Eric Church To Deliver Spring Commencement At University Of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Posted on October 3, 2025 by Bob Ballard

The class of 2026 from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill are going to remember graduation day for a long time. Not just for achieving their education goals, but because country superstar Eric Church has been tapped to deliver the commencement speech. In a statement, Church said, “Being asked to be the Commencement speaker at North Carolina is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had. Being a Tar Heel ‘born, bred, dead’ and knowing what the school has meant to me and my family, it’s surreal. To be able to be there and celebrate the future, the students at the University of North Carolina as they go onto their next journey, I’m honored to do it, and I can’t wait to see everybody there.” Commencement is scheduled for May 9 at Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 3, 2025October 3, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1945, Elvis Presley made his first public appearance at the age of ten in a talent show at the Mississippi-Alabama Dairy Show. He sang “Old Shep” and won a second prize of $5.
Today in 1983, Ricky Skaggs’ “Highways & Heartaches” album was certified gold.
Today in 1983, the “San Antonio Rose” album by Willie Nelson & Ray Price was certified gold.
Today in 1989, the “Best Of Vince Gill” collection was released.
Today in 1989, the album, “This Woman,” by K.T. Oslin was certified platinum.
Today in 1992, Collin Raye’s “In This Life” rose to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1993, Tim Rushlow and his wife, Mary Jane, were married.
Today in 1994, Rosanne Cash’s album, “King’s Record Shop,” was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Reba McEntire’s “Starting Over” album was released.
Today in 1995, Dwight Yoakam halts his rehearsal for the Country Music Association awards at the Grand Ole Opry House to watch the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial handed down on TV. Simpson is found not guilty, and Yoakam goes back to work.
Today in 1998, Willie Nelson held Farm Aid ’98 at the New World Music Theatre in Tinley Park, Illinois, with Neil Young, Brian Wilson, Michael Peterson, Toby Keith, Vern Gosdin, David Allan Coe, K.T. Oslin, Steve Earle, John Mellencamp and Martina McBride.
Today in 1998, Tim McGraw resided at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Where the Green Grass Grows.”
Today in 1998, Martina McBride and others joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young to perform at Farm Aid. The audience of 20,000 was entertained at the New World Music Theater in Tinley Park, Illinois.
Today in 2000, Kenny Rogers’ album, “There You Go Again,” and Travis Tritt’s album, “Down the Road I Go,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, Diamond Rio celebrated the gold certification of their album, “One More Day.”
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s “Cry” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2003, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads,” pairing Kenny Chesney and John Mellencamp, debuted. Hosted by Radney Foster, the show’s set list includes “Young,” “Small Town,” “Jack & Diane” and “Back Where I Come From.”
Today in 2011, Hank Williams Jr. compared President Barack Obama to Adolf Hitler on a FOX News broadcast. ESPN subsequently pulls Bocephus’ theme song from that night’s telecast of “Monday Night Football.”
Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band’s single “Knee Deep,” featuring Jimmy Buffett, went gold, platinum and double-platinum, while “Colder Weather” was certified platinum.
Today in 2014, as Little Big Town performed “Pontoon” on the Grand Ole Opry, Reba McEntire joined the band on harmony…then invited them to become Opry members.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan was at #1 on the “Billboard” country singles chart with “Strip It Down.”
Today in 2016, Jana Kramer and her dance partner, Gleb Savchenko, performed a foxtrot to The Beatles’ song, “Here Comes The Sun,” on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars.” They earned 23 of a possible 30 points from the judges, including Julianne Hough.
Today in 2017, “I made it”: Luke Bryan responds on Instagram after he’s part of a clue on the game show “Jeopardy”: “For great American music, this state that gave us Luke Bryan and R.E.M.”
Today in 2017, Rosanne Cash wrote an op-ed in “The New York Times,” challenging country artists to speak out against the National Rifle Association following the Las Vegas massacre saying: “NRA funds domestic terrorism.”
Today in 2018, Thomas Rhett’s album, “It Goes Like This,” went gold and On the same day? His single, “Die A Happy Man,” was certified quadruple- and quintuple-platinum.
Today in 2019, Kane Brown and Marshmello closed the CW’s telecast of “iHeart Radio Music Festival” with “One Thing Right.” The lineup also features Hootie + The Blowfish, Miley Cyrus, The Zac Brown Band, The Backstreet Boys and Tim McGraw, who performed “Truck Yeah.”
Today in 2019, Gary Allan’s single, “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” went gold.
Today in 2020, Morgan Wallen attended the NCAA football game as the Alabama Crimson Tide smacked down the Texas A&M Aggies, 52-24 in Tuscaloosa. Afterward, he inspired a backlash – because as he mingled with a string of fans, videos surfaced of him kissing a string of girls without observing pandemic-related distancing.
Today in 2020, Keith Urban’s “The Speed Of Now Part 1” hit the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.

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

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Taz”, a playful one and a half year old Pitbull mix who loves toys and sticks. Taz gets along with other dogs and would be a great fit for a family with older kids. Taz is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered and ready to go!

And since Taz is the Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $50 thanks to the Bissell Foundation ‘Empty The Shelter’ event!

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

Ella Langley Surprises Fans With Release Of Toby Keith Cover

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This summer, Ella Langley was part of an Apple Music “Toby Keith Covered Session” honoring the late singer. Her contribution was a cover of his 1993 hit “Wish I Didn’t Know Now.” While the song was available only to Apple Music subscribers at the time, Ella surprised everyone by making it widely available Tuesday. Alerting her fan base to the release, Ella posted to Instagram, “Surprise! My cover of Toby Keith’s ‘Wish I Didn’t Know Now’ is now streaming on all platforms.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 2, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1970, the album, “Okie From Muskogee,” by Merle Haggard was certified gold.
Today in 1977, a month after what appeared to be an attempt to steal the body of Elvis Presley from Forest Hill Cemetery, the bodies of Elvis and his mother, Gladys, were moved from the public cemetery. They now rest at the Presley mansion, Graceland.
Today in 1984, Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton released the “Once Upon A Christmas” album.
Today in 1985, Ronnie Milsap’s album, “Greatest Hits Volume 2,” was certified gold.
Today in 1985, the film, “Sweet Dreams,” starring Jessica Lange as Patsy Cline, opened in theaters nationwide.
Today in 1986, the Everly Brothers were awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1987, Kathy Mattea’s “Untasted Honey” album arrived in stores.
Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt released his album, “Too Cold At Home.”
Today in 1991, The “Garth Brooks” video was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1991, Tanya Tucker’s son, Beau Grayson, was born.
Today in 1998, Gene Autry, Hollywood’s original singing cowboy and former owner of the Anaheim Angels, died at the age of 91.
Today in 2001, George Jones’ CD, “The Rock: Stone Cold Country 2001,” arrived in stores. Other projects released on this date include Gary Allan’s “Alright Guy” album and the soundtrack to Dwight Yoakam’s film, “South of Heaven, West of Hell.”
Today in 2002, Elvis Presley’s posthumously released project, Elvis: 30 #1 Hits,” debuted at the top of the pop and the country charts.
Today in 2009, CMT premiered a bundle of videos: Carrie Underwood’s “Cowboy Casanova,” Billy Currington’s “That’s How Country Boys Roll,” Tim McGraw’s “Southern Voice,” Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar,” Kenny Chesney & Dave Matthews’ “I’m Alive” and Reba McEntire’s “Consider Me Gone.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood performed her first concert at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
Today in 2012, Taylor Swift spent the day shooting the “Begin Again” video in Paris, France.
Today in 2013, The Band Perry teamed with Fall Out Boy to shoot an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at Rocketown in Nashville. The set list includes “If I Die Young,” “Better Dig Two,” “Sugar, We’re Goin Down” and “DONE.”
Today in 2015, Taylor Swift welcomed a surprise guest during her concert at the Rogers Centre in Toronto: Keith Urban joined her to perform “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Somebody Like You.”
Today in 2017, Danielle Bradbery scored her first gold single for the song, “The Heart Of Dixie.”
Today in 2019, Jon Pardi interrupts his show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to propose to girlfriend Summer Duncan. She said yes, of course…and the happy couple exchanged their “I do’s” in November 2020.
Today in 2020, Brett Young performed a virtual concert to raise money for Pathways, a California organization that helps struggling young women get a new start.

Lainey Wilson Tapped To Host 59th Annual CMA Awards

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Bob Ballard

So was last year just a passing of the baton? The 58th CMA Awards were hosted by Luke Bryan, Peyton Manning and Lainey Wilson. For the 59th, Lainey’s flying solo. In a statement, the singer said, “I grew up watching the CMA Awards like it was the Super Bowl, so to be hosting for a second year is a true honor,” Wilson says. “I’m humbled that CMA has trusted me with this role, and I can’t wait to love on this genre that has given me so much.” The CMA Awards will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 19th from 8-11PM Eastern/Pacific on ABC and will be available the next day on Hulu.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 1, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Loretta Lynn recorded her signature song, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.”
Today in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared October to be Country Music Month.
Today in 1990, Garth Brooks’ self-titled debut album was certified gold. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry later that same year.
Today in 1991, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1991, Clint Black’s “Put Yourself In My Shoes” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 1995, nearly $1-million was raised at the Farm Aid concert in Louisville, Kentucky.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood’s “Songbook: A Collection of Hits” went gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1997, the video for “In Another’s Eyes,” which consisted of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performing the song on “The Tonight Show,” debuted on CMT.
Today in 1999, Neal McCoy kicked off his 5^th annual benefit weekend for the East Texas Angel Network in his hometown of Longview, Texas.
Today in 2002, the “Will The Circle Be Unbroken III” album by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, LeAnn Rimes’ “Twisted Angel” CD and Randy Travis’ “Rise & Shine” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley announced that he was officially engaged to his actress/screenwriter girlfriend, Kimberly Williams. The couple exchanged vows the following May.
Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry and performed “Come A Little Closer” after being introduced by Marty Stuart.
Today in 2009, Dailey & Vincent were repeated as Entertainer of the Year at the International Bluegrass Music Association awards in Nashville.
Today in 2010, Jason Aldean’s “My Kinda Party” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2011, Lady A sang “We Owned The Night” and “Just A Kiss” on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 2012, Chris Young’s “I Can Take It From There” hit the radio.
Today in 2014, Peggy Sue Evers, a 53-year-old woman who looks nothing like Alison Krauss, is jailed in the Bernalillo Metropolitan Detention Center in New Mexico for parading as the bluegrass singer and defrauding a senior citizen of his home and $40-grand.
Today in 2015, A Thousand Horses played the Troubadour in Los Angeles, where they brought out a surprise guest, former Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora.
Today in 2016, Eric Church guested on ESPN’s “College GameDay,” where he called Ole Miss “the best 2-2 team maybe ever.”
Today in 2016, LeAnn Rimes announced via Twitter that she was rescheduling the weekend’s two shows in Indiana as she struggled with jaw pain which was preventing her from singing.
Today in 2016, Dolly Parton played the first of two concerts at the historic Hollywood Bowl.
Today in 2016, Jason Aldean’s album, “They Don’t Know,” debuted at #1.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn performed publicly for the first time since suffering a stroke the previous May. Her set – during the Tennessee Motorcycles and Music Revival on her ranch in Hurricane Mills – included “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “You Ain’t Woman Enough.”
Today in 2018, it was a pretty big day for Miranda Lambert. The RIAA tapped six Miranda Lambert titles with sales awards: the albums “Revolution” and “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” went double-platinum, while the singles “The House That Built Me” and “Mama’s Broken Heart” were certified triple-platinum, “Over You” hit double-platinum and “Automatic?” It was platinum.
Today in 2019, Hunter Hayes and Devin Dawson performed during the second annual Andrew Dorff memorial concert at City Winery in Nashville. The event raised money for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, the show also included Rachel Wammack and songwriters Lori McKenna and Jeffrey Steele.
Today in 2019, Jon Pardi’s first-ever headlining concert at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville included a surprise appearance by Brooks & Dunn, who team with Pardi on “Neon Moon” and “My Next Broken Heart.”
Today in 2019, the Lacs receive their first gold single for “Kickin’ Up Mud.”
Today in 2020, the video to Maren Morris’ “Better Than We Found It” was released.
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton, Thomas Rhett and Kane Brown were double nominees in the E! People’s Choice Awards.

Oak Ridge Boys’ Richard Sterban Reveals Cancer Diagnosis

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Unfortunate news from country music Hall of Famers the Oak Ridge Boys. Richard Sterban, the legendary bass singer for the band, has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Sterban, whose voice has been an integral part of the band since 1972, said in a statement yesterday, “In March of this year, I was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. But I am under the care of the best cancer doctors in the country and, with the help of the Good Lord above, I believe I will be able to get through this. I want to thank everyone, especially the fans, for your concern, and I would appreciate your continued prayers. Most days I’m feeling very good, and I hope to be back out on the road in several months.” Sterban’s voice is iconic both in country music and in pop music as well: his “papa-oom-mow-mow” was heard all over Top 40 radio in 1981 when “Elvira” became a surprise Top Five pop smash.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 26, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Elvis’s hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi held “Elvis Presley Day.”
Today in 1978, Waylon Jennings’ album, “I’ve Always Been Crazy,” was certified gold.
Today in 1986, Exile’s single, “It’ll Be Me,” was at #1 on “Radio & Records’” country chart.
Today in 1989, the album, “Just Lookin’ For A Hit,” by Dwight Yoakam was released.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis released his album, “No Holdin’ Back.”
Today in 1991, Mark Chesnutt’s debut album, “Too Cold At Home,” was certified gold.
Today in 1994, the “Very Best Of Conway Twitty” album was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Little Texas released the album, “Greatest Hits,” and “Music For All Occasions” by the Mavericks was also released.
Today in 1995, the video, “The Woman In Me,” by Shania Twain first aired.
Today in 1996, Alabama’s “Cheap Seats” album was certified platinum.
Today in 2000, Kenny Chesney’s “Greatest Hits” album arrived in stores, The albums, “Brand New Me,” by John Michael Montgomery; “The Hardest Part” from Allison Moorer; Ricochet’s “What You Leave Behind” and SHeDAISY’s “Brand New Year” were also released.
Today in 2001, it was revealed that Dixie Chick Martie Seidel had become Martie Maguire when she married Gareth Maguire on August 10^th in a supersecret ceremony in Hawaii. They have since welcomed three daughters: fraternal twins Eva Ruth and Kathleen ‘Katie’ Emilie were born April 27, 2004. Katie was named after Gareth’s late sister, Kathleen. Third daughter Harper Rosie Maguire was born July 25, 2008.
Today in 2002, Terri Clark’s “I Just Wanna Be Mad” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2011, Dierks Bentley’s single, “Home,” was released.
Today in 2014, Lee Ann Womack teamed with R&B vocalist John Legend as a new edition of “CMT Crossroads” debuted. They collaborated on his hit, “All Of Me,” and her recordings, “The Way I’m Livin’,” “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” and “I Hope You Dance.”
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley welcomed a surprise guest to his show at Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver: Maren Morris sang “My Church” with Bentley and the two were joined by opening act Randy Houser on “Bad Angel.”

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

Posted on September 25, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Yogi”, a positively adorable 5 month old kitty who’s full of energy, love’s giving kisses, and gets along great with other cats and dogs and is great with kids.

And since Yogi is the Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

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