Reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year Garth Brooks has added his name to the luminous list of country stars who are taking part in Randy’s tribute concert at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Feb. 8.
Garth joins the stellar lineup for the concert—titled 1 Night. 1 Place. 1 Time: A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis—that already includes Wynonna, Jeff Foxworthy, Alison Krauss, Ben Haggard, Neal McCoy, Phil Vassar, Travis Tritt, Alabama, Kenny Rogers, Rodney Atkins, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Montgomery Gentry, Michael Ray, Ricky Skaggs, Michael W. Smith, The Randy Travis Band, Tanya Tucker, Kane Brown, James Dupre, Scotty McCreery, Joe Nichols, Collin Raye, The Bellamy Brothers, Ricky Traywick and Chris Young, Chuck Wicks, Mark Chesnutt, Daryle Singletary, Paul Overstreet, Shane Owens, William Michael Morgan and Josh Turner.
“Mary and I are so blessed to have amazing friends all over this industry,” said Randy in a statement. “Garth Brooks is an amazing artist who always entertains everyone in the house, I am humbled by his involvement.”
After suffering a massive stroke in 2013, Randy has made remarkable strides toward recovery, recently singing “Amazing Grace” at his Country Music Hall of Fame induction ceremony in October as well as the tagline to his iconic “Forever and Ever, Amen” at the 2016 CMA Awards in November. A portion of the proceeds of the tribute concert will go to the Randy Travis Foundation, a nonprofit that raises money for stroke research and rehabilitation.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee football program introduced 22 newcomers and officially welcomed five early enrollees during National Signing Day on Wednesday, ultimately unveiling 27 members of its 2017 signing class.
Of the players officially introduced on Wednesday, 13 are offensive players (including kicker Brent Cimaglia) and 14 play on the defensive side of the ball. Ten states are represented in the signing class, including seven newcomers from the state of Tennessee. Florida yielded six new Vols while Georgia (3), Louisiana (3) and Virginia (2) each produced multiple newcomers. Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina and Texas were also represented.
Scout: 4-star (No. 35 outside linebacker, No. 15 outside linebacker in South region, No. 8 defensive end in Georgia)
High School
Attended Mt. Vernon Presbyterian HS in Atlanta, Ga., playing for coach Wayne Dabbs
Suffered a knee injury early in his 2016 senior season
Posted a 36.5″ vertical at 2015 Nike The Opening combine
Played both on offense and defense for the Mustangs as a junior in 2015, making 31 catches for 397 yards on offense and recording 110 tackles and 20 sacks on defense
Also participated in track and field, and ran a 10.68 100-meter dash in 2015 to finish second in the state of Georgia
Personal
Full Name: Marquez Bembry
Born on June 5, 1998
Son of Leticia Bembry and Danny Sirmans
Grandmother: Meta Lanier-Alexander
Kivon Bennett
Freshman • DT • 6-2 • 285
Hollywood, Fla. • St. Thomas Aquinas High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 4-star (80 grade, No. 35 defensive tackle, No. 197 in Southeast region, No. 67 prospect in Florida)
Scout: 3-star (No. 37 defensive tackle, No. 12 defensive tackle in South region, No. 4 defensive tackle in Florida)
High School
Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., playing for coach Roger Harriott
Bennett helped St. Thomas Aquinas win its third consecutive state title in Florida this season
As a senior in 2016, recorded 31 tackles, three sacks and eight hurries
As a junior in 2015, had 31 tackles and five sacks
Was named MVP honors in the GEICO State Champions Bowl Series while helping St. Thomas Aquinas defeat Bingham (Utah), 33-25, at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas. Recorded two forced fumbles, three tackles for loss and one sack.
Personal
Full Name: Kivon Bennett
Born on Jan. 28, 1999
Son of Cornelius and Kimberly Bennett
Father Cornelius Bennett was the No. 2 overall pick in the 1987 NFL Draft by the
Indianapolis Colts and starred at linebacker in the NFL from 1987-2000. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro, four-time AFC Champion (1990-93 wih the Buffalo Bills) and 1998 NFC Champion with the Atlanta Falcons and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team.
James Brown
Freshman • TE • 6-4• 220
Orlando, Fla. • Jones High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (74 grade, No. 22 tight end, No. 507 in Southeast region, No. 190 prospect in Florida)
Scout: 3-star (No. 50 tight end, No. 12 tight end in South region, No. 4 tight end in Florida)
High School
Attended Jones High School in Orlando, Fla., playing for coach Elijah Williams
Is a former quarterback who changed position to tight end
As a senior in 2016, had 11 catches for 201 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 170 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries and threw for 135 yards and three touchdowns on 16-of-19 passing
Helped lead the Tigers to a 10-2 season in 2016 and the second round of the state playoffs
Personal
Full Name: James Brown
Son of James Brown III and Phedre Brown
LaTrell Bumphus
Freshman • TE • 6-4• 245
Savannah, Tenn. • Hardin County High School
Scout: 3-star (No. 20 tight end, No. 3 tight end in South region, No. 1 tight end in Tennessee)
High School
Attended Hardin County High School in Savannah, Tenn., playing for coach Matt Smith
The Opening Regionals 2016
Personal
Full Name: LaTrell Bumphus
Born on Sept. 30, 1999
Son of Keith and Melissa Bumphus
Siblings: Nick Porter
Matthew Butler
Freshman • DT • 6-4• 285
Raleigh, N.C. • Garner Senior High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (77 grade, No. 61 defensive tackle, No. 347 in Southeast region, No. 23 prospect in North Carolina)
247 Sports: 4-star (No. 455 overall prospect, No. 36 strongside defensive end, No. 12 prospect in North Carolina)
Rivals: 3-star (No. 14 strongside defensive end, No. 12 prospect in North Carolina)
Scout: 3-star (No. 33 defensive tackle, No. 10 defensive tackle in the South region, No. 1 defensive tackle in North Carolina)
High School
Attended Garner Senior High School in Garner, N.C., playing for coach Thurman Leach
As a senior in 2016, helped lead Trojans to a 12-2 record and the 4AA East Regional Semifinals and had 96 tackles, including 44 for loss, 26 sacks and 36 hurries
Was named to 2016 N.C. Associated Press All-State 4A Team
Starred in the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas
The Opening Regionals 2016
As a junior in 2015, posted 65 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and caught 10 passes for 175 yards and four touchdowns
Personal
Full Name: Matthew Butler
Son of Phillip and Madelyn Butler
Siblings: Phylicia and Theo
K’Rojhn Calbert
Freshman • OT • 6-5 • 300
McMinnville, Tenn • Warren County Senior High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (79 grade, No. 45 offensive tackle, No. 226 in Southeast Region, No. 12 prospect in Tennessee)
Ranked by Kohl’s as the sixth-best kicker in the Class of 2017 and the 45th-best punter
Career long field-goal is 47 yards
As a senior in 2016, was 6-of-11 on field goals and 31-for-31 on extra points. He also had 33 touchbacks on 47 kickoffs.
As a junior in 2015, was 3-of-6 on field goals, 30-for-30 on extra points and averaged 42.1 yards on 23 punts. He also had 29 touchbacks on 40 kickoffs.
Personal
Full Name: Brent Cimaglia
Born on June 26, 1998
Son of Keri Cimaglia
Siblings: Jennifer
Trey Coleman
Freshman • RB • 5-11• 215
West Monroe, La. • West Monroe High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (78 grade, No. 47 running back, No. 327 in Southeast region, No. 30 prospect in Louisiana)
Scout: 3-star (No. 53 running back, No. 25 running back in South region, No. 4 running back in Louisiana)
High School
Attended West Monroe High School in West Monroe, La., playing for coach Jerry Arledge
As a senior in 2016, helped West Monroe win the District 2-5A title and Class 5A State runner-up finish
In 2016, led team with 187 carries for 1,369 yards and 12 touchdowns and posted six 100-yard rushing games. He also had 10 catches for 171 yards and three touchdowns.
Earned 2016 Central Louisiana All-District 2-5A First Team honors and All-Northeast Louisiana Big Schools First Team honors
In 2015, was named Honorable Mention All-State, All-Northeast Louisiana, Second Team All-Parish, First Team All-District
As a junior in 2015, rushed for over 1,400 yards and scored 12 touchdowns
Also played basketball at West Monroe
Personal
Full Name: Trey Coleman
Born on Sept. 17, 1997
Son of John Coleman Jr.
Eric Crosby
Freshman • DT • 6-1• 325
Virginia Beach, Va. • Ocean Lakes High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 4-star (81 grade, No. 226 overall prospect, No. 18 defensive tackle, No. 26 in East region, No. 6 prospect in Virginia)
Rivals: 3-star (No. 50 safety, No. 20 prospect in Tennessee)
Scout: 3-star (No. 42 athlete, No. 20 athlete in South region, No. 1 athlete in Tennessee)
High School
Attended Overton High School in Nashville, Tenn., playing for coach Steve Williams
TSWA All-State Class 6A football team
Was named to The Tennessean’s Dandy Dozen for 2016
As a senior in 2016, led team with five interceptions and was named Defensive MVP of Region 3-6A
As a junior in 2015, earned All-Nashville honors and finished with 18 catches for 232 yards and five touchdowns and tallied 33 tackles and three interceptions
Selected for the 2016 Toyota East-West All-Star game
Personal
Full Name: Theo Jackson
Born on Oct. 2, 1998
Son of Nate and Tanissa Foster
Siblings: Dawayne Jackson
Jacquez Jones
Freshman • WR • 5-10 • 165
Clearwater, Fla.• Clearwater High School
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (79 grade, No. 80 wide receiver, No. 220 in Southeast region, No. 77 prospect in Florida)
Scout: 3-star (No. 69 outside linebacker, No. 27 outside linebacker in South region, No. 10 outside linebacker in Georgia)
High School
Attended Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., playing for coach Derek Cook
Played both linebacker and safety at Kell
In 2016, named Class AAAAA Defensive Player of the Year, Parade All-America honorable mention and Georgia Sports Writers Association Class AAAAA All-State First Team
As a senior in 2016, recorded 178 tackles (123 solo) with 23.0 tackles for loss, two sacks, one interception, four forced fumbles and two quarterback hurries
Helped lead Kell to an 11-3 season in 2016
Attended The Opening Atlanta and recorded a 4.59 40-yard dash
In 2015, he had 110 tackles with 15 tackles for a loss, three sacks, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions
Personal
Full Name: Solon Page III
Born on Sept. 6, 1998
Son of Solon and Michelle
Siblings: Madison
Josh Palmer
Freshman • WR • 6-2 • 200
Brampton, Ontario, Canada• St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fla.)
Prospect Rankings
ESPN: 3-star (74 grade, No. 179 wide receiver, No. 515 in Southeast region, No. 194 prospect in Florida)
Scout: 3-star (No. 86 wide receiver, No. 39 wide receiver in South Region, No. 13 wide receiver in Florida)
High School
Attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., playing for coach Roger Harriott
As a senior in 2016, recorded 32 catches for 506 yards and eight touchdowns
2016 Florida Class 7A All-State Second Team
Helped lead St. Thomas Aquinas to the Florida 7A state title in 2016
Personal
Full Name: Joshua Palmer
Son of Keith Palmer
Shawn Shamburger
Freshman • CB • 5-11 • 190
Moultrie, Ga.• Colquitt County High School
Prospect Rankings
Attended Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Ga., playing for coach Rush Propst
Named 2016 Georgia Sports Writers Association Class 7A Honorable Mention and All-Region 1-7A Utility Player of the Year
As a senior in 2016, totaled 51 tackles (42 solo) with three tackles for loss, five interceptions, seven passes defended, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and half of a sack and also made nine receptions for 110 yards and one touchdown
Had a 102-yard, one-handed pick six in 2016 against Valdosta
In 2016 returned two kickoffs for 42 yards (21.0 average) and 10 punts for 106 yards (10.6 average)
As a junior in 2015, posted 49 tackles (36 solo) with three interceptions, six passes defended, two forced fumbles and two field goal blocks
Ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash
Also ran track in high school
Personal
Full Name: Shawn Shamburger
Son of Victoria and Prentice Stanton
Ryan Thaxton
Freshman • DE • 6-4 • 220
Alexandria, Va.• St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School
Prospect Rankings
Attended St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School in Alexandria, Va., playing for coach Bernard Joseph
Here’s a list of where prep football players from Knoxville and East Tennessee signed with on National Signing Day. John Wilkerson and Joel Silverberg interviewed a number of the players listed below to talk about their special day. Listen to those interviews on our NSD podcast page.
This page has been updated as new signings have been announced.
By High School *(85 listed…80 signed/3 preferred walk-ons/2 TBD)
Alcoa
Cade Evans – Maryville College
Larry Hodge – University of the Cumberlands
Taylen McNear – Thomas More
Jaylen Myers – Gardner–Webb
Malik Salter – University of the Cumberlands
Terran Cox – Union College
Dontae Walden – Becker College
Anderson County
Everett Dews – University of the Cumberlands
Austin-East
Darius Harper – Coastal Carolina
K’nori Bone – Rhodes College
Xavier Ligon – Bethel
Shannon Cozart – Pikeville
Gedarian Mobley – Pikeville
Kashif Warren – ETSU
Bearden
Tyler Cooper – Carson-Newman
Dakota Davis – UT-Chattanooga
Jordan Ferguson – UT-Chattanooga
Cameron Miller – Carson-Newman
Bradley Central
Cole Copeland – UT-Chattanooga
CAK
Bill Bower – Colorado-Mesa
Ryan Mills – Carson-Newman
Cole Smith – Princeton
Haydn Tanner – Mount Union (OH)
Caleb Unkefer – Lindsey Wilson
Campbell County
Mike Rhoades – Tennessee Tech
Carter
Jake Hurst – Carson-Newman
Catholic
Chase Cunningham – Middle Tennessee (preferred walk-on)
Beau Hollin – Birmingham Southern
John Kerbyson – Hutchinson Comm Coll
Chase Kuerschen – Tulane
Amari Rodgers – Clemson
Anthony Scott III Birmingham Southern
Jeffrey Wood – UT-Chattanooga
Central
Isaac Buell – Virginia
Tyler Davies – Carson-Newman
Rondrow Peebles – Carson-Newman
Cocke County
KeShaun Hurst – Garden City (Kansas) C.C.
Will Woods – Carson-Newman
Farragut
Jack DeVault – Carson-Newman
Joe Doyle – TBD
Adam Fulton – TBD
Cooper Hardin – Navy
Amon Johnson – Maryville College
Davis Simmons – Tennessee Tech
Grace Christian
Nick White – Tennessee (preferred walk-on)
Greenback
Kayne Roberts – North Carolina
Tavin Kilpatrick – Tennessee Tech
Josh Silvey – ETSU
Hunter Willis – Tennessee Tech
Greeneville
Reid Odom – Tusculum
Takeem Young – Carson-Newman
Halls
J.T. Freels – Pikeville
Jackson Looper – Pikeville
Hardin Valley Academy
Braden Cloyd – Maryville College
Tim Frizzell – Appalachian State
Jefferson County
Jonathan Anderson – Thomas More
Tucker Seay – Berry College
Maryville
T.D. Blackman – Air Force
Matthew Cone – Duke (preferred walk-on)
Michael Hall – University of the Cumberlands
Isaac Keller – Lindsey Wilson
Blake Oliveira – The Citadel
McMinn Central
Cameron Powers – Maryville College
Brant Thompson – Lindsey Wilson
McMinn County
Xavier Abernathy – Lindsey Wilson
Xzayvier Beckingham – Independence Comm. Coll.
James Moore – Lindsey Wilson
Morristown East
Sean Lindsey – Emory and Henry
Dylan Noe – ETSU
Morristown West
Bryson Blevins – ETSU
Elijah Brown – Austin Peay
Isaiah Sims – Carson-Newman
Northview Academy
Cliff Cole – Gardner-Webb
Oak Ridge
Kyndall Clark – Gardner-Webb
Tee Higgins – Clemson
Rhea County
Jared Evans – Memphis
Sevier County
Nick Britton – Carson-Newman
South-Doyle
Jake Harper – Georgia Military College
Kent-Ta Tanner – Georgia Military College
Walker Valley
Bryce Nunnelly – UT-Chattanooga
West
Leonard Humphrey – Eastern Kentucky
By The Numbers – Colleges Signing Area Players *(85 listed…80 signed/3 preferred walk-ons/2 TBD)
Middle Tennessee 3 (1 is preferred walk-on)
Clemson 2
North Carolina 1
Virginia 1
Tulane 1
Air Force 1
Memphis 1
Appalachian State 1
Coastal Carolina 1
Duke 1 (is a preferred walk-on)
Tennessee 1 (is a preferred walk-on)
Carson-Newman 12
Pikeville 6
UT-Chattanooga 5
Lindsey Wilson 5
Tennessee Tech 4
ETSU 4
Maryville College 4
University of the Cumberlands 4
Gardner-Webb 3
Birmingham Southern 2
Thomas More 2
Georgia Military College 2
Union College 1
Becker College 1
Colorado-Mesa 1
Princeton 1
Mount Union (OH) 1
Tusculum 1
Berry College 1
The Citadel 1
Emory and Henry 1
Austin Peay 1
Eastern Kentucky 1
Rhodes College 1
Bethel 1
Hutchinson Comm. Coll 1
Garden City (Kansas) C.C. 1
Independence Comm. Coll. 1
*TBD 2 (signings delayed)
Just when you thought Willie Nelson would be slowing things down at the tender age of 83, think again. The octogenarian, who recently had to cancel two Las Vegas shows due to illness, is set to release a brand new album, God’s Problem Child, on April 28.
The new album consists of 13 new songs—seven of which are written by Willie and his longtime producer and friend, Buddy Cannon.
Not to exclude anyone’s listening preferences, Willie is making God’s Problem Child available on CD, 12″ vinyl or digitally—your choice. It’s no coincidence that the album will also be released the day before Willie’s 84th birthday (April 29), making the purchase of the album the perfect birthday present for Willie.
A stand out track on the album is the comedic “Still Not Dead,” a new song that pokes fun at the many reports of Willie’s demise that he’s heard over the years. And not one to shy away from politics, Willie gives his take on the 2106 Presidential election and how to handle the aftermath in “Delete and Fast-Forward.”
This is Willie’s ninth studio album since signing with his label, Legacy Recordings, in 2012 and has sold over 1 million albums for the label.
God’s Problem Child Track listing with songwriter
1. “Little House On The Hill” (Lyndel Rhodes)
2. “Old Timer” (Donnie Fritz / Lenny LeBlanc)
3. “True Love” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
4. “Delete And Fast Forward” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
5. “A Woman’s Love” (Mike Reid / Sam Hunter)
6. “Your Memory Has A Mind Of Its Own” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
7. “Butterfly” (Sonny Throckmorton / Mark Sherrill)
8. “Still Not Dead” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
9. “God’s Problem Child” (Jamey Johnson / Tony Joe White)
10. “It Gets Easier” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
11. “Lady Luck” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
12. “I Made A Mistake” (Willie Nelson / Buddy Cannon)
Kane Brown was part of the television special Super Bowl Greatest Commercials 2017 that aired last night (Jan. 31) on CBS.
In addition to performing three songs during the show, Kane’s recent concert at the House of Blues in Houston was profiled by Entertainment Tonight co-host Kevin Frazier.
Check out the quick clip below.
Kane will be joining Jason Aldean’s They Don’t Know Tour in April. The 33-city tour kicks off on April 27 in Toledo, Ohio, and makes stops in Chicago, Toronto, St. Louis, Tampa, Philadelphia, Denver, Los Angeles and San Diego, among others.
Martina McBride is making her Love Unleashed Tour all about the ladies. The “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” singer joined forces with CMT to bring the Next Women of Country brand on the road.
Maggie Rose and the new country trio Post Monroe have been added to the bill, along with Lauren Alaina, who was first announced as a special guest. All the ladies are part of CMT’s Next Women of Country roster, which helps promote female singer/songwriters.
“I am so happy that we are adding a second run of dates to the Love Unleashed Tour. We have created an environment at the shows where fans can come together to share positive energy and a common love of music, and leave the concert feeling uplifted and stronger,” said Martina in a statement. “We all know the power of music and positivity and I truly believe that what the fans experience on this tour will have a huge ripple effect in their lives, their communities, and the world at large.”
Past alumi of the Next Women of Country group include Kelsea Ballerini, Kacey Musgraves, Brandy Clark, Cassadee Pope and more.
The Love Unleashed Tour kicks off on Feb. 2 in St. Louis with stops in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Nashville. 2017 marks Martina’s 25th year on the road. Her current album, Reckless, released in April 2016, features the singles, “Just Around The Corner” and the title track.
Martina McBride’s Love Unleashed Tour dates
Feb. 2 / St Louis / Peabody Opera House
Feb. 3 / Chicago /Chicago Theatre
Feb. 4 / Louisville, Ky. / Palace Theatre
Feb.9 / Pittsburgh /The Palace Theatre
Feb. 10 / Columbus, Ohio / Midland Theatre
Feb. 11 / Nashville / Ryman Auditorium
Feb. 16 / Minneapolis / State Theatre
Feb. 23 /Indianapolis /The Palladium
Feb. 24 / Atlanta / Cobb Energy PAC
Feb. 25 Hamlet, N.C. / Cole Auditorium
March 2 / Durham, N.C. / Durham Performing Arts Center
March 3 / Glenside, Pa. / Keswick Theatre
March 4 / Lancaster, Pa. / American Music Theatre
March 9 / New York / Playstation Theatre
March 10 / Lowell, Mass. / Lowell Memorial Auditorium
Will Ignont LB New Market, AL 6’1″ 241 (4-star) Committed 10/25/16
Josh Ward’s Take: Ignont has good size at linebacker, a position Tennessee needed to upgrade in this class. Tennessee beat out several SEC schools for Ignont, who should be an early contributor for the Vols.
Theo Jackson DB Nashville, TN 6’2″ 179 (3-star) Committed 6/17/16
Josh Ward’s Take: Jackson has all the tools needed to be a quality SEC defender. Tennessee won’t expect Jackson to make a big impact immediately at safety with players like Micah Abernathy, Todd Kelly Jr., and Nigel Warrior returning. That will allow Jackson time to develop.
The new album consists of 13 new songs—seven of which are written by Willie and his longtime producer and friend, Buddy Cannon.![Kane Brown’s Concert at House of Blues in Houston Profiled on CBS [Watch]](https://cdn.socast.io/6616/sites/1446/2017/02/01145318/Kane-Brown.jpg#aqua_resizer_image_not_local)
