This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 12, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Gene Autry’s expansion Los Angeles Angels dropped baseball player Charley Pride during spring training in Palm Springs after a two-week tryout.
Today in 1975, George jones and Tammy Wynette’s divorce was finalized. Wynette took custody of their only child, Tamala and kept their home on Franklin Road in Nashville.
Today in 1981, MCA released The Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira.”
Today in 1988, Randy Travis reach #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Too Gone Too Long.”
Today in 1990, Mark Chestnutt began recording his first album “Too Cold At Home.”
Today in 1997, Trace Adkins won his first gold album with his debut, “Dreamin’ Out Loud.”
Today in 2001, Amy Grant gave birth to her daughter, Corrina Grant Gill at a Nashiville Hospital. She is the first child in Amy’s and Vince Gill’s marriage.
Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Our Song” picked up a platinum single.
Today in 2010, Miranda Lambert’s “White Liar” earned a gold single.
Today in 2013, as part of the Outnumber Hunger Charity program, The Band Perry began appearing on boxes of Wheaties.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan played his final spring break concert at Spinnaker in Panama City, Florida. The show and one staged the previous day drew a total of 400,000 fans.
Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini met Australian singer/songwriter Morgan Evans. They were engaged by the end of the year and married in 2017.
Today in 2017, Frankie Ballard married Christina Murphy at the Star Hill Ranch in Bee Cave, Texas.

WYNONNA JUDD TO MOUNT “GREATEST HITS” TOUR

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Wynonna Judd is taking fans on a trip through her entire career on her just-announced tour. Wy took to Instagram yesterday to let fans know that A) she’s recording new music, which is exciting enough, and B) she’s touring this summer with attention paid to both her career as half of The Judds and her solo career. “Wynonna Judd: The Greatest Hits Tour” kicks off June 13th in LaGrange, Georgia, with 23 dates carrying her through most of the US and most of the summer. General on-sale happens this Friday. Check out the first ten dates below, visit Wy’s website for more info, and see Wynonna’s announcement to the right:

June 13 – LaGrange, GA @ Sweetland Amphitheatre
June 14 – Cherokee, NC @ Harrah’s Cherokee
June 15 – Wilmington, NC @ Wilson Center at Cape Fear Community College
June 18 – Greenville, SC @ Peace Center
June 20 – Virginia Beach, VA @ The Dome
June 23 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
June 25 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Venue TBA
June 26 – Interlochen, MI @ Interlochen Center for the Arts – Kresge Auditorium
July 11 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Harrah’s Stir Cove
July 12 – Mankato, MN @ Vetter Stone Amphitheatre

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 11, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs split up after 25 years as a bluegrass duo.
Today in 1989, Ronnie Milsap topped the country charts with “Don’t You Ever Get Tired Of Hurting Me?”
Today in 1992, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for sales of seven-million copies.
Today in 1994, Martina McBride made her “Tonight Show” debut.
Today in 1994, Neal McCoy scored his first number one single with “No Doubt About It.”
Today in 1999, Jo Dee Messina made her debut on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.”
Today in 2000, Theresa Crump married Joe Diffie at Nashville’s Opryland Hotel, with her pet Chihuahua, Lolo, serving as the ring bearer.
Today in 2001, “Doc,” starring Billy Ray Cyrus as Clint Cassidy, had its premiere on PAX TV.
Today in 2002, Pat Green was hospitalized in Brownsville, Texas after he was attacked by two men on a beach in South Padre.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw’s single “The Cowboy In Me” took the top spot on both the “Billboard” and “Radio & Records'” country charts. With “Bring On The Rain,” his vocal collaboration with Jo Dee Messina at number one on “Billboard” the week before, this made Tim the first artist to have back-to-back singles at the top spot on the “Billboard” Hot country Singles Chart since electronic monitoring began.
Today in 2003, Dolly Parton was presented with the 2003 Governor’s Awards in the Arts Lifetime Achievement Award.
Today in 2003, at the second annual CMT Flameworthy Video Music Awards, Faith Hill, Toby Keith, and Shania Twain each got five nominations, and The Dixie Chicks, Martina McBride, Tim McGraw, and Keith Urban each got four.
Today in 2004, Naomi, Wynonna, and Ashley Judd received the National Award at the Kentucky Governor’s Awards in the Arts ceremony.
Today in 2005, The Oak Ridge Boys performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” on ABC’s “Good Morning America” to help launch the National Anthem Project, an initiative to teach Americans the lyrics to the song.
Today in 2005, “Black Cloud,” a film written and directed by Rick Schroder opened, featuring Tim McGraw playing a sheriff.
Today in 2006, “Your Man” by Josh Turner hit the top of the charts.
Today in 2006, Don Williams performed his last Nashville concert. Keith Urban opened, and Williams was joined by Josh Turner for “Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good.”
Today in 2007, Jo Dee Messina sang “Heaven Was Needing a Hero” on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” in honor of 16-year-old Ransom Tipton-Smith, who lost his life in a car accident two years earlier.
Today in 2008, Clint Black released his first digital EP, “The Long Cool EP,” which featured his cover of The Hollies’ “Long Cool Woman (In A Black Dress),” “The Strong One,” and his duet with wife Lisa, “You Still Get To Me.”
Today in 2008, Eddy Arnold’s wife, Sally Gayhart Arnold, passed away at a Nashville-area hospital. She had been admitted to the hospital a few days earlier with breathing difficulties. She was 87. At the time of her death Arnold was also in the hospital, recovering from hip replacement surgery he underwent a week earlier.
Today in 2009, Darius Rucker and Vic Chesnutt were among the performers a tribute concert honoring R.E.M. at Carnegie Hall in New York.
Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum played the second of a two-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The date was originally slated to be the trio’s headlining debut at the venue, but the demand for tickets to the show prompted a second show, scheduled for March 10th.
Today in 2011, Billy Ray Cyrus decided to try to reconcile his marriage with wife Tish, and filed papers to stop divorce proceedings.
Today in 2011, Jewel, who was five-months pregnant, was driving in Stephenville, Texas when her SUV was hit by a volunteer fire truck. The singer suffered minor injuries in the crash, and her unborn child was fine. Jewel credited her sturdy vehicle for keeping them safe.
Today in 2011, Craig Morgan performed at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska at the start of a USO tour that visits six nations over the next week.
Today in 2013, Tim McGraw and Taylor Swift released “Highway Don’t Care,” which also features Keith Urban on guitar.
Today in 2015, Maren Morris wrote “My Church” and recorded the final vocals the same day in Los Angeles with songwriter/producer busbee.
Today in 2017, Dailey & Vincent joined the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2018, Tim McGraw collapsed on stage in Dublin, Ireland, after his performance of “Humble And Kind.” Wife Faith Hill later announced her husband was suffering from dehydration and the concert was cut short.
Today in 2019, the Whitney Houston single, “I Will Always Love You” – which was written and originally recorded by Dolly Parton – was certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA.

CMT NAMES “NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY” FOR 2025

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

CMT launched its Next Women of Country campaign in 2013 in an effort to support and expose developing female talent, both signed and unsigned, within the country genre. The network has just announced its latest group of country stars in the making. The “CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2025” includes Alexandra Kay, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kat Luna, Lanie Gardner, Meghan Patrick and Moriah. Past members of CMT’s “Next Women Of Country” classes include artists that went on to be big names within the format, such as Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Ella Langley, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Ell, Maren Morris, Megan Moroney and Mickey Guyton, among others.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Tammy Wynette’s “Till I Get It Right” topped the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1977, “The Best Of The Statler Brothers” album by Statler Brothers was certified gold.
Today in 1979, invited by Porter Wagoner, legendary R&B star James Brown played the Grand Ole Opry. His 17-minute set consisted of “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “Tennessee Waltz.” Some Opry members complained, but Barbara Mandrell said he should’ve been invited to perform five years earlier.
Today in 1981, “I Love A Rainy Night” single by Eddie Rabbitt was certified gold.
Today in 1992, Vince Gill’s “I Never Knew Lonely” album was released.
Today in 1992, Willie Nelson scored a platinum album with “Willie Nelson Sings Kristofferson” and a multi-platinum album with “Greatest Hits (And Some That Will Be).”
Today in 1993, k.d. lang’s album, “Ingénue,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1993, Travis Tritt’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin’s debut album, “You’ve Got To Stand For Something” went gold.
Today in 1995, Clint Black topped the country charts with “Wherever You Go.”
Today in 2000, Vince Gill and Amy Grant were married in a Nashville ceremony complete with bagpipe players.
Today in 2001, Diamond Rio’s “One More Day” reached #1 in Billboard.
Today in 2003, Dixie Chick Natalie Maines sparked a furor Stateside when she told a London concert crowd, “Just so you know, we’re ashamed the President of the United States is from Texas.” The insanity that followed coined the term “Dixie Chicked” as the band’s name essentially became a dirty word. CDs were burned, and their popularity dropped like a bomb.
Today in 2005, CMT debuted Jo Dee Messina’s “My Give A Damn’s Busted.”
Today in 2007, Trace Adkins’ “Ladies Love Country Boys” topped the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2010, Josh Turner’s album “Deep South” was released.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s single, “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, Tim McGraw appeared on ABC’s “Repeat After Me,” where an off-camera comedian feeds him lines to spoof an unsuspecting medical aide. Quoting from “Live Like You Were Dying,” he tells the woman, “I’ve never been skydiving, or Rocky Mountain climbing, or bullriding, but I have practiced kissing on my elbow.”
Today in 2017, Michelle Wright performed a benefit concert for an animal shelter at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario.

Rascal Flatts Planning New Album With Huge Guest Stars

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Rascal Flatts‘ comeback continues picking up speed. Just months after announcing they were hitting the road again after several years off, comes news of a new album. “Life Is A Highway: Refueled Duets” is exactly what the title suggests; re-imaginings of some of their biggest hits, with the band accompanied by some big names. The ten-track album will include nine of their biggest hits, redone with friends, along with their new single with the Jonas Brothers, “I Dare You.” The album comes out June 6. See the track list and guests below.

1. “I Dare You” (with Jonas Brothers)
2. “Fast Cars And Freedom” (with Jason Aldean)
3. “My Wish” (with Carly Pearce)
4. “Mayberry” (with Blake Shelton)
5. “Stand” (with Brandon Lake)
6. “Summer Nights” (with Ashley Cooke)
7. “What Hurts The Most” (with Backstreet Boys)
8. “Yours If You Want It” (with Jordan Davis)
9. “Life Is A Highway” (with Lzzy Hale)
10. “I’m Movin’ On” (with Kelly Clarkson)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 7, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1971, Gilley’s nightclub, which served as the inspiration for the 1980 movie “Urban Cowboy,” opened in Pasadena Texas.
Today in 1980, the “Classic Crystal” album by Crystal Gayle was certified gold.
Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers’ “Coward Of The County” single was certified gold.
Today in 1983, “The Nashville Network” Cable TV Network was launched. The network featured a variety of country music and entertainment until last year, when honchos dropped the “Nashville” in its moniker and became “The National Network.”
Today in 1983, the “Waitin’ For The Sun To Shine” album by Ricky Skaggs was certified gold.
Today in 1986, Randy Travis made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry. He performed “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” after an introduction by Little Jimmy Dickens.
Today in 1990, the album, “Hank Williams Jr. Greatest Hits Volume Two,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1995, “The Garth Brooks Collection” was certified gold, platinum and triple platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1985, the soundtrack to “Honeymoon in Vegas,” featuring remakes of Elvis Presley, and songs by Trisha Yearwood, Willie Nelson, Billy Joel, Travis Tritt, Ricky Van Shelton, Bono, Dwight Yoakam, Amy Grant, and Vince Gill went platinum.
Today in 1998, Sara Evans made her Grand Ole Opry debut – she sang, “Your Cheatin’ Heart.”
Today in 1998, George Strait hit the top of the charts with “Round About Way.”
Today in 2000, George Jones’ “Cold Hard Truth” album was certified gold.
Today in 2000, the “Latest Greatest Straitest Hits” album by George Strait was released.
Today in 2000, Frank “Pee Wee” King died in Louisville, Kentucky, at the age of 86.
Today in 2001, Toby Keith’s single, “You Shouldn’t Kiss Me Like This,” topped the “Radio & Records” country chart for the third time in six, non-consecutive weeks. The accomplishment remains unprecedented in the 28-year history of the “Radio & Records” country chart.
Today in 2001, Montgomery Gentry were named “Top Country Duo” for the second year in a row in the annual “Radio & Records’” Readers’ Poll.
Today in 2001, the 365 Songs of the Century chosen by the Recording Industry Association of America and the National Endowment for the Arts included Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance.”
Today in 2008, CMT’s “40 Sexiest Music Videos” featured Faith Hill’s “Breathe” at the top of the list.
Today in 2010, at the Oscars, Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett won Best Original Song for “The Weary King (Theme From Crazy Heart.)”
Today in 2011, Taylor Swift’s single, “Mean,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2015, the Zac Brown Band performed “Homegrown” from New York during NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 2017, Reba McEntire met her wax figure during soundcheck at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. The likeness resides at Madame Tussauds’ Nashville

H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: PUPPY

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Puppy”, who is interestingly, a cat! Puppy’s 7 months old, very friendly and affectionate, would love to meet you! Puppy is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.

And because Puppy 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 Puppy 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 Puppy with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

RANDY TRAVIS’ TOUR TACKS ON 30 MORE DATES

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

For someone who was put out of commission by health issues for years, Randy Travis is certainly getting back into the swing of things. The country legend has announced that his “More Life Tour” was adding 30 more dates. After the first leg of the tour wraps in May, a second set of dates starts August 21 in Denver. As has been the case so far on the tour, James Dupré will be singing the hits in front of Travis’ original band, while Travis and his wife will be on stage for each show, interacting with the band and celebrating the music. For more details, see Randy’s website. Check out the first ten newly announced dates below.

Aug. 21 – Denver, Colo. @ Paramount Theatre
Aug. 23 – Cheyenne, Wyo. @ Cheyenne Civic Center
Aug. 25 – Gillette, Wyo. @ CAM-PLEX Heritage Theatre
Aug. 26 – Butte, Mont. @ Mother Lode Theatre
Aug. 27 – Missoula, Mont. @ Dennison Theatre
Aug. 28 – Boise, Idaho @ Morrison Theatre
Aug. 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah @ Kingsbury Hall
Sept. 18 – Peoria, Ill. @ Peoria Civic Center
Sept. 19 – Cedar Rapids, Iowa @ Paramount Theatre
Sept. 21 – Branson, Mo. @ Clay Cooper Theater

This day in Country Music History

Posted on March 6, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, CMT made its cable debut with Faron Young’s video “It’s Four In The Morning.”
Today in 1999, Sara Evans got her first #1 single with “No Place That Far.”
Today in 1999, George Jones was driving home in Nashville when he tried to play his single “Choices” for his stepdaughter on his cellphone. His car crashed, seriously injuring him. Later, police found an opened vodka bottle in the car.
Today in 2003, George W. Bush presented the National Medal of Arts at the White House to George Jones and Smokey Robinson.
Today in 2006, Miranda Lambert got her first gold single with “Kerosene.”
Today in 2010, Brad Paisley fell off the stage during a concert as he sang the last notes of his final song “Alcohol.” He was treated a local hospital for bruises – and no, he wasn’t tipsy.
Today in 2012, the Country Music Association announced that Garth Brooks, Connie Smith, and session piano player Hargus “Pig” Robbins were the next to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2014, the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo announced an $18,000 scholarship in the name of Reba McEntire as she played Reliant Stadium. Her set list included “Whoever’s In New England,” “Consider Me Gone” and “Fancy.”
Today in 2017, com reported that Blake Shelton’s mother, Dorothy Shelton, had placed the home where he grew up on the market. The asking price for the three-bedroom structure and quarter-acre of land is $250,000.
Today in 2017, Kelsea Ballerini co-hosted the CBS daytime show, “The Talk,” for one day.
Today in 2018, Cam teamed with Smokey Robinson to shoot an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The set included “The Tears Of A Clown,” “I Second That Emotion,” “Diane” and “Burning House.

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