Luke Bryan’s ‘Crash My Playa’ Festival Kicks Off Today

Posted on January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Luke Bryan is ready to party in Mexico. The singer’s “Crash My Playa” festival kicks off today, with a lineup that includes headliners Luke, Jason Aldean and Dustin Lynch.

The four-day fest, in Riviera Cancun, Mexico, also features Jimmie Allen, Jameson Rodgers, Riley Green, Caitlyn Smith and more, with Jordan Davis stepping in for previously announced performer Ashley McBryde, who is no longer able to make it to Mexico.

There will be music at pool parties as well as on the beach stage, with a special Luke & Friends performance on Saturday, featuring Luke, Darius Rucker, Jordan and more.

“Crash My Playa is the most enjoyable things I’ve ever done in my career,” Luke shares. “To get to go mid- to late January down in Mexico, get a good suntan on and go sing your music and just have a big onstage party.”

Source: Luke Bryan

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 19, 2022January 19, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1974, Tom T. Hall tops the Billboard country singles list with his own list of favorite things, “I Love.”
Today in 1990, Reba McEntire’s first movie, the sci-fi picture “Tremors,” debuts, with Kevin Bacon in the leading role.
Today in 1993, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Come On Come On,” went platinum.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood sang “Believe Me Baby (I Lied)” at the Arkansas Inaugural Ball in Washington, with an all-star band that included Bruce Hornsby, Sheryl Crow and former Doobie Brother Michael McDonald.
Today in 1996, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” hit #1 on the country charts.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood duetted with Kenny Rogers at “The 53^rd Presidential Inaugural Gala” marking Bill Clinton’s second term of office. Other performers included Aretha Franklin, James Taylor and Stevie Wonder.
Today in 1998, the legendary Carl Perkins died of a stroke at the age of 65. Attendees at his funeral included Garth Brooks, Wynonna, Ricky Skaggs and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Today in 2003, Kenny Rogers and Trisha Yearwood perform in “The Presidential Inaugural Gala” a day before Bill Clinton takes office. Others on the bill include Fleetwood Mac, Barbra Streisand, Michael Jackson, Chuck Berry and Elton John.
Today in 2005, on the eve of George W. Bush’s inauguration, Lee Greenwood, Kenny Chesney, The Gatlins, Sara Evans, Clay Walker, Lyle Lovett, Asleep At The Wheel, Robert Earl Keen, The Derailers and Neal McCoy perform at related events in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2010, Shania Twain was featured as a guest judge on FOX-TV’s “American Idol” during the season’s third episode.
Today in 2011, Jason Aldean earned a gold single for “My Kinda Party.”
Today in 2012, Eric Church kicked off his first arena headlining tour in Fort Smith, Arkansas, with opening acts Brantley Gilbert, Sonia Leigh and The Cadillac Black, a band that includes “You Gonna Fly” songwriter Jaren Johnston.
Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s “Humble And Kind” single hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed “American Soldier,” “Made In America,” “Beer For My Horses” and “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., during an inaugural concert for president-elect Donald Trump. Lee Greenwood does “God Bless The U.S.A.” with Tim Rushlow, Richie McDonald and Larry Stewart.
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan made a surprise appearance to perform during Tennessee governor Bill Lee’s inaugural ball at the Music City Center in Nashville.
Today in 2019, Mike Fisher announced that he and wifey Carrie Underwood had taken in a dog – whom their son promptly named Zero.

Trisha Yearwood Raises $24K For #BettyWhiteChallenge In 15 Minutes

Posted on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Trisha Yearwood was holding a virtual fundraiser in connection with #BettyWhiteChallenge, and she raised a lot of dough.

The singer reached out to her fans via TalkShopLive to support the challenge, which asked folks to contribute animal rescue organizations across the country.

Trisha was matching donations up to $10,000 but she brought in much more than that. In just 15 minutes, she raised $24,000 (not including her matching) for an animal charity called Dottie’s Yard, and it’s possible more came in once the webcast was finished.

Source: TMZ

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 18, 2022January 18, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1986, Dan Seals’ nostalgic “Bop” goes to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2001, inaugural celebrations for president George W. Bush in Washington, D.C., included performances by Lorrie Morgan, Sammy Kershaw, Lee Ann Womack and Brooks & Dunn, who sang “Only In America.”
Today in 2006, Keith Urban’s “Be Here” album went triple-platinum.
Today in 2007, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby taped a new edition of “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville. The set list included “Mandolin Rain” and “Don’t Get Above Your Raising.” They were also joined by John Anderson for a surprise rendition of “Super Freak.”
Today in 2009, Garth Brooks sang “We Shall Be Free” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during an inaugural event for Barack Obama. Also appearing: James Taylor, Jennifer Nettles, Bono, Bruce Springsteen, Jon Bon Jovi and Sheryl Crow.
Today in 2013, George Strait launched the “Cowboy Rides Away Tour,” his last official concert trek, at the United Spirit Arena in Lubbock, Texas, with opener Martina McBride. Strait’s set included “Here For A Good Time,” “The Chair” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”
Today in 2014, Jerrod Niemann joined The Oak Ridge Boys on “Elvira” during a benefit concert for the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Journey keyboard player Jonathan Cain also took part in the event, which raised $200,000.
Today in 2016, Glenn Frey died in New York with multiple ailments, including colitis. He was 67.
Today in 2017, Blake Shelton’s album, “If I’m Honest,” became the first country title in history to win Favorite Album in the People’s Choice Awards. Shelton also claimed Favorite Male Country Artist, and “The Voice” is named Favorite Competition TV Show. Carrie Underwood was Favorite Country Female; Little Big Town takes Favorite Country Group.
Today in 2018, Midland’s single, “Drinkin’ Problem,” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, with the American government in partial shutdown, John Prine provided lunch at the Nashville Airport for Transportation Safety Administration employees who have been forced to work without receiving paychecks.
Today in 2019, Cody Johnson’s album, “Ain’t Nothin’ To It,” was released.
Today in 2021, Kane Brown performed “Stand By Me” for the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville.
Today in 2021, Gabby Barrett and husband Cade Foehner welcome a daughter, Baylah May Foehner.

Blake Shelton Among Top 10 Highest Paid Musicians Of 2021

Posted on January 17, 2022January 17, 2022 by Bob Ballard

“Rolling Stone” is out with their list of the “10 Highest Paid Musicians” of 2021 with Blake Shelton representing country music.

Blake lands at nine with $83 million, just ahead of one-time country star Taylor Swift, the only female on the list, with $80 million in earnings.

Overall, Bruce Springsteen tops the list with earnigs of $550 million, followed by Jay-Z, with $470 million, Paul Simon at three with $260 mil, Kanye West at four with $250 mil and Ryan Tedder at five with $200 mil.

Top 10 Highest Paid Musicians Of 2021

Bruce Springsteen: $550 million
Jay-Z: $470 million
Paul Simon: $260 million
Kanye West: $250 million
Ryan Tedder: $200 million
Red Hot Chili Peppers: $145 million
Lindsey Buckingham: $100 million
Motley Crue: $95 million
Blake Shelton: $83 million
Taylor Swift: $80 million

Source: Rolling Stone

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 17, 2022January 17, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1972, a section of Memphis’ Highway 51 South was renamed Elvis Presley Boulevard. The road passes in front of Graceland.
Today in 1973, Epic released Charlie Rich’s “Behind Closed Doors”
Today in 1976, “Country Boy (You Got Your Feet In L.A.)” by Glen Campbell peaked at #11 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love A Rainy Night” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “No Holdin’ Back” album went platinum.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ first TV special, “This Is Garth Brooks,” aired on NBC.
Today in 1992, Doug Stone hit #1 with “A Jukebox With A Country Song.”
Today in 1995, the single, “Whose Bed Have Your Boots Been Under” by Shania Twain was released.
Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn were #1 on the charts with the single, “He’s Got You.”
Today in 1998, Tim McGraw’s “Just To See You Smile” begun a six-week residency at the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks was named Artist of the Decade for the ’90s during the American Music Awards at Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium. He also won trophies for Favorite Male Country Artist and Favorite Country Album, for “Sevens.” Shania Twain received two.
Today in 2001, According to the Zogby America poll, which asked over 1000 people what their “favorite musical genre” was, Americans said that they preferred country music over rock, classical or rap. In the South specifically, 23% of respondents chose country as their favorite type of music, compared with 29% in the Central/Great Lakes region. Overall, country music took the prize nationally with 22% of those polled saying they preferred to get “countrified.”
Today in 2006, Sugarland posted a message on its website announcing Kristen Hall leaving the trio to concentrate on songwriting.
Today in 2010, Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett won Best Original Song, for “The Weary Kind (Theme From Crazy Heart),” in the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
Today in 2013, following her win on NBC’s “The Voice,” Cassadee Pope finally got signed to a recording contract – with Republic Nashville.
Today in 2015, Jason Aldean and Brittany Kerr had an engagement party at Citizen in Nashville. Guests included Luke Bryan and Eric Church.
Today in 2017, “What Ifs,” by Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina was released.
Today in 2017, Alabama performed for 200 diplomats in Washington, D.C., during the Chairman’s Global Dinner two days prior to the inauguration of Donald Trump.
Today in 2017, the Eli Young Band’s tour bus went up in flames outside of Topeka, Kansas. Fortunately, the band wasn’t aboard at the time – and while the bus driver got out safely, he did save one guitar.
Today in 2018, Dierks Bentley’s “Woman, Amen” hit the airwaves.

Thomas Rhett Dropping New Album In April

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

Thomas Rhett is ready to drop a new record. The singer just announced he’ll release the new album “Where We Started” on April 1^st.

Thomas first shared news of “Where We Started” back in November, letting fans know it would be coming before his promised “Country Again: Side B,” which is also expected this yer.

“Where We Started” features 15 new songs, including his latest single “Slow Down Summer,” and two just released tunes, “Angels” and “Church Boots.”

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1976, Glen Campbell and “Rhinestone Cowboy” scored four GRAMMY nominations, including Record of the Year.
Today in 1986, Reba McEntire joined the Grand Ole Opry during a CBS special celebrating the Opry’s 60^th Hank Snow boycotted the special when producers limited him to one verse of “I’m Moving On.”
Today in 1988, the “Trio” album, by Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris, received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Album.
Today in 1995, Tim McGraw’s single, “Not A Moment Too Soon,” claimed the #1 position on the Billboard country chart
Today in 2000, Deana Carter’s “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” hit the 5-million mark.
Today in 2006, “She Let Herself Go” went to #1 on the Billboard country chart for George Strait.
Today in 2009, Billy Currington earned a gold single for the Luke Bryan-penned “Good Directions.”
Today in 2010, Mindy McCready suffered a seizure on camera at the close of the season’s second episode of “Celebrity Rehab” on VH1.
Today in 2013, Parmalee’s “Carolina” was released.
Today in 2017, Tucker Beathard made his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson was the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 2018, Dan + Shay performed during halftime of an NFL playoff game at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. Among their songs, “Nothin’ Like You,” “From The Ground Up” and “How Not To.” In the end, the Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Steelers, 45-42.
Today in 2018, Dierks Bentley threw a grand-opening party for his Whiskey Row venue in Nashville. Among his famous friends celebrating with him? Thomas Rhett, who performed “That Ain’t My Truck,” Maren Morris – who covered “Strawberry Wine” and Brothers Osborne, who rocked a rendition of “Chattahoochee.”
Today in 2020, officials in Hendersonville, Tennessee, voted to rename a portion of East Main Street as Conway Twitty Lane. The community was previously the home to his tourist attraction Twitty City.
Today in 2020, Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson’s single, “Pancho And Lefty,” was named a 2020 addition to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame, along with Patsy Cline’s “Walkin’ After Midnight,” The Stanley Brothers’ “I’m A Man Of Constant Sorrow,” The Chuck Wagon Gang’s “I’ll Fly Away” and Blind Alfred Reed’s “How Can A Poor Man Stand Such Times And Live.”

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

Posted on January 13, 2022January 13, 2022 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Lady”, a 2 year old Pit Bull mix. She’s energetic & a bit vocal when she first meets you, but calms down quickly. She gets along with cats, and her sweet disposition would make her a great companion! She’s vaccinated & fully vetted, and would love to meet you!

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

Miranda Lambert Drops Video For “If I Was A Cowboy”

Posted on January 13, 2022January 13, 2022 by Bob Ballard

Miranda Lambert just dropped the video for her latest single “If I Was A Cowboy,” and as you’d imagine has a decidedly country western theme.

It opens with Miranda riding through an old western town and then later she leads a group on horseback, hangs by a campfire and drinks whiskey a an old timey saloon.

“We shot this video in a little old town in Texas with real cowboys and you’ll see some cameos from a few of my favorite people,” she shares on Instagram, referring to appearances by her hubby Brendan McLoughlan and others.

Source: Miranda Lambert

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