Press Releases – Page 28 – Country Music News

Randy Travis Launches ‘Diggin’ Up Songs’ Digital Campaign To Spotlight New Artists

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Randy Travis News on Country Music News Blog

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME member RANDY TRAVIS is shining a spotlight on new music he believes in with his “Diggin’ Up Songs” digital campaign. The music is curated by TRAVIS personally and can be found via SPOTIFY, TWITTER, FACEBOOK, and TRAVIS’s website. New songs will be added every two weeks; the first round of spotlight tracks was revealed today and includes KANE BROWN’s “Heaven,” BRETT ELDREDGE’s “The Long Way,” WALKER HAYES’s “You Broke Up With Me,” LUKE COMBS’s “One Number Away,” and LAUREN ALAINA’s “Doin’ Fine.” “Though RANDY may not be able to perform right now, his love and affinity for music stands strong,” said TRAVIS’s wife, MARY DAVIS-TRAVIS. “We like to say he is ‘singing a new song’ and spending his time giving back to the community and supporting fellow artists — streaming is a great new outlet to do just that.”

Congrats To Country Radio For Supporting St. Jude

Posted on March 6, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Kudos to our friends at Country radio that worked hard during their recent ST. JUDE Radiothons to raise money for ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. FEDERATE MEDIA Country WBYT/SOUTH BEND, IN raised $306,720 this year; HALL COMMUNICATIONS Country WPCV/LAKELAND, FL, raised $204,863, which is a $26,000 increase compared to last year’s radiothon; MIDWEST COMMUNICATIONS Country WDEZ/WAUSAU, WI raised more than $175,000, bringing their 17-year total to more than $2 million; and DICK BROADCASTING Country WRNS/GREENVILLE, NC’s two-day total came to $160,126.

Lucas Hoge Partners with Southwest Airlines as 2018 StoryTeller

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Hot country vocalist Lucas Hoge continues ascending into new territory as he joins Southwest Airlines’ Storyteller Brand Ambassador program. Over the next year, Lucas will be part of a curated group of 12 #SouthwestStorytellers who will promote the brand on their social channels. “We’re excited that Lucas is a part of our #SouthwestStorytellers Class of 2018. Over the years, Lucas has made Southwest his airline of choice as he has toured the country sharing his music with fans. We are excited to launch this partnership and are looking forward to what unfolds,” said Curtis Midkiff, Southwest Airlines Social Business Advisor. The Nebraska native is set to release the second single off his No. 1 album Dirty South to radio this March. Hoge had a career defining year in 2017, with his album ascending to the No. 1 spot on Billboard Country Album Sales Chart the week of release and making his Grand Ole Opry debut on the Ryman stage. For more information and the latest news on Lucas Hoge, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and go to LucasHoge.com LUCAS HOGE ON TOUR: Jan. 26 Stoney’s Rockin’ Country – Las Vegas, Nev. Feb. 03 MGM Grand Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nev. Feb. 17 Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn. Feb. 23 Sandia Casino – Albuquerque, N.M. Feb. 24 Country Fest | Rodeo Weekend – Tuscon, Ariz. March 24 Broadbent Arena, Kentucky State Fair & Expo Center – Louisville, Ky. April 09 Whiskey Jam – Nashville, Tenn. April 14 ACM Party For A Cause – Las Vegas, NV April 25 Ralston Arena – Ralston, Neb. April 27 Red Cloud Opera House – Red Cloud, Neb. April 28 Opera House – Minden, Neb. June 01 Nebraska Cattlemen’s Ball – Kearney, Neb. May 23 – 30 Wrangler National Patriot Tour June 01 Nebraska Cattleman’s Ball – Kearney, Neb. June 22 Stoney’s Rockin Country – Las Vegas, NV June 23 Tower Theater – Fresno, CA July 07 The Golf Club at Black Rock – Coeur D’ Alene, Idaho ABOUT LUCAS HOGE: Some people are just born communicators and Lucas Hoge has that gift. Fans know this because Hoge’s new album Dirty South ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart during its debut week. Whether he’s performing for troops overseas, sharing his love for the great outdoors with fellow sportsmen at a Cabela’s gathering or writing another song for a hit TV show, Hoge has that rare ability to find common ground with just about anyone and draw them into his world. A passionate supporter of the U.S. military, Hoge has traveled the globe extensively performing for the troops visited numerous countries throughout the Middle East and beyond for the past nine years as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. Hoge is also the celebrity spokesperson for Guardian Angels For Soldier’s Pet. Combine all of that with his Midwestern charm and a work ethic that won’t slow him down, it looks like the best is yet to come.

Presenting Your 2018 ACM Award Nominees:

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

ACM Award News on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music announced today the host and nominations for the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Multimedia superstar and sixteen-time ACM Award® winner Reba McEntire will return to host LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. Chris Stapleton Leads with 8 Nominations; Thomas Rhett Receives 6 NominationsKeith Urban and Songwriter Shane McAnally Each Receive 5 Nominations; Miranda Lambert and Maren Morris Each Receive 4 Nominations;Sam Hunt, Little Big Town and Midland Each Receive 3 Nominations;Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Receive First Nomination as Vocal Duo [bctt tweet=”Just announced! 53rd @ACMawards Nominations Revealed plus @Reba Returns to Host LIVE from Las Vegas @MGMGrand April 15 at 8pm on #CBS!” username=”My_CountryMusic”] ENCINO, CA (March 1, 2018) – The Academy of Country Music announced today the host and nominations for the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, honoring country music’s superstars and hottest emerging talent. Multimedia superstar and sixteen-time ACM Award® winner Reba McEntire will return to host LIVE from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/PT on the CBS Television Network. This year’s show will mark Reba’s fifteenth time hosting the ceremony, last appearing in 2012 with Blake Shelton. In addition to surprising audiences with the news that she will return to host, Reba appeared live today on “CBS This Morning” to announce this year’s ACM Award nominees for Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Vocal Duo of the Year, and Vocal Group of the Year, as well as nominees for Song of the Year on Facebook LIVE. “Entertainment Tonight” host Nancy O’Dell announced additional nominees on ETonline.com. Chris Stapleton leads with eight nominations in five categories, including his first nod for Entertainer of the Year. Stapleton is also nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, and twice, as both artist and producer, in both the Album of the Year and Single Record of the Year categories; he received the Album of the Year nod for From a Room: Volume 1, and the Single Record of the Year nod for “Broken Halos.” He is also nominated twice, both as artist and songwriter, in the Song of The Year category for “Whiskey and You.” Reigning Male Vocalist of the Year, Thomas Rhett earned six nominations, including his second in the Male Vocalist of the Year category. Rhett is also nominated twice, as an artist and producer, for both Album of The Year for Life Changes and Vocal Event of the Year for “Craving You” (featuring Maren Morris). Lastly, he is nominated for his first Music Video of the Year award for “Marry Me,” along with director TK McKamy and producer Dan Atchison. Keith Urban earned five nominations including his eighth nod for Entertainer of the Year Continue reading Presenting Your 2018 ACM Award Nominees:→

Tune-In Alert: Kellie Pickler Press Tour

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Country music star and co-host of “Pickler & Ben,” Kellie Pickler wrapped up a whirlwind Los Angeles press tour this week to promote the freshman talk-show, which was recently picked up for its second season. She began the week on Tuesday, February 20th with an appearance on “Ellen” where she was scared by “Faith Hill.” https://www.ellentube.com/episode/bill-gates-kellie-pickler-keala.html On Wednesday, she headed over to E!’s “Daily Pop” for a chat about her upcoming birthday and her favorite things about hosting the first talk show based out of Nashville. http://www.eonline.com/shows/daily_pop/videos/269023/kellie-pickler-dishes-on-first-talk-show-in-nashville After which, she visited CNN for a live interview on HLN’s “MichaeLA.” Kellie and Michaela Pereira talked about the show and Kellie’s three USO Tours. At “ET Online,” Kellie and Sophie Schillaci talked about her most recent single and played a game about country slang terms. Thursday, the day began with a visit to “Access Live” where she spoke with hosts Kit Hoover and Scott Evans about the instant chemistry she and co-host Ben Aaron had from their very first meeting. Next she headed to “Perez Hilton,” who expressed how much he’d like to appear on “Pickler & Ben.” After a wild visit with “Extra” amid the crowds of Universal CityWalk, Kellie wrapped up her press tour at “Steve Harvey” where she shared her passion for extreme sports, including sky diving for a segment to air on February 26th.

Scotty McCreery Lands First No. 1 with “Five More Minutes”

Posted on February 26, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Scotty McCreery News On Country Music News Blog

After gaining more than 500,000 units of streams and sales,“Five More Minutes” certified Gold by the RIAA NASHVILLE, Tenn. – After announcing his forthcoming album, Seasons Change, is due March 16 on Triple Tigers Records and making some major decisions in his personal and professional career, Scotty McCreery’s debut single from the forthcoming album, “Five More Minutes,” becomes his first No. 1 hit, reaching the top spot on both the Billboard and Mediabase/Country Aircheck Country Airplay charts. The song that The Tennessean says, “pulls heartstrings” also cements RIAA Gold certification for combined units of steams and sales in excess of 500,000. An overjoyed McCreery said, “There was a time I thought this song would never see the light of day. Seeing this song, inspired by my Granddaddy Bill, go Gold and then become my first number one means the world to me! After writing it with Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell, I tweeted out that ‘I think I just wrote my favorite song I’ve ever written,’ and that still holds true today. Thank you to my fans, country radio, Triple 8 Management, Triple Tigers Records, my band and crew, and everyone on my team. A big thank you to Bobby Bones for bringing national attention to the song. Gabi and I have been celebrating all day!” “Five More Minutes,” which People calls an “emotional walk down memory lane,” was McCreery’s first introduction back to the industry after the singer took almost five years since his last No. 1 studio LP, See You Tonight while resolving legal disputes with his former label, touring, writing new songs, and creating this new album for his new label home. The hit that Billboard calls, “heart-wrenching” was written two weeks after the passing of his paternal grandfather, who serves as a major inspiration for the song, and takes listeners on a journey through both the joys and sorrows of life, ending with a plea for “five more minutes” with his grandfather. McCreery wrote the song with Seasons Change co-producer Frank Rogers and Monty Criswell back in 2015. He first performed it publicly on the Grand Ole Opry in June 2016 during CMA Music Festival, receiving a standing ovation and subsequently millions of views on the Opry’s YouTube channel. National Radio Hall of Fame member Bobby Bones championed “Five More Minutes” and gave the song its national radio debut on his morning show in late April 2017. Fan reaction was immediate, and McCreery released the song independently soon thereafter. On the day the song was released, country music legend Randy Travis tweeted “this is storytelling and country music at its best.” Soon after McCreery signed with Triple Tigers Records, and the song became not only the highest-ranking single of his career, but also the fastest rising song of his career. The 24-year old singer/songwriter has a lot to say on Seasons Change, McCreery’s forthcoming 11-track album, co-produced by Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis, due March 16. With every song co-written by McCreery himself, Seasons Change marks the first time he’s played a hand in writing his entire album. With songs influenced by true-life events that occurred since he released his last album at 19 — including moving out on his own, going to college, getting robbed at gunpoint, losing his grandfather, changing record labels, releasing a book and proposing to his high school sweetheart Continue reading Scotty McCreery Lands First No. 1 with “Five More Minutes”→

Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham

Posted on February 22, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Upon learning the news of the passing of his longtime friend, Reverend Billy Graham, country music legend Ricky Skaggs released the following statement: “I was up early this morning having my prayer time and Bible reading when I heard the news of Dr. Graham’s passing. The first thing I did was to thank God for sending Billy Graham into this world. My youngest daughter Molly gave her life to Jesus watching him on TV during one of his Crusades. It’s a story of millions of people just like Molly that came to Christ listening to Dr. Graham’s simple message of God’s love and forgiveness. There has never been an evangelist in our lifetime that has had the Christian integrity in ministry that Dr. Graham had. It was because he lived his life intentionally to honor Christ. He had righteous Godly men around him all the time, praying for him and praying with him everyday. He set up safeguards for his life as a husband, a father, and his life as a minister of the gospel. His ministry reflected his personal life and his personal life reflected his ministry. What a concept! He was above reproach, and he lived there always, because he never wanted to give anyone the slightest hint of doubt that he wasn’t who he said he was. His desire, first and foremost, was to honor the Lord Jesus Christ with his whole heart. He knew who he was and he knew Whose he was. He knew he was a beloved son, yet calling himself a sinner. Hard to imagine, but humility will do that to you. He believed the words of John the Baptist, when John said of Jesus, ‘He must increase and I must decrease,’ great words to live by. I’m so thankful that I got know Dr. Graham and do some of his Crusades. The first one I did was in Columbus, Ohio at a baseball field. I was up on stage singing some songs and it was pouring down the rain, big sheets of rain. I thought, all these people will go home, no one could sit through this storm, but no one left, some had umbrellas but most of them didn’t. Then all of a sudden, I looked and they were bringing Dr. Graham toward the stage in a covered golf cart, it stopped raining, it completely stopped. I knew then the favor of the Lord was on this man. I’m so grateful for the friendships I’ve made with the Graham family. Franklin is one of my dearest friends. I’m thankful that they allowed me and my family to come visit Dr. Graham and sing some songs, eat a hot dog, and pray with him at his home in Montreat, NC. The scripture says ‘a man’s gift makes way for him, and brings him before great and mighty men.’ From President Truman to President Trump, 13 Presidents, Queen Elizabeth and countless other leaders of many nations, Dr. Graham’s message has never changed. ‘For God so loved Continue reading Country Stars Mourn the Passing of Rev. Billy Graham→

Listen Now: Southern Country Rockers Jägertown – Rearview

Posted on February 12, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Southern country rockers Jägertown have refueled a break-up tune into an explosive new track for country radio – Rearview. This single is officially impacting airwaves today (Monday, February 12, 2018) and is available for download on iTunes and all digital retailers. Coming off the last chart-topping single, Small Town Superstars (peaked #29 on Music Row Country Breakout Chart and #50 on Billboard Indicator), this tune was produced by Matt McClure (multi-platinum, 3x Grammy nominated, multi #1 producer for Lee Brice, Kelli Pickler, Dylan Scott, Lindsay Ell, etc.), in the heart of Music Row at renowned Ocean Way Studios. The song chronicles a classic country heartbreak with a rockin’ twist. You can almost smell the gasoline in the air and hear the engine rev, speeding away from a past relationship. This song is off their brand-new EP Rearview, also available today. Even before the official radio release date, stations jumped on the opportunity to download and play some new Jägertown music. Rearview made the Top 5 of Most Downloaded & Streamed Tracks on Play MPE, sharing their fame alongside major acts Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Sara Evans and Sir Rosevelt (Zac Brown). Internationally syndicated radio show, Nashville Access chose this song as their Super Pick of the Week. For more information, visit Jägertown at the following: Website: www.Jagertown.com Facebook: @Jagertown Twitter: @Jagertown Instagram: @Jagertown

ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

The Academy of Country Music® announced today the Radio Awards nominees for the 53rd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, including double nominations for KAJA-FM in San Antonio, TX, KHAY-FM in Ventura, CA, KUBL-FM in Salt Lake City, UT, KUZZ-AM/FM in Bakersfield, CA, WFMS-FM in Indianapolis, IN, and WIL-FM in St. Louis, MO. Though not presented during the live telecast, the Radio Awards are given out during the annual Radio Winners Reception held on Saturday, April 14 in Las Vegas, NV, the day prior to the ACM Awards live telecast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The full list of 53rd ACM Awards nominations will be announced in early March. 53rd ACM Radio Awards nominees are: NATIONAL ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Cody Alan CMT After MidNite with Cody Alan Bobby Bones, Amy, Lunchbox, Eddie The Bobby Bones Show Terri Clark Country Gold with Terri Clark Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase Crook and Chase Countdown Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks Ty, Kelly & Chuck ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET Bud and Broadway WIL-FM St. Louis, MO Cadillac Jack WQYK-FM St. Petersburg, FL Chris Carr, Kia, Maverick and McKaila KEEY-FM St. Louis Park, MN Paul Schadt, Meg Butterly, Geof Knight WKKT-FM Charlotte, NC Roxanne Steele WYCD-FM Detroit, MI ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET Dale Carter KFKF-FM Kansas City, MO Double-L KWNR-FM Las Vegas, NV Jim Denny, Deborah Honeycutt & Kevin Freeman WFMS-FM Indianapolis, IN Johnson and Johnson KUBL-FM Salt Lake City, UT The Randy, Jamie and JoJo Show KAJA-FM San Antonio, TX ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET The 97.5 WPCV Breakfast Club with Roger Todd, Julie Kay and DJ Thee Trucker WPCV-FM Lakeland, FL Carina With A Twist Of Lime WCYQ-FM Knoxville, TN Buzz Jackson KIIM-FM Tucson, AZ Steve & Geoff KUZZ-AM/FM Bakersfield, CA The Odd Squad CKRY-FM Calgary, AB ON-AIR PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews WCOW-FM Sparta, WI Bobby and Steve (and Mandi!) WKYQ-FM Paducah, KY Dave Daniels KHAY-FM Ventura, CA Pat James KHUT-FM Hutchinson, KS The Q Crew with Jason and Ashley on Q100.3 KRWQ-FM Medford, OR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MAJOR MARKET KILT-FM Houston, TX KMLE-FM Phoenix, AZ KSCS-FM Dallas. TX WIL-FM St. Louis, MO WPOC-FM Baltimore, MD RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – LARGE MARKET (tie within category increased nominees) KAJA-FM San Antonio, TX KUBL-FM Salt Lake City, UT WFMS-FM Indianapolis, IN WKDF-FM Nashville, TN WSIX-FM Nashville, TN WSM-FM Nashville, TN RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – MEDIUM MARKET KUZZ-AM/FM Bakersfield, CA KXKT-FM Omaha, NE WGKX-FM Memphis, TN WQMX-FM Akron, OH WUSY-FM Chattanooga, TN RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR – SMALL MARKET KCLR-FM Columbia, MO KHAY-FM Ventura, CA KTHK-FM Idaho Falls, ID KTTS-FM Springfield, MO KYKZ-FM Lake Charles, LA For more information on the ACM Awards Continue reading ACM Announces Radio Awards Nominees!→

Chris Janson Invited to Join The Grand Ole Opry

Posted on February 7, 2018 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

WARNER BROS./WAR artist CHRIS JANSON was surprised by KEITH URBAN during his sold-out RYMAN AUDITORIUM show in NASHVILLE last night (2/5), as URBAN invited JANSON to become an official member of the GRAND OLE OPRY. Right after teaming with JANSON on a cover of JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY’s “Sold,” URBAN made the ask, remembering his own OPRY invite, which also took place on the RYMAN stage. JANSON’s next OPRY appearance is set for TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20th; his formal induction will take place in the SPRING at a date to be announced. “Over the course of more than 100 appearances since his OPRY debut in 2013, CHRIS has become a favorite of OPRY fans and fellow performers alike,” said OPRY GM SALLY WILLIAMS. “He is so passionate about the OPRY, including its rich history, the camaraderie it builds between generations of fans and artists, and its place in Country music’s future.”