This day in Country Music History

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Jimmie Rodgers and Hank Williams become the first artists to be inducted to the Country Music Hall of Fame. That year’s other inductee is music publisher Fred Rose.
Today in 1973, Dolly Parton’s second #1 song “Jolene” hit the charts.
Today in 1981, “Willie Nelson’s Greatest Hits (& Some That Will Be)” was certified gold.
Today in 1993, the “Alabama Live” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, George Strait topped the charts with “Check Yes Or No” for the second week. The song was later named the 1996 CMA Single of the Year.
Today in 1998, Mark Chesnutt and his wife, Tracie, welcomed their third child, Cameron Zane, in Beaumont, Texas. Cameron’s middle name, Zane, was inspired by the great Western novelist Zane Gray, one of Tracie’s favorite authors. He joined big brothers Casey and Waylon in the Chesnutt family.
Today in 2001, Garth Brooks made his debut pitching Dr. Pepper in TV commercials.
Today in 2002, Bob Dylan, Shel Silverstein, and Dean Dillon entered the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Today in 2005, Gretchen Wilson’s “All Jacked Up” was heard in the WB drama, “Smallville.”
Today in 2009, Carrie Underwood’s album, “Play On,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2010, the Darryl Worley Cancer Center opens in Savannah, Tennessee.
Today in 2012, ABC recorded “CMA Country Christmas.” Hosted by Jennifer Nettles, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, performers included Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Martina McBride, Scotty McCreery, Dierks Bentley and Little Big Town.
Today in 2014, Blake Shelton performed a free concert for military personnel aboard the Lexington Museum on the Bay in Corpus Christi, Texas. “Lonely Tonight,” his duet with Ashley Monroe, was shot for a Pepsi commercial.
Today in 2017, Lee Brice’s self-titled album was released. The same day, Kelsea Ballerini’s “Unapologetically” album also went on sale.
Today in 2017, Kip Moore’s single, “Last Shot,” was released.
Today in 2018, Brett Young married Taylor Mills before friends and family in Palm Springs, three months after they exchanged vows in a private ceremony. The reception includes appearances by Gavin DeGraw and Lee Brice, who sings “I Don’t Dance.”
Today in 2018, a teepee outside Florida Georgia Line’s new Nashville compound, Tribe Kelley Trading Post, is stripped of its cover by a vandal at 1:30am. The perpetrator was filmed by a security camera; the duo offered $5,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Today in 2019, Braison Cyrus married Stella McBride at the Cyrus home in Tennessee. Attending are father Billy Ray Cyrus and sister Miley Cyrus.

Morgan Wallen Announces 2026 “Still The Problem Tour”

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Morgan Wallen’s big tease was pretty much what most fans thought it might be. When the countdown clock on his “Still The Problem” website reached 00:00:00 yesterday, the news broke: Morgan was mounting a big 2026 stadium tour. The “Still The Problem Tour” will include two-night-stands at stadiums in all but one of the 11 cities on the schedule, for a total 21 shows. There will be two-night stands in Minneapolis, Las Vegas, Indianapolis, Gainesville, Denver, Pittsburgh, Chicago, Baltimore, Ann Arbor and Philadelphia, and a one-off show in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Openers (depending on city and date) include Thomas Rhett, Hardy, Ella Langley, Vincent Mason, Zach John King, Brooks & Dunn, Gavin Adcock, Flatland Cavalry, Hudson Westbrook, Blake Whiten and Jason Scott & The High Heat.

The public on-sale begins on November 7 at 10am local time. Pre-sale registration for the tour will take place now through November 6 at StillTheProblem.com. See the dates and cities below:

April 10-11 Minneapolis, Minnesota
April 18 Tuscaloosa, Alabama
May 1-2 Las Vegas, Nevada
May 8-9 Indianapolis, Indiana
May 15-16 Gainesville, Florida
May 29-30 Denver, Colorado
June 5-6 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
June 19-20 Chicago, Illinois
July 17-18 Baltimore, Maryland
July 24-25 Ann Arbor, Michigan
July 3-August 1 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 31, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1970, “The Johnny Cash Show” album was released.
Today in 1970, Loretta Lynn’s signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” first hit the charts.
Today in 1971, the Johnny Cash album, “Portrait/His Greatest Hits Vol. 2,” was released.
Today in 1979, Willie Nelson’s album, “Pretty Paper,” and Larry Gatlin’s “Straight Ahead” album were released.
Today in 1982, Mickey Gilley’s “Biggest Hits” was released.
Today in 1982, Alabama made their first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Eyes That See In The Dark,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1983, Dolly Parton’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Randy Travis’ album, “High Lonesome,” was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Dwight Yoakam’s “Gone” album was released.
Today in 1997, Collin Raye’s album, “The Best of Collin Raye – Direct Hits,” was certified gold.
Today in 2000, the album, “Tomorrow’s Sounds Today,” by Dwight Yoakam was released.
Today in 2000, the “I Hope You Dance” album by Lee Ann Womack was certified platinum.
Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified double platinum
Today in 2002, Alabama’s “Just Us” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Brooks and Dunn’s “Brand New Man” CD was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
Today in 2006, Kellie Pickler’s debut album, “Small Town Girl,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2008, Trace Adkins scored a gold single for “You’re Gonna Miss This.”
Today in 2011, George Strait’s single, “Love’s Gonna Make It Alright” was released.
Today in 2012, Little Big Town’s “Tornado” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2015, Tim McGraw threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the World Series game at Citi Field in New York, where the Kansas City Royals defeat the hometown Mets, 5-3
Today in 2015, Jason Aldean was seen wearing sunglasses, dreadlocks and black face as he dressed up as Lil Wayne for Halloween. The move generates controversy weeks later when it became public knowledge.
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Black,” was released.
Today in 2017, the Oak Ridge Boys introduced a new line of suits – the American Made Collection – which was created in conjunction with Hart Shaffner & Marx.
Today in 2017, “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” by David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney, was released.
Today in 2018, Dan + Shay scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Speechless.”
Today in 2018, Gabby Barrett wrote her first hit, “I Hope,” with Zachary Kale and Jon Nite at the Firehall in Nashville.
Today in 2020, Clint Black played the Grand Ole Opry – and brought along his 19-year-old daughter Lily Pearl Black, who made her Opry debut with “Temporary Home.”
Today in 2020, Carly Pearce lost her two front teeth in a fall.

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

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Chef”, a beautiful 5 month old male orange tabby kitty who loves toys with bells and gets along great with other cats. Chef is fully vetted, microchipped, neutered, vaccinated and ready for a loving home.

And since Chef is the Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $35 this week!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Chef or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.org/ and fill out an adoption application.

Darius Rucker’s Kids Want To Be Musicians, And Dad’s Not In Favor Of It

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Darius Rucker‘s entire adult life was spent in pursuit of a career in music, and he’s been incredibly successful. Now two of his kids also want to be musicians, and Dad…is not a fan of the idea. “My two youngest all of a sudden want to be musicians, which I am so against that,” Darius said in a recent interview with “Taste of Country Nights.” “It’s such a hard business. Even if you have a little bit of success, you’re chasing that forever.” As for what he’d hoped they would choose for careers, Darius went to Waylon and Willie for his response. “I wanted them to be doctors and lawyers and such, but, you know, we’ll see.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 30, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, Ronnie Milsap married his wife, Joyce.
Today in 1968, Johnny Cash’s “comeback” was complete when his album, “Live At The Folsom Prison,” was certified gold.
Today in 1982, George Jones’ album, “Anniversary – Ten Years Of Hits,” was released.
Today in 1984, Gary Morris opened in the opera performance of “La Boheme” in New York City opposite Linda Ronstadt.
Today in 1985, the album, “Rockin’ With The Rhythm,” by the Judds was released.
Today in 1990, Dwight Yoakam’s “If There Was A Way” album was released.
Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ album, “No Fences,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1992, Wynonna topped the country charts with her single, “No One Else On Earth.”
Today in 1995, Diamond Rio’s Jimmy Olander married his wife, Claudia.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain’s self-titled album was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” was certified for sales in excess of 9-million copies.
Today in 1998, Reba McEntire’s single, “Forever Love,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2000, John Michael Montgomery’s single, “The Little Girl,” topped the country charts.
Today in 2000, Sweethearts of the Rodeo’s Janis Oliver married Roy Cummins.
Today in 2001, Martina McBride’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified gold.
Today in 2001, Joe Diffie’s “In Another World” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2008, Alan Jackson was honored as “CMT Giants” was shot in Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Aiding in the tribute were George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley and Lee Ann Womack.
Today in 2011, Trace Adkins sang the national anthem at Nashville’s LP Field, where the Tennessee Titans slammed the Indianapolis Colts, 27-10, in an NFL game.
Today 2013, Eric Church was invited to the Boston Red Sox clubhouse at Fenway Park before Game 6 of the World Series.

Tim McGraw Was On The Verge Of Retirement After His Health Went South

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Bob Ballard

There was a time not that long ago when country legend Tim McGraw thought it was time to retire. For a guy who prided himself in keeping in top shape, getting hit with injuries that required two knee replacements and four back surgeries was not only painful but soul-crushing. As he told a concert crowd recently, “I’ve had four back surgeries and double knee replacements, just in the last couple of years. Things were getting really bad, (and I was) getting depressed over it…And this spring, before I had my final back surgery, things were getting really bad, so I was seriously contemplating and figuring out how to walk away. I didn’t want to, but I didn’t think it was going to get better.” Thankfully, he’s doing much better; losing two icons to retirement (with Alan Jackson hanging it up) in a short period of time would have been tough on country music fans.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 29, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, Elvis Presley recorded his last hit record, “Way Down,” at his studio in the Graceland Mansion. The raw, unedited version can be found on the album, “Our Memories of Elvis, Vol. II.”
Today in 1981, was a big day for Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty. Conway’s “Greatest Hits Volume I” album was certified gold, while Loretta Lynn’s album, “Greatest Hits Volume II,” was certified gold. Plus, the duo’s “Lead Me On” album was also certified gold.
Today in 1983, the single, “Islands in the Stream,” by Dolly Parton & Kenny Rogers, became the first country song ever to simultaneously top the country, pop and adult contemporary charts.
Today in 1985, the “Five-O” album by Hank Williams Jr. was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” album was certified gold.
Today in 1990, the album, “Killin’ Time,” by Clint Black was certified double platinum.
Today in 1993, the “Honky Tonk Angels” album by Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette and Loretta Lynn was released.
Today in 1993, Brooks & Dunn hit #1 with “She Used to Be Mine.”
Today in 1996, Alan Jackson released the “Everything I Love” album.
Today in 2000, Keith Urban performed at the closing ceremonies for the Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia.
Today in 2002, Patty Loveless’ “Bluegrass & White Snow: A Mountain Christmas” album, Jo Dee Messina’s Christmas CD, “A Joyful Noise,” and Lee Ann Womack’s holiday project, “A Season for Romance,” arrived in stores. Kenny Rogers’ CD, “The Gift,” was also re-released.
Today in 2003, Randy Travis’ album, “Rise and Shine,” was been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s single, “You Belong With Me,” went gold, platinum and double-platinum.
Today in 2011, Blake Shelton began a three-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “God Gave Me You.”
Today in 2012, The Band Perry’s single, “Better Dig Two,” was released.
Today in 2012, Little Big Town sang “Pontoon,” Big & Rich performed “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy)” and Cowboy Troy does “I Play Chicken With The Train” on ABC’s telecast of “Dancing With The Stars.”
Today in 2014, Sara Evans and actor Will Chase sang “Put My Heart Down” during an episode of ABC’s country-music drama, “Nashville.”
Today in 2016, Luke Combs performed “Hurricane” and “Tennessee Whiskey” as he made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2016, Gregg Allman played what proves to be his final concert during the Laid Back Festival at the Lakewood Amphitheatre in Atlanta. It marked his last public performance of “Midnight Rider,” an Allman Brothers Band song that became a country hit when it was remade by Willie Nelson.
Today in 2016, Rodney Crowell visited the emergency room for a cardiac issue after sound check for the Celebrity Barn Dance at the Jaeckle Center in Thompson’s Station, Tennessee. Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and Ashley Monroe performed, raising $50,000 for the Music Health Alliance…and Crowell reappeared for the final two songs.
Today in 2018, Bobby Bones offered up an Argentine tango to “Mister Sandman” during ABC’s Halloween edition of “Dancing With The Stars.” John Schneider performed a paso doble to music from the movie, “Beetlejuice.”
Today in 2018, Kix Brooks joined Rascal Flatts for an impromptu version of “Folsom Prison Blues” during a MusiCares fundraiser at the Nashville home of jewelry designer Johnathon Arndt. Flatts played nine songs during the private show, including “Yours If You Want It,” “I Like The Sound Of That” and “Fast Cars And Freedom.”
Today in 2019, Keith Urban performed and Carly Pearce spoke during a celebration of life for late producer busbee at City Winery in Nashville. Also in the house were Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, Thomas Rhett, The Highwomen’s Natalie Hemby, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Little Big Town members Jimi Westbrook and Karen Fairchild.
Today in 2020, Willie Nelson’s “Rainbow Connection” provided the soundtrack as Kohl’s launched a coronavirus-themed Christmas commercial featuring senior citizens and kids greeting each other with hand-written signs through windows.

Trisha Yearwood Announced As Host For Second “Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure”

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Bob Ballard

The second annual “Band As One Nashville Concert for the Cure” has been announced. The first one, headlined by Trisha Yearwood, raised over $700-thousand for those impacted by breast cancer earlier this year. Once again, Yearwood will host, with more performers to be announced before the day of the show. The concert will take place on March 22nd at the Grand Ole Opry House. Tickets will be available this Friday at 10AM local time. Visit the Opry’s website for more information and to purchase tickets.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 28, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1939, Bill Monroe joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1969, the “Suspicious Minds” single by Elvis Presley was certified gold.
Today in 1991, the album, “Sticks And Stones,” by Tracy Lawrence was released.
Today in 1991, “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1993, Garth Brooks’ “In Pieces” was certified gold, platinum and triple platinum simultaneously
Today in 1994, the “Super Hits” album by Johnny Cash was released.
Today in 1994, Ronnie Dunn and his wife, Janine, welcomed their daughter, Haley Marie.
Today in 1996, Lonestar’s self-titled debut album was certified gold.
Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s single, “Love Gets Me Every Time,” was certified gold.
Today in 1997, authorities in Monterey County, California said that John Denver had no alcohol or drugs in his system when he was killed in a plane crash the previous October 12^th.
Today in 1998, Reba McEntire’s “If You See Him” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2001, Lonestar’s Richie McDonald ran his first marathon – the 26^th annual Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. – raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Today in 2003, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s “Essential” album, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “The Other Side,” and “Happy Holidays” from Kelly Willis/Bruce Robison arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Big & Rich received their first gold single for “Save a Horse (Ride A Cowboy).”
Today in 2006, Heartland’s “I Loved Her First” made it’s way to #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum sang the national anthem at San Francisco’s AT&T Park, where the Giants beat the Texas Rangers, 9-0, in a World Series game.
Today in 2013, Tyler Farr snared a platinum single for “Redneck Crazy.”
Today in 2014, Jason Aldean and Bob Seger shot an installment of “CMT Crossroads,” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. They played “Hollywood Nights,” “Against The Wind,” “Night Train” and “Tattoos On This Town.”
Today in 2016, it was a big day for albums as Cole Swindell’s “Down Home Sessions III” EP, Jimmy Buffett’s Christmas album, “‘Tis The SeaSon”; Brett Eldredge’s Christmas album, “Glow,” and Kenny Chesney’s album, “Cosmic Hallelujah,” were all released.
Today in 2016, “The Very Best Of Dwight Yoakam” was certified platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Kelsea Ballerini donated $20,000 to the choral department when she delivered a homecoming concert at Central High School in Knoxville. The set included “Legends,” “Dibs,” “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan.”
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan crashed a wedding reception in Savannah, Georgia, where he’d been taping an episode of “American Idol.” Bryan danced with the rest of the partygoers to one of his own songs, “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).”
Today in 2018, Ronnie Dunn and K.T. Oslin were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Music City Center, along with “Boondocks” writer Wayne Kirkpatrick, “Fool Hearted Memory” composer Byron Hill and “Blue Bayou” author Joe Melson. Reba McEntire received the inaugural Career Maker Award.
Today in 2019, the Carrie Underwood single, “Drinking Alone,” was released.
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani announced their engagement.

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