Country Music

Yesterday, Brian Andrews, Texas Thunder music festival organizer, announced a special toll-free number (877-569-7767) to accept donations for those affected in the West, Texas tragedy. In addition, donations can be made at www.texasthunderfest.com. “We live in a strong community but need continued financial support from those beyond our walls to rebuild our city. We are [...]

Filed under: Classic Rewind, Spotlight Artist

Darius Rucker will release his third country album, True Believers, on Tuesday, May 21st. The album, produced by Frank Rogers, features the current smash hit single “Wagon Wheel” which has just been certified Platinum by the RIAA. In support of his new album, Rucker will perform on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on May 21st and [...]

Country Weekly magazine’s annual celebration to kick off CMA Music Festival has been announced for Tuesday, June 4, and features performances by some of today’s hottest country stars – Easton Corbin, Dustin Lynch, Greg Bates and Chris Janson. This year’s event, held at the Hard Rock Cafe in downtown Nashville, will be a night filled with great music for a great cause with all proceeds benefiting Musicians On Call Nashville, a non-profit organization that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients in healthcare facilities. Tickets are on sale now and range from a $30 General Admission entry up to $500 for a VIP table for four including a meet-and-greet with all four artists. All attendees will enjoy a red carpet arrival with bright lights and a backdrop for photos. To purchase tickets and to find out more on the VIP and meet-and-greet options, click HERE.  Doors open at 7 p.m. with music cranking up at 8 p.m. For more information on the event, ticket options and MOC Nashville, please visit www.MusiciansOnCall.org. The event is sponsored by Boot Barn, Durango and Roper. About Easton Corbin:  Mercury Nashville recording artist Easton Corbin is lauded for his traditional country sound, authentic lyrics and mastery of understatement. His self-titled debut album was released in 2010 and spawned back-to-back hits “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll With It;” making him the first country male artist in 17 years to have his first two consecutive singles reach No. 1. That same year the Gilchrist County Florida native won all of the Breakthrough Artist awards at the American Country Awards – Artist of the Year: Breakthrough Artist, Single of the Year: Breakthrough Artist and Music Video: Breakthrough Artist for “A Little More Country Than That.” Billboard named Corbin as the Top New Country Artist of 2010. "Lovin’ You Is Fun," Easton’s debut single from his sophomore album All Over The Road, placed No. 5 on the country airplay charts. His current single is “All Over the Road.” Visit www.eastoncorbin.com or www.umgnashville.com to learn more about the Florida native. About Dustin Lynch:  Since the release of his debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Broken Bow Records’ Dustin Lynch has earned a No. 1 album, over a million single sales and has surpassed 8 million views on YouTube/ VEVO. He’s soared to No. 1 on the MTV Music Meter, earned a No. 1 ringtone on CMT, a Top 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Songs chart, and a No. 2 country radio single. With the release of his self-titled debut album, Lynch became the only new male act to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart in 2012. People magazine declared Dustin Lynch to be “one of the best debuts of 2012” and the editors of Rolling Stone lauded him as one of “Nashville’s Newest Hitmakers” in its 2013 Best of Rock issue. His follow-up single, the Top 20 double-entendre head turner, “She Cranks My Tractor,” further cemented his status as one of country’s hottest new talents. Lynch’s new single, “Wild in Your Smile,” impacts country radio on May 28th. www.dustinlynchmusic.com About Greg Bates:  Growing up in Music City, the Nashville native was born with a natural tendency to write and sing. Greg Bates continued developing his skills while attending Belmont University, where his undeniable talent caught the attention of music industry tastemakers. Soon after graduation, Bates began “living the dream” after signing a co-publishing/artist development deal with Effusion Entertainment and Super 98 Music. Currently, Bates is in the studio with producer Jimmy Ritchey recording new material for his debut project, which includes his Top 5 hit, “Did It for the Girl” and latest single, “Fill In the Blank,” which recently hit country radio. He is weaving together a collection that will connect with today’s youthful audiences while still honoring his musical heroes – Alan Jackson, Dwight Yoakam and George Strait. Bates has

Platinum-selling Capitol Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker will release his third country album, True Believers, on Tuesday, May 21. The album, produced by Frank Rogers, features the current smash hit single “Wagon Wheel” which has just been certified Platinum by the RIAA. In support of his new album, Rucker will perform on ABC’s “Good Morning America” on May 21 and “Jimmy Kimmel Live” on May 22. “I could not be more proud of this album, and I can’t wait for the fans to hear it,” said Rucker, who co-wrote ten of the twelve tracks. “They have always been my ‘true believers,’ and I hope they love the new music as much as I do.” The album is aptly named, as Rucker’s fans are indeed "true believers." His official Facebook page (facebook.com/dariusrucker) recently surpassed one million fans, while the music video for “Wagon Wheel” has received more than six million views on YouTube. Directed by Jim Wright, the video features guest appearances from Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley and A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” stars Jase, Korie, Sadie, Si, and Willie Robertson. True Believers Track Listing: “True Believers” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear) “Miss You” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers) “Wagon Wheel” (Bob Dylan, Ketch Secor) “Love Without You” (Brandy Clark, Shane McAnally) “Radio” (Darius Rucker, Luke Laird, Ashley Gorley) “Lost In You” (Darius Rucker, Mark Nesler, Phillip White) “I Will Love You Still” (Darius Rucker, Josh Kear) “Take Me Home” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell) “Shine” (Darius Rucker, Frank Rogers) “Heartbreak Road” (Darius Rucker, Dallas Davidson, Rhett Akins) “Leavin’ the Light On” (Darius Rucker, David Lee Murphy, Phil O’Donnell) “Lie To Me” (Darius Rucker, Rodney Clawson, Bob DiPiero) Rucker’s first two country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966 both topped the Billboard Country Album Chart and produced five No. 1 singles including “Come Back Song,” “This,” “Alright,” “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” He received the CMA Award for New Artist of the Year in 2009. Last October, Rucker fulfilled a childhood dream when he was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. Last week Rucker launched the True Believers Tour on May 9 in Estero, Fla. The tour will visit more than 20 cities across the U.S. before wrapping up in Clarkston, Mich. on June 30. Joining him on select dates will be special guests RIAA platinum-selling Rodney Atkins, top-charting country singer Justin Moore, and 2013 ACM New Female Vocalist winner Jana Kramer. Upcoming True Believers Tour dates: May 19, 2013 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum** May 24, 2013 | Little Rock, Ark. | Riverfront Park** May 30, 2013 | Greensboro, N.C. | Greensboro Coliseum Complex* May 31, 2013 | Simpsonville, S.C. | Charter Amphitheatre at Heritage Park* June 1, 2013 | Virginia Beach, Va. | Patriotic Festival* June 6, 2013 | Morrison, Colo. | Red Rocks Amphitheatre** June 9, 2013 | Grand Prairie, Texas | Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie** June 13, 2013 | N. Lawrence, Ohio | Clay’s Park Amphitheater** June 14, 2013 | Buffalo, N.Y. | Coca Cola Field+ June 15, 2013 | Baltimore, Md. | Pier Six Pavilion** June 20, 2013 | West Long Branch, N.J. | The MAC at Monmouth University** June 21, 2013 | Bangor, Maine | Waterfront Park** June 22, 2013 | Gilford, N.H. | Meadowbrook-US Cellular Pavilion** June 27, 2013 | Toledo, Ohio | Toledo Zoo Amphitheatre** June 28, 2013 | Highland Park, Ill. | Ravinia Festival** June 29, 2013 | Normal, Ill. | The Corn Crib** June 30, 2013 | Clarkston, Mich. | DTE Energy Music Theatre** * denotes Justin Moore and Jana Kramer ** denotes Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer + denotes Sheryl Crow, Rodney Atkins, Gloriana and Jana Kramer Rucker will once again host his sold-out, fourth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert in Nashville, Tenn. on June 3 at the Wildhorse Saloon. The event,

It is a BIG day for George Strait.  Not only is he celebrating his 61st Birthday today but he is also celebrating his 60th #1 song for “Give It All We Got Tonight”!   They don’t call him the King of Country Music for nothin!  Congratulations and Happy Birthday George!

…in every audience there are those who come not just to hear… but to be healed. Thanks to friend and Willie Nelson fan Katie, from Louisiana, for sharing this picture from her collection. It is from a 1981 Playboy Magazine.

“My brother and I went to the show last night in Des Moines and it was amazing (as usual). Lukas, Amy, Micah, and Paula were all there as well which made it so special. This was my first time seeing Lukas and Willie play together and it was so nice. You can see how proud Willie is of all his children.” — Rawley Butler [Thanks, Rawley! - LL] /a> I got to meet Paul and Kevin before the show which was awesome. They are such great people! After the show I got a picture of me giving Willie a hug and my brother shaking Willie’s hand. It was Zane’s (my brother) first Willie show and he thought it was one of the best concerts he has ever seen (he was especially shocked that he got to shake Willie’s hand and take a picture).

Thank you so much to Frank O, for sharing photos from the Willie Nelson & Family Show at the Surf Ballroom in Iowa. So happy to have a picture of Willie Nelson’s name on the Surf Ballroom Billboard. Billy English, Paula Nelson, Mickey Raphael, Amy Nelson