Archive | In The Press RSS feed for this section

Dustin Lynch Dominates The Charts With Fifth Consecutive #1 With “SMALL TOWN BOY”

By on September 12, 2017 in In The Press, Uncategorized

Photo credit: Ford Fairchild

Praise Pouring In For Bold Third Album CURRENT MOOD

Country Star Continues Release Week With Hurricane Harvey Benefit And Performance On Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Certified hitmaker Dustin Lynch has cemented his spot as Country music’s newest superstar, celebrating his latest chart-topper “Small Town Boy” and the release of his third album – the sonically ambitious, boundary-pushing CURRENT MOOD – which released Friday (9/8) on Broken Bow Records.
Already GOLD-certified, “Small Town Boy” is Lynch’s FIFTH consecutive #1 hit, topping the Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country Airplay chart and continuing its reign on the Billboard Country Airplay chart for a second week. Penned by Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, and Kyle Fishman, the grooving track follows #1, GOLD-certified “Seein’ Red,” the white-hot first single off CURRENT MOOD.
“This week has truly been one of the most amazing and humbling of my career. This album is incredibly personal, and for two singles to already hit #1 is just crazy,” said Lynch. “I can’t think of a better way to welcome CURRENT MOOD than with ‘Small Town Boy’ being in the top spot.”
Rave reviews continue to pile up for the “sexy” (CMT) project that “showcases Lynch’s depth as a singer and songwriter” (Taste of Country), with The Boot observing, “he isn’t afraid to break the mold of what is considered normal in Country music.” Critics have gravitated towards CURRENT MOOD cuts such as “gut-wrenching torcher” (People) “Love Me Or Leave Me Alone.” Lauded by Billboard as “one of the standout performances on CURRENT MOOD,” the “stirring ballad” (Sounds Like Nashville) features Karen Fairchild on harmonies. Other standouts include the “smoldering vocals and R&B vibe” (Rolling Stone Country) on “Why We Call Each Other” and  “powerful and hypnotic” (Country Music Chat) “Back On It.”
In case you missed it, watch Lynch discuss the making of CURRENT MOOD and more on AskGaryVee with Gary Vaynerchuk here. 
Lynch will punctuate his album release week with a Hurricane Harvey benefit show tomorrow (9/12) at Cowboys Red River in Dallas, donating all ticket proceeds to the American Red Cross. Ending the week on a high note, Thursday (9/14) he’ll return to ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! to bring “Small Town Boy” full circle with an outdoor stage performance, having debuted the summer smash on the late night program earlier this year.
The all-star entertainer will hit the road this fall with his headlining THE RIDE OR DIE TOUR kicking off November 3 in Fayetteville, NC. Michael Ray, LANCO, and Ryan Hurd will serve as support on select dates.
For more information, visit DustinLynchMusic.com, and reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
ABOUT DUSTIN LYNCH:
Since releasing his PLATINUM debut single, “Cowboys and Angels,” Lynch has been on a steady path toward superstardom with five consecutive #1s, two Top 5 albums, PLATINUM-level certifications and tours with the biggest names in Country music (Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, and Brad Paisley). Racking up over 113 million views on YouTube/VEVO, scoring 245 million-plus streams on Spotify, soaring to #1 on the MTV Music Meter, and selling 3 million digital tracks, he brings a fresh combination of traditional influence and edgy intensity to the genre. Following his sophomore album, WHERE IT’S AT (Broken Bow Records) – which debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country Albums Chart and has tallied over 1 million tracks sold to date – Lynch’s hotly-anticipated follow up, CURRENT MOOD, arrived September 8. Produced by Brent Anderson, Mickey Jack Cones, Ross Copperman, Zach Crowell, and Will Weatherly, the boldly adventurous project features the GOLD-certified, #1 singles “Seein’ Red” and “Small Town Boy,” and aims to push the envelope of Country music even further. Realizing his longtime dream of creating a fashion line, Lynch has also branched out to launch Stay Country. The line of accessibly-priced men’s and women’s shirts, hats, and accessories, all emblazoned with the distinctive Stay Country logo, can be found online at www.staycountryclothing.com.
Comments { 0 }

Official Obituary And Celebration Of Life Arrangements For Troy Lee Gentry Open To Public

By on September 12, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Troy Lee Gentry passed away Sept. 8, 2017 in Medford, N.J., at the age of 50. He was born April 5, 1967 in Lexington, Ky. 

 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Patricia Gentry, and his brother, Keith Gentry.

 

A loving father and devoted husband, Gentry is survived by his wife, Angie Gentry (nee McClure), as well as his daughters, Taylor and Kaylee.

 

He was a graduate of Lexington Community College and he attended the University of Kentucky.

 

Gentry was best known as a member of the award-winning country duo Montgomery Gentry, along with his longtime friend Eddie Montgomery. The pair began performing together in their home state of Kentucky and released their debut album, “Tattoos & Scars,” in 1999. The duo, whose trademark sound combined Southern Rock and Country, scored a string of No. 1 hits, including “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something to Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” “Back When I Knew It All” and “Roll With Me.” They achieved Platinum certification on three of their albums and Gold certification on three others.

 

In 2009 the duo became members of the venerable Grand Ole Opry, which was Gentry’s proudest professional achievement.

 

The band was planning to release an album of new music in 2018 to mark their 20th anniversary as a duo.

 

A generous man, Gentry supported numerous charitable organizations including Make A Wish Foundation and T.J. Martell Foundation as well as military-related charities such as The USO. He was an active supporter of breast cancer awareness and research. Montgomery Gentry was honored with the Academy of Country Music’s Humanitarian Award in 2009.

 

Known for his wide smile, Gentry was personally driven by faith, family and living life to the fullest. He was happiest on the water with his family. He enjoyed both wake boarding and snow skiing. Gentry was also an active supporter of various athletic teams at his daughter Kaylee’s school.

 

A follower of Christ, Gentry faithfully attended Brentwood Baptist Church in Brentwood, Tenn., when he was not on the road. One of his favorite bible verses was Deuteronomy 31:6, which says, “Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For it is the Lord your God who goes with you; He will not leave you or forsake you.”

 

A public celebration of Gentry’s life will take place Thursday, Sept. 14 at 11 a.m. CT at the Grand Ole Opry House, located at 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN. 37214. A private, family internment will follow.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to T.J. Martell Foundation or The American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

For those unable to attend, a live stream of the service can be viewed here on Thursday: www.opry.com/troy-gentry

T.J. Martell
1114 17th Avenue South, Suite 101
Nashville, TN 37212
Or donate on-line at tjmartell.org and mention that your donation is in memory of
Troy Gentry.
American Red Cross Redcross.org 
Funeral Arrangements:
Austin Funeral & Cremation Services
5115 Maryland Way
Brentwood, TN 37027
615-377-0775  
Comments { 0 }

Brett Young Earns 2X PLATINUM & GOLD Certifications

By on September 12, 2017 in In The Press

(L-R)  EVP Big Machine Label Group/BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen, Brett Young, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta,  Photo Credit: BMLG Records 

CMA New Artist of the Year nominee Brett Young is proving he’s “in the fast lane to becoming one of country’s breakout stars” (Washington Post) as his 2017 self-titled debut album rapidly soared to RIAA GOLD status. Additionally, his “catchy” (PEOPLE) debut single “Sleep Without You” has been certified PLATINUM, and his smash hit “In Case You Didn’t Know” has reached 2X PLATINUM status. Young was honored for the three achievements Saturday (9/9) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on the last stop of Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR when Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and EVP Big Machine Label Group/BMLG Records President Jimmy Harnen surprised the rising superstar on-stage during his set with a plaque to commemorate. 


“I’m just doing what I love, so it’s cool to see this music mean something to other people too,” Young said. “I’m so honored and thankful for the support of my fans, my team and Country radio for making all of it possible.” 

Young’s “confessional, soulful country gems” (Entertainment Weekly) are proving to resonate with listeners as “In Case You Didn’t Know” instantly soared up the charts, earning the title of the first Country song released in 2017 to hit PLATINUM status. The song thrived in the video format as well, landing a place in Vevo’s Top 10 Videos of 2017 (so far), surpassing 100 million views, joining the rankings with Zayn and Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar and DJ Khaled.

“Ace Songwriter” (Entertainment Weekly) Brett Young’s GOLD-certified self-titled debut continues to make a big impression. His latest offering “Like I Loved You” is quickly rising up the radio charts as it enters the Top 30 on the Billboard and Mediabase Country Airplay charts this week. The single follows back-to-back No. 1 smashes, including the PLATINUM-certified “Sleep Without You” and 2X PLATINUM “In Case You Didn’t Know. “Young is quickly becoming one of country music’s most reliable new hit makers…” (The Tennessean) and the industry is noticing with ACM Award, People’s Choice Award, CMT Music Awards, CMA Award and AIMP Award nominations. Young recently wrapped his run on Lady Antebellum’s YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR and will be kicking off his headline CALIVILLE TOUR next month with breakout female vocalist Carly Pearce. Fans and critics are raving about the show and his live show, with The New York Times saying “…Brett Young renders deep feelings with thick polish.” For additional information and tour dates, visit BrettYoungMusic.com.
Comments { 0 }

Lady A’s “Heart Break” Beats At Country Radio Now

By on September 12, 2017 in In The Press
The empowering call of independence found in the title-track of of Lady Antebellum’s CMA “Album of the Year” nominated and No. One selling album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville), serves as the new single from the multi-PLATINUM trio. Produced by busbee and written by Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Jesse Frasure and Nicolle Galyon, “Heart Break” provides “a bedrock for the entire record” (Paste) as “Scott takes satisfaction in feminine independence” (NPR) with “a touch of darkness and a clever play on words,” (Rolling Stone).  

“A while ago I had written down the lyrics ‘heart break summer’ with the idea of what its like to detox from relationships for awhile,” said Dave Haywood. “Once we all got in the room together, it really evolved into a these identifiable lyrics that I think anyone can relate too. “

“Navigating the newly single life with simultaneous confidence and loneliness” (Omaha World-Herald), “Heart Break” has been dubbed a key track off the album by fans and critics, as the Washington Post predicts “with a catchy hook and chorus, fans will be singing along to this in no time.” Its “themes of independence” (CMT) caught the attention of O! Magazine’s Gayle King who vouched, “the title-track is hands down my favorite. It’s not about a ruined romance, but rather putting your heart on pause.” 

To listen to “Heart Break,” click here: https://youtu.be/vvnZ1eLHWQs

Last week’s CMA “Album of the Year” and “Vocal Group of the Year” nominations follow more than 18 million units, nine No. One hits, ACM and CMA “Vocal Group of the Year” trophies three years in a row and countless other honors including Billboard Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards and Teen Choice Awards. As Entertainment Weekly and Rolling Stone’s “must-see summer tour” wrapped to a packed hometown crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Saturday (9/9), Lady A will continue on with their YOU LOOK GOOD WORLD TOUR overseas in October. For more information visit www.ladyantebellum.com.
Comments { 0 }

Russell Dickerson Releases “Billions” Ahead Of Oct. 13 Debut Album, YOURS  

By on September 12, 2017 in In The Press

Russell Dickerson has released his lively instant grat track “Billions” on all digital retailers and streaming services. The long awaited fresh taste of music from his upcoming debut album YOURS comes as the lead single, also titled “Yours,” reaches RIAA Gold status and enters Top 30 on both the Mediabase and Billboard Country charts. Fans who preorder YOURS, due October 13 on Triple Tigers Records, will receive “Billions” today.

“I’m so excited for everyone to have ‘Billions’ in their ears!” said Dickerson. “It is so much of my personality in a song. It’s fun, upbeat, and completely over the top!”

“Billions,” co-written by Dickerson, Parker Welling and YOURS producer Casey Brown, the same team that wrote “Yours,” is a light-hearted look at the riches that would flow if love was turned into money with lyrics like:

If lovin’ was money, how much you think we’ve made
If kisses were cash, we’d never stop makin’ it rain
The way that I picture it, our pockets thicker than Bill Gates
If lovin’ was money, we’d make it all the way to the bank

A year after Dickerson released his first five songs from YOURS that have amassed more than 115 million online streams, fans now get a fresh sampling of the upcoming album with “Billions.” All 12 tracks on YOURS are co-written by Dickerson and his “propensity for syncopated melodies” (Billboard) and are full of mostly up-beat tracks revolving around being madly in love. The debut album includes lead single also titled “Yours” that Dickerson performed on ABC’s The Bachelorette and NBC’s TODAY show earlier this year as well as the song that has “caught fire” (Rolling Stone Country) digitally “Blue Tacoma.”

“Yours” has been called the love song of the year by wedding publication The Knot. The single, propelled by SiriusXM’s support and Spotify’s play-listing, alone has more than 60 million online streams and over 6 million views on YouTube for its music video directed by and starring the subject of the song, his wife.

The singer is currently on Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour, and today the singer adds new tour dates to celebrate the release of YOURS during the week of its October 13 release. The new tour dates include Wednesday, Oct. 11 at Nashville’s Exit/In, Thursday, Oct. 12 at Chicago’s Joe’s Bar, Friday, Oct. 13 at Indianapolis’ 8 Seconds Saloon and Saturday, Oct. 14 at Springfield, IL’s Boondocks. Fans can get tickets to all dates HERE. All upcoming tour dates below.

SEP 8 FRI : Glen Helen Amphitheater – San Bernardino, CA
        SEP 9 SAT : Mattress Firm Amphitheatre – Chula Vista, CA
        SEP 10 SUN : Ak-Chin Pavilion – Phoenix, AZ
            SEP 14 THU : Toyota Amphitheatre – Wheatland, CA
            SEP 15 FRI : Concord Pavilion – Concord, CA
SEP 16 SAT : Shoreline Amphitheatre – Mountain View, CA
SEP 17 SUN : Boots and Brews Festival – Ventura, CA *
  SEP 20 WED:  The Rocky Tonk Saloon – Medford, OR*
SEP 21 THU : Toyota Center – Kennewick, WA
SEP 22 FRI : Adams Center – Missoula, MT
SEP 23 SAT : Brick Breeden Fieldhouse – Bozeman, MT
SEP 28 THU : Stoney’s Rockin Country – Las Vegas, NV *
        SEP 29 FRI : USANA Amphitheatre – West Valley City, UT
SEP 30 SAT : Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
        OCT 1 SUN : Isleta Amphitheater – Albuquerque, NM
OCT 5 THU: Nashville North – Post Falls, ID*
        OCT 6 FRI : White River Amphitheatre – Auburn, WA
            OCT 7 SAT : Sunlight Supply Amphitheater – Ridgefield, WA
OCT 11 WED : Joe’s Bar – Chicago, IL *
        OCT 12 THU : Exit/In – Nashville, TN *
            OCT 13 FRI :  8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, IN *
            OCT 14 SAT : Boondocks – Springfield, IL *

* All shows are on Florida Georgia Line’s Smooth Tour unless denoted with asterisk

Fans can pre-order YOURS here: http://smarturl.it/all-yours and instantly receive six tracks including “Yours,” the companion wedding version, new instant grat track “Billions,” streaming hit “Blue Tacoma,” “MGNO” and “Every Little Thing.”

For more information visit RussellDickerson.com or keep up with him on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @Russelled.

Comments { 0 }

Kip Moore & Tony Hawk Raise Funds For Hurricane Relief At “Music City Skate Jam”

By on September 11, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Alex Ferrari

Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore and international skateboarding champion Tony Hawk took over downtown Nashville yesterday, hosting “MUSIC CITY SKATE JAM PRESENTED BY HARLEY-DAVIDSON” in an effort to raise funds for hurricane-affected communities, in light of recent and ongoing events. By donating through Moore’s “Kip’s Kids Fund” and Hawk’s “Tony Hawk Foundation,” attending fans supported skatepark communities and those affected by the recent disasters, while enjoying a stacked lineup of events. Kicking off with performances by Jordan Davis and Dee Jay Silver, icon Tony Hawk conducted a thrilling skate demo, followed by a rollicking performance by Moore who closed out the day’s festivities. Fans can continue to donate now through Friday Sept. 15th at 5PM CST by texting HAWK to 52182 or visit http://hawk.gesture.com to bid on special event auction items.

Photo credit: Nicholas Byrne

About Kip Moore And “Kip’s Kids Fund:”
Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore’s already-revered “thoroughly vital, 13-song collection” (NPR) SLOWHEART is available everywhere now. Moore has hit his stride with SLOWHEART, with critics including Noisey declaring the release as “the sound of an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders,” while his current Top 10 single “More Girls Like You,” is the fastest rising single of his career. SLOWHEART follows the acclaim that surrounded his sophomore album WILD ONES heralded as “an impressively singular release from Music Row” by The Guardian. Moore first turned heads with his debut album UP ALL NIGHT which was recently certified Double-PLATINUM by the RIAA and spawned three No. One hit singles including GOLD certified “Beer Money,” PLATINUM certified “Hey Pretty Girl,” and the DOUBLE PLATINUM breakout hit “Somethin’ ‘Bout A Truck. Moore, who has trail-blazed his own path with his reputation-making live show recently announced his headlining PLEAD THE FIFTH TOUR kicking off on 10/19 as well as headlining dates in U.K this fall. Moore’s “Comeback Kid Skatepark Project” raising funds for “Kip’s Kids Fund” was born as a passion project, with the goal of finding an outlet to showcase Moore’s love for the alternative sports lifestyle, and his desire to help inner city children. Phase one cities of the project included building and developing skateparks in Nashville, TN; Boston, MA; San Marcos, TX; Cincinnati, OH and Annapolis, MD. The “Comeback Kid Skatepark Project” is the first initiative of “Kip’s Kids Fund,” a donor-advised fund through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee (CFMT) focused on youth and teens. As a result, the “Kip’s Kid Fund” provides alternative outlets for youth to engage in healthy habits and physical activities like skateboarding, in addition to the traditional sports offerings where they live. For more information visit: kipmoore.net.

About Tony Hawk Foundation:
A charitable, non-profit organization, the Tony Hawk Foundation was established in 2002 by its namesake, professional skateboarder Tony Hawk. THF promotes and provides technical assistance and funds for high-quality public skateparks in low-income areas throughout the United States that promote healthy, active lifestyles, and to International programs that enrich the lives of youth through skateboarding. Domestically, the foundation’s Skatepark Grant program has awarded over $5.7 million to 588 communities in all 50 states. The foundation focuses on working with local officials and grassroots, community-based organizations that plan to hire designers and contractors with strong experience designing and building skateparks. The foundation’s International Program has provided financial and technical support to assist youth through the Skateistan educational programs in Afghanistan, Cambodia, and South Africa (www.skateistan.org). The Tony Hawk Foundation was established by a gift from Tony Hawk. Its directors raise additional funds through events, industry donations, and continuing contributions from Tony and other entities. For more information or to make a donation, visit the foundation’s website at www.tonyhawkfoundation.org. You can also visit THF on facebook and Instagram @tonyhawkfoundation, and on Twitter @THF.

Comments { 0 }

Flambeau Fest Single-Day Tickets On Sale NOW And Line-up Announced

By on September 11, 2017 in In The Press

Following the recent announcement of Flambeau Fest’s line-up by day, the event’s sought after single-day tickets are now available for $85! Renowned country and classic rock icons Sam Hunt, Hank Williams Jr., Lynyrd Skynyrd, Dustin Lynch, Chase Rice, Blackberry Smoke, Jessie James Decker, A Thousand Horses, Clare Dunn, Jacob Davis, and many more will take to the stage for the festival’s inaugural weekend on the Ascension Fields at Lamar Dixon outside Baton Rouge, LA on October 7 and 8, 2017. In addition to the newly-released single day passes, 2-day tickets are available for $149. 2-day VIP packages are also on sale at $319 (VIP) and $679 (VIP Platinum). To purchase, head over to FlambeauFest.com.
First lit two years ago by producers Mark Miller, Eddie Pearce, and David Addison, Flambeau Fest’s flame has been fanned and is ready to reinvigorate an area of Southern Louisiana that hasn’t seen the launch of a large-scale music event since the devastating Baton Rouge flood of 2016.

Flambeau Fest will present 3 stages and multiple tents featuring world-class musical artists, regional breakout performers and local artisans. The MAIN Stage will be packed with A-list, world-class talent. The Torch Stage will spotlight rising stars in country music, including regional breakout talent. The Songwriter In-The-Round Stage is truly unique to Flambeau Fest, playing host to some of the greatest Nashville #1 hit songwriters. A wide variety of authentic cuisine and libations from the region’s top vendors will also be available, including tastings from local craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries.

In addition to promising festival goers an explosive two days, Flambeau Fest will drive tourism dollars to the effort to rebuild an area hit hard by flooding. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to the Lynyrd Skynyrd Foundation for education and cultural impact.
www.FlambeauFest.com

 

Follow @FlambeauFest:
Facebook| Twitter| Instagram

Comments { 0 }

Country Legend Don Williams Passes Away Today

By on September 8, 2017 in In The Press

The Country Music world mourns the loss of one of its’ most distinctive song stylists with the passing of Don Williams after a short illness. He was 78.

A native of Floydada, Texas, Williams was born May 27, 1939. He grew up in Portland, TX, graduating there in 1958. Music had always been a part of his upbringing, entering – and winning – a talent contest when he was just three years old. For his efforts, Williams received an alarm clock. He began playing guitar during his teen-age years, learning the songs that he heard on the radio during that period. He and his friends played in local bands around the area, and he wed wife Joy Bucher on April 10, 1960.

To support his family – which would grow to include two sons, Gary and Timmy – Williams worked at a number of odd jobs, including oil field work, and also as a bill collector. While living in Corpus Christi in 1964, he formed the folk-styled trio The Pozo Seco Singers with Lofton Cline and Susan Taylor. They stayed together for seven years, with their biggest hit being “Time.”

After the group disbanded in 1969, Williams soon found his way to Nashville. By 1971, he had a songwriting contract with the publishing company owned by Jack Clement. The next year would see Williams ink a recording deal with Clement’s JMI Records. He made his chart debut with “The Shelter of Your Eyes” in 1973, and was soon hitting the charts time and again with a much more laid-back sound than a lot of the music coming out of Nashville at the time. 1974 would see Williams top the charts for the first time with “I Wouldn’t Want To Live If You Didn’t Love Me.” From that point all the way through 1991, each Williams single would hit the Top-40 on the Billboard Country charts. His 1970s hits included such chart toppers as “Tulsa Time,” “She Never Knew Me,” and “It Must Be Love.” His career grew steadily through label shifts to ABC / Dot, MCA, Capitol, and finally RCA. Williams also gained a devoted following overseas in such unlikely spots as England, Ireland, and New Zealand , and even South Africa and Kenya – where he reached superstar status. He was named the Male Vocalist of the Year by the Country Music Association in 1978. Though known for being very low-key and soft spoken, Williams did make two movie appearances – 1974’s W.W. and The Dixie Dancekings, and 1980’s Smokey and the Bandit II.

The 1980s saw no slow down in Williams’ recorded output, with the singer notching his biggest hit with 1981’s “I Believe In You,” which not only topped the Country charts, but crossed over to No. 24 on the Hot 100. By this time, he had earned the nickname “The Gentle Giant” for his trademark mellow sound, and the hits continued to pile up throughout the rest of the decade – “Stay Young,” “If Hollywood Don’t Need You,” and “One Good Well” being three of his biggest of the 1980s. His final top ten came in 1991, with “Lord Have Mercy On A Country Boy,” a song that Josh Turner – a Williams fan – would record in 2006.

Though the changing of the guard at radio slowed down Williams’ chart success, he continued to perform for sold-out crowds in America and abroad, playing a final tour in 2006. However, retirement was not in the cards for the singer, who returned to the road in 2010 – the same year that he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Williams’ return to the spotlight also included a pair of albums on Sugar Hill, 2012’s And So It Goes, and 2014’s Reflections, which included contributions from Alison Krauss, Vince Gill, and Keith Urban. It was a sign of his enduring appeal that both albums hit the Top-20 on the Billboard Country Albums charts – his biggest rank there in three decades.

In 2016, Williams decided that the time was right for his final performance, calling it a career after one of the most successful careers in the history of the Country Music business. “It’s time to hang my hat up and enjoy some quiet time at home. I’m so thankful for my fans, my friends and my family for their everlasting love and support,” the 76-year-old Williams said in a statement at the time. Last year also saw the final release of Williams’ career, a live CD and DVD recorded in Ireland. In 2017, the singer was the subject of a tribute album, Gentle Giants: The Songs of Don Williams, that included performances of his hits by artists such as Lady Antebellum and Garth Brooks.

Arrangements are pending.

Comments { 0 }

Troy Gentry, Half Of Montgomery Gentry, Tragically Killed Today

By on September 8, 2017 in In The Press

It is with great sadness that we confirm that Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo, Montgomery Gentry, was tragically killed in a helicopter crash which took place at approximately 1:00pm today in Medford, New Jersey.  The duo was scheduled to perform tonight at the Flying W Airport & Resort in Medford. Troy Gentry was 50 years old.

Details of the crash are unknown.

Troy Gentry’s family wishes to acknowledge all of the kind thoughts and prayers, and asks for privacy at this time.

RIP Troy Gentry.  So sad to hear this.

Comments { 0 }

Congratulations To Chris Young For Being Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry

By on September 8, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Grammy nominated vocalist Chris Young was surprised during his Grand Ole Opry performance this evening by Country Music Hall of Fame and Opry member Vince Gill with an invitation to become an official Opry member. The invite came just prior to Young’s performance of their chart-topping duet “Sober Saturday Night.” Growing up in nearby Murfreesboro, Tennessee, Young dreamt of one day taking the stage at the Opry, making his debut on June 15, 2006. Another dream came true for the 32-year-old singer with tonight’s Opry invitation. Young’s formal induction will take place Tuesday, October 17, just days before the release of his 7th album, Losing Sleep.

 

Joining Young on stage, Gill laughed that he’d never been paid for his work on the “Sober Saturday Night” session. “I’ll make you a deal,” Gill said. “I’ll forgive the session fees if you’ll be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Accepting the invitation to a standing ovation, Young answered Gill, saying, “You’re getting triple scale at this point!” Noting his surprise, he added, “Dang, you got me good! I love you guys. I love everybody here. I love this place.”

 

“As a friend and someone that’s been out here for 30 years, you will not believe the friendships, the relationships, and the heart that you will gain from being out here for the rest of your life,” Gill added. “It’s going to be really powerful to you, so congratulations.”

 

“Since making his Opry debut more than a decade ago, Chris Young has won legions of fans around the world and has earned the honest respect of his industry peers,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “Both are evident every time Chris plays the Opry, as our audiences light up and his fellow artists watch from the wings. Chris has an incredible passion and love for the Opry; he lauds its past and is excited about its future. He continues to make significant contributions to country music and to his community, and we could not be more excited to officially welcome Chris to his musical home with his Opry induction in October.”

Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Earlier in the evening, BMI songwriters Young, Gill, Brad and Brett Warren, were surrounded by music industry friends and supporters inside Studio A at the Grand Ole Opry House to celebrate the chart-topping success of “Sober Saturday Night” from Young’s ACM Album of the Year nominated 5th record, I’m Comin’ Over. Written by Young with The Warren Brothers, “Sober Saturday Night” marks the ninth #1 for Young as an artist. RCA Records Nashville also presented Young with an award for R.I.A.A. Platinum certification of his acclaimed album Neon and plaques for R.I.A.A. certified singles “Think Of You” (Platinum) and “Sober Saturday Night” (Gold), bringing his total tally to 16 Gold and Platinum certifications.

 

About Chris Young: After earning multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, 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 continues to set the bar even higher with the release of his brand new single, “Losing Sleep,” which amassed more than 1.25 Million on-demand streams in its first week of release. With six albums to his credit, including 2016’s It Must Be Christmas and 2015’s Gold-certified studio album, I’m Comin’ Over, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart, Chris continues to reach new heights with his hotly anticipated seventh album — Losing Sleep — due October 20, 2017. Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, the upcoming record will be the RCA Records artist’s third project in less than two years. An international ambassador for country music, Chris performs to packed houses around the world including his recent appearance at the sold-out C2C Festival in the UK. 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 sixteen 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. For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit chrisyoungcountry.com.

 

About The Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows through December 12 and Wednesday shows returning for a fall run September 13. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

Comments { 0 }
Verified by MonsterInsights