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Country Music News

Nashville notes: Parker McCollum on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon' + Griffen Palmer's "Unlearn"

Parker McCollum appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on March 30 to perform "Handle On You." The single is currently number four and rising on the country charts. Watch Parker's performance on YouTube and check out photos from his visit on Instagram. 

Big Loud Records newcomer Griffen Palmer has announced his debut album with the release of its powerful title track, "Unlearn." "I've been dreaming of putting out my own album for as long as I can remember," Griffen shares. "It was important to me that we hold on releasing my first album until we had the songs just right, and I'm equal parts amazed and proud of how it has all turned out." Unlearn drops April 28.

Caylee Hammack has dropped her new song, "History of Repeating." The pensive track was penned by Caylee with Ashley McBryde and Nicolette Hayford (Pillbox Patti). "This song is a very honest admission of some bad decisions that I think anyone can relate to making … those decisions sometimes we repeat, even though we know it’s not what is best for us. The humanness of our habits and hearts and a swig of Jack Daniel’s for flavor," Caylee reflects.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Charlie Puth enlists Dan + Shay for "That’s Not How This Works"

Atlantic Records

Charlie Puth has tapped hit country duo Dan + Shay for his new song, "That's Not How This Works."

Penned by Charlie, Jordan Reynolds and Dan Smyers of Dan + Shay, the searing heartbreak tune centers around a protagonist who struggles to heal from a breakup because of an ex who's still leading him on.

"Really proud of this song we created with our friend + musical genius @charlieputh," Dan + Shay write on Instagram. 

"I wrote That’s Not How This Works on zoom with @danandshay in April of 2020. I went through many changes musically in my life, but always kept this song in my back pocket because I knew how special it was," Charlie recalls on Instagram. 

"It was after all the song that propelled me into the next phase of my life. It was the song that healed me," he adds. "With all of these feelings that I hadn’t come face to face with before, I finally mustered up the courage to put a melody against them. When you listen to this song, I hope you feel what I felt when I wrote it- a sense of relief."

"That's Not How This Works" is the first new music from Dan + Shay since their 2021 album, Good Things. The record includes their current single, "You," which is number 11 and rising on the country charts.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Watch Kelsea Ballerini's hilariously dramatic "IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOIN' DOWN TOO)" video

Black River Entertainment

Class, style, fashion, Southern charm and malice are humorously highlighted in Kelsea Ballerini's new music video for "IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOIN' DOWN TOO)."

Directed by Patrick Tracy, the cinematic visualizer features Kelsea as a happy-go-lucky woman who enjoys quality time with her tale-telling girlfriends in the neighborhood. What the public doesn't know, however, is that this always-chirpy lady is also a serial killer who's responsible for the increasing number of missing persons. 

"I wanted something that had a real look and feel to it. But it needed to be fun ... and funny," Kelsea says of her vision for the retro video. "I wanted something that made people laugh and clink their glasses, because when I wrote this, I wanted 'If You Go Down' to be a song that was a reason to turn up the dial."

"Obviously, it’s not true," she notes, referencing the fictional murders in the video, "but it’s fun to sing a line like, 'Hypothetically, if you ever kill your husband, Hand on the Bible, I’d be lying through my teeth...' Nobody would ever do that, but it’s the kind of joke you can take in a song that’s funny.”

"IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOIN' DOWN TOO)" is featured on Kelsea's latest full-length studio album, SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

On Sunday, April 2, Kelsea will co-host the 2023 CMT Music Awards with Kane Brown. The show airs live on CBS at 8 p.m. ET, with livestreaming and on-demand streaming options available via Paramount+, as well.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Darius Rucker believes that "Fires Don’t Start Themselves"

UMG Nashville

Darius Rucker has dropped a new single, "Fires Don’t Start Themselves."

Composed by Dan IsbellBen Hayslip and Jacob Rice, the song features a nostalgic '90s country-inspired production with infectious guitar lines. 

"So, let's drink what's left of this bottle of wine/ Move a little closer 'til the sparks start flyin'/ Turn the lights down low and pull the Conway off of the shelf/ Then we'll dance through the kitchen and straight down the hall/ Let my old blue jeans and your sundress fall/ Girl, we're holding the lighter/ And fires don't start themselves," Darius sings in the seductive chorus.

"When I first heard 'Fires Don’t Start Themselves,' the hook immediately got me," Darius recalls. "The beginning of the chorus, 'Let’s drink what’s left of this' is classic '90s country. I love it!"

"Fires Don’t Start Themselves" will be on Darius' forthcoming album, Carolyn’s Boy.

On Sunday, April 2, Darius will appear on the 2023 CMT Music Awards to perform a duet of "She Talks to Angels" with The Black Crowes.

"I’ve been a fan of The Black Crowes for decades, and I’m grateful that we’ve also become good friends over the years. The first time I heard 'She Talks to Angels,' I remember being so moved by the lyrics that I went around Columbia, South Carolina, asking every single bar to play it," Darius shares.

"I went home that night and put on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and decided I was going to try to write 'She Talks to Angels' for her. 'Let Her Cry' was what poured out of me," he continues. "These guys have been so impactful on my career and I can’t wait to share the CMT stage with them."

On the tour front, Darius will kick off his Starting Fires Tour on June 15.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Megan Moroney called her mom as soon as she got her first CMT nominations

Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT

Megan Moroney's hit "Tennessee Orange" is up for two awards at the 2023 CMT Music Awards: Breakthrough Female Video of the Year and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year.

This is a big deal to Megan, a Savannah, Georgia, native who once thought she'd be an accountant.

"I'm nominated for two, which is crazy," Megan tells ABC Audio. "And so the first thing I did was call my mom and I was like, 'Mom, I got nominated for a CMT Award like Breakthrough Video of the Year.' And my mom goes, 'The real CMT Awards?' I'm like, 'No, the fake ones.' But yeah, the first thing I did was call my mom. I was just freaking out because, I don't know, I grew up watching the CMTs, but I like thought I was going to be an accountant, so it's crazy that here I am."

"Tennessee Orange" is the lead single from Megan's upcoming debut album, Lucky, which is slated to arrive on May 5.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards will air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will be available via Paramount+, as well.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Justin Moore + Riley Green's "Everybody Get Along" celebrates unity

The Valory Music Co.

Justin Moore has enlisted Riley Green for his new song, "Everybody Get Along."

The uptempo track finds Justin and Riley offering quips about their polar opposite likes and dislikes in the verses, before highlighting the value of unity in the chorus. 

"I like this and I like that/ But when it comes down to it, we got each other's backs/ In a world where all we do is fight and fuss and disagree/ Why can't everybody get along like you and me?" they sing in the ebullient chorus.

"My new song 'Everybody Get Along' with @rileyduckman is about two guys that are very similar, but playfully disagree on everything," Justin writes on Instagram. "Kind of like we all do these days, but somehow they make it work and they’re best buddies [handshake emoji] Let us know what y’all think [clinking beer mugs emoji]."

"Everybody Get Along" will be featured on Justin's forthcoming album, Stray Dog. The eight-track project also includes his current single "You, Me, And Whiskey" with Priscilla Block.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


2023 CMT Music Awards: Gary Clark Jr. to tribute Steve Ray Vaughan + presenters announced

CMT

More stars have been announced as performers and presenters at the upcoming 2023 CMT Music Awards. 

Acclaimed musician and artist Gary Clark Jr. will join the show to perform a special tribute to the late Texas Blues icon Stevie Ray Vaughan

A slew of stars across the music, sports and entertainment worlds have also been tapped to be presenters. This includes Carly PearceCarrie UnderwoodCharles EstenDixie D’AmelioDustin LynchHARDYIan Bohen + Jen Landon (from Yellowstone), Jon PardiLeAnn RimesMadison Bailey (from Outer Banks), Max Thieriot (from Fire Country), Megan Thee StallionNoah Schnapp (from Stranger Things), Parker McCollumPeter FramptonShania TwainSteve Howey (from True Lies) and Travis Kelce.

Previously announced performers for the show include Alanis Morissette + Ingrid AndressLainey WilsonMadeline Edwards and Morgan WadeBlake Shelton, Carly, Carrie, Cody JohnsonGwen Stefani, Gary, Jelly RollKane Brown + Katelyn BrownKeith UrbanKelsea BalleriniThe Black Crowes, Darius RuckerTyler HubbardWynonna Judd and Ashley McBryde.

Additionally, there will be an All-Star Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd performed by Billy GibbonsChuck Leavell, Cody, Paul RodgersSlash & Warren Haynes, with LeAnn & Wynonna joining in place of The Honkettes.

Up-and-comers Avery AnnaChapel HartJackson DeanLily RoseMegan Moroney and Nate Smith will also get to shine as performers on the Ram Trucks Side Stage.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards, co-hosted by Kelsea and Kane, will air live on CBS April 2 at 8 p.m. ET. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will also be available via Paramount+.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Kelsea Ballerini is excited to "wear all the hats" for the 2023 CMT Music Awards

ABC

With the 2023 CMT Music Awards just days away, co-host Kelsea Ballerini is excited to join the show in ushering in its "new chapter" this year.

"CMTs are moving to Austin at this beautiful new venue called the Moody Center, and it's just going to be, like, a new chapter," Kelsea tells ABC Audio. "A new breath of life, and I get to be a part of it and host and wear all the hats." 

Kelsea will co-host the 2023 CMT Music Awards alongside fellow country star Kane Brown.

The Knoxville native, whose song "HEARTFIRST" is nominated for Female Video of the Year, will perform on the show, as well.

Kelsea's latest full-length studio album is SUBJECT TO CHANGE. The album title is very much a mirror of Kelsea's belief in forward motion, that is, continuously evolving as a person.

"I think that I just, I really believe in, like, forward motion," Kelsea says. "And so I think that, like, there's a delicate balance of ... I like me now, I'm enough as I am now, but also, like, I know that I'm not done growing, and I know that I can always learn more about myself through my friends and through the world, and through travel and experiences." 

SUBJECT TO CHANGE includes "HEARTFIRST" and Kelsea's current single, "IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOING DOWN TOO)." Most recently, she also dropped a surprise post-divorce EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat.

The 2023 CMT Music Awards will broadcast live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on April 2 at 8 p.m. ET on CBS. Livestreaming and on-demand streaming options will also be available via Paramount+.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Jimmie's new single + Reba on 'The Jennifer Hudson Show'

Jimmie Allen has announced "be alright" as his next single. A special version of the song, "be alright (15 edition)," will hit country radio on Monday, April 10, and will be available digitally on Saturday, April 15. "be alright" is featured on Jimmie's latest album, Tulip Drive.

Reba McEntire appeared on The Jennifer Hudson Show recently to talk about joining The Voice as a Mega Mentor, her love of tater tots and her relationship with Rex Linn. Reba and Jennifer also joined on a duet of Aretha Franklin's "Respect." In case you missed their performance, watch it on YouTube.

Ty Herndon and GLAAD have announced the return of the Concert For Love & Acceptance. The event will take place on the eve of CMA Fest on Wednesday, June 7, at Nashville's Wildhorse Saloon. Artists in the performance lineup include Maddie & TaeTerri ClarkPam TillisDesmond ChildWendy Moten, Billy GilmanShelly Fairchild and Justin Fabus. Get tickets on Ticketmaster.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Get a sample of Brothers Osborne's new 'Sampler'

ABC

Brothers Osborne's Nobody's Nobody Sampler won't be out until April 7, but you can hear snippets of all three tracks in an Instagram video now.

The clip, which features footage of John and T.J. Osborne in the recording studio, offers fans previews of the uptempo "Nobody's Nobody," piano-driven "Rollercoaster (Forever and a Day)" and rowdy "Might As Well Be Me."

This release will be Brothers Osborne's first set of new music since 2020's Skeletons, which received the deluxe treatment in 2022.

Presave the Nobody's Nobody Sampler now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sam Hunt added to the Breland & Friends lineup

Todd Owyoung/NBC

It's going to be a "House Party" at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Sam Hunt has been added to the list of performers for Breland's upcoming Breland & Friends concert on April 4.

"Thought I was done? Nahhhh, my buddy @SamHuntMusic always comes through," Breland tweeted. "BRELAND & Friends is gonna be wild!! Grab those tickets for both the show and the livestream and we’ll see ya there."

Sam joins the lineup of star-studded performers, which includes Breland, Alana SpringsteenAshley CookeDanielle BradberyGary LevoxIngrid AndressNate SmithTemecula RoadTenille Townes and Tyler Hubbard.

Proceeds from the event will go to support Nashville's Oasis Center and its mission to help local at-risk youth.

To purchase in-person tickets to Breland & Friends, visit AXS' website. Fans across the world can also watch this one-night-only event by getting livestream tickets on Mandolin.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Darius Rucker's got a new song dropping soon

ABC

Darius Rucker fans, get ready for new music. 

Darius took to Instagram recently to announce that his new song "Fires Don't Start Themselves" is dropping on Friday, March 31. 

"Hey, I'm passing the phone to somebody who's got a new song coming out this Friday," Darius said, before revealing, "It's me! My new song 'Fires Don't Start Themselves' coming out March 31st. Presave now! Right now."

Darius' last song to be released was "Lift Me Up," which dropped last month. His latest album, When Was The Last Time, arrived in 2017.

Presave "Fires Don't Start Themselves" now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Slash, Billy F. Gibbons & more to pay tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd at the CMT Music Awards

CMT

The music of Lynyrd Skynyrd will be celebrated with an all-star tribute performance at Sunday’s CMT Music Awards.

The segment will feature a who’s who of guitarists, including Guns N’ Roses’ SlashZZ Top’s Billy F. Gibbons and Gov’t Mule’s Warren Haynes. The performance will also feature Bad Company’s Paul Rodgers and country star Cody Johnson on vocals, along with the Rolling Stones’ keyboardist Chuck Leavell, and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band members Ethan Pilzer on bass and Rich Redmond on drums.

Wynonna Judd and LeAnn Rimes are also on board to provide harmonies, filling in for Skynyrd's backup singers, The Honkettes.

So far there’s no word on what songs they will be performing, but the segment will serve as a tribute to founding member Gary Rossington, who passed away earlier this month, as well as the 50th anniversary of the band’s debut album.

And all this will be happening in front of current Lynyrd Skynyrd members Johnny Van Zant and Rickey Medlock, who will be in attendance at the show, as will Rossington’s widow, Dale Krantz Rossington

The 2023 CMT Music Awards air Sunday, April 2, on CBS live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Vince Gill to announce the 2023 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

Vince Gill is set to announce the 2023 Country Music Hall of Fame inductees on Monday, April 3. 

The announcement will livestream at 10 a.m. CT on the CMA YouTube Channel.

Vince, who became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, is known for hits like "One More Last Chance," "Don't Let Our Love Start Slippin' Away" and "Go Rest High On That Mountain."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Miranda Lambert joins Lone River for new partnership

ABC

Miranda Lambert and Lone River Beverage Company have teamed up for a multiple-year partnership. 

The foundation of Lone River's premium brewed drinks, which were inspired by traditional tequila cocktails, was established by Katie Beal Brown, an entrepreneurial fourth-generation Texan.

"I don’t do a ton of partnerships, but I was drawn to Katie’s story, and found so many similarities with my own, so working with Lone River is really special for me,” Miranda shares. "I’m a storyteller first and foremost, and that’s exactly what Katie set out to do with this brand. Lone River was built on honoring her family’s roots and sharing an authentic way of life in West Texas. I’m excited to see what kind of noise us Texas women can make together!"

"Miranda Lambert is the kind of person that makes me proud to be a Texan and I am so honored to have her as a partner on this journey as we continue to grow Lone River," adds Katie. "She is the embodiment of the trailblazing spirit that built our business, and it is a dream to have the opportunity to see our brand through her eyes. Through her iconic career in country music and beyond she’s played such an important part in modernizing the ideals of the American West. I am so grateful to be a small part of this through Lone River.”

Through a series of upcoming luncheons, networking events and other activities during the course of the collaboration, Miranda and Katie will work together to inspire and support like-minded businesswomen (aged 21 and up) in different cities. More information will be shared in the coming months.

Watch an ad for this partnership on Miranda's Instagram and visit loneriverbevco.com for more information.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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"Always in our Heart! "