Kenny Chesney Suprises Megan Moroney At Her First Headlining Stadium Show

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Bob Ballard

It was a big night for Megan Moroney in Charleston, South Carolina over the weekend. While she’d played stadiums before, she’d never headlined one. Backstage at the Credit One Stadium and just minutes before she was set to take the stage, Kenny Chesney paid a surprise visit which the singer was clearly not expecting, as she squealed, “Kenny! What are you doing here?” and gave him a big hug. The surprise ended up being for the entire crowd, as later in the evening he also joined Moroney on stage for a performance of their duet, “You Had To Be There.”

@megmoroney very nonchalant! i am annoying & you’re the best @Kenny Chesney ♬ You Had To Be There – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 16, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette scored her #1 hit when she topped the “Billboard” country singles chart with “My Elusive Dreams,” her duet with David Houston.
Today in 1985, the “Alabama Christmas” album by Alabama was released.
Today in 1986, Johnny Cash signed with Polygram Records after two decades with Columbia.
Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton’s album, “Loving Proof,” was released.
Today in 1991, Willie Nelson married makeup artist Ann-Marie D’Angelo. The couple, who met on the set of Nelson’s 1986 movie, “Red Headed Stranger,” has two sons.
Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker’s “What Do I Do With Me” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1994, the “War Paint” album by Lorrie Morgan was certified gold.
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2002, Trace Adkins was in Washington, D.C. to perform at a political fundraiser for Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin – aka “the Cajun Congressman.” The event served as a kick-off for Trace’s two-day swing through the Washington DC, which also included headlining a USO event honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush.
Today in 2005, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single, “Islands in the Stream,” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Debuts.”
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 debuts on CMT. The video featured a guest appearance by actor Garrett Hedlund.
Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s “Off The Beaten Path” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2014, Tim McGraw’s album, “Sundown Heaven Town,” was released.
Today in 2016, Jon Pardi scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots.”
Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood introduced a signature perfume and body mist, available exclusively at Walmart stores.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson brought Farm Aid to Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and was joined by Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and The Avett Brothers. Nelson’s set includes “Whiskey River,” “Good Hearted Woman” and “On The Road Again.”
Today in 2017, Old Dominion’s “Happy Endings” was at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2017, Rhett Akins married Sonya Mansfield in Tennessee. In the wedding party? His son, Thomas Rhett, as well as songwriters Ben Hayslip and Dallas Davidson.
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed on “CBS Sunday Morning” that she endured three miscarriages during 2017 and 2018.
Today in 2019, the Florida Georgia Line single, “Talk You Out Of It,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, Colt Ford scored a gold certification from the RIAA for his 2008 debut album, “Ride Through The Country.” The project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert and John Michael Montgomery.
Today in 2021, Parmalee’s “Take My Name” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, during a performance of “Famous Friends” at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri – Kane Brown brought out Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Joining Brown on the song as well? Opening acts Chris Lane and Restless Road.

Jelly Roll Meets The Pope

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

A new picture posted on social media by Jelly Roll probably had more than one person double-checking to see if it was AI-generated. The photo had a smiling Jelly Roll, looking much thinner and rocking an all-black suit, shaking hands with none other than Pope Leo XIV. Alongside, Jelly wrote “From rock bottom to holy ground. ‘For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.'” While the meet-up seems unlikely on the surface, it happened as Jelly Roll joined fellow artists Pharrell Williams, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, Karol G and more for the “Grace for the World” concert at Vatican City’s St. Peter’s Square on Saturday. We already knew he’d come a long way from his days behind bars, but this is next-level stuff.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 15, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1957, Patsy Cline married Charlie Dick.
Today in 1972, Merle Haggard’s The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard album was released.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ “Love Of Something Like It” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Crystal Gayle’s “When I Dream” album was certified gold.
Today in 1979, the single, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” by the Charlie Daniels Band peaked at #3 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1981, Alabama’s “Feels So Right” album was certified Platinum.
Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s album, “Born To Boogie,” was certified gold.
Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Pure Country” album was released.
Today in 2001, Wynonna made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2003, former “Nashville Star” contestant Miranda Lambert signed with Epic Records.
Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley released his second gold album “Modern Day Drifter.”
Today in 2007, Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” became the first song to debut at #1 on Billboard’s country singles list.
Today in 2014, Eric Church’s “Talladega” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line collects a platinum single from the RIAA for “Sun Daze” and a gold one for “Anything Goes.”
Today in 2016, Trace Adkins received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the U.S. Army at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
Today in 2017, the Big & Rich album, “Did It For The Party,” was released.
Today in 2018, Jo Dee Messina headlined the 15^th annual Burgundy Ball, a fundraiser for local cancer patients in Springfield, Missouri.
Today in 2019, “Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns” premiered on PBS. Key contributors in the mini-series include Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Ketch Secor and Rhiannon Giddens.
Today in 2020, the book, “Me And Sister Bobbie: True Tales Of The Family Band,” a book by Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson, was released.
Today inn 2021, Kane Brown and Dolly Parton were on the annual “Time 100” list of the most influential people. Also highlighted: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Britney Spears, Simone Biles and Lil Nas X.

How Much Does Carrie Underwood Make For “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night?”

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Recently a rumor was going around that Carrie Underwood was taking home a hefty $1-million paycheck per week for being the singing voice for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football.”A post from the popular X account “MLFootball” read: “BREAKING: Carrie Underwood is paid ONE MILLION DOLLARS EACH WEEK to do the Sunday Night Football theme song. She films all of it in one day & got paid 18-million dollars for that, per reports.” The post is actually a year old, but began circulating again at the start of the new NFL season. So…true or false? The actual amount Underwood makes from the high-profile gig remains unknown, though some digging shows she’s shot down that total in the past. Back in 2023, Howard Stern asked about it on his show. “The money ain’t bad. Is it true it’s 18-million dollars a year?” Underwood nipped that in the bud (or so she thought at the time). “For me?! No!” Underwood responded. “It’s pretty pro-bono,” adding, “I wish! That’d be great.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1980, as a result of a television report on ABC-TV’s “20/20,” the official case surrounding the 1977 death of Elvis Presley was reopened.
Today in 1986, Eddie Rabbitt and Juice Newton’s single, “Both To Each Other (Friends & Lovers),” went to #1 in “Radio & Records.”
Today in 1990, Alan Jackson’s “Here In The Real World” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, the album, ‘If There Was A Way,” by Dwight Yoakam was certified gold.
Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, on his birthday, George Jones underwent triple bypass surgery at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital.
Today in 1995, George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the “Greatest Hits – From The Beginning” album by Travis Tritt was released
Today in 1995, George Jones’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 1998, a concert by Shania Twain was televised live on DirecTV, in what the direct broadcast satellite service claimed is the first such TV event for the country star.
Today in 1998, Vince Gill made his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1999, a sold-out crowd of 23,000 people listened to Willie Nelson, Deana Carter, Sawyer Brown, Trisha Yearwood, John Mellencamp and other performers at Farm Aid ’99. The all-day event, the latest in a series of fund-raisers for farmers that started in 1985, came at a time when many East Coast growers were facing a severe drought. Since it began, Farm Aid has given $14.5 million to more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service groups in 44 states.
Today in 2002, the rumors were official – the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Home,” was certified platinum. Now, official Soundscan figures have confirmed it. In its second week of release, the project sold 367,000 copies (following record setting first-week sales of 779,828). It was enough to keep them on top of the Billboard 200 charts and the “Billboard” Top Country Albums chart for another week.
Today in 2002, George Strait launched his “Road Less Traveled” tour in Detroit Jo Dee Messina as his opening act. It was George’s first arena tour in five years. He been headlining his George Strait Country Music Festival at stadiums from 1999 to 2001.
Today in 2003, the famed “The Man in Black” Johnny Cash, who became a towering figure in American music with such hits as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “A Boy Named Sue,” died at the age of 71. In a statement issued by Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Cash’s longtime manager and friend, Lou Robin, said, “Johnny died due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure.” He noted that Cash died at the hospital at 1 am ET and added, “I hope that friends and fans of Johnny will pray for the Cash family to find comfort during this very difficult time.” The stunning news came as Cash had been released from the hospital the previous Wednesday after a two-week stay for treatment of an unspecified stomach ailment. Some reports circulated that he had been suffering from pancreatitis. The illness caused him to miss the MTV Music awards, where he had been nominated in seven categories and won the trophy for Best Cinematography. In his later years, Cash had battled a disease of the nervous system, autonomic neuropathy, and pneumonia. His beloved wife, June, had passed four months earlier.
Today in 2003, the “Man In Black” – aka Johnny Cash – passed away. He joined his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, who had died the previous May. Among his accolades, Cash was a member of both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame.
Today in 2007, Brad Paisley scored a gold album for “5^th“
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2014, Garth Brooks took batting practice with the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. The night’s baseball game is rained out.
Today in 2014, The Band Perry’s single, “Postcard From Paris,” went gold.
Today in 2016, Jana Kramer took the stage as a contestant for “Dancing With The Stars.” Julianne Hough returns as a judge. Other competitors include Vanilla Ice, Maureen McCormick, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and former Texas governor Rick Perry, who danced a cha cha to “God Blessed Texas.”
Today in 2017, Kane Brown, who was formerly homeless, participated in a congressional briefing on the rental housing crisis in Washington, DC.
Today in 2017, George Strait headlined a Hurricane Harvey benefit concert at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio – he was joined on the bill by Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. It became part of the multi-network special, “Hand In Hand: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief.” Blake Shelton and Usher performed “Stand By Me” were from the Grand Ole Opry …as were Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Demi Lovato and CeCe Winans, who offered up, “A Little Help From My Friends.”

Trisha Yearwood Announces New Holiday Album, Tour

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Trisha Yearwood has announced her holiday plans, and they could involve you. She’s releasing a holiday album, “Christmastime,” on November 7…and along with that news, she’s also announced a holiday tour. The “Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour” kicks off with two shows in Nashville Tennessee December 2 and 3, followed by stops in Newark, Atlanta, Pittburgh and more (twelve dates in all, thus the tour name) before wrapping up December 20 in Louisville, Kentucky. Tickets go on sale tomorrow. See the tour dates below. For ticket information, visit Trisha’s website.

December 2 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 3 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
December 5 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts Center
December 6 – Springfield, MA – MGM Symphony Hall
December 10 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
December 11 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckard Hall
December 12 – Naples, FL – Hayes Hall
December 13 – Fort Lauderdale, FL – Broward Center for the Performing Arts
December 17 – Grand Rapids, MI – DeVos Performance Hall
December 18 – Pittsburgh, PA – Heinz Hall
December 19 – Detroit, MI – Orchestra Hall
December 20 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theater

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, the Statler Brothers’ “Christmas Card” album was released.
Today in 1982, Jerry Reed hit the mother lode on Billboard’s country chart, going to #1 with “She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft).”
Today in 1984, Barbara Mandrell and two of her children were seriously injured in a car crash that killed the other driver. She spent a long time recuperating and firmly believed that seat belts saved their lives.
Today in 1989, the albums, “Anniversary – Ten Years Of Hits,” by George Jones and “Greatest Hits Volume II,” by Johnny Paycheck were both certified gold.
Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “Heroes And Friends” album and the Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” album were released.
Today in 1993, Merle Haggard married Theresa Ann Lane.
Today in 1996, Clay Walker’s album, “Hypnotize The Moon,” and Collin Raye’s album, “I Think About You,” were both certified platinum.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performed their single, “In Another’s Eyes” on NBC-TV’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” After the performance, Trisha was presented with a platinum album for her album, “Songbook: A Collection of Hits.” It had sold 1.4-million copies in just 4 days.
Today in 1997, Ricochet’s Eddie Kilgallon and his wife, Terry, welcomed their first child, Landon James.
Today in 1999, Chely Wright went to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Single White Female,” a song written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Today in 2002, “Family Circle” magazine honored Reba McEntire with its “Women Who Make A Difference” Lifetime Achievement Award. As part of the tribute, she was profiled in the magazine’s October 8^th
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters to Me,” was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 2001, a terrorist attack leveled both towers at the World Trade Center in New York, smashed into the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. In Manhattan during the chaos, though they are unhurt: Garth Brooks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash and Billy Gilman.
Today in 2002, as the nation paused to reflect on the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, several country stars turned in appearances and performances around the country. Lonestar, Martina McBride and Phil Vassar were in Nashville to participate in a candlelight vigil. Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire appeared on NBC’s “Concert for America,” which was taped two days earlier at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Charlie Daniels offered a performance of “The Last Fallen Hero” on the Fox News Channel. Neal McCoy was at the Kansas City Royals/ Chicago White Sox game to sing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2004, Terri Clark made an appearance at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Girls Lie Too.”
Today in 2008, Clay Walker’s family was among thousands of people who vacated Galveston, Texas, before the onslaught of Hurricane Ike.
Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler’s video for “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2012, Little Big Town’s album, “Tornado,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood’s new “Sunday Night Football” theme – “Oh, Sunday Night,” using the melody of “Somethin’ Bad” – debuts on NBC prior to an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals.
Today in 2017, six years after he was excised from “Monday Night Football” telecasts, a new version of Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” theme song, featuring Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo, returned to ESPN.
Today in 2017, John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash welcomed daughter, Grace June Cash, in Nashville.
Today in 2017, Kenny Chesney launched his Love For Love City charity, a fund to assist the Virgin Islands following the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
Today in 2018, The Zac Brown Band teamed with pop singer Shawn Mendes to shoot an episode of “CMT Crossroads” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. ZBB songs in the mix included “Keep Me In Mind,” “Homegrown” and “Colder Weather.”
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins” hit the airwaves.

Carrie Underwood Brings Her Talents To Church

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Every once in awhile, Carrie Underwood brings her incredible voice and uses it during a church service. Over the weekend, she did just that at the Rolling Hills Community Church in Franklin, Tennessee, taking the stage while the choir gave her an assist. The country superstar performed a song called “Pour Your Spirit Out,” and Thrive Worship, who apparently wrote the song, posted the video with the caption “Is this real life?? We are so thankful to see how God is using this song in His church. What an honor.”

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, unknown singer/songwriter Kix Brooks debuted on the country charts with the song “Baby, When Your Heart Breaks Down.” The song was a failure – it only reached #73. Eight years later, Kix was #1 with his new partner Ronnie Dunn, and their first single, “Brand New Man.”
Today in 1982, the “Highways & Heartaches” album by Ricky Skaggs was released.
Today in 1988, the first Elvis Presley credit card was issued.
Today in 1991, the Judds’ “Greatest Hits Volume 2” album was released.
Today in 1998, Mac Davis received the 2117th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1998, the albums “Crank It Up – The Music Album” by Jeff Foxworthy and “The Restless Kind” by Travis Tritt, were certified platinum. On the same day, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters To Me,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks confirmed that they’d perform during Sheryl Crow’s concert in New York’s Central Park on September 14^th.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney‘s single, “You Had Me From Hello,” was #1 in “Radio & Records.”
Today in 2000, SHeDAISY performed at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the USGA Tennis Center in New York City. The girls sang an acapella version of “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” for the 22,000 capacity crowd between the men’s and women’s semi-finals.
Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney was dubbed “Country’s Hottest Bachelor” in “Country Weekly” magazine.
Today in 2001, Chris Cagle married Elizabeth Filer. The couple divorced a year later.
Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson walked into the Canadian Country Music Awards with a record 10 nominations and emerged with five trophies.
Today in 2002, Radney Foster’s “Another Way To Go” album, Rebecca Lynn Howard’s “Forgive” CD and Aaron Tippin’s “Stars & Stripes” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2005, the MTV stations aired “ReACT Now: Music & Relief,” a Hurricane Katrina benefit with Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Paul McCartney, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and more.
Today in 2010, The Zac Brown Band’s video for “As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson premiered on CMT.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift topped the list of finalists for the 47^th annual Country Music Association awards list with six nominations apiece.
Today in 2016, Bacon artist Nancy Baker unveiled a bust of Chris Stapleton, made completely of bacon strips, at the annual LouFest in St. Louis. See it HERE.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton brought out Gwen Stefani at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena for the second night in a row to duet on “Go Ahead And Break My Heart.” On top of that, Shelton donated $600,000 – the proceeds from both nights – to the Jimmy Everest Children’s Hospital.
Today in 2017, a dapper Thomas Rhett served as a judge during the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Miss Louisiana offered up a ventriloquist version of “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” and Miss Alabama sings “Over The Rainbow.” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” also played as background music during the broadcast.
Today in 2017, Jessie James Decker performed the national anthem and Hunter Hayes played the halftime show as the Tennessee Titans opened their NFL season with a 26-16 loss against the Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Today in 2017, following a moment of silence for victims of Hurricane Harvey, Clay Walker sang the national anthem at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The Eli Young Band also performed at halftime as the Jacksonville Jaguars took the Texans, 29-7, during the opening weekend of the NFL season.

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