This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 18, 2024December 18, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1978, Johnny Paycheck’s album, “Take This Job & Shove It,” was certified gold.
Today in 1981, Buck Owens had a fictitious speeding ticket rescinded by singing “I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail” in an episode of the CBS series “The Dukes Of Hazzard,” starring John Schneider and Tom Wopat.
Today in 1993, Faith Hill made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 1998, Martina McBride joined Smokey Robinson, Kenny Loggins and vice president Al Gore on NBC-TV’s Brooke Shields-hosted special “Christmas In Washington.”
Today in 2000, Tim McGraw’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold and platinum on the same day.
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire gained a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, for her work in the WB’s “Reba.” Among her competition was, “Will and Grace” star Debra Messing and “Sex and the City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Back When” went to #1 on the Billboard charts.
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood returned to the US after performing for American troops in Iraq and Kuwait during her first USO tour.
Today in 2012, Blake Shelton’s team finished with first and second place titles on the NBC competition, “The Voice.” Cassadee Pope won, while Terry McDermott was the runner up. Pope and McDermott sang “Catch My Breath” with guest Kelly Clarkson.

SHANIA TWAIN ANNOUNCES 2025 TOUR DATES

Posted on December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Shania Twain fans will be happy to know the country icon has extended her “Queen Of Me” tour into the summer of 2025. The tour has been running for almost two years, hitting 70 cities along the way, and will wrap with a limited number of summer dates that will kick off July 19 in Buffalo, New York, followed by stops in Saratoga Springs, Bangor, Gilford New Hampshire, Hershey and Jacksonville before wrapping up August 1 in Hollywood, Florida at Hard Rock Live. Tickets for this leg of her tour go on sale this Friday at 10 am local.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1955, Tennessee Ernie Ford’s “Sixteen Tons” worked its way to #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 1984, the album, “City Of New Orleans,” by Willie Nelson was certified gold.
Today in 1990, George Jones’ “Still The Same Ole Me” album was certified gold.
Today in 1993, the tribute album “Common Thread: The Songs Of The Eagles” went gold, platinum and double-platinum. It features Travis Tritt, Little Texas, Clint Black, John Anderson, Alan Jackson, Suzy Bogguss, Vince Gill, Diamond Rio, Trisha Yearwood, Billy Dean, Tanya Tucker, Brooks & Dunn and Lorrie Morgan.
Today in 1992, Alan Jackson hit the top of the country singles charts with “She’s Got The Rhythm (I’ve Got The Blues).”
Today in 2001, Lee Ann Womack’s single “I Hope You Dance” was certified gold.
Today in 2002, the numbers were made final and Faith Hill was tapped as logging a record setting 6-million streams as AOL’s “Artist of the Month” campaign. The achievement proved to be the online provider’s most successful in history. This news also came on the heels of Faith’s nomination as Favorite Female Artist by the People’s Choice Awards and the highest network ratings for any music special broadcast during Thanksgiving week.
Today in 2003, Reba McEntire gained a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy Series, for her work in the WB’s “Reba.” Among her competition was, “Will and Grace” star Debra Messing and “Sex and the City” actress Sarah Jessica Parker.
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Back When” went to #1 on the Billboard charts.
Today in 2005, Joe Nichols “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” hit the top spot on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood returned to the US after performing for American troops in Iraq and Kuwait during her first USO tour.
Today in 2010, Rascal Flatts bass player, Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison had a daughter, Madeline Leigh DeMarcus.
Today in 2012, Blake Shelton’s team finished with first and second place titles on the NBC competition, “The Voice.” Cassadee Pope won, while Terry McDermott was the runner up. Pope and McDermott sang “Catch My Breath” with guest Kelly Clarkson.
Today in 2012, Darius Rucker’s version of “Wagon Wheel,” featuring Lady Antebellum on backing vocals, hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Brad Paisley performed “Out Behind The Barn,” then unveiled a wax statue of Little Jimmy Dickens during the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The figure went on display when Madame Tussauds opened its Music City location the following spring.

LAINEY WILSON EXPERIENCES A FULL-CIRCLE MOMENT IN LAS VEGAS

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Lainey Wilson‘s career has come so far so quickly, she’s constantly experiencing landmark moments. One such instance happened Saturday night. Lainey’s “Wildflowers and Wild Horses” tour stopped at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and it led to a surreal “full-circle” moment for the singer. Her show was opened by Mae Estes and Tracy Lawrence, and it wasn’t that long ago that she was opening for the country legend. “(It’s) really cool to think that Tracy Lawrence is going to be on my show bill,” she told “People” magazine. “He took me out on the road with him about three years ago and I remember he stood side stage and watched every single one of my performances.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 by Bob Ballard

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.

DOLLY PARTON DONATES $1-MILLION TO THE SALVATION ARMY

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 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 December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 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 December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 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 December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 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 December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 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’.”

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