Cole Swindell Releases “Flatliner” Featuring Dierks Bentley

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Cole Swindell Kicks off 2017 with the Release of New Single “Flatliner” on January 23 Featuring Dierks Bentley “Flatliner” (7th Career Single) Is Follow-up to Six Consecutive No. 1 Singles Swindell Joins Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter Dierks Bentley’s “What In The Hell World Tour” When It Kicks off January 19 Platinum-selling recording artist Cole Swindell kicks off a new year with the release of his new single “Flatliner” featuring his mentor/good friend and 2017 tour mate, Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley. The song goes for official adds January 23. “Flatliner,” written by Swindell, Matt Brownleewe and Jaron Boyer, is the third single from Swindell’s sophomore album You Should Be Here which also includes his Platinum-selling, 1 Billion audience reaching multi-week No. 1 “You Should Be Here” and his sixth consecutive and most recent No. 1 and now Gold-certified “Middle of a Memory.” The Georgia native’s self-titled debut album included four consecutive No. 1 singles including the Gold-certified “Let Me See Ya Girl,” along with Platinum-certified hits “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth The Whiskey,” and “Chillin’ It.” Swindell joins Dierks Bentley’s “What In the Hell World Tour” when it kicks off January 19. The tour makes a stop in Nashville, TN on January 21. “I am so excited that we are kicking 2017 with a new song at radio,” said Swindell. “And even more pumped that we are releasing ‘Flatliner’ – a song that includes my good friend and mentor Dierks. I wrote this song with him in mind about 4 years ago and at that time I would have never imagined that I would have the chance to record it with him much less sing it on stage every night. Unbelievable!”

Live From Las Vegas: The 52nd Annual ACM Awards!

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The Academy of Country Music announced today that the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™ will broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. This marks the first time the show will broadcast from T-Mobile Arena. The Academy of Country Music® announced today that the 52ND ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, Country Music’s Party of the Year®,  will broadcast LIVE from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 8:00 PM ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network. This will mark the first time the show will broadcast from T-Mobile Arena. The 52nd 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! 52nd @ACMawards will air LIVE from Las Vegas’ @TMobileArena April 2 at 8pm on #CBS!” username=”CMNBlog”] 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 check back often.

DARRYL WORLEY TO PERFORM AT THE GREAT AMERICAN INAUGURAL BALL

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Event Honoring America’s Military and Their Charities Takes Place at the MGM Harbor Hotel in Washington D.C. on Friday, January 20 Country music star Darryl Worley is set to perform in Washington D.C. on Inauguration Day, January 20. Worley has been announced as one of the featured performers at the Great American Inaugural Ball held at the MGM National Harbor Hotel. The black-tie event honoring America’s military and their charities begins at 9:00 PM. “Once again the incredible men and women of the US military bless my life in a very special way,” says Worley. “Without their inspiration, I would’ve never written and recorded ‘Have You Forgotten,’ my biggest hit to date. Without that song I wouldn’t be playing the Great American Inaugural Ball. Enough said and thanks to you all for what you do to keep us safe and free.” The Great American Inaugural Ball is a see-and-be-seen kind of event and gives visitors to our nation’s capital and locals alike a unique opportunity to be a part of an event that only happens once every four years. Attendees at the all-inclusive gala at the mid-Atlantic’s most exciting new location the MGM National Harbor can choose from three ticket options to suit all desires and budgets. For ticket information, visit www.greatamericanball.com. About Darryl Worley There are many things Platinum-selling Darryl Worley has come to know in his 16-year country music career. One of those things is how to recognize a hit song— Worley has scored nearly 20 hit singles and three chart-topping hits with the self-penned “Awful, Beautiful Life,” the patriotic “Have You Forgotten,” and “I Miss My Friend.” He also recognizes the importance of giving back every opportunity that he can through his foundation, annual charity events and supporting the US military. For more information on Darryl Worley, visit www.darrylworley.com.

CMT Host Cody Alan Comes Out As Gay

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CMT star Cody Alan came out as gay today on his Instagram and in an exclusive interview with People.com. The caption for his Instagram post, which is a personal letter to his fans, can be found below. 2017. As we start a new year, there is something I want to share with you. You see, I’m gay. This is not a choice I made, but something I've known about myself my whole life. Through life's twists and turns, marriage, divorce, fatherhood, successes, failures – I've landed on this day, a day when I'm happier and healthier than I’ve ever been. And I’m finally comfortable enough for everyone to know this truth about me. Thanks for following me and supporting me over the years. As we continue our journey, I hope this news won't change how you see me. I’m still the same Cody I always was. You just know a little more about me now. My hope for the future is to live the most honest, authentic, loving, and open life possible. Here's to being happy with yourself, no matter who you are, who you love, where you come from, or what cards life has dealt you. Thanks again. With much heart, Cody A photo posted by Cody Alan (@cmtcody) on Jan 12, 2017 at 7:50am PST “Millions of radio listeners, television viewers and country music fans love and look up to Cody Alan. And that’s exactly why Cody’s decision to come out matters — because visibility brings about acceptance. By sharing his story, Cody is helping listeners and fans get to know someone who shares their passion for country music and southern values, and who also happens to be gay. At a time when America can sometimes seem so divided, it’s the common ground we all share that brings us together, and that’s the power of sharing one’s story.” – Zeke Stokes, GLAAD’s Vice President of Programs    

ERIC CHURCH HOLDS HIS OWN ON 2017 SOLO TOUR

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The 60-plus-city Holdin’ My Own Tour kicks off this Friday in Lincoln, Nebraska LINCOLN, Neb. — Eric Church wastes no time bringing music to his fans in 2017 as he embarks on his Holdin’ My Own Tour this weekend. The tour will kick off at Lincoln, Nebraska’s Pinnacle Bank Arena this Friday, Jan. 13. The “Kill a Word” singer will see 60+ cities in North America and will be without any opening acts for the entire tour. The award-winning singer/songwriter and his band will bring their two-set show that New York Times says is “fuel for love, for anguish and, naturally, for other music,” to both coasts before ending with a two-night blowout at Nashville, Tennessee’s Bridgestone Arena in May. All fans who hope to see “one of country’s smartest, most ambitious singers and songwriters,” (Vulture) from beginning to end on the Holdin’ My Own Tour, need to ensure they take their seats by 8:00 p.m. local time, as Church will kick the show off promptly with a huge moment, without any opening support preceding. The double-set show will feature a 360-degree stage that offers fans great views from anywhere in the arena. Continuing his ambitious war against ticket scalpers for this year’s tour, Church has ensured that more fans have the chance to see the show at face value, already revoking thousands of tickets bought by scalpers and re-releasing them to the public. Church continues to combat scalpers with his proprietary presale process and delayed delivery tickets, making it tough on them to resell. For the first time on a tour, concert-goers will be able to purchase Church’s custom boot line at the venue (no longer a VIP-only experience). In September of 2014, Church partnered with Lucchese Boots to launch his exclusive signature boot line, These Boots by Lucchese. Each pair has the lyrics to the song “These Boots” in Church’s handwriting laser etched into the sole, and are handmade in El Paso, Texas. Fans can pre-order boots ahead of time and get fitted at the venue by our team of boot specialists. For more information and to pre-order visit www.ericchurch.com/theseboots. The Holdin’ My Own Tour comes on the heels of Church winning Album of the Year at the CMA Awards with his critically acclaimed, surprise-release album, Mr. Misunderstood. His most recent single, the thought-provoking ballad, “Kill a Word,” highlights, as Billboard claims, Church’s “impressive voice, as well as his songwriting skills.” Church also released a live album in November, Mr. Misunderstood On the Rocks Live & (Mostly) Unplugged, recorded at Morrison, Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, where the singer/songwriter announced his 2017 tour directly to his fans at the show. 2017 Holdin’ My Own Tour dates are as follows: Friday, January 13: Lincoln, Neb. Pinnacle Bank Arena Saturday, January 14: Sioux Falls, S.D. Denny Sanford Premier Center Sunday, January 15: Grand Forks, N.D. Ralph EngelstadArena Thursday, January 19: Des Moines, Iowa. Wells Fargo Arena Friday, January 20: Minneapolis, Minn. Target Center Saturday, January 21: Green Bay, Wis. Resch Center Continue reading ERIC CHURCH HOLDS HIS OWN ON 2017 SOLO TOUR→

CYNDI LAUPER DEBUTS ON “AUSTIN CITY LIMITS” THIS SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 ON PBS

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Entertaining Hour of Classic Hits, New ‘Detour’ Songs and Stories Behind Them Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning music icon Cyndi Lauper is taking her country DETOUR to landmark television music series “Austin City Limits” (ACL) this Saturday, January 14 on PBS (check local listings). Lauper debuts on the ACL stage in an entertaining hour of classic hit songs and the stories behind them. Lauper recently wrapped up a headlining nationwide tour in 2016 after reigning in a new legion of fans with her new country-tinged album DETOUR, which features a collection of country covers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (track listing below). DETOUR, which debuted No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, features duets with several special guests, including country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.”) Jewel also makes an appearance on DETOUR, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies. Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in music performance for over 40 years, Austin City Limits continues the legendary run showcasing more icons, innovators and highly-anticipated debuts. The series airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. The show’s official hashtag is #acltv. DETOUR TRACK LISTING: 1. “Funnel Of Love” 2. “Detour” – Featuring Emmylou Harris 3. “Misty Blue” 4. “Walkin’ After Midnight” 5. “Heartaches By The Number” 6. “The End Of The World” 7. “Night Life” – Featuring Willie Nelson 8. “Begging To You” 9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” – Featuring Vince Gill 10. “I Fall To Pieces” 11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” – Featuring Jewel 12. “Hard Candy Christmas” – Featuring Alison Krauss

Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier

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Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premieres Thursday, January 19, at 8 p.m. on NPT Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar, a performance recorded at the historic Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tenn., premieres Thursday, Jan. 19, at 8 p.m. on Nashville Public Television. NPT is the presenting station for the program and the Jan. 19 broadcast will be a live taping in the NPT studio featuring Tritt, television host Nan Kelley and Brian Mansfield, for a version that will premiere on PBS stations nationwide in March 2017. A Man and His Guitar spotlights multi-award-winning artist and country music hitmaker Travis Tritt’s distinctively soulful voice and his exceptional guitar prowess. The concert features Tritt at his best, performing a fresh take on some of his biggest hits, including “Help Me Hold On,” “Anymore,” and “Best of Intentions,” in a stripped down, pure form. Previously unreleased renditions of “Come And Go Blues” and “Pickin’ At It” are also included in the program. Tritt’s discovery that an audience loved to hear him perform songs accompanied only by his guitar served as the inspiration behind the project. In this performance, Tritt acknowledges and pays tribute to artists he grew up admiring and those who were influential to him with personal stories and anecdotes from his long career. Select acoustic numbers and humorous moments between Tritt and his guests Marty Stuart and James Otto are also highlighted. More than 27 years after Travis Tritt launched his music career, the Southern rock-influenced artist continues to sell-out shows and stay true and relevant to country music fans across the globe. His 1990 debut album Country Club and its succession of hits put him in the vanguard of the genre’s early ʼ90s boom, making him one of “The Class of ʼ89,” along with country music superstars Garth Brooks, Clint Black and Alan Jackson, all of whom dominated the charts in the early 1990s. “Country Club,” “Help Me Hold On,” “I’m Gonna Be Somebody” and “Drift Off to Dream” peaked at numbers two and three on the Hot Country Singles & Tracks charts, which led Tritt to win the Top New Male Artist award from Billboard and the CMA Horizon Award (now known as the New Artist Award). In 1991, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) certified Country Club as platinum. Two years after his debut, Tritt’s sophomore album, It’s All About to Change, was released. The album shipped three million copies and all four of its singles reached the top five on the country music charts. Along with his first album, this release became triple-platinum certified by the RIAA. The next series of albums, seven of which are certified platinum or higher, scored Tritt more hit singles and led him to amass more than 25 million in career album sales, two Grammys, three CMA Awards and a devoted fan base. In 2012, he formed his own label, Post Oak Recordings, and shortly after released The Calm After…. In 2015, Tritt topped the SoundScan Top 200 Continue reading Travis Tritt’s A Man and His Guitar Premier→

The Chainsmokers, Sam Hunt, Chris Stapleton and More Announced to Perform at the 2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™

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In anticipation of one of the world’s largest live entertainment and livestock exhibitions, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ took to Facebook Live at midnight on Monday, January 9 to announce their 2017 entertainer lineup. Surprise guest and opening night entertainer Aaron Watson made the official announcement in front of a select group of media and 60 lucky fans. The lineup features some of the biggest names in today’s music including The Chainsmokers, Willie Nelson, Sam Hunt, Fifth Harmony, Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton, and more. For a full list of performers, see the lineup calendar below. More than half of the star-studded entertainer lineup scheduled to perform at RODEOHOUSTON® will take the rotating stage for the first time in 2017. “With a number of RODEOHOUSTON® veterans and entertainers who are new to the rotating stage, the March entertainment schedule is set,” said Joel Cowley, president and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™. “Houstonians can see a diverse offering of incredibly talented artists at truly affordable prices.” Tickets will go on sale Saturday, January 14 at 10:00 am. Visit rodeohouston.com for more information. In addition to the rotating main stage entertainment, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ will also present live performances at the Show’s very own honky tonk, The Hideout, as well as the World’s Championship Bar-B-Que Contest’s Miller Lite Stage at The Garden. Artists include Bri Bagwell, Cameran Nelson, Josh Ward, Rich O’Toole, Cory Morrow, and more. For a full lineup of each event, see below. WCBBQ Entertainment: Thursday, March 2: DJ DU, No Dry County, Rich O’Toole Friday, March 3: DJ DU, Bri Bagwell, Mike and the Moonpies, Cory Morrow Saturday, March 4: DJ DU, Flatland Calvary, Zane Williams, Jessie James Decker, Marine Band, Roger Creager, Shooter Jennings & Waymore’s Outlaws   About the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™: The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo™ is a Section 501(c)(3) charity that benefits youth, supports education, and facilitates better agricultural practices through exhibitions and presentation. Since its beginning in 1932, the Show has committed more than $430 million to the youth of Texas. For more information, visit rodeohouston.com and connect with #RODEOHOUSTON online via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube for all of the latest news. The 2017 Show is scheduled for March 7–26.

THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING

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Latest Installment Of The Best-Selling Series Features 21 Hits From The World’s Biggest Superstars And Emerging Talent 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Hits Stores And Digital Retailers Jan. 20 Album Pre-Order Available Now; Gives Fans The Chance To Attend Music’s Biggest Night® Pre-order The 2017 GRAMMY NOMINEES Album Here: 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs The Recording Academy®’s GRAMMY Recordings® and Atlantic Records have revealed the track listing for the 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees album. Set for release on Jan. 20 in stores and via digital retailers, the latest installment of the best-selling series — now in its 23rd year — features a collection of GRAMMY-nominated music for the upcoming 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards®. A portion of album proceeds benefit the year-round work of the GRAMMY Museum Foundation™ and MusiCares Foundation® — The Recording Academy-affiliated charitable organizations focused on music education programs and critical assistance for music people in need. The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album is highlighted by 21 hits from the world’s biggest superstars and hottest emerging talent, including Album Of The Year nominees Adele, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Drake, and Sturgill Simpson and Best New Artist nominees Kelsea Ballerini, The Chainsmokers, Maren Morris, and Anderson .Paak among others. “The 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album provides a unique playlist, and showcases some of the greatest songs and talented artists that make up this year’s incredible nominees,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. “We are pleased to collaborate with Atlantic Records on this project, which provides support for the invaluable programs and initiatives our charities produce throughout the year.” “It has been a fantastic year for music, and we’re very happy to partner with the Recording Academy once again to release a tremendous collection of GRAMMY-nominated artists and songs,” said Julie Greenwald, Chairman & COO of Atlantic Records. “It’s great to have all these amazing and diverse performances together on one album, especially when it supports the wonderful work done by the Recording Academy’s charities.” Music fans can log on to 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs through Jan. 19 to pre-order the 2017 GRAMMY Nominees album, and enter for a chance to win a trip for two to the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. The 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be held on Sunday, Feb. 12 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, and will be broadcast live on CBS at 8p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT). *No purchase necessary to enter or win. Visit 2017GRAMMYAlbum.com or CBS.com/GRAMMYs for details and eligibility requirements 2017 GRAMMY® Nominees Album Track Listing BEYONCÉ “Don’t Hurt Yourself” Feat. Jack White Album Of The Year TWENTY ONE PILOTS “Stressed Out” Record Of The Year Best Pop Duo/Group Performance SIA “Cheap Thrills” Feat. Sean Paul Best Pop Duo/Group Performance DRAKE “Hotline Bling” Album Of The Year ADELE “Hello” Record Of The Year Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album JUSTIN BIEBER “Love Yourself” Album Of The Year Best Pop Solo Performance Best Pop Vocal Album THE CHAINSMOKERS “Closer” Feat. Halsey Best New Artist Best Pop Duo/Group Performance KELSEA BALLERINI “Peter Pan” Best Continue reading THE RECORDING ACADEMY® AND ATLANTIC RECORDS REVEAL 2017 GRAMMY® NOMINEES ALBUM TRACK LISTING→

New Rascal Flatts Single "Yours If You Want It" Available Now

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Rascal Flatts announced their new single “Yours If You Want It” today, exclusively on USA Today. The track is the lead single taken from the group’s much-awaited forthcoming studio album, and is available everywhere today. Read more here.   You can download the new song from iTunes or Google Play here, or stream the song on your favorite streaming service.