Loretta Lynn Announces Sept. 28 Release Date of New Album, “Wouldn’t It Be Great” [Listen to Title Track]

Loretta Lynn Announces Sept. 28 Release Date of New Album, “Wouldn’t It Be Great” [Listen to Title Track]

Posted on August 22, 2018

More than 15 months after suffering a stroke in May 2017, Loretta Lynn has announced plans to release her new studio album, Wouldn’t It Be Great, on Sept. 28. The album was originally slated to drop in August 2017, but Loretta’s recovery rightfully took priority.

“This new record means so much to me, but this last year I had to focus on my health and I decided to hold up the release,” said Loretta. “I’m feelin’ good and look forward to it comin’ out. It was really important to me to be a part of it being released and I’m excited to celebrate with everybody.”

All of the tunes on the new 13-song offering were penned or co-penned by Loretta. Like the album’s predecessor, the Grammy-nominated Full Circle (March 2016), Wouldn’t It Be Great was mainly recorded at the Cash Cabin Studio in Hendersonville, Tenn., with producers Patsy Lynn Russell and John Carter Cash.

The album features new songs “Ruby’s Stool,” “Ain’t No Time to Go,” “I’m Dying for Someone to Live For” and more, alongside newly recorded renditions of past compositions such as “God Makes No Mistakes,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter” and “Don’t Come Home A’ Drinkin’ (With Lovin’ on Your Mind).”

The album’s title track, which is the last song Loretta wrote for her late husband, Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn, can be heard below.

Wouldn’t It Be Great Track List & Songwriters

  1. “Wouldn’t It Be Great” (Loretta Lynn)
  2. “Ruby’s Stool” (Loretta Lynn, Shawn Camp)
  3. “I’m Dying for Someone to Live For” (Loretta Lynn, Shawn Camp)
  4. “Another Bridge to Burn” (Loretta Lynn, Lola Jean Dillon)
  5. “Ain’t No Time to Go” (Loretta Lynn, Patsy Lynn Russell)
  6. “God Makes No Mistakes” (Loretta Lynn)
  7. “These Ole Blues” (Loretta Lynn, Patsy Lynn Russell)
  8. “My Angel Mother” (Loretta Lynn)
  9. “Don’t Come Home a Drinkin’” (Loretta Lynn, Peggy Sue Wells)
  10. “The Big Man” (Loretta Lynn, Shawn Camp)
  11. “Lulie Vars” (traditional, arrangement by Loretta Lynn)
  12. “Darkest Day” (Loretta Lynn)
  13. “Coal Miner’s Daughter” (Loretta Lynn)

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Ray Stevens, Jeannie Seely, Brenda Lee & Ben Folds Inducted Into Music City Walk of Fame [Photo Gallery]

Ray Stevens, Jeannie Seely, Brenda Lee & Ben Folds Inducted Into Music City Walk of Fame [Photo Gallery]

Posted on August 22, 2018

The Music City Walk of Fame inducted four new members—Ben Folds, Brenda Lee, Jeannie Seely and Ray Stevens—during a ceremony on Aug. 21.

The Music City Walk of Fame—created in 2006—is a tribute to artists of all genres who have contributed to the world through song and made a significant contribution to the music industry with a connection to Music City. Sidewalk medallions line the one-mile stretch with the names of the inductees etched in a star and guitar design. Past inductees include Johnny Cash, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Keith Urban, Hank Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town, Kenny Rogers and more.

The inductees received the 81st, 82nd, 83rd and 84th stars on the Walk of Fame for their significant contributions to preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song or other industry collaboration.

A number of country stars were on hand for the ceremony, including Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs, Charles Esten, Carly Pearce and Trisha Yearwood.

Check out the photo gallery, courtesy of Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com.

Bios each inductee are below, courtesy of the Music City Walk of Fame.

Ben Folds
Multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter/producer Ben Folds’ genre-bending body of music spans the musical spectrum from pop to classical. An artistic advisor at the Kennedy Center, Folds actively tours the world performing with orchestras and as a pop artist. He frequently appears in film and TV, was a judge for five seasons on the critically-acclaimed NBC show “The Sing Off,” is an avid photographer, is a leading national advocate for arts funding in our schools and music therapy and is currently writing his first book. He also earned international praise for raising awareness that led to the saving of the famed historic RCA Studio A on Music Row from demolition.

Brenda Lee
Brenda Lee has been a superstar since childhood, selling more than 100 million units of music globally. She released her first single when she was only 11 years old, shared the stage of the Grand Ole Opry with Elvis Presley at 12 and watched The Beatles open for her on tour in Europe before she turned 20. The GRAMMY nominee’s biggest single was “I’m Sorry” in 1960, which went on to sell more than 20 million copies. She is the only female member of both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Jeannie Seely
A member of the Grand Ole Opry for 51 years, Jeannie Seely’s recordings have spanned six decades. She was a prolific songwriter, and she earned a GRAMMY for her recording of “Don’t Touch Me” in 1967. A country music legend and trailblazer, Seely became the first female to regularly host segments of the weekly Opry shows and is credited for being the first to wear a mini-skirt on the Opry stage. She hosted a show on the Armed Forces Network, wrote a book and starred in several major stage productions.

Ray Stevens
Twelve-time nominated and two-time GRAMMY winner Ray Stevens has spanned the generations with 60 years of comedic musical talent, including songs such as his multi-million selling hit “The Streak” and his classic pop standard “Everything Is Beautiful.” Throughout his career, Stevens has sold more than 40 million albums and continues daily office operations at his home base, Ray Stevens Music, located on Nashville’s historic Music Row. Stevens hosts Ray Stevens CabaRay Nashville, a 30-minute weekly music/talk show airing on public television. The music legend recently opened his very own Nashville entertainment venue, the CabaRay Showroom, a 35,000-square-foot music venue where Stevens performs weekly live concerts.

photos courtesy of Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Vols have struggled in SEC play over last decade

Jimmy’s blog: Vols have struggled in SEC play over last decade

Posted on August 22, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

By Tennessee’s football standards, the last decade has been a debacle.

The Vols haven’t won the SEC East division since 2007, and challenged only once.

They’ve had one winning SEC record in the last 10 years and three conference records of 1-7 or worse.

During that time, they’ve had a winning record against just two SEC teams – Kentucky and Vanderbilt – but the Commodores have won four of the last six. That hasn’t happened since before Gen. Neyland was hired to run the UT program in 1926.

A series of misfortune and mis-hires have led to Tennessee’s decline since Phillip Fulmer was fired.

Not since 1973-82 has Tennessee been in such a funk when it comes to SEC play. During that 10-year span, the Vols never won more than three SEC games in a season and the high-water mark was 3-2-1 in 1982.

But the Vols were only six games under .500 against SEC teams during that time frame.

Since 2008, the Vols are 24-56 in SEC play: 24-32 against East opponents, 2-22 against the West.

It’s hard to believe but UT has a losing record against South Carolina over the past decade and a losing record against every team in the West, except Mississippi State (1-1).

Tennessee has been woeful against the West in part because most of the West teams UT has faced have been strong at the time of the encounter.

Of the 22 UT losses to the West, 15 came against teams ranked in the top 10 (six were No. 1.) Four defeats were to top 25 teams. Thus, UT is 0-19 against ranked West foes.

Tennessee is 2-3 against unranked West teams with wins over Mississippi State (2008) and Ole Miss (2010).

Here’s a breakdown of UT’s SEC record against league opponent since 2008:

East Division

Florida `                      1-9

Georgia                       3-7

Kentucky                    8-2

Vanderbilt                   6-4

South Carolina            4-6

Missouri                      2-4

TOTAL                       24-32

West Division

Alabama                      0-10

Auburn                        0-3

LSU                            0-3

Ole Miss                      1-2

Mississippi State         1-1

Texas A&M                0-1

TOTAL                       2-22

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Watch Lindsay Ell Perform “Criminal” With Kristian Bush at Rooftop Concert

Watch Lindsay Ell Perform “Criminal” With Kristian Bush at Rooftop Concert

Posted on August 22, 2018

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) held its fifth of six Rooftop on the Row concerts on Aug. 21 in Nashville.

Abby Anderson kicked off the night’s festivities atop the BMI building, before Lindsay Ell headlined the event with special guest Kristian Bush of Sugarland.

Lindsay treated the concertgoers to a number of tunes from her 2017 album, The Project, which was produced by Kristian, including Top 20 single, “Criminal.” Check out Lindsay’s performance of “Criminal” below.

The BMI Rooftop on the Row concert series was created in partnership with George Dickel Tennessee Whisky, as well as sponsors Nash FM 103.3, 95.5 Nash Icon, Yeti Coolers, Texas Roadhouse, Sam Adams, First Tennessee, Royalty Exchange and Topo Chico.

Listen to Nash FM for your chance to win free tickets to the next Rooftop show on Sept. 11.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Rumph says key to recruiting is trust

Jimmy’s blog: Rumph says key to recruiting is trust

Posted on August 22, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Chris Rumph has coached at Florida, Texas, Alabama, Clemson, Memphis and South Carolina State.

The recruiting pitch at those schools might have some subtle differences for Tennessee’s first-year co-defensive coordinator.

Btu there is one common denominator: Trust.

“Before someone can believe in the shirt that you’re wearing,’’ Rumph said recently, “they have to believe the man. So throughout the years, speaking for myself and some of the other guys (on UT’s staff) we have a great reputation as a man first.

“It doesn’t really matter what shirt you put on. It just enhances the product and the mindset.’’

Rumph added: ‘’I’ve known high school coaches for years. If we’ve gotten a kid from them, we’ve taken care of them.’’

One player who speaks glowingly of Rumph is Florida star defensive end CeCe Jefferson, who said Tennessee got a great coach and a great man in Rumph.

Asked about Jefferson’s comments, Rumph said: “I try to be genuine. I try to be who I am, I’m Chris Rumph, country boy from Saint Mathis, S.C.

“God has tremendously blessed me and I appreciate that and I honor Him every day. So I just try to treat people the way I want to be treated.

“I’ve seen all different types of coaching styles. Seen styles that worked, seen styles that didn’t work. I’ve seen guys that yell and I’ve seen guys that don’t yell. Just learn from all that stuff and put it in a stewpot and pour it on me and it’s me.’’

Tennessee’s staff includes eight coaches who coached in high school. It also includes a Heisman Trophy winner, a first-round draft pick, a two-time All-American who won the Outland and Lombardi trophies and a two-time All-SEC offensive lineman, 

To have coaches who played at a high level helps in recruiting and coaching.

“We’ve been there, guys,’’ Rumph said he can tell players. “This isn’t something you read in a book or heard about. We actually experience this ourselves.

“It’s a powerful staff. Sometimes I look around the room and say, `Whoa, that’s Tracy Rocker over there, that’s Charles Kelly, that’s (Kevin) Sherrer.’ It’s really impressive.

“The best thing about it is, we don’t have any egos. We go in the meeting room and this guy can bring up an idea and I can say, `No, I don’t really need that.’ It’s no egos. Everybody is on the same plan.

“It’s amazing some of the guys we have on our staff with the background and track record. Some of the things they’ve done and to be so humble. It’s a blessing because some guys could be in there saying, `I created all this.’ It’s a humbling group of dudes, great guys, great men.’’

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Gretchen Wilson Arrested at Connecticut Airport for Minor Disturbance

Gretchen Wilson Arrested at Connecticut Airport for Minor Disturbance

Posted on August 22, 2018

“Redneck Woman” singer Gretchen Wilson was arrested for “breach of peace” at Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, Connecticut, on Aug. 21.

TMZ reports that the on-flight disturbance was the result of Gretchen trying to use an occupied bathroom—words and threatening hand gestures were exchanged in the aftermath.

Gretchen was subsequently arrested and charged with second-degree breach of peace when the flight landed.

The singer posted the $1,000 bond. Gretchen is scheduled to be arraigned in Enfield Superior Court in September.

Gretchen rose to fame in 2004 after her single, “Redneck Woman,” hit No. 1 on the country chart. She picked up a Grammy that year for Best Female Country Vocal Performance.

photo by Jason Simanek

Dustin Lynch Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

Dustin Lynch Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry

Posted on August 22, 2018

More than six years after making his Grand Ole Opry debut on March 2, 2012, Dustin Lynch was invited to join the esteemed organization during last night’s (Aug. 21) Opry showcase.

Dustin received the surprise invite from Trace Adkins, who was celebrating his 15th anniversary as an Opry member.

“Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is at the top of my list of achievements in my career and always will be,” said Trace. “We want people to be members of the Grand Ole Opry that will have a respect for this institution that it deserves, that it has earned for 92 years. We think that Dustin Lynch is going to carry on in that proud tradition.”

“I can’t even talk cause I’m gonna start crying,” a stunned Dustin told the crowd. “I’ve got my family here tonight and a lot of my team members—a lot of guys and girls that are responsible for getting me on this stage for the very first time, getting my music played at country radio and all over the world now, and I wanna say we would not be here if it wasn’t for you. Thank you guys so much. A lot of things have happened over the past six years, but it started with that last song we just played. ‘Cowboys and Angels’ was the very first song I got to play on the Grand Ole Opry—March 2, 2012—I’ll never forget that day. I wanna say Mom and Dad, thank you so much. I’m glad you came tonight. We have so much to celebrate. I’m gonna attempt to sing a song with a frog in my throat and tears in my eyes.”

Dustin will be officially inducted into the Opry family on Sept. 18.

Congrats to Dustin.

Photo courtesy of Chris Hollo & Rachael Black/Grand Ole Opry

Watch Brothers Osborne’s Twisting New “Shoot Me Straight” Video

Watch Brothers Osborne’s Twisting New “Shoot Me Straight” Video

Posted on August 21, 2018

Following the released of their award-winning video for “It Ain’t My Fault,” John and TJ Osborne of Brothers Osborne are back with more hijinks in their new clip for “Shoot Me Straight.”

Once again utilizing the directorial skills of Wes Edwards and Ryan Silver, the mockumentary-styled video for “Shoot Me Straight” features the Brothers rejecting a number of pitches, before the co-directors take matters into their own hands with a blow gun and some chloroform.

“This idea genuinely spawned out of us not being able to come to agreement on what we wanted the video to be about,” says TJ. “After weeks of back-and-forth emails, conference calls and treatment pitches, we came to the conclusion that we needed to make a video about, well, not making a video.”

“It turned out to be so damn fun,” adds John.

“Shoot Me Straight,” which was penned by John, TJ and Lee Thomas Miller, is the lead single from Brothers Osborne’s 2018 album, Port Saint Joe.

The Brothers are currently on the road as part of Dierks Bentley’s Mountain High Tour, and it just so happens that Dierks makes a cameo in the new video.

Watch “Shoot Me Straight” below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Listen to Keith Urban’s Feel-Good New Single, “Never Comin’ Down”

Listen to Keith Urban’s Feel-Good New Single, “Never Comin’ Down”

Posted on August 21, 2018

After topping the Mediabase chart with “Coming Home” earlier this month, Keith Urban is “Never Comin’ Down.”

Keith shipped “Never Comin’ Down” to country radio as his new single, which is featured on his 2018 album, Graffiti U.

The tune, which was penned by Keith, Josh Kerr, James Abrahart and Shy Carter, is the third single from Graffiti U, following “Female” and the aforementioned “Coming Home.”

Listen to “Never Comin’ Down” below.

“Never Comin’ Down”

I can feel it comin on now
As the music plays
Takin’ shots with the night owls
As the world just fades away
Got a paycheck in my pocket
‘Bout to get it all gone
Light it up like a rocket
We’re goin’ all night long
Everybody sing

I love it when you…

Chorus:
When the sun goes down, stars come out
It’s a…. Can you feel it?
When I take you by the hand, dancin’
And we pass it around, ‘round, ‘round
We’re so high, we could paint the sky
Tear the top right off the ceilin’
And I swear we’re never ever comin down
Never comin down
Tell me now, can you feel it?
Never ever, never comin down

Well the band’s on fire
And the beer is ice cold
We’re goin’ down to the wire
Then we’ll all go rollin’ home
And maybe we’ll keep it goin’
‘Til we see that sun comin up
But right here, right now
I wanna see you move
And hear you sing it out loud

Repeat Chorus

Tell me now can you feel it?
Never comin down

When the sun goes down, stars come out
It’s a…can you feel it?
When I take you by the hand, dancin’
And we pass it around, ‘round, ‘round
We’re so high, we could paint the sky
With the love right now we’re feelin’
And I swear we’re never ever comin down
Never comin down
Tell me now, can you feel it?
Never comin down
Tell me now, can you feel it?
Never comin down

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