Volunteer Jam Celebrates Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday With 3 Doors Down, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Chris Stapleton & Travis Tritt

A sell-out event, the Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam hit a capacity of 15,784 patrons in the building and was a star-studded show with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Journey Home Project. The event featured guests 3 Doors Down, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Chris Stapleton and Travis Tritt with the Charlie Daniels Band for another historic jam. The jam featured a variety of the artists singing standards like “Can’t You See” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” A sell-out event, the Charlie Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam hit a capacity of 15,784 patrons in the building and was a star-studded show with a portion of the proceeds benefitting The Journey Home Project. The event featured guests 3 Doors Down, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Chris Stapleton and Travis Tritt with the Charlie Daniels Band for another historic jam. The jam featured a variety of the artists singing standards like “Can’t You See” and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” Charlie Daniels was surprised with the Rare Country Humanitarian of the Year Award by Randy Travis and Lt. General Keith Huber before playing his mega-hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” to a sold out crowd at his 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam at Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday evening. “Looking back over my 50 plus year career, this is among the top five shows I have ever done in my entire life, Volunteer Jam 2016,” said Charlie Daniels of the momentous occasion. Since 1974, Daniels has commissioned his musical friends and peers to come together on a “volunteer” basis to hang out, “jam” together, and entertain crowds in an unconventional, laid-back fashion unknown to any other concert event — all while dedicating concert proceeds to worthy causes. This year’s event featured extra special “jam” sessions with some of Charlie’s most prolific friends who celebrated the Country Music Hall of Famer, his birthday, and his many accomplishments. A portion of the proceeds from the night went to the The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit co-founded by Daniels and manager, David Corlew, to help Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. For more info on The Journey Home Project, please visit: thejourneyhomeproject.org. Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam was produced by Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts in association with David Corlew & Associates and Webster & Associates. About Charlie Daniels With a career spanning over 50 years and exceeding 20 million in sales worldwide Charlie Daniels is the quintessential Southerner with a healthy dose of Wild West Cowboy. For decades, he has connected with his millions of fans in the varying genres of music that reflect his steadfast refusal to label his music as anything other than the “Charlie Daniels Band” sound — music that is now sung around the fire at 4-H Club and scout camps, helped elect an American President, and been popularized on a variety of radio formats. Having celebrated multiple GRAMMY® Awards, CMA Awards, ACM Awards, BMI Awards, GMA Dove Continue reading Volunteer Jam Celebrates Charlie Daniels’ 80th Birthday With 3 Doors Down, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock, Larry The Cable Guy, Chris Stapleton & Travis Tritt

Tune-in Alert! "THE BIG INTERVIEW" with Dan Rather to Feature Charley Pride, Charlie Daniels and Tanya Tucker

Exclusive Hour-Long Interviews Air Nationally on AXS The AXS hit show “THE BIG INTERVIEW” with Dan Rather is going country with upcoming episodes featuring music icons Charley Pride, Charlie Daniels and Tanya Tucker. Don’t miss as each superstar sits down for an hour-long interview with host, Dan Rather, to discuss and relive some of the biggest genre-defining moments. “THE BIG INTERVIEW” airs nationally and features thought-provoking, in-depth interviews with some of the most talented artists from across the entertainment industry. Fans can find future airings and purchase episodes in-full HERE. “THE BIG INTERVIEW” Tune-In: Dec. 02 at 10:30am ET – Charley Pride Dec. 03 at 10:00am ET – Charlie Daniels Dec 03 at 11:00am ET – Charley Pride Dec. 05 at 9:30am ET – Tanya Tucker Beloved Country music pioneer Charley Pride sits down with Dan Rather for The Big Interview on Dec. 02 10:30am ET and Dec. 03 at 11:00am ET. During the candid hour-long conversation, the Grammy-winning singer opens up about his early life as one of 11 children, picking cotton in the fields of the Mississippi Delta, as well as his introduction to music, the songs that inspired him, and his first guitar. Charlie Daniels sits down with Rather for an intimate and in-depth interview at Daniels’ recording studio in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, airing Dec. 03 at 10:00am ET. In the candid discussion, Daniels opens up about his youth in the Civil Rights Era south, breaking into the competitive Nashville scene, his signature hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” life on the road and more. Groundbreaking country singer Tanya Tucker joins Dan Rather on THE BIG INTERVIEW Dec. 05 at 9:30am ET. During the intimate hour-long discussion, the beloved singer, songwriter, and former child star opens up about her battle with depression, overcoming a disfiguring chemical peel in 2008, and how her faith has helped her heal.  

Christmas in the Smokies Helps Disaster Relief Efforts

Country Christmas

The annual Christmas in the Smokies Bluegrass Festival will be held December 7-10 at the Ramada Inn & Smoky Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Hosted by Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, the festival brings together many traditional bluegrass and gospel bands for an early Christmas celebration. This year, the festival will go on with no interruption to the musical program or accommodations due to the wildfires. However, the festival has also has been blessed with the opportunity to help local residents who have been impacted by the devastating fire that has ravaged the area. By aligning with the Dollywood Foundation’s unprecedented support of east Tennessee, Bluegrass Christmas in the Smokies created a special, $15 general admission ticket for Friday and Saturday night. All proceeds from these tickets will be donated to the Dollywood Foundation’s Smokey Mountain “My People” fund. “We are blessed that the fires have been contained and that the area where we host the festival is free of any problems. As the promoter, I feel that the best way to help the community is through Dolly Parton’s My People Fund. Please join us in helping out the victims of this terrible experience by coming to the festival and supporting the area economy with your tourism dollars and your ticket donation,” said Lorraine Jordan. Scheduled to perform throughout the festival produced by Jordan Entertainment are: Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road, Lonesome River Band, Goldwing Express, Ralph Stanley II, Ronnie Reno & Reno Tradition, Paul Williams and Victory Trio, the Bluegrass Mountaineers, Garrett Newton Band, Balsam Range, Williamson Branch, Jimbo Whaley & Greenbrier, Malpass Brothers, Salt and Light and the Dean Osborne Band, The Grascals, Smoky Mtn All-Stars: Tim White, Jerry Butler, Matt Leadbetter, Matt Wallace, Josh Goforth, Larry Stephenson Band, Edgar Loudermilk Band Featuring Jeff Autry, Sideline, Mark Templeton, Deeper Shade of Blue, The Moore Family. Click here for band schedule. For more festival information and to purchase special Disaster Relief tickets, visit www.BluegrassChristmasInSmokies.com or call 919-779-5672  

Dolly Parton’s ‘Christmas Of Many Colors: Circle Of Love’ Set To Air On NBC November 30th

Dolly Parton

  Dolly to Appear on The Today Show, Christmas In Rockefeller Center, The Voice, The REAL, and Keep The Faith radio with print features in Parade, Country Living, US Weekly and so much more! Jennifer Nettles, Ricky Schroder, and Gerald McCraney will co-star in the upcoming holiday movie “Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love” airing Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. ET/PT with Dolly Parton making a special guest appearance. In the two-hour movie, the Partons, a family of humble means living in the mountains of Tennessee, face a devastating event that challenges their will. But when they experience a bewildering Christmas miracle, the Partons are drawn closer together than ever — with deepened faith and love for one another. In support of the movie’s airing, Dolly Parton will grace the cover of the Nov 27th issue of Parade magazine and will appear on various television programs. Upcoming Dolly Parton Appearances Nov. 25 – Dolly appears on The Today Show Nov. 27 – Dolly co-hosts Keep The Faith radio (syndicated) Nov. 29 – Dolly performs on The Voice (8pm EST/7pm CST) Nov. 30 – Dolly appears on The REAL (syndicated) Nov. 30 – Dolly performs on Christmas In Rockefeller Center on NBC (8pm EST/7pm CST) Nov. 30 – Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love on NBC (9pm EST/8pm CST)

Johnny Lee, Collin Raye, Charley Pride, Janie Fricke, Mark Chesnutt Set For December Episodes Of "Reflections"

Collin Raye on Country Music News Blog!

  Country legends will light up “Reflections” in December during the weekly half-hour interview show featuring Johnny Lee, Collin Raye, Charley Pride, Janie Fricke and Mark Chesnutt. “Reflections” airs on The Heartland Network Thursdays 8/7c (6 p.m. CST on WLLC 42.4 in Nashville) and Saturdays 4/3c. Click here to find your local channel. “Reflections” is hosted by Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame member Keith Bilbrey. Viewers can also tune in to Angel Two/DISH Network, The Family Channel or AMG TV. “REFLECTIONS” TUNE-IN: Johnny Lee – Dec. 1 and Dec. 3 Collin Raye – Dec. 7 and Dec 10 Charley Pride – Dec. 15 and Dec. 17 Janie Fricke – Dec. 22 and Dec. 24 Mark Chesnutt – Dec. 29 and Dec. 31 Johnny Lee opens up about his first studio album in 10 years, You Ain’t Never Been To Texas, and gives fans an in-depth look at his illustrious career. Lee, known for his dynamic stage presence and smash No. 1 crossover hit “Lookin’ for Love,” chats with Bilbrey about recording new music, touring nearly every weekend and getting his big break when he worked with Mickey Gilley, both on tour and at Gilley’s Club. “Lookin’ for Love,” the soundtrack from the 1980 hit movie Urban Cowboy, which was largely shot at Gilley’s, catapulted Lee to fame. The smash hit became a crossover hit spending three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Singles chart while also appearing in the Top 5 on the Billboard Pop chart and Top 10 on Billboard’s Adult Contemporary chart. Bilbrey’s sit-down with Collin Raye includes captivating stories about his more than 25-year career. Raye chats about the timeless No. 1 hit “Love, Me,” that catapulted him in the 1990s and opens up about building a career on songs with an emotional connection to listeners, like “Little Rock,” which led to more than 100,000 calls to Alcoholics Anonymous from people seeking help for their addictions. The song and video for “I Think About You” exposed the exploitation of women and children, earning Raye the award for “Video of the Year” from the Academy of Country Music in 1997. During the Dec. 15 episode, Bilbrey sits downs with Country Music Hall of Famer Charley Pride and discusses his early life as one of 11 children, picking cotton in the fields of the Mississippi Delta, as well as his introduction to music, the songs that inspired him, and his first guitar. Bilbrey also chats with Pride about his 50th anniversary as a recording artist who’s enjoyed one of the most successful careers in the history of country music and is credited with helping to break color barriers by becoming the first African-American to become a force within the genre. A three-time Grammy Award winner, Pride has garnered no less than 36 chart-topping country hits, including Kiss An Angel Good Morning, a massive No. 1 crossover hit that sold over a million singles and helped Pride land the Country Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year award in Continue reading Johnny Lee, Collin Raye, Charley Pride, Janie Fricke, Mark Chesnutt Set For December Episodes Of "Reflections"

Luke Bryan Extends "Kill The Lights Tour" in 2017 / Tickets Available Beginning December 2

Luke Bryan on Country Music News Blog!

Two-Time CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan wrapped his 58-city “Kill The Lights Tour” at the end of October with six sold out stadium shows including a double play in Boston’s Gillette Stadium, ten sold out back-to-back concerts in five cities, and 1.6 million fans. Today, Luke announced he will extend his “Kill The Lights Tour” into 2017. Luke, an entertainer who is a first rate showman with great charisma and stage presence, will begin the tour in Huntington, West Virginia at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena on February 17. Luke returns to Madison Square Garden on March 1 where he performed a sold out show at the world’s most famous venue in 2014. Brett Eldredge will open the “Kill The Lights Tour” 2017 shows. “Kill The Lights Tour” 2017: 2-16 Huntington, WV Big Sandy Superstore Arena 2-17 Bloomington, IN Assembly Hall 2-18 Jonesboro, AR ASU Convocation Center 2-23 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena 2-25 Jacksonville, FL Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena 3-1 New York, NY Madison Square Garden 3-3 Manchester, NH Verizon Wireless Arena 3-4 Providence, RI Dunkin’ Donuts Center 3-9 Richmond, VA Richmond Coliseum 3-10 Fayetteville, NC Crown Coliseum 3-17 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Live Nation is the national tour promoter for the “Kill The Lights Tour” and Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter of hunting, fishing and outdoor gear, is a sponsor. Citi is the official credit card of the “Kill The Lights Tour.” Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass Program beginning Nov. 30. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. About Luke Bryan Since the debut of his first album in 2007, Luke has placed 17 singles at No.1 and sold nearly eight million albums. His fifth studio album, Kill The Lights, which is now certified Platinum, debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Top 200 (his third to do so) and Top Country Albums charts, closed out 2015 as the best-selling country album of the year and the 10th biggest selling album on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 Year-End list. Last month, Luke was honored at an industry party at the Country Music Hall of Fame to commemorate his recent string of 7 consecutive No.1 hits which have sold over 7 million tracks and more than 600 million total combined streams. His Kill The Lights album has now sold 3.5 million tracks with over 400 million streams. Luke, a two-time ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year, co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards this year for the fourth consecutive year. For a one-stop shop for everything Luke Bryan, his community of fans have unparalleled access to his life through Luke Bryan’s official App. Launched in June 2015 in partnership with Disciple Media, the app offers everything from exclusive live streams to updates from the road, competitions to video premieres, exclusive merchandise and more. The App is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Continue reading Luke Bryan Extends "Kill The Lights Tour" in 2017 / Tickets Available Beginning December 2

Restless Heart Conducts "Old Toy Trains" for Country Radio

Country Christmas

Legendary Country Group’s Take on Roger Miller’s Classic Christmas Song Now Available for Radio Airplay Nashville, Tenn. (November 22, 2016) — Legendary country group Restless Heart is releasing its first-ever Christmas single to radio. The band recorded the classic Roger Miller-penned holiday tune, “Old Toy Trains,” for their previously released Christmas album, A Restless Heart Christmas (Red River Entertainment). The song is available for radio airplay starting today.     “Greg Jennings, our guitar player and producer of our Christmas album, thought we should record the song and I remember hearing it when I was a child,” says Restless Heart lead singer Larry Stewart. “I remember loving it then and as we sat down to consider recording it, I thought ‘wow’ we may have found something really special. It’s not a song that’s been recorded as much as other classic Christmas songs. So it’s cool we kinda found a diamond in the rough. Roger Miller wrote it and it’s my favorite holiday song we do live.”   Listen to the song HERE.   “Old Toy Trains” and A Restless Heart Christmas are available for download at iTunes and Amazon.   Radio stations and media outlets interested in an MP3 copy of the song should send their request to don@absolutepublicity.com.   About Restless Heart   Larry Stewart, John Dittrich, Greg Jennings, Paul Gregg and Dave Innis, the men who make up Restless Heart, have enjoyed one of the most successful group careers in country music history. The band has placed over 25 singles on the charts with six consecutive #1 hits, four of their albums have been certified Gold by the RIAA and they have won a wide range of awards from many organizations including the Academy of Country Music’s “Top Vocal Group.”     For additional information on Restless Heart visit www.restlessheartband.com.  

DUSTIN LYNCH IS SEEIN’ GOLD WITH "MIND READER"

Dustin Lynch on Country Music News Blog

Third Consecutive #1 Single Certified GOLD By RIAA As Current Single “Seein’ Red” Rises On The Charts Nashville, Tenn. (November 22, 2016) – Broken Bow recording artist Dustin Lynch is seein’ gold, as his third consecutive #1 single, “Mind Reader,” scores a GOLD certification from the RIAA for over 500,000 sales and streams in the U.S. alone. The sultry, R&B-influenced track follows his previous two #1 smashes (GOLD-certified “Hell Of A Night,” and PLATINUM-certified “Where It’s At”) into the medal count, and marks yet another step on the Tennessee native’s path to superstardom.   Lynch’s current single “Seein’ Red” – the title track from his forthcoming third studio album – is rising up the charts as country fans and radio alike gravitate towards its intensity. “Seein’ Red” was released to rave reviews, with Rolling Stone praising Lynch’s vocals as “one of his most soulful and assured to date” and Taste of Country proclaiming the song “unapologetically sexy.”   Meanwhile, Lynch has racked up an impressive 55 million views on YouTube/VEVO, 150 million plus streams on Spotify, soared to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and sold over 3 million digital singles to date. He is currently opening Chris Young’s I’M COMIN’ OVER fall tour, and will join Florida Georgia Line’s 2017 DIG YOUR ROOTS Tour as direct support.   ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH:   Since releasing his PLATINUM debut single, “Cowboys And Angels,” Lynch has catapulted onto the country music scene, with three consecutive #1s, two Top 5 albums, Platinum-level certifications and back-to-back summers on one of the biggest tours in country music (opening for Luke Bryan). Racking up over 55 million views on YouTube/VEVO, scoring 150 million plus streams on Spotify, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and selling 3 million digital singles, he brings a fresh combination of traditional influences and edgy intensity to the genre. Producers Mickey Jack Cones, Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten showcase his progressive sound throughout his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT (Broken Bow Records), which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon release and has tallied over 1 million tracks sold to date. Realizing his long time dream of creating a fashion line, Lynch recently launched Stay Country. “Stay Country isn’t just a brand, it’s a lifestyle,” says Lynch. “It’s where I grew up. It’s home to the rivers I’ve fished, the deer stands I’ve perched, and the dirt roads I’ve roamed. It inspired Stay Country.” The line of accessibly-priced men’s and women’s shirts, hats, and accessories, all emblazoned with the distinctive Stay Country logo, can be found online at https://www.staycountryclothing.com.   For more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com.

CRAIG CAMPBELL KICKED OFF THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH CAPTIVATING PERFORMANCE AT THE 69th ANNUAL MACY’S GREAT TREE LIGHTING IN ATLANTA SUNDAY NIGHT (11/20)

RED BOW Records’ Craig Campbell kicked off the holiday season with a captivating performance at the 69th Annual Macy’s Great Tree Lighting in Atlanta, GA on Sunday (11/20). His set featured his hits “Outskirts of Heaven” and “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” and festive covers including Alan Jackson’s “I Only Want You For Christmas” and the classic “White Christmas.” As a Georgia native, Campbell was thrilled to join in this flagship event that has become a state tradition for nearly 7 decades. Making the night even brighter, the singer-songwriter shared the stage with award-winning artists Aloe Blacc and Michelle Williams for the big finale of “O Holy Night” complete with spectacular fireworks and tree lighting.   Next stop for Campbell is Chicago, IL, where he will perform his Top 40-and-climbing single “Outskirts of Heaven” at the 83rd annual McDonald’s Thanksgiving Parade, airing live on November 24 at 8:00a CT on WGN 9 Chicago or WGN America.   Campbell made his national TV debut earlier this year with “Outskirts of Heaven” (Campbell, Dave Turnball) on NBC’s TODAY and the powerful song has racked up rave reviews with fans praising; “brought me to tears,” “gave me chills,” and claimed “this is what country music is supposed to sound like.”   Following 2015’s “Tomorrow Tonight,” Campbell has been in the studio working on his RED BOW Records debut album. Previously sharing the stage with Randy Houser, Alan Jackson, The Band Perry, Jerrod Niemann, and Justin Moore, he is currently playing shows nationwide and working with the Grand Ole Opry on a tour in honor of the USO’s 75th anniversary with more details to be announced soon.   For more information on Craig Campbell and tour dates, visit www.craigcampbell.tv.   ABOUT CRAIG CAMPBELL: Campbell launched on to the country music scene with the release of his self-titled debut album (2011) delivering the hits “Family Man,” “Fish,” and “When I Get It.” To date, he has logged five consecutive charted hits with over a billion radio airplay audience impressions and over a half million downloads. Acclaimed as one of the genre’s most neo-traditionalist singers, his Top 15 breakout debut “Family Man” was featured on HBO’s True Blood and fan-favorite “Fish” has tallied nearly 400,000 digital copies sold. Campbell earned his first Top 10 smash with the infectious “Keep Them Kisses Comin’” from his sophomore album NEVER REGRET (2013). The gifted songwriter co-wrote Garth Brooks “All American Kid” off of MAN AGAINST THE MACHINE. Prior to landing his first record deal, the Lyons, GA native spent time on the road playing keyboard for both Tracy Byrd and Luke Bryan – shows that inspired him nightly. He was soon discovered while playing a regular gig at the downtown Nashville honky-tonk, The Stage.

T’s Coffee Talk Thanksgiving/ Holiday Edition

Just in time for the holidays, Trisha Yearwood’s weekly Facebook Live show, “T’s Coffee Talk”, went live from Greenville, SC and covered everything from the Country Star’s favorite song off the newly released Christmas Together collaboration with Garth Brooks, to Thanksgiving memories and an impromptu Christmas vacation in Hawaii. With one hand occupied with a selfie stick to hold the iPhone and the other filled with a cup of coffee, Trisha Yearwood and good friend Mandy took questions from fans eager to hear more. Highlights include: – At 7:05, Trisha recalls the first year she cooked Thanksgiving for Garth’s family, which was a total of 15 people! She always puts the turkey in the oven at midnight, and when she went to find it in the fridge, discovered that Garth had put the turkey in the freezer instead. Trisha had to run over to Claremore’s at midnight to save the day with a fresh turkey. Trisha says, “Those are the Thanksgiving nightmares that freak you out!” – At 9:02, Trisha addresses questions from fans on her favorite song off Christmas Together. She says, “The song I’ve been wanting to sing with Garth for 20 years is “Baby It’s Cold Outside”. “It’s really flirty and fun … I’ve been listening to it since July and I don’t get tired of listening to it at all!” – At 17:10, Trisha and Mandy discuss the difference between “stuffing” and “dressing”. Trisha says, “Well the difference is stuffing is used when you actually stuff the turkey… Stuffing implies stuffing!” ABOUT T’S COFFEE TALK: Each Saturday morning, Trisha’s Emmy-Award winning Trisha’s Southern Kitchen on Food Network is kicked off by her Facebook Live “pre-show,” T’s Coffee Talk. And on most weekends, fans can find her on the road as part of the history making, and ongoing, Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood.