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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1972, the single, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” by Mac Davis was at #1 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1974, the Mac Davis album, “Stop & Smell The Roses,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1988, the album, “All Time Greatest Hits Of Roy Orbison – Vol. II,” was released.
  • Today in 1992, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for multi-platinum sales of 9-million.
  • Today in 1993, Garth Brooks opened the first of his three sold-out concerts at Texas Stadium near Dallas.
  • Today in 1994, Joe Diffie topped the charts with “Third Rock From The Sun.” Incidentally, the TV series, “3rd Rock From the Sun,” premiered on NBC two years later on the same date.
  • Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s “Love Gets Me Every Time” single was released.
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 14-million.
  • Today in 1998, nearly 36-million viewers tuned in for the 32nd annual CMA Awards live on CBS television. The Dixie Chicks and Steve Wariner were the only multiple award-winners at the 1998 CMA Awards in Nashville…taking home two awards each. Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year for the second straight year, and fourth time overall.
  • Today in 2000, Tim McGraw was on the cover of “TV Guide.”
  • Today in 2002, the taped appearance of Reba McEntire and “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who has said Reba is her favorite country performer and overall idol, aired on FOX-TV. The duo performed Reba’s 1993 hit, “Does He Love You.”
  • Today in 2002, Reba McEntire and Charlie Daniels were among the 25 inaugural inductees into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 2003, Alan Jackson has reclaimed the #1 spot on both the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart as well as “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart with “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” his duet with Jimmy Buffett. He was also at #1 for a fifth week on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart. And while all this sounds cool, consider that having a #1 song for eight collective weeks also made a little history for Alan and Jimmy. For starters, the song notched the most weeks at #1 for any country track that year. This was also the first time since 1962 that a country duet has logged eight weeks in the top slot – and only the second time since 1964 that any country single has achieved the feat.
  • Today in 2006, Vince Gill and Allison Krauss taped an episode of “CMT Cross Country” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood was surprised during her show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena by Brad Paisley. The two performed “Remind Me” together.
  • Today in 2016, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “H.O.L.Y.,” went gold, platinum and double-platinum, while the RIAA certified “Anything Goes” platinum.
  • Today in 2017, “Are You Ready For The Country” author Neil Young is inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at Massey Hall in Toronto.
  • Today in 2019, Joe Nichols performed in the United Kingdom for the first time with a show in Bristol.

Parker McCollum Reveals First 2026 Tour Dates

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Parker McCollum has announced his first tour dates of 2026. The year kicks off with a show in El Paso, Texas on January 23, with shows in Lexington Kentucky, Savannah Georgia and more before wrapping up with two shows in St. Augustine, Florida March 27 and 28. McCollum will bring a half-dozen up and coming country stars to open for him, including Max McNown, Jake Worthington, William Beckmann, Jackson Wendell, Tyler Halverson and Laci Kaye Booth. Pre-sales start tomorrow ahead of the general sale this Friday at 10am local time. Check out the first ten 2026 tour dates below, and visit Parker’s website for tickets and more information. 

  • January 23 – El Paso, TX – Don Haskins Center
  • January 24 – Glendale, AZ – Desert Diamond Arena
  • January 29 – Edinburg, TX – Bert Ogden Arena
  • January 30 – Corpus Christi, TX – Hillard Center Arena
  • January 31 – San Antonio, TX – Frost Bank Center
  • February 5 – Oxford, MS – SJB Pavilion at Ole Miss
  • February 6 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
  • February 7 – Salem, VA – Salem Civic Center
  • February 12 – Winston-Salem, NC – Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum
  • February 13 – Auburn, AL – Neville Arena

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1939, Gene Autry’s “Back In The Saddle Again” was released.
  • Today in 1976, Willie Nelson released “The Troublemaker” album.
  • Today in 1979, “Just Good Ol’ Boys” (not the theme for “Dukes of Hazzard,” which belongs to Waylon Jennings) hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart for duet partners Moe Bandy & Joe Stampley.
  • Today in 1983, the Everly Brothers performed together for the first time in 10 years at the Royal Albert Hall in London.
  • Today in 1985, Willie Nelson, John Cougar and Neil Young hosted the first Farm Aid concert in Champaign, Illinois, raising $10-million for troubled family farmers.
  • Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s “What Am I Gonna Do About You” album was released.
  • Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified quadruple platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Garth Brooks released his album, “The Chase.” It was the second country album ever to enter both the pop and country album charts at #1 – his “Ropin’ the Wind” was the first.
  • Today in 1995, Collin Raye was #1 with the single, “One Boy, One Girl.”
  • Today in 1998, Vince Gill’s album, “The Key,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1998, Lee Ann Womack released the album, “Some Things I Know.”
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks performed for the first time in Latin America at the world’s largest rodeo in Barretos, Brazil.
  • Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million. On the same day, the Chicks won three awards at the CMAs during the 33rd ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. They were named Vocal Group of the Year, while “Wide Open Spaces” took Single and Music Video of the Year
  • Today in 2001, Cyndi Thomson’s debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” began a three-week run at #1 in Billboard.
  • Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Golden Road” album went triple-platinum.
  • Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts’ “Take Me There,” which was written by Kenny Chesney, hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2008, Toby Keith ranked #3 on the “Forbes” List of the World’s Best-Paid Music Stars, earning $48-million that year. Rascal Flatts’ $40-million puts them at #7. In the pop arena, Justin Timberlake was #4; Madonna came in at #5; and The Police were at the top of the heap at #1 with earnings of $115-million.
  • Today in 2009, Eli Young Band frontman Mike Eli got engaged to Kacey Herndon. The happy couple exchanged “I do’s” the following March – and have since welcomed a daughter Kline Olivia (in 2012) and their son, Kash (in 2018).
  • Today in 2009, Diamond Rio’s album, “The Reason,” was released.
  • Today in 2010, Del McCoury was honored with the National Endowment for the Arts’ National Heritage Fellowship at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
  • Today in 2010, Toby Keith’s single, “Bullets In The Gun,” was released.
  • Today in 2011, Jason Aldean’s “Tattoos On This Town” video dropped on YouTube.
  • Today in 2012, Brad Paisley performed “Southern Comfort Zone” publicly for the first time during the iHeart Radio Music Festival at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Taylor Swift sings five songs during her portion of the show, including “Sparks Fly,” “Mean” and “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together.”
  • Today in 2012, Miranda Lambert served as a surprise bridesmaid – the matron of honor, even – for her friend, Laci, at the Chapel of the Flowers in Las Vegas, Nevada. Turns out, Miranda was in Sin City for her performance the night before at the iHeart Radio Music Festival.
  • Today in 2014, Kenny Chesney’s “Til It’s Gone” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard got engaged to Hayley Stommel. The lovebirds got hitched the following. Since then, the couple has welcomed two sons and a daughter.
  • Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Say You Do,” was released.
  • Today in 2015, Lady A’s Hillary Scott announced she was establishing a scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro specifically for women pursuing a career in the music business
  • Today in 2017, Luke Bryan turned his concert at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands, Texas, into a benefit for Hurricane Harvey victims.
  • Today in 2017, Willie Nelson performed “Funny How Time Slips Away” with soul singer Leon Bridges at a Hurricane Harvey relief concert at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin. Also on the bill are James Taylor, Lyle Lovett, Ryan Bingham, Asleep At The Wheel and Paul Simon, who covered “Waltz Across Texas” with Edie Brickell.
  • Today in 2017, Reba McEntire celebrated 40 years since her Grand Ole Opry debut. Her Opry anniversary includes surprise appearances by Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood, who performed with McEntire on “Does He Love You.” Underwood’s set also includes “Wasted” and “I Told You So.”
  • Today in 2018, Charlie Worsham and Kristen Korzenowski married at Christ The King Catholic Church in Nashville. The famous faces in attendance included Jeannie Seely, Jenny Gill, songwriters Don Schlitz and Luke Dick, as well as producers Frank Liddell and Eric Masse.
  • Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton, Kacey Musgraves and Sturgill Simpson played the annual Farm Aid concert at the Xfinity Theatre in Hartford, Connecticut. Willie Nelson and fellow board members John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Neil Young also welcomed Margo Price, Lukas Nelson and Nathaniel Rateliff, among others.
  • Today in 2020, Mercury signed Priscilla Block to a recording deal…and promptly released her debut single, “Just About Over You.”
  • Today in 2020, “One Too Many,” Keith Urban’s duet With P!nk, was released.
  • Today in 2021, Ashley McBryde fell while horseback riding in Montana and landed on her head, suffering a concussion and requiring stitches. In the days following the accident, she was unable to walk without assistance and cancels a series of concerts. She’s since made a full recovery.

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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Mike”, a 2 year old Terrier mix who loves kids, other dogs and even cats! Mike is a pretty big boy, but he’s a well-mannered fellow who walks well on a leash, and would make an awesome family dog. Mike is fully vetted, vaccinated, neutered, microchipped, and would love to meet you!

Mike has spent most of his life at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, and very deserving of a loving forever home. Mike’s adoption fee has already been paid so if you’re interested in adopting him, his adoption will be FREE!

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

https://soundcloud.com/user-583130944/pet-of-the-week-mike-2

Chris Stapleton Extends “All-American Road Show” Tour Into 2026

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Chris Stapleton‘s “All-American Road Show” tour just got extended. It was announced yesterday that six more dates (all in February) have been tacked on to the end of his current run of shows. The six dates include two shows each in Las Vegas, Thackerville, Oklahoma and Uncasville, Connecticut. Tickets go on sale Friday, September 26. See the newly-announced dates below, and visit Chris Stapleton’s website for more information. 

  • February 4 — Las Vegas, NV — Dolby Live at Park MGM
  • February 5 — Las Vegas, NV — Dolby Live at Park MGM
  • February 20 — Thackerville, OK — WinStar Lukas Oil Live
  • February 21 — Thackerville, OK — WinStar Lukas Oil Live
  • February 27 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun Casino
  • February 28 — Uncasville, CT — Mohegan Sun Casino

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1970, Crystal Gayle hit the country charts for the first time with “I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes.” Her sister, Loretta Lynn, wrote the song.
  • Today in 1981, Lee Greenwood made his chart debut with “It Turns Me Inside Out.”
  • Today in 1988, Patty Loveless released her “Honky Tonk Angel” album.
  • Today in 1990, Travis Tritt’s “Country Club” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, BlackHawk’s self-titled debut album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, George Jones was released from the hospital just one week after undergoing triple bypass surgery.
  • Today in 1995, Tim McGraw’s “All I Want” album was released.
  • Today in 1996, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified for sales of 7-million.
  • Today in 1996, Reba McEntire’s “Merry Christmas To You” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” album was certified double platinum. The same day, his “I Still Believe In You” album was certified for sales of 4-million copies.
  • Today in 1997, Trace Adkins’ album, “Dreamin Out Loud,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt, Kent Robbins (“Straight Tequila Night”) and Merle Kilgore (“Ring Of Fire”) were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville.
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was celebrating her induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and getting ready to kick off her European tour in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait’s 27th album, which was also his first self-titled release, arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, Kenny Chesney visited his old stomping grounds of Luttrell, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. While in his hometown, Kenny also made an appearance at a Gibbs High School assembly — his alma mater. At the event, he was presented with a proclamation declaring September 19th “Kenny Chesney Day” in Lutrell.
  • Today in 2000, Terri Clark’s “Fearless” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait released his first self-titled album.
  • Today in 2001, Clint Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, had more than a new baby to celebrate. The couple’s duet, “Easy for Me to Say” debuted at #56 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart. It was also the first time that Lisa debuted on the magazine’s chart. But wait…what about…1999’s “When I Said I Do?” Of course, that was a huge hit, too, but Lisa wasn’t officially listed in the credits and therefore didn’t appear on the “Billboard” chart.
  • Today in 2002, Brad Paisley launched the inaugural “CMT Most Wanted Live” tour in Phoenix. While Brad was the featured headliner, the show’s opening acts varied throughout the schedule and included Steve Azar, Chris Cagle, Tammy Cochran, Andy Griggs, Steve Holy, Shannon Lawson, Rascal Flatts, Tommy Shane Steiner, Phil Vassar, Pinmonkey and Darryl Worley.
  • Today in 2003, Johnny Cash posthumously won three trophies at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
  • Today in 2007, Brooks & Dunn nab a platinum album for “The Greatest Hits Collection II.”
  • Today in 2009, the financial company TIAA-CREF began airing a television commercial that features Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” behind on-screen images of meerkats.
  • Today in 2015, the “CMT Crossroads” episode pairing Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon premiered. They team on Evans’ hits “A Real Fine Place To Start” and “Born To Fly,” as well as REO’s “Keep It On The Run” and “Roll With The Changes.”
  • Today in 2016, despite a doctor’s warning against performing, Jana Kramer fought through the pain of a rib injury on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” performing to Gavin DeGraw’s live rendition of “I Don’t Want To Be.”

Dolly Parton Backs Out Of Dollywood Appearance For Health Reasons

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton canceled a scheduled appearance at Dollywood yesterday, and fans immediately grew concerned. Knowing ahead of time they’d react that way, the icon filmed a recorded message to play for those that showed up to see her. “Hello Dollywood! It’s me! I know, I’m here and you’re there and wondering why that is,” Parton said in the clip. She went on to explain that health reasons were keeping her away. “I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone,” she revealed, saying “Turns out there was an infection, and the doctor said: ‘You don’t need to be traveling around this minute…You need a few days to feel better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.” Dolly, who looked like her normal, healthy self in the clip, told fans she was “there in spirit” and had been looking forward to being at the theme park. She concluded the video with an apology: ‘I’ll be back as quick as I can. Don’t worry about me, I’m going to be okay. Just can’t do it today.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1947, Carnegie Hall hosted its first country music show with Ernest Tubb and Roy Acuff as headliners.
  • Today in 1981, George Jones’ “I Am What I Am” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1986, the “#7” album by George Strait was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, Willie Nelson’s “Take It To The Limit” album was certified gold and his “Pretty Paper” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1992, Clint Black’s album, “The Hard Way,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
  • Today in 1997, Patty Loveless’ “Long Stretch Of Lonesome” album was released.
  • Today in 1997, the Farm Aid concert – canceled due to low ticket sales at the Texas Stadium – was rescheduled at the New World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Illinois, for the same day…October 4th. The benefit was a sell-out.
  • Today in 1998, Reba McEntire joined the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. Her star, the 2,120th planted in the famous foot thoroughfare, was unveiled in front of the Johnny Grant Building, 7018 Hollywood Boulevard.
  • Today in 1998, Jett Williams paid tribute to her late father, Hank Williams, who would have been 75 the day before, on the Grand Ole Opry. She saluted her dad by performing “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” a song released after his death on New Year’s Eve, 1952. Jett told the crowd, quote, “He never sang the song on the Opry. He never sang it live.”
  • Today in 1999, Faith Hill graced the cover of “TV Guide.”
  • Today in 2000, Toby Keith was the guest of honor at a special event in Nashville. Toby was the benefactor of the first songwriter/artist endowment to support the work and mission of the Nashville Songwriters Association International.
  • Today in 2001, Martina McBride’s “Greatest Hits” collection and Aaron Tippin’s “A December To Remember” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Joe Nichols scored a number of firsts: a debut artist, a debut single, a brand new label and a #1 record! Joe’s debut single, “The Impossible,” leapt four chart positions to claim the top spot on the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 chart.
  • Today in 2004, “Days Go By” took Keith Urban to the top of the Billboard country chart.
  • Today in 2006, Willie and Bobbie Nelson received misdemeanor citations for drug possession when his bus stopped on Interstate 10 in Louisiana. A search of the vehicle yielded 1.5-pounds of pot and 2/10 of a pound of mushrooms.
  • Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant won two trophies – Duo/Group of the Year and Album of the Year for “Raising Sand” – during the seventh annual Americana Honors & Awards.
  • Today in 2010, Billy Currington rose to the top of the Billboard country singles chart with “Pretty Good At Drinkin’ Beer.”
  • Today in 2015, Miranda Lambert launched her eighth annual Paws For The Cause fundraiser for the MuttNation Foundation in Luckenbach, Texas. She’s joined by Radney Foster, Gwen Sebastian and songwriters Jon Randall and Jessi Alexander.
  • Today in 2017, Three years after the previous signs were removed, new signs proclaiming Marshville, North Carolina, as the birthplace of Randy Travis were dedicated. Travis was also presented keys to the city.
  • Today in 2017, Kellie Pickler and Ben Aaron launched their new talk show, “Pickler & Ben,” launches on television with surprise guest Dolly Parton. Faith Hill is one of several executive producers.

Luke Combs Finally Records Song His Fans Have Been Begging For

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs teased a song on his socials back in the spring that had fans hitting him up for an official release. The tune, “My Kinda Saturday Night,” has been in the back of many of their minds, and apparently, in the back of Luke’s mind too. This week he posted a video to Instagram of him singing the song, and the post included the caption, “I saw all of the comments for My Kinda Saturday Night. Excited to let y’all know I finished recording it the other day.” With Luke steadily working on his next album, seems like a safe bet that the track will be part of that project. 

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 1977, Reba McEntire made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed “Invitation to the Blues.”
  • Today in 1996, Alabama released their second holiday album, “Alabama Christmas II,” and John Berry released his album, “Faces.”
  • Today in 1996, the mayor of Rhinelander, Wisconsin proclaimed today’s date as “Trace Adkins Day,” and presented Trace with the key to the city. The previous month, the mayor of Trace’s hometown of Sarepta, Louisiana had made such a declaration.
  • Today in 1996, Ty England’s “Two Ways to Fall” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Fly,” began its second straight week at #1 on both the pop and country albums charts. In just two weeks, the album sold 545,000 units, which means it had already gone gold (you need 500,000 copies sold for a gold album). In fact, first day sales were 75,000. SoundScan figures show that the album had the highest first week sales of any act in country music history except for Garth Brooks. In addition, “Fly,” became the first country album to spend more than one week at #1 on the pop albums chart since Garth’s album, “Double Live,” in 1998.
  • Today in 1999, Lisa Hartman Black joined her hubby Clint Black on stage for their first public performance of their mega-hit, “When I Said I Do.”
  • Today in 2000, Alan Jackson, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young and a host of other performers in Bristow, Virginia for the 15th anniversary of Farm Aid.
  • Today in 2002, Clay Walker’s album, “Christmas,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd and his wife, Michelle, finally had a name for their third child, who had arrived two weeks earlier – Jared James. When he left St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, Jared – aka J.J. – joined his sister, Evee Elisabeth, and brother, Logan Lynn. By the way, in case you’re wondering, the Byrd family did not break the record for delayed baby-naming – not even close. The State of Texas told them it once took a family three months to decide on what to call their child.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill was in Los Angeles to tape an NBC concert special, which aired on Thanksgiving.
  • Today in 2005, The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single “Islands in The Stream” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Duets”
  • Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
  • Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2017, LANCO lead singer Brandon Lancaster and Tiffany Trotter were married near Nashville. The ceremony was attended by all his bandmates: Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Jared Hampton and Chandler Baldwin.
  • Today in 2018, Faith Hill headlines a voting rally at Marathon Music Works in Nashville for a non-profit agency, When We All Vote.
  • Today in 2019, Luke Combs joined Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris at All For The Hall, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame at The Novo in Los Angeles.
  • Today in 2019, Old Dominion scored a gold single from the RIAA for “One Man Band.”
  • Today in 2021, the Carly Pearce album, “29: Written In Stone,” and Scotty McCreery’s “Same Truck” album were released.

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