News

January 28, 2024

Country Music News International Newsletter

Here is your Country Music News & Bluegrass Music News of the week from Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show!

Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show is supported by Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation, The Independent Music Show, American Express, Shoop, Oel-Beck, Tank 24 and many more!

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Home Free on Country Music News International Radio Show!

January 29th, 30th, 31st, February 2nd, 3rd interviewed by Big Al Weekley!

Home Free was originally formed in January 2001 by Chris Rupp in Mankato, Minnesota, when some of its members were still in their teens. The five founding members were brothers Chris and Adam Rupp, Matt Atwood, Darren Scruggs, and Dan Lemke. They took their name from a boat owned by Atwood’s grandfather who helped support the group financially in their early years. The group began as a hobby for the singers, but they gradually grew in experience and popularity. By 2007 they had enough of a following to pursue music full-time. During this period, the Rupp brothers and Atwood formed the core of the group, with Atwood singing lead tenor. Other members of the group came and went. Current member Rob Lundquist, another Minnesotan, joined in 2008.

Home Free on Country Music News International Radio Show https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/home-free-on-country-music-news-international-radio-show/

Tune In For Country Music News International Radio Show on Monday, 7 pm – 9 pm (GMT) UK, 8 pm – 10 pm (CET) GER, 1 pm – 3 pm (CST) USA, with DJ Roman Jonny Oczko and Christian Lamitschka (Mr. Genglish) for Country Music & Bluegrass Music!

For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-show/

Tune In For Country Music News International Radio Show on Wednesday, 5pm – 7pm (GMT) UK, 6pm – 8pm (CET) GER, 11am – 1pm (CST) USA, Friday, 9 pm – 11 pm (CET) GER, 2 pm – 4 pm (CST) USA, 8 pm – 10 pm (GMT) UK , and Sunday, 1 pm – 3 pm (CET) GER, 6 am – 8 am (CST) USA, 12 pm – 2 pm (GMT) UK and 5 pm – 7 pm (CET) GER, 10 am – 12 pm (CST) USA, 4 pm – 6 pm (GMT) UK, with Mark Huffine for Gospel Music!

For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-show/

Tune In For Country Music News International Radio Show on Friday, 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA, 3 pm – 8 pm (GMT) UK, and Sunday, 12 pm – 2 pm (CET) GER, 5 am – 7 am (CST) USA, 11 am – 1 pm (GMT) UK, with Mark Huffine for Classic Country Music!

For Country Music News International Radio Show follow link: https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-show/

Joanne Cash Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Sister of Jonny Cash! Sister in law of June Carter Cash!
Arkansas CMA Awards 2019 WINNER
Inspirational Artist of the Year
Album of the Year: UNBROKEN
Music Video of the Year: BACK HOME IN ARKANSAS

Growing up in the Cash family alongside Johnny, plus fellow siblings Reba, Jack, Tommy, Roy and Louise, some of her earliest memories from their Dyess, Arkansas upbringing (the family later migrated to Nashville ) was singing spiritual standards in the cotton fields while working in the steamy sun, after which the family would convene inside together for old time radio programs.

On October 18th, 1970, Joanne gave her heart to Jesus at a small area church and began a brand new life. It was at that time she found a musical calling while working at House of Cash, Johnny’s famed recording studio, office space and musical museum. “I learned so much about the music business and my desire to sing increased rapidly,” offers a jovial Joanne. “I got involved in singing at church and then sang at the Grand Ole Opry on Fridays from 1972-1976 with Jimmy Rodgers Snow’s ‘Grand Ole Gospel Time.’”

During that era, Joanne also met the new love of her life, Dr. Harry Yates, whom she married on December 27, 1971. The couple soon dedicated themselves to full time music ministry, traveling with her two daughters. After fifteen years of full time preaching and singing the gospel they felt called off the road in 1990 and headed back to Nashville .

Joanne Cash Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pRI_D1jrAH/

Jeremy Bowman Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

One listen to the music of “Bowman”. Jeremy Bowman to be more precise, and you’ll see why he’s the one to watch!

The Philadelphia native has turned country music on its ear with his fresh sound, great songs and electrifying performances. With the help of producer Johnny Garcia the two have come up with a unique sound in Country music. Some would describe this music as Country with a touch of Soul and Funk to it!

One might ask what a Philly Boy, surrounded by classic soul, knows about country music and it’s a fair question. Jeremy has been a Country fan all his life. Growing up in a rural area in Pennsylvania he had the best of both worlds. Country music as well as the soulful hits coming out of Philadelphia. He started his music career as a teenager with several hits in the Freestyle world. Jeremy got away from music for many years to raise a family and run a successful plumbing business. It wasn’t until Johnny Garcia had reached out to him to invite him down to Nashville to record some Country. It was then Jeremy decided to follow his true passion for music and pick up where he had left off many years ago. Jeremy’s saying is “It’s never too late to follow your dreams”

Garcia would eventually produce Jeremy’s upcoming release, including hits you may have seen and heard on CMT such as “Stupid Kinda Crazy Love” , “Rednexico” and the latest single “Honky Tonk Night” which is now impacting radio and streaming services.

Jeremy Bowman Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pRI1Vm3A_Z/

Full Cord Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

When it comes to movers and shakers in the bluegrass world, Full Cord is a super-group on the rise. After winning the prestigious 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Band Competition in Colorado, the Michigan-based group followed that with another much-coveted honor when the International Bluegrass Music Association named Full Cord its “Momentum Award Band of the Year.” While mandolinist Brian Oberlin notes the band’s music “is new and fresh to the ears of seasoned bluegrass fans,” the bluegrass traditions in Full Cord have deep roots.

The group’s members – Oberlin, guitarist Eric Langejans, bassist Todd Kirchner and fiddler Grant Flick – boast decades of musical artistry, with experience in popular performing bands from Michigan to Oregon. And with the recent addition of award-winning, Colorado-based banjoist Ricky Mier, Full Cord is poised to take the next step in its journey as a bluegrass powerhouse: The band’s debut album on Nashville’s Dark Shadow Recordings is
set to drop in 2023.

Full Cord’s songwriting has reached a new “tipping point,” Manager Katie Kirchner suggests, enhanced by the group’s vast repertoire and robust experience in numerous band projects over the years. And Oberlin insists the band is “just hitting its stride” – ready to follow in the footsteps of fellow Michigan bluegrass icons Billy Strings and Greensky Bluegrass as yet another star in the making.

Full Cord Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pRH7705kug/

Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 24th, 2024

4 pm – 7 pm (GMT) UK, 5 pm – 8 pm (CET) GER, 10 am – 1 pm (CST) USA

Good At Gone – Appalachian Smoke
It’s Just A Road – Boxcars
Who Needs A Mine – Missy Raines
High Sierras – Olivia Jo
Blues Of The Night – Lonesome River Band
Colleen Malone – Hot Rize
Church Steeple – Tim O’brien
Chasin That Midnight Moon – Eddie Sanders
River’s Risien – Ashley Lewis
Just Let Me Know – The Grascals

Complete Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 24th, 2024 at Country Music News International Magazine https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-live-show-playlist-january-24th/

Jeff Cohen Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Cohen started working at BMI in licensing in 1989 where he helped upcoming bands protect their music and insure they received the royalties they were due. A year later he moved to the writer-publisher relations department, working with such talent as Jeff Buckley, Ani DiFranco, Lisa Loeb, Joan Osborne, Kara Dioguardi, Spin Doctors, Blues Traveller and many more. By 1994 he was promoted to an executive directing role. After a year spent at Warner Chappell Music in 1995, he would return as senior director of BMI in 1996, where he remained until 1999.

In August 1999, Cohen started pursuing a career as a full-time songwriter, leaving his executive position at BMI after a brief but serious illness. Following the success of Jack and Jill on the WB, Jeff went on to write several songs for other shows including Dawson’s Creek, Party of Five, One Tree Hill, Desperate Housewives, Ed, Roswell, Army Wives, Reba, Smallville, The Simpsons, Saturday Night Live, Who Wants to Marry My Dad, Once and Again and others.

Jeff Cohen Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pQnMVH4770/

JD Shelburne Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

J.D. Shelburne is that rare artist for whom the dream, the life, and the music have all come together.

“I’ve been blessed enough to hit that sweet spot,” says the lanky Kentucky native, whose music channels his small-town roots amid his journey from regional star to the national stage. “And the best part is, I have the truest and most loyal fans in the world, and they’ve been with me every step of the way.”

J.D.’s journey has taken him from Taylorsville, Kentucky, to the iTunes Country Top Ten, landed him on CMT and the Circle Network, found him opening for ZZ Top, Miranda Lambert, and Marty Stuart, put him on the cover of Kentucky’s Official Visitor’s Guide, and made national news for the sheer size and exuberance of a crowd numbering in the tens of thousands at one of his hometown concerts.

Now, with his latest album, Neon Hallelujah, J.D. takes another major leap forward, one that locks down his position as one of modern country’s most exciting and accomplished singers.

The follow-up to his breakthrough Straight From Kentucky album, Neon Hallelujah finds J.D. at the top of his game as a singer and writer, with 14 new songs destined to join the ranks of fan favorites as they offer further peeks inside his heart and soul.

JD Shelburne Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pQlEab57aV/

Jayne Denham Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

The success of Jayne Denham’s new Album WANTED has just scored her 2x Golden Guitar nominations. Female Artist of the Year and Contemporary Album of the Year. The Album and live show is something quite unique in today’s environment, so if you like Country Rock and a good Spaghetti Western movie, this show is for you. With epic motion visuals, this show is one not to be missed. The Album Debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Country Album charts & 3 of the songs have hit No#1 on several radio charts including WANTED that sat at #1 on the Country Tracks top 40 for 6 weeks.

Jayne Denham Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pQkQlsavgD/

Crystal Robins Interview By Phill Doring for Country Music New International Magazine & Radio Show

With her focus now on her solo songwriting project, she has been mentored by international star Toni Childs and Australian indie artist Sam Buckingham, and has supported the likes of award-winning songwriter Wendy Matthews at the Darwin Entertainment Centre, Bones and Jones at Darwin Festival, and guitar virtuoso Daniel Champagne at his sold-out Darwin shows.

Crystal independently released her debut EP ‘Wildfire’ in July 2021, which was recorded & produced in Darwin, and features local & interstate collaborations. She is now busily working on recording her debut full-length album, set for release in 2024.

Her debut single release ‘Wildfire’ hit No. 6 on the National AMRAP Radio Charts, and was shortlisted in the Australian Songwriting Awards (Country Song of The Year). Recently, Crystal was named as a finalist for an Australian Folk Music Award 2022, and for an NT Music Award for ‘Folk Song of the Year’ 2022 (‘So High’) and ‘Country Song of The Year’ 2023 (‘Unravel’).

Crystal Robins Interview By Phill Doring for Country Music New International Magazine & Radio Show https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/crystal-robins-interview/

Jamie Wyatt by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Hailed by Pitchfork as one of the “most exciting and skillful storytellers” working today, Jaime Wyatt is the kind of generational talent whose raw, honest lyricism is matched only by the power of her huge, unmistakable voice. Wyatt first began turning heads with her breakout 2017 debut, Felony Blues, which chronicled her now much-publicized battle with addiction and transformative journey through the criminal justice system. Wyatt’s 2020 follow-up, Neon Cross, tackled even more profoundly personal revelations. Both records arrived to universal acclaim, with NPR praising Wyatt’s “remarkable voice” and Rolling Stone lauding her “lush, layered, and complex” performances.

Her upcoming album, Feel Good Recorded with Black Pumas’ Adrian Quesada, takes Wyatt to new heights. Feel Good is bold and ecstatic, built on tight, intoxicating grooves that belie the songs’ substantial emotional stakes. Wyatt’s writing is unguarded and intuitive here, tapping into the deep recesses of her subconscious as she reckons with grief and growth, and her delivery is visceral to match, cutting straight to the bone with equal parts sensitivity and swagger. Taken as a whole, the collection stands as a radical act of creative liberation from an artist already known for pushing limits, a genre-defying work of healing and self-love that tips its cap to everything from Al Green and Otis Redding to Waylon Jennings and Bobbie Gentry in its relentless pursuit of peace and pleasure.

Jamie Wyatt by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pP9F_dFGak/

Daryl Mosley Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Grammy nominated songwriter Rick Lang says, “If you want to know Daryl Mosley, just listen to his music. There is a unique transparency in that soft, Southern drawl and his impressive collection of songs.” Daryl writes and sings about small town life, faith in God, family, and the best parts of how life once was and still could be. For over three decades, the combination of these exquisitely crafted songs along with his understated delivery and warm, gentle personality has been engaging music lovers in a way that few artists can.

Daryl Mosley Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pP6j6FToUi/

Caroline Owens Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Caroline Owens is a 2X IBMA nominated Bluegrass Vocalist and recording artist for Skyline Records of Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry’s most accomplished artists such as: Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge and many others.

Caroline’s vocal abilities, paired with her down home southern charm, have received critical acclaim from some of the music industry’s most accomplished performers, and have enabled her to become one of the most successful, young vocalists in the Bluegrass genre.

Caroline Owens Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pP3Q8avmFF/

Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 22nd, 2024

7 pm – 9 pm (GMT) UK, 8 pm – 10 pm (CET) GER, 1 pm – 3 pm (CST) USA

Valerie Smith – Four Leaf Clover
Bucky Halker – The Coal Machine
Kent Miller – The Bluegrass Hour
Dierks Bentley Feat. Elle King – Different for Girls
Charlie Rich – On My Knees
Brennen Leigh – Prairie Funeral
Tanya Tucker – When The Rodeo Is Over (Where Does The Cowboy Go?)
Randy Thompson – Have My Cake
Billy Ray Cyrus – Let’s Go To The PBR
Lantana – Everything

Complete Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 22nd, 2024 at Country Music News International Magazine https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-live-show-playlist-january-22nd/

Caitlynne Curtis Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Caitlynne Curtis is an American singer. She has recently released a new album called ‘sad girl energy’ and is known for her hit singles and duets she has sung with other singers. She can be found on youtube and other music streaming sites. Caitlynne is a Billboard-charting singer-songwriter.

She has many songs under her belt. And ‘sad girl hours’, her latest album is the recent addition never-growing collection. The album was released this January and has been gaining popularity. Her famous singles are ‘Dreaming’, ‘Tune in’ and ‘Treatment’. You can find her music on Youtube and other streaming platforms like Spotify, and iTunes. Her duet songs are ‘Quiet ‘ and ‘God we need you now’.

Caitlynne Curtis Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pNSXiO1vTX/

Paul Brewster Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Knoxville, Tennessee’s Paul Brewster began his music career with the band Knoxville Grass, singing lead and tenor vocals and playing rhythm guitar. After ten years with the Osborne Brothers and brief stints with the Pinnacle Boys and Dollywood bluegrass band True Blue, he became a member of Kentucky Thunder. Brewster is also an accomplished songwriter and solo artist. In 2001, he teamed up with Mark Fain to co-produce “Everybody’s Talkin”, his first solo project for Skaggs Family Records.

Paul Brewster Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pNRf8ozeYG/

Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan were an American country music duo from Florida consisting of guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Jack Blanchard (born May 8, 1942) and his wife, keyboardist/vocalist Misty Morgan (May 23, 1945 – January 1, 2021). The duo recorded for several labels in the 1970s, including the charting albums Birds of a Feather and Two Sides of Jack and Misty. Between 1969 and 1976, the duo also released fourteen singles, including “Tennessee Bird Walk”, a Number One country hit and No. 23 pop hit in 1970.

Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pNIQCLiCP4/

Larry Cann Interview By Phill Doring for Country Music New International Magazine & Radio Show

A passion for country music through a lifetime of country living!

Fueled by many personal experiences, from the farm in Chinchilla, Qld to competing across North America as a pro rodeo cowboy, he has lived the lifestyle of the lyrics he sings. Larry resides in Kingaroy, Qld and juggles music, radio, and announcing duties across the country.

“The Aussie Chris LeDoux” w/ Larry Cann
2022 ICMA Traditional Country Artist of the Year #cowboycountry

Larry Cann has a passion for country music through a lifetime of country living. Fuelled by many personal experiences, from the farm in Chinchilla, Q to competing across North America as a pro rodeo cowboy he has lived the lifestyle of the lyrics he sings. Larry resides in Kingaroy, Qld and juggles music, radio, and announcing duties across the country.

Larry Cann Interview By Phill Doring at Country Music New International Magazine https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/larry-cann-interview/

Jaycee Lynne Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Jaycee Lynne is a singer/songwriter from rural Missouri. She met her manager who had spent several years in Nashville and agreed to take her on as an artist. Jaycee began performing at shows throughout the Midwest and eventually began performing at showcases in Nashville. She has begun her journey to become a performing artist like #MartinaMcBride and all those whose CDs she sang with as a little girl. She also has had the opportunity to meet some of her early heroes and is proud to call them friends. She tours throughout the United States, Canada, and England. Jaycee performs music that reflects a varied background of musical experiences. Most importantly, she strives to be an entertainer. She performs a variety of music from contemporary country, traditional country and gospel. She plays guitar and, from her days in school, she also plays saxophone. She has been doing great work for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at several functions and her song, “Come Home” was featured on the Christmas With The Vets website. She has shared the stage with Brothers Osborne and opened for Toby Keith, Tim McGraw and many others. She has performed on secondary stages for several days, headlined her own shows at fairs and festivals with her band, and done acoustic shows on major artist tours. She is always a favorite with the audience as she connects with the people who feel her genuine love of music and performing.

Jaycee Lynne Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pMrFWuMWXQ/

Tina Adair Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

The name Tina Adair has become synonymous with excellence as far as female vocalists in bluegrass music are concerned. Her family band, The Adairs, gave Tina her first introduction and exposure to the industry and when Tina was just 17 years old, she signed a recording contract with Sugar Hill Records. Her first album, Just You Wait And See, was released in ’97, produced by Jerry Douglas and featuring such luminaries as Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Viktor Krauss, Charlie Cushman, Keith Little, and Alan O’Bryant. The project was a success and garnered praise from radio and critics.

Tina Adair Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pMqo7ma61m/

Ed Bruce Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

With a string of hits, both as an artist and a writer, Ed Bruce has maintained a successful career for more than four decades. “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys”, “After All”, “Girls, Women and Ladies”, “When You Fall In Love Everything’s A Waltz”, “My First Taste of Texas”, “Ever, Never Loving You”, “The Last Cowboy Song”, and the “Theme from Bret Maverick” are just a few of the self-penned hit songs from this great artist. Then there’s “Texas When I Die” and “The Man That Turned My Mama On” which were giant hits for Tanya Tucker – and the list goes on.

Ed Bruce Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pMnLFkGwSB/

Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 20th, 2024

3 pm – 5 pm (GMT) UK, 4 pm – 6 pm (CET) GER, 9 am – 11 am (CST) USA

Adam Travis – After Midnight
Brea Lawrenson – Freeloader
Kameron Marlowe – Tennessee Don’t Mind
Aaron Lewis – Let’s Go Fishing
Chase Matthew – We All Grow Up
Kane Brown – Bury Me in Georgia
Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Jennifer Nettles, Gabby Barrett – Girls Night Out
Mitchell Tenpenny – Bigger Mistakes
Daniel Grindstaff, Paul Brewster, Dolly Parton – Forever Young
Megan Moroney – I’m Not Pretty

Complete Country Music News International Radio Live Show Playlist January 20th, 2024 at Country Music News International Magazine https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/radio-live-show-playlist-january-20th/

Jarrod Turner Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

SSM country artist, Jarrod Turner is an up-and-coming singer/songwriter ready to bring his narrative to country music. Coming from his hometown in Sturgeon Missouri, Turner grew up singing along to his grandmother’s radio, singing on the school bus, and signing autographs in the second grade. Proudly representing his diverse musical influences, Turner’s music reflects on the styles of new country while still capturing the essence of the 90’s country tunes. As a featured artist on Vox magazine’s Youtube channel, Jarrod captures the new and old flavors of country music into industry-changing cadences.

When asked about his personal brand he says, “It’s a shot of crown royal and a four-chord love song.” His music reveals the vulnerable yet independent capabilities of his honest, but rowdy personality. Ready to tell his story to the world, Jarrod is working on an album and tour. His most recent single, “Love Ain’t Got No Time To Waste”, is out now!

Jarrod Turner Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pL0eQsCPUT/

Jana Mougin Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Of all the singers who might legitimately be called Nashville’s best-kept secret, none would have a stronger claim, if she were the kind of person to make it, than Dark Shadow Records’ Jana Mougin. Born in Slovakia, trained as a classical vocalist, Jana became the lead singer, electric bassist and frontperson for the Czech/Slovak bluegrass band, Fragment. Joining in 1993, she spent a dozen years with the group as they toured around the continent and in the United States, recording eight albums along the way and earning her fans not just among audiences, but among her colleagues, too. In 2006, she married Sam Bush Band guitarist Stephen Mougin and moved to the United States—and when, a few years later, their son, Sammy, was born, and they launched Dark Shadow Studios, followed by Dark Shadow Records, family and the family business became her top priorities.

Jana Mougin Interview By Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pK_IT46Yix/

Ian Flanigan Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Singer, songwriter, and professional nomad Ian Flanigan is most at home in the wild outdoors. Hailing from the Catskill Mountains, Flanigan is best known for his unique, whiskey-and-cigarettes voice and his sophisticated approach to the guitar reminiscent to greats such as Vince Gill, Chet Atkins, and Tommy Emmanuel.

Flanigan had already been living a troubadour life, touring full time for a decade when the pandemic hit. Desperate times called for radical measures, and Flanigan’s final gig in February 2020 was an unintended audition at a Nashville honky-tonk in front of talent scouts for NBC’s The Voice. Following a third-place finish on the show, Flanigan had bonded deeply with his then-mentor, now-collaborator Blake Shelton. Together they sang and released the duet “Grow Up,” Flanigan’s single about feeling young no matter how old you are. Shelton said that Flanigan had “the most unique voice maybe I’ve ever heard on The Voice.”

Flanigan then launched a new chapter of his career, signing with Reviver Music for an opportunity to record and release his new, original music. Flanigan then spent a year honing a country sound to compliment his unique voice, captured on an 11-song album entitled Strong, released September 2, 2022. The production team is star and Grammy-studded, including Todd Lombardo and Craig Alvin (Kacey Musgraves, Will Hoge), Obie O’Brien and Phil Nicolo (Bon Jovi, Sting, Billy Joel). Additionally, Flanigan recorded acoustic renditions for four from the Strong set, at Noble Steed Studios in historic Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Ian Flanigan Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pKZJ44ahzG/

CD Review Eddie Noack – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine

001 Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

002 Triflin’ Mama Blues

003 Pyramid Club

004 Simulated Diamonds

005 Hungry But Happy

006 Raindrops In The River

007 Frown On The Moon

008 Unlucky Me

009 Green Back Dollar

010 Tragic Love

011 I Can’t Run Away

CD Review Eddie Noack – Gentlemen Prefer Blondes By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine https://countrymusicnewsinternational.com/eddie-noack-gentlemen-prefer-blondes/

Heath Wright with Ricochet Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music International Magazine & Radio Show

In 1996 the members of country super group Ricochet watched their debut single, “What Do I Know”, rise to the Top 5 earning the band the honor of the highest charting debut single of the year. The follow up single release, “Daddy’s Money”, became an immediate across the board hit, rising to #1 on the Radio & Records Country Singles Chart, the Gavin Country Singles Chart and the Billboard Country Singles Chart (where it stayed #1 for two consecutive weeks). The band’s distinctive musical style and intricate harmonies earned them the recognition as one of the most popular vocal groups in country music, a mantle they still wear today

Now, more than fifteen years later, “The Hardest Working Band In Country Music” is still going strong. The band continues to create great country music, sung with the distinctive harmonies that are their hallmark. They log thousands of miles on the road each year thrilling audiences of all ages across the United States and abroad.

Ricochet is:
Heath Wright – Lead Vocals, Lead Guitar & Fiddle
Chris Hempfling – Drums & Vocals
Larry Hight -Steel Guitar, Electric and Acoustic Guitar, Saxophone & Vocals
Bruce Bennett -Bass & Vocals
Rick Toops -Keyboards & Vocals

• Ricochet’s debut single, “What Do I Know”, was the highest charting debut single of 1996 rising to #3 in R&R and #5 in Billboard. The follow up release, “Daddy’s Money”, was #1 in R&R, Billboard, Gavin and Country Network.

• Recognized as one of Country Music’s hardest working groups, Ricochet has performed thousands of shows over the past 15+ years and they continue to perform to sold out venues all over North America.

Heath Wright with Ricochet Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pJJSqdVeYT/

Exile Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Exile formed in 1963, looking to play small clubs in Richmond, Kentucky, but managed to top both the pop and country charts during their 60-year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. In the early 1980s Exile started to focus on country music. During their run on the country charts, Exile has successfully had ten No. 1 singles, including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” The hit song “Kiss You All Over” was used in the 1996 Adam Sandler movie Happy Gilmore and in the 2006 film Employee of the Month. They have toured with acts including Aerosmith, Fleetwood Mac, The Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers and The Judds. The five original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include J.P. Pennington, Les Taylor, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman. 2023 celebrates 60 years for the band and the 45th anniversary of the hit song “Kiss You All Over.” The band is currently on tour promoting their most ambitious album project ever, A Million Miles Later, released in August 2023.

Exile Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pJHN-d5q0r/

Evanthia Theodorou Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

Evanthia is a talented singer and actor born and raised in St. Louis, MO. From a young age, she knew that music was her passion and found inspiration in watching Miley Cyrus and Demi LaVato on the Disney channel. Her love for the spotlight led her to catch the eye of a local talent management company, which helped her book her first job in a McDonalds commercial.

Over the years, Evanthia continued to develop her skills through dance, acting, and singing classes, as well as numerous print and commercial work for local grocery stores, a large hotel chain, and toy commercials. Her early experiences in front of the camera and under the bright lights convinced her that a career on stage as a singer was her destined path.

In pursuit of her dreams, Evanthia moved to Nashville over two years ago to pursue her music career. She keeps a daily journal and imbues her song lyrics and performances with personal experience, tapping into the emotions that have brought her this far. Her unique style and spirit infuse every song she writes and performs, making her music more relatable and authentic.

Evanthia’s latest song “Last Call” was released on July 28th and written by Lauren Weintraub, Josh Byrd and Matt McVaney. The track was produced by Chris Gelbuda in Nashville TN.

Evanthia Theodorou Interview by Big Al Weekley for Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show https://fb.watch/pJGOpYpsJn/

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Readers & Listeners 2022 at Country Music News International Magazine & Radio Show

When you want to be part of our team or have something you like to promote via Country Music News International, email us at Info@CountryMusicNewsInternational.com

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