Ella Langley Reaches New Billboard Heights

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Bob Ballard

The question now is: when will Ella Langley‘s “Choosin’ Texas” lose chart momentum? The biggest country and pop hit of 2026 just keeps on reaching new heights. The single has now notched its 14th non-consecutive week at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, and in doing so finds herself in a three-way tie with legends Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. The song ties Carey’s “We Belong Together” and Houston’s “I Will Always Love You” for the most weeks at #1, apart from holiday singles by female performers with no male-billed acts. That record belongs to Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas is You,” which has scored 22 weeks at #1, albeit spread seasonally over seven years.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 21, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1956, Johnny Cash earned his first #1 hit with “I Walk the Line.”
Today in 1975, Michael Martin Murphey’s single, “Wildfire,” single is certified gold.
Today in 1990, Marty Stuart scored his first top 10 hit, “Hillbilly Rock.”
Today in 1992, Mark Chesnutt married his wife, Tracie.
Today in 1995, Reba McEntire was #1 on the singles charts with the song, “And Still.”
Today in 1999, the “Shania Twain Live” video was certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Eric Heatherly and his wife, Heather, welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Christiana Faye Heatherly made her debut at Nashville’s Baptist Hospital and got a musical start to her life. Christiana entered the world listening to her proud papa’s single, “The Last Man Committed,” at 5:37 pm.
Today in 2003, the Dixie Chicks were in Los Angeles to announce their participation in the Rock the Vote campaign.
Today in 2007, Big & Rich took “Lost In This Moment” to the tope of the billboard country chart.
Today in 2009, Brad Paisley, Charley Pride, and Alison Krauss + Union Station performed for Barack Obama at the White House. Paisley closed the night with a song inspired by the president, “ Welcome To The Future.”
Today in 2014, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Make Me Wanna,” was released.
Today in 2014, Garth Brooks’ “The Ultimate Hits” is certified eight-times platinum by the RIAA.
Today in 2015, RCA Studio A is officially added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Music Row building was a recording site for hits by George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Bobby Bare and Kacey Musgraves, among others.
Today in 2016, Kid Rock performed in Cleveland at the close of the Republican National Convention.
Today in 2018, Lauren Alaina announced her engagement to long-term boyfriend Alex Hopkins. Sadly, the couple announced their split in 2019…but Lauren has reportedly been dating a mystery man for a little over a year now.
Today in 2020, Carrie Underwood’s was toasting her single, “Drinking Alone,” being certified gold by the RIAA.

Jelly Roll, Bunnie XO Finalize Divorce

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

That didn’t take long. Just under two months after Jelly Roll filed for divorce, he and Bunnie XO are now officially single. According to court docs, the two privately finalized their divorce earlier this month. The exact details are confidential, but it’s reported that Jelly and Bunnie are splitting several items, including an aircraft, cars, homes and their intellectual properties. Along with that, the singer is making an undisclosed one-time lump sum payment to his ex-wife, and both are waving off alimony. The two were married for just under ten years.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 20, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1966, Jim Reeves’ “The Best Of Jim Reeves” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Stardust” album was certified gold.
Today in 1978, Kenny Rogers’ album, “Ten Years Of Gold,” was certified platinum.
Today in 1988, the video, “George Strait Live,” was certified gold.
Today in 1990, Keith Whitley’s album, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me,” was certified gold – he had died from alcohol poisoning a year earlier.
Today in 1992, the album, “For My Broken Heart,” by Reba McEntire was certified double platinum.
Today in 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” album was certified gold, platinum and double platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1992, George Strait’s “Ten Strait Hits” album was certified gold.
Today in 1992, the “Whatcha Gonna Do With A Cowboy” album by Chris Ledoux was released.
Today in 1994, John Michael Montgomery’s “Kickin’ It Up” video was certified gold.
Today in 1996, Garth Brooks played to a special crowd in Denver, Colorado: The audience included the one-millionth ticket-buyer for his three-year-long world tour. Garth celebrated the occasion by giving the buyer – Coral Volland – flowers, tour merchandise and a brand new Chevrolet Z-28 Camaro.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith occupied the #1 position in the Billboard with “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American).”
Today in 2012, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus and his wife, Allison, welcomed their son, Dylan Jay Marcus.
Today in 2013, Jason Aldean headlined at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, the last of three stadiums on his 2013 tour itinerary. Also on the bill were Kelly Clarkson, Jake Own, and Thomas Rhett.
Today in 2015, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert are granted a divorce by an Oklahoma judge
Today in 2016, the video for Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls,” featuring rocker Elle King, premieres on NBC’s “Today”
Today in 2017, Josh Abbott announced his engagement to Taylor Parnell
Today in 2017, Toby Keith performed at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater in his first Music City concert in 13 years.
Today in 2018, Charles Esten makes his 100^th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2018, Garth Brooks finished #2 among Billboard’s Money Makers for receipts of $52.2-million. Other country acts among the Top 25 include: Luke Bryan, #15 (with $21-million); Florida Georgia Line, #16 (adding $20.9-million to their bank account); Eric Church, #19 (after racking up $19.4-million); and Chris Stapleton, #21 (collecting $17.9- million).
Today in 2019, T Graham Brown is named an Arkansas Traveler by governor Asa Hutchinson when he performs at the Independence County Fair in Batesville.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1992, Garth Brooks’ hit single, “The River,” remained at #1 on the country music chart for the second week.
Today in 1993, Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee” hit #1 on the charts and stayed for an entire month.
Today in 1997, Clay Walker’s “Rumor Has It” album was certified gold.
Today in 1998, Terri Clark scored her first #1 single with “Now That I Found You.”
Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood’s “Intimate Portrait” premiered on Lifetime Television.
Today in 2000, Brad Paisley was performing at the West Virginia Interstate Fair and Exposition when he got the surprise of a lifetime. Gov. Cecil H. Underwood showed up to hear Brad’s music and to present him with the “Distinguished West Virginian Award.” The honor is presented to native West Virginians who have shown a lifetime commitment to community service and excellence in their respective career fields. Past award recipients include Kathy Mattea and astronaut John McBride. This date was also dubbed “Brad Paisley Day” in his home state.
Today in 2001, Travis Tritt sold out his September 21^st show at the Great Frederick Fair in Fredericksburg, Maryland. Why was that so unique? Well, the Fair released pre-sale tickets by mail order and they sold the entire 4,650 by mail!
Today in 2002, Andy Griggs’ long-awaited sophomore album, “Freedom,” made an impressive chart debut. The project nailed the #7 spot on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart.
Today in 2002, the Dixie Chicks appeared in the “Nancy” comic strip for the sixth time. Creator Guy Gilchrist has been a long-time supporter of the group and an avid country music fan. The ladies appeared on the cover of a magazine titled “New Music.”
Today in 2004, Tim McGraw’s “Live Like You Were Dying” spent the first of seven weeks at the top of the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2006, American Idol alum Kellie Pickler was officially signed to a recording contract.
Today in 2012, Brantley Gilbert made his Grand Ole Opry debut.
Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s single, “What Ifs,” featuring Lauren Alaina, scored a gold single from the RIAA.
Today in 2017, Luke Bryan’s “Kill The Lights” album went double platinum.
Today in 2017, Josh Turner’s “Hometown Girl” went gold.

2026 Belongs To Ella Langley

Posted on July 17, 2026 by Bob Ballard

It seems like we’re talking about some new record Ella Langley has broken or some career achievement she’s accomplished a couple times a week, so here’s another one. “Choosin’ Texas” is the most-streamed song in all of music so far in 2026 in the United States with a staggering 571-million streams across all platforms, and it’s not even close. Second most: Olivia Dean‘s “Man I Need,” which scored just over 340-million streams. Added bonus: Ella’s “Be Her” is the fourth-most streamed song of the year so far, with just over 289-million streams. See the list of the most-streamed songs in the US so far this year below.

“Choosin’ Texas” – Ella Langley (570.9 million)
“Man I Need” – Olivia Dean (340.2 million
“Ordinary” – Alex Warren (322.8 million)
“Be Her” – Ella Langley (289.1 million)
“DtMF” – Bad Bunny (284.5 million)
“Golden” – HUNTR/X (282.8 million)
“Stateside” – PinkPanthress (with Zara Larsson) (272.4 million)
“I Just Might” – Bruno Mars (267.3 million)
“The Fate of Ophelia” – Taylor Swift (255.7 million)
“So Easy (To Fall In Love)” – Olivia Dean (252.9 million)

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

Posted on July 16, 2026July 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Summer”, a 9 month old female Aussie mix who is very well behaved and walks great on a leash. Summer is a little shy at first, but will warm up to you quickly and would love to meet you!

Summer is fully vetted, spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and ready for her ‘fur-ever’ home!

And because Summer is the H&S Feed & Country Store Pet of the Week, her adoption fee is only $20 this week!

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

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1983, Alabama hit #1 with “The Closer You Get.”
Today in 1993, Wynonna’s second solo album, “Tell Me Why,” went platinum.
Today in 1996, Billy Ray Cyrus’ debut album, “Some Gave All,” was certified for sales of 9-million copies. It became the first debut album by a country artist certified for wholesale sales of 9-million.
Today in 1996, Rick Trevino released his album, “Learning As You Go.”
Today in 1997, Vince Gill earned a platinum album for “High Lonesome Sound.”
Today in 1999, the Dixie Chicks played their first show on the “Lillith Fair” tour.
Today in 2002, the album, “Trail Of Memories: The Randy Travis Anthology,” arrived in stores. The same day, Darryl Worley’s “I Miss My Friend” project was released.
Today in 2002, Joe Nichols lost his musician father, Mike Nichols, who died at the age of 46, in North Carolina following a lengthy illness.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith celebrated his second week on the top of “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart with his single, “Courtesy of the Red, White And Blue (The Angry American).”
Today in 2002, Kenny Chesney was on top of the world – and on top of the “Billboard” Country Singles chart with his single, “The Good Stuff.” On top of that, Kenny’s “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems” album was enjoying its third month at #1 on the “Billboard” Country Albums chart.
Today in 2006, Kenny Chesney set a new record for a country show when his concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts grossed $4-million.
Today in 2012, Florida Georgia Line signed their recording deal with Republic Nashville.
Today in 2013, Cassadee Pope performed “Wasting All These Tears” as she made her debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
Today in 2014, Brett Eldredge celebrated a #1 single with “Beat Of The Music” by diving with the sharks in the Bahamas.
Today in 2015, Rosanne Cash was announced as an inductee in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, along with “Live Like You Were Dying” author Craig Wiseman, “Always On My Mind” writer Mark James and “I Love A Rainy Night” composer Even Stevens.
Today in 2016, Bonnie Brown, of The Browns, died after a battle with lung cancer at Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton brought out surprise guest Miranda Lambert during his show in Buffalo. She joined him on “Fire Away.”

Post Malone To Headline World Cup Closing Ceremony

Posted on July 16, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Hard to believe, but the World Cup is almost over. The final match is slated for this Sunday at New Jersey Stadium, and prior to the players taking the pitch, the arena will be filled with music. Post Malone will headline the FIFA World Cup 2026 closing ceremony, which starts at 1:30pm ET, 90 minutes before kick-off. Robbie Williams, Laura Pausini, Nicole Scherzinger, and IShowSpeed have all been previously announced as performing or making appearances prior to the tourney’s final match.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 15, 2026 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1986, “Alabama’s Greatest Video Hits” was certified platinum.
Today in 1987, the album, “Love Me Like You Used To,” album by Tanya Tucker was released.
Today in 1992, Travis Tritt’s album, “It’s All About To Change,” was certified double platinum.
Today in 1994, Joe Diffie’s “Third Rock From The Sun” album was released.
Today in 1995, Aaron Tippin and his wife, Thea, were married.
Today in 1997, Sherrié Austin’s album, “Words,” arrived in stores.
Today in 1998, Alan Jackson debuted his first video in over a year on CMT with “I’ll Go On Loving You.”
Today in 1998, Diamond Rio’s “Greatest Hits” album arrived in stores.
Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn and Reba McEntire kicked off their second tour together in Jacksonville, Florida.
Today in 1998, Brooks and Dunn’s “If You See Her” album and LeAnn Rimes’ “Sittin’ on Top of the World” CD were both certified platinum.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith was tapped for a special honor. His song, “My List,” struck such a powerful chord that the NYPD asked if they could incorporate the tune into their training video and sessions.
Today in 2003, Brooks & Dunn’s “Red Dirt Road” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2004, legendary Loretta Lynn and newcomer Mindy Smith each earned triple nominations for the annual Americana Music Awards.
Today in 2005, the movie “Wedding Crashers,” starring Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn, debuted in theaters. Why do you care? Dwight Yoakam was featured in the opening scene being chewed out by an ex as a “hillbilly” in a divorce negotiation.
Today in 2010, songwriter Hank Cochran died of pancreatic cancer at his home in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Among his compositions: Patsy Cline’s “I Fall To Pieces,” Eddy Arnold’s “Make The World Go Away,” Vern Gosdin’s “Set ‘Em Up Joe” and George Strait’s “Ocean Front Property.” He was named to the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
Today in 2011, Jason Aldean’s singles, “Dirt Road Anthem” and “My Kinda Party,” went platinum.
Today in 2013, Frankie Ballard’s single, “Helluva Life,” was released.
Today in 2016, Willie Nelson made an unscheduled appearance with Neil Young and Promise Of The Real at Temre Di Caracalla in Rome, Italy. Nelson does two songs, including “On The Road Again.”
Today in 2016, Ronnie Milsap was hospitalized in Georgia with dehydration and nausea.
Today in 2017, The Eagles played their first full concert since the death of Glenn Frey, appearing at the Classic West Festival at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with Vince Gill and Dylan Frey taking Frey’s part.

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