This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1974, “The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard” album was certified gold.
Today in 1982, the “Always On My Mind” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s single, “Tonight I Climbed The Wall,” hit the top of the charts.
Today in 1994, Faith Hill’s remake of “Piece Of My Heart” grabs the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s album, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was released.
Today in 1996, BR5-49 released the album, “Live From Robert’s Western World Home.”
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina appeared on CBS TV’s Nash Bridges as “Tammy McGraw.” In the episode, Nash was trying to track down a group of female robbers, whom he suspected as being manipulated by their jailed husbands. In the process, he goes to Jo Dee’s character for help. Besides acting in the show, Jo Dee also performed her hit single, “Lesson In Leavin’.”
Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd, Charlie Daniels, Andy Griggs, Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry spent the morning on Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake for the second annual “Fishing For A Cure” tournament, which raised money for the T.J. Martell Foundation for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.
Today in 2002, the albums, “Cledus Envy” by Cledus T. Judd; “The Soul & The Edge” from Johnny Paycheck and “Super Hits” by Collin Raye, arrived in stores.
Today in 2006, Big & Rich perform at a rally sponsored by human rights agencies in Washington, D.C., to call attention to genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Today in 2007, Sheryl Crow brought home her adopted son, Wyatt Steven Crow. And then, on the dame date in 2010, her son Levi James was born – Sheryl waited until June of that year to make the announcement.
Today in 2011, Garth Brooks attended the wedding of Las Vegas casino magnate Steve Wynn. Clint Eastwood was best man. Also in attendance: Priscilla Presley, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.
Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert raised $294,000 with her fourth annual Cause For Paws benefit concert in Tyler, Texas, with guests Josh Kelley and Stoney LaRue.
Today in 2013, Kenny Chesney’s “Life On A Rock” album was released.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s “We Were Us,” Miranda’s “Automatic” and music by Dan + Shay were all featured in the background during an episode of ABC’s “Nashville.”
Today in 2015, Little Big Town received a gold single for “Girl Crush” from the RIAA. The same day, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Dirt,” went double platinum.
Today in 2015, Atlantic Council recognized Toby Keith with its Distinguished Leadership Award in Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Toby performed “American Soldier.”
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley was sunnin’ himself at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Somewhere On A Beach.”
Today in 2016, Cassadee Pope and Terri Clark are part of a nine-person team that runs the marathon as a relay in the St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Races.
Today in 2017, Jana Kramer threw the ceremonial first pitch when Los Angeles defeats baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies, 5-3, at Dodger Stadium.
Today in 2019, Wynonna, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys and Ricky Skaggs participated in a tribute to Christian artist Michael W. Smith at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Also taking part were Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Lee Greenwood and The Gatlins.
Today in 2020, Brett Young’s “Lady” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, Thomas Rhett’s album, “Country Again (Side A),” was released.

Luke Combs Sets Attendance Record At Ohio Stadium

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs continues to pad his resume as one of the greatest music artists of this century. His show at Ohio Stadium Saturday night set a new attendance record, not only breaking the previous record set by Pink Floyd but obliterating it. Floyd brought in 75,245 fans in 1994, a record that stood for 32 years, until Luke took the stage. His show over the weekend set a new record for the largest single-night concert attendance at the venue: 97,367. Luke recognized the moment, shouting out from the stage “Give yourselves a round of applause. Maybe the biggest show I’ve ever done. Maybe the biggest show I’ll ever do.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, “You’ve Never Been This Far Before” album by Conway Twitty was certified gold.
Today in 1982, Alabama’s “Mountain Music” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael Irwin shared song of the year honors at the “Music City News Country Songwriters Awards” in Nashville for “Here In The Real World” — the title track from Jackson’s first album
Today in 1992, the Judd’s “Final Concert” video was released.
Today in 1992, Doug Stone underwent quadruple-bypass surgery in Nashville after experiencing chest pains three days earlier at a concert in Oregon.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist at the 27^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Plus: Billy Dean was one of seven double-winners. He took Top New Male Vocalist and Song of the Year, for “Somewhere In My Broken Heart”
Today in 1996, Kenny Rogers underwent laser gall bladder surgery in Athens, Georgia.
Today in 1999, “I’m Alright” album by Jo Dee Messina was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Alison Krauss + Union Station began a two-night stand at the Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky. The shows were recorded for a concert album, “Alison Krauss + Union Station – Live.”
Today in 2004, Wynonna and the rock band Heart tape an episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, at Belmont University in Nashville. The set list included “Only Love” and “Girls With Guitars.”
Today in 2011, Toby Keith is forced to take cover in a bunker when four mortars explode nearby just before he is to go on stage to perform for American soldiers in the Middle East.
Today in 2013, Hunter Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” video debuts on CMT.
Today in 2014, Josh Turner’s first book, “Man Stuff: Thoughts On Faith, Family, And Fatherhood,” was released.
Today in 2015, Taylor Swift placed a 10-minute call to a 12-year-old in Chicago battling lymphoma.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood collected gold singles from the RIAA for a pair of titles: “Heartbeat” and “Smoke Break.”
Today in 2016, Martina McBride’s “Reckless” album was released.
Today in 2016, Maren Morris earned her first gold single from the RIAA for “My Church.”
Today in 2016, Sam Hunt welcomed surprise guests Snoop Dogg, G-Easy and Bebe Rexha for his performance of “House Party” during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
Today in 2016, Chris Young celebrated a gold single from the RIAA for “Neon,” plus platinum certification for four tracks: “You,” “Aw Naw,” “Who I Am With You” and “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song).”
Today in 2017, Blake Shelton, Florida State University alum Jake Owen and Big & Rich delivered the first-ever full-stadium concert at FSU’s Doak Stadium in Tallahassee.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town sang “I Is For Instruments” in a guest appearance on “Sesame Street.”
Today in 2017, Shania Twain brought out surprise guest, pop singer Nick Jonas, to help out on “Party For Two” during her show at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Another pop star, One Direction’s Niall Horan, was also in the crowd as Kelsea Ballerini joined Twain on “Any Man Of Mine.”
Today in 2018, Jason Aldean raised $30-thousand for a cancer charity with a concert at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. He opened with “Take A Little Ride,” closed with “She’s Country” and threw in a cover of “Pink Houses.”
Today in 2018, Runaway June performed “Buy My Own Drinks” live for the first time during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
Today in 2019, Old Dominion paid a visit to pediatric patients at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California.
Today in 2019, Eric Church earned double-platinum singles from the RIAA for “Record Year,” “Like A Wrecking Ball” and “Smoke A Little Smoke,” plus a platinum single for “Guys Like Me” and gold awards for “Over When It’s Over” and “Sinners Like Me.” He also scores a double-platinum album for “The Outsiders” and a gold album for “Sinners Like Me.”
Today in 2020, Hunter Hayes was revealed as the astronaut on the FOX series, “The Masked Singer.”
Today in 2021, Reba McEntire returned in her recurring role on the CBS sitcom, “Young Sheldon.” The episode introduced viewers to her character’s occupation as a hair stylist.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs’ video for “Forever After All” debuted.
Today in 2021, when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the NFL draft, he was joined at his draft party is Darius Rucker.

17th Annual Darius Rucker And Friends Concert For St. Jude’s Announced

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

For the 17th straight year, Darius Rucker will headline an all-star roster of performers for his annual Darius and Friends concert benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While no names (other than Darius) have been announced as yet, the charity event consistently brings out the biggest stars. Past performers include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Morgan Wallen and more. Darius and Friends has raised more than $5.1-million for St. Jude’s to date. The event will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on June 1. Tickets start at $69; pre-sale access begins tomorrow ahead of the general sale this Friday, at 10am CT. Visit the Ryman’s website for more information.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich rose to number one on the Billboard country chart with “Behind Closed Doors.”
Today in 1978, the “Here You Come Again” album by Dolly Parton was certified platinum.
Today in 1984, the Judds’ first #1 hit, “Mama He’s Crazy,” debuted on the charts.
Today in 1989, George Strait’s “Beyond The Blue Neon” album was certified gold.
Today in 1993, John Michael Montgomery earned his first gold album with his debut, “Life’s a Dance.”
Today in 1994, John Berry’s son, Sean Thomas Berry, was born. Hours later the nurses found John sitting on a hallway floor with a massive headache, only to find a cyst on his brain through a CAT scan.
Today in 1995, Lorrie Morgan’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” hit the charts.
Today in 1998, Clint Black made his dramatic TV acting debut when he co-starred in the CBS TV movie “Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack,” with his wife Lisa Hartman Black.
Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood made her dramatic TV acting debut on CBS TV’s “Jag”, playing Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Coulter – a forensic pathologist.
Today in 2000, Rascal Flatts made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Shania Twain were tapped as two of “People” magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful.”
Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn began a six-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You.”
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire began a one-week stint as the center square on “Hollywood Squares.” Also occupying squares on the syndicated gameshow: Henry Winkler, John Ritter and Kermit The Frog.
Today in 2005, Eddie Montgomery lost his footing when he stepped on a speaker cabinet during the third song in a Montgomery Gentry show in Asheville, North Carolina. After the band’s 90-minute set, he had X-rays and discovered he’d broken his left wrist.
Today in 2005, CMT premiered videos for Sugarland’s “”Something More,” Jamie O’Neal’s “Somebody’s Hero” and Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown.”
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood debuted album “Some Hearts” went triple-platinum.
Today in 2009, Jason Aldean earned a gold single for “She’s Country.”
Today in 2012, Sheryl Crow ran her first half-marathon, finishing the 13.1-mile course in less than two hours during the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Joanna Smith sang the national anthem and ran the half. Diamond Rio’s Gene Johnson runs his first half, Jimmy Olander his first full marathon.
Today in 2013, proceeds from Willie Nelson’s show at the Backyard in Austin were donated to the fire department in West, Texas, following an April 17^th explosion at a fertilizer plant. The total came to $125-thousand.
Today in 2014, Dan + Shay single, “Show You Off,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2014, Eric Paslay earned his first RIAA-certified gold single, for “Friday Night.” The same day, Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” was certified gold – and so was Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some Of That.”
Today in 2014, Willie Nelson was awarded a fifth-degree black belt in gong kwan yu sul, a Korean martial arts practice, at the Master Martial Arts studio in Austin.
Today in 2015, The Zac Brown Band album, “Jekyll + Hyde,” was released.
Today in 2016, Craig Wayne Boyd married Taylor Borland…soon after they and just a few days ago – on April 25^th – the couple added daughter Blakely Kay Boyd to their brood!
Today in 2016, Brad Paisley headlined a benefit in Nashville for Sean Penn’s Haitian relief fund. The guest list includes Sheryl Crow, Big Kenny, Jewel, Scott Hamilton, Tracie Hamilton and Ty Herndon.
Today in 2017, Luke Combs nabs a gold single from the RIAA for “Hurricane.”
Today in 2018, Jason Aldean’s single, “Rearview Town,” cruised to #1 on the “Billboard” Country Singles chart.
Today in 2018, Ty Herndon performed “America, The Beautiful” for the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. The high-profile audience included politicians Nancy Pelosi and Chris Christie, comedian Kathy Griffin and actor Rob Reiner.
Today in 2019, Chris Stapleton made a cameo appearance as a warrior in the final season of the HBO drama, “Game Of Thrones.”

Luke Combs Speaks Out On A Hypothetical Taylor Sheridan Role

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Sheridan has been known to incorporate plenty of country music (and sometimes country musicians) into his television projects. Ryan Bingham, Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jelly Roll and Riley Green have all found themselves on screen in Sheridan’s various projects. At the Time100 gala last week, Luke Combs was asked by “Entertainment Weekly” if he’d be interested in a role in the Taylor Sheridan universe. “If they just want me to play me, then great. I’m in,” the singer said, but beyond that he wasn’t so sure. “I don’t know if I’m a TV guy. I’ve got a face for radio,” he said. “I’ve been lucky for that. But I don’t know. I just try to have time for my wife and my kids and not over commit myself to things that maybe I don’t feel like I’m great at. Or maybe I would be good at it.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1968, Merle Haggard’s “The Legend of Bonnie and Clyde” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1976, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris performed together for the first time for a taping of the TV show, “Dolly.”
Today in 1993, Brooks & Dunn’s “Hard Workin’ Man” went gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1997, Alan Jackson hit #1 with “Tonight I Climbed the Wall.”
Today in 1999, the “Always Never The Same” album by George Strait was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 2000, “People” magazine’s annual “50 Most Beautiful People in the World” list was released with Faith Hill and Shania Twain among the honorees. When asked what the most important aspect of beauty is, Faith had a very candid answer. She said, quote, “I always said I wanted huge breasts, because I used to think that was the most important quality.” Somehow, we think her husband, Tim McGraw, likes Faith just the way she is. This appearance in the 50 Most Beautiful People list was the first for Shania and the second for Faith who was included back in 1995.
Today in 2001, a stretch of highway in Trisha Yearwood‘s hometown of Monticello, Georgia was named for her.
Today in 2004, Interscope released Loretta Lynn’s “Van Lear Rose” album. It was produced by White Stripes’ Jack White.
Today in 2004, Epic released Gretchen Wilson’s debut single “Redneck Woman.”
Today in 2008, Emmylou Harris and Ernest “Pop” Stoneman were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame during the medallion ceremony in Nashville.
Today in 2009, CMT debuted Randy Houser’s “Boots On” video.
Today in 2010, Shania Twain mentored the final six competitors on FOX-TV’s “American Idol,” with Casey James. The episode’s list included “You’ve Got A Way,” “Any Man Of Mine,” “No One Needs To Know” and “You’re Still the One.”
Today in 2011, Jason Aldean lead the finalists of the CMT Music Awards with four nominations.
Today in 2012, CMT debuted Dustin Lynch’s “Cowboys And Angels,” Easton Corbin’s “Lovin’ You Is Fun” and Thomas Rhett’s “Something To Do With My Hands.”
Today in 2016, Miranda Lambert was an unexpected guest, joining Chris Stapleton, Morgane Stapleton and Anderson East on “My Girl” during a show at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.
Today in 2017, Pat Green played a free concert for military personnel at Fort Hood in Texas.
Today in 2017, Dierks Bentley scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Black” and a platinum for “Different For Girls.”
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line brought out surprise guest Jason Derulo for “This Is How We Roll” during the Stagecoach country festival in Indio, California. They also welcomed Jake Owen and Chris Lane for “Sun Daze” and Morgan Wallen for “Up Down.”
Today in 2019, Matt Stell performed “Prayed For You” during his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2020, “Nobody But You,” the Blake Shelton duet with Gwen Stefani, was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America.
Today in 2021, Colt Ford underwent surgery for cancer in his right eye.

Zach Top Fired His Guitar Player; She And Her Husband Are No Longer In His Band

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

There’s been a shakeup in the Zach Top camp. Yesterday, Zach’s longtime guitarist Cheyenne Dalton posted on her social media that she had been let go from Top’s band…and with her departure, her husband Jimmy Meyer (bass player for the band) has also left. Dalton is a multi-instrumentalist who would play fiddle and guitar for Top, and was often given the spotlight during their shows to sing hits from female country artists. In her post, Dalton explained, “A little over a month ago, I was let go from my position with ZT. While this was unexpected, I want to thank all of you for following along with me on all of my adventures. I’ll miss all of the fun, playing great music, and meeting every one of you. I couldn’t have done this without all of your kindness and encouragement. You all built up my confidence, and I have transformed into who I am today because of you! I’m back home in Missouri now, and although I’m not sure what comes next, I’ll still be here posting my daily life. If you choose to stay around, I thank you! Who knows, maybe someday I’ll put out some of my own music for the world to hear.” No word from Top yet on the dismissal.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, Emmylou Harris’ remake of Buck Owens’ “Together Again” became her first number one country single in Billboard.
Today in 1982, Kelly Clarkson was born in Fort Worth, Texas. She became the winner of the first season of “American Idol” and earned country hits when she joined Reba McEntire on “Because Of You” and Jason Aldean on “Don’t You Wanna Stay.”
Today in 1991, Garth Brooks won a record six times during the 26^th annual Academy Of Country Music awards on NBC including Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist; Album (“No Fences”); Single Record (“Friends In Low Places”); and Song and Video (“The Dance”).
Today in 1993, Willie Nelson held Farm Aid VI in Ames, Iowa with Sawyer Brown, Martina McBride, The Kentucky HeadHunters, Marty Stuart, Dwight Yoakam, Ringo Starr, Bryan Adams, Paul Simon, Travis Tritt, Ricky Van Shelton, Waylon Jennings and more.
Today in 1993, Sammy Kershaw was sittin’ pretty with his number one country single, “She Don’t Know She’s Beautiful.”
Today in 2001, Tim McGraw’s album, “Set This Circus Down,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2008, Toby Keith performed at a base in Kandahar, Afghanistan for 2,500 troops in his sixth USO tour. It was interrupted by mortar fire.
Today in 2011, on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” John Rich earned $20,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as the winning project manager for a four-page Trump Collection advertising presentation.
Today in 2012, Lee Brice’s “Hard To Love” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood was unveiled among Time magazine’s “Time 100” list of the world’s most influential people. Also named were Robert Redford, Hillary Clinton, Vladimir Putin, Barack Obama and Miley Cyrus.
Today in 2015, Ashton Kutcher, Mila Kunis and Danny Masterson were among the 60,000 at the first night of the Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio, California, for music by Tim McGraw, Kacy Musgraves, Parmalee and Merle Haggard.
Today in 2017, Eric Church, Chris Young and Reba McEntire attended the annual Best Cellars dinner, a benefit that raised $225,000 for the T.J. Martell Foundation at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Others on hand included Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Big Kenny, Cole Swindell and three members of Little Big Town.
Today in 2017, as the Backstreet Boys enjoyed their first country hit, Nick Carter sat in as a guest judge on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” The band is teamed at the time with Florida Georgia Line on “God, Your Mama, And Me.”

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

Posted on April 23, 2026April 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Stormie”, a 4 year old Domestic Shorthair mix kitty with beautiful green eyes and an affectionate disposition. Stormie gets along well with other cats, and loves to cuddle.

Stormie is fully vaccinated, vetted, spayed, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Stormie is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

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