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The Nashville Palace To Honor Randy Travis With A Room Named After Him

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The Nashville Palace is one of Nashville’s iconic venues, and it’s about to recognize one of Nashville’s iconic singers. The Palace is honoring Randy Travis on June 3 in a celebration of his debut album, “Storms of Life,” which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The famed country venue is renaming its front room after the legendary singer. Barrett Hobbs, The Nashville Palace owner, said in a statement, “In honor of the ‘Storms of Life’ album and years of Randy Travis and The Nashville Palace, the front room will be renamed, forever and ever, The Randy Travis Room.” The June 3rd celebration sold out in a flash, but the venue has released more tickets.

 

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1976, “All The Love In The World” album by Mac Davis was certified gold.
  • Today in 1977, Waylon Jennings topped the charts with the single, “Luchenbach, Texas.”
  • Today in 1983, John Conlee topped the charts with the single, “Common Man.”
  • Today in 1988, Kathy Mattea drives to #1 in Billboard with “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
  • Today in 1991, the album, “Chill Of An Early Fall,” album by George Strait was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Tracy Lawrence signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records.
  • Today in 1991, Lee Greenwood’s video, “God Bless The U.S.A,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s single, “Chattahoochee,” was released.
  • Today in 1993, Dwight Yoakam’s “Ain’t That Lonely Yet” topped the charts.
  • Today in 1994, John Berry’s “Your Love Amazes Me” goes to #1 in Billboard.
  • Today in 1996, Alabama’s “Super Hits” album was released.
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ album, “No Fences,” became the first country album certified for shipments of 14-million copies.
  • Today in 2002, self-titled albums from Mark Chesnutt, Emerson Drive and Little Big Town arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Willie Nelson and Sheryl Crow taped an installment of “CMT Crossroads” in Los Angeles. In addition to their own material, they offered a duet on the Johnny Cash & June Carter classic “Jackson.”
  • Today in 2008, Darius Rucker’s first country single, “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” was released.
  • Today in 2012, Gloriana is featured on ABC-TV’s “The Bachelorette” performing “(Kissed You) Good Night” as contestant Emily Maynard enjoys a first date.
  • Today in 2013, Kellie Pickler won season 16 of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Wynonna, who also competed during the season, sings “I Want To Know What Love Is” on the finale.
  • Today in 2016, Luke Bryan and Jason Derulo teamed up as a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” debuted. The set list included “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” “Strip It Down” and “That’s My Kind Of Night.”

Lainey Wilson Explains How She Had A Wedding Party Full Of Musicians, And None Of Them Performed

Posted on by Bob Ballard

We told you  that Lainey Wilson‘s wedding guest list was stacked with some of the biggest names in country music. “Entertainment Tonight” asked the question on everybody’s minds on the red carpet at the ACMs: with all that talent in the room, did anybody sing? “Nobody got on the mic! We were waitin’!” Lainey said, adding she did call out one of her guests. “I was like, ‘Jelly Roll, they done learned your song, you better get up there boy!'”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1989, Alabama scored a #1 hit with the single, “If I Had You.”
  • Today in 1994, “The Video Collection” by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Toby Keith’s “Wish I Didn’t Know Now” topped the charts.
  • Today in 1994, “Maverick” made its theater debut, hitting #1 in its first week of release, with cameo appearances from Kathy Mattea, Hal Ketchum, Waylon Jennings, Vince Gill, Janis Gill, Carlene Carter, Reba McEntire and Clint Black.
  • Today in 1999, Tammy Wynette’s death was officially ruled as being due to natural causes.
  • Today in 2000, Jennifer Kinley became a missus when she married Adam Hughes in an outdoor ceremony in Leipers Fork, Tennessee, just outside of Nashville.
  • Today in 2000, Tracy Lawrence made an appearance on the season finale of CBS TV’s “Walker, Texas Ranger.”
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me” began a four-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2002, Kix Brooks returned to his alma mater of Louisiana Tech to receive the school’s highest honor: the Tower Medallion.
  • Today in 2006, Jack Ingram makes his first appearance at the top of the Billboard chart with “Wherever You Are.”
  • Today in 2011, Darius Rucker received an honorary doctorate and delivered the commencement speech at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.
  • Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s album, “Crash My Party,” was certified double-platinum, while four of its songs earn metal honors: “Drink A Beer,” “Play It Again” and “That’s My Kind Of Night” go gold and platinum, with the latter single hitting double-platinum. Additionally, the title track reached double-platinum.
  • Today in 2016, Clay Walker headlined a flood relief concert in Houston at Lakewood Church. He was joined by Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker, Kid Rock, Regina Belle and Brian McKnight.
  • Today in 2017, Willie Nelson debuted in the top spot on the “Billboard” country albums chart with “God’s Problem Child.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1962, George Jones reached #1 on the Billboard country chart with “She Thinks I Still Care.”
  • Today in 1965, Roger Miller received a gold single for “King of the Road.”
  • Today in 1977, “Smokey & The Bandit” premiered at Radio City Music Hall in New York starring Burt Reynolds, Sally Field, Jackie Gleason and Jerry Reed, singer of “East Bound And Down.” John Schneider appeared in a small walk-on role.
  • Today in 1979, Waylon Jennings and Jessi Cotler had a son, Waylon Albright “Shooter” Jennings. He grew up to become an artist earning a Top 10 country album with 2012’s “Family Man.” He played his father in the 2005 movie “Walk The Line.”
  • Today in 1989, Clint Black hit #1 with his very first single, “A Better Man.” He was the first country artist to reach the top spot with a debut single since Freddy Fender in 1975.
  • Today in 1990, Ronnie Dunn married his wife, Janine.
  • Today in 1992, Mercury released Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut album, “Some Gave All.”
  • Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood’s version of “How Do I Live” was released.
  • Today in 1998, the “Hope Floats” soundtrack was released, featuring Garth Brooks, Deana Carter, Trisha Yearwood, Lila McCann and Martina McBride. Also released on this day: Terri Clark’s “How I Feel,” Gary Allan’s “It Would Be You” and Keith Harling’s “Write It In Stone.”
  • Today in 2000, Eric Heatherly made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2000, Toby Keith officially became a “good ole boy” when he appeared in the CBS-TV movie, “The Dukes of Hazzard – Hazzard in Hollywood.”
  • Today in 2005, Toby Keith’s “As Good As I Once Was” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2007, Sugarland copped the #1 position in Billboard with “Settlin'”
  • Today in 2013, Donald Trump declared Trace Adkins the winner of “The Celebrity Apprentice” over Penn Jillette on NBC. Adkins sang “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk” during the episode, which saw him collect checks from Wynonna Judd, Thompson Square, Billy Ray Cyrus and The Oak Ridge Boys.
  • Today in 2015, Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album, “The First Time,” was released.
  • Today in 2018, Jimmy Wayne receives an honorary doctor of fine arts from Cal State San Marcos.
  • Today in 2020, Gabby Barrett’s single, “The Good Ones,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2020, Vince Gill and former football player Eddie George were recognized as co-chairs of the Legends Society, a campaign to raise money for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
  • Today in 2021, Darius Rucker is a guest panelist on the FOX contest “The Masked Singer.” The black swan character covers Dan + Shay’s “Tequila.”

Florida Georgia Line Has Been “Flirting” With The Idea Of Reunion Shows

Posted on by Bob Ballard

It was announced yesterday that Tyler Hubbard would be opening for Dan + Shay on their upcoming fall tour…but what about after that? Could the long-awaited Florida Georgia Line reunion finally happen? Talking to “Entertainment Tonight” on the red carpet of the ACM awards, Hubbard allowed that it’s certainly been discussed. “Yeah, one photo and the world thinks you’re back on tour automatically,” he said, before saying that there have been talks. “But we have been toying around and flirting with the idea of playing a handful of shows next year, and so that gets us both excited. But right now we’re, like I said, trying to be patient with it, trying to enjoy this kind of like ‘honeymoon phase’, if you will.” He added that his next step is a casual beach hang with Brian Kelley and both their spouses, so…things are looking up.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1983, John Anderson’s mega-hit “Swingin”‘ entered the country charts.
  • Today in 1997, Brooks & Dunn’s single, “Why Would I say Goodbye,” hit #1.
  • Today in 1999, Chely Wright’s album, “Single, White Female,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s book, “Comfort From A Country Quilt,” was #8 on the “New York Times” non-fiction hardcover bestseller list.
  • Today in 2003, a bevy of country stars and everyday fans showed up at the First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, Tennessee, where June Carter Cash was remembered in a touching public funeral. Johnny Cash, naturally, occupied a seat in the front row, positioned in a wheelchair not far from June’s light blue casket. Others on hand included daughter Carlene Carter, Tom T. Hall, Kris Kristofferson, Rodney Crowell, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, Hank Williams Jr. and Trisha Yearwood. Larry Gatlin and the Oak Ridge Boys – two acts whose careers benefited from Johnny’s assistance – sang. And Emmylou Harris performed a couple of songs with the assistance of rocker Sheryl Crow. Rosanne Cash, who was 12 years old when June married Johnny, told the assembly that June banned the word “stepmother” from the household. According to the Associated Press, Rosanne said, “My daddy has lost his dearest companion … and his soul mate. If being a wife were a corporation, June would have been a CEO. It was her most treasured role.”
  • Today in 2005, Gretchen Wilson earned a gold single with “Here For The Party” and a platinum one with “Redneck Woman.”
  • Today in 2008, Sugarland’s “Stay” was a double-winner, claiming Single Record and Song of the Year during the 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
  • Today in 2014, Keith Urban sold 22-thousand guitar packages on HSN.
  • Today in 2015, Sam Hunt’s “House Party” was released.
  • Today in 2016, while Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA, Brantley Gilbert’s “Just As I Am” album went platinum.
  • Today in 2017, the Texas legislature named George Strait the state musician for 2017.
  • Today in 2018, Jake Owen launched a 21-date tour of baseball parks at AT&T Field in Chattanooga. His opening acts are Chris Janson and Jordan Davis.
  • Today in 2019, Travis Tritt’s bus was sideswiped on Highway 22 near Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, as it dodged a crash. A jeep going the wrong way hit a pickup head-on, killing two people. Tritt is unharmed, though his bus sustains minor damage.
  • Today in 2019, Jimmie Allen tells Chicago radio station WEBG that he was diagnosed as a teenager with bipolar depression.
  • Today in 2019, Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2020, Dolly Parton and American Greetings announced a new “Birthday Time” ecard that personalized “9 To 5” as a birthday greeting for 1,200 different names.
  • Today in 2020, Lady A’s “What If I Never Get Over You” was awarded a platinum single status from the RIAA.
  • Today in 2020, Dolly Parton joined Jon Bon Jovi, Stephen Colbert and Meryl Streep in a benefit for the Covenant House, livestreamed via Broadway On Demand.
  • Today in 2020, Sage Warren, the 21-year-old son of singer and “Highway Don’t Care” songwriter Brad Warren, died in Tennessee after ingesting a drug laced with fentanyl.
  • Today in 2021, Andrew Jannakos officially adopted Brenson, the five-year-old son of his wife, Kat.

So Who Attended Lainey Wilson’s Wedding?

Posted on by Bob Ballard

We haven’t gotten any official “guest list” for Lainey Wilson‘s nuptials yet, but props to “Taste of Country” for scouring the pics of the event to figure out who many of the attendees were. The couple wed May 10, and posted a carousel of pics on Instagram, in which a number of country singers and personalities can be ID’d. On hand for the festivities: musicians Jelly Roll, Miranda Lambert, Lauren Alaina, Wynonna Judd, Luke Bryan, Ella Langley, Ashland Craft, Drew Baldridge, Kasey Tyndall, Ian Munsick, along with comedian Leanne Morgan. All this talent and they hired a wedding band? Seems like a missed opportunity.

Lainey Wilson, Devlin “Duck” Hodges Marry

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Lainey Wilson and her man, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, have pulled the trigger! The two are officially married, tying the knot Sunday at The Ruskin in Dickson, Tennessee. The ceremony took place at the foot of a waterfall on the property after the two arrived in a white horse-drawn carriage. “My absolute dream ceremony,” Wilson told “Vogue.” “There’s a small waterfall flowing down the hill behind the altar and windows. The waterfall is what convinced us to do the ceremony in this spot.” The couple announced their engagement in February 2025.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1918, Eddy Arnold was born in Henderson, Tennessee. He was called the Tennessee Plowboy in his solid recordings and shifted into string-laden recordings in the 1960s. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1966.
  • Today in 1978, Willie Nelson released his landmark album “Stardust.” It went on to spend 10 years on the country charts, selling over five million copies.
  • Today in 1982, Ricky Skaggs became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1988, Martina Schiff became Martina McBride when she married John McBride in Wichita, Kansas.
  • Today in 1990, the “Livin’ It Up” album by George Strait was released.
  • Today in 1990, Patty Loveless’ “On Down The Line” album was released.
  • Today in 1993, John Michael Montgomery earned the first #1 single of his career with “I Love The Way You Love Me.”
  • Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin’s album, “Lookin’ Back at Myself,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1995, Martina McBride’s “The Way That I Am” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1995, Pam Tillis released the single, “In Between Dances.”
  • Today in 1997, Lee Ann Womack’s self-titled album was released.
  • Today in 1997, Bill Monroe was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame during a ceremony in Cleveland, alongside The Bee Gees, Joni Mitchell, The Young Rascals, The Jackson 5, King Records founder Syd Nathan, Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills & Nash.
  • Today in 1998, the “Evolution” album by Martina McBride was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Keifer Thompson marries Shawna McIlwain in Nashville. Of course, the couple ultimately meshed their lives as performers as well – becoming Thompson Square.
  • Today in 1999, Tim McGraw’s “Please Remember Me,” which was written by Rodney Crowell, began a five-week stay at #1 on Billboard.
  • Today in 2000, NBC-TV aired Arista Records’ celebration of 25 years of music with archival footage and live performances with artists like Brooks & Dunn and Alan Jackson.
  • Today in 2003, June Carter Cash died in Nashville at the age of 73. She had been in the hospital for eight days following heart surgery. She had developed complications following the operation and remained in critical condition until her death. An old saying holds that behind every successful man is a woman, and June Carter spent roughly 40 years as the woman behind Johnny Cash.
  • Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus married Allison Alderson in Nashville. His groomsmen included fellow band members Gary LeVox and Joe Don Rooney, plus comedian Cledus T. Judd. Vince Gill sang “When Love Finds You” during the ceremony.
  • Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood won three times at the 42nd annual Academy of Country Music awards. She took Top Female Vocalist; Album of the Year, for “Some Hearts”; and Video, for “Before He Cheats.”
  • Today in 2012, Glen Campbell joined Massachusetts congressman Edward Markey in Washington, D.C., in a call for legislative action to address research on Alzheimer’s disease.
  • Today in 2013, Lee Brice performed “I Drive Your Truck” during a Washington, D.C., event honoring fallen officers. President Barack Obama delivers the keynote address.
  • Today in 2014, it was revealed that Randy Houser was planning to divorce songwriter Jessa Lee Yantz after just two years of marriage – he also filed for a restraining order. Houser went on to marry Aussie Tatiana Starzynski in May 2016 after a yearlong engagement.
  • Today in 2014, Jerrod Niemann performed during the 33rd annual National Peace Officers’ Memorial Service outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., in advance of a speech by Vice President Joe Biden.
  • Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn’s team revealed she’d been moved from the hospital into a rehab facility as she recuperated from the stroke she’d had on May 4th.
  • Today in 2017, Randy Rogers and his wife, Chelsea, welcomed their daughter, Rainey Ryan Rogers.
  • Today in 2020, Russell Dickerson snapped up a platinum single from the RIAA for “Every Little Thing.”
  • Today in 2020, a day after Hannah Mulholland announced her departure, Runaway June revealed Natalie Stovall was joining the trio.
  • Today in 2021, the state of Tennessee recognized Eddy Arnold with the installation of a Music Pathways marker at Sue Shelton White Park in Henderson.
  • Today in 2021, Ryan Hurd made his Grand Ole Opry debut. His wife, Maren Morris, made a surprise appearance to duet on “Chasing After You,” while Hurd joined Lady A on “What If I Never Get Over You.”

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