- Today in 1967, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened for business.
- Today in 1978, Crystal Gayle’s “Ready For The Times To Get Better” hit #1 on the country charts.
- Today in 1979, drummer Mark Herndon joined Alabama.
- Today in 1985, the “40 Hour Week” album by Alabama was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1989, George Strait’s “Baby’s Gotten Good At Goodbye” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1991, Reba McEntire’s album, “Rumor Has It,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1993, Garth Brooks made the cover of “Rolling Stone,” where he defended his stance on homosexuality and interracial marriage in “We Shall Be Free” saying: “I do believe that God exists. I do believe in the Bible. But I can’t see that loving somebody is a sin.”
- Today in 1996, Alabama’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million. At the time, it was the best-selling project by a country group ever.
- Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ “Wide Open Spaces” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million.
- Today in 2000, TNN premiered the animated movie, “Tom Sawyer.” Rhett Akins was the voice of Tom Sawyer, Lee Ann Womack provided the voice of Becky Thatcher, Mark Wills was Huck Finn and Waylon Jennings was Judge Thatcher. Hank Williams Jr. was at his “bad boy” best, infusing his voice into the menacing character of Injurin’ Joe. Marty Stuart provided the voice for the zealous Reverend, television veteran Betty White voiced Aunt Polly, while film and television icon Don Knotts had the perfect voice for the befuddled Mutt Potter.
- Today in 2002, Chris Cagle scored his very first #1 hit with his single, “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out.”
- Today in 2003, Johnny Cash was released from a hospital after a bout of pneumonia.
- Today in 2003, Chris Cagle’s self-titled album arrived in stores.
- Today in 2003, Darryl Worley enjoyed a second week at the top of the singles charts with “Have You Forgotten?”
- Today in 2004, Carlene Carter’s bond was revoked after she failed a drug test. The bond was in conjunction with an earlier arrest, in which she had been charged with stealing a dead man’s identity to get prescription drugs.
- Today in 2004, Rachel Proctor performed at the Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee’s annual Taste of Spring fundraiser in Nashville.
- Today in 2006, Willie Nelson held a press conference and broke ground on the new Pacific BioDiesel Texas, on a two-acre parcel adjacent to Carl’s Corner Truck Stop in Carl’s Corner, Texas.
- Today in 2006, Eric Church made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Church performed his debut single, “How ‘Bout You,” then segued into the Leadbelly song “Black Betty.”
- Today in 2006, Craig Morgan was in a cross country motorcycle accident in Bucksnort, Tennessee, where he sustained a broken left wrist and a mild concussion. The singer finished the race, placing third, before going to the hospital. He also performed that night.
- Today in 2006, Tim McGraw stepped in for Sheryl Crow at the 18th annual Bob Costas Benefit for SSM Cardinal Glenn on Children’s Medical Center show in St. Louis, Missouri.
- Today in 2006, More than six thousand mourners filed past an open casket on the dance floor of Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace nightclub to pay their last respects to the country music icon.
- Today in 2007, the Dixie Chicks’ “Taking the Long Way” was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2007 Juno Awards. Emerson Drive, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, and George Canyon were also nominees.
- Today in 2007, Sugarland performed at MyCokeFest at Centennial Olympic Park in Atlanta, Georgia, which was a free music event held in conjunction with the NCAA Men’s Final Four.
- Today in 2008, Dolly Parton was the guest mentor on “American Idol.”
- Today in 2008, new album releases included George Strait’s “Troubadour,” Kathy Mattea’s “Coal,” Josh Gracin’s “We Weren’t Crazy,” and Willie Nelson’s “One Hell of a Ride.”
- Today in 2008, Vince Gill and Larry Gatlin helped launch the 16th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriter Festival in Nashville.
- Today in 2012, Taylor Swift was named the Academy of Country Music’s Entertainer of the Year for a second consecutive year at the 47th annual ACM Awards. Meanwhile, Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert took home multiple awards, while Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum, Thompson Square, Eli Young Band, Toby Keith, and Scotty McCreery were also honored.
- Today in 2012, Terri Clark got the nod for Country Album of the Year for “Roots and Wings” at the 2012 Juno Awards, which are the Canadian equivalent of the Grammys.
- Today in 2012, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Charlie Daniels, Emmylou Harris and Patty Loveless were some of the stars who participated in a special memorial service for bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs, who had died four days earlier.
- Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley performed at the Station Inn in Nashville with two surprise guests: Kip Moore and Kacey Musgraves.
TAG SEARCH RESULTS FOR: ""
MORGAN WALLEN RETURNS TO “SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE,” BUT IT’S HIS DEPARTURE THAT RAISES EYEBROWS
For the second time ever (and first since December 2020), Morgan Wallen was the musical guest on “Saturday Night Live.” The singer performed the title track from his upcoming album “I’m The Problem,” following that up with a performance of “Just In Case.” Then, interestingly, he didn’t hang around for the traditional cast farewells, instead walking off the stage after sharing a brief word and a hug with the night’s guest host, Mikey Madison. Immediately after, he posted a shot on his Instagram Stories of his private jet with the caption, “Get me to God’s Country.” A source close to the singer told “TMZ” that his walking off stage was an error, and he meant nothing by it. Reportedly Morgan entered and exited the studio the same way the entire week of rehearsals, so he just headed that way when he thought it was time to go.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1962, Patsy Cline hit the top of the country charts with “She’s Got You.”
- Today in 1973, Johnny Rodriguez charted his first number one song “You Always Come Back To Hurting Me.”
- Today in 1981, Dolly Parton performed “9 to 5” at the Oscar awards, delayed for a day after the shooting of President Reagan.
- Today in 1986, Alabama’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified Gold and Platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1992, the “Wynonna” album by Wynonna Judd was released.
- Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt’s second album “Longnecks and Short Stories” was released.
- Today in 1995, Joe Diffie’s single “So Help Me Girl” topped the charts.
- Today in 1998, Alan Jackson’s “The Greatest Hits Collection” went quadruple-platinum.
- Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn shot footage for their “If You See Him, If You See Her” video with Reba McEntire.
- Today in 2000, at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, Riders in the Sky presented their 21st annual benefit concert to aid Hospital Hospitality House. It offers a home away from home for family members of critically ill patients and outpatients receiving medical treatment in Nashville area hospitals.
- Today in 2002, Jo Dee Messina was in Atlanta to perform the national anthem for the Atlanta Braves’ season opener.
- Today in 2003, the Great American Ball Park opened with the Cincinnati Reds losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates. President W. Bush threw out the first pitch and Clay Walker and Lee Greenwood sang “God Bless The U.S.A.”
- Today in 2005, The “Honky Tonk Angels” album — featuring Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette — was certified Platinum.
- Today in 2006, John Michael Montgomery held his first Hunting & Fishing Show in Bardstown, Kentucky.
- Today in 2006, Tim McGraw made a guest appearance on “The Today Show” where he performed “When the Stars Go Blue” and other hits.
- Today in 2006, Jake Owen made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2006, at the Kennedy Center, Vince Jill, Kris Krostofferson, Lee Ann Womack, and The Judds sang “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” as part of three weeks of country shows in the capitol.
- Today in 2007, Angela Hacker, “Nashville Star’s” season five winner, made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 2007, LeAnn Rimes made an appearance at the Human Rights Campaign’s Equality dinner, an event supporting the gay community.
- Today in 2009, Brad Paisley learned he’d won the Academy of Country Music Awards for Video of the Year with his clip “Waitin’ On a Woman,” and that he and Keith Urban got the nod for Vocal Event of the Year for their collaborative hit “Start a Band.” The winners in these categories were announced in advance of the annual ACM Awards ceremony, which took place five days later.
- Today in 2009, Craig Morgan hosted his Charity Ride, which included an acoustic concert and silent auction as well as a motocross and four-wheeler ride in Van Leer, Tennessee.
- Today in 2009, new CD releases included Keith Urban’s “Defying Gravity,” Rodney Atkins’ “It’s America,” and Dailey and Vincent’s “Brothers From Different Mothers.”
- Today in 2011, Mel McDaniel died at his Nashville-area home following a battle with lung cancer. He was 68.
- Today in 2011, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina sang “I Told You So,” the Randy Travis/Carrie Underwood duet on “American Idol.”
- Today in 2012, Taylor Swift received The Big Help Award at the Kids’ Choice Awards from First Lady Michelle Obama, who presented the award.
- Today in 2013, Blake Shelton hosted the NRA Country/ACM Celebrity Shoot in Boulder City, Nevada, which raised money for military related charities while Darius Rucker hosted the ACM Lifting Lives Celebrity Golf Classic charity event in Las Vegas. Both fundraisers were held in conjunction with the annual Academy of Country Music awards.
- Today in 2013, a second visitation day was held for the late Earl Scruggs at a Nashville funeral home. The bluegrass legend died a few days earlier at the age of 88.
ALABAMA ANNOUNCES TOUR DATES FOR 2025
While their “Alabama Jam” was called off this year, that doesn’t mean the boys in Alabama won’t be out there playing the hits. The band announced their 2025 tour itinerary yesterday. The first leg of the tour consists of 14 shows; Lorrie Morgan, Pat Green, Eddie Montgomery, Lee Greenwood, Jamey Johnson, Ned LeDoux, BlackHawk and Alex Miller have all been tapped to open, depending on the date. See the band’s website for complete tour and ticket information, and check out the first ten scheduled dates below:
Apr 17 – Phoenix, AZ @ Footprint Center with Lorrie Morgan
Apr 19 – Lincoln, CA @ Thunder Valley Casino Resort with Lorrie Morgan
Apr 27 – Wichita, KS @ Intrust Arena with Eddie Montgomery
May 23 – Bonner Springs, KS @ Azura Amphitheater with Lee Greenwood
May 25 – Ridgedale, MO @ Thunder Ridge Nature’s Arena with Pat Green
June 5 – Windsor, Ontario, Canada @ The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor
June 7 – Bradley, IL @ Bradley 316 Festival with Eddie Montgomery
June 14 – Creighton, PA @ Iron City Stage at Pittsburgh Brewing Company with Jamey Johnson
June 18 – Redding, CA @ Redding Civic Auditorium with Eddie Montgomery
June 20 – Sparks, NV @ Nugget Event Center with Ned LeDoux
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Texas Women” hit #1 on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1992, Reba McEntire hit the top of the Billboard charts with “Is There Life Out There.”
- Today in 2001, the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack went platinum. It featured Emmylou Harris, Ralph Stanley, the Soggy Bottom Boys, Alison Krauss, Harry McClintock, Gillian Welch, John Hartford and The Cox Family, it was produced by T Bone Burnett.
- Today in 2003, CMT placed Johnny Cash in the number 1 spot when it listed “The 40 Greatest Men Of Country Music.”
- Today in 2009, Love and Theft performed “Runaway” in its Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2013, Black Shelton sung The Lumineers’ “Ho Hey” dressed like a chicken with three cast members from NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.” He also performed “Sure Be Cool If You Did.”
- Today in 2017, Eric Paslay announced a long-term partnership with Habitat For Humanity.
- Today in 2018, Cam teamed with Smokey Robinson as a new edition of “CMT Crossroads” premiered. Among the performances: “Burning House,” “The Tears Of A Clown” and “I Second That Emotion.”
- Today in 2018, Bebe Rexha’s pop single, “Meant To Be,” which features Florida Georgia Line, was certified platinum and double-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2020, Jan Howard died in Gallatin, Tennessee, a day after her 49th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. A former wife of songwriter Harlan Howard and duet partner of Bill Anderson, she earned a Top 5 country hit with the 1966 single “Evil On Your Mind” and a Top 15 hit with “My Son,” written about her boy, who died in Vietnam. That evening, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jenny Gill and Corinna Grant Gill performed “How Great Thou Art” to honor Jan as the Opry was held in front of an empty house while much of the nation was on COVID-19 quarantine.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: FADE
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Fade”, a beautiful and very friendly 5 year old male kitty who gets along with everyone, including other cats and even dogs! Fade loves pets and would love to curl up on the couch with you and cuddle!
Fade is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home. And because Fade is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $30 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Fade 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 with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
JELLY ROLL REVEALS THE REASON HE MISSED THE “OPRY100” LIVE EVENT
Jelly Roll takes great pride in his work ethic, and he comes by it honest. During a visit to “The Pivot” podcast, he explained that his grandfather instilled that in his entire family. “My uncle Beuford used to tell me this story. He called his father, which was my grandfather, one time, and he said, ‘I can’t come into work today, I’m sick.’ All my grandfather said was, ‘That’s good. Working sick builds character,’ and hung up the phone.” Jelly went on to say, “So I pride myself on sick shows, especially if I’m really sick.” So how is it that the singer missed the historic live broadcast of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration? Jelly explained, “I’ve canceled one show in the last five years because of an ailment, and it was the Grand Ole Opry 100. It just broke my heart, man. I just couldn’t break this fever, and I never had a fever that kept me down like that. I probably slept like 20 hours.”
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1965, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road” hit the #1 spot on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 1971, Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn’s “After The Fire Is Gone” reached #1 in Billboard.
- Today in 1985, RCA released Restless Heart’s self-titled debut album.
- Today in 1996, CMT premiered Trace Adkin’s debut video, “There’s A Girl In Texas.”
- Today in 1998, after Gene Autry sold the California Angels baseball team to Disney, he was honored with a bronze statue as Anaheim Stadium reopened after major repairs.
- Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney’s “How Forever Feels” began its six-week stay at the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 2002, Shania Twain’s album “Come On Over” was certified for shipments of 19-million units.
- Today in 2002, Lyle Lovett broke his leg in 20 places while working for his uncle’s ranch in Texas. He was flipped by the bull while protecting his uncle. He later underwent surgery at Houston’s Memorial Hermann Hospital.
- Today in 2007, Curb released Tim McGraw’s “Let It Go” album.
- Today in 2008, during NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” season finale, Trace Adkin’s sang “You’re Gonna Miss This” and beat opponent, Piers Morgan.
- Today in 2013, Miranda Lambert’s single, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2017, guest mentor Luke Bryan gave advice to two contestants who were assigned “In The Midnight Hour” by Blake Shelton during NBC’s “The Voice.”
- Today in 2017, the Toby Keith public service announcement seeking donations for wildfire victims in Kansas and Oklahoma made its debut.
- Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Haywire” album went gold.
- Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton stopped his show in Vancouver BC so a couple could get married on stage.
KENNY CHESNEY AMONG 2025 COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES
The Country Music Association revealed the 2025 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame yesterday. The three stars chosen to join the very exclusive club are June Carter Cash, Tony Brown and Kenny Chesney. Vince Gill hosted the announcement, introducing the inductees in three categories. Awarded every third year in rotation with two other categories, Carter Cash will enter as the “Veterans Era Artist,” Chesney as the “Modern Era Artist” and producer Tony Brown as the “Non-Performer.” The group will officially become members during the Medallion Ceremony at the Hall’s CMA Theater later this year. See the Hall induction announcements below; Kenny takes the stage at the 35:40 mark.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1952, A Grand Ole Opry troupe featuring Hank Williams, The Carter Sisters, and Roy Acuff appeared on “The Kate Smith Show” show.
- Today in 1955, the single “Ballad of Davy Crockett” topped the U.S. charts.
- Today in 1961, Elvis Presley set a British chart first when he hit number one with three consecutive releases, “It’s Now Or Never,” “Are You Lonesome Tonight” and “Wooden Heart.”
- Today in 1983, “We’ve Got Tonight” by Kenny Rogers and Sheena Easton peaked at number six on the pop singles chart.
- Today in 1983, John Anderson went to #1 on the Billboard country chard with “Swinging’.”
- Today in 1986, 23-year-old Kerry McCarver Lewis — the sixth wife of then-51-year-old Jerry Lee Lewis – filed for divorce. The couple later reconciled. However, the couple split again in 2003.
- Today in 1990, “Diamond & Dirt” became Rodney Crowell’s first gold album.
- Today in 1993, Clint Black hit number one on the country charts with the single “When My Ship Comes In.”
- Today in 1997, Garth Brooks held a press conference on a New York City rooftop to announce that he’d be giving a free concert in Central Park on August 7th. He also announced he would release his album “Sevens” the same day.
- Today in 1998, Garth Brooks and rapper Warren G released a joint statement saying they had settled their five-month legal dispute over the use of the lower case letter “g.” Garth said he now had a whole new understanding of the alphabet, explaining he learned that in the rap world “g” represents young people who aren’t into violence and drugs but who are making positive contributions to society. He added, quote, “Knowing how much the symbol “g” means to Warren, I will strive to reach the standard that the “g” represents to him and to his community.”
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill subbed for Whitney Houston during a medley of old Oscar-nominated songs at the 72nd annual Academy Awards. Garth Brooks was also involved in the segment. Later he said he was thankful Faith was gracious enough to step in at the last minute and that he felt for Whitney, who was “so sick.”
- Today in 2002, Martina McBride was celebrating her second week at number one on the country charts with her single “Blessed.”
- Today in 2002, Phil Vassar married his longtime love, Julie Wood, in a private ceremony on a beach in Florida.
- Today in 2002, the NItty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Will the Circle be Unbroken” was re-released in a 30th anniversary by Capitol Records. It included additional tracks and new artwork.
- Today in 2003, Darryl Worley’s single “Have You Forgotten” was at number one.
- Today in 2005, Craig Morgan began a four-week visit at the top of the Billboard chart with “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”
- Today in 2007, Kenny Chesney turned 39 by throwing a party at the Tin Roof in Nashville. He performed for hours, and Kix Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, John Rich, Jewel, Sara Evans, and Montgomery Gentry joined him onstage. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill attended the show.
- Today in 2007, Danielle Peck organized her first Safe Haven event at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.
- Today in 2007, Tim McGraw performed his single “Last Dollar” on CBS’s “Early Show.”
- Today in 2008, Clay Walker hosted the “Clay Walker Charity Classic,” a charity golf tournament in Houston, Texas, to support those battling multiple sclerosis.
- Today in 2011, Styx frontman Tommy Shaw made his debut at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, performing in support of his solo bluegrass album, “The Great Divide.”
- Today in 2012, Mercury released Lionel Richie’s “Tuskegee” album, featuring such guests as Jason Aldean, Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Jennifer Nettles, Jimmy Buffett, Shania Twain, Billy Currington, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson.
- Today in 2012, Kris Kristofferson received the Frances Williams Preston Lifetime Music Industry Award from the T.J. Martell Foundation at an event in Nashville. Martina McBride, Ronnie Dunn, and Charlie Daniels were among the performers at the gala along with Vince Gill, who also served as the event’s host.
- Today in 2013, new country releases included Blake Shelton’s “Based on a True Story…,” Thompson Square’s “Just Feels Good,” Alan Jackson’s “Precious Memories, Volume 2,” and Crystal Bowersox’s “All That For This.”
- Today in 2014, word surfaced that Trace Adkins and his wife Rhonda were ending their marriage of nearly 17 years. Rhonda filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.”
- Today in 2014, Rodney Clawson, the Lady Antebellum songwriter, wrote “Bartender” on a bus ride from Kansas City to Omaha.
- Today in 2015, Willie Nelson announced plans to launch his own brand of weed, Willie’s Reserve, in states where grass has been legalized.
- Today in 2016, Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here” kicked off a four-week run at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
- Today in 2016, Clay Walker hosted his fourth annual Band Against MS bike ride in Humble, Texas.
- Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Hotel Key” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina was named New Female Vocalist of the Year for the 53rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards, while Brett Young is tapped as New Male Vocalist and Midland took New Vocal Duo or Group.
- Today in 2019, Chase Rice scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Eyes On You.”
- Today in 2020, Brad and Kimberly Williams-Paisley were announced among the celebrities contributing to a Tennessee public service announcement campaign, “Do Your Part, Stay Apart.” The effort encourages citizens to maintain safe social distances and slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
NEWSLETTER
Stay updated, sign up for our newsletter.
