• NEWS AND NOTES: Reba McEntire, Darius Rucker, The War And Treaty, Anne Wilson

    Reba McEntire will appear on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers and Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live! on Wednesday (October 11th) to talk about her new book Not That Fancy: Lessons in Living, Loving, Eating and Dusting Off Your Boots, as well as her companion album and being a coach on NBC’s The Voice.

    Reba McEntire stopped by NBC’s TODAY Show for all three hours on Tuesday (October 10th). She talked about her new book, Not That Fancy: Lessons in Living, Loving, Eating and Dusting Off Your Boots, starting her music career, her mother and how she almost stopped singing after her mother passed in 2020.

     

    Darius Rucker will perform on CBS’ The Late Show With Stephen Colbert on Thursday (October 12th).

    The War And Treaty are among the rotating opening acts for Zach Bryan on The Quittin’ Time 2024 Tour. They’ll open five shows in Los Angeles (2 nights), Boston, Orlando and Sunrise. The husband-wife duo, Michael and Tanya (pr. Tonya) Trotter also appear on “Hey Driver” from his recent self-titled album, which also features the No. 1 duet with Kacey Musgraves, “I Remember Everything.”

    https://twitter.com/warandtreaty/status/1711457047789666431

     

    Anne Wilson, who just released her debut country single “Rain In The Rearview,” will join Scotty McCreery as direct support on his Cab In A Solo Tour early next year. The trek will kick-off at Hobart Arena in Troy, Ohio on January 26th, 2024 with stops in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston and more. Tickets go on sale this Friday (October 13th).

    https://twitter.com/ScottyMcCreery/status/1711733729566261486

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • MULTI-PLATINUM, 3X CMA NOMINEE JORDAN DAVIS EXTENDS HIS DAMN GOOD TIME HEADLINING TOUR WITH DATES ACROSS THE US, CANADA, AND EUROPE.

    Multi-Platinum, CMA award-winning artist and current reigning CMA Song of the Year winner Jordan Davis today announced the extension of his sold-out DAMN GOOD TIME Tour, adding several additional dates across the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. Davis will kick off the tour February 2nd in Copenhagen, Denmark and visit several markets including Amsterdam, London, and Belfast, before returning to tour the US and Canada beginning in April. The announcement was made on the heels of his sold-out headlining dates this weekend in Philadelphia (10/5) and New York (10/6) as well as two sold out dates in Boston (10/7, 10/8). Tickets will be available through his fan club, The Parish, on Wednesday, October 11th before general on-sale via his website on Friday, October 13th, 10am local time. Having cemented himself at the “pinnacle of country music’s mainstream” (The Tennessean), Davis is currently nominated for 3 CMA Awards including a back-to-back nomination for Song the Year.

    https://twitter.com/JordanCWDavis/status/1711396251147603993

     

    Earlier this year Davis shared in his American Songwriter Cover story, “It has been an amazing feeling to watch the way this new music has reached fans, and we’ve been seeing that out on the road in the live shows. Our fans knew every lyric to ‘Next Thing You Know’ even before it was a single, and to watch the sold-out venues get bigger and bigger….I’m just so grateful everyone has been so supportive,” adding, “The big thing for me was to show my growth. Growth in shows, growth in the songwriting, growth in the topics we’re touching on. I really wanted to show how I’ve changed as an artist and a songwriter, for the better.”

    That growth has been reflected in his sold-out tour dates and upcoming European headlining run- where he will bring the DAMN GOOD TIME tour to Europe as a headliner for the first time and continue playing his largest venues to date, as well as in his second GOLD-certified album, Bluebird Days, which recently celebrated its third consecutive #1 single off the album with “Next Thing You Know.” Featured by The Tennessean, Billboard, and more, Bluebird Days debuted to rave reviews, with  Billboard noting “Davis soars on ‘Bluebird Days’” and Entertainment Focus echoing, “Jordan Davis comes of age on new album ‘Bluebird Days’ and shows the world the type of mature, meaningful and melodic songwriter he is.” In addition to his 3X Platinum hit “Buy Dirt”-which garnered numerous accolades including Song of the Year at the CMA and NSAI awards and Billboard, AMA, iHeart and ACM award nominations, Jordan co-wrote most of the 17 tracks on the album, including the highly personal hits “What My World Spins Around” and “Next Thing You Know,” with critics taking notice of his lyrical ability and “the way he summarizes life, love, family,” notes Taste of Country,”..anyone …can be excused for feeling a bit breathless by the time he finishes what we’re going to predict will be the 2023 CMA winner for Song of the Year.”

    To sign up for The Parish, Jordan Davis’ official fan club, for first access to tickets at www.theparish.club.  For a full list of tour dates and ticket sales information, visit www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    Already Announced DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    Thu Oct 19, 2023 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amphitheatre
    Fri Oct 20, 2023 Bakersfield, CA Mechanics Bank Arena
    Sat Oct 21, 2023 Las Vegas, NV The Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

    EXTENDED DAMN GOOD TIME Tour Dates:

    2/2/24 Copenhagen, Denmark DR Studie 2
    2/3/24 Oslo, Norway Rockefeller Music Hall
    2/4/24 Stockholm, Sweden Nalen
    2/6/24 Hamburg, Germany Gruenspn
    2/8/23 Zurich, Switzerland Kaufleuten
    2/9/24 Cologne, Germany Kantine
    2/11/24 Amsterdam, Netherlands Melkweg Max
    2/13/24 London, England Forum
    2/14/24 Cambridge, England Corn Exchange
    2/16/24 Birmingham, England O2 Institute Birmingham
    2/17/24 Bristol, England Academy
    2/18/24 Manchester, England Ritz
    2/20/24 Glasgow, Scotland Academy
    2/21/24 Belfast, Northern Ireland Ulster Hall
    4/11/24 Moline, IL Vibrant Arena
    4/12/24 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
    4/18/24 Saginaw, MI Dow Event Center Arena
    4/19/24 Youngstown, OH The Covelli Centre
    4/25/24 Allentown, PA PPL Center
    4/26/24 Albany, NY MVP Arena
    5/2/24 Charlotte, NC Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
    5/3/24 Wilmington, NC Live Oak Bank Pavilion at Riverfront Park
    5/31/24 San Diego, CA Gallagher Square at Petco Park
    6/6/24 Missoula, MT University of Montana – Adams Center
    6/7/24 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center Amphitheatre
    **6/14/24 Tahoe, NV Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys
    6/20/24 Bend, OR Hayden Homes Amphitheater
    +6/21/2024 Seattle, WA Chateau Ste. Michelle
    6/22/24 Airway Heights, WA Northern Quest Amphitheater
    7/18/24 Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
    7/19/24 Bridgeport, CT Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
    7/25/24 Knoxville, TN Knoxville Civic Coliseum
    7/26/24 Charleston, WV Charleston Coliseum
    7/31/24 Indianapolis, IN TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
    8/1/24 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena
    8/2/24 Toledo, OH The Huntington Center
    8/8/24 Springfield, MO Great Southern Bank Arena
    8/9/24 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
    8/16/24 Brandon, MS Brandon Amphitheater
    8/17/24 Orange Beach, AL The Wharf Amphitheater
    *9/5/2024 Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
    9/6/24 Gilford, NH BankNH Pavilion
    9/7/24 Bangor, ME Maine Savings Amphitheater
    10/2/24 London, ON Budweiser Gardens
    10/4/24 Toronto, ON Coca Cola Coliseum
    10/5/24 Kingston, ON Leon’s Centre
    10/6/24 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre
    10/8/24 Laval, QC Place Bell
    10/11/24 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre
    10/12/24 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre
    10/17/24 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome
    10/18/24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place
    10/19/24 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place
    10/20/24 Abbottsford, BC Abbotsford Centre

    *Tickets for Boston will go on sale starting Friday, October 20 at 10 AM local time at www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    + Tickets for Seattle will go on sale starting November 10th at 10 AM local time at www.jordandavisofficial.com.

    **Not a Live Nation date.

     

    The full 17 track album, Bluebird Days, is available here.

  • REBA McENTIRE SET TO RELEASE HER NEW BOOK, NOT THAT FANCY: SIMPLE LESSONS ON LIVING, LOVING, EATING AND DUSTING OFF YOUR BOOTS.

    Reba McEntire will release her new lifestyle book, NOT THAT FANCY: LESSONS ON LIVING, LOVING, EATING AND DUSTING OFF YOUR BOOTS, on Tuesday (October 10th). “An homage to her faith, family and Oklahoma upbringing,” (Booklist) the book is an enchanting collection of funny, poignant and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips and recipes.

    From the audio version of her book, Reba gives a little insight into what lies within its pages. “That’s what I’m sharing in this book – the simple Oklahoma-style truths I keep coming back to and a bunch of good stories, photos and recipes that go along with ‘em,” she says. “So, if you’re looking to slow down, get back to basics and just have a heckuva lot of fun, then I think we’re gonna have a good time together in these pages. Come on in. Kick off your boots or leave ‘em on. I don’t care and learn how to bring a little of my Western-inspired life into your own. Let’s have a good time, alright?”

    Reba is determined to enjoy her life, both personally and professionally. “Everything I’m doing in my life from here on out – personal or professional, doesn’t matter – I’m gonna have fun,” she says. “Enjoying what we’ve been given is one of the best ways I know to honor the Lord. I’ve been blessed beyond measure, and I want to make sure to never stop letting God know just how thankful I am for the life he’s given me, especially those Not That Fancy things, because as I found, that’s where my heart is.”

    Tomorrow, we will have more of Reba talking about her career in music, taken from the audio version of her book.

    The Country Music Hall of Famer previously co-wrote a 1994 memoir titled Reba: My Story with Tom Carter and also authored a second biography, Comfort From a Country Quilt, in 1999.

    On Tuesday (October 10th), fans can tune in to catch Reba on TODAY at 8a ET/7a CT. On Wednesday (October 11th), Reba will appear on Late Night With Seth Meyers at 12:35a ET/11:35p CT. Reba will also appear on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, on Wednesday (October 11th) at 9p ET/8p ET.

    Audio / From the audio version of her new book, Reba McEntire introduces what fans can expect from Not That Fancy: Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating and Dusting Off Your Boots.

    Download

    Reba McEntire (Introducing her book) OC: …good time, alright? :33
    “So, that’s what I’m sharing in this book – the simple Oklahoma-style truths I keep coming back to and a bunch of good stories, photos and recipes that go along with ‘em. So, if you’re looking to slow down, get back to basics and just have a heckuva lot of fun, then I think we’re gonna have a good time together in these pages. Come on in. Kick off your boots or leave ‘em on. I don’t care and learn how to bring a little of my Western-inspired life into your own. Let’s have a good time, alright?”

    Audio / From the audio version of her new book, Not That Fancy, Reba McEntire says she's going to enjoy all aspects of her life.

    Download

    Reba McEntire (Enjoying Life) OC: …my heart is. :36
    “Singing will always remind me of Mama, and I feel like she’s right there with me when I’m singing, but I’m also doing it for fun again. Everything I’m doing in my life from here on out – personal or professional, doesn’t matter – I’m gonna have fun. Enjoying what we’ve been given is one of the best ways I know to honor the Lord. I’ve been blessed beyond measure, and I want to make sure to never stop letting God know just how thankful I am for the life he’s given me, especially those Not That Fancy things, because as I found, that’s where my heart is.”

    Audio / In the audio version of her book, Not That Fancy, Reba McEntire says her family were always learning, dreaming and working hard.

    Download

    Reba McEntire (Learning, Dreaming and Working Hard) OC: …and go home. :20
    “Most of what you hope for in this life takes time and some good old-fashioned sticktoitiveness. None of us in the McEntire family were overnight successes. From generation to generation, we just kept learning, dreaming and working hard. One thing I’m sure of, good things won’t come to you if you just give up and go home.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Darius Rucker, Reba McEntire, Dierks Bentley, Mickey Guyton, Priscilla Block, Dalton Dover, Tyler Hubbard

    Darius Rucker sat down with NBC’s Willie Geist for Sunday Today (October 8th), and the talked about  dedicating his new album, “Carolyn’s Boy,” to his mother, how an appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman” changed the trajectory of Hootie & the Blowfish and embarking on a solo country music career.

    Reba McEntire premiered the music video for her new song, “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown over the weekend. The clip imagines what it would be like to be able to spend seven minutes in the afterlife with a special loved one, and for Reba, that would be her mother Jaqueline, who passed away in 2020 at the age of 93.

     

    Dierks Bentley will issue a 10th anniversary edition of his 2010 album, Up on the Ridge, just in time for Record Store Day on November 24th. The collection, which will be pressed on orange vinyl, features special guests, including Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Jamey Johnson, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Kris Kristofferson.

    Mickey Guyton was announced as the featured performer at Helluva Block Party prior to Georgia Tech’s Family Weekend football game against Boston College on October 21st.

    Priscilla Block will perform at Tracy Lawrence‘s 18th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on November 21st. Lee Brice and Halfway to Hazard will also perform. The Turkey Fry is set to take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds that morning, followed by the concert that evening. Last year, Tracy’s event fried 1200 turkeys to benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission in helping to feed the homeless in Middle Tennessee.

    Dalton Dover will perform the National Anthem prior to Monday’s (October 9th) game in Atlanta as the Braves play host to the Phillies in Game 2 of the National League Division Series.

    Tyler Hubbard will be one of the headliners at next year’s CMC Rocks QLD  at the Willowbank Raceway in Ispwich, Queensland March 15th – 17th. Lainey Wilson and Chris Young will also headline during the three-day festival. Priscilla Block, Chase Rice, Megan Moroney, Jackson Dean, Elvie Shane, Drake Milligan, Morgan Wade and Tyler Braden, among others, will also perform.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • KEITH URBAN WILL BE INDUCTED INTO THE NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME THIS WEEK, AND HE’S SHINING A LIGHT ON SOME OF THE SONGS HE’S WRITTEN.

    Keith Urban is set to be inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame on Wednesday (October 11th), along with Kix Brooks, David Lee Murphy, Casey Beathard and Rafe Van Hoy, and he couldn’t be more honored to be included in the Class of 2023.

    The three-time Entertainer of the Year says it’s impossible to pick a favorite song he’s written, since he’s written thousands of songs, but he can point to specific songs that have changed the course of his career, including his six-week No. 1 song (his second chart-topper), 2002’s “Somebody Like You.”

    “It’s impossible for me to sort of pick a favorite song that I’ve written or anything that I’m more grateful than any others, because they all capture a different part of my life and tell a different part of my story,” says Keith. “But certainly, songs that can send a career into a whole other gear, I mean, I would have to look at something like ‘Somebody Like You’ as one of the most important songs for me that happened and just changed this sort of, to a large degree, just sent my career into a whole different speed in a really wonderful way. Of course, you know, there’s hundreds of songs I’ve written that led up to that one getting written, and it’s just magic. It’s magical how that song got written. I wrote it with a guy called John Shanks, who I’d never met and I was nervous showing up that morning to write that song, and he had a little drum loop happening and I happened to bring my six-string banjo and I pulled it out of the case and the first thing that I played was that opening riff of the song and I started singing a melody, and the words started coming fairly quickly, and it was one those pretty easy to write songs, and I think it’s just where I was in my life at the time too. It really captured probably more of the person I wished I could be. I wasn’t that person in the song, but I wanted to be, and I felt I was getting close to being that person. So, it’s a truthful song. It came from a truthful place, and I’m still incredibly grateful for it. I can’t imagine doing a show and not doing that song, and I feel really grateful that I love it. I love it as much today as the day I wrote it.”

    On his socials, he’s shining a light on some of the songs he’s written. He writes, “A recurring theme I write about often is being present and in the moment. For whatever reason, I’ve usually found uptempo music brings this out in me the most. Songs like “Days Go By” and “Gone Tomorrow (Here Today)” started with the music first, and for me, the music was already telling the story. Seize the day and LIVE !!!!” You can find these songs on a “SHINE” playlist he made on all digital and streaming platforms.

    All five members will be formally inducted during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Wednesday, October 11th, at the Music City Center.

    Keith’s Las Vegas residency returns to the Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas on November 1st and runs through November 18th.

     

    Audio / Keith Urban says it's hard for him to pick a favorite song he wrote, but he says he does realize which songs have changed his life and career, including his No. 1 "Somebody Like You" from his Golden Road album.

    Download

    Keith Urban (Somebody Like You changed his life) OC: …I wrote it. 1:47
    “It’s impossible for me to sort of pick a favorite song that I’ve written or anything that I’m more grateful than any others, because they all capture a different part of my life and tell a different part of my story. But certainly, songs that can send a career into a whole other gear, I mean, I would have to look at something like ‘Somebody Like You’ as one of the most important songs for me that happened and just changed this sort of, to a large degree, just sent my career into a whole different speed in a really wonderful way. Of course, you know, there’s hundreds of songs I’ve written that led up to that one getting written, and it’s just magic. It’s magical how that song got written. I wrote it with a guy called John Shanks, who I’d never met and I was nervous showing up that morning to write that song, and he had a little drum loop happening and I happened to bring my six-string banjo and I pulled it out of the case and the first thing that I played was that opening riff of the song and I started singing a melody, and the words started coming fairly quickly, and it was one those pretty easy to write songs, and I think it’s just where I was in my life at the time too. It really captured probably more of the person I wished I could be. I wasn’t that person in the song, but I wanted to be, and I felt I was getting close to being that person. So, it’s a truthful song. It came from a truthful place, and I’m still incredibly grateful for it. I can’t imagine doing a show and not doing that song, and I feel really grateful that I love it. I love it as much today as the day I wrote it.”

    Audio / KEITH URBAN EXPLAINS HOW HIS SONG “COMING HOME” ALL STARTED WITH MERLE HAGGARD’S GUITAR LICK FROM “MAMA TRIED.”

    Download

    Keith Urban (Merle Haggard guitar riff) OC: …of the song. :38
    “I wanted to write something from that famous guitar lick in that song, and we took it from Haggard’s record, sort of manipulated it a little bit and put some new chords around it and wrote this music track. And then that what became the chorus was almost stream of conscious when I was listening to the track. I just wrote ‘There’s a place that I know where they all know me/I gotta get back now to the ones who love me/wrap myself around you/never let you go/there’s nothing in the world that feels like Coming Home.’ And it all just came out, and that’s what Merle’s guitar lick made me feel, so it was a very important part of the song.”

    Audio / Keith Urban talks about his 2004 four-week No. 1 smash, "Days Go By."

    Download

    Keith Urban (Days Go By) OC: …real familiarity. :25
    “I thought it was a really, really catchy riff, and I thought the melody was really catchy. I was worried that the lyric was a little, just cliché and sort of I’ve heard all of this before, but I guess you can overshoot the runway so many times in writing lyrics and realize that there’s a reason why clichés are what they are is because they resonate with truth and universality and real familiarity.”

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  • DILLON JAMES BREAKS FREE ON DEBUT TRACK, “WALKING MAN.”

    California-born singer/songwriter Dillon James details his journey from reckless to revival with his debut major label track, “Walking Man,” out everywhere today. Written by Dillon with Paul Sikes and Paul Wrock, the song is produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Sikes. It’s an autobiographical introduction to a soul-stirring talent set to weave his hard-fought footprints through Nashville and beyond. Get to know Dillon James here.

     

    Have you ever been a mile past goin’ gets tough

    Six feet under but you push dirt up

    Till sun breaks through

    Gets you back up kickin’

    From a dead man walking to a

    Walking man livin’

     

    “Walking Man” is the first look at new music from Dillon since signing to Buena Vista Records/UMG Nashville/19 Recordings. He is managed by The Core Entertainment.

    “Dillon is going to leave an indelible fingerprint on country music,” shares UMG Nashville Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “His purpose and vision is to share his fiery lyrics and his raw gritty sound infused with his life’s journey with the world, bringing in his story of loss, hope, faith and redemption to country music. I’m so proud to add Dillon to our UMGN family.”

    Dillon has been performing his soon-to-be-released music on the road with tour dates across the country this year. For more information, please visit DillonJames.com.

    About Dillon James:
    Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, Dillon James was influenced by the city’s unique blend of Rock n’ Roll and Country music from an early age, picking up a guitar for the first time at the age of 10. Dillon was first drawn to classic rock, though his tastes diversified to the likes of City And Colour, Glen Campbell, Jeff Buckley, George Strait and Bob Dylan by the time he began writing his own music as a teen. Combined with inspiration from the local sounds of Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, Dillon developed the country-rock infused vocals and powerful storytelling that would define his distinct sound. After winning several singer-songwriter competitions and a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, Dillon entered a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time, he realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well. Dillon accomplished his goal and moved to Nashville to write and record music, including his debut track “Walking Man” and more set to be released soon. In his own words, “human connection is the goal, music is just the vessel.”

     

    Audio / Dillon James talks about his new song, "Walking Man."

    Download

    Dillon James (Walking Man) 1 OC: …lost it all. :25
    “‘Walking Man’ is a song that I wrote with two of really good friends, and when we got the hook, everyone in the room was just, we all looked at each other and we were like, ‘Dude, that’s it, man’ — From a dead man walking to a walking man living. And I really hope that when fans listen to this song, they can take away from it the same thing I do every time I listen to it, which is there’s still hope even when you feel like you’ve lost it all.”
     

    Audio / LINER Dillon James (Walking Man) 1

    Download

     

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  • DARIUS RUCKER DELIVERS HIGHLY ANTICIPATED ALBUM CAROLYN’S BOY, OUT NOW.

     

    Having continuously teased new music as he put the finishing touches on his first solo project in six years, three-time GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker now unveils the highly anticipated final project with today’s release of Carolyn’s Boy. Praised by People in the issue on stands today for having “never left his humble roots in the rear view,” Rucker named the album as an homage to his late mother, a woman he celebrates as the sole reason for “who I am, how I am, what I am.” Listen HERE.

    “She believed in me more than I believed in myself,” he shared with Jan Crawford on today’s “CBS Mornings.” “She’d tell me all the time, ‘you’re gonna make it; you’re gonna live your dream. I know you are. I can’t wait.’”

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLsJIy-l6_o

     

    Rucker will further discuss the album and his mother’s influence on this weekend’s episode of “Sunday TODAY” via an exclusive interview with Willie Geist on NBC (check local listings), before bringing a feel-good performance of album track “Have A Good Time” to CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” on Thursday, Oct. 10 at 11:35 p.m. / 10:35 p.m. CT.

    The series of television appearances continues what has already been a celebratory week for Rucker, including his induction on the Music City Walk of Fame this past Wednesday (October 4th), and an intimate performance that evening at Analog at the Hutton Hotel, taped to air as part of PBS’s “Recorded Live at Analog” series debuting in early 2024.

    Captivating audiences with what Billboard praises as “one of the most distinctive voices of country’s modern era” Rucker describes the album six years in the making as his favorite he’s ever released, as Garden & Gun declares, “Carolyn’s Boy contains some of the most emotional, vulnerable music of Rucker’s career” with MusicRow adding that it offers “a beautiful blend of feel-good, fun tunes and deeper, moving numbers.”

    From recent No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine,” his 10th to top the Country charts and what he describes as a perfect summary of Carolyn’s joyful personality, to current single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves,” lauded by Billboard for “the impressive vocal control and power in his lower register,” and his latest release, “Southern Comfort,” described by Garden & Gun as “evok[ing] a wistful nostalgia that has become one of Rucker’s calling cards,” the project features 14 tracks, 11 of which boast Rucker as a cowriter.

    Some of the notable cowriters joining him on the project include global superstar Ed Sheeran for the reflective “Sara,” penned during a trip to London and celebrated by People as “a mid-tempo rumination on the hopes of seeking friendship and comfort in a long-lost connection;” reigning ACM Artist/Songwriter of the Year HARDY for the longing “3am in Carolina;” and longtime friend and Lady A vocalist Charles Kelley for the despairing “7 days.”

    In addition, the album sees Rucker join forces with Chapel Hart for the collaborative “Ol’ Church Hymn” while also offering his take on Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” from blockbuster film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, with MusicRow summarizing his rendition as “beautifully produced, spiritually uplifting and soul stirring. It builds to anthem-level intensity before receding into an intimate prayer. Essential.”

    The album offers vulnerably insightful songs such as “Sure Would Have Loved Her,” “Stargazing” and “Never Been Over,” lauded by Garden & Gun in yesterday’s exclusive premiere as “[one] of the album’s highlights,” while also offering uplifting reminders to a divided world on tracks such as “In This Together,” “Same Beer Different Problem” and “Have A Good Time.”

    In all, the album demonstrates what the Tennessean praises as Rucker’s “Southernness and soulfulness [which] occupy a uniquely American creative identity. His material caresses, not straddles, the intersections of pop’s unique variants.”

    Rucker will also celebrate the release of his new album during the second year of his personally curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival this weekend in his hometown of Charleston, S.C. In addition to Rucker himself, fans will be treated to performances by Turnpike Troubadours, Lainey Wilson, Band of Horses and more. View the full lineup and daily schedule HERE.

    Having shared the new music with fans across the country all summer on his Starting Fires Tour, Rucker is also gearing up to take his wide-ranging catalog of hits across the pond with a recently announced run of European tour dates in early 2024.

    For more information and to purchase tickets to all upcoming shows, visit DariusRucker.com and follow on social media @DariusRucker.

    Carolyn’s Boy Track List:

    Lyrics & label copy available HERE (songwriters in parentheses)

    1. Beers And Sunshine (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
    2. In This Together (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
    3. Never Been Over (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
    4. Fires Don’t Start Themselves (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
    5. Ol’ Church Hymn feat. Chapel Hart (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
    6. 7 Days (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
    7. Same Beer Different Problem (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
    8. Sara (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
    9. Have A Good Time (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
    10. Sure Would Have Loved Her (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
    11. Southern Comfort (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
    12. 3am in Carolina (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
    13. Lift Me Up (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
    14. Stargazing (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

     

    Audio / Darius Rucker explains why he chose specific songs for his new album, Carolyn’s Boy.

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    Darius Rucker (songs chosen for Carolyn’s Boy) OC: …every day. :27
    “I think a lot of the songs were chosen because the record was named Carolyn’s Boy. And comfort was something that I really wanted this record to exude. It’s comfort and just being okay with who you are, being okay in your skin and living that way. And so, yeah, it had a lot to do with it, and the main reason was because it was named after my mom, and comfort was something she gave me every day.”

    Audio / Darius Rucker hopes fans take away that he gets to record great songs after listening to his album, Carolyn’s Boy.

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    Darius Rucker (hope for fans) OC: …a record. :19
    “I hope fans take away the songs. You know, that’s what music is all about for me. It’s about the songs. So, I hope fans listen to Carolyn’s Boy and go, ‘Once again, they’re writing great songs down in Nashville,’ and I get to cut some of them. That’s what I want to do every time I make a record.”

    Audio / LINER Darius Rucker (available now)

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  • DARIUS RUCKER RIVERFRONT REVIVAL TAKES PLACE THIS WEEKEND.

    Darius Rucker kicks off his second annual Riverfront Revival at North Charleston’s beautiful Riverfront Park this weekend.

    The hometown festival, personally curated by Darius, will be headlined by the multi-platinum and three-time GRAMMY Award winner, and will also feature performances by Lainey Wilson, Turnpike Troubadours, Niko Moon, Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Drivin N’ Cryin, Megan Moroney, Wilderado, Cha Wa, Elvie Shane, Yesterday’s Wine, Carter Faith, Wayne Graham, Randall Fowler, Haley Mae Campbell, Emily Curtis, Band of Horses, Greensky Bluegrass and Grayson Little.

    Darius says he hopes the festival will take place for years to come. “I want to keep doing it for a long time and just keep bringing great country music and just music, mainly country, bringing great bands to Charleston,” he says. “You know, this year, the lineup is crazy, you know, with the with the Turnpike Troubadours and Lainey Wilson and all these big names we got coming in. I’m proud of it. I want it to keep growing. You know, one of these days I want to talk on, you know, Luke and Jason into taking a pay cut and coming and playing it for me, but. (laughs) But, you know, they’re my buddies, so I’m sure they will. But  I’ve always wanted to have my own festival in Charleston, and now we have it, and it’s successful and we’re just gonna try to keep doing it as long as we can.”

    Music will play across two stages from 1-11 p.m. on Saturday and 1-10 p.m. on Sunday. Gates will open at 12 p.m. each day. Riverfront Revival will also feature curated offerings of the Lowcountry’s best food, libations, art and culture along the beautiful backdrop of the Cooper River.

    A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sold will once again benefit the Arts in Healing program at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC).

    Darius just released his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday (October 6th).

     

    Audio / Darius Rucker talks about this year's Riverfront Revival Festival in Charleston.

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    Darius Rucker (Riverfront Revival 2023) OC: …as we can. :36
    “Oh, I want to keep doing it for a long time and just keep bringing great country music and just music, mainly country, bringing great bands to Charleston. You know, this year, the lineup is crazy, you know, with the with the Turnpike Troubadours and Lainey Wilson and all these big names we got coming in. I’m proud of it. I want it to keep growing. You know, one of these days I want to talk on, you know, Luke and Jason into taking a pay cut and coming and playing it for me, but. (laughs) But, you know, they’re my buddies, so I’m sure they will. But  I’ve always wanted to have my own festival in Charleston, and now we have it, and it’s successful and we’re just gonna try to keep doing it as long as we can.”

  • REBA MCENTIRE KICKS OFF NOT THAT FANCY RELEASE FESTIVITIES WITH DEBUT OF NOT THAT FANCY ACOUSTIC ALBUM.

    Reba McEntire is kicking off an action-packed week of celebration with the release of her acoustic album Not That Fancy. Reba teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs, “making room for McEntire’s voice to shine” (American Songwriter). The 14-track collection also features a brand new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven.” Listen to the album now HERE.

    The album is the first offering for fans who are also awaiting next week’s Oct. 10 debut of Reba’s accompanying book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. “An homage to her faith, family and Oklahoma upbringing,” (Booklist) the book is an enchanting collection of funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips, and recipes. Pre-order the book HERE.

    Tomorrow, October 7th, fans can catch Reba on CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown. On release day, Tuesday October 10th, fans can tune in to catch Reba on TODAY at 8a ET/7a CT. On Wednesday, October 11th, Reba will appear on Late Night With Seth Meyers at 12:35a ET/11:35p CT. Reba will also appear on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, on Wednesday, October 11th at 9p ET/8p ET.

    Fans can order a limited-edition Not That Fancy box set that includes a copy of the new book and album, along with a Reba-branded apron and Reba-branded stationary in a custom-made album themed box. Fans can also purchase limited edition vinyl via Barnes & Noble.

    NOT THAT FANCY track list:
    1.    The Fear of Being Alone (Acoustic Version)
    2.    Consider Me Gone (Acoustic Version)
    3.    Somebody Should Leave (Acoustic Version)
    4.    How Blue (Acoustic Version)
    5.    If You See Him, If You See Her with Brooks & Dunn (Acoustic Version)
    6.    Till You Love Me (Acoustic Version)
    7.    Seven Minutes In Heaven
    8.    The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (Acoustic Version)
    9.    Does He Love You with Dolly Parton (Acoustic Version)
    10.    One Promise Too Late (Acoustic Version)
    11.    The Last One To Know (Acoustic Version)
    12.    New Fool At An Old Game (Acoustic Version)
    13.    I’m A Survivor (Acoustic Version)
    14.    Fancy (Acoustic Version)

     

    [[audio-player-1]]

     

  • REBA McENTIRE WILL RELEASE NOT THAT FANCY ALBUM ON FRIDAY; NEW BOOK ARRIVES ON OCTOBER 10TH.

    Reba McEntire releases NOT THAT FANCY on Friday (October 6th). For NOT THAT FANCY, Reba teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs. The 14-track collection will also feature a brand new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven.”

    The album is releasing in conjunction with Reba’s upcoming book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. Set to go on sale Tuesday (October 10th), the book is an enchanting collection of funny, poignant, and deeply personal stories, photos, lifestyle tips, and recipes from Reba.

    Not that Fancy includes over 50 recipes from Reba’s family traditions and her restaurant Reba’s Place; never-before-seen photographs and never-before-told stories from Reba’s personal and professional life and simple, not-that-fancy lifestyle tips.

    Fans can order a limited-edition Not That Fancy box set that includes a copy of the new book and album, along with a Reba-branded apron and Reba-branded stationary in a custom-made album themed box.

    Fans can also purchase limited edition vinyl via Barnes & Noble.

    NOT THAT FANCY track list:
    1.    The Fear of Being Alone (Acoustic Version)
    2.    Consider Me Gone (Acoustic Version)
    3.    Somebody Should Leave (Acoustic Version)
    4.    How Blue (Acoustic Version)
    5.    If You See Him, If You See Her with Brooks & Dunn (Acoustic Version)
    6.    Till You Love Me (Acoustic Version)
    7.    Seven Minutes In Heaven
    8.    The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (Acoustic Version)
    9.    Does He Love You with Dolly Parton (Acoustic Version)
    10.    One Promise Too Late (Acoustic Version)
    11.    The Last One To Know (Acoustic Version)
    12.    New Fool At An Old Game (Acoustic Version)
    13.    I’m A Survivor (Acoustic Version)
    14.    Fancy (Acoustic Version)

    To celebrate the release of the new collection, her video for “Till You Love Me” has been remastered in HD.

     

     

    Audio / REBA MCENTIRE TALKS ABOUT "FANCY."

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    Reba McEntire (Fancy) OC: …always a hit. :41
    “I fell in love with that song when Bobbie Gentry had it out in the late ’60s. It was a hit then, and it’s been a hit every time anybody listens to it. Everybody can relate to it; it’s a rags-to-riches song. I had wanted to do that song earlier, but not until I got with Tony Brown in 1990 to do this album (Rumor Has It), he had asked me, he said, ‘Are there any old songs you’d like to do a remake on?’ And I looked at him and said, ‘Yeah! Fancy!’ He said, ‘Omigosh! That’s my favorite song!’ So, we did this song, and it has just been with me forever. I just absolutely love it. I’ve recorded it. I’ve performed it many times, done it on television shows, and it’s always a hit.”