Country News snippets November 20 – November 26, 2023

UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, RIAA Certifications, Album Releases, US News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Videos, Birthdays, RIP’s

BREAKING NEWS

Country News – November 23, 2023 with Shannon McCombs

A Thanksgiving special with lots of audio!!

This week on CDX Country News with Shannon McCombs…

You’ll hear from Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, Jordan Davis, and Josh Turner as they set the perfect Country Thanksgiving table!

UK NEWS

(17 Nov 2023) In a groundbreaking announcement, international country sensation Sheryl Crow is set to kick off the much-anticipated Black Deer Festival of Americana as the first headliner, marking the festival’s triumphant return in 2024. Celebrating its fifth year, the festival is gearing up for a spectacular event at Eridge Park, Kent, running from June 14th to June 16th.

Crow, a nine-time Grammy Award winner, will take center stage on Saturday, June 15th, treating fans to a career-spanning set. Fresh from the announcement of her eleventh studio album, “Evolution,” scheduled for release in March 2024, and a recent induction into the revered Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Crow promises an unforgettable performance. Her collaboration with Gen-Z pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo and the legendary Stevie Nicks at the induction ceremony further solidifies her status as a musical icon.

Describing itself Black Deer Festival statement reads: “stands as a beacon for music enthusiasts, leading the charge in the rapid rise of Americana in the UK and beyond. From Americana and Country to Folk, Bluegrass, Roots, and the Blues, the festival showcases the genre’s best and brightest, as well as emerging talents defining its renaissance” - blackdeerfestival.com 

(20 Nov 2023) Multi-talented singer/songwriter and actor Charles Esten announced that he will be returning to the UK/Europe in April 2024, for headline shows in the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark and Norway.

Check out the full tour dates below - tickets on Friday Nov 24 here

(21 Nov 2023) Nashville and UK based singer-songwriter Alyssa Bonagura attended her first

Production Music Awards on Monday night (Nov 20) at Outernet in London. She and Extreme Music were nominated in Best Acoustic Pop/Rock Production Music Track category.

The Production Music Awards 2023 celebrated exceptional production music from libraries and Composers across the world. 

The event offers well-deserved recognition, but also unparalleled global exposure for the depth and quality of modern production music to the wider sync and media industries whilst celebrating the best libraries and brightest talents.

NOMINATIONS

Back To You// BMG Production Music (At The Studios – Artists) // Fiona Harte

Fly With Me // Extreme Music // Alyssa Bonagura

Heart Skips a Beat // KPM Music // Andrew Peter Kingslow, Trina Smith - WINNER

Love At First Sight // Standard Music Library // Dan McDougall, James Thompson

Show Me // Level 77 Music // Noni Culotta, Alex Cabrera, Jason Rudd, Bradley Prakope

Tell ‘Em // Bigger Story Music (BMG Production Music) // Kara Greskovic, Ciel Eckard-Lee, Madi Cooper, Andrew Allen

Complete Winners list at productionmusicawards.com

Alyssa wore a sparkling Kiti (website) sleeved v neck sequined jacket from their fashion boutique. Get the look HERE

(21 Nov 2023) Jade Helliwell – The Sunflower Lounge, Birmingham Live Review 4 STARS EF Country: Jadę Helliwell is a powerful, engaging stage performer with a whole bunch of Yorkshire charm and an ability to lift a room with the notes she can hit. Alongside the power, though, there is a passion and an ability to craft her own impactful songs or record songs by the likes of Laura Oakes and other writers. This was a carefully planned set designed to take the crowd on a journey through her career to date. High notes, big notes, emotional notes and humour all featured as the show ebbed and flowed across the 75 minutes in Birmingham and as the last chords echoed around this small, intimate venue the crowd was left in no doubt that we had just been treated to an evening of classy, heartfelt and accomplished music done with real heart & soul…READ More

HOTDISC TOP 40 (Sunday 26th November 2023 chart)

The Hotdisc monthly promotional album is digitally distributed to a massive list of DJs, journalists, promoters, agents and other key people in the business. Every act on Hotdisc receives feedback on how their track is performing in the Hotdisc Top 40, which is compiled by the DJs themselves (songs are scored 1 – 10; with or without comment or airplay).

This week the late Raymond Froggatt’s Teach Me, Pa (Live) enjoyed a third successive week atop both the Hotdisc Top 40 & Brtish & Irish charts.

TW LW WOC Title Artist

1 1 4 Teach Me, Pa (Live) Raymond Froggatt (UK) ** No.1 (3 weeks) **

2 2 4 Puttin' Up Hay Alex Miller ⬅

3 3 4 Matamoros Frank Jennings (UK) ⬅

4 4 8 House Where Love Grows Parker & Dallaire ⬅

5 5 8 Back To My Boots Mia Brown ⬅

6 8 4 I'm Sorry Nicola Harris (UK) ⬆ 

12 16 4 Ya Got Two Wheels Re Mattei ⬆  ** Gainer **

(26 Nov 2023) IT’S CLOSING TIME...HE's GONE...COUNTRY: Paul Braithwaite presented his very last country show Braithwaite’s Country on BBC Radio Cumbria on Sunday Nov 26 (18:00-22:00) having presented the show for 35 years (he was only supposed to do it for 6 weeks!) and broadcasting on the station for 50 years!

The BBC are re-organizing local radio format and many programmes will be shared between neighbouring stations. There won't be many local programmes left once the service goes regional. This means that after 50 years with BBC Radio Cumbria Paul’s time behind the microphone has come to an end.

Paul was one of only two DJs who had been with the station since it launched in 1973 as Radio Carlisle. Braithwaites's Country has been a Sunday evening staple since its birth in 1988. The music too has been a regular weekly staple diet fix for fans of Reba, Trisha Yearwood, Nanci Griffith, Lee Ann Womack, Sara Evans, The McCarters, Lacy J Dalton, Glen Campbell, Alan Jackson, songwriter Gary Burr and UKs very own The Haley Sisters. 

Paul shared with The Cumberland News: “It has been a blast and I've loved every minute of it (better than working for a living!). Over the years I have presented just about every

programme, from 5am through to 1am, and covered every inch of the beautiful county of Cumbria hauling an old Uher tape recorder with me!  For several months I presented 8 programmes a week and thought BBC stood for "Braithwaite Broadcasting Corporation". I've met and interviewed some great people in their homes and shared air time with the odd celebrity or two.  There have also been more serious times like being on-air the morning Princess Diana died, a major rail crash in the county, floods, foot and mouth, plus storms.  Whenever I'm on air it's a disaster!

My thanks to everyone I've had the pleasure of working with and chatting over the airwaves.  Hopefully my bike will get used more and my 8 grandchildren will keep me busy. Thankyou BBC it has been a privilege to work for you.

Many people in local radio start their career in Hospital Radio. Paul went one step further. There wasn't a hospital radio service in Carlisle at the time (1972) so he started one. After this he pestered the BBC until they gave up and gave him some work.

He described one of his favourite broadcasting moments as having to describe the arrival of the two stripagrams to an event. "I couldn't see much, as my glasses were all steamed up."

In a nostalgic emotional final hour Paul selected some of his favorite country tracks over the years: Mary Chapin Carpenter (“This Shirt”), Blake Shelton (“Austin”), Joni Harms (“Catalog Dreams”), Clint Black (“Something That We Do”), Scooter Lee (“A Christmas Card”), Trisha Yearwood (“The Song Remembers When”) rounding off with Lacy J. Dalton (“Closing Time”)

Listen to edited audio here:

Listen back to the final show in full HERE and previous episodes HERE

Should readers be looking for an alternative on a Sunday evening then they may like to listen to Richard Coupland’s interactive live 3-hour show on Zetland Country (Details HERE).  

(27 Nov 2023) Callaghan’s latest album "Acoustic Coffee House, VOL 3" (PRODUCT) will

be officially released to the world on 24 December 2023. Members of Team Callaghan who supported the album during the crowdfunding process have already received a download or CD of this recording last year. If you visit the UK Singer/Songwriter’s store Georgina is also offering the chance to obtain: signed copies of the new CD, handwritten lyrics, a unique Callaghan decoration for your Christmas tree (hand-made exclusive one-of-a-kind wooden decorations) and there's even the chance to secure a song performed live to you over video phone on Christmas Day itself! She will be performing a Christmas / New Year show live on ZOOM on Wednesday 27th December - 12noon PST / 8pm UK where from the comfort of your own cozy living room you can enjoy some festive cheer and live songs (Limited tickets available). Visit callaghansongs.com/store

UK CHART NEWS

Madness earned their third UK Number 1 album with Theatre of the Absurd Presents C’est La Vie. Knocking Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) down to Number 2 following three consecutive weeks at the top of the Official Albums Chart, this is Madness’s first studio album to manage a No.1– their previous two being greatest hits collections Complete Madness (1982) and Divine Madness (1992). This also marked the group’s 20th Top 40 album to date, and 11th Top 10

Proving that timing is everything, it topped the chart despite modest first week consumption of 18,024 units (10,324 CDs, 5,507 vinyl albums, 574 cassettes, 1,233 digital downloads and 386 sales-equivalent streams).

Reluctant to accept her invitation to join The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame last year, country legend Dolly Parton eventually acceded, and set about recording her rockiest album yet, ROCKSTAR, a sprawling 30-song, 141-minute set, which debuted this chart week at No.5 (7,195 sales units), becoming her fifth Top 10 and 23rd Top 75 entry. It consists almost entirely of covers and collaborations, many of them with bona fide rock stars such as Lynyrd Skynyrd, Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler and REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin. The 77-year-old is joined on Let It Be by Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr, on Heart Of Glass by Debbie Harry and on Every Breath You Take by Sting.

After his bow at No.22 with HIGHER Chris Stapleton fell off the top 100 in his second frame.

After a No.1 debut on the Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart last week, Lovin On Me continued to pace the pack, securing second week supremacy on consumption of 52,688 units (1,757 digital downloads, 50,931 sales-equivalent streams) for Jack Harlow.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 30 November 2023)

24 November 2023 - 30 November 2023

TW LW WOC Artist Title ( Peak )

1 NE 1 Madness ~ Theatre Of The Absurd Presents C'est La Vie

2 1 4 Taylor Swift ~ 1989 (Taylor's Version)

3 24 7 Drake ~ For All The Dogs ****digital deluxe Scary Hours Edition released

4 8 5 The Rolling Stones ~ Hackney Diamonds

5 NE 1 Dolly Parton ~ Rockstar

45 52 106 Taylor Swift ~ Red (Taylor's Version)

84 96 31 Taylor Swift ~ Fearless (Taylor's Version)

Official UK Top 100 Singles Chart (Week Ending 30 November 2023)

24 November 2023 - 30 November 2023

TW LW WOC Artist Title ( Peak )

1 1 2 Jack Harlow ~ Lovin On Me

24 22 13 Zach Bryan ft Kacey Musgraves ~ I Remember Everything (Peak: 19, 13 weeks - 07/09/2023 to 30/11/2023)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 16 November 2023)

10 November 2023 - 16 November 2023

Chris Stapleton with HIGHER held at No.1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)

Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) was a non-mover at No.2 (137 weeks; #1 peak)

Luke Combs with GETTING’ OLD held at No.3 (35 weeks; #1 peak)

Lisa McHugh with WATCH ME held at No.4 (4 weeks; #3 peak)

Far From Saints with Far From Saints climbed 8-5 (23 weeks; #1 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)

(20 Nov 2023) Tim McGraw - Poet’s Resumé (EP; Big Machine Records) 6 songs, 19:50

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts

Dolly Parton with ROCKSTAR achieved her ninth Top Country Albums No. 1 with the rock influenced set (128,000 equivalent album units with 118,000 in album sales, Nov. 17-23, according to Luminate). It opened at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, marking her third top 10 and highest career rank. It’s also her first No. 1 on Top Album Sales. The arrival marked Parton’s biggest week, by units earned, since the chart began measuring by units in December 2014. Further, with 118,500 copies sold, Parton achieved her biggest sales week for an album in the modern era.

Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of December 2, 2023)

Country Album Chart ** No.1 (1 week) ** ROCKSTAR Dolly Parton

Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (9 weeks) ** “I Remember Everything” Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves

Country Airplay ** No.1 (1 week) ** “Can’t Have Mine”” Dylan Scott

Country Digital Songs ** No.1 (1 week) ** “90s Rap Mashup” Austin Williams

Country Airplay

** No.1 (1 week) / Most Increased Audience ** Can't Have Mine Dylan Scott * 32.523 million audience (+4.590 million gain) / 7985 radio plays (+1111)

** Hot Shot Debut ** “Love You Back” Lady A

Hot County Songs

** No.1 (9 weeks) ** “I Remember Everything” Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves

**  Sales Gainer ** No.8 “Pretty Little Poison” Warren Zeiders

** Airplay Gainer” No.11 “Can't Have Mine” Dylan Scott

** Streaming Gainer ** No.18 “Where The Wild Things Are” Luke Combs

** Hot Shot Debut ** No.39 “Sin So Sweet” Warren Zeiders

Debut No.43 “Please Don't Go” Wyatt Flores

Debut No.47 “Wildflowers And Wild Horses” Lainey Wilson

Debut No.49 “Creek Will Rise” Conner Smith

Country Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart

Monday 27 November 2023 (for the chart week November 21 – November 27, 2023) according to Mediabase/ Country Aircheck.

Congratulations to Dylan Scott, RJ Meacham, Mike Rogers and the Curb promotion team on landing “Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” at No.1 this week. Scott’s fourth chart-topper reaches the summit 57 weeks after it first charted, making it the fourth-longest trek to the top in chart history. Songwriters are Josh Melton, Dallas Wilson, Matt Alderman and Scott. Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl)” (Curb) lifted 4-1 logging 9,311 radio spins (+1594), 39.563 million audience impressions (+4.327 million) with 33066 Total Points from 158 tracking stations (158 ADDS) for the published chart dated November 27, 2023.

The Multi-platinum Curb Records artist also excitedly celebrated topping Billboards Country Airplay Chart. The single also recently achieved RIAA Platinum Certification, marking 8 million RIAA Certified units over seven singles and one album and the fourth RIAA certification Scott has received this year.

The latest #1 from the ACM Award nominee was written for Scott’s wife, Blair, with whom he recently welcomed a son — the couple’s third child.

Fans can catch the newly signed Jockey Outdoors brand ambassador during his headlining 'This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour', visiting 15 cities this fall. Fans can secure tickets at www.dylanscottcountry.com.

Jason Aldean Is Most Added With ‘Let Your Boys Be Country’

Kudos to Lee Adams, and the Broken Bow crew on scoring 62 adds for “Let Your Boys Be Country” by Jason Aldean. This is Aldean’s 22nd release to top the CA/MB Add Board and comes 18 years and one week after “Why” became his first Add Board leader.

The Recording Industry Association Of America (RIAA) has released its NOVEMBER 2023 Gold & Platinum award winners.

NOVEMBER 2023:

MULTI-PLATINUM ALBUM

Garth Brooks DOUBLE LIVE | released Nov 16, 1998 Pearl Records | certified 23x Platinum Nov 14, 2023 23 Million units

Garth Brooks TRIPLE LIVE | released Aug 26, 2018 Pearl Records | certified 7x Platinum Nov 14, 2023 7 Million units

Morgan Wallen IF I KNOW ME | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified 3x Platinum Nov 3, 2023 3 Million units

GOLD ALBUM

Brett Young TICKET TO L.A | released Dec 7, 2018 BMLG Records | certified Gold Nov 15, 2023 0.5 Million units

Tim McGraw DAMN COUNTRY MUSIC | released Nov 6, 2015 Big Machine Records | certified Gold Nov 15, 2023 0.5 Million units

Zach Bryan ZACH BRYAN | released Aug 25, 2023 Belting Bronco Records | certified Gold Nov 15, 2023 0.5 Million units

MULTI-PLATINUM SINGLES

Morgan Wallen Chasin’ You | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified 6x Multi-Platinum Nov 21, 2023 6 Million units

Thomas Rhett Craving You | released March 31, 2017 Valory Music Co. | certified 3x Multi-Platinum Nov 14, 2023 3 Million units

Megan Moroney Tennessee Orange | released Sept 2, 2022 Arista Nashville | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Nov 13, 2023 2 Million units

Dustin Lynch Thinking ‘Bout You | released Jan 17, 2020 Broken Bow Records | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Nov 8, 2023 2 Million units

Old Crow Medicine Wagon Wheel | released Feb 9, 2004 Nettwerk Records | certified 3x Multi-Platinum Nov 7, 2023 3 Million units

Brenda Lee Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree | released Nov 24, 1958 Decca | certified 5x Multi-Platinum Nov 3, 2023 5 Million units

Hardy Give Heaven Some Hell | released July 24, 2020 Big Loud Records | certified 2x Multi-Platinum Nov 3, 2023 2 Million units

Hardy Gone Beer (feat. Lauren Alaina & Devin Dawson) | released Sept 13, 2019 Big Loud Records | certified 3x Multi-Platinum Nov 3, 2023 3 Million units

Morgan Wallen Up Down | released Oct 20, 2017 Big Loud Records | certified 5x Multi-Platinum Nov 3, 2023 5 Million units

Morgan Wallen Whiskey Glasses | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified 9x Platinum Nov 3, 2023 9 Million units

PLATINUM SINGLES:

Kacey Musgraves All Is Found | released Nov 15, 2019 Walt Disney Records | certified Platinum Nov 22, 2023 1 Million units

Morgan Wallen Not Good At Not | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified Platinum Nov 21, 2023 1 Million units

Kacey Musgraves Butterflies | released Feb 23, 2018 MCA Nashville | certified Platinum Nov 15, 2023 1 Million units

Kacey Musgraves Rainbow | released March 30, 2018 MCA Nashville | certified Platinum Nov 15, 2023 1 Million units

Kacey Musgraves High Horse | released March 30, 2018 MCA Nashville | certified Platinum Nov 15, 2023 1 Million units

Shenandoah Two Dozen Roses | released Dec 31, 1995 CAPITAL Records | certified Platinum Nov 14, 2023 1 Million units

Thomas Rhett Country Again | released April 30, 2021 Valory Music Co. | certified Platinum Nov 14, 2023 1 Million units

Dylan Scott Can’t Have Mine (Find You A Girl) | released Feb 18, 2022 Curb Records | certified Platinum Nov 13, 2023 1 Million units

Morgan Wallen Little Rain | released March 8, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified Platinum Nov 3, 2023 1 Million units

GOLD SINGLES:

Chris Young At The End Of A Bar | released August 6, 2021 Republic Records | certified Gold Nov 29, 2023 0.5 Million units

Hardy Sold Out | released March 16, 2022 Big Loud Records | certified Gold Nov 21, 2023 0.5 Million units

Hardy Truck | released Sept 4, 2020 Big Loud Records | certified Gold Nov 21, 2023 0.5 Million units

Brantley Gilbert Rolex On A Redneck | released March 25, 2022 Valory Music Co. | certified Gold Nov 15, 2023 0.5 Million units

Zach Bryan I Remember Everything (feat. Kacey Musgraves) | released Aug 25, 2023 Belting Bronco Records | certified Gold Nov 15, 2023 0.5 Million units

Midland Cheatin’ Songs | released August 2, 2019 Big Machine Records | certified Gold Nov 13, 2023 0.5 Million units

Midland Make A Little | released August 25, 2017 Big Machine Records | certified Gold Nov 13, 2023 0.5 Million units

John Prine In Spite Of Ourselves | released Jan 1, 1999 Oh Boy Records | certified Gold Nov 7, 2023 0.5 Million units

Morgan Wallen Gone Girl | released April 27, 2018 Big Loud Records | certified Gold Nov 3, 2023 0.5 Million units

NEWS

(21 Nov 2023) Special Delivery: McCoy & Associates is offering The Gift, a three-hour Fisher House-presented Christmas salute to military, vets and their families for air during the holiday season (Dec. 1-31). Hosts Craig Morgan, Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Dustin Lynch and HunterGirl will share their favorite Christmas classics and stories from military guests and their families.

(21 Nov 2023) Signage: Billy Ray Cyrus and his wife and fellow artist Firerose have signed with entertainment agency Buchwald for representation in all areas outside of music. They continue to be managed by Scott Adkins, with music bookings handled by Action Entertainment Collaborative.

(21 Nov 2023) ICYMI: Tim McGraw released a surprise EP, Poet's Resumé, Monday night (11/20). "In the spirit of being thankful, I'm so grateful for all of you and the ways you have supported me, my family and my music [through] the years," he shared on social media. "Here's a little surprise drop of a few songs you've never heard. Enjoy!"

(23 Nov 2023) ICYMI: Dolly Parton wore a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader uniform and performed "Jolene," "9 To 5" and a cover of Queen's "We Are the Champions" as part of The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders game (11/23).

(26 Nov 2023) Hall & Votes: Voting for the CRS 2024 New Faces Of Country Music lineup is open through Friday (12/1) here. 

Candidates are Records Nashville's George Birge, 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse's Chayce Beckham, Riser House's Dillon Carmichael, RCA's Corey Kent, Columbia's Megan Moroney, Valory's Conner Smith and Warner/WEA's Warren Zeiders. The top five vote-getters will comprise the show’s lineup March 1 as CRS 2024 closes at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For over five decades, the New Faces of Country Music Show (Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospita)l has been a standout event at the Country Radio Seminar. It serves as a platform to showcase five emerging artists who have achieved notable success on Country Radio during the qualification period, which spans from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, for the 2024 edition.

AMERICANA NEWS

(18 Nov 2023) The Wilder Blue and Luke Combs come together to cover the classic "Seven Bridges Road" from the group's upcoming record Super Natural (out Nov. 21). Listen here

(18 Nov 2023) MerleFest have unveiled their 2024 lineup, featuring Old Crow Medicine Show, Buffalo Nichols, Nickel Creek, Turnpike Troubadours, and many more can’t-miss acts! See the full lineup

MUSIC NEWS

(18 Nov 2023) Maren Morris had to record her duet with Teddy Swims when she was ill.

The 33-year-old singer teamed up with fellow musician Teddy, 31, on the new track 'Some Things I'll Never Know' but was struck down by an illness on the only day she could be in the studio and is hoping that the "heartbreak" she felt in that moment added something to the sound of the song. She told People: "I was a little bummed that it was the only day I could do the vocal and I was sick. And so [co-writers Julian Bunetta and John Ryan] were assuring me that it still sounded good, even though I felt so stopped up in it. But it maybe added to my heartbreak in the vocal." The 'My Chruch' songstress went on to add that the recording process was an experience that she will "never forget" and she felt as if she could see God whenever she was haromising with Teddy and described the new track as a "beautiful song" that resonates with her.

(21 Nov 2023) Everything to Know About Spotify’s New Royalties Model: How Does It Work & Who Will It Impact?Here's a full breakdown of the plan, based on Billboard's reporting, including streaming thresholds, fraud fees and minimum track lengths.

(21 Nov 2023) Taylor Swift was forced to perform on her tiptoes after the heel of her boot broke during her concert in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (Nov 20). Fan footage posted on social media revealed that the Blank Space singer suffered a wardrobe malfunction at the start of her Eras Tour concert at the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Brazil.

One video showed the 33-year-old ripping the heel off her bejewelled Christian Louboutin knee-high boot and throwing it into the crowd. Ever the professional, Taylor ploughed on with the opening segment of the show and greeted concertgoers in Portuguese without commenting on the issue.

Taylor appeared to perform an emotional tribute to the fan who died at her Friday concert when she resumed her Eras Tour in Brazil on Sunday. The Shake It Off singer was left "devastated" after Ana Clara Benevides, 23, passed away on Friday after fainting and suffering a cardiac arrest before the singer's show due to the extreme temperatures in the Estádio Olímpico Nilton Santos in Rio de Janeiro. Taylor, who postponed Saturday's show due to the unprecedented heatwave, returned to the stage on Sunday and seemingly performed her heartbreaking song, Bigger Than the Whole Sky, in the fan's honour as one of her surprise songs.

(24 Nov 2023) Jack Antonoff's new song 'Hey Joe' is not about Taylor Swift's ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn - it's actually a tribute to his dad. The musician is due to release a new self-titled record with his band Bleachers next year and he's revealed fans of his longtime collaborator Taylor have already looked and the track list and speculated one of the songs is about her ex Joe but Jack is adamant they are going to be disappointed.

(26 Nov 2023) Taylor Swift met with the family of the fan who died during her recent concert before her final São Paulo show on Sunday. Ana Clara Benevides Machado, 23, suffered a cardiac arrest and died on 17 November after falling ill before the singer's concert due to the extreme temperatures in Rio, Brazil. On Sunday, her family attended Taylor's final performance in São Paulo and watched the concert from one of the VIP tents at the Allianz Parque venue.

(26 Nov 2023) This month marks 21 years since Cheryl, Kimberley, Nadine, Nicola and Sarah were voted the winners of Popstars: The Rivals and formed the all-conquering legendary pop band Girls Aloud. To celebrate this milestone with all of their fans, Girls Aloud have announced that they will be coming together for a huge arena tour of the UK and Ireland in May and June of 2024.

GOSSIP

(26 Nov 2024) Dolly Parton has labelled artificial intelligence (AI) as a "weapon". The country music icon has shared her opinion on using AI to bring back the voices of artists who have passed, such as Elvis Presley. "I ain't going to consider AI on nothing that's human being. Because I think that is a weapon and a tool that can be scary," she told The Hollywood Reporter in an interview. "I think it's going to be great for a lot of things, like science and medicine and many, many things, but not to replace human beings.". Dolly, 77, added, "That scares me to death. That's like the mark of the beast."

AWARDS

(22 Nov 2023) Hall Pass: Country songwriters Dean Dillon and Hillary Lindsey are among the songwriter category finalists, and "Fast Car" writer Tracy Chapman is a performing songwriter category finalist for 2024 induction into the national Songwriters Hall of Fame. Writers with a notable catalog of songs qualify for induction 20 years after their first significant commercial release. The hall's voting members have until Dec. 27 to choose three nominees from each category. Inductees will be celebrated at a dinner in New York City next year. See the full nominees list here.

TOUR / LIVE EVENTS

(21 Nov 2023) Tour Support: Garth Brooks has added 18 fall 2024 shows to his Garth Brooks/Plus One Vegas residency. Tickets go on sale Nov. 27 here.

Chase Rice will bring the Get Western 2024 Tour to 11 Canadian markets following a Feb. 10 stop in Seattle. Support includes Owen Riegling and Palmer Anthony. Tickets go on sale Friday (11/24) here.

Festive All: Tortuga Music Festival will feature headliners Lainey Wilson, Hardy and Jason Aldean April 5-7. Additional performers include Koe Wetzel, Old Dominion, Bailey Zimmerman, Ashley McBryde, Russell Dickerson and Jackson Dean.

Lainey Wilson, Wetzel, Eric Church and Jelly Roll will headline Country Thunder Arizona 2024 April 11-14. The lineup also includes Warren Zeiders, Randy Houser, Flatland Cavalry, Priscilla Block, Nate Smith, Avery Anna, Diamond Rio and more, with acts still to be announced.

(26 Nov 2023) Tour Support: Broken Bow's Jason Aldean extends his Highway Desperado Tour into 2024, with 24 dates kicking off May 18 in Thackerville, OK and wrapping Oct. 5 in Macon, GA. Support acts include Lauren Alaina, Hailey Whitters, Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver. Public on sale tickets for most US shows starts Friday (Dec 1st) here. Read the full press release HERE.

TV

(21 Nov 2023) ICYMI: Garth Brooks talked about his new album, TIME TRAVELER, and bar, Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk, on ABC's Good Morning America and CBS Sunday Morning. Ian Munsick sat down with CBS News' Jan Crawford at his home outside of Nashville to discuss growing up on a ranch and with a disability. Craig Morgan and Trace Adkins performed “That Ain’t Gonna Be Me” on Fox & Friends

PRESS RELEASES

Legendary Country artist and performer Wynonna shared a new solo version of The Judds’ classic Christmas song “Beautiful Star of Bethlehem”; intimate and heartfelt, listen here: https://wynonna.ffm.to/beautifulstar

“Beautiful Star of Bethlehem” is one of the first Christmas songs I ever remember singing with Mom,” Wynonna said. “We recorded it in 1987 for the ‘Christmas Time with The Judds’ album, and I still sing it to this day! Getting to re-record it with my husband & producer Cactus Moser, 35 years later, was so special to me. It’s rootsy & raw, as if we’re sitting around the fireplace singing together.” On December 7 at 8/7c, Wynonna will be hosting NBC’s ’Christmas at the Opry’ special, featuring performances from Kelly Clarkson, Chrissy Metz of ’This Is Us,’ Mickey Guyton, Trace Adkins and more. The special will also re-air on December 20 at 9/8c.

(26 Nov 2023) Parmalee Releases Powerful Video For “Gonna Love You”: Multi-platinum group Parmalee follows the release of their new single “Gonna Love You” with the powerful and autobiographical music video that recreates the night they were victims of an attempted robbery which left their drummer with a 5% chance of living.Following a show in SC, brothers Matt and Scott Thomas were in their RV when two robbers entered the vehicle demanding cash. Soon after, a gunfight broke out, and though Scott fended off both intruders, he was shot three times. He was airlifted to a hospital where he spent 40 days, 10 in a coma, recovering from his injuries. Miraculously, just 4 months after the incident, the band took the stage for the first time since the shooting occurred.

(26 Nov 2023) Sunday night, multi-Platinum Country music star, Chris Janson, closed out ABC's "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration" with his electrifying cover of the joyful classic tune, "Holiday Road." The toe-tapping song, written by the legendary Lindsey Buckingham, holds cherished memories for so many, including Janson, who not only brings his signature vibrancy to the vocal but also shows off his skills at the drums on this classic that is sure to get everyone jolly for the holidays. WATCH: "Holiday Road" Music Video HERE 

 

(27 Nov 2023) Country music artist Emily Ann Roberts has joined forces with The Salvation Army, the nation’s largest private provider of social services, to help bring joy and relief to

those facing the toughest challenges this holiday season and beyond. Today, Emily Ann officially launched her virtual Red Kettle to support The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, the largest and longest-running annual fundraiser of its kind. 

By contributing (DONATE PAGE) to Emily Ann Roberts' virtual Red Kettle, individuals have the chance to make a meaningful difference to help The Salvation Army meet the increasing needs of millions of families across the country. For more info and to buy tickets to see Emily Ann on Blake Shelton's Back To The Honky Tonk Tour presented by Kubota, please visit emilyannroberts.com.

INTERVIEWS

(18 Nov 2023) Marty Stuart stopped by the Broken Record podcast to discuss his inspiration from The Byrds' Sweetheart of the Rodeo album, joining Johnny Cash's touring band, and recording his most recent LP Altitude. Listen here

ARTICLES

(22 Nov 2023) On a Roll: How CMA’s New Artist of the Year Made It to the Top: Antioch’s own Jason ‘Jelly Roll’ DeFord went from handing out mixtapes to taking home a CMA Award. Check out Mr. Roll's cover story here.

WATCH

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country music singer-songwriter Makenzie Phipps’ latest music video for her current single “You Bring The Beer (I’ll Bring The Noise)” premiered Weds November 22nd on Heartland and live-streamed at WatchHeartlandTV.com . Phipps' unique voice and distinctive style serve as a consistent wellspring of inspiration, infusing positivity and unwavering enthusiasm. While many are enjoying the final days of bonfires, tailgating, and football, "You Bring The Beer (I’ll Bring The Noise)" encapsulates the essence of Friday night tailgate parties just before the big game. The lyrics, such as "Out on every corner everyone knows your name," paint a vivid picture of the small-town lifestyle.

View "You Bring The Beer (I'll Bring The Noise)"  HERE.

BIRTHDAYS

Birthdays in the week ahead

November 27: the late Eddie Rabbitt (1941; died May 7, 1998 (aged 56), Jeannine Barry (UK)

November 28: Kristine Oliver (Sweethearts Of The Rodeo) (1956), Karen Fairchild (Little Big Town) (1967)

November 29: the late Merle Travis (1917; died Oct 20, 1983 (aged 65), Hannah Mulholland (ex-Runaway June, 1990)

November 30: the late Mindy McCready (1975; died Feb 17, 2013 (aged 37))

December 1: Kim Richey (1956)

December 2: Jana Kramer (1983)

December 3: the late Ferlin Husky (1927; died March 17, 2011 (aged 85)

R.I.P

(21 Nov 2023) Nashville-based songwriter and musician Abe Stoklasa died Nov. 17. Signed to Big Yellow Dog Music and, since 2019, Spirit Music Nashville and 2 Mix Music, his songs were cut by Chris Lane (the 2016 No. 1 hit "Fix'), Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Lady A, Jessie James Decker, Charlie Worsham and Charles Kelley, who paid tribute to Stoklasa on Instagram, calling him "a musician’s musician [who] carried one of the most authentic voices in this town."