Luke Bryan Misses Live ‘American Idol’ After Testing Positive For COVID

Posted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 by Bob Ballard

“American Idol” kicked off their live shows last night, but it was without Luke Bryan, who was sidelined after testing positive for COVID-19.

“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show,” he shared. “I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.” “Idol’s” Instagram page added that Luke is “resting now in quarantine at home.”

Meanwhile, “Idol” producers found a familiar face to replace him last night – original “American Idol” judge Paula Abdul, who was a judge from the Fox show’s 2002 launch, leaving theshow after its eighth season.

“We’ll miss you tonight @LukeBryanOnline,” Paul tweeted. “Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat!”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 13, 2021April 13, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist.
Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart.
Today in 1965, Roger Miller set a record by winning five GRAMMYS in one night. No other country star has ever won that many at one time.
Today in 1970, Bettie Azevedez picked up five trophies on behalf of Merle Haggard in the Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at the Hollywood Palladium.
Today in 1996, Lonestar’s “No News” topped Billboard for the first time.
Today in 2002, Faith Hill was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. She wasn’t there, though, and only about 70 people attended the induction ceremony at the University of Southern Mississippi. Other new inductees include jazz diva Cassandra Wilson; former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley; Walter Turnbull, the founder and conductor of the Boys Choir of Harlem; blues great Howlin’ Wolf; pop musician Van Dyke Parks; and former member of the Temptations David Ruffin.
Today in 2003, Andy Griggs, Kris Kristofferson, Jeffrey Steele and others teamed up to play in a Waylon Jennings tribute concert in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was one of three shows with the theme “Crossing the Bound’ries,” an acoustic evening of Waylon music and anecdotes that also raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Also participating were Waylon’s widow, Jessi Coulter, and son Shooter Jennings.
Today in 2005, Willie Nelson’s attorney sent a Texas Senator a letter declining to have a toll road named for the singer. Nelson told the Austin American-Statesman, “I’d put my name on an electric chair, too, but I don’t think that’d be too great a thing.”
Today in 2009, Big Machine released Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” to radio.
Today in 2012, Jana Kramer performed “Why Ya Wanna” as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2013, Jason Aldean performed the first of a handful of stadium dates on his 2013 itinerary, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with Luke Bryan, Jake Owens and Thomas Rhett. Ludacris made a surprise appearance.
Today in 2014, Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo appearance during Seth Rogen’s show-opening monologue on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” “You’re getting really upset,” she exclaimed. “And whenever a man shows emotion, I appear!”
Today in 2014, the late Johnny Cash was atop the “Billboard” country albums chart with “Out Among The Stars.”
Today in 2015, Trace Adkins embarked on a USO tour that took him to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Germany.

Taylor Swift Shares Home Movies In Vid For ‘The Best Day (Taylor’s Version)’

Posted on April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift dropped “Fearless (Taylor’s Version)” on Friday, and along with it shared a very personal lyric video for the track “The Best Day (Taylor’s Version).”

The original 2009 music video features family home videos and the new clip does the same with footage of her life before she became a pop star, including rare clips of her mom Andrea, dad Scott and brother Austin.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 12, 2021April 12, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, at the GRAMMYs, Marty Robbins won Best Country & Western Performance for “El Paso.”
Today in 1972, Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium hosted the first Fan Fair.
Today in 1980, Christy Pride hit the top of the charts with her remake of “Honky Tonk Blues.”
Today in 1986, the Judds topped the singles charts with “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ol’ Days).”
Today in 1989, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was released.
Today in 1991, the single, “Down Home,” by Alabama was #1 on the charts.
Today in 1993, Tim McGraw released his self-titled debut album.
Today in 1994, the “Big Time” album by Little Texas was certified platinum.
Today in 1994, Dwight Yoakam’s “Hillbilly Deluxe” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Alabama’s single, “Give Me One More Shot,” topped the country charts.
Today in 1996, Neal McCoy hit #1 with the single, “You Gotta Love That.”
Today in 1997, Travis Tritt married Theresa Nelson in Georgia. He sang “More Than You’ll Ever Know” to his bride.
Today in 1999, the “Greatest Hits” album by Diamond Rio was certified gold.
Today in 1999, Shania Twain became the only female artist in music history to sell at least 10-million units with back-to-back releases. Plus, her “Come On Over” album was given the first-ever Diamond Award.
Today in 2000, Bill Anderson and Jon Randall wrote “Whiskey Lullaby.”
Today in 2002, the annual gala, “An American Celebration At Ford’s Theater,” from Washington D.C. aired on ABC. SHeDAISY was among the list of folks entertaining President Bush, First Lady Laura Bush and a slew of other dignitaries.
Today in 2002, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” tour kicked off in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show, which included Gary Allan, Chris Cagle, Trick Pony, Dwight Yoakam and Cledus T. Judd (as the emcee), wrapped in Holmdel, New Jersey on July 28^th.
Today in 2010, as the Pultzer Prize winners were announced, Hank Williams was honored with a special citation for “craftsmanship as a songwriter.”
Today in 2014, Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo during Seth Rogen’s opening “Saturday Night Live” monologue, saying: “You’re getting really upset. And whenever a man shows emotion, I appear!”
Today in 2016, Merle Haggard covers abound as Keith Urban and Vince Gill co-host the All for the Hall benefit at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Gill offered up “The Fightin’ Side Of Me,” Sam Hunt sang “The Way I Am” and Emmylou Harris performed “Kern River.” Also appearing were: Florida Georgia Line, Luke Bryan, Jason Isbell and Maddie & Tae.

Clay Walker Announces New Album

Posted on April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Clay Walker is set to release a new album this summer. The singer just announced his 12th studio album, “Texas To Tennessee,” will drop July 30th.

The album features 10 songs, all co-written by Clay, with the title a shout out to where he recorded the album, both in Nashville, Tennessee and Galveston, Texas.

“I’m really proud of these songs and can’t wait to share them with y’all,” he shared on Instagram. “So grateful for my incredible team and producers @musicknox and @jaronboyer for making this happen.”

Check out the track list below:

“Anything To Do With You”
“Need A Bar Sometimes”
“Catching Up With An Ol’ Memory”
“Country Side”
“Cowboy Loves A Woman”
“Texas To Tennessee”
“I Just Wanna Hold You”
“Loving You Then”
“You Look Good”
“One More”

Instagram Link

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 9, 2021April 9, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” entered the country charts.
Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold.
Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous Last Words Of A Fool.”
Today in 1990, Tanya Tucker’s “Tennessee Woman” album was released.
Today in 1991, the album, “Something In Red,” by Lorrie Morgan was released.
Today in 1991, Patty Loveless earned her first gold album certification for “Honky Tonk Angel.”
Today in 1992, Pam Tillis’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1997, songwriter Mae Boren Axton died at the age of 82. She co-wrote the Elvis Presley classic, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Today in 1998, Tammy Wynette’s funeral was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Stars including Wynonna, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys all performed musical tributes. Before that very public service, there was a private service earlier in the day attended by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and George Jones.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill kicked off the first leg of her “This Kiss” tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was her first tour as a solo headliner.
Today in 2001, former BlackHawk member Van Stephenson died at his Nashville home at the age of 47 following a valiant fight against skin cancer.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “My List,” topped the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2002, Tommy Shane Steiner’s debut album, “Then Came The Night,” and Chris LeDoux’s “After The Storm” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, folks at “InStyle” magazine told us that their April 2001 edition, which featured Faith Hill on the cover, was their #1 seller that year. As a matter of fact, her issue trounced cover girls Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson.
Today in 2005, Anna Nicole Smith appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. She flashed what appeared to some fans to be her breasts, though Opry officials insisted she was wearing a nude bra. She also met Joe Nichols, who ironically sang at her 2007 funeral.
Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts and Loretta Lynn were celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville. Also recognized were non-country acts Jars Of Clay and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
Today in 2012, Keith Urban’s “For You,” from the movie “Act of Valor” was released to radio.
Today in 2013, Brad Paisley’s album, “Wheelhouse,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and David Foster play the 22nd annual Celebrity Fight Night benefit in Phoenix, hosted by Reba McEntire. The event marks the last public appearance by boxer Muhammad Ali, who dies two months later.
Today in 2016, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith sang “Silver Wings” during the funeral for Merle Haggard at his ranch in Palo Cedro, California. Kris Kristofferson performed”Sing Me Back Home,” and Haggard’s sons – Marty, Noel and Ben Haggard – deliver “Today I Started Loving You Again.” A year later on the same day? Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, was on hand as his childhood home, opened for public viewing in Bakersfield. It had been built from a converted boxcar.
Today in 2018, Walker Hayes scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “You Broke Up With Me.”
Today in 2018, Sugarland sang “Stuck Like Glue” with contestant Layla Spring and “Stay” with Gabby Barrett on ABC’s telecast of “American Idol” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.

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

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Buttercup”. Buttercup is a beautiful 4 year old domestic shorthair mix cat who is spayed and would love to meet you! She’s a little shy at first, but will warm up to you and she gets along with other cats as well.

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Buttercup 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:

Zac Brown Band Announce New Livestream

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Zac Brown Band is ready to perform again. The band announced they’ll headline a special May 8th livestream from their Southern Ground Studio in Nashville.

“I’m so excited to invite our fans to our special livestream performance,” Zac shares on social media. “It’s been a long time since we took the stage, and we think it’s about time we bring family and friends together from our very own Southern Ground Studio in Nashville for the first time ever.”

He adds, “After the live performance, stick around for our special encore event, where we’ll be answering fan-submitted questions. We can’t wait for you to join us!” If that’s not exciting enough, the announcement notes, “The band will also share some exciting news with fans who tune in.”

The livestream will kick of at 9 pm ET, and tickets are on sale now via Sessions Live. There will also be VIP bundles that will include exclusive merch, and “extremely limited short 1:1 virtual hangs with Zac.”

Source: Zac Brown Band

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 8, 2021April 8, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard.
Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers portrayed Brady Hawkes for the first time when CBS aired a TV movie based around his signature hit, “The Gambler.”
Today in 1985, George Strait’s album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” was certified Gold.
Today in 1988, Rodney Crowell’s “Diamonds & Dirt” album arrived in stores.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger To The Rain” reached #1 in Billboard. One month and one day later, he was dead of alcohol poisoning.
Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s “RVS 3” album was certified Platinum.
Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Shooting Straight in The Dark,” was certified gold.
Today in 1994, Lee Roy Parnell hit number one with the single “I’m Holding My Own.”
Today in 1996, Aaron Tippin’s “Tool Box” album was certified Gold.
Today in 1997, Alabama released “Dancin’ On the Boulevard,” Clay Walker released “Rumor Has It,” and Wynonna released her greatest hits album, “Collection.”
Today in 1999, it was revealed that Faith Hill would not only become a spokesmodel for Cover Girl cosmetics, she was also confirmed as a performer on the 1999 VH1 “Divas Live” concert.
Today in 2004, Tracy Lawrence’s album “Strong” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number two, behind Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.” Kenny’s album was marking its eighth week at number one.
Today in 2004, Rhett Atkins, Chad Brock and Daryle Singletary sang “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at the first San Diego Padres game in their Petco Park stadium. The Padres beat San Francisco, 4-3.
Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts began a four-week stay at #1 in Billboard with “What Hurts The Most.”
Today in 2008, Kenny Chesney previewed his “Poets & Pirates” show before a small group of invited guests in Nashville.
Today in 2008, Emerson Drive and Neal McCoy took part in opening day baseball games. Emerson Drive sang the national anthem for the Kansas City Royal’s home opener, and also performed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. Neal McCoy performed the anthem for the Texas Rangers first game of the season in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 2008, Clint Black displayed his skills as a stand-up comedian on the season premiere of CBS’ “Secret Talents of the Stars.” Meanwhile, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry served as coaches for actor George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu on the original “Star Trek,” as he competed on the show as a country singer.
Today in 2008, James Otto’s “Sunset Man” was released. The album was the last to be issued by the Muzik Mafia’s Raybaw Records. Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich were among those who ran the now-defunct label. Other new material hitting stores included Jeff Bates and Jypsi’s self-titled albums and Trisha Yearwood’s cookbook, “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen.”
Today in 2009, Charlie Daniels received the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award from officials at Middle Tennessee State University at a special luncheon at the school. MTSU presents the award to honor people whose work in government, education, or charitable efforts serves as an example of the American spirit in action.
Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler made a guest appearance on “American Idol,” and performed “Best Days Of Your Life.”
Today in 2010, Mark Chesnutt began a tour of U.S. bases in South Korea with a show at Camp Casey. His trek included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone, which is the area that separates North and South Korea. The singer traveled to Asia with the Tennessee National Guard.
Today in 2011, Zac Brown Band launched their inaugural Southern Ground Music and Food Festival. The three-day event took place at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.
Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum made their Australian concert debut, opening for Keith Urban in Adelaide.
Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood made her film-acting debut as a church counselor for a youth group in the Beth Hamilton biopic, “Soul Surfer.”
Today in 2013, CBS filmed “ACM Presents: Time McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night” at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Included in the lineup: His wife, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, and Taylor Swift.
Today in 2016, Zac Brown was in the room, but not arrested when two others are booked for cocaine possession in a West Palm Beach, Florida, hotel. After it’s reported by TMZ, Brown issues a statement chalking it up to a case of poor judgment and hanging out with the wrong people.
Today in 2017, Cassadee Pope performed her first USO concert Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
Today in 2018, Collin Raye performed “Amazing Grace” as 900 butterflies were released at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden to honor more than 50 people who were killed at the Route 91 festival the previous October.

Luke Bryan Stopping By “Jimmy Kimmel” & “GMA” This Week

Posted on April 7, 2021April 7, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Luke Bryan is set to release the deluxe edition of “Born Here Live Here Die Here” on Friday, and he’s making a couple of TV appearances this week to promote it.

Luke is set to appear on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” tonight, and then on release day he’ll stop by “Good Morning America” and “GMA3: What You Ned To Know.” He’s also planning some more appearances next month, possibly to coincide with the season finale of “American Idol.”

Luke’s deluxe edition of “Born Here Live Here Die Here” will include six new songs – “Country Does,” “Drink a Little Whiskey Down,” “Waves,” “Bill Dance,” “Up,” and “Floatin’ This Creek.”

Source: Luke Bryan

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