This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 26, 2021April 26, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton & Dolly Parton’s duet, “Rockin’ Years,” hit #1.
Today in 1992, Tracy Lawrence was #1 on the charts with “Today’s Lonely Fool.”
Today in 1994, Pam Tillis released her album, “Sweetheart’s Dance.”
Today in 1994, the “Read My Mind” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1994, Randy Travis’ “This Is Me” album was released.
Today in 1995, the “Thinkin’ About You” album by Trisha Yearwood was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain hit #1 with the single, “You Win My Love.”
Today in 1996, Clay Walker revealed he had been diagnosed with MS.
Today in 1998, more than $10,000 was raised for tornado relief in Nashville when more than 1,500 tourists and local residents turned out for a special concert at the Wildhorse Saloon. Naomi Judd hosted, and performers volunteering their time and talent included Wade Hayes, Trace Adkins, David Ball, Eddy Raven, Burnin’ Daylight and Deryl Dodd.
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina won 3 awards at the Boston Music Awards. One of her trophies was in the coveted Act of the Year category. No country singer had ever even been nominated in that category before, so it was quite a surprise when Jo Dee won, beating out the likes of Aerosmith and Paula Cole. Jo Dee was also named Outstanding Country Artist and Outstanding Female Vocalist.
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina’s “Lesson In Leavin” single was released. Here’s a fun fact for you – the tune’s release date was also the same day in 1980 that Dottie West’s original version of the song hit #1 on the charts.
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood hit the road on her “Real Live Woman Tour.” She was joined by Kim Richey and Jessica Andrews.
Today in 2013, George Jones died at the age of 81. While the legendary “Possum” was as known for his turbulent marriage to Tammy Wynette and struggle with drugs and alcohol as he was for his music. But he wasn’t just an inspiration to country artists, On the day of his death, Nathan Followill of the alternative rock band Kings of Leon tweeted, “RIP, George Jones, you’ll be sorely missed. One of the all time greats.” Jones’ story was one of redemption. After quitting booze cold turkey in 1999, his legend became based on the realism in his music and his dedication to what he called “hardcore country music,” which remained resolute until the day he died.
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s “Play It Again” spent the first of nine weeks at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2015, Eric Paslay and Natalie Harker were married in Charlotte, Tennessee.
Today in 2017, Jon Pardi made a surprise appearance on Decision Day at his alma mater, Dixon High School, in California. He performed “Dirt On My Boots” and “Head Over Boots” for the student body.

Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan & More Hint At New Las Vegas Residencies

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Bob Ballard

It looks like a whole new set of stars are headed to Las Vegas. The new Resorts World Casino is set to open in Sin City on June 24th, and a new promo for the casino hints at possible residencies from Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and, in a return to Vegas, Celine Dion.

All four stars, along with DJs Tiesto and Zedd (who, as we told you, signed with Resorts World earlier this month), appear in the just-released animated campaign, dubbed “Stay Fabulous.”

The video doesn’t actually announce any residencies, but Scott Sibella, president of Resorts World Las Vegas, notes the commercial “gives a peek into the incredible experiences that await when our doors open this June.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 23, 2021April 23, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley played Las Vegas for the first time – and bombed! He opened for comedian Shecky Greene, and the middle-aged crowd hated him. He didn’t return to Vegas until 1969.
Today in 1992, a 13-mile stretch of Mississippi Highway 23 is renamed for Tammy Wynette.
Today in 1993, Tracy Lawrence hit #1 with “Alibis.”
Today in 1993, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, Lari White married her husband, Chuck Cannon.
Today in 1996, George Strait released his album, “Blue Clear Sky.”
Today in 1996, Bryan White met “Second Noah” actress Erika Page for the first time during the “Sizzlin’ Country” concert for cystic fibrosis in Los Angeles. They began dating a year later and married in 2000.
Today in 1997, at the 32^nd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Brooks & Dunn were named Entertainers of the Year, Patty Loveless was named Female Vocalist of the Year, and George Strait was Male Vocalist. Trace Adkins and LeAnn Rimes were named Top New Male & Female Vocalists, and the Single of the Year was “Blue.”
Today in 1998, Pam Tillis appeared on both “Promised Land” and “Diagnosis Murder,” playing the same character – a con artist named Kate Matthews.
Today in 1999, Garth Brooks, Billy Ray Cyrus, Rhett Akins, Lee Roy Parnell and blues artist Johnny Neel surprised an audience of 13,000 in Nashville when they joined Charlie Daniels for his Volunteer Jam ’99 concert at the First American Music Center.
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney’s album, “No Shirt, No Shoes, No Problems,” and Kevin Denney’s self-titled debut album arrived in stores.
Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney married Tiffany Fallon at the One & Only Palmilla in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico.
Today in 2009, Evansville declared Taylor Swift Day as the singer kicks off her first headlining tour at Roberts Stadium with Kellie Pickler opening. Swift also receives a key to the city.
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood is the leading contender in the CMT Music Awards as she picks up five nominations, including two for “Good Girl” and two for the Brad Paisley collaboration “Remind Me.”
Today in 2015, a VIP grand opening party was held for the George Jones Museum in downtown Nashville. Guests include Dierks Bentley, Lee Greenwood, T.G. Sheppard, Jeannie Seely, Lorrie Morgan, John Rich and Rex Allen Jr.
Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s “Humble And Kind” hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton surprised concertgoers at the “Off The Rails Country Music Festival” in Frisco, Texas, by bringing Randy Travis on stage. Shelton dedicated his last song of the night, “God Gave Me You,” to Travis, who was still recovering from a 2013 stroke.
Today in 2017, Brad Paisley delivered a surprise concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge in Nashville with Bill Anderson and John Fogerty.
Today in 2018, RaeLynn snagged a gold single from the RIAA for “Love Triangle.”
Today in 2018, Josh Turner earned five awards from the RIAA: a double-platinum single for “Your Man”; platinum singles for “Hometown Girl,” “Time Is Love” and “Long Black Train”; and a gold single for “Firecracker.”

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

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

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Ace”, a one year old male tuxedo cat. Ace is a little stand-offish around other cats at first, but takes to people right away and is very affectionate. He also seems to be fine around dogs. Ace is vaccinated and all ready to find his forever home!

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

Keith Urban Drops Video For “Out The Cage,” Featuring Breland & Nile Rodgers

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

Keith Urban just shared a new video for his track “Out The Cage,” featuring Breland and Nile Rodgers.

Following a two-week quarantine, Keith and Breland shot the kinetic clip in Sydney, Australia, while Nile filmed his part in Connecticut.

“Out The Cage” is the latest track from Keith’s most recent album, “The Speed of Now Part 1.”

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1961, the first annual Country Music Festival opened in Jacksonville, Florida. The roster included artists like Patsy Cline, Webb Pierce, Flatt and Scruggs, Porter Wagoner and Mel Tillis.
Today in 1988, the album, “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’),” by George Strait was certified gold.
Today in 1989, Clint Black made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 1994, Faith Hill topped the charts with her single, “Piece Of My Heart.”
Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” reached the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1996, Diamond Rio released the single “That’s What I Get for Loving You.”
Today in 1997, George Strait released his album, “Carrying Your Love With Me.”
Today in 1997, Joe Diffie’s “Twice Upon A Time” album and Little Texas’ self-titled debut album were released.
Today in 1997, The “Everybody Knows” album by Trisha Yearwood was certified gold.
Today in 1998, country music’s reigning super-couple, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, were the big winners at the 33rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards. They nabbed four awards (for Single, Song, Video and Top Vocal Event) for their duet, “It’s Your Love.”
Today in 1998, a Harris poll dubbed Garth Brooks the second-most popular singer among adult Americans. Alan Jackson was fifth, the Beatles and Alabama were tied for sixth place, George Strait was seventh and Reba McEntire was eighth.
Today in 2000, the Warren Brothers made their first appearance on the PBS series, “Austin City Limits.”
Today in 2000, George Strait enjoyed his single, “The Best Day,” taking the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2002, Johnny Cash made a rare public appearance in Washington, D.C. He was presented the National Medal of Arts by President George Bush in a ceremony at Constitution Hall. His attendance was a bit of a surprise considering that he spends winters at his estate in Jamaica. It’s not that he prefers life in the tropics, but Johnny’s autonomic neuropathy makes him susceptible to pneumonia and winters in Nashville tend to be on the cold side. Other recipients of National Medals of Arts and National Humanities Medals included actor Kirk Douglas and classical cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Today in 2007, Emmylou Harris, Wynonna Judd, The Crickets, John Hiatt, ex-BMI executive Frances Preston and Christian artist Michael W. Smith made up the second batch of people inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
Today in 2011, LeAnn Rimes married actor Eddie Cibrian at a private home in Malibu, California.
Today in 2013, Hunter Hayes performed “I Ain’t Gonna Stand For It” with Stevie Wonder on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” Contestant Kellie Pickler and dance partner Derek Hough got 10s from two judges after performing a quickstep to “Part-Time Lover.”
Today in 2014, Ronnie Milsap, Mac Wiseman and songwriter Hank Cochran were announced as the 2014 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees by the Country Music Association during a press conference.
Today in 2016, George Strait and Kacey Musgraves played the first country concert at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Strait honored the recently deceased Merle Haggard with a medley of “Mama Tried,” “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” and “My Life’s Been Grand.”

Lady A Is Excited To Bring Their Latest Single On The Road

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

Lady A got to perform their new single “Like A Lady” at the ACM Awards this past weekend, and it sounds like they are really excited to have more chances to play it live.

Dave Haywood says that the first time he and Charles Kelley heard the tune, which Hillary Scott wrote, he was “transported to the stage,” noting the track is perfect for “those summer amphitheaters we get to do in country music and we all love.”

Dave adds, “I think this is the song that is hopin’ to propel us toward, kinda the end of the pandemic and getting some positive music out there to kind a let us start gettin’ ready for buying tickets and gettin’ ready for shows again,” adding, “that’s our hope.”

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1947, Hank Williams recorded “Move It On Over” and “I Saw The Light” at Nashville’s Castle Studio during his first MGM recording session.
Today in 1987, the “Hillbilly Deluxe” album by Dwight Yoakam was released.
Today in 1987, Reba’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Brooks and Dunn scored a #1 hit with “Little Miss Honky Tonk.”
Today in 1998, the “One Step At A Time” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 1999, Brooks & Dunn debut their newest video, “South of Santa Fe,” at 10 am ET, while the website, Country.com simultaneously streamed the video using Microsoft Windows Media technology. It was the first time that a country video debuted simultaneously on TV and the Internet.
Today in 2002, Reprise released Dwight Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Delux” album.
Today in 2002, “CMT Crossroads” paired blues-rock trio ZZ Top with Brooks & Dunn. The list included “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Hard Workin’ Man,” and “La Grange.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney and Toby Keith each won two trophies at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards at Nashville’s Gaylord Entertainment Center.
Today in 2006, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill began their “Soul2Soul Tour II” at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. It was Hill’s first tour in six years and generated $89 million dollars in over five months. The tour was the top-grossing country tour in history.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood’s “Wasted” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2009, Capitol released Luke Bryan’s single “Do I” to radio. The song was co-written with Lady Antebellum members Charles Kelly and Dave Haywood. Lady A’s Hillary Scott on backing vocals were featured.
Today in 2012, Keith Urban became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He performed “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me,” “Days Go By” and “Without You.”
Today in 2013, Lee Brice married Sara Reeveley at the Integrity Hills Chapel in Branson, Missouri. The couple’s first dance was Brice’s “I Don’t Dance,” which was inspired by her.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley attended the Boston Marathon to cheer for his wife, Cassidy Bentley. She finished the 26.2-mile course in three house and 34 minutes.

Luke Bryan Says Getting Over COVID Was ‘Quite Challenging’

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

Luke Bryan was recently sidelined from “American Idol” after testing positive for COVID-19 and now he’s opening up about his experience.

Luke tells “People” he was “fortunate” that he didn’t have a “long, long set of symptoms,” although he admits, “it was still quite challenging for a couple of days,” and now he feels “blessed” to be on the “other side” of his diagnosis.

Luke adds that he was lucky to get through it easily with the help of his wife Caroline, sharing, “There were times when Caroline was nursing me back to health, so I was certainly amazed to move through that.”

Meanwhile Luke also talked to Extra about his bout with COVID, telling them “I had two or three days. … It was really, really tough and the boys were, I went to a whole different section of the house. I didn’t see the boys for 10 days. … That was tough,” adding, “I got just a little fatigue — everybody says expect that. I’m just really, really happy to be back doing Idol. I was heartbroke to miss last week.”

Source: People

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1959, 12-year-old Dolly Parton released her first single, “Puppy Love.”
Today in 1977, the Glen Campbell hit “Southern Nights” went gold.
Today in 1987, the “Greatest Hits” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1987, Eddie Rabbitt performed at the White House Easter Egg Roll. Get it? Eddie “the Easter” Rabbitt?
Today in 1988, “The Last One To Know” album by Reba McEntire was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Willie Nelson was among the performers at an Earth Day benefit concert in Foxboro, Massachusetts.
Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ “Only What I Feel” album was released.
Today in 1993, the “Honky Tonk Attitude” album by Joe Diffie was released.
Today in 1993, Shania Twain’s self-titled album was released.
Today in 1993, Tracy Lawrence’s album, “Alibis,” went gold.
Today in 1993, Mercury released Toby Keith’s self-titled debut album.
Today in 1996, Lee Roy Parnell was #1 on the country charts with “Heart’s Desire.”
Today in 2000, Diamond Rio announced plans for a “Fan Appreciation Concert.” The event, which included a silent auction served as a benefit for Kaia Jergenson, a David Lipscomb University student and basketball star who was tragically stricken with meningitis. As a result of the infection, both of Kaia’s legs, were amputated below the knee. The skyrocketing cost of Kaia’s care overwhelmed the family. Located in Nashville, David Lipscomb University is the alma mater of Diamond Rio’s lead singer, Marty Roe.
Today in 2000, Clay Davidson made his “Fox & Friends” debut with a performance of “Unconditional.”
Today in 2000, Randy Travis performed “A Little Left of Center” on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “My List” begun a five-week run at the top of the Billboard country list.
Today in 2008, Hank Williams, Steve Wariner and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band were added to the Music City Walk of Fame.
Today in 2011, Jo Dee Messina sung the national anthem at a Nashville Predators playoff game. Carrie Underwood sung “Cowboy Casanova” during intermission while Vince Gill played the guitar.
Today in 2012, Eric Church’s “Springsteen” went gold.
Today in 2013, the Band Perry’s “Pioneer” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2015, Willie Nelson uses 4/20 – ‘National Weed Day’ – to formally announce plans to launch Willie’s Reserve, his own brand of cannabis. The product will initially be available in Colorado and Washington, the only U.S. states where pot is legal.
Today in 2016, Jana Kramer’s single, “Whiskey,” went gold.
Today in 2016, Thomas Rhett sang “Die A Happy Man” in a guest role on ABC-TV’s “Nashville.”
Today in 2017, Rodney Atkins headlined the Back The Badge, a benefit for law enforcement at the Orleans Hotel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2017, a certified pilot – Dierks Bentley – was appointed to the board of commissioners that oversees the Nashville Airport. He resigned the post in 2018.

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