Tune-In Alert: Craig Morgan on ESPN December 23rd!

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Craig Mornga on ESPN with LineX

Craig Morgan to Appear in Two LINE-X TV Spots During ESPN Broadcast on December 23  🏈 TOP 20 “BEST FOR VETS” FRANCHISE – LINE-X – TO SALUTE MILITARY SERVICEMEMBERS FOR SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR AT LOCKHEED MARTIN ARMED FORCES BOWL LINE-X, a global leader in extreme performance protective coatings complemented with first-rate Truck Gear by LINE-X accessories, will honor United States military servicemembers and veterans at the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl for the second consecutive year. Hosted in Fort Worth, TX, the college football showdown will feature the Army West Point Black Knights and the San Diego State University Aztecs. Airing live on December 23 at 2:30 p.m. (CT) on ESPN, the broadcast will feature two TV spots from 17-year U.S. Army veteran, country music star and TV host Craig Morgan. As part of the LINE-X family, the prominent artist’s appearance is reflective of the brand’s priority in recognizing military personnel for their service. LINE-X’s long-standing support for the armed forces and its veterans remains a high-priority for the company. With several senior executives having served in the armed forces, including President Dennis Weese – who is a former U.S. Army officer and a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point – the company has extended efforts in several ways to support the nation’s veterans and their success in life. LINE-X has been ranked the 16th Best Franchise for Veterans by Military Times for the quality of its veteran franchise program. Initiatives include philanthropy support to veteran’s organizations and special incentives through LINE-X’s Franchising Program for veterans to start their own businesses. There are more than 90 veteran-owned LINE-X franchises throughout the expanding network of more than 550 locations across 60 countries. “We’re very excited to be able to partner with the Armed Forces Bowl for the second year in a row as a reflection of our unwavering support for current and former members of our Armed Forces,” said Dennis Weese, president of LINE-X. “As a veteran myself, I’m incredibly proud to work at such a veteran-friendly company that supports and encourages veterans to start their own franchises, while backing organizations that support veterans once they’ve returned home. This incredible event is just another way that we’re able to celebrate our men and women in uniform. I’m also a West Point alumnus, so I may have a slight bias when it comes to the actual football game.” About the 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl: The 2017 Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, played in honor of the United States armed forces, is the only collegiate football bowl game that has hosted all three U.S. Military Academy football teams – the U.S. Military Academy (2010), the U.S. Air Force Academy (2007-2009, 2012, 2015) and the U.S. Naval Academy (2013). About LINE-X LLC: LINE-X LLC (www.LINE-X.com) is a global leader in high performance polyurea protective coatings offering scientifically formulated polymers that permanently bond to a wide range of surfaces for unmatched durability. With the launch of the brand’s Truck Gear by LINE-X accessory Continue reading Tune-In Alert: Craig Morgan on ESPN December 23rd!→

Singer-Songwriter Ruby Joy Ketchum, 16, Signs Exclusively With BMI

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Ruby Joy Ketchum on Country Music News Blog

Singer-songwriter Ruby Joy Ketchum,16, daughter of BMI award-winning songwriter and Grand Ole Opry member Hal Ketchum and celebrity stylist Gina Ketchum, has signed  with BMI for exclusive publishing. “Having grown up going to BMI number one parties and having the awards hang on our walls at home, I am excited to now myself be a member of the amazing family and community of songwriters here,” says the talented young songwriter. Two of Ruby Joy’s original songs are set to be in the soundtrack of a Disney feature film being released in early 2019 (working title, not yet released.) She will also be traveling to Ireland in 2018 to work with fellow writers on an upcoming BBC TV program. Ruby Joy received a standing ovation earlier this year for her performance of the Patsty Cline hit, “Have You Ever Been Lonely?” at the Grand Ole Opry. That was not, however, her first time on the Opry stage. “My mom and dad introduced me on the Opry Stage when I was 11 days old. I literally took my naps in my dad’s guitar case stage right.” She then went on to perform as his bass player on the same stage at age 9. “Since I grew up around music every day, I can play many instruments.” With her effortless 3 octave range of graceful lead vocals and harmonies, Ruby Joy is writing and recording with all genre writers and will continue traveling and writing in the coming year. Stay tuned for her release of original music, with the launch of her YouTube channel in early 2018. “There’s always an extra reason to celebrate when the daughter or son of a successful BMI songwriter follows in their footsteps and signs with us. Such is the case with Ruby, whose father Hal Ketchum, signed with BMI at the beginning of his career.  Ruby is a breath of fresh air, just as her dad was when he emerged on the scene. We are thrilled to welcome Ruby into the BMI family!” says Jody Williams, VP creative of BMI Nashville. “Ruby Joy is such a unique talent. From the moment I met her, I could feel that she oozed creativity. Her sound is unlike anyone else on the scene; she’s a true individual and the staff at BMI can’t wait to see what the future has in store for her.” adds Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Executive Director, Writer-Publisher Relations.

Listen Now: Americana Band Reveille – “Miracle”

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Raleigh, NC Americana band, New Reveille, who recently signed a label and management deal with Loud & Proud Records, have launched their PledgeMusic store today where fans can pre-order their debut album.  Exclusive items are also available including signed vinyl test pressings, hand-written lyrics, instruments, unique experiences such as Skype cello or violin lessons, an acoustic house concert, and more.  All pledgers will get an instant track download of an early recording of the song, “Miracle.”   Yesterday, the band premiered their first “Living Room Sessions” video for “Miracle” with Americana blog, Mother Church Pew who said, “These days, having a banjo in your band doesn’t make you Americana. All the elements have to be in place—stellar songwriting, outstanding musicianship, creative innovation, and a unique ability to connect with those who listen. Raleigh, North Carolina-based Americountry outfit New Reveille has it all, banjo included… With sweetly-rendered multi-part harmonies, yearning string arrangements, and lyrical depth, ‘Miracle’ gives us a glimpse of the raw talent and stripped down beauty New Reveille possesses.” Watch it HERE and on their PledgeMusic page now. Nashville based Producer / Engineer Ben Fowler, a Multi-Platinum, Grammy Award winning, ACM Engineer of the Year nominee, has signed on to produce their debut Loud & Proud Records release. Fowler most recently has made albums with Jerrod Niemann, Sarah Evans, Lucy Hale, Kip Moore, Rascal Flatts, and Ruby Amanfu to name a few. In the past, he’s worked with Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and George Harrison, among others. “I’m incredibly excited about working with New Reveille,” says Ben Fowler. “They have a depth to their sound vocally and instrumentally that is uniquely their own, and I look forward to getting in the studio with them.”  Singer Amy Kamm adds, “we are inspired by the opportunity to tell our stories through our songs, both in the studio recording our new album and on the road performing for fans. We’ve prepared for this moment, and 2018 is the time for New Reveille to take a major step forward.”   New Reveille, Amy Kamm (lead vocalist), Daniel Cook (banjo / guitar), George Hage (lead guitar), Kaitlin Grady (cello), and Autumn Brand (violin), self-released their debut album, Cannonball in 2013.  They sold out their very first show at Deep South The Bar and soon were playing to standing room only crowds with their powerfully crafted songs, incredible showmanship, and eclectic live shows.  They also won the prestigious American Advertising Gold Addy award for their “Babylon” video (155,000 views on YouTube) which Daniel Cook wrote and directed.   The band name, New Reveille, a tribute to Cook’s military grandfather who played reveille in the mornings, could also mean a “new awakening,” which is how the band members view their signing to Loud & Proud Records, and what it means for their future.   New Reveille Website Twitter Instagram Facebook

Tune In Alert: KELSEA BALLERINI “UNAPOLOGETICALLY” CONCERT SPECIAL TONIGHT

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Kelsea Ballerini on Country Music News BLog

KELSEA BALLERINI UNAPOLOGETICALLY CAPS STAR-DEFINING YEAR WITH  AT&T AUDIENCE NETWORK TELEVISION CONCERT SPECIAL TONIGHT Before ringing in 2018, Black River Entertainment recording artist KELSEA BALLERINI is topping off a “mountaintop” year with an exclusive one-hour television concert special, Kelsea Ballerini, presented by AT&T AUDIENCE Network tonight. Filmed live from Nashville, Ballerini is offering at-home viewers a front-row seat to her milestone performance at Bridgestone Arena. Airing at 9 p.m. ET/PT on DIRECTV channel 239, AT&T U-verse channel 1114, and on-demand through DIRECTV NOW, the high-caliber footage was captured in front of a sold-out audience during the final U.S. date of her fall run on Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev3dc5_0-NM “Some of my biggest concert memories have been at this venue and Nashville shows are always super special,” Ballerini shares. “To be able to bring fans into my tour world and share this epic night with them is really cool.” Mixing her history-making #1s from her GOLD-certified debut THE FIRST TIME – PLATINUM-certified “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Peter Pan,” and “Dibs” – with breakout tracks from her acclaimed sophomore album UNAPOLOGETICALLY, such as the anthemic title track, “I Hate Love Songs,” and Top 15 and rising lead single, “Legends,” Ballerini’s top-tier set further cements her Country music stardom. Click here to see a standout first look of Ballerini’s “Legends” performance, as revealed by Rolling Stone Country. A trailer and preview of Ballerini’s post-show interview with AUDIENCE Music series host Ted Stryker is also now available. As UNAPOLOGETICALLY continues to garner overwhelming support, illustrious outlets are including the poignant project on their reputable year-end lists. Spotlighted in The New York Times’ “The Best Albums of 2017” and Rolling Stone Country’s “40 Best Country and Americana Albums of 2017,” UNAPOLOGETICALLY has also received a genre-blurring nod by BuzzFeed’s “The Top 50 Pop Songs Of 2017” for the self-assured knockout “Get Over Yourself.” Beginning in February, Ballerini will welcome fans inside her whirlwind world of loss, life, and love, as she introduces UNAPOLOGETICALLY nationwide on THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR. From the Alabama Theatre in Birmingham, AL, on February 8, to the annual Stagecoach Festival in Indio, CA, on April 27 – with big city stops in Nashville, TN, New York, NY, and Seattle, WA in-between – she will be supported by special guest and breakout artist Walker Hayes. Rising star Bailey Bryan will also join for a special one-night-only appearance at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Valentine’s Day. For more information on KELSEA BALLERINI and VIP Experiences for THE UNAPOLOGETICALLY TOUR, visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Fans can also follow along the tour with #KB2TOUR.

Listen Now: Dolly Parton’s ‘Holly Dolly Holiday Jukebox’ on Spotify

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Dolly Parton Christmas Playlist on Spotify

“I just love this time of year. The season, spending time with family, the movies and the music! I put together a special ‘Holly Dolly Holiday Jukebox’ on Spotify for you all that I sure hope you’ll enjoy.” – Dolly Parton Listen and share Dolly’s playlist on Spotify here: http://bit.ly/hollydollyjukebox   Gift Dolly’s very first children’s album, I Believe In You here: http://smarturl.it/dollyibelieveinyou     FOR MORE INFORMATION ON DOLLY PARTON, VISIT: www.dollyparton.com Facebook: Facebook.com/DollyParton Instagram: Instagram.com/DollyParton Twitter: Twitter.com/DollyParton Tumblr: OfficialDollyParton.tumblr.com Google+: Plus.Google.com/+DollyParton

Eric Church’s Little Louder Publishing Company Inks Deal With Kobalt Music

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KOBALT MUSIC and LITTLE LOUDER have entered a worldwide creative and publishing deal that covers future works and all back catalog work from the publishing company, formed in 2013 by ARTURO BUENAHORA, JR. and EMI NASHVILLE’s ERIC CHURCH. KOBALT’s creative team will pitch LITTLE LOUDER writers’ songs for placements on various records and provide assistance on key sync projects in addition to offering collaboration and co-write opportunities for LITTLE LOUDER writers, including CHURCH, CASEY BEATHARD, LUKE DICK, OSCAR CHARLES, JEFF HYDE, HALEY GEORGIA, and RYAN TYNDALL.

January Bluebird Cafe Shows Benefit Alive Hospice

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Bluebird Cafe News on Country Music News Blog

The 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series kicks off 2018 with a month of shows benefiting Alive Hospice at The Bluebird Cafe. More than 130 artists and songwriters are scheduled to perform at least 27 shows beginning Tuesday, January 2 and running through February 1, 2018. Presenting sponsors for the event include Bass, Berry & Sims, Cigna, HCA, Hub International, Jackson National and Tennessee Oncology. SouthComm and WSM-AM return as media sponsors. “We are thrilled to mark the 25th anniversary of Alive at the Bluebird with such an amazing roster of talent,” said Anna-Gene O’Neal, Alive Hospice President/CEO. “I am also super-excited to partner with our good friends at the Bluebird in celebration of their 35th year. We are beyond grateful for the incredible support that we get from the songwriting community, our sponsors and the public. Alive at the Bluebird is a truly unique partnership-talk about a Nashville original! The proceeds directly benefit patients and family, but the entire program that runs throughout the month brings much-needed awareness to the important work that our mission supports.” Perennial favorites Amy Grant and Vince Gill are scheduled to perform on January 3, 2018, and such luminaries as Kim Carnes, Phil Vassar, Styx lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw, John Oates, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Keb’ Mo’, Gordon Kennedy, Dave Barnes, Hunter Hayes, Kathy Mattea, Jon Vezner and Don Henry are already booked to appear. Additional writers and artists will be announced in the coming weeks. “Every year, Alive at The Bluebird gives the month of January a very special energy here at the club,” said Bluebird Cafe General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols. “Our community of songwriters is inspired and moved by the great service that Alive Hospice provides – this inspiration is reflected in the number of people who volunteer their time and talent to raise funds and awareness through the month of performances. We are honored to have partnered with Alive Hospice for 25 years and can’t imagine a January without this amazing performance series that lights up The Bluebird with love and generosity.” The 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird shows benefitting Alive Hospice will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 9:00pm, Fridays at 9:30pm and Saturdays at 6:30 and 9:30pm. Reservations and updated schedules and lineups can be found at www.BluebirdCafe.com. The Bluebird Cafe opened in June of 1982 and has been celebrating its 35th anniversary with special shows and events. Bluebird: The Movie, an in-depth documentary about the influence the tiny 90-seat venue has had on singers, songwriters and popular music in general, is currently in production. About Alive Hospice: Alive Hospice is a 501(c)(3) charitable nonprofit that provides compassionate care and support for terminally ill patients and their families, grief support for adults and children, and education about the end of life. Alive Hospice was founded in 1975, making it the first hospice program in Tennessee and the Southeast, and the first in the nation to provide hospice care in private homes. Alive Hospice is accredited Continue reading January Bluebird Cafe Shows Benefit Alive Hospice→

Listen Now: Jerrod Niemann – I Got This

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Curb Records hitmaker JERROD NIEMANN is back at Country radio this week with the fun, upbeat song, “I Got This,” from his latest studio album THIS RIDE. Penned by a trio of Country’s hottest writers – Rodney Clawson (Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan), Josh Osborne (Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt) and Luke Dick (Eric Church, Miranda Lambert) – the “strutting indie-pop jam” (Rolling Stone Country) was one of the Top 3 most added songs at Country radio with 33 stations on board first week.   “‘I Got This’ really represents how my new music has evolved,” shared Niemann. “It has the vibe and groove that draws me towards songs. We used some of our very favorite tones and textures in the studio to amplify and uplift the lyrics and melody. Hopefully everyone will be toe tapping and singin’ along.” Recently, Neimann had the chance to talk all about THIS RIDE and new tune “I Got This” with Suzanne Alexander for GAC’s Great American Playlist and Cody Alan for CMT Hot 20 Countdown. The singer-songwriter also shared the accompanying music video, which was filmed by director Ryan Hamblin in a vibey studio in Nashville. Later this month, Niemann will join the USO’s 76th annual star-studded holiday tour as the musical guest. Led by the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Joseph F. Dunford Jr., he’ll have the opportunity to visit with and perform for service members stationed internationally. “After a life-changing USO tour last year, I couldn’t be more excited to give my appreciation to service members overseas during the holidays,” enthused Niemann. “While I can’t yet say where and when we’re going yet, I’ll send updates with the troops once we get there.” ABOUT JERROD NIEMANN: Fueled by a nearly decade-long career, prolific Nashville hitmaker Jerrod Niemann has dug deeper that ever before with THIS RIDE – his first album for Curb Records which includes the uplifting duet “A Little More Love” (with Lee Brice) and his romantic follow-up single “God Made A Woman.” Known for clever wordplay and attention-grabbing lyrics, the highly engaging singer-songwriter last topped Country charts with his PLATINUM-certified anthem “Drink to That All Night,” a multi week #1 from the 2014 album HIGH NOON – on which he co-wrote eight of the 12 tracks. Niemann first burst onto the scene in 2010 with his critically-acclaimed major-label debut, JUDGE JERROD & THE HUNG JURY, which skyrocketed on the strength of his PLATINUM-certified #1 smash “Lover, Lover” and GOLD-certified Top 5 “What Do You Want.” His second release, FREE THE MUSIC, included Top 15 “Shinin’ On Me” and poignant ballad “Only God Could Love You More.” From Academy of Country Music, Country Music Association, and CMT Award nominations, to headlining and touring with some of country’s hottest acts – Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban – Niemann continues to make his mark by creatively pushing boundaries all while offering a sincere nod to the legends before him. For additional information on Jerrod Niemann, please visit www.jerrodniemannofficial.com.

53rd ACM Awards to Broadcast from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas – April 15, 2018

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ACM Award News on Country Music News Blog

The Academy of Country Music® announced today that the 53RD ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®, will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. The 53rd ACM Awards, honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in country music, will feature exciting performances, unprecedented collaborations, surprising moments and more to be announced in the coming months. [bctt tweet=”Just announced! 53rd @ACMawards will air LIVE from Las Vegas’ @MGMGrand April 15 at 8pm on #CBS!” username=”My_CountryMusic”] Details about The Week Vegas Goes Country®, including information on the ACM Party for a Cause® events, activities, and official ACM after parties, is forthcoming. For event updates, ticket on-sale dates and hotel information, please visit www.ACMcountry.com. Fans may sign up for the ACM A-List for FREE at www.ACMcountry.com. ACM A-Listers will receive the ticket purchase pre-sale code and information on discounted room rates. ACM PROFESSIONAL MEMBER TICKET ON-SALE: Professional Members of the ACM can purchase tickets beginning at 10:00 AM (PT) on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 by visiting www.ACMcountry.com. ACM A-LIST MEMBER TICKET PRE-SALE:  ACM A-List Members can purchase tickets in a special pre-sale beginning at 10:00 AM (PT) on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 by visiting www.axs.com. The pre-sale code will be emailed to all A-List Members prior to the on-sale date. GENERAL PUBLIC TICKET ON-SALE: Tickets will go on-sale to the general public at 10:00 AM (PT) on Thursday, December 14, 2017 at www.axs.com. About the Academy of Country Music Awards The 53rd Academy of Country Music Awards™ is dedicated to honoring and showcasing the biggest names and emerging talent in the country music industry. The show is produced for television by dick clark productions and will broadcast LIVE from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. Allen Shapiro, Mike Mahan, R.A. Clark, Barry Adelman and Mark Bracco are executive producers. Pete Fisher is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music. For more information on the ACM Awards and all ACM events, visit www.ACMcountry.com, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at @ACMawards for more immediate updates

Listen Now: Candi Carpenter – Nights And Weekends

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Candi Carpenter News on Country Music News Blog

Up and coming Nashville-based country singer Candi Carpenter is proud to debut her acoustic music video for her new song, “Nights and Weekends”, which premiered yesterday on Country Fancast. “Nights and Weekends” came to life as a therapy session with one of her co-writers who’d just finished working a double shift at a restaurant in Nashville. It was also inspired by Candi’s father, who rarely gets to see his wife during the day because of his third shift work schedule. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKkDzIWDIg&feature=youtu.be   “I hope this song will encourage people to keep going and hang on to their dreams, even when money is tight and work is wearing them down,” says Candi. The video was a production made up of Candi’s friends, and fellow artists- Hannah Bethel, Jenny Garner, Melanie Bresnan, and Aaron Kessler (left to right) who all helped with the acoustic performance, while Derek Oxford shot and edited the video himself. Truly Alvarenga handled set design, and Baumgartner Sound and Design supplied the beautiful handmade speakers that are featured in the video:   www.baumgartnersoundanddesign.com More about Candi Carpenter “I write my best songs when men piss me off,” says Candi Carpenter, whose fiery first single, “Burn The Bed” tells the story of a scorned woman’s cheating husband. Her aching, soulful voice has drawn comparisons to Janis Joplin and Patsy Cline, while critics have dubbed her “the modern Loretta Lynn” of country songwriting. “A lot of people say I have a crazy story,” she says. “Maybe I do, but I think we’re all messed up in our own way. That’s why I write about the bad, the ugly, and the good that makes it all worthwhile. The hurt, and the healing, and everything in between.” Candi’s musical roots are buried deep in memories of stained glass windows and dog eared hymnals, as she toured the midwest with her family’s gospel band. At age 11, she crashed a Vince Gill concert by writing “Can I yodel for you?” on the back of a ticket stub. Later that year, she signed her first production deal in Nashville. She traded high school for a small room at The Shoney’s Inn downtown, and the stages of honky tonk dives like Tootsies and The Broken Spoke Saloon became her classroom. She performed every night until the bars closed down, hiding from the police in the bathrooms.