Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Carolyn’s Boy Track List:

Lyrics & label copy available HERE (songwriters in parentheses)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I can’t believe it’s been almost 30 years since we filmed the music video for "Till You Love Me!" To celebrate the release of #NotThatFancy, we've gone and remastered the original video in HD, and it looks better than ever! #TillYouLoveMe

Watch it here: https://t.co/9PBVI6OFfr pic.twitter.com/dmKFCqaJs4

— Reba McEntire (@reba) October 5, 2023

We have compiled an array of content — a variety of liners and soundbites – from DARIUS RUCKER to equip you with everything you might need to put together your own album radio special; roll-out tracks leading up to –and following — the release of his new album, CAROLYN’S BOY, to use in news feeds, specials and much more. Check out all of details below (including audio liners and soundbites, as well as transcriptions) to create your own content surrounding Darius’ album release.

Darius Rucker is set to release his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday, October 6th. He co-wrote 10 of the 14 tracks on the album with such prominent songwriters as Ed Sheeran, HARDY, John Osborne, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and many more.

He named the new album after his mother, a nurse at Medical University of South Carolina and who raised him with his three sisters and two brothers, and he chose a photo of his mother to grace the cover of his new collection of songs.

This new  collection is the multi-platinum selling artist’s first release in six years. He says, “I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success. She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

CAROLYN’S BOY Track List:

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

**CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE ALBUM AUDIO TOOLKIT.

Rising artist and Texas native Catie Offerman will serve as the special guest for George Strait’s sold-out, two-night-only event set for Friday, November 17th and Saturday, November 18th, 2023 at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena. Offerman joins the concert lineup in place of previously-announced special guest Caitlyn Smith, who is taking a break from touring to welcome a new baby in November.

The two-night stand is a reprise of Strait’s two nights at Dickies Arena in 2022, which both sold out within hours of going on sale to the public. Since his record-breaking Cowboy Rides Away Tour in 2014, Strait has performed for limited engagements outside of his 36-and-counting Strait to Vegas shows at T-Mobile Arena, including headlining both weekends of the Austin City Limits Music Festival in 2021 plus his 31st appearance at the Houston Rodeo in 2022. This year saw the King of Country play one-off stadium shows in just six markets, setting multiple venue attendance records along the way. He recently announced an extension into 2024, with one-off stadium shows planned for nine additional cities on sale now.

With an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts—more than any other artist in any genre—during the span of his 30+ year career, Strait has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums, more than any other Country artist and ranking third across all genres behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley. The Texas troubadour is the only artist or act in history to have a Top 10 hit every year for over three decades and recently earned his 100th entry on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with his latest single,“The Weight of the Badge.” He has sold more than 105 million albums and earned more than 60 major entertainment industry awards, including induction in the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.

Catie Offerman may be a new name to country music fans, but she’s already gaining a reputation as one of the genre’s most skilled players and promising modern traditionalists. Originally from New Braunfels, Texas, Offerman grew up on a horse ranch. Home schooled by her father in the tack room of their barn, she gravitated towards music at a young age. Offerman started playing piano at the age of four which eventually led her to pursue other instruments such as violin, accordion and more. When she was 11, Offerman’s accordion teacher asked her to join his polka band. She played accordion and fiddle at German fests across the state for years, touring before she could even drive. Offerman also explored her love for Western Swing, diving into Bob Wills music headfirst. At the age of 19 she graduated from Berklee College of Music. She spent time in Sweden and Los Angeles before settling down in Nashville. In 2020 Catie signed a record deal with Universal Music Group, sharing the same imprint as her idol, George Strait. When not writing or in the studio Offerman is where she feels most comfortable – on the road. She’s been touring with national acts such as Parker McCollum, Ian Munsick and Ashley McBryde. She’s also collaborated with fellow Texans such as Josh Abbott, Robert Earl Keen, Kevin Fowler and Hayes Carll. Offerman’s performed on the Grand Ole Opry and brought her style of Texas music across the pond to C2C 2023 in London.

Darius Rucker will release his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday (October 6th), and it’s his first since 2017’s “When Was The Last Time.” He co-wrote 10 of the 14 tracks on the album with such prominent songwriters as Ed Sheeran, HARDY, John Osborne, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and many more.

He named the new album after his mother, a nurse at Medical University of South Carolina and who raised him with his three sisters and two brothers, and he chose a photo of his mother to grace the cover of his new collection of songs.

“Once I decided I was going to name it Carolyn’s Boy, like when I decided that day in the studio, I knew the picture I was going to use,” says Darius. “That’s our favorite family picture. Like, every family member has that picture in their house. My mom was 25 at the time. I think it’s her nursing school picture and we all have it. And so, I knew what picture I was going to use.”

The South Carolina native credits his mother for all of his good qualities. “She instilled everything in me that’s good — you know, my philanthropy, the way I care about people, being nice all the time — those are all things that my mom (would do). My mom used to say all the time, ‘It’s so much easier to be nice than to be a jerk,’ but she didn’t say jerk. That wasn’t the word she used. (laughs)  But, everything good in me she instilled in me, and I always believe, that I hope that I became the man that she was trying to raise.”

Darius, who was just inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville on Wednesday (October 4th), will bring the new music to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina during his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival for a second year during his album release weekend (October 7th & 8th).

Darius Rucker was inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame in Nashville on Wednesday (October 4th) in front of family, friends, industry executives and fans. Darius’ favorite all-time wrestler, “Nature Boy” Ric Flair, was in attendance to induct the multi-platinum country superstar.

Flair, who has been friends with Darius for decades, regaled the delighted crowd with humorous and bawdy stories of himself hanging out with the multi-platinum singer, but became particularly emotional when talking about what a great person Darius is, saying he was a “second-to-none musician” and “one of the greatest human beings we’ve all ever been gifted to know.” He also told the story of when he almost died, and Darius rerouted his tour bus to come and visit him and gave him 20 bottles of Dom Perignon.

Darius, with a catch in his throat and tears in his eyes, thanked his family, including daughter Dani, sisters and brothers and more, for the sacrifices they made as he pursued his musical dreams. “I’m just a kid from South Carolina who got lucky twice, so I’m shocked and humbled that I’m here,” said Darius.

Don McLean of “American Pie” fame, rock and roll guitarist Duane Eddy, and former record-label executive Joe Galante were also inducted into the Walk of Fame, and the four become the 101^st, 102^nd, 103^rd and 104^th stars.  Inductees are recognized for their significant work of preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song. Vince Gill, who was first signed to RCA Records by inductee Joe Galante, talked about Joe’s unwavering support and his long friendship.

Darius is set to release his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, on Friday (October 6th).

What a feeling watching @RicFlairNatrBoy reveal @dariusrucker’s star on #MusicCityWalkofFame! ⭐️ It’s a great day in Music City! @gibsonguitar https://t.co/VzwJS5VH4C pic.twitter.com/QiO7WGb92Z

— Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) October 4, 2023

When asked what Nashville means to @dariusrucker, he said “To me, Nashville means music. Not just Country Music, but all kinds of music! It’s camaraderie, and it’s friendship!”#MusicCityWalkOfFame | @gibsonguitar pic.twitter.com/p8r0bQgKr8

— Nashville Tennessee (@visitmusiccity) October 4, 2023

Next Wednesday (October 11th), Keith Urban will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, along with Kix Brooks, David Lee Murphy, Casey Beathard and Rafe Van Hoy, and he says it’s one of the biggest honors of his career.

“Being invited into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is hands down one of the highest honors that’s ever happened to me,” says Keith. “I’ve always loved writing songs. I’ve always loved great songwriters, and so, you know, this is a songwriting town. I mean first the song always. The song is the very first thing. To be in this group, this incredible group of songwriters is a bit surreal. Honestly, it’s probably still sinking in.”

Keith is thrilled to be inducted alongside many of his friends, especially Kix Brooks of Brooks and Dunn, who was a champion of Keith’s in the early days of his Nashville career. “This particular group, this Class of ‘23 (laughs), I guess, is surreal. I know all of these guys; Casey Beathard is the only guy that I haven’t really met, but I’ve known David Lee Murphy for a long time, Rafe Van Hoy, Kix Brooks, of course,” he says. “Kix is like my brother from another mother. He was one of the first people in town to really get behind what I was doing. I had a band at the time called The Ranch and Kix came and saw us play in a tiny little club and invited us to go out and open some shows for Brooks & Dunn even before we ever had any music out. We had nothing on the radio. He was just a great believer of mine. So to be inducted in the same year that Kix is particularly sweet.”

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

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

The GRAMMY-winning duo Brothers Osborne appeared on CBS This Morning on Tuesday (October 3rd). The group spoke to CBS This Morning’s Anthony Mason at their homes in Nashville about their recent self-titled album, produced by Mike Elizondo, and their upcoming special tour dates. John Osborne also spoke candidly about his previous struggles with metal health, and TJ touched on his journey since coming out and how they both received so much support.

Check it out!! @CBSMornings @AnthonyMasonCBS https://t.co/5X14kIAmZe

— Brothers Osborne (@brothersosborne) October 3, 2023

Tyler Hubbard performed his latest single, “Back Then Right Now,” when he appeared on NBC’s TODAY Show on Tuesday morning (October 3rd). He chatted with the hosts about the song, saying, “It’s just a fun, carefree song about making the most of each moment, being present, living life.”

Kacey Musgraves teamed up with singer-songwriter Noah Kahan to release a new version of Kahan’s “She Calls Me Back” on Friday (October 6th). He posted a voice recording of Kacey saying, “Hi, you’ve reached the voicemail box of Kacey Musgraves and Noah Kahan. We’ll call you back October 6th.” “She Calls Me Back” was originally included on Kahan’s 2022 album, Stick Season.

She Calls Me Back (with Kacey Musgraves) out Oct. 6th https://t.co/7vpS5tmhvS pic.twitter.com/494UQ2atTT

— Noah Kahan (@NoahKahan) October 3, 2023

On Tuesday (October 3rd), several stars got into the holiday spirit as they took to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry House to tape the NBC special, “Christmas At The Opry,” hosted by Wynonna. Performers included Brenda Lee, Kelly Clarkson, Mickey Guyton, Chrissy Metz, Trace Adkins, BRELAND, Mitchell Tenpenney, Lauren Alaina and many others. “Christmas At The Opry” will air December 7th at 8pm ET/PT on NBC.