Category Archives: Artists

Christmas 4 Kids Announces 2016 Ryman Concert Lineup

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Country Christmas

2016 Lineup Features The Marshall Tucker Band, Ray Stevens, Aaron Tippin, Montgomery Gentry and More Benefit Concert Set for Monday, November 21; Tickets On-sale Now at Ryman.com Nashville, Tenn. (September 29, 2016) – The Christmas 4 Kids organization has announced the lineup for its 2016 Ryman Auditorium concert, set for Monday, November 21 at 7:00 PM in Nashville.  For the second year, legendary southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band will headline the show with Ray Stevens, Aaron Tippin and Montgomery Gentry also scheduled to perform.  Singer/songwriter James Robert Webb will open the show.  Country singer Ty Bates is also scheduled to perform.   “This year’s show at the Ryman is shaping up to be huge,” says Christmas 4 Kids President, Linda O’Connell.  “Last year, we set a record for money raised for Christmas 4 Kids.  With this great lineup, I think we can do it again!” Doug Gray, lead singer of The Marshall Tucker Band adds, “We had so much fun at last year’s show at the Ryman.  We’re grateful that Christmas 4 Kids asked us to come back for a second year.  We love being able to help an amazing organization that does so much to bring a memorable Christmas to the children who need it most.  See you in November, Nashville!” “I’m so glad to be a part of this great show,” notes Stevens.  “I’ll be debuting a brand new Christmas song at the show and I’m sure it’s one the kids will love.” Tickets are $36.50 and $60.00 and are available for purchase now at Ryman.com.  All proceeds generated from the concert go to the Christmas 4 Kids organization.  About Christmas 4 Kids  Christmas 4 Kids is a not-for-profit organization that has been in existence for over 25 years providing many children, each year, with their very own shopping spree.  The funds generated by the concert, and the Tour Bus Show/Artist Meet and Greet event, are used to give over 400 children from 29 different schools, a day-long shopping excursion.  The special day consists of a chauffeured trip from their school aboard an entertainer’s luxury tour bus, dinner, and a party hosted by Santa and Mrs. Claus.  To wrap up the day, the tour buses journey to the Hendersonville, Tennessee, Walmart, where the kids receive a brand new winter coat, and $150.00 to spend however they choose. For more information on Christmas 4 Kids, visit www.christmas4kids.org.  

Kellie Pickler Honored With Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award in D.C.

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Kellie Pickler on Country Music News!

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Loved not only for her bold personality and southern charm, country music recording artist and the star of the CMT hit docu-comedy television series I Love Kellie Pickler is known for her avid support of our servicemen and women. In honor of Kellie’s continued work spanning nine-and-counting USO tours, the critically-acclaimed North Carolinian and her husband Kyle Jacobs were honored Sept. 28, with the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, presented annually to distinguished Americans and organizations to include entertainers and men and women of the United States Armed Forces whose patriotism and service reflec ts that of Mr. Bob Hope.  “I am so humbled to be in such great company in receipt of this honor from the Department of Defense,” Kellie shared after accepting the distinguished award with her husband Kyle on Wednesday in Washington D.C.  “We’ve been so blessed to have a great relationship with the USO which has allowed us to be able to take a little piece of home to our service men and women both overseas and here at home.”  The Department of Defense criteria for the Spirit of Hope Award requires the recipient to have selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time, talent or resources to significantly enhance the quality of life of service members and their families serving around the world and epitomize the values of Bob Hope—duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.  In 2015 at the CMA Music Festival the parents of slain Navy SEAL Chris Kyle presented Kellie Pickler with the first-ever Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award and in 2013 Kellie received the Heart For The Warrior Award from the USO of North Carolina during the Salute to Freedom Gala.  

Shane Owens Releases Debut Album ‘Where I’m Comin’ From’ On December 9

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Owens Receives Help from Country Music Icon Randy Travis on New Project NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 29, 2016) – Critics and fans alike have been raving about Shane Owens’ highly anticipated debut album, Where I’m Comin’ From, citing the traditional-based artist as one – who like George Jones sang about in his classic song – just might be able to fill the shoes of legends such as “The Possum” and Merle Haggard. The Amerimonte Records recording artist received a ringing endorsement along those lines from Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis – who lent his production talents to the album. “Shane’s song, “Country Never Goes Out of Style,” is a simple and perfect description of what country living and country music is all about.” said Travis in reference to Shane’s current single, which is going for adds at radio stations across the country. “In listening to it, I can’t help but reminisce about the best days of my youth and life in simpler times—when technology was a phone with a cord and a party line, transportation was a bicycle, a horse, or a hand-me-down car with manual windows, and taking the initiative to help someone in need was your pleasure and just the way it was. Though much has changed, I think it’s important to keep a focus on our roots—it is a way of life that should never go out of style. Shane has successfully merged yesterday, and today, to remind us that country will always be in style!” James Stroud, who produced the album, has blazed trails for country superstars such as Toby Keith, Tim McGraw, Clint Black, Aaron Lewis, Chris Young and many more during his career. Among Stroud’s credits include having produced over 130 No. 1 singles. The album Where I’m Comin From will be available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon beginning on October 21 and available for purchase on December 9 in select retailers nationwide through Memphis, TN based distributor, Select-O-Hits. Click here to download Shane’s current single, “Country Never Goes Out Of Style.” “Country music fans have been yearning for an artist like Shane Owens,” said Steve Popovich Jr., President Amerimonte Records. “There’s a perception out there that traditional Country music is dead and I can assure you that’s not the case. This album is going to surprise a lot of people, and I mean that in a good way. Shane Owens is delivering a style of traditional Country music that Country music enthusiasts both here and abroad have been craving for a long time. I think fans of the genre will be pleased to know that style of Country music is alive and well.” “When I first heard Shane, I knew there was something special there,” said his publicist Kirt Webster. “His vocal stylings bring to mind the music that I – and so many others grew up on. His energy on stage is also a huge plus, but the most important element of the Shane Owens story is that in Continue reading Shane Owens Releases Debut Album ‘Where I’m Comin’ From’ On December 9→

Grand Opening of Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol in Lindale, TX

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Miranda Lambert on Country Music News Blog

Bigger and better Pinktoberfest 2016 Pinktoberfest is going to be bigger and pinker than ever before!  Celebrating the grand opening of Miranda Lambert’s brand new Pink Pistol location as well as the barbeque and music joint, Love and War in Texas, there’s going to be something for everyone at The Cannery in Lindale on October 22nd, with this Texas-size block party set to kick off at 10:00AM. Miranda’s experiential shopping lifestyle boutique, The Pink Pistol (hours for October 22 – 11am-8pm) will have a larger inventory than previous locations, more “Miranda’ize” merchandise, and unique shopping opportunities for her fans.  In addition to the old fashioned soda fountain that will be open all day, there will be interactive opportunities with three photo booths and a big screen slideshow. As Miranda expressed in the spring, “It feels full circle to have everything under one ‘roof’ basically where it all began in my hometown of Lindale. Everyone is encouraged to come dressed as pink as possible to win prizes for the Pretty in Pink contest for people and pets.  There will be a performance by the Lindale High School Cheerleaders and Star Steppers.  Also, in addition to the official Terlingua North Chill Cook-off benefitting Susan G. Komen (judging at 2pm), there will be a very special Pink Pistol Pink Chili Competition (also judging at 2pm).  And, there will be wine tastings all day long in the Red 55 Hemingway Room. Visitors can enjoy live Texas music and authentic Texas food all day and night at Love and War in Texas (open 11:00AM-2:00AM).  Charlie Robison (who served as a judge on “Nashville Star”) will be performing in the evening. And for those brave enough, there will be a habanero pepper eating contest (2:00PM). The very special, Miranda Lambert Rose, will be on display at the event.  Sales of the rose help support Miranda’s MuttNation Foundation, which will be holding an adoption drive from 11:00AM-1:00PM.  MuttNation co-founder, Bev Lambert, explains, “Pinktoberfest is a wonderful opportunity to adopt a pet in need of a forever home.  We are so excited to be a part of this event.  Whatever else Miranda does, her passion for the animals is always a constant and guiding force, one that started right here in Lindale.”  Tours of the MuttNation Foundation mobile unit will also be available.  

Aaron Lewis’ ‘SINNER’ Debuts Atop The Top 200 Albums, Top Country Albums And Top Digital Albums Charts

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“That Ain’t Country” Behind-the-Scenes Premieres Exclusively on Shazam Makes Appearances on KTLA, The Big Time, AOL and AfterBuzz  NRA Country Featured Artist of the Month The momentum doesn’t seem to be slowing down for Aaron Lewis who “brings a raw honesty to his songs on the new album SINNER that Country Music radio has not heard in a long time” (Maverick Magazine). The self-proclaimed “Northern Redneck” and outspoken artist is currently holding the top position on the Top 200 Albums, Top Country Albums and Top Digital Albums Charts as well as comes in at No. 4 on Billboard’s Top 200 Consumption Chart with his first project on Dot Records. Get SINNER here. The lead single, “That Ain’t Country,” is currently being introduced to Country radio and has sparked a conversation on the current state of what is being played on the airwaves. “Everyone is entitled to their own opinions and that is what makes America great,” stated Lewis. “I grew up listening to Merle, Waylon, Willie, Charlie Daniels and more on the radio. So when I listen to what is being played today, I barely recognize it as Country music. So that is where the song originated.” The official video for “That Ain’t Country” premiered recently on American Songwriter and Shazam exclusively premiered the behind-the-scenes footage for fans on the platform. Visit the “That Ain’t County” page on the app to catch the sneak peek. As September’s NRA Country Featured Artist, Lewis will continue to be promoted via NRA Country socials, online, and on radio, engaging 5 million plus proud members and country fans. He is on the West Coast today (9/26) with appearances on KTLA’s Morning News, The Big Time with Whitney Allen, AOL (Facebook Live) and AfterBuzz TV. Lewis is also on the road for various stops nationwide including the Route 91 Harvest Ground Festival in Las Vegas on October 1 before he officially kicks off the SINNER TOUR on October 24 at the Troubadour in Hollywood, CA. For a full list of tour dates, visit AaronLewisMusic.com. Aaron Lewis on Tour *Ticket will include a digital download of the full album ‘Sinner’ with every ticket purchased Sept 28 San Diego, CA Humphrey’s Concerts Sept 29 Merced, CA Art Kamanger Center Sept 30 Stateline, NV Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Oct 1     Las Vegas, NV Route 66 Fest Oct 8    Jefferson, IA Wild Rose Casino Oct 14 Corpus Christi, TX Brewster Street Ice Oct 15 Houston, TX ZiegenBock Music Festival *Oct 24 Hollywood, CA Troubadour *Oct 26 Ventura, CA Majestic Theatre *Oct 27 Anaheim, CA The Grove Theatre *Oct 28 Sacramento, CA Ace of Spades *Oct 29 Riverside, CA Riverside Municipal *Nov 3  Bend, OR Midtown Ballroom *Nov 4  Spokane, WA Knitting Factory *Nov 5  Boise, ID Knitting Factory *Nov 6  Salt Lake City, UT The Depot *Nov 10 Wichita, KS The Cotillion *Nov 11 Burlington, IA Memorial Auditorium *Nov 12 St Louis, MO The Pageant *Nov 15 Beacon Theatre, New York City *Dec 8   Glasgow, KY Plaza Theatre Continue reading Aaron Lewis’ ‘SINNER’ Debuts Atop The Top 200 Albums, Top Country Albums And Top Digital Albums Charts→

SHOOTER JENNINGS BLACK RIBBONS: ULTIMATE EDITION OUT NOV. 8

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September 27, 2016 — Shooter Jennings recently announced the newly packaged and remastered version of his critically acclaimed groundbreaking album Black Ribbons: The Ultimate Edition to hit stores on Election Day, November 8, 2016. Pre-orders are available now at BRCMedia.com, and the amazing bundle will include double vinyl LP and CD copies of the remastered record, an extras CD of previously unreleased tracks, a digital download including over six hours of additional content and a collectible card. The genre-breaking, dystopian concept album is narrated by famed horror author Stephen King and is set in the near future, when the U.S. Government has control over the airwaves and a lone radio DJ vows to play the one band the authorities forbid him to play. The album takes the listener on an incredible multi-genre, anti-establishment infused journey that brings you right back where the album was conceptualized – truth and awakening He is supporting the new album with a provocative limited audio series entitled “Beyond The Black,” which takes music lovers song by song through the story of Black Ribbons and how the concepts and theories behind the project still ring true today. He also dishes on politics, conspiracy theories and more on the weekly series, which is available now at beyondthe.black. The SiriusXM Outlaw Country tribute to the late Colonel Jon Hensley is now on demand. The larger-than-life manager, who was no stranger to Shooter’s fans, also had a hand in producing Billy Don Burns: A Night In Room 8 with Shooter. Fans can hear the likes of Greg Garing, JD Wilkes, Jessi Colter, Julie Roberts, Billy Don Burns, Josh Morningstar and Tommy Townshend on the special episode. #forthecolonel#formarty For the past three years, Shooter has been performing with Waymore’s Outlaws – three of Waylon’s original musicians and lead singer Tommy Townsend. He recently announced the beginning of a farewell tour with the foursome. Shooter will soon be touring with his own band, and Waymore’s will kick off their own tour beginning in February 2017. www.shooterjennings.com www.facebook.com/ShooterJennings www.twitter.com/shooterjennings www.instagram.com/shooterjennings/ www.bcrmedia.com  

Trace Adkins Donates to Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts Led by American Red Cross

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Trace Adkins on Country Music News Blog!

Receives Outstanding Civilian Service Award from United States Army Louisiana native and Country star Trace Adkins donated his fee from his Saturday night performance in Vinton, Louisiana to the American Red Cross. Adkins’ donation will specifically fund relief efforts in his home state of Louisiana after catastrophic flooding killed 13 people and resulted in at least $8.7 billion in damages, according to Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards. Adkins, a longtime supporter of the American Red Cross, lent his message of support in Raycom Media’s telethon, Louisiana Rising: A Concert to Support Flood Relief. Adkins will also be presented with the United States Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Award this Thursday, Sept., 15. The award is the third-highest public service honor the Army can bestow upon a civilian. For the past month, the American Red Cross has been on the ground in Louisiana, helping thousands of people affected by the devastating flooding. As of September 13, it is estimated that the Red Cross relief effort in Louisiana could cost $25 to $30 million. Red Cross workers are providing shelter, food and comfort right now, and will continue to be there in the weeks ahead, helping residents recover from this massive disaster. “We are so grateful to Trace Adkins for his long-standing support of the Red Cross and for stepping up again now when his home state of Louisiana is in need,” said Don Herring, chief development officer for the American Red Cross. “Funds generously donated by our partners like Mr. Adkins and the general public are essential to our ability to immediately fulfill the mission of the Red Cross when disaster strikes.” ABOUT TRACE ADKINS: Trace Adkins roared back into 2016 with the release of “Jesus and Jones,” and “Lit,” his first two singles with BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records ahead of his upcoming album expected Fall 2016. In the first, he walks the line between Saturday night and Sunday morning is an instant classic from a man with an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other. It’s par for the course from Adkins, whose trademark baritone has powered countless hits and sold over 10 million albums, cumulatively. The hit list includes “You’re Gonna Miss This,” “Ladies Love Country Boys,” “Songs About Me,” “ ;Every Light In The House,” “Hillbilly Bone” (Blake Shelton & Trace Adkins), and “Just Fishin’,” to name a few. The Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a TV personality, actor, author and spokesman for the American Red Cross, for whom he raised over $1.5 million dollars as winner of NBC’s All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Trace makes an appearance in Deepwater Horizon coming to theaters September 30 (starring Dylan O’Brien, Mark Wahlberg, Kate Hudson). Adkins is also widely known for his support and advocacy for America’s servicemen and women. In May 2016, he was awarded the prestigious Dwight D. Eisenhower Award. To date, he has performed 11 USO Tours. In his 2007 autobiography, A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck, the former Continue reading Trace Adkins Donates to Louisiana Flood Relief Efforts Led by American Red Cross→

Target and Garth Brooks Team Up to Release “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection,” An Exclusive 10-Disc Boxed Set Featuring New Album

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Brooks’ new album with exclusive bonus songs will be part of the retailer’s boxed set, available at Target Nov. 11 in advance of the album’s national release Target Corp. (NYSE: TGT) and Garth Brooks today announced they are collaborating to release an e .xclusive 10-disc boxed set, “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection,” on Nov. 11, ahead of the national release of his highly anticipated new album. The boxed set will include an exclusive version of the new album, featuring Target bonus tracks, and nine discs of curated music from his celebrated catalog, remastered in thematic playlists and featuring a selection of previously unreleased songs. Complete track lists, pricing and pre-sale information for “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection” will be released later this fall. “Target has always been a friend to artists and their music. I can’t begin to describe how excited I am to be partnering with them,” said Brooks. “This holiday season is going to be amazing with a new album, plus a boxed set with never-before-released music from the vault and music you can’t hear or get anywhere else.. “Simply put, Garth is in a league of his own. He is unquestionably one of the most accomplished and celebrated musicians, with a fan base that spans all ages and genres,” said Mark Tritton, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “We’re thrilled to welcome Garth into the Target family, and are confident that the boxed set we’ve created with him, which we’ll offer for an unbeatable value, will be at the top of many wish lists this holiday season.” This exclusive boxed set with Brooks continues Target’s legacy of partnering with world-class musicians to give fans more music and access to their favorite artists. This includes partnering with Gwen Stefani to deliver a show-stopping live commercial moment during the 2016 GRAMMY® Awards broadcast on CBS, which served as her video for the hit song “Make Me Like You.” In 2015, Target partnered with Adele on a campaign to give fans a sneak peek of tracks from her album, “25,” through seven captivating commercial spots prior to the album’s release. The record-breaking album sold one million copies at Target in the first 10 days following its launch. For the latest news about “Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection” and the singer’s partnership with Target, fans can visit Target.com/abullseyeview.  

ELI YOUNG BAND OFFERS FRESH "SALTWATER GOSPEL" FOOTAGE

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Last week, PEOPLE.com premiered the music video for Eli Young Band’s refreshing new single “Saltwater Gospel.” The chart-topping act is now offering up unreleased behind-the-scenes footage, available now via http://smarturl.it/SWGbts. Set off the serene coast of Cannon Beach, Oregon, the band searched for the perfect location where they “feel the power of the saltwater gospel” as described in the track. “We knew this wasn’t your everyday kind of beach song, which is why we had to find a beach that wasn’t your everyday kind of beach,” lead singer Mike Eli tells PEOPLE, expressing that the track “is about so much more than just saltwater.” James Young adds, “the vastness of any ocean can humbl e you quickly and sometimes you realize just how small you are on this planet earth.”   Produced by Jeremy Stover and Ross Copperman, the song serves as the lead single for EYB’s forthcoming album, and marks their first release for The Valory Music Co. It seems only fitting that both the production and lyrical content driving “Salwater Gospel” share a common theme for the band: spiritual renewal.     DOWNLOAD: “Saltwater Gospel” HERE   WATCH: BTS content & Music video  

Dolly Parton Releases Lyric Video For "Head Over High Heels"

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Dolly Parton

Today, world renowned superstar Dolly Parton has released the lyric video for “Head Over High Heels,” a track from her recently released critically acclaimed Pure & Simple album on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville. The lyric video premiered yesterday on Cosmopolitan, see their exclusive interview here. Dolly’s 43rd studio recording and the first release of her recently-announced joint venture b etween Dolly Records and Sony Music Nashville, achieves #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with first-week sales of 20,000 units! This marks the first time Dolly has topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in the 25-year history of SoundScan. The new album which released August 19th on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville lands the #11 slot on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with a first-week total consumption of 21,000. On Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, the disc debuts at #1. In the UK, Pure & Simple enters the all-genre album sales chart at #2, behind Frank Ocean’s Blonde. DOLLY PARTON PURE & SIMPLE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:  Sept. 19 Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC, Canada Sept. 21 ShoWare Center – Kent, Wash. SOLD OUT Sept. 22 Northern Quest Casino – Airway Heights, Wash. Sept. 24 Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, Calif. Sept. 25 Santa Barbara Bowl – Santa Barbara, Calif. Sept. 27 Valley View Casino – San Diego, Calif. Sept. 28 Vina Robles Amphitheatre – Paso Robles, Calif. Sept. 30 Laughlin Amphitheatre – Laughlin, Nev. Oct. 01 Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, Calif. Oct. 02 Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, Calif. Nov. 15 LeConte Center – Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Nov. 16 Von Braun Center Arena – Huntsville, AL Nov. 18 North Charleston Coliseum – North Charleston S.C. Nov. 26 Amalie Arena – Tampa FL Nov. 27 BB&T – Sunrise, FL Nov. 29 Pensacola Bay Center – Pensacola, FL Nov. 30 Smoothie King Center – New Orleans, LA Dec. 02 American Bank Center Arena – Corpus Christi, TX Dec. 03 Verizon Theatre – Grand Prairie, TX Dec. 05 NRG Arena – Houston, TX Dec. 06 Frank Erwin Center – Austin, TX Dec. 08 Tobin Center for the Performing Arts – San Antonio, TX Dec. 09 Global Event Center at WinStar World Casino and Resort – Thackerville, Okla. Dec. 10 Global Event Center at WinStar World Casino and Resort – Thackerville, Okla. Fans can link to purchase Pure & Simple and the various versions available by exclusive partners below: Cracker Barrel: http://smarturl.it/dollycbps Walmart: http://smarturl.it/walmartdolly Amazon Music: http://smarturl.it/amzmusicdolly Amazon Physical: http://smarturl.it/amazondolly Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/dollypartonps Google: http://smarturl.it/gpdolly Spotify: http://smarturl.it/spotifydolly< /div> Walmart’s special version of Pure & Simple includes a bonus disc, featuring Dolly’s greatest hits and exclusive tracks. The Cracker Barrel deluxe version contains her Pure & Simple album complemented by two tracks, the smash hits “Jolene” and “9 To 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival, along with a 48-page ZinePak magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton. ABOUT DOLLY PARTON An internationally renowned superstar, the iconic and irrepressible Dolly Parton has contributed countless treasures to the world of entertainment. All-inclusive sales of singles, albums, hits Continue reading Dolly Parton Releases Lyric Video For "Head Over High Heels"→