Blake Shelton Announces New Album “Body Language”

Posted on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton is getting ready to release a new album. The singer just announced he’ll drop his 12th studio album, “Body Language,” on May 21st.

“We’ve been working on this album on and off for two years now, and I’m very proud of what we have put together,” Blake shared. “We certainly had some unique challenges with the pandemic, but we also had a lot of fun. We explored new sounds while making sure to get in some classic country.”

The album will feature 12 songs, including his number one song “Happy Anywhere,” his collaboration with fiancée Gwen Stefani, as well as his latest single “Minimum Wage.” It also features a guest appearance by The Swon Brothers on the album’s title track. Check out the track list below:

“Minimum Wage”
“Body Language” (feat. The Swon Brothers)
“Happy Anywhere” (feat. Gwen Stefani)
“Now I Don’t”
“Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You”
“Corn “
“Makin’ It Up As You Go”
“Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow”
“The Girl Can’t Help It”
“The Flow”
“Neon Time”
“Bible Verses”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 31, 2021March 31, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1962, Patsy Cline hit the top of the country charts with “She’s Got You.”
Today in 1973, Johnny Rodriguez charted his first number one song “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me.”
Today in 1981, Dolly Parton performed “9 to 5” at the Oscar awards, delayed for a day after the shooting of President Reagan.
Today in 1986, Alabama’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified Gold and Platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1992, the “Wynonna” album by Wynonna Judd was released.
Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt’s second album “Longnecks and Short Stories” was released.
Today in 1995, Joe Diffie’s single “So Help Me Girl” topped the charts.
Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s “The Greatest Hits Collection” went quadruple-platinum.
Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn shot footage for their “If You See Him, If You See Her” video with Reba McEntire.
Today in 2000, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Riders in the Sky presented their 21st annual benefit concert to aid Hospital Hospitality House. It offers a home away from home for family members of critically ill patients and outpatients receiving medical treatment in Nashville area hospitals.
Today in 2002, Jo Dee Messina was in Atlanta to perform the national anthem for the Atlanta Braves’ season opener.
Today in 2003, the Great American Ball Park opened with the Cincinnati Reds losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates. President W. Bush threw out the first pitch and Clay Walker and Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless The U.S.A.”
Today in 2005, The “Honky Tonk Angels” album — featuring Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette — was certified Platinum.
Today in 2006, John Michael Montgomery held his first Hunting & Fishing Show in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Today in 2006, Tim McGraw made a guest appearance on “The Today Show” where he performed “When the Stars Go Blue” and other hits.
Today in 2006, Jake Owen made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2006, at the Kennedy Center, Vince Jill, Kris Krostofferson, Lee Ann Womack, and The Judds sang “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” as part of three weeks of country shows in the capitol.
Today in 2007, Angela Hacker, “Nashville Star’s” season five winner, made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2007, LeAnn Rimes made an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality dinner, an event supporting the gay community.
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley learned he’d won the Academy of Country Music Awards for Video of the Year with his clip “Waitin’ On a Woman,” and that he and Keith Urban got the nod for Vocal Event of the Year for their collaborative hit “Start a Band.” The winners in these categories were announced in advance of the annual ACM Awards ceremony, which took place five days later.
Today in 2009, Craig Morgan hosted his Charity Ride, which included an acoustic concert and silent auction as well as a motocross and four-wheeler ride in Van Leer, Tennessee.
Today in 2009, new CD releases included Keith Urban’s “Defying Gravity,” Rodney Atkins’ “It’s America,” and Dailey and Vincent’s “Brothers From Different Mothers.”
Today in 2011, Mel McDaniel died at his Nashville-area home following a battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
Today in 2011, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina sang “I Told You So,” the Randy Travis/Carrie Underwood duet on “American Idol.”
Today in 2012, Taylor Swift received The Big Help Award at the Kids’ Choice Awards from First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the award.
Today in 2013, Blake Shelton hosted the NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot in Boulder City, Nevada, which raised money for military related charities while Darius Rucker hosted the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic charity event in Las Vegas. Both fundraisers were held in conjunction with the annual Academy of Country Music awards.
Today in 2013, a second visitation day was held for the late Earl Scruggs at a Nashville funeral home. The bluegrass legend died a few days earlier at the age of 88.

Eric Church On The Process Behind “Heart & Soul”

Posted on March 30, 2021March 30, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Eric Church’s upcoming project “Heart & Soul” is the result of a month-long session in North Carolina in which he, his co-writers and producer Jay Joyce wrote and recorded songs from start to finish in one day, and it certainly pushed everyone involved.

“I committed to I will get up in the morning and we’re going to write a song or create a piece of work that we are going to record that night, and then we’re going to do it again and again and again,” Eric shares. “And I think that there’s something about the commitment to the 24-hour period and then the forget-ability of the next period that made this work.”

He says the whole process was “creative,” adding, “we let the creative moment continue to the players, to the songwriters.”

Eric’s “Heart & Soul” project will be released in three parts. “Heart” will be the first to be released on April 16th, followed by “&,” for his fan cub only on April 20th, and “Soul” on April 23rd

Source: Eric Church

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 30, 2021March 30, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1962, the single, “Can’t Help Falling In Love,” by Elvis Presley was certified gold.
Today in 1967, Barbara Mandrell and Navy pilot, Ken Dudney, were engaged.
Today in 1974, “Sunshine On My Shoulders” by John Denver peaked at #1 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1974, Tanya Tucker’s “Would Lay With Me (In A Field Of Stone)” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1974, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Pure Love,” entered the charts. It went on to become his first #1.
Today in 1976, “The Outlaws” album by Jennings/Nelson/Colter/Glaser was certified gold.
Today in 1977, “John Denver’s Greatest Hits, Volume II” was certified gold.
Today in 1984, Justin Moore was born in Poyen, Arkansas. His hit, “Small Town USA” of 2009, welcomed a musical persona built on hard country and brash Southern rock.
Today in 1987, The Oak Ridge Boys gave William Lee Golden the boot because he supposedly disliked the other members of the group. He later returned to the fold.
Today in 1990, Rhett Akins and his wife became parents to son Thomas Rhett Akins Jr.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks made the cover of “Time.” They called him a “jumping-jack-flash performer who can bring 40-year-olds to tears with existential hymns about accepting life’s compromises” inside their pages.
Today in 1998, David Kersh met his idol, guitar pioneer Les Paul, during a trip to New York.
Today in 2000, the “Heartaches” album by Patsy Cline was certified platinum.
Today in 2001, Jessica Andrews’ album, “Who I Am,” was certified gold. The same day, the project’s title track hit #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride and “Blessed” reached the #1 spot in Billboard.
Today in 2004, Brad Paisley taped an installment of the Radney Foster-hosted “CMT Crossroads” in New York. He teamed up with pop singer/songwriter/guitarist John Mayer.
Today in 2004, Tracy Lawrence’s album “Strong” was released.
Today in 2005, Trace Adkins’ CD “Songs About Me” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. In addition, his discs “Comin’ On Strong” and “Greatest Hits Volume 1” were also on the listing, marking the first time he’d had three CDs on the chart at the same time.
Today in 2006, Little Big Town kicked off their tour with John Mellencamp in Evansville, Indiana.
Today in 2006, CMT debuted Phil Vassar’s “Last Day Of My Life” video and The Wreckers’ “Leave The Pieces.”
Today in 2007, “Nashville Star” winner Angela Hacker made her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2007, George Jones University, which offers classes on country music, officially opened at the singer’s Franklin, Tennessee home with the start of its first class.
Today in 2007, Carolyn Dawn Johnson participated in the Musicians On Call 3rd annual benefit concert at Sotheby’s Auction House in New York City. Proceeds helped the organization bring live and recorded music to patients who are bed-ridden in healthcare facilities.
Today in 2009, Darryl Worley shot the video for his single, “Sounds Like Life To Me” in Nashville. He was originally slated to film the clip four days earlier, but the shoot was postponed due to bad weather.
Today in 2010, new album releases included Alan Jackson’s “Freight Train” and Gretchen Wilson’s “I Got Your Country Right Here.”
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift wrapped up the European portion of her “Speak Now World Tour” with a sold out show in London. Backstage at the concert, Taylor received a plaque commemorating her reaching the 20-million mark in album sales. Half of those sales occurred in the previous 18-months.
Today in 2011, noted songwriter Harley Allen died at his Brentwood, Tennessee home following a battle with cancer. He was 55. Allen’s credits included the Alan Jackson hits “Everything I Love” and “Between the Devil and Me,” Ricky Skaggs’ “A Simple Life,” Blake Shelton’s “The Baby,” Garth Brooks’ “Rollin’,” Dierks Bentley’s “My Last Name,” and Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life.”
Today in 2012, services were held in Nashville for the late bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, who passed away two days earlier at the age of 88.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves performed “Merry Go ‘Round” during her debut at the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2015, Blake Shelton’s single, “Sangria,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Keith Urban’s video for “Raise ‘Em Up,” which features Eric Church, premiered at Conan O’Brien’s website, TeamCoco.com.
Today in 2016, Merle Haggard cancelled all his concert appearances for the month of April, still battling pneumonia four months after his initial diagnosis.
Today in 2017, Jaren Johnston of the Cadillac Three became a father as his wife, Evyn Mustoe, delivered their son, Jude Daniel Johnston.

Miranda Lambert, Eric Church & More Drop New Songs

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by Bob Ballard

It was another great weekend of music for Country fans with several artists dropping brand new songs for them to enjoy.

Miranda Lambert shared another new song from her upcoming album “The Marfa Tapes,” with Jack Ingram, and Jon Randall. The latest is the track “Am I Right Or Amarillo.” “’Am I Right or Amarillo’ was a Jack Ingram line,” Jon shares. “We just started riffing on the title and a cheating song showed itself. We all miss country cheating songs so we just went with it. It is really more of a bluegrass kind of thing.”

Eric Church has shared another track from his upcoming “Heart & Soul” project. The song is “Break It Kind Of Guy,” which he wrote with Luke Dick and Casey Beathard. The tune will be featured on the “Soul” album, which drops April 23rd. It follows “Hart,” which drops April 16th, and the fan-club only “&,” which comes out April 20th.

Maddie & Tae are back with a new song, “Woman You Got,” which is the first single off their upcoming third album. “This song is the most autobiographical song we have ever written,” Maddie shares. “Our hope is that this song is an anthem for all our fans, male and female!”

Rory Feek is giving fans a taste of his upcoming album “Gentle Man,” which drops June 18th. The singer just dropped the new tune “Met Him In A Motel Room,” which is a collaboration with Trisha Yearwood. Trisha previously included song, which Rory co-wrote, on her 2014 album “Prizefighter.”

And finally, Justin Moore just announced the new album “Straight Outta The Country” which will be released on April 23rd. Well, now he’s released the first single from the record, “She Ain’t Mine No More.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 29, 2021March 29, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1960, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge opened in Nashville. The lounge became a nightclub for Grand Ole Opry members during the Opry’s Ryman Auditorium years.
Today in 1968, Glen Campbell got a big break. CBS announced that the singer would host the “Summer Replacement Variety Hour” to fill the Smothers Brothers timeslot.
Today in 1971, the “Amos Moses” single by Jerry Reed was certified gold.
Today in 1989, Roy Orbison’s “Mystery Girl” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1991, the “Pickin’ On Nashville” video by Kentucky Headhunters was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Diamond Rio hit #1 on the charts with the single, “Walkin’ Away.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain began her first headlining tour, along with a nine-piece band in her Canadian homeland in Sudbury, Ontario.
Today in 1998, at 3:33 pm Nashville time, Martina McBride and her husband John welcomed their second daughter, Emma Justine. Emma, weighing in at 7 pounds 11 1/2 ounces, is the McBrides’ second child. The first was their other daughter, Delaney.
Today in 1999, Wynonna Judd performed at a special benefit in Los Angeles called “11 1/2 Million Waiting to Be Freed.” The benefit was designed to raise money for the fight against the oppression of women in Afghanistan. Wy’s sister Ashley and mom Naomi were also on hand as speakers at the event. As part of the festivities, an exclusive photo of 100 celebrity women with their daughters (including the Judd women), mothers or sisters was shot for the cover of “Parade”
Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s “Breathe” album was certified triple platinum. It has since gone on to be certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million.
Today in 2003, Jennifer Hanson gave a benefit concert for the Officers’ Wives’ Club at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. More than 17,000 soldiers from the facility had been deployed to the Persian Gulf – with more on duty in Afghanistan.
Today in 2003, Joe Nichols picks up his first #1 single in Billboard with “Brokenheartsville.”
Today in 2004, Dierks Bentley underwent knee surgery in Nashville, nine days after an on-stage accident left him with a torn ligament and bruised knee bone.
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift scored up a platinum single for “Begin Again.”
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan spent the first of six weeks total at #1 in Billboard with “This Is How We Roll.”
Today in 2015, Jennifer Nettles concluded her run as Roxie Hart in a Broadway production of “Chicago” at the Ambassador Theatre in New York.
Today in 2016, Luke Bryan and Jason Derulo mixed it up as an episode of “CMT Crossroads” gets shot at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. Among Bryan’s hits in the set list were “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” “Strip It Down” and “That’s My Kind Of Night.”
Today in 2016, Scotty McCreery received the Patrick D. Kenan Award for Vocal Health and Wellness from Duke University at the Cary Arts Center in Cary, North Carolina.
Today in 2017, the A&E series “Duck Dynasty” aired its final original episode. Along the way, the reality show’s stars, The Robertsons, earned a #1 country album with the 2013 release, “Duck The Halls: A Robertson Family Christmas.”
Today in 2017, Luke Combs was on his way to the ACM Awards in Las Vegas, but was arrested at the Nashville Airport…when he left a gun in his baggage.

Kenny Chesney Releasing Deluxe Version Of “Here And Now”

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

Kenny Chesney is giving fans some more new music. The singer just announced he’ll release a deluxe version of his latest record, “Here and Now,” on May 7^th. The new release will feature the original album, as well as four new racks, “Wind On,” “Fields of Glory,” “My Anthem” and “Streets.”

“Being home, writing with friends, recording with people who inspire you this time has taught me to really be in the moment, to share more music,” Kenny says. “Some of these songs will spark an immediate hunger for things we all love; some of them I think people will think about for days and days after they hear them.

He adds, “With so much still unsettled, I didn’t want to wait any more to share them.”

Source: Kenny Chesney

This day in Country Music History

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

Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on “The Kate Smith Show” show.
Today in 1955, the single “Ballad of Davy Crockett” topped the U.S. charts.
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first when he hit number one with three consecutive releases, “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Wooden Heart.”
Today in 1983, “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1983, John Anderson went to #1 on the Billboard country chard with “Swinging’.”
Today in 1986, 23-year-old Kerry McCarver Lewis — the sixth wife of then-51-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis – filed for divorce. The couple later reconciled. However, the couple split again in 2003.
Today in 1990, “Diamond & Dirt” became Rodney Crowell’s first gold album.
Today in 1993, Clint Black hit number one on the country charts with the single “When My Ship Comes In.”
Today in 1997, Garth Brooks held a press conference on a New York City rooftop to announce that he’d be giving a free concert in Central Park on August 7th. He also announced he would release his album “Sevens” the same day.
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks and rapper Warren G released a joint statement saying they had settled their five-month legal dispute over the use of the lower case letter “g.” Garth said he now had a whole new understanding of the alphabet, explaining he learned that in the rap world “g” represents young people who aren’t into violence and drugs but who are making positive contributions to society. He added, quote, “Knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.”
Today in 2000, Faith Hill subbed for Whitney Houston during a medley of old Oscar-nominated songs at the 72nd annual Academy Awards. Garth Brooks was also involved in the segment. Later he said he was thankful Faith was gracious enough to step in at the last minute and that he felt for Whitney, who was “so sick.”
Today in 2002, Martina McBride was celebrating her second week at number one on the country charts with her single “Blessed.”
Today in 2002, Phil Vassar married his longtime love, Julie Wood, in a private ceremony on a beach in Florida.
Today in 2002, the NItty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was re-released in a 30th anniversary by Capitol Records. It included additional tracks and new artwork.
Today in 2003, Darryl Worley’s single “Have You Forgotten” was at number one.
Today in 2005, Craig Morgan began a four-week visit at the top of the Billboard chart with “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney turned 39 by throwing a party at the Tin Roof in Nashville. He performed for hours, and Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Jewel, Sara Evans, and Montgomery Gentry joined him onstage. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill attended the show.
Today in 2007, Danielle Peck organized her first Safe Haven event at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Today in 2007, Tim McGraw performed his single “Last Dollar” on CBS’s “Early Show.”
Today in 2008, Clay Walker hosted the “Clay Walker Charity Classic,” a charity golf tournament in Houston, Texas, to support those battling multiple sclerosis.
Today in 2011, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, performing in support of his solo bluegrass album, “The Great Divide.”
Today in 2012, Mercury released Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, featuring such guests as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffett, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson.
Today in 2012, Kris Kristofferson received the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation at an event in Nashville. Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn, and Charlie Daniels were among the performers at the gala along with Vince Gill, who also served as the event’s host.
Today in 2013, new country releases included Blake Shelton’s “Based on a True Story…,” Thompson Square’s “Just Feels Good,” Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories, Volume 2,” and Crystal Bowersox’s “All That For This.”
Today in 2014, word surfaced that Trace Adkins and his wife Rhonda were ending their marriage of nearly 17 years. Rhonda filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson, the Lady Antebellum songwriter, wrote “Bartender” on a bus ride from Kansas City to Omaha.
Today in 2015, Willie Nelson announced plans to launch his own brand of weed, Willie’s Reserve, in states where grass has been legalized.
Today in 2016, Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” kicked off a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2016, Clay Walker hosted his fourth annual Band Against MS bike ride in Humble, Texas.
Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Hotel Key” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina was named New Female Vocalist of the Year for the 53^rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, while Brett Young is tapped as New Male Vocalist and Midland took New Vocal Duo or Group.
Today in 2019, Chase Rice scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Eyes On You.”
Today in 2020, Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were announced among the celebrities contributing to a Tennessee public service announcement campaign, “Do Your Part, Stay Apart.” The effort encourages citizens to maintain safe social distances and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

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

Posted on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Bingo”, a 3 year old Walker Coonhound mix. He’s energetic, confident and friendly, but he’s not a fan of cats. He’s a big boy and needs some leash-training, but would make a great addition to your family.

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

Marty Stuart Announces New Digital Album, Drops First Song

Posted on March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 by Bob Ballard

Marty Stuart is releasing a new digital album. “Songs I Sing In The Dark” will feature 20 songs, with Marty sharing one tune each month.

“The title tells the story. I have a long line of songs that range from obscure, originals, to old favorites from various musical worlds that I often sing to myself when I’m alone,” Marty shares. “Until recently, I had never formally made a list of all the titles.”

He adds, “When I did, I saw in those titles so many great songs that need to be remembered and passed down. There was a mighty congregation of names of profound songwriters whose presence and lyrics are to be cherished,” noting, “In the wake of these revelations, I was inspired to finally go to work on the idea of Songs I Sing in the Dark.”

The album’s first release is the tune “Ready for The Times To Get Better.” “As the pandemic raged on, ‘Ready For The Times To Get Better’ became my personal theme song,” he says. “I can’t seem to quit playing it. Several months later, I’m still at it.”

Source: Marty Stuart

https://youtu.be/I1AXPIPf7NM?list=PLnQP7Uj080KI8HGhC2ijIUnPTG-Aq68bA

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