd” and “The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus” arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Garth Brooks arrived in Surprise, Arizona to participate in spring training exercises with the Kansas City Royals.
Today in 2007, an episode of “CMT Crossroads” paired Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. They sang “Mandolin Rain,” “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” and “Super Freak.” John Anderson also made a guest appearance.
Today in 2008, Vince Gill and Amy Grant performed for a White House State Dinner gathering of the governors of the 50 states. President Bush was also in attendance.
Today in 2008, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines was among those attending the “InStyle” Oscar viewing party.
Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the first of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
Today in 2009, Vince Gill played the last of his three special shows as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence. The performances took place at the Museum’s intimate, 213-seat Ford Theater.
Today in 2009, new releases included Jake Owen’s CD “Easy Does It,” along with “Volume 7” and “Volume 8” of the DVD series “The Best of the Flatt and Scruggs TV Show.”
Today in 2010, Darius Rucker performed a special concert for men and women of the military at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s VA Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The show was in conjunction with Musicians On Call.
Today in 2010, Trace Adkins received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian award at a Country Radio Seminar event in Nashville. The singer was recognized for his efforts in supporting the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the Animal Rescue Foundation, and various military and veterans organizations. In addition, the final installment of the Trace Adkins-inspired comic book series “Luke McBain” arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Gloriana was among the performers at “The Motown Sound: In Performance At The White House” concert.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney, and Eli Young Band performed at the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show in Nashville. Thompson Square was expected to appear as well, but dropped out of the lineup following the death of Shawna Thompson’s father the day before the concert.
Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band played the pre-race concert prior to the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Today in 2014, Loretta Lynn suffered minor burns on her fingers in her efforts to put out a small fire at her Hurricane Mills ranch in Tennessee.
Today in 2014, Blake Shelton and Shakira sang “Boys ‘Round Here,” on the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice.” Contestants sang “Something More,” “Steamroller Blues,” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Today in 2017, Little Big Town launched a precedent-setting residency at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, playing the first of 10 2017 concerts at the historic venue. Sam Hunt was a surprise guest, performing “Body Like A Back Road,” and Chris Stapleton stopped by to deliver “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Today in 2017, Tyler Farr headlined Keith Relief, a benefit concert staged by Blackhawks player Duncan Keith at Joe’s Bar in Chicago.
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker played a bomb maker in a guest role on the CBS drama “Hawaii Five-0.”
Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson was launched as a new celebrity spokesperson for Wayfair.
Today in 2021, Bruce Springsteen plead guilty to drinking illegally in a park in November, though DWI charges are dropped when the prosecutor concedes a .02 blood alcohol level was well below the .08 legal limit. Springsteen’s recording of “Atlantic City” was hailed among country’s 500 greatest singles in a 2003 Country Music Foundation book.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1935, Gene Autry starred in the sci-fi western “The Phantom Empire,” which included his song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” His co-star was Smiley Burnette, and the plot was that Autry finds a lost race of people with laser guns living underneath his ranch.
Today in 1957, Patsy Cline made her debut on the pop charts with “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
Today in 1959, “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town” earned Johnny Cash a #1 country single in Billboard.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers won the GRAMMY in the Best Male Country Vocal Performance category for “Lucille.”
Today in 1979, Tanya Tucker’s “TNT” album was certified gold.
Today in 1983, at the GRAMMYs, “Always On My Mind” won three awards: Song of the Year and Best Country Song for writers Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, and Best Country Vocal Performance Male for Willie Nelson.
Today in 1985, “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” earned Mel McDaniel his one and only #1 single in Billboard.
Today in 1988, the “Born To Boogie” album by Hank Williams Jr. was certified platinum.
Today in 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to her son Shelby Stephen Blackstock.
Today in 1993, the “Hard Workin’ Man” album by Brooks & Dunn was released.
Today in 1996, George Strait’s “Strait Out of the Box” 4-CD set was certified for sales of three million copies, making it the best-selling country box set of all time.
Today in 1996, Martina McBride’s album, “Wild Angels,” was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Alan Jackson hit #1 on the charts with “I’ll Try.”
Today in 1999, Garth Brooks attended spring training camp with baseball team the San Diego Padres as a non-roster player. In lieu of salary, the Padres Foundation agreed to contribute to the Touch ‘Em All Foundation, a charity Brooks co-founded in collaboration with Major League Baseball players, entertainers and corporate partners.
Today in 2000, Lonestar’s “Lonely Grill” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 2000, at the GRAMMYs, The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain each won two awards. The Chicks got Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for “Ready To Run,” and “Fly” won Best Country Album.
Today in 2002, LeeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet got married. The couple split in 2009 amidst the revelations of her affair with Eddie Cibrian – and were divorced in June 2010. She was engaged to Cibrian by December 2010 and they married in April 2011.
Today in 2003, Alan Jackson won his very first GRAMMY. It was in the Best Country Song category for “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”
Today in 2004, Brad Paisley was the celebrity monarch for the Krewe of Orpheus at the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.
Today in 2009, Gloriana’s video, “Wild At Heart,” premiered.
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “I Don’t Want This Night To End.”
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2013, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires were married in Nashville.
Today in 2013, Tim McGraw’s “Two Lanes Of Freedom” spent a week at the top of the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2018, Cole Swindell’s single, “Break Up In The End,” was released.
Today in 2019, Steve Earle, Bob McDill, Christopher Cross and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons are inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.
Today in 2019, Taylor Swift was a surprise performer for a fan’s engagement party.
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lee Roy Parnell, Walt Wilkins and Waylon Payne performed at Gruene Hall in Texas to raise money for Hal Ketchum’s medical expenses as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
Today in 2021, Scotty McCreery posted a video showing his dip into a chilly backyard pool. His “polar plunge” in place raised more than $2,600 for Special Olympics.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs’ single, “Forever After All,” hit the airwaves.

Lee Brice Announces New Album, Drops “Country Nowadays”

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Lee Brice is building upon the momentum he gained from appearing on the Turning Point USA halftime show. Friday, he released the official version of his new song “Country Nowadays,” which he debuted on the halftime show two weeks ago. With that, he also announced his upcoming album, “Sunriser.” The album will include “Country Nowadays” as well as 15 other tracks. The set comes out June 5.

1. Sunriser
2. Killed The Man
3. Me and Whiskey
4. Country Nowadays
5. Devil’s At It Again
6. She Wasn’t Like That
7. Bury The Dead
8. Truck Bed Mixtape
9. What You Know About That
10. Said No Country Boy Ever
11. All The Way Down
12. Drinkin’ Buddies
13. Old Men
14. Cry
15. Daddy Don’t Care
16. When The Kingdom Comes

Darius Rucker Goes Big Band For Charity

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

He’s done rock and pop. He’s done hip hop and r&b. Of course, the longest stretch of his career has been in the country field. But big band? Darius Rucker will be putting on a big band show in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, with the proceeds going to charity. The Darius Rucker Big Band Gala at the Gaillard Center in Charleston is a one-night event with local charitable causes benefiting. “These big band shows are some of my favorite nights as it’s the only time I get to perform so many of the standards we all grew up listening to with the backing of such an incredible orchestra,” said the singer. “It’s all to benefit incredible non-profit work locally.” Those local charities are the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County Schools and the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The event takes place April 7th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10AM local time, with price points ranging from $50 to $250.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1991, at the GRAMMYs, “Where’ve You Been” earned Best Country Song for writers Don Henry and Jon Vezner, and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for singer Kathy Mattea.
Today in 1996, on “Home Improvement,” Alan Jackson’s guest appearance featured his rendition of “Mercury Blues” for the fictitious handyman show “Tool Time.”
Today in 1999, Mark Chesnutt hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with his remake of “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”
Today in 2003, “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks reached 12-million in shipments.
Today in 2005, at the NBA all-star basketball game half-time show, LeAnn Rimes sang “Nothin’ ‘Bout Love Makes Sense,” and Big & Rich sang “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy.)” The East beat the West 125-115.
Today in 2009, CMT played Jason Aldean’s video “She’s Country” for the first time.
Today in 2011, before the Daytona 500 was won by Trevor Bayne, Brad Paisley sang “Water,” and Dierks Bentley sang “Sideways.” Martina McBride sang the national anthem, and Randy Montana was also there.
Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert sings “Automatic” live for the first time during a Sony boat ride on the General Jackson in Nashville. The Country Radio Seminar event also features a surprise appearance by The Doobie Brothers, joined by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans on “Listen To The Music.”
Today in 2016, Taylor Swift was the maid of honor when her friend Britany Maack married Benjamin LaManna in Pennsylvania
Today in 2016, Darryl Worley and “Me And My Gang” songwriter Jon Stone rode out the Cat-5 tropical cyclone Winston in Fiji.
Today in 2016, Chris Lane made his Grand Ole Opry debut with a performance of his song, “Fix.”
Today in 2018, Anita Cochran underwent a double mastectomy six months after she was diagnosed with cancer. Cochran finished her last round of chemotherapy on September 19^th that year…and Cochran released her self-penned single “Fight Like A Girl” that October.

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

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Wilhelmina”, a sweet 1 and half year old Domestic Shorthair/Mix kitty who loves toys, and loves to cuddle. Wilhelmina would love to curl up with her human and binge watch some TV or take a catnap. Wilhelmina is fully vaccinated, vetted, microchipped and would love to meet you!

And since Wilhelmina is the Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

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