Rascal Flatts Saying Goodbye—For Now—With New 7-Song EP, “How They Remember You”

Rascal Flatts Saying Goodbye—For Now—With New 7-Song EP, “How They Remember You”

Posted on July 31, 2020

Rascal Flatts is saying goodbye—for now—with its new seven-song EP, How They Remember You, which dropped on July 31.

In January, the trio—comprised of Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Roone—revealed they will disband this year to tackle individual projects, but they left the door open to reunite. While the COVID-19 pandemic put a kibosh on their Farewell Tour this year, the trio is hoping to keep their longtime fans entertained with the new EP.

The EP includes six brand-new tracks, as well as a rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “Through the Years.” The new EP features songs co-penned by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and more.

Rascal Flatts released the album’s title track as their new single on June 19. Penned by Marc Beeson, Josh Osborne and Allen Shamblin, “How They Remember You” is No. 36 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after six weeks.

How They Remember You Track List & Songwriters

  1. How They Remember You (Marc Beeson, Josh Osborne, Allen Shamblin)
  2. Feel It In The Morning (Zach Beeken, Jared Keim, Jenn Schott, Will Weatherly)
  3. Quick, Fast, In A Hurry (featuring Rachel Wammack) (Kelly Archer, AJ Babcock, Pete Good, Brandon Ratcliff)
  4. Looking Back (Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley, Thomas Rhett)
  5. Warmer (Fancy Hagood, David Hodges, Brett McLaughlin)
  6. Sip Away (Zach Beeken, Jacob Durrett, Jared Keim, Garrett Nichols, Jason Sellers)
  7. Through The Years (Steve Dorff, Marty Panzer)

photo by TCD

Exclusive: Chris Tomlin Sings the Praises of the Artists & Songs on His New Worship Album, “Chris Tomlin & Friends”

Exclusive: Chris Tomlin Sings the Praises of the Artists & Songs on His New Worship Album, “Chris Tomlin & Friends”

Posted on July 31, 2020

Chris Tomlin is a heavyweight in the world of Contemporary Christian Music, having scored 16 No. 1 singles, sold more than nine million albums, and earned numerous awards, including one Grammy, three Billboard Music Awards and 21 Dove Awards. 

Recently, mainstream country music fans may recognize Chris’ name—and vocals—from Thomas Rhett’s current Top 10 single, “Be a Light,” which also features Keith Urban, Reba McEntire and Hillary Scott.

For his new album, Chris Tomlin & Friends, which was released on July 31, the Texas native enlisted the musical talents of a host of country stars, including Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Lady A, Brett Young, RaeLynn, Chris Lane, Russell Dickerson, Cassadee Pope and more. FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley collaborated with Chris on a number of the album’s songs and served as executive producers on the 13-track album.

In our exclusive interview, Chris “sings the praises” of the artists featured on his new album in a song-by-song breakdown.

1. “Thank You Lord” (intro)

2. “Thank You Lord” feat. Florida Georgia Line & Thomas Rhett; written by Chris Tomlin, Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, Corey Crowder, David Garcia

“This song has country, Jackson 5, R&B, pop. It’s just a great smash-up of everything. It was important to each of us to sing this one together. ‘For my momma and for my friends, for my babies, for my girl.’ I play it for my girls and instantly they start dancing.”

3. “Reaching For You” feat. We The Kingdom; written by Chris Tomlin, Shay Mooney, Ed Cash

“I was writing with Ed Cash and Shay [Mooney of Dan + Shay] one day and someone sent us a video of Bon Jovi performing ‘Living On a Prayer’ from a stadium show in Europe. Thousands and thousands of people with their hands raised. I was thinking, ‘Isn’t that interesting? It doesn’t look any different than a big worship event with Hillsong or at one of my concerts. The difference is who you are reaching for.’ Shay then said, ‘Oh we need to write that right now.’ ‘I know who I’m reaching for when I raise my hands and it’s not for some superstar on a stage. It’s for the Lord, for God our father.’ That’s where that song started.”

4. “Who You Are To Me” feat. Lady A; written by Chris Tomlin, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood

“This song came so fast and so easy. It speaks to where so many of us are and this idea of who God is to us. It’s personal. I’ve known the depths of who you are because I know where you pulled me from. ‘But I’ve seen you part the waters when no one else could pull me from the deep. That’s who you are to me.’”

5. “God Who Listens” feat. Thomas Rhett; written by Chris Tomlin, Thomas Rhett, Ashley Gorley, David Garcia

“When we pray to God, we’re praying to a God who listens. That is the difference maker right there. Yes, he is massive and powerful and created all things, but he also listens and draws close to you. He’s a friend to you.”

6. “Power” feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE; written by Chris Tomlin, Pat Barrett, Ed Cash

“I wrote with Pat Barrett and Ed Cash a while back, but I always wanted someone with me on this song. I had just come off a guy’s adventure trip with Tyler [Hubbard] and Bear Rinehart. Each night we’d get around the campfire and pass the guitar around. Every time Bear would sing, none of us wanted to sing after him. His voice is so unique and powerful, so I asked him if he’d like to be on it. The whole idea is about God’s power. There’s wonder working power, Holy Spirit power, great redeeming power, resurrection power, bondage-breaking power, power in the name of Jesus. It just keeps coming at you with all these different ways of saying the power of God.”

7. “Be The Moon” feat. Brett Young & Cassadee Pope; written by Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard

“This is an idea I’ve had for a while. You can sum up Christianity into three words: be the moon. None of us have light on our own, but we reflect a greater light to the world. Our place is to just be a reflection of God’s light to people.”

8. “Sing” feat. Russell Dickerson & Florida Georgia Line; written by Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Cary Barlowe

“I love Russell’s voice on this song. It reminds me of what it would sound like if John Mayer would write a worship song, just the way the guitar feels and the way the track feels. It bridges the gap between being a romantic song and a song to God. It feels different than anything I’ve ever put out before.”

9. “Chase Me Down” feat. RaeLynn; written by Racheal Lynn David, Josh Kerr, Hannah Ellis

“I was floored instantly when Tyler brought this song to me. The chorus says, ‘You chase me down when I don’t deserve it. You chase me down I cannot earn it. When I’m lost and I’m low in a place that I think you won’t go, you chase me down.’ You can’t outrun the goodness and grace of God and she says it in such a beautiful, honest and powerful way.”

10. “Gifts From God” feat. Chris Lane; written by Chris Tomlin, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard

“This project started with this song. Reflecting on life and all the things that we don’t really consider gifts from God, but they really are. Gifts that money can’t buy. He’s saved you from what you thought you wanted, your plans, the grip that you had on your life. Every day is a gift from God. Celebrate the simple things.”

11. “Forever Home” feat. Florida Georgia Line; written by Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder

“My mom teared up over this one and said, ‘That reminds me of my dad,’ talking about my grandfather who has passed away. I love how the chorus ends, ‘When we get to our forever home, you and I will be forever home.’ It’s so simple, so powerful, talking about heaven and being with the Lord. Such a good country lines—‘When all this gravel turns to country gold.’ and ‘We’ll leave all of our worries just like work boots on the porch.’ What a beautiful scene and picture of everything we’ve built on this earth.”

12. “Together” feat. Russell Dickerson; written by Chris Tomlin, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, Russell Dickerson, Corey Crowder

“Russell and I wrote this song with Tyler, BK and Corey. The word ‘together’ really says what this record is all about. There’s a line in the song, ‘Whatever I’m in, I know that we’re in it together.’ That is a beautiful thing knowing that God walks with us in the valleys. He walks with us in the hard times of life. There’s a scripture that says, ‘In Him all things hold together.’ When it all falls apart, he’s putting the pieces together.”

13. “Tin Roof” feat. Blessing Offor; written by Blessing Offor, Natalie Hemby

“This is an artist no one knows, and his real name is Blessing. He’s a blind man from Nigeria and is an incredible piano player, singer, and songwriter. He grew up in a house with a tin roof and the sound of rain on the roof always reminds him of home. And he’s says when he thinks of home it makes him think of heaven.”

photo by E.M., AFF-USA.com

Eric Church Lays the Hammer Down in New Song, “Bad Mother Trucker” [Listen]

Eric Church Lays the Hammer Down in New Song, “Bad Mother Trucker” [Listen]

Posted on July 31, 2020

Eric Church dropped a new song, “Bad Mother Trucker,” on July 31.

Penned by Eric, Casey Beathard, Luke Dick and Jeremy Spillman and produced by Jay Joyce, “Bad Mother Trucker” follows the recent release of Eric’s new single, “Stick That in Your Country Song,” which is currently No. 34 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after five weeks.

“Bad Mother Trucker” finds Eric crooning about a female truck driver who “was hell on wheels.” Like many of Eric’s tunes, “Bad Mother Trucker” features superb backup vocals from his longtime collaborator, Joanna Cotten.

The new music follows Eric’s most recent project, 2018’s Desperate Man, his sixth studio album.

Listen to “Bad Mother Trucker” below.

photo by JPA, AFF-USA.com

Listen to Zac Brown Band’s Soothing New Song, “You and Islands”

Posted on July 31, 2020

Zac Brown Band released a soothing new song, “You and Islands,” on July 31.

Penned by Zac Brown, Ben Simonetti and Adam James, “You and Islands” was written, recorded and produced while in quarantine. The breezy tune finds Zac crooning the optimistic chorus about the feel-good days ahead: “Let’s get back to you and islands / And everything baby, everything will be alright.”

“This unprecedented time at home has given us the opportunity to write and share new music with our fans,” says Zac. “As we continue to navigate through this together, we hope our music can bring you a little bit of positivity and transport you to a different time and place—even if just for a few minutes. This was a fun track to record. We hope you sing along with us as we daydream about days to come!”

“You and Islands” is available on all digital platforms. Listen to “You and Islands” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Listen to Dan + Shay’s Stirring New Single, “I Should Probably Go to Bed”

Listen to Dan + Shay’s Stirring New Single, “I Should Probably Go to Bed”

Posted on July 31, 2020

Dan + Shay will try to score their eighth No. 1 single with the release of “I Should Probably Go to Bed,” which dropped at midnight ET on July 31. The song was produced entirely by the duo’s Dan Smyers, who performed and recorded every instrument at his home studio in Nashville.

“We’re so excited about our brand-new single,” says Dan. “We wrote part of this song in Los Angeles during Grammy week, but finished it at my house, on my piano, kind of by accident. Shay had come over to record vocals on another song that we had written. We took a break, went downstairs, started singing this song, and realized this song needs a big ending. So we really went for it. Shay delivered one of my favorite vocal performances of all time. We’re so proud that this is our new single.”

The new tune is the duo’s first single since “10,000 Hours,” which featured Justin Bieber, was released in October 2019. “10,000 Hours” topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in January 2020.

Listen to “I Should Probably Go to Bed” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

SEC to play conference-only 2020 season with Sept. 26 start date

SEC to play conference-only 2020 season with Sept. 26 start date

Posted on July 30, 2020
Smoke Monday (21) sacks Alabama’s Mac Jones in the first half.
Auburn v Alabama Iron Bowl on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2019 in Auburn, Ala.
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (July 30, 2020) – The Southeastern Conference has established September 26 as the new kickoff for its 2020 football season to allow its universities to focus on the healthy return of their campus communities and the gradual re-introduction of athletics, as the 14 members of the SEC continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday.

The 2020 SEC football season will be comprised of a 10-game Conference-only schedule and the SEC Football Championship Game will be played December 19 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, rescheduled from the original date of December 5. The schedule will include one mid-season open date for each school and an open date on December 12 for all schools.

“This new plan for a football schedule is consistent with the educational goals of our universities to allow for the safe and orderly return to campus of their student populations and to provide a healthy learning environment during these unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 virus,” Sankey said.  “This new schedule supports the safety measures that are being taken by each of our institutions to ensure the health of our campus communities.”

This action was taken following extensive discussions and thorough deliberation among the SEC’s Presidents and Chancellors, Athletics Directors, Conference Office staff, and medical advisors, led by the SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force.

“After careful consideration of the public health indicators in our region and following advice of our medical advisors, we have determined that this is the best course of action to prepare for a safe and healthy return to competition for SEC student-athletes, coaches and others associated with our sports programs,” said Sankey.

The decision to limit competition to Conference-only opponents and rescheduling the SEC Championship Game is based on the need for maximum flexibility in making any necessary scheduling adjustments while reacting to developments around the pandemic and continued advice from medical professionals.

“We believe these schedule adjustments offer the best opportunity to complete a full season by giving us the ability to adapt to the fluid nature of the virus and the flexibility to adjust schedules as necessary if disruptions occur,” Sankey said.  “It is regrettable that some of our traditional non-conference rivalries cannot take place in 2020 under this plan, but these are unique, and hopefully temporary, circumstances that call for unconventional measures.”

The rescheduled start to the season will allow the SEC to continue to monitor health trends across its 11-state footprint, as well as monitor developments in technology around mitigation and treatment of the virus, including:

  • Trends in public health indicators throughout the SEC’s 11-state footprint, including positive cases of COVID-19, hospitalizations and recovery statistics
  • State, local and campus heath directives, including restrictions on gatherings, isolation requirements for travelers, and other health and travel restrictions
  • Continued development of risk mitigation strategies
  • Continued advancement in COVID-19 testing reliability and availability
  • Continued evolution of time-based strategies for resuming activities after positive test results, including contact tracing, isolation and quarantine requirements
  • Observation of successes and challenges presented by return to competition in other sports

A revised schedule for the 2020 SEC football season will be announced at a later date following approval by the Conference’s athletics directors.

Further decisions regarding safety standards related to athletics events, tailgating and other game day activities, including social distancing, face covering and other health measures consistent with CDC, state and local guidelines, will be announced at a later date.

Other notes related to the resumption of competition:

  • The SEC announced in July that the sports of men’s and women’s cross country, soccer and volleyball would be postponed through at least August 31.  Start dates and schedules for those sports, as well as sports in their non-traditional seasons during the fall, will be announced at a later date.

  • The SEC announced in July that student-athletes in all sports who elect to not participate in intercollegiate athletics during the fall 2020 academic semester because of health and/or safety concerns related to COVID-19 will continue to have their scholarships honored by their university and will remain in good standing with their team.

  • The SEC’s Return to Activity and Medical Guidance Task Force continues to meet on policies and procedures for the safe return of student-athletes to competition, including the development of comprehensive testing and reporting policies, building on the NCAA’s Resocialization of College Sports Guidelines.

  • Each athletics program has been engaged in evaluating best practices for game operations to prepare a safe environment for student-athletes, coaches, staff, officials and other individuals necessary to conduct games.

–sec–

Statement from Tennessee AD Philip Fulmer on SEC Conference-Only Schedule

Statement from Tennessee AD Philip Fulmer on SEC Conference-Only Schedule

Posted on July 30, 2020
Credit: UT Athletics

Statement from Tennessee AD Philip Fulmer:

Today’s announcement by the Southeastern Conference provides important clarity as it relates to the 2020 football season. The league office is currently developing a revised schedule.

A tremendous amount of thought and discussion went into making what we believe is a responsible decision on scheduling format, and it’s exciting to be making progress toward competition. Our student-athletes and coaches are working hard to prepare while prioritizing health and safety. There are still several logistical unknowns, but we appreciate Vol Nation being patient and sticking with us as we continue to work through these unique circumstances.

Our next important reference point is a decision on capacity at Neyland Stadium. We plan to coordinate with state and local officials on gameday attendance, understanding that potential limitations could change from week to week once the season begins. This underscores the importance of the public practicing healthy habits statewide.

We’ve been working through plans for several different capacity scenarios and ticket allocation strategies and aim to communicate specifics once details are finalized.

Conversations remain ongoing at the NCAA and conference level regarding fall plans for Olympic sports.

-UT Athletics

Taylor Swift to Ship New Single, “Betty,” to Country Radio [Listen]

Taylor Swift to Ship New Single, “Betty,” to Country Radio [Listen]

Posted on July 30, 2020

For the first time in almost three years, Taylor Swift will ship a new single, “Betty,” to country radio.

Penned by Taylor and William Bowery, “Betty” is feature on Taylor’s new album, Folklore. The single will officially impact country radio on Aug. 17. Taylor’s label home, Republic, and the country-focused MCA Nashville will act as the supporting labels.

Taylor surprised her legion of fans by releasing her eighth studio album, Folklore, at midnight ET on July 24. She announced the new album on July 23. Folklore features 16 tracks on the standard edition, with a bonus track on the deluxe version.

Taylor released “New Year’s Day” to country radio in 2017.

Listen to “Betty” below.

photo by JPA, AFF-USA.com

Luke Bryan & Darius Rucker to Perform on the Grand Ole Opry on Aug. 15

Luke Bryan & Darius Rucker to Perform on the Grand Ole Opry on Aug. 15

Posted on July 30, 2020

The Grand Ole Opry will tally its 4,937th consecutive Saturday night broadcast on Aug. 15 with a showcase featuring a pair of country music’s biggest stars: Luke Bryan and Darius Rucker.

The one-hour show will air live on Circle Television at 7 p.m. CT, as well as stream live on Circle’s YouTube.

On Aug. 1, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill and Rodney Crowell will step onto the Grand Ole Opry stage at 7 p.m. CT.

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 Kelsea Ballerini, Darius Rucker, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Luke Combs, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Keith Urban, Trisha Yearwood and more.

photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard Looks Back on Record-Setting Single, “Meant to Be”

Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard Looks Back on Record-Setting Single, “Meant to Be”

Posted on July 30, 2020

Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line’s 2017 collaboration, “Meant to Be,” spent a record-smashing 50 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in 2017/2018. The tune’s closest competitor on the all-time list is Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road,” which spent 34 weeks at No. 1 in 2017.

Co-penned by Bebe Rexha, Josh Miller, David Garcia and FGL’s Tyler Hubbard, “Meant to Be” also topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart in April 2018, which netted FGL its 14th No. 1 single, while Bebe scored her first.

As FGL’s Tyler Hubbard told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown, the record-setting collaboration is a reminder to “think outside the box.”

“I think it’s just a reminder and an inspiration to think outside the box, you know?” says Tyler to Kix. “I mean, that was a very untraditional write for us. We were out in L.A. writing—writing with Bebe Rexha, who we didn’t even know at the time. She didn’t know who FGL was, and [we wanted] to be open-minded. I mean, you never know what’s gonna happen, you know? So that song is just a reminder of that. It’s very powerful. It’s amazing to see how it connects with the fans, and even, you know, country radio for all of the support. It’s just been unbelievable to see what that song has done.”

Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart All-Time Record

1. “Meant to Be” – Florida Georgia Line and Bebe Rexha – 50 weeks (2018)
2. “Body Like a Back Road” – Sam Hunt — 34 weeks (2017)
3. “Cruise” – Florida Georgia Line – 24 weeks (2012)

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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