This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley got a number one Billboard country single with “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Today in 1969, Glen Campbell released both the album and the single “Galveston.”
Today in 1972, a 13-year-old Tanya Tucker entered a studio to record her first hit, “Delta Dawn.”
Today in 1986, the “Lost In The Fifties” album by Ronnie Milsap was released.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley hit number one on the “Radio & Records” country chart with “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.”

Today in 1990, “Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart” by Randy Travis hit the top of the Billboard country chart, where it would stay for four weeks.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire were among the winners at the 18th Annual People’s Choice Awards, taking home trophies in the Favorite Male and Female Country Music Performer categories. They also trumped their pop counterparts in capturing the awards for overall Favorite Male and Female Musical Performer.
Today in 1995, Suzy Bogguss and her husband, Doug Crider, became parents to son Ben.
Today in 1995, Clay Walker topped the country charts with “This Woman and This Man.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain announced plans for her first world tour.
Today in 2000, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” was certified for sales of 17-million in the U.S., making it the best-selling solo album by a female artist.
Today in 2001, quarterback Peyton Manning married Ashley Thompson, and Kenny Chesney sang “Me And You” at the wedding.
Today in 2002, Vince Gill was elected president of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He succeeded Marty Stuart, who enjoyed six consecutive terms as president.
Today in 2003, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines apologized to President George Bush for comments she made a week earlier in London, including saying she was ashamed she and Bush shared Texas as a home state.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban began a three-night performance at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. During his encore, Kenny Chesney joined him onstage to sing Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.”
Today in 2007, Loretta Lynn received an honorary doctorate from Boston’s Berklee College of Music in recognition of her contributions to contemporary music and for using her songs to tackle real-life situations faced by many women. The presentation was made on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where Lynn performed that evening.
Today in 2008, two former Dallas policemen accused of assaulting Steve Holy and Holy’s friend the previous December were indicted on felony charges. Both were facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while one of the ex-officers was also charged with kidnapping.
Today in 2009, Randy Travis was the guest mentor for “American Idol” finalists for the show’s “Grand Ole Opry Week.” In addition, his CD “I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis” arrived in stores, while Brad Paisley’s single “Then,” Rascal Flatts’ song “Forever,” and Alabama’s Jeff Cook’s solo CD “Ashes Won’t Burn” were released digitally.
Today in 2010, Taylor Swift was honored for a number of her career accomplishments at an event in Nashville. Her list of achievements included record sales of more than 13-million units and 25-million digital downloads. In addition, her CD “Fearless” was the best-selling album in the U.S. in both 2008 and 2009, and is the only disc ever to be named Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and capture the same honors at the GRAMMY Awards and the American Music Awards.
Today in 2011, the Zac Brown Band made their RodeoHouston debut.
Today in 2012, during Miranda Lambert’s “On Fire Tour,” she brought out Kelly Clarkson as a surprise to sing her own hit “Stronger.”
Today in 2013, George Strait’s appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which was part of his “Cowboy Rides Away” final tour, drew a record crowd of 80-thousand-28 people.
Today in 2013, Trace Adkins impressed fellow contestants on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” with his acting ability, sweeping Susan Lucci off her feet in a soap-opera skit to promote Crystal Light. His team wins Donald Trump’s assignment in the episode, with Stephen Baldwin serving as project manager.
Today in 2014, the Band Perry performed their first USO concert for American troops at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
Today in 2017, Jeff Bates spoke to inmates at the Henderson County Detention Center in Henderson, Kentucky, recounting his own incarceration for theft to feed addictions to methadone and alcohol. Bates hoped to inspire the convicts to retool their lives once they’re released.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn and B.B. King were honored with Governor’s Arts Awards at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion in Nashville.

RILEY GREEN RELEASES ANOTHER “KITCHEN CLASSIC” ON INSTAGRAM WITH “MY WAY”

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Riley Green never leaves his fans waiting for new music. He’s one of the recent wave of country artists (Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen, to name a couple) who, once they start working on a new song, are quick to share it with fans on Instagram, many times in “workshop” form. Riley did so again yesterday, posting a new ballad called “My Way,” that, like several other times before, he performs from the comfort of his own kitchen. As always, it remains to be seen if the song makes its way onto an upcoming album, but for now, you can enjoy Riley Green’s “My Way” here:

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A post shared by Riley Green (@rileyduckman)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1970, Merle Haggard’s “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1972, California Governor Ronald Reagan pardoned Merle Haggard for a 1975 attempted robbery that landed the singer in prison.
Today in 1972, “Help Me Make It Through The Night”won twice during the 14th annual GRAMMY awards for Best Country Song for Kris Kristofferson and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, for Sammi Smith.
Today in 1992, Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid V draws about 40,000 fans in Irving, Texas with Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Walsh, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ricky Van Shelton, The Kentucky HeadHunters, Lorrie Morgan, Hal Ketchum and Paul Simon.
Today in 1998, during her Grand Ole Opry debut, Jo Dee Messina sung “Lesson In Leaving” the same evening that Opry manager Bob Whittaker asked Diamond Rio to join the cast.
Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, performed for president George W. Bush when ABC tapes “An American Celebration At Ford’s Theatre.” The show was hosted by Kelsey Grammer and featured Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, David Spade and many others.
Today in 2011, Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” was released.
Today in 2014, Toby Keith launched his first Australian concert tour at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The show featured The Eli Young Band and Kellie Pickler as the opening acts.
Today in 2017, the Brothers Osborne were named New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, 19 days before the 52^nd annual ceremony. Jon Pardi was named New Male and Maren Morris was crowned New Female Vocalist.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson was a surprise guest at Ray Benson’s birthday bash in Austin. Teaming up with Ray on “Pancho And Lefty,” the benefit also included Sunny Sweeney, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and The Avett Brothers, who covered “Mama Tried.”

WILLIE NELSON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

The Red Headed Stranger is at it again. Willie Nelson is set to release his 154^th album, and his 77^th solo album, on Friday, April 25^th… just before his 92^nd birthday. “Oh What A Beautiful World” will include Willie’s versions of 12 classic songs written or co-written by Rodney Crowell, including the title track with Rodney himself as a special guest. The album will be released digitally, on CD, and in two vinyl LP versions in black and white, with the white vinyl version only available through the store on Willie’s official website.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers recorded “Flowers On The Wall” at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, a session originally for Johnny Cash who never appeared.
Today in 1967, Decca released Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits.”
Today in 1991, “My Cousin Vinny,” starring Joe Pesci and Ralph Macchio made its theater debut. Travis Tritt performed “Bible Belt.”
Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood joined the Grand Ole Opry the same night singer and songwriter John Prine made his Opry debut.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ “You Were Mine” reached the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2001, Charles Pride received a Hall of Fame medallion during the first official function at the new Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. Robyn Young accepted a medallion for his late father, Faron Young.
Today in 2003, the state of Texas observed Lee Ann Womack Day.
Today in 2009, Justin Moore sang “Small Town USA” during his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2013, at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Rascal Flatts made their Australian concert debut.
Today in 2015, Rascal Flatts dedicated “Bless The Broken Road” to Bristol Palin and Dakota Meyer during their show at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. When the song ended, Meyer gets down on one knee to propose to Palin, who said yes. The wedding was called off a week later, but the couple married in 2016. He filed for divorce in February 2018.
Today in 2017, the Maren Morris single, “I Could Use A Love Song,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Dolly Parton offered her vocal talents on the Sprout series, “Lily’s Driftwood Bay” – as the voice for Nolene, an animated chicken.
Today in 2017, Clay Walker, Steve Wariner and Crystal Gayle performed at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley to raise money for Anita Cochran in her battle with cancer. Also performing were Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Bryan White, Wade Hayes, Suzy Bogguss, Mandy Barnett, Ty Herndon, The Lynns and Lorrie Morgan.

MORGAN WALLEN’S HIGH SCHOOL RENAMES BASEBALL FIELD IN HIS HONOR

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

You can win awards, you can get #1 hits, but for a lover (and former player) of baseball, is there any cooler honor? Gibbs High School (Morgan Wallen‘s alma mater) is renaming the high school’s baseball field after the country star; it will now be called “Morgan Wallen Field.” Knox County Schools’ Naming Committee approved the change last week. Morgan was a member of the Gibbs High School baseball team that won a state championship in 2010; no word yet on when the naming ceremony will take place or of the country singer will be on hand.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Gene Autry’s expansion Los Angeles Angels dropped baseball player Charley Pride during spring training in Palm Springs after a two-week tryout.
Today in 1975, George jones and Tammy Wynette’s divorce was finalized. Wynette took custody of their only child, Tamala and kept their home on Franklin Road in Nashville.
Today in 1981, MCA released The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira.”
Today in 1988, Randy Travis reach #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Too Gone Too Long.”
Today in 1990, Mark Chestnutt began recording his first album “Too Cold At Home.”
Today in 1997, Trace Adkins won his first gold album with his debut, “Dreamin’ Out Loud.”
Today in 2001, Amy Grant gave birth to her daughter, Corrina Grant Gill at a Nashiville Hospital. She is the first child in Amy’s and Vince Gill’s marriage.
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Our Song” picked up a platinum single.
Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” earned a gold single.
Today in 2013, as part of the Outnumber Hunger Charity program, The Band Perry began appearing on boxes of Wheaties.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan played his final spring break concert at Spinnaker in Panama City, Florida. The show and one staged the previous day drew a total of 400,000 fans.
Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini met Australian singer/songwriter Morgan Evans. They were engaged by the end of the year and married in 2017.
Today in 2017, Frankie Ballard married Christina Murphy at the Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas.

WYNONNA JUDD TO MOUNT “GREATEST HITS” TOUR

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Wynonna Judd is taking fans on a trip through her entire career on her just-announced tour. Wy took to Instagram yesterday to let fans know that A) she’s recording new music, which is exciting enough, and B) she’s touring this summer with attention paid to both her career as half of The Judds and her solo career. “Wynonna Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour” kicks off June 13th in LaGrange, Georgia, with 23 dates carrying her through most of the US and most of the summer. General on-sale happens this Friday. Check out the first ten dates below, visit Wy’s website for more info, and see Wynonna’s announcement to the right:

June 13 – LaGrange, GA @ Sweetland Amphitheatre
June 14 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee
June 15 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
June 18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center
June 20 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome
June 23 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
June 25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Venue TBA
June 26 – Interlochen, MI @ Interlochen Center for the Arts – Kresge Auditorium
July 11 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah’s Stir Cove
July 12 – Mankato, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheatre

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs split up after 25 years as a bluegrass duo.
Today in 1989, Ronnie Milsap topped the country charts with “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me?”
Today in 1992, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for sales of seven-million copies.
Today in 1994, Martina McBride made her “Tonight Show” debut.
Today in 1994, Neal McCoy scored his first number one single with “No Doubt About It.”
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina made her debut on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Today in 2000, Theresa Crump married Joe Diffie at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel, with her pet Chihuahua, Lolo, serving as the ring bearer.
Today in 2001, “Doc,” starring Billy Ray Cyrus as Clint Cassidy, had its premiere on PAX TV.
Today in 2002, Pat Green was hospitalized in Brownsville, Texas after he was attacked by two men on a beach in South Padre.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw’s single “The Cowboy In Me” took the top spot on both the “Billboard” and “Radio & Records'” country charts. With “Bring On The Rain,” his vocal collaboration with Jo Dee Messina at number one on “Billboard” the week before, this made Tim the first artist to have back-to-back singles at the top spot on the “Billboard” Hot country Singles Chart since electronic monitoring began.
Today in 2003, Dolly Parton was presented with the 2003 Governor’s Awards in the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.
Today in 2003, at the second annual CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, and Shania Twain each got five nominations, and The Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban each got four.
Today in 2004, Naomi, Wynonna, and Ashley Judd received the National Award at the Kentucky Governor’s Awards in the Arts ceremony.
Today in 2005, The Oak Ridge Boys performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to help launch the National Anthem Project, an initiative to teach Americans the lyrics to the song.
Today in 2005, “Black Cloud,” a film written and directed by Rick Schroder opened, featuring Tim McGraw playing a sheriff.
Today in 2006, “Your Man” by Josh Turner hit the top of the charts.
Today in 2006, Don Williams performed his last Nashville concert. Keith Urban opened, and Williams was joined by Josh Turner for “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.”
Today in 2007, Jo Dee Messina sang “Heaven Was Needing a Hero” on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” in honor of 16-year-old Ransom Tipton-Smith, who lost his life in a car accident two years earlier.
Today in 2008, Clint Black released his first digital EP, “The Long Cool EP,” which featured his cover of The Hollies’ “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress),” “The Strong One,” and his duet with wife Lisa, “You Still Get To Me.”
Today in 2008, Eddy Arnold’s wife, Sally Gayhart Arnold, passed away at a Nashville-area hospital. She had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier with breathing difficulties. She was 87. At the time of her death Arnold was also in the hospital, recovering from hip replacement surgery he underwent a week earlier.
Today in 2009, Darius Rucker and Vic Chesnutt were among the performers a tribute concert honoring R.E.M. at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum played the second of a two-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The date was originally slated to be the trio’s headlining debut at the venue, but the demand for tickets to the show prompted a second show, scheduled for March 10th.
Today in 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus decided to try to reconcile his marriage with wife Tish, and filed papers to stop divorce proceedings.
Today in 2011, Jewel, who was five-months pregnant, was driving in Stephenville, Texas when her SUV was hit by a volunteer fire truck. The singer suffered minor injuries in the crash, and her unborn child was fine. Jewel credited her sturdy vehicle for keeping them safe.
Today in 2011, Craig Morgan performed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska at the start of a USO tour that visits six nations over the next week.
Today in 2013, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift released “Highway Don’t Care,” which also features Keith Urban on guitar.
Today in 2015, Maren Morris wrote “My Church” and recorded the final vocals the same day in Los Angeles with songwriter/producer busbee.
Today in 2017, Dailey & Vincent joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2018, Tim McGraw collapsed on stage in Dublin, Ireland, after his performance of “Humble And Kind.” Wife Faith Hill later announced her husband was suffering from dehydration and the concert was cut short.
Today in 2019, the Whitney Houston single, “I Will Always Love You” – which was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton – was certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA.

CMT NAMES “NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY” FOR 2025

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

CMT launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 in an effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, within the country genre. The network has just announced its latest group of country stars in the making. The “CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025” includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and Moriah. Past members of CMT’s “Next Women Of Country” classes include artists that went on to be big names within the format, such as Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Ella Langley, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Maren Morris, Megan Moroney and Mickey Guyton, among others.

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