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UT’S Davis Named WBCA Region Finalist

Posted on March 25, 2020

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Women’s Basketball Coaches Association announced the region finalists for the 2020 WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America Team on Wednesday, and Tennessee’s Rennia Davis is one of 10 players from Region 2 to make the list.

The selection committee will choose the 10-member WBCA NCAA Division I Coaches’ All-America Team from 52 candidates nationwide and announce that squad on April 2.

Davis, a 6-foot-2 junior forward from Jacksonville, Fla., is a WBCA region finalist for the second year in a row. She has previously been chosen for USBWA and AP All-America Honorable Mention as well as All-SEC First Team accolades after the 2019-20 campaign.

The team’s only active returning starter helped Tennessee tie for third in the SEC with a 10-6 record after being picked seventh and finish 21-10 overall after the Lady Vols wound up 19-13/7-9 (8th) a year ago. She finished third in the SEC at 18.0 ppg., which is the highest scoring average by a Lady Vol since Candace Parker in 2008 (21.3). Davis also was fifth in the SEC at 8.2 rpg., which is the seventh-best rebounding average ever by a Lady Vol junior.

Davis connected on 46.9 percent of her attempts from the field and 80.2 percent from the free throw line, and she tallied a team-leading 34 three-pointers this season. Additionally, Davis was second on the team in steals (28) and third in assists (74).

Against nine ranked opponents, Davis put up 19.8 ppg. and 7.0 rpg. and shot 43.8% on field goals and 84.2% on free throws vs. those teams. She averaged 19.9 ppg. and 8.0 rpg. vs. SEC foes while hitting 49.6% from the field and 82.8% at the charity stripe in 16 regular-season contests.

Additionally, Davis scored in double figures in 28 straight games and posted 11 double-doubles, which tied for seventh all-time by a UT junior. She is knotted at 10th in Tennessee history with 29 career double-doubles in 94 games. The three-year letterwinner also amassed 25 games of 15+ points and tallied 20+ points six times as a junior, including a pair of 30+ efforts.

Among other honors in 2019-20, Davis made the Cheryl Miller Award Top 10, the John R. Wooden Top 20 and was a three-time SEC Player of the Week and a USBWA National Player of the Week on one occasion.

UT Athletics

Watch Thomas Rhett & Jon Pardi’s Smooth New Video for “Beer Can’t Fix”

Posted on March 25, 2020

Thomas Rhett dropped a new video for his current single, “Beer Can’t Fix,” featuring Jon Pardi.

Directed by Shaun Silva in Key West, Fla., the video features TR and Jon hitting the beach, cruising on scooters, riding the waves and more.

“We wrote this song to be fun and uplifting and wanted to take that same energy into the video,” Thomas Rhett says. “Jon and I had a blast filming this a few weeks ago in Key West, and I hope it brings a smile to people’s faces.”

The new tune is featured on TR’s recent album, Center Point Road. The 16-song album takes its name from the street in his Tennessee hometown that shaped much of TR’s life experiences.

Watch TR’s new video below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Enjoy the Rush in Kenny Chesney’s New Video for “Here and Now” [Watch]

Posted on March 25, 2020

Kenny Chesney dropped a new video for his current single, “Here and Now,” on March 25.

“In these times, remember how blessed we are to be alive,” said Kenny via Twitter, as he announced the new video. “Wherever you are, look around, get engaged! Love the people you’re with, find something to smile about. Be mindful, but be happy & take care of yourself & others.”

The new clip features Kenny singing the tune onstage as a screen behind him displays videos of adrenaline-inducing activities, including surfing, skydiving, skiing and more.

Penned by Craig Wiseman, David Garcia and David Lee Murphy at a writing retreat Kenny set up in Malibu, the new tune beckons listeners to live in the present with a chorus that proclaims: “You and me, ain’t it good to be alive / Ain’t no better place, ain’t no better time / Than here and now.”

“Here and Now” is the title track to Kenny’s upcoming 19th studio album, which will drop on May 1.

Kenny revealed the track list on March 26.

“We Do”
“Here And Now”
“Everyone She Knows”
“Wasted”
“Knowing You”
“Heartbreakers”
“Someone To Fix”
“Happy Does”
“Tip of My Tongue”
“You Don’t Get To”
“Beautiful World”
“Guys Named Captain”

Watch Kenny’s new video below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman” & Eddy Arnold’s “Make the World Go Away” Earn Historic Honor

Posted on March 25, 2020

The Library of Congress added 25 titles to the National Recording Registry, including Glen Campbell’s “Wichita Lineman,” Eddy Arnold’s “Make the World Go Away” and Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You,” which was penned by Dolly Parton.

The 25 titles were chosen based on their “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” importance. This year’s additions bring the Registry’s total to 550 titles.

Glen’s recording of “Wichita Lineman,” which was written by Jimmy Webb, spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard country chart in 1968.

“‘Wichita Lineman’ is the ultimate expression of the musical and spiritual bond between my husband Glen and his songwriting soulmate Jimmy Webb,” said Kim Campbell, Glen’s widow. “Despite ‘Wichita Lineman’ being such an important song for Glen, it was also one of his favorites and I know he’d be so thrilled and honored to have his original recording preserved in the Library of Congress.”

“I’m humbled and, at the same time for Glen, I am extremely proud,” said Jimmy Webb. “I wish there was some way I could reach him to say, ‘Glen, you know they’re doing this. They are putting our music in a mountain—it will be preserved for all time.'”

Eddy Arnold’s “Make the World Go Away,” which was penned by Hank Cochran, reached No. 1 on the Billboard country chart in 1965.

Take a look at this year’s selections below.

“Whispering” – Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra (1920)
“Protesta per Sacco e Vanzetti” – Compagnia Columbia; “Sacco e Vanzetti” – Raoul Romito (1927)
“La Chicharronera” – Narciso Martinez and Santiago Almeida (1936)
“Arch Oboler’s Plays” episode “The Bathysphere” (Nov. 18, 1939)
“Me and My Chauffeur Blues” – Memphis Minnie (1941)
The 1951 National League tiebreaker: New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Dodgers: Russ Hodges, announcer (Oct. 3, 1951)
Puccini’s “Tosca” – Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Angelo Mercuriali, Tito Gobbi, Melchiorre Luise, Dario Caselli, Victor de Sabata (1953)
“Hello Muddah, Hello Fadduh” – Allan Sherman (1963)
WGBH broadcast of the Boston Symphony on the day of the John F. Kennedy assassination, Boston Symphony Orchestra (1963)
Fiddler on the Roof, original Broadway cast (1964)
“Make the World Go Away” – Eddy Arnold (1965)
Hiromi Lorraine Sakata Collection of Afghan Traditional Music (1966-67; 1971-73)
“Wichita Lineman” – Glen Campbell (1968)
Dusty in Memphis, Dusty Springfield (1969)
Mister Rogers Sings 21 Favorite Songs From ‘Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood’, Fred Rogers (1973)
Cheap Trick at Budokan, Cheap Trick (1978)
Holst: Suite No. 1 in E-Flat, Suite No. 2 in F / Handel: Music for the Royal Fireworks / Bach: Fantasia in G, Frederick Fennell and the Cleveland Symphonic Winds (1978)
“Y.M.C.A.” (single), Village People (1978)
A Feather on the Breath of God, Gothic Voices; Christopher Page, conductor; Hildegard von Bingen, composer (1982)
Private Dancer, Tina Turner (1984)
Ven Conmigo, Selena (1990)
The Chronic, Dr. Dre (1992)
“I Will Always Love You” – Whitney Houston (1992)
Concert in the Garden, Maria Schneider Orchestra (2004)
Percussion Concerto, Colin Currie (2008)

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch Justin Moore’s Spirited New Video for “Why We Drink”

Posted on March 25, 2020

Justin Moore dropped a new video for his spirited single, “Why We Drink.”

Penned by Justin, Casey Beathard, David Lee Murphy and Jeremy Stover, “Why We Drink” is featured on Justin’s 2019 album, Late Nights and Longnecks.

Directed by Cody Villalobos, the new clip was filmed at Justin’s home in Poyen, Ark., and features many of his family and friends, including his mom.

Watch Justin’s new video below.

photo by NCD

March 25: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Lindsay Ell, Hardy, Cole Swindell, Ashley McBryde & More

Posted on March 25, 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 25 (updated throughout the day)

Stephanie Quayle: 10 a.m. CT – Facebook
Daniel Tashian: 2 p.m. CT – Instagram
Ashley McBryde: 2:30 p.m. CT – Facebook
Cole Swindell: 4 p.m. CT – Facebook
Ashley McBryde & Brandy Clark: 6 p.m. CT – Instagram
Everette: 7 p.m. CT – Instagram
Matt Stell, Lindsay Ell, Hardy & Jameson Rodgers: 8 p.m. CT – Instagram

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Nashville’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Rescheduled for October 19-24

Posted on March 25, 2020

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) reschedule Nashville’s Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival for Oct. 19–24. Tin Pan South was originally scheduled for March 23–28 in Nashville.

The NSAI noted that “every effort will be made to bring as much of the originally scheduled programming back as possible.” Additional details regarding performers, venues and more will be announced in the coming weeks.

More than 400 artists were scheduled to descend upon Nashville for the 28th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival. During the six-day festival, 10 Nashville venues were to host 100 shows, featuring some of the industry’s best singer/songwriters, including Hayes Carll, Jamey Johnson, Allison Moorer, Mindy Smith and more.

photo by NCD

Rhett Akins & Wife Sonya Welcome Baby Boy

Posted on March 24, 2020

Rhett Akins and wife Sonya welcomed a baby boy—Brody James Akins—to their family on March 13.

Sonya shared the news via Instagram, saying: “Friday the 13th is a pretty magical day. Our little angel arrived at 7:49 p.m. weighing 7.2lbs and 19 inches. He is perfect in every way!!!! Welcome Brody James Akins.”

Rhett and Sonya married in September 2017. Congrats to the happy family.

Rhett Akins has two children from his first marriage—country star Thomas Rhett, 29, and Kacey Lee, 27.

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

List of 5 one-time Vols and 3 local players in NFL; 2019 recaps

Posted on March 24, 2020

Miami Dolphins WR Preston Williams vs. Dallas Cowboys / Credit: Miami Dolphins Media Site

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

2020 free agency in the NFL is underway.

Here’s an updated list of players in the National Football League that started at the University of Tennessee but transferred and finished playing elsewhere or are from East Tennessee, but did not play at the University of Tennessee.

For perspective, you’ll see a recap of their 2019 seasons, along with free agents, notes and more.

In a separate blog post on 991TheSportsAnimal.com, you’ll find the current list of 32 VFLs in the NFL that played, and ended their careers, at the University of Tennessee.

Look for updates here on my blog “Vince’s View.” Bookmark my blog page and check back often.

One-Time Vols That Transferred To Other Schools On NFL Rosters (5) as of 3/24/20
TE – Lee Smith TE (85) Buffalo Bills (Powell HS/U. of Tennessee/Marshall)
2019: 17 GP, 5 starts, 5 rec 39 yds 1 TD

QB – Nathan Peterman (3) Las Vegas Raiders (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)
2019: DNP; Spent the season on injured reserve with an elbow injury

WR – Preston Williams (18) Miami Dolphins (U. of Tennessee/Colorado St)
2019: The rookie was impressive in the first half of the season; 8 GP, 7 starts; 32 catches, 428 yds (13.4 yds per) and 3 TD; Missed the 2nd half of the season due to a knee injury

TE – Daniel Helm (43) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Duke)
2019: DNP; Spent season on the practice squad

WR – Jalen Hurd (14) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Baylor)
2019: DNP: Spent the season on injured reserve with a back injury

Knoxville Area Players That Didn’t Play At UT on NFL Rosters (3)
P – Chris Jones (6) Dallas Cowboys (Carson-Newman)
2019: Played in 16 games; 50 punts for 41.6 yds per punt which was the lowest average among regular NFL punters

WR – Randall Cobb (–) Houston Texans (Alcoa HS/Kentucky)
2019: 15 GP, 6 starts with the Cowboys; 55 catches for 828 yds (18.1 yds per) and 3 TD

S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame)
2019: 18 GP, all starts; 103 tackles, 6 PD, 4 QBH, 3 sacks, 3 INT, 2 FR, 2 FF; Named to his 5th Pro Bowl

Notes and Numbers for One-Time Vols & Knoxville Area Players (as of 3/24/20)
*There are 5 players that were once at U. of Tennessee but then transferred
*There are 3 players that didn’t attend UT, but have Knoxville/East TN ties

Free Agents To Watch Among One-Time Vols and Local Players
DE – Dewayne Hendrix (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)

Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net

Garth Brooks Reschedules Shows on Stadium Tour

Posted on March 24, 2020

Garth Brooks has rescheduled two upcoming stops on his 2020 Stadium Tour due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Garth’s show in Charlotte, N.C., which was originally slated for May 2, will now take place on June 2.
Garth’s show in Cincinnati, which was originally slated for May 16, will now take place on June 27.

All previously purchased tickets will be honored.

“Like so many people right now, I just want to get back to what I do,” said Garth. “Knowing these shows are eventually going to happen makes me happy.”

Garth’s upcoming stop in Las Vegas is still scheduled for Aug. 22.

Garth’s Stadium Tour visited 10 cities in 2019: St. Louis, Glendale, Gainesville, Minneapolis (x2), Pittsburgh, Denver, Eugene, Boise (x2), Regina (x2) and Knoxville. Garth performed his first 2020 Stadium Tour show in Detroit on Feb. 22.

photo by NCD