Watch Midland Perform “Mr. Lonely” on “The Tonight Show”

Watch Midland Perform “Mr. Lonely” on “The Tonight Show”

Posted on July 25, 2019

Midland—the trio comprised of Mark Wystrach, Cameron Duddy and Jess Carson—stopped by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on July 24 to perform their new single, “Mr. Lonely.”

Penned by the trio with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “Mr. Lonely” is the lead single from Midland’s upcoming sophomore album, Let It Roll, which drops on Aug. 23. The fast-moving honky-tonker is currently No. 35 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 15 weeks.

Midland will kick off its Mr. Lonely Tour on Sept. 17.

Watch Midland perform “Mr. Lonely” on The Tonight Show below.

photo by Andrew Lipovsky/NBC

Lifetime Releases Trailer for New Movie About Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn [Watch]

Lifetime Releases Trailer for New Movie About Patsy Cline & Loretta Lynn [Watch]

Posted on July 25, 2019

Lifetime released the first trailer for its new friendship flick, Patsy & Loretta, which chronicles the real-life bond between Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn in the 1950s and ’60s.

Before her death in a plane crash in 1963, Patsy was an established star who took up-and-comer Loretta under her wing to help her navigate the male-dominated world of country music.

Starring roles feature Megan Hilty as Patsy and Jessie Mueller as Loretta. Filmed in Nashville in the spring, Patsy & Loretta was directed by Callie Khouri, who created Nashville.

“I sure loved Patsy,” said Loretta via Facebook. “It broke my heart when we lost her. We always had lots of fun together. This movie is coming out this Fall.”

Patsy & Loretta is set to air on Lifetime on October 19 at 7 p.m. CT.

Watch the new trailer below.

Chris Young & Lauren Alaina Drop New Studio Video for “Town Ain’t Big Enough” [Watch]

Chris Young & Lauren Alaina Drop New Studio Video for “Town Ain’t Big Enough” [Watch]

Posted on July 25, 2019

Chris Young has found success in the past by collaborating with other artists, including No. 1 hits, “Think of You,” featuring Cassadee Pope, and “Sober Saturday Night,” featuring Vince Gill.

Chris has gone back to the well once more by teaming with Lauren Alaina on “Town Ain’t Big Enough,” which will be featured on his upcoming eighth studio album.

The breakup anthem, which was penned by Chris, Cary Barlowe, Corey Crowder and Shay Mooney (who also contributed background vocals on the track), features the soaring chorus: “This town ain’t big enough, Your friends and mine run into each other all the time, Seems like there ain’t no place to run, This town ain’t big enough for both of us.”

Chris and Lauren dropped a new video that features the tandem recording “Town Ain’t Big Enough” in the studio.

photos by NCD

Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Raybon & More Earn International Bluegrass Music Awards Nominations

Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Raybon & More Earn International Bluegrass Music Awards Nominations

Posted on July 24, 2019

Nominees for the 2019 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (July 24) at a press conference in Nashville. Notable names earning nominations—with country music ties—include Dolly Parton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Raybon and more.

Winners will be announced at the International Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 26 at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, N.C.

Here is the full list of nominees.

2019 Hall Of Fame Inductees

  • Mike Auldridge
  • Bill Emerson
  • The Kentucky Colonels

2019 Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients

  • Katy Daley
  • Mickey Gamble
  • Dan Hays
  • Allen Mills
  • Moonshiner

Entertainer Of The Year

  • Balsam Range
  • Sam Bush Band
  • The Earls of Leicester
  • Del McCoury Band
  • Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers

Vocal Group Of The Year

  • Balsam Range
  • I’m With Her
  • Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
  • Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out
  • Sister Sadie

Instrumental Group Of The Year

  • Sam Bush Band
  • Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
  • The Earls Of Leicester
  • Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder
  • The Traveling McCourys

New Artist Of The Year

  • Appalachian Road Show
  • Carolina Blue
  • High Fidelity
  • Mile Twelve
  • Billy Strings

Song Of The Year

  • Dance, Dance, Dance – Appalachian Road Show (artist), Brenda Cooper/Joseph Cooper/Steve Miller (writers)
  • The Girl Who Invented The Wheel – Balsam Range (artist), Adam Wright/Shannon Wright (writers)
  • The Guitar Song – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers with Del McCoury (artist), Bill Anderson/Jamey Johnson/Vicky McGehee (writers)
  • The Light In Carter Stanley’s Eyes – Peter Rowan (artist), Peter Rowan (writer)
  • Next Train South – Po’ Ramblin’ Boys (artist), Mac Patterson (writer)
  • Take The Journey – Molly Tuttle (artist), Molly Tuttle/Sarah Siskind (writer)
  • Thunder Dan – Sideline (artist), John Manning (writer)

Album Of The Year

  • City On A Hill – Mile Twelve (artist), Bryan Sutton (producer), Independent (label)
  • Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass – Del McCoury Band (artist), Del and Ronnie McCoury (producers), McCoury Music (label)
  • For The Record – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Joe Mullins (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • I Hear Bluegrass Calling Me – Carolina Blue (artist), Bobby Powell, Tim and Lakyn Jones (producer), Pinecastle Records (label)
  • Sister Sadie II – Sister Sadie (artist), Sister Sadie (producer), Pinecastle Records (label)

Gospel Recording Of The Year

  • Acres Of Diamonds – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (artist), Joe Mullins (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • Gonna Sing, Gonna Shout – Claire Lynch (artist), Jerry Salley (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • I Am A Pilgrim – Roland White and Friends (artist), Ty Gilpin and Jon Weisberger (producer), Mountain Home Music Company (label)
  • I See God – Marty Raybon (artist), Jerry Salley (producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
  • Let My Life Be A Light – Balsam Range (artist), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company (label)

Instrumental Recording Of The Year

  • Cotton Eyed Joe – Sideline (artist), Tim Surrett (producer), Mountain Home Music Company (label)
  • Darlin’ Pal(s) Of Mine – Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Mike Bub, and Todd Phillips (artists), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
  • Earl’s Breakdown – The Earls Of Leicester (artist), Jerry Douglas (producers), Rounder Records (label)
  • Fried Taters and Onions – Carolina Blue (artists), Bobby Powell, Tim and Lakyn Jones (producer), Pinecastle Records (label)
  • Sunrise – Sam Bush & Béla Fleck (artist), Akira Otsuka and Ronnie Freeland (producer), Smithsonian Folkways Records (label)

Collaborative Recording Of The Year

  • Burning Georgia Down – Balsam Range with Atlanta Pops Orchestra Ensemble (artists), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Music Company (label)
  • Darlin’ Pal(s) Of Mine – Missy Raines with Alison Brown, Mike Bub, and Todd Phillips (artists), Alison Brown (producer), Compass Records (label)
  • The Guitar Song – Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers with Del McCoury (artist), Bill Anderson/Jamey Johnson/Vicky McGehee (writers)
  • Please – Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton (artists), Dave Cobb, John Leventhal, Frank Liddell (producers), MCA Nashville (label)
  • Soldiers Joy/Ragtime Annie – Roland White with Justin Hiltner, Jon Weisberger, Patrick McAvinue, and Molly Tuttle (artists), Ty Gilpin, Jon Weisberger (producer), Mountain Home Music Company (label)

Male Vocalist Of The Year

  • Shawn Camp
  • Del McCoury
  • Russell Moore
  • Tim O’Brien
  • Danny Paisley

Female Vocalist Of The Year

  • Brooke Aldridge
  • Dale Ann Bradley
  • Sierra Hull
  • Molly Tuttle
  • Rhonda Vincent

Instrumental Performers Of The Year

Banjo

  • Gina Furtado
  • Mike Munford
  • Noam Pikelny
  • Kristin Scott Benson
  • Scott Vestal

Bass

  • Barry Bales
  • Mike Bub
  • Beth Lawrence
  • Missy Raines
  • Mark Schatz

Fiddle

  • Hunter Berry
  • Becky Buller
  • Jason Carter
  • Michael Cleveland
  • Stuart Duncan

Resophonic Guitar

  • Jerry Douglas
  • Andy Hall
  • Rob Ickes
  • Phil Leadbetter
  • Justin Moses

Guitar

  • Kenny Smith
  • Billy Strings
  • Bryan Sutton
  • Molly Tuttle
  • Josh Williams

Mandolin

  • Alan Bibey
  • Sam Bush
  • Sierra Hull
  • Ronnie McCoury
  • Frank Solivan

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Oak Ridge Boys Announce New Holiday Album & 30th Annual Christmas Tour

Oak Ridge Boys Announce New Holiday Album & 30th Annual Christmas Tour

Posted on July 24, 2019

The Oak Ridge Boys—Joe Bonsall, Duane Allen, William Lee Golden and Richard Sterban—are getting a jump on the Christmas season by announcing the release of their new holiday album and upcoming tour.

Produced by Dave Cobb (Jason Isbell, Chris Stapleton), the new holiday album, Down Home Christmas, will be released on Oct. 25. The 10-song offering features classics like “Silent Night” and “Amazing Grace” with newly penned songs by some of Nashville’s top songwriters.

In addition, the Oaks will once again celebrate the Christmas season with their 30th annual holiday tour. Kicking off on Nov. 13 in Branson, Mo., the Down Home Christmas Tour will make more than 30 stops.

“Down Home Christmas is a project that we are happy to share with the world and, rest assured, you will hear these songs on our upcoming 30th annual Christmas tour,” says Joe Bonsall. “The instrumentation is sparse, yet incredibly put together, and the vocals are rich and vibrant. Many of the songs were freshly written by a stable of Nashville’s top songwriters.”

Down Home Christmas Track List & Songwriters

  1. The Family Piano (Aaron Raitiere)
  2. Angels (Aaron Raitiere)
  3. Bring Daddy Home For Christmas (Channing Wilson, Aaron Raitiere)
  4. Reindeer On The Roof (Jake Mitchell, Aaron Raitiere)
  5. Silent Night (Franz Xaver Gruber, Joseph Mohr)
  6. Hallelujah Emmanuel (Robert Jason, Paul Bradley Jr.)
  7. Down Home Christmas (Mando Saenz, Aaron Raitiere)
  8. South Alabama Christmas (Jamey Johnson)
  9. Don’t Go Pullin’ On Santa Claus’ Beard (Anderson East, Aaron Raitiere)
  10. Amazing Grace (John Newton)

Down Home Christmas Tour

Nov. 13 | The Mansion Theatre | Branson, Mo.
Nov. 14 | The Mansion Theatre | Branson, Mo.
Nov. 15 | Orpheum Theatre | Sioux City, Iowa
Nov. 16 | Deadwood Mountain Grand Hotel | Deadwood, S.D.
Nov. 17 | Aberdeen Civic Arena | Aberdeen, S.D.
Nov. 18 | Wild Rose Casino & Resort | Jefferson, Iowa
Nov. 19 | Hartman Arena | Park City, Kan.
Nov. 20 | The Mansion Theatre | Branson, Mo.
Nov. 21 | The Mansion Theatre | Branson, Mo.
Nov. 22 | Peoria Civic Center Theater | Peoria, Ill.
Nov. 23 | The Vern Riffe Center For The Arts | Portsmouth, Ohio
Nov. 24 | River City Casino | St. Louis, Mo.
Nov. 30 | Memorial Hall | Independence, Kan.
Dec. 1 | McCain Auditorium | Manhattan, Kan.
Dec. 4 | UMBC Events Center | Baltimore, Md.
Dec. 5 | Riviera Theatre | N. Tonawanda, N.Y.
Dec. 6 | Palace Theatre | Greensburg, Pa.
Dec. 7 | Roland E. Powell Convention Center | Ocean City, Md.
Dec. 11 | Paramount Theater | Anderson, Ind.
Dec. 14 | Honeywell Center | Wabash, Ind.
Dec. 15 | Renfro Valley Entertainment Center | Renfro Valley, Ky.
Dec. 18 | Mayo Civic Center Presentation | Rochester, Minn
Dec. 19 | Five Flags Center | Dubuque, Iowa
Dec. 20 | Shooting Star Casino Hotel | Mahnomen, Minn.
Dec. 21 | Crystal Grand Music Theatre | Wisconsin Dells, Wis.
Dec. 22 | Rialto Square Theatre | Joliet, Ill.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Keith Urban Says It’s a Challenging Time to Create Art Because Haters Want to “Yuck Your Yum”

Keith Urban Says It’s a Challenging Time to Create Art Because Haters Want to “Yuck Your Yum”

Posted on July 24, 2019

Keith Urban has always marched to the beat of his own drum when it comes to creating country music.

Ambition and talent didn’t make him an immediate star when he first visited Nashville in 1989. Keith struggled through the early part of the 1990s in Music City, fronting bands 4 Wheel Drive and The Ranch. Success was eluding him, mainly because his style failed to fit in with the current Nashville trends. However, Keith stayed true to his music, eventually swinging the pendulum the other way by creating his own trends.

The rest, as they say, is history. The current CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year and four-time Grammy Award winner has scored 24 No. 1 singles and sold more than 20 million albums around the world.

As Keith told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown, maintaining his creative balance has been one of the keys to his success.

“[I create] by not being obsessively plugged in to begin with, you know?” says Keith. “Sort of staying a little bit on the—not the periphery of it, but just not all in, all the time, 24-seven. I think you just have to keep a balance in everything really, because it is a challenging time to create because there’s so many people ready to just yuck your yum [laughing]. And, you can’t let that stop you for lots of reasons. You’ve got to be able to express. You’ve got to be true, fully unfiltered true in your art, and what it is you want to say. But also it can be art that people really need. I’m talking about poetry or photography or movies or books or anything—the naysayers may very well be the people that need it the most, so it’s imperative to be allowed to write and create freely.”

Keith’s new single, “We Were,” is currently No. 18 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 10 weeks.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Johnny Cash Gets Comprehensive New Website Dedicated to His Music, Writings, Photos & More

Johnny Cash Gets Comprehensive New Website Dedicated to His Music, Writings, Photos & More

Posted on July 24, 2019

Over the course of his legendary career, Johnny Cash expanded country music’s reach through his early, rocking hits, his groundbreaking live albums and his late-period creative resurgence.

The Man in Black is now the subject of a newly revamped website—johnnycash.com—that offers users comprehensive access to his life and career, including recordings, videos, writings, artifacts, photographs, merchandise, virtual archives and more.

The new site boats a number of highlights, including:

  • Johnny’s extensive discography (93 original albums, 162 singles, compilations, soundtracks and various special guest appearances)
  • More than 2,300 performances appear across the site with a detailed Song List
  • Johnny’s Chart History from the Billboard 200 (54 albums) and Hot 100 (42 songs)
  • Comprehensive Movies & TV section covering 93 of Johnny’s film and television appearances
  • 52 previously published books about Johnny
  • Searchable award and nomination database
  • Comprehensive tour history
  • Timeline of Johnny’s life

“I am thrilled that everyone who loves my father and his music will now have a comprehensive place to learn more about the man, his life and his ongoing legacy,” said John Carter Cash.

4 Country Couples Raise $100K for Charity By Offering Fans the Chance to Go on a Double Date

4 Country Couples Raise $100K for Charity By Offering Fans the Chance to Go on a Double Date

Posted on July 24, 2019

Wanna go on a double date with a country music power couple? Here’s your chance.

Four country music couples—Carly Pearce and Michael Ray, Chris Lane and Lauren Bushnell, Kane and Katelyn Brown, and Scotty and Gabi McCreery—have teamed with dating app Bumble for a new campaign: “Country Couples for a Cause.”

New and existing Bumble users can enter the Country Couples for a Cause contest via Bumble’s app for a chance to win a double date with one of the aforementioned couples. Four Bumble users—and their guests—will be matched up with a country couple for a unique date that the country couple plans. Bumble will also make a $25,000 donation to each of the country couple’s charity of choice:

  • Carly Pearce and Michael Ray: The Ryan Seacrest Foundation
  • Chris Lane and Lauren Bushnell: JDRF
  • Kane and Katelyn Brown: Boys & Girls Clubs of America
  • Scotty and Gabi McCreery: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

A panel of Bumble judges will determine the potential prize winners “based on the most thought-provoking and genuine answers to the contest submission.”

“When we’re not touring or on the road, one of our favorite things to do as a couple is to try new restaurants around Nashville,” says Michael Ray. “We can’t wait to plan a fun date night and share that experience with our fans.”

“Gabi and I have shared moments from our life together with our fans through social media, music videos and more so they can know us as real people,” says Scotty McCreery. “Partnering with Bumble is another great way to evolve that connection. We make a point to plan special dates often where we can enjoy being together and reconnect as husband and wife away from the craziness of what we both do in our outside lives.”

photos: Scotty & Gabi McCreery, Michael Ray & Carly Pearce by Curtis Hilbun; Kane & Katelyn Brown, Chris Lane & Lauren Bushnell by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Thomas Rhett & Wife Lauren Expecting Third Child

Thomas Rhett & Wife Lauren Expecting Third Child

Posted on July 23, 2019

Thomas Rhett and wife Lauren revealed via Instagram they are expecting their third child—a baby girl—in 2020.

TR and Lauren are the parents of two girls, Willa Gray, 3, and Ada James, 1.

Lauren post on Instagram features a number of photos and a video of the gender reveal, with the caption: “We decided we didn’t have enough princess dresses around the house so we’re adding another Akins baby girl to the family early next year 💕🎀😭💗💗💗 despite Thomas Rhett’s initial shock (swipe to see video 😂) we are absolutely over the moon for our baby girl! Our girls cannot wait to meet their little sister 💕💕 Willa Gray prays for her every night (heart in a puddle every time😭😭) & she and Ada James love to touch my belly and talk to her😭😭💗💗💗-especially bc I’ve been showing since I was SEVEN weeks (🤪). So it feels like we have been hiding this secret for an ETERNITY. And I’d like to apologize to everyone I’ve canceled on, said no to or just been MIA, but for a second there I wasn’t sure if I was pregnant or just puked for a living🤢. But she’s soooo worth it💕💗💕💗💕 We are SO excited! & if you need TR you can find him in the camping section at REI buying dude things…….jk, he’s excited too.”

Scroll through the pics and watch the gender reveal video below.

View this post on Instagram

We decided we didn’t have enough princess dresses around the house so we’re adding another Akins baby girl to the family early next year 💕🎀😭💗💗💗 despite Thomas Rhett’s initial shock (swipe to see video 😂) we are absolutely over the moon for our baby girl! Our girls cannot wait to meet their little sister 💕💕 Willa Gray prays for her every night (heart in a puddle every time😭😭) & she and Ada James love to touch my belly and talk to her😭😭💗💗💗-especially bc I’ve been showing since I was SEVEN weeks (🤪). So it feels like we have been hiding this secret for an ETERNITY. And I’d like to apologize to everyone I’ve canceled on, said no to or just been MIA, but for a second there I wasn’t sure if I was pregnant or just puked for a living🤢. But she’s soooo worth it💕💗💕💗💕 We are SO excited! & if you need TR you can find him in the camping section at REI buying dude things…….jk, he’s excited too 🥰

A post shared by Lauren Akins (@laur_akins) on

photo courtesy Lauren Akins Instagram
photo courtesy Lauren Akins Instagram

 

 

main photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

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