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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1947, Hank Williams wrote the song “I Saw The Light.”
  • Today in 1979, “The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach, debuted on CBS. Waylon Jennings narrated the show and sang the theme song, which became a country hit.
  • Today in 1992, Hillary Clinton went after those who snarked about her defense of her husband, by dissing the First Lady of country music on “60 Minutes.” “I’m not sitting here You know, I’m not sitting here – some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette,” she told Steve Kroft. “I’m sitting here because I love him, and I respect him.” Yeah…people – especially Tammy Wynette fans – didn’t appreciate it very much.
  • Today in 1994, Diamond Rio earned a gold album for “Close to the Edge.”
  • Today in 1994, the “In Pieces” album by Garth Brooks was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 1997, Mary Chapin Carpenter performed “Down At the Twist and Shout” during the halftime show at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
  • Today in 1998, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Alabama and Lee Ann Womack all won trophies at the 25th annual American Music Awards.
  • Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s album, “Everything I Love” was certified double-platinum.
  • Today in 2001, it was announced that Reba McEntire was given the “green light” for half-hour sitcom to air on the WB Network. The same day, Reba made her debut as Annie Oakley in the Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.”
  • Today in 2003, Mark Wills enjoyed his fourth consecutive week at #1 with his single, “19 Somethin’.”
  • Today in 2003, at the Super Bowl, the Dixie Chicks sang the national anthem and Shania Twain sang “Main! I Feel Like A Woman!”
  • Today in 2009, Chris Young’s song “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” is played on the radio for the first time.
  • Today in 2010, Kieth Urban and John Mayer shot an episode of CMT Crossroads, singing “Sweet Thing,” “Tonight I Wanna Cry,” and “‘Til Summer Comes Around,” for an audience that included Taylor Swift, Jake Owen, Kix Brooks, and Eric Gunderson.
  • Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum’s album “Need You Now” was released.
  • Today in 2014, Kacey Musgraves won Best Country Album and Best Country Song at the GRAMMYs.
  • Today in 2016, Jake Owen makes a surprise appearance to duet on “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” during Eric Paslay’s show at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild also makes a cameo.
  • Today in 2018, Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert married New York police officer Brendan McLoughlin on her property in rural Tennessee.
  • Today in 2020, Tanya Tucker was a double-winner during the 62nd annual GRAMMY awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. “While I’m Livin'” scored Best Country Album, and “Bring My Flowers Now” earns Best Country Song.
  • Today in 2020, Keith Urban was named an officer of the order of Australia.
  • Today in 2021, Tom T. Hall was recognized among the 2020 Kentucky Governor’s Awards honorees during a virtual ceremony.

Blake Shelton’s Music Being Turned Into Lullabies

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton’s music can now put your baby to sleep. The singer’s tunes are being turned into lullabies for “Rockabye Baby! Lullaby Renditions of Blake Shelton,” dropping February 4th.

The album will feature lullaby versions of such songs as “Austin,” Honey Bee,” “Nobody But You,” his duet with wife Gwen Stefani, “God’s Country,” which you can check out below.

Blake isn’t the first country star to get the lullaby treatment. Both Dolly Parton and Shania Twain’s music have been released as “Rockabye Baby” albums.

Source: Sounds Like Nashville

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1982, Kenny Rogers won three trophies in pop and country at the American Music Awards. Willie Nelson, Barbara Mandrell, Anne Murray, and The Oak Ridge Boys also won country awards.
  • Today in 1988, Randy Travis won four awards at the American Music Awards.
  • Today in 1989, the Judds’ “Heartland” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1989, Kathy Mattea was in the top-10 with “Life As We Knew It.”
  • Today in 1991, Emmylou Harris became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1992, Sawyer Brown was #1 on the charts with “The Dirt Road.”
  • Today in 1993, Brooks & Dunn released their single “Hard Workin’ Man.”
  • Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney released his album “Be As You Are (Songs From An Old Blue Chair)”
  • Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “Time Well Wasted” became a platinum album.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood collected a gold award for her song, “Jesus, Take The Wheel.”
  • Today in 2008, The CMT reality show “Gone Country” hosted by John Rich debuted, featuring Bobby Brown, Carnie Wilson, Enrique Iglesias Jr. and Twisted Sister singer Dee Snider.
  • Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemmann’s “Lover Lover” played on the radio for the first time.
  • Today in 2014, Luke Bryan played a sold-out concert at Madison Square Garden. He sung “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Drunk On You,” and “Drink a Beer.” Lee Brice and Cole Swindell opened.
  • Today in 2015, Jo Dee Messina performed the national anthem before the NHL All-Star Game at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. Team Toews defeated Team Foligno, 17-12.
  • Today in 2016, Randy Houser’s “Goodnight Kiss” was certified gold by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, former Western Michigan University baseball player Frankie Ballard delivers the keynote speech as the Broncos hold their annual Leadoff Dinner at the Cityscape Event Center in Kalamazoo
  • Today in 2018, the Bellamy Brothers were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in Tallahassee.

CMT Unveils 2022 Next Women Of Country Class

Posted on by Bob Ballard

CMT has revealed their 2022 Next Women of Country campaign, which aims to support up and coming female artists.

This year’s class is made up of 10 female artists, including Amythyst Kiah, Callista Clark, Camille Parker, Jenna Paulette, Julia Cole, former “American Idol” contestant Laci Kaye Booth, Lily Rose, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks and Morgan Wade.

CMT launched the Next Women of Country campaign in 2013, with several of the artists going on to do big things. Past classes have included Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Caylee Hammack, Gabby Barrett, Brittney Spencer, Brandy Clark and more.

Source: CMT

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1953, Hank William’s “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” was #1 on the charts, several weeks after his death.
  • Today in 1981, Dolly Parton’s “9 To 5” reached the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1994, George Strait’s “Pure Country” becomes a triple-platinum album.
  • Today in 2003, as Joe Nichols sung “Brokenheartsville” at the Grand Ole Opry, a woman threw a green bra onto the stage. Supposedly, this makes history as the first time an undergarment has ever been thrown onto a stage during a performance.
  • Today in 2006, Josh Turner’s “Your Man” album was released.
  • Today in 2010, Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and George W. Bush all attended the NFC Championship Game at the Superdome in New Orleans. The Saints won in overtime against the Minnesota Vikings.
  • Today in 2015, Blake Shelton performed “Neon Light” and “Boys ‘Round Here” as the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” but he was also the host!

Taylor Swift Named First-Ever Record Store Day Global Ambassador

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift has been named the first-ever Global Ambassador for Record Store Day, which this year is celebrating its 15th anniversary on April 23rd. As part of the gig she’ll release a “special” RSD 2022 vinyl.

“I’m very proud to be this year’s Ambassador for Record Store Day,” Taylor shares. “The places where we go to browse and explore and discover music new and old have always been sacred to me.”  She adds, “Record stores are so important because they help to perpetuate and foster music-loving as a passion. They create settings for live events. They employ people who adore music thoroughly and purely.”

Finally, she notes, “We need to support these small businesses more now than ever to make sure they can stay alive, stay eccentric, and stay individual.”

Source: Record Store Day

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1950, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1957, Patsy Cline got her first big break when she performed on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” She sang her classic, “Walking After Midnight,” and was signed to a recording contract by Decca Records a few weeks later. “Walking After Midnight” went on to become her first hit.
  • Today in 1970, ABC-TV presented “The Johnny Cash Show” in prime time. Previously, the show had been a summer replacement.
  • Today in 1983, the “Strong Stuff” album by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
  • Today in 1985, “Waylon & Willie” album was certified double-platinum along with “Wanted: The Outlaw,” featuring Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.
  • Today in 1987, Dwight Yoakam’s album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1987, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins were among the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell’s “She’s Crazy For Leaving” landed #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1994, Clay Walker hit #1 on the country charts with the single, “Live Until I Die.”
  • Today in 1996, Wynonna married the father of her children, Arch Kelley, in a Nashville church. The couple has since divorced.
  • Today in 1997, “Colonel” Tom Parker – Elvis Presley’s manager who was credited with turning the singer into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – died the day after suffering a stroke. He was 87.
  • Today in 2000, ten weeks after having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, drummer Brian Prout was back performing live with Diamond Rio at Sam’s Town in Robinsville, Mississippi.
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s single, “Breathe,” topped the “Billboard” Country Singles chart for the sixth consecutive week.
  • Today in 2000, Garth Brooks’ album sales totaled an astounding 99-million.
  • Today in 2006, “Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood landed #1 in Billboard and remained for six weeks.
  • Today in 2013, during an inaugural concert for President Barack Obama at the Washington Convention Center, Brad Paisley performed “American Saturday Night.” Along with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and Jamie Foxx, who sang “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
  • Today in 2017, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by her sister, Loretta Lynn.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “LEROY”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Leroy”. Leroy is a 1 year old Domestic Shorthair/Mix orange tabby cat. Leroy is an affectionate fellow who loves to sit on your lap and get plenty of pets. He gets along well with other cats, he’s fully vetted, and would love to meet you!

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

Kenny Chesney Sells Music Catalog

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Kenny Chesney is the latest artist to sell his music catalog. The singer has sold 80% of his recorded music royalties to Hipgnosis Song Management.

There’s no word on how much Kenny made in the deal, but it includes all 22 Kenny albums, including 15 that have been certified platinum.

“To know that this music has a home that views the work as a collective body, something that builds on itself and captures the heart of No Shoes Nation, was important to me,” Kenny shares. “For the people who love these songs and albums, this is a scenario that allows the music to grow and reflect who those of us living inside these songs truly are.”

Source: Variety

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1971, Jerry Lee Lewis makes his Grand Ole Opry debut – and broke two promises: that he wouldn’t sing rock & roll, and wouldn’t swear. The set list included “Another Place, Another Time,” “Johnny B. Goode,” “Great Balls Of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On.”
  • Today in 1989, George Bush’s inauguration was all kinds of country. Performing for the occasion were: The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, Moe Bandy, Steve Wariner, Lee Greenwood, Randy Travis and Loretta Lynn.
  • Today in 1995, Wynonna’s self-titled solo debut album was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 1995, Reba McEntire topped the country charts with “‘Til You Loved Me.
  • Today in 1997, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lonestar, Trisha Yearwood and Kim Richey were among the performers at Bill Clinton’s inaugural celebration, which includes 14 different receptions. Vice President Al Gore and wife Tipper danced to the “Tennessee Waltz.”
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released the home video version of his concert in Central Park.
  • Today in 2001, Sara Evans soared to #1 in Billboard with “Born To Fly.”
  • Today in 2005, Keith Urban and John Fogerty taped an episode of “CMT Crossroads” together at Union Station in Los Angeles. In addition to Urban’s hits “You’ll Think Of Me,” “Somebody Like You” and “Days Go By,” they also worked up a version of “Blue Suede Shoes.”
  • Today in 2009, Faith Hill performed “If My Heart Had Wings” at the Washington Convention Center during ABC’s “The Neighborhood Ball: An Inauguration Celebration.” Also appearing: Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Sting, Alicia Keys and Stevie Wonder.
  • Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The San Francisco 49ers advance to the Super Bowl with a 28-24 win against the Falcons.
  • Today in 2015, Lady A and Pat Green performed during the inaugural ball for governor Greg Abbott in Austin, Texas.
  • Today in 2016, Justin Moore made a surprise appearance at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville, buying a round of drinks for the bar and performing “You Look Like I Need A Drink.”
  • Today in 2017, “Take Your Time” songwriter Shane McAnally married Michael Baum in Nashville with mayor Megan Barry officiating.
  • Today in 2017, Big & Rich played an RIAA inaugural ball with Cowboy Troy at the 930 Club in Washington, D.C., with funds going to Musicians On Call.
  • Today in 2018, Dolly Parton received two MidSouth Emmy awards at the Music City Center in Nashville, including one for the Smoky Mountains Rising telethon.
  • Today in 2019, no joke – Kris Kristofferson welcomed Marilyn Manson on stage with Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings and actor Dennis Quaid to perform “Why Me” during Kristofferson’s concert at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Kristofferson, Tucker and Quaid closed the show with “Please Don’t Tell Me How The Story Ends.”
  • Today in 2021, Tyler Hubbard and Tim McGraw sang “Undivided” as multiple TV networks air the inaugural special “Celebrating America.” Helping usher in Joe Biden’s administration are Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Foo Fighters, Justin Timberlake and John Legend.
  • Today in 2021, Garth Brooks performed “Amazing Grace” following Joe Biden’s inaugural speech at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. Lady Gaga delivered the national anthem, and Jennifer Lopez offers a mashup of “This Land Is Your Land” and “America, The Beautiful.”

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