About HaleighT

HaleighT grew up in rural Sallisaw, Oklahoma, completely immersed in the country music lifestyle. She works with CMNB as our field assignment journalist, gathering concert reviews and exclusive interviews from every artist she can. When she's not out on the road, she's in our web studio filming "Takin' a Break With HaleighT" a short weekly opinion and news segment that launched in 2011.

Eric Church Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour

In Case Anyone Wanted To Know How The VERY FIRST Show Of The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour Went… I was very fortunate to attend the first show of Eric Church’s Blood, Sweat and Beers Tour. It took place in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the Fort Smith Convention Center. I (again so very grateful) had VIP tickets which included lots of goodies! There was a dinner before (with great food), a bag full of merchandise (including a very classy set of shot glasses), an acoustic set and great seats! The acoustic set consisted of two songs between dinner and the actual show. He sang “Like Jesus Does,” a track from Chief and “Before She Does,” a track from his first album Sinners Like Me. After those there was time for some questions from the fans. I managed to get some talk time, where I first told him it was my birthday and then asked where he got the idea to write “Lightning.” He replied with a VERY “Happy Birthday” and said it came to him one day after watching the Green Mile. For those of you who haven’t heard it, go listen now! It will definitely tug at your heartstrings! After questions (and one more drink) me and my friends headed to the main building! Brantley Gilbert was the opening act, but I only caught the first and last songs of his set…that’s because I was waiting in line for a cold beverage for, no joke, at least 30 minutes. This was one thing, that I feel, wasn’t thought out very carefully. Once Church hit the stage all complaints or worries were out the door!!!! He ROCKED that stage, and when I say this I mean it 100 percent! I have seen him perform on several occasions (over 10) and I’m never disappointed, but last Thursday I was attacked with the amount of energy coming off of the stage and exuding in the audience. He packed the place, it was mentioned several times that this was a record breaking amount of people in the building! That’s with it being a Thursday night and previous artists such as Willie Nelson and Miranda Lambert playing the venue! He played his classics “Two Pink Lines,” “Sinners Like Me,” “Guys Like Me,” “Pledge Allegiance to the Hag,” “Smoke A Little Smoke,” “Carolina,” “Hell On the Heart” and many others. Like clock-work, as soon as he started to sing “These Boots,” the majority of the crowd shucked their kickers and raised them high in the air! Church also played songs from his most recent album, Chief! Of course he sang “Drink In My Hand,” but what has become one of my all-time favorite songs, “Springsteen,” stole the show! He played the piano during the memory-lane, reminiscing tune, this is after learning the 88 keyed instrument days prior! Basically it was one of the best shows I have seen in a LONG time! Most definitely the best show I’ve seen in 2012! 😉 I strongly encourage Continue reading Eric Church Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour

Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus Expecting

Rascal Flatts Member Jay DeMarcus and Wife Allison Are Expecting Another Child! Rascal Flatts bassist and vocalist Jay DeMarcus and his wife Allison, a former Miss Tennessee and current CMT personality, are expecting the birth of their second child this summer. The baby will become a younger brother or sister to their daughter Madeline Leigh, born December 17, 2010. “This was definitely a huge surprise, but we’re so thankful and excited that Maddie is going to have a brother or sister. We’re really gonna have our hands full!” -Jay DeMarcus “Jay and I are thrilled about completing our family. Madeline is going to love having a sibling and we are bracing ourselves for the many sleepless nights ahead.” -Allison Jay and Allison were married May 15, 2004 in Nashville, Tenn.

Lionel Richie Tuskegee Album

Lionel Richie will release Tuskegee, a collection of 13 of his international hits recorded with some of the biggest names in country music, on March 27 on Mercury Nashville. Lionel Richie’s duet partners include Jennifer Nettles, Jason Aldean, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Rascal Flatts, Kenny Chesney, Billy Currington, Little Big Town, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers, Willie Nelson and Jimmy Buffett. Tuskegee is an exciting new chapter in a career that has seen album sales of more than 100 million, 22 Top 10s, fifty Grammys, an Academy Award for Best Original Song, a Golden Globe and a host of other awards. Tuskegee is also a musical homecoming that feels like a heartwarming reunion with a beloved friend. He proves that you can go home again as he returns to his Southern roots to pay tribute to his hometown of Tuskegee, Alabama, where he was shaped as a man and a musician. He was exposed to country, gospel, R&B and classical music growing up and this town is where he helped form the Commodores and wrote his first hits, including “Sail On” and “Easy.” “Tuskegee is where it all began, the place where I felt all things were available and possible. It’s where I learned about life and love and the power of music, and the place I built a musical foundation that knows no genres or boundaries.” -Richie Richie is following his songs as they take him back to country, where they have been welcomed for more than two decades. Conway Twitty recorded “Three Times A Lady,” Kenny Rogers famously sang “Lady” and Alabama recorded “Deep River Woman.” He has performed on the Country Music Association Awards three times, his 2011 performance received two standing ovations. Richie says recording Tuskegee was perhaps the most fun he has ever had in the studio. “Tuskegee is going to be one of the most special albums I’ve ever done in my life. This is something that is going to be so special forever because it’s a moment in time when all these artists got together and celebrated some music. What started out as a collaboration of a group of very talented, very successful artists ended up growing into brand new, very good friends.” April 2, a concert special, Lionel Richie and Friends “In Concert,” will be recorded in Las Vegas and aired on CBS at a later date. The show will include Jason Aldean, The Band Perry, Martina McBride, Lady Antebellum, Kenny Rogers and more! Tuskegee Track Listing 1. You Are – with Blake Shelton 2. Say You, Say Me – with Jason Aldean 3. Stuck On You – with Darius Rucker 4. Deep River Woman – with Little Big Town 5. My Love – with Kenny Chesney 6. Dancing On The Ceiling – with Rascal Flatts 7. Hello – with Jennifer Nettles 8. Sail On – with Tim McGraw 9. Endless Love – with Shania Twain 10. Just For You – Billy Currington 11. Lady – with Kenny Rogers 12. Easy Continue reading Lionel Richie Tuskegee Album

Craig Morgan Receives Two Awards

Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors Earns Prestigious Golden Moose Awards! The Outdoor Channel, America’s Leader In Outdoor TV, unveiled the winners for its 12th Annual Golden Moose Awards. The most popular and longstanding outdoor television awards ceremony in the country was held at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Country star Craig Morgan was among the honorees, winning awards for Best Turkey and Best Deer for his hit television series “Craig Morgan: All Access Outdoors.” Taking place during the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT), the Golden Moose Awards honor the producers and on-air talent from Outdoor Channel’s industry-leading programming. “I cannot tell you what an honor it is to get recognition for the show. Along with being so much fun to create it’s also a lot of hard work. For the industry to acknowledge our show is an amazing feeling.” -Craig Morgan Outdoor Channel plans to broadcast the 2012 Golden Moose Awards on the network as a February special.

Ronnie Dunn Let The Cowboys Rock

Ronnie Dunn’s Music Video For “Let The Cowboys Rock!” Ronnie Dunn has released his first solo single of 2012, “Let The Cowboys Rock.” This fast-paced tune is sure to create some future line-dances and all around good times! The song is a typical work hard, play harder anthem and that is something I will never argue with! If you want to see some “cowboys” at play (on horses and in the bar) then check the video out now! Or if you are just interested in the musical technicalities, well you can do that here too!

Alan Jackson So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore

Alan Jackson’s Music Video For “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore!” Alan Jackson recently released his new single, “So You Don’t Have To Love Me Anymore,” to radio and now we have the music video to go along with it! The single is from the forthcoming debut album from the joint venture between ACR (Alan’s Country Records) and EMI Records Nashville. This song…what to say about this song…well, IT IS AMAZING! They say the best songs are ones people can relate to and I know that there are plenty of country music listeners out there that can relate to this one. He talks about making it easier for a person to get over another, if only that happened in real life! I really think that this song is going to be another hit for Jackson! The video was directed by award-winning Steven Goldmann and shot at Coney Island in New York City. Watch it here now!!!!

Merle Haggard Hospitalized For Pneumonia

Merle Haggard Has Been Hospitalized In Georgia For Pneumonia. Merle Haggard was hospitalized Tuesday evening in Georgia. Haggard was scheduled for a show that night, but finally took some advice and went to the hospital. Good thing! The Silver Wings singer was admitted for pneumonia and is currently in the hospital eager to get better. Haggard had some shows left this month, but with the circumstances those will be canceled. He is set to be back on the road in February, but I know I speak for many when I say GET WELL SOON!!!!!!!! The fans aren’t going anywhere and would rather Haggard be healthy!

Craig Campbell On Huckabee

Craig Campbell To Perform On Fox News Channel’s Huckabee. Craig Campbell is set to perform his new single, “When I Get It,” on Fox News Channel’s Huckabee! This comes only a month after making his first national TV appearance. The relatable, lighthearted anthem for the common man can be heard this Sunday, January 22, at 8pm and 11pm ET on Huckabee (Fox News Channel). Craig Campbell’s latest single, “When I Get It,” co-written by Campbell with Jason Mathews and Jim McCormick, is described by Music Row as an “extremely likeable, hard-times, sing-along tune.” The inventive new music video, which was shot by director Wes Edwards in one continuous take, depicts Campbell’s belongings being repossessed by movers played by his true life band members.

Miranda Lambert Reschedules Shows Due To Death

Miranda Lambert Has Rescheduled Shows Due To The Passing Of Her Father-In-Law. Miranda Lambert has rescheduled some shows because of the passing of her father-in-law, Dick Shelton. Mr. Shelton’s health had been an issue for the past year and he was hospitalized in early December with pneumonia. Lambert has changed the dates to three upcoming shows, Charlotte, NC (1/19), Lexington, KY (1/20) and Greensboro, NC (1/21). “Thank you to the fans for all the support and prayers. This is a really difficult time for our family and the most important thing is being together. Tell your loved ones you love them. See you next week.” -Miranda The “On Fire” tour will resume January 25, in Charlotte, NC. Rescheduled Dates: Charlotte, NC – January 25, 7:30 pm Greensboro, NC – February 19, 7:30 pm Lexington, KY – February 26, 7:30 pm

Blake Shelton’s Father’s Passing

Blake Shelton’s Father, Dick Shelton, Has Passed Away. Blake Shelton‘s father, Dick Shelton, passed away last night (Tuesday) in Oklahoma. Mr. Shelton had been having some troubles with his health for the past year and was hospitalized early December for pneumonia. Blake made a special acceptance speech on the night of the American Country Awards, mentioning his father back home. “I appreciate your understanding during this difficult time and thank you for all your prayers. Your support means the world to me. I love you guys.” -Blake Blake left this message on his website along with the news of some show postponements. Rapid City, SD (1/19), Bismark, ND (1/20), Billings, MT (1/21) and Bozeman, MT (1/22). These four shows for the “Well Lit & Amplified Tour 2012” will be rescheduled and are listed below. The tour will go on as scheduled next week in Columbus, GA on Jan. 26. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family and friends. Bismark, ND – March 20 Rapid City, SD – March 21 Bozeman, MT – March 22 Billings, MT – March 23