Photo L-R: Jaclyn Jones – RIAA, Jeremy Stover – Red Creative Group, Mike Harris – UMG, Travis Denning, Brian Wright – UMG, Angie Coonrod – Red Light Management

Travis Denning just celebrated a new milestone, with the news that his first-ever No. One hit single “After A Few” has officially been certified PLATINUM by the RIAA, with over One Million units of the song being consumed since its release. Denning was surprised by his team at Universal Music Group, Red Light Management and the RIAA following his performance at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN last night. Denning co-wrote “After A Few” with Kelly Archer and Justin Weaver, with critics praising the “shadowy” (Rolling Stone) track, as “the ever-charming artist shows off his songwriting chops” (Music Row).

Got surprised by the team last night at the @opry with a platinum plaque! 1,000,000 is a big ass number and I’m just truly blessed to do what I do for a living. Thank y’all for lovin’ the music. pic.twitter.com/QMmXOtROOO

— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) November 17, 2021

“I’m blown away,” shared Denning. “This moment really only happens because of the team effort. My label, management, agent, radio, band and crew are all equally responsible for this milestone. Never would’ve dreamed I’d have a platinum song!”

A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter and Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning has accelerated his ascend from a chart-topping single, releasing his debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning has previously toured with Dustin Lynch, Cole Swindell, Alan Jackson,, Riley Green, headlined his own “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour,” and is currently out on the road as direct support on Brothers Osborne’s “We’re Not For Everyone Tour.” With over 480 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted for his head-turning sound and was previously selected as one of CRS New Faces, an Opry NextStage recipient and a CMA KixStart Artist, as he makes his mark within the industry. Inspired at a young age, Denning developed a love for country, pop, rock and heavy metal and started playing local bars from the age of 16, as he built a strong following from his distinctive songs and raucous guitar solos. A prolific writer with an unquestionable stage presence, Denning moved to Nashville and secured outside cuts by Jason Aldean, Justin Moore, Michael Ray and more. For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

Dierks Bentley joined Blake Shelton‘s team as an advisor on NBC’s The Voice on Monday (October 11th) and Tuesday (October 12th) for the beginning of the battle rounds.

Eric Church has been added as a presenter during tomorrow night’s (October 13th) 2021 CMT Artists of the Year. He’s joined by Connie Britton, Lady A, Michael W. Smith, Moran Evans, Nelly and Garth Brooks. The show is set to air live from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center beginning at 9pm ET/8pm CT.

Catch Reba McEntire on NBC’s Today Show on Thursday (October 14th) talking about her new three-part box set, Revised Remixed Revisited.

Today, on Veteran’s Day, multi-platinum-selling recording artist Josh Turner releases the official music video for “Soldier’s Gift,” the poignant lead single from his first-ever Christmas album, King Size Manger. The official video, featuring veterans from Wounded Warrior Project^®, made its world premiere exclusively on Facebook via Turner’s official Facebook page today. Turner shares, “We worked closely with Wounded Warrior Project^®. It was important to me that we didn’t cast actors for the main rolls. Both the director and I wanted this video to be authentic.”

The “Soldier’s Gift” video tells the coming home story of a soldier who thinks she is coming home from deployment during the holidays to an empty house, played by real-life National Guard Specialist, Stephanie Betancourt. But to her surprise, her fellow soldiers, played by real-life wounded warriors, decorate her house and welcome her home for the holidays in a most special and appreciative way.

Fans can watch the official video for “Soldier’s Gift” exclusively via Facebook here.

“This song shares a message that I think we need in our world today,” says Turner. “The video for ‘Soldier’s Gift’ was one of the coolest shoots I’ve ever been a part of. I was honored to have real life heroes featured in this video and telling this story. I made new friends that day in David, Samy, Yolanda and Bill, and I took with me an even greater appreciation for all those that serve our country. Thank you to all veterans for your service.”

To celebrate the release of King Size Manger, be sure to tune in to talkshoplive® on Monday, November 22 at 8pm ET/7pm CT for an exclusive livestream event. Hosted by Suzanne Alexander, Turner will be talking about the holiday project which features fresh interpretations of Christmas classics and introduces four originals, three of which were written or co-written by Turner. During the exclusive event, viewers can ask Turner questions about his first-ever Christmas album and purchase limited-edition autographed CDs (while supplies last), and unique Christmas merchandise bundles (all made in the USA). Fans can follow Josh’s exclusive channel on talkshoplive® to receive an alert to tune in to the special event and save the date here.

Additionally, Turner will host and be the featured guest artist for the 2021 “Christmas at Belmont” performance, which will be filmed for national broadcast. Produced by Nashville Public Television (NPT), “Christmas at Belmont” will be taped live for the first time in the newly opened Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on the University’s campus. The invitation-only concert performance features nearly 650 student musicians and School of Music faculty and will be broadcast nationally for the 19^th consecutive year on PBS. This year’s show features an array of traditional carols, classical masterworks and seasonal favorites in addition to selections from Turner’s new Christmas album. “Christmas at Belmont” premieres Monday, December 20th, at 8 pm on NPT and PBS stations across the country, with encore broadcasts on NPT Christmas night (Saturday, Dec. 25) at 9:30 p.m. Check local listings for additional broadcast times. For more information, visit www.belmont.edu.

In support of the album, Turner will embark on his first Christmas tour, Holiday & The Hits, an 18-city tour where the album will come to life alongside Turner’s most notable hits. Tickets available here.

Holiday & The Hits Tour Schedule:

11/18   Holland, MI – Holland Civic Center

11/19   Springfield, IL – University of Illinois PAC

11/20   Joliet, IL – Rialto Square Theatre

11/21   Rockford, IL – Coronado PAC

11/26   Panama City Beach, FL – Aaron Bessant Park

11/27   Memphis, TN – Soundstage at Graceland

11/28   Meridian, MS – MSU Riley Center

12/2     Prescott, AZ – Yavapai College PAC

12/3     Maricopa, AZ – Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino

12/4     Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theatre

12/9     Mt. Vernon, KY – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

12/10   Riverside, IA – Riverside Casino

12/11   Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel

12/16   Midland, MI – Midland Center For The Arts

12/17   Wisconsin Dells, WI – Crystal Grand Music Theatre

12/19   Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

12/20   Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

12/21   Knoxville, TN – Knoxville Civic Auditorium

The first round of performers for this year’s CMA Awards have been announced. Featuring first-time nominees taking the CMA Awards stage, as well as reigning CMA Awards winners, this year’s performances will include Jimmie Allen, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton featuring Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Blake Shelton. Hosted by Country Music superstar and “American Idol” judge Luke Bryan, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ broadcasts LIVE from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville Wednesday, Nov. 10 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on ABC.

CMA New Artist of the Year nominee and current “Dancing With The Stars” contestant Allen will perform his hit “Freedom Was A Highway.” Three-time CMA Awards nominated group this year Brothers Osborne will deliver a deeply personal performance from their CMA Album of the Year-nominated Skeletons. Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year and five-time nominee this year including Entertainer of the Year again, Church will perform his song “Heart on Fire” from his CMA Album of the Year-nominated Heart. Reigning and two-time consecutive CMA Vocal Duo of the Year Dan + Shay, nominated again in the same category this year, will perform their hit “I Should Probably Go To Bed.”

CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Guyton will welcome rising artists Spencer and Edwards for a collaboration not to be missed from Guyton’s debut album, Remember Her Name. Two-time nominee this year Pearce and three-time nominee this year McBryde will perform their heart-wrenching duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl.” And 10-time CMA Awards winner Shelton will bring his “Come Back as a Country Boy” to the CMA Awards stage.

Additional performers and presenters for “The 55th Annual CMA Awards” will be revealed in the coming weeks.

The 55th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 10th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC.

Four-time GRAMMY® award winner Keith Urban will make his The Late Late Show with James Corden performance debut tomorrow when he takes to the stage to sing his latest single “Wild Hearts.”  The show airs on Thursday, November 18^th on CBS at 12:37am LOCAL TIME.

“Wild Hearts” provides the backdrop of a young Keith Urban, incorporating snapshots of his journey including Urban’s first concert with his father to see Johnny Cash (“the man in black”). The result of this weaving of memories is an arena-ready, fist pumping against all odds anthem that is as musically intoxicating as it is infectious and relatable. “Wild Hearts” is now available on all digital platforms and can be heard at to https://smarturl.it/wildhearts.ku or https://smarturl.it/WH.youtube.

Within the past few weeks Urban has been presented with the CMA International Artist Award, he was awarded the 2021 Country Radio Broadcasters’ Artist Career Achievement Award (presented by Garth Brooks) and performed with H.E.R., as part of the tribute to Tina Turner’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, to be broadcast on November 20^th.

Parker McCollum will make his RodeoHouston debut early next year. The Conroe, Texas native has to check his emotions a bit when talking about having his dream of headlining the RodeoHouston stage during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo become a reality.

“I grew up just north of Houston and went to the Houston Rodeo growing up and saw Pat Green sell it out when I was a kid, and I remember sitting in the crowd that night thinking about maybe that could be me one day, maybe I could do it. … I got tears in my eyes right now just talking about it,” says Parker. “But I’ve been thinking about playing the Houston Rodeo, headlining the Houston Rodeo since I was 11 or 12 years old. I’ve thought about it every single day. It is the pinnacle for me. There’s nothing cooler, I’m not sure there’s anything we could do that would be cooler than headlining the Houston Rodeo. … You chase a dream long enough and then one day you finally catch it, and you don’t know what to do with yourself. I mean, it truly is the greatest feeling I could have ever imagined.”

Another day, another artist coming to Rodeo 2022!! 🤩
We're so excited to announce @ParkerMcCollum will be performing on the big stage on Saturday, March 12, 2022!https://t.co/DEknLrUQtc pic.twitter.com/XqnOe82T7u

— RODEOHOUSTON (@RODEOHOUSTON) October 12, 2021

Parker is set to perform March 12^th with tickets going on sale January 13tth at Rodeohouston.com. Previously announced headliners include George Strait and Cody Johnson for the 90th annual RodeoHouston, taking part February 28th – March 20th.

The Texas native is making his way up the country charts with “To Be Loved By You,” the follow-up to his No. 1 smash, “Pretty Heart.”

As recovery efforts in Humphreys County approach the three-month mark following devastating flooding that killed 20 and destroyed hundreds of homes, 22-time GRAMMY Award winner Vince Gill and singer/songwriter Alex Hall were on hand at Waverly Central High School earlier this week to announce an uplifting surprise.

As Gill and Hall surprised a Monday morning student assembly with the news, KHS America revealed donation of $100,000 worth of musical instruments to completely replace and upgrade everything that the Waverly high school and junior high school bands lost in the recent flood.

“I’m a small town minded guy. I know what it feels like. This is a place where everybody knows everybody,” Gill shared with “CBS Mornings” host Mark Strassmann, who was on hand in Waverly to document the event. “I often feel like we should be like this all the time. That’s my dream. Let’s not just be kind when somebody’s struggling; let’s just be kind.” Watch the full segment HERE.

“Most people were smiling; I could see the glowing intentions in their eyes,” added seventh grade clarinetist Harmony Sanders, whose family lost her home in the flood. “I think everybody can just be happier now and have less weight on their shoulders.”

KHS America, which was connected with band director Joseph Bullington as well as Gill and Hall via the CMA Foundation, donated over 40 instruments from their brands: Jupiter wind instruments, Majestic concert percussion (including concert toms, a concert bass drum and a concert snare drum, as well as a marimba and a xylophone), three XO Brass professional trombones and a Mapex drum set. Percussion tables and a bell stand from Hercules were also included.

“KHS was founded on the principles of changing lives through music and the knowledge that music and music education are essential to society,” noted Jerry Goldenson, President of KHS America. “Supporting this incredible music program and being a part of this relief effort is something very special that will surely have a positive impact on the lives of young people and the community of Waverly as a whole. It’s an honor to be able to provide even a small bit of assistance.”

The donation offered a moment of hope for a community still rebuilding from the tragedy that struck on August 21, with many residents still displaced from their homes. To contribute to ongoing recovery efforts via the United Way of Humphreys County, text 44321 to TNFLOODRELIEF.

About KHS America
KHS America is dedicated to the enrichment of lives through music performance and education by providing high-quality musical instruments and services designed to support musicians, educators and retail partners. A primary core value of KHS America is the belief that music is an essential part of life for every individual and that it provides a positive contribution to society as a whole.

About Vince Gill
One of the most popular artists in modern country music, Vince Gill is famous for his top-notch songwriting, world-class guitar playing and warm, soaring tenor, all wrapped up in a quick and easy wit. Gill achieved his big breakthrough in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name,” which won both the Country Music Association’s Single and Song of the Year awards as well as a GRAMMY. Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times – making him the most-awarded artist in that category in CMA history. Since 1990, Gill has won 22 GRAMMY Awards. A wide-ranging songwriter, his compositions earned him entry into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. The Academy of Country Music has conferred on Gill eight awards, including its prestigious Home Depot Humanitarian Award and the 2011 Career Achievement Award. Gill was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007. He is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1991. In August 2012, Gill was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Gill has produced albums for The Time Jumpers, Amy Grant and Ashley Monroe and has made guest appearances on more than 1000 albums, including those by Barbra Streisand, Eric Clapton, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, George Jones and others. In 2017, Gill was invited to perform with the Eagles for a number of festival shows and continues to join them onstage. For a full list of tour dates, news, images and more, visit www.VinceGill.com.

Apple Music today announced Texas singer/songwriter Parker McCollum as the latest addition to its Up Next program, Apple Music’s monthly artist initiative geared towards identifying, showcasing and elevating rising talent.

Parker McCollum began building a following in his native Texas with 2015’s The Limestone Kid. The album track “Meet You in The Middle” became a hit on Texas’ regional radio chart, but it was the album’s widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Bridging the gap between Texas’ homegrown music scene and Nashville’s country-industry headquarters, Parker’s songwriting earned him a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville in May 2018 and a recording deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in June 2019. In 2020, Parker released Hollywood Gold, the highest-selling debut country EP of 2020, which includes debut No.1 hit single “Pretty Heart,” and was certified Platinum, as well as playlisted across Apple Music top tier playlists, Today’s Country, and Don’t Mess With Texas. Parker followed with his 2021 major label debut, Gold Chain Cowboy, which was the top Country album in 17 countries on Apple Music, including the US, since its release. Earlier this summer, Parker played his first sold-out show at the Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion to a crowd of 20K fans and this fall he played the famed Woodlands (The Cynthia Wood Mitchell Pavilion) in Woodlands, TX, to a sold out crowd which broke attendance records for the venue.

“All I ever wanted was a real shot in country music. To be an Apple Music Up Next artist is an incredible honor and it means so much to me to have a platform like Apple believe in me,” says Parker McCollum. “I always try to keep my head down and earn every little thing so to have this spotlight for a little while is nice. I do not take it for granted. Now back to work. Mad love.”

“Gritty, believable, and absolutely made for the spotlight, “said Apple Music Country host Kelleigh Bannen. “Parker McCollum is one of those rare artists who has been able to translate serious regional fame into mainstream success without compromising his core artistic identity.”

In his Up Next film out today, Parker McCollum shares his journey working on a Texas ranch for his granddad, who got him into artists like George Strait, picking up a guitar because of his older brother, and telling his dad he was going to sign a major record deal one day. Parker tells Apple Music, “I wanted to do it the hard way. I really wanted to earn it. I didn’t want anybody to be able to say anybody bought me anything,” and talks about how he put a band together, recorded music, and toured on his own before getting an offer from every major label in town. He also talks about the rise of his song ‘Pretty Heart,’ the world shutting down two weeks after the song went to radio, and how the pandemic helped him lead a healthier lifestyle.

Additional Up Next campaign moments include a Jimmy Kimmel Live! performance on November 23rd, and a sit down interview with Apple Music Country’s Kelleigh Bannen, where he discusses his Gold Chain Cowboy album, being inspired by Pat Green, playing the Ryman, and the one song that defines him.

Watch the Apple Music Parker McCollum Up Next film HERE

Check out his Apple Music Country interview with Kelleigh Bannen HERE

Stream the Gold Chain Cowboy album today and add the Apple Music Up Next Playlist into your listening rotation.

Keith Urban took home the CMA International Artist Achievement Award on Wednesday night (November 10th). Backstage following his rehearsal, Keith was presented with the award, which recognizes creative growth, development & promotion of Country Music outside of the United States.”

thank you so much for this incredible honor @CountryMusic !!! We had a great night and congrats to all of tonight’s winners ! pic.twitter.com/DEjsGzvI83

— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) November 11, 2021

He also performed his latest single, “Wild Hearts,” on the show, dedicating it to the dreamers. “From everywhere, all around the world, this is where they come. The born to be rock stars, who come with guitars in hand and songs in their heart,” he said as he walked along Nashville’s famed Broadway before walking on stage at the Bridgestone Arena. “They’re all dreamers ready to fly. To try to make their mark in this town known far and wide as Music City. Tonight and every night this song goes out to all of you ‘Wild Hearts.’ I want to say keep dreaming, keep painting the sky, because make no mistake like everybody else taking the stage tonight, I’m one of you.”