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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1989, Patty Loveless notched her first #1 country single with “Timber, I’m Falling In Love.”
  • Today in 1993, Vince Gill racked up eight nominations and Alan Jackson got seven, as the Country Music Association unveiled finalists for its 1993 awards. Gill and Jackson face Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire for Entertainer of the Year.
  • Today in 2000, Lonestar landed at the top of the Billboard Country chart with their single, “What About Now.”
  • Today in 2001, Shania Twain and then-husband/producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange welcomed their first child, a son named Eja (pronounced like Asia) in the world. The news wasn’t revealed to the world until August 20th.
  • Today in 2002, Chad Brock and his wife, Natalie, welcomed their daughter, Kennedy Victoria. Lil’ Ms. Kennedy, who arrived a couple of weeks early, still managed to weigh in at 8-pounds, 11-ounces.
  • Today in 2002, it was announced that Reba McEntire was member of the first class of inductees into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. The honor is a special achievement for Reba since her family has been competing and entertaining at the annual rodeo event for 70 years, beginning with her world-champion steer roper grandfather, John McEntire. Reba’s induction took place on September 23rd in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
  • Today in 2006, Rodney Atkins earned his first #1 single in Billboard: “If You’re Going Through Hell (Before The Devil Even Knows)
  • Today in 2011, Hunter Hayes performed “Storm Warning” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2013, Dierks Bentley’s single, “I Hold On,” was released.
  • Today in 2016, Chris Lane’s single, “For Her,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Kenny Rogers and Bobbie Nelson were inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the Carthage Civic Center.
  • Today in 2019, both Maren Morris’ single “The Bones” and Kip Moore’s “She’s Mine” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2020, Hank Williams Jr., Marty Stuart and songwriter Dean Dillon were announced as 2020 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Garth Brooks Name-Checks Current Artists That Impress Him

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Garth Brooks came in with an amazing class of country musicians; Clint Black, Travis Tritt, Alan Jackson and more all broke through at about the same time. More than 35 years later, what does the legend think of the current crop of musicians? In an interview with WGN TV, Garth was asked which artists he’s listening to and liking right now, and he showed a lot of love for the women in country. “Guys, It’s harder than ever to be an artist, bar none, but the females in our world, they’re tearing it up right now.” He then pointed to two artists in particular. “Lainey [Wilson], Ella [Langley], they’re tearing it up right now…being the dad of three daughters and being married to one of the greatest singers ever, it’s just, they have to work a thousand times harder to have as much success, so I love to see it.” Women in country are certainly having a day, and Garth is all for it.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1952, Hank Williams was fired from the Grand Ole Opry for unreliability due to alcoholism.
  • Today in 1984, “That’s The Thing About Love” by Don Williams topped the country charts.
  • Today in 1989, Holly Dunn was #1 with the single, “Are You Ever Gonna Love Me.”
  • Today in 1992, Alabama’s “American Pride” album was released.
  • Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “A Lot About Livin’” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, Neal McCoy earned his first gold album for “No Doubt About It.”
  • Today in 1995, the album, “The Last One To Know,” by Reba McEntire was certified for sales of one million copies, bringing her total number of platinum albums to 11.
  • Today in 1998, Vince Gill’s album, “The Key,” was released.
  • Today in 1998, the Wilkinsons released their debut album, “Nothing But Love.”
  • Today in 1998, the Dixie Chicks received the first of their many chicken-feet tattoos, which adorn their feet and ankles. Each tattoo celebrates the band’s #1 hits and album sales certifications.
  • Today in 1999, John Michael Montgomery’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2000, Lonestar’s single, “What About Now,” ended Lee Ann Womack’s six-week reign she enjoyed at the top of “Radio & Records’” country chart with “I Hope You Dance.”
  • Today in 2001, Blake Shelton picked up his first #1 single in Billboard with “Austin,” which remained at the top for five weeks.
  • Today in 2005, Steve Earle and Allison Moorer were married in Nashville in his seventh wedding and her second. The couple divorced in 2014, but do have a son together.
  • Today in 2005, Billy Currington’s “Must Be Doin’ Somethin’ Right” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2006, “CMT Cross Country” debuts, demonstrating the parallels between a pair of country performers. The inaugural episode matches Josh Turner with one of his biggest influences, Randy Travis.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” album was released.
  • Today in 2010, Luke Bryan and his wife, Caroline, welcomed son Tatum “Tate” Christopher Bryan.
  • Today in 2013, Kenny Chesney’s “Come Over” hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2017, Lindsay Ell’s debut album, “The Project,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Taylor Swift’s former bodyguard testified in a Denver courtroom that he saw a disc jockey grab her buttocks during a 2013 photo op. Later in the day, the judge dropped the radio host’s suit against Swift, though her mother and an employee were still defendants as the dee jay seeks damages for losing his job.
  • Today in 2017, Jason Aldean holds a Concert For The Kids with Luke Combs at Macon Coliseum in Georgia, raising $700,000 for the local Children’s Hospital. A section of road at the hospital was dedicated as Jason Aldean Way.
  • Today in 2018, Kenny Chesney’s “Songs For The Saints” album hit the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2018, Dolly Parton won the inaugural Dolly Parton Excellence In Leadership Award during a ceremony at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
  • Today in 2019, when he performed at the Railbird Festival, Tyler Childers received a key to the city of Lexington, Kentucky.

Luke Bryan Postpones Two Shows Due To Wildfire Smoke

Posted on by Bob Ballard

As many artists have been forced to do before him, Luke Bryan had to postpone this weekend’s shows in the Pacific Northwest due to wildfires and the poor air quality that has resulted. Friday’s show at Northern Quest Resort and Casino in Spokane, WA, has been rescheduled for Sunday, October 11th, with Saturday’s concert at White River Amphitheatre in Seattle rescheduled to October 10th. “Obviously, we are out west, and had a show in Bend, Oregon last night. Got on stage, and everything was going great, but with all of the smoke and the wildfires midway through the show, I started really struggling up there. I have asthma and a lot of people don’t really know that,” Bryan explained in a social media video. “Sometimes it gets the best of me, and it did last night. Then having to show up in Washington tonight and tomorrow with all of the wildfires going on, we just felt like it’d be probably best to come back and reschedule to where we know I’ll be 100-percent.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1971, a summit meeting of past and present stars of country music took place at Woodland Studios in Nashville as recording began on “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” a triple album released in 1972 by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Legends on the album included “Mother” Maybelle Carter, Earl Scruggs, Roy Acuff and Merle Travis.
  • Today in 1977, Kenny Rogers’ self-titled album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1990, Mark Chesnutt began his first concert tour in Highland, Texas.
  • Today in 1991, Vince Gill became a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 1994, Alan Jackson’s “Here In The Real World” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, George Strait’s album, “Carryin’ Your Love With Me,” was certified triple platinum while his “Lead On” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Reba McEntire’s “Greatest Hits Volume II” was certified for sales of 5-million.
  • Today in 1998, the “Souvenirs” album by Vince Gill was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1998, “The Patsy Cline Collection” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney’s “I Will Stand” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2000, there were two only country acts to appear on the 2nd annual Family Television Awards. Reba McEntire hosted the festivities, and Billy Gilman performed.
  • Today in 2000, then-Vice President Al Gore personally asked Mary Chapin Carpenter to perform at the Democratic National Convention. Mary Chapin was asked to perform a song from her “Stones In The Road” album called “Why Walk, When You Can Fly.”
  • Today in 2000, Jo Dee Messina hit another milestone in her career as it was announced that her album, “Burn,” had debuted on Billboard’s Country Album chart at #1.
  • Today in 2001, Cyndi Thomson made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2001, Martie Seidel became Martie Maguire when she married hubby Gareth in a supersecret ceremony in Hawaii. The happy couple was able to keep their news quiet until late-September, when the Dixie Chicks performed on the “Tribute to Heroes” special – Martie was seen wearing what looked to be a wedding ring, and she soon admitted through reps that she and Gareth had indeed exchanged vows. The couple split in 2013 and share three daughters.
  • Today in 2001, Oak Ridge Boy William Lee Golden and his wife, Brenda, welcomed their new son, William Solomon Golden, into the world at 11:04am local time at Baptist Hospital in Nashville. And even though little William arrived 12 days early, he weighed in at a healthy 6-pounds, 13 ¾-ounces.
  • Today in 2001, Clint Black hosted the Family Television Awards. He and wife Lisa Hartman Black performed their chart-topping hit, “When I Said I Do,” on the show. Interestingly, the program, which honors the best in family-oriented viewing, was the couple’s first televised appearance since the birth of their daughter, Lily Pearl, that May.
  • Today in 2001, one of the biggest stars on the planet became of the brightest in the sky as members of Shania Twain’s announced they had paid to have a star registered in Shania’s name – it’s in the constellation Virgo.
  • Today in 2002, for the first time since their 1998 Grand Ole Opry debut, Natalie Maines, Martie Maguire and Emily Robison – aka the Dixie Chicks – made their follow-up performance on the legendary stage of the Grand Ole Opry.
  • Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s nine-minute “You Save Me” video aired on CMT for the first time.
  • Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s single, “Need You Now,” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2009, Brooks & Dunn announced in a short note that they would be ending their partnership after one last tour. The message? “It’s time to call it a day.” And while the pair – aka Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks – have continued recording solo music, they have since offered a reunion of sorts through a series of shows in Las Vegas with Reba McEntire.
  • Today in 2012, Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” video premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2014, Cole Swindell wrote his future hit, “You Should Be Here,” with songwriter Ashley Gorley at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. All this while he was prepping to open for Luke Bryan.
  • Today in 2016, Eric Church earned a gold single from the RIAA for “Record Year.”
  • Today in 2017, Taylor Swift took the stand in Denver as she insisted a former local disc jockey groped her inappropriately backstage in 2013: “He did not touch my arm. He did not touch my rib,” she said. “He did not touch my hand. He grabbed my bare ass.”
  • Today in 2018, the Lady A single, “Need You Now,” was certified nine-times platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2019, Chely Wright performed “Shut Up And Drive” and “Single White Female” at the Grand Ole Opry. It was her first appearance at the Mother Church since she came out in May 2010.
  • Today in 2019, Rodney Crowell, Jeannie C. Riley and Claude Gray joined the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame.

Luke Combs Is A Member Of The Spotify Billions Club (Again)

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Making the “Spotify Billions Club” is a career achievement, so rare that only 17 country songs have accomplished the feat. Make that 18 now, as Luke Combs‘ “Fast Car” has crossed the billion streams plateau. More incredible: it’s Luke’s third song to do so. Cooler still, it’s the second time “Fast Car” has pulled this off; in January 2025, Tracy Chapman‘s original also joined the exclusive club.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1954, Johnny Cash married Vivian Liberto in San Antonio, Texas. The couple, who share their daughter, Rosanne, moved to Memphis, where he formed a trio that was signed to Sun Records. The couple divorced in 1967 amid Johnny’s trouble with drug addiction. With the help of June Carter, Johnny beat his addiction and eventually married June in 1968.
  • Today in 1981, “Hank Williams Jr.’s “The Pressure Is On” album was released.
  • Today in 1984, the “Poncho & Lefty” album by Merle Haggard & Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1989, Merle Haggard’s “His Epic – The First Eleven – To Be Continued” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, the album, “It’s All About To Change,” by Travis Tritt was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Reba McEntire’s “My Kind Of Country” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, the “Pocket Full Of Gold” album by Vince Gill was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, Willie Nelson sold his Colorado ranch for $803,000 to help pay off the back taxes he owed the IRS.
  • Today in 1992, Doug Stone’s “From The Heart” album was released.
  • Today in 1996, Randy Travis’ “Always & Forever” album was certified for sales of 5-million.
  • Today in 1997, the Mayor of New York City declared it to be “Garth Brooks Day” in the Big Apple, as Garth played his historic concert in Central Park. A record 980,000 people showed up to see Garth perform with special guests Billy Joel and Don McLean. HBO’s live telecast of the free concert in New York set a ratings record for the cable network. “Garth Live From Central Park” drew HBO’s largest audience for an original program that year and topped the four major broadcast networks in HBO homes.
  • Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson’s debut album, “Room With a View,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 15-million.
  • Today in 2002, Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2004, Reba McEntire escorted “Somebody” to #1 in Billboard
  • Today in 2007, Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery were announced as the year’s Country Music Hall of Fame inductees during a ceremony at the Hall of Fame in Nashville by the Country Music Association.
  • Today in 2014, Songwriters busbee, Nate Cyphert and William Wiik Larsen wrote “H.O.L.Y.” in Los Angeles. In 2016, the song becomes a country hit for Florida Georgia Line.
  • Today in 2015, Luke Bryan’s album, “Kill The Lights,” was released.
  • Today in 2017, Taylor Swift appeared in a Denver courtroom at the start of a trial that pits her against a radio host she accused of grabbing her buttocks backstage at a 2013 concert.
  • Today in 2017, Florida Georgia Line’s 2016 album, “Dig Your Roots,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2017, Toby Keith and Kid Rock performed at Tom Benson Hall Of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio, to close the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s week of induction ceremonies. The night’s music included “Red Solo Cup,” “All Summer Long” and “I Love This Bar.”

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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Otis”, a 2 year old Pointer mix. Otis is quite the guy. He likes to dunk his whole face in his water bowl and play in the water that spills out. But hey – that’s not going to stop him from going in for some snuggles right afterwards! Otis loves to play with the other dogs in the yard, go on walks, play in water, or just relax in his kennel. Otis would be an amazing companion for someone who loves to be active, but he would be just as happy vegging out and watching old Disney channel original movies with you! As long as he is in a home, he’s a happy fella.

Otis is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered, microchipped and ready to go!

And since Otis is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $50 this week!

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

Megan Moroney Teams Up With American Girl

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Megan Moroney is bringing her dazzling fashion sense to little girls (and bigger girls) everywhere. The singer and American Girl have teamed up to bring a new line of America Girl outfits inspired by her own stage fits. In a statement, Megan said, “I’ve been an American Girl fan for as long as I can remember. One of my favorite Christmas gifts was getting my first American Girl doll, and I still have her in the box at my parents’ house. As a kid, dolls let your imagination run wild… I had mine doing cheerleading stunts and performing concerts, while I also probably cared a little too much about her outfits,” Moroney says. “Getting to create a collection inspired by my own style feels like such a full-circle moment, and it’s something I’ll always cherish. I hope fans have just as much fun making the collection their own, expressing themselves, and letting their imaginations run wild.”

Available now through the American Girl website and American Girl stores nationwide, the collection features the American Girl x Megan Moroney Stage Outfit, the American Girl x Megan Moroney Fan Fashion Outfit, the American Girl x Megan Moroney Concert-Ready Accessories, the American Girl x Megan Moroney VIP Accessories, and the American Girl x Megan Moroney Guitar & Mic Stand Playset.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers’ single, “She Believes In Me,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1988, George Strait topped the charts with the single, “Baby Blue.”
  • Today in 1993, Wynonna’s self-titled album was certified triple platinum.
  • Today in 1993, Mark Chesnutt hit #1 on the charts with the single, “It Sure Is Monday.”
  • Today in 1999, the movie soundtrack album for “The Runaway Bride” debuted at #1 on the “Billboard” soundtrack chart, selling 79,000 copies its first week of release. One reason for the CD’s success was that it featured hit singles by the Dixie Chicks and Martina McBride. As a matter of fact, a representative from the record label that released the project said that the achievement proved that country artists and pop artists can exist side by side on a soundtrack and be successful.
  • Today in 1999, Lonestar’s single, “Amazed,” began its fifth week at the top of “Radio & Records’” country chart. The achievement broke the previous record set by a group – Alabama had previously spent four weeks at #1 with “Jukebox on My Mind.”
  • Today in 2002, Cledus T. Judd’s album, “I Stold This Record,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 2002, Phil Vassar’s “American Child” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney joined a hundred-or-so friends, publishers, songwriters and others gathered in Nashville at ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) to recognize Kenny and his chart-topping smash, “The Good Stuff.”
  • Today in 2002, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines tees off on Toby Keith’s “Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue” in the Los Angeles Daily News: “It’s ignorant, and it makes country music sound ignorant… You’ve got to have some tact.” Their mutual war of words continued for ages.
  • Today in 2003, John Mellencamp joins Kenny Chesney to tape an episode of “CMT Crossroads” in Nashville, where the set list includes “Young,” “R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.” and “Folsom Prison Blues.” Radney Foster hosts
  • Today in 2004, Willie Nelson and Bob Dylan launch their first joint concert tour, playing minor league baseball parks, beginning with at stop at Doubleday Field in Cooperstown, New York
  • Today in 2008, Taylor Swift filmed her “Love Story” video in Nashville
  • Today in 2011, the Oak Ridge Boys were inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. They sang “Bobbie Sue,” “Elvira” and an a cappella “Amazing Grace” on their big night.
  • Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line countersues the producers of the Country Explosion music festival for more than $200,000. The concert execs previously filed a $15-million suit against the duo, alleging they were defamed when the duo’s tour manager told other booking agents about a check that failed to clear the bank.
  • Today in 2016, Steven Tyler debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “We’re All Somebody From Somewhere.”
  • Today in 2016, Kenny Chesney’s concert at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, includes a surprise guest: Sammy Hagar, who played “I Can’t Drive 55.”
  • Today in 2017, Vince Gill performed two songs during the funeral for former Notre Dame head coach Ara Parseghian in South Bend, Indiana.

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