Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Bring Ole Red to Gatlinburg, Tenn.

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Ole Red Gatlinburg

Grand Ole Opry member Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) today announced plans to open a third Ole Red entertainment venue in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. With a planned opening in spring 2019, Ole Red Gatlinburg will be a $9 million, multi-level 16,000-square-foot entertainment venue with a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and exterior terrace. Its chef-driven, Shelton-inspired menu will feature a few Nashville classics like Hot Chicken & Waffles as well as BBQ, burgers and additional Southern favorites. Designed to embody the spirit of Shelton’s clever, irreverent hit “Ol’ Red,” the Ole Red brand is part of Ryman Hospitality Properties’ strategy to create digital content, retail products and entertainment venues that celebrate the country lifestyle and resonate with country music’s rapidly growing consumer base of more than 100 million people across the United States. Ryman Hospitality Properties Chairman and CEO, Colin Reed, said, “With 12 million annual visitors and a rich country music legacy, Gatlinburg is an ideal destination for the Ole Red brand. We know the Smoky Mountain region is tremendously popular with country lifestyle consumers, and we believe Ole Red offers a unique entertainment experience that will attract even more visitors to the area.” The venue will be equipped with state-of-the-art performance equipment including concert-level production and sound capabilities, along with LED screens throughout the space. Programming will include curated concert line-ups, showcases for up-and-coming talent and more to be announced as the venue nears completion. Blake Shelton said, “Gatlinburg is one of my all-time favorite places. This part of the country is full of people who love good food, great music, family and most importantly, a good time. That’s what Ole Red is all about, and I can’t wait to give my fans another place to have fun in Gatlinburg.” The Ole Red Gatlinburg announcement comes a few weeks before Ole Red Nashville, a multi-level 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue in the heart of Nashville’s famed Lower Broadway, is expected to open in May of 2018. Ole Red Nashville includes a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor, private event space, and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop with an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant featuring panoramic views of Lower Broadway. Ole Red Gatlinburg and Ole Red Nashville join Ole Red Tishomingo, which opened in September of 2017 in Shelton’s hometown of Tishomingo, Okla. Reed continued, “It was our intention to make this announcement from Gatlinburg today. Unfortunately due to the inclement winter weather, we had to change our plans. I would like to sincerely thank everyone in Gatlinburg who was involved in making this great venture possible. We are thrilled to be a part of the city’s growth, and we look forward to coming back to Gatlinburg very soon.” Ole Red Gatlinburg will be located at 511 Parkway, the main drive into town from Pigeon Forge. Ryman Hospitality Properties holds a long-term lease on the building and is working with Tuck-Hinton Architects and Anderson Design Studio on the project. Continue reading Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. Bring Ole Red to Gatlinburg, Tenn.→

Chris Janson Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry

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Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville country artist Chris Janson was inducted as the newest and youngest living member of the Grand Ole Opry this evening by Garth Brooks, an Opry member since 1990. Addressing Janson on stage, Brooks said, “Driving in here tonight, I passed a billboard that says ‘Welcome To The Family.’ Family is a great name for this place. Another great name for this place is church. That’s what it’s all about. Because if any time you are at your lowest, these people are going to be here for you. And they’ll expect the same out of you, and they’ll get the same out of you.” Handing Janson his Opry member award, Brooks added, “Chris, it is my honor to welcome you to the family. This will be– no matter how many times you look back on it– the greatest night of your music career.” “How do you not cry on a night like this?” Janson began. “To know me is to know I really, truly love the Grand Ole Opry. … This will be a moment I will never forget. … Thanks for making my dreams come true, and thanks for buying a ticket to the Opry to see it happen! I hope you come back a million times! I’ll buy the ticket for ya. I don’t even care. I love you that much!” Janson’s surprise membership invitation from Opry member Keith Urban occurred during his sold-out concert at the Ryman Auditorium in February. “Chris Janson showed us all again tonight why we are so excited to welcome him into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Like he has during every Opry appearance he’s made, he exuded passion and enthusiasm for this iconic show he loves so much. Whether he’s playing his own hits, songs he’s written for fellow artists, or his all-time country favorites, he brings Opry audiences to their feet with his performances. Backstage, it’s amazing to watch him connect with both the artists who have come before him and those who are following in his footsteps. We could not be more thrilled about the excitement, loyalty, and great music he will bring to our Opry family for years to come.” About Chris Janson: Warner Bros. / Warner Music Nashville country artist Chris Janson was born to entertain crowds. He recently released his “heart-piercing ballad” (People) “Drunk Girl” to radio, where it is drawing praise from fans and critics alike. Called “quite possibly the most important song to come out of Nashville in years” (CMT), the single was named one of Rolling Stone’s 25 Best Country Songs of 2017. The singer / songwriter earned his second chart-topping single in November with the summer anthem “Fix A Drink” from his sophomore album Everybody.  Janson’s breakthrough No. 1 Platinum-certified single “Buy Me A Boat” was the 7th bestselling country song of the year in 2015, although his professional music career began more than 10 years ago. The singer/songwriter has also penned multiple top-charting Continue reading Chris Janson Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry→

MIRANDA LAMBERT TO RELEASE “KEEPER OF THE FLAME” TO COUNTRY RADIO ON APRIL 16

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Miranda Lambert - The Weight of These Wings - On Country Music News Blog

Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville and GRAMMY Award-winner Miranda Lambert will release “Keeper of the Flame,” Lambert’s fourth radio single off her critically acclaimed, PLATINUM-certified, double album The Weight Of These Wings, on April 16th to country radio. Lambert wrote “Keeper of the Flame” along with Natalie Hemby and Liz Rose, and prior to the release of her sixth studio album, The Weight Of These Wings, Lambert named her 2016 tour the “Keeper Of The Flame” Tour. Upon its release in late 2016, The Weight of These Wings was accompanied by a deluxe, hardbound book, containing exclusive images and details about the album’s creative and recording process of which only a few hundred copies were printed. Now, those images and words have been combined with official videos and previously unheard audio interviews from Lambert. Today Lambert launches her a one-of-a-kind, interactive Virtual Book for The Weight Of These Wings, where fans can visit The Weight Of These Wings.com, connect to their own Spotify accounts with a single click, and stream all of The Weight Of These Wings double album 24 songs, which were originally spread across two CDs (and six sides of vinyl), thematically dubbed ‘The Nerve’ and ‘The Heart.’ Take a tour of the virtual book HERE.

Brad Paisley To Host ‘The 2nd Responders’ Benefit Concert

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NASHVILLE’s BRAD PAISLEY will host “THE 2ND RESPONDERS,” a benefit concert on SATURDAY, MAY 12th at the SANTA BARBARA BOWL to honor those who were on the front lines and first responders during the recent CALIFORNIA wildfires and mudslides. A local presale is set for FRIDAY, MARCH 23rd from 11a-6p (PT), and tickets go on sale to the public on SATURDAY, MARCH 24th; ticket purchases are restricted by billing zip codes in SANTA BARBARA, VENTURA, and SAN LUIS OBISPO. Proof of residency is required. All proceeds will benefit the community and service workers through local organizations. “KIM and I fell in love with SANTA BARBARA and the MONTECITO area on our honeymoon,” shared PAISLEY. “It feels like small town AMERICA by the sea. With this concert, I hope to raise awareness, spirits, and money for the region that’s recovering from the devastating mudslides and fires. I hope people come out and actually make it an experience with us and visit some of the local shops, restaurants, bars, and coffee shops.”

Chesney, Shelton, Urban, And Lady A Join Performance Lineup For ‘ACM Awards’

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ACM Award News on Country Music News Blog

KENNY CHESNEY, BLAKE SHELTON, KEITH URBAN, and LADY ANTEBELLUM have been added to the lineup of performers slated to appear at the “53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.” They join previously announced performers JASON ALDEAN, KELSEA BALLERINI, DIERKS BENTLEY, LUKE BRYAN, FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE, MIRANDA LAMBERT, MAREN MORRIS, and THOMAS RHETT (NET NEWS 3/7). Set for SUNDAY, APRIL 15th at the MGM GRAND GARDEN ARENA in LAS VEGAS, the show will be broadcast live on CBS-TV. REBA MCENTIRE will serve as host, and additional acts will be announced in the coming weeks.

CJ SOLAR TO RELEASE GET AWAY WITH IT EP

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CJ Solar News

Hit singer/ songwriter CJ Solar, who Rolling Stone Country named one of their “New Artists You Need To Know,” is set to release his new EP Get Away With It on Sea Gayle Records April 13, 2018. The EP is available for pre-order now at iTunes, and Solar will be performing all five songs and more at exclusive launch parties in his home town of Baton Rouge on April 13 and in Nashville on April 18. The new EP includes his “Airplane” single, which is currently climbing the national Country charts. “I am so excited for this new music to come out and to be able to debut it in my home town of Baton Rouge and my adopted hometown of Nashville,” said Solar. “Everything I do is for the love of the music and the sake of the song, and I hope that comes through in this new EP.” Get Away With It follows Solar’s critically-acclaimed Hard One To Turn Down EP, which The Shotgun Seat called “the perfect pairing of country storytelling and rocking thythms, married by his dynamic vocals” and named him in their “17 to Watch in 17.” Critics at The Daily Country wrote, “Solar injects a hefty (and welcome) dose of Southern rock into his country, which melds perfectly with his gravelly vocals.”   As a songwriter, October could not have been a better month for Solar. Jerrod Niemann included “The Regulars” on his album that hit the first week of the month. The following week, Morgan Wallen’s new single featuring Florida Georgia Line, “Up Down,” was released. Both were co-written by Solar, as were releases by two Texas artists at the end of the month – “Damn Good Goodbye” on Mike Ryan’s new album and Kyle Park’s single “What The Heaven,” which hit #1 on the Texas charts. Solar also wrote “Between You And Me” on Justin Moore’s current album.   Solar’s Baton Rouge EP release show is scheduled for 9 p.m. Central on April 13 at The Texas Club, and fans can catch his Nashville show at The Basement East at 7 p.m. on the 18th. Visit www.CJSolar.com for additional details and dates.   Get Away With It EP Track Listing: American Girls – Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Michael Hobby, CJ Solar Same Town – Travis Denning, Chris Stevens & CJ Solar Airplane – Westin Davis, Rick Huckaby & CJ Solar Get Away With It – Jake Mitchell, Derek Sutherland & CJ Solar Hell No – Bob DiPiero, Andrew DeRoberts & CJ Solar   Keep up with CJ Solar at www.CJSolar.com or at: https://www.facebook.com/cjsolarband https://twitter.com/CJSolar https://www.instagram.com/cjsolar/

Watch Now: Jaclyn Kenyon – Daddy’s Got A Shotgun

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JACLYN KENYON Releases Official Music Video for “Daddy’s Got a Shotgun” Country artist JACLYN KENYON has released the official music video for her single, “Daddy’s Got a Shotgun” Directed by Jordan Davies, the Mike Krompass produced track is the first single off of her upcoming, debut EP. “This is a cute fun song I wrote about an overprotective father, …no matter how old you are you’re always gonna be your daddy’s little girl, right?” – Jaclyn Kenyon Not knowing who you want to be is a normal part of growing up. Sometimes you have to search again and again to find your voice and who you are. Most importantly, being confident enough at a young age to keep pushing yourself and having the drive to succeed and work hard is why Jaclyn Kenyon is poised to make a real impact in Music. With influence from such legends as Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, Michael Jackson, and excited about such newer young female artists like Maren Morris, Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, “A little Rock n’ Roll and A LOT Country” is what you can see and feel just by meeting this 20 year old Ontario native, who has been going back and forth to Nashville since she was a teenager. Always a strong performer, Jaclyn has been on the stage since the age of 12, when she was the youngest performer ever in Canada’s all female artist showcase Honey Jam, competing against artists twice her age. This prestigious showcase, Canada’s largest and best known, had launched the careers of Nelly Furtado and Jully Black. At 15 years old Jaclyn caught the eye of world renowned vocal coach and multi-platinum producer “Mama” Jan Smith who immediately saw her raw talent. “Jaclyn, as a writer, I believe she can write for anybody,” Mama Jan said of Jaclyn, “Stylistically, she really doesn’t have a lot of limits, which is awesome.” After that Jaclyn was fortunate enough to learn more about herself as an artist with multi-platinum writers and producers in Nashville and Los Angeles where she spent time trying to find what inspires her “People have always had me try and sing different styles, whether it was Country, Rock or Pop. I’ve always went along and tried every idea to find my voice. I’ve even had producers make me sing ‘hard rock’ “, says Jaclyn recanting some of the musical adventures she went through as a teenager, “One producer kept telling me to lose my ‘country twang’ in my voice and I didn’t realize that was just a natural part of me. Jaclyn’s first single off her upcoming EP, “Daddy’s Got A Shotgun,” was Produced by Mike Krompass and co-written with Nashville luminaries Clay Mills and Steve Diamond. In addition, Jaclyn has been writing in Nashville with Producer Mike Krompass, and writers Robbie Nevil, Rich Redmond. Said of her brand new song ‘Daddy’s Got A Shotgun’ ,”This is a cute fun song I wrote about an overprotective father, …no matter how old you are you’re Continue reading Watch Now: Jaclyn Kenyon – Daddy’s Got A Shotgun→

Listen Now: New From Luke Bryan “Most People Are Good”

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Luke Bryan on Country Music News Blog!

Four-time Entertainer of the Year and American Idol judge Luke Bryan releases a new music video today for “Most People Are Good,” directed by Wes Edwards.  Entertainment Weekly exclusively premiered the video today  – watch it HERE “Most People Are Good” is Luke’s second single from his What Makes You Country album that debuted at #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts last December and is now available for the first time on vinyl. The poignant “Most People Are Good” single, written by David Frasier, Ed Hill and Josh Kear, landed on Billboard’s 2017 Reader’s List claiming it “is a veer in the road (for Luke): an inspiring, positive-message song with a heartfelt vocal. At a time when the world is not such a positive place it’s, well, just in time.” RollingStone says “Most People Are Good” is “sincere” and is an “uplifting song, a gentle argument for all that’s right in the world.” After his media junket in New York City last week to promote the Sunday night premiere of American Idol on ABC and playing three concerts on his “What Makes You Country Tour,” Luke is now in Australia for his first-ever concerts down under. His touring year will conclude this fall after headlining concerts across North America including some of the biggest and best sports stadiums in Toronto, New York City, Cincinnati, Tampa, Pittsburgh, Boston, Minneapolis, Los Angeles (the first country concert to ever be held in Dodgers Stadium), Denver, St. Louis, Chicago, Vancouver and wrapping the tour in Detroit at Ford Field on October 26.   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 a five-time host of the ACM Awards. Luke has more certified digital singles than any other country artist with 40 million tracks and 12 million albums with three Billion music streams and he was the most-streamed country artist from 2012 to 2016. Luke has placed 19 singles at #1, 11 of which he co-wrote, and has headlined arena tours and sold-out stadiums across the U.S. and performed for 1.5 Million fans in 2017.   Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook

Southern Halo to release “Just Like In The Movies” album April 27th

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Southern Halo News

SOUTHERN HALO‘s story arc expands with the April 27 release of their latest CD, the concept-driven, dream-inspired JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES. This 14-track package, produced by Catt Gravitt and Gerald O’Brien, mirrors the emotional and musical growth of Natalia, Hannah and Christina Morris, the three sisters from the Mississippi Delta who form SOUTHERN HALO. Inspired by a dream of Natalia’s, JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES features 10 songs written or co-written by the lead vocalist/guitarist, and four titles from Music City’s hottest tunesmiths. The catchy ode to the glories of Southern womanhood, “Southern Halo,” kicks off the project and marks the first “scene” of this movie-made-music.  A co-write with Roxie Dean, the strong, multi-layered vocals and sing-along chorus make this a natural choice for the first “instant gratification track” offered with each  iTunes and Amazon pre-order of the CD.  The disc is the second outing for the trio with SESAC’s 2012 Writer of the Year Catt Gravitt (Kelly Clarkson, Jake Owen) and Gerald O’Brien (Martina McBride, Trace Adkins) at the helm. Continuing the album’s theme is the first single “Anything Is Possible.”  Written by Gravitt and award-winning songwriter/producer Carl Falk, the hooky, upbeat track is a veritable anthem to the power of positive thinking and is already resonating at Country radio.  A lyric video, featuring performance footage, can be seen on YouTube. JUST LIKE IN THE MOVIES explores the excitement found and challenges faced when chasing one’s dream.  The eagerness to experience new places is offset by the longing for the constant comforts of home, while the idea that anyone can indeed reach for the stars is reinforced.  Natalia, Hannah and Christina continue to prove that dreams do come true – if you work hard and believe.  Highlights abound, and the tracks range from Rock-ish (“My Girls & Me”) to beautifully poignant (“Not Today”) to confrontational (“Hey Boy”). The album’s title track is a Pop/Rock-infused, modern-day fairytale that features underscored Rap-style background vocals and a sultry yet whimsical feel.  Written by Gravitt, Jana Kramer and Brian Kierulf, “Just Like In The Movies” showcases SOUTHERN HALO’s diversity and their fearless approach to music.  The track was singled in the U.K. late last year and enjoyed enormous success. “Missing Mississippi,” written by Natalia and Jennifer Adan, slows things down with the true tale of Natalia’s first night in her new Nashville home.  Sweet, reflective and emotional, the song shows that sacrifices are always made in pursuit of the dreams that inspire us.  Another track that shines the light on leaving, “Famous” tells the tale of the loneliness that can surround stardom.  Penned with Alex Dooley, the message is deep – and partially hidden by a seductive melody.  “Tom Girl,” written with Melissa Boella Rowe, describes a character familiar to the Morris sisters: someone who loves to get their hands dirty, but also loves to dress up for special occasions.  As Natalia says, “everyone talks about ‘tom boys’ or ‘girly girls’ – no one ever talks about ‘tom girls.’  Christina loves fishing while Hannah rides horses Continue reading Southern Halo to release “Just Like In The Movies” album April 27th→

Scotty McCreery Releases New Album Friday, SEASONS CHANGE

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Scotty McCreery News On Country Music News Blog

McCreery Talks “Idol” on ABC’s Good Morning America on Monday, March 12; Shares “Five More Minutes” with Megyn Kelly TODAY on Thursday, March 15   No. 1 Hit “Five More Minutes” Recently Certified Gold by RIAA   Scotty McCreery has lived a lot of life in between his last album in 2013 and his long-awaited new album, Seasons Change, available everywhere this Friday, March 16 on Triple Tigers Records. He moved out on his own, went to college, released a book, proposed to his high school sweetheart, and most recently, notched his first No. 1 single with “Five More Minutes,” a song written by McCreery after losing his grandfather. “I feel like people will get to know the real me when they listen to Seasons Change,” said McCreery. “I’ve had quite the life journey since my last album. I’ve grown up, learned who I am and what I want to say. This album is very personal and my favorite yet. I cannot wait for everyone to hear it.” Seasons Change features 11 tracks, all of which McCreery had a hand in co-writing, marking a first for the 24-year-old country singer. Each track on the album allows fans a glimpse into the different corners of McCreery’s life—with songs like “In Between” featuring McCreery’s favorite line about himself – “I ain’t all Holy Water and I ain’t all Jim Beam, I’m somewhere in between,” “Boys From Back Home” about McCreery’s real-life friends from North Carolina and his upcoming new single “This Is It,” a song McCreery penned two weeks prior to proposing to his fiancé as an almost-blueprint to how he envisioned the proposal unfolding. Seasons Change is a true reflection of where the North Carolina native is in life. Among his co-writers on the personal album are Jessi Alexander (Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton), Monty Criswell (Eric Church, Darius Rucker, George Strait), Jason Gantt (Brooks & Dunn, Faith Hill, Alison Krauss, Tim McGraw), David Lee Murphy (Gary Allan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton) and more. The album was produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Wells, and Aaron Eshuis. Seasons Change Track Listing:  1. “Seasons Change” (Scotty McCreery/James McNair/Tommy Cecil) 2. “Wherever You Are” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Dan Isbell) 3. “Boys From Back Home” (Scotty McCreery/Dan Isbell/Jason Gantt) 4. “Five More Minutes” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Monty Criswell) 5.  “In Between” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Jessi Alexander/Jonathan Singleton) 6.  “This Is It” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Aaron Eshuis) 7.  “Wrong Again” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/Phillip White) 8.  “Move It On Out” (Scotty McCreery/Dan Isbell/Aaron Eshuis) 9.  “Barefootin’” (Scotty McCreery/Frank Rogers/David Lee Murphy 10. “Still” (Scotty McCreery/Aaron Eshuis) 11. “Home In My Mind” (Scotty McCreery/James McNair/Tommy Cecil) To celebrate the release of his new album, McCreery will appear on Good Morning America Monday morning to talk about the return of the show that got him his start, American Idol. Then on Thursday, March 15 he will visit Megyn Kelly TODAY to sing his RIAA Gold-Certified single “Five More Minutes.” Celebrating his album release, McCreery hosts an album launch party and concert at Gramercy Theatre in New York City on Monday, March 19 and strips it Continue reading Scotty McCreery Releases New Album Friday, SEASONS CHANGE→