Mel Tillis Remembered by Country Music Community

COUNTRY MUSIC REMEMBERS MEL TILLIS: BOBBY BARE, RANDY TRAVIS,  ALABAMA, CHARLIE DANIELS, JEANNIE SEELY, LORRIE MORGAN, MOE BANDY, MAX T. BARNES, EXILE, JOHNNY LEE, LEE ROY PARNELL, TIM RUSHLOW AND PAUL BOGART   “I’ve lost a brother. Mel was the very first person I met when I came to Nashville in the late ‘50s and we’ve been friends ever since. I’ve lost another fishing buddy and a talented, talented brother. Without Mel and ‘Detroit City,’ I probably would not have had a career. Mel’s one of those people you’ve got to love.” – Bobby Bare, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame member and bandmate of Tillis’ in “Old Dogs” with Jerry Reed and Waylon Jennings. Mel Tillis co-wrote Bare’s smash-hit “Detroit City.” “Mel was a special friend, great artist, and constant inspiration to me—Heaven’s choir just got sweeter.” – Randy Travis, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member “Hall of Fame entertainer and songwriter — he was all in one, a great combination. He is one of our biggest heroes.” – Randy Owen of ALABAMA, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame member “Mel Tillis, you will be missed by so many of us you touched over the years. Rest in peace my friend.” – Charlie Daniels, fellow Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member “All I could think of when I heard the news of Mel’s passing was ‘one of the brightest lights in country music went out last night.’ He left an amazing legacy with his songs, but I will always remember his humor more than anything else. It’s sad to think there will be no more ‘Mel Tillis stories.’ – Jeannie Seely, fellow Grand Ole Opry member “It’s a sad day in country music but even sadder for the family and those of us who loved the late, great Mel Tillis. His life was the stage and making people laugh for years. He was truly one of the kindest men in the business to me. He was great friends with my dad and my uncle Bill and he’s treated me like a daughter. My heart breaks for the future of the Tillis family while they heal. It’s a hole that will never be filled for them. God bless Mel Tillis and the Tillis family.” – Lorrie Morgan, fellow Grand Ole Opry member “Mel was a great entertainer who inspired me so much. I am deeply saddened. What a great friend he was to me. I just thought the world of him. We will miss him dearly. His great songs will be with us forever. God Bless his family.” – Moe Bandy Old Dogs – Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, Bobby Bare and Mel Tillis from Edwin Schenk on Vimeo. “I first met Mel when I played with him on Bobby Bare and Friends in ‘85. He was a true country gentleman, a giant songwriter and an icon.” – Max T. Barnes “We always loved working with Continue reading Mel Tillis Remembered by Country Music Community

JOHN LEGEND AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET TO CO-HOST “GRAMMYS® GREATEST STORIES

JOHN LEGEND AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET TO CO-HOST “GRAMMYS® GREATEST STORIES: A 60TH ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL” AIRING FRIDAY, NOV. 24 ON CBS – superstars ALICIA KEYS, Ricky Martin, P!nk, Blake Shelton, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, AND UNDERWOOD ADDED TO STELLAr LINE-UP Santa Monica, CAlif. (nOV. 15, 2017) —GRAMMY® Award winners John Legend and Carrie Underwood will co-host “GRAMMYs® Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special,” an all-encompassing retrospective packed with epic moments from the past 59 years of GRAMMY history, including new anecdotes directly from the artists on how their GRAMMY performances came to be. The primetime special will be broadcast on Friday, Nov. 24, from 9-11 p.m. ET/PT, on the CBS Television Network. The one-of-a-kind broadcast event will feature rare archival footage, exclusive interviews, and special appearances by multi-GRAMMY winners and nominees Christina Aguilera, Mary J. Blige, Celine Dion, Dave Grohl, Elton John, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Chris Martin, Ricky Martin, Paul McCartney, P!nk, Ed Sheeran, Blake Shelton, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Justin Timberlake, U2, Underwood, and Keith Urban. “GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special” will highlight some of the most memorable GRAMMY Moments from the last five decades of Music’s Biggest Night® and take viewers behind the scenes to reveal unknown facts about the remarkable performances. Special segments will include reactions from GRAMMY producers and members of the music community following some legendary performances, including Paul McCartney bringing the Beatles’ legendary album, Abbey Road, to the GRAMMY stage. Artist reactions on “GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special” include: “To be asked by Paul McCartney to come up and jam was like a life affirming moment for me.”—Dave Grohl “Everybody I’ve performed with on the GRAMMYs is brilliant and I’ve learn a lot from them, and I’ve enjoyed the experience so much. What I love about the GRAMMYs is seeing people, the true artists come on … the people who last the test of time, and they always give me goosebumps.”—Elton John “I have never felt more honored, proud, and nervous, and a sense of unexpected accomplishment. My first moment on that stage was with one of the greatest legends—not in country music—of the entertainment industry, period!“—Blake Shelton on performing with Glen Campbell at the 54th GRAMMY Awards in 2012. “GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special” continues the tradition of previous Emmy Award-winning TV specials presented by the Recording Academy™, AEG Ehrlich Ventures, and CBS: “Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life—An All-Star GRAMMY Salute,” “The Beatles: The Night That Changed America—A GRAMMY Salute,” “Sinatra 100—An All-Star GRAMMY Concert,” and “Stayin’ Alive: A GRAMMY Salute To The Music Of The Bee Gees.” “GRAMMYs Greatest Stories: A 60th Anniversary Special” is produced by AEG Ehrlich Ventures, LLC. Ehrlich is the executive producer, Ron Basile is the producer, and David Wild is the writer.   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 Continue reading JOHN LEGEND AND CARRIE UNDERWOOD SET TO CO-HOST “GRAMMYS® GREATEST STORIES

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum To Open Tim McGraw & Faith Hill Exhibit This Friday

How a failed audition may have saved Faith Hill's Life : On AXS TV

The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM (CMHOF) has revealed details of its TIM MCGRAW and FAITH HILL exhibition entitled “TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL: MISSISSIPPI WOMAN, LOUISIANA MAN.” Opening this FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 17th, the exhibit will chronicle the parallel singing careers that started in adjacent SOUTHERN states and merged — as spouses and performing partners — in NASHVILLE. “TIM MCGRAW & FAITH HILL: MISSISSIPPI WOMAN, LOUISIANA MAN” will incorporate a wide array of memorabilia representing milestones and significant moments in the couple’s lives both separately and together. “We are honored to be included in the halls of this historic museum, among the names and faces of so many of our friends and music heroes,” said MCGRAW and HILL. “This is a moment that dreams are made of, and we are so appreciative to the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM for all the hard work and care that has gone into the exhibit.”

‘Country Rising’ Benefit Raises $4 Million

SUNDAY night’s (11/12) “COUNTRY RISING” concert in NASHVILLE, benefiting hurricane relief efforts and victims of the LAS VEGAS shootings, raised more than $4 million, according to organizers. The evening featured Country’s biggest stars, such as GEORGE STRAIT, JASON ALDEAN, DIERKS BENTLEY, SAM HUNT, LADY ANTEBELLUM, CHRIS STAPLETON, REBA MCENTIRE, MARTINA MCBRIDE, and KEITH URBAN, among others. Additionally, recently crowned CMA Entertainer Of The Year GARTH BROOKS sent a video greeting from his show in SPOKANE, WA announcing he’d donated proceeds from the concert to the relief effort. The fundraising effort continues, with fans able to give by texting “NASHVILLE” to 41010, donating online here, or purchasing concert merchandise here. All proceeds raised will go toward the COUNTRY RISING fund of THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE.

Brett Eldredge, Kelly Clarkson Appear In Cracker Barrel Series ‘Rocking And Stockings’

ATLANTIC/WMN’s BRETT ELDREDGE and Pop artist KELLY CLARKSON are featured in CRACKER BARREL OLD COUNTRY STORE’s series, “Rocking And Stockings,” which includes performances of new hits and holiday classics. CLARKSON’s episode premiered today (11/13) on CRACKER BARREL’s YOUTUBE channel, while ELDREDGE’s performances of CHRISTMAS classics “Have Yourself A Merry Little CHRISTMAS” and “First Noel” from his 2016 holiday album, “Glow,” release next MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17th. “CHRISTMAS is far and away my favorite holiday, and recording the music for ‘Glow’ was a dream come true,” said ELDREDGE. “I’ve been inspired for this record from a very young age, and I dreamt of the day I could record all these classic songs that I’ve loved since I was a little kid. I think we found a little magic on this album, and CHRISTMAS is all about magic!”

Blake Shelton’s ‘Texoma Shore’ Is #1 Country Album

Congratulations go out to WARNER BROS./WMN artist BLAKE SHELTON and his team on a #1 Country album chart debut for “Texoma Shore,” which opened with 63,000 units — 55,000 of which were traditional album sales — according to NIELSEN MUSIC. SHELTON’s first-week figures rank him at #4 of the all-genre albums chart, too, giving him 11 career top 10 albums there. Additionally, the success of “Texoma Shore” marks eight consecutive years for SHELTON to debut at least one album on the chart, dating back to 2010’s “Hillbilly Bone.”  

Watch Now: Sugarland Performs Together at 2017 CMA Afterparty

Sugarland on Country Music News Blog

After much speculation the rumors of a Sugarland reunion are getting stronger and stronger every day. According to sources close to the pair, Kristian Bush and Jennifer Nettles of Sugarland are reportedly working with Scott Borchetta of Big Machine Records to put together and record new music, as well as plan a live tour. This would mark a MAJOR comeback since the award-winning duo cooled their jets after the arrival of Jennifer’s son. Each of the two took some time to develop their individual careers with solo albums, collaborations with other artists, and even musical production credits, but it would seem that when it comes to touring, nothing compares to the chemistry and pure love emanating from the Sugarland stage!  

Watch Now: Danielle Bradbury – “Worth It” Official Video

Danielle Bradbery News on Country Music News Blog

DANIELLE BRADBERY’S EMPOWERING BALLAD “WORTH IT” ARRIVES FIFTH TRACK FROM UPCOMING SOPHOMORE ALBUM I DON’T BELIEVE WE’VE MET, DUE 12/1 Accompanying Video for “Worth It” Premiered on VEVO HERE NASHVILLE, Tenn. — After slowly releasing tracks since her lead single “Sway” hit airwaves in August, Danielle Bradbery perhaps saved the biggest message for last with her final pre-release off her highly-anticipated sophomore BMLG Records album, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, before the full project comes out December 1. The self-empowerment reinforced in “Worth It” reflects a sentiment Danielle has long felt and searched for to describe her journey to self-discovery. “‘Worth It’ is one of my favorite tracks on I Don’t Believe We’ve Met,” said Bradbery. “It represents everything I’m trying to say with this album. I am here, this is the real me, and I’m worth speaking up. Whether it’s in my personal life, or this time around getting a say in the creative process– this song definitely represents a transformative time of life for me. It’s the perfect song to leave fans with before the whole album comes out!” “Worth It” is available on all platforms today along with its accompanying video that VEVO premiered HERE. Written by Bradbery along with Molly Reed and GRAMMY-nominated and SESAC Award-winning writer Jeff Pardo, the ballad is a confidence-boosting anthem written about the realization of self-worth, opening with lyrics such as: Don’t tell me I’m too hard to please That you’re worn down from fighting for me A real man knows what he’s signing up for And if you don’t, then I’ll show myself the door ‘Cause I’m worth it As the title suggests, I Don’t Believe We’ve Met is a reintroduction of Bradbery after taking four years to begin the songwriting journey and hone her sound, co-writing seven out of 10 songs on the album. Fans will receive “Worth It” along with lead single “Sway,” “Human Diary,” “Hello Summer” and “Potential” instantly when they pre-order I Don’t Believe We’ve Met HERE. Learn more about Danielle at DanielleBradbery.com or follow her on Facebook and Instagram @daniellebradbery and Twitter at @DBradbery. See where Danielle’s playing next HERE.

Watch Now: 2017 CMA Awards Videos

CMA Award News on Country Music News Blog

Last night’s CMA Awards were nothing short of spectacular. We’re working to assemble videos from last night’s tributes, performances, and controversial moments. Scroll below to start watching and check back through the day as we get more in and replace the recap videos with full-length performances. Associated Press highlights the political and emotional moments https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSbMbtZIgw8 Dierks Bentley & Rascal Flatts with Eddie Montgomery – My Town – A Tribute to Troy Gentry Carrie Underwood – Softly & Tenderly Dan + Shay with Lauren Alaina – Come Together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcoeQ4aySgI Tim McGraw & Faith Hill – The Rest of Our Life https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EMCBv08WMQE Sturgill Simpson Goes Rogue, Busking Outside Bridgestone Arena During CMA’s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kK52nxJnvQ4 Kelsea Ballerini with Reba McEntire – Legends https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Od2CltbQ9o Brothers Osborne – It Ain’t My Fault/ Tulsa Time https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWJ4oivoFg8 Keith Urban – Female https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V8BhbOqgTAI P!nk – Barbies https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUK37UUaHzo Little Big Town with Jimmy Webb – Wichita Lineman https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Iz83-Cmt6A Thomas Rhett – Unforgettable https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0D8Bsqg4-z8 Maren Morris & Naill Horan – I could use a love song https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=amBazdMAf9o

Sturgill Simpson Crashes the CMA’s

Sturgill Simpson on Country Music News Blog

The most talked-about secret at tonight’s CMA Awards: Sturgill Simpson playing outside the rules, and outside of the building as the awards glammed on inside Bridgestone Arena. Sturgill Simpson may have had a Grammy in his guitar case, but tonight he spent the evening busking for tips outside the biggest award show of the year. His little piece of sidewalk was the stage, and a few hand-drawn signs were the set as he bared his three chords and truth for anyone who would listen. The artist was flanked by an open guitar case, his Grammy award for Best Country Album, and a couple signs that read, “I don’t take requests, but I take questions about anything you want to talk about … because fascism sucks” and another sign that read, “Struggling country singer… Anything helps (all donations go to the ACLU). God Bless America.” Simpson took questions from someone off-camera who was reading Facebook Live comments and the singer also answered queries from passers-by. Over the course of 48 minutes, several fans stopped by to give him props, chat and take selfies. More than a dozen people had gathered by the end of his chat, but there were more than 79,000 who viewed the video online by the time it concluded, with a steady stream of more than 4000 watching live. “I’m just hanging out, I’m just down here being an asshole,” he quipped when asked what he was doing. – RollingStone.com (via The Tennessean) Between tunes, Sturgill took questions. Asked what he’d say in a hypothetical CMA acceptance speech, he had a few key points to hit: – “Nobody needs a machine gun, coming from a guy who owns quite a few guns.” – “Gay people should have the right to be happy….” – “Black people are probably tired of getting shot in the streets and being enslaved by the prison industrial complex….” – “Hegemony and fascism is alive and well in Nashville, Tennessee.” At the end of his concert, Simpson decided the experiment was a success. “Well, we made 13 bucks for the ACLU tonight, so it was all worth it.“ Tell us what you think!