Thu, 04/09/2015 - 2:03 pm

Rock superstars Pat Benatar and Neil “Spyder” Giraldo are celebrating their latest musical milestone with the release of the CD/DVD set, Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour on April 28. The 14-track commemorative package features their greatest and groundbreaking hits. Their lead-off single from the live CD, “Promises in the Dark,” will be released to radio this week. It originally rocked airwaves in 1981 as part of the hit album, Precious Time, and was co-written by the iconic duo. Pre-orders of the double CD include free instant downloads, “We Live for Love” and “Promises in the Dark” on iTunes.

"We are thrilled to be releasing this live version of “Promises in the Dark” from our 35th Anniversary Concert Tour. Promises has special meaning for us. It was the first song we wrote together, about our own relationship. A little awkward at first, to be sure! It has become one of our signature compositions and a favorite to play live," Benatar and Giraldo explain.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour CD/DVD set kicks off with “Shadows of the Night,” which was a Top 10 hit for the couple on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart in 1982. Other hit singles include “Love is a Battlefield,” “We Belong,” “Heartbreaker,” and “Hell is for Children.” Together, Benatar and Giraldo, have 19 Top 40 singles and multiple Top 10 singles. They have scored two RIAA-certified Multi-Platinum albums, five RIAA-certified Platinum albums, and three RIAA-certified Gold albums.

In addition to the CD/DVD, the acclaimed duo will launch the 35th Anniversary Tour on Friday, April 10 in Jackson, California.

For more information, visit: www.benatargiraldo.com.

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo: The 35th Anniversary Tour CD/DVD Track Listing
Shadows of the Night
All Fired Up
Invincible
We Live for Love
So Sincere
Sex as a Weapon
Promises in the Dark
We Belong
Hell is for Children
You Better Run
Hit Me with Your Best Shot
Love is a Battlefield
Let's Stay Together
Heartbreaker

35th Anniversary Tour Schedule (more dates to come)
April 10 – Jackson, CA @ Jackson Rancheria Casino
April 11 – Temecula, CA @ Pechanga Resort & Casino
April 14 – San Diego, CA @ Balboa Theatre
April 16 – Bakersfield, CA @ Fox Theater
April 17 – Beverly Hills, CA @ Saban Theatre
April 18 – Las Vegas, NV @ The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
April 21 – Springfield, MO @ Gillioz Theatre
April 22 – St. Charles, IL @ The Arcada Theatre
April 24 – Northfield, OH @ Hard Rock Rocksino
April 26 – Lancaster, PA @ American Music Theatre
April 28 – Zanesville, OH @ Secrest Auditorium
April 29 – Albany, NY @ Hart Theatre @ The Egg
May 01 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
May 02 – Portland, ME @ Maine State Pier
May 03 – Lynn, MA @ Lynn Auditorium
May 05 – New Bedford, MA @ Zeiterion Performing Arts Center
May 06 – Englewood, NJ @ Bergen Performing Arts Center
May 08 – Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre
May 09 – Ocean City, MD @ Springfest
May 10 – Morristown, NJ @ Mayo Performing Arts Center
May 13 – Nashville, TN @ Ryman Auditorium
May 15 – Richardson, TX @ Wildflower Festival
May 16 – Baton Rouge, LA @ L'Auberge Baton Rouge
May 19 – Saint Petersburg, FL @ The Mahaffey
May 21 – Hollywood, FL @ Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
June 26 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest
June 27 – Lawrenceburg, IN @ Hollywood Casino - Lawrenceburg Event Center
June 30 – Newport News, VA @ CNU Ferguson Center for the Arts
July 01 – Durham, NC @ The Carolina Theatre
July 03 – Salamanca, NY @ Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel -Seneca Events Center
July 04 – Mount Pocono, PA @ Mount Airy Casino Resort -- Sherman Summer Stage
July 07 – Verona, NY @ Turning Stone Resort Casino – Showroom
July 13 – Grand Rapids, MI @ Meijer Gardens Amphitheater
Aug 22 – Lancaster, CA @ Antelope Valley Fairgrounds
Aug 31 – Monroe, WA @ Evergreen State Fair

Thu, 05/07/2015 - 9:28 am

Country music legends and American music icons The Oak Ridge Boys have just recorded an all-new gospel recording, which will be available everywhere on May 26thRock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites (Gaither Music Group), a 15-song project produced by Ben Isaacs (Gaither Vocal Band, The Isaacs) and group member Duane Allen, showcases the group’s award-winning, four-part harmonies and celebrates their musical roots.

“All of The Oak Ridge Boys are men of faith,” Allen says. “We were raised in four different states, but we were all brought up in homes where our parents taught us about Jesus and believing in God. All of the Oaks grew up singing in church. These songs are some of the first we learned to sing. Their messages of hope, love, assurance, faith, heaven and, basically, how to live formed the foundation of each of us.

“The reason these old hymns are so familiar is because they are great. They have lived through the decades, even centuries, because they were written in times when man’s faith was tested. They have stood the test of time because the message transcends the test of time.”

Something else that has stood the test of time is the group’s longtime friendship with country legend Merle Haggard, who wrote a song entitled “Sweet Jesus” for the new release.

“Merle Haggard has been a good friend of The Oak Ridge Boys for decades,” Allen continues. “He was taping a TV show with Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives; and my son-in-law, Paul Martin, sings and plays with The Fabulous Superlatives, so Merle gave Paul a copy of ‘Sweet Jesus’ and asked him to give it to me for the Oaks.

“We loved the recitation and thought if we could just get Merle to do that recitation we would be thrilled. But then, it worked so well that Merle just kept on singing with us on the last chorus—a once in a lifetime experience for all of The Oak Ridge Boys. It is one of the biggest thrills of my career to get to sing and record with Merle Haggard.”

Another special addition to Rock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites are guest vocals from the award-winning Isaacs, who joined The Oaks for the song “Peace Within.”

“…What you hear [on the last chorus] was one take…no fixes, no second takes, just exactly what Sonya was feeling at the time,” explains Allen.  “It is pure magic as only Sonya and The Isaacs can do. They brought depth and love to ‘Peace Within,’ taking it to another level.”

The Oak Ridge Boys know firsthand how to take things to another level. The group was founded in1943, in Knoxville, Tenn., by gospel music singer, manager, promoter and businessman Wally Fowler. The current lineup, which was assembled years later (William Lee Golden, 1965; Duane Allen, 1966; Richard Sterban, 1972; and Joe Bonsall 1973), has scored 17 No. 1 hits, released more than 40 albums and achieved worldwide sales of over 41 million units. They have received five GRAMMY® Awards; 15 CMA Award nominations, winning two of them; and were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2000.
 
In April it was announced that the group will be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in the fall of 2015, in the Modern Era Artist category.

Bonsall and Sterban were inducted into the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame in 1994. Golden received the Alabama Music Hall of Fame’s Life Work Award for Performing Achievement in 1997, and Allen was honored with induction into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2014.
 
Rock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites will be positioned heavily at retail, via catalog placements and through a direct TV campaign beginning in May, on networks including DISH TV, DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, PBS, GaitherTV, TBN, FamilyNet, CTN, GMTN, Guardian, Liberty, RFD, TCT and TLN. The campaign will also air in Canada on Vision TV, The Miracle Channel, Grace TV and CTS. “Sweet Jesus,” the debut country single from the release, is currently garnering adds at radio stations nationwide. The gospel staple “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand” has just been released to gospel radio.
 
The group is featured regularly on “The Grand Ole Opry,” and they will be highlighting Rock of Ages, Hymns and Gospel Favorites during their upcoming appearances during CMA Fest 2015 and at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, TN.
 
The release will be distributed through Capitol Christian Distribution and will be available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com, on May 26th. It is currently available exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and is available for pre-sale at www.amazon.com, www.walmart.com and www.christianbook.com.
 
For further information, visit www.oakridgeboys.com or Twitter.com/OakRidgeBoys or www.facebook.com/oakridgeboys.

Wed, 07/22/2015 - 1:53 pm

One of Rock's greatest live performers is gearing up for a return to his natural habitat. Meat Loaf – the world-renowned performer whose career has spanned over forty years – has just announced plans for an upcoming fall tour, with the initial dates beginning October 23 at the Pechanga Theatre in Temecula, California. The shows will mark his first extended series of tour dates in 2 years.
 
“As a performing artist, being in front of a live audience is a feeling you can't get with anything else,” he says. “The adrenaline you feel when the fans are singing along with the words to your songs, combined with their loyalty, is an amazing feeling. After all, I didn't start yesterday, and they've been with me every step of the way.”
 
The Dallas native moved to California after college, and quickly formed his first band – named Meat Loaf Soul. He became a much sought-after performer in the Los Angeles area, landing a featuring role in a production of Hair. The exposure that he received from that role led to an audition with Motown, where he was paired up with Shaun Murphy for the duo Stoney & Meatloaf. Together, they tallied one Top-40 hit on the R&B charts (“What You See Is What You Get”), but even more highlights were ahead.
 
Meat Loaf appeared in a stage production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which later led to his being featured in the film of the same title. In 1977, he released his landmark album Bat Out Of Hell, and his career hit the fast lane. The album sold over 40 million copies worldwide, and led to successful follow-up albums such as Dead Ringer (1981) and Bad Attitude (1984). He earned a Gold single for the 1977 release “Two Out Of Three Ain’t Bad,” and achieved his biggest hit with 1992’s "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That),” which topped airplay and sales charts all over the world. The dramatic power ballad earned him a Grammy for Best Rock Vocal Performance, Solo.
 
With a show comprised of the biggest songs from his long list of Gold & Platinum selling albums, Meat Loaf will not disappoint
 
The tour is set to begin 10/23. Initial dates announced include the below. Additional dates to follow.
 
10/23 Temecula, CA / Pechanga Theatre
10/28 Dallas, TX / Verizon Theatre
11/3 Detroit, MI / Motor City Casino Hotel
11/11 Westbury, NY / Theatre at Westbury
11/17 Bethlehem, PA / Sands Event Center
11/19 Englewood, NJ / Bergen PAC

Mon, 08/10/2015 - 11:30 am

Dolly Parton returned home, this past weekend, to help raise money for her Imagination Library and although the performances were billed Dolly: Pure & Simple, in simple Dolly fashion she shined brighter than the stars in the sky. The four sold-out shows, which took place at Dollywood’s D.P. Celebrity Theatre raised over $500,000.00.
 
When welcoming the audience, Dolly said, “Thank you from all the kids and me! We give books to children all over the world now, and the Imagination Library started right here in Sevier County, right up here in these hills. So thank you all for coming. I truly believe that you can never get enough books into the hands of enough children.”
 
Currently in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States, the Imagination Library has mailed more than 71 million free books!
 
From Blue Smoke to Backwoods Barbie, 9 to 5 and Coat Of Many Colors, Dolly captivated the audience show after show performing her latest and greatest hits. During her performances, Dolly also shared her excitement for her new resort, “I am so proud of all the things we are doing here. Of course, it’s our 30th Anniversary, and we’ve been longing for our own hotel ever since we started Dollywood. Yesterday, I had a chance to go over to the resort and do some videos and things in my suite, and I got to see the resort up and breathin’ with real people in it. We are just so proud of it!”

Tue, 12/08/2015 - 1:12 pm

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson are back on the charts, as the title track from their new holiday album This Christmas (Stone Canyon Records/Digitally Sound Records) hits #17 on adult contemporary radio and #6 on the holiday music chart. Proceeds from the song are being donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, which is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

"We've been changed men ever since our first visit to the St Jude Children's Research Hospital a decade ago. It's a humbling, inspiring experience. What struck us is that everyone at St. Jude truly CARES. No child is ever turned away due to an inability to pay. There's nothing like it in the world…it's simply magical. So, we're stepping up and getting into the spirit of giving that makes Christmas so special. We have committed to donating 100% of our profits from the download sales of our current holiday single ‘This Christmas’ to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. We are honored to be allies in hope and healing with our family and friends at St. Jude. We hope the mood and our music move fans to get involved, contribute and support St. Jude,” said Matthew and Gunnar.

Written by Matthew, Gunnar, Michael Bonagura from Baillie & the Boys and his daughter Alyssa Bonagura, who also contributed vocals, “This Christmas” features a unique narrative twist.

"It's a challenge to write a Christmas song that's not like something people have heard a million times before," said Gunnar. "So we started talking about this concept of two best friends that realize, on the night of miracles, that actually they're in love with each other and always have been. If miracles can happen on Christmas, maybe that's the night people in love can risk telling each other."

This Christmas, Matthew and Gunnar’s first-ever holiday album, is available digitally on iTunes and Amazon and in stores. More than just a collection of holiday songs, the album, which was produced by Matthew and Gunnar, affirms the power of their unique bond and family heritage.

“In addition to our original single ‘This Christmas,’ we were able to rearrange Christmas classics that people the world over have loved like family members for generations,” said Matthew. “We've made them sound fresh and new while at the same time respecting their integrity and history. We're absolutely thrilled with the results, and hope our listeners will be too,” added Gunnar.
 
'This Christmas' Track List:
1. This Christmas (ft. Alyssa Bonagura)
2. Joy to The World
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town (ft. Molly Cherryholmes)
4. Oh Come All Ye Faithful
5. Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree
6. Mele Kelikimaka (ft. Molly Cherryholmes)
7. Away In A Manger
8. Holly Jolly Christmas
9. Blue Christmas (ft. Molly Cherryholmes)
10. Jingle Bells
11. We Wish You A Merry Christmas (ft. Molly Cherryholmes)
12. White Christmas

Nelson Tour Dates:
Dec 12 Williams Center for the Arts - Oelwein, IA *
Dec 13 Lucille Tack Center for the Arts - Spencer, WI *
Dec 14 Paramount Theatre - Saint Cloud, MN *
Dec 15 Paramount Theatre - Saint Cloud, MN *
Dec 16 Bloomington Center for the Performing Arts - Bloomington, IL *
Dec 17 Holly Springs Cultural Center - Holly Springs, NC *

* Christmas With The Nelsons Tour

Thu, 03/03/2016 - 11:12 am

The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter and John McEuen) will host a star-studded televised PBS special throughout March that was filmed at the historic Ryman Auditorium during a sold-out performance as the iconic group celebrates its 50th anniversary. Click here to find dates and times for when the PBS Pledge Special airs in your hometown.
 
The special also features guest artists, including John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas as well as former members, Jimmy Ibbotson (long-time member for decades) and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and early NGDB member Jackson Browne.
 
“We are so humbled and honored to share the stage with these legendary artists who we’re grateful to call friends. And now our fans will have an opportunity to enjoy this historic show thanks to PBS and the Tennessee Department of Tourism,” Jeff Hanna said.
 
The special is made possible with support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism. “I’ve been a fan of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band for most of my life,” said Commissioner Kevin Triplett, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development.
 
“The influence of the band goes far beyond the enjoyment of listening to its music. There are pivotal projects in the history of music that are capable of changing a direction of a genre and raise awareness of an entire generation. It is not an overstatement to say the “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” album is one of those projects. Having the band launch their 50th anniversary celebration from the Mother Church of Country Music – The Ryman is more than appropriate, it is ordained. We’re fortunate to have them as part of ‘The Soundtrack of America, Made in Tennessee,’” Commissioner Triplett added.
 
There will be an accompanying CD and DVD that include extra songs and performances as well as concert tickets and meet and greets in select markets available exclusively through PBS member stations.
 
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band continue non-stop touring in celebration of their Golden 50th anniversary planned to run through the end of 2017, with many additional dates to be announced. Plans are to be extensive with select shows featuring special guests in select markets as well as many new exciting show elements. This will be a tour not to be missed.
 
NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND ON TOUR:
March 11 - The Palladium at Center for the Performing Arts - Carmel, Ind.
March 18 - French Lick Resort - French Lick, Ind.
March 19 - Little River Casino Resort - Manistee, Mich.
April 08 - Riverside Casino - Riverside, Iowa
April 09 - Grand Falls Casino Resort - Larchwood, Iowa .
April 29 - Las Cruces Downtown - Las Cruces, N.M.
April 30 - Talking Stick Resort and Casino - Scottsdale, Ariz.
May 13 - Stone Mountain Arts Center - Brownfield, Maine
May 14 - The Newton Theatre - Newton, NJ
May 15 - Infinity Hall - Norfolk, CT
May 18 - State Theatre - State College, PA
May 20 - Penn's Peak - Jim Thorpe, Pa.
May 21 - The Colonial Theatre - Phoenixville, Pa.
June 02 - Stiefel Theatre - Salina, KS
June 03 - Shawnee River Festival - Eldon, Mo.
June 10 - America’s River Festival - Dubuque, Iowa
June 18 - Southwind Casino - Braman, Okla.
July 07 - Country Concert at Hickory Hill - Fort Loramie, Ohio
July 08 - Hodag Festival - Rhinelander, Wis.
July 09 - Country Concert - St. Bernard, Ohio
July 17 - Jamboree In The Hills - Morristown, Ohio
July 30 - Wayne County Fair - Wayne, Neb.
Aug 05 - Manitoulin Country Fest - Little Current, Canada
Aug 06 - Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua Bayfield, Wis.
 
For more information, visit nittygritty.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Mon, 03/07/2016 - 9:35 am

Dolly Parton is set to bring her boundless energy to stages in over 60 cities as she embarks on her first major U.S. and Canadian tour in more than 25 years. For the last 20 years, Parton has only played select dates in the U.S., but her 2016 tour will cover cities across North America. As one of the hottest concert tickets of the summer, Parton’s legion of fans are destined to sell out the shows quickly. Parton’s set-list will include hit songs all while weaving in a few new songs from her double-disc album Pure & Simple with Dolly's Biggest Hits. She will also be playing songs that have not been heard live for decades.
 
“We’re so excited to get out there and see the fans again. I’m really looking forward to singing songs the fans have not heard in a while, as well as the hits, while debuting a few new ones off Pure & Simple,” Parton said.
 
Pure & Simple with Dolly's Biggest Hits 2-CD set will include all new material as well as a compilation of Parton’s biggest hits. A track listing for Pure & Simple will be announced soon.
 
The Country Music Hall of Famer is on one of the biggest hot streaks of her career after her hugely successful TV movie, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” attracted a network record of 15.8+ million viewers and was the most watched movie on network TV in more than 3 years. “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors,” will be released on DVD May 3.
 
Stay tuned for tour date announcements and album details.

Thu, 03/10/2016 - 1:42 pm

Kiefer Sutherland will bring his rich, soulful vocals and guitar licks to venues across the country beginning April 14 when he performs for audiences with a set list that includes cuts from his folk-tinged album, Down In A Hole, set for release this summer.

Sutherland, known for his starring role on the Fox series "24," will bring his debut tour as a musician to 26 venues across the country beginning April 14. More dates will be added.

A professional actor his entire adult life, Sutherland starred in movies like ‘Stand By Me’, ‘The Lost Boys’, ‘Young Guns’, Flatliners’, ‘A Few Good Men’, ‘A Time to Kill’, ‘Dark City’, ‘Melancholia’ and most recently, a western called ‘Forsaken’ and the upcoming ABC series “Designated Survivor.”
 
Unknown to many during the course of his career, he has taken on other vocations with the same kind of dedication and commitment. In 2002, Sutherland, with his music partner and best friend Jude Cole, began a small record label called Ironworks. The goal of this label was to record local musicians and distribute their music at a time when the music industry was going through a monumental shift. Some of their artists included Rocco DeLuca and the Burden, HoneyHoney and Billy Boy On Poison. In 2009, Sutherland left the label to recharge and figure out what he was going to do next.

In early 2015 Sutherland played Cole two songs he had written and wanted to record as demos for other artists to record. Cole responded positively to the songs and the album grew organically from those recordings. Two songs became four and four grew into six, until Cole suggested that they make a record. Their collaboration resulted in Sutherland’s upcoming debut album: Down In A Hole.
 
“It’s the closest thing I’ve ever had to a journal or diary. All of these songs are pulled from my own personal experiences. There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music. As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn’t counted on,” Sutherland said of the 11-track album. A track listing and release date will be announced soon.

Stay social with Kiefer Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

KIEFER SUTHERLAND ON TOUR:
April 14 Milwaukee, Wis. - Shank Hall
April 15 Madison, Wis. - Majestic
April 16 Grand Rapids, Mich. - The Pyramid Scheme
April 18 Ann Arbor, Mich. - The Ark
April 19 Cleveland, Ohio - Grog Shop
April 20 Pittsburgh, Pa. - Hard Rock Cafe
April 22 Huntington, W. Va. - V Club
April 23 Cincinnati, Ohio - Ballroom at the Taft
April 24 Indianapolis, Ind - Vogue
April 26 Columbus, Ohio - A&R Music Bar
May 04 Charlotte, N.C. - Visulite Theatre
May 06 Raleigh, N.C. - Lincoln Theatre
May 08 Richmond, Va. - Capital Ale House
May 09 Annapolis, Md. - Ram’s Head Tavern
May 11 Wilmington, Del. - World Cafe Live
May 12 Teaneck, N.J. - Mexicali Live
May 14 Pawling, N.Y. - Daryl’s House
May 15 Ithaca, N.Y. - The Dock
May 16 Buffalo, N.Y. - Iron Works
May 19 Northampton, Mass. - Iron Horse
May 20 Boston, Mass. - Brighton Music Hall
May 21 Providence, R.I. - The Met
May 24 Asbury Park, N.J. - Stone Pony
May 25 Long Island, N.Y. - Founders Room
May 26 Sellersville, Pa. - Sellersville Theater
May 28 Amagansett, N.Y. - Stephen Talkhouse

Mon, 03/14/2016 - 12:59 pm

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have three careers unparalleled in music history. Together they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and performed for decades in front of countless fans around the globe. It’s no surprise that when their three voices united to release their debut collaboration, the results were remarkable. The threesome released two albums together, Trio (1987) and Trio II (1999), which have combined to sell more than five million copies worldwide and win three Grammy® Awards.

Both of these classic albums have been newly remastered for a three-CD collection packed with rare and unreleased music. Produced by Harris, THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION will be available on September 9 for a list price of $29.98.

On the same date, a single-disc set will also be available entitled MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION, featuring a mix of songs taken from the three-disc set, as will FARTHER ALONG, a double-LP set of all the bonus material from THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. Trio II will also be released on vinyl for the first time.

Even though Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s, a full album proved elusive. When the stars aligned and the friends were finally able to record a full album, a powerhouse sound of country and Americana was born. The results were remarkable. Trio arrived in 1987; sold more than four million copies; won two Grammy Awards; and topped the country album chart for five consecutive weeks. Among the standout tracks are “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Wildflowers,” and “Farther Along.”

It would be more than a decade before the group released a follow-up, but when Trio II arrived in 1999 it did not disappoint. The album won a Grammy Award and peaked in the Top Five of the country album chart. It sold more than one million copies worldwide on the strength of tracks like “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” the Carter family’s “Lover’s Return” and a cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush.”

The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks like “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and a stunning acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.”

THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION
Track Listing

Disc One – Trio I

  1. “The Pain of Loving You”
  2. “Making Plans”
  3. “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
  4. “Hobo’s Meditation”
  5. “Wildflowers”
  6. “Telling Me Lies”
  7. “My Dear Companion”
  8. “Those Memories of You”
  9. “I’ve Had Enough”
  10. “Rosewood Casket”
  11. “Farther Along” 

Disc Two – Trio II

  1. “Lover’s Return”
  2. “High Sierra”
  3. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
  4. “After the Gold Rush”
  5. “The Blue Train”
  6. “I Feel the Blues Movin’ In”
  7. “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
  8. “He Rode All The Way To Texas”
  9. “Feels Like Home”
  10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”

Disc Three – Bonus Material

  1. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take unreleased 1986) 
  2. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
  3. “Lover’s Return” (Alternate Mix – Unreleased)
  4. “Softly and Tenderly” (Unreleased 1994)
  5. “Pleasant As May” (Unreleased 1986)
  6. “My Dear Companion” (Alternate Take 1986)
  7. “My Blue Tears” (Unreleased 1998)
  8. “Making Plans” (Alternate Take 1986)
  9. “I’ve Had Enough” (Alternate Mix 1986)
  10. “Grey Funnel Line” (Unreleased 1986)
  11. “You Don’t Knock” (Unreleased 1986)
  12. “Where Will The Words Come From” (Unreleased 1985)
  13. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
  14. “Are You Tired of Me” (Unreleased 1986)
  15. “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”
  16. “Mr. Sandman” 
  17. “Handful Of Dust” (Unreleased 1993)
  18. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
  19. “White Snow” (Unreleased 1986)
  20. “Farther Along” (Alternate Mix 1986)

MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION
Track Listing

  1.   “The Pain Of Loving You”
  2.   “My Dear Companion”
  3.   “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
  4.   “Telling Me Lies”
  5.   “Farther Along”
  6.   “ Lover’s Return”
  7.   “After The Gold Rush”
  8.   “The Blue Train”
  9.   “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
  10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”
  11. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
  12. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
  13. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take 1986) 
  14. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
Wed, 03/16/2016 - 9:47 am

Hank Williams Jr. will entertain all of his rowdy friends during CMA Music Festival when he plays The Stadium Friday, June 10. The dynamic entertainer will join Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Sam Hunt as part of the Friday night lineup. He’ll also jam with an all-star lineup for the Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson tribute show at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena March 16.

Hank Jr. is on a hot streak of success with his 37th studio album It’s About Time (Nash Icon Records), which remains in the Top 20 after achieving the highest peak position of his career with a No. 2 position on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart when it was released Jan. 15.

The country icon’s 2016 shows have all been SOLD OUT and continues to add additional dates (see tour schedule below). Hank Jr. will also co-headline a special limited run tour with Chris Stapleton this summer when the two music renegades visit 8 cities with dates lined up in Houston, Austin, West Palm Beach, Detroit (Clarkston), Cleveland, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

After six decades of top charting singles, Hank Jr. remains in-demand on the road and on air after recently appearing on “Audience All Access” on AT&T's Audience Network, “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” CBS This Morning and an inspiring performance with Whoopi Goldberg on “The View.” Hank Jr. was also NRA Country’s featured artist for January.

Fans can keep up with Hank Jr. by visiting hankjr.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

HANK WILLIAMS JR. ON TOUR:
*denotes stops with Chris Stapleton

June 17 – The Corn Crib – Normal, Ill.
June 18 – Black Diamond Harley Davidson – Marion, Ill.
June 24 – Big Barrel Country Music Festival – Dover, Del.
July 02 – Talladega Superspeedway – Lincoln, Neb.
July 16 – Harrah’s Hotel & Casino – Council Bluffs, Iowa
July 17 – Madison Co. Fairgrounds – Madison, Neb.
Aug 05 – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre – Tampa, Fla.*
Aug 06 – Coral Sky Amphitheatre – West Palm Beach, Fla.*
Aug 12 – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion – Houston, Texas*
Aug 13 – Austin360 Amphitheater – Austin, Texas*
Aug 16 – Rockingham Co. Fair – Harrisonburg, Va.
Aug 19 – Blossom Music Center – Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio*
Aug 20 – DTE Energy Music Theatre – Clarkston, Mich.*
Aug 26 – Klipsch Music Center – Noblesville, Ind.*
Aug 27 – Riverbend Music Center – Cincinnati, Ohio*
Sep 03 – Legend Valley – Thornville, Ohio
Sep 24 – Laughlin Events Center – Laughlin, Nev.
Sep 25 – Ava Amphitheater – Tucson, Ariz.

 

Fri, 03/25/2016 - 10:14 am

Believe, the highly-anticipated new album from 10-time Grammy winners Take 6, is available in stores now via SonoRecordingGroup/ILS/Caroline/Universal. Produced by recording legend Ross Vannelli (Celine Dion, Richard Marx, Jeffrey Osbourne) and featuring Stevie Wonder, along with a song penned by the multiple Grammy-winning and Oscar-nominated writer Diane Warren, Believe is a contemporary record filled with exciting collaborations and new material. It is a true return to form for the Gospel and R&B sextet with every hallmark of the classic Take 6 sound.

The latest single, "On Your Side,” is climbing the charts, and can be heard, along with "When Angels Cry," on Gospel radio stations around the world, including Kirk Franklin's Gospel Channel on SiriusXM.
 
The group recently stopped by PBS for a sit-down with Tavis Smiley to talk about the release of their latest album. The episode airs on tonight on PBS (check your local listings). The ten-time Grammy winners performed two songs, including “When Angels Cry,” the first single from Believe.
 
Believe Track Listing

  1. Beautiful Day
  2. Reset
  3. You Know You’re in Love
  4. When Angels Cry
  5. Here in LA
  6. Walk Away
  7. Statistic
  8. U Make Me Happy
  9. On Your Side
  10. Keep the Faith
  11. You’re All I Need
  12. Song For You
  13. Five Minutes with God
  14. When Angels Cry (acapella version)

Upcoming Tour Dates
Apr 01 Berks Jazz Fest, Reading, Pa.
Apr 06 Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, N.J.
Apr 08 Mayo Center for the Performing Arts, Morristown, N.J.
Apr 10 NYCB Theatre at Westbury, Westbury, N.Y.
Apr 15 Oceanside Jazz Festival Oceanside, Calif.
Apr 26 Tapiola Park, Espoo, Finland
Apr 27 New Morning, Paris, France
Apr 30 Blue Note Milan, Milano, Italy
May 01 Kauno Žalgirio Arena, Kaunas, Lithuania
May 02 A Capella Woche at Pavilion, Hannover, Germany
May 03 A-Trane Berlin, Germany
May 04 Scandic Nidelven Hotel, Trondheim, Norway
May 05 Hamar Kulturhus, Hamar, Norway
May 07 Teatro Alighieri, Ravenna, Italy
May 08 Auditorium Arvedi c/o Museo del Violino, Cremona, Italy
May 09 La Citta del Teatro, Cascina, Italy

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 2:13 pm

We've lost one of the greatest writers and singers of all time. His heart was as tender as his love ballads. I loved him like a brother. Rest easy, Merle. -- Dolly Parton

We’ve lost another hero. Now he doesn’t have to be in pain anymore. I know he’s not suffering anymore. I just can’t imagine a world without Merle. It’s so hard to accept, but I’ll continue honoring him on stage just as I do during every show. We played a lot of gigs together through the years, but some of my fondest memories were hanging out in a natural setting, like the time we sat there by the river in his backyard and ate bologna sandwiches. Merle was a simple man with incredible talent like no other. And now he’s up there singing with George [Jones] and all the angels. Love you, Merle. -- Tanya Tucker

Merle Haggard was an original. Not just a singer, not just a songwriter, not just another famous performer. He was your common everyday working man. I remember when I was 15 years old on tour with Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard. They both were wondering which one of the two was going to make it. Well, they both made it. Today, ole Merle joined Waylon, George, and daddy to sing in the Heavenly choir. -- Hank Williams, Jr.

My heart is broken over the loss of one of the greatest country singers ever. He was an icon to me. He took me to school with his phrasing, his songwriting and style - and he was undoubtedly one of my greatest influences. Getting to sing with him several times over the years will be memories I cherish forever. He was such a great man, on stage and off. -- Gene Watson

Merle Haggard was one of the greatest songwriters, performers and story-tellers that ever lived. I grew up on his music and am I'm so saddened by his passing. -- Kiefer Sutherland

I am deeply saddened to hear of Merle’s passing. He was a dear friend, I remember touring with him at various points throughout the 90’s and those are memories that I will always cherish. I hate that he lived so far away from us these last few years, but definitely understand it. My hope is that he passed a happy and content man. I learned so much from this kind man about singing, when Merle Haggard sang you paid attention. He is about as close to perfection in country music as we will probably ever have. -- Lorrie Morgan

I am devastated over the loss of Merle Haggard. He was my absolute favorite of ALL time. I have listened to him since I was a kid. His poetry, his voice and his pure country music style will live forever. I am listening to him sing Sweet Jesus with The Oak Ridge Boys as I write this. SO honored to have recorded this Dove Award winning song with my HERO! Rest Easy Hag… Until The Day…“Jesus… Sweet Jesus…You love me just as I am… Jesus… Sweet Jesus… I’ve been washed in the Blood of the Lamb!” -- Joe Bonsall / Oak Ridge Boys

A few years ago Merle sent me a song he wanted The Oak Ridge Boys to record. He’d written it with Kenny Vernon. When I heard it, I felt there was no way we could do it unless we asked Merle to do it with us.
His response was, "Anything you ‘Boys’ want.”
So, we recorded “Sweet Jesus,” and it won a Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Best Country Song. It was a huge honor to sing with one of our biggest heroes, Merle Haggard.
May he rest in peace in the arms of Sweet Jesus. -- Duane Allen / Oak Ridge Boys

Merle was a singer's singer, a musician's musician, and a songwriter's songwriter. He set the feelings of the everyday common man to music, creating songs that will outlive us all. I feel privileged to have toured with him and known him as both a great artist and as a friend. His passing leaves a big hole in country music and in the hearts of the millions who loved him and his artistry. -- Bill Anderson

Merle always treated me like a true friend treats his true friends. We had great fun every time we worked together. He was one of the good ones. Getting to see God's face on your birthday, what a wonderful gift! -- T. Graham Brown

George and I loved Merle so much. George would always say nobody could ever sing like Merle Haggard. Merle was one of our Country Heroes. Now, George and Merle are together again singing with the Angel Band. -- Nancy Jones

We join the world of the broken hearted hearing of the death of Merle Haggard. One of the first things John and I realized we had in common was our love of Haggard songs. What a blessing to have had a chance to get to know him and work with such a legend in our career. Merle, guess you finally are on the ultimate Natural High. We will have your music in our hearts and souls and honkytonk nights forever! God Bless the great Merle Haggard. May you fly with the Angels. -- 'Big Kenny' Alphin / Big & Rich

"Mighty" Merle Haggard was the greatest country songwriter of ALL TIME. We shared many great memories, and I will miss him. Merle set the bar so high no one will ever top it. He refused to bend and turn to the whims of the music industry throughout the decades, and instead remained a steady ship of constant greatness that every artist could look up to and aspire to be. I had the distinct honor of becoming his friend and spent priceless time picking guitars on the back of his bus, doing videos together, and I soaked up every drop of soul from him every chance I got. You take your hat off when you shake hands with Merle Haggard. You listen and pay attention and realize that you are in the company of one of God's prize creations. I will miss him. I bet Heaven has swingin' doors today. -- John Rich / Big & Rich

We’ve lost another great one. Merle leaves a great legacy behind, the songs, the styling, the phrasing….to study Merle’s musical style was to immerse yourself in the heart of Country. For months we’ve been planning a Tribute to Merle, the guest have been invited and Merle had it on his calendar. We will miss him greatly. Now the tribute will be a honoring of the man his songs, his music and his life. -- Larry Black, Larry’s Country Diner

He was the genius of the last half century in country music and we will all miss him and nobody can replace him. -- Leroy Van Dyke

It was a tremendous opportunity to be able to sing duets with Merle and for that to be a part of my life. What a great difference it made to me to be able to work on Merle's records. It was like a dream come true... I never would have imagined to be able to sing duets with all the great artists that I've worked with. Merle has been such a special part of my life, I'm just proud to have great memories of working with him. -- Janie Fricke
 
He’s my hero and I’ll never forget recording ‘Don’t Sing Me No Songs About Texas’ with Merle. To hear hear him on the same track as me was amazing. Merle was the master. The ultimate writer, musician and singer. He did it all. And I will miss him so much. -- Moe Bandy
 
Merle Haggard’s death not only signifies the passing of the greatest singer Country Music has ever known, but also resonates hard with us personally. At our house we considered Merle almost a family member, from the early days when our dad would wake us up for school by playing one of his albums to years later when we played many shows together with Merle on tour. The first show we played with Merle - he came barreling on to our tour bus looking for a place to hide while the police were searching his bus. By the time that incident got cleared up we'd become friends. We let him know he could hide out on our bus anytime he needed to and we continued to tour many more times with him and collect lots more Merle stories over the years. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family today and may God rest his soul. -- David and Howard Bellamy, The Bellamy Brothers

He did our Statler Brothers TV show a few times and I got to know him over the years. He was one of the most influential people in this business. He is going to be sorely missed. Heaven’s band just got another great member much like so many of our other heroes who have passed. We will miss him dearly. -- Jimmy Fortune
 
It’s a very sad day for the world to lose the great Merle Haggard. I still can't believe it. The last time I saw him was just outside of the Station Inn here in Nashville. We stood in the middle of the road and laughed and talked. I can still see the sparkle in his eye. He had such a beautiful spirit. I treasure that memory. Even beyond his amazing songs and music, it was easy to see why Merle was so loved. He will missed forever. -- Deborah Allen
 
I have lost a dear friend, but Country music and its fans have lost one of its greatest treasures. One of my greatest memories of Hag was always speaking on Christmas and catching up, as well as having toured and sang with him. -- T.G. Sheppard
 
I am still sitting here processing the news I just learned of the passing of Merle Haggard and ironically on his birthday. Remembering precious memories of meeting him just one year ago, sitting on his bus, talking about how he continued to write songs each and every day. He even mentioned he had a song for me. How special it was, as he listened to us sing, and after he even played Hunter's fiddle. His music will live forever! Our sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Sweet Peace "Mighty Merle"!! -- Rhonda Vincent

Being that I was a huge Merle Haggard fan, he was one of the ones that I did a couple of shows with early in my career. He welcomed me into the music industry. It's extremely sad when you see people like "The Hag" leave us – he's been huge, the industry is what it is today because of great musicians/artists/songwriters like him. -- Mark Wills

My friendship goes back to 1963 when Merle was voted Most Promising Male Vocalist and I was voted Most Promising Female Vocalist by VIP, which later became the ACM Awards. When I first met Merle, I was a little intimidated because my mom warned me of anybody who had been in prison. I got over my fears and we became very close through the years. He recorded two of my songs “Life of a Rodeo Cowboy” and “My Love For You.” And I sang backup for him on “Ramblin Fever” and “Always On A Mountain When I Fall.” His passing is such a loss to not only me personally, but our entire industry. We all loved the Hag. -- Jeannie Seely

Wed, 04/06/2016 - 8:24 pm

The Soul Train Cruise is celebrating its 5th anniversary and has invited the biggest icons in R&B along for the party as it sails through the Caribbean from March 4-11, 2017. Cruise host Tony Cornelius will be joined by Kool & The Gang, Chaka Khan, Commodores, CHIC featuring Nile Rodgers, Peabo Bryson, The S.O.S Band, Midnight Star, Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle, Thelma Houston, Sounds of Blackness, Third World, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Billy Paul, The Intruders, Melba Moore, Original Soul Train Dancers and many more. The Soul Train Cruise will travel from Ft Lauderdale and hit the beautiful ports of Belize City (Belize), Cozumel and Freeport (Bahamas) aboard the luxuriously appointed Celebrity Summit, with its spa-inspired staterooms and menus created by a James Beard featured chef.

"We, are looking forward to performing your and our favorite hits on the 2017 Soul Train Cruise, including “Brick House,” “Easy,” “Lady You Bring Me Up,” “3 Times A Lady,” “Night Shift” and many more, said William King of the Commodores. “We are truly going to ‘Rock The Boat.’”

“We really wanted to make The Soul Train Cruise’s 5th anniversary a special one,” adds Michael Mitchell, Soul Train Cruise Executive Producer and Vice President, Strategic Partnerships, Marketing & Live Entertainment at StarVista LIVE. “We’re bringing the greatest names in classic R&B and the superstars that fans feel incredibly connected to. This is truly the Hippest Trip at Sea and one heck of an experience.”

Guests aboard the 2017 Soul Train Cruise will experience 7 days of nonstop Love, Peace and Soul, spending their days and nights with the stars during more than 35 live performances and 30 interactive celebrity events. The non-stop vacation of a lifetime includes Parties at the Pool, a Gospel Hour, All Access Pass LIVE TV interviews, cocktail receptions, cooking demonstrations, Q&A sessions, dance classes with the original Soul Train Dancers, wine tasting, costume parties and so much more.

Cabin prices start at only $1,775 per person and include access to all of the major concerts, world-class gourmet meals, 24-hour room service and daily events. Further information is available at www.soultraincruise.com or by calling 844-266-7685.

Wed, 04/20/2016 - 10:09 am

The National Music Council will bring its annual American Eagle Awards presentation to Nashville, Tennessee, for a second year in a row on Saturday, June 25, 2016. The highly prestigious Eagle Awards are presented each year in national celebration of an individual’s or an organization’s long term contribution to America’s musical culture and heritage. This year, music legends Emmylou Harris and Vince Gill will be honored, along with the iconic Grand Ole Opry.

Past American Eagle Award recipients include Kris Kristofferson, Quincy Jones, Herbie Hancock, Clive Davis, Van Cliburn, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Morton Gould, Dave Brubeck, Marian Anderson, Jim Halsey, Lena Horne, Roy Clark, Elliott Carter, The Oak Ridge Boys, Roberta Peters, Odetta, Sherman Halsey, Stephen Sondheim, Sesame Street, Hard Rock Cafe, Music Makes Us, and VH-1 Save the Music Foundation. This year's event in Nashville will mark the 33rd year of formal presentations of the Awards.

Emmylou Harris is one of the most admired and respected female vocalists in music history. With 13 Grammy Awards and a trio of CMA trophies, her work has garnered admiration and praise from her peers. Beginning with her 1975 masterpiece Pieces Of The Sky, Harris began to carve out a reputation as one of the genre’s most progressive talents – though one with a clear reverence toward the history of the Country format. She made songs by The Louvin Brothers, Buck Owens, and Hank Snow hits again. She also teamed up with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt for the iconic Trio album in 1987. Harris was inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1992, and into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

Whether it be Country, Rock, Bluegrass, or Gospel, there is no genre of music that Vince Gill hasn’t excelled in during his much-heralded career. Starting out playing in a Bluegrass band called Mountain Smoke when he was a teenager, he later joined Boone Creek – a band fronted by future Country star Ricky Skaggs. He spent three years as lead singer of the Pop / Rock group Pure Prairie League before moving to Nashville in the early 1980s. It took him a few years to find his artistic path, but he hit big in 1990 with “When I Call Your Name.” Future hits included “Liza Jane” and “Go Rest High On That Mountain.” Twenty Grammy Awards later, Gill stands as one of the most revered male artists of all time. He was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 1991, and the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007.

Musical artists have come from all over the world for a chance to perform on the stage that is the Grand Ole Opry. Starting as the WSM Barn Dance in the fall of 1925, the show has enchanted artists and fans alike ever since. Legends such as Hank Williams and Patsy Cline have dazzled with their talents there, as have modern-day hit-makers like Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley. It’s been called the “home of American music” and “country’s most famous stage.” Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make pilgrimages across town or around the world to the Grand Ole Opry to see the show live. Millions more tune in to Opry broadcasts via a mobile app, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Nashville’s 650 AM WSM, and on opry.com and wsmonline.com.

The event will also feature the New York Emmy award winning animation created by the NMC and the Music Publishers Association of the United States, as part of a primary school lesson plan that encourages kids to think about the ramifications of taking other people’s creative works without permission. NMC Director David Sanders frames the animated piece as "part of a world-wide effort by creators to change the narrative in terms of fostering an understanding that the online protection of creative works enhances freedom of speech and the marketplace of ideas, rather than encroaching on them."

The National Music Council continues to serve as a forum for the free discussion of this country’s national music affairs and challenges. Founded in 1940 to act as a clearinghouse for the joint opinion and decision of its members and to work to strengthen the importance of music in our life and culture, the Council’s initial membership of 13 has grown to almost 50 national music organizations, encompassing every important form of professional and commercial musical activity.

Through the cooperative work of its member organizations, the National Music Council promotes and supports music and music education as an integral part of the curricula in the schools of our nation, and in the lives of its citizens. The Council provides for the exchange of information and coordination of efforts among its member organizations and speaks with one voice for the music community whenever an authoritative expression of opinion is desirable. Proceeds from the event support the Council’s music education advocacy efforts.

The awards will be presented at a 1:00 pm ceremony in the Davidson Ballroom of the Nashville Music City Center as part of the Summer NAMM Show. A VIP luncheon and interview/reception with the honorees will accompany the awards presentation. For tickets, schedule, and sponsorship information, visit musiccouncil.org, or contact NMC Director David Sanders at [email protected].

Mon, 05/02/2016 - 5:25 pm

As previously announced, G Fest organizers are continuing plans for the inaugural event in honor of the late Okie from Muskogee, Merle Haggard. The festival, which features some of the biggest names in Country, Rock and Americana, along with the best up-and-coming and local talent, will take place as scheduled June 16-18 in Muskogee, Okla. Additionally, GRAMMY-award winning singer/songwriter Kacey Musgraves will perform at the festival to celebrate one of her heroes.

“Artists like Merle Haggard are important because they became legends and set trends not by worrying about money and fame but just by being themselves. So it just inspires me even more to uphold what’s important to me as a person and songwriter first and not worry about the rest,” said Musgraves.

The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame has been given the green light to place a Merle Haggard monument on the north lawn of the Muskogee Civic Center, a step forward for a project about five years in the making. The memorial, as originally envisioned, would include a bronze sculpture of Haggard sitting on a bench with a guitar case and hat. It would be placed where visitors can take photos of "Old Glory down at the courthouse" and the Civic Center, where Haggard recorded the album Okie from Muskogee. OMHOF Executive Director Jim Blair believes an opportunity exists that would expand the scope of the memorial and add a monument Haggard designed and asked a Ponca City artist, Dan Jones, to create. Haggard planned to have the piece placed at his ranch near Bakersfield, Calif.

"They want to see that placed in Muskogee," Blair said about those who are part of Haggard's organization. "The bench will be great, but what a story to tell — to have a memorial standing next to it that was designed by Merle himself."

In addition to the monument, organizers plan on revealing the "Merle Haggard Avenue" street sign in the coming months.

Single-day tickets to G Fest are now available, with Thursday available for $39, Friday for $49 and Saturday for $59 until May 15. General Admission three-day passes are available for $109, and VIP Reserved Seating and VIP Party Pit tickets for $329 until May 15. VIP Reserved Seating and VIP Party Pit gives ticket holders access to an exclusive area directly in front of the stage, parking, designated bathrooms and a separate bar. For fans wanting the true G Fest experience, primitive camping is available starting at $90 and RV camping starting at $375.

Festival organizers are giving ticket holders the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see their favorite stars up-close-and-personal with the Party Pit. Located directly in front of the main stage, the Party Pit puts fans steps away from their favorite artists during their performances! There are a very limited number of passes in this standing-room-only area, and passes must be purchased in addition to three-day or VIP tickets. Prices vary by artist and start at $10. For more information or to purchase tickets, party pit passes and for all of your G Fest needs, visit: gfestmuskogee.com.

G Fest will take place June 16-18 in Muskogee, Okla., and will feature performances by The Avett Brothers, Old Crow Medicine Show, The Swon Brothers, Marty Stuart, Turnpike Troubadours, Robert Randolph & The Family Band, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, John Fullbright, Paul Thorn Band, Byron Berline Band, Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Quebe Sisters, Uncle Lucius, Aubrie Sellers, Ricochet, Full Flava Kings, Paul Benjaman Band with Don White, Nicnos, The Cherokee Maidens, KALo, Darell Christopher & The Ingredients, The Bonham Brothers, The Red Dirt Rangers, Mountain Smoke, Hosty Duo, Desi & Cody, Carter Sampson, Brujo Roots, BC and The Big Rig, Jana Jae and Head for the Hills.

Want to take advantage of our current pricing but don’t have the cash? Choose the EZ-Pay Plan at check out to split your payment up. Use it to purchase tickets, camping or add-on options.

You will be billed monthly until the balance is paid in full. Your tickets will then be emailed to you.

G Fest is funded through a joint effort by The Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame, The City of Muskogee, City of Muskogee Foundation and Muskogee Tourism. Net proceeds of the event will be used to further the mission of the OMHOF and further develop the infrastructure of the Hatbox complex for future festivals.

To stay up-to-date on all things G Fest, like us on Facebook and follow @gfestmuskogee on Twitter and Instagram.

Fri, 05/13/2016 - 7:16 am

Not one for slowing down, Kiefer Sutherland will carry the momentum from his live shows to Canada this June, as he adds 11 new tour dates to his North American tour in support of his debut album, Down In A Hole, available this summer (release date to be announced). Click here to listen to “Not Enough Whiskey” - the debut track from the anticipated release.

So far, Sutherland has been on the road stateside this spring, entertaining audiences nationwide, and will wrap the first leg of his tour at the Grand Ole Opry May 31. He will kick off the second leg of his tour in Ontario June 16 and will wrap up the string of Canada dates with a performance in Quebec City June 30.

“There is something very satisfying about being able to look back on my own life, good times and bad, and express those sentiments in music,” Sutherland said of his performances. “As much as I have enjoyed the writing and recording process, I am experiencing great joy now being able to play these songs to a live audience, which was something I hadn’t counted on.” An official track listing and release date for Down In A Hole will be announced soon.

Keep up with Sutherland on the road in US and Canada by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or follow him on Twitter and Facebook.

KIEFER SUTHERLAND CANADIAN TOUR:
June 16 Gravenhurst, ON - Peter's Players
June 17 Barrie, ON - The Ranch
June 18 Mont-Tremblant, QC - Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
June 20 Ottawa, ON - Maverick's
June 21 Stratford, ON - Masonic Hall
June 23 Waterloo, ON - Maxwell's Concerts
June 24 Hamilton, ON - Molson Canadian Studio
June 25 Sarnia, ON - The Station Music Hall
June 27 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
June 29 Peterborough, ON - Peterborough Musicfest
June 30 Quebec City, QC - Palais Montcalm

REMAINING US TOUR DATES:
May 06 Raleigh, N.C. - Lincoln Theatre
May 08 Richmond, Va. - Capital Ale House
May 09 Annapolis, Md. - Ram’s Head Tavern
May 11 Wilmington, Del. - World Cafe Live
May 12 Teaneck, N.J. - Mexicali Live
May 14 Pawling, N.Y. - Daryl’s House
May 15 Ithaca, N.Y. - The Dock
May 16 Buffalo, N.Y. - Iron Works
May 19 Northampton, Mass. - Iron Horse
May 20 Boston, Mass. - Brighton Music Hall
May 21 Providence, R.I. - The Met
May 24 Asbury Park, N.J. - Stone Pony
May 25 Long Island, N.Y. - Founders Room
May 26 Sellersville, Pa. - Sellersville Theater
May 28 Amagansett, N.Y. - Stephen Talkhouse

Wed, 06/01/2016 - 12:40 pm

Traditional country singer/songwriter Shane Owens is taking country music fans back to the good ol’ days with a music video featuring Country Music Hall of Fame inductee Randy Travis in “Country Never Goes Out Of Style,” which premieres as an online exclusive on The Boot, with airings on Heartland, AXS-TV and Country Network. Click here to watch the music video.

The clip, which previews Owens’ debut album ‘Where I’m Comin’ From,’ is also notable due to it’s high-profile cameo, the one-and-only Randy Travis, in his first music video appearance since his stroke in 2013. “Shane brings it all...vocal, writing, performance, and passion. He has paid his dues, remained committed to traditional country and brings you a song with a heart and a story. To Shane, I gladly pass the baton...”

The Alabama-raised Owens has been building a reputation in nightclubs across the Southeast for more than a decade. Even after a couple of rough experiences in the industry, the country artist continues to inspire listeners due to his powerful baritone vocals and emotional singing, and attract the attention of Nashville music executives, as well as legendary producer James Stroud, who produced the debut album.

“This new song means so much to me,” explains Owens. “It really talks about the way I was raised and the way I live my life today, so it means so much to have Randy join me in the video and talk about my music in that way. It was truly an honor.”

Follow Shane Owens on Twitter and Facebook or visit www.shaneowenscountry.com

 

Thu, 06/23/2016 - 8:44 pm

Ralph Stanley, a patriarch of Appalachian music who with his brother Carter helped expand and popularize the genre that became known as bluegrass, died Thursday from difficulties with skin cancer. He was 89.

Stanley was born and raised in southwest Virginia, a land of coal mines and deep forests where he and his brother formed the Stanley Brothers and their Clinch Mountain Boys in 1946. Their father would sing them old traditional songs like "Man of Constant Sorrow," while their mother, a banjo player, taught them the old-time clawhammer style, in which the player's fingers strike downward at the strings in a rhythmic style.

Heavily influenced by Grand Ole Opry star Bill Monroe, the brothers fused Monroe's rapid rhythms with the mountain folk songs from groups such as the Carter Family, who hailed from this same rocky corner of Virginia.

The Stanleys created a distinctive three-part harmony that combined the lead vocal of Carter with Ralph's tenor and an even higher part sung by bandmate Pee Wee Lambert. Carter's romantic songwriting professed a deep passion for the rural landscape, but also reflected on lonesomeness and personal losses.

Songs like "The Lonesome River," uses the imagery of the water to evoke the loss of a lover, and "White Dove," describes the mourning and suffering after the death of a mother and father. In 1951, they popularized "Man of Constant Sorrow," which was also later recorded by Bob Dylan in the '60s.

The brothers were swept into the burgeoning folk movement and they toured the country playing folk and bluegrass festivals during the '60s, including the Newport Folk Festival in 1959 and 1964.

But when Carter died of liver disease in 1966, Ralph wasn't sure he could continue. His brother had been the main songwriter, lead singer and front man, and Ralph, by his own account, was withdrawn and shy, although he had overcome some of his early reticence.

"Within weeks of his passing, I got phone calls and letters and telegrams and they all said don't quit. They said, 'We've always been behind you and Carter, but now we'll be behind you even more because we know you'll need us,'" Stanley told The Associated Press in 2006.

After Carter's death, Ralph drew even deeper from his Appalachian roots, adopting the a cappella singing style of the Primitive Baptist church where he was raised. He reformed the Clinch Mountain Boys band to include Ray Cline, vocalist Larry Sparks and Melvin Goins. He would change the lineup of the band over the years, later including Jack Cooke, and mentored younger artists like Keith Whitley and Ricky Skaggs, who also performed with him.

Dylan and Grateful Dead's Jerry Garcia praised his work and, in the case of Dylan, joined him for a remake of the Stanley Brothers' "Lonesome River" in 1997.

He was given an honorary doctorate of music from Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, Tennessee, in 1976, and he was often introduced as "Dr. Ralph Stanley." He performed at the inaugurations of U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton, was given a "Living Legends" medal from the Library of Congress and a National Medal of Arts presented by the National Endowment for the Arts and President George W. Bush. He became a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2000.

But at age 73, he was introduced to a new generation of fans in 2000 due to his chilling a cappella dirge "O Death" from the hit Coen Brothers' "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" movie soundtrack. The album was a runaway hit, topping the Billboard 200 chart, as well as the country albums and soundtrack charts, and sold millions of copies.

He won a Grammy for best male country vocal performance in 2002 — beating out Tim McGraw, Ryan Adams, Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and Lyle Lovett — and was the focus of a successful tour and documentary inspired by the soundtrack. The soundtrack, produced by T Bone Burnett, also won a Grammy for album of the year. The following year he and Jim Lauderdale would win a Grammy for best bluegrass album for "Lost in the Lonesome Pines."

He said in an interview with The Associated Press in 2002 that younger people were coming to see his shows and hear his "old time music," and was enjoying the belated recognition.

"I wish it had come 25 years sooner," he said. "I am still enjoying it, but I would have had longer to enjoy it."

Despite health problems, he continued to record and tour into his 80s, often performing with his son Ralph Stanley II on guitar and his grandson Nathan on mandolin.

Stanley was born in Big Spraddle, Virginia and lived in Sandy Ridge outside of Coeburn, Virginia. His mother was Lucy Jane Smith Stanley and his father was Lee Stanley. He is survived by his wife Jimmie Stanley – they were to celebrate their 48th wedding anniversary on July 2nd. He is also survived by his children: Lisa Stanley Marshall, Tonya Armes Stanley and Ralph Stanley II; His grandchildren: Nathan Stanley, Amber Meade Stanley, Evan Stout, Ashley Marshall, Alexis Marshall, Taylor Stanley, and Ralph Stanley III; and great grandchild Mckenzie Stanley. Memorial service details are pending and will be announced shortly.

Thu, 07/28/2016 - 3:57 pm

Music legend Brian Wilson and BMG, in collaboration with the groundbreaking and critically-acclaimed PBS television series “Soundstage,” have announced the release of Brian Wilson and Friends, a new live CD/DVD set and Blu-ray edition available in stores and online July 29. Filmed live at the Venetian Theatre in Las Vegas on December 12, 2014, the 19-track CD and 26-track DVD/Blu-ray editions feature many of the top hits and fan favorites spanning Wilson’s 54-year career with The Beach Boys and as a solo artist.

Brian Wilson & Friends originally aired on PBS nationwide throughout 2015. Initially offered exclusively in DVD and Blu-ray configurations as a premium gift incentive for viewers contributing donations during the network’s annual pledge drive, the new Brian Wilson & Friends release marks the first time that a companion CD is being offered, along with bonus material not included during the public television airings including bonus tracks, behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with guest artists.

The concert recording features Wilson – co-founder of the iconic band The Beach Boys – performing alongside his legendary touring band with longtime bandmate Al Jardine, former Beach Boys sidemen Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar, with special guest appearances from Grammy award-winners Nate Ruess of Fun., country artist Kacey Musgraves, and acclaimed trumpet player/composer Mark Isham; Sebu Simonian of the multi-platinum, chart-topping indie pop-duo Capital Cities; and Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward of indie duo She & Him.

Brian Wilson & Friends contains many of the classic songs he is known for with “California Girls,” “Help Me Rhonda,” “Good Vibrations,” and many more making the set list. The release of Brian Wilson and Friends coincides with his Pet Sounds 50th Anniversary World Tour, a celebration and final performance of the acclaimed album in its entirety. In addition, De Capo Press recently announced they will publish his autobiography “I Am Brian Wilson: A Memoir” on October 11. Currently on the road with his band performing across the U.S., for an up-to-date tour schedule and further information please visit www.BrianWilson.com.

Wilson has also achieved great solo success with 11 of his own albums released to date, including his acclaimed 2004 completion of an album he first began recording in the ‘60s, Brian Wilson Presents… SMiLE. The album earned Wilson his first GRAMMY® for a recording, which was followed by his second GRAMMY® win for producing The Beach Boys’ acclaimed 2011 release, The SMiLE Sessions. With his own band, Wilson has performed major, sold-out tours in recent years, and with The Beach Boys, he celebrated the iconic band’s 50th anniversary in 2012 with a major international tour and acclaimed studio album, That’s Why God Made The Radio.

In 2015, Wilson released his latest solo album No Pier Pressure (Capitol) and was the subject of the critically acclaimed, award-winning biopic Love & Mercy (Roadside Attractions/Lionsgate). Set against the era-defining catalog of the music, the film intimately examines the personal voyage and ultimate salvation of the icon whose success came at extraordinary personal cost. The culmination of these projects produced Wilson’s first Golden Globe nomination for Best Original Song (Motion Picture) for his song “One Kind Of Love” featured in the film.

Brian Wilson is a Kennedy Center Honors recipient, a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, and a U.K. Music Hall of Fame inductee. As a member of The Beach Boys, Wilson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 and honored with The Recording Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2001.

Brian Wilson and Friends DVD & Blu-ray track listing:

1. Our Prayer
2. Heroes and Villains
3. Sloop John B
4. Dance, Dance, Dance
5. Good Vibrations
6. This Beautiful Day
7. Runaway Dancer (feat. Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities)
8. Don’t Worry Baby (feat. Sebu Simonian of Capital Cities)
9. Marcella
10. Wild Honey (feat. Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar)
11. Sail On Sailor (feat. Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar)
12. Sail Away (feat. Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar)
13. Half Moon Bay (feat. Mark Isham)
14. Don’t Talk (feat. Mark Isham)
15. Saturday Night (feat. Nate Ruess of Fun.)
16. Hold On Dear Brother (feat. Blondie Chaplin, Ricky Fataar, and Nate Ruess of Fun.)
17. Darlin’ (feat. Nate Ruess of Fun.)
18. On The Island (feat. Zooey Deschanel)
19. God Only Knows
20. The Right Time (feat. Al Jardine)
21. Wouldn’t It Be Nice (feat. Al Jardine)
22. Help Me Rhonda (feat. Al Jardine)
23. All Summer Long
24. Fun, Fun, Fun

Bonus tracks:
Pacific Coast Highway
Summer’s Gone

Brian Wilson and Friends CD track listing:

1. Our Prayer
2. Heroes and Villains
3. Sloop John B
4. Dance, Dance, Dance
5. Good Vibrations
6. This Beautiful Day
7. Marcella
8. Wild Honey (feat. Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar)
9. Sail On Sailor (feat. Blondie Chaplin and Ricky Fataar)
10. Sail Away (feat. Blondie Chaplin, Al Jardine, Ricky Fataar)
11. Half Moon Bay (feat. Mark Isham)
12. Don’t Talk (feat. Mark Isham)
13. The Right Time (feat. Al Jardine)
14. Wouldn’t It Be Nice (feat. Al Jardine)
15. Help Me Rhonda (feat. Al Jardine)
16. Fun, Fun, Fun
17. California Girls
18. California Saga
19. All Summer Long

Wed, 08/03/2016 - 9:34 am

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris have premiered a new lyric video for an unreleased alternate version of “Wildflowers.” The Parton-penned track, which was originally released on their 1987 collaboration Trio, is featured on the upcoming three-CD set THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. The video can be viewed here and the track is also available now at digital retailers.

Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris have three careers unparalleled in music history. Together they have sold over 200 million albums worldwide and performed for decades in front of countless fans around the globe. It’s no surprise that when their three voices united to release their debut collaboration, the results were remarkable. The threesome released two albums together, Trio (1987) and Trio II (1999), which have combined to sell more than five million copies worldwide and win three Grammy® Awards.

Both of these classic albums have been newly remastered for a three-CD collection packed with rare and unreleased music. Produced by Harris, THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION will be available on September 9 for a list price of $29.98.

On the same date, a single-disc set will also be available entitled MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION, featuring a mix of songs taken from the three-disc set, as will FARTHER ALONG, a double-LP set of all the bonus material from THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION. Trio II will also be released on vinyl for the first time.

Even though Parton, Ronstadt, and Harris began recording together in the 1970s, a full album proved elusive. When the stars aligned and the friends were finally able to record a full album, a powerhouse sound of country and Americana was born. The results were remarkable. Trio arrived in 1987; sold more than four million copies; won two Grammy Awards; and topped the country album chart for five consecutive weeks. Among the standout tracks are “To Know Him Is to Love Him,” “Wildflowers,” and “Farther Along.”

It would be more than a decade before the group released a follow-up, but when Trio II arrived in 1999 it did not disappoint. The album won a Grammy Award and peaked in the Top Five of the country album chart. It sold more than one million copies worldwide on the strength of tracks like “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” the Carter family’s “Lover’s Return” and a cover of Neil Young’s “After The Gold Rush.”

The bonus disc is loaded with 20 songs, including alternate takes of album tracks like “I’ve Had Enough,” “Making Plans” and “My Dear Companion.” Also featured are 11 completely unreleased recordings from the trio spanning both album sessions including “Waltz Across Texas Tonight,” “Pleasant As May,” “Are You Tired of Me,” and the gospel standard “Softly And Tenderly.” Among the unreleased material is also an alternate version of “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?” featuring Parton on lead vocals and a stunning acapella version of “Calling All My Children Home.”

THE COMPLETE TRIO COLLECTION
Track Listing

Disc One – Trio I

  1. “The Pain of Loving You”
  2. “Making Plans”
  3. “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
  4. “Hobo’s Meditation”
  5. “Wildflowers”
  6. “Telling Me Lies”
  7. “My Dear Companion”
  8. “Those Memories of You”
  9. “I’ve Had Enough”
  10. “Rosewood Casket”
  11. “Farther Along”

Disc Two – Trio II

  1. “Lover’s Return”
  2. “High Sierra”
  3. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind”
  4. “After the Gold Rush”
  5. “The Blue Train”
  6. “I Feel the Blues Movin’ In”
  7. “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
  8. “He Rode All The Way To Texas”
  9. “Feels Like Home”
  10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”

Disc Three – Bonus Material

  1. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take unreleased 1986)
  2. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
  3. “Lover’s Return” (Alternate Mix – Unreleased)
  4. “Softly and Tenderly” (Unreleased 1994)
  5. “Pleasant As May” (Unreleased 1986)
  6. “My Dear Companion” (Alternate Take 1986)
  7. “My Blue Tears” (Unreleased 1998)
  8. “Making Plans” (Alternate Take 1986)
  9. “I’ve Had Enough” (Alternate Mix 1986)
  10. “Grey Funnel Line” (Unreleased 1986)
  11. “You Don’t Knock” (Unreleased 1986)
  12. “Where Will The Words Come From” (Unreleased 1985)
  13. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
  14. “Are You Tired of Me” (Unreleased 1986)
  15. “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues”
  16. “Mr. Sandman”
  17. “Handful Of Dust” (Unreleased 1993)
  18. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
  19. “White Snow” (Unreleased 1986)
  20. “Farther Along” (Alternate Mix 1986)

MY DEAR COMPANION: SELECTIONS FROM THE TRIO COLLECTION
Track Listing

  1.   “The Pain Of Loving You”
  2.   “My Dear Companion”
  3.   “To Know Him Is To Love Him”
  4.   “Telling Me Lies”
  5.   “Farther Along”
  6.   “ Lover’s Return”
  7.   “After The Gold Rush”
  8.   “The Blue Train”
  9.   “You’ll Never Be The Sun”
  10. “When We’re Gone, Long Gone”
  11. “Waltz Across Texas Tonight” (Unreleased 1994)
  12. “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind” (Dolly Lead – Alternate Take 1994)
  13. “Wildflowers” (Alternate Take 1986)
  14. “Calling My Children Home” (Unreleased Acapella Version 1986)
Fri, 08/19/2016 - 2:31 pm

Kiefer Sutherland's debut album DOWN IN A HOLE, a passion project chock-full of 11 co-written tracks, is available now at all digital retailers and wherever music is sold! A special edition vinyl LP is also available exclusively at Barnes & Noble (click here to order online).

Sutherland is everywhere as he promotes DOWN IN A HOLE, including a guest appearance and musical performance on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" August 24. He'll perform "Can't Stay Away," which recently premiered on CMT's Hot 20 Countdown (click here to watch).

DOWN IN A HOLE is also featured in People, Billboard, Huffington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Washington Post, Rolling Stone, Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player, The Boot, Vice/Live Nation TV, Closer Weekly, US Weekly, Sounds Like Nashville, Nashville Country Club, Taste of Country, The Pickup, Paste, Bella Magazine, Celebrity Page, Consequence of Sound, Associated Press and more!

Sutherland will also be on the cover of upcoming cover issues of Guitar Aficionado and Goldmine Magazine.

Sutherland recently wrapped up a North American tour where he sold out venues across the U.S. and Canada. Additional dates for this fall will be announced soon.

Sutherland, an Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning actor, is known for his starring role on the Fox series "24," starring roles in movies like 'Stand By Me,' 'The Lost Boys,' 'Young Guns,' Flatliners,' and many more. Sutherland's upcoming ABC series "Designated Survivor" premieres this fall on ABC.

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.  

DOWN IN A HOLE TRACK LISTING:

1.    Can't Stay Away

2.    Truth In Your Eyes

3.    I'll Do Anything

4.    Not Enough Whiskey

5.    Going Home

6.    Calling Out Your Name

7.    My Best Friend

8.    Shirley Jean

9.    All She Wrote

10.  Down In A Hole

11.  Gonna Die

Wed, 08/24/2016 - 10:47 am

Electrifying. Soulful. Compelling. These three words exemplify the sound of the new lead singer of Tower of Power, "Memphis Soul Man" Marcus Scott.

As a young boy, Scott would sit with his ears glued to the radio, mimicking every sound he heard. This fascination evolved into an insatiable desire to entertain and capture the hearts of audiences everywhere. His musical journey started in 2005 as a hit in local Memphis talent shows, and he quickly became known as the “go to” singer for all of the major gigs in Memphis. Larry Dodson of the legendary Bar-Kays gave him a call to collaborate on "House Party,” he has sung with James Ingram and appeared at Isaac Hayes’ night club and he’s been the lead singer of the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies’ house band. Now, he’s stepped into the lead singer role of Tower of Power.

"Singing with Tower of Power is simply a dream come true, and it fits me like a glove,” said Scott. “I have always been known as a ‘soul man,’ but Tower of Power has me singing Soul with a capital S."

President Obama once again shared his summer picks via a Spotify playlist—an eclectic mix of hand-selected tracks on two lists that takes listeners from day to night. The vacation playlists include Tower of Power’s “So Very Hard to Go,” the second single from the group’s eponymous third album, on the nighttime playlist. Also featured are legendary songs from Prince and Aretha Franklin, some more recent tracks from hip hop artists like Common and Chance the Rapper and the musical styles of Manu Chao and Caetano Veloso. Browse the full playlists below and listen to many of the tracks on Spotify here: Daytime and Nighttime.

Tower of Power Tour Dates:
Aug 25 Plaza de Cesar Chavez San Jose, CA
Aug 26 Humphreys Concerts By the Bay San Diego, CA
Sep 06 Dimitriou's Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
Sep 07 Dimitriou's Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
Sep 09 Dimitriou's Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
Sep 10 Dimitriou's Jazz Alley Seattle, WA
Sep 24 Vina Robles Amphitheatre Paso Robles, CA
Oct 13 Lancaster PAC Lancaster, CA
Oct 14 South Point Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
Oct 15 South Point Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
Oct 16 South Point Hotel & Casino Las Vegas, NV
Oct 28 Charleston Music Hall Charleston, SC
Oct 29 Fletcher Hall Durham, NC
Nov 10 COHOES MUSIC HALL Cohoes, NY
Nov 11 Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom Hampton Beach, NH
Nov 12 Twin River Event Center Lincoln, RI
Nov 13 Cary Hall Lexington, MA
Nov 15 Jergel's Rhythm Grille Warrendale, PA
Nov 17 B.B. King's New York, NY
Nov 18 Theatre at Westbury Westbury, NY
Nov 20 Turning Stone Resort Verona, NY
Dec 30 B.B. King's New York, NY
Dec 31 Infinity Hall Hartford, CT
Jan 21 Rialto Theatre Tucson, AZ
Feb 16 McCain Auditorium Manhattan, Kansas
Mar 31 Turlock Community Theatre Turlock, CA

Tue, 08/30/2016 - 7:40 am

World-renowned singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton has a worldwide #1 album to celebrate this week. The superstar’s new release Pure & Simple debuts at #1 not only in the U.S., but, also on the national country charts in Canada, U.K. and Australia.

Dolly’s 43rd studio recording and the first release of her recently-announced joint venture between Dolly Records and Sony Music Nashville, achieves #1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with first-week sales of 20,000 units! This marks the first time Dolly has topped Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in the 25-year history of SoundScan.

The new album which released August 19th on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville lands the #11 slot on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart with a first-week total consumption of 21,000. On Billboard’s Americana/Folk Albums chart, the disc debuts at #1. In the UK, Pure & Simple enters the all-genre album sales chart at #2, behind Frank Ocean’s Blonde.

Upon hearing the news, Dolly Parton, who co-produced and wrote every song on Pure & Simple, enthused, "Boy, it's a good day for me. I am a happy girl!" She continued, "It feels great to be #1 as it's been a long time and it feels so good to still be in the game after all this time."

Remarked Doug Morris, CEO, Sony Music Entertainment, “Congratulations, Dolly, for your stunning debut with Pure & Simple. You put your heart and soul in this album, and we join you in celebrating a long-overdue #1 on the country album chart.”

“I thought it was a magical time back in 1981, when I first started working with Dolly as we set up her Best Little Whorehouse album on RCA, right after her huge hit, ‘9 To 5,’” reflected Randy Goodman, Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville. “I spent a week with her on the RCA jet visiting radio and retail all over the country.” Goodman continued, “But, to be reunited with Dolly and have a #1 debut is wonderful. Thank you, Doug Morris for bringing Dolly back to RCA.”

CTK Management CEO Danny Nozell said, "There is nobody more deserving of this tremendous success. Having worked with Dolly for the past 13 years, I have never met any person that works harder than her.” Nozell added, “She is a businesswoman that understands her brand and knows exactly what to do and when to do it, and once again, she proves it with a #1 album."

Last week, Dolly Parton made appearances on NBC’s Today and Tonight Show, among other TV shows.

Fans can link to purchase Pure & Simple and the various versions available by exclusive partners below:

Cracker Barrel: smarturl.it/dollycbps
Walmart: smarturl.it/walmartdolly
Amazon Music: smarturl.it/amzmusicdolly
Amazon Physical: smarturl.it/amazondolly
Apple Music: smarturl.it/dollypartonps
Google: smarturl.it/gpdolly
Spotify: smarturl.it/spotifydolly

Tue, 08/30/2016 - 8:36 am

For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year's Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album, available as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo, due out September 30th on the band's own NGDB Records, LLC, distributed by Warner Music Nashville.

Recorded live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.

Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 — just six years after the group formed in Southern California — Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album's release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken, pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today's roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There's more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

For more information, visit nittygritty.com or follow them on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years CD track listing:
1. “YOU AIN’T GOING NOWHERE”
2. “GRANDPA WAS A CARPENTER” feat. JOHN PRINE
3. “PARADISE” feat. JOHN PRINE
4. “MY WALKIN’ SHOES”
5. “TENNESSEE STUD” fest. VINCE GILL
6. “NINE POUND HAMMER” feat. SAM BUSH with VINCE GILL
7. “BUY FOR ME THE RAIN”
8. “THESE DAYS” feat. JACKSON BROWNE
9. “TRUTHFUL PARSON BROWN” feat. JACKSON BROWNE with JERRY DOUGLAS, SAM BUSH and BYRON HOUSE
10. “KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE” feat. ALISON KRAUSS
11. “CATFISH JOHN” feat. ALISON KRAUSS
12. “AN AMERICAN DREAM” feat. RODNEY CROWELL with ALISON KRAUSS
13. “LONG HARD ROAD (THE SHARECROPPER’S DREAM)” feat. RODNEY CROWELL
14. “MR. BOJANGLES” feat. JERRY JEFF WALKER
15. “FISHIN’ IN THE DARK” feat. JIMMY IBBOTSON
16. “BAYOU JUBILEE/SALLY WAS A GOODUN”
17. “JAMBALAYA”
18. “WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN”

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years DVD track listing:
1. “YOU AIN’T GOING NOWHERE”
2. “GRANDPA WAS A CARPENTER” feat. JOHN PRINE
3. “PARADISE” feat. JOHN PRINE
4. “MY WALKIN’ SHOES”
5. “TENNESSEE STUD” fest. VINCE GILL
6. “NINE POUND HAMMER” feat. SAM BUSH with VINCE GILL
7. “BUY FOR ME THE RAIN”
8. “THESE DAYS” feat. JACKSON BROWNE
9. “TRUTHFUL PARSON BROWN” feat. JACKSON BROWNE with JERRY DOUGLAS, SAM BUSH and BYRON HOUSE
10. “KEEP ON THE SUNNY SIDE” feat. ALISON KRAUSS
11. “CATFISH JOHN” feat. ALISON KRAUSS
12. “AN AMERICAN DREAM” feat. RODNEY CROWELL with ALISON KRAUSS
13. “LONG HARD ROAD (THE SHARECROPPER’S DREAM) feat. RODNEY CROWELL
14. “MR. BOJANGLES” feat. JERRY JEFF WALKER
15. “RIPPLIN’ WATERS” feat. JIMMY IBBOTSON
16. “FISHIN’ IN THE DARK” feat. JIMMY IBBOTSON
17. “BAYOU JUBILEE/SALLY WAS A GOODUN”
18. “JAMBALAYA”
19. “WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN”

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band On Tour:
Sept. 01 Hollywood Casino Toledo - Toledo, Ohio
Sept. 02 Honeywell Center - Wabash, Ind.
Sept. 04 Central Wisconsin State Fair - Marshfield, Wisc.
Sept. 09 The Strand Theatre - Shreveport, La.
Sept. 10 Muscadine Jubilee - Pelahatchie, Mo.
Sept. 11 Silver Dollar City - Branson, Mo.
Sept. 15 Britt Pavilion - Jacksonville, Ore.
Sept. 16 Sonoma State University - The Green Music Center - Rohnert Park, Ca.
Sept. 17 Folk Revival Festival - Long Beach, Calif.
Sept. 22 Reynolds Performance Hall - Conway, Ark.
Sept. 23 Halloran Centre for Performing Arts - Memphis, Tenn.
Sept. 24 Belterra Resort & Casino - Florence, Ind.
Sept. 30 Red Hat Amphitheater - Raleigh, N.C.
Oct. 01 Anderson Music Hall - Hiawassee, Ga.
Oct. 04 Schermerhorn Symphony Center - Nashville, Tenn.
Oct. 06 Oxford Performing Arts Center - Oxford, Ala.
Oct. 07 Clayton Center for the Arts - Maryville, Tenn.
Oct. 08 The Roanoke Rapids Theater - Roanoke Rapids, N.C.
Oct. 10 Georgia National Fair - Perry, Ga.
Oct. 21 Dosey Doo - The Woodlands, Texas
Oct. 22 The Majestic Theatre - Dallas, Tex.
Nov. 10 Grand Theatre - Frankfort, Ky.
Nov. 11 Midland Theatre - Newark, Ohio
Nov. 12 Temple Theatre - Saginaw, Mich.
Nov. 13 MotorCity Casino Hotel - Detroit, Mich.

Thu, 09/01/2016 - 9:46 am

Songwriting icon and legendary performer “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson pens the lyrics to his life in a new revealing autobiography available today. As part of Anderson’s media blitz to promote Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music, Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM will broadcast a one-hour special conversation with his old friend Charlie Monk, “The Mayor of Music Row,” for a live audience of SiriusXM subscribers recorded the SiriusXM Music City Theatre in Nashville. The show will air on Channel 59 on Saturday, Sept. 3 at 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm ET, Sunday, September 4 at 10:00 am and 8:00 pm ET, and Monday September 5 at 11:00 am ET and 11:00 pm ET.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music is a 360-page representation of Anderson’s journey published by University of Georgia Press featuring respected music journalist and Grammy-nominated music producer Peter Cooper as a contributing writer. It includes rare, never-before-seen photos and eye-opening personal stories from Anderson’s nearly eighty years of living – from early days of radio broadcasting in Georgia, to standing alongside the greatest country music stars in the world onstage at the Grand Ole Opry, to being named BMI’s first ICON Award winner in the country music genre.

“I sometimes look in the mirror and wonder how one man could have been so blessed to have crammed so much living into one lifetime. I see the gray on my temples and instead of trying to hide it, I remember how much fun I had putting it there. Writing it down for these pages was almost akin to living it again, though, and I probably need to take a deep breath, relax and go sit down in the corner. Come sit with me, bring the book, and let me tell you about it,” said Anderson.

With the 2015 success of Mo Pitney’s “Country,” Anderson has become the only country songwriter to tally a Top 40 hit in seven consecutive decades, and he stands today a legendary performer, who recently celebrated his 55th Anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The youngest writer to ever be named “Songwriter Of The Year” (BMI) at age 23, prior to 21-year-old Taylor Swift, Anderson has certainly lived an unprecedented life in country music. Fans, artists, songwriters and music executives young and old revere him for his soft speaking style that can silence a room with just a few poignant words.

But there was a time in the early 90s that Bill felt as if his words no longer mattered. “I didn’t write much anymore because I didn’t feel as if what I wanted to write related to what young listeners wanted to hear,” he revealed. However, it was in 1992 that singer/songwriter Steve Wariner helped to re-ignite Anderson’s writing career with a cover of “Tips Of My Fingers.” The exposure the song received made Anderson test the waters as a co-writer, and in 1994, he teamed up with Vince Gill to write “Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn).”

Gill said that as a life-long lover of songs, he had no idea what a profound impact Bill would have on him throughout his career, and still to this day, when he hears one of his favorite songs, he finds out that Bill undoubtedly wrote it.

“When I asked him to write some songs with me in the early 90s, I was shocked to hear him say he didn’t write much anymore because he didn’t think my generation was interested in what he had to say,” Gill said.

“I told him I believed he was one of the most prolific and important songwriters in our history, and it would mean the world to me if we could write together. ‘Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn)’ was the result of that collaboration, and in Bill’s words, it lit a fire to want to keep writing with some of us kids. Well, believe me, we kids are better songwriters because of Bill Anderson,” Gill added.

Anderson also celebrated unprecedented success in the new millennium with the Kenny Chesney hit “A Lot Of Things Different,” George Strait’s “Give It Away,” and the multiple CMA/ACM Award winning song, “Whiskey Lullaby,” (2004), recorded by Brad Paisley and Alison Krauss.

Paisley said, “Very few songwriters or artists will be prolific or talented enough to enjoy 2 or maybe 3 decades of success. Bill Anderson is going on 7. His words and melodies are a part of the very foundation upon which country music is built.”

And even icons like Dolly Parton look up to Anderson for his legacy.

“Bill Anderson has been an inspiration to me as a writer since I was young and new in Nashville. It was songs like ‘Still’ and “Once A Day’ that made me want to become a better writer. Bill has written so many wonderful songs and is a major force in country music, not only as a writer, but as an entertainer, singer and host. It would be impossible to really measure his worth in this industry, but it’s BIG! I also love and respect him as a gentle and wonderful human being. Though he speaks softly, he carries a big stick and is a wise and effective businessman. I’ve always admired him for that, too. In the words of one of my own songs, I would like to say Bill Anderson, I will always love you,“ said Dolly Parton.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music jacketed cloth edition will be available for $29.95 at Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, various independent book stores, and online at BillAnderson.com and Amazon.com.

Anderson shows no signs of slowing down. The prolific singer/songwriter continues to tour the country, playing to sold-out audiences and meeting with every last fan yearning to receive an autograph from the icon. He recently signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation. Bob Kinkead will serve as his agent and is based in the agency’s Nashville office.

For more information on Bill Anderson, or to purchase Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music, please visit www.billanderson.com.

BILL ANDERSON ON TOUR:
Sep 04 Decatur Book Festival - Decatur, GA
Sep 06 Bill Anderson Performing Arts Center - Commerce, GA
Sep 08 Social Circle Theatre - Social Circle, GA
Sep 10 Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN
Sep 17 Franklin Theatre - Franklin, TN
Sep 20 Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN
Sep 22 Country's Family Reunion Tour - Bremen, GA
Sep 23 Country Tonight Theatre - Pigeon Forge, TN
Sep 24 Country's Family Reunion Tour - Franklin, NC
Oct 01 Grand Ole Opry - Nashville, TN
Oct 08 Red Barn Convention Center - Winchester, OH
Oct 13 Blue Gate Theater - Shipshewana, IN
Oct 14 Blue Gate Theater - Shipshewana, IN
Oct 16 Southern Festival of Books - Nashville, TN
Nov 12 The Henrico Theatre - Henrico, VA
Nov 13 The Lincoln Theater - Marion, VA

Thu, 09/01/2016 - 2:42 pm

If you watch TV, read magazines, listen to the radio or browse the web, chances are you’ll be seeing and hearing Meat Loaf in the coming weeks. To celebrate the release of his highly-anticipated new album Braver Than We Are (available Sept. 9 in Europe and Sept. 16 in the US and the rest of the world), the Grammy Award-winning musician and acclaimed film, TV and stage actor will make appearances on numerous TV shows, including NBC’s TODAY and AOL Build on Sept. 12, Fox & Friends on Sept. 13, ABC’s The Chew Sept. 14, Oprah’s Where Are They Now, Access Hollywood, Entertainment Tonight, The Big Interview with Dan Rather, PBS’ Metro Focus, CNBC’s Closing Bell and many more, as well as multiple shows on SiriusXM and The Alan Colmes Show on Fox News Radio. Additionally, interviews with Meat Loaf will appear in upcoming issues of People Magazine, Entertainment Weekly, Closer Weekly and Parade Magazine, as well as on Billboard and Huffington Post.

"People won't believe us but we're more excited about this album than we were Bat 1 and I'm thrilled to be finally sharing it with the world," Meat Loaf stated.

In a career spanning over four decades, Braver Than We Are is Meat Loaf’s fourth album featuring songs exclusively written by Jim Steinman. With a painting featuring Meat and Jim together for the first time gracing the cover, the album hearkens back to the hugely successful Meat-Steinman collaborations Bat Out of Hell (1977) and Bat Out of Hell II: Back Into Hell (1993), which together sold over 67 million units. Braver Than We Are is a testament to Meat’s artistic rapport with Steinman. The songwriter’s strikingly vivid style matched with Meat’s incomparable talents not to mention his wit and grandiosity, results in the two successfully connecting with audiences on an epic scale. 429 Records will release Braver Than We Are digitally, on CD and vinyl in Europe on Sept. 9 and the US and rest of the world on Sept. 16.

To Purchase “Braver Than We Are” visit:
iTunes Bonus Edition including ‘Going All The Way’ radio single
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CD with Bonus ‘Making of’ DVD
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CD with 3 Exclusive Bonus Tracks
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Bundles of CD, LP and t-shirt
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Fri, 09/30/2016 - 10:15 am

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years is available today as a CD or as a CD/DVD combo on the band's own NGDB Records, LLC, distributed by Warner Music Nashville.

For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year's Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin’ Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album.

Recorded live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.

Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 — just six years after the group formed in Southern California — Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album's release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken, pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today's roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There's more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

For more information, please visit www.nittygritty.com.

Tue, 10/11/2016 - 11:32 am

For five decades, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has remained one of the most iconic names in American roots music. With one foot planted in the traditions of country-folk and the other pointing toward something new and unexpected, the group continues to tour and release music, influencing multiple generations of audiences and artists along the way. Nearly a dozen of those artists join the group on this year's Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends - Circlin' Back: Celebrating 50 Years concert album, released Sept. 30 on NGDB's own label, distributed by Warner Nashville. As of yesterday's SoundScan report,Circlin' Back hit #11 both on the Country Albums chart and Americana Folk chart, while topping the Bluegrass chart at #1 in the first week of sales. Continuing the 50th anniversary celebration, the band played early and late sets at the Grand Ole Opry's Birthday Bash on Saturday, Oct. 8 in Nashville, TN.

About the record: Recorded live at Nashville's historic Ryman Auditorium, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends captures a group of longtime road warriors who've yet to lose their grit, joined onstage by John Prine, Sam Bush, Vince Gill, Jerry Jeff Walker, Alison Krauss, Rodney Crowell, Byron House, and Jerry Douglas. Rock and Roll Hall of Famer (and early Dirt Band member) Jackson Browne joined in, along with longtime member Jimmy Ibbotson, while a sold-out crowd sings along in the background. From country classics to deep cuts, the tracklist finds bandmates Jeff Hanna (guitars/vocals), Jimmie Fadden (drums/harmonica/vocals), Bob Carpenter (keyboards/accordion/vocals) and John McEuen (banjo/fiddle/guitar/mandolin) swapping harmonies, trading solos, and shining new light on a catalog of vital, vibrant music.
 
Long before Americana music had a name, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band helped lead the charge, mixing elements of country, bluegrass, folk, mountain music, and rock & roll into a sound that celebrated the full range of American music. The guys were traditionalists and trendsetters, performing songs that nodded to the past while still pushing toward the future. Released in 1972 - just six years after the group formed in Southern California - Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Will the Circle Be Unbroken still stands as one of the most beloved albums in the country catalog, pairing the young band with legends like Roy Acuff, Doc Watson, Earl Scruggs, and Mother Maybelle Carter.

Many decades have passed since that milestone album's release, with the members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band now enjoying their own legendary status. They continue to blur lines between genres, however, and the upcoming Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Friends accomplishes something very similar to the classic Will the Circle Be Unbroken pairing the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band with the hit-makers, rule-breakers, and iconic figures of today's roots music community. This time, Hanna, Fadden, Carpenter, and McEuen are the elder statesmen, passing down their influence and inspiration to a younger class without giving up the torch just yet. There's more music to be made, after all. More shows to play. Another half-century to chase down. The circle rolls on.

Fans are able to purchase the cd or cd/dvd combo via www.nittygritty.com, Amazon (cd or cd/dvd), and iTunes (cd or dvd).

For more information on NGDB, please visit www.nittygritty.com

Sun, 11/13/2016 - 12:57 pm

Leon Russell, born Claude Russell Bridges, who sang, wrote and produced some of rock 'n' roll's top records, passed away Sunday, Nov. 13 at the age of 74.

Leon’s wife, Jan Bridges, released the following statement:

“We thank everyone for their thoughts and prayers during this very, very difficult time. My husband passed in his sleep in our Nashville home. He was recovering from heart surgery in July and looked forward to getting back on the road in January. We appreciate everyone’s love and support.”

Leon’s last performance was July 10 in Nashville.

Known as "The Master Of Space And Time," Leon was a legendary musician and songwriter who performed his gospel-infused southern boogie piano rock, blues, and country music for more than 50 years.

Leon, born in Lawton, Okla., began as a nightclub piano player in Oklahoma at the age of 14, also backing touring artists when they came to town. Jerry Lee Lewis was so impressed with Leon that he hired him and his band for two years of tours.

He wrote Joe Cocker's "Delta Lady" and in 1969 put together Cocker's "Mad Dogs and Englishmen" tour, which spawned a documentary film and a hit double album.

As a musician, primarily a pianist, he played on The Beach Boys' "California Girls" and Jan and Dean's "Surf City." Leon also played guitar and bass.

Leon has also toured with Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, Edgar Winter, The New Grass Revival, Willie Nelson, Sir Elton John and performed with George Harrison and Friends at the Concert For Bangladesh.

Leon produced and played on recording sessions for Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Ike and Tina Turner, the Rolling Stones and many others.

He recorded hit songs himself like "Tight Rope" and "Lady Blue" and participated in "The Concert for Bangladesh." John Lennon, Ringo Starr and George Harrison played on his first album, Leon Russell.

His concerts often ended with a rousing version of "Jumpin' Jack Flash." In 1973, Billboard listed Leon as the top concert attraction in the world. About this time, he was the headline act on billings that included Elton John and at other times Willie Nelson.

In a 1992 interview with The Associated Press, Leon said music doesn't really change much.

"It's cyclical, like fashion. You keep your old clothes and they'll be in style again sooner or later.

"There are new things, like rap. But that's a rebirth of poetry. It's brought poetry to the public consciousness."

He and Elton John released The Union, a critically received duo album in 2010.

Besides his music, Leon was known for his striking appearance: wispy white hair halfway down his back and that covered much of his face.

Leon relocated to Los Angeles in 1959, where he became known as a top musician, and later to Nashville.

In the early 2000s he began his own record label, Leon Russell Records. Leon was inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame in 2011.

For more information on Leon Russell, visit leonrussellrecords.com or visit his official Facebook page.

Wed, 11/16/2016 - 7:16 am

Grammy-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was surprised during her Grand Ole Opry performance this evening by Opry member Carrie Underwood with an invitation to become an official Opry member. Gayle will be formally inducted into the Opry on Jan. 21, 2017 by her sister, Opry legend Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut nearly 50 years ago on the Ryman Auditorium stage, singing the country classic “Ribbon of Darkness” at age 16.

Underwood surprised the sold-out Opry at the Ryman crowd by joining Gayle on the smash hit “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue.” Seconds after finishing the duet, Underwood turned to Gayle and said, “You are an inspiration to so many of us. You are important to country music, and you are important to the Opry, which is why I was asked tonight to ask you if you would like to join our Opry family officially.”

Accepting her friend’s invitation with a hug, Gayle said, “I have always felt like I was a member of the family and this is just so special.”

“For more than half of the Opry’s 91 years, Crystal Gayle has been lending her signature vocals to Opry shows and connecting with Opry audiences as well as with everyone backstage,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “She is family, and we are very excited that she’ll become an official Opry member early next year.”

Tickets for Gayle’s Opry induction night and all upcoming Opry performances are available at opry.com.

Wed, 11/16/2016 - 9:09 am

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, which began as a small community outreach in Parton’s native Sevier County, Tennessee, has evolved to become the largest literacy program in the world. In December, the “little literacy program that could” marks another impressive milestone—one million books gifted to children around the world each month.

To celebrate the unprecedented success, Evey Johns, a two-year-old from Conway, Arkansas who just enrolled in the Imagination Library, has been randomly selected to receive a $30,000 college scholarship. The announcement was made by Parton during her Pure & Simple concert tour stop in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee on Nov. 15. Proceeds from the concert benefit the Imagination Library.

“I thought long and hard about the best way to honor our achievement of reaching a million children a month,” Parton said. “The Imagination Library is all about inspiring dreams, so what better way to pay tribute to this moment than by helping one special child pursue her college degree. I’m thrilled that today I can let the world know that precious little Evey Johns from Conway, Arkansas will receive a $30,000 scholarship for the college of her choice.”

The scholarship will be held in a special account and distributed to Johns when she enrolls in college. Over the next 16 years, the amount of scholarship should grow to nearly approximately $50,000. Johns is enrolled in the Imagination Library in Conway thanks to the local affiliate in her area, Arkansas Preschool Plus.

“The thought of our daughter Evey going to college has been just that—a thought,” explained Evey’s mother, Connie. “Now, due to the enormous kindness and generosity of the Dollywood Foundation, that thought has now become a reality. Our family now has the means to develop a solid plan for our daughter’s future education. Thank you all so much for this unbelievable opportunity for our daughter.”

In 2016, the Imagination Library and its local partners will gift nearly 11.5 million books to children from birth to age five in participating communities in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. To date, the Imagination Library, which is administered through the Dollywood Foundation, has provided more than 85 million books to children around the world.

Arkansas Preschool Plus is just one of the many local affiliates the Dollywood Foundation works with to provide books to children. To provide the Imagination Library, a community must make the program accessible to all preschool children in their area, and the community pays for the books, promotes the program and registers the children. The Dollywood Foundation manages the delivery of books to children’s homes.

Arkansas Preschool Plus enrolls 960 children in Conway, Faulkner and Perry Counties. Currently, nearly 15,000 children are enrolled in Arkansas. The Imagination Library currently is working with elected officials, foundations and corporations in Arkansas in an effort to make the program available to all children from birth to age five in the state.

Wed, 12/07/2016 - 2:45 pm

Dolly Parton and a number of her friends, including Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers and Alison Krauss, are set to perform during Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (EST) on Great American Country (GAC).

The nationally-broadcast, three-hour telethon seeks to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund, established by Parton, The Dollywood Company and Parton’s dinner theaters in the wake of last week’s wildfires in the entertainment icon’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee. Smoky Mountains Rise also will be simulcast across multiple radio chains, including iHeart Media's digital and select on-air platforms, Cumulus Media's NASH Nights LIVE, TuneIn's Country Roads channel, and several other platforms which are set to be announced shortly. Additionally, other celebrities joining Smoky Mountains Rise include will be announced in the coming days.

“My home in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee is some place special,” Parton said. “Wildfires have affected many of the people—my people—who live in those beautiful mountains. We want to provide a hand up to those families who have lost everything in the fires. I know it has been a trying time for my people and this assistance will help get them back on their feet.”

The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

During the telethon, viewers will be asked to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate to the My People Fund.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org. For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Thu, 12/08/2016 - 7:16 am

On February 8, 2017, the stars will gather for a tribute to one of country music’s finest, Randy Travis. The event, titled 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time.: A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis, will feature performances from Alabama, Kenny Rogers, Rodney Atkins, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Michael Ray, Ricky Skaggs, Michael W. Smith, The Randy Travis Band, Tanya Tucker, Josh Turner and more to be announced. Tickets for the highly anticipated event go on sale to the general public Friday, December 9 at 11:00am CST at all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena Box Office.In October, Randy Travis was officially inducted into The Country Music Hall of Fame. The multi-platinum country giant suffered a massive stroke in 2013 and has made miraculous strides towards recovery since, recently singing “Amazing Grace” at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony as well as the tagline to his iconic “Forever and Ever, Amen” at the 2016 CMA Awards in November alongside numerous country legends and stars.

A portion of the proceeds will go to the Randy Travis Foundation; a 501(c)3 non-profit that raises money for stroke research and rehabilitation.

"Nashville is coming together on February 8 for one night in one place and at one time to give back to their friend and musical hero, Randy Travis. It’s amazing to see the support that Randy has received from the music industry since his stroke. We’re thrilled to have all of these artists come out and pay tribute to him," said producer of the event and Travis’ manager, Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group.

1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time.: A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis is produced by Mary Travis along with Tony Conway of Conway Entertainment Group, Mike Smardak of Outback Concerts of Tennessee, Inc. who is also the promoter of the event and Kirt Webster of Webster and Associates.

Mon, 12/12/2016 - 6:09 pm

The impressive lineup of performers continues to grow for Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund on Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. (EST). Hank Williams Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Alabama, Don McLean, Ronnie Dunn, Jamey Johnson and Lauren Alaina have been added to the star-studded telecast, which will be broadcast on GAC, AXS-TV, RFD and The Heartland Network.

A number of celebrities will answer phones during the telethon. Paula Deen and her sons Bobby and Jamie, RaeLynn, Dailey & Vincent, Moonshiners’ Mark & Digger, T.G. Sheppard, Jason Crabb, Larry Gatlin, comedian Henry Cho, Tim Rushlow and more will help man the phone lines during the telethon. All of the celebrities are donating their time and performances to help the effort.

“Every day I’m touched even more by the number of people who are joining us to help raise money for the people of the Smoky Mountains,” Parton said. “It is a special place and I’m honored that these people care so much about what we’re doing through the My People Fund to help those who have lost everything due to the wildfires.”

The nationally-broadcast telethon seeks to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund, established by Parton, The Dollywood Company and Parton’s dinner theaters in the wake of last week’s wildfires in the entertainment icon’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee.

Smoky Mountains Rise also will be simulcast across multiple radio chains, including iHeart Media's digital and select on-air platforms, Cumulus Media's NASH Nights LIVE, TuneIn's Country Roads channel, and several other platforms which are set to be announced shortly. All of the artists are donating their performances to help the effort. USAToday.com and USA Today National Networks will live stream the telethon on their affiliate newspaper websites, including all Tennessee newspaper sites Tennessean.com, Knoxnews.com, commercialappeal.com, jacksonsun.com, theleafchronicle.com, dnj.com, and others.

The My People Fund will provide $1000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

During the telethon, viewers will be asked to call 1-866-CARE MORE to donate to the My People Fund.

Anyone who would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to the My People Fund may visit dollywoodfoundation.org. For those wishing to send donations via mail, those contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863.

Please help the Dollywood Foundation share the word about this effort by using the hashtags #MyPeopleFund and #someplacespecial.

Fri, 12/16/2016 - 1:43 pm

Critically-acclaimed bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent are set to kick off their highly anticipated 10-year celebration in true superstar fashion. They are one of the most decorated acts in the history of the genre, consisting of 6-time “Male Vocalist of the Year” winner Jamie Dailey and 5-time Grammy® winner Darrin Vincent. They will be commemorating the special occasion with a series of events that will start their year off with a bang.

The celebration will commence on December 30, when the “Entertainer of the Year” winners hit the stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, held at the historic Ryman Auditorium. They will perform a special star-studded 30-minute Opry segment. The night will also mark the pair’s 100th Opry performance.

"We started our career on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium nine years ago,” says Jamie Dailey. “I describe how touched and humbled I am to know we will be returning to kick off our 10th year on that same stage. The Grand Ole Opry is like coming home for us.”

Dailey & Vincent will continue the celebration with another career first, as they open their own personalized exhibit at the world-renowned International Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro, Ky. Other legends featured at the prestigious museum include bluegrass legends Earl Scruggs, Lester Flatt, Ralph Stanley and more. Fans can stop by and experience “A Decade of Dailey & Vincent – An American Music Journey,” showcasing artifacts, memorabilia, and other priceless mementos from their band’s iconic career. The exhibit is set to launch January 13, 2017 at the original museum location, and will also be celebrated with an intimate concert performance broadcast LIVE on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, followed by a meet & greet and reception (fans can purchase tickets HERE).

“A dream of ours was to start our career at the Grand Ole Opry in 2007. Ten years later, celebrating this milestone brings overwhelming feelings of joy and excitement” says Darrin Vincent. “Also, having another first for us with our exhibit at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame is wonderful. I never thought I’d live to see that. In thinking about these milestones, I feel too thankful for my family and a lifetime of love and support they have given to me. My father passed away 2 years ago, but it brings tears to my eyes knowing that he would be so proud.”

There are plenty of other surprises in store, as the multi-Grammy® nominated duo kick off what will be a year full of memorable moments. Fans can stay up to date with the latest Dailey & Vincent news through the band’s social media platforms, or by visiting daileyandvincent.com.

Sun, 01/01/2017 - 4:57 pm

Three-time IBMA Entertainers of the Year and multi-Grammy®-nominated super duo Dailey & Vincent have been invited to become official members of the Grand Ole Opry. The pair returned to the Opry at the Ryman Auditorium tonight to celebrate the kick-off of its 10th year as a duo, which began on the Opry at the Ryman stage in 2007. The night also marked the duo’s 100th Opry appearance. The duo will be formally inducted into the Opry on Saturday, March 11.

During a special half-hour Dailey & Vincent set, the two were joined by a series of guests including Opry members Marty Stuart and Connie Smith as well as John Carter Cash and his wife Ana Cristina in addition to Dailey’s father JB Dailey and Vincent’s mother Carolyn Vincent. After a performance with the duo, Stuart gave Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent the surprise of their lives, inviting the duo to officially join the Opry. “Country music needs you. Country music loves you. And the Grand Ole Opry welcomes you,” Stuart said.

“This is one of the most special things that has ever happened to us,” a shocked Dailey said after a few seconds of stunned silence. “We’re so thankful.”

Before closing out the show along with their guests on the gospel favorite “This Old House,” and equally surprised Vincent shared, “I have no words. I’m so honored. The Lord is so faithful to us.”

“Dailey & Vincent have thoroughly entertained thousands of fans on the Opry stage over the past decade,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent embody so much about what fans love about the Opry. They have a tremendous respect for tradition, and they’re also innovators committed to the future of the music they love. We’re excited to welcome them as official members of the family in March.”

Crystal Gayle is set to be inducted into the Opry by her sister Loretta Lynn on Saturday, January 21. Other artists scheduled to play the Opry in early 2017 include Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, Ricky Skaggs, and Josh Turner, among many others.

Mon, 01/09/2017 - 11:54 am

Award-winning super duo Dailey & Vincent are pulling out all the stops in 2017. They continue this prodigious trend with the relocation of their 5th annual music festival, Dailey & Vincent LandFest, presented by Springer Mountain Farms. As part of their Diamond Celebration, their 3-day festival bringing the very best in American music, will move from its prior Denton, North Carolina location to the heart of the Georgia Mountains in scenic, Hiawassee, Georgia – this fall. The event has appropriately extended it’s name to; Dailey & Vincent LandFest In The Mountains, and will be held September 14-16, 2017 at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Ticket packages range from $35.00 - $110.00 with general admission and/or reserved seating available. Fans can also stay on-site via tent or RV in one of the 189 campsites offering full hook ups and amenities.

A stellar lineup of the very best in Country, Bluegrass and Gospel Music, the bill includes the Grammy-award winning act Jerry Douglas Presents the Earls of Leicester, The Del McCoury Band, Sierra Hull, Primitive Quartet, as well as current and former members of the legendary Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, of which Dailey was a member prior to forming the duet with Darrin Vincent.

“We are so very thrilled to be bringing music fans some of the greatest music in the world, in one of the most beautiful places in the world!,” says Jamie Dailey.

Hilda Thomason, General Manager of the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, is eagerly anticipating hosting the event. “We are very excited about bringing the Dailey & Vincent LandFest In The Mountains to the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds! There is a lot of excitement from the community about the new event coming to Hiawassee. We have a great venue and beautiful campground to accommodate all the guest! The event is going to bring new customers to Towns County that has no idea where we are located! Looking forward to working with Dailey & Vincent LandFest for many years!”

Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains will offer festival goers live music, camping, comedy, and down-home fun for all ages, making for an experience that’s sure to be an unforgettable weekend. The music portion of the festival will be held inside the air-conditioned 2,900 seat Anderson Music Hall at the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds, and the new venue boasts sprawling grounds with two playgrounds, a boat ramp, two tennis courts, playing courts, paved and shaded picnic areas, and splendid nature walking trails, all along beautiful Lake Chatuge.

Tickets can be ordered online at www.DaileyVincentFest.com, DaileyVincent.com, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com, via the phone at 706-896-4191 or on-site at the venue.

Tue, 01/10/2017 - 12:37 pm

Hank Williams Jr. wants all his rowdy friends to join him in 2017 as the country music icon reveals his first round of U.S. tour dates. Kickin’ the party off at Peppermill Concert Hall in Nevada on February 3, the tour consists of medium and large scale venues including an appearance at the Washington State Fair.

Hank Jr. continues to promote his most recent album It’s About Time, which achieved the highest studio album debut of his career. The album skyrocketed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and broke the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200, landing at No. 8.

Hank Jr.'s extremely impressive resume has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide, six PLATINUM albums, 20 GOLD albums, 13 No. 1 albums and 10 No. 1 singles. Hank Jr. has been named ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon in addition to winning a GRAMMY and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In October 1982, Williams had nine albums on the Billboard music charts at the same time, a feat unequaled by any other living artist. In 1987, Hank won the first of five straight Entertainer of the Year awards voted to him by his peers, and won his first ever Grammy.

As a touring artist, Hank Jr. was a pioneer in bringing arena rock production values to country music, and he remains one of the most consistent ticket sellers in music, period, as generation after generation gets turned on to one of the most dynamic live performers ever to take the stage.
 
HANK WILLIAMS JR. ON TOUR
Feb. 03 – Peppermill Concert Hall - West Wendover, Nev.
April 29 – Georgia World Congress Center - Atlanta, Ga.
May 27 – Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, Fla.
May 28 – Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, La.
June 09 – Choctaw Grand Theater - Durant, Okla.
June 10 – Silver Star Hotel and Casino-Convention Center – Choctaw, Miss
July 01 – Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel - Salamanca, N.Y.
July 02 – French Lick Resort Casino - French Lick, Ind.
Sept. 15 – Northern Quest Resort & Casino - Pepsi Outdoor Amphitheater - Airway Heights, Wash.
Sept. 16 – Washington State Fair - Puyallup, Wash.

Wed, 01/11/2017 - 12:34 pm

Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning music icon Cyndi Lauper is taking her country DETOUR to landmark television music series “Austin City Limits” (ACL) this Saturday, January 14 on PBS (check local listings). Lauper debuts on the ACL stage in an entertaining hour of classic hit songs and the stories behind them.

Lauper recently wrapped up a headlining nationwide tour in 2016 after reigning in a new legion of fans with her new country-tinged album DETOUR, which features a collection of country covers from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s (track listing below). DETOUR, which debuted No. 4 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, features duets with several special guests, including country music royalty: Emmylou Harris (on the title track), Willie Nelson (“Night Life,” a song he wrote over 50 years ago), Vince Gill (Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty’s “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly”) and Alison Krauss (Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.”) Jewel also makes an appearance on DETOUR, showcasing her prodigious yodeling skills on “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” which was the first country song by a woman to sell one million copies.

Providing viewers with a front-row seat to the best in music performance for over 40 years, Austin City Limits continues the legendary run showcasing more icons, innovators and highly-anticipated debuts. The series airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings) and full episodes are made available online for a limited time at pbs.org/austincitylimits immediately following the initial broadcast. The show's official hashtag is #acltv.

DETOUR TRACK LISTING:
1. “Funnel Of Love”
2. “Detour” - Featuring Emmylou Harris
3. “Misty Blue”
4. “Walkin’ After Midnight
5. “Heartaches By The Number”
6. “The End Of The World”
7. “Night Life” - Featuring Willie Nelson
8. “Begging To You”
9. “You’re The Reason Our Kids Are Ugly” - Featuring Vince Gill
10. “I Fall To Pieces”
11. “I Want To Be A Cowboy’s Sweetheart” - Featuring Jewel
12. “Hard Candy Christmas” - Featuring Alison Krauss

DETOUR available on CD ($18.98), LP ($24.98) and digitally.

Wed, 01/18/2017 - 1:20 pm

Iconic duo and international sensation, the Bellamy Brothers, will embark on their 2017 World Tour in Dubai, Singapore, Switzerland, Ireland and Faroe Islands. David and Howard Bellamy leave this week to criss-cross the globe and celebrate their 25th Anniversary of their own record label, Bellamy Brothers Records, which licenses products in more than 30 countries.

The duo’s upcoming performance in Singapore also resulted in another licensing deal with EQ Music and Media for their 40 Years: The Album, a compilation of past hits and new songs that encompasses “Let Your Love Flow,” ”Redneck Girl” and “If I Said You Have a Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me)” and 20 new songs.

The Bellamy Brothers wrapped up 2016 with television, radio, print and online features, including performances and appearances on “Fox & Friends,” “PBS Metro Focus,” SiriusXM’s Prime Country, “Celebrity Page,” “Good Day New York,” Fox News Radio, as well as features on DoYouRemember.com and a 4-page spread in Closer Weekly.

Howard and David Bellamy have created one of the most successful careers in the history of country music with 27 Top 10 and 14 No. 1 singles among a catalog that includes “Let Your Love Flow,” “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),” “Redneck Girl,” “Old Hippie,” and “Kids Of The Baby Boom.”

But, that only tells a mere fraction of the story of The Bellamy Brothers. A close look at their concert schedules over the past two decades reveals one of the most global careers in the history of country music. The duo has taken their music to a wide variety of countries across the world over the years – including stops in Germany, Norway, and Sweden.

The Bellamy Brothers performed a sold-out string of shows with Swiss superstar Gola – adding his name to a list of collaborators over the years that has included Neil Diamond, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Blake Shelton. In Switzerland, their crowds numbered into the 70,000 range, as well – demonstrating their international appeal.

In addition, the Bellamy Brothers have taken their music to places where no other country act has ever performed, such as Qatar, Sri Lanka, New Caledonia and even India. In fact, one of their classic hits there made an impact on the audience unlike any the duo has ever seen in the states.

In a 2014 interview with Billboard, David recalled that on one of their India visits that “People came up to us and asked 'Are you going to do the 'first dance' song? We weren't sure what they were talking about, but it was 'Beautiful Body' because they use it as the first dance song at weddings. You never know how someone will interpret a song, I guess," he said. Of course, the song that he is referring to is their first No. 1 country hit, 1979’s “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me).”

And, as The Bellamy Brothers gear up for their next forty years, they are keeping their close ties with their fans abroad. Howard and David take a lot of pride in pleasing the audience – regardless of which continent their feet are planted on.

“We have been very blessed to have taken our music to a lot of venues and destinations that have always surprised us,” said Howard Bellamy. “Regardless of where we might be, what makes each night special is that relationship with the fans, and getting to hear them sing along. After all,” he reasons, ‘Redneck Girls’ are everywhere.

Follow the Bellamy Brothers on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or visit bellamybrothers.com.

BELLAMY BROTHERS ON TOUR:
Jan. 20 Emirates Golf Course - Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Jan. 23 Kallang Theater - Singapore, Singapore
Jan. 27 Schützenhaus Albisgüetli - Zürich, Switzerland
Jan. 28 Schützenhaus Albisgüetli - Zürich, Switzerland
Feb. 01 Armagh City Hotel - Armagh, Ireland
Feb. 02 Armagh City Hotel - Armagh, Ireland
Feb. 04 Country Dance Sports Hall - Torshavn, Faroe Islands
Feb. 11 Effingham Performance Center - Effingham, Ill.
Feb. 12 The Capitol Theatre - Wheeling, W.V.
Feb. 17 Llano Grande Resort & Country Club - Center, Texas
Feb. 18 The Pines Theater - Lufkin, Texas
Feb. 24 Farm Night BBQ in Temple Terrace - Temple Terrace, Fla.
March 02 World Champion BBQ Cookoff - Houston, Texas
March 04 Orange Blossom Opry - Weirsdale, Fla.
March 06 The Strawberry Festival - Plant City, Fla.
March 10 Wilkes Community College - Wilkesboro, N.C.
March 11 Mill Town Music Hall - Bremen, Ga.
March 17 Renfro Valley Entertainment Center/New Barn Theater - Mount Vernon, Ky.
March 18 Red Barn Convention Center - Winchester, Ohio
March 24 Medina Ballroom - Hamel, Minn.
March 30 Cherokee Casino/Lee Creek Tavern - Roland, Okla.
March 31 Heritage Hall - Paris, Texas
April 01 Second Annual River Oaks Music Festival - Del Valle, Texas
April 08 The Roundup Beer Garden/Outdoor Music Venue - Boerne, Texas
April 21 Sonrisas Trails - Boots, Buckles & Pearls - San Angelo, Texas
April 22 7 Clans Paradise Casino - Red Rock, Okla.
April 28 Wharton County Youth Fair - Wharton, Texas
April 29 Hunt County Fair & Livestock Show Hunt County Fairgrounds - Greenville, Texas
May 04 Brauntex Theatre - New Braunfels, Texas
May 05 Main Street Crossing - Tomball, Texas
May 11 Alaska Police Officers Assoc. Eagan Civic & Convention Center - Anchorage, Alaska
May 12 Alaska Police Officers Assoc. Kenai High School - Kenai, Alaska
May 14 Alaska Police Officers Assoc. Carlson Center - Fairbanks, Alaska
May 16 Elizabeth Peratrovich Hall - Juneau, Alaska
May 20 Schoepf’s BBQ - Belton, Texas
May 31 Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater - Branson, Mo.
June 03 The Chute - Baytown, Texas
June 10 Chisholm Trail Roundup Lockhart Municipal Park - Lockhart, Texas
June 17 Golden Nugget Biloxi-Grand Ballroom - Biloxi, Miss.
June 24 Meramec Music Theatre - Steelville, Mo.
June 29 Rollie’s - Sauk Rapids, Minn.
June 30 Linn County Fair - Central City, Iowa
July 08 Lake Striker Marina-Concert Field - Reklaw, Texas
July 14 Blue Gate Theater - Shipshewana, Ind.
July 15 Blue Gate Theater - Shipshewana, Ind.
July 20 Franklin County Fair - Hampton, Iowa
July 23 Cheyenne Frontier Days -- Cheyenne, Wyo.
Aug 05 I-Bar Ranch-Concert Series - Gunnison, Colo.
Aug 10 Erie County Fair - Hamburg, N.Y.
Sep 02 Coyote Concert Series Western Texas Coliseum - Snyder, Texas
Sep 22 Stadthall Enns - Enns, Austria
Sep 23 Schupfart Festival -- Schupfart, Switzerland
Sep 29 Comal County Fair - New Braunfels, Texas
Sep 30 Dorsey Doe - Conroe, Texas
Oct 13 Anderson Music Hall - Hiawassee, Ga.
Oct.27 Heber Valley Western Music & Cowboy Poetry Gathering - Heber City, Utah
Oct. 28 Stephens Performing Arts Center - Pocatello, Idaho
Nov 10 Peppermill Concert Hall - Wendover, Nev.
Nov. 12 Sevier Valley Center Theatre Snow College - Richfield, Utah
Nov. 17 Country Tonite Theatre - Pigeon Forge, Tenn.

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS ALBUMS CHART HISTORY

Album Title                                Year Released  National Album Chart/Country            Peak Position   

FOR WARNER BROS/CURB RECORDS:

Bellamy Brothers/                                  1976                 US Pop Billboard                                                69
Let Your Love Flow                                                        Canadian Pop                                                   75

                                                                                    United Kingdom Pop                                                21

                                                                                    DanisH Pop                                                        2
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                                    30
                                                                                    Sweden Pop                                                       1
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                                        2
                                                                                    Denmark Pop                                                      3
                                                                                    UK Sales Certification                                    Silver
                                                                                    RIAA Sales Certification                               Gold

Plain & Fancy                                        1977                 Denmark Pop                                                      5
                                                                                    Sweden Pop                                                     33
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                                        5

Beautiful Friends                                   1978                 Denmark Pop                                                    21
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                                      21

The Two And Only                                 1979                 US Country Billboard                                                  9
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                                12
                                                                                    Netherlands Pop                                                48
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                                      35
                                                                                    Denmark Pop                                                    35

You Can Get Crazy                               1980                 US Country Billboard                                                  9
                                                                                    Denmark Pop                                                    31
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                                      31

Sons Of The Sun                                   1980                 US Country Billboard                                                18

FOR ELEKTRA RECORDS/CURB:

When We Were Boys                            1982                 US Country Billboard                                                15

Strong Weakness                                  1982                 US Country Billboard                                                17

FOR MCA RECORDS/CURB:

Restless                                               1984                 US Country Billboard                                                22

Howard And David                                 1985                 US Country Billboard                                                10
                                                            2013                 US Country Billboard(year-end)                    45

Country Rap                                         1986                 US Country Billboard                                                21

Crazy From The Heart               1987                 US Country Billboard                                         50

Rebels Without A Clue               1988                 US Country Billboard                                         45

Reality Check                                        1990                 US Country Billboard                                                71

FOR ATLANTIC RECORDS:

Rollin’ Thunder                          1991

Album Title                                Year Released              National Album Chart/Country   Peak Position   

FOR BELLAMY BROTHERS RECORDS:

Neon Cowboy                                       1991

Beggars And Heroes                             1992

Nobody’s Perfect                                   1994

Rip Off The Knob                                  1994

Take Me Home                         1994

Son’s Of Beaches                                  1995

Dancin’                                     1996

Tropical Christmas                                1996

Over The Line                                       1997

Reggae Cowboys                                  1998

Lonely Planet                                        1999

FOR START RECORDS:

Heartbreak Overload                             1995

FOR JUPITER RECORDS:

Native America                          1995

Forever                                     1996

Life Goes By                                         2000

FOR INTERSOUND RECORDS;

One Way Love                          1996

FOR CURB RECORDS:

Redneck Girls Forever               2002

COLLABORATIONS:

Angels And Outlaws                              2005

Family Ties w/Jesse & Noah                  2007

Greatest Hits Sessions w/Gola   2010                 Swiss Pop                                                           1

BB&G Platinum w/Gola              2011                 Swiss Pop                                                         29

Simply The Best w/DJ Otzi                     2012                 Swiss Pop                                                         31
                                                                                    Austria Pop                                                         3
                                                                                    Denmark Pop                                                    30
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                                    38

Bellamy Brothers & Friends                    2013                 Swiss Pop                                                           5

Mermaid Cowgirl w/Gola                        2014                 Swiss Pop                                                           6

LIVE ALBUMS:

Live At Gilley’s(Atlantic Records)            1999

Live At Gilley’s(Elap Music)                    1999

Live At Gilley’s(Connoisseur)      2000   

CHRISTMAS /GOSPEL ALBUMS:

Tropical Christmas(Intersound)  1996

Tropical Christmas(Start)                       1997

Merry Christmas And A Happy

 New Year(Jupiter)                    1996

Merry Christmas And A Happy

 New Year(BMG Ariola) 1998

The Reason For The Season(Curb)        2002

Jesus Is Coming(Curb)              2007

Pray For Me(BBR)                                 2012

COMPILATION ALBUMS:

Ihre Grossen Hits(WB)               1978

Dancin’ Cowboys:         

Our Favorite Songs(WB)            1980

Greatest Hits(WBR/Curb)                       1982                 US Country Billboard                                                    9
                                                                                    RIAA Sales Certification                               Gold

Best(Curb)                                            1984                 Austria Pop                                                           2

Greatest Hits(MCA/Curb)                       1985                 US Country Billboard                                                 33
                                                                                    RIAA Sales Certification                               Platinum
                                                            1993                 Austria Pop                                                       39

Greatest Hits 2(MCA/Curb)                    1986                 US Country Billboard                                                27

Greatest Hits 3(MCA/Curb)                    1989                 US Country Billboard                                                50
                                                                                    US Country Catalog Billboard                       10

Neon Cowboy(Jupiter)               1991                 Germany Pop                                                    48

The Very Best Of(Sony)             1991

Latest And Greatest(BBR)                     1992                 US Country Billboard                                                68

Best Of(Curb)                                       1992

Gold Greatest Hits(Curb)                       1993

Best Of The Best(Warner)                     1993

Gold And More(Curb)                1994

Diamond Star Collection(Arcade)            1994

Let Your Love Flow(Curb)                      1994

Best Of Original(Curb)               1994

20 Years Of Hits Box Set(BBR)  1994

The Best Of(Eurotrend)             1994

Let Your Love Flow(Rondo)                    1994

The Best Of(Eurotrend)             1994

Greatest Hits(Curb)                               1995

Greatest Hits(Bellaphon)                        1995

20 Greatest Hits(Intermusic)                  1995

Best Of The Best(CMC)             1995

Best Of The Best(BBR/Start)                  1995                 Norway Pop                                                          7

Crazy From The Heart/

   Rebels Without A Clue(Start)  1995

Reality Check/

  Rollin’ Thunder(Start)              1995

Bellamy Brothers

  2-CD Collection(Cornerstone)   1995

COMPILATION ALBUMS (continued):

The Very Best Of(Arcade)                      1996

At Their Best(EMI/Capitol)                     1997

The Very Best Of(CMC)             1997

Let Your Love Flow(Platinum)    1998

Let Your Love Flow(Start)                      1998    

Greatest Hits(Brilliant)                1999

The Ultimate Collection

1976-2000(Massive)                  2000

Millenium Collection

2-CD(Selected Sound)   2000

Let Your Love Flow(Laserlight)   2000

Best Of(Trucker)                                   2000

Best Of The Best 2(Jump)                     2000

Our Danish Collection(Start)                  2000                 Denmark Pop                                                        6

25 Year Collection 2-CD(Delta)  2001

Our Norwegian Hits       (EMI)                2001                 Norway Pop                                                          5
                                                                                    Norwegian Sales Certification       Double Platinum

Our Swedish Collection(EMI)     2001                 Sweden Pop                                                         4     

Nur Das Beste –

Die Schonsten Songs                1991-2000

(BMG Ariola)                             2002

Brazos Logistics(BBR)               2003

The Very Best Of(Landmark)                 2003

By Request(Start)                                 2003

Dancin’ Cowboys(Start)             2006

Our Best Country Songs                        2006                 Denmark Pop                                                         6

Uforglemmelige Klassikere                     2006                 Norway Pop                                                         19

The Lost Tracks(BBR)               2006

Number One Hits(Curb)             2008

Old/New Country(Start)             2008

Let Your Love Flow And Other

 Number One Hits(Curb)            2008

Greatest Hits 3 Deluxe(BBR)                  2010

The Anthology Volume 1(Unv)   2010                 Norway Pop                                                          1
                                                                                    Swiss Pop                                                             6
                                                                                    Sweden Pop                                                       19
                                                                                    Swedish Sales Certification                   Double Platinum

The Anthology Volume 2(Unv)   2011                 Swiss Pop                                                           75

Greatest Hits Volume 1(BBR)     2011

Ultimate Collection Box Set(RD) 2012

14 Great Hits(Sony)                               2013

Greatest Hits(BBR)                                2015

40 Years: The Album(BBR)                    2015                 Swiss Pop                                                           47

DVD’s:

Greatest Video Hits:

     The Ultimate Collection

            From 1976-2000(Massive)         2000

25-Year Collection:

Around The World(BBR)            2001   

25-Year Collection:

Around The World(Select)          2001   

Our Best Country Songs(Harlekin)          2006                        

Country Legends Live

Mini Concert(Timeless)  2007

The Anthology Volume 1(BBR)   2009

The Anthology Volume 2(BBR)   2010

Greatest Hits Sessions

w/Gola(Univeral)                       2010

BB&G Platinum

w/Gola(Universal)                      2011

Simply The Best

w/DJ Otzi(Universal)                  2012

THE BELLAMY BROTHERS SINGLES CHART HISTORY

Song Title                                 Year Released  National Chart/Country              Peak Position   

Nothin’ Heavy                           1975                             US Pop Billboard                                    77
                                                                                    US Pop Cashbox                                    98
                                                                                    US Pop Record World                        101

Let Your Love Flow*                  1976                             US Pop Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    US A/C Billboard                                    2
                                                                                    US Country Billboard                                    21
                                                                                    US Pop Cashbox                                    1
                                                                                    US Pop Record World                        4
                                                                                    US Pop Radio & Records                        3
                                                                                    Canadian Pop                                       3
                                                                                    Canadian A/C                                       1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    42
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                        1
                                                                                    United Kingdom Pop                                    7
                                                                                    UK Sales Certification                        Silver
                                                                                    Swiss Pop                                             1
                                                                                    Australia Pop                                        6
                                                                                    Austria Pop                                           1
                                                                                    Belgium Pop                                         6
                                                                                    Ireland Pop                                           3
                                                                                    Netherlands Pop                                    6
                                                                                    New Zealand Pop                                    2
                                                                                    Norway Pop                                          2
                                                                                    Sweden Pop                                         2
                                                                                    Denmark Pop                                        22
                                                2008                             United Kingdom Pop                                    21

Hell Cat                        1976                             US Pop Billboard                                   70
                                                                                    US Pop Cashbox                                    93
                                                                                    US Pop Record World                        127

Satin Sheets*                            1976                             US Pop Billboard                                    73
                                                                                    Canadian Pop                                       84
                                                                                    UK Pop                                     43
                                                                                    Australia Pop                                        65
                                                                                    US Pop Cashbox                                    77
                                                                                    US Pop Record World                        91
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                        12
                                                                                    Austrian Pop                                         11
                                                                                    New Zealand Pop                                    35

Highway 2-18                                                                Germany Pop                                        44

Crossfire*                                 1977                             US AC Billboard                                    40
                                                                                    Australia Pop                                        39
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                        17
                                                                                    New Zealand Pop                                    14

Can Somebody Hear Me           1977    

Memorabilia                              1977

Bound To Explode                     1977

Bird Dog                                   1978                             US Country Billboard                                    86

Slippin’ Away*               1978                             US Country Billboard                             19
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    75

Wild Honey                               1978                             US Country Billboard                                    99

Lovin’ On                                  1978                             US Country Billboard                                    16
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    25

Beautiful Body               1979                             US Country Billboard                             1
                                                                                     Pop Billboard                                        39
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    24
                                                                                     Pop Cashbox                                       58
                                                                                    US Pop Record World                        84
                                                                                    Ireland Pop                                           8
                                                                                    Swiss Pop                                             2
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                        34
                                                                                    Austria Pop                                           19
                                                                                    Netherlands Pop                                    11
                                                                                    Belgium Pop                                         8
                                                                                    New Zealand Pop                                    17
                                                                                    Australia Pop                                        12
                                                                                    United Kingdom Pop                                    3
                                                                                    UK Sales Certification                        Silver

Whistlin’ Dixie                1979                             US Country Billboard                             5
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    11

Sugar Daddy                             1980                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    2

Dancin’ Cowboys                       1980                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    4
                                                                                    Germany Pop                                        62

Lover’s Live Longer                   1980                             US Country Billboard                                    3
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    30

Do You Love As Good   1981                             US Country Billboard                             1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    4

They Could Put Me In Jail          1981                             US Country Billboard                                    12

You’re My Favorite Star 1981                             US Country Billboard                             7
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    16

For All The Wrong Reason         1982                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    20

Reggae Cowboy                        1982                             US Country Billboard                                    21
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    9

Redneck Girl                             1982                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    7

When I’m Away*                        1983                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    5

I Love Her Mind             1983                             US Country Billboard                             4
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    3

Strong Weakness                      1983                             US Country Billboard                                    15
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    15

Forget About Me                       1984                             US Country Billboard                        5
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    13

World’s Greatest Lover  1984                             US Country Billboard                             6
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    45

I Need More Of You                   1985                             US Country Billboard                                    1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    4
                                                                                    Swiss Pop                                             57
                                                                                    Austria Pop                                           8

Old Hippie                                 1985                             US Country Billboard                                    2
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    1

Lie To You For Your Love          1985                             US Country Billboard                                    2
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    3

Feelin’ The Feelin’                     1986                             US Country Billboard                                    2
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    8

Kids Of The Baby Boom 1987                             US Country Billboard                             1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    3

Country Rap                             1987                             US Country Billboard                                    31
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    39

Crazy From The Heart   1987                             US Country Billboard                             3
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    7

Santa Fe*                                 1988                             US Country Billboard                                    5
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    2

I’ll Give You All My Love 1988                             US Country Billboard                             6
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    12

Rebels Without A Clue   1988                             US Country Billboard                             9

Big Love                                   1989                             US Country Billboard                                    5

Hillbilly Hell                               1989                             US Country Billboard                                    51
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    74

You’ll Never Be Sorry*   1989                             US Country Billboard                             10
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    14

Center Of My Universe  1989                             US Country Billboard                             37
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    43

I Could Be Persuaded*  1990                             US Country Billboard                             7
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    8

She Don’t Know That She*         1991                             US Country Billboard                                    46
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    42

All In The Name Of Love            1991                             US Country Billboard                                    74

Neon Cowboy                           1991                             Germany Pop                                        65

Fly Me To Eden             1991

Cowboy Beat*                           1992                             US Country Billboard                                    23

Can I Come On Home*  1992                             US Country Billboard                             64

On A Summer Night*     1992

Take Me Home             1992                                                                                        

Hard Way To Make An* 1992                             US Country Billboard                             62

Rip Off The Knob*                     1993                             US Country Billboard                                    66
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                    89

Reggae Cowboy(Dance)*           1993    

Blame It On The Fire     1993                                                                     

Not*                                          1994                             US Country Billboard                                    71

Big Hair*                                   1995

My Indiana Lady                        1996

Old Hippie(The Sequel)*            1996

We Dared The Lightening*         1996

She’s Awesome*                       1996

Shine Them Buckles*                1997

Over The Line*              1997

Tough Love                               1997

Almost Jamaica*                       1998

Some Broken Hearts*                1999

Vertical Expression*                  1999

Come Back Gene And Roy        1999

What’ll I Do*                              2001

Desperados In Love*                 2001

Drug Problem                            2007

Lord Help Me Be The Kind         2009

Heart Of My Heart                     2010

Back In The Day                        2010

Jalapenos*                                2010

Mexico Came Here*                  2011

Boobs*                         2014

Dyin’ Breed*                              2015

It’s So Close To Christmas

(I’m So Far From Home)            1981                             US Country Billboard                                                62

We All Get Crazy

  At Christmas*              1996    

Too Much Is Not Enough

   w/The Forester Sisters            1986                             US Country Billboard                                                1
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                                1

Drive South

  w/The Forester Sisters 1990                             US Country Billboard                                         63
                                                                                    Canadian Country                                                60

Stayin’ In Love w/Freddy

  Fender & Flaco Jiminez           1993    

Catahoula w/Eddy Raven

   & Jo-El Sonier*                       1997

Everybody’s Somebody’s

  Darlin’ w/Nicolette Larson        1997

(Don’t Put Me In) The Ex

  Files w/Buck Owens*   1999

Vertical Expression

  w/Freddy Fender*                    1999

Vertical Expression

  w/Eduardo Araujo*                  1999

Hello, Lady Harley

   w/Truck Stop              2003

Beautiful Body

  w/Dolly Parton             2005                             US Country Billboard                                         60

Whistlin’ Dixie

  w/Alan Jackson                       2005

You’re The World

  w/Jesse & Noah Bellamy          2006

I Need More Of You

  w/Tom Astor   *                       2007

Guilty Of The Crime

  w/The Bacon Brothers*            2009    

Swan w/Gola                             2010                             Swiss Pop                                                         26

Let Your Love Flow

  w/Gola                                    2010                             Swiss Pop                                                         45

*Denotes Hit Music Video

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 6:42 am

Two of music’s most acclaimed artists and powerhouse live performers will tour together this summer when Rod Stewart is joined by special guest Cyndi Lauper for an 18-city tour beginning Thursday, July 6. Produced by Live Nation, the tour begins Thursday, July 6 in Florida and includes stops in New York, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and more. They will give fans a first look into their tour during joint interviews on the TODAY show and Watch What Happens Live on January 25 and Access Hollywood on January 27. For more information on the tour, please visit LiveNation.com.

Stewart and Lauper have been awarded nearly every industry award and honor for their incomparable catalog of hits and activism, among them Grammy and American Music Awards, two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting and a knighthood for Stewart; and an Emmy and Tony Award for Lauper.

Tickets go on sale Friday, January 27 at www.livenation.com. Citi cardmembers can take advantage of a special pre-sale opportunity beginning on Tuesday, January 24 at 10:00 am local time. For complete pre-sale details visit: www.citiprivatepass.com.

July 6 Hard Rock Casino - Hollywood, Fla.*
July 8 Amalie Arena - Tampa, Fla.*
July 9 Tuscaloosa Amphitheater - Tuscaloosa, Ala.*
July 12 BB&T Pavilion - Camden, N.J.
July 14 Darlings Waterfront Pavilion - Bangor, Maine
July 15 Xfinity Center - Mansfield, Mass.
July 18 Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, N.Y.
July 19 Jiffy Lube Live - Bristow, Va.
July 21 Bethel Woods Center for the Arts - Bethel, N.Y.
July 22 Saratoga Performing Arts Center - Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
July 25 PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, N.J.
July 28 Blossom Music Center - Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
July 29 CMAC PAC - Rochester, N.Y.*
Aug. 1 DTE Energy Music Theater - Clarkston, Mich.
Aug. 4 Riverbend Music Center - Cincinnati, Ohio
Aug. 5 Hollywood Casino Amphitheater - Tinley Park, Ill.
Aug. 11 Verizon Theater - Dallas, Texas
Aug.12 Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land - Houston, Texas

* Tickets for Hollywood, FL (July 7); Tampa, FL (July 8); Tuscaloosa, AL (July 9) and Rochester, NY (July 29) are available at www.ticketmaster.com

RECOMMENDED TWEET:
.
.@CyndiLauper teams up with @rodstewart for summer concert tour bit.ly/2jGs62H

ABOUT CYNDI LAUPER:
Cyndi Lauper is a Grammy®, Emmy® and Tony®-winning music icon who, after 30 sterling years and global record sales in excess of 50 million albums, has proven that she has the heart and soul to keep her legion of fans compelled by her every creative move. With her first album, She's So Unusual, Lauper won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist and became the first female in history to have four top-five singles from a debut album. With a string of unique follow-ups, Lauper has continued to push her own boundaries, exploring electronic dance music, American standards, the Memphis blues and, with her latest studio album DETOUR, country classics from the ‘40s, ‘50s, and ‘60s which features collaborations with some of country music’s most-celebrated artists including Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, and Alison Kraus. In recognition of her ongoing contribution to music, Lauper was inducted into the prestigious Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2015. For more information, visit CyndiLauper.com.

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 6:47 am

Grammy®-winning songstress Crystal Gayle was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry® this evening at the Ryman Auditorium by her sister and Opry legend Loretta Lynn. Gayle made her Opry debut 50 years ago on the Ryman stage, singing the country classic “Ribbon of Darkness” at age 16. She had been publicly invited to join the Opry by Opry member Carrie Underwood in November.

“We’ve been together a long time, honey. And we’ve never had a fight,” Lynn said. “It was the greatest moment of my life when they made me a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 1962. I know she is just as happy as I was then.” “Being a member of the Opry is just incredible,” Gayle beamed. “It’s really hard to comprehend. I have felt like a part of the Opry for all these years. Now, I’m official.”

Grammy-nominated duo Dailey & Vincent is set to be formally inducted into the Opry on Saturday, March 11.

About Crystal Gayle
Crystal Gayle is an award-winning country music icon whose reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic. Her her 1977 country-pop crossover hit song, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” became an iconic staple and solidified her as one of the top female vocalists during the 1970s and 1980s. Her list of platinum and gold was to be matched only by her awards and accolades. CMA's "Female Vocalist of the Year," for two consecutive years, she became a Grammy Award Winner for "Best Female Vocal Performance," thanks to her beloved "Brown Eyes" - a song that she today admits she has never grown tired of singing. Crystal swept the Academy of Country Music Awards for three of their "Top Female Vocalist" statuettes. She is the recipient of three "American Music Awards," voted by the nation as America's "Favorite Female Artist." Perhaps nothing sums up Crystal's career achievements as well as being awarded with a star on the fabled Hollywood Walk of Fame in October 2009. Also famous for her nearly floor-length hair, she was voted one of the 50 most beautiful people in the world by People Magazine in 1983. She is the younger sister (by 19 years) of singer Loretta Lynn, and a distant cousin of singer Patty Loveless. Gayle also has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame near Lynn's star. In August 2016, the Academy of Country Music honored Crystal with the Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award during the 10th Annual ACM Honors. For more information, visit crystalgayle.com

Thu, 02/02/2017 - 11:00 am

Music superstars Dailey & Vincent are excited to announce the release of their upcoming eighth album, Patriots & Poets on March 31. The star-studded project features collaborations with bluegrass music’s top musicians including Steve Martin, Doyle Lawson, Bela Fleck, and David Rawlings. The soon-to-be inducted Grand Ole Opry members will release the collection via Dreamlined Entertainment Group and BFD (distributed via RED).

The project features 16 all-new tracks that were all written or co-written by Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, with a collection of energizing upbeat songs, along with slow sing-along anthems. Standout tracks on the project include the feel-good track “California” which features a very special verse by comedic and bluegrass enthusiast Steve Martin. Other highlights on the project include thought-provoking songs like, “Beautiful Scars” and “American We Love You,” all highlighting harmonies by 6-time “Male Vocalist of the Year” winner Jamie Dailey and 5-time Grammy® winner Darrin Vincent. Another feel-good moment on Patriots & Poets includes the track “Bill and Ole Elijah.”

Patriots & Poets will serve as the follow-up to the duo’s previous release, ALIVE!, which spent 15 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart. The DVD also debuted at No. 2 across all genres. Also, the hit RFD-TV program, “The Dailey & Vincent Show” is back with season one and season two of the popular variety series, now airing on Friday nights at 7:30pm ET, throughout all of 2017. Click here to find RFD-TV listings.

So far, 2017 has proven to be a career-defining year for the award-winning duo, who will be formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in March, becoming the newest members of the prestigious show that made country music famous. The IBMA award-winners were recently honored by the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum with the brand new exhibit, “A Decade of Dailey & Vincent: An American Music Journey,” which features artifacts and memorabilia from their decorated career as a duo and beyond. Dailey & Vincent will take the stage on February 13 in Nashville, Tennessee for a special free show at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum for museum members at The CMA Theater. Fans can also catch the hit makers appearing at venues and festivals nationwide, including their annual music festival Dailey & Vincent LandFest in the Mountains, presented by Springer Mountain Farms.

Patriots & Poets Track Listing:
1. Gimme All The Love You Got
2. Beautiful Scars
3. Baton Rouge
4. Until We’re Gone (feat. TaRanda Green)
5. Bill and Ole Elijah
6. Unsung Heroes
7. Spring Hill
8. God’s Love (feat. Doyle Lawson)
9. California (feat. Steve Martin)
10. Here Comes The Flood (feat. David Rawlings)
11. That Feel Good Music
12. He’s Been So Good To Me
13. No Place Love Won’t Go (feat. Bela Fleck)
14. That’s What We’re Put Here To Do
15. America We Love You
16. 255 North

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 12:36 pm

Kiefer Sutherland is getting back on the road this year to play in more than 20 cities as the singer/songwriter announces his Not Enough Whiskey 2017 Tour (tour dates below). CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Momentum continues for Kiefer Sutherland’s music career and debut album, DOWN IN A HOLE, which includes 11 co-written tracks by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole.

Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues.

Sutherland, known for his starring role in the ABC series “Designated Survivor” and Fox series "24," also starred in movies like “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Young Guns,” “Flatliners,” “A Few Good Men,” “A Time to Kill,” “Dark City” “Melancholia” and most recently, a western called “Forsaken.”

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

NOT ENOUGH WHISKEY TOUR 2017:
**Feb. 18 Bear’s Den at Seneca Casino - Niagara Falls, N.Y.
**Feb. 19 Katherine Hepburn Center - Old Saybrook, Conn.
**April 30 Stagecoach Festival - Indio, Calif.
May 03 Roxy Theatre - Los Angeles, Calif.
May 04 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, Calif.
May 06 Mississippi Studios - Portland, Ore. May 07 Tractor Tavern - Seattle, Wash.
May 09 Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, Utah
May 10 Fox Theatre - Boulder, Colo.
May 12 Choctaw Event Center - Grant, Okla.
May 13 3Ten - Austin, Texas
May 14 Fitzgerald’s - Houston, Texas
May 16 Varsity Theatre - Baton Rouge, La.
May 17 Terminal West - Atlanta, Ga.
May 19 Exit/In - Nashville, Tenn.
May 20 Fubar - St. Louis, Mo.
May 21 Thalia Hall - Chicago, Ill.
May 23 Birchmere - Alexandria, Va.
May 25 Bowery Ballroom - New York, N.Y.
May 26 Stephen Talkhouse - Amagansett, N.Y.
**denotes previously announced shows

Fri, 02/03/2017 - 12:53 pm

Wilson Fairchild is a country music duo made up of Wil and Langdon Reid from the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. These two men, referred to as “the Reid boys,” have been writing, performing and playing music together their whole lives. To sum up their passion and drive for their music and career, a self-penned line from their title cut, “Country On”, says it all: “We love country music and we’ll never let it die.”

Wil and Langdon are highly acclaimed songwriters. They both have been writing songs since their teenage years in between baseball and football games and girls, of course. Along with recording their own music, such artists as the Statler Brothers, Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent have recorded their songs, as well. So yes, that means their songwriting gamut spans through the country, bluegrass and gospel fields. They learned the craft from the best and are no strangers to knowing how to put an idea to music and come away with a great storytelling song.

Along with singing and songwriting, they both play guitars on stage and have played many other instruments during recording sessions. But a Wilson Fairchild show is much more than music; it is an experience. It is professional. It is exciting. Their clever lyrics will make you smile and they know how to strike your heartstrings with a perfectly delivered ballad. One thing’s for sure: these guys know how to entertain.

They get their “entertainment chops” honestly. Wil’s dad is Harold Reid and Langdon’s dad is Don Reid of the legendary Statler Brothers. In 2007, Wil and Langdon wrote a tribute to the Statlers simply called ‘The Statler Brothers Song.” They were asked to be a part of the medallion ceremonies and to perform the song for all of their “Statler dads” when the Brothers were inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and the Country Music Hall of Fame.

From the last few years to the present, Wil and Langdon keep adding successes to their resume, as well as friends and fans to their Facebook page. Their engaging personalities coupled with their musical talent and impromptu wit is a perfect match for any audience. For 3 1/2 years, they opened the show for the one and only George Jones. They have graced the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. They’ve been featured on Larry’s Country Diner on RFD-TV. They were also part of a DVD series called Country’s Family Reunion: Second Generations, which is also being aired on RFD-TV. On the Generations show, the guys performed one of their favorite Statler songs their dads wrote, along with their tribute to the Statlers, ‘The Statler Brothers Song.” They sang “The National Anthem” before Toby Keith took the stage on July 4th, 2012 at the PGA Classic. Wilson Fairchild also sang “The National Anthem” at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland before the Orioles game in July of 2012. They continue to add shows and appearances daily to their calendar.

VIRGINIA was an album release connected to friendly fame. Three of the songs, “What Do I Tell Me Now?”, “Karaoke Cowboy” and “Things” were co-written with their “musical brother,” Bryan Kennedy. You might have heard of Bryan’s successes from three number one hits he penned for Garth Brooks. The past two CDs, COUNTRY ON and VIRGINIA, were produced by their other Kennedy brother, Gordon. Gordon Kennedy is a Grammy winning producer for his work with Peter Frampton as well as a killer guitarist and a hugely successful songwriter. Gordon was one of three writers on the Eric Clapton hit, “Change the World.” Wil and Langdon teamed up with Gordon to write “Make God First” for Ricky Skaggs, which is on his Grammy nominated album Mosaic. The Reid cousins again teamed up to pen “Two Ring Circus” for their latest CD. A clever way of looking at family life, it’s lyrics speaks to the lives of anyone who has kids. The title cut, “Virginia” was written by the duo along with their songwriting buddy, Jeff Hyde. Jeff has many notable cuts to his name, most famously Eric Church’s smash “Springsteen.” The song “Virginia” has a rolling rootsy and Americana flavor to it and is quickly become the album favorite. You’ll know what we mean as soon as you hear it.

The latest project, ‘Songs Our Dads Wrote’ is a genuinely inspired music collection that Wil and Langdon have wanted to do for a long time. The guys picked nine songs that their dads, Harold and Don Reid of the Statler Brothers, co-wrote over their 40 year career to record. The recording is a ‘front porch’ approach to some great songs. These are the songs that inspired Wil and Langdon to do what they do. They learned to sing harmony from these songs. They learned how to write songs from these songs. They learned how to play guitar listening to these songs. And the first song that Wil and Langdon ever wrote together, ‘What We Love To Do’, was recorded by the Statlers. That’s all they needed to put their career in motion.

Wil and Langdon are carrying on a family legacy of great music, high energy performances and pure entertainment. They bridge the years from traditional country music to today.

Wilson Fairchild performs all over, acoustically or with full production shows with their band. Once you hear their music, you are a fan. Once you see them in concert, you are a bigger fan. And once you get the chance to meet them, you are a friend for life.

Mon, 02/13/2017 - 6:59 am

World-renowned singer/songwriter/entertainer Dolly Parton continues racking up the honors! In 2014, The Recording Academy inducted Parton's self-penned hit JOLENE into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Now, in 2017, that same song, released as a collaboration with Pentatonix, was awarded a Grammy in the Country Duo/Group Performance category. Watch the collaborative performance here:

"Oh my Lord I am so excited to have won the Grammy with Pentatonix on my old song Jolene," says Dolly Parton. "I am so happy and am so very proud of Pentatonix. The song is one of my favorites. Thanks to the Grammys, but most importantly thanks to all the fans. I love you all."

The award-winning collaboration between Pentatonix and Parton happened through a partnership with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, which has enjoyed success with both acts in the past with exclusive editions of albums from each. In Parton’s case, the partnership stretches back to her 2009 Backwoods Barbie Collector's Edition project, which was followed by the release of An Evening With…Dolly and became the first Gold album-ever certified by the RIAA for Cracker Barrel Music. That relationship has continued with her latest Dolly Records / RCA Records release Pure & Simple. Released in the summer of 2016, the album – which netted Dolly her first chart-topping album since 1991 – was released in a deluxe Cracker Barrel-exclusive edition that featured live performances of her classic hits “9 To 5” and “Jolene” from the Glastonbury Festival, along with a 48-page ZinePak magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton. The collaboration is not part of any of the packages, however, is available for digital download here:

iTunes smarturl.it/PTXJolene
Amazon smarturl.it/PTXJoleneAmz
Spotify smarturl.it/StreamPTXJolene
Google Play smarturl.it/PTXJoleneGP

“Cracker Barrel is thrilled to have brought these two extraordinary talents together, Dolly Parton and Pentatonix, as part of our Spotlight Music Program for the exclusive collaboration of “Jolene." We share in the celebration of their GRAMMY Award win as they are both a special part of the Cracker Barrel family,” said Don Hoffman, VP of Marketing at Cracker Barrel.

CTK Management CEO Danny Nozell said, "The collaborative video produced by Cracker Barrel between Pentatonix and Dolly has been viewed over 22 million times and has now won a Grammy. Dolly proves, once again, that she is making music that the fans will respond to."

Parton's 2016's Pure & Simple North American Tour was the highest grossing tour of her career, performing over 60 shows.

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 7:12 am

Josh Doyle announces the on-sale of his upcoming 2017 UK tour. Kicking off April 19 in Oxford, the tour crisscrosses the UK with stops in London, Bristol, Newcastle and more! Doyle will soon serve up five new songs from his new album, Modern Times, and will be available at digital retailers everywhere from Corporate Ogre Records / CTK Records. Tickets are available at the links below or visit joshdoyle.com.

"I can't wait for this U.K tour and putting out the first wave of five songs from my new album, Modern Times," said Doyle.

"New songs have just been flowing out of me as all this craziness has been going on in the world. I've not been hearing a lot of other artists writing music about it so I wanted to step up to the mic and not get political but just sing about how life is now."

"The shows are entertainment and there will be a lot of laughs to be had too, but it's about the songs and sending people home feeling like we're in this life together and just to make the most of it."

Josh Doyle UK Tour 2017:

April 19 Oxford, UK - O2 Academy 2
April 20 Bristol, UK - Louisiana
April 21 London, UK - The Islington
April 22 Coventry, UK - Kasbah
April 25 Glasgow, UK - Broadcast
April 26 Newcastle, UK - Think Tank Underground
April 27 Norwich, UK - Waterfront Studio

Sun, 03/12/2017 - 7:03 pm

Multi-GRAMMY® nominees and three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainers of the Year Dailey & Vincent were formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry last night by Opry members Old Crow Medicine Show and Jeannie Seely. The duo had been invited to join the Opry by Marty Stuart during their 100th Opry appearance in December.

Seely, who will celebrate 50 years of Opry membership later this year, presented an Opry Member Award to Jamie Dailey, while Old Crow lead singer Ketch Secor did the same for Darrin Vincent.

“I had the honor of introducing Dailey & Vincent for their first Opry appearance,” Seely began. “I thought to myself that night, ‘I hope one day I get to see them become members of the Opry one day because they epitomize everything the Opry is on stage and off.’”

“They honor the traditions and respect their elders, but most of all they entertain,” Secor said. “Tonight they join the ranks of country music’s greatest entertainers. … Welcome Dailey & Vincent to the first family of country music.”

“We love the Grand Ole Opry. It’s in our DNA,” Dailey said as he and Vincent recognized family, friends, their band, and members of their organization who’d helped make the night possible. The duo closed their Opry segment with “I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You,” a hit by one of their musical heroes, The Statler Brothers.

“We are very excited to welcome Dailey & Vincent into the fold,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent have been proclaimed the best in their field across the board, winning awards and media acclaim for their songs, their musicianship, and their one-of-a-kind live performances. Over the past 10 years and more than 100 Opry visits, they’ve brought crowds to their feet both with country, bluegrass, and gospel standards as well as their brand new material. We look forward to Dailey & Vincent being active, beloved Opry members as the Opry looks toward the century mark and beyond.”

Among artists scheduled to play the Opry later this month are Opry members Charlie Daniels Band, Del McCoury Band, Rascal Flatts, and Carrie Underwood, along with special guests Brandy Clark, Chris Janson, The Mavericks, and Scotty McCreery. Opry Country Classics continues throughout the spring at the Ryman Auditorium with upcoming Spotlight Artist appearances by Brenda Lee, Lorrie Morgan, Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, and more.

Mon, 03/13/2017 - 7:45 am

Kiefer Sutherland will drop by “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” tonight to chat about his upcoming North American and European ‘Not Enough Whiskey 2017 Tour,’ his debut album DOWN IN A HOLE and the hit ABC series “Designated Survivor.”

When Sutherland wraps up the North American leg May 27 in Asbury Park, N.J., he’ll jet ‘across the pond’ to play more than 20 shows throughout Europe. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

Momentum continues for Kiefer Sutherland’s music career and debut album, DOWN IN A HOLE, which includes 11 co-written tracks by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole.

Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues.

Sutherland, known for his starring role in the ABC series “Designated Survivor” and Fox series "24," also starred in movies like “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Young Guns,” “Flatliners,” “A Few Good Men,” “A Time to Kill,” “Dark City” “Melancholia” and most recently, a western called “Forsaken.”

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

NOT ENOUGH WHISKEY TOUR 2017:
April 30 Stagecoach Festival - Indio, Calif.
May 03 Roxy Theatre - Los Angeles, Calif.
May 04 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, Calif.
May 06 Mississippi Studios - Portland, Ore.
May 07 Tractor Tavern - Seattle, Wash.
May 09 Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, Utah
May 10 Fox Theatre - Boulder, Colo.
May 12 Choctaw Event Center - Grant, Okla.
May 13 3Ten - Austin, Texas
May 14 Fitzgerald’s - Houston, Texas
May 16 Varsity Theatre - Baton Rouge, La.
May 17 Terminal West - Atlanta, Ga.
May 19 Exit Inn - Nashville, Tenn.
May 20 Fubar - St. Louis, Mo.
May 21 Thalia Hall - Chicago, Ill.
May 23 Birchmere - Alexandria, Va.
May 25 Bowery Ballroom - New York, N.Y.
May 26 Stephen Talkhouse - Amagansett, N.Y.
May 27 The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, N.J.
June 01 Skraen - Aalborg, Denmark
June 03 Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway
June 04 Debaser Strand - Stockholm, Sweden
June 06 Mojo - Hamburg, Germany
June 07 Heimathafen - Berlin, Germany
June 08 Technikum - Munich, Germany
June 10 WUK - Vienna, Austria
June 12 Gloria - Cologne, Germany
June 13 Gibson - Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
June 14 La Cigale - Paris, France
June 16 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
June 17 Melkweg - Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 18 Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
June 20 Bierkeller - Bristol, United Kingdom
June 21 O2 Academy - Birmingham, United Kingdom
June 22 Islington Assembly Hall - London, United Kingdom
June 23 Trucker & Country - Interlaken, Switzerland
June 26 Manchester Gorilla - Manchester, United Kingdom
June 27 SWG3 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Aug. 11 Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Medonte, Canada
 

Tue, 03/21/2017 - 6:32 am

Jimmy Fortune, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee and member of the legendary Statler Brothers, has just completed an all-new recording, Jimmy Fortune: Sings the Classics. The album, which will be available April 21, features collaborations with longtime friends Ricky Skaggs, The Isaacs and the Voices of Lee. The Gaither Music Group project will be available at music retailers everywhere, along with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations nationwide. Fans can also pre-order the album HERE.

"This project is very special and dear to my heart,” said Jimmy Fortune. “A lot of hard work and thought went into picking each song, songs that shaped my life. I love them all and I think anyone who hears it will feel the same way.”

Known for his unmistakable tenor voice that has captivated audiences since his 21-year tenure with The Statler Brothers, Fortune puts a new twist on some of his old favorites on the upcoming album. Jimmy Fortune: Sings the Classics features 14 new studio recordings of classic songs that have all left their mark in music history.

Standout tracks on the project include the classic Hank Cochran-penned “Make the World Go Away,” which has been recorded over the years by some of music’s greatest voices including Ray Price, Eddy Arnold and Donny & Marie Osmond. Another highlight is the country classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” which is one of the most well-known songs in the history of the genre. Paying homage to his Statler Brothers’ heritage, the project also features a new recording of the signature Grammy® Award-winning hit “Flowers on the Wall,” a tune which Fortune knows well, as it was the first major hit for the iconic quartet.

The past year has been a career-defining time for Fortune, who was honored by the Academy of Country Music at the 10th Annual ACM Honors with the “Cliffie Stone Pioneer Award” for his incredible contribution to country music, along with each member of The Statler Brothers. The Gospel Music Hall of Fame hit maker also received his first GMA Dove Award for “Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year” for the track “Life’s Railway to Heaven” featuring The Oak Ridge Boys and found on his previous critically-acclaimed album, Hits & Hymns (Gaither Music Group). The ACM Award-winner will be hitting the road in 2017 in support of the upcoming album, with a 40-plus city tour where fans can hear him sing No. 1 Statler Brothers’ hits such as “Elizabeth,” gospel favorites, and classics featured on his upcoming album. Fans who want an up-close and personal experience can set sail with Fortune on the 14th Annual Jimmy Fortune Alaskan Cruise, set for departure this July.

Tue, 03/28/2017 - 3:51 pm

The legendary Hank Williams Jr. has kicked 2017 into high gear with a handful of rollicking performances thus far. Never one to slow down, the country music icon has added additional shows to his summer concert calendar. Included in his run are a handful of co-headlining shows with Lynyrd Skynyrd and special guest Aaron Lewis.

Hank Jr. continues to promote his most recent album It’s About Time, which achieved the highest studio album debut of his career. The album skyrocketed to No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and broke the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200, landing at No. 8.

Hank Jr.'s extremely impressive resume has spawned 70 million albums sold worldwide, six PLATINUM albums, 20 GOLD albums, 13 No. 1 albums and 10 No. 1 singles. Hank Jr. has been named ACM Entertainer of the Year, CMA Entertainer of the Year and BMI Icon in addition to winning a GRAMMY and being inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In October 1982, Williams had nine albums on the Billboard music charts at the same time, a feat unequaled by any other living artist. In 1987, Hank won the first of five straight Entertainer of the Year awards voted to him by his peers, and won his first ever Grammy.

As a touring artist, Hank Jr. was a pioneer in bringing arena rock production values to country music, and he remains one of the most consistent ticket sellers in music, period, as generation after generation gets turned on to one of the most dynamic live performers ever to take the stage.

For more information, visit hankjr.com

HANK WILLIAMS JR. ON TOUR
April 20 - PGA Tour Champions Bass Pro Shop’s Legends of Golf Tournament - Ridgedale, Mo.
April 29 – NRA Presents Hank Williams Jr. and Friends (special guest Lee Brice) - Atlanta, Ga.
May 27 – Florida Country 500 Superfest @ Daytona International Speedway - Daytona Beach, Fla.
May 28 – Bayou Country Superfest @ Mercedes Benz Superdome – New Orleans, La.
June 09 – Choctaw Grand Theater - Durant, Okla.
June 10 – Silver Star Hotel and Casino-Convention Center – Choctaw, Miss.
June 16 - James Brown Arena - Augusta, Ga.
June 17 - Celebrate Virginia After Hours - Fredericksburg, Va.
July 01 – Seneca Allegany Casino & Hotel - Salamanca, N.Y.
July 02 – French Lick Resort Casino - French Lick, Ind.
July 03 - Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill - Sterling Heights, Mich.
July 21 - Mountainfest Motorcycle Rally - Morgantown, W.Va.
July 22 - Volvo Cars Stadium - Daniel Island, S.C.
July 29 - Dam Music Fest @ El Dorado Lake - El Dorado, Kan. (with Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Aug. 12 - Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek - Raleigh, N.C. (with Lynyrd Skynyrd and Aaron Lewis)
Aug. 18 - Klipsch Music Center - Noblesville, Ind. (with Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Aug. 19 - BB&T Pavilion - Camden, N.J. (with Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Aug. 25 - Nikon at Jones Beach Theater - Wantagh, N.Y. (with Lynyrd Skynyrd)
Sept. 15 – Northern Quest Resort & Casino - Pepsi Outdoor Amphitheater - Airway Heights, Wash.
Sept. 16 – Washington State Fair - Puyallup, Wash.

Fri, 03/31/2017 - 10:58 am

Multi-GRAMMY® nominee, newly inducted Grand Ole Opry members and three-time International Bluegrass Music Association Entertainer of the Year winners Dailey & Vincent continue to expand upon their monumental 2017 with the release of their latest album PATRIOTS & POETS. In addition to celebrating 10 years together as a duo, they’re exploring new boundaries while also going back to their bluegrass roots on PATRIOTS & POETS, which features collaborations with Steve Martin, Doyle Lawson, TaRanda Greene, David Rawlings, and Bela Fleck.The multiple IBMA and Dove winners, who Billboard stated “continues to set the standard for which all modern-day Bluegrass artists are measured by,” is releasing PATRIOTS & POETS via Dreamlined Entertainment Group and BFD (distributed via RED), and fans can pick up a copy on iTunes, Amazon and wherever music is sold.

Dailey & Vincent are celebrating the release of the new album by appearing this weekend on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction. They will join IBMA award-winning host Kyle Cantrell for the full morning show, spotlighting tracks from the new album, along with telling stories about what inspired each song from PATRIOTS & POETS, which marks the first project from the dynamic pair with all-new, all-original material. Fans can catch the very special interview airing on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction (channel 62) Saturday, April 1 beginning at 7:00am ET.

To give fans an insight into the making of PATRIOTS & POETS, Dailey & Vincent will appear at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville on March 31 as part of the 25th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank. In celebration of their 10-year anniversary, 50 years of NSAI, 35 years of the Bluebird Cafe, and on the street date of their brand new album, PATRIOTS & POETS, fans and music industry elite can catch the dynamic pair performing brand new songs. The must-see round will also include Brad Crisler, Kevin MaC and Leslie Satcher. The rest of the year includes a jam-packed tour schedule including Dailey & Vincent’s third performance at the historic Carnegie Hall, along with a performance at the iconic Ryman Auditorium.

So far, PATRIOTS & POETS has been met with high critical praise, with the duo recently being spotlighted by outlets like The Boot, Roughstock, Sounds Like Nashville, Audio Driver Magazine, and more, while also creating buzz within bluegrass circles on Bluegrass Today, Cybergrass, Prescription Bluegrass, WAMU’s Bluegrass Country, Australian Bluegrass and more. The award winners will also appear on the nationally syndicated online video series The Pickup beginning April 1. Other upcoming features include The Huffington Post, Billboard, Parade.com, BackHome Magazine, WSM/Heartland TV’s Coffee, Country & Cody, Nashville Country Club and more.

PATRIOTS & POETS Track Listing:
1. Gimme All The Love You Got
2. Beautiful Scars
3. Baton Rouge
4. Until We’re Gone (feat. TaRanda Green)
5. Bill and Ole Elijah
6. Unsung Heroes
7. Spring Hill
8. God’s Love (feat. Doyle Lawson)
9. California (feat. Steve Martin)
10. Here Comes The Flood (feat. David Rawlings)
11. That Feel Good Music
12. He’s Been So Good To Me
13. No Place Love Won’t Go (feat. Bela Fleck)
14. That’s What We’re Put Here To Do
15. America We Love You
16. 255 North (digital only)

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 7:13 am

In their 1986 classic, The Judds sang “Grandpa (Tell Me ‘Bout The Good Ol’ Days)”. The lyrics from that song that still evoke feelings of nostalgia for their millions of fans to this day and Naomi and Wynonna want fans to help them remember the 'Good Ol’ Days’ from their celebrated career.

Every Thursday, a new year in Judd herstory will be posted on The Judds Facebook page. Wynonna and Naomi are encouraging fans to look back through their photos and share pictures from that year that they may have taken of or with the five-time Grammy winning duo. Each week, the ladies will select a winner for a prize pack of CD’s including their five studio albums, Why Not Me (1984), Rockin’ With The Rhythm (1985), Heartland (1987), River Of Time (1989), Love Can Build A Bridge (1990), as well as the catalog staples Christmas Time With The Judds, Spiritual Reflections, and Number One Hits – with one CD in each package autographed by the duo. Each winner will be included in a drawing at the end of the promotion for a personal video message from Wynonna and/or Naomi Judd themselves.

“In honor of Throwback Thursday, we want to see some Judds #TBT pictures from YOU, the fans,” says Wynonna. “We started with the year 1980 when we first made our debut on The Ralph Emery Show as the ‘Soap Sisters’ and we’ve already had one winner. Don’t miss out on the fun!’” adds Naomi Judd.

Come back every Thursday as we celebrate another milestone in Judd Herstory! Good luck Juddheads!

Tue, 04/25/2017 - 8:43 am

Momentum continues for Kiefer Sutherland’s music career when he visits CBS's "The Talk" this Thursday, April 27 as a performer and lead guest. "The Talk" airs at 2pm EDT / 1pm CT. CLICK HERE for local listings.

Sutherland will chat about his debut album DOWN IN A HOLE and upcoming North American and European ‘Not Enough Whiskey 2017 Tour.’ Many shows have limited tickets available and additional dates have been added through September. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets.

When Sutherland wraps up the North American leg May 27 in Asbury Park, N.J., he’ll jet ‘across the pond’ to play more than 20 shows throughout Europe.

DOWN IN A HOLE includes 11 co-written tracks by Sutherland and producer Jude Cole. Reviewers applauded Sutherland’s vocals, guitar licks and songwriting style when he performed more than 70 dates in 2016.

Recently, Sutherland performed “Can’t Stay Away” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and “Calling Out Your Name” on “The View.” Sutherland also graced the cover of Guitar Aficionado, Goldmine Magazine and Collectible Guitar issues.

Sutherland, known for his starring role in the ABC series “Designated Survivor” and Fox series "24," also starred in movies like “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Young Guns,” “Flatliners,” “A Few Good Men,” “A Time to Kill,” “Dark City” “Melancholia” and most recently, a western called “Forsaken.”

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.

NOT ENOUGH WHISKEY TOUR 2017:
April 30 Stagecoach Festival - Indio, Calif.
May 02 Belly Up - Solana Beach, Calif. (SOLD OUT)
May 03 Roxy Theatre - Los Angeles, Calif.
May 04 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, Calif.
May 06 Mississippi Studios - Portland, Ore. (SOLD OUT)
May 07 Tractor Tavern - Seattle, Wash. (SOLD OUT)
May 09 Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, Utah
May 10 Fox Theatre - Boulder, Colo.
May 12 Choctaw Event Center - Grant, Okla.
May 13 3Ten - Austin, Texas
May 14 Gruene Hall - Houston, Texas (SOLD OUT)
May 17 Terminal West - Atlanta, Ga.
May 18 Singin' River Live - Florence, Ala.
May 19 Exit / In - Nashville, Tenn.
May 20 Fubar - St. Louis, Mo.
May 21 Thalia Hall - Chicago, Ill.
May 23 The Birchmere - Alexandria, Va. (SOLD OUT)
May 25 Bowery Ballroom - New York, N.Y.
May 26 Stephen Talkhouse - Amagansett, N.Y. (SOLD OUT)
May 27 The Stone Pony - Asbury Park, N.J.
June 01 Skraen - Aalborg, Denmark
June 03 Rockefeller - Oslo, Norway
June 04 Debaser Strand - Stockholm, Sweden
June 06 Mojo - Hamburg, Germany
June 07 Heimathafen - Berlin, Germany
June 08 Technikum - Munich, Germany
June 10 WUK - Vienna, Austria
June 12 Gloria - Cologne, Germany
June 13 Gibson - Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
June 14 La Cigale - Paris, France
June 16 013 - Tilburg, Netherlands
June 17 Melkweg - Amsterdam, Netherlands
June 18 Rockhal - Esch-Sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
June 20 Bierkeller - Bristol, UK
June 21 Worthy Farm - Pilton-Somerset, UK
June 21 O2 Academy - Birmingham, UK
June 22 Islington Assembly Hall - London, UK
June 23 Trucker & Country - Interlaken, Switzerland
June 25 Glastonbury Festival - Pilton-Somerset, UK
June 26 Manchester Gorilla - Manchester, UK (SOLD OUT)
June 27 SWG3 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Aug. 11 Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Medonte, Canada
Sept. 23 Bourbon & Beyond Festival - Louisville, Ky.

Mon, 05/22/2017 - 7:55 pm

Known as “southern rock royalty,” The Kentucky Headhunters are gearing up to take their rowdy, high-energy live show across the pond, as they return to the U.K. for a string of performances this fall. Supporting the American band will be U.K. rockers Bad Touch, who will join the Headhunters on all 8 shows this October.

“We first met Bad Touch when they were chosen as our support act after my son John Fred Young’s band, Black Stone Cherry, convinced us to do our first-ever U.K. tour in 2016. In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers,” said Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters. “There is a certain charm and charisma between the two bands that transcends to the fans of both bands, on stage and off. We’re proud to announce their return for this year's October U.K. dates. Simply put, it wouldn't be the same without them.”

The Kentucky Headhunters have been crisscrossing North America fresh off the 2016 release of On Safari, the band’s 12th studio album. A Plowboy Records/Practice House Records joint venture, the album combines southern rock, blues, Americana and country sounds sure to captivate audiences overseas. Click here to purchase On Safari.

The week of May 29, tune into The Heartland Network as members of the band look back on some of their most stand-out career memories. The half-hour interview show airs all week on various affiliates, check local listings here.

Stay up-to-date on all happenings on the road with The Kentucky Headhunters by following updates on their official website and on Facebook and Twitter!

THE KENTUCKY HEADHUNTERS ON TOUR:
May 26 The Cumberland County Playhouse – Crossville, Tenn.
June 03 Ward Nail Park – Lowell, Ark.
June 17 Hatbox Airfield – Muskogee, Okla.
June 23 Indian Lookout Country Club – Pattersonville, N.Y.
June 24 Billing Rock, Ribs and Ridges Festival – Augusta, N.J.
July 01 Jackson Douthitt Park – Jackson, Ky.
July 02 Concert on the Water – Arley, Ala.
July 07 HaveROCK Revival -- Havelock, Ont., CAN
July 08 Tolchester Marina – Chestertown, Md.
July 14 Anderson Music Hall -- Hiawassee, Ga.
July 15 Downtown Summer Nights – Decatur, Tenn.
July 22 Strawberry Festival -- Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador, CAN
July 28 Fayette County Fair – Dunbar, Pa.
July 29 Ozarks Amphitheater – Camdenton, Mo.
Aug. 05 Race Days Festival – Raceland, Ky.
Aug. 10 Elk County Fair – Kersey, Pa.
Aug. 11 Mason County Fair – Point Pleasant. W. Va.
Aug. 12 Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center – Florence, S.C.
Aug. 14 Henry County Fair – Napoleon, Ohio
Aug. 18 Taylor County Fair – Grafton, W.Va.
Aug. 19 Harley Davidson of Atlanta – Lithia Springs, Ga.
Aug. 25 Crawford County Fair – Gays Mills, Wis.
Aug. 26 Chattooga County Ag Fair – Summerville, Ga.
Sept. 02 The Shed – Maryville, Tenn.
Sept. 14 Warren County A&L Fair – McMinnville, Tenn.
Sept. 15 Eldorado Town & Country Days – Eldorado, Ill.
Sept. 16 Tradewater Music Fest – Providence, Ky.
Sept. 23 Big Spring Park for Bridge Bash – Cotter, Ark.
Sept. 30 Gram Parson's Guitar Pull & Tribute Festival – Waycross, Ga.
Oct. 02 Robin 2 – Bilston, U.K.
Oct. 03 Rescue Rooms – Nottingham, U.K.
Oct. 05 Local Authority – Sheffield, U.K.
Oct. 06 Waterfront – Norwich, U.K.
Oct. 07 Boston Music Rooms – London, U.K.
Oct. 08 Club Academy – Manchester, U.K.
Oct. 09 Cluny – Newcastle, U.K.
Oct. 10 O2, ABC2 – Glasgow, U.K.
Oct. 14 Jenny Wiley Festival – Prestonsburg, Ky.
Oct. 21 Rockers, Riders & Ribs – Longview, Texas

Sat, 05/27/2017 - 1:37 pm

Rhonda Vincent, who The Wall Street Journal dubbed “The New Queen of Bluegrass,” is teaming up with country sensation Daryle Singletary for the upcoming duets album, American Grandstand, set for release July 7. The project delivers real traditional country music with a unique American twist. This must-have album will be released via Upper Management Music, and fans can pre-order American Grandstand HERE.

“I’ve always loved singing with Daryle Singletary. He’s one of the greatest singers in this generation of country music,” said Vincent. “It’s so fun to sing with someone who challenges me as a singer. The songs were given great thought, along with one that was totally unexpected. It’s one of the best projects I’ve ever been part of. I am so proud of this recording, and I cannot wait for the world to hear our wonderful creation, American Grandstand.”

The lead single, “One,” offers the very first taste of American Grandstand. The slow love song takes fans on a musical journey. The track may sound familiar, as it was previously made famous by country legends George Jones and Tammy Wynette, whose demanding vocal duets helped propel both acts to superstardom. Singletary and Vincent first performed “One” together at the legendary Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium in April of 2016. Due to the overwhelming response, the dynamic pair chose to add the track to American Grandstand.

Standout songs include the title track, which was written by Vincent. When Vincent and Singletary were first trying to think of a title, American Grandstand stood out, which by definition is “to behave or speak in a way that is intended to impress people and to gain public approval.” This isn’t Vincent’s first venture into country music, as her previous Grammy-nominated studio album Only Me featured a combination of six traditional country songs and six bluegrass tracks, featuring “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” which is also included on American Grandstand.

“Rhonda and I have been singing together since my first CD on Giant Records in 1994. I've been a fan of Rhonda's singing before that, but since then for sure and it's obvious as she has sung on most of my Indie records as a background vocalist or a duet partner,” said Daryle Singletary. “If you love traditional country music, and remember songs originally sung by well-known duet partners like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, and Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens, this is a must-have CD that we are extremely excited about.”

Fans will have the chance to experience both Singletary and Vincent together as they play select shows later this year (full schedule HERE). Fans in the Nashville area will get multiple opportunities to experience traditional music at its finest, as the pair will appear on the hit show, “Music City Roots," along with an appearance at CMA Music Festival, plus a must-see album release party at The Nashville Palace.

American Grandstand Track Listing:
1. Above and Beyond
2. One
3. After The Fire Is Gone
4. American Grandstand
5. Slowly But Surely
6. As We Kiss Our World Goodbye
7. Can’t Live Life
8. Golden Ring
9. We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds
10. Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man
11. A Picture of Me Without You
12. Up This Hill and Down

Mon, 06/05/2017 - 7:31 am

Fans of the “Father of Bluegrass Music” have a unique opportunity to own the rights to the name and likeness to Bill Monroe. Regarded as the man who started the format, Monroe joined the WSM Grand Ole Opry in 1939, and was a member for almost six decades – until his passing in September 1996. One of the few members of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Monroe’s musical legacy included legendary stints on Columbia Records and MCA / Decca, with whom he was associated for forty years. Monroe cast a shadow over music by influencing a wide variety of musical artists.

“I’d still rather listen to Bill and Charlie Monroe than any current record. That’s what America is all about, to me.” / Bob Dylan

“In all of history, he’s the biggest single influence in Country Music. And, he didn’t just influence Country Music, he influenced music in general.” / Ricky Skaggs

Offering the name, image, and likeness of such an American icon is something that is both an honor and a privilege. “While at Buddy Lee Attractions, I was the agent for Bill Monroe for over ten years. I thought of Mr. Monroe as a national treasure. He was like a grandfather to me. We were good friends,” says Tony Conway. The ownership also includes rights to the name “Blue Grass Boys,” which was the name of Bill’s band – a who’s who of greats that over the years has included Flatt & Scruggs, Gordon Terry, Mac Wiseman, Del McCoury, and Stringbean (David Akeman).

In addition to the name and likeness offering – also available are the rights to the BillMonroe.com website, fans can also own several exciting parts of the Bill Monroe legacy – beginning with the historic Uncle Pen’s Cabin in his hometown of Rosine, Kentucky. A home that has special significance in the history of Bluegrass Music, it’s where young Bill went to live with his Uncle after the passing of both parents in 1927. As the only child among his siblings who went to live with Pendleton Vandiver, Monroe received an education about the music of the area from his Uncle through the historic fiddle tunes he would learn – a musical legend that he would eventually take to stages around the world. Bill left the home in 1929, but the music he was exposed to would take hold. Monroe crafted the iconic “Uncle Pen” as a tribute. Over the years, the song was covered by artists such as Hank Williams, Jr., Buck Owens, and Ricky Skaggs – who made it the first Bluegrass song to top the charts in over two decades in 1984. The song received a BMI Award for over one million plays. The home has been in the Monroe family since Bill’s son James bought it in 1973, building the cabin with the original logs. Over the years, many of Bill’s contemporaries have visited the site, including Don Reno, Jimmy Martin, and Lester Flatt, and thousands of Bill’s fans from around the world.
 
Also being offered in one separate bundle is Bill Monroe memorabilia and personal items, the likes of which has never been available – and will never be available to the public again. Included among the items are over 1,800 personal and business checks – including some written to Earl Scruggs, Ralph Stanley, and Johnny Paycheck; two knives and three wrist watches owned by Monroe, his back brace, social security card, ATM Card and Gas Cards, Christmas Cards, thousands of his personal papers and collectibles, suits, coats, shoes, ties, and even his Last Will and Testament. The collection also includes his own personal record collection, and one of his fiddles – which he kept for sixty-seven years (and has his initials inscribed inside of it!) and an extensive merchandise collection that includes T-Shirts and CD’s of Bill’s, son James’s, caps, 8 by 10 pictures, commemorative plates – and even his own mailing list, with over 10,000 addresses!
 
But, there’s even more. There are well over 250 live recordings from Bill’s Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival that will be offered in one exclusive package. Monroe started the festival in 1967, and it thrives to this day – fifty years after its’ inception. Over the years, performers who have played Bean Blossom include Blue Highway, Chris Hillman, J.D. Crowe & The New South, John Hartford, Patty Loveless, and Rhonda Vincent.
 
And, then….there’s parts of the famous Gibson 1923 Lloyd Loar that is on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame. An extra set of tuning keys and a bridge that was replaced. These items from the most famous mandolin in the world are priceless!
 
It goes without saying that this is going to be a private opportunity of historic proportions, and there will be interest from buyers around the world. Interested parties should contact Tony Conway, Conway Entertainment Group, the exclusive agent for the Bill Monroe Estate, at 615-724-1818 for more information.

Wed, 06/21/2017 - 6:10 pm

Kiefer Sutherland’s cinematic “Shirley Jean” video, which tells the story of a man's last night on death row, taking the form of a goodbye letter to a woman he once loved, premieres on CMT channels and platforms June 21.

"It was the one song on the album that obviously was not a very personal story from my own life," Sutherland tells Rolling Stone Country. "I had a huge respect for Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard. These guys wrote about the dirtier side of life and the tougher aspects of life. Cash realized he wasn't a ‘bad guy,’ and that maybe some of these people in prison aren’t 'bad guys.' He gave them a kind of dignity that I really respected. He created an avenue of forgiveness that I don't think was as available at that time. I love the way he did that. So I really wanted to write a song about that."

Sutherland’s “Shirley Jean” will air the following dates and times:

CMT Music / Wednesday, June 21
7:41am ET41am ET
9:15am ET
11:55am ET
3:16pm ET
5:56pm ET
7:42pm ET
9:12pm ET
11:56pm ET
1:40am ET
3:16am ET
5:55am ET

“Shirley Jean” is the third video releases from his debut album DOWN IN A HOLE (click here to download).

Sutherland is currently in Europe playing sold out shows after a nationwide U.S. tour in May. CLICK HERE to purchase tickets to additional dates on sale now (tour dates below).

Keep up with Sutherland on the road by visiting kiefersutherlandmusic.com or connect with Sutherland by following him on Twitter and Facebook.  

NOT ENOUGH WHISKEY TOUR 2017:
June 21 O2 Academy - Birmingham, United Kingdom
June 22 Islington Assembly Hall - London, United Kingdom
June 23 Trucker & Country - Interlaken, Switzerland
June 26 Manchester Gorilla - Manchester, United Kingdom
June 27 SWG3 - Glasgow, United Kingdom
Aug. 11 Boots & Hearts Festival - Oro-Medonte, Canada
Aug. 18 Indianapolis State Fair - Indianapolis, Ind. 
Aug. 20 Canadian National Exhibition - Toronto, Canada 
Sept. 24 Bourbon & Beyond Festival - Louisville, Ky. 
Nov. 04 Flato Markham Theatre - Markham, Canada  

Fri, 06/23/2017 - 6:31 am

Country Music lcon Kenny Rogers set the tone during The Nation We Build Together gala opening at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History last night. Performing in front of the gallery that houses The Star-Spangled Banner, the actual flag that inspired what is now the national anthem, Rogers sang his song “’Merica” illustrated with his photo images of the landscapes and people of “the land that I love…America.”

The Nation We Build Together is a presentation of four exhibitions and interactive experiences that invite audiences to immerse themselves in the fundamental American stories, from the founding of the country, through today. The newly transformed second floor of the museum’s west wing opens June 28th.

Following the six-song set, which also included “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” “Lucille,” “The Gambler,” “Islands In The Stream,” and “You Can’t Make Old Friends” to a capacity crowd of 600 guests, the museum acknowledged Rogers’ “unique contribution to American music.” The honor was presented by the museum’s director John Gray and Ambassador Nicholas Taubman, chairman of the museum’s board.

“I thank you more than you know for the gift of that experience,” Rogers remarked. “Who would believe that a child from the projects in Houston, Texas could ultimately end up in The Smithsonian Institution? It is truly the American Dream.”

After more than five decades of touring and entertaining the world, Kenny Rogers is currently in the middle of his final worldwide tour: “The Gambler’s Last Deal,” which is expected to run into 2018.

Rogers has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide. He has charted a record within each of the last seven decades. The first country artist to consistently sell out arenas, Rogers achieved pop superstardom as well — his 28 Billboard Adult Contemporary Top 10's rank him fourth-best of all time among men, trailing only Elton John, Neil Diamond, and Elvis Presley. Rogers has recorded 24 No. 1 hits, 12 No. 1 albums, 25 Top 10 country albums and is the RIAA’s eighth best-selling male solo artist of all time. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has received three GRAMMY® Awards, 11 People's Choice Awards, 19 American Music Awards, eight Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and six Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, among many other accolades.

For the most up-to-date information on ticket on-sale dates, please visit: www.kennyrogers.com.

Wed, 06/28/2017 - 10:43 am

Grammy and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer and Legendary Soul Man Sam Moore will join Dan Aykroyd and Jim Belushi of The Blues Brothers for a special guest performance on the 37th annual edition of PBS’ A CAPITOL FOURTH, broadcast live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Named one of the “Top 100 Greatest Singers of All Time” by Rolling Stone Magazine, Moore is best known as one half of the famed Grammy-winning R&B duo Sam & Dave. Their monster hit "Soul Man" catapulted them up both the Pop and R&B Charts selling more than 10 million records worldwide. The Blues Brothers, who based their stage presence and personae on Sam & Dave, premiered their breakthrough, high‐energy rendition of “Soul Man” during their national television debut in 1978 on Saturday Night Live.

“I couldn’t think of a more fitting way to honor the 50th anniversary of the release of my 1967 Grammy winning song ‘Soul Man’ than to be asked to perform it with the Blues Brothers on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol,” said Sam Moore, whose album An American Patriot is scheduled for release later this summer.

A CAPITOL FOURTH airs on PBS Tuesday, July 4, 2017 from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET before a concert audience of hundreds of thousands, millions more at home, as well as to our troops serving around the world on the American Forces Network. The program can also be heard live in stereo over NPR member stations nationwide. The concert will also be live-streamed online on Facebook Live and pbs.org/a-capitol-fourth and available as Video on Demand for a limited time only, July 4 to July 18, 2017.

Emmy Award-nominated actor and producer John Stamos (FULLER HOUSE, SCREAM QUEENS) will host A CAPITOL FOURTH, with performances by: iconic multi-platinum selling music legends The Beach Boys, with special guests John Stamos (drums) and Sugar Ray’s Mark McGrath (vocals); legendary Motown stars The Four Tops; country music star and Grammy-nominated member of the Grand Ole Opry Trace Adkins; THE VOICE Season 12 winner Chris Blue; multi-talented actress and singer Sofia Carson (DESCENDENTS 2); acclaimed country music singer and songwriter Kellie Pickler, Grammy-nominated gospel legend Yolanda Adams and Broadway star and two-time Tony Award nominee Laura Osnes (BANDSTAND) with the National Symphony Orchestra under the direction of top pops conductor Jack Everly.

The program is a co-production of Michael Colbert of Capital Concerts and WETA, Washington, D.C. Executive producer Michael Colbert has assembled an award-winning production team that features the top Hollywood talent behind some of television’s most prestigious entertainment awards shows including the GRAMMY AWARDS, COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS, TONY AWARDS, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, and more.

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 9:24 am

Blackbird Presents and Kenny Rogers are proud to announce “All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers’ Farewell Concert Celebration,” an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7PM CT. This once-in-a-lifetime concert event will honor Kenny Rogers' historic 60-year career and will feature the final performance together by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton, one of popular music’s most beloved duets of all time.

“As I'm bringing this chapter of my career to a close, this will be an unforgettable way to celebrate with my talented friends, who I'm so grateful to have crossed paths with,” says Kenny Rogers. “It means so much that they would feel compelled to do this for me. Of course, the night would not be the same without Dolly Parton being part of it. We've enjoyed a special friendship for decades, and I'll forever look back fondly on the many collaborations, performances, and laughs we've shared as some of the most extraordinary moments of my career. I know it will be a moving experience for us standing on that stage together for one last time."

This one-night-only concert event taping will bring together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers. “All In For The Gambler” will feature performances by Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, Elle King and many other special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

“Kenny is like a family member to me. We have been friends for over 30 years and made musical magic together. Since 1983, when we released ‘Islands In The Stream,’ everyone has had an expectation to see Kenny everywhere I go and me with him wherever he goes,” says Dolly Parton. “Well, I guess for many of those fans that wanted to see us together, this will be that night. Performing with Kenny for the last time ever on October 25th is going to be emotional for both of us, but it’s also going to be very special. Even though Kenny may be retiring, as he fades from the stage, our love for each other will never fade away.”

Tickets go on sale July 21, 2017 at 10AM CT online at Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center.

In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers has left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me,” and “Through the Years” are just a handful of Kenny Rogers' songs that continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. Rogers, with twenty-four number-one hits, is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.

Blackbird Presents’ Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of Nashville’s recent highly acclaimed “Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard,” is the creator and executive producer of “All In For The Gambler.” GRAMMY® Award Winner Don Was will serve as music director, and preside over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. Kenny Rogers’ manager, Ken Levitan, also serves as executive producer. The event will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital).

"Like millions of fans around the world, Kenny Rogers has been the soundtrack of my life. As he finishes out this beautiful victory lap of touring life, I am honored and privileged to create and produce a show celebrating this special artist on this monumental occasion.” says Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents.

Tue, 08/08/2017 - 6:45 pm

"Well Glen Campbell was special because he was so gifted. Glen is one of the greatest voices that ever was in the business, and he was one of the greatest musicians. He was a wonderful session musician as well. A lot of people don’t realize that, but he could play anything. And he could play it really well. So he was just extremely talented. I will always love you, Glen!" – Dolly Parton

Video Here: dropbox.com/s/m8h3zox1j7kotr5/GlenCampbell01_V01R01.mp4?dl=0
 
“Glen Campbell is such an incredible talent. Glen Campbell filled a niche in American music that very few people have ever reached. He was considered both pop and country, and not just one record or one little phase in his career, but years and years and years of his career. He represented the best of the pop and the best of country, and he went that kind of middle ground. He pulled people in from both sides. It was a great thing for country music, and frankly, for pop music. He was an incredibly talented guitar player. A lot of people have heard Glen Campbell’s brand that don’t even realize it. He was a studio musician in Los Angles for a lot of years and he did a lot of work for a lot of artist we’re very familiar with. He had a great, God-given talent. We’ve seen him host television shows, he plays great guitar, he sings great and he entertains. Glen Campbell was one of the most unique people that has come along in the music business in my lifetime.” – Charlie Daniels
 
Video Here: spaces.hightail.com/space/lAfuTSTNFm
 
"It's always tragic when you hear of a friend passing, but he had to be miserable that last few years of his life. At least he doesn't have to deal with that anymore. We worked together a lot through the years. In fact, Glen played on almost all First Edition music. He played a dynamic riff on the guitar that was trend setting. I also shot a few of his album covers back in the day and, at the time, I never knew people were paid to do that, but a few weeks later I received a check in the mail that was unexpected and highly received. I'll never forget that. He was a good friend and it breaks my heart that he's not here to contribute to music anymore." – Kenny Rogers
 
“When I first came to Nashville, Tennessee to join the Oak Ridge Boys in 1973, I wasn’t with the group two weeks before Duane Allen took me to the CMA Awards, my first ever. I rented a tuxedo that looked like a high school prom tuxedo—horrible. That was the best I could do at the time. Glen Campbell came out and sang ‘By the Time I Get To Phoenix,’ and sat on the edge of the stage and sang it. I loved Glen Campbell. I had all of his records up to that point. I could not believe that I was sitting in the Opry House, actually watching Glen Campbell sing. Over the years, we became very good friends.” – Joe Bonsall (The Oak Ridge Boys) [video]
 
“I think probably, the sweetest time I had with Glen Campbell is when I would be with him, pitching songs to each other. Glen Campbell was one of the great song men I’ve ever met in my life. Glen taught me so much about the importance of finding great songs. When we worked together, which was many times, like in Branson, when we opened up the Palace Theatre. We opened it up together. We would wind up on our bus, playing songs until one night we played so long that he just fell asleep. He just didn’t want to give it up, and he would wake up at the end of the song and say ‘Play another one.’ I’d say, ‘don’t you think we need to go to sleep?’ He’d say ‘Yeah, but I’d just love to hear these new songs.’ We would just keep playing song. One time we were out in the Sparks, Nevada working with Mel Tillis and he said ‘Glen called and he wants us to come over to Tahoe and play some songs.’ So we got in Mel’s plane and flew to Tahoe, and we played songs at Glen’s place, just played songs for each other for about two hours until we were horse. Then we flew back to Sparks, did our shows and Glen did his at Lake Tahoe. Short time ago I went to visit Glen at the home where he was staying and handed him a guitar. He picked it up and strummed it a little bit, gave me a big smile, and it was hard to see a man who looked really healthy, looked really good, still smiled real big, but not be able to communicate like he once did. But I have so many memories of him. And I pray that someday, we’ll find a cure or treatment for Alzheimer’s and those people who need help and that’s my one prayer." – Duane Allen (The Oak Ridge Boys) [video]

"Glen Campbell was such a huge influence on me. Growing up, I studied his writing, songs and how he was an 'entertainer's entertainer.' Along with Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Porter Wagoner, Glen Campbell was one of the first to parlay country music into mainstream television and broaden the entire country music fan base across the globe. Ride on Rhinestone Cowboy. God Bless." – Billy Ray Cyrus
 
“As a musician, he was a hero. As an Arkansan, he was a hero. RIP Glen.” – Justin Moore

"Sorry to hear about my good friend Glen. The loss is too big to put into words. He was an incredible voice, incredible musician, incredible friend, movie star and recording artist. We had so much fun together, and sort of grew up together in our music and our careers. There were so many memories that only he and I shared. Glen and I were brothers in every sense of the word. When I hear or see his name, I see the Glen I've always known. There will never, ever be another Glen Campbell." – Roy Clark
 
"I knew Glen for more than 50 years. We met on the set of a TV show in Toronto in 1964, and like everybody else in our business, I was a huge fan. One of my treasured memories is the day Glen and I sat together, just the two of us and his guitar, and recorded a "Bill Anderson Visits with the Legends" radio show for XM satellite radio. We laughed, sang and visited like two neighbors across a picket fence. I'll remember it forever." – Bill Anderson
 
“It’s sad to hear of the passing of yet another great musical genius. His music will live on! Some of the greatest country songs ever to be written or sung. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Campbell family in their time of sorrow and loss.” – KC of KC and the Sunshine Band
 
"I had the pleasure of inducting Glen into the Country Music Hall of Fame. He could write it, sing it and play it. He was a triple threat. He never forgot his friends and made room for them on any project could. He was one of the finest musicians I've ever known and certainly the prowess of his entertainment legacy goes without saying that. He was our golden boy. We loved him and the world loved him." – Brenda Lee
 
“I don’t think there is any doubt that under the circumstances of his health the past several years, his passing was inevitable. But that doesn’t take away from it and the fact that he was one of the greatest in the business. Vocally and instrumentally there was no one like him and the music business is a better place because of him. I will always cherish the fact that he played on many of my recordings in the 60s. I was proud to know him and to work with him. We sure will miss him.” – Leroy Van Dyke
 
“I grew up loving Glen Campbell and am so sad to see him go. The greatest all around talent ever in country music.” – John Rich of Big and Rich
 
“I'm sad to learn of the passing of one of my heroes and friends, Glen Campbell. I loved his singing and guitar playing but I really admired him for his down to earth and friendly personality. I spent only a week working with him in Branson and he made us all feel like old friends. Rest In Peace old buddy." – Mark Chesnutt
 
“I did my grieving for Glen when I first heard he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s because I knew we had lost the gift of his talent and his friendship. I’m glad he is not suffering any longer and I hope he is now at peace.” – Jeannie Seely
 
“Glen Campbell touched so many lives during his time on this earth! He sang one of my all time favorite songs, Rhinestone Cowboy. He was such a talented singer, songwriter and actor. Today country music has lost yet another great and legend. May God watch over his family and fans through these tough times ahead. Rest in peace the one and only Glen Campbell!” – Shane Owens
 
“We lost another one of my heroes. One of the greatest singers, songwriters and musicians. He had it all. We are going to miss him dearly.” – Moe Bandy
 
“I was, am and always will be a Glen Campbell fan.” – Ronnie McDowell
 
“My hero... My Friend... Glen Campbell, is gone. My heart is heavy... A lot of memories...the end to a beautiful era in music. His incredible legacy is what we have now. Thank you, my friend, for always treating me as an equal, though clearly I am not. May God comfort your sweet family, and welcome you into His presence. The Heavenly Band, just got way better. I love you, Glen. Happy Trails." – Collin Raye
 
“Glen Campbell inspired millions with his TV show, including me. ‘Gentle on My Mind’ and ‘Wichita Lineman’ were in my repertoire before I ever started making records. He was also a fixture in Clovis, NM where Buddy Holly made his mark. Millions followed him and millions will miss him." – Gary Morris

“There's never been a better musician or a greater artist than Glen Campbell. I admired him and respected his talent.” – Lee Greenwood
 
“Glen Campbell brought a little more sophistication and class to country music. He not only entertained country fans, but his crossover success in the pop genre made him a true pioneer of his time. He had a huge hand in growing and expanding country music and that’s all any of us could hope to someday do.” –Frank Foster
 
“Even though Glen has been sick for a while, the news of his death is still very shocking to us. With all the live shows we did together, we just used to always stay around and watch his shows because of the songs and his beautiful voice. We will miss Glen dearly.” – David Bellamy of the Bellamy Brothers
 
"There are only so many artists that you can truly call icons. Glen Campbell was surely one of the brightest of those. His class, amazing vocal style, instrumental prowess and authenticity made him one of the best of all time. He will be deeply missed but his music will live on with us forever!" – Tim Rushlow
 
"Glen Campbell was a living legend. He was not only one of my favorite singer/musicians, but also helped create some of my favorite sounding music from other genres. He was part of The Beach Boys sound (the wrecking crew!) He created some of the main songs that still grace my playlist daily. His family will be in my prayers.” – Mark Wills
 
"Glen Campbell was a generational talent whose multiple gifts transcends genres while simultaneously defining them. His music also helped define my childhood. He's a big part of popular music history, and we're all lucky as hell for that...May he rest well... There will never be another like him." – Ray Scott
 
“What a great loss for Country Music and the world. Glen Campbell was one of the all-time greats as a singer, musician and entertainer, as well as a TV host and actor. He did it all and remained a down-home, salt of the earth man. He was a true gentleman who was always quick to say hello as if he was your neighbor. He was able to rise above all formats, as he hit the top of the charts in country and pop/rock virtually side by side. A remarkable feat by a most remarkable man.” – Gene Watson
 
"I'm so sad hearing the news of Glen's death today. As a kid, I was a big fan of ‘Glen Campbell's Goodtime Hour’ television show. ‘Wichita Lineman,’ and ‘By the Time I Get to Phoenix’ are two of my favorites and are absolute masterpieces. The depth of his talent and the ease with which he sang and played guitar was mesmerizing to watch! Flawless! You are loved Glen! My heart goes out to his family and friends." – Sylvia
 
“This is so sad. One of my proudest moments with Glen was when he borrowed my guitar for a TV Taping in Nashville.  He is a respected talent. He was a great artist…I recently recorded one of his hit songs ‘Try a Little Kindness so I take a little bit of Glen with me everywhere I go.” – Janie Fricke
 
“I loved him and I am happy he is in a better place. My memories with Glen go back to my early teens. My dad brought home a Glen Campbell album, and from that time on I loved Glen Campbell. I was a huge fan. I was always in awe of him and he was one of the most talented people I have ever known. When I joined Statler Brothers in the early 80s I got to be on the ‘Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour’ with Jerry Reed and I could not believe it. He was always so nice and I admired the man and his talent. I will get to pay a small tribute to Glen with the song of his ‘Southern Nights,’ which I did on my latest album. What a loss. His presence will forever be missed.” – Jimmy Fortune

"I did many shows with Brother Glen. He was always a sweetheart, gentleman and good friend. I will greatly miss him. God bless his family." – T. Graham Brown
 
“Our Business takes a long time to recover from the loss of a giant star like Glen Campbell. I’m sure the night sky will for sure be brighter now that he has ascended home to our heavenly Father. His music inspired not only me, but many generations.” – T.G. Sheppard
 
"It's so sad to see another icon taken from us. He influenced so many musicians and artists. His music will live on forever." – Olivia Lane
 
“Glen Campbell is a hero to me because not only was he a phenomenal guitar player, but because he had that style and swagger about him. He was the bling man, come on! Rhinestone cowboy, live forever.” – Craig Wayne Boyd
 
“Rest In Peace one of our musical heroes, Glen Campbell – a true genius. What a musical legacy you left us!” – EXILE

Wed, 08/09/2017 - 9:28 am
Music stars Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, Lady Antebellum and Wynonna Judd have been added to the momentous lineup for "All In For The Gambler: Kenny Rogers' Farewell Concert Celebration," an all-star concert event taping at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 7PM CT. In addition, The Judds (Wynonna and Naomi Judd) will reunite for an unforgettable performance.
 
The new additions to the lineup will join previously announced artists Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Little Big Town, Alison Krauss, The Flaming Lips, Idina Menzel, Jamey Johnson, and Elle King.
 
The final block of tickets is now available via Ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the T.J. Martell Foundation and the Kenny Rogers Children's Center.
 
This once-in-a-lifetime concert event will honor Kenny Rogers' historic 60-year career and will feature the final performance together by Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
 
“It is a great honor to learn that my friends Reba, Lady Antebellum, Chris Stapleton, Wynonna, and The Judds will be performing at this show,” says Kenny Rogers. “I admire each one of them for the music they create and for the integrity that is always evident in their work. Having them be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime night is going to make things even more exciting for me. I appreciate them doing this, and all of the other artists who will perform, more than they know.”
 
In a career that has spanned more than six decades, Kenny Rogers has left an indelible mark on the history of American music. His songs have endeared music lovers and touched the lives of millions around the world. Chart-topping hits like "The Gambler," "Lady," "Islands In The Stream," "Lucille," "She Believes In Me," and "Through the Years" are just a handful of Kenny Rogers' songs that continue to inspire new generations of artists and fans alike. Rogers, with twenty-four number-one hits, is a Country Music Hall of Fame member, six-time CMA Awards winner, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner, recipient of the CMA Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013, CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award honoree in 2015 and has been voted the "Favorite Singer of All Time" in a joint poll by readers of both USA Today and People.
 
Blackbird Presents' Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of Nashville's recent highly acclaimed "Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard," is the creator and executive producer of "All In For The Gambler." GRAMMY® Award Winner Don Was will serve as music director, and preside over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. Kenny Rogers' manager, Ken Levitan, also serves as executive producer. The event will be filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital).
 
"Like millions of fans around the world, Kenny Rogers has been the soundtrack of my life. As he finishes out this beautiful victory lap of touring life, I am honored and privileged to create and produce a show celebrating this special artist on this monumental occasion." says Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents.
Thu, 08/10/2017 - 7:19 am

In recent years, groundbreaking country music icon Tanya Tucker has been quietly writing and recording new music while coping with a wave of emotions surrounding Glen Campbell’s battle with Alzheimer's disease. While their relationship and breakup made headlines years ago, Tucker channeled her heartfelt feelings for Campbell in a new song titled “Forever Loving You.” A portion of the proceeds from “Forever Loving You” will benefit Alzheimer's Foundation of America, a non-profit organization which provides programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, as well as funds research towards a cure for Alzheimer’s.

Tanya Tucker statement on passing of Glen Campbell:

“I’m just devastated. Absolutely devastated. It’s been so hard these past several years knowing what he’s been going through. My heart just breaks. Glen and I shared some incredible, precious memories together for a long time. There were some ups and downs and, of course, all the downs were played out in the press. We both got past all that. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing. It’s why I’m releasing “Forever Loving You” in memory of Glen and for all of those who are losing or have lost someone they love. I’ll forever love you, Glen.”

Tucker co-wrote “Forever Loving You” with Michael Lynn Rogers and Rusty Crowe, a Tennessee State Senator who co-sponsored the Campbell/Falk Act. The Tennessee law protects communication rights for people who've become wards of the state and those who have conservators over their financial and living situations.

Follow Tanya Tucker on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube or visit tanyatucker.com.

TANYA TUCKER 2017 TOUR:
Aug. 11 Golden Nugget Biloxi – Biloxi, Miss.
Aug. 12 Golden Nugget Lake Charles – Lake Charles, La.
Aug. 19 Kipawa Countryfest – Kipawa, Que.
Aug. 20 South Mountain Fair – South Mountain, Ont.
Aug. 25 Greenup Cumberland County Fair – Greenup, Ill.
Aug. 26 Secrest Auditorium – Zanesville, Ohio
Aug. 30 Minnesota State Fair – Saint Paul, Minn.
Aug. 31 Minnesota State Fair – Saint Paul, Minn.
Sept. 09 Sugar Creek Casino – Hinton, Okla.
Sept. 15 Rialto Square Theatre – Joliet, Ill.
Sept. 16 Andy Williams Moon River Theatre – Branson, Mo.
Sept. 23 5D Steakhouse & Lounge – Yorktown, Texas
Oct. 06 Billy Bob’s Texas – Fort Worth, Texas
Oct. 07 House Pasture Cattle Company – Concan, Texas
Oct. 22 Festival Grounds – Niceville, Fla.
Dec. 05 Higley Center For The Performing Arts – Gilbert, Ariz.
Dec. 08 Harris Center For The Arts – Folsom, Calif.
Dec. 10 Parker Arts – Parker, Colo.
Dec. 12 Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino – Las Vegas, Nevada
May 05 Mill Town Music Hall – Bremen, Ga

Thu, 08/17/2017 - 8:12 am

At a recent press conference before media reps and their children as special guests, world renowned entertainer Dolly Parton announced the release of I Believe In You, her first album written and recorded for kids and those young at heart. A digital release of the new album on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville will be available September 29, whereas the physical album will street worldwide on October 13. All 14 tracks on I Believe In You were written and performed by Dolly Parton.

“My first album was released 50 years ago and it's been an amazing 50 years since then. I am very excited that now I'm coming out with my first children's album in all of those 50 years. I'm proudest of all that all of the proceeds from this CD will go to the Imagination Library,” Dolly said. “It's been 20 years since the Imagination Library was launched. We've seen 100 million books get into the hands of children and hopefully there will be many more.”

Since its beginning in 1996 in Dolly’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee, the Imagination Library has expanded into four countries serving more than one-million children by providing a brand new, age-appropriate book each month. In North America, every child’s first book is the classic Little Engine that Could.

With children seated around her in front of the fireside living room set that was built for the Smoky Mountains Rise Telethon last December, Dolly Parton revealed her I Believe In You album cover (above) and track listing (below).
 
I Believe In You Track Listing

  1. I Believe in You
  2. Coat of Many Colors (new recording)
  3. Together Forever
  4. I Am a Rainbow
  5. I’m Here
  6. A Friend Like You
  7. Imagination
  8. You Can Do It
  9. Responsibility
  10. You Gotta Be
  11. Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny
  12. Chemo Hero
  13. Brave Little Soldier
  14. Bonus track spoken audio: Coat of Many Colors (book read by Dolly Parton)

Tracks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 were produced by Tom McBryde and executive produced by Paul T. Couch. Tracks 2, 11, 12, and 13 were produced by Tom Rutledge and Richard Dennison and executive produced by Dolly Parton.
 
Before and after reading her “Coat Of Many Colors” book, she treated the kids and media to a performance of three songs featured on the new album, “I Believe in You,” “Makin’ Fun Ain’t Funny” and “Brave Little Soldier.” The press conference ended with Dolly answering questions and taking family photos with all the guests.

Wed, 08/30/2017 - 9:13 am

BMG has announced it will release legendary rockabilly and country music pioneer Wanda Jackson’s autobiography Every Night Is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on November 14, 2017. The iconic performer known as the “Queen of Rockabilly” and the “First Lady of Rock & Roll” landed more than thirty singles on the country and pop charts between 1954 and 1974. Featuring over eighty photographs from her personal collection and a foreword by Elvis Costello,Every Night is Saturday Night is the rockin’ great-grandmother’s chance to finally share the story of her fascinating life and career in her own words.

Jackson's debut single, "You Can't Have My Love," reached the Top 10 while she was still a sixteen-year-old high school student. She hit the road after graduation, playing package shows with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley, who gave Wanda his ring and asked her to be "his girl." With Presley's encouragement, the Oklahoma native began recording rock music, often releasing singles with country on one side and rock on the other during her decade-and-a-half tenure on Capitol Records.
 
Known for her energetic stage shows and pioneering presence as a female artist, Wanda stormed the charts with a series of hit singles, including "Let's Have a Party," "Right or Wrong," and "In the Middle of a Heartache." With over 40 albums to her credit, Wanda has proven to be an enduring and genre-defying legend of American music.

In Every Night is Saturday Night, Wanda tells the story of being discovered by Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Thompson; why she refused to return to the Grand Ole Opry for more than fifty years; the challenges she and her integrated band, The Party Timers, faced when touring in a less racially tolerant era; personal memories of her relationship with Elvis; and how she ultimately found the love of her life.

Along the way, Wanda reveals details about her first boyfriend, who went on to become a well-known pioneer of country music’s Bakersfield Sound; how she launched the career of country star Roy Clark; the challenges she faced as a woman who introduced sex appeal to country music and growling femininity to rock & roll; her recent work with rock luminaries such as Jack White and Joan Jett; and how her deep faith has sustained her over more than seven decades of rocking, shocking, and thrilling audiences around the globe.

Wanda will launch the book with several public events and book signings around its release, including Tuesday, November 14 at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and Saturday, December 2 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville.

Thu, 09/14/2017 - 7:27 pm

Country Music Hall of Fame members and five-time GRAMMY winning group, The Oak Ridge Boys, announced they will release a project with acclaimed producer Dave Cobb in the first quarter of 2018.

At a listening event during Americana Music Association AmericanaFest at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, where the album was recorded, the Oaks performed songs from the yet-untitled project recorded with multi-award winning producer Dave Cobb. This is the group’s second project with Cobb, who produced the Oaks’ acclaimed The Boys Are Back album released in 2009.

For the new project, Cobb’s vision for the Oaks was to dig way back into their roots of gospel music. But a different kind of gospel. One that took a hard look at the early days of rock and roll, which was influenced by spiritual, or black gospel. The album will be released by Lightning Rod Records and distributed by Thirty Tigers.

According to Logan Rogers, founder of Lightning Rod Records, “Everyone has heard the Boys sing gospel, but nobody has heard it quite like this. Under Dave Cobb’s direction, they touch on unchartered territory—and for a long-tenured act like The Oak Ridge Boys, that’s saying something.”

The event was hosted by Peter Cooper, Senior Director, Producer and Writer at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

The Oak Ridge Boys On Tour:

Sept. 15 Adventure Road Entertainment Stage, Oklahoma State Fair - Oklahoma City, Okla.
Sept. 16 Falcon Stadium - Colorado Springs, Colo.
Sept. 20 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Sept. 21 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Sept. 23 Country Tonite Theater - Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Sept. 27 Nörsk Hostfest - Minot, N.D.
Sept. 28 Casino Regina Show Lounge - Regina SK Canada
Sept. 29 The Resort at Paws Up - Greenough, Mont.
Sept. 30 WYO Theater - Sheridan, Wyo.
Oct. 04 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Oct. 05 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Oct. 07 Meramec Music Theatre - Steelville, Mo.
Oct. 10 Mississippi State Fair - Jackson, Miss.
Oct. 11 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Oct. 12 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Oct. 13 Shawnee Bluff Vineyard - Eldon, Mo.
Oct. 20 Innovation Amphitheater - Winder, Ga.
Oct. 21 Alabama Theatre - North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Oct. 26 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Oct. 27 French Lick Resort Casino - French Lick, Ind.
Oct. 31 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 01 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 02 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 03 Cherokee Casino - Roland, Okla.
Nov. 04 Limelight Eventplex - Peoria, Ill.
Nov. 07 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 08 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 09 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 11 The Colony Five Star Complex - The Colony, Texas
Nov. 14 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 15 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 16 The Mansion Theatre - Branson, Mo.
Nov. 17 Effingham Performance Center - Effingham, Ill.
Nov. 18 Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel - Tama, Iowa
Nov. 19 Memorial Hall - Independence, Kan.

Mon, 09/18/2017 - 6:42 pm

The International “Queen of Bluegrass” returns from a week of traveling abroad. Rhonda Vincent kept a jet-setting pace, flying from New York City to Dublin, Prague, and Zurich, before returning on Sunday.

The All American Bluegrass Girl, along with the Most Award Winning Band in Bluegrass Music History, “The Rage” performed amongst the breathtaking beauty of Prague, Czech Republic and Gstaad, Switzerland.

“The response was overwhelming,” Rhonda stated. “It is such an amazing feeling to know our music transcends beyond borders, languages, and cultures. Music is a universal language, and we certainly felt the love by the ovations received after every song. It was equivalent to a finale ending after every solo, and at the ending of each song. What an exhilarating experience to feel such response to our music!”

The first performance of this International Tour was in Prague, Czech Republic at the historic Rudolfinum, it is the current home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage are the first artists to perform bluegrass music at the Rudolfinum. Known for its excellent acoustics, this historic hall was the perfect setting for their pure form of acoustic music in tandem with the incredible architecture of Prague. www.rudolfinum.cz

On Friday and Saturday, Rhonda Vincent set another historic landmark, being one of the few who have made triple performances at the most prestigious country music festival in Switzerland “Country Night Gstaad.” The festival is an annual event, spanning over 20 years, and hosted by entrepreneur Marcel Bach in the beauty of the Swiss Alps. Rhonda first performed at the Country Night Gstaad in 1997 with a country music band; next in 2007 with The Rage; and her third appearance another 10 years later in 2017 along with country music newbie Mo Pitney and the multi-charting Mark Chesnutt. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage stole the night with their energetic performance. After an uproarious, demanding ovation, Rhonda returned to the stage with only her guitar to deliver what many felt was their favorite part of the night. She gave a solo performance of the title song, which she wrote from the #1 CD with Daryle Singletary, “American Grandstand.” In addition to their nightly performances, Rhonda & The Rage did a special meet and greet with fans who traveled from all parts of Europe, which included Slovakia, Italy, France, and Spain. On Saturday afternoon, they even hosted a special impromptu jam session at their sponsor booth D’Addario.

"We love getting involved in every aspect of a festival,” Rhonda explains. "It’s more than just coming to a concert. We love getting to visit with our friends, and meeting new friends. With Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, we can stay in touch well beyond the show. It’s important that I can shake each person’s hand, and look them in the eye to really make a connection you cannot make from the stage. They are lifelong friendships. We bring our heart and soul to every venue, and this is displayed in the amazing love we are shown in return.”

Beyond their performances, they were treated to luxury accommodations at The Alpina Gstaad. The Alpina Hotel is on the registry as one of the Best Hotels in the World! A 5-star hotel, nestled in the mountains of Gstaad Switzerland, and its features are nothing short of exquisite! Every aspect has been carefully selected, from the room design to restaurants, pools, and spa.

“Thank you Marcel and your entire staff for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Rhonda shares. “We love Country Night Gstaad, and staying at The Alpina was a most amazing addition to this already awesome festival.”

Although they are still soaring from their International experiences, this week finds Rhonda & The Rage at the Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival in Kodak, TN, Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival in Conway, MO, and Pickin’ In The Pines Festival in Flagstaff, AZ.

Rhonda Vincent & The Rage On Tour:
9/19 Branson, Mo. - Starlite Theatre w/Larry's Country Diner
9/23 Vine Grove, Ky. - Vine Grove Bluegrass Music Festival
10/06 Manteo, N.C. - Bluegrass Island
10/07 Galax, Va. - Rex Theater
10/08 Sodus, N.Y. - Sodus High School Auditorium
10/12 Shipshewana, Ind. - Blue Gate Theater
10/13 Corinth, Miss. - Tickets 662-664-1836
10/14 Waldron, Ark. - Turkey Track Bluegrass Festival
10/19 Bremen, Ga. - Mill Town Music Hall w/Daryle Singletary
10/20 Lafayette, La. - Acadiana Center for the Arts
10/21 Tomball, Texas - Main Street Crossing
10/27 Anderson, S.C. - Anderson Bluegrass Festival
10/28 York, Pa. - The Praise Center
11/04 Renfro Valley, Ky. - Renfro Valley Entertainment Center
11/9 Palatka, Fla. - Fall Palatka Bluegrass Festival
11/10 Radford, Va. - Little River Bluegrass Barn
11/11 Hopewell, Va. - The Beacon Theatre
11/16 Fishersville, Va. - America's Music Fest
11/17 Sellersville, Pa. - Sellersville Theater
11/18 Federalsburg, Md. - A. Curtis Andrew Auction Facility
11/25 St. Joseph, Mo.
11/26 Nashville, Tenn. - Ryman Auditorium w/The Nashville Pops Orchestra
11/29 PRIVATE - N.C.

Sun, 09/24/2017 - 11:47 am

The Association for Recorded Sound Collections has awarded Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson and author Peter Michael Cooper with Best Historical Research In Recorded Country Music for their work Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life In Country Music. The Awards will be presented at a ceremony on May 12, 2018 during ARSC’s annual conference.

Winners are chosen by a committee consisting of three elected judges representing specific fields of study, two judges-at-large, the review editor of the ARSC Journal and the President or past President of ARSC

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music has received praise from fans and critics alike. Forbes deemed the book “One of the Best Autobiographies” of the past year. Anderson continues to tour and perform regularly at The Grand Ole Opry, which he has been a member of for an impressive 56 years. Most recently Anderson is featured on Brad Paisley’s new project with their song “Dying to See Her Again.” The emotional song was written by both Paisley and Anderson and is on Paisley’s album Love and War released earlier this year.

Founded in 1991, the ARSC Awards are given to authors of books, articles or recording liner notes to recognize those publishing the very best work today in recorded sound research. In giving these awards, ARSC recognizes the contributions of these individuals and aims to encourage others to emulate their high standards and to promote readership of their work. Two awards are presented annually in each category, for best history and best discography, and several others are acknowledged with Certificates of Merit. Awards are presented to both the authors and publishers of winning publications. Additional information about the conference and the ARSC Awards for Excellence can be found at www.arsc-audio.org.

For more information on Bill Anderson visit BillAnderson.com or follow him on Facebook and Twitter.

BILL ANDERSON ON TOUR:
Sept 22 Renfro Valley Entertainment Center– Renfro Valley, Ky.
Sept 23 Red Barn Convention Center – Winchester, Ohio
Sept 29 Tri Lakes Center for the Arts – Palmer Lake, Co.
Sept 30 State Theatre – Red Bluff, Calif.
Oct 1 Gallo Center for the Arts – Modesto, Calif.
Oct 7 Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival – San Francisco, Calif.
Oct 14 Georgia Mountain Fall Festival– Hiawassee, Ga.
Dec 31 Bill Anderson and Friends – Branson, Mo.
Jan 20 The Dixie Carter Performing Arts Center– Huntington, Tenn.
Jan 28 Country’s Family Reunion & Larry’s Country Diner Cruise – Galveston, Texas
Feb 16 Effingham Performance Center – Effingham, Ill.
Feb 17 Honeywell Center – Wabash, Ind.

Sun, 09/24/2017 - 12:45 pm

Conway Twitty, one of America's most-loved musical performers of all-time with 55 No. 1 one hits to his credit (second only to George Strait) created a musical legacy that continues to endure and thrive almost a quarter-century after his passing in 1993 There haven't been many releases of unreleased music from the Country Music Hall of Fame member over the years, but that will change October 6 when Country Rewind Records releases TIMELESS. The album will be available on CD at all major One Stops, Amazon.com and select retailers. TIMELESS will also be available for download through all major digital retail outlets and through ConwayTwitty.com. CLICK HERE to pre-order TIMELESS.

The songs on TIMELESS haven't been heard since their recording in 1972, included in a series of musical recordings from top artists at the time as part of a United States recruitment program. Performers such as Dolly Parton, George Jones, and Waylon Jennings would record fifteen-minute performances that would be distributed to over 2,000 radio stations throughout the world intended for commercial release. Tom Gramuglia of Country Rewind Records, says that he can’t wait for fans to hear these recordings - which put the recorded genius of Conway Twitty on full display for all to hear.

“These recordings were long forgotten and few people who knew of their existence. They’ve never before been made commercially available to the public and I truly felt like this music needed to be shared with long-time traditional fans, and heard by our younger generation of Millennials who have a flavor and inkling for country music recording artists that made American country music great.”

The music on TIMELESS is a mixture of many of the songs that made Conway Twitty a household name, such as his signature song from 1970, “Hello Darlin,” as well as a pair of deeper Twitty cuts that are no less historic or powerful - “The Image Of Me” and “Next In Line” (his first top ten and number one hits, respectively) from 1968. His band, the Twitty Birds - featuring steel guitar wizard John “Buttermilk” Hughey, bassist “Big Joe” Lewis, and drummer Tommy “Pork Chop” Markham - are featured on TIMELESS, as well as new musical accompaniment produced by Twitty’s daughter and son-in-law, Joni and John Wesley Ryles. Joni - who performed with her father on the 1975 classic “Don’t Cry Joni” - says this music is something that Twitty’s loyal following will want to add to their collection.

“When I heard it, I was blown away. I couldn't be prouder of Dad's performance, and the Twitty Birds did such a great job. Every Conway Twitty fan needs to hear this. My family could not be more pleased to celebrate his life in music with this compilation of treasures.” Ryles says that her family has been pleased to see that his music continues to warrant praise and attention from many of today’s biggest stars - something for which she is grateful.

“It is so gratifying to learn that today’s country music superstars (Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw and many more) identify my dad as an impactful influence in their career development and artistic direction—listening to his music growing up.”

While the sessions that comprise TIMELESS weren’t the typical Decca recording session with Owen Bradley producing, these tracks - cut at the studio of former Elvis Presley band member Scotty Moore - drip with as much perfection as anything he cut at Bradley’s Barn. It wasn't like a typical session where everything was perfected,” explained Ryles. “But, these songs are an incredible gift, and Daddy was sounding as incredible as he ever did. These recordings make my heart smile, and I think his fans will feel the same way.”

For more on TIMELESS and other Country Rewind Records productions, visitcountryrewind.com.

TIMELESS Track Listing:
1. (Lost Her Love) On Our Last Date
2. Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)
3. Hello Darlin’
4. How Much More Can She Stand
5. Working Girl
6. I Can’t See Me Without You
7. I Love You More Today
8. Crazy Arms
9. 15 Years Ago
10. Honky Tonk Man
11. The Image Of Me
12. If You Were Mine To Lose
13. Proud Mary
14. Next In Line

Sun, 09/24/2017 - 2:53 pm

Today, contemporary jazz musician Barron Ryan released his solo piano rendition of the Michael Jackson classic “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.” The stirring cover shows off Barron’s exceptional talent and pays tribute to one of the world’s greatest artists.

"Making pop tune covers is both extremely challenging and some of the most fun I have at the piano,” he mentions. “I have to play music everybody has already heard while trying to find subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) ways to surprise them. If someone responds by saying, ‘Wow, I like that as much as the original,' then I've done accomplished my goal.”

Barron just released his newest album, The Masters’ Apprentice, for which he learned, note for note, how his favorite jazz pianists translated popular tunes into their own arrangements. “This single introduces my next project, in which I'll use the lessons I just learned to create my own renditions of well-known songs."

The video for Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough was recorded during Barron’s album release concert for The Masters' Apprentice in Tulsa. “I wanted to give the audience a sense of where I was going next, and the performance turned out so well that I thought I should make it available for everyone to hear."

Thu, 10/26/2017 - 10:55 am

Kenny Rogers’ musical career has touched many different styles of music throughout various generations, and his farewell performance to Nashville, All In For The Gambler, served as a reminder of the musical impact that his career has had – and will continue to make for years to come. An all-star cast of Rogers’ contemporaries – and many of today’s hottest musical artists – turned up last night (October 25) at the Bridgestone Arena in Music City to pay tribute to the Country Music Hall of Fame member, who is in the midst of his farewell tour, “The Gambler’s Last Deal.” Perhaps the most emotional moment of the night belonged to Dolly Parton, who teamed with Rogers one last time on their 1983 hit “Islands In The Stream” after surprising both Rogers – and the audience – with a heartfelt performance of “I Will Always Love You” to her friend and collaborator. The two also reminisced about their lengthy friendship – which dates back to a Rogers appearance on her syndicated TV show from the mid 1970’s – almost a decade before they first teamed up. The two also closed out their performing career together with the Grammy-nominated “You Can’t Make Old Friends,” a single from 2013.
 
The evening was a mixture of song performances that balanced many of the singer’s iconic hits – as well as many of the early days of Rogers’ career as the lead vocalist of The First Edition. Jamey Johnson paid tribute to the singer’s versatility with a raucous take on Mickey Newbury’s “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In),” a First Edition hit from five decades ago. The Flaming Lips shined the light on “Ruby, Don’t Take Your Love To Town,” with Reba McEntire tipping the hat to the group’s “Reuben James.” Elle King gave a jaw-dropping performance of “Tulsa Turnaround,” one of the First Edition’s lesser-known tracks – that Rogers himself recorded for his 1979 album Kenny. Rogers’ fellow Texan Kris Kristofferson paid tribute to the band’s cover of “Me and Bobby McGee,” which he wrote.
 
Of course, the main focus of the evening was on the record-setting solo career Rogers embarked on in the mid-1970s, and those hits were on full display during the evening. Justin Moore nodded to the beginning of the singer’s hit making era with “Lucille,” with spellbinding performances taking place from The Oak Ridge Boys (“Love Or Something Like It”), Chris Stapleton (“The Gambler”), and Lady Antebellum (“She Believes In Me”). A special moment took place with the appearance of Don Henley – who once lived with Rogers and his family - to perform the classic “Desperado,” which Rogers cut in 1977 for his Daytime Friends album.
 
Many of the 80’s and 90’s hits of the singer were featured during The Gambler’s Last Deal as well. Billy Currington delivered a sensual take on “Morning Desire,” with Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and Idina Menzel teaming up for “We’ve Got Tonight,” a 1983 Rogers hit with Sheena Easton. Two of the singers’ most frequent collaborators figured prominently in this era with appearances with Lionel Richie giving a beautiful take on “’Lady,” a number one Pop and Country hit that he wrote for Kenny’s Greatest Hits album in 1980, and Alison Krauss saluted the singer with a pristine version of his romantic ballad “Love The World Away.” Another incredible performance came from Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott and mother Linda Davis – who has toured extensively with Rogers over the years – uniting on stage for the singer’s 1987 chart-topper “Twenty Years Ago.”
 
There were several other great musical moments during All In For The Gambler, with Naomi and Wynonna Judd reuniting for “Back To The Well,” and an all-star group of Rogers’ former opening acts paying tribute to the icon with a sing-along performance of his 1982 hit “Blaze Of Glory,” including Travis Tritt, The Gatlin Brothers, Kim Forester, T.G. Sheppard, Crystal Gayle, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, and Billy Dean.
 
Blackbird Presents' Keith Wortman, creator and executive producer of Nashville's recent highly acclaimed "Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard," is the creator and executive producer of "All In For The Gambler." GRAMMY® Award Winner Don Was served as music director, and presided over a stellar house band backing the performers at this historic concert event taping. Kenny Rogers' manager, Ken Levitan, also served as executive producer. The event was filmed and recorded for multi-platform distribution throughout traditional media (worldwide broadcast, music, and digital).

Fri, 10/27/2017 - 1:46 pm

Blackbird Presents Records and CMT are proud to announce the broadcast premiere and CD/DVD release of The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson. The broadcast, concert film and music release features a collection of legendary singers, songwriters, and rising superstars who came together for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event taping in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena to celebrate the songs of music icon Kris Kristofferson. CMT will premiere the 90-minute broadcast tonight, October 27 at 10 PM ET/PT, and Blackbird Presents Records will release the full-length concert film as a CD/DVD combo, which is available now at songsofkristofferson.com and pledgemusic.com/projects/songsofkristofferson.
 
The Life & Songs Of Kris Kristofferson features captivating performances, in-depth interviews, and compelling behind-the-scenes footage with Kris Kristofferson, Jessi Alexander, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Ryan Bingham, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Jack Ingram, Shooter Jennings, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, The Travelin' McCourys, Reba McEntire, Buddy Miller, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Jon Randall, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack. Performances include a range of Kristofferson classics, such as "Me And Bobby McGee" (performed by Reba McEntire), "Help Me Make It Through The Night" (Performed by Lady Antebellum), "To Beat The Devil" (Performed by Eric Church), a very special performance of "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down" (performed by Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson), and an all-star grand finale performance of "Why Me", premiering today at Rolling Stone County rollingstone.com/country and available at all digital outlets.
 
In addition to the CD/DVD release fans can get exclusive merchandise from PledgeMusic (pledgemusic.com/projects/songsofkristofferson) including a limited edition framed gig poster from the night of the show, color photo, and an Epiphone Ltd. Ed. 1963 J-45 guitar, all signed by Kris Kristofferson. Merchandise bundles which include the official concert t-shirt, hat and CD/DVD are available via Blackbird Presents at songsofkristofferson.com.
 
Kristofferson, a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, is considered a true poet who helped modernize the genre with songs such as "Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down," "Help Me Make It Through the Night," "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Lovin' Her Was Easier." These are the songs of heartbreak and despair, of love and loss, of yearning and hope. These are the songs so honest that we adopted them as our own. They are the songs of a life led unlike any other: An All-American athlete, Golden Gloves boxer, Army Ranger, helicopter pilot, singer-songwriter, social activist, humanitarian and movie star.
 
Keith Wortman is creator and executive producer of the show. GRAMMY® Award-winner Don Was served as music director alongside country music legend Buddy Cannon. An all-star band that included featured artist and GRAMMY® Award-winner Buddy Miller backed the performers at this incomparable concert event taping.
 
"Few musicians have had as profound an impact on music as Kris Kristofferson," Blackbird CEO Keith Wortman says. "It's only fitting that we celebrated his artistry just blocks from where the legend was born, with both his friends and contemporaries and those who are continuing his legacy with raw, honest songwriting of their own."
 
FOR COMPLETE DETAILS VISIT THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE:
songsofkristofferson.com
#songsofkristofferson