Jess & The Bandits reveal “I Don't Dance” lyric video as Christmas present to fans

Jess and the Bandits - I Don't Dance (Official Lyric Video)

When she agreed to open for Boyzone on their BZ20 tour at the close of 2013, Texan singer Jess Clemmons didn’t realise she was about to embark on the tour that would start the next chapter of her career. Taking her new EP, WHAT IF, on the road, she bonded with her backing band and by the end of the tour knew that her music career was not going to be continued as a solo artist. Jess and the Bandits was born.

In January 2014, her single Single Tonight broke onto the to BBC Radio 2 playlist and Jess found herself a loyal, dedicated fan in Sir Terry Wogan, who invited her in for her first Radio 2 session. Covering Glen Campbell’s Wichita Lineman, her rich vocal prompted Sir Terry to state, ‘that was the most fabulous song that I’ve ever heard’.

Taking time to focus on writing and recording the band’s debut album, HERE WE GO AGAIN, Jess focused her efforts on her regular column for Female First. When the band returned in September 2014 with the single My Name Is Trouble, The Daily Mail praised her as ‘the most powerful voice this side of Adele.’

By the launch of HERE WE GO AGAIN in April 2015, the band had sold out their debut headline show at Little Rabbit Barn and blown the audiences away at Country2Country. The album stormed to #6 in the Official Country Charts. With the album’s lead single You Can’t Stop Me once again on the Radio 2 playlist, Jess had teamed up with Evans to front their #StyleHasNoSize campaign. Recording the music video to Nitty Gritty, the campaign’s official anthem, Jess revelled in following in Beth Ditto and Chaka Khan’s footsteps as an ambassador for the brand.

With appearances at festivals including The Isle of Wight and Cornbury, and appearances on Lorraine, The Wright Stuff and Weekend with Aled Jones boosting her profile. Jess was thrilled to team up with Scarlett and Jo to model their 2015 range, before once again fronting Evans’ 2016 campaign, #IAmMe, alongside Hayley Hasselhoff and Nadia Aboulhosn.

2016 also marked the band’s debut headline tour, another summer of festival appearances and the release of a deluxe edition of their debut album, which once again entered the Official Country Charts Top 20, while The Boot and Spotify championed the band’s single Ready Set.

Last weekend saw Jess invited down to BBC Radio London live at The Jazz Cafe to join Gaby Roslin for a live show which also featured Matt Cardle, Ward Thomas, Jack Savoretti and Ben Forster. Alongside a rendition of their own hit Love Like That, they delivered a beautiful reworking of Jess' favourite Christmas song, O Holy Night.

As a Christmas gift to their fans, Jess & The Bandits have revealed a lyric video to live favourite I Don't Dance, which featured on the deluxe edition:

Jess and the Bandits (1/5 Texan and 4/5 British)

Deluxe edition of their debut album HERE WE GO AGAIN released April 1, 2016!

Label: After Midnight Girl Entertainment LLC  17 tracks | Total Time: 55:36

Amazon UK | UK iTunes | Amazon.com

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and A Very Happy New Year from Jess and the Bandits!! xx #countrymusic #newmusic #merrychristmas #2016 #2017 pic.twitter.com/nlPCckFNTS

— Jess and the Bandits (@JesstheBandits) 23 December 2016

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Dolly Parton's My People Fund serves nearly 900 families in first distribution

DOLLY PARTON'S MY PEOPLE FUND SERVES NEARLY 900 FAMILIES IN FIRST DISTRIBUTION

Donations to the fund continue as totals climb to $9.3 million

 PIGEON FORGE, Tenn. (December 22, 2016) 

In a little more than two weeks after the wildfires that spread across Dolly Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee, Parton, and the Dollywood Foundation launched the distribution of assistance from the My People Fund. During the four-day cash distribution, 884 families received their initial support payments.

“It’s a blessing during this holiday season that we are able to help as many families as we have so far,” Parton said. “We know there are more families out there who need our help and we encourage them to be in contact with us before our January distribution.”

The Dollywood Foundation My People Fund provides $1,000 each month to Sevier County families whose homes are uninhabitable or were completely destroyed in the recent Smoky Mountain wildfires. Any family who lost their primary residence (renters and homeowners) due to the wildfires in Sevier County will be eligible. A pre-application for those affected is available at dollywoodfoundation.org.

Millions of people watched Smoky Mountains Rise: A Benefit for the My People Fund telethon on Tuesday, December 13 on Great American Country, AXS-TV, RFD-TV and The Heartland Network and during several rebroadcasts throughout the last week. As a result, donations continued to roll in and thanks to generous people from coast to coast and Parton’s friends, the total amount raised has climbed to $9.3 million.

“As, Dolly said, the response has been overwhelming,” David Dotson, Dollywood Foundation President said. “We will distribute all $9.3 million to the families affected. That will insure all of the money raised will go to where Dolly promised it would go.”

The next distribution is January 26 and 27, 2017 at the LeConte Events Center in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

About the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund:
More than 1,300 families have been displaced due to the wildfires which spread across Parton’s home area of Sevier County, Tennessee in late November. The entertainment icon established the Dollywood Foundation My People Fund to provide $1,000 each month for six months to every family who lost their primary residence.

About Smoky Mountains Rise:
Smoky Mountains Rise was a three-hour telethon broadcast on Tuesday, Dec. 13 to raise money for the Dollywood Foundation’s My People Fund to benefit those affected by the Sevier County, Tennessee wildfires. Smoky Mountains Rise was executive produced by Dolly Parton, Danny Nozell, Kirt Webster, Pete Owens and Scott Durand. Produced by Edie Hoback, Jeremy Westby, Shanna Strassberg, Suzzane Skinner, Nic Dugger and Shantel Klinger.

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Reba McEntire selects Joseph Habedank composition as title track to New Gospel Recording

Photo courtesy of Conduit Media

Last week, Reba McEntire announced plans to release a Gospel music project in February 3, 2017. The two-disc set will feature both familiar and brand-new songs. Last year, Joseph Habedank, the popular vocalist who has also garnered hits as a songwriter, was surprised to learn that “Sing It Now,” a song co-written with Tony Wood and Michael Farren, would be included in this project. Because Reba had not released plans, Habedank could not tell a soul.

This past week, in a Facebook live chat, Reba McEntire released details of that project and Habedank was surprised to learn that his tune would be the title track!

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope is set to release in February 2017 and Joseph is thrilled.

“I am humbled that Reba loved this song enough to record it and then to select it as the title for her new Gospel project,” said Habedank. “I am honored to share this moment with two of the finest men I know, Tony Wood and Michael Farren.”

Habedank records for Daywind Records and makes his home just outside Nashville, TN with his lovely wife, Lindsay.

News courtesy of Country Music Tattle Tale

Rising country songstress, Arista Manning, releases video for single “Southern Drawl”

Rising Country Songstress, Arista Manning, Releases Video for Single “Southern Drawl”

On the heals of the release of her debut EP, Ride This Night, 22-year-old Kentucky native, Arista Manning, has released the music video for her first single Southern Drawl. The video premiered today on Next Women of Country and is an energetic nod to those who have “an appreciation for all things southern.”  As entertaining as it is catchy, Arista brings hard-hitting vocals and an attitude to the track that is hard to resist.

The upbeat tune and Arista’s refreshing sound have already impacted radio and grabbed the attention of industry professionals. Al Windsperger of WYRQ said of Southern Drawl, “The music on the track reminds me of Charlie Daniel’s southern style… [Arista has] a nice voice that is easy to listen to,” and Seth Coburn of KLAW noted that “[Arista has] got a great voice, and Southern Drawl is a great mix of classic country with a modern sound.”

About Arista Manning

The daughter of a local farmer, rising country songstress Arista Manning’s musical career began with the southern roots that now help grow her artistry--inside her hometown church in Kentucky where she played piano and sang in the choir at just eight years old. After taking the stage at local talent shows and events for several years, Arista’s goals broadened beyond her small town, and the teenager began traveling to Music City to record demos and pursue the dreams that have continued to follow her.

Arista’s debut EP boasts five songs written by some of Nashville’s most decorated songwriters (Brian White, Ashley Monroe, Brett James and many others). 

(2 Sept 2016) Arista Manning - Ride This Night (EP; Manning Productions)

5 Tracks/ Time: 15:46 Country, Indie & Alternative

Amazon UK - UK iTunes - Amazon.com

Ride This Night takes listeners on a journey of both nostalgia and adventure. 

From lyrics about spirituality and trusting God to deliver your dreams (Amen to That), to living in the moment and seeking the unknown (Ride This Night), Arista pays homage to the sound and storytelling of the classics from the genre, while beautifully reflecting her own experience as she begins to carve her path as a new artist, one that will resonate with listeners who have answered the call of their dreams.     

When you're too excited for your Christmas radio tour! Be sure to listen for my single "Southern Drawl" on your local country stations! 🎤🎄 pic.twitter.com/PsgTn7HJSQ

— Arista Manning (@aristammanning) 7 December 2016

Full of personality with passion and a voice to match, Arista Manning is poised to make waves in the country music industry—reaching out to listeners of all ages and in every walk of life with meaningful messages, youthful anthems, and a respectful nod to her roots. 

You can find more information about Arista by visiting

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Country/Pop Artist Abi's lyric video for original Holiday Song "Put A Bow On It"

Country/Pop Artist Abi's Lyric Video For Original Holiday Song

 "Put A Bow On It" Premieres On J-14

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 19, 2016)

Fresh off opening up for Pentatonix and Us The Duo on the second half of the Pentatonix World Tour Abi (Ann) is releasing a lyric video for her original holiday song, “Put A Bow On It.” The lyric video exclusively premiered on J-14.com.

Directed by Ford Fairchild (Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch, Justin Moore) the festive video features Abi bringing to life her lyrics with the help of some holiday sparkle.

Click to purchase Abi’s original holiday song “Put A Bow On It” on:
 Amazon UK, iTunes, Amazon.com

She shares: "'Put A Bow On It" is my own little spin on the playful and celebratory holiday songs we all love," Abi said in an interview with Just Jared Jr. "It's definitely put me in the Christmas mood. I’m so excited for you guys to feel the spirit!"

Abi spent her summer performing at NASCAR events all over the country. She also played at the 30th Annual Country Fest in Cadott, WI, opening for Mo Pitney, Phil Vassar, Chase Rice and Sam Hunt. Summer of 2015, before she began her freshman year at Belmont University, Abi spent 70+ days on the road opening up for Kelly Clarkson on her Piece by Piece Tour, Alongside Pentatonix and Eric Hutchison. Abi spent the latter part of 2015 opening for Texas Country Group Eli Young Band alongside LOCASH, LANCo, Blackjack Billy, Dallas Smith, CAM and Luke Combs.

You're the only thing on my Christmas list. 📜😉 #PutaBowonIt https://t.co/enxB22KW6v pic.twitter.com/FP6NyPCirG

— Abi (@abiannmusic) 13 December 2016

ABOUT ABI
The Midland, TX native successfully balances a rigorous school schedule at Belmont University in Nashville studying Business Entrepreneurship, as well as her touring, songwriting and appearances.

Abi has an extreme passion for charity, is an anti-bully activist and has headlined several anti-bully rallies across the United States. 

In 2015, Abi spent her summer after high school opening for Kelly Clarkson alongside Pentatonix and Eric Hutchison, and has since toured with Frankie Ballard and Eli Young Band. 

This summer, Abi performed at NASCAR events across the country, and opened for Sam Hunt, Phil Vassar, Mo Pitney and more at the 30th Annual Country Fest in Cadott, WI. She is an avid scuba diver, surfer, swimmer race car driver, spinner and markswoman. 
She is also fluent in French and has traveled to well over 40 countries in her 19 years.

She released a Pop/ Country 5 track EP titled “17” (N Sound Entertainment: MP3 | UK iTunes | Amazon.com) on 16 Jan 2015.

Top Tracks include "It's The Bones" and "Cage Without A Key"

Abi’s single “Future Ex Boyfriend” made a No.8 debut and took over the No.1 on European Hotdisc Top 40 chart and led 2-weeks (Chart dated April 19, 2015 Chart)

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Southern Halo's Hangin' With Halo Radio Show goes global with CMR Nashville

Southern Halo's Hangin' With Halo Radio Show Goes Global With CMR Nashville Beginning Today

"They bring a young outlook, great music and a fun show to our schedule."

- Lee Williams, CEO and Owner, CMR Nashville

London / Nashville (December 19, 2016)

Southern Halo's popular weekly radio show, Hangin' With Halo, goes global with the addition of the program to CMR Nashville's line-up today.  Fans can listen via PC, Mac and TuneIn radio app for all smart Phones, tablets, and the new Amazon Echo.  Various Smart TV applications and a free CMR Nashville app are also available.

Hangin' With Halo CMR Nashville Broadcast Times

Mondays - 4 p.m. GMT / 10 a.m. CT and Midnight GMT / 6 p.m. CT    

Tuesdays - 8 a.m. GMT / 2 a.m. CT

CMR Nashville is Europe's #1 station and Natalia, Christina and Hannah are thrilled to be on board.  "This is a really cool early Christmas present, and a great way to wrap up an incredible year," notes Natalia.  "We couldn't be happier."  For the station's CEO and Owner Lee Williams, bringing Southern Halo and their Hangin' With Halo show to CMR is a natural evolution.  "We play their music on the station and air their music videos on our CM&T Video channel.  We've watched them grow as artists and their show just feels like a great fit for our listeners and the new breed of younger Country fans.  This should open the door to touring opportunities for the trio in the UK and Europe."

Check in for our "Hangin' with Halo" Country Radio show on @CMRNashville in Europe at https://t.co/ZVL3D2SI8z NOW! pic.twitter.com/XsTtgQ7rCD

— Southern Halo (@3halos) 19 December 2016

Steven J. Shelton and Natalia E. Morris are the show's executive producers/directors, and each episode includes a segment called "Nashville Buzz," which offers exciting updates on today's hottest Country artists.  Additionally, the members of Southern Halo share personal insights into their "crazy" lives and spin songs by their favorite artists. 

So, what did the Hangin' With Halo 100.7 WDMS-FM show sound like? 
Listen to this edited sample of the first programme giving you a flavour of what to expect:

Review & Show Rating:

Music included current radio singles contemporary sounds from the likes of Florida Georgia Line, Granger Smith, Lauren Alaina, Joe Nichols, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Darius Rucker and LeAnn Rimes. The Nashville Buzz segment merely recapped news that has been previously published on main country music news websites and social media feeds. Instead we would have liked to have heard Southern Halo offer up their opinions on the latest songs, the current standing of the country music industry, how music is being consumed and an incite into being new artistes. The frequent and somewhat annoying adverts have little relevance to a European audience and centre on companies in the Nashville and surrounding areas.

Recently, they chatted about their upcoming holiday plans, affordable stocking stuffers, the Nashville Christmas Parade and inclusion in the newly-released book, Mojo Triangle Travel Guide by acclaimed author Mardi Allen (Sartoris Literary Group).

The group's 10 track self-titled debut CD (released 30 June 2015), featuring their Top 40 MusicRow CountryBreakout™Chart radio hits, "Little White Dress" and "Rewind," is available for purchase on iTunes, 

 Amazon UK - Amazon.com

"Little White Dress" was the top Hotdisc track of 2015 where it ruled the European Hotdisc Top 40 Chart with an 8-week stay atop the chart begining Nov 15, 2015

Their Hotdisc follow up single Rewind made a debut at #3 and topped the chart for 2-weeks (chart dated July 24, 2016)

Their latest single "Living Like That" (promoted by GrassRoots) was sent to radio on December 5th with an Impact Date set for January 23rd, 2017.

ABOUT Southern Halo

Southern Halo is comprised of Natalia (principal songwriter, guitarist, lead vocalist), Christina (drums) and Hannah (bass).  The Morris sisters hail from Cleveland, Mississippi in the heart of the musically-diverse Delta region.  

Since landing in the National finals of the 2014 Texaco Country Showdown, Southern Halo has risen from regional to national acclaim and opened for Maren Morris, Love and Theft, Brantley Gilbert, Eric Paslay, Tyler Farr, Parmalee, Old Dominion, American Young and B.B. King.  

Their CD, SOUTHERN HALO, was produced by SESAC's 2012 Writer of the Year Catt Gravitt (Kelly Clarkson, Jake Owen) and Gerald O'Brien (writer of hits for Martina McBride, Trace Adkins).  This year, they made their CMA Music Festival debut with appearances on two separate stages, were named Nashville Universe's Vocal Group of the Year 2016, performed at an elite pre-GRAMMY Awards show on the rooftop terrace of the GRAMMY Museum ® at LA Live in Los Angeles, launched Townsquare Media's "Say It With Pepsi" Concert Series, and performed during the syndicated 63rd Annual Piedmont Natural Gas Nashville Christmas Parade television show.  The band has forged partnerships with Gibson Guitar, Claire's, Vietti Chili and Radio Disney Country, and now hosts a weekly radio show, Hangin' With Halo, stateside (Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi) on powerhouse WDMS-FM and globally on CMR Nashville.  

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Loretta Lynn, The Milk Carton Kids, and Margo Price at Blackberry Farm to support Americana

Loretta Lynn, The Milk Carton Kids, Margo Price to Perform at Blackberry Farm for Americana Spring Celebration

Bucket List Event Slated for March 30 - April 1, 2017 

(Nashville, Tenn.) Dec. 16, 2016 -- The Americana Music Association has announced the lineup for the 7th Annual Americana Spring Celebration to be held March 30 - April 1, 2017. Performances will be held each night at Blackberry Farm, a world-class luxury resort that is breathtakingly situated in the Great Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

This year's musical experience will feature one of the greatest songwriters and most awarded females in country music, Americana Lifetime Achievement honoree Loretta Lynn; Americana Honors & Awards 2013 Duo/Group of the Year The Milk Carton Kids; and Americana Honors & Awards 2016 Emerging Artist of the Year Margo Price. These unparalleled artists will play before the inspiring backdrop of Blackberry Farm to benefit the not-for-profit artist advocacy group.

"We are so excited to be returning to Blackberry Farm to produce this important and truly spectacular fundraiser. It just keeps getting better and better," said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. "A weekend at this intimate venue with Loretta, Margo, and Kenneth and Joey will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that no one will soon forget."

The renowned Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Châteux Resort, is one of America's most celebrated intimate luxury hotels, featuring 62 elegant accommodations and some of the world's finest wine, cuisine, fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking, cycling, sporting clay, and mountain biking opportunities. Along with the abundance of outdoor activities, Blackberry Farm offers a destination spa and an annual series of culinary events, hosted by world-renowned guest chefs and vintners.

Reservations are available by calling 1-800-557-8864 or visiting www.blackberryfarm.com.

About Blackberry Farm
Described as “Easy to get to. Hard to leave,” Blackberry Farm was voted the No. 1 resort in North America for by Travel + Leisure's readers in the “World’s Best” awards, and is the recipient of many other prestigious accolades. Blackberry Farm creates an unforgettable experience for each guest, with exceptional personal service and attention to detail. Two inventive restaurants showcase “Foothills Cuisine,” an epicurean adventure featuring foods indigenous to the region and borrowing heavily from haute cuisine. Guests enjoy a Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine cellar that includes highly collectible American wines found only at Blackberry Farm. The property is a member of Relais & Châteaux, an association of the world’s finest hoteliers, chefs and restaurateurs, established over half a century ago, that has set the standard for excellence in hospitality. For reservations and information, please call 1-800-557-8864 or visit www.blackberryfarm.com.

About the Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association is a professional not-for-profit trade organization whose mission is to advocate for the authentic voice of American roots music around the world. The Association produces events throughout the year; including the Americana Music Festival & Conference and the critically acclaimed Americana Honors & Awards program. The Americana Music Association receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Epiphone, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Music City Networks, ASCAP, BMI, SESAC, SoundExchange, and AT&T. For more information about membership or the Americana Music Festival & Conference, please visit www.americanamusic.org. 

About AmericanaFest
The 17th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference took place September 20-25, 2016. The event brought together fans and music industry professionals alike, offering six days of celebration through seminars, panels, and networking opportunities by day, and raw showcases each night. The Americana Honors & Awards show was the No. 1 most watched live stream on NPR and was broadcast as a PBS special, ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2016. The program was the featured performance of the festivities and took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN. T Bone Burnett delivered an industry-shaking keynote speech. Early bird registrations for AmericanaFest 2017 are on sale now at www.americanamusic.org.

Country Billboard Chart News December 19, 2016

Pending

For Now..

Country Year End Charts
• Top Country Artists Chris Stapleton
• Top Country Artists — Duo/Group Florida Georgia Line
• Top Country Artists — Female Carrie Underwood
• Top Country Artists — Male Chris Stapleton
• Top New Country Artists Maren Morris
• Top Country Labels Universal Music Group Nashville
• Top Hot Country Songs Artists Florida Georgia Line
• Top Hot Country Songs “H.O.L.Y.,” Florida Georgia Line
• Top Hot Country Songs Labels Capitol Nashville
• Top Hot Country Songs Producers Joey Moi
• Top Hot Country Songs Publishing Corporations Sony/ATV Music
• Top Hot Country Songs Publishers WB Music Corp., ASCAP
• Top Hot Country Songwriters Ashley Gorley
• Top Country Airplay Artists Jason Aldean
• Top Country Airplay Songs “Head Over Boots,” Jon Pardi
• Top Country Airplay Labels Capitol Nashville
• Top Country Digital Songs Artists Thomas Rhett
• Top Country Digital Songs Titles “H.O.L.Y.,” Florida Georgia Line
• Top Country Albums Titles Traveller, Chris Stapleton
• Top Country Albums Artists Chris Stapleton
• Top Country Albums Labels Universal Music Group Nashville
• Top Country Albums Distributors Universal
• Top Country Indicator Songs “Head Over Boots,” Jon Pardi
• Top Country Streaming Songs “Die a Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett
• Top Americana/Folk Albums Traveller, Chris Stapleton
• Top Country Tours Luke Bryan
• Top Country Catalog Albums Artists Merle Haggard
• Top Country Catalog Albums Titles The Legend of Johnny Cash, Johnny Cash

Country Bites News snippets December 12 - December 18, 2016

Pending

Brandy Clark's Triumphant 2016

BRANDY CLARK’S TRIUMPHANT 2016

Clark wraps a highly successful 2016 with a performance 

at A Tribute To The Music Of Linda Ronstadt;

releases unique “Love Can Go To Hell” rendition with YouTube sensation Sam Tsui

Clark appears on 10+ “Best of 2016” lists including NPR, American Songwriter, Rolling Stone (#27; 50 best albums of 2016) , Entertainment Weekly, Stereogum and more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Earning such bold titles from critics as “country music’s most reliable character witness” (The Washington Post), “one of country’s driving forces” (TIME) and “the best songwriter in Nashville” (Garden & Gun), country singer Brandy Clark is wrapping what is arguably the biggest year of her career. In the last week, Clark has landed a pair of GRAMMY nominations, delivered a poignant performance of “Crazy Arms” with revered singer-songwriter J.D. Souther for A Tribute To The Music Of Linda Ronstadt, and released a captivating duet with YouTube sensation Sam Tsui on her latest single, “Love Can Go To Hell.” After its Top Ten debut in June, Clark’s BIG DAY IN A SMALL TOWN reaped immense critical praise, quickly landing on multiple critics’ “Best Of 2016 So Far” lists including Rolling Stone, NPR, Stereogum and American Songwriter and ultimately garnering Clark her fifth and sixth career GRAMMY nods for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Love Can Go to Hell”).

Two of Clark’s more recent successes in a string of hard-won accomplishments this year include Big Day landing at No. 21 on American Songwriter’s Top 50 Albums of 2016 and No. 27 on Rolling Stone’s 50 Best Albums of 2016, lauding “her aching vocal performances and razor-sharp lyrics expertly articulating complicated, if all too common, human struggles.”

Clark released her robust sophomore album in June of this year as a follow up and self-proclaimed “cousin” to her highly successful and critically acclaimed 2013 debut album 12 Stories, which garnered Clark her second, third and fourth career GRAMMY nominations. Soon after Big Day’srelease, Clark launched into a sold out run of shows in the United Kingdom as well as multiple stops in Los Angeles, Philadelphia, and New York City.

“Over the past few years, Nashville-based songwriter Brandy Clark has written a slew of wildly popular songs that defy conventional wisdom of what makes a hit country tune. They have emerged out of what seems to be an effortless assembly line, but Clark’s work is far more than commercial product,” shared SALON Magazine’s Erik Nelson, who labeled Clark “The Raymond Carver of the Hot Country Charts.” “Like many Nashville songwriters, Clark often works with collaborators, yet the songs she contributes to always bear the mark of a true auteur, with lyrics that are smart bombs — maybe too smart — of description and narrative detail. (…) Her songs are simultaneously harrowing, cynical, uplifting and just plain funny.”

Armed with an acoustic performance that made CMT write, “few artists can make you feel the power of music quite like Brandy Clark," the acclaimed singer/songwriter continued on a sequence of iconic endeavors, including a stirring performance earlier this month at A Tribute To The Music of Linda Ronstadt and re-releasing her beloved ballad “Hold My Hand” with legendary Dwight Yoakam, who performed the fan favorite with her at the 2015 GRAMMY Awards and shared, “There’s an elegant succinctness to how Brandy delivers what she sings.”

Clark has forged a name for herself as well as for women in country music. Upon being surprised with the inaugural Impact Award at CMT’s Next Women of Country event this year, CMT's SVP of Music Strategy and Talent Leslie Fram shared, “She has accomplished so much [and has] been an amazing inspiration not only to CMT, but to all women.”

As 2016 nears its end, Clark reflects, “I really just want to write and sing songs that people find themselves in and felt like Big Day In a Small Town reflected real lives. BUT....you never really know until it's out there and so all of this truly makes me feel validated. It also inspires me moving forward into 2017, to keep digging deep and telling real truths."

For more information

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