The Judds To Be Honored With Exhibit at the Country Music Hall Of Fame

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The Judds Country Music Hall Of Fame

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will take a fresh look at the story of The Judds—mother Naomi and daughter Wynonna—using rare artifacts, original manuscripts, unpublished photos and keepsake costumes in an exhibit titled The Judds: Dream Chasers. The exhibit opens Aug. 10, 2018 and continues through July 14, 2019. The exhibit will follow the popular duo from their mother-and-child beginnings as Diana Judd and daughter Christina Ciminella to their chart-topping career peak as one of the most successful duos in country music history. In the Eighties and early Nineties, The Judds scored twenty Top Ten hits, including fourteen No. 1s. They were popular with their industry peers, too, winning five GRAMMY®, nine CMA and seven ACM awards. According to museum CEO Kyle Young, “Country music hall of fame member Tom T. Hall, who hailed from The Judds’ home territory of eastern Kentucky, sang, ‘It’s a million miles to the city, from the hills and the valleys we know/ It’s a million miles to the city, and someday we all want to go.’ This is a million-mile story, told with heart and soul, about a miraculous, fortunate, and harmonious journey.” The Judds’ music is characterized by distinctive harmonies and Wynonna’s powerful lead voice, offered in a spare, acoustic accompaniment that incorporates elements of traditional folk, blues and family harmony. Their songs feature themes of family, love, longing, independence, and spirituality. In collaboration with producer Brent Maher and guitarist Don Potter, The Judds created a sound that was simultaneously traditional and groundbreaking. “The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is sacred ground, regarded with reverence and respect,” said Naomi Judd. “I am so overjoyed to have The Judds’ career encapsulated in this new exhibit. I’m so proud of all the success Wynonna has accomplished and we owe everything to the fans who welcomed The Judds music into their homes.” “I am truly humbled and grateful to partner with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to honor The Judds’ legacy and relive some of the special moments we shared with our fans,” added Wynonna Judd.  “What an honor.” Among the artifacts featured in The Judds: Dream Chasers are: -Velvet jacket embellished with bugle beading and sequins, worn by Wynonna Judd on The Judds’ farewell concert in December 1991. The concert was taped for a television special broadcast a week later -Lyrics to the song released by The Judds as “Rockin’ with the Rhythm of the Rain,” handwritten by Don Schlitz, who co-wrote the song with Brent Maher. The song went to #1 and appeared on The Judds’ second album, Rockin’ with the Rhythm (1985). -1996 Gibson Custom Shop ES-336 electric guitar used by Wynonna Judd in her solo concerts -Nurse’s uniform worn by Naomi Judd when she worked as a registered nurse -Certificate presented to seventeen-year-old Naomi Judd for her volunteer work as a Candy Striper at King’s Daughters Hospital in Ashland, Kentucky -Hohner harmonicas and cigar box owned by Naomi Judd, who began playing harmonica in the 1970s -Note Continue reading The Judds To Be Honored With Exhibit at the Country Music Hall Of Fame→

Marriage Counseling for Lady Antebellum Members?

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Lady Antebellum News on Country Music News Blog

In an interview that aired this weekend on TODAY with Willie Geist, country music group Lady Antebellum tell Geist how going to group therapy has helped them communicate better. “It’s like marriage counselling,” Dave Haywood says, with Charles Kelley folling up stating “and it helps you IN your marriage too!” Video courtesy of Credit: NBC’s “Sunday TODAY with Willie Geist” Lady Antebellum is currently gearing up for a tour with Darius Rucker.

The Grascals Add Bluegrass Twist to Classic “Happy Together” Tune

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The Grascals Happy Together

The award-winning Grascals are well-known for their fun-loving approach to music-making as well as a tendency to record and perform out-of-the-box songs for their fans. To follow up the band’s highly successful Before Breakfast, they are releasing their new single, “Happy Together,” a classic song by The Turtles that’s so well-known as a happily-ever-after love anthem. Unison melodies played by the award-winning instrumentalists, Danny Roberts, Kristen Scott Benson and Adam Haynes bring a clever grassy new life to this rock track. Pulsing bass from Terry Smith and the harmonies and guitar of Terry Eldridge all backing the lead vocal of John Bryan make for a well-done cover that captures both the power of The Grascals and the joy of “Happy Together.” “The Grascals have done other tunes like this in the past from ‘Viva Las Vegas’ to‘Last Train to Clarksville’ and had good success so we figured we would try some more,” says Danny Roberts. “‘Happy Together’ has such a great message and an awesome melody that we felt like we had to do it, we hope everybody likes it like we do.” Listen to “Happy Together” HERE. About The Grascals Great musicians will always find a way to make good music, but for great musicians to make great music, they must form a bond – one that, more often than not, goes beyond the purely musical to the personal. For The Grascals, that bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville scene for more than forty years. Their cutting-edge modern bluegrass is delivered with a deep knowledge of, and admiration for, the work of the music’s founding fathers. Timely yet timeless, The Grascals make music that is entirely relevant to the here and now, yet immersed in traditional values of soul and musicianship. It’s a unique sound that has earned three Grammy® nominations and two Entertainer of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, as well as national media attention that seems to perpetually elude acts entrenched in niche genres. Such appearances include The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Fox & Friends, The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, and CBS’ The Talk. All the while, stages that represent the strongest bastions of tradition continually welcome them, as evidenced by the over 150 performances on the Grand Ole Opry. Honors also include performing twice for President George W. Bush and at President Barack Obama’s inaugural ball at the Smithsonian. As their records prove, The Grascals’ rare musical empathy gives them an unerring ear for just the right touch to illuminate each offering’s deepest spirit – whether they’re digging into one of their original songs or reworking a bluegrass classic or a pop standard. Take for instance, fan favorite, “Last Train to Clarksville.” Non-bluegrass listeners enjoy a new take on a familiar song, while diehard bluegrass audiences who may have never heard the Continue reading The Grascals Add Bluegrass Twist to Classic “Happy Together” Tune→

New Music From Eric Church

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Eric Church

Desperate Man, Church’s First Album in Nearly Three Years, Set for Release Friday, October 5, 2018 Church Choir to Get Album Direct from Church “Desperate Man” is First Single, Co-Written with Ray Wylie Hubbard. In a video message speaking directly to his fans, 2-time CMA Album of the Year winner Eric Church told his faithful Church Choir [Church’s official fan club] earlier this morning: “It’s been a while; I just want to say I have missed you. I have good news…the album is done, and we are back. It’s called Desperate Man and the first single is called ‘Desperate Man,’” with the Choir having access to listen first through their login. Church continues, “Just like last time – just like Mr. Misunderstood – if you’re in the Church Choir, on October 5thyou’re going to get the album,” as Church renegotiated his record deal with EMI Nashville leading into Desperate Man to include his fans. “Desperate Man,” Church’s first single off the new album, is available everywhere now. Co-written by Church with Texas musician Ray Wylie Hubbard (who Church namechecks in his 2015 “Mr. Misunderstood”), “Desperate Man” sees Church again collaborating with producer Jay Joyce. ­­­ Many may recall in 2015, Church stunned industry and fans alike with the surprise release of Mr. Misunderstood,giving it away to his fans first without interviews, hype or promotion. Church Choir members spoke directly to local television on how they received the record, being the first to confirm its existence. Church said then, “Everyone is so focused on your first week. But I am more concerned with week 80 than week one.” Mr. Misunderstood went on to win CMA Awards’ Album of the Year in 2016 and reached RIAA-Platinum certification earlier this year. Never satisfied with the status quo, Church constantly challenges himself as an artist and is applying that same philosophy to the Choir changing it to make it better and even more inclusive. Membership tiers are simplified to two options: paid and free. Members of the Choir will also be in control of what music and bundles they receive upon signing up and at renewal. Members who annual renew or auto-renew, and new fans who sign up will now receive an album of their choice from Church’s catalog – in addition to all the benefits paid members currently receive including access to purchase pre-sale tickets, chances for meet and greets, opportunities to attend Church Choir events and much more.  The free tier of Church Choir membership includes access to the online community, email updates and special offers. By-passing the gatekeepers and speaking directly to the fans is fundamental to Church’s success and he is proving it once again with reconfiguring the Church Choir in advance of the release of  Desperate Man. Church concludes the video message saying, “I look forward to seeing you on the road… I’m very proud of this album. See you soon.” Stay tuned to EricChurch.com for more information.

Out Friday: Lori McKenna’s new album “The Tree”

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Lori McKenna News on Country Music News Blog

The Tree, the anticipated new album from Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winning singer-songwriter Lori McKenna, will be released July 20 on CN Records via Thirty Tigers and is now available for pre-order. In advance of the release, the album track, “People Get Old,” is premiering today (listen/share HERE). The new album takes one of McKenna’s signature themes—family—and builds a tapestry of experiences she has lived and overheard, been told and dreamed up. Of the album, McKenna comments, “I love people’s stories about their families—the way they tic and the ways we’re all crazy and love each other. I hope my songs shine a little light on that for a second. Maybe our stories remind us of our families and what they give us. It’s beautiful, and sometimes we take it for granted.” The Tree is McKenna’s eleventh studio album and second in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile). Recorded by Matt Ross-Spang over seven days at Nashville’s historic RCA, the 11-song album features McKenna (vocals, acoustic guitar), Cobb (acoustic/electric guitar, mellotron), Anderson East (electric guitar), Brian Allen (bass), Chris McKenna (mellotron), Chris Powell (drums, percussion) and background vocals from Kristen Rogers, Natalie Hemby and Hillary Lindsey. In celebration of the release, McKenna embarked on “The Way Back Home Tour” this summer. The headline tour kicked off June 29 at Annapolis’ Rams Head On Stage and includes stops at City Winery venues in Boston, New York, DC, Chicago and Atlanta as well as Philadelphia’s World Café Live and Nashville’s CMA Theatre among others. McKenna will also join Alison Krauss on two tour dates in Ohio this June. See below for complete details. The new album follows a series of breakthrough years for McKenna following the release of her Grammy-nominated album, The Bird & The Rifle. Released to widespread acclaim, NPR Music called it, “one of 2016’s best releases,” while Pitchfork asserted, “one of the most accomplished and devastating singer-songwriter albums of the year,” and The Washington Post declared, “the best-sounding album of McKenna’s 15-year recording career.” The album—which garnered Grammy nominations for Best Americana Album, Best American Roots Song (“Wreck You”) and Best American Roots Performance (“Wreck You”) and two nominations at the Americana Music Association’s Honors & Awards—also landed McKenna a profile on “CBS News Sunday Morning” and a performance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.” Additionally, McKenna continues to enjoy tremendous success as a songwriter. In 2017, she became the first songwriter to win back-to-back Best Country Song awards at the Grammys since Shania Twain in 1999-2000 with her solo-penned, No. 1 hit “Humble & Kind” following 2016’s win for “Girl Crush” (co-written with Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey). McKenna also won Song of the Year for “Humble & Kind” at The 50th Annual CMA Awards and became the first songwriter to win the award in consecutive years since Vince Gill (1991-1993) and the first female songwriter to win back-to-back nods in the history of the CMAs. Moreover, she made history Continue reading Out Friday: Lori McKenna’s new album “The Tree”→

Jason Aldean Adds to The Family!

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Memphis Aldean

In a surprise announcement today on instagram, Jason Aldean and wife Brittany announce that little boy Memphis is about to be a big brother! “Our theory is, ‘Hey, we got one in diapers and formula right now so, while we’re in this mindset we might as well knock it out,‘” Aldean told Taste of Country Nights in April. “We both agreed that we wanted to have two. I have two older daughters and there’s a pretty big age difference in my two older daughters and Memphis, so we wanted to have one who’s a little closer in age to him so he has somebody to hang out with.“ Sup everybody……. guess who is gonna be a BIG brother! #thisdude #aldeanpartyof6 A post shared by Jason Aldean (@jasonaldean) on Jul 10, 2018 at 8:06am PDT Congratulations to the ever-growing Aldean family!

Eric Church Suffers Loss of Co-Writer and Brother Brandon Church

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Brandon Church - Eric Church

Our deepest condolences go out after learning that Brandon Church, the brother of country star Eric Church, has passed away after suffering multiple seizures that may have led to a cardiac arrest. Brandon was in transport with emergency services when he passed. According to TMZ, Brandon, who had written a handful of songs over the years with his brother, had been having seizures in recent years, as reported by his father Ken. A Scholarship Memorial Fund has been created in honor of Brandon and the family asks that donations to the fund be sent in lieu of flowers. A law enforcement source tells us they believe the cause of death was natural, and no foul play is suspected. Brandon was 36, and leaves behind a daughter, Mackenzie, and a sister, Kendra, as well as his brother Eric. He grew up in Granite Falls before going to college at Appalachian State University. There he and his brother played music together, maintaining a partnership well into the start of the “Springsteen” singer’s professional career. Brandon Church is credited with several songwriting and production credits on early Eric Church albums. His songwriting credits include “How Bout You”, “Without You Here”, and several other early Eric Church hits.  

Watch now: Darius Rucker – Straight To Hell ft. Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Charles Kelley

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Straight To Hell Official Video

You know nothing good can happen when the heartthrobs of country music get together for a good time and this time it’s got them going Straight To Hell in this fun throwback to the wilder days of the western world. Take a look and a listen to the collaborative crooning of Darius Rucker with friends Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Charles Kelley

PEDIGREE Foundation to Host a Special Evening with LeAnn Rimes on October 11th

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BBQ, Boots & Bling “Pawty” will Commemorate 10-Year Anniversary PEDIGREE Foundation will commemorate its 10-Year Anniversary with a special event celebration to honor a decade of giving back to shelters and rescues in the U.S. PEDIGREE Foundation Pawty: BBQ, Boots, & Bling will be held on Thursday, October 11th at Marathon Music Works (1402 Clinton Street, Nashville, TN) with special music by Grammy award-winning artist LeAnn Rimes. SiriusXM’s The Highway host, Storme Warren, will serve as the emcee for the “Pawty.” The event will raise funds to benefit PEDIGREE Foundation grants program that supports organizations that help dogs in need find loving homes. The Pawty will feature a cocktail reception, delicious BBQ buffet dinner, a silent and LIVE auction with a chance to win fabulous trips and autographed celebrity memorabilia. After dinner, attendees will enjoy an exclusive night of music with multi-platinum selling artist LeAnn Rimes, who skyrocketed into stardom with her breakout country hit “Blue” in 1996. Rimes just released her new Re-Imagined EP on June 20 and will be seen in a new Hallmark Original movie, “It’s Christmas, Eve” this holiday season. “I’m a huge animal lover and I am proud to be a part of PEDIGREE Foundation fundraising event,” said LeAnn Rimes. “I always enjoy performing in Nashville and I look forward to being able to raise much-needed funds to help rescue dogs across the country through this amazing non-profit.” Top event sponsors include Dollar General, Hallmark Channel and Transcontinental Packaging. PEDIGREE Foundation was established in 2008 by dog lovers with a passionate belief that every dog deserves a loving home. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation of Mars Petcare that supports shelters and rescue organizations, as well as encouraging people to ADOPT, VOLUNTEER, and DONATE. Since 2008, the foundation has contributed more than $6.7 million through 5,000 grants to shelters and rescues across the country, supporting Mars Petcare’s purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS™. “PEDIGREE Foundation, through our volunteers and generous donors have been making a difference in the lives of dogs in need for the last ten years,” said Bo Segers, President of PEDIGREE Foundation. “We’re excited to be celebrating a decade of finding needy dogs forever homes and to shine the spotlight on the important work our shelter and rescue partners are doing to get more dogs adopted. The Pawty is going to be an outstanding event and we’re thankful to have fellow dog lovers, LeAnn Rimes and Storme Warren, as part of the evening celebration.” Other event sponsors include Atlantic Packaging, DDB Worldwide and Silgan. Tickets to the Pawty event will go on sale to the public later this summer. For more information about sponsorship opportunities, updates and how to donate to the cause, please visit PEDIGREE Foundation at www.PedigreeFoundation.org. About PEDIGREE Foundation Formed in 2008 by the makers of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to helping dogs in need find loving homes by supporting the good work of shelters and dog rescue organizations Continue reading PEDIGREE Foundation to Host a Special Evening with LeAnn Rimes on October 11th→