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TIM MCGRAW SETS HIS RETURN TO THE STAGE AFTER SERIES OF MEDICAL ISSUES

Posted on by Bob Ballard

After a lengthy series of medical issues and surgeries that have sidelined Tim McGraw for months, the singer is ready to mount a comeback. Tim will be performing at Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2 for the “Speedway Classic.” This is on the heels of McGraw’s very first show of 2025, in Fort Collins, Colorado on July 21. The August 2 performance will come before a scheduled major-league baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds, which will take place on the converted Bristol Motor Speedway infield. Tim’s medical issues extend back to last August when he underwent orthopedic surgery on both of his knees after sustaining an injury, causing him to cancel the rest of his “Standing Room Only” tour.  Then, in January, back surgery caused Tim to have to pull out of a Netflix series about rodeo that he was to both star in and executive produce. Safe to say that both the fans and Tim himself are happy he’s well enough to perform again.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on 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 26th 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.”

JELLY ROLL A STEP CLOSER TO FULL TENNESSEE PARDON

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Jelly Roll‘s checkered past may be getting a little smaller in his rearview mirror. Davidson County, Tennessee Sheriff Daron Hall has announced on social media that the singer is a step closer to receiving a full pardon in the state of Tennessee. Jelly, whose efforts on behalf of troubled and imprisoned youth is well-documented, gained the respect of the sheriff to such a degree that he wrote Tennessee governor Bill Lee, petitioning for a full pardon for the singer. As Hall posted, “A year ago, I wrote ⁦[Governor Bill Lee] ⁩asking for a full Pardon for Jason “Jelly Roll” Deford…..today the Board unanimously recommended his Pardon. It’s now in the hands of our Governor.” If Jelly Roll were to officially receive approval for a full pardon, that would mean he would receive a form of legal forgiveness, wiping away the legal consequences of his past convictions, including the penalties, and fully restoring his rights.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1956, Elvis Presley played Las Vegas for the first time – and bombed! He opened for comedian Shecky Greene, and the middle-aged crowd hated him. He didn’t return to Vegas until 1969.
  • Today in 1992, a 13-mile stretch of Mississippi Highway 23 is renamed for Tammy Wynette.
  • Today in 1993, Tracy Lawrence hit #1 with “Alibis.”
  • Today in 1993, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Lari White married her husband, Chuck Cannon.
  • Today in 1996, George Strait released his album, “Blue Clear Sky.”
  • Today in 1996, Bryan White met “Second Noah” actress Erika Page for the first time during the “Sizzlin’ Country” concert for cystic fibrosis in Los Angeles. They began dating a year later and married in 2000.
  • Today in 1997, at the 32nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Brooks & Dunn were named Entertainers of the Year, Patty Loveless was named Female Vocalist of the Year, and George Strait was Male Vocalist. Trace Adkins and LeAnn Rimes were named Top New Male & Female Vocalists, and the Single of the Year was “Blue.”
  • Today in 1998, Pam Tillis appeared on both “Promised Land” and “Diagnosis Murder,” playing the same character – a con artist named Kate Matthews.
  • Today in 1999, Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rhett Akins, Lee Roy Parnell and blues artist Johnny Neel surprised an audience of 13,000 in Nashville when they joined Charlie Daniels for his Volunteer Jam ’99 concert at the First American Music Center.
  • Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney’s album, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems,” and Kevin Denney’s self-titled debut album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney married Tiffany Fallon at the One & Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
  • Today in 2009, Evansville declared Taylor Swift Day as the singer kicks off her first headlining tour at Roberts Stadium with Kellie Pickler opening. Swift also receives a key to the city.
  • Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood is the leading contender in the CMT Music Awards as she picks up five nominations, including two for “Good Girl” and two for the Brad Paisley collaboration “Remind Me.”
  • Today in 2015, a VIP grand opening party was held for the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville. Guests include Dierks Bentley, Lee Greenwood, T.G. Sheppard, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, John Rich and Rex Allen Jr.
  • Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s “Humble And Kind” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2016, Blake Shelton surprised concertgoers at the “Off The Rails Country Music Festival” in Frisco, Texas, by bringing Randy Travis on stage. Shelton dedicated his last song of the night, “God Gave Me You,” to Travis, who was still recovering from a 2013 stroke.
  • Today in 2017, Brad Paisley delivered a surprise concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville with Bill Anderson and John Fogerty.
  • Today in 2018, RaeLynn snagged a gold single from the RIAA for “Love Triangle.”
  • Today in 2018, Josh Turner earned five awards from the RIAA: a double-platinum single for “Your Man”; platinum singles for “Hometown Girl,” “Time Is Love” and “Long Black Train”; and a gold single for “Firecracker.”

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN TEASES COLLAB WITH LUKE COMBS

Posted on by Bob Ballard

g…then filled in some of the blanks with a followup Instagram post featuring the two of them singing a clip of a new song called “Backup Plan.” On the heels of the Post Malone/Morgan Wallen song “I Ain’t Comin’ Back” that dropped Friday, it looks like it’s going to be a “hot collab summer” for country music fans! No word on when the full BZ/Luke track drops, other than “coming soon.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1961, the first annual Country Music Festival opened in Jacksonville, Florida. The roster included artists like Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis.
  • Today in 1988, the album, “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’),” by George Strait was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, Clint Black made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 1994, Faith Hill topped the charts with her single, “Piece Of My Heart.”
  • Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” reached the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1996, Diamond Rio released the single “That’s What I Get for Loving You.”
  • Today in 1997, George Strait released his album, “Carrying Your Love With Me.”
  • Today in 1997, Joe Diffie’s “Twice Upon A Time” album and Little Texas’ self-titled debut album were released.
  • Today in 1997, The “Everybody Knows” album by Trisha Yearwood was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, country music’s reigning super-couple, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, were the big winners at the 33rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards. They nabbed four awards (for Single, Song, Video and Top Vocal Event) for their duet, “It’s Your Love.”
  • Today in 1998, a Harris poll dubbed Garth Brooks the second-most popular singer among adult Americans. Alan Jackson was fifth, the Beatles and Alabama were tied for sixth place, George Strait was seventh and Reba McEntire was eighth.
  • Today in 2000, the Warren Brothers made their first appearance on the PBS series, “Austin City Limits.”
  • Today in 2000, George Strait enjoyed his single, “The Best Day,” taking the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2002, Johnny Cash made a rare public appearance in Washington, D.C. He was presented the National Medal of Arts by President George Bush in a ceremony at Constitution Hall. His attendance was a bit of a surprise considering that he spends winters at his estate in Jamaica. It’s not that he prefers life in the tropics, but Johnny’s autonomic neuropathy makes him susceptible to pneumonia and winters in Nashville tend to be on the cold side. Other recipients of National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals included actor Kirk Douglas and classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
  • Today in 2007, Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd, The Crickets, John Hiatt, ex-BMI executive Frances Preston and Christian artist Michael W. Smith made up the second batch of people inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
  • Today in 2011, LeAnn Rimes married actor Eddie Cibrian at a private home in Malibu, California.
  • Today in 2013, Hunter Hayes performed “I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It” with Stevie Wonder on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Contestant Kellie Pickler and dance partner Derek Hough got 10s from two judges after performing a quickstep to “Part-Time Lover.”
  • Today in 2014, Ronnie Milsap, Mac Wiseman and songwriter Hank Cochran were announced as the 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees by the Country Music Association during a press conference.
  • Today in 2016, George Strait and Kacey Musgraves played the first country concert at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Strait honored the recently deceased Merle Haggard with a medley of “Mama Tried,” “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” and “My Life’s Been Grand.”
  • Today in 2017, Marty Stuart visited Glen Campbell at Abe’s Garden, an Alzheimer’s facility in Nashville. He took the last photos of Campbell with his wife, Kimberly.
  • Today in 2018, Craig Morgan played at Yakota Air Base in Tokyo, Japan, at the outset of a USO tour. The entourage included comedian Jon Stewart and retired basketball player Rip Hamilton.
  • Today in 2019, Carrie Underwood’s single, “Southbound,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, Luke Combs recorded “Six Feet Apart” in Nashville.
  • Today in 2021, Delbert McClinton announced his retirement from music.

ERIC CHURCH ANNOUNCES LISTENING PARTIES FOR NEW ALBUM

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Eric Church has announced the scheduling of “listening parties” for his upcoming album, “Evangeline Vs. The Machine.” In a statement, the singer said, “Indie record stores across the country are gearing up for the release of ‘Evangeline vs. The Machine’ – with over 100 locations hosting listening events the weekend of May 2–4. The first fans through the door receive an exclusive album poster, and there’s a grand prize up for grabs as well.” For those who can’t make it to a “listening event,” “Evangeline Vs. The Machine” comes out Friday, May 2. Church posted all the locations “listening events” will be held on Instagram.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1947, Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” and “I Saw The Light” at Nashville’s Castle Studio during his first MGM recording session.
  • Today in 1987, the “Hillbilly Deluxe” album by Dwight Yoakam was released.
  • Today in 1987, Reba’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1995, Brooks and Dunn scored a #1 hit with “Little Miss Honky Tonk.”
  • Today in 1998, the “One Step At A Time” album by George Strait was released.
  • Today in 1999, Brooks & Dunn debut their newest video, “South of Santa Fe,” at 10 am ET, while the website, Country.com simultaneously streamed the video using Microsoft Windows Media technology. It was the first time that a country video debuted simultaneously on TV and the Internet.
  • Today in 2002, Reprise released Dwight Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Delux” album.
  • Today in 2002, “CMT Crossroads” paired blues-rock trio ZZ Top with Brooks & Dunn. The list included “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Hard Workin’ Man,” and “La Grange.”
  • Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith each won two trophies at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
  • Today in 2006, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill began their “Soul2Soul Tour II” at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It was Hill’s first tour in six years and generated $89 million dollars in over five months. The tour was the top-grossing country tour in history.
  • Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood’s “Wasted” reached #1 in Billboard.
  • Today in 2009, Capitol released Luke Bryan’s single “Do I” to radio. The song was co-written with Lady Antebellum members Charles Kelly and Dave Haywood. Lady A’s Hillary Scott on backing vocals were featured.
  • Today in 2012, Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He performed “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “Days Go By” and “Without You.”
  • Today in 2013, Lee Brice married Sara Reeveley at the Integrity Hills Chapel in Branson, Missouri. The couple’s first dance was Brice’s “I Don’t Dance,” which was inspired by her.
  • Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley attended the Boston Marathon to cheer for his wife, Cassidy Bentley. She finished the 26.2-mile course in three house and 34 minutes.
  • Today in 2015, Brett Eldredge’s “Lose My Mind” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Canaan Smith scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Love You Like That.”
  • Today in 2017, Brad Paisley’s album, “Love And War,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Cody Johnson made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2019, Little Big Town is featured as CBS aired “Motown 60: A Grammy Celebration.” The cast also includes Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, Tori Kelly, Pentatonix, Meghan Trainor, Valerie Simpson and songwriting team Holland, Dozier & Holland.
  • Today in 2019, Maren Morris was a surprise guest at the Coachella music festival, performing “The Middle” with pop artist Zedd at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California.
  • Today in 2020, Blake Shelton pledged $150-thousand to a regional food bank during Give From Home Day on KOCO-TV in Oklahoma City.

DOLLY PARTON ANNOUNCES NEW BOOK

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton has announced a new book, “Star of the Show: My Life on Stage.” The book is the final installment in her photographic trilogy, offering a comprehensive look at her legendary performance career. The book chronicles her journey from performing with Porter Wagoner to becoming a solo star with hits like “Here You Come Again.” It covers milestones like her acting debut in “9 to 5,” global tours, and her 2023 Dallas Cowboys halftime show viewed by 42-million people. “I’m so proud that I’ve been able to spend the last 70-plus-years doing what I feel I was born to do,” Dolly shares. Readers will also see her collaborations with artists like Kenny Rogers and Linda Ronstadt. The deluxe edition includes 350 images, special design features, and collectible prints. It’ll drops on November 11th.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • mond Rio was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The band opened their performance with their first #1 hit “Meet in the Middle.”
  • Today in 2000, the “D’lectrified” album by Clint Black was certified gold.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait’s “Latest Greatest Straitest Hits” collection was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 2000, Eric Heatherly’s debut album, “Swimming in Champagne,” was released.
  • Today in 2002, it was revealed that the Tammy Wynette’s four daughters dropped their suit against Dr. Wallis Marsh, the Pennsylvania physician who had prescribed large quantities of painkillers for Tammy. Pittsburgh attorney, Wilbur McCoy Otto, who represented Dr. Marsh, said, quote, “Both parties are quite happy that it’s over and done with.” Both sides in the lawsuit have also agreed to keep the terms of their settlement quiet. Tammy’s daughters had asked for $50 million in damages from Dr. Marsh, whom they accused of mismanaging her medical problems.
  • Today in 2003, Dierks Bentley made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2006, the Charlie Daniels Band performed at Camp Liberty in Baghdad, Iraq, the final stop on a Stars For Stripes tour in which the band played for U.S. soldiers in the Middle East.
  • Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum won in three categories – Top Vocal Group and Single Record and Song of the Year, for “Need You Now” – during the 45th Academy of Country Music Awards from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
  • Today in 2013, although it’s actually on April 29th, Willie Nelson’s 80th birthday was celebrated with a “CMT Crossroads” taping. On hand were Sheryl Crow, Jack White, Neil Young, Leon Russell, Norah Jones, Ashley Monroe and Jamey Johnson.
  • Today in 2014, Glen Campbell’s documentary “Glen Campbell…I’ll Be Me” about his battle with Alzheimer’s disease debuted during the Nashville Film Festival.
  • Today in 2015, Klaussner Home Furnishings unveiled the Trisha Yearwood Home Collection in High Point, North Carolina.
  • Today in 2015, Darius Rucker hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “Southern Style.”
  • Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton’s single, “Parachute,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2017, Jimmy Webb’s autobiography, “The Cake And The Rain,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and former NFL player Kevin Carter hosted the 16th Waiting For Wishes charity event at The Palm in Nashville, raising $125,000. Servers included John Rich, Hunter Hayes, Charles Esten, Cassadee Pope, Eric Paslay, Vince Neil and Kellie Pickler.

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