Morgan Wallen Shares Nostalgic New Song, “7 Summers” [Listen]

Morgan Wallen Shares Nostalgic New Song, “7 Summers” [Listen]

Posted on August 14, 2020

Morgan Wallen shared a new track, “7 Summers,” on Aug. 13.

Co-penned by Morgan, Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, “7 Summers” is expected to be part of Morgan’s upcoming sophomore album. Morgan initially teases the song via Instagram, before it began making the rounds on TikTok, which ultimately convinced Morgan to release the breezy tune.

“‘7 Summers’ is a song that originally I didn’t even know if it was going to make my album or if I was ever going to put it out,” says Morgan. “But when quarantine first started, I was challenged to do a demo on Instagram, so I put out the first verse and chorus of ‘7 Summers.’ I heard a lot of good feedback from it on Instagram, and then it started making the rounds on TikTok—I saw how much the song was getting played and how much people were enjoying it, even just the first verse and chorus. Social media played a huge part in me releasing this song, especially this early. It’s a cool thing—me being on the fence about it, then being able to put it out and get people’s feedback. Seeing the response played the biggest part in this release. I think that speaks to just how much fans mean to me and fans mean to music. I’m glad I’m getting to put it out and glad people are loving it, I can’t wait for y’all to hear the full version.”

Watch Morgan’s new lyric video for “7 Summers.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Tim McGraw’s Looking to Make a Deal in New Video for “7500 OBO” [Watch]

Tim McGraw’s Looking to Make a Deal in New Video for “7500 OBO” [Watch]

Posted on August 14, 2020

Tim McGraw shared a new song, “7500 OBO,” a track from his upcoming 16th studio album, Here On Earth, which drops on Aug. 21.

Penned by Matt McGinn, Jennifer Schott and Nathan Spicer, “7500 OBO” finds Tim crooning about “an ’06, stick shift, dark blue F-150” that he’s trying to sell for $7,500, or best offer.

The new tune is among a handful of songs Tim has shared from the upcoming album, following “I Called Mama,” the title track, “Hallelujaville” and “Good Taste in Women.”

The upcoming project will be Tim’s first solo release since 2015’s Damn Country Music. Tim and wife Faith Hill released a duets album, The Rest of Our Life, in 2017. A press release notes that the album “offers a collection of songs McGraw brought together to create vignettes of shared human emotions such as love, relationships, introspection and fun.”

Watch Tim’s new lyric video for “7500 OBO” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Britton Colquitt on 2020 Vikings “It is exciting. This has the makes for a good run.”

Britton Colquitt on 2020 Vikings “It is exciting. This has the makes for a good run.”

Posted on August 14, 2020
Vikings P Britton Colquitt / Credit: Minnesota Vikings media

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

Former University of Tennessee player and VFL Britton Colquitt, punter of the Minnesota Vikings, spent some time with me on a Zoom call this week.

Some of what we discussed:
*First of all…he was hilarious
*Second of all…he has a great personality anyways, but even to that standard, he was very relaxed (not your typical interview)
*Covid measures in camp
*Stories about seeing his family
*Living in Minnesota
*Confidence in getting the NFL season completed
*Difference in punting techniques on turf vs, grass and a story about his coach’s reaction in practice
*How much he’s enjoyed his time with the Vikings
*The potential of no college football season
*His appearance on several levels
*Connecting with fellow Knoxville high school product Harrison Smith
*Bearden high school sports
*If his brother Dustin will punt in the NFL this season
*Excitement level for this year’s Vikings team

Listen to that entire interview here.

Ravens’ Morgan Cox “I’ve been so impressed with the lengths they’ve gone to protect us. There’s been a lot of accountability.”

Ravens’ Morgan Cox “I’ve been so impressed with the lengths they’ve gone to protect us. There’s been a lot of accountability.”

Posted on August 14, 2020
Orlando, FL – January 26, 2020 – Camping World Stadium: Marshal Yanda (73), Earl Thomas III (29), Mark Andrews (89), Orlando Brown Jr. (78), Morgan Cox (46), Justin Tucker (9), Matthew Judon (99), Mark Ingram II (21), Patrick Ricard (42), Ronnie Stanley (79), Lamar Jackson (8) and Marlon Humphrey (44) of the Baltimore Ravens AFC all-stars selection during the 2020 NFL Pro Bowl
(Photo by Heather Harvey / ESPN Images)

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

Former University of Tennessee player and VFL Morgan Cox, long snapper of the Baltimore Ravens, hung out with me on a Zoom call this week.

Some of what we discussed:
*His daily routine with all health and safety precautions the team and the league has
*Confidence he has that this NFL season can be successful
*The amazing regular season he experienced with the Ravens last season
*Playoff loss to the Titans including “Derrick Henry looked like a freight train”
*Things, besides talent, that make Lamar Jackson so special
*Possibility of not having a college football season
*How much, if at all, he’s thought about how long he’ll play in the NFL
*How special the Ravens organization has been
*Talking with Vols rookie VFL DB Nigel Warrior

Listen to that entire interview here.

SEC to review impact of cancellation of fall NCAA Championships

SEC to review impact of cancellation of fall NCAA Championships

Posted on August 13, 2020
SEC logo / Credit: CollegePressBox

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – The SEC will review with its member schools the impact of the NCAA Championships cancellation in the sports of soccer, volleyball and cross-country following the announcement by the NCAA Thursday afternoon that national participation in those sports has fallen below 50 percent among Division I institutions.

The NCAA had previously declared that if 50 percent or more of eligible teams in a particular sport in a division cancel their fall season, there would be no fall NCAA championship in that sport in that division.

“Our soccer, volleyball and cross-country student-athletes are working hard to prepare for their seasons and they have been diligent in taking personal health precautions and following protocols around COVID-19,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.  “We will support them in every way possible as we evaluate the impact of these cancellations on their fall sports seasons.”

The NCAA also determined that “if fall sports championships are postponed in any division, a decision to conduct that championship at a later date will be based upon the scientific data available at that time regarding COVID-19, along with other considerations” according to an August 5 announcement.  That discussion is expected to take place at the next meeting of the NCAA Board of Directors.

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Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Venues Launch “Battle of the Bands” Series

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Venues Launch “Battle of the Bands” Series

Posted on August 13, 2020

Blake Shelton’s four Ole Red venues—Nashville, Gatlinburg, Tishomingo and Orlando—will launch a new competition series on Aug. 19.

Ole Red Battle of the Bands will be a weekly competition that takes place across all Ole Red locations. Four artists/bands—one at each venue—will play two songs (one cover, one original). The performances from each venue will be livestreamed into the others. At the end of the evening, the audience at each participating location will go online to the venue’s website to cast their vote. The winning band will take home a monetary prize.

The program will take place each Wednesday evening beginning at 6 p.m. CT.

The series will kick off on Aug. 19 with Dismal River Boys performing from Ole Red Nashville, Monroeville performing from Ole Red Gatlinburg, Telina Rudd and The Red Clay Gypsies performing from Ole Red Tishomingo and Bryan Malpass performing from Ole Red Orlando.

Upcoming performances include:

Aug. 26
Clayton Shay – Ole Red Nashville
Lance and Lea – Ole Red Gatlinburg
Jason Tally – Ole Red Tishomingo
Dusty Sage Band – Ole Red Orlando

photo by TCD

Mickey Guyton to Release New EP, “Bridges,” on Sept. 11

Mickey Guyton to Release New EP, “Bridges,” on Sept. 11

Posted on August 13, 2020

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.”

Bridges Track List & Songwriters

  1. “Heaven Down Here” (Mickey Guyton, Gordie Sampson, Josh Kear, Hillary Lindsey)
  2. “Bridges” (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
  3. “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” (Mickey Guyton, Karen Kosowski, Victoria Banks, Emma-Lee)
  4. “Rosé” (Mickey Guyton, Victoria Banks, Karen Kosowski)
  5. “Salt” (Mickey Guyton, Jesse Frasure, Carly Barlowe, Steven Lee Olsen)
  6. “Black Like Me” (Mickey Guyton, Nathan Chapman, Fraser Churchill, Emma Davidson-Dillon)

photo by Arroyo/O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Dolly Parton to Release New Holiday Album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” on Oct. 2

Dolly Parton to Release New Holiday Album, “A Holly Dolly Christmas,” on Oct. 2

Posted on August 13, 2020

Dolly Parton will release a new holiday album, A Holly Dolly Christmas, on Oct. 2.

The 12-song collection features several holiday standards, such as “Mary, Did You Know,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and more, 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.

“I am so excited to announce my new Christmas album, A Holly Dolly Christmas,” says Dolly. “I have recorded several Christmas classics like ‘Holly Jolly Christmas,’ as well as some new material that I hope might become Christmas classics. I’ve recorded five duets with five very special artists as you can see. 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. So enjoy, and Merry Christmas!”

The new release will be Dolly’s first holiday album since 1990’s Home for Christmas.

A Holly Dolly Christmas

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

Willie Nelson Teams With 10 ACM New Artist Nominees for Remake of “On the Road Again” [Listen]

Willie Nelson Teams With 10 ACM New Artist Nominees for Remake of “On the Road Again” [Listen]

Posted on August 13, 2020

Willie Nelson teamed with 10 “new” artists to remake his iconic hit, “On the Road Again,” which was released to digital platforms and country radio on Aug. 13.

The remix features this year’s 10 ACM Award New Artist of the Year nominees: Ingrid Andress, Gabby Barrett, Jordan Davis, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Riley Green, Caylee Hammack, Cody Johnson, Tenille Townes and Morgan Wallen.

Proceeds from the single, which was produced by Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, will benefit ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund to be disbursed to individuals in the country music community who are currently in need of pandemic relief assistance.

“On the Road Again,” which Willie penned and recorded, topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 1980. The tune won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1981.

Listen to the new version of “On the Road Again” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Gone West Disbands Two Months After Debut Album

Gone West Disbands Two Months After Debut Album

Posted on August 13, 2020

Country quartet Gone West—comprised of Colbie Caillat, Justin Kawika Young, Jason Reeves and Nelly Joy—released its debut album, Canyons, on June 12.

Two months later on Aug. 12, Colbie announced via Instagram that she and Justin have decided to leave the group: “After a lot of thought during this time, Justin and I have decided to leave Gone West. Creative partnerships, especially with friends, are both rewarding and challenging at times, and though this was not an easy decision, we know ending the band was the right one. Justin and I are best friends and will continue to make music together forever. We’re so proud of the music the four of us created together over the past three years. Canyons is an album we truly love and cherish, every song holds so much truth in experiences we all go through in life. I want to thank all of my fans and all of Gone Wests fans for supporting our music, coming to our shows, and everything in-between. I also want to thank Country radio, JR & Sirius XM, Triple Tigers and our entire teams hard work and creativity, and for believing in us and helping our music get out into the world. Thany you all. Here’s to whatever adventure comes next…”

Comprised of two-time Grammy-winner Colbie Caillat, Grammy-winning songwriter Jason Reeves, Hawaiian recording artist Justin Kawika Young and ACM Award nominee Nelly Joy, the four members joined forces in 2018 after successful individual careers as recording artists and songwriters.

The members of the group have known each other for more than a decade. Nelly and Jason are married, while Colbie and Justin recently broke off their engagement but continue to remain close friends. The foursome’s moniker was an homage to their homes states—Iowa, Texas, California and Hawaii—which, of course, are all west of their current Nashville residence.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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