Friday, November 28, 2014

Start Your ACM Country Fan Holiday Shopping NOW!

Check out the ACM Awards official merchandise online store.

As we approach the 50th Anniversary of the ACM Awards (April 19th on CBS!), they're offing 10 Days of Giveaways this holiday season Monday-Friday, starting December 1st – December 12th!
Check back each day as a new featured artist will be revealed and enter for your chance to win prizes & a signed copy of the ACM’s first-ever ACM commemorative book, This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, from the artist of the day! 
Check www.acmcountry.com on Monday December 1st for your first chance to win!
Purchase your own copy of This Is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, HERE!

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

What God Wants For Christmas

Darius Rucker recently released his first Christmas album, Home for the Holidays. He co-wrote two songs on the collection – the 2009 “Candy Cane Christmas,” which originally appeared on Now! That’s What I Call Christmas 4 and his new holiday single, “What God Wants for Christmas.” He teamed up with producer Frank Rogers and songwriter Monte Criswell.

“Monte Criswell had this great idea and this great thing he had come up with of ‘What God Wants for Christmas,’” says Darius. “We sat down and the first thing I did was I Googled ‘What God Wants for Christmas,’ and I couldn’t believe no one had ever written that…So, we sat down and just the whole time was so inspirational I think for all of us. We were sitting there writing the song and it was coming. Every line somebody said was a line we used and it was a great line. We wanted to write one of those songs that years from now people are still listening to and people are still – and it’s important to people. We wanted to put God back in Christmas, and that’s what we tried to do with that song.”

Home for the Holidays also features such classics as “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” with Sheryl Crow, “O Come All Ye Faithful,” “Winter Wonderland” and “White Christmas,” among others.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Thomas Rhett's Thanksgiving Requires Dressing, Hold The Gravy

Rhett has been out touring all year and he will continue through mid-December, but he does plan to take a few days off to celebrate Thanksgiving with his family.

When it’s time to sit down for Thanksgiving dinner, Thomas says, “My favorite Thanksgiving dish would probably be dressing. Every year both grandparents make a dressing, they’re kinda similar, but I don’t’ like gravy on my dressing, which is probably the weirdest thing in American culture. But, dressing is probably my favorite Thanksgiving dish.”

When Thomas reflects on what he’s thankful for this year, it will undoubtedly include his two number one songs, “It Goes Like This” and “Get Me Some of That,” and his current single, “Make Me Wanna,” which is rapidly approaching the top 20.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Sam Hunt On Letterman Monday

Hunt returns to late night TV Monday night to perform his brand new single, “Take Your Time,” on CBS’ Late Show with David Letterman

It's the follow-up single to Hunt’s Platinum-selling No. 1 smash, “Leave the Night On.” Both tracks are featured on Hunt’s album, MONTEVALLO, the No. 1 and best-selling country debut album since 2011.

Hunt recently announced his Lipstick Graffiti Tour launching in Jan. 2015.  The first ever headlining tour for the country newcomer sold out most markets within minutes of going on sale.  Limited tickets remain in select markets, and Hunt is exploring larger venues and second shows where scheduling permits. Check www.SamHunt.com for the latest touring news and ticket information.

Hunt’s “Take Your Time” impacts country radio Nov. 24.  For information, music, images, tour dates and more, visit www.SamHunt.com.

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

The Holidays Are Just Around The Corner. CMA is Ready. YOU?

The annual two-hour Christmas special "CMA Country Christmas" airs Monday, Dec. 1 at 8|7c on ABC. Promote tune-in for this family-friendly special.
Here are the assets for you to use to help:  CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE PROMO TOOLS
  • Web/Social/Email copy & talking points (prior to and day of air)
  • Logos & key art
  • Web banners
  • Artist-specific social sharing images
  • Video and audio content (with more being added soon)
Your CMA Marketing Team, Catherine, Amanda, Mary, Scott, Marty and Ben will be live posting on social networks using #CMAchristmas if you are interested in interacting night of show.


Click over to CMAchristmas.com for the full lineup and photos.

Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Lady Antebellum CRS 2015 Humanitarian Award

In December of 2012, Lady Antebellum established LadyAID, through which they continue to raise money and support kids in need on a local, national and global level through Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Children’s Miracle Network, and myLIFEspeaks.

Armed with this overwhelming passion to help kids everywhere, Hillary Scott has spent time in Haitian orphanages helping to rebuild and serve the children. Charles Kelley has hosted his own golf tournament to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and his father’s John W Kelley MD Cardiovascular Endowment at University Health Care Foundation.  And Dave, along with Charles and Hillary, established a ping-pong challenge called Ping Pong & Songs during CMA Music Fest to benefit the children supported through LadyAID (a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee).

Since the beginning of their career, Charles, Dave and Hillary of Lady Antebellum have used their music and their likeness to make a difference in people’s lives. Whether it was their most recent week-long 7FOR7 campaign where they traveled across the country to surprise and fulfill seven wishes for seven fans in seven days; to taking on rebuilding a flood damaged elementary school in Kingston Springs or lifting the spirits of the community of Henryville, IN by performing at their high school after tornadoes ravaged the town, raising more than $240,000 for them; to raising money for at-risk youth, Lady Antebellum has been there to lend not only their voices and time, but also their hearts and money to make a difference.

CRS President Charlie Morgan stated, "It is always humbling and inspiring to learn of the great work that Country Artists do behind the scenes to share the many blessings and gifts that come with fame and stardom.  I would argue no format has a more generous group of artists than we do and at CRS 2015 we will pay special tribute to one of the best, Lady Antebellum with our Artist Humanitarian Award."

The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.  Past recipients of the annual award have included 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.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Justin Moore Got Simple But Meaningful Advice From His Dad

Justin is a father of three, which means he’ll probably be passing on some life lessons and words of wisdom to his daughters, the way his dad did to him.

Moore says the best advice he remembers from his dad was pretty simple. His dad told him, ‘If you wanna do somethin’, go do it. You can do anything that you put your mind to.’

That advice is nothing new and it’s been around forever, but the fact that he gets to make a living performing and singing songs like his new single, “This Kind of Town,” “is a prime example of that bein’ so true.”

Friday, November 14, 2014

Eric Church On Austin City Limits This Weekend

The episode premieres Saturday (November 15th) at 9pm ET/8pm CT as part of the iconic PBS music series’ milestone Season 40. Church has blazed his own trail to superstardom and now makes his ACL debut with his signature brand of no holds barred country music.

Famous for a game changing live show, Church performs songs from his critically-acclaimed, chart-topping 2014 album The Outsiders in his ACL debut.

“This is gonna be fun,” says the North Carolina native, clearly enjoying his first visit to the ACL stage.

Church's appearance is a twelve-song tour-de-force that presents the performer at the top of his game. Delivering a host of hits in his trademark aviators, Church’s crowd-pleasing set is filled with anthems about youth, family and outliers that ignite through songwriting skill, powerful riffs and energetic vocals. Highlights include the rebellious “The Outsiders”, the autobiographical title track “Sinners Like Me” from his 2006 debut and the Grammy-nominated anthem “Springsteen” from his 2011 breakthrough Chief, with the Austin audience providing the “whoa-ohs” of the chorus.  Church brings it all home solo, showcasing his softer side with the heartfelt set-closing ballad “A Man Who Was Gonna Die Young.” 

ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings for times) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at http://video.pbs.org/program/austin-city-limits/ immediately following the initial broadcast. The show's official hashtag is #acltv40.  

Tuesday, November 11, 2014

George Strait releases the deluxe edition of The Cowboy Rides Away: Live From AT&T Stadium


The deluxe package includes 28 live tracks on two CDs and a DVD of the 40-song show from his record-breaking final tour date in June at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

The collection includes exclusive commentary from King George, as well and went on sale yesterday exclusively through Walmart.

Join Strait for the historic concert were very special guests Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Vince Gill, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Sheryl Crow, Faith Hill, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride and Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson, as well as introducing George “Bubba” Strait, Jr.
The King of Country Music performed for more than 1 million fans during his two-year, record-breaking final U.S. tour, and he was just seen on last week’s CMA Awards performing his hit “Cowboys Like Us” with pal Eric Church.

Monday, November 10, 2014

FGL Isn’t Concerned About Their “Place” In Country Music

Florida Georgia Line add a unique flavor to the country music mix with songs like their latest single, “Sun Daze,” which causes some people to want to define FGL’s place in country music and where they fit in, but Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard aren’t worried about things like that.

“We just think it’s important to keep our head down and keep workin’ and doin’ what we’re doin’,” says Tyler. “And to be honest man, I’m worried about Tyler and BK’s worried about BK, and together we’re worried about Florida Georgia Line, and that’s about it.”

They try to keep up with what other artists are doing, but they don’t spend a lot of time worrying about how it compares to what they’re doing. Tyler says, “For the most part, we’re worried about playin’ shows, writin’ songs and givin’ our fans what they want and tryin’ to live the best as we can.”

They hear the chatter that goes on around them but Tyler says, “We don’t really let it affect us very often.”

Friday, November 7, 2014

110,000 Tickets In 12 Minutes

The tradition continues in New England for Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean as they have sold out two nights at Foxboro’s Gillette Stadium -- ten months in advance – in just under a dozen minutes. These latest sellouts mark Chesney’s 12th and 13th play sold out play at Gillette Stadium, birthplace of the No Shoes Nation.

“Let’s do it, Boston!” said Aldean.   “When we first started talking about doing stadiums together next summer, Kenny and I circled Foxboro on the map and made it top priority.  It’s going to be a long winter waiting on this one!” 

“Boston... You guys knock me out!” Chesney said when reached with the news. “Your passion for life, music and rocking inspires me more than you even know. I can’t believe it’s gonna be ten months ‘til I get there. But hearing this, man, I’m gonna be so ready when I get there.” 

Chesney has always had a special love affair with Boston. He created the Spread the Love Fund to aid the amputee survivors of the Boston Marathon bombing, as well as helping sell out Farm Aid when it was outside Boston. The years of multiple Gillette Stadium shows created enough talk amongst his camp the No Shoes Nation was named there, commemorated with a Super Bowl-style banner, which hangs in the end zone. 

For Aldean, Boston fans hit a grand slam for the superstar last summer when he sold out two nights at the iconic Fenway Park in just minutes with the Boston Globe noting the show was “a barn burner…professional, polished…full of big beats and brawny riffs.”  That same year, Aldean and his smoking five-piece band also performed at the Boston Strong concert to benefit the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings alongside Aerosmith, James Taylor and Jimmy Buffet. 

Chesney, a 4-time Country Music Association and 4-consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year, is the only country artist in the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top Touring Acts of the Last 25 Years; impressive given headlining began in 2002. Deemed “The King of the Road” by The Wall Street Journal, his summer concerts are legend. 

Reigning ACM “Male Vocalist Of The Year” Aldean has one of the year’s top selling albums in all genres with his latest release Old Boots, New Dirt.  He is also known for high intensity shows, sense of true grit and songs that capture the way his fans genuinely live their lives. The triple-platinum seller and country music’s most downloaded male artist in history has extended his Burning It Down Tour into 2015 with 23 dates, starting in Greenville, South Carolina February 12. 

Academy of Country Music Top New Artist Brantley Gilbert, who has hit #1 with “Country Must Be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do” and “Bottoms Up,” will bring his own brew to Foxoboro – as well as fellow songwriter/emerging artist Cole Swindell who hit #1 with both “Chillin’ It” and “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.”

Tuesday, November 4, 2014

Brad & Carrie Host + Perform


Country Music’s Biggest Night gets cranked up tomorrow at 8|7c on ABC. Country's top stars will perform as the industry's top honors get awarded live from Nashville. 

See performances by Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, plus special guests Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, and for a full list of performers and presenters, visit CMAawards.com.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Blake Shelton On 60 Minutes


Nora O'Donnell did a terrific profile (click to watch it),

Shelton, whose new album debuted at No. 1, says the reason the music is so popular is because its listeners and artists share a bond. “It's not just our music, I think, that people feel like they can relate to. But it's us. It's the artists that they feel like they can relate to,”  he says.  “I know for me when I go home I hunt, I fish, and I plant corn, and I drive back roads.  I literally do the things that I sing about.”

For the profile, O’Donnell went on tour with Shelton, attending a concert in Little Rock, Ark., and then accompanies him to his home town of Ada, Okla.   There, Shelton drove her around to see the sights, including an apartment he once shared with his father in the lean years before he left for Nashville.  He sits down with her for a long interview on stage at the McSwain Theater in downtown Ada.  

Shelton’s current single “Neon Light” is No. 2 on the country charts and fans will also be able to catch him performing on this year’s CMA Awards, where he is up for 3 nominations including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Single of the Year for “Mine Would Be You.”

Sam Hunt Scores His First #1 As An Artist

“Leave the Night On” lands at No. 1 on both the Billboard and MediaBase charts this week making it Hunt’s first chart-topping single as an artist. 

The song also becomes Hunt’s first RIAA-certified Platinum title, registering more than 1 Million in sales. Written by Hunt, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “Leave the Night On” was the highest debuting new artist single in the history of Country Aircheck and quickly made its way to the peak position.

“Leave the Night On” is Hunt’s third No. 1 as a songwriter following “Come Over” recorded by Kenny Chesney and “We Are Tonight” recorded by Billy Currington. Additional writer credits include Keith Urban’s recent Top 10 “Cop Car.”

On all of that, Hunt shares, “I'm really excited that folks have connected to ‘Leave the Night On’ the way they have. This past year has been a wild ride and I can’t wait to see what the future has to hold.”

The No. 1 single leads the way for Hunt’s recent Oct. 27 album release, MONTEVALLO, on MCA Records Nashville. In support of last week’s release, Hunt performed on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and "Live with Kelly & Michael,” as well as an exclusive in-studio performance for iHeart Radio.

Identified as the “next big artist,” Hunt is the current talent focus of VEVO’s LIFT program and he was recently named winner of Spotify’s Emerge program, a first for a country artist.

Fans can find Hunt out on the road with Kip Moore and Charlie Worsham on the CMT ON TOUR: UP IN SMOKE Tour.

For more information, tour dates and music, please visit www.SamHunt.com.
facebook.com/SamHuntMusic | twitter.com/SamHuntMusic | instagram.com/SamHuntMusic

Reba, From Excitement To Mourning

As you have probably heard, after a 5 year illness, Reba’s daddy, “Clark” passed away less than 2 weeks ago. She was close to her dad, and fans may recall a loving song she wrote and recorded about him in the late 70’s, simply titled “Daddy.”

Just 2 days prior to her father’s passing, Reba had been so excited as she announced that she would be releasing music via Big Machine’s new label, NASH ICON MUSIC. In a press conference that same day, Reba stated that she was humbled and grateful, and revealed that she had been recording…as she puts it “an awful lot” in the last couple of months.
“The one thing we’re sticklers about is keeping the emotion. Not to make it perfect, because I’m not perfect. And when I make a boo boo every once in a while; I’m not talking about being off pitch, but if it’s a little slower and the harmonies are not just right stacked immediately on each other, if it makes it sound like we’re in a living room singing together at a good party…That’s the way I like it. I want it to feel heartfelt, lots of soul with it.”
Reba’s first record contract came in 1975, and when asked to compare the studio experience from then to now…She smiled and said “It’s faster.” She went on to talk about how making music isn’t about being perfect in the studio.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Watch Live This Wednesday On ABC

Country Music’s biggest stars are coming together on one stage for one night at "The 48th Annual CMA Awards" – Country Music’s Biggest Night! Watch live from Nashville this Wednesday, Nov. 5!


See performances by Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lady Antebellum, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, plus special guests Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor, and more!

Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood take the stage to host for the seventh year in a row. Watch to see who takes home Country’s top honors live Wednesday, Nov. 5 at 8|7c on ABC! For a full list of nominees visit CMAawards.com.