In Memoriam: Lady Vol Basketball Legend Daedra Charles (Furlow)

In Memoriam: Lady Vol Basketball Legend Daedra Charles (Furlow)

Posted on April 17, 2018
Daedra Charles (Furlow) / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Daedra Charles (Furlow), one of only seven women in the illustrious history of Lady Vol basketball to be honored with a banner hanging from the rafters of Thompson-Boling Arena, passed away at the age of 49 in Detroit, Mich., on April 14, 2018.

Charles is survived by her mother, Helen; and her sister, Danene. She also is survived by her husband, Anthony Furlow; and their son, Anthonee.

A viewing will be held, beginning at 2 p.m., on Friday, April 20, at McFall Funeral Home, located at 9419 Dexter Ave. in Detroit. On Saturday, April 21, at the World Deliverance Temple at 27355 Ann Arbor Trail in Dearborn Heights, there will be a Family Hour from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a Home Going Service at 11.

“My heart is broken from the loss of one of the greatest players to play at Tennessee, Daedra “Night Train” Charles,” Lady Vol head coach Holly Warlick said. “An Olympian, a pro player, an ambassador for the Lady Vols, and more importantly a wonderful person/mother. Dae had a spirit that was so uplifting, and you never thought she had a bad day.

“Our memories of Daedra will bring us comfort and smiles.  But it will also bring me tears because she is suddenly gone. Lord wrap your arms around her…I know she has found her peace.”

Charles, a graduate of St. Martin De Porres High School in Detroit, played at UT from 1988-91 after losing her first season of eligibility due to her classification by the NCAA as a Prop 48 signee. After focusing all of her attention on her schoolwork and excelling as a freshman in the classroom in 1987-88, the powerful, yet agile, 6-foot-3 center starred three seasons for the Lady Vols, helping Tennessee win two NCAA titles (1989 & 1991), an SEC title (1990) and an SEC Tournament crown (1989).

More importantly for Charles, who spent her first year on Rocky Top triumphantly proving she could handle the academic rigors of college, she graduated from UT in four years, earning a bachelor’s degree in child and family studies. For a program focused on accomplishing team goals, this was an exceptional celebration of individual achievement due to Charles’ admirable determination and success in overcoming an obstacle that prevented her from joining her teammates on the court as a freshman.

During Charles’ decorated career, she was a two-time Kodak All-American, first-team All-SEC performer, SEC All-Tournament honoree and NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team selection, earning those distinctions in 1990 and 1991.

In addition to the aforementioned awards, as a senior she was a Naismith All-American, SEC Female Athlete of the Year, NCAA Final Four All-Tournament honoree and the winner of the Wade Trophy, given by the WBCA as the highest distinction in women’s college basketball. She was the first SEC player to earn that award.

In 105 career games, Charles started 91 times and averaged 14.2 points and 8.2 rebounds. As a senior in 1991, she shot 56 percent from the field while averaging 17.3 points and 9.2 rebounds per contest. She finished her career seventh on the UT scoring list (1,495), sixth in rebounding (858) and second in shots blocked (95) despite playing only three seasons.

Charles’ number 32 jersey was retired on Dec. 28, 1991, and she remains one of six Lady Vol players honored with a banner hanging high above The Summitt, the court named for her head coach.

The late Pat Summitt, describing Charles in the book Sum It Up, said “she was a muscled, six-three center from Detroit, Michigan, whom we called ‘Train,’ which was short for ‘Night Train,’ because she was so forceful around the basket.”

Former Louisiana Tech head coach Leon Barmore is credited with giving Charles the nickname. It was in reference to former Detroit Lions football great Dick “Night Train” Lane, who was known as a ferocious tackler and one of the most feared players in the NFL in his day.

Charles’ abilities transcended Big Orange Country and college basketball. Her prowess enabled her to become a three-time member of USA Basketball’s Senior National Team, winning the bronze medal in the 1992 Olympics. It also gave her the opportunity to play professionally, which she did in Japan, Italy and France from 1991-97 and for the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks in 1997.

Her body of work and her impact on the women’s game was recognized and rewarded upon the conclusion of her career. She was named one of ESPN’s all-time Top 25 College Women’s Players in the mid-2000s and was inducted with the inaugural class of the Tennessee Lady Vol Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001 and the 2007 class of the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame.

Following her playing career, Charles transitioned naturally into the coaching and basketball administrative staff ranks, making stops at several schools before returning to Knoxville to join the staff at Tennessee. She served as an assistant coach at UT from 2008-10 and was the program’s director of character development from 2010-12. After leaving UT, she served as the head girls’ basketball coach at Knoxville’s West High School before returning to her native Detroit.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTION TO THE PASSING OF DAEDRA CHARLES (FURLOW)

“R.I.P Daedra Charles. Glad I got to know you and your journey. I remember how Coach Summitt and DeMoss would light up when they spoke your name. Your smile was contagious! Thank you for blessing me with one of the realest conversations ever!! #ladyvols #Olympian“ – Chamique Holdsclaw, LVFL

“Prayers up for Daedra Charles Furlow’s family. Wow…. such a sweet soul and of course a Lady Vol for life #OALVALV! #RIP #RIH #GodsAngels“ – Tamika Catchings, LVFL

“So sad to hear about the passing of a legend on AND off the court. Daedra Charles was a friend, mentor and amazing mother! Gone too soon, but I hope you are at peace. Please say hi to Coach Pat for us, I know she met you at the gate. Love you Coach D.” – Candace Parker, LVFL
 “Everyone please take a moment and pray for the Charles family and the Lady Vol family. A legend, a teammate, a beloved family member has left us! #RIPDaedraCharlesFurlow“ – Sharrona Reaves, Lady Vol assistant coach

“Our thoughts are with the family of Daedra Charles-Furlow and the Tennessee community. You will be missed.” — Women’s Basketball Coaches Association

“Rest In Peace to the one and only Coach Daedra. Thank you for not only being a crucial part of my decision to go to Tennessee but for ALL you’ve done for the Lady Vol Family. Have fun with Pat in heaven for us, Night Train! We love you.” – Andraya Carter, LVFL

“Peaceful Journey to my sister my friend Daedra Charles” – Derrick Coleman, former NBA and Syracuse player

“My prayers are with Daedra Charles-Furlow family. We will miss you Daedra… what a warrior in every sense. Be at peace.” – Vicki Hall, ISU WBB coach/former Texas player

“It’s a sad day in WBB today as we learned we lost a sister in hoops….peace and blessing Daedra Charles. May the lord wrap his arms around your husband, son and entire family.” – Dawn Staley, USC WBB coach/former UVa player

“RIP Daedra Charles. This one stings. Your energy was contagious. You believed and saw what was in me before I did. Thank you for everything! You will be missed. Love You Coach Choo Choo!” – Kamiko Williams, LVFL

“Daedra Charles was a brave courageous person both on and off the court. She helped many survivors see their way through. Blessings to her family and the entire women basketball community. Salute!” – Debbie Ryan, former UVA WBB coach

“Omg so shocked and sad — what a great person. From the day we met on campus, you could just tell she was one of those ppl who had “it,” Kind, caring & always fun to be around. Tremendous competitor but even better person & friend. #DaedraCharles #RIP“ – Lang Wiseman, UT MBB Alum

 

UT Athletics

Chris Stapleton Says Wife and Twin Boys “Are Doing Great” and Shares Photo

Chris Stapleton Says Wife and Twin Boys “Are Doing Great” and Shares Photo

Posted on April 17, 2018

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone on the planet who has had a better week than Chris Stapleton.

In addition to celebrating his 40th birthday this week, Chris won two ACM Awards, earned nominations for five Billboard Music Awards and welcomed twin boys into the world.

Reba McEntire made the announcement regarding the birth of Chris and wife Morgane’s twins during the ACM Awards on April 15.

On April 17, the always-reserved artist posted a message via Twitter to thank Reba and let everyone know that Morgane and the boys are doing great.

“Thank you for sharing our good news ! We couldn’t have dreamed up a better day. Morgane & the boys are doing great & we appreciate everyone’s support!”

[Update]

Morgane shared a photo of the twins on Instagram with a message of thanks to the doctors and nurses at Centennial Women’s & Children’s Hospital.

The twins join two older siblings in the Stapleton household. Congrats to the happy family.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Brad Paisley, Charles Esten, Chris Young, Lindsay Ell & More to Headline 2nd Annual ’80s Dance Party to Benefit the Alzheimer’s Association

Brad Paisley, Charles Esten, Chris Young, Lindsay Ell & More to Headline 2nd Annual ’80s Dance Party to Benefit the Alzheimer’s Association

Posted on April 17, 2018

CMA Fest week will get an unofficial kickoff during the second annual ’80s Dance Party to End Alz, which will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association, on June 3 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.

This year’s event will feature Brad Paisley, Chris Young, Charles Esten and Lindsay Ell singing—and dancing to—their favorite ’80s songs. Additional artists will be announced in the coming weeks.

“We were thrilled by the success of last year’s Dance Party to End Alz, where we grooved to hits from the ’70s,” said Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who will once again team with Blair Garner to emcee the event. “We’re excited to make this an annual event and bring the ’80s to Nashville this year. It is so inspiring to see the country music community rally around the Alzheimer’s cause, which is very important to our family and millions across the country. We are more motivated than ever to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s research that will ultimately change the course of this disease for so many.”

In addition to raising awareness in the fight to end Alzheimer’s disease, last year’s event raised more than $300,000 through its silent auction and concert.

Tickets for the event will be available for pre-sale on April 18 at 11 a.m. CDT. Ticket sales will be open to the general public on April 20 at 11 a.m. CDT.

photo by Jason Simanek

Nominations Revealed for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards: Chris Stapleton & Sam Hunt Lead the Country Pack

Nominations Revealed for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards: Chris Stapleton & Sam Hunt Lead the Country Pack

Posted on April 17, 2018

The nominees for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards have been announced.

Sam Hunt and Chris Stapleton lead the country contingent with five nominations apiece.

Sam earned nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Song, as well as all-genre nominations for Billboard Chart Achievement Award and Top Selling Song (“Body Like a Back Road”).

Chris copped nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (From A Room: Vol. 1), as well as all-genre nominators for Top Selling Album (From A Room: Vol. 1) and Top Billboard 200 Artist.

Kane Brown picked up three nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Album (Kane Brown) and Top Country Song (“What Ifs”).

Thomas Rhett nabbed three nominations for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (Life Changes).

Florida Georgia Line netted three nominations for Top Country Duo/Group, Top Country Tour and Top Country Song (“Meant to Be”).

The Billboard Music Awards will air on May 20 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Check out all of the country-centric nominations below.

Top Country Artist
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Male Artist
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton

Top Country Female Artist
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris

Top Country Duo/Group Artist
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan
Florida Georgia Line
Tim McGraw & Faith Hill

Top Country Album
Kane Brown, Kane Brown
Luke Combs, This One’s For You
Thomas Rhett, Life Changes
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1
Brett Young, Brett Young

Top Country Song
Kane Brown ft. Lauren Alaina, “What Ifs”
Sam Hunt, “Body Like A Back Road”
Dustin Lynch, “Small Town Boy”
Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line, “Meant To Be”
Brett Young, “In Case You Didn’t Know”

Top Selling Album
Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1
Kendrick Lamar, DAMN.
P!nk, Beautiful Trauma
Ed Sheeran, ÷ (Divide)
Taylor Swift, reputation

Top Selling Song
Sam Hunt “Body Like A Back Road”
Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee ft. Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
Imagine Dragons “Believer”
Imagine Dragons “Thunder”
Ed Sheeran “Perfect”

Billboard Chart Achievement Award
Sam Hunt
Camila Cabello
Cardi B
Drake
Ed Sheeran

Top Billboard 200 Artist
Chris Stapleton
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Taylor Swift

Midland, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan & More Feel the ACM Awards Sales Boost

Midland, Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Luke Bryan & More Feel the ACM Awards Sales Boost

Posted on April 17, 2018

Many performers, nominees and winners at the 53rd annual ACM Awards on April 15 got a coveted “ACM Sales Boost,” including Kane Brown, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Midland, Luke Bryan and more.

According to Nielsen Music, songs that were nominated enjoyed a 431 percent surge on April 15 compared to a baseline average on April 13 and 14. Songs that were performed during the show surged 446 percent with a total unit lift of 87,667 sales.

Check out some of the “ACM Sales Boost” numbers, courtesy of Nielsen Music.

  • After Kane Brown and Lauren Alaina performed “What Ifs,” the tune surged 813 percent for a massive unit lift of nearly 12,800 sales.
  • Carrie Underwood felt an increase of 7,100 units after performing “Cry Pretty.”
  • Midland’s performance of “Drinkin’ Problem” boosted sales of the track by 1,320 percent, with nearly 7,000 unit sales on Sunday.
  • Sales of Blake Shelton’s performed song, “I Lived It,” soared 6,400 units.
  • Thomas Rhett performed “Marry Me,” leading to an increase of more than 5,800 units on Sunday.
  • Following his performance of “Most People Are Good,” Luke Bryan moved 5,700 units on Sunday.
  • Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” won the award for Single Record of the Year, causing sales of the track to jump up 5,600 units.
  • Dan + Shay’s performance of their song, “Tequila,” led to a 4,900 unit increase in track sale.
  • Chris Stapleton, who won Album of the Year and Male Vocalist of the Year, saw sales of “Broken Halos” rise by 4,400 units.
  • After winning Song of the Year, Miranda Lambert’s “Tin Man” saw a 3,000 unit sales spike.
  • Winning the award for Vocal Event of the Year, Keith Urban’s “The Fighter,” which featured Carrie Underwood, saw track sales surge 2,200 units.

photo by Arroyo-O\’Connor/AFF-USA.com

Jordan Davis Takes “Singles You Up” to No. 1 on the Country Charts

Jordan Davis Takes “Singles You Up” to No. 1 on the Country Charts

Posted on April 17, 2018

After a 43-week run, Jordan Davis’ “Singles You Up” reached No.1 on both Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart.

“From the bottom of my heart, I’m so grateful to the fans, country radio and everyone who helped make ‘Singles You Up’ the number one song in the country,” said Jordan via Twitter. “Thank you for making this past year the best year of my life.”

Co-penned by Jordan, Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones, the clever tune is a “gentlemanly” take on a situation a lot of guys have found themselves in—pining for a girl who’s dating someone else.

“Justin had just gotten engaged, and we were congratulating him, and we told him he was smart not to ‘single her up,’” says Jordan to NCD. “I remember we all looked around and were like, ‘Is that dumb or should we write it?’ I bet you a lot of great songs have been written after saying that. We had all be in that situation with a girl, but we tried to be respectful when writing ‘Singles You Up.’ We didn’t want the guy to come across as a jerk or the girl to cheat . . . we wanted to be as gentlemanly as we could about it. Every once in a while you have to wait your turn. If you do get a chance, you have to capitalize on it.”

“Singles You Up” is the lead single from Jordan’s new album, Home State, which dropped on March 23. Jordan co-wrote every song on the 12-track offering.

“Making this record has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” says Jordan. “I want to thank everyone who was involved in bringing this to life, especially to my producer Paul Digiovanni and the songwriters that helped me create these songs. I can’t wait for y’all to hear it”

photo by Jason Simanek

UT Student-Athletes Honored at 12th Annual Volscars

UT Student-Athletes Honored at 12th Annual Volscars

Posted on April 16, 2018
UT award winners / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The 12th annual Volscars award show celebrated the athletic achievements, academic accomplishments and community service of University of Tennessee student-athletes Monday night in the Knoxville Convention Center.

The evening saw student-athletes from all sports as well as athletic personnel come together for dinner as many of the achievements garnered by Volunteers were highlighted. During the awards segment of the show, student-athletes introduced the awards and announced the winners. The awards ranged from Comeback of the Year to Male and Female Athlete of the Year. The award results are listed below.

Volunteers do not only embody athletic excellence, but also academic brilliance. 75 student-athletes will be graduating during the 2018 academic year, and for this they took part in the Helen B. Watson sash ceremony. Tennessee has been well represented on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, with 83 making the 2017 SEC Spring Honor Roll, 54 making the 2017 SEC Fall Honor Roll, and 33 making the 2017-18 SEC Winter Honor Roll. 54 Volunteer freshmen made the SEC First-Year Academic Honor Roll.

Tennessee student-athletes continued being active in their community this year. During the show, student-athletes’ contributions to the community were highlighted in the Howard Almon Volunteer Recognition Video. For their outstanding community service, 11 Vols were named to the 2017-18 SEC Community Service Team.

Mr. and Mrs. Tennessee went to Grant Williams from men’s basketball and Meghan Gregg from softball. The pair of Volunteers both captured SEC Player of the Year honors during their respective seasons.

This year’s Inspiration award winner was Zhipeng (Colin) Zeng from the swimming & diving team. Zeng’s journey from China to America as a 15-year-old boy to pursue a future as a swimmer was the very embodiment of inspirational. He has spent the last year

Volscars Award Winners:

Comeback of the Year: Men’s Baketball vs. Georgia (March 3, 2018)
Male “I Will Give My All” Award: Admiral Schofield, Men’s Basketball
Female “I Will Give My All” Award: Kaite Cousins, Soccer
Male Rookie of the Year: Trey Smith, Football
Female Rookie of the Year: Rennia Davis, Women’s Basketball
Male Athlete of the Year: Christian Coleman, Men’s Track & Field
Female Athlete of the Year: Erika Brown, Women’s Swimming & Diving
Mr. Tennessee: Grant Williams, Men’s Basketball
Ms. Tennessee: Meghan Gregg, Softball

-UT Athletics

 

Vol Trio Named to National Football Foundation Hampshire Society

Vol Trio Named to National Football Foundation Hampshire Society

Posted on April 16, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

IRVING, Texas – Tennessee Volunteer football players Parker Henry, Jakob Johnson and Brett Kendrick were announced as members of the 2018 National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society last week.

The trio wrapped up their collegiate careers this past fall and join 10 other VFLs who have captured the honor, which started in 2007.

Qualifications to join the NFF Hampshire Honor Society include achieving a 3.2 cumulative grade point average throughout entire course of undergraduate study, being a starter or significant contributor during the 2017 season and meeting all NCAA-mandated progress towards degree requirements.

Henry appeared in 24 games as Tennessee’s primary holder during the 2016 and 2017 seasons after joining the team as a walk-on in 2015. A finance and political science double major, Henry earned CoSIDA Academic All-District honors in 2016 and 2017 and was a three-time selection to the SEC Academic Honor Roll. In addition to holding a 4.0 GPA, Henry became just the sixth Vol football player to be awarded the NCAA Post Graduate Scholarship earlier this year.

Johnson, a tight end from Stuttgart, Germany, appeared in 47 games with five starts. He started his career at linebacker and finished with 24 career tackles before moving to tight end. He made three starts at tight end in 2017 and tallied three receptions during the 2016 and 2017 seasons. The versatile 6-3, 250-pounder was a special teams ace during his four-year career.

Kendrick started 28 games and made 41 appearances overall in his career. A Knoxville, Tenn., native, Kendrick was a two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll and collected Pro Football Focus College Team of the Week honors for his performance at left tackle in the 2017 season-opening win over Georgia Tech. Kendrick started at right tackle, left tackle and right guard during his career.

This year’s trio ties for the most Vols ever named to the Hampshire Society, joining the 2008 class of Erik Ainge, Jarod Parrish and Casey Woods.

 

UT Athletics

Holly Warlick Shares Her Feelings About The Passing Of Lady Vol Legend Daedra Charles

Posted on April 16, 2018
Holly Warlick – Lady Vols coach / Credit: UT Athletics

Our Lady Vol family is heartbroken to learn of the passing of Tennessee legend Daedra Charles. Head coach Holly Warlick shared her feelings regarding the loss of a remarkable woman many considered a sister and friend. You can find her words in the graphic above and below.

Once we have further information and details about services for Daedra, we’ll have a release available on UTSports.com and will disseminate via news release and social media.

“My heart is broken from the loss of one of the greatest players to play at Tennessee, Daedra “Night Train” Charles (Furlow). An Olympian, a pro player, an ambassador for the Lady Vols, and more importantly a wonderful person/mother.  Dae had a spirit that was so uplifting, and you never thought she had a bad day.  Our memories of Daedra will bring us comfort and smiles.  But it will also bring me tears because she is suddenly gone. Lord wrap your arms around her…I know she has found her peace.”   — Lady Vol Basketball Head Coach Holly Warlick

-UT Athletics

 

Darius Rucker Announces 9th Annual Benefit Concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Darius Rucker Announces 9th Annual Benefit Concert for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Posted on April 16, 2018

Darius Rucker announced that his ninth annual Darius & Friends benefit concert will take place on June 4 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

The concert, which benefits St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will lead into Nashville’s CMA Music Festival on June 7–10.

“When you see firsthand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Darius says. “Over the years, we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

Darius’ annual concert has raised more than $1 million for St. Jude over the years and has featured a number of high-profile performers, including Luke Bryan, Kenny Rogers, Brooks & Dunn, Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and more.

This year’s lineup will be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets go on sale on April 20 at 10 a.m. CT, with pre-sale beginning on April 17 at 10 a.m. CT.

photo by Jason Simanek

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