Press Releases – Page 47 – Country Music News

Luke Bryan Makes Billboard Chart History with “Kill The Lights”

Posted on April 4, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Luke Bryan Makes Billboard Chart History as Kill The Lights Becomes First Album in 27 Years to Place Six Singles at No. 1 “Fast” is 18th Career No. 1 Single Luke Bryan co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS for a fifth consecutive year and performed the No. 1 country single in America, “Fast.” The song hits the top spot on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck charts. Luke also becomes the only artist in the 27-year history of the Billboard Country Airplay chart to garner six No. 1 singles from an album. Luke’s Kill The Lights album bests his own history as tailgates & tanlines generated five No. 1 singles. “Fast,” written by Luke, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird, also becomes his 18th career No. 1 single. Luke’s previous No. 1’s from his Platinum-selling Kill The Lights album includes “Kick The Dust Up,” “Strip It Down,” “Home Alone Tonight,” “Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ Everyday” and “Move.” On May 5 and 6, Luke will launch a brand new tour, “Huntin’ Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day Tour,” kicking off in Music City at Bridgestone Arena. ABOUT LUKE BRYAN Country music superstar Luke Bryan is a two-time Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year and has hosted the ACM Awards for five consecutive. Since the debut of his first album in 2007 he has placed 18 singles at No.1, sold over 10 Million albums, sold more than 40 million tracks with three Billion music streams. Luke’s concert tours have consistently sold out shows across North America including many NFL Stadiums like the Patriot’s Gillette Stadium where he played back-to-back sold out concerts last summer. Luke has also sold out Chicago’s Soldier Field, Cleveland’s First Energy Stadium, the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Ford Field in Detroit, home of the Vikings at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, and Levi Stadium in San Francisco. In the last three years, Luke has performed to nearly five Million fans on tour. For a one-stop shop for everything Luke Bryan, his community of fans have unparalleled access to his life through Luke Bryan’s official App. Launched in June 2015 in partnership with Disciple Media, the app offers everything from exclusive live streams to updates from the road, competitions to video premieres, exclusive merchandise and more. The App is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook

Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!

Posted on April 3, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ JASON ALDEAN NAMED ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR MIRANDA LAMBERT WINS FEMALE VOCALIST FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THOMAS RHETT WINS HIS FIRST MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD [bctt tweet=”Winners Announced for the 52ND @ACMawards – Country Music’s Party of the Year!” username=”CMNBlog”] Winners have been announced for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, which aired LIVE earlier this evening on the CBS Television Network from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV. The industry named Jason Aldean as Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor. This is the second consecutive win for Aldean in this category. Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the eighth consecutive year, breaking her own record for consecutive wins in that category. She also won Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings. Thomas Rhett won Male Vocalist of the Year for the first time. He was also awarded with Song of the Year for “Die a Happy Man,” winning two trophies in that category as both Artist and Songwriter. Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year. They also previously won New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Presented by T-Mobile. Maren Morris and Jon Pardi were also previously announced winners for New Female Vocalist of the Year presented by T-Mobile and New Male Vocalist of the Year Presented by T-Mobile, respectively. Florida Georgia Line received two ACM Awards (off camera categories) for Vocal Event of the Year for “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw and Single Record of the Year for “H.O.L.Y.” ACM CEO Pete Fisher surprised the duo with these Awards at the ACM Party for a Cause: WME Bash at the Beach event on Saturday April 1st. Little Big Town won the Vocal Group of the Year award for the third consecutive year, their fourth win in that category overall. “Forever Country” received Video of the Year Presented by XFINITY and was awarded to producers Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside and Director Joseph Kahn. The show featured an unprecedented number of duos and special collaborations: 14-time ACM Award® winner and 14- time ACM Awards® host Reba McEntire and contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle performed “Back to God,” superstar duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill performed the world television premiere of their new single “Speak To a Girl,” Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris sang “Craving You,” Cole Swindell and Dierks Bentley rocked out “Flatliner,” and Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban performed their hit single “The Fighter.” Plus Florida Georgia Line and the Backstreet Boys teamed up for “God, Your Mama & Me” followed by a powerful performance of the popular “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”. Following is the list of winners in the 14 categories voted on by the membership: Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Male Vocalist of the year Thomas Rhett Female Vocalist of the year Miranda Lambert Vocal Duo of the year Continue reading Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!→

Panama City Beach Announces Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Headliners

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Country’s biggest stars are again descending on Nashville’s favorite beach, as Panama City Beach hosts the fifth annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam on September 1-3, 2017. This Labor Day weekend, visitors can split time playing along the sugar white sand beaches and catching favorites like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town as they take the stage. “This year’s lineup is bigger than ever. For our guests, it’s a great chance to combine a beach vacation with a terrific concert experience,” says Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “There’s no better way to cap off the summer season and kick start fall than with these impressive country music stars.” Music will begin each day at 2:00pm so ticket holders can spend the morning enjoying the white sand beaches and bright Florida sunshine, before catching a shuttle to the concert venue. Tickets for the three-day festival to be held at Frank Brown Park go on sale April 2. Options include General Admission, the new VIP Pit Experience, Skybox, Side Stage and Golden Circle tickets. Special military tickets and early entry along with lodging packages will also be available. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For additional information about Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, including tickets, artist lineup updates, lodging and more, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.

Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Grand Ole Opry Member and Previous Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award Recipient Charlie Daniels On Hand for Presentation NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Multi-Platinum country music entertainer Scotty McCreery was presented with the esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the State of North Carolina last night at the Grand Ole Opry just minutes after receiving a standing ovation for his moving performance of his song “Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina-native received the Award in honor of his charitable service to his home state. On hand for the presentation was Andy Lancaster, Vice President, MWC Advocacy for McGuireWoods Consulting representing former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory; Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry; and past Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award recipient and Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels, who also performed at the Opry last night. “Everyone knows how proud I am of being from North Carolina and that I’m always glad to help out when my state needs me,” said McCreery. “It’s a great feeling to know that my state is proud of me and has recognized me with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Having it presented to me here at the Grand Ole Opry, which is my favorite stage to perform on, is fantastic. Then, receiving it in front of one of my musical heroes and a fellow native North Carolinian, Charlie Daniels, is beyond awesome. This is a memory I will treasure.” “I want to thank Scotty for being such a great ambassador for our state – both on and off stage,” said McCrory, who recommended McCreery for this honor before his term ended earlier this year. “While most people know about his musical talents, Scotty also has a strong commitment to service through his many philanthropic efforts. Scotty truly represents the best of North Carolina.” The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. Past recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in addition to Daniels include Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Phil Donahue, Dale Earnhardt, President Gerald R. Ford, Senator John Glenn, Tipper Gore, Dr. Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Mia Hamm, Jesse Jackson, George Jones, Coretta Scott King, Ronnie Milsap, Richard Petty, Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, Kenny Rogers, Earl Scruggs, Randy Travis, Doc Watson, Tennessee Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Tammy Wynette, and many more notable individuals. After winning “American Idol” in 2011, McCreery made history as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album Continue reading Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry→

Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

FROM PLAYING HOUSE PARTIES TO COUNTRY’S BIGGEST STAGE OLD DOMINION RETURNS WITH A PERFORMANCE ON THE “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™” LIVE FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ON CBS It’s been a long road from playing house parties for pocket change to performing on the “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”, but Old Dominion, 2016’s ACM New Vocal Group of the Year and a 2017 nominee for Vocal Group of the Year, is ready. On Sunday, April 2, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the five-piece band of songwriters returns with a performance of their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on this year’s show airing on CBS . “Last year our performance was 90 seconds,” says Old Dominion lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “It was over in a flash. We walked off stage and I got a little wobbly-kneed as it all sank in,” he adds, recalling their first big break. “Winning the trophy for New Group our first year out was such an honor, but to be nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for a second time and have the opportunity to perform our new song, it really feels like we are on a new level. To be able to deliver the message of this song to an audience of this size means more than we can possibly express. It truly is a career high point.” Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion combines old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into musical magic, and has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in the format, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound resulting in three Top 5 singles, including two No. 1s. They released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which Entertainment Weekly called a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut,” in 2015. Success soon followed and Old Dominion released their Platinum two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” and RIAA certified Gold hit “Snapback” prior to their third single “Song For Another Time,” which also reached the top chart position. The group released their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on March 10, giving fans their first taste of new music from the band’s upcoming sophomore album expected for release later this year. After claiming the ACM New Vocal Group prize in 2016, they spent the summer on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour and followed that with their headlining Meat and Candy Tour, with 15 of the dates tapped as Stagecoach Spotlight: Old Dominion Meat and Candy Tour; the first-ever tour produced by the award-winning Stagecoach Music Festival and celebrated sold-out attendance on all dates. In addition, they picked up additional nominations in 2016 for CMA New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year as well as Favorite Due or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. This spring, they joined Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, The Continue reading Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show→

DARIUS RUCKER: THE BIG PICTURE VIEW

Posted on March 30, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Darius Rucker on Country Music News Blog

NBC Today show original segment on 3/31 + “CMT Hometown Heroes” to air 3/31 Rucker to make appearance in Sandy Wexler, an Adam Sandler Netflix Comedy Movie 4/14 Darius Rucker made headlines this week as a proud Charlestonian championing his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks as they advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament; however, sports teams are not all he supports locally. This week, Rucker brings CMT and Today show cameras to his hometown of Charleston, S.C. to present a brand-new, one-hour special, “CMT Hometown Heroes.” Featuring some of country’s most prolific storytellers, including Rucker, Chris Stapleton, and Brett Eldredge, these artists make surprise returns to their hometowns to give back and perform for their very own hometown heroes. During his visit to Charleston, Rucker remodeled the teen room at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Rucker’s mom was a nurse at the hospital, so he grew up visiting the facility, its staff and patients from an early age. The special premieres Friday, March 31 10 p.m. ET/PT and features exclusive performances, in-depth interviews, as well as an intimate look at the people and places that shaped each performer. NBC’s Today show was on-site for the special taping and will air an original segment on Thursday, March 30 9:00 a.m. ET focusing on Rucker’s lasting impact and philanthropic work at the children’s hospital. Rucker is putting the finishing touches on his album expected for release later this year—his first single off his forthcoming fifth studio album, “If I Told You,” is currently Top 20 and climbing—but he is still making time for film and series appearances. On an episode of “Sun Records” on CMT, Rucker will appear in black-and-white striped prison garb, playing the role of The Prisonaires’ Johnny Bragg, singing “That Chick’s Too Young to Fry” (available on-demand now). Another not-to-be-missed CMT appearance is Rucker’s “CMT Crossroads” with John Mellencamp which premiered exclusively on CMT on March 24. The pair of GRAMMY winners delivered rockin’ performances of “Pink Houses,” and “Cherry Bomb,” as well as “Wagon Wheel” and “If I Told You.” Fans can also see Rucker as he plays himself in the third installment of Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler, a Netflix original, beginning April 14. For more appearances, performances and tour dates, stay tuned to DariusRucker.com.

RAELYNN UNLEASHES DEBUT ALBUM WILDHORSE IN GRACEFUL, GENEROUS FASHION

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Rising Star Spends Release Day Making THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND First Donation At Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Mayor Proclaims “RAELYNN DAY” Also Making Surprise Appearance At RODEOHOUSTON And Singing Powerful First Single “LOVE TRIANGLE” On ELLEN Spunky free spirit and Texas native RAELYNN is today (3/24) celebrating the release of her years in the making debut album, WILDHORSE, which catapulted to #1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #3 All Genre Albums chart upon release. The excitement continues with a trio of high-profile engagements, including the founding of a charitable fund for childhood diabetes patients in her name. Appearing at the Texas Children’s Hospital this afternoon, RaeLynn will make the first donation to THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND and will in turn be honored by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who will proclaim March 24, 2017 as “RAELYNN DAY.” Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, the rising star credits Texas Children’s Hospital with saving her life and is now proud to pay her blessings forward. “I have been counting down to this day for so long that I can’t even believe it is finally here,” exclaims RaeLynn. “And, to be able to celebrate in my hometown and give back to the hospital that helped make all of my dreams come true makes it that much more special.” Later in the day, RaeLynn will also perform a pop-up outdoor concert at the massive RodeoHouston festival, and appear on ELLEN to sing her album’s powerful first single, “Love Triangle” – a heart-wrenching divorce ballad told from the point of view of a little girl. Praised by NPR for its “finely drawn images and subtle shifts in perspective,” “Love Triangle” is currently Top 30 and rising at Country radio. It’s offering the first real taste of an album which bucks convention at every turn to reveal an artist with an untamed soul while gathering millions of online streams to date. Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon, WILDHORSE (Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville) tells the story of RaeLynn’s life following her breakthrough on The Voice – four years that have seen her move to Nashville, release hit songs like “God Made Girls,” and get married. Full of personal touches, RaeLynn co-wrote 11 of the album’s 12 songs, even basing the anthemic “WildHorse” title track on a touching, cross-generational poem written about RaeLynn’s mother by her grandmother. Following WILDHORSE’s release, RaeLynn will begin her first-ever headlining tour. Kicking off on April 20 in Columbus, Ohio, the RaVe TOUR will give country fans a concert experience like they’ve never had before, combining a Radio Disney-curated playlist, full performance from RaeLynn and a glitter-filled dance party with a live DJ after the show. The complete list of RaVe TOUR dates and information on ticket sales can be found at www.raelynn.com.

Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Kickoff on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

The 2017 Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Presented by GEICO will rev into high gear with The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries, on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ. Early bird tickets are on sale now. Buy tickets and get more information at www.LucasOilOffroad.com. Welcoming motorsport enthusiasts from all over Maricopa County, The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries will kick off at 8:00 am with karts and UTV features beginning at 12:00 pm and opening ceremonies at 2:30pm each day, offering attendees a weekend full of high-intensity, family-friendly fun. Guests are invited to walk around the pits, hang out with the racers, and enjoy an entire day of racing on Saturday and Sunday. See schedule below. “We love being out here at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park,” says race legend Brian Deegan. “The excitement is palpable when we come out to this track and we know this weekend is one you will not want to miss.” Racer RJ Anderson says, “We are all so excited to get out on the track and to give off-road racing fans a weekend they won’t forget.” The Lucas Off Road Racing Series Presented by GEICO (the #1 off-road series on the planet) is the evolution of the long standing support of short course racing by Forrest Lucas and Lucas Oil. Steeped in the Midwest tradition of short course off road racing infused with a West Coast influence, Lucas Oil Off Road Racing brings intense four wheel door to door action to challenging, fan friendly tracks. Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series: This is Short Course. The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries takes place on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ. Buy tickets and get more information at www.LucasOilOffRoad.com. Early Bird tickets are available now for a limited time, and for the first time ever, reserved seating and VIP packages are also available. What: The General Tire ‘Duel In the Desert’ Presented By OPTIMA Batteries Where: Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park 20,000 S. Maricopa Road, Chandler, AZ 85226 When: April 22-23, 2017 Cost: $20-$105 Tickets can be purchased at www.LucasOilOffRoad.com. SATURDAY, APRIL 22 8:00 AM Main Gate Open to Public 8:30 AM JR 2 Practice/Qualifying JR 1 Practice/Qualifying Mod Kart Qualifying UTV Qualifying Pro 4 Qualifying Pro Lite Qualifying Pro Buggy Qualifying Pro 2 Qualifying 12:00 PM JR 2 Kart Race JR 2 Kart Race Mod Kart Race UTV Race 2:30 PM Opening Ceremonies Pro 4 Race Pro Lite Race Pro Buggy Race Pro 2 Race SUNDAY, APRIL 23 8:00 AM Main Gate Open to Public 8:30 AM JR 2 Practice/Qualifying JR 1 Practice/Qualifying Mod Kart Qualifying UTV Qualifying Pro 4 Qualifying Pro Lite Qualifying Pro Buggy Qualifying Pro 2 Qualifying 12:00 PM JR 2 Kart Race JR 2 Kart Race Mod Kart Race UTV Race 2:30 PM Opening Ceremonies Pro 4 Race Pro Lite Race Pro Buggy Race Continue reading Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series Kickoff on April 22-23 at Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park in Chandler, AZ→

Your 2017 ACM Awards Kelsea Ballerini Watch Guide!

Posted on March 24, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News Blog

The 2017 ACM’s are upon us and this year it’s all about Kelsea Ballerini, including a special encore performance from “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini airing exclusively on Xfinity right after the ACMs, check out the details below. Before the ACM Awards: Brush Up On This Year’s Nominees: Check out the official list of 2017 nominations at ACMawards.com/nominees to brush up on your country knowledge prior to the ACMs. Behind the Performance: If you have Xfinity TV, you can indulge in your passion for country music by accessing exclusive ACM content, including a behind the scenes look at preparations for Kelsea Ballerini’s encore performance, as well as archival clips from prior ACM Awards shows. You can also check it all out online at Xfinity.com/ACMawards. Watching the ACM Awards – Sunday, April 2nd: Red Carpet Pre-Show: The exclusive red carpet coverage will live stream exclusively on Twitter @ACMawards, beginning at 3pm PT/6pm ET. LIVE Television Broadcast: Tune into CBS on Sunday, April 2nd at 8pm ET/delayed PT to watch the ACM Awards broadcasted live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley returning to co-host. NASCAR on Stage: NASCAR XFINITY Series drivers Darrell Wallace, Jr. and Elliott Sadler will trade in their driving gloves for an official results envelope as they will take the stage to present the Video of the Year Award presented by XFINITY. Fans can follow @XFINITY on Twitter as Sadler and Wallace, Jr. will take over the handle on Sunday afternoon to provide behind the scenes content from their view on the Red Carpet and leading up to the presentation. After the ACM Awards: Exclusive Encore Performance: Immediately following the television broadcast, don’t miss an encore performance by “Female Vocalist of the Year” and “Video of the Year” nominee Kelsea Ballerini, available exclusively On Demand for Xfinity TV subscribers. She’ll be performing her new song “High School” off her upcoming album, so don’t miss this preview of Kelsea’s next hit!

Keith Urban Reunites With Fellow ‘American Idol’ Judge On ‘Harry’

Posted on March 23, 2017 by Shauna "WhiskeyChick" Castorena

CAPITOL NASHVILLE artist KEITH URBAN made an appearance on the nationally syndicated “HARRY” talk show, hosted by his former fellow FOX-TV “AMERICAN Idol” judge HARRY CONNICK JR, on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22nd. URBAN played a round of “Celebrity Swipes” with CONNICK JR, chatted about life at home with NICOLE KIDMAN and their two daughters, and played a little music together. Check out the “Celebrity Swipes” segment here, conversation clips here and here, and some of URBAN and CONNICK JR’s jam session here and here.