This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 11, 2024October 11, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1981, Willie Nelson recorded “Always On My Mind” and “The Last Thing I Needed First Thing This Morning” at his Pedernales Studio outside of Austin, Texas.
Today in 1981, the Nashville Songwriters Hall Of Fame inducted Bobby Braddock and Ray Whitley. Braddock was noted for George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E.” Whitley wrote Gene Autry’s theme song, “Back In The Saddle Again.”
Today in 1982, Alabama won three honors – Entertainer, Vocal Group and Instrumental Group of the Year – from the Country Music Association during the 16th annual awards at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Today in 2002, The Dixie Chicks’ “Home” album was officially certified triple-platinum.
Today in 2003, Tim McGraw’s “Real Good Man” made a real good showing in Billboard by reaching #1 on the country singles chart.
Today in 2005, Gary Allan’s “Tough All Over” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Toby Keith’s single, “Red Solo Cup,” was released.
Today in 2014, Ralph Stanley was formally inducted in the American Academy of Arts & Sciences in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Others in his class included actor Al Pacino, author John Irving and former secretary of labor Robert Reich.
Today in 2015, “Girl Crush,” written by Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose, earned Song of the Year from the Nashville Songwriters Association International at the Music City Center. Taylor Swift was named Songwriter/Artist of the Year a seventh time, while Rodney Clawson took Songwriter.
Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was added to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during a dinner at the Music City Center. The class also included “Drivin’ My Life Away” songwriter Even Stevens, “Suspicious Minds” author Mark James and “Live Like You Were Dying” composer Craig Wiseman.
Today in 2017, Rhiannon Giddens was named a MacArthur Fellow by the MacArthur Foundation, an award for creative leaders that included a $625,000 prize.
Today in 2019, former president Jimmy Carter and first lady Rosalynn Carter were introduced on the Grand Ole Opry by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood after a week of work building houses with Habitat For Humanity. The night’s lineup includds Emmylou Harris, Dierks Bentley, Margo Price and Bill Anderson.
Today in 2019, Chris Lane’s single, “Big, Big Plans,” was released.
Today in 2019, Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater with the show taped for “CMT Crossroads.” The set included “Peter Pan,” “Miss Me More” and “homecoming queen?”
Today in 2020, Whiskey Myers guitarist John Jeffers was hospitalized with a skull fracture and a loss of hearing in one ear following an ATV accident. He’s since made a full recovery – and you can hear about that journey in the band’s song, “Heavy on Me.”

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

Posted on October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Banshee”, a beautiful blue-eyed 5 year old domestic shorthaired kitty who’s a lazy fellow, but super-friendly and occasionally chatty. Banshee gets along great with kids, other cats and even dogs! He’s kind of a big dude, but would love to cuddle up and hang with you!

Banshee is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.

And because Banshee is the Pet of the Week, his adoption is FREE!

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

MORE BIG NAMES ADDED TO “CONCERT FOR CAROLINA”

Posted on October 10, 2024October 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

“Concert For Carolina,” the Hurricane Helene benefit concert is being put together by Luke Combs and Eric Church. Set to play the benefit last week were Combs and Church, along with Billy Strings and James Taylor; it was also stated that more acts would be added to the event in the coming weeks. Some of those acts were announced yesterday, and they add some serious starpower to the proceedings. Keith Urban, Bailey Zimmerman and Sheryl Crow have been added to the bill. The concert will take place October 26 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, and tickets go on sale this morning at 10am ET. All proceeds from the event, including sponsorships, will go to various organizations to assist in Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1977, three people were arrested by police in Memphis, Tennessee and later charged with attempting to steal the body of Elvis Presley, who had been buried at the local Forest Hill cemetery a week and a half earlier. As a result of the incident, Elvis’ dad, Vernon, arranged to have the bodies of both his son and wife Gladys moved and re-buried side-by-side on the grounds of the Graceland mansion.
Today in 1979, “The Oak Ridge Boys Have Arrived” album was certified platinum.
Today in 1981, Ronnie Milsap topped the country singles chart with “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me.
Today in 1981, T.G. Sheppard’s “Party Time” hit the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1986, Hank Williams Jr. won his second Entertainer of the Year trophy and claimed Album of the Year for “Born To Boogie” during the 22^nd annual Country Music Association awards.
Today in 1989, Randy Travis’ album, “An Old Time Christmas,” was released.
Today in 1989, Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas In America” album was released.
Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was released.
Today in 2000, “Pollstar” announced that Faith Hill and Tim McGraw’s “Soul 2 Soul” tour was the largest grossing country tour of the summer.
Today in 2000, the “Strong Heart” album by Patty Loveless and Sara Evans’ “Born To Fly” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, Lonestar’s “With Me” video debuted on CMT’s “Most Wanted Live.
Today in 2002, Alan Jackson was nominated for a record 10 CMA awards, including Entertainer of the Year. In fact, his 10 nominations beat the previous record of 9, which was set by Merle Haggard in 1970.
Today in 2002, Lee Ann Womack sang “I Hope You dance” with Gloria Estefan while taping Lifetime Television’s third annual “Women Rock! Girls & Guitars” in Los Angeles.
Today in 2005, Alabama, Glen Campbell and DeFord Bailey were announced by the Country Music Association as the latest inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2012, the Eli Young Band’s “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” played as ABC debuted “Nashville.”
Today in 2013, Taylor Swift received five nominations, leading all country artists as the ballot for the American Music Awards was announced. Florida Georgia Line received four nominations.
Today in 2016, the Chicks played the historic Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. Opening act Elle King returned during the Chicks’ set to help out on “Landslide.”
Today in 2016, Tyler Farr married Hannah Freeman in Nolensville, Tennessee. Groomsmen included Jason Aldean, Colt Ford, Lee Brice and Maddie & Tae. Brad Paisley also gave a surprise performance of “Today.”
Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “Cruise,” was certified 11-times platinum.
Today in 2017, Cole Swindell headlined a concert at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge before the Nashville Predators’ home opener. Also in the lineup were Billy Ray Cyrus, Trick Pony, Darryl Worley and Terri Clark.
Today in 2019, it was a big day for Dan + Shay. They snapped up a quadruple-platinum certification for their single, “Tequila.” On top of that, their single, “Speechless,” hit triple-platinum status and the single, “All To Myself,” went platinum.
Today in 2019, Maren Morris’ single, “Girl,” was certified platinum. On the same day, Sam Hunt’s single, “Downtown’s Dead,” went gold – and so did Eric Church’s single, “Some Of It” (it went gold).
Today in 2019, Luke Bryan scored a double-platinum single from the RIAA for “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye” and a platinum award for “Someone Else Calling You Baby.” His singles for “Games,” “We Rode In Trucks” and “Drinkin’ Beer And Wastin’ Bullets” were also certified gold.
Today in 2020, Niko Moon made his Grand Ole Opry debut. Moon co-wrote the Zac Brown Band hits “Loving You Easy,” “Homegrown” and “My Old Man.”
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s Christmas package, “My Gift,” hit the top of the Billboard country albums chart.

ERIC CHURCH EXTENDS HIS “CHIEFS” RESIDENCY

Posted on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Eric Church has announced that his mini-residency at his own Nashville venue “Chief’s” is getting a little longer. Originally slated as a 19-date stay, the “To Beat The Devil” residency now has four more dates for fans to look forward to: October 29, November 1, November 13 and November 17. Tickets are available exclusively to members of his fan club, the Church Choir, and the presale sign up goes through 11:59 PM tonight. And to make sure as many fans as possible are able to get in, this round of tickets is only open to fans who haven’t previously bought tickets to the residency.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 9, 2024October 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in1929, Gene Autry began his first recording session.
Today in1967, the “Ode to Billy Joe” album by Bobbie Gentry was certified gold.
Today in1976, Bobby Bare’s single, “Dropkick Me Jesus (Through the Goalposts of Life),” entered the country charts.
Today in 1978, Dolly Parton became the second woman ever to be named the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year. The first was Loretta Lynn.
Today in 1981, Emmylou Harris’ “Evangeline” album was certified gold.
Today in 1989, George Strait won the CMA Entertainer of the Year Award, while Kathy Mattea took Female Vocalist of the Year honors.
Today in 1996, the album, “A Place in the World,” by Mary Chapin Carpenter was released.
Today in 1998, Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris performed in Washington, D.C., to raise funds for the Campaign for a Landmine Free World.
Today in 1998,Mark Wills was #1 on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart with “Don’t Laugh at Me.”
Today in 2000,Garth Brooks told “Billboard” magazine that he and his wife, Sandy, had agreed to divorce.
Today in 2001,Trace Adkins’ album, “Chrome,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2001,the “Country Goes Raffi” project featuring folks like Asleep at the Wheel, Elizabeth Cook, Billy Gilman, Alison Krauss, Kathy Mattea, Marty Stuart and Keith Urban, arrived in stores.
Today in 2007, LeAnn Rimes was joined by pop singer Joss Stone to shoot an episode of “CMT Crossroads” in Franklin, Tennessee. Their performance included a duet version of “Nothin’ Better to Do.”
Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s “Fifteen” video premiered on CMT.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes’ single, “Somebody’s Heartbreak,” was released.

JASON ALDEAN LATEST TO GIVE BIG FOR HURRICANE HELENE RELIEF

Posted on October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Count Jason Aldean among the country stars stepping up for the Hurricane Helene victims. The Georgia native closed out his “Highway Desperado” tour in his hometown of Macon, Georgia, and wrapped the trek up in amazing style. Aldean presented Georgia Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones a check for over $6.5-million dollars for “Samaritan’s Purse,” which was raised through Donald Trump‘s Go Fund Me. The singer then tacked on an additional $500-thousand of his own money for the relief efforts, bringing the total donation to over $7-million. Jason told the crowd, “My wife is from Charlotte, North Carolina, and as we know, North Carolina got hammered pretty hard by this, so we also want to donate to the state of Georgia and Florida to Samaritan’s Purse as well.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 8, 2024October 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, Kathy Mattea first appeared on the country charts with a song called “Street Talk.” It made the top forty, but it took her another five years to score her first #1, “Goin’ Gone.”
Today in 1984, Anne Murray became the first female country artist to win the CMA’s Album of the Year trophy, for “A Little Good News.”
Today in 1984, Alabama was named the CMA’s Entertainer of the Year for the third year in a row. They were the first act ever to win the prestigious award that many times. Garth Brooks tied that record with his win in 1997, and then beat it by winning “Entertainer of the Year” again in 1998. Reba McEntire also won for Female Vocalist of the Year (the first of four consecutive wins).
Today in 1985, the “Live in London” album by Ricky Skaggs was released.
Today in 1990, the 24^th annual CMA Awards were held. George Strait was named Entertainer of the Year, Kathy Mattea and Clint Black were the Male and Female Vocalists of the Year, and the Horizon Award went to…Garth Brooks!
Today in 1990, Tennessee Ernie Ford was elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 1991, the albums, “Don’t Go Near the Water” by Sammy Kershaw and “Greatest Hits Volume II” by Alabama were released.
Today in 1996, Daryle Singletary’s album, “All Because Of You,” and the album, “One Ride in Vegas” by Deryl Dodd were released.
Today in 2002, Keith Urban’s album, “Golden Road,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride was at the Safe Haven homeless shelter in Nashville to draw attention to ways people can help others on Make a Difference Day.
Today in 2002, Shania Twain celebrated a stunning triumph. “I’m Gonna Getcha Good,” the first single from her album, “UP!,” debuted on “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart at #21.
Today in 2002, Joe Diffie was inducted into the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2002, Johnny Cash was honored with the Founders Award at the 32^nd annual Conference of the International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA).
Today in 2003, Dolly Parton and Melissa Etheridge taped an episode of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster, at the Sony Television Studios in Los Angeles.
Today in 2004, Keith Urban launched his first headlining tour, sponsored by CMT, at Emens Auditorium in Muncie, Indiana.
Today in 2008, Jason Aldean kicked off his first headlining tour at the Ramsey Center in Cullhowee, North Carolina. Lady Antebellum and Eric Durrance were also on the CMT-sponsored tour.
Today in 2011, Rascal Flatts joined the Grand Ole Opry and performed three songs. Ronnie Dunn, of Brooks & Dunn, also made his solo Opry debut as a solo artist.
Today in 2012, Eric Church launched a two-night stand at the Tivoli Theatre in Chattanooga. The shows were recorded for the 2013 concert album, “Caught in the Act: Live.”
Today in 2013, the Kenny Rogers album, “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” was released.
Today in 2014, Don Henley filed suit against the Duluth Trading Company, asserting a clothing ad unfairly uses his trademarked name without permission. The source of the dispute is a pun: “Don a Henley and Take It Easy.”
Today in 2016, Darryl Worley held his annual Tennessee River Run benefit in Savannah, Tennessee. He was joined by Kellie Pickler, Randy Houser and Chuck Wicks.
Today in 2016, Lonestar headlined a benefit at the Murphy Theatre in Wilmington, Ohio, raising $60-thousand for veterans groups.
Today in 2016, Florida Georgia Line, Cole Swindell, The Cadillac Three and Kane Brown play the final country concert at Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre in Irvine, California, before the venue is torn down in favor of apartments. FGL’s set includes “This Is How We Roll,” “May We All,” “H.O.L.Y.” and “Cruise.”
Today in 2016, Aaron Lewis was at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “Sinner.”
Today in 2017, one week after a Las Vegas massacre that occurred while he was on stage, Jason Aldean returned to the city to meet with victims.
Today in 2018, Old Dominion’s “Make It Sweet” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2018, Chris Young performed “I Can’t Stop Loving You” and Trisha Yearwood sang “You Don’t Know Me” as “An Opry Salute To Ray Charles” was taped at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The PBS special also featured Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge, LeAnn Rimes, Travis Tritt and Cam.
Today in 2018, Vince Gill, Michael McDonald and Butch Walker played “Take It To The Limit” and “Life’s Been Good” as Joe Walsh received a humanitarian award at the Rainbow Room in New York from Facing Addiction and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Guests included Stephen Van Zandt, Olivia Harrison and Ringo Starr.
Today in 2019, Phil Vassar has a role in the movie “I Only Miss You When I’m Breathing,” – and it premiere at the Regal Hollywood 27 during the Nashville Film Festival.
Today in 2019, Midland vocalist Mark Wystrach married Ty Haney in Austin, Texas.

DOLLY PARTON GOES BIG TO HELP HELENE VICTIMS

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Dolly Parton continues to cement her place in heaven by just being her incredible self. The legend, who has deep ties in Eastern Tennessee (one of the areas hit hardest by Hurricane Helene), has stepped up in a big way to help those struck by the disaster. At a press conference at the Walmart in Newport, Tennessee, Dolly announced that she is donating $1-million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts from her personal bank account, in addition to another $1-million coming from her business ventures, like Dollywood. “It’s personal because I have a lot of my own relatives that live here. When we heard about this, it was devastating, not just because it was my family, but all these people feel like my people. We all feel related, and we are in some sort of way.” She added, “Today I wanted to announce that from myself personally…I’m donating a million dollars…but also, with my Dollywood companies….we’ve added another million dollars to that one million, so we’re starting out with a good little hunk.” Dolly continues to be a national treasure.

See the entire press conference below; Dolly takes the mic at the 5:00 mark.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on October 7, 2024October 7, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, Merle Haggard married fellow country singer, Leona Williams.
Today in 1984, the movie, “Songwriter,” starring Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson premiered in Nashville.
Today in 1986, the Judds’ album, “Rockin’ with the Rhythm,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1986, Dolly Parton’s “Greatest Hits” collection was certified platinum.
Today in 1994, the “City Of New Orleans” album by Willie Nelson was certified platinum.
Today in 2000, Chris LeDoux got a new liver. After being diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis two months earlier, he underwent transplant surgery at the Nebraska Health System hospital in Omaha, Nebraska.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith made his Monday Night Football debut, but he wasn’t wearing a helmet. Toby and Ford launched the first of several truck ads featuring Toby during the game.
Today in 2002, Mary Chapin Carpenter was named the honorary chairwoman for the Habitat For Humanity’s Women Build Project.
Today in 2006, Big & Rich and Lynyrd Skynyrd perform a benefit concert at the HiFi Buys Amphitheatre in Atlanta to raise funds for a memorial to the 173rd Airborne, the division commemorated in “8th Of November.”
Today in 2008, Josh Turner and John Rich are in the audience when presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama debate on national TV from Nashville’s Belmont University.
Today in 2010, Kenny Chesney’s single, “You Save Me,” went gold.
Today in 2010, the Brad Paisley/Alison Krauss collaboration “Whiskey Lullaby” was certified platinum.
Today in 2012, Mary Chapin Carpenter was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame along with Tony Arata (“The Dance”), Larry Henley (“The Wind Beneath My Wings”) and Kim Williams (“Three Wooden Crosses”) at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel.
Today in 2013, Florida Georgia Line’s “Stay” video debuted on CMT.
Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s single, “Lettin’ The Night Roll,” was released.
Today in 2014, Broken Bow released Jason Aldean’s album “Old Boots, New Dirt.”
Today in 2014, Jason Aldean’s album, “Old Boots, New Dirt,” was released.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell performed “Chillin’ It” and “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” during his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2015, the Judds reunite for a nine-date “Girls Night Out” mini-residency at the Venetian in Las Vegas. The set list included “Give A Little Love,” “Why Not Me” and “Love Can Build A Bridge.”
Today in 2015, Maddie & Tae launched their first headlining tour at the Highline Ballroom in New York City. The night included performances of “Fly,” “Girl In A Country Song” and “9 To 5.”
Today in 2016, Naomi Judd was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Pet Philanthropy Circle during the Pet Hero Awards at Gotham Hall in New York.
Today in 2016, Blake Shelton received nine sales certifications from the RIAA, with gold honors for “Came Here To Forget,” “Footloose” and “Kiss My Country Ass.” Plus, his singles “Ol’ Red” and “Doin’ What She Likes” went platinum.
Today in 2016, it was a huge day for Luke Bryan as five singles receive certifications from the RIAA: “Roller Coaster” and “I See You” went gold and platinum; “Play It Again” hit double- and triple-platinum status; AND “Huntin’, Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day” and his Karen Fairchild collaboration, “Home Alone Tonight,” also went gold.
Today in 2017, Live from New York: Six days after a shocking concert massacre in Las Vegas, Jason Aldean opened “Saturday Night Live” with a defiant cover of the late Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
Today in 2018, Taylor Swift made her first-ever campaign endorsement – backing Tennessee Democrat Phil Bredesen for senator. Fast forward two years later on the same day? She endorsed Joe Biden for president.
Today in 2019, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood join former president Jimmy Carter as Habitat For Humanity begins building 21 new homes in Nashville.
Today in 2020, NBC-TV’s “Saturday Night Live” canceled Morgan Wallen as the musical guest for the October 10^th edition after videos surfaced showing him skirting social-distancing protocols while partying with college-age women after an Alabama football game on October 3^rd. Wallen announced he is stepping away from his career for “self-work.” Still, in February 2021 another video was released… capturing Wallen screaming a racial slur. More self-work…and some charitable donations…saw Wallen re-emerge in July 2021 with an appearance on “GMA.” His music ultimately returned to the airwaves August 2021.

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