Thomas Rhett & Joe Nichols Drop New Songs

Posted on February 14, 2022February 14, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Country music fans got some new music this weekend, with Thomas Rhett and Joe Nichols dropping new tracks.

Thomas Rhett shared the new single “Us Someday,” from his upcoming album “Where We Started,” which drops April 1st. “For me, this song is sort of talking to Lauren at 19 years old telling her, ‘I know you think this is crazy, but I believe all of these things are going to happen for us,’” he shares. “And now here we are, over 10 years later, and most of those things actually happened, which is just the wildest thing.”

Joe Nichols is back with new music. The singer dropped the new track “I Got Friends That Do,” featuring special guest Blake Shelton. The song is featured on Joe’s latest album, “Good Day For Living,” which came out Friday.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 14, 2022February 14, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, the President’s daughter, Lynda Bird Johnson, requested that Eddy Arnold attend a White House dinner. Arnold was almost late after getting stuck in an elevator.
Today in 1973, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
Today in 1981, Charly McClain earned a #1 country single for “Who’s Cheatin’ Who.”
Today in 1985, two weeks after recording “On The Other Hand,” Randy Travis signed a recording contract with Warner Brothers.
Today in 1988, Kathy Mattea married songwriter Jon Vezner, who co-wrote her Grammy-winning hit “Where’ve You Been.”
Today in 1989, Reba McEntire gave her then-fiancé Narvel Blackstock a chainsaw for Valentine’s Day. The couple cut each other loose in Summer 2015.
Today in 1995, Alan Jackson’s album, “Who I Am,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood’s “Thinkin’ About You” album was released.
Today in 1997, Ty England and his wife, Shanna, welcomed their third child, Levi Wyatt, into the world.
Today in 1998, Hal Ketchum and makeup artist Gina Pacconi tied the knot on Valentine’s Day in Austin, Texas. Hal’s hits include “Small Town Saturday Night” and “Past the Point of Rescue.”
Today in 2001, Emily Robison and Amy Grant were contestants on “Who Wants To Be a Millionaire,” while Jo Dee Messina was on “Hollywood Squares.”
Today in 2001, before the last wall of the new Country Music Hall of Fame, was sealed, cranes lifted Elvis Presley’s gold Cadillac, Webb Pierce’s Pontiac, and Nudie’s sign onto the third floor.
Today in 2002, Steve Holy was in Newport News, Virginia to help 40 couples get hitched in a mass Valentine’s Day ceremony. As the lovebirds said, “I do,” they took their “first dance” as newlyweds while Steve performed his #1 song, “Good Morning Beautiful.” The happy couples had plenty of witnesses, too — nearly 1000 folks showed up to watch as the lovebirds kissed their single days goodbye.
Today in 2006, Little Big Town’s single, “Boondocks,” went gold.
Today in 2011, Eric Church’s single, “Homeboy,” was released.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes’ was a “Wanted” man – as his new single hit the airwaves.
Today in 2013, Thompson Square’s video for the single, “If I Didn’t Have You,” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan was the celebrity monarch for the Krewe of Endymion Parade during Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett and Kelsea Ballerini sang “Islands In The Stream” and Keith Urban performed “To Love Somebody” as CBS recorded “Stayin’ Alive: A Grammy Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees” at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Also appearing: Little Big Town, Demi Lovato, Nick Jonas, Celine Dion and Barry Gibb.
Today in 2018, Troy Gentry’s widow, Angela Gentry, filed suit in Philadelphia against Sikorsky Aircraft and Keystone Helicopter, charging that a design flaw was responsible for the Montgomery Gentry singer’s September 2017 death. Less than a week later, she also filed suit against an event promoter in connection with the helicopter crash.

Taylor Swift Earns ACM Nomination

Posted on February 11, 2022February 11, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Nominees for the 57^th Annual ACM Awards are out and Taylor Swift was recognized with a nomination.

Tay earned a nod in the Video of the Year category for the clip for “I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version),” featuring Chris Stapleton.

Taylor has been nominated for numerous ACM Awards over the year and has won eight in total.

She will have stiff competition though. Check out the complete category below:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
[Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]

“Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” – Elle King and Miranda Lambert
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young and Kane Brown
“I Bet You Think About Me (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift featuring Chris Stapleton
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood
“Never Wanted To Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde

Source: ACM Awards

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 11, 2022February 11, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, “Don’t Come Home A’Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ On Your Mind)” got Loretta Lynn her first #1 Billboard single.
Today in 1975, Alabama’s Randy Owen married his wife, Kelly.
Today in 1982, “Always on My Mind” by Willie Nelson was released.
Today in 1984, Vince Gill debuted on the charts with “Victim of Life’s Circumstances.”
Today in 1984, a federal grand jury in Memphis indicted Jerry Lee Lewis on tax evasion charges. He was acquitted the following October.
Today in 1989, “Song of the South” by Alabama, hit #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1992, new releases included Reba McEntire’s video “For My Broken Heart” and John Anderson’s album “Seminole Wind.”
Today in 1994, George Strait hit number one with “I’d Like To Have That One Back.”
Today in 1999, tornadoes earlier in the week forced a CD manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Illinois, to shut down production, causing a possible delay for Steve Wariner’s single “Two Teardrops.” But his record label persuaded two manufacturing plants to press 400 copies of the single while volunteers addressed and stuffed envelopes to get the single shipped to radio stations on time.
Today in 2002, “The Essential Johnny Cash” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2003, Terri Clark’s single “I Just Wanna Be Mad” hit number one on the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 chart. It also marked a milestone — it was the first time in 46 weeks that a solo female artist grabbed the top spot on the “Radio & Records” chart.
Today in 2003, new album releases included Vince Gill’s “Next Big Thing,” George Strait’s live effort “For The Last Time – Live from the Astrodome,” and the Dixie Chicks’ DVD/video “Home.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s album “When The Sun Goes Down” debuted at the top of the “Billboard” album charts.
Today in 2006, Trisha Yearwood sang with the Nashville Chamber Orchestra at the Grand Ole Opry house. Raul Malo was the host.
Today in 2006, weeks after the departure of Kristen Hall, Sugarland performed their first concert as a duo.
Today in 2007, the Dixie Chicks won five trophies at the GRAMMYs: Record and Song of the Year for “Not Ready to Make Nice,” Best Country Performance by a Duo of Group, and Album of the Year and Best Country Album for “Taking The Long Way.” Other country winners included Carrie Underwood, who was named Best New Artist, as well as Vince Gill, Randy Travis, Bryan Sutton and Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder, and Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles, who got the nod for her collaboration with Bon Jovi on the group’s hit “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Bob Wills was acknowledged as a Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.
Today in 2007, Trent Willmon and Lorrie Morgan were among the judges for The Corner Pub’s 3rd Annual Chili Cookoff in Nashville.
Today is 2008, on a new episode of “CMT Crossroads,” Alison Krauss and Robert Plant performed a list which included “Gone Gone Gone (Done Moved On),” “Black Dog,” and When the Levee Breaks.”
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley led the pack of nominees for the 44th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Other multiple nominees included George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Brooks & Dunn, Miranda Lambert, and Heidi Newfield. LeAnn Rimes was tapped to receive the ACM/Home Depot Humanitarian Award.
Today in 2009, Dierks Bentley’s “Feel That Fire” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, ending Taylor Swift’s 12-week run in the top spot with “Fearless.” In addition, the title track to Bentley’s CD was at number one on the Country Singles chart.
Today in 2009, Pat Green and Clay Walker were among those taking part in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am charity golf tournament.
Today in 2009, the Trace Adkins-voiced ad campaign promoting the Grand Ole Opry began its media run.
Today in 2010, Justin Moore became a dad with the birth of his first child, Ella Kole.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood’s “Sesame Street” character made her debut on the long-running PBS children’s series. “Carrie Underworm” is an orange worm with long blonde hair who sings. On the show, Carrie’s invertebrate alter-ego performed “The Worm Anthem.”
Today in 2011, Kenny Chesney was officially honored as the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame’s “Tennessean of the Year” at an event in Nashville.
Today in 2011, LeAnn Rimes was among the performers at the MusiCares Person of the Year tribute honoring Barbra Streisand.
Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley recorded “Remind Me.”
Today in 2012, Dierks Bentley served as the Honorary Chairman of the Arizona Centennial Motorcycle Ride, which took place in his hometown of Phoenix as part of the state’s 100th anniversary celebration. Bentley’s hit “Home” was the official song of the event.
Today in 2014, Trick Pony announced their reunion.
Today is 2014, Eric Church’s album, “The Outsiders,” was released.
Today in 2016, Darius Rucker received the Award of Merit from the National Golf Course Owners Association during a conference in San Diego.
Today in 2016, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and his wife, Cassie, welcomed their son, Ward Charles Kelley, in Nashville.
Today in 2016, the “Columbia Daily Herald” reports Jason Aldean has purchased a 120-acre property with a 4,500-square-foot home in Columbia, Tennessee for $5.35-million.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town’s “Better Man” – which was written by Taylor Swift – hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2019, Trace Adkins, Charles Esten, Cassadee Pope, Jimmie Allen, Deana Carter and Morgan Evans performed at Fred Kavli Theatre in Thousand Oaks, California, to raise money for victims of a mass shooting three months prior at the Borderline country club.
Today in 2019, Garth Brooks practiced fielding at third base and in the outfield as he begins a week of spring training with the Pittsburgh Pirates in Bradenton, Florida.
Today in 2019, Kacey Musgraves single, “Rainbow,” hit the airwaves.

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

Posted on February 10, 2022February 10, 2022 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Roscoe”, a 3 and a half year old American Pit Bull mix. Roscoe is friendly fellow who is leash trained, loves attention and walks, and is eager to meet you! Roscoe is fully vetted and ready to find his ‘furr-ever’ home.

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Roscoe 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 Roscoe with Terry Gott from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Dolly Parton’s Dollywood Paying 100% Of Tuition For Employees

Posted on February 10, 2022February 10, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton is getting heaps of praise on the Internet after it was revealed that starting February 24^th, her Dollywood Parks & Resorts will begin covering 100% of tuition for employees seeking to further their education.

The new benefit will be open to all employees beginning on their first day of work, and it will also cover fees and textbooks.

“One of The Dollywood Foundation’s key tenets is to ‘learn more,’” President of Dollywood Company, Eugene Naughton, shares. “This program is created with that very tenet in mind,” adding, “We want our hosts to develop themselves through advanced learning to fulfill the foundation’s other tenets: care more, dream more, and be more.”

Naughton explains, “When our hosts strive to grow themselves, it makes our business and our community a truly better place. We care about our hosts’ development, and we want their future to grow because of love—not loans.”

Many fans took to social media to praise Dolly…

“Dolly is at it again!,” one person shared. “This time she is paying for the education of employees of Dollywood that want to pursue higher education!”
Another added, “Dolly Parton has done more to cancel student loan debt than Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and AOC combined.”

ONE MORE THING! Dolly is set to release a new song tomorrow. The track, “Blue Bonnet Breeze,” will be featured on the companion album to her book “Run Rose Run.” The album is out March 4^th and the book is due out March 7^th.

Source: WZTV

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 10, 2022February 10, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “It Was Almost Like A Song,” was certified gold.
Today in 1979, Eddie Rabbitt topped the country singles chart with “Every Which Way But Loose.”
Today in 1984, Alabama topped the country charts with “Roll On [18 Wheeler].”
Today in 1986, “The Highwayman” album by Waylon, Willie, Johnny, Kris Kristofferson was certified gold.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s album, “Whoever’s In New England,” was released.
Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ first album, “Storms of Life,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Patty Loveless hit #1 with the single, “Here I Am.”
Today in 1998, Sammy Kershaw earned a gold certification for his album, “Labor of Love.”
Today in 1998, “How Do I Live,” by Diane Warren got an Oscar nomination for Best Original Song, as it appeared in the film, “Con Air.” The song had been recorded by both Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes that year – Trisha’s version was the one included in the film (and nominated for the Oscar). And while LeAnn’s version had been more successful in charting, Trisha’s version (which was also successful) was the first of the two to be released – and for the first time in history, the GRAMMY Awards nominated two artists for the same song in the same category. Directly following LeAnn’s performance of the song, Trisha took home GRAMMY Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance. What happened with the Oscar nod? It lost out to Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” from “Titanic.”
Today in 2000, the book, “The Great Canadian Book of Lists,” dubbed Shania Twain as “Canada’s Sexiest Woman.”
Today in 2000, Jim Varney, one of America’s most beloved comedic actors, died of lung cancer at his home in White House, Tennessee. He was 50 years old. Starring in nine “Ernest” movies and as Jed Clampett in the movie “Beverly Hillbillies,” he was also the voice of “Slinky Dog.” He also performed in many other film and television productions. His burial was in Lexington, Kentucky with a public memorial service in Nashville, Tennessee.
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire’s video for “We’re All Alone,” her duet with Jose y Durval, topped the charts on CMT Brazil. The song is from Reba’s album, “So Good Together.”
Today in 2002, Joe Diffie hosted his 10^th annual Country Steps In For the First Steps concert. The Judds, Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Cyndi Thomson, and comedian Cledus T. Judd all performed.
Today in 2005, the video to “Gone” by Montgomery Gentry premiered on CMT.
Today in 2008, at the 50^th annual GRAMMYs, “Before He Cheats” won two awards: Best Female Country Vocal Performance for Carrie Underwood, and Best Country Song for Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins.
Today in 2011, “Crazy Girl,” by The Eli Young Band, was released.
Today in 2013, at the 55^th annual GRAMMYs, Carrie Underwood and writers Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins won the same awards again, but this time for “Blown Away.”
Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson and Chris Tompkins began writing the future Florida Georgia Line hit, “Dirt,” at the Big Loud Shirt building in Nashville.
Today in 2019, an employee at the Stoney Creek Steakhouse in Nashville called police, reporting that Miranda Lambert was fighting with another customer.
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini scored a gold single from the RIAA for “homecoming queen?”
Today in 2020, Midland introduced Insolito, its own tequila brand, in Texas.
Today in 2020, Thomas Rhett and his wife, Lauren Akins, welcomed their daughter, Lennon Love Akins.
Today in 2021, “Variety” reported Jeep has pulled an ad featuring Bruce Springsteen following reports he was arrested for DWI in November. Springsteen’s “Atlantic City” was tabbed among country’s 500 greatest singles in the 2003 Country Music Foundation book “Heartaches By The Number.”
Today in 2021, a week after a video surfaced with Morgan Wallen using a racial slur, Jason Isbell pledges to donate all the royalties he receives for Wallen’s version of his song, “Cover Me Up” to the NAACP.

Reba McEntire Song Gets Oscar Nod

Posted on February 9, 2022February 9, 2022 by Bob Ballard

The Oscar nominations are out and Reba McEntire is responsible for one of this year’s nominees. The Diane Warren-penned track, “Somehow You Do,” which Reba sang, has been nominated for Best Original Song. The track is from the movie “Four Good Days.”

This is Diane’s 13th nomination in the category, and the fifth straight year one of her songs has been recognized. And despite all 13 nominations, Diane has yet to win an Oscar.

And this year she’ll have some stiff competition. Other nominees in the category include Billie Eilish and her brother Finneas for their James Bond theme “No Time To Die,” Beyonce for her “King Richard” tune “Be Alive,” the Lin-Manuel Miranda written track “Dos Oruguitas” from “Encanto,” and Van Morrison’s “Belfast” track “Down to Joy.”

The 94th Annual Academy Awards air March 27th on ABC.

Source: Variety

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 9, 2022February 9, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, Willie Nelson recorded “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”
Today in 1980, the Oak Ridge Boys hit #1 with “Leavin’ Louisiana In The Broad Daylight.”
Today in 1991, “Brother Jukebox” by Mark Chesnutt was #1.
Today in 1996, Joe Diffie hit #1 with “Bigger Than the Beatles.”
Today in 1998, Lee Roy Parnell released the single, “All That Matters Anymore.”
Today in 1998, Oprah Winfrey announced that Garth Brooks had agreed to donate his earnings from sales of his latest album, “Sevens,” for a seven-day period to her charity, “Oprah’s Angel Network.” The organization uses the donations to fund college scholarships for underprivileged students.
Today in 2001, the soundtrack to “O Brother, Where Art Though?” featuring Alison Krauss, The Soggy Bottom Boys, Emmylou Harris, John Hartford, Ralph Stanley, Harry, McClintock, The Whites, and Normal Blake went gold.
Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “Alcohol” went gold.
Today in 2009, “It Happens” by Sugarland was released.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed in Singapore for the first time to kick off her international tour.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban performed “Don’t Let Me Down” with John Mayer and Brad Paisley teams with Pharrell Williams on “Here Comes The Sun” as CBS airs “The Night That Changed America: A Grammy Salute To The Beatles.” The telecast also features John Legend, Alicia Keys and The Eurythmics.
Today in 2015, Big & Rich performed “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” on ABC-TV’s “The Bachelor.”
Today in 2015, Dan + Shay’s “Nothin’ Like You” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Little Big Town’s “Girl Crush” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Old Dominion was featured on the PBS music series “Soundstage.” On the same date in 2019, the band earned a trio of gold singles from the RIAA, for “Written In The Sand,” “Song For Another Time” and “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart.”
Today in 2018, Scotty McCreery scored an RIAA-certified gold single for “Five More Minutes.”
Today in 2019, Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha performed “Meant To Be” for Clive Davis’ annual pre-GRAMMY party at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Their audience included Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Barbra Streisand, Quincy Jones, Julianne Hough, Alice Cooper, Joni Mitchell, Julia Michaels and Tori Kelly.
Today in 2019, John Prine was honored in a concert at The Troubadour in Los Angeles. Dwight Yoakam lead the closing round of “Paradise” with the entire cast, including Margo Price, Anderson East, Boz Scaggs, Bob Weir, Ashley McBryde and John Paul White.

Chris Stapleton Lands Second Number One

Posted on February 8, 2022February 8, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Chris Stapleton has a new number one. The singer’s latest single, “You Should Probably Leave,” tops the “Billboard” Country Airplay chart, making it his second number one.

Chris previously topped the chart with “Broken Arrows” in March 2018.

The tune is actually one of three Chris tracks on the Country Airplay chart. His collaboration with Adele on “Easy On Me” is at 39, and he also appears on Taylor Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me,” which is at 45.

Elsewhere on the chart…

Jordan Davis’ “Buy Dirt,” featuring Luke Bryan, tops the Hot Country Songs chart for a third week.
Morgan Wallen’s “Dangerous: The Double Album” tops the Top Country Albums chart for a 44^th week, giving him sole possession of third longest reign on top in the chart’s history.

Source: Billboard

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