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

Watch Luke Bryan Perform “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here” on “Late Night With Seth Meyers”

Watch Luke Bryan Perform “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here” on “Late Night With Seth Meyers”

Posted on August 13, 2020

Luke Bryan treated fans to a virtual performance of “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here” on Late Night With Seth Meyers.

The tune is the title track to Luke’s new album, which dropped on Aug. 7. Penned by Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers and Josh Thompson, “Born Here, Live Here, Die Here” is one of 10 tunes on the new album, which already features three back-to-back-to-back No. 1 singles: “Knockin’ Boots,” “What She Wants Tonight” and “One Margarita.”

“My thing is, write and find some songs, and get about five or six songs going for the album—that starts setting the tone,” said Luke during a virtual media scrum on July 30. “Once you have five or six songs recorded, you can start feeling the vibe of the project. And then from there, you start seeing, ‘Well, what do I need from here? And what am I missing? Do I have too many uptempos, do I have too many mids? I don’t have enough love songs.’ My thing is: spread it out. Try to check a lot of boxes. I’m seven albums in. The current album cycle is about every two years. That’s 14 years of album making I’ve been a part of, which is insane to think about. At the end of it all, when I finish an album, I really try to have it be quite diverse and to let each track live on its own, stand on its own, and really speak for itself.”

Watch Luke’s performance from Late Night With Seth Meyers below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Tennessee Senate & House Pass Resolution Honoring the Memory of Charlie Daniels

Tennessee Senate & House Pass Resolution Honoring the Memory of Charlie Daniels

Posted on August 12, 2020

The Tennessee Senate passed a resolution honoring the memory of Charlie Daniels on Aug. 11.

The ceremonial resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 8011, passed with a unanimous vote of 28 to 0, stating, in part, “that we celebrate the life of Charlie Daniels, even as we mourn his passing, and reflect fondly upon his impeccable character and indelible legacy as one of the greatest and most enduring country music artists of his generation.”

The Tennessee House passed the resolution on Aug. 12 with a vote of 90 to 0 (2 members abstaining).

The resolution will now be submitted to Governor Bill Lee for his signature.

Charlie died on July 6, 2020, at the age of 83 after suffering a stroke.

The resolution acknowledges many of Charlie’s accomplishments, including his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame (2016) and the Musicians Hall of Fame (2009), as well as becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry (2008).

As the fiddle-playing frontman of the Charlie Daniels Band, Charlie scored a number of Top 20 singles, including “Drinkin’ My Baby Goodbye,” “Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues,” “In America,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” which topped the charts in 1979.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 55 years, Hazel, and their son, Charlie Daniels, Jr.

photo by TCD

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