No, Zac Brown Band has not broken up. However, Zac Brown has teamed with songwriter Nico Moon and producer Ben Simonetti to form a new Southern pop trio, Sir Rosevelt, which will drop its self-titled debut album on Dec. 15.
The 11-track offering, which seeks to fuse the sounds of pop, dance, acoustic instrumentation and Southern stylings, features two tracks co-written by Pharell Williams and two tracks co-produced by Timbaland.
“Sir Rosevelt is a new chapter in addition to Zac Brown Band,” says Zac. “A new outlet for creativity, connection and art. Get ready.”
Zac and Nico have been working together for more than 10 years and have been co-writers on a number of tunes, including “Homegrown,” “Loving You Easy” and “Beautiful Drug.” Ben was the recording engineer on ZBB’s 2015 album, Jekyll + Hyde.
Watch the lyric video to Sir Rosevelt’s new track, “The Bravest,” below.
The Johnny Cash Museum in downtown Nashville got a tip of the cowboy hat from TripAdvisor, as it was recently named a 2017 Top 25 Trending U.S. Attractions for Fall. The Johnny Cash Museum (#9 on the list), which opened in 2013, has become a destination for both tourists and locals. Other attractions that made TripAdvisor’s list include the Grand Canyon (#1), Ryman Auditorium (#2) and the Grand Ole Opry (#12), among others.
The Johnny Cash Museum is dedicated to the life and music career of Johnny and features a comprehensive collection of artifacts and memorabilia from the Man in Black, including stage costumes, instruments, personal letters, artwork and handwritten lyrics, as well as contributions from family members and notable friends.
Take a look at our exclusive photo gallery from the Johnny Cash Museum.
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.
“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. 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.”
The morning show has collected more than 30,000 letters so far. To help them reach their goal of 100,000 before Dec. 5, you can send a thank you card to:
Ty, Kelly & Chuck’s 100,000 Thank Yous
506 2nd Ave. South
Nashville, TN 37210
Below, watch Tim McGraw and Faith Hill drop off their thank you cards.
From nominations and notes to performers and presenters, here’s everything a country music fan needs to know about the 2017 American Music Awards.
Date: Sunday, Nov. 19
Time: 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT
Location: Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles.
Television Station: ABC
Host: Tracee Ellis Ross
Pre-Show: 5 p.m. on Twitter: @Amas
Performers: Alessia Cara, Alesso, BTS, Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson, Florida Georgia Line, Niall Horan, Selena Gomez, Imagine Dragons, Lady Gaga, Nick Jonas, Khalid, Demi Lovato, Shawn Mendes, P!nk, Portugal. The Man, Diana Ross, Hailee Steinfeld, watt, Zedd
Presenters: Yara Shahidi, the Chainsmokers, Sadie Sink, Sabrina Carpenter, Lilly Singh, Kevin O’Leary, Kathryn Hahn, Kat Graham, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Gaten Matarazzo, G-Eazy, DJ Khaled, Daymond John, Chris Hardwick, Caleb McLaughlin, Jared Leto, Viola Davis, Heidia Klum, Chrissy Metz, Justin Hartley, Ciara, Ansel Elgort, Billy Eichner, Camila Mendes, Lea Michele, Jenna Dewan Tatum and more
Nominees
Favorite Country Male Artist
Sam Hunt
Thomas Rhett
Keith Urban
Favorite Country Female Artist
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Carrie Underwood
Favorite Country Duo or Group
Florida Georgia Line
Little Big Town
Old Dominion
Favorite Country Album
Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Volume 1 Keith Urban, Ripcord
Favorite Country Song Sam Hunt, “Body Like A Back Road”
Jon Pardi, “Dirt On My Boots”
Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
Tour of the Year
Garth Brooks
Coldplay
U2
Artist of the Year
Bruno Mars
The Chainsmokers
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Ed Sheeran
Favorite Male Pop/Rock Artist
Bruno Mars
Drake
Ed Sheeran
Favorite Female Pop/Rock Artist
Lady Gaga
Rihanna
Alessia Cara
Favorite Pop/Rock Duo or Group
Coldplay
The Chainsmokers
Imagine Dragons
Favorite Pop/Rock Album
The Weeknd, Starboy Bruno Mars, 24K Magic
Drake, More Life
Favorite Pop/Rock Song
“Despacito,” Luis Fonsi, Daddy Yankee feat. Justin Bieber
“Shape of You,” Ed Sheeran
“Closer,” The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
New Artist of the Year
James Arthur
Niall Horan
Julia Michaels
Post Malone
Rae Sremmurd
Collaboration of the Year
The Chainsmokers featuring Halsey, “Closer”
DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne, “I’m the One”
Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee featuring Justin Bieber, “Despacito”
Maroon 5 featuring Kendrick Lamar, “Don’t Wanna Know”
The Weeknd featuring Daft Punk, “Starboy”
Video of the Year
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee, “Despacito”
Ed Sheeran, “Shape of You”
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist
Drake
Kendrick Lamar
Migos
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Album
Drake, More Life Kendrick Lamar, DAMN Migos, Culture
Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Song
DJ Khaled featuring Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper and Lil Wayne, “I’m the One”
Kendrick Lamar, “HUMBLE.”
Rae Sremmurd featuring Gucci Mane, “Black Beatles”
Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist
Bruno Mars
Childish Gambino
The Weeknd
Favorite Soul/R&B Female Artist
Beyoncé
Kehlani
Rihanna
Favorite Soul/R&B
Bruno Mars, “24K Magic”
Childish Gambino, “Awaken, My Love!”
The Weeknd, “Starboy”
Favorite Soul/R&B Song
Bruno Mars, “That’s What I Like”
Khalid, “Location”
The Weeknd, “Starboy”
Favorite Alternative Rock Artist
Imagine Dragons
Linkin Park
twenty one pilots
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
Bruno Mars
Shawn Mendes
Ed Sheera
Favorite Latin Artist
Daddy Yankee
Luis Fonsi
Shakira
Favorite Contemporary/Inspirational Artist
Lauren Daigle
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
Calvin Harris
Favorite Adult Contemporary Artist
Bruno Mars
Shawn Mendes
Ed Sheeran
Favorite Latin Artist
Daddy Yankee
Luis Fonsi
Shakira
Favorite Contemporary/Inspirational Artist
Lauren Daigle
MercyMe
Chris Tomlin
Favorite Electronic Dance Music Artist
The Chainsmokers
DJ Snake
Calvin Harris
Top Soundtrack Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 2: Awesome Mix Vol. 2 Moana Trolls
Thomas Rhett, 27, and Maren, 27, were the only country artist to make this year’s list, which also included musicians Lauren Daigle, Joe Jonas, Bebe Rexha, Lizzo and more.
Here’s what Forbes had to say about each young star:
Maren Morris The singer-songwriter’s major label debut peaked at No. 1 on the country charts and No. 5 on the Billboard 200, thanks largely to the smash single “My Church.” Morris earned a nomination for Best new Artist at this year’s Grammys, losing out to 30 Under 30 alum Chance the Rapper.
Thomas Rhett
Rhett’s album Life Changes debuted in September atop the Billboard 200, the first country album to accomplish that feat in 2017. One of the most finally successful acts in the Class of 2018, Rhett now grosses a quarter million dollars per night on the road.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee takes on No. 20 LSU on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. The game will feature a 7 p.m. ET kickoff on ESPN.
Bob Wischusen (play-by-play) and Brock Huard (analyst) will be in the booth and Allison Williams will report from the sidelines. Vol Network radio affiliates will have a live audio broadcast with Bob Kesling, Tim Priest, Brent Hubbs and Maddy Glab. Sirius Channel 138 and XM Channel 190 will also carry a live audio broadcast.
Tennessee (4-6, 0-6 SEC) is coming off a 50-17 road loss to Missouri on Nov. 11. True freshman quarterback Will McBride made his first start and completed 16 of 32 passes for 139 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. McBride also led the Vols in rushing with 63 yards on 14 carries.
LSU (7-3, 4-2 SEC) took a 33-10 home win over Arkansas last week. Junior running back Derrius Guice led the Tigers with 21 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns. Senior quarterback Danny Etling went 11-for-16 for 217 yards and two scores.
Tennessee-LSU History
Saturday’s game will mark the first meeting between Tennessee and LSU since 2011. Tennessee holds a 20-9-3 all-time edge in the series, which dates back to 1925. The Vols are also 11-3-1 all-time against LSU when the game is played in Knoxville.
The Tigers have won each of the last four times the teams have played with wins in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011.
Tennessee’s last win over LSU was on Sept. 27, 2005. The 10th-ranked Vols traveled to Baton Rouge to face the No. 4 Tigers in their home opener after LSU’s first game was changed to a road game because of Hurricane Katrina. After trailing 21-0 at halftime, LSU-transfer Rick Clausen led the Volunteers to a 30-27 victory in overtime. Clausen finished the game 21-for-32 passing for 196 yards and a touchdown to go along with a rushing score. Running back Gerald Riggs Jr. had 89 yards rushing a pair of scores on 24 carries, including the game-winning touchdown in overtime. That 2005 win was Tennessee’s most recent victory over a team ranked inside the top-5 of the AP Poll and is the last ranked win the Vols have against a team from the SEC West.
Hoke Takes Over
Associate head coach/defensive line coach Brady Hoke was named Tennessee’s interim head coach on Sunday, replacing Butch Jones, who finished with a record of 34-27 in five seasons.
Hoke has 34 yards of coaching experience, including 12 years as an FBS head coach at Michigan (2011-14), San Diego State (2009-10) and Ball State (2003-08). He was a conference coach of the year in three difference leagues and in 2011 he was named the National Coach of the Year by the Maxwell Football Club. He has a 78-70 record as a head coach.
On Monday, Hoke emphasized that he and the coaching staff are focused on the team’s seniors.
“These last two games are only about one thing, and that’s the seniors on this football team,” Hoke said. “They have been part of 29 wins, three bowl wins and they’ve laid a foundation for this program that was badly needed. They’re the ones who we play for.”
Smith Continues To Impress On O-Line
When Trey Smith started at left tackle against Southern Miss on Nov. 4, he became Tennessee true freshman to start at left tackle in at least the last 30 years. He followed that with a second start at left tackle last week against Missouri.
Smith is a frontrunner for Freshman All-America, All-SEC and All-America honors as he leads the Vols with 48 knockdowns. He is the second-highest grade Vol on the offensive line behind only senior Jashon Robertson.
Smith started the first eight games of the season at right guard before moving to left tackle for the last two games. He enrolled at UT in the spring of 2017 and was the nation’s No.1 overall recruit in the class of 2017 according to ESPN.
Daniel Making Case for Ray Guy Award
Redshirt senior punter Trevor Daniel is one of 78 final candidates for the Ray Guy Award, which is given to the nation’s top collegiate punter.
Through 10 games this season, Daniel has 62 punts for 2,919 yards and a 47.1-yard average, which ranks fourth in the nation. Daniel’s 26 punts inside opponents’ 20 are tied for third in the nation and lead the SEC. His 29 punts of 50 or more yards lead the nation.
His 45.7-yard career average is the best in Tennessee history and is third among active NCAA punters, regardless of division.
1997 SEC Champs To Be Honored
The 1997 SEC Champion Tennessee team will be honored on the field on Saturdayduring the first quarter.
Coached by Phillip Fulmer and led by quarterback Peyton Manning, defensive end Leonard Little, linebacker Al Wilson, running back Jamal Lewis and wide receiver Marcus Nash, the 1997 Vols finished 11-2 and overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to defeat Auburn 30-29 in the 1997 SEC Championship Game.
Navy Captain Stan Jones and Air Force Captain Leigh Smith To Provide VFL Flyovers on Saturday
A pair of VFLs will lead military flyovers prior to this Saturday’s game versus LSU.
At 4:45 p.m., Air Force Captain Leigh Smith will pilot one of five F-15 jets for a flyover during the Vol Walk. Smith was a three-time All-American and a 2008 Olympian in the javelin.
VFL and former Tennessee football player Capt. Stan Jones will fly an F-18 Hornet over Neyland Stadium before the start of Saturday’s game at 6:55 p.m. at the end of the national anthem.
Capt. Jones joined the Vols as a walk-on and was on the team during the 1985 and 1986 seasons.
Capt. Jones earned a bachelor’s of science in industrial engineering and a master’s of science in aviation systems from the University of Tennessee. He has accumulated over 3,000 flight hours and 623 carrier arrested landings and he has flown 30 different aircraft types. His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medals (three), Strike Flight Air Medals (three), Navy Commendation Medals (two), Navy Achievement Medal (two), and various campaign and unit awards. Capt. Jones joined the Navy and entered Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, in April of 1991 and earned his wings in January of 1994.
On Friday, the public can meet Capt. Jones and view the F-18s at McGee-Tyson/TAC Air from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame announced on Wednesday the 12 inductees to be enshrined at its 52nd Annual Induction Banquet on June 16, 2018, at the Omni-Nashville Hotel. Five of those 12 are from the University of Tennessee.
A sixth Vol will be honored during the ceremony as VFL and founder of the Pilot Oil Corporation (now Pilot Flying J) Jim Haslam II will receive the Pat Summitt Lifetime Achievement Award. Haslam was a starter on the offensive line during Tennessee’s 1951 national championship season. He was also a captain on the 1952 team.
The five former Vols slated for induction next summer include former UT men’s basketball standout and NBA All-Star and current general manager of the Westchester Knicks Allan Houston, former UT running back Johnnie Jones, former UT offensive lineman and current Oakland Raiders scout Raleigh McKenzie, former UT linebacker and current general manager of the Oakland Raiders Reggie McKenzie and 2004 Olympic gold medalist pole vaulter Tim Mack.
The other members of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame 2018 induction class include former Tennessee Titans all-pro safety Blaine Bishop, ACC tennis coaching great Chuck Kriese, MTSU multi-sport athlete Jackie Pope, former University of Memphis kicker Joe Allison, Maryville High School coaching great and current associate head coach at Furman University George Quarles, Tennessee State track standout and Olympic bronze medalist Isabelle Daniels Holston (posthumous) and former Lipscomb Academy football head coach Glenn McAdams (posthumous).
Tickets and sponsor packages for the induction banquet weekend can be purchased by contacting Lynn Powell Toy at 615-202-3996 or by e-mailing[email protected].
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, which held its first induction banquet in 1966, has as its goal to enshrine successful teams and individuals who display sportsmanship, good character and success, creating a legacy for others to follow. The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Museum is housed inside the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
The Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame, a 501c3, pays tribute to all those who have made an impact through sports in Tennessee. The Hall subscribes to the principle that sports serve society’s highest ideals by educating youth through sports. It promotes the virtues of competition, fair play, friendship, solidarity, mutual understanding and respect for human dignity. The best way to honor our sports legends is to pass this legacy down to future generations.
Allan Houston – Men’s Basketball
Allan Houston arrived in Knoxville as a state champion and McDonald’s All-American out of Louisville’s Ballard High School, and his father, Wade Houston, was UT’s head coach during Allan’s entire college career. Allan graduated from UT in 1993 with a degree in African-American studies. In 2003, Allan established the Wade Houston Scholarships for minority undergraduate students at UT.
Allan Houston finished his Big Orange career as the school’s all-time leading 3-point shooter, with 346 career treys to rank sixth all-time in NCAA history. He captured the 1993 SEC scoring title by averaging 22.3 points per game and also set UT’s single-season scoring record with 806 points as a sophomore in 1990-91. Houston played his way to MVP honors at the 1991 SEC Tournament, was named to ESPN’s five-man Silver Anniversary All-SEC Team and also earned a spot on Tennessee’s All-Century Team.
Houston ranked 10th in the NBA in scoring in 2002-03, averaging 22.5 points per game. He led the league in free-throw percentage (.919) and ranked fourth in 3-pointers made (178) that same year. He served as a Knicks co-captain from 1999-2005 and was a key contributor during the franchise’s run to the 1999 Eastern Conference Championship. His 11,165 points with the Knicks trails only Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, Walt Frazier and Willis Reed.
In addition to his NBA success—which included six playoff appearances (during which he averaged 19.3 points per game), two All-Star appearances and a career scoring average of 17.3 points per game—Houston also earned Olympic gold with USA Basketball’s men’s team at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney, Australia.
Johnnie Jones – Football
Johnnie Jones starred on the gridiron from 1981-84 and currently ranks fourth all-time in UT history with 2,852 career rushing yards. He is the only running back in Tennessee history with two seasons of at least 1,000 yards rushing. He rushed for 1,116 yards in 1983 and 1,290 yards in 1984. Jones also racked up 517 career carries (eighth all-time), 19 rushing touchdowns and 13 100-yard rushing games (tied for third-most).
Before starring at UT, Jones had a legendary career at Munford High School, rushing for 4,547 yards and 47 touchdowns and earning consensus all-state honors and All-South honorable mention accolades as a senior. He was part of a talented Tennessee class that included fellow 2018 hall of fame inductees Raleigh McKenzie and Reggie McKenzie, as well as Alan Cockrell, Carl Zander and Alvin Toles. Jones was a 1984 Second Team All-American (Gannett) and earned First Team All-SEC honors in 1983 and 1984.
Jones had a breakout year for the Vols as a junior in 1983. He rushed for 112 yards and scored the game-winning 66-yard touchdown in the Vols’ 41-34 win over rival Alabama. Against Rutgers on Oct. 29, he set a new Tennessee single-game rushing record with 234 yards on a still-record 41 attempts. Jones broke his own rushing yards record in the regular-season finale against Vanderbilt with 248 yards, a mark that stood for six seasons. He was named the MVP of the Florida Citrus Bowl, leading the Vols to a 30-23 win over Maryland with 154 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
In 1984, Jones opened the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate. He scored what would be the game-winning touchdown in the Vols’ 28-27 win over Alabama, punching it in from one yard out. His 1,290 rushing yards in 1984 broke his own single-season rushing record and that mark stood for 11 years.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Jones in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 137th overall pick. After short stints with the Seahawks and the Houston Oilers, he had a two-year career in the Canadian Football League, playing for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats from 1987-88.
Raleigh McKenzie – Football
Raleigh McKenzie enjoyed a standout career at the University of Tennessee from 1981-84. He played at linebacker as a freshman, but moved to center during his 1982 sophomore season. McKenzie helped anchor a line that blocked for Johnnie Jones’ record-setting rushing seasons in 1983 and 1984.
After the Washington Redskins selected him in the 11th round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 290th overall pick, McKenzie played in the NFL for 16 years and won Super Bowl XXII and Super Bowl XXVI with the Redskins. After playing guard for Washington from 1985-94, he later played for the Philadelphia Eagles (1995-96), San Diego Chargers (1997-98) and Green Bay Packers (1999-2000). Nicknamed “Rallo,” McKenzie played in 227 games in his career and made 184 starts. He earned All-NFL honors in 1991.
McKenzie is currently a college scout for the Oakland Raiders.
Reggie McKenzie – Football
Reggie McKenzie starred at linebacker for the University of Tennessee from 1981-84. His improved with each season and finished his UT career with 174 tackles (108 solo) and 4.0 sacks.
He played in 11 games as a freshman, posting 20 tackles (nine solo). The next year, he tallied 33 tackles (18 solo). As a junior in 1983, he recorded three sacks to go with 32 stops (18 solo). He enjoyed his most productive year as a senior in 1984. Forming a fearsome linebacker corps that also included Carl Zander, Alvin Toles and Dale Jones, McKenzie racked up 89 tackles (63 solo), one sack, one interception and two fumble recoveries during his senior campaign.
The then-Los Angeles Raiders drafted McKenzie in the 10th round of the 1985 NFL Draft with the 275th overall selection. He started as a rookie played for the Raiders from 1985-88.
In 1991, he spent one season as a defensive coach for Dorsey High School in Los Angeles before returning to his football playing career in the spring of 1992 with the Montreal Machine of the World League of American Football. He returned to the NFL in 1992, playing two games for the San Francisco 49ers.
McKenzie returned to the University of Tennessee in 1993 and served as an assistant under head coach Philip Fulmer as the Vols went 10-2 and ended the season in the Florida Citrus Bowl. That year, UT landed one of the nation’s top recruiting classes with a group that featured quarterback Peyton Manning.
McKenzie worked for the Green Bay Packers from 1994-2012, rising through the organization’s ranks as a scout, director of player personnel and director of football operations. In 2012, longtime Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis hired McKenzie to become his new general manager, a position that Davis himself had maintained since 1966. After making head coach changes and overhauling the roster in his first few years as Oakland’s GM, McKenzie’s 2016 Raiders posted a 12-4 regular-season record and he was named the NFL Executive of the Year by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Tim Mack – Track & Field: Pole Vault
Tim Mack won gold in the pole vault at the 2004 Athens Olympics with an Olympic-record vault of 5.95 meters. He is also a three-time NCAA All-American pole vaulter and won the won the 1995 NCAA Indoor men’s pole vault title with a height of 5.60 meters (18-4.50).
In 1994, Mack finished fifth at the NCAA Outdoor Championships with a height of 5.49 meters (18-0.50). Months later, that same height of 5.49 meters (18-0.50) proved to be enough to earn him the 1995 SEC men’s indoor pole vault crown and a few meets later he would win the NCAA indoor title. Mack took sixth place at the 1995 NCAA Outdoor Championships with a vault of 5.28 meters (17-4.25).
Mack also won gold at the 2001 Goodwill games in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia as he cleared 5.80 meters. He continued his early 21st-century rise in the sport, winning at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships in 2002 by clearing 5.70 meters and finishing second at the USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships that same year with a height of 5.74. In 2003, Mack finished third at both the USA Indoor and Outdoor Championships. In 2004, he won the pole vault at the U.S. Olympic Trials with a vault of 5.90 meters, earning his spot on the U.S. Olympic team.
At the 2nd IAAF World Athletics Final in 2004 in Monte Carlo, Monaco, Mack won with a vault of 6.01 meters, putting him in the exclusive “6 meters club” of pole vaulters who had reached that elusive height.
One of country music’s biggest football fans, Darius Rucker (go Gamecocks), will headline the College Football Playoff concert in Atlanta on Jan. 8.
Before the National Championship Game kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN on Jan. 8, Darius and opener Brett Young will take the stage at Centennial Olympic Park.
The free, three-day concert series also features Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Lizzo on Jan. 6 and the Chainsmokeers, Bebe Rexa and Spencer Ludwig on Jan. 7. The concert series will include daily ESPN broadcasts, sponsor giveaways and firework shows.
Looks like the “King of Country” is selling one of his castles.
According to the San Antonio Express-News, George Strait is selling his adobe mansion—The Dominion—in San Antonio, Texas.
The 7,925-square-foot home sits on 12.2 acres and features three bedrooms, four full bathrooms, a guest house, infinity pool, 14 fireplaces, sauna, gym, safe room, patio and more.
According to property records, the estate is valued at $3.9 million.
Check out the video below to see how a King lives.
In addition to releasing a video for “Church Clothes,” hosting her own podcast, This Nashville Life, and touring in 2017, CMT Next Women of Country alum Kelleigh Bannen is closing out her busy year by putting a soulful spin on a couple of classic holiday tunes: “Deck the Halls” and “O Holy Night.”
Both tracks will be available on Nov. 17, but you can get a sneak listen to “O Holy Night” today (Nov. 16) via Nash Country Daily.
“‘O Holy Night’ is probably my favorite Christmas carol,” says Kelleigh to NCD. “I love the language and I love the way it tells the Christmas story. For the last several years, I’ve sung ‘O Holy Night’ at my church on Christmas Eve, so it’s just a really special song to me.”
Instead of going the traditional, church-esque route with her new recording, Kelleigh put her own rootsy twist on the classic Christmas tune.
“The tricky thing about ‘O Holy Night’ is that there are so many great traditional versions of the song and I didn’t want to compete with those,” says Kelleigh. “With Christmas recordings, I think you either have to go really classic or you have to go really creative. Justin Glasco, who produced these Christmas songs, had the idea that we take the ‘O Holy Night’ from its traditional version as a waltz [3/4 time] and make it 4/4. We wanted it to still be very reverent, but with a rootsy, soulful feel.”
Watch Kelleigh’s performance of “O Holy Night” in her new concept video.
![Zac Brown’s New Trio, Sir Rosevelt, Releases New Song, “The Bravest” [Listen]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/1446/2017/11/13140804/Sir-Rosevelt.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
