Click here to get 11 free country songs to download into your iTunes! "People Magazine Country Playlist" is offering this free download through April 19. This download includes:
1. James Otto - Groovy Little Summer Song 2. Jimmy Wayne - Just Knowing You Love Me 3. Allison Moorer - The Broken Girl 4. Joe Nichols - The Shape I'm In 5. Dolly Parton - Jolene (live) 6. Steve Azar - Sunshine 7. Sarah Buxton - American Daughters 8. Josh Thompson - Won't Be Lonely Long 9. The Band Perry - Hip to My Heart 10. The McClymonts - My Life Again 11. Janine Turner - Mockingbird Hill
Earlier today in Caddo Parrish, Louisiana , a pickup truck crossed the center line and crashed head-on into the tour bus carrying the band of country music singer Trace Adkins. Both men in the truck were killed upon impact. None of Adkins' band received serious injuries, however, five were taken by ambulance to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries and observation.
Adkins, who was not on the bus, had already arrived at the venue when he heard the news. He went to the scene in a van where he picked up the uninjured band members, then went to the hospital to check on the others.
"This is a real tragedy," says Adkins. "Two people have been killed and I don't even know their names. So out of respect for their families, I prefer not to comment too much at this time."
Adkins, who is a native of Sarepta , Louisiana is still planning to perform a scaled-down acoustic set at tonight's show with Martina McBride at the CenturyTel Center in Bossier City, Louisiana. He will not perform at tomorrow night's concert (2/14) in Pensacola, Florida , however Martina McBride and Sarah Buxton will go on as scheduled.
Recorded on February 1st, 2010, in the same studio as the original 25 years earlier (Henson Recording Studios, formerly A&M Recording Studios) "We Are The World 25 For Haiti", in which Jones and Richie serve as executive producers and producers, was created in collaboration with executive producers Wyclef Jean, Randy Phillips and Peter Tortorici; producers Humberto Gattica and RedOne; and co-producers Rickey Minor, Mervyn Warren and Patti Austin to benefit the Haitian earthquake relief efforts and the rebuilding of Haiti.
Academy Award-winning writer-director Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby), whose own personal efforts as well as those of Artists for Peace and Justice have already saved countless lives in Haiti, filmed the private recording session to create the accompanying video and behind-the-scenes production, and serves as Film Director and as an Executive Producer with Jones, Richie, Jean, Phillips and Tortorici.
The 25th Anniversary recording features over 80 artists and performers. The recording of We Are The World 25 For Haiti embodied the same enthusiasm, sense of purpose and generosity as the original recording 25 years ago. Every one of the artists who participated, regardless of genre or generation, walked into the room with their hearts and souls completely open to coming together to help the people of Haiti.
Huey Lewis and the News are in the legendary Ardent Studios in Memphis where Bob Dylan, R.E.M., Stevie Ray Vaughan, and numerous others have recorded. The Grammy-winning nine-piece band has recorded eight studio albums over their three decades together. But for the band’s first new record in nine years, an upcoming Stax tribute album that will touch on all things southern soul, the band felt compelled to be as close to the source as possible. Says Lewis of the record: “…we’re trying to do it right, and I think if you’re down here you’re a little bit more careful.”
The story of Stax Records is one of a cultural phenomenon that changed the culture of music forever - locally, nationally, and internationally. What began as a tiny record store in an old movie theater at the corner of McLemore Avenue and College Street in Memphis, Tennessee, grew to become one of the most important music recording studios in the world. When the modest Capitol Theater in the heart of Soulsville USA was transformed into Stax Records in 1959, it began launching the careers of unknowns who would become icons, cranking out a massive catalog of smash soul hits by the likes of Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, the Staple Singers, Wilson Pickett, Luther Ingram, Albert King, the Bar-Kays, Booker T. & the MG's, Johnnie Taylor, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and dozens of other artists whose influence remains vital in the music of today.
A new documentary about Johnny Cash's connections to Scotland is set to be aired.
Called Johnny Cash Of Easter Cash, the documentary looks at the country star's links to the small village of Falkland in Fife.
During his life the singer visited the area at least three times and he even traced his ancestry back to 12th century royal Malcolm IV, whose surname was either Cash or Cashel, reports SpinnerMusic.co.uk.
Featuring first hand accounts by Falkland villagers and Cash's daughter Rosanne, the documentary will air on BBC this weekend.
The Grand Ole Opry is showing their fans a little love by giving them the opportunity to "Buy One Ticket, Get One Ticket Free* for shows through April 30. Order tickets at opry.com or call (800) SEE-OPRY and use the code LOVEBOGO between now and Valentine's Day to take advantage of this special offer. But you'll have to act fast, as the offer ends on Sunday.
Country superstars like Jack Ingram, Justin Moore, Chris Young Love & Theft and Mark Wills may be busy with national tours and more, but they're never too busy to help those in need. These country stars can always be counted on to bend their schedule to lend a hand. As such, The Golf & Guitars Celebrity-Am Tournament and Charity Concert- hosted by Jack Ingram- is set for Tuesday, May 18th at the legendary Alister MacKenzie Golf Course at Haggin Oaks in Sacramento- held in conjunction with KNCI 105.1 FM Hot Country. This year's event includes a celebrity golf tournament, silent auction and concert. The event kicks off that morning as tournament participants enjoy a tournament round with a major label country music act or sports celebrity. The evening will continue with the chance to bid on an astounding array of celebrity items and one-of-a-kind event packages. Topping the evening is a performance by all of our artists - nearly 4 hours of music. Tickets to the concert are only $25.
What is Golf & Guitars? Golf and Guitars is a celebrity pro-am golf tournament and concert featuring nationally recognized & major label country music artists that raises money for two key children's charities here in Sacramento. Each golfer in the tournament gets to play with one of the celebrities and then gets a seat next to the stage where these artists put on a tremendous concert underneath the beautiful golf course sky. Each artist will be play 18 holes with a foursome in this scramble event. It’s one of the rare opportunities to spend several great hours with a great musician in a relaxed atmosphere.
Who gets the money? 100% of the net funds are donated between two non-profit charities. The mission of the Morton Golf Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charity, is to provide golf programs that provide exercise in a healthy outdoor environment, to create a recreational environment that builds lasting personal development and that seamlessly introduces life’s core values of the great game of golf to the youth, disabled and underserved communities in the Sacramento region. WEAVE, Women Escaping A Violent Environment, is also a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides housing and counseling for women and children that are at risk from dangerous relationships.
The Artists Jack Ingram Bomshel Bryan White John Berry Love & Theft Mark Wills Justin Moore Josh Gracin Emily West Chris Young Radney Foster One Flew South Jonathan Singleton & The Grove
Help celebrate what would have been Johnny Cash's 78th birthday on Friday, February 26, the day that his final studio album, American VI: Ain't No Grave (American Recordings/Lost Highway), is officially released, and Wear Black for Johnny.
Fans from all over the world are being invited to help celebrate Johnny Cash's life, music, and the enduring voice he gave to the poor and beaten down by posting pictures of themselves wearing black on February 26. More information as well as links to join the Facebook event (to post photos), follow on Twitter, and to hear the first single, "Ain't No Grave," can be accessed here: http://awe.sm/50ha7 Participants will be eligible to win a copy of the new American VI: Ain't No Grave, plus his amazing 5-CD box set, Unearthed. The lucky winner will be chosen at random on March 12, 2010.
American VI: Ain't No Grave, is the sixth and final installment of Johnny Cash's critically-acclaimed American Recordings series, and, as with previous albums in this series, was produced by Rick Rubin.
American VI is deeply elegiac and spiritual, with each song its own piece of the puzzle of life's mysteries and challenges - the pursuit of salvation, the importance of friendships, the dream of peace, the power of faith and the joys and adversities that entail simple survival. It is an achingly personal and intimate statement, as, from the end of the line, Johnny Cash looks back on a most extraordinary life.
So, help celebrate the Man in Black's birthday and Wear Black for Johnny on 2/26.
"Man In Black" (by John R. Cash)
Well, you wonder why I always dress in black, Why you never see bright colors on my back, And why does my appearance seem to have a somber tone. Well, there's a reason for the things that I have on.
I wear the black for the poor and the beaten down, Livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town, I wear it for the prisoner who has long paid for his crime, But is there because he's a victim of the times.
I wear the black for those who never read, Or listened to the words that Jesus said, About the road to happiness through love and charity, Why, you'd think He's talking straight to you and me.
Husband/wife duo Joey+Rory have an exciting year planned with a 2010 ACM nomination under their belt already, a U.S. arena tour this spring and the upcoming release of their sophomore album. Set for an early summer release (exact date TBA), the CD is simply titled Album #2 and is produced by legendary, Grammy award-winning producer Carl Jackson who also produced their debut album. That album titled The Life of a Song debuted #10 on the Billboard Country Album Chart and remained on the charts for 50 weeks selling 200,000 copies.
"This is our sophomore album and the title cut is a humorous take on the pressure put on artists when they make their second album,” explains Rory. “Rather than worry about it or avoid it, it's more our nature to just face it head on, and even find the humor in it.”
Known for bringing beautiful harmonies, authenticity and romance back to country music, the Vanguard/Sugar Hill recording artists will hit the road this spring with Grammy award-winner Zac Brown Band for the “Breaking Southern Ground” tour. Joey+Rory will not only perform but will act as emcee for the tour.
"We're beyond excited about going on tour with the Zac Brown Band,” says Joey. “Over the last year, we've become good friends. They're the real deal. They don’t compromise. We love that.”
“And although there are differences in our music,” adds Rory. “We're cut from the same cloth.” “Probably some ol' worn out jean material that feels good and has been around a while,” laughs Joey.
Emily Robison and Martie Maguire from the Dixie Chicks will be releasing new music this spring under the name Court Yard Hounds. Check out the video above to hear Martie and Emily talk about the new project and the creative forces behind it. It's very "Sheryl Crow-ish."
The debut country album from the 8th season finalist of American Idol, Danny Gokey, has had its artwork and track listing released. Gokey’s buoyant personality and perseverance in the face of adversity earned Gokey a special place in the hearts of Idol devotees.
1. My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me 2. Like That's A Bad Thing 3. I Still Believe 4. Tiny Life 5. Get Away 6. It's Only 7. Life On Ya 8. Crazy Not To 9. Be Somebody 10. I Will Not Say Goodbye
Lady Antebellum stopped by the Yahoo Music Studio this last week, performed three songs and then chatted about their crazy last year rising to the top of the music charts. Watch it below...
While Kenny Chesney is planning to take most of the year off of touring, he doesn't plan on taking the year off from putting out music to country radio. Click on the artwork to hear his latest release being sent to radio this week called "Ain't Back Yet."
The Background: Singer-songwriter Josh Turner's distinctive deep-voice was first exposed to the world on debut single "Long Black Train", which rose to No.13 on the Country charts in 2003. The album of the same name was released months later and has been certified platinum. The title track for his next album, Your Man, topped the Country chart on its way to gold sales and increased anticipation for the album. When the full-length finally dropped in 2006 it climbed to No.2 on the Billboard 200 and eventually achieved double platinum sales. Second single "Would You Go With Me" was another Country chart No.1, while "Firecracker", the lead single from the third album Everything Is Fine (2007), hit No.2 on the same chart.
The Review: Any guy that tells you that they wouldn’t want Josh Turner’s big deep baritone voice is either lying or jealous. Knowing you’d be able to hit depths of tones few others can touch would only be second to knowing that women everywhere would get the warm and tingly shivers each time you rumbled those deep decibels. And on Haywire, those ballads that curl toes (in a good way) are where Josh Turner shines. On a beautiful song like “I Wouldn’t Be A Man,” and the big string arranged “Lovin’ You On My Mind,” Turner's deep voice works a great magic. The strongest song, however, is the paternal “I’ll Be There.” It’s a vivid and terrific snapshot of a song that plays out like a father-child scrapbook. That isn’t to say that the uptempos aren’t good, though. The first single off of the album, “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” is a fun little dancehall number and he makes us hungry singing about kisses that are delicious, just not nutritious on “Rock Candy.” The album is safe, perhaps a little too much so, with no drinking, fighting or conflict. It’s squeaky clean without a hint of controversy. And although that gives it a truly consistent theme throughout the album, it would be great to hear that voice dial up a little angst lyrically hear and there. It’s a very good album that balances well both critically as well as for radio ears. Note: there is a Deluxe Edition that is worth the extra buck or two that includes four extra songs including a great version of his signature hit “Long Black Train” that’s played live with lots of great audience interaction.
Sounds Like: A Country Barry White
Track Highlights (suggested iPod adds): Why Don’t We Just Dance I Wouldn’t Be A Man Lovin’ You On My Mind I’ll Be There Eye Candy
CMT and The Valory Music Co. have announced the release of CMT INVITATION ONLY: REBA on DVD today.
In this one-hour special, iconic performer Reba performs songs from her current #1 album, Keep On Loving You, including the historic 4-week #1 single, “Consider Me Gone,” and the Top 10 hit, “Strange.” Reba also performs some of the greatest hits of her 30-plus years in country music, including “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” and “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia. In a casual question and answer session, Reba also reveals what its like to be regarded as an influence on today’s new artists and what she would be doing if she weren’t in the entertainment business.
A departure from the typical concert special, INVITATION ONLY features country music’s biggest stars performing before a small studio audience in Nashville, taking questions from fans and delivering revealing and candid answers. CMT INVITATION ONLY: REBA was taped in front of a live studio audience from the Grand Ole Opry’s historic Studio A in Nashville.
DVD CONTENTS: 1. Strange 2. Why Not Tonight 3. And Still 4. Nothing To Lose 5. 8 Crazy Hours (In the Story of Love) 6. The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia 7. I’m a Survivor 8. I Want a Cowboy 9. Consider Me Gone 10. Why Haven’t I Heard From You
The new artwork on several new albums from several major country music artists have been released recently. Check out the new forthcoming albums from Alan Jackson (3/30), Mary Chapin Carpenter (4/27) and Willie Nelson (4/20). Which one is your favorite? Which one are you looking most forward to?
Joe Nichols is giving fans a chance to win a Valentine's Day prize pack and a VIP Joe Nichols experience for tweeting about their girl this Valentine's Day. Fans can @ reply Joe Nichols on Twitter and tell him about the girl that they like best. " @JoeNichols Gimmie That Girl that ____. "
The Joe Nichols Valentine’s Day prize pack will include his and hers Joe Nichols gear and an exclusive “Believers” bracelet and koozie. Joe will pick one winner per day February 1st through the 10th. One lucky grand prize winner will receive a special Joe Nichols VIP experience including a pair of tickets and hang-out time backstage with Joe at the show of your choice, good for up to a year!
White Stripes rock musician and producer Jack White is set to give another country music icon a unique take on country music- he's in talks to produce Dolly Parton's next record.
The rocker, who previously produced Loretta Lynn's acclaimed 2004 album Van Lear Rose, has reportedly approached Parton with a view to working with the "I Will Always Love You" hitmaker on her next release.
The country queen tells Spinner.com, "I've thought about doing it... He (White) seems to be a fan but who knows. You never know what I might do.
"Every now and then I get offered those things, and I know if and when the time is right. I'm certainly not opposed to doing that. I usually have a set notion of where I'm headed with a certain project and what I want to get out of it. But Lord only knows what I might do when I get a chance to sit down and think about it."
Until recently, bluegrass and country singer Nell Robinson hadn’t sung in public since elementary school. She has traveled a long way since then, and from her family’s small rural town roots in “lower” Alabama, where several generations of Robinsons lived. Nell's sweet childhood memories embrace visiting the local store that sold bottled cokes and boiled peanuts, picking blueberries and shelling peas with her grandmothers, Nell Robinson and Thelma Bates. Raised by a career Air Force father, she and her family moved every few years, and the Alabama farmhouse and local roads were one of very few places where she was recognized and where almost every house along the road had “kinfolk” in it.
In just two short years, Nell has developed a reputation for her “sunny stage charisma”. Her live onstage performances are engaging, entertaining, effervescent. She has been positively recognized by music critics and reviewers for her “warm, sexy vocals,” “twang with a twist” attitude, “rollicking energy, sweet harmonies” and a “smokin’” backup band. The late-blooming chanteuse's decision to pursue a bluegrass and country singing career was serendipitous. A few years ago she surprised her husband by singing a special song in front of family and friends on their wedding anniversary. The audience “turned on a light in her” and the musical bug bit hard. Nell signed on for voice lessons, band workshops, and later came to meet Grammy-Award winning bluegrass sweetheart, Laurie Lewis.
Along with another Grammy-winner, Jim Nunally, Laurie produced Nell's recent debut album "Nell Robinson in Loango." The album includes performances by album producers Lewis and Nunally, and a Who’s Who of world-class bluegrass musicians, including Keith Little, Tom Rozum, John Reischman and the Jaybirds, Todd Phillips, Kathy Kallick, Chad Manning, Patrick Sauber, and others. Her debut album has been met with rave reviews from the biggest bluegrass association in the country to the local papers near the family farm to aficionados of broader musical tastes. (For more reviews, visit nellrobinsonmusic.com/nell.)
“I'm listening to Loango, her amazing debut CD right now. In My Dear Old Southern Home kicks the CD off with a romp and stomp, letting you know that the next 47 minutes of your life will include some fun twang and old time blues.” Tony DuShane, San Francisco Chronicle
She plans to tour in 2010, backed by John Reischman (mandolin), Jim Nunally (guitar), Trisha Gagnon (string bass), Nick Hornbuckle (banjo), and Greg Spatz (fiddle) - aka John Reischman and the Jaybirds.
We had a chance to sit down with the lovely Nell and talk about her music career.
TNS- What brought you to music in the first place?
I have loved singing since I was a little girl. I was just talking with a friend yesterday about the last memory I have of singing in public up until 3 years ago: I was a third grader at the elementary school on the Air Force Academy (my father was career Air Force) and I sang It Came Upon A Midnight Clear for the school holiday show. My voice cracked…and I didn’t sing again for 30 years! Just kidding. I did sort of go underground though and sang alone in my truck until very recently. I am actually classically trained on the flute, but that doesn’t come in very handy for my current tastes in country and bluegrass music.
TNS- Describe your music- what's the mission behind the music?
My family has always teased me about being “too sensitive” – singing and music is an endeavor where that is a really good thing. I love to connect to a song in a very deep way, to feel and experience a broad range of emotions and to share that with musicians and an audience. The songs that I write and cover resonate with my family’s history and rural roots in Alabama and other areas of the south. Southerners are truly great storytellers, and singing and composing is my way of storytelling and remembering my parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, great-grandparents etc. I just talked with my 88-year-old Uncle Bill the other day. He said he had heard that I was looking for family stories for songs, and he regaled me with stories from the old farm on the Brooklyn Road in lower Alabama. He told stories from before the Civil War that have been handed down verbatim for generations. I am hoping I can carry these memories forward in music. That’s why I sing under my grandmother’s name, have named my bands after the towns near the old home, as well as my new album.
TNS- What might people be surprised to find out about you?
I sang for the first time (as an adult) in public when I was 45. Also, I believe everyone can sing. It is a joy and a blessing and I hope our culture gets back to traditions of singing together whenever and wherever people gather. I run a workshop in Berkeley meant to build community around music. I quilt and knit. When I am down, yodeling picks me up.
TNS- What kind of music are you listening to? What's in your iPod?
I have very eclectic tastes, and that’s one of the reasons I always have KALX on my radio in the car (that’s the UC Berkeley student radio station) – you just never know what you are going you get. I am a huge fan of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash. I can’t get enough of them. I am really enjoying Laurie Lewis’ new album (Blossoms), and John Reischman and the Jaybirds (Stellar Jays).
TNS- If you had a crystal ball and looked forward five years, what do you see for yourself?
I see myself with a couple more albums with new original material, especially exploring stories from along the Brooklyn Road. I’d love to visit and sing to the troops overseas if they wanted me. I plan an international tour in 2011. Hey, Nashville? I’d love to sing over there sometime. Singing has changed my life. It has been a lot of fun and I just hope that continues.
Click here to get 11 free country songs to download into your iTunes! "People Magazine Country Playlist" is offering this free download through April 19. This download includes:
