Guarantano & Taylor Named to Maxwell and Bednarik Award Preseason Watch Lists

Guarantano & Taylor Named to Maxwell and Bednarik Award Preseason Watch Lists

Posted on July 15, 2019
Credit: UT Athletics

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – A pair of Tennessee Vols were included on the preseason watch lists for the 83rd annual Maxwell Award and the 25thannual Chuck Bednarik Award, as announced today by the Maxwell Football Club.

Redshirt junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano was named to the Maxwell Award Preseason Watch List while redshirt senior linebacker Darrell Taylor was among those recognized on the Chuck Bednarik Preseason Watch List.

Guarantano is the first Tennessee quarterback to be included on the Maxwell Watch List since Joshua Dobbs in 2016 and the Vol since running back John Kelly was added to the midseason watch list for the award in 2017.

The Maxwell Award, named in honor of Robert W. “Tiny” Maxwell, has been given to America’s College Player of the Year since 1937. Maxwell’s contributions to the game of football were extensive, including time as a player, a sportswriter and an official.

Guarantano started all 12 games at quarterback in 2018, passing for 1,907 yards and 12 touchdowns with just three interceptions. The Lodi, N.J., native broke the school record for consecutive passes without an interception (166). He was named SEC Player of the Week and National Player of the Week by several organizations following his 328-yard, two-touchdown performance in UT’s 30-24 upset at No. 21 Auburn. Guarantano was recently called an “under-the-radar” player for 2019 by ESPN after he was one of the nation’s top signal-callers in the face of a pass rush in 2018. He completed 57 percent of his passes at nine yards per attempt when under pressure according to ESPN.

Legendary quarterback Peyton Manning is the only Tennessee player to ever win the Maxwell Award, capturing the honor in 1997.

Taylor is the first UT linebacker to make the Bednarik Preseason Watch List since Jalen Reeves-Maybin in 2016. Defensive back Nigel Warriorwas named to the preseason watch list prior to the start of last season.

Taylor’s eight sacks in 2018 are the most of any returning player in the SEC. The Hopewell, Va., native added 11.0 tackles for loss and 36 total stops as an outside linebacker. Taylor was one of only two Power 5 players to notch two three-sack games in 2018. He had a three-sack game at No. 2 Georgia, adding a pair of forced fumbles against the Bulldogs. Additionally, Taylor notched four sacks in the 24-7 upset win over No. 11 Kentucky, becoming just the third Vol with four sacks in a game all-time. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week and won several national defensive awards following his performance against the Wildcats.

The Bednarik Award has seen three Vols earn semifinalist honors. Kevin Burnett was UT’s first Bednarik Award semifinalist in 2004, while Eric Berry advanced in 2008 and Derek Barnett made the cut in 2016.

The Tennessee Volunteer football team kicks off year two of the Jeremy Pruitt era at 3:30 p.m. on Aug. 31 when Georgia State comes to Neyland Stadium. F

 

UT Athletics

Miranda Lambert Shares the Story Behind Her New Single, “It All Comes Out In the Wash”

Miranda Lambert Shares the Story Behind Her New Single, “It All Comes Out In the Wash”

Posted on July 15, 2019

Miranda Lambert will drop her first single in more than 15 months with the release of “It All Comes Out in the Wash” on July 18.

The new tune, which was co-penned by Miranda, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey, is expected to serve as the lead single from Miranda’s upcoming seventh studio album.

“I wrote ‘It All Comes Out in the Wash’ with the Love Junkies, some of my favorite people to write with—Lori McKenna, Liz Rose and Hillary Lindsey,” says Miranda. “And I had the title for a while written down in my phone. We like to talk about girly things and things going on in life when we write together, so I feel like the song is just kind of a mix of scenarios that all of us have either been a part of or seen or, ya know, something that’s happened in all of our lives, and realizing that when you have something in your life that’s a little unclean at times or hurtful or a moment that you wish would pass, it does all pass and it all comes out in the wash. That’s something that all of our moms would say to us when we were little—let’s not worry about a stain. I’m really proud of it. It’s a really fun song.”

Miranda shared a snippet of the new song via Instagram, which you can see below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Chris Janson Says He Reads Every Letter That Comes to His Grand Ole Opry Mailbox

Chris Janson Says He Reads Every Letter That Comes to His Grand Ole Opry Mailbox

Posted on July 15, 2019

After more than 200 performances inside the Grand Ole Opry’s hallowed circle—and becoming an official member in March 2018—it’s safe to say that Chris Janson feels at home on the Opry.

photo by Ryan Footit

One of perks of becoming an Opry member is a personalized mailbox at the Opry Post Office, a tradition carried over from when the Opry was at the Ryman Auditorium (1943–1974). The mailboxes serve as a place for fans to send letters and packages to their favorite member.

As Chris told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown, having a mailbox at the Opry is such an honor that he personally reads every letter sent to him.

“There is a mailbox, and it’s awesome,” Chris. “It’s just like the old-time postal service boxes. You would be surprised at how many people write the Grand Ole Opry. It’s pretty awesome. And, just in case anybody is listening and wants to know, I do read all the stuff and go through it and sift through it and make sure that I give everything a fair read.”

If you’d like to contact Chris—or any Opry member—send your letter to:

Grand Ole Opry
[Member Name]
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

After 7 Years, Chris Knight Readies New Album, “Almost Daylight”

After 7 Years, Chris Knight Readies New Album, “Almost Daylight”

Posted on July 15, 2019

Known for songs that are as dark as the Kentucky coalmines he once worked, Chris Knight will release a new album, Almost Daylight, on Oct. 11.

The upcoming project will be Chris’ first new album since the release of Little Victories in September 2012. The 11-song offering, which was helmed by frequent producer Ray Kennedy (Enough Rope, Little Victories), features vocals from longtime friend Lee Ann Womack on “Send It on Down,” as well as a duet with John Prine on “Mexican Home,” which originally appeared on Prine’s 1973 album, Sweet Revenge. Chris also covers Johnny Cash’s “Flesh and Blood” on the new album.

“I was determined not to do any acoustic songs on this album,” Chris says. “I wanted it all to sound edgy and raw, but to feel big at the same time. We kept trying different approaches until I felt we landed on what worked. The thing is, some of my songs might take a year of writing before I even think they’re ready for recording and I fretted about every one of these. I’ve never put a cover song on any of my records before, but there are two covers on this one. And I think it all fits together pretty good.”

Almost Daylight Track Listing

  1. “I’m William Callahan”
  2. “Crooked Mile”
  3. “I Won’t Look Back”
  4. “Go On”
  5. “The Damn Truth”
  6. “Send It On Down” feat. Lee Ann Womack
  7. “Almost Daylight”
  8. “Trouble Up Ahead”
  9. “Everybody’s Lonely Now”
  10. “Flesh and Blood”
  11. “Mexican Home” feat. John Prine

photo by Ray Kennedy

Chuck Wicks and Kasi Williams Get Married [Watch Exclusive Video of the Newlyweds]

Chuck Wicks and Kasi Williams Get Married [Watch Exclusive Video of the Newlyweds]

Posted on July 14, 2019

Chuck Wicks and Kasi Williams—who is the younger sister of Jason Aldean—got married in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, on July 12.

The couple tied the knot in front of 103 guests—including Jason Aldean, former MLB player Ryan Klesko and former UFC fighter Dan Henderson—during an evening ceremony at the Cabo Azul Resort, NCD confirms exclusively. Both Chuck and Kasi became emotional during the ceremony as they recited the vows they wrote for each other. There were no groomsmen or bridesmaids.

The new bride and groom shared their first dance to an acoustic version of “Can’t Help Falling in Love.” The reception dinner, which featured sea bass and filet mignon, was capped with a firework show.

Chuck and Kasi will honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, for the week.

Check out the newlyweds in the Nash Country Daily video below.

photo by Nash Country Daily

Lon Helton of “Country Countdown USA” Earns Nomination for Radio Hall of Fame [Vote Now]

Lon Helton of “Country Countdown USA” Earns Nomination for Radio Hall of Fame [Vote Now]

Posted on July 14, 2019

Lon Helton, the longtime host of Country Countdown USA, has been nominated for the Radio Hall of Fame.

Lon is one of four nominees in the Music Format: On-Air Personality category, along with Hollywood Hamilton, the Mark & Brian Show, and Ryan Seacrest.

From July 15 to July 28, fans have the opportunity to vote for their favorite personality in the aforementioned category. The winners will be determined by the public and the Radio Hall of Fame’s nominating committee. The outcome of the fan vote counts as one vote among the committee votes.

Lon has been host of Country Countdown USA since its inception in 1992. Lon was named CMA National Personality of the Year in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 and 2018. In 2009, 2012, 2014, and 2016, he won that honor from the Academy of Country Music. Lon was inducted into the Country Radio DJ Hall of Fame in 2006.

Inductees will be announced on Aug. 5. The induction ceremony will take place in the fall.

Music Format On-Air Personality

  • Hollywood Hamilton
  • Lon Helton
  • Mark & Brian Show (Mark Thompson, Brian Phelps)
  • Ryan Seacrest

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Chris Young Extends “Raised on Country Tour” With Eli Young Band & More

Chris Young Extends “Raised on Country Tour” With Eli Young Band & More

Posted on July 12, 2019

Chris Young has extended his Raised on Country Tour with 19 new dates this fall.

Eli Young Band and Matt Stell will serve as support for the new fall run. Tickets will go on sale on July 19 at 10 a.m. local time.

Raised On Country World Tour 2019

Sept. 26 | Erie, PA | Erie Insurance Arena
Sept. 27 | Amherst, MA | Mullins Center
Sept. 28 | Westbrook, ME | Maine Savings Pavilion
Oct. 3 | Grand Forks, ND | Alerus Center
Oct. 4 | Sioux City, IA | Tyson Events Center
Oct. 5 | Peoria, IL | Peoria Civic Center
Oct. 17 | Columbia, MO | Mizzou Arena
Oct. 18 | La Crosse, WI | La Crosse Center Arena
Oct. 19 | Duluth, MN | AMSOIL Arena
Oct. 24 | Huntsville, AL | Von Braun Center
Oct. 25 | Augusta, GA | James Brown Arena
Nov. 7 | Cedar Park, TX | H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Nov. 8 | Oklahoma City, OK | Chesapeake Energy Arena
Nov. 9 | Springfield, MO | JQH Arena
Nov. 15 | Baltimore, MD | Royal Farms Arena
Nov. 16 | Huntington, WV | Big Sandy Superstore Arena
Nov. 21 | Ft. Wayne, IN | Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
Nov. 22 | Saginaw, MI | Dow Event Center
Nov. 23 | Lexington, KY | Rupp Arena

photo by NCD

Clare Bowen Talks Growing Up in Australia, Overcoming Childhood Cancer, Starring on “Nashville,” Finding Love, Creating New Album & More

Clare Bowen Talks Growing Up in Australia, Overcoming Childhood Cancer, Starring on “Nashville,” Finding Love, Creating New Album & More

Posted on July 12, 2019

Jim Casey talks with singer/songwriter/actress Clare Bowen and her husband, Brandon Robert Young, about:

Clare Bowen and Brandon Robert Young. photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
  • releasing her self-titled debut album in the U.S. on July 12
  • releasing the album in Germany, U.K. and Australia over the last year
  • starring as Scarlett O’Connor on Nashville for six season
  • growing up in Australia
  • speaking with a Southern U.S. accent on Nashville
  • working and touring with Charles Esten
  • overcoming cancer as a four-year-old
  • drawing from childhood experiences for her new album
  • opening the album with new single, “Let It Rain”
  • featuring Buddy Miller on new song, “Tide Rolls In”
  • the tender new song, “All the Beds I’ve Made,” which Clare and Robert co-penned about each other
  • closing the album with the gut-wrenching ballad, “Warrior”
  • performing the album live
  • upcoming acting projects

Podcast Participants

  • Clare Bowen
  • Brandon Robert Young
  • Jim Casey, editor-in-chief of NCD

Giddy-Up: Kane Brown Releases New Song, “Like a Rodeo” [Listen]

Giddy-Up: Kane Brown Releases New Song, “Like a Rodeo” [Listen]

Posted on July 12, 2019

Kane Brown promised his Instagram followers that he’d release a new track, “Like a Rodeo,” if his recent post—depicting him lip-syncing a snippet of the tune—received 1 million views.

Kane’s fans came through on their end with more than 1.2 million views, so Kane kept his word and released the new tune on July 12.

“Like a Rodeo” is a standalone track, as it isn’t featured on Kane’s 2018 album, Experiment, but his upcoming single, “Homesick,” which is on the album, will be released to country radio on Aug. 5.

Listen to “Like a Rodeo” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Chris Young & Lauren Alaina Team Up for Breakup Anthem, “Town Ain’t Big Enough” [Listen]

Chris Young & Lauren Alaina Team Up for Breakup Anthem, “Town Ain’t Big Enough” [Listen]

Posted on July 12, 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 contributes 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’ current single, “Raised on Country,” is No. 7 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart this week.

Listen to “Town Ain’t Big Enough” below.

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