- Today in 1956, Elvis’ first single, “Heartbreak Hotel” was released.
- Today in 1979, Johnny Horton recorded “The Battle of New Orleans.”
- Today in 1973, Tom Hall reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “(Old Dogs-Children And) Watermelon Wine.”
- Today in 1992, at the American Music Awards, Garth Brooks won three trophies and Wynonna sang “She Is His Only Need.”
- Today in 1998, The Dixie Chicks’ first major label album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was released.
- Today in 2004, Two songs performed in “Cold Mountain” by Alison Kraus won Oscar nominations: “You Will Be My Ain True Love,” by Sting, and “The Scarlet Tide,” by Bone Burnett and Elvis Costello.
- Today in 2007, “Watching You” by Rodney Atkins was at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2014, the video “This is How We Roll” was shot by Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan.
- Today in 2017, PBS aired “Brad Paisley – Landmarks Live In Concert: A Great Performances Special.” Filmed at West Virginia University, it included renditions of “Mud On The Tires,” “Then,” “Southern Comfort Zone,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and “I’m Still A Guy,” the latter featuring guest Chris Young.
- Today in 2017, Scotty McCreery had a surprise visitor, Randy Travis, when he performed at Billy Bob’s Texas in Fort Worth. McCreery sang “Forever And Ever, Amen” during the show, as tribute.
- Today in 2017, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Bonnie Owens, Billy Mize and Red Simpson were the inaugural inductees in the Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton was the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” surprising viewers by bringing along unannounced guest Sturgill Simpson for performances of “Midnight Train To Memphis” and “Hard Livin’.”
- Today in 2020, Kane Brown received quintuple-platinum singles from the RIAA for “Heaven” and for “What Ifs,” his duet with Lauren Alaina.
- Today in 2020, Luke Combs’ single, “Does To Me,” which features Eric Church, hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2021, Kris Kristofferson’s retirement was noted in passing as part of an official press release announcing Morris Higham Management would oversee his estate.
- Today in 2021, Tyler Farr and his wife, Hannah, welcomed their daughter, Hollis Caroline, in Tennessee.
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Luke Bryan Announces “Word On The Street Tour
Posted on by Bob Ballard
OK, word on the street is, Luke Bryan is heading back out on tour (see what we did there?). Friday, Luke announced his “Word On The Street Tour,” set to kick off with two nights in Gilford, New Hampshire May 29 and 30, with stops in Myrtle Beach, Buffalo, Nashville and more before coming to a stop for a final show in Mountain View, California on August 14. Depending on the date, show openers will include Drew Baldridge, Karley Scott Collins, Lanie Gardner, Randall King, Zach John King, Shane Profitt, Raelynn, Lauren Watkins, Jake Worthington and DJ Rock. Pre-sales for the trek start tomorrow, ahead of the general sale this Friday at 10AM local time. For complete info and tickets, visit Luke’s website. See the first ten dates of the tour below.
- May 29 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
- May 30 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
- June 5 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Fest+
- June 11 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
- June 12 – Lubbock, TX – United Supermarkets Arena
- June 13 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
- June 18 – Wichita, KS – INTRUST Bank Arena
- June 19 – Des Moines, IA – Casey’s Center
- June 20 – Winsted, MN – Winstock Country Music Festival
- June 25 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1947, Hank Williams wrote the song “I Saw The Light.”
- Today in 1979, “The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring Tom Wopat, John Schneider and Catherine Bach, debuted on CBS. Waylon Jennings narrated the show and sang the theme song, which became a country hit.
- Today in 1992, Hillary Clinton went after those who snarked about her defense of her husband, by dissing the First Lady of country music on “60 Minutes.” “I’m not sitting here You know, I’m not sitting here – some little woman standing by my man like Tammy Wynette,” she told Steve Kroft. “I’m sitting here because I love him, and I respect him.” Yeah…people – especially Tammy Wynette fans – didn’t appreciate it very much.
- Today in 1994, Diamond Rio earned a gold album for “Close to the Edge.”
- Today in 1994, the “In Pieces” album by Garth Brooks was certified quadruple platinum.
- Today in 1997, Mary Chapin Carpenter performed “Down At the Twist and Shout” during the halftime show at the Super Bowl in New Orleans.
- Today in 1998, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Alabama and Lee Ann Womack all won trophies at the 25th annual American Music Awards.
- Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s album, “Everything I Love” was certified double-platinum.
- Today in 2001, it was announced that Reba McEntire was given the “green light” for half-hour sitcom to air on the WB Network. The same day, Reba made her debut as Annie Oakley in the Broadway musical “Annie Get Your Gun.”
- Today in 2003, Mark Wills enjoyed his fourth consecutive week at #1 with his single, “19 Somethin’.”
- Today in 2003, at the Super Bowl, the Dixie Chicks sang the national anthem and Shania Twain sang “Main! I Feel Like A Woman!”
- Today in 2009, Chris Young’s song “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song)” is played on the radio for the first time.
- Today in 2010, Kieth Urban and John Mayer shot an episode of CMT Crossroads, singing “Sweet Thing,” “Tonight I Wanna Cry,” and “‘Til Summer Comes Around,” for an audience that included Taylor Swift, Jake Owen, Kix Brooks, and Eric Gunderson.
- Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum’s album “Need You Now” was released.
- Today in 2014, Kacey Musgraves won Best Country Album and Best Country Song at the GRAMMYs.
- Today in 2016, Jake Owen makes a surprise appearance to duet on “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” during Eric Paslay’s show at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild also makes a cameo.
- Today in 2018, Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2019, Miranda Lambert married New York police officer Brendan McLoughlin on her property in rural Tennessee.
- Today in 2020, Tanya Tucker was a double-winner during the 62nd annual GRAMMY awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. “While I’m Livin'” scored Best Country Album, and “Bring My Flowers Now” earns Best Country Song.
- Today in 2020, Keith Urban was named an officer of the order of Australia.
- Today in 2021, Tom T. Hall was recognized among the 2020 Kentucky Governor’s Awards honorees during a virtual ceremony.
Opry To Host All-Star Tribute To Ronnie Milsap
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Next month, the Grand Ole Opry recognizes country legend Ronnie Milsap as he celebrates his 50th year with the Opry. The celebration will feature some big names, including Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Trace Adkins, Mark Wills, and more as they perform some of Ronnie’s biggest hits. Ronnie himself is confirmed to be in the audience as well. The tribute is set for February 24; tickets are on sale now on the Opry’s website.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded the song “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
- Today in 1987, “Whoever’s in New England” by Reba McEntire became a gold album.
- Today in 1990, the album “Killin’ Time” by Clint Black became a platinum album.
- Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married his wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers, whom he met on the video shoot of Gretchen Wilson’s “Redneck Woman.”
- Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood won four awards at the second annual CMT Online Awards.
- Today in 2011, at the AFC Championship Game, the Steelers beat the New York Jets 24-19. Martina McBride sung the national anthem, and Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. performed at halftime.
- Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young guest starred on ABC-TV’s “Nashville.” The episode’s music included Jack Ingram’s “Barefoot and Crazy,” along with songs by Thomas Rhett and Edens Edge.
- Today in 2017, Big & Rich earned a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” and a platinum one for “Lost In This Moment.”
- Today in 2018, Lari White died of cancer in Nashville. Married to songwriter Chuck Cannon, she earned three Top 10 hits in 1994-1995, had a role in the Tom Hanks movie, “Cast Away,” and co-produced hits for Billy Dean and Toby Keith.
- Today in 2018, the World Wildlife Fund launched a campaign to battle the poaching of snow leopards with the Rascal Flatts song, “I Won’t Let Go,” providing musical support.
MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: PITA
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Pita”, an adorable 4 month old domestic shorthair kitten who’s a playful and friendly little furball. Pita loves people and other cats, but isn’t too sure about dogs yet. Pita is fully vaccinated, vetted, and would love to meet you!
And since Pita is the Pet of the Week his adoption fee is only $30 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Pita 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 Pita with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Kenny Chesney Adds Six More Sphere Shows
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Demand for tickets to Kenny Chesney‘s series of shows at the Sphere in Las Vegas was so high this year, the artist had no choice but to add more shows to his upcoming residency. Originally slated to be just five shows, Kenny announced yesterday that they were adding six more shows to his stay in Sin City. He also let it be known that, at least for this summer, it’s the Sphere or nothing for fans. “No Shoes Nation. This show has kept us inspired. Five nights turned into something bigger, and it only felt right to keep going. If we’re going to do it, let’s make it count, so we’re adding SIX additional dates. Sphere will be my only headline concerts this summer.” Pre-sale for the new dates starts tomorrow at 10am PT; general on-sale starts next Friday, January 30 at 10am PT. The new dates: July 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 and 11. Visit Kenny’s website for ticket purchasing and more info.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1969, Glen Campbell was awarded his first gold single for “Wichita Lineman.”
- Today in 1990, for the third straight year Randy Travis lead country winners at the American Music Awards with three awards. Other country winners included Reba McEntire, Alabama and Clint Black.
- Today in 1991, Aaron Tippin’s first album, “You’ve Got To Stand For Something,” was released.
- Today in 1994, Hal Ketchum joined the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney’s album “Greatest Hits” was certified gold and platinum.
- Today in 2005, Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” reached the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 2012, Brad Paisley performed “Camouflage” in a halftime set during an NFL playoff game at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park where New York Giants beat the 49ers 20-17.
- Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum’s single, “Downtown,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2018, Neil Diamond announced he’s been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and is officially retiring from touring.
- Today in 2018, the single, “What Ifs,” by Kane Brown featuring Lauren Alaina, went double-platinum single.
Morgan Wallen Buys $38-Thousand Worth Of Musical Instruments For Knoxville, TN School
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Morgan Wallen just came through in a big way for music students in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. Through his Morgan Wallen Foundation, along with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, they donated three double basses, seven cellos, seven violas and nine violins, (worth $38,717), to West High School in Knoxville. According to the “Knox News,” the school is starting a new orchestra program, and the Morgan Wallen Foundation was responsible for funding for the instruments, and the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation will handle the purchasing and make sure the instruments get to the school. The instruments are expected to arrive in March.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1950, Red Foley’s “Chattanoogie Shoe Shine Boy” topped the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1957, Patsy Cline got her first big break when she performed on “Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts.” She sang her classic, “Walking After Midnight,” and was signed to a recording contract by Decca Records a few weeks later. “Walking After Midnight” went on to become her first hit.
- Today in 1970, ABC-TV presented “The Johnny Cash Show” in prime time. Previously, the show had been a summer replacement.
- Today in 1983, the “Strong Stuff” album by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
- Today in 1985, “Waylon & Willie” album was certified double-platinum along with “Wanted: The Outlaw,” featuring Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Jessi Colter, and Tompall Glaser.
- Today in 1987, Dwight Yoakam’s album, “Guitars, Cadillacs, Etc., Etc.,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1987, Roy Orbison and Carl Perkins were among the inductees into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell’s “She’s Crazy For Leaving” landed #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 1994, Clay Walker hit #1 on the country charts with the single, “Live Until I Die.”
- Today in 1996, Wynonna married the father of her children, Arch Kelley, in a Nashville church. The couple has since divorced.
- Today in 1997, “Colonel” Tom Parker – Elvis Presley’s manager who was credited with turning the singer into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll – died the day after suffering a stroke. He was 87.
- Today in 2000, ten weeks after having surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome, drummer Brian Prout was back performing live with Diamond Rio at Sam’s Town in Robinsville, Mississippi.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill’s single, “Breathe,” topped the “Billboard” Country Singles chart for the sixth consecutive week.
- Today in 2000, Garth Brooks’ album sales totaled an astounding 99-million.
- Today in 2006, “Jesus, Take The Wheel” by Carrie Underwood landed #1 in Billboard and remained for six weeks.
- Today in 2013, during an inaugural concert for President Barack Obama at the Washington Convention Center, Brad Paisley performed “American Saturday Night.” Along with Jennifer Hudson, Stevie Wonder and Jamie Foxx, who sang “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”
- Today in 2017, Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by her sister, Loretta Lynn.
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