Forbes’ List of the Highest Paid Country Stars of 2018 Includes Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney & More

Forbes’ List of the Highest Paid Country Stars of 2018 Includes Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney & More

Posted on August 14, 2018

Forbes released its list of the 10 Highest-Paid Country Stars of the year—and some recognizable names are once again in the mix.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2018

  1. Luke Bryan, $52 million
  2. Garth Brooks, $45.5 million
  3. Kenny Chesney, $37 million
  4. Zac Brown Band, $31 million
  5. Blake Shelton, $28 million

Luke Bryan dethroned Garth Brooks in the top spot by raking in the majority of his income via his headlining tour—which routinely grossed seven figures nighty—as well as his role as a judge on American Idol and his endorsement deal with Chevy.

Garth netted most of his $45.5 million from his World Tour, while Kenny collected his big bucks from his Trip Around the Sun Tour, endorsements with Corona and his own Blue Chair Rum. Zac Brown Band cashed in with a new album and extensive tour, while Blake Shelton earned his keep through touring, coaching on The Voice and endorsement deals with Smithworks Vodka and Macy’s.

Rounding out the Top 10 are Florida Georgia Line ($27 million), Jason Aldean (23 million), Toby Keith ($22 million), Brad Paisley ($20 million) and Dolly Parton ($19 million).

To formulate the list, Forbes look at touring numbers from Pollstar, Bandsintown and Songkick, as well as record sales data from Nielsen, while performing independent research on outside business ventures and endorsement deals. The estimates represent pretax income from June 1, 2017 through June 1, 2018.

The 5 Highest-Paid Country Stars of 2017

  • No. 1: Garth Brooks, $60 million
  • No. 2: Kenny Chesney, $42.5 million
  • No. 3: Luke Bryan, $42 million
  • No. 4: Dolly Parton, $37 million
  • No. 5: Toby Keith, $34.5 million
  • No. 5: Florida Georgia Line, $34.5 million

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Country Stars and Fans Help “Ty, Kelly & Chuck” Collect More Than 194,000 Diapers for Needy Families

Country Stars and Fans Help “Ty, Kelly & Chuck” Collect More Than 194,000 Diapers for Needy Families

Posted on August 14, 2018

After 2017’s successful initiative to support U.S. Troops by sending them 100,000 Thank You letters, Ty Bentli, Kelly Ford and Chuck Wicks of morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck used their voices to support another great cause: Rally Around Radley Diaper Drive.

The initial goal of the diaper drive was to collect 58,430 diapers—which was based on the expertise of Ty’s 5-year-old son, Radley, who will soon be a big brother for the first time.

(From left) Ty Bentli, son Radley, wife Corri, and Chuck Wicks

Thanks to an outpouring of support from listeners, fans and country stars—including Locash, Tegan Marie, Thompson Square, Dustin Lynch, Mitchell Tenpenny, Seth Ennis, Clare Dunn, Rachel Wammack and Chris Janson—Radley was able to collect 134,692 diapers. The National Diaper Bank Network & Huggies donated 60,000 diapers, bringing the grand total to 194,692 diapers.

As most parents know, diapers aren’t cheap and babies need a lot of them, but did you know that one in three families in the U.S. have trouble affording diapers, according to a 2017 survey by Huggies in partnership with the National Diaper Bank Network. According to the report, the average cost of diapers for one child is $18 per week ($936 per year).

Thanks to everyone who helped contribute their time, energy and money to the worthwhile initiative, including Doug Adair of the Nashville Diaper Connection, Glenn Johnson (TKC producer), Bryan Webb (TKC digital coordinator) and Mackenzie Cooper (TKC associate producer).

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Brett Young Tops the Charts for the Second Straight Week With “Mercy”

Brett Young Tops the Charts for the Second Straight Week With “Mercy”

Posted on August 14, 2018

For the second consecutive week, Brett Young’s “Mercy” is No. 1 on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart.

The breakup ballad, which was co-penned by Brett and Sean McConnell, features simple piano accompaniment with Brett’s stripped-down vocals that beckon his love interest to end their relationship with “mercy.”

“Thank you to the best fans in the world and country radio for supporting this song,” Brett said. “From the beginning, your response to ‘Mercy’ has been overwhelming in the best way possible.”

“Mercy” follows previous chart-toppers “Sleep Without You,” “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Like I Loved You” from Brett’s 2017 self-titled debut album.

“Falling in love or falling out of love—those are the easiest songs to write because it’s just straight from personal experience,” says Brett to Nash Country Daily. “I think everybody’s felt both of those. Everybody’s been in love, everybody’s had heartbreak. We noticed that when we put together the 12 songs that would make the [self-titled debut] record, there was not a party song on this record. I’ve written a ton of party songs and not that there’s anything wrong with that. I think, in trying to tell my story and let people get to know me, it seemed like we should talk about things that I’ve lived.”

Brett will release his new single, “Here Tonight,” in September. The tune will be the first taste of his upcoming sophomore album, which is tentatively slated for release in late 2018.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

UT Announces Big Orange Tailgate for Pregame at Belk College Kickoff

UT Announces Big Orange Tailgate for Pregame at Belk College Kickoff

Posted on August 13, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Athletic Department and the University of Tennessee Alumni Affairs Office are partnering with Elevate Lifestyle to host the official Big Orange Tailgate in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday, Sept.1, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ET, prior to the Belk College Kickoff Game between the Vols and West Virginia.

The Big Orange Tailgate will be located at Cedar Hill – 624 South Cedar Street  – a 5-7 minute walk to Bank of America Stadium. The tailgate will feature live music, tailgate games, food vendors, assorted beverages. A cash bar will open at 11:30 am and stay open up to kick-off at 3:30 pm ET.

Admission is free, and food and beverage items will be available for purchase during the tailgate.  Advanced event package options are available for purchase prior to arrival at the event and quantities are limited.  The “First Down” and “Touchdown” packages provide fans with a varied assortment of beverages and food options.  If interested in pre-purchasing a package, please click HERE.

Fans not interested in pre-purchasing a package are still encouraged to RSVP for free via the link: https://www.freshtix.com/events/tennesseetailgate

Fans will have an opportunity to pick up a 2018 Tennessee Football schedule poster at no charge and visit with members of the Charlotte UT Knoxville Alumni Chapter.  Special guest appearances by the Tennessee Spirit Team and other VFLs are also planned for the day.

If planning to drive to the game, you’re advised to purchase parking in advance. The online parking reservation system shows real-time availability and pricing for parking near the stadium. Simply compare parking options, reserve and use your confirmation to access the facility.

Please click here for options: BELK COLLEGE KICKOFF PARKING

Parking options near the tailgate are available via the links below.
1000 W. Morehead St. (2 blocks) http://ht.ly/36C730lbEDe
1025 W. Morehead St. (3 blocks) http://ht.ly/9cos30lbEKc

 

UT Athletics

Carrie Underwood & Florida Georgia Line Win Teen Choice Awards

Carrie Underwood & Florida Georgia Line Win Teen Choice Awards

Posted on August 13, 2018

The Teen Choice Awards handed out trophies on Aug. 12 at the Forum in Los Angeles for its fan-voted awards.

On the country front, Carrie Underwood bested Blake Shelton, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris and Thomas Rhett in the Choice Country Artist category, while Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be” won Choice Country Song over Thomas Rhett’s “Life Changes,” Luke Bryan’s “Most People Are Good,” Brett Young’s “Mercy,” Kane Brown’s “Heaven” and Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty.”

Florida Georgia Line, Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown and Maren Morris also picked up nominations in all-genre categories, but were bested by their competitors.

Check out all of the country music-centric winners below.

Choice Country Artist

  • Blake Shelton
  • Carrie Underwood WINNER
  • Kane Brown
  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Maren Morris
  • Thomas Rhett

Choice Country Song

  • “Meant to Be” – Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line WINNER
  • “Life Changes” – Thomas Rhett
  • “Most People Are Good” – Luke Bryan
  • “Mercy” – Brett Young
  • “Heaven” – Kane Brown
  • “Cry Pretty” – Carrie Underwood

Choice Music Group

  • 5 Seconds of Summer WINNER
  • Fifth Harmony
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Maroon 5
  • Migos
  • Why Don’t We

Choice Song: Male Artist

  • Charlie Puth – “Attention”
  • Childish Gambino – “This Is America”
  • Drake – “God’s Plan”
  • Ed Sheeran – “Perfect” WINNER
  • Justin Timberlake (feat. Chris Stapleton) – “Say Something”
  • Kendrick Lamar (feat. Zacari) – “Love”

Choice Summer Male Artist

  • Charlie Puth​
  • Kane Brown
  • Liam Payne
  • Niall Horan
  • Shawn Mendes WINNER
  • Zayn

Choice Collaboration

  • Bebe Rexha (feat. Florida Georgia Line) – “Meant to Be”
  • Bruno Mars (feat. Cardi B) – “Finesse (Remix)”
  • Taylor Swift (feat. Ed Sheeran & Future) – “End Game”
  • The Weeknd & Kendrick Lamar – “Pray for Me” (“Black Panther” soundtrack)
  • Zac Efron & Zendaya – “Rewrite the Stars” (“The Greatest Showman” soundtrack) WINNER
  • Zedd, Maren Morris & Grey – “The Middle”
Charlie Daniels Tribute to Air on Aug. 19 Featuring Performances by Chris Young, Travis Tritt, Alabama, Chris Janson, Skynyrd & More

Charlie Daniels Tribute to Air on Aug. 19 Featuring Performances by Chris Young, Travis Tritt, Alabama, Chris Janson, Skynyrd & More

Posted on August 13, 2018

Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute to Charlie Daniels will air on AXS TV on Aug. 19 at 10 p.m. ET.

Since its inception in 1974, Charlie’s Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s biggest stars. This year’s Jam, which was recorded on March 7 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, featured performances by Charlie Daniels, Chris Young, Lee Brice, Alabama, Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, Alison Krauss, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Bobby Bare, Chris Janson, Chuck Leavell, Eddie Montgomery, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs and more.

AXS TV’s two-hour broadcast will include performances, in-depth interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from Charlie’s 20th Volunteer Jam. In addition, a two-CD set of select songs from the Jam will be released on Oct. 12—it is available for pre-order now.

A portion of the night’s proceeds benefited The Journey Home Project, an organization that supports U.S. military veterans.

The album’s track list is below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Martina McBride Reveals New Christmas Album and Tour

Martina McBride Reveals New Christmas Album and Tour

Posted on August 13, 2018

Great news for folks who consider Martina McBride’s 1998 holiday album, White Christmas, the yuletide standard.

courtesy Glenn Sweitzer/Fresh Design

On Oct. 19, Martina will release a new album, It’s the Holiday Season, which will feature nine classic Christmas songs with accompaniment from more than 40 world-class musicians at the famed Capitol Studio in Los Angeles and Blackbird Studio in Nashville.

“It’s been exactly 20 years since I released White Christmas,” said Martina. “With that album I wanted to make it classic and something that would stand the test of time, which I feel like it has done. I wanted to accomplish the same thing with It’s The Holiday Season, but with a different feel. So I decided to make most of the album with a big-band swing vibe that takes you back to the Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald records. We recorded more of the pop Christmas numbers that lend themselves to that kind of feel rather than the focusing on the hymns like we did with White Christmas. I think they are great companion pieces and my hope is that they will both be enjoyed for years to come.”

In addition, Martina will once again embark on her The Joy of Christmas Tour—this time with a local orchestra at each stop.

The Joy of Christmas Tour

Nov. 23 – Biloxi, MS – Beau Rivage
Nov. 24 – Jacksonville, FL – Florida Theatre
Nov. 25 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium
Nov. 29 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Nov. 30 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Dec. 1 – Nashville, TN – Schermerhorn Symphony Center
Dec. 4 – Atlanta, GA – Atlanta Symphony Hall
Dec. 6 – Kansas City, MO – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland
Dec. 7 – Dallas, TX – Majestic Theatre
Dec. 8 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre

photo by Jason Simanek

LANCO Announces Headlining “Hallelujah Nights Tour”

LANCO Announces Headlining “Hallelujah Nights Tour”

Posted on August 13, 2018

LANCO will launch its 14-city Hallelujah Nights Tour on Oct. 24 in Columbia, Mo., with additional stops slated for Cincinnati, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Nashville and more. The tour takes its moniker from LANCO’s 2018 debut album of the same name, which spawned No. 1 hit, “Greatest Love Story.”

“This is a brand-new show we’ve put together for our fans and it will be first time we get to play Hallelujah Nights in its entirety,” said lead singer Brandon Lancaster. “This year has been full of so many incredible firsts for us, and we’ve learned so much out on the road about ourselves and about what our people want and expect from us. We can’t wait to play these songs and share their stories from front to back that represent the core of LANCO.”

Travis Denning will serve as the opener. Tickets go on sale on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. local time.

Hallelujah Nights Tour

Oct. 24 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Oct. 25 – Sioux Falls, SD – The District
Oct. 26 – Clive, IA – 7 Flags Event Center
Nov. 1 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Nov. 2 – Stroudsburg, PA – Sherman Theater
Nov. 3 – Rochester, NY – Anthology
Nov. 8 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
Nov. 9 – North Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
Nov. 10 – Lake Buena Vista, FL – House of Blues
Nov. 17 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s
Nov. 18 – Cleveland, OH – House of Blues
Nov. 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre of Living Arts
Dec. 6 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
Dec. 7 – Nashville, TN – Cannery Ballroom

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Rumph said getting players back like Christmas present

Jimmy’s blog: Rumph said getting players back like Christmas present

Posted on August 13, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

During spring practice, Tennessee’s defense was short-handed.

Inside linebackers Daniel Bituli and Darrin Kirkland Jr., didn’t play in the spring game. Neither did safety Todd Kelly Jr.

Others were held out for precautionary reasons.

But at the start of August camp, almost all the Vols were healthy, including Bituli and Kirkland. And that’s got outside linebackers coach and co-defensive coordinator Chris Rumph excited.

“Oh man, it’s unbelievable,’’ Rumph said, “to know these guys had a really good summer and seeing them out there running and lifting.

“So it’s almost like Christmas time. You get a piece of the puzzle. Or you get this part and just wait for the other part to come in, and then it’s finally here.

“I guess I feel like my wife sometimes when she’s waiting on all those Amazon Prime boxes to come up on my (door) step.’’

Out of those Amazon boxes have emerged Bituli and Kirkland. If both play to their potential, Tennessee’s defense should take a huge step forward.

Rumph has been impressed by Kirkland.

“He looks like he’s back,’’ Rumph said. “I know his leg (knee) is getting healthy. He’s stronger, he’s bigger, he’s faster. It’s like he never left.

“The team has done a really great job of saying, `Hey, I know what you’re going through. I understand, but you’re back with us so let’s go to work.’’’

Rumph said Bituli is doing “really well, I’m looking forward to seeing him play and his leadership ability.’’

Rumph said he’s eager to see how Jonathan Kongbo adjusts from playing defensive end to outside linebacker. Kongbo has lost about 25 pounds and weighs in at just over 250 pounds.

“Last year he got puffed up to play inside,’’ Rumph said. “I think he got out of his natural weight. I think he got up to 280 or 275. I don’t think that he’s a natural 275-pound guy. The weight that he’s at now is something he’s more comfortable with.

“His commitment level is high. He never complained. He just went out and did it. He’s like, `It’s going to help me because coaches say so.’’’

Rumph said he has seen improvement from Darrell Taylor (a converted defensive end), junior college transfer Jordan Allen and DeAndre Johnson, who has “shocked me a little bit,’’ Rumph said.

Johnson has battled through a shoulder injury.

“I wouldn’t expect him to do much and he showed a lot of toughness to go out there every day and compete with a bad shoulder,’’ Rumph said. “That’s what we’re looking for – guys who are going to be smart and play with some toughness.’’

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

Locash’s Preston Brust and Wife Kristen Welcome Baby Boy

Locash’s Preston Brust and Wife Kristen Welcome Baby Boy

Posted on August 13, 2018

Locash’s Preston Brust and wife Kristen announced the birth of their second child, son Legend Wilde, on Aug. 10.

Preston shared the announcement with a photo of the little guy via Locash’s Instagram, saying, in part: “Hello. My name is Legend Wilde…and just like that, our hearts have opened up in all new ways. Every map in life needs a Legend. We’re so blessed.”

Preston and Kristen, who were married in September 2015, also have a daughter, Love Lily, 2.

Congrats to the happy family.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

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