Luke Bryan Announces “Crash My Playa 2027” Is A Go

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Luke Bryan‘s Mexican tradition continues. Yesterday, he announced that his annual trip south of the border for a weekend of fun and live music would be returning in 2027. In an Instagram post, he wrote “It’s official! We’re coming back to crash the playa in 2027!” alongside a promotional video for the event. While no info on who besides Luke would be appearing, we do know the dates: January 13-16, 2027, at the Moon Palace Resort in Rivera Cancun, Mexico.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 13, 2026 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.

Kacey Musgraves New Album Will Have Some High-Powered Collabs

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Kacey Musgraves is enlisting some high-powered help for her next album. Announcing her sixth studio album, Musgraves revealed that the project will include collaborations with Miranda Lambert, Willie Nelson and Billy Strings. Along with the announcement, she released “Dry Spell,” the first track from the upcoming release. “Middle of Nowhere” comes out May 1. See the tracklist below.

“Middle of Nowhere”
“Dry Spell”
“Back on the Wagon”
“I Believe in Ghosts”
“Abilene”
“Coyote” featuring Gregory Alan Isakov
“Loneliest Girl”
“Everybody Wants To Be a Cowboy” featuring Billy Strings
“Horses and Divorces” featuring Miranda Lambert
“Uncertain, Texas” featuring Willie Nelson
“Rhinestoned”
“Mexico Honey”
“Hell on Me”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 12, 2026 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.

Kenny Chesney To Receive Inaugural Ocean Conservancy Award

Posted on March 11, 2026 by Bob Ballard

It seems Kenny Chesney has won so many accolades over his 30+ year career, they’re having to create new ones. Next month, when the singer headlines Tortuga Music Festival 2026, he’ll be honored with the first ever Ocean Legacy Award. In a statement, Kenny said, “To me, when people can come together to learn about the ocean, how to treat it and have a great time with their friends, that’s a total win. Even though we’re not touring this year, I do love playing on that beach, seeing all those boats in the water and fans having the best time on that beach. To be given an award for doing what I love somewhere that brings every bit of it together almost feels wrong, but I’m honored if I could be part of bringing how we treat the ocean into focus.” The award recognizes Chesney’s efforts to promote and protect the ocean over the course of his career.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 11, 2026 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.

Thomas Rhett Announces “The Soundtrack To Life Tour”

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Thomas Rhett surprised fans yesterday by announcing he’s hitting the road. His 20 date “Soundtrack of You Life Tour” kicks off July 9 in Nashville, with stops in Dallas, Sacramento and more before a final show in Omaha October 24. Ernest, Kashus Culpepper, Zach John King, Vincent Mason and Conner Smith will join throughout the summer in rotating support slots, with Emily Ann Roberts kicking off each night of the tour. Presales start tomorrow, with the general onsale beginning on Friday at 10AM local time. For a complete list of dates and ticket information, visit Rhett’s website. See the first ten dates of the tour below.

July 9 – Nashville, TN – TBA
July 11 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
July 16 – Hartford, CT – The Meadows Music Theatre
July 17 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
July 18 – Hershey, PA – TBA
Aug 13 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug 14 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
Aug 20 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center
Aug 22 – Grand Rapids, MI – Acrisure Amphitheater
Sept 10 – Louisville, KY – KFC Yum! Center

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Tammy Wynette’s “Till I Get It Right” topped the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1977, “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” album by Statler Brothers was certified gold.
Today in 1979, invited by Porter Wagoner, legendary R&B star James Brown played the Grand Ole Opry. His 17-minute set consisted of “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Tennessee Waltz.” Some Opry members complained, but Barbara Mandrell said he should’ve been invited to perform five years earlier.
Today in 1981, “I Love A Rainy Night” single by Eddie Rabbitt was certified gold.
Today in 1992, Vince Gill’s “I Never Knew Lonely” album was released.
Today in 1992, Willie Nelson scored a platinum album with “Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson” and a multi-platinum album with “Greatest Hits (And Some That Will Be).”
Today in 1993, k.d. lang’s album, “Ingénue,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1993, Travis Tritt’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin’s debut album, “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” went gold.
Today in 1995, Clint Black topped the country charts with “Wherever You Go.”
Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant were married in a Nashville ceremony complete with bagpipe players.
Today in 2001, Diamond Rio’s “One More Day” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2003, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines sparked a furor Stateside when she told a London concert crowd, “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” The insanity that followed coined the term “Dixie Chicked” as the band’s name essentially became a dirty word. CDs were burned, and their popularity dropped like a bomb.
Today in 2005, CMT debuted Jo Dee Messina’s “My Give A Damn’s Busted.”
Today in 2007, Trace Adkins’ “Ladies Love Country Boys” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2010, Josh Turner’s album “Deep South” was released.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s single, “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Tim McGraw appeared on ABC’s “Repeat After Me,” where an off-camera comedian feeds him lines to spoof an unsuspecting medical aide. Quoting from “Live Like You Were Dying,” he tells the woman, “I’ve never been skydiving, or Rocky Mountain climbing, or bullriding, but I have practiced kissing on my elbow.”
Today in 2017, Michelle Wright performed a benefit concert for an animal shelter at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario.

Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” Achieves A Billboard Chart First

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Ella Langley‘s “Choosin’ Texas” continues to establish itself as her career record (so far). The song was the first to simultaneously top Country Airplay, Hot Country Songs and the all-genre Billboard Hot 100; it revisited the top of the Hot 100 as Megan Moroney ruled Top Country Albums with her “Cloud 9,” marking the first time that two women who primarily record country music have led those charts in the same week. And now, the song pulls off a new trick. Since 1990, only 20 songs (including “Choosin’ Texas”) have dropped out of the top spot on Country Airplay chart, only to return to #1. Langley did that, but she did it in a way never done before. “Texas” was #1, dropped out for three weeks, and is #1 again this week…the first time a song hit the top of the chart, fell out or three weeks, then mounted a comeback to return to #1.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1948, the Nitty Gritty’s drummer and singer Jimmie Fadden was born in Long Beach, California.
Today in 1964, the Statler Brothers open for Johnny Cash’s show in Canton, Ohio, when the Man in Black was late. Cash added them to his touring cast for the next eight years.
Today in 1974, the last Saturday night performance of the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium was held as the show moved the new Opryland. The Ryman had been home to the show since 1941.
Today in 1984, Kris Kristofferson received the first Roger Miller Memorial Award for lifetime achievement as a songwriter at the TNN/Music City News Country Songwriters Awards show.
Today in 1990, the “Reba” video by Reba McEntire was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson topped the Billboard country singles chart for the first time with “I’d Love You All Over Again.”
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson’s number one hit single “Chattahoochie” was named Song of the Year at the 11th annual Music City News Country Songwriters Awards.
Today in 1995, BlackHawk’s debut album was certified Platinum.
Today in 1998, LeAnn Rimes’ “How Do I Live” single was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson’s #1 hit single, “Chattahoochee,” was named Song of the Year at the 11th annual Music City News Country Songwriters Awards.
Today in 1995, BlackHawk’s debut album was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Jo Dee Messina and Tim McGraw paired up for the #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart with “Bring On The Rain.”
Today in 2003, it was announced that the Muscular Dystrophy Association had selected Linda Davis as the 2003 MDA Spokesperson.
Today in 2003, Tim McGraw and the American Red Cross announced a joint initiative to raise funds to benefit the local Red Cross chapters located in the more than 50 U.S. cities where his tour “Tim McGraw & The Dancehall Doctors’ ONE BAND SHOW” was set to stop. Ultimately, the Red Cross received the hefty sum of $43,000.
Today in 2004, Clay Walker launched a tour behind his album “A Few Questions” with a show in Nashville.
Today in 2004, Mark Wills’ album “The 20th Century Masters: The Best of Mark Wills,” Cross Canadian Ragweed’s disc “Soul Gravy,” and James Otto’s CD “Days of Our Lives” arrived in stores.
Today in 2005, Blue County performed a mini-concert during an episode of the CBS daytime soap “As The World Turns.”
Today in 2006, The Rolling Stones chose Merle Haggard as their opening act when the band played at the Alltel Arena in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Today in 2007, Bucky Covington made his debut at the Grande Ole Opry performing “A Different World.”
Today in 2008, Naomi Judd crowned the winner at the end of the three-day 3rd Annual Prilosec OTC Bunco Championship at Caesars Palace Las Vegas.
Today in 2009, Chuck Wicks and Jewel’s husband Ty Murray began their run on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
Today in 2009, Mac McAnally gifted Kenny Chesney with the Martin Guitar he used to write “Back Where I Come From” and “Down The Road.”
Today in 2010, new releases included Gary Allan’s CD “Get Off On The Pain,” and Matt Kennon’s debut EP, “The Call.”
Today in 2011, Randy Houser’s bus erupted in flames in Charleston, South Carolina. The band was uninjured but all of their gear and personal belongings were damaged in the wreck.
Today in 2013, Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman launched season two of her GAC cooking series, “Kimberly’s Simply Southern.”
Today in 2017, Martina McBride threw a shower for expectant mothers at the Covenant House, a homeless shelter in New York.
Today in 2017, obsessed fan Mohammed Jaffar was arrested on stalking charges after repeatedly showing up at Taylor Swift’s New York penthouse apartment for several months. How annoying was he? In one instance, he reportedly rang her doorbell for a full hour. He still hasn’t faced trial…at last check, he’s mentally unfit to do so.
Today in 2017, Kid Rock announced the launch of the American Badass charcoal grill. Though it actually comes in charcoal and gas versions, Rock’s motivation is that the grill is 100% American made “down to the last screw.”
Today in 2017, Old Dominion joined band member Brad Tursi for the funeral of his 30-year-old brother, Drew Tursi, at Seacoast Church in Charleston, South Carolina.

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