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Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’

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Mark’s latest single “Sunshine” just went #1 on the Texas Regional Radio Chart. This marks his fourth number one song. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/j0gWnPrAuN8 Mark McKinney has long been an established Texas Country music artist, and with the upcoming release of his fifth studio album, World In Between, he is set to grab the ear of an entirely new audience nationwide. The album will be McKinney’s first full-length effort since 2013’s Standing My Ground, which included three Number One songs in Texas – the country duet “She Ain’t Leavin’,” featuring Bri Bagwell, the brooding “Lonely Bones,” a song about the bitter end of a significant relationship, and the irresistibly catchy “Stolen Cash.” World In Between was produced by Mark and brother, Eric McKinney, who also produced Standing My Ground, at Wonderland Studios in Austin, Texas. Standing My Ground differed from McKinney’s first three albums in that he expanded his writing, taking it in new directions and improving his skill. “This new album is definitely a continuation of all that,” stated McKinney. “I feel like the production has a very real and natural ‘in the room with us’ feel.” The first radio single from World in Between, the tender ballad “Sunshine,” also made it to the Number One spot on the Texas Music Chart and Texas Regional Radio Report in March of 2016. Accompanied by soothing harmonies and desperately honest and poetic lyrics, the song was derived from McKinney watching his wife battle ill health and taking inspiration from her strength. The second teaser from the record, “Bridge” has just been released to radio and is a haunting ode to moving on from a past relationship. McKinney, who is known for delicately crafted love songs and rowdy country anthems, takes a sharp turn and a darker tone with “Bridge.” “This song is probably the most honest I have ever been as a songwriter,” McKinney proclaims. “I was a slightly nervous to release it, but we started playing it at shows and the fans really seemed to embrace it.” The instruments used on this track seem to pull the listener further into the story. The use of the minor key, banjo and gypsy fiddle combine to create a dark, bluegrass folk tale for the modern day. Another example from the 11-track album is the song “Monday,” McKinney’s tongue-in-cheek recipe for a successful relationship. The track’s limited production leaves plenty of space for the song to concentrate on the lyrics. “Monday” features only acoustic and electric slide guitars, and McKinney’s 13 year-old son, Jagger, on B3 organ, bringing a sparse but clean and tasty sound to the track. Going a totally different direction is the song “Rainy Day Money,” where you can hear classic stylings reminiscent of The Beatles, Led Zepplin and Bob Marley combine to create a coastal anthem strung together with another one of McKinney’s signature infectiously catchy melodies. “We got tremendous support from fans and media on the last album,” McKinney said. “People really seemed to connect to the Continue reading Texas-based Country Mark McKinney Set To Release ‘World In Between’→

Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red

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Blake Shelton on Country Music News Blog

Shelton-Inspired Brand to be Anchored by Ole Red Nashville, An Entertainment Venue on Lower Broadway Ole Red Tishomingo Planned for Shelton’s Hometown to be Operated by Ryman Hospitality Properties’ Entertainment Segment See Facebook Live coverage here: http://smarturl.it/OleRed_FBlive NASHVILLE, Tenn. (January 5, 2017) Grand Ole Opry Member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to transform Shelton’s breakout hit “Ol’ Red” into a new lifestyle brand anchored by a $20 million multi-level entertainment venue in the heart of Music City’s famed Lower Broadway. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent third chart hit, the Ole Red concept is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail 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. Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, said, “The Grand Ole Opry is known for connecting fans to the artists and the music they love and that is what the Ole Red brand is all about. Not only is Blake Shelton one of the most popular entertainers of his generation, his performance style and passion for authentic country music have also made him a fixture on the Grand Ole Opry stage since the early days of his career. Ole Red will immerse fans in all the elements of a great country song—with some unexpected twists from Blake along the way.” With a planned opening in 2018, Ole Red Nashville will be a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue, with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway. The performance space at Ole Red Nashville will be equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system and acoustics tailor-made for the event programming that will take place there, including intimate concerts, live band karaoke, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the complex nears completion. Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties also announced Ole Red Tishomingo, which is set to open in late 2017 in the Platinum-selling recording artist’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. “It’s amazing to me to see a song that’s been such a big part of my career come to life in the plans for Ole Red,” said Blake Shelton. “Nashville and Tishomingo are both places that are important to me, and it’s great that each location is going to have its own personality inspired by one of my favorite songs. It’s always been a dream of mine to create something like this where people know they’re going to have a good time as soon as they walk in the door, and I couldn’t be more excited that my friends at the Opry and Ryman Hospitality Properties are making it happen.” Ole Red Nashville will be located at 300 Broadway in a building Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Unveil Plansfor Ole Red→

New Music From Shania Twain

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Shania Twain on Country Music News Blog

The Canadian songstress Shania Twain took to twitter to wish fans a happy new year, and along with it, spilled the beans that she is working on new music too!  Any new release from the queen of country crossovers would be the first in 6 years. Happy New Year! Thank you for all your continued support. So excited to share new music with you this year. 2017, i’m gonna getcha good 😘 pic.twitter.com/WAAOnIxBvT — Shania Twain (@ShaniaTwain) January 1, 2017 Her last single, “Today Is Your Day” came out in 2011 to less than phenomenal fanfair compared to her 2009 album “Come On Over” which was a chart-blasting success. In recent years Shania has limited herself to select television appearances and residencies in premium Las Vegas venues. A new album would most likely mean a new tour and all the publicity that surrounds it.

Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution

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Smokey Mountains Rise - Benefiting Dolly Parton's My People Fund

Donations to the fund continue as totals climb to $9.3 million PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (December 22, 2016) – In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton and the Dollywood Foundation launched the distribution of assistance from the My People Fund. During the four day cash distribution, 884 families received their initial support payments. “It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far,” Parton said. “We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.” The Dollywood Foundation My People Fund provides $1,000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org. Millions of people watched Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, December 13 on Great American Country, AXS-TV, RFD-TV and The Heartland Network and during several rebroadcasts throughout the last week. As a result, donations continued to roll in and thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Parton’s friends, the total amount raised has climbed to $9.3 million. “As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming,” David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President said. “We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would go.” The next distribution is January 26 and 27, 2017 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. About the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund: More than 1,300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1,000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence. About Smoky Mountains Rise: Smoky Mountains Rise was a three-hour telethon broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 13 to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund to benefit those affected by the Sevier County, Tennessee wildfires. Smoky Mountains Rise was executive produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Kirt Webster, Pete Owens and Scott Durand. Produced by Edie Hoback, Jeremy Westby, Shanna Strassberg, Suzzane Skinner, Nic Dugger and Shantel Klinger. About The Dollywood Company: A highly-awarded and widely-recognized leader in the amusement industry, The Dollywood Company consists of the 150-acre Dollywood theme park; the 35-acre Dollywood’s Splash Country; Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort; and Dollywood’s Smoky Mountain Cabins. As unique as its namesake and owner Dolly Parton, Dollywood is the 2010 Applause Award winner, the theme park industry’s highest accolade; winner of nearly 30 Golden Ticket Awards; and recipient of 25 Brass Ring Awards for Live Entertainment (more Continue reading Dolly Parton’s My People Fund Serves Nearly 900 Families In First Distribution→

Rising Country Songstress, Arista Manning, Releases Video for Single “Southern Drawl”

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

On the heals of the release of her debut EP, Ride This Night, 22-year-old Kentucky native, Arista Manning, has released the music video for her first single Southern Drawl. The video premiered today on Next Women of Country and is an energetic nod to those who have “an appreciation for all things southern.” As entertaining as it is catchy, Arista brings hard-hitting vocals and an attitude to the track that is hard to resist. The upbeat tune and Arista’s refreshing sound have already impacted radio and grabbed the attention of industry professionals. Al Windsperger of WYRQ said of Southern Drawl, “The music on the track reminds me of Charlie Daniel’s southern style… [Arista has] a nice voice that is easy to listen to,” and Seth Coburn of KLAW noted that “[Arista has] got a great voice, and Southern Drawl is a great mix of classic country with a modern sound.” About Arista Manning The daughter of a local farmer, rising country songstress Arista Manning’s musical career began with the southern roots that now help grow her artistry–inside her hometown church in Kentucky where she played piano and sang in the choir at just eight years old. After taking the stage at local talent shows and events for several years, Arista’s goals broadened beyond her small town, and the teenager began traveling to Music City to record demos and pursue the dreams that have continued to follow her. Arista’s debut EP boasts five songs written by some of Nashville’s most decorated songwriters (Brian White, Ashley Monroe, Brett James and many others). Ride This Night takes listeners on a journey of both nostalgia and adventure. From lyrics about spirituality and trusting God to deliver your dreams (Amen to That), to living in the moment and seeking the unknown (Ride This Night), Arista pays homage to the sound and storytelling of the classics from the genre, while beautifully reflecting her own experience as she begins to carve her path as a new artist, one that will resonate with listeners who have answered the call of their dreams. Full of personality with passion and a voice to match, Arista Manning is poised to make waves in the country music industry—reaching out to listeners of all ages and in every walk of life with meaningful messages, youthful anthems, and a respectful nod to her roots. You can find more information about Arista by visiting her website.

Multiple Grammy Award Winner Miranda Lambert Headlines The 18thAnnual "A Home For The Holidays," on CBS

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Miranda Lambert on Country Music News Blog

Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert headlines the 18th annual A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS, to be broadcast Friday, Dec. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Miranda Lambert performs “Pushin’ Time” and “Keeper of the Flame” from her recently released and critically acclaimed sixth studio album, The Weight of These Wings, which spent two weeks at Number One on the Billboard Country Album Charts and is currently Number Three. The double album debuted at Number Three on the Billboard Top 200 Chart, which spans all genres. Lambert also performs the heart-warming, “The House That Built Me,” which is the song that earned Miranda her first Grammy Award for Best Female Country Vocal Performance (her second Grammy win was for Best Country Album for Platinum in 2014). A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS features uplifting stories of adoption from foster care and raises awareness of this important social issue. At the emotional conclusion of the program, Miranda greets some of the families featured in these stories while “Jingle Bells” plays in the background. The special is presented in association with the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption and the Children’s Action Network. Wendy’s founder, Dave Thomas, who was adopted, established the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption in 1992. It is dedicated to dramatically increasing the adoptions of children in North America’s foster care system. The Children’s Action Network was founded in 1990 by leaders in the entertainment industry in order to harness the power of the entertainment media on behalf of children. The special is a part of CAN’s National Adoption Campaign to raise awareness of the joys of adopting and to find homes for the children who are waiting. The 18th annual A HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS with Miranda Lambert is produced by Triage Entertainment and Goldsmith Entertainment. Karen Mack, Stu Schreiberg, Stephen Kroopnick and Marilyn Seabury are the executive producers. Kelly Brock is the producer, Kimberly Steer is the supervising producer and Mary Donaldson is the coordinating producer. Mike Simon is directing the special. About Miranda Lambert: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.” The Texas native released her sixth album, The Weight Of These Wings, on November 18, 2016. The first song released from The Weight Of These Wings, “Vice,” hit the Country Radio airwaves on July 18th touting a tally of 109 first week monitored reporting stations spinning the new song. Her second single “We Should Be Friends” arrived at radio on December 12, 2016.

DUSTIN LYNCH WINS BIG ON SPIKE TV’S LIP SYNC BATTLE

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Took on Cassadee Pope in Last Night’s Hilarious Holiday Episode New Single “Seein’ Red” Enters Country Radio’s Top 10 Broken Bow Records artist DUSTIN LYNCH proved unbeatable in last night’s (12/21) laugh-out-loud episode of Spike TV’s LIP SYNC BATTLE, taking on fellow country star Cassadee Pope. Hosted by LL Cool J and Chrissy Teigen, LIP SYNC BATTLE pits celebrities in a head-to-head fight to see who can deliver the most outrageous and entertaining lip-synched performance, and Lynch wowed the crowd with Ludacris’ lusty rap hit “What’s Your Fantasy” and Lou Bega’s dancehall smash “Mambo No. 5,” earning himself the LSB championship belt. Trading in his cowboy hat for a flat-brimmed cap, Lynch turned on the goofy sex appeal for “What’s Your Fantasy,” a hip-thrusting good time that ended with a whipped cream finish and had Pope doubled over in laughter. “Mambo No. 5,” on the other hand, was full of zoot-suited, Latin-flavored fun … with “a little bit” of fake mustache thrown in for good measure. Catch Dustin Lynch’s “Mambo No. 5” vs. Cassadee Pope’s “I Write Sins Not Tragedies” performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzxsK5mF3Z0 In case you missed it, Dustin Lynch syncs “What’s Your Fantasy” by Ludacris here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flxMDlFXGj8 Meanwhile, Lynch’s current single – the steamy “Seein’ Red” – has just entered Country radio’s Top 10. Co-written by Kurt Allison, Steve Bogard, Tully Kennedy and Jason Sever, it’s the first taste of Lynch’s upcoming third album, with Rolling Stone praising Lynch’s vocals as “one of his most soulful and assured to date” and Taste of Country proclaiming the song “unapologetically sexy.” It follows the three-peat GOLD and PLATINUM success of singles “Where It’s At,” “Hell of a Night” and “Mind Reader” from his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT. Lynch will kick off 2017 with a bang, joining Florida Georgia Line’s DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR as the featured supporting artist. The nationwide trek begins January 27 in Tallahassee, Florida, and also includes Chris Lane. For more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com. ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH: Since releasing his PLATINUM debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has catapulted onto the country music scene, with three consecutive #1s, two Top 5 albums, Platinum-level certifications and back-to-back summers on one of the biggest tours in country music (opening for Luke Bryan). Racking up over 55 million views on YouTube/VEVO, scoring 150 million plus streams on Spotify, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter and selling 3 million digital singles, he brings a fresh combination of traditional influences and edgy intensity to the genre. Producers Mickey Jack Cones, Brett Beavers and Luke Wooten showcase his progressive sound throughout his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT (Broken Bow Records), which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart upon release and has tallied over 1 million tracks sold to date. Realizing his long time dream of creating a fashion line, Lynch recently launched Stay Country. “Stay Country isn’t just a brand, it’s a lifestyle,” says Lynch. “It’s where I grew up. It’s home to the rivers I’ve fished, the Continue reading DUSTIN LYNCH WINS BIG ON SPIKE TV’S LIP SYNC BATTLE→

Brad Paisley Announces March 3 Release Date for Next Album – LOVEAND WAR

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Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

Nashville, TN – Superstar Brad Paisley announces March 3 as the release date of his forthcoming album, LOVE AND WAR. “Today” is the first single from the much anticipated album and is already in the Top 15 on the country airplay charts   LOVE AND WAR is co-produced by Paisley and Luke Wooten and will be the entertainer’s 11th studio album release on Arista Nashville.   Brad Paisley is a critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer whose talents have earned him numerous awards, including three GRAMMYs, two American Music Awards, 14 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), among many others. He has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry since 2001. Paisley has written 20 of his 23 #1 hits including “He Didn’t Have to Be,” “Mud on the Tires,” “She’s Everything,” “Water” and “Remind Me,” among others. His highly successful Life Amplified World Tour 2016 traveled across the US and Canada and recently announced added dates for February 2017. Paisley also took his “Country Nation College Tour presented by Frontier Communications” to 9 IMG College partners this fall for free concerts on campus, a follow-up to his initial 2015 college tour. His current single, “Today,” is resonating with people around the globe and is currently in the Top 15 on the country single chart and the music video has been viewed over 30 million times. Paisley has partnered with Boot Barn® and developed an exclusive line of jeans, hats, T-shirts, jewelry, belts and woven shirts called Moonshine Spirit by Brad Paisley. Connect with Brad at www.BradPaisley.com, www.Facebook.com/BradPaisley, on Twitter @BradPaisley, on Instagram @Brad Paisley, and YouTube at YouTube.com/BradPaisley.

Old Dominion Caps Year w/ Sold Out Inaugural "Stagecoach SpotlightMeat & Candy Tour"

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Old Dominion on Country Music News Blog

With 180+ shows and RIAA Gold certified album, 2016 ACM New Vocal Group of the Year Wraps “on the cusp of superstardom” [Vice] NASHVILLE, Tenn. – In their First Listen feature, NPR dubbed Old Dominion’s Meat & Candy “first-rate craftsmanship,” yet it was the band’s ability to bring those songs to life in their live show that led to the five-piece being selected for a unique partnership on the touring front — and the first in history — with Stagecoach. Aligning with “the biggest country music gathering in the world” (Los Angeles Times), Stagecoach tapping Old Dominion as part of the inaugural Stagecoach Spotlight Tour was just one in a series of major firsts for the band in what has been a breakout year. The partnership was overwhelmingly successful with 15 of Old Dominion’s 33-dates, 28-states headlining Meat and Candy Tour stops co-branded with the festival powerhouse, all seeing the band playing to fully packed houses. “It’s been ridiculous,” shares Old Dominion’s frontman Matthew Ramsey. “To think of what all we have accomplished as a band… as performers, as songwriters… to connect on that level with so many fans, we’re just so thankful for what this year has brought.” Just last month the album Entertainment Weekly called “deceptively smart” and “infectious,” Meat & Candy, was officially RIAA Gold certified in part due to the success of their newly cemented No. 1, “Song For Another Time,” the second chart-topper off their critically-acclaimed major label debut album. With a 2016 show tally of 182 and over 60,000 fans rocked in North America on the Meat and Candy Tour alone (not including fans they played to on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour), the band, comprised of lead singer Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers, will kick-off 2017 joining Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabon Tour. For more information, visit www.olddominionband.com and www.facebook.com/olddominionband or follow @OldDominion on Twitter and @OldDominionMusic on Instagram.

Big & Rich To Headline RIAA/Musicians On Call Inaugural Benefit

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Country music superstar act Big & Rich will be the headlining entertainment at the Recording Industry Association of America’s (RIAA) second-ever inauguration charity event benefiting Musicians On Call. The hit duo will perform their set at the 9:30 Club the evening of the presidential inauguration on Friday, January 20, 2017. Comprised of Big Kenny and “Celebrity Apprentice” winner John Rich, Big & Rich have exerted a definitive gravitational pull to the direction modern country music has taken. Known as “America’s Technicolor cowboys,” Big & Rich have made a career of being relatable and musically relevant since exploding into the public consciousness in 2003. Their 2004 debut studio album Horse of a Different Color shot to RIAA triple-Platinum and included smash hit “Save a Horse (Ride a Cowboy),” while their latest album Gravity scored three back-to-back-to-back Top Ten country hits with “Look at You,” “Run Away With You,” and “Lovin’ Lately” featuring Tim McGraw. Meanwhile, their hit “Comin’ to Your City” is nearing a decade as the theme song for ESPN’s College GameDay. “Musicians On Call brings the healing power of music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities nationwide,” said Pete Griffin, President of Musicians On Call. “We are so grateful for RIAA’s long term support of our mission and to be the charitable beneficiary of Big & Rich’s performance in Washington, DC.” About Musicians On Call (MOC): Musicians On Call (MOC) was founded in 1999 at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in NYC by Michael Solomon and Vivek Tiwary, with the mission of bringing live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities ranging from children’s hospitals to adult facilities, VA hospitals and hospices. To date, its volunteers have played for nearly half a million people in New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Baltimore, with additional cities being continuously added. Musicians On Call continues its mission through room-to-room hospital performances by both local musicians and an esteemed list of national celebrities. MOC supporters over the years include Pharrell, Bruce Springsteen, Ed Sheeran, Lady Antebellum, James Taylor, Jessie J, Justin Timberlake, Gavin DeGraw and Imagine Dragons. For more information, visit www.musiciansoncall.org.