Tag Archives | CRS

Sarah Trahern To Receive 2020 CRB President’s Award During “CRS Honors” Officially Launching CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience

By on January 21, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Sarah Trahern CMA

(Nashville, Tenn. – Jan. 21, 2021) The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has announced Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern as the 2020 CRB President’s Award recipient. The award will be presented during “CRS Honors,” the official launch to CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience, on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2021, at 12:30 p.m. CT, immediately following the morning sessions of the all-new CRS Streaming Summit.

Trahern was named CMA CEO in 2014 following stops at Great American Country (GAC), The Nashville Network (TNN), and C-SPAN. She helms CMA’s three network television properties (CMA Fest, CMA Country Christmas and the CMA Awards), leads one of the biggest music festivals in the world and serves as President of the CMA Foundation. As a trade association, CMA represents every aspect of the Country Music industry and Trahern has made community outreach a priority, whether it is providing members affordable healthcare options or offering online tools and resources for music professionals displaced by COVID-19 shutdowns. Her vision and leadership have been instrumental in launching CMA’s Music Industry COVID Support (MICS) initiative. She was recently recognized as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s Most Admired CEOs. Trahern is consistently included on various Billboard lists, including Women in Music and Country Power Players, on which she was profiled as “Executive of the Year” in 2017. In 2011, she was the subject and honoree of the prestigious Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum by the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum.

The CRB President’s Award is presented to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth, and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that Country Radio Broadcasters provides to the country radio and music communities.

CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, commented, “Sarah is the epitome of this award. Her selfless and tireless work on behalf of artists, songwriters, labels, managers, touring professionals, and Country Radio, and her steadfast support of CRB and Country Radio Seminar make her a highly deserving honoree. I am blessed to call her colleague, confidant and friend. And all of us in Country are blessed to have her as a true leader in our genre.”

Rascal Flatts

The 2020 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award recipient, Rascal Flatts, will also be recognized during the Opening Ceremonies.  The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act who has made a significant contribution to the development and promotion of country music and country radio through their creativity, vision, performance, and/or leadership. On the heels of celebrating their 20th Anniversary Year, Rascal Flatts was named the 2020 Artist Career Achievement Award recipient during a surprise announcement made at Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2020’s Opening Ceremonies. President/CEO of Big Machine Label Group, Scott Borchetta will present the award to Rascal Flatts.

Hailed as one of the most influential groups in modern country history, superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts are a chart-topping trio created by vocalist Gary LeVox, multi-instrumentalist Jay DeMarcus and guitarist Joe Don Rooney. Since their founding in 2000 and subsequent breakout with the Top 5 hit, “Prayin’ for Daylight,” the band has gone on to infuse country’s traditional mainstream with smooth-pop textures, arena-rocking energy and faithful positivity, impacting countless fans and fellow artists along the way. They’ve racked up 17 Number One hits, over 23.4 million albums sold, 35 million digital downloads, 2.2 billion streams worldwide and 4.4 billion streams solely on Pandora, while also selling over 11 million concert tickets and earning more than 40 trophies from the ACA, ACM, AMA, CMA, People’s Choice and more, making them the most awarded country group of the past decade. For more information visit rascalflatts.com.

Mickey Guyton

Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Mickey Guyton is also confirmed to open CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience with a performance of the national anthem, sponsored by Veterans Matter.

Due to the pandemic, the 2020 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, where the CRB President’s Award and Artist Career Achievement awards are historically given, could not be held in person and is subsequently being held virtually during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.

Registration for CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience is $199 per person and is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com. Country Radio Broadcasters have also made available an Unemployment, Student, and Young Professional rate.  To apply for one of these special rates, interested parties must apply at Country Radio Seminar’s registration page (here) no later than Feb. 12.  Registrants will need to select the rate they are applying for as the registration type to be considered for the discounted rate.  Contact Ashley Bourque at (615) 329-2615 or ashley@crb.org for any questions about the application.

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country Radio. Country Radio Seminar 2021 will be held Feb. 17-19 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Mickey Guyton: Mickey Guyton was born in Arlington, Texas and began singing in church at a young age. She was drawn to a variety of artists with big voices including Dolly Parton, Cece Winans, Whitney Houston and LeAnn Rimes. After signing to Capitol Records Nashville, Mickey’s first appearance was an all-star concert at the White House captured by PBS. In 2015 she released her self-titled EP featuring her debut single “Better Than You Left Me.” The following year she was nominated for her first Academy of Country Music Award for New Female Vocalist. Mickey returned to the ACM Awards in 2019 performing “I’m Standing With You” from the BREAKTHROUGH movie soundtrack alongside Chrissy Metz, Carrie Underwood, Lauren Alaina and Maddie & Tae. This last year, Mickey performed her first solo ACM Awards performance of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” with labelmate Keith Urban’s accompaniment on piano.  The performance, which HITS called “…a Whitney Houston/Beyoncé power-vocal rendition of the glass-ceiling reckoning…” was named one of the best performances of the night. Mickey released her EP, Bridges, on September 11, which includes “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?”, hailed by Variety as “country music’s song of the year”, as well as, “Black Like Me,” a song Mickey co-wrote in March 2019 at a cross-genre writing camp. Due to demand, “Black Like Me” was released in June and was named one of the Top 5 songs of 2020 by NPR and The Associated Press. Mickey recently made history as the first Black female solo artist to earn a GRAMMY nomination in a country category (Best Country Solo Performance) for “Black Like Me.” Mickey and her music have been featured recently by The New York Times, CBS This Morning, NPR, Today, Billboard, The Los Angeles Times, Entertainment Weekly, ELLE, The Washington Post, Paste, Rolling Stone, The Wall Street Journal, American Songwriter, and Pollstar.

About Veterans Matter: Veterans Matter provides justice for homeless veterans by providing housing to those who risked all but are now living on the streets of our nation. Their mission is simple: House as many veterans as they can, as fast as they can in permanent housing, with a 91% success rate keeping them housed. They never quit fighting for us, they will never quit fighting for them.

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CRS 2020 New Faces Of Country Music® Show Lineup Announced

By on December 9, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases
(Nashville, Tenn. – Dec. 9, 2019) Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced the lineup for the CRS 2020 New Faces of Country Music® Show. The final list of performers includes Ingrid Andress (Atlantic/WMN), Morgan Evans (Warner/WEA), Riley Green (BMLGR), Runaway June (Wheelhouse), and Mitchell Tenpenny (Riser House/Columbia Nashville).

CRB/CRS President of the Board, Kurt Johnson, comments, “This is an outstanding class of New Faces, representing some of the most exciting up-and-coming artists in our format. It’s truly one the best moments of the year for Country Radio—careers are made on the spot. Not to be missed!”

The five emerging artists set to perform were selected based on votes submitted by full-time radio station employees during the voting period, held Nov. 18 through Nov. 22.

The New Faces of Country Music® Show is one of the most anticipated events at Country Radio Seminar. The show has played a pivotal role in the careers of almost every major Country star. The annual showcase was formed in 1970, making CRS 2020’s New Faces event the 50th Anniversary show. For the upcoming year, the show will be held during CRS 2020 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. The show is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.  Country Radio Seminar and Country Aircheck sponsor the evening’s annual industry awards presentation.

Dinner tickets for the 2020 New Faces of Country Music® Show are sold out. The $649 registration rate for Country Radio Seminar 2020, held Wednesday, Feb. 19 through Friday, Feb. 21 at the Omni hotel, is available at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 © 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country Radio. Country Radio Seminar 2020 is set for Feb. 19-21 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Registration for Country Radio Seminar is currently $649 per person and is available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.  Additionally, the CRS host hotel, Omni Nashville, is accepting reservations. For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.
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The 50th Anniversary Of Country Radio Seminar The Best Yet

By on February 24, 2019 in Music, Special Events

Country Radio Seminar aka CRS held February 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Hotel in downtown Nashville celebrated its 50th anniversary with three educational and fun-filled days focused on country music.

Day 1 started with lunch sponsored by Warner Music Nashville with great performances inside the grand ballroom of Omni Hotel by Cole Swindell, Dan + Shay, Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, Morgan Evans, Chris Janson, and Devin Dawson with a headlining performance at the end by country superstar Blake Shelton.  Blake Shelton was also presented with the Humanitarian Award just prior to his acoustic performance where he sang early hits as requested by the audience, “Austin” and “Ole Red”.

Later that day following the opening ceremony, educational seminars, and artist interviews, we enjoyed the welcome reception just prior to the Amazon Music Country Heat concert featuring performances by several artists.  My favorites were Zack Brown Band who performed several of their hits along with a fun cover of “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the energetic King Calaway, and unique vocals of Tenille Townes.

The night was still not done as attendees were treated to a special, intimate, nearly 2 hour performance from country superstar Garth Brooks inside the Bridgestone Arena with only his guitar as he shared stories of his music influences, songwriting, and career.

Day 2 of CRS featured the always steller and highly-anticipated Universal Music Group Nashville lunch inside the historic Ryman Auditorium.  Almost their entire roster performed one song acoustic with Darius Rucker rejoining with his bandmates from Hootie & The Blowfish before they embark on their recently announced cross country tour.

Following were more educational seminars and artist interviews.   Later that day we were treated to “90’s Country Night” sponsored by Monument Records on the top floor of the Country Music Hall of Fame with a great acoustic performance by Brandon Ratcliffe and a fun performance by Walker Hayes who had the audience going with his contagious energy encouraging crowd to sing along.

Afterwards, we celebrated with the official launch party held at Redneck Riviera on lower Broadway of John Rich’s second whiskey named after his beloved Granny Rich called Granny Rich’s Reserve by Redneck Riviera.  He honored his grandmother seated next to him at the beginning of the night in a throne fit for a queen.  He also graciously presented his Granny Rich with a $10,000 check of her cut from the first royalties of sales of the new whiskey available now for sale in liquor stores across the country.

Attendees were given a shot of the new smooth whiskey to share in a toast and cake was passed around to enjoy along with a nice offering of southern food.  The night concluded there with a fun blowout featuring performances from John Rich and friends well into the night.

Pictured (L-R): Back Row –  Riley Green, Rascal Flatts Jay DeMarcus, Noah Schnacky
Front Row – Rascal Flatts Joe Don Rooney and Gary LeVox, BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Brantley Gilbert, Lauren Jenkins. Photo courtesy of Country Radio Seminar.

Day 3 of CRS began with the last of the artist interviews for me followed by lunch sponsored by Big Machine Label Group in the grand ballroom.  The lunch performances featured Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Lauren Jenkens, and Noah Schnacky from their roster with a special guest performance  of Lindsey Ell joining Brantley Gilbert for their current duet climbing the charts. Long-time, multiple award winners and hitmakers Rascal Flatts headlined the lunch performances closing it out.  Gary LeVox’s lead vocals were as strong as ever with the stellar musicianship and harmonies of Joe Don Rooney and Jay De Marcus.

I attended a panel focused on artist visits to radio stations and got some great tips on interviews with artists.  The panel that lasted an hour featured several label executives and radio programmers with country artist, Carly Pearce.

Concluding the 3-day seminar was the highlight event of CRS, New Faces cocktail party followed by the New Faces dinner and performances of 5 rising country artists voted on by Country Radio Broadcasters membership.  These are the new artists they most wanted to see with a full band performance.  It was a special night filled with outstanding performances by Russell Dickerson, Lindsey Ell, Jimmie Allen, LANCO, and Dylan Scott.  As a special surprise, country superstar Tim McGraw took to the stage to repeat during the 50th anniversary what has come to be known as the very best New Faces performance when he was just starting out and sang his first hit, “Don’t Take The Girl”.  Country superstar Keith Urban was also on hand to help honor long-time music industry veteran and outgoing Country Radio Broadcasters Executive Director, Bill Mayne, who announced previously this past April that he would be stepping down from his position at the conclusion of the 50th anniversary CRS.  He has also been announced as the recipient of the 2019 CRB President’s Award. The award will be presented during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Dinner and Awards ceremony, to be held at the Vanderbilt Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, June 19th at 6 p.m. CDT.

Bill Mayne

That is a wrap for CRS 2019 and the 50th anniversary! Thank you for having us.  Artist interviews to come. Stay tuned!

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Warner Music Nashville To Host Opening Day Luncheon Featuring A Performance By Blake Shelton At Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary Event

By on September 17, 2018 in In The Press

CRS Registration to Increase To $599 on Sept. 19; Register HERE!

When you hit the half-century mark, it’s time to celebrate. Country Radio Seminar is ready to mark its 50th Anniversary event with the return of a third luncheon, to be held on the Opening Day of CRS 2019, Feb. 13, and hosted by Warner Music Nashville. Country music superstar, Blake Shelton, will headline the luncheon that will kick-off what is expected to be one of the most exciting Country Radio Seminars to date.  More WMN artists for the luncheon will be announced soon. 

CRB, Inc.® also announced Blake Shelton has been named the recipient of the CRS 2019 Artist Humanitarian Award and will be honored during the Opening Day luncheon. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.  Past recipients of the annual award have included Dierks Bentley, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks, and Charlie Daniels, among others. 

Blake Shelton has demonstrated his dedication to giving back through many charitable initiatives and events.  In May 2013, Blake hosted “Healing In The Heartland,” a benefit concert for those affected by the numerous tornadoes that ravaged the country.  The event was broadcast on NBC and more than $6 million dollars was raised for the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.  In September 2016, Blake donated $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Children’s Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK. and in September 2017, he hosted “Hand In Hand: A Benefit for Hurricane Relief,” a multi-city telethon that broadcast on all major television networks.  So far, more than $50 million has been raised for relief efforts for hurricane Harvey and Irma. In Sept. 2017, the Oklahoma–native opened his Ole Red Bar & Grill in his hometown of Tishomingo, OK. All proceeds raised from his performance that evening were donated to a local charity in Tishomingo.  

“Warner Music Nashville is very excited to kick-off CRS activities with an exciting and diverse line up of our amazing artists,” said WMN Chairman & CEO John Esposito.“I’m proud of Blake being recognized as Humanitarian of the Year.  Over the years, I’ve watched him give back in so many profound ways. He responded immediately to those in need after the devastating tornadoes in Oklahoma in 2013, holding a benefit that was televised nationwide. He continually gives back to his hometown of Tishomingo, to the children’s hospital in Oklahoma City and so much more. But it’s what he does on a daily basis that really sticks out to me.  He will send us an email about something he’s read and say, ‘I want to do this to help this person.’ And I think Blake has helped more stranded motorists than Triple A – but that’s just his character. He’s a humanitarian every day. Congratulations Blake, you earned it!”

Country Radio Seminar’s 50th Anniversary event will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2019, through Friday, Feb. 15, 2019, at the luxurious Omni Nashville, in the heart of downtown Nashville. The three-day convention is the premier educational and networking event for Country radio and music industry professionals, offering attendees access to informative panels, countless networking opportunities, prominent speakers, research presentations and intimate performances from some of today’s biggest stars and emerging artists. Panels at CRS cover a broad range of topics relevant to today’s Country radio industry, including: social media and digital innovations, PPM, brand strategies, leadership skills, consumer research studies, the relationships and economics of the radio and record industries and much more. 

Tomorrow, Tuesday, Sept. 18 marks the deadline to register at the discounted rate of $549. Starting Sept. 19, the price will increase to $599.  Registrations are available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Tickets to the New Faces of Country Music® show are already sold out, and no longer available for purchase with registration packages. Additionally, CRS host hotel, Omni Nashville, is accepting reservations at the $264 single rate; however, regular rooms on Feb. 12 are now sold out. To make a reservation for Feb. 13-15, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com/hotel.

For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter (Hashtag #CRS50) and Instagram.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. Country Radio Seminar 2019 is set for Feb. 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Nashville.  

About Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. ®: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format. 

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Registration For The 50th Anniversary Year Of Country Radio Seminar (CRS 2019) Opens August 15th

By on August 1, 2018 in In The Press
Registration for the 50th Anniversary year of Country Radio Seminar (CRS 2019), will begin on August 15th at 10 a.m. CT, with an early bird rate of $499 that will only be available on the opening day.  The price will increase to $549 the very next day, August 16th.  Registrations will be available for purchase at www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

A ticket to the annual New Faces of Country Music Show® is included in full registration packages until sold out. In previous years, tickets have sold out on the first day of sale; therefore, registrants are encouraged to register at 10 a.m. New Faces tickets are not included in discounted spouse registrations but are available for an additional fee. Early registrants will also have access to artist digital liners.

Additionally, CRS host hotel, Omni Nashville, will be accepting reservations starting August 15th at the $264 single rate. A link to make reservations will be available through the CRS website, www.CountryRadioSeminar.com.

Every year, the radio and recording industries come together for this not-to-miss annual event.  The seminar continues to grow each year with a cutting-edge agenda, numerous networking opportunities, and performances from some of the format’s biggest stars and most talked about emerging acts.

For more information, visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com, and follow CRS on Facebook, Twitter (Hashtag #CRS50) and Instagram.  Additional information can be obtained by calling 615-327-4487.

About Country Radio Seminar: Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio. Country Radio Seminar 2019 is set for Feb. 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Nashville.

About CRB: The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc.® is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 1969 to bring radio broadcasters from around the world together with the Country Music Industry to ensure the vitality and promote growth in the Country Radio format.  

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[Video] CRS 2017 | Re-Living The Highlights & A Wrap-Up

By on April 1, 2017 in Special Events

CRS 2017 wrapped up after 3 days of music-filled fun in downtown Nashville on Feb. 22-24, 2017.

Continue Reading →

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Zac Brown To Receive CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award; Peter Smyth To Receive Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award

By on January 5, 2017 in In The Press

wp-1477510982502.pngThe Country Radio Broadcasters have announced Zac Brown as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Artist Humanitarian Award and former Chairman and CEO of Greater Media, Peter Smyth, as the recipient of the CRS 2017 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award, to be presented during Country Radio Seminar 2017; following the Opening Ceremonies on Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:00 p.m. Continue Reading →

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Love and Theft – “Whiskey On My Breath,” Aliens and Drinking with Pets

By on March 8, 2016 in artist spotlight, Interviews, Special Events

Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles of Love and Theft with Alanna Massey of Focus on the 615

Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles of Love and Theft with Alanna Massey of Focus on the 615

Love and Theft is making a stand about addiction with their latest single “Whiskey On My Breath.” The duo, comprised of Eric Gunderson and Stephen Barker Liles, has dealt with losing family members to alcoholism.

“It’s a pretty heavy topic,” Stephen said. “But it’s not all about drinking. It’s just about addictions in general. Almost everyone has their own addiction. It doesn’t have to be alcohol. It could be social media.”

GUILTY 🙋🏼

The single skyrocketed from #200 to #2 on iTunes with a little support from the Bobby Bones Show.

“Bobby heard ‘Whiskey On My Breath’ and really related to it,” Eric said. “His mother died of alcoholism at 46.”

Eric struggled with alcoholism and was proudly 311 days sober at the time of our interview.

“Singing about it every night when I was still drinking was almost like I was giving myself a guilt trip in a way,” Eric said. “I was getting up there singing about the one thing that scared me to death more than anything – whiskey on my breath. It’s been good to get away from it and change my lifestyle.”

Eric’s new go-to drink is soda water or Diet Coke with a few limes. Stephen still enjoys an adult beverage every now and then.

“I drink vodka and water pretty much because you’re hydrating while you’re drinking.”

Good strategy, Stephen! That’s not his only advice about drinking.

Stephen, since you’re a year older and so much wiser than Eric, give us your words of wisdom. This is your legacy!

Eric: Give us like half of a tweet – so you get like 13 characters or something. Make this count, this is it. This will live on forever. Ladies and gentlemen, Stephen Barker Liles’ words to live by.

Stephen: You’re not drinking alone if your pet is with you.

Eric: Wow.

Stephen: It’s for all the pet lovers out there.

Eric, what’s the deal with your Twitter bio: “Life coach, alien expert, ceiling fan collector…follow me”?

Eric: Oh just two things I’m really passionate about. I’m really obsessed with aliens and area 51. No I’m kidding… I just put it on there as a joke. And then I watched an episode of something on TV where this guy collected oriental fans, and I thought it was so weird and strange. So I thought I’d put it on there, too. None of that’s true.

Stephen: CMA Fest we could get Love and Theft fans… for the fans.

Eric: Oh yeah the ones where you mist yourself!

OK guys… back to the important stuff. What do you have going on this year?

Stephen: We’re traveling all year playing tons of shows. We’ve been doing about 100 shows a year for 6 or 7 years. Some years we’re gone 200 days. There’s no telling how many shows we’re gonna do this year. We’re on pace for a lot.

Eric: It’s been the busiest beginning of a year for us as far as acoustic shows go.

Stephen: I’m gonna have a Companion Pass at the end of the year if I keep flying Southwest!

“Whiskey On My Breath” soaring to the top of the charts, drinking with pets, aliens and a busy year ahead. There ya have it, folks – Love and Theft!

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Darryl Worley – Embracing Change

By on February 24, 2016 in artist spotlight, Interviews, Special Events

 

alanna-massey-darryl-worley

Darryl Worley and Alanna Massey at Country Radio Seminar

Change is in the air, and Darryl Worley is embracing it.

“Country radio has been so inundated with things that I really don’t understand, like music that doesn’t speak to me on many levels,” Worley said. “I got a little bit of a hope and a hint that may change.”

Worley has a big year ahead of him – a greatest hits album, his first Christian album and a documentary of his travels to war zones.

“If that change is in the air, this would be the right time for me to try to get back on the radio,” he said. “It sounds like a good place to almost start over.”

He has spent a lot of time in Muscle Shoals, Ala., preparing to release his 2-volume greatest hits album.

“That’s kinda like home away from home for me,” Worley said. “It’s where I started out as a songwriter, so it’s sorta been like a homecoming to go down there with a bunch of folks I used to hang out with. We’re having a blast.”

Worley’s Christian album will release later this year, but don’t expect it to sound anything like his country music. He said it’s very uplifting, yet it has a nature of the blues.

“It’s coming from life’s lessons I’m passing on that could help people through tough times or situations,” he said. “It’s gonna speak to people I think on a whole different level, and we’re excited about that.”

As the 15th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Worley’s documentary “Unsung Heroes: Music and Memories” will illustrate his experiences entertaining soldiers, seamen, airmen and marines all over the world. Worley said he wanted to do something to uplift them. The raw and real footage spanning 5 years will shine a light on what American troops do for our country.

“It’s a powerful piece, and I can’t wait for people to see it,” he said. “I’m very proud of it.”

Worley left us with a little advice for upcoming musicians:

“Figure out who you are musically and don’t let anybody change that. If you know who you are, if you really know who you are, they’re not gonna want to change you anyway. They’re gonna go, ‘Man, that’s just what we were lookin’ for.’ That’s the most important thing. I believe it with all my heart.”

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Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announced

By on January 5, 2016 in In The Press

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This year’s class of Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees have been announced and are Blair Garner, Mike & Dana Schuff, and Lisa Dent in the On-Air category, and Mick Anselmo, Kerby Confer, Jack Reno, Tim Roberts and Jim Slone in the Radio category.  Reigning ACM and CMA “Entertainer of the Year,” Luke Bryan, will be on-hand to recognize the inductees LIVE during the Country Radio Seminar 2016 opening ceremonies on Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. CT; providing an opportunity for the class of 2016 to be acknowledged during Country radio’s biggest week. Continue Reading →

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