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Who Is the Toughest Act to Follow in Country Music?

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Back during the “ACM Awards”, “The Boot” caught up with a bunch of Country stars, and asked them all the same question:  “Who was the toughest act to follow in all of Country music?”

And not surprisingly the most common answer they got was Chris Stapleton . . . Because who would ever want to go onstage right after Chris?  Not Thomas Rhett, that’s for sure.  He said, “I’ve done that before.  That’s not a fun gig.”

Here are some of the best answers:

1.  Chayce Beckham said, “I played after Zach Top the other day and that felt wrong to me.  I felt like I should be opening up for Zach.”

2.  Cody Johnson is a huge Brothers Osborne fan.  He said, “I would not in any capacity want to follow Brothers Osborne live on stage.”

3.  Which is funny because Brothers Osborne said the same thing about Cody Johnson.  They knew way back in the day when he opened for them, that he was “destined for greatness.”  Jelly Roll and Ian Munsick also named Cody, because he’s so talented.

4.  Kylie Morgan named Morgan Wallen, and with good reason.  She said, “He puts on such an incredible show that I’d be like, ‘I’m just gonna go home now.'”

5.  And then almost everyone else said Chris Stapleton.  Imagine him rocking out, singing, “White Horse” . . . and then it’s your turn.  Yeah, no thanks.

(You can check out all the rest of the answers, here.)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1962, Hall of Famers Flatt and Scruggs recorded “The Ballad of Jed Clampett.” It went on to become the theme song of the TV series, “The Beverly Hillbillies.”
  • Today in 1977, just one month after his apparent death, 2,500 fans of the King gathered in Cincinnati, Ohio, for the first Elvis Presley Convention where original copies of some early Presley singles sold for $300.
  • Today in 1973, Loretta Lynn’s classic single, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” was released.
  • Today in 1989, Clint Black’s debut album, “Killin’ Time,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1989, the Judds’ only Christmas album, “Christmas Time with the Judds,” went gold.
  • Today in 1991, Mark Chesnutt’s first album, “Too Cold at Home,” went gold.
  • Today in 1996, Clint Black released his “Greatest Hits” and John Michael Montgomery released “What I Do the Best.”
  • Today in 1997, Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year at the 31st annual CMA Awards. It was his first CMA win since 1993. Other winners that night included Trisha Yearwood, George Strait, Deana Carter (Single of the Year) and LeAnn Rimes (Horizon Award).
  • Today in 1998, Elvis Presley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 1999, the “Complete Woman In Me” video by Shania Twain was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1999, Lee Ann Womack’s self-titled debut album was certified platinum, while her second project, “Some Things I Know,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1999, the “Lonely Grill” album by Lonestar was certified platinum.
  • Today in 2002, the album, “Kindred Spirits: A Tribute to the Songs of Johnny Cash,” arrived in stores. The star-studded list of artists featured on the CD includes Rosanne Cash, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Little Richard, Charlie Robison, Bruce Springsteen, Travis Tritt, Hank Williams, Jr. and Marty Stuart, who spearheaded the effort.
  • Today in 2002, Travis Tritt’s “Strong Enough” album arrived in stores. Other CDs released include Joe Diffie’s “Super Hits,” Elvis Presley’s “Elvis: 30 #1 Hits,” Doug Stone’s “The Long Way” and Tanya Tucker’s “Tanya.”
  • Today in 2002, Tennessee’s Governor Don Sundquist appointed Dolly Parton as the Official Ambassador for the Tennessee Film and Music Industries.
  • Today in 2002, Clint Black and Dixie Chick Martie Maguire were among the famous folks on hand at a California State Senate hearing on artists’ rights and the accounting practices of record labels.
  • Today in 2004, Loretta Lynn was a double-winner at the Americana Music Awards.
  • Today in 2005, Sara Evans completed her run to #1 on the Billboard charts with “A Real Fine Place To Start”.
  • Today in 2009, Miranda Lambert performed her entire “Revolution” album at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for an audience that included Taylor Swift.
  • Today in 2014, Jason Aldean got engaged to Brittany Kerr at the San Diego Zoo.
  • Today in 2016, Kelsea Ballerini’s “Peter Pan” began a two-week stay at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
  • Today in 2016, Cam married Adam Weaver in Joshua Tree, California.
  • Today in 2017, Meghan Linsey kneeled at the end of her national anthem performance at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in a show of unity with protesters following president Donald Trump’s verbal attack on NFL players.
  • Today in 2017, “Variety revealed that Luke Bryan had agreed to serve as a judge on ABC-TV’s revival of the music competition “American Idol.”
  • Today in 2017, Chris Stapleton played at a Concert for Charlottesville, a Virginia response to a racial confrontation over Confederate statues that drew national attention the previous month. Also appearing at Scott Stadium were Justin Timberlake, The Dave Matthews Band, Pharrell Williams and Cage The Elephant.
  • Today in 2018, Taylor Swift received three nominations as finalists are announced by E! for the People’s Choice Awards. Keith Urban was a double nominee, up for Male Artist for 2018 and a contender for Country Artist with Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood.
  • Today in 2018, Charlie Robison announced his retirement from performing on social media, citing a surgical procedure that made him unable to sing.
  • Today in 2018, Thomas Rhett’s single, “Marry Me,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.

Blake Shelton Thinks Post Malone Is Here to Stay

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Blake Shelton stopped by “The Pat McAfee Show” on Friday and had some really nice things to say about Post Malone.

He was asked if he thinks more people will do what Post did and try to crossover into Country music.  Blake says it’s been happening for a while, even bringing up Conway Twitty who was a Rock and Pop artist before switching to Country.

Quote, “I think the reason it’s working so well for Post is, it’s not a one-off thing . . . It’s not something that he’s just trying, it’s something that he’s finally getting to do.

“He’s so knowledgeable about Country music, and the writers, and the musicians . . . The first time I got to sit and talk to him about Country music, I was blown away.  He was telling me stuff that I didn’t know.”

To be fair, their song, “Pour Me a Drink”, was a smash success, so Blake might be a bit obligated to speak this nicely of his duet partner.

But what does Blake think about Post Malone’s future in Country music?  Quote, “I feel like Post is probably here to stay.”

(American Songwriter)

(You can watch this part of the interview, here.)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1972, the single, “Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me,” by Mac Davis was at #1 on the pop singles chart.
  • Today in 1974, the Mac Davis album, “Stop & Smell The Roses,” was certified gold.
  • Today in 1988, the album, “All Time Greatest Hits Of Roy Orbison – Vol. II,” was released.
  • Today in 1992, the “No Fences” album by Garth Brooks was certified for multi-platinum sales of 9-million.
  • Today in 1993, Garth Brooks opened the first of his three sold-out concerts at Texas Stadium near Dallas.
  • Today in 1994, Joe Diffie topped the charts with “Third Rock From The Sun.” Incidentally, the TV series, “3rd Rock From the Sun,” premiered on NBC two years later on the same date.
  • Today in 1997, Shania Twain’s “Love Gets Me Every Time” single was released.
  • Today in 1998, Garth Brooks’ album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified for multi-platinum sales of 14-million.
  • Today in 1998, nearly 36-million viewers tuned in for the 32nd annual CMA Awards live on CBS television. The Dixie Chicks and Steve Wariner were the only multiple award-winners at the 1998 CMA Awards in Nashville…taking home two awards each. Garth Brooks was named Entertainer of the Year for the second straight year, and fourth time overall.
  • Today in 2000, Tim McGraw was on the cover of “TV Guide.”
  • Today in 2002, the taped appearance of Reba McEntire and “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson, who has said Reba is her favorite country performer and overall idol, aired on FOX-TV. The duo performed Reba’s 1993 hit, “Does He Love You.”
  • Today in 2002, Reba McEntire and Charlie Daniels were among the 25 inaugural inductees into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame.
  • Today in 2003, Alan Jackson has reclaimed the #1 spot on both the “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart as well as “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart with “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” his duet with Jimmy Buffett. He was also at #1 for a fifth week on “Billboard’s” Top Country Albums chart. And while all this sounds cool, consider that having a #1 song for eight collective weeks also made a little history for Alan and Jimmy. For starters, the song notched the most weeks at #1 for any country track that year. This was also the first time since 1962 that a country duet has logged eight weeks in the top slot – and only the second time since 1964 that any country single has achieved the feat.
  • Today in 2006, Vince Gill and Allison Krauss taped an episode of “CMT Cross Country” at The Factory in Franklin, Tennessee.
  • Today in 2012, Carrie Underwood was surprised during her show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena by Brad Paisley. The two performed “Remind Me” together.
  • Today in 2016, Florida Georgia Line’s single, “H.O.L.Y.,” went gold, platinum and double-platinum, while the RIAA certified “Anything Goes” platinum.
  • Today in 2017, “Are You Ready For The Country” author Neil Young is inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame at Massey Hall in Toronto.
  • Today in 2019, Joe Nichols performed in the United Kingdom for the first time with a show in Bristol.

JELLY ROLL GIFTS FANS $10K FOR THEIR HONEYMOON

Posted on by Bob Ballard

Jelly Roll is the gift that keeps on giving, whether it’s his time, his talent or his own money. We’ve covered multiple stories of Jelly’s generosity over the last few years, and the man just won’t stop. Last Friday at his concert in Lafayette, Louisiana, Jelly Roll was walking down the runway toward the fans, when a sign in the crowd caught his eye. “Hold on. Y’all really just got married? When — today?” he asked the couple. The newlyweds showed Jelly Roll a wedding picture on their phone, which was shown on the big screens in the Cajundome, and the crowd went wild. Jelly Roll then asked the couple: “Have you thought about…where you want to go on your honeymoon yet?…I tell you what. I’m gonna give you $10,000 to go, if it’s alright with you,” Jelly said as the crowd went wild.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1973, a day after Gram Parsons died, his body was stolen during transfer at the Los Angeles International Airport, then taken to Joshua Tree, where it was burned, in accordance with his request. Road manager Phil Kaufman is among two charged with the crime – he was ultimately fined $750.
  • Today in 1992, Charlie Daniels hosts Volunteer Jam XV at Nashville’s Starwood Amphitheater. It features Eddie Rabbitt, Paulette Carlson, Suzy Bogguss, Jo-El Sonnier, Pirates Of The Mississippi, Confederate Railroad, The Oak Ridge Boys, Little Feat, Hal Ketchum, Poco and The Desert Rose Band, among others.
  • Today in 1997, during an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry, Johnny Paycheck received an invitation from Opry general manager Bob Whittaker to join the cast.
  • Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “Who’s Your Daddy?” video premiered on CMT.
  • Today in 2002, Lynchburg, Virginia, names a street after hometown boy Phil Vassar when he performed in the city. Lynchburg also proclaimed “Phil Vassar Day” and presented him with a key to the city.
  • Today in 2007, Carrie Underwood’s “So Small” video debuted on CMT.
  • Today in 2010, Lady Antebellum’s single “Hello World” hit the airwaves.
  • Today in 2011, Vince Gill and Sting shot an edition of “CMT Crossroads” at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City. Included in the set list: “Liza Jane,” “Whenever You Come Around” and “Let It Be Me.”
  • Today in 2016, Tim McGraw’s single, “Humble And Kind,” went platinum.

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

Posted on by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Sasquatch” a big 2 year old orange tabby cat. Sasquatch is your typical kitty who enjoys attention, but has an independent side as well. Sasquatch is fully vetted, neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.

And right now, the adoption fee for Sasquatch (and all cats atthe shelter) is only $10!

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

LAINEY WILSON CELEBRATES BAR’S GRAND OPENING WITH SURPRISE SHOW

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The official grand opening of Lainey Wilson‘s “Bell Bottoms Up” bar in Nashville was Tuesday night, and fans who made the trip to see the place first-hand were not disappointed. Lainey took the stage after the ribbon-cutting playing her biggest hits including “Watermelon Moonshine,” “Heart Like a Truck,” “4x4xU” and “Hang Tight Honey.” About the bar, Lainey said, “‘Bell Bottoms Up’ is a dream come true. Every time I’m in Nashville it’s where I want to be, because it’s a place my ‘Wild Horses’ can call home. I’m living my own honky-tonk dream, and to celebrate the opening of a honky-tonk of my own is truly something special. I hope to see y’all there soon!”

This day in Country Music History

Posted on by Bob Ballard
  • Today in 1970, Crystal Gayle hit the country charts for the first time with “I’ve Cried The Blue Right Out of My Eyes.” Her sister, Loretta Lynn, wrote the song.
  • Today in 1981, Lee Greenwood made his chart debut with “It Turns Me Inside Out.”
  • Today in 1988, Patty Loveless released her “Honky Tonk Angel” album.
  • Today in 1990, Travis Tritt’s “Country Club” album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1991, George Strait’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified double platinum.
  • Today in 1994, BlackHawk’s self-titled debut album was certified gold.
  • Today in 1994, George Jones was released from the hospital just one week after undergoing triple bypass surgery.
  • Today in 1995, Tim McGraw’s “All I Want” album was released.
  • Today in 1996, Patsy Cline’s “Greatest Hits” album was certified for sales of 7-million.
  • Today in 1996, Reba McEntire’s “Merry Christmas To You” album was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1996, Vince Gill’s “When I Call Your Name” album was certified double platinum. The same day, his “I Still Believe In You” album was certified for sales of 4-million copies.
  • Today in 1997, Trace Adkins’ album, “Dreamin Out Loud,” was certified platinum.
  • Today in 1998, Eddie Rabbitt, Kent Robbins (“Straight Tequila Night”) and Merle Kilgore (“Ring Of Fire”) were inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame during ceremonies at the Loews Vanderbilt Plaza Hotel in Nashville.
  • Today in 2000, Trisha Yearwood was celebrating her induction into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame and getting ready to kick off her European tour in Dublin, Ireland.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait’s 27th album, which was also his first self-titled release, arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, Kenny Chesney visited his old stomping grounds of Luttrell, Tennessee, just outside of Knoxville. While in his hometown, Kenny also made an appearance at a Gibbs High School assembly — his alma mater. At the event, he was presented with a proclamation declaring September 19th “Kenny Chesney Day” in Lutrell.
  • Today in 2000, Terri Clark’s “Fearless” album arrived in stores.
  • Today in 2000, George Strait released his first self-titled album.
  • Today in 2001, Clint Black and his wife, Lisa Hartman Black, had more than a new baby to celebrate. The couple’s duet, “Easy for Me to Say” debuted at #56 on “Billboard’s” Hot Country Singles chart. It was also the first time that Lisa debuted on the magazine’s chart. But wait…what about…1999’s “When I Said I Do?” Of course, that was a huge hit, too, but Lisa wasn’t officially listed in the credits and therefore didn’t appear on the “Billboard” chart.
  • Today in 2002, Brad Paisley launched the inaugural “CMT Most Wanted Live” tour in Phoenix. While Brad was the featured headliner, the show’s opening acts varied throughout the schedule and included Steve Azar, Chris Cagle, Tammy Cochran, Andy Griggs, Steve Holy, Shannon Lawson, Rascal Flatts, Tommy Shane Steiner, Phil Vassar, Pinmonkey and Darryl Worley.
  • Today in 2003, Johnny Cash posthumously won three trophies at the Americana Music Awards in Nashville.
  • Today in 2007, Brooks & Dunn nab a platinum album for “The Greatest Hits Collection II.”
  • Today in 2009, the financial company TIAA-CREF began airing a television commercial that features Lady Antebellum’s “I Run To You” behind on-screen images of meerkats.
  • Today in 2015, the “CMT Crossroads” episode pairing Sara Evans and REO Speedwagon premiered. They team on Evans’ hits “A Real Fine Place To Start” and “Born To Fly,” as well as REO’s “Keep It On The Run” and “Roll With The Changes.”
  • Today in 2016, despite a doctor’s warning against performing, Jana Kramer fought through the pain of a rib injury on ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars,” performing to Gavin DeGraw’s live rendition of “I Don’t Want To Be.”

RANDY TRAVIS ANNOUNCES 2025 “MORE LIFE” TOUR

Posted on by Bob Ballard

The comeback of Randy Travis continues. 2024 has already seen the release of new music from the country legend, and several live appearances on stage. Now, Travis has announced that his “More Life” tour will continue in 2025. Randy, his original touring band, and special guest vocalist James Dupré (who provided the guide vocal for the new AI-enhanced Randy Travis music) will once again take the stage to deliver the Randy Travis experience to fans in a live setting. The tour kicks off January 10 in Tulsa Oklahoma, with dates extending through April 12 in Branson, Missouri. Presales begin today at 10am local time followed by the public sale on Friday at 10am local time.

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