This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 28, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1966, at the first Academy of Country & Western Music awards, Roger Miller was named Man of the Year and Top Songwriter. Buck Owens, Merle Haggard, and Bonnie Owens also won big.
Today in 1984, at the GRAMMYs, Anne Murray won Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for “A Little Good News.”
Today in 1993, Travis Tritt got his first acting role in the TV movie “Rio Diablo.” He starred alongside Kenny Rogers and Naomi Judd.
Today in 1996, at the GRAMMYs, Vince Gill won two awards – Best Country Song and Best Male Country Vocal Performance – for “Go Rest High On That Mountain.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks was the host and musical guest for “Saturday Night Live.”
Today in 1998, Stevie Wariner and Anita Cochran’s “What If I Said” topped the singles chart.
Today in 2012, “If I Die Young” by the Band Perry became a quadruple-platinum single.
Today in 2015, Florida Georgia Line played in Europe for the first time during the Country 2 Country Festival at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm, Sweden. The night’s lineup also features Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark and Lee Ann Womack.
Today in 2017, Jimmie Allen playeda showcase at The Country in Nashville and receives a call on the way home with an offer to sign a recording contract with Stoney Creek. The set list included his first hit, “Best Shot.”
Today in 2019, Lindsay Ell has surgery to remove pre-cancerous cells.
Today in 2019, Ryan Hurd’s concert at The Exit/In in Nashville includes a surprise appearance by Maren Morris on “To A T.” Hurd also did two country hits that he wrote for other artists: “You Look Good” and “Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset.”
Today in 2019, Brett Young shot a “CMT Crossroads” installment with Boyz II Men at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The set list included “On Bended Knee,” “Mercy” and a cover of the Lonestar hit “Amazed.”
Today in 2020, Rhonda Vincent was (FINALLY!) invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by Jeannie Seely during an appearance on the show. Vincent, of course, said yes.
Today in 2020, Marie Osmond revealed on the CBS show “The Talk” that she’s leaving her inheritance to a charity rather than her children: “I think you do a great disservice to just hand them a fortune because you take away the one most important gift you can give your children, and that’s the ability to work.”
Today in 2021, Fox News reported Miranda Lambert’s husband, Brendan McLoughlin, had officially retired from the New York City police force.

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

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Fatty”, a sweet 6 year old male Pom/Chihuahua mix who has a pretty chill disposition, but howls a bit when he’s left alone. Fatty seems to get along well with other pets, and would be well suited for adult owners.

Fatty is housetrained, fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home. And because Fatty is the Pet of the Week, his adoption fee is only $100 this week!

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

Carrie Underwood To Lead New “American Idol” Web-Series “Idol To Icon”

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Carrie Underwood‘s role as judge on “American Idol” comes with a side-gig. The singer is to lead the web series “Idol To Icon,” which will be released as a companion to the singing competition. It will air on YouTube starting on March 4, serving as a table-setter for the series itself, which makes its debut on ABC on Sunday, March 9. Each webisode will cover a different part of the competition as the season progresses, with the last episode covering her finale memories and ultimate Idol winning moment.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1961, Marty Robbins didn’t have a care in the world – as he was atop Billboard country single with “Don’t Worry.”
Today in 1982, Don Williams was at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Lord, I Hope This Day is Good.”
Today in 1990, Alan Jackson’s first album, “Here in the Real World’ was released.
Today in 2002, at the GRAMMYs, T Bone Burnett’s “O Brother, Where Art Thou” won Album of the Year and Best Compilation Soundtrack Album.
Today in 2004, the video for Reba McEntire’s “Somebody” premiered on CMT.
Today in 2006, “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” earned Joe Nichols his first gold single.
Today in 2009, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” featured Jamey Johnson and Shooter Jennings performing “In Color.”
Today in 2013, the Grand Ole Opry aired for the first time from the Country Radio Seminar. The night’s lineup included Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Dustin Lynch, Darius Rucker, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, and Scotty McCreery.
Today in 2015, Carrie Underwood and husband Mike Fisher welcomed a son, Isaiah Michael Fisher.
Today in 2016, RaeLynn married financial advisor Josh Davis in Franklin, Tennessee. The guest list included Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani.
Today in 2017, Chuck Wicks suffered a fractured skull and vertebrae when a car carrying him and three friends hydroplaned and flipped in Mississippi on the way to the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. He was hospitalized for several days and had to wear a neck brace for three months.
Today in 2018, Dolly Parton presented the 100-millionth book in her Imagination Library program to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C.

Keith Urban Returning To Televised Singing Competition In “The Road”

Posted on February 26, 2025February 26, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Back in November, we told you that Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan were teaming up to create an all-new televised singing competition. Yesterday we learned that a big name was added to the mix. Keith Urban will be the headliner of “The Road,” a CBS series that tests up-and-coming musicians’ ability to perform in front of live audiences. The show will follow Urban’s concerts across Texas, Tennessee and Oklahoma; the contestants will open for the country superstar, and the audience at each venue will determine which musicians get to stay on the tour. The best part: you can be part of that all-important audience. The shows are free, with tickets distributed on a “first come-first served” basis. Tickets will be made available through the show’s website. The schedule of performances:

March 2: Tannahill’s Tavern and Music Hall in Forth Worth
March 5: The Factory in Deep Ellum in Dallas
March 9: Oklahoma Ranch in Oklahoma City
March 12: Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa
March 24: Minglewood Hall in Memphis
March 28: Marathon Music Works in Nashville
April 2: Ryman Auditorium in Nashville

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 26, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1987, George Strait’s “Strait From The Heart” turned into a gold album and he received a platinum award for his “Greatest Hits.”
Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes won two trophies, Best New Artist and Best Female Country Vocal Performance for “Blue” at the 39^th annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 2001, Toby Keith received a platinum certification for his album, “How Do You Like Me Now?!”
Today in 2001, Martina McBride earned her first triple-platinum album award for “Evolution.”
Today in 2002, Sony released the soundtrack to “We Were Soldiers,” featuring a collaboration between Johnny Cash and Dave Matthews, plus a duet from Jamie O’Neal and Michael McDonald.
Today in 2004, Pat Green netted his first gold album, for “Wave On Wave.”
Today in 2006, Willie Nelson rode in the Krewe of Bacchus Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.
Today in 2007, Little Bit Town’s Jimi Westbrook broke his little toe jumping on the couch at his home in Nashville.
Today in 2011, Luke Bryan checked in at top of the “Billboard” country singles list with “Someone Else Calling You Baby.”
Today in 2017, Lady A performed “You Look Good” during the pre-game events for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 at the Daytona Motor Speedway. Kurt Busch won the race.

Lainey Wilson Wrote The Forward To New Children’s Book About The Grand Ole Opry

Posted on February 25, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Lainey Wilson is a singer, actress, and now…author? Not quite, but she did dip her toes into the publishing world. A new children’s book, “Howdy: Welcome To The Grand Ole Opry” by Emily Frans, is coming out this summer, and Lainey was tapped to write the forward for the picture book. In doing so, Lainey describes her first visit to the Opry as a child, and how she knew she wanted to perform there. “I dreamed about making my debut and standing in the circle where all my heroes have stood,” she wrote. She also told readers about joining the Grand Ole Opry last June. “Of all the blessings and accolades, this is my biggest accomplishment so far.” “Howdy: Welcome To The Grand Ole Opry” hits book stores and Kindles everywhere September 16.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 25, 2025February 25, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1949, Hank Williams Sr.’s “Lovesick Blues” was released. It was the song that got him his first invitation to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 1956, Elvis Presley received his first #1 record on the top Billboard country singles chart for “I Forgot To Remember To Forget.”
Today in 1981, George Jones won Best Country Vocal Performance, male, for “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” during the 23^rd annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 1989, Dwight Yoakam took the #1 spot on the Billboard country chart with “I Sang Dixie.”
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks won his first Grammy for the album “Ropin’ The Wind.” Mary Chapin Carpenter also took home her first Grammy, for “Down at the Twist and Shout.”
Today in 1993, Marshall Tucker Band guitarist Toy Caldwell died of respiratory failure at his home in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He was 45.
Today in 1994, Vince Gill topped the country charts with “Tryin’ to Get Over You.”
Today in 1998, Trisha Yearwood took home trophies in the Best Female Country Vocal Performance category for “How Do I Live” and in the Best Country Vocal Collaboration category for “In Another’s Eyes,” her duet with Garth Brooks, the 40th annual Grammy Awards. Other winners included Alison Krauss & Union Station, who earned Best Country Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group with “Looking in the Eyes of Love,” and Vince Gill, who received his 11th Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance with “Pretty Little Adriana.”
Today in 2000, the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence praised the Dixie Chicks for raising public awareness of the issue.
Today in 2002, Garth Brooks helped honor Billy Joel as the 2002 MusiCares Person of the Year.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks made the first of two appearances on “Sesame Street.”
Today in 2003, Johnny PayCheck was laid to rest at Woodlawn Memorial Park in Nashville. Johnny was buried in a plot donated by and next to one reserved for his longtime friend, George Jones.
Today in 2005, Kathy Mattea, Pam Tillis, and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely performed during the Nashville stop of “The Vagina Monologues” touring production.
Today in 2005, Tim McGraw became the first country artist to receive a platinum single for digital downloads when his “Over And Over” pop collaboration with Nelly was certified for 1-million downloads.
Today in 2007, Collin Raye, Mel Tillis, The Bellamy Brothers, and Suzy Bogguss set sail on an eight-day “Country Cruise” from Ft. Lauderdale to the ports of San Juan, Puerto Rico; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; Catalina Island, Domincan Republic; and Nassua, Grand Bahamas.
Today in 2008, John Rich, Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson and Kellie Pickler were among the performers for “Phoenix Rising! Musicians United to Benefit the Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire.” The Providence, Rhode Island concert raised money for the those injured and the families of those killed in the fire at the West Warwick, Rhode Island nightclub five years ago during a Great White concert. One-hundred people were killed, while nearly 200 others were injured.
Today in 2009, Martina McBride took part in a concert at the White House honoring Stevie Wonder as the recipient of the Library of Congress’ Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Today in 2009, Jewel began rehab for tendinitis in her knees, which she developed with her intense rehearsals for her participation on ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the second of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum and Josh Kear co-wrote “Need You Now” in Nashville.
Today in 2010, Easton Corbin and Tom T. Hall were among the performers at the Country Radio Seminar’s CRS Live Show.
Today in 2011, Eric Church got the nod as the Academy of Country Music’s Top New Solo Vocalist, while The Band Perry was named Top New Vocal Duo or Group. With their wins they also became the nominees for Top New Artist at the 46th annual ACM Awards, which took place five weeks later.
Today in 2014, Dierks Bentley’s album “Riser” was released.
Today in 2015, Keith Urban and Eric Church shot the video for “Raise ‘Em Up” in Nashville.

Mavericks Singer Raul Malo Hospitalized After Cancer Surgery Complications

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Raul Malo of the Mavericks has suffered a setback in his battle against cancer. In an Instagram post Thursday, the band announced they were canceling a few scheduled shows due to Malo being back in the hospital. “Hey everyone, unfortunately The Mavericks will no longer be performing with Dwight [Yoakam] this weekend in OKC (February 21st) & Hidalgo (February 23rd),” the post read. “Raul has been experiencing complications from his December surgery and is back in the hospital getting the care he needs to make a full recovery.” Malo first revealed his cancer diagnosis last June, and has been keeping fans up to date on his socials.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 24, 2025 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Johnny Cash recorded his album “Johnny Cash At San Quentin,” including the song “A Boy Named Sue.” June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed with him.
Today in 1976, the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which includes featured “Lyin’ Eyes” was certified platinum.
Today in 1980, NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which was based on Jeannie C. Riley’s hit single.
Today in 1982, at the GRAMMYs, “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton won both Best Country Song and Best Female Country Performance.
Today in 1984, Sawyer Brown won “Star Search” and collected $100,000.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire won her first Grammy for “Whoever’s In New England.” Other winners at the 29th annual Grammy Awards included the Judds and Ronnie Milsap.
Today in 1989, Rosanne Cash’s album “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” was released.
Today in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce died.
Today in 1993, at the GRAMMYs, Vince Gill won two awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country Song (shared with co-writer John Jarvis) for “I Still Believe in You.” Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, and Mary Stuart were also big winners.
Today in 1995, George Strait was number one on the country charts with “You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody.”
Today in 2001, “But For The Grace Of God” earned Keith Urban his first #1 single in Billboard.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Willie Nelson performed “Bridge over Troubled Water” on the closing night of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Today in 2004, the DVDs “The Best of Tracy Byrd” and “The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus” arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Garth Brooks arrived in Surprise, Arizona to participate in spring training exercises with the Kansas City Royals.
Today in 2007, an episode of “CMT Crossroads” paired Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. They sang “Mandolin Rain,” “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” and “Super Freak.” John Anderson also made a guest appearance.
Today in 2008, Vince Gill and Amy Grant performed for a White House State Dinner gathering of the governors of the 50 states. President Bush was also in attendance.
Today in 2008, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines was among those attending the “InStyle” Oscar viewing party.
Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the first of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
Today in 2009, Vince Gill played the last of his three special shows as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence. The performances took place at the Museum’s intimate, 213-seat Ford Theater.
Today in 2009, new releases included Jake Owen’s CD “Easy Does It,” along with “Volume 7” and “Volume 8” of the DVD series “The Best of the Flatt and Scruggs TV Show.”
Today in 2010, Darius Rucker performed a special concert for men and women of the military at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s VA Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The show was in conjunction with Musicians On Call.
Today in 2010, Trace Adkins received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian award at a Country Radio Seminar event in Nashville. The singer was recognized for his efforts in supporting the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the Animal Rescue Foundation, and various military and veterans organizations. In addition, the final installment of the Trace Adkins-inspired comic book series “Luke McBain” arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Gloriana was among the performers at “The Motown Sound: In Performance At The White House” concert.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney, and Eli Young Band performed at the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show in Nashville. Thompson Square was expected to appear as well, but dropped out of the lineup following the death of Shawna Thompson’s father the day before the concert.
Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band played the pre-race concert prior to the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Today in 2014, Loretta Lynn suffered minor burns on her fingers in her efforts to put out a small fire at her Hurricane Mills ranch in Tennessee.
Today in 2014, Blake Shelton and Shakira sang “Boys ‘Round Here,” on the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice.” Contestants sang “Something More,” “Steamroller Blues,” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Today in 2017, Little Big Town launched a precedent-setting residency at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, playing the first of 10 2017 concerts at the historic venue. Sam Hunt was a surprise guest, performing “Body Like A Back Road,” and Chris Stapleton stopped by to deliver “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Today in 2017, Tyler Farr headlined Keith Relief, a benefit concert staged by Blackhawks player Duncan Keith at Joe’s Bar in Chicago.
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker played a bomb maker in a guest role on the CBS drama “Hawaii Five-0.”
Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson was launched as a new celebrity spokesperson for Wayfair.
Today in 2021, Bruce Springsteen plead guilty to drinking illegally in a park in November, though DWI charges are dropped when the prosecutor concedes a .02 blood alcohol level was well below the .08 legal limit. Springsteen’s recording of “Atlantic City” was hailed among country’s 500 greatest singles in a 2003 Country Music Foundation book.

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