Luke Combs Teases Another Unreleased Song

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

At the rate he’s going, Luke Combs will have few surprises left by the time his new album comes out. He’s that person who insists you open his gift now, because he can’t contain himself. Fans of his social media know that any day can bring a new Luke tune, and yesterday was no exception. His new album has 22 tracks on it, of which he has already teased or released five – six, with the clip he posted yesterday. The singer posted a snippet of an unreleased song called “Wish Upon A Whiskey,” which (it is presumed) will be on his upcoming album. “The Way I Am” comes out March 20.

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This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Johnny Cash recorded his album “Johnny Cash At San Quentin,” including the song “A Boy Named Sue.” June Carter, Carl Perkins, The Carter Family, and the Statler Brothers performed with him.
Today in 1976, the Eagles’ “Greatest Hits 1971-1975,” which includes featured “Lyin’ Eyes” was certified platinum.
Today in 1980, NBC premiered the TV movie “Harper Valley P.T.A.,” which was based on Jeannie C. Riley’s hit single.
Today in 1982, at the GRAMMYs, “9 To 5” by Dolly Parton won both Best Country Song and Best Female Country Performance.
Today in 1984, Sawyer Brown won “Star Search” and collected $100,000.
Today in 1987, Reba McEntire won her first Grammy for “Whoever’s In New England.” Other winners at the 29th annual Grammy Awards included the Judds and Ronnie Milsap.
Today in 1989, Rosanne Cash’s album “Greatest Hits 1979 – 1989” was released.
Today in 1991, country legend Webb Pierce died.
Today in 1993, at the GRAMMYs, Vince Gill won two awards: Best Country Vocal Performance, Male, and Best Country Song (shared with co-writer John Jarvis) for “I Still Believe in You.” Mary Chapin Carpenter, Alison Krauss, Emmylou Harris, Travis Tritt, and Mary Stuart were also big winners.
Today in 1995, George Strait was number one on the country charts with “You Can’t Make A Heart Love Somebody.”
Today in 2001, “But For The Grace Of God” earned Keith Urban his first #1 single in Billboard.
Today in 2002, Martina McBride, Donny and Marie Osmond, and Willie Nelson performed “Bridge over Troubled Water” on the closing night of the 2002 Winter Olympics.
Today in 2004, the DVDs “The Best of Tracy Byrd” and “The Best of Billy Ray Cyrus” arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, Garth Brooks arrived in Surprise, Arizona to participate in spring training exercises with the Kansas City Royals.
Today in 2007, an episode of “CMT Crossroads” paired Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby. They sang “Mandolin Rain,” “Don’t Get Above Your Raising,” and “Super Freak.” John Anderson also made a guest appearance.
Today in 2008, Vince Gill and Amy Grant performed for a White House State Dinner gathering of the governors of the 50 states. President Bush was also in attendance.
Today in 2008, the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines was among those attending the “InStyle” Oscar viewing party.
Today in 2009, Willie Nelson and Asleep at the Wheel performed the first of two shows at the Earth Bio-Willie Theater in Carl’s Corner, Texas. The concerts were part of the Willie’s World 5th Annual Grand Opening celebrations.
Today in 2009, Vince Gill played the last of his three special shows as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2009 Artist-in-Residence. The performances took place at the Museum’s intimate, 213-seat Ford Theater.
Today in 2009, new releases included Jake Owen’s CD “Easy Does It,” along with “Volume 7” and “Volume 8” of the DVD series “The Best of the Flatt and Scruggs TV Show.”
Today in 2010, Darius Rucker performed a special concert for men and women of the military at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System’s VA Hospital in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The show was in conjunction with Musicians On Call.
Today in 2010, Trace Adkins received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian award at a Country Radio Seminar event in Nashville. The singer was recognized for his efforts in supporting the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, the Animal Rescue Foundation, and various military and veterans organizations. In addition, the final installment of the Trace Adkins-inspired comic book series “Luke McBain” arrived in stores.
Today in 2011, Gloriana was among the performers at “The Motown Sound: In Performance At The White House” concert.
Today in 2012, Hunter Hayes, David Nail, Sunny Sweeney, and Eli Young Band performed at the Country Radio Seminar’s New Faces of Country Music Show in Nashville. Thompson Square was expected to appear as well, but dropped out of the lineup following the death of Shawna Thompson’s father the day before the concert.
Today in 2013, the Zac Brown Band played the pre-race concert prior to the Daytona 500 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Today in 2014, Loretta Lynn suffered minor burns on her fingers in her efforts to put out a small fire at her Hurricane Mills ranch in Tennessee.
Today in 2014, Blake Shelton and Shakira sang “Boys ‘Round Here,” on the season premiere of NBC’s “The Voice.” Contestants sang “Something More,” “Steamroller Blues,” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
Today in 2017, Little Big Town launched a precedent-setting residency at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, playing the first of 10 2017 concerts at the historic venue. Sam Hunt was a surprise guest, performing “Body Like A Back Road,” and Chris Stapleton stopped by to deliver “Tennessee Whiskey.”
Today in 2017, Tyler Farr headlined Keith Relief, a benefit concert staged by Blackhawks player Duncan Keith at Joe’s Bar in Chicago.
Today in 2017, Darius Rucker played a bomb maker in a guest role on the CBS drama “Hawaii Five-0.”
Today in 2020, Kelly Clarkson was launched as a new celebrity spokesperson for Wayfair.
Today in 2021, Bruce Springsteen plead guilty to drinking illegally in a park in November, though DWI charges are dropped when the prosecutor concedes a .02 blood alcohol level was well below the .08 legal limit. Springsteen’s recording of “Atlantic City” was hailed among country’s 500 greatest singles in a 2003 Country Music Foundation book.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1935, Gene Autry starred in the sci-fi western “The Phantom Empire,” which included his song “That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine.” His co-star was Smiley Burnette, and the plot was that Autry finds a lost race of people with laser guns living underneath his ranch.
Today in 1957, Patsy Cline made her debut on the pop charts with “Walkin’ After Midnight.”
Today in 1959, “Don’t Take Your Guns To Town” earned Johnny Cash a #1 country single in Billboard.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers won the GRAMMY in the Best Male Country Vocal Performance category for “Lucille.”
Today in 1979, Tanya Tucker’s “TNT” album was certified gold.
Today in 1983, at the GRAMMYs, “Always On My Mind” won three awards: Song of the Year and Best Country Song for writers Wayne Carson, Johnny Christopher, and Mark James, and Best Country Vocal Performance Male for Willie Nelson.
Today in 1985, “Baby’s Got Her Blue Jeans On” earned Mel McDaniel his one and only #1 single in Billboard.
Today in 1988, the “Born To Boogie” album by Hank Williams Jr. was certified platinum.
Today in 1990, Reba McEntire gave birth to her son Shelby Stephen Blackstock.
Today in 1993, the “Hard Workin’ Man” album by Brooks & Dunn was released.
Today in 1996, George Strait’s “Strait Out of the Box” 4-CD set was certified for sales of three million copies, making it the best-selling country box set of all time.
Today in 1996, Martina McBride’s album, “Wild Angels,” was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Alan Jackson hit #1 on the charts with “I’ll Try.”
Today in 1999, Garth Brooks attended spring training camp with baseball team the San Diego Padres as a non-roster player. In lieu of salary, the Padres Foundation agreed to contribute to the Touch ‘Em All Foundation, a charity Brooks co-founded in collaboration with Major League Baseball players, entertainers and corporate partners.
Today in 2000, Lonestar’s “Lonely Grill” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 2000, at the GRAMMYs, The Dixie Chicks and Shania Twain each won two awards. The Chicks got Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for “Ready To Run,” and “Fly” won Best Country Album.
Today in 2002, LeeAnn Rimes and Dean Sheremet got married. The couple split in 2009 amidst the revelations of her affair with Eddie Cibrian – and were divorced in June 2010. She was engaged to Cibrian by December 2010 and they married in April 2011.
Today in 2003, Alan Jackson won his very first GRAMMY. It was in the Best Country Song category for “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning).”
Today in 2004, Brad Paisley was the celebrity monarch for the Krewe of Orpheus at the Mardi Gras Parade in New Orleans.
Today in 2009, Gloriana’s video, “Wild At Heart,” premiered.
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan scored a platinum single from the RIAA for “I Don’t Want This Night To End.”
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2013, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires were married in Nashville.
Today in 2013, Tim McGraw’s “Two Lanes Of Freedom” spent a week at the top of the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2018, Cole Swindell’s single, “Break Up In The End,” was released.
Today in 2019, Steve Earle, Bob McDill, Christopher Cross and ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons are inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Fame at the Paramount Theatre in Austin.
Today in 2019, Taylor Swift was a surprise performer for a fan’s engagement party.
Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood’s “Good Girl” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2020, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lee Roy Parnell, Walt Wilkins and Waylon Payne performed at Gruene Hall in Texas to raise money for Hal Ketchum’s medical expenses as he battled Alzheimer’s disease.
Today in 2021, Scotty McCreery posted a video showing his dip into a chilly backyard pool. His “polar plunge” in place raised more than $2,600 for Special Olympics.
Today in 2021, Luke Combs’ single, “Forever After All,” hit the airwaves.

Lee Brice Announces New Album, Drops “Country Nowadays”

Posted on February 23, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Lee Brice is building upon the momentum he gained from appearing on the Turning Point USA halftime show. Friday, he released the official version of his new song “Country Nowadays,” which he debuted on the halftime show two weeks ago. With that, he also announced his upcoming album, “Sunriser.” The album will include “Country Nowadays” as well as 15 other tracks. The set comes out June 5.

1. Sunriser
2. Killed The Man
3. Me and Whiskey
4. Country Nowadays
5. Devil’s At It Again
6. She Wasn’t Like That
7. Bury The Dead
8. Truck Bed Mixtape
9. What You Know About That
10. Said No Country Boy Ever
11. All The Way Down
12. Drinkin’ Buddies
13. Old Men
14. Cry
15. Daddy Don’t Care
16. When The Kingdom Comes

Darius Rucker Goes Big Band For Charity

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

He’s done rock and pop. He’s done hip hop and r&b. Of course, the longest stretch of his career has been in the country field. But big band? Darius Rucker will be putting on a big band show in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina, with the proceeds going to charity. The Darius Rucker Big Band Gala at the Gaillard Center in Charleston is a one-night event with local charitable causes benefiting. “These big band shows are some of my favorite nights as it’s the only time I get to perform so many of the standards we all grew up listening to with the backing of such an incredible orchestra,” said the singer. “It’s all to benefit incredible non-profit work locally.” Those local charities are the CMA Foundation’s music education initiatives for Charleston County Schools and the Carolyn G. Rucker Nursing Scholarship at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital. The event takes place April 7th. Tickets go on sale tomorrow at 10AM local time, with price points ranging from $50 to $250.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1991, at the GRAMMYs, “Where’ve You Been” earned Best Country Song for writers Don Henry and Jon Vezner, and Best Country Vocal Performance, Female for singer Kathy Mattea.
Today in 1996, on “Home Improvement,” Alan Jackson’s guest appearance featured his rendition of “Mercury Blues” for the fictitious handyman show “Tool Time.”
Today in 1999, Mark Chesnutt hit the top of the Billboard country singles chart with his remake of “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”
Today in 2003, “Wide Open Spaces” by the Dixie Chicks reached 12-million in shipments.
Today in 2005, at the NBA all-star basketball game half-time show, LeAnn Rimes sang “Nothin’ ‘Bout Love Makes Sense,” and Big & Rich sang “Save A Horse (Ride A Cowboy.)” The East beat the West 125-115.
Today in 2009, CMT played Jason Aldean’s video “She’s Country” for the first time.
Today in 2011, before the Daytona 500 was won by Trevor Bayne, Brad Paisley sang “Water,” and Dierks Bentley sang “Sideways.” Martina McBride sang the national anthem, and Randy Montana was also there.
Today in 2014, Miranda Lambert sings “Automatic” live for the first time during a Sony boat ride on the General Jackson in Nashville. The Country Radio Seminar event also features a surprise appearance by The Doobie Brothers, joined by Brad Paisley and Sara Evans on “Listen To The Music.”
Today in 2016, Taylor Swift was the maid of honor when her friend Britany Maack married Benjamin LaManna in Pennsylvania
Today in 2016, Darryl Worley and “Me And My Gang” songwriter Jon Stone rode out the Cat-5 tropical cyclone Winston in Fiji.
Today in 2016, Chris Lane made his Grand Ole Opry debut with a performance of his song, “Fix.”
Today in 2018, Anita Cochran underwent a double mastectomy six months after she was diagnosed with cancer. Cochran finished her last round of chemotherapy on September 19^th that year…and Cochran released her self-penned single “Fight Like A Girl” that October.

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

Posted on February 19, 2026February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H & S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week is “Wilhelmina”, a sweet 1 and half year old Domestic Shorthair/Mix kitty who loves toys, and loves to cuddle. Wilhelmina would love to curl up with her human and binge watch some TV or take a catnap. Wilhelmina is fully vaccinated, vetted, microchipped and would love to meet you!

And since Wilhelmina is the Pet of the Week her adoption fee is only $30 this week!

If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Wilhelmina 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 Wilhelmina with Izzy from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:

Trace Adkins Hints At Retirement

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Could Trace Adkins be ready to call it a career? Speaking to “ET” at the premiere of “I Can Only Imagine 2,” in which he stars, he hinted that he may be looking at retirement. “I just can’t believe I’m still around, and maybe somewhat relevant, you know, still. I’m just proud to be here and glad that I have fans who have stuck with me all these decades. And I’m going to give them another year, you know.” Along with his acting, Trace is embarking on his 30th anniversary tour. He was asked if he had another thirty years in him, to which Adkins answered, “I don’t have another 30 in me. I do not, no. No, I’m going give them this year. I’m going to tour hard this year, but then I can’t promise you anything after that.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Elvis recorded “Kentucky Rain” by Eddie Rabbitt. Ronnie Milsap did backup vocals.
Today in 1974, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner ended their duet partnership.
Today in 1977, “Moody Blue” got Elvis a top country hit.
Today in 1977, Ronnie Milsap, Larry Gatlin, and Emmylou Harris took top country honors at the 19th annual GRAMMY Awards.
Today in 1981, “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton was certified gold.
Today in 1987, “Red Handed Stranger,” a movie by Willie Nelson, premiered in Austin with Morgan Fairchild, Floyd Tillman, and Darrell Royal in attendance.
Today in 1993, “It’s Your Call” by Reba McEntire got certified both gold and platinum in the same day.
Today in 1993, Dolly Parton’s album “Slow Dancing With The Moon” was released.
Today in 1993, Sawyer Brown topped the country charts with the single “All These Years.”
Today in 1998, country legend Louis Marshall “Grandpa” Jones — the star of TV’s “Hee-Haw” and host of the Grand Ole Opry — died from complications of a stroke he’d suffered a month earlier. He was 84.
Today in 1998, Lorrie Morgan issued a strongly worded denial over an article in the “Star” tabloid magazine that claimed she’d taken, quote, “a wild ride in the back seat of a limousine with President Bill Clinton.” She contended, quote, “The only accurate information in the article with regard to my relationship with President Clinton was that I joined him on stage for the Christmas tree lighting in Washington.”
Today in 2000, Garth Brooks agreed to join the New York Mets in Florida during spring training.
Today in 2002, Blake Shelton was named the Best New Artist of 2001 in the annual “Radio & Records” Country Radio Readers Poll.
Today in 2002, Tim McGraw and Lonestar were named as members of the American Red Cross’ newly developed 12 person celebrity board. As part of the honor, Tim and the band also committed to serving the Red Cross for a one-year term of volunteer service.
Today in 2004, Ricky Skaggs was among the inductees into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame. In addition, Dwight Yoakam and Montgomery Gentry received awards during the induction ceremony in Frankfort, Kentucky.
Today in 2004, when Brooks and Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” tour rolled into Terre Haute, Indiana, officials renamed the portion of Cherry Street outside the ISU Hulman Center in honor of the concert. In addition, Mayor Kevin D. Burke proclaimed it Brooks & Dunn Day.
Today in 2004, Illness forced George Strait and Alabama to cancel shows. Strait postponed a concert in Detroit because he was suffering from a throat infection. Alabama scrapped a scheduled performance in Springfield, Illinois because frontman Randy Owen was still recovering from a viral condition affecting his inner ear.
Today in 2005, Darryl Worley Home Furnishings, a 38-hundred square-foot store, opened in Enterprise, Alabama.
Today in 2005, a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” featured Keith Urban and John Fogerty. The show featured Urban’s “Days Go By,” “Somebody Like Me,” and “You’ll Think Of Me,” along with Carl Perkins’ “Blue Suede Shoes.”
Today in 2006, at the halftime of the NBA All-Star Game, Carrie Underwood performed. The Eastern Conference won 122-120.
Today in 2008, the book “Random Memories,” by The Statler Brothers’ Don and Harold Reid, arrived in stores. New album releases included Chris Cagle’s “My Life’s Been A Country Song.”
Today in 2008, Chris Cagle made an in-store appearance at a Dallas-Fort Worth-area Wal-Mart, playing an acoustic concert and signing autographs for fans, in conjunction with the release of his CD “My Life’s Been A Country Song.”
Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood received the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Humanitarian Award at an event during the annual Country Radio Seminar in Nashville.
Today in 2014, Tim McGraw appeared on “the Tonight Show,” premiering “Shotgun Rider.”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on February 18, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1969, Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash recorded “Girl From The North Country.” The unreleased performances included “T for Texas,” “That’s All Right,” and “You Are My Sunshine.”
Today in 1988, for the first time since their 1974 breakup, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner performed together. The occasion was a taping of an episode of “Dolly!” at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Today in 1995, Collin Raye hit the top of the charts with “My Kind of Girl.”
Today in 2004, CMT plays Montgomery Gentry’s video “If You Ever Stop Loving Me.”
Today in 2007, the show “Reba,” whose them song is a version of Reba McEntire’s “I’m a Survivor” aired for the last time on the CW.
Today in 2010, “Need You Now” by Lady Antebellum earned a double-platinum single.
Today in 2012, at the Krewe of Endymion parade in New Orleans on Mardi Gras, Big & Rich and Gretchen Wilson rode on floats.
Today in 2014, Cole Swindell’s self-titled debut album was released.
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton headlined for the first time at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, launching a three-night stand at the venue. The set includes versions of “Nobody To Blame,” “I Ain’t Living Long Like This” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” plus a surprise appearance by The SteelDrivers.
Today in 2016, Royal Oak, Michigan, renamed part of Willis Avenue as Glenn Frey Drive.
Today in 2018, Rascal Flatts performed “Yours If You Want It” on FOX during the pre-race telecast for NASCAR’s Daytona 500, from the Daytona Motor Speedway in Florida. The band also does “Life Is A Highway” off-camera. Austin Dillon is the winning driver.
Today in 2019, Brett Young performed “Here Tonight” on ABC’s telecast of “The Bachelor.”

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