- Today in 1972, Alabama gave their first paid performance at Canyonland Park, Alabama. At the time, they were known as Wild Country.
- Today in 1981, the “Angel Of The Morning” single by Juice Newton was certified gold.
- Today in 1990, Hank Williams Jr. married Mary Jane Thomas, a former Hawaiian Tropic model, in Montana. They’re still together.
- Today in 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter hit #1 with the single, “I Take My Chances.”
- Today in 1996, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled that John Denver must stand trial for a 1994 drunk driving accident near Aspen. He had allegedly run his car into a tree.
- Today in 1997, the album, “Carryin’ Your Love With Me,” by George Strait was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1998, Martina McBride joined the Lilith Fair lineup in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. She was the first contemporary country artist to guest on the popular festival’s female-dominated bill.
- Today in 1999, Shania Twain played the final date of her highly successful world tour in her hometown of Timmins, Ontario. It had also served as the starting point for the tour more than a year earlier.
- Today in 1999, Tim McGraw kicked off his “A Place in the Sun” tour in Reno, Nevada. His opening acts were the Dixie Chicks and the Warren Brothers.
- Today in 2009, the Zac Brown Band’s “Toes” single was released.
- Today in 2010, A 17-mile stretch of Mississippi Highway 23 was designated by governor Haley Barbour as the ‘Tammy Wynette Memorial Highway.’
- Today in 2011, Rascal Flatt’s “Easy” video featuring Natasha Bedingfield aired on CMT for the first time.
- Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s album “Here’s To The Good Times” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2015, John Schneider and Tom Wopat disappeared from the TV Land schedule as the network pulled “The Dukes Of Hazzard” in the midst of controversy over the Confederate flag. A June bombing of a black church fired up a national debate over the racist meanings in the flag. Its logo appeared on the “Dukes” car, the General Lee.
- Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard married Hayley Stommel at Trail Creek Cabin in Sun Valley, Idaho. Bandmate Brian Kelley served as the best man, and songwriter Sarah Buxton performed the John Legend song “All Of Me.” Also in attendance were Thomas Rhett, Brett Eldredge, Charles Kelley and Canaan Smith.
- Today in 2017, Lady Antebellum’s “Heart Break” debuted at #1 on the “Billboard” country albums chart.
- Today in 2017, Montgomery Gentry performed “Where I Come From” on the Grand Ole Opry. It served as the last Opry appearance by Troy Gentry, who died in a helicopter accident the following September.
- Today in 2017, Carl Perkins and “Summertime Blues” songwriter Eddie Cochran were inducted in the Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame in Jackson, Tennessee.
- Today in 2017, Luke Bryan used social media to introduce the family’s new dog, Choc.
- Today in 2018, Brothers Osborne revealed they had purchased a Nashville home for their mother.
- Today in 2019, the Du Quoin State Fair in Illinois revealed it had cancelled a planned August appearance by Confederate Railroad. The band’s name, in conjunction with its use of the Confederate flag in branding, was deemed “inappropriate.”
- Today in 2019, Carrie Underwood occupied the cover as People magazine features “100 Reasons To Love America.” The list also hailed Beyonce, “Sesame Street,” Michelle Obama, the Macy Thanksgiving Day Parade and Kacey Musgraves and the women of modern country, including Kelsea Ballerini and Maren Morris.
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Scotty McCreery Announces New EP
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Scotty McCreery surprised fans Friday with the announcement that a new EP was on the way. On Instagram he told his followers, “I’m excited to announce my new EP, ‘Scooter & Friends,’ drops July 18th! It’s a collection of songs with features from some of my friends @hootieofficial, @leebrice, and @imcharliewilson.” The song with Hootie & The Blowfish, “Bottle Rocket,” came out a few weeks back. With news of the EP, Scotty’s song with Charlie Wilson, “Once Upon A Bottle of Wine,” dropped. The third song, with Lee Brice, is yet to be released.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1975, the “Fire On The Mountain” album by the Charlie Daniels Band was certified gold.
- Today in 1980, Glen Campbell and Tanya Tucker graced the cover of “People”
- Today in 1982, the “My Home’s In Alabama” album by Alabama was certified platinum.
- Today in 1984, Vern Gosdin reached #1 with the single, “I Can Tell By The Way You Dance.”
- Today in 1987,T. Oslin’s “‘80’s Ladies” album was released.
- Today in 1987, Highway 101’s self-titled debut album was released.
- Today in 1993, Kenny Chesney signed his first recording contract, with Capricorn Records.
- Today in 1995, Garth Brooks received a star in front of Capitol Records on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He buried the masters to his album, “The Hits,” underneath the star.
- Today in 1998, Pam Tillis released her album, “Every Time,” featuring the hit single “I Said A Prayer.”
- Today in 1998, Faith Hill’s “Faith” album was certified both gold and platinum.
- Today in 1998, Jeff Foxworthy’s “Games Rednecks Play” album was certified triple Platinum.
- Today in 1998, Mindy McCready’s “If I Don’t Stay The Night” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1998, Faith Hill’s “This Kiss” single was certified gold.
- Today in 2000, Pam Tillis was moonlighting as a gas station attendant in Nashville. Pam pumped gas as a “Celebrity Pumper” as part of a Nashville radio station promotion.
- Today in 2001, Chet Atkins succumbed to cancer after a valiant fight. An influential guitarist and producer who helped create “The Nashville Sound,” he entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1973 and later, earned a Lifetime Achievement award from the GRAMMYS.
- Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney’s “No Shoes, No Shirt No Problems” album, took the top spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart back from the “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” soundtrack.
- Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts guitarist Joe Don Rooney got engaged to Tiffany Fallon while aboard a cruise ship in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.
- Today in 2014, Maddie & Tae’s debut single, “Girl In a Country Song,” was released.
MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: DAISY
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Daisy”, a 5 year old Lab/Retreiver mix who loves attention, enjoys going for short walks, loves playing in the pool, and walks well on a leash. Daisy knows a few commands, does well with other dogs and doesn’t mind cats. Daisy is fully vetted, chipped, spayed, vaccinated, and ready to find her ‘furr-ever’ home!
And since Daisy is the Pet of the Week, her adoption fee is only $100 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Daisy 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 Daisy with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Tim McGraw Cancels Colorado Show Amid Recovery From Back Surgery
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Tim McGraw is bouncing back from multiple surgeries, but he hasn’t bounced all the way back. As he continues to recover, he’s had to cancel a show scheduled for July 21 at Canvas Stadium in Fort Collins, Colorado. Tim’s replacement for the gig has already been announced: Cross Canadian Ragweed. For those feeling the lineup change is a deal-breaker, full refunds are being offered.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1965, Eddy Arnold recorded “Make The World Go Away“ at RCA Studio B in Nashville. Cameras capture the session for the ABC-TV series “The Jimmy Dean Show.”
- Today in 1987, Reba McEntire filed for divorce from Charlie Battles.
- Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s video, “It’s All About To Change,” was released.
- Today in 1996, Trace Adkins released his debut album, “Dreamin’ Out Loud,” and Wade Hayes released his second album, “On A Good Night.”
- Today in 1997, more than 70 artists and musicians paid tribute at a Ryman Auditorium concert on Chet Atkins Day. Among the night’s performers were Steve Wariner, Ray Stevens, Ronnie McDowell, Mark Knopfler, Marty Stuart, Bobby Bare and Hank Williams III.
- Today in 1999, Shania Twain’s “Shania Twain Live” video was certified gold.
- Today in 1999, Tanya Tucker gave birth to her third child, daughter Layla, who arrived at 5:48pm local time in a Nashville hospital. She also has two other children, daughter Presley and son Beau.
- Today in 2000, 12-year-old Billy Gilman made his Grand Ole Opry debut during the televised portion of the show.
- Today in 2002, SHeDAISY’s album, “Knock On The Sky” and Ty Herndon’s “This Is Ty Herndon: Greatest Hits” project arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Trace Adkins made his tenth and final appearance on ABC-TV’s “Politically Incorrect.” The show was cancelled soon after.
- Today in 2006, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman were married at Cardinal Cerretti Memorial Chapel in Sydney, Australia. Special moments at the service included Keith singing his hit, “Making Memories Of Us,” to his bride.
- Today in 2014, the video for “Somethin’ Bad,” the Miranda Lambert duet with Carrie Underwood, premiered on CMT, MTV and VH1.
- Today in 2015, Reba McEntire sold her Beverly Park estate for $22.5-million. The purchase price in 2003 was a mere $9-million.
- Today in 2019, Granger Smith and his wife, Amber, present a check for nearly $219,000 to Dell Children’s Medical Center in Austin in memory of their late son, River.
- Today in 2019, Thomas Rhett picks up a gold single from the RIAA for “Look What God Gave Her.”
- Today in 2020, the Dixie Chicks changed their name to ‘The Chicks’ to remove connotations of Confederate history. This came two weeks after Lady Antebellum changed their name to ‘Lady A.’
MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: STORMIE
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Stormie”, a 4 year old domestic tabby cat who is kind of a lazy gal who loves to lay around and watch birds. She likes to play with teaser toys and loves to cuddle. Stormie would love to curl up on the couch with you and be your new best friend! Stormie gets along well with other cats and doesn’t seem to mind dogs. Stormie is dewormed, fully vetted and vaccinated, spayed, and ready to meet you!
And because Stormie is the pet of the week, her adoption fee is only $30 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Stormie or any of the pets at Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter, visit https://www.stephenmemorial.
Check out our visit about Stormie with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Zach Top Unveils Details On Sophomore Album
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Those country fans eagerly awaiting Zach Top‘s sophomore album, the wait is almost over. The rising star announced on his Instagram yesterday, “The subtle hints and cryptic announcements are over. Your new favorite summer banger, ‘Good Times & Tan Lines,’ is out now! And if that’s not enough, my second record, ‘Ain’t In It For My Health,’ will be out 8/29.” And if fans were worried that Zach would move away from the retro sound he’s known for, they’ll be reassured by the first track from his upcoming album.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1972, Elvis Presley’s afternoon performance during a four-show stand in New York is taped for a future album: “Elvis As Recorded At Madison Square Garden.” Future Oak Ridge Boy Richard Sterban was a backing vocalist, and Bob Dylan was in the audience.
- Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s remake of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Georgia On My Mind” tops the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1985, the album, “Have I Got A Deal For You,” by Reba McEntire was released.
- Today in 1989, Clint Black topped the country charts with his single, “Better Man.”
- Today in 1994, Vince Gill hit #1 with the single, “Whenever You Come Around.”
- Today in 1997 Harlan Howard was added to the National Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Phil Spector and Joni Mitchell. Howard wrote “Busted” and “I Fall To Pieces,” among many others.
- Today in 1998, Patty Loveless’ album, “Long Stretch Of Lonesome,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1998, former Oak Ridge Boys member Steve Sanders was found dead at the age of 45 from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
- Today in 1999, John Berry was a part of President and Mrs. George Bush’s “Milestones and Miracles” birthday celebration in Houston. John, Larry Gatlin and Michael W. Smith performed “O Sole Mio” together accompanied by a 52-piece orchestra.
- Today in 2002, Howard Bellamy (of the Bellamy Brothers) married songwriter/producer Sharon Vaughn at the Bellamys’ Florida ranch.
- Today in 2012, Wynonna Judd married her husband, Highway 101 drummer Cactus Moser, at her home in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. It was his first marriage, her third.
- Today in 2013, the Eli Young Band’s single, “Drunk Last Night,” hit the airwaves.
The Band Perry Returns To Country Music With New Lineup
Posted on by Bob Ballard
They’re back! Once the hottest thing in country music (way back in the early 2010s), The Band Perry stepped towards a pop career that never took off. A decade later, the band (with a slightly different lineup) is firmly back in the country music genre. The family band is still a family band, but replacing brother Neil Perry is Kimberly Perry‘s husband, Johnny Costello. Brother Reid Perry remains with the band. The new lineup performed over the weekend on CMA Fest’s Hard Rock Stage as part of CMA Fest in Downtown Nashville. In a statement, the band said, “After stepping away to take a break and evolve, we’re feeling more grounded, more fired-up, and more connected to our roots than ever. Country music has always been home for us, and we feel so grateful to still have a seat at the table. We’re bringing everything we’ve lived, everything we’ve learned, and a whole new energy into this next season. We can’t wait to share what’s coming.”
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