Brothers Osborne Talk About Drinking and Dieting in the New Year

Brothers Osborne Talk About Drinking and Dieting in the New Year

The Brothers Osborne find New Year traditions, and habits kind of amusing.

Sure, there will be a lot of people raising glasses, and probably consuming more than a few adult beverages this week when we ring in the New Year…but that’s also how they might have started the year too.

John Osborne says, “I think it’s kind of funny how we spend literally the last moment and the very first moment of every year being extremely intoxicated.”

He goes on to explain, “You don’t want to wait until like 12:30 to get your buzz on. You’ve got to do it before midnight, and then once midnight happens, you’re like, ‘Omigod! Now it’s time to celebrate even more.'” Which leads John to the revelation, “Debauchery is the literally bookending your entire year.”

His brother TJ Osborne is also amused by some people’s logic when it comes to eating during the holiday season, and then their thoughts of being healthy a few weeks later. “I love how everyone starts the year off with diets and then we end the year with like excessive amounts of food. And then you get to the end of the year, you’re like, ‘Oh, I’m going to start a diet on the 1st, so I’m going to eat everything that’s in front of me.’ I love it.”

Brother John then voices the cold hard reality most of us face after making the resolution to be healthier, “Come February 1st, ‘what diet?'”

To send off 2020, and welcome 2021, lots of people will be celebrating “All Night”…

Photo Credit: Eric Ryan Anderson

Gabby Barrett Soaks In The Success of “I Hope”

Gabby Barrett Soaks In The Success of “I Hope”

At the end of her American Idol audition when Katy Perry said “Be your own hero” — Gabby Barrett took it to heart and did exactly that.

Since then Gabby has been a rising star in country music, and 2020 has been her best year yet.

During the course of a normal year, she would have been busy crisscrossing the nation performing and making appearances…to the point where she probably couldn’t have fully appreciated the success that her song “I Hope” was having.

But like almost everyone else, Gabby was at home throughout quarantine, and had time to take it all in.

Gabby says, “You know, I’ve been able to sit more in the back seat, rather than performing and moving at a thousand miles per hour constantly, which is the normal artist life. So, I’ve been able to let kind of everything that’s going on soak in, which has been really really nice.”

So, when it comes to “I Hope,” did Gabby know the song would do what it did? She admits, “I never would’ve expected all of this from this song. So, I just think that the lord has been very gracious to me and I’m just very thankful.”

“I Hope” made history as the longest running number-1 song on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, and was named as Billboard’s Top Country Song of 2020.

Photo Credit: Robby Klein

Dan + Shay Are Keeping the Christmas Vibe Going For the Rest of 2020

Dan + Shay Are Keeping the Christmas Vibe Going For the Rest of 2020

Dan of Dan + Shay posted on their social media accounts a “thank you” to their fans on the day following Christmas. It was acknowledging what the fans did for the duo this year, and also thanking them for making their two new Christmas songs a success this season.

We all know how 2020 went, and with the extra time home and not on the road, Dan admits that is what allowed them time to work on “Christmas Isn’t Christmas” and “Take Me Home For Christmas.”

He also shared that all Dan + Shay things will continued to be Christmas themed for the rest of the year, as he says “because why not” — and we agree with that.

He finished by teasing there will big, new and exciting things coming in 2021!

Read the whole message here, and than following their lead, you can check out a special acoustic version of “Take Me Home For Christmas” from Dan + Shay below…

“It’s always been a dream of ours to release Christmas music, but with the hectic touring schedule of a normal year, we’ve never been able to pull it off. Obviously, things were a little different this year, so we felt it was a good time to give it a try. Now that we’re here, on the day after Christmas, looking back at the last few weeks, we just wanted to say thank you all so much for everything you have done for us on ‘Take Me Home For Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Isn’t Christmas.’ The comments, the shares, the downloads, the streams, the playlisting, the radio spins, the TV, all of it. It’s been really encouraging, and has inspired lots of conversations about doing more next year (if you think we should, let us know). Hopefully, if nothing else, these songs brought a little bit of light and positivity into your world when we all needed it most. Even though Christmas is technically over, we’re gonna keep everything Christmas themed until New Year’s Day (because why not). Feel free to keep listening and savoring the magic of the holiday season. In the meantime, we’ll be working on some exciting things that we’ve got planned for 2021. From, (Dan), Shay, Abby, Hannah, Asher, Ames, Joy, Chief, Ghost, and Mac, much love, health, and happiness to all.”

Photo credit: Dan + Shay

Kenny Chesney & Ricky Skaggs React to the Passing of Bluegrass Great Tony Rice at Age 69

Kenny Chesney & Ricky Skaggs React to the Passing of Bluegrass Great Tony Rice at Age 69

IBMA Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame memberTony Rice passed away yesterday, December 25, at age 69.

Today, he is remembered by fellow Bluegrass and Country music legend Ricky Skaggs and Country superstar Kenny Chesney.

Ricky Skaggs released the following statement:

“Sometime during Christmas morning while making his coffee, our dear friend and guitar hero Tony Rice passed from this life and made his swift journey to his heavenly home. It’s still quite a shock to the whole family. After talking with Tony’s wife Pam and their daughter India, they asked if I would make a statement on their behalf and give them some privacy to process during this difficult time. I was honored to help out. Tony is also survived by his brothers Wyatt and Ronnie, and all of you who loved his music and those who will continue to share it with others. 

Tony Rice was the single most influential acoustic guitar player in the last 50 years. Many if not all of the Bluegrass guitar players of today would say that they cut their teeth on Tony Rice’s music. He loved hearing the next generation players play his licks. I think that’s where he got most of his joy as a player. With many IBMA Awards and a Grammy Award, Tony was a gracious recipient of the International Bluegrass Music Association’s highest honor as an inductee into their Hall of Fame in 2013. 
Not only was Tony a brilliant guitar player but he was also one of the most stylistic lead vocalists in Bluegrass music history. When I joined the group The New South in 1974, I knew I’d found a singing soul mate with Tony. Our voices blended like brothers. In 1980, we recorded the album ‘Skaggs And Rice’ for Sugar Hill as a tribute to our duet heroes with just the simplicity of guitar, mandolin, and our voices. All these years later people tell me how much the purity of that record still touches their heart. That’s who Tony was, a singer from the heart. 

I will miss him as I’m sure all of you will. But where Tony is right now, he’s not missing us. He’s in the place that God has prepared for those who love Him and receive Him. Rest In Peace dear brother. Thank you for your great talent and the music that will continue to inspire more and more generations to come.”

Kenny Chesney shared on his social media:

“When I was in college I played a lot of music with a couple friends of mine, Shawn Lane and Marcus Smith. Every Wednesday night we played a place called the Down Home in Johnson City, TN. Whether it was Green Light On The Southern, which was the first song we ever played, Four Strong Winds, or anything off the Skaggs/Rice album… His music was always a staple of our set. Tony Rice inspired so many, including a kid like me from East Tennessee who was in awe of the way he sang and played Me And My Guitar. I’ll never forget seeing him sing that at the IBMA bluegrass festival in Owensboro, KY. It’s printed in my brain forever! Rest In Peace Tony Rice.”
Kenny also shared the following performance of Tony Rice…

Photo Credit: Jeremy M Lange
Video courtesy of Kenny Chesney
Country Music Stars’ Reaction to Christmas Day Bombing in Nashville

Country Music Stars’ Reaction to Christmas Day Bombing in Nashville

On a day that should be reserved for joy and celebration, Nashville joined the brotherhood of cities rocked by violence when a bomb exploded downtown.

While the loss of life is, thankfully, seeming to be very minimal, the affects of the carnage will have far greater implications.

Country music stars reacted to the news on social media. Sending messages of love to all Nashville residents, and a very special “thank you” to all the first responders who interrupted their holiday plans to rush to the scene to help.

Old Dominion“Thank you to all of the first responders and brave people who have been working to keep our neighbors safe. A strange and scary Christmas for sure…but still, Merry Christmas. Wishing you all peace.”

Chris Young“My heart is with all of my fellow Nashvillians that have been affected by this… especially on Christmas…”

Brad Paisley“Tough year for Nashville. Be safe everyone.”

Carly Pearce“Sending all my love to Nashville this morning. These videos are absolutely terrifying. Such a horrific act, especially on Christmas morning.”

Little Big TownMerry Christmas! Thinking of our beautiful hometown we love so much. We are beyond grateful to our first responders for your dedication and bravery. Our prayers and love are with all those serving our community.”

Carrie Underwood“Merry Christmas everyone! And a huge thank you to all the brave first responders in Nashville this morning.”

Chris Janson – “Praying for Nashville.”

 

 

 

Photo Credit: Mason Allen, Jeff Lipsky, John Shearer, Jeff Johnson

Country Stars Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 2)

Country Stars Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 2)

To wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season, we’ve brought together some of your favorite country music stars to read the classic holiday poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 2)

Feel free to follow along with the poem…

Keith Urban:
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

Carrie Underwood:
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.

And mamma in her ?kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap

Kimberly from Little Big Town:
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.

TJ Osborne from Brothers Osborne:
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

John Osborne from Brothers Osborne:
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.

Tae from Maddie & Tae:
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.

Jimi from Little Big Town:
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.

Lauren Alaina:
More rapid than eagles his reindeer they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

“Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! On Donner and Blitzen!”

Caylee Hammack:
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!?

Dierks Bentley:
So up to the house-top the reindeer they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too

Darius Rucker:
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.

Jordan Davis:
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

Maddie from Maddie & Tae:
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

Karen from Little Big Town:
His eyes-how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

Jon Pardi:
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

Brandon Lay:
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

Phillip from Little Big Town:
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Luke Bryan:
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

Alan Jackson:
But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!”

Country Stars Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 1)

Country Stars Read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 1)

To wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season, we’ve brought together some of your favorite country music stars to read the classic holiday poem, ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas (Version 1)

Feel free to follow along with the poem…

Alan Jackson:
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse

Dolly Parton:

The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there

Keith Urban:

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads

Kenny Chesney:

And Mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap

Maren Morris:

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter

Cam:

Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

Craig Morgan:

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of midday to objects below.

Miranda Lambert:

When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer

Jake Owen:

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.

Luke Combs

More rapid than eagles his reindeer they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!

Old Dominion:

Brad: Now, Dasher! Now, Dancer!
Geoff: Now, Prancer and Vixen!
Whit: On, Comet! On, Cupid!
Trevor: On, Donner and Blitzen!
Matthew :To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!

Lauren Alaina:

So up to the house top the reindeer they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas, too.

Darius Rucker:

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.

Kellie Pickler:

As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

Tyler Farr:

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.

Trisha Yearwood:

A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler, just opening his pack.

Carrie Underwood:

His eyes—how they twinkled! His dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!

Kane Brown:

His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow.

Martina McBride:

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.

Jerrod Niemann:

He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook, when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly!

Sara Evans:

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself!

Kelly Clarkson:

A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread.

Luke Bryan:

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.

Chris Young:

And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose!

Brad Paisley:

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.

Garth Brooks:

But I heard him exclaim, as he drove out of sight,
‘Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!’

Matt Stell Shares a Christmas Gift He Loved, and One He Never Wants To Get

Matt Stell Shares a Christmas Gift He Loved, and One He Never Wants To Get

Some Christmas presents are a hit with people, and some are misses.

Matt Stell remembers one of his favorite Christmas presents ever, “My favorite childhood Christmas memory is when my mother got me a puppy one time.  It was a good little dog, Hollyberry.” 

Of course, like every parent knows, you get your kid a pet, and 9 out of 10 times, you become the main caretaker.

Matt jokes that happened with his dog and his mom, “My mom ended up being-They were probably more attached to each other than I was with it, but I loved that dog.  Man, she loved that dog.”

So, the dog was a big hit as a present, but just in case he ever ends up on your gift giving list, Matt Stell shares the one thing he never wants to get as a present, “I can’t really think of a gift that I always wanted that Santa didn’t bring me, but I can tell you some things- many things that Santa brought me that I never wanted and to this day it continues.  I hate getting clothes for Christmas.  I want toys. I want video games. I just want a card. I don’t care. I don’t like getting clothes for Christmas.”

Everybody clear on that now?

Well, a gift that Matt got this year that we know he was happy about, was his second number-one song. Back in November “Everywhere But On” topped the country airplay charts…

Photo Credit: Dustin Haney

Caylee Hammack Has Will Ferrell To Thank For Her Singing Career

Caylee Hammack Has Will Ferrell To Thank For Her Singing Career

There’s having a favorite Christmas movie, and then there’s HAVING a favorite Christmas movie.

Caylee Hammack says that her favorite is Elf, starring Will Ferrell, because “that is the whole reason I started singing.”

Yes, it’s a new holiday classic with many memorable scenes, but it’s one scene in particular that made her dad take notice of Caylee’s singing ability.

Caylee recalls, “I was leaning up against the kitchen island when they played ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ in the movie, Elf, and I was singing along to it. I was 13 when it came out. And my dad said, ‘Caylee, you can actually sing.’ I was like, ‘No, don’t make fun of me.’ We were always tease each other, so I thought he was teasing me.’”

Turns out that not only was her dad not teasing her, he wanted to help her grow her talent. Caylee recalls the encouragement from her dad led to her trying out for a talent show, “he’s like…Caylee, I think you should try it,’ and that’s when I signed up for this little talent show in my hometown and I completely embarrassed myself. I sang, ‘I Will Survive,’ and I froze on the first lines – ‘At first I was afraid, I was p-pe-pet-petrified.’ And completely flunked it.” 

Even with that little bump in the road, she pressed on, and now has a career singing…because of her dad and Elf. “The whole reason I tried out for it is because my dad heard me singing in the kitchen to ‘Baby, It’s Cold Outside’ in the Elf movie.” So, when it comes to favorite holiday movies for Caylee, “Elf is probably my favorite Christmas movie.”

While it’s not a shower, Caylee knows that sometimes all you need for the perfect holiday atmosphere is a fireplace, an acoustic guitar and Christmas songs.

To make the holidays a little brighter, over the last few days Caylee has released three gorgeous renditions of some holiday classics for her fans — “Hard Candy Christmas,” “The Christmas Song,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

We are sure these are all dad approved…

Check out Caylee singing “The Christmas Song”…

 

Caylee puts her own spin on the Dolly Parton classic “Hard Candy Christmas.”

And to cap off her mini-holiday concert, Caylee sings “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

Photo Credit: Piper Ferguson

Kenny Chesney Was the Little Star Before He Was a Big Star

Kenny Chesney Was the Little Star Before He Was a Big Star

Kenny Chesney is no stranger to performing in front of people these days, but when he was younger…it was the last thing he wanted to do.

Back in his Christmas pageant school years, Kenny remembers being more of a “behind the scenes” kind of guy, “I think one time I held the star, you know, and did it behind them. You know, I didn’t…never did show my face. I was holding the star going through the night. That’s all I did. I remember doing that one year. But all my other buddies was Joseph and Mary and all that stuff.” Kenny adds with a laugh, “I never did, really, get out on stage that much. Never really did sing in the Christmas play and…no, I was pretty scared to get up there then!” (laughs)

Since then, Kenny has performed for millions of fans all over the nation…and he’s gotten pretty comfortable in front of an audience.

While he has left his pageant days behind, Kenny has recorded Christmas songs to entertain his fans. When it comes to his own personal favorite holiday track, Kenny picks Alabama‘s country classic, “Christmas in Dixie.”

Kenny says, “Growin’ up in the South, I can just remember hearin’ that a lot. I mean, every Christmas, you heard Alabama. You heard Randy Owen singing ‘Christmas in Dixie.’ And it was just one of those songs that…you know, my hometown radio station played every year. And I just always remember lovin’ that song, and then I got into the music business and was able to get to know Randy and Mark [Herndon],  Teddy [Gentry], and Jeff [Cook]. They just mean so much to me.”

Kenny got to record his own version of “Christmas in Dixie” with Randy for his album, All I Want For Christmas Is A Real Good Tan.

Taking a cue from that album title, Kenny also recorded a Christmas song with a Caribbean flair a few years ago.

Check out Kenny Chesney’s “Christmas in Blue Chair Bay”…

Photo Credit: Allister Ann

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