Congratulations going out to Stealing Angels’ Tayla Lynn (granddaughter of Loretta Lynn) and her husband, Jon Cody Finger, on the the birth of their son, Tru, in Nashville on August 3rd, 2012!
Archive | August, 2012
Congratulations To Stealing Angels’ Tayla Lynn And Husband, Jon Cody Finger, On Birth Of Baby
The Marshall Tucker Band Mourns The Loss Of Longtime Guitarist Stuart Swanlund
Nashville, Tenn. (August 6, 2012) – The Marshall Tucker Band family is mourning the loss of longtime band member and guitarist Stuart Swanlund. Swanlund passed away in his sleep at his Chicago home this past Saturday, August 4, 2012. Swanlund died of natural causes.
Swanlund joined The Marshall Tucker Band in 1985 where his slide guitar work added a new dimension to the band – on newer material as well as standards like “Searchin’ For A Rainbow,” “Can’t You See,” and “Fire On The Mountain.”
“Stuart, or ‘Stubie’ as we called him, was the longest standing member of The Marshall Tucker Band from 1985, onward,” says Marshall Tucker Band founding member Doug Gray. “He recently took a hiatus from the road due to health problems and even with those issues, Stuart’s enthusiasm onstage never waivered. Our thoughts and prayers are with Stuart’s family and those who knew him. We have lost a great friend.”
Stuart Craig Swanlund was born in Puerto Rico on April 3, 1958. Swanlund was reared in Spartanburg, SC, where he would sit on his grandmother’s porch and listen to his neighbor, Doug Gray, rehearse with a rock and roll band across the street. He was only five years old, and had no way of knowing he’d one day play alongside Gray and The Marshall Tucker Band.
When not touring with The Marshall Tucker Band, Swanlund performed in Chicago with local band, the Tone Generators.
According to Doug Gray, one of the highlights of Swanlund’s time on the road with The Marshall Tucker Band was last winter when he performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Swanlund is survived by his son, William “Billy” Swanlund, his lifelong partner Stacey Schmaren, three grandchildren and sister, Suzanne Spencer. He was 54 years old.
Funeral services for Swanlund will be held this Saturday, August 11 at 11:00 AM at the Good Shepherd Memorial Park in Boiling Springs, SC.
Flowers and cards may be sent to:
Good Shepherd Memorial Park
4164 Hwy 9
Boiling Springs, SC 29316
A Very Special Christmas Series Celebrates 25TH Anniversary With The Release Of Two Albums Benefiting Special Olympics
Nashville, TN (6 August 2012) – The ‘A Very Special Christmas’ holiday music series, benefiting Special Olympics, will celebrate its 25th anniversary this holiday season with the first ever release of two new albums on October 16, each on a different label. Titles of the albums, as unveiled today, are: A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY on Big Machine Records and A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS: BRINGING PEACE ON EARTH on Word Records.
Word Entertainment
Timothy P. Shriver (Chairman and CEO of Special Olympics), Scott Borchetta (President and CEO of Big Machine Label Group), Rod Riley (President and CEO of Word Entertainment), Jimmy Clark (Special Olympics athlete and Global Messenger), the Honorable Karl Dean (Mayor of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County), Francesca Battistelli (chart-topping Christian crossover artist, Dove Award winner) and members of Train were on hand in Nashville at Blackbird Studios, where Train is recording “Joy to the World,” to make the announcement. The artists unveiled the artwork for the new projects, which incorporates the legendary Keith Haring Madonna & Child artwork used historically on the series.
“This album series has been a remarkable gift to our Special Olympics athletes,” said Shriver. “Thanks to the generosity of countless incredible people across the music industry, the legacy from the ‘A Very Special Christmas’ album series continues to support and sustain our work to bring the joy of sport to people with intellectual disabilities which in turn fosters a global community of acceptance and inclusion.”
Special Olympics changes lives through the power of sport, as the world’s largest organization dedicated to year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for people with intellectual disabilities.
Since 1987, the biggest and brightest voices in the recording industry have generously lent their time and talents to Special Olympics to create the holiday album series ‘A Very Special Christmas,’the single most successful benefit recording series in musical historygenerating more than $100 million in royalties to benefit Special Olympics. The talent was so abundant this year, it called for the release of two full albums, the first time in the history of the series that two albums will be released simultaneously:
A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS 25TH ANNIVERSARY – Christina Aguilera, Francesca Battistelli, Michael Bublé, Cheap Trick, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Dave Matthews, Jason Mraz, One Republic, Rascal Flatts, The Band Perry, Train, and Wonder Girls.
A VERY SPECIAL CHRISTMAS: BRINGING PEACE ON EARTH – Meredith Andrews, Chris August, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Group 1 Crew, for KING & COUNTRY, Dara Maclean, Jamie Grace, Natalie Grant, and Sidewalk Prophets.
Created by Jimmy and Vicki Iovine and Bobby Shriver, along with Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, the ‘AVery Special Christmas’ series has brought together top musical talent who donated their time and talent, and publishers and record labels who gave consent and waived royalties. Twenty-five years and seven albums later, the series has generated over $100 million in royalties and become the largest single source of funding for Special Olympics and its athletes.
Grants from the Christmas Record Trust have enabled Special Olympics to implement programs worldwide, from the United States to Timor Leste, China to Uganda, Cambodia to Haiti and more. In more than 100 of the Special Olympics Programs that have received Christmas Record grants, nearly 25 percent were classified by the United Nations as operating in Least Developed Countries. In these countries the need to support people with intellectual disabilities is critical. In the United States, these funds have also supported Special Olympics programs in urban areas such as New York City, Philadelphia and New Orleans.
Big Machine Label Group
The Christmas Record Trust has also directly impacted the lives of Special Olympics athletes. For example, Cindy Bentley in Wisconsin was born with an intellectual disability, abandoned as a baby and shuffled through foster care. Thanks to the Christmas Record grants her local Special Olympics program received, she got involved in sports competitions, gained confidence and today she holds a full-time job and is an active advocate for people with intellectual disabilities. Najila Agha is a Special Olympics athlete from Afghanistan – a local Special Olympics program started through funds raised from ‘A Very Special Christmas’ albums went from living in an orphanage in Kabul to competing in Special Olympics World Games.
Each successive album of the series has honored the quality of its predecessors with timeless recordings of holiday music by some of the most influential and talented artists of their time. U2, Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Madonna, Sting, Bon Jovi, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Wyclef Jean, Sheryl Crow, Mary J. Blige, No Doubt, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Vanessa Williams and Bryan Adams are among the stars who contributed tracks to previous albums and whose songs for ‘A Very Special Christmas’ have become perennial favorites on the radio and at holiday celebrations over the years. Learn more about ‘A Very Special Christmas’ at www.averyspecialchristmas.org
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About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives through the power of sport by empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect worldwide. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, the Special Olympics movement has grown from a few hundred athletes to 4 million athletes in 170 countries worldwide, providing year-round sports training, athletic competition and related programs. Special Olympics takes place daily, changing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities all over the world. Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities the opportunity to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org. Engage with us on: Twitter @specialolympics; fb.com/specialolympics; youtube.com/specialolympicshq, and specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com
About Big Machine Label Group:
At the helm of the independent Big Machine Label Group is industry veteran Scott Borchetta, who serves as President and CEO. The conglomerate encompasses Big Machine Records (founded in 2005), The Valory Music Co. (founded in 2007) and Republic Nashville (a partnership with Universal Republic founded in 2009 with Jimmy Harnen serving as President) as well as Big Machine Music Publishing. The Big Machine Label Group’s current artist roster includes Multi-Platinum superstars Taylor Swift, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, Reba and Martina McBride; Platinum sensations The Band Perry; legendary group The Mavericks; Breakout Gold-selling artist Brantley Gilbert; Chart-topping acts Eli Young Band Justin Moore as well as Hot newcomers Sunny Sweeney, Edens Edge, Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Greg Bates, RaeLynn and Ella Mae Bowen. BMLG artists have received multiple GRAMMY, CMA, ACM, American Music Awards, CMT Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards, MTV Video Music Award and People’s Choice Award accolades as well as Brit Award and JUNO Award nominations. The label group has also forayed into the racing world, sponsoring the Brickyard 400 as well as back-to-back Indy500 drivers.
About Word Entertainment:
A leader in the music industry for over 60 years, Word Entertainment, a Warner/Curb company, is a unique, comprehensive entertainment company comprised of multi-faceted artist service departments including publishing, merchandising, booking, and online initiatives. Word Entertainment represents some of the top names and brands in music, including Meredith Andrews, Chris August, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Big Daddy Weave, Jason Castro, Patrick Ryan Clark, Everfound, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean, Point Of Grace and Sidewalk Prophets and is home to 25 Entertainment, Word Distribution (representing Curb Records and Big Idea/VeggieTales among others), Word Print, Word Music Publishing and Word Label Group’s Word Records and Fervent Records.
Rascal Flatts Prep Launch Of New “Come Wake Me Up” Video With Behind-The-Scenes Special – Available Now Only At CMT.com
NASHVILLE, TN (August 6, 2012) – Country supergroup Rascal Flatts give fans a preview of their new music video for their current single “Come Wake Me Up,” which is on the cusp of Top 20, with a behind-the-scenes special, which launched today at CMT.com. The full video will make its world premiere Friday, August 10 on CMT at 6 a.m. ET, and run at the top of every hour during music hours.
Filmed in Nashville, the video includes a cameo by Joe Don Rooney’s wife, Tiffany Fallon. Adding to the intensity of the dramatic scenes, two-time female street freestyle world champion Dena Sodano steps in Fallon’s role as the motorcycle stunt driver. “Come Wake Me Up” was directed by Shaun Silva, who explains the idea behind the video as the fate of two people from entirely different worlds.
“So I had this story unfolding, this moment of – here’s a girl who really is just from a different world than what he’s from,” said Silva. “Joe Don’s character is doing all the things anybody would want to do for someone they love, but it threatens her identity until one night after an argument, she removes a necklace like breaking free from his lavish grasp. Her decision to leave, and his to chase after her, only pushes her further towards her foreshadowed fate.”
Rascal Flatts will be featured on CMT all week long as some of their biggest hit videos return to the channel, and will be introduced by the band themselves. The video premiere will be promoted across all of CMT’s digital platforms including CMT.com, CMT Mobile and nearly 3 million social media fans.
To preview or embed the MAKING OF video, visit: http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/822686/the-making-of-come-wake-me-up.jhtml
CMT, a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 92 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
Song Review: Home To Me By Sarah Darling
Some songs you just know it’s going to be a hit because they get stuck in your head for days and you catch yourself humming along without even realizing it. This is one of those songs.
I first heard Sarah Darling’s new single “Home To Me” back in June live during CMA Music Festival and then I heard it again on XM The Highway just the other day. The song just grabbed me right away and I loved it instantly. If it’s not a hit on the country charts, then something’s wrong. I don’t even mind that it’s repeated about 5 times now on my computer since I’ve been writing this. Just doesn’t get old.
It’s well-written by Caitlyn Smith & Bobby Hamrick. So catchy with a great hook and flowing melody with great imagery. Should make for a good video. It’s a mid-tempo, contemporary country song that just makes you feel good inside and is beautifully-sung by Sarah Darling.
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.
U.S. Military Veteran & Country Music Star Keni Thomas Recounts Combat In First Memoir
Nashville, Tenn (August 3, 2011) — U.S. Military Veteran and country music sensation Keni Thomas has shared the stage with country stars such as Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, but earlier this year, he put down his guitar and gave a personal account of his heart-wrenching experience in the chaotic 1993 Black Hawk Down battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. With the desire to express a unique set of leadership lessons and inspired view of our greater purpose, Thomas unveiled his first memoir Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way (B&H Publishing Group) to rave reviews.
“Three words. That’s all it took. I was writing a letter home to my mom when the call rang out across the American compound: ‘Get it on!’ And just like that, the course of my life changed forever,” describes Thomas.
With the Bronze Star of Valor from the U.S. Army, the army-ranger turned-country singer brings a message of inspiration reminding readers that as individuals every person matters and are anything but ordinary and can make a difference in the world no matter where they are in life.
“If everyone can start setting an example, start leading by example, start doing something here and there, then as a whole exponentially we make the world a better place to live in,” says Thomas. “You are the most important part of the puzzle and you have to see yourself as being the most important part because you are, and that is what I want people to know at the end of the day.”
Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way is already causing a chatter among fellow comrades Here are just a few comments about the new publication:
“Get It On! is a moving account of courage and faith under fire. True leadership is about the example we set. Keni has an impressive way of convincing you that this is a principle we should all live by.”
—Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees
“The leadership principles Keni shares through his story Get It On! are directly aligned with the core values of our organization. To Lead is to Serve. The USO is proud to call Keni Thomas one of our own.” —Sloan Gibson President of the USO
“Here he has created an engaging and inspiring tutorial, applying those lessons to the battles of everyday life…” —Mark Bowden author of Black Hawk Down
“If you are a veteran, you need to read this book. Keni shows us that the principles of leadership we learned when we wore the uniform still apply to us all out here in the real world. ”
—Lt Col Oliver L. North, USMC (Retired)
Thomas also frequently speaks and entertains active military men and women overseas, speaks to Fortune 500 companies, students, churches and even from the stage the Grand Ole Opry in hopes to encourage and inspire all who listen. He has also been seen on national television programs such as Good Morning America, NBC Dateline, CNN Headline News and MSNBC’s Hardball. He is currently in the recording studio working on a new album.
For more information on the artist/author please go to www.kenithomas.com and facebook.com/kenithomas.
About Keni Thomas:
Keni Thomas received the Bronze Star for Valor from the United States Army and fought the Black Hawk Down battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. He has since become an award-winning country musician, appeared in the major motion pictures Sweet Home Alabama and We Were Soldiers, and is the spokesperson for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Hero Fund. Keni also speaks to students and adults around the country about leadership, encouraging them to “Train as you fight. Fight as you train.” The country music star unveiled his first memoir Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way (B&H Publishing Group/ISBN: 978-1-4336-7274) last October. It is available nationwide with the retail price of $19.99. For more information on Keni Thomas please visit www.kenithomas.com and facebook.com/kenithomas
Rockin’ Country Gal Corey Wagar Flexes Her Muscles and Joins the MDA Muscle Team
Country music’s latest rockin’ phenomenon, Corey Wagar officially joins the MDA Muscle Team and is the next to flex in the fight against neuromuscular disease. Corey is showing her support and bringing awareness to the Muscular Dystrophy Association with a PSA.
Corey’s PSA (shown on the left) is available on their website (http://muscle.mda.org/). These muscle ads have been appearing in video, radio and national print publications including the Wall Street Journal, USA Today, the New York Times, Newsweek, Martha Stewart Living, PARADE Magazine, etc.
“I am honored to partner with MDA and work together to end muscle disease,” smiles Corey. “Meeting MDA Ambassador Bryson was a blast! He is absolutely the coolest kid I’ve ever met! We hung out, shared stories and even had a few laughs with some jokes. I am truly moved by the perseverance these kids and adults show every day!”
Corey’s current single, “Take Ya Back,” is receiving a great response from radio and industry and after only just a few weeks on radio, it’s #62 on the Music Row Country Breakout chart and climbing. This past Friday, she released her official music video for this hot summer hit. Filmed in the heart of Music City, Corey relives the moments she cherished most growing up, listening to her father’s old records and her own personal favorite country classics. You can view the video by going to www.youtube.com/watch v=FnDzpTu3WGc.
With a musical style inspired by the likes of country stars Dolly Parton, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood, this New Jersey native grew up listening to country music and knew she would make a career out of it. With her commanding vocals, infectious spirit and passionate songwriting, she has already teamed up with some of country music’s best-known songwriters and already opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, Dierks Bentley, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Brice, among others. With her career accelerating rapidly at every turn, she made her way to Hollywood this past season of American Idol and with a rapidly growing fan base, killer talent, and crowd-stopping vocal ability, country music’s latest spitfire is bound to have wildfire success.
For more information on Corey, visit www.coreywagar.com and www.facebook.com/
About MDA: MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research. The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education.
In addition to funding some 300 research teams worldwide, MDA maintains a national network of 200 medical clinics; facilitates hundreds of support groups for families affected by neuromuscular diseases; and provides local summer camp opportunities for thousands of youngsters fighting progressive muscle diseases. For more information, visit www.mda.org.
Heidi Newfield’s New Video Why’d You Have To Be So Good Debuts
Nashville, Tenn. (July 31, 2012) – Heidi Newfield’s dramatic new video, “Why’d You Have To Be So Good”, is now showing on CMT Pure, GAC and The Country Network. Fans can see the video on those networks or on heidinewfield.com. The power ballad, which deals with heartbreak, loss and hope, is getting great reviews. “I first heard this song about eight years ago, if you can believe that. It has always been special, and I had hoped it would come home to me someday. So, here we are.” Heidi says. “I think this video is amazing and so different than anything else out there. I got the chance to dig deep and pull from some real emotions. It was also fun to play with the hair and makeup and fashion forward look throughout. I think my fans will get it and love it and I hope to make a lot more new fans with this one as well.”
Directed by Eric Welch, the video features Heidi in two settings: one totally black and one totally white. “There’s a constant struggle between hope and fear within all of us. This video allows the viewer to watch that internal struggle play out. The black represents the sadness you feel when you lose someone or a fear that has its grip on us,” Heidi says. “The white represents hope which will always exist even in the midst of fear if we only allow it.” Heidi describes the dramatic nature of the video as a departure from anything her fans have seen from her in the past. “It was fun to act a little bit,” she added.
With a history of platinum selling albums and Top 20 singles, Heidi Newfield drew rave reviews for her debut solo album, “What Am I Waiting For”. The album contained the hit single, “Johnny and June”, which was RIAA certified gold and received four ACM award nominations. Now the flagship artist for Sidewalk Records, Heidi’s new album will follow the lead single, “Why’d You Have To Be So Good”, which was written by hitmakers Jeffrey Steele and Jeremy Popoff (lead guitarist for heavy metal band, Lit.) Fans can download the single at iTunes.
Lost Trailers Single Highlighted in Dial Global Olympic Gold Medal Feature
(Nashville, Tennessee…) – Dial Global Sports, the exclusive national radio broadcaster for the London 2012 Olympic Games, went country Thursday night with a stirring montage for new Women’s Olympic All-Around Gymnastics Champion Gabby Douglas. With The Lost Trailers’ new hit “American Beauty” as the foundation, the montage highlighted Douglas’s historic night, and featured not only custom Olympic-themed lyrics and play-by-play highlights of her performance but also Gabby’s reaction to bringing home the gold.
“When I heard ‘American Beauty’ for the first time last month, I knew immediately it would be a great anthem to use somehow during our Olympic coverage,” said Dial Global Sports Executive Producer Howard Deneroff. “Stokes and Jason were receptive and gracious enough to cut customized lyrics, and Gabby Douglas gave us the reason to put it all together.”
“Jason and I are extremely proud that when Dial Global was looking for music to capture this awesome win for Team USA, that they chose ‘American Beauty,'” said Stokes Nielson, who mans the three-time ACM-Nominated act with singer Jason Wyatt.
“We were freaking out, as we listened to the coverage,” said Wyatt, “We get super psyched about the Olympics anyway, so to have this connect is just icing on the cake.”
The Lost Trailers are currently charging up the country charts with “American Beauty” and will be on the road this weekend opening for Blake Shelton. To hear “American Beauty” and learn more about The Lost Trailers visit TheLostTrailers.com.
For more information on Dial Global’s exclusive radio coverage of the Olympics, visit dialglobalsports.com.
Chris Young Visits Minot Air Force Base – Reunites With Wounded Warrior
July 31, 2012 – Nashville, TN– Chris Young, through the help of Stars For Stripes and the Minot Exchange, had an opportunity to reunite with Wounded Warrior Scott Lilley and spend some time with Airmen and their families at Minot Air Force Base for a CD signing last week. The special event took place prior to Young’s high-octane show at the North Dakota State Fair later that evening.
Lilley, a former member of Minot Air Force Base 5th Security Forces, was seriously wounded in Iraq in the spring of 2007. He accompanied Young on a tour to entertain the troops in 2009 for Great American Country’s TV Special “Stars For Stripes: Wounded Warriors Return.”
“It was awesome to see Scott again and always great to be around the brave men and women who serve our country,” says Young.
Chris Young proudly serves as a board member of Stars For Stripes, a non-profit organization that provides entertainment to deployed U.S. military forces in remote areas.
2012 continues to be a banner year for RCA Recording Artist Chris Young. In addition to burning up the road with Miranda Lambert and her “On Fire” tour, Young recently landed his fifth consecutive #1 single and posted two RIAA certified Gold singles. His newest single, the title track to his recently released album NEON, is currently climbing the charts at country radio.
ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG: 2012 has started off with a bang, as ACM Male Vocalist nominee Chris Young continues to notch more career accolades. The year began with a sold-out headlining show, a performance on the popular syndicated daytime program The Ellen DeGeneres Show, the kick-off of the “On Fire” tour with Miranda Lambert, ACM nominations for Male Vocalist and Single of the Year and most recently, his fifth consecutive #1 for “You.” The list continues to expand with three RIAA GOLD certified singles and a GOLD album for his sophomore release, The Man I Want To Be. The prior year saw nominations for CMA New Artist of the Year along with his first Grammy nod. He won Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Single of the Year at the 2011 American Country Awards and has made seven national TV appearances since the release of his third record, NEON, on July 12, 2011. With his rich, warm baritone and penchant for writing relatable, slice-of-life songs, Young has emerged as a favorite of fans and critics alike. For tour dates and all the latest information on Chris Young, visit www.chrisyoungcountry.com and follow him on Twitter @ChrisYoungMusic.
Photo: Scott Lilley and his family reunite with Chris Young
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Kristoffer
