After moving to Nashville from Perryville, Mo.—a town of less than 9,000—14 years ago, Chris Janson has been through the proverbial Music City wringer.
For more than a decade, Chris labored away onstage at Lower Broadway clubs and in Music Row writers’ rooms, co-penning songs such as Tim McGraw’s “Truck Yeah” and Justin Moore’s “Off the Beaten Path.” He signed a couple of not-so-successful record deals with BNA Records in 2009 and Bigger Picture Music Group in 2013, dropping two EPs along the way that didn’t make much of a splash, before self-releasing “Buy Me a Boat” in early 2015.
The strength of that song netted him a deal with Warner Bros., leading to his debut album, Buy Me a Boat, in 2015, and his sophomore album, Everybody, in 2017. With the backing of Warner Bros., Chris has found chart success with a number of his recent singles, including “Buy Me a Boat,” Holdin’ Her,” “Fix a Drink” and “Drunk Girl,” which is currently No. 8 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.
As Chris told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown, he’s finally at a point in his career where his “back porch” serves as his venue of choice when it comes to penning songs.
“I used to be one of your quintessential Music Row songwriters and enjoyed doing that whole deal, but then when I was fortunate enough to have a house that I really love and feel at home at, and have a space, frankly, to do it, I always wanted to be that guy who was able to write at home, and, man, that’s what I do,” says Chris to Kix. “As you grow as a songwriter and as an artist, you know, it’s like, ‘What rank are you?’ And, you know, for years and years and years and years and years, I spent so many miles driving to everybody else’s place to write because that’s just what you’ve gotta do when you’re coming up, but once I was fortunate enough to have a couple of established hits of my own as a songwriter and as an artist, people started coming to me, which was nice. And, once they come, then they just are like ‘Oh my God—I don’t ever want to write anywhere else,’ so, dude, my back porch has been graced by the biggest and the best songwriters in this whole business.”
North Carolina native Kellie Pickler will give her home state a welcome monetary boost when she teams with the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 6 for two shows to benefit those affected by Hurricane Florence.
When fans order tickets using the code HCRELIEF5, $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to the American Red Cross to assist those who have been affected by Hurricane Florence, which hit the Carolinas in September.
“I’m so thankful to the Grand Ole Opry and the American Red Cross for the assistance they are wanting to provide to the wonderful people from my home state of North Carolina,” says Kellie. “The devastation from Hurricane Florence continues to this day in small towns just like the one I call home. They will need our help for a long, long time to come.”
Mason Ramsey, The Steel Woods, Adam Doleac and John Berry will also perform during both Opry showcases on Oct. 6.
The NBA’s Washington Wizards recently announced their 2018-19 training camp roster, and it includes former Tennessee basketball standout Jordan McRae (2010-14).
It had previously been reported that McRae signed a two-way contract with the team. Tennessee basketball legend Ernie Grunfeld (1973-77) is the Wizards’ President/General Manager.
Players on two-way contracts can join an NBA team for up to 45 days while spending the remainder of the season with that team’s G League (formerly known as the NBA D-League) affiliate. Washington’s affiliate is a new expansion team, the Capital City Go-Go.
McRae, who won an NBA Finals championship with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2016, has appeared in 59 career NBA contests, averaging 4.4 points per game. But his NBA scoring average “per 36 minutes” is an impressive 16.2 points.
His NBA 3-point percentage is a healthy .384.
The 27-year-old shooting guard was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the 2014 NBA Draft and joined the Philadelphia 76ers via a draft-day trade. After high-scoring stints in the Australian NBL (Melbourne United) and the NBA D-League (Delaware 87ers), he made his NBA debut during the 2015-16 campaign with the Phoenix Suns. The Suns signed him to consecutive 10-day contracts before he joined the Cavs on a 10-day deal in February of 2016. Cleveland signed him to a multi-year contract later that season.
McRae helped power the Volunteers to the NCAA Sweet Sixteen as a senior in 2014. That spring, he received his Tennessee degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice.
Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap will release a new album of Jan. 18 that features duets with an A-list cast, including Billy Gibbons, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Jason Aldean, Willie Nelson, Lucy Angel, Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, George Strait, Jessie Key, Leon Russell, Steven Curtis Chapman and Montgomery Gentry.
The 13-track collection, dubbed Ronnie Milsap: The Duets, includes one of Troy Gentry’s final recordings on the Montgomery Gentry/Ronnie duet, “Shakey Ground.” In addition, Leon Russell, who passed away in 2016, is featured on “Misery Loves Company.”
The album was recorded at Ronnie’s Place, the Nashville studio Ronnie owned from the late 1970s until 1995.
Ronnie Milsap: The Duets
“Southern Boys and Detroit Wheels” ft. Billy Gibbons
Ahead of Garth Brooks’ concert at Notre Dame Stadium on Oct. 20, fans can hang with the G-man’s Queen at Trisha’s Tailgate.
Trisha Yearwood will be hosting a tailgating extravaganza—tickets are $65—where fans can sample her recipes and cocktails, as well as check out furniture and accessories from her home collection.
Trisha and Garth shared the news on Trisha’s Facebook Live series, T’s Coffee Talk.
“Trisha’s Tailgate tent—it’s coming to Notre Dame,” said Garth. “I’m so excited. This is going to be the place, too. So, the day of the show, there’ll be a big-ass white tent. And wait till you hear what’s inside it.”
“It’s going to be a really cool combination of everything that Notre Dame loves and everything that Trisha Yearwood loves, so I’m really excited about it,” added Trisha. “So, if you were ever curious about, like, ‘I want to see your furniture’ . . . ‘I want to see your rugs’ . . . ‘I want to see your accessories’ . . . ‘I’d like to try your food’—it’s all going to be there.”
Oct. 1, 2018, marks the one-year anniversary of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival that resulted in death of 58 people, as well as more than 800 injured.
Please take a moment now to read the names of the 58 victims below—58 innocent bystanders who were senselessly murdered.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – With five newcomers and six returnees taking the court, seventh-year head coach Holly Warlick put her 2018-19 Tennessee women’s basketball team through its first official practice of the season on Sunday morning at Pratt Pavilion.
Before they got down to business on the court, however, the team cheered on participants running in the Race for the Summitt 4-mile road race at UT’s Circle Park. Warlick served as the official starter and also ran in the fundraiser for the Pat Summitt Foundation.
Also taking place prior to practice were interviews with the media. Seniors Cheridene Green and Meme Jackson as well as Warlick answered questions about offseason workouts, the vibe of the team, the overall youth of the squad, leadership roles, team chemistry and other topics.
The Lady Vols return three starters and six total letterwinners from a squad that finished 25-8 overall, 11-5 in the SEC, and ended up ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll and No. 17 in the USA TODAY Coaches Poll.
Returning starters include 6-2 sophomore forward Rennia Davis (12.0 ppg., 7.6 rpg., SEC All-Freshman), 6-0 sophomore point guard Evina Westbrook (8.4 ppg., 4.3 apg., SEC All-Freshman) and 5-11 senior wing Meme Jackson (8.2 ppg., 4.2 rpg.), as well as one of the team’s top reserves in 6-3 senior forward Cheridene Green (4.1 ppg., 3.7 rpg.).
UT also welcomes the nation’s No. 4 ranked freshman class (6-1 wing Rae Burrell, 6-3 forward Mimi Collins, 6-0 guard Zaay Green and 6-0 guard Jazmine Massengill) and a 6-3 graduate transfer forward from Washington State (Lou Brown), who has 71 career starts and averaged 6.4 ppg. and 6.0 rpg. in 2017-18.
Tennessee is scheduled to tip off the 2018-19 campaign with a home exhibition game vs. Carson-Newman at 7 p.m. ET on Nov. 5 and the regular-season home opener vs. Presbyterian at 2 p.m. on Nov. 11. Tickets are available now at allvols.com.
Opening Statement:
“We’re pumped up, we’re excited that it’s our first day. The players have been excited, and there is great energy. We’re ready to get going.”
On the team playing pick-up over summer and its impact on team chemistry:
“This has been player-driven, and they have gotten in the gym. They’re getting extra shots up, and they’re playing pick-up. We’ll have a two-hour practice and then they’ll play pick-up on their own, so this is all player-driven. The buy-in, the comradery and the ability for us to get better – it’s paid big in benefits.”
On the energy from the freshmen and newcomers:
“(They are) high energy. I love it from everybody. The freshmen have come in and haven’t missed a beat. They’re still learning, but their effort is very high.”
On how the team’s energy can compensate for inexperience:
“It’s going to speak volumes. What they lack in understanding, their energy will make up for. I told them when they don’t give effort and they don’t listen, that’s when I get upset. They’re going to make mistakes. They’re freshmen, but they’re learning and they’re playing hard. I don’t want to have to teach effort, and so far I haven’t had to teach effort.”
On who has emerged as a team leader:
“Meme Jackson has stepped up; she’s been consistent. I think Evina Westbrook has stepped up for her role as being a point guard. Cheridene (Green) and Rennia (Davis) have been vocal, so probably those four. More so Meme has probably been the front-runner.
On what she prioritizes with official practices starting:
“We’ve got to make layups. We’ve got to make free throws. We’ve got to cut down on turnovers, and we’ve got to play solid defense. The rebounding aspect is huge. If we focus on those things, everything else will take care of itself.”
On the team’s health:
“We’re pretty much good, just a couple of bangs and bruises. We’re pretty solid.”
On replacing Mercedes Russell in the paint:
“Mercedes will be missed. I think our inside game has stepped up, and I think Kasi (Kushkituah) has done a great job this summer. (We have) Kam (Harris) and then we add Lou (Brown) to the mix and Mimi Collins, we’ve got a lot of options. I think they’ve gotten great experience throughout the summer.”
On what Lou Brown adds to the team: “We’re excited she’s here. It was a process for her, but what a great addition for us. (She’s a) great kid; she can emerge as a leader as well. She’s going to stretch the defense for us. She’s a very consistent 3-point shooter, (she’s) knowledgeable of the game and picks things up very easy. I think her experience in games is going to help us.”
On whether there are any concerns with the team heading into the season:
“None. Absolutely none. I am excited about this group, because they’ve bought in on their own. They’ve taken a lot of responsibility, and I think it shows.”
On whether she’s surprised with the progress of the team:
“We’re going to be young, but we’ve got young people with a lot of experience and high energy. The effort’s there, and I’m not surprised about it. I think people have stepped up and taken a different role.”
On who has improved over the off-season:
“I think Rennia Davis has really upped her game. Meme (Jackson) has upped her game and Kasi (Kushkituah). They’ve all been in the gym, but Rennia first comes to mind because of the amount of hours and time she spent in the gym. They’ve all done a great job.”
On the work that Kasiyahna Kushkituah has put in:
“She stayed here all summer and got in a lot better shape. For Kasi, that’s what she needed. I’ve seen her grow both on the court and off the court. She understands what she needs to do.
On what stands out about this year’s team:
“What stands out to me is everyone is working hard. (It’s) not just one, two or three people, the whole team is putting in work before and after practice. This summer we played a lot of pick-up, so that’s just something new to me that we haven’t done in the past.”
On how the newcomers have made a difference:
“The energy. Our younger players bring a lot of energy to the practice floor every day. They’re always energized, and we feed off that, whether it’s older or younger players. Everybody brings positive energy.”
On if she feels a responsibility to be a leader for the freshmen:
“I do what I’m supposed to do, and they feed off that. I just try to lead by example. They pretty much do what they’re supposed to do, and they have other leaders on the team. We just try our best to lead by example.”
On what Lou Brown brings to the table:
“Lou is a hard worker. She’s a four-player with a 3-point shot, so she can play inside and out. She’s a versatile player.”
On what last year taught her:
“I think I need to be more aggressive, and I also think I need to slow down a bit. I think last year I was just getting back into playing, and I was panicky and didn’t want to mess up. This year I’ve just learned to slow down, and the game has slowed down a lot for me, which has made it a lot easier.”
On who has stepped up in the leadership roles:
“It’s mainly the seniors, “E” (Evina Westbrook) and “Re” (Rennia Davis). Some of us are vocal leaders and others lead by example, but overall, we feel like the freshmen can step up and say what they want to. Nobody should feel too shy to say anything.”
On the most important detail to the team’s success:
“I think discipline is the biggest thing, whether that’s listening to coach or listening to our point guard. It’s important to pay attention to details in practice so it can transfer over to the game. That’s the main thing for us this year, which is one of the things we lacked last year.”
On a difference in focus compared to previous years in the off-season:
“The difference is we played a lot more pick-up this year than we did last year. A lot of us have been getting up a lot of shots and working on our weaknesses. Everybody’s been getting up shots and working on ball handling, which is different from last season. I think that’s important, everybody in working on their game.”
Zac Brown Band will take part in the star-studded celebration of Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday during an upcoming television special, Mickey’s 90th Spectacular.
The TV special, which will be taped on Oct. 6, will air on ABC on Nov. 4. The two-hour event will also feature performances by Meghan Trainor, Leslie Odom Jr., Josh Groban and NCT 127. Kristen Bell, Sofia Carson, Tony Hale and Sarah Hyland will also make appearances. Additional performers and guests will be announced soon.
ZBB will perform “Bare Necessities” from Disney’s 1967 film The Jungle Book.
Mickey made his first appearance on Nov. 18, 1928, in the short film, Steamboat Willie.
Mickey’s 90th Spectacular airs Nov. 4, 8 p.m. ET on ABC.
Despite a 38-12 loss at No. 2 ranked Georgia, Tennessee showed significant improvement in several areas.
The Vols didn’t turn it over six times, like they did against Florida the week before.
They got pressure on the quarterback, racking up three sacks.
They rallied from a 24-0 deficit early in the third quarter to make it a 12-point game – and the margin was 12 with less than four minutes remaining.
They scored two touchdowns against a team that routed them 41-0 last year.
But did Tennessee play well enough to snap what has grown to an 11-game losing streak in SEC play?
In other words, was Saturday’s performance good enough to beat South Carolina, Kentucky, Missouri or Vanderbilt.
That, of course, is assuming top 10 Auburn and top-ranked Alabama – UT’s next two opponents – beat the Vols. Odds suggest UT doesn’t have much of a chance in those two games.
But Tennessee should be no more than a 10-point underdog against the rest of its upcoming SEC opponents.
“I thought the guys actually played extremely hard … fought hard,’’ UT first-year coach Jeremy Pruitt said after his return to Georgia, where he served as defensive coordinator from 2014-15.
They fought better than they did against Florida.
But there are still obvious shortcomings.
Tennessee’s offense managed only three first downs and 68 total yards while trailing 17-0 at halftime.
The Vols could muster only 66 rushing yards on 25 attempts – 2.6 per carry.
“We’ve got to be able to run the ball,’’ Pruitt said. “It’s not real hard. Just put a hat on a hat, go in the right direction and strain.’’
They were 2 of 10 on third-down, facing third-and-at-least-7 six times.
And when the margin was cut to 24-12 with 11 minutes left in the game, the defense couldn’t get a stop as Georgia marched 75 yards on 13 plays and consumed 7:39 to take a 31-12 lead with 3:31 left.
Another fumble by freshman running back Jeremy Banks – his third this season — set up Georgia’s final score.
Interestingly, while UT lost its only fumble, Georgia had four fumbles and didn’t lose any, actually turning one into an improbable touchdown. Quarterback Jake Fromm was stripped on a sack by UT outside linebacker Darrell Taylor. Tight end Isaac Nauta scooped it up at the UT 40 and rambled into the end zone for the first score of the game.
“That’s the first time in my life I seen a fumble and a guy run it in for a touchdown,’’ Pruitt said. “We’ve got to have more guys around the ball.’’
UT had a chance to stop Georgia’s fourth-quarter game-sealing drive when backup quarterback Justin Fields fumbled on a zone-read option with his running back. But the ball bounced right back to Fields at the UT 32 and Georgia scored four plays later.
For Tennessee to win an SEC game this year, it must do several things:
It must run better. Averaging 2.6 yards per carry won’t cut it.
The Vols must be more efficient on first down. UT gained 70 yards on 19 first-down snaps (seven were pass calls). UT gained 72 on 33 first downs against Florida.
It must start quicker. UT has been outscored 31-0 in the first quarter by three Power 5 opponents and doesn’t have an offensive touchdown in the first 15 minutes of any game.
Tackle better. Several of Georgia’s scoring plays occurred when UT missed tackles.
Yes, Tennessee showed improvement from the Florida to the Georgia game. But there is plenty more to work on before UT can beat anyone in the SEC. And an open date provides that.
As outside linebacker Darrell Taylor said: “We’ve got to get back in the lab and fix some things.’’
ATHENS, Ga. – Tennessee scored two second-half touchdowns to pull within 12 points, but a late push by No. 2/3 Georgia proved to be too much for the Volunteers in a 38-12 defeat at Sanford Stadium.
“We have fight in us, and we’re not going to quit,” Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt said. “It kind of gets me excited. These guys on this team have had a lot of negatives go against them for awhile, and I’m proud of them for the way they fought.
“And it isn’t easy. Our guys kept fighting, which means we’re headed in the right direction and that excites me.”
Redshirt sophomore quarterback Jarrett Guarantano paced the Vols offensively, completing 13 of 21 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore running back Ty Chandler caught four passes for 53 yards and a touchdown in addition to rushing five times for 27 yards.
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm completed 16 of 22 passes for 185 yards. Running back Elijah Holyfield led the Bulldogs in rushing with 78 yards on 16 carries, while backup quarterback Justin Fields scored twice on the ground.
With 11:10 remaining in the final quarter, Chandler took a screen pass from Guarantano 35 yards for a touchdown. The score completed a five-play, 57-yard drive and cut Georgia’s lead to 24-12 after Tennessee was unsuccessful on the two-point conversion.
On Georgia’s ensuing possession, the Bulldogs took the ball 75 yards in 13 plays while chewing up more than seven minutes of game clock in the process to extend their lead to 31-12. UGA scored once more on its next drive to bring the final score to 38-12.
Tennessee drops to 2-3 (0-2 SEC) with the loss. Georgia moves to 5-0 (2-0 SEC).
The Bulldogs got the scoring started with an eight-play, 86-yard drive, capped off by a 31-yard touchdown fumble advance by tight end Isaac Nauta with 8:52 remaining in the opening frame. Tennessee linebacker Darrell Taylor penetrated the backfield and forced a fumble by Fromm, but Nauta scooped up the loose ball and took it in for the score.
After the two teams exchanged punts, a defensive stand by the Vols forced a 43-yard Georgia field goal by Rodrigo Blankenship, which capped a nine-play, 35-yard drive by the Bulldogs.
Georgia got the ball back following a Joe Doyle punt, but was stifled by the Tennessee defense after five plays. The Vols gained a first down before punting the ball back to the Bulldogs.
Georgia then marched 70 yards in 12 plays, capped by a one-yard touchdown run by D’Andre Swift with 30 seconds left in the first half that extended its lead to 17-0 at halftime.
After the Bulldogs opened the second half with a 75-yard drive that resulted in a touchdown run by Fields from 12 yards out, Tennessee responded with a score of its own.
With 5:14 remaining in the third quarter, Guarantano found sophomore wide receiver Josh Palmer for a 37-yard touchdown reception to complete a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Tennessee’s two-point conversion attempt was unsuccessful, leaving the score at 24-6.
On the ensuing possession, the Tennessee defense forced a Georgia punt. The Bulldogs were held at bay partially thanks to a sack by Taylor – his third of the day. Taylor’s three sacks stand as the most by a Tennessee player in a single game since Oct. 29, 2016 – when former Vol and current Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett also had three.
Tennessee then moved the ball into Georgia territory before the Bulldogs forced a punt by Doyle, but the Vols quickly got the ball back after forcing a three-and-out on defense. That defensive stop led to Chandler’s scoring catch.
Defensively, Daniel Bituli led Tennessee with eight tackles. Kyle Phillips and Alexis Johnson Jr. each made seven stops, and Taylor tallied six tackles, including his three sacks.
Following next week’s open date, Tennessee returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 13, at No. 10 Auburn (3-1, 1-1 SEC). The game marks the Vols’ first trip to Auburn since 2008.
