How CeCe Winans, Jennifer Nettles and Shane McAnally Are Paying it Forward to Other Artists
The music industry is a tough business under the best of circumstances and combined with the pandemic, it’s been even more difficult for new artists trying to establish their careers. In an effort to lessen the burden and encourage young talents, Cracker Barrel has launched Care It Forward, an initiative that pairs veteran performers with rising young artists in an innovative mentorship program.
Read full storyArtists David Wright and Chuck Creasy Share Vietnam Experiences Past and Present in New Exhibit
There’s no denying that the Vietnam War is one of the controversial eras in America’s history, but Middle Tennesseans are getting a unique look at the country and its people through VIETNAM: 2 SOLDIERS, 2 ARTISTS, 2 JOURNEYS THEN & NOW. Featuring the work of award-winning artists David Wright and Chuck Creasy, who both served in Vietnam in the 1960s, the exhibit has been held over at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center in Hendersonville, TN until August 29th.
Read full storyNEEDTOBREATHE Delves ‘Into the Mystery’ with New Album, Tour and Upcoming Documentary
In the music business these days, a lot of time and effort goes into planning and strategizing the release of every song and every carefully crafted social media post, but sometimes the best things just happen organically. Such is the case with NEEDTOBREATHE’S latest Elektra album, Into the Mystery, and upcoming documentary of the same name due out November 5th.
Read full storyDylan Scott Stokes Entrepreneurial Streak During Pandemic
Dylan Scott is having a great summer. He scored a No. 1 hit with the sultry love song “Nobody,” and won his first ever award when the accompanying clip won Breakthrough Video of the Year at the 2021 CMT Awards in June. Scott is currently out on the road opening for Luke Bryan on his Proud to be Right Here Tour and his latest single, “New Truck,” is climbing the charts.
Read full storyJason Aldean, FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Morgan Wallen Join Luke Bryan as He Rocks Nashville
Luke Bryan at Nashville's Bridgestone ArenaPhoto credit: Ethan Helms. Fans who attended Luke Bryan’s sold-out show Friday night (July 30) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena got much more than expected as Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Morgan Wallen took the stage as surprise guests. The camaraderie was palpable as the foursome served up up their hits and shared beers with the audience. Bryan promised the fans a party to remember and he more than delivered.
Read full storyCharlie Daniels’ legacy lives on with duets album and upcoming volunteer jam
July 6th marked a year since the legendary Charlie Daniels passed away following a stroke, but his memory lives on with the re-release of Charlie Daniels & Friends—Duets, a 19-track collection that features Daniels with Vince Gill, Brenda Lee, Montgomery Gentry, Dolly Parton, John Berry, Darius Rucker, Travis Tritt, Gretchen Wilson and many others. His considerable legacy will also be celebrated Aug. 18 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena with the 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels featuring more than two dozen performers, among them Tritt, 38 Special, Rhett Akins, Alabama, Big & Rich, The Marshall Tucker Band, Keb’ Mo,’ Ricky Skaggs, Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans and Chris Young.
Read full storyRomaDrama Live! Brings stars and fans together at The Factory this weekend
During the pandemic while everyone was stuck at home under quarantine, television was a welcome friend to many. For those with a particular affinity for The Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, Netflix and other avenues serving up romantic fare, RomaDrama Live! is just the ticket. The event will bring fans face to face with their favorite film and TV stars as well as screenwriters and producers. Brittany Bristow, Trevor Donovan, Karen Schaler and Rob Mayes, are among those who will be at The Factory in Franklin, TN July 30th through August 1st for meet and greets, autograph sessions, celebrity panels and other activities.
Read full storyCountry hitmaker Jordan Davis moonlights as shark researcher
Jordan Davis helps measure 17ft great white shark Nukumi off the coast of Nova Scotia.Photo credit: Chris Ross. Though Jordan Davis’ new single, “Buy Dirt” might make people label him a land lover, the truth is the Shreveport, LA native has always had a love for the sea. Even while building a successful country music career with such hits as “Almost Maybes,” “Singles You Up” and “Take it From Me,” Davis has found time to participate in shark tagging expeditions with Ocearch, an organization that collects marine data and works to protect sharks.
Read full storyNewsboys, Skillet, Joe Nichols Among Acts Headlining Lifest at Johnny Cash’s Former Bon Aqua Farm
Live music is back! Lecrae, Ledger, Newsboys, Joe Nichols, Skillet, Michael W. Smith and Matthew West are among the artists who will be performing at the Lifest Music City festival July 29-31 at Hideaway Farm in Bon Aqua, TN.
Read full storyJason Crabb Starts New Chapter with Jay DeMarcus on Red Street Records
In this day of instant gratification, music fans can’t wait to get new songs from their favorite artists and Grammy winner Jason Crabb is ready and willing to accommodate. Crabb has delivered Just as I Am, a five-song EP that gives fans a taste of the new music he’s been working on with Jay DeMarcus for Red Street Records.
Read full storyThe Bellamy Brothers and Dennis Quaid Team to Revive Classic Billy Swan Hit
From left: Howard Bellamy, Dennis Quaid and David BellamyPhoto credit: Derrek Kupish, dkupish productions. Unexpected collaborations often produce the most fun and engaging musical treats. And it’s that sense of creative adventure that permeates every note on “I Can Help,” a revival of the chart-topping Billy Swan hit recorded by country music legends the Bellamy Brothers and acclaimed actor Dennis Quaid.
Read full storyElle King Dishes on Duetting with Miranda Lambert, Impending Motherhood and Touring with Chris Stapleton
In less than a decade Elle King has emerged as one of contemporary music’s most creative chameleons, an impressive talent who has topped the rock, alternative, adult pop and country charts with a distinctive sound that has earned her a legion of devoted fans. This summer she’s moving further into country territory by touring with Chris Stapleton and releasing a rousing duet with pal Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home),” via a new partnership with RCA Records and Sony Music Nashville.
Read full storyAlabama Wows Crowd at Bridgestone Arena with 50th Anniversary Tour Launch
Alabama's Randy Owen (left) and Teddy Gentry on stage July 2 at Bridgestone Arena in NashvillePhoto credit: Rick Diamond. After a two-year delay Alabama finally took the stage for their highly anticipated 50th Anniversary Tour Friday night (July 2) at Nashville’s Bridgestone arena, and it was well worth the wait. The capacity crowd was on its feet for most of the show loudly singing along to such beloved hits as “Mountain Music,” “Feels So Right,” “Love in the First Degree,” “Tennessee River” and “Born Country.”
Read full storyLee Greenwood Reflects on Writing “God Bless the U.S.A.” and the Patriotic Anthem’s Enduring Impact
Every July 4th as Americans celebrate Independence Day, there’s one song that always seems to provide the perfect soundtrack for the fireworks, food and festivities. Lee Greenwood’s beloved hit “God Bless the U.S.A.” is synonymous with patriotism and has been a perennial favorite ever since it first hit the charts in 1984.
Read full story"Big Kenny’s Crank It Up Garage" Launches on Circle Network
Big Kenny, left, and Charlie Pennachio of Big Kenny's Crank It Up GaragePhoto Courtesy of Wortman Works. It’s no secret country boys love cars so a TV show about outrageous vehicles hosted by one of country music’s most colorful performers sounds like a match made in hillbilly heaven, and indeed it is. Debuting July 8 on the Circle Network, “Big Kenny’s Crank It Up Garage” finds hosts Big Kenny and his pal/producer Charlie Pennachio introducing viewers to some of the most unusual vehicles in America.
Read full storyNashville Superspeedway Welcomes NASCAR Back to Nashville
Nashville SuperspeedwayPhoto credit: Kinrade Photography. As people are emerging and getting back to normal life after the pandemic, many favorite restaurants and music venues are once again welcoming crowds, but for race lovers in Music City there’s been no greater cause for celebration than NASCAR returning to the Nashville Superspeedway.
Read full storyGibson Garage Opens in Nashville
Nashville’s reputation as Music City USA has been further bolstered by the opening of a guitar lovers paradise. Located in the heart of downtown, Gibson Garage celebrates the unique history of the 127-year-old American instrument company while also offering locals and out of town visitors a place to shop and play.
Read full storyOpry NextStage Shines Spotlight on Developing Country Artists
For rising country talent Hailey Whitters, her first visit to the Grand Ole Opry was a life changing moment. So to be selected as the inaugural artist spotlighted in the re-launched Opry NextStage program is a full circle moment for the Iowa native.
Read full storyBrittney Spencer on the Joys and Struggles of Carving Her Own Path in Country Music
The last few years have been interesting for country music. First there was public outcry over the dearth of females being played on country radio stations and more recently the lack of artists of color has become a hot button issue. As a black woman in country music, singer/songwriter Brittney Spencer has had a tougher road than most aspiring artists, but the Baltimore native isn’t focused on the obstacles, just how she plans to overcome them.
Read full storyBrothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Tenille Townes and More Join Ty Herndon’s Concert for Love & Acceptance
When Ty Herndon launched the first Concert for Love & Acceptance in 2015, he was hopeful the event would help change lives. Now six years later, as he prepares for this year’s event on June 30, the singer/songwriter/philanthropist can’t believe how much the event has grown, and he’s even proud of the growing pains.
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