Keith Urban Announced As 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award Recipient

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Keith Urban on Country Music News Blog!

Keith Urban Announced As 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award Recipient (Nashville, Tenn. – Dec. 14, 2015) – The Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Keith Urban as the recipient of the 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award, to be presented during the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 8, 2016. Last year’s Artist Humanitarian Award recipient, Lady Antebellum, will be on hand to present Urban with this year’s award. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. CRS Executive Director, Bill Mayne comments, “Keith Urban is a true humanitarian who gives out of love, passion, spirit, and generosity. It’s been an honor to witness quietly from the sidelines, the amount of time, talent, and passion that Keith has selflessly given over his life and career. The impact and reach of his generosity has effected so many and is so broad in scope and depth – his is a bar of humanitarian effort, that we all can be inspired by!” Over the years, Urban has been a strong supporter of numerous benefit concerts, including the annual “All For The Hall” Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum benefit concerts, which has raised nearly $3 million in proceeds.  In addition, he’s been and remains a supporter of The Grammy in the Schools program, Mr. Holland’s Opus Fund and was recently named the first Ambassador of the CMA Foundation. He is a continued supporter of the “Make A Wish” Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. As an advisory board member at St. Jude, Urban has visited the hospital and produces a calendar each year with all net proceeds going to St. Jude. Since their inception in 2003, these calendars have raised more than $850,000 for the life-saving mission of the hospital. Following the 2010 Nashville flood, he was very active in the relief efforts and participated in the re-opening of the Grand Ole Opry House, Marty Stuart’s “Late Night Jam,” GAC and Vince Gill telethons; all to raise funds for flood relief. Additionally, he has supported our nation’s troops and the Navy SEALS Foundation. Urban donated to the foundation his share of artist and publishing royalties from his song “For You,” which reached a total of $300,000. He was also the first Ambassador for the CMA Foundation’s Education Program and has donated from his line, URBAN guitars, to five Music Education Matters partner programs across the country, including programs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City and San Francisco. He’s also donated URBAN guitars to the Grammy Foundation and its MusiCares program, as well as donating proceeds from the guitars to Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation to keep musical instruments in schools. Past recipients of the Artist Humanitarian Award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others. For more Continue reading Keith Urban Announced As 2016 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award Recipient→

Jon Langston Releases Self-Titled EP Friday, December 11

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Jon Langston Releases Self-Titled EP: Launches Video for “Rollin In Rockin Out” With Sounds Like Nashville Nashville- (Dec. 10, 2015) – KP Entertainment (Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell) announced today independent recording artist Jon Langston will digitally release a five-song, self-titled EP tomorrow. Jon recently debuted the EP’s “Rollin In Rockin Out” song with a high energy, live performance video, premiering on Sounds Like Nashville. Watch it here: [youtube FAsQ4nOJgO4] “Rollin In Rockin Out” was written by Jon, Monty Criswell and Jody Stevens. “This song was probably one of the funnest songs I’ve ever written. It brings that ‘life of the party’ feel every time I hear it.”   The Georgia native grew up playing music but traded his guitar for football in middle school, only to trade it back after suffering numerous concussions by his junior year in college. Jon moved to Nashville in 2014 to continue to pursue his musical dreams landing a publishing deal at Sony ATV.  He enjoys a strong following in his home state and core fans throughout the southeast and just wrapped his fall/winter tour selling out the 20+ shows, including the acclaimed Georgia Theater in Athens.  Jon Langston self-titled EP track listing: “Rollin In Rockin Out” – Jon Langston/Monty Criswell/Jody Stevens “Southern Drawl”– Rhett Akins/Jon Nite/Ross Copperman “Cigarettes And Me”– Jon Langston/Monty Criswell/Dan Isbell “In My Mind”  – Jon Langston/Rhett Akins/Murphy Elmore “Forever Girl” – Jon Langston  KP Entertainment’s artist roster includes Luke Bryan, Cole Swindell, Kelleigh Bannen, DJ Rock, CB30, Jon Langston, and Chancie Neal. The company also operates a publishing arm of Peanut Creek Music, a joint venture with Sony/ATV, as well as a partnership with Kobalt Music Publishing representing songwriter Mike Mobley. Additionally, KP Entertainment has partnered with Fly Hi Productions and operates the management of Luke Bryan’s “Farm Tour.”  

Charley Pride to Receive Master Award at the 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards

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Charley Pride to Receive Master Award at 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards   (Austin, TX) – The 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards will be held Tuesday, February 16th, 8:00 pm at the historic Paramount Theatre, 713 Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, Texas with music legend and past Ameripolitan winner Ray Benson as host. Charley Pride (Master Award) will join Wanda Jackson (Founder of the Sound) and Red Simpson (Founder of the Sound) as special award recipients. Tickets are available at austintheatre.org, the Paramount Theatre box office, and by phone at (512) 474-1221.   “Charley Pride is the first living male to ever receive the Ameripolitan Masters Award, preceded only by the amazing Ray Price, who was instrumental in creating the awards,” exclaims Dale Watson, founder of the Ameripolitan Awards. “Charley Pride’s music spans several generations, blazed new trails, and has never compromised his roots. This makes him perfect for the highest honor we can bestow, the Ameripolitan Master Award.” Celebrity presenters include Mike Wolfe of American Pickers and Todd and Don of KLBJ-AM with Sirius XM’s Dallas Wayne jumping into the announcer’s seat for another year.  Artists slated to perform at this year’s ceremony include Charley Pride, Wanda Jackson, Red Simpson, Billy Joe Shaver, James Hand, Doyle and Debbie, Georgette Jones, Justin Trevino, Rosie Flores, Whitey Morgan, Kim Lenz, Charlie Thompson, The Country Side of Harmonica Sam, Jason Roberts, Unknown Hinson, and other special guests. Voting online or by app is available now through December 26, 2015. Winners will be announced live during the 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards on Tuesday, February 16, 2016. Fans may vote in the following categories: Honky Tonk – Female, Male, Group; Western Swing – Female, Male, Group; Rockabilly – Female, Male, Group; Outlaw – Female, Male, Group; Ameripolitan DJ; Ameripolitan Venue; Ameripolitan Festival; and Ameripolitan Musician. A full list of nominees can be found here. Designed by Ballot Blaster, the ‘Ameripolitan 2016’ app is available for purchase ($1.99) with a portion of the proceeds benefiting the Fender Music Foundation, which aims to keep music education alive and available in our nation’s schools and communities. Fans may also vote online beginning November 26th without purchasing the app at Ameripolitan.com. Only one vote is permitted, per valid email address.  Tickets to the 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Awards are available at www.austintheatre.org. For updates and breaking news, please visit Ameripolitan.com as well as the Ameripolitan Awards social networks on TWITTER and FACEBOOK.  Sponsors: The event is made possible by the generous sponsorship of presenting sponsor, Lone Star and co-sponsor, Fender. About Ameripolitan Music Awards: The Ameripolitan Music Awards, a 501(c)3, was created under the leadership of Texas Honky Tonk legend, Dale Watson, to acknowledge the exceptional creativity and dedication of roots artists whose work does not readily conform to the tastes of today’s “Country”, or other music genres and organizations. Ameripolitan Music LLC and The Ameripolitan Music Awards were founded to benefit and acknowledge these artists. It also provides fans with a means of finding these artists and their Continue reading Charley Pride to Receive Master Award at the 3rd Annual Ameripolitan Music Awards→

The Cains Release New Original Holiday Track, “Merry Christmas To You”

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(Nashville, Tenn. – Nov. 16, 2015) – In spirit of the holiday, The Cains have released a new seasonal song, titled “Merry Christmas To You.” The original, thoughtful ballad, which was written by Billy Lawson and Ed Hill, as well as produced by Billy Lawson, is about missing a loved one during the holiday season. Madison Cain commented, “When you think of Christmas songs, you think of joy, family and everything merry and bright. But for so many people, Christmas isn’t perfect. Relationships have been severed and the most wonderful time of the year often brings its own sting. We hope this song encourages people to reach out, make the call they’ve been putting off, or write a letter—it’s never too late to say ‘I love you.’” The song is already available at digital outlets such as iTunes and Amazon, and will be distributed to Country radio. The talented siblings have had a busy year with the release of their self-titled EP, which includes the lead single “Journeys End;” a sentimental ballad about love, family and hope that is currently airing on Country radio and spent over four months on Sirius XM’s The Highway playlist. The EP was written by The Cains – Madison, Logan and Taylor Cain – and also features other writer credits including Jaida Dreyer, Stephony Smith, Billy Lawson, Ed Hill, Becki Devries and Dave Thompson. The Cains was produced/mixed by Daniel Agee and is now available on iTunes, Amazon and other major digital retailers. In addition to the EP, The Cains have been touring the U.S. and the U.K. In March 2015, The Cains broke onto the U.K. Country music scene with their first international appearance at London’s Country to Country (C2C) festival, Europe’s largest and most well-attended Country music event of the year, and have since returned as the opening act for Sasha McVeigh’s I Stand Alone U.K. tour, opening on select dates that took them to London, Glasgow, Oxford, Manchester and more. For more information about The Cains, visit their website at www.TheCainsOfficial.com and check them out on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For press inquires and interviews, contact Simone Diamond at simone@aristomedia.com or 615-269-7071. The Cains“Merry Christmas To You” Single ArtHi-Res Read more at AristoPR!

Country Music News Blog is Shifting Gears!

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CMNB Launches Country Music Bloggers Industry Platform - A resource for lead opportunities, blogging education, industry contact management, and customized tools made just for our country music blogging community.

Ten years ago country music had little to no representation in the online world. CMT and GACTV both had companion websites to expand on their televised content, and Country Weekly had a landing page to drive print magazine subscriptions. That’s when CountryMusicNewsBlog.com was born, out of a need for fan-driven immediate access country music updates. It’s amazing how far country music has come in just one decade. We’ve taken over mainstream music in ways we never thought would happen, with prime time network shows like Nashville, our award shows being some of the highest rated events in television, and country concert tours proving there’s still an entire touring market out there, even in a recession. And Country Music News Blog has been there for it all. We’ve helped break artists like The Band Perry, Kacey Musgraves, and Zac Brown Band. We’ve had exclusive interviews and releases with hundreds of artists, and launched several video series that give fans an inside look into the lives of country music stars. [bctt tweet=”@CMNBlog Launches #CountryMusic #Bloggers Industry Platform Beginning Jan 1st 2016!”] But our shining moment… the moment we are most proud of was when we found a way to collaborate with other country music bloggers for our #BlogRodeo events. Working with other writers and sites in the field really helped separate our industry from the rest in the way that we all put our own drive for success aside. It wasn’t competitive, it was a community, where we took the time to examine specific areas of the country music environment as a team and helped shape the immediate future of country music entertainment. It is with that in mind that I would like to announce that Country Music News Blog is permanently changing our focus. Where we once stood alone in the beginning, we are now surrounded by hundreds of fellow country music news sites, and each has their own strong points and unique coverage abilities, all focused on the end country music fan. What we find lacking now, and are working hard to create, is a solid resource for those country music sites. A resource for lead opportunities, blogging education, industry contact management, and customized tools made just for our country music blogging community. We will be the place new bloggers can go to learn the best practices and web etiquette, where publicists can go to reach their campaign goals, and where experienced writers can go to share their experience and discuss the industry as a whole from a professional’s perspective. We will be holding all new content until New Year’s Day 2016 when we re-launch CMNB as a country music blogging industry platform! Bloggers and writers: Be a part of the driving voice behind the country music industry, join us on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/countrymusicnewsblogs/   or email us at CMNB.  As always, we love to directly involve our publicist and sponsor friends. Please email us to see how you can be a part of this rebirth!

Blake Shelton to Host 2016 Nickelodeon ‘s Kids Choice Awards

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It seems television can’t get enough of Blake Shelton as he gets tapped to host the 2016 Kids Choice awards. Country Music superstar and coach on the Emmy winning NBC’s The Voice, Blake Shelton, will host Nickelodeon’s 2016 Kids’ Choice Awards, airing live on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Super-sized surprises will take over this year’s Kids’ Choice Awards honoring favorites from the worlds of film, music, and television, and giving kids a front-row seat to slime, stunts and celebrities.  The show will be seen by kids around the globe on Nickelodeon channels in more than 180 countries and territories. Additional Kids’ Choice Awards news will be announced in the coming months. Said Shelton of his hosting duties: “I’ve been on countless stages throughout my life, but none have promised the madness, excitement and endless slime as Nick’s Kids’ Choice Awards, which is undoubtedly the ultimate party for kids.  There is only one team here, and it’s Team Kids’ Choice so bring it on Nickelodeon!

Kenny Chesney Releases Spread the Love 2016 Tour Dates

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Kenny Chesney and Miranda Lambert release the first round of 2016 “Spread the Love” tour dates! Kenny Chesney and co-headliner Miranda Lambert made the big announcement today. The first series of stadium tour dates in 2016, starting with an April 23rd concert at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. The Spread the Love tour rolls on from there, with Chesney visiting an additional 10 stadiums — including Chase Field in Phoenix, Heinz Field in Pittsburgh and Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City — before the summer comes to a close [bctt tweet=”@KennyChesney and @MirandaLambert release the first round of 2016 #SpreadtheLove tour dates!”]

Amber Hayes Added To 16-City Nothing But The Hits Holiday Tour

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Joins Ronnie McDowell, Deborah Allen, Jeff Bates and More (Nashville, Tenn. – Oct. 21, 2015) – Country artist Amber Hayes has been added to the 16-city Nothing But The Hits holiday tour. Performing alongside big names like Ronnie McDowell, Deborah Allen, Jeff Bates, Ken Mellons and others, Hayes is in her element. Coming off of her fourth Top 40 Country music single, “Running Out of Memories” and her newest release “Hero’s Heart,” there’s no doubt Hayes fits right in with the tour’s lineup. A 15-piece band will be accompanying the artists as they perform their hits and Christmas favorites. The show will also be in the traditional Country camp, satisfying listeners yearning for what promoter Danny Rasberry calls “real” Country music. “There is a void and a need for ‘real’ Country music,” said Rasberry. “With this tour, we put together some of the most sensational voices in music. I know the fans will love what will be coming their way!” Hayes and a hearty dose of Christmas spirit will be coming your way as the tour kicks off Nov. 28 in Stillwater, Okla. The tour will make its last stop in Newberry, S.C. on Dec. 19, hitting towns throughout Arkansas, Georgia, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Carolina on the way. To purchase tickets, call 601-649-2822 or visit www.NothingButTheHits.com. Nothing But The Hits Christmas Tour Dates: Nov. 28 – Oklahoma vs. Oklahoma State tailgate party – Stillwater, Okla. Nov. 30 – Brown Grand Theatre – Concordia, Kan. Dec. 1 – Knuckleheads – Kansas City, Mo. Dec. 2 – Gillioz Theatre – Springfield, Mo. Dec. 4 – Crystal Theatre – Okemah, Okla. Dec. 5 – Poncan Theatre – Ponca City, Okla. Dec. 7 – King’s Opera House – Van Buren, Ark. Dec. 9 – Saenger Theatre – Hattiesburg, Miss. Dec. 10 – Private Event – Biloxi, Miss. Dec. 11 – Natchez Center of Performing Arts – Natchez, Miss. Dec. 12 – Grand Opera House of the South – Crowley, La. Dec. 15 – Kentucky Opry – Benton, Ky. Dec. 16 – Cox Capital Theatre – Macon, Ga. Dec. 17 – Gem Theatre – Calhoun, Ga. Dec. 18 – Morton Theatre – Athens, Ga. Dec. 19 – Newberry Opry House – Newberry, S.C. About Amber Hayes: Over the past few years, the Oklahoma native has been touring and performing at fairs, festivals and performance venues across the country. She has performed as the opening act for one of her biggest musical influences, Reba McEntire, and she has entertained fans overseas at military bases and International festivals, including the Country Gold Festival in Japan and the Scandinavian Country Music Festival in Sweden. She has made multiple appearances performing the national anthem at NFL and NBA games. Her first break at Country radio was with her debut EP C’mon in 2010, which landed her two Top 40 singles (“C’mon,” “Wait”) on the national MusicRow Country Breakout chart. In 2012, she released her sophomore album, titled Any Day Is A Good Day. Her Continue reading Amber Hayes Added To 16-City Nothing But The Hits Holiday Tour→

Shooter Jennings Touching Goodbye to Former Art Teacher

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Shooter Jennings shares a heartfelt goodbye via twitter to a teacher that became a great friend. When a teacher makes an amazing impact on us, we carry that throughout our whole lives. If we are lucky, we take an opportunity to tell them what an amazing difference they made for us. And when we lose them, it breaks us. It hurts as much as any family member or loved one’s passing does, and then a little bit more in ways theirs can’t, because it impacts the very thing inside of us they helped to awaken. With that being said, our hearts at CMNB go out to Shooter Jennings as he and most likely countless other former students mourn the passing of his beloved art teacher Mr. Gene Sizemore. It's w great sadness that I hear of my good friend and art teacher Gene Sizemore's passing. I will never forget my dear friend + blues fan. I used to go visit Mr. Sizemore after I graduated, anytime I was in town really. We would smoke cigarettes and listen to the radio and talk about music, and playing music, and bands we loved and Jesco White. He was always my favorite. Anytime I had a day off in town I would him down and hang out with him. I WANTED to hang out with him as much as I could. He was one of those guys who got me, and I got him. It was as simple as that. I had no idea he was sick. I remembered when I quit smoking one time and I felt so guilty that I couldn't smoke with him. Then the next time he had quit and I was smoking by myself. I knew we would remain friends forever. I just saw him about two and a half yrs ago when I played at the USN auditorium. I'm happy he got to meet Misty . He was just the coolest, and I'm really gonna miss him. Please take the time to visit the teachers that mattered to you in school whenever you can. They give their lives over to expanding minds and opening hearts to the unknown. They need to know it was appreciated. It's w great sadness that I hear of my good friend and art teacher Gene Sizemore's passing. I will never forget my dear friend + blues fan. — Shooter Jennings (@ShooterJennings) October 21, 2015 I used to go visit Mr. Sizemore after I graduated, anytime I was in town really. We would smoke cigarettes and listen to the radio and talk — Shooter Jennings (@ShooterJennings) October 21, 2015 about music, and playing music, and bands we loved and Jesco White. He was always my favorite. Anytime I had a day off in town I would track — Shooter Jennings (@ShooterJennings) October 21, 2015 him down and hang out with him. I WANTED to hang out with him as much as I could. He was one of those guys who got me, and Continue reading Shooter Jennings Touching Goodbye to Former Art Teacher→