Tag Archives | Music

Delta Rae: Big Percussion. Big voices. Why You Need To Know Them.

By on November 3, 2017 in A Closer Look @, artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

One of my new favorite groups is signed to Big Machine/Valory Music Company, Delta Rae.

Delta Rae formed in 2009 and are originally from Durham, NC.  The 6-piece band is comprised of Liz Hopkins and Brittany Holljes, who front the group taking lead vocals.  Harmonies by Eric Holljes (vocals, piano) and Ian Holljes (vocals, guitar).  Mike McKee on drums and Grant Emerson on bass.

Their new single just released to country radio is “No Peace in Quiet”, a beautiful ballad written by Eric Holljes during a difficult time in his life following a break-up.  Finding himself very alone in his apartment following the break-up, the song flowed out of him as he struggled to come to terms with a loss he blamed himself for and seeking some solace in music.  It’s a very personal song for him that is even difficult for him to talk about, much less take lead to sing it.  Liz takes the lead singing this song with harmonies from all.  A mesmerizing and heartfelt song.

Ever since I first saw this group perform a few years back, they have stood out to me.  Intriguing and just different from everyone else out there.

Their passion for the music, energy, harmonies, and larger-than-life performances create magic from their stage.  It’s not something that can be defined or explained by simple words.  They must be experienced live, then you’ll understand the special, intriguing qualities that make this group different and ones you need to watch.

Watch the video for their current single; “No Peace In Quiet” here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7J446geYJI

 

 

 

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Grammy-Nominated Country Sensation Cam Releases Much-Anticipated New “Single,” Diane, Today!

By on October 27, 2017 in In The Press

Available for Download and Streaming, “Diane” Was Written and Produced by the Team Behind Cam’s Platinum-Selling #1 Smash, “Burning House”, The Most-Downloaded Song by a Female Country Artist Released Since 2015.

Photo credit: Dennis Leupold

Acclaimed, multi-award-nominated songstress Cam is sure to delight fans anxious for new music as she previews her 2018 Arista Nashville/RCA Records sophomore album with the release of “Diane,” the forthcoming collection’s debut single, available now HERE.

Inspired by the storyline of Dolly Parton’s classic “Jolene,” the driving, tempo-rich track delivers a sonically refreshing tale of love and regret and commiseration.  The song was co-written by Cam, Jeff Bhasker, and Tyler Johnson, the team behind the most-downloaded song by a female country artist released since 2015—Cam’s Platinum-certified #1 smash, “Burning House”—which propelled Cam to her first GRAMMY®, ACM, CMA, CMT, and American Music Awards nominations.

About the song, Cam shares, “‘Diane’ is my response to Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene.’  It’s the apology so many spouses deserve, but never get.  The other woman is coming forward to break the news to the wife about an affair, respecting her enough to have that hard conversation, once she realized he was married.  Because everyone should be able to decide their own path in life, based on the truth.  Women especially should do this for each other, since our self-worth can still be so wrapped up in our partners.  And in true country fashion, I’ve set the whole raw story to upbeat music, so you can dance while you process it all.”

A GRAMMY winner as Producer of the Year, Jeff Bhasker (Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars) and multiple-GRAMMY nominee Tyler Johnson (Harry Styles, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran) produced “Diane,” in addition to co-writing the song with Cam.  Bhasker and Johnson also produced Cam’s widely acclaimed 2015 major-label debut, Untamed.

As part of the excitement surrounding the single release, Cam will perform “Diane” and other songs as part of a 30-minute Facebook Livestream event at 11 AM, CT, on October 31, with the performance originating from an intimate music space in Sony Music Nashville’s office in the Gulch area of downtown Nashville, near Music Row.  Stream Cam’s performance HERE.

Among other appearances in support of “Diane,” California-native Cam is looking ahead to the launch of her Best Coast Tour, headlining nine West Coast dates beginning November 28.  Having recently opened selected shows on Tim McGraw & Faith Hill’s blockbuster Soul2Soul Tour and for international star Harry Styles at his sold out Ryman Auditorium show in Nashville, Cam is also set to wrap her opening slot on George Strait’s 2017 residency tour at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with shows December 8 and 9.  For complete tour dates, please visit www.camcountry.com.

Along with working on her upcoming album, Cam’s busy 2017 included co-writing the song “Palace” with Sam Smith and Tyler Johnson on Sam Smith’s forthcoming album, The Thrill of It All, releasing November 3.  She also contributed background vocals and electric guitar to the track.

About Cam
California-born singer/songwriter Cam emerged as one of the true breakthrough artists of the past two years, achieving her first Platinum record and first #1 country single with “Burning House,” which earned her a GRAMMY® Award nomination for Best Country Solo Performance. In fact, she was the only female country act to release a song in 2015 and amass a million downloads by the end of the year.  The success also sparked Cam to six nominations for the 2016 Academy of Country Music Awards (most-nominated female), two nods for the American Country Countdown Awards and three nominations for the CMT Music Awards (tied for most-nominated artist), two nominations for the 50th Annual CMA Awards, and one for the 2016 American Music Awards. Her Untamed album on Arista Nashville/RCA Records, which released December 11, 2015, debuted at #2 on Billboard ’s Top Country Albums chart with the year’s best first-week album sales by a debut country artist.  Untamed was met with widespread critical acclaim from The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, PEOPLE, Associated Press, and many others. Cam, who co-wrote each of her 11 debut album tracks, has appeared on national TV programs including Good Morning America, Today, CBS This Morning, The Voice, The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, The Talk, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, LIVE with Kelly, The Grammys, ACM Awards, and The 10th ACM Honors CBS special (with Alicia Keys). In addition to completing her first headline concert series, 2016’s The Burning House Tour , this rising country star opened two major 2016 tours: Brad Paisley’s Crushin’ It Tour and Dierks Bentley’s Somewhere on a Beach Tour. The Apple Music Festival 2015 in London, Stagecoach, SXSW, ACM Lifting Lives Party for a Cause, CMA Music Festival, the Grand Ole Opry, and the C2C Festival in the UK and Ireland are among the many events in which Cam has participated over the past two years.

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Watch As Ryan Kinder Breaks Down The Emotional “Still Believe In Crazy Love” In New Video  

By on October 10, 2017 in Music, The Latest

Photo credit: John Shearer

Loving this new video of Ryan Kinder’s “Still Believe In Crazy Love”.   It’s a beautiful ballad & mesmerizing live session video.  Check it out below & be sure to listen to more of Ryan Kinder’s music.  We really dig his sound and think you will, too!

Watch “Still Believe In Crazy Love” (The Deconstructed Live Sessions) here: https://wmna.sh/rk_sbicl_deconstructed_vid

Here is the official video, too: http://vevo.ly/UyCeN3  

ABOUT RYAN KINDER:

The Knoxville-born, Alabama-raised Ryan Kinder, who boasts over 30 million streams on Spotify alone, has been critically praised for his vocal prowess, vulnerable songwriting and nimble guitar playing. Billboard, who named him an Artist to Watch in 2017, recently shared the music video for his new single “Still Believe in Crazy Love,” noting the way it’s taking his career “to a different level, one that’s deeper than any radio hit could provide.” The Warner Bros. Records / Warner Music Nashville artist has co-written with some of Nashville’s most successful writers, including Josh Osborne, Ashley Gorley, Ross Copperman, Chris DeStefano, Tom Douglas, Jeremy Stover and Luke Sheets, and has shared the stage with Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Brett Eldredge and Zac Brown, who personally handpicked him for the Great American Road Trip Tour. Kinder is currently writing and co-producing his debut album with multi-award-winning songwriter/producer Ross Copperman and multiple Grammy Award-winning producer Paul Worley.

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Pilgrimage Festival 2017: Wrap Up

By on October 3, 2017 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

On a normal Saturday in Franklin, Tennessee, you will see people checking out local produce at the Farmers Market. The Factory in Franklin will have a small crowd of people walking around and picking up unique gifts and maybe even making one at Third Coast Clay. This is not your normal Saturday in Franklin, that’s for sure.

An estimated 25,000 people from all over have swarmed in on this quiet town to attend The Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival.  The now widely-known festival all started as a simple idea from festival co-creator and front man of the pop/rock band Better Than Ezra, Kevin Griffin.  Griffin who is also a Franklin resident was on a jog just a few years ago when he passed by The Park at Harlinsdale, a century-old horse farm that sits on 230 acres of land. He envisioned not just a music festival, but an experience that would highlight the diverse musical artists, food, beer, wine, and art that is rooted in Middle Tennessee.

Going into the festival’s third year, they knew they had to make it bigger and that is exactly what happened when co-producer and newly-transplanted icon, Justin Timberlake, asked if he could perform.  In what is one of Timberlake’s only musical appearances of 2017, he doubled the attendance of the previous year and he showed up ready to play for his new hometown!

Closing out the first night of the two-day festival which featured incredible performances I caught by The Avett Brothers, The Shadowboxers, Ruby Amanfu with Steelism, and many more, Timberlake walked out to 25,000 people on their feet and applauding before he sang his first note. Proving that he is a class act, Timberlake forewent a big show opener and instead covered Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come”, a prayer of sorts for the state that our country is currently in. With a bow of his head, Timberlake changed gears and ripped through hit after hit.  From “Drink You Away” and “Suit & Tie” to his closing numbers, the monster hits “Can’t Stop This Feeling!”, “Sexy Back”, and “Mirrors”, Timberlake had even the coolest East Nashville hipsters singing every word; making it a point to tell the crowd several times how much he loves his home state of Tennessee and that his new hometown is Franklin. It was clear, however, that no matter how much he loves Tennessee, Tennessee loves him even more!

The evening was highlighted when he reunited with Chris and Morgan Stapleton for the first time since their CMA Awards show duet.  Exchanging verses and taking turns doing each other’s background vocals on three of Stapleton’s songs.  The trio’s harmonies were so flawless that Timberlake’s band, “The Tennessee Kids”, couldn’t stop shaking their heads and neither could the audience.

As the night drew to a close and Timberlake took his final bow, it was clear that The Pilgrimage Festival delivered exactly what they said they would, a unique family-friendly experience that was for everyone! As the crowd filtered out onto Franklin Pike, you could already hear people making plans to come back next year.

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Country Artists Lee Roy Parnell And Baillie & the Boys To Perform In Honor Of Veterans And Nurses

By on September 21, 2017 in In The Press
Healing Hands Helping Heroes is set to honor Veterans and nurses for a third year on Thursday, November 2, 2017 at City Winery in Nashville, TN.  Grammy Award nominee Lee Roy Parnell and country duo Baillie & the Boys will serve as special musical guests.  The third annual event entitled Healing Hands Helping Heroes benefits REBOOT Combat Recovery and AORN Middle Tennessee Chapter.
Lee Roy Parnell
The event kicks off PeriOperative Nurses Week (Nov. 5 – 11) and Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11) with a unique night of music and entertainment that includes cocktails at 6:00 p.m., dinner buffet and program at 7:00 p.m. and special entertainment by Lee Roy Parnell and Baillie and the Boys to follow at 8:00 p.m.  The 2017 Nurse of the Year Award recipient will also be announced during the program.
 
“We are so excited to once again partner with REBOOT Combat Recovery for a third year of Healing Hands Helping Heroes,” said Cindy Kildgore, Event Chair for AORN Middle Tennessee Chapter. “We are thrilled to be able to kick-off PeriOperative Nurses Week with this incredible event that honors nurses and military alike.  With the help of our incredible special entertainment, this event will not only support our incredible nursing community in Middle Tennessee, but the men and women who have served our country as well.”
Baillie & the Boys
In 2016, AORN was able to provide nine (9) scholarships for nurses to attend the National AORN Symposium and Expo for further education while REBOOT Combat Recovery was able to provide over 500 service members and their families with services and therapy with the funds raised during this event.
“We are grateful for this event,” said Evan Owens, Founder of REBOOT Combat Recovery. “Together, with the support of the Middle Tennessee Chapter of AORN, we will continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of hurting military families.”
Table purchases are now available to the public for $3,800 and include the reception, dinner buffet, complimentary drink tickets, silent auction and VIP table/placement.  Visit www.HHHH17.eventbrite.com for details and table information.


For more information about the event or sponsorships, please contact the event producers at LEGACY Consulting, PR & Events at 615-669-6058 or Tresa@Legacy-PR.com.
 
More About AORN:
AORN is a non-profit membership association based in Denver, Colorado that represents the interests of more than 160,000 perioperative nurses by providing nursing education, standards, and clinical practice resources – including the peer-reviewed, monthly publication AORN Journal – to enable optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures. AORN’s 41,000 registered nurse members manage, teach, and practice perioperative nursing, are enrolled in nursing education, or are engaged in perioperative research. We define and advance best nursing practices for surgical patients by researching and distributing scientifically based guidelines.  AORN’s mission is to promote safety and optimal outcomes for patients undergoing operative and other invasive procedures by providing practice support and professional development opportunities to perioperative nurses. AORN collaborates with professional and regulatory organizations, industry leaders, and other health care partners who support the mission. Visit www.AORN.org for more information.
More About REBOOT Recovery:
REBOOT Combat Recovery (REBOOT) was founded in 2011 by Evan and Dr. Jenny Owens. Dr. Jenny L. Owens is a licensed occupational therapist specializing in traumatic brain injury and PTSD. Evan A. Owens is certified in military ministry related to soldiers and families dealing with PTSD.  REBOOT is a 501(c)3 organization and is tax exempt.  REBOOT offers a 12-week combat trauma healing course to help combat veterans and their families heal from the spiritual and moral injuries of war associated with post-traumatic stress and combat trauma.
War wounds the soul. Over the past several years, the medical community has expanded its view of the impact of trauma. Now, many acknowledge that combat trauma directly impacts not only the mind and body but also the soul. This type of injury is called moral injury. Moral injury can manifest itself in the form of anger, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, and, most tragically, suicide.  At REBOOT, we believe these symptoms are often linked to deep-rooted soul wounds related to unresolved grief, distrust of God/self/others, unforgiveness, bitterness, and loss of identity.
REBOOT “communities” are safe, private, and mostly veteran-led. Childcare and a pre-discussion meal are provided on a weekly basis to remove barriers of entry for families seeking help. We encourage the participation of spouses and affected family members because we know that trauma impacts the entire family.  For efforts outside of our lane of expertise, we partner with many government and non-profit agencies to provide the most wholistic care possible to these hurting families. For more information or to get involved please visit www.rebootrecovery.com.
About The Entertainment:
 
Lee Roy Parnell is part of a long line of Texas roots-music eclectics and is among the elite few who can be identified as a “triple threat.”  An ace guitarist, as well as a distinctive singer and hit songwriter, his music runs the gamut of diversity. Combining the influences of Blue-Eyed Soul, Delta Blues, Road House Rock, Southern Boogie, Texas Swing, and Gospel, Parnell’s sound defies conventional classification.  He draws from a broad range of musical sources and combines them with seamless dexterity and, unlike many other hard-to-pigeonhole artists, Parnell has enjoyed a run of success on the country and blues charts.  For more information about Lee Roy Parnell, visit www.leeroyparnell.com/.
Baillie and the Boys was an integral part of shaping the direction of Country Music in the late 1980’s and early 90’s.  Their music blended an east coast pop sound with traditional Nashville songwriting and sometimes personal lyrics to garner them instant Top 10 success on the Country Charts.  When you hear the unique harmonies driven by Kathie Baillie’s powerful heart-stopping vocals and Michael Bonagura’s soaring acoustic guitar, the music of “Baillie and The Boys” will be forever inscribed in your heart. Learn more about Baillie & the Boys by visiting

www.baillieandtheboysmusic.com/.    

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Pre-Order Chris Young’s New Album Digitally And Instantly Receive New Music!

By on September 16, 2017 in In The Press
Losing Sleep, the hotly anticipated new album from country star Chris Young, is now available for pre-order and pre-save.  Those who digitally pre-order Losing Sleep will be rewarded with instant downloads of the lead single and title track along with summertime sing-along “Holiday.” Additional tracks “Hangin’ On” (9/29) and “Where I Go When I Drink” (10/13) will be available in the coming weeks leading up to the October 20 release date. Fans can pre-order & listen to these tracks here: http://smarturl.it/losingsleepalbum.

Limited edition fan packages are also available for pre-order at chrisyng.co/LosingSleepBundles. Pricing starts at $10 and include a variety of bundles ranging from an autographed CD version of Losing Sleep, a Chris Young t-shirt, candle, sleep pants, robe, luggage set and more!

As part of the launch of his new album, Young has teamed up with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® to release an extended version of Losing Sleep, featuring a perfectly titled bonus track “Encore,” co-written by Young, Josh Hoge, and Lindsay Rimes. The exclusive version of Young’s album will be available in Cracker Barrel locations nationwide and online at shop.crackerbarrel.com Oct. 20th.

Young and Cracker Barrel will also be launching weekly episodes of a five-part docu-series “Chris Young Losing Sleep Cracker Barrel Series,” beginning Thursday September 28th exclusively on Cracker Barrel’s YouTube page. Episodes will feature a behind-the-scenes look inside Young’s life on the road, time spent at the studio, and how Cracker Barrel has been his home away from home along the way.

In response to fan demand, Chris will also release a limited-edition vinyl version of Losing Sleep next month. Losing Sleep is the first of the 32-year old’s seven albums available on vinyl. It’s also the first LP to be sold in Cracker Barrel stores.

With Losing Sleep, Chris co-wrote every single song for the first time in a remarkable show of creative force, in addition to taking his third turn behind the board as co-producer. The album is due October 20th on RCA Records Nashville, days after his induction as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on October 17th.

 

PRE-ORDER OR PRE-SAVE THE NEW ALBUM LOSING SLEEP NOW
http://smarturl.it/losingsleepalbum

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

ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG:

Recently invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Chris Young has earned multiple ACM, BBMA, CMA, CMT, Grammy and RDMA nominations and scored 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 (2015). He 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.

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Exclusive Debut: GRAMMY-Nominated Singer/Songwriter Matthew West’s “Jesus & You”

By on September 13, 2017 in artist spotlight, Music

GRAMMY-nominated Christian singer/songwriter, Matthew West, has a brand new lyric video for his song, “Jesus & You”, that we’re excited to make it available to you on FOCUS on the 615!

This is new track from his upcoming album, ‘All In’, which will be releasing on September 22nd.

Watch it by clicking here or going to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqFitKCDRAg  We’re loving it and think you will, too!

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Matthew West is a four-time GRAMMY® nominee, a multiple-ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner and Dove Award recipient, and was awarded an American Music Award (2013), a Billboard Music Award (Top Christian Artist, 2014), a K-LOVE Fan Award (2016), and named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year (2016). West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for “The Heart of Christmas” from the film of the same name. In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards three times and has more than 130 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Casting Crowns, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, and Mandisa, among others. Selling more than 1.6 million albums to date (TEA), West’s discography includes acclaimed releases: Live Forever (2015), GRAMMY-nominated Into The Light (2012), The Story of Your Life (2010), Something to Say (2008),  History (2005) and Happy (2003).

Well known for communicating stories through song, Matthew West has received thousands of stories from around the world. His latest studio album, Live Forever, continues that storytelling theme and debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Christian Sales Chart. He has obtained numerous No. 1 singles, most recently with “Grace Wins,” while achieving a record-setting No. 1 for 17 straight weeks at radio with “Hello, My Name Is” and “The Motions” for 15 weeks.

Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written five books to date: Give This Christmas Away, The Story Of Your Life, Forgiveness, Today Is Day One, and his newest release, Hello My Name Is. He is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story, so along with his father Pastor Joe West he founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life. Please visit popwe.org for more information.

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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

 

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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.

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Kid Rock Releases New Song, “Tennessee Mountain Top”

By on September 8, 2017 in In The Press

Photo credit: Clay Patrick McBride

At one minute past midnight Kid Rock unveiled his latest song “Tennessee Mountain Top” on streaming and sales platforms. “Tennessee Mountain Top” is impacting at Country Radio October 2. The track brings out a Country infused southern rock spirit that has drawn Country fans to Kid Rock for almost two decades since he released the CMA, ACM nominated “Picture.” Both “Picture” and his massive summer anthem “All Summer Long” continue to be fan favorites at Country Radio.

A five time Grammy nominee with over 26 million albums sold to date, Kid Rock has consistently blazed his own trail. His career intersected early with Country audiences and created a connection that has continued to grow each year. He has been twice nominated for CMA Awards, “Picture” with Sheryl Crow (2003) and “Can’t You See” with Zac Brown Band (2010). This October 6th and 7th he will host Kid Rock’s Third Annual Fish Fry in Nashville, yet another sign of his close ties to Nashville and Country Music.
Since the spontaneous release of his two most recent tracks in July, “Po-Dunk” and “Greatest Show On Earth” and their accompanying videos, Kid Rock has been at the center of media coverage speculation as to his musical and personal ambitions.
While others speculate, the artist known for his slew of American anthems and his explosive live shows has been busy touring and preparing for an epic series of concerts opening Detroit’s new Little Caesars Arena.  Not only is he the maiden act for the venue, he recently announced that the venue will play host to his own Made in Detroit restaurant to open on the Woodward Avenue side of Little Caesars Arena.
Purchase/Stream “Tennessee Mountain Top” here.
For more information visit: www.kidrock.com
KID ROCK SOCIAL MEDIA:
FB: https://www.facebook.com/kidrock
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kidrock/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kidrock
Snapchat: @KidRock
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