Archive | May, 2017

Rascal Flatts Celebrate Album Release With Intimate Performance On May 18

Pictured (L-R): Maverick Management’s Brian Wolf, Rascal Flatts’ Joe Don Rooney, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Rascal Flatts’ Gary LeVox, Maverick Management’s Clarence Spalding, Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus. Photo credit: Katie Kauss

On the eve of their 10th studio album release, superstar vocal group RASCAL FLATTS shared some of the new songs included on the collection with an intimate group in the town where it all started for them, Nashville. With the infamous Music City skyline serving as a backdrop at The Westin Nashville’s L27 Rooftop, the trio gave insight into the process of making one of their most personal albums yet. They performed renditions of songs from the record including their current Top 15 single “Yours If You Want It,” “Back To Us,” “I Know You Won’t” and “Vandalized” before culminating the evening with a sing-along of their smash-hit “Life Is A Highway.” BACK TO US is available today (5/19) on Big Machine Records here.

Photo credit: Katie Kauss

A force to be reckoned with in any genre, Rascal Flatts continue to race up the charts with their new music, heralded by USA Today as a “sure-fire smash.” As the best-selling Country vocal group of the past decade, Rascal Flatts has sold over 23.4 million albums, over 33.7 million digital downloads worldwide, as well as earning over 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, also making them the most awarded Country group of the past decade. Known as one of the hottest-selling touring acts in any genre, the trio also recently celebrated a major milestone of 10 million tickets sold, following a rousing year stacked of headlining shows. To pre-order BACK TO US and more, visit  RascalFlatts.com.

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Benji Harris Premieres Debut, Solo, Self-Titled Project

Benji Harris, a vocalist and guitarist that has toured with headliners and scored a top hit on CMT and Music Row with his previous trio, moves center stage for his self-titled, solo debut premiering at online retailers on Friday, June 30th. Fans can pre-order the project today by clicking here and instantly receive two tracks, including the lead single That’s How You Get a Girl.

Ty, Kelly & Chuck’s Ty Bentli, Benji Harris and Chuck Wicks

“I feel like this record is a whole new chapter for me.” says Benji. “After so many years of touring with other great artists, I’ve gained invaluable experience watching the masters at work. I knew I had the goods to make a great record, and I’ve learned what goes into putting on an amazing live show. I’m so excited the time has finally come for me to step out to center stage.”

Benji announced the project live on Cumulus’ NASH FM morning show Ty, Kelly and Chuck where he was challenged by listeners to compose a #10MinuteTune on the gender neutral MTV Movie and TV Awards. You can view the segment by clicking here.

 

Benji will be making his debut this summer at the 2017 CMA Music Festival meeting and greeting with fans and performing at the PLAtinum Acoustic Fan Jam II at the Wildhorse Saloon on Saturday, June 10. Fans can stay updated on Benji at the following:

Website: www.benjiharris.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebenjiharris/

Twitter: @thebenjiharris

Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebenjiharris/

About Benji Harris

Since moving to Nashville in 2009, this Dallas native has found a welcomed home on Music Row. His country/rock trio Scarletta (2009-2014) had a Top 30 radio hit in 2012, and a popular music video in high rotation on CMT.  They gained critical acclaim from Billboard and the Country Music Association as a top act to watch. He even found viral success and salutes from country headliner Jake Owen with a trio of parodies celebrating his daughter’s birth.  Since leaving the band in 2014, Benji has lent his instrumental and vocal talents to projects and tours for stars like Sam Hunt, Jana Kramer, Cassadee Pope and Carly Pearce.  Pope’s fans see Benji in the spotlight every night on tour when he sings the Chris Young part in the Billboard #1 duet Think of You. With a single premiering just before CMA Fest, this father of two beautiful daughters is excited for the opportunity to finally share a project of his own. Benji co-wrote five of the six songs on the EP that is available for pre-sale now via iTunes and will premiere on all online retailers on June 30.

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Chris Stapleton Scores #1 Album

Chris Stapleton’s From A Room, Volume 1 debuted at the top of the Billboard Country Albums Chart. The collection sold 219,000 units (and 202,000 in traditional album sales) to land at No. 1 on the Country chart and at No. 2 on the Billboard 200. This is the highest-selling country debut since Luke Bryan’s Kill the Lights sold 320,000 in its first week in 2015. Stapleton also debuts at No. 1 on the Top Album Sales chart this week (Logic’s Everybody sold 196,000 in album sales, but with over 70 million streams).

Chris not only holds the top spot on the Country album chart, but he is also sitting at No. 2 with his previous album, Traveller, which sold nearly 24,000 copies this week. This marks only the second time a male artist has held the No. 1 and No. 2 spots in the same week since 1993 (when Garth Brooks accomplished that feat December 2016). It’s also the fourth time for any country artist since then (LeAnn Rimes in 2003 and Taylor Swift in 2009). Rounding out the Top 3 this week isKeith Urban’s Ripcord.

Stapleton says he didn’t feel any pressure for his new album even with the double-platinum success of his previous record, Traveller. “I didn’t have any expectations for the last record. I was hoping if we even sold 50,000 records, it’d be a giant victory for me as far as getting to go out and play shows and play live and keep the wheels rolling, but we did a little bit more than that,” says Chris. “So, I kind of feel the same way about this record. It’s a new record and my expectations for this record don’t have much to do with the last record. I want them to be whatever it’s gonna be for this record.

The Kentucky native, who just released his new single “Either Way,” is in the midst of headlining his All-American Road Show. He’s set to play San Diego on Thursday (May 18th), Phoenix on Friday (May 19th) and L.A. on Saturday (May 20th).

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“Fourth Annual Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents Georgia On My Mind” Hosted By The Peach Pickers Draws Raves

 

NASHVILLE, TN – MAY 16: Ben Hayslip, Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal, Sandra Deal, Dallas Davidson, and Rhett Akins attend the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

If the lights were out in Georgia, it’s because everyone was in Tennessee for the “Fourth Annual Jameson Irish Whiskey Presents Georgia On My Mind” benefit concert hosted by the Peach Pickers – Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, and Ben Hayslip – Tuesday at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.

During the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

The popular Peach Carpet kicked off the evening, which featured a who’s who of Georgia-born singer/songwriters – and a couple who wish they called the Peach State home – including multiple award winner Thomas Rhett; chart-toppers Lauren Alaina, Billy Currington, Chris Janson, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, and Michael Ray; Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter T. Graham Brown and Grammy winner Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls; Georgia Music Hall of Famers Drivin’ N Cryin’ and Jimmy Hall of Wet Willie; back by popular demand this year, Dexter Redding and Otis Redding III, sons of the legendary soul icon Otis Redding; and a performance by Georgia-bred singer/songwriters Trea Landon, Jon Langston, and Cole Taylor. Making a special appearance were students from the Georgia Pick and Bow Traditional Music School in Dahlonega, who received a grant from the Georgia Music Foundation in 2016 from concert proceeds.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Flamekeeper Keeper Award to the honorable Governor of Georgia Nathan Deal. The Award is presented to a Georgian who tirelessly preserves and promotes Georgia’s musical roots and traditions. Jameson Irish Whiskey, the title sponsor, presented a check for $50,000 to the Georgia Music Foundation, to advance grants to cultural and music education programs in the state. The Foundation, which was established in 1994, has distributed more than $150,000 in funding to deserving music education, preservation, and outreach programs in the past three years from “Georgia On My Mind” proceeds.

During the 4th Annual Georgia On My Mind presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey at Ryman Auditorium on May 16, 2017 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Georgia Music Foundation)

 

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City Of Hope Continues To Announce More Artists For Celebrity Softball Game

City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game presented by Staples® continues to add to their roster for the 27th Annual event on Saturday, June 10 at 11:00 a.m. at First Tennessee Park. The most recent additions to their star powered lineup are Craig Morgan, The Swon Brothers, Jessie James Decker joined by her husband and NFL player, Eric Decker, Jackie Lee, Maggie Rose, Drew Scott from HGTV’s “Property Brothers” and Todd Chrisley, Savannah Chrisley, and Chase Chrisley of USA’s “Chrisley Knows Best.”

For the first time this year, City of Hope will involve legendary artists as play-by-play announcers. The first round of artists to participate will be Brenda Lee, Lee Greenwood, Jeannie Seely and Tim Rushlow.

Previously announced artists for teams iHeart Media versus SiriusXM/Grand Ole Opry are: Kellie Pickler, Bobby Bones, Sara Evans, Lauren Alaina, Aaron Watson, Danielle Bradbery, Trent Harmon, and Kaitlyn Bristowe and Shawn Booth from ABC’s “The Bachelorette”. Reba McEntire will be singing the National Anthem. More talent will continue to be announced!

Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com. As always, 100 percent of event net profits benefit City of Hope. For more information, visit cityofhope.org/softball or follow City of Hope on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT CITY OF HOPE:
City of Hope is an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. Designated as one of only 47 comprehensive cancer centers, the highest recognition bestowed by the National Cancer Institute, City of Hope is also a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, with research and treatment protocols that advance care throughout the world. City of Hope is located in Duarte, California, just northeast of Los Angeles, with community clinics throughout southern California. It is ranked as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” in cancer by U.S. News & World Report. For more information, visit cityofhope.org.

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Chris Biano Announces Reality Series “Breaking Country” Airing Exclusively On YouTube Every Sunday Night

“Breaking Country,” a new television worthy web-based reality show that follows aspiring artist Chris Biano on his pursuit to become a country music star,  premiered May 7th exclusively on YouTube. Biano who moved from Dallas, TX to Music City four years ago to chase his dream, quickly realized how hard it really is to make waves in the country music industry.  

“Breaking Country,” a 20-week series produced by a Franklin, TN based marketing firm, follows his journey as he learns to navigate the world of writing appointments, gigs, vocal coach sessions and everything else that goes into a country music career while also juggling a long distance girlfriend of four years and a day job. 
“When I moved to Nashville I realized there was a never ending pool of talented people who work tirelessly on their craft,” says Biano.  “I wanted the world to see all the sacrifice, hard work, and dedication of someone trying to make it in this industry.  ‘Breaking Country’ is my way of doing that.”
The series features some familiar faces including country star Bryan White, who’s had six chart-topping songs, Title Boxing franchise owner/trainer and Season 12 contestant on The Bachelorette James Fuertes and Biano’s good friend and writing partner Brandon Chase from Season 5 of The Voice. 
“Chris is really using his creative skills to create something unique that an artist in Nashville hasn’t done,” says Bryan White. 
“Chris has a kind of focused determination that you have to have not only for success in fitness but also the music industry,” praises James Fuertes. “Honestly, that’s what it takes. You create goals and you focus on what’s ahead; one step and one day at a time.” 
“I’m so excited for everyone to see this and to be a part of such a cool thing,” says Brandon Chase. “Fans are going to love seeing the ‘real Nashville’.
View the Season 1 trailer here.
View “Breaking Country” episode 1 here.
Tune in every Sunday night at 7:00 pm central here for a new episode.
For extras and behind the scene footage, click here.
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Lipscomb University’s College Of Entertainment & The Arts To Help Preserve Historic Sound Emporium Studio As New Owner

Lipscomb University’s College of Entertainment & the Arts to help preserve historic Sound Emporium Studio as new owner
 
Sound Emporium a vital part of Nashville’s international claim to fame as Music City, U.S.A.; will be preserved as a vibrant production studio under new ownership by Lipscomb University
Former Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets owner George Shinn has agreed to gift the Sound Emporium, one of Nashville’s vibrant recording studios for nearly 50 years, to Lipscomb University.
The announcement ceremony was at 10:15 a.m. Bill Cody, morning show host of WSM’s “Coffee, Country & Cody” and a Grand Ole Opry announcer/host; Amy Grant, world renown recording artist and recent Nashville Walk of Fame inductee; Randy Goodman, Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville and Lipscomb alumnus; Lipscomb University President L. Randolph LowryMike Fernandez, dean of the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts; and other university and music industry officials participated in the ceremony.
“This generous gift will provide an extremely valuable learning opportunity for our students in the contemporary music program, as well as those who are interested in a variety of aspects of the recording industry,” said Fernandez. “The Sound Emporium has played a key role in the development of the music industry in Nashville, and we are thrilled that Lipscomb will now get to play a role in preserving this icon in the industry. With the studio located just one mile from Lipscomb, the Sound Emporium will provide students the opportunity to learn from industry leaders and artists at one of the nation’s top recording studios through internships, hands-on experience and other initiatives.”
Shinn, who has owned the Sound Emporium since 2011, recently announced his plans to give ownership of the studio to Lipscomb while retaining Juanita Copeland, who is the current president and general manager and will continue to oversee the studio’s operations and manage its staff as she has done since 2005. Under Lipscomb’s ownership, producer Charlie Peacock will oversee the day-to-day interactions between the studio and the university. His primary role will be to preserve the professional production capacity of the studio while looking for subtle ways for it to serve as a real-world learning lab for contemporary music students in the university’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts.
 “For the first time ever, we will have a partner in Lipscomb University who will help us preserve the history of this iconic place that we have worked so hard to create,” said Copeland. “In the 22 years that I have been a part of the Sound Emporium team, I have seen a lot of ebb and flow in this industry. I am excited that this partnership will give us stability and a partner who shares our vision. We are honored and proud to be part of the Lipscomb family.”
The Sound Emporium has been a vital part of Nashville’s international claim to fame as Music City, U.S.A., and has been the place that numerous music legends have entrusted with their recording projects for nearly 50 years. In 1969, “Cowboy Jack” Clement, who produced artists such as Jerry Lee Lewis, Charlie Rich and Johnny Cash at Memphis’ famed Sun Records, built Jack Clement Recording Studios in Nashville, the first of its kind in the city. In 1979, Clement sold the studio and the name changed to the Sound Emporium. Producer Garth Fundis purchased the studio in 1992, and in 2011 sold it to George Shinn, former owner of the NBA franchise Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets.
One of Nashville’s most iconic recording studios, numerous artists have produced music within the Sound Emporium’s walls, including Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, John Denver, Keith Whitley, New Grass Revival, REM, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Yo-Yo Ma, Robert Plant, Alison Krauss, Taylor Swift, Elvis Costello, Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Cyndi Lauper, Keith Urban, Merle Haggard, Cole Swindell, Jimmy Buffett, St. Paul and the Broken Bones and numerous others. In addition, film soundtracks such as O’ Brother Where Art Thou, Cold Mountain and Walk the Line have been recorded at the Sound Emporium under the guidance of Grammy-winning producer T-Bone Burnett.
The Sound Emporium gift is just part of a $15 million pledge Shinn has committed to Lipscomb University. Last month, Lipscomb officials announced the $15 million gift, the largest in university history, to fund a new events center among other initiatives. In recognition of this gift, the college was named the George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts. Lipscomb and Shinn expect that the gift of the Sound Emporium to Lipscomb will take effect before June 30, 2017.
“This is a significant moment in the history of Lipscomb University,” said John Lowry, Lipscomb University vice president for development and external affairs. “We are grateful to George Shinn and his commitment not only to this institution, but to our students and the music industry as a whole. We look forward to continuing the vision of the Sound Emporium to serve this community and the music industry for decades to come and to the many ways our students will thrive as they have a unique opportunity to learn from some of the industry’s leaders at Sound Emporium.”
Shinn, a resident of Franklin, Tennessee, is founder of the George Shinn Foundation, which is dedicated to helping people in need. It is committed to building God’s kingdom and reflecting its founder’s deep Christian faith by furthering the work of churches, ministries, missionaries and nonprofit organizations.
Lipscomb University’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts
Lipscomb University’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts is the fastest growing college in the university, with undergraduate degrees in cinematic arts, fashion and design, contemporary and classical music, theater and dance, and visual arts. Graduate programs include Master of Arts degrees in film and creative media, Master of Fine Arts degrees in film and creative media with writer and director tracks and a Master of Fine Arts/Master of Business Administration blended degree. With training from artists-in-residence like Steve Taylor, Charlie Peacock and others, the CEA provides a real world experience where students are inspired to create what’s next for the marketplace.  The mission of Lipscomb University’s George Shinn College of Entertainment & the Arts is to be a Christ-centered, innovative, entrepreneurial arts community committed to rigorous artistic training, creative collaboration and professional growth that seeks to train the next generation of believer artists who seek to uplift, challenge and entertain culture through their art. For more information visit cea.lipscomb.edu.
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Sweet Tunes, Summertime Memories Made & Tennessee Whisky At George Dickel And BMI’s 1st Porch Sessions With Maddie & Tae

It couldn’t have been a better start for George Dickel & BMI’s Porch Sessions concert series with clear skies and 70 degree weather in the picturesque setting of George Dickel’s Distillery in Cascade Hollow near Tullahoma, TN.

The appreciative crowd enthusiastically clapped and danced along to the music by the harmonious duo, Maddie & Tae.

If you missed the concert this time, don’t worry, there are more to come.  Stay tuned for announcements of future shows at Cascade Hollow for a refreshing, fun-filled afternoon with George Dickel & BMI for other epic Porch Sessions’ concerts all summer long.

About George Dickel

Born 40 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George A. Dickel was an established Nashville merchant when he entered the whisky business. Dickel grew his reputation for selling the smoothest, most mellow spirits in the region. Thus, Geo. A. Dickel & Co. was born and when the Cascade Hollow Distillery opened in 1878 in neighboring Coffee County, George Dickel bought a large share. George Dickel followed in the Scottish tradition of spelling whisky without an “e.”

George Dickel preferred whisky made in the winter months more than summer months because he felt it made the whisky taste smoother, so the company began advertising their Geo. A. Dickel’s Cascade Tennessee Whisky as “Mellow as Moonlight.” This is why our whisky is chilled before undergoing the charcoal-mellow filtration known as the Lincoln County Process. This extra step smooths out the flavor and we’re still the only Tennessee distillery to do it.

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Jade Jackson Announces Summer Tour Dates With Social Distortion

Country rock sensation Jade Jackson is set to release her anticipated debut album Gilded on May 19th via Anti-. The young California singer-songwriter, described as “part Hank Williams, part The Smiths” by Bluegrass Situation, was featured on the newest installment of the Walking The Floor podcast hosted by Foo Fighter guitarist Chris Shiflett.

Listen here: http://www.rollingstone.com/country/news/jade-jackson-chris-shiflett-talk-california-mike-ness-w481165

Jackson was also just profiled in the Huffington Post, which writes, “ For a young woman with a healthy appetite for life and a musical menu filled with enticing possibilities, Jackson and her delicious debut album should leave even a moody foodie with the most discerning taste craving for seconds.”

Read here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/with-debut-album-jade-jackson-finally-getting-a-taste_us_59112fd1e4b056aa2363d888

Jackson’s debut album Gilded was produced by Social Distortion frontman Mike Ness and powerfully merges the unflinching honesty and melodies of Lucinda Williams and Emmylou Harris with the raw energy of a musician influenced equally by George Jones, Hank Williams, The Cure and The Gun Club.

Jackson has just announced a series of live dates opening for Social Distortion.

Live Dates W/Social Distortion

July 22, 2017 The Depot  Salt Lake City, UT
July 25, 2017 Liberty Hall  Lawrence, KS
July 26, 2017 Palace Theatre Saint Paul, MN
July 28, 2017 The Riverside Theater Milwaukee, WI
July 29, 2017 Bogart’s  Cincinnati, OH
July 30, 2017 Newport Music Hall   Columbus, OH
Aug 1, 2017    House of Blues  Cleveland, OH
Aug 3, 2017    Stage AE  Pittsburgh, PA
Aug 4, 2017    The Fillmore  Philadelphia, PA
Aug 5, 2017    Paramount Theater Huntington, NY
Aug 8, 2017    Sherman Theater Stroudsburg, PA
Aug 9, 2017    College St. Music Hall  New Haven, CT
Aug 11, 2017 Palladium  Worcester, CT
Aug 12, 2017 Starland Ballroom Sayerville, NJ
Aug 13, 2017 The Fillmore  Silver Spring, MD
Aug 15, 2017 The Norva Theater Norfolk, VA
Aug 18, 2017 The Mill & Mine Knoxville, TN
Aug 19, 2017 The Fillmore  Matthews, NV
Aug 20, 2017 The Ritz  Raleigh, NC
Aug 22, 2017 House of Blues  Myrtle Beach, SC
Aug 23, 2017 Tabernacle    Atlanta, GA
Aug 25, 2017 House of Blues Orlando, FL
Aug 26, 2017 Revolution Live Ft. Lauderdale, FL
Aug 27, 2017 Jannus Landing  Saint Petersburg, FL
Aug 30, 2017 House of Blues   New Orleans, LA
Sept 01, 2017 Concrete St. Pavilion Corpus Christi, TX
Sept 02, 2017 The Aztec Theater  San Antonio, TX
Sept 05, 2017 Tricky Falls  El Paso, TX
Sept 06, 2017 Sunshine Theater Albuquerque, NM
Sept 08, 2017 Doheny State Beach Dana Point, CA

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Chris Young Delivers New Single, “Losing Sleep”

After earning multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, Grammy and RDMA nominations and scoring three consecutive chart-topping singles – including his ninth No. 1 “Sober Saturday Night” with Vince Gill – from his “excellent” (New York Times) album I’m Comin’ Over, CHRIS YOUNG has set the bar even higher with the release of his brand new single, “Losing Sleep.”  Delivered overnight to country radio and retailers, the song shot immediately to the No. 2 spot on the iTunes Country chart within hours of release.

“I continue to be blown away by the response to my last record and it makes me push myself even harder in the studio and onstage,” said Chris. “With every new album I think I want to try and write something easier and not so high in my register, but of course, on ‘Losing Sleep’ we push the boundaries even further and layer in some fun, new grooves too.”

With bare, flawless vocals that lead into a bold, explosive chorus, “Losing Sleep” is the lead single from the RCA Records Nashville artist’s hotly anticipated seventh album due later this year. The song is written by Young with Josh Hoge and Chris DeStefano and marks the Grammy-nominated singer’s third time co-producing with Corey Crowder. Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Young’s upcoming record will be his third project in less than two years, including 2015’s critically acclaimed I’m Comin’ Over and 2016’s It Must Be Christmas.

With a hit-packed set that highlights his nine chart-toppers — including “Gettin’ You Home,” “Voices,” “Tomorrow,” “I’m Comin’ Over” and “Think Of You,” — and fifteen Gold/Platinum certified projects, Chris has joined reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Jason Aldean as special guest on his They Don’t Know Tour through October before resuming his own headlining dates later this year.

 

LISTEN TO “LOSING SLEEP”
iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon Digital, Spotify, Google Play

FOLLOW CHRIS YOUNG
Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube

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