This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road” hit the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1971, Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn’s “After The Fire Is Gone” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1985, RCA released Restless Heart’s self-titled debut album.
Today in 1996, CMT premiered Trace Adkin’s debut video, “There’s A Girl In Texas.”
Today in 1998, after Gene Autry sold the California Angels baseball team to Disney, he was honored with a bronze statue as Anaheim Stadium reopened after major repairs.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels” began its six-week stay at the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2002, Shania Twain’s album “Come On Over” was certified for shipments of 19-million units.
Today in 2002, Lyle Lovett broke his leg in 20 places while working for his uncle’s ranch in Texas. He was flipped by the bull while protecting his uncle. He later underwent surgery at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
Today in 2007, Curb released Tim McGraw’s “Let It Go” album.
Today in 2008, during NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” season finale, Trace Adkin’s sang “You’re Gonna Miss This” and beat opponent, Piers Morgan.
Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” was certified gold.
Today in 2017, guest mentor Luke Bryan gave advice to two contestants who were assigned “In The Midnight Hour” by Blake Shelton during NBC’s “The Voice.”
Today in 2017, the Toby Keith public service announcement seeking donations for wildfire victims in Kansas and Oklahoma made its debut.
Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Haywire” album went gold.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton stopped his show in Vancouver BC so a couple could get married on stage.

MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: VALENTINA

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Valentina”, a lovely 6 month old German Shepherd who gets along great with other dogs, and would make any family a perfect furry best friend! Valentina is fully vaccinated, vetted, spayed, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Valentina is the Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $50 this week!

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

Introducing Alan Jackson’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Fest

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Bob Ballard

He may be getting off the road, but that doesn’t mean Alan Jackson is through with live country music. Announced yesterday, the creation of the very first “5 O’Clock Somewhere Fest.” The inaugural event will be held at The Palm Beaches Waterfront Commons in West Palm Beach, Florida June 12-13. And when Alan Jackson calls and asks if you want to be a part, you mark your calendar and call your band. Headlining the two-day event are Ella Langley, Old Dominion and Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band. Dylan Scott, Clint Black, Shenandoah, John Anderson, Rodney Atkins, and more will also take the stage that weekend. In a statement, Jackson said, “I’ve gotten to enjoy so many experiences at my concerts over the years. I’m not touring anymore, but I like the idea of still being able to give people an opportunity to have a ‘Good Time’ and enjoy some great country music while they do.” All tickets fo on sale tomorrow; check out the event’s website for more information.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 26, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on “The Kate Smith Show” show.
Today in 1955, the single “Ballad of Davy Crockett” topped the U.S. charts.
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first when he hit number one with three consecutive releases, “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Wooden Heart.”
Today in 1983, “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1983, John Anderson went to #1 on the Billboard country chard with “Swinging’.”
Today in 1986, 23-year-old Kerry McCarver Lewis — the sixth wife of then-51-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis – filed for divorce. The couple later reconciled. However, the couple split again in 2003.
Today in 1990, “Diamond & Dirt” became Rodney Crowell’s first gold album.
Today in 1993, Clint Black hit number one on the country charts with the single “When My Ship Comes In.”
Today in 1997, Garth Brooks held a press conference on a New York City rooftop to announce that he’d be giving a free concert in Central Park on August 7th. He also announced he would release his album “Sevens” the same day.
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks and rapper Warren G released a joint statement saying they had settled their five-month legal dispute over the use of the lower case letter “g.” Garth said he now had a whole new understanding of the alphabet, explaining he learned that in the rap world “g” represents young people who aren’t into violence and drugs but who are making positive contributions to society. He added, quote, “Knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.”
Today in 2000, Faith Hill subbed for Whitney Houston during a medley of old Oscar-nominated songs at the 72nd annual Academy Awards. Garth Brooks was also involved in the segment. Later he said he was thankful Faith was gracious enough to step in at the last minute and that he felt for Whitney, who was “so sick.”
Today in 2002, Martina McBride was celebrating her second week at number one on the country charts with her single “Blessed.”
Today in 2002, Phil Vassar married his longtime love, Julie Wood, in a private ceremony on a beach in Florida.
Today in 2002, the NItty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was re-released in a 30th anniversary by Capitol Records. It included additional tracks and new artwork.
Today in 2003, Darryl Worley’s single “Have You Forgotten” was at number one.
Today in 2005, Craig Morgan began a four-week visit at the top of the Billboard chart with “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney turned 39 by throwing a party at the Tin Roof in Nashville. He performed for hours, and Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Jewel, Sara Evans, and Montgomery Gentry joined him onstage. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill attended the show.
Today in 2007, Danielle Peck organized her first Safe Haven event at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
Today in 2007, Tim McGraw performed his single “Last Dollar” on CBS’s “Early Show.”
Today in 2008, Clay Walker hosted the “Clay Walker Charity Classic,” a charity golf tournament in Houston, Texas, to support those battling multiple sclerosis.
Today in 2011, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, performing in support of his solo bluegrass album, “The Great Divide.”
Today in 2012, Mercury released Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, featuring such guests as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffett, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson.
Today in 2012, Kris Kristofferson received the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation at an event in Nashville. Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn, and Charlie Daniels were among the performers at the gala along with Vince Gill, who also served as the event’s host.
Today in 2013, new country releases included Blake Shelton’s “Based on a True Story…,” Thompson Square’s “Just Feels Good,” Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories, Volume 2,” and Crystal Bowersox’s “All That For This.”
Today in 2014, word surfaced that Trace Adkins and his wife Rhonda were ending their marriage of nearly 17 years. Rhonda filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson, the Lady Antebellum songwriter, wrote “Bartender” on a bus ride from Kansas City to Omaha.
Today in 2015, Willie Nelson announced plans to launch his own brand of weed, Willie’s Reserve, in states where grass has been legalized.
Today in 2016, Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” kicked off a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2016, Clay Walker hosted his fourth annual Band Against MS bike ride in Humble, Texas.
Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Hotel Key” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina was named New Female Vocalist of the Year for the 53^rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, while Brett Young is tapped as New Male Vocalist and Midland took New Vocal Duo or Group.
Today in 2019, Chase Rice scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Eyes On You.”
Today in 2020, Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were announced among the celebrities contributing to a Tennessee public service announcement campaign, “Do Your Part, Stay Apart.” The effort encourages citizens to maintain safe social distances and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival Announces 2026 Return

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

On the road again…it was announced yesterday that Willie Nelson‘s Outlaw Music Festival was coming back again this year. With only 12 shows on the schedule, the festival has been pared down some compared to previous years, but the lineup hasn’t. Along with Willie Nelson & Family, the tour will feature (depending on the date) The Avett Brothers, Sheryl Crow, Wilco, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Margo Price, Sierra Hull, Robert Randolph, Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble, and Lily Meola. The tour also includes Willie’s annual Fourth of July Picnic, which will feature special guests Billy Strings and Rodney Crowell. Presales start tomorrow ahead of the general sale on Friday at 10am local time. Check out the dates and performers below; visit Willie’s website for complete information.

2026 Outlaw Music Festival Tour Dates:

Friday, July 3, 2026
The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory, Irving, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Saturday, July 4, 2026
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Billy Strings
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Rodney Crowell
Lily Meola

Sunday, July 5, 2026
The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
sponsored by Huntsman, The Woodlands, TX
Willie Nelson & Family
Wilco
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Margo Price
Lily Meola

Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Hollywood Casino Amphitheater, Maryland Heights, MO
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Mystic Lake Amphitheater, Shakopee, MN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 21, 2026
Alpine Valley Music Theatre, East Troy, WI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston, MI
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 23, 2026
Ruoff Music Center, Noblesville, IN
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Tuesday, August 25, 2026
Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre, Tinley Park, IL
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Lukas Nelson
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Sierra Hull
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Friday, August 28 2026
Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Wantagh, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Saturday, August 29, 2026
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, Bethel, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

Sunday, August 30, 2026
Albany Med Health System at SPAC, Saratoga Springs, NY
Willie Nelson & Family
The Avett Brothers
Sheryl Crow
Stephen Wilson Jr.
Robert Randolph
Don Was and the Pan-Detroit Ensemble

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 25, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1939, “Billboard” magazine introduced the hillbilly chart, which has since become the country music chart.
Today in 1950, Hank Williams charted what would be come the number one single “Long Gone Lonesome Blues.”
Today in 1960, Roy Orbison recorded “Only the Lonely.”
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley made his last concert appearance for eight years with a show on the USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The show was a benefit concert, which raised 62-thousand-dollars for the USS Arizona memorial fund.
Today in 1966, Buck Owens played a sold-out concert at New York City’s Carnegie Hall.
Today in 1963, Johnny Cash recorded “Ring Of Fire.”
Today in 1966, Buck Owens recorded a live album at Carnegie Hall, starting with “Act Naturally.”
Today in 1969, Roy Orbison married his second wife, Barbara, in Nashville.
Today in 1971, Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” won her the one and only gold album of her career.
Today in 1972, Donna Fargo’s “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA” charted.
Today in 1974 at the Academy of Country Music Awards, Charlie Rich won Top Male Vocalist, Single Record, and Album of the Year for “Behind Closed Doors,” which was also named the Song of the Year.
Today in 1981, Eddie Rabbitt got his second gold single for “Drivin’ My Life Away,” just fifteen days after the first.
Today in 1985, Kenny Rogers performed for the first time in months following surgery to remove nodules from his vocal cords.
Today in 1987, Randy Travis released “Forever And Ever, Amen.”
Today in 1989, “New Fool At An Old Game” earned Reba McEntire the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1989, Garth Brooks made his chart debut with “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).”
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson scored another number one hit with “(Who Says) You Can’t Have It All.”
Today in 1997, new album releases included Tanya Tucker’s “Complicated” and Alison Krauss’ “So Long, So Wrong.”
Today in 2002, the re-release version of LeAnn Rimes’ “I Need You” album arrived in stores. While the original version of the project had ten tracks, the new edition had bonus cuts including “Light The Fire Within,” the theme song of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. There were also brand new radio mixes of four songs.
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire’s WB sitcom, “Reba,” was renewed for a third season on the network.
Today in 2004, the Georgia State House of Representatives voted unanimously to name a stretch of Interstate 85 in honor of Alan Jackson. The measure had already passed in the State Senate.
Today in 2005, Blaine Larsen made his first career appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” during his first-ever trip to New York City.
Today in 2006, Chely Wright performed at a USO show during the “Welcome Home” celebration at Fort Stewart, Georgia for members of the U.S. Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Today in 2006, Mark Wills performed a benefit concert for the TASER Foundation for Fallen Officers & Untouchables Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club. Money raised benefits families of fallen officers.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s “Living in Fast Forward” was spending its third week at number-one on Billboard’s country chart.
Today in 2007, Billy Currington sang the National Anthem prior to the Food City 500 NASCAR race in Bristol, Tennessee.
Today in 2007, Willie Nelson, Ray Price and Merle Haggard embarked on their “Last of the Breed” tour. They were backed by Ray Benson and Asleep at the Wheel.
Today in 2008, new releases included “Clover Country,” a compilation CD supporting the 4-H featuring Vince Gill, Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Martina McBride, and Faith Hill, as well as Sugarland, Johnny Cash, Glen Campbell, Luke Bryan, and Alabama.
Today in 2009, Lee Ann Womack performed at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s first ever Honors Gala, which took place in Nashville. Country Music Hall of Famer Frances Preston and former Vice President Al Gore were among those recognized at the event.
Today in 2009, Phil Vassar, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Lee Greenwood were among the celebrities who appeared on “Americans Feeding Americans,” a Hallmark Channel special supporting the charity Feed The Children.
Today in 2010, Jamey Johnson, Mac McAnally, and Mac Davis were inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2011, the Texas prosecutor handling Willie Nelson’s marijuana possession case proposed a deal in which the country legend could resolve the matter by paying a 100-dollar fine and performing approximately two-and-a-half-minutes of community service — in the form of singing his 1975 chart-topper “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” in court.
Today in 2011, it was George Strait and Reba McEntire Day in New Mexico. The singers’ performance at the Pan Am Center in Las Cruces set a new attendance record of 13-thousand-44. The previous record had been set by Elton John, who in 2005 entertained a crowd of 12-thousand-560.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band and the Randy Rogers Band were the big winners at the second annual Texas Regional Music Awards, which took place in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 2006, Buck Owens died in his sleep. He was known for his red, white, and blue guitar, for hosting the TV Show “Hee Haw,” and for classics including “Together Again,” and “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail.”
Today in 2013, “The Voice” began its fourth season on NBC. The winner-to-be, Danielle Bradbery joined Blake Shelton’s team after performing “Mean,” and other contestants sang “Blown Away,” and “Can’t Help Falling In Love.” Judges Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, Usher, and Shakira sang “Come Together.”
Today in 2013, Charlie Daniels was admitted to a Nashville area hospital to have a pacemaker implanted in his chest. Doctors discovered he had an irregular heartbeat while treating him for a mild case of pneumonia.
Today in 2014, new country releases included Jerrod Niemann’s “High Noon” and the “lost” Johnny Cash album, “Out Among The Stars. ”
Today in 2014, at Charlie Daniels annual fundraiser for veterans scholarships at Nashville’s David Lipscomb University, Luke Bryan joined him for a surprise rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Clint Black, Kellie Pickler, and The Grascals also appeared, and Lee Greenwood came unannounced to perform “God Bless the U.S.A.”
Today in 2015, the Oak Ridge Boys, The Browns and guitarist Grady Martin were announced as 2015 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville.
Today in 2015, Reba McEntire and Deana Carter were featured on ABC’s telecast of “Nashville: On The Record.” Also performing were cast members Chris Carmack, Jonathan Jackson, Will Chase, Sam Palladio, Clare Bowen, Charles Esten and Lennon & Maisy Stella.
Today in 2016, Hank Williams biopic, “I Saw The Light,” debuted in theaters.
Today in 2016, the Margo Price album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” was released.
Today in 2017, LeAnn Rimes was recognized with the Ally for Equality Award when the Human Rights Campaign held its Nashville Equality Dinner at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2017, Craig Morgan kicked off a USO tour at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Hawaii.
Today in 2019, Brett Young’s single, “Mercy,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2019, Caylee Hammack’s debut single, “Family Tree,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2019, Luke Combs was named New Male Artist of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, while Ashley McBryde wins New Female Artist and LANCO takes New Group.
Today in 2020, Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” and Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away” were announced by the Library of Congress as new additions to the National Recording Registry. Also in the class are the Dusty Springfield album “Dusty In Memphis” and Whitney Houston’s version of the Dolly Parton-penned “I Will Always Love You.”
Today in 2020, Kelsea Ballerini was paired with pop singer Halsey as a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” debuted. Music during the one-hour telecast includes Ballerini’s hits “Peter Pan,” “homecoming queen?” and “Miss Me More.”
Today in 2021, the North Carolina Department of Transportation launched two anti-litter PSAs featuring native son Luke Combs.

Cody Johnson Sets New RodeoHouston Record

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

George Strait basically owns Texas, so that makes Cody Johnson‘s record-breaking feat at RodeoHouston even more impressive. Johnson closed out this year’s event with a headlining set on Sunday night with Jon Pardi and Randy Houser opening. The show set a new all-time concert-only attendance record of 80,203 fans attended the show at NRG Stadium. The previous record (held by Strait): 80,020, back in 2013.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1958, Private Elvis Presley was sworn into the U.S. Army. Thousands of fans wept the following day when his hair was cut by James Peterson. Elvis quipped, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.” His salary immediately dropped from $10,000 a month to $78 a month!
Today in 1973, Tanya Tucker’s first number one single “What’s Your Mama’s Name, Child” charted.
Today in 1977, the “Dreaming My Dreams” album by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
Today in 1984, Toby Keith married his wife, Tricia.
Today in 1984, Alabama scored their 12th number one hit as “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler)” reached the top of the “Billboard” country singles chart.
Today in 1993, Diamond Rio earned a platinum album for their self-titled debut.
Today in 1995, Trisha Yearwood was at #1 with her single, “Thinkin’ About You.”
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth,” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s album, “Merry Christmas Strait To You,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1999, the album “Right Or Wrong” by George Strait was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook – A Collection of Hits” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, George Strait’s “Strait Country” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1999, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was certified for multi-platinum sales of 6-million.
Today in 1999, Vince Gill’s album, “When Love Finds You,” was certified as selling 4-million copies.
Today in 2001, Sara Evans, Alan Jackson, Lonestar, and Brad Paisley were part of the lineup as George Strait kicked off his fourth and final Country Music Festival tour in Tampa, Florida.
Today in 2002, Faith Hill returned to the hallowed stage at the Academy Awards. She performed an astounding rendition of the Oscar-nominated song, “There You’ll Be.”
Today in 2004, Toby Keith and Rascal Flatts picked up four nominations each at the third annual CMT Flame Worthy Video Music Awards.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban’s “Making Memories Of Us” video premiered on television for CMT.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood performed as the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Life,” singing “Before He Cheats” and “Wasted.” The segment was hosted by Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.
Today in 2008, Sara Evans announced her engagement to Alabama radio personality Jay Barker.
Today in 2008, Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s “Raising Sand” topped the Canadian folk magazine “Penguin Eggs'” list of the Critics’ Albums of the Year for 2007.
Today in 2009, new album releases included Martina McBride’s “Ride,” Eric Church’s “Carolina,” John Rich’s “Son Of A Preacher Man,” and Shooter Jennings & the 357’s’ “Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings & 357’s;” as well as the compilation CDs “NOW That’s What I Call Music! 30,” which included songs from Keith Urban and Taylor Swift, and “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” the soundtrack album with material from Rascal Flatts, Taylor Swift, and Billy Ray Cyrus.
Today in 2011, Sugarland made their “American Idol” debut, performing “Stuck Like Glue” on the Fox reality show.
Today in 2012, Reba McEntire marked her seventh consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2013, Trace Adkins joked with team member Stephen Baldwin as he gave him the finger during an episode of NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice.” The team won an assignment to promote a hair-care product which would guarantee they’re stay for the next week.
Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s “Noise” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Gary Allan received a gold album from the RIAA for “Set You Free” and a platinum cert for his single, “Watching Airplanes.”
Today in 2016, Jennifer Nettles teamed up with Cheap Trick on “CMT Crossroads.” The episode included the Sugarland hits “Stay,” “Something More” and “Settlin’,” plus the classic-rock titles “I Want You To Want Me” and “Dream Police.”
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker and John Mellencamp were featured as a new version of “CMT Crossroads” debuts. They lock voices on “Pink Houses,” “Hold My Hand,” “Alright” and “Wagon Wheel.”
Today in 2017, was a big day for RaeLynn. Not only was her self-titled debut album released, Houston mayor Sylvester Turner declared RaeLynn Day, AND she gave $10,000 check from her foundation to the Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston.

Keith Urban To Record “Yacht Rock” Covers Album

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Keith Urban‘s next album will be a covers album…and, perhaps surprisingly, it won’t be country covers. While at Country Radio Seminar on Thursday, Urban explained what his next project will be. “It’s the first time I’ve ever done an album of covers. There is one original on the record. It’s a thematic record: yacht rock songs. You think I’m kidding, I’m not kidding…Am I terrified? Absolutely.” For those that don’t know, “yacht rock” is a softer rock that was largely popular from the mid 70s to the early 80s – think Ambrosia, Christopher Cross, the Little River Band, etc. One band you probably won’t hear on the album: Player (“Baby Come Back”), who famously sued Keith in 2015, claiming his Player line of guitars and accessories amounted to copyright infringement (the suit was dismissed). No word on when the album would be released.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1926, country instrumentalist great “Mother” Maybelle Addington joined the Carter Family when she married Ezra Carter.
Today in 1956, Singer/songwriter Harley Allen was born in Dayton, Ohio. He wrote Alan Jackson’s “Between The Devil And Me,” Darryl Worley’s “Awful, Beautiful Life” and Blake Shelton’s “The Baby.”
Today in 1961, Elvis Presley recorded “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” Meanwhile, his single “Wooden Heart” began a six-week run at number one on the UK pop singles chart.
Today in 1961, the single, “Wooden Heart,” by Elvis Presley peaked at #1 on the U.K. pop singles chart and stayed there for six weeks.
Today in 1969, Elvis Presley recorded “Suspicious Minds” at the American Studios in Memphis.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire received her first gold album for “Whoever’s In New England.”
Today in 1988, the album, “Quarter Moon In A Ten Cent Town,” by Emmylou Harris was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Clint Black collected his first platinum album for “Killin’ Time”
Today in 1993, Dwight Yoakam’s “This Time” album was released.
Today in 1998, at the Academy Awards ceremony, Trisha Yearwood sang her version of, “How Do I Live,” her hit song from the movie “Con Air.” The song, written by Diane Warren, was beaten out for the Oscar by Celine Dion’s “Titanic” hit, “My Heart Will Go On.” In fact, “Titanic” swept the awards, winning a slew of trophies including Best Picture.
Today in 1999, Jessica Andrews made her acting debut, playing herself on the daytime drama, Another World. The same day, her debut album, “Heart-Shaped World,” arrived in stores.
Today in 1999, Patty Loveless’ greatest hits collection, “Classics,” was released.
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks performed at the New Millennium Ball. The event was a benefit for the UCLA School of Medicine and was the largest fundraising event for the School of Medicine that year. Garth was joined by comedian and host of “Politically Incorrect,” Bill Maher as well as Brad At the time, it was said that one of the reasons behind Garth performing for the School was his late mother, Colleen. She received cancer treatment at the famed facility.
Today in 2002, A memorial service for the late Waylon Jennings was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Today in 2004, Alabama received the USO’s Merit Award at the organization’s annual event in Washington, DC. The group was honored for its support of the members of the military.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw participated in a benefit dinner supporting the Boys & Girls Club of Franklin/Williamson County in Franklin, Tennessee.
Today in 2004, Mary Chapin Carpenter released the album “Between Here and Gone.”
Today in 2004, Kenny Chesney’s single “When the Sun Goes Down” hit number one on “Radio & Records'” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2005, Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin married wardrobe stylist Christiev Carothers on a mountaintop in Deadwood, South Dakota. They met during Gretchen Wilson’s video shoot for “Redneck Woman.”
Today in 2005, Kenny Chesney launched his Somewhere in the Sun Tour with the first of two shows in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The start of the road trip had been delayed two weeks because Chesney injured his ankle shortly before the original kick-off date, and needed the time to recover.
Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts was honored at a party in Nashville celebrating the group’s sales accomplishment. Total sales of the trio’s three albums had topped the six-million-mark.
Today in 2005, Miranda Lambert’s debut disc “Kerosene” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number one. The only other artists to have their first CDs enter the chart at the top spot are Wynonna, Billy Ray Cyrus, LeAnn Rimes, Buddy Jewell, and Gretchen Wilson.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney launched his The Road & The Radio tour with a concert in Dayton, Ohio. Dierks Bentley and Sugarland were also on the bill for the shows.
Today in 2006, Johnny Cash’s video “The Man, His World, His Music” and Joe Nichols’ album “III” were certified Gold.
Today in 2007, George Strait launched his 25th annual George Strait Team Roping Classic in San Antonio, Texas.
Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood claimed four victories at the top of the list as the CMT.com Loaded Awards winners were announced.
Today in 2008, Carrie Underwood picked up four nods to lead all artists as the nominees were announced for the second annual CMT Online awards.
Today in 2009, Darius Rucker has his second consecutive chart-topping country hit with “It Won’t Be Like This For Long,” which hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
Today in 2009, Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings’ episode of “CMT Crossroads” had its premiere.
Today in 2009, Dolly Parton’s “Backwoods Barbie” Collector’s Edition was released.
Today in 2010, new releases included Mindy McCready’s comeback album, “I’m Still Here.”
Today in 2011, Alan Jackson announced that he was developing his own imprint, ACR (Alan’s Country Records), with Capitol Records Nashville.
Today in 2011, Martina McBride sang the national anthem at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field. Joe Nichols and Hank Williams Jr. perform at halftime in the AFC Championship Game.
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift performed “Mine,” “Fifteen” and “Love Story” during an intimate concert at London’s Abbey Road Studio for an audience that includes Amy Winehouse.
Today in 2013, Brantley Gilbert and Chris Young made guest appearances on ABC-TV’s “Nashville,” as they showed up at a music-business party.
Today in 2013, Lady Antebellum hosted their inaugural “Ping Pong & Song” fundraiser in Nashville. The event supported their LadyAID charity.
Today in 2013, Reba McEntire marked her eighth consecutive year hosting the annual Celebrity Fight Night in Phoenix, Arizona, supporting the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix and other charities.
Today in 2016, twelve days before the 51^st annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Chris Stapleton was named New Male Vocalist of the Year, Kelsea Ballerini claimed New Female, and Old Dominion took New Vocal Duo or Group.
Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “Speak To A Girl” hit the airwaves.

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