This day in Country Music History

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Elvis Presley married his longtime girlfriend, 21-year-old Priscilla Ann Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel in Las Vegas. They had their daughter, Lisa Marie just nine months later. After six years of marriage, the couple divorced but remained very close.
Today in 1969, Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan taped the first installment of “The Johnny Cash Show” at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Future singer/songwriter John Hiatt was in the audience. Country Music named Loretta Lynn its 80’s Artist of the Decade.
Today in 1982, “Mountain Music” peaked at #1 for Alabama on the Billboard Country singles chart.
Today in 1980, the Academy of s released The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s album “Will The Circle Be Unbroken, Vol. 2.” The guests included Johnny Cash, Levon Helm, Roy Acuff, John Denver, Chris Hillman, Roger McGuinn, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby.
Today in 1989, the “Sweet Sixteen” album by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1993, Charley Pride joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1999, Dixie Chick Emily Erwin married Charlie Robison at a West Texas ranch. They made the wedding a Texas family-and-friends event rather than a Nashville extravaganza and did the planning themselves. While they later divorced, fellow Chick Natalie Maines met her future husband, Adrian Pasdar, at the ceremony – and they’re still hitched.
Today in 2000, Steve Wariner was in Colorado to help raise money for the construction of a new library at Columbine High School library. He signed autographs in exchange for donations to “Hope Columbine,” an organization formed by the Columbine High School families after the 1999 shooting tragedy.
Today in 2000, SHeDAISY staged a free concert as part of the USTA festivities. The event kicked off with a morning tennis clinic at Centennial Park in cooperation with the Tennessee Education Association. Following the clinic, Governor Sundquist officially renamed the state Tennis-e for the day. Then tennis stars like Patrick McEnroe and Alexandra Stevenson conducted a tennis exhibition/clinic. The event at War Memorial Plaza concluded with a free lunchtime concert from the sisters.
Today in 2002, Chely Wright was the only country artist to be featured in People magazine’s annual “50 Most Beautiful” issue.
Today in 2008, George Strait picked up a gold album for “”
Today in 2010, Rascal Flatts signed the national anthem before the Kentucky Derby at Louisville’s Churchill Downs. Amongst the attendees were Little Big Town, Smokey Robinson and Terry Bradshaw, won by Super Saver.
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Blown Away” album was released.
Today in 2016, Dustin Lynch brought out two surprise guests – Jay Popoff and Jeremy Popoff, of the rock band Lit – for a version of “My Own Worst Enemy” during the Stagecoach Country Festival at the Empire Polo Field in Indio, California. Lynch later joins headliner Luke Bryan on “Play Something Country” and “She’s Country.”
Today in 2018. the downtown Nashville venue Ole Red, associated with Blake Shelton and the Grand Ole Opry, opened its doors on lower Broadway.
Today in 2019, Dan + Shay sang “Speechless” as pop singer Joe Jonas married actress Sophie Tucker at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas.
Today in 2020, Kenny Chesney album, “Here And Now,” was released.
Today in 2020, the Luke Combs single, “Six Feet Apart,” to radio.
Today in 2021, Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley took part in the Natchez Trace Century Ride, a cycling event in Ridgeland, Mississippi.

Blake Shelton Announces Seventh Ole Red Location

Posted on May 1, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton‘s business portfolio continues to grow. The singer has announced that he’ll be opening his seventh Ole Red location in Indianapolis. There are already two in Nashville, along with locations in Las Vegas, Orlando, Gatlinburg, and in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. The newest Ole Red will be a massive 37-thousand-square-foot, multi-level space, and will sit just steps from multiple entertainment venues including the Ritz-Carlton Indianapolis and the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It’ll be awhile before the newest location opens; right now, the doors are expected to open in late 2027.

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

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Django”, a 4 year old black Terrier, Pit Bull mix. Django has an awesome personality, and makes friends quickly. Django is a sweet guy who loves car rides and loves to play with other dogs, and would make a great dog for any family! Django is fully vetted, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped and would love to meet you!

And since Django is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $100 this week!

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

Keith Urban Gives Details On His Yacht Rock Album, Drops First Two Tracks

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Keith Urban has given fans all the details on his upcoming “yacht rock” album. Yesterday, the singer dropped two tracks from the upcoming project: a cover of the 1972 Seals & Crofts hit “Summer Breeze,” and the album’s lone original track “We Go Back,” with yacht rock legend Michael McDonald helping on vocals. The album, “Flow State,” consists of eleven tracks and also features contributions from John Mayer and Little Big Town. “Flow State” drops June 12.

See the track list below.

“Steal Away” (originally by Robbie Dupree)
“Baby Come Back” (originally by Player)
“Magnet and Steel” ft. Little Big Town
“Just the Two of Us” (originally by Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers)
“On and On” (originally by Stephen Bishop)
“We Go Back” ft. Michael McDonald
“Help Is On Its Way” (originally by Little River Band)
“How Much I Feel” (originally by Ambrosia)
“Summer Breeze” (originally by Seals & Crofts)
“I Just Wanna Stop” (originally by Gino Vanelli)
“Guitar Man” ft. John Mayer (originally by Bread)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 30, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1974, “The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard” album was certified gold.
Today in 1982, the “Always On My Mind” album by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s single, “Tonight I Climbed The Wall,” hit the top of the charts.
Today in 1994, Faith Hill’s remake of “Piece Of My Heart” grabs the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s album, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was released.
Today in 1996, BR5-49 released the album, “Live From Robert’s Western World Home.”
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina appeared on CBS TV’s Nash Bridges as “Tammy McGraw.” In the episode, Nash was trying to track down a group of female robbers, whom he suspected as being manipulated by their jailed husbands. In the process, he goes to Jo Dee’s character for help. Besides acting in the show, Jo Dee also performed her hit single, “Lesson In Leavin’.”
Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd, Charlie Daniels, Andy Griggs, Blake Shelton and Montgomery Gentry’s Troy Gentry spent the morning on Nashville’s Percy Priest Lake for the second annual “Fishing For A Cure” tournament, which raised money for the T.J. Martell Foundation for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research.
Today in 2002, the albums, “Cledus Envy” by Cledus T. Judd; “The Soul & The Edge” from Johnny Paycheck and “Super Hits” by Collin Raye, arrived in stores.
Today in 2006, Big & Rich perform at a rally sponsored by human rights agencies in Washington, D.C., to call attention to genocide in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Today in 2007, Sheryl Crow brought home her adopted son, Wyatt Steven Crow. And then, on the dame date in 2010, her son Levi James was born – Sheryl waited until June of that year to make the announcement.
Today in 2011, Garth Brooks attended the wedding of Las Vegas casino magnate Steve Wynn. Clint Eastwood was best man. Also in attendance: Priscilla Presley, Quincy Jones, Lionel Richie, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme.
Today in 2011, Miranda Lambert raised $294,000 with her fourth annual Cause For Paws benefit concert in Tyler, Texas, with guests Josh Kelley and Stoney LaRue.
Today in 2013, Kenny Chesney’s “Life On A Rock” album was released.
Today in 2014, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s “We Were Us,” Miranda’s “Automatic” and music by Dan + Shay were all featured in the background during an episode of ABC’s “Nashville.”
Today in 2015, Little Big Town received a gold single for “Girl Crush” from the RIAA. The same day, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Dirt,” went double platinum.
Today in 2015, Atlantic Council recognized Toby Keith with its Distinguished Leadership Award in Washington, D.C. During the ceremony, Toby performed “American Soldier.”
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley was sunnin’ himself at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Somewhere On A Beach.”
Today in 2016, Cassadee Pope and Terri Clark are part of a nine-person team that runs the marathon as a relay in the St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Nashville Races.
Today in 2017, Jana Kramer threw the ceremonial first pitch when Los Angeles defeats baseball’s Philadelphia Phillies, 5-3, at Dodger Stadium.
Today in 2019, Wynonna, Vince Gill, The Oak Ridge Boys and Ricky Skaggs participated in a tribute to Christian artist Michael W. Smith at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Also taking part were Amy Grant, Randy Travis, Lee Greenwood and The Gatlins.
Today in 2020, Brett Young’s “Lady” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, Thomas Rhett’s album, “Country Again (Side A),” was released.

Luke Combs Sets Attendance Record At Ohio Stadium

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Luke Combs continues to pad his resume as one of the greatest music artists of this century. His show at Ohio Stadium Saturday night set a new attendance record, not only breaking the previous record set by Pink Floyd but obliterating it. Floyd brought in 75,245 fans in 1994, a record that stood for 32 years, until Luke took the stage. His show over the weekend set a new record for the largest single-night concert attendance at the venue: 97,367. Luke recognized the moment, shouting out from the stage “Give yourselves a round of applause. Maybe the biggest show I’ve ever done. Maybe the biggest show I’ll ever do.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 29, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1976, “You’ve Never Been This Far Before” album by Conway Twitty was certified gold.
Today in 1982, Alabama’s “Mountain Music” album was certified gold and platinum.
Today in 1991, Alan Jackson and Michael Irwin shared song of the year honors at the “Music City News Country Songwriters Awards” in Nashville for “Here In The Real World” — the title track from Jackson’s first album
Today in 1992, the Judd’s “Final Concert” video was released.
Today in 1992, Doug Stone underwent quadruple-bypass surgery in Nashville after experiencing chest pains three days earlier at a concert in Oregon.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year and Top Male Vocalist at the 27^th annual Academy of Country Music Awards. Plus: Billy Dean was one of seven double-winners. He took Top New Male Vocalist and Song of the Year, for “Somewhere In My Broken Heart”
Today in 1996, Kenny Rogers underwent laser gall bladder surgery in Athens, Georgia.
Today in 1999, “I’m Alright” album by Jo Dee Messina was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Alison Krauss + Union Station began a two-night stand at the Palace Theater in Louisville, Kentucky. The shows were recorded for a concert album, “Alison Krauss + Union Station – Live.”
Today in 2004, Wynonna and the rock band Heart tape an episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, at Belmont University in Nashville. The set list included “Only Love” and “Girls With Guitars.”
Today in 2011, Toby Keith is forced to take cover in a bunker when four mortars explode nearby just before he is to go on stage to perform for American soldiers in the Middle East.
Today in 2013, Hunter Hayes’ “I Want Crazy” video debuts on CMT.
Today in 2014, Josh Turner’s first book, “Man Stuff: Thoughts On Faith, Family, And Fatherhood,” was released.
Today in 2015, Taylor Swift placed a 10-minute call to a 12-year-old in Chicago battling lymphoma.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood collected gold singles from the RIAA for a pair of titles: “Heartbeat” and “Smoke Break.”
Today in 2016, Martina McBride’s “Reckless” album was released.
Today in 2016, Maren Morris earned her first gold single from the RIAA for “My Church.”
Today in 2016, Sam Hunt welcomed surprise guests Snoop Dogg, G-Easy and Bebe Rexha for his performance of “House Party” during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
Today in 2016, Chris Young celebrated a gold single from the RIAA for “Neon,” plus platinum certification for four tracks: “You,” “Aw Naw,” “Who I Am With You” and “Gettin’ You Home (The Black Dress Song).”
Today in 2017, Blake Shelton, Florida State University alum Jake Owen and Big & Rich delivered the first-ever full-stadium concert at FSU’s Doak Stadium in Tallahassee.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town sang “I Is For Instruments” in a guest appearance on “Sesame Street.”
Today in 2017, Shania Twain brought out surprise guest, pop singer Nick Jonas, to help out on “Party For Two” during her show at the Stagecoach Country Music Festival. Another pop star, One Direction’s Niall Horan, was also in the crowd as Kelsea Ballerini joined Twain on “Any Man Of Mine.”
Today in 2018, Jason Aldean raised $30-thousand for a cancer charity with a concert at Joe’s Bar in Chicago. He opened with “Take A Little Ride,” closed with “She’s Country” and threw in a cover of “Pink Houses.”
Today in 2018, Runaway June performed “Buy My Own Drinks” live for the first time during the Stagecoach Country Music Festival.
Today in 2019, Old Dominion paid a visit to pediatric patients at the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital in California.
Today in 2019, Eric Church earned double-platinum singles from the RIAA for “Record Year,” “Like A Wrecking Ball” and “Smoke A Little Smoke,” plus a platinum single for “Guys Like Me” and gold awards for “Over When It’s Over” and “Sinners Like Me.” He also scores a double-platinum album for “The Outsiders” and a gold album for “Sinners Like Me.”
Today in 2020, Hunter Hayes was revealed as the astronaut on the FOX series, “The Masked Singer.”
Today in 2021, Reba McEntire returned in her recurring role on the CBS sitcom, “Young Sheldon.” The episode introduced viewers to her character’s occupation as a hair stylist.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs’ video for “Forever After All” debuted.
Today in 2021, when the Jacksonville Jaguars selected Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence with the first pick in the NFL draft, he was joined at his draft party is Darius Rucker.

17th Annual Darius Rucker And Friends Concert For St. Jude’s Announced

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

For the 17th straight year, Darius Rucker will headline an all-star roster of performers for his annual Darius and Friends concert benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. While no names (other than Darius) have been announced as yet, the charity event consistently brings out the biggest stars. Past performers include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Brad Paisley, Morgan Wallen and more. Darius and Friends has raised more than $5.1-million for St. Jude’s to date. The event will be held at the Ryman Auditorium on June 1. Tickets start at $69; pre-sale access begins tomorrow ahead of the general sale this Friday, at 10am CT. Visit the Ryman’s website for more information.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on April 28, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Charlie Rich rose to number one on the Billboard country chart with “Behind Closed Doors.”
Today in 1978, the “Here You Come Again” album by Dolly Parton was certified platinum.
Today in 1984, the Judds’ first #1 hit, “Mama He’s Crazy,” debuted on the charts.
Today in 1989, George Strait’s “Beyond The Blue Neon” album was certified gold.
Today in 1993, John Michael Montgomery earned his first gold album with his debut, “Life’s a Dance.”
Today in 1994, John Berry’s son, Sean Thomas Berry, was born. Hours later the nurses found John sitting on a hallway floor with a massive headache, only to find a cyst on his brain through a CAT scan.
Today in 1995, Lorrie Morgan’s “I Didn’t Know My Own Strength” hit the charts.
Today in 1998, Clint Black made his dramatic TV acting debut when he co-starred in the CBS TV movie “Still Holding On: The Legend of Cadillac Jack,” with his wife Lisa Hartman Black.
Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood made her dramatic TV acting debut on CBS TV’s “Jag”, playing Lt. Cmdr. Theresa Coulter – a forensic pathologist.
Today in 2000, Rascal Flatts made their Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Shania Twain were tapped as two of “People” magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful.”
Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn began a six-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Ain’t Nothing ‘Bout You.”
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire began a one-week stint as the center square on “Hollywood Squares.” Also occupying squares on the syndicated gameshow: Henry Winkler, John Ritter and Kermit The Frog.
Today in 2005, Eddie Montgomery lost his footing when he stepped on a speaker cabinet during the third song in a Montgomery Gentry show in Asheville, North Carolina. After the band’s 90-minute set, he had X-rays and discovered he’d broken his left wrist.
Today in 2005, CMT premiered videos for Sugarland’s “”Something More,” Jamie O’Neal’s “Somebody’s Hero” and Jason Aldean’s “Hicktown.”
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood debuted album “Some Hearts” went triple-platinum.
Today in 2009, Jason Aldean earned a gold single for “She’s Country.”
Today in 2012, Sheryl Crow ran her first half-marathon, finishing the 13.1-mile course in less than two hours during the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. Joanna Smith sang the national anthem and ran the half. Diamond Rio’s Gene Johnson runs his first half, Jimmy Olander his first full marathon.
Today in 2013, proceeds from Willie Nelson’s show at the Backyard in Austin were donated to the fire department in West, Texas, following an April 17^th explosion at a fertilizer plant. The total came to $125-thousand.
Today in 2014, Dan + Shay single, “Show You Off,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2014, Eric Paslay earned his first RIAA-certified gold single, for “Friday Night.” The same day, Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On” was certified gold – and so was Thomas Rhett’s “Get Me Some Of That.”
Today in 2014, Willie Nelson was awarded a fifth-degree black belt in gong kwan yu sul, a Korean martial arts practice, at the Master Martial Arts studio in Austin.
Today in 2015, The Zac Brown Band album, “Jekyll + Hyde,” was released.
Today in 2016, Craig Wayne Boyd married Taylor Borland…soon after they and just a few days ago – on April 25^th – the couple added daughter Blakely Kay Boyd to their brood!
Today in 2016, Brad Paisley headlined a benefit in Nashville for Sean Penn’s Haitian relief fund. The guest list includes Sheryl Crow, Big Kenny, Jewel, Scott Hamilton, Tracie Hamilton and Ty Herndon.
Today in 2017, Luke Combs nabs a gold single from the RIAA for “Hurricane.”
Today in 2018, Jason Aldean’s single, “Rearview Town,” cruised to #1 on the “Billboard” Country Singles chart.
Today in 2018, Ty Herndon performed “America, The Beautiful” for the White House Correspondents Dinner in Washington, D.C. The high-profile audience included politicians Nancy Pelosi and Chris Christie, comedian Kathy Griffin and actor Rob Reiner.
Today in 2019, Chris Stapleton made a cameo appearance as a warrior in the final season of the HBO drama, “Game Of Thrones.”

Luke Combs Speaks Out On A Hypothetical Taylor Sheridan Role

Posted on April 27, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Taylor Sheridan has been known to incorporate plenty of country music (and sometimes country musicians) into his television projects. Ryan Bingham, Lainey Wilson, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Jelly Roll and Riley Green have all found themselves on screen in Sheridan’s various projects. At the Time100 gala last week, Luke Combs was asked by “Entertainment Weekly” if he’d be interested in a role in the Taylor Sheridan universe. “If they just want me to play me, then great. I’m in,” the singer said, but beyond that he wasn’t so sure. “I don’t know if I’m a TV guy. I’ve got a face for radio,” he said. “I’ve been lucky for that. But I don’t know. I just try to have time for my wife and my kids and not over commit myself to things that maybe I don’t feel like I’m great at. Or maybe I would be good at it.”

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