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Trace Adkins Announces 30th Anniversary Tour

Posted on by Bob Ballard

It’s been almost 30 years since the June, 1996 release of Trace Adkins‘ debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud.” To celebrate the occasion, the singer has announced the upcoming “Trace Adkins 30th Anniversary Tour.” The trek consists of 24 dates and kicks off January 16 in Oxford, Alabama, with stops in Ft. Worth, Orlando and more before wrapping September 19 in Charles Town, West Virginia. Tickets go on sale this Friday at 10AM local time. Visit Adkins’ website for more dates and ticket information, and see the first ten dates of the tour below. 

  • Jan 16 – Oxford, AL @ Oxford Performing Arts Center
  • Jan 17 – Dover, FL @ Tampa Bay Rodeo’s Bull Bash & Country Music Festival
  • Mar 7 – Fort Worth, TX @ Billy Bob’s Texas
  • Mar 8 – Bossier City, LA @ Live! Casino & Hotel Louisiana
  • Mar 28 – Opp, AL @ Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo
  • Apr 16 – St. Augustine, FL @ The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
  • Apr 18 – Orlando, FL @ Venue TBA
  • Apr 23 – Nashville, IN @ Brown County Music Center
  • Apr 24 – Harris, MI @ Island Resort & Casino
  • Apr 25 – Harris, MI @ Island Resort & Casino

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” worked its way to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 1984, the album, “City Of New Orleans,” by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
  • Today in 1990, George Jones’ “Still The Same Ole Me” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1993, the tribute album “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles” went gold, platinum and double-platinum. It features Travis Tritt, Little Texas, Clint Black, John Anderson, Alan Jackson, Suzy Bogguss, Vince Gill, Diamond Rio, Trisha Yearwood, Billy Dean, Tanya Tucker, Brooks & Dunn and Lorrie Morgan.
  • Today in 1992, Alan Jackson hit the top of the country singles charts with “She’s Got The Rhythm (I’ve Got The Blues).”
  • Today in 2001, Lee Ann Womack’s single “I Hope You Dance” was certified gold.
  • Today in 2002, the numbers were made final and Faith Hill was tapped as logging a record setting 6-million streams as AOL’s “Artist of the Month” campaign. The achievement proved to be the online provider’s most successful in history. This news also came on the heels of Faith’s nomination as Favorite Female Artist by the People’s Choice Awards and the highest network ratings for any music special broadcast during Thanksgiving week.
  • Today in 2003, Reba McEntire gained a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, for her work in the WB’s “Reba.” Among her competition was, “Will and Grace” star Debra Messing and “Sex and the City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
  • Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Back When” went to #1 on the Billboard charts.
  • Today in 2005, Joe Nichols “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” hit the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood returned to the US after performing for American troops in Iraq and Kuwait during her first USO tour.
  • Today in 2010, Rascal Flatts bass player, Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison had a daughter, Madeline Leigh DeMarcus.
  • Today in 2012, Blake Shelton’s team finished with first and second place titles on the NBC competition, “The Voice.” Cassadee Pope won, while Terry McDermott was the runner up. Pope and McDermott sang “Catch My Breath” with guest Kelly Clarkson.
  • Today in 2012, Darius Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel,” featuring Lady Antebellum on backing vocals, hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2016, Brad Paisley performed “Out Behind The Barn,” then unveiled a wax statue of Little Jimmy Dickens during the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The figure went on display when Madame Tussauds opened its Music City location the following spring.

Luke Bryan Releases Full Crash My Playa Lineup

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Luke Bryan‘s 11th annual “Crash My Playa” festival is rapidly approaching, and fans planning on attending now know what (other than fun and sun) they can look forward to enjoying. The four-day festival, running Thursday, January 15 through Sunday, January 18, will feature two nights with host Luke Bryan headlining. After that, they’ll see live performances from Dierks Bentley, Riley Greene, Tucker Wetmore, Parker McCollum, Chase Matthew, George Birge, Shenandoah, Priscilla Block, Lauren Atkins, The Castellows, Josh Ross and more. Tickets and packages are still available at CrashMyPlay.com.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1966, Tracy Byrd was born in Vidor, Texas. He emerged in 1993 to record a series of hits, including “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper Of The Stars.”
  • Today in 1978, a “train bound for nowhere” reached #1 as Kenny Rogers tops the Billboard country chart with “The Gambler”
  • Today in 1988, Restless Heart reeled in a #1 single on the Billboard country chart with “A Tender Lie.”
  • Today in 1993, the tribute album “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles” went gold, platinum, and double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Joe Diffie parked “Pickup Man” at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum earned a platinum single for “Need You Now.”
  • Today in 2010, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood delivered the first two of nine concerts at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, joined by unannounced guest Steve Wariner. The shows raised $3.5-million for flood relief.
  • Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley married Brittney Marie Cole in Nashville.
  • Today in 2014, Craig Wayne Boyd won NBC’s “The Voice,” earning $100,000 and a Dot recording deal. He also performed “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” with three female contestants who’ve been eliminated and “Sweet Home Alabama” with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Boyd was a member of Blake Shelton’s team.
  • Today in 2015, Cam’s single. “Burning House,” went platinum.
  • Today in 2016, Frankie Ballard began a two-night stand at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan, raising $40-thousand for a cancer charity.
  • Today in 2016, the CW telecast the “Hollywood Christmas Parade” with Scotty McCreery singing “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” and Cyndi Lauper performing “Hard Candy Christmas.” The lineup also includes Bill Engvall, The Beach Boys, Kenny G and grand marshal Olivia Newton-John.
  • Today in 2017, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line took over the #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart with “Meant To Be.” It remained at the top for a record 50 weeks.
  • Today in 2017, Garth Brooks hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with his book/CD package, “The Anthology: Part I, The First Five Years.”
  • Today in 2020, LeAnn Rimes was declared the winner of FOX’s “The Masked Singer” after she is revealed as the real-life celebrity dressed as the sun character. Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, who was disguised as a crocodile, places third.

Kenny Chesney Says A Followup To “HeartLifeMusic” Is Possible

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Kenny Chesney may not be done being a best-selling author. As expected, with a career that spans more than 30 years, there may be more stories than one book can tell. While talking about his “HeartLifeMusic” at Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, Kenny was asked about possible future books. Laughing, Chesney responded “Let’s get past this one first!” before adding, “But yeah, that’s possible. I mean, I’ve realized that I’ve got a few stories to tell. I’m very, very passionate about sports. I’m passionate…There’s so many stories we didn’t tell…of my road-life and connection with fans.” “HeartLifeMusic” hit number one on several “New York Times” bestseller lists, and is available everywhere now.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1973, Charlie Rich hit #1 on the charts with “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
  • Today in 1979, Alan Jackson married his wife Denise. They have three daughters: Mattie, Ali and Dani.
  • Today in 1995, Vince Gill’s “When Love Finds You” went triple platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Garth Brooks’ segment of VH1’s “Storytellers” first aired. It became the highest-rated “Storytellers” ever at the time, beating out segments starring Sting, Jackson Browne and Melissa Etheridge.
  • Today in 1997, Garth Brooks’ album, “Sevens,” goes gold and was certified for sales of 5-million.
  • Today in 1998, on their 19th anniversary, Alan and Denise Jackson renewed their wedding vows. It was the couple’s first anniversary since their four-month separation earlier that year. “Our separation was a wake-up call for both of us,” Denise said. “It forced us to deal with issues that had never really been dealt with before.”
  • Today in 1999, Garth Brooks taped his final interview on the “Crook & Chase” show. During the piece, he announced his intentions to retire from the music business at the end of 2000 to spend more time with his daughters. In late 2000, he did exactly that.
  • Today in 2000, “Breathe” became Faith Hill’s best-selling album, as it was certified quintuple platinum.
  • Today in 2003, Keith Urban’s self-titled solo album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2008, Taylor Swift had surgery to remove her wisdom teeth.
  • Today in 2009, songwriters Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett received a Golden Globe award nomination for Best Original Song for a Motion Picture, recognizing “The Weary Kind (Theme from Crazy Heart).”
  • Today in 2010, the Zac Brown Band received a gold album for “You Get What You Give.”
  • Today in 2013, Oops! Numerous media outlets reported the death of Ray Price following a Facebook post by his son. The stories were taken off the Internet once it became clear that Price was in fact alive, but in a coma. He passed away the following day.
  • Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert’s “Little Red Wagon” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2015, Jason Isbell makes his Grand Ole Opry debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
  • Today in 2019, Carrie Underwood sings “Blue Bayou” and “When Will I Be Loved” and Trisha Yearwood performs “You’re No Good” to celebrate Linda Ronstadt as CBS presents “The Kennedy Center Honors.” Emmylou Harris, Aaron Neville and Don Henley also participate, while Thomas Rhett takes part in the tribute to “Sesame Street.”

Clint Black To Release His Memoir

Posted on by Bob Ballard

After almost 40 years in country music, Clint Black is going to put his life and career experiences on paper. “Killin’ Time: My Life and Music” will cover his life from childhood to high school drop out to the very top of the country music world. The memoir also features a 16-page color photo insert, offering fans a glimpse into his life and career. In a statement, Black says, “This is the story of a dreamer with a persistent soul. After ten years of playing clubs in Texas, I never knew if I’d get the chance to record my music in Nashville. And then, in one year, my life changed forever. If my story – this crazy, 40-year rollercoaster ride – can inspire that young singer-songwriter grinding every day, or support someone struggling through a seemingly endless pursuit of a dream, then I’ll know my life has made a difference.” “Killin’ Time: My Life and Music” will be available everywhere May 19.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1957, in the “I do” that strangled “the Killer’s” career, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown. Part of the resulting furor was due to the fact that he was still married to his second wife, Jane Mitcham — and that this was his second bigamous marriage. Undaunted by the negative public opinion, he was determined to return to the top. He divorced Jane and legally married Myra in 1958, but, it was too late, the damage to his career had been done.
  • Today in 1957, a Portland, Oregon disc jockey was fired for playing Elvis Presley’s version of “White Christmas.”
  • Today in 1960, Brenda Lee’s perennial Christmas single, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” makes its first appearance on the charts.
  • Today in 1969, Elvis Presley’s “From Vegas To Memphis” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1970, Dolly Parton’s first #1 single, “Joshua,” entered the charts.
  • Today in 1996, Clint Black received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He and his wife Lisa Hartman Black made a grand entrance in a stagecoach, and he received proclamations from the mayors of Nashville, Los Angeles and Houston.
  • Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw wrapped up their hugely successful “Soul 2 Soul” tour in Orlando, Florida. According to MusicBusiness.com, it was the year’s highest grossing tour. The whirlwind, five-month tour that left 64 cities in its wake was the second time the supercouple had been on tour together. They fell in love the first time around back in 1996 during the aptly titled “Spontaneous Combustion” tour.
  • Today in 2001, “I Wanna Talk About Me,” Toby Keith’s anthem to suffering men everywhere, topped the country singles charts.
  • Today in 2001, Wynonna served as maid of honor when her sister, Ashley Judd, married racecar driver Dario Franchitti [[pr: fran-KEY-tee]] in Scotland. They had no children together, with Judd telling the “Sunday Mail” that “it’s unconscionable to breed with the number of children who are starving to death in impoverished countries.” They split in January 2013, attempted a reconciliation shortly thereafter, but ultimately divorced that same year. Franchitti went on to remarry and have a daughter in 2015.
  • Today in 2002, Carlene Carter was arrested on two charges of identity theft. She allegedly used someone else’s identity to obtain prescription drugs.
  • Today in 2003, “CMT Crossroads” aired featuring Martina McBride and Pat Benatar.
  • Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley proposed to Cassidy Black in Las Vegas; two days later they tied the know in Mexico.
  • Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band’s single, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” was released to the radio.
  • Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2017, Kix Brooks publicly opposed a development plan surrounding Nashville’s abandoned Greer Stadium, siding with Civil War preservationists who want to honor the history of nearby Fort Negley. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” producer T Bone Burnett is one of the creators of the plan Brooks dislikes.
  • Today in 2017, Dylan Scott and his wife, Blair, welcome a son, Beckett Scott Robinson, in Nashville.
  • Today in 2018, “Brokeback Mountain” was announced as a new addition to the National Film Registry. The gay-themed cowboy movie features music by Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, Roger Miller and Linda Ronstadt.
  • Today in 2018, Cole Swindell scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Break Up In The End” and a platinum certification for “Flatliner,” featuring Dierks Bentley.
  • Today in 2018, “Crazy Girl” by Eli Young Band was certified triple-platinum single.
  • Today in 2018, Martina McBride scored gold singles from the RIAA for “Independence Day” and “Anyway,” a quadruple-platinum album for her “Greatest Hits” and a double-platinum album for “White Christmas.”
  • Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line singles received RIAA certifications: “Simple” went platinum, the Tim McGraw collaboration “May We All” reached double-platinum, “Get Your Shine On” hit triple-platinum and the Luke Bryan partnership on “This Is How We Roll” was certified quintuple-platinum.
  • Today in 2018, Brantley Gilbert earned a gold album from the RIAA for “The Devil Don’t Sleep.”
  • Today in 2019, the Chicks and Jason Isbell participated in Jack Antonoff’s benefit for at-risk LGBTQ youth at Town Hall in New York. The Chicks’ set included “Landslide” and “Not Ready To Make Nice”
  • Today in 2019, Luke Combs picked up a triple-platinum album from the RIAA for “This One’s For You,” plus awards for four singles: “Must’ve Never Met You” goes platinum, “She Got The Best Of Me” reaches double-platinum, and “Beautiful Crazy” and “When It Rains It Pours” are certified quadruple-platinum.
  • Today in 2020, Maren Morris and Keb’ Mo’ receive the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony.
  • Today in 2020, Charley Pride died of complications from COVID-19 in Dallas. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was the first Black singer to become a star in the genre. His hit list included “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” “Just Between You And Me” and his signature, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.” Hours after his passing, Chris Young honored him on the Grand Ole Opry by covering “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: FADE

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Fade”, a beautiful 6 year old kitty who has spent a year at the shelter. Fade is a cool cat with a very relaxed disposition who gets along great with everyone, including other cats and even dogs. In honor of Fade’s birthday, his adoption fee has been waved, so it’s the purr-fect opportunity to give this fellow the loving home he deserves! Fade is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered and microchipped and ready to meet you!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Fade 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 Fade with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Morgan Wallen Named Billboard’s Top Artist Of 2025

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Morgan Wallen‘s huge year gets a big bow on it from “Billboard” magazine, which named him “Billboard’s Top Artist of 2025.” That makes him the first male country artist to earn this title since Garth Brooks in 1993. He’s also the first artist who mainly records country music to be named artist of the year since Taylor Swift back in 2009, when she was still recording music played on country stations. The “Top Artist” ranking is based purely on statistics and data from the past year, with Wallen obviously being named the “Top Country Artist of 2025” as well.

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