• NEWS AND NOTES: Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Kylie Morgan, Glen Campbell

    Little Big Town and Parker McCollum will take part in an all-star tribute to Ronnie Milsap during his final Nashville stop on October 3rd. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday (June 9th) at 10am CT via Ticketmaster. The concert will also feature performances by Kelly Clarkson, Justin MooreScotty McCreeryTracy LawrenceRandy HouserSara EvansLorrie MorganNeal McCoyBRELANDPhil VassarTerri Clark, The Band of HeathensCharlie McCoy and more.

    Hannah Corbin’s Country Happy Hour returns for Season 4 on Friday (June 9th) at 3pm ET, and the series will feature the music of several of the biggest names in country music. Hannah is one of Peloton’s lead instructors, and this class is the only country focused series Peloton has and will include songs by Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brothers Osborne and Kylie Morgan. Classes will be live beginning at 3pm ET, but you can also take them at any time after they debut. Also, Peloton has asked Kylie to join them in studio for a “from ride to dine” Happy Hour on July 7th. Kylie will take the class and then have a real-time happy hour post-class.

    A bio-pic on the life of Glen Campbell is currently in development by director Justin Chadwick and producer James Keach (who directed the documentary on Campbell I’ll Be Me). Currently titled Rhinestone Cowboy, after the legendary performer’s 1975 chart-topper of the same name, the film reportedly has Tim McGraw attached to it.

     

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN’S ALBUM, TORNADO, HAS BEEN CERTIFIED 2X PLATINUM.

    Little Big Town’s 2012 Tornado album has been certified double-platinum by the R.I.A.A. (Recording Industry Association of America). The album, which features the No. 1 songs “Pontoon” and the title track, “Tornado,” stayed atop the Billboard Country Albums charts for its first five weeks, making it their longest running No. 1 album.

    When the album was released, the group hoped fans would have it as one of their go-to records. I hope it’s a record that stays in their collection for years to come,” said Karen Fairchild. “You know, like one of those timeless records? That would be an amazing compliment to know that I was in someone’s playlist or go-to list of someone’s records that defined a summer time or a period in their life. I can name records for me that when I go back and I think about moments in my life, it was like my theme song or my theme record.”

     

     

     

    Audio / Prior to the album being released, Little Big Town talk about what they hope fans will receive when they pick up a copy of their album, Tornado.

    Download

    LBT (hopes for record-fans) OC: …people too. :52
    JIMI: “I think they’re gonna have a good time with the record. Music is an escape, and I think that there’s those moments on the record that are that and a good time, but there’s some serious moments and moments that speak to life and the ups and downs of that, and what do we want them to have? [laughs]” KAREN: “I hope it’s a record that stays in their collection for years to come. [PHILLIP: “Yeah.”] You know, like one of those timeless records? That would be an amazing compliment to know that I was in someone’s playlist or go-to list of someone’s records that defined a summer time or a period in their life. I can name records for me that when I go back and I think about moments in my life, it was like my theme song or my theme record. And I know ‘Pontoon’ has been that for a lot of people this summer, but I’m hoping this record can be that for people too.”

    Video /

    View
  • THE NOMINATIONS FOR THE 58TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS ARE ANNOUNCED.

    The nominations for the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards have been announced. Chris Stapleton picks up four nods, including Entertainer of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year for “You Should Probably Leave” as both artist and songwriter.

    Jon Pardi picks up nominations for Album of the Year for Mr. Saturday Night as songwriter and producer.

    https://twitter.com/JonPardi/status/1646650602905034753

     

    Carrie Underwood is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, while Jordan Davis scores his first ACM nomination for Male Artist of the Year.

    Little Big Town is up for Group of the Year, and the Duo of the Year category features Brothers Osborne, Maddie & Tae and The War And Treaty.

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Of note, John Osborne from Brothers Osborne earns a second nod for Album of the Year (Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville) as Producer.

    The Academy of Country Music Awards will air live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 11th on Amazon Prime.

    Entertainer of the Year

    Jason Aldean
    Kane Brown
    Luke Combs
    Miranda Lambert
    Chris Stapleton
    Carrie Underwood
    Morgan Wallen

    Female Artist of the Year

    Kelsea Ballerini
    Miranda Lambert
    Ashley McBryde
    Carly Pearce
    Lainey Wilson

    Male Artist of the Year

    Kane Brown
    Luke Combs
    Jordan Davis
    Chris Stapleton
    Morgan Wallen

    Duo of the Year

    Brooks & Dunn
    Brothers Osborne
    Dan + Shay
    Maddie & Tae 
    The War and Treaty

    Group of the Year

    Lady A
    Little Big Town 
    Midland
    Old Dominion
    Zac Brown Band

    New Female Artist of the Year

    Priscilla Block 
    Megan Moroney
    Caitlyn Smith
    Morgan Wade
    Hailey Whitters

    New Male Artist of the Year

    Zach Bryan
    Jackson Dean
    ERNEST
    Dylan Scott
    Nate Smith
    Bailey Zimmerman

    Album of the Year

    Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville – Ashley McBryde; Producer: John Osborne
    Bell Bottom Country – Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce
    Growin’ Up – Luke Combs; Producers: Luke Combs, Chip Matthews, Jonathan Singleton
    Mr. Saturday Night – Jon Pardi; Producers: Jon Pardi, Bart Butler, Ryan Gore
    Palomino – Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall, Luke Dick, Miranda Lambert, Mikey Reaves

    Single of the Year

    “Heart Like a Truck” – Lainey Wilson; Producer: Jay Joyce
    “Never Wanted to Be That Girl” – Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde; Producers: Josh Osborne, Shane McAnally
    “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell; Producer: Zach Crowell
    “Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown; Producer: Dann Huff
    “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson; Producer: Trent Willmon

    Song of the Year

    “Sand In My Boots” – Morgan Wallen; Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Michael Hardy
    “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell; Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Cole Swindell, Jesse Frasure, Mark D. Sanders, Thomas Rhett, Tim Nichols; Publishers: Ashley Gorley
    “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson; Songwriters: Ben Stennis, Matt Rogers
    “wait in the truck” – HARDY ft. Lainey Wilson; Songwriters: Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, Michael Hardy, Renee Blair
    “You Should Probably Leave” – Chris Stapleton; Songwriters: Ashley Gorley, Chris DuBois, Chris Stapleton

    Visual Media of the Year

    “HEARTFIRST” – Kelsea Ballerini; Producers: Christen Pinkston & Wesley Stebbins-Perry; Director: P Tracy}
    “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” – Cole Swindell; Producer: Troy Jackson; Director: Spidey Smith
    “Thank God” – Kane Brown with Katelyn Brown; Producer: Luke Arreguin; Director: Alex Alvga
    “‘Til You Can’t” – Cody Johnson; Producer: Maddy Hayes; Director: Dustin Haney
    “wait in the truck” – HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson; Producer: Inkwell Productions; Director: Justin Clough
    “What He Didn’t Do” – Carly Pearce; Producer: Ryan Byrd; Director: Alexa Campbell

    Songwriter of the Year

    Nicolle Galyon
    Ashley Gorley
    Chase McGill
    Josh Osborne
    Hunter Phelps

    Artist-Songwriter of the Year

    Luke Combs
    ERNEST
    HARDY
    Miranda Lambert
    Morgan Wallen

     

    Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about being nominated for Entertainer of the Year.

    Download

    Carrie Underwood (Entertainer nomination) OC: …that category. :47
    “It is, I mean, obviously such an honor to be nominated in Entertainer of the Year. Obviously, that’s such a tough category to be in, ‘cause there’s just so, I don’t even want to call it competition, there’s just so many hard working artists out there that are just you know pouring themselves and their time and their energy and their love and their artistry into what they do. You know, obviously just to even be in the final category is just absolutely amazing and hopefully, above all, we can all just remember that it’s a celebration of a great year in country music and in our careers as artists, so we’ll just see what happens, but definitely excited to be in that category.”

    Audio / Jon Pardi says his album, Mr. Saturday Night, is more about his life experiences than any other record.

    Download

    Jon Pardi (New album Mr Sat Night) OC: …record before. :10
    “I think it’s a special record. I think it’s different, and Mr Saturday Night, I say about this record – it’s more life experience on this record than any record before.”

    Audio / Priscilla Block is so excited to be nominated for ACM New Female this year.

    Download

    Priscilla Block (ACM 2023 nomination) OC: …to party, baby! :28
    “Omigosh! It’s Priscilla Block. I am so honored and just literally freaking out that I am nominated for New Female at the ACM Awards. This is my second year being nominated, and it’s such an honor. Gosh, I think about five years ago when I would’ve dreamed of being here, so I’m really excited, and it’s gonna be in Texas, so I’m ready. I’m ready to party, baby!”

    Audio / Michael and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty talk about their first ACM nomination for Duo of the Year.

    Download

    The War and Treaty (ACM 2023 nomination) OC: (Tanya) …country music. 1:13
    “Hey everybody! I’m Tanya, and I’m Michael, and we’re The War and Treaty. (Michael) This morning, April 13th, we woke up and to be able to see Bobby Bones do the nominations for the ACMS ad get to the category of Duo of the Year, and we were just callin’ ‘em out. We were like, ‘Brooks & Dunn,’ ‘Dan + Shay,’ and we were like ‘Brothers Osborne,’ Brothers Osborne, yes! Dan + Shay, Dan + Shay, and we was like, ‘Yes.’ We were like, ‘Maddie & Tae,’ we was like ‘Yes,’ and then time slowed down. They were like The War and Treaty. And honestly, we burst into tears, we screamed, we yelled, we high-fived, we hugged our manager, Christina. In our minds then traveled back in time and forward. We traveled to Charly Pride, DeFord Bailey and Ray Charles, and we were like, ‘I hope they’re seeing this wherever they are, and I hope they’re dancing and high-fiving as well. Thank you, ACMs.” TANYA: “Thank you so much to the ACMs and everybody who’s nominated and all of our peers in country music.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Brothers Osborne

    Little Big Town announced that they will appear on the new CBS Television Show, Superfan this summer.  It is described as the “ultimate fan-based competition, in which contestants vie to prove who knows the most about a favorite performer. These aspiring superfans will also live a dream by getting to personally engage one-on-one with their idol.” Little Big Town’s episode is scheduled to air June 30th.

     

    Reba McEntire will release a new ranch-inspired book titled, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating and Dusting Off Your Boots on October 10th. It will include over 50 recipes for full meals, desserts, cocktails and more from Reba’s family traditions, as well as exclusive photographs and never-before-told stories of Reba’s personal and professional life — from ranching with her Daddy to pranks on the road and to falling in love and some lighthearted lifestyle tips. The book will be available as a hardcover, digital and audio book. Reba will appear on TalkShopLive on Monday (April 17th) at 7pm ET, with Garth Brooks, who wrote the book’s foreword.


    Eric Church 
    will receive a star on the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville May 4th during an induction ceremony that will also include the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum’s Joe & Linda Chambers and the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp CEO Butch Spyridon.

    Brothers Osborne will be the Artist of the Day for CMA Fest’s 50th anniversary celebration. John and TJ Osborne will take the stage June 10th at 10:45am for a live taping of the Country Heat Weekly podcast with hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson, to chat about their career, music and tour, which will stream exclusively on Amazon Music.

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, The War and Treaty, Little Big Town, Travis Denning, Priscilla Block

    Dierks Bentley‘s latest hit single, “Gold,” has been tapped for a new commercial for the Chevrolet Colorado. The ad was played during the March Madness playoff basketball games and is being seen (and heard) during baseball games on network television.

     

    Luke Bryan has partnered with Smithfield Foods for their “The Good Goes On” platform, which is helping “people discover how to best nurture themselves and be inspired to share the goodness with those around them through mealtimes, social gatherings and special occasions.” Luke says, “I’m proud to kick off the Good Goes On program because there’s always room for more good in the world. I’m a believer in finding the good in every day, having fun and spreading joy. We have a few surprises up our sleeves this year, so be sure to follow us as we continue to find ways you can spread the good in 2023!”


    The War and Treaty
     appeared on the Jennifer Hudson Show on Thursday (April 6th). The duo talked about the origin of their name, how Tanya got a role in Sister Act 2, what Michael did when he served in the Army and their new album, Lover’s Game.

    The duo then performed “Have You A Heart,” the last track from Lover’s Game.

     

    Little Big Town‘s Karen Fairchild co-wrote Ashley Ray’s new single, “Married,” with the singer-songwriter, who will also open for the Grammy-winning group beginning April 13th in Birmingham, Alabama.

    Travis Denning will perform during the Saturday Night Concert April 22nd prior to the GEICO 500 race at the Talladega Superspeedway on Sunday (April 23rd).

    https://twitter.com/Travis_Denning/status/1644386828311461904

    Priscilla Block will perform as part of BMI Nashville’s “Rooftop on the Row” on May 16th.

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Vince Gill, Little Big Town

    Carrie Underwood‘s “Hate My Heart” video has been chosen as one of the final Video of the Year nominees at this year’s CMT Music Awards. Blake Shelton’s “No Body,” Cody Johnson’s “Human,” HARDY and Lainey Wilson’s “Wait in the Truck,” Kane Brown and Katelyn Brown’s “Thank God” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof” are also in the running. The 2023 CMT Music Awards will air live from Austin, Texas on Sunday (April 2nd) at 8pm ET. You can also livestream the awards and catch it on demand on Paramount+.

    Luke Bryan appears on ABC’s Live With Kelly and Ryan on Tuesday (March 28th).

    Vince Gill and his wife Amy Grant return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium in December for their annual “Christmas at the Ryman” residency. The dates are December 13, 14, 16, 17, 19, 20, 22 and 23. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am CT. For more information, go to https://www.ryman.com/events/detail/amy-grant-vince-gill-christmas.

    Little Big Town helped Ronnie Milsap celebrate his 80th birthday with a special show, Ronnie Milsap & Friends, at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (March 25th). Trace Adkins, Mark Wills, Don Schlitz, Jeannie Seely and Mandy Barnett also performed. Portions of te show will air as a Saturday night Opry Live later this year on the Circle Network.

     

     

  • LITTLE BIG TOWN AND BRAD PAISLEY TO PERFORM A SPECIAL SHOW TO BENEFIT THE MICHAEL J. FOX FOUNDATION.

    Little Big Town and Brad Paisley will be performing at a fundraising event for the Michael J. Fox Foundation, an organization that raises money for research on a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. “A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s” will take place  at Nashville’s Fisher Center at Belmont University April 26th. A special dinner starts at 6pm followed by performances from LBT and Brad.

    Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman posted a poignant message on her Instagram account to talk about the benefit show, but she also revealed her own mother has Parkinson’s. “As you grow up, there’s a part of life that one doesn’t plan for. I’m there right now. My precious mother has Parkinson’s Disease, and she is fighting it like a warrior. I have learned in recent years that Parkinson’s is incredibly complex and devastatingly debilitating,” she writes. She adds, “Michael J. Fox says his goal from the beginning has been to find a cure and close the doors of his foundation. If you or someone you love are in this fight or if you would just like to fight along with this incredibly important crusade, gather some of your friends and grab a table for a heartwarming & super fun evening.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood

    Mickey Guyton will appear on CBS Mornings and The Tamron Hall Show on Thursday (March 23rd) to talk about her new show, “My Kinda Country,” which is set to premiere Friday (March 24th) on Apple+. The show was co-created by Kacey Musgraves and Reese Witherspoon and also features Mickey, Jimmie Allen and Orville Peck. “My Kind of Country” is a new singing competition series, which provides an opportunity to showcase diverse artists from around the world.

     

    Keith Urban, Little Big Town and Mickey Guyton, as well as Tim McGraw, are set to perform at the Capitol One Jam Fest in Houston April 2nd. The March Madness Music Festival is part of the festivities surrounding the NCAA® Men’s Final Four® Weekend.

    Keith Urban takes over CMT Hot 20 Countdown this weekend. Tune in Saturday (March 25th) and Sunday (March 26th) beginning at 9am ET/8am CT.

    Luke Bryan, as well as his fellow American Idol judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, will appear on ABC’s Live With Kelly and Ryan on March 28th.

    Reba McEntire is scheduled to appear on The Jennifer Hudson Show March 29th.

    Carrie Underwood‘s fans are really “hating” their hearts…before wrapping the tour last week, Carrie’s fans in numerous cities sang along to her latest hit, “Hate My Heart,” and cameras caught all the action.

     

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Brothers Osborne, The War And Treaty, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum

    Brothers Osborne had to cancel their appearance at Monday night’s (March 20th) Love Rising concert. In a message to fans on their socials John Osborne explained the reason behind the cancellation. John also posted on his own Instagram account that it’s “go time” while wearing a surgical mask and other hospital gear (see this post below).

    The War and Treaty‘s Michael and Tanya Trotter will perform on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live March 27th. Check local listings for time.

    Little Big Town will hit the road on their Friends of Mine Tour next month. Opening on the trek, which kicks off April 13th in Birmingham, Alabama, are Caitlyn Smith, Ashley Ray, Jonathan Hutcherson, Patty Griffin and Carter Faith. Tickets are now on sale.

    Parker McCollum is set to perform a pre-race concert at the Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Ally 400 on June 25th. “I’ve always been a big fan of NASCAR and am excited to bring my show to the track in June,” said Parker in a press release.

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Keith Urban, Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town, Jordan Davis, Parker McCollum, Jon Pardi

    Keith Urban just announced new dates for his Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino. He will keep the party going November 1st – 18th with his fan club presale beginning on Wednesday (March 15th) at 10am PT, with tickets on sale to the public on Saturday (March 18th).

     

    You can win a limited-edition Chris Stapleton guitar. The folks at Epiphone just announced the release of the Chris Stapleton Frontier. Only 300 guitars will be produced. Check out the details below and how to get the limited run axe.

    Little Big Town will perform as part of the new CBS television special, “A GRAMMY Salute To The Beach Boys,” a two-hour tribute  featuring a star-studded  lineup, which will also include performances by John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Beck, Mumford & Sons, Weezer and many others. The special, which will also feature appearances by . The special also features appearances by Drew Carey, Tom Hanks, Jimmy Jam, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, and John Stamos, airs April 9th beginning at 8pm ET/7pm CT on CBS and Paramount+.

     

    Jordan Davis and Parker McCollum are featured in the new Country Music Hall of Fame exhibit: American Currents: State of the Music. American Currents takes a view of the country genre over the past year, exploring musical development and artist achievement. The exhibit, which also features HARDY, Molly Tuttle, Scotty McCreery, Shania Twain and more, runs until February 2024.

     

    Jon Pardi headlined the Houston Rodeo for the second time, and it looks like he had a little bit of fun. He posted a short video on his socials, showing a little behind-the-scenes action, as well as his well-executed exit from the arena on horseback.

     

    Keith Urban will perform at this year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards, taking place March 27th at 8pm ET/7pm CT/tape-delayed PT on FOX. P!nk, Kelly Clarkson, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo, Cody Johnson and Coldplay, among others. Taylor Swift will receive the 2023 iHeartRadio Innovator Award.