Country Music News

Old Dominion on writing "Memory Lane" + crafting songs together

Posted today at 5:00am

As Old Dominion readies to release their new album, the group's Brad Tursi is taking a trip down "memory lane" to share a personal anecdote about the title track.

"It's funny, I was having dinner with one of my best friends and his parents. His dad said when he heard ["Memory Lane"] on the radio, and he didn't realize that it was Old Dominion, and he came home, he's like, 'Oh, honey, I heard this song on the radio. It was kind of like our story,'" Brad recounts to ABC Audio, before noting that it was a "pretty cool" experience for him when his buddy's dad found out it was Old Dominion.

What's also cool is how the band typically writes songs, particularly their latest #1 hit, "Memory Lane."

"When we're writing [songs], everyone's probably thinking about something different, but we're all trying to accomplish the same goal," says Brad, who penned the track with Jessie Jo Dillon, and fellow Old Dominion members Matthew Ramsey and Trevor Rosen.

"Sometimes we're just trying to rhyme two words together. But then, that guy, he had his own story that went along with it. So that's what's kind of cool about it," Brad adds.

Old Dominion's Memory Lane arrives October 6, and can be presaved and preordered now.

Nashville notes: New music from Jonathan Hutcherson, Brittney Spencer + more

Posted Friday afternoon

Emerging country singer/songwriter Jonathan Hutcherson has released his new song, "Go South." Jonathan penned the breezy, romantic ode with Dan Wilson and Joseph Patton, and co-produced it with Luke Laird.

Brittney Spencer's new track, "Bigger Than the Song," is out now. The track, which name-drops country greats such as Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire, is the first preview of Brittney's upcoming album, My Stupid Life, due out January 19.

Tickets for the newly added dates of Tim McGraw's 2024 Standing Room Only Tour are on sale now at timmcgraw.com.

Grab tickets to this year's CMA Awards

Posted Friday afternoon

Tickets for the 57th CMA Awards are available now.

The annual event is set to take place Wednesday, November 8, at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena. Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will return as hosts for a second year.

To attend Country Music's Biggest Night in person, visit Ticketmaster's website.

For information on the showtime, attire, entry, bag policy and more, visit cmaawards.com.

Not planning to head to Music City for the 2023 CMA Awards? Then be sure to catch it live November 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Brad Paisley previews 'Son Of The Mountains' with new songs

Posted Friday afternoon

Brad Paisley is previewing his upcoming album, Son Of The Mountains, with a four-song set titled Son Of The Mountains: The First Four Tracks.

Out now, the EP includes the previously released "Same Here" with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and "So Many Summers," alongside two brand new tunes: the vibrant Dan Tyminski and Jerry Douglas-assisted title track and the poignant "The Medicine Will."

"Son of the Mountains" and "The Medicine Will," which Brad wrote with Lee Thomas Miller, paint candidly contrasting depictions of Brad's home state of West Virginia.

Of his forthcoming full-length album, Brad says the project "doesn't shy away from reflecting real life and real situations going on in America and in our world today."

"This is what I think country music is about, which is truth," he adds.

Son Of The Mountains is slated to arrive in early 2024. While you wait, check out the first four tracks from the album now.

Conner Smith is engaged to girlfriend Leah Thompson

Posted Friday afternoon

Congratulations are in order for Conner Smith, who got engaged to his girlfriend, Leah Thompson, on Tuesday.

Leah and Conner shared the news with followers via a collaborative Instagram carousel post, which featured picturesque photos of their engagement.

"Still can’t get over last night… 9/26/23 [ring emoji]," Leah wrote in the caption.

Conner also posted an Instagram Reel of their engagement, further detailing the special moment over an unreleased song he penned for his new fiancée.

"My girlfriend always wanted her grandma's diamond as her wedding ring," he writes via onscreen text in the Reel. "So I asked her to marry me on what would have been her grandmother's 90th birthday."

"Even before she was my girlfriend, I knew I would marry Leah Grace one day if she ever let me…@_leahthompson Thank you for trusting me with your heart," Conner adds in the caption of Leah, who also starred as his love interest in the "Take It Slow" music video.

Conner is currently approaching the top 20 on the country charts with "Creek Will Rise."

Tickets to his upcoming Creek Will Rise Tour can be purchased now at connersmithmusic.com.

Dustin Lynch hopes 'Killed The Cowboy' "finds someone who needs to hear it"

Posted Friday afternoon

Dustin Lynch has released his sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy.

The 12-track record features five songs penned by Dustin and includes a collaboration with Jelly Roll on "Chevrolet."

"My hope is that this album finds someone who needs to hear it," Dustin says of his new collection. "I want Killed The Cowboy to embrace the single people of the world and lift them up, to let them know that you don’t have to live a 'normal' life to still be happy in your own skin."

Dustin is currently #7 on the country charts with "Stars Like Confetti," which is off 2022's Blue In The Sky.

Here's the track list for Killed The Cowboy:

"Killed the Cowboy"
"Honky Tonk Heartbreaker"
"George Strait Jr."
"Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)"
"If I Stop Drinkin'"
"Only Girl in This Town"
"Breakin’ up Down"
"Trouble with This Truck"
"Blue Lights"
"Lone Star"
"Listen to the Radio"
"Long Way Home"

More dates unveiled for Morgan's One Night At A Time 2024 tour

Posted Friday afternoon

Morgan Wallen has doubled up his One Night At A Time 2024 tour with back-to-back shows in each city.

The trek kicks off April 4 in Indianapolis and includes stops in Nashville, Minneapolis, Denver, Tampa, Charlotte, Arlington and Kansas City before wrapping up in Las Vegas on August 9. Morgan will play three consecutive nights at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena and make up for one previously canceled show at Oxford.

"Been one of the best years for me and my music so we're gonna run it back.. same tour name, staying on this album and many more cities to visit.. I've got plans in mind to still single Cowgirls, Man Made A Bar and who knows maybe 98 Braves. Let's keep this thing going," Morgan writes in the captions of his Instagram reel announcement.

To purchase tickets to Morgan's One Night At A Time 2024 shows, fans must register in advance at Ticketmaster's website. Registration is open until Sunday, October 1, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Once registration closes, fans will randomly be selected to receive a day/time of the presale and a code that grants them access to it.

Fans who previously purchased tickets for the canceled Oxford show on Saturday, April 23, 2023, will get presale access to the rescheduled show on April 20, 2024. Details will be sent directly to ticket holders via email.

For a full list of dates for Morgan's 2024 tour, visit his website.

Thomas Rhett + Morgan Wallen drop surprise collab, "Mamaw's House"

Posted Friday afternoon

Thomas Rhett and Morgan Wallen have released a surprise duet called "Mamaw's House."

The song was penned by both singers alongside Matt Dragstrem and Chase McGill, and it chronicles the life lessons they've gleaned from their loving grandmas.

"Morgan and I were writing one day and he got a call from his Mamaw. We got to talking and realized we both had a 'Mamaw' growing up and so we decided to write a song about that," shares Thomas. "The song describes my grandmothers and Morgan's as well - we wanted to describe a small town piece of paradise."

Morgan adds, "Many times in the past I’ve been open and honest about the love I have for my Mamaw Boots. It was only a matter of time before a song was inspired by her. I dedicate this one to not only her but to my living grandmothers as well. I hope they know what a big part they’ve all played in shaping my life."

"Mamaw's House" is featured on Thomas' 20 NUMBER ONES (BONUS VERSION) collection, out now.

In celebration of his big release day, Thomas will livestream the second last show of his Home Team Tour 23 from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena at 9:15 p.m. CT on YouTube.

Being part of the 'College GameDay' theme song is a dream come true for Darius Rucker: "I'm so proud of it"

Posted Friday morning

If you've been watching this year's College GameDay, you might have realized that the opening theme song, "Comin' to Your City," sounds a little different from the past seasons.

That's because Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson and The Cadillac Three have joined for a remake of the Big & Rich hit, which has served as the show opener for the past 16 years.

For Darius, this opportunity is one he's yearned for for quite some time now.

"I've always wanted to do it. I've watched it through 16 years of Big & Rich, who I love. I'm a big fan [of them] and just always said, 'Man, I want to do that. I want to do that,'" shares Darius.

In fact, he was absolutely thrilled when The Cadillac Three's Jaren Johnston invited him to be part of the song.

"When Jaren called me and asked if I was interested, I was freaking out. I was like, 'This is really happening. It's finally happening,'" he recalls, before singing Lainey's praises. "Lainey Wilson's so hot right now. I think she's going to win Entertainer of the Year and stuff at the CMAs."

Of his College GameDay opening theme, Darius adds, "Every Saturday morning [I'm] up there watching it because I'm so proud of it."

Darius, Lainey and The Cadillac Three's "Comin' to You City" is available now on all digital music platforms.

Darius' new album, Carolyn's Boy, drops October 6 and can be preordered now.

For all things College GameDay, visit ESPN's website.

Country People's Choice Awards: The winners

Posted Friday morning

The first-ever People's Choice Country Awards, hosted by Little Big Town, aired live on NBC from Nashville's Grand Ole Opry on Thursday, September 28.

Here's the complete list of winners:

THE PEOPLE'S ARTIST OF 2023
Morgan Wallen

THE MALE ARTIST OF 2023
Jelly Roll

THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2023
Lainey Wilson

THE GROUP/DUO OF 2023
Dan + Shay

THE NEW ARTIST OF 2023
Jelly Roll

THE SOCIAL COUNTRY STAR OF 2023
Blake Shelton

THE SONG OF 2023
"Need A Favor," Jelly Roll (Songwriters: Austin Nivarel, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta)

THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2023
"Save Me." Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson (Songwriters: David Ray Stevens, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll)

THE CROSSOVER SONG OF 2023
"Just Say I'm Sorry," P!nk, Chris Stapleton (Songwriters: Alecia Moore, Chris Stapleton)

THE ALBUM OF 2023
One Thing At A Time, Morgan Wallen

THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2023
"wait in the truck," HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson

THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2023
Morgan Wallen, One Night At A Time World Tour

COUNTRY MUSIC ICON AWARD
Toby Keith

COUNTRY CHAMPION AWARD
Wynonna Judd

Nashville notes: Tony Jackson + Randy Travis' music video, Chris Janson's new merch and more

Posted Thursday afternoon

Tickets to Kane Brown's 2024 In The Air Tour are on sale now. The rotating list of openers include Tyler Hubbard, Jon Pardi, Chris Young, Bailey Zimmerman and Cole Swindell. For a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit Kane's website.

Tony Jackson has unveiled the music video for his nostlagic song, "Do You Remember Country Music," and it features country icon Randy Travis. Mo Pitney, Bobby Tomberlin and Aaron Bowlin penned the track. "This song is a tribute to the greats who paved the way for country music, and having Randy Travis join me in the video was like a dream come true," Tony tells People.

Just in time for fall, Chris Janson has dropped new merch. "Fall is here! And so is new merch!" he shares on X, formerly known as Twitter. You can check out the new koozie, hat, T-shirt and more at Chris' merch store.

Kacey Musgraves meets her doppelgänger at Madame Tussauds

Posted Thursday afternoon

Erika Goldring/Getty Images for Americana Music Association

Here's your chance to meet Kacey Musgraves in person. Well, sort of.

Madame Tussauds Nashville will unveil a brand new wax figure of Kacey on Friday, September 29.

Kacey recently paid her doppelgänger a visit and shared photos of the meetup on Instagram.

"Took a trip to uncanny valley. This is so weird and brilliant and I love it. Thanks for snatching me into immortality, @madametussaudsusa Go see me, y’all. Xx," she captions the Instagram carousel, which features various shots of her and her wax figure.

"What an honor, I never even knew I wanted this to be a bucket list moment," Kacey adds in a press release. "You all did an amazing job."

Madame Tussauds USA has also shared video footage of Kacey seeing her wax figure for the first time on YouTube.

To grab tickets to see Kacey's wax figure at Madame Tussauds Nashville, visit madametussauds.com.

Thomas Rhett is bringing his Nashville show to you

Posted Thursday afternoon

Unable to make it out to Thomas Rhett's upcoming headlining shows in Nashville? Don't worry, he has you covered.

Thomas has announced that he's livestreaming his Home Team Tour 23 concert live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Friday, September 29, at 9:15 p.m. CT, via his YouTube channel.

"So stoked to tell y’all that we’re live streaming Friday night’s #hometeamtour23 stop from Nashville!" Thomas shares on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Thomas will conclude his Home Team Tour 23 on Saturday, September 30, with his second Nashville show.

To set a reminder for this livestream, visit Thomas' YouTube.

Thomas' 20 NUMBER ONES collection and a recently teased "special new track" arrive September 29 and can be preordered now.

Dolly Parton, Lee Brice, Chris Janson + more join for Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute album

Posted Thursday afternoon

Former Lynyrd Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle has assembled an all-star lineup of artists to join him on his brand new album, Anthems - Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd, dropping February 2, 2024.

The 13-track album features performances of such Skynyrd classics as "Sweet Home Alabama," "Gimme Three Steps," "Simple Man," "Free Bird" and more, with guest appearances by country stars Dolly Parton, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, Michael Ray, Ronnie Dunn, LOCASH, Billy Ray Cyrus, Shenandoah's Marty Raybon and more.

"This project has been a year in the making, but when the fans hear it they will understand why it took so long," says Len Snow, president of Get Joe Records, which is releasing the album. "Artimus is legendary within the Southern Rock space. The music that Lynyrd Skynyrd made will always live as a part of rock history. This album honors that music and gives Artimus a way to honor his former bandmates."

Pyle is set to drop the first single from the record on October 20, which is the 46th anniversary of the plane crash that took the lives of Skynyrd frontman Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and four others, and injured Pyle, guitarist Gary Rossington and other members of the band.

Anthems - Honoring The Music Of Lynyrd Skynyrd is available for preorder now.

Here is the album's track list:

“I Know A Little” -Michael Ray
“Sweet Home Alabama” - Ronnie Dunn
“Simple Man” - Sammy Hagar
“Needle And The Spoon” - Lindsey Ell
“The Ballad Of Curtis Loew” - Chris Janson
“Workin' For MCA” - Lee Brice
“That Smell” - Jerrod Niemann
“Gimme Three Steps” - Marty Raybon
“Call Me The Breeze” - Billy Ray Cyrus
“Saturday Night Special” - Warren Haynes
“The Hunt” - Artimus Pyle Band
“What’s Your Name” - LOCASH
“Freebird “ - Dolly Parton

New Wynonna Judd + Trisha Yearwood duet coming Friday

Posted Thursday afternoon

Two country icons are teaming up for a Judds classic.

Wynonna Judd has announced that Trisha Yearwood will join her on a cover of The Judds' 1986 hit "Cry Myself to Sleep." The track will serve as the newest preview of the upcoming Judds covers album, A Tribute to The Judds, due out October 27.

"I have a song coming out with @trishayearwood this Friday and my heart cannot stand it!!!!!!!!" Trisha shares on Instagram. "So excited for you to hear our version of 'Cry Myself to Sleep' as part of The Judds Tribute Album."

A Tribute to The Judds was first previewed in August with Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's rendition of "Love Is Alive."

A Tribute to The Judds and Wynonna and Trisha's "Cry Myself to Sleep" are available for presave now.

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