Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

November 11th, which is also known as Veterans Day, honors our military vets who served, and many times, sacrificed their lives, to safeguard our freedom and democracy. At 11 a.m. on November 11th, 1918 — “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” — a cease-fire came into effect that would end World War I. The day was first proclaimed in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson to celebrate the ending of World War I. It was later renamed Veterans Day by President Eisenhower in 1954 to celebrate all veterans. Dierks Bentley has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project and their initiative, Believe in Heroes, to recognize the enormous sacrifices made by our newest generation of veterans and to honor the service of these individuals over a two-month campaign leading up to Veterans Day. The Believe in Heroes campaign provides the American public with an opportunity to show their support and appreciation of our veterans in their communities and across the nation. The mission of the Wounded Warrior Project is to honor and empower wounded warriors…AND to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help them aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs.

Dierks’ own father is a Veteran, having served as a second lieutenant in the Army during World War II. “It’s amazing, he served in WW2, he was in Japan, and he doesn’t tell me too many stories about it, but I know for him, he really enjoyed his time in the Army,” says Dierks. “It was a chance, he grew up in a town of 1200 people and…to join the army and get a chance to go overseas and see some of the world. He really enjoyed the men in his company and lost some friends over there. He doesn’t talk too much about that aspect of it, but he has nothing but good memories of being able to serve and be part of that.”

Eric Church recently finished up a tour with Toby Keith, who always brought up soldiers during such songs as “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” and “American Soldier.” He feels the country music format is the leader in making the military a priority. “I’m proud for our format, and I’m proud for the music that that’s something we stand by when I’m not sure others do as much. I mean, not that they’re not patriotic. I just think that that’s something we make a focal point, and I’m proud to be involved in.”

AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about his father, who served in the Army during World War II.

Dierks (dad in WW2) OC: …honor them. :54

“My dad was a second lieutenant in the Army. My dad’s older than most dads. My dad had me when he was 51, or helped have me when he was 51. It’s amazing, he served in WW2, he was in Japan, and he doesn’t tell me too many stories about it, but I know for him, he really enjoyed his time in the Army. It was a chance, he grew up in a town of 1200 people and the Army was, you know to join the army and get a chance to go overseas and see some of the world.  He really enjoyed the men in his company and lost some friends over there. He doesn’t talk too much about that aspect of it, but he has nothing but good memories of being able to serve and be part of that.  What a feeling that must be that I will never know, to put on that uniform, American flag patch on your shoulder, and you’re out there literally fighting for the flag, fighting with your brothers next to you and for everyone back home. So it’s just something that we can never really honestly have a sense of how that feels, but certainly we can honor them.”

AUDIO: Dierks Bentley talks about Veterans Day.

Dierks Bentley (Veterans Day) OC: …need us. :13

“I think Veterans Day is something that happens once a year, but I think in the country community, it really is something that we are and need to be thinking about 365 days a year because those folks need us.”

AUDIO: Eric Church sends out a message to members of the military – past and present – for Veterans Day.

Eric Church (Veterans Day Msg.) OC: …Veterans Day. :17

“Hey Guys! I’m Eric Church. Happy Veterans Day! I appreciate so, so, so very much the sacrifice you guys give and go through for us to live the way we do. And I wouldn’t want anybody else on the front lines but you guys. I feel safe at night knowing that you’re there, and I appreciate you very much. I can’t thank you enough. Happy Veterans Day!”

AUDIO: Eric Church talks about the servicemen and women and how country music makes them a priority.

Eric Church (Veterans Day) OC: …always will be. :50

“What I respect and admire is the sacrifice those guys and girls go through for us to live the way they want to live too. I’ve been out with Toby [Keith], and it’s been really great to be out with him and to see all these soldiers. You know, he brings them on stage during ‘Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue’…and ‘American Soldier,’ you know, they honor ‘em and he encourages ‘em to wear their uniforms. I love that that’s something our format embraces. I’m proud for our format, and I’m proud for the music that that’s something we stand by when I’m not sure others do as much. I mean, not that they’re not patriotic. I just think that that’s something we make a focal point, and I’m proud to be involved in. And again, I’m very thankful for the sacrifice that those guys endure, and it’s something that’s always been very important to me and always will be.”

You can now download your very own copy of Dierks Bentley‘s “Home” — it’s now available on iTunes! After writing the tune with Brett Beaversand Dan Wilson, Dierks felt the song would be pretty special. Judging by the way the song is charging up the country charts and the effect it is having on the fans, his feelings weren’t off-base. The singer is not trying to change the world, but he does wish the song could bring people together and give them hope for a brighter future. ” I hope in some sense it can bring people together and find more things in common than we don’t, and hope for the people that are going through tough times, that so many people are right now with the economy,” says Dierks. “Just help people feel inspired and look back and look at the country, from just a long term perspective, not just this day, this week, this month, this year, but just the history of this country and all the people that came before us and sacrificed their lives for us.”

“Homes” is the second single from Dierks’ forthcoming album, which is due in February. The lead-off single, “Am I the Only One,” recently topped the country charts. 

AUDIO: Dierks Bentley expresses his hopes for “Home,” the single heading up the country charts.

Dierks Bentley (hopes for Home) OC: …things right. 1:21

“This song is written in a way that is opened-ended as far as what they want to walk away with. I mean, I think it’s obvious it’s a song about our country, about the ups and downs and the scars we have in our past.  But at the end of the day, no matter what side of the fence you’re on, where you stand on certain issues, where you come from, your background, you have to walk through the front door of your house every day, this is our house, this is our home, this is our one country. There’s not another one you can go to. I hope in some sense it can bring people together and find more things in common than we don’t and hope for the people that are going through tough times, that so many people are right now with the economy. There’s certainly still a lot of tough times ahead, and they see that we’ve overcome so much as a country in the past and there’s no reason why we can’t overcome these things again and really be the number one, the best country in the world as far as a place to have these freedoms and to raise your family and to pass something on to the next generation. Just help people feel inspired and look back and look at the country, from just a long term perspective, not just this day, this week, this month, this year, but just the history of this country and all the people that came before us and sacrificed their lives for us. We’re standing on their shoulders and we need to honor that, and I think  the best way to honor that is come together and make things right.” 

Luke Bryan is premiering the new video for his current single, “I Don’t Want This Night To End,” with VEVO today. “I Don’t Want This Night To End” premieres across VEVO, including VEVO.com, VEVO’s free mobile apps and on VEVO syndication partners like YouTube.

Bryan once again teams up with Tacklebox Films director Shaun Silva in the video which is “Part One” of a two-part music video saga.   For the first time in a music video, Luke showcases his acting ability by playing the leading man.  “It’s really cool to write a song and then act out a part for the video,” he says. “I pulled out some of the old theatre skills from back in my high school days!”  

Luke plays a Country music star who falls for a new girl in town (played by actress Cameron Richardson) while he is home from the road. A chance meeting leads to a night they will never forget.  But is that the end of their story?

Luke is nominated in the New Artist category and will also be performing on the CMA Awards this year. Fans can tune in on Wed., Nov. 9 (8:00-11:00 PM/ET) on the ABC Television Network.

Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott was named Songwriter of the Year from the song-royalties organization SESAC (pr. See-Sack) on Monday night (November 7^th). It’s her third Songwriter trophy in four years. She also received individual ribbons for co-writing three hits for Lady A – “Our Kind of Love,” “Need You Now” and “Just a Kiss,” not to mention recognition for the No. 1 song, “A Little Bit Stronger,” which she co-wrote and was a hit for Sara Evans. Hillary also was presented a more personal gift from the organization – they gave a donation to a charity that does missionary work in Haiti, a place where Hillary has visited many times to assist with earthquake relief.

In other news, Hillary and her Lady A bandmates are nominated for Vocal Group of the Year at Wednesday night’s CMA Awards, where they will also perform. You can catch all the action live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena beginning at 8pm ET on ABC.

At the No. 1 party for “A Little Bit Stronger” in May, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, who co-wrote the song with Luke Laird and Hillary Lindsey, talked about how she came up with the idea for the song, and which song her ex-boyfriend thinks is about him.

Hillary Scott (A Little Bit Stronger) OC: …not ‘Need You Now.’ [laughs] :37

Dierks Bentley has been performing his latest Top 25 hit, “Home,” during his Country & Cold Cans Tour, and he says the reaction he’s been getting has been a bit overwhelming, especially those who have served the nation. “I was playing out in Phoenix, and I did it out there and a girl that served in the Navy came up to me afterwards with tears in her eyes and just really said the song had a really big impact in her,” Dierks recalls. The singer-songwriter explains that the song is also a great way to pay tribute to those in the military, as well. “In our show, we really try to honor the folks that might be in the crowd, you can’t pick them out, they’re in their civilian clothes,” says Dierks. “They’re there every night. There’s guys and girls that serve and have brothers overseas and just have the moment where we can honor them and feel good about it, just give the show a little bit more, something to stand on other than just music, cold beer and laughter and good times, add a little bit of depth to the show.”

Dierks has partnered with the Wounded Warrior Project on his Country & Cold Cans Tour, and before some of his shows, he hosts parties to bring about awareness and raise funds for the organization.

“Home” is available on iTunes beginning today!

AUDIO: Dierks Bentley says performing “Home” live in concert is a way to honor those serving overseas.

Dierks (Playing Home live) OC: …the show. :57

“I’m just now starting to play ‘Home’ live. I’ve just been doing it on the road a little bit, and when I first started doing any song live for the first time, I always do it acoustic just to get a feel for it. And I was playing out in Phoenix, and I did it out there and a girl that served in the Navy came up to me afterwards with tears in her eyes and just really said the song had a really big impact in her. It’s the little things like that that really let you know where the song is going, and how to steer it and how to get the most impact out of it and make it a moment in the show and try to…in our show we really try to honor the folks that might be in the crowd, you can’t pick them out, they’re in their civilian clothes. They’re there every night. There’s guys and girls that serve and have brothers overseas and just have the moment where we can honor them and feel good about it, just give the show a little bit more, something to stand on other than just music, cold beer and laughter and good times, add a little bit of depth to the show.”

Alan Jackson was among the inductees into the Music City Walk of Fame on Sunday (November 6th). Radio veteran Lon Helton introduced him to the hundreds of fans lined up to catch a glimpse of the country legends. Kix Brooks, clothing designer Manuel, Dr. Bobby Jones, Dottie Rambo, Les Paul and Nashville television anchor Dan Miller. The honorees were recognized officially with the unveiling of commemorative sidewalk markers in the Walk of Fame Park in downtown Nashville. The Music City Walk of Fame, located on Nashville’s Music Mile, is a landmark tribute to those from all genres of music who have made significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and have contributed to the world through song or other industry collaboration.

“After all I’ve been through and accomplished and all the great luck I’ve had, when I think about 20-something years ago the first time I was driving down Music Row with a paper sack full of songs, I never could’ve imagined standing here in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame in the heart of Nashville and in the heart of country music, and having ’em put my name down in this concrete that’ll be here for a long time, that’s just something you never thought about and never dreamed about,” says Alan. “I never dreamed it could happen. Hell, I could thank a million people out there, but the fans are the ones to me that put that name there.”

As of right now, Keith Urban will still take part in a tribute to Glen Campbell, one of his heroes, on Wednesday night’s CMA Awards. (Note: last week, it was announced he had to cancel all but his single song commitments since he has developed a polyp on one of his vocal cords. He will undergo surgery later this month.) Not only is he in awe of Glen’s guitar playing, but his vocal ability, as well. “I saw him play and was just floored by how incredibly he sang,” says Keith, adding, “and his guitar playing, it’s really very impressive.” Playing clubs and events prior to his moving to Nashville, Keith would often perform a handful of Glen’s songs, including “Galveston,” but it wasn’t until he truly went through the lyrics that he realized just what it meant. “I did that song for years live, you know, when I was a kid right up until I was 20 or something or other. And somebody here in town asked me if I could write out the lyrics for it, because they wanted, you know, a copy of it,” recalls Keith. “After all these years of singing that song, it wasn’t until I sat down and wrote the lyrics out, just cried like a baby…that’s absolutely the first song that’s just completely rocked my world. It’s tragic and beautiful.” Keith will be joined by Vince Gill and Brad Paisley for the tribute.

• Keith, who is also set to perform one of his own songs as well, is nominated for both Entertainer and Male Vocalist of the Year. The 45th Annual CMA Awards will air live from
  Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Wednesday (November 9th) at 8pm ET on ABC.
• Keith will also be featured in the ABC special, In the Spotlight With Robin Roberts: All Access Nashville, next Tuesday (November 8th). He’ll be joined by Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Sugarland, Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina in the show airing at 10pm ET.

AUDIO: Keith Urban talks about both Glen Campbell’s guitar playing and his vocal abilities.

Keith Urban (Glen Campbell’s vocal abilities) OC: …extraordinary. :15

“His vocal abilities — I saw him play and was just floored by how incredibly he sang. And his guitar playing, it’s really very impressive. And of course his work on a lot of other people’s records too is pretty extraordinary.”

AUDIO: Keith Urban says he didn’t realize just how tragic Glen Campbell’s hit, “Galveston,” was until he wrote out the lyrics to the song and listened to songwriter Jimmy Webb’s version of the song.

Keith Urban (Galveston) OC: …and beautiful. :43

“Galveston, and I did that song for years live, you know, when I was a kid right up until I was 20 or something or other. And somebody here in town asked me if I could write out the lyrics for it, because they wanted, you know, a copy of it. And after all these years of singing that song, it wasn’t until I sat down and wrote the lyrics out, just cried like a baby. Just, with all due respects to Glen, he sings it with such gusto that it, that I didn’t realize how tragic the song was, and then I did a writer’s night with Jimmy Webb, and he did it on piano, and it was just devastating. And, that’s absolutely the first song that’s just completely rocked my world. It’s tragic and beautiful.”

Here are some excerpts from Lady Antbellum‘s Hillary Scott in the December issue of Redbook magazine due on newsstands November 15th:

On her meeting her fiancé Chris:

We met in college—we went to different schools in Tennessee and met through mutual friends. I thought off the bat that he was really attractive, and I could tell that he was kind. Kindness just oozes out of him. I wanted to date him when I met him! And he just wanted to play basketball. [Laughs]

Keith Urban is set to undergo throat surgery later this month, to remove a polyp which has developed on his vocal cords. The out-patient procedure, while minor, will require complete voice rest followed by an undetermined period of  recuperation that will require the postponement of the All For The Hall benefit concert, which was originally scheduled for January 18th at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

While the CMA Entertainer of the Year nominee has had to scale back his appearances requiring multiple songs, he will honor his pre-existing one-song performance commitments leading up to the minor vocal cord surgery at the end of this month. All other appearances will be rescheduled in the new year. 

Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott appears on the cover of the new issue of Redbook, which hits newsstands November 15th. She talks about finding love with drummer Chris Tyrrell and how her future husband makes her feel. “Everything is brighter. Everything has a deeper meaning,” she says of her relationship with her fiancé. “I’ve found a guy who truly embraces me for who I am and appreciates the things that I don’t necessarily love about myself. He makes me feel more comfortable in my own skin.”

Check out more of the Redbook article in USA Today.