- Today in 1966, Tracy Byrd was born in Vidor, Texas. He emerged in 1993 to record a series of hits, including “Lifestyles Of The Not So Rich And Famous,” “Watermelon Crawl,” and “The Keeper Of The Stars.”
- Today in 1978, a “train bound for nowhere” reached #1 as Kenny Rogers tops the Billboard country chart with “The Gambler”
- Today in 1988, Restless Heart reeled in a #1 single on the Billboard country chart with “A Tender Lie.”
- Today in 1993, the tribute album “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles” went gold, platinum, and double platinum.
- Today in 1994, Joe Diffie parked “Pickup Man” at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 2009, Lady Antebellum earned a platinum single for “Need You Now.”
- Today in 2010, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood delivered the first two of nine concerts at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, joined by unannounced guest Steve Wariner. The shows raised $3.5-million for flood relief.
- Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelley married Brittney Marie Cole in Nashville.
- Today in 2014, Craig Wayne Boyd won NBC’s “The Voice,” earning $100,000 and a Dot recording deal. He also performed “Keep Your Hands To Yourself” with three female contestants who’ve been eliminated and “Sweet Home Alabama” with Lynyrd Skynyrd. Boyd was a member of Blake Shelton’s team.
- Today in 2015, Cam’s single. “Burning House,” went platinum.
- Today in 2016, Frankie Ballard began a two-night stand at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, Michigan, raising $40-thousand for a cancer charity.
- Today in 2016, the CW telecast the “Hollywood Christmas Parade” with Scotty McCreery singing “Santa Claus Is Back In Town” and Cyndi Lauper performing “Hard Candy Christmas.” The lineup also includes Bill Engvall, The Beach Boys, Kenny G and grand marshal Olivia Newton-John.
- Today in 2017, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line took over the #1 position on the Billboard country singles chart with “Meant To Be.” It remained at the top for a record 50 weeks.
- Today in 2017, Garth Brooks hit #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with his book/CD package, “The Anthology: Part I, The First Five Years.”
- Today in 2020, LeAnn Rimes was declared the winner of FOX’s “The Masked Singer” after she is revealed as the real-life celebrity dressed as the sun character. Backstreet Boy Nick Carter, who was disguised as a crocodile, places third.
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DOLLY PARTON DONATES $1-MILLION TO THE SALVATION ARMY
Posted on by Bob Ballard
$3-million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts, and now $1-million to the Salvation Army. Dolly Parton is almost too good to be true. It’s the second time Dolly has made a million-dollar donation to the bell-ringers. The Salvation Army’s National Commander, Kenneth G. Hodder, said in a statement, “Ms. Parton is once again ringing in hope and holiday spirit through another incredibly generous donation. Ahead of this Christmas season, when hope is needed more than ever, we are honored and grateful to receive this gift which will help The Salvation Army serve millions of individuals and families during a time of vital need.”
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1980, Waylon Jennings’ “Theme From The Dukes Of Hazzard (Good Ol’ Boys)” peaked at #21 on the pop charts.
- Today in 1988, the album, “Reba,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Brooks & Dunn’s single, “My Next Broken Heart,” topped the charts.
- Today in 1994, Garth Brooks released his “best of” album, “The Hits.” It’s since gone on to sell 10-million copies, making it the best-selling country greatest hits record in history.
- Today in 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Shooting Straight In The Dark,” was certified platinum, while her “Come On, Come On” album was certified triple-platinum.
- Today in 1995, the soundtrack, “Pure Country,” by George Strait was certified for sales of 5-million. His “Strait Out Of The Box” set was certified double-platinum.
- Today in 1995, Vince Gill’s album, “When Love Finds You,” was certified triple-platinum.
- Today in 1995, the “Thinkin’ About You” album by Trisha Yearwood was certified platinum.
- Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes hit #1 with the single, “One Way Ticket (Because I Can).”
- Today in 2001, for the fourth consecutive week, Garth Brooks’ latest album, “Scarecrow,” held on to the #1 position on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart. At the same time, his holiday project, “Garth Brooks & The Magic of Christmas: Songs from Call Me Claus,” was #8 on the Top Country Albums chart.
- Today in 2005, the Johnny Cash biopic “Walk The Line” earned multiple nominations in the Golden Globe Awards. Dolly Parton got a nomination for Best Song for “Travelin’ Thru” from “Transamerica,” and Bernie Taupin scored for a “Brokeback Mountain” song performed by Emmylou Harris.
- Today in 2006, Heidi Newfield gave her final performances as a member of Trick Pony as the band held three concerts at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.
- Today in 2010, Josh and Jennifer Turner had their third son, Crawford Marion Turner.
- Today in 2012, Golden Globe nominations for Best Original Song were announced for “For You,” written by Keith Urban and Monty Powell; and “Safe & Sound,” by Taylor Swift, John Paul White, Joy Williams, and T Bone Burnett. Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere received acting nominations for their roles on ABC’s “Nashville.”
- Today in 2014, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill received the Nashville Symphony’s Harmony Award at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
- Today in 2016, Dolly Parton’s “Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit For The My People Fund” raised $9-million for fire victims in East Tennessee. The lineup includes Big & Rich Jamey Johson, LoCash, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Chris Janson and Chris Young. As an added bonus, Dolly performed “Islands In The Stream” with Kenny Rogers.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: NINA
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Nina”, a beautiful 2 year old kitty who loves to cuddle with her human, gets along great with other pets, and craves attention. Nina is a chill kinda gal who would make a great addition to any family. Nina is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.
And because Nina 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 Nina 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 Nina with Shanna & Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
CHRIS JANSON ANNOUNCES 2025 TOUR
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Country performers continue to set up their 2025 tour schedules. The latest to announce: Chris Janson. On Instagram he revealed his 2025 tour schedule kicks off not long after the new year, with a January 16 show in Charleston, South Carolina, followed by 29 dates winding through the US, including January 24th in Davenport and wrapping up July 26 in West Union, Iowa, with more dates to be announced. Check out the dates and cities at Chris’s website.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1957, in the “I do” that strangled “the Killer’s” career, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown. Part of the resulting furor was due to the fact that he was still married to his second wife, Jane Mitcham — and that this was his second bigamous marriage. Undaunted by the negative public opinion, he was determined to return to the top. He divorced Jane and legally married Myra in 1958, but, it was too late, the damage to his career had been done.
- Today in 1957, a Portland, Oregon disc jockey was fired for playing Elvis Presley’s version of “White Christmas.”
- Today in 1960, Brenda Lee’s perennial Christmas single, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” makes its first appearance on the charts.
- Today in 1969, Elvis Presley’s “From Vegas To Memphis” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1970, Dolly Parton’s first #1 single, “Joshua,” entered the charts.
- Today in 1996, Clint Black received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He and his wife Lisa Hartman Black made a grand entrance in a stagecoach, and he received proclamations from the mayors of Nashville, Los Angeles and Houston.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw wrapped up their hugely successful “Soul 2 Soul” tour in Orlando, Florida. According to MusicBusiness.com, it was the year’s highest grossing tour. The whirlwind, five-month tour that left 64 cities in its wake was the second time the supercouple had been on tour together. They fell in love the first time around back in 1996 during the aptly titled “Spontaneous Combustion” tour.
- Today in 2001, “I Wanna Talk About Me,” Toby Keith’s anthem to suffering men everywhere, topped the country singles charts.
- Today in 2001, Wynonna served as maid of honor when her sister, Ashley Judd, married racecar driver Dario Franchitti [[pr: fran-KEY-tee]] in Scotland. They had no children together, with Judd telling the “Sunday Mail” that “it’s unconscionable to breed with the number of children who are starving to death in impoverished countries.” They split in January 2013, attempted a reconciliation shortly thereafter, but ultimately divorced that same year. Franchitti went on to remarry and have a daughter in 2015.
- Today in 2002, Carlene Carter was arrested on two charges of identity theft. She allegedly used someone else’s identity to obtain prescription drugs.
- Today in 2003, “CMT Crossroads” aired featuring Martina McBride and Pat Benatar.
- Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley proposed to Cassidy Black in Las Vegas; two days later they tied the know in Mexico.
- Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band’s single, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” was released to the radio.
- Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2017, Kix Brooks publicly opposed a development plan surrounding Nashville’s abandoned Greer Stadium, siding with Civil War preservationists who want to honor the history of nearby Fort Negley. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” producer T Bone Burnett is one of the creators of the plan Brooks dislikes.
- Today in 2017, Dylan Scott and his wife, Blair, welcome a son, Beckett Scott Robinson, in Nashville.
- Today in 2018, “Brokeback Mountain” was announced as a new addition to the National Film Registry. The gay-themed cowboy movie features music by Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, Roger Miller and Linda Ronstadt.
- Today in 2018, Cole Swindell scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Break Up In The End” and a platinum certification for “Flatliner,” featuring Dierks Bentley.
- Today in 2018, “Crazy Girl” by Eli Young Band was certified triple-platinum single.
- Today in 2018, Martina McBride scored gold singles from the RIAA for “Independence Day” and “Anyway,” a quadruple-platinum album for her “Greatest Hits” and a double-platinum album for “White Christmas.”
- Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line singles received RIAA certifications: “Simple” went platinum, the Tim McGraw collaboration “May We All” reached double-platinum, “Get Your Shine On” hit triple-platinum and the Luke Bryan partnership on “This Is How We Roll” was certified quintuple-platinum.
- Today in 2018, Brantley Gilbert earned a gold album from the RIAA for “The Devil Don’t Sleep.”
- Today in 2019, the Chicks and Jason Isbell participated in Jack Antonoff’s benefit for at-risk LGBTQ youth at Town Hall in New York. The Chicks’ set included “Landslide” and “Not Ready To Make Nice”
- Today in 2019, Luke Combs picked up a triple-platinum album from the RIAA for “This One’s For You,” plus awards for four singles: “Must’ve Never Met You” goes platinum, “She Got The Best Of Me” reaches double-platinum, and “Beautiful Crazy” and “When It Rains It Pours” are certified quadruple-platinum.
- Today in 2020, Maren Morris and Keb’ Mo’ receive the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony.
- Today in 2020, Charley Pride died of complications from COVID-19 in Dallas. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was the first Black singer to become a star in the genre. His hit list included “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” “Just Between You And Me” and his signature, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.” Hours after his passing, Chris Young honored him on the Grand Ole Opry by covering “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES KEITH WHITLEY DOCUMENTARY
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Blake Shelton has announced he’s executive producing a new documentary delving into the life and career of country legend Keith Whitley. Whitley was a rising star who’d already reached legend status when he passed away in 1989 at the age of 34. Of the project, Blake said, “Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans…I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.” Filming is expected to begin next month.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1965, “Flowers On The Wall” by Statler Brothers entered the Top 40 chart for the first time. In 2000, an updated version of the song was re-released by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly.
- Today in 1973, the “John Denver’s Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1982, Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe married his wife, Robin.
- Today in 1990, the Statler Brothers were given the American Spirit Award. It’s the highest award presented to civilians by the Air Force recruiting service.
- Today in 1992, Clint Black topped the country charts with the single, “Burn One Down.”
- Today in 1995, “Billboard” named the year’s top five country artists: John Michael Montgomery, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw.
- Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country albums chart. Shania Twain’s album, “The Woman In Me,” followed in second and John Michael Montgomery’s self-titled album was third.
- Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country singles chart. The song, “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain followed.
- Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s debut CD, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was certified platinum. At the party celebrating the certification of the album, Mindy was presented with a platinum belly button ring!
- Today in 1997, Emmylou Harris, Jewel and Sinead O’Connor performed the Beatles’ classic, “In My Life,” together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks was named as the next recipient of the American Music Awards’ Award of Merit. Following in the footsteps of some of music’s biggest names, Garth received a tribute during the 29th annual American Music Awards telecast, which took place on January 9th. Previous winners of the “Award of Merit” include Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Tammy Wynette. The news followed some other pretty incredible news. Also on this day, Garth Brooks’ “Scarecrow” album was certified gold, platinum, double and triple platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” tour won in the “Most Creative Tour Package” category for “Pollstar’s” 2002 Concert Industry Awards.
- Today in 2001, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry joined the ranks of platinum-selling artists. Gary’s “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Tattoos & Scars” albums were both certified platinum. Plus, Billy Gilman’s “One Voice” project achieved double platinum status.
- Today in 2002, Diamond Rio shot its video for “I Believe” in Nashville.
- Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood joined CeCe Winans, Ciara, and The Click Five to perform for president George W. Bush at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The concert became a TNT special called, “Christmas In Washington.”
- Today in 2009, Garth Brooks performed the first concert in a five-year deal with Wynn Las Vegas.
- Today in 2011, Sugarland performed “Stuck Like Glue” during the Nobel Peace Prize concert at the Spektrum Arena in Oslo, Norway.
- Today in 2015, Mel Tillis performed “The Arms Of A Fool” on the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It marked Tillis’ final appearance on the show.
- Today in 2015, Cam’s debut album, “Untamed,” was released.
- Today in 2015, Little Big Town backed up Gregg Allman on “Midnight Rider” during an installment of “Skyville Live,” a livestreaming event from Nashville. Also featured in the lineup: Taj Mahal and Chris Stapleton, who covered the Allmans’ “Whipping Post.”
- Today in 2016, Brandy Clark joined Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Grace Potter and Maria Muldaur in a tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Don Henley also made a surprise appearance, performing “Desperado.” Proceeds were earmarked for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
- Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line vocalist Tyler Hubbard go Christmas caroling in Nashville. Their performances include “White Christmas.”
- Today in 2017, Taylor Swift earned 11 sales awards from the RIAA, including six multi-platinum albums: “Fearless” is certified for 10 million; “1989,” 9 million; “Taylor Swift,” 7 million; “Red” and “Speak Now,” 6 million each; and “Reputation,” triple-platinum.
- Today in 2018, Lee Brice single, “Boy,” went gold.
- Today in 2019, the Loretta Lynn biopic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” was named to the National Film Registry by the Library.
- Today in 2019, Randy Houser had a surprise in store for fans at New York’s Webster Hall: Miranda Lambert stepped on to the stage to duet with Houser on the Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn classic, “After The Fire Is On.”
- Today in 2020, Dolly Parton announced a partnership with Edge Beauty to develop a fragrance. In 2021, Dolly: Scent From Above was launched. Described as an Amber Floral fragrance, top notes are Peony, Pear, Black Currant and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Jasmine, Vanilla orchid and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Musk, Amber, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Fir.
- Today in 2020, Cyndi Lauper’s annual Home For The Holidays benefit ran as an online event, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. Her guest list included Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Cher and Brandi Carlile.
TAYLOR SWIFT GAVE ERAS TOUR CREW $197 MILLION IN BONUSES
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Taylor Swift showed her appreciation for her hardworking “Eras Tour” crew by giving out $197-million in bonuses over the past two years to everyone involved, including truck drivers, caterers, dancers, musicians, production staff and more. The tour, which wrapped up on Sunday after 149 shows, became the first $2-billion concert tour in history, with over 10-million attendees and record breaking ticket sales. Swift’s generosity reflects the massive success of the tour, which not only set financial records but also highlighted her commitment to rewarding the team behind the scenes.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas. He became country’s first mainstream star of Hispanic descent, emerging out of Tom T. Hall’s band in 1972. He recorded numerous songs in Spanglish, with a line of hits that stretch from 1972-1983.
- Today in 1973, Charlie Rich picked up his second gold single for “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
- Today in 1988, George Strait went to #1 in Billboard with a remake of an old Faron Young hit, “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’).”
- Today in 2004, Keith Urban’s “You’re My Better Half” video first public aired on CMT.
- Today in 2005, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood married at their home in Owasso, Oklahoma.
- Today in 2010, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” debuted in theaters with Carrie Underwood singing the end theme, “There’s A Place For Us.”
- Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum owned #1 position on the “Billboard” country singles chart with “We Owned The Night.”
- Today in 2012, Luke Bryan claimed nine trophies to top the winners list in the American Country Awards, aired by Fox from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.
- Today in 2016, Maren Morris was the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” performing “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.”
- Today in 2017, Eric Church performed a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at a home in Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Lee is now Governor-elect Lee.
- Today in 2018, three Luke Bryan singles were certified multi-platinum by the RIAA: “Do I” reaches triple-platinum, “Play It Again” hits quintuple-platinum and “Country Girl (Shake It From Me)” goes six-times platinum.
- Today in 2019, Blake Shelton’s single, “God’s Country,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2019, Cole Swindell’s single, “Love You Too Late,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2019, Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber picked up a timely gold single for “10,000 Hours.”
- Today in 2020, Charley Pride went into hospice care in Texas.
- Today in 2020, HARDY’s “Give Heaven Some Hell” hit the airwaves
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