- Today in 1969, Johnny Cash recorded his album “Johnny Cash At San Quentin,” including the song “A Boy Named Sue.” June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed with him.
- Today in 1976, the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which includes featured “Lyin’ Eyes” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1980, NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which was based on Jeannie C. Riley’s hit single.
- Today in 1982, at the GRAMMYs, “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton won both Best Country Song and Best Female Country Performance.
- Today in 1984, Sawyer Brown won “Star Search” and collected $100,000.
- Today in 1987, Reba McEntire won her first Grammy for “Whoever’s In New England.” Other winners at the 29th annual Grammy Awards included the Judds and Ronnie Milsap.
- Today in 1989, Rosanne Cash’s album “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” was released.
- Today in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce died.
- Today in 1993, at the GRAMMYs, Vince Gill won two awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country Song (shared with co-writer John Jarvis) for “I Still Believe in You.” Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, and Mary Stuart were also big winners.
- Today in 1995, George Strait was number one on the country charts with “You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody.”
- Today in 2001, “But For The Grace Of God” earned Keith Urban his first #1 single in Billboard.
- Today in 2002, Martina McBride, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Willie Nelson performed “Bridge over Troubled Water” on the closing night of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
- Today in 2004, the DVDs “The Best of Tracy Byrd” and “The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2004, Garth Brooks arrived in Surprise, Arizona to participate in spring training exercises with the Kansas City Royals.
- Today in 2007, an episode of “CMT Crossroads” paired Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. They sang “Mandolin Rain,” “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” and “Super Freak.” John Anderson also made a guest appearance.
- Today in 2008, Vince Gill and Amy Grant performed for a White House State Dinner gathering of the governors of the 50 states. President Bush was also in attendance.
- Today in 2008, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines was among those attending the “InStyle” Oscar viewing party.
- Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the first of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
- Today in 2009, Vince Gill played the last of his three special shows as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence. The performances took place at the Museum’s intimate, 213-seat Ford Theater.
- Today in 2009, new releases included Jake Owen’s CD “Easy Does It,” along with “Volume 7” and “Volume 8” of the DVD series “The Best of the Flatt and Scruggs TV Show.”
- Today in 2010, Darius Rucker performed a special concert for men and women of the military at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s VA Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The show was in conjunction with Musicians On Call.
- Today in 2010, Trace Adkins received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian award at a Country Radio Seminar event in Nashville. The singer was recognized for his efforts in supporting the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the Animal Rescue Foundation, and various military and veterans organizations. In addition, the final installment of the Trace Adkins-inspired comic book series “Luke McBain” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2011, Gloriana was among the performers at “The Motown Sound: In Performance At The White House” concert.
- Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney, and Eli Young Band performed at the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show in Nashville. Thompson Square was expected to appear as well, but dropped out of the lineup following the death of Shawna Thompson’s father the day before the concert.
- Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band played the pre-race concert prior to the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
- Today in 2014, Loretta Lynn suffered minor burns on her fingers in her efforts to put out a small fire at her Hurricane Mills ranch in Tennessee.
- Today in 2014, Blake Shelton and Shakira sang “Boys ‘Round Here,” on the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice.” Contestants sang “Something More,” “Steamroller Blues,” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
- Today in 2017, Little Big Town launched a precedent-setting residency at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, playing the first of 10 2017 concerts at the historic venue. Sam Hunt was a surprise guest, performing “Body Like A Back Road,” and Chris Stapleton stopped by to deliver “Tennessee Whiskey.”
- Today in 2017, Tyler Farr headlined Keith Relief, a benefit concert staged by Blackhawks player Duncan Keith at Joe’s Bar in Chicago.
- Today in 2017, Darius Rucker played a bomb maker in a guest role on the CBS drama “Hawaii Five-0.”
- Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson was launched as a new celebrity spokesperson for Wayfair.
- Today in 2021, Bruce Springsteen plead guilty to drinking illegally in a park in November, though DWI charges are dropped when the prosecutor concedes a .02 blood alcohol level was well below the .08 legal limit. Springsteen’s recording of “Atlantic City” was hailed among country’s 500 greatest singles in a 2003 Country Music Foundation book.
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More Performers Announced For The ACM Awards
Posted on by Bob Ballard
A new round of performers have been added to next month’s ACM Awards.
The latest additions include the show’s hosts Dolly Parton, with Kelsea Ballerini, as well as Gabby Barrett and Jimmie Allen. The lineup also includes Brothers Osborne, Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Eric Church, Jason Aldean, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Brittney Spencer and Mitchell Tenpenny.
They join previously announced performers Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Parmalee and Blanco Brown featuring Brooke Eden, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and BRELAND.
The 57th Annual ACM Awards airs March 7th on Prime Video, live from Allegiant Stadium in Nashville.
Source: ACM
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1935, Gene Autry starred in the sci-fi western “The Phantom Empire,” which included his song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” His co-star was Smiley Burnette, and the plot was that Autry finds a lost race of people with laser guns living underneath his ranch.
- Today in 1957, Patsy Cline made her debut on the pop charts with “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
- Today in 1959, “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town” earned Johnny Cash a #1 country single in Billboard.
- Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers won the GRAMMY in the Best Male Country Vocal Performance category for “Lucille.”
- Today in 1979, Tanya Tucker’s “TNT” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1983, at the GRAMMYs, “Always On My Mind” won three awards: Song of the Year and Best Country Song for writers Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, and Best Country Vocal Performance Male for Willie Nelson.
- Today in 1985, “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” earned Mel McDaniel his one and only #1 single in Billboard.
- Today in 1988, the “Born To Boogie” album by Hank Williams Jr. was certified platinum.
- Today in 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to her son Shelby Stephen Blackstock.
- Today in 1993, the “Hard Workin’ Man” album by Brooks & Dunn was released.
- Today in 1996, George Strait’s “Strait Out of the Box” 4-CD set was certified for sales of three million copies, making it the best-selling country box set of all time.
- Today in 1996, Martina McBride’s album, “Wild Angels,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Alan Jackson hit #1 on the charts with “I’ll Try.”
- Today in 1999, Garth Brooks attended spring training camp with baseball team the San Diego Padres as a non-roster player. In lieu of salary, the Padres Foundation agreed to contribute to the Touch ‘Em All Foundation, a charity Brooks co-founded in collaboration with Major League Baseball players, entertainers and corporate partners.
- Today in 2000, Lonestar’s “Lonely Grill” album was certified double platinum.
- Today in 2000, at the GRAMMYs, The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain each won two awards. The Chicks got Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for “Ready To Run,” and “Fly” won Best Country Album.
- Today in 2002, LeeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet got married. The couple split in 2009 amidst the revelations of her affair with Eddie Cibrian – and were divorced in June 2010. She was engaged to Cibrian by December 2010 and they married in April 2011.
- Today in 2003, Alan Jackson won his very first GRAMMY. It was in the Best Country Song category for “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”
- Today in 2004, Brad Paisley was the celebrity monarch for the Krewe of Orpheus at the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.
- Today in 2009, Gloriana’s video, “Wild At Heart,” premiered.
- Today in 2012, Luke Bryan scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “I Don’t Want This Night To End.”
- Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2013, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires were married in Nashville.
- Today in 2013, Tim McGraw’s “Two Lanes Of Freedom” spent a week at the top of the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2018, Cole Swindell’s single, “Break Up In The End,” was released.
- Today in 2019, Steve Earle, Bob McDill, Christopher Cross and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons are inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.
- Today in 2019, Taylor Swift was a surprise performer for a fan’s engagement party.
- Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2020, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lee Roy Parnell, Walt Wilkins and Waylon Payne performed at Gruene Hall in Texas to raise money for Hal Ketchum’s medical expenses as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
- Today in 2021, Scotty McCreery posted a video showing his dip into a chilly backyard pool. His “polar plunge” in place raised more than $2,600 for Special Olympics.
- Today in 2021, Luke Combs’ single, “Forever After All,” hit the airwaves.
Sam Hunt’s Pregnant Wife Files For Divorce, Claiming Adultry
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Sam Hunt is going through some major personal drama. The singer’s wife Hannah Lee Fowler just filed for divorce claiming he cheated on her. What’s worse, the court documents reveal she is expecting their first child in May.
Legal docs state Sam is “guilty of inappropriate marital conduct,” and “guilty of adultery,” noting, “The husband is guilty of such cruel and inhuman treatment or conduct toward the spouse as renders cohabitation unsafe or improper.”
Hannah is asking for alimony, primary custody of their soon-to-be-born child and child support. She is also asking “the parties be awarded their respective separate property,” indicating that a prenup may be in place.
Sam and Hannah have been married since 2017. They’ve been together on and off for 14 years.
Source: TMZ
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1956, Elvis Presley opened for Little Jimmy Dickens. After the show, the future Byrd Gram Parsons, who was in the front row, went back stage to get Elvis’ autograph.
- Today in 1968, Johnny Cash proposed to June Carter during a tour performance.
- Today in 1969, before a nasty split, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs made their last appearance at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1988, George Strait’s “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’)” album was released.
- Today in 1989, at the GRAMMYs, K.T. Oslin’s “Hold Me” won both Best Country Song and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female.
- Today in 1992, Lee Roy Parnell released the single, “Tender Moment.”
- Today in 1993, the “Alibis” album by Tracy Lawrence was released.
- Today in 1993, Chris LeDoux’s album, “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Video Collection” was certified gold.
- Today in 1997, Paul Brandt married his wife, Elizabeth.
- Today in 1997, “A Man This Lonely” got Brooks & Dunn to the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1999, Brad Paisley released the single “Who Needs Pictures.”
- Today in 2000, Phil Vassar released his self-titled debut album.
- Today in 2003, “The Baby” earned Blake Shelton a #1 Billboard single.
- Today in 2007, a “CMT Crossroads” taping featured Reba McEntire and Kelly Clarkson singing “Because of You” and “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
- Today in 2012, as a surprise during a show, Lady Antebellum sang “Do I” with Luke Bryan and “A Little Bit Stronger” with Sara Evans.
- Today in 2015, Tim McGraw performed “I’m Not Gonna Miss You,” from the documentary, “Glen Campbell… I’ll Be Me,” during the Oscar Awards at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. In attendance were Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman.
- Today in 2017, Jon Pardi cleaned up with a gold single from the RIAA for “Dirt On My Boots.”
Jake Owen Drops New Song ‘Fishin’ On A River’
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Jake Owen is out with a new song. The singer just dropped the new tune “Fishin’ On a River,” which was written by David Fanning, Drew Parker and Cole Taylor.
“I knew I had to cut this song the moment I heard it,” Jake shares of the song. “When you first hear the title, you’d think it’s a good ole Country anthem about fishin’ with the boys,” noting, “Instead, it’s a love done gone, sway along track that most everyone can relate. Here’s to the brokenhearted chasing their blues away with Jack and Rye instead of bass and fishing line.”
The song is expected to be featured on Jake’s yet-to-be announced album.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1948, Little Jimmy Dickens performed “John Henry” and “I Dreamed Of An Old Love Affair” during his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1953, “Kaw-Liga” earned the late Hank Williams a #1 country single.
- Today in 1976, “Good Hearted Woman” by Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1996, Garth Brooks’ album “Fresh Horses” was certified gold, platinum, and triple-platinum.
- Today in 2001, at the GRAMMYs, Faith Hill’s “Breathe” album won Best Country Album, her title “Breathe” won Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and her collaboration with Tim McGraw, “Let’s Make Love,” won Best Country Collaboration.
- Today in 2004, Toby Keith hit the top of the Billboard chart with “American Soldier.”
- Today in 2009, Jason Aldean filmed the “Fly Over States” video at the Smyrna Airport in Tennessee.
- Today in 2015, Maddie & Tae’s “Fly” video premiered on CMT.
- Today in 2016, Florida Georgia Line performed during the Daytona 500 pre-race show at the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida. “Confession” is televised on FOX. The set also includes “Cruise,” “Anything Goes” and “This Is How We Roll.”
- Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett went gold with his single, “Vacation,” and earned a triple-platinum single from the RIAA for “Die A Happy Man.”
- Today in 2020, Garth Brooks and Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia hold a mentoring session with 100 student-athletes a day ahead of Brooks’ concert at Ford Field, encouraging them to pay attention to their mental health as they move into adulthood.
- Today in 2020, Tyler Childers earns his first gold single from the RIAA for “Feathered Indians.”
- Today in 2020, Dan + Shay’s Shay Mooney welcomed his son, Ames Alexander Mooney, with wife Hannah in Nashville.
- Today in 2020, Maddie & Tae’s Taylor Dye marries “Love Me Like You Mean It” songwriter Josh Kerr in Nashville.
Brantley Gilbert Grants Make-A-Wish To 11-Year-Old following Heart Transplant
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Brantley Gilbert just made young fan’s wish come true.
An 11-year-old fan named Alirix, who was fighting for her life and had a heart transplant, recently went on TikTok to share how important Brantley’s music has been to her and to share her wish to meet him, and thanks to folks out there helping the video go viral, she got her wish.
“My name is Alirix, and my dream has always been to meet you,” she shared in the video posted by her father. “You helped me through my heart transplant, and I listened to you all the way through, and I hope I can meet you. When I was in the hospital, they granted me a make-a-wish, and my wish is to meet you.”
After being viewed on the site over 139,000, word got out to Brantley who responded, “Let’s do it darlin. Can’t wait to meet you in person very soon,” Gilbert shared. He also made his own video to her sharing, “I got to say that I’m so humbled that you want to meet me,” adding, “My wife makes the exact opposite wish a lot.”
Brantley invited her to “pick any show anywhere, anytime, and you come see us darling,” but he also worked with Make-A-Wish for their meeting to happen faster, with Brantley sharing a video of Alirix coming to see him at a private rehearsal, and him giving her tour backstage, and signing memorabilia.
Source: CMT
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1969, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash recorded “Girl From The North Country.” The unreleased performances included “T for Texas,” “That’s All Right,” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
- Today in 1988, for the first time since their 1974 breakup, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed together. The occasion was a taping of an episode of “Dolly!” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
- Today in 1995, Collin Raye hit the top of the charts with “My Kind of Girl.”
- Today in 2004, CMT plays Montgomery Gentry’s video “If You Ever Stop Loving Me.”
- Today in 2007, the show “Reba,” whose them song is a version of Reba McEntire’s “I’m a Survivor” aired for the last time on the CW.
- Today in 2010, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum earned a double-platinum single.
- Today in 2012, at the Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans on Mardi Gras, Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson rode on floats.
- Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s self-titled debut album was released.
- Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton headlined for the first time at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, launching a three-night stand at the venue. The set includes versions of “Nobody To Blame,” “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” plus a surprise appearance by The SteelDrivers.
- Today in 2016, Royal Oak, Michigan, renamed part of Willis Avenue as Glenn Frey Drive.
- Today in 2018, Rascal Flatts performed “Yours If You Want It” on FOX during the pre-race telecast for NASCAR’s Daytona 500, from the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida. The band also does “Life Is A Highway” off-camera. Austin Dillon is the winning driver.
- Today in 2019, Brett Young performed “Here Tonight” on ABC’s telecast of “The Bachelor.”
Willie Nelson Cancels All Indoor Concerts For COVID Safety
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Willie Nelson has made some changes to his touring plans. The 88-year-old country legend, who turns 89 in April, has just canceled a handful of tour dates, all in indoor venues for COVID safety reasons.
“We are canceling our indoor headline shows until the COVID situation improves, as the safety of the audience and Willie and his touring personnel are of the utmost importance,” Willie’s rep shares. “When we are able, we will look to make up shows when possible.”
Shows affected include all his dates in March, except for the March 17th Luck Reunion show, held on Willie’s ranch outside of Austin, Texas. In addition a trio of indoor April shows won’t happen – April 20th in Peoria, Illinois, April 22nd in New Buffalo, Michigan., and an April 25th show in Nashville, Indiana.
He has added outdoor shows on April 22nd in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and April 24th in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Check out Willie’s dates here.
Source: Billboard
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