Country Bites News snippets October 22 - October 26, 2012
SOURCES/LINKS shown in RED
UK & IRISH News
Lisa McHugh has received Best Female Singer of the Year Award 2012 from The Irish World Newspaper in Britain.
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| Lisa McHugh - Award |
The presentation took place during the Irish World's 25th anniversary celebration dinner dance in the Novotel, Hammersmith, London. Lisa was presented with her award by TV personality Daithi O'Se in the company of many well known entertainers including X Factor winner Mary Byrne, Sinead O'Connor and more. Lisa's band did the honours as they backed the other award recipients during the night. See FULL Size photo
Recently Lisa also received Artist of the Year 2012 Award in the Northern Nashville Country Music Club, Thurso, Caithness in Northern Scotland. This is an annual award that is voted for by club members for the artist that makes the best impression during the past year at their prestigious club. Her latest promotional single entitled 'Why'd Ya Come In Here' is getting a huge reaction on both national and local radio and a DVD of the single already has 50,000 'hits' on YouTube
Lisa McHugh receiving her Best Female Singer of the Year Award 2012 from Daithi O'Shea at the The Irish World Newspaper awards in London.
January 2013 will see BCMA award winning Band C’est La Vie come off the road. All four members will continue to work in Country Music but will concentrate on single or collaborative projects, both together and with other Artists/Musicians.
The band wish to thank fans, friends, promoters and the publications that have supported them in the last 3 years and look forward to seeing everyone on the scene again soon. (Source band member Lee Guyler - British Country Music Forum)
The word from Raul Malo is that The Mavericks will be playing UK dates towards the end of January. Glasgow, London and maybe more
Scottish trio Ashton Lane is offering fans the unique opportunity to collaborate on a completely original song co-written with yourself and Ashton Lane. “There are special people and moments in our lives that deserve to be captured forever by something special”. they said. Check out this LINK
Bonnie Raitt enters the Slipstream with summer 2013 UK Tour. Award-winning slide-guitarist and roots singer to perform several rare British shows. Starting in Southend on 9th June 2013, followed by Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff, Glasgow and several more until hitting London's Royal Albert Hall on 27th June – Tour Dates at Ticketmaster.uk
Foster & Allen along with Sarah Jory, Glenn Rogers, Lisa Stanley, Steve Cherelle and the Phil Mack Country Show Team will be appearing at The Orchard Theatre, Dartford in Kent on Sunday March 31, 2013 – Tele: 01322 220000
Kate Campbell is to tour Mayo, Galway, and Clare July 1 – 10, 2013. The tour is guided by staff of Inishfree Tours, Inc. and is hosted by Campbell. The maximum number of travelers, including the host, is 24. This small size allows guests to get to know and interact with the other guests, the host, and the Inishfree Tours staff.
UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(15 Oct 2012 ) Jamey Johnson with Guests - Livin’ For A Song: A Tribute to Hank Cochran (Decca)
(16 Oct 2012) Jason Aldean - Night Train (Broken Bow Records) Amazon UK CD Format
(16 Oct 2012) Glen Campbell & Jimmy Webb - In Session (UMG)
Amazon UK [CD+DVD] – Amazon UK MP3 Downloads (9 Tracks)
(22 Oct 2012) Taylor Swift - Red (Big Machine / Mercury Records)
Amazon UK [Deluxe Edition] (22 tracks) - UK iTunes
Amazon UK CD Format - Amazon UK MP3 Downloads (16 tracks Standard Edition)
(22 Oct 2012) Matraca Berg - Love's Truck Stop (Proper Records)
(23 Oct 2012) Sweethearts Of The Rodeo - Restless (Good Trade Records)
(22 Oct 2012) Daniel O'Donnell - Songs From The Movies And More
** Gospel **:
(9 Oct 2012) Kenny Rogers - Amazing Grace (EMI)
** Christmas Releases **:
(16 Oct 2012) Scotty McCreery - Christmas With Scotty McCreery (UMG)
(16 Oct 2012) Steven Curtis Chapman - Joy (Reunion) Amazon UK MP3 Downloads
(16 Oct 2012) Gordon Mote - The Star Still Shines (Haven Records)
CANADIAN NEWS
Via press release, Jason McCoy has announced The Perfect Gift Christmas Tour that will kick off in Campbell River, BC, on Nov. 21 and wind up Dec. 23 in Clarksburg, ON (Tour Dates). The Perfect Gift promises fans a "unique and interactive" concert experience with Jason offering an up-close and personal acoustic performance.
"My favourite part of my job is entertaining," says Jason. "With the Perfect Gift Tour, I get to interact with the crowd on a more personal level. It's going to be an amazing tour with great holiday music and a lot of laughs."
Along with the lower-tech, more intimate, acoustic format, Jason is throwing in what he calls a "high-tech twist" that includes "virtual" guest stars. They will perform for the crowd on stage with Jason via a video screen. >> YouTube
Billboard 615 Spotlight have a stream of "Set It Free" from The Departed's upcoming album, ADVENTUS. Extract: Cody Canada, the former singer of Cross Canadian Ragweed, has been rocking with new band The Departed for just two years, and he's proud of the way it has gelled. With The Departed's sophomore album "Adventus," due November 13, Billboard now exclusively debut's the album's tune, "Set It Free." Canada can't wait for his longtime fans to hear the new music, he tells Billboard. "I'm very excited," he says. "I'm ready for people to hear what we've got to say."....Listen to the track in full at soundcloud.com
BLUEGRASS NEWS
Daughters of Bluegrass have released a first single from PICKIN’ LIKE A GIRL, their upcoming 3-disc box set project.
The Tom T. and Dixie Hall song, “Walking Through Bethlehem”, has a decidedly Isaacs vibe. Sonya Isaacs takes the lead vocal, with her sister (Rebecca) and mom (Lily) providing harmonies.
Nashville, TN (October 24, 2012) Rural Rhythm Records have announced the November 13, 2012 CD / DVD release of CHRISTMAS THE MOUNTAIN WAY. This live performance musical show, hosted by Mike Scott, was filmed earlier this year at the Bell Theater in Pineville, Kentucky showcasing Christmas and its traditions in the Appalachian Mountains.
This special CD / DVD features performances by: 2012 IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Dale Ann Bradley; Steve Gulley; Grammy winning artist, Marty Raybon; 2012 IBMA Male Vocalist of the Year Nominee, Audie Blaylock; Cumberland River, Common Strings, Mike Scott, Brenda Scott, Brad Gulley, Debbie Gulley, Don Gulley, Students of the Cumberland River Academy, and more.
This 15 song CD plus the 60+ minute DVD with extra features including bonus performances, artist’s interviews and photo gallery will be available for purchase at Amazon, iTunes, Rural Rhythm Records, and the artists’ websites.
The program Includes two original Christmas songs written especially for the show: “Christmas The Mountain Way” written and performed by Dale Ann Bradley and Steve Gulley, and “Christmas in the Mountains” performed by Cumberland River and written by their band members: Brad Gulley, Joseph Jones, Dustin Middleton, along with Mickey Dean, brother of Cumberland River band member James Dean.
This 2 DISC PACKAGE contains; one compact disc containing 15 songs and the second, a DVD disc featuring not only the live performance(s) but loads of extra features, including interviews with the artists, stories about their Christmas experiences and a behind the scenes look at the 'Making of CHRISTMAS: THE MOUNTIAN WAY'
NEWS
George Strait’s Charity Auction is underway which is running for the majority of shows on The Cowboy Rides Away Tour to benefit The Jenifer Strait Memorial Foundation. Winning American bidders will receive a pair of front row seats and Meet & Greet passes
Rascal Flatts were presented with a commemorative ticket in the trio's adopted hometown of Nashville on Friday night (Oct. 19), honouring the milestone of selling over 7-Million Ticket Sales
Performances due at The 46th Annual CMA Awards will include:
Kelly Clarkson has enjoyed a few hit duets in the country music field already, and soon, she’ll add Vince Gill to her roster. The track listing for the first ‘American Idol’ winner’s upcoming album, ‘GREATEST HITS — CHAPTER 1,’ has been released, and tucked alongside her pop hits is a sweet duet with Gill titled ‘Don’t Rush.’ They perform it at the show.
Also Faith Hill and Tim McGraw are to sing together >> YouTube ” Hill will sing her newest single, “American Heart” and McGraw will debut new music from his forthcoming album. The couple will return later in the show, together with Lady Antebellum and Blake Shelton, to take part in a special musical tribute to Country Music legend Willie Nelson.
Vince Gill, Hunter Hayes and Keith Urban are to perform The 46th ANNUAL CMA AWARDS Nov 1.The first round of artists presenting trophies on the three-hour gala were announced including Martina McBride, Kellie Pickler, Sugarland, and The Band Perry.
The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate the 80th anniversary of “I’ll Fly Away,” one of the world’s most beloved Gospel songs, with a special performance led by Vince Gill during this Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry show. “I’ll Fly Away” was written by Albert Brumley, writer of more than 600 published gospel songs including “Turn Your Radio On,” “I’ll Meet You In The Morning,” and “This World Is Not My Home.” Information on the “I’ll Fly Away” Foundation created by the Brumley family can be found at www.illflyawayfoundation
Gill will be joined at the Opry Saturday by Alison Krauss, as well as other award-winners including Matraca Berg and the Charlie Daniels Band.
Dolly Parton has told the Daily Star how Whitney Houston’s death has made her millions in royalties – and insists she needs the cash. The global superstar, 66, who penned I Will Always Love You, said her songwriting earnings have gone through the roof.
Dolly said: “I’ve had a tremendous boost in finances since Whitney passed on because there have been lots of new ‘Best Of’ albums and different people recording the song. “It really did boost sales. I am so thankful to God for that and to Whitney who did such a good job with it.”
Dolly also spilled: “I’ve been asked to do American Idol and X Factor almost every time they do a new series but turned them down.
“But I could imagine myself doing The Voice. It’s a wonderful show because you don’t have to judge that much and I hesitate to judge people.
Dolly Parton Wants In On "The Voice" - Blake Shelton has made no secret how big of a sacrifice being a coach on “The Voice” has been. The rigorous schedule has made touring and making albums much more difficult. Sources say after next season, Blake will be taking a break from “The Voice,” but have no fear…Country Music’s favorite blond is here!!! Apparently, Dolly Parton is just waiting to be asked to join the hit singing competition.
Whisperin' Bill Anderson and his acoustical trio were unexpectedly shaken up last weekend, when the bus they were riding in collided with a huge moose. The "moose-hap" occurred near Sandpoint, Idaho while the group was traveling to do a show in Libby, Montana. Luckily, everyone is okay except for the moose, who was the only casualty, and she paid the ultimate price.
Carrie Underwood’s single “Blown Away” has topped the Billboard Country Airplay Charts for a Second Week!
Carrie’s back-to-back no. 1 airplay singles make her country’s only female vocalist of 2012 to achieve three weeks at no. 1.
Taylor Swift made numerous made numerous media appearances starting Monday 22nd (ABC's "Good Morning America) to Friday 26th (ABC's "Katie" with Katie Couric) to promote her newly released album RED – See separate Blog Post
Taylor Swift‘s marketing plan for her album ‘Red’ has included pizza boxes and commercials for Target, but now, the singer will help get fans revved up at the Hollywood Casino 400 of the NASCAR Sprint Cup series on Sunday (Oct. 21).
The superstar won’t be singing, but Earnhardt Ganassi Racing driver Juan Pablo Montoya’s #42 Target racecar has gotten a ‘Red’ makeover for the race. It was emblazoned with the album cover for ‘Red -
Taylor Swift has made Billboard chart history again. She has joined the elite group of women who’ve had over fifty (50) songs chart on Billboards Hot 100! Taylor scored her fiftieth single with “I Knew You Were Trouble,” and it only took six years to do it. Other women in this elite group include Madonna, Aretha Franklin, Connie Francis, Dionne Warwick. Although, Taylor is the ONLY one to score all fifty singles so quickly
+ Premiere Networks presents its 2012 CMA Awards Preview Special hosted by reigning “CMA Entertainer of the Year” Taylor Swift. The four-hour radio special, which airs in advance of “The 46th Annual CMA Awards,” features music and interviews with all the top stars
Force MP Entertainment's Steve Richard wrapped up the 2012 Inspirational Country Music (ICM) Week in Nashville, TN proudly accepting the award for "Video of the Year" for >> "Love's Gotta Go Somewhere," making him the first ever independent artist to win this award in the history of the ICMs! The 2009 ICM "New Artist of the Year" kicked off the celebration on the historic General Jackson Showboat where he and duet partner Laura Dodd performed a set in front of an all industry crowd featuring selections from both of their current projects, including a new collaboration “The Rock On Which I Stand." Dodd and Richard took the stage during the show where they debuted their new single, "I See You In Everything." The song will be featured on both Steve and Laura's upcoming albums and is currently available US iTunes
Miranda Lambert and Dierks Bentley have announced their 2013 ‘Locked & Reloaded’ Tour that kicks-off January 17 in Columbia, SC.
Hayden Panettiere is having a great time showing off for singing abilities in her new hit show, 'Nashville'.
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| Hayden Panettiere Press Photo |
Now, she sets her sights on recording a full country album. The 23-year-old actress told 'US Weekly' quote, "I recorded an album when I was younger, and I always said that if I was going to go back to music, I would do country"
The actress, who plays up-and-coming country starlet Juliette Barnes on the ABC show, actually has a background in music. In 2008, she released the single, "Wake Up Call," and has songs on several movie soundtracks, including that of "Ice Princess," "Cinderella III: A Twist in Time" and "Hoodwinked Too!"
The Band Perry fell prey to Brad Paisley's tour antics on Friday night (10/19) in San Diego, CA when Brad sent his crew out on stage dressed as "Lt. Dangle," from Comedy Central's hit show "Reno 911."
Apparently Brad thought the sibling trio needed a little "policing."
Jason Aldean, Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan and Little Big Town are set to perform at the American Country Awards (ACA) airing live from Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas Monday, Dec. 10 (8:00-10:00 PM ET live/PT tape-delayed) on FOX.
Hosted by Trace Adkins and Kristin Chenoweth, the two-hour event will also feature appearances by Scotty McCreery, Lauren Alaina, Casey James, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, Jana Kramer, Dustin Lynch and Chris Young. Additional performers and presenters to be announced soon.
Broken Bow Records artist Jason Aldean’s ‘NIGHT TRAIN TOUR’ stop at Fenway Park in Boston, MA sold out in just seven minutes THIS MORNING (10/26).
Released in 1995, WRECKING BALL knocked down the pillars of Emmylou Harris’ sound — the clean production; the mix of country ballads and rootsy rave-ups; the loose connection to mainstream country music — and rebuilt her career from the ground up.
On an October evening seventeen years later, Harris played the entire album, along with eight other songs, to a packed house at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, two miles from the studio where Wrecking Ball was partially recorded....Read more at
SINGLE / ALBUM NEWS
Forty years ago John Denver released his first single “Rocky Mountain High” and immediately became a household name. Denver had a strong impact on music and now his efforts are going to be recognized with a new tribute CD.
The Music Is You: A Tribute to John Denver comes out nearly 15 years after the legendary singer songwriter’s death. The album is set to be released in February 2013. It features countless artists Old Crow Medicine Show (“Back Home Again”), Kathleen Edwards (“All of My Memories”), Lucinda Williams (“TBA”), Brandi Carlile “”Take Me Home, Country Roads”) and Mary Chapin Carpenter (“I Guess He’d Rather Be In Colorado”
Two-time Grammy winning, singer songwriter Colbie Caillat will release her first album of holiday music, CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND, Oct 22 on Republic Records. Caillat will make numerous television performances for the album, including NBC’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and ABC’s CMA A Country Christmas Special. The Malibu-born, platinum recording artist brings her easy going rhythms and breezy style to CHRISTMAS IN THE SAND which features four original Christmas songs including the humorous, mid-tempo title track which was written by Caillat, Jason Reeves and Kara DioGuardi and which was premiered on Billboard.com.
Caillat also recorded classics like Merry Christmas Baby, featuring Brad Paisley on vocals and a smokin’ guitar.
Early praise for new single “Love You For A Long Time” has critics proclaiming country music Trio HIGH VALLEY, Brothers Brad (lead vocals, acoustic guitar), Bryan (harmony vocals, bass guitar) and Curtis (harmony vocals, mandolin), all in their twenties, among the ONES TO WATCH
“Love You For A Long Time,” written by lead singer Brad Rempel with Jared Crump and Ben Stennis, describes the perfect love that endures life’s ups and downs. Music Row declared “loved it, loved it, loved it!” in response to the song’s driving rhythm and instantly singable lyric. High Valley’s “Love You For A Long Time,” released on Eaglemont Entertainment, is climbing the country radio charts in advance of a 2013 album release in the states. (Source - Monarch Publicity) - Cover Art available on UK iTunes
Related News: (Monarch Publicity Blurb) Nashville, TN Country Music’s hot new trio has been stirring up quite the buzz with their recent tour, and are now heating up the northeast with an appearance at Pittsburgh’s Heinz Stadium on Sunday, October 28th for a Steelers pre-game concert. Fans can enjoy the music of High Valley when they perform on the field as the Steelers gear up to take on the Washington Redskins. Along with their smash hit, “Let It Be Me”, the sibling trio will also perform their latest single “Love You For A Long Time” which is currently climbing the country charts.
“First of all, I'm from Alberta, Canada. Second of all, I recently discovered a trio of total babe brothers making boot stomping, country jams who also hail from Alberta, Canada” - Keltie Colleen for The Insider.com interviews Country's new Heartthrobs High Valley – Watch it here http
Nashville’s country duo Montgomery Gentry releases their new digital EP Friends and Family, which includes their latest single >> “I’ll Keep The Kids,” to iTunes and all other digital outlets on October 23, 2012. Co-written by Eddie Montgomery, Ira Dean and Phil O’Donnell, “I’ll Keep The Kids” has been one of the most added records since it came out.
“We haven't had a song with this much emotion since ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today.’” – Chris O’Kelley, WCKN
“Heartfelt, sung with real emotion, great writing. This song hits hard and needs to be heard!!” – Mike Kennedy, VP programming Wilkes Broadcasting
The new digital EP Friends & Family contains “I’ll Keep The Kids,” the “Where I Come From” remix featuring Colt Ford, “Good Ol’ Boys (Dukes of Hazzard There Song)” from Waylon (the tribute album) and “Ain’t Out Of The Woods” from the recent Colt Ford Declaration of Independence album. I’ll Keep The Kids,”
MCA Nashville will release a brand new single, “Give It All We Got Tonight,” from George Strait on Monday, Oct. 29, 2012 to country radio on Play MPE. The single was recorded in Nashville and penned by Tim James, Phil O’Donnell and Mark Bright and is the first from Strait's forthcoming album. Strait once again collaborated with longtime producer, Tony Brown, on the music.
“The song has a very unusual melody and very cool phrasing, which I've always been drawn to,” shared Strait. (Friday, Oct. 26, 2012) For Full Lyrics and More read the EB Media Press Release
PRESS RELEASES
Award-winning singer/songwriter,UK Native Josh Doyle, celebrates the release of his self-titled debut album October 23, 2012, with a full schedule of media stops this week including Marie Osmond’s, Marie, (Oct 23); Daily Buzz (Oct 23), Daytime (Oct 25), and the Better Show (Oct 30); and Good Day New York (Oct 26).
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| Josh Doyle & Marie Osmond |
Featured on October’s Cover of “Guitar Center” magazine, Doyle recently won Guitar Center’s first Singer-Songwriter competition out of 17,000 entries. The prize included studio time with Grammy-winning producer John Shanks, who has worked with such heavy weights as Bon Jovi and Van Halen. Recorded with producer John Shanks at Henson Studios in Los Angeles, Doyle’s all-star back-up band included Leland Sklar (Jackson Browne, James Taylor) , Matt Chamberlain (Fiona Apple, David Bowie, John Mayer), Dean Parks (Billy Joel, Elton John) and Patrick Warren (Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen). The debut disc gives an inside glimpse into the tortured soul that is Josh Doyle. With lyrics that read like an autobiography, Doyle’s self-penned songs address such universal themes as love, loneliness, searching for meaning, suicide and ending relationships that were supposed to last forever.
For Track listing /further details read the Webster & Associates Press Release
The Marshall Tucker Band is tuning up for another 'party at sea,' as they join a slew of classic rock icons aboard the 2013 Rock Legends Cruise II. The cruise benefits the Native American Heritage Association (NAHA).
Bound for Labadee, Haiti, the four-day cruise aboard Royal Carribean International's Liberty of the Seas, departs from Fort Lauderdale, FL on January 10, 2013.
The Marshall Tucker Band joins more than 20 rock groups including Foreigner, Paul Rodgers, Creedence Clearwater Revisited, Kansas, Bachman & Turner, 38 Special, the Blue Oyster Cult, Foghat, Molly Hatchet and the Kentucky HeadHunters - Read More Absolute Publicity Press
"Musicians For Mitt" hosted by John Rich kicked off Oct 25th in Defiance, Ohio, as the Celebrity Apprentice alum gathers musicians to help bring Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan to The White House. Rich performed last week in Daytona Beach, Florida, during a rally event that featured both Gov. Romney and Congressman Ryan.
"This is going to be an event,"said John Rich. "Governor Romney is all about bringing people together from all walks of life for the betterment of America and that is what we are supporting with tonight's musical extravaganza."
Tonight, "Musicians for Mitt" will feature Randy Owen, lead singer of super group ALABAMA, performing some of Alabama's biggest hits as well rock legend Meat Loaf. A surprise very special guest is also scheduled to take the stage.
Musicians taking the stage this week for the Romney-Ryan 2012 campaign include Kid Rock, Rodney Atkins, The Oak Ridge Boys, Ricky Skaggs, Lorrie Morgan, Mark Wills, among others – (Webster & Associates Press)
ARTICLES
Billboard Story : Is the Rock-and-Pop-ification of Country Good or Bad? Mike Dungan, Radio Execs Weigh In
Extract: Eric Church's "Springsteen," with a lyric overtly embracing a rock concert, drew a field-leading five nominations. Jason Aldean, who considers himself a country singer backed by a rock band, and Dierks Bentley, whose current "5-1-5-0" employs Van Halen and Ozzy Osbourne references. Picked up four. Pop-textured Taylor Swift and Little Big Town netted three. The CMAs even had room for Snoop Lion and Lionel Richie.
In short supply were acts that can be considered stout traditionalists. Alan Jackson nabbed a slot only for a collaboration with Zac Brown Band, and George Strait-tied with Jackson for the most career nominations at 81-was absent for a second consecutive year. Brad Paisley, who co-hosts the awards with Carrie Underwood on Nov. 1, received a lone nomination. In fact, the CMAs underscore a perceptible shift in the genre as it continues to undergo a fragile transition, amassing as large an audience as possible while its radio format avoids fragmenting in the way that pop and rock have split.
Since its formal inception as "old-time music" in the early 20th century, country has witnessed a stylistic tug of war between pop and traditional forces. Now, country's big tent is propped up not by just those two poles but three: traditional country, pop-influenced music and a rock-edged sound. As a result, the genre is drawing more attention from younger music fans, whom historically spend more than older consumers on entertainment. But it's also challenging fans who are reaching the upper end or aging out of country radio's preferred 25-54 demographic. ....Read more
CMT NASHVILLE SKYLINE: Ask Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean and the Mumfords Is the Album Dead? Not for Them!
REVIEWS
No Depression.com- Country Music Hall of Fame: Class of 2012 Induction Ceremony (Connie Smith, Hargus "Pig" Robbins, Garth Brooks) Oct 21, 2012
The Tennessean also had an article. Opening Extract: Garth Brooks’ eyes filled with tears on Sunday night before the Medallion Ceremony to induct him into the Country Music Hall of Fame even started. “I came to this town for one reason,” Brooks said on the red carpet just inside the hall’s doors. “That was to get George Strait to record ‘Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old).’ Tonight, he’s singing it.” Brooks, Connie Smith and Hargus “Pig” Robbins were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, each with performances from some all-star friends…….
INTERVIEWS
Billboard 615 Spotlight Lorrie Morgan Talks Christmas Show, Preps Album With Pam Tillis ..Extracts: "I've been wanting to do this for years," she tells Billboard. "Back when they started doing the Christmas shows at Opryland, I thought it would be wonderful to have your stage set up there every night, and go home to your own bed... I'm just looking forward to creating a magical Christmas atmosphere for people to come and enjoy. It's an opportunity for people to get out of the real world a little bit and relive some magical Christmas moments." ………In addition to "A Country Christmas," Morgan is also putting the final touches on an album with her current touring partner, Pam Tillis. "We have already completed the album, and it is being finalized. We've been on the Grits N Glamour tour for about two years, and people have been wanting us to do an album, so we just decided to take it to the next level”
The Billboard 615 Spotlight shines on Joanna Smith in: Joanna Smith 'Friends' You
Eileen Carey, a country singer from Southern California is getting rave reviews for her new Single “Don’t Get Me Wrong”
Blurb - Pop-Country recording artist, Eileen Carey’s catchy, uptempo remake of the 1986 Pretenders hit of the same name, to be included on Carey’s upcoming full-length LP, “Let It Go,” scheduled for a mid-November 2012 release date. Twitter and Reverbnation have been abuzz with praise for “Don’t Get Me Wrong.” Carey’s catchy blend of Country, Pop, and Rock has gained her a loyal following through the years, along the way earning her accolades such as “Dance Artist of the Year” (2010 Los Angeles Music Awards) and 2009 LAMA “Americana Artist of the Year
Catch this interview on KCAA 1050 AM The Linda Salvin Show (2012-10-22)
>> Audio
San Antonio, TX artist Rodney Hayden has a duet with Kelly Willis called “I Drink to Remember” on Hayden’s new album titled, ATASCOSA SAND released Oct 23rd.
Listen at soundcloud.com The 10-song album is available on UK iTunes - Cover ART
Tracy Lawrence will officially release his new single, “Stop, Drop and Roll,” on October 30 from his new album, Headlights, Taillights and Radios, set to be released in the spring of 2013. The song was written by Casey Beathard and Brandon Kinney.
Listen to “Stop, Drop and Roll” Hit or Miss? >> YouTube
WATCH
Corey Kenton – “She's My Country” Official Music Video >> YouTube
"TEXATUDE", country-rock singer/songwriter Jamie Burke performing "What She Don't Know" (c) 2012 BMI, written by: Jamie Burke, directed by: Patrick Tohill >> YouTube
Official music video for "Maybe You Remember Me Now" by two time CCMA Group of the Year, Hey Romeo. Written by Hey Romeo & Byron Hill and directed by multiple CCMA award winner Stephano Barberis. Shot in a beautiful mansion in Vancouver, BC.
>> YouTube © 2012 Royalty Records Inc
Hope Nix, born and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, has a new video for single "Drive Me Wild" >> YouTube
AOL's The Boot and just in time for Halloween, Pam Tillis debuted her latest music video, titled "The Monster & The Banjo."
Tillis produced and stars in the bluegrass-themed music video, shot earlier this month on a hazy, eerie fall morning on location in the Tennessee wilderness, just outside of Nashville.
"I've known about this song for a long time," notes Tillis. "I was going going through my music library one day and it hit me that it would be a fun music video to make for Halloween!" For casting the video, Tillis rounded up some of her favourite child musicians to perform, and recruited friends and family for the additional roles, living and dead. (Absolute Publicity Press)
Watch the video >> YouTube
Band: Jacob and Isaac Moore, Frannie and Cara DiGiovanni, Grayson and Ivy Phillips, Melody and Kadence Williamson
Characters: Paula Spicher (Grandma), Rodney Dawson (Uncle Wilber), Jeff Moore (Billy)
Zombies: Don Murry Grubbs, Travis , Cory Stone, Andrea Ladd, Brandy Spicher, Katelyn Walker, Cash Pinson and Kennedy Smith.
The Time Jumpers new official music video for "On the Outskirts of Town" Starring Chyler Leigh (Grey's Anatomy) and Nathan West (Miracle and Bring It On) and directed by Marcel >> YouTube
Kellie Lynne newly released "Dirt Cheap" Official Music Video, Written by: Luke Bryan, Dallas Davidson and Hillary Lindsey, Directed by: Michael Monaco, Hair and Makeup: Caitlin Pasquale >> YouTube
Irish singer-songwriter Pete Kennedy Official Music Video for performing “I Am the One” (P) (C) 2012 KEMC Records >> YouTube
Hayden Panettiere saw a longtime dream come true this week, as her song "Telescope" hit country radio, with its sassy video debuting on People.com. The pop-country song is part of the soundtrack to her hit TV show, "Nashville," on which Hayden plays the role of rising star Juliette Barnes.
"[I was a] huge fan of country music, and that's always genuinely where my heart was," she said this week on the "Rachael Ray" show. The actress, who plays seductive country starlet Juliette Barnes on Nashville, has got the vixen thing down (not to mention a darn good twang!) in this brand new music video. Performing as Juliette she makes her "cheatin', schemin'" tattooed lover (played by actor Daniel Ness) pay by stringing him up with rope and hanging him upside down - www.people.com
COUNTRY FASHION
Designer Marina Toybina has officially signed on to style the upcoming season of the US X Factor, after winning an Emmy Award in September for her previous style work on the show.
Toybina received the award of “outstanding costume for a variety program or a special...After designing and styling for pop, rock and fresh off from styling Usher’s attention-grabbing performance at the IHeartRadio Music Festival, Marina Toybina has gone country. Marina will be styling Carrie Underwood’s upcoming The Blown Away Tour.
COUNTRY GOSSIP
Adele has reportedly given birth to a baby boy. The 24-year-old 'Someone Like You' singer is said to have given birth to her first child with boyfriend Simon Konecki last week and is said to be ecstatic. A source told The Sunday People: "Adele and Simon are ecstatic at their new arrival.” She was over the moon that they were expecting their first child together."
One Direction have entered the list of highest-earning British stars under 30, beating Adele and making £26.3 million in 2011.
Warner Artists Hunter Hayes, Jana Kramer, The Farm, Brett Eldredge reflect on Halloweens of Days Past
Jana Kramer: My favorite Halloween costume was when I went out as Sporty Spice. It was hilarious because all of my girlfriends dressed up as the other Spice Girls. We had a blast!
Taylor Swift leaves her phone at home when she is drinking as she is afraid of calling Gwyneth Paltrow when she is intoxicated.
The pair are good friends, with Gwyneth even reportedly playing matchmaker for Taylor and Jake Gyllenhaal, but the 'Love Story' singer admitted she is in awe of the Academy Award winning actress.
She told The Sun newspaper: "Gwyneth Paltrow [is the most famous person in my phone]. But it means I have a strict rule that I don't have my phone on me when I drink” Taylor also revealed she refuses to wear skimpy outfits because she wants people to focus on her music!"
Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez first bonded over heartbreak. Swift has revealed she and Selena initially became best friends in 2008 after splitting from their then boyfriends Joe and Nick Jonas from 'The Jonas Brothers'.
The 22-year-old star told CityTV in Canada: "One of our early on friendship bonding moments was a couple years ago when both of us were really going through heartbreak situations. I just called her and I was like, 'I'll be over there in 10 minutes with a bunch of junk food.' Ever since then, we're just been kinda like sisters, it's more of like a sister bond.
It appears Taylor Swift has bought a $4.5 million, 7-bedroom beachside mansion in Massachusetts, across the street from Ethel Kennedy
Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban Moving On Down? Perez Hilton are reporting they are dumping their $13 Million De-luxe New York Apartment in the sky!
200 Eleventh in Chelsea has one apartment left: a $12.95 million duplex penthouse with stunning views.
It’s no wonder Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban bought at 200 Eleventh, the still-stunning development by architect Annabelle Selldorf and developers Young Woo & Associates and Italian Glauco Lolli-Ghetti. See the photos here
Julianne Hough has revealed her boyfriend Ryan Seacrest was her first crush and she feels lucky to be dating him.
October 25, 2012 Did Taylor Swift And Conor Kennedy Just Split Up?
Taylor Swift may already have plenty of material for her next album.Us Weekly is reporting that Taylor Swift and her presumed boyfriend, Conor Kennedy, have gone their separate ways.
According to the report, the news was confirmed by what the magazine is calling a “close friend of the singer-songwriter.” The “close friend” was not named. The split is said to have been mutual, mostly caused by the strain of Taylor’s travel schedule. “”It was just a distance thing,” the source is quoted as saying. “No hard feelings. They’re fine.”The source also allegedly noted that “It’s been over a month since they’ve even seen each other.”
The Kennedy family are set to honour Taylor Swift at a gala in December - Although the 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' singer split from Conor Kennedy -the son of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the late Mary Kennedy - recently, his family are going ahead with plans to pay tribute to her at the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights' Ripple of Hope Awards Dinner. The event is set to be held at New York's Marriott Marquis on December 3.
While Taylor and Conor have recently split, the family are said to believe the romance isn't completely over as it was his schoolwork and her busy schedule which tore them apart.
A “source” told the New York Post's Page Six: "Conor has gone back to school, and the deans at Deerfield Academy in Massachusetts are not happy about him jetting around with Taylor
As for next week’s CMA Awards, Toby Keith who has had a long history of being snubbed by them says “he’d rather get a root canal”
TWEETS
Jana Kramer was in an airplane scare on Oct 21. Tweets: “Terrified out of my mind. Emergency landing back in Miami without landing gear. #pray”…“HOLY S**T that was NOT cool at all. Good news though. I’m on the ground. We made it. Thanks for the prayers #shaking”
R.I.P
Singer-songwriter Tim Johnson the man behind the lyrics to some of the most powerful country music songs died Sunday morning (Oct. 21) following a two-year battle with cancer. He was 52. Read separate Blog Post
Bluegrass headliner Connie Gately was laid to rest in Hermitage Memorial Gardens over the weekend.
The lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of Connie & Babe and The Backwoods Boys died on Monday, October 15. He was 83 years old. The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has identified Gately as a “bluegrass pioneer” and selected him for its oral-history program. Born in St. Louis in 1929, he grew up in Middle Tennessee. Gately attended university at Lipscomb, Memphis State and Peabody, earning a masters degree while playing college baseball. He formed The Backwoods Boys with guitarist/singer Babe Lofton (1929-1993) around 1952, when it debuted on disc on the Nashville independent label Republic Records. The core of the group also included banjo player Joe Drumright.
