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Anne Wilson Rain in the Rearview
Chris Stapleton Think I'm In Love With You
Chris Stapleton Think I'm In Love With You
Keith Urban Messed Up As Me
Darius Rucker Never Been Over
Brothers Osborne Break Mine
Priscilla Block Good On You
Dalton Dover Bury Me In This Bar

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SUPER BOWL 2024

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Billy Currington / Carrie Underwood / Chris Stapleton / Dalton Dover / Darius Rucker / Dierks Bentley / Jon Langston / Jon Pardi / Keith Urban / Little Big Town / Luke Bryan / Priscilla Block / Reba McEntire / Sam Hunt / Travis Denning

This Sunday (February 11th), millions of people around the world, including some of your favorite country stars, will be tuning in to the Super Bowl (the Big Game) as the Kansas City Chiefs take on the San Francisco 49ers.

Check out all the action from the Big Game from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on CBS with the kickoff scheduled at 6:30pm ET/5:30pm CT. Make sure to tune in early to catch Reba McEntire performing the National Anthem, as well as Post Malone performing “America the Beautiful” and Andra Day singing “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”

Chris Stapleton performed a critically-acclaimed version of the National Anthem at last year’s Super Bowl. He posted an encouraging note to those involved in Sunday’s (February 11th) Big Game. He wrote, “Singing the National Anthem at last year’s Super Bowl was a career highlight. Best of luck to all the players, staff, coaches & performers taking the field this weekend.” He tagged Reba, Post Malone and Andra Day.

https://twitter.com/ChrisStapleton/status/1755576707568812401

Are y'all getting ready for your Super Bowl parties this weekend? Check out these recipes from my book, #NotThatFancy, for the perfect Super Bowl spread!

Check them out here: https://t.co/wqnVAT6jjn pic.twitter.com/QsOiRSj5Is

— Reba McEntire (@reba) February 8, 2024

Billy Currington (football fan) OC: …love football. :36
“I’m a big football fan. I mean, when I was growing up, if you asked me who my favorite team is now, I couldn’t tell you. But when I was a kid, it was the Dallas Cowboys. And I don’t know if it was because my mom bought my brother a Pittsburgh Steelers pennant, for some reason, and bought me a Dallas Cowboys pennant, and of course over the year I fell in love with the Cowboys, and then I wanted a jersey the next Christmas, and then the next one, I wanted [more Cowboys stuff]. So, I became a long-term fan with those guys. But I like it all now that I’m older. I’ll watch any game; it doesn’t matter who’s playing. But [I] love football.”

Carrie Underwood (loves being a part of SNF) OC: …my whole life. :54
“I love being the voice of Sunday Night Football because I grew up watching football…from birth. I’m from Oklahoma – we’re a football state. It’s just a part of the country that everybody has their teams and there’s such an energy about it. We would drive down to Dallas and watch the Cowboys play whenever we could. There’s just something about being at a live sporting event or watching it on TV. You have your favorites. They have their rivals. There’s an excitement to it that really, it’s unlike anything else, so being a small part of that is absolutely amazing. It’s been so wonderful working with everybody at SNF, and I count myself very lucky and very blessed that I get to be a small part of something that I’ve loved my whole life.”

Darius Rucker (football) OC: …football season. :20
“Ever since I was five years old, I’ve loved football, and I love how physical it is. I love the chess match of the game. I love the speed of the game. I love college football, but for me watching pro football is better because the speed is so much more. For me, there’s two times a year, man — football season and waiting for football season.”

Dierks Bentley (Super Bowl 2024) OC: …Santa Tracker. :50
“I have been watching every single playoff game. It’s the great thing. In my house is the Kansas City Chiefs because my daughters love Taylor (Swift). Any dad out there that has daughters knows what I’m talking about. She has made football much easier to watch at my house. Everybody’s down with it now, so I’ve been able to watch a lot of playoff games with my family, which is amazing. I’m not out there in the garage. I’m allowed to be in the main part of the house watching football, and it’s so fun. As far as the Super Bowl goes, I have no idea who’s going to win, but I’m there for the whole thing. I’m there for the pre-show concerts, the introductions, our National Anthem, the half-time show and of course, the game. It’s going to be awesome. I have no idea who’s going to win, but I just hope Taylor Swift makes her flight from Japan back to the game, because that’s what we all want to see. That’s going to be the most followed flight. It’ll be followed more than the Santa Tracker.”

Jon Langston (Atlanta Falcons) OC: …cool place too. :17
“Favorite team in the NFL is the Falcons. You know, growing up an hour from Atlanta, I just loved the Falcons, I guess, and going to the games and stuff. Going to the Georgia Dome was a pretty big deal, and we got to play there in high school and stuff, and it’s sad to see that it’s gone, but Mercedes Benz is a pretty cool place too.”

Jon Pardi (football) OC: …two great teams. :12
“I grew up playing football and it was always the 9ers, you know? Like we looked up to those guys. I looked up to the 49ers. It was like our local team, and I guess I just never lost that spark from when they went to the Super Bowl.”

Keith (Nicole and football) OC: …new to me. :04

“She’s a big NFL fan, and she sort of turned me on to it.”

LBT (Super Bowl 2020) OC: (Phillip) …win this game. :29
JIMI: “This game is gonna be fun. Of course, my team is the Tennessee Titans, so I don’t have quite the heart connection that I do with these two teams. (Phillip: “I like Mahomes though.”) But I’m excited because I think it’s gonna be a great game. They match up very interestingly, and I think it’s gonna be fun to watch. I don’t think anybody’s gonna stop Mahomes, though. Shew. The 49er defense, they are for real.” PHILLIP: “If you can pick apart the 49er defense, you can win this game.”

LBT (football story) OC: …my lip. :40
“I was the quarterback to my powder puff team. I was running the ball and I came around the corner – this was in high school – and a foreign exchange student, I think her name was Inga (KIMBERLY: “Inga.”), and I didn’t want to fumble ‘cause my brother and my dad were there, and I come from this very athletic family, so I held onto the ball. I knew I was going to go down, so I let my head hit first and I bit all the way through, but I didn’t fumble and I had a hole in my face, though. The sad thing is that it was just flag football, but I left my flags on and cleats and everything, ‘cause it looked cool, and I had blood running all down my jersey. I went to the emergency room like that, and they sewed up my lip.”

Luke Bryan (Super Bowl food) OC: …over again. :22
“Definitely Super Bowl is like the queso, the Frito Lay scoops with the Ro-tel situation. I guess it’s like, what’s the black-eyed pea stuff too? All of that, just stuff that you can sit there and have lots of sodium, and then just, it’s like Thanksgiving all over again.”

Priscilla Block (Football/Super Bowl food) OC: …what happens. :23
“I mean, I feel like the Super Bowl is like just such a fun day. I’m really excited for the half-time show. I feel like that’s usually why I’m there, is to watch the anthem and the half-time show, but yes, excited to eat all the bad things. And I’m honestly, I don’t feel pulled any way this year. I wish the (Tennessee) Titans were in it, but we’ll see what happens.”

Reba McEntire (full circle moment National Anthem) OC: …they asked me. :35
“It’s absolutely amazing coming full circle, 50 years after being discovered by Red Steagall me singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. That was in 1974. Little did I know, I had no idea 50 years I’d be singing (laughs) the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. Omigosh. I don’t even have the imagination to say that I would be doing something like this. I’m absolutely thrilled to pieces that they asked me.”

Reba McEntire (football fan) OC: …at the Super Bowl. :42
“I’ve always liked football, even in high school. As the Singing McEntires and being a part of the Kiowa High School Cowboy Band in Kiowa, Oklahoma where I went to school for 12 years, we were part of the half-time entertainment there at the school. We’d pull the trailer out and we’d play at half-time for our football games, and then my boyfriend, Rex Linn, absolutely loves college football. I really get into that, and I cheer for the Longhorns in Austin, Texas. And now getting to sing at the Super Bowl, I think Rex was more excited than I was, if that’s at all possible. I’m a huge, a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, so I will be cheering them on at the Super Bowl.”

Reba McEntire (Super Bowl snacks) OC: …gonna be great. :30
“Omigosh, wouldn’t it be neat if we could cook up some recipes out of my Not That Fancy book and you know, like the ranch dressing from Reba’s Place, that’s my restaurant in Atoka, Oklahoma, with chicken tenders and the beer cheese dip? Okay, if y’all don’t know what I’m talking about, get online and get the Not That Fancy book. It’s pretty cool, lots of pictures and what it’s supposed to look like when you get through making it. That’s gonna be great.”

Sam Hunt (Super Bowl & music) OC: …combined there. :24
“It’s become such a massive pop culture event, and I love that they’ve incorporated music and entertainment with the sport itself and the entertainment value that comes from that. It encompasses just a strong representation of American culture, and I’m a huge music fan, obviously, and I’m a huge sports fan, so those are two of my favorite worlds combined there.”

Sam Hunt (Peyton Manning) OC: …with music. :39
“When I was in high school, I went to a camp called the Manning Academy, and it’s a quarterback camp down in Louisiana. And I got to spend some time with Peyton and Eli, and they have another brother [Cooper]. I’ve followed [Peyton’s] career for a long time,” he says. “Actually, a couple of years ago, I was at a concert of Kenny Chesney’s in Denver, and I was standing there side stage and Jake Owen was there. He had opened up for [Kenny], and I’ve been a friend of his for a little while, and he turned and introduced me to the guy behind us, who I wasn’t aware of at the time, but it turned out to be Peyton Manning. He was just a really nice guy, and it was just pretty cool to be on the stage with two people who inspired me in two different arenas, with Peyton with football and Kenny with music.”

Travis Denning (Super Bowl 2024) 1 OC: …very clutch. :13
“I believe the Kansas City Chiefs are gonna win the Super Bowl. I just think Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in the post season are just built different. They’ve been there before. They’re just used to it. I think they’re very clutch.”

Travis Denning (Super Bowl 2024) 2 OC: …love story. :09
“Honestly, I’m looking forward to hopefully seeing Taylor Swift in the crowd. I think it’s been awesome this year to see her. Her and Travis Kelce’s just got an All-American love story.”

Travis Denning (go-to Super Bowl snack) OC: …other pick. :05
“My go-to Super Bowl snack is buffalo chicken dip, obviously. There’s no other pick.”

Travis Denning (National Anthem) OC: …your life. :27
“The National Anthem, I think, is one of the hardest songs to sing that we sing regularly in this country. It’s essentially two very full octave ranges and every note matters. It has to be powerful. It takes an amazing singer to sing it. And the other thing that’s hard about is if you sing it great, everybody goes ‘that was cool,’ and then they forget about it two minutes later, and if you mess it up, they remember it for the rest of your life.”

BRYCE LEATHERWOOD ANNOUNCES 11-CITY NEON DOES TOUR.

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Bryce Leatherwood

While Republic Records / Universal Music recording artist Bryce Leatherwood works on his first full-length project in 2024, he’ll also carry his neotraditional sound and American Songwriter–celebrated “silky baritone and subtle twang” to fans across 11 cities with his Neon Does Tour.

Kicking off on April 4 in Statesboro, Georgia; Leatherwood’s Neon Does Tour will make additional stops in Knoxville, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Indianapolis, Indiana and more. Ticket pre-sales for the Neon Does Tour begin tomorrow, Feb. 7 at 10am local time, while general on-sale starts this Friday, Feb. 9 at 10am local time. To purchase tickets, visit bryceleatherwood.com.

“To start my first headlining tour in the place where my musical journey all started, Statesboro Georgia, is a dream come true. South Georgia fans have built this with me, and I can’t wait for them to hear this new music live,” shares Leatherwood. “When writing and recording these songs we had how they’d play out in the live show in mind, and it’s time to road test what’s ultimately gonna make the record which we’re working on now!”

The tour is named after Leatherwood’s recently released single, “Neon Does,” the first song Leatherwood has released as a featured co-writer, further amplifying his versatility as both a singer and songwriter.

A Georgia Southern University alum, Leatherwood began honing his craft in college, playing local venues and fostering his country music repertoire. At Georgia Southern, he formed his band in late 2021 and began playing all around the Southeast.

After graduating college, he competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December of 2022. Following his success on The Voice, Leatherwood began pursuing a full-time music career, signing with Republic Records and Universal Music Group Nashville in October 2023.

Leatherwood is currently recording and will be releasing new music throughout 2024. For the latest news and upcoming tour dates, visit bryceleatherwood.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok.

Neon Does Tour:
April 4 // Statesboro, GA // The Blue Room
April 5 // Knoxville, TN // Open Chord
April 7 // Decatur, GA // Eddie’s Attic
April 11 // Columbus, OH // The Basement
April 12 // Charlotte, NC // The Evening Muse
April 18 // Birmingham, AL // Zydeco
April 19 // Athens, GA // 40 Watt Club
April 20 // Tifton, GA // Terminal South
May 9 // Chicago, IL // Carol’s Pub
May 10 // Indianapolis, IN // 8 Seconds Saloon
May 11 // Louisville, KY // PBR Louisville

About Bryce Leatherwood:
Bryce Leatherwood is a 23-year-old singer/songwriter who aims to carry the torch of country music and continue the legacy of legends prior. Bryce was born and raised in Woodstock, GA, and his passion for music began at an early age. Working on his grandfather’s farm every summer, Bryce was exposed to the classic country hits of George Jones, Merle Haggard and Conway Twitty. Soon thereafter, Bryce began picking up guitars and playing the traditional country music that still inspires him today. Bryce’s music career began to blossom in Statesboro, GA, where he attended Georgia Southern University. During his time in Statesboro, Bryce played college venues and continued to hone his stage presence and his country music repertoire. In late 2021 while still enrolled in college, Bryce formed his band and began playing all around the Southeast. Bryce’s goal was to take the stage and play the best of country music to all ages and audiences. After graduating college, Bryce set his mind on a new task. In 2022, he competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December of 2022. Following his success on “The Voice,” Bryce signed with Republic Records / Universal Music Group Nashville and is currently hard at work on new music.

DIERKS BENTLEY CAN FINALLY WATCH FOOTBALL INSIDE THE HOUSE, THANKS TO TAYLOR SWIFT.

Audio

Dierks Bentley

Dierks Bentley has really enjoyed watching NFL games this season for a variety of reasons, but mostly because he gets to spend time in the house watching the games because of Taylor Swift, who is dating Kansas City Chiefs TE, Travis Kelce. As a dad to two teenage daughters — Evie (rhymes with Chevy) and Jordan — they are passionate about watching football for a glimpse of the worldwide superstar and her boyfriend, as well as learning about the game itself from dear old dad. For Sunday’s Big Game, Dierks and his family will be watching every single moment leading up to and including the game itself.

“I have been watching every single playoff game. It’s the great thing,” says Dierks. “In my house is the Kansas City Chiefs because my daughters love Taylor (Swift). Any dad out there that has daughters knows what I’m talking about. She has made football much easier to watch at my house. Everybody’s down with it now, so I’ve been able to watch a lot of playoff games with my family, which is amazing. I’m not out there in the garage. I’m allowed to be in the main part of the house watching football, and it’s so fun.”

For Sunday’s Big Game, Dierks and his family will be watching every single moment leading up to and including the game itself.

“As far as the Super Bowl goes, I have no idea who’s going to win, but I’m there for the whole thing. I’m there for the pre-show concerts, the introductions, our National Anthem, the half-time show and of course, the game. It’s going to be awesome. I have no idea who’s going to win, but I just hope Taylor Swift makes her flight from Japan back to the game, because that’s what we all want to see. That’s going to be the most followed flight. It’ll be followed more than the Santa Tracker.”

Dierks is all of us!

Check out all the action from the Big Game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on CBS. The kickoff is scheduled for 6:30pm ET/5:30pm CT.

TOBY KEITH LOSES HIS BATTLE WITH CANCER AND THE COUNTRY MUSIC COMMUNITY REACTS.

Audio

Toby Keith (Covel) passed away on Monday night (February 5th) from his battle with stomach cancer. He announced his illness in June 2022 and revealed he’d been diagnosed in October 2021, and had undergone radiation, surgery and chemotherapy. He was 62 years old.

In September of last year at the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards, Toby was presented with the Country Icon Award by fellow Okie Blake Shelton. He also performed the emotional “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” followed by three shows in Las Vegas in December 2023.

The superstar, best known for such hits as “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “How Do You Like Me Now?!,” “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue,” “American Soldier,” “Who’s Your Daddy,” “Wanna Talk About Me,” and many others, is survived by his wife Tricia, whom he married 40 years ago (in 1984). The couple has three children — daughters Shelley and Krystal; son, Stelen — as well as four grandchildren.

Having sold over 40 million albums, had over 30 songs go to No. 1 , Toby began his career in 1993 with the release of his debut single, “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” which went straight up to the top of the country charts. Mercury Nashville was his label home for several years, and they came up with a cool marketing plan to showcase their three new artists at the time, including Toby, Shania Twain and John Brannen, called the Triple Play Tour.

His passing was announced on his social media platforms, stating he was surrounded by his family and “He fought his fight with grace and courage.” The statement then asked for people to “Please respect the privacy of his family at this time.”

pic.twitter.com/NfdLKGLQQe

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 6, 2024

Many members of the country music community and beyond sent us audio and took to social media to remember the singer-songwriter-performer-entrepreneur, including fellow Oklahoman Reba McEntire. She tells us, “Toby and I are both from Oklahoma and very proud of our Oklahoma heritage. Toby worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business and did a great job doing that. Very proud of him, and I hope he rests in peace. I was very honored to get to work with Toby and be a part of the era of country music he was in. We’ll sure miss him.”

Reba McEntire (Toby Keith) OC: …miss him. :25
“Toby and I are both from Oklahoma and very proud of our Oklahoma heritage. Toby worked very hard to make a mark in the country music business and did a great job doing that. Very proud of him, and I hope he rests in peace. I was very honored to get to work with Toby and be a part of the era of country music he was in. We’ll sure miss him.”

Carrie Underwood posted a photo of her and Toby and said, “Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See you again someday, friend.”

Luke Bryan just arrived at the set of American Idol when he heard the news of Toby’s passing. He said, “An iconic artist and a great man. Your songs turn every room into a good time.”

Josh Turner wrote, “Toby Keith was a force to be reckoned with. 32 #1 hits, 30 years in the music business, a proficient songwriter, an unforgettable voice, and a staunch supporter of the US military. Not many people know what it takes to have a 30 year career, but you have to be incredibly tough.”

Travis Denning took to his socials to perform a piece of Toby’s hit, “My List.” He wrote, “Country Music lost an icon today. Toby Keith was one of the greatest entertainers this genre ever saw. At his core, and what I loved most, was a songwriter. He could write them just as good as anyone else and respected a damn good written one. RIP Toby.”

Saddle up the horses, Jesus, ‘cause a true blue COWBOY just made his ride up to heaven!!! Introduce him to all the Okies and sign that boy up for the choir! We’re gonna miss you, Toby, but my heart has no doubt that you are standing in the presence of our King right now!!! See… pic.twitter.com/9a2RauHo5p

— Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) February 6, 2024

Just arriving at American idol and seeing the sad news in our country community. An iconic artist and a great man. Your songs turn every room into a good time pic.twitter.com/d2LUR27zvx

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) February 6, 2024

Toby Keith was a force to be reckoned with. 32 #1 hits, 30 years in the music business, a proficient songwriter, an unforgettable voice, and a staunch supporter of the US military. Not many people know what it takes to have a 30 year career, but you have to be incredibly tough. pic.twitter.com/pPJcmvp00h

— Josh Turner (@joshturnermusic) February 6, 2024

Denise and I are saddened to hear about our friend @TobyKeith. Our prayers are with Tricia and the entire Keith family. – AJ pic.twitter.com/GGfjk1sf3y

— Alan Jackson (@OfficialJackson) February 6, 2024

George Strait posted a tribute to Toby from him, his wife Norma and the rest of his family. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @TobyKeith family. May God give you comfort and peace.”

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the @TobyKeith family. May God give you comfort and peace.” — George & Norma Strait and Family

— George Strait (@GeorgeStrait) February 6, 2024

.@stephenathome bids farewell to his friend, Toby Keith. https://t.co/rpYp5ho8TX

— Toby Keith (@tobykeith) February 7, 2024

Country Music lost an icon today. Toby Keith was one of the greatest entertainers this genre ever saw. At his core, and what I loved most, was a songwriter. He could write them just as good as anyone else and respected a damn good written one. RIP Toby. pic.twitter.com/5kYyX3E1zO

— Travis Denning (@Travis_Denning) February 6, 2024

Very low this morning. @tobykeith is treasured in this family and will certainly be missed. I know he was a believer and is with the Almighty. Much love to his family. You’re in our prayers. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MA0POxlDbO

— Lee Ann Womack (@leeannwomack) February 6, 2024

It takes a Hall of Fame songwriter to leave me at a loss for words.
We had some times. Rest easy, Dawg. pic.twitter.com/tOxtBWX1CB

— Trace Adkins (@TraceAdkins) February 6, 2024

Kansas City Chiefs Tight End Travis Kelce was asked during a pre-Super Bowl press conference his favorite country song, and he said, “R.I.P. Toby Keith. ‘Should’ve Been a Cowboy.'”

https://twitter.com/lovvrball/status/1755335299054313479

It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Toby Keith, a beloved friend and supporter of the USO. Our hearts are with Toby's family, friends, and fans. Rest in peace dear friend. pic.twitter.com/85nXDVO5ks

— USO (@The_USO) February 6, 2024

Several artists were lucky to tour with Toby, including burgeoning superstar Eric Church, who said in 2011 prior to the kickoff of the Locked and Loaded Tour that he was going to give the headliner a run for his money.

Eric Church (Toby Keith 2011) OC: …I promise. :30
“We’ve done things our own way. We don’t care a whole lot what people think, probably never will, and I think that makes a good tour. There’s not people out there following rules and trying to be something they’re not, and I’ve always respected that about Toby, and I think that’s so far why we’ve gotten along pretty well. And you know, I just straight up told him, ‘I’m coming out there, man, to step on it. I don’t care. I know it’s your tour. I know you’re Toby Keith. I don’t care. I’m coming out there swingin’, so either stand there and get punched or swing back.’ So, it’s gonna be fun. He’s gonna swing back (smiles), I promise.”

Darius Rucker paid tribute to Toby on socials (see Instagram post below), saying “Country Music lost a legend.” He also performed at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night (February 6th) and sang his “favorite Toby song,” which was “God Love Her.”

Toby Keith (wanted to accomplish 2010) OC: …want 150. :42
“I don’t know about being a visionary, I’m just a songwriter. But one goal that I am, if God lets me live long enough – Lord willing – that I’m gonna accomplish…I’ll probably accomplish it anyway, but I want to accomplish it sooner rather than later is 100 million spins as a songwriter, and I’m over 70 million now. And being able to have a long career and to write 99% of the stuff and looked upon in those peer groups that they, those pedestals that they put you on. When I crossed the 50 million, the 50 million club was a who’s who. Had to get to 70, so I want to get to 100. That’s just my next number, and then I won’t be happy. I want 150.”

Toby Keith (Willie Nelson) OC: …a great guy. :30
“I’ve worked with Willie for years. We did some videos together. We did duets together, and he was in a movie with me. Willie’s been a great supporter and a great friend of mine, great mentor. Believe it or not, Willie Nelson is a wonderful mentor (laughs). And he is amazing, has a little light in his eyes all the time and a great smile on his face, and he’s a very honest person. He’s not a hypocrite, and he stands up for his friends, you know. He’s a great guy.”

Toby Keith (first times on stage) OC: …our first gig. :48
“My grandmother got me a guitar on my eighth birthday or 10^th birthday, somewhere around there. And then I went and stayed with her one summer when I was like 12, and she had a band in her night club and I would get up and jam with them. So, I’ve been on stage since I was a kid, but the first place where my band actually went and set up besides the garage and played as our band, was a little bar that’s not there anymore in Oklahoma named, it was called The Feed Store. The guy who had the gig went on vacation or something and they had us come in and fill in and they said they needed someone to fill in for this guy and we’d never played a paying job, and we took the job. We played it and he came back, and they gave us the job and told him to hit it. So, it was like our first gig.”

Toby Keith (first concert) OC: …me with her. :22
“My mom took me to see Hank Williams Jr. when I was six years old at the Civic Center in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Hank wasn’t even Bocephus yet. Hank had an album out that had a song on it called ‘Eleven Roses,’ and he was singing a lot of his father’s songs, and my mom wanted to go see him. She had two tickets, and I was her oldest son, so I was six and she took me with her.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker)

ANNE WILSON SETS SIGHTS ON HER HOMETOWN OF LEXINGTON, KY. TO CELEBRATE NEW ALBUM, REBEL.

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Anne Wilson

PLATINUM-certified, GRAMMY-nominated artist and songwriter Anne Wilson is set to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated album, REBEL, with a special hometown album release show in Lexington, Ky.. The one-night-only event will take place on Sunday, April 21st at 7pm ET at the iconic Lexington Opera House following the release of her album on April 19th. Tickets will be available for purchase during Wilson’s fan club presale beginning Tuesday (February 6th) at 10am ET. General on-sale begins this Friday (February 9th) at 10am ET at annewilsonofficial.com.

Following Friday’s announcement about the arrival of her genre-bending record due April 19th, Wilson will captivate her hometown crowd by performing REBEL top to bottom. A co-writer on each of the album’s 16 tracks, the Ky. native teamed up with some of Music Row’s most in-demand songwriters for a revolutionary project firmly rooted in both Country and Christian music, produced by Jeff Pardo and Jonathan Smith.

“I cannot wait to share these new songs with you live from my hometown,” shares Wilson. “To be releasing an album I’m so proud of is a dream in itself, but to perform it from top to bottom from the Lexington Opera House — where I spent 11 years doing ballet with the Lexington Ballet Company — will be such a full circle moment. This venue holds so many cherished memories for me, and I can’t wait to make another one with you all!”

Wilson showcases her “Kentucky twang and country-leaning songcraft sensibilities” (Billboard) with her new release “God & Country.” Highlighting both sides of Wilson as an artist and the faith-infused Country that defines REBEL, her commanding vocals lead the way as she revists the Kentucky roots that shaped her identity. From church pews and Sunday morning choirs, to mud tires and Friday night lights, Wilson shares what it’s like to grow up in the heart of the heartland, boldly declaring “I’ve got a good life down here, but a better one waiting up above me.”

ANNE WILSON LIVE ALBUM RELEASE SHOW DETAILS:

Date: April 21, 2024

Time: Doors 5:30pm ET, Show 7:00pm ET

Venue: Lexington Opera House

Tickets: Available for purchase at annewilsonofficial.com

The 21-year-old songstress has been making waves with her current Country radio single, “Rain In The Rearview,” co-written with Matthew West, Jaren Johnston and Zach Kale. The transformative music video for the track exclusively debuted on CMT/Paramount Times Square billboards, CMT, CMT Music and CMT.com on Jan. 26 just days after Wilson was revealed as a member of the coveted 2024 CMT Next Women of Country class. Meanwhile, “Strong” continues to stand firm at Christian radio – reaching the Top 15 at Billboard Christian Airplay and Mediabase Audience charts and climbing each week – marking two simultaneous radio singles for the “specifically gifted” (The Tennessean) artist.

Ever since embarking on her new journey in September with REBEL (The Beginning), praise has poured in for the groundbreaking new venture. MusicRow underscores her vocal prowess stating “she’s got the goods” while Billboard highlights her “ceiling-scraping vocal capabilities” and Holler proclaims it “clearly outlines Wilson’s new Country-leaning mission statement.”

Adding to her list of accolades, Wilson was also tapped as one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists to Watch 2024, further solidifying her rising status from Music Mayhem, Pandora and more. Wilson will continue to share her new music on the road as she captivates cities nationwide as direct support on Scotty McCreery’s Cab In A Solo Tour. Come summer, Wilson will grace the stages of both Country and Christian music’s most sought after festivals such as Tortuga Festival, Big As Texas Fest, Country Concert, Alive Music Festival and Kingdom Bound. For dates and more information, visit www.annewilsonofficial.com and keep up with her on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

REBA McENTIRE IS A HUGE FOOTBALL FAN, AND THE APPRECIATON FOR THE SPORT STARTED EARLY.

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Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire is a huge football fan, and the megastar has had an appreciation for the sport ever since she was in high school performing with her sisters and brother during the games.

“I’ve always liked football, even in high school,” says Reba. “As the Singing McEntires and being a part of the Kiowa High School Cowboy Band in Kiowa, Oklahoma where I went to school for 12 years, we were part of the half-time entertainment there at the school. We’d pull the trailer out and we’d play at half-time for our football games.”

The Country Music Hall of Famer says her boyfriend is really big into watching college football and could be even more excited than she is at performing the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. “My boyfriend, (actor) Rex Linn, absolutely loves college football,” she says. “I really get into that, and I cheer for the Longhorns in Austin, Texas. And now getting to sing at the Super Bowl, I think Rex was more excited than I was, if that’s at all possible. I’m a huge, a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, so I will be cheering them on at the Super Bowl.”

This year’s Super Bowl will take place at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (February 11th) and will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm ET/5:30pm CT.

Reba is set to return as a coach for Season 25 of NBC’s The Voice, which is set to premiere February 26th. Coach John Legend returns with Chance the Rapper and Dan + Shay (replacing Gwen Stefani and Niall Horan).

Reba McEntire (football fan) OC: …at the Super Bowl. :46
“I’ve always liked football, even in high school. As the Singing McEntires and being a part of the Kiowa High School Cowboy Band in Kiowa, Oklahoma where I went to school for 12 years, we were part of the half-time entertainment there at the school. We’d pull the trailer out and we’d play at half-time for our football games, and then my boyfriend, Rex Linn, absolutely loves college football. I really get into that, and I cheer for the Longhorns in Austin, Texas. And now getting to sing at the Super Bowl, I think Rex was more excited than I was, if that’s at all possible. I’m a huge, a huge fan of the Kansas City Chiefs, so I will be cheering them on at the Super Bowl.”

VALENTINE’S DAY LINERS 2024

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“Hey! This is Billy Currington. Hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey everybody, it’s Brad Paisley. In the words of the late, great Buck Owens, ‘Love’s Gonna Live Here.’ Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey, this is T.J., and I’m John, and we’re Brothers Osborne. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey y’all, it’s Bryce Leatherwood. Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all. All the love in the world.”

“Hi! I’m Carrie Underwood, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day. Send me some chocolate.”

“Hey everybody, this is Catie Offerman, wishing you all a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey y’all! This is Caylee Hammack, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey, I’m Dalton Dover – for all the lovers out there, I’m wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“What’s up y’all? This is Darius Rucker, hoping you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey, it’s Dierks Bentley, hoping you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey! This is Eric Church, hoping you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“This is George Strait, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hi! It’s Jon Pardi, and I hope you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey! It’s Jordan Davis, hoping you have a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey y’all, it’s Josh Ross, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey! This is Josh Turner, and I want to wish you and your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hi, this is Kacey Musgraves, and I hope you have a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone. This is Keith Urban.”

“Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone. This is Keith Urban. Make the day special for your ‘Once in a Lifetime’ love.”

“Hey y’all, this is Kylie Morgan, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey! We’re Little Big Town. Happy Valentine’s Day!”

“Hey y’all, it’s Luke Bryan. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey y’all. It’s Luke Bryan. Happy Valentine’s Day. Make sweet love to your other.”

“Hey everybody. I’m Parker McCollum, wishing all the lovers out there a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey y’all, this is Priscilla Block wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey everybody, this is Reba McEntire, wishing you and your sweetheart a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey everybody, this is Reba McEntire, wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hi! This is Sam Hunt, wishing you a very Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hi, this is Shania Twain. Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey everybody, I’m Michael and I’m Tanya, and we’re The War And Treaty, and Happy Valentine’s Day.”

“Hey, it’s Tyler Hubbard, wishing y’all a Happy Valentine’s Day.”

KACEY MUSGRAVES AND ZACH BRYAN WIN GRAMMY FOR BEST COUNTRY DUO/GROUP AWARD.

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Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves picks up a GRAMMY Award with Zach Bryan for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “I Remember Everything.” The song appears on Zach’s self-titled 2023 albbum, and it debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

https://twitter.com/UMGNashville/status/1754285603368116707

CHRIS STAPLETON WINS TWO EARLY GRAMMY AWARDS.

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Chris Stapleton

Chris Stapleton won two GRAMMY Awards — Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance — for his recent No. 1 song, “White Horse” during the GRAMMYs pre-telecast ceremony.

https://twitter.com/UMGNashville/status/1754258776931143862

Chris’ co-writer, Dan Wilson, accepted both awards as Chris was not in attendance.

“Chris isn’t here, so I’m taking two of them home,” says Dan. “My biggest thanks is to Chris for writing songs with me. This is great.”

Chris co-wrote the song with Dan Wilson nearly 12 years ago when they were tasked to write a song for potential placement in the 2013 Lone Ranger movie (which starred Johnny Depp and Armie Hammer), and while it didn’t make the movie soundtrack, it is featured prominently on Chris’ latest album, Higher.

REBA McENTIRE COMES FULL CIRCLE FOR NATIONAL ANTHEM.

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Reba McEntire

Reba McEntire comes full circle next Sunday (February 11th) when she performs the National Anthem prior to this year’s Super Bowl.

“It’s absolutely amazing coming full circle, 50 years after being discovered by Red Steagall of me singing the National Anthem at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City. That was in 1974,” says Reba. “I had no idea 50 years I’d be singing (laughs) the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl. Omigosh. I don’t even have the imagination to say that I would be doing something like this. I’m absolutely thrilled to pieces that they asked me.”

Along with Reba, pre-game talent for the Super Bowl includes Post Malone and Andra Day with Usher performing at half time.

The Country Music Hall of Famer will be the fourth country artist in a row to sing the anthem. Eric Church with Jazmine Sullivan did the honors in 2021; Mickey Guyton performed the anthem in 2022; Chris Stapleton (who many are hailing as one of the best renditions since Whitney Houston in 1991) in 2023 and now Reba in 2024. Other country artists who have performed the National Anthem include Garth Brooks (1993), Faith Hill (2000), The Chicks (2003), Carrie Underwood (2010) and Luke Bryan (2017).

This year’s Super Bowl will take place at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday (February 11th) and will air on CBS and stream live on Paramount+. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm ET/5:30pm CT.