Toby Keith’s Show Dog Records merges with Universal South

Posted on by

Country’s bad boy Toby Keith aligns with a powerful ally. Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have now merged to become Show Dog Universal. Show Dog Universal will still have the feeling of being an independent label with strong and personal relationships with all our artists,” Toby Keith said. “That is what Show Dog Nashville and Universal South have always been about, but combine the two labels and you have a powerhouse with more staff and better opportunities for our artists. I look forward to working closely with my friend and partner Mark Wright.” “The launch of this new company creates even more value for our combined artists, employees and business partners,” Wright said. “Together, our best-in-class team will create even more opportunities for our artists, while expanding the services we offer. This is truly one-plus-one equaling three. Moreover, I am delighted to be partnering with Toby, with whom I have shared a close friendship for many years. His remarkable achievements as an artist and businessman define creative leadership at its very best. He will be invaluable to taking this company to even greater heights.”Country Music Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood Engaged

Posted on by

Congratulations to Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher who are officially engaged! Mike Fisher confirmed his engagement to Carrie Underwood in a comment to the Ottowa Citizen, stating: “It’s true,” Fisher said. “We’re both obviously excited and very happy and so, exciting times for sure.” No wedding date has been set yet, but the couple is reported to be extremely excited and very much in love. Fisher proposed at a family Christmas gathering in his home Sunday afternoon, then texted his close friends with the news later that day. Talk about your bragging rights!Country Music Photo Gallery

Carrie Underwood Receives Harmony Award

Posted on by

Carrie Underwood received the 2009 Harmony Award at the Symphony Ball this past Saturday night, December 12, at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.  The Nashville Symphony Ball is Nashville’s premiere winter social event, a white-tie, invitation-only evening benefiting the Nashville Symphony and its music outreach programs. This year marked the event’s 25th anniversary. “The honor is a wonderful compliment and it’s an amazing feeling being part of the Nashville community,” said Underwood. “It was a beautiful evening filled with wonderful music, gorgeous ball gowns and décor, and was definitely an evening to remember.” The Harmony Award is presented annually at Nashville’s Symphony Ball to individuals who have demonstrated continued interest and support of music in Nashville. The recipients exemplify the unique harmony between the many worlds of music that exist in our city and have contributed significantly to the development and appreciation of Nashville’s musical culture. Previous recipients of the Harmony Award include: Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Tony Brown, Mike & Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, The Judds, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Rascal Flatts, and Martina McBride, the 2008 recipient.Country Music Photo Gallery

Rascal Flatts – Away in a Manger – Free Download

Posted on by

Rascal Flatts offers fans a free download of their Christmas recording “Away in a Manger” Rascal Flatts has recorded a new Christmas song last week as a present to their fans for their continued support throughout the year. “Away In A Manger” is available via free download at www.rascalflatts.com/gift. This new recording can also be heard on country radio stations across the nation this holiday season. “This song is a celebration to our fans,” says Jay DeMarcus. “From the bottom of our hearts, we are so proud and grateful for all the work you put into promoting Rascal Flatts each and every day.” Can’t get enough of our favorite boys? You can see them live on the second leg of the Rascal Flatts Unstoppable Tour!Country Music Photo Gallery

Country Thunder USA 2010 – Florence Arizona

Posted on by

Arizona unveils superstar Keith Urban at Country Thunder 2010! Country Thunder USA – is back in 2010 kicking up more dust than a cattle drive headed west! Don’t miss your chance to see superstar Keith Urban at Country Thunder 2010!. What better place to hear him belt out those hits than outdoors under the stars in beautiful Florence, Arizona at the one and only Country Thunder. Join us on April 14 to 17 2010, as Keith headlines a spectacular lineup that includes Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert and many more. Check out the 2010 Country Thunder Lineup… WEDNESDAY – April 14, 2010 Kick-off Party! The Grascals Eric Church Neal McCoy THURSDAY – April 15, 2010 Collin Raye Jo Dee Messina Williams & Ree Gary Allan Miranda Lambert FRIDAY – April 16, 2010 Love & Theft Trailer Choir Randy Houser Big Kenny Williams & Ree Kevin Costner & Modern West Keith Urban SATURDAY – April 17, 2010 Jason Jones Kate & Kacey Gloriana Luke Bryan Willie Nelson Kid Rock Get your tickets now starting at the unbelievably low price of $99. That’s only a hundred bucks to see Keith Urban in 2010. It’s the ultimate country Christmas present! But don’t wait – this price won’t last forever! Make it the most memorable weekend of your summer – camping and Reserved Seats are also available. E-Z Pay tickets, Port-o-Potty’s, Children’s (4-Day), and Extra-Vehicle tickets are currently available. Country Music Photo Gallery

Celebration of Music and Motorsports with Hank JR!

Posted on by

Tickets on Sale for Celebration of Music and Motorsports with Hank Williams Jr., Dale Earnhardt Jr., Chris Young, Kyle Petty, and many more! For the fifth consecutive year, the worlds of country music and NASCAR will collide in Music City for Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust on Jan. 8-9, 2010.  Since its inception, the event has attracted an estimated 40,000 fans and has raised more than $800,000 for Victory Junction (a year-round camping experience founded by Kyle and Pattie Petty for children, ages 6-16, with chronic medical conditions or serious illnesses) and the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.  Some of the greatest names in country music will kick off the two-day event at the Grand Ole Opry when Sprint Sound & Speed Presented by SunTrust hits the stage of the Ryman Auditorium on Friday, Jan. 8.  The special night of music will include two shows, 7:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., with Hank Williams Jr. (9:30 p.m. show ), Chris Young, a special performance from NASCAR legend Kyle Petty and his band, and more artists soon to be added. There will also be appearances featuring Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup drivers Greg Biffle and Kasey Kahne and others, during the Friday night event. On Saturday, Jan. 9 the event continues at Nashville’s Municipal Auditorium, where fans of racing and country music will have the opportunity to get up-close and personal with drivers, team owners, and top-name artists for autographs, story-telling, and question-and-answer sessions.  The fan event will feature show car and sponsor displays, as well as a charitable auction with memorabilia from the racing and entertainment industries.  Among the NASCAR stars scheduled to appear are Dale Earnhardt Jr., Tony Stewart, Denny Hamlin, Kasey Kahne, Michael Waltrip, Clint Bowyer, Reed Sorenson, and David Stremme, along with country music stars Jason Michael Carroll, Josh Turner, members of Diamond Rio, and Chris Young with more drivers and country music artists joining the star-studded line-up in the coming weeks. Tickets for the Opry at the Ryman shows on Friday, Jan. 8 (ranging from $32 to $54) and the festival on Jan. 9 ($20 for adults and $12 for children) are on sale and are available through TicketMaster (ticketmaster.com) and at opry.com.  Combination tickets, good for the Opry and the festival, will go on sale Dec. 2 and range from $55 to $69.  Visit www.soundandspeed.org for more information and updates.Country Music Photo Gallery

Lady Antebellum – American Honey Video

Posted on by

Lady Antebellum has released American Honey as their next single, and a video is currently in the works. In the meantime Lady Antebellum fans can preview the song “American Honey” here! The song stays true to Lady A’s infectiously rich sound, and catchy melodies, but features primarily Hilary’s voice for a change. I’m already completely in love with the song, and believe it is the PERFECT follow-up to “Need You Now” As an added bonus, here’s the title single off the album, “Need You Now” [youtube:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApGiN-xfzEs] You can catch Lady Antebellum in concert opening for Tim McGraw’s Southern Voice tour. Stay tuned for the release of the full album “Need You Now” January 26th.Country Music Photo Gallery

The Country Music Association Keeps Students Playing

Posted on by

The CMA (Country Music Association) has made the largest donation to-date to Nashville;s public school systems to keep music programs alive. The CMA has donated $1,066,632 earned during the CMA Music Festival to the Nashville Public School Systems to help keep music alive in the classrooms. It is their largest donation to date and something we are all very proud of. This donation is one of many in the CMA’s “Keep the Music Playing” campaign, which has now achieved over $3Million. For more on this story, visit the official site of the Country Music FoundationCountry Music Photo Gallery