The Cowboy Rides Away to Sold-Out Shows!

Six Cities in George Strait’s Final Tour Sold-Out within Minutes! Tickets for George Strait’s final tour, The Cowboy Rides Away, went on sale Friday, and six of his shows have already sold out! Country music fans snatched up tickets to his first show in Lubbock, Texas (on Jan. 18th), in less than 15 minutes. Lubbock may have sold out first, but five of his other shows (in Oklahoma City, Okla., St. Paul, Minn., Albuquerque, N.M., Las Vegas, Nev., and Las Cruces, N.M) were just minutes behind! “I never expected the fans would react like this. It’s just incredible. I really do have the best fans in the world, and I’m looking forward to seeing you all on the road very soon.” –George Strait Martina McBride joins Strait throughout the tour, and he’s announced that Randy Rogers and Miranda Lambert will take the stage during at least one of his shows. It’s no wonder those tickets are selling out so quickly! Make sure you grab yours today before all the shows sell out! You can find complete ticket info, available dates and make your purchases by visiting CountryMusicOnTour! You will also find complete details below!

Faith Hill American Heart Lyric Video

Here Is The Lyric Video For Faith Hill’s Latest Single, “American Heart.” Faith Hill has released the lyric video for her new single “American Heart.” I’m not sure how I feel about this one, as the lyrics seem to be off. The song says “you can’t break an American heart,” but we hear about broken hearts every five minutes… I hope that Hill can come up with some songs that will make her comeback easier. Maybe some that will reach the levels that “There You’ll Be,” “It Matters To Me,” or “Breathe” did! Watch the video below and tell us what you think.

Clay Walker Jesse James-Video

The Official Music Video For Clay Walker’s “Jesse James.” Here is the official music video for Clay Walker‘s current single, “Jesse James.” The song comes from his 2010 album, She Won’t Be Lonely Long. The video is fun, set in a previous time where outlaws and sheriffs were on top! Also on that album are the title track and “Like We Never Loved At All.” Watch the video now and tell us what you think!

Country Music Artist Showcase: Greg Bates Interview

This Week Greg Bates Steps Into Our Country Music Artist Showcase with an Exclusive Interview with MissMolly! The Country Music News Blog team first met up with Greg Bates at BamaJam 2012! He was was on the verge of releasing his self-titled EP (which dropped in July), and his current single, “Did For The Girl” was in the Top 40 on the charts. Now, just a couple months later, Greg’s awesome single has moved up to the Top 15, and was just featured on the pilot episode of ABC’s brand new drama Nashville! Despite putting the finishing touches on his upcoming album (to release next year!), and jumping on tour with Brantley Gilbert, Greg took the time to chat with me about all these new developments! Check it out below! Right now, you’ve been on tour with Brantley Gilbert…what has that experience been like? Its been a lot of fun. They’re great guys and a lot of fun to be on tour with. They’ve been really good and helped us out in any way they could. It’s been a lesson in how to run a tour and how to treat everyone good and make sure everyone is having fun. I essentially have five roommates in a very small amount of space. It can get a little stressful…so, its good when you have good people to be around. Thoughts on Brantley Gilbert’s Fanbase… At the end of the day they are country music fans, and they are very passionate about the music they buy and buying tickets to certain shows. Brantley is one of those guys that can get the crowd worked up in a frenzy! Have you had any stand out moments so far? The first night at Purdue University was one. We’ve been talking ab this tour for two or three months, and that moment when we walked out on stage and it was actually happening was amazing. I won’t forget that. You’re Nashville born and raised…how do you think that has helped shape you as an artist? I was lucky enough to grow up around songwriters and see behind the curtain earlier than most people. I do think I had an advantage with that, but as far as becoming an artist, I don’t think there’s a single advantage you can have. Its a lot of luck and a lot of hard work. You’re self-titled EP dropped this summer…do you have plans for a full length studio album? The album is done, and should be coming out first of next year. We’ve got everything lined up and we’re doing photo shoots. This is three years in the making. Its gonna be a blast to get all of the music out, and I’m really excited. What would you say is your favorite part about the recording process? I love the whole recording process, but for me its when we’re tracking the songs and have the whole band in the studio. When I’m singing the songs, I get in my head, Continue reading Country Music Artist Showcase: Greg Bates Interview

ABCs Nashville Episode Eval: The Pilot

MissMolly’s Episode Eval for the Pilot of ABC’s Nashville (Spoilers below!). Wednesday night, ABC premiered the pilot episode of its highly anticipated new drama, Nashville, and I’m gonna say it straight up, they didn’t disappoint!! Lots of times, trailers and teasers for shows and movies are kinda misleading and the viewing experience is a bit of a let down, but my Nashville viewing experience was quite the opposite. The show producers brought everything they promised and more from the drama to the characters to the music to that authentic country music feel! So, let me tell you what I loved the most! The Characters. I am thoroughly impressed by how written Nashville is, and how well developed the characters already are! I honestly thought all of the characters were complex and interesting! Rayna (Connie Britton) is a super strong woman that clearly knows what’s up, and the moment where she essentially tells the new head of her record label that he can stick his suggestions where the sun don’t shine…well, that was an empowering moment! Then there’s Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) who at first I was super annoyed with since it appeared that her one method of communication involved either sex (when dealing with men) or cattiness (when dealing with women). I was disappointed because that is such a cliche! Yet, by the end of the show, we got to peak behind the curtain a little and see that there’s more to her story, and I think it will be super interesting to see that story line develop (not that it excuses her behavior, but still…)! All the supporting actors are amazing as well from Teddy (Eric Close) to Rayna’s father, Lamar (Powers Boothe) and sister, Tandy (Judith Hoag) to Deacon (Charles Esten). I think the stand out so far though is Scarlett O’Conner (Clare Bowen) and her impromptu performance at the Bluebird Cafe. Her voice is phenomenal, and that was such an emotional scene!! I can’t wait to see what comes of her and her storyline. Nashville Looks Amazing On TV! As someone who has spent a fair amount of time in Nashville, TN, I was very pleased with how well its landmarks and features were showcased throughout the show. From The Bluebird Cafe to the Ryman to the Grand Ole Opry, its abundantly clear that they shot the show IN Nashville and not on some sound stage in California. This lends an authenticity to the show that I think country music fans will appreciate, and will go a long way to making this show a success! Added bonus: there were a lot of amazing skyline and and overhead shots of downtown Nashville cut in throughout, and the city of Nashville is simply gorgeous! The Music! Appropriately, the music on the show is really amazing. Firstly, I love that the actors are actually singin’ their own songs, and again, this lends authenticity to the show as a whole. Secondly, real life country music was featured on the soundtrack including Continue reading ABCs Nashville Episode Eval: The Pilot

Luke Bryan Announces First Headlining Tour

Luke Bryan Announces First Headlining Tour, Dirt Road Diaries, Kicks Off in 2013! BREAKING NEWS! Luke Bryan has officially announced that he will be kicking off his first ever headlining tour in 2013! The “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” will debut in Evansville, Indiana on January 17th, and tickets will be going on sale on Friday, October 26th! “I have dreamed about this day for a very long time. We are having the best time putting together all the bells & whistles for the tour. I have spent a lot of time out on tours with some really great artists and each night we have tried to learn from them. I couldn’t be more excited about this!” -Luke Bryan The first leg of the tour will hit 20 cities and feature Thompson Square and Florida Georgia Line as the opening acts. Does that sound like a heck of a good show or what?? So, yeah, I’m pretty darn excited about this announcement!! Who’s with me?? Tell me about it below!! “Dirt Road Diaries Tour” First Leg, Complete Dates! 1-17: Evansville, IN 1-18: Huntsville, AL 1-19: Southaven, MS 1-25: Estero, FL 1-26: Orlando, FL 2-7: Uniondale, NY 2-8: State College, PA 2-15: Toledo, OH 2-16: Grand Rapids, MI 2-17: Bloomington, IL 2-21: Ft Wayne, IN 2-22: Louisville, KY 2-23: Columbia, MO 2-28: Green Bay, WI 3-1: Sioux City, IA 3-2: Moline, IL 3-14: Orange Beach, AL 3-21: Florence, SC 3-22: Fayetteville, NC 3-23: Charlottesville, VA

Miranda Lambert Tour Sells 1 Million Tickets

Miranda Lambert Wraps Tour after Performing for More Than One Million Fans! One MILLION fans showed their love for Miranda Lambert during her “On Fire” Tour! A major highlight from the tour included Patty Loveless, who lends her voice to “Dear Diamond” on Miranda’s newest album Four the Record, joined Lambert on stage to sing the duet on one of Miranda’s last tour nights. You can be sure there were lots of other special moments including appearances by The Pistol Annies and more! Even though Miranda wrapped her tour, you can still check out her website for the latest news. WATCH Miranda and Patty’s Duet from the Concert. Be sure to check out MissMolly’s  review of Miranda’s tour stop at the Arkansas Music Pavilion!

Taylor Swift Partners with Keds Shoes

Keds Releases Taylor Swift Inspired RED Shoes. We’re already excited about Taylor Swift‘s new album Red being released on October 22nd, and that day also brings us new Red-inspired Keds shoes! Fans of “You Belong with Me” know that while the other girl wears high heels, Taylor proudly wears her sneakers! Well, these limited edition sneakers, called “Champions” officially mark Swift’s new sponsorship with Keds! “I’m so excited to be partnering with Keds. I’ve been a fan for years because they have two of my favorite elements of great style – they’re classic and effortless.” -Taylor Swift Better snatch ’em up while you can because these shoes are only available from TaylorSwift, Keds, and a few others!

Randy Travis and Avett Brothers on Crossroads

Randy Travis and The Avett Brothers Meet Up for CMT Crossroads. Country music staple Randy Travis joins forces with the folksy Avett Brothers on CMT Crossroads. Tune in on Friday, November 23rd (11pm et/pt) to watch the guys meet and “swap” songs! Crossroads pairs two artists we love and provides the chance for them to try on the other group’s songs for size. This episode will actually be the first time Travis has met the Avett Brothers. We’re excited to hear some of our favorite country songs restyled by the Avett Brothers, and Travis will take his turn with some of their folk/pop jams. This is for real, y’all! For more information, visit CMT. WATCH Randy Travis’s “Everything and All” Official Music Video. WATCH The Avett Brothers’ “Live and Die” Official Music Video.

Kristen Kelly Working on EP

Kristen Kelly Working on EP, to be Released Soon. Kristen Kelly‘s new self-titled EP will be released on October 30th via Arista Nashville. Her hit single “Ex-Old Man” left us ready for more great music. “I am so excited to share more of my new music with my fans. This music is a culmination of years of blood, sweat and tears. Every song is a chapter in the story of my life.” -Kristen Kelly All of the new songs are co-written by Kelly, including one with Paul Overstreet which hit No. 30 on Billboard. As we wait for the EP release, we’ll be re-watching her video for “Ex-Old Man“! WATCH Kristen Kelly’s “Ex-Old Man” Official Music Video. Kristen Kelly, “Miss Me” Accoustic. Kristen Kelly, EP Track Listing. 1. Ex-Old Man – Kristen Kelly/Paul Overstreet 2. He Loves To Make Me Cry – Kristen Kelly/Paul Overstreet/Even Stevens 3. Drink Myself Out Of Love With You – Kristen Kelly/Paul Overstreet 4. Miss Me – Kristen Kelly/Monty Criswell/Shane Minor