Watch Reba McEntire talk to NBC’s Today Show about the 2020 version of her song and video, “What If,” life in quarantine and more right here.

As the release of his fourth studio album WILD WORLD nears, multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore continues to share more insight into the upcoming record, today announcing that his timely and thoughtful documentary “7 DAYS AT THE ROCK” will premiere on OUTSIDE TV on May 28. The short film offers an unfiltered look into the weeks leading up to the release of WILD WORLD (out May 29), as Moore spent time in self-isolation at his remote rock climbing facility, BedRock, located in Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Moore reflects on the current times, shifting gears in light of the pandemic while recording his IN THE WILD SESSIONS acoustic series and shares some personal reflection. “7 DAYS AT THE ROCK” will be available to watch on Outside TV on May 28 at 8pm CT available on all major streaming platforms and devices including The Roku Channel and Samsung TV Plus. Moore joins the company of other musicians spotlighted by Outside TV including Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson and Michael Franti.

Sharing the news of the forthcoming documentary exclusively with Rolling Stone, Moore also premiered a new track “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” today, available to listen here. The only outside cut on the album, written by Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds, it’s a jangle-rock stand out full of pure-American references and razor-sharp hooks, once again pointing to WILD WORLD’S central theme – that life could be less complicated than we make it.

“‘7 DAYS AT THE ROCK’ came around really organically leading up to the release of this record,” shared Moore. “This is a unique moment in time for all of us that none of us will ever forget and so it felt right to kind of reflect on everything that is going on, as well as shed some light into the process of releasing WILD WORLD. I also really wanted ‘Red White Blue Jean American Dream’ to be the next look into the album.”

The current CMA “International Artist Achievement Award” nominee is making his way up the country charts with “She’s Mine.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Grand Ole Opry members Keith Urban and Kelsea Ballerini as well as Warner Music Nashville’s rising singer/songwriter Morgan Evans performed on the Grand Ole Opry’s 4,924^th consecutive Saturday night broadcast last night for fans watching around the world.

“I want to thank the Opry family here for the keeping the lights on. Keeping the circle moving,” said Urban. “It means the world to us and to everybody out there watching and listening tonight.”

“I was really interested to see what it was going to feel like to be in here without these pews full,” reflected Ballerini. “It’s still magic, still sounds good, feels rich and feels special. That just shows how special this place is.”

Urban kicked off the broadcast with “Coming Home” and offered other hits throughout the hour including “God Whispered Your Name,” “Long Hot Summer,” “Somebody Like You,” “Wasted Time,” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color” (as the Opry barn turned blue in honor of  2020 graduates).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ryt0QQT87Ec

Ballerini performed songs from her new album, “kelsea”, including the Opry debut of “a country song,” which she says was a song she put on her album specifically to play on the Opry stage. She also performed “hole in the bottle” and “homecoming queen?.”

Evans performed his debut hit single “Kiss Somebody” and honored the country’s frontline workers saying “Thank you to all the essential workers out there that have been keeping the world going and keeping us all safe as can be” before performing the first song he ever played by himself in public, the Glen Campbell classic “Try A Little Kindness.”

“In addition to the frontline workers and all the healthcare workers  … I want to say a big thank you to all the drivers out there,” said Urban. “Truck drivers, van drivers, delivery people all over the world that are doing an amazing job getting everything where it needs to get to. Medical supplies and food and all the things we would normally take for granted. The fact that it is still arriving is not being done by magic. You guys are out there doing the hard work so we thank you. We thank your families too because that takes a lot of support on the homefront. So thank you to all of you.”

The show that made country music famous is scheduled to salute the United States Military with its annual pre-Memorial Day Salute the Troops Opry performance next Saturday, May 23. Among the artists scheduled to perform are Craig Morgan, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Kellie Pickler. This year the Opry will also honor essential workers who are on the frontline against the war on COVID-19.

Morgan, Chapman and Pickler will step on the stage Saturday, May 23 at 8 PM ET / 7 PM CT. Like this week’s show, next Saturday’s performance will be broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates in addition to a companion live stream on Circle All Access and YouTube. TV and radio personality Bobby Bones will host the Circle telecast, while Mike Terry will serve as radio announcer for those tuned in on 650 AM WSM and SiriusXM.

For the past ten weeks, during this current global pandemic, the Grand Ole Opry has overcome many challenges and obstacles as health guidelines and local/state government restrictions have evolved weekly. The Opry, with the help of its membership and wider artist and industry community, has continued to bring millions of fans around the world together to keep the music playing without an Opry House audience in attendance.  Embracing today’s technology, the Opry is broadcast and streamed with a very small production team as the show’s artists perform acoustically.

The Opry’s paused shows without an audience since March 14 have included Opry members Trace Adkins, Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks, Terri Clark, Luke Combs, Dailey & Vincent, Vince Gill, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Jeannie Seely, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Connie Smith, Marty Stuart, and Trisha Yearwood along with special guests Lauren Alaina, Mandy Barnett, T. Graham Brown, Michael Cleveland and Flamekeeper, Jason Crabb, Amy Grant and daughters Jenny Gill and Corrina Grant Gill, Ashley McBryde, Gwen Stefani, and Sam Williams.

Capitol Records Nashville’s Caylee Hammack is the next artist to be tapped as part of the highly-coveted Vevo DSCVR series, with an intimate performance from her home.  Hammack, who joins the company of some of the most buzzed about artists in all genres, shared performances today as part of the program with a spine-tingling rendition of “Small Town Hypocrite,” available to watch here and the brand-new and unreleased track “Forged In The Fire,” available to watch here. Past alumni of Vevo’s DSCVR series include Billie Eilish, Jack Garratt, Years & Years, Wolf Alice, Sam Smith, Jorja Smith, Maggie Rogers and Alessia Cara.

Hammack is also hosting “CMT’s Next Women of Country Goes Live” series inviting special guests each week, with previous guests including Ashley McBryde, Cassadee Pope, Tenille Townes, Sara Evans, Lindsay Ell and Cole Swindell as a medium to connect with audiences through music and conversation.  Fans can tune in each Tuesday at 5pm CT on CMT’s Facebook page to watch.

Mercury Nashville recording artist Travis Denning’s highly-anticipated debut EP BEER’S BETTER COLD, is available today. Six diverse tracks (five of which Denning co-wrote) were produced by Jeremy Stover with a mind toward Denning’s live show, itself a full-throttle affair. Fans were given a first taste of what to expect with Denning’s first Top 5 – and climbing – single “After A Few,” a sleek, jet-black anthem Denning infused with a hypnotic vibe, all about a couple who’s passion could erupt at any moment.

“I’m so pumped to finally have this music out,” shared Travis Denning. “We’ve poured a lot of passion, hours and life into these songs. I hope when people turn these songs up they hear that.”

Denning will celebrate the release of BEER’S BETTER COLD this week with appearances on multiple national platforms including an acoustic performance on The Outdoor Channel tonight at 7pm ET as part of their “Country Outdoors LIVE” series and as a guest on CMT’s “Hot 20 Countdown” tomorrow at 8am EST. Denning marked his debut EP release last night will a full band performance of the collection live streamed to fans at home, and available to watch here. Denning will also be performing and sharing more details behind the project across multiple platforms throughout the week including Taste Of Country’s “Happy Hour” today (5/15), Facebook Live with Country Rebel on 5/18, Instagram Live on Country NOW on 5/19, American Songwriter’s “Behind The Mic” on 5/20, Facebook live with One Country on 5/21, an Instagram live with Sounds Like Nashville on 5/22 and more, with further details available here.

A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, singer/songwriter Travis Denning’s Top 5 single “After A Few” follows the release of his “heart-tuggin’” (Rolling Stone) Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” Denning kicked off 2020 as direct support on Dustin Lynch’s STAY COUNTRY TOUR and will join Sam Hunt later this summer as a special guest on his THE SOUTHSIDE SUMMER TOUR. Denning has previously opened shows for Cole Swindell, Alan Jackson, LANCO, Riley Green and his first headlining “Heartbeat Of A Small Town Tour.” With over 214.4 million streams worldwide, Denning has been spotlighted by Billboard for his “future star power” and was selected this past year as an Opry NextStage recipient and 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 Chase Rice. Denning’s newest songwriting cut includes Michael Ray’s Top 20 single “Her World or Mine” that continues to climb charts at Country radio. For more information, visit travisdenning.com.

To download his audio toolkit, click here.

Amazon Music announced today a brand-new, Amazon Original by multi-platinum-selling country star, Jon Pardi. The reimagined version of his latest single, “Ain’t Always the Cowboy,” was produced by Pardi alongside Bart Butler and Ryan Gore, who produced his most recent album Heartache Medication. The track features a beautiful orchestral element, and is only available to stream on all tiers of Amazon Music, including in immersive, 3D Audio with Amazon Music HD, the highest quality streaming experience available. Pardi’s Amazon Original is the first from a UMG Nashville artist to become available in 3D Audio.

Listen to “Ain’t Always the Cowboy (Amazon Original) here

Download the single artwork here

“I really wanted the new version to sound like a song from a movie soundtrack,” said Jon Pardi. “I talked to my co-producers and we were able to come up with a version that I feel is totally different, but still keeps the integrity of the song. I loved how it turned out!”

The country star’s critically acclaimed third studio album, Heartache Medication (Capitol Records Nashville), is nominated for this year’s ACM Album of the Year award, and it has earned praise from NPR, Associated Press, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Billboard, ET, People, Variety, Rolling Stone and more. Pardi’s corresponding headlining Heartache Medication Tour rocked the fall with sold-out dates across the country from Nashville to Bakersfield while the title track hit No. 1 on the country radio airplay charts.Heartache Medication is the follow-up to Pardi’s Platinum-certified album California Sunrise. California Sunrise debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and helped earn the California native CMA New Artist of the Year and ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year titles. Pardi dominated the top of the country music charts with consecutive No. 1 hits including multi-week chart-topper “Dirt On My Boots,” the Platinum-selling “Head Over Boots” and “Heartache On The Dance Floor,” plus Pardi’s Top 20 hit, “She Ain’t In It” and his Gold-selling Top 5 working-man’s mantra, “Night Shift.” Pardi’s debut album, Write You A Song, yielded top-10, Platinum-selling hit “Up All Night,” “What I Can’t Put Down,” “Missin’ You Crazy” and “When I’ve Been Drinkin.’” For more information, visit www.jonpardi.com.

Amazon Music listeners can find the new track on Certified Country, a playlist featuring new releases across the genre. Customers can also simply ask, “Alexa, play the Amazon Original by Jon Pardi” in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android and on Alexa-enabled devices. In addition to the new track, Amazon Music listeners can access hundreds of Amazon Originals featuring both emerging and established artists across numerous genres, available to stream and purchase only on Amazon Music.

For more information on Jon Pardi, please contact Leigh Parr Malleus at leigh.malleus@umusic.com

For more information on Amazon Music, please contact Beth O’Brien at obriene@amazon.com or David Marek at davmarek@amazon.com

Keith Urban took to a stage Thursday night (May 14th) to perform for first responders at the Stardust Drive-In Movie Theater, about 40 miles east of Nashville, Tennessee – the first performance of its kind in the United States.  “To all of you guys here tonight, for everything that you’ve done, and continue to do, to all of your families, we say thank you – this concert is for all of you,” Urban said as he took to the stage.

NOW SHOWING – URBAN UNDERGROUND 🎬
A huge THANK YOU to all @VUMChealth frontline workers who attended tonight's special show at the drive in! @VUMChealth @VUMCchildren @LiveNation @stardustdrivein #frontline pic.twitter.com/E7BfOQL7dQ

— Keith Urban (@KeithUrban) May 15, 2020

The private, and unannounced show, which lasted over an hour, was set up exclusively for more than 200 doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and staff from Vanderbilt Health, part of Vanderbilt University Medical Center, which has 140 locations throughout Tennessee and surrounding States.  The nearly 125 vehicles honked and flashed their lights throughout the performance in support of Urban and in a show of unity to each other.

“I did this to say thanks to the healthcare workers who are putting their lives on the line for us every day,” said Urban. “And performing in this environment, with everyone in their cars at a safe distance from one another, seems like an amazing opportunity for everybody to just let go and have fun….and I’m a musician, I HAVE TO PLAY!”

Luke Bryan surprised and paid tribute to a nurse on the frontline of the COVID-19 pandemic on ABC’s Good Morning America on Thursday (May 14^th).

Jon Pardi, Kip Moore, Jordan Davis, Caylee Hammack and Kylie Morgan will join Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley and many others for CMT’s Feed the Front Line Live virtual benefit concert on Wednesday (May 20th). Feed the Front Line LIVE, Presented By CMT is a multi-hour, star-studded virtual benefit concert in support of Feed the Front Line’s mission to provide free meals to frontline COVID-19 employees, essential workers, and other people in need, while also supporting struggling local restaurants. The streaming event will air across CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels  with three separate mealtime streams airing throughout the day: breakfast (10am ET), lunch (2pm ET) and dinner (8pm ET). Before, during and after each stream, fans will have the opportunity to make donations directly to Feed the Front Line.

George Strait has had to reschedule two of his upcoming concerts until next year. His Strait to South Bend show in South Bend, Indiana, which was set for August 15^th, 2020, will now take place August 7^th, 2021 with special guests Chris Stapleton and Brothers Osborne. His show in Minneapolis on August 22^nd, 2020 has now been scheduled for July 31^st, 2021 with special guests Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town. Original tickets will be honored for the rescheduled shows. Fans unable to attend the new shows are able to get a refund at the original point of purchase within the next 30 days.

Darius Rucker will perform the national anthem ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series at the Darlington Raceway in South Carolina on Sunday (May 17th). “I’m excited and honored to perform the National Anthem for NASCAR’s return to racing at Darlington Raceway in my home state of South Carolina,” he said. The race will air live on Fox at 3pm ET.

Jordan Davis, Brothers Osborne, Jon Langston and many others join previously announced headliners, Luke Bryan, Brad Paisley and Lynyrd Skynyrd for the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam. The three-day festival, taking place September 4^th-6^th in Panama City Beach, will also feature performances by Cole Swindell, Billy Ray Cyrus, Shy Carter, Lindsey Ell, Tenille Townes, Riley Green and many more. Tickets are available here.

We have compiled an array of content — liners and a few soundbites – from TRAVIS DENNING to equip you with some tools that we hope will come in handy and help you roll out tracks leading up to – and following – the release of the gun-slinger’s’s new 6-pack of songs, BEER’S BETTER COLD EP. Check out the content below (including the liners and transcriptions). To download the Audio Toolkit, click here.

Inspiration often springs from an unlikely source, and for Mercury Nashville’s Travis Denning, attending hair-metal icons Mötley Crüe’s show as a kid sparked a musical fire. Honing his musicianship and songwriting chops from that point on, Denning broke into country with a double shot of radio-ready singles – and now he’s tapping raw, live-show magnetism for his debut EP, Beer’s Better Cold, available May 15. “I want people to come away thinking ‘Who in the hell was that?’” he says of his first major label package. “And ‘Where can I hear more?’”

Now 27 with a lifetime of shows on his tab, Denning counts himself a student of country crooners and hard rockers alike, boldly unafraid of his wilder impulses. He was born into a generation without sonic borders, and grew up loving everything from The Allman Brothers Band to Metallica, Pantera and Outkast.

A native of Warner Robbins, Georgia, he’s a natural guitar slinger and gifted live performer, who often injects his humor into stage shows and singles alike. Denning first picked up a guitar in grade school, and by the age of 16 was turning heads at the front of a rowdy bar band every weekend. Still, he put off moving to Nashville until he was 21, quickly establishing his songwriting cred with cuts by Jason Aldean, Justin Moore and Chase Rice when he did. In 2020 Denning tallied his first Top 25 hit as a writer with Michael Ray’s reflective “Her World or Mine,” but the spotlight has always called his name.

Signing his record deal at 25, the Top 40 hit “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs” introduced him as a smirking tunesmith, while “After a Few” showed a darker, sleeker side of his artistic brew – rocketing into country radio’s Top 20 and pointing toward the next round.

“I’ve really embraced the heavier side of who I am – and this is just an early taste,” he says of his high-gravity EP. “But the anchor that hooked me and pulled me to country was always the songwriting. You can do all kinds of cool stuff in the studio nowadays … but you’re not even gonna be in there without a great song.”

Six diverse tracks (five of which Denning co-wrote) were produced by Jeremy Stover with a mind toward Denning’s live show, itself a full-throttle affair inspired by his 12-year-old baptism at the rock alter of a Mötley Crüe concert. “I was like ‘Yeah, I want to do that … forever,’” he says.

Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker and Sam Hunt have been added to the star-studded list of performers for the CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special. They will be joined by Luke Combs, Kane Brown, actress Kristin Bell, Brandi Carlile and Lauren Daigle, as well as previously announced performers Brothers Osborne, Little Big Town, Florida Georgia Line, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett.

CMT Celebrates Our Heroes: An Artists of the Year Special will honor pandemic heroes through virtual tributes, call-outs and performances. All talent will film directly from their respective homes. The special will recognize COVID-19 heroes in the following categories: Healthcare, Education, Business, Community Leaders, Food Industry, Infrastructure, First Responders, US Military, and more.

The special will air Wednesday, June 3rd beginning at 8pm ET/PT.