Tim McGraw Remembers When Christmas Changed For Him

With three daughters, Christmas is all about family and kids for McGraw, but he does recall one of his fondest memories of Christmas from his own childhood.

“I think one thing that I remember as a kid that was sort of a turning point for me growin’ up,” says Tim, “is I grew up with my mom and my two sisters. I remember bein’, I don’t know probably eleven-years-old or so, and my mom askin’ me to put together a doll house for my sisters, and that was the first time that I actually got to participate and like be the man of the house with my mom and put together all the Christmas stuff for my sisters, and that was sort of a big sort of a graduating to a young man, I think, in my eyes thing for me.”

As Tim heads into the holidays, his latest single, “Shotgun Rider,” off his Sundown Heaven Town album is top three and continuing to climb. So it looks like he could be celebrating Christmas with a new #1 song.

Tim McGraw Releasing Most Country Album In A While For Him

Tim makes no secret that he is influenced by many different musical genres and even musical decades, especially the 70’s, but he says his new album, Sundown Heaven Town, is “probably a little more country than the last couple records” he’s released.

Although that doesn’t mean that it’s going to sound like Johnny Cash or Willie Nelson or Merle Haggard. Tim explains, “It’s a country album because I’m singing it, but if you want to say, ‘Is it a traditional country? …’ It’s not a traditional country album, but I think it’s very encompassing of everything that I’ve done in my career. I think it’s a good microcosm of what my 20 years in music has been in a lot of ways, so I think that you can certainly hear parts of my career through all these songs.”

Sundown Heaven Town is out this week and features Tim’s latest single, “Shotgun Rider,” as well as his top five hit, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s.” Fans can pick up the standard edition of the album which contains 13 songs, or a deluxe version, which features 18 songs.

Tim McGraw Loves Singing With Faith Hill

Tim’s latest single, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s features him singing with his wife Faith Hill. 

While Tim and Faith have talked about one day doing a duets album together, they try not to overdue their collaborations in order to keep it special, although Tim loves singing with his wife. Tim says, “I think that she’s probably one of the most talented people in the world. Her singing is just, it’s in a league of its own. She’s just really a, truly a singer’s singer.”

“Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” will be on Tim’s new album, Sundown Heaven Town, which will be released on September 16th.

Tim McGraw Doesn’t Expect Tour To Be A Family Affair

Tim recently launched his Sundown Heaven Town Tour to promote his upcoming album, featuring his latest single, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s.”

While his three daughters used to spend a lot of their summers on tour with dad, especially when he and Faith Hill toured together, now that they’re older, Mcgraw doesn’t expect to see them as much on the road this summer. ““I guarantee you they’ll go out as little as possible,” he laughs. “They’re gonna be hangin’ with friends, I mean, they’ll come out some. Faith and the kids’ll come out off and on. More likely than not they’re gonna be, you know, they’ve got their social life to tend to this summer.”

The Sundown Heaven Town Tour with special guests Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope will run through August 9th.

Tim McGraw's Subtle Themes and Common Threads In His Albums

McGraw will release his new album, Sundown Heaven Town in September, featuring his latest single, “Meanwhile Back at Mama’s” and his first single from the album, “Lookin’ for That Girl.”

People often ask if there is a common thread or a theme to the songs on an album, and Tim says, “There are those big, sort of over-reaching, big ideas about a record … and it breaks down from time to time. It’s not necessary, you don’t always fill out the full idea, and the big idea his right here is why I’m socially awkward. I try to branch out and meet new people and this is what happens. I really need to write a book. doesn’t always apply.”

Sometimes the commonality among the songs may not be so obvious. Tim says, “I mean, you can reach in and find moments where well that doesn’t really fit with what you’re sayin’, but I think that there’s things in there that do. There’s always some theme in a song, whether it be musically, whether it be lyrically, whether it just be where it sits in the record that sort of makes all those things come to fruition.”

Sundown Heaven Town, which will be available on September 16th.

Tim McGraw Flies From Dallas To Las Vegas

After performing at the 2014 NCAA March Madness Music Festival he headed to Las Vegas for the 49th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards where he tops the list of most nominated artists with a tally of seven nominations.

During his performance on the ACM Awards, McGraw will launch an unprecedented program called “Countdown To Sundown.”  When fans Shazam his ACM performance, they can join the Countdown program and will automatically have access to exclusive content and be entered to win a season pass for 2 tickets to each of Tim’s summer tour dates including an all expense paid trip to the tour’s opening night on May 8th. 

His upcoming album is set for release on Sept., 16.   Country radio is already on board with lead single “Lookin’ For That Girl,” which climbs into the Top 20 on the charts this week.

Throughout the “Countdown To Sundown,” as the march towards street date heats up, the GRAMMY winning entertainer will be revealing new songs from the album through major primetime television performances and will provide fans with exclusive access to free downloads, first listens, behind the scenes looks, exclusive tour experiences, contests and more throughwww.countdowntosundown.com.

“When you finish making an album, all you want is to have everyone hear it as soon as possible,” said McGraw.  “I’m in the unique position this year that I’m able to tour ahead of the album and introduce the fans to these songs early.   I’ve never done anything like this before, but in a world driven by immediate gratification, I want to be able to play a song live somewhere and then have it available for download right then.  You just never know where new music might pop up over the next few months… It’s going to be a fun summer!”

On May 8, McGraw will kick off his SUNDOWN HEAVEN TOWN 2014 TOUR bringing his “characteristically high-octane” (Billboard) show to over 30 cities.  Joining him for the summer run will be rising stars Kip Moore and Cassadee Pope.  For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit www.timmcgraw.com.

"Making An Album Should Purge You Emotionally and Leave Fans Wanting More"

Tim McGraw will release his new album in May, featuring his latest single, “Lookin’ for That Girl,” and he says when he approaches making a record, “It’s about makin’ a great record, about makin’ somethin’ you feel proud of, makin’ somethin’ that sort of purges you emotionally. If it doesn’t purge you emotionally, then you’re not gonna have the reaction you want from the fans who listen to it, because music has to be cathartic, and all art is about purging your emotions.”

At the same time, for Tim, making an album is about trying to achieve something he will never achieve. 

He says, “If it doesn’t leave some questions unanswered, and it doesn’t leave you to wanna go back in again and try to answer those questions, knowin’ that those questions aren’t gonna be answered the next time you do it either. It’s what makes art propel and makes an artist propel, and makes listeners stay engaged with you.”

The Academy Of Country Music Award Nominees/2014

Miranda Lambert and Tim McGraw lead nominations for the 49th ACM Awards, announced via the Academy's Facebook and Twitter in a digital press conference. 

Twelve celebrity guests ranging from Grammy-winning country artist Darius Rucker to Duck Dynasty stars Willie & Korie Robertson to pop sensation Katy Perry helped reveal the nominees.

WATCH THEIR VIDEOS HERE

READ FULL NOMINEES LIST

Who do you think should be among the final three nominees for ACM New Artist of the Year? Cast your vote NOW to help us narrow down the field. You can vote once per day before voting closes on Feb. 4th.

VOTE NOW

Tim McGraw And Faith Hill Won’t Skimp On Thanksgiving

Tim is incredibly fit these days, working out regularly and eating healthy, but he admits when Thanksgiving rolls around, all bets are off. 

“Thanksgiving is one of my favorite meals of the year so I’m not going to skip out on anything,” says Tim.  “My wife cooks a great Thanksgiving dinner and we have the traditional turkey and cornbread dressing and all the vegetables that are grown in our parents’ garden. We have cornbread and peas, green beans, butter beans, cranberry sauce—all those things.  So, we don’t miss out on anything at Thanksgiving.” 

We know Faith Hill makes some pretty incredible cornbread in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet, so we’re sure that will be on Tim’s plate come Thursday.

Forbes: Ten Top-Earning Country Music Acts of 2013

Country artists making Forbes' recent list of the Highest-Paid Musicians 2013:

• Toby Keith at No. 4 with $65 million
• Taylor Swift at No. 7 with $55 million
• Kenny Chesney tied with Beyoncé at No. 9 with $53 million
• Tim McGraw tied with Pink and Tiësto at No. 25 with $32 million 

Forbes uses data collected from Pollstar, the RIAA, Nielsen SoundScan and the artists themselves while taking into account ticket sales, merchandising, publishing royalties, endorsements and personal business ventures.

Madonna is No. 1 with $125 million.

The ranking is based on income from June 1, 2012 through June 1, 2013.

Less Than A Month To The CMA Awards

In addition to celebrating the Country genre by honoring the best in the format with industry voted awards, the CMA Awards are also home to some of the most memorable performances and collaborations in music.

The first round of performers hitting the stage this year include Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

Tim McGraw's Daughters Inspire Him To Speak Out

The video for “Highway Don’t Care,” which was just nominated for three CMA Awards, takes the opportunity to speak out against the dangerous epidemic of texting and driving. 

Although that’s not what the song is about, Tim loved the video treatment and he says, ““I’m not a big soap box guy so I’m not gonna stand on a soap box and tell everybody how they should live their lives and the things that they should do, and what you should and shouldn’t do.” However, as a father of two teenage daughters who are starting to drive, Tim says, “It just felt like it was the right opportunity and I was in a position to feel like that. It really meant something for me to say it because I do have teenage daughters, so it wouldn’t be like just throwing a message out there for the hell of throwing a message out there.”

Tim, whose current single “Southern Girl” is approaching the top ten, acknowledges, “It’s a different world than when I was a kid. I mean, the idea of having a phone anywhere outside of your house—I remember not having a phone, period. So having a phone outside of your house and texting and talking on the phone and driving it’s not engrained as it is now, because we’ve lived with it for a while but that’s all they know.” He hopes that by lending his voice to the initiative not to text and drive that he can help keep his daughters and everyone else on the roads a little safer.

Platinum For Tim, Luke and Gold For Kelly

Canada Country Aircheck reports:                                     

• Big Machine's Tim McGraw has received platinum certification from the RIAA for "Highway Don't Care."
  
• Capitol's Luke Bryan earned platinum for his album Doin' My Thing, as well as gold for his song "Crash My Party."
• 19/RCA/Columbia's Kelly Clarkson received a gold cert for her album Greatest Hits: Chapter One.

Tim, Faith and Hank Lived Here

And, Curbed's Rob Bear writes that you can own it next if you have $20 million:

Country music couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill have listed their 753-acre farm, once owned by fellow music legend Hank Williams, on the outskirts of Nashville for a whopping $20M. But despite the high price tag, part of the estate, the antebellum mansion at the heart of the property, comes completely unrestored. That may not deter many buyers, as the house is in stunning original condition and a nearby log home has been renovated to a very high standard. It is unclear why the couple, who purchased this property back in 2001 haven't moved ahead with a renovation. It is not for lack of cash, as the pair have an estimated net worth of $135M, but perhaps they were distracted by a litany of other property transactions.

Is "Tim McGraw Live" In The Future?

McGraw is so excited about the freedom he has to be able to get new music to his fans these days, whether it’s his latest single, “Southern Girl,” or live cuts, but if he could make any kind of album he wanted to, just for fun, he has a few ideas about what he might like to do. 

“I mean, I love ‘70’s rock,” says Tim. “I grew up listening to it. But on the other hand, I love Merle Haggard. I love George Strait. I’m sure one of these days, that there’s something that I would probably do. If I could do my favorite songs of all times in every genre, yeah I would love to do that. But I don’t think it’s the time to do that yet.” 

For now he’s focused on promoting the music on his Two Lanes of Freedom album. And before he makes that album of all his favorites there’s something else he’d like to do. “I think more than anything that I would love just to go in and camp out at a club somewhere and make a live record,” says Tim. “I think that’s something that I would like to do."

Ducks head North for Summer

Of course, Phil Vassar, Sawyer Brown, Brantley Gilbert, Tim McGraw, Randy Travis, Doc Walker, Small Town Pistols, The Dixie Chicks, Bill Anderson, Gloriana, Chad Brownlee, Scotty McCreery, High Valley and Kenny Chesney, among many others headline Craven, Saskatchewan's annual Jamboree, but the big announcement this week involves A&E's Duck Dynasty star, Willie Robertson who also joins the party.

Robertson is the business behind the beard as President of the Duck Commander empire. He is also one of the stars of A&E's Duck Dynasty, the wildly successful reality show that features Robertson's entire family as they work together in the family business, and follow their passion of duck-hunting and outdoor adventuring.

New to Craven 2013, be sure to check out Circus Electronica at the East End of Main Street. Presented by RHINO'S DJs Sub Fizix Productions. Open from 9 pm to close Friday-Sunday come dance the night away to live DJs mixing all types of music late into the night. Don't miss the best party inside the biggest party of the summer!

The Craven Country Jamboree is the longest running music festival in Canada offering an amazing experience on the same picturesque site for over 30 years.

In July, fans enjoy world-class entertainment and quaint prairie charm. The festival attracts super stars like Kenny Chesney, George Strait and Taylor Swift, and features new Canadian talent each year.

Besides the main stage talent, the Pump Roadhouse beer gardens features fun local acts to the thousands of people attending each night. As well, there are plenty of other activities to keep fans entertained like bull-riding demonstrations, a hypnotist, a song-writers circle, and Circus Electronica, an electronic dance party.

Across the river, the Craven Country Jamboree can accommodate 8,500 campers, easily becoming the third largest town in Saskatchewan each year.

With its storied history, famous performers, and friendly appeal, the Craven Country Jamboree puts Canada on the map on the world stage of festivals.

For more information, visit Craven Country Jamboree at www.cravencountryjamboree.com, like us on Facebook at www.fb.com/cravencountryjamboree, or follow @CCJsask. 

Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, The Dixie Chicks, Randy Travis, Phil Vassar, Scotty McCreery and Brantley Gilbert All On One Stage

Craven, Saskatchewan continues to astound with the amazing lineup set to play the World’s Greatest Country Music Festival from July 11-14, 2013 in Craven Saskatchewan. Once again, long-time weekend hosts, Williams and Ree, will serve as festival ambassadors.

“This may be the lineup to end all lineups,” said Troy Vollhoffer, executive producer. “We are always proud to bring the biggest and the best acts that are available, but this year I think we’ve outdone ourselves. The lineup is deep with a great mix of young, classic, and a trio of superstars. There is definitely something here for everyone. It’s going to be an explosive show in 2013.”


Replacing Lady Antebellum on the revised bill:  The Dixie Chicks.

Tickets are still available at $179, but they won’t last long. Ticket prices will increase to $199 on June 1st.

Thursday, July 11 (Beer Garden kick-off party)
8:00 pm – Williams & Ree
9:00 pm – Phil Vassar

Friday, July 12
4:00 pm – Small Town Pistols
5:30 pm – Sawyer Brown
7:00 pm – Brantley Gilbert
9:00 pm – Tim McGraw

Saturday, July 13
2:30 pm – High Valley
4:00 pm – Williams and Ree
5:30 pm – Randy Travis
7:00 pm – Doc Walker
9:00 pm – The Dixie Chicks

Sunday, July 14
1:00 pm – CKRM Big Talent Contest Winner
2:30 pm – Bill Anderson
4:00 pm – Gloriana
5:30 pm – Chad Brownlee
7:00 pm – Scotty McCreery
8:30 pm – Kenny Chesney

Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night

ACM has put together a Spotify playlist of some of Tim’s biggest hits and the songs his buddies made famous to get you primed to tune-in to CBS Sunday night 9pm ET/PT 8 pm CT for a great show.

Country Star Favorite Charities

“My Cause” artist and charities:

• Tim McGraw: Operation Homefront
• Jason Aldean: Susan G Komen
• The Band Perry: Notes for Notes
• Dierks Bentley: Miles & Music
• Luke Bryan: Shriners Hospital
• Florida Georgia Line: The Boot Campaign
• John Fogerty: Wounded Warrior Project
• Brantley Gilbert: Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)
• Faith Hill: Neighbor’s Keeper
• Lady Antebellum: LadyAID
• Nelly: Make-A-Wish Foundation (St. Louis Chapter)
• Ne-Yo: Compound Foundation
• Pitbull: Imagination Foundation
• Taylor Swift: MusiCares
• Keith Urban: MusiCares

Country artists are superstars with big hearts, and that was clearly displayed at this year’s ACM Presents: Tim McGraw’s Superstar Summer Night, which airs this Sunday on CBS. It was a night of laughs and great music in addition to supporting the charitable arm of the Academy,  ACM Lifting Lives.

 

Each artist that performed on the show was given the opportunity to select a charity of their choice to receive a $10,000 donation from ACM Lifting Lives. Click on the links below to watch “My Cause” videos and find out more about these great organizations.

Tim McGraw Is Giving Away A Custom Car

Tim has partnered with Pennzoil for the Four Wheels To Freedom custom car giveaway. 

McGraw personally designed a Challenger SRT for the contest that runs now through July 31. 

The car will be on display at Two Lanes Of Freedom Tour dates.

Enter here!