- Today in 1932, Loretta Lynn was born in Butcher Holly, Kentucky. She was the first woman to win the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in 1972 and landed in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1988.
- Today in 1958, Don Gibson’s “Oh Lonesome Me” hit the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1964, Fiddler Stuart Duncan was born in Quantico, Virginia. He plays on numerous country hits with the Nashville Bluegrass Band and also with Faith Hill (“Breathe”), The Band Perry (“If I Die Young”) and Shania Twain (“Man! I Feel Like A Woman!).
- Today in 1979, the “Classics” album by Kenny Rogers & Dottie West was released.
- Today in 1979, Barbara Mandrell’s remake of the R&B hit, “(If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don’t Want To Be Right” tops the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 1981, Hank Williams Jr. recorded “A Country Boy Can Survive.”
- Today in 1983, Kenny Rogers’ album, “We’ve Got Tonight,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1986, “Alabama’s Greatest Video Hits” video by Alabama was certified gold. As a bonus, Alabama won Entertainer of the Year for a record fifth straight time at the 21st annual Academy of Country Music awards, aired by NBC from Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California. The band also collected its sixth straight Top Vocal Group trophy.
- Today in 1992, the single, “Achy Breaky Heart,” by Billy Ray Cyrus was released.
- Today in 1997, the website, country.com, now known as CMT.com, was officially launched.
- Today in 1997, Pam Tillis released her single “All the Good Ones Are Gone.”
- Today in 1998, Shania Twain joined Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, Aretha Franklin, Gloria Estefan and Carole King at New York’s Beacon Theatre for a taping of “VH1 Divas Live,” with all six singers combining talents on “Natural Woman (You Make Me Feel Like).”
- Today in 1999, the body of Tammy Wynette was exhumed and an autopsy performed in Nashville at the request of her husband, George Richey.
- Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was named International Rising Star at the HMV British Country Music Awards. Other prizes went to Reba McEntire was dubbed the International Female Vocalist (for the second consecutive year) and the Dixie Chicks scored two trophies in the International Group/Duo and International Album categories. George Jones snagged an award for International Male Vocalist while Dolly Parton won for International Independent Artist. Alison Krauss & Union Station didn’t do too badly either, they garnered their 7th consecutive win as International Bluegrass Group.
- Today in 2002, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett and Dave Matthews were among the artists saluting Willie Nelson at a special concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
- Today in 2004, Dolly Parton was honored as a Living Legend by the Library of Congress in Washington, DC.
- Today in 2008, Taylor Swift, Kellie Pickler, and Trace Adkins were the big winners at the CMT Music Awards. Rascal Flatts, Sugarland, and Brad Paisley also took awards, along with country-rock duets by Bon Jovi and LeAnn Rimes and Robert Plant and Alison Krauss.
- Today in 2008, the CMT talent competition “Can You Duet” debuted. Amongst the panelists were Naomi Judd and “Amazed” songwriter Aimee Mayo.
- Today in 2008, Kelly Pickler won three trophies during the CMT Music Awards at Belmont University’s Curb Events Center in Nashville.
- Today in 2008, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and his wife, Tracy, were honored for their charitable efforts on behalf of the Danville, Kentucky fire department’s Christmas Toy Drive. Danville is the singer’s hometown.
- Today in 2009, LeAnn Rimes’ book “What I Cannot Change” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2010, Kenny Chesney attended a special advanced screening of his concert film “Kenny Chesney: Summer in 3D” in his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.
- Today in 2010, Garth Brooks was in Washington, DC for Grammys on the Hill, a music advocacy and awards event.
- Today in 2010, Lyric Street Records announced that the label was closing. Rascal Flatts was among the acts with the company.
- Today in 2011, Jason Aldean joined Kelly Clarkson to perform their chart-topping collaboration “Don’t You Wanna Stay” on “American Idol.”
- Today in 2012, Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood married Kelli Cashiola at Front Porch Farms in Ashland City, Tennessee. Lady A bandmates Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott attended. Singer/songwriter Dave Barnes performed.
- Today in 2012, Trisha Yearwood launched her cooking show, “Trisha’s Southern Kitchen,” on the Food Network.
- Today in 2013, Trace Adkins plays a caveman as his team creates a silent movie to support Australian Gold suntan lotion on NBC’s “The Celebrity Apprentice,” hosted by Donald Trump. As the winning project manager, Adkins earns $40,000 for his charity, the American Red Cross.
- Today in 2015, “Oh Gussie! Cooking And Visiting In Kimberly’s Southern Kitchen,” a cookbook by Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman.
- Today in 2015, albums arriving in stores included: Reba McEntire’s “Love Somebody” and Dwight Yoakam’s “Second Hand Heart.”
- Today in 2015, Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell and Lyle Lovett played for President Barack Obama as PBS shots a gospel-themed installment of “In Performance At The White House.”
- Today in 2017, Brett Young’s single, “In Case You Didn’t Know,” and Brett Eldredge’s track, “Wanna Be That Song,” both went gold.
- Today in 2017, Keith Urban’s albums, “Fuse” and “Greatest Hits,” both went platinum.
- Today in 2017, Madame Tussauds opened a Nashville location at the Opry Mills Mall. Artists represented in the wax museum include Kenny Rogers, Elvis Presley, Blake Shelton, George Jones, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn.
- Today in 2018, Kacey Musgraves’ album, “Golden Hour,” debuted in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2019, Hal Ketchum’s wife, Andrea, revealed the singer was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, forcing him to stop touring. He ultimately passed away November 23rd, 2020.
- Today in 2020, Brett Young’s single, “Catch,” went gold single.
- Today in 2020, Luke Combs wrote “Six Feet Apart” via Zoom with Brent Cobb and Rob Snyder.
- Today in 2020, Tyler Rich scored a gold single from the RIAA for “The Difference.”
- Today in 2020, Jake Owen’s “Made For You” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2021, the Twelve Thirty Club, a restaurant owned in part by former ACM Awards nominee Justin Timberlake, opens in Nashville.
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July 8 Is Officially “Toby Keith Day” In Oklahoma
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Oklahoma is recognizing the life and legacy of Toby Keith this summer. The state has proclaimed the late country legend’s birthday, July 8, as “Toby Keith Day.” Governor Kevin Stitt made the announcement during Oklahoma Music and Film Day at the state capitol.
“Born on July 8th, 1961 in Clinton, Oklahoma. He was raised in Moore and was later a resident in Norman, rising from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful, influential, and recognizable country music artists in American history…He remained deeply connected to his Oklahoma roots and proudly reflected the character, resilience, independence, and patriotism of our state through his music and through his steadfast support of the men and women of the United States Armed Forces, including numerous USO tours…I now proclaim July 8, 2026 as Toby Keith Day.”
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1959, George Jones’ “White Lightning” picked up his first #1 country single in Billboard magazine as a recording artist.
- Today in 1963, Bill Anderson’s “Still” reached #1 on Billboard’s country chart.
- Today in 1965, Roger Miller set a record by winning five GRAMMYS in one night. No other country star has ever won that many at one time.
- Today in 1970, Bettie Azevedez picked up five trophies on behalf of Merle Haggard in the Academy Of Country & Western Music awards at the Hollywood Palladium.
- Today in 1996, Lonestar’s “No News” topped Billboard for the first time.
- Today in 2002, Faith Hill was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame. She wasn’t there, though, and only about 70 people attended the induction ceremony at the University of Southern Mississippi. Other new inductees include jazz diva Cassandra Wilson; former Miss America Mary Ann Mobley; Walter Turnbull, the founder and conductor of the Boys Choir of Harlem; blues great Howlin’ Wolf; pop musician Van Dyke Parks; and former member of the Temptations David Ruffin.
- Today in 2003, Andy Griggs, Kris Kristofferson, Jeffrey Steele and others teamed up to play in a Waylon Jennings tribute concert in Scottsdale, Arizona. The event was one of three shows with the theme “Crossing the Bound’ries,” an acoustic evening of Waylon music and anecdotes that also raised funds for the Make-A-Wish foundation. Also participating were Waylon’s widow, Jessi Coulter, and son Shooter Jennings.
- Today in 2005, Willie Nelson’s attorney sent a Texas Senator a letter declining to have a toll road named for the singer. Nelson told the Austin American-Statesman, “I’d put my name on an electric chair, too, but I don’t think that’d be too great a thing.”
- Today in 2009, Big Machine released Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” to radio.
- Today in 2012, Jana Kramer performed “Why Ya Wanna” as she made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2013, Jason Aldean performed the first of a handful of stadium dates on his 2013 itinerary, at Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, with Luke Bryan, Jake Owens and Thomas Rhett. Ludacris made a surprise appearance.
- Today in 2014, Taylor Swift made a surprise cameo appearance during Seth Rogen’s show-opening monologue on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” “You’re getting really upset,” she exclaimed. “And whenever a man shows emotion, I appear!”
- Today in 2014, the late Johnny Cash was atop the “Billboard” country albums chart with “Out Among The Stars.”
- Today in 2015, Trace Adkins embarked on a USO tour that took him to Kuwait, Afghanistan and Germany.
- Today in 2018, Jason Aldean dropped his album, “Rearview Town.”
- Today in 2018, the John Prine album, “The Tree Of Forgiveness,” was released.
- Today in 2019, George Strait’s “Honky Tonk Time Machine” was locked in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2020, Luke Bryan’s single, “One Margarita,” was released.
- Today in 2020, “Biography: Kenny Rogers” aired on A&E. On it, Rogers and Dolly Parton sang their classic, “Islands In The Stream,” and featured interviews included thoughts from Lady A, Justin Moore, Reba McEntire, Jamey Johnson, Kim Carnes and Chris Stapleton.
- Today in 2021, the Dustin Lynch single, “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which features MacKenzie Porter, hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2021, Morgan Wallen wrote a letter to fans, announcing he was dropping out of the upcoming Luke Bryan tour as he continues to work out personal issues.
ACM Awards Nominations Are Out
Posted on by Bob Ballard
The ACM Awards nominations are out. Remember not that long ago when it seemed country music was dominated by men? Not so much these days. Megan Moroney has the most nominations this year with nine, followed closely by Miranda Lambert with eight and Ella Langley and Lainey Wilson with seven each. The first male artist to show up on the list of top nominees is Chris Stapleton with six. Zach Top has five nominations for this year’s ACMs, and Riley Green and Cody Johnson are tied with four. The 61st Academy of Country Music awards happen May 17 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Prime Video will air them live starting at 8 pm ET/5pm PT, viewable on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch as well as the Amazon Music app. See the complete list of nominees below.
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Jelly Roll
Cody Johnson
Megan Moroney
Chris Stapleton
Morgan Wallen
Lainey Wilson
FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Lainey Wilson
MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Cody Johnson
Chris Stapleton
Zach Top
GROUP OF THE YEAR
49 Winchester
Flatland Cavalry
Old Dominion
Rascal Flatts
The Red Clay Strays
DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay
Muscadine Bloodline
Thelma & James
NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Avery Anna
Mackenzie Carpenter
Dasha
Caroline Jones
Emily Ann Roberts
NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Gavin Adcock
Vincent Mason
Shaboozey
Hudson Westbrook
Tucker Wetmore
ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“Ain’t In It For My Health” – Zach Top
Producer: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
“Cherry Valley” – Carter Faith
Producer: Tofer Brown
Record Company-Label: Gatsby Records / MCA
“Don’t Mind If I Do (Deluxe)” – Riley Green
Producer: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
“I’m the Problem” – Morgan Wallen
Producers: Joey Moi, Charlie Handsome, Jacob Durrett
Record Company-Label: Big Loud Records
“Parker McCollum” – Parker McCollum
Producers: Frank Liddell, Eric Masse
Record Company-Label: MCA
SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jenee Fleenor, Jesse Frasure
Publishers: I Wrote These Songs; Pink Dog Publishing; Songs for the Munch Music; Songs of Influence; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp
“Am I Okay?” – Megan Moroney
Songwriters: Megan Moroney, Luke Laird, Jessie Jo Dillon
Publishers: Big Ass Pile of Dimes Music; Big Music Machine
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Songwriters: Ella Langley, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Joybeth Taylor
Publishers: Bada Bing & Bada Langley Publishing; Little Louder Songs; Sony Music Publishing
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Songwriters: Zach Top, Carson Chamberlain, Tim Nichols
Publishers: Music and Magazine Publishing; Rio Bravo Music Inc; Sony/ATV Tree Publishing; Too Broke to Quit Music; Zach Top Music
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: Lainey Wilson, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson, Andy Albert, Harold Arlen & Yip Harburg
Publishers: Concord Sounds; Dtown Boogie Music; Emi Feist Catalog Inc; Songs Of Riser House; Songs Of Wild Cat Well Music; Sony/ATV Countryside; Story Farmer; Tacklebox Music Publishing
SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley
Producers: Ella Langley, Miranda Lambert, Ben West
Record Company-Label: SAWGOD / Columbia Records
“I Never Lie” – Zach Top
Producers: Carson Chamberlain
Record Company-Label: Leo33
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Jay Joyce
Record Company-Label: BBR Music Group / BMG Nashville / Broken Bow Records
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Trent Willmon
Record Company-Label: CoJo Music / Warner Records Nashville
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb
Record Company-Label: Republic Records
“Amen” – Shaboozey & Jelly Roll
Producers: Danny Majic, Nevin Sastry, Sean Cook
Record Company-Label: Empire
“Don’t Mind If I Do” – Riley Green feat. Ella Langley
Producers: Dann Huff, Michael Knox
Record Company-Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
“Trailblazer” – Reba McEntire, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson
Producers: Tony Brown, Reba McEntire
Record Company-Label: MCA
“You Had to Be There” – Megan Moroney & Kenny Chesney
Producers: Kristian Bush
Record Company-Label: Sony Music Nashville / Columbia Records
VISUAL MEDIA OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
“6 Months Later” – Megan Moroney
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: CeCe Dawson, Megan Moroney
“A Song to Sing” – Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton
Producers: James Stratakis
Director: Alexa King Stone, Stephen Kinigopoulos
“Cuckoo” -Stephen Wilson, Jr.
Producers: Tim Cofield
Director: Tim Cofield
“Somewhere Over Laredo” – Lainey Wilson
Producers: Katie Babbage
Director: TK McKamy
“The Fall” – Cody Johnson
Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry
Director: Dustin Haney
SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Jessie Jo Dillon
Ashley Gorley
Charlie Handsome
Chase McGill
Blake Pendergrass
ARTIST-SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR
Luke Combs
Riley Green
Ella Langley
Megan Moroney
Morgan Wallen
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1971, John Denver makes his pop chart debut with “Take Me Home Country Roads.”
- Today in 1979, the “Greatest Hits” album by Waylon Jennings was released.
- Today in 1982, the single, “Always On My Mind,” by Willie Nelson entered the Top 40 chart.
- Today in 1982, Merle Haggard’s “Big City” hit the top of the charts.
- Today in 1989, after winning countless awards, racking up over 20 #1 hits and selling 50 million records worldwide, Alabama was named “80’s Artist of the Decade” by the Academy of Country Music. Kathy Mattea won Single Record of the Year and Song of the Year for “Eighteen Wheels And A Dozen Roses.”
- Today in 1993, Reba McEntire & Vince Gill share the top spot on the Billboard country singles chart with “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
- Today in 1995, George Strait recorded “Check Yes Or No,” and “I Know She Still Loves Me.”
- Today in 1996, Lorrie Morgan’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 2002, after enjoying more than 4 decades of success in the music business, the Statler Brothers announced plans to say goodbye to touring. The band played their three last shows the following October with the grand finale on October 26th in Salem, Virginia.
- Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood was the only double-winner at the CMT Music Awards. Keith Urban claimed Video of the Year for “Better Life.”
- Today in 2007, the former home of Johnny Cash and June Carter burned to the ground in Hendersonville, Tennessee, while workers are restoring it for new owner Barry Gibb. Watching helplessly: Marty Stuart, Connie Smith, Tommy Cash, T.G. Sheppard and several Oak Ridge Boys.
- Today in 2009, “Hannah Montana: The Movie” debuted in theaters. Miley Cyrus, Billy Ray Cyrus, Taylor Swift, Bucky Covington and Rascal Flatts all appeared on screen.
- Today in 2010, Jerrod Niemann sang “Lover, Lover” in his Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 2012, Keith Urban was invited by Vince Gill to join the Grand Ole Opry during a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. He was inducted the following April 21st.
- Today in 2013, Kenny Rogers, Bobby Bare and songwriter/producer Jack Clement were announced as the 2013 inductees in the Country Music Hall of Fame.
MEET THE H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: GHOST
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Ghost”, a 2 year old male Chihuahua/Terrier mix who loves people and likes dogs no larger than he is, though he’s not fond of bigger dogs. He gets excited around cats and is a playful fellow, especially around kids. Ghost also loves car rides and toys, and would love to meet you!
Ghost is fully vaccinated, vetted, neutered, microchipped and ready to go!
And since Ghost is the H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week his adoption fee is only $50 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Ghost 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 Ghost with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Trailer For Lainey Wilson’s “Keepin’ Country Cool” Documentary Released
Posted on by Bob Ballard
The trailer for the Lainey Wilson documentary “Keepin’ Country Cool” is now out. The story of the early life and 14 year “overnight success” of the country star is being told in a new Netflix film that tells her story, from her childhood in Baskin, Louisiana to her current status as the reigning queen of country. “Keepin’ Country Cool” will premiere on Netflix on April 22.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1961, Patsy Cline’s “I Fall to Pieces” entered the country charts.
- Today in 1987, the “Heartland” album by the Judds was certified gold.
- Today in 1988, George Strait released his number one single, “Famous Last Words Of A Fool.”
- Today in 1990, Tanya Tucker’s “Tennessee Woman” album was released.
- Today in 1991, the album, “Something In Red,” by Lorrie Morgan was released.
- Today in 1991, Patty Loveless earned her first gold album certification for “Honky Tonk Angel.”
- Today in 1992, Pam Tillis’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1997, songwriter Mae Boren Axton died at the age of 82. She co-wrote the Elvis Presley classic, “Heartbreak Hotel.”
- Today in 1998, Tammy Wynette’s funeral was held at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Stars including Wynonna, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton, Lorrie Morgan and the Oak Ridge Boys all performed musical tributes. Before that very public service, there was a private service earlier in the day attended by Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and George Jones.
- Today in 1999, Faith Hill kicked off the first leg of her “This Kiss” tour at the Historic Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It was her first tour as a solo headliner.
- Today in 2001, former BlackHawk member Van Stephenson died at his Nashville home at the age of 47 following a valiant fight against skin cancer.
- Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “My List,” topped the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
- Today in 2002, Tommy Shane Steiner’s debut album, “Then Came The Night,” and Chris LeDoux’s “After The Storm” project arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, folks at “InStyle” magazine told us that their April 2001 edition, which featured Faith Hill on the cover, was their #1 seller that year. As a matter of fact, her issue trounced cover girls Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez and Kate Hudson.
- Today in 2005, Anna Nicole Smith appeared on the Grand Ole Opry. She flashed what appeared to some fans to be her breasts, though Opry officials insisted she was wearing a nude bra. She also met Joe Nichols, who ironically sang at her 2007 funeral.
- Today in 2007, Rascal Flatts and Loretta Lynn were celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors at Loews Vanderbilt Plaza in Nashville. Also recognized were non-country acts Jars Of Clay and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
- Today in 2012, Keith Urban’s “For You,” from the movie “Act of Valor” was released to radio.
- Today in 2013, Brad Paisley’s album, “Wheelhouse,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn and David Foster play the 22nd annual Celebrity Fight Night benefit in Phoenix, hosted by Reba McEntire. The event marks the last public appearance by boxer Muhammad Ali, who dies two months later.
- Today in 2016, Marty Stuart and Connie Smith sang “Silver Wings” during the funeral for Merle Haggard at his ranch in Palo Cedro, California. Kris Kristofferson performed”Sing Me Back Home,” and Haggard’s sons – Marty, Noel and Ben Haggard – deliver “Today I Started Loving You Again.” A year later on the same day? Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, was on hand as his childhood home, opened for public viewing in Bakersfield. It had been built from a converted boxcar.
- Today in 2018, Walker Hayes scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “You Broke Up With Me.”
- Today in 2018, Sugarland sang “Stuck Like Glue” with contestant Layla Spring and “Stay” with Gabby Barrett on ABC’s telecast of “American Idol” for judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry.
More ACM Awards Performers Announced
Posted on by Bob Ballard
A second round of performers has been announced for the upcoming 61st Annual ACM Awards. Riley Green, Lainey Wilson and Cody Johnson were all announced last month; they’ll be joined by Kacey Musgraves, Miranda Lambert and Little Big Town. Believe it or not, it’s the first time Musgraves has been invited to perform at the award ceremony in her career. The awards show will be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas at 8pm ET on Sunday, May 17 and will stream live on Prime Video.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1942, Glenn Walichs and songwriters Johnny Mercer and Buddy DeSylva formed Liberty Records in Hollywood. It was later renamed Capitol Records and known for hits by Keith Urban, Garth Brooks and Merle Haggard.
- Today in 1980, Kenny Rogers portrayed Brady Hawkes for the first time when CBS aired a TV movie based around his signature hit, “The Gambler.”
- Today in 1985, George Strait’s album “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind” was certified Gold.
- Today in 1988, Rodney Crowell’s “Diamonds & Dirt” album arrived in stores.
- Today in 1989, Keith Whitley’s “I’m No Stranger To The Rain” reached #1 in Billboard. One month and one day later, he was dead of alcohol poisoning.
- Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s “RVS 3” album was certified Platinum.
- Today in 1992, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Shooting Straight in The Dark,” was certified gold.
- Today in 1994, Lee Roy Parnell hit number one with the single “I’m Holding My Own.”
- Today in 1996, Aaron Tippin’s “Tool Box” album was certified Gold.
- Today in 1997, Alabama released “Dancin’ On the Boulevard,” Clay Walker released “Rumor Has It,” and Wynonna released her greatest hits album, “Collection.”
- Today in 1999, it was revealed that Faith Hill would not only become a spokesmodel for Cover Girl cosmetics, she was also confirmed as a performer on the 1999 VH1 “Divas Live” concert.
- Today in 2004, Tracy Lawrence’s album “Strong” debuted on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart at number two, behind Kenny Chesney’s “When the Sun Goes Down.” Kenny’s album was marking its eighth week at number one.
- Today in 2004, Rhett Atkins, Chad Brock and Daryle Singletary sang “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” at the first San Diego Padres game in their Petco Park stadium. The Padres beat San Francisco, 4-3.
- Today in 2006, Rascal Flatts began a four-week stay at #1 in Billboard with “What Hurts The Most.”
- Today in 2008, Kenny Chesney previewed his “Poets & Pirates” show before a small group of invited guests in Nashville.
- Today in 2008, Emerson Drive and Neal McCoy took part in opening day baseball games. Emerson Drive sang the national anthem for the Kansas City Royal’s home opener, and also performed “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” during the 7th inning stretch. Neal McCoy performed the anthem for the Texas Rangers first game of the season in Arlington, Texas.
- Today in 2008, Clint Black displayed his skills as a stand-up comedian on the season premiere of CBS’ “Secret Talents of the Stars.” Meanwhile, Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry served as coaches for actor George Takei, who played Mr. Sulu on the original “Star Trek,” as he competed on the show as a country singer.
- Today in 2008, James Otto’s “Sunset Man” was released. The album was the last to be issued by the Muzik Mafia’s Raybaw Records. Big & Rich’s Big Kenny Alphin and John Rich were among those who ran the now-defunct label. Other new material hitting stores included Jeff Bates and Jypsi’s self-titled albums and Trisha Yearwood’s cookbook, “Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen.”
- Today in 2009, Charlie Daniels received the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award from officials at Middle Tennessee State University at a special luncheon at the school. MTSU presents the award to honor people whose work in government, education, or charitable efforts serves as an example of the American spirit in action.
- Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler made a guest appearance on “American Idol,” and performed “Best Days Of Your Life.”
- Today in 2010, Mark Chesnutt began a tour of U.S. bases in South Korea with a show at Camp Casey. His trek included a visit to the Demilitarized Zone, which is the area that separates North and South Korea. The singer traveled to Asia with the Tennessee National Guard.
- Today in 2011, Zac Brown Band launched their inaugural Southern Ground Music and Food Festival. The three-day event took place at Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina.
- Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum made their Australian concert debut, opening for Keith Urban in Adelaide.
- Today in 2011, Carrie Underwood made her film-acting debut as a church counselor for a youth group in the Beth Hamilton biopic, “Soul Surfer.”
- Today in 2013, CBS filmed “ACM Presents: Time McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night” at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Included in the lineup: His wife, Faith Hill, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, and Taylor Swift.
- Today in 2016, Zac Brown was in the room, but not arrested when two others are booked for cocaine possession in a West Palm Beach, Florida, hotel. After it’s reported by TMZ, Brown issues a statement chalking it up to a case of poor judgment and hanging out with the wrong people.
- Today in 2017, Cassadee Pope performed her first USO concert Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.
- Today in 2018, Collin Raye performed “Amazing Grace” as 900 butterflies were released at the Las Vegas Community Healing Garden to honor more than 50 people who were killed at the Route 91 festival the previous October.
- Today in 2020, Lady A covered “Islands In The Stream” to kick off “CMT Giants Kenny Rogers: A Benefit For MusiCares.” Other performers in the special included Dolly Parton, Vince Gill, Jennifer Nettles, Randy Houser, Lionel Richie and Rascal Flatts, who deliver “Through The Years.”
- Today in 2021, J. Thomas underwent the first of eight chemotherapy treatments at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He ultimately lost his battle with lung cancer the following May at his home in Texas.
- Today in 2021, Margo Price and Annie Nelson were publicly announced as new members of the Farm Aid Board of Directors.
- Today in 2021, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams began selling a Dolly Parton flavor, strawberry pretzel pie.
- Today in 2021, Jimmie Allen was named New Male Artist of the Year and Gabby Barrett was tapped as New Female at the 56th annual Academy of Country Music Awards.
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