Category Archives: Press Releases

Country music bloggers and fans, get the latest country music headlines direct from the source! We collect all the hottest press releases every single day to help you stay on top of the news so you never miss a scoop!

Ricky Skaggs to Perform at "The 50th Annual CMA Awards" Airing Nov. 2 on ABC

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Fourteen-time GRAMMY® Award-winning music legend Ricky Skaggs will perform on “Country Music’s Biggest Night.”  Skaggs, a former CMA Entertainer of the Year, will be part of a star-studded lineup next week at “The 50th Annual CMA Awards.” “What a joy it is to be back at the CMA Awards,” says Skaggs.  “And to be included with so many of my heroes is very humbling.” Additional legendary performers include Alabama, Roy Clark, Charley Pride, Alan Jackson, Reba McEntire, Clint Black, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, George Strait, Charlie Daniels, Randy Travis, Garth Brooks and more. “The 50th Annual CMA Awards” will be hosted by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood and broadcast live from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Wednesday, Nov. 2 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network. It’s been a busy fall for Skaggs.  He will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame tonight in Nashville and on Monday, October 31, he will be honored by ASCAP when he receives the organization’s prestigious Founders Award. About Ricky Skaggs Earning 12 #1 hit singles, 14 GRAMMY® Awards, 11 IBMA Awards, nine ACM Awards, eight CMA Awards (including Entertainer of the Year), two Dove Awards, three honorary Doctorate degrees, a GMA Gospel Music Hall of Fame induction, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 2013 Artist-In-Residence, an Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award in the Instrumentalist category along with countless other awards, Ricky Skaggs is truly a pioneer of Bluegrass and Country music. Since he began playing music more than 50 years ago, Skaggs has released more than 30 albums and has performed thousands of live shows. He started his own record label, Skaggs Family Records, in 1997 and has since released 12 consecutive GRAMMY®-nominated albums. His newest release, Hearts Like Ours, with his wife, celebrated artist Sharon White of The Whites features the couple dueting on handpicked country love songs. And the Grand Ole Opry member has released his first-ever autobiography, “Kentucky Traveler.” The book details the life and times of Skaggs and provides a descriptive history of Country and Bluegrass music, as told by the master himself. In addition to his regular touring schedule with his band, Kentucky Thunder, he has recently performed a string of dates with his better half Sharon White along with guitar legend Ry Cooder on the critically-acclaimed “Cooder-White-Skaggs” tour and from time to time continues to hit the road with versatile singer/songwriter and pianist Bruce Hornsby on another critically-acclaimed tour, “Ricky Skaggs & Bruce Hornsby with Kentucky Thunder.” For more information on Ricky Skaggs, visit www.rickyskaggs.com.  

Announcing the 2017 She Rocks Awards Recipients

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

2017 She Rocks Awards Honorees Announced Lita Ford, Esperanza Spalding, Shirley Manson and more are included in diverse array of recipients for the fifth annual awards event  ANAHIEM, Calif., Oct. 27, 2017 – The Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), is thrilled to announce the 2017 She Rocks Awards honorees. Paying tribute to women in the music industry, the fifth annual She Rocks Awards at the NAMM show will take place on Friday, Jan. 20, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel in Anaheim, Calif. Tickets are available for purchase at sherocksawards.com. The 2017 She Rocks Awards recipients include: •    Monique Boyer, director, global artist relations/PRO membership at M.A.C. Cosmetics •    Rebecca Eaddy, marketing communications manager for Roland Corporation U.S. •    Lita Ford, legendary rock guitarist, vocalist and songwriter •    Beverly Fowler, director of artist relations and events at PRS Guitars •    Lisa Foxx, radio personality at MYfm on the iHeartRadio network •    Charyn Harris, conductor of music programs at A Place Called Home •    Karrie Keyes, founder of Soundgirls and sound engineer for Pearl Jam •    Tracy Leenman, owner of Musical Innovations music retailer •    Dani Markman, director, A&R, Disney Music Group •    Shirley Manson, lead singer from multi-award winning band, Garbage •    Esperanza Spalding, Grammy® Award-winning bass player, singer/songwriter •    Leanne Summers, president/CEO of LAWIM (Los Angeles Women in Music) “We are excited to recognize our 2017 honorees, who come from diverse areas of our industry. Each has made her contributions in her own, unique way, inspiring and energizing others. We look forward to honoring them all and sharing this celebration of women in music,” said the WiMN founder, Laura B. Whitmore. In addition, the She Rocks Awards will host the album release of She Rocks Vol 1, A Collection of Kick-Ass Guitar Goddesses, a compilation of eleven virtuoso female guitarists produced by Brad Tolinksi and released on Steve Vai’s Favored Nations label. Performances from the artists on the CD will be included in the program. The She Rocks Awards will open with a performance by Brandy Robinson, winner of the #SaveAGuitar opening act contest. The house band for the show, Rock Sugah, is led by bassist Divinity Roxx and features Kat Dyson on guitar, Benita Lewis on drums and Lynette Williams on keys. Gearing up for its fifth consecutive year, the She Rocks Awards pays tribute to women who display leadership and stand out within the music industry, and has become a standard at the NAMM Show. Previous award recipients include female industry leaders such as Chaka Khan, Jennifer Batten, Karmin, Colbie Caillat, Sheila E, The Bangles, Orianthi, Dinah Gretsch, Craigie Zildjian, Janie L. Hendrix, Amani Duncan, Mary Peavey, and more. With featured performances, food and beverages, giveaways, networking opportunities and more, the She Rocks Awards brings together industry professionals, music icons, artists, fans, and media to celebrate women in music. This event has sold out for the past four years and does not require a NAMM badge to attend. The She Rocks Awards will Continue reading Announcing the 2017 She Rocks Awards Recipients→

The Oak Ridge Boys Honor Johnny Cash at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 21st Annual Music Masters

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This past Friday, Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys paid tribute to their friend and collaborator, Johnny Cash, at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 21st Annual Music Masters at Playhouse Square’s State Theatre in Cleveland. The Johnny Cash tribute concert, the pinnacle of a week of events paying tribute to the Man in Black, featured one-of-a-kind performances from The Oak Ridge Boys, Sam Bush, Paul Cauthen, Ana Cristina, Ira Dean, Nikki Lane, Terry McBride, Bill Miller, Charlie Worsham, Cash’s longtime drummer WS Holland, Mike Ness of Social Distortion, Eilen Jewell and L.A. punk band X, while John Carter Cash served as executive bandleader and keyboardist Tony Harrell as band director. Each year, the Music Masters series explores the legacy of one of those pioneering figures through a range of events that includes Museum exhibits, lectures, films, a major conference and a tribute concert benefiting the Rock Hall’s education department. Drawing together music experts, artists, fans and friends, these events aim to provide new perspectives on some of the most beloved and influential musicians of the past century. The Music Masters series began in 1996 when the museum paid tribute to Woody Guthrie with a 10-day celebration of his life and legacy. Other honorees have included Aretha Franklin, Muddy Waters, Fats Domino and Dave Bartholomew, Janis Joplin, Jimmie Rodgers and more. Christmas Celebration Tour 2016 Dates: Nov 1, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 3, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 9, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 10, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 15, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 16, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 17, 2016 Branson, Mo. The Mansion Theatre Nov 18, 2016 Biloxi, Miss. Golden Nugget Nov 19, 2016 Lake Charles, La. Golden Nugget Nov 20, 2016 Paris, Texas Love Civic Center Nov 25, 2016 Joplin, Mo. Joplin Memorial Hall Nov 26, 2016 Sioux Falls, S.D. Washington Pavilion of Arts and Science Nov 27, 2016 Grand Forks, N.D. Chester Fritz Auditorium Nov 28, 2016 Minneapolis, Minn. State Theatre Nov. 29, 2016 Dubuque, Iowa Five Flags Center Nov 30, 2016 Milwaukee, Wisc. Milwaukee Theatre Dec 1, 2016 Portsmouth, Ohio. Vern Riffe Center For the Arts Dec 2, 2016 Renfro Valley, Ky. Dec 3, 2016 Wisconsin Dells, Wisc. Crystal Grand Music Theatre Dec 4, 2016 Mount Pleasant, Mich. Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort Dec 6, 2016 Lima, Ohio Crouse Performance Hall Dec 8, 2016 Meridian, Miss Riley Center for the Performing Arts Dec 9, 2016 The Villages, Fla. Dec 10, 2016 Sarasota, Fla. Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall Dec 11, 2016 Ft. Pierce, Fla. Dec 12, 2016 Ft. Myers, Fla. Dec 13, 2016 Jacksonville, Fla. Florida Theatre Dec 14, 2016 Roanoke Rapids, N.C. The Roanoke Rapids Theater Dec 15, 2016 Hagerstown, MD Maryland Theater Dec 16, 2016 Wabash, Ind. Honeywell Center Dec 17, 2016 Akron, Ohio Akron Civic Center Dec 18, 2016 Merrillville, Ind. Star Plaza Theatre Dec 19, 2016 Green Bay, Wisc. Weidner Continue reading The Oak Ridge Boys Honor Johnny Cash at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s 21st Annual Music Masters→

Sister Hazel’s 2nd Annual Camp Hazelnut A HUGE Success

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Camp Provides Uplifting Experience for Youth and Families Navigating the Overwhelming Challenges of Cancer Diagnosis Platinum-selling group,  Sister Hazel, hosted the 2nd Annual “Camp Hazelnut” at Camp Crystal Lake outside Gainesville, FL October 21 – 23, 2016. Camp Hazelnut began with a simple goal: for the band to create a playful, safe, uplifting event for children and families navigating the overwhelming challenges of a cancer diagnosis and to get together with their fans (the Hazelnuts) to share a unique summer camp experience. This year, with triple the available spots for youth and families, forever friendships were made. The band members and camp counselors led activities including archery, water sports, arts and crafts, alpine tower ropes course, songwriting sessions, singalongs, and s’mores at the campfire. Sister Hazel partnered with Wyc Grousbeck, co-owner of the Boston Celtics, to make the event even more special. Grousbeck will once again sponsor Camp Hazelnut in 2017. “Our 2nd Annual Camp Hazelnut was over the top this weekend!” said Ken Block, Sister Hazel’s lead singer.  “It’s hard to put into words what an amazing event this is. Hosting so many incredible kids and their families who are dealing with cancer is hugely inspirational. It was a great escape from the real world, and we all recharged and reconnected with extraordinary families, awesome Hazelnuts, incredible camp counselors, and unforgettable activities at Camp Crystal Lake in beautiful North Florida. This means an awful lot to me personally, having lost my own little brother to cancer when we were teenagers. We already can’t wait until next year!” “Camp Hazelnut” is part of Sister Hazel’s “Lyrics for Life Foundation” (www.lyricsforlife.org), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make a difference in the fight against pediatric cancer. Sister Hazel frontman, Ken Block, and his band mates founded “Lyrics for Life” in memory of Ken’s younger brother, Jeffrey, who ultimately lost his four-year battle with cancer that started at age 14. For more information on Sister Hazel or for details about sponsorship opportunities visit http://www.sisterhazel.com and http://www.lyricsforlife.org/camp-hazelnut. Follow Sister Hazel @SisterHazelBand, Instagram, and Facebook. ABOUT SISTER HAZEL: Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart and #79 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement, and are co-founders of the “Rockboat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with Continue reading Sister Hazel’s 2nd Annual Camp Hazelnut A HUGE Success→

Kenny Chesney’s COSMIC HALLELUJAH on "Ellen," "Today," "EW" and "People"

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Kenny Chesney Launches Cosmic Hallelujah  with multiple TV and Radio  appearances.  “Ellen,” “Today Show,” NPR, People, Entertainment Weekly 10/28 LA Times on Oct. 31; “James Corden” and “The Talk” Nov. 1  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — With USA Today already weighing in with “Kenny Chesney goes ‘deeper’ on new album,” Cosmic Hallelujah is getting ready to bow Friday, Oct. 28 – after delays for creative expansion, a No. 1 this week, a duet with rock/pop superstar P!NK “Setting the World on Fire,” and a cadre of media appearances to draw the No Shoes Nation even further into the follow-up to his four straight No. 1-yielding The Big Revival. “This record is personal to me,” says the four-time Country Music Association and four consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year. “It was an unusual path, but I think it took the album as a whole to new places, something I always want to do with the No Shoes Nation. If The Big Revival was ‘wake up and get back to living,’ Cosmic Hallelujah balances being aware with embracing every thrill that comes with being alive – and knowing those thrills are right in front of you, if you just pay attention. And it’s funny: the questions asked for this have been the best in my entire career.” Kicking things off with appearances on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” and a taped piece with Natalie Morales on the beach for “Today,” as well as People and Entertainment Weekly on Friday, Oct. 28, Chesney will be the subject of a major profile in Monday, Oct. 31’s Los Angeles Times, then appearances on “James Corden” and “The Talk” on Tuesday, Nov. 1. For the always reticent songwriter/superstar from East Tennessee, the opportunity to talk about the energy he rode into the studio while recording four additional songs for Cosmic Hallelujah has yielded some of his most insightful media yet. “Jesus And Elvis” bows on NPR’s prestigious “All Songs Considered” today. The Hayes Carll/Allison Moorer/Matraca Berg song celebrates LaLa’s Little Nugget in Austin, Texas, but it’s really about those places that are sanctuaries for real life in all our lives. Besides the front page-teased Life cover feature in USA Today, New York’s Newsday called it, “country perfection,”  The Boston Globe deemed it “a love song to another person and to the idea of getting away…working from a larger sonic palette, one that incorporates ideas from stadium-rockers with whom he shares dressing rooms and the rollicking Nashville bars that still loom large in country’s imagination.” “I made a really good record with Some Town, Somewhere,” marvels the man who’s headlined 135 major stadiums, “and it was a core sample of the No Shoes Nation. But between that being-in-the-moment charge of ‘Setting The World On Fire’ with P!NK – and she’s so electric and amazing – finally finding a place for ‘Coach,’ and a few new songs, Cosmic Hallelujah turned into this top-of-the-rollercoaster kind of throw-your-hands-up-and-embrace-every-awesome moment life hands you kind of song cycle.” With a lyric video for “Rich Continue reading Kenny Chesney’s COSMIC HALLELUJAH on "Ellen," "Today," "EW" and "People"→

"OPRY GOES PINK" As Jason Aldean’s "Concert for a Cure" Returns to Nashville in Support of the Fight Against Breast Cancer Benefiting Susan G. Komen and Women Rock For The Cure

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The Grand Ole Opry News on Country Music News Blog

“Opry Goes Pink” as Multi-Platinum Entertainer Jason Aldean’s “Concert for the Cure” Returns To Nashville In Support of the Fight Against Breast Cancer Benefiting Susan G. Komen® and Women Rock For The Cure™  RIAA’s top digital country male artist of all time Jason Aldean partnered with the Grand Ole Opry this evening as part of “Opry Goes Pink”, incorporating his 11th annual “Concert for the Cure” in two special Opry performances staged to fight breast cancer. The superstar flipped the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink as Aldean and others including Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Montgomery Gentry, Chris Young, surprise guest Cassadee Pope, Jeannie Seely, and Mickey Guyton performed in support of breast cancer awareness and raised funds for Women Rock for the CureTM, a Nashville-based non-profit committed to connecting and supporting young women facing breast cancer, and Susan G. Komen®’s Nashville chapter. Aldean presented a check to the Susan G. Komen® Foundation from monies raised on his 2016 SIX STRING CIRCUS TOUR throughout the year, with this year’s contribution taking the grand total to over 3.3 million dollars for the fight against breast cancer. This year’s ACM Entertainer of the Year has been an avid supporter towards the fight against breast cancer since 2004 after losing a dear friend to the disease. The evening kicked off with Montgomery Gentry cutting a pink ribbon and leading a pink carpet walk into the Grand Ole Opry House for the show. Breast cancer survivors and members of their support networks were followed by fans on the carpet, all pledging to support the fight against the disease. The Opry is donating $5 from every ticket to the shows sold between the day the shows were announced and tonight to Women Rock For The Cure™. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®. Opry performances are held every weekend of the year, and the Tuesday Night Opry continues through Dec. 13. About Jason Aldean
 Jason Aldean has “earned his spot at the top of Country music over 11 years of hard touring and hard rocking” (Rolling Stone), as his new album THEY DON’T KNOW follows on the heels of each album release earning PLATINUM certification or better, tallying more than 14 million total album sales and 17 No. one hits. His “ever-rising stardom” (Billboard) reaches new heights as he debuted at the No. One position on Billboard’s all-genre Top 200 Album chart for the third consecutive time with his seventh studio album, which includes his latest single “A Little More Summertime.” Aldean recently wrapped his 2016 SIX STRING CIRCUS TOUR hosting sold-out crowds throughout the country’s biggest venues. For more information on new music and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, www.jasonaldean.com. About the Grand Ole Opry
 The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through December 13.  To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Marking more than  nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Continue reading "OPRY GOES PINK" As Jason Aldean’s "Concert for a Cure" Returns to Nashville in Support of the Fight Against Breast Cancer Benefiting Susan G. Komen and Women Rock For The Cure→

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE ANNOUNCE NEW ROUND OF DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR STOPS

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Superstar Duo Will Kick Off The Winter Leg Of Their Epic Tour In January With Special Guests Dustin Lynch And Chris Lane   Less than a week after wrapping the final 2016 date of their massive DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR in Atlanta, superstar duo FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE are already looking ahead, announcing a brand new round of 28 tour stops beginning in January 2017. Cruising through cities from Orlando, Florida, to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and everywhere in between, the hit making genre busters and reigning three-time CMA Vocal Duo of the Year will be joined by guests DUSTIN LYNCH and CHRIS LANE on the winter leg of their DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR. Entertainment Weekly broke the exciting news this morning, and according to Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, they can’t wait to keep the party going. “We are so pumped to be bringing Dustin and Chris with us on the next leg of the DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR,” shares Kelley. “They are both electric, young performers and great friends of ours!” Hubbard adds, “They fit into our tour vibe perfectly and we know our fans are going to love this new experience. We can’t wait for 2017 and to see everyone out on the road!” So far the SOLD-OUT DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR has already broken attendance records, played to over one million fans, and featured headline-grabbing guest appearances, building on the 2X PLATINUM success of their DIG YOUR ROOTS album’s lead #1 single “H.O.L.Y.” (which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for an astonishing 18 weeks) and the follow-up “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw. More cities for the next round of the DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR will be announced soon, along with official dates and ticketing information. Ticket sales begin in November and Live Nation is the national tour promoter. Citi® is the official credit card of the DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR. Citi cardmembers will have 3-day access to pre-sale tickets through Citi’s Private Pass® Program. For complete presale details visit www.citiprivatepass.com. AT&T is also sending customers to the front of the line with AT&T priority pre-sale ticket access for 1-day via the AT&T THANKS program. For complete pre-sale details visit att.com/frontoftheline. Complete list of cities confirmed for the 2017 winter leg of FGL’s DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR: Allentown, PA Atlantic City, NJ Biloxi, MS Bossier City, LA Cedar Falls, IA Champaign, IL Charleston, SC Charleston, WV Charlottesville, VA Columbia, MO Durant, OK* Greensboro, NC Knoxville, TN Lafayette, LA Moline, IL Newark, NJ Oklahoma City, OK Omaha, NE Orlando, FL Sioux Falls, SD Springfield, MO State College, PA Tallahassee, FL Uncasville, CT Hamilton, ON, Canada Ottawa, ON, Canada Montreal, QC, Canada Quebec City, QC, Canada *Denotes FGL only Since introducing their breakout vibes in 2012, FGL has earned prestigious honors from the AMA, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, Billboard Music Awards and CMT. Their previous BMLG Records’ releases – 2X PLATINUM debut HERE’S TO THE GOOD TIMES and PLATINUM ANYTHING GOES – have attributed to sales surpassing 26 million tracks and more than 3.5 million albums worldwide. With Continue reading FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE ANNOUNCE NEW ROUND OF DIG YOUR ROOTS TOUR STOPS→

Joe Diffie Signs With Silverado Records

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SILVERADO RECORDS ADDS COUNTRY MUSIC ICON, GRAMMY & ACM AWARD-WINNING ARTIST JOE DIFFIE TO CLIENT LINE-UP Rising independent label Silverado Records is proud to announce the signing of country music icon, ACM and Grammy Award winning, multi-platinum selling artist Joe Diffie to their roster. “Working with Joe Diffie is a true honor,” said Silverado Founder and CEO, Scott Thomas. “There isn’t a Silverado team member who isn’t already a huge Joe Diffie fan, and working with Joe on new music is something that we’re all extremely excited about.” With 13 albums, more than 20 top ten singles and 12 number one tracks to his name, Diffie is best known for his smash hits, “Third Rock from The Sun,” “Ships That Don’t Come In,” and “John Deere Green.” He is a recognized artist of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and has been a proud member of the Grand Ole Opry for more than 20 years. Diffie has signed a multi-project deal with Silverado. “Working with an iconic artist like Joe starts to put into perspective the mission we have here at Silverado Records to build a label that’s steeped in equal parts traditional country music, and also country music that leans new or different,” said Thomas. Diffie is currently working on his Silverado debut with renowned songwriter and producer Phil “Philbilly” O’Donnell, who has myriad credits with country music mainstays like Blake Shelton, Craig Morgan, George Strait, Trace Adkins and Clint Black. The project is slated for release in 2017. “I’ve been hanging on to some really great songs for a while, so when Scott invited me to release them on Silverado Records, it was a motivator for me to record them,” said Diffie. “I’m looking forward to sharing them with my fans real soon.” The pair previously teamed up for Diffie’s most recent single “Girl Ridin’ Shotgun” the video for which has amassed nearly 10 million YouTube views, and features cameo appearances from superstars like Shelton, Brad Paisley, Toby Keith, Lee Brice, McGraw and Keith Urban. About Silverado Records: Launched earlier this year, Silverado Records hosts offices in Nashville and Las Vegas and has become a haven for established and rising country artists hoping to carve their own path in the music industry. Founder and CEO Scott Thomas, a serial entrepreneur and entertainment industry veteran, is also the CEO of Silverado’s parent company, Exegan Music Group, which owns or controls more than a dozen other record label catalogs. The first half of his career was rooted in the radio business, as a radio DJ, production manager, and program director before co-founding Zeo Radio Networks in Denver. Thomas moved to the record side in 2008 with the launch of Jake Records. Thomas is joined on the Silverado Records team by accomplished industry professionals with storied careers at landmark labels and organizations. A&R Director Aaron Chesling formerly served as Logistics Coordinator for Big Machine Records and Heather Cramsie serves as the Marketing Director after a successful run as the Director of Southeast Promotion at Sidewalk Continue reading Joe Diffie Signs With Silverado Records→

Garth Brooks’ Record-Setting Seven Diamond Album Awards Celebration

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Garth Brooks on Country Music News!

Thousands Join the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development To Celebrate Garth Brooks’ Record-Setting Seven Diamond Album Awards. Fans from around the country experience state-wide celebration in Nashville A capacity crowd filled Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheatre Monday joining Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and a host of friends to celebrate Garth Brooks becoming the first recording artist in history to earn Seven Diamond Album Certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The evening kicked off with Gov. Haslam welcoming fans and presenting Brooks with a commemorative belt manufactured by Lynnville-based Col. Littleton and sterling silver & gold buckle designed by Gist Silversmiths with seven diamonds to highlight each of the awarded albums. Celebrity guests Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Young, Steve Wariner, and wife Trisha Yearwood took the stage to congratulate Brooks as well as sing their favorite song from one of his Diamond Certified albums, Garth Brooks, No Fences, Ropin’ The Wind, The Hits, Double-Live, Sevens, and The Ultimate Hits. Brooks followed with a seven song set, one song from each of his Diamond-certified records, all of which were recorded in Tennessee. In a surprise gesture, Tennessee whiskey brand Jack Daniel’s presented a full barrel of their Old Number 7 Whiskey to Brooks. The celebration culminated with RIAA Gold & Platinum Program and Communications Director, Liz Kennedy Holman, presenting Brooks with his record-setting seventh Diamond Award, for The Ultimate Hits, followed by a firework display over the heart of Nashville. “I can’t thank the state of Tennessee enough for taking me in as if I was one of their own and allowing me to chase a dream and make music. I hope this state is as wonderful of a home for all of you as it is to me. I could not be more proud to bring the seven Diamond Certification home to country music,” Brooks stated. In addition to the special celebration at Ascend, the city turned downtown Nashville’s 7th Avenue into ‘Garth Brooks Way’ for the day to celebrate the themed achievement of seven RIAA Diamond Album Certifications. Thousands filled Nashville’s Riverfront Park to enjoy the celebration on giant video screens powered by Amazon Music, a Budweiser beer garden, and local food trucks.  Participating bars on Nashville’s famous Broadway saluted Garth with free Budweiser and ticket giveaways to lucky fans on the day of the event. “In Tennessee, we make things – from guitars to cars to whiskey to M&Ms. One of the things we make more of and better than anyone else is music, and as tonight shows, one of the people that does that better than anyone else is Garth Brooks. Garth can make his music anywhere he wants, and the fact that he has chosen to do that in Tennessee over all these years says a lot about our state. We congratulate him on this achievement and are grateful he represents our state and inspires people from all over the world to visit Tennessee and experience, as we say, the soundtrack of America,” said Governor Bill Haslam. Fans gained access to the free Continue reading Garth Brooks’ Record-Setting Seven Diamond Album Awards Celebration→

CMT’S ANNUAL “ARTISTS OF THE YEAR” CELEBRATION CONTINUES TO RISE ATTRACTING NEARLY 2 MILLION VIEWERS WITH RATINGS SOARING MORE THAN 20%

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From our friends at CMT

YEAR-END SPECIAL RANKED AS #2 SOCIAL SHOW OF THE NIGHT AND #7 FOR THE WEEK AMONG NIELSEN’S SOCIAL CONTENT RATINGS CMT’s annual “Artists of the Year” event continues to evolve from a televised Nashville industry event to fan-favorite night of once-in-a-lifetime performances, unexpected tributes, and unforgettable toasts as country music superstars and friends gather to celebrate the top country artists of the year. This year’s annual special honoring Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Bryan, Shania Twain and Thomas Rhett fueled growth across the board with L+3 ratings climbing +21% from last year’s telecast among A18-49, attracting nearly 2 million total viewers on premiere night and nearly 4 million total viewers throughout six telecasts throughout the weekend on CMT.  In fact, this year’s telecast marked the highest rated “Artists of the Year” special ever with M18-49. Socially, the special ranked as the #2 show of the night and #7 for the week among Nielsen’s Social Content Ratings.