Category Archives: Featured

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CMT Host Cody Alan Comes Out As Gay

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From our friends at CMT

CMT star Cody Alan came out as gay today on his Instagram and in an exclusive interview with People.com. The caption for his Instagram post, which is a personal letter to his fans, can be found below. 2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I've known about myself my whole life. Through life's twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I've landed on this day, a day when I'm happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won't change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here's to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody A photo posted by Cody Alan (@cmtcody) on Jan 12, 2017 at 7:50am PST “Millions of radio listeners, television viewers and country music fans love and look up to Cody Alan. And that’s exactly why Cody’s decision to come out matters — because visibility brings about acceptance. By sharing his story, Cody is helping listeners and fans get to know someone who shares their passion for country music and southern values, and who also happens to be gay. At a time when America can sometimes seem so divided, it’s the common ground we all share that brings us together, and that’s the power of sharing one’s story.” – Zeke Stokes, GLAAD’s Vice President of Programs    

ERIC CHURCH HOLDS HIS OWN ON 2017 SOLO TOUR

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The 60-plus-city Holdin’ My Own Tour kicks off this Friday in Lincoln, Nebraska LINCOLN, Neb. — Eric Church wastes no time bringing music to his fans in 2017 as he embarks on his Holdin’ My Own Tour this weekend. The tour will kick off at Lincoln, Nebraska’s Pinnacle Bank Arena this Friday, Jan. 13. The “Kill a Word” singer will see 60+ cities in North America and will be without any opening acts for the entire tour. The award-winning singer/songwriter and his band will bring their two-set show that New York Times says is “fuel for love, for anguish and, naturally, for other music,” to both coasts before ending with a two-night blowout at Nashville, Tennessee’s Bridgestone Arena in May. All fans who hope to see “one of country’s smartest, most ambitious singers and songwriters,” (Vulture) from beginning to end on the Holdin’ My Own Tour, need to ensure they take their seats by 8:00 p.m. local time, as Church will kick the show off promptly with a huge moment, without any opening support preceding. The double-set show will feature a 360-degree stage that offers fans great views from anywhere in the arena. Continuing his ambitious war against ticket scalpers for this year’s tour, Church has ensured that more fans have the chance to see the show at face value, already revoking thousands of tickets bought by scalpers and re-releasing them to the public. Church continues to combat scalpers with his proprietary presale process and delayed delivery tickets, making it tough on them to resell. For the first time on a tour, concert-goers will be able to purchase Church’s custom boot line at the venue (no longer a VIP-only experience). In September of 2014, Church partnered with Lucchese Boots to launch his exclusive signature boot line, These Boots by Lucchese. Each pair has the lyrics to the song “These Boots” in Church’s handwriting laser etched into the sole, and are handmade in El Paso, Texas. Fans can pre-order boots ahead of time and get fitted at the venue by our team of boot specialists. For more information and to pre-order visit www.ericchurch.com/theseboots. The Holdin’ My Own Tour comes on the heels of Church winning Album of the Year at the CMA Awards with his critically acclaimed, surprise-release album, Mr. Misunderstood. His most recent single, the thought-provoking ballad, “Kill a Word,” highlights, as Billboard claims, Church’s “impressive voice, as well as his songwriting skills.” Church also released a live album in November, Mr. Misunderstood On the Rocks Live & (Mostly) Unplugged, recorded at Morrison, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where the singer/songwriter announced his 2017 tour directly to his fans at the show. 2017 Holdin’ My Own Tour dates are as follows: Friday, January 13: Lincoln, Neb. Pinnacle Bank Arena Saturday, January 14: Sioux Falls, S.D. Denny Sanford Premier Center Sunday, January 15: Grand Forks, N.D. Ralph EngelstadArena Thursday, January 19: Des Moines, Iowa. Wells Fargo Arena Friday, January 20: Minneapolis, Minn. Target Center Saturday, January 21: Green Bay, Wis. Resch Center Continue reading ERIC CHURCH HOLDS HIS OWN ON 2017 SOLO TOUR→

CYNDI LAUPER DEBUTS ON “AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 ON PBS

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Entertaining Hour of Classic Hits, New ‘Detour’ Songs and Stories Behind Them Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning music icon Cyndi Lauper is taking her country DETOUR to landmark television music series “Austin City Limits” (ACL) this Saturday, January 14 on PBS (check local listings). Lauper debuts on the ACL stage in an entertaining hour of classic hit songs and the stories behind them. Lauper recently wrapped up a headlining nationwide tour in 2016 after reigning in a new legion of fans with her new country-tinged album DETOUR, which features a collection of country covers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (track listing below). DETOUR, which debuted No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, features duets with several special guests, including country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.”) Jewel also makes an appearance on DETOUR, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies. Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in music performance for over 40 years, Austin City Limits continues the legendary run showcasing more icons, innovators and highly-anticipated debuts. The series airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. The show’s official hashtag is #acltv. DETOUR TRACK LISTING: 1. “Funnel Of Love” 2. “Detour” – Featuring Emmylou Harris 3. “Misty Blue” 4. “Walkin’ After Midnight” 5. “Heartaches By The Number” 6. “The End Of The World” 7. “Night Life” – Featuring Willie Nelson 8. “Begging To You” 9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” – Featuring Vince Gill 10. “I Fall To Pieces” 11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” – Featuring Jewel 12. “Hard Candy Christmas” – Featuring Alison Krauss

Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier

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Travis Tritt on Country Music News Blog

Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premieres Thursday, January 19, at 8 p.m. on NPT Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar, a performance recorded at the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., premieres Thursday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. on Nashville Public Television. NPT is the presenting station for the program and the Jan. 19 broadcast will be a live taping in the NPT studio featuring Tritt, television host Nan Kelley and Brian Mansfield, for a version that will premiere on PBS stations nationwide in March 2017. A Man and His Guitar spotlights multi-award-winning artist and country music hitmaker Travis Tritt’s distinctively soulful voice and his exceptional guitar prowess. The concert features Tritt at his best, performing a fresh take on some of his biggest hits, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” and “Best of Intentions,” in a stripped down, pure form. Previously unreleased renditions of “Come And Go Blues” and “Pickin’ At It” are also included in the program. Tritt’s discovery that an audience loved to hear him perform songs accompanied only by his guitar served as the inspiration behind the project. In this performance, Tritt acknowledges and pays tribute to artists he grew up admiring and those who were influential to him with personal stories and anecdotes from his long career. Select acoustic numbers and humorous moments between Tritt and his guests Marty Stuart and James Otto are also highlighted. More than 27 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock-influenced artist continues to sell-out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. His 1990 debut album Country Club and its succession of hits put him in the vanguard of the genre’s early ʼ90s boom, making him one of “The Class of ʼ89,” along with country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all of whom dominated the charts in the early 1990s. “Country Club,” “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” and “Drift Off to Dream” peaked at numbers two and three on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, which led Tritt to win the Top New Male Artist award from Billboard and the CMA Horizon Award (now known as the New Artist Award). In 1991, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Country Club as platinum. Two years after his debut, Tritt’s sophomore album, It’s All About to Change, was released. The album shipped three million copies and all four of its singles reached the top five on the country music charts. Along with his first album, this release became triple-platinum certified by the RIAA. The next series of albums, seven of which are certified platinum or higher, scored Tritt more hit singles and led him to amass more than 25 million in career album sales, two Grammys, three CMA Awards and a devoted fan base. In 2012, he formed his own label, Post Oak Recordings, and shortly after released The Calm After…. In 2015, Tritt topped the SoundScan Top 200 Continue reading Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier→

The Chainsmokers, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and More Announced to Perform at the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

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Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo details on Country Music News Blog

In anticipation of one of the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibitions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ took to Facebook Live at midnight on Monday, January 9 to announce their 2017 entertainer lineup. Surprise guest and opening night entertainer Aaron Watson made the official announcement in front of a select group of media and 60 lucky fans. The lineup features some of the biggest names in today’s music including The Chainsmokers, Willie Nelson, Sam Hunt, Fifth Harmony, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, and more. For a full list of performers, see the lineup calendar below. More than half of the star-studded entertainer lineup scheduled to perform at RODEOHOUSTON® will take the rotating stage for the first time in 2017. “With a number of RODEOHOUSTON® veterans and entertainers who are new to the rotating stage, the March entertainment schedule is set,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. “Houstonians can see a diverse offering of incredibly talented artists at truly affordable prices.” Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 am. Visit rodeohouston.com for more information. In addition to the rotating main stage entertainment, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will also present live performances at the Show’s very own honky tonk, The Hideout, as well as the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest’s Miller Lite Stage at The Garden. Artists include Bri Bagwell, Cameran Nelson, Josh Ward, Rich O’Toole, Cory Morrow, and more. For a full lineup of each event, see below. WCBBQ Entertainment: Thursday, March 2: DJ DU, No Dry County, Rich O’Toole Friday, March 3: DJ DU, Bri Bagwell, Mike and the Moonpies, Cory Morrow Saturday, March 4: DJ DU, Flatland Calvary, Zane Williams, Jessie James Decker, Marine Band, Roger Creager, Shooter Jennings & Waymore’s Outlaws   About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING

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Latest Installment Of The Best-Selling Series Features 21 Hits From The World’s Biggest Superstars And Emerging Talent 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Hits Stores And Digital Retailers Jan. 20 Album Pre-Order Available Now; Gives Fans The Chance To Attend Music’s Biggest Night® Pre-order The 2017 GRAMMY NOMINEES Album Here: 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs The Recording Academy®’s GRAMMY Recordings® and Atlantic Records have revealed the track listing for the 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees album. Set for release on Jan. 20 in stores and via digital retailers, the latest installment of the best-selling series — now in its 23rd year — features a collection of GRAMMY-nominated music for the upcoming 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. A portion of album proceeds benefit the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum Foundation™ and MusiCares Foundation® — The Recording Academy-affiliated charitable organizations focused on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need. The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album is highlighted by 21 hits from the world’s biggest superstars and hottest emerging talent, including Album Of The Year nominees Adele, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Drake, and Sturgill Simpson and Best New Artist nominees Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris, and Anderson .Paak among others. “The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album provides a unique playlist, and showcases some of the greatest songs and talented artists that make up this year’s incredible nominees,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “We are pleased to collaborate with Atlantic Records on this project, which provides support for the invaluable programs and initiatives our charities produce throughout the year.” “It has been a fantastic year for music, and we’re very happy to partner with the Recording Academy once again to release a tremendous collection of GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs,” said Julie Greenwald, Chairman & COO of Atlantic Records. “It’s great to have all these amazing and diverse performances together on one album, especially when it supports the wonderful work done by the Recording Academy’s charities.” Music fans can log on to 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs through Jan. 19 to pre-order the 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album, and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS at 8p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). *No purchase necessary to enter or win. Visit 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs for details and eligibility requirements 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Track Listing BEYONCÉ “Don’t Hurt Yourself” Feat. Jack White Album Of The Year TWENTY ONE PILOTS “Stressed Out” Record Of The Year Best Pop Duo/Group Performance SIA “Cheap Thrills” Feat. Sean Paul Best Pop Duo/Group Performance DRAKE “Hotline Bling” Album Of The Year ADELE “Hello” Record Of The Year Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album JUSTIN BIEBER “Love Yourself” Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album THE CHAINSMOKERS “Closer” Feat. Halsey Best New Artist Best Pop Duo/Group Performance KELSEA BALLERINI “Peter Pan” Best Continue reading THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING→

New Rascal Flatts Single "Yours If You Want It" Available Now

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Rascal Flatts on Country Music News Blog

Rascal Flatts announced their new single “Yours If You Want It” today, exclusively on USA Today. The track is the lead single taken from the group’s much-awaited forthcoming studio album, and is available everywhere today. Read more here.   You can download the new song from iTunes or Google Play here, or stream the song on your favorite streaming service.

Kiefer Sutherland To Appear On GAC’s Top 20 Countdown This Weekend

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Debut Album DOWN IN A HOLE Continues to Receive Rave Reviews “Designated Survivor” Airs Wednesdays at 10|9c on ABC NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) – You’ve seen him in the hit ABC series “Designated Survivor,” but Kiefer Sutherland continues to pursue his musical passion as he opens up on Great American Country’s Top 20 Countdown about his critically-acclaimed debut album DOWN IN A HOLE. Sutherland sits down for an intimate discussion with host Suzanne Alexander about the inspiration behind DOWN IN A HOLE, a passion project chock-full of 11 co-written tracks. GAC Air Dates Jan. 6 6p EST Jan. 7 10am and 12pm EST Jan. 8 9am and 11am EST Click here for local listings Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues. DOWN IN A HOLE was recently featured in People, Wall Street Journal, Billboard, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, The Boot, Vice/Live Nation TV, Closer Weekly, US Weekly, Sounds Like Nashville, Nashville Country Club, Taste of Country, The Pickup, Paste, Bella Magazine, Celebrity Page, Consequence of Sound, Associated Press and more. Sutherland will be back on the road this spring with a North American tour. Dates will be announced soon. Keep up with Sutherland by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with him on social media by following him on Twitter and Facebook. Reviewers are applauding Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style: “Kiefer Sutherland…slows down and unwinds on his debut album, a collection of 11 rough-edged country songs…The album has an unexpected, unvarnished authenticity that is pleasant, if sometimes familiar.” -Jill Lawless, Associated Press “The perfect soundtrack for your Americana, dive bar road trip, “All She Wrote” starts off with an intro that would sound right at home during the duel scene in a modern western. Sutherland’s gritty vocals overlap electric guitar and crashing drums…” -Kat Harlton, Lithium Magazine DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING: 1.Can’t Stay Away 2.Truth In Your Eyes 3.I’ll Do Anything 4.Not Enough Whiskey 5.Going Home 6.Calling Out Your Name 7.My Best Friend 8.Shirley Jean 9.All She Wrote 10.Down In A Hole 11.Gonna Die

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award

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Zac Brown Band on Country Music News Blog

Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award; Peter Smyth To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award To be presented Feb. 22 during CRS 2017 (Nashville, Tenn. – Jan 5, 2016) – The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Zac Brown as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award and former Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, Peter Smyth, as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, to be presented during Country Radio Seminar 2017; following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00 p.m. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others. Zac Brown is a strong supporter of multiple philanthropic causes including his own Camp Southern Ground which was inspired by his experiences as a camp counselor. The program at the Georgia-based state-of-the-art facility is an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. Its mission is to provide extraordinary experiences for these children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world. Additional organizations that Brown is committed to include GRAMMYS on The Hill, GRAMMY U, MusiCares, Robin Hood Foundation and The USO. Three-time GRAMMY winner and multi-platinum artist Zac Brown, of Zac Brown Band, is one of music’s most heralded acts. The latest platinum-certified album ‘JEKYLL + HYDE’ (Southern Ground Artists/John Varvatos Records/Big Machine Label Group/Republic Records) marks the band’s fourth consecutive No.1 debut on the Billboard 200 chart. Zac Brown Band has earned a historic series of fifteen No.1 hit radio singles and is only the second band to top both the country and active rock formats. The Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the Country Radio Broadcasters Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the Country Radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to their community. This award is named in honor of CRB Board member Tom Rivers, who died in 2004 at age 38 of bronchial asthma. Rivers, known for his work at WQYK, Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN, Chicago, was highly regarded for his public service. An active philanthropist, Smyth currently serves on the Board of Directors of New England Baptist Hospital and the One Hundred Club of Massachusetts, an organization dedicated to enhancing the welfare and safety of the families of public safety officers and firefighters. Additionally, he is an Advisory Board member of the Home Base Program of Boston, which provides clinical care, education, research and support services for military veterans and their families throughout New England. Smyth is a past member of the Board of Trustees of Emerson College and is a Continue reading Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award→

Little Big Town Start 2017 Music In Our Schools Tour

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Little Big Town on Country Music News Blog

The 2017 Music In Our Schools – Music Inspires Tour will visit six schools chosen to be part of the Tour. These schools will receive a $2,500 grant from Give a Note Foundation, which will be matched by the CMA Foundation. Additionally, Radio Disney and Radio Disney Country will join in celebrating the talented students with select hosted performances. Ramona High School, Riverside, CA Joliet Central High School, Joliet, IL Salina South Middle School, Salina, KS James Otis Elementary School, Boston, MA Tar River Elementary School, Franklinton, NC Wenatchee High School, Wenatchee, WA Five-time Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year Little Big Town will kick off the 2017 Tour at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall at Walt Disney World Resort. The group of country singers will make a surprise appearance during one of the Disney Performing Arts Workshops, Disney Sings—where students are immersed in a “real world” performance experience and record a portion of a Disney film soundtrack. Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Philip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook) will share their own experiences with music education and the importance of music in the lives of all students. Radio Disney Country Correspondent Savannah Keyes will moderate the session. Little Big Town will be available for interviews following the event. Event Date and Time: Friday, January 13, 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Venue for Presentation: Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort Performance Hall, Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL