- Today in 1960, Loretta Lynn made her Grand Ole Opry debut.
- Today in 1977, Reba McEntire made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry. She performed “Invitation to the Blues.”
- Today in 1996, Alabama released their second holiday album, “Alabama Christmas II,” and John Berry released his album, “Faces.”
- Today in 1996, the mayor of Rhinelander, Wisconsin proclaimed today’s date as “Trace Adkins Day,” and presented Trace with the key to the city. The previous month, the mayor of Trace’s hometown of Sarepta, Louisiana had made such a declaration.
- Today in 1996, Ty England’s “Two Ways to Fall” album arrived in stores.
- Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Fly,” began its second straight week at #1 on both the pop and country albums charts. In just two weeks, the album sold 545,000 units, which means it had already gone gold (you need 500,000 copies sold for a gold album). In fact, first day sales were 75,000. SoundScan figures show that the album had the highest first week sales of any act in country music history except for Garth Brooks. In addition, “Fly,” became the first country album to spend more than one week at #1 on the pop albums chart since Garth’s album, “Double Live,” in 1998.
- Today in 1999, Lisa Hartman Black joined her hubby Clint Black on stage for their first public performance of their mega-hit, “When I Said I Do.”
- Today in 2000, Alan Jackson, Sawyer Brown and Travis Tritt joined Farm Aid founders Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young and a host of other performers in Bristow, Virginia for the 15th anniversary of Farm Aid.
- Today in 2002, Clay Walker’s album, “Christmas,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Tracy Byrd and his wife, Michelle, finally had a name for their third child, who had arrived two weeks earlier – Jared James. When he left St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Beaumont, Texas, Jared – aka J.J. – joined his sister, Evee Elisabeth, and brother, Logan Lynn. By the way, in case you’re wondering, the Byrd family did not break the record for delayed baby-naming – not even close. The State of Texas told them it once took a family three months to decide on what to call their child.
- Today in 2002, Faith Hill was in Los Angeles to tape an NBC concert special, which aired on Thanksgiving.
- Today in 2005, The Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single “Islands in The Stream” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Duets”
- Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville
- Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2017, LANCO lead singer Brandon Lancaster and Tiffany Trotter were married near Nashville. The ceremony was attended by all his bandmates: Tripp Howell, Eric Steedly, Jared Hampton and Chandler Baldwin.
- Today in 2018, Faith Hill headlines a voting rally at Marathon Music Works in Nashville for a non-profit agency, When We All Vote.
- Today in 2019, Luke Combs joined Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow and Emmylou Harris at All For The Hall, a fundraiser for the Country Music Hall of Fame at The Novo in Los Angeles.
- Today in 2019, Old Dominion scored a gold single from the RIAA for “One Man Band.”
- Today in 2021, the Carly Pearce album, “29: Written In Stone,” and Scotty McCreery’s “Same Truck” album were released.
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You Can Now Buy Dolly Parton’s Wine
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Back in June, Dolly Parton announced she was launching her own wine brand called “Dolly Wines” . . . and now, the first one is finally available.
The Dolly Wines Chardonnay is now available at Kroger, Total Wine & More, Meijer, H-E-B, and Cost Plus World Market along with Vivino at DollyWines.com. The suggested retail price is $14.99 a bottle.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1967, Tammy Wynette scored her #1 hit when she topped the “Billboard” country singles chart with “My Elusive Dreams,” her duet with David Houston.
- Today in 1985, the “Alabama Christmas” album by Alabama was released.
- Today in 1986, Johnny Cash signed with Polygram Records after two decades with Columbia.
- Today in 1988, Ricky Van Shelton’s album, “Loving Proof,” was released.
- Today in 1991, Willie Nelson married makeup artist Ann-Marie D’Angelo. The couple, who met on the set of Nelson’s 1986 movie, “Red Headed Stranger,” has two sons.
- Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker’s “What Do I Do With Me” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, the “War Paint” album by Lorrie Morgan was certified gold.
- Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame.
- Today in 2002, Trace Adkins was in Washington, D.C. to perform at a political fundraiser for Louisiana Congressman Billy Tauzin – aka “the Cajun Congressman.” The event served as a kick-off for Trace’s two-day swing through the Washington DC, which also included headlining a USO event honoring former President George Herbert Walker Bush.
- Today in 2005, the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton single, “Islands in the Stream,” topped the list with the debut of “CMT 100 Greatest Debuts.”
- Today in 2009, Buddy Miller won four times during the Americana Music Association Awards & Honors at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
- Today in 2012, Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” video debuts on CMT. The video featured a guest appearance by actor Garrett Hedlund.
- Today in 2013, Justin Moore’s “Off The Beaten Path” album arrived in stores.
- Today in 2014, Tim McGraw’s album, “Sundown Heaven Town,” was released.
- Today in 2016, Jon Pardi scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots.”
- Today in 2016, Trisha Yearwood introduced a signature perfume and body mist, available exclusively at Walmart stores.
- Today in 2017, Willie Nelson brought Farm Aid to Burgettstown, Pennsylvania and was joined by Jamey Johnson, Blackberry Smoke, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews, Neil Young and The Avett Brothers. Nelson’s set includes “Whiskey River,” “Good Hearted Woman” and “On The Road Again.”
- Today in 2017, Old Dominion’s “Happy Endings” was at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2017, Rhett Akins married Sonya Mansfield in Tennessee. In the wedding party? His son, Thomas Rhett, as well as songwriters Ben Hayslip and Dallas Davidson.
- Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood revealed on “CBS Sunday Morning” that she endured three miscarriages during 2017 and 2018.
- Today in 2019, the Florida Georgia Line single, “Talk You Out Of It,” was certified gold and platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2019, Colt Ford scored a gold certification from the RIAA for his 2008 debut album, “Ride Through The Country.” The project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson, Brantley Gilbert and John Michael Montgomery.
- Today in 2021, Parmalee’s “Take My Name” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2021, during a performance of “Famous Friends” at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri – Kane Brown brought out Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Joining Brown on the song as well? Opening acts Chris Lane and Restless Road.
Lainey Wilson Used to Perform in the Aisles of Walmart?
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Nothing was beneath Lainey Wilson when she was starting out. She’d even consider performing at the DMV.
Lainey was on “The Tonight Show” this week, and Jimmy Fallon said he’s heard stories that, in the early days, she’d perform in the aisles of Walmart. She didn’t confirm or deny that, but she said:
“I’d play anywhere they would let me play. I’m talking about nursing homes, flatbed trailers . . . my parents would be like, ‘Hey Lainey, sing that song you just wrote last week’ for anybody. And I’d just do it.”
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1973, Tom T. Hall recorded “I Love” at midday at the Mercury Custom Studios in Nashville.
- Today in 1986, Reba McEntire’s “Little Rock” checks in at #1 on the Billboard country singles list.
- Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes sang “Blue” in her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, along with “I Wanna Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” and “Blue Moon Of Kentucky.”
- Today in 2003, The U.S. Postal Service unveiled a stamp featuring Roy Acuff during a ceremony at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The art is based on a photo that appeared in a 1949 edition of Collier’s magazine.
- Today in 2006, Kellie Pickler’s debut single, “Red High Heels,” was released.
- Today in 2009, Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” won Best Female Video during the MTV Video Music Awards. Kanye West infamously interrupted her acceptance speech at New York’s Radio City Music Hall to insist that Beyoncé should have won.
- Today in 2010, Keith Urban’s “Put You In A Song” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2011, The Band Perry picked up a triple-platinum single award for “If I Die Young.”
- Today in 2014, Brad Paisley’s “Moonshine In The Trunk” opens in the top spot on the Billboard country albums chart.
- Today in 2014, Kenny Rogers and Little Big Town performed “God Bless America” in Baltimore during a live PBS special honoring the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The event’s lineup also featured Melissa Etheridge, Jordin Sparks, Kristen Chenoweth, Train and Smokey Robinson.
- Today in 2015, the 2015 edition of Carrie Underwood’s “Sunday Night Football” theme, “Waiting All Day For Sunday Night,” debuted on NBC.
- Today in 2017, Sturgill Simpson sailed away with Album of the Year, for “A Sailor’s Guide To Earth,” during the Americana Music Awards at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives earn Group/Duo of the Year, and John Prine was recognized as Artist of the Year.
- Today in 2018, a breach of peace charge was dropped against Gretchen Wilson in Enfield, Connecticut, when she agrees to donate to a local charity. She had alleged caused a ruckus at a local airport.
- Today in 2018, Jesse McReynolds had emergency surgery for a bladder blockage.
- Today in 2018, Deputy attorney general Rod Rosenstein quoted Aaron Tippin during a ceremony for the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division in Washington, D.C. saying, “You’ve got to stand for something, or you’ll for anything.”
- Today in 2018, Jon Pardi scored double-platinum singles from the RIAA for “Head Over Boots” and “Dirt On My Boots,” while his “Heartache On The Dance Floor” went gold and platinum.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: “BISCUIT”
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Biscuit”, an adorable 8 year old hound mix. Biscuit is fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home. Biscuit is a pretty shy at first, so he will take some time to warm up to you, but he’s well worth the effort. Biscuit gets along ok with other dogs, but cats, not so much.
And because Biscuit is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $100 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Biscuit 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 Biscuit with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Bunnie Xo Tries Talking to the Dead
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Jelly Roll’s wife Bunnie Xo has a new hobby . . . and it’s pretty spooky. Although we are rounding into Halloween season, so maybe she’s just setting the mood.
Jelly just did a show in El Paso, and while Bunnie had some down-time, she went to visit the Concordia Cemetery . . . which is rumored to be haunted.
Bunnie posted a video wandering around the cemetery using a “Ghost Hunting” app. Every once and a while the app would make a static noise . . . and THEN a spooky robot voice would say random words like “Grandfather” and “Sacrifice”.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1980, as a result of a television report on ABC-TV’s “20/20,” the official case surrounding the 1977 death of Elvis Presley was reopened.
- Today in 1986, Eddie Rabbitt and Juice Newton’s single, “Both To Each Other (Friends & Lovers),” went to #1 in “Radio & Records.”
- Today in 1990, Alan Jackson’s “Here In The Real World” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, the album, ‘If There Was A Way,” by Dwight Yoakam was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album certified double platinum.
- Today in 1994, on his birthday, George Jones underwent triple bypass surgery at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital.
- Today in 1995, George Jones and Tammy Wynette’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, the “Greatest Hits – From The Beginning” album by Travis Tritt was released
- Today in 1995, George Jones’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, the “Strait Out Of The Box” album by George Strait was released.
- Today in 1998, a concert by Shania Twain was televised live on DirecTV, in what the direct broadcast satellite service claimed is the first such TV event for the country star.
- Today in 1998, Vince Gill made his 100th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
- Today in 1999, a sold-out crowd of 23,000 people listened to Willie Nelson, Deana Carter, Sawyer Brown, Trisha Yearwood, John Mellencamp and other performers at Farm Aid ’99. The all-day event, the latest in a series of fund-raisers for farmers that started in 1985, came at a time when many East Coast growers were facing a severe drought. Since it began, Farm Aid has given $14.5 million to more than 100 farm organizations, churches and service groups in 44 states.
- Today in 2002, the rumors were official – the Dixie Chicks’ album, “Home,” was certified platinum. Now, official Soundscan figures have confirmed it. In its second week of release, the project sold 367,000 copies (following record setting first-week sales of 779,828). It was enough to keep them on top of the Billboard 200 charts and the “Billboard” Top Country Albums chart for another week.
- Today in 2002, George Strait launched his “Road Less Traveled” tour in Detroit Jo Dee Messina as his opening act. It was George’s first arena tour in five years. He been headlining his George Strait Country Music Festival at stadiums from 1999 to 2001.
- Today in 2003, the famed “The Man in Black” Johnny Cash, who became a towering figure in American music with such hits as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “A Boy Named Sue,” died at the age of 71. In a statement issued by Baptist Hospital in Nashville, Cash’s longtime manager and friend, Lou Robin, said, “Johnny died due to complications from diabetes, which resulted in respiratory failure.” He noted that Cash died at the hospital at 1 am ET and added, “I hope that friends and fans of Johnny will pray for the Cash family to find comfort during this very difficult time.” The stunning news came as Cash had been released from the hospital the previous Wednesday after a two-week stay for treatment of an unspecified stomach ailment. Some reports circulated that he had been suffering from pancreatitis. The illness caused him to miss the MTV Music awards, where he had been nominated in seven categories and won the trophy for Best Cinematography. In his later years, Cash had battled a disease of the nervous system, autonomic neuropathy, and pneumonia. His beloved wife, June, had passed four months earlier.
- Today in 2003, the “Man In Black” – aka Johnny Cash – passed away. He joined his beloved wife, June Carter Cash, who had died the previous May. Among his accolades, Cash was a member of both the Country Music and Rock & Roll Halls of Fame.
- Today in 2007, Brad Paisley scored a gold album for “5th“
- Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” video debuted on CMT.
- Today in 2014, Garth Brooks took batting practice with the Chicago White Sox at US Cellular Field. The night’s baseball game is rained out.
- Today in 2014, The Band Perry’s single, “Postcard From Paris,” went gold.
- Today in 2016, Jana Kramer took the stage as a contestant for “Dancing With The Stars.” Julianne Hough returns as a judge. Other competitors include Vanilla Ice, Maureen McCormick, Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte and former Texas governor Rick Perry, who danced a cha cha to “God Blessed Texas.”
- Today in 2017, Kane Brown, who was formerly homeless, participated in a congressional briefing on the rental housing crisis in Washington, DC.
- Today in 2017, George Strait headlined a Hurricane Harvey benefit concert at the Majestic Theatre in San Antonio – he was joined on the bill by Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. It became part of the multi-network special, “Hand In Hand: A Benefit For Hurricane Relief.” Blake Shelton and Usher performed “Stand By Me” were from the Grand Ole Opry …as were Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Demi Lovato and CeCe Winans, who offered up, “A Little Help From My Friends.”
BROOKS & DUNN ANNOUNCE TOUR PLANS FOR 2025
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Brooks & Dunn are pretty busy for a duo that retired several years back. The legendary pair have announced their touring plans for 2025. Their “Neon Moon” tour will feature David Lee Murphy as the opening act, and will kick off March 13 in Lubbock, Texas. The first leg of the tour will consist of 12 dates that will wind up in Louisville, Kentucky on April 26, with more dates to be announced.
The duo will perform April 24th, 2025 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on 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 8th
- 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.
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