Jordan Davis and his wife Kristen welcomed their third child earlier this week. Elijah Patrick Davis, weighing in at 10 lbs., 1 oz., and measuring 22 inches long, joins big sister Eloise (3 1/2 years old) and big brother Locklan (21 months old).
The Louisiana native and now father of three posted the news to his socials on Thursday (June 15th), writing, “God is good! My son Elijah Patrick is in the world…His momma did incredible in getting him here and we hope to get him home to his brother and sister soon.”
God is good! My son Elijah Patrick is in the world…His momma did incredible in getting him here and we hope to get him home to his brother and sister soon. pic.twitter.com/i4l3tFV0Sm
Early last week, Jordan told us he was excited and nervous about baby No. 3. “I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous,” says Jordan. “I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”
Jordan is closing in on the top of the country charts with his latest smash, “Next Thing You Know.”
Audio / Jordan Davis says he was excited about the arrival of baby No. 3.
Jordan Davis (Baby No. 3) OC: …comes home. 1:03 “Yeah, I think you’re kind of all the emotions – excited and scared, nervous. I think the thing I’m looking most forward to is there’s no love like a new baby, and so being able to hold – we don’t know what it is yet – so being able to hold him or her for the first time is always pretty special. It is crazy just the personalities that you see right off the bat, and it was such a difference between my son and daughter. You know, for me, it’s just exciting to get to see them who they’re going to become. We’re here to guide ‘em and love ‘em, but you want, it’s a fun ride to get to see them grow up. I am. I’m excited to meet the new one and bring ‘em home and let big sister…you know now Eloise can actually, she knows what’s going on. She knows we’re getting a new baby, and I know she’s excited, so I’m ready to see her face when the baby comes home.”
Jordan Davis releases the official music video for his latest hit “Next Thing You Know.” The video, directed by Running Bear, follows one family’s emotional life story as told by Davis’ heartfelt lyrics. Davis, who wrote the song with Chase McGill, Greylan James, and Josh Osborne, brings his own family in for a cameo in the touching video.
“Next Thing You Know” has already garnered over 375 million streams and is Top 5 and climbing on country radio airplay charts. Fans have adopted the song as their own life’s soundtrack with a viral TikTok and Instagram trend showing reactions to life milestones including graduations, wedding proposals, pregnancy announcements, anniversaries, and everything in between. “Next Thing You Know” is featured on Davis’ critically acclaimed Bluebird Days album, which also includes his multi-week No. 1 “What My World Spins Around” and award-winning collaboration with LukeBryan, “Buy Dirt.”
Davis hits the road on his Damn Good Time Tour kicking off in August with guest openers Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradbery, Flatland Calvary,Greylan James, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith, and Georgia Webster.
Brothers Osborne (Dad’s music) OC: (John) …anything else. :34 “Our dad listened to everything from Hank Williams to Willie Nelson to even pop music like Mariah Carey and Tom Petty to Bob Seger. You name it and he listened to it, so we really didn’t think about specific genres. We really just kind of soaked it all in, so we listened to it all at one time. It was just music to us. There wasn’t a day in our house without the radio on or there wasn’t a weekend at our house that there wasn’t a party and people had their guitars out, so music to us is like eating and breathing. It’s just as essential as anything else.”
Audio / Carrie Underwood talks about the two incredible fathers in her life.
Carrie Underwood (Father’s Day) OC: …guy all around. 1:18 “Well, I am very lucky in my life to have two incredible fathers – my own father and then I get to watch my husband be a father to our boys – strong, amazing men, I am very lucky to be around them. Mike as a dad is just super involved in our boys’ lives, very hands on. It takes a team, definitely, to be able to support my crazy life and Mike’s always running around doing a lot of charity things and he’s always meeting with people and he’s on different boards and stuff like that, so we’re very much switching off duties as far as taking boys here and there to school and sports and to all the extra-curricular activities. I just love that I feel like we’re such a great team. I love it that he gets to now work with Isaiah on sports and things like that, and I know he loves it too. So, I think that’s one of my favorite qualities about Mike is just how hands on of a father he is and very willing to pick up the slack when I’m crazy busy. Obviously, he’s just a very Godly father, as well. He keeps God as the center of our family and gets to teach our boys all about that, as well. So, he’s just a great guy all around.”
Audio / Caylee Hammack says her father is a good man.
Caylee Hammack (Dad) OC: …forget that. 1:19 “My dad has this really unnerving ability to be able to build anything at all just by thinking of it. He can look at something and build it in his mind and build it by hand, and it always works. I’ve always respected him for that. He’s a very hard worker. He’s worked every day of his life. He’s also kind, even when he doesn’t have to be. He’s the type of guy who always gives money at the light to whoever it is on the street. One of my favorite moments with my dad was when we were driving to Macon, Georgia. I was playing a show that night, and we were driving up and we saw this dog and I could tell she was a mama dog. I could tell she had babies somewhere that she was trying to nurse, and she was so skinny. And I’m a bleeding heart. I get it from my Mama, and I just start crying, and I’m like, ‘That poor dog. She’s starving trying to feed her babies.’ I thought, ‘Poor dog.” And my dad doesn’t say anything, goes up two more blocks and pulls into the McDonalds. And he goes through and he asks me if I wanted anything, and I say no. I just think he’s hungry. He goes and he buys three or four burgers, and then he goes back to that block and he drives around until we find that dog to feed it to ‘em. I just remember looking at him, being like this is what a man is; this is what a good man does, and I’ll never forget that.”
Audio / Dalton Dover says as a father, he wants his children to have a better life
Dalton Dover (Father’s Day) OC: …is a virtue. :24f “So, like growing up, my grandpa was the closest thing to a dad to me, so I want to show my kids the love that I was never, I never got to call anybody Daddy. So I want to be able to show my kids a better life than what I had, which my life was great, but I want to be able to give my children more. I mean, I just want them to know you’re gonna make mistakes, but learn from ‘em, and like my mama taught me, patience is a virtue.”
Audio / Dalton Dover says his grandfather taught him to be the man he is today.
Dalton Dover (Father’s Day-grandpa) OC: …I am today. :12 “My grandfather taught me to be a man. He taught me that handshakes matter. He taught me so much that I could’ve never taught myself, you know? (He) definitely taught me to be a man, the man I am today.”
Audio / Darius Rucker says his kids would say he was a fun dad, unless they did something wrong.
Darius Rucker (Father’s Day) OC: …loving dad. :41 “I think if you asked my kids what kind of Dad I was they would probably say…Dani would say that I was a fun Dad. My little daughter would say that I was a fun dad; she thinks I’m a lot of fun. I think if you caught them at the right moment they would say I was mean [laughs] because when I’m home I’m not afraid to discipline them. I’m all fun until it’s not fun anymore and then daddy’s not the fun guy. I think that they’d say that I was a fun Dad, I’m a loving Dad and I think they would say that. I’m gone so much that when I’m home, I just shower love upon my kids. I say ‘I love you’ probably fifty times a day. We hug, we kiss all the time. I’m always wanting them to know how much I love them. So, I’d hope they’d say that I was a loving dad.”
Audio / Darius Rucker says his mother made him a good father to his three children.
Darius Rucker (mother’s qualities makes him a great father) OC: …my mom. :45 “She had a lot great qualities, but she was always, family was first for her. She was always a rock and making sure she took care of us and making sure we had things we needed to have to survive – food and clothes and a home – and seeing that and seeing how hard she worked and all the things she did just really made me the father that I am today. I mean, I’m so crazy and hands-on with my kids. I think it all comes from watching my mom have to struggle so much to support us. And so now, I don’t want me or my wife to ever have to struggle, and I don’t want my kids to ever want or wonder where I am or where there mom is. I want them to always know where we are and always be taken care of, and that all comes from my mom.”
Audio / Dierks Bentley enjoys being both dad – to daughters Evie and Jordan and son Knox – and country music performer.
Dierks Bentley (dad & performer) OC: …to do both. :28 “When I get home, it’s a totally different reality that I wouldn’t trade for anything in the world. Just hanging with my girls and doing the things we do and seeing life through their eyes, it’s incredible. It takes a man to do it. It’s not a boys’ game. It takes a man to do it. I love the juxtaposition to be able to be that man and to also go on the road and act like I’m 13 years old and play video games all afternoon waiting for the fans to show up. So, it’s really a blessing to be able to do both.”
Audio / Dierks Bentley, the father of three, is very grateful to his own dad for turning him on to country music as a kid.
Dierks (Father’s Day) OC: …that’s for sure. :10 “My dad was my biggest influence in country music because my dad loved country radio. So, we always drove around listening to country radio and George Strait, Hank Williams and Randy Travis and all these guys, so. Without him, I wouldn’t be doing this, that’s for sure.”
Audio / Eric Church describes his father and the qualities he admires in him.
Eric Church (Father’s Day) OC: …always admired. :29 “My dad is a, I’m trying to find the right words to describe him. My dad is a great guy, honest guy, very call it like he sees it, which is where I get a lot of that. No BS. I’m gonna tell you how I feel whether you like it or not. I’m that guy, I’m me…My dad’s that way, so I get a lot of that from him. There’s also an honesty and an integrity that my dad carries himself with that I’ve always admired.”
Audio / Jon Langston looks up to his father and hopes to become just like him.
Jon Langston (Father’s Day) OC: …just fine. :16 “My Dad has been my hero all my life. He’s the man I want to be one day when I grow up. I’m thankful for all he’s done for me and the sacrifices he’s made for our family. If I’m half the man he is one day, I’ll be just fine.”
Audio / JORDAN DAVIS TALKS ABOUT HIS FAVORITE QUALITIES OF HIS DAD.
Jordan Davis (Father’s Day) OC: …my music. :45 “The thing I love most about my Dad is just his overall love of life. He’s a guy that’s worked hard and is now at a point where he can enjoy it, and he’s living every day to the fullest. That’s something that I’m very thankful that I’ve seen my Dad do and something to learn from. So, that’s probably my favorite quality about the old man, and just the hard work too. My dad ran a furniture business in Shreveport for a long time with his Dad. It was great to grow up and see a guy work hard and helped his Dad build a business from the ground up to a very successful business, and that’s something that I even try to carry over into my music.”
Audio / PROUD DAD OF FOUR (HAMPTON, COLBY, MARION, HAWKE), JOSH TURNER TALKS ABOUT HOW HIS THREE OLDEST SONS ARE LEARNING THE FAMILY TRADE.
Josh Turner (Father’s Day) OC: …one of ‘em. 1:05 “As far as talent and potential, my oldest three, especially, they could do anything they wanted to do if they put their mind to it and their heart was there. My oldest [Hampton] is incredible at playing mandolin. Colby, we kind of noticed him turn the corner lately with the fiddle, and Marion is actually playing a ukulele that’s tuned like the top four strings on a guitar, so in essence, he’s learning how to play guitar. They’ve just kind of started incorporating some singing into some playing, so they’re starting the whole singing and playing at the same time kind of thing, and not only that, they’re even learning to play songs together on their individual instruments. So, it’s amazing to see how much they can learn in such a short amount of time. It makes me realize how much I missed out on when I was that age, ‘cause I did take some music lessons growing up and everything, but I think they feed off of each other honestly. I think that’s why they’re getting so good is because they’re all doing it, not just one of ‘em.”
Audio / KEITH URBAN TALKS ABOUT THE QUALITIES HE INHERITED FROM BOTH OF HIS PARENTS.
Keith Urban (parents qualities) OC: …both of those. :23
“He was very artistic and creative, my dad, and very detailed, and I think his attention to detail I definitely inherited from him. And my mom was very much a people person, very social. My dad was a bit more shy and quiet, but my mom was very social. I think those two really wonderful attributes, I was lucky enough to inherit both of those.”
Audio / Keith Urban – father to daughters Sunday and Faith -- says there are a number of things that are at the top of the list of being a dad.
Keith Urban (Father’s Day) OC: …experience that. :36 “The first thing is probably just having someone call you dad. I’m like, ‘Omigosh! I’m her dad! That’s amazing.’ That’s probably the first thing to me. I don’t know, I mean, the different personalities that our two daughters have, that’s amazing. It’s such a long list I think. I always say…I think for the people that haven’t had kids – which I hadn’t for a long, long time. I didn’t have kids ‘til later on, and being around it is not the same as having them, you know? I realize that it’s not something that can be explained until you actually sort of have it, so I’m glad I got to experience that.”
Audio / Kip Moore talks about his late father’s influence on his music career, and how he’d play classics on their fishing trips.
Kip Moore (Father’s Day-dad’s influence) OC: …of us singin’ ‘em. :29 “He would just play all those classic records – Little River Band, Jackson Brown, Springsteen, Seeger, Willie Nelson, the Red-Headed Stranger, Kristofferson, Sam Cook – like classic music. He’d be singing the songs and telling us why it was such good music. And I looked up to him so much, that’s the music I gravitated towards and that’s what I continue to listen to. Whenever I think about those old fishing trips, that’s what I think about is on the way down there, him singing those songs and all of us singin’ ‘em.”
Audio / Luke Bryan talks about the life lessons he learned from his dad and what he's passing on to his own children.
Luke Bryan (Father’s Day-life lessons) OC: …live by that. :46 “Well, my dad was, I always just go back to the life lessons that always started either in a fishing boat or hunting somewhere, and that’s why I’ve always kind of been a champion of those types of behaviors certainly with your boys and your children because you get to spend time and hand down values. My dad was always big on just hard work and being good to people and a handshake is the contract. A handshake is your bond, your word. His famous saying always was, ‘Do something right the first time and you won’t have to go back and do it over again.’ I won’t say I batted a thousand perfectly on that, but I’ve kind of tried to live by that.”
Audio / MADDIE MARLOW TALKS ABOUT HER FATHER’S FAVORITE GIFT SHE’S EVER GIVEN HIM FOR FATHER’S DAY.
Maddie & Tae (Father’s Day) OC: …for Father’s Day. :26 “So, for Father’s Day, I made my Dad – I think it was right before I moved to Nashville – I made my Dad this little photo book where it had like his quotes that have stuck with me my whole life and then some pictures, and it was really funky. It looks horrible. It’s not put together, but that’s one of his favorite gifts that he’s ever gotten, and I cherish that ugly photo book thing that I made for him for Father’s Day.”
Audio / PARKER MCCOLLUM CREDITS HIS FATHER AND GRANDFATHER WITH HIS WORK ETHIC AND DRIVE TO BE SUCCESSFUL.
Parker McCollum (male influences) OC: …a good place. :50 “As far as my Dad, he’s like a real-life superhero. I mean the most incredible, self-disciplined, work ethic. I get my entire work ethic, I think, from him and my granddad, who’s actually my mom’s dad. I’m so lucky the kind of people that I come from, like I had no choice to go out and work hard and try to be successful. My brother definitely – that creative, artistic side of my brain I think it really was…he kind of catered to that when I was a kid. He really put a lot of emphasis on me showing that some love and some attention in trying to be creative and write songs and stuff. But I just think my work ethic and kind of drive to do things the right way come from my dad and my granddad, for sure. Just lucky to have that. I always say if everybody had a granddad like I had, the world would be a really good place.”
Priscilla Block (father) OC: …from my dad. :49 “So, my dad has honestly been my rock star, my whole life. He was the one to bring me to Nashville when I was 15, once I wrote my first song. He’s just really supported me. He was the one driving me to all of my try-outs for every single show I tried out for. And my dad’s taught me a lot. He’s a hard worker, and that’s where my work ethic comes from is my dad. You know, I’m one of five kids, and he always found a way…there was a lot of rough times growing up, and he always found a way to pull through and just keep going, and I think that’s why I stayed in Nashville as long as I have – it comes from my dad.”
Audio / Sam Hunt says his father taught him a lot about being a man and knowing the right thing.
Sam Hunt (Father’s Day) OC: …he’s great. :27 “I’m obviously biased about my parents, but I’ve been around a lot of great men of integrity, but he is by far the best man that I know. He’s just taught me so much about being a man, doing the right thing, knowing the difference between right and wrong. And even though I don’t always follow his lead, I definitely know better because of him, and that means a whole lot to me. I was just really fortunate to have him as a dad, and he’s great.”
Audio / Travis Denning says his father is his best friend.
Travis Denning (Father’s Day) OC: …for sure. :43 “My dad – I call him ‘Diamond Dave’ and a lot of other people do too. Honestly, I don’t know if I drink more with anybody else more than my Dad. I think a super cool thing now is getting older and knowing that I’m starting to get more and more sustained as a human that it’s like my parents get to be friends now with me and my sister, which is such a cool thing. And so, yeah, me and my Dad – we love music and we love heavy metal and we love all that. We get to go to concerts and football games and drink beer and just enjoy that cool part of a father and a son and a mother and a son where now we get to be friends and it’s really cool. My Dad is my best friend, for sure.”
Audio / Tyler Hubbard talks about his favorite parts of being a dad.
Tyler Hubbard (Father’s Day) OC: …just so special. 1:01 “Well, I think being a dad is one of the most special gifts in the world. I’m getting to watch kids grow up – a big responsibility, but also a lot of joy. I mean, so much fun, and to have three little kids, man, it’s a house full of energy. It’s a whole lot of fun. And one of the coolest things about it that I’ve found is it helps me kind of channel my inner child. It takes me back to being a kid and how much fun just jumping on the trampoline and playing basketball and playing outside and all that really is and how good it is for us. I’ve lost that for quite a few years, getting wrapped up in my career and working hard and just prioritizing that over being a kid and just playing. So, it’s been really healthy and helpful to me to have these kids running around to just kind of channel that little boy inside of me and the person that I want to be and it’s been really healthy and really fun and kind of re-energized me creatively as well as a songwriter and as an artist. So, I’m really thankful to be a dad. Love those three little kids more than anything in the world, and it’s just so special.”
Audio / Tyler Hubbard talks about his plans for Father's Day.
Tyler Hubbard (Father’s Day 2023) OC: …happens, yeah. :09
“I’m going to be in Toronto for work so they’re going to come up there, and that’s actually one of our favorite cities, so they’re gonna come hang for a couple of days, and I guess, bounce around the city and see what happens, yeah.”
Audio / Vince Gill talks about the qualities he hopes for his children.
Vince Gill (Father’s Day) OC: …feels like. :33 “Kindness-hopefully make them kind and that’s all we got. Five great kids, a couple of grandkids. Those grandkids are the complete light of my life. You know, they just show up and the rest of the world can kiss my you-know-what. (laughs) I say, ‘We’re just gonna go swing in the backyard; we’re gonna wrestle on the bed; we’re gonna eat those Goldfish (crackers), you know? And nothing else kind of seems to matter. And then I think what I love seeing, more than anything, for my kid to finally understand what it means to love, and it’s awesome to see my kid finally get it what that unconditional love really looks like and feels like.”
In the short year since EMI Records Nashville recording artist Tyler Hubbard launched his solo career, he has earned two No. 1 records at Country Radio with “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” Yesterday, the country star celebrated with his fellow co-writers, publishers, label, and industry friends at a double No. 1 party hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC.
BMI’s MaryAnn Keen kicked off the event with a tribute to both songs. Writers Tyler Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and co-producer Jordan Schmidt were on hand to celebrate “5 Foot 9” which went No. 1 last November and was recently certified Platinum by the RIAA.
The writers of “Dancin’ In The Country,” Hubbard, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite and Keith Urban were also joined by co-producer Schmidt. That song went No. 1 last month and has just been certified Gold by the RIAA.
Hubbard thanked the writers and everyone who was at the event in a heartfelt speech.
“I love being a songwriter. As I started this journey as a solo artist, I was surrounded by people who showed up for me. These writers were put into my life, and my new label and team showed up for me. I felt supported, loved and empowered and I felt creativity overtake me. I wanted to write songs that represent who I am – I felt doors were opening as other doors were closing and I want to thank everyone here today for being those people that were put into my life. I’m quickly reminded that my name might be the one on the charts, but this is what it is all about – this whole crew who’s right here – everybody puts in the work and the sacrifice. This is bigger than a No. 1 – thank you for allowing me to have an individual voice. Thank you for believing in me and the possibility to do something that’s not commonly done and thank you for inspiring me. I’m more inspired than ever and you all have given me a new energy that I haven’t had in years. and it’s a culmination of all the blessings in my life.”
Audio / Tyler Hubbard, who co-wrote "Dancin' In The Country" with Keith Urban, Jon Nite and Ross Copperman, said they didn't worry whose album it would end up on, just that they wanted to write a great song.
Tyler Hubbard (writing Dancin’ for him) OC: …and we did. :39 “I was just trying to get a Keith (Urban) cut. I don’t know, I feel like it wasn’t really established, but it was sort of leaning in that direction, and then when we left the room, Keith did text me and say, ‘Hey bro, I loved writing your next single’ as kind of like a joke, but kind of like, ‘Hey bro, it should be your next single, and he was just about right. So, I feel like I had that nod of Keith’s approval. But, yeah, ultimately, we just wanted to write a great song. I think that was sort of the expectation set first off was just write a great song and we’ll worry about where it’s gonna live. Let’s just write something we’re all proud of, and we did.”
Audio / Tyler Hubbard says his solo career is built on a really strong foundation, allowing him to be a better artist and better songwriter.
Tyler Hubbard (strong foundation) OC: …is amazing. :14 “I have a really strong foundation with a great team now, and I feel more supported than ever and so it enables me to be a better artist, a better songwriter, take more risks and trust the people around me, which is amazing.”
Luke Bryan is ready to launch his 36-city “Country On Tour” which kicks off Thursday (June 15th) in Syracuse, New York. Special guests throughout the tour include many of country music’s up and coming artists–Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Hailey Whitters and DJ Rock.
The tour is aptly named after Luke’s 30th #1 single, “Country On,” which hit the top spot on the country singles charts just before Christmas 2022 and helped him amass a career tally of 56 total weeks at #1.
The five-time Entertainer of the Year will definitely be playing his latest hit, “But I Got A Beer In My Hand.”
Audio / Luke Bryan talks about his Country On Tour kicking off this week.
Luke Bryan (Country On Tour) OC: …in the summer. :27 “I’m so excited about this year’s summer tour, the Country On Tour. I’ve got a lot of new up and coming artists. Some of ‘em have had a hit, some of ‘em are about to have a hit. They’re gonna be out there with me, and I’m so excited to be around young talent and watch them enjoy the summer tour. But, yeah, my favorite part about being out there on the Country On Tour is going town to town, and nothing is better than being out on the road in the summer.”
Audio / LINER Luke Bryan (seeing you at my show tonight)
As now 10-time GRAMMY nominated superstar Eric Church was in the midst of his first arena tour, having just released what would go on to become the CMA and ACM album of the year and eventually be named one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time,” Chief, the burgeoning Church Choir packed into Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre for two nights as the singular moment in time was captured on his Caught In The Act live album. Now, as the 17-song project turns 10 years old, Church offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes at those nights with the release of a never-before-seen accompanying documentary, Caught In The Act: A Film. Purchase the film HERE to watch exclusively on nugs.net beginning Friday, June 23rd.
“When you’re in the craziness of the moment, you’re not even sure what you’re looking at or experiencing, you just feel that it’s different,” remembers Church. “We went to the Tivoli because everyone in our world – the band, the crew, the fans – knew we were a part of something special and wanted to capture the fire that has got us here. So, we just started rolling cameras as we figured at least we’d have it for posterity. It’s been sitting in the vault, and with the live album celebrating 10 years since its release, it felt like the right time to rewatch and share the journey we’ve been on together.”
The film features full performances of all 17 songs on the album as well as commentary from Church, longtime manager and Q Prime South’s John Peets, producer Jay Joyce – who oversaw not only the live recording but has served as producer for all seven of Church’s studio projects – plus several members of Church’s band and crew, offering rare insight into the Chief’s world in the midst of a run that the New York Times celebrated among the “Best Concerts of 2012,” noting that Church delivered his “post-outlaw anthems… with verve and tension, as if he might not be allowed to for much longer.”
Instead, a decade later, Church maintains his singular status in Country music, performing at stadiums across the Country and earning accolades including the Billboard Music Award for Top Country Tour. And despite that ability to tour at the largest scale, this summer he creates his own path once again, returning to amphitheater venues for the first fully-outdoor tour of his career, with The Outsiders Revival Tour offering a festival-like lineup of rotating artists across varying dates.
Joining the man praised by POLLSTAR for “having already long established himself as one of the most successful touring country artists” on the tour beginning June 22nd are Whiskey Myers, Cody Jinks, Jelly Roll, Ashley McBryde, Koe Wetzel, Lainey Wilson, Midland, Parker McCollum, Travis Tritt, Elle King and Paul Cauthen, plus Jackson Dean, Morgan Wade, Muscadine Bloodline, Shane Smith & The Saints, Hailey Whitters, Ray Wylie Hubbard and The Red Clay Strays.
“When I approach touring, I’m always inspired by a new experience, a new way to gather, to express ourselves sonically and visually. Whether it’s solo, in the round, double down; being able to bring a different perspective has always brought out our best creatively,” Church shared when initially announcing the tour. “Well, we have never done an outdoor summer tour. Never headlined amphitheaters. Never brought a summer experience to your town that featured artists we want to share the summer with. Until now. See you in the season of sunshine with some fellow outsiders that shine brightest when the sun goes down.”
The Live Nation-produced tour takes the man celebrated by Forbes for “offering fans a unique experience each night while conjuring up the unpredictability that used to make concerts unforgettable” to 28 cities across the U.S. and Canada. Tickets to all dates are on sale now via EricChurch.com.
Eric Church 2023 Tour Dates
* denotes festival dates
June 16* Central Point, Ore. / Jackson County Expo Rogue Music Festival
June 17* Santa Rosa, Calif. / Sonoma County Fairgrounds Country Summer Music Festival
June 22 Milwaukee, Wisc. / American Family Insurance Amphitheater Elle King
June 23 Detroit, Mich. / Pine Knob Music Theatre Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 24 Cleveland, Ohio / Blossom Music Center Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 29 Charleston, S.C. / Credit One Stadium Ashley McBryde, The Red Clay Strays
June 30 Charleston, S.C. / Credit One Stadium Parker McCollum, Morgan Wade
July 1 Virginia Beach, Va. / Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater Parker McCollum, Morgan Wade
July 6 Toronto, Ontario / Budweiser Stage Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 7 Toronto, Ontario / Budweiser Stage Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 8 Pittsburgh, Pa. / The Pavilion at Star Lake Koe Wetzel, Shane Smith & The Saints
July 14 Cincinnati, Ohio / Riverbend Music Center Travis Tritt, Muscadine Bloodline
July 15 St. Louis, Mo. / Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Travis Tritt, Muscadine Bloodline
July 21* Cheyenne, Wyo. / Cheyenne Frontier Days Arena Cheyenne Frontier Days
July 23* Minot, N.D. / North Dakota State Fairgrounds North Dakota State Fair
July 27 Rogers, Ark. / Walmart AMP Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
July 28 Dallas, Texas / Dos Equis Pavilion Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
July 29 Austin, Texas / Germania Insurance Amphitheater Midland, Ray Wylie Hubbard
Aug. 4 Raleigh, N.C. / Coastal Credit Union Music Park Cody Jinks
Aug. 5 Bristow, Va. / Jiffy Lube Live Cody Jinks
Aug. 11 Indianapolis, Ind. / Ruoff Music Center Cody Jinks
Aug. 12 Chicago, Ill. / Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre Cody Jinks
Aug. 13* Des Moines, Iowa / Iowa State Fairgrounds Iowa State Fair
Aug. 17 Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 18 Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 19 Orange Beach, Ala. / The Wharf Amphitheater Lainey Wilson, Jackson Dean
Aug. 24 Saratoga Springs, N.Y. / Saratoga Performing Arts Center Lainey Wilson, The Red Clay Strays
Aug. 25 Holmdel, N.J. / PNC Bank Arts Center Whiskey Myers
Aug. 26 Philadelphia, Pa. / Freedom Mortgage Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 8 Portland, Ore. / RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 9 George, Wash. / Gorge Amphitheatre Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 10 George, Wash. / Gorge Amphitheatre Jelly Roll, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 15 Albuquerque, N.M. / Isleta Amphitheater Paul Cauthen, Hailey Whitters
Sept. 16 Phoenix, Ariz. / Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre Jelly Roll, Paul Cauthen
Sept. 21 Atlanta, Ga. / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Whiskey Myers
Sept. 22 Atlanta, Ga. / Ameris Bank Amphitheatre Whiskey Myers
Sept. 23 Charlotte, N.C. / PNC Music Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 24 Charlotte, N.C. / PNC Music Pavilion Whiskey Myers
Sept. 29 West Palm Beach, Fla. / iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre Whiskey Myers
Sept. 30 Tampa, Fla. / MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre Whiskey Myers
Oct. 7* Bristol, Tenn. / Bristol Motor Speedway Country Thunder Bristol
Oct. 15* Sacramento, Calif. / Discovery Park GoldenSky Festival
Audio / Eric Church explains what it’s like to perform live for his fans.
Eric Church (performing live for him) OC: …your music. :15 “When you write songs and you’re a songwriter, and you see the way those songs affect people’s lives…and some of those times it’s not a life changing event. It’s just them being able to drink beer and party and throw their fists in the air and forget about whatever problems they have. It’s pretty cool when it’s all relatable to your music.”
Audio / Eric Church talks about performing "These Boots" live in concert.
Eric Church (These Boots live) OC: …for the fans. :56 “It’s as identifiable with us as ‘Springsteen’ or ‘Drink In My Hand’ or whatever our No. 1 songs were, and I think for the fact that it probably shouldn’t be that way based on success or radio success or however you want to view it. I think that says a lot about the song, I think it says a lot about how people have related to the song as it is an iconic song for us. Any of our fans, if you ask them to name five or six or seven of their best songs, that’s gonna be in the Top three of everybody’s. I just think it’s cool to have a song like that, you know, that everybody, first of all, takes their boots off and holds them up and they’ve done it since the bars and clubs. So, to watch it go from that to these big venues, it’s just a special song and one that’s pretty gratifying for me that a lot of the word of mouth of that song is the reason people know it now. It’s people who came there early on and took their boot off and told ‘people about it, and not only told ‘em about it, but said when you’re at the show, take your boot off and it turns into a thing, you know? It’s a really cool moment, for not only me, but for the fans.”
“Hey! It’s Jon Pardi, wishing all the fathers out there a very Happy Father’s Day. Here’s to you, Senior. Insert beer can opening sample (sound effect). (laughs)
DierksBentley just released his new single, “Something Real,” which is the follow-up to his previous No. 1 single, “Gold.” Dierks co-wrote “Something Real” with Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley, HARDY and Ross Copperman in his happy place — in Colorado.
“I wrote this song out in Colorado where I really go to recharge and get closer to the source that being nature, those mountains and the great outdoors. I wrote this with some friends of mine that flew out there to write with me. HARDY was out there, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Luke Dick, and I had this idea, brought it to these guys and they took it to a whole new place,” says Dierks, who says he never thought it’d be a single since it’s so personal. “It’s such a personal song talking about how sometimes the things I feel aren’t things that I think would help to sell tickets, or…in that way. It’s more of a personal song, but I found in the past that songs like ‘I Hold On’ that are extremely personal have always been the ones that resonate most with fans.”
Dierks resumes his Gravel & Gold Tour on Friday (June 16th) in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Audio / Dierks Bentley talks about his new single, "Something Real."
Dierks Bentley (Something Real) 1 OC: …played on radio. :45 “I wrote this song out in Colorado where I really go to recharge and get closer to the source that being nature, those mountains and the great outdoors. I wrote this with some friends of mine that flew out there to write with me. HARDY was out there, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Luke Dick, and I had this idea, brought it to these guys and they took it to a whole new place. I never thought it’d be a single really, ‘cause it’s such a personal song talking about how sometimes the things I feel aren’t things that I think would help to sell tickets, or…in that way. It’s more of a personal song, but I found in the past that songs like ‘I Hold On’ that are extremely personal have always been the ones that resonate most with fans. So, I’m so excited that it’s a single and just can’t wait to see the response when it’s played on radio.”
Superstar Reba McEntire was featured on NBC’s third annual “Inspiring America” network special, which aired over the weekend. Click here to watch.
“Inspiring America” celebrates remarkable individuals, including newsmakers, celebrities, athletes, philanthropists, and everyday people who have been an inspiration over the past year. The special spotlighted Reba’s involvement with Reba’s Place, a new venue that is revitalizing Reba’s hometown of Atoka, Oklahoma with help from a family friend and the Choctaw Nation.
Over the weekend, Reba made multiple appearances at CMA Fest and was featured as Artist of the Day. Reba performed at Spotify House and delighted fans with a surprise appearance at Nissan Stadium during Cody Johnson’s set. The two performed Reba’s chart-topping hit, “Whoever’s in New England,” giving “a dynamic performance worthy of a jet-engine roar of a standing ovation.” (Tennessean) Reba also appeared at the CMA Close Up Stage, where she shared stories from her forthcoming lifestyle book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, due in October.
Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan closed out the final day of CMA Fest yesterday with a fan club party at Luke’s 32 Bridge and a performance at Nissan stadium. Luke created the Nut House fan club 15 years ago at the onset of his career and has worked diligently to build an active and loyal fan base that now boasts as one of the longest-running modern day elite membership of fans. Up next for them, Luke will kick-off his 36-city “Country On Tour” in Syracuse, New York this Thursday (June 15th).
The “Country On Tour” is aptly named after Luke’s 30th #1 single, “Country On,” and is produced by Live Nation. Special guests throughout the tour include many of country music’s up and coming artists- Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Hailey Whitters, and DJ Rock.
As previously announced fans have additional opportunities to see Luke live during his Las Vegas shows at Resorts World August 30, September 2, 3, 6, 8 & 9 and during his fourteenth annual Farm Tour September 14-23, 2023. For a comprehensive list of all tour dates go to www.lukebryan.com.
Luke’s current single “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” is leaping up the country charts. Written by Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem, and Geoff Warburton, and produced by Jeff Stevens and co-produced by Jody Stevens, the song is from a highly anticipated forth-coming album. “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” is available HERE.
Audio / Luke Bryan explains the name of his fan club.
Luke Bryan (fan club name) OC: …words, you know. :13 “That’s the name of my fan club – the Nut House, because they’re nutty and my Daddy’s a peanut farmer. I figured I spent my whole life hauling around peanuts, I would name…just a play on words, you know.”