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DOLLY PARTON TO GET COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME EXHIBIT

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The Country Music Hall of Fame has announced a new exhibition, “Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker.” The exhibit will concentrate on turning points in Dolly’s over 60-year career, including points where she overcame obstacles and ignored naysayers to become the entertainer the entire world knows on a first-name basis. The exhibit will include clothing, awards, handwritten lyrics, instruments, photographs, exclusive interview footage and more. On Instagram, Parton said, “Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me. This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.” The exhibit will be open from May 20th until September 2026.

 

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
  • Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
  • Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
  • Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
  • Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
  • Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
  • Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
  • Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26th in Salem, Virginia.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
  • Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
  • Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
  • Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21st.
  • Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC LAUNCHES NEW VIDEO SERIES, “ACM HOST HIGHLIGHTS”

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The Academy of Country Music is paving the way towards the 60th annual version of its awards with a new video series. “ACM Host Highlights”  is a new series of short videos where country artists look back at the memories they created while hosting the ACM Awards. The first three videos feature Keith Urban, Lorrie Morgan and Brooks & Dunn. The 60th Annual ACM Awards airs on Prime Video on Thursday, May 8th at 8 pm EDT/5 pm PDT from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1961, Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” entered the country charts.
  • Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold.
  • Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous Last Words Of A Fool.”
  • Today in 1990, Tanya Tucker’s “Tennessee Woman” album was released.
  • Today in 1991, the album, “Something In Red,” by Lorrie Morgan was released.
  • Today in 1991, Patty Loveless earned her first gold album certification for “Honky Tonk Angel.”
  • Today in 1992, Pam Tillis’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1997, songwriter Mae Boren Axton died at the age of 82. She co-wrote the Elvis Presley classic, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
  • Today in 1998, Tammy Wynette’s funeral was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Stars including Wynonna, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys all performed musical tributes. Before that very public service, there was a private service earlier in the day attended by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and George Jones.
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill kicked off the first leg of her “This Kiss” tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was her first tour as a solo headliner.
  • Today in 2001, former BlackHawk member Van Stephenson died at his Nashville home at the age of 47 following a valiant fight against skin cancer.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “My List,” topped the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2002, Tommy Shane Steiner’s debut album, “Then Came The Night,” and Chris LeDoux’s “After The Storm” project arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, folks at “InStyle” magazine told us that their April 2001 edition, which featured Faith Hill on the cover, was their #1 seller that year. As a matter of fact, her issue trounced cover girls Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson.
  • Today in 2005, Anna Nicole Smith appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. She flashed what appeared to some fans to be her breasts, though Opry officials insisted she was wearing a nude bra. She also met Joe Nichols, who ironically sang at her 2007 funeral.
  • Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts and Loretta Lynn were celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville. Also recognized were non-country acts Jars Of Clay and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
  • Today in 2012, Keith Urban’s “For You,” from the movie “Act of Valor” was released to radio.
  • Today in 2013, Brad Paisley’s album, “Wheelhouse,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and David Foster play the 22nd annual Celebrity Fight Night benefit in Phoenix, hosted by Reba McEntire. The event marks the last public appearance by boxer Muhammad Ali, who dies two months later.
  • Today in 2016, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith sang “Silver Wings” during the funeral for Merle Haggard at his ranch in Palo Cedro, California. Kris Kristofferson performed”Sing Me Back Home,” and Haggard’s sons – Marty, Noel and Ben Haggard – deliver “Today I Started Loving You Again.” A year later on the same day? Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, was on hand as his childhood home, opened for public viewing in Bakersfield. It had been built from a converted boxcar.
  • Today in 2018, Walker Hayes scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “You Broke Up With Me.”
  • Today in 2018, Sugarland sang “Stuck Like Glue” with contestant Layla Spring and “Stay” with Gabby Barrett on ABC’s telecast of “American Idol” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.

LITTLE BIG TOWN REVEALS SUMMER 2025 TOUR

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Little Big Town is taking to the road this summer, and they just revealed where they’ll be landing. “Summer Tour 25” is a 24-city run, and depending on which city you see them in, Wynonna, Russell Dickerson, Ashley McBryde, Shelby Lynne, Carter Faith, and Carly Pearce will be opening. The tour kicks off July 24th in Rogers, Arkansas, hitting St, Louis, Syracuse, Toronto and more before wrapping things up September 13th in Charlotte, North Carolina. Check out the first ten dates below, visit the Little Big Town website for more info, and see the tour announcement to the right.

  • July 24 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP with Carly Pearce & Carter Faith
  • July 25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater with Carly Pearce & Carter Faith
  • July 26 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre with Carly Pearce & Carter Faith
  • July 31 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC with Wynonna Judd & Shelby Lynne
  • Aug 1 – Syracuse, NY – Empower FCU Amphitheater at Lakeview with Wynonna Judd & Shelby Lynne
  • Aug 2 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater with Wynonna Judd & Shelby Lynne
  • Aug 7 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion with Wynonna Judd & Shelby Lynne
  • Aug 8 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center with Carly Pearce & Carter Faith
  • Aug 9 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theatre with Carly Pearce & Carter Faith
  • Aug 14 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage with Wynonna Judd & Shelby Lynne

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard.
  • Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers portrayed Brady Hawkes for the first time when CBS aired a TV movie based around his signature hit, “The Gambler.”
  • Today in 1985, George Strait’s album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” was certified Gold.
  • Today in 1988, Rodney Crowell’s “Diamonds & Dirt” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1989, Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger To The Rain” reached #1 in Billboard. One month and one day later, he was dead of alcohol poisoning.
  • Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s “RVS 3” album was certified Platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Shooting Straight in The Dark,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, Lee Roy Parnell hit number one with the single “I’m Holding My Own.”
  • Today in 1996, Aaron Tippin’s “Tool Box” album was certified Gold.
  • Today in 1997, Alabama released “Dancin’ On the Boulevard,” Clay Walker released “Rumor Has It,” and Wynonna released her greatest hits album, “Collection.”
  • Today in 1999, it was revealed that Faith Hill would not only become a spokesmodel for Cover Girl cosmetics, she was also confirmed as a performer on the 1999 VH1 “Divas Live” concert.
  • Today in 2004, Tracy Lawrence’s album “Strong” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number two, behind Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.” Kenny’s album was marking its eighth week at number one.
  • Today in 2004, Rhett Atkins, Chad Brock and Daryle Singletary sang “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at the first San Diego Padres game in their Petco Park stadium. The Padres beat San Francisco, 4-3.
  • Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts began a four-week stay at #1 in Billboard with “What Hurts The Most.”
  • Today in 2008, Kenny Chesney previewed his “Poets & Pirates” show before a small group of invited guests in Nashville.
  • Today in 2008, Emerson Drive and Neal McCoy took part in opening day baseball games. Emerson Drive sang the national anthem for the Kansas City Royal’s home opener, and also performed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. Neal McCoy performed the anthem for the Texas Rangers first game of the season in Arlington, Texas.
  • Today in 2008, Clint Black displayed his skills as a stand-up comedian on the season premiere of CBS’ “Secret Talents of the Stars.” Meanwhile, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry served as coaches for actor George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu on the original “Star Trek,” as he competed on the show as a country singer.
  • Today in 2008, James Otto’s “Sunset Man” was released. The album was the last to be issued by the Muzik Mafia’s Raybaw Records. Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich were among those who ran the now-defunct label. Other new material hitting stores included Jeff Bates and Jypsi’s self-titled albums and Trisha Yearwood’s cookbook, “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen.”
  • Today in 2009, Charlie Daniels received the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award from officials at Middle Tennessee State University at a special luncheon at the school. MTSU presents the award to honor people whose work in government, education, or charitable efforts serves as an example of the American spirit in action.
  • Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler made a guest appearance on “American Idol,” and performed “Best Days Of Your Life.”
  • Today in 2010, Mark Chesnutt began a tour of U.S. bases in South Korea with a show at Camp Casey. His trek included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone, which is the area that separates North and South Korea. The singer traveled to Asia with the Tennessee National Guard.
  • Today in 2011, Zac Brown Band launched their inaugural Southern Ground Music and Food Festival. The three-day event took place at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.
  • Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum made their Australian concert debut, opening for Keith Urban in Adelaide.
  • Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood made her film-acting debut as a church counselor for a youth group in the Beth Hamilton biopic, “Soul Surfer.”
  • Today in 2013, CBS filmed “ACM Presents: Time McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night” at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Included in the lineup: His wife, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, and Taylor Swift.
  • Today in 2016, Zac Brown was in the room, but not arrested when two others are booked for cocaine possession in a West Palm Beach, Florida, hotel. After it’s reported by TMZ, Brown issues a statement chalking it up to a case of poor judgment and hanging out with the wrong people.
  • Today in 2017, Cassadee Pope performed her first USO concert Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
  • Today in 2018, Collin Raye performed “Amazing Grace” as 900 butterflies were released at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden to honor more than 50 people who were killed at the Route 91 festival the previous October.
  • Today in 2020, Lady A covered “Islands In The Stream” to kick off “CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares.” Other performers in the special included Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Jennifer Nettles, Randy Houser, Lionel Richie and Rascal Flatts, who deliver “Through The Years.”
  • Today in 2021, J. Thomas underwent the first of eight chemotherapy treatments at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He ultimately lost his battle with lung cancer the following May at his home in Texas.
  • Today in 2021, Margo Price and Annie Nelson were publicly announced as new members of the Farm Aid Board of Directors.
  • Today in 2021, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams began selling a Dolly Parton flavor, strawberry pretzel pie.
  • Today in 2021, Jimmie Allen was named New Male Artist of the Year and Gabby Barrett was tapped as New Female at the 56th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.

RONNIE DUNN TRIES TO POWER THROUGH CONCERT WHILE ILL, ALMOST MAKES THE FINISH LINE

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Ronnie Dunn is a pro, doing it for over 40 years, and he tried to power through a Brooks & Dunn concert for the fans Friday night. But because he’s a pro, he knew he had to wave the white flag. Fans knew something was up with the singer…as he was struggling to hit some notes and seemed “winded” at times. But Dunn soldiered on, until halfway through the encore (“Boot Scootin’ Boogie”) when he finally had to call it quits. He signaled to his guitar player that he was done, gesturing to the crowd before walking off the stage. When you’re a touring musician, there’s not much time to really recuperate. Last month B&D played the Houston Rodeo and Ronnie admitted at the time he was still recovering from both COVID-19 and strep throat. Despite all this, Brooks & Dunn reportedly played Saturday night’s show in Peoria, Illinois with no issues.

@maloneradio Feel better, Ronnie!!! Thanks for giving us all you could!! #brooksanddunn #concert #country #countrymusic ♬ original sound – Matt Malone

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1956, Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 1959, Marty Robbins recorded “El Paso” and “Big Iron” in at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio in Nashville.
  • Today in 1990, Farm Aid IV was held at the Indiana Hoosierdome. Performers included Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Kris Kristofferson, John Mellencamp, Guns N’ Roses and Jackson Browne. Elton John dedicated the song “Candle in the Wind” to AIDS patient Ryan White during the show. White died later that night.
  • Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s single, “You’re Still The One,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, Shania Twain became the first country female to have two albums reach the high mark for her “Come On Over” album, which was recognized for shipments of 10 million copies.
  • Today in 2003, Toby Keith won three awards at the second annual CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
  • Today in 2009, Jason Aldean’s album, “Wide Open,” was released.
  • Today in 2012, while performing “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You” during a concert in Vero Beach, Florida, Jake Owen proposed to then-girlfriend, Lacey Buchanan. She said yes – and the couple exchanged vows a month later…on May 7th, 2012.
  • Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert won trophies in three categories for the 48th annual Academy of Country Music awards, aired by CBS in Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Her titles include: Female Vocalist of the Year and “Over You” took Single Record and Song of the Year.
  • Today in 2015, Thomas Rhett’s “Crash And Burn” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood performed “Something In The Water” at the close of FOX’s “American Idol.” Scotty McCreery, Kellie Pickler, Lauren Alaina, Kelly Clarkson, Danny Gokey, Casey James and Bucky Covington were among the guests on the last edition of the show, where Keith Urban sat on the judges panel.
  • Today in 2017, “If Not For You,” the debut solo album by the late Joey Feek, ws released – it had been recorded in 2005.
  • Today in 2017, Ben Speer – a member of Gospel Music Hall of Fame group The Speer Family, died in Nashville. He also sang background on the Elvis Presley hits “Heartbreak Hotel,” “I Was The One” and “I Want You, I Need You, I Love You.”
  • Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill launched their Soul2Soul 2017 Tour at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and Matthew McConaughey among the famous folks in the house.
  • Today in 2017, the Patsy Cline Museum opened in downtown Nashville.
  • Today in 2019, Dan + Shay claimed three trophies during the 54th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, aired by CBS from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They took Vocal Duo of the Year, while “Tequila” earned Single and Song of the Year.
  • Today in 2020, John Prine died of complications from COVID-19 at Nashville’s Vanderbilt Medical Center. A 2019 inductee in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, he earned a Top 5 country album with “The Tree Of Forgiveness” and wrote Don Williams’ “Love Is On A Roll” and George Strait’s “I Just Want To Dance With You.”
  • Today in 2020, “Me And Patsy Kickin’ Up Dust: My Friendship With Patsy Cline,” authored by Loretta Lynn and her daughter, Patsy Lynn Russell, was released.

“American Idol” To Do A Special 3-Hour Easter Special With Some Big Country Stars

Posted on by Bob Ballard

For the first time ever, “American Idol” will be doing a three-hour Easter special, with a faith-based theme and a strong country presence. The special “Songs of Faith” episode will center on the holiday, with performances from “American Idol” judges Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood (as well as Lionel Richie), “Artist In Residence” Jelly Roll, contemporary Christian singer Brandon Lake, gospel legend CeCe Winans and more. The episode airs Easter Sunday, April 20th, starting at 8PM Eastern on ABC.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1959, Bill Anderson made his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
  • Today in 1985, the album, “Why Not Me,” by the Judds was certified gold.
  • Today in 1987, George Strait scored his 10th #1 hit with “Ocean Front Property.”
  • Today in 1989, Alabama’s “Southern Star” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, the Judds’ album, “River Of Time,” was released.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut single “Achy Breaky Heart” made its first appearance on the charts.
  • Today in 1996, the Mavericks’ album, “Music For All Occasions,” went gold.
  • Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood hit #1 in Billboard with “A Perfect Love.”
  • Today in 2000, the home video and DVD versions of the animated TNN movie, “Tom Sawyer,” were released with the soundtrack. The film featured celebrity voices galore with the talents of Rhett Akins, Lee Ann Womack, Mark Wills, Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr. and more. For each video sold, MGM donates a percentage of the profits to St. Jude Children’s Research program.
  • Today in 2000, SHeDAISY made their television debut on “Live! with Regis & Kathie Lee” singing “This Woman Needs,” while Jessica Andrews guested on “Donny & Marie” with the single, “Unbreakable Heart.”
  • Today in 2000, the Wilkinsons’ album, “Here and Now” and BR5-49’s “Coast To Coast” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ single, “Goodbye Earl,” was certified gold. On the same day, their debut album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was certified for sales of 9-million. The project has since been certified for multi-platinum sales of 11-million.
  • Today in 2002, Jo Dee Messina celebrated the #1 success of her single, “Bring On The Rain,” during a party on Nashville’s Music Row for songwriters Billy Montana and Helen Darling.
  • Today in 2004, Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” tops the list as CMT presents “100 Greatest Music ”
  • Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts’ album, “Me And My Gang,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood performed “See You Again” on FOX’s “American Idol.” Casey James was also a musical guest on the show, featuring Keith Urban as a judge.
  • Today in 2014, “My Eyes,” by Blake Shelton featuring Gwen Sebastian was released to radio.
  • Today in 2016, retired NFL quarterback Peyton Manning surprised folks at Nashville’s Winners Bar & Grill and sang “Rocky Top” with Lee Brice and Shay Mooney, of Dan + Shay.
  • Today in 2017, Darryl Worley, Josh Thompson and Halfway To Hazard performed at a benefit for Nashville musician Smith Curry at the Tin Roof. The bill also included Zac Brown co-writers Sonia Leigh, Wyatt Durrette and Levi Lowery.
  • Today in 2019, Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly broke ground on their “Free Grocery Store” in Nashville.

 

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