Dierks Bentley’s “The Mountain” Summits Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart

Dierks Bentley’s “The Mountain” Summits Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart

Dierks Bentley scored the seventh Billboard No. 1 album of his career as “The Mountain” summited this week’s Top Country Albums chart.

Dierks’ ninth full-length album moved 102,000 equivalent album units, according to Nielsen Music, besting his previous record of 101,000 units for 2017’s Black. The Mountain also debuted at No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart.

“This album started as the smallest seed of an idea,” said Dierks. “It was inspired by where I am in my life right now, but also by the people I meet out on the road who triumph over hardship every day. We all share this underlying sense of gratitude and hope, which really became the base of The Mountain.”

The impetus for the album’s creation was Dierk’s June 2017 performance at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in the town of Telluride in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado. Dierks returned to Telluride a short time later for a week-long retreat with fellow songwriters Natalie Hemby, Luke Dick, Ross Copperman, Jon Randall, Jon Nite and Ashley Gorley and wrote the bulk of the album’s songs, including the title track.

Dierks scored the 17th No. 1 single of his career as the album’s lead single, “Woman, Amen,” reached the top of both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart earlier this month. “Woman, Amen” was penned by Dierks, Josh Kear and Ross Copperman in Nashville in between the Telluride Bluegrass Festival and his songwriting retreat.

“My wife and our relationship has been the one constant element in my life over all the ups and downs of my career and personal life,” said Dierks. “Our journey together has made me the man I am today. I doubt my heart would even recognize the old me. This song addresses that in the most direct possible way. The personal gratitude expressed in the lyrics, mixed with a track that leans heavily on some bigger sounds, is the perfect way to introduce the album.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Garth Brooks Puts Some Honky in His Tonky With New Single, “All Day Long”

Garth Brooks Puts Some Honky in His Tonky With New Single, “All Day Long”

Garth Brooks shipped a new single—“All Day Long”—to country radio and Amazon Music on June 19.

Co-written by Garth, Mitch Rossell (“Ask Me How I Know”) and Bryan “Chuck” Kennedy (“American Honky-Tonk Bar Association,” “The Beaches of Cheyenne’’), “All Day Long” is the lead single from Garth upcoming 2019 album.

Garth says the new single was inspired by his Lower Broadway performance at Nashville honky-tonk Layla’s in February.

“‘All Day Long’ was pretty much born from getting to play Layla’s,” says Garth. “Just realizing how much I miss honky-tonks, how much that music is me. I cannot wait to hear it live with people getting to sing that right back to ya. That’s why I love it.”

Fans who pre-order the album today now (available at a limited time price of $10) will receive the new single immediately, as well as an exclusive bonus track, “The Road I’m On,” which will be the opening song of Garth’s upcoming tour.

“From the very first lick, this song is a party,” says Garth. “Country radio, uptempo honky-tonk and summer go so good together!”

Midland Announces “Electric Rodeo Tour”

Midland Announces “Electric Rodeo Tour”

Following a fall run on Thomas Rhett’s Life Changes Tour, Midland will embark on their own Electric Rodeo Tour. The eight-date trek will kick off on Oct. 24 in Tucson, Ariz., and make stops in Washington D.C., Atlanta, Minneapolis and more.

Tickets go on sale on June 22 at 10 a.m. CT.

Electric Rodeo Tour

  • Oct. 24 / Valencia Amphitheatre / Tucson, AZ
  • Nov. 8 / 9:30 Club / Washington, DC
  • Nov. 9 / The Stone Pony / Asbury Park, NJ
  • Nov. 10 / Cone Denim Entertainment Center / Greensboro, NC
  • Nov. 15 / Variety Playhouse / Atlanta, GA
  • Nov. 16 / The Mill and Mine / Knoxville, TN
  • Dec. 13 / Varsity Theatre / Minneapolis, MN
  • Dec. 14 / Boondocks / Springfield, IL

 

photo by Tammie Arroyo / AFF-USA.com

4th Annual NASH Next Competition Begins the Search for the Next Great Country Star

4th Annual NASH Next Competition Begins the Search for the Next Great Country Star

Aspiring country stars have the opportunity to kick-start their careers via the 4th annual NASH Next competition.

NASH Next 2018 officially launched on June 18, bringing together aspiring stars, a major record label (Big Machine Label Group) and the power of country radio (Cumulus Media). The winner of the four-month competition will receive a record deal with Big Machine Label Group and substantial radio exposure on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.

Artists can enter the competition via NASH Next or participating local stations. Listeners in local markets will rate each original song, along with local music industry professionals. Local markets will then host live events or select their finalist by judging the contestants in a video performance of their original song.

Ten of the local finalists will be selected by industry professionals to compete at the national finale event in Nashville in October where a panel of celebrity judges—including BMLG’s Scott Borchetta and Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks—will announce the NASH Next 2018 winner.

“I’m always on the hunt for great new talent, and there’s arguably no better way to do it than through country radio,” said Borchetta. “In our fourth year with NASH Next, this program provides the Big Machine Label Group an incredible opportunity to have our eyes and ears on the ground in all of the great Cumulus country radio markets. If you want to be next, enter now. Game on.”

“I really enjoyed being part of NASH Next last year,” added Kix Brooks. The level of talent continues to get better and more competitive every year, and this music platform is working! It’s been fun to watch last year’s winner, Radio Romance, catch the wave and surf it to the next level of their career.”

Radio Romance released their debut single, “Weekend,” in April 2018 and cracked the Top 50 on the country charts in their first week on the radio.

“This whole experience has been truly incredible,” said Radio Romance’s frontman Sam Hayes. “There is honestly no way to describe what it’s like when you hear your first single played on the radio or when you see your name on the country music charts.”

After More Than 20 Years, David Lee Murphy Scores His Second No. 1 Single With “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” Featuring Kenny Chesney

After More Than 20 Years, David Lee Murphy Scores His Second No. 1 Single With “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright” Featuring Kenny Chesney

There might be a little “dust on David Lee Murphy, but don’t let it fool ya about what’s inside.”

David Lee, 59, scored the second No. 1 single of his career this week with “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” which features vocals from Kenny Chesney. The tune topped both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart.

“When Kenny asked me about making a record, I thought that sounded like a whole lot of fun,” says David Lee. “I love to make music, just as much as I love writing songs. So, we went in without expectations, and I wouldn’t have imagined this. But it sure feels good.”

David Lee, who’s probably best known for his 1995 No. 1 hit, “Dust on the Bottle,” hadn’t scored a hit—as a singer—since 2004’s “Loco,” which reached No. 5. But over the last dozen or so years, the Illinois native has stayed busy as a songwriter, penning hits such as “Big Green Tractor” (Jason Aldean), “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” (Thompson Square), “Anywhere With You” (Jake Owen), “The More I Drink” (Blake Shelton), “’Til It’s Gone” (Kenny Chesney) and more.

“It feels good,” says David Lee. “To know my music is hitting this kind of place in people’s hearts . . . that’s the reason I write these songs: to make people feel something about their life. So, the response when I play it live, now with the No. 1, is everything I could hope for, and I am so grateful to the Reviver Records team for believing, and to country radio for letting this music be heard. That’s how the dots get connected.”

photo by Kristin Barlowe

Watch Jason Aldean’s New Video for “Drowns the Whiskey,” Featuring Miranda Lambert

Watch Jason Aldean’s New Video for “Drowns the Whiskey,” Featuring Miranda Lambert

Jason Aldean dropped a new video for his current single, “Drowns the Whiskey,” which features vocals from Miranda Lambert.

Like the song, Jason enlisted Miranda’s talents during the filming of the new clip at Nashville’s oldest dive bar, Springwater Super Club & Lounge.

“I wanted keep the video simple and really let the heartbreak and loneliness come through,” says Jason.

“Drowns the Whiskey,” which is the second single from Jason’s 2018 album, Rearview Town, was written by Brandon Kinney, Jeff Middleton and Josh Thompson.

“The way fans and radio have responded to this record has been really cool for me,” says 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.”

“Drowns the Whiskey” has the chance to become Jason’s 21st No. 1 single. Check out the new video below.

Scotty McCreery Marries Gabi Dugal

Scotty McCreery Marries Gabi Dugal

Scotty McCreery, 24, and longtime girlfriend Gabi Dugal, 24, tied the knot in North Carolina on June 16.

The couple met in kindergarten in Garner, N.C., and grew up together in the close-knit community. They began dating six years ago during their senior year at Garner High School. Gabi has appeared in several of Scotty’s music videos, including “The Trouble with Girls,” “Feelin’ It” and “Five More Minutes.”

Scotty and Gabi got engaged in September 2017 during a hike in the mountains of North Carolina near Grandfather Mountain. When the couple summited the mountain, Scotty got down on one knee, presented a ring he had helped design specifically for her, and asked Gabi to be his wife.

“I’ve been planning this moment for so long that it feels surreal for it to have finally happened,” said Scotty. “Gabi is the perfect girl and my true love, and I cannot wait to begin building our life together as husband and wife.”

The wedding ceremony, which was officiated by Scotty’s childhood pastor, was attended by more than 200 family and friends. Congrats to the happy couple.

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor/AFF-USA.com

Watch Rory Feek’s Profile on “CBS Sunday Morning” as He Talks About 3 Daughters: Hope’s Coming Out, Heidi’s Atheism, Indiana’s Down Syndrome

Watch Rory Feek’s Profile on “CBS Sunday Morning” as He Talks About 3 Daughters: Hope’s Coming Out, Heidi’s Atheism, Indiana’s Down Syndrome

It’s been more than two years since Rory Feek lost his wife—and Joey+Rory duo partner—Joey Martin Feek to cancer in March 2016.

Since that time, Rory has had to adjust to being a single father to their daughter, Indiana, 4, who was born with Down syndrome, as well as his daughters—Hope, 29, and Heidi, 31—from his previous marriage. Rory has also had to adjust to performing onstage without his longtime partner.

CBS Sunday Morning’s Anthony Mason sat down with Rory to talk about the two years since Joey’s death, including his reaction to finding out Hope is gay and Heidi is an atheist.

Watch the interview below.

photo courtesy of CBS Sunday Morning

Video/Audio/Photo Gallery: Father’s Day Lawn Mower 500

Video/Audio/Photo Gallery: Father’s Day Lawn Mower 500

Tony & Kris’ Father’s Day Lawn Mower 500 on WIVK is in the books, and it was a huge success this morning! Happy Father’s Day to all the great dads!

We have a full recap for you with videos, photos and audio of the entire broadcast from Tony & Kris on WIVK!

Thanks to the three dads that participated, our great sponsors that helped make the event possible (see the list of cool prizes from all those sponsors below,) Knoxville Wholesale Furniture for hosting, Southern Grounds Landscaping for providing the lawn mowers, Jason Ellis for performing the National Anthem and thanks to all of you that went to the event or listened to it on WIVK!

Tony & Kris On-Air

Recap of Pit Stops & Prizes

PIT STOPS
Pit Stop #1:
  • Eat 4 Wings or 1 Super Hot Wing Sponsored by Tennessee Tap House
Pit Stop #2:
  • Chug a Can of Cheer Wine Soda
Pit Stop #3:
  • Men Should Know How To Use A Wheel Barrel Sponsored by Diken’s Turf & Landscape
Pit Stop #4:
  • Do 10 push ups Sponsored by Bullman\’s Kickboxing and Krav Maga + Fitness

PRIZES
1st Place:
  • $200 gift card to Dicken\’s Turf & Landscape
  • 1 year Black Card Membership to Planet Fitness
  • 4 tickets to the Garza Law Firm Porch at any available Smokies home game (food/drink included)
  • ECHO Lithium battery-powered trimmer from Dicken\’s Turf & Landscape
  • Brunch for 2 at Tennessee Tap House
  • Freeze and Squeeze from Ice Up Cryotherapy
  • Maple Bacon Cake from Ham \’n Goodys
  • 2 weeks free at Bullman\’s Kickboxing and Krav Maga and Fitness
2nd Place:
  • Brunch for 2 at Tennessee Tap House
  • ECHO Lithium battery-powered trimmer from Dicken’s Turf & Landscape
  • 4 tickets to any Smokies home game
  • Freeze and Squeeze from Ice Up Cryotherapy
  • Maple Bacon Cake from Ham \’n Goodys
  • 2 weeks free at Bullman\’s Kickboxing and Krav Maga and Fitness
 3rd Place:
  • ECHO Lithium battery-powered trimmer from Dicken’s Turf & Landscape
  • 4 tickets to any Smokies home game
  • Freeze and Squeeze from Ice Up Cryotherapy
  • Maple Bacon Cake from Ham \’n Goodys
  • 2 weeks free at Bullman\’s Kickboxing and Krav Maga and Fitness
Proud Papas Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban & Charles Kelley Reflect on Being Dads in Honor of Father’s Day

Proud Papas Darius Rucker, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban & Charles Kelley Reflect on Being Dads in Honor of Father’s Day

Proud papas Darius Rucker, Keith Urban, Charles Kelley and Luke Bryan reflected on being dads in honor of Father’s Day on June 17.


Darius Rucker: daughters Caroline and Dani, son Jack

“I think if you asked my kids what kind of dad I was they would probably say . . . Dani would say that I was a fun dad. My little daughter would say that I was a fun dad. She thinks I’m a lot of fun. I think if you caught them at the right moment, they would say I was mean [laughs] because when I’m home, I’m not afraid to discipline them. I’m all fun until it’s not fun anymore and then daddy’s not the fun guy. I think that they’d say that I was a fun dad, I’m a loving dad and I think they would say that. I’m gone so much that when I’m home, I just shower love upon my kids. I say ‘I love you’ probably 50 times a day. We hug, we kiss all the time. I’m always wanting them to know how much I love them. So I’d hope they’d say that I was a loving dad.”


Keith Urban: daughters Sunday and Faith


“The first thing is probably just having someone call you dad. I’m like, ‘Oh my gosh! I’m her dad! That’s amazing.’ That’s probably the first thing to me. I don’t know, I mean, the different personalities that our two daughters have, that’s amazing. It’s such a long list I think. I think for the people that haven’t had kids, which I hadn’t for a long, long time. I didn’t have kids until later on, and being around it is not the same as having them, you know? I realize that it’s not something that can be explained until you actually sort of have it, so I’m glad I got to experience that.”


Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum: son Ward


“Gosh! I mean, being a father, it really puts a lot of things into perspective about making sure you do shut off that side of your brain, that work side of your brain and focus on what matters most. I think in the past, I think I’ve always had it in the back of the mind—work, and once you have a kid, you see something that you love more than yourself. I don’t know. It just really is making me realize how fast time moves and to really and try to enjoy these little moments with my little son and my wife, Cassie.”


Luke Bryan, sons Bo and Tate, nephew Til

“Last year, my Father’s Day was—Caroline was perfect in asking me what I wanted for Father’s Day—and I said I want to go camping with the boys on a little trout stream. So, I went and borrowed, I knew a buddy who had a pull-behind trailer, you know, camper. We get the camper hooked up, get to the campsite, it’s 98 degrees. I had loaded a lawn mower in the back of my truck. By the time I got done mowing an acre of four-foot tall grass for the campsite, mosquitoes, couldn’t get the camper—you know, the camper never works like you want it to. It may just be a day around the pool at the Bryan house [this year]. I hadn’t really put my mind together for what I want for Father’s Day, but I won’t be mowing an acre of grass for the RV moment.”

all photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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