Maddie & Tae will release a new holiday EP, We Need Christmas, on Oct. 23.
The six-song project includes two original tunes, “Merry Married Christmas” and the title track, as well as 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.”
We Need Christmas Track List & Songwriters
This Christmas (Donny Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor)
Holly Jolly Christmas (Johnny Marks)
O Come All Ye Faithful (Traditional)
Merry Married Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr)
Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) (Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector)
We Need Christmas (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matthew West, AJ Pruis)
Maren Morris performed her new single, “To Hell & Back,” at the Ryman Auditorium during the ACM Awards on Sept. 16.
Penned by Maren, Jessie Jo Dillon and Laura Veltz, “To Hell & Back” is currently No. 40 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 24 weeks.
During a recent media Q&A, Maren revealed why she decided to release “To Hell & Back” as her new single during the pandemic.
“I chose ‘To Hell & Back’ to put out as a single right now because I think we’re in such a reflective time being sort of stuck at home either by ourselves or with our families, with our dogs, we just have a lot of time to have some introspection, and I feel like ‘To Hell & Back’ is very much about accepting your imperfections and the person in your life accepting them as well, whether that’s your partner or your friends or your family. I think it’s all about your halo’s a little bent, a little dirty, and that person still thinks you’re the cat’s meow. And I love that because it really is this unconditional sort of love that’s not based around ‘Well, you do this for me and you be this perfect person I put on a pedestal and then we can talk about loving each other forever.’ This is like, ‘I will love you no matter what sort of ashes we’re sitting in, because we’re sitting in them together.’”
Miranda Lambert performed her No. 1 single, “Bluebird,” at the Bluebird Cafe during the ACM Awards on Sept. 16. Miranda was joined by the song’s co-writers, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby, during the performance.
“Bluebird,” which reached the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart in July, is featured on Miranda’s seventh studio album, Wildcard.
“This song is special,” said Miranda when the song was released. “It’s got this hope to it. It’s got a darkness too, though, but it’s also hopeful.”
Rascal Flatts will continue to celebrate their 20th anniversary this year with the release of a new album, Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits, on Oct. 2. The 20-song collection features a number of fan-favorite hits, including “These Days,” “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “Bless the Broken Road,” “My Wish” and more.
In January, the trio—comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney—revealed they will disband this year to tackle individual projects, but they left the door open to reunite.
“When we were putting together the track listing for this, it was an emotional but nostalgic feeling getting a chance to look back during this anniversary year,” says Gary. “We hope that our fans feel the same way when they listen to it. This release and this year as a band is all a huge thank you and celebration for them.”
While the COVID-19 pandemic put a kibosh on their Farewell Tour this year, the trio released a seven-song EP, How They Remember You, in July.
Twenty Years of Rascal Flatts The Greatest Hits Track List
1. I’m Movin’ On
2. These Days
3. Bless The Broken Road
4. Fast Cars And Freedom
5. What Hurts The Most
6. Life Is A Highway
7. My Wish
8. Stand
9. Take Me There
10. Here Comes Goodbye
11. Why Wait
12. I Won’t Let Go
13. Easy (featuring Natasha Bedingfield)
14. Banjo
15. Come Wake Me Up
16. Changed
17. Rewind
18. Riot
19. I Like The Sound Of That
20. Yours If You Want It
Luke Combs revealed the track list for his upcoming deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get, which will drop on Oct. 23.
The new album will feature all 18 songs from Luke’s 2019 sophomore album, What You See Is What You Get, as well as five brand-new tracks: “Cold as You,” “The Other Guy,” “My Kinda Folk,” “Forever After All,” and “Without You,” featuring Amanda Shires.
Luke picked up two trophies at the ACM Awards on Sept. 16: Male Artist of the Year and Album of the Year (What You See Is What You Get).
Luke’s four year-career on the charts has been nothing short of amazing. Luke is the first artist in country music history to have his first two albums—This One’s for You and What You See Is What You Get—spend at least 25 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart.
In addition, Luke is the first country artist in history whose first nine singles have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Of Luke’s nine No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, eight have had multi-week runs at No. 1.
Tim McGraw performed his new single, “I Called Mama,” at the Bluebird Cafe during the ACM Awards on Sept. 16. The tune is currently No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 19 weeks.
Penned by Lance Miller, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary, “I Called Mama” is about the special connection mothers share with their children, especially when times are tough.
“My mom worked hard,” said Tim, when the song was released in May. “She was a go-getter. She always tried to do her best to provide for us. And there were times where it was almost impossible, but the thing my mom always taught us that I really remember—my sisters and I—always have dreams and always dream bigger than your circumstances. And then always treat people nicely, treat people kind.”
Vols OL Trey Smith & K Brent Cimaglia / Credit: UT Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee had five players named to the 2020 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference football teams on Thursday, as announced by the league office.
Senior offensive lineman Trey Smith and senior placekicker Brent Cimaglia led the way as first-team selections. The sophomore duo of offensive lineman Wanya Morris and linebacker Henry To’o To’o were named to the second team while junior defensive back Bryce Thompson earned third-team honors.
UT’s five selections were its most since having eight players named to the preseason all-conference teams prior to the 2016 season. To view the full All-SEC preseason teams, click HERE.
For Smith, Thursday’s announcement added to an already impressive list of preseason accolades that includes multiple first-team All-America honors as well as being named to a handful of national award preseason watch lists. Smith was a first-team All-SEC selection by the media and coaches after anchoring the Vols’ offensive line in 2019. The Jackson, Tennessee, native also won the 2019 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and took home the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy after a dominant junior season. Smith, a potential first-round pick, decided to forego the 2020 NFL Draft to return to Tennessee for his senior season.
Cimaglia has also garnered some well-deserved preseason attention after one best seasons ever by a Tennessee kicker last year. The senior drilled 23 of his 27 field goal attempts last season, including two from 50-plus yards, to earn second-team All-SEC honors. Cimaglia also connected on all 35 extra point attempts and was 9-of-11 on kicks of 40 or more yards. The Nashville native was a 2019 Lou Groza Award semifinalist and was also named to the 2020 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List.
Morris will look to build on a solid freshman campaign that saw him earn Freshman All-SEC team honors as well as 247Sports True Freshman All-America recognition. The former 5-star recruit started 12 of UT’s 13 games at left tackle in 2019, helping the Vols close the season with six consecutive wins.
To’o To’o was one of the top freshman defensive players in the country last season and finished second on the team with 72 tackles, including five tackles for loss. His 72 tackles ranked second among SEC freshmen and fourth among FBS freshmen.
The Sacramento, California, native was named to the 2019 SEC All-Freshman team as well as Freshman All-America teams selected by The Athletic and 247Sports. With the departure of senior linebacker Daniel Bituli, To’o To’o is expected to take over as the leader of Tennessee’s defense this season. He has been named to preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award and Bednarik Award.
Thompson has been the Vols’ top corner for each of the past two seasons, racking up 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, 15 pass breakups and six interceptions during his two years with the program. The Irmo, South Carolina, native did not allow a single touchdown in 325 coverage snaps last season according to PFF College. Thompson also tied the school record for interceptions in a game by picking off three passes in the first half of UT’s 30-7 win over UAB.
Tennessee kicks off its 2020 season in nine days with a visit to South Carolina. For the most up to date information on Tennessee Football, visit UTSports.com and follow the Vols on Twitter (@Vol_Football), Instagram (@Vol_Football) and Facebook (Tennessee Football).
2020 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors
Brent Cimaglia, Sr., PK
Lou Groza Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, Coaches, College Football News, PFF, Phil Steele)
Eric Gray, So., RB
Doak Walker Award Watch List
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)
Trey Smith, Sr., OL
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Associated Press, Athlon, CBSSports.com, Phil Steele, Sporting News)
Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, Coaches, College Football News, PFF, Phil Steele)
Bryce Thompson, Jr., DB
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Henry To’o To’o, So., LB
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Butkus Award Watch List
Bednarik Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Coaches)
Here’s a photo gallery courtesy of the UT Athletics from Tennessee fall football practice 16 for the 2020 season from Thursday. Click on any image to see it full size with the ability to scroll through.
Vols Football Fall Practice 16
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back Romello Edwards #7 and Wide receiver Cedric Tillman #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon #98 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Linebacker Morven Joseph #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back Trevon Flowers #1 and Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Malachi Wideman #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Offensive lineman K'Rojhn Calbert #74 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback Brian Maurer #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback J.T. Shrout #12 and Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back William Wright #36 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Dee Beckwith #21 and Quarterback Brian Maurer #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback J.T. Shrout #12 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Cedric Tillman #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Greg Emerson #90 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Darel Middleton #97 and Defensive back Theo Jackson #26 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - The Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Here’s a photo gallery courtesy of the UT Athletics from Tennessee fall football practice 16 for the 2020 season from Thursday. Click on any image to see it full size with the ability to scroll through.
