Disclaimer: This is an independently run Fan Blog complimenting Marie Crichton's Country Show (formerly BBC Radio Shropshire; Saturday 18:00-20:00 / Monday 20:00-22:00) currently broadcasting live on CMR Nashville (Sunday 20:00-22:00/ Repeat Monday 08:00-10:00). It is not the work of its lovely presenter. Marie is not the Editor, she provides the fantastic music and Country Routes News Blog provides additional information to enhance her hard work and assist her loyal listeners. Thank you
UK Country Artist Vic Allen - Releases Her New Single
'Pictures Of Us'
Watch her recent performances at Song Suffragettes
Proving
that beautiful things can come from the darkest of times, UK country artist Vic
Allen released her heartfelt new self-penned track “Pictures of Us”
(tagged Singer/Songwriter) on March 25th.
Published (25 March 2022) watch Vic Allen - Pictures of
Us (Lyric Video) produced by Barnabas Shaw. I hope you love this song💛
Inspired
by a breakup back in the summer, Vic explained “To make moving on easier I wanted
to erase anything that could remind me of him, so I went through my phone and deleted
everything - our messages, his number, the pictures he’d sent me… thankfully, I
realised that we’d never actually taken any pictures of the two of us together,
so it made it that little bit easier to pretend we had never happened. That’s
what the song is about.”
Vic returned to Nashville this spring for the first time in two years. She
last visited back in March 2020, just before the pandemic hit, to appear on Radio
Disney Country and perform at the iconic Listening Room for The Song Suffragettes 6th anniversary show. She was due to embark on
a UK tour with the Suffragettes in April 2020 but sadly it
was inevitably cancelled due to the global situation.
Another
solo write from Vic, “Pictures of Us” was recorded with talented
producer Barnabas Shaw (producer for Twinnie). The two are currently working on
further new material, set to be released in upcoming months. Vic mentions that
these tracks will be a combination of both older songs and more recent writes
and is excited to add to her growing catalogue. Her latest original release was
upbeat country-pop track “Drive-Thru” (>> YouTube
Acoustic), which was
accompanied by amusic
video featuring Vic’s
loyal fans singing along to the song in their cars.
Like
many others, Vic turned to live-streaming during the pandemic to connect with
her listeners, in particular on popular video-sharing platform TikTok
where she has gained 25,000 followers over the past few months.
She also
began releasing short covers on her social media channels, several of which
were reposted by the original artists, including
Walker Hayes and Danny Jones from McFly.
Watch her recent performances at Song Suffragettes
On
Monday April 11 Vic joined Erin Grand, Julie Eddy, Nicole
Miller and Willow Zhu to perform for Song Suffragettes at The
Listening Room Cafe in Nashville, TN which was streamed on their YouTube
livestream. Song Suffragettes is a female singer/songwriter round every Monday
night.#LetTheGirlsPlay
Line-up
left to right: Nicole Miller, Vic Allen, Erin Grand, Julie Eddy, Willow Zhu
Watch
Vic perform here:
ABOUT VIC ALLEN
“One of the most exciting artists here in the UK. Phenomenal
writer, amazing musician, awesome voice. She’s got the lot” - Matt Spracklen,
Country Hits Radio (Absolute Country Radio)
A rising name on the UK scene, Vic Allen blends an
acoustic-driven sound with strong influences from modern country music. The
past couple of years has seen several new releases from Vic, including “Healing”
(Nov 20, 2020 Apple Music| Official
Music Video) and the upbeat pop-country track “Drive-Thru”
(Aug 13, 2021 Apple Music), both of which received airplay on Absolute
Radio Country and BBC stations.
After spending four months of 2017 in Nashville and most of
the summer in the studio recording new music, singer-songwriter Vic Allen
released her 4 track EP BETWEEN THE LINES on Feb 23, 2018.
A follow up
to her 2016 debut EP THE MISSING PIECE (Oct 17, 2016), which received
strong praise from BBC Introducing and landed her slots at several UK festivals
including Buckle and Boots, “Between The Lines” consisted of four original
tracks with a definite Nashville influence.
Her
single “Enough” dropped Aug 2, 2019 (Amazon UK
- iTunesDebut #15 UK Country
iTunes Chart, then #18, then #28, then #36 | Sat Aug 3: #54).
In October 2019 Vic played her first headline show,
performing to a packed audience at The Green Note in London to celebrate the
launch of her 4 track EP ENOUGH (released Oct 18, 2019 | Amazon UK - iTunesDebut #8 UK Country
iTunes Album Chart (#246 UK iTunes all-genres), then #7 | Sat Oct 19:
off the Top 200) . It included her single “Ghost Town” and an acoustic
cut of “Give Up”.
A regular visitor to Nashville, she headed back out to Music
City in the spring of 2020 to appear on Radio Disney Country after being
selected to join US-based Song Suffragettes on their UK tour. She was
also invited to perform alongside Song Suffragettes as part of Country Music
Week in October, as well as featuring in Maverick Magazine’s July/August issue
as their 'One to Watch' artist.
Although she grew up playing musical instruments, Vic first
picked up the guitar as a teenager and, after a trip to America where she was
inspired by the rich country music scene, she began songwriting. Travelling
continues to be not only a passion, but a key influence in Vic’s music. In
addition to multiple visits to Nashville, she has ventured to a range of other
cities, states and countries, experiences which are reflected in songs such as
“Bittersweet” and “Between The Lines”.
As a solo act she has performed at FSA Fest 2018, Belles and
Gals Showcases and CountryLine Presents and joined artistes Beth
Keeping and Emily Faye on their WRITE LIKE A GIRL Tours (May 2018, Feb
2019, Nov 2019)
"Vic is one of the most intriguing and interesting acts
around at the moment." - Lyric Magazine
UK News, UK Chart
News, Album & Single Releases, US News, Music News, Press Releases, TV, Videos, Fashion, Birthdays, RIP
Country News – March 24, 2021
with Shannon McCombs
You’ll hear from Gabby
Barrett, as well as Kim
Moore about their latest singles. News from Thomas Rhett,
Tracy Lawrence,Clay Walker and more!
UK NEWS
On the BBC
Radio 2Playlist Saturday 26 March 2022
OUT
Maren
Morris - Circles Around This Town removed
from the “B” Playlist [C-B-B]
Luke
Combs - Doin' This removed from the
“C” Playlist [C-C-C]
Luke
Combs continues to defy the odds and break
records as he celebrated a feat that saw his 2017 released US chart topping
debut album, THIS ONE’S FOR YOU, reach Gold (100,000
units; since 2015 the programme has reflected consumption through audio
streaming) in the UK. This milestonemakes Luke one
of only two solo country artists to have their debut album certified gold
in the UK this century, and the only male solo country artist ever to have
their first two albums certified.
The news hits
exactly a week since Luke performed a series of” jaw-dropping headline sets”
at the UK’s C2C Festival, where global megastar Ed Sheeran joined him onstage
at London’s O2 Arena for a stunning duet of Ed's track 'Dive'.
Combssecond studio
album WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET made a debut at No.27 (3,810
total units) and charted for 2-weeks whilst his 2017 debut, This One’s For You,
peaked at No.198.
Digital
streaming numbers have shot up almost 50% in the
past two years, according to new data from the Country Music Association
– making country the fastest growing music genre in Britain.
It’s the
“authenticity” of singers such as Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash – and more
recently Taylor Swift and Kacey Musgraves – that country music DJ Baylen
Leonard believes is at the heart of Britain’s newfound love for all things
Nashville.
“People
are looking for something that’s a little more grounded, that has a start, that
has a finish, that takes you somewhere,” he said. It’s helped by a slew of
new specialist radio stations such as Absolute Radio Country, Smooth Country,
Downtown Country and Chris Country Radio, each churning out round-the-clock
Nashville vibes. Weekly radio listeners are edging close to 1 million.
Chloe
Chadwick’s single “2 Peas
In A Pod” is out now, stream on SPOTIFY. She shared with her fans: "This
song is a dedication to my wife & my soulmate. we tied the knott on 11th March 2022 in England with close family and friends, and I can
honestly say it was the best day of my life :-) and so some great news to share
with you all, and a happy song for a change”!!
The Shires, the
UK’s best-selling country act of all time, have been announced as guests for Tom Jones’special
outdoor show this summer at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, home of the
Chelsea Pensioners.
The show on Wednesday 15th June
will see the glorious courtyard of the Royal Hospital Chelsea transformed into
one of the most stunning and unique concert venues in the country. Tickets
available from myticket.co.uk/artists/tom-jonesThe Live At Chelsea Concert Series will
return for its 6th year in 2022, having established itself firmly as a
welcome fixture in the summer calendar for many. This is in no small part due
to the eclectic range of artists who have been featured previously, including
Rufus Wainwright, Toto, Jeff Beck, Ludovico Einaudi, Belle & Sebastian,
Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Jones, amongst many more. As well as this, audiences can
look forward to the warm welcome from the Chelsea Pensioners themselves. Every
year a portion of the ticket sales from the event is donated towards the care
of the Chelsea Pensioners, as well as the maintenance of the Grade I listed
site which has provided care and comradeship to ex-military personnel since
1682 when it was founded by King Charles II.
(24 March 2022) The Long
Road Festivalis now on TikTok! And Baylen has an update on what's going on in
world TLR, and what he's currently listening to. Check it out.
(29 March 2022) BCMA 2021 Female Vocalist Jade Helliwellposted a Live stream event on her Instagram
“LIVE! from Holmfirth Tavern”. Held on April 7th all tips are going towards her
Kickstarter
crowd fund campaign to fund an EP. As it stands (Dated April 7 10:00), £4,455 has been pledged of a £10,000
goal by 121 backers with 14 days to go). The cost will cover recording,
producing, mixing, mastering, artwork and packaging.
(29 March 2022)
Reigning CMA and ACM Female Vocalist of
the Year, Carly Pearce announced her
first headline tour of the UK and Ireland this autumn. The eagerly awaited
shows are part of a European trip and will take place in September, as follows:
Thursday,
September 15: LONDON Islington Assembly Hall
Friday,
September 16: MANCHESTER Gorilla
Saturday,
September 17: GLASGOW Oran Mor
Monday, September
19: DUBLIN Whelan’s
UK CHART NEWS
Official UK
Top 100 Albums Chart(Chartdated 25 March 2022)
25 March – 31 March 2020
Leadership of the album chart changed for the 11th
week in a row, with a British act at the summit for the 10th time in succession,
specifically Charli XCX, whose Crash cruised to a No.1 debut on
consumption of 16,117 units (5,339 CDs, 5,351 vinyl albums, 1,106 cassette, 496
digital downloads and 3,825 sales-equivalent streams).
British country’s most
successful act in chart history, The Shires
with 10 Year Plan fell 5-48 (2,080 sales; 2-week total 9,026)
BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts
Billboard Country Charts (Chart
issue week of March 26, 2022)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (50 weeks) **
Dangerous: The Double Album Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (4 weeks/ Airplay & Sales Gainer) ** 'Til
You Can't Cody Johnson
Country Airplay ** No.1 (1 week) ** 'Til
You Can't Cody Johnson
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 (4 non-consecutive weeks) 'Til You Can't Cody
Johnson
Country Streaming Songs “Tennessee Whiskey” Chris
Stapleton (257 weeks on the chart)
Cody Johnson achieved his first No. 1 on Billboard’s
Country Airplay chart (dated March 26) with “’Til You Can’t”
(CoJo/Warner Music Nashville/WMN). The song increased by 14% to 25.4 million
audience impressions in the week (+3.183 million audience gain; 7597 plays +655)
for week ending March 20. Matt Rogers and Ben Stennis penned the track, which Trent
Willmon produced.
The 34-year-old Johnson, from Sebastopol, Texas, earned his first
No.1 in his sixth appearance on Country Airplay.
The track tops Hot Country Songs for a fourth frame, also up by 48% to 8,400
downloads sold, as it ruled Country Digital Song Sales for a fourth week. (It
was discounted to 69 cents in the iTunes Store March 4-17.) It additionally
corralled 7.8 million U.S. streams in the tracking week.
Morgan Wallen’ssecond LP, Dangerous: The
Double Album (Big Loud/Republic), ruled Top Country Albums for a
record-matching 50th week. The set — which won album of the year at the
2022 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards on March7 — earned 46,000 equivalent
units. Dating to the launch of Top Country Albums in January 1964, Dangerous ties
with the reigns of Luke Combs’ This One’s for You and Shania Twain’s Come On
Over, starting in June 2017 and November 1997, respectively.
Dolly Parton’sRun, Rose, Run fell 2-4 in its second
week on Top Album Sales with 8,000 sold (down 49%). It fell 4-11 on Billboard
Top Country Albums
ERNEST - FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM) (Big Loud Records) made
a debut at No.12 on Billboard Top Country Albums
Total 2022 Country Album Sales to date is 1,437,000 down -15.3% (1,696,000)
on 2021.
Country
Aircheck MEDIABASE Chart
21 March 2022 (for the chart week
ending March 26, 2022 according to Mediabase 24/7.
Congratulations to Cody Johnson, Kristen Williams, Tom Martens, Anna Cage and the Warner/WMN promotion team
on landing Johnson’s first No. 1 with “’Til You Can’t.”
“Til You Can’t"” (Warner/WMN) moved 2-1logging8,222 radio
spins (+663), 38.398million audience impressions (+4.077 million) with29428
Total Points from 157 tracking stations (157 ADDS) for the
tracking week March 12 to March 19, 2022 and published chart dated March 21, 2022.
Carrie Underwood Is Most Added With ‘Ghost Story’
Kudos to Bobby Young and the Capitol crew notching 79
adds for Carrie Underwood’s“Ghost
Story.” The first release from her forthcoming project leapt on to the
chart at No. 31, matching her second highest entry ever – both “If I Didn’t
Love You” with Jason Aldean and 2015’s “Smoke Break”
COUNTRY ALBUM
& SINGLES RELEASES
(25 March 2022) Abby Anderson - Be That Girl
(Fat Cheeks) 5 songs, 16:49
(18 March 2022) Adam Sanders - I Wanna Be
Somebody (EP; Spend a Buck Music) 6 Tracks, 21mins
(25 March 2022) Alma Russ - Fool's Gold (Alma
Russ) 9 songs, 35:54
(25 March 2022) Anna Howie - The Friday Night
Club (Anna Howie Music) UK Country/Americana 11
Tracks | Debut #27 UK iTunes Country Album Chart
(25 March 2022) Anslee Davidson - Letters
Home(EP;Bloom Music LLC) 4 songs, 13:26
(25 March 2022) Austin Burke - Changed
Everything (EP; Bolo Records) 5 Songs | Debut #25 US iTunes Country Album Chart
(25 March 2022) Bailey Bigger - Coyote Red
(Madjack Records) 10 songs, 41 min 31 secTouted as the next big thing from Memphis (though
she’s now back living in smalltown Marion, Arkansas), Bigger’s debut album,
Coyote Red, is a hugely infectious, melodically catchy collection of country
Americana sung in an appealing reedy voice occasionally reminiscent of Judy
Collins with an ear for that old time sound. She’s joined by, among
others,Will Sexton on electric and
slide guitars, bassist Mark Edgar Stuart and Eric Lewis on dobro, the album
opening in instantly catchy style withthe summery chug and cascading notes of ‘You, Somehow'
(25 March 2022) Casey Donahew - Built Different
(Almost Country Records) 10 songs, 35:42 Amazon UK | Debut
#12 UK iTunes Country Album Chart | Debut #8, then #10 US iTunes all-genres
(25 March 2022) Celine Ellis - Unravelled (WKM
Records) UK 5 songs, 19:11 Amazon UK | Debut
#17 UK iTunes Country Album Chart.
Celine is now taking her stories on the road, and has
been performing at intimate venues including a headline show back in her home
town in North Wales. Not one to shy away from a big stage, festivals such as
MCN Motorcycle festival, Ilfracombe Country Festival, Northampton Music
Festival and Great Barn Festival have been treated to the full ‘Acoustic Music
with Attitude’ experience this summer. WEBSITE - FACEBOOK
(25 March 2022) Charissa - Love and Be Loved
(EP; Coalition Music (Records)) 5 songs, 17:19
(25 March 2022) Cowboy Junkies - Songs of the
Recollection (9 songs, 42:53) 9 songs, 42:53 | Debut #5 UK iTunes Country Album
Chart | Debut #46 US iTunes all-genres
(25 March 2022) Erin Kinsey - 40 East (EP;
RECORDS Label) 6 songs, 16:23 Amazon UK | Debut #3 UK iTunes
Country Album Chart | Debut #79 US iTunes all-genres, then #96 US iTunes
all-genres
(18 March 2022) Graycie York - Sad Bird (EP;
Graycie York) 4 songs, 17min
(25 March 2022) Hannah Bethel - Until The Sun
Comes Back Around (EP; Wildflower Moonshine Records) 6 songs, 25:31
(25 March 2022) Ian Noe - River Fools &
Mountain Saints (Lock13 Records/ Thirty Tigers) 12 songs, 42:18 Amazon UK | Debut
#6 UK iTunes Country Album Chart | Debut #26 US iTunes all-genres
(25 March 2022) JJ Lawhorn - O.G.O.B. II (JJ
Lawhorn) 10 Songs 34mins | Debut #26 US iTunes Country Album Chart
(25 March 2022) John Berry - Find My Joy (JB
Music/ Gaither Music Group, LLC) 10 songs, 40:54
GRAMMY Award-winning country singer/songwriter, John
Berry, has recorded and released an inspiring, faith-based album, Find My Joy,
featuring heartfelt renditions of Gospel classics that have inspired him
offstage and grounded his lauded musical journey. The album is available to purchase on Johnberry.com, Gaither.com
and Amazon.com, as well as independent Christian retailers and is available for
download and streaming on all digital music platforms at https://smarturl.it/findmyjoyjb
(25 March 2022) Justin Larkin - Nowhere Is A
Place ( Justin Larkin) 12 Tracks Amazon UK | Debut #18 UK iTunes
Country Album Chart
(21 March 2022) Kid Rock - Bad Reputation (Top Dog
Records) 18 Tracks ROCK
(25 March 2022) Kristian Bush 52ATL x BNA
(Songs of the Architect/ Big Machine Label Group) 10 songs, 33:21 Amazon UK - |
Debut #28 UK iTunes Country Album Chart| Debut #23 US iTunes Country Album
Chart
(25 March 2022) Maren Morris - Humble Quest
(Sony Music Entertainment) 11 songs, 37:32 Amazon UK | Debut #1 UK iTunes Country Album Chart (#14 UK
iTunes all-genres) | Debut #1 US iTunes Country Album Chart (#3 US iTunes
all-genres)
(25 March 2022) Reba McEntire - My Chains Are
Gone (Rockin' R Records/ UMG Recordings) 12 songs, 43:37 | Debut #7 UK iTunes
Country Album Chart | Debut #2 US iTunes Country Album Chart (#11 US iTunes
all-genres)
(25 March 2022) Riley Green - We Out Here: Live
(Big Machine Label Group, LLC) 11 songs, 46:31 | Debut #8 US iTunes Country
Album Chart
RILEY GREEN fans nationwide can now take the
experience of his headline tour home with the release of WE OUT HERE: LIVEvia BMLG Records. “We’ve seen our biggest and loudest crowds so far on
this tour, and to thank all the fans who have come out, we recorded one of the
nights for them,” said Riley.“Can’t
wait for y’all to hear it.”As more dates are added in the US to his WE OUT HERE
TOUR, including a stop at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 3 to kick off
one of the largest Independence Day weekends in the country, the Alabama-raised
singer/songwriter is set to deliver those same concert vibes to playlists. The
stripped-down version fittingly opens with “Different ‘Round Here” before
diving into fan favorites like “If It Wasn’t For Trucks” and “Georgia Time,”
plus his PLATINUM-certified No. 1 “There Was This Girl.”
(25 March 2022) The Hanging Stars - Hollow
Heart (Loose Music/ The Hanging Stars) 10 songs, 39:08 | Debut #30 UK iTunes
Country Album Chart
(25 March 2022) The Po' Ramblin' Boys - Never Slow
Down FOLK
(25 March 2022) William Clark Green -Baker Hotel (Bill Grease Records) 13 songs,
46:22 | Debut #29 UK iTunes Country Album Chart | Debut #14; #10 US iTunes
all-genres
NEWS
(21 March 2022) Jamey Johnsonwas invited to
become a member of the Grand
Ole Opry Saturday (March 18) by member Bill Anderson.
"I really don’t know what to say except the obvious," said
Johnson. "I love country music. I would have never moved here if it
wasn’t for that; for the Opry keeping
it alive and for the fans. I love you. Thank you.”
(21 March 2022) Dolly Partonwill star in Hello
Sunshine’s film adaptation of Run, Rose, Run, with Parton and James
Patterson producing alongside Reese Witherspoon.
(21 March 2022) Amazon Music hosted 'Maren Morris: Live From New York' Global Livestream
COLUMBIA
NASHVILLE's Maren Morrisand AMAZON MUSIC partnered to present the global
livestream “MAREN MORRIS: Live From NEW YORK,” an intimate, one-night-only live
performance to celebrate the launch of her new album, “Humble Quest,”. The
event took place on Saturday, March 26th at SONY HALL in NEW YORK CITY.
(21 March 2022) Friends And Family Gather To Remember Kenny Rogers
A small group of friends
and family gathered in ATLANTA's OAKLAND CEMETERY (March 20) to pay their
respects to Kenny Rogers, who passed
away two years ago at the age of 81 (March 20, 2020). The event was hosted by
Country artists and longtime ROGERS touring partners Linda Davis and Billy Dean.
Wedding Belle: Singer/songwriter Jenny Tolmanwed producer Dave
Brainard March 19 in Jackson, WY. “Living life on cloud
[nine] right now,” shared Tolman via Instagram. “We are so grateful to all of our friends and family who came out to
Wyoming to celebrate with us!” Brainard also proposed in Wyoming in 2020. The
couple’s wedding details and photos were made available exclusively to Peoplehere.
(23 March 2022) Maren Morrishas called for
"more diversity" in country music. The 31-year-old singer
suggested the genre is at a "mediocre" level because women, people of
colour and members of the LGBTQ community are not given enough exposure and she
believes all artists would benefit if a varied range of voices were given a
platform. She told The Daily Beast: "I definitely want to see more balance
when I listen to the radio or when I listen to the playlists that have country
artists on it. I would love to see more diversity, more people of colour, more
LGBTQ perspectives, and more women, because the percentage is very off right
now.
(24 March 2022) Hank Williams Jr. sets Rich White Honky Blues for June 17.
“.44 Special Blues” Out Now; Pre-Order the Album on Easy Eye Sound HERE
With the
12-song set – the second-generation Country Music Hall of Famer makes good on
his legacy with a turpentine and rough wood take on the hill country blues that
informed his father’s raw-boned style of putting his pain out there.
(25 March 2022) Country hit-maker Lacy J. Daltoncontinues to celebrate the 40th anniversary of her
million air-play song, “Everybody Makes Mistakes,” with a new
acoustic version of the 1981 hit single. From her album Takin’ It Easy, the
song reached number 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks chart.
The emotional tune was co-written by Dalton and Mark Sherrill and has remained
a fan favorite over the years. Taking an inward focus, Dalton channeled the
heartfelt sentiments that we all face throughout life when it comes to all
decisions, good or bad. Ultimately, we have to learn from all mistakes to grow
and by doing so, become a better person. The acoustic version of “Everybody
Makes Mistakes” was premiered by Country Rebel.
(25 March 2022) Curb Records recording artist Dylan Scottofficially launched
the pre-order/pre-add/pre-save for his upcoming album, LIVIN’ MY BEST LIFE,
giving fans a taste of new music with the release of the title track, written
by Thomas Rhett, Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley, and Corey Crowder – listen HERE.
Fans can now pre-order/pre-add/pre-save the highly-anticipated full-length
project, which arrives 5 August, 2022, HERE,
while autographed CD and double vinyl pre-orders are available at www.dylanscottcountry.com. As he’s on the road headlining the 'Livin’ My Best Life
Tour,' the CMT Music Award winner celebrated the RIAA Platinum certification of
#1 single, 'Nobody,' and the RIAA Gold certification of 'Crazy
Over Me.'
(25 March 2022) Spotify launched
the Humble Quest Digital Experience
in celebration of Maren Morris’ album; play here. The experience is an interactive
game utilizing a series of "Quest Cards" written by Morris and
designed in partnership with illustrator and frequent Maren collaborator
Danielle Noel. Each card challenges the singer-songwriter's fans to do one "humble
quest" each day.
AMERICANA NEWS
Gretchen Petersgave notice
of a very special livestreamed concert coming up. A couple of weeks ago, with fans
help,$11,000 was raised for Ukraine'sVoices of Children foundation during
our livestream featuring Mary Gauthier and Jaimee Harris. Gretchen announced the next virtual
"tip jar" livestream will be the incomparable Rosanne Cash. Fans can join Rosanne and Getechen,
along with husbands John Leventhal and Barry Walsh, on April 1st
at 3pm Central/4pm Eastern (9pm UK time/10pm Central Europe) on her Facebook page or her YouTube channel.
(25 March 2022) Michaela Anneopens up with the
triumphant celebration of imperfection on "I'm Only Human,"
the newest single from her new album OH TO BE THAT FREE(out
June 10). Listen here
(25 March 2022) Special Consensus,
re-tooled with new members and refreshed sound, have put out their first new
music in two years with their single "Blackbird," a tale of an aching
heart yearning for a lost love. Listen here
(25 March 2022) You can
stream the "Americana 20th Annual Honors"
at PBS here beginning Sunday, April 3 at 9am CT.
AWARDS
(21 March 2022) Para-mount
Up: Co-host Kelsea
Ballerini, Kane
Brown, Luke
Combs, Cody
Johnson, Miranda
Lambert, Little
Big Town, Maren
Morris and Ryan
Hurd, Carly
Pearce, Cole
Swindell and Lainey
Wilson and Keith
Urban will perform live from Nashville during the 2022 CMT Music Awards,airing April 11 on CBS and streaming live and on demand
on Paramount+.
Additional performers and presenters will be announced in the coming weeks.
Beer Never Broke My iHeart:Luke Combs was named Country Artist of the Year at the iHeartRadio Music Awardson Fox.
Additional country winners included Jason
Aldean and Carrie
Underwood's "If I Didn't Love You" (Country
Song); Lainey Wilson (Best
New Country Artist); and Morgan
Wallen's Dangerous:
The Double Album (Country Album).
(24 March
2022) Luke Combshas pulled out of a performance spot on the
upcoming CMT MUSIC AWARDS after testing positive for COVID-19. THE TENNESSEAN reported, "COMBS was scheduled to record a
performance alongside leading 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS nominee Kane Brown at an
undisclosed location on MARCH 24th. However, Old Dominion will now replace the
artist nominated for Video of the Year for 'Forever After All' in a
performance." Combs is also nominated in the Male Video of the Year
category for the same song.
(24 March 2022) Chris Stapletonwas added to the
lineup for the64th
Annual Grammy Awards, airing live from Las Vegas April 3
on CBS.
(24 March 2022) The Recording
Academyannounced that HOMEWARD BOUND: A Grammy Salute To The Songs
Of Paul Simon will take place on Weds, APRIL 6th at 7:30p (PT) at The
Hollywood Pantages Theatre. The event will later air on CBS with added
performances. A diverse group of GRAMMY-winning artists and past and current
GRAMMY nominees include Brandi Carlile, Little Big Town and Brad
Paisley will perform at the special tribute concert honoring 16-time GRAMMY
winner Paul Simon, who will make a special appearance at the tribute.
TOUR
(March 21, 2022)- Muscadine
Bloodlineis kicking the summer off
strong with their Country Band Contraband Tour! The 22-date tour begins
in Phenix City, Ala. on June 3. The duo will be all over the eastern United
States with dates in Texas, Michigan, North Carolina and more through the end
of July. "It’s been a long time off the road resting
and preparing for the album release. We are more excited and motivated than
we've ever been to get back on the road and see our fans face to face,"
said Muscadine Bloodline.
Tour Support: The summer leg of Dierks Bentley'sBeers
On Me Tour will visit more than 31 cities starting June 3 in
Wilmington, NC with support from Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning.
Willie Nelson & Family, Chris Stapleton, Jason
Isbell and the 400
Unit, ZZ Top, Brothers Osborne and Brittney Spencer are among the
artists performing during Nelson's 20+ stop Outlaw
Music Festival.
(22 March 2022) Vince Gillwill resume touring
this summer with 18 dates confirmed and more TBA. The Voice's Wendy Moten joins
as support. More here.
(21 March 2022) Drake White's The Optimystic
Tour heads to the U.K. for five dates in
Aug. Tickets went on sale Friday (March 25) here.
(24 March 2022) One of Country
music's biggest breakout stars of the year, Priscilla
Block, kicked off her Welcome
To The Block Party Tour in Birmingham, AL with upcoming
dates this weekend in Huntsville, AL and Rome, GA. Her first-ever headlining
tour hits 15 markets across the Southeast and Midwest including Knoxville, TN;
Charlotte, NC; Houston, TX; and Dallas. The Mercury Nashville recording artist
has been on a whirlwind ride since her viral hit "Just About Over
You" captured a devoted fanbase, garnered Block her first RIAA Certified
Gold single, and led to her debut album, Welcome To The Block Party. Her
latest song “My Bar,”
written by Block with Stone Aielli and Lexie Hayden, is playing on country
radio now. Watch Block’s interview on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” and performance
of “My Bar” HERE.
(24 March 2022) Wade BowenPerforms
to Sold-Out Exit/In with Special Guests Miranda Lambert, Charlie Worsham. Following
opening sets by his friends (and renowned singer/songwriters) Rhett Akins and
Lee Roy Parnell, Bowen took the stage at the storied club with “Sun Shines on a
Dreamer” before performing a new song from his latest EP, “Where We Call Home.”
Over the next hour-plus, Bowen treated fans to his most popular songs as well
as beloved album cuts, including “Who I Am,” “Mood Ring,” “West Texas Rain,”
current single “Phones Don’t Work” and more. Not only did Bowen bring Charlie
Worsham to the stage; after seemingly closing out the set with his ever-popular
“Saturday Night,” Bowen also invited his Texas compatriot and reigning ACM
Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert out, thrilling the crowd with a
rendition of Keith Whitley’s classic “Miami My Amy.”
(28 March
2022)Kenny Chesney Here And Now Tour Kick-Off
2022, starts April 23 in Tampa at Raymond James Stadium For Kenny Chesney,
taking his music on the road is his way of making
the promise of his songs come to life. It is how No Shoes Nation was built, and
it’s the way friendships have been forged summer after summer since kicking off
his true headlining life at the Coral Sky Amphitheater in West Palm Beach in
2002. Having been put on sale 932 days from when he
will finally raise the pirate flag at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium, Kenny Chesney’s Here And Now 2022Tour will finally
hit the road! With reigning Country Music Association and Academy of Country
Music Female Vocalist of the Year Carly
Pearce on all dates, plus five-time Academy of Country
Music and four-time Country Music Association Group of the Year Old Dominion
and three-time GRAMMY-winning Vocal Duo/Group Dan + Shay on the stadium dates,
it promises to be quite a summer.
TV
In Case You Missed It:Brothers
Osborne played "Headstone"
on NBC's The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy
Fallon (March /22) here.
Chris Janson performed "Bye Mom" on The Kelly Clarkson Show (March
22) here.
Caroline Bryan pranked Luke Bryanon the set of ABC's American Idol here.
(25 March
2022) 19 Recordings/Wheelhouse Records artist Chayce
Beckham returned to ABC’s “American Idol” as a mentor on
Monday, March 28th at 7p (CT). The reigning "Idol" winner will mentor
the remaining contestants throughout Hollywood week.
BABY NEWS
Crib Notes:The Voice Season 17
winner Jake Hootand wife Brittney are
expecting their second child. Jake posted an original song which also featured
his wife and daughter Macy announcing,
"Baby Hoot, coming soon." See the Facebook video here.
Texas Hill lead singer Adam Wakefieldand wife and fellow artist Jenny Leigh announced
onstage at the Grand Ole
Opry Friday (March 18) that they are expecting their first
child. "I’m ready for the last great adventure: fatherhood,” Wakefield told People.
MUSIC NEWS
Miley Cyrus has assured fans she's safe after her plane was
struck by lightning. The Wrecking Ball singer was flying to Asunción in
Paraguay so she could perform at the Asunciónico music festival when her plane
got caught up in a storm. Due to the emergency, Miley was forced to cancel her
forthcoming performance on Wednesday as she couldn't get into the country.
The 29-year-old shared video footage on social media showing a flash of
lightning outside of her plane window, causing people in the cabin to gasp in
shock.
"To my fans and everyone worried after hearing
about my flight to Asunción," she wrote. "Our plane was caught in a
major unexpected storm and struck by lighting. My crew , band , friends and
family who were all traveling with me are safe after an emergency landing. We
were unfortunately unable to fly into Paraguay. (Heartbroken emoji) I LOVE
YOU."
As current single “Love
Talking” continues to impress
program directors, playlist managers and fans alike, multi-Platinum
hitmakers Eli Young Bandrevealed plans
for a full-length album of the same name. LOVE TALKING (The
Valory Music Co.) is set for release Friday, June 3 and is available for
pre-order along with brand-new song “Break Up In A Bar.”
(22 March
2022) Seven-time GRAMMY Award-winner Charles Kelleyhas been tapped by ESPN for his rendition of
the iconic track "Georgia On My Mind" to be used in the
official nationwide commercial leading into the Masters at
Augusta National Golf Club. The Augusta, GA, native and member of the Multi-Platinum
trio Lady A brings an authentic tie to the Masters anthem tradition as he
captures the warmth and southern charm that highlights the prestige of one of
the world’s most notorious and loved tournaments. Listen to Kelley's version of
"Georgia On My Mind" here.
(March 22, 2022) Grammy-nominated
songwriter Rick Langexclusively premiered his latest
music video with The Bluegrass
Situation. They Sawed Up A
Storm, featuring Becky Buller, is
the third track from his highly anticipated album, released earlier this year.
Buller, a multi IBMA award-winning artist and chart-topper celebrated her
Opry debut just last year. The song
and music video are the perfect tie-in to Women’s History Month. Lang shared
with TBG: “The song
itself is based on a true-to-life story about the heroism of 13 women who operated
a sawmill at Turkey Pond, New Hampshire. They led a salvage operation to save
millions of feet of timber knocked down by the devastating Hurricane of 1938. A
colleague of mine, Sarah Shea Smith, wrote a book about the story, which became
the basis of this song. ‘They Sawed Up a Storm’ is a celebration of the heroism
of these 13 women. The song track and video feature Becky Buller on banjo and
lead vocals, with guitarist Jana Mougin and fiddler Laura Orshaw on supporting
vocals. So glad to be able to share this inspiring story song with folks.”
(28
March 2022)One of Country music’s biggest names and Grammy nominated
artist, Lee Brice announced he will be headlining his highly awaited Label
Me Proud Tour produced by Live Nation. Kicking off
this June, Brice will bring his "Soul" to 23 markets,
performing for all the fans who have been clamouring for live music again the
way only Brice can do it - by throwing one hell of a party!
“Man, it feels good to announce this tour! It’s been a while since we’ve
all been back out on the road and to have my good buddies, Michael Ray and
Jackson Dean, join me is a blessing," said Brice. "Can’t wait to be
back in all these places I’ve grown to love over the years with fans that are
bar none the best ones out there! See y’all this summer!”
(28 March
2022)James Robert Webb's follow up to his first #1 Texas Hit
Following up his Texas
(TRRR) #1 hit “Stealing Home,” James Robert Webb'sbrand new single, “Lovesick Drifting Cowboy”
(radio impact date March 25, 2022) is a Hank Willliams-inspired country
standout with grit. The song benchmarks the first of a series of self-produced
singles for the 2022 Music Row Independent Artist of the Year, who accepted the
honor at the Music Row Magazine’s 20th Annual Country Breakout Awards in
February. Co-written with Shelby Lee Lowe and Victoria Powell, the inspiration
for the single’s title came from Hank Williams’ band The Drifting Cowboys and
his song “Love Sick Blues.” With dynamic vocals and textured instrumentation,
“Lovesick Drifting Cowboy” is destined to echo the success of Webb’s prior
releases.
About the song, Webb says: “We
wrote this song pre-pandemic, back in 2017. It was inspired by country icon and
legendary songwriter, Hank Williams, Sr. The title of the song itself is a nod
to both Hank's band and his famous cover of Love Sick Blues.It was one of his most enduring songs even
though his team didn’t want him to record it.
BOOKS
The full story of Taylor Swift’s stratospheric rise to fame; all
any dedicated Swifty needs to know about the pop superstar who’s taking over
the world. A small-town girl with an incredible talent, and the strength to
realise her dream, Taylor has grown into an award-winning, chart-topping artist
and worldwide star, as well as a strong and stylish woman. But how did she get
there? And what lies in store for her in the future?.....This compelling book
is packed full of fascinating details revealing the true Taylor – what drives,
motivates and moves her, how she overcame the challenges that loomed on the
road to fame and looks at how authentic her wholesome image is, plus the truth
about her relationships with Harry Styles, Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor Kennedy
and who she’s really talking about on her tracks.
MAGAZINES
Maverick Magazine: Spotlight: Laci Kaye Boothclick
HERE
(25 March 2022)Brittney
Spencer is
on the cover of Garden
& Gun’s 15th anniversary issue here.
Ruthie Collins was the guest on the podcast this week and Georgie
caught up with her after C2C2022, before she set off on her UK tour with Sam
Outlaw.
With her beautiful vocals and gracious nature, Ruthie is an absolute
gem, and her story is intrinsically one of following your heart and believing
that if you are passionate about something you should do it. Ruthie's album Cold Comfort + was released in January and has amassed
millions of streams and views so far!
Follow Ruthie on her social channels (@ruthiecollinsmusic) or check out
her website www.ruthiecollinsmusic.com Get in touch with the podcast on talesoftennessee@yahoo.com as usual.
WATCH
(24 March 2022) Morgan Wadereleases 'Take
Me Away' video. With Reckless (Deluxe Edition) offering her scalding take on Elvis Presley’s ‘Suspicious Minds’,
a revamped version of the white-knuckle single that presaged Reckless, ‘The Night’, and
the churning ‘Run’, Morgan Wade has spent 2022 expanding her musical footprint.
Now she releases the semi-minimalist video 'Take Me Away’.
“Making videos, especially ones that aren’t so
literal, gives people other tastes and flavours – and room for their own
story,” says the Floyd, Virginia
songwriter. “It pulls
them into the music, both the song and what this whole album is, because the
pieces together show you all the ways someone can be broken down, can desire,
can engage... that’s a bigger truth than any one song.”
(25 March 2022) Singer-songwriter Lewis Brice, known just as much for his rockin' country songs as he is
for romantic tunes, releases video for his new single "Call Me Yours."
To watch the video, click HERE.
(28 March 2022) MusicRow’s “perennially popular” Wade
Bowenrevealed
three and a half minutes of striking visuals to accompany the latest single off
his recent six-song EP Where Phones Don’t Work with the
official music video for “Phones Don’t Work”. To watch the video, click HERE.
(28 March 2022) WATCH: Carrie
Underwood Duets With Her Mom Onstage Vegas
(28 March 2022) Song Suffragettes 8th
Anniversary Show - LIVE on 03-28-2022 Song Suffragettes is a
female singer/songwriter round every Monday night at The Listening Room Cafe in
Nashville, TN. Lineup left to right:
Round 1: Mia Morris, Ava
Paige, Kalie Shorr, Ava Suppelsa, Lanie Gardner Yellow Rose of Inspiration
Award: Honoree: Kelsea Ballerini; Moderator: Nicolle Galyon. Black River Entertainment's Kelsea Ballerini was honored by NASHVILLE’s
all-female, singer-songwriter collective, Song Suffragettes presented with the
SONG SUFFRAGETTES' “Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award” for her
contributions to the songwriting community during the group's eighth
anniversary show. Songwriter and SONGS AND DAUGHTERS label head Nicolle Galyon interviewed
Ballerini at the event. Round 2: Mia Morris, Emily
Brooke, Caroline Watkins,Lauren
Hungate, Madeline Merlo, Peytan Porter.
Follow Song Suffragettes: TWITTER - INSTAGRAMhttps://instagram.com/songsuffragettes
COUNTRY FASHION
(24 March 2022) BCMA & UK Country Awards Female
Vocalist of the Year Kezia Gilllaunched her boho_buffalo jewellery
collection!!! 😃🎉🧡🧡
Designed as a precious collection that encapsulates
Kezia's unique spirit and story, but also represents values and hopes we can
all connect to. They shared: “There’ s much spiritual significance in these
opulent pieces and we hope you love the collection”! See BLOG - BLOG
Watch the story of the unique collection of handmade
jewellery designed in collaboration with Kezia Gill. No1 UK Country Artist!
(23 March 2022) Kelsea
Ballerini waspictured wearing a 2-piece Alice + Olivia
outfit donning a matching Breann Fitted Blazer ($495 Product) and OLIVIA
Bootcut Pant ($330 Product). Kelsea shared“dibs paw symbolizes the
proximity of new music and the suit symbolizes that i still wanna be Serena
Vanderwoodsen, Happy Tuesday”.
The signature bootcut pant, now in a houndstooth print
feels perfectly tailored for anything (office or after hours). The polyester
blend fabric feels absurdly comfortable, and the wide waistband is incredibly
flattering.
(24 March 2022) Maren
Morriswas snapped wearing a Mirror Palais
Underwire Polo Chocolat Long sleeve underwire polo (Cover button details $325 Product) and
holding a Botte GavenetaIntrecciato leather shoulder bag (£1800 Product)
BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead March 28: Ward
Thomas(twin
sisters Catherine and Lizzy),Charlie McCoy (1941), Reba McEntire
(1955), John Morris Rankin (Rankins)
(1959), Rodney Atkins (1969) March 29: Brady Seals (1969) March 30: Thomas
Rhett(1990), Justin Moore(1984), Jordan
Carl Wheeler Davis(1988) April 1: the late Jim Ed Brown (April 1, 1934 died June 11, 2015 (aged 81), Hillary Scott (Lady Antebellum), Gina Jeffreys (1968),
Kip Moore (1980), Jennifer Wayne
(Runaway June; 1982), Alyssa Bonagura(1988;
The Sisterhood Band) April 2: Emmylou Harris (1947), Billy
Dean (1962), Buddy Jewell, Jill King
(1975) April 3: the late Don Gibson - (April 3, 1928 died Nov 17, 2003 (aged 75)
R.I.P Hank Williams
Jr.'s wife, Mary Jane,
has died, according to a report. TMZ reported that Mary Jane
Thomas died on Tuesday (March 22) in Jupiter, Fla., at the age of 58. According
to a family source who spoke to the celebrity news outlet, she may have
suffered a possible blood clot following an undisclosed medical procedure. Thomas and Williams wed in 1990 and had
two children together; son Sam
Williams is an artist signed to UMG/Nashville, and
daughter Katherine
“Katie” Williams-Dunning passed away in a car accident at
the age of 27 in 2020
(27 March 2022) Country
Music Community and Friends Mourn the Loss of Jeff
Carson - BLOG
