Thomas Rhett scored his 16th No. 1 single as “Be a Light” topped the Mediabase chart this week.
TR teamed with Reba McEntire, Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Chris Tomlin and Keith Urban to record the bright new tune in March. Thomas Rhett co-penned the song with Josh Miller, Josh Thompson and Matt Dragstrem. TR and the song’s collaborators have been donating all proceeds from “Be A Light” to the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which was created by The Recording Academy to help people in the music industry affected by the coronavirus disease outbreak and subsequent cancellation of music events.
“I’m completely blown away and humbled by the support of ‘Be A Light’ from the fans, country radio and the entire industry,” Thomas Rhett said. “When we decided to release this song in March, it was the best way I knew how to share what was on my heart, and I’m feeling so hopeful and encouraged to see so many of you inspired to take action because of it in your own communities. Thank y’all for coming together like this!”
“Be a Light” is nominated for Musical Event of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards on Nov. 11.
Following the blueprint Garth Brooks and Encore Live created with his concert event that aired across more than 300 drive-in theaters in June, Kane Brown is taking his talents to the drive-in on Sept. 26.
Kane’s new, one-night-only concert, which was filmed exclusively for drive-in theaters across North America, is being presented by Encore Live in the next installment of its series—Encore Drive-In Nights—that has also featured Blake Shelton and Metallica.
Hosted by Keith Urban, the ACM Awards will air live from Nashville on Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. The show will take place at three iconic Nashville institutions: the Grand Ole Opry House, The Bluebird Cafe and Ryman Auditorium.
In the lead-up to the awards show on Sept. 16, Circle TV will air ACM Awards Red Carpet Week: a slate of programs beginning on Sept. 12 that will include live performances, interviews, past performances and more. Red Carpet Week content will feature Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Luke Bryan, Blake Shelton, Old Dominion, Lee Brice, Tenille Townes, Riley Green, Martina McBride and many more.
Highlights from Red Carpet Week include a profile on Riley Green as he travels to his hometown, past Opry performances by Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton and more, and classic episodes of Hee Haw with Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and more.
Check the Circle TV schedule for a complete list of programs featured during Red Carpet Week.
Jason Isbell, Blackberry Smoke, Yacht Rock Revue and the Indigo Girls will headline live shows in Alpharetta, Ga., at Lot A at Ameris Bank Amphitheatre in October.
The shows, dubbed Live From the Drive-In, will take place across two weekends in October.
Friday, October 16 – Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit
Saturday, October 17 – Blackberry Smoke
Friday, October 23 – Indigo Girls
Saturday, October 24 – Yacht Rock Revue
In July, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi and more headlined similar shows in the Live From the Drive-In series in St. Louis, Nashville and Indianapolis.
Fans will enjoy the shows in a drive-in setting from their own private tailgating zones next to their cars. Guests are allowed to bring chairs, food and drinks.
Tickets will be available to purchase per car, with a maximum of four people permitted per car. To maintain social distancing, events will be limited capacity. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 11 at 10 a.m. local time, with pre-sale for Citi cardmembers beginning on Sept. 8 at 12 p.m. local time.
Mickey Guyton will release a new six-song EP, Bridges, on Sept. 11.
Mickey co-penned every song on the upcoming EP, which also features songwriters Karen Kosowski, Hillary Lindsey, Jesse Frasure, Nathan Chapman and Victoria Banks. The EP includes recent releases “Black Like Me” and “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” as well as current single, “Heaven Down Here.”
“Two years ago, this project didn’t feel like it was even a possibility,” says Mickey. “This EP proves that in your darkest moments, you can have your biggest breakthroughs. I think back to all of the obstacles in my life and career, including writing and recording most of this EP in quarantine during a time of social unrest, and how it has all led to the birth of this beautiful project. I hope these songs provide others with the same happiness and strength they have provided me in these uncertain times.”
In August, Mickey and husband Grant Savoy announced they are expecting their first child.
Listen to “Heaven Down Here,” which Mickey penned with Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear and Hillary Lindsey.
The Grand Ole Opry will tally its 4,941st consecutive Saturday night broadcast on Sept. 12 with a showcase featuring Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Riley Green and Mark Wills.
Tenille and Riley recently earned ACM Awards for New Female Vocalist of the Year and New Male Vocalist of the Year, respectively. Ashley is nominated for three awards at the upcoming CMA Awards, while Mark was inducted into the Opry in January 2019.
The one-hour show will air live on Circle Television at 7 p.m. CT. The show will also stream live on Circle’s YouTube.
The Grand Ole Opry has aired without an audience present since March 19 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a number of stars have helped keep the Opry’s Saturday night shows rolling along, including Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Clint Black, Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Luke Combs, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood and more.
Here’s a photo gallery courtesy of the UT Athletics from Tennessee fall football practice 11 for the 2020 season from Monday. Click on any image to see it full size with the ability to scroll through.
Vols Football Fall Practice 11
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Wide Receiver Cedric Tillman #4 and Defensive back Tyus Fields #17 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Wide Receiver Cedric Tillman #4 and Defensive back Doneiko Slaughter #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 07, 2020 - The Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 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 07, 2020 - Wide receiver Jalin Hyatt #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Linebacker Morven Joseph #19 and Offensive lineman Ollie Lane #78 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 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 07, 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 07, 2020 - Defensive back Doneiko Slaughter #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 07, 2020 - Wide receiver Brandon Johnson #7 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Defensive back Tyus Fields #17 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Linebacker Solon Page III #38 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 07, 2020 - Defensive lineman Isaac Green #96 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Here’s footage of the University of Tennessee football team’s Practice 11 of fall practice for the 2020 season. Video provided by VFL Films and UT Athletics.
DB Warren Burrell (L) and DC Derrick Ansley (middle) / Credit: UT Athletics
We hope you’ve been good boys and girls this year, because three country artists have announced upcoming holiday albums that will make the perfect stocking stuffers. Here’s what you need to know about the new Christmas albums from Carrie Underwood, Dolly Parton, Terri Clark, Maddie & Tae, and Runaway June.
Carrie Underwood
Album:My Gift Release Date: Sept. 25 What You Need to Know: The holiday offering will feature a combination of beloved traditional favorites and original material that celebrate Carrie’s faith and the spiritual nature of Christmas. My Gift was produced by Greg Wells and mixed by Serban Ghenea. The album features a world-class orchestra led by conductor David Campbell. What Carrie Says: “It’s really hard naming a Christmas album I tried to think about the songs that are in it, so I started thinking about individual songs and one of my favorites is ‘Little Drummer Boy’ . . . I love music. I love singing. That is my personal gift that I have that I get to do, that I’m so blessed to do, and I want to use that gift and I want to give it back to Jesus. That’s kind of why I landed on My Gift as an album title.” Track Listing:
“Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee”
“O Come All Ye Faithful”
“Let There Be Peace”
“Little Drummer Boy” feat. Isaiah Fisher
“Sweet Baby Jesus”
“Hallelujah” with John Legend
“O Holy Night”
“Mary, Did You Know?”
“Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”
“Away in a Manger”
“Silent Night”
Terri Clark
Album: It’s Christmas…Cheers! Release Date: Sept. 25 What You Need to Know: Produced by Terri, the 10-song collection includes a host of holiday standards. A number of guest artists are featured on the project, including Dierks Bentley, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Pam Tillis, Suzy Bogguss and The Time Jumpers. What Terri Says: “I resisted making and releasing a Christmas album for many years, even though I’m a big Christmas person and love the music of the season. It’s been done by the best in so many amazing ways and I wanted to wait until I felt I could make it special, be excited about it, and do it justice in my own way. Having The Time Jumpers to collaborate with and the wonderful guest artists featured—it did just that. I am eager for everyone to hear the record that was almost two years in the making but took 25 years to get around to.” Track Listing:
“Winter Wonderland”
“Jingle Bells”
“The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting On An Open Fire)”
“I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
“Cowboy Christmas” feat. Ricky Skaggs
“Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” with Dierks Bentley
“Silent Night” feat. Vince Gill
“Up On The Housetop”
“Silver Bells” feat. The Oak Ridge Boys
“Away In A Manager” with Pam Tillis & Suzy Bogguss
Dolly Parton
Album:A Holly Dolly Christmas Release Date: Oct. 2 What You Need to Know: The 12-song collection features several holiday standards, as well as six 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. The new release will be Dolly’s first holiday album since 1990’s Home for Christmas. What Dolly Says: “I figured since everybody probably wouldn’t get to celebrate Christmas as usual this year, I wanted to be creative instead of sitting around at the house this summer. So I put on my mask, gloves and practiced social distancing, as well as all of the wonderful musicians and singers, and we proceeded to put together what I think is some of the best work that I’ve ever done. Kent Wells produced the album. As you know, Kent has been my friend, band leader and producer for many years. He’s outdone himself on this one. I’m just hoping that you’re gonna love it as much as we loved putting it together.” Track Listing:
“Holly Jolly Christmas”
“Christmas Is” feat. Miley Cyrus
“Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” with Michael Bublé
“Christmas On The Square”
“Circle Of Love”
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” with Jimmy Fallon
“Comin’ Home For Christmas”
“Christmas Where We Are” feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
“Pretty Paper” with Willie Nelson
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
“You Are My Christmas” feat. Randy Parton
“Mary, Did You Know?”
Maddie & Tae
Album: We Need Christmas Release Date: Oct. 23 What You Need to Know: 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).” What Maddie & Tae Say: “We are so proud of this project and loved recreating some of our favorite Christmas classics, as well as write some of our own. 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.” Track Listing:
“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)
Runaway June
Album: When I Think About Christmas Release Date: Oct. 16 What You Need to Know: The five-song EP features three holiday standards, “Sleigh Ride,” “O Holy Night” and “Let It Snow,” as well as two original tunes, “Christmas on the Radio” and the title track. What Runaway June Says: “Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas, has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds. So we put our own little spin on Christmas music, and we’ve got some fiddle, so why not.” Track Listing:
“Christmas on the Radio” (Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
“Sleigh Ride” (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
“O Holy Night” (traditional)
“When I Think About Christmas” (Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)
Jaguars QB Joshua Dobbs prepares during a NFL training session of the Jacksonville Jaguars at the at Allianz Park in London, Friday, Nov. 1, 2019.The Jacksonville Jaguars are preparing for an NFL regular season game against the Houston Texans in London on Sunday. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Here are all the NFL roster cutdown and practice squad transactions in the NFL involving University of Tennessee players in moves announced by the National Football League.
Rosters were required to get down to 53 players on Saturday. The practice squad maximum is 16 players per team, with veterans that can be included.
Look for constant VFL in the NFL updates here on my blog “Vince’s View.” Bookmark my blog page and check back often.
Recent Roster Moves 9/4
RB John Kelly waived by Rams
LB Daniel Bituli waived by Rams
DE Jonathan Kongbo waived by 49ers (off IL, injury settlement)
9/5
QB Joshua Dobbs waived by Jaguars
DT Reginald “Kahlil” McKenzie waived by Bengals
WR Josh Malone waived by Jets
S Nigel Warrior waived by Ravens
DT Daniel McCullers waived by Steelers
TE Jason Croom waived by Bills
WR Jauan Jennings waived by 49ers
TE Ethan Wolf waived by Saints
QB Tyler Bray waived by Bears
ex-Vol from Duke TE Daniel Helm waived by Chiefs
ex-Vol from Georgia TE Eli Wolf waived by Ravens
local product from West HS RB Nathan Cottrell waived by Jaguars
local product from Farragut HS OL Nathan Gilliam waived by Chargers
DE Darrell Taylor placed on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List (out minimum of 8 games)
9/6
QB Joshua Dobbs signed by Steelers (53-player roster)
WR Jauan Jennings signed to 49ers practice squad
LB Daniel Bituli signed to Rams practice squad
S Nigel Warrior signed to Ravens practice squad
TE Jason Croom signed to Bills practice squad
QB Tyler Bray signed to Bears practice squad
DT Reginald “Kahlil” McKenzie signed to Bengals practice squad
WR Josh Malone signed to Jets practice squad
DT Daniel McCullers signed to Steelers practice squad
ex-Vol from Georgia TE Eli Wolf signed to Ravens practice squad
local product from West HS Nathan Cottrell signed to Jaguars practice squad
local product from Farragut HS Nathan Gilliam signed to Chargers practice squad
Tennessee Volunteers On 53-Player NFL Rosters as of 9/7/20 (20) x = Rookie
AFC East (2) FB – Jakob Johnson (47) New England Patriots
DE – Kyle Phillips (98) New York Jets
NONE – Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins
AFC North (3)
LS – Morgan Cox (46) Baltimore Ravens
DB – Cameron Sutton (20) Pittsburgh Steelers
QB – Joshua Dobbs (5) Pittsburgh Steelers
NONE – Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns
AFC South (1)
OG – Zach Fulton (73) Houston Texans – Starting RG
NONE – Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans
AFC West (3)
ILB – Alexander Johnson (45) Denver Broncos
DE – Kendal Vickers (78) Las Vegas Raiders
TE – Jason Witten (82) Las Vegas Raiders
NONE – Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East (2)
DE – Derek Barnett (96) Philadelphia Eagles
DT – Malik Jackson (97) Philadelphia Eagles
NONE – Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Washington Redskins
NFC North (4)
WR – Cordarrelle Patterson (84) Chicago Bears
CB – Justin Coleman (27) Detroit Lions
OLB – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) Detroit Lions
P – Britton Colquitt (2) Minnesota Vikings
NONE – Green Bay Packers
NFC South (4)
TE – Luke Stocker (88) Atlanta Falcons
RB – Alvin Kamara (41) New Orleans Saints
DT – Shy Tuttle (99) New Orleans Saints
WR – Marquez Callaway (12) New Orleans Saints – x
NONE – Carolina Panthers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West (1)
CB – Emmanuel Moseley (41) San Francisco 49ers
NONE – Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle Seahawks
VFL Inactives (11)
OT – Ja’Wuan James (70) Denver Broncos (Opted Out for 2020 season)
P – Michael Palardy (5) Carolina Panthers (Reserve Non-Football Injury List/out for the season/torn ACL)
DE/OLB – Darrell Taylor (58) Seattle Seahawks (Reserve Non-Football Injury List/out minimum of 8 games)
WR – Jauan Jennings (81) San Francisco 49ers (Practice Squad)
LB – Daniel Bituli (49) Los Angeles Rams (Practice Squad)
QB – Tyler Bray (9) Chicago Bears (Practice Squad)
S – Nigel Warrior (39) Baltimore Ravens (Practice Squad)
DT – Reginald “Kahlil” McKenzie (69) Cincinnati Bengals (Practice Squad)
NT – Dan McCullers (93) Pittsburgh Steelers (Practice Squad)
WR – Josh Malone (83) New York Jets (Practice Squad)
TE – Jason Croom (80) Buffalo Bills (Practice Squad)
Active UT Players In The NFL By Position (20)
QB – 1
RB – 1
WR – 2
TE – 2
FB – 1
OL – 1
DL – 5
LB – 2
DB – 3
P – 1
PK – 0
LS – 1
Active One-Time Vols That Transferred To Other Schools On NFL Rosters (4) x = Rookie
TE – Lee Smith (85) Buffalo Bills (Powell HS/U. of Tennessee/Marshall)
P – Tommy Townsend (5) Kansas City Chiefs (U. of Tennessee/Florida) – x
QB – Nathan Peterman (3) Las Vegas Raiders (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)
WR – Preston Williams (18) Miami Dolphins (U. of Tennessee/Colorado St)
Inactives (2)
WR – Jalen Hurd (14) San Francisco 49ers (U. of Tennessee/Baylor) (Reserve/Injured/out for season/torn ACL)
TE – Eli Wolf (87) Baltimore Ravens (U. of Tennessee/Georgia) (Practice Squad) – x
Active Knoxville Area Players That Didn’t Play At UT on NFL Rosters (4) x = Rookie
WR – Tee Higgins (85) Cincinnati Bengals (Oak Ridge HS/Clemson) – x
P – Chris Jones (6) Dallas Cowboys (Carson-Newman)
WR – Randall Cobb (18) Houston Texans (Alcoa HS/Kentucky)
S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame)
Inactives (2)
RB – Nathan Cottrell (31) Jacksonville Jaguars (West HS/Georgia Tech) (Practice Squad) – x
OL – Nate Gilliam (63) Los Angeles Chargers (Farragut HS/Wake Forest) (Practice Squad) – x
Notes and Numbers On UT Players
*20 U. of Tennessee players on expanded active NFL rosters
*11 other players are inactive on practice squads (8) reserve lists (2) or opt-outs (1)
*New Orleans has most current UT players with 3
*DL is the largest position represented with 5
*14 of the 32 teams have a UT player on active rosters
*There are 4 players that were once at U. of Tennessee but then transferred
*There are 4 players that didn’t attend UT, but have Knoxville/East TN ties
*1 rookie VFL made the 53-player rosters (Callaway)
*5 players went to high school in Knoxville area are on final rosters (B. Colquitt, L. Smith, H. Smith, R. Cobb, T. Higgins)
