JT Hodges, New Artist on the Country Scene

CMNB Would Like You to Meet JT Hodges! I recently had the chance to chat with this ACM New Artist nominee (He was in the group of finalists, but didn’t make the final three. He said it was great just to be considered at all though!) So, let me tell you, this guy is about as down-to-earth as they come! With deep roots in the music business, JT Hodges is a legitimate artist with some serious musical chops! Growing up in Fort Worth, TX helping out at his Dad’s studio, he was exposed to a range of music at a young age, and this influence is evident in the depth and quality of his own music. You may have heard his debut single, “Hunt You Down” which hit airwaves summer of 2011, or perhaps, you checked out single #2 that released just a week or so ago, “Goodbyes Made You Mine“. (If you haven’t taken a listen to these tunes yet, I suggest you make that happen!). In these songs you will hear a genuine, honest voice with just the right mixture of classic country and a bit of a rock edge. Hodges says that the rock element is definitely there in his music, but he gravitates towards country music because he likes songs that have something to say and that’s what country offers. These two singles will be featured on his debut (most likely self-titled) album which is tentatively slated for a Summer 2012 release. Hodges told me that the album is representative of his journey up to this point with inspiration for various tracks ranging from things that happened from six months to ten years ago! He also said that there’s just a little somethin’ on the album for everyone, no matter what you like! So, keep your ears open for JT’s album this summer, and in the mean time, check out his two singles! I’ll give you a head start and include one of his videos below (Bonus points if you can tell me where it was shot…just by watching)! JT Hodges “Hunt You Down” Video. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8uTAFIW1RA&ob=av2e]

Luke Bryan Sings Adele’s “Someone Like You”

Luke Bryan Shares Rendition of “Someone Like You” with Fans at Concert. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: One of the best things about Luke Bryan is that this man knows how to put on a good show. He interacts with his fans, he gets a little crazy, and he isn’t afraid to step outside of the box! Most recently, he shared his rendition of Adele‘s popular single “Someone Like You” in his performance on tour with Jason Aldean in Nashville. Bryan doesn’t really hit all the high notes like Adele can, but there’s something simultaneously cute and sexy about him singing along with his baseball cap and jeans to this particular song. Oh, and did I mention that he is playing the piano (he says he sucks at it, but I’m not buying it)…I mean, does anyone else think that’s hot? Check it out below! Luke Bryan Sings “Someone Like You”. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ7AGl2t79c]

George Strait Cancels Concert

George Strait Canceled Saturday Concert at Last Minute. George Strait canceled his Saturday, February 25th concert at literally the last minute. The performance in Kansas City was part of a brief tour with Martina McBride, and Strait canceled his part of the gig after McBride’s hour-long opening set. Reportedly, he came out on stage, sang one song from his latest album, Here for a Good Time, then had to call it quits when his voice became hoarse. This was the last stop of the short tour, but George (presumably along with Martina) will make-up the concert on March 3rd at the Sprint Center. We sure do hope he’s doing alright!

Taylor Swift Invites Teen to ACM Awards

Taylor Swift Has Got Herself a Date to the ACM Awards. Taylor Swift has invited fan, Kevin McGuire, to attend the ACM Awards with her! Kevin is an 18yr old from Somerdale, NJ, who is suffering from leukemia. Swift’s invite comes in response to the Facebook campaign created by McGuire’s sister. The teen hoped that Taylor would attend his prom with him, but in a post written by Swift, she stated that she couldn’t make it to the prom. I think an invite to the ACM Awards in Vegas could just as easily lead to a night Kevin would cherish! Regardless of whether or not you’re a fan of her music, you can’t deny that it takes a generous and cool person to invite a fan to an industry award show. Taylor is currently nominated for three ACMs. Click here for the complete list.

Keith Urban For You Video

Here Is The Music Video For Keith Urban’s New Single “For You.” Keith Urban’s latest single “For You” is one with a pretty deep meaning. At first listen, I thought it was a love song, but when I immediately played it again I realized that there was more to it. This just goes to show how each person can take a song a different way. The song also features Urban’s amazing guitar skills that he is known for! For those of you who haven’t heard it, you can get two birds with one stone…Listen and watch the video now!

Chris Young Caricature Unveiling

Chris Young’s Caricature Is Unveiled At The Nashville Palm. On February 22, Chris Young autographed a caricature of himself on the wall of The Nashville Palm. He will be a permanent fixture on the walls of the restaurant, with fellow country artists and more. “Chris is a great addition to our since he has participated in several fundraising events at The Palm for Make A Wish Foundation of Middle Tennessee as well as Stars for Stripes. We’re honored that Chris could stop by in the midst of CRS week and his national tour. We’re proud that he’ll be a permanent fixture here.” -Paige Dixon, sales manager for The Palm The caricature tradition started when Pio Bozzi and John Ganzi opened The Palm in 1926. They had no money to decorate and offered meals in exchange for cartoon work by artists. Today all Palm locations feature a variety of caricatures of celebrities, politicians, athletes, regular customers and people of note as well as classic cartoons. “The Palm is such a mainstay in this city and in the music community. It’s pretty cool to be part of this Nashville institution.” -Chris Young

Wade Bowen Saturday Night Video

Here Is The Music Video For Wade Bowen’s “Saturday Night!” Wade Bowen’s latest single, “Saturday Night,” was released at the end of 2011. The song has become one of my favorites here lately! The lyrics are about a broken-hearted guy who isn’t really feeling crowds, bars or the 6th day of the week, because they are taking him down memory lane. One of the best lines in the song says, “there’s nothing quite as lonely as a crowd when your all alone.” How true is this statement?! Very! Here is the recently released video for the acoustic version of “Saturday Night!” Take a listen and tell us what you think!

Hank Williams Jr. Taking Back The Country Tour

Hank Williams Jr. Is Hitting The Road With His “Taking Back The Country Tour!” Hank Williams Jr. will be making a multi-city tour, “Taking Back The Country,” that will kick off March 3! With 16 dates and more to be added, Bocephus himself will be spreading his love of the music to old and new fans alike! Jamey Johnson, Chris Young, Josh Thompson, George Thorogood and 38 Special will join Williams on select dates. The first show will take place in St. Augustine, FL at The St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Williams has a new album for everyone to look forward to that will include material written within weeks of his 2011 controversial remarks. These new songs along with his classics “A Country Boy Can Survive” and “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight,” plus many more will make this a show fans will never forget!

Casey James Album Release Date

Casey James Is Set To Release His Self-Titled Debut Album In March! Casey James is set to release his self-titled, debut album March 20! James wrote or co-wrote 9 out of the 11 tracks and is very excited for fans to hear what he is all about! The album is sure to offer a mixture of country, blues, rock and folk! Track Listing 1. The Good Life 2. Crying On A Suitcase 3. Let’s Don’t Call It A Night 4. Drive 5. Love The Way You Miss Me 6. Undone 7. So Sweet 8. She’s Money 9. Tough Love 10. Workin’ On It 11. Miss Your Fire Here is the video for his first single, “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night!”

Craig Morgan Makes Donation To Middle School

Craig Morgan Makes An Instrument Donation To A Local Middle School. Craig Morgan took a break from his busy schedule readying for the launch of his new album to visit a local school earlier this week. While at Dickson Middle School, an hour west of Nashville, Morgan donated 15 Dean acoustic guitars to the music program and talked with Mr. Elston’s 8th grade class about the importance of music. He also gave the class a brief guitar lesson and together they wrote a quick song! “Music has always been such an important part of my life. I’m happy to give back so that others can share in that experience.” -Morgan Morgan’s latest album, This Ole Boy, will hit stores next Tuesday, February 28th. The current single is in the 20s on the country charts.