New Music from Kenny Chesney!

Kenny Chesney Tour News | Photo Credit: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney Returns! Hear the People-Positive “Get Along” 4/6 Leave it to Kenny Chesney to tap into both the moment and the feel good. When the East Tennessee songwriter/superstar was working on what will be his most personal album to date, he found himself in a zone of looking at life, the world and the state of where we are now. From that soul-searching, the man the Los Angeles Times called “The People’s Superstar” found “Get Along.” With a deep pocket, a chorus that sweeps you up, banjo etching and Chesney’s signature acoustic guitar strum, the brisk mid-tempo offers an invitation to come together, find higher ground, exhale and seek a way of living that fosters harmony. In unlikely ways, the melody bubbles up, as the chorus offers a dose of self-acceptance and reality, “Get along on down the road/ We’ve got a long, long way to go/ Scared to live, scared to die/ We ain’t perfect, but we try…” “Some days, it’s like the world is just angry, screaming people,” Chesney reflects, “all harping on what’s wrong, how other people are awful. The more I move around, talking to people, though, the more I know people are seeking the same things, working hard to get by and hoping for the best for their family and friends. It’s simple, but we keep getting driven apart – and made unhappy. When I heard this song, beyond how good the rhythm felt, I was amazed how simply they broke all this stuff down. Get along… find the common ground… know the basic stuff is where the joy, the love, the happiness is.” Written by Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman and Josh Osborne, “Get Along” takes the exuberance of “American Kids,” the positivity of “Save It For A Rainy Day” and “Spread the Love” and the roots-driven musicality of “Everybody Wants To Go To Heaven” to a new place. Just as importantly, it continues expanding the 8-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year’s take on American music. “To me, music is what you make it, and I want music that sounds good, but also gives you permission to really live,” Chesney explains. “I think we can get so caught up in expectations, our own and other people’s, and we forget what matters.” Beyond the obvious notion to “always give love the upper hand,” the chorus breaks it down to some very specific real-life items: “paint a wall, learn to dance, call your mom, buy a boat, drink a beer, sing a song, make a friend,” before asking, “can’t we all just… get along.” Equally intriguing, the song can be as much an encouragement to move on instead of clinging to grudges, as it is an invitation to find common ground with others. At a time when divisiveness is commonplace, Chesney is about elevating the No Shoes Nation – a place truly without borders – to finding the best in each other, loving life and making memories to treasure. Continue reading New Music from Kenny Chesney!

RANDY TRAVIS ADDS CODY JINKS, HEIDI RAYE, JOSHUA HEDLEY, BLAKE SHELTON AND SHANE OWENS TO DIGGIN’ UP SONGS NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Randy Travis Diggin Up Songs

Randy Travis’ next round of songs on his Diggin’ Up Songs Spotify playlist premiered exclusively with Taste of Country yesterday. The playlist can be streamed here. Songs added this round include: “Hippies and Cowboys” by Cody Jinks “Junkyard” by Heidi Raye “I Never Shed A Tear” by Joshua Hedley “I Lived It” by Blake Shelton “Lie” by Shane Owens “This is so tough! Great thing is that we are realizing there is unbelievable talent out there, in the form of so many artists—writers and vocals!!” said Randy’s wife, Mary Davis-Travis. “This really makes you study the craft from another perspective—thank you for allowing Randy to do this!” Diggin’ Up Songs new music spotlight is a multi-faceted digital campaign across Spotify, Twitter, Facebook and RandyTravis.com highlighting music curated by Randy Travis himself. Five more songs will be added to the playlist on Monday, April 16. Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis has long since marked his spot in music history as one of the truly timeless country icons. Now, he is putting his years of experience and golden ear to good use by shining a spotlight on new music he believes in and enjoys listening to. About Randy Travis With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time and a recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. His honors include seven Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music statuettes, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, seven Music City News awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors, “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2002). To date, he has 18 No. 1 singles, 29 top-10 smashes and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit. Ten of his albums are Gold Records. Eight are Platinum. Two have gone Double Platinum. One is Triple Platinum and another is Quintuple Platinum. In 2004, Randy was honored with his own star in the Hollywood Walk of Fame and is honored on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville, TN. He has been a member of the cast of the Grand Ole Opry since 1986. Since his near fatal stroke in 2013, with the help of his wife Mary and rigorous physical therapy, Randy continues to make improvements in his speaking, walking, and yes, singing. For more information please visit www.randytravis.com.

Tribute Concert Celebrating Pioneering Women of Country, Blues and Folk to Benefit the Americana Music Association®

Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

A benefit concert for the Americana Music Association® at Music Hall Of Williamsburg on Wednesday, May 9 will feature some of this generation’s greatest talents paying homage to the pioneering women in songwriting history, including Patsy Cline, Dolly Parton, Bessie Smith, Carole King, Mahalia Jackson, Joni Mitchell, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and many more. Appearing to cover some of these legends are Amy Helm, The Barr Brothers, Cassandra Jenkins, Courtney Marie Andrews, Craig Finn from The Hold Steady, Deva Mahal, Elizabeth & The Catapult, Jade Bird, Kam Franklin from The Suffers, Kanene Pipkin from The Lone Bellow, Lola Kirke, Nicki Bluhm, and Vera Sola, with others to be announced. The show is being produced by Jesse Lauter (Tedeschi Trucks Band), Hannah Gold (City Winery/ Luck Reunion) and Drew Thurlow (Sony Masterworks, SVP of A&R), with music direction from Josh Kaufman (Bob Weir, The National). Master of Ceremonies for the evening will be Lola Kirke from Mozart in the Jungle. This year’s event is made possible in part by the support of Change The Conversation, a community coalition fighting gender inequality in the music industry. All proceeds will benefit the Americana Music Association®, a not-for-profit music trade organization. Since 1999, the mission of the Americana Music Association® has been to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world. In recent years, the Association has been a galvanizing force garnering recognition from the Recording Academy (Best Americana Album Award), Billboard‘s Americana/Folk Album Chart and the inclusion of the musical term, Amer·i·ca·na, to Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary. Tickets for the tribute show will be made available for purchase by members of the Americana Music Association® during an exclusive pre-sale on Thursday, April 5 beginning at 9AM EST. Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 6 starting at 9AM EST and can be purchased here: http://axs.com/events/352728/americana-benefit-tickets?skin=mhow About the Americana Music Association®: The Americana Music Association® is a professional not-for-profit trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world. The Association produces events throughout the year; including AMERICANAFEST®: The Americana Music Festival & Conference and the critically acclaimed Americana Honors & Awards program. The Americana Music Association® receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Lagunitas Brewing Company, RAM, Mountain Valley Water, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC. About AMERICANAFEST®: The 19th annual AMERICANAFEST®: The Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 11-16, 2018. The event brings together fans and music industry professionals alike, offering six days of celebration through seminars, panels and networking opportunities by day and raw, battery recharging showcases each night. The Americana Honors & Awards Show is the featured performance of the festivities, taking place at the historic Ryman Auditorium. For information on how to purchase a conference registration, please visit www.americanamusic.org. About Change the Conversation: Change the Conversation, an organization founded in 2014 by music executives Leslie Fram, Tracy Gershon and Beverly Keel, fights gender inequality in the music business by providing support, education, and a community for female artists and music professionals. For more information, visit www.changetheconversation.net.

Stephanie Quayle and Morgan Wallen Named Next Music Choice PRIMED Artists Featured on Today’s Country This April

Stephanie Quayle on Country Music News Blog!

Music Choice continues its “Primed” new artist initiative, highlighting the hottest new artists in all genres and their videos each week On Demand.  The next installments kick off with Stephanie Quayle on April 2nd and Morgan Wallen on April 9th on Music Choice On Demand. (Directional:  Music Choice On Demand>FEATURED)  Quayle and Wallen will also be featured on the Today’s Country Music and Video Channels.  Quayle’s new single “Selfish,” off her debut album, LOVE THE WAY YOU SEE ME, is currently climbing the charts at U.S. Country radio. Since releasing her album, Quayle has earned critical acclaim from Billboard, People, Huffington Post, Glamour, Hollywood Life, Inspirer Magazine, Taste Of Country, Sounds Like Nashville, to name a few. Quayle is set to make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 7. A week later on Saturday, April 14, she will perform at ACM’s Party For A Cause Festival in Las Vegas and will assume hosting duties for Wrangler Network on the red carpet at the 2018 ACM Awards on Sunday, April 15.  Big Loud recording artist Wallen has a surefire smash with his latest Top 20 single “Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line. The electric performer is selling out venues across the country on his headlining UP DOWN TOUR and will join megastar Luke Bryan’s WHAT MAKES YOU COUNTRY TOUR as support beginning in May. Also an in-demand songwriter, Wallen has co-penned hits for A Thousand Horses, Dustin Lynch, and Kane Brown, as well as Jason Aldean’s sultry Top 10 “You Make It Easy.” Primed focuses on artists who are on the rise in the music industry, or international artists ready to make a name for themselves in the U.S. Who knows more about new artists than we do? The rising stars themselves.  Get to know the next big thing on Primed, where artists introduce themselves to viewers and discuss what defines their sound. #MCPrimed A sneak peak of each Music Choice episode can be found here:   Stephanie Quayle on Signing To Rebel Engine –  Video Link:   Morgan Wallen on Going From Songwriter To Singer – Video Link:     Primed was originally launched on Music Choice On Demand in 2013.  Artist that have been featured include: Macklemore, Lorde, Imagine Dragons, A$AP Rocky and many more. Get Music Choice on all your devices, and find out more at app.musicchoice.com  

Taylor Swift Returns to Nashville as Part of Bluebird Cafe Documentary

Taylor Swift News and Tour information from Country Music News Blog

BIG MACHINE RECORDS’ TAYLOR SWIFT made a surprise appearance at NASHVILLE’s BLUEBIRD CAFE over the weekend to perform for the intimate crowd. SWIFT was welcomed to the stage by veteran songwriter CRAIG WISEMAN, who was the BLUEBIRD’s main billing on SATURDAY, MARCH 31st. SWIFT performed “Shake It Off;” “Better Man,” which she wrote for LITTLE BIG TOWN; and “Love Story,” which SWIFT told the crowd she originally intended to co-write with WISEMAN before he opted out of the session, according to the TENNESSEAN. SWIFT’s performance at the BLUEBIRD was filmed for a documentary that will honor the venue’s 35th anniversary. The iconic NASHVILLE landmark holds personal significance for SWIFT, as it was there that BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP Pres./CEO SCOTT BORCHETTA first heard SWIFT play, when she was only in eighth grade, and offered her a publishing deal. SWIFT has spent recent years dominating the Pop charts and is currently preparing for her “REPUTATION TOUR,” which is set to kick off next month.

Trisha Yearwood Debuts ‘Trisha’s Take 5’ On SiriusXM’s ‘Garth Channel’

Trisha Yearwood on Country Music News Blog

SIRIUSXM’s “THE GARTH CHANNEL” debuted a new weekly show, “TRISHA’S TAKE 5,”  hosted by TRISHA YEARWOOD. The show will air MONDAYs at 5p (ET). Each week, YEARWOOD will handpick a four-song theme, then invite listeners to choose a fifth track. In addition to its original airing, “TRISHA’S TAKE 5” will be rebroadcast at various times during the week. “I’m so excited to share my favorite music with SIRIUSXM listeners, and I’m honored to host my own show on GARTH’s SIRIUSXM channel,” said YEARWOOD. “I love the ‘GARTH CHANNEL,’ because it explores such diverse music. No artist is influenced by just one genre of music. But, of all the great voices you’ll hear on ‘ THE GARTH CHANNEL,’ I’m most excited about including the voice of the listener on ‘TRISHA’S TAKE 5.’” SIRIUSXM’s “THE GARTH CHANNEL” was first launched in SEPTEMBER of 2016

Early 2018 ACM Award Winners Announced!

ACM Award winners 2018

Congratulations are in order for Lauren Alaina, Midland and Brett Young! The Academy announced this morning that the three have been named New Female Vocalist of the Year, New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year and New Male Vocalist of the Year, respectively. Alaina, Midland and Young received the news via a surprise phone call from this year’s ACM Awards host Reba McEntire. In addition to receiving their first-ever ACM Award wins, they will also be performing at the ACM Awards show for the first time on Sunday, April 15th in Las Vegas.   Watch the moment they heard the good news! Click to see Lauren, Midland and Brett ‘s reactions. And click below to see them LIVE in Las Vegas at the 53rd ACM Awards!

Watch Now: Cam and Smokey Robinson “Burning House”

CMT Crossroads pairs Cam with Smokey Robinson

Enjoy Smokey Robinson and Cam performing her “Burning House.” Catch the full episode of CMT Crossroads: Smokey Robinson & Cam Wednesday, March 28th at 10/9c on CMT. SUBSCRIBE now for more CMT on Youtube: http://bit.ly/2r4dHA1 Watch more videos from CMT now: http://bit.ly/2gJ0kWw FOLLOW CMT: Facebook: http://at.cmt.com/Bsd230cWd2t Twitter: http://at.cmt.com/uXwGj Instagram: http://at.cmt.com/uXx1Q CMT.com: http://at.cmt.com/RIyG30cWddh Add CMT on SNAPCHAT: CMT

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Bring Ole Red to Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Ole Red Gatlinburg

Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to open a third Ole Red entertainment venue in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With a planned opening in spring 2019, Ole Red Gatlinburg will be a $9 million, multi-level 16,000-square-foot entertainment venue with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and exterior terrace. Its chef-driven, Shelton-inspired menu will feature a few Nashville classics like Hot Chicken & Waffles as well as BBQ, burgers and additional Southern favorites. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent hit “Ol’ Red,” the Ole Red brand is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail products 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. Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, Colin Reed, said, “With 12 million annual visitors and a rich country music legacy, Gatlinburg is an ideal destination for the Ole Red brand. We know the Smoky Mountain region is tremendously popular with country lifestyle consumers, and we believe Ole Red offers a unique entertainment experience that will attract even more visitors to the area.” The venue will be equipped with state-of-the-art performance equipment including concert-level production and sound capabilities, along with LED screens throughout the space. Programming will include curated concert line-ups, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the venue nears completion. Blake Shelton said, “Gatlinburg is one of my all-time favorite places. This part of the country is full of people who love good food, great music, family and most importantly, a good time. That’s what Ole Red is all about, and I can’t wait to give my fans another place to have fun in Gatlinburg.” The Ole Red Gatlinburg announcement comes a few weeks before Ole Red Nashville, a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue in the heart of Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway, is expected to open in May of 2018. Ole Red Nashville includes a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor, private event space, and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop with an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant featuring panoramic views of Lower Broadway. Ole Red Gatlinburg and Ole Red Nashville join Ole Red Tishomingo, which opened in September of 2017 in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. Reed continued, “It was our intention to make this announcement from Gatlinburg today. Unfortunately due to the inclement winter weather, we had to change our plans. I would like to sincerely thank everyone in Gatlinburg who was involved in making this great venture possible. We are thrilled to be a part of the city’s growth, and we look forward to coming back to Gatlinburg very soon.” Ole Red Gatlinburg will be located at 511 Parkway, the main drive into town from Pigeon Forge. Ryman Hospitality Properties holds a long-term lease on the building and is working with Tuck-Hinton Architects and Anderson Design Studio on the project. Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Bring Ole Red to Gatlinburg, Tenn.

Chris Janson Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry

Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville country artist Chris Janson was inducted as the newest and youngest living member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Garth Brooks, an Opry member since 1990. Addressing Janson on stage, Brooks said, “Driving in here tonight, I passed a billboard that says ‘Welcome To The Family.’ Family is a great name for this place. Another great name for this place is church. That’s what it’s all about. Because if any time you are at your lowest, these people are going to be here for you. And they’ll expect the same out of you, and they’ll get the same out of you.” Handing Janson his Opry member award, Brooks added, “Chris, it is my honor to welcome you to the family. This will be– no matter how many times you look back on it– the greatest night of your music career.” “How do you not cry on a night like this?” Janson began. “To know me is to know I really, truly love the Grand Ole Opry. … This will be a moment I will never forget. … Thanks for making my dreams come true, and thanks for buying a ticket to the Opry to see it happen! I hope you come back a million times! I’ll buy the ticket for ya. I don’t even care. I love you that much!” Janson’s surprise membership invitation from Opry member Keith Urban occurred during his sold-out concert at the Ryman Auditorium in February. “Chris Janson showed us all again tonight why we are so excited to welcome him into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Like he has during every Opry appearance he’s made, he exuded passion and enthusiasm for this iconic show he loves so much. Whether he’s playing his own hits, songs he’s written for fellow artists, or his all-time country favorites, he brings Opry audiences to their feet with his performances. Backstage, it’s amazing to watch him connect with both the artists who have come before him and those who are following in his footsteps. We could not be more thrilled about the excitement, loyalty, and great music he will bring to our Opry family for years to come.” About Chris Janson: Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville country artist Chris Janson was born to entertain crowds. He recently released his “heart-piercing ballad” (People) “Drunk Girl” to radio, where it is drawing praise from fans and critics alike. Called “quite possibly the most important song to come out of Nashville in years” (CMT), the single was named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 Best Country Songs of 2017. The singer / songwriter earned his second chart-topping single in November with the summer anthem “Fix A Drink” from his sophomore album Everybody.  Janson’s breakthrough No. 1 Platinum-certified single “Buy Me A Boat” was the 7th bestselling country song of the year in 2015, although his professional music career began more than 10 years ago. The singer/songwriter has also penned multiple top-charting Continue reading Chris Janson Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry