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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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.

Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry

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Grand Ole Opry Member and Previous Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award Recipient Charlie Daniels On Hand for Presentation NASHVILLE, Tenn.– Multi-Platinum country music entertainer Scotty McCreery was presented with the esteemed Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award from the State of North Carolina last night at the Grand Ole Opry just minutes after receiving a standing ovation for his moving performance of his song “Five More Minutes.” The North Carolina-native received the Award in honor of his charitable service to his home state. On hand for the presentation was Andy Lancaster, Vice President, MWC Advocacy for McGuireWoods Consulting representing former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory; Sally Williams, Senior Vice President of Programming and Artist Relations for Opry Entertainment, and General Manager of the Grand Ole Opry; and past Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award recipient and Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels, who also performed at the Opry last night. “Everyone knows how proud I am of being from North Carolina and that I’m always glad to help out when my state needs me,” said McCreery. “It’s a great feeling to know that my state is proud of me and has recognized me with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award. Having it presented to me here at the Grand Ole Opry, which is my favorite stage to perform on, is fantastic. Then, receiving it in front of one of my musical heroes and a fellow native North Carolinian, Charlie Daniels, is beyond awesome. This is a memory I will treasure.” “I want to thank Scotty for being such a great ambassador for our state – both on and off stage,” said McCrory, who recommended McCreery for this honor before his term ended earlier this year. “While most people know about his musical talents, Scotty also has a strong commitment to service through his many philanthropic efforts. Scotty truly represents the best of North Carolina.” The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina. It is awarded to persons for exemplary service to the State of North Carolina and their communities that is above and beyond the call of duty and which has made a significant impact and strengthened North Carolina. Past recipients of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award in addition to Daniels include Maya Angelou, Shirley Caesar, Phil Donahue, Dale Earnhardt, President Gerald R. Ford, Senator John Glenn, Tipper Gore, Dr. Billy Graham, Andy Griffith, Mia Hamm, Jesse Jackson, George Jones, Coretta Scott King, Ronnie Milsap, Richard Petty, Sidney Poitier, Colin Powell, Kenny Rogers, Earl Scruggs, Randy Travis, Doc Watson, Tennessee Williams, Oprah Winfrey, Tammy Wynette, and many more notable individuals. After winning “American Idol” in 2011, McCreery made history as both the first country artist and the youngest male artist to debut his first studio album, the Platinum-certified Clear as Day, at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 album Continue reading Scotty McCreery receives Order of The Long Leaf Pine Award from the state of North Carolina at the Grand Ole Opry→

Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show

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FROM PLAYING HOUSE PARTIES TO COUNTRY’S BIGGEST STAGE  OLD DOMINION RETURNS WITH A PERFORMANCE ON  THE “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”  LIVE FROM T-MOBILE ARENA IN LAS VEGAS, SUNDAY, APRIL 2 ON CBS It’s been a long road from playing house parties for pocket change to performing on the “52nd ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™”, but Old Dominion, 2016’s ACM New Vocal Group of the Year and a 2017 nominee for Vocal Group of the Year, is ready. On Sunday, April 2, live from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, the five-piece band of songwriters returns with a performance of their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on this year’s show airing on CBS .  “Last year our performance was 90 seconds,” says Old Dominion lead singer Matthew Ramsey. “It was over in a flash. We walked off stage and I got a little wobbly-kneed as it all sank in,” he adds, recalling their first big break. “Winning the trophy for New Group our first year out was such an honor, but to be nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for a second time and have the opportunity to perform our new song, it really feels like we are on a new level. To be able to deliver the message of this song to an audience of this size means more than we can possibly express. It truly is a career high point.” Proving that they are not your average country band, Old Dominion combines old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit into musical magic, and has emerged as one of the hottest breaking bands in the format, fusing clever lyrics and an infectious sound resulting in three Top 5 singles, including two No. 1s. They released their first full-length album Meat and Candy, which Entertainment Weekly called a “deceptively smart, occasionally cheeky, stellar debut,” in 2015. Success soon followed and Old Dominion released their Platinum two-week No.1 “Break Up With Him” and RIAA certified Gold hit “Snapback” prior to their third single “Song For Another Time,” which also reached the top chart position. The group released their new single, “No Such Thing As A Broken Heart,” on March 10, giving fans their first taste of new music from the band’s upcoming sophomore album expected for release later this year. After claiming the ACM New Vocal Group prize in 2016, they spent the summer on Kenny Chesney’s Spread The Love Tour and followed that with their headlining Meat and Candy Tour, with 15 of the dates tapped as Stagecoach Spotlight: Old Dominion Meat and Candy Tour; the first-ever tour produced by the award-winning Stagecoach Music Festival and celebrated sold-out attendance on all dates. In addition, they picked up additional nominations in 2016 for CMA New Artist and Vocal Group of the Year as well as Favorite Due or Group – Country for the 2016 American Music Awards. This spring, they joined Miranda Lambert on her Highway Vagabond Tour. Old Dominion consists of lead singer Matthew Ramsey, lead guitarist Brad Tursi, multi-instrumentalist Trevor Rosen, bassist Geoff Sprung and drummer Whit Sellers. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, The Continue reading Old Dominion Returns to ACMs with Performance on 52nd Award Show→

DARIUS RUCKER: THE BIG PICTURE VIEW

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NBC Today show original segment on 3/31 + “CMT Hometown Heroes” to air 3/31 Rucker to make appearance in Sandy Wexler, an Adam Sandler Netflix Comedy Movie 4/14 Darius Rucker made headlines this week as a proud Charlestonian championing his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks as they advanced to the Final Four in the NCAA Men’s Basketball tournament; however, sports teams are not all he supports locally. This week, Rucker brings CMT and Today show cameras to his hometown of Charleston, S.C. to present a brand-new, one-hour special, “CMT Hometown Heroes.” Featuring some of country’s most prolific storytellers, including Rucker, Chris Stapleton, and Brett Eldredge, these artists make surprise returns to their hometowns to give back and perform for their very own hometown heroes. During his visit to Charleston, Rucker remodeled the teen room at MUSC Children’s Hospital. Rucker’s mom was a nurse at the hospital, so he grew up visiting the facility, its staff and patients from an early age. The special premieres Friday, March 31 10 p.m. ET/PT and features exclusive performances, in-depth interviews, as well as an intimate look at the people and places that shaped each performer. NBC’s Today show was on-site for the special taping and will air an original segment on Thursday, March 30 9:00 a.m. ET focusing on Rucker’s lasting impact and philanthropic work at the children’s hospital. Rucker is putting the finishing touches on his album expected for release later this year—his first single off his forthcoming fifth studio album, “If I Told You,” is currently Top 20 and climbing—but he is still making time for film and series appearances. On an episode of  “Sun Records” on CMT, Rucker will appear in black-and-white striped prison garb, playing the role of The Prisonaires’ Johnny Bragg, singing “That Chick’s Too Young to Fry” (available on-demand now). Another not-to-be-missed CMT appearance is Rucker’s “CMT Crossroads” with John Mellencamp which premiered exclusively on CMT on March 24. The pair of GRAMMY winners delivered rockin’ performances of “Pink Houses,” and “Cherry Bomb,” as well as “Wagon Wheel” and “If I Told You.” Fans can also see Rucker as he plays himself in the third installment of Adam Sandler’s Sandy Wexler, a Netflix original, beginning April 14. For more appearances, performances and tour dates, stay tuned to DariusRucker.com.

Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow added to all-star lineup to honor Merle Haggard at concert celebration

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MUSIC ICON KEITH RICHARDS AND GRAMMY®-AWARD WINNING SINGER-SONGWRITER SHERYL CROW ADDED TO ALL-STAR LINEUP TO HONOR MERLE HAGGARD AT ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME CONCERT CELEBRATION SING ME BACK HOME: THE MUSIC OF MERLE HAGGARD AN ALL-STAR CONCERT CELEBRATION TO BE HELD AT NASHVILLE’S BRIDGESTONE ARENA ON APRIL 6, 2017 NEW BLOCK OF TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE AT TICKETMASTER Legendary Rolling Stones’ guitarist/vocalist Keith Richards and GRAMMY® Award-winning singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow have been added to the lineup of Sing Me Back Home: The Music Of Merle Haggard, an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn. on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. CT in honor of what would have been Merle’s 80th birthday and the one-year anniversary of his passing. The new additions to the lineup join previously announced performing artists Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Dierks Bentley, Loretta Lynn, Hank Williams Jr., Toby Keith, The Avett Brothers, Alison Krauss, Ronnie Dunn, Alabama, Billy Gibbons, Warren Haynes, Jamey Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Lucinda Williams, Lynyrd Skynyrd, John Anderson, Bobby Bare, Connie Smith and Ben Haggard. In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Merle Haggard racked up an astounding 38 No. 1 country hits and every major award imaginable. Songs like “Mama Tried,” “Okie From Muskogee,” “I’m A Lonesome Fugitive” and “The Fightin’ Side Of Me” continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. He was an iconoclast who refused to bend to country music convention and helped create the indelible Bakersfield sound. He gave voice to outlaws and outsiders and in a way that few, if any, have ever equaled. A new block of tickets has been released and are now available for the all-star concert event taping at ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. Keith Wortman, Mark Rothbaum and Theresa Haggard are the creators and executive producers of the show. Don Was, Ben Haggard and Buddy Cannon will serve as music directors and preside over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. The event will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation. “Stuff happens, but you just have to be your own man, and have something to say,” said Richards. “Sometimes you meet somebody and you know instantly that you’re friends. Merle was one of those kind of cats to me. It’s another goodbye to another good friend.” “I am so very thankful for this tribute to my husband, Merle Haggard.  Please come join me and my family at this fantastic show that Merle would be so proud of,” adds Theresa Haggard. “I am honored to produce a show that celebrates the life and music of Merle Haggard,” says Wortman. “His music and lyrics continue to shape the lives of musicians and millions of fans. I can’t think of any better way to celebrate his 80th birthday than to honor his Continue reading Keith Richards and Sheryl Crow added to all-star lineup to honor Merle Haggard at concert celebration→

RAELYNN UNLEASHES DEBUT ALBUM WILDHORSE IN GRACEFUL, GENEROUS FASHION

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RaeLynn on Country Music News Blog

Rising Star Spends Release Day Making THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND First Donation At Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston Mayor Proclaims “RAELYNN DAY” Also Making Surprise Appearance At RODEOHOUSTON And Singing Powerful First Single “LOVE TRIANGLE” On ELLEN Spunky free spirit and Texas native RAELYNN is today (3/24) celebrating the release of her years in the making debut album, WILDHORSE, which catapulted to #1 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #3 All Genre Albums chart upon release. The excitement continues with a trio of high-profile engagements, including the founding of a charitable fund for childhood diabetes patients in her name.   Appearing at the Texas Children’s Hospital this afternoon, RaeLynn will make the first donation to THE RAELYNN DIABETES FUND and will in turn be honored by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who will proclaim March 24, 2017 as “RAELYNN DAY.” Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 12, the rising star credits Texas Children’s Hospital with saving her life and is now proud to pay her blessings forward.   “I have been counting down to this day for so long that I can’t even believe it is finally here,” exclaims RaeLynn. “And, to be able to celebrate in my hometown and give back to the hospital that helped make all of my dreams come true makes it that much more special.”   Later in the day, RaeLynn will also perform a pop-up outdoor concert at the massive RodeoHouston festival, and appear on ELLEN to sing her album’s powerful first single, “Love Triangle” – a heart-wrenching divorce ballad told from the point of view of a little girl.   Praised by NPR for its “finely drawn images and subtle shifts in perspective,” “Love Triangle” is currently Top 30 and rising at Country radio. It’s offering the first real taste of an album which bucks convention at every turn to reveal an artist with an untamed soul while gathering millions of online streams to date.   Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Nicolle Galyon, WILDHORSE (Warner Bros. Records/Warner Music Nashville) tells the story of RaeLynn’s life following her breakthrough on The Voice – four years that have seen her move to Nashville, release hit songs like “God Made Girls,” and get married. Full of personal touches, RaeLynn co-wrote 11 of the album’s 12 songs, even basing the anthemic “WildHorse” title track on a touching, cross-generational poem written about RaeLynn’s mother by her grandmother. Following WILDHORSE’s release, RaeLynn will begin her first-ever headlining tour. Kicking off on April 20 in Columbus, Ohio, the RaVe TOUR will give country fans a concert experience like they’ve never had before, combining a Radio Disney-curated playlist, full performance from RaeLynn and a glitter-filled dance party with a live DJ after the show. The complete list of RaVe TOUR dates and information on ticket sales can be found at www.raelynn.com.