Watch Keith Urban’s Surreal Journey in New Video for “Coming Home”

Watch Keith Urban’s Surreal Journey in New Video for “Coming Home”

Keith Urban dropped a new video for his current single, “Coming Home,” which features vocals from Julia Michaels.

The new clip, which was directed by Andy Hines, takes viewers on a surreal journey as Keith seamlessly moves through different settings—bedroom, field, house, cab—before ultimately ending up at a club where he watches himself perform with Julia.

“The concept for the video was really Andy Hines’ idea,” said Keith. “He suggested the heightened reality that we see in the video, which keeps it more like a dream—an idea, more than an actuality. It was also important to have Julia there—she’s great energy to be around and I love singing with her, so I wanted us to be onstage at the same time to capture that.”

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. 12 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 10 weeks.

Watch Keith’s new video below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: Warlick to get contract extension soon

Jimmy’s blog: Warlick to get contract extension soon

By Jimmy Hyams

SANDESTIN, Fla. – Look for Tennessee to announce a contract extension soon for Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick.

Warlick, who just completed her sixth year as UT’s head coach, has one year left on her current deal.

Asked if UT was close to an agreement or announcement of Warlick’s contract, Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer on Wednesday said: “Yep we’re close …. And we should have something pretty soon.’’

Warlick was asked if she had an agreement in principle.

“I think we do,’’ said the former Lady Vols All-American player. “We’re just trying to work through a couple of things within the contract.

“Coach Fulmer has been extremely honest and I appreciate that. And he publicly stated he wants to give me an extension and I think that will happen.’’

Does she think it will happen soon?

“I do, I do,’’ she said.

Two key components of the contract are the years and the buyout.

It’s likely that Warlick will get at least a two-year extension.

If so, what’s the buyout?

Since 2004, Tennessee has paid over $26 million in buyouts to coaches and athletic directors.

Given that fact, you would think UT would careful with the buyout language regarding Warlick.

While Warlick has an impressive won-loss record, the standard for the Lady Vols is high.

Tennessee hasn’t been to the Final Four in 10 years – by far the longest drought in program history, going back to the AIAW days in the 1970s.

Tennessee also hasn’t won the SEC regular-season or SEC tournament title in three years. Warlick won three such titles in her first three years.

On the flip side, UT had the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in 2017 and followed that up with the No. 4 class in 2018, giving hope that better days are ahead.

Warlick said the 2017 class did well.

“I thought they’d come in and contribute,’’ she said. “They played a lot of minutes. I liked how they matured and got along with our (returning) players. So, yeah, I think they … probably exceeded my expectations.’’

Can the 2018 class have a similar impact?

“I do, I do,’’ she said. “I’ve seen their commitment. I’ve seen their energy. Obviously, they’re talented. But just their commitment to getting better is up there, a little bit more than our freshman (from last year). I think definitely they can make an impact soon.’’


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Who’s New: Sierra Black

Who’s New: Sierra Black

Sierra Black
Born: Las Vegas
Lives: Las Vegas
Age: 24
Single: “Make It Easy”
Twitter: @SierraBlackNews
Instagram: @OfficialSierraBlack
Facebook: @SierraBlackOfficial

Las Vegas native Sierra Black dropped a soaring new single, “Make It Easy,” that is helping her country music career soar to new heights. The tune has garnered more than 100,000 streams on Spotify, while her real-life wedding video—which features the single—has been viewed more than 4 million times on Facebook. Performing weekly in Vegas, including a residency at the Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, Sierra is gearing up to release her debut album as she continues working with Nashville producer Mark Bright (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery).

How did you get your start in country music?

Both my mom and dad’s families are very musical. When I was 15 years old, I told my parents that I wanted to be a country singer. Since then, I have performed everywhere I could and really worked at songwriting.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Shania Twain and Faith Hill are two of my biggest country influences, but I also love P!nk.

What three words describe you as a performer?

Energetic, fun, real.

What would you say is unique about your sound?

I think my range makes me unique. Not only can I sing high, but I can also sing really low.

What does your new single, “Make It Easy,” say about you as an artist?

Besides the fact that I really love my husband, it shows that I am and always have been a hopeless romantic.

Your wedding video that features “Make It Easy” has more than 4 million streams on Facebook and the song has more than 100,000 streams on Spotify. Have you been surprised by its success?

Yes! It’s amazing to see so many people respond in such a loving way to our love story and song.

What’s the last song you heard that blew you away?

It’s not a newly released song, but I have loved listening to “Yours” by Russell Dickerson. The lyrics are so good.

What’s the first thing you do after a show?

Most likely eat.

What’s been your most exciting or unusual fan encounter?

I recently had a show in Vegas that a group of girls came to because they saw my wedding video. It was pretty cool.

What family member or friend has been the most supportive of your musical career?

I have been truly blessed that every family member and friend has been incredibly supportive. Out of everyone, my mom always has my back.

photo courtesy Sierra Black

Leach, Gregg Earn All-American Honors

Leach, Gregg Earn All-American Honors

Credit: UT Athletics

OKLAHOMA CITY – Junior Aubrey Leach and senior Meghan Gregg were selected to Division I All-America teams for the 2018 season, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Wednesday.

After a breakout junior campaign that saw her set the program record for runs scored in a season, Leach was named as one of 18 players on the first team. Gregg, the 2017 SEC Player of the Year, collected third team honors.

In her third season on Rocky Top, Leach increased her runs scored and hits totals by more than 10 each compared to the previous two years. She led the SEC in both runs (80) and batting average (.441), and she ranked second in the conference in hits (82) and on base percentage (.565). From Feb. 24 to Mar. 25, Leach recorded at least a hit in 18 consecutive games, a team high. Following the regular season, she was named to the All-SEC first team, and she earns All-American status for the first time in her career.

Gregg followed up her sensational junior season by once again proving to be one of the top offensive talents in college softball. Her 72 RBIs were second most in the nation, and her .761 slugging percentage and .394 batting average were both good for fourth in the SEC. After being named to the All-SEC first team for the third consecutive year, Gregg also won the 2018 Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes achievements both on and off the field. She earns a spot on an All-American team for the second season in a row, following a first-team selection in 2017. One of four seniors on the team, Gregg leaves Tennessee as the program’s career leader in home runs with 57 and RBIs with 263.

Leach and Gregg’s 2018 selections become the 34th and 35th All-American nods in program history. Tennessee has now had 14 players reach All-American status dating back to 2004.

UT Athletics
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Nashville to Feature Performances From More Than 50 Artists During CMA Fest

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Nashville to Feature Performances From More Than 50 Artists During CMA Fest

Blake Sheton’s Ole Red Nashville will officially celebrate its grand opening—yes, we know it’s already open—during CMA Fest on June 6–10.

The restaurant, bar and music venue will host multiple events throughout the week, including a Blake Shelton and Friends concert on June 6, which is not open to the public. However, the dates of June 7, 8, 9 and 10 are open to the public and Blake has teamed with Spotify to bring a lineup of more than 50 artists to the venue, including Midland, Lauren Alaina, Cam, Lindsay Ell, Cole Swindell, Morgan Wallen, Michael Ray, Maddie & Tae, Hunter Hayes and more.

Located at 300 Broadway, the multi-level, 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue features a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway.

“Lower Broadway is the centerpiece of Nashville,” says Blake. “There’s so much great music and fun going on down there all the time and it’s exciting to now be a part of it—it’s a dream come true.”

The Ole Red concept first came to life in Blake’s adopted hometown of Tishomingo, Okla., last fall. Nashville is the second location, with a third planned for Gatlinburg, Tenn., set to open in 2019.

Check out the roster of artists slated to perform at Ole Red Nashville during CMA Fest.

Thursday, June 7

11:00 A.M. Austin Jenckes
12:00 P.M. Muscadine Bloodline
1:00 P.M. Adam Doleac
2:00 P.M. Riley Green
3:00 P.M. Stephen Carey
4:00 P.M. Tyler Dial
5:00 P.M. Abby Anderson
6:00 P.M. Dillon Carmichael
7:00 P.M. Morgan Wallen
8:00 P.M. Levi Hummon
9:00 P.M. Chris Lane
10:30 P.M. Michael Ray
12:00 A.M. Hunter Hayes & Friends

Friday, June 8

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Noah Schnacky
12:00 P.M. Ana Vaus
1:00 P.M. Mason Ramsey
2:00 P.M. Austin Burke
3:00 P.M. Swon Brothers
4:00 P.M. Brennin
5:00 P.M. Tegan Marie
6:00 P.M. Adam Sanders
7:00 P.M. Filmore
8:00 P.M. Brandon Ray
9:00 P.M. Maggie Rose
10:30 P.M. Jackie Lee
12:00 A.M. Craig Campbell

Saturday, June 9

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Cam
11:45 A.M. Jimmie Allen
12:30 P.M. Maddie & Tae
1:15 P.M. Lindsay Ell
2:00 P.M. Jillian Jacqueline
2:50 P.M. Rachel Wammack
3:40 P.M. Mitchell Tenpenny
4:30 P.M. Tenille Townes
5:20 P.M. Cale Dodds
6:10 P.M. RaeLynn
7:00 P.M. Kassi Ashton
7:50 P.M. Cassadee Pope
8:40 P.M. Lauren Alaina
9:30 P.M. Midland
12:00 A.M. Late Night Jam with Cole Swindell

Sunday, June 10

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Mallary Hope
12:00 P.M. Rhett Walker
1:00 P.M. Tyminski
2:00 P.M. Hannah Ellis
3:00 P.M. Kalie Shorr
4:00 P.M. Clare Dunn
5:00 P.M. Luke Pell
6:00 P.M. Radio Romance
7:00 P.M. Red Marlow
8:00 P.M. Chris Bandi
9:00 P.M. Thompson Square
10:30 P.M. Scotty McCreery
Season Opener vs. West Virginia Set for National TV Broadcast on CBS

Season Opener vs. West Virginia Set for National TV Broadcast on CBS

UT players / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s season opener versus West Virginia on Sept. 1 in the 2018 Belk College Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. has been slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kick and will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

The Volunteers will put their 12-game winning streak against non-conference opponents on the line against the Mountaineers in one of the premier week-one games of the college football season.

When UT and WVU square off on Sept. 1, it will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs on the gridiron. The Vols have won nine consecutive season openers dating back to 2009.

CBS also released a handful of other select games as well as broadcast windows for its SEC ON CBS package this season.

The SEC ON CBS has been the highest-rated regular-season college football package on any network for nine consecutive seasons. The 2018 SEC ON CBS schedule, the Network’s 18th consecutive season providing national coverage of Southeastern Conference football, presents a total of 17 games, including the SEC Championship on Saturday, Dec. 1 (4:00 p.m. ET).

This year’s schedule kicks off on Sept. 1 with West Virginia vs. Tennessee at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Other SEC ON CBS games announced today include last year’s SEC Champion Georgia visiting South Carolina on Sept. 8; last season’s SEC West Champion Auburn hosting LSU on Sept. 15; and Florida vs. Georgia in their annual rivalry game on Oct. 27.

There will be three consecutive Saturday doubleheaders late in the season and two Thanksgiving weekend games, putting multiple college football games on CBS in four of the final five regular-season weekends.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY, the Network’s pre-game, halftime and post-game studio show, provides all the college football news and highlights throughout the day.

CBS Sports’ coverage of the entire 2018 SEC on CBS football schedule will be available to stream live via the CBS All Access subscription service, with additional coverage on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app.

To view the entire release from CBS and the broadcast windows for this season, click HERE.

-UT Athletics

Jimmy’s blog: McElroy turned off by UT giving up last year

May 30

By Jimmy Hyams

Greg McEroy said it was borderline disgusting at times watching Tennessee’s team flounder last season.

“There was nothing more infuriating than putting on the tape and watching Tennessee at the end of the season and just seeing how dejected they would get when something when South,’’ said the SEC Network analyst. “Then seeing how quickly they would go in the tank when they didn’t get off to a decent start.’’

UT went in the tank so often, it lost eight games for the first time in school history (4-8) and went winless in SEC play for the first time in school history (0-8).

Jeremy Pruitt, a highly successful defensive coordinator at Florida State, Georgia and Alabama, has been charged with reviving a once storied program.

It won’t be an easy — or a quick — fix.

“I just want to see this team, more than anything else, be competitive,’’ McElroy said. “Even if they aren’t winning games against the upper tire SEC East, at least be competitive. Keep it within 10 points. Keep it within a touchdown so you have a chance to steal it at the end of the game.

“That’s what I want to see. Not the 50-17 blowouts (against Missouri) that we saw time to time in the second half of last season.’’

That’s why McElroy says UT’s record might not be the ultimate measuring stick for progress under Pruitt.

“I don’t know, necessarily, if progress is going to be measured by wins and losses,’’ McElroy said. “I don’t think it can be. When you’re completely changing how the program is being operated … I want to see them more competitive if things go South early. Will they show up and play in the second half as hard as humanly possible. We didn’t see that all the time last year.’’

Pruitt didn’t even see it in the spring game. He called out some players for “flat out quitting.’’

McElroy, who covered the game for the SEC Network, said he didn’t notice players quitting. But he did see other signs of concern.

“I think the defensive performance was disappointing,’’ McElroy said. “The lack of tackling, the lack of pursuit, the lack of fundamentals and gap soundness when it comes to the run game,’’ he said. “All those things are areas that need to be addressed.

“I didn’t notice on the field a lack of effort. But I did notice a significant lack of execution.’’

Lack of execution played a role in UT’s miserable season. The Vols blew several games it could have won – at Florida and Kentucky, are examples.

“I think Jeremy wants to stress to his kids that it’s never going to be easy,’’ McElroy said. “It’s going to be adverse. Its’ going to be difficult.

“There’s going to be times when things aren’t going your way and you have to stick with it and not get dejected and come out on the other side feeling good.’’

McElroy expects Pruitt to make practice tougher than games, just like Nick Saban did when McElroy played for the Crimson Tide and led the team to the 2009 national championship.

“Pruitt wants practices to be exponentially more difficult than what any of the Volunteer players will face Saturdays in the SEC,’’ McElroy said. “That’s the whole mantra of what Jeremy Pruitt is trying to create. He wants Saturdays to be a cake walk compared to the work they put in during the week and in the offseason.’’

 


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

Country Music Association Creates New Scholarship in Honor of Kix Brooks

Country Music Association Creates New Scholarship in Honor of Kix Brooks

The Country Music Association has announced the launch of the inaugural CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship, a year-long program designed to provide emerging artists with unique professional and educational opportunities in the country music industry.

The CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship is named after country music legend Kix Brooks, the former chairman of the CMA Board and long-serving board member. Kix also happens to be one half of the greatest country music duo of all time—Brooks & Dunn—and he is the host of American Country Countdown on Westwood One radio stations.

“The KixStart Artist Scholarship program was developed by 2017 CMA Board artist relations committee chair, Marion Kraft and vice chair, Mary Hilliard Harrington, both visionary artist managers, as a means to provide one-of-a-kind mentorship to artists within our country community,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA CEO. “We’re thrilled to open our arms to our artist community and offer these invaluable tools as these artists continue to invest in their growing careers.”

“Last year when Mary Hilliard and Marion suggested we do something to better aid those artists that could use a little extra help, or a ‘kick start’ to help them over that tipping point, we all knew it was a good idea,” said Kix. “I suppose calling it KixStart was a little tip of the hat to me for getting this committee going in the beginning. I’m honored, but I’m not taking any credit for this one.”

CMA and its staff will help connect each selected artist with professionals within the industry, as well as providing educational support and opportunities to participate in CMA-related events during CMA Fest, CMA Songwriters Series and C2C: Country to Country festival in the U.K. A scholarship fund has been established by CMA to cover expenses related to the program.

CMA KixStart Artist Scholarship submissions will be accepted starting on June 1. The deadline for submissions is June 30 at 11:59 p.m. CT.

photo by AFF-USA.com

Victims say Suspects Ran Them Down in Vehicle

Two sisters are in custody charged with multiple counts of Attempted Murder. Officials say Tuesday night 24-year-old Jalisa Waterson and her 17-year-old sister were involved in a fight near Washington Pike and Whittle Springs.

Responding officer found four victims that had been hit by a vehicle. Three had to be taken to the hospital but have already been released.

Officials say the victims and suspects had been involved in an confrontation at Belle Morris Elementary School. Afterwards, the four victims were walking down Fairview Street when they say a Nissan Altima ran them down at a high rate of speed. The victims identified the driver and passenger as the sisters.

The two were charged with four counts of Attempted Second Degree Murder.

Gregg Wins 2018 Senior CLASS Award® in Softball

Gregg Wins 2018 Senior CLASS Award® in Softball

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – All-American shortstop Meghan Gregg has been selected as the 2018 Senior CLASS Award® winner in softball. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities. Gregg is the second student-athlete from Tennessee to win a Senior CLASS Award following fellow softball athlete Madison Shipman’s win in 2014.

“I am so honored to receive the Senior Class Award,” said Gregg, who helped the Lady Vols to one Women’s College World Series appearance and two trips to the NCAA Super Regionals in her career. “Being able to join the list of athletes who have received this award in the past is so humbling because of their impressive athletic ability and high character. The four areas that this award highlights have all been achieved because of the core values of the Tennessee softball program. Living by the core values of Servant Warrior, Competitor, Integrity, Passion, Respect and Preparation, my teammates and I have grown into women of great character and esteem. I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve been given by being a part of such a prestigious program. I feel that I am confident and ready for the next chapter of my life because my coaches, Ralph and Karen Weekly, have prepared me for my future career.”

Already earning first-team All-SEC and first-team NFCA All-Region honors this season, Gregg set new Tennessee program records for career home runs (57), RBIs (263) and slugging percentage (.712). A 2017 first-team NFCA All-American, Gregg earned SEC Player of the Year, All-SEC First Team and SEC All-Defensive Team honors as a junior after finishing the season ranked among the top-15 nationally in six major offensive categories and breaking the Tennessee single-season RBI record (79). Earning all-conference honors each season of her career, Gregg was named first-team All-SEC as a sophomore and to the Freshman All-SEC Team in 2015.

“Ralph and I are tremendously proud of Meghan,” said Karen Weekly, who serves as Co-head Coach of the Lady Vols along with her husband, Ralph. “Not only has she set a standard of excellence on the playing field, she is an exemplary student and leader in the community. The Senior CLASS award is one of the most prestigious honors bestowed upon a collegiate student-athlete, and Meghan is truly deserving.”

Beyond the field, Gregg has remained committed to excellence in the classroom, to prioritizing community outreach and to maintaining a high level of personal character. A 2017 third-team CoSIDA Academic All-American and an Easton/NFCA Scholar-Athlete, Gregg already has graduated with a degree in kinesiology with a concentration on pre-pharmacy and has been accepted to the University of Georgia’s College of Pharmacy. Gregg also has taken part numerous community service projects, most notably in Autism Speaks, the Challenger Games, Take Back the Night, Voloween events, MLK Marches, Goals for Girls, Light the Night and softball meet and greets. Selected by her coaches to take part in the VOLeaders Academy, Gregg participated in the VOLeaders Academy’s yearlong curriculum and a 13-day study-abroad trip to Brazil in 2016 where she and fellow Tennessee student-athletes learned about the nation’s culture and used sports as a means to enact positive change.

Meghan Gregg is an exceptional student-athlete and role model,” said Erik Miner, the award’s executive director. “What she’s been able to accomplish on and off the field in her four years at Tennessee is remarkable. Our sincere congratulations to Meghan, her team and to the University of Tennessee.”

CONTACT
Erik Miner
(913) 563-5412
[email protected]

ABOUT THE AWARD
An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award honors the attributes of senior student-athletes in four areas: community, classroom, character and competition. The award program is designed exclusively for college seniors who are utilizing their complete athletic eligibility, remaining committed to their university and pursuing the many rewards a senior season can bring. Premier Sports Management manages the award.

-UT Athletics

 

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