Keifer and Shawna Thompson take you through their collection of guitars and more. Thompson Square has a little fun telling the story behind each of their guitars in this final installment of “Married to the Music”. Country Music Photo Gallery
Powerful vocalist Melanie Denard makes her CMNB debut! Melanie Denard is about to punch country music right in the gut with her powerful voice, then cure the pain with her pure sweetness. This Georgia native is a newcomer to the mainstream country music industry, and she’s finding more and more welcome mats at every doorstep. Get to know Melanie Denard as she talks about her debut album “Dare to Live”. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rMkNOi3DiI]Country Music Photo Gallery
Mike McGuire, formerly of the hit band Shenandoah, releases 6-track solo debut. It’s been a while since someone played “Two Dozen Roses” on the radio, but Shenandoah‘s drummer Mike McGuire doesn’t mind. That’s because Mike has been writing songs and singing demos. While his songs have been recorded by big artists like Darryl Worley and Reba, it tTurns out, those demos are really where the good stuff happens. After much convincing from friends and fans, Mike McGuire has finally released his own 6-track solo debut. “Six Pack” celebrates a digital release on Amazon, iTunes, and other online retailers. There is no word on retail distribution at this time. “I never dreamed I’d be putting out my own solo project.”, says McGuire. “I’ve always just been a harmony singer and songwriter, but I had so many songwriter friends and Shenandoah fans encourage me to make my own CD because they had heard me singing my song demos and wanted copies. So I figured it would be fun to do and just did it.” Country Music Photo Gallery
The Secret Sisters aren’t so secret anymore! With a classic sound and some serious celebrity encouragement, The Secret Sisters bring authenticity, chillingly great harmonies, and timeless appeal to their debut album. Legendary T Bone Burnett and Jack White (of The White Stripes/Raconteurs) are backing these ladies %110 as they break the cycle of digital mastering and magical autotune and instead just sing from the heart. Take a look! [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv83BELkZxg] You can sign up for a free download from the gals at TheSecretSistersBand.com. The Secret Sisters will be touring w/ T Bone Burnett, Neko Case, Elton John and more in The Speaking Clock Revue.Country Music Photo Gallery
Dropkick Murphys extend their voice to assist underpaid and undervalued healthcare workers. It may not be country music, but somehow the Dropkick Murphys have displayed country values in their latest endeavor. Lending their wildly influential voices to a growing concern, the Boston punk rock icons have created a new music video/public service announcement to shed light on the fact that the majority of blue-collar health care workers can hardly afford healthcare for their own families. They struggle to earn enough to cover even the basic costs of living, and are currently in a fight to gain union rights most other industries take for granted. To learn more and find out how you can help, visit DropkickMurphys.com [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Czep-cbwHec]
Carrie Underwood includes a VIP in her new video: Her Mamma. Carrie Underwood is set to reveal the new video for her next single, “Mamma’s Song” Friday morning on VEVO, but a big detail about the video has already been released. Carrie’s special guest on the set and screen is none other than her own mother! As the song tells the story of a young girl setting out on her own path to success, it mirrors the life-changing events in Carrie and her mother’s relationship, and was written by Carrie Underwood herself. Fans can hear Underwood perform “Mama’s Song” and many more of her mega-hits in concert on the “Play On Tour” which kicks off its fall leg this Saturday in Portland, Oregon at the Rose Garden Arena. The tour will play 47 cities before wrapping December 19 in Calgary, Alberta. By the close of this leg, Underwood will have performed over 100 dates on the “Play On Tour” in 2010.Country Music Photo Gallery
Hank Williams achieves even more success from beyond. Years after the early loss of the lonesome rebel, Hank Williams continues to garner positive press from even the biggest of critics. Spin Magazine, The Tennessean, Country Weekly, CMT and many more have been showering this boxed collection, “Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings…Plus!” with so many compliments it could give a girl a toothache! These timeless recordings are from the pinnacle of Williams’ career and he prerecorded his Mother’s Best shows when he was planning to be out on tour. The acetates miraculously survived and give the listener a personal, intimate connection with this American music legend, where Williams was unguarded in both his conversation and choice of songs. Fans can hear him perform songs from his childhood and debut two new recordings at the time, “Cold, Cold Heart” and “I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You).” The sound quality of these exceptional radio shows is at least comparable to his studio recordings, and many critics have remarked that the “direct-to-disc” Mother’s Best recordings actually have more presence and clarity. This collection features fifteen audio discs and a bonus DVD. The shows contain so many priceless moments, including many songs he never recorded elsewhere such as “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain” and “On Top of Old Smoky.” On the DVD, two of Hank’s original band members give their last interviews on tape, Don Helms and Big Bill Lester. The project also contains a 108 page book, written by respected music writer and Hank Williams historian, Colin Escott, along with an introduction by Hank Williams, Jr. and afterword by Jett Williams. This deluxe, limited box set is packaged in an antique working radio where the listener presses the radio dial and selections of Williams will play.Country Music Photo Gallery
Billy Currington goes one on one about touring with Carrie Underwood, and his new album, Enjoy Yourself. Hot off the heels of yesterday’s album release, Billy Currington sat down with TheComet.com to discuss his career in a one-on-one interview. In it he covers everything from the concept behind the album aptly titled “Enjoy Yourself” to the prospect of touring with Carrie Underwood this fall.The interview even holds a few big surprises! Do you see yourself in the future collaborating with someone like Snoop? Maybe mix it up with some hip-hop or add a little jazz? Yeah, Snoop Dogg would be great, no doubt! I would definitely do a song with him. Can you hook that up? (laughs)…Yeah, he’s a good one. I’d definitely choose him. Any of those guys. For the full interview, visit thecomet.com!Country Music Photo Gallery
A Garth Brooks song inspires a Lifetime Network movie – Unanswered Prayers. The Garth Brooks song “Unanswered Prayers” is the base plotline and title of a new movie from Lifetime TV. The movie will tell the story of two former high school sweethearts facing the reality of unresolved wishes. The movie was co-produced by Garth Brooks himself, as well as Lisa Sanderson. It stars Eric Close (Without a Trace), Samantha Mathis (Grey’s Anatomy) and Madchen Amick (Damages). Expect to see it in early November.
Country Music News Blog becomes the first web-only publication to be added to the Country Music Association! Country Music News Blog is now a proud organizational member of the Country Music Association! To our knowledge, we are the only web-based news source in the association and we are more than honored to carry that torch. As country music moves forward in the digital world, it is more important than ever that the industry’s online resources aim for integrity, quality, and a community-minded approach to whatever we do. You can always trust CMNB to follow those guidelines as we provide fans with honest opinions, breaking news, and a fun, entertaining source of all things country music. Thank you to all our faithful readers, subscribers, and even casual visitors for 6 years of growing success!
