• DRAKE WHITE IS ECSTATIC OVER CROWD REACTION TO HIS MUSIC. (AUDIO)

    Newcomer Drake White hit the road on Toby Keith’s Hammer Down Tour over the weekend, and he says he was blown away by the reaction of the fans who came early to see him play. “It’s really touching to me when folks come up and are touched by the music, so my reaction [to the crowd] is just ecstatic,” says Drake. “I love doing it. I love doing what I’m supposed to do, and you can feel it, you know? Just crazy, just surreal, ecstatic reaction to fans that even come and listen to my music.”

    One song the fans are definitely listening to is Drake’s single, “The Simple Life,” which is making its way up the country charts!

    AUDIO: Drake White talks about his reaction to the fans on the opening weekend of Toby Keith’s Hammer Down Tour. [NOTE: Thanks to Albright, O’Malley & Brenner for the audio!]

    Drake White (Toby Keith Tour) OC: …my music. :18
    “It’s really touching to me when folks come up and are touched by the music, so my reaction [to the crowd] is just ecstatic. I love doing it. I love doing what I’m supposed to do, and you can feel it, you know? Just crazy, just surreal, ecstatic reaction to fans that even come and listen to my music.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Kip, Little Big Town, Dierks, Darius

    Kip Moore is set to perform as part of the CMA Songwriters Series in Boston with tunesmiths Brett James and Bob DiPiero July 11th at the Royale Boston Nightclub. Miranda Lambert is also scheduled to perform.

    Little Big Town picked up their first Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Original Song” for “Good Afternoon,” which they co-wrote (with The Warren Brothers) and recorded for ABC’s Good Afternoon America. Another country star, Trisha Yearwood, also picked up an Emmy for her TV show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.

    Dierks Bentley will perform at New York’s Irving Plaza on August 1st as part of Bud Light’s 50/50/1 – a national event showcasing performances by 50 artists in each of the 50 states in just one day.

    TV ALERT: Darius Rucker will perform tonight (Monday) on ABC’s The Bachelorette. He is set to play “True Believers” and “Lost in You” from his new album, True Believers. Check it out beginning at 8pm ET on ABC.

  • DIERKS BENTLEY SHOWS KACEY MUSGRAVES A LOT OF RESPECT. (AUDIO)

    Dierks Bentley is climbing the country charts with his new single, “Bourbon in Kentucky,” which features Kacey Musgraves. Dierks was thrilled to have the “Blowin’ Smoke” singer on the song, in main part because she’s really got her own thing happening. “Usually you go out there and try to get your foot in the door, and then once you kind of got some wiggle room, really start defining who you are as an artist and going for some different things and some risky things. Her whole thing is to go big early; go big first! Go for it, and maybe it’ll help solidify a really hard-core following of fans that are looking for people that are going for things, trying stuff and not afraid to be who they are,” says Dierks. “I’ve got a lot of respect for that, and the fact that she would want to be a part of this song and lend her voice and her personality and who she is to this track, ‘Bourbon in Kentucky.’ It really means a lot to me.”

    “Bourbon in Kentucky” is the first single from his forthcoming album, Riser, which is due in stores this fall.

    AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about Kacey Musgraves, who appears on his new single, “Bourbon in Kentucky.”

    Dierks Bentley (Kacey on Bourbon) OC: …a lot to me. 1:04
    “She’s really cool. She’s got a great thing going on. Usually you go out there and try to get your foot in the door, and then once you kind of got some wiggle room, really start defining who you are as an artist and going for some different things and some risky things. Her whole thing is to go big early; go big first! Go for it, and maybe it’ll help solidify a really hard-core following of fans that are looking for people that are going for things, trying stuff and not afraid to be who they are. It’s really risky to be who you are from the beginning. Back…Vince Gill is one of my favorite singers of all time, but Vince had five albums that he put out before he really had any success. Nowadays, you get like one single, and if it doesn’t work, then it’s on the next thing. This town’s never been tougher than it is right now. So, for someone like Kacey to be out there going, ‘I know that. I know I might not get another chance and maybe I should play it, because it is such a tough town, but I’m going with what I’m going with.’ I’ve got a lot of respect for that, and the fact that she would want to be a part of this song and lend her voice and her personality and who she is to this track, ‘Bourbon in Kentucky.’ It really means a lot to me.”

  • NEWS AND NOTES: Keith, Gary, Eric, Dierks

    Keith Urban appears on Buddy Guy’s new album, Rhythm & Blues, which is released July 30th. He appears on the song, “One Day Away.” Kid Rock, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry also appear on the forthcoming album.

    Gary Allan will be profiled in an upcoming installment of GAC’s Backstory, which premieres July 14th 10pm ET. The special will include never-before-seen photos of Gary, as well as interviews with those closest to him.

    Eric Church will be making a rare club appearance at Metro in Chicago for his Official Lollapalooza Aftershow on August 2nd.

    Dierks Bentley will be hosting a live stream and answering fan questions from the set of his upcoming music video for “Bourbon in Kentucky.” The event will be held Monday (June 17th) at 7pm ET. Go to his website, dierks.com, for more information.

  • KIP MOORE IS READY TO THROW THE ‘HAMMER DOWN!’ (AUDIO)

    Summer touring season is in full swing, and one show you’re not going to want to miss is the Hammer Down Tour. The trek features Toby Keith, Kip Moore and newcomer Drake White, and it kicks off this Friday (June 14th) in Cincinnati, Ohio.

    Kip is definitely ready to hit the road, and not just because he loves to get on stage and perform to an enthusiastic crowd. The Tifton, Georgia native feels he’s going to receive an education. “I’m excited to go out with Toby, because I’ve heard so many different stories about what the tours are like. I know he has a big rowdy crowd, and I know he has a different kind of fan base than I probably do, which is why it’s going to be so much fun for me to get out in front of that fan base,” says Kip. “The guy’s been at the top of his game for no telling how many years. I mean, 10, 15, 20 years, so I definitely know it’s gonna be something that I can learn a lot from, and I think it’ll definitely better my career going out with him.”  

    One song Kip’s fans will absolutely hear is his latest single, “Hey Pretty Girl,” which is heading into the Top 10 on the country charts.

    For more information on Kip Moore’s tour dates, go to kipmoore.net.

    AUDIO: Kip Moore is excited to go on the road with Toby Keith on the Hammer Down Tour, kicking off in Cincinnati, Ohio on Friday.

    Kip Moore (Toby Keith) OC: …with him. :32
    “I’m excited to go out with Toby, because I’ve heard so many different stories about what the tours are like. I know he has a big rowdy crowd, and I know he has a different kind of fan base than I probably do, which is why it’s going to be so much fun for me to get out in front of that fan base. And it’s gonna be a bunch of the outdoor amphitheaters, the sheds, which is always just a lively good time. The guy’s been at the top of his game for no telling how many years. I mean, 10, 15, 20 years, so I definitely know it’s gonna be something that I can learn a lot from, and I think it’ll definitely better my career going out with him.”

  • FATHER’S DAY AUDIO 2: Eric Paslay, Lady A, Scotty McCreery (AUDIO)

    Father’s Day is Sunday, and we have even more Father’s Day audio for you.

    Audio / Eric Paslay (Father's Day)

    Download
    AUDIO: Eric Paslay says his father taught him how to work hard and to do a lot of things himself, such as electrical work and other handyman tasks.

    Eric Paslay (Father’s Day) OC: …ceiling fan. :23
    “He just taught me that working hard and sticking it out, even when you know things aren’t right, that if you stick it out, it’s worth it in the end. And he just taught me to work hard, and there’s a lot of things that you don’t have to pay someone else to do, and it feels more rewarding when you’re able to put in new light fixtures or paint your own walls or put in a new ceiling fan.”

    Audio / Lady A (Father's Day-Charles)

    Download
    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley says his dad passed down his work ethic to him and his siblings.

    Lady A (Father’s Day-Charles) OC: …rubbed off. :23
    “My father definitely passed down his work ethic to me. I idolized my dad a lot and would always like to be by his side when he did certain projects, and so I learned a lot about that, and just always respected him and just the way he could see a project from start to finish with such dedication, and so I’ve taken that into this and into this group, and hopefully, some good has rubbed off.”

    Audio / Lady A (Father's Day-Dave)

    Download
    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood says his father was a big influence both personally and musically, and he wants to pass along those qualities to his own children someday.

    Lady A (Father’s Day-Dave) OC: …like that. :39
    “My dad was a really hard worker growing up and was always great, however hard he worked, he’d always make important time for family, important time to be home for dinner and be there for a lot of special moments for us growing up. For all the money he would make, he would always give a portion of it back to charity or to the church, and so that was always important for me to watch. We had a great relationship growing up. My dad plays guitar; he’s very musical. I learned how to play acoustic guitar with him playing ‘Day Tripper’ by the Beatles and all these old songs we’d play together when he’d show me how to play these James Taylor songs and things like that. So, definitely want to pass along music, of course, to my children, as well, like that.”

    Audio / Lady A (Father's Day-Hillary)

    Download
    AUDIO: Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott says her father is a great communicator.

    Lady A (Father’s Day-Hillary) OC: …my children. :33
    “I definitely got my Type-A personality from my dad. He’s the same way, but one thing I’m so appreciative of – especially from a father-daughter relationship – my dad always, always talked to me, even when I didn’t want to talk to him. He would force me to communicate and talk through things, and not always the easy stuff, which is such a rare quality in a man, truthfully. And so, I am very, very thankful for that. I think it helped me find the right husband for me, and I also know that it will help me be that much of a better communicator to my children.”

    Audio / Lady A (Father's Day-Hillary)

    Download
    AUDIO: Scotty McCreery says his father has helped him grow into an adult.

    Scotty McCreery (Father’s Day) OC: …was to me. :29
    “My father has been incredible to me my whole life. I remember going to the baseball field when I was five-years-old and he played ball in college, so he was always trying to teach me the mechanics, but more so than that, he was teaching me the life lessons growing up. Those are the things you learn on the field – becoming a man out there. So, he’s always had my back and he’s always teaching me those values and those morals that are important to a young kid and also a growing young adult. So, love my daddy, love my father, and I just hope that one day I can be half the dad he was to me.”

  • DARIUS RUCKER’S ‘DARIUS AND FRIENDS’ BENEFIT RAISES MORE THAN $95,000. (PRESS RELEASE)

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Darius Rucker lit up the stage at the Wildhorse Saloon in downtown Nashville on June 3 for his fourth annual “Darius And Friends” concert to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital presented by Transitions® lenses and Visionworks®. The concert, auction and golf tournament raised $95,260 to help St. Jude provide the best care possible to children with cancer at no cost to their families.

    The benefit concert line-up included an introduction from GAC’s Suzanne Alexander and performances from Luke Bryan, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Radney Foster, Mallary Hope, Randy Houser, Dustin Lynch and Justin Moore. Joel Crouse, who is opening 16 stadium dates for Taylor Swift this summer, was a surprise guest. The artists treated the audience to a few of their own hits before singing a cover duet with Rucker – all backed by Rucker’s band, the Carolina Grey Boys. Rucker then invited all of his friends on stage for a group rendition of Hank Williams, Jr. classic “Family Tradition” before he closed out the night with an encore performance of his two-week No. 1 hit single “Wagon Wheel” from his chart topping May 21 album, True Believers.

    “I look forward to this event all year long,” shared Rucker. “I get to share the stage with some of my favorite artists, friends and musical influences. As much fun as it is,” continues Rucker, “it’s all in the spirit of raising support for St. Jude’s, an organization very dear to my heart. Getting to sing with Sam Bush and John Cowan from New Grass Revival, one of the bands that made me want to be a country singer, made the night even more amazing for me.” Rucker joined Bush and Cowan for a performance of New Grass Revival’s “Callin’ Baton Rouge.”

    The June 4 celebrity golf tournament portion of this year’s “Darius And Friends,” included Nashville Predator J.P. Dumont, country artists Dierks Bentley, Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts), Colt Ford, JT Hodges, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum), Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore, David Nail, Joe Don Rooney (Rascal Flatts), Chuck Wicks, NASCAR Hall of Famer Darrell Waltrip and more.

    Rucker is currently out on the road for his True Believers Tour with special guests Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer. Find upcoming tour dates, news and more at www.DariusRucker.com.

    About St. Jude
    Since opening 50 years ago, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has changed the way the world treats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. No family ever pays St. Jude for the care their child receives and, for every child treated here, thousands more have been saved worldwide through St. Jude discoveries. The hospital has played a pivotal role in pushing U.S. pediatric cancer survival rates from 20 to 80 percent overall, and is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted to children. It is also a leader in the research and treatment of blood disorders and infectious diseases in children. St. Jude was founded by the late entertainer Danny Thomas, who believed that no child should die in the dawn of life. Join that mission by visiting stjude.org or following us on facebook.com/stjude and twitter.com/stjude.
  • THE MEMBERS OF LADY A TAKE THEIR FANS BEHIND-THE-SCENES OF THIS YEAR’S CMA MUSIC FEST. (VIDEO)

    Check out all the fun AND the action as Lady Antebellum and their fans experience this year’s CMA Music Festival. Included is the band’s first Ping Pong & Songs tournament…which “The Dynasty” (Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood) emerged as the victors!.

    Video / Webisode Wednesday - Episode 252 - Lady Antebellum

    View
  • LUKE BRYAN SHOWCASES HIS ‘DIRT ROAD DIARIES TOUR’ IN LATEST EPISODE OF LBTV. (VIDEO)

    Take a minute while Luke Bryan reflecks on his Dirt Road Diaries Tour.

    Luke is poised to hit the top of the country charts with “Crash My Party” in the coming weeks.

    Video / LBTV Thursdays 2013! Episode 21

    View
  • DARIUS RUCKER WILL PERFORM ON ABC’S ‘THE BACHELORETTE’ ON MONDAY. (PRESS RELEASE)

    DARIUS RUCKER TO BE FEATURED IN

    UPCOMING EPISODE OF ABC’s HIT ROMANCE REALITY SERIES THE BACHELORETTE 

    Award-winning multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Darius Rucker will be featured in an upcoming episode of The Bachelorette. The episode will feature a special one-on-one date at which Rucker will give a private concert for the newest Bachelorette, Desiree Hartsock and a few special guests. Rucker performs two songs from his recently released album True Believers including “Lost In You” and the album’s title track. Tune in Monday, June 17th, 2013 at 8/7c on ABC. 

    This season on The Bachelorette, Desiree, 27, an operations manager and stylist at a bridal salon, who previously charmed America’s favorite Bachelor, Sean Lowe, meets 25 potential soul mates and gets another shot at love as the Bachelorette. Millions watched, stunned, as Sean sent Desiree home following the hometown dates even after she pleaded he was making a big mistake. Desiree has not given up on her dream of love and she knows with certainty that the time is right for her to risk it all again to find her one true love on The Bachelorette.

    In other news, you will soon be able to drive along Darius Rucker Boulevard in Charleston, South Carolina. The True Believers singer is getting a street named after him to honor Darius for everything he’s done and continues to do for the community. The measure passed with a unanimous vote on Monday night, and the official renaming ceremony is expecting to take place later this summer.

    For more information on The Bachelorette, visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelorette