Luke Bryan Planning To Get “Embarrassing” Wedding Gift For Blake & Gwen

Posted on July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Luke Bryan did not attend buddy Blake Shelton’s wedding to Gwen Stefani, although he still plans to buy them a gift. But the newlyweds shouldn’t expect a gravy boat or toaster from the country star.

“I have started my mental wedding gift soirée,” he tells “People.” “I’m going to get a big box and there will be embarrassing items in there.” He adds, “They’ll be funny, sarcastic items so Blake and Gwen can expect my wedding gift with the Luke Bryan touch on it.”

As for why Luke wasn’t at the wedding, he shares, “I did not know it was happening. I found out with the rest of the world.”

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 22, 2021July 22, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1992, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified quadruple-platinum.
Today in 1992, the Judds’ album, “Why Not Me,” was certified double-platinum.
Today in 1992, the “Read Between the Lines” album by Aaron Tippin was certified gold.
Today in 1994, Sammy Kershaw’s album, “Don’t Go Near the Water,” was certified platinum
Today in 1996, Billy Dean’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks was named the “honorary captain” of the U.S Olympic Wrestling Team.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill’s album, “Faith,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 2001, three generations of country performers covering forty years of music history wrapped up a weekend in the Ohio Valley in celebration of the Jamboree in the Hills’ 25th anniversary. Over 110,000 fans attended the four-day festival, which is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Country Music.”
Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “The World” spun at #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2008, Sugarland’s “Love on the Inside” album was released.
Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band received its first gold certification for the single, “Crazy Girl.”
Today in 2015, Miranda Lambert made a surprise appearance during Ashley Monroe’s concert at the Basement East in Nashville, joining Monroe on “Heart Like Mine” during the encore. Meghan Linsey and Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet are in the crowd for the show, which also featured guests Vince Gill and Striking Matches.
Today in 2016, The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville opened a new exhibit dedicated to Zac Brown Band, “Homegrown: Zac Brown Band.”

Farm Aid Lineup Announced

Posted on July 21, 2021July 21, 2021 by Bob Ballard

The date and lineup for the annual Farm Aid Music and Food Festival has just been announced. This year’s fest will take place September 25^th at the Xfinity Theater in Hartford, Connecticut, with the organization’s board members, Willie Nelson & Family, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds and Margo Price all headlining.

Other artists on the bill include as Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Bettye LaVette, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Allison Russell, Particle Kid, and Ian Mellencamp.

“The experience of the past 18 months has reminded us how much we need each other,” Farm Aid President and Founder Willie Nelson shares. “I’m so glad that music is bringing us all back together at Farm Aid 2021 to celebrate family farmers. When we combine music, family farmers and good food, we have the power to grow the kind of agriculture that strengthens all of us.”

Tickets go on sale Friday at 10 am.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 21, 2021July 21, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Johnny Cash earned his first #1 hit with “I Walk the Line.”
Today in 1975, Michael Martin Murphy’s single, “Wildfire,” single is certified gold.
Today in 1990, Marty Stuart scored his first top 10 hit, “Hillbilly Rock.”
Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt married his wife, Tracie.
Today in 1995, Reba McEntire was #1 on the singles charts with the song, “And Still.”
Today in 1999, the “Shania Twain Live” video was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Eric Heatherly and his wife, Heather, welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Christiana Faye Heatherly made her debut at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital and got a musical start to her life. Christiana entered the world listening to her proud papa’s single, “The Last Man Committed,” at 5:37 pm.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks were in Los Angeles to announce their participation in the Rock the Vote campaign.
Today in 2007, Big & Rich took “Lost In This Moment” to the tope of the billboard country chart.
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, and Alison Krauss + Union Station performed for Barack Obama at the White House. Paisley closed the night with a song inspired by the president, “ Welcome To The Future.”
Today in 2014, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Make Me Wanna,” was released.
Today in 2014, Garth Brooks’ “The Ultimate Hits” is certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2015, RCA Studio A is officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Music Row building was a recording site for hits by George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Bobby Bare and Kacey Musgraves, among others.
Today in 2016, Kid Rock performed in Cleveland at the close of the Republican National Convention.

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.”

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