This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, The Man in Black donned a black robe: Johnny Cash receives an honorary Doctorate of Human Letters from San Diego’s National University. San Diego mayor Pete Wilson declares Johnny Cash Day.
Today in 1982, Willie Nelson’s “Always On My Mind” was at #1 on “Billboard’s” country singles chart.
Today in 1995, Lee Roy Parnell released “A Little Bit of You.”
Today in 1999, Martina McBride played herself in a cameo appearance on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The show was about a guy named Gary, who magically gets tomorrow’s paper a day early so he can prevent tragedies from occurring. In the episode, he read in “the paper” that Martina would be seriously injured while rehearsing with her band, so he raced to the concert hall to save her.
Today in 2000, Brad Paisley made his “Tonight Show” debut.
Today in 2000, Reba McEntire snagged the top spot on “Billboard’s” Liquid Audio chart with the single, “We’re So Good Together.” It was her first foray into downloadable music.
Today in 2004, “You’ll Think Of Me” took Keith Urban to the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Mindy McCready was taken to a Nashville hospital after ex-boyfriend William McKnight broke into her home, beat and choked her. McKnight was later charged with attempted murder. They soon reconciled and a year later, she gave birth to their son, Zander. They split again, of course, and sadly in spite of her attempts to get her life together, she ultimately committed suicide on February 17, 2013.
Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum performed “Wanted You More” on the season finale of NBC’s “The Voice.” One of Blake Shelton’s team members, Jermaine Paul, is voted the winner.
Today in 2017, former Chicago Cubs catcher David Ross waltzed to “Humble And Kind” as a contestant on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” receiving nine out of 10 points from each of the four judges, including Julianne Hough.

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

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Piggybank”, a 4 year old female Domestic Shorthair mix kitty who’s a real sweetheart! Piggybank loves attention, loves to cuddle and gets along with other cats. Piggybank is curious about dogs, and would likely warm up to a pooch-pal.

Piggybank is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and spayed, and ready to meet you!

And since Piggybank is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

Alabama Announces 2026 Fan Appreciation Week

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Alabama has announced the return of its Fan Appreciation Week, taking place in their hometown of Ft. Payne, Alabama June 18-21. The gathering will include Teddy Gentry’s “Singing with the Stars Talent Contest,” the June Jam Songwriters Showcase, Randy Owen’s “Fandemonium at the Farm” and more. For tickets and more information, visit the Alabama Fan Club Facebook page, click on the Fandemonium link, and follow the instructions.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1949, Hank Williams made his first appearance at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Lovesick Blues.”
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s “Here’s A Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)” was released.
Today in 1993, Lee Roy Parnell’s single, “Tender Moment,” hit #1.
Today in 1994, Clint Black topped the charts with his single, “A Good Run Of Bad Luck.”
Today in 1996, the album, “Politics, Religion and Her,” by Sammy Kershaw was released.
Today in 1997, Clint Black’s album, “Put Yourself In My Shoes,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1997, the album, “The Coast Is Clear,” by Tracy Lawrence was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt succumbed to lung cancer after being diagnosed with the disease one year earlier. He was 56.
Today in 2002, Kellie Coffey’s debut album, “When You Lie Next To Me,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)” was released.
Today in 2007, Brad Paisley and wife Kimberly Williams-Paisley were featured among “People” magazine’s ‘100 Most Beautiful People,’ as were Barbara Mandrell, Carrie Underwood, LeAnn Rimes, Reese Witherspoon, Oprah Winfrey, Nicole Kidman and Miley Cyrus.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood’s “Undo It” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert, Kix Brooks and Travis Tritt attended the Kentucky Derby at Louisville’s Churchill Downs, where Animal Kingdom won. Also present: Laura Bell Bundy, Randy Owen, Eddie Montgomery and Linda Davis.
Today in 2012, Jake Owen married Lacey Buchanan in Vero Beach, Florida. The couple’s first dance at the reception is to “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Today in 2016, Lady Antebellum performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” in a rainstorm before the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Nyquist won the race, attended by Joey Fatone, Eddie Montgomery, Travis Tritt, Will Chase, Tanya Tucker and The Supremes’ Mary Wilson.
Today in 2017, Lady Antebellum sang the national anthem and Phil Vassar performed during intermission when the Nashville Predators defeat the St. Louis Blues, 3-1, at the Bridgestone Arena, propelling team to the NHL’s Western Conference finals for the first time in its history.

Darius Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” Joins The Spotify Billions Club

Posted on May 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Darius Rucker has joined a very exclusive group of country artists. His 2013 hit “Wagon Wheel” has become only the 15th country song to reach a billion streams on Spotify, gaining him entrance into the Spotify Billions Club. It is far and away Darius’ career song, going Diamond (10-million units sold) in 2022. Check out the complete list of country Spotify Billions Club members below.

Something in the Orange” – Zach Bryan
“Last Night” – Morgan Wallen
“Tennessee Whiskey” – Chris Stapleton
“Beautiful Crazy” – Luke Combs
“When It Rains It Pours” – Luke Combs
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan feat. Kacey Musgraves
“Love Story” – Taylor Swift
“I Had Some Help” – Post Malone feat. Morgan Wallen
“Whiskey Glasses” – Morgan Wallen
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” – Shaboozey
“Meant To Be” – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“10,000 Hours” – Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber
“You Belong To Me (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
“Body Like A Back Road” – Sam Hunt
“Wagon Wheel” – Darius Rucker

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 6, 2026May 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1989, Naomi Judd had a lot to celebrate. She married her husband, Larry Strickland. That wasn’t the only good news – the Judds’ single, “Young Love (Strong Love),” topped the country charts.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley played a concert date at the Armadillo Ballroom in Brazoria, Texas, which amounted to his final show. He was dead three days later of alcohol poisoning.
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson released the hit single, “Don’t Rock the Jukebox.”
Today in 1993, IRS agents seized possessions from the Mississippi home of Jerry Lee Lewis for failing to pay more than $1.6-million in overdue.
Today in 1994, the single, “Before You Kill Us All,” by Randy Travis topped the country singles charts.
Today in 1994, Garth Brooks hosted his second TV special on NBC.
Today in 1996, Lee Roy Parnell released the single, “Givin’ Water to a Drowning Man.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s single, “You’re Still The One,” was certified platinum.
Today in 2006, Bon Jovi rocked at #1 on the “Billboard” country chart with the Jennifer Nettles collaboration, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood graduated magna cum laude from Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, and received her Bachelor of Arts degree.
Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney and Brooks & Dunn wrap the two-day Stagecoach Festival in Indio, California, for a crowd of 30,000. Also playing: Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Jason Aldean, Gary Allan, Emmylou Harris, Kris Kristofferson, Pat Green and Sugarland.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift’s “Mean” video had its world premiere on CMT.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban hosted the fifth We’re All For The Hall benefit at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, with Vince Gill, Carrie Underwood, Kacey Musgraves, Brantley Gilbert, Kip Moore, Reba McEntire, Ronnie Milsap and Lee Ann Womack, among others.

Midland Announces Their Next Album

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Midland has new music on the way. The band announced yesterday that their next album, “Stages,” is due out next month. The ten-track album features appearances by Mackenzie Carpenter and country legend Clint Black, and will be available everywhere June 12th. Check out the track listing for “Stages” below.

Midland – Stages

1. “Marlboro Man”
2. “One Day You Won’t”
3. “Shooting Memories With Tequila”
4. “Walk A Mile”
5. “Glass Half Empty”
6. “I Wish You Would” (with Mackenzie Carpenter)
7. “Up In Texas” (feat. Clint Black)
8. “Drinkin’ Dark Whiskey ”
9. “Drunk Enough”
10. “Vaquero”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 5, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, Loretta Lynn was on the cover of “Rolling Stone.” In the accompanying article, she noted: “It’s a strange deal. I’m supposed to be a country singer, writing songs about marriage and family and the way normal folks live. But mostly I’m living in motel rooms and traveling on my special bus.”
Today in 1982, Vince Gill and his first wife, Janis, welcomed their daughter, Jenny.
Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell topped the charts with the single, “After All This Time.”
Today in 1995, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the singles charts with “Gonna Get A Life.”
Today in 1997, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill welcomed their first baby, Gracie Katherine McGraw. At age nine, she had her “big break” as part of the children’s chorus at the close of her dad’s hit single, “Last Dollar (Fly Away).”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks released his box set, “The Limited Series.” LeAnn Rimes also released her “Sittin’ On Top of the World” album, John Michael Montgomery’s “Leave A Mark” project, and Mark Wills album, “Wish You Were Here,” also arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill took four trophies in the 34^th annual Academy of Country Music awards. She won Single Record and Video of the Year, for “This Kiss”; claimed Top Female Vocalist; and shared Vocal Event with Tim McGraw, for “Just To Hear You Say That You Love Me.”
Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant made their first national television appearance together as newlyweds today on CBS-TV’s “Early Show.” The couple was plugging the Electrolux USA Championship women’s golf tournament, which they were jointly hosting.
Today in 2000, the annual issue of “In Style” magazine’s “Makeover Edition,” credited Faith Hill as one of the “most improved” and LeAnn Rimes’ fashion sense as “coming of age.” Faith was also featured in the magazine’s “Hall of Fame” section that focused on “celebrities for whom change is the only constant.”
Today in 2001, Blake Shelton performed his breakthrough single, “Austin,” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton received a Tony nomination in New York for Best Original Score for “9 To 5: The Musical.” She lost out to Brian Yorkey and Tom Kitt for their work in “Next To Normal.”
Today in 2015, Chris Stapleton’s debut solo album, “Traveller,” was released.
Today in 2017, the Colt Ford album, “Love Hope Faith,” was released.
Today in 2018, Taylor Swift visited an 8-year-old fan at the Arizona Burn Center at the Maricopa Medical Center in Phoenix.
Today in 2018, the Dustin Lynch single, “Good Girl,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini’s “Yeah Boy” earned a platinum single from the RIAA.
Today in 2020, Brothers Osborne’s “All Night” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Ballantine Books published “Live In Love: Growing Together Through Life’s Changes,” authored by Thomas Rhett’s wife, Lauren Akins.

Next Round Of Performers For The ACM Awards Announced

Posted on May 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The next round of performers for the upcoming ACM awards has been announced. New names added to the growing list include Avery Anna, Blake Shelton, Carter Faith, Dan + Shay, Ella Langley, Jordan Davis, Kane Brown, The Red Clay Strays, Thomas Rhett, Tucker Wetmore and Zach Top. They join previously announced performers Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lainey Wilson, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert and Riley Green. The 61st ACM Awards will stream live on Prime Video on Sunday, May 17th, at 8pm ET/5pm PT from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 4, 2026May 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1959, the folk group Kingston Trio won the first country music GRAMMY for “Tom Dooley.”
Today in 1987, Randy Travis’ second album, “Always and Forever,” was released.
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 1992, fans buying tickets for Garth Brooks’ show in Waterloo, Iowa, overloaded the phone lines, knocking out 911 service in three counties.
Today in 1993, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for sales of 10-million.
Today in 1995, Clay Walker’s “If I Could Make A Living” album went platinum.
Today in 1996, Shania Twain raced to number one on the Billboard country chart with “You Win My Love.”
Today in 1999, Tim McGraw released his album, “A Place In The Sun,” while Steve Wariner’s “Two Teardrops” album also arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Big & Rich’s debut album, “Horse of a Different Color,” rode into stores.
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s video, “You Belong With Me,” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2010, Chely Wright’s autobiography, “Like Me: Confessions Of A Heartland Country Singer,” was released – and with it, she officially became the first-ever openly gay commercial country artist.
Today in 2011, Marie Osmond remarried first husband Stephen Craig at a Mormon temple in Las Vegas. She wore the same bridal gown she wore when she first walked down the aisle in June 1982.
Today in 2015, Trace Adkins played a colonel on the NBC series “The Night Shift.”
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Somewhere On A Beach.”
Today in 2016, Darius Rucker was announced as a national chair for the National Museum of African American Music, destined to be built in Nashville. He shared the distinction with India.Arie, Keb’ Mo’ and CeCe Winans.
Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini sang “Peter Pan” in a guest slot on the ABC drama “Nashville,” providing a backdrop as the characters of Mark Collie and Charles Esten duked it out in the alley behind the bar.
Today in 2017, Jennifer Nettles took a tumble and broke a rib during a corporate performance at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn suffered a stroke at her home in Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, and gets checked into a Nashville hospital. She returned to the stage the following October to honor Alan Jackson at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction.
Today in 2018, Brooks & Dunn, Lee Brice, Travis Tritt and Terri Clark are on the guest list for the Barnstable Brown Kentucky Derby Gala on the eve of the race in Louisville. Also appearing are Kid Rock, Naomi Judd, Richie Sambora and Eddie Montgomery.
Today in 2019, Randy Travis celebrated his 60^th birthday with an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, singing “Forever And Ever, Amen” with Ricky Skaggs and songwriter Don Schlitz. Charles Esten performed “Honky Tonk Moon” and Josh Turner sang “Out Of My Bones.”
Today in 2020, Dwight Yoakam announced his marriage to longtime love Emily Joyce in March, just before COVID-19 forced a quarantine. The ceremony in Santa Monica was attended by 10 people, each of them separated by at least six-feet for safety. The couple welcomed their son, Dalton Loren Yoakam, on August 16^th, 2020.

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