TRACE ADKINS’ SOMETHING’S GOING ON DEBUTS TOP 3

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Trace Adkins on Country Music News Blog!

Trace and Adam Carolla Build Stuff Live, Tonight Trace hits CBS’ “The Talk” 4/18 With Trace Adkins’ March 31 release of Something’s Going On (his first for BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records), the 3x GRAMMY-nominated 6’6” vocalist finds himself debuting Top 3 on the Nielsen Soundscan Current Country Albums Chart. With his current single “Watered Down,” which showcases Adkins’ more “enlightened” side, Rolling Stone goes on to note he’s “going for longevity” with this release. Fans can view the official music video HERE, featuring Adkins enjoying a simpler life and slower pace on a Nashville farm, where he does much of the heavy lifting himself, skills he showcases tonight when he stops by Adam Carolla and Friends Build Stuff Live. Fans can catch the country music icon and the acclaimed comedian building an outdoor patio, competing for tool knowledge and answering fan questions via social media on Monday, April 10 on Spike at 11p.m. ET / 10 p.m. CT. Get Trace Adkins Tickets Here Adkins premiered “Watered Down,” the lead single from Something’s Going On, on NBC’s Today on March 31. In the slow-burning rumination on achieving insight with age, Adkins is fully aware of the adjustments and boundaries, but still maintains his edge, grit and power as an artist. It is the cut Adkins points to as the truest reflection of his career and life to date. The chart-topping star will give fans another chance to catch a live look at “Watered Down” when he stops by “The Talk” on Tuesday, April 18. Adkins’ trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts. The three-time GRAMMY-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry is a TV personality, actor, author and spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Red Cross, for whom he raised more than $1.5 million dollars as winner of NBC’s All-Star Celebrity Apprentice. Get Trace Adkins Tickets Here In recent years, Adkins has performed for our service men and women across 11 USO Tours, with his 12th scheduled for spring 2017. In his 2007 autobiography, A Personal Stand: Observations and Opinions from a Freethinking Roughneck, he recounted his rise to fame, brushes with death and battles with personal demons. Adkins has played a tough-as-nails biker in The Lincoln Lawyer (starring Matthew McConaughey), a desperate father in Deepwater Horizon (starring Mark Wahlberg) and a wise oracle of a tattoo artist in the family-friendly film Moms’ Night Out (starring Patricia Heaton, Sean Astin, Sarah Drew). For more information, visit www.traceadkins.com or on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @TraceAdkins.

Little Big Town Grace the Cover of Billboard Magazine

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Country Music News from our friends at Billboard!

Today’s cover of Billboard features Little Big Town. Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Karen Fairchild and Jimi Westbrook open up about how divided they believe our country is, what it means to be a woman in country music, their hit song “Girl Crush”, and more. Fairchild on how our country is divided: “There’s probably not a house in America that’s not divided right now, disagreeing about things going on in the country,” she says. “If you can’t learn to look across the table and go, ‘I love you and I totally disagree with you, but hey, let’s have a glass of wine…’” On their hit song “Girl Crush”: “We were secretly hoping people would use their brain power a little better and listen to the whole song, as opposed to just shut it off after they hear this one thing,” says Sweet. It wasn’t even the allusion to same-sex attraction that had the group concerned ahead of the single’s release: The song is a ballad with a 6/8 time signature. “Just the sheer tempo was controversial” Fairchild on being a woman in country music: “Being Southern doesn’t mean you’re stupid,” says Fairchild, who was born in Gary, Ind., but like the rest of her bandmates has spent most of her life below the Mason-Dixon line. “And being a woman in country music doesn’t mean that you’re simpleminded. You can be a complex, powerful businesswoman — and there’s a lot of that in this business. We have a lot of role models.”   Full Cover Story HERE

Darius Rucker Releases Signature Brand Of Whiskey

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Darius Rucker on Country Music News Blog

CAPITOL NASHVILLE artist DARIUS RUCKER has partnered with 843 WHISKEY to develop his own signature brand, BACKSTAGE SOUTHERN WHISKEY. RNDC DISTRIBUTING will introduce RUCKER’s brand in his home state of SOUTH CAROLINA, with distribution to follow in GEORGIA, KENTUCKY, and TENNESSEE. What has become a “good luck” tradition for RUCKER before every show is a whiskey toast with tour mates, band, and any special guests backstage. Through the years, the pre-show toast has become a significant tradition for RUCKER and his crew. “That toast is a vital part of our nightly routine,” said RUCKER. While BACKSTAGE SOUTHERN WHISKEY enters the marketplace in SOUTH CAROLINA, RUCKER’s bourbon brand, FORBIDDEN, is crafted at CASTLE & KEY DISTILLERY in FRANKFORT, KY.

Alan Jackson, Jerry, Reed, Don Schlitz Announced As Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2017

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The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME (CMHOF) revealed its class of 2017 inductees TODAY (4/5) in three categories. JERRY REED in the Veteran Era category, ALAN JACKSON enters in the Modern Era category, and DON SCHLITZ in the Songwriter category. VINCE GILL, a 2007 CMHOF inductee, was on hand to announce 2017 honorees, the 57th group of Country legends to join the MUSEUM’s famous rotunda. The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME was created in 1961 by the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA). Candidates are considered eligible for induction to the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME into the Modern Era category 20 years after they first achieve National prominence and into the Veteran Era category 40 years after they first achieve National prominence. The Songwriter category is awarded every third year in rotation with the Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980, and Non-Performer categories. Class of 2017 inductees will be officially inducted during the traditional invitation-only medallion ceremony later this YEAR. “Each of this YEAR’s inductees are well versed performers and songwriters and have helped define Country music and popular culture,” said CMA CEO SARAH TRAHERN. Added CMHOF CEO KYLE YOUNG, “These three storytellers have added much to our lives, and to the story of Country music. They stand as models of undeniable eloquence and empathy. Over many decades, they have brought laughter, joy, and tears to millions. The HALL OF FAME ROTUNDA will be grander for the presence of ALAN JACKSON, JERRY REED, and DON SCHLITZ.” Learn more about the inductees and watch the entire Class Of 2017 announcement here.

MIRANDA LAMBERT MAKES HISTORY AT ACM AWARDS WITH EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR WIN

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Miranda Lambert on Country Music News Blog

Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville GRAMMY Award-winner Miranda Lambert set a record with her EIGHTH consecutive win for Female Vocalist of the Year at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs) last night.  In her acceptance speech, after paying tribute to fellow nominee, Carrie Underwood, Lambert remarked, “I’m just glad to see females kicking ass these days.  I’m so proud to be part of that.” Her smash-hit double-album The Weight of These Wings also won for Album of the Year, prompting her to say, “Thank you for letting me use my heartbreak and sharing it with me.”   This marks Lambert’s FIFTH consecutive album to be recognized in the ACM Album of the Year Category, the most of any artist in ACM history.   Her total ACM wins now stands at 28 Awards. The Weight of These Wings soared to #1 on the iTunes charts within an hour of her win, and her single, “Tin Man” began climbing the charts following her emotionally powerful acoustic performance. Lambert recently completed the first leg of her “Highway Vagabond” tour and will be at festivals and amphitheaters throughout the summer.  Her European tour will kick off in The Netherlands and take her to England, Scotland and Ireland in August.  Late September and into October, Miranda will tour Canada. About Miranda Lambert: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville singer/songwriter Miranda Lambert is the reigning ACM Female Vocalist of the Year, having been bestowed this honor for eight consecutive years. Her accolades include 2 Grammy Awards, 13 (CMA) Country Music Associations Awards, and 28 (ACM) Academy of Country Music Awards as well as many other honors, including the prestigious Harmony Award from the Nashville Symphony. The Texas native released her most recent effort, a double album titled The Weight of These Wings in November 2016, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Albums chart. She touts six studio albums to her repertoire; Kerosene (2005), Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2007), Revolution (2009), Four The Record (2011) and Platinum (2014), the latter earning Lambert a GRAMMY Award for Best Country Album, in addition to her previous GRAMMY win for Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 2010 for “The House That Built Me.”  The first song released from The Weight Of These Wings, “Vice,” received multiple Grammy and ACM Award nominations.

New Music Video from Jerrod Niemann – “God Made A Woman”

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Jerrod Neimann is back with a new heartfelt ballad “God Made a Woman.” The video is a nice change of pace from the fast-paced mainstream country singles that are so common today. Directed by Ryan Hamblin the video is set in a remote desert where Jerrod reminisces on his younger wilder days, and thanks God for bringing him a woman to save him from himself. The video is the first insight to his new album which is expected to be released later this year. Please go check out the video and let us know what you think!

Lori McKenna Wins Songwriter of the Year at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards

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WINS BEST COUNTRY SONG AT 59TH ANNUAL GRAMMY AWARDS & SONG OF THE YEAR AT THE 50TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS PERFORMS “HUMBLE & KIND” ON “THE LATE SHOW WITH STEPHEN COLBERT” NEW SOLO ALBUM THE BIRD & THE RIFLE OUT NOW Lori McKenna made history this weekend winning Songwriter of the Year at the 52nd Academy of Country Music Awards. This is the first time a woman has ever been honored with the award. The accolade culminates a series of breakthrough years for the critically praised singer, songwriter and performer, who recently won Best Country Song for her solo-penned, No. 1 hit “Humble & Kind” (Tim McGraw) at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. This is the second consecutive year she has won the award following last year’s win for “Girl Crush” (co-written with Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey). She is the first songwriter to win back-to-back awards in the category since Shania Twain in 1999-2000. Moreover, McKenna also won Song of the Year at The 50th Annual CMA Awards. She is the first songwriter to win the award in consecutive years since Vince Gill (1991-1993) and is the first female songwriter to win back-to-back nods in the history of the CMAs. McKenna is also the first solo songwriter to win the award since 2011. In addition to the recent awards, McKenna recently made her late night television debut on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” performing “Humble & Kind.” Watch the full performance HERE. McKenna’s own version of “Humble & Kind” appears on her Grammy-nominated new album, The Bird & The Rifle, which is out now on CN Records via Thirty Tigers (purchase here). Produced by Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton), the album was recorded live over ten days in Nashville and has received overwhelming critical praise. NPR Music calls it “one of 2016’s best releases,” while Pitchfork asserts, “one of the most accomplished and devastating singer-songwriter albums of the year,” and The Washington Post declares, “the best-sounding album of McKenna’s 15-year recording career.” People Magazine recently premiered a stripped-down acoustic video of McKenna performing “Humble & Kind.” Watch HERE. Additionally, “CBS News Sunday Morning” recently profiled the acclaimed singer, songwriter and performer. View the full piece HERE. LORI MCKENNA CONFIRMED TOUR DATES April 5—Somerville, MA—Once Ballroom – Multi-Artist ACLU Benefit April 9—Lexington, MA—Cary Memorial Hall April 15—Aspen, CO—Wheeler Opera House July 7—Boston, MA—TD Garden* July 8—Boston, MA—TD Garden* *SOUL2SOUL Tour with Tim McGraw and Faith Hill

Luke Bryan Makes Billboard Chart History with “Kill The Lights”

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Luke Bryan on Country Music News Blog!

Luke Bryan Makes Billboard Chart History as Kill The Lights Becomes First Album in 27 Years to Place Six Singles at No. 1 “Fast” is 18th Career No. 1 Single Luke Bryan co-hosted the Academy of Country Music Awards on CBS for a fifth consecutive year and performed the No. 1 country single in America, “Fast.”  The song hits the top spot on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck charts. Luke also becomes the only artist in the 27-year history of the Billboard Country Airplay chart to garner six No. 1 singles from an album. Luke’s Kill The Lights album bests his own history as tailgates & tanlines generated five No. 1 singles. “Fast,” written by Luke, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird, also becomes his 18th career No. 1 single.  Luke’s previous No. 1’s from his Platinum-selling Kill The Lights album includes “Kick The Dust Up,” “Strip It Down,” “Home Alone Tonight,” “Huntin’ Fishin’ & Lovin’ Everyday” and “Move.”   On May 5 and 6, Luke will launch a brand new tour, “Huntin’ Fishin’ And Lovin’ Every Day Tour,” kicking off in Music City at Bridgestone Arena.   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 has hosted the ACM Awards for five consecutive. Since the debut of his first album in 2007 he has placed 18 singles at No.1, sold over 10 Million albums, sold more than 40 million tracks with three Billion music streams.   Luke’s concert tours have consistently sold out shows across North America including many NFL Stadiums like the Patriot’s Gillette Stadium where he played back-to-back sold out concerts last summer. Luke has also sold out Chicago’s Soldier Field, Cleveland’s First Energy Stadium, the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Denver’s Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Ford Field in Detroit, home of the Vikings at US Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field, and Levi Stadium in San Francisco. In the last three years, Luke has performed to nearly five Million fans on tour.   For a one-stop shop for everything Luke Bryan, his community of fans have unparalleled access to his life through Luke Bryan’s official App. Launched in June 2015 in partnership with Disciple Media, the app offers everything from exclusive live streams to updates from the road, competitions to video premieres, exclusive merchandise and more. The App is available now on the Apple App Store and Google Play. Visit www.LukeBryan.com or follow Luke on Twitter @LukeBryanOnline, Instagram and Facebook  

Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!

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ACM Awards on Country Music News Blog

WINNERS ANNOUNCED FOR THE 52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ JASON ALDEAN NAMED ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR MIRANDA LAMBERT WINS FEMALE VOCALIST FOR THE EIGHTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR THOMAS RHETT WINS HIS FIRST MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD [bctt tweet=”Winners Announced for the 52ND @ACMawards – Country Music’s Party of the Year!” username=”CMNBlog”] Winners have been announced for the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, which aired LIVE earlier this evening on the CBS Television Network from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, NV.  The industry named Jason Aldean as Entertainer of the Year, the evening’s biggest honor. This is the second consecutive win for Aldean in this category. Miranda Lambert won Female Vocalist of the Year for the eighth consecutive year, breaking her own record for consecutive wins in that category. She also won Album of the Year for The Weight of These Wings. Thomas Rhett won Male Vocalist of the Year for the first time. He was also awarded with Song of the Year for “Die a Happy Man,” winning two trophies in that category as both Artist and Songwriter. Brothers Osborne won Vocal Duo of the Year. They also previously won New Vocal Duo or Group of the Year Presented by T-Mobile. Maren Morris and Jon Pardi were also previously announced winners for New Female Vocalist of the Year presented by T-Mobile and New Male Vocalist of the Year Presented by T-Mobile, respectively. Florida Georgia Line received two ACM Awards (off camera categories) for Vocal Event of the Year for “May We All” featuring Tim McGraw and Single Record of the Year for “H.O.L.Y.” ACM CEO Pete Fisher surprised the duo with these Awards at the ACM Party for a Cause: WME Bash at the Beach event on Saturday April 1st. Little Big Town won the Vocal Group of the Year award for the third consecutive year, their fourth win in that category overall. “Forever Country” received Video of the Year Presented by XFINITY and was awarded to producers Nathan de la Rionda, Jil Hardin, Charleen Manca, Joanna Carter, Chandra LaPlume, Sarah Trahern, Damon Whiteside and Director Joseph Kahn. The show featured an unprecedented number of duos and special collaborations: 14-time ACM Award® winner and 14- time ACM Awards® host Reba McEntire and contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle performed “Back to God,” superstar duo Tim McGraw and Faith Hill performed the world television premiere of their new single “Speak To a Girl,” Thomas Rhett and Maren Morris sang “Craving You,” Cole Swindell and Dierks Bentley rocked out “Flatliner,” and Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban performed their hit single “The Fighter.” Plus Florida Georgia Line and the Backstreet Boys teamed up for “God, Your Mama & Me” followed by a powerful performance of the popular “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)”. Following is the list of winners in the 14 categories voted on by the membership: Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean Male Vocalist of the year Thomas Rhett Female Vocalist of the year Miranda Lambert Vocal Duo of the year Continue reading Congratulations 2017 ACM Award Winners!→

Panama City Beach Announces Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam Headliners

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Luke Bryan on Country Music News Blog!

Country’s biggest stars are again descending on Nashville’s favorite beach, as Panama City Beach hosts the fifth annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam on September 1-3, 2017. This Labor Day weekend, visitors can split time playing along the sugar white sand beaches and catching favorites like Luke Bryan, Jason Aldean and Little Big Town as they take the stage.             “This year’s lineup is bigger than ever. For our guests, it’s a great chance to combine a beach vacation with a terrific concert experience,” says Dan Rowe, president and CEO of Visit Panama City Beach. “There’s no better way to cap off the summer season and kick start fall than with these impressive country music stars.” Music will begin each day at 2:00pm so ticket holders can spend the morning enjoying the white sand beaches and bright Florida sunshine, before catching a shuttle to the concert venue. Tickets for the three-day festival to be held at Frank Brown Park go on sale April 2. Options include General Admission, the new VIP Pit Experience, Skybox, Side Stage and Golden Circle tickets. Special military tickets and early entry along with lodging packages will also be available. A portion of ticket proceeds will benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. For additional information about Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, including tickets, artist lineup updates, lodging and more, visit www.gulfcoastjam.com.