This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1953, Tex Ritter performed the theme to “High Noon” at the Academy Awards. “Do Not Forsake Me,” became the first country title to win the Oscar for Best Original Song.
Today in 1957, Elvis Presley bought Graceland, a former church on the outskirts of Memphis that had been converted into a 23 room mansion. It was named after the aunt of the previous owner.
Today in 1968, Tom T. Hall married “Truck Drivin’ Son-Of-A-Gun” songwriter Dixie Deen, shoo he affectionately calls “Miss Dixie.”
Today in 1974, the “Would You Lay With Me” album by Tanya Tucker was released.
Today in 1977, Glen Campbell’s “Southern Nights” reached #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1984, RCA recording artists The Judds made their first stage appearance, opening for the Statler Brothers in Omaha, Nebraska.
Today in 1988, Porter Howell of Little Texas married his wife, Angela.
Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton scored his first number one with the Harland Howard classic “Life Turned Her That Way.”
Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Chill Of An Early Fall” album was released. Kathy Mattea also released “Time Passes By.”
Today in 1993, Patty Loveless’ single “Blame It On Your Heart” debuted on the charts.
Today in 1994, Neal McCoy picked up a #1 single in Billboard with “No Doubt About It.”
Today in 1996, Shania Twain’s album “The Woman In Me” officially became the best selling studio album ever by a female country artist after being certified for sales of six million copies. Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” previously had that distinction.
Today in 1999, 67-year-old George Jones walked out of the hospital 13 days after his near fatal traffic accident.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney topped the “Radio & Records” charts with “How Forever Feels.”
Today in 2002, Martina McBride’s single “Blessed” hit number one on both the “Billboard” and “Radio & Records” charts.
Today in 2002, Diamond Rio’s Brian Prout announced that he and his wife, songwriter Stephanie Bentley — who wrote Faith Hill’s “Breathe” — were expecting their first child in October. The happy couple welcomed their daughter, Lily Arlina Kay Prout, on September 25th in Nashville.
Today in 2003, Kenny Chesney was on the 50-yard line of the University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium announcing plans for the “Back Where I Come From 3: One Night At Neyland” concert, which turned out to be one of the biggest shows of his career.
Today in 2003, Terri Clark was in Nashville to celebrate the chart-topping success of her single “I Just Wanna Be Mad.”
Today in 2007, Billy Ray Cyrus was told by a judge on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” that he looked “like a crazy bear lost in a swamp.” Dance pro Julianne Hough, former McCartney bride Heather Mills and ‘N Sync alumnus Joey Fatone also performed in the episode.
Today in 2008, Charlie Daniels was recognized at a special reception in honor of his 50th anniversary in the music business.
Today in 2008, Wynonna and Travis Tritt were performers at the Lili Claire Foundation’s First Annual “Everyone’s A Miracle” Benefit Concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Jo Dee Messina and Lorrie Morgan also performed while Alison Krauss was among those attending the fundraising event.
Today in 2008, Kellie Pickler made a guest appearance on Fox’s “American Idol.”
Today in 2009, Jake Owen, Julianne Hough, and the Zac Brown Band received their trophies as the Academy of Country Music’s “Top New” winners. Owen took the title of Top New Male Vocalist, Hough was named Top New Female Vocalist, and Zac Brown Band earned Top New Duo or Group. They received their awards on the TV special “ACM Top New Artists,” hosted by Sara Evans.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum’s video for “I Run To You” premiered on com
Today in 2010, The Zac Brown Band and Jimmy Buffet collaborated on “Margaritaville,” “Chicken Fried,” and “Toes” on a new episode of “CMT Crossroads.”
Today in 2011, Craig Morgan received an award backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House in recognition of his heroics a few weeks earlier, in which he rescued two small kids from a burning house in Charlotte, Tennessee. He also received an honorary lifetime membership to the Tennessee City Fire Department.
Today in 2013, David Allan Coe was hospitalized after a car accident in Ocala, Florida. The then-73-year-old singer suffered multiple cuts, neck, side, and back injuries in the crash, and needed firefighters to remove him from his mangled vehicle. Coe had to cancel several shows because of the accident.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves’ album “Same Trailer Different Park” was released.
Today in 2014, Luke Bryan’s “Spring Break 6…Like We Ain’t Ever” debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
Today in 2015, Chris Janson put a new song, “Buy Me A Boat,” up for sale on iTunes. Within weeks, the track got him signed to Warner Bros.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell played Peyton Manning’s annual Celebration of Caring benefit at the JW Marriott in Indianapolis. Manning joins him on “You Never Even Called Me By Name.”

Zach Top Confirms Second Album Is Finished

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Zach Top is one of the fastest rising country stars of the last year, and that momentum is set to continue. The singer announced at a Q&A at the Houston Rodeo that his highly anticipated second album is finished and is on the way. “I just went in and tracked a few more songs to finish out the second record. So we got that finished up and are getting it mixed right now. It’ll come out at some point in the summer. I’m not sure exactly when yet, but there will be a new record coming this summer.”

@zachtopontop Grammy’s here we come baby!! #zachtop #zachtopfan #countrymusic #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – Zachary Top Fan

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 18, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1985, Kris Kristofferson was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in New York.
Today in 1989, Ricky Van Shelton hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with his remake of “From A Jack To A King.”
Today in 1996, Brooks & Dunn released the single, “My Maria.”
Today in 2000, “How Do You Like Me Now?!” by Toby Keith began a five-week period at the top of the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks album, “Home,” was certified for shipments of 6-million copies.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney’s “Living In Fast Forward” began its three weeks at #1.
Today in 2009, on “American Idol,” Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis sang “I Told You So,” and Brad Paisley performed “Then.”
Today in 2013, Kellie Pickler got great footwork feedback as ABC-TV launched a new season of “Dancing With The Stars.” Wynonna competed with family members Naomi Judd, Ashley Judd and husband Cactus Moser seated in the studio audience.
Today in 2014, Jessie James Decker and her husband, NFL player Eric Decker, welcomed a daughter, Vivianne Rose Decker.
Today in 2014, John Rich launched a new fashion line, Redneck Riviera, during an event at Spinnaker in Panama City, Florida.
Today in 2017, Little Big Town started their two-week reign at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart, with “The Breaker.”
Today in 2017, music pioneer Chuck Berry died in St. Louis. As a songwriter, he enjoyed country hits with Buck Owens’ “Johnny B. Goode,” Emmylou Harris’ “(You Never Can Tell) C’est La Vie,” George Jones & Johnny Paycheck’s “Mabellene” and Waylon Jennings’ “Brown Eyed Handsome Man.” Hours later, Brad Paisley paid tribute by playing “Johnny B. Goode” during a concert in Kissimmee, Florida.
Today in 2019, Jordan Davis snagged a gold single from the RIAA for “Take It From Me,” while Jon Pardi’s “Night Shift” single also went gold.
Today in 2019, Luke Combs collected a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Beautiful Crazy” and a triple-platinum single for “When It Rains It Pours.” The same day, Kacey Musgraves collected a platinum single from the RIAA for “Blowin’ Smoke” and Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color” earned two multi-platinum singles from the RIAA, going triple- and quadruple-platinum.
Today in 2019, a representative for Jerry Lee Lewis announced that the Killer had been moved to a rehabilitation facility, two weeks after he was hospitalized with a stroke. He has since returned to music.
Today in 2019, Kathy Mattea received the American Master Award from the Berklee College of Music at Warner Music Nashville.
Today in 2019, Brooks & Dunn, Ray Stevens and retired producer/label executive Jerry Bradley were announced as the 2019 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Blake Shelton Announces Upcoming Album, Drops New Track

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Bob Ballard

It’s been four long years, but we’re getting closer to a brand new album from Blake Shelton. “For Recreational Use Only,” the thirteenth studio album from the superstar, is set to drop May 9. He’s also released the track list, which reveals he has a couple features on the collection: wife Gwen Stefani appears with him on “Hangin’ On,” and country legend John Anderson shows up on “Years,” a cover of the title track of Anderson’s 2020 album. Along with the announcement, Blake dropped a new track from the upcoming album, “Let Him In Anyway.” See the complete track list below, and check out Blake Shelton’s “Let Him In Anyway” below.

1. Stay Country or Die Tryin’ – (Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, Beau Bailey)
2. Texas – (Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, Lalo Guzman)
3. Hangin’ On (feat. Gwen Stefani) – (Sam Ellis, Charles Kelley, Greylan James)
4. Strangers – (Michael Hardy, Zach Crowell, Jameson Rodgers)
5. Let Him In Anyway – (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Kyle Clark, Carson Wallace)
6. Heaven Sweet Home (feat. Craig Morgan) – (Chris Tompkins, Sarah Buxton, Jake Rose)
7. Life’s Been Comin’ Too Fast – (Craig Wiseman, David Lee Murphy, Lindsay Rimes)
8. Don’t Mississippi – (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne)
9. All of My Love – (Colton Swon, Zach Swon)
10. Cold Can – (Bobby Pinson, Josh Osborne, Andrew DeRoberts)
11. The Keys – (Jay Brunswick, Brock Berryhill, Bobby Pinson)
12. Years (feat. John Anderson) – (Pat McLaughlin, John Anderson, David Ferguson, Daniel Auerbach)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 17, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley got a number one Billboard country single with “Heartbreak Hotel.”
Today in 1969, Glen Campbell released both the album and the single “Galveston.”
Today in 1972, a 13-year-old Tanya Tucker entered a studio to record her first hit, “Delta Dawn.”
Today in 1986, the “Lost In The Fifties” album by Ronnie Milsap was released.
Today in 1989, Keith Whitley hit number one on the “Radio & Records” country chart with “I’m No Stranger to the Rain.”

Today in 1990, “Hard Rock Bottom Of Your Heart” by Randy Travis hit the top of the Billboard country chart, where it would stay for four weeks.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and Reba McEntire were among the winners at the 18th Annual People’s Choice Awards, taking home trophies in the Favorite Male and Female Country Music Performer categories. They also trumped their pop counterparts in capturing the awards for overall Favorite Male and Female Musical Performer.
Today in 1995, Suzy Bogguss and her husband, Doug Crider, became parents to son Ben.
Today in 1995, Clay Walker topped the country charts with “This Woman and This Man.”
Today in 1998, Shania Twain announced plans for her first world tour.
Today in 2000, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” was certified for sales of 17-million in the U.S., making it the best-selling solo album by a female artist.
Today in 2001, quarterback Peyton Manning married Ashley Thompson, and Kenny Chesney sang “Me And You” at the wedding.
Today in 2002, Vince Gill was elected president of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. He succeeded Marty Stuart, who enjoyed six consecutive terms as president.
Today in 2003, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines apologized to President George Bush for comments she made a week earlier in London, including saying she was ashamed she and Bush shared Texas as a home state.
Today in 2005, Keith Urban began a three-night performance at Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. During his encore, Kenny Chesney joined him onstage to sing Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.”
Today in 2007, Loretta Lynn received an honorary doctorate from Boston’s Berklee College of Music in recognition of her contributions to contemporary music and for using her songs to tackle real-life situations faced by many women. The presentation was made on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where Lynn performed that evening.
Today in 2008, two former Dallas policemen accused of assaulting Steve Holy and Holy’s friend the previous December were indicted on felony charges. Both were facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, while one of the ex-officers was also charged with kidnapping.
Today in 2009, Randy Travis was the guest mentor for “American Idol” finalists for the show’s “Grand Ole Opry Week.” In addition, his CD “I Told You So: The Ultimate Hits of Randy Travis” arrived in stores, while Brad Paisley’s single “Then,” Rascal Flatts’ song “Forever,” and Alabama’s Jeff Cook’s solo CD “Ashes Won’t Burn” were released digitally.
Today in 2010, Taylor Swift was honored for a number of her career accomplishments at an event in Nashville. Her list of achievements included record sales of more than 13-million units and 25-million digital downloads. In addition, her CD “Fearless” was the best-selling album in the U.S. in both 2008 and 2009, and is the only disc ever to be named Album of the Year by the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, and capture the same honors at the GRAMMY Awards and the American Music Awards.
Today in 2011, the Zac Brown Band made their RodeoHouston debut.
Today in 2012, during Miranda Lambert’s “On Fire Tour,” she brought out Kelly Clarkson as a surprise to sing her own hit “Stronger.”
Today in 2013, George Strait’s appearance at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, which was part of his “Cowboy Rides Away” final tour, drew a record crowd of 80-thousand-28 people.
Today in 2013, Trace Adkins impressed fellow contestants on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice” with his acting ability, sweeping Susan Lucci off her feet in a soap-opera skit to promote Crystal Light. His team wins Donald Trump’s assignment in the episode, with Stephen Baldwin serving as project manager.
Today in 2014, the Band Perry performed their first USO concert for American troops at Royal Air Force Lakenheath in the United Kingdom.
Today in 2017, Jeff Bates spoke to inmates at the Henderson County Detention Center in Henderson, Kentucky, recounting his own incarceration for theft to feed addictions to methadone and alcohol. Bates hoped to inspire the convicts to retool their lives once they’re released.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn and B.B. King were honored with Governor’s Arts Awards at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion in Nashville.

RILEY GREEN RELEASES ANOTHER “KITCHEN CLASSIC” ON INSTAGRAM WITH “MY WAY”

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Riley Green never leaves his fans waiting for new music. He’s one of the recent wave of country artists (Zach Bryan and Morgan Wallen, to name a couple) who, once they start working on a new song, are quick to share it with fans on Instagram, many times in “workshop” form. Riley did so again yesterday, posting a new ballad called “My Way,” that, like several other times before, he performs from the comfort of his own kitchen. As always, it remains to be seen if the song makes its way onto an upcoming album, but for now, you can enjoy Riley Green’s “My Way” here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Riley Green (@rileyduckman)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 14, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1970, Merle Haggard’s “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1972, California Governor Ronald Reagan pardoned Merle Haggard for a 1975 attempted robbery that landed the singer in prison.
Today in 1972, “Help Me Make It Through The Night”won twice during the 14th annual GRAMMY awards for Best Country Song for Kris Kristofferson and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, for Sammi Smith.
Today in 1992, Willie Nelson’s Farm Aid V draws about 40,000 fans in Irving, Texas with Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Walsh, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Ricky Van Shelton, The Kentucky HeadHunters, Lorrie Morgan, Hal Ketchum and Paul Simon.
Today in 1998, during her Grand Ole Opry debut, Jo Dee Messina sung “Lesson In Leaving” the same evening that Opry manager Bob Whittaker asked Diamond Rio to join the cast.
Today in 2004, Rascal Flatts and Brad Paisley, performed for president George W. Bush when ABC tapes “An American Celebration At Ford’s Theatre.” The show was hosted by Kelsey Grammer and featured Patti LaBelle, Jessica Simpson, David Spade and many others.
Today in 2011, Luke Bryan’s “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” was released.
Today in 2014, Toby Keith launched his first Australian concert tour at the Brisbane Entertainment Centre. The show featured The Eli Young Band and Kellie Pickler as the opening acts.
Today in 2017, the Brothers Osborne were named New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year by the Academy of Country Music, 19 days before the 52^nd annual ceremony. Jon Pardi was named New Male and Maren Morris was crowned New Female Vocalist.
Today in 2017, Willie Nelson was a surprise guest at Ray Benson’s birthday bash in Austin. Teaming up with Ray on “Pancho And Lefty,” the benefit also included Sunny Sweeney, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers and The Avett Brothers, who covered “Mama Tried.”

WILLIE NELSON ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

The Red Headed Stranger is at it again. Willie Nelson is set to release his 154^th album, and his 77^th solo album, on Friday, April 25^th… just before his 92^nd birthday. “Oh What A Beautiful World” will include Willie’s versions of 12 classic songs written or co-written by Rodney Crowell, including the title track with Rodney himself as a special guest. The album will be released digitally, on CD, and in two vinyl LP versions in black and white, with the white vinyl version only available through the store on Willie’s official website.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 13, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1965, the Statler Brothers recorded “Flowers On The Wall” at the Columbia Recording Studios in Nashville, a session originally for Johnny Cash who never appeared.
Today in 1967, Decca released Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits.”
Today in 1991, “My Cousin Vinny,” starring Joe Pesci and Ralph Macchio made its theater debut. Travis Tritt performed “Bible Belt.”
Today in 1999, Trisha Yearwood joined the Grand Ole Opry the same night singer and songwriter John Prine made his Opry debut.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ “You Were Mine” reached the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2001, Charles Pride received a Hall of Fame medallion during the first official function at the new Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville. Robyn Young accepted a medallion for his late father, Faron Young.
Today in 2003, the state of Texas observed Lee Ann Womack Day.
Today in 2009, Justin Moore sang “Small Town USA” during his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2013, at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Rascal Flatts made their Australian concert debut.
Today in 2015, Rascal Flatts dedicated “Bless The Broken Road” to Bristol Palin and Dakota Meyer during their show at the Hard Rock Hotel in Las Vegas. When the song ended, Meyer gets down on one knee to propose to Palin, who said yes. The wedding was called off a week later, but the couple married in 2016. He filed for divorce in February 2018.
Today in 2017, the Maren Morris single, “I Could Use A Love Song,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2017, Dolly Parton offered her vocal talents on the Sprout series, “Lily’s Driftwood Bay” – as the voice for Nolene, an animated chicken.
Today in 2017, Clay Walker, Steve Wariner and Crystal Gayle performed at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley to raise money for Anita Cochran in her battle with cancer. Also performing were Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Bryan White, Wade Hayes, Suzy Bogguss, Mandy Barnett, Ty Herndon, The Lynns and Lorrie Morgan.

MORGAN WALLEN’S HIGH SCHOOL RENAMES BASEBALL FIELD IN HIS HONOR

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

You can win awards, you can get #1 hits, but for a lover (and former player) of baseball, is there any cooler honor? Gibbs High School (Morgan Wallen‘s alma mater) is renaming the high school’s baseball field after the country star; it will now be called “Morgan Wallen Field.” Knox County Schools’ Naming Committee approved the change last week. Morgan was a member of the Gibbs High School baseball team that won a state championship in 2010; no word yet on when the naming ceremony will take place or of the country singer will be on hand.

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