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BMI And ASCAP “Fix A Drink” To Celebrate Chris Janson’s Second No. 1 Hit

By on March 12, 2018 in In The Press

    Top (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, Sea Gayle’s Christina Wiltshire, Warner Bros.’ John Esposito, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sea Gayle’s Jake Gear, Combustion’s Chris Farren, Ole’s John Ozier and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel  Bottom (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Chris Janson, Chris DuBois and Brent Anderson

BMI songwriter Chris Janson celebrated his second No. 1 hit “Fix A Drink” last week in the BMI lobby alongside ASCAP co-writers Ashley Gorley and Chris DuBois. The track marks Gorley and DuBois’ 36th and 17th No. 1s respectively. The party was hosted by BMI’s David Preston and ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, and included presentations from each writer’s publishing team as well as remarks from Warner Music Nashville Chairman & CEO John Esposito.

“One of my radio regionals Ray Vaughn always says ‘team work makes the dream work,’ and I truly believe that,” said Janson. “I have a fantastic team behind me, from my label to my management, my agency, my publisher and beyond – not to mention my wife Kelly. I am so grateful to have people who believe in my music and fight for my songs. I am proud to share this No. 1 with each and every one of them as well as my fellow songwriters Ashley and Chris.”

Chris Janson, whose current single “Drunk Girl” is Top 40 and climbing at country radio, is on tour with Cole Swindell and was recently invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Upon his induction on March 20, he will be the Opry’s youngest living member.

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BMI And ASCAP Honor Dustin Lynch’s Fifth Consecutive No. 1 “Small Town Boy”

By on March 12, 2018 in In The Press

“Small Town Boy” songwriters Rhett Akins, Kyle Fishman and Ben Hayslip gather with Dustin Lynch while celebrating their No. 1 song. (Photo: Steve Lowry)

Last week friends, family and Music Row VIPs gathered at vintage arcade bar HQ Beercade to celebrate 2017’s longest-running leader of the year “Small Town Boy” with songwriters Rhett Akins, Kyle Fishman, Ben Hayslip and Broken Bow artist Dustin Lynch. The four-week chart-topper had 2017’s largest single-week audience and marks BMI’s Rhett Akins’ and ASCAP’s Ben Hayslip’s 23rd and 21st No. 1s respectively, as well as securing BMI’s Kyle Fishman his first.

The certified PLATINUM track was honored with presentations from Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel, Sony/ATV’s Tom Luteran, Play It Again Music’s Dallas Davidson, This Music’s Rusty Gaston and Broken Bow’s Executive VP Jon Loba. 

Lynch’s chart-rising single “I’d Be Jealous Too” is now spinning at Country radio. Find him on the road this spring as he joins Brad Paisley as featured support on the Weekend Warrior World Tour.

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Tin Pan South To Announce Schedule And Performers Tomorrow

By on March 5, 2018 in In The Press

The 26th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank promises to deliver top songwriters in multiple genres, and the schedule and performer lineups are set to released tomorrow morning, Tuesday, March 6, 2018. Fans who download the Tin Pan South App will have the first look at the lineup at 9 a.m. The complete schedule and the sale of Fast Access Passes will be available at www.TinPanSouth.com at 10 a.m. Central.

 

Country hitmakers like Dustin Lynch, RaeLynn, Love and Theft and Larry Gatlin will be joined by newcomers Carly Pearce, Tenille Arts, Abby Anderson, Walker Hayes, Ryan Kinder and others at venues like The Hard Rock Café, The Commodore Grille, Douglas Corner Café, The Listening Room Café, The Local, Station Inn, Whiskey Rhythm and new Tin Pan venue South.

 

Blues guitarist Keb’ Mo’ will headline a show at The Bluebird Cafe, and hit writers like Jim Collins, Sonny Curtis, Liz Hengber, Marcus Hummon, Mike Reid and many others will be in-the-round at the influential venue celebrating its 35th year of providing a home for songs and songwriters.

 

Entertaining shows at 3rd & Lindsley will include Ashley Gorley, Chris DeStefano, Rhett Akins and friends, Lee Thomas Miller, Neil Thrasher, Wendell Mobley the inimitable Robert Earl Keen and more.

 

The Tin Pan South Fast Access Passes permit patrons to bypass the cover charge at the door of most venues and allow advance entrance, space permitting. Cash admission for individual shows not already at the posted capacity will an option at most venues, and single show tickets available at the door will range from $10 – 25.

 

The free Tin Pan South Festival App is currently available in the iOS and Android app stores or at TinPanSouth.com .

Features include:

  • The ability to add individual events to a personal schedule;
  • News and social media feeds to stay informed of festival happenings;
  • Real-time notifications on the status of show changes;
  • Festival map and venue information;
  • Explore Music City with a list of landmark recommendations.

The Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival Presented by Regions Bank is set to run April 3-7, 2018 at 10 of Nashville’s top music venues.Produced by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), Regions Bank returns for the 11th year as the presenting partner of the Festival.

 

For up-to-date lineups, tickets, venues, schedules and other festival information, download the Festival App or visit tinpansouth.com. Updates can also be found on the Tin Pan South Facebook page, Twitter and  Instagram.

About NSAI: The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is the world’s largest not-for-profit songwriters trade organization. Established in 1967, the membership of more than 5,000 spans the United States and 10 foreign countries. For over 50 years, NSAI has been dedicated to protecting the rights of and serving aspiring and professional songwriters in all genres of music. For more information, visit www.nashvillesongwriters.com.

 

About Regions Financial Corporation

Regions Financial Corporation (NYSE:RF), with $123 billion in assets, is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation’s largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management, mortgage, and insurance products and services.  Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas, and through its subsidiary, Regions Bank, operates approximately 1,500 banking offices and 1,900 ATMs. Additional information about Regions and its full line of products and services can be found at www.regions.com.

 

Organizers of the 26th Annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival would like to thank the following Platinum and Gold Corporate Partners:

Regions Bank – Presenting Partner

Southwest Airlines – Official Airline Partner

News Channel 5 – Official Broadcast Partner

Ronald Blue Trust

Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp.

ASCAP

BMI

SESAC

Ford

Jack Daniel’s

ole

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Florida Georgia Line & Tennessee Titans Tackle Downtown Nashville Celebration April 4

By on February 27, 2018 in In The Press, Special Events

Photo credit: Delaney Royer

MULTI-PLATINUM superstar duo FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE are set to unleash their biggest hits on downtown Nashville April 4, headlining a massive street party and concert to help the NFL’s Tennessee Titans reveal their brand new 2018-2019 uniforms. Watch here.

Launching a new look that coincides with their 20th season as Titans, the FREE show kicks off at 7:00P CT at Music City’s neon-lined crossroads of Broadway and 1st Avenue, just blocks away from the duo’s three-story entertainment destination FGL HOUSE.

Tens of thousands of fans will score the first look at their favorite Titans players in the new uniforms before the FGL takes the stage. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley told The Tennessean they won’t be holding anything back from their electrifying live-show experience.

“We’re bringing all the bells and whistles,” Hubbard said.

“We were like, ‘If we’re going to play Nashville, we need to do it right. Let’s rock this thing,’” Kelley said, adding they also planned to bring their pyrotechnics. “We’re just jacked. Nashville is a bull’s-eye for everyone to come to right now. Anytime we can represent the city and the Titans, we’re stepping our game up. We’re just thankful.”

Following a year which saw FGL rise to the level of stadium-packing crossover icons with THE SMOOTH STADIUM TOUR 2017 (with Nelly, Backstreet Boys and more supporting guests), and continue their streak of chart success with their 13th No. 1 single, “God, Your Mama, And Me” (ft. Backstreet Boys), the pair have already doubled down on their reputation as genre-defying hitmakers to start 2018.

Bebe Rexha’s easy-riding hit “Meant to Be” (ft. Florida Georgia Line) continues to dominate with 13 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, which is comprised of airplay, sales and streaming data. Rexha, Hubbard, Josh Miller, and David Garcia co-penned the PLATINUM-certified track, which is still rising through the coveted Top 10 of the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart. FGL is currently in the studio working on their upcoming follow-up to 2016’s PLATINUM-certified DIG YOUR ROOTS album (BMLG Records) while details of a new headlining tour are coming soon.

For more information about Florida Georgia Line, please visit floridageorgialine.com and reach out on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE: Redefining what’s possible in Country music, global superstars Florida Georgia Line continue to push full-throttle into uncharted territories with history-making collaborations, fresh entrepreneurial ventures and bold new music while currently in the studio. Crushing record-breaking milestones, the MULTI-PLATINUM duo has heavy-hitting spotlights on Bebe Rexha’s “Meant to Be,” Hailee Steinfeld & Alesso’s “Let Me Go” (ft. watt), Morgan Wallen’s “Up Down,” and The Chainsmokers’ “Last Day Alive.” Fueling their groundbreaking momentum, FGL’s 2016 PLATINUM-certified album, DIG YOUR ROOTS (BMLG Records), delivered three consecutive No. 1 smashes: 3X PLATINUM-certified “H.O.L.Y.” [No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 18 straight weeks] and PLATINUM-certified “May We All” (ft. Tim McGraw) and “God, Your Mama, And Me” (ft. Backstreet Boys) [13th No. 1 overall as artists]. THE SMOOTH TOUR 2017 marked their first time headlining select sold-out stadium dates – featuring special guests Backstreet Boys, with critics’ reviews boasting: “Just in case you’ve forgotten, Florida Georgia Line is one of the hottest country acts alive” (MusicRow Magazine). With over 30 million tracks and more than 4.2 million albums sold worldwide, the top-shelf entertainers remain the first and only Country act to achieve RIAA’s DIAMOND certification (10 million copies sold) for their breakout “Cruise,” which is the best-selling digital Country single of all time (SoundScan). Since 2012, FGL has earned prestigious honors from the AMAs, ACM Awards, CMA Awards, Billboard Music Awards and CMT Music Awards. As true visionaries, their innovative endeavors also include their newly announced multifaceted compound in Nashville: Tribe Kelley Trading Post, Tree Vibez Music, and meet + greet, plus FGL HOUSE.

 

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Ballet and the Man In Black Collide At Ballet Ball 2018

By on February 22, 2018 in In The Press

Photo credit: Heather Thorne

Ballet goes country (and a little rock ‘n’ roll) when Nashville Ballet’s annual fundraising gala Ballet Ball pays homage to Johnny Cash through a collaboration with his son John Carter Cash and guest appearances by several internationally recognized artists at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Saturday, March 3.

The event, which raises funds to present educational dance programming to more than 30,000 underserved youth and families throughout Middle Tennessee each year, will feature a set list of songs written or popularized by Johnny Cash curated by John Carter Cash and performed by some of Cash’s friends and/or favorite artists. The star-studded lineup includes nine-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter and performer Sheryl Crow, CMA, BMI and ACM Award-winning country artist Ronnie Dunn (of the most successful country music duo of all time Brooks & Dunn), ACM and CMA Award-winning singer-songwriter Jamey Johnson, Native American Grammy Award-winning artist, songwriter and flutist Bill Miller, country music newcomer and YouTube mashup sensation Devin Dawson, John Carter Cash himself and his wife Ana Cristina Cash.

To celebrate the legacy of Johnny Cash, musical guests will share the stage with Nashville Ballet dancers who will perform excerpts of Under the Lights, a contemporary ballet choreographed by Christopher Stuart. Cash was also the collaborative partner behind Nashville Ballet’s production of this work, which debuted in 2014 and features some of Johnny Cash’s most iconic songs. Cash was no stranger to dance when Nashville Ballet approached him in 2013 to create a ballet set to his father’s music. He grew up attending ballet performances around the world with his mother while his father toured. “My mother always had a great respect for the art of ballet. I recall first attending the ballet as a boy while on tour in London. I am grateful and honored to be a part of the Nashville Ballet’s endeavors,” Cash said.

The gala performance celebrates the Cash legacy just weeks before Johnny Cash Forever Words the Music is released by Sony Legacy on April 6. The album is based off the 2016 book Forever Words: The Unknown Poems, a collection of his previously unpublished lyrics and poems. John Carter Cash offered those poems to contemporary musicians to complete and record. Featured musicians span across genres and include Kacey Musgraves, Chris Cornell and Brad Paisley.

Recognizing his artistic collaboration and entrusting Nashville Ballet to bring the “Johnny Cash ballet” to life, Cash will receive the third annual Synergy Award from Nashville Ballet, which honors musical artists who enable and promote the creative partnership between music and dance.

Ballet Ball 2018 is chaired by Mrs. Adrienne McRae and Mrs. Suzanne Smothers with Honorary Chair Mrs. Nancy Cheadle.

The evening features a menu by Kristen Winston Catering, selected wine pairings provided by Lipman Brothers and event design by Bruce Pittman Inc.

Tickets for Ballet Ball are by invitation only, but the general public is invited to purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball Late Party, which features cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and a seat at the gala performance. Late Party Co-Chairs Leigh and Brewer Adams, Rachel and JJ Ailor, Rachel and Justin Albright and Grace and Bradley French, have programmed an evening of dancing to the tunes of Bizz & Everyday People, who were recently named Indie R&B Group/Artist of the Year at the 2nd Annual Indie Ville TV Awards. Late Party tickets are $175.00 per person.

For more information about Ballet Ball or to purchase tickets to the Late Party, please visit Nashville Ballet’s website.

About John Carter Cash
John Carter Cash has been involved in music all his life. He is an accomplished and award-winning record producer, singer-songwriter and author. He is the only child from the marriage of Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, and he carries on the family tradition of creativity and music. In 1999, he was co-producer for his mother’s album Press On, which went on to win the Grammy for Best Traditional Folk Album. He continued his studio work with his father, serving as Associate Producer under Rick Rubin for the Grammy- winning American Recordings series, including American III: Solitary Man and American IV: The Man Comes Around.

His extensive career in producing inspired music includes his mother’s album Wildwood Flower, Unbroken Circle: The Musical Heritage of the Carter Family (various artists), Marty Stuart’s Badlands, Joe Shaver’s Everybody’s Brother, and Loretta Lynn’s Full Circle. In all, John Carter Cash has received 5five Grammy Awards as producer, with a total of 12 nominations. He has produced hundreds of recordings for dozens of artists within the past twenty years, including Chris Cornell, Jamey Johnson, George Jones, Jewel, Brooks & Dunn, Elvis Costello, Vince Gill, Sheryl Crow, and Alison Krauss and Union Station. As he produces and listens to numerous genres of music, his own musical recordings and compositions are naturally across the board. Universal Music Group released John Carter Cash’s Bitter Harvest in 2003.   His 2010 album The Family Secret received many accolades, including a three-starred review in Rolling Stone. His upcoming album, We Must Believe in Magic, will be available in the spring of 2018.

About Nashville Ballet
Nashville Ballet is the largest professional ballet company in Tennessee. Nashville Ballet presents a varied repertoire of classical ballet and contemporary works by noted choreographers, including original works by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling. Nashville Ballet and the second company, NB2 (a pre-professional training company), provide more than 70,000 arts experiences to adults and children annually through season performances and its Community Engagement programming. Curriculum-based Community Engagement programs bring dance education to community centers, colleges, public libraries and public elementary, middle and high schools across the state. In addition, School of Nashville Ballet brings world-class dance instruction to students ages 2 to 70.

Nashville Ballet receives public funding from Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission, Tennessee Arts Commission and the National Endowment for the Arts. Contributions from local, regional and national institutional funders and community partners, as well as hundreds of generous individuals, provide ongoing support of Nashville Ballet’s mission-critical programs.

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Tickets On Sale Now For Sam Hunt’s Inaugural 2-Day Music Festival, THE NASHIONAL, April 20-21

By on February 12, 2018 in In The Press

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 and SATURDAY, APRIL 21, 2018. TICKETS ON SALE NOW ON WWW.TICKETMASTER.COM  

INAUGRUAL TWO-DAY FESTIVAL CURATED AND HEADLINED BY HUNT FEATURES ECLECTIC LINE-UP INCLUDING JUDAH & THE LION, FETTY WAP, BROTHERS OSBORNE, KYLE AND MORE. 

Multi-platinum-selling artist Sam Hunt announced that he will be curating his first-ever music festival The Nashional this spring at the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville, TN on April 20th and 21st. Hunt will be headlining the musically diverse line-up that includes Nashville genre-bending band Judah & The Lion, R&B rapper Fetty Wap, American country music duo Brothers Osborne, west coast rapper Kyle, indie-pop artist Quinn XCII, LA’s indie-rock band LANY, American country music band LANCO, electronica singer/songwriter/producer Chelsea Cutler, Nashville-based rapper Ernest K. and contemporary country duo Muscadine Bloodline, making it one of the most eclectic music events this spring. Tickets go on sale on February 9th at www.ticketmaster.com.

The Nashional is a unique two-day event that highlights the inclusive, diverse, and genre-blurring landscape of music today.  Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park will be home to this inaugural event and will feature an experiential environment for fans to enjoy.  Hunt, whose own eclectic style owes its roots to country music with influences in pop, folk and R&B, was inspired to create this festival while out on his “15 In a 30” national tour this past summer.

“The sense of community in Nashville helps give it the character and personality that makes me proud to be a part of it,” says Hunt. “I wanted to create an experience at The Nashional that celebrates music, community, and everything they mean to each other and this city.”

Bud Light is the official beer sponsor of The Nashional.

Citi® is the official credit card of The Nashional.  Citi® cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning [day/date/time] through Citi® Private Pass, Citi’s Entertainment Access Program.  For complete presale details visit  www.citiprivatepass.com

 

General admission tickets start at $150.00 plus fees for a two day pass or $85.00 plus fees for a single day. Single day or 2-day VIP Passes will also be available including access to VIP viewing areas and a VIP Party with food vendors, comfortable lounge furniture, air-conditioned restrooms, private bars, and more. 

The specially priced General Admission tickets & VIP tickets will be available in limited quantities starting with the Sam Hunt fan  pre-sale on Monday, Feb. 5th at 10AM. Citi pre-sale Tues. Feb 6th at 10 AM. When the these limited quantities sell out prices for general admission tickets will go up without notice so join the Sam Hunt email list and buy early to lock in the lowest price. 

 

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Additional Cast Members Announced For CMT’s “Music City” Debuting March 1st

By on February 10, 2018 in In The Press
CMT announced yesterday the addition of 3 cast members to their new docu-series, “Music City”, set to debut on March 1st 10pm ET/PT on CMT.

Alexandra Harper

ALEXANDRA HARPER is a Nashville native and pageant queen who has her eyes on the title of Miss Tennessee USA. Obsessed with following in her mother’s footsteps and earning the crown, Alexandra has been training with her cousin Jackson and will stop at nothing to win.

Bryant Lowry

 
BRYANT LOWRY is a drummer in an up-and-coming Nashville band. Aside from drumming, Bryant is also a music producer and tv/film composer. He’s determined to put his career first and knows he’ll never love anyone as much as he loves music. Bryant admires Nashville greatly for its endless opportunities and all the musically-minded people who live here.
Instagram: @bryant_lowry

Sarah Thomas


SARAH THOMAS is a Texas native who followed her musical dreams to Nashville. After a bad breakup left her wounded, Sarah has struggled to find someone who won’t break her heart in a city where everyone is looking out for themselves. Worried she may have to relocate, Sarah is giving her career and her personal life a final push in the hopes that she will finally find what she is looking for.

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LANY Announce North American Headline Tour

By on February 9, 2018 in In The Press

Following a massive 2017, playing 135+ live shows across 28 countries, LANY announces new fan-demanded tour dates. The group will embark on another headline tour this spring, hitting 9 cities across the United States. In celebration of their upcoming festival appearances, the group will hold their own “mini-festival” in between Coachella weekends at the 6,500 capacity amphitheater, Great Saltair in Salt Lake City, UT on April 18th. The news follows their previously announced international dates in Russia, Australia and Asia, including their first-ever arena show in Manila, which sold out in less than 24 hours, prompting the group to add an additional date – which has also sold out. Their new North American dates are supplemented by a round of appearances across the U.S. festival circuit this summer, including sets at Coachella, BottleRock, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo, Bunbury and more. See below for full tour itinerary. Tickets for the tour are available to the general public today, Friday, February 9th at 10am local time.  Fans can check http://thisislany.com/tour for more details.

ABOUT LANY
LANY (pronounced “Lay-nee”), the Los Angeles-based trio comprised of Paul Jason Klein, Les Priest & Jake Goss, crafts dreamy pop with an R&B spirit.  Releasing their first set of songs in 2014 with no social following, fans, or even photos, their take on modern alternative music immediately caught the attention of audiences, and within weeks their play counts were leaping exponentially.

 

Flash-forward to the summer of 2017 and the band’s debut album, LANY, peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart, with singles “ILYSB” and “Super Far” reaching nearly 100 million streams each.  In 2017 alone, the group racked up nearly 300 million streams on Spotify and played more than 135 live shows across 28 countries.

 

The band has thrived within the harsh parameters of their barebones musical setup: a copy of pretty much defunct production software on a worn old Dell computer, bolstered by drum and synth apps on their iPhones.  Their music reflects the spontaneity and impulsiveness of the love stories bursting out of every song without losing focus of a cohesive concept threaded through the entire record.

 

The group has a huge 2018 ahead of them as they continue to tour prolifically. They are set to embark on a European headline and festival tour in the spring, and play their first-ever arena show in Manila, which sold out in less than 24 hours, prompting the addition of a second date – which also sold out. They will also hit the U.S. festival circuit this summer with sets at Coachella, Governors Ball, Bonnaroo and more to be announced, on top of headline shows across North America. They are currently in the studio working on new music.

 

LANY – 2018 Tour Dates

*All dates and venues subject to change

Date City Venue
April 15, 2018 Indio, CA Coachella
April 18, 2018 Salt Lake City, UT The Great Saltair
April 20, 2018 Nashville, TN The Nashional
April 22, 2018 Indio, CA Coachella
May 25, 2018 Napa, CA BottleRock Napa Valley
May 29, 2018 Oklahoma City, OK Jones Assembly
May 30, 2018 Tulsa, OK Brady Theater
June 1-3, 2018 Cincinnati, OH Bunbury Music Festival
June 2, 2018 New York, NY Governors Ball
June 3, 2018 Providence, RI Fete Music Hall
June 5, 2018 New Haven, CT College Street Music Hall
June 6, 2018 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live
June 7, 2018 Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
June 9, 2018 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo
June 10, 2018 Charlotte, NC The Fillmore
June 11, 2018 Tampa, FL The Ritz Ybor
July 14, 2018 Birmingham, AL Sloss Music & Arts Festival
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Brantley Gilbert Partners With Pedigree & DAV For Veterans Initiative

By on February 2, 2018 in In The Press

Courtesy of the Valory Music Co.

Brantley Gilbert’s commitment to America’s service members has always been a driving force in a career that’s seen him play for the people instead of the music industry. Whether hitting No. 1 with the powerful “One Hell of an Amen” (The Valory Music Co.) to honor a fallen soldier and his friend who was there, or taking a string of motorcycles from his home in Georgia to Arlington National Cemetery to honor the men and women who’ve served our nation, the songwriter powerhouse has sought to give back and say thank you. For Gilbert, it wasn’t enough.

After multiple conversations on how to help servicemen and women returning home, coping with the challenges of the transition back to civilian life, he reached out to DAV (Disabled American Veterans) with the idea of pairing veterans in need with companion dogs to help normalize their re-acclimation. On Saturday,  February 3 Gilbert’s notion will become a reality. Jason Hassinger, 29, of Philadelphia, will travel to Albany, New York, to meet his new best friend.

“There is nothing like the loyalty, love and companionship of a dog,” says Gilbert. “For some people, a dog can connect unlike even a best friend and for those who gave beyond the call of duty to our nation,  I love the idea of matching them up with a trained companion dog to help them get their lives to a better place.”

Hassinger, who served from November 2006 until September 2011, saw three tours of combat as a Marine Infantryman overseas. He has received multiple awards, including the Silver Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with three (3) Bronze Service Stars, Iraq Campaign Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, Presidential Citation-Navy Global War on Terrorism Medal and the, NATO Medal-International Security Assistance Force Afghanistan among many awards. Now a professional veterans benefits advocate for DAV, he helps other veterans access the benefits they have earned.

“’One Hell of an Amen’ makes me think very much of my times in the Marines,” Hassinger says. “More importantly than my service to this great nation, this song reminds me of all of our other brothers we lost over the course of my three deployments overseas. In one of his many interviews, Gilbert mentions he has late night phone calls where he talks with military vets who are battling demons. I, like Gilbert, have had late night phone calls with friends to lend a listening ear when they need it most. Both of us like providing service to others.”

Hassinger will be the first of eight Veterans who will receive a companion dog from Gilbert during his THE ONES THAT LIKE ME TOUR. The companion dogs are being recruited by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The PEDIGREE® Brand will cover the cost for all dog training and will provide a one-year supply of food to each of the eight dogs.

On Saturday afternoon the Country Music Association Song of the Year nominee for “Dirt Road Anthem” will introduce Hassinger to Charlie, a 3-to-4 year old Hound mix in Albany, NY. Hassinger will be Gilbert’s guest for the third show of his THE ONES THAT LIKE ME TOUR, before leaving with his new companion.

“In many ways, we’re taking a rescue animal and rescuing a returning hero,” Gilbert says.

“These dogs and people are all heroes, I am blessed the PEDIGREE® Brand is willing to help us get the dogs trained, certified and fed for that first year. The positive impact a companion dog can make is immeasurable, and I am humbled to be able to do this.”

“When we heard about what Brantley Gilbert wanted to do on his The Ones That Like Me Tour to honor veterans, we knew we had to help,” said Elizabeth Barrett, PEDIGREE® Brand Manager, Mars Petcare. “Gilbert has distinguished himself as an artist who goes to great lengths to give back to America’s Armed Forces and his efforts to provide companion dogs to veterans during this tour align perfectly with the PEDIGREE Brand’s Feed the Good campaign which is based on the insight that dogs and humans benefit each other. Knowing that the PEDIGREE® brand can play a part in finding loving homes for these dogs while giving back to those who have served our country is an incredible honor.”

Gilbert will be presenting a veteran with a companion dog every weekend of this spring’s The Ones That Like Me Tour. For him, giving healing to the Army, Navy, Marines and Air Force members who represented our nation is the greatest gift his music has provided. Look for more stories, moments and; dogs over the coming months.

“We couldn’t have done this without the support of the PEDIGREE® Brand,” he explains. “They recognize the powerful difference a dog can make on someone’s life, and they stepped up and stepped in. This is going to make a lot of lives happier, lighter and renewed. If that’s not something we can be proud of, what is? Thanks, PEDIGREE®.”

ABOUT BRANTLEY GILBERT: One of only five Country artists to have back-to-back PLATINUM albums (The Valory Music Co.) this century, Brantley Gilbert’s made a pummeling kind of Country that consolidated the outsiders, outliers and full-tilt life livers in a collective known as the BG Nation. The Georgia-born-and-bred songwriter/rocker has six No. 1s – “Country Must Be Country Wide,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” the CMA Awards Song of the Year nominee “Dirt Road Anthem,” “My Kinda Party,” “Bottoms Up” and “One Hell of an Amen” – and the 2014 American Music Award for Favorite Country Album for JUST AS I AM to his credit. What separates Gilbert from the rest is his deep commitment to real people, vets, anyone who needs a little help. His hard-charging performances define Country’s outlaw edge, what Entertainment Weekly hails for “his swaggering guitars, catchy hooks, and a DGAF attitude” and American Songwriter raves, “Gilbert never fails to deliver.” For a full list of tour dates and more, visit BrantleyGilbert.com.

About the PEDIGREE® Brand: The PEDIGREE® Brand is the number one brand of dog food and treats in the world, feeding more dogs than any other brand. The PEDIGREE® Brand offers a wide variety of products and formats for dogs at every life stage. The PEDIGREE® Brand is built on an unwavering love for all dogs and a commitment to dog adoption. For more information on visit www.Pedigree.com, Facebook.com/Pedigree and Twitter.com/PedigreeUS.

ABOUT DAV: DAV empowers veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. It is dedicated to a single purpose: fulfilling our promises to the men and women who served. DAV does this by ensuring that veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill; providing employment resources to veterans and their spouses; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. DAV, a nonprofit organization with more than 1 million members, was founded in 1920 and chartered by the U. S. Congress in 1932. Learn more at www.dav.org

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CeCe Winans’ Musical Legacy Extends To The Next Generation — Alvin Love III

By on February 1, 2018 in In The Press

Alvin Love III is on top of the world after his first Grammy win, and what a big win!  Although this is not the songwriter and producer’s first time showcasing his writing skills, this is his debut as a producer overseeing the production details of an entire album.  After years of coaxing his 12-time Grammy award-winning mother, CeCe Winans, to let him spear-head her new project, he finally received the green light.  Love is the visionary behind the generation-bridging new album, Let Them Fall in Love, that took almost three years to complete.  It was worth the wait because the project recently won two awards, Best Gospel Album and Best Gospel Performance/Song at the 60th Grammy Awards held at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

When receiving the back-to-back awards Love was beyond thrilled saying, “What a night! Thanks to a team of the most talented musicians and engineers, Let Them Fall in Love scored two Grammys. Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Jesus!”

Love’s eclectic vision and foresight to bring together heavy-hitting mixers like Dae Bennett (Tony Bennett, Amy Winehouse, Olivia Newton John) , Jimmy Douglas  (Pharrell Williams, Michael Buble) and Phil Lassiter (Jill Scott, Roberta Flack, Kirk Franklin, Al Jarreau) was genius. Their combined experience spans over four decades of working with legendary talent added the special touch of retro Love was after. The entire album was recorded with live musicians in Nashville and New York studios.

Prior to his work on Let Them Fall In Love, Alvin penned the following songs for Winans:  “More” featured on  For Always: The Best of CeCe Winans,

“A Place Like This”, “Purified”, “Colorful World”,  from Purified, “The Coast Is Clear” and a Co-Producer’s credit on Thy Kingdom Come.  He also composed the mid-tempo tune “Changed My World” on BeBe & CeCe’s Grammy winning release of Still.  The contemporary gospel duo, Mary Mary, featured Love’s “Homecoming Glory” on their fifth studio album Something Big in 2011.

In addition to building his chops working with family and friends, Love took a leap of faith, writing and co-producing his own seven track album released in 2010 entitled, The Strawberry Project.  Music lovers should keep their eyes on Alvin Love III because the best is yet to come!

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