This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 12, 2024July 12, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1943, Roy Rogers appeared on the cover of Life magazine.
Today in 1972, Tom T. Hall records “(Old Dogs-Children And) Watermelon Wine” around noon at Mercury Custom Recording Studio in Nashville
Today in 1988, the “Old 8X10” album by Randy Travis arrived in stores.
Today in 1994, Alan Jackson’s single, “Summertime Blues,” hit #1.
Today in 1998, Tim McGraw was named an honorary zookeeper of the Nashville Zoo.
Today in 2000, as Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s new video, “Let’s Make Love,” debuted on CMT in the morning, the couple was in Atlanta gearing up for their first concert date on their “Soul 2 Soul” tour. The shows marked the first time that Tim and Faith toured on a bill together since the 1996 “Spontaneous Combustion” tour – where they fell in love.
Today in 2001, Alan Jackson was honored at a “block party” in Nashville for career record sales totaling more than 35-million albums worldwide.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” hits the top of “Radio & Records’” Country Top 50 chart.
Today in 2007, Fruit Of The Loom debuts an ad campaign featuring Vince Gill singing “Daddy Was The Apple Of My Eye” with various fruits from the company’s logo playing in the band.
Today in 2011, Warner Bros. releases the Blake Shelton album “Red River Blue.”
Today in 2013, Jason Aldean became the first country artist to headline at Boston’s Fenway Park, kicking off his show with “Crazy Town.” Also filling out the bill are Miranda Lambert, Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett.
Today in 2014, “Somethin’ Bad,” by Miranda Lambert with Carrie Underwood, was all good at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2015, Justin Moore and Cole Swindell took part in the MLB Legends & Celebrity Softball Game two days before the All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Among the participants: Macklemore, Snoop Dogg and Nick Lachey.
Today in 2016, Taylor Swift visited pediatric patients at the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Today in 2017, Reba McEntire, Lee Ann Womack and Brandy Clark raised $50,000 for the Alzheimer’s Foundation at City Winery in Nashville. The show included surprise appearances by Martina McBride, William Michael Morgan and Hunter Hayes.
Today in 2017, Loretta Lynn canceled the remainder of her 2017 concerts as she continued to recover from a stroke.
Today in 2018, the Eric Church single, “Desperate Man,” was released.
Today in 2019, Chuck Wicks married Kasi Williams at the Cabo Azul Resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Their first dance? “Can’t Help Falling In Love.”
Today in 2019, Florida Georgia Line presented an all-terrain wheelchair to a retired veteran during a concert at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts.
Today in 2019, Kenny Chesney’s “Tip Of My Tongue,” which was co-written with pop singer Ed Sheeran, hit the airwaves.

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

Posted on July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 by Bob Ballard

This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Arnie”, a super-friendly and very treat-motivated 4 year old Pitbull mix. Arnie gets along great with other dogs and cats, and loves walks & tennis balls. Arnie has a lot of energy and would be great for someone who enjoys outdoor activities. Arnie is neutered, housetrained, fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.

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

LORRIE MORGAN TO HOST NEW TALK SHOW

Posted on July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Lorrie Morgan has a new side-gig. The singer has taken on the role of host on “War Paint With Lorrie Morgan” on the Heartland Network. The show, which debuts tomorrow, will feature Morgan sitting down with industry friends and family members to chat about life on and off the road, relationships, experiences and more. “War Paint with Lorrie Morgan” will air on The Heartland Network on Fridays at 7:30 pm ET/PT with the first episode airing tomorrow night.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 11, 2024July 11, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers formed The First Edition, just one day after he and members Thelma Camacho, Mike Settle and Terry Williams left the New Christy Minstrels. The group went on to host a syndicated TV variety show in 1972.
Today in 1981, Earl Thomas Conley’s single, “Fire and Smoke,” topped the charts.
Today in 1983, Merle Haggard’s album, “Big City,” and the album, “Pancho and Lefty,” by Merle Haggard and Willie Nelson were both certified gold.
Today in 1990, Reba McEntire’s album, “Reba McEntire Live,” was certified gold.
Today in 1996, the “Alabama Christmas” album was certified double platinum.
Today in 2000, Billy Gilman made his “Tonight Show” debut.
Today in 2000, Daryle Singletary’s album, “Now and Again,” arrived in stores.
Today in 2001, the Everly Brothers, Waylon Jennings and singer/songwriter (and Grand Ole Opry member) Bill Anderson were announced as being among the latest artists to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Today in 2002, the film soundtrack of the animated film, “Lilo and Stitch,” which featured Wynonna, was certified gold.
Today in 2002, Joe Nichols’ debut single, “The Impossible,” claimed the #1 position on “Billboard’s” National Top 75 Country Singles Sales Chart. He snagged the spot, which had been held by LeAnn Rimes for the previous 23 weeks.
Today in 2006, Carrie Underwood performed the national anthem prior to Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game at Pittsburgh’s PNC Park. The American League beat the National League, 3-2.
Today in 2009, Dierks Bentley’s “Sideways” was straight at #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 2015, Luke Bryan sold out Nashville’s Dudley Field in the first country show at the Vanderbilt University football stadium. He bookended his set with “Kick The Dust Up” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me).” The bill includes Randy Houser, Thomas Rhett, Dustin Lynch and Florida Georgia Line, who join Bryan on “Mountain Music.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks ranks is Forbes the Top Country Cash King, earning $60 million the previous year.
Today in 2017, The House of Representatives votes unanimously to rename the mail center in downtown Bakersfield as the Merle Haggard Post Office Building.

JOE BONSALL OF THE OAK RIDGE BOYS PASSES

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Just months after long-time Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall announced he was retiring for health reasons, the country singer has passed. According to a press release shared with “PEOPLE” magazine, Bonsall died yesterday from complications of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Bonsall had been a member of The Oak Ridge Boys for over 50 years, joining the legendary group in 1973. Bonsall was a member of the Philadelphia Music Hall of Fame, and with his band, was also a member of the Grand Ole Opry, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Bonsall was 76.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 10, 2024July 10, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1967, Kenny Rogers left the New Christy Minstrels and later formed the First Edition.
Today in 1967, Bobbie Gentry recorded the hit single “Ode to Billie Joe” at a Hollywood studio.
Today in 1970, Johnny Cash recorded Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Morning Coming Down.”
Today in 1972, Tom T. Hall entered the charts with “I Remember The Year That Clayton Delaney Died.”
Today in 1982, “Any Day Now” by Ronnie Milsap peaked at #14 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1982, “Love’s Been A Little Bit Hard On Me” by Juice Newton peaked at #7 on the pop singles chart.
Today in 1998, Collin Raye’s “I Can Still Feel You” hits the top of Radio & Records’ country chart.
Today in 2000, U-S Customs officials at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport seize a shipment of Kenny Chesney’s single, “I Lost It.” The promotional C-D singles were assembled with a package that included imported “English water.” On the cover, Kenny, who was dressed in a black suit and black hat, appeared to be partially immersed in a pool of water.
Today in 2001, it was officially announced that Chalee Tennison had become officially engaged to guitar player Mark Gillespie. The happy couple tied the knot on November 10^th in a private ceremony in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.
Today in 2002, Dolly Parton launched a 13-city tour, marking her first tour in decades.
Today in 2010, Carrie Underwood married hockey player Mike Fisher at the Reynolds Plantation in Greensboro, Georgia.
Today in 2012, Luke Bryan performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the Major League Baseball All-Star Game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Kellie Pickler sang “God Bless America” during the seventh-inning stretch.
Today in 2013, Randy Travis underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering a stroke at the Heart Hospital at Baylor Plano in Texas.
Today in 2016, Dierks Bentley announced that his 15-year-old dog, Jake, had died. His pet was a sidekick through much of Bentley’s career, introduced in the video to “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Today in 2017, Brett Eldredge was high on the platinum single he scored from the RIAA for “Drunk On Your Love.”
Today in 2017, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood joined Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter to help construct a new house in Edmonton in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity.
Today in 2018, Halfway To Hazard launches a monthly residency at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville with surprise guests Chris Young, Jon Stone and Ira Dean.

WYNONNA RETURNING TO VEGAS FOR “THE GREATEST HITS” SHOW DURING NFR

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

It’s been almost a decade, but Wynonna Judd is making her way back to Las Vegas. Her three-show run, titled “The Greatest Hits,” will coincide with NFR Week (National Finals Rodeo week) and will be held at The Venetian Theatre inside The Venetian Resort December 11, 13 and 14. General on-sale opens to the public this Friday at 10 a.m. PT. Tickets will be available for purchase at Ticketmaster.com.

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 9, 2024July 9, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1973, Kris Kristofferson’s “Why Me” reached #1 on the Billboard country singles chart.
Today in 1987, Hank Williams Jr.’s “Born To Boogie” album was released.
Today in 1988, John Berry and his wife, Robin, were married.
Today in 1991, Roy Acuff was one of 12 recipients of the National Medal of Arts at a White House ceremony hosted by president George Bush
Today in 1996, LeAnn Rimes released her debut album, “Blue.”
Today in 1998, Garth Brooks got all kinds of good news. His self-titled debut was certified for sales of 9-million, his “Fresh Horses” album was certified for sales of 6-million copies and his album, “In Pieces,” was certified for sales of 8-million. That’s not all, his “No Fences” album was certified for sales of 16-million, Garth’s album, “Ropin’ The Wind,” was certified for sales of 13-million and his album, “The Chase,” was certified for sales of 8-million. Doing the math – that total added up to an astounding total of 60-million albums sold.
Today in 1999, Kenny Chesney became the first artist in five years to sell out Cowboy’s in Arlington, Texas.
Today in 1999, just minutes before curtain, Mary Chapin Carpenter cancelled a concert at Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri. Soon afterwards, a hall official broke the news that Mary Chapin had to fly home to tend to her very ill golden retriever.
Today in 1999, Lonestar began a nine-week run at #1 on “Radio & Records’” country chart with “Amazed.”
Today in 2001, the Country Music Association announces 12 honorees will be added to the Country Music Hall of Fame: Bill Anderson, Waylon Jennings, Sam Phillips, The Louvin Brothers, The Delmore Brothers, The Jordanaires, Webb Pierce, Don Gibson, The Everly Brothers, Don Law, Ken Nelson and Homer & Jethro.
Today in 2002, the “Halos and Horns” album from Dolly Parton and Andy Griggs’ “Freedom” album arrived in stores.
Today in 2002, Toby Keith’s single, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American),” topped the “Radio & Records” and “Billboard” singles charts.
Today in 2004, Wynonna and the rock band Heart teamed up in an installment of “CMT Crossroads,” hosted by Radney Foster. The episode included performances of “Only Love,” “No One Else On Earth” and “Love Hurts”
Today in 2010, A “CMT Crossroads” episode featuring Kenny Chesney and Steve Miller debuted. The set list included “I Go Back,” “Rock N’ Me” and “Living In Fast Forward”
Today in 2011, Cheyenne Kimball shocked her bandmates by quitting Gloriana via Twitter after a concert at the Franklin County Fair in Missouri.
Today in 2016, Jon Pardi’s “California Sunrise” debuted at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart.
Today in 2016, Chris Stapleton opened for hard-rock band Guns N’ Roses at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium, performing “Nobody To Blame,” “You Are My Sunshine” and “Tennessee Whiskey” before GNR cranks out “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” and “Paradise City.”
Today in 2017, Maren Morris got engaged to Ryan Hurd while visiting his family in Michigan. The were married March 24, 2018.
Today in 2017, it was revealed that Cassadee Pope and All Time Low’s Rian Dawson had called off their engagement. Together for seven years and engaged for five months, she channeled her feelings into a song – it’s been speculated that it’s either “Take You Home” or “Don’t Ask Me.”
Today in 2018, Eli Young Band vocalist Mike Eli and his wife, Kacey, welcomed son, Kash Eli, in Dallas.

Toby Keith’s Hometown Paid Tribute to Him with a Fourth of July Firework Show

Posted on July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Happy Heavenly birthday to Toby Keith who would’ve been 63 today. To celebrate, his hometown of Moore, Oklahoma paid tribute to him on one of his favorite holidays: the Fourth of July. The city had a 25-minute fireworks show set to his music.

The mayor said, quote, “He invited all of us to celebrate America’s independence and to remember the men and women who are serving and have served to keep America free. We miss you, Toby.”

(You can see a fan’s clip of the fireworks here.)

This day in Country Music History

Posted on July 8, 2024July 8, 2024 by Bob Ballard

Today in 1972, when a concert date was canceled, Barbara Mandrell officially joined the Grand Ole Opry, three weeks earlier than scheduled.
Today in 1992, Garth Brooks and then-wife, Sandy Brooks, welcomed their first child, daughter Taylor Mayne Pearl Brooks, in Nashville.
Today in 1993, the “Merry Christmas To You” album by Reba McEntire was certified gold.
Today in 1994, Travis Tritt scored a #1 hit with his single, “Foolish Pride.”
Today in 1996, Keifer Thompson moved to Nashville from Oklahoma. Shortly after, he meets future wife and fellow Thompson Square partner Shawna McIlwain.
Today in 1997, Marty Stuart married Connie Smith on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Afterward, they drove out into the wilderness and end up dancing on a cliff to Buck Owens’ “Your Tender Loving Care.”
Today in 1998, Brooks & Dunn’s “If You See Her” album was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
Today in 1998, the Roy Orbison Estate filed a $12-million royalty suit against Sony Music Entertainment Inc. The suit alleged that Sony, in selling licenses from the artist’s Monument Records master recordings, consistently underpaid Roy in domestic and international royalties.
Today in 2000, Lee Ann Womack’s “I Hope You Dance” began a five-week ride at #1 on the Billboard country chart.
Today in 2002, Brad Paisley was #1 on the country charts with his single, “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song).”
Today in 2010, Taylor Swift shot the wedding scene for her “Mine” video at the Christ Church in Kennebunk, Maine, with British actor Toby Hemingway in the role of the groom.
Today in 2013, Darius Rucker’s single, “Radio,” was released.
Today in 2014, Florida Georgia Line’s “Dirt” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2016, Garth Brooks became the first country artist to headline at the new Yankee Stadium in New York. He sang two songs written by New Yorker Billy Joel, “Shameless” and “Piano Man.” Brooks also joined wife Trisha Yearwood on “In Another’s Eyes.”
Today in 2017, Julianne Hough married NHL player Brooks Laich near Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Her brother, Derek Hough, was a member of the wedding party. The couple announced their separation (after months of questions) in May 2020. They’ve since finalized their divorce.
Today in 2018, Josh Abbott married Taylor Parnell at Brazos Hall in Austin, Texas.
Today in 2019, the Thomas Rhett single, “Remember You Young,” was released.
Today in 2020, Lady A filed suit in Nashville against blues singer Lady A to protect its trademark of the name, granted in 2011. The group was formerly known as Lady Antebellum, but shortened the official name in the midst of the Black Lives Matter movement, running into an unexpected conflict in the process.
Today in 2021, the Walker Hayes single, “Fancy Like,” hit the airwaves.
Today in 2021, Morgan Wallen closed on the sale of his four-bedroom Nashville residence…as in, the house where he was notoriously recorded using a racial slur the previous February. The property went for $835,000, nearly 20% more than the $700-grand he bought it for in 2020.

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