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

Jason Aldean Scores 21st No. 1 Single as “Drowns the Whiskey” Tops Billboard Country Chart

Jason Aldean Scores 21st No. 1 Single as “Drowns the Whiskey” Tops Billboard Country Chart

Posted on August 21, 2018

Jason Aldean is in familiar territory once again as “Drowns the Whiskey,” which features vocals by Miranda Lambert, ascended to the top spot on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

Written by Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton and Josh Thompson, “Drowns the Whiskey” is the 21st No. 1 single of Jason’s career—his 19th on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. The tune is the second single released from Jason’s 2018 album, Rearview Town, which also spawned the No. 1 hit, “You Make It Easy.”

“The way fans and radio have responded to this record has been really cool for me,” said Jason. “‘Whiskey’ has always been a favorite of mine, but when Miranda came in and knocked out her parts in only a couple takes, I knew it was special.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

“Vol Calls” Debuts Wednesday Night

“Vol Calls” Debuts Wednesday Night

Posted on August 21, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — “Vol Calls,” the official statewide call-in radio show for University of Tennessee athletics kicks off its 2018-19 season Wednesday on location from Calhoun’s On the River in downtown Knoxville. The one-hour show airs at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT across the state of Tennessee.

Bob Kesling, the voice of the Tennessee Volunteers and UT’s director of broadcasting, serves as the show’s host and is joined by Vol Network veteran Brent Hubbs to answer questions and provide insight into University of Tennessee sports. Weather permitting, the show will originate outside each week during the fall on Calhoun’s large patio deck overlooking the Tennessee River and Neyland Stadium.

Calhoun’s On the River returns as the home of “Vol Calls” for the seventh straight season. Famous for its award-winning ribs, BBQ and other delicious Southern dishes, Calhoun’s is one of Tennessee’s most popular restaurant destinations. The restaurant will give away special prizes each week during football season through its Facebook and Twitter (@calhouns) pages including “Best Seats in the House” for the show, game tickets, hospitality passes and a collection of special signature sauces.

Celebrating 31 years, “Vol Calls” is the exclusive radio program and event where Tennessee fans can call in and talk with the head coaches of the Tennessee Vols and Lady Vols. Fans can place a “Vol Call” anywhere in the United States by dialing 1-800-688-8657. Patrons at Calhoun’s On the River may ask a question in person, and fans may also Tweet questions to @VolNetwork_IMG, #AskVolNetwork. The program can be heard on 50-plus radio stations across the state of Tennessee on the Vol Radio Network and all over the world through UTsports.com and the UT GameDay App.

 

UT Athletics

All-American Paul Naumoff Dies at 73

All-American Paul Naumoff Dies at 73

Posted on August 21, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Paul Naumoff, co-captain and All-American on the 1966 Tennessee Volunteers football team, died on Friday at the age of 73.

Naumoff, a Columbus, Ohio, native led the Vols to an 8-3 mark and a win over Syracuse in the 1966 Gator Bowl by starring at linebacker for head coach Doug Dickey.

He entered the 1966 season slated to lead UT as a defensive end, where he started in 1965, but he volunteered to change positions after linebacker Tom Fisher’s sudden death earlier in the year.

Naumoff also started at wide receiver for the Vols in 1964.

An All-SEC First Team selection and the co-captain of his team in addition to his consensus All-America honors, Naumoff is perhaps best remembered for tackling Syracuse’s Larry Csonka in the 1966 Gator Bowl to keep the star from scoring and preserving an 18-12 victory for the Vols.

In 1965, he helped the Vols go 8-1-2 and finish No. 7 in the nation, closing the season with a win over Tulsa in the Bluebonnet Bowl.

Following his collegiate career, Naumoff was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the No. 60 overall pick in the third round of the 1967 NFL Draft. He went on to play for 12 years for the Lions, earning a Pro Bowl invitation in 1970 and playing in 142 consecutive games at one point.

He was selected to the Greater Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 and inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2014.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Tennessee and a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Melva Naumoff, a son and two daughters.

The family will receive friends from noon to 1:45 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 24, in the sanctuary of Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.

Click Funeral Home Farragut Chapel is serving the Naumoff family.

Tom Mattingly, freelance contributor to the Knoxville News Sentinel, contributed to this story.  

 

UT Athletics

“Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina” Featuring Sarah Darling

“Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina” Featuring Sarah Darling

Posted on August 20, 2018

A popular local adage is that Nashville is a “10-year town,” suggesting it takes an artist a decade to finally make it “big.”

Sarah Darling has been in Music City for almost a decade—singing, writing, releasing music and winning over new fans with each performance. Is it finally Sarah’s time?

In this week’s WWTHW conversation, I talk with Sarah about her patience, journey, obstacles and successes, including building a fan base in Europe. This was my first time meeting Sarah, and if it is your first time too, I think you’re going to be just as happy as I was.

Podcast Participants:

  • Sarah Darling
  • Elaina Smith, host of Women Want to Hear Women

Videos:

  • Sarah “Plays It Forward” by covering Carly Pearce’s 2017 No. 1 hit, “Every Little Thing.”
  • Sarah debuts a new song, “Light It Up.”

Sarah’s Women Want to Hear Women Playlist

Need a refresher what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about?
Past episodes: 
Kacey Musgraves
Dolly Parton
Carly Pearce
Shawna Thompson of Thompson Square
Tegan Marie
Clare Dunn
Stephanie Quayle

Jimmy’s blog: Henton cleared of charges in `catfishing’ scam

Jimmy’s blog: Henton cleared of charges in `catfishing’ scam

Posted on August 20, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

Former Tennessee quarterback Sterling Henton had his case dismissed today regarding a July 3 charge of criminal simulation for depositing a check worth more than $95,000.

Henton said he was part of a “catfishing’’ scheme. He said he did not take any funds from the check after depositing it.

Sean McDermott of the Assistant District Attorney General’s office said charges were dismissed after a “complete and thorough investigation’’ conducted by the DA’s office.

“After obtaining the file from KPD, the District Attorney met with Mr. Henton who cooperated with KPD investigators, Special Agents of the United States Secret Service, and Postal Inspectors with the United States Postal Service and was able to provide evidence that he was the victim of a scam,’’ the DA office said in a statement.

“It is the duty of the District Attorney not only to pursue the guilty but also to protect the innocent to assure that justice is achieved. The dismissal of this case was necessary in order to meet that duty.’’

Wade Davies, Henton’s attorney, said his client was the “victim of a scheme that looked like a legitimate business transaction. He was sent a check that turned out to be fake. He didn’t attempt to withdraw any money. He cooperated fully with the investigation. The case was dismissed because he was innocent.’’

Davies said the court date was continued twice in order to complete the investigation.

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all

Brett Young Announces “Here Tonight Tour” With Tyler Rich & Rachel Wammack

Brett Young Announces “Here Tonight Tour” With Tyler Rich & Rachel Wammack

Posted on August 20, 2018

Brett Young will hit the road this fall for his headlining Here Tonight Tour.

Officially dubbed CMT On Tour: Here Tonight, the trek will kick off on Nov. 16 in Royal Oak, Michigan, and make stops in St. Louis, New York, Atlanta and more. Tyler Rich and Rachel Wammack will serve as support.

“This tour has got me pumped already,” said Brett. “We teamed up with CMT to name it after a new song I’ve been working on. It’s all about losing track of time because you’re so wrapped up in the moment. That’s what I want it to be all about out with the fans each night, and Rachel and Tyler are going to be a great way to get it started.”

Tickets go on sale in select markets on Aug. 24 at 10 a.m. local time. Additional markets will be announced in the coming weeks.

CMT On Tour: Here Tonight

Nov. 16 – Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Theatre
Nov. 17 – Northfield, OH – Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
Nov. 18 – Saint Louis, MO – The Pageant
Nov. 29 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
Nov. 30 – Columbia, SC – Township Auditorium
Dec. 1 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Dec. 2 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
Dec. 6 – Albany, NY – Palace Theatre
Dec. 9 – New York, NY – Playstation Theatre
Dec. 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca Cola Roxy Theatre
Dec. 16 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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