Category Archives: Featured

Posts in the Featured Category will display in the top-slide and lead article in the new theme.

Craig Wayne Boyd Brings TWO Bits of Big News!

Posted on by
Craig Wayne Boyd and his Big News

Craig Wayne Boyd, the powerful country vocalist who Billboard recently profiled as a ‘new country act to watch in 2017,’ announced he’s adding another ‘voice’ to his family with the addition of a baby boy on the way and a new album Top Shelf (available Oct. 27). In an exclusive interview with People.com, Boyd beamed, “Taylor and I are thrilled about the arrival of our new #BabyBoyd! We’re so blessed. I think my son is more excited that it’s not another sister! It’ll be a busy fall/winter as we’re also preparing to release new music!” Boyd’s new son, due in January, will join big sister Dakota Lynne, 18 months, and Jaxon, who is 5-years-old. A native of Mesquite, Texas, Craig Wayne Boyd came to the attention of America as the winner of Season 7 of the NBC hit “The Voice.” During his run on the show, Craig hit the charts with his versions of classics such as “I Walk The Line,” “You Look So Good In Love,” and the Merle Haggard classic “Workin’ Man Blues.” His post-“Voice” career kicked off with a bang with the release of “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face,” which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. As a songwriter, Craig spent three years as a staff writer for EMI Publishing. For more information on Craig Wayne Boyd, visit CraigWayneBoyd.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Lorrie Morgan and Brother Marty Morgan Collaborate for a Special Night at the Bluebird in Nashville

Posted on by
Lorrie Morgan News on Country Music News Blog

LORRIE MORGAN & MARTY MORGAN ANNOUNCE FROM THE HEART: A NIGHT  WITH THE MORGANS AT THE BLUEBIRD CAFÉ AUGUST 2 Country music songstress Lorrie Morgan will join her brother, acclaimed songwriter Marty Morgan for a very special evening of music at the world famous Bluebird Café on Wednesday, August 2. Children of Grand Ole Opry® Star, George Morgan, the next generation will come together and share the heartfelt songs and stories they love the most. The in-the-round performance will begin at 9:00pm with doors opening at 8:30. The night will also feature several special guests who will join in and celebrate the iconic music that the Morgan family have shared with the world for the past several decades. Tickets go on sale tomorrow morning 07/26/17 at 08:00am Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Brantley Gilbert as the Face of Apple Music?

Posted on by
Brantley Gilbert on Country Music News Blog

Country music bad boy Brantley Gilbert must be turning a few heads outside of our little circle because he has just been chosen to represent the country genre on the Apple Music platform. Brantley is only the second country artists to be highlighted on the platform. [embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqfFlUuTXJI[/embedyt] “I’ve never been one for commercials,” says the man who’s certified back-to-back Platinum for Halfway To Heaven and Just As I Am. “But when we started talking to the folks at Apple, they were saying, ‘We want to capture you, the way you live and the values you hold. We want people to see your world, show them what you hear and respond to. If they see you, it says everything.’” Decidedly rural, yet most definitely urban and rocking in its lean, the 30 seconds of documentary footage touches on every aspect of who the guy selling serious hard tickets in America’s arenas and amphitheaters is with his The Devil Don’t Sleep Tour.

Darius Rucker Announces “When Was The Last Time” Due Oct 20th

Posted on by

Second single, “For The First Time,” at Country radio now. On the heels of his eighth No. 1 Country single Darius Rucker has responded to fans’ appeals for new music with an announcement on the TODAY Show this morning, letting them know they won’t be waiting much longer for a new album from the 3-time GRAMMY winning star. When Was The Last Time, the long-awaited fifth studio country album on Capitol Records Nashville, will be released nationwide Friday, October 20. Fans can preorder the album beginning today at http://umgn.us/DariusPreOrder. The Platinum-selling star released the album’s second single, a song he wrote with Derek George and Travis Hill, “For The First Time” to Country radio just yesterday, Monday, July 24. “For The First Time” is the follow-up to his most recent No. 1 single, “If I Told You, marking eight country No. 1 singles for Rucker since his country music debut in 2008. Earlier this week, Rucker spoke with Billboard about teaming up with esteemed Nashville producer Ross Copperman (Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban) to bring his vision for the album to life. “On top of being a genius with the equipment, Ross is so high-energy and funny; that kid is never not laughing.”  He added, “Every time we were in the studio we had a great band who had great ideas of their own, so it was the farthest thing from tedious, but just, let’s get in and do it. I think for the whole record we spent just three days tracking music.” This fall’s release will be yet another signature moment in the multiplatinum career of one of music’s most beloved figures. Rucker has never been busier while working on his new album with a slate of television appearances this spring and summer including a CMT Crossroads episode with John Mellencamp, an appearance in Adam Sandler’s Netflix original, Sandy Wexler, and his own episode of Celebrity Undercover Boss on CBS. Rucker, an avid golfer and passionate fan of the game, will host a new monthly show in SiriusXM’s 23/7 golf channel, SiriusXM PGA TOUR Radio. On Par with Darius Rucker will debut tomorrow, July 26 at 3pm ET. The pre-order packages available include exclusive merchandise and the option to receive an autographed copy. For more information about new music, appearances and tour dates, please visit www.dariusrucker.com.  

Kelsea Ballerini Announces Album “Unapologetically” Due on November 3rd!

Posted on by
Kelsea Ballerini News on Country Music News Blog

Ballerini To Appear On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Tonight! KELSEA BALLERINI has just revealed the title and release date for her highly anticipated sophomore album, sharing the news with fans across the nation during an appearance on ABC’s Good Morning America. Ballerini’s new album is titled UNAPOLOGETICALLY and will be officially released on November 3. “I feel like I’ve been keeping a secret for two years that I finally get to tell,” Ballerini admits. “I’ve never been more proud as I am of this record, the story it tells, and the heart my friends and I put into it. So, November 3, we get to start the next chapter! Unapologetically…” Additional details about UNAPOLOGETICALLY, including its track listing and cover artwork, will be unveiled soon. Complementing her big announcement, Ballerini was on Good Morning America to perform her new single, “Legends,” a heart-melting tale of “crazy, tragic, epic” love which already has fans and critics swooning as it begins to climb the Country radio charts. In case you missed it, watch Ballerini’s “Legends” performance here: http://abcn.ws/2utUWKF Co-written by Ballerini, Hillary Lindsey and Forest Glen Whitehead (who also serves as producer alongside Jason Massey), the single – and stunning music video directed by Jeff Venable – is the first tease of UNAPOLOGETICALLY and Ballerini’s sophisticated new sound. Later tonight (7/25), the young singer-songwriter will give TV viewers another look at “Legends,” as she’s set to appear on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Next month, Ballerini will be at the center of another high-profile TV appearance as she and Thomas Rhett co-host CMA Fest: The Music Event of Summer. Airing August 16 on ABC at 8 p.m. ET, the two will be introducing show-stopping performances by Garth Brooks, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert and more, all taped during the 2017 CMA Music Festival at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium in June. UNAPOLOGETICALLY is the long-awaited second chapter of Ballerini’s remarkable artistic story, a still-unfolding saga that has seen the Knoxville, Tennessee, native break all-time records. After the Top 5 release of her 2015 debut, THE FIRST TIME on Black River Entertainment, Ballerini placed her first three singles at #1 – the PLATINUM-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan,” and the GOLD-certified “Dibs” – a feat never achieved by a female (including duos or groups) in Country music history. Her fourth single, “Yeah Boy,” also achieved GOLD status and rose to the lofty perch of #3 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. Ballerini is currently bringing those record-breaking hits and “Legends” to fans all over the world, as she crisscrosses the country this summer on Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR and visits fans in the U.K., Ireland, and Europe in October. For more information visit KelseaBallerini.com, and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.  

Listen Now: Colt Ford & Charles and Josh Kelley “Young Americans”

Posted on by
Colt Ford News on Country Music Nes Blog

Young Americans,” featuring Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and brother, Josh, is the newest song from Colt Ford which shipped to radio via Play MPE and All Access July 24. “Young Americans” appears on Ford’s new album, “Love Hope Faith,” released in May.  Listen to the recent premiere of “Young Americans” on Rolling Stone Country here. Singing of adolescent dreams of trying to “live big in a small town,” Taste of Country calls “Young Americans” a “universal blast of nostalgia.” Talented songwriters Jared Sciullo, John Purdue, Renee Myers and Austin Webb co-wrote this wistful song. Commenting on the collaboration with the Kelleys, Ford recently told Billboard Magazine, “I’ve known those boys forever. They are Georgia guys. We’ve been good friends for a long time, and they are two of my favorite singers. Charles and I talked about doing something together for a long time. We just had to find the right song. When I heard it, I thought it had the right groove, and I thought about getting Josh in on it too.” Ford continues his “Love Hope Faith” summer tour criss-crossing the country entertaining fans. On a recent tour stop, one of Ford’s biggest fans was hoisted onstage in his wheelchair where he joined Ford for a duet of “Dirt Road Anthem” and subsequently stole the mic and the show. Check out the viral video here. In addition, Pandora has just announced Ford is amongst the top three artists (amongst all genres) that has been instrumental in helping their new artist marketing platform (AMP) hit 1 billion audio message impressions (as measured by consumption) since it launched just two years ago. The service has enabled Ford to talk directly to his fans on Pandora via artist audio messages about his new single, “Young Americans,” his new album Love Hope Faith and his nationwide tour dates.

Win a Private Concert from Lonestar and MORE from Tractor Supply

Posted on by
Lonestar News on Country Music News Blog

COUNTRY ICONS LONESTAR AND TRACTOR SUPPLY ANNOUNCE NATIONAL SWEEPSTAKES FOR MILITARY MEMBERS, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS Enter for a Chance to Win a Private Lonestar Concert and Trip to Music City Tractor Supply Company, the nation’s largest rural lifestyle retailer, is teaming up with Lonestar–whose chart-topping hits include “Amazed” and “What About Now–to host a nationwide sweepstakes for active-duty military members, veterans and their family members.  One lucky veteran, member of the military, or their family member will win a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, to party with the country music group at a private concert in their “band cave.” Beginning July 20, 2017, Tractor Supply is asking current and former service members, as well as their family members, who are interested in winning a trip to Music City to enter the sweepstakes by visiting TractorSupply.com/Lonestar. “At Tractor Supply, we strive to express our gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served our nation’s military, as well as their families who have sacrificed so much,” said Phil Reiter, VP National Marketing at Tractor Supply. “Lonestar has been a friend of Tractor Supply’s for a long time and this year we not only have the privilege of being the official sponsor of their 2017 ‘Life As We Know It Tour,’ but of working together to build an unforgettable country music fan experience for a lucky service member and their family to enjoy.” The winner, along with up to three guests, will get the opportunity to experience all that Nashville has to offer, including a one-of-a-kind concert experience inside Lonestar’s “band cave,” where the group rehearsed for their tenth studio album, Never Enders. “We’ve always shared a deep admiration for our country’s servicemen and women and having the opportunity to form relationships with them is something we’re extremely passionate about,” said Dean Sams of Lonestar, which has played at bases for servicemen and women on tours with the USO. “It’s both an honor and a privilege to perform in the presence of such bravery and sacrifice and we’re thrilled that we were able to partner with Tractor Supply to make it happen again.” “A Tribute to our Military” Lonestar Concert Sweepstakes, presented by Tractor Supply, will remain open through September 10. To be eligible, entrants must have a valid military ID or proof of service, or be the spouse, parent or child of a service member with valid ID. To review the complete rules and regulations or to enter, visit:  TractorSupply.com/Lonestar. To learn more about Tractor Supply Company, visit www.TractorSupply.com and follow them on Facebook at Facebook.com/TractorSupplyCo.

SARA EVANS’ NEW ALBUM “WORDS” HITS #1 ON ITUNES WITHIN HOURS

Posted on by

Words, the highly anticipated new album from multi-platinum country star SARA EVANS, is out now! Released July 21, the project quickly hit #1 on the iTunes Country chart within hours of release and is already earning immense praise from fans and critics alike. “Many musicians like to say their work is deeply personal but Sara Evans may have taken that a step further in her new, impressive album…brimming with confidence and using her immensely appealing voice on a batch of very strong songs, ‘Words’ captures an artist in full musical flight…artistic freedom has never sounded so good.” ~ Associated Press “Full of songs that address head-on life’s rawest emotional experiences.” ~ USA Today / The Tennessean “She made every word count for her eighth studio release.” ~ CMT “Sara Evans is swinging for the fences on her new album, Words…offering fans a surprise or two with an album that is not only satisfying to discover for the first time, but will hold up well and reveal new facets over repeat listenings.” ~ Taste of Country “A huge statement from a singer who is ready to take things to a whole new level.” ~ Sounds Like Nashville “‘Words’ is the record of her career.” ~ Roughstock To celebrate the album’s release, Sara hits the Big Apple today for appearances with AOL, Paste, and Facebook where she will be #FBArtistoftheDay. On Tuesday, July 25 tune-in to see Sara perform on nationally-syndicated talk show “Live with Kelly and Ryan,” joined by her daughter Olivia Evans (14). Sara wraps the whirlwind week with shows in Ohio (July 28) and Michigan (July 29). Fans can also tune-in to Sirius XM and catch “Y2Kountry Presents A Sara Evans Album Premier!” on July 25th at 6 pm EST, July 27th at 12 pm EST and again July 28th at 8pm EST. Family is at the forefront of Words as daughter Olivia sings on “Marquee Sign” and Sara’s siblings Matt Evans, Lesley Evans Lyons and Ashley Evans Simpson provide harmonies on “Night Light.” In “Letting You Go,” Sara pours out her heart for son and oldest child Avery as he prepares to embark on his senior year of high school. The 14-song collection features fourteen separate female songwriters, including powerhouses Ashley Monroe, Caitlyn Smith, Hillary Lindsey, Hillary Scott, Liz Hengber, and Sonya Isaacs as well as Sara herself.   DOWNLOAD WORDS iTunes: saraevans.co/words Amazon: saraevans.co/wordsa LISTEN TO WORDS Apple Music, Amazon Digital, Spotify

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT LAUNCHES NEW YOUTUBE SERIES “CERTIFIED COUNTRY”

Posted on by
Certified Country on Country Music News Blog

ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT LAUNCHES NEW YOUTUBE SERIES “CERTIFIED COUNTRY” TO DIRECTLY CONNECT FANS WITH THE BIGGEST STARS FROM COUNTRY MUSIC “Certified Country” Premieres Friday, July 21 at 12:00PM PT on ET’s YouTube Channel (http://youtube.com/entertainmenttonight) July 21, 2017 (Los Angeles, CA) – ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT, the worldwide authority on all things entertainment, fashion and music, is again expanding its highly successful digital footprint with a new weekly series on YouTube, “Certified Country.”  ETonline’s senior music editor and country music super fan, Sophie Schillaci, hosts the new series featuring exclusive conversations with Nashville’s most talked about hit makers through rapid-fire games, thoughtful interviews, first-looks and breaking news. “Certified Country” will go inside the superstar lives and careers with interviews from Dan + Shay, Hunter Hayes, Scotty McCreery, RaeLynn, Canaan Smith, Bailey Brian, Little Big Town, Darius Rucker and many more.  Along with candid commentary on new music, stories and major events coming out of the country music scene, “Certified Country” will also explore buzzworthy artists and releases while offering the expertise and insight that viewers can only expect from ENTERTAINMENT TONIGHT. ABOUT SOPHIE SCHILLACI: Sophie Schillaci loves living and working in Los Angeles, but a piece of her heart is forever tied to Nashville. She earned a College Television Award (EMMY) from the Television Academy for her early work in sports broadcasting, serving as the executive producer, lead anchor and reporter for RIT SportsZone in Rochester, New York, and went on to pursue her dreams of red carpets and awards shows.  Schillaci joined the ET family in 2014 and specializes in all things music-related – including reporting each week from “The Voice” and “American Idol” and has covered the Academy of Country Music Awards, the CMT Music Awards and many more major Hollywood events. For more on Sophie click here and follow her on Twitter and Instagram @SophieSchillaci. “Certified Country” Premieres Friday, July 21 at 12:00PM PT on ET’s YouTube Channel (http://youtube.com/entertainmenttonight)

Chase Rice To Release Lambs and Lions Sept 29th

Posted on by
Chase Rice News on Country Music News Blog

To say Chase Rice is ready to release new music is an understatement. Announced just weeks ago, the Tar Heel State native has inked a new label deal with Broken Bow Records, is putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, Lambs & Lions, and is now proud to announce its release date — September 29. Adding fuel to the fire he started with the release of his debut album, Ignite the Night, by bringing in producers Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, James Bay, Modest Mouse, Norah Jones), Ross Copperman (Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban) and Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffett, Sawyer Brown) to join Ignite the Night collaborator Chris DeStefano, Rice is expanding upon the reflective nuances found in his crowd-favorite “Carolina Can” with his sophomore 10-song collection. “Three Chords & The Truth,” available today, serves as the first taste of what’s to come from the music maverick. Written with Ross Copperman, Jon Nite and Rice, “Three Chords & The Truth” came out of one of Rice’s first co-writes after feeling the despair of a second failed single after feeling the success of two prior Top 5’s. “I’m not sure I’ll ever know the full reason why I had to struggle through two failed singles in a row after such an amazing start, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. God had my back the whole time, whether I knew it or not. Out of those failed singles I got ‘Three Chords & The Truth.’ I was fed up with trying; whether that was trying to be something I’m not, trying to make music that people said I should make or trying to make music I felt people wanted to hear. Instead I decided I’m going to make music that I needed to hear. When you go through tough times the truth always has a way of finding its way to you. This song was my truth. It’s the soul of my childhood, the songs that went along with it and the memories associated with those songs. It’s my heart waiting to be heard, and the songs that shaped it, especially in the third chorus,” divulges Rice. It’s Muscle Shoals to rock ‘n’ roll It’s a steel guitar that steals your soul It’s a country song that takes you home again “I’ve mentioned my soul previously. Now more than ever, I believe our soul, spirit and heart are what life’s all about. At times in my life I’ve lived with all three of them completely covered by darkness, then other times completely full of life. I do know that during those darker times there are a lot of things that can pull you out, but music is among the top on that list. A lyric or a melody can hit you the right way at the right time and completely turn your life around. So when I say ‘Steel guitar that steals your soul,’ I’m not throwing that lyric in lightly. No, I mean when a Continue reading Chase Rice To Release Lambs and Lions Sept 29th→