Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers “The Long-Awaited Album” on 9/22

Steve Martin on Country Music News Blog

Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers Release “The Long-Awaited Album” on Rounder Records on September 22 Listen To New Track “Caroline” Here: http://bit.ly/2tgyErY Steve Martin and The Steep Canyon Rangers will release “The Long-Awaited Album” on Rounder Records on September 22. “The Long-Awaited Album,”  Martin’s newest collaboration with the Grammy-winning North Carolina – based  band the Steep Canyon Rangers, is full of stories that mix humor and melancholy, whimsy and realism, rich characters and concrete details. And lots of banjos. To pre-order the album, please click here: http://found.ee/SteveMartin_AmazonLP-l http://found.ee/SteveMartin_AmazonCD-l That instrument-so dexterously, even acrobatically picked and strummed-is just as crucial to relating these new tales as the lyrics themselves, each chord and riff revealing new depths to Martin’s narrators and to his musical talent.  Produced by Grammy-winning producer Peter Asher, the new album is a collection of 14 stunning new songs including the boisterous and humorous new track “Caroline,” the deeply romantic tune “All Night Long,” and the fantastical song “Santa Fe,” which showcases the lively dynamic between Martin and the Rangers. Steve Martin’s musical career is an extension of the storytelling impulse that drove his work as a comedian, an actor, a screenwriter, a playwright, an essayist, and a novelist. The Grammy® Award winning musician found his love for the banjo at the age of 17 and originally used the instrument as part of his standup comedy routine. But in 2010, Martin released his first album, The Crow: New Songs for the 5-Strong Banjo, and since then, Martin has played many prestigious stages including Carnegie Hall, The Hollywood Bowl, Stagecoach, Bonnaroo, New Orleans’ Jazzfest and The Newport Folk Festival,Royal Festival Hall in London, and the Capitol Building in Washington D.C. Martin released his second full-length bluegrass album Rare Bird Alert in 2011. The album featured 13 Martin-penned tracks as well as special guest vocal appearances by Paul McCartney and The Dixie Chicks. Additionally, Martin co-wrote two of the CD’s songs with the Steep Canyon Rangers. That year, Martin also won the International Bluegrass Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year Award. Martin also collaborated with Edie Brickell on the critically acclaimed album Love Has Come For You, which combines Martin’s five-string banjo work with Brickell’s vivid vocals. Martin and Brickell took home the Grammy® Award for “Best American Roots Song” for the album’s title track.  Martin and Brickell’s second collaboration “So Familiar” earned widespread critical acclaim and also inspired their Broadway musical Bright Star, which was nominated for five Tony Awards. The Steep Canyon Rangers and Steve Martin will host their album release celebration on Saturday, September 30 2017 at The IBMA World of Bluegrass –  in the state where it all began for them.

Tune-In Alert: “Keith Urban: Live From Phoenix” Debuts Friday July 14th on Audience Network

Keith Urban In Concert

AT&T and AUDIENCE Network Present: “Keith Urban: Live From Phoenix” Concert Special Airs Friday, July 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT On DIRECTV and U-verse (DIRECTV Ch 239/U-verse Ch 1114) and DIRECTV NOW Tune in to the AT&T* AUDIENCE Network concert special “Keith Urban: Live From Phoenix” airing Friday, July 14,at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT via DIRECTV Ch 239, AT&T U-verse Ch 1114 and on-demand through DIRECTV NOW. The electrifying live performance and interview from the four-time GRAMMY Award-winning, platinum-selling artist was filmed on location during the AT&T Block Party at the 2017 NCAA March Madness Music Festival in Phoenix. Watch the trailer for “Keith Urban: Live From Phoenix” (HERE).  AUDIENCE Network delivers groundbreaking concerts, unique stories and exclusive performances across all genres, plus select programming in ultra high-definition/4K1, to audiences nationwide. New shows premiere via national broadcast Friday at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV Ch 239/AT&T U-verse Ch 1114, as well as streaming on-demand at DIRECTV NOW, directv.com, uverse.com and on smartphones and tablets, via the DIRECTV and U-verse apps.2 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. A groundbreaking album for Urban, RIPCORD marked the second time that one of his albums debuted simultaneously atop the all-genre charts in the U.S., Canada and Australia. He is the only male Country artist to achieve this mark, not just once, but twice. It was recently certified platinum and produced Urban’s 22nd #1 song, his 6th consecutive, with “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Thus far, RIPCORD has produced four #1 songs including “Wasted Time,” which moved Urban to #8 on Billboard’s All-time Country Airplay Chart, “John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16” and “Break On Me.” It leaves Urban’s streak as the artist with the most consecutive top 10 songs on Billboard’s Country Airplay Chart (38) well in tact–a streak that started in August of 2000. Urban’s career has seen a long list of groundbreaking firsts and accomplishments reserved for the music industry’s elite. In 2001, the Country Music Association honored Urban with its Horizon Award and the coveted Entertainer of the Year. Urban has gone on to win CMA’s Male Vocalist of the Year title three times. The 2015 CMA Awards brought Urban his third win for Vocal Event of the Year (“Raise ‘Em Up” featuring Eric Church). It marked the first time in history that any artist has received the award in three consecutive years. Besides his four GRAMMY Awards, Urban has won ten Country Music Association Awards, eleven Academy of Country Music Awards, a People’s Choice and an American Music Award and has been nominated for a Golden Globe. Following the worldwide, breakthrough success of RIPCORD, Urban launched the ‘ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2016.’ The tour played more than seventy shows on four continents, in front of more than a million people. Catch the “ripCORD WORLD TOUR 2017” as it lands at fairs and festivals in the U.S. Continue reading Tune-In Alert: “Keith Urban: Live From Phoenix” Debuts Friday July 14th on Audience Network

Country Music Dating Tips

HaleighT on Country Music News Blog!

With summer in full swing every single guy and gal is out on the lake, in the honky tonks, and anywhere else they can think of, trying to land that perfect catch. We thought we’d have a little fun looking back on that time our very own HaleighT shared some of her favorite dating tips. They seemed to work too, because someone out there did their homework and now Haleigh is engaged to be married this fall! Congratulations Haleigh and Derrick!   Save

Lorrie Morgan Joins Agency33 Public Relations Roster

Lorrie Morgan on Country Music News Blog

Multi-Platinum Country Music Star and Grand Ole Opry® Member, Lorrie Morgan has signed on as the flagship artist of the newly formed Agency33 Tour Press division. In her storied career, Morgan has amassed sales of more than 12 million albums worldwide, which includes fourteen top ten hits, over a dozen full length albums and four Female Vocalist of the Year awards. “I couldn’t be more thrilled to be working with Joey again,” states Morgan. “I’m at a point in my career where I have the freedom to be as artistic as I want and step out of the box a bit. Nowadays, the only people I’m trying to please are my fans. It’s rare to find people that understand and nurture that; Joey fits right in with me and my team and I look forward to seeing what we come up with next!” Morgan was the first female artist to have earned three consecutive RIAA-Certified Platinum albums and made her mark with what have now become timeless country standards including, “Five Minutes,” “Except For Monday,” “Something In Red,” “Watch Me,” and “What Part Of No.” “I am so honored to welcome Lorrie to Agency33. We have been working together for the past year and for her and her team to put their trust in me, means so much. I look forward to being a part of the next stage in her illustrious career,” states Joey Amato, President of Agency33. Lorrie Morgan has firmly established her place as a country star—a modern woman making country music history. Born Loretta Lynn Morgan, Lorrie made her first appearance on the Grand Ole Opry® stage at age 13. Three short years later, after her dad, country music star George Morgan’s passing, Lorrie launched her own career touring with her father’s band. In 1984 she made history of her own when she became a lifetime member of the Grand Ole Opry® at the age of 24 — at the time, she was the youngest artist to ever be inducted. Morgan continues to record and tour extensively. Her latest solo project, “Letting Go…Slow” was released in early 2016 to critical acclaim. The collection includes brand new material along with Morgan’s take on classics such as “Ode to Billie Jo,” and the Larry Gatlin penned heartbreaker, “I’ve Done Enough Dying Today.” She recently finished recording a second duets album with longtime friend, collaborator and touring partner, Pam Tillis. The project is set for release this fall. Lorrie’s 2017 tour has her visiting every corner of the United States, multiple trips to Canada, as well as stops in Finland and Norway. For a complete list of tour dates and more information, visit www.Lorrie.com About Agency33 Founded by entertainment industry veteran Joey Amato, Agency33 specializes in Tour Press and LGBT community outreach. Live shows are the main source of income for many artists and Amato has experience achieving revenue-driving press in local markets for artists across multiple genres including Kenny G, Lee Greenwood and Don McLean. Agency33 Tour Press will also work in conjunction with mangers, agents, record Continue reading Lorrie Morgan Joins Agency33 Public Relations Roster

Show Me The Country! Forbes Releases The Annual ‘Highest Paid’ List

Garth Brooks on Country Music News!

Forbes magazine released its annual list of the World’s Highest Paid Country Musicians, and predictably Garth Brooks was sitting pretty on top. No. 1: Garth Brooks, $60 million No. 2: Kenny Chesney, $42.5 million No. 3: Luke Bryan, $42 million No. 4: Dolly Parton, $37 million No. 5: Toby Keith, $34.5 million No. 5: Florida Georgia Line, $34.5 million No. 7: Jason Aldean, $32.5 million No. 8: Blake Shelton, $31.5 million No. 9: Keith Urban, $30 million No. 10: Eric Church, $25 million No. 10: Zac Brown Band, $25 million With that kind of cashola—$394.5 million for the Top 11—it seems that country music is one of the few recession-proof industries! Read more at Forbes.com and NashCountryDaily.com!

Jana Kramer “I’m Not Leaving Nashville”

Jana Kramer on Country Music News Blog

Country artist JANA KRAMER visited with SIRIUSXM “THE HIGHWAY” host STORME WARREN earlier TODAY (7/10) to address rumors that she is leaving Country music and NASHVILLE behind. KRAMER, who recently parted ways with her former label home, was quoted in “CHICAGO Splash” as saying she felt that “NASHVILLE wanted to put me in a box.” Following the publication of that interview, COX MEDIA GROUP’s “Rare Country” published an article, with which KRAMER disagreed, fueling rumors that KRAMER meant she was “done with NASHVILLE.” That article has since been edited and amended. The singer clarified the situation with WARREN, stating, “Sometimes I felt like NASHVILLE wanted to put me in a box. I live in NASHVILLE, I love NASHVILLE, I have a beautiful house in NASHVILLE, I’m just going to be doing the songs that I’m picking for myself.” KRAMER is currently working on new music for Country fans. Check out the SIRIUSXM blog here, and full audio of KRAMER’s interview setting the record straight here.

Thomas Rhett Makes #1 With “Craving You”

Congratulations to VALORY MUSIC CO. artist THOMAS RHETT for scoring the #1 spot on the MEDIABASE Country singles chart this WEEK with “Craving You” featuring COLUMBIA NASHVILLE’s MAREN MORRIS. “Craving You” is RHETT’s eighth career #1 single. Kudos to VALORY MUSIC CO. GM GEORGE BRINER, Dir./National Promotion ASHLEY SIDOTI, Dir./WEST COAST Promotion AMY STALEY, Dir./SOUTHWEST Promotion BRAD HOWELL, Dir./NORTHEAST Promotion DON GOSSELIN, Dir./MIDWEST Promotion ADAM BURNES, Dir./SOUTHEAST Promotion BROOKE NIXON, Promotion Analyst SEAN STEVENS and Promotion Coordinator LAUREN SIMON. ALL ACCESS delivered sweet treats to the VALORY MUSIC CO. staff TODAY (7/10) to congratulate the staff on its success.

Now Casting In Nashville: Soon-to-be-wed Couples!

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*CountryMusicNewsBlog has no affiliation with Doron Ofir Casting or Popular Productions, Inc, we are simply sharing an opportunity for those who might be interested. Please direct all inquiries to the contact form found at doronofircasting.com. Doron Ofir Casting and 495 Productions are currently seeking soon-to-be-wed couples and their wedding parties to be a part of a new television phenomenon; LAST BASH IN NASH – the most exclusive weekend of events, adventure and experiences only for Bachelor and Bachelorette parties. Pick your crew, gather your squad and pack your bags for 48 hours of exclusive events and parties. Explore Nashville TN, and make a lifetime of memories with your best friends over one EPIC weekend! We are casting nationwide for the hottest girl and guy groups, together or separate, who are at least 21 years old and worthy of the ultimate VIP celebration experience. We HELP YOU plan SO you CAN party! A better way to bachelor(ette) WITH ALL THE TRIMMINGS FROM LUXURY PAMPERING TO BLOWOUT BASHES, ALL DAY, ALL NIGHT. Celebrating the bride & groom WITH a destination weekend in the heart of  “Music City!” Apply now at www.lastbashcasting.com   Popular Productions, inc. We are a full service casting and development company with nationwide casting and production contacts. Numerous worldwide network and cable television programs. Producing partners, branding and packaging deals. Independent Films, Commercials, Music Videos, Internet, Broadband, Mobile content and Studio Films. This is a digital casting call for the opportunity to audition directly to producers. If you are interested in any of our other current television casting opportunities they can be found on our main casting site doronofircasting.com . Doron Ofir Casting is a legitimate television casting company and our credits can be found on IMDB. We never charge for casting EVER!

Academy of Country Music Announces ACM Studio Recording Award Winners

ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced the Studio Recording Award winners for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™. The Studio Recording Award winners will be honored during the 11th ANNUAL ACM HONORS™, an evening dedicated to recognizing the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. The event will take place Wednesday, August 23, 2017 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. The Studio Recording Awards are voted on by professional members of the Academy classified in the Artist-Entertainer/Musician-Bandleader-Instrumentalist category, and the Producer-Engineer-Studio Manager sub-category (contained within the Affiliated category). The categories honor the behind-the-scenes musicians, producers, engineers and industry professionals who contribute so much to the artistry, success and longevity of country music. Below is a complete list of the Studio Recording Award winners for the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards: STUDIO RECORDING AWARD WINNERS: (Note: ** Indicates a tie.) BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Glenn Worf DRUMMER OF THE YEAR – Miles McPherson GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Tom Bukovac & Danny Rader** PIANO/KEYBOARDS PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Dave Cohen SPECIALTY INSTRUMENT(S) PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Dan Dugmore STEEL GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR – Dan Dugmore AUDIO ENGINEER OF THE YEAR – Chuck Ainlay PRODUCER OF THE YEAR – Jay Joyce

Hunter Hayes and Zappos Team Up For “Rescue” Charity

Hunter Hayes on Country Music News

Hunter Hayes released his first new music of 2017 today with the soaring and electric guitar-driven track “Rescue.” An artist who has always stressed the importance of helping others through the power of music, Hayes has also partnered with Zappos.com to create shoes that give back. “The Rescue Collection” is a limited line that features artwork inspired by the song’s accompanying music video, which is also available everywhere today. Hayes shared an exclusive behind-the-scenes look with Entertainment Tonight this morning and also went into in-depth detail about the song’s inspiration with The Washington Post. “I’ve always loved what music and charity organizations can do together, and I think the tie in with this song is undeniable,” said Hayes. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with so many awesome charities over the years and I realized that, to me, they are exactly that: rescues. They are places of refuge for so many people who need a friend to help them through something or to be there for them. We’ve seen the power of music in so many ways and I wanted ‘Rescue’ to be a song that we used for good.” All profits from “The Rescue Collection” will be donated to Zappos for Good, the charity team at Zappos.com.  These limited edition shoes will be available during the holiday season and benefit a number of charitable initiatives including the CMA Foundation, the charitable giving arm of the Country Music Association that’s focused on improving and sustaining music education programs everywhere, and Zappos’ annual Pawlidayz pet adoption drive. “We are thrilled about our partnership with Hunter and have been wowed by his sincere interest in helping the world to be a better place by using his music to inspire others. We are grateful to work with partners who share our values and commitment,” said Steven Bautista, Head of Charity at Zappos.com, known as Zappos for Good. The shoes will be available starting December 2017 exclusively on Zappos.com. All shoes will be accompanied by a digital download code for “Rescue” and a personalized lyric sheet from Hayes. Until then, fans can see Hayes perform “Rescue” and other new music live on tour throughout the summer, with full dates and details below. Hunter Hayes Summer Tour Dates Jul 01 – Provo, UT – Stadium of Fire America’s Freedom Festival Jul 04 – Houston, TX – Freedom Over Texas Jul 14 – Choctaw, MS – 68th Annual Choctaw Indian Fair Jul 15 – Baton Rouge, LA – Dixie Landin’ Summer Concert Series Jul 25 – Paso Robles, CA – California Mid-State Fair Jul 27 – Bethlehem, PA – Levitt Pavilion Steelstacks Jul 28 – Shelbyville, DE – The Freeman Stage at Bayside Jul 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Citizens Bank Park Aug 11 – Raleigh, NC – The Ritz Aug 12 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues Aug 17 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Aug 18 – Jordan, NY – Kegs Canalside Event Center Aug 19 – Webster, MA – Indian Ranch Amphitheatre Aug 25 – Toledo, Continue reading Hunter Hayes and Zappos Team Up For “Rescue” Charity