Category Archives: Christmas

Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson Appear In Cracker Barrel Series ‘Rocking And Stockings’

Posted on by

ATLANTIC/WMN’s BRETT ELDREDGE and Pop artist KELLY CLARKSON are featured in CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE’s series, “Rocking And Stockings,” which includes performances of new hits and holiday classics. CLARKSON’s episode premiered today (11/13) on CRACKER BARREL’s YOUTUBE channel, while ELDREDGE’s performances of CHRISTMAS classics “Have Yourself A Merry Little CHRISTMAS” and “First Noel” from his 2016 holiday album, “Glow,” release next MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17th. “CHRISTMAS is far and away my favorite holiday, and recording the music for ‘Glow’ was a dream come true,” said ELDREDGE. “I’ve been inspired for this record from a very young age, and I dreamt of the day I could record all these classic songs that I’ve loved since I was a little kid. I think we found a little magic on this album, and CHRISTMAS is all about magic!”

Reba McEntire to Host CMA Country Christmas

Posted on by
Reba News on Country Music News Blog

It looks like Reba is taking the reigns when it comes time to ring in that holiday spirit. Jennifer Nettles is stepping down and Reba is stepping up to host the annual CMA Country Christmas special. The program will be taped in Nashville, TN at the Grand Ole Opry House on November 14th, and then later brodacast on November 27th on ABC. REBA MCENTIRE will host the eighth annual “CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS” program, to be taped on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14th at the GRAND OLE OPRY HOUSE in NASHVILLE. The show will then air as a two-hour holiday special MONDAY, NOVEMBER 27th at 8p (ET) on ABC-TV.

Deck the Halls with Jennifer Nettles in an All-New Christmas ConcertPremiering on AXS TV Dec. 20 at 9pE

Posted on by

AXS TV is proud to premiere an all-new Christmas concert from GRAMMY®-Winning country artist Jennifer Nettles next Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. “Band Against Cancer presents Jennifer Nettles: ‘Tis the Season” was filmed live a the CMA Theater in Nashville and features a blend of holiday classics and new favorites. More details about this special holiday television event are available in the press release attached and embedded below along with a photo for media use. Please let me know if you have any questions. We greatly appreciate any features, highlights or holiday programming-related mentions you can provide DECK THE HALLS WITH JENNIFER NETTLES IN AN ALL-NEW CHRISTMAS CONCERT PREMIERING ON AXS TV DECEMBER 20 AT 9pE ‘Band Against Cancer presents Jennifer Nettles: ‘Tis The Season’ was Filmed Live at the CMA Theater in Nashville GRAMMY®-Winning Artist’s Set List Includes a Blend of Holiday Classics and New Favorites LOS ANGELES – December 13, 2016 –AXS TV offers viewers a Country Christmas with GRAMMY®-winning entertainer Jennifer Nettles as the network premieres an all-new holiday television event on Tues., Dec. 20 at 9pE. Band Against Cancer presents Jennifer Nettles: ‘Tis The Season was originally filmed live at the world-famous CMA Theater in Nashville. In this special, Nettles’ signature vocals are on full display as the set list features a charming blend of classics and modern favorites from her latest album TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS (Big Machine Records.) The special will also have a same night encore broadcast at 11pE and subsequent airings Wed., Dec. 21 at 10pE; Thurs., Dec. 22 at 9pE; Fri., Dec. 23 at 4pE and 6pE; Wed., Dec. 28 at 10pE; and Thurs., Dec. 29 at 9pE. “Jennifer Nettles is one of the most celebrated women in Country today, and her unique take on these classic and modern tunes is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season,” said Michele M. Dix, AXS TV’s Senior Vice President, Programming and Development. “There is truly something here for everyone to enjoy, whether you’re a Country fan or you just love the spirit of the season. AXS TV is proud to be a part of this incredible event supporting such an important cause.” The hour-long Yuletide concert special includes “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” “O Holy Night,” and “Merry Christmas With Love,” among others. The unforgettable evening was held to raise funds and awareness for the Band Against Cancer movement—a joint partnership between cancer specialist Sarah Cannon and Big Machine Label Group, aimed at helping people with cancer connect to the support and resources they need. ABOUT AXS TV AXS TV is the cable industry’s leading general entertainment network for live event programming. Launched in July 2012 by visionary entrepreneur Mark Cuban, AXS TV is dedicated to providing groundbreaking music programming, stand-up comedy performances from today’s top comedians, and hard-hitting mixed martial arts promotions. The network’s franchises include THE X FACTOR UK and NASHVILLE; as well as original programs such as THE BIG INTERVIEW with Dan Rather; ROCK & Continue reading Deck the Halls with Jennifer Nettles in an All-New Christmas ConcertPremiering on AXS TV Dec. 20 at 9pE→

SiriusXM’s ’12 Days Of Country Christmas Live’ Lineup Features NineCountry Legends To Celebrate The Holidays in December

Posted on by
Merry Christmas from Country Music News Blog

SIRIUSXM’S ’12 DAYS OF COUNTRY CHRISTMAS LIVE’ LINEUP FEATURES TANYA TUCKER, COLLIN RAYE, JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY, T. GRAHAM BROWN, THE BELLAMY BROTHERS, MARK WILLS, JOHNNY LEE, T.G. SHEPPARD AND EXILE “12 Days of Country Christmas LIVE” Begins Airing on SiriusXM Ch. 587 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 5, 2016) – Webster Public Relations is proud to announce nine artists on the company’s roster as performers for SiriusXM’s “12 Days of Country Christmas LIVE,” including Tanya Tucker, Collin Raye, John Michael Montgomery, T. Graham Brown, The Bellamy Brothers, Mark Wills, Johnny Lee, T.G. Sheppard and Exile. “12 Days of Country Christmas LIVE” SiriusXM Ch. 58: Dec. 05 Collin Raye 6PM ET Dec. 06 Exile 6PM ET Dec. 07 Mark Wills 6PM ET Dec. 08 Johnny Lee 6PM ET Dec. 10 John Michael Montgomery 6PM ET Dec. 11 T. Graham Brown 6PM ET Dec. 13 The Bellamy Brothers 6PM ET Dec. 14 T.G. Sheppard 6PM ET Dec. 15 Tanya Tucker 6PM ET ABOUT COLLIN RAYE: Collin Raye’s searing ballads and electric performances have been captivating country audiences for more than 25 years. With 16 No. 1 hits, 24 top 10s and ten Male Vocalist Of The Year nominations, Raye has clearly emerged as one of the great voices of our time. The De Queen, Arkansas native rose to fame in 1991 with the timeless number one hit, “Love, Me.” In 1994, his music video for “Little Rock,” led to over 100,000 phone calls to help lines from those seeking help with their addictions. “Not That Different,” was a song that pleaded for tolerance, and “I Think About You” (awarded as “Video Of The Year” by the Academy of Country Music in 1997) exposed exploitation of women and children. His latest album projects include His Love Remains, his first inspirational hymns album, as well as Still On The Line, a tribute album to Glen Campbell. In 2014, he released his moving autobiography, A Voice Undefeated. He has topped the charts with songs such as “In This Life,” “I Can Still Feel You,” and “That’s My Story,” “One Boy, One Girl” and more. He is currently performing across the U.S. on The Big 25 Tour. For more information on Collin Raye and upcoming tour dates, visit collinraye.com. ABOUT EXILE: Pop/country crossover group EXILE just released their first ever Christmas album, Wrapped Up In Your Arms for Christmas. The project features three original songs written by the band’s J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, as well their spin on holiday favorites . EXILE formed in 1963 looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and country charts during their over 50 year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over,” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980’s EXILE start to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts EXILE has successfully had ten No. 1 singles including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One Continue reading SiriusXM’s ’12 Days Of Country Christmas Live’ Lineup Features NineCountry Legends To Celebrate The Holidays in December→

OLIVIA LANE SHINED AT THE 93RD ANNUAL NEW YORK STOCK EXCHANGE TREE LIGHTING (12/1)

Posted on by
Olivia Lane on CountryMusicNewsBlog.com

Rising newcomer Olivia Lane shined at the 93rd Annual New York Stock Exchange Tree Lighting on Thursday (12/1) as she performed a vivacious four-song set, including “Lightning,” “Make My Own Sunshine,” “My Heartbreak” and her holiday single, the Brenda Lee classic, “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” All of the songs are featured on her deluxe self-titled EP, available now. National radio personality Trey Morgan emceed the event, which also included performances by The Radio City Rockettes, 98 Degrees’ Jeff Timmons, Santa Claus and a special appearance by supermodel and entrepreneur Christie Brinkley. Lane’s deluxe edition of her self-titled EP, produced by GRAMMY-nominated musician and 2015 Academy of Country Music’s (ACM) “Studio Recording Award” honoree Ilya Toshinskiy, has been well-received by media and fans alike with Taste of Country naming the Texas native “Country’s queen of righteous heartbreak songs” and Rolling Stone noting here as an artist “who leads with her sass and robust voice.” The talented singer-songwriter has writing credits on seven of the nine songs on the project. With the early success of the “She Fits” tour contest, Lane recently told The Boot she is gearing up to “connect one-on-one with fans and try out new music” for what is sure to be an “intimate gathering.” Fans can still enter to win a house party from the charismatic singer herself right in their own living room or backyard. Known for her effervescent personality and powerhouse vocals, Lane has been selected for iTunes Country New Artist Spotlight, named an Entertainment Weekly “Breaking Big” artist, featured as one of Rolling Stone Country’s “10 New Country Artists You Need To Know” and spotlighted in CMT’s Listen Up Music Discovery Program. The fresh-faced newcomer has been immersed in the craft and tradition of Country music since she was a little girl, eager to follow in the footsteps of her mother who was a Country singer. In college at USC, she honed her calling studying music, songwriting and acting. Immediately upon graduation, Lane moved to Nashville to pursue her lifelong dream of a career in Country music. OLIVIA LANE (Deluxe Edition) is available here. For additional tour dates and information on Olivia Lane visit www.olivialane.com. Reach out to her on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.  

JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARS TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS 

Posted on by
Merry Christmas from Country Music News Blog

JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARED TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS AFTER UNFORGETTABLE TV PERFORMANCE LIGHTS UP NBC’S CHRISTMAS IN ROCKEFELLER CENTER RECEIVES RAVE REVIEWS FOR CMA COUNTRY CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE DEBUT PUBLIC TELEVISION SPECIAL ‘TIS THE SEASON AIRS ACROSS THE NATION THIS DECEMBER HOLIDAY TOUR UNDERWAY WITH AMY GRANT & MICHAEL W. SMITH New York, NY (December 1, 2016) – Following a powerhouse performance at NBC’s Christmas In Rockefeller Center last night, JORDAN SMITH’s first holiday album, ‘Tis The Season [LightWorkers/Republic Records], holds strong in the Top 3 of iTunes Overall Top Albums Chart today. The chart-topping singer and the “best-selling artist in the history of NBC’s The Voice” illuminated New York City last night during the prestigious tree lighting at Rockefeller Center as he performed “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town”. Following his recent return to The Voice, ‘Tis The Season enjoyed a 699% increase at iTunes, capturing #1 on iTunes Holiday Album and Amazon Digital Album charts. Moreover, all of his tracks achieved a 1,000% increase on iTunes. Check out the stunning performance of “O Holy Night” from The Voice HERE. It’s been a banner week for the vocalist. On Monday, he graced the stage at CMA Country Christmas and delivered his blockbuster rendition of the classic “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch.” Hollywood Life claimed, “JORDAN dominated the Christmas jam in a sultry, jazzy rendition,” adding “JORDAN offered the audience his signature long, Adele-like voice and his amazing personality.” Country Living went on to say, “JORDAN SMITH stole the show at CMA Country Christmas.” JORDAN has absolutely dominated the holiday season. During his returned to The Voice, his label and coach Adam Levine surprised him with a special plaque commemorating his status as the “best-selling artist in the history of the show” with over 7 million tracks sold to date. He teamed with Amy Grant of “Grown Up Christmas List” for a duet of “Silent Night” on the Hallmark Home & Family: Home for the Holidays special. He appears on HARRY 12/6. Throughout this month, his very first public television special entitled ‘TIS THE SEASON airs across the nation. Check local listings for airing dates and times, and visit JORDAN’s web site for updates throughout the holidays! Right now, JORDAN is in the midst of a Christmas tour with Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith until December 18. Check out remaining dates below. Produced by legendary Grammy Award-winning producer David Foster, ‘Tis The Season sees JORDAN take on 12 Christmas classics with his own stunning style, spirit, and soul. These include standards such as “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “O Holy Night” featuring the Grammy and Emmy Award winning The Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Among the albums’ many highlights, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” is a modern take on the timeless classic, and is Jordan’s personal favorite. Check out the full tracklisting below. “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” ‘Tis The Season Television Special Performance: LINK: http://vevo.ly/6T7mc6 Continue reading JORDAN SMITH’S ‘TIS THE SEASON SOARS TO #1 ON ITUNES HOLIDAY ALBUM & AMAZON DIGITAL ALBUM CHARTS →

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

Posted on by
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)

Restless Heart Conducts "Old Toy Trains" for Country Radio

Posted on by
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.  

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)

Posted on by

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.

"Glow: An Evening with Brett Eldredge" Holiday Concert Special Airs Friday, November 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on AT&T’s AUDIENCE Network via DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114

Posted on by

Holiday Concert Special Airs Friday, November 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV and U-verse (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114) Watch a “First Look” from the Concert as Brett Eldredge Performs “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” on PEOPLE.COM (HERE) Watch the trailer for “Glow: An Evening with Brett Eldredge,” airing Friday, November 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on AUDIENCE Network, DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114 (here). Tune in to the AUDIENCE Network holiday concert special “Glow: An Evening with Brett Eldredge,” premiering Friday, November 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT via DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114. Ring in the season as the CMA Award-winning and platinum-selling country singer performs his brand new album Glow in its entirety alongside a big band at Bally’s Live in Las Vegas. For this exclusive holiday concert, Eldredge will perform standards like “White Christmas,” “Baby It’s Cold Outside” and more (see track listing below). Glow marks the third studio album and first Christmas album from Eldredge and is available now via Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville (here). “Bringing a Christmas record like this to Vegas is something I’ve been waiting to do my whole life,” said Brett Eldredge.“These songs were meant to be sung in a place like this, a place where Dean Martin himself performed. As a kid, I started out singing jazz music. I wanted to be Frank Sinatra! When I was 14 years old, I was singing like I was 50.” For a preview of the AUDIENCE Network concert special “Glow: An Evening with Brett Eldredge,” watch an exclusive “First Look” as he performs the holiday favorite “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” on PEOPLE.COM (here). http://people.com/country/brett-eldredge-christmas-special-let-it-snow-sneak-peek/ AUDIENCE Network‘s new music slate continues to deliver groundbreaking concerts, unique stories and exclusive performances across all genres, plus select programming in ultra high-definition/4K*, to audiences nationwide since multiple series began airing this past January. Recent concert specials include: CeeLo Green, Hank Williams Jr., Cheap Trick, Peter Frampton, Flo Rida, Martina McBride, Lukas Graham, Kelsea Ballerini, Fall Out Boy and Panic! at the Disco, 2 Chainz, Keith Urban, The Lumineers, Cole Swindell, Cypress Hill, Dan + Shay, Josh Kelley, Andra Day, JR JR, YOUNG THE GIANT, Melissa Etheridge, Mac Miller, Good Charlotte and others. New shows premiere via national broadcast Friday at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114, as well as streaming on directv.com, uverse.com and on smartphones and tablets, via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.** AUDIENCE Network‘s multiple series of original and exclusive performances give music fans an intimate view of music’s most influential artists today. The network collaborates directly with musicians to create a unique show from their perspective. Platinum-selling recording artist Brett Eldredge is setting the season to Glow with the release of his first-ever holiday album, available now. The powerhouse vocalist recorded the 11-track collection in the legendary Avatar Studios in New York with producers Rob Mounsey (Elton John, James Taylor, Idina Menzel, Michael Bublé) and Jay Newland (Etta James, Paul Simon, Stevie Continue reading "Glow: An Evening with Brett Eldredge" Holiday Concert Special Airs Friday, November 25, at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on AT&T’s AUDIENCE Network via DIRECTV Ch 239 and U-verse Ch 1114→