Luke Combs, George Strait & More Land On “Billboard’s” List Of The Highest Paid Musicians Of 2020

Posted on July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 by Bob Ballard

“Billboard” magazine is out with their annual list of the Highest Paid Musicians of 2020, and several of your favorite counry artists made the list.

Taylor Swift tops the list with earnings of $23.8 million, with the highest charting current country act on the list being Luke Combs at 16, with earnings of $9.2 million. Luke’s current ranking is a jump from 35 in 2019.

Some of the other country on the list include George Strait at 26 ($6.9 mil), and Blake Shelton at 28 ($6.7 mil)

“Billboard’s” Top 10 Highest Musicians of 2020
(click here for the complete list)

Taylor Swift ($23.8 mil)
Post Malone ($23.2 mil)
Celine Dion ($17.5 mil)
The Eagles ($16.3 mil)
Billie Eilish ($14.7 mil)
Drake ($14.2 mil)
Queen ($13.2 mil)
The Beatles ($12.9 mil)
YoungBoy Never Broke Again ($11.9 mil)
Lil Baby ($11.7 mil)

Source: Billboard

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 20, 2021July 20, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1966, Jim Reeves’ “The Best Of Jim Reeves” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1988, the video, “George Strait Live,” was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Keith Whitley’s album, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” was certified gold – he had died from alcohol poisoning a year earlier.
Today in 1992, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was certified double platinum.
Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Ten Strait Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1992, the “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” album by Chris Ledoux was released.
Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “Kickin’ It Up” video was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks played to a special crowd in Denver, Colorado: The audience included the one-millionth ticket-buyer for his three-year-long world tour. Garth celebrated the occasion by giving the buyer – Coral Volland – flowers, tour merchandise and a brand new Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith occupied the #1 position in the Billboard with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
Today in 2012, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, welcomed their son, Dylan Jay Marcus.
Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the last of three stadiums on his 2013 tour itinerary. Also on the bill were Kelly Clarkson, Jake Own, and Thomas Rhett.
Today in 2015, Songwriter Wayne Carson dies in Nashville.
Today in 2015, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are granted a divorce by an Oklahoma judge
Today in 2016, The video for Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls,” featuring rocker Elle King, premieres on NBC’s “Today”
Today in 2017, Josh Abbott announces he’s engaged to Taylor Parnell
Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in his first Music City concert in 13 years.

Tanya Tucker Recovering From Hip Surgery

Posted on July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Tanya Tucker is dealing with some health issues. The singer shared on her Instagram page that she just had hip surgery, which forced her to cancel some concert shows.

“My hip has been giving me hell for awhile now and the docs discovered a hip fracture. I had to have surgery right away,” Tanya shared on Instagram. “The operation went well and I’m on track for a speedy recovery.” She added, “I’ll be at home healing for a few weeks, but can’t wait to get back out and see you as soon as I can. I LOVE y’all and a bad hip can’t keep me down!”

Unfortunately, Tanya had to bow out of Country Thunder Wisconsin this past Friday and another show in Bayfield, Wisconsin on Saturday. She’s also rescheduled her Sugar Creek Casino show July 31^st to December 10^th.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 19, 2021July 19, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her debut on the charts with her first single, “Honky Tonk Girl.”
Today in 1969, Kenny Rogers and the First Edition appeared on the US country charts for the first time with “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town.”
Today in 1989, Tanya Tucker’s “Greatest Hits” album was released.
Today in 1991, the “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” album by Alan Jackson was certified gold.
Today in 1991, on her way to a performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Dottie West was involved in a motor vehicle accident when her brakes failed. She hit a wall, but sustained only minor injuries. Just weeks later, she was involved in another car crash that took her life.
Today in 1992, Diamond Rio topped the charts with “Norma Jean Riley.”
Today in 1993, Patty Loveless hit #1 with the single, “Blame It On Your Heart.”
Today in 1993, both the Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” album and Aaron Tippin’s “Read Between The Lines” project were both certified platinum.
Today In 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter hit the charts with “I Take My Chances.”
Today in 1994, Diamond Rio’s “Love A Little Stronger” album was released.
Today in 1994, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits Volume II” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1998, Loretta Lynn made a special appearance on the Friday Night Opry, opening with her first #1 hit, “Don’t Come Home A-Drinkin’,” from 1966 and followed with “We’ve Come a Long Way Baby” from 1978. To round out the night, Loretta performed “How Great Thou Art” without accompaniment, for which she received a standing ovation and finished with her signature tune, ” Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire was tapped to host “The 2nd Annual Family Television Awards.” The awards show recognizes outstanding programming for family viewing. Awards are given to television shows and actors who best represent family programming and values.
Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn were included in a very select group of artists, as one of their summer tour shirt designs was the only country item included in “Entertainment Weekly’s” concert merchandise wrap-up. The shirt was emblazoned with the duo’s album artwork from “Steers & Stripes” (with them in full rodeo clown make-up).
Today in 2003, the video for “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” the Alan Jackson collaboration with Jimmy Buffett, made its debut on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live”
Today in 2004, Gretchen Wilson’s “Here For The Party” album was certified double-platinum.
Today in 2014, Blake Shelton headlined Wrigley Field in Chicago, and was joined on the bill by The Band Perry, Neal McCoy and Dan + Shay. Shelton’s set list included “All About Tonight,” “Doin’ What She Likes” and “God Gave Me You.”

CMT To Honor Charley Pride With “CMT Giants” Special

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by Bob Ballard

CMT is set to honor the late Charley Pride with a primetime special next month. “CMT GIANTS: Charley Pride,” airing August 25^th, will be a 90-minute special featuring the late singer’s superstar friends celebrating his legacy.

Artists set to honor Charley include Alan Jackson, Darius Rucker, son Dion Pride, Garth Brooks, George Strait, Gladys Knight, Jimmie Allen, Lee Ann Womack, Luke Combs featuring Robert Randolph + Reyna Roberts, Mickey Guyton and Wynonna, with Neal McCoy, Nolan Ryan, Reba McEntire and Ronnie Milsap also taking part sharing memories of Charley.

“I am delighted to have so many giants in the business celebrate the legacy of Pride,” Charley’s wife Rozen shares. “He would have been so happy to see the artists give so generously of their time and talent honoring him. This truly is a testament to the impact that he had on the country music community for so many years.”

Charley passed away in December from complications from COVID-19.

Source: CMT

This day in County Music History

Posted on July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, Alabama hit #1 with “The Closer You Get.”
Today in 1993, Wynonna’s second solo album, “Tell Me Why,” went platinum.
Today in 1996, Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut album, “Some Gave All,” was certified for sales of 9-million copies. It became the first debut album by a country artist certified for wholesale sales of 9-million.
Today in 1996, Rick Trevino released his album, “Learning As You Go.”
Today in 1997, Vince Gill earned a platinum album for “High Lonesome Sound.”
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks played their first show on the “Lillith Fair” tour.
Today in 2002, the album, “Trail Of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology,” arrived in stores. The same day, Darryl Worley’s “I Miss My Friend” project was released.
Today in 2002, Joe Nichols lost his musician father, Mike Nichols, who died at the age of 46, in North Carolina following a lengthy illness.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith celebrated his second week on the top of “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart with his single, “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American).”
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney was on top of the world – and on top of the “Billboard” Country Singles chart with his single, “The Good Stuff.” On top of that, Kenny’s “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” album was enjoying its third month at #1 on the “Billboard” Country Albums chart.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney set a new record for a country show when his concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts grossed $4-million.
Today in 2012, Florida Georgia Line signed their recording deal with Republic Nashville.
Today in 2013, Cassadee Pope performed “Wasting All These Tears” as she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2014, Brett Eldredge celebrated a #1 single with “Beat Of The Music” by diving with the sharks in the Bahamas.
Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was announced as an inductee in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with “Live Like You Were Dying” author Craig Wiseman, “Always On My Mind” writer Mark James and “I Love A Rainy Night” composer Even Stevens.
Today in 2016, Bonnie Brown, of The Browns, died after a battle with lung cancer at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton brought out surprise guest Miranda Lambert during his show in Buffalo. She joined him on “Fire Away.”

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

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Fred”, a 6 and a half year old Coonhound/Redbone mix. Fred is a little timid at first, but once he gets warmed up to you, he’s an affectionate fellow who also gets along with other dogs and doesn’t seem to mind cats. He’s also a pretty laid-back and quiet guy who is likely housetrained. Fred’s an escape artist who likes to dig under fences, so keep that in mind of you have a fenced-in back yard. He’s fully vetted and vaccinated and is looking for his forever home.

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

Toby Keith Announces New Album

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Toby Keith has a new album coming out this fall. “Peso in My Pocket,” Toby’s first album since 2015’s “35 MPH Town,” will drop October 15^th.

Toby says the pandemic helped inspire him to make the record noting, “My whole musical career, I haven’t been off the road this long,” saying the year off was, “a reset button I never would have hit.”

The album features Toby’s latest single “Old School” and “Happy Birthday America,” as well as songs written by Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris, and even one Toby co-wrote with Sammy Hagar. He also pays tribute to John Prine with the tune “Take A Look At My Heart,” written by Prine and John Mellencamp.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 15, 2021July 15, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1986, “Alabama’s Greatest Video Hits” was certified platinum.
Today in 1987, the album, “Love Me Like You Used To,” album by Tanya Tucker was released.
Today in 1992, Travis Tritt’s album, “It’s All About To Change,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, Joe Diffie’s “Third Rock From The Sun” album was released.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin and his wife, Thea, were married.
Today in 1997, Sherrié Austin’s album, “Words,” arrived in stores.
Today in 1998, Alan Jackson debuted his first video in over a year on CMT with “I’ll Go On Loving You.”
Today in 1998, Diamond Rio’s “Greatest Hits” album arrived in stores.
Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn and Reba McEntire kicked off their second tour together in Jacksonville, Florida.
Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn’s “If You See Her” album and LeAnn Rimes’ “Sittin’ on Top of the World” CD were both certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith was tapped for a special honor. His song, “My List,” struck such a powerful chord that the NYPD asked if they could incorporate the tune into their training video and sessions.
Today in 2003, Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, legendary Loretta Lynn and newcomer Mindy Smith each earned triple nominations for the annual Americana Music Awards.
Today in 2005, the movie “Wedding Crashers,” starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, debuted in theaters. Why do you care? Dwight Yoakam was featured in the opening scene being chewed out by an ex as a “hillbilly” in a divorce negotiation.
Today in 2010, songwriter Hank Cochran died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Among his compositions: Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces,” Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away,” Vern Gosdin’s “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.” He was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
Today in 2011, Jason Aldean’s singles, “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party,” went platinum.
Today in 2013, Frankie Ballard’s single, “Helluva Life,” was released.
Today in 2016, Willie Nelson made an unscheduled appearance with Neil Young and Promise Of The Real at Temre Di Caracalla in Rome, Italy. Nelson does two songs, including “On The Road Again.”
Today in 2016, Ronnie Milsap was hospitalized in Georgia with dehydration and nausea.
Today in 2017, The Eagles played their first full concert since the death of Glenn Frey, appearing at the Classic West Festival at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with Vince Gill and Dylan Frey taking Frey’s part.

Dierks Bentley Drops Surprise Live EP From Telluride Performance

Posted on July 14, 2021July 14, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Dierks Bentley surprised fans yesterday by dropping a new live album, “Live From Telluride,” which was recorded live during Dierks’ set at the 48th annual Telluride Bluegrass Festival.

“This really was a once in a lifetime show for me. Getting to play at my favorite festival…with some of my favorite musicians and performers…in one of my favorite places in the world…felt like a dream,” Dierks shares. “Luckily this dream was captured on tape and I can go back and relive the way it felt that night whenever I want.”

The EP includes guest appearances by The War and Treaty, Larkin Poe, and Sam Bush. Check out the track list below:

“Woman, Amen” – Live – feat. The War And Treaty
“Travelin’ Light” – Live – feat. Larkin Poe
“Bad Angel” – Live – The War And Treaty
“Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd – Live – Dierks Bentley
“Pride (In The Name Of Love)” by U2 – Live – feat. The War And Treaty, Sam Bush

Source: Dierks Bentley

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