Category Archives: Artists

Tune-In Alert: Kellie Pickler Press Tour

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Kellie Pickler on Country Music News!

Country music star and co-host of “Pickler & Ben,” Kellie Pickler wrapped up a whirlwind Los Angeles press tour this week to promote the freshman talk-show, which was recently picked up for its second season. She began the week on Tuesday, February 20th with an appearance on “Ellen” where she was scared by “Faith Hill.” https://www.ellentube.com/episode/bill-gates-kellie-pickler-keala.html On Wednesday, she headed over to E!’s “Daily Pop” for a chat about her upcoming birthday and her favorite things about hosting the first talk show based out of Nashville.  http://www.eonline.com/shows/daily_pop/videos/269023/kellie-pickler-dishes-on-first-talk-show-in-nashville  After which, she visited CNN for a live interview on HLN’s “MichaeLA.”  Kellie and Michaela Pereira talked about the show and Kellie’s three USO Tours.  At “ET Online,” Kellie and Sophie Schillaci talked about her most recent single and played a game about country slang terms. Thursday, the day began with a visit to “Access Live” where she spoke with hosts Kit Hoover and Scott Evans about the instant chemistry she and co-host Ben Aaron had from their very first meeting.  Next she headed to “Perez Hilton,” who expressed how much he’d like to appear on “Pickler & Ben.”  After a wild visit with “Extra” amid the crowds of Universal CityWalk, Kellie wrapped up her press tour at “Steve Harvey” where she shared her passion for extreme sports, including sky diving for a segment to air on February 26th.

Scotty McCreery Lands First No. 1 with “Five More Minutes”

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Scotty McCreery News On Country Music News Blog

After gaining more than 500,000 units of streams and sales,“Five More Minutes” certified Gold by the RIAA NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After announcing his forthcoming album, Seasons Change, is due March 16 on Triple Tigers Records and making some major decisions in his personal and professional career, Scotty McCreery’s debut single from the forthcoming album, “Five More Minutes,” becomes his first No. 1 hit, reaching the top spot on both the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Airplay charts. The song that The Tennessean says, “pulls heartstrings” also cements RIAA Gold certification for combined units of steams and sales in excess of 500,000. An overjoyed McCreery said, “There was a time I thought this song would never see the light of day. Seeing this song, inspired by my Granddaddy Bill, go Gold and then become my first number one means the world to me! After writing it with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, I tweeted out that ‘I think I just wrote my favorite song I’ve ever written,’ and that still holds true today. Thank you to my fans, country radio, Triple 8 Management, Triple Tigers Records, my band and crew, and everyone on my team. A big thank you to Bobby Bones for bringing national attention to the song. Gabi and I have been celebrating all day!” “Five More Minutes,” which People calls an “emotional walk down memory lane,” was McCreery’s first introduction back to the industry after the singer took almost five years since his last No. 1 studio LP, See You Tonight while resolving legal disputes with his former label, touring, writing new songs, and creating this new album for his new label home. The hit that Billboard calls, “heart-wrenching” was written two weeks after the passing of his paternal grandfather, who serves as a major inspiration for the song, and takes listeners on a journey through both the joys and sorrows of life, ending with a plea for “five more minutes” with his grandfather. McCreery wrote the song with Seasons Change co-producer Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell back in 2015. He first performed it publicly on the Grand Ole Opry in June 2016 during CMA Music Festival, receiving a standing ovation and subsequently millions of views on the Opry’s YouTube channel. National Radio Hall of Fame member Bobby Bones championed “Five More Minutes” and gave the song its national radio debut on his morning show in late April 2017. Fan reaction was immediate, and McCreery released the song independently soon thereafter. On the day the song was released, country music legend Randy Travis tweeted “this is storytelling and country music at its best.” Soon after McCreery signed with Triple Tigers Records, and the song became not only the highest-ranking single of his career, but also the fastest rising song of his career. The 24-year old singer/songwriter has a lot to say on Seasons Change, McCreery’s forthcoming 11-track album, co-produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, due March 16. With every song co-written by McCreery himself, Seasons Change marks the first time he’s played a hand in writing his entire album. With songs influenced by true-life events that occurred since he released his last album at 19 — including moving out on his own, going to college, getting robbed at gunpoint, losing his grandfather, changing record labels, releasing a book and proposing to his high school sweetheart Continue reading Scotty McCreery Lands First No. 1 with “Five More Minutes”→

Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham

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Ricky Skaggs and Billy Graham

Upon learning the news of the passing of his longtime friend, Reverend Billy Graham, country music legend Ricky Skaggs released the following statement: “I was up early this morning having my prayer time and Bible reading when I heard the news of Dr. Graham’s passing. The first thing I did was to thank God for sending Billy Graham into this world. My youngest daughter Molly gave her life to Jesus watching him on TV during one of his Crusades. It’s a story of millions of people just like Molly that came to Christ listening to Dr. Graham’s simple message of God’s love and forgiveness. There has never been an evangelist in our lifetime that has had the Christian integrity in ministry that Dr. Graham had. It was because he lived his life intentionally to honor Christ. He had righteous Godly men around him all the time, praying for him and praying with him everyday. He set up safeguards for his life as a husband, a father, and his life as a minister of the gospel. His ministry reflected his personal life and his personal life reflected his ministry. What a concept! He was above reproach, and he lived there always, because he never wanted to give anyone the slightest hint of doubt that he wasn’t who he said he was. His desire, first and foremost, was to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart. He knew who he was and he knew Whose he was. He knew he was a beloved son, yet calling himself a sinner. Hard to imagine, but humility will do that to you. He believed the words of John the Baptist, when John said of Jesus, ‘He must increase and I must decrease,’ great words to live by. I’m so thankful that I got know Dr. Graham and do some of his Crusades. The first one I did was in Columbus, Ohio at a baseball field. I was up on stage singing some songs and it was pouring down the rain, big sheets of rain. I thought, all these people will go home, no one could sit through this storm, but no one left, some had umbrellas but most of them didn’t. Then all of a sudden, I looked and they were bringing Dr. Graham toward the stage in a covered golf cart, it stopped raining, it completely stopped. I knew then the favor of the Lord was on this man. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made with the Graham family. Franklin is one of my dearest friends. I’m thankful that they allowed me and my family to come visit Dr. Graham and sing some songs, eat a hot dog, and pray with him at his home in Montreat, NC. The scripture says ‘a man’s gift makes way for him, and brings him before great and mighty men.’ From President Truman to President Trump, 13 Presidents, Queen Elizabeth and countless other leaders of many nations, Dr. Graham’s message has never changed. ‘For God so loved Continue reading Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham→

Listen Now: Southern Country Rockers Jägertown – Rearview

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Jagertown News

Southern country rockers Jägertown have refueled a break-up tune into an explosive new track for country radio – Rearview. This single is officially impacting airwaves today (Monday, February 12, 2018) and is available for download on iTunes and all digital retailers. Coming off the last chart-topping single, Small Town Superstars (peaked #29 on Music Row Country Breakout Chart and #50 on Billboard Indicator), this tune was produced by Matt McClure (multi-platinum, 3x Grammy nominated, multi #1 producer for Lee Brice, Kelli Pickler, Dylan Scott, Lindsay Ell, etc.), in the heart of Music Row at renowned Ocean Way Studios. The song chronicles a classic country heartbreak with a rockin’ twist. You can almost smell the gasoline in the air and hear the engine rev, speeding away from a past relationship. This song is off their brand-new EP Rearview, also available today. Even before the official radio release date, stations jumped on the opportunity to download and play some new Jägertown music. Rearview made the Top 5 of Most Downloaded & Streamed Tracks on Play MPE, sharing their fame alongside major acts Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Sara Evans and Sir Rosevelt (Zac Brown). Internationally syndicated radio show, Nashville Access chose this song as their Super Pick of the Week. For more information, visit Jägertown at the following: Website: www.Jagertown.com Facebook: @Jagertown Twitter: @Jagertown Instagram: @Jagertown

Country Music Mourns the Passing of Singer Daryle Singletary

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Sources report that country singer Daryle Singletary has dies at the young age of just 46. Finding his biggest successes in the 90’s with hits like “Too Much Fun” and “I Let Her Lie” Daryle was a staple to the country music circuit with a buttery-smooth voice and a gentle and whole-hearted nature. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoxIVO0YzUM Daryle passed in his home in Nashville, and the cause of death has not yet been released. His last performances was on Friday February 9th, 2018 in Alabama.  

ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!

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ACM Award News on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the Radio Awards nominees for the 53rd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, including double nominations for KAJA-FM in San Antonio, TX, KHAY-FM in Ventura, CA, KUBL-FM in Salt Lake City, UT, KUZZ-AM/FM in Bakersfield, CA, WFMS-FM in Indianapolis, IN, and WIL-FM in St. Louis, MO. Though not presented during the live telecast, the Radio Awards are given out during the annual Radio Winners Reception held on Saturday, April 14 in Las Vegas, NV, the day prior to the ACM Awards live telecast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The full list of 53rd ACM Awards nominations will be announced in early March. 53rd ACM Radio Awards nominees are: NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR  Cody Alan                                                                                            CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Eddie                                       The Bobby Bones Show Terri Clark                                                                                           Country Gold with Terri Clark Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase                                             Crook and Chase Countdown Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks                                      Ty, Kelly & Chuck   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET Bud and Broadway                                                                          WIL-FM                                St. Louis, MO Cadillac Jack                                                                                       WQYK-FM                           St. Petersburg, FL Chris Carr, Kia, Maverick and McKaila                                      KEEY-FM                              St. Louis Park, MN Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, Geof Knight                                  WKKT-FM                            Charlotte, NC Roxanne Steele                                                                                WYCD-FM                           Detroit, MI   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET Dale Carter                                                                                         KFKF-FM                              Kansas City, MO Double-L                                                                                              KWNR-FM                           Las Vegas, NV Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt & Kevin Freeman              WFMS-FM                          Indianapolis, IN Johnson and Johnson                                                                     KUBL-FM                             Salt Lake City, UT The Randy, Jamie and JoJo Show                                               KAJA-FM                             San Antonio, TX   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET The 97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club with Roger Todd, Julie Kay and DJ Thee Trucker                                                     WPCV-FM                           Lakeland, FL Carina With A Twist Of Lime                                                        WCYQ-FM                           Knoxville, TN Buzz Jackson                                                                                      KIIM-FM                              Tucson, AZ Steve & Geoff                                                                                   KUZZ-AM/FM                    Bakersfield, CA The Odd Squad                                                                                 CKRY-FM                             Calgary, AB   ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews                                                   WCOW-FM                         Sparta, WI Bobby and Steve (and Mandi!)                                                   WKYQ-FM                           Paducah, KY Dave Daniels                                                                                      KHAY-FM                             Ventura, CA Pat James                                                                                            KHUT-FM                            Hutchinson, KS The Q Crew with Jason and Ashley on Q100.3                       KRWQ-FM                           Medford, OR   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET KILT-FM                               Houston, TX KMLE-FM                            Phoenix, AZ KSCS-FM                              Dallas. TX WIL-FM                                St. Louis, MO WPOC-FM                           Baltimore, MD   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET (tie within category increased nominees) KAJA-FM                             San Antonio, TX KUBL-FM                             Salt Lake City, UT WFMS-FM                          Indianapolis, IN WKDF-FM                           Nashville, TN WSIX-FM                             Nashville, TN WSM-FM                             Nashville, TN   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET KUZZ-AM/FM                    Bakersfield, CA KXKT-FM                             Omaha, NE WGKX-FM                           Memphis, TN WQMX-FM                         Akron, OH WUSY-FM                           Chattanooga, TN   RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET KCLR-FM                              Columbia, MO KHAY-FM                             Ventura, CA KTHK-FM                             Idaho Falls, ID KTTS-FM                              Springfield, MO KYKZ-FM                              Lake Charles, LA   For more information on the ACM Awards Continue reading ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!→

Chris Janson Invited to Join The Grand Ole Opry

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The Grand Ole Opry News on Country Music News Blog

WARNER BROS./WAR artist CHRIS JANSON was surprised by KEITH URBAN during his sold-out RYMAN AUDITORIUM show in NASHVILLE last night (2/5), as URBAN invited JANSON to become an official member of the GRAND OLE OPRY. Right after teaming with JANSON on a cover of JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY’s “Sold,” URBAN made the ask, remembering his own OPRY invite, which also took place on the RYMAN stage. JANSON’s next OPRY appearance is set for TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th; his formal induction will take place in the SPRING at a date to be announced. “Over the course of more than 100 appearances since his OPRY debut in 2013, CHRIS has become a favorite of OPRY fans and fellow performers alike,” said OPRY GM SALLY WILLIAMS. “He is so passionate about the OPRY, including its rich history, the camaraderie it builds between generations of fans and artists, and its place in Country music’s future.”  

Garth Brooks & Jason Aldean Surprise CRS Guests with Duet

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Garth Brooks performs with Jason Aldean at CRS 2018

Attendees at the Amazon Music & Country Radio Seminar Monday night Showcase got one heck of a surprise when during a Jason Aldean performance, Garth Brooks stepped up to join him on stage! Fan and fellow country artist Addie Roach snuck a snippet of the duet and shared it on Twitter. When Garth Brooks shows up to sing with Jason Aldean. Pretty good Monday night. pic.twitter.com/ne468LLZe8 — Addie Roach (@AddieRoachh) February 6, 2018 We’ve all got friends in low places, but it looks like Jason has them in high places as well!

Listen Now: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats “Hey Mama”

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Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats

NEW ALBUM TEARING AT THE SEAMS  OUT MARCH 9 ON STAX RECORDS CONFIRMS ADDITIONAL NORTH AMERICAN DATES   “Hey Mama,” the latest track from Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats debuts today—listen to the track here: http://found.ee/NRNSheymama. The song appears on the band’s highly anticipated new album, Tearing at the Seams, out March 9 on Stax Records. The record is available for pre-order here: http://found.ee/NRNStats. Most recently, the band released their single “You Worry Me” to critical praise—Rolling Stone proclaims, “The first single from his forthcoming LP adds Southern-rock bite and weary longing to make for his most urgent song yet.” In support of the release, the band adds additional dates to their extensive North American tour. Tickets for the dates are on sale now at nathanielrateliff.com. See below for complete details. Initial writing and recording sessions for Tearing at the Seams took place in Rodeo, New Mexico where Rateliff & The Night Sweats re-established their dynamic off the stage and in the studio. “For the first record I demo’ed everything up and created most of the parts,” says Rateliff. “This time, I felt like we’ve all spent so much time on the road that we should all go off somewhere together. We should all have that experience together.” The band finished recording with producer Richard Swift—who has helmed records for The Shins and Foxygen, in addition to The Night Sweats’ debut—collectively creating a group of songs that capture the band’s emotion and intensity. Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats are: Rateliff (vocals, guitar), Joseph Pope III (bass), Patrick Meese (drums), Luke Mossman (guitar), Mark Shusterman (keys), Andy Wild (saxophone), Scott Frock (trumpet) and Jeff Dazey (saxophone). Their 2015 debut album is now certified Gold in the U.S., Belgium, Switzerland and the Netherlands, Platinum in Canada and Silver in the U.K., while their hit single “S.O.B.” is certified Platinum in the U.S. and Canada and Gold in Switzerland. TEARING AT THE SEAMS TRACK LIST: Shoe Boot Be There A Little Honey Say It Louder Hey Mama Babe I Know Intro Coolin’ Out Baby I Lost My Way, (But I’m Going Home) You Worry Me Still Out There Running Tearing at the Seams NATHANIEL RATELIFF & THE NIGHT SWEATS LIVE February 7 & 8—Los Angeles, CA—Troubadour May 5—Saint Petersburg, FL—Jannus Live* May 6—Atlanta, GA—Shaky Knees Festival May 8—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore* May 9—Raleigh, NC—The Ritz* May 11—Asheville, NC—Highland Brewing Company* May 12—Louisville, KY—Iroquois Amphitheater* May 14—Richmond, VA—The National May 16—Washington, DC—Anthem May 18—Toronto, ON—Massey Hall May 19—Montreal, QC—MTelus May 31—Chicago, IL—Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island† June 1—Indianapolis, IN—Lawn at White River State Park June 2—Lewiston, NY—Artpark Amphitheater† June 3—Cleveland, OH—Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica† June 5—Cooperstown, NY—Brewery Ommegang June 6—Philadelphia, PA—Skyline Stage at the Mann Center June 8—Boston, MA—Blue Hills Bank Pavilion‡ June 9— Forest Hills, NY—Forest Hills Stadium*** August 3—Kansas City, MO—Crossroads August 5—St. Paul, MN—The Palace Theatre August 7—Moorhead, MN—Bluestem Amphitheatre August 9—Missoula, MT—Kettlehouse Amphitheater August 10—Troutdale, OR—Edgefield Amphitheater August 15—Los Angeles, CA—Greek Theater August 18—Oakland, CA—Fox Theater August 22—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre** August 23—Denver, CO—Red Rocks Amphitheatre††   *w/ Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real Continue reading Listen Now: Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats “Hey Mama”→

Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun

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Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Everyone knows: nobody does stadium shows like Kenny Chesney! With an armful of No. 1s, a high-energy band and the energy to throw his songs to the seats at the top of the other end zone, The Wall Street Journal crowned him “The King of the Road.” But for the songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee, there is an intimacy – and an exhale — that comes with amphitheater shows that offer an equally important experience the No Shoes Nation demands. is right in our “Nothing’s like the energy of a stadium show,” Chesney admits. “But there’s also something about the amphitheaters, where the people are all so close. It’s like being with your friends somewhere back home, singing songs and hanging out, and having the best party of the year. For us, it feels like the people are so right there, and the songs are driving the night. It’s an experience we know No Shoes Nation loves and misses when we don’t do it, so this year, we’re going to make sure there are plenty of opportunities to see us under the pavilion or out on the lawn.” While the tour kicks off April 21 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, look for the more intimate amphitheater plays to begin May 10 at Virginia Beach’s Farm Bureau Live, May 11 at Charlotte, NC’s PNC Music Pavilion and May 12 at Raleigh, NC’s Coastal Credit Union Music Park. The 2018 Trip Around the Sun Tour will thread between massive stadium shows and the more streamlined concerts throughout the summer – and see Chesney create two very different kinds of concert experiences. “Part of the fun of mixing the venues is riding the energy, letting the music breathe in different ways and really giving the audience dynamics that are so intense without being the same show across America,” Chesney explains. “The amphitheaters all have their own vibes, their own attitude – and those experiences shift very specifically. Darling’s Waterfront in Bangor, Maine is one thing; Mountain View, California’s Shoreline Amphitheater is something else altogether, just like the folks in Toronto at the Molson or Austin’s Austin360 Amphitheaters.” With Chesney returning to a full touring calendar after creating more seats at Boston’s Gillette Stadium – to break the attendance record with 121,624 people over two nights – Chesney’s passion to play is at a new high. Energized by the response to Cosmic Hallelujah, The Big Revival, and the hits “American Kids,” “Noise,” “Save It for a Rainy Day” and “All the Pretty Girls,” the 8-time Entertainer of the Year is fired up and focused. “I feel like this summer, we’re going to take those songs on Live in No Shoes Nation, and lift them even higher,” Chesney says. “Listening to it over and over, hearing everyone’s voices raised… It’s what makes coming out to see us special! When you get to hear all that heart, all that fun, and life, and love coming towards the stage, it really takes our breath away. So, get ready Continue reading Kenny Chesney Adds Intimate Amphitheater Dates to 2018 Trip Around the Sun→