March 31: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, Craig Campbell, Chris Lane & More

March 31: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes, Craig Campbell, Chris Lane & More

Posted on March 31, 2020

Country stars are trying to do their part to keep us entertained during our self-quarantines (hopefully) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect as some of our favorite stars perform live and chat via social medial.

March 31 (updated throughout the day)

photos: Tenille Townes by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com; Mitchell Tenpenny by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Kenny Rogers Tops Billboard Country Albums Chart for First Time in 34 Years

Kenny Rogers Tops Billboard Country Albums Chart for First Time in 34 Years

Posted on March 30, 2020

Kenny Rogers may be gone, but the country music icon is definitely not forgotten.

One week after Kenny’s death on March 20, his 2018 album, The Best of Kenny Rogers: Through the Years, reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The 20-song offering moved 31,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music, which bested Kelsea Ballerini’s new self-titled studio album by 3,000 units.

The last time Kenny reached No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart was with The Heart of the Matter in February 1986. The new chart-topper brings Kenny’s career tally to 12 No. 1 albums.

In his nearly six decades on the charts, Kenny sold more than 120 million albums and recorded 24 No. 1 songs. He won three Grammys, eight ACMs and six CMAs. Kenny was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 CMA Awards.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Thomas Rhett Teams With Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott & Chris Tomlin for Bright New Tune, “Be a Light” [Listen]

Thomas Rhett Teams With Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, Hillary Scott & Chris Tomlin for Bright New Tune, “Be a Light” [Listen]

Posted on March 30, 2020

Thomas Rhett teamed with Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban to record a bright new tune, “Be a Light.”

Thomas Rhett, who is celebrating his 30th birthday today (March 30), co-penned the song with Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem. TR and the song’s collaborators will donate all proceeds from “Be A Light” to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was created by The Recording Academy to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease outbreak and subsequent cancellation of music events.

“I wrote ‘Be A Light’ last year as a way to process negativity and sadness I was seeing in the world,” says Thomas Rhett. “Now, as I sit in my home with my family on my 30th birthday, we are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic affecting every single human on earth, all while our town of Nashville is still healing from devastating tornadoes that destroyed so much of our city less than one month ago. But, among the wreckage, I see us come together in ways I never dreamed possible. I knew in my heart this was the time to share this message with the world and our community. The voices who join me on this track are some of the brightest lights I know. I hope this song serves as a reminder that we are all in this together.”

Listen to “Be a Light” below.

photos: Thomas Rhett by NCD; Keith Urban by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Audio: EJ Anosike on Sports 180 “Growing up, I’ve always been a Tennessee fan”

Audio: EJ Anosike on Sports 180 “Growing up, I’ve always been a Tennessee fan”

Posted on March 30, 2020
EJ Anosike – Sacred Heart / Credit: Steve McLaughlin Photography via Sacred Heart Athletics

New Tennessee basketball grad transfer commit, 6’6/6’7 forward EJ Anosike from Sacred Heart, spoke with Josh Ward on Sports 180 on 99.1 The Sports Animal about his decision to transfer to UT. He’s the younger brother of former Lady Vol basketball standout, Nicky Anosike.

Below are just a couple of quotes followed by the audio of the full interview.

On message from Rick Barnes and staff:
“We definitely had a lot of common goals. It was really simple. Coach Branes wants to win a national championship and a SEC Championship. He felt like I could be a big role in that and help them do that.”

On his role in helping UT next season:
“Since I’m a senior, I’ve had a lot of experience playing. Definitely bringing a good work ethic and being a leader on the court.is definitely something I’m going to bring to the table.”

On why he’s such a good rebounder:
“I just play hard and I play with heart. Rebounding runs in the family.”

John Prine’s Wife Provides Update on His Condition

John Prine’s Wife Provides Update on His Condition

Posted on March 30, 2020

John Prine’s wife, Fiona, provided two updates on her husband’s condition via Twitter on March 30, one day after a post on John’s official Instagram account revealed he had been hospitalized for COVID-19 symptoms.

“I have recovered from Covid-19,” said Fiona, who tested positive for COVID-19 on March 19. “We are humbled by the outpouring of love for me and John and our precious family. He is stabile [sic]. Please continue to send your amazing Love and prayers. Sing his songs. Stay home and wash hands. John loves you. I love you.”

In a follow-up post on Twitter about four hours after her initial statement on March 30, Fiona noted: “I need to clarify what I mean by ‘John is stable.’ That is not the same as improving. There is no cure for Covid-19. He needs our prayers and love – as do the thousands of others who are critically ill. Stay at home. Wash your hands. We love you.”

Fiona’s updates follow a statement from John’s family via Instagram on March 29: “After a sudden onset of COVID-19 symptoms, John was hospitalized on Thursday. He was intubated Saturday evening, and continues to receive care, but his situation is critical. This is hard news for us to share. But so many of you have loved and supported John over the years, we wanted to let you know, and give you the chance to send out more of that love and support now. And know that we love you, and John loves you.”

John is a two-time Grammy winner, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member, PEN New England Lyrics Award recipient, and a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominee. John was a recipient of the Recording Academy’s 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award.

John’s catalog includes iconic songs “Sam Stone,” “Angel From Montgomery,” “Paradise,” “Hello In There,” “Illegal Smile,” “That’s The Way The World Goes ‘Round,” “Speed Of The Sound Of Loneliness,” “In Spite of Ourselves,” “I Just Want To Dance With You” and more.

John’s songs have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Carly Simon, Bette Midler, Bonnie Raitt, Norah Jones, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Zac Brown Band and many others.

photo by Steven Bergman, AFF-USA.com

Joe Diffie Reflects on Biggest Career Milestone During One of His Final Interviews

Joe Diffie Reflects on Biggest Career Milestone During One of His Final Interviews

Posted on March 30, 2020

We lost a good one.

Joe Diffie passed away on March 29 from complications of COVID-19.

The Oklahoma native topped the charts with “Home,” “If the Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “Third Rock From the Sun,” “Pickup Man” and “Bigger Than the Beatles” in the 1990s. Joe also struck a chord with his Top 5 signature hits “Prop Me Up Beside the Jukebox (If I Die)” and “John Deere Green,” the latter of which became his most requested song at concerts.

Over the course of his 30-plus-year career, Joe earned a number of awards and honors, including:

  • CMA Award for Vocal Event of the Year in 1993 for “I Don’t Need Your Rockin’ Chair”
  • Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration in 1998 for “Same Old Train”
  • Induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame in 2002

However, Joe was especially proud of one accomplishment—his induction into the Grand Ole Opry on Nov. 27, 1993.

During one of his last sit-down interviews in December 2019, Joe reflected on what being a member of the Opry for 26 years meant to him.

“It’s one of—if not the—biggest milestone in my career,” said Joe. “It makes you feel proud to say you’re a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It’s just been such a, obviously, revered institution for so long. There’s just something special about it.”

You can listen to Joe’s entire 10-minute interview below from the NCD Writers Room Podcast with Jim Casey.

photo by NCD

Jennifer Nettles Releases Hopeful New Rendition of Broadway’s “Tomorrow” [Listen]

Jennifer Nettles Releases Hopeful New Rendition of Broadway’s “Tomorrow” [Listen]

Posted on March 30, 2020

Jennifer Nettles released a new rendition of the show tune “Tomorrow,” which originally appeared in the 1977 musical, Annie.

Jennifer recorded the song with Tony- and Grammy-winning composer/producer Alex Lacamoire on March 12 as part of an upcoming album of theater songs.

“In this strange and scary moment, I wanted to make an offering in the best way I know how: music,” says Jennifer. “The message of this song feels so true to me. Originally sang by a hopeful child—in the musical Annie—this arrangement has some gravitas. It is a message of hope, but one that comes through wisdom, and wisdom is often won through challenge. . . .These times are uncertain and anxiety-laden. We are worried for our health, for our loved ones, for our finances and for our futures, all the while practicing social distancing, which can be hard on the human psyche and soul. But, as the song sings of hope, the collage video also shows reasons we have hope: We have been through challenging times together as a country before. We have made sacrifices on the fire, we have seen movements and leaders rise from those ashes and we have found ourselves forged by those fires within our communities and families. ⁣I hope this song lets you feel all that you need to feel. And then I hope it reminds you that, indeed, the sun will come out tomorrow.”

⁣Watch Jennifer’s new video below, which was created by Jason Patrick Sands.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

March 30: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Caylee Hammack & More

March 30: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Thomas Rhett, Lee Brice, Justin Moore, Caylee Hammack & More

Posted on March 30, 2020

Country stars are trying to do their part to keep us entertained during our self-quarantines (hopefully) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect as some of our favorite stars perform live and chat via social medial.

March 30 (updated throughout the day)

  • Stephanie Quayle: 10 a.m. CT – Facebook
  • Logan Mize: 3 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Niko Moon: 4 p.m. CT – Facebook
  • Thomas Rhett: 4:30 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Justin Moore: 5 p.m. CT – Instagram
  • Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Riley Green, Caylee Hammack & More: 9 p.m. CT – Instagram

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Knox County Health Department

Knox County Health Department

Posted on March 30, 2020

www.knoxcounty.org/health

Knox County’s Safer at Home Order

For more information on Knox County’s Safer at Home Order and a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here.

Click Here to View the Knox County COVID-19 Case Count

Knox County numbers are updated daily at 11 a.m. EDT. State numbers are updated at 2 p.m. CDT daily; there may be a lag in reporting of cumulative numbers at the state level.

Visit the TDH webpage for statewide updates.

Everyone has a role. Learn how you can prepare.

Helpful facts

  • There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a new coronavirus that hasn’t previously been seen in humans.
  • There is still more influenza and other respiratory illness circulating in our community than COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 is spread from person-to-person between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet):
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs by people in close contact.
  • For the vast majority, symptoms of COVID-19 are mild. Fever and respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and shortness of breath, are some of the common symptoms. Other typical cold symptoms such as a runny nose and a sore throat are generally not associated with COVID-19.
  • Those who are not sick do not need to be seen by a medical provider or tested.
  • If you are sick, click here.

Knox County Health Department

As a public health agency, Knox County Health Department works to promote and protect the health of everyone in our community. They track and monitor diseases, conduct extensive health education and outreach, provide and connect people with care, enforce food safety and air quality laws and regulations, prepare for public health emergencies, and more — all with the goal to ensure the conditions in which every Knox County resident can be healthy.

Contact Knox County Health Department at 865-215-5300 or [email protected].

Audio: Darrell Taylor talks ’19 season, NFL Draft prep on The Nation

Audio: Darrell Taylor talks ’19 season, NFL Draft prep on The Nation

Posted on March 29, 2020

Tennessee Vols OLB/DE Darrell Taylor was a guest on The Nation with Chris Low and Austin Price to discuss his preparation for the NFL Draft amid the COVID-19 period the country is in, where teams project him to play, his senior season at the University of Tennessee and much more.

Vols OLB/DE Darrell Taylor / Credit: UT Athletics

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