Jason Aldean Earns Sixth Top Country Albums No. 1 With ‘Rearview Town’

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Jason Aldean Rear View Town

Jason Aldean is no stranger to us. After what happened in the music festival in Las Vegas last year, more and more people are loving him. However, he decided to put that event in the rear mirror. Here he is now with a new album “Rearview Town” together with its success. But, before any of that, here are some facts about Jason Aldean. At the age of 15, the 41-year-old country artist started his career. Jason Aldean’s father was the one responsible of teaching him how to play the guitar. Also, his father was the booker of his show during his early start and he manage to land him gigs throughout Florida and some parts in the east coast. By the age of 21, he moved out to Nashville. During that time, he had recorded 8 demo songs and was pitching them to different record labels. However, his early deals collapsed before it yielded results. It took him five years of struggle before he became a country music superstar. Like his buddy Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean also loves to hunt. However, he’s also quite a unicorn because you can actually see him in bars singing karaoke. He admits that when the alcohol is enough, he will sing just about anything and his go to karaoke song is Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” or/if not “Seven Bridges Road” by the Eagles. He talked about his hobby in an interview saying: “I think karaoke is the s—t. I think that is the funniest thing ever to get really drunk and go to a karaoke bar and get up there act stupid. Now one thing I think is really lame, is if you’re an artist and you go to a karaoke bar and sing your own song.” Another Success Giving Album “Rearview Town” is Jason Aldean’s eighth studio album that was released on April 13th of this year. Amazingly, on April 19th, the album already sold 183,000 units. Not only that, on the 28th of the same month, the album reached the summit of both Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums charts! Also, this album was the first country long play to top the Billboard 200 in 2018, now ain’t that amazin’? This new album tallies as his sixth leader on Top Country Albums. His fifth was “They Don’t Know” with 131,000 copies sold! Next in line is “Old Boots, New Dirt” selling 278,000 copies; “Night Train” with 409,000 copies sold. Then there’s, “Relentless” selling a whopping 982,000 copies! Last but not the least, “My Kinda Party” which debuted at No. 2 on November 20, 2010 and scored 193,000 copies. About the Album According to a country music blog, this album was again produced by Jason Aldean’s longtime collaborator, Michael Knox. “Rearview Town” has 15 songs with one duet with Miranda Lambert. In addition, few famous country artist co-wrote some of the song, like Florida Georgia Line and Morgan Wallen. When Jason Aldean was asked what the album is about, he said: “It’s about Continue reading Jason Aldean Earns Sixth Top Country Albums No. 1 With ‘Rearview Town’→

Ray Stevens to Receive Star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame

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Ray Stevens News

Country and Comedy Music Legend to be Inducted at August 21st Ceremony Held at Music City Walk of Fame Park  Nashville, Tenn. (July 24, 2018) — Today, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp announced that GRAMMY® Award-winning country and comedy music legend Ray Stevens will receive his very own star on the Music City Walk of Fame. The official induction ceremony will take place on August 21, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at the Music City Walk of Fame Park located in downtown Nashville, Tennessee. The event is free and open to the public. Stevens, one of the original pioneers of Music Row, arrived in Nashville in the early 1960s. Shortly after, he would meet and form a lifelong friendship withChet Atkins, produce the legendary Dolly Parton, and record with Waylon Jennings. His “dream-come-true” moment happened when he was recruited to play on sessions with “The King” himself, Elvis Presley. Stevens would go on to sign major record deals with several Nashville-based labels where he recorded some of his biggest career songs including, “Mr. Businessman,” “Everything Is Beautiful,” “Misty,” “Mississippi Squirrel Revival” and “The Streak.” With the recent grand opening of his West Nashville showroom, CabaRay, Stevens continues to make his mark on Music City. “It is truly an honor to be recognized in Nashville where there are so many talented people,” says Stevens. “This really is Music City and I’m so happy to have been a small part of adding to that ‘Music’ since the time I moved here in 1962.” Stevens will be inducted alongside Nashville-based pop artist Ben Folds, Country Music Hall of Famer Brenda Lee, and Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Seely. The inductees will receive the 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 84th stars on the Walk of Fame. Inductees are recognized for their significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song or other industry collaboration. “This summer’s Music City Walk of Fame inductees reflect the incredible breadth of the many musical gifts Nashville has sent out into the world,” notes Nashville Mayor David Briley. “Ben Folds’ sharp songwriting and piano playing, the vibrant voice Brenda Lee started sharing with country music fans as a teenager, the great vocals and stage presence that Jeannie Seely has brought to the Grand Ole Opry for 50 years, and Ray Stevens’ witty lyrics and memorable songs are all testimonials to the magic that happens every day in Music City.” About Ray Stevens Twelve-time nominated and two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Ray Stevens has spanned the generations with 60 years of comedic musical talent, including songs such as his multi-million selling hit “The Streak” and his classic pop standard “Everything Is Beautiful.” Throughout his career, Stevens has sold more than 40 million albums and continues daily office operations at his home base, Ray Stevens Music, located on Nashville’s historic Music Row. Stevens hosts Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville, a 30-minute weekly music/talk show airing on Public Television. The music legend recently opened his very own Nashville entertainment venue, the CabaRay Showroom, a 35,000 square foot music venue where Stevens performs weekly live concerts. For more information on Ray Stevens, Continue reading Ray Stevens to Receive Star on Nashville’s Music City Walk of Fame→

Karen Waldrup’s Success is Justified!

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Karen Waldrup Justified

Charismatic entertainer, innovative entrepreneur and country singer/songwriter Karen Waldrup released her full length debut album in partnership with The Fuel Music on Friday, July 13 and a week later she’s officially “justified” thanks to four Billboard charts.  Justified, the album she’s always wanted to make, landed at #26 on the Country Albums Sales chart, #44 on Independent Albums chart, #14 on Heatseekers and #7 on Heatseekers South Central.  The album, produced by Garth Fundis and completely funded by fans all over the world via an Indiegogo campaign, is an eleven song album featuring a fresh new country sound meshed with the soulful nostalgia of Waldrup’s home state of Louisiana. “I can’t believe it and I couldn’t be more thankful to my Waldrup Worldwide Family,” exclaims Waldrup.  “I always dreamed my debut album would land on the Billboard chart and I’m beyond ecstatic.” Waldrup wrote or co-wrote 9 of the 11 tracks with Nashville friends and fellow songwriters including Julia Cole, Anthony Smith, Donnie Skaggs, Ed Hill, Brian Kolb and others.  The album features title track “Justified,” that Music Row magazine calls “a soul-rock tune that showcases potent, wailing and penetrating vocalist with moxie and fire,” the catchy party anthem “What Goes On In This Bar (Stays In This Bar),” Waldrup’s viral version of “I Hope You Dance,” the Lori McKenna penned love song “Sometimes He Does” and the vibey and sultry “Slow and Easy.” Throwback to November 2016, Waldrup launched an Indiegogo campaign to fund a new project that award-winning producer Garth Fundis agreed to produce.  The life of the campaign was a roller coaster ride, with very low lows and even higher highs for independent artist Waldrup.  During the campaign, she heard a preacher say “the moment you take the burden off of yourself to be important is the moment you start living your true potential,” and she committed to living that mindset.  Shortly after, by request from a 16 year old fan, Waldrup recorded an unedited, one-take cover of Lee Ann Womack’s massive hit “I Hope You Dance” in her living room.  After sending it to that fan, she also shared the video with her friends at lifestyle brand Country Rebel. They were blown away by the heartfelt cover and posted it immediately on their socials.  After millions of views and thousands of interactions on social media, her Indiegogo campaign was over 100% funded and she began recording that dream album. To date, the video has been viewed over 28 million times. Listen to Justified here.  Check out “behind the scenes” from the album here. Autographed copies available at www.karenwaldrup.com/store. Track Listing: Colorado Kiss – Julia Cole, Karen Waldrup Nobody’s Running Away – Ed Hill, Donnie Skaggs, Karen Waldrup Parker Presley – Parker Pressley, Karen Waldrup Justified – Brian Kolb, Karen Waldrup Slow & Easy – Anthony Smith, Karen Waldrup What Goes On In This Bar (Stays In This Bar) – Ed Hill, Donnie Skaggs, Karen Waldrup Sometimes He Does – Lori McKenna Praying For My Cowboy – Continue reading Karen Waldrup’s Success is Justified!→

Reba McEntire Signs With Given Music Publishing

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Country icon REBA MCENTIRE has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with GIVEN MUSIC PUBLISHING (GMP). It is a professional reunion for MCENTIRE and GMP Founding Partner CINDY OWEN; MCENTIRE gave OWEN her start in the music industry when OWEN was in her teens, and OWEN later became MCENTIRE’s VP/Creative Services for 15 years. “Signing REBA to GIVEN is for sure a full-circle moment for me,” said OWEN. “One of my greatest blessings is having had a front row seat for all these years to watch her blaze new trails and become the icon she is. Her work ethic, talent, and determination are unmatched and examples to us all. REBA has always made evident her lifelong passion for songs, songwriters, and the songwriting community. We at GIVEN look forward to being a part of her team as she continues to expand new horizons in entertainment and create opportunities for herself and other songwriters.”

Florida Georgia Line Makes Billboard History (Again)

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Florida Georgia Line News

Global entertainers FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE have achieved another unprecedented career milestone, ruling the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for the most weeks – 90 cumulative – since it originated in 1958 as an all-encompassing genre songs survey. Country icon George Strait previously held the title at 84 weeks. “We are absolutely blown away and extremely humbled to even be on the same chart as George Strait and some of our other heroes and country legends, so it’s wild to see our songs total 90 weeks at No. 1,” FGL’s Brian Kelley shared with Billboard. “It’s really hard to wrap our brains around that, but it’s also super-inspiring to get back in the studio and create more music for our fans.” Adding to their history-making legacy, FGL and BEBE REXHA are now tied at #1 for 34 consecutive weeks with Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road.” The collaboration first topped the chart on December 16, 2017, and is anticipated to surpass the longest-running song record next week. FGL has had six pinnacle moments at #1 on the chart in total – “Cruise”; “Stay”; “This Is How We Roll”; “Dirt”; “H.O.L.Y.”; “Meant to Be” (Bebe Rexha & FGL). The latest run exceeds FGL’s own former topper “Cruise” riding 24 weeks straight. “It’s safe to say that we all felt like we had something special when we left the studio that night,” FGL’s Tyler Hubbard explains of the fated tune he penned alongside Rexha, Josh Miller, and David Garcia. “But it was more than just special. There’s no doubt that this song is anointed by the best writer there is, the Lord. With every unexpected surprise in the story of ‘Meant to Be,’ God was showing himself to be stronger than any tradition or genre. I’m so thankful to be a part of this song and humbled more with each week that it remains at the top of the Billboard chart.” For a 30th week, “Meant to Be” leads Country Streaming Songs (with 15.2 million U.S. streams) and is currently #6 on Country Digital Song Sales (12,000 sold), after leading the chart for 22 weeks. Spinning at both Country and Pop radio, it led the Country Airplay chart (4/28) plus Adult Pop Songs (two weeks) and all-genre Radio Songs (five weeks). Several major appearances are on tap as FGL and Rexha join Billboard’s West Coast Editor Melinda Newman for a special conversation and performance on August 13 at the Clive Davis Theater inside the Grammy Museum LA in Los Angeles, CA. The following day (8/14), FGL will return to CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden to perform their latest offering of “Simple.” Leading with their roots-infused Top 15-and-cimbing single, FGL has released two additional tracks – “Colorado” and “Talk You Out of It” – off their awaited fourth studio album on BMLG Records. FGL will take these fresh new tunes and fan-favorite hits to the inaugural FGL Fest on September 8 during the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s 25th annual NASCAR weekend. The Continue reading Florida Georgia Line Makes Billboard History (Again)→

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”→