Watch Jason Aldean’s “Breaking Big” PBS Profile: “Life’s Short, Don’t Live in Fear”

Watch Jason Aldean’s “Breaking Big” PBS Profile: “Life’s Short, Don’t Live in Fear”

Jason Aldean was featured on a new episode of the PBS series Breaking Big, which profiles how some of the world’s most influential artists, innovators, athletes and leaders achieved success.

The country superstar talked about a number of topics during the 26-minute clip, including the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1, 2017, that left 58 people dead and more than 800 injured during his performance.

“It was the worst night of my life,” says Jason. “My wife, who was seven months pregnant at the time, was at the show, and I was separated from her, so trying to find her and just getting her and the baby somewhere where they were safe . . . You have a lot of different emotions going on, just heartbroken for families. As soon as it happened we went back to the hospital and we visited with the victims. You know, after that, it’s like a week later, you’re expected to jump back onstage and act like nothing happened and it was rough, it was rough the first couple of shows.”

While the tragedy will never be forgotten, Jason says it won’t keep him from doing what he loves—performing for his fans.

“Life’s short, man,” says Jason. “Don’t live in fear. That night is just something I’ll always remember, but it won’t keep me from doing what I do. No matter what happens from here on out, I’ll always go out and play my shows.”

Watch Jason’s interview below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Former Roane County School Board Member Killed by Lightning

A former member of the Roane County School Board was killed Friday night when he was struck by lightning. Officials say Everett Massengill had just finished mowing his lawn and was headed inside when he was struck by the lightning and killed instantly.

It happened in Walnut Grove in Kingston around 5:00 p.m. His wife found him in the yard. Massengill was an Army vet that worked for the Roane County Schools for more than 20 years.

The Roane County Schools is asking for prayer for his family saying Everett’s “cheerful personality and encouraging words will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”

Florida Georgia Line Drops Suggestive New Song, “Talk You Out of It” [Listen]

Florida Georgia Line Drops Suggestive New Song, “Talk You Out of It” [Listen]

With the release of “Talk You Out of It,” Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line have given fans the third sampling from their upcoming fourth studio album.

Following the release of lead single, “Simple,” and “Colorado” in June, the duo dropped “Talk You Out of It,” which features slow-jam lyrics that namedrop Luther Vandross and a suggestive hook: “I’m looking at the fine little dress you got on / Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it / Now I just wanna talk you out of it.” 

You can listen to “Talk You Out of It” below.

“Talk You Out of It”

Girl I know you had a long day
You ain’t feelin’ them downtown lights
But I got a bottle at your favorite place
Just waitin’ for us in a bucket on ice

Damn, I didn’t think it’d be that easy
‘Cause now you’re gettin’ ready
I’m just sittin’ there watchin’ TV
Here you come lookin’ like a grown man’s dream
Damn, I can’t believe, I can’t believe

I talked you into slippin’ down the hall, baby, turn it on
Your playlist you play when you’re in the shower
Talked you into taking up my time, making up your mind
Switching back and forth for an hour
And now you’re lookin’ like a line from a Vandross song
I’m looking at the fine little dress you got on
Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it
Now I just wanna talk you out of it

Yeah, as cool at it would be
Watchin’ people wonder who you are
Oh, we should just say we did, we can start with a kiss
And pretend we just got back from the bar

I talked you into slippin’ down the hall, baby, turn it on
Your playlist you play when you’re in the shower
Talked you into taking up my time, making up your mind
Switching back and forth for an hour
And now you’re lookin’ like a line from a Vandross song
I’m looking at the fine little dress you got on
Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it
Now I just wanna talk you out of it

Yeah, it’s a little cold outside
The music’s probably way too loud
To hear you laugh
And there’s a look in your eyes
Looks like we ain’t leavin’ now
Girl, I’m so glad, I’m so glad

I talked you into slippin’ down the hall, baby, turn it on
Your playlist you play when you’re in the shower
Talked you into taking up my time, making up your mind
Switching back and forth for an hour
And now you’re lookin’ like a line from a Vandross song
I’m looking at the fine little dress you got on
Don’t get me wrong, girl, I love it
Now I just wanna talk you out of it

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

“Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina Smith” Featuring Dolly Parton

“Women Want to Hear Women With Elaina Smith” Featuring Dolly Parton

Need a refresher on what #WomenWantToHearWomen is all about?


Hey friends, after a one-week vacation at the beach, I’m baaaaaack.

I’m so amped to keep this Women Want to Hear Women conversation going.

As WHTHW gears up for a number of artist interviews in the coming weeks—including some fabulous up-and-comers—I wanted to feature a woman who has paved the way for so many of today’s female artists. She’s one of my personal heroes, Miss Dolly Parton. Hope you enjoy the podcast.

Elaina Smith talks with Dolly Parton about:

  • advice for new female artists in the country music industry: “bust those doors down”
  • her relationship with the new crop of female stars, including Kelsea Ballerini, Cam and Carly Pearce
  • Elaina’s first trip to Dollywood
  • being hands-on as the owner of Dollywood
  • random Twitter questions from fans, including the possibility of collaborating with Reba

Participants:

  • Dolly Parton
  • Elaina Smith, host of Women Want to Hear Women

Listen:

Watch:

Guess Who? Only 3 Country Artists Have Released Songs in 2018 That Have Been Certified Gold by the RIAA

Guess Who? Only 3 Country Artists Have Released Songs in 2018 That Have Been Certified Gold by the RIAA

The beginning of July means that 2018 is halfway over, which is the perfect opportunity to reflect on some of the noteworthy achievements from the past six months, including Gold certifications from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

Of the more than 40 songs from all genres of music that were released in 2018 and have been certified Gold (500,000 units) or Platinum (1 million units) by the RIAA, only three were country songs.

Any guesses?

Nope, it’s not Dierk’s Bentley’s “Woman, Amen,” Blake Shelton’s “I Lived It” or Carrie Underwood’s “Cry Pretty,” although each song could earn the certification in the future.

The three country songs released in 2018 that have been certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 units are:

  • Dan + Shay’s “Tequila” – Released Jan. 10 – Certified May 22
Dan + Shay: photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
  • Jason Aldean’s “You Make It Easy” – Released Jan. 26 – Certified May 4
Jason Aldean: photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
  • Brett Young’s “Mercy” – Released Feb. 20 – Certified May 3
Brett Young: photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

While “You Make It Easy” and “Tequila” have already topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart, “Mercy” is currently No. 10 after 21 week.

If you were wondering, the RIAA defines one “unit” as one permanent digital download or 150 on-demand audio/video streams.

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Hey Reba, Dolly Parton Says “We Certainly Should Sing Something Together”

Hey Reba, Dolly Parton Says “We Certainly Should Sing Something Together”

Queens of country music Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire are two of the most decorated female country artist of all time, winning a combined 10 Grammy Awards, 16 CMA Awards and 19 ACM Awards.

It’s only natural that we want to see the Country Music Hall of Fame members collaborate, à la George Strait and Alan Jackson’s 2000 duet, “Murder on Music Row.”

While Dolly and Reba shared the small screen together in 2005 when Dolly guest starred on Reba’s self-titled sitcom on the WB, their collaborations have been few and far between, which is remarkable considering the longevity of both of their careers.

Hopefully, that may change in the future.

In a sit-down interview with Elaina Smith, co-host of Nash Nights Live and host of Women Want to Talk About Women podcast, Dolly revealed that she could envision herself singing a duet with Reba.

“Yes!” said Dolly to Elaina. “Reba and I have often talked about working together or doing a TV show together. We certainly—through the years—should have done something together, [a TV show] or just to do a movie or something, but we certainly should sing something together.”

OK, Reba, the ball is in your court. Let’s make this happen.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Watch Lauren Alaina Perform Her No. 1 Song, “Road Less Traveled,” Backed by All-Female Drumline & National Symphony Orchestra

Watch Lauren Alaina Perform Her No. 1 Song, “Road Less Traveled,” Backed by All-Female Drumline & National Symphony Orchestra

Lauren Alaina celebrated Independence Day in Washington, D.C., by performing her No. 1 hit, “Road Less Traveled,” as part of the PBS television special, A Capitol Fourth.

Backed by the National Symphony Orchestra and an all-female drumline on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Lauren belted out her anthemic tune, which she co-penned with Jesse Frasure and Meghan Trainor. “Road Less Traveled” became Lauren’s first No. 1 single in 2017.

In addition to Lauren’s performance, a number of artists took the stage during the 38th annual broadcast of A Capitol Fourth, including Jimmy Buffett, The Beach Boys, Luke Combs, CeCe Winans, Pentatonix and more.

Watch Lauren’s performance of “Road Less Traveled” below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Country Stars Share Their Fourth of July Sentiments on Social Media, Including Reba, Dolly, Zac Brown, Jake Owen & More

Country Stars Share Their Fourth of July Sentiments on Social Media, Including Reba, Dolly, Zac Brown, Jake Owen & More

As we celebrate the Fourth of July with family and friends, let’s be sure to remember those who lost their lives protecting our freedom and thank those who serve or have served in our Armed Forces.

Many country stars shared their Fourth of July sentiments on social media today, including Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton, Zac Brown, Jake Owen, Vince Gill and many more.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Eric Church’s Brother, Brandon Church, Has Died

Eric Church’s Brother, Brandon Church, Has Died

Our thoughts and prayers are going out to Eric Church and his family as they mourn the loss of Eric’s brother, Brandon Church, who passed on June 29.

The announcement was made via Eric’s fan club page: “It is with great sadness to confirm that Eric’s brother, Brandon, passed away on Friday evening. In lieu of flowers we are encouraging everyone to donate to a Scholarship Memorial Fund created on Brandon’s behalf. You can leave a message that will go via email directly to [parents] Ken and Rita.”

The website for the Scholarship Memorial Fund notes that Brandon was a “beloved son, brother, father and friend.”

The Memorial Fund has already raised more than $15,000.

photo by Jason Simanek

Circle of Influence: Robert Earl Keen

Circle of Influence: Robert Earl Keen

Country music maverick Robert Earl Keen is a Lone Star State legend whose circle of influence roams far and wide, from the friendly confines of Texas to parts unknown.

Lyle Lovett
In the late 1970s, neighbors Robert Earl and Lyle Lovett became friends in College Station at The University of Texas A&M, where they co-penned “The Front Porch Song,” which was included on both of their debut albums. Robert Earl and Lyle collaborated again to duet on “T for Texas” on REK’s 2015 bluegrass album, Happy Prisoner. Lyle and Robert will join forces for a string of tour dates beginning in October.

Cream
Although Robert Earl grew up in Houston during the Beatlemania frenzy of the 1960s, his favorite band was the British rock outfit Cream. When he was 12 years old, he snuck into a Cream concert and managed to get backstage before being kicked out.

photo by AFF-USA.com

Willie Nelson
When Robert Earl was 18 years old, his car was destroyed by fire at Willie Nelson’s second annual Fourth of July Picnic in 1974. Twenty-one years later, The Highway Men—Willie, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson—recorded Robert Earl’s “The Road Goes on Forever,” which became the title track to their third and final album.

photo courtesy of JT Public Relations

Dean Dillon
Robert Earl and friend Dean Dillon, who has co-written more than 50 songs for George Strait, co-penned “West Texas Town,” which appeared on George’s 2008 album, Troubadour.

Cody Canada
In 2008, more than 20 artists—including Reckless Kelly, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Chris Knight and Cody Canada of Cross Canadian Ragweed/The Departed—gathered at MusicFest in Steamboat, Colo., to celebrate Robert Earl’s vast musical catalog by recording Undone: A MusicFest Tribute to Robert Earl Keen. Cody, who cites Robert Earl as a seminal musical influence, sang REK’s “Shades of Gray” during the live recording.

Margo Timmins
Margo Timmins, lead singer of Cowboy Junkies, lent her vocals to “Then Came Lo Mein,” a song featured on Robert Earl’s 1997 major-label debut, Picnic. Incidentally, a picture of Robert Earl’s burning car from Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic is featured on the cover of the album.

Lloyd Maines
Lloyd Maines, an accomplished producer, guitarist, and pedal steel icon, has produced four REK albums: No. 2 Live Dinner, The Rose Hotel, Ready for Confetti and Happy Prisoner. On the latter, Lloyd recruited his daughter, Natalie Maines of the Dixie Chicks, to duet with Robert Earl on “Wayfaring Stranger.”

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