The legendary Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is ready to wrap up their incredible career, announcing their 2025 farewell tour dates. The band will head back out in February for another set of farewell shows through Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Tickets for these concerts go on sale Friday at 10 am CST with additional tour dates to be announced soon. Check out the 2025 tour dates here.
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This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1979, Dolly Parton’s “Great Balls Of Fire” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1982, the single, “You And I,” by Eddie Rabbitt and Crystal Gayle entered the pop chart.
- Today in 1987, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1989, “The Royal Treatment” album by Billy Joe Royal was certified gold.
- Today in 1991, Travis Tritt’s “It’s All About To Change” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1995, Kenny Rogers’ “20 Great Years” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1995, Faith Hill’s “It Matters To Me” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Trisha Yearwood made her television-acting debut on an episode of ABC-TV’s “Ellen,” playing herself.
- Today in 1999, fans confused by Garth Brooks’ rock alter ego, Chris Gaines, may have had their bewilderment compounded when “Saturday Night Live” started promoting its upcoming show as being hosted by Garth with Chris Gaines appearing as the musical guest. Actually, it was Garth’s only live performance in the guise of his alter ego.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks’ highly anticipated project, “Scarecrow,” arrived in stores.
- Today in 2002, Reba McEntire and Trisha Yearwood were among those performing at the Stormy Weather 2002 benefit in Los Angeles at the historic Wiltern Theatre. All proceeds from the show, which was open to the public, went to the Walden Woods Project and the Thoreau Institute. Other performers include Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Joni Mitchell and Stevie Nicks.
- Today in 2002, Keith Urban celebrated his seventh week at the top of the “Radio & Records” Country Top 50 with his single, “Somebody Like You.” He was also enjoying his sixth week at #1 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart.
- Today in 2002, it was announced that Willie Nelson, Carlos Santana and Michelle Branch were the headliners for the annual Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo, Norway. This year’s event will include a performance from Tim McGraw.
- Today in 2002, Troy Gentry‘s wife, Angie, welcomed their first child, daughter Kaylee Alexandra. Kaylee joined Taylor Peyton, Troy’s daughter from a previous relationship.
- Today in 2003, Wynonna was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. According to the police report, Wy was pulled over around 1am for going 47 in a 30 mph zone. Her Breathalyzer test registered a blood alcohol level of .175. The legal limit in Tennessee is .08. Wy was released after posting a $500 bond, which is the standard bail set for a first-offense DUI. In a written statement released later that day. Wynonna pulled no punches over the incident and added, “I know there is never a situation where drinking and driving is acceptable, and I take full responsibility for my error in judgment.”
- Today in 2005, the New York premiere of the Johnny Cash biopic, “Walk The Line,” was at the Beacon Theatre.
- Today in 2006, The Judds performed “Love Can Build a Bridge” at a groundbreaking ceremony for a Martin Luther King memorial in Washington, D.C.
- Today in 2008, Curb released the Rodney Atkins single “It’s America,” with Bruce Springsteen references in the chorus, to radio.
- Today in 2010, Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning)” ranked #1 on CMT debuts “40 Greatest Songs of the Decade.”
- Today in 2014, Lee Brice’s “Drinking Class” video premiered on CMT.
GARTH WANTS SEXUAL ASSAULT SUIT MOVED TO FEDERAL COURT
Garth Brooks is looking at every angle in his upcoming court case over allegations of sexual assault. The country singer’s lawyers have filed a motion to move the lawsuit to federal court in an attempt to increase the likelihood of getting it dismissed, or possibly have the trial expedited. About what such a move would gain Brooks, legal expert Tre Lovelle told “ET”: “It’s probably easier to seal fillings, usually you get a quicker trial date. Judges are more amenable to dismissing a case. Los Angeles tends to be a more of a minority, blue collar jury pool. In federal court, you have a broader jury pool and a broader jury pool I think would help Garth in this case.” The next step: Garth’s legal team has requested a hearing in front of Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald in downtown Los Angeles on December 9.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1993, Dolly Parton launched her new line of cosmetics at her Dollywood theme park in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.
- Today in 1995, Deana Carter married Chris DiCroce. The couple has since gone their separate ways.
- Today in 1996, Deana Carter had a lot to celebrate. Her single, “Strawberry Wine” went to #1, the video also hit #1 on CMT. She also did her first cover shoot for a national magazine and a horse named Strawberry Wine placed first in a race at Churchill Downs.
- Today in 1998, “The Hits” album by Garth Brooks was certified for multi-platinum sales of 10-million.
- Today in 2002, Dixie Chick Emily Robison and her then-husband, Charlie Robison, welcomed their first child at 10:06pm in San Antonio. Charles Augustus Robison made his debut at a hearty 8-pounds, 13-ounces and measured 21-inches long. News of the happy arrival was leaked on the Chicks’ webboard that afternoon as a fan posted that she heard the sister of a local nurse spill the beans to a local radio station. Reps for the Chicks confirmed the arrival the following morning.
- Today in 2004, Darryl Worley, Mark Willis, and Rebecca Lynn Howard delivered a Veterans Day performance for troops in Tampa, Florida.
- Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood carved her name into the top of the Billboard country chart with “Before He Cheats.”
- Today in 2008, Taylor Swift’s album “Fearless” was released.
- Today in 2009, Taylor Swift took home four awards at the 43rd annual CMA awards.
- Today in 2010, Jason Aldean’s duet with Kelly Clarkson “Don’t You Wanna Stay” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2016, Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood album, “Christmas Together,” was released – so was Ronnie Dunn’s album, “Tattooed Heart.”
- Today in 2016, it was a big day for Eric Church as eight tracks were certified by the RIAA. The single, “Springsteen.” scored earning a triple-platinum status, while “Creepin’,” “Talladega,” “Love Your Love The Most,” “Like Jesus Does” and “Like A Wrecking Ball” went platinum. Going gold – “Cold One” and “Guys Like Me.”
- Today in 2017, Chris Young’s “Losing Sleep” hit #1.
- Today in 2017, Brantley Gilbert and his wife, Amber Cochran, welcome their son, Barrett.
- Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton took part in Joe Walsh’s Veterans Day concert, raising $795-thousand for military charities at the Tacoma Dome. Also on the bill were Don Henley, Ringo Starr and James Taylor. The set list included “Nobody To Blame,” “Desperado,” “Broken Halos,” and Walsh backing Taylor on “Steamroller Blues.”
- Today in 2019, Craig Morgan played a Veterans Day concert at City Winery in Nashville, where he was joined by two surprise guests: Gavin DeGraw and 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold.
- Today in 2019, Matt Stell’s single, “Everywhere But On,” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2019, Thomas Rhett’s “Sixteen” became a platinum-certified single.
- Today in 2020, Maren Morris wins three awards during the 54th annual Country Music Association Awards on ABC. She claims Female Vocalist of the Year, while “The Bones” takes Single and Song of the Year.
2024 CMA AWARDS PERFORMERS ANNOUNCED
The first round of performers for the 2024 CMA Awards has been announced, and it showcases the diversity of today’s country music. Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Sierra Hull, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes, Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Chris Stapleton, Teddy Swims, Thomas Rhett, Molly Tuttle and Lainey Wilson will all be performing at the awards show. Bryan, Wilson and Peyton Manning will serve as hosts. The 58th Annual CMA Awards airs on Wednesday, November 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1978, Willie Nelson’s “Willie & Family Live” album was released.
- Today in 1980, the single, “On The Road Again,” by Willie Nelson peaked at #20 on the pop singles chart.
- Today in 1991, Garth Brooks’ album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified gold, platinum, double platinum, triple platinum AND quadruple platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1994, the “Lead On” album, by George Strait, was released.
- Today in 1996, Deana Carter’s “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1996, Kenny Rogers’ “Eyes That See In The Dark” album was certified double platinum.
- Today in 1997, Shania Twain started a five-week reign on Billboard’s country chart with “Love Gets Me Every Time.”
- Today in 2003, “Who Wouldn’t Wanna Be Me” brought Keith Urban to the top of the Billboard country chart.
- Today in 2005, Jason Aldean’s self-titled went gold.
- Today in 2009, Dolly Parton, Charlie Daniels, Ernest Tubb, Kid Rock and Hattie Louise “Tootie” Bess – founder of Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville.
- Today in 2010, the movie, “Country Strong,” starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw, premiered at Nashville’s Green Hills 16 theaters.
- Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne scored a platinum single for “Stay A Little Longer.”
- Today in 2017, Kane Brown’s self-titled album went gold.
- Today in 2017, Keith Urban’s single, “Female” – with wife Nicole Kidman on supporting vocals – hit the airwaves.
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: LEVI
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Levi”, an easygoing and super-friendly 4 year old black lab mix. Levi loves car rides, loves people and gets along with other dogs and cats. Levi is neutered, fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Levi 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 Levi with Shanna from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
Tracy Chapman Let Luke Combs Know He Messed Up the Lyrics on the Studio Recording of “Fast Car”
“Fast Car” is one of the biggest country music covers of all-time. And it’s well-known that Luke Combs was such a big fan of Tracy Chapman growing up, that all he wanted to do was make her proud with his version.
So, what do you think Luke was thinking when Tracy let him know he screwed up the lyrics on the studio recording?
To be fair, it was a small mistake. Instead of saying “WE gotta make a decision” . . . he said, “STILL gotta make a decision.”
At a recent concert, Luke talked about the blunder. He was reliving the moment when Tracy asked him why he switched the lyric and said, “And that was the first time that I knew that I recorded the song incorrectly. Because I remember when she said it, I wanted to crawl in a hole.”
Luckily, he said she was awesome about it, but that he will think about it every single time he sings the song for the rest of his life.
He closed his speech by saying, “So tonight I will probably sing ‘WE gotta make a decision’, because Tracy Chapman told me to . . . and I’m gonna do it.”
This day in Country Music History
- Today in 1994, Kathy Mattea’s album, “A Collection Of Hits,” was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, Sammy Kershaw’s “Feeling Good Train” album was certified gold. The same day his “Haunted Heart” project was certified platinum.
- Today in 1994, Billy Ray Cyrus’ “Some Gave All” CD was certified for sales of 8-million.
- Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ version of “How Do I Live” was certified double platinum – the only country single ever to reach that mark.
- Today in 1997, LeAnn Rimes’ “Blue” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 5-million.
- Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s “The Woman In Me” album was certified for sales of 10-million.
- Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ “Double Live” album was released, the same day new albums from Jewel, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston hit record stores. After the dust had settled on what record stores called “Super Tuesday,” Garth emerged victorious. He captured the #1 spot on the album charts – and set a first-week sales record of 1.9-million copies.
- Today in 1998, “The Prince Of Egypt – Nashville” soundtrack was released. The album featured songs by Vince Gill, Wynonna, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Faith Hill and Jessica Andrews.
- Today in 1999, Tim McGraw’s album, “A Place In The Sun,” was certified double platinum.
- Today in 1999, Faith Hill’s Breathe album debuted at the top of both the “Billboard” country and all-genre album charts.
- Today in 2000, Pam Tillis’ “All of This Love” album was certified gold.
- Today in 2000, Alabama’s “For the Record: 41 Number-One Hits” collection was certified quadruple-platinum.
- Today in 2003, Emmylou Harris taped an installment of “CMT Crossroads” at Hammerstein Ballroom in New York.
- Today in 2004, Roger Miller’s “King Of The Road” was recognized at #1 in the CMT special “40 Greatest Road Songs.”
- Today in 2009, Taylor Swift was the guest host and musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.”
- Today in 2013, Cassadee Pope earned a gold single for “Wasting All These Tears.”
- Today in 2016, Jon Bon Jovi sang “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” during a Hillary Clinton rally at Independence Hall in Philadelphia the night before the presidential election. Also on hand were Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Bill Clinton and Bruce Springsteen.
- Today in 2016, Rascal Flatts performed for pediatric patients and family members at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville. The music includes “Fast Cars And Freedom” and “Bless The Broken Road.”
- Today in 2016, Billy Currington’s “Do I Make You Wanna” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2018, Carrie Underwood collected a gold single from the RIAA for “Cry Pretty.”
- Today in 2020, Luke Combs hit #1 on the Billboard country singles chart with “Forever After All.”
BROOKS & DUNN HAVE THOUGHTS ABOUT ARTISTS FROM OTHER GENRES GOING COUNTRY
Post Malone. Darius Rucker. Jelly Roll. Beyonce. Shaboozey. Country music has increasingly welcomed artists from other genres into the country genre. But how do the old school country artists feel about the influx of non-country stars? Brooks & Dunn sat down with “American Songwriter” and were asked specifically about this. If you were thinking they’d be upset or outraged, think again. Ronnie Dunn was clear. “I don’t see the negative dynamic to it…I’m going to come at it as an artist and a creative type. At the same time, I grew up in West Texas and Oklahoma. There’s rock music out there, too, and different slants on what country should be,” he explained. “Let it eat. It’s all going to come back,” he added. Kix Brooks agreed. “That’s always been the way that this wheel turns…people who are throwing rocks at some artist that is not classic, hasn’t been here forever, artists today that may have their start on TikTok or whatever. It’s like, ‘Stop throwing rocks. We have millions of fans out there. Let them decide.”
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