Category Archives: Artists

Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’

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Mark’s latest single “Sunshine” just went #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. This marks his fourth number one song. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/j0gWnPrAuN8 Mark McKinney has long been an established Texas Country music artist, and with the upcoming release of his fifth studio album, World In Between, he is set to grab the ear of an entirely new audience nationwide. The album will be McKinney’s first full-length effort since 2013’s Standing My Ground, which included three Number One songs in Texas – the country duet “She Ain’t Leavin’,” featuring Bri Bagwell, the brooding “Lonely Bones,” a song about the bitter end of a significant relationship, and the irresistibly catchy “Stolen Cash.” World In Between was produced by Mark and brother, Eric McKinney, who also produced Standing My Ground, at Wonderland Studios in Austin, Texas. Standing My Ground differed from McKinney’s first three albums in that he expanded his writing, taking it in new directions and improving his skill. “This new album is definitely a continuation of all that,” stated McKinney. “I feel like the production has a very real and natural ‘in the room with us’ feel.” The first radio single from World in Between, the tender ballad “Sunshine,” also made it to the Number One spot on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Report in March of 2016. Accompanied by soothing harmonies and desperately honest and poetic lyrics, the song was derived from McKinney watching his wife battle ill health and taking inspiration from her strength. The second teaser from the record, “Bridge” has just been released to radio and is a haunting ode to moving on from a past relationship. McKinney, who is known for delicately crafted love songs and rowdy country anthems, takes a sharp turn and a darker tone with “Bridge.” “This song is probably the most honest I have ever been as a songwriter,” McKinney proclaims. “I was a slightly nervous to release it, but we started playing it at shows and the fans really seemed to embrace it.” The instruments used on this track seem to pull the listener further into the story. The use of the minor key, banjo and gypsy fiddle combine to create a dark, bluegrass folk tale for the modern day. Another example from the 11-track album is the song “Monday,” McKinney’s tongue-in-cheek recipe for a successful relationship. The track’s limited production leaves plenty of space for the song to concentrate on the lyrics. “Monday” features only acoustic and electric slide guitars, and McKinney’s 13 year-old son, Jagger, on B3 organ, bringing a sparse but clean and tasty sound to the track. Going a totally different direction is the song “Rainy Day Money,” where you can hear classic stylings reminiscent of The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Bob Marley combine to create a coastal anthem strung together with another one of McKinney’s signature infectiously catchy melodies. “We got tremendous support from fans and media on the last album,” McKinney said. “People really seemed to connect to the Continue reading Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’→

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red

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Blake Shelton on Country Music News Blog

Shelton-Inspired Brand to be Anchored by Ole Red Nashville, An Entertainment Venue on Lower Broadway Ole Red Tishomingo Planned for Shelton’s Hometown to be Operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Entertainment Segment See Facebook Live coverage here: http://smarturl.it/OleRed_FBlive NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) Grand Ole Opry Member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to transform Shelton’s breakout hit “Ol’ Red” into a new lifestyle brand anchored by a $20 million multi-level entertainment venue in the heart of Music City’s famed Lower Broadway. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, the Ole Red concept is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail and entertainment venues that celebrate the country lifestyle and resonate with country music’s rapidly growing consumer base of more than 100 million people across the United States. Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, said, “The Grand Ole Opry is known for connecting fans to the artists and the music they love and that is what the Ole Red brand is all about. Not only is Blake Shelton one of the most popular entertainers of his generation, his performance style and passion for authentic country music have also made him a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage since the early days of his career. Ole Red will immerse fans in all the elements of a great country song—with some unexpected twists from Blake along the way.” With a planned opening in 2018, Ole Red Nashville will be a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway. The performance space at Ole Red Nashville will be equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics tailor-made for the event programming that will take place there, including intimate concerts, live band karaoke, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the complex nears completion. Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties also announced Ole Red Tishomingo, which is set to open in late 2017 in the Platinum-selling recording artist’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. “It’s amazing to me to see a song that’s been such a big part of my career come to life in the plans for Ole Red,” said Blake Shelton. “Nashville and Tishomingo are both places that are important to me, and it’s great that each location is going to have its own personality inspired by one of my favorite songs. It’s always been a dream of mine to create something like this where people know they’re going to have a good time as soon as they walk in the door, and I couldn’t be more excited that my friends at the Opry and Ryman Hospitality Properties are making it happen.” Ole Red Nashville will be located at 300 Broadway in a building Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red→

2017 RODEOHOUSTON® ENTERTAINER LINEUP TO BE RELEASED MONDAY JANUARY 9th

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RodeoHouston Details on Country Music News Blog

Monday, 12:05 a.m., the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will release the 2017 RODEOHOUSTON entertainer lineup. The lineup will be posted here and on rodeohouston.com, the mobile app, and the official RODEOHOUSTON Facebook and Twitter accounts, and sent via email and text alerts. A full press release will be emailed and distributed from the Show offices. <>GET RODEO HOUSTON TICKETS HERE<>New this year, we will broadcast the announcement live on Facebook via the following link: https://www.facebook.com/RODEOHOUSTON/videos/10154901666704464/ Tickets will go on sale Saturday, Jan. 14, 10 a.m., through AXS Ticketing via rodeohouston.com. The online Waiting Room opens at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, and fans can register in advance at axs.com/rodeohouston_registration.

BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’

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Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

Continuing the tradition of presenting the top stories in country music, another all-new episode of the “The Pickup” features a look at Brad Paisley’s new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, a special holiday engagement, the new season of “Nashville” debuting on CMT, a new Pickup-and-Coming, a tribute to artists who left us in 2016 and more. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has opened a new exhibit through May 14 taking a glimpse into Brad Paisley’s illustrious career thus far. The exhibit features the “Today” singer’s first guitar, some of his many awards and even a letter to Santa. The holidays are a popular time for engagements and that proved true when Kelsea Ballerini announced hers on Instagram. She posted her engagement photo with Morgan Evans appropriately hash tagging it with ‘#HeCalledDibs.’ According to a Facebook post from daughter Pam Tillis, Mel Tillis is out of the hospital and home in Florida. The good news came after many prayers and well wishes were extended to the songwriting legend from fans and friends in the industry alike. CMT will debut the fifth season of “Nashville” on January 5 promising more music than ever before for the popular series that has shined a national spotlight on Music City. If fans miss the premiere, they can see it on demand in multiple places. The latest edition of the Pickup-and-Coming features country newcomer Nick Brennan and his single “Buck Naked.” To hear the hilarious and thoughtfully written tune and learn more about Brennan, fans can head to NickBrennanMusic.com. A number one party for Keith Urban’s “Wasted Time” hit was held at Nashville’s newest hotel The Westin with the songwriters of the song. Urban said that the song was written by accident when he crashed the writing session that the two co-writers had previously scheduled. The hitmaker helped Nashville ring in the New Year with a performance on New Years Eve downtown, The Pickup will have more on that in the next edition, so stay tuned! In this episode, The Pickup pays tribute to artists who passed away in 2016, but whose music lives on. The memoriam includes Merle Haggard, Glenn Frey (The Eagles), Joey Feek, Sonny James, Guy Clark, Ralph Stanley, Jean Shepard, Holly Dunn and Bonnie Brown (The Browns). Keep on the lookout for the next episode, which will include Jeannie Seely dishing on her new album of originals, “Written In Song.” Check out the latest episode of The Pickup here: http://www.viewbix.com/v/The-Pickup–48/bef58f3c-dfaf-4ee0-8e98-d6cf46b19a6e ABOUT THE PICKUP: Launched in early 2015, The Pickup, a syndicated country video news series produced by The Hot Seat, highlights today’s stars and classic country artists making news today. New episodes are posted on the 1st and 15th of each month. The Pickup, hosted and produced by Adam Wurtzel, can be seen on the websites of broadcasters across the country (Nash Icon, HankFM, Midwest Communications, Zimmer Communications’ 94.3 KAT Country, etc.), online media blogs, the U.K.’s SKY Television, Heartland Network, and Sandy Zimmerman’s Continue reading BRAD PAISLEY, KELSEA BALLERINI, MEL TILLIS, NASHVILLE ON CMT, 2016 IN MEMORIAM AND MORE FEATURED IN THIS EDITION OF ‘THE PICKUP’→

Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup

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Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama to Headline Festival CADOTT, Wis. – Country Fest is excited to announce its 2017 daily lineup and single day general admission ticket sales. For the past 30 years Country Fest has brought some of the biggest Country acts to the area and it continues that tradition this year. The iconic lineup will feature performances by award-winning artists Blake Shelton, Eric Church, Thomas Rhett, and Alabama. Country music superstar, Platinum-selling recording artist, and star of The Voice Blake Shelton is on fire after taking home the trophy for “Favorite Country Male Artist” at the 2016 American Music Awards. The Grammy-nominee isn’t slowing down as his latest album, “If I’m Honest,” debuted #1 on the Billboard Top Album Sales Chart and the Billboard Country Album Chart. “Performing for an audience is what I love most and if you’re coming to see me, you’re coming to hear country music, because that’s what I do,” said Shelton. “So get ready as we’re going to be ‘Doin’ it to Country Songs’ all night long!” Eric Church shocked the country world last November when he became the first country artist to pull off a surprise album drop. Church has become one of country’s most established artists over the past decade and he backed it up with the Country Music Award for his latest album release “Mr. Misunderstood”. This is the second time Church has taken home the coveted Album of the Year trophy. “We surprised everybody with this album on this stage a year ago, and trusted the fans, and gave it to the fans first,” said Church at the Country Music Awards. “And it’s because of the fans that this happened. And I love you, and thank you.” Platinum-selling Thomas Rhett is one of country music’s elite new artists. Rhett burst onto the country scene in 2013 with his debut album “It Goes Like This,” and has reached a higher profile with his sophomore album, “Tangled Up.” Three singles off the album have topped country-music charts during the last year in “Crash and Burn,” “Die a Happy Man” and “T-Shirt,” all while the album has been certified platinum. Alabama accomplished a feat that had never been achieved before by becoming first country group to go triple-platinum. They’ve blazed a trail for artists such as Kenny Chesney and Luke Bryan with 21 Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum albums, 43 #1 singles, and over 73 million records sold. Add that to over 150 industry awards including eight country music “Entertainer of the Year” honors, two Grammys, two People’s Choice Awards, and their very own star on the “Hollywood Walk of Fame.” The band that “made country music bands popular again” continues to be an inspiration. The lineup also includes Chris Young, one of the most identifiable young male voices in country music, with hit singles such as “The Man I Want to Be,” and “Tomorrow.” In addition, Grammy award-winning artists such as The Oak Ridge Boys and Wynonna Judd with Continue reading Country Fest Announces 2017 Daily Lineup→

New Music From Shania Twain

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Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

The Canadian songstress Shania Twain took to twitter to wish fans a happy new year, and along with it, spilled the beans that she is working on new music too!  Any new release from the queen of country crossovers would be the first in 6 years. Happy New Year! Thank you for all your continued support. So excited to share new music with you this year. 2017, i’m gonna getcha good 😘 pic.twitter.com/WAAOnIxBvT — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) January 1, 2017 Her last single, “Today Is Your Day” came out in 2011 to less than phenomenal fanfair compared to her 2009 album “Come On Over” which was a chart-blasting success. In recent years Shania has limited herself to select television appearances and residencies in premium Las Vegas venues. A new album would most likely mean a new tour and all the publicity that surrounds it.

DAILEY & VINCENT INVITED TO JOIN GRAND OLE OPRY

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The Grand Ole Opry News on Country Music News Blog

Three-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and multi-Grammy®-nominated super duo Dailey & Vincent have been invited to become official members of the Grand Ole Opry. The pair returned to the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium tonight to celebrate the kick-off of its 10th year as a duo, which began on the Opry at the Ryman stage in 2007. The night also marked the duo’s 100th Opry appearance. The duo will be formally inducted into the Opry on Saturday, March 11. During a special half-hour Dailey & Vincent set, the two were joined by a series of guests including Opry members Marty Stuart and Connie Smith as well as John Carter Cash and his wife Ana Cristina in addition to Dailey’s father JB Dailey and Vincent’s mother Carolyn Vincent. After a performance with the duo, Stuart gave Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent the surprise of their lives, inviting the duo to officially join the Opry. “Country music needs you. Country music loves you. And the Grand Ole Opry welcomes you,” Stuart said. “This is one of the most special things that has ever happened to us,” a shocked Dailey said after a few seconds of stunned silence. “We’re so thankful.” Before closing out the show along with their guests on the gospel favorite “This Old House,” and equally surprised Vincent shared, “I have no words. I’m so honored. The Lord is so faithful to us.” “Dailey & Vincent have thoroughly entertained thousands of fans on the Opry stage over the past decade,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent embody so much about what fans love about the Opry. They have a tremendous respect for tradition, and they’re also innovators committed to the future of the music they love. We’re excited to welcome them as official members of the family in March.” Crystal Gayle is set to be inducted into the Opry by her sister Loretta Lynn on Saturday, January 21. Other artists scheduled to play the Opry in early 2017 include Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs, and Josh Turner, among many others.

Travis Perry Wants YOU to put that Christmas Guitar to Great Use!

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Chord Buddy on Country Music News Blog

*CountryMusicNewsBlog.com has not received any payment or product for this post. We just really love the ChordBuddy and wanted you to know about it in case someone you love has a shiny new guitar and needs help learning how to play it. Here at CMNB we’re all about bringing MORE music into the world in any way we can get it! ~WC Music plays a significant role in nearly everyone’s life, but for some people it represents much more than an invitation to dance or a soundtrack for the morning commute. Researchers have found that music therapy provides a diversion from negative feelings and helps manage the pain of not only adults, but of children with developmental, physical, behavioral, and neurological disabilities. It also increases range of motion and motor skills, and in some cases is a replacement for medication. In short, its therapeutic uses are many. “Music is invaluable to people with special needs, allowing them to express themselves non-verbally,” says Travis Perry, a music teacher for more than 35 years and inventor of ChordBuddy (www.chordbuddy.com), a device that makes guitar-learning easier for anyone – including those with disabilities. “Veterans can use music to help cope with PTSD as well as other physical injuries. Senior citizens can learn to play the guitar, which helps build hand strength.” One recent study showed that music therapy can even help children cope with routine immunizations, making them less stressed – and their parents less stressed as well. While music therapy is known to be fruitful for the person needing therapy, the results also can be a gratifying for the teacher. Perry says he’s found it especially satisfying to teach the guitar to autistic children, who can be challenging but ultimately rewarding pupils. In fact, a small number of people with autism are musical savants, according to the American Music Therapy Association, but all benefit from music therapy interventions to enhance their social, communicative and motor skills, among other needs. Generally, children with autism aren’t able to make what would be considered a pleasing sound on the guitar without some assistance. Perry uses his invention to help them. Instead of positioning their hand into the correct chord positions – often tricky for even able-bodied learners – they can just press a tab that results in a clear, strong chord sound. Perry, who has appeared on the popular TV show Shark Tank, didn’t actually have music therapy or people with special needs in mind when he invented ChordBuddy. He was trying to help his daughter learn to play and her frustration became his inspiration. “When learning an instrument, it’s important to have success right away, and that can be difficult to do with the guitar,” Perry says. “Most people give up within the first couple of months and the guitar ends up in a closet. That’s why I’m so excited when I know I’ve been able to help a special-needs child, a veteran with PTSD or a senior citizen with arthritis make music. “You Continue reading Travis Perry Wants YOU to put that Christmas Guitar to Great Use!→

Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution

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Smokey Mountains Rise - Benefiting Dolly Parton's My People Fund

Donations to the fund continue as totals climb to $9.3 million PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (December 22, 2016) – In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton and the Dollywood Foundation launched the distribution of assistance from the My People Fund. During the four day cash distribution, 884 families received their initial support payments. “It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far,” Parton said. “We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.” The Dollywood Foundation My People Fund provides $1,000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org. Millions of people watched Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, December 13 on Great American Country, AXS-TV, RFD-TV and The Heartland Network and during several rebroadcasts throughout the last week. As a result, donations continued to roll in and thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Parton’s friends, the total amount raised has climbed to $9.3 million. “As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming,” David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President said. “We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would go.” The next distribution is January 26 and 27, 2017 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. About the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund: More than 1,300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1,000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. About Smoky Mountains Rise: Smoky Mountains Rise was a three-hour telethon broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 13 to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund to benefit those affected by the Sevier County, Tennessee wildfires. Smoky Mountains Rise was executive produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Kirt Webster, Pete Owens and Scott Durand. Produced by Edie Hoback, Jeremy Westby, Shanna Strassberg, Suzzane Skinner, Nic Dugger and Shantel Klinger. About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of nearly 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 25 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more Continue reading Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution→