Reba McEntire | Living Legend

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Reba McEntire | Living Legend | Country Music News

Timeless, familiar and fierce are all things we think of when Reba McEntire comes to mind, and that’s why we’ve chosen her to be the first in our series of living legends.   Hi, my name’s Shauna, but a lot of you know me better as “WhiskeyChick“. I’m one of the head writers for country music news blog and country music on tour, and today I want to talk to you about Reba, the queen of country music, and certainly the queen of Oklahoma, which is where we’re based. My first pick for one of our Top 12 2018 Living Legends in Country Music. I can’t remember a time in my life where Reba McEntire wasn’t the motherly voice I heard in the back of my head when struggling with a heartbreak or making a tough decision, or just looking for a little more inner strength. She’s always led her career with a fierceness and a fire that so many of today’s stars seem to think is a given. No matter what project Reba takes on, she does it with a certain amount of relatable sass. One of the things I find most impressive about Reba though, is the fact that she is not afraid to take on sensitive subjects or controversial topics. She finds a way to take a story that is very hard to tell, and make it feel as personal to you as if had happened to you. The ability to convey that level of emotion, and that level of heartache, and that level of anger in a three-minute track is something that so few are blessed with. And that’s why she is one of our top picks for the 2018 Living Legends. If you want to read more about Reba McEntire give us a visit over at  CountryMusicNewsBlog.com If you want to catch Reba McEntire live, come check us out at CountryMusicOnTour.com Again, my name’s WhiskeyChick, and thanks for watching!

Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s

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Grammy Award Coverage on Country Music News Blog

Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, and Maren Morris To perform at the 60th Annual Grammy Awards® in a tribute to victims of concert tragedies. Special segment reunites Musicians from ROUTE 91 HARVEST FESTIVAL in Las Vegas. SANTA MONICA, CALIF. (JAN. 18, 2018) — In addition to honoring musical excellence, the Recording Academy® will also take a moment to honor the victims lost to gun violence and terrorism at various live music events over the course of the past year. In a special GRAMMY® tribute performed by three of the artists who participated in the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas, current GRAMMY nominees Brothers Osborne, past GRAMMY nominee Eric Church, and GRAMMY winner and current nominee Maren Morris will come together for the touching segment. “Live music events have always provided a safe space for fans to gather in a shared celebration of music. Sadly, that wasn’t always the case this past year,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We believe it’s incredibly important to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in these senseless tragedies and to remind musicians and music lovers alike that live music will continue to be a powerful force that unites us all.” “In many ways, our show encapsulates the year in music,” said Ken Ehrlich, executive producer of the GRAMMY Awards. Although that usually means a focus on achievement and excellence, sadly, last year was marred by a number of senseless tragedies that took place at live music events. We didn’t feel like we’d be doing our jobs if we didn’t reflect on these tremendous losses.” Live from Madison Square Garden in New York City, and hosted by award-winning television personality and performer James Corden, the 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be broadcast live in HDTV and 5.1 surround sound on the CBS Television Network, Sunday, Jan. 28, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT. Previously announced GRAMMY performers include Alessia Cara, Cardi B, Miley Cyrus, Childish Gambino, Daddy Yankee, Luis Fonsi, Elton John, Kesha, Khalid, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, Little Big Town, Logic, Patti LuPone, Bruno Mars, P!nk, Ben Platt, Sam Smith, SZA, and U2. Performing for the first time on the GRAMMY stage, Brothers Osborne are nominated again this year in Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“It Ain’t My Fault”). GRAMMY Award winner Maren Morris is currently nominated for Best Country Solo Performance (“I Could Use A Love Song”). The 60th Annual GRAMMY Awards are produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures for the Recording Academy. Ken Ehrlich is executive producer, Louis J. Horvitz is director, Ben Winston is a producer, Chantel Sausedo is the Talent Producer, and David Wild and Ehrlich are the writers. ABOUT RECORDING ACADEMY The Recording Academy represents the voices of performers, songwriters, producers, engineers, and all music professionals. Dedicated to ensuring the recording arts remain a thriving part of our shared cultural heritage, the Academy honors music’s history while investing in its future through the GRAMMY Museum®, advocates on behalf of music creators, supports music people in Continue reading Country Music Tribute to Route 91 Victims at the 2018 Grammy’s→

Kenny Chesney Changes Record Labels!

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Kenny Chesney Blue Chair Records

KENNY CHESNEY SIGNS WITH WARNER MUSIC NASHVILLE Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records is Superstar’s New Label Home   Warner Music Group and Warner Music Nashville are honored to welcome eight-time ACM winner and CMA Entertainer of the Year Kenny Chesney to the Warner Music family. As part of WMN, the songwriter/superstar’s music will be released on the Blue Chair Records/Warner Bros. Records label. Since leaving East Tennessee with a handful of songs and a dream bigger than he understood, Kenny Chesney has developed into the man The Wall Street Journal deemed “The King of the Road” and the Los Angeles Times proclaimed “The People’s Superstar.” With over 30 million albums sold, 30 No. 1s, and countless sold-out stadium tours that sell in excess of a million tickets every time he takes to the road, the 2018 Country Album of the Year GRAMMY nominee is on the verge of yet another creative renaissance. “It is a big deal to change labels,” said Chesney. “But when you hear Max, Espo, and Cris Lacy talk about music, about what it means and does, when you hear that passion, you can’t help but get fired up. To me, music is only complete when it gets to the fans and becomes part of their lives. The people at Warner understand my commitment to that idea, and they’re just as committed to those ideals as I am.” “Kenny Chesney embodies the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom and expression,” said WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito. “An unapologetic free spirit, he has built a career on perseverance, drive, innovation, and most especially, great songs. Everything he does is inspired. It is with deep respect and honor that we welcome Kenny to Warner Music Nashville. We couldn’t be more excited to work with him and his team.” “Kenny’s not only a country music icon, but an American superstar, who’s still hungry to write, record, and perform amazing music that moves millions of people,” said Warner Music Group CEO, Recorded Music Max Lousada. “The fact that he has chosen Warner Music as his new label home is a huge testament to the culture created by Espo and his team, who have made our Nashville operation a magnet for both emerging talent and established artists. I join Espo in welcoming Kenny into the Warner family, and we’re all looking forward to amplifying his success and taking his music to fans across the globe.” About Kenny Chesney: Kenny Chesney is an American musical force. With 30 No. 1 hits, including “American Kids,” “When The Sun Goes Down,” “I Go Back,” “Noise,” and “Pirate Flag,” over 30 million albums and 38 million tracks sold, he has created the soundtrack for coming of age in the heartland in the 21st century. His commitment to his fans – known as the No Shoes Nation – has seen Chesney succeed as the only Country artist on Billboard’s Top 10 Touring Acts for the past 25 Years, as well as consistently playing NFL stadiums across the U.S. That commitment to giving his fans songs that hold Continue reading Kenny Chesney Changes Record Labels!→

Brad Paisley Honored With ‘Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award’ At St. Jude Seminar

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Brad Paisley on Country Music News Blog

ARISTA NASHVILLE’s BRAD PAISLEY was honored with the “RANDY OWEN ANGELS AMONG US AWARD” this past weekend at the COUNTRY CARES FOR ST. JUDE SEMINAR in MEMPHIS. PAISLEY received the honor in recognition of of his “exceptional and lasting contributions” to ST. JUDE CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL. PAISLEY joins the ranks of last year’s recipient, CAPITOL NASHVILLE’s DARIUS RUCKER, and former recipients ALSAC COO DAVID MCKEE, awarded posthumously; ST. JUDE COUNTRY CARES Advisory Council member SHARON EAVES, awarded posthumously; and the first recipient, JOHN RICH, who was awarded the title in 2012

TEGAN MARIE TO “KEEP IT LIT” FROM NASHVILLE TO NYC

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Tegan Marie News

Rising Country Sensation Celebrates Song Release With Multiple Opry Performances Set To Light Up NBC’s TODAY On January 31 Rising Country sensation TEGAN MARIE is upping the shine factor with the release of her debut Warner Music Nashville song, “Keep It Lit,” worldwide on January 19. Lighting up Nashville, New York City and everywhere in between, Tegan Marie will celebrate with multiple Opry shows starting with her first performance at the Ryman Auditorium as part of Opry at the Ryman (1/19) followed by her debut New York City concert at The Studio at Opry City Stage (1/31). Adding to the excitement, the young trailblazer will bring “Keep It Lit” to television audiences nationwide when she appears on NBC’s TODAY with Kathie Lee and Hoda (1/31). Tegan Marie’s debut New York City show will be the FIRST ticketed event in The Studio at Opry City Stage. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, January 17 at 10:00am eastern via oprycitystage.com. Opry City Stage is New York City’s home for Country music and culture, with good times and great food rooted in the South and served up in Times Square. “Tegan’s reach is far and wide, much like the Opry.  We are thrilled to have her bring a bit of Nashville to Times Square with her upcoming Opry City Stage performance!” said Sally Williams, SVP, Programming & Artists Relations, Opry Entertainment Group. “The Opry is my home whether it’s Nashville or New York City,” shared Tegan Marie. “I’m so excited they believe in me this much to have me as their first ticketed event in NYC! And I can’t believe I get to perform ‘Keep It Lit’ in front of Hoda and Kathie Lee! I’ll be sure to bring Shirley Temples with me :).” Co-written by Tegan Marie, “Keep It Lit” is produced by acclaimed hit maker and WMN’s EVP of A&R, Scott Hendricks (with 70 #1 hits for artists including Blake Shelton and Alan Jackson). Named after a popular expression with the singer’s generation (aka Gen Z) – “lit”- the song celebrates happiness, good vibes and lightheartedness. It also serves as her anthem to inspire people across the country to make 2018 a year of positivity and hope. Media and fans alike have already taken notice of the rising star’s talent after being first discovered by leading Gen Z girls’ media company Sweety High. Landing on several high-profile emerging artist lists, HuffPost and Billboard included her in their 2018 Country Artists to Watch lists. Billboard praises, “…few have the stage presence, songwriting skills and overall show business moxie as this Michigan native…” and HuffPost adds, “Tegan Marie is primed to be country music’s first Gen Z star.” About Tegan Marie: With a larger-than-life voice, Tegan Marie was discovered when her father uploaded videos of her cover songs to Gen Z girls’ site, Sweety High. Featured as a Radio Disney Country artist, she has since catapulted into the national spotlight with several high-profile media performances and appearances including ABC’s Good Morning America, PBS’ star-studded Continue reading TEGAN MARIE TO “KEEP IT LIT” FROM NASHVILLE TO NYC→

Ray Stevens Unveils CabaRay Showroom Amidst a Who’s Who of Nashville’s Music Industry

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Ray Stevens Concert News

Stevens’ New West Nashville Music Venue Opens to the Public this Week with Live Concerts Set for Thursday Through Saturday Nights Last Wednesday night, January 10, in Nashville, legendary country and comedy music artist Ray Stevens unveiled his two-year labor of love, the Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom. The new 35,000 square foot dinner theatre was packed with artists, music industry execs, media personalities, and politicians who came out to support the man who literally helped to pave the way for Nashville’s music scene. Those in attendance included Ricky Skaggs, Ralph Emery, the Gatlin Brothers, John Berry, Steve Wariner, Bill Anderson, TG Sheppard, Kelly Lang, T. Graham Brown, Jeannie Seely, Sharon White, Don Schlitz, Fred Foster, Bobby Goldsboro, Harold Bradley, Jerry Kennedy, Johnny Lee, Lee Roy Parnell, Williams & Ree, Jeff Bates, Mandy Barnett, Teea Goans, Charlene Tilton, Mark Ford, Bob Clement, Don Sundquist, Charlie Monk, Bill Cody, Larry Black, and more. “I haven’t been nervous on stage since I was a teenager. But boy was I nervous VIP night at CabaRay in front of all my friends,” says Stevens. “It was a big night!” Stevens performed a 90-minute show which included many of his career hits including, “The Streak,” “Mississippi Squirrel Revival,” “Misty,” “Gitarzan,” “It’s Me Again Margaret,” “Shriner’s Convention,” and “Turn Your Radio On.” The music legend received a standing ovation following a performance of his 1970 #1 smash hit, “Everything is Beautiful.” Earlier in the day, Stevens received a proclamation from Nashville Mayor Megan Barry declaring January 10 Ray Stevens Day in Music City, USA. CabaRay opens to the general public this Thursday, January 18. Stevens will perform live three nights (Thursday-Saturday) weekly. Tickets are on-sale now at raystevenscabaray.com or by calling 615-327-4630. The venue is located at 5724 River Road in West Nashville. 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 will soon open his very own Nashville entertainment venue, the CabaRay Showroom, a 35,000 square foot music venue set to make its debut in January of 2018. The Ray Stevens: Everything Is Beautiful display is currently featured at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum where museumgoers can view items from Stevens’ storied career. For more information on Ray Stevens, visit raystevens.com.

Mickey Gilley Partners with Tennessee Highway Safety Office

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Mickey Gilley News

Country Music Icon Mickey Gilley Partners with Tennessee Highway Safety Office to Promote Seatbelt Usage after Surviving Recent Rollover Crash Country music artist Mickey Gilley is partnering with the Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) to promote seatbelt usage after surviving a rollover crash in Texas on January 3, 2018. At the time of the crash, Gilley’s vehicle was struck by another vehicle whose driver failed to halt at a stop sign. Gilley is currently recovering from several injuries, including a fractured ankle, fractured shoulder, cracked sternum, and cracked rib. He credits his seatbelt for saving his life. Click here to view Gilley’s new public service announcement. Photos can be accessed here. “Had I not been wearing my seatbelt, I’m sure I would’ve been ejected,” said Gilley. “My car rolled about three times over. I want to share my story with Tennesseans to encourage everyone in the South to take pride in wearing seatbelts, because seatbelts do save lives.” According to the Tennessee Integrated Traffic Analysis Network, 80 people died statewide in vehicle over turn/rollover crashes last year. Thirty-two (40%) of those individuals were not wearing seatbelts. Beginning February 1, the THSO will launch its fifth annual Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) campaign. This statewide initiative is designed to increase Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate through community outreach, occupant-protection education, and targeted seatbelt enforcement. “In 2016, Tennessee’s average seatbelt usage rate was 88.95 percent,” said THSO Director Vic Donoho. “Last year, the state’s usage rate decreased to 88.51 percent. Our goal this year is to achieve 100 percent seatbelt usage across Tennessee through the SAFE campaign and other occupant-protection initiatives.” For more information about the THSO or the SAFE campaign, please visit www.tntrafficsafety.org. About Mickey Gilley Country music artist Mickey Gilley has been wowing fans with his haunting sound of Louisiana rhythm and blues since 1957. The Mississippi native grew up with his two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, surrounded by the influence of music. Gilley made his chart topper debut with his song “Is It Wrong For Loving You,” in which Kenny Rogers played the guitar. After moving to Pasadena, Texas in 1971, Gilley opened his world famous Honky-Tonk night club. He continued to show chart success with hits like “City Lights” and “Don’t the Girls All Get Prettier at Closing Time” both of which reached number one on the Billboard Country Charts. At age 81, Gilley continues to walk out on stage and sing his hits to share his musical career with audiences across the country. About the Tennessee Highway Safety Office  The Tennessee Highway Safety Office (THSO) is a division of the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security advocating for traffic safety. The THSO works in tandem with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to implement statewide programs addressing occupant protection, impaired driving, speed enforcement, pedestrian and bicycle safety, and crash data collection and analysis. Programs administered by the THSO are 100 percent federally funded. The THSO’s mission is to effectively develop, implement, Continue reading Mickey Gilley Partners with Tennessee Highway Safety Office→

Hunter Hayes to Headline the 2018 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon

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St Sude's Nashville Marathon

Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series will take place following the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon & ½ Marathon on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Ascend Amphitheater at 7:00 p.m. TAMPA, Fla./NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Jan. 16, 2018) – On Saturday, April 28, 2018 the annual St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll® Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon will continue its strong tradition of bringing fun to the run with great music at the core. The premier running event in Tennessee will entertain the masses with five-time GRAMMY© nominee Hunter Hayes taking the stage as the Toyota Rock ‘n’ Roll Concert Series Headliner at Ascend Amphitheater. The post-race concert, which will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night, will also feature country music newcomer Erin Kinsey as the opening act. Hunter Hayes is a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who roared onto the music scene with his multi-Platinum, self-titled debut album and chart-topping sophomore album, Storyline. With three No. 1 singles under his belt, Hayes has tallied over 40 award nominations and wins including the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Country Artist in 2015 and the CMA Awards’ coveted New Artist of The Year trophy in 2012. Since the summer of 2014, Erin Kinsey and her band started making waves in Music City with appearances at CMA Fest in Nashville and the C2C Festival in London, as well as numerous acoustic performances at the legendary Blue Bird Café. Fans can expect big things from Erin Kinsey in 2018, as she is one of the up-and-coming country musicians not to be overlooked. “St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon, is a marquee event in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series©,” said Natalia Mendez, Race Director. “We are thrilled that Hunter Hayes will headline this year’s post-race concert at Ascend Amphitheater celebrating the many musical genres that Nashville is known for. We are sure that Hunter, and opener Erin Kinsey, will keep the party rocking for runners and spectators after the race.” The Ascend Amphitheater will be open exclusively to registered runners with friends and family having an opportunity to purchase tickets. The grass park adjacent to Ascend Amphitheater will have speakers and a jumbo screen, serving as overflow and an opportunity for the community to be part of the weekend as it will be open to the public. The musically themed road race is expected to attract more than 30,000 runners who will take on the 26.2 marathon, 13.1-mile half marathon or 5K courses, while 50 of Nashville’s best live bands perform on improved band stages along the route, interspersed with cheerleaders and themed water stations. Participants can move along to more music than ever with all new mile-markers that include speakers and race pacers who will be running with mobile speaker packs. During the marathon, thousands of St. Jude Heroes will run for a reason, hoping to raise more than $2 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. More than $10 million has been raised over the event’s seven-year partnership with Continue reading Hunter Hayes to Headline the 2018 St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville Marathon & ½ Marathon→

New Music From Scotty McCreery

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Scotty McCreery News On Country Music News Blog

SCOTTY McCREERY’S LONG-AWAITED ALBUM, SEASONS CHANGE, AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER EVERYWHERE TODAY Surprise Track “Wherever You Are” Available Now Ahead of Album’s Release 3/16 After a five-year wait and a multitude of life changes, Scotty McCreery releases his highly anticipated album, Seasons Change, for digital pre-order everywhere today, ahead of its March 16 release on Sony’s Triple Tigers Records – his first album on the label. The project features his current nearly-Top 10-and-climbing radio hit “Five More Minutes,” which People calls an “emotional walk down memory lane.” Fans are also surprised today with the instant grat track “Wherever You Are,” available now. “Wherever You Are” was co-written by McCreery, Frank Rogers and Dan Isbell.  The song outlines the motivation love gives to do whatever it takes to be with a significant other, and is inspired by McCreery’s recently-engaged fiancée, Gabi Dugal, with lyrics like: Up in Manhattan/ Or way out in some cabin/ In the middle of nowhere/ Well baby I’ll be there/ Wherever you are, wherever it is/ Baby it ain’t too far/ Just give me call or drop me a pin The 24-year old singer/songwriter has a lot to say on the 11-track album, produced by Rogers (McCreery’s See You Tonight, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker), Derek Wells (guitarist for Kenny Chesney, Brett Eldridge, Little Big Town), and Aaron Eshuis (producer for Ryan Hurd, songwriter for A Thousand Horses, Joe Nichols, Cole Swindell). With every song co-written by McCreery himself, Seasons Change marks the first time he’s played a hand in writing his entire album. With songs influenced by true-life events that occurred since he released his last album at 19 — including moving out on his own, going to college, getting robbed at gunpoint, losing his grandfather, changing record labels, releasing a book and proposing to his high school sweetheart — 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. 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) Album bundles are also available on ScottyMcCreery.com including autographed CDs bundled with a personalized video and various merchandise options for pre-order. The album’s first single, “Five More Minutes,” is closing in quickly on the Top Ten and has already built an impressive history. McCreery performed “Five More Minutes” on the Grand Ole Opry stage in 2016, where it quickly became Continue reading New Music From Scotty McCreery→