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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Pickle”, a sweet 3 year old male kitty. Pickle is a pretty quiet fellow who would not only make a great companion at home, but would also be a great office kitty. Pickle doesn’t seem to mind dogs and gets along with other cats.

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

And since Pickle is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week and his adoption fee has been paid, you can adopt him FREE!

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

Author Claims She Has A One-Of-One Dolly Parton Album

Posted on by Bob Ballard

A best-selling author says she’s in possession of a Dolly Parton album that no one has ever heard. According to Kim Michele Richardson, Dolly read her 2019 novel “The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek.” The historical fiction was inspired by the real-life Pack Horse Library Project, where women traveled through the Appalachian Mountains on horseback delivering books during the 1930s. Dolly, whose own Imagination Library could be considered the modern day equivalent to the Pack Horse Library Project, was so taken with the book, she sent the author a gift.

That gift? A complete 15-song album, all written and recorded by Parton and based on Richardson’s book. The author says she received the recordings from Dolly about four years ago, and the legend gave Richardson permission to use the songs however she wanted. The good news? We may eventually get to hear this unreleased gem. Richardson says plans were already being worked on to make the music available to the public before Parton died. “We’re working on things now,” Richardson said.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 1977, Reba McEntire made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed “Invitation to the Blues.”
  • Today in 1996, Alabama released their second holiday album, “Alabama Christmas II,” and John Berry released his album, “Faces.”
  • Today in 1996, the mayor of Rhinelander, Wisconsin proclaimed today’s date as “Trace Adkins Day,” and presented Trace with the key to the city. The previous month, the mayor of Trace’s hometown of Sarepta, Louisiana had made such a declaration.
  • Today in 1996, Ty England’s “Two Ways to Fall” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Fly,” began its second straight week at #1 on both the pop and country albums charts. In just two weeks, the album sold 545,000 units, which means it had already gone gold (you need 500,000 copies sold for a gold album). In fact, first day sales were 75,000. SoundScan figures show that the album had the highest first week sales of any act in country music history except for Garth Brooks. In addition, “Fly,” became the first country album to spend more than one week at #1 on the pop albums chart since Garth’s album, “Double Live,” in 1998.
  • Today in 1999, Lisa Hartman Black joined her hubby Clint Black on stage for their first public performance of their mega-hit, “When I Said I Do.”
  • Today in 2000, Alan Jackson, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young and a host of other performers in Bristow, Virginia for the 15th anniversary of Farm Aid.
  • Today in 2002, Clay Walker’s album, “Christmas,” arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd and his wife, Michelle, finally had a name for their third child, who had arrived two weeks earlier – Jared James. When he left St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, Jared – aka J.J. – joined his sister, Evee Elisabeth, and brother, Logan Lynn. By the way, in case you’re wondering, the Byrd family did not break the record for delayed baby-naming – not even close. The State of Texas told them it once took a family three months to decide on what to call their child.
  • Today in 2002, Faith Hill was in Los Angeles to tape an NBC concert special, which aired on Thanksgiving.
  • Today in 2005, The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single “Islands in The Stream” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Duets”
  • Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
  • Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2017, LANCO lead singer Brandon Lancaster and Tiffany Trotter were married near Nashville. The ceremony was attended by all his bandmates: Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Jared Hampton and Chandler Baldwin.
  • Today in 2018, Faith Hill headlines a voting rally at Marathon Music Works in Nashville for a non-profit agency, When We All Vote.
  • Today in 2019, Luke Combs joined Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris at All For The Hall, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame at The Novo in Los Angeles.
  • Today in 2019, Old Dominion scored a gold single from the RIAA for “One Man Band.”
  • Today in 2021, the Carly Pearce album, “29: Written In Stone,” and Scotty McCreery’s “Same Truck” album were released.

Taylor Swift Will Attend Her First CMA In Ten Years

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Taylor Swift’s slow walk back to country music is picking up a little speed. Earlier this year, the singer released the country-tinged smash “I Knew It, I Knew You” from the soundtrack for “Toy Story 5.” The song marks Swift’s first new country release since her 2010 album “Speak Now.” Last nominated for a CMA in 2022 for her “I Bet You Think About Me” collab with Chris Stapleton, Swift has been nominated once again for “I Knew It, I Knew You” in the “Single of the Year” category. That seems to be enough to get Taylor back in the room for the upcoming 60th CMA Awards; on her Instagram Story, she posted “Looks like I haven’t yee’d my last haw – Thank you CMA!!!! – See you there Nov 18.” Taylor’s last appearance at the CMA Awards was in 2016, when she presented Garth Brooks with the “Entertainer of the Year” award.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette scored her #1 hit when she topped the “Billboard” country singles chart with “My Elusive Dreams,” her duet with David Houston.
  • Today in 1985, the “Alabama Christmas” album by Alabama was released.
  • Today in 1986, Johnny Cash signed with Polygram Records after two decades with Columbia.
  • Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton’s album, “Loving Proof,” was released.
  • Today in 1991, Willie Nelson married makeup artist Ann-Marie D’Angelo. The couple, who met on the set of Nelson’s 1986 movie, “Red Headed Stranger,” has two sons.
  • Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker’s “What Do I Do With Me” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1994, the “War Paint” album by Lorrie Morgan was certified gold.
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 2002, Trace Adkins was in Washington, D.C. to perform at a political fundraiser for Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin – aka “the Cajun Congressman.” The event served as a kick-off for Trace’s two-day swing through the Washington DC, which also included headlining a USO event honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush.
  • Today in 2005, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single, “Islands in the Stream,” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Debuts.”
  • Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
  • Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuts on CMT. The video featured a guest appearance by actor Garrett Hedlund.
  • Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s “Off The Beaten Path” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2014, Tim McGraw’s album, “Sundown Heaven Town,” was released.
  • Today in 2016, Jon Pardi scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots.”
  • Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood introduced a signature perfume and body mist, available exclusively at Walmart stores.
  • Today in 2017, Willie Nelson brought Farm Aid to Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and was joined by Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and The Avett Brothers. Nelson’s set includes “Whiskey River,” “Good Hearted Woman” and “On The Road Again.”
  • Today in 2017, Old Dominion’s “Happy Endings” was at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
  • Today in 2017, Rhett Akins married Sonya Mansfield in Tennessee. In the wedding party? His son, Thomas Rhett, as well as songwriters Ben Hayslip and Dallas Davidson.
  • Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed on “CBS Sunday Morning” that she endured three miscarriages during 2017 and 2018.
  • Today in 2019, the Florida Georgia Line single, “Talk You Out Of It,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
  • Today in 2019, Colt Ford scored a gold certification from the RIAA for his 2008 debut album, “Ride Through The Country.” The project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert and John Michael Montgomery.
  • Today in 2021, Parmalee’s “Take My Name” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2021, during a performance of “Famous Friends” at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri – Kane Brown brought out Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Joining Brown on the song as well? Opening acts Chris Lane and Restless Road.

Florida Georgia Line Tease Comeback For Stagecoach 2027

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Florida Georgia Line has teased all summer that 2027 will be the year for their comeback and now we’re getting a big tease! Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are now hinting that they’ll be headlining Stagecoach. The festival’s social media dropped a clip of the duo getting into a truck and Brian saying “Are we really doing this again?” with Tyler saying “It looks like it, bro” as they fist bump. The Stagecoach Festival runs from April 23 to 25.

 

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1957, Patsy Cline married Charlie Dick.
  • Today in 1972, Merle Haggard’s The Best Of The Best Of Merle Haggard album was released.
  • Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ “Love Of Something Like It” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1978, Crystal Gayle’s “When I Dream” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1979, the single, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” by the Charlie Daniels Band peaked at #3 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1981, Alabama’s “Feels So Right” album was certified Platinum.
  • Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s album, “Born To Boogie,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Pure Country” album was released.
  • Today in 2001, Wynonna made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
  • Today in 2003, former “Nashville Star” contestant Miranda Lambert signed with Epic Records.
  • Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley released his second gold album “Modern Day Drifter.”
  • Today in 2007, Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory” became the first song to debut at #1 on Billboard’s country singles list.
  • Today in 2014, Eric Church’s “Talladega” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line collects a platinum single from the RIAA for “Sun Daze” and a gold one for “Anything Goes.”
  • Today in 2016, Trace Adkins received the Outstanding Civilian Service Award from the U.S. Army at a ceremony in Washington, D.C.
  • Today in 2017, the Big & Rich album, “Did It For The Party,” was released.
  • Today in 2018, Jo Dee Messina headlined the 15th annual Burgundy Ball, a fundraiser for local cancer patients in Springfield, Missouri.
  • Today in 2019, “Country Music: A Film By Ken Burns” premiered on PBS. Key contributors in the mini-series include Garth Brooks, Merle Haggard, Marty Stuart, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Rosanne Cash, Ketch Secor and Rhiannon Giddens.
  • Today in 2020, the book, “Me And Sister Bobbie: True Tales Of The Family Band,” a book by Willie Nelson and Bobbie Nelson, was released.
  • Today inn 2021, Kane Brown and Dolly Parton were on the annual “Time 100” list of the most influential people. Also highlighted: Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Donald Trump, Britney Spears, Simone Biles and Lil Nas X.

CMA Nominations Are In

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The 60th Annual CMA Awards nominations have been announced. Ella Langley leads the pack with nine nods, and that ties Miranda Lambert‘s record for the most nominations in one year by a female artist. Lambert comes in with seven nods while Kacey Musgraves and Ben West have five each. Vying for Entertainer of the Year, are Luke Combs, Cody Johnson, Langley, Chris Stapleton and Stephen Wilson Jr.

The awards show will broadcast live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 8:00pm local time on November 18 on ABC, Disney+, and streaming the next day on Hulu.  See the complete list of nominations below:

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR

  • Luke Combs
  • Cody Johnson
  • Ella Langley
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Lainey Wilson

SINGLE OF THE YEAR

  • “Be Her” – Ella Langley
  • “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
  • “I Knew It, I Knew You” – Taylor Swift
  • “Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
  • “The Fall” – Cody Johnson

ALBUM OF THE YEAR

  • “Ain’t In It For My Health” – Zach Top
  • “Dandelion” – Ella Langley
  • “Middle of Nowhere” – Kacey Musgraves
  • “Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum
  • “The Way I Am” – Luke Combs

SONG OF THE YEAR

  • “Be Her” – Ella Langley
  • “Beautiful Things” – Megan Moroney
  • “Choosin’ Texas” –  Ella Langley
  • “Dry Spell” – Kacey Musgraves
  • “Gary” – Stephen Wilson Jr.

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  • Miranda Lambert
  • Ella Langley
  • Megan Moroney
  • Kacey Musgraves
  • Lainey Wilson

MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR

  • Luke Combs
  • Cody Johnson
  • Chris Stapleton
  • Zach Top
  • Stephen Wilson Jr

VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR

  • Lady A
  • Little Big Town
  • Midland
  • Old Dominion
  • The Red Clay Strays

VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR

  • Brooks & Dunn
  • Brothers Osborne
  • Dan + Shay
  • Muscadine Bloodline
  • Thelma & James

MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR

  • “A Song To Sing” – Miranda Lambert (with Chris Stapleton)
  • “Horses and Divorces” – Kacey Musgraves (feat. Miranda Lambert)
  • “I Can’t Love You Anymore” – Ella Langley & Morgan Wallen
  • “If I Don’t Leave I’m Gonna Stay” – Carly Pearce & Riley Green
  • “McArthur” – HARDY, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen & Tim McGraw

MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR

  • Tom Bukovac – Guitar
  • Jenee Fleenor – Fiddle
  • Paul Franklin – Steel Guitar
  • Rob McNelley – Guitar
  • Charlie Worsham – Guitar

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

  • “Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
  • “Dry Spell” – Kacey Musgraves
  • “Gary” – Stephen Wilson Jr.
  • “The Fall” – Cody Johnson
  • “White Horse” – Chris Stapleton

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Avery Anna
  • Carter Faith
  • Emily Ann Roberts
  • Tucker Wetmore
  • Stephen Wilson Jr.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1976, Waylon Jennings scored six nominations and Willie Nelson picked up five as the Country Music Association announces the finalists for its annual awards in Nashville.
  • Today in 1979, Kenny Rogers received a star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Today in 1992, Suzy Bogguss’ “Aces” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1992, John Michael Montgomery’s first single, “Life’s A Dance,” was released.
  • Today in 1993, Vince Gill’s “Let There Be Peace On Earth” album and Martina McBride’s album, “The Way That I Am,” were released.
  • Today in 1998, Shania Twain won awards in six of the eight categories for which she was nominated in the Canadian Country Music Awards.
  • Today in 1999, Martina McBride’s “Emotion” album was released.
  • Today in 2001, Cyndi Thomson’s debut single, “What I Really Meant To Say,” topped the “Radio & Records” country chart. The following day, it hit #1 on the “Billboard” country singles chart as well.
  • Today in 2004, Toby Keith, Kenny Chesney, Gretchen Wilson and Martina McBride each received double nominations for the American Music Awards.
  • Today in 2005, Renee Zellweger filed for an annulment of her marriage to Kenny Chesney in Los Angeles, barely four months after the couple exchanged vows.
  • Today in 2010, the two-disc Jamey Johnson album, “The Guitar Song,” was released.
  • Today in 2014, Luke Bryan became the first country artist to headline at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, joined on the bill by Lee Brice and Cole Swindell.

Dierks Bentley To Headline Concert For Wrongfully Convicted Prisoners

Posted on by Bob Ballard

A new event is coming to Nashville to help those unjustly imprisoned. It’s called “Justice Jam,” a concert event that will help raise awareness (and funds) to assist those who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes. The concert is hosted by the Tennessee Innocence Project and the Washington Innocence Project, and the first-ever Justice Jam is set to take place on October 27 at Cannery Hall – the largest independent music hall in Nashville. Organized with the help of Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready, the musical event will feature Dierks Bentley as its headliner, along with performances from McCready, Terri Clark and others. Tickets are on sale from justicejam.com.

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