Billy Currington – Enjoy Yourself

Billy Currington shows his wider range on Enjoy Yourself. Billy Currington is finally finished with post-production of his new album “Enjoy Yourself”. While the first single off the album, “Pretty Good At Drinking Beer” has achieved some success on the charts, Billy wants to be sure that fans know this album’s not about being some one-trick pony. It’s a great mix. It reflects who I am,” Currington says about the collection of 10 songs. “I’m definitely not just one thing. I’m the beach guy, I’m the country guy, I love my dirt roads and fishin’, but I love New York City and L.A. and Miami, too. “Enjoy Yourself”, features the Georgia native’s trademark mix of country, R&B and beach music, and is produced by Currington and Carson Chamberlain. The album showcases Nashville’s top songwriters, including Dave Barnes, Shawn Camp, Scotty Emerick, Jones and Mark Nesler. This record was about recording songwriter’s songs,” says Billy. “I could have gone back and recorded a bunch of mine that I’ve written, but there were a lot of writers I wanted to record, like Shawn and Troy. I had to put their songs on this album. The album releases on September 21st.

Jennette McCurdy – Not That Far Away – Video

Jennette McCurdy debuts in country music with her video for Not That Far Away. You may know her as Sam, the ever-hungry and always perky sidekick to iCarly, but did you know that Jennette McCurdy is also an aspiring country music artist? Take a look at her debut video for “Not That Far Away”. [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_VCa0t7BCo]Country Music Photo Gallery

Free Sons of Sylvia Tickets

Sons of Sylvia are giving away a free song download, and free tickets to a special Nashville performance! Sons of Sylvia earned a great following while opening for Carrie Underwood, but now they’re really taking off on their own. Get a taste of this new sensation as they put on a free concert! On Wednesday, August 25th, The band will be putting on a free concert at the Exit Inn in Nashville as part of a Vevo.com promotion. Click here to download a pass to the event, but hurry as limited quantities are available. The band is still offering a free download of their single “Love Left to Lose” as part of a campaign with the Schick Hydro line – grab it here and then complete their debut album Revelation on iTunes. Visit SonsofSylvia.com for all the latest news and updates.Country Music Photo Gallery

Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings

Take an inside listen to the personality of a legend on Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings….Plus! Long before Hank Williams was a household icon, he was just a simple artist who hosted a sponsored radio show as he made his way through the trials and tribulations of a Nashville artist. During that time, you could find Hank on air peddling his crooning vocals right beside products from the Mother’s Best grain mills. The witty banter, and casual pickin and playing on these recordings humbly reminds us all that one of country music’s greatest legends at one time was still a struggling performer looking for their place in the music industry. I recently got to hear an advanced copy and personally loved the recordings and I believe you will too. Time Life, along with the family of Hank Williams Sr. launches the official website, www.hankwilliamsmothersbest.com to offer fans an exclusive opportunity to pre-order the limited edition, one-of-a-kind box set, Hank Williams: The Complete Mother’s Best Recordings….Plus!. The project can also be pre-ordered by calling, 212-991-5195. The first one hundred pre-orders will be accompanied by a specially designed tee shirt or other memorabilia. In addition to ordering the set, the website will also offer fans the latest news about Hank Williams, exclusive audio and video, notes from Hank Williams Jr. and Jett Williams, box set details and much more. Take a peek: Country Music Photo Gallery

Trace Adkins – Cowboy’s Back In Town

Trace Adkins new album Cowboy’s Back In Town takes a spin on the CMNB Jukebox. Trace Adkins new album “Cowboy’s Back in Town” is set to release tomorrow, but we’ve got your insider’s review of the album right here at Country Music News Blog! Now first let me tell you there’s a few requirements to listening to this album. First, you’ll need to pick up a few cases of beer. Then, you need to call 20 or 30 of your closest friends. Next, y’all drive out to a creekbank on a hot late-summer night. Make sure one of you has a really great sound system in their truck. I think y’all can figure out the rest. Trace’s newest work is exactly what we’ve come to expect from our favorite country giant. Playful, fun, a little sweet, and definitely the soundtrack to a great time. Take a look below as Trace talks about the album with CountryWeekly! Fans can preview the album at CMT or order it from iTunes on my recommendation!

Songwriter George Richey Passes

Songwriter and longtime husband of Tammy Wynette, George Richey, has left us. In a quiet service in Nashville, TN, close friends and family mourned the loss of George Richey. George was buried near his long-time wife, Tammy Wynette, and leaves us with a great legacy of songs recorded by his wife, and George Jones. Read more about George’s life and accomplishments at The Tennesseean.

Neal McCoy and Laura Bell Bundy Support Cancer Research

Neal McCoy heads to Cancun with Laura Bell Bundy and others to provide support for cancer research. Neal McCoy joins with Keith Anderson, Chuck Wicks, Trent Willmon, Wade Hayes, Laura Bell Bundy and Joanna Smith to perform at the 2nd Annual “Country on the Beach” to be held at the Beach Palace Resort in Cancun, Mexico. We work hard on our entertainment and are proud to have Neal McCoy, Keith Anderson, Chuck Wicks, Trent Willmon, Wade Hayes, Laura Bell Bundy and Joanna Smith,” says T.J. Martell Foundation Executive Director Laura Heatherly. “Our adventure will start about sundown on Thursday, November 18 with artist/songwriter entertainment and go way into the wee hours of Friday. Friday will be our first big concert followed by “dualing keyboards” (yes, back by popular demand) plus we are adding “open mic” night too. So those of you looking for your “big break,” what a better place to achieve that. Saturday will be our main concert and finale event with all artists and again…partying until dawn. To book your stay and tickets please go to: http://www.travelininc.com/COTBbook-on-line.html Country Music Photo Gallery

Buck Owens Bakersfield Star

Buck Owens gets a well-deserved star on the Bakersfield Walk of Fame. The Bakersfield Rotary Club has pooled together and donated a star to the Bakersfield Walk of Fame in honor of the legendary Buck Owens. Buck’s sons, Mike and Johnny, his nephew Mel and about 100 people including friends, and employees of the Owens family were there to witness the dedication and to say a few words about the honor. Dad would be proud of this,” said Mike. “Instead of the streets of Bakersfield, it’s more like the sidewalks of Bakersfield.” (Quote via Bakersfield.com) Buck Owens is credited with pioneering what is now known commonly as “The Bakersfield Sound”, mixing a electric guitar into country music with a slight southwestern spin. After 20 chart-topping hits, and a lengthy stint on the cast of the nationally successful show “Hee-Haw”, Buck and his Buckaroos were a well-known household name, and he was a beloved friend to all who knew him. He sadly lost his battle with cancer in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of music, innovation, and laughter.

Thompson Square – Let’s Fight – Video

Thompson Square recently signed on to open for Jason Aldean’s tour, but who are they? This husband and wife duo is a country love song and legacy in the making. Thompson Square consists of Shawna and Keifer, country and rock, sugar and spice. The pair met while working their way through the crazy town of Nashville, trying to find their own way. After years of paying dues and romancing each other like crazy, they stumbled upon the best decision they ever made… to perform together. Now with their debut album “Let’s Fight” they’re performing their way all the way to the top! Check out Thompson Square performing the title track off that debut album: [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyystwcqQjA]Country Music Photo Gallery

Meet Brantley Gilbert

Brantley Gilbert – The south’s best kept secret… until now! Lately the web has been all abuzz over Jason Aldean‘s newest single “My Kind of Party“, but surprisingly the buzz isn’t about Aldean! Fans throughout the southeast are making it known that the song’s writer, Brantley Gilbert, is the one we should really be watching. Trust me fans, we are! In a statement on Brantley’s site, it’s clear that he is enjoying the single’s success every bit as much as Jason Aldean is. I’m proud to see my name attached to Jason’s version and hope you guys feel the same. This is a big step for me as a songwriter and I couldn’t have asked for a better artist to perform the song. After all, he is a Georgia boy! I love how passionate you all are about this song and my music, I just want you to know that this is a good thing. Let’s show support as Jason runs “My Kinda Party” up the charts! This is a great thing for all of us, including you. Thanks again for all your support! Can I get a hell yeah?!!!! Brantley’s blend of country and rock has grabbed more than just Jason Aldean’s interest. Record label’s industry publications, and fans alike are clamoring for more from the “prodigal son” of the south. His sophomore album “Halfway to Heaven” is slowly making it’s way around the nation, and I predict, will be a sudden hit come this fall. Give Brantley Gilbert a try with “Kick it in the Sticks” off the new album “Halfway to Heaven” [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCsyA4DHwHE&feature=player_embedded] For more on Brantley, visit http://brantleygilbert.comCountry Music Photo Gallery