This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 11, 2026September 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, the Statler Brothers’ “Christmas Card” album was released.
Today in 1982, Jerry Reed hit the mother lode on Billboard’s country chart, going to #1 with “She Got The Goldmine (I Got The Shaft).”
Today in 1984, Barbara Mandrell and two of her children were seriously injured in a car crash that killed the other driver. She spent a long time recuperating and firmly believed that seat belts saved their lives.
Today in 1989, the albums, “Anniversary – Ten Years Of Hits,” by George Jones and “Greatest Hits Volume II,” by Johnny Paycheck were both certified gold.
Today in 1990, Randy Travis’ “Heroes And Friends” album and the Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” album were released.
Today in 1993, Merle Haggard married Theresa Ann Lane.
Today in 1996, Clay Walker’s album, “Hypnotize The Moon,” and Collin Raye’s album, “I Think About You,” were both certified platinum.
Today in 1997, Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks performed their single, “In Another’s Eyes” on NBC-TV’s “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” After the performance, Trisha was presented with a platinum album for her album, “Songbook: A Collection of Hits.” It had sold 1.4-million copies in just 4 days.
Today in 1997, Ricochet’s Eddie Kilgallon and his wife, Terry, welcomed their first child, Landon James.
Today in 1999, Chely Wright went to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Single White Female,” a song written by Carolyn Dawn Johnson.
Today in 2002, “Family Circle” magazine honored Reba McEntire with its “Women Who Make A Difference” Lifetime Achievement Award. As part of the tribute, she was profiled in the magazine’s October 8^th
Today in 2002, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters to Me,” was certified quadruple platinum.
Today in 2001, a terrorist attack leveled both towers at the World Trade Center in New York, smashed into the Pentagon and a Pennsylvania field. In Manhattan during the chaos, though they are unhurt: Garth Brooks, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Rosanne Cash and Billy Gilman.
Today in 2002, as the nation paused to reflect on the first anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, several country stars turned in appearances and performances around the country. Lonestar, Martina McBride and Phil Vassar were in Nashville to participate in a candlelight vigil. Alan Jackson and Reba McEntire appeared on NBC’s “Concert for America,” which was taped two days earlier at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Charlie Daniels offered a performance of “The Last Fallen Hero” on the Fox News Channel. Neal McCoy was at the Kansas City Royals/ Chicago White Sox game to sing “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2004, Terri Clark made an appearance at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “Girls Lie Too.”
Today in 2008, Clay Walker’s family was among thousands of people who vacated Galveston, Texas, before the onslaught of Hurricane Ike.
Today in 2009, Kellie Pickler’s video for “Didn’t You Know How Much I Loved You” debuted on CMT.
Today in 2012, Little Big Town’s album, “Tornado,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2016, Carrie Underwood’s new “Sunday Night Football” theme – “Oh, Sunday Night,” using the melody of “Somethin’ Bad” – debuts on NBC prior to an NFL game between the New England Patriots and the Arizona Cardinals.
Today in 2017, six years after he was excised from “Monday Night Football” telecasts, a new version of Hank Williams Jr.’s “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” theme song, featuring Florida Georgia Line and Jason Derulo, returned to ESPN.
Today in 2017, John Carter Cash and Ana Cristina Cash welcomed daughter, Grace June Cash, in Nashville.
Today in 2017, Kenny Chesney launched his Love For Love City charity, a fund to assist the Virgin Islands following the devastation of Hurricane Irma.
Today in 2018, The Zac Brown Band teamed with pop singer Shawn Mendes to shoot an episode of “CMT Crossroads” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee. ZBB songs in the mix included “Keep Me In Mind,” “Homegrown” and “Colder Weather.”
Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood’s “Love Wins” hit the airwaves.

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

Posted on September 10, 2026September 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “August”, a 5 month old Pointer mix who loves to meet new people, loves treats and is an energetic fellow. Right now, August weighs about 20 lbs, but fully grown will probably be around 40 lbs. August rides well in a car, and would love to meet you!

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

And since August 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 August 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 August with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Dolly Parton’s Songteller Hotel And Dolly’s Life Of Many Colors Museum Announce Joint Opening

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton‘s memory will live on in two Nashville features opening later this month. The SongTeller Hotel and Dolly’s Life of Many Colors Museum will have a joint grand opening celebration on September 29. The hotel will have 245 unique guest rooms and suites, two entertainment venues and a café. The museum will take over the hotel’s third floor and offer an “immersive journey through Dolly’s life, music and legacy, bringing personal stories and rarely seen pieces of her collection together through interactive exhibits and thoughtfully curated experiences,” and will feature a recreation of the small cabin Parton grew up in and a gift shop. A press release teases that “Utilizing the latest technology, and filmed earlier this year, Dolly herself will guide guests through her life story.” Guest reservations for the hotel will begin Monday.

In other Dolly news, the country girl is getting her day in the big city. Manhattan is recognizing Dolly by announcing “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day” in the Borough of Manhattan. Like many other remembrances of the late legend, September 25 (9/25 or “9 To 5”) was designated as “Dolly Parton Appreciation Day,” “in honor of her timeless contributions to music, culture, and humanity.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 10, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, unknown singer/songwriter Kix Brooks debuted on the country charts with the song “Baby, When Your Heart Breaks Down.” The song was a failure – it only reached #73. Eight years later, Kix was #1 with his new partner Ronnie Dunn, and their first single, “Brand New Man.”
Today in 1982, the “Highways & Heartaches” album by Ricky Skaggs was released.
Today in 1988, the first Elvis Presley credit card was issued.
Today in 1991, the Judds’ “Greatest Hits Volume 2” album was released.
Today in 1998, Mac Davis received the 2117th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1998, the albums “Crank It Up – The Music Album” by Jeff Foxworthy and “The Restless Kind” by Travis Tritt, were certified platinum. On the same day, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters To Me,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks confirmed that they’d perform during Sheryl Crow’s concert in New York’s Central Park on September 14^th.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney‘s single, “You Had Me From Hello,” was #1 in “Radio & Records.”
Today in 2000, SHeDAISY performed at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the USGA Tennis Center in New York City. The girls sang an acapella version of “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” for the 22,000 capacity crowd between the men’s and women’s semi-finals.
Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney was dubbed “Country’s Hottest Bachelor” in “Country Weekly” magazine.
Today in 2001, Chris Cagle married Elizabeth Filer. The couple divorced a year later.
Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson walked into the Canadian Country Music Awards with a record 10 nominations and emerged with five trophies.
Today in 2002, Radney Foster’s “Another Way To Go” album, Rebecca Lynn Howard’s “Forgive” CD and Aaron Tippin’s “Stars & Stripes” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2005, the MTV stations aired “ReACT Now: Music & Relief,” a Hurricane Katrina benefit with Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Paul McCartney, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and more.
Today in 2010, The Zac Brown Band’s video for “As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson premiered on CMT.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift topped the list of finalists for the 47^th annual Country Music Association awards list with six nominations apiece.
Today in 2016, Bacon artist Nancy Baker unveiled a bust of Chris Stapleton, made completely of bacon strips, at the annual LouFest in St. Louis. See it HERE.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton brought out Gwen Stefani at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena for the second night in a row to duet on “Go Ahead And Break My Heart.” On top of that, Shelton donated $600,000 – the proceeds from both nights – to the Jimmy Everest Children’s Hospital.
Today in 2017, a dapper Thomas Rhett served as a judge during the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Miss Louisiana offered up a ventriloquist version of “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” and Miss Alabama sings “Over The Rainbow.” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” also played as background music during the broadcast.
Today in 2017, Jessie James Decker performed the national anthem and Hunter Hayes played the halftime show as the Tennessee Titans opened their NFL season with a 26-16 loss against the Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Today in 2017, following a moment of silence for victims of Hurricane Harvey, Clay Walker sang the national anthem at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The Eli Young Band also performed at halftime as the Jacksonville Jaguars took the Texans, 29-7, during the opening weekend of the NFL season.

George Strait to Be Honored at Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Ceremony

Posted on September 10, 2026September 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

George Strait is set to be honored at this year’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame ceremony. Strait will be given the Career Maker Award, which recognizes those outside the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame membership, whose artistic work has helped songwriters earn their dreams of induction into the hall’s coveted membership. The only other recipient has been Reba McEntire. Strait responded to the announcement saying “I look forward to being there with some of the most talented hall of fame songwriters I’ve been so lucky to be associated with throughout my career. You folks definitely make the world a better place through your amazing abilities as songwriters and artists. See you there.” The ceremony takes place on October 26 in Nashville.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 10, 2026September 9, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, unknown singer/songwriter Kix Brooks debuted on the country charts with the song “Baby, When Your Heart Breaks Down.” The song was a failure – it only reached #73. Eight years later, Kix was #1 with his new partner Ronnie Dunn, and their first single, “Brand New Man.”
Today in 1982, the “Highways & Heartaches” album by Ricky Skaggs was released.
Today in 1988, the first Elvis Presley credit card was issued.
Today in 1991, the Judds’ “Greatest Hits Volume 2” album was released.
Today in 1998, Mac Davis received the 2117th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Today in 1998, the albums “Crank It Up – The Music Album” by Jeff Foxworthy and “The Restless Kind” by Travis Tritt, were certified platinum. On the same day, Faith Hill’s album, “It Matters To Me,” was certified triple platinum.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks confirmed that they’d perform during Sheryl Crow’s concert in New York’s Central Park on September 14^th.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney‘s single, “You Had Me From Hello,” was #1 in “Radio & Records.”
Today in 2000, SHeDAISY performed at the U.S. Open Tennis Tournament at the USGA Tennis Center in New York City. The girls sang an acapella version of “The Battle Hymn Of The Republic” for the 22,000 capacity crowd between the men’s and women’s semi-finals.
Today in 2001, Kenny Chesney was dubbed “Country’s Hottest Bachelor” in “Country Weekly” magazine.
Today in 2001, Chris Cagle married Elizabeth Filer. The couple divorced a year later.
Today in 2001, Carolyn Dawn Johnson walked into the Canadian Country Music Awards with a record 10 nominations and emerged with five trophies.
Today in 2002, Radney Foster’s “Another Way To Go” album, Rebecca Lynn Howard’s “Forgive” CD and Aaron Tippin’s “Stars & Stripes” project arrived in stores.
Today in 2005, the MTV stations aired “ReACT Now: Music & Relief,” a Hurricane Katrina benefit with Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Paul McCartney, Big & Rich, Sheryl Crow, Sugarland and more.
Today in 2010, The Zac Brown Band’s video for “As She’s Walking Away” featuring Alan Jackson premiered on CMT.
Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift topped the list of finalists for the 47^th annual Country Music Association awards list with six nominations apiece.
Today in 2016, Bacon artist Nancy Baker unveiled a bust of Chris Stapleton, made completely of bacon strips, at the annual LouFest in St. Louis. See it HERE.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton brought out Gwen Stefani at Oklahoma City’s Chesapeake Energy Arena for the second night in a row to duet on “Go Ahead And Break My Heart.” On top of that, Shelton donated $600,000 – the proceeds from both nights – to the Jimmy Everest Children’s Hospital.
Today in 2017, a dapper Thomas Rhett served as a judge during the Miss America Pageant in Atlantic City. Miss Louisiana offered up a ventriloquist version of “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” and Miss Alabama sings “Over The Rainbow.” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” also played as background music during the broadcast.
Today in 2017, Jessie James Decker performed the national anthem and Hunter Hayes played the halftime show as the Tennessee Titans opened their NFL season with a 26-16 loss against the Oakland Raiders at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Today in 2017, following a moment of silence for victims of Hurricane Harvey, Clay Walker sang the national anthem at Houston’s NRG Stadium. The Eli Young Band also performed at halftime as the Jacksonville Jaguars took the Texans, 29-7, during the opening weekend of the NFL season.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 9, 2026September 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Elvis Presley made his first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show.” He sang four songs, including “Love Me Tender” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” shot only from the waist up (because of his naughty hip movements). Charles Laughton was hosting in place of Sullivan, who was recuperating from an auto accident.
Today in 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis took “Whole Lot Of Shakin’ Going On” to #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1968, Buck Owens performed for president Lyndon Johnson at the White House. His set list includes “Act Naturally,” “Together Again,” “Gentle On My Mind,” “Orange Blossom Special” and “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail.”
Today in 1989, the single, “If Tomorrow Never Comes,” by Garth Brooks made its country chart debut on its way to #1.
Today in 1989, the late Keith Whitley was at #1 on the Billboard country chart with “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me.” Keith had passed the previous May.
Today in 1991, Tracy Byrd married his wife, Michelle.
Today in 1996, Bill Monroe died at the Northcrest Medical Center in Springfield, Tennessee, five months after suffering a stroke. Acknowledged as the “Father of Bluegrass,” he joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1939 and entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970.
Today in 2001, the second season of Billy Ray Cyrus’ PAX television series, “Doc.”
Today in 2002, Alan Jackson performed in Washington, D.C. as the nation’s capital began its remembrance of the September/2001 terrorist attacks. His performance at The Pentagon aired live on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” Later that evening, he performed as part of the “Concert for America” at the Kennedy Center. That show, which also featured Reba McEntire, was taped for broadcast two days later (on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks).
Today in 2004, Willie Nelson performs a concert in Plains, Georgia, for an upcoming TV special, “CMT Homecoming: Jimmy Carter In Plains.”
Today in 2007, Joe Nichols married Heather Singleton at Whitfield Chapel in Savannah, Georgia.
Today in 2011, Lady A’s “We Owned The Night” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2013, Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert’s duet, “We Were Us,” was released.
Today in 2016, Glen Campbell tributes bookend the CBS special, “The ACM Honors.” Hosts Lady A opened with “Galveston.” The close had Blake Shelton singing “Southern Nights,” Dierks Bentley’s “Gentle On My Mind,” Keith Urban’s “Wichita Lineman,” Toby Keith’s “By The Time I Get To Phoenix” and all four on “Rhinestone Cowboy.”

Lainey Wilson To Host The CMAs Solo For A Second Year

Posted on September 9, 2026September 8, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Lainey Wilson is making Country Music history…again. The “Choosin’ Texas” singer is set to host the CMA Awards solo for the second consecutive time, making her the first woman to do so. Dolly Parton was the first woman to solo host the CMAs in 1988, then Reba McEntire hosted alone in 1991. This is Lainey’s third time hosting overall…with Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning being her co-hosts in 2024. Nominees for the CMAs will be revealed on “Good Morning America” on Thursday morning. The 60th annual CMA Awards will air live November 18 at 8 p.m. Eastern on ABC and Disney+, then the next day on Hulu.

Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Vince Gill’s 35th Opry Anniversary

Posted on September 8, 2026September 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The Grand Ole Opry has announced it’s celebrating one of its biggest supporters and members. Vince Gill‘s 35th anniversary as an Opry member will be marked with two special shows on Saturday, October 17th, at 7pm and 9:30pm. Joining Gill for his big night will be longtime friends and fellow Opry members Ricky Skaggs and Patty Loveless, along with his wife Amy Grant, acclaimed vocalist Wendy Moten, and others that will be announced in the coming weeks. Those looking to be there for the celebration can check out the Opry’s website for more details.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on September 8, 2026September 4, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, he‘s been this far several times: Conway Twitty reached #1 in Billboard with “You’ve Never Been This Far Before.”
Today in 1979, Conway Twitty hit the top of the charts with “I May Never Get To Heaven.”
Today in 1986, George Strait’s “Merry Christmas Strait To You” album was released.
Today in 1987, the “Greatest Hits Volume II” collection by George Strait was released.
Today in 1995, “I Like It, I Love It” by Tim McGraw topped the country singles charts.
Today in 1997, Kenny Rogers’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ version of “How Do I Live” is certified platinum.
Today in 1998, Vince Gill’s “Breath Of Heaven” album was released.
Today in 1998, Philadelphia Mayor Ed Rendell proclaimed the week of September 8-13^th as “Garth Brooks Week” in Philly. During a formal ceremony at the First Union Center the Mayor presented Garth with a personalized replica of the Liberty Bell.
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Fly,” debuted at #1 on both “Billboard’s” Top Country Album and the all-genre Billboard 200 charts. It marked the first time a country duo/group ever did so. The ladies repeated their feat with their current album, “Home.” In fact, the first-week sales (nearly 780,000) of their that project dwarfed those of “Fly,” which moved 341,000 copies in its first week.
Today in 2000, Alan Jackson’s single, “It Must Be Love,” topped on “Radio & Records” country chart.
Today in 2007, Rodney Atkins climbed to #1 on the Billboard chart with “These Are My People.”
Today in 2013, Carrie Underwood debuted as the voice of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” theme, “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night.” The game had George Strait serving as honorary captain of the Dallas Cowboys, who hosted the New York Giants.
Today in 2015, it was confirmed that Glen Campbell’s family had moved him back into their Nashville home as he lived with the final stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
Today in 2015, a plaque was placed in front of a building in Frederick, Maryland, designating it as the former home of Patsy Cline.
Today in 2016, Taylor Swift donated $5,000 to a GoFundMe account set up to help cover the funeral and medical expenses for a fan who died in a car accident. The same day, she made a half-hour phone call to an 18-year-old Cincinnati fan who was dying of a congenital heart defect.
Today in 2017, Kip Moore’s “Slowheart” album was released. On the same day, Toby Keith album, “The Bus Songs,” was also released.
Today in 2017, Troy Gentry was killed following a helicopter crash in Medford, New Jersey. He was half of a Grand Ole Opry-member Montgomery Gentry that successfully knit country and Southern rock together, winning the Country Music Association’s Vocal Duo trophy in 2000. Their hits included “My Town,” “Lucky Man” and “Roll With Me.” In the hours after his death, one of the first public commemorations happened at an Old Dominion show in Sandwich, Illinois. The group was performing at the Sandwich Fair remember Troy by covering Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town.”
Today in 2017, Don Williams died in Mobile, Alabama. A 2010 inductee in the Country Music Hall of Fame, the “Gentle Giant” left a string of 44 Top 10 singles, including landmark hits “Tulsa Time,” “I Believe In You” and “Good Ole Boys Like Me.” Hours after his passing, Brothers Osborne paid homage by covering “Tulsa Time” during a show in Athens, Ohio.
Today in 2017, Kelsea Ballerini, Hunter Hayes and Maren Morris are part of a multi-network TV special, “Entertainment Industry Foundation Presents: XQ Super School Live.”
Today in 2017, Rory Feek performed publicly for the first time since the death of his wife, Joey Feek, at his home in Pottsville, Tennessee.
Today in 2018, Dierks Bentley headlined Madison Square Garden in New York for the first time. He brought out Brothers Osborne for “Burning Man” and team’s with LANCO’s Brandon Lancaster on “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident).”
Today in 2019, Carrie Underwood premiered her new version of NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” theme, “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night,” featuring Joan Jett. The New England Patriots thump the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game, 33-3.

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