Reba McEntire & Cody Johnson Team Up for New “Dear Rodeo” Video [Watch]

Reba McEntire & Cody Johnson Team Up for New “Dear Rodeo” Video [Watch]

Posted on December 4, 2020

In rodeo parlance, Cody Johnson and Reba McEntire are team roping. Cody and Reba have joined forces to create a new video for their duet, “Dear Rodeo.”

Penned by Cody and Dan Couch, the original version of “Dear Rodeo” is featured on Cody’s 2019 major-label debut album, Ain’t Nothing To It. The tune is a personal one for Cody, who spent many years riding rodeo bulls. The native of Sebastopol, Texas, gave up his quest to be a world champion, but he’s never gotten over his love of the sport.

The song struck a chord with Reba, who grew up on her family ranch in Oklahoma competing in barrel racing.

Directed by Shaun Silva, the video was filmed at the Tennessee Miller Coliseum in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (35 miles southeast of Nashville), and features actual footage from Cody’s bull-riding career.

“It was a thrill to get to sing ‘Dear Rodeo’ with Cody because we’re both from the rodeo world,” says Reba. “I grew up in a rodeo family, I’m a third-generation rodeo brat. So the song means a lot to me because I did leave rodeo to be in the country music business. I sure miss it.”

“The story behind ‘Dear Rodeo’ is more a story about life and less about rodeo,” says Cody. “I feel like everybody has their own ‘Dear Rodeo’ story and when I found out that Reba was impacted by this song enough to want to do a duet, it was probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done in my career. Reba adds a certain level of authenticity to this song that makes it so special. I love it when people sing songs about rodeo and cowboys, but there’s a little bit of a different feel when you know that somebody can walk the walk they’re talking. Neither one of us has a problem saying ‘Hey, this is where I come from, you can check the credentials, we’ve got the scars to prove it.’ I think that the honesty is really going to speak to people, and hopefully we can help people with this song.”

Watch Cody and Reba’s new video for “Dear Rodeo” below.

photos: Cody Johnson by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com; Reba McEntire by Curtis Hilbun, ADD-USA.com

Carly Pearce Honors Late Friend/Producer Busbee With Touching New Tune, “Show Me Around” [Listen]

Carly Pearce Honors Late Friend/Producer Busbee With Touching New Tune, “Show Me Around” [Listen]

Posted on December 4, 2020

Carly Pearce is paying tribute to her longtime friend, songwriting partner and producer, busbee, with the release of a new song, “Show Me Around.” Michael James Ryan—known professionally as busbee—died in 2019 at the age of 43 from an aggressive form of brain cancer.

“As my mentor and friend, busbee helped me share the parts of my own life that I could only explain through music,” says Carly. “He holds such a sweet place in my heart, and I truly hope ‘Show Me Around’ brings comfort to his wife Jess and their three little girls. At his funeral, a songwriter that all of us in Nashville love named Barry Dean gave a speech that painted the most beautiful picture of heaven. There is no way to ease the pain of losing someone you love, this felt like a really hopeful way to look at our loved ones meeting us again one day and showing us around.”

Carly, who co-penned the song with Emily Shackelton and Ben West, honors busbee by singing: “I bet you’re up there right now / Making plans and writing out / All your favorite places / That you just can’t wait to take us / And we’ll get to spend forever talking ’bout whatever / When I get there, promise you’ll track me down / And show me around.”

Not only did busbee produce Carly’s debut and sophomore albums, but he also co-penned many of her songs, including “Every Little Thing,” “Catch Fire,” “Call Me” and more. In addition, busbee’s songwriting credits include Maren Morris’ “My Church,” Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.,” Keith Urban’s “Fighter,” Garth Brooks’ “People Loving People,” Lady Antebellum’s “You Look Good” and more.

Listen to “Show Me Around” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Dolly Parton Shares Surprise Bonus Track, “I Still Believe,” From New Holiday Album [Listen]

Dolly Parton Shares Surprise Bonus Track, “I Still Believe,” From New Holiday Album [Listen]

Posted on December 4, 2020

Surprise! On Dec. 3, Dolly Parton shared a digital bonus track, “I Still Believe,” from her new holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christmas.

Penned by Dolly and Kent Wells, the new track is only available digitally.

A Holly Dolly Christmas debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in October. The new album features several holiday standards, including “Mary, Did You Know,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and more, as well as a handful of original tunes that Dolly penned. The album also features duets with some of Dolly’s friends, including Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon and Willie Nelson, plus a special song with her brother, Randy Parton.

Dolly will perform “I Still Believe” and many other songs from her new album during her holiday TV special, A Holly Dolly Christmas, on CBS on Dec. 6.

Listen to “I Still Believe” below.

A Holly Dolly Christmas Track List

1. “Holly Jolly Christmas”
2. “Christmas Is” feat. Miley Cyrus
3. “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” with Michael Bublé
4. “Christmas On The Square”
5. “Circle Of Love”
6. “All I Want For Christmas Is You” with Jimmy Fallon
7. “Comin’ Home For Christmas”
8. “Christmas Where We Are” feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
9. “Pretty Paper” with Willie Nelson
10. “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
11. “You Are My Christmas” feat. Randy Parton
12. “Mary, Did You Know?”

 

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Tracy Lawrence’s 15th Annual Turkey Fry & Concert Raises $125,000 for Nashville Homeless

Tracy Lawrence’s 15th Annual Turkey Fry & Concert Raises $125,000 for Nashville Homeless

Posted on December 4, 2020

Tracy Lawrence’s 15th annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert on Nov. 24 raised more than $125,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission. This year’s concert at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon, which featured Tracy, Chris Young, Tim McGraw, Cole Swindell, John Rich, Mitchell Tenpenny and more, was live-streamed for free, but viewers were encouraged to make donations and bid on items featured in an online auction.

In addition, Tracy and his team of volunteers fried more than 500 turkeys, which provided 3,000 meals to individuals and families in need.

“Every year I’m floored how people consistently help us outperform the previous year to serve more meals and raise more money for the homeless and hungry,” says Tracy. “Honestly, we didn’t expect much this year with the pandemic so to have a record-breaking year in raising more money for people that need it more than ever, I’m just blown away.”

Over the years, Tracy and his team have raised more than $1 million and served approximately 96,000 meals to the homeless and hungry. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit the Nashville Rescue Mission, which provides support to “the hungry, homeless, and hurting with programs and services that focus on a person’s entire life—physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and social.”

This year’s event marked another special milestone for Tracy. November 24 was declared Tracy Lawrence Day by Governor Bill Lee as a testament to Tracy’s longstanding commitment to helping the homeless community of middle Tennessee and beyond.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Florida Georgia Line to Release New Album, “Life Rolls On,” Feb. 12

Florida Georgia Line to Release New Album, “Life Rolls On,” Feb. 12

Posted on December 4, 2020

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line announced they will release their fifth studio album, Life Rolls On, on Feb. 12.

The duo revealed the news via Instagram on Dec. 4, stating: “It’s time y’all! Humbled and excited to announce our fifth studio album, #LifeRollsOn, is out February 12th! This year has been a wild ride and if there’s one thing we’ve learned, you have to keep your head up high. This new music truly represents where we are in our lives right now and we can’t wait for y’all to hear it. Hit the link in bio to pre-order now and get a bunch of tracks instantly 🙌🏼 #FGL5 #letsgooooo.”

The 16-track album, which Tyler and Brian co-produced, features current Top 20 single, “Long Live,” as well as Top 5 hit, “I Love My Country.”

The upcoming album follows 2019’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, which spawned No. 1 hit, “Simple,” as well as Top 25 hits, “Talk You Out of It” and “Blessings.”

Life Rolls On Track Listing & Songwriters
1. “Long Live” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, David Garcia, Josh Miller  
2. “Life Looks Good” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jaren Johnston
3. “Countryside” – Blake Redferrin, Jake Rose, Michael Whitworth
4. “Always Gonna Love You” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, Michael Hardy
5. “I Love My Country” – Kane Brown, Corey Crowder, Chase McGill, Ernest Keith Smith, Ryan Vojtesak, Will Weatherly
6. “Hard To Get To Heaven” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Josh Thompson
7. “Long Time Comin’” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Jordan Schmidt, Canaan Smith
8. “Interlude” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder
9. “Ain’t Worried Bout It (Album Version)” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip    
10. “Beer:30” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith, Ernest Keith Smith
11. “New Truck”* – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jeff Gitelman, Raysean Hairston, Blake Redferrin, Priscilla Renea
12. “Eyes Closed” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, Michael Hardy
13. “Second Guessing (From Songland)”** – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Ester Dean, Andrew DeRoberts, Shane McAnally, Griffen Palmer, Ben Simonetti, Ryan Tedder, Geoff Warburton
14. “Good To Me” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Corey Crowder, Canaan Smith
15. “U.S. Stronger” – Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley
16. “Life Rolls On” – Ben Burgess, Alysa Vanderheym, Emily Weisband

Produced by Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley
*Produced by Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Jeff “Gitty” Gitelman, Priscilla Renea
**Produced by Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Andrew DeRoberts

photo by TCD

Watch Carrie Underwood’s Beautiful Rendition of “O Holy Night” on “The Tonight Show”

Watch Carrie Underwood’s Beautiful Rendition of “O Holy Night” on “The Tonight Show”

Posted on December 4, 2020

Carrie Underwood made a virtual appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Dec. 3.

In addition to chatting with the titular host, Carrie treated viewers to a beautiful rendition of “O Holy Night.”

The tune is featured on Carrie’s recent Christmas album, My Gift. Composed in the mid-1800s by Adolphe Adam and John Sullivan Dwight, “O Holy Night” is a holiday staple that has been recorded by a number of A-list artists, including Mariah Carey, John Berry, Josh Groban, Martina McBride and more.

Carrie’s new 11-song album features a combination of beloved traditional favorites, such as “Silent Night” and “Away in the Manger,” as well as original material, including “Sweet Baby Jesus” and “Let There Be Peace.”

Watch Carrie sing “O Holy Night” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch Maddie & Tae’s Festive New Holiday Video, “We Need Christmas”

Watch Maddie & Tae’s Festive New Holiday Video, “We Need Christmas”

Posted on December 4, 2020

Maddie & Tae released a new video for the title track to their recent holiday EP, We Need Christmas.

Penned by the duo’s Maddie Font and Taylor Kerr with Matthew West and AJ Pruis, “We Need Christmas” is one of the two original tunes on the new EP, along with “Merry Married Christmas.” The EP also features four holiday standards: “This Christmas,” “Holly Jolly Christmas,” “O Come All Ye Faithful,” and “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home).”

“We are so proud of this project and loved recreating some of our favorite Christmas classics, as well as write some of our own,” says the duo in a release. “Making We Need Christmas was such a bright spot for us this year and we hope this project brings a little joy and peace to our fans during this difficult year.”

Watch Maddie & Tae’s new video below.

We Need Christmas Track List & Songwriters

  1. This Christmas (Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor)
  2. Holly Jolly Christmas (Johnny Marks)
  3. O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
  4. Merry Married Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr)
  5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector)
  6. We Need Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matthew West, AJ Pruis)

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Exclusive: Matt Stell Debuts Acoustic Performance of “Chase It Down”

Exclusive: Matt Stell Debuts Acoustic Performance of “Chase It Down”

Posted on December 4, 2020

Fresh off of his No. 1 hit, “Everywhere But On,” Matt Stell is releasing a special acoustic performance of “Chase It Down.”

Both tracks, along with his 2019 No. 1 single, “Prayed For You,” are included on his eight-song EP, Better Than That.

Matt co-wrote “Chase It Down” with Jarrod Ingram and Blake Hubbard—together known as the 720—as well as Brian Maher.

“I’m a guy who loves my hometown, but I’m also the guy who had to see what was out in the world past the county line,” says Matt. “This song is about making that now or never leap.”

Check out Matt’s special acoustic performance of “Chase It Down.”

photo credits: Dustin Haney

Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of 2020 Include Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Maren Morris & More

Billboard’s Top 100 Artists of 2020 Include Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Kane Brown, Maren Morris & More

Posted on December 3, 2020

Billboard revealed its all-genre Top 100 Artists of 2020—and the country music industry is represented with more than a dozen artists/acts.

Luke Combs (No. 13), Morgan Wallen (No. 24), Kane Brown (No. 31), Maren Morris (No. 34) and Gabby Barret (No. 43) tallied Top 50 rankings.

The list ranks the best-performing overall acts of the year based on activity on the Billboard 200 albums tally, the Billboard Hot 100 songs list, as well as Billboard Boxscore (touring) and the Social 50 chart for the 2020 tracking period (Nov. 23, 2019, through Nov. 14, 2020).

Post Malone (No. 1), The Weeknd (No. 2), Roddy Ricch (No. 3), DaBaby (No. 4) and Drake (No. 5) secured the Top 5 spots on the list.

Check out the country music artists represented on Billboard‘s Top 100 Artists of 2020.

  • No. 13: Luke Combs
  • No. 24: Morgan Wallen
  • No. 31: Kane Brown
  • No. 34: Maren Morris
  • No. 43: Gabby Barrett
  • No. 51: Jason Aldean
  • No. 53: Blake Shelton
  • No. 58: Dan + Shay
  • No. 60: Sam Hunt
  • No. 73: Old Dominion
  • No. 74: Luke Bryan
  • No. 77: Thomas Rhett
  • No. 84: Lee Brice
  • No. 91: Jon Pardi
  • No. 92: Miranda Lambert
  • No. 93: Chris Stapleton
  • No. 99: Kenny Chesney
  • No. 100: Maddie & Tae

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

ESPN slate completes 2020-21 Lady Vol schedule

ESPN slate completes 2020-21 Lady Vol schedule

Posted on December 3, 2020
Rae Burrell – Lady Vols / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee women’s basketball team now has all of its tip-off times and television designations complete after ESPN released its 2020-21 broadcast schedule for the Southeastern Conference on Thursday morning.

ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will produce a combined 14 regular season conference contests, including three involving the Lady Vols. UT’s games at Texas A&M (ESPNU), vs. Kentucky (ESPN2) and vs. Florida (ESPNU) have been picked up.

Additionally, the game at Texas (ESPN) and the UConn match-up (ESPN or ESPN2) were selected. The SEC Network schedule was announced previously and any remaining games not on linear TV will be streamed on SECN+.

All games on ESPN networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU and SEC Network) are also available through the ESPN App, which is accessible on computers, smartphones, tablets and connected devices nationwide at no additional cost to fans who receive their high-speed Internet connection or video subscription from an affiliated service provider.

Institutions can produce for SEC Network+ (SECN+) any conference and non-conference games that are not otherwise televised. Those will be available on the ESPN app and SECSports.com.

2020-21 Schedule | Printable Schedule (PDF) | Add To Calendar | SEC ESPN Schedule | Tickets | Game Day Info.

-UT Athletics

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