- Today in 1957, in the “I do” that strangled “the Killer’s” career, Jerry Lee Lewis married his 13-year-old cousin Myra Gale Brown. Part of the resulting furor was due to the fact that he was still married to his second wife, Jane Mitcham — and that this was his second bigamous marriage. Undaunted by the negative public opinion, he was determined to return to the top. He divorced Jane and legally married Myra in 1958, but, it was too late, the damage to his career had been done.
- Today in 1957, a Portland, Oregon disc jockey was fired for playing Elvis Presley’s version of “White Christmas.”
- Today in 1960, Brenda Lee’s perennial Christmas single, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” makes its first appearance on the charts.
- Today in 1969, Elvis Presley’s “From Vegas To Memphis” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1970, Dolly Parton’s first #1 single, “Joshua,” entered the charts.
- Today in 1996, Clint Black received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He and his wife Lisa Hartman Black made a grand entrance in a stagecoach, and he received proclamations from the mayors of Nashville, Los Angeles and Houston.
- Today in 2000, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw wrapped up their hugely successful “Soul 2 Soul” tour in Orlando, Florida. According to MusicBusiness.com, it was the year’s highest grossing tour. The whirlwind, five-month tour that left 64 cities in its wake was the second time the supercouple had been on tour together. They fell in love the first time around back in 1996 during the aptly titled “Spontaneous Combustion” tour.
- Today in 2001, “I Wanna Talk About Me,” Toby Keith’s anthem to suffering men everywhere, topped the country singles charts.
- Today in 2001, Wynonna served as maid of honor when her sister, Ashley Judd, married racecar driver Dario Franchitti [[pr: fran-KEY-tee]] in Scotland. They had no children together, with Judd telling the “Sunday Mail” that “it’s unconscionable to breed with the number of children who are starving to death in impoverished countries.” They split in January 2013, attempted a reconciliation shortly thereafter, but ultimately divorced that same year. Franchitti went on to remarry and have a daughter in 2015.
- Today in 2002, Carlene Carter was arrested on two charges of identity theft. She allegedly used someone else’s identity to obtain prescription drugs.
- Today in 2003, “CMT Crossroads” aired featuring Martina McBride and Pat Benatar.
- Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley proposed to Cassidy Black in Las Vegas; two days later they tied the know in Mexico.
- Today in 2011, The Eli Young Band’s single, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” was released to the radio.
- Today in 2016, Brothers Osborne’s “It Ain’t My Fault” hit the airwaves.
- Today in 2017, Kix Brooks publicly opposed a development plan surrounding Nashville’s abandoned Greer Stadium, siding with Civil War preservationists who want to honor the history of nearby Fort Negley. “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” producer T Bone Burnett is one of the creators of the plan Brooks dislikes.
- Today in 2017, Dylan Scott and his wife, Blair, welcome a son, Beckett Scott Robinson, in Nashville.
- Today in 2018, “Brokeback Mountain” was announced as a new addition to the National Film Registry. The gay-themed cowboy movie features music by Willie Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle, Merle Haggard, Tammy Wynette, Roger Miller and Linda Ronstadt.
- Today in 2018, Cole Swindell scored a gold single from the RIAA for “Break Up In The End” and a platinum certification for “Flatliner,” featuring Dierks Bentley.
- Today in 2018, “Crazy Girl” by Eli Young Band was certified triple-platinum single.
- Today in 2018, Martina McBride scored gold singles from the RIAA for “Independence Day” and “Anyway,” a quadruple-platinum album for her “Greatest Hits” and a double-platinum album for “White Christmas.”
- Today in 2018, Florida Georgia Line singles received RIAA certifications: “Simple” went platinum, the Tim McGraw collaboration “May We All” reached double-platinum, “Get Your Shine On” hit triple-platinum and the Luke Bryan partnership on “This Is How We Roll” was certified quintuple-platinum.
- Today in 2018, Brantley Gilbert earned a gold album from the RIAA for “The Devil Don’t Sleep.”
- Today in 2019, the Chicks and Jason Isbell participated in Jack Antonoff’s benefit for at-risk LGBTQ youth at Town Hall in New York. The Chicks’ set included “Landslide” and “Not Ready To Make Nice”
- Today in 2019, Luke Combs picked up a triple-platinum album from the RIAA for “This One’s For You,” plus awards for four singles: “Must’ve Never Met You” goes platinum, “She Got The Best Of Me” reaches double-platinum, and “Beautiful Crazy” and “When It Rains It Pours” are certified quadruple-platinum.
- Today in 2020, Maren Morris and Keb’ Mo’ receive the Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony.
- Today in 2020, Charley Pride died of complications from COVID-19 in Dallas. A member of the Grand Ole Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame, he was the first Black singer to become a star in the genre. His hit list included “Is Anybody Goin’ To San Antone,” “Just Between You And Me” and his signature, “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.” Hours after his passing, Chris Young honored him on the Grand Ole Opry by covering “Kiss An Angel Good Mornin’.”
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BLAKE SHELTON ANNOUNCES KEITH WHITLEY DOCUMENTARY
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Blake Shelton has announced he’s executive producing a new documentary delving into the life and career of country legend Keith Whitley. Whitley was a rising star who’d already reached legend status when he passed away in 1989 at the age of 34. Of the project, Blake said, “Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans…I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one. I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.” Filming is expected to begin next month.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1965, “Flowers On The Wall” by Statler Brothers entered the Top 40 chart for the first time. In 2000, an updated version of the song was re-released by guitar slinger, Eric Heatherly.
- Today in 1973, the “John Denver’s Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1982, Diamond Rio’s Marty Roe married his wife, Robin.
- Today in 1990, the Statler Brothers were given the American Spirit Award. It’s the highest award presented to civilians by the Air Force recruiting service.
- Today in 1992, Clint Black topped the country charts with the single, “Burn One Down.”
- Today in 1995, “Billboard” named the year’s top five country artists: John Michael Montgomery, George Strait, Reba McEntire, Brooks & Dunn and Tim McGraw.
- Today in 1995, Garth Brooks’ album, “The Hits,” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country albums chart. Shania Twain’s album, “The Woman In Me,” followed in second and John Michael Montgomery’s self-titled album was third.
- Today in 1995, John Michael Montgomery’s “Sold (The Grundy County Auction Incident)” topped “Billboard’s” year-end country singles chart. The song, “Any Man of Mine,” by Shania Twain followed.
- Today in 1996, Mindy McCready’s debut CD, “Ten Thousand Angels,” was certified platinum. At the party celebrating the certification of the album, Mindy was presented with a platinum belly button ring!
- Today in 1997, Emmylou Harris, Jewel and Sinead O’Connor performed the Beatles’ classic, “In My Life,” together at the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize concert in Oslo.
- Today in 2001, Garth Brooks was named as the next recipient of the American Music Awards’ Award of Merit. Following in the footsteps of some of music’s biggest names, Garth received a tribute during the 29th annual American Music Awards telecast, which took place on January 9th. Previous winners of the “Award of Merit” include Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Bing Crosby, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson, Frank Sinatra and Tammy Wynette. The news followed some other pretty incredible news. Also on this day, Garth Brooks’ “Scarecrow” album was certified gold, platinum, double and triple platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 2001, Brooks & Dunn’s “Neon Circus & Wild West Show” tour won in the “Most Creative Tour Package” category for “Pollstar’s” 2002 Concert Industry Awards.
- Today in 2001, Gary Allan and Montgomery Gentry joined the ranks of platinum-selling artists. Gary’s “Smoke Rings in the Dark” and Montgomery Gentry’s “Tattoos & Scars” albums were both certified platinum. Plus, Billy Gilman’s “One Voice” project achieved double platinum status.
- Today in 2002, Diamond Rio shot its video for “I Believe” in Nashville.
- Today in 2005, Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood joined CeCe Winans, Ciara, and The Click Five to perform for president George W. Bush at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. The concert became a TNT special called, “Christmas In Washington.”
- Today in 2009, Garth Brooks performed the first concert in a five-year deal with Wynn Las Vegas.
- Today in 2011, Sugarland performed “Stuck Like Glue” during the Nobel Peace Prize concert at the Spektrum Arena in Oslo, Norway.
- Today in 2015, Mel Tillis performed “The Arms Of A Fool” on the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It marked Tillis’ final appearance on the show.
- Today in 2015, Cam’s debut album, “Untamed,” was released.
- Today in 2015, Little Big Town backed up Gregg Allman on “Midnight Rider” during an installment of “Skyville Live,” a livestreaming event from Nashville. Also featured in the lineup: Taj Mahal and Chris Stapleton, who covered the Allmans’ “Whipping Post.”
- Today in 2016, Brandy Clark joined Jackson Browne, David Lindley, Grace Potter and Maria Muldaur in a tribute to Linda Ronstadt at the Ace Hotel in Los Angeles. Don Henley also made a surprise appearance, performing “Desperado.” Proceeds were earmarked for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
- Today in 2017, Thomas Rhett, Russell Dickerson and Florida Georgia Line vocalist Tyler Hubbard go Christmas caroling in Nashville. Their performances include “White Christmas.”
- Today in 2017, Taylor Swift earned 11 sales awards from the RIAA, including six multi-platinum albums: “Fearless” is certified for 10 million; “1989,” 9 million; “Taylor Swift,” 7 million; “Red” and “Speak Now,” 6 million each; and “Reputation,” triple-platinum.
- Today in 2018, Lee Brice single, “Boy,” went gold.
- Today in 2019, the Loretta Lynn biopic, “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” was named to the National Film Registry by the Library.
- Today in 2019, Randy Houser had a surprise in store for fans at New York’s Webster Hall: Miranda Lambert stepped on to the stage to duet with Houser on the Conway Twitty & Loretta Lynn classic, “After The Fire Is On.”
- Today in 2020, Dolly Parton announced a partnership with Edge Beauty to develop a fragrance. In 2021, Dolly: Scent From Above was launched. Described as an Amber Floral fragrance, top notes are Peony, Pear, Black Currant and Mandarin Orange; middle notes are Jasmine, Vanilla orchid and Lily-of-the-Valley; base notes are Musk, Amber, Tonka Bean, Sandalwood, Patchouli and Fir.
- Today in 2020, Cyndi Lauper’s annual Home For The Holidays benefit ran as an online event, thanks to COVID-19 restrictions. Her guest list included Taylor Swift, Dolly Parton, Jason Isbell, Amanda Shires, Cher and Brandi Carlile.
TAYLOR SWIFT GAVE ERAS TOUR CREW $197 MILLION IN BONUSES
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Taylor Swift showed her appreciation for her hardworking “Eras Tour” crew by giving out $197-million in bonuses over the past two years to everyone involved, including truck drivers, caterers, dancers, musicians, production staff and more. The tour, which wrapped up on Sunday after 149 shows, became the first $2-billion concert tour in history, with over 10-million attendees and record breaking ticket sales. Swift’s generosity reflects the massive success of the tour, which not only set financial records but also highlighted her commitment to rewarding the team behind the scenes.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1951, Johnny Rodriguez was born in Sabinal, Texas. He became country’s first mainstream star of Hispanic descent, emerging out of Tom T. Hall’s band in 1972. He recorded numerous songs in Spanglish, with a line of hits that stretch from 1972-1983.
- Today in 1973, Charlie Rich picked up his second gold single for “The Most Beautiful Girl.”
- Today in 1988, George Strait went to #1 in Billboard with a remake of an old Faron Young hit, “If You Ain’t Lovin’ (You Ain’t Livin’).”
- Today in 2004, Keith Urban’s “You’re My Better Half” video first public aired on CMT.
- Today in 2005, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood married at their home in Owasso, Oklahoma.
- Today in 2010, “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader” debuted in theaters with Carrie Underwood singing the end theme, “There’s A Place For Us.”
- Today in 2011, Lady Antebellum owned #1 position on the “Billboard” country singles chart with “We Owned The Night.”
- Today in 2012, Luke Bryan claimed nine trophies to top the winners list in the American Country Awards, aired by Fox from Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay.
- Today in 2016, Maren Morris was the musical guest on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live,” performing “My Church” and “80s Mercedes.”
- Today in 2017, Eric Church performed a fundraiser for Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Lee at a home in Franklin, Tennessee. Mr. Lee is now Governor-elect Lee.
- Today in 2018, three Luke Bryan singles were certified multi-platinum by the RIAA: “Do I” reaches triple-platinum, “Play It Again” hits quintuple-platinum and “Country Girl (Shake It From Me)” goes six-times platinum.
- Today in 2019, Blake Shelton’s single, “God’s Country,” was certified double-platinum by the RIAA.
- Today in 2019, Cole Swindell’s single, “Love You Too Late,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2019, Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber picked up a timely gold single for “10,000 Hours.”
- Today in 2020, Charley Pride went into hospice care in Texas.
- Today in 2020, HARDY’s “Give Heaven Some Hell” hit the airwaves
Morgan Wallen Gives Fans an Update on His Life
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Morgan Wallen is a man of mystery. For starters, he won CMA Entertainer of the Year and still hasn’t even said anything about it.
And, in general, he doesn’t post or share much, so it’s tough to get updates on him . . . especially since his One Night at a Time Tour wrapped back in October.
But if you bought a ticket for his tour . . . you were just treated to an exclusive, surprise video from Morgan.
He said, “I just wanted to say thank you personally and give you an opportunity to have something cool at the same time. I’m working. I’m taking a little time for myself but I’m working also. Can’t wait to get back out there and see y’all at some point next year.”
(You can watch the video, here.)
In related news, Spotify Wrapped recently announced that Morgan’s “One Thing at a Time” was the second-most streamed album this year in the country. Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” was #1.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1980, the “Theme” from “The Dukes Of Hazzard” single by Waylon Jennings was certified gold.
- Today in 1987, Reba McEntire’s “Greatest Hits” went gold.
- Today in 1989, Rodney Crowell became the first country artist to release an album that included five singles that went #1 in the U.S.
- Today in 1989, Garth Brooks scored his first #1 hit on the country charts with the single, “If Tomorrow Never Comes.”
- Today in 1992, Tanya Tucker earned a gold record for “Can’t Run From Yourself.”
- Today in 1995, Nick Kane of the Mavericks married his wife Kimberly.
- Today in 1996, the “Marshall Tucker Band’s Greatest Hits” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1998, Shania Twain’s “Come On Over” album was certified for multi-platinum sales of 7-million.
- Today in 1999, Brad Paisley guest starred on the “Woman’s Day Holiday Special with Florence Henderson” on TNN. Brad wasn’t really interested in holiday crafts — he just wanted to meet Florence, better known as Mrs. Brady from “The Brady Bunch.” With Lari White and Lee Roy Parnell also on the show, they all helped Florence bake gingerbread cookies. At the time, Brad said that if anyone had told him a year before that he’d be baking cookies on TV with Carol Brady and Lee Roy Parnell, he would’ve thought they were crazy.
- Today in 2003, Toby Keith was named Country Singles Artist of the Year at the Billboard Music Awards. Other country acts taking home awards included Martina McBride, Kenny Chesney and the Dixie Chicks.
- Today in 2003, Toby Keith’s “Shock’n Y’all” album went gold, platinum, and double platinum.
- Today in 2004, CMT premiered the videos for Craig Morgan’s “That’s What I Love About Sunday” and Billy Dean’s “Let Them Be little.”
- Today in 2005, the film “Brokeback Mountain” opened in theaters. The film featured music by Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Steve Earle, and Linda Ronstadt.
- Today in 2009, The Zac Brown Band performed “Chicken Fried,” “Toes,” and “Margaritaville” with Jimmy Buffet during their installment of “CMT Crossroads.”
- Today in 2014, Carrie Underwood’s two-disc compilation, “Greatest Hits: Decade #1,” was released.
- Today in 2016, Jason Aldean earned a triple-platinum single from the RIAA for “Big Green Tractor.” The same day? Jana Kramer single, “I Got The Boy,” also went platinum – and Blake Shelton’s single, “She’s Got A Way With Words,” went gold as well.
- Today in 2016, Kacey Musgraves performed Christmas songs for residents at the Little Flower Manor, a nursing home in Darby, Pennsylvania.
- Today in 2016, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood performed the first of three concerts at the Neil Blaisdell Center in Honolulu, Hawaii, recognizing the 75th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor.
- Today in 2017, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill were at #1 on the Billboard country albums chart with “The Rest Of Our Life.”
- Today in 2018, Brett Eldredge became a wedding singer when Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo got married.
- Today in 2019, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were surprise guests during a Nashville Unlimited concert at the Christ Church Cathedral for the homeless shelter Room In The Inn. The show also features Emmylou Harris, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Don Schlitz and Charles Esten.
- Today in 2020, Dustin Lynch, Travis Denning, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton and Tyler Farr delivered an online benefit concert, The Farm Must Go On, from Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl.
JELLY ROLL WILL PERFORM AT THE 2024 BILLBOARD MUSIC AWARDS
Posted on by Bob Ballard
Jelly Roll may have intended to take a breather after his “Beautifully Broken” tour wrapped a few weeks back, but the man can’t slow down. Yesterday it was announced that JR would be performing at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards next week. It makes sense for the man to be there; he’s up for three BBMAs, including top song sales artist, top rock artist and top hard rock song. The 2024 Billboard Music Awards will air on Thursday, December 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on FOX and Fire TV Channels, and on-demand on Paramount+.
This day in Country Music History
Posted on by Bob Ballard
- Today in 1968, aides to President Richard Nixon send out 66,000 letters signed by Nixon, to potential administrative office holders. Among those receiving one was Elvis Presley.
- Today in 1980, the single, “I Love A Rainy Night,” by Eddie Rabbitt entered the Top 40 chart.
- Today in 1988, Roy Orbison died of a heart attack while on a visit to his mother near Nashville. He was 52. His biggest hit is the million-selling #1 song “Oh, Pretty Woman.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
- Today in 1991, Ricky Van Shelton’s “Backroads” album was certified platinum.
- Today in 1991, Lorrie Morgan’s album, “Something In Red,” went gold.
- Today in 1991, the “White Limozeen” album by Dolly Parton was certified gold.
- Today in 1993, the Eagles shot a video for with Travis Tritt’s for his version of their classic, “Take it Easy.”
- Today in 1994, Mary Chapin Carpenter’s album, “Stones in the Road,” was certified gold and platinum simultaneously.
- Today in 1996, Little Texas’ “Greatest Hits” album was certified gold.
- Today in 1998, Faith Hill was #1 on the singles charts with “Let Me Let Go.”
- Today in 2001, Audrey Caroline McGraw was born at 4:39pm to her parents, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. While she arrived a month earlier than expected, and suffered some complications initially, the good news is that the littlest McGraw is just fine.
- Today in 2002, Travis Tritt and Ray Charles are paired for an hour of music as a new episode of “CMT Crossroads” debuted.
- Today in 2003, Brad Paisley performed two songs at the Palm Springs wedding reception of Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter, who met on ABC’s “The Bachelorette.”
- Today in 2005, Dierks Bentley net a platinum album for “Modern Day Drifter.”
- Today in 2008, a “CMT Giants” installment celebrating Alan Jackson premiered with performances by Dierks Bentley, George Strait, Lee Ann Womack, Miranda Lambert and Brad Paisley.
- Today in 2012, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles and her husband, Justin Miller, welcomed a son, Magnus Hamilton Miller.
- Today in 2013, Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift received four nominations apiece, making them the top country finalists in the 56th annual GRAMMY awards.
- Today in 2016, both Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini were nominated for Best New Artist in the GRAMMY Awards. Why was this so special? It was the first time in history that two artists being actively marketed to country were finalists for that trophy in the same year. The trophy ultimately went to Chance The Rapper.
- Today in 2018, Sam Hunt’s single, “Body Like A Back Road,” was certified six-times platinum. The Dierks Bentley single, “Drunk On A Plane,” was certified double- and triple-platinum
- Today in 2018, Chris Stapleton’s single, “Millionaire,” was certified gold.
- Today in 2019, Jason Aldean performed a Las Vegas concert for the first time since a shooting ended his 2017 appearance at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival. He included “When She Says Baby,” the song he was playing when the gunfire erupted two years prior.
- Today in 2019, Maddie & Tae’s single, “Die From A Broken Heart,” went gold. On the same day, Eric Church collected a gold single for “Carolina” and Jon Pardi’s single, “Dirt On My Boots,” went triple-platinum.
- Today in 2019, Morgan Wallen’s “Whiskey Glasses” was framed as a double-platinum single by the RIAA.
- Today in 2019, Jason Aldean’s album, “They Don’t Know,” went gold.
- Today in 2020, the Dolly Parton holiday special, “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” aired on CBS. Parton performs “A Holly Jolly Christmas,” “Coat Of Many Colors” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”
H & S FEED & COUNTRY STORE PET OF THE WEEK: BOBO
Posted on by Bob Ballard
This week’s H&S Feed and Country Store Pet of the Week is “Bobo”, a super-friendly and affectionate 9 month old Schanuzer mix. Bobo gets along great with other dogs, doesn’t mind cats and LOVES kids! Bobo is a very well-socialized and easygoing fellow who is housetrained, loves walks and would love to meet you! Bobo is neutered, fully vetted, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go to a loving home.
And because Bobo is the Pet of the Week, the adoption fee is only $50 this week!
If you’d like to set up an appointment to meet Bobo 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 Bobo with Nicole from Stephen Memorial Animal Shelter here:
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