This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, Alabama debuted on the charts with their first single, “I Wanna Be With You Tonight.”
Today in 1981, the Oak Ridge Boys’ album, “Fancy Free,” was certified gold.
Today in 1990, the “Livin’ It Up” album by George Strait was certified gold.
Today in 1991, Holly Dunn released her collection, “Milestones: Greatest Hits.”
Today in 1993, Reba McEntire hit the top of the country singles charts with “It’s Your Call.”
Today in 1997, Deana Carter’s album, “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith performed on the historic USS Battleship New Jersey for a roaring crowd of thousands. Before the show began, the mayor of Camden, New Jersey presented Toby with a Key to the City. The same day, his “Unleashed” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Joe Nichols’ “Man With a Memory” album and Charlie Daniels’ “Redneck Fiddlin’ Man” arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, the “Hard Workin’ Man” album by Brooks and Dunn was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million copies.
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney topped the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 chart with his single, “The Good Stuff.”
Today in 2002, there was never any doubt that Toby Keith’s album, “Unleashed,” was going to be HUGE. However, after a midnight meet-and-greet, when Toby celebrated the release of the project with an in-store appearance at a Manassas, Virginia Best Buy store, he broke attendance records! The event ended at 3 am with 5,000 frenzied fans scooping up 2,600 copies of the album. The previous record holder was Ozzy Ozbourne, whose in-store appearance snagged 3,500 fans and 2,000 CDs sold.
Today in 2003, Sugarland performed a showcase at Nashville’s 12^th & Porter club and picked up a record deal with Mercury.
Today in 2004, CMT’s “20 Funniest Country Videos” dubbed Jeff Foxworthy’s “Redneck Stomp” number one.
Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert earned a double-platinum certification for her single, “The House That Built Me.”
Today in 2016, Tim McGraw fell into the audience while trying to shake a hand with a fan at the Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena in Stateline, Nevada, but gets back on stage to finish “All I Want Is A Life“
Today in 2017, Jamey Johnson’s concert at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, was cancelled with the venue saying the band would not conform to its security policy.
Today in 2017, Brantley Gilbert rode in the pace car and told drivers to “start your engines” at the Brantley Gilbert Big Machine Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Thomas Rhett, Niall Horan Throw Epic Three-Hour Party

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan‘s joint headlining concert in Hershey, Pennsylvania was a complete concert for fans of either artist, and together, they played for over three hours. With Emily Ann Roberts and Kashush Culpeper serving as opening acts, fans got a full night of entertainment. Rhett played a 17-song set featuring some of his biggest hits (along with a brand new song, “Sky Fall”), after which Horan also played a 17-song set of his own. For the encore, Rhett returned to the stage to sing five tracks with Horan. They duetted on Horan’s “Heaven,” Rhett’s “Die a Happy Man” and their only studio collaboration to date, “Old Tricks.” They closed out the show with duets of Ella Langley‘s “Choosin’ Texas” and One Direction‘s “Steal My Girl.”

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 22, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1992, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified quadruple-platinum.
Today in 1992, the Judds’ album, “Why Not Me,” was certified double-platinum.
Today in 1992, the “Read Between the Lines” album by Aaron Tippin was certified gold.
Today in 1994, Sammy Kershaw’s album, “Don’t Go Near the Water,” was certified platinum
Today in 1996, Billy Dean’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks was named the “honorary captain” of the U.S Olympic Wrestling Team.
Today in 1999, Faith Hill’s album, “Faith,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 2001, three generations of country performers covering forty years of music history wrapped up a weekend in the Ohio Valley in celebration of the Jamboree in the Hills’ 25th anniversary. Over 110,000 fans attended the four-day festival, which is often referred to as the “Super Bowl of Country Music.”
Today in 2006, Brad Paisley’s “The World” spun at #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2008, Sugarland’s “Love on the Inside” album was released.
Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band received its first gold certification for the single, “Crazy Girl.”
Today in 2015, Miranda Lambert made a surprise appearance during Ashley Monroe’s concert at the Basement East in Nashville, joining Monroe on “Heart Like Mine” during the encore. Meghan Linsey and Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet are in the crowd for the show, which also featured guests Vince Gill and Striking Matches.
Today in 2016, The Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville opened a new exhibit dedicated to Zac Brown Band, “Homegrown: Zac Brown Band.”
Today in 2016, Brantley Gilbert’s single, “The Weekend,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2018, Miranda Lambert and her dog, Delta, appeared on the cover of Parade magazine alongside three other celebrities involved in animal rescue: Andy Cohen, Carrie Ann Inaba and George Clooney. “Rescue dogs are special,” Lambert says. “They know you’ve saved their lives.”
Today in 2020, Blake Shelton had a big day – he received a triple-platinum single from the RIAA for “God’s Country” and a platinum award for “Nobody But You,” his duet with then-fiancé Gwen Stefani.
Today in 2020, Jimmie Allen’s “Make Me Want To” was certified gold by the RIAA. On the same day, Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads” went platinum, Dan + Shay’s “All To Myself” was certified double-platinum – and so was Kenny Chesney’s single “Get Along.”
Today in 2021, the Jason Aldean/ Carrie Underwood single, “If I Didn’t Love You” was released.
Today in 2021, Jana Kramer announced her divorce from Mike Caussin was finalized.

Ella Langley Reaches New Billboard Heights

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The question now is: when will Ella Langley‘s “Choosin’ Texas” lose chart momentum? The biggest country and pop hit of 2026 just keeps on reaching new heights. The single has now notched its 14th non-consecutive week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and in doing so finds herself in a three-way tie with legends Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. The song ties Carey’s “We Belong Together” and Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” for the most weeks at #1, apart from holiday singles by female performers with no male-billed acts. That record belongs to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You,” which has scored 22 weeks at #1, albeit spread seasonally over seven years.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Johnny Cash earned his first #1 hit with “I Walk the Line.”
Today in 1975, Michael Martin Murphey’s single, “Wildfire,” single is certified gold.
Today in 1990, Marty Stuart scored his first top 10 hit, “Hillbilly Rock.”
Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt married his wife, Tracie.
Today in 1995, Reba McEntire was #1 on the singles charts with the song, “And Still.”
Today in 1999, the “Shania Twain Live” video was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Eric Heatherly and his wife, Heather, welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Christiana Faye Heatherly made her debut at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital and got a musical start to her life. Christiana entered the world listening to her proud papa’s single, “The Last Man Committed,” at 5:37 pm.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks were in Los Angeles to announce their participation in the Rock the Vote campaign.
Today in 2007, Big & Rich took “Lost In This Moment” to the tope of the billboard country chart.
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, and Alison Krauss + Union Station performed for Barack Obama at the White House. Paisley closed the night with a song inspired by the president, “ Welcome To The Future.”
Today in 2014, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Make Me Wanna,” was released.
Today in 2014, Garth Brooks’ “The Ultimate Hits” is certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2015, RCA Studio A is officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Music Row building was a recording site for hits by George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Bobby Bare and Kacey Musgraves, among others.
Today in 2016, Kid Rock performed in Cleveland at the close of the Republican National Convention.
Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina announced her engagement to long-term boyfriend Alex Hopkins. Sadly, the couple announced their split in 2019…but Lauren has reportedly been dating a mystery man for a little over a year now.
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s was toasting her single, “Drinking Alone,” being certified gold by the RIAA.

Jelly Roll, Bunnie XO Finalize Divorce

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

That didn’t take long. Just under two months after Jelly Roll filed for divorce, he and Bunnie XO are now officially single. According to court docs, the two privately finalized their divorce earlier this month. The exact details are confidential, but it’s reported that Jelly and Bunnie are splitting several items, including an aircraft, cars, homes and their intellectual properties. Along with that, the singer is making an undisclosed one-time lump sum payment to his ex-wife, and both are waving off alimony. The two were married for just under ten years.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1966, Jim Reeves’ “The Best Of Jim Reeves” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1988, the video, “George Strait Live,” was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Keith Whitley’s album, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” was certified gold – he had died from alcohol poisoning a year earlier.
Today in 1992, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was certified double platinum.
Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Ten Strait Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1992, the “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” album by Chris Ledoux was released.
Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “Kickin’ It Up” video was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks played to a special crowd in Denver, Colorado: The audience included the one-millionth ticket-buyer for his three-year-long world tour. Garth celebrated the occasion by giving the buyer – Coral Volland – flowers, tour merchandise and a brand new Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith occupied the #1 position in the Billboard with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
Today in 2012, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, welcomed their son, Dylan Jay Marcus.
Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the last of three stadiums on his 2013 tour itinerary. Also on the bill were Kelly Clarkson, Jake Own, and Thomas Rhett.
Today in 2015, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are granted a divorce by an Oklahoma judge
Today in 2016, the video for Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls,” featuring rocker Elle King, premieres on NBC’s “Today”
Today in 2017, Josh Abbott announced his engagement to Taylor Parnell
Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in his first Music City concert in 13 years.
Today in 2018, Charles Esten makes his 100^th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2018, Garth Brooks finished #2 among Billboard’s Money Makers for receipts of $52.2-million. Other country acts among the Top 25 include: Luke Bryan, #15 (with $21-million); Florida Georgia Line, #16 (adding $20.9-million to their bank account); Eric Church, #19 (after racking up $19.4-million); and Chris Stapleton, #21 (collecting $17.9- million).
Today in 2019, T Graham Brown is named an Arkansas Traveler by governor Asa Hutchinson when he performs at the Independence County Fair in Batesville.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ hit single, “The River,” remained at #1 on the country music chart for the second week.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” hit #1 on the charts and stayed for an entire month.
Today in 1997, Clay Walker’s “Rumor Has It” album was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Terri Clark scored her first #1 single with “Now That I Found You.”
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s “Intimate Portrait” premiered on Lifetime Television.
Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad’s music and to present him with the “Distinguished West Virginian Award.” The honor is presented to native West Virginians who have shown a lifetime commitment to community service and excellence in their respective career fields. Past award recipients include Kathy Mattea and astronaut John McBride. This date was also dubbed “Brad Paisley Day” in his home state.
Today in 2001, Travis Tritt sold out his September 21^st show at the Great Frederick Fair in Fredericksburg, Maryland. Why was that so unique? Well, the Fair released pre-sale tickets by mail order and they sold the entire 4,650 by mail!
Today in 2002, Andy Griggs’ long-awaited sophomore album, “Freedom,” made an impressive chart debut. The project nailed the #7 spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks appeared in the “Nancy” comic strip for the sixth time. Creator Guy Gilchrist has been a long-time supporter of the group and an avid country music fan. The ladies appeared on the cover of a magazine titled “New Music.”
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” spent the first of seven weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2006, American Idol alum Kellie Pickler was officially signed to a recording contract.
Today in 2012, Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina, scored a gold single from the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “Kill The Lights” album went double platinum.
Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” went gold.

2026 Belongs To Ella Langley

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

It seems like we’re talking about some new record Ella Langley has broken or some career achievement she’s accomplished a couple times a week, so here’s another one. “Choosin’ Texas” is the most-streamed song in all of music so far in 2026 in the United States with a staggering 571-million streams across all platforms, and it’s not even close. Second most: Olivia Dean‘s “Man I Need,” which scored just over 340-million streams. Added bonus: Ella’s “Be Her” is the fourth-most streamed song of the year so far, with just over 289-million streams. See the list of the most-streamed songs in the US so far this year below.

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley (570.9 million)
“Man I Need” – Olivia Dean (340.2 million
“Ordinary” – Alex Warren (322.8 million)
“Be Her” – Ella Langley (289.1 million)
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny (284.5 million)
“Golden” – HUNTR/X (282.8 million)
“Stateside” – PinkPanthress (with Zara Larsson) (272.4 million)
“I Just Might” – Bruno Mars (267.3 million)
“The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift (255.7 million)
“So Easy (To Fall In Love)” – Olivia Dean (252.9 million)

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

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Summer”, a 9 month old female Aussie mix who is very well behaved and walks great on a leash. Summer is a little shy at first, but will warm up to you quickly and would love to meet you!

Summer is fully vetted, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and ready for her ‘fur-ever’ home!

And because Summer is the H&S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, her adoption fee is only $20 this week!

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

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