January Country Music Column 2014
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Life is not measured
by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath
away.” - Unknown
by the number of breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath
away.” - Unknown
ALBUM NEWS: Five-time Grammy
nominee Rhonda Vincent, the New Queen of Bluegrass as deemed by the Wall
Street Journal, is clearing the lane for her upcoming 2-Disc combination release
that includes six-songs of Bluegrass and six Country. The project,
appropriately titled ONLY ME, is set to release on January 28, 2014. Sticking
with her musical roots, Rhonda is joined by (one of my favorites) Daryle Singletary on “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” while Willie
Nelson adds vocals and a guitar solo to the title track.
nominee Rhonda Vincent, the New Queen of Bluegrass as deemed by the Wall
Street Journal, is clearing the lane for her upcoming 2-Disc combination release
that includes six-songs of Bluegrass and six Country. The project,
appropriately titled ONLY ME, is set to release on January 28, 2014. Sticking
with her musical roots, Rhonda is joined by (one of my favorites) Daryle Singletary on “We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds,” while Willie
Nelson adds vocals and a guitar solo to the title track.
ARTIST NEWS: Garth Brooks will return
to Las Vegas in 2014 and this time he’s bringing his band. The Encore Theater
at Wynn Las Vegas will host Garth Brooks: The Man, His Band And His Music for two days; Jan. 3-4. The
shows will focus on Brooks’ own catalogue instead of featuring songs by artists
that influenced him, as he did with his one-man show. Garth’s Six Disc Box Set
CD exclusive to Walmart, sold 166,000 off the shelf during Thanksgiving
weekend. Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, Rod Stewart, Patsy Cline, Elton John,
Stevie Wonder are just some of the 44 artists, Garth covers on this deluxe
collection.
to Las Vegas in 2014 and this time he’s bringing his band. The Encore Theater
at Wynn Las Vegas will host Garth Brooks: The Man, His Band And His Music for two days; Jan. 3-4. The
shows will focus on Brooks’ own catalogue instead of featuring songs by artists
that influenced him, as he did with his one-man show. Garth’s Six Disc Box Set
CD exclusive to Walmart, sold 166,000 off the shelf during Thanksgiving
weekend. Otis Redding, Gladys Knight, Rod Stewart, Patsy Cline, Elton John,
Stevie Wonder are just some of the 44 artists, Garth covers on this deluxe
collection.
He was certified by the RIAA in 2000 as the
number one selling solo artist in US history; Garth Brooks has sold in excess
of 128 million albums and has received every accolade the recording industry
can bestow on an artist. In January, 2012 he was named the best selling artist
of the last two decades by Billboard, Nielson and Soundscan, with a
whopping 68.5 million sales. Garth was recently inducted into the
International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York as well as the Nashville
Songwriters Hall of Fame. In October, he was inducted into the Country Music
Hall of Fame. Performing for his induction were his heroes George Strait, James
Taylor and Bob Seger.
number one selling solo artist in US history; Garth Brooks has sold in excess
of 128 million albums and has received every accolade the recording industry
can bestow on an artist. In January, 2012 he was named the best selling artist
of the last two decades by Billboard, Nielson and Soundscan, with a
whopping 68.5 million sales. Garth was recently inducted into the
International Songwriters Hall of Fame in New York as well as the Nashville
Songwriters Hall of Fame. In October, he was inducted into the Country Music
Hall of Fame. Performing for his induction were his heroes George Strait, James
Taylor and Bob Seger.
TRIVIA NOTE: Garth was turned down twice by
the same major record label executive and he was told by another, “Go back to
Oklahoma”.
the same major record label executive and he was told by another, “Go back to
Oklahoma”.
BABY NEWS: Congrats to Lee Brice and his wife Sara who welcomed their second child a beautiful
baby boy! Ryker Mobley Brice
was better than a Grammy,” said Lee.
baby boy! Ryker Mobley Brice
was better than a Grammy,” said Lee.
CD
RELEASES: On January 14: Jennifer
Nettles That Girl (Mercury); Jon Pardi Write You A Song (Capitol) and Roseanne Cash The River & The
Thread (Capitol/Blue Note); Charlie
Farley Hog Heaven (Average Joes/Backroad) and On January 21: Jenna Jentry Jenna Jentry (EP) (Circle 4/Sony Red) Singles hitting radio in January 2014 are: Blake Shelton /Doin’
What She Likes (Warner Bros./WAR) Brantley Gilbert /Bottoms
Up (Valory)
Kayla Calabrese /This Is How It Feels (GTR)
RELEASES: On January 14: Jennifer
Nettles That Girl (Mercury); Jon Pardi Write You A Song (Capitol) and Roseanne Cash The River & The
Thread (Capitol/Blue Note); Charlie
Farley Hog Heaven (Average Joes/Backroad) and On January 21: Jenna Jentry Jenna Jentry (EP) (Circle 4/Sony Red) Singles hitting radio in January 2014 are: Blake Shelton /Doin’
What She Likes (Warner Bros./WAR) Brantley Gilbert /Bottoms
Up (Valory)
Kayla Calabrese /This Is How It Feels (GTR)
Keith Urban /Cop Car
(Capitol) Lexi James /Stop (Spin Doctors) Rasal Flatts /Rewind
(Big Machine)
(Capitol) Lexi James /Stop (Spin Doctors) Rasal Flatts /Rewind
(Big Machine)
CHARITY NEWS: The Kenny
Rogers Children’s Center, which has provided a wide array of occupational,
physical, and speech therapy to children since 1973, has recently undergone a
7,000 square foot expansion. This expansion has added a Motional Analysis Lab
to the center, which is currently the only one in the state of Missouri. In
addition, The Kenny Rogers Children’s Center has been awarded a $500,000 grant
from the Missouri Foundation for Health. With the help of this grant and
its current resources, the center is able to serve more than 350 children with
special needs up to the age of 21 with no charge to the families. Kenny Rogers,
the Gatlin Brothers, and other stars participated in benefit concerts
throughout the ‘70s, which eventually generated enough funds to lay the
foundation for the new Kenny Rogers United Cerebral Palsy Center of Southeast
MO. The center officially changed its name to Kenny Rogers Children’s
Center in 2000.
Rogers Children’s Center, which has provided a wide array of occupational,
physical, and speech therapy to children since 1973, has recently undergone a
7,000 square foot expansion. This expansion has added a Motional Analysis Lab
to the center, which is currently the only one in the state of Missouri. In
addition, The Kenny Rogers Children’s Center has been awarded a $500,000 grant
from the Missouri Foundation for Health. With the help of this grant and
its current resources, the center is able to serve more than 350 children with
special needs up to the age of 21 with no charge to the families. Kenny Rogers,
the Gatlin Brothers, and other stars participated in benefit concerts
throughout the ‘70s, which eventually generated enough funds to lay the
foundation for the new Kenny Rogers United Cerebral Palsy Center of Southeast
MO. The center officially changed its name to Kenny Rogers Children’s
Center in 2000.
CRB NEWS: Brett Eldredge, Tyler
Farr, Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett and Charlie Worsham were named for the 2014 New Faces Show. The event is sold out.
Farr, Cassadee Pope, Thomas Rhett and Charlie Worsham were named for the 2014 New Faces Show. The event is sold out.
DEEPEST SYMPATHY: To the family, friends and
fans of Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price.
fans of Country Music Hall of Famer Ray Price.
Mr. Price died last month at his Mt. Pleasant, TX home (12/16) following a
battle with pancreatic cancer. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
battle with pancreatic cancer. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1996.
GRAMMY NEWS: Dolly
Parton’s “Jolene” and Kris Kristofferson’s self-titled debut album
are among the recordings to be inducted into the 2014 Grammy Hall Of Fame.
They’ll join Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” The Rolling Stones’
“Honky Tonk Women,” U2’s “The Joshua Tree” and more from the 2014 class, which marks the GHoF’s 40th anniversary. A 150-plus-page collector’s edition book to
commemorate the event is on sale now.
Parton’s “Jolene” and Kris Kristofferson’s self-titled debut album
are among the recordings to be inducted into the 2014 Grammy Hall Of Fame.
They’ll join Sugarhill Gang’s “Rapper’s Delight,” The Rolling Stones’
“Honky Tonk Women,” U2’s “The Joshua Tree” and more from the 2014 class, which marks the GHoF’s 40th anniversary. A 150-plus-page collector’s edition book to
commemorate the event is on sale now.
LABEL NEWS: (BIG MACHINE LABEL GRP) Marking their third career
chart-topper, Eli Young Band’s “Drunk Last Night” catapulted to #1 on
the Billboard Country Chart last month. The GOLD-certified lead single
symbolizes a successful introduction to their forthcoming album on Republic
Nashville with Taste of Country raving, “the chorus and production
breathe new life into the band’s sound.”
chart-topper, Eli Young Band’s “Drunk Last Night” catapulted to #1 on
the Billboard Country Chart last month. The GOLD-certified lead single
symbolizes a successful introduction to their forthcoming album on Republic
Nashville with Taste of Country raving, “the chorus and production
breathe new life into the band’s sound.”
(MCA Records) Kip Moore extinguished his BURN THE WHOLE
WORLD DOWN tour wrapping up with a sold-out show at Cleveland’s House of Blues.
His headlining run resulted in sold-out dates thrilling thousands of fans with
a preview of new music and what is to come from “one of Nashville’s
breakout stars…” (Washington Post) in 2014. Moore’s album UP ALL NIGHT was
the best selling debut album from any solo male country artist released in 2012
and 2013, and produced three back-to-back No. one singles with “Somethin’
‘Bout A Truck,” “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty
Girl.” As he heads into 2014, Moore is armed with the recently
released lead single, “Young Love,” from his upcoming sophomore
album. A constant road warrior, Moore will pick up with Lady Antebellum
on their TAKE ME DOWNTOWN TOUR on Jan. 10 in Peoria, IL. For a full list
of tour dates and information, visit www.kipmoore.net.
WORLD DOWN tour wrapping up with a sold-out show at Cleveland’s House of Blues.
His headlining run resulted in sold-out dates thrilling thousands of fans with
a preview of new music and what is to come from “one of Nashville’s
breakout stars…” (Washington Post) in 2014. Moore’s album UP ALL NIGHT was
the best selling debut album from any solo male country artist released in 2012
and 2013, and produced three back-to-back No. one singles with “Somethin’
‘Bout A Truck,” “Beer Money” and “Hey Pretty
Girl.” As he heads into 2014, Moore is armed with the recently
released lead single, “Young Love,” from his upcoming sophomore
album. A constant road warrior, Moore will pick up with Lady Antebellum
on their TAKE ME DOWNTOWN TOUR on Jan. 10 in Peoria, IL. For a full list
of tour dates and information, visit www.kipmoore.net.
MUSIC NEWS: Superstar
Tim McGraw charged into 2013 with his Big Machine Records debut TWO LANES OF
FREEDOM, which spawned three consecutive No. One hits bringing his career tally
to 35 number one songs. McGraw nabbed two CMA Awards, was deemed one of CMT’s
“Artists of the Year” and McGraw picked up two GRAMMY
nominations for “Best Country Album” and “Best Country Duo/Group
Performance” for the PLATINUM selling all-star collaboration “Highway
Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift, featuring Keith Urban on guitar. 2013
is proof that 20 years in, McGraw is just hitting his stride, and critics
agree.
Tim McGraw charged into 2013 with his Big Machine Records debut TWO LANES OF
FREEDOM, which spawned three consecutive No. One hits bringing his career tally
to 35 number one songs. McGraw nabbed two CMA Awards, was deemed one of CMT’s
“Artists of the Year” and McGraw picked up two GRAMMY
nominations for “Best Country Album” and “Best Country Duo/Group
Performance” for the PLATINUM selling all-star collaboration “Highway
Don’t Care” with Taylor Swift, featuring Keith Urban on guitar. 2013
is proof that 20 years in, McGraw is just hitting his stride, and critics
agree.
NEWS
NOTE: Red Bow Label /Nashville has their
first number one record with Joe Nichols. “Sunny and 75” had the new
label
celebrating just in time for Christmas….Check out the new single
“Scarecrow” from one of Nashville best love award winning songwriters,
Bernie Nelson. Go to iTunes or CD Baby to digitally download.
NOTE: Red Bow Label /Nashville has their
first number one record with Joe Nichols. “Sunny and 75” had the new
label
celebrating just in time for Christmas….Check out the new single
“Scarecrow” from one of Nashville best love award winning songwriters,
Bernie Nelson. Go to iTunes or CD Baby to digitally download.
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Republic
Nashville’s Florida Georgia Line and Valory’s Thomas Rhett gather with friends at a double No. 1 party
for “Round Here” and “It Goes Like This. This is was a special
day for Thomas Rhett. He celebrated number 1’s as a songwriter and as an
artist. Knowing him since he was a teenager, it was so moving to see him where
I knew one day he would be. With the love and support of his parents and
Nashville family, it was truly a special day for Thomas and for the Nashville
Music Community.
Nashville’s Florida Georgia Line and Valory’s Thomas Rhett gather with friends at a double No. 1 party
for “Round Here” and “It Goes Like This. This is was a special
day for Thomas Rhett. He celebrated number 1’s as a songwriter and as an
artist. Knowing him since he was a teenager, it was so moving to see him where
I knew one day he would be. With the love and support of his parents and
Nashville family, it was truly a special day for Thomas and for the Nashville
Music Community.
TOUR NEWS: The Cowboy Rides Away Tour kicks off
January the 18th. Here are January dates for George’s last go
around. January 18: Lubbock, Texas (United Spirit Arena) January
19: Oklahoma City, Okla. (Chesapeake Energy Arena) January 25: Salt
Lake City, Utah (Energy Solutions Arena) January 26: Nampa,
Idaho (Idaho Center) January 31: Sacramento, Calif. (Power
Balance Pavilion)
January the 18th. Here are January dates for George’s last go
around. January 18: Lubbock, Texas (United Spirit Arena) January
19: Oklahoma City, Okla. (Chesapeake Energy Arena) January 25: Salt
Lake City, Utah (Energy Solutions Arena) January 26: Nampa,
Idaho (Idaho Center) January 31: Sacramento, Calif. (Power
Balance Pavilion)
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: bouldercreekguitars.com
/ savethemusivamerica.org /
musiccityradio.com / www.borrowedbluemusic.com
/ globalsongwriters.com / bernienelsonmusic.com
/ savethemusivamerica.org /
musiccityradio.com / www.borrowedbluemusic.com
/ globalsongwriters.com / bernienelsonmusic.com
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING: Gary
Allan, Sara Evans, Michael Ray, Lauren, Alaina,
Rusty Williams
Allan, Sara Evans, Michael Ray, Lauren, Alaina,
Rusty Williams
Have a Happy & Blessed New Year!
Best Regards,
Preshias Harris for Country Music News International