Chris Stapleton Announces More “All American Road Show” Dates

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Chris Stapleton‘s 2026 is starting to take shape. The singer added 24 more shows to his growing tour schedule yesterday, and threw in some surprises, including dates alongside Lainey Wilson, Zach Top and more. For complete tour date and ticket information, visit Stapleton’s website. Tickets for the new shows go on sale January 16 at 10AM local time. See the first ten of the new dates listed below.

May 23 — Nashville, Tenn. @ Nissan Stadium
June 11 — Jacksonville, Fla. @ Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
June 13 — Tampa, Fla. @ Raymond James Stadium
June 17 — Burgettstown, Pa. @ The Pavilion at Star Lake
June 20 — Charlotte, N.C. @ Bank of America Stadium
June 24 — Hershey, Pa. @ Hersheypark Stadium
June 26 — North Charleston, S.C. @North Charleston Coliseum
July 8 — Mountain View, Calif. @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 10 — Chula Vista, Calif. @ North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 17 — Portland, Ore. @ Providence Park

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1960, Patsy Cline became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1961, Johnny Horton’s “North to Alaska” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 1982, a five-mile stretch of Gallatin Road in Hendersonville, Tennessee was renamed the Johnny Cash Parkway.
Today in 1990, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified quadruple-platinum.
Today in 2000, Shania Twain won People’s Choice award for Favorite Female Music Performer.
Today in 2004, Emmylou Harris and Dave Matthews cover the Lefty Frizzell classic “The Long Black Veil” as the latest addition of the Radney Foster-hosted “CMT Crossroads” debuts.
Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts’ “Life Is A Highway” earned two People’s Choice awards, Carrie Underwood also won two awards. Kenny Chesney and Bon Jovi’s won an award for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”
Today in 2009, Justin Moore’s “Small Town USA” was released.
Today in 2012, Blake Shelton achieved gold and platinum singles for “God Gave Me You.”
Today in 2015, Toby Keith performed “Beer For My Horses” to launch “CMT Ultimate Kickoff Party,” a 90-minute special celebrating the college football championship game. The lineup also featured Thomas Rhett, Lady Antebellum, Jake Owen, Maddie & Tae, Brett Eldredge and Big & Rich.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town performed the national anthem before the BCS National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, where the Clemson Tigers beat the Alabama Crimson Tide, 35-31.

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

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Cat”, a male 6 and a half year old kitty who loves attention, loves to cuddle and enjoys looking out the window. Cat is a mellow fellow who doesn’t mind dogs and gets along great with other cats. Cat is fully vetted, vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Cat’s ready for his ‘furr-ever’ home, and would ove to meet his new best friend!

And since Cat is the H&S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $30 this week!

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

Grand Ole Opry Announces Fourth Annual “Opry Goes Dolly” Event

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

For the fourth straight year, the Grand Ole Opry will honor Dolly Parton‘s birthday with the “Opry Goes Dolly” show. For Dolly’s upcoming 80th birthday, country stars Vince Gill, Lainey Wilson and Rhonda Vincent will show up to pay tribute to the legend, with more names to be added before the January 17th event (two days before her actual birthday). Five dollars from every ticket sold to the show will be donated to Parton’s Imagination Library. For tickets, visit the Opry’s website.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers has seven GRAMMY nominations, including “The Gambler” for Record of the Year. Roger’s producer, Larry Butler, was nominated for Producer of the Year.
Today in 1983, Reba McEntire’s “Can’t Even Get The Blues” achieved her first #1 single on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1992, Vince Gill’s “Pocket Full Of Gold” went platinum.
Today in 1993, Elvis Presley received tribute with a 29-cent U.S. postage stamp.
Today in 2001, Faith Hill received three trophies in the American Music Awards. Tim McGraw earned Favorite Country Male, The Dixie Chicks were named Favorite Country Band, and Billy Gilman won Favorite Country Artist.
Today in 2014, Taylor Swift won Favorite Country Artist during the 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards, Tim McGraw was named Favorite Country Music Icon.
Today in 2015, Vince Gill and Carrie Underwood sang “Go Rest High On That Mountain” during Little Jimmy Dickens’ memorial at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House. Also taking part: Steve Wariner, Chris Young, Connie Smith, Old Crow Medicine Show, songwriter Bobby Tomberlin and Brad Paisley, who performed “When I Get Where I’m Going.”
Today in 2015, Garth Brooks became the first guest to appear on all four hours of NBC’s “Today” from New York. He’s joined by co-host Hoda Kotb on “Friends In Low Places.”
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood’s “Greatest Hits: Decade #1” went platinum. On the same day, Montgomery Gentry’s single, “Where I Come From,” went gold…and Thomas Rhett’s single, “Die A Happy Man” went platinum.
Today in 2016, singer/songwriter Red Simpson dies in Bakersfield. He earned a Top 5 hit as an artist in 1972 with “I’m A Truck.” He also wrote a handful of Buck Owens hits, including “Gonna Have Love” and “Sam’s Place.”
Today in 2017, Carrie Underwood and Sting presented the musical Golden Globe Awards to “La La Land” as NBC broadcast the ceremony from the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. Also in the room were Keith Urban, Nicole Kidman, Justin Timberlake, Stevie Wonder, John Travolta and Reese Witherspoon.
Today in 2018, the LANCO single, “Born To Love You,” hit the airwaves.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 7, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Faron Young recorded “Hello Walls” at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio.
Today in 1967, Charley Pride became the first black-American solo singer to perform on Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job And Shove It” reaches #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks and Alan Jackson each received four GRAMMY nominations.
Today in 2009, Carrie Underwood took home three trophies at the 35th annual People’s Choice Awards. Rascal Flatts won one.
Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott married drummer Chris Tyrell in upstate New York.
Today in 2013, Zac Brown Band sang the national anthem for the college football’s BCS Championship Game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
Today in 2015, Lady A, Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes won country trophies on CBS’ telecast of the People’s Choice Awards. Taylor Swift claimed three pop honors.
Today in 2016, Rachel Reinert announced via Twitter that she’s leaving Gloriana.
Today in 2018, Keith Urban and Kelly Clarkson presented the Best Original Song trophy during the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Nicole Kidman won the night’s first trophy, for “Big Little Lies.”
Today in 2019, Travis Denning’s single “After A Few” hit the airwaves. On the same day, Jimmie Allen’s “Make Me Want To” was also released.
Today in 2021, “Us Weekly” reported the Catholic church had granted an annulment to Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. It was an impediment to Stefani marrying Blake Shelton.
Today in 2021, Lee Brice announced he’s a brand ambassador for Yuengling beer.
Today in 2021, TBS launched the “Go-Big Show,” an extreme talent contest featuring judges Jennifer Nettles, Snoop Dogg, Cody Rhodes and Rosario Dawson.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Faron Young recorded “Hello Walls” at the Bradley Film & Recording Studio.
Today in 1967, Charley Pride became the first black-American solo singer to perform on Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s “Take This Job And Shove It” reaches #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks and Alan Jackson each received four GRAMMY nominations.
Today in 2009, Carrie Underwood took home three trophies at the 35th annual People’s Choice Awards. Rascal Flatts won one.
Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott married drummer Chris Tyrell in upstate New York.
Today in 2013, Zac Brown Band sang the national anthem for the college football’s BCS Championship Game at Sun Life Stadium in Miami.
Today in 2015, Lady A, Carrie Underwood and Hunter Hayes won country trophies on CBS’ telecast of the People’s Choice Awards. Taylor Swift claimed three pop honors.
Today in 2016, Rachel Reinert announced via Twitter that she’s leaving Gloriana.
Today in 2018, Keith Urban and Kelly Clarkson presented the Best Original Song trophy during the Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel. Nicole Kidman won the night’s first trophy, for “Big Little Lies.”
Today in 2019, Travis Denning’s single “After A Few” hit the airwaves. On the same day, Jimmie Allen’s “Make Me Want To” was also released.
Today in 2021, “Us Weekly” reported the Catholic church had granted an annulment to Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale. It was an impediment to Stefani marrying Blake Shelton.
Today in 2021, Lee Brice announced he’s a brand ambassador for Yuengling beer.
Today in 2021, TBS launched the “Go-Big Show,” an extreme talent contest featuring judges Jennifer Nettles, Snoop Dogg, Cody Rhodes and Rosario Dawson.

2026 CRS New Faces Showcase Features One Superstar

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Traditionally, the CRS (Country Radio Seminar) features five up and coming talents that are expected to make a big splash in country music. The New Faces Showcase has been an industry institution since 1970, and past performers include George Strait, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wison, Tim McGraw and more. The lineup for the 2026 showcase has been announced, and the list of five names has been expanded to six. Getting the chance to play for a room full of country radio’s movers and shakers this March: Kelsey Hart, Chase Matthew, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick and Josh Ross. Also performing, and a face that’s not so new, is rising superstar Ella Langley. CRS 2026 takes place from March 18–20 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. General registration is available for $698 per person. Tickets for the New Faces of Country Music Show are sold separately for $110 and are limited.

Tim McGraw Debuts Emotional New Song During Vegas Residency

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Tim McGraw premiered a new song live in Las Vegas that seems to have the emotion and depth of a “Don’t Take The Girl” of “Live Like You Were Dying.” The singer posted the performance clip to his TikTok, with the caption “In this world right now, this message has never been more relevant and true.” “Different” tells the story of a person marginalized, bullied and misunderstood from a first-person angle, and it’s not until the final stanza the narrator identifies himself. Check out Tim McGraw’s live performance of “Different” below.

@timmcgrawIn this world right now, this message has never been more relevant and true

♬ original sound – Tim McGraw

This day in Country Music History

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1957, Elvis Presley made his final appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Today in 1958, Jerry Lee Lewis grabbed the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “Great Balls Of Fire.”
Today in 1979, Don Williams reached #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Tulsa Time.”
Today in 1983, Rosanne Cash reeled in her first gold album for “Seven Year Ache.”
Today in 1990, Sawyer Brown’s Mark Miller married makeup artist Lisa Knight in Los Angeles.
Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood and LeAnn Rimes were each nominated for best Country Vocal Performance by a Female for their versions of “How Do I Live.” It was the first time in GRAMMY history that two renditions of the same song competed against each other.
Today in 2005, Lee Ann Womack’s “I May Hate Myself In The Morning” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2007, Brad Paisley hit #1 on the Billboard chart with “She’s Everything.”
Today in 2014, The Swon Brothers’ debut single, “Later On,” was released.
Today in 2016, “Blue” was the first song performed during auditions as the final season of “American Idol” launches on FOX. Judge Keith Urban offers critiques as contestants perform “Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way,” “(Ghost) Riders In The Sky,” “Chainsaw,” “Leavin’ On Your Mind,” “Follow Your Arrow” and “Last Name.”

TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""

NEWSLETTER