Tim McGraw’s Message of Unity

Tim McGraw’s Message of Unity

Posted on June 2, 2020

In recognition of Blackout Tuesday on June 2, Nash Country Daily is pausing the commentary to bring you messages of unity directly from the country music community.

All photos will appear without color.

Tim McGraw via Instagram

“Nobody’s ever improved on the ideal that all are created equal and that we should love one another as we love ourselves…. I don’t know how it feels to be black in America.

“I don’t know how it feels to walk down the street at night and feel eyes of suspicion. I don’t know what it’s like to carry the worry for my child simply because they are black. I won’t pretend to.

“I am a human being who loves people, all people. I believe all people have inherent human rights – to live, pray and love as they choose or how they are born into this world. I believe that love, respect and understanding of each other is a light to guide our way. Our collective heart should break with every injustice brought to light. Our collective voices should be heard for each and every injustice brought to light, for there are many in the darkness. We must find a way to shine light on what is happening. Find a way to talk, Find a way to understand, Find a way to hold accountable those who won’t see, won’t understand and won’t love. I wish I knew the answers. I’m just a man who loves his family. And wants this world, this country, this life to be experienced to the best of any child’s imagination and ability. Without regard to color, creed, religion or sexual orientation. It’s just time that we understand that. Your child feels and loves My children feel and love All children feel and love Hate is observed and taught.

“#StandTogether #Unity #StayHumbleandKind”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Kane Brown’s Message of Unity

Kane Brown’s Message of Unity

Posted on June 2, 2020

In recognition of Blackout Tuesday on June 2, Nash Country Daily is pausing the commentary to bring you messages of unity directly from the country music community.

All photos will appear without color.

Kane Brown via Twitter

“Attention: First of all I’m mixed. I’m black to the white guy, and I’m white to the black guy until a racial thing comes into play and then I’m supposed to play the black side. I honestly think it’s ignorant as hell to kill a human being in cold blood without them doing anything especially hand cuffed. I think it’s stupid a man can’t jog without being gunned down. If everyone was seen as people, if everyone was charged the same sentence. This sh** wouldn’t be happening. #BlackLivesMatter We are people too. Like I said before we all need to become one race (Americans). Stop dividing or it will never be solved! I love everyone even if you spit on me I will find it in my heart to let it go! Let’s come together and work this sh** out.”

photo by JPA, AFF-USA.com

Thomas Rhett’s Message of Unity

Thomas Rhett’s Message of Unity

Posted on June 2, 2020

In recognition of Blackout Tuesday on June 2, Nash Country Daily is pausing the commentary to bring you messages of unity directly from the country music community.

All photos will appear without color.

Thomas Rhett via Instagram

“As the father of a black daughter and also two white daughters- I have struggled with what to say today. We have navigated forms of racism directly and while there is mostly overwhelming support and love for our family, sometimes there is just the opposite. Because of that fear, it can be a lot easier to choose silence, but today I’m choosing to speak.

“I have no clue what it feels like to be profiled by authorities, treated negatively or have my life threatened because of the color of my skin. When I witnessed the horrific murder of George and think about the mistreatment of other black men and women in America, I am heartbroken and angry. I get scared when I think about my daughters and what kind of world they will be growing up in and how my JOB as a father is to show them how to lead with love in the face of hate. To know their worth and value as not only women but human beings.

I have witnessed my black band and crew members on the road struggle at times with feeling safe because of the color of their skin. This is unacceptable. I don’t believe in hate. I believe in love. What happened to George was pure hate. We are all created by the same God. I pray for a change in heart of those hearts who have been overcome by hatred and hardened. I pray for a deeper understanding for myself and awareness of the experience of mistreatment that those of another skin color go through. I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives to violence or experienced trauma at the hand of racial oppression and injustice. What can we do? I ask myself this question everyday. We each have to be part of the solution and we have to continue to educate ourselves, continue to support both financially and with service those organizations doing good work in our communities to overcome injustice and hatred in our country. And if you’re like me, continue to pray.

“So if there is any question on where I stand let me be clear- I stand with you, I stand with George and his family and all those who have faced racism. I stand with my wife and my daughters. We will be fighting this fight for the rest of our lives.

“Rest In Peace, George. We are not letting this go.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Darius Rucker’s Message of Unity

Darius Rucker’s Message of Unity

Posted on June 2, 2020

In recognition of Blackout Tuesday on June 2, Nash Country Daily is pausing the commentary to bring you messages of unity directly from the country music community.

All photos will appear without color.

Darius Rucker via Instagram

“I have been sitting here trying to figure out what I wanted to say. This whole thing just really breaks me down to my core.

“My heart goes out to George Floyd, his family and friends, and to all of those whose loved ones have been taken because of the color of their skin. No man should die that way. I cannot watch that without tears welling in my eyes and a raw feeling of pain. The men who did that should face the justice that is promised by our laws.

“2020 has already been heartbreaking. Now, here we are having to again face the truth of racism and the pain and frustration of the African American community. As an American, a father, a son, a brother, a singer, a man… I have faced racism my whole life, from kindergarten to the life I live today. Racism is not a born thing; it is a taught thing. It is not a strong belief; it is a weak belief. It is not a financial issue; it is a hatred issue.

“Over the course of my life, I guess I had just put it down to ‘that’s just the way it is.’ No, I know I had. It is no longer alright for me to perpetuate the myth that things are okay. I have kids whom I love and cherish, and to watch them go through this, to feel their anguish and anger trying to deal with this is heartbreaking for me. The question that keeps coming up is ‘will it ever change?’ And my answer now has to be ‘YES.’

“We have to come together somehow, y’all. The only way it will ever change is if we can change people’s hearts. I don’t know how we are going to make that happen, but I am ready to try everything we have to do, because we need to do better.

“The peaceful protesters out there are an extension of the legacy of the great Dr. King and Gandhi, and they are protesting to be heard. Take a moment and listen.

“I really hope that we get better as a nation. My request to you guys is to search your heart on behalf of all of us, and root out any fear, hate or division you have inside of you. We need to come together.

“We Are not always going to agree on where to go or how to get there, but I will end with this quote by James Baldwin: ‘We can disagree and still love each other, unless your disagreement is rooted in my oppression and denial of my humanity and the right to exist.’”

photo by O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Country Stars Speak Out Against Racism

Country Stars Speak Out Against Racism

Posted on June 2, 2020

A number of country stars—including Darius Rucker, Ingrid Andress, Kane Brown, Tim McGraw, Jimmie Allen, Chris Young and more—have shared personal statements across social media concerning racism and inequality.

Thomas Rhett via Instagram: “As the father of a black daughter and also two white daughters- I have struggled with what to say today. We have navigated forms of racism directly and while there is mostly overwhelming support and love for our family, sometimes there is just the opposite. Because of that fear, it can be a lot easier to choose silence, but today I’m choosing to speak. I have no clue what it feels like to be profiled by authorities, treated negatively or have my life threatened because of the color of my skin. When I witnessed the horrific murder of George and think about the mistreatment of other black men and women in America, I am heartbroken and angry. I get scared when I think about my daughters and what kind of world they will be growing up in and how my JOB as a father is to show them how to lead with love in the face of hate. To know their worth and value as not only women but human beings.I have witnessed my black band and crew members on the road struggle at times with feeling safe because of the color of their skin. This is unacceptable. I don’t believe in hate. I believe in love. What happened to George was pure hate. We are all created by the same God. I pray for a change in heart of those hearts who have been overcome by hatred and hardened. I pray for a deeper understanding for myself and awareness of the experience of mistreatment that those of another skin color go through. I pray for the families of those who have lost their lives to violence or experienced trauma at the hand of racial oppression and injustice. What can we do? I ask myself this question everyday. We each have to be part of the solution and we have to continue to educate ourselves, continue to support both financially and with service those organizations doing good work in our communities to overcome injustice and hatred in our country. And if you’re like me, continue to pray. So if there is any question on where I stand let me be clear- I stand with you, I stand with George and his family and all those who have faced racism. I stand with my wife and my daughters. We will be fighting this fight for the rest of our lives. Rest In Peace, George. We are not letting this go.”

Tim McGraw via Instagram: “Nobody’s ever improved on the ideal that all are created equal and that we should love one another as we love ourselves…. I don’t know how it feels to be black in America. I don’t know how it feels to walk down the street at night and feel eyes of suspicion. I don’t know what it’s like to carry the worry for my child simply because they are black. I won’t pretend to. I am a human being who loves people, all people. I believe all people have inherent human rights – to live, pray and love as they choose or how they are born into this world. I believe that love, respect and understanding of each other is a light to guide our way. Our collective heart should break with every injustice brought to light. Our collective voices should be heard for each and every injustice brought to light, for there are many in the darkness. We must find a way to shine light on what is happening. Find a way to talk, Find a way to understand, Find a way to hold accountable those who won’t see, won’t understand and won’t love. I wish I knew the answers. I’m just a man who loves his family. And wants this world, this country, this life to be experienced to the best of any child’s imagination and ability. Without regard to color, creed, religion or sexual orientation. It’s just time that we understand that. Your child feels and loves My children feel and love All children feel and love Hate is observed and taught. #StandTogether #Unity #StayHumbleandKind”

Midland via Instagram: “The black community does not receive equal rights or protection in this country. Systemic inequality cannot be ignored and racism cannot be tolerated. We must do better in actively contributing to make our society a safer and more inclusive place to raise our families. In the meantime, Midland will be abstaining from any promotion or dialogue that distracts from the current issue our country needs to face head on. In an effort to clear communication channels we cede our small corner of the internet to the community leaders and individuals more suited than us to help educate and create change. As allies, we will contribute NOW, as patriots, We demand justice for George Floyd and all the other individuals who have suffered under an unjust system. -Midland”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Luke Combs Scores 7th Career Multi-Week No. 1 Single With “Does to Me”

Luke Combs Scores 7th Career Multi-Week No. 1 Single With “Does to Me”

Posted on June 1, 2020

Luke Combs’ current single, “Does to Me,” featuring Eric Church, is No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for the second consecutive week.

With his latest No. 1 single, Luke is the first country artist in history whose first eight singles have reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, following previous chart-toppers “Hurricane,” “When It Rains It Pours,” “One Number Away,” “She Got the Best of Me,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Beer Never Broke My Heart” and “Even Though I’m Leaving.””

Of Luke’s eight No. 1 hits on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, seven have had multi-week runs at No. 1. Luke’s 2018 No. 1 hit, “One Number Away,” ruled the chart for one week, while “Beautiful Crazy” reigned for seven weeks in 2019.

Collectively, Luke’s eight singles have spent 25 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

  • “Hurricane” – 2 weeks at No. 1 (May/June 2017)
  • “When It Rains It Pours” — 2 weeks at No. 1 (November 2017)
  • “One Number Away” — 1 week at No. 1 (June 2018)
  • “She Got the Best of Me” — 4 weeks at No. 1 (October/November 2018)
  • “Beautiful Crazy” — 7 weeks at No. 1 (March/April 2019)
  • “Beer Never Broke My Heart” — 2 weeks at No. 1 (August 2019)
  • “Even Though I’m Leaving” — 5 weeks at No. 1 (November/December 2019/January 2020)
  • “Does to Me” — 2 weeks at No. 1 (May/June 2020)

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Ashley McBryde Has Been Writing Songs Since She Was 12: “My Mom Watched a Lot of Soap Operas, I Knew Drama”

Ashley McBryde Has Been Writing Songs Since She Was 12: “My Mom Watched a Lot of Soap Operas, I Knew Drama”

Posted on June 1, 2020

With songs like “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega and “One Night Standards,” Ashley McBryde has proven herself to be one of the most vivid storytellers in country music. Her lyrics are almost as fun to read as listen to—but, of course, she also has a beautiful voice.

After breaking out in 2018 with her Grammy-nominated debut album, Girl Going Nowhere, Ashley released her sophomore album, Never Will, on April 3. Ashley co-penned nine of the 11 songs.

Ashley, 36, has been working at her craft for 24 years. As she told Kix Brooks of American Country Countdown, she penned her first song when she was 12.

“I would sing the things I did since I was little bitty—even if I walked to the mailbox and back, I would come in and sing to my mom about it, and she never told me to hush so that was good, but I was 12 [when I wrote my first song],” says Ashley. “We were at my grandparents’ house, and I went into the back room by the deep freeze and sat down and wrote. And, [I] came back out and sang it for my family. And, my mom was like, ‘Where did you get that?’ ‘Oh, no, I wrote it.’ She goes, ‘Really?’ ‘Yeah!’ She looked at my grandparents like, ‘Oh crap, she wants [laughing] to be a songwriter.’ I was 12 years old. It was called ‘Fight the Flames,’ and it was, you know, about having your heart just demolished—12 years old going on 40, I guess. But, you know, my mom watched a lot of soap operas, so at least I knew drama.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Utah Judge Blocks Collin Raye Concert

Utah Judge Blocks Collin Raye Concert

Posted on June 1, 2020

A Utah judge blocked a free concert at The Amphitheater at Studio Ranch in Grantsville, Utah, that was slated to be headlined by Collin Raye on May 30. The event would have openly defied the state’s ban on gatherings of more than 50 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Initially, the show was scheduled to take place at Barnes Park in Kaysville, Utah, on May 30, but backlash forced organizer Utah Business Revival to relocate to Grantsville. The outdoor event was organized to allow nonessential businesses to sell their goods and services.

According to usatoday.com, Judge Dianna Gibson ruled there was a real risk of spreading COVID-19 within the audience.

“Not allowing this event to move forward under these circumstances is not a deprivation of anyone’s individual constitutional right,” said Judge Gibson. “It is also not government overreach.”

The Utah Business Revival hosted a gathering at Benson Grist Mill park in Stansbury Park, Utah, on May 30.

“We will not be intimidated,” said a press release from Utah Business Review. “We have inalienable rights. Tonight we sent another clear message that we will not idly stand by and watch those rights be trampled upon.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Trisha Yearwood Working on New Comfort Food Cookbook

Trisha Yearwood Working on New Comfort Food Cookbook

Posted on June 1, 2020

Trisha Yearwood is as comfortable onstage as she is as the host of her long-running Food Network show, Trisha’s Southern Kitchen.

Trisha is looking to get even more comfortable in 2021, as she revealed plans for a new cookbook, which will feature a collection of comfort food recipes.

“I’ve just started working on cookbook number four,” said Trisha via Facebook. “Did I just make an announcement? I don’t know if I did or not [laughing], but that’ll—hopefully—be coming out next year. And it’s been really fun. I’ve missed doing it.”

Trisha is the author of three best-selling books: Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen (2008), Home Cooking With Trisha Yearwood (2010) and Trisha’s Southern Kitchen (2015).

“I’ve figured out what we do is comfort food, so that’s what we’re going with,” says Trisha. “I’m having a really good time.”

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Notable players that changed commitments from SEC schools in last 30 months including 10 that ended up at UT

Notable players that changed commitments from SEC schools in last 30 months including 10 that ended up at UT

Posted on June 1, 2020
UT CB Bryce Thompson / Credit: UT Athletics

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

My previous blog listed the numbers of football decommits in the SEC, using the 247Sports decommit database, in the last 30 months.

Read that blog, “Vince’s View,” here.

That last blog explains the slightly varying start dates of the 30-month period to now.

Here are a few of the notable players that have decommitted in the last 30 months around the SEC and where they ended up. Some names listed are playing or signed with the school listed while others are just commitments at the moment.

Noteable decommits from the SEC in the last 30 months
Florida (31)
DL Morven Joseph (Tennessee)
DB Kamar Wilcoxson (Tennessee)
LB Terrence Lewis (Tennessee)

Tennessee (30)
QB Adrian Martinez (Nebraska)
DB Trey Dean (Florida)
DB Tanner Ingle (NC State)
LB Lakia Henry (Ole Miss)

Mississippi State (27)
DB/LB Tamarion McDonald (Tennessee)

Arkansas (26)
DL Emmit Gooden (Tennessee)
DL John Mincey (Tennessee)
LB Martavius French (Tennessee)
LB Drew Francis (Middle Tennessee/West HS in Knoxville)
DL Tyrece Edwards (Middle Tennessee/West HS in Knoxville)

Ole Miss (26)
RB Jabari Small (Tennessee)

LSU (22)
DB Ar’Darius Washington (TCU)
OL Kerryon Green (Texas A&M)
WR Rakim Jarrett (Maryland)

Alabama (18)
LB Quay Walker (Georgia)
DB Daxton Hill (Michigan)

Georgia (17)
QB John Rhys Plumlee (Ole Miss)
RB John Emery Jr. (LSU)
WR Jadon Haselwood (Oklahoma)

Missouri (16)
LB Antonio Doyle (Texas A&M)

Kentucky (14)
WR Wandale Robinson (Nebraska)

Auburn (12)
WR George Pickens (Georgia)

South Carolina (12)
DB Bryce Thompson (Tennessee)

Texas A&M (10)
LB Christian Harris (Alabama)

Vanderbilt (5)
WR Miles Jones Jr. (Nebraska/Tennessee)

I focused more on players that landed at Tennessee, but I still think it’s noteworthy that 10 landed with the Vols from other SEC schools. Pruitt and the staff haven’t needed to rely on flipping recruits this year, but it reflects that they aren’t afraid to do it and are effective it. That also should be kept in mind with 6-plus months to ESP and 8-plus months to NSD.

Can you imagine your team with those misses list above? Some are obviously bigger than others.

The notion that “it doesn’t matter who you don’t get, but who you do get” is garbage. Tell any program that’s regularly missed out on elite, star players (Tennessee and others) that those players couldn’t have helped turn the fortunes of their program around. Yes, the players you get (the hits and the misses) are very important. But, game-changers players you could have had should not be dismissed as factors either.

Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net.

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