This day in Country Music History

Posted on June 25, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, Eddy Arnold recorded “Make The World Go Away“ at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Cameras capture the session for the ABC-TV series “The Jimmy Dean Show.”
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire filed for divorce from Charlie Battles.
Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s video, “It’s All About To Change,” was released.
Today in 1996, Trace Adkins released his debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” and Wade Hayes released his second album, “On A Good Night.”
Today in 1997, more than 70 artists and musicians paid tribute at a Ryman Auditorium concert on Chet Atkins Day. Among the night’s performers were Steve Wariner, Ray Stevens, Ronnie McDowell, Mark Knopfler, Marty Stuart, Bobby Bare and Hank Williams III.
Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s “Shania Twain Live” video was certified gold.
Today in 1999, Tanya Tucker gave birth to her third child, daughter Layla, who arrived at 5:48pm local time in a Nashville hospital. She also has two other children, daughter Presley and son Beau.
Today in 2000, 12-year-old Billy Gilman made his Grand Ole Opry debut during the televised portion of the show.
Today in 2002, SHeDAISY’s album, “Knock On The Sky” and Ty Herndon’s “This Is Ty Herndon: Greatest Hits” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Trace Adkins made his tenth and final appearance on ABC-TV’s “Politically Incorrect.” The show was cancelled soon after.
Today in 2006, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were married at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in Sydney, Australia. Special moments at the service included Keith singing his hit, “Making Memories Of Us,” to his bride.
Today in 2014, the video for “Somethin’ Bad,” the Miranda Lambert duet with Carrie Underwood, premiered on CMT, MTV and VH1.
Today in 2015, Reba McEntire sold her Beverly Park estate for $22.5-million. The purchase price in 2003 was a mere $9-million.
Today in 2019, Granger Smith and his wife, Amber, present a check for nearly $219,000 to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin in memory of their late son, River.
Today in 2019, Thomas Rhett picks up a gold single from the RIAA for “Look What God Gave Her.”
Today in 2020, the Dixie Chicks changed their name to ‘The Chicks’ to remove connotations of Confederate history. This came two weeks after Lady Antebellum changed their name to ‘Lady A.’

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

Posted on June 10, 2025June 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Stormie”, a 4 year old domestic tabby cat who is kind of a lazy gal who loves to lay around and watch birds. She likes to play with teaser toys and loves to cuddle. Stormie would love to curl up on the couch with you and be your new best friend! Stormie gets along well with other cats and doesn’t seem to mind dogs. Stormie is dewormed, fully vetted and vaccinated, spayed, and ready to meet you!

And because Stormie is the pet of the week, her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

Zach Top Unveils Details On Sophomore Album

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Those country fans eagerly awaiting Zach Top‘s sophomore album, the wait is almost over. The rising star announced on his Instagram yesterday, “The subtle hints and cryptic announcements are over. Your new favorite summer banger, ‘Good Times & Tan Lines,’ is out now! And if that’s not enough, my second record, ‘Ain’t In It For My Health,’ will be out 8/29.” And if fans were worried that Zach would move away from the retro sound he’s known for, they’ll be reassured by the first track from his upcoming album.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on June 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1972, Elvis Presley’s afternoon performance during a four-show stand in New York is taped for a future album: “Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden.” Future Oak Ridge Boy Richard Sterban was a backing vocalist, and Bob Dylan was in the audience.
Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s remake of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia On My Mind” tops the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1985, the album, “Have I Got A Deal For You,” by Reba McEntire was released.
Today in 1989, Clint Black topped the country charts with his single, “Better Man.”
Today in 1994, Vince Gill hit #1 with the single, “Whenever You Come Around.”
Today in 1997 Harlan Howard was added to the National Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Phil Spector and Joni Mitchell. Howard wrote “Busted” and “I Fall To Pieces,” among many others.
Today in 1998, Patty Loveless’ album, “Long Stretch Of Lonesome,” was certified gold.
Today in 1998, former Oak Ridge Boys member Steve Sanders was found dead at the age of 45 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Today in 1999, John Berry was a part of President and Mrs. George Bush’s “Milestones and Miracles” birthday celebration in Houston. John, Larry Gatlin and Michael W. Smith performed “O Sole Mio” together accompanied by a 52-piece orchestra.
Today in 2002, Howard Bellamy (of the Bellamy Brothers) married songwriter/producer Sharon Vaughn at the Bellamys’ Florida ranch.
Today in 2012, Wynonna Judd married her husband, Highway 101 drummer Cactus Moser, at her home in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. It was his first marriage, her third.
Today in 2013, the Eli Young Band’s single, “Drunk Last Night,” hit the airwaves.

The Band Perry Returns To Country Music With New Lineup

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Bob Ballard

They’re back! Once the hottest thing in country music (way back in the early 2010s), The Band Perry stepped towards a pop career that never took off. A decade later, the band (with a slightly different lineup) is firmly back in the country music genre. The family band is still a family band, but replacing brother Neil Perry is Kimberly Perry‘s husband, Johnny Costello. Brother Reid Perry remains with the band. The new lineup performed over the weekend on CMA Fest’s Hard Rock Stage as part of CMA Fest in Downtown Nashville. In a statement, the band said, “After stepping away to take a break and evolve, we’re feeling more grounded, more fired-up, and more connected to our roots than ever. Country music has always been home for us, and we feel so grateful to still have a seat at the table. We’re bringing everything we’ve lived, everything we’ve learned, and a whole new energy into this next season. We can’t wait to share what’s coming.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1984, Lorrie Morgan joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1989, the “River Of Time” album by the Judds was certified gold.
Today in 1989, Tammy Wynette’s album, “Tammy’s Greatest Hits,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1989, Kathy Mattea had the #1 single in the country with “Come From The Heart.”
Today in 1993, Reba McEntire and Linda Davis recorded “Does He Love You.”
Today in 1994, the “Indian Outlaw” video by Tim McGraw was certified gold.
Today in 1995, Patty Loveless’ “You Don’t Even Know Who I Am” topped the country singles charts.
Today in 1998, the “Greatest Hits” album by Clay Walker was released.
Today in 1999, Kenny Rogers received the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award at the 30th annual Songwriter’s Hall of Fame Awards dinner.
Today in 2002, Trace Adkins performed a special benefit concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. The concert will raise money for the charities of the BellSouth Senior Classic at Gaylord Opryland which include: Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, Middle Tennessee Council Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scout Council of Cumberland Valley, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee, Family & Children’s Service and Tennessee Lions Charities.
Today in 2002, Cyndi Thomson’s debut album, “My World,” was certified gold.
Today in 2008, Brad Paisley’s “Waitin’ On a Woman” was released.
Today in 2009, George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” The Kingston Trio’s “Tom Dooley” and The Stanley Brothers’ “Rank Stranger” were added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood was pulled over for speeding directly following her performance at Nashville’s LP Field.

Carly Pearce Gives Fans Health Update

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Carly Pearce is struggling with vocal issues and has asked fans for prayers. On Tuesday, she shared that she’s been battling vocal strain, which has been tough during her busy tour schedule. Pearce is working with a vocal coach to manage the problem and avoid long-term damage. She’s staying positive, and said “Thankful for the voice doctors helping me to feel back to myself again, I’m ready to SING.”

THIS DAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORY

Posted on June 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1964, Buck Owens’ “Together Again” took him to #1 again on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1970, Conway Twitty rose to #1 on the Billboard Country chart with “Hello Darlin.”
Today in 1980, the Gatlin Brothers’ “Straight Ahead” album was certified gold.
Today in 1981, “Elvira” by Oak Ridge Boys entered the Top 40 chart.
Today in 1995, Doug Stone earned gold certification for his album, “Greatest Hits Volume I.”
Today in 1997, the “How Do I Live” single by LeAnn Rimes was released.
Today in 1998 George Strait’s “I Just Want To Dance With You” stepped to the top of the Billboard country singles chart
Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack made her debut appearance on NBC-TV’s “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” She didn’t take the “Leno” stage alone, though — when she got the request to perform her breakthrough hit, “I Hope You Dance,” she called her collaborators on the tune, the Sons of the Desert. It was the Sons’ first national TV appearance.
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood became part of one of the hottest — and sexiest – shows on television. The song, “For Only You,” was released as part of the soundtrack from the smash-hit HBO series “Sex And The City.” It wasn’t the first time Trisha took part in a soundtrack project, but what’s interesting is how it happened. While Trisha was in L.A. for the Academy of Country Music awards, she got a call about possibly recording a new song. The song was actually supposed to be recorded by Natalie Cole, but the singer had vocal problems and was forced to back out at the last minute. When Trisha heard the song, she instantly loved it and was thrilled that it was part of one of her favorite shows. So, she said yes and was off to the recording studio. Trisha actually recorded the jazzy ‘40s style song the very next night.
Today in 2000, it was announced that AOL subscribers had dubbed Lonestar’s “Amazed” as the “Top Love Song of All Time.” The single, which topped both the country and Hot 100 charts, was chosen over such classics as “Unchained Melody” (Righteous Brothers), “I Knew I Loved You” (Savage Garden), “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You” (Bryan Adams) and “All My Life” (K-Ci & JoJo). Also in the Top 10 were “I Will Always Love You” (both the Dolly Parton and Whitney Houston versions), “My Heart Will Go On” (Celine Dion) and two ‘N Sync songs.
Today in 2000, Rascal Flatts’ self-titled debut album and Ronnie Milsap’s “40 #1 Hits” arrived in stores.
Today in 2000, Clint Black’s “Biography” debuted on the A&E network.
Today in 2001, it was announced that Vince Gill would be the recipient of the second annual “Country Weekly” Career Achievement Award at the TNN & CMT “Country Weekly” Awards.
Today in 2001, Travis Tritt’s home state of Georgia announced plans to honor him by renaming a three-mile section of Highway 92 “Travis Tritt Highway.”
Today in 2003, Kenny Chesney headlined a stadium show for the first time in his career, playing to nearly 62-thousand (61,780 to be exact) in the rain at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium. Joining him on the bill: Brooks & Dunn, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, The Warren Brothers and Deana Carter.
Today in 2005, Toby Keith’s singles “I Love This Bar” and “Beer For My Horses,” a duet with Willie Nelson, are certified gold.
Today in 2009, George Strait headlined the inaugural event at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with Reba McEntire and Blake Shelton. Lee Ann Womack was a last-minute replacement for Julianne Hough, who bowed out with strep throat.
Today in 2012 Carrie Underwood wins “Video of the Year” and “Collaborative Video of the Year” at the CMT Awards.
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift brought out surprise guests Tim McGraw and Keith Urban to play “Highway Don’t Care” at Nashville’s LP Field during the CMA Music Festival. The Zac Brown Band likewise welcomed two unannounced guests: Kenny Rogers and Kid Rock.

Darius Rucker’s 16th Annual “Darius And Friends” Benefit Raises Over $815-Thousand For St. Jude’s

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Bob Ballard

The friends came through again. Darius Rucker’s 16th annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert and golf tournament, held over the weekend in Nashville, raised over $815-thousand for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The concert at the Ryman Auditorium featured surprise guests like Morgan Wallen and Luke Bryan, with performances by Tyler Braden, Kashus Culpepper, Lanie Gardner, and Austin Williams. The golf event followed at Old Natchez Country Club. The money supports St. Jude’s work to help kids with cancer. Rucker, who hosts every year, said the event’s success comes from fans and artists coming together for a great cause. This year’s total pushes his contributions to St. Jude past $4.3-million.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on June 5, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1980, The John Travolta movie “Urban Cowboy” premiered. It includes music by Kenny Rogers, Johnny Lee, Mickey Gilley, Anne Murray, The Eagles, The Charlie Daniels Band, Jimmy Buffet, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, and J.D. Souther.
Today in 1981, John Denver’s “Greatest Hits, Volume II” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1992, Wynonna Judd’s debut album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1993, the legendary Conway Twitty passed away. He was 59 years old.
Today in 1993, Toby Keith’s first single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” hit #1 on the charts.
Today in 1995, the 29th annual Music City News Country Awards were held with Alan Jackson & Reba McEntire walking away as the night’s top winners.
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was certified for sales of 13 million. This distinction tied with Bruce Springsteen’s “Live 1975-1985” as the biggest-selling live album in history. As a bit of trivia, that certification pushed Garth’s total career sales to 5 million. As of now, his sales exceed 100 million.
Today in 2000, George Strait got great news. His 1995 compilation, “Strait Out of the Box,” jumped to the 7-million sales level matching Led Zeppelin’s 1990 self-titled collection as the highest-certified box set released in the ’90s. Plus, George’s 1998 album, “One Step at a Time,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 2000, Martina McBride was working overtime during her visit to the Washington, D.C. area. After turning in a stellar performance during the George Strait Country Music Festival’s stop in Landover, Maryland, Martina performed another show at the much more intimate setting of the Birchmere, a music hall located in Alexandria, Virginia. Country stars rarely perform two concerts at different places during the same day, but Martina made an exception after hearing the tragic story of a local murder. In April 2000, 8-year-old Kevin Shifflett was stabbed to death as he played outside his grandparents’ home in Alexandria. Martina’s concert raised $100,000 for a reward fund to find the young boy’s killer. Raising $100,000 for one show at the Birchmere was an impressive feat since 500 fans gladly paid $200 per ticket to see Martina’s concert.
Today in 2000, Vince Gill’s album, “I Still Believe in You,” was certified for sales of 5-million.
Today in 2000, Mark Chesnutt’s “Greatest Hits” album went platinum.
Today in 2000, Mary Chapin Carpenter had plenty to celebrate, with her “Stones in the Road” reaching double platinum and her greatest hits collection, “Party Doll and Other Favorites,” going gold.
Today in 2000, Even in the midst of an extended hiatus, the Dixie Chicks showed no signs of slowing down. Their debut album, “Wide Open Spaces,” was certified for sales in excess of 11-million. When the critically acclaimed disc surpassed 10-million the trio became the only group in the history of country music to receive a prestigious RIAA Diamond Award. The news was certainly made sweeter for the band as their follow-up album, “Fly,” had already well over the 9-million mark and hit 10-million before summer was in full swing.
Today in 2001, Trisha Yearwood’s album, “Inside Out,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2003, Dwight Yoakam receives a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 2007, After kicking off their Soul2Soul concert tour, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill received the Academy of Country Music’s Career Achievement Award.

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