Lauren Alaina followed up her first-ever No. 1 single, “Road Less Traveled,” by releasing “Doin’ Fine” to country radio on May 22.
The Georgia native recently dropped a new lyric video for the semi-autobiographical tune, which was co-written by Lauren, Emily Shackleton and busbee.
“‘Doin’ Fine’ is a really special song because it’s uplifting, but really honest at the same time,” said Lauren. “If you don’t know me and you don’t know that that’s actually what I went through, you would almost think, ‘Oh my gosh, she really tried to write a country song,’ but the truth is, I really live a country song.”
Watch Lauren’s new lyric video for “Doin’ Fine” below.
Here’s one of those uplifting stories we caught wind of thanks to Veterans United.
During a recent stop on his What the Hell World Tour at the Veterans United Amphitheater in Virginia Beach, Dierks Bentley took time to meet with U.S Army Sgt. Legrand Strickland and his wife, Carrie. The weekend event was hosted by Veterans United Home Loans and the Gary Sinise Foundation’s R.I.S.E. program, which will provide Sgt. Strickland with a mortgage-free, specially adapted smart homes customized specifically to meet his needs.
Dierks autographs Sgt. Strickland’s shirt
Sgt. Strickland was returning from a mission in Zabul, Afghanistan, in 2010 when he was struck by an IED. He was severely injured and lost both legs above the knee, sustained a severe traumatic brain injury, shattered his jaw and suffered lacerations to his kidneys and liver. Sgt. Strickland and his wife have two sons and plan to build their new home in St. Louis.
In addition to the meet-and-greet with Sgt. Strickland, Dierks autographed a Fender acoustic guitar that will be part of an auction this fall to raise money for the R.I.S.E. program. Last year, more than $44,000 was raised during the auction that featured signed guitars by Kenny Chesney, Gwen Stefani, Dierks and more.
“I’m extremely patriotic,” said Dierks earlier this year. “I love this country, and I love the history of this country. I read books on this country. I spend my time on the road traveling physically throughout the country. The soldiers and their families are constantly on my mind. We think about this stuff all the time.”
Thomas Rhett announced via USA Today that he will release his third studio album, Life Changes, on Sept. 8.
The new album sounds appropriately titled. TR and his wife, Lauren, adopted a baby daughter in May and are expecting their second daughter in August.
TR’s new 14-song offering features 10 songs that he co-wrote, including his new single, “Unforgettable,” which follows the album’s No. 1 lead single, “Craving You.”
“I want people to come in from different genres and be like, ‘Dang, I never really listened to country music, but this record kind of turns me on in different ways,’” TR said to USA Today. “I think that’s why I recorded so many different types of songs on this record and really just tried to write what I know about.”
Shania Twain released a new video for “Life’s About to Get Good,” the lead single from her upcoming album, Now, which drops on Sept. 29.
In the new clip, which was directed by Matthew Cullen, Shania is roused out of bed by a team of resort workers with the sunniest of dispositions. Along the way, Shania takes a photographic dig at her ex, tries on her iconic “Man! Feel Like a Woman” outfit and hits the beach in a flowing gown.
“The new music is more celebratory, more inspirational, more about coming from somewhere bad and going somewhere good, dark to light, and that whole transition emotionally,” says Shania to Nash Country Daily. “So, it’s a little deeper emotionally, for sure, this new album. There’s a lot of optimism, like ‘Life’s About to Get Good.’ The words are quite melancholy, but it’s just a happy song. It makes me feel happy when it comes on.”
Tennessee football legend Peyton Manning will be honored by the National Football Foundation (NFF) during halftime of the Volunteers home game against Georgia on Sept. 30 at Neyland Stadium. The midfield ceremony will serve as the NFF’s official “On-Campus Salute” of Manning’s selection to the College Football Hall of Fame.
The NFF announced Manning as part of its star-studded 2017 College Hall of Fame induction class on Jan. 9. His induction takes place Dec. 5 during the 60th NFF Annual Awards Dinner at the New York Hilton Midtown.
Manning becomes Tennessee’s 23rd inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame. The Volunteers have more inductees than any other Southeastern Conference institution and rank among the top 10 nationally in total inductees.
Manning joins Gene McEver (inducted 1954), Beattie Feathers (1955), Robert R. Neyland (1956), Herman Hickman (1959), Bobby Dodd (1959 as a player, 1993 as coach), Bob Suffridge (1961), Nathan Dougherty (1967), George Cafego (1969), Bowden Wyatt (1972 as a player, 1997 as a coach), Hank Lauricella (1981), Doug Atkins (1985), Johnny Majors (1987), Bob Johnson (1989), Ed Molinski (1990), Steve DeLong (1993), John Michels (1996), Steve Kiner (1999), Reggie White (2002), Doug Dickey (2003), Frank Emanuel (2004), Chip Kell (2006) and Phillip Fulmer (2012 as a coach). Joe Steffy, who lettered at UT as a freshman in 1944, was inducted in 1987 for his accomplishments during his career with Army from 1945-47.
NFF President & CEO Steven J. Hatchell, NFF Chairman Archie Manning and Fidelity Investments® President Kathy Murphy will join Peyton at midfield for the halftime recognition.
“Peyton Manning’s college football accomplishments clearly rank him among the greatest of all-time,” Hatchell said. “And his record on the field, in the classroom and as a leader in the community unquestionably makes him a powerful ambassador for our game. Adding ‘Hall of Famer’ to his accolades as an NFF William V. Campbell Trophy® winner and NFF National Scholar-Athlete only adds to our ability to hold him out as an example for the next generation to emulate. We are extremely excited about honoring him this fall during his On-Campus Salute in Knoxville.”
“The fact that he has asked all of our living Hall of Famers to share in this moment is very special and illustrates why he is so admired and revered amongst the Tennessee faithful.”
The kickoff time and TV network designation for the Georgia game will be announced later this fall.
Any 2017 single-game tickets that are not purchased by members of the Tennessee Fund—early purchasing opportunities are a key benefit of membership—by Tuesday, Aug. 8 will be made available to the public on that date via AllVols.com.
Fans seeking ticket information for the NFF Annual Awards Dinner may call 972-556-1000.
The NFF conducts On-Campus Salutes for all of its Hall of Fame inductees at their respective campuses throughout the college football season. Each On-Campus Salute is sponsored by Fidelity Investments®
ABOUT PEYTON MANNING
Peyton Manning starred for the Vols from 1994-97 and is Tennessee’s all-time leader in passing yards (11,201), wins by a quarterback (39), 300-yard games (18), passing touchdowns (89), pass attempts (1,381) and pass completions (863). His 11,020 total yards of offense, 10 games of 300 passing yards, 22 home wins and 13 road wins are also Tennessee records.
Manning was the 1994 SEC Freshman of the year and earned All-SEC honors in 1995 and 1996. He was an Associated Press and Football News Third-Team All-American in 1996. In 1997, Manning was a consensus All-American and won the William V. Campbell Trophy, the Davey O’Brien Award, the Johnny Unitas Award, the NCAA QB of the Year award, the Maxwell Award, the James E. Sullivan Award, the Today’s Top VIII Award and SEC Player of the Year. He led the Vols to a 30-29 win over Auburn in the 1997 SEC Championship Game, earning MVP honors. Manning also received the 1998 ESPY Award for Best College Football Player.
The Indianapolis Colts selected Manning with the No. 1 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He was the franchise’s starting quarterback through the 2010 season. After sitting out the 2011 campaign due to injury, Manning joined the Denver Broncos as their starting quarterback in 2012.
Leading the Denver Broncos to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Manning earned his 200th career win (regular season and postseason included) to become the first player to reach that milestone. He is also the only quarterback in NFL history to have led two different franchises (he won Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts) to Super Bowl Championships.
After 18 outstanding years in the NFL, Manning retired from the game of football in March of 2016.
He retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (71,940), passing touchdowns (539), game-winning drives (56), fourth-quarter comebacks (45) and regular-season wins (186, tied with Brett Favre). Manning was also a five-time NFL MVP (2003, 2004, 2008, 2009, 2013) and a 14-time Pro Bowl selection.
Manning and his wife, Ashley, established the PeyBack Foundation in 1999 to promote the future success of disadvantaged youth by assisting programs that provide leadership and growth opportunities for children at risk. The Foundation has become a consistent and viable contributor in Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee, Louisiana and beyond providing more than $13 million in grants and programs since its inception.
The Mannings’ generous philanthropic dedication to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville over the past 20 years has led to transformative change on campus and extraordinary opportunities for UT students. Their areas of impact include: the Peyton Manning Scholarship Quasi-Endowment (full tuition for 33 total Manning Scholars), the Peyton Manning Communication Enrichment Endowment, funding for the Carmen and Deborah Tegano Dining Hall at Stokely Hall, the Peyton Manning Classroom in the Communications Building, the Peyton Manning Locker Room and Gus Manning Gate at Neyland Stadium and the Peyton Manning Room in Anderson Training Center.
Nominees for the 2017 International Bluegrass Music Awards were announced today (July 26) at a press conference in Nashville, with more than a few notable names leading the way.
The Earls of Leicester, the reigning IBMA Entertainers of the Year, copped five nominations as a band and three individual nominations, while Balsam Range netted six nominations as a group and two individual nominations.
In addition, it was announced that three acts will be inducted into the International Bluegrass Hall of Fame: duo Hazel Dickens & Alice Gerrard, fiddle virtuoso Bobby Hicks and musician Roland White.
Winners will be announced at the International Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 28 at the Duke Energy Performing Arts Center in Raleigh, N.C.
Hosted by Béla Fleck and Abigail Washburn, the International Bluegrass Music Awards will feature a live performance from Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers—their only one this year—in support of their new record, The Long-Awaited Album.
Here is the full list of nominees.
Entertainer of the Year Balsam Range
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
The Earls of Leicester
Flatt Lonesome
The Gibson Brothers
Vocal Group of the Year Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Flatt Lonesome
The Gibson Brothers
Instrumental Group of the Year Balsam Range
The Earls of Leicester
Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Punch Brothers
Song of the Year “Blue Collar Dreams,” Balsam Range (artist), Aaron Bibelhauser (writer)
“Going Back to Bristol,” Shawn Camp (artist), Mac Wiseman/Thomm Jutz/Peter Cooper (writers)
“I Am a Drifter,” Volume Five (artist), Donna Ulisse/Marc Rossi (writers)
“Someday Soon,” Darin & Brooke Aldridge (artist), Ian Tyson (writer)
“The Train That Carried My Girl from Town,” The Earls of Leicester (artist), Frank Hutchison (writer)
Album of the Year Fiddler’s Dream, Michael Cleveland In the Ground, The Gibson Brothers Mountain Voodoo, Balsam Range Original, Bobby Osborne Rattle & Roar, The Earls of Leicester
Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year “Give Me Jesus,” Larry Cordle
“Hallelujah,” Blue Highway
“I Found a Church Today,” The Gibson Brothers
“Sacred Memories,” Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers with Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White Skaggs
“Wish You Were Here,” Balsam Range
Instrumental Recorded Performance of the Year “Fiddler’s Dream,” Michael Cleveland
“Great Waterton,” Kristin Scott Benson
“Greenbrier,” Sam Bush
“Little Liza Jane,” Adam Steffey
“Flint Hill Special,” The Earls of Leicester
Emerging Artist of the Year Front Country
The Lonely Heartstring Band
Molly Tuttle
Sister Sadie
Volume Five
Recorded Event of the Year “East Virginia Blues,” Ricky Wasson and Dan Tyminski
“Going Back to Bristol,” Shawn Camp with Mac Wiseman, Peter Cooper, Thomm Jutz
“I’ve Gotta Get a Message to You,” Bobby Osborne with Sierra Hull, Alison Brown, Rob Ickes, Stuart Duncan, Trey Hensley, Todd Phillips, Kenny Malone, Claire Lynch and Bryan McDowell
“Steamboat Whistle Blues,” Michael Cleveland featuring Sam Bush
“‘Tis Sweet to Be Remembered,” Mac Wiseman and Alison Krauss
Male Vocalist of the Year Shawn Camp
Eric Gibson
Leigh Gibson
Buddy Melton
Russell Moore
Female Vocalist of the Year Brooke Aldridge
Dale Ann Bradley
Sierra Hull
Amanda Smith
Molly Tuttle
Banjo Player
Ned Luberecki
Joe Mullins
Noam Pikelny
Kristin Scott Benson
Sammy Shelor
Bass Player
Barry Bales
Alan Bartram
Mike Bub
Missy Raines
Tim Surrett
Fiddle Player
Becky Buller
Jason Carter
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Patrick McAvinue
Ron Stewart
Dobro Player
Jerry Douglas
Andy Hall
Rob Ickes
Phil Leadbetter
Josh Swift
Guitar Player
Jim Hurst
Kenny Smith
Bryan Sutton
Molly Tuttle
Josh Williams
Mandolin Player
Jesse Brock
Sam Bush
Sierra Hull
Frank Solivan
Adam Steffey
International Bluegrass Hall of Fame Inductees Hazel Dickens and Alice Gerrard
Bobby Hicks
Roland White
Distinguished Achievement Award recipients
Norman Blake
BluegrassToday.com
Fletcher Bright
Silver Dollar City
Louisa Branscomb
main photo: Earls of Leicester courtesy of Anthony Scarlati/Concord Music Group
The third installment of the Pure Country franchise—Pure Country: Pure Heart—will be released on DVD/Blu-ray on Aug. 1.
Featuring Willie Nelson, Laura Bell Bundy and former WWE wrestler Shawn Michaels, Pure Country:Pure Heart is the music-driven tale of teenage sisters who leave rural Tennessee and hit the road in search of the truth behind their late father’s budding country music career.
Pure Heart boasts 23 songs, including Willie’s beloved tune, “We Don’t Run,” and Laura Bell’s new ditty, “The Grass Ain’t Greener,” which you can watch her perform below in an exclusive clip from the movie.
The Pure Country: Pure Heart soundtrack will be available on July 28.
“Keep Asking Why” by Kate York
“Stand By Me” by Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff
“Slide” by Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff
“Silver City” by Ronny Cox
“Sing a Little Higher” by Matthew Barnes
“The Grass Ain’t Greener” by Laura Bell Bundy
“Pass It On” by Mostly Monas
“We Don’t Run” by Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff
“Nobody’s Stranger Anymore” by Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff
“Hold On To Hope” by Kaitlyn Bausch and Cozi Zuehlsdorff
“Lean On You” by Cassidy Ford and Casey Black
“Like a Country Boy” Dallas Davidson
“We Don’t Run” by Willie Nelson with Kaitlyn Bausch, Cozi Zuehlsdorff and Laura Bell Bundy
In support of her new album, Words, which dropped on July 21, Sara Evans stopped by Live With Kelly and Ryan yesterday (July 25) to perform the albums’ lead single, “Marquee Sign.”
For the performance, Sara enlisted the help of her 14-year-old daughter, Olivia, who also contributed background vocals to the new record.
Sara’s new 14-song collection features 14 female songwriters, including Ashley Monroe, Caitlyn Smith, Hillary Lindsey, Hillary Scott, Liz Hengber and Sonya Isaacs.
Watch Sara and Olivia sing “Marquee Sign” below.
photo courtesy of David M. Russell, Disney/ABC Home Entertainment and TV Distribution
Tennessee coach Butch Jones joined Erik Ainge and Brian Rice on The Erik Ainge Show Wednesday to talk about who he is rather than the team and player topics that he’ll discuss once players report on Friday and practice begins on Saturday.
You can hear Butch Jones’ pre-fall practice press conference on Friday at 11:30am here on Sports Radio WNML. We will be loaded here on the website with daily practice highlights, photos, audio and video interviews, practice reports and much more as we cover 2017 pre-season Tennessee football practice for you every single day!
Here are just a few quotes from the full Butch Jones WNML interview above.
Butch Jones on the football/family balance “One of the best things I did this summer is be a dad and go to a couple of football camps.”
Butch Jones on how he spent his wedding anniversary with Barb “Yesterday was our 25th wedding anniversary and everyone’s like ‘hey, what did you guys do, did you have a special night?’ I was in the office until about 9 o’clock at night, then got home, had dinner at the house, watched the kids swim in the pool and went to bed. You know you’re getting old when the anniversaries are kind of a day”
Butch Jones on what he would tell his 2012 self on his first day at UT “Stay the course. There’s always going to be roadblocks. There’s always going to be naysayers. There’s always going to be individuals that want to take shots. That’s the nature of the business. Enjoy the journey along the way. Celebrate the small victories. Keep your eyes up and stay focused on staying the course and the journey. That’s to win championships here and develop a championship style football program in everything that we do, not just on the field but off the field and in the community. I would say just stay the course and keep working every day.”
Butch Jones – UT / Credit: Melissa Rawlins – ESPN Images
LeAnn Rimes will play more than a dozen cities during her 2017 Today Is Christmas Tour, including stops in Nashville, Denver and Salt Lake City.
“Hard to believe we are talking about Christmas in July, but I am excited to start preparing for the holiday season,” said LeAnn. “It is one of my favorite times of the year—there is something magical about it, and being able to share it with my fans makes it all the more special.”
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