Here’s Tennessee guard James Daniel III after the Vols 84-60 win over Mercer at home Wednesday night.
Video: Jordan Bowden in postgame after Mercer win
Here’s Tennessee guard Jordan Bowden after the Vols 84-60 win over Mercer at home Wednesday night.
Video: Rick Barnes postgame after win over Mercer
Here’s Tennessee men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes after the Vols 84-60 win over Mercer at home Wednesday night.
With a Little Help From Their Friends, Nash Morning Show “Ty, Kelly & Chuck” Reaches Goal of 100,000 Thank Yous for the Troops
When Nash morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck decided to partner with the USO on Nov. 1 for an initiative to send 100,000 thank you cards to overseas troops, the co-hosts had no idea the outpouring of support they would receive from the country music community, including stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Justin Moore, Cole Swindell, Lee Brice, Chase Rice and Old Dominion.
Today (Nov. 29), Garth Brooks stopped by the show to read the letter that helped Ty, Kelly & Chuck reach their goal of 100,000 thanks yous.
“First of all, [reading this card] is an honor I do not deserve, so thank you for what you’re doing,” said Garth. “I can’t think of anybody who deserves [these letters] more than our military men and women—past, present and future.”
Below, watch Garth get emotional as he reads the 100,000th letter.
And the letters are still coming in, thanks, in part, to the hard work of the morning show co-hosts, producer Glenn Johnson and digital coordinator Bryan Webb.
“Setting the goal of 100,000 was intimidating, but we felt like if we hadn’t pushed for so many, we’d only be lowering the ultimate result,” says co-host Ty Bentli. “The response has been incredible, and the stories from the soldiers have show how much these letters mean to them.”
Letters have come from as far away as North Pole, Alaska, and from organizations like the NFL’s New York Giants and Tennessee Titans. In addition, thousands of letters have poured in from elementary schools across the country.
“I love seeing all the cards come in from elementary schools,” says co-host Chuck Wicks. “Nothing is better than seeing a card made by a kid. Those are the sweetest thank yous.”
The country music community has show its support as well—in a big way.
“Having so many country stars—Tim, Faith, Blake, Keith and many more—come to the show to drop off personalized cards has been amazing,” added co-host Kelly Ford. “It just goes to show the love and support our listeners and the country music community have for our troops.”
![Randy Travis Gets Waxed at Madame Tussauds Nashville [Photo Gallery]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/1446/2017/11/29120404/Randy-Travis.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
Randy Travis Gets Waxed at Madame Tussauds Nashville [Photo Gallery]
Following in the waxy footprints of Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire and more, Randy Travis will be the newest country music icon to have a wax likeness on display at Madame Tussauds Nashville.
Randy’s wax figure will be unveiled on Dec. 1 at 10:30 a.m. CT at Madame Tussauds Nashville in Opry Mills Mall. The public is invited to attend.
Madame Tussauds Nashville houses more than 50 artists representing all genres of music, including Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette, Kenny Rogers, Katy Perry, Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Luke Bryan, Darius Rucker, Waylon Jennings, Minnie Pearl, Patsy Cline, Kid Rock, Jimi Hendrix, Billie Holiday, Taylor Swift, Rhianna, George Strait, Little Jimmy Dickens, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Reba, Alan Jackson, Eric Church, Bruno Mars, Beyoncé, Diana Ross, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Muddy Waters, Rayna Jaymes and Deacon Claybourne of Nashville and more.
Check out our photo gallery of Madame Tussauds below.
Randy Travis photo courtesy of Madame Tussauds
Watch Blake Shelton’s Cozy Performance of “I’ll Name the Dogs” With Jennifer Hudson on “The Voice”
Coaches got cozy on The Voice on Nov. 28 as Jennifer Hudson joined Blake Shelton to sing his current single, “I’ll Name the Dogs.”
With a fireplace ablaze, Blake picked his guitar and crooned while Jennifer added her soulful flair.
The traditional-sounding tune, which was penned by Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip and Josh Thompson, is currently No. 5 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after seven weeks.
Watch Blake and Jennifer perform “I’ll Name the Dogs” below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NdbHmmgLiWU
photo by Jason Simanek
Chris Stapleton Says the Price of Fame Far Outweighs the Negatives Because You Get to “Really Help People”
It’s been two years since Chris Stapleton became a household name courtesy of his dueling performance with Justin Timberlake at the CMA Awards in November 2015.
Since that time, Chris’ debut solo album, Traveller, has sold more than 2 million copies and been certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America.
CMA Awards, ACM Awards and Grammys followed. The spotlight shone bright on the perpetually reserved Kentucky native.
When Chris dropped his sophomore album, From A Room: Vol. 1, in May 2017, expectations were high.
The album delivered, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and selling more than 500,000 copies. The record won the 2017 CMA Award for Album of the Year and earned a Grammy nomination for Best County Album (the winner will be announced on Jan. 28).
As Chris gears up to release From A Room: Vol. 2 on Dec. 1, the reticent star sat down with Nash Country Daily to talk about his life in the spotlight over the last two years.
“The good far outweighs any negative,” says Chris. “There’s a slight loss of privacy that comes with it, but you also get to do great things. You get the opportunity to do charitable things and help people—like really help people—not just with a song. Those things far outweigh any kind of negativity that may come from [fame]. It’s a trade-off. But I think most people would trade it if they knew you got to do some really great things with it.”
photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Watch Sibling Trio MC3 Perform a Mash-Up of 25 Country Songs From 2017
Up-and-coming trio MC3—comprised of siblings Lauren, 22, Kathryn, 19, and Robert, 13, McMillan—released a mash-up of their 25 favorite country songs from 2017.
The sheer number of songs the trio covers in under four minutes is pretty impressive, including tunes from Jon Pardi (“Heartache on the Dance Floor”), Old Dominion (“No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”), Little Big Town (“Better Man”), Miranda Lambert (“Tin Man”), Dan + Shay (“How Not To”), Kelsea Ballerini (“Yeah Boy”), Darius Rucker (“If I Told You”), Keith Urban (“The Fighter”), Zac Brown Band (“My Old Man”), Luke Combs (“Hurricane”), Midland (“Drinkin’ Problem”) and more.
Check out MC3’s mash-up below.
Brett Eldredge Announces 2018 “The Long Way” Tour
Brett Eldredge announced he will embark on his first major headlining tour—dubbed The Long Way Tour—in 2018.
The 11-date tour will kick off on April 5 in Garden City, Idaho, and make stops in Louisville, Kansas City, Boston and more before capping in New York City on May 5.
“I have been very fortunate to be on some massive tours in my career, but my first major solo headlining tour is something I have wanted to give to my fans for a long time,” said Brett. “I cannot wait!”
Devin Dawson and Jillian Jacqueline will serve as openers on various dates. Tickets go on sale beginning Dec. 8.
The Long Way Tour
April 5
Garden City, ID
Revolution Concert House*
April 6
Missoula, MT
Adams Center*
April 19
Louisville, KY
Palace Theatre^
April 20
Indianapolis, IN
Egyptian Room^
April 21
Kansas City, MO
Uptown Theater^
April 26
Hampton Beach, NH
Hampton Beach Casino^
April 27
Boston, MA
Orpheum Theatre^
April 28
Uncasville, CT
Mohegan Sun Arena^
May 3
Toledo, OH
Stranahan Theatre*^
May 4
Bethlehem, PA
Sands Bethlehem Event Center^
May 5
New York, NY
Hammerstein Ballroom^
*On sale December 15
^With Jillian Jaquelin
photo by Jason Simanek
Hoops Preview: Tennessee (4-1) vs. Mercer (5-2) Wed 7pm
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After playing three games in the Bahamas at the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, the Tennessee men’s hoops team returns home to face Mercer for a 7 p.m. ET tip on Wednesday night at Thompson-Boling Arena.
The matchup is available with an online broadcast through SEC Network + (WatchESPN). Visit WatchESPN.com or download the WatchESPN app to view the game on a computer or mobile device. Courtney Lyle (play-by-play) and Vincent Yarbrough (analyst) are on the call for Tuesday’s matchup.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to catch Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online through AllVols.com.
The Volunteers are coming off a 2-1 performance in the Bahamas, with wins over then 18th-ranked Purdue and NC State. UT fell short in a battle with No. 5 Villanova that came down to the final moments of the game before the Wildcats pulled away. During the tournament, forward Grant Williams and Kyle Alexander stepped up big time, combining to average 27.0 ppg, 17.6 rpg and 3.7 bpg.
After Wednesday’s contest, Tennessee heads to Atlanta to face its second ACC foe of the season in Georgia Tech in a 6 p.m. tip on Dec. 3. That game will be televised on ESPNU and will be available online through WatchESPN. After that, the Vols return home for three games beginning with Lipscomb on Saturday, Dec. 9.
THE SERIES
• Overall: Mercer leads, 4-3
• In Knoxville: Series tied, 2-2
• In Macon: Mercer leads, 2-0
• Neutral Sites: UT leads, 1-0
• Current Streak: Tennessee has won two straight
• Last Meeting: Tennessee won, 64-54, on Dec. 22, 2014
• Rick Barnes vs. Mercer: 2-0
• Rick Barnes vs. Bob Hoffman: 1-0
RIGHT NOW
• Tennessee is in the midst of a 30-day span during which it will play four ACC opponents. The Vols are 1-0 vs. ACC teams so far.
• Tennessee leads the SEC and ranks ninth in the country in offensive rebounding (15.4) behind Kyle Alexander‘s league-best average of 4.4 orpg.
• The Volunteers also lead the SEC in steals with 8.6 spg.
A WIN WOULD…
• Extend Tennessee’s home winning streak against non-conference opponents to nine games. That streak dates to last season’s win over Appalachian State on Nov. 15, 2016.
• Even the Vols’ all-time series with Mercer at 4-4
ABOUT MERCER
• Head Coach Bob Hoffman is in his 10th year with the Bears, who are members of the Southern Conference.
• Led by a young core last season, the Bears return more than 94 percent of their scoring in 2017-18. Leading the way is senior guard Ria’n Holland, a second team all-conference selection who averaged a team-high 17.2 ppg last season. Flanking Holland are fellow seniors Jordan Strawberry (12.2 ppg, 4.3 apg) and Demetre Rivers (11.2 ppg, .475 FG%).
• So far, the trio sits amongst the team’s top-four scorers. When Holland has the ball in his hands, he poses a threat to score from anywhere on the floor. He is shooting 55 percent (36-65) from the field, 57 percent (21-37) from beyond the arc and a near-perfect 97 percent (28-29) from the charity stripe.
• Rivers is the second-leading scorer on the team, averaging 10.3 ppg on 53-percent (24-45) shooting. Strawberry has stepped up as a versatile player for the Bears, posting 8.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 4.6 apg to go along with a 3.2 assist/turnover ratio.
• Forwards Stephon Jelks and Desmond Ringer round out Mercer’s starting five. Jelks is averaging 8.7 ppg and a team-leading 7.4 rpg. Ringer, who stands at 6-9, is tallying 7.0 ppg and uses his frame to get to the free throw line where he’s shooting 81 percent (13-16).
• The Vols and Bears are set to meet for the fourth time in the last five seasons with UT looking to grab its third-consecutive win in a series that dates to 1913. Overall, MU holds a 4-3 edge over in the series.
• Mercer had made five consecutive postseason appearances—including a victory over Tennessee in the 2013 NIT and a famous upset victory over Duke in the 2014 NCAA Tournament—prior to last season’s 15-17 mark and a loss to ETSU in the first round of the SoCon Tournament. The Volunteers defeated the Bears in the second round of the 2014 tournament as part of UT’s Sweet Sixteen run.
THE LAST TIME vs. MERCER
• In a rematch of a 2014 NCAA Tournament meeting, Tennessee once again came out on top against Mercer, defeating the Bears, 64-54, on Dec. 22, 2014, in Knoxville. This time the Vols rode their stout defense and sharp-shooting from newcomer Devon Baulkman to the victory.
• Baulkman had his best game as a Vol with 22 points, making 4-of-6 from 3-point range. He also corralled six rebounds and had two steals and a key block in the second half.
• Tennessee senior Josh Richardson tallied 11 points, handed out six assists and also had three steals.
• Mercer was led by Ike Nwamu, who tallied a game-high and career-high 30 points including 6-of-11 from 3-point range and 9-of-18 from the floor.
• Tennessee took control of the game with a 19-2 run to end the first half as Mercer missed its final 10 field goal attempts of the half. The Vols led, 27-15, at intermission.
• Down by 14 early in the second half, Mercer charged back thanks to strong 3-point shooting by Nwamu. His sixth trey of the game brought the Bears within five at 43-38 with 10 minutes left in the game. The game got as close as four in the second half.
• But, Baulkman took over on both ends of the floor to regain a double-figure lead for the Vols at 49-39 with seven minutes left. He knocked down a 3-pointer, then stole the ball and finished off the play with a layup. Another Baulkman layup with 5:33 left pushed the lead to 51-40. Tennessee led by double-figures for the rest of the way.
TENNESSEE’S NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE RIPE WITH OPPORTUNITIES
• A cursory glance at UT’s non-conference schedule reveals a handful of “Power Five” opponents—Purdue, NC State, Georgia Tech, UNC, Wake Forest and Iowa State—that stand as potential RPI boosters. But dig a little deeper and one discovers additional opportunities for resumé-building wins outside of SEC play.
• Two other Tennessee foes appear in the Nov. 13 update of the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25, with Mercer and Furman landing at Nos. 16 and 21, respectively.
• This article from HeatCheckcbb.com outlines why, based on their schedule, the Vols have more opportunities to log resumé-boosting wins than any other team in the country.
PAIR OF JORDANS HOT FROM 3FG
• Tennessee sophomores Jordan Bone (6-of-10) and Jordan Bowden (10-of-18) are combining to shoot .571 from 3-point range through five games this season.
• As a team, the Vols are shooting .408 from long range, which ranks fifth in the SEC.
VULTURE VOLS LOOKING FOR SCRAPS
• Tennessee is +57 in points-off-turnovers this season and has logged at least 20 points off turnovers in four of five games.
-UT Athletics
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