This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 16, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1954, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on “The Louisiana Hayride,” singing “That’s All Right” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky” two times each. Drummer D.J. Fontana plays with Presley for the first time, though he’s forced to play behind a curtain
Today in 1972, Loretta Lynn became the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in the sixth annual awards at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. She also takes Female Vocalist and shares Vocal Duo with Conway Twitty.
Today in 1982, Dolly Parton took “I Will Always Love You” to #1 for the second time. The new version was recorded for the movie “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas”
Today in 1987, “Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits” was certified triple-platinum, the first album by a female country artist to reach 3 million in shipments
Today in 1993, Clay Walker earned his first #1 single in Billboard with “What’s It To You”
Today in 2003, Pat Benatar joined Martina McBride to tape an installment of the Radney Foster-hosted “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville. Among the songs they perform together: “Independence Day,” “We Belong” and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get The Blues”
Today in 2004, Sara Evans cleaned up, gaining a #1 single in Billboard with “Suds In The Bucket”
Today in 2005, Vince Gill, Jerry Reed, “Prisoner Of The Highway” songwriter Mike Reid, “What Mattered Most” composer Gary Burr and “Don’t Rock The Jukebox” creator Roger Murrah are added to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during an event at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel
Today in 2011, Alan Jackson and Garth Brooks joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Thom Schuyler, Allen Shamblin and John Bettis during a ceremony at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2012, Darius Rucker was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2014, Rosanne Cash was recognized during the Smithsonian Magazine American Ingenuity Awards in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2016, Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels and Monument Records founder Fred Foster were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2017, Sam Hunt earned a quadruple-platinum single from the Recording Industry Association of America for “Body Like A Back Road.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks turned up for a surprise appearance at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe to perform with some of the writers behind his biggest hits: Pat Alger, Victoria Shaw, Kent Blazy and Tony Arata. The night’s music includes “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” “The River,” “The Thunder Rolls” and “The Dance.”
Today in 2018, Sara Evans scored a gold album from the RIAA for “Stronger.”
Today in 2018, Craig Morgan marked his 10^th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member, performing “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday” during the show.
Today in 2018, Guest mentor Keith Urban joined Blake Shelton to coach two contestants in a cover of Steve Winwood’s “Back In The High Life Again” during NBC’s “The Voice.” Thomas Rhett was a guest mentor for Kelly Clarkson’s team, while CeeLo Green sat in with Adam Levine’s squad.

Reid Perry Leaves The Band Perry

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Just months after reuniting, The Band Perry is down to one original member. Reid Perry, who along with sister Kimberly Perry and brother Neil Perry formed the band in 2005, has announced he’s leaving the recently reformed band to pursue a career in artist management. On his Instagram, Reid wrote, “To the fans, you’ve always been my favorite part of this. I’ve decided to leave TBP. I’ll be missing seeing you in the crowd at a Band Perry show but I’ll be around, managing a new voice I believe in more than anything, (former “The Voice” contestant) Ryan Coleman.” Kimberly Perry responded, saying “Reid! Wishing you the most wonderful successes in your new era! Love you, brother!” As of this moment, The Band Perry consists of Kimberly and her husband Johnny Costello; Neil Perry did not return when the band announced it’s reformation back in June. The band’s next gig is in Isle Of Palms, South Carolina on November 7.

This Day in Country Music History

Posted on October 15, 2025October 15, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn makes her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl” at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. She receives an invitation to tour with Johnny Horton, but he dies just three weeks later.
Today in 1969, Johnny Cash wins a record-setting five times during the third annual Country Music Association awards at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. He takes home Entertainer and Male Vocalist; Album, for “San Quentin”; Single, for “A Boy Named Sue”; and Vocal Group, with June Carter
Today in 1970, Bill Monroe and the original Carter Family were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1973, at the 7^th annual CMA Awards, Chet Atkins and Patsy Cline were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Roy Clark was named Entertainer of the Year and Loretta Lynn and Charlie Rich were named Female and Male Vocalists of the Year.
Today in 1978, The Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducts Joe Allison (“He’ll Have To Go”), Tom T. Hall (“Harper Valley P.T.A.”), Hank Snow (“I’m Moving On”) and Don Wayne (“Country Bumpkin”).
Today in 1988, Dwight Yoakam and Buck Owens’ duet, “Streets of Bakersfield,” hit #1.
Today in 1991, Tracy Lawrence’s debut single, “Sticks and Stones,” was released. It eventually hit #1.
Today in 1997, Bryan White’s album, “The Right Place,” went gold. Trisha Yearwood’s Christmas album, “The Sweetest Gift,” was also certified gold.
Today in 1997, Patty Loveless’ “On Down the Line” was certified gold, while her “Honky Tonk Angel” project was certified platinum.
Today in 1997, John Denver’s remains were cremated in California and his ashes then flown to Aurora, Colorado where a memorial service was planned by the late singer’s mother and brother.
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s “Cry” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s “Revolution” album went platinum.
Today in 2012, Taylor Swift shot an installment of “VH1 Storytellers” in California.

Taylor Swift Drops Teaser For Her Disney+ Docuseries

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

“Good Morning America” broke the news yesterday that Disney+ would basically be “Taylor Swift Central” come December, with a six-part docuseries on the Eras Tour, “The End of an Era” as well as a full-concert film, “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour: The Final Show.” Shortly after the announcement, the singer released a teaser trailer for the docuseries. “It was the End of an Era and we knew it,” Swift captioned the trailer, which dropped on all her socials. The tease also sent Swifties into their feels, as it featured several moments with Travis Kelce, as well as quick glimpses of Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and more. Mark the calendar: tons of Taylor Swift coming to Disney+ December 12.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1946, Grandpa Jones wed Ramona Riggins.
Today in 1957, Elvis Presley’s single, “Jailhouse Rock,” was released.
Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette had her first solo #1 country hit with “I Don’t Wanna Play House.”
Today in 1969, the “Galveston” single by Glen Campbell was certified gold.
Today in 1977, Elvis Presley’s “In Concert” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1985, the “Greatest Hits – Volume 2” collection by Hank Williams Jr. was released.
Today in 1985, bluegrass legends Flatt and Scruggs were elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1985, Ricky Skaggs was named the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year in 1985. The Judds won first of three straight CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Awards.
Today in 1985, Lee Greenwood’s single, “God Bless the USA” was the Country Music Association’s Song of the Year.
Today in 1989, Roy Orbison’s name was added to the West Texas Walk of Fame.
Today in 1992, John Denver launched a concert tour of China. It was the most extensive tour by a Western artist ever approved by the Beijing government.
Today in 1997, federal aviation officials said John Denver didn’t have a valid pilot’s license when his plane crashed off the California coast two days earlier. The National Transportation Safety Board said Denver’s license had been revoked in 1996 and he was told he couldn’t get it back until he provided medical certification that he didn’t have a drinking problem. (Denver had been arrested twice on drunk driving charges in Colorado.)
Today in 1998, Mark Wills’ album, “Wish You Were Here,” was certified gold.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill was inducted into Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame. That weekend he also admitted publicly, for the first time, that he and Amy Grant were a couple. The lovebirds have since married and had a child together, Corrina.
Today in 1999, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood were among the famous folks on hand at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden for a tribute concert honoring Carole King.
Today in 2000, the Grand Ole Opry’s 75th birthday celebration included a red carpet walk of stars, special weekend performances and the cutting of a large birthday cake.
Today in 2000, Bryan White and wife, Erika Page, were married.
Today in 2002, Cyndi Thomson publicly pulled the plug on her recording career by writing an open letter to her fans via Nashville’s “Tennessean” newspaper. The move was a stunner considering the chart-topping success of her debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” and the gold certification of her debut album, “My World.” She added that she’d rather continue songwriting than worry about the difficulties of maintaining a performance schedule. In October 2009, Thomson released “This Time,” her first new music album in eight years.
Today in 2003, Josh Turner’s debut album, “Long Black Train,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2006, Josh Turner stormed to the top of the Billboard country chart with “Would You Go With Me.”
Today in 2011, the Zac Brown Band’s “Keep Me In Mind” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s album, “Anything Goes,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2016, Kris Kristofferson and Shelby Lynne performed “Me And Bobby McGee” in honor of Monument founder Fred Foster as PBS telecasts a “Great Performances” salute to GRAMMY legends. Martina McBride and J.D. Souther delivered “Blue Bayou” to recognize Linda Ronstadt.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton’s concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena includesd a surprise guest: actor Chris Pratt, who joined Stapleton on “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Today in 2017, the Zac Brown Band generates $1.7-million for Camp Southern Ground with a benefit concert at the Southern Ground Amphitheater in Fayetteville, Georgia.
Today in 2017, Kacey Musgraves married singer/songwriter Ruston Kelly in Tennessee. Fast forward to July 2020 and the couple released a joint statement confirming (after months of rumors) that they were going their separate ways.
Today in 2019, the Osmonds give their final public performance on CBS’ “The Talk” to celebrate the 60^th birthday of their sister, then-co-host Marie Osmond.
Today in 2019, Dwight Yoakam and Larry Gatlin joined the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during an event at the Music City Center. The 2019 class also includedcomposers Rivers Rutherford, Marcus Hummon, Sharon Vaughn and Kostas.
Today in 2019, Lauren Alaina did a samba to “Under The Sea,” from the movie “The Little Mermaid,” during a Disney-themed edition of ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.”
Today in 2019, Kane Brown postponed his October 18^th concert at Los Angeles’ Staples Center following the death of his drummer in an auto accident.
Today in 2021, Miranda Lambert’s single, “If I Was A Cowboy” was released.

Kenny Chesney Gives Megan Moroney An Amazing Birthday Gift

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

After Kenny Chesney invited Megan Moroney to open for him on his “Sun Goes Down Tour” last year, the two formed a fast friendship. That friendship was on full display last week as Moroney celebrated her 28th birthday on Thursday. She posted about the gifts she received on her Instagram stories, but one seemed to rise above the rest. One photo showed a vintage 1984 Hummingbird acoustic guitar autographed and personalized by Dolly Parton. She captioned the photo “Kenny Chesney with the most insane bday gift. a vintage 1984 hummingbird signed by dolly. screaming. crying. throwing up.” with multiple crying emojis throughout. Not only does it sport Dolly’s autograph, but the guitar itself is pricey, costing several thousand dollars.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1975, Minnie Pearl was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1975, John Denver was named Entertainer of the Year at the ninth annual CMA Awards. The award presentation didn’t exactly go smoothly as 1974 Entertainer of the Year Charlie Rich, who was there to award the trophy, pulled out a lighter and torched the envelope to express his outrage.
Today in 1978, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Only One Love In My Life,” was certified gold.
Today in 1980, at the 14^th annual CMA Awards, Johnny Cash was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Barbara Mandrell was named Entertainer of the Year, Emmylou Harris and George Jones were Female and Male Vocalists of the Year and the Single of the Year was “He Stopped Loving Her Today.”
Today in 1986, at the 20^th annual CMA Awards, Reba McEntire became the first woman in five years to be named Entertainer of the Year. She was also named Female Vocalist of the Year, while George Strait was named Male Vocalist. The Horizon Award went to Randy Travis, and the Single of the Year was “Bop” by Dan Seals.
Today in 1992, Reba McEntire scored another #1 hit with “The Greatest Man I Never Knew.”
Today in 1993, the “Haunted Heart” album by Sammy Kershaw was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Travis Tritt’s “No More Looking Over My Shoulder” CD arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill confirmed that he and Amy Grant were an item.
Today in 2000, the Dixie Chicks’ “Fly” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of seven million.
Today in 2001, Martina McBride thrilled thousands of fans as she performed her very first live concert on pay-per-view.
Today in 2001, Alan Jackson’s “Where I Come From” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Better Life” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2007, Sammy Hagar’s 60^th birthday bash featured performances by Kenny Chesney, Toby Keith, Ted Nugent and Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith at Sammy’s Cabo Wabo Cantina in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
Today in 2008, Darius Rucker’s “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2009, Keith Urban hosted a concert at Nashville’s Sommet Center, raising $500-thousand for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Also on board: Brad Paisley, Taylor Swift, Vince Gill, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum and Little Big Town.
Today in 2010, Elvis Presley’s album “How Great Thou Art” was certified triple-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2010, Blake Shelton launched his first headlining tour at the Ogden Theatre in Denver.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride completed a cross-country train trip to promote her album “Eleven” as she arrives in New York City. McBride gives a performance at Manhattan’s Penn Station that includes her current single, “I’m Gonna Love You Through It.”
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan was the only country artist to appear on the ballot twice as nominees for the American Music Awards are announced.
Today in 2015, RaeLynn announced her engagement to Josh Davis on Instagram. The couple married the following October. The year after their marriage…he enlisted in the military and she’s since said she loves being a military wife.
Today in 2015, Sam Hunt leads the country field with three nominations in the American Music Awards. Taylor Swift tops the entire list with six nominations as a pop artist.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks single, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down And Dance” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Carly Pearce’s album, “Every Little Thing,” was released. On the same day, Jessie James Decker’s “Southern Girl City Lights” album arrived on shelves.
Today in 2017, Dolly Parton visited patients at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. She also announced she was making a $1-million donation to the facility.
Today in 2017, Charley Pride, Jimmie Rodgers and Ralph Peer were among the honorees as PBS airs a “Great Performances” episode that featured a GRAMMY salute to legends. Dwight Yoakam delivers a three-song medley of Rodgers’ hits, Neal McCoy covers Pride’s “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone” and Pride sings “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
Today in 2018, Kellie Pickler played a benefit for Tyler Rich, a 29-year-old who had a lung transplant, at the Campos Family Vineyards in Bryan, California.
Today in 2019, Gretchen Wilson and her entourage were told to leave Hotel Encanto in Las Cruces, New Mexico, after allegedly making excessive noise in the early hours. Body cam footage released by police two weeks later suggests the hotel may have sent officers to the wrong room.

Post Malone Shuts Down Lower Broadway With Free Show

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Post Malone was celebrating the grand opening of his Nashville bar Posty’s in style, with a free street concert on Lower Broadway. That show was Wednesday night, and basically shut down the thoroughfare, as 30-thousand showed up. Those that came out saw not only Post Malone, but his special guests, Lainey Wilson and Brooks & Dunn. Lainey joined Post for their duet “Nosedive,” while Brooks & Dunn performed “Brand New Man” and “Neon Moon,” with Malone joining them as a background singer/enthusiastic fanboy.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week and a half earlier. As a result of the incident, Elvis’ dad, Vernon, arranged to have the bodies of both his son and wife Gladys moved and re-buried side-by-side on the grounds of the Graceland mansion.
Today in 1979, “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap topped the country singles chart with “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.
Today in 1981, G. Sheppard’s “Party Time” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1986, Hank Williams Jr. won his second Entertainer of the Year trophy and claimed Album of the Year for “Born To Boogie” during the 22^nd annual Country Music Association awards.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis’ album, “An Old Time Christmas,” was released.
Today in 1989, Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas In America” album was released.
Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was released.
Today in 2000, “Pollstar” announced that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour was the largest grossing country tour of the summer.
Today in 2000, the “Strong Heart” album by Patty Loveless and Sara Evans’ “Born To Fly” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, Lonestar’s “With Me” video debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.
Today in 2002, Alan Jackson was nominated for a record 10 CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year. In fact, his 10 nominations beat the previous record of 9, which was set by Merle Haggard in 1970.
Today in 2002, Lee Ann Womack sang “I Hope You dance” with Gloria Estefan while taping Lifetime Television’s third annual “Women Rock! Girls & Guitars” in Los Angeles.
Today in 2005, Alabama, Glen Campbell and DeFord Bailey were announced by the Country Music Association as the latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” played as ABC debuted “Nashville.”
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift received five nominations, leading all country artists as the ballot for the American Music Awards was announced. Florida Georgia Line received four nominations.
Today in 2016, the Chicks played the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Opening act Elle King returned during the Chicks’ set to help out on “Landslide.”
Today in 2016, Tyler Farr married Hannah Freeman in Nolensville, Tennessee. Groomsmen included Jason Aldean, Colt Ford, Lee Brice and Maddie & Tae. Brad Paisley also gave a surprise performance of “Today.”
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Cruise,” was certified 11-times platinum.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell headlined a concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge before the Nashville Predators’ home opener. Also in the lineup were Billy Ray Cyrus, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and Terri Clark.
Today in 2019, it was a big day for Dan + Shay. They snapped up a quadruple-platinum certification for their single, “Tequila.” On top of that, their single, “Speechless,” hit triple-platinum status and the single, “All To Myself,” went platinum.
Today in 2019, Maren Morris’ single, “Girl,” was certified platinum. On the same day, Sam Hunt’s single, “Downtown’s Dead,” went gold – and so did Eric Church’s single, “Some Of It” (it went gold).
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan scored a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and a platinum award for “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” His singles for “Games,” “We Rode In Trucks” and “Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets” were also certified gold.
Today in 2020, Niko Moon made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Moon co-wrote the Zac Brown Band hits “Loving You Easy,” “Homegrown” and “My Old Man.”
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s Christmas package, “My Gift,” hit the top of the Billboard country albums chart.

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

Posted on October 9, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Lualla”, a positively adorable 6 month old Australian Shepherd mix. Lualla is a mellow, affectionate girl who gets along great with adults, kids and both other dogs and cats. Lualla currently weighs about 26 lbs., and may grow just a little more. Lualla rides very well in the car and is remarkably well housetrained, and would make a perfect dog for any family. Lualla is fully vetted, vaccinated, spayed, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

And since the ‘Empty the Shelter’ promotion is going on now, her adoption fee is only $50!

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

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