Garth Brooks Says New Anthology Is a “Family” Project

Garth Brooks Says New Anthology Is a “Family” Project

Posted on November 14, 2017

Garth Brooks has written No. 1 songs like “If Tomorrow Never Comes” and “The Thunder Rolls” over the course of his Hall of Fame career. Now he’s got his sights set on writing a No. 1 book—or five.

Garth is set to release a five-part autobiography in the coming months, with The Anthology: Part 1—The First Five Years on sale today (Nov. 14). The 240-page hardcover book is a detailed look at the first five years of Garth’s career and features more than 150 never-before-seen photos, as well as five CDs containing 52 total songs, including 19 new, unreleased or demo versions.

“You’re gonna hear from the songwriters of the songs [on The Anthology], you’re gonna hear from the players that played the songs, you’re gonna hear from everybody that ever made that song what it was,” says Garth. “That is the blessing of [producer] Allen Reynolds, the Lord above, [manager] Bob Doyle, who’s been with you since day one, the players that’s been together since day one, bandmembers on tour, crew members on tour that’s been together since day one, people that work with you together since day one. That’s a family. And the family is reflected in The Anthology. And I think that’s why I love it so much.”

The Anthology: Part 1—The First Five Years is available online and in stores.

photo by Jason Simanek

Jason Aldean Gives First Interview Since Las Vegas Shooting [Watch]

Jason Aldean Gives First Interview Since Las Vegas Shooting [Watch]

Posted on November 14, 2017

Jason Aldean sat down with Today’s Sheinelle Jones for his first interview since a gunman killed 58 people and injured more than 500 while he was performing onstage at the Route 91 Harvest festival in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.

When the shooting initially began, Jason told Sheinelle he believed one of the stage speakers had blown out. It was only after Jason’s guitar player alerted him to leave the stage that he realized there was a major problem.

“Everybody just kind of panicked, and didn’t really know where to go, or what to do,” Jason said to Today. “It was just kind of crazy, pandemonium.”

After flying home to spend time with his family, Jason paid tribute to the shooting victims by performing on Saturday Night Live on Oct. 7. Jason resumed his They Don’t Know Tour on Oct. 12 after canceling three dates.

“Honestly, being back on stage probably helped us more than anything, which is crazy,” Jason said.

Watch Jason’s entire Today interview, which also features Dierks Bentley and Lady Antebellum.

photo by Jason Simanek

Brad Paisley Extends “Weekend Warrior Tour” Into 2018 With Dustin Lynch, Lindsay Ell & Chase Bryant

Brad Paisley Extends “Weekend Warrior Tour” Into 2018 With Dustin Lynch, Lindsay Ell & Chase Bryant

Posted on November 14, 2017

Brad Paisley kicked off his 15th headlining tour—dubbed the Weekend Warrior Tour—in May, with more than 35 dates across the U.S., Canada and Europe before capping in September.

Brad and his merry gang of openers—Dustin Lynch, Lindsay Ell and Chase Bryant—must have enjoyed the experience because they are extending the tour into 2018 with 26 new dates, including stops in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Kansas City, San Antonio, Little Rock and more.

2018 Weekend Warrior World Tour

January 25
Los Angeles, CA
STAPLES Center

January 26
Fresno, CA
Save Mart Center

January 27
Glendale, AZ
Gila River Arena

February 1
Salt Lake City, UT
Vivint Smart Home Arena

February 2
Boise, ID
Taco Bell Arena

February 3
Reno, NV
Reno Events Center

February 15
Bloomington, IL
Grossinger Motors Arena

February 16
Kansas City, MO
Sprint Center

February 17
Cedar Falls, IA
McLeod Center

February 19
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Rodeo (Brad only)

February 20
San Antonio, TX
San Antonio Rodeo (Brad only)

February 22
Knoxville, TN
Thompson-Boling Arena

February 23
Pikeville, KY
Eastern Kentucky Expo Center

February 24
Rosemont, IL
Allstate Arena

March 8
Savannah, GA
Savannah Civic Center *

March 9
Tallahassee, FL
Donald L. Tucker Civic Center *

March 10
St. Augustine, FL
St. Augustine Amphitheatre **

March 11
Plant City, FL
Florida Strawberry Festival (Brad only)

March 16
Marksville, LA
Paragon Casino Resort (Brad only)

March 22
Erie, PA
Erie Insurance Arena

March 23
Louisville, KY
KFC Yum! Center***

March 24
Moline, IL
TaxSlayer Center

April 5
Columbus, OH
Schottenstein Center

April 7
Grand Rapids, MI
Van Andel Arena

April 12
Little Rock, AR
Verizon Arena

April 26
Lincoln, NE
Pinnacle Bank Arena

*Dustin Lynch and Chase Bryant
**Chase Bryant Only
***Chase Bryant and Lindsay Ell

photo by Jason Simanek

Vol Report: LSU week begins; Brady Hoke as interim begins

Vol Report: LSU week begins; Brady Hoke as interim begins

Posted on November 13, 2017
Brady Hoke – Vols interim HC / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee football interim head coach Brady Hoke spoke to reporters at Monday’s noon press conference in the Ray and Lucy Hand Digital Studio.

Hoke was named Tennessee’s interim head coach on Sunday. He made it clear on Monday that he and the coaching staff are focused on the team’s seniors and that group’s final two regular season games in orange and white.

“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. The foundation they laid now and for the future, I think is really positive. As a staff, we are going to coach our hearts out for the seniors. Our hope is that in the next two weeks, the next two games, the team, coaches, former Vols and Vol Nation make it a great experience for those kids.”

Hoke has 34 years of coaching experiences, including 12 years as an FBS head coach with stops at Michigan (2011-14), San Diego State (2009-10) and Ball State (2003-08). He compiled a 78-70 record as a head coach.

“The one thing that I’ve always kept in perspective is I got into coaching to help kids,” Hoke said. “If every day, I’m not helping kids that I’m coaching, then I’m failing those kids. If you are at the end of the day, then you can feel good about what you’ve done.”

Tennessee (4-6, 0-6 SEC) takes on No. 24 LSU (7-3, 4-2 SEC) on Saturday at Neyland Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET on SEC Network.

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.

Capt. Stan Jones To Provide VFL Flyover on Saturday

VFL and former Tennessee football player Capt. Stan Jones will fly an F/A-18 Hornet over Neyland Stadium before the start of Saturday’s game.

Capt. Jones joined the Vols as a walk-on and was on the team during the 1985 and 1986 seasons.

Capt. Jones earned a bachelors 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/A-18s at McGee-Tyson/TAC Air from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

-UT Athletics

 

Hoops Preview: Tennessee (1-0) vs. High Point (1-0) Tue

Hoops Preview: Tennessee (1-0) vs. High Point (1-0) Tue

Posted on November 13, 2017
UT F/C Zach Kent / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee basketball team will face its second-consecutive Big South opponent Tuesday night, as the Vols host High Point at Thompson-Boling Arena for a 7 p.m. ET tip.

Tuesday’s game is available online 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.

Tuesday’s game will be the first-ever contest between the Vols and High Point, and both teams hold 1-0 records heading into the contest.

RIGHT NOW
• Tennessee has never previously faced High Point on the hardwood, but the Vols are 23-0 all-time against current members of the Big South Conference.
• Attendance for UT’s opener on Friday was 15,047.
• Admiral Schofield tied his career-high with 22 points in Friday’s win over Presbyterian.
• All 16 Vols on the roster played in that opening victory.

A WIN WOULD…
• Allow Tennessee to take an unblemished record into the Bahamas for the Battle 4 Atlantis.
• Extend Tennessee’s home winning streak against non-conference opponents to eight games. That streak dates to last season’s win over Appalachian State on Nov. 15, 2016.

ABOUT HIGH POINT
• Founded in 1924 and located in High Point, North Carolina, High Point University is a member of the Big South Conference.
• High Point head coach Scott Cherry is entering his ninth season with the Panthers. He holds a 132-118 record during his stint at the helm of the program.
• After capturing four consecutive Big South regular-season championships from 2013-16, HPU went 15-16 last season, ending a streak of four straight postseason appearances.
• Junior guard Andre Fox (12.7 ppg, .352 3FG) was the Panthers’ second-leading scorer a year ago. His contributions will be bolstered by those of sophomore guard Jamal Wright (8.0 ppg, 3.6 apg) and junior forward Ricky Madison (6.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg).
• The Panthers defeated Averett, 90-66, in a home exhibition game on Nov. 5. And last Friday, High Point showcased a potent offensive punch during a convincing 100-66 home win over William & Mary.

PANTHERS’ STRENGTH COACH PLAYED FOOTBALL FOR VOLS
• High Point head strength and conditioning coach Andrew Crossley was a four-year member of the Tennessee football team (running back), graduating in 2004 with a degree in Biochemistry.
• Immediately after graduating from Tennesee, Crossley interned with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs and WNBA’s San Antonio Stars.
• Crossley completed his master’s degree in Education in Interdisciplinary Studies at Campbell University in December 2012.
• He has also previously worked as a strength coach at Campbell and North Carolina.

VOLS SHINE IN LATEST GSR DATA
• The Tennessee basketball program had plenty to celebrate following the Nov. 8 release of the latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data.
• The program’s multi-year GSR of 89 percent is an all-time program record (besting the previous high by 16 percentage points).
• The UT men’s basketball program has improved its multi-year GSR 29 percentage points in four years—from 60 percent in 2014 to 89 percent in 2017.

PRESBYTERIAN RECAP
•  Tennessee used a 28-0 run in the first half to fuel its way to an 88-53 victory over Presbyterian in its season-opener on Friday night at Thompson-Boling Arena in front of 15,047 fans.
•  After Presbyterian scored the opening basket of the game, the Vols did not yield a point over the next nine minutes to help build a 46-14 lead going into halftime. UT also kept the Blue Hose scoreless over the final 2:11 of the opening frame while holding them to 26 percent shooting.
•  Jordan Bowden led the way offensively for the Vols in the first half, shooting a perfect 6-for-6 from the field and 3-for-3 from 3-point range. Bowden finished with 15 points and five rebounds.
•  Admiral Schofield went for a game-high and career-high-tying 22 points on 8-of-12 shooting while posting five rebounds. Grant Williams added 14 points and a team-high seven boards.
•  Redshirt freshman forward John Fulkerson dished out a team-high five assists in his first action since suffering a season-ending injury in Tennessee’s 10th game last season (Dec. 15, 2016).
•  The victory marked the 400th home win of UT head coach Rick Barnes‘ 31-year career.

WILLIAMS EARNS COACHES’ PRESEASON ALL-SEC ACCLAIM
• The SEC unveiled its men’s basketball coaches’ preseason All-SEC teams last week, and Tennessee sophomore Grant Williams earned second-team acclaim.
• The Volunteers’ leading returning scorer (12.6 ppg) and rebounder (5.9 ppg), Williams put together a remarkable true freshman campaign last season, starting 29 games for the Big Orange.
• His 402 total points last season ranked sixth all-time among Tennessee freshmen, trailing only Bernard King (661), Allan Houston (609), Tobias Harris (521), Ernie Grunfeld (453) and Chris Lofton (410). And his 30-point performances against Lipscomb and Georgia made him just the third Vol in history to record multiple 30-point games as a freshman, joining King and Houston.
• Williams’ 61 blocked shots last year shattered Tennessee’s previous freshman record of 39 (C.J. Black, 1996-97) and ranked as the second-most ever recorded in a single season by a Vol. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native’s 1.9 bpg average ranked third all-time for a single season and easily bested the previous freshman record of 1.41 (C.J. Black, 1996-97).

UP NEXT: BATTLE 4 ATLANTIS
• Tennessee will make its second appearance in the Bad Boy Mowers Battle 4 Atlantis tournament in one week. The 2017 field includes the Vols, Arizona, NC State, Northern Iowa, Purdue, SMU, Villanova and Western Kentucky. The Vols open against Purdue Nov. 22.
• The Battle 4 Atlantis takes place at the prestigious Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island, Bahamas.
• In Atlantis in 2013, Tennessee dropped its opening game to UTEP before bouncing back to defeat Xavier and Wake Forest.

-UT Athletics

 

Zac Brown Forms New Trio & Releases New Single [Listen]

Zac Brown Forms New Trio & Releases New Single [Listen]

Posted on November 13, 2017

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.

Listen to Sir Rosevelt’s new single, “Something ’Bout You” below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MzfYVcSUDNQ&feature=youtu.be

photo by Diego Pernia/Atlantic Records

Jimmy’s blog: Barnes said he was `sick’ about Jones’ firing

Jimmy’s blog: Barnes said he was `sick’ about Jones’ firing

Posted on November 13, 2017

By Jimmy Hyams

Tennessee men’s basketball coach Rick Barnes said he was `sick’’ to learn Sunday that Butch Jones had been fired as Tennessee’s football coach.

“The one thing I can tell you about Butch is that no one put his heart into it more — nobody,’’ Barnes said Monday as he spoke to the Knoxville Quarterback Club.

“You step back as a coach and you ask the question, `Where did it get away from him?’’’

Barnes didn’t have an answer, but he did add this:

“I’m not sure people appreciated those nine-win seasons because I will tell you Dave Hart … told me when he came here as AD (athletic director) that this football program was in shambles. He told Butch it would take him a long time to get it going. And I think he got it (turned around) quicker than maybe he thought.

“All I can say is, he left it better than he found it, and the other thing is, he gave his all.’’

Jones left it better in terms of academics and culture. Record-wise, that is debatable.

Tennessee is 0-6 in the SEC, 4-6 overall. Derek Dooley’s last season, Tennessee was 1-7 in the SEC, 5-7 overall. Tennessee has never gone winless in the SEC or lost eight games in a season.

Barnes said he prayed Sunday for Jones and his family.

“He’s going to be fine,’’ Barnes said. “He’ll end up coaching again because he’s good at what he does. He was successful.’’

“I know it bothered him that he couldn’t do more. I know he wanted to do more. He really did respect and love the people here. … He wanted to do it be cause he felt like Tennessee deserved it.’’

Barnes described Jones as a “good man’’ who “worked hard.’’

Barnes then took a shot at those that took shots at Jones.

“What I don’t understand is why people want to beat people up all the time. I don’t get that,’’ Barnes said.

“I’m not into social media. If I saw people (that are), I’d say to them, `What are you angry about?’ We all want to win. I understand that. …

“I’d really like to say to people sometimes, `What are you angry about? If you have to beat other people down to make yourself feel good, there’s a problem.’’’

 Barnes said if he were a football coaching coming to Tennessee, he’d ask this question: “What’s expected of me? Is nine wins not enough? Going to a bowl (not enough)?

 “Do I have to be in the Final Four every year, like college football (playoff)?

 “It’s like someone saying to me, `You’ve got to be in the Sweet 16 or Elite Eight every year.’ If somebody told me that, I’d say. `Well I don’t think I want to work for you.’

 “I want to be there every year but I’ve been doing it long enough to know there are 350 other schools that want to be there too. We can’t all get there.’’

Barnes applauded the way athletic director John Currie handled the Jones situation, although others felt Currie should have fired Jones sooner.

“I thought John was tremendous the way he’s been with Butch,’’ Barnes said. “If you knew what I know, you’d be proud that he’s our AD. He has done some great things. He supported Butch all the way and Butch would tell you he really did. He (Currie) let the players know (about that support).

“We’ve got great leadership going on at UT that we should all be proud of.’’

 

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

Photo Gallery: George Strait, Keith Urban, Reba, Jason Aldean & More Come Together for Country Rising Benefit Concert

Photo Gallery: George Strait, Keith Urban, Reba, Jason Aldean & More Come Together for Country Rising Benefit Concert

Posted on November 13, 2017

Some of country music’s biggest stars—including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Jon Pardi, Chris Stapleton, George Strait and Keith Urban—took part in a benefit concert last night (Nov. 12) to support those affected by the Las Vegas shooting on Oct. 1 and the recent hurricanes.

The star-studded lineup performed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena as part of the Country Rising benefit. The funds raised via Country Rising will benefit the Country Rising Fund of the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, which was established to support charitable initiatives to help victims of the September 2017 hurricanes. Additionally, the funds will now also support victims of the shooting in Las Vegas on Oct. 1.

Donations are still being accepted. You can support the cause by texting “NASHVILLE” to 41010 to make a $10 donation or by visiting CountryRising.org.

Check out the Country Rising photo gallery below.

main photo by Rick Diamond/Country Rising/Getty Images

Luke Combs Extends “Don’t Temp Me With a Good Time Tour” Into 2018

Luke Combs Extends “Don’t Temp Me With a Good Time Tour” Into 2018

Posted on November 13, 2017

Luke Combs has extended his current Don’t Temp Me With a Good Time Tour into 2018 with the announcement of more than 20 additional dates.

The second leg of the tour, which kicks off on Feb. 1 in Toledo, Ohio, will make stops in Nashville, San Diego, Seattle and more. Ashley McBryde will serve as the opener beginning in February.

Don’t Temp Me With a Good Time Tour

Nov. 16
Boston
House of Blues

Nov. 17
Baltimore, Md.
Rams Head Live

Nov. 18
Asbury Park, N.J.
The Stone Pony

Dec.1
Atlanta, Ga.
The Tabernacle

Dec. 7
Columbia, S.C.
Township Auditorium

Dec. 8
Charlotte, N.C.
Coyote Joe’s

Dec. 14
Orlando, Fla.
House of Blues

Dec. 15
Jacksonville, Fla.
Florida Theatre

Dec. 16
Asheville, N.C.
US Cellular Center

Feb. 1
Toledo, OH
Seagate Convention Centre

Feb. 2
Nashville, TN
Ryman Auditorium

Feb. 3
Nashville, TN
Ryman Auditorium

Feb. 8
Troy, OH
Hobart Arena

Feb. 9
Grand Rapids, MI
DeltaPlex

Feb. 10
Johnstown, PA
Cambria County War Memorial Arena

Feb. 15
Shreveport, LA
Shreveport Municipal Auditorium

Feb. 16
Oklahoma City, OK
The Criterion

Feb. 22
Bethlehem, PA
Sands Bethlehem Event Center

Feb. 23
Youngstown, OH
Covelli Centre

Feb.24
Verona, NY
Turning Stone Resort & Casino

March 1
Salem, VA
Salem Civic Center

March 2
Savannah, GA
Grayson Stadium

March 23
Honolulu, HI
Republik

April 4
San Jose, CA
City National Civic

April 5
Irvine, CA
Bren Events Center

April 6
San Diego, CA
The Observatory North Park

April 11
Salt Lake City, UT
The Complex

April 17
Portland, OR
Roseland Theater

April 19
Seattle, WA
Showbox SoDo

April 20
Garden City, ID
Revolution Concert House

April 21
Spokane, WA
The Knitting Factory

April 23
Vancouver BC
Commodore Ballroom

April 25
Calgary AB
MacEwan Hall

April 26
Edmonton AB
The Ranch Roadhouse

Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing” Reaches No. 1 on the Charts

Carly Pearce’s “Every Little Thing” Reaches No. 1 on the Charts

Posted on November 13, 2017

Carly Pearce’s debut single, “Every Little Thing,” has reached No. 1 on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplay charts this week.

Following Lauren Alaina’s “Road Less Traveled,” Carly’s breakout hit is only the second No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart by a solo female artist in 2017.

“There was a time not long ago I thought my heartbreak was my own,” said Carly. ”I’ve worked and prayed for this moment. To anyone who has embraced ‘Every Little Thing,’ you’ve changed my life so much more than I could have imagined. I am so grateful for my first-ever No. 1 and the sometimes-rough journey to this dream I’ve had since I was a little girl.”

Carly released her debut studio album, Every Little Thing, on Oct. 13. The 13-track offering, which was produced by busbee, features eight songs that Carly co-wrote.

Currently, Carly is on the road with Brett Young as part of his Caliville Tour.

photo by Curtis Hilbun

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