- Today in 1970, Jerry Lee Lewis and his second wife, Myra – who was also his cousin – were divorced. Their 1958 wedding, which took place when she was just 13 years old, caused such a scandal that it effectively ruined his career. In fact, the only thing illegal about the marriage was the fact that Jerry hadn’t divorced his first wife when he wed Myra.
- Today in 1994, Patty Loveless’ CMA-winning album, “When Fallen Angels Fly,” went gold.
- Today in 1996, Jeff Foxworthy’s “Crank It Up–The Music Album” went gold.
- Today in 1996, Brooks & Dunn released the single, “A Man This Lonely.”
- Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ TV special “Garth Brooks: Double Live” aired on NBC. The show was actually performed live three times, for three different time zones.
- Today in 1998, Reba McEntire was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
- Today in 1999, Faith Hill found out that her album, “Breathe,” debuted at #1 on the “Billboard” pop albums chart. The project sold 242,000 copies its first week out, good enough to knock the rock group Rage Against the Machine out of the top spot.
- Today in 2002, Jamie O’Neal left the country for a USO Tour of the Balkans and the Mediterranean Sea. She was overseas through the end of the month.
- Today in 2003, Reba McEntire’s album, “Room to Breathe,” is in stores. It’s her first studio album in 4 years.
- Today in 2003, LeAnn Rimes’ “Greatest Hits (To Be Continued)” was released.
- Today in 2003, a DVD of Shania Twain’s NBC concert special, “Shania: UP! Live in Chicago,” appears in stores.
- Today in 2005, The Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line” opened in theaters, with Joaquin Phoenix in the starring role. Reese Witherspoon portrays June Carter, Shelby Lynne took the role of Cash’s mother, and Shooter Jennings played his own late father, Waylon Jennings.
- Today in 2008, The Zac Brown Band’s album, “The Foundation,” was released.
- Today in 2011, Taylor Swift met Bruce Springsteen when he attended her show at the RBC Center in Raleigh, North Carolina. Also in attendance: Scotty McCreery.
- Today in 2012, Luke Bryan, Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood and Lady Antebellum each won during ABC’s American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.
- Today in 2015, Jimmy Buffett’s “Margaritaville” was announced as a new addition to the GRAMMY Hall of Fame. The class also featured James Carr’s “The Dark End Of The Street,” plus music by the Andrews Sisters, Lead Belly and The Sir Douglas Quintet.
- Today in 2016, funeral services were held for Leon Russell at the Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Steve Ripley, formerly of The Tractors, was a pallbearer. Honorary pallbearers included Elton John, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Mike Lawler, T. Graham Brown, Jim Halsey and Willie Nelson.
- Today in 2016, Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers announced on social media that he’d gotten engaged to his girlfriend, Abby Law, in Hawaii. They got married in May 2017.
- Today in 2016, George Strait’s album ,”Strait Out Of The Box: Part 2,” was released.
- Today in 2019, with Taylor Swift in the midst of a public argument with Big Machine over her rights to perform some of her older songs on the American Music Awards, a pair of fans paid $1,000 to have two digital billboards in Nashville calling for the label to “let Taylor perform her own songs.”
- Today in 2019, Billy Ray Cyrus visited the White House in Washington, D.C., with the family of Channing Smith, a Tennessee teen who committed suicide, to discuss cyber bullying with first lady Melania Trump.
- Today in 2020, Brad Paisley sang “This Is Country Music” during the 14th annual Stand Up For Heroes event, raising millions online for a military charity. Also aboard were Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Ray Romano, Jon Stewart and Mickey Guyton, who covers “To Make You Feel My Love.”
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This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1994, Kathy Mattea’s album, “A Collection Of Hits,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, Sammy Kershaw’s “Feeling Good Train” album was certified gold. The same day his “Haunted Heart” project was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” CD was certified for sales of 8-million.
- Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ version of “How Do I Live” was certified double platinum – the only country single ever to reach that mark at that time. On the same day, Rimes’ “Blue” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million.
- Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s “The Woman In Me” made Shania Twain the first female country artist to have an album certified for shipments of 10-million copies
- Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was released, the same day new albums from Jewel, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston hit record stores. After the dust had settled on what record stores called “Super Tuesday,” Garth emerged victorious. He captured the #1 spot on the album charts – and set a first-week sales record of 1.9-million copies.
- Today in 1998, “The Prince Of Egypt – Nashville” soundtrack was released. The album featured songs by Vince Gill, Wynonna, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Faith Hill and Jessica Andrews.
- Today in 1999, Tim McGraw’s album, “A Place In The Sun,” was certified double-platinum.
- Today in 1999, Faith Hill’s Breathe album debuted at the top of both the “Billboard” country and all-genre album charts.
- Today in 2000, Pam Tillis’ “All of This Love” album was certified gold.
- Today in 2000, Alabama’s “For the Record: 41 Number-One Hits” collection was certified quadruple-platinum.
- Today in 2011, Scotty McCreery picked up a gold album for “Clear As Day.”
- Today in 2012, the Zac Brown Band took the prestigious Madison Square Garden in New York for the first time – noting, “We have to make a new bucket list after tonight.”
- Today in 2016, Luke Bryan’s single, “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day,” went platinum.
- Today in 2017, Kenny Rogers received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Louis.
- Today in 2017, the animated Christmas movie, “The Star,” debuted in theaters. Kris Kristofferson, Kelly Clarkson and Opry Winfrey provided voices for the picture, while the soundtrack featured Kelsea Ballerini, Jake Owen, Pentatonix and Jessie James Decker
- Today in 2017, the Chase Rice album, “Lions & Lambs,” was released. On the same day? Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s “The Rest Of Our Life” album dropped as well.
- Today in 2018, the Hallmark Channel premiered the holiday movie “Christmas At Graceland,” which starred Kellie Pickler as a Chicago businesswoman. The soundtrack uses six Elvis Presley holiday recordings, including “Santa Claus Is Back In Town,” “Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town” and “Blue Christmas.”
- Today in 2018, Pistol Annies’ “Interstate Gospel” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2019, Jordan Davis and his wife, Kristen, welcomed their daughter, Eloise Larkin Davis.
- Today in 2019, Keith Urban headlined a Concert for Recovery at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut, with proceeds earmarked to fight the opioid crisis.
- Today in 2020, Lucinda Williams suffered a stroke at her home in Nashville
- Today in 2021, Cole Swindell & Lainey Wilson’s collaboration “Never Say Never” was released.
Trailer For Eric Church’s IMAX Film Released
Posted on by Bob Ballard
The trailer for Eric Church’s IMAX concert film “Evangeline Vs the Machine: Comes Alive” is now out. The film hits IMAX theaters across North America for two nights only: February 11 and February 14. Featuring a complete run-through of his album “Evangeline Vs. The Machine” as well as live versions of some of his biggest hits, Church says of the film, “This project was never about fitting into a box – it’s about breaking the damn thing wide open. Seeing it in IMAX takes that to another level. The scale and sound experience is like nothing else.” Tickets for the IMAX screenings can be bought here.
Kenny Chesney’s Book Tops The Best Seller List
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Kenny Chesney has topped the country charts dozens of times, but he’s just topped a different chart for the first time. Chesney says he got a text from the editor of his new book “Heart Life Music.” “When our editor sent a text asking to Zoom,” Chesney said, “I figured he wanted to let us down easy. After all, ‘The New York Times’ is such a big deal…Everybody wants to be part of, if not number one on, their best-seller lists. Rather than send an email, obviously, he was going to soften the news.” Instead, there was no letting down to be done. “Heart Life Music” was #1 on both the ‘New York Times” “Hardcover Nonfiction” and the “Combined Print & E-Book Nonfiction Best Sellers Lists.” Kenny Chesney: chart-topping country legend and now, chart-topping author.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1977, the single, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” by Crystal Gayle was certified gold.
- Today in 1977, Crystal Gayle’s “We Must Believe In Magic” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1989, the “When I Call Your Name” album by Vince Gill was released.
- Today in 1992, Whitney’s Houston’s version of “I Will Always Love You” debuted on the pop charts. It made its way to #1 — and stayed there for 14 weeks. Whitney’s chart-topping rendition of the Dolly Parton classic provided the song’s third trip to the top of the charts. Dolly Parton had previously hit #1 with the song in 1974 and 1982.
- Today in 1994, the “Without A Song” album by Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, John Berry’s debut album, “Standing On the Edge,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, Raul Malo of the Mavericks welcomed his first child, Raul Joaquin Martinez Malo III, who’s known as “Dino,” after Dean Martin.
- Today in 1996, Raul Malo of the Mavericks welcomed his second son, Victor – on his first son Raul’s first birthday and he’s been expanding his family ever since. In March of 2000, Raul’s third son, Max was born.
- Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s single, “Love Gets Me Every Time,” was #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
- Today in 2000, Cledus T. Judd’s album, “Another Day In Parodies,” and “The Mercy Project” album, which featured Martina McBride and Amy Grant, arrived in stores.
- Today in 2001, George Strait’s album, “The Road Less Traveled,” debuted at #1 on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks hit the stage at the LA Forum for the first of three live concert specials that air on CBS over the coming month.
- Today in 2004, Toby Keith claimed two trophies at the American Music Awards. Other country winners included Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson, Brooks & Dunn and Reba McEntire.
- Today in 2005, the Grand Ole Opry held a show at Carnegie Hall, with Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, Martina McBride and Brad Paisley.
- Today in 2010, Grand Ole Opry performances by Keith Urban, LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood were featured in ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.”
- Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s single, “Two Black Cadillacs,” was released.
- Today in 2015, Thomas Rhett’s “Die A Happy Man” rose to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart – and was there for a total of 17 weeks.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: MR HYDE
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Mr. Hyde”, a sweet 11 month old kitty who gets along great with other cats, and doesn’t seem to mind dogs. Mr. Hyde likes to play with people and other cats, and he loves kids! Mr. Hyde is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered and microchipped. And he would love to meet you!
And since Mr. Hyde 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 Mr. Hyde 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 Mr. Hyde with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Field & Stream TV, Backed By Morgan Wallen And Eric Church, To Launch In January
Posted on by Bob Ballard
They’re putting the “stream” in streaming…and on broadcast television. Field & Stream and media company Outdoor America are partnering up, with Outdoor America’s free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel being rebranded as Field & Stream TV in January. The two companies also plan to distribute programming on broadcast TV, available to 90-million households weekly through broadcast syndication, with additional details to be announced. The rebranded channel will feature “exclusive new content, original series and special programming, offering sponsors the largest combined audience reach in outdoor media,” the companies said in a statement. The Field & Stream brand was obtained by country stars Morgan Wallen and Eric Church last year.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1979, Dolly Parton’s “Great Balls Of Fire” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1982, the single, “You And I,” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle entered the pop chart.
- Today in 1987, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1989, “The Royal Treatment” album by Billy Joe Royal was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s “It’s All About To Change” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, Kenny Rogers’ “20 Great Years” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Trisha Yearwood made her television-acting debut on an episode of ABC-TV’s “Ellen,” playing herself.
- Today in 1999, fans confused by Garth Brooks’ rock alter ego, Chris Gaines, may have had their bewilderment compounded when “Saturday Night Live” started promoting its upcoming show as being hosted by Garth with Chris Gaines appearing as the musical guest. Actually, it was Garth’s only live performance in the guise of his alter ego.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks’ highly anticipated project, “Scarecrow,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood were among those performing at the Stormy Weather 2002 benefit in Los Angeles at the historic Wiltern Theatre. All proceeds from the show, which was open to the public, went to the Walden Woods Project and the Thoreau Institute. Other performers include Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks.
- Today in 2002, Keith Urban celebrated his seventh week at the top of the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 with his single, “Somebody Like You.” He was also enjoying his sixth week at #1 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart.
- Today in 2002, it was announced that Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch were the headliners for the annual Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Norway. This year’s event will include a performance from Tim McGraw.
- Today in 2002, Troy Gentry‘s wife, Angie, welcomed their first child, daughter Kaylee Alexandra. Kaylee joined Taylor Peyton, Troy’s daughter from a previous relationship.
- Today in 2003, Wynonna was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. According to the police report, Wy was pulled over around 1am for going 47 in a 30 mph zone. Her Breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol level of .175. The legal limit in Tennessee is .08. Wy was released after posting a $500 bond, which is the standard bail set for a first-offense DUI. In a written statement released later that day. Wynonna pulled no punches over the incident and added, “I know there is never a situation where drinking and driving is acceptable, and I take full responsibility for my error in judgment.”
- Today in 2005, the New York premiere of the Johnny Cash biopic, “Walk The Line,” was at the Beacon Theatre.
- Today in 2006, The Judds performed “Love Can Build a Bridge” at a groundbreaking ceremony for a Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, D.C.
- Today in 2008, Curb released the Rodney Atkins single “It’s America,” with Bruce Springsteen references in the chorus, to radio.
- Today in 2010, Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” ranked #1 on CMT debuts “40 Greatest Songs of the Decade.”
- Today in 2014, Lee Brice’s “Drinking Class” video premiered on CMT.
Cody Johnson, Wife Brandi Welcome Their Third Child
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Congratulations to Cody Johnson and his wife Brandi, who have welcomed their third child (and first son) into the world! While the couple have yet to share the news officially on their social media pages, the singer did say on this past weekend’s “Country Countdown USA with Lon Helton” that Jaycee Daniel Johnson had arrived on October 21. Jaycee joins his older sisters Clara, 10, and Cori, 8.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1988, Rosanne Cash topped the country charts with “Runaway Train,” becoming the first female country artist ever to have four #1 hits from one album. The album was “King’s Record Shop,” and the other three hits were “The Way We Make A Broken Heart,” “Tennessee Flat Top Box” and “If You Change Your Mind.”
- Today in 1991, Kenny Rogers’ “20 Great Years” album was released.
- Today in 1992, the “Some Gave All” album by Billy Ray Cyrus was certified for sales of 5-million.
- Today in 1993, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 with the single, “Almost Goodbye.”
- Today in 1997, John Denver’s album, “Wildlife Concert,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Trace Adkins’s new album, “More,” debuted in the top 10 on the country charts, making it the highest-selling debut of his career.
- Today in 2001, Neal McCoy left on a USO tour to entertain American soldiers in Europe and Afghanistan. The troupe was led by Las Vegas entertainer Wayne Newton.
- Today in 2003, George Strait received the National Medal of Arts from President George W. Bush and the National Endowment for the Arts in a ceremony at the White House.
- Today in 2004, Sugarland performed “Baby Girl” during their Grand Ole Opry Debut.
- Today in 2006, Josh Turner delivered the national anthem at Nashville’s LP Field, where the Baltimore Ravens beat the Tennessee Titans, 27-26.
- Today in 2008, George Strait and co-producer Tony Brown shared Album of the Year for “Troubadour” and Single of the Year for “I Saw God Today” during the 42nd annual Country Music Association awards.
- Today in 2009, com premiered Jason Aldean’s video, “The Truth.”
- Today in 2013, Danielle Bradbery made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
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