Reba McEntire Says Singing With Mom and Sisters on New Gospel Album Was “Too Much Fun”

Reba McEntire Says Singing With Mom and Sisters on New Gospel Album Was “Too Much Fun”

Posted on January 9, 2017

There’s a new gospel singer in town and her name is Reba McEntire. Everyone’s favorite redhead is putting her vocal talents toward a new gospel album, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope, set to be released on Feb. 3.

screen-shot-2017-01-09-at-12-14-54-pmThe album will be a two-disc offering containing 20 songs, both classic and original. Disc 1 will feature classic gospel songs like “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art, and “I’ll Fly Away,” while Disc 2 will be filled with original cuts such as “God and My Girlfriends,” “Sing It Now,” and “I Got The Lord On My Side.”

One of the standout tracks on Disc 1 is the classic tune “I’ll Fly Away”—a song Reba grew up singing. For the version on the album, Reba waited to record the song until her mother, Jackie, and sisters, Susie and Alice, were in Nashville and could lend their harmonies.

“[It was] too much fun,” Reba tells Nash Country Daily about the recording session. “We were just silly as we could be. We all got around the microphone and Susie and I—we were up there just singing our little hearts out and Mama and Alice just kept backing up,” she laughs. “They’re not used to it, saying, ‘Oh, we don’t want to be on tape, we can’t sing.’ I’d say, ‘Oh, get up here.’ It was so fun.”

But that’s not the extent of Mama McEntire’s talent in the studio. While recording the song “I Got the Lord on My Side”—the only song on the album written by Reba—the McEntire matriarch made a suggestion to her daughter that would, as Reba puts it, “enhance” the song.

“She enhanced the song tremendously,” said Reba. “[The song] was ‘I Got the Lord on My Side’ because I had written it. We got in to record it and Mama said, ‘Could I make a suggestion?’ I said, ‘Sure, what is it?’ She said, ‘Instead of saying I got the Lord on my side or I’m so happy, why don’t you say you got the Lord on your side and you’re so happy. And I said, ‘Well, that’s a great idea,’ so we went back in and recorded it again like she wanted us to do and I gave her a writer’s credit. So now I can say, Mama and I wrote this song!”

If you’re happy / You got the Lord on your side / If you’re happy / You got the Lord on your side / If I see that big ol’ happy printed smile on your face / I know you’re happy / You got the Lord on your side.

Listen to Reba singing “Oh, How I Love Jesus,” from her upcoming album, Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NShctvNERJk

Photo courtesy Reba’s Instagram

Maddie & Tae Auctioning Signed Guitars to Help Raise Money for the Families of Dead Texas Duck Hunters

Maddie & Tae Auctioning Signed Guitars to Help Raise Money for the Families of Dead Texas Duck Hunters

Posted on January 9, 2017

Three men from South Texas were found dead on Saturday (Jan. 7) after setting out on a duck hunting expedition the day before. The three men—identified as Spencer Hall, 19, Starett Burk, 25, and Christian Ruckman, 18—went missing after launching their 17-foot boat near Caracahua Bay. The case is still under investigation, but officials said that they have not discovered any signs of foul play.

The close-to-home story caught the attention of Texas native Maddie Marlow of Maddie & Tae, who told CBS Houston affiliate KHOU, “Me and my dad, we went duck hunting in that area on Christmas Eve. It could have been anyone of us.”

To help raise money for the families of the deceased men, Maddie & Tae are auctioning off three signed guitars that each come with two tickets to their Feb. 11 show in Houston and an autographed picture. You can bid on the packages through Facebook (info is below). Bidding ends on Jan. 20. A GoFundMe page has also been set up with a goal of $5,000.

Houston Rodeo Announces Star-Studded 2017 Lineup, Including Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, FGL, ZBB, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton & More

Houston Rodeo Announces Star-Studded 2017 Lineup, Including Willie Nelson, Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan, Thomas Rhett, Sam Hunt, FGL, ZBB, Dierks Bentley, Chris Stapleton & More

Posted on January 9, 2017

Running from March 7–26—yes, 20 days—Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is one of the largest rodeo and livestock exhibitions in the world. Rodeo Houston features a carnival, a bar-b-que contest, 10K race and some of the best live entertainment in the country. The event pulled in almost 2.5 million attendees during last year’s festivities and more than 1.3 million showed up just for the concerts.

And why wouldn’t they? Country music dominates the week’s lineup at NRG Park, and this year is no exception with a star-studded cast that includes Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Aaron Watson, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Luke Bryan, Willie Nelson, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Brad Paisley, Zac Brown Band and more. Outside the country genre, you can look forward to Alicia Keys, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, Blink 182, ZZ Top and more.

Tickets for the event go on sale Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. CT.

2017 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Lineup
March 7: Aaron Watson
March 8: Old Dominion
March 9: Chris Stapleton
March 10: Alicia Keys
March 11: Alan Jackson
March 12: The Chainsmokers
March 13: Sam Hunt
March 14: Meghan Trainor
March 15: Thomas Rhett
March 16: Luke Bryan
March 17: Fifth Harmony
March 18: Willie Nelson
March 19: Banda el Recodo and Siggno
March 20: Florida Georgia Line
March 21: ZZ Top
March 22: Chris Young
March 23: Blink 182
March 24: Dierks Bentley
March 25: Brad Paisley
March 26: Zac Brown Band

Chris Janson Is “Loving Life and Having Fun” Writing and Recording for New Album He Hopes to Drop Early This Year

Chris Janson Is “Loving Life and Having Fun” Writing and Recording for New Album He Hopes to Drop Early This Year

Posted on January 9, 2017

It’s been a whirlwind 14 months since Chris Janson released his debut album, Buy Me a Boat. In addition to scoring two Billboard Top 25 hits—“But Me a Boat” and “Holdin’ Her”—the Missouri-to-Nashville transplant toured with Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan and headlined his own Buy Me a Boat Tour.

In 2016 alone, the always-energized singer/songwriter penned 25 songs that were recorded by other artists. But don’t worry, Chris still has plenty of ink in his pen, and now he’s busy in the studio working on his second album, which he hopes to drop early this year.

“I am writing,” said Chris to Nash Country Daily. “I’ve been writing my tail off every second that I’ve been home, which has been few and far between. However, I write when I can. I am starting to record my new record. You can look for some new product coming out in the new year, probably starting with singles and that kind of thing. I’ve been writing my tail off, writing some of the things I’m most proud of, and I’m having a lot of fun with it, man. I’m having a lot of fun, because I feel like I got the first record out. As an artist, you feel like you get the first one out of the way, now the pressure is off a little bit. Most people think the pressure is on the second record, but it’s like ‘Oh, my God. What do you have to live up to?’ Dude, it’s just music, it’s not that hard to figure out. I’ve always done this as a hobby and a job and had fun with it, and I’m loving my life, so I’m just enjoying writing music, and I’ve got a bunch of it. I start recording real soon, next few days, actually.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DWq-ZbGDLnA

photo by Sara Kauss/Artisto PR

Country Music Hall of Fame Will Honor Jason Aldean With New Exhibit on May 26

Country Music Hall of Fame Will Honor Jason Aldean With New Exhibit on May 26

Posted on January 9, 2017

Beginning today (Jan. 9) and continuing through the week with one announcement per day via social media, the Country Music Hall of Fame will release its complete slate of exhibitions planned in 2017.

The first announcement on the docket is Jason Aldean, who will be the subject of an exhibit that opens on May 26 and runs through Nov. 5.

“I am extremely honored to be invited to have an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Jason in a press release. “That building is filled with the artists who helped create and shape country music, so to be a part of that legacy is something I am very proud of.”

Since bursting onto the scene in 2005, Jason has sold more than 14 million albums and earned 18 No. one hits. The Georgia native is the reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year, recently wrapping his 2016 Six String Circus Tour that hosted sold-out crowds throughout the country’s biggest venues.

Carrie Underwood Shines at the 74th Annual Golden Globes, Keith Urban Looks Dapper

Carrie Underwood Shines at the 74th Annual Golden Globes, Keith Urban Looks Dapper

Posted on January 9, 2017

It may have been a night to celebrate film and television, but country music was still represented at the 74th annual Golden Globes last night (Jan. 9) as Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban were in the house.

Carrie was dressed in a pink form-fitting Iris Serban gown with rose-shaped ruffles on the upper portion of her dress. E! News labeled her as one of the worst dressed on the carpet, but we’ll let you decide.

“I flew in late last night and we got to try on dresses and I just loved this one from the start,” Carrie told Ryan Seacrest on the star-studded red carpet. “It just makes me feel girly.”

Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal
Photo by Paul Drinkwater/NBCUniversal

The “Church Bells” singer was on hand this year to present two awards with pop star Sting—Best Original Song, won by Justin Hurwitz for “City Of Stars” from the film La La Land and Best Original Score, won by Justin Hurwitz for the movie La La Land.

Carrie is no stranger to the Golden Globes or the Best Original Song category—she was nominated in 2010 for Best Original Song for co-writing “There’s a Place for Us” from the film Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Also making an appearance at the Globes—in support of his beautiful wife Nicole Kidman—was Keith Urban, looking very handsome in his fitted tuxedo. Nicole was nominated for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for her work the film Lion, about a 5-year-old Indian boy who gets lost on a train in Calcutta and is adopted by an Australian couple. After many years the grown boy begins his search for the family he lost.

Unfortunately, Nicole did not take home the golden globe statuette, it instead went to Viola Davis for the movie Fences.

Alan Jackson’s Mother, Ruth, Passes Away at 86

Alan Jackson’s Mother, Ruth, Passes Away at 86

Posted on January 7, 2017

Our condolences go out to Alan Jackson and his family on the passing of his mother, Ruth. Mrs. Jackson passed away this morning (Jan. 7) at the age of 86 and is survived by her five children.

The following press release was posted on Alan’s Facebook page.

“It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Alan’s beloved mother, Ruth Jackson,” the post read.  “Mrs. Ruth Jackson – known to her family, friends and country music fans the world over simply as “Mama Ruth” – died Saturday morning, January 7, peacefully at her home in Newnan, Georgia. Mrs. Jackson became a celebrated part of son Alan Jackson’s career and life story as the inspiration behind some of his fans’ favorite music. Mama Ruth was 86.”

Alan recorded his 2006 gospel album Precious Memories as a gift to his mother, who married Alan’s father, Joseph, at very young age in 1946. Joseph passed away in 2000. The couple resided in Newnan, Ga., where Ruth lived up until her death.

“My dad was shy and cautious, but my mom is stubborn out spoken,” Alan shared with Country Weekly in 2005. “If she feels strongly about something, she would stand her ground. I can see it in all my sisters and my kids, too.”

The superstar recalled precious memories of his mom for a 2012 Country Weekly mother’s day feature. “One thing about my mom is that she still lives in the same place in Newnan, Ga.,” Alan told the magazine. “She was about 16 when she got married. Dad got back home from the Navy and took her out of high school. They had a place near my grandfather’s and that’s where they lived. That’s all she’s ever known. She never wanted to be in a nursing home. She is sort of feeble now and she does have care in the home, but she never wanted to leave and we hope that she can stay there. I basically wrote the song “Home” about her.”

NCD offers Alan and his family our deepest sympathy at this difficult time.

Photo by TONY PHIPPS/MCA Nashville

Kacey Musgraves Lends Her Voice to Original Song, “Moonshine,” for Ben Affleck Feature Film, “Live By Night”

Kacey Musgraves Lends Her Voice to Original Song, “Moonshine,” for Ben Affleck Feature Film, “Live By Night”

Posted on January 6, 2017

Kacey Musgraves joined forces with Northern Irish singer/songwriter Foy Vance to create the original song, “Moonshine,” for an upcoming Ben Affleck film, Live By Night.

Live By Night, which stars Ben, Elle Fanning, Brenden Gleeson, Sienna Miller, Chris Messina and Zoe Saldana, is a crime drama based on the 2012 book of the same name. The movie follows Joe Coughlin, the son of a Boston police officer, who moves to Ybor city in Florida and becomes a bootlegger and eventually a gangster.

Kacey and Foy sat down together to discuss the track, which is produced by Blake Mills (John Legend, Alabama Shakes), as well as the creation of the song and how the film inspired the tune.

“Kacey got involved when we wanted to have a female voice on there because there are a couple of really strong female characters in the film,” Foy said in the video.

“When I first heard the song ‘Moonshine’ I got a really fun Southern vibe from it and I thought that it would be kind of a fun challenge for me to figure out how to mix in my own flavor and my own bits of harmony to the song,” Kacey said.

Check out the making of “Moonshine” with Foy and Kacey.

For more on the film, watch the Live By Night trailer.

More Snow & Cold Temperatures in Forecast

More Snow & Cold Temperatures in Forecast

Posted on January 6, 2017

snow-2

Local 8 meteorologist David Aldrich says the main snow event should begin around 10 p.m. Friday and he’s calling for 2-5 inches for the valley, 6-10 inches for the Smokies, and for other areas like Oneida and Crossville, he expects half-an-inch to 2 inches.

Aldrich says, “But we still think the heart of our East Tennessee listening area will get 2-5, with some locally higher amounts on hilltops.” 

Aldrich says some areas could get anywhere from half-an-inch to 2 inches in just an hour’s time, so roads could quickly become treacherous. They may stay that way for some time with temperatures remaining below freezing all weekend.

Aldrich says, “There will be plenty of black ice, absolutely. We’re down to about 18 tonight; Tomorrow’s high is 27, so this stuff is going to stick around.”

You’d Better Recognize: Zac Brown Is Getting an Award for Being a Good Human

You’d Better Recognize: Zac Brown Is Getting an Award for Being a Good Human

Posted on January 6, 2017

Zac Brown is a good human, as evidenced by the many humanitarian efforts he is committed to, including his own Camp Southern Ground as well as the Grammys on the Hill, Grammy U, MusiCares, Robin Hood Foundation and The USO.

In recognition of his philanthropic endeavors, Zac is being honored by the Country Radio Broadcasters as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award, which was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career. Past recipients of the annual award have included Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Charlie Daniels, among others.

Zac created his philanthropic passion project, Camp Southern Ground, after being inspired by his experiences as a camp counselor. The program at the Georgia-based state-of-the-art facility is an inclusive camp that combines children with neuro-developmental disorders with mainstream children. Its mission is to provide extraordinary experiences for these children to recognize and magnify the unique gifts within themselves and others in order to profoundly impact the world.

Zac will receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the opening ceremonies of Country Radio Seminar 2017 in Nashville on Wednesday, Feb. 22 at 3:30 p.m.

 

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