Trace Adkins Hints At Retirement

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Could Trace Adkins be ready to call it a career? Speaking to “ET” at the premiere of “I Can Only Imagine 2,” in which he stars, he hinted that he may be looking at retirement. “I just can’t believe I’m still around, and maybe somewhat relevant, you know, still. I’m just proud to be here and glad that I have fans who have stuck with me all these decades. And I’m going to give them another year, you know.” Along with his acting, Trace is embarking on his 30th anniversary tour. He was asked if he had another thirty years in him, to which Adkins answered, “I don’t have another 30 in me. I do not, no. No, I’m going give them this year. I’m going to tour hard this year, but then I can’t promise you anything after that.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Elvis recorded “Kentucky Rain” by Eddie Rabbitt. Ronnie Milsap did backup vocals.
Today in 1974, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner ended their duet partnership.
Today in 1977, “Moody Blue” got Elvis a top country hit.
Today in 1977, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, and Emmylou Harris took top country honors at the 19th annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 1981, “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton was certified gold.
Today in 1987, “Red Handed Stranger,” a movie by Willie Nelson, premiered in Austin with Morgan Fairchild, Floyd Tillman, and Darrell Royal in attendance.
Today in 1993, “It’s Your Call” by Reba McEntire got certified both gold and platinum in the same day.
Today in 1993, Dolly Parton’s album “Slow Dancing With The Moon” was released.
Today in 1993, Sawyer Brown topped the country charts with the single “All These Years.”
Today in 1998, country legend Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones — the star of TV’s “Hee-Haw” and host of the Grand Ole Opry — died from complications of a stroke he’d suffered a month earlier. He was 84.
Today in 1998, Lorrie Morgan issued a strongly worded denial over an article in the “Star” tabloid magazine that claimed she’d taken, quote, “a wild ride in the back seat of a limousine with President Bill Clinton.” She contended, quote, “The only accurate information in the article with regard to my relationship with President Clinton was that I joined him on stage for the Christmas tree lighting in Washington.”
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks agreed to join the New York Mets in Florida during spring training.
Today in 2002, Blake Shelton was named the Best New Artist of 2001 in the annual “Radio & Records” Country Radio Readers Poll.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw and Lonestar were named as members of the American Red Cross’ newly developed 12 person celebrity board. As part of the honor, Tim and the band also committed to serving the Red Cross for a one-year term of volunteer service.
Today in 2004, Ricky Skaggs was among the inductees into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. In addition, Dwight Yoakam and Montgomery Gentry received awards during the induction ceremony in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Today in 2004, when Brooks and Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” tour rolled into Terre Haute, Indiana, officials renamed the portion of Cherry Street outside the ISU Hulman Center in honor of the concert. In addition, Mayor Kevin D. Burke proclaimed it Brooks & Dunn Day.
Today in 2004, Illness forced George Strait and Alabama to cancel shows. Strait postponed a concert in Detroit because he was suffering from a throat infection. Alabama scrapped a scheduled performance in Springfield, Illinois because frontman Randy Owen was still recovering from a viral condition affecting his inner ear.
Today in 2005, Darryl Worley Home Furnishings, a 38-hundred square-foot store, opened in Enterprise, Alabama.
Today in 2005, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” featured Keith Urban and John Fogerty. The show featured Urban’s “Days Go By,” “Somebody Like Me,” and “You’ll Think Of Me,” along with Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Today in 2006, at the halftime of the NBA All-Star Game, Carrie Underwood performed. The Eastern Conference won 122-120.
Today in 2008, the book “Random Memories,” by The Statler Brothers’ Don and Harold Reid, arrived in stores. New album releases included Chris Cagle’s “My Life’s Been A Country Song.”
Today in 2008, Chris Cagle made an in-store appearance at a Dallas-Fort Worth-area Wal-Mart, playing an acoustic concert and signing autographs for fans, in conjunction with the release of his CD “My Life’s Been A Country Song.”
Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian Award at an event during the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville.
Today in 2014, Tim McGraw appeared on “the Tonight Show,” premiering “Shotgun Rider.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash recorded “Girl From The North Country.” The unreleased performances included “T for Texas,” “That’s All Right,” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
Today in 1988, for the first time since their 1974 breakup, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed together. The occasion was a taping of an episode of “Dolly!” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Today in 1995, Collin Raye hit the top of the charts with “My Kind of Girl.”
Today in 2004, CMT plays Montgomery Gentry’s video “If You Ever Stop Loving Me.”
Today in 2007, the show “Reba,” whose them song is a version of Reba McEntire’s “I’m a Survivor” aired for the last time on the CW.
Today in 2010, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum earned a double-platinum single.
Today in 2012, at the Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans on Mardi Gras, Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson rode on floats.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s self-titled debut album was released.
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton headlined for the first time at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, launching a three-night stand at the venue. The set includes versions of “Nobody To Blame,” “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” plus a surprise appearance by The SteelDrivers.
Today in 2016, Royal Oak, Michigan, renamed part of Willis Avenue as Glenn Frey Drive.
Today in 2018, Rascal Flatts performed “Yours If You Want It” on FOX during the pre-race telecast for NASCAR’s Daytona 500, from the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida. The band also does “Life Is A Highway” off-camera. Austin Dillon is the winning driver.
Today in 2019, Brett Young performed “Here Tonight” on ABC’s telecast of “The Bachelor.”

Riley Green Rumored To Make An Appearance In “Marshals”

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Back in December, Riley Green hinted that he would soon be appearing in a television show. Is “Marshals” that show? In a new trailer for Season One of the “Yellowstone” spinoff, fans believe a mysterious guitar player may indeed be Green. A quick glimpse of a man playing guitar in a campfire scene has Internet detectives convinced that this is the role Green had teased months ago. We could know more in a couple weeks; “Marshals” premieres Sunday, March 1 (8:00–9:00 PM ET/PT) on CBS and Paramount+.

Dierks Bentley Announces 2026 ‘Off The Map Tour’

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Dierks Bentley is hitting the road again, and he’s bringing a country legend along with him. The singer announced his upcoming “Off The Map” tour of amphitheaters last week, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder are coming along for the six week long trek. Also opening, depending on the date, are Kaitlin Butts, Cole Goodwin, Owen Riegling and the Mountain Grass Unit. Tickets go on sale on this Friday at 10AM local time. See the complete list of tour dates below, and visit Dierks’ website for tickets and more info. See a brief clip of Dierks making the announcement and jamming with Ricky Skaggs to the right.

June 12 – Rogers, AR with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Owen Riegling
June 13 – Kansas City, MO with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Owen Riegling
June 25 – Bonner, MT with Mountain Grass Unit & Katilin Butts
June 26 – Airway Heights, WA with Kaitlin Butts & Cole Goodwin
July 2 – Colorado Springs, CO with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Cole Goodwin
July 9 – Gilford, NH with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Katilin Butts
July 10 – Bridgeport, CT with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Kaitlin Butts
July 11 – Canandaigua, NY with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Kaitlin Butts
July 16 – Wilmington, NC with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Cole Goodwin
July 17 – Charleston, SC with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Cole Goodwin
July 18 – St. Augustine, FL with Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder & Cole Goodwin

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, “Tennessee Waltz” was declared the official state song of Tennessee.
Today in 1969, rock legend Bob Dylan went to Nashville to record with Johnny Cash, but only two songs cut at those sessions ever saw the light of day. Later that year, Dylan was one of the first guests on Johnny’s TV show.
Today in 1976, The Eagles released “Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which included “Lyin’ Eyes.”
Today in 1993, Lyle Lovett sung “Stand By Your Man” with Tammy Wynette on “The Tonight Show.”
Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped the country charts.
Today in 1995, Tanya Tucker earned one platinum album and three gold ones, including “Strong Enough to Bend.”
Today in 1995, Wade Hayes scored his first #1 hit, “Old Enough to Know Better.”
Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “I Can Love You Like That” was released.
Today in 1996, Joe Diffie’s “Bigger Than The Beatles” became a #1 hit on the Billboard country singles list.
Today in 2001, Jamie O’Neal’s “There Is No Arizona” hit the top of the charts.
Today in 2001, Brad Paisley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. He wore Buck Owen’s the yellow jacket from the night he recorded the album “Live At Carnegie Hall.” Paisley sang “Two People Fell In Love.”
Today in 2002, Hank Williams Jr. and Kid Rock performed “Family Tradition” and “Whiskey Bent and Hell Bound” on CMT Crossroads.
Today in 2013, Mindy McCready died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line’s “Sippin’ On Fire” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, the Indiana legislature recognized Joey+Rory with the Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the state’s highest honor.
Today in 2017, Dustin Lynch’s single, “Small Town Boy,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Mayor Don Iveson declared Garth Brooks Day in Edmonton, Alberta, as Brooks launched a nine-concert engagement at Rogers Place.
Today in 2017, the Alison Krauss album, “Windy City,” was released.
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood donated $10,000 through a Go Fund Me page to an Oklahoma police officer who was injured in a car accident
Today in 2019, Blake Shelton performed “Suspicious Minds” as host of NBC’s “Elvis All-Star Tribute Special,” celebrating 50 years since the King’s 1968 comeback special. Also featured: Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Mac Davis, Little Big Town, Pistol Annies, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban.
Today in 2019, Dolly Parton took a curtain call as “9 To 5: The Musical” opened in London.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs said there is “no excuse” for 2015 photos that depict him with Confederate flag images, adding that he “would never want to be associated with something that brought so much pain to someone else.” The comments came during a Country Radio Seminar panel on country and race that also featured Maren Morris.

Kelsea Ballerini’s Comment On Post About Cheating Song Raises Eyebrows

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Ashley Cooke teased her new breakup song “Crossing Lines Makes Xs” on Instagram and got an interesting comment. Cooke sang a bit of it including the lines “Don’t deny I know you did it / It doesn’t matter how you spin it. Want me back after that? Forget it / Don’t you know crossing lines makes exes.” Then Kelsea Ballerini simply commented “mmmhhhmmm” and Cooke responded with “@kelseaballerini you get it.” The back and forth comes days after the news that the “First Rodeo” singer and Chase Stokes from “Outer Banks” split for the final time. Ballerini has said she does not like fans speculating on her personal life, but this may stir the pot.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, George Jones and Tammy Wynette tied the knot. Strangely, they announced that they had gotten married on August 22^nd, 1968, but didn’t actually go through with it until this date.
Today in 1971, Johnny Cash recorded “Man in Black.”
Today in 1974, “Sunshine On My Shoulders” by John Denver entered the Top 40 chart.
Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers’ “Coward Of The County” single was #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart.
Today in 1986, the NBC-TV movie “The Last Days of Frank & Jesse James” featured Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Ed Bruce, David Allan Coe, and June Carter Cash.
Today in 1995, Rosanne Cash’s “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Marty Robbins’ “Greatest Hits, Volume III” collection was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the album, “What A Crying Shame,” by The Mavericks was certified platinum.
Today in 1996, Collin Raye topped the country charts with “Not That Different.”
Today in 1997, Garth Brooks welcomed Melinda and Ricky Huffman with a raft of gifts as his tour got its 2 millionth customers. The couple was given a Chevy Tahoe and a Caribbean vacation.
Today in 2001, Andy Griggs and his bandmate Kevin Weaver got into some hot water after taking an ambulance for a joyride in Tallahassee, Florida. When they returned the rig, police took them into custody. Eventually, the charges were dropped — thanks in part to their lack of criminal records, humble apologies, and a charity concert.
Today in 2002, Hank Williams Jr. appeared at the Grand Ole Opry with Travis Tritt and Marty Stuart to celebrate Waylon Jennings.
Today in 2005, Brooks and Dunn performed as part of a nightly post-events concert series at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Today in 2006, John Michael Montgomery was arrested in Lexington, Kentucky on numerous charges including DUI and carrying a concealed deadly weapon.
Today in 2006, Rascal Flatt’s music video for “What Hurts The Most” premiered on CMT.
Today in 2007, in a taping of “CMT Cross Country,” Big & Rich and John Anderson performed together. Their collaborations included “Swingin,” and “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy.)”
Today in 2007, two country couples split up. Hank Williams Jr. and his wife, Mary Jane filed for divorce, as well as Terri Clark and her husband, Greg Kaczor. Discussing the end of her marriage, Clark said the split was amicable, although she was sad that the relationship was over. She singer called Kaczor “one of my dearest friends and a wonderful person,” and added that they, quote, “are sorry that we’re here.” While their marriage only lasted 17 months, Clark and Kaczor had known each other for a decade.
Today in 2007, Keith Urban gave his first U.S. TV interview since leaving the Betty Ford Center a month earlier. He opened up about his recovery on NBC’s “Today” show, and noted that both he and wife Nicole Kidman had grown through the process.
Today in 2007, Clay Walker joined the 2007 Original Krewe of Orpheus in Mandeville, Louisiana as the Celebrity Grand Marshall of their parade.
Today in 2007, Lonestar’s Keech Rainwater, Terri Clark, and Trent Tomlinson were the celebrity players for the final day of Country Week on the game show “Wheel of Fortune.”
Today in 2008, Tracy Lawrence hosted his 12th annual Arkansas Homecoming in Texarkana, Arkansas. Clay Waker was among the performers at the event.
Today in 2008, Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Lord passed away. Lord had a long-running television show in the 1960s and ’70s, and he served as a co-host for The Nashville Network’s “Country Sportsman” for several years before retiring and moving back to his native Florida with his wife Mozelle.
Today in 2009, Steve Wariner, Chuck Wicks, and Julianne Hough performed at Music 4 Music, a benefit in support of the Ravenwood High School Marching Band. The school, in the Nashville suburb of Brentwood, also hosted the event.
Today in 2010, Trace Adkins resumed his tour with a performance at the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo. He’d skipped his show two nights earlier with Martina McBride in the wake of a fatal traffic accident involving his tour bus.
Today in 2010, Tim McGraw’s second children’s book, “Love Your Heart,” arrived in stores. The book was the sequel to his first book, “My Little Girl,” which was based on his song from the movie “Flicka.” The singer collaborated with Tom Douglas on both books.
Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s “Revolution” album went gold.
Today in 2011, Justin Moore’s tour bus caught fire while he was traveling to a show in Detroit. No one was hurt in the blaze, which was extinguished in about ten minutes and caused minimal damage.
Today in 2017, Keith Urban, Miranda Lambert and Florida Georgia Line netted nominations in five categories apiece as the Academy of Country Music announced finalists for the 52^nd annual ACM Awards.
Today in 2019, Brothers Osborne welcomed surprise guest Lee Ann Womack as they delivered their third sell-out concert in four nights at the Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. Elsewhere in the set list were “Shoot Me Straight,” “Burning Man,” “It Ain’t My Fault” and a cover of “Copperhead Road.”
Today in 2020, Aaron Watson attended the seventh birthday party of a Waco, Texas, girl who had been diagnosed with terminal brain cancer.

Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Joe Nichols Set For 2027 Country Music Cruise

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The Country Music Cruise for 2027 looks to be another sell out thanks to the lineup. The cruise sets sail from February 7-14, 2027, on the luxurious Celebrity Silhouette. Country legends set to appear are: Clint Black, Wynonna Judd, Joe Nichols, The Bellamy Brothers, and Neal McCoy. Cabin sales will open to the public yesterday, so book your trip fast. Other artists joining the fun include Jimmy Fortune, Rhonda Vincent, Darryl Worley, T.G. Sheppard, Billy Dean, Moe Bandy, Wade Hayes, John Berry, and The Isaacs. The seven-day cruise will depart from Ft. Lauderdale and is scheduled to make stops in San Juan and St. Maarten.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 13, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1971, Sammi Smith’s “Help Me Make It Through The Night,” written by Kris Kristofferson, made it to #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1979, the “Willie & Family Live” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
Today in 1988, Roseanne Cash’s remake of Johnny Cash’s song “Tennessee Flat Top Box” earned her a #1 Billboard spot. The song had originally been written and recorded by her father in 1961, but Rosanne didn’t know that until she cut it. Daddy’s response? He took out full-page ads in the trades congratulating her on the accomplishment.
Today in 1996, Wynonna released her third solo album, “Revelations.”
Today in 1997, Ty Herndon’s album, “What Mattered Most,” went gold.
Today in 1999, John Michael Montgomery and his wife, Crystal, welcomed their son, Walker Carl Montgomery, who weighed in at 8-punds, 10-ounces.
Today in 2001, Rodney Crowell’s album, “The Houston Kid,” was released.
Today in 2002, Garth Brooks declined an offer to join the Colorado Rockies’ for spring training. He cited commitments to his three daughters in Oklahoma and that he couldn’t make a six-week commitment to the team.
Today in 2002, Waylon Jennings died, following a long battle with diabetes. Three months before his death, he had received a spot in the Country Music Hall of Fame. He was 64.
Today in 2003, Faith Hill performed a free concert for 13,00 military folks and their families at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. It aired (in part) during a live broadcast by ABC’s “Good Morning America.”
Today in 2003, Earl Scruggs was inducted into Hollywood Walk of Fame and set quite a precedent in the process. Earl is the very first bluegrass artist to be honored and he’s also the first full-time banjo player to be inducted. Earl, of course, is already a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame – best known as one-half of the Flatt & Scruggs duo, which claimed non-country fame for recording the theme to “The Beverly Hillbillies” TV show.
Today in 2005,“Live Like You Were Dying” which was written by Tim Nichols and Craig Wiseman and performed by Tim McGraw got two GRAMMYs: Best Country Song, and Best Male Country Vocal Performance.
Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood’s singles, “Wasted” and “So Small,” earned her two gold certifications.
Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum’s single, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum won five awards at the GRAMMYs: Record and Song of the Year, Best Country Duo or Group, Best Country Song, and best Country Album.
Today in 2012, Barack Obama awarded the National Medal of Arts to Mel Tillis.
Today in 2013, Eric Church received nominations in six categories to lead all finalists in the 48^th annual Academy of Country Music awards. “Chief” was up for Album of the Year, while “Springsteen” was in the running for Single and Song.

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