This Date in Country Music History – July 12th

 Posted by at 7:21 am on July 12, 2025
Jul 122025
 

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2024 – Megan Moroney released her album Am I Okay?
  • 2019 – Kenny Chesney released his single “Tip of My Tongue”
  • 2018 – Eric Church released his single “Desperate Man”
  • 2017 – Michael Ray’s single “Kiss You In The Morning” was certified Gold
  • 2014 – “Somethin’ Bad” by Miranda Lambert & Carrie Underwood topped the charts
  • 2013 – Jason Aldean became the first country artist to ever headline a concert at Boston’s Fenway Park
  • 2011 – Blake Shelton released his album Red River Blue
  • 2011 – Chris Young released his album Neon
  • 2010 – Kenny Chesney released his single “The Boys of Fall”
  • 2001 – Alan Jackson Day is declared in Nashville as he celebrates the sale of 35 million albums with a Music Row Block Party

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HCM Weekly Country Music News – July 11th, 2025

 Posted by at 7:54 pm on July 11, 2025
Jul 112025
 

 

This Week’s Country Music News and Videos

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2022 – Bailey Zimmerman released his debut single “Fall in Love”
  • 2015 – Kacey Musgraves topped the Billboard country album chart with Pageant Material
  • 2014 – Scotty McCreery performed on Fox & Friends
  • 2012 – Michael Ray won the Orlando regional competition as The CW started filming “The Next,” featuring John Rich, Nelly, Gloria Estefan, and Joe Jonas as mentors.  Ray would go on to win the show, launching his career.
  • 1987 – George Strait scored a #1 hit with “All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
  • 1981 – Earl Thomas Conley scored his first #1 hit with “Fire & Smoke”

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Today’s New Albums

  • None Today

Today’s New Singles

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This Week’s Notable Events

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Jul 112025
 

In the wake of the catastrophic flooding that has impacted so many lives across Texas’ Hill Country, it is impossible to watch the news without feeling the heartbreak of this disaster. Entire communities have been devastated, and families are mourning the loss of their children and loved ones.

In response, Texan George Strait alongside businessman and Vaqueros del Mar partner of 15-years, Tom Cusick, are organizing a special benefit dinner and concert in Boerne, Texas, “Strait To The Heart,” at Estancia at Thunder Valley indoor arena.

“The destruction and loss in our community from the recent flood is hard to wrap your head around,” shares Strait. “Our hearts and prayers are with you all. The goal with this event is to raise meaningful, immediate support that can be put directly into the hands of flood victims without delay, while also honoring the first responders that work tirelessly to save lives.

Special thanks to our friends and fellow troubadours—William Beckman, Ray Benson, Wade Bowen, Dean Dillon, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson, Kyle Park, Hudson Westbrook and members of my Ace in the Hole Band—for joining me on stage to lend their talent and their hearts to this mission.”

Cusick adds, “The road ahead will be a long one, however the immediate need is so great that we didn’t want to wait. Together, we can show our neighbors that when hardship strikes, Texas and our Country stand strong, and we stand together.”

Due to the intimate setting, the event is limited to 1,000 guests. Tickets and tables are available for purchase (price points vary and begin at $1,000). Complimentary tickets will be provided to local area first-responders. Donations will be made to 501c3 Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund and distributed directly to affected families as well as established Hill Country funds.

If you’re interested in purchasing a table or tickets to Vaqueros del Mar’s “Strait To The Heart” Intimate Donor Dinner & Concert on Sunday, July 27, or simply would like to make a contribution to Vaqueros del Mar Texas Flood Relief Fund, please email Vaquerosdm@gmail.com.

This Date in Country Music History – July 11th

 Posted by at 7:06 am on July 11, 2025
Jul 112025
 
Michael Ray

Michael Ray

This Date in Country Music History

  • 2022 – Bailey Zimmerman released his debut single “Fall in Love”
  • 2015 – Kacey Musgraves topped the Billboard country album chart with Pageant Material
  • 2014 – Scotty McCreery performed on Fox & Friends
  • 2012 – Michael Ray won the Orlando regional competition as The CW started filming “The Next,” featuring John Rich, Nelly, Gloria Estefan, and Joe Jonas as mentors.  Ray would go on to win the show, launching his career.
  • 1987 – George Strait scored a #1 hit with “All My Ex’s Live In Texas”
  • 1981 – Earl Thomas Conley scored his first #1 hit with “Fire & Smoke”

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Today’s Photo Flashback

Interview with Sam Butler

 Posted by at 1:05 pm on July 10, 2025
Jul 102025
 

Artist Name:  Sam Butler
Hometown: Essex, UK

What project(s) are you currently working on?

Working on releasing a couple of Singles, starting with ‘No mountains’ and then an EP further down the line. I recorded initially with the intent to release an Album but decided against it.

What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?

The moment someone had a genuine connection to a song I wrote, I thought then perhaps I could maybe do this thing.

If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?

As much as I would love to be paying bills with music spoils right now, that’s just not the case so I am an Electrical Engineer as well as musician but If I was not in pursuit of a career in music, I’d still be in the Military.

What is your favorite downtime activity?

If I’m not doing anything to do with music, I’m spending time with my Wife and kids.

Who is your biggest celebrity crush?

Willow Avalon

Who is your favorite sports team(s)?

I don’t have one! I like sport, extreme sport and motorsport just don’t have a team

What is the last movie that you watched?

Warfare

What is the last album you listened to?

Cold beer and Country Music – Zach Top

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Purgatory – Tyler Childers

What is the greatest country song of all time?

There are so many it’s impossible to choose the Greatest, however I personally think John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home Country Roads’ is definitely up there. It’s known around the world and I think whether your home is West Virginia or somewhere else wherever that may be, it takes you home.

What has been your favorite city/town that you’ve visited out on the road?

I haven’t yet toured ( as a musician ).  But I would love to do a little tour in Texas.

What is your favorite meal?

Tapas

Who is your dream duet partner?

Tyler Childers

Who would you like to go on tour with?

Charles Wesley Godwin

What is your ultimate career goal(s)?

To play the Grand Ole Opry. That’s the dream