Aaron Tippin Talks Career Highlights, Turning 60 Years Old, Performing for the Troops, Releasing His New Cherry Wine & More

Aaron Tippin Talks Career Highlights, Turning 60 Years Old, Performing for the Troops, Releasing His New Cherry Wine & More

Posted on June 28, 2018

Jim Casey talks with Aaron Tippin about:

  • turning 60 years old on July 3
  • staying active in the gym
  • dropping his debut album, You’ve Got to Stand for Something, in 1991
  • going on his first USO Tour with Bob Hope
  • continuing to perform for the troops for almost 30 years
  • the hardest job he’s ever had
  • getting branded as a “working man” by his label in the early ’90s
  • his career ambition of flying
  • picking up a guitar for the first time after his brother was killed
  • his favorite song, “He Believed”
  • a new crop of country stars like Michael Ray and Jimmie Allen who cite Aaron as an influence
  • the possibility of releasing new music
  • his love of songwriting
  • his busy summer tour schedule
  • teaming with Tennessee-based Stonehaus Winery for his Kiss This Sweet Cherry Wine

Show Participants

  • Aaron Tippin
  • Jim Casey, NCD editor in chief

Kip Moore Opens New Rock Climbing & Hiking Lodge in Kentucky

Kip Moore Opens New Rock Climbing & Hiking Lodge in Kentucky

Posted on June 28, 2018

Kip Moore is parlaying his love of great outdoors into a new business venture.

Kip partnered with one of his longtime friends to create BedRock at the Red, a lodging facility tailored for outdoor enthusiasts in Rogers, Ky.

The lodge boasts a 1,400-square-foot community space, full kitchen, women’s and men’s family-style bathrooms with multiple showers and dressing rooms, private rooms and a community bunk room.

BedRock at the Red: photo courtesy GreenRoom PR

“This space is something I’ve been really looking forward to being ready,” said Kip “Every part of the lodge has been intricately thought through, and hopefully encourages guests to connect on a community level. I love to rock climb in my spare time and I think we’ve created something pretty special.”

The lodge is centrally located to world class crags, scenic hiking and minutes from Muir Valley and the Mountain Parkway. The facility is also equipped for weddings, retreats and group gatherings.

photo by Jason Simanek

Larry Gatlin Is on a Mission to Recover His Stolen Grammy

Larry Gatlin Is on a Mission to Recover His Stolen Grammy

Posted on June 28, 2018

Larry Gatlin is on a mission to recover his lone Grammy, which he won in 1977 for Best Country Song for “Broken Lady.”

Larry told the Tennessean that the trophy was stolen from the Gatlin Bros. Music City grill in the Mall of America in the 1990s.

“In this charged, heated atmosphere of politics that we live in . . . where I believe that very little is viewed through the prism of what is true and what is right and wrong . . . I have a question for someone in America out there,” Larry says. “You have Larry Gatlin’s Grammy for ‘Broken Lady’ for Song of the Year. It’s on your mantel or somewhere in your house. What do you tell people when they come over and ask you how you got Larry Gatlin’s Grammy?”

After more than 20 years, Larry just wants his Grammy back—no questions asked, no charges pressed.

“I’ll give you a written statement that I won’t prosecute you,” says Larry. “You can just say you bought it at a pawn shop.”

There’s a monetary reward as well. Anyone with information can email [email protected].

photo by Tammie Arrroyo, AFF-USA.com

If the Members of Little Big Town Were Stranded On an Island, Who Would They Eat First? Spoiler: The One Who “Tastes Like Cinnamon”

If the Members of Little Big Town Were Stranded On an Island, Who Would They Eat First? Spoiler: The One Who “Tastes Like Cinnamon”

Posted on June 28, 2018

When Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook stopped by morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck to talk about their bright new single, “Summer Fever,” the foursome had no idea the conversation would take such a dark turn.

But it did.

If Karen, Kimberly, Phillip and Jimi were stranded on a deserted island together, who would they eat first?

“We’ve always talked about that with the band—who would we eat?” says Karen. “Kimberly would probably taste like cinnamon or something yummy—sweet like a cupcake or a cookie.”

“I would taste like special brownies,” added Phillip.

“[Phillip] might should be first, ’cause at least you’d [be happy], never mind,” says Jimi.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see if they eat Kimberly or Phillip first. In the meantime, Little Big Town will join forces with Miranda Lambert for a co-headlining tour this summer. The Bandwagon Tour will kick off on July 12 in Charlotte, N.C., and make stops in Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Tampa, Philadelphia, Toronto and more.

Watch LBT discuss who is their tastiest member below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Watch More Than 20 Country Stars Unite for PSA to Combat Imposters on Social Media

Watch More Than 20 Country Stars Unite for PSA to Combat Imposters on Social Media

Posted on June 28, 2018

More than 20 country stars united for a PSA to combat imposters on social media. Spearheaded by Blake Shelton—and posted on his YouTube page—the PSA includes appearances by Keith Urban, Lindsay Ell, Hunter Hayes, Kelly Clarkson, Maren Morris, Rascal Flatts, Dustin Lynch, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Jake Owen, Travis Denning, Brett Young, Maggie Rose, Trace Adkins, Old Dominion, Cale Dodds, Cole Swindell and Michael Ray.

“Hey y’all, I’m Blake Shelton and I want to talk to you about something that’s important: imposters on social media,” says Blake. “So we want to make sure you know how to spot the signs of the fake accounts. Like the ones called ‘Blakey Shelton’—that’s bullshit.”

The gist of the PSA: make sure to look for the blue verified check mark next to the name of the country star on their social media accounts and never give out any of your private information. These guys and gals don’t want—or need—you to send them any money.

Watch Blake and his crew in action.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Lady Vols In The WNBA Update: June 27

Lady Vols In The WNBA Update: June 27

Posted on June 27, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

With the WNBA a little more than a third of the way through the regular season, several former Lady Vols are making an impact for their respective teams. Earlier today Diamond DeShields logged her first double-double in the WNBA, leading Chicago in scoring and rebounding with 23 points and 11 rebounds in a win over Atlanta.

Candace Parker is pacing the first-place Los Angeles Sparks in scoring. Parker is coming off a season-high performance on Tuesday, logging 29 points against fellow LVFL Glory Johnson and the Wings at home.

Johnson had nine points and five rebounds in the contest and will be back in action at 10 p.m. ET tonight as the Wings travel to Las Vegas (NBA TV), hitting the court for their third game in four days.  Shekinna Stricklen is also in action this evening, hosting the Indiana Fever at 7 p.m. ET (NBA TV, NBCSB).

In WNBA action on Thursday, Mercedes Russell and the Storm will host Parker and the Sparks at 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN 2).

On Friday, DeShields will hit the court at 7:30 p.m. ET in New York (League Pass, MSG+, The U Too), and Parker and Jaime Nared will square off when the Aces host the Sparks at 10:30 p.m. (League Pass, SPECSN).

Diamond DeShields

Chicago Sky | G | 1st Season

DeShields has started 13 games for the Sky and is the team’s second-leading scorer, averaging 13.1 ppg. Chicago is currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 5-9.

Isabelle Harrison

Las Vegas Aces | F/C | 3rd Season

Harrison remains on the Aces’ roster but is taking a personal leave of absence due to medical reasons, per an April 28 report from the franchise.

Glory Johnson

Dallas Wings | F | 6th Season

Johnson returned to action on June 8 after missing five games due to an injury suffered in the Wings’ season-opener. She has appeared in eight games this season, starting two, and is averaging 7.9 ppg and 5.0 rpg. Dallas is currently residing in fifth place in the Western Conference with a record of 6-7.

Jaime Nared

Las Vegas Aces | G/F | 1st Season

Nared has appeared in all 14 games for the Aces, averaging 11.0 mpg, 3.1 ppg and 1.4 rpg. She posted a season-high 10 points on June 8 against Atlanta.

Candace Parker

Los Angeles Sparks | F/C | 11th Season

Parker is the leading scorer for the Sparks through 14 games, averaging 16.7 ppg. After missing three games due to injury early in the season, she’s appeared in every game since, averaging 28.5 mpg. Her field goal percentage of 54.0 ranks tenth-best in the WNBA. With a record of 11-3, Los Angeles currently owns the best record in the league.

Mercedes Russell

Seattle Storm | C | 1st Season

Originally drafted 22nd overall by New York, Russell saw action in two games for the Liberty before signing with Seattle. Through a total of ten WNBA appearances she is averaging 8.1 mpg, 1.8 rpg and 1.7 ppg. She pulled down a season-high eight rebounds against Las Vegas on May 31. Seattle is currently 10-5, putting the Storm in third place in the Western Conference.

Shekinna Stricklen

Connecticut Sun | G/F | 7th Season

Stricklen has seen action in all 14 games for the Sun, starting 11 and averaging 18.2 mpg and 6.2 ppg. The Sun is currently in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 8-6.

 

UT Athletics

Jason Aldean Says His “Go-To Records by Alabama, Allman Brothers, Hank Jr. & John Anderson” Keep Inspiring Him Today

Jason Aldean Says His “Go-To Records by Alabama, Allman Brothers, Hank Jr. & John Anderson” Keep Inspiring Him Today

Posted on June 27, 2018

Growing up in Georgia, Jason Aldean was inspired by the sounds of everyone from the Allman Brothers and Alabama to Ronnie Milsap and Otis Redding. For his eighth studio album, Rearview Town, which dropped on April 13, the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year says he put some of those influences to use by revisiting past projects from his favorite artists.

“Honestly, I probably go back and listen to more old albums than I do new albums,” says Jason to NCD. “I have my go-to records, and I’ll go back and listen to Alabama’s Mountain Music  or the Allman Brothers’ Brothers and Sisters album . . . or Hank Jr.’s Major Moves and John Anderson’s I Just Came Home to Count the Memories. I love going back and listening to all that stuff because I think a lot of times music kinda comes full circle, too. A lot of stuff that was being used in the ’70s and ’80s, it kinda [went] away in the ’90s, and all of the sudden in the 2000s, it’s new and fresh again, so you start hearing that instrumentation coming back around.”

Jason will gear up for more dates of his High Noon Neon Tour with Luke Combs and Lauren Alaina on July 13. The 30-plus-date tour kicked off in May with stops in Kansas City, St. Louis, Chicago and more.

High Noon Neon Tour

July 13
Bethel, NY
Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

July 14
Bristow, VA
Jiffy Lube Live

July 15
Saratoga Springs, NY
Saratoga Performing Arts Center

July 21
Atlanta, GA
SunTrust Park

July 25
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa Amphitheater

July 26
Orange Beach, AL
The Amphitheater at the Wharf

July 27
Brandon, MS
Brandon Amphitheater

July 28
Dallas, TX
Starplex Pavilion

Aug. 10
Darien Center, NY
Darien Lake Amphitheater

Aug. 11
New York, NY
Madison Square Garden

Aug. 17
Charlotte, NC
PNC Music Pavilion

Aug. 18
Raleigh, NC
Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek

Aug. 19
Virginia Beach, VA
Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach

Aug. 23
Cleveland, OH
Blossom Music Center

Aug. 24
Pittsburgh, PA
KeyBank Pavilion

Aug. 25
Philadelphia, PA
BB&T Pavilion

Sept. 7
Nashville, TN
Bridgestone Arena

Sept. 13
Cincinnati, OH
Riverbend Music Center

Sept. 14
Clarkston, MI
DTE Energy Music Theatre

Sept. 15
Toronto, ON
Budweiser Stage

Sept. 20
San Diego, CA
Mattress Firm Amphitheatre

Sept. 22
San Bernardino, CA
Glen Helen Amphitheater

Sept. 27
Sacramento, CA
Toyota Amphitheatre

Sept. 28
Mountain View, CA
Shoreline Amphitheatre

Sept. 29
Irvine, CA
FivePoint Amphitheater

 

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Photo Gallery: Inside Little Big Town’s New Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Photo Gallery: Inside Little Big Town’s New Exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame

Posted on June 27, 2018

Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook got a sneak peek of their new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum on June 26.

Opening on June 29, Little Big Town: The Power of Four features unique items that illuminate the personalities of the four group members. The exhibit also focuses on the narrative that brought the four members together to form contemporary country music’s first two-woman, two-man vocal group.

“Having an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is something we would never have thought to dream of for ourselves,” says Karen. “It is beyond a dream come true. We are honored to be a part of country music, and are so thankful to all our fans, the music community here in Nashville and the museum for this privilege.”

Highlights of the exhibition include:

  • neon signs used for the cover photo of the album Pain Killer
  • instruments used in underwater scenes in the music video for “Pain Killer”
  • BCBG Max Azria linen sundress with crochet detail and Golden Goose boots worn by Karen when she married Jimi in a private ceremony in Nashville in 2006
  • clothes fitted with LED tube lighting worn by Little Big Town for their appearance at the 2014 CMA Awards
  • Gretsch Electromatic with silver-sparkle top played by Kimberly in performances of “Your Side of the Bed”
  • childhood memorabilia, including Karen’s high school cheerleading uniform, Jimi’s trumpet, Kimberly’s recital costume and a drawing by Phillip
  • a handmade Afghan ceramic pitcher, given to Phillip by an American soldier after Little Big Town performed at a small military base in isolated Tarinkot, Afghanistan

Little Big Town: The Power of Four runs from June 29, 2018, to June 9, 2019.

Check out the photo gallery below, courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

photo courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Watch Keith Urban Perform His Top 10 Tune, “Coming Home,” on “The Tonight Show”

Watch Keith Urban Perform His Top 10 Tune, “Coming Home,” on “The Tonight Show”

Posted on June 27, 2018

Keith Urban took his talents to New York City on June 26 for a dynamic performance of his current single, “Coming Home,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Keith tiptoed through hallowed ground when he decided to record and release, “Coming Home,” a tune that features a riff from one of country music’s most sacred songs, Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” Even though Keith reached out to Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, and son, Ben, to secure their blessings, he was still nervous about releasing the tune.

“I was very much [nervous] . . . I didn’t want to just shove [the riff] into a song,” said Keith. “A lot of times when you hear a sample [from another song], it’s just kind of shoved into the middle of a song as it is, and I wanted something a little bit more artistic with it. J.R. Rotem, who co-wrote ‘Coming Home’ and co-produced it, he took the sample from the original recording of ‘Mama Tried,’ and then manipulated it a bit and wrote these chords around it. When he had done that and I sat in the studio and listened to the music, I just . . . I wrote that chorus out, almost stream of conscious. But, it was really that lick from Merle that made me miss home, think about home, growing up in Australia—all of it just came flooding back and it was that riff that triggered it, so it was a really important part of the song for me.”

“Coming Home,” which was co-penned by Keith, J.R. Rotem, Julia Michaels, Nicolle Galyon and Merle Haggard, is currently No. 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 14 weeks. The tune also features vocals from Julia, who appeared via video during Keith’s Tonight Show performance.

Watch Keith’s performance below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt & Faith Hill Announced as Part of “Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2019”

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt & Faith Hill Announced as Part of “Hollywood Walk of Fame Class of 2019”

Posted on June 26, 2018

Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and Faith Hill are among the more than 30 members of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce’s Walk of Fame Class of 2019.

Dolly, who earned her star first star on the Walk of Fame in 1984, will be inducted with Linda and Emmylou for their collaborative work. Dolly, Linda and Emmylou teamed up in 1987 to form a super-group and record the award-winning album, Trio. The threesome followed up that collection with 1999’s Trio II. The two albums combined to sell more than five million copies and win three Grammys.

“I am so excited that I have a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” said Dolly. “Well, not just me, but with two of my best friends, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, for the Trio. Now, they tell me that I’m the first person this century—the first woman—to have two stars. Of course that’s natural. I like to do things in pairs, if you know what I mean. But I really am exited, so thank you.”

Over the course of her 25-year career, Faith Hill has sold more than 30 million records and won five Grammy Awards. In addition to her success on the country charts, Faith scored crossover appeal with many of her hits, including “This Kiss,” “Breathe,” “The Way You Love Me,” “Cry” and “There You’ll Be.”

Dates have not yet been scheduled for the induction ceremonies.

Walk of Fame Class of 2019

Motion Pictures
Alan Arkin, Kristen Bell, Daniel Craig, Robert De Niro, Guillermo del Toro, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong’o, Tyler Perry, Gena Rowlands

Television
Alvin and the Chipmunks, Candice Bergen, Guy Fieri, Terrence Howard, Stacy Keach, Sid and Marty Krofft, Lucy Liu, Mandy Moore,  Dianne Wiest, Julia Child (posthumous)

Recording
Michael Bublé, Cypress Hill, The Lettermen, Faith Hill, Tommy Mottola, P!nk, Teddy Riley, Trio: Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris, Jackie Wilson (posthumous)

Live Theater/Performance
Idina Menzel, Cedric “The Entertainer,” Judith Light, Paul Sorvino

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner