Friday 25 January 2013

Country Bites News snippets Jan 14 - Jan 20, 2013

Country Bites News snippets January 14 – January 20, 2013

SOURCES/LINKS show in RED

UK & IRISH News
Brantley Gilbert is to play 2 UK additional dates on Fri 15 March (Oran Mor, Glasgow) and Sat 16 March (Manchester Club Academy) prior to his Sun 17 March appearance at the C2C Country To Country Festival, at the O2 Arena in London. See Ticketmaster UK

Jimmy Buckley is delighted with the reaction to his latest album, RAMBLIN' MAN (Sound Patrol Records). The ever popular Jimmy puts his own stamp on songs like “Little By Little” and “Grandma's Feather Bed”. It also includes a duet with his daughter Claudia on “I Told You So”. It’s available on UK iTunes, Amazon UK and www.irishcountrymusic.com

The Wee Amigos, consisting of Ben Troy (14) & Gerald Ahern (13),hailing from Cork & Monaghan, have been invited to a major TV network show in the USA for February, on an all expenses paid trip. Major country star Kenny Rogers will join them on the show.
The announcement was made on the Phil Mack International Country Show when their new video “The Gambler” was shown on SKY CH 191 / FREESAT CH 400.

UK CHART NEWS
On the Official UK Singles Top 100 Chart (Week January 26, 2013)
Taylor Swift’sI Knew You Were Trouble” (Mercury) falls 2-4. The dub-step single shifted another 45,146 units and it has now reached a total of 350,388 UK downloads. Taylor’s smash hit “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” falls 36-44 selling 7,150 copies with a UK tally to date of 492,682.

On the Official UK Albums Top 100 (Week January 26, 2013)
Taylor Swift’s RED sold 8,150 copies and falls 8-12. RED has now 260,381 copies in 13 weeks
Official UK Country Album (Week January 26, 2013)
Lady Antebellum hold the Top 2 places with NEED YOU NOW (Capitol) in its 78th chart week at No.1, OWN THE NIGHT stays at No.2 in its 52th week.
Glen Campbell with GHOST ON THE CANVAS has jumped up from outside the Top 20 to land at No.3 and his album MEET GLEN CAMPBELL in its 77th week is new in Top 20 at No.11. This boost in sales will have been due to a recent Documentory shown on BBC 4

On the Hotdisc Chart (Jan 20, 2012 Chart)
British singer songwriter Graham Clark's "I'm Not Inclined" remains atop the Hotdisc Top 40 chart as well as on the British & Irish Top 10 list. The Hotdisc Top 40’s top three remains unchanged with Michael Lusk at No.2 and Swagger Kings at No.3.
New on the UK scene Kathryn Anderson with “Write A Letter” holds the No.5 place and moves 3-2 on the British & Irish Top 10 chart. Kathryn is a singer/songwriter from Uckfield, East Sussex and as a 21-year old student is currently in her final year at Southampton Solent University.

UK COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES
(14 Jan 2013) Zoe Muth & Lost High Rollers - Old Gold (6 track EP) (Continental Song City )

(14 Jan 2013) Lady Antebellum - Own The Night World Tour [Blu-ray] (Run Time: 124 minutes) - Amazon UK

(22 Jan 2013) Gary Allan Set You Free (Humphead Records) Total Length: 46:13

(22 Jan 2013) Randy Houser How Country Feels (Stoney Creek Records) [Import]

(22 January 2013) Carrie Rodriguez - Give Me All You Got (Ninth Street Opus)

BLUEGRASS NEWS
The Grascals, will perform at the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of the American Indian on January 21st for a celebration of the Inauguration of the President of the United States. ........The Grascals are nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Bluegrass Album for Life Finds A Way (Mountain Home Music). The Grammy Awards air on CBS February 10th. (Press Release)

AUSSIE NEWS
Jack Ingram (USA), the high-octane country-rocker who cut his teeth in the Texas red-dirt country scene and emerging country/rock trio THE FARM (USA) who have been turning heads around Nashville since they burst onto the scene in 2011 with their breakout hit ‘Home Sweet Home’ will complete the huge international lineup for CMC Rocks the Hunter 2013.
Local Aussie stars, Cadd + Morris, Travis List, 8 Ball Aitken, Baylou, Tori Darke and Harry Hookey are also added to the lineup for the three-day festival, held at the beautiful Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley (NSW), over the weekend of Fri 15-Sun 17 March, 2013 - http://www.cmcrocks.com.au/

CANADIAN NEWS
Country star and hit songwriter, Colt Ford, kicks off 2013 with his first international, multi-week tour opening for country superstar, Eric Church in Canada. “The Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour” will travel from coast-to-coast from January 31 through February 23. Ford will also make his Canadian television debut Friday, February 15, performing on CTV Television Network’s national morning show, Canada AM.

NEWS
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum was a popular place to be in 2012. Museum officials announced that 564,777 people visited the Museum last year. It is the largest attendance total in the institution’s 45 year history.
We would like to thank our local, national and international visitors for such strong support,” Museum Director Kyle Young said. “Our attendance revenue last year increased more than 15% over 2011, which was also a record year. Through November 2012, our operating revenues increased by about 9% over prior year, and we expect that number to hold through December 2012.  In these challenging economic times, we don’t take this for granted.
The strong year was attributed to several factors -  We debuted a trio of popular exhibitions:  The Bakersfield Sound:  Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and California Country; Taylor Swift: Speak Now—Treasures from the World Tour and Patsy Cline: Crazy for Loving You” said Young. 

The Country Music Assn. will host its first international country marketing summit on March 1 at Disneyland Paris.
The one-day event will present panel discussions, research studies and several showcases, including an installment of the CMA Songwriters Series. The summit version will feature Wynonna and Sugarland’s Kristian Bush, along with full-time songwriters Dallas Davidson (“The One That Got Away”), Brett James (“Cowboy Casanova”) and host Bob DiPiero (“Lovin’ You Is Fun”).

Texas born and raised, Sunny Sweeney has long been heralded for her vocal prowess, and now she has added the recognition of an ACM Award nomination to her list of accolades as earlier this week Sunny was unveiled as one of the three nominees (joining Kacey Musgraves & Jana Kramer) in The Academy of Country Music Awards’ New Female Vocalist of the Year category.  Voting for the distinguished award will begin on VoteACM.com on Monday, January 21 and remain open through Feb. 4 with the winner of the category continuing on to compete for the title of New Artist of the Year Award at the 48th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards live on April 7, 2013
Getting nominated for ACM New Female Vocalist is maybe the coolest thing to happen to me,” shares Sunny. “I’ve been playing country music in honky-tonks and dive bars for almost a decade, so finally getting this kind of recognition is absolutely HUGE! -

Lee Brice, Brantley Gilbert and Hunter Hayes vie for Male and Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft and Thompson Square duel for the Duo awards at the The Academy of Country Music. Regular folk get to vote alongside its high-falutin "professional members" to decide who the top three newbies are. html

Mindy McCready has lost the man she calls her soulmate, and her son 9-month-old son, Zayne, has lost a father. McCready’s boyfriend David Wilson was found dead on Sunday morning (Jan. 13). He was 34.
The ‘Ten Thousand Angels’ singer revealed the news in a statement.
“David was my soulmate; he was a caregiver and guiding hand to our sons, Zander and Zayne,” McCready said. Zander is McCready’s first son, born to ex-boyfriend Billy McKnight.
He was a precious gift from God to all of us and, yesterday, he returned home and is now with his mother and father,” McCready continued of her late boyfriend. “David loved and he was loved. Those who knew and loved him will miss him; those who did not know David, missed the opportunity to know a truly loving and gifted man.”
It was to Wilson’s home in Arkansas that McCready retreated to when she disappeared with Zander in November 2011.
The death of Mindy McCready’s boyfriend David Wilson has been ruled a suicide, according to the New York Daily News. David apparently died shortly after authorities responded to his Arkansas home on a report of a self-inflicted gunshot.

New trio, The Henningsens continue to make history as their debut single, “American Beautiful,” races into the Top 30 this week on Country Aircheck’s airplay chart making them the first group to reach the Top 30 with their debut single in only 4 weeks. Upon its release, “American Beautiful,” broke numerous records when they received 77 combined Country Aircheck and Billboard radio adds. Their add total gave them the most first-week adds of any debut single in Country Aircheck history while also giving the trio the highest impact-week add total for a group since 1999. The stunning single also received the most out-of-the-box adds in recent Mediabase history and ties Gretchen Wilson’s 2004 Sony debut “Redneck Woman.”
“American Beautiful,” co-written by the trio and Brett Beavers, is the title track from their forthcoming debut Arista Nashville album to be released this summer. (Sony Press Release)

The Band Perry celebrated the new album’s first single, ‘Better Dig Two,’ when it was certified gold by the RIAA for selling over 700,000 copies. The song, written by Trevor Rosen, Shane McAnally and Brandy Clark is their fastest climbing single to date. In addition, the group saw ‘You Lie,’ taken from their debut album, be honored with a platinum certification. The trio hit the road with Rascal Flatts on the Changed Tour giving fans a first listen to the new tunes starting at Sioux City, IA (1/17); Tulsa, OK (1/18) and Wichita, KS (1/19)

The one-of-a-kind, award-winning CMA Music Festival takes over downtown Nashville for four days this summer, Thursday through Sunday, June 6-9, with a star-packed lineup that includes Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Carrie Underwood, and more artists to be announced soon. The Ultimate Country Music Fan Experience began in 1972 as Fan Fair, bringing 5,000 fans to Nashville’s Municipal Auditor (CMA World)

Ashley Monroe and Vince Gill (who produced Monroe’s upcoming album LIKE A ROSE, slated for release March 5) gave a preview of the project for several industry members on Monday (Jan. 14) at Jim McGuire‘s photo studio in Nashville. McGuire has taken the portraits of numerous Nashville celebrities, including Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, Chet Atkins and numerous others. Monroe’s manager John Grady (Crush Management) and Warner Music Nashville’s Peter Strickland hosted the event, welcoming Monroe and Gill to play all of the tracks from the upcoming album.

They kicked off the evening with “Two Weeks Late,” a rollicking tune that showcases Monroe’s sharp wit. Another rocker, “Monroe Suede,” highlighted her ace storytelling skills. Gill offered high praise for the singer-songwriter throughout the evening, comparing the work on Like A Rose and Monroe’s traditional leanings in the midst of a rock-oriented country music landscape to that of Emmylou Harris. Another highlight from the album is “Mornin’ After,” which Monroe penned when she was 17. The track features a vintage ‘tic toc’ bass doubling which sounds similar to a kickdrum. They followed the ballad with “Used,” a song Monroe penned after musing how many things, such as guitars, vintage clothing–and ultimately people–are better with some history behind them.
The title track, co-written with Guy Clark and Jon Randall, is a semi-autobiographical track detailing Monroe’s challenging teenage years, the loss of her father when she was 13, and her determination to rise above them. “You Got Me” features background vocals from Little Big Town and was co-written with LBT’s Karen Fairchild.

Tate Stevens the winner of Season two of Simon Cowell’s The X Factor, never finishing lower than second in the voting has signed a record deal with Syco Music/RCA Records Nashville and is currently writing and recording his debut album set to be released this spring.Tate has wasted no time finding the elite to help him with the album. He tweeted that he met Randy Houser and has been writing with John Rich since making the move to Music City. As for his experience with Rich, Stevens seems to be having a good time, if you can figure out what he means when he wrote, “We determined that Jesus did not turn the water into Dr. Pepper!”

Republic Nashville announced on Jan 17 that Cassadee Pope is a new addition of to its roster.The young singer-songwriter emerged while competing on NBC’s “The Voice” and winning the Season 3 title last December.
Chosen for Team Blake (Shelton), Pope excelled throughout the competition, displaying diverse musical tastes and talents, covering songs like Keith Urban’s “Stupid Boy,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Behind These Hazel Eyes” and Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn.”  After a performance of “Over You” – honoring her mentor and his wife, Miranda Lambert – the tune catapulted to the #1 spot on the iTunes All Genre Chart - “I am so excited to be joining the very talented Republic Nashville family. I am so passionate about my music and I couldn’t be more excited to have this amazing team to back me as I embark on this next chapter in my career,” said Pope. “Cassadee was a standout from day one and once she delivered her incredible version of Miranda Lambert’s “Over You,” I started working over my NY label partner Monte Lipman (CEO of Republic Records) to try to convince him that Cassadee belonged in Nashville,” said Big Machine Label Group President Scott Borchetta.

LeAnn Rimes talked about her new album SPITFIRE on “Entertainment Tonight” January 16, 2013 due out April 30, 2013.

No topic was off limits when LeAnn sat down exclusively with ET's Nancy O'Dell.The country superstar, whose controversial relationship with husband Eddie Cibrian has become both a blessing and a curse, tells Nancy her upcoming album Spitfire was born unexpectedly during her extra-marital affair with Eddie. In fact, a handful of infidelity themed tracks included in the album were initially written about a friend of hers while LeAnn was married to her ex, Dean Sheremet. Watch the video -  http://et.tv/SJKeJu
Continuing on with her media stops, LeAnn will perform her new single, "Borrowed", the following Tuesday, Jan 22, 2013 on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"  Curb Press Release 

Chris Young is picking up a major honor from the Country Music Association. He’ll receive the coveted Triple Play Award for his hit songs “Voices,” “Tomorrow” and “You” on January 29, 2013. The award recognizes songwriters who have written three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. The CMA has also selected Chris as a featured artist to help further the popularity of country music overseas. Chris will travel to the U.K. and Ireland in February to take part in CMA’s Songwriter Series with stops in Dublin, Belfast and London. The series will be recorded and broadcast at a later date on BBC Radio 2 - Monarch Publicity Press Release

Carrie Underwood joined Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins, the two songwriters who penned "Blown Away," at the CMA offices on Wednesday Jan 16 to celebrate their song hitting the top of the charts (US Country Airplay (Billboard). This is not the first number one song the Kear and Tompkins have penned for Underwood; they also wrote her 2006 hit "Before He Cheats." Both songwriters made Billboard's Hot Country Songwriter's list for 2012.

Taylor Swift will attend and perform the NRJ Awards at Palais des Festivals in Cannes, France on January 26th. Other performers include Alicia Keys, Carly Rae Jepsen, and Psy.

Tim McGraw announced, on Tuesday, January 15, that his Two Lanes of Freedom 2013 US Tour “will crank up” this summer in Birmingham, Ala. on May 2 and continue on to 30 cities through July. The U.S. trek, will also feature emerging artists Brantley Gilbert and Love and Theft. McGraw will release his Big Machine debut, "Two Lanes of Freedom," on Feb. 2. >> YouTube

Broken Bow’s Jason Aldean can add “actor” to his resume when he makes his big screen debut alongside Ed Harris and January Jones in Sweetwater. The film premieres at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival happening Jan. 17-27 in Park City, UT
Jason Aldean. He recently sat down with Broadway from Country 92.5 about the experience. Turns out he was originally offered a bigger part which he turned down because he doubted his acting ability - If I was gonna be bad, I wanted to be on the film as least amount of time as possible,” Jason jokes about his role in the film Sweetwater.
I play a henchmen who does a bit of the dirty work,” Jason says. “I get to shoot a couple of people and I end up getting put down as well in the film.” - www.country925.com/player/

Jason Aldean sold out every ticket at Madison Square Garden in New York City in just minutes on his 2013 NIGHT TRAIN TOUR March 2 stop. Jake Owen and Thomas Rhett will open the tour which also includes sold out shows at the University of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium (4/13), a two-night stand at Boston’s Fenway Park (7/12 and 7/13) and Chicago’s Wrigley Field (7/20).

Lady Antebellum will share the stage with Rock and roll icon Stevie Nicks when CMT presents an all-new episode of CMT CROSSROADS. Meeting and collaborating for the first time on the CMT Crossroads stage in Los Angeles, Nicks and Lady Antebellum will share harmonies and stories on CMT Crossroads: Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum premiering later this year on CMT. Neither the air date nor the date of taping has been announced. In the process, Lady A becomes the second band to align with a Fleetwood Mac member for a “Crossroads” episode. Little Big Town joined with Lindsey Buckingham for a 2006 edition.

Save A Horse, Thank A Cowboy: Speaking of animal rescues, Luke Bryan helped save a horse named Misty that fell into Tennessee's Harpeth River. Bryan and a friend were boating on the river when they saw the horse in trouble and notified the owners.  "It was a blessing," said Misty's owner Janet McCormick.

Bill Anderson, Jean Shepard, Mandy Barnett, The Grascals and The American Three are among the celebrities set to perform at Gone But Not Forgotten, a three-day event that kicks off Thursday, February 28th, in Camden, Tennessee and runs through Saturday, March 2nd. The event honours Grand Ole Opry greats Cowboy Copas, Patsy Cline and Hawkshaw Hawkins, along with their pilot, Randy Hughes who died in March of 1963. In addition to star-studded performances each night, it will also feature a museum-quality exhibit of historical artifacts, a celebrity panel that will reminisce about the lives and careers of Cline, Hawkins, and Copas, and a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of the four souls lost that tragic day.

Alan Jackson will headline the 5th Annual Stars Go Blue benefit at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium March 20. Proceeds from the concert will benefit the Colon Cancer Alliance’s Blue Note Fund. His wife, Denise, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer in December 2010

We Loved You In Friday Night Lights: Chris Young and Brantley Gilbert make cameo appearances playing themselves alongside fictional characters Rayna James (Connie Britton) and Juliette Barnes (Hayden Panettiere) in an upcoming episode (Jan. 23) of ABC's Nashville. The plot includes a party celebrating the success of “Wrong Song,” a Britton/Panettiere duet featured on the series’ soundtrack.

New acts Justin Moore and Josh Thompson have been mentioned in an indictment of three Blackfeet tribal leaders charged with hosting illegal big-game hunts in Montana for a film crew and several country stars including Justin and Josh

At Miranda Lambert's store, ‘The Pink Pistol,’ last week customers were told when they walked in if they wanted a picture with Miranda it would cost $100 but the money would go to PAWS - her charity for homeless dogs. Miranda also lets fans paint their names and where they’re from on the cement floor of her store.

George Strait, kicked-off the first of 21 tour stops on his 2013 The Cowboy Rides Away Tour in Lubbock, Texas at United Spirit Arena on January 18, 2013 with special guest Martina McBride.  An audience of 15,326 was afforded what will soon be a rare occurrence--seeing Strait and his Ace In The Hole Band live in concert. The evening began for many with a VIP reception in the aptly named “The King’s Tavern” which features multiple traveling memorabilia cases on display as part of “The King’s Exhibit” with featured items ranging from Dusty Chandler’s jacket, Strait's lead character in Pure Country, to his Country Music Hall of Fame medallion from his November 2006 induction. For set list/More Info - EB Media Press

Blake Lively: Blake Shelton will start his Ten Times Crazier tour in Virginia Beach, VA July 19. “My fans, Country radio, friends, family, you name it - they know I love to perform," he says. "With The Voice schedule, I was not able to go out and perform as much as I wanted last year but I plan to make up for it this year." Jana Kramer and Easton Corbin will open - www.blakeshelton.com

Ronnie Dunn, Sonny Curtis and Roger Miller will be inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters Association Hall Of Fame on March 3. Dunn and Curtis will perform along with Toby Keith, Jack Ingram and Larry Gatlin at the institution's eighth annual event in Austin

Taylor Swift was not the award winner at the Sunday night (Jan 13) Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills as Adele picked up the award for Best Original Song for "Skyfall," the James Bond blockbuster of the same name. Tay, 23, was up for the award for "Safe and Sound," her track from The Hunger Games. 
Credit: Michael Kovac/
Getty; Jeff Vespa/WireImage.com

Nicole Kidman's hubby, Keith Urban, also failed to win a Golden Globe for a song he wrote for the war film Act of Valor. The other nominees were Jon Bon Jovi (Not Running Anymore for the movie Stand Up Guys) and Claude-Michel Schonberg (Suddenly for Les Miserables).
Watch Taylor’s interview with Ryan Seagrave >> YouTube

Taylor loses to Adele watch her reaction - www.usmagazine.com
 


BABY NEWS
There is a new Lucy Angel! Lindsay Anderton from the all female family trio Lucy Angel became a first time mommy giving birth to a little baby girl Lindsay McCartney Blaze Smith weighing 8lb 12 oz (photo).
The Daddy is Anthony Smith (Record Producer/Musician/Songwriter/Singer/Beer Can Collector). Smith’s grown son Christian and wife Christina have already given him a beautiful granddaughter named Lilli. Anthony writes: My entire family....Smiths and Anderton's are the best people I know. So much love. It's more than An ole hillbilly like me deserves. But I am so so so thankful. ;-) . I think it will be really something to see my granddaughter and my daughter growing up together and playing....chokes me up thinking about it

Lady A's Hillary Scott will have her first child in July and she’ll also find out ahead of time if it’s a boy or a girl. Bandmates Charles and Dave say they’ll record her unborn child’s heartbeat to use on their album, out this spring.

Jessica Simpson is said to be expecting a baby boy. The 32-year-old singer announced her pregnancy with fiancé Eric Johnson on Christmas Day, and it looks like eight-month-old daughter Maxwell will be welcoming a brother into the family.

Esther O’Connor and husband Tim, from the Glasgow band Ashton Lane will have a baby coming in April this year!
Esther & Tim O'Connor

Esther Tweets: The baby due in April and we know she is a wee girl! Graeme going to be Papa G lol! Esther’s Dad is Graeme Duffin from the legendary 80’s/90’s band WET WET WET


SINGLE / ALBUM/ DVD NEWS
Kenny Chesney will add a new album to his impressive discography with the release of his yet untitled, new album on Blue Chair/Columbia Nashville Records label on April 30. “It's gonna be an amazing summer and I'm really excited to bring some new music to No Shoes Nation,” said Chesney....Sony Press Release
Chesney also announced 28 new US dates for his 2013 'No Shoes Nation' Tour, making it one of the year's biggest tours, see

Bluegrass singer-songwriter Becky Schlegel announced the arrival of her latest project; "Becky Schlegel Live at the Midwest Country Theater" DVD  ( $30.00 + Shipping - Link )

Carrie Rodriguez’s fifth solo album GIVE ME ALL YOU GOT, out Tuesday (Jan. 22) on Ninth Street Opus, finds the sultry singer-songwriter and fiddle player operating in a new state of mind. “In the last couple of years, I’ve made a lot of life changes,” Rodriguez tells CMT Edge.I left New York City and moved back to my hometown of Austin, Texas. It was easier for me to hole up in my house, move slow and take two hours to drink my coffee.”
Hear Carrie’s New Album in Full and check out all her US 2013 Tour dates at - www.americansongwriter.com
She shares; “For the first time, I feel that the passionate spirit of my live show has truly been captured in a studio album. The experienced and artful producer Lee Townsend led the way, and I was surrounded by my closest friends, who have shared many miles and much music with me over the years. We made this record with our hearts open and our eyes closed. I hope you enjoy listening.” Key Tracks: "Whiskey Runs Thicker Than Blood", "I Cry For Love" and "Lake Harriet" sound like the best picks

PRESS RELEASES
Canadian Country music artist, Crystal Shawanda, has been selected to perform during the Native Nations Inaugural Ball, which takes place at The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on the evening of the Presidential Inauguration, January 21, 2013. This event will not only celebrate this historic civic event, but will also serve as a fundraiser for the museum in its effort to produce educational programs relevant to Tribal Nations issues.
To Native Americans, music is everything,” says Shawanda, who is a member of the Ojibway tribe. “It's our history, our dance, and used to remember important events. I hope that my music on this historic evening with help honor and celebrate the inauguration of the nation’s 44th President.”
Born on the Wikwemikong Native Reservation on Canada's Manitoulin Island in Ontario, Crystal Shawanda was automatically country, joined to the land and the real stories of everyday people. Her debut album DAWN OF A NEW DAY was Billboard's highest charting album by a Native American in history, and sold over 400,000 copies (Webster & Associates Press)

Rural Rhythm Records is proud to present a special event album GOD DIDN’T CHOOSE SIDES: Civil War True Stories About Real People. The album release date is February 12 on Abraham Lincoln’s birthday (Press Release)

THE LONE BELLOW, hailing from Brooklyn via south of the Mason-Dixon, has signed to Descendant Records, a division of Sony Music Entertainment. Their self-titled album was released to iTunes and independent retailers on January 15th with a wide release on January 22nd. Additionally, “Bleeding Out” was iTunes “Single of the Week” the week of the 15th.Featuring lead singer and principal songwriter Zach Williams; singer and mandolin player Kanene Pipkin, and guitarist Brian Elmquist, The Lone Bellow have made a name for themselves with their acclaimed live shows in New York and across the country during their stint opening for The Civil Wars

A-Blake Records recording artist Jason Cassidy is releasing his latest single, "Blame It On Waylon" (>> Video) to radio stations in Texas on January 21 and nationally on January 28. It was written by Josh Thompson and Rhett Akins and produced by Greg Hunt  (Rosewood Studios, Tyler, Texas). (aBlake Records Press Release)

Legendary artists Billy Ray Cyrus and Don Williams have returned to the talent agency they first called home, APA. Steve Lassiter, Senior VP, said: “We are thrilled to have Billy Ray Cyrus and Don Williams back into the APA family of artists and very excited about the opportunities that lie ahead” (Webster & Associates Press)

Charley Pride is to perform at 2013 Black Tie & Boots Inaugural Ball held at the Gaylord National Resort on Saturday, January 19in the nation's capital, and sponsored by the Texas State Society of Washington, D.C.The event is expected to draw more than 15,000 guests and will also feature a number of other performers including Radney Foster and Asleep At The Wheel. “I am pleased and honored to be a part of this event that celebrates President Obama and the start of his second term in office—it’s truly wonderful to be asked to perform,” says Pride. Read the Absolute Publicity Press Release for further details and Pride’s U.S and Canada 2013 dates.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store celebrates a No. 1 Billboard debut this week with their exclusive music program's latest release, TIMELESS HITS FROM THE PAST BLUEGRASSED, recorded by legendary bluegrass band, Russell Moore & IIIrd Tyme Out. The album, made up of classic country hits re-recorded in the band's signature bluegrass style, gives a modern flare to the popular music originally recorded by Elvis, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and Tammy Wynette, among others. "We're thrilled to have this album debut on the Billboard Top Current Bluegrass Albums chart," says Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager Julie Craig. "We hope this album, recorded by one of the most acclaimed bands in the bluegrass genre, will become a true musical staple that people will treasure for years to come." - East Public Relations Press

Craig Campbell traveled to Australia with a full schedule during his second trip Down Under, including several performances at the Tamworth Festival and taking part in the 41st CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia on January 26th.
In celebration of his headlining performance at the Tamworth Festival, ABC Music / Universal Music Australia are releasing a deluxe edition of his previously released self-titled album, which includes bonus material as well as Campbell's new single "Outta My Head." - Monarch Publicity

The T.J. Martell Foundation announced that award-winning country music duo Montgomery Gentry will return as Celebrity Hosts of the 5th annual Country on the Beach event on October 5-8, 2013 at the beautiful Reach Resort (Waldorf-Astoria Collection) in Key West, FL. They will be joined this year by country music artist Darryl Worley, singer/songwriter Ray Scott, David Adam Byrnes, and more will be announced - Digital Rodeo.com Press

ARTICLES
Rolling Stone - Kris Kristofferson Explores Mortality on New Album  ….His latest album, FEELING MORTAL, gets its American release on January 29th, contains some of the singer-songwriter's most raw and poignant material yet 'The truth is, we're all gonna die. Well, maybe I won't'

INTERVIEWS
Taylor Swift was recently interviewed by Go Country radio on Jan 16. She talked about her win at the People’s Choice Awards, performing on the Grammys, the success of Red, and more. You can listen to the full interview - soundcloud.com

BOOKS
Bestselling author Lisa Scottoline writes: The amazing Faith Hill just posted this photo and comment about my book LOOK AGAIN on her Facebook and Twitter page! She said, "Just finished this book today.. a MUST read.. I couldn't put it down.
If anyone has read it or reads it let me know what ya think." WOW! I'm so honored because I admire her so much, as an artist and a person! Isn't she the best?
** Faith herself was adopted as a small baby.




LISTEN
Pushed for time? Bookmark Music City USA News Minute with Tammy Swanson, a Monday to Friday 1 minute daily snapshot bulletin at http://soundcloud.com/musiccityminute


FREE DOWNLOAD

Florida Georgia Line, the chart topping duo comprised of Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are offering a Free Download presented by TurboTax® .Blurb: Florida Georgia Line.—has combined eclectic beats with honest lyrics to create a new sound that’s electrifying to country fans.

Enjoy this free download of their latest country radio single “Get Your Shine On" at www.countryweekly.com
Right Click and Save to receive your 320kbps MP3, Hurry while it lasts!
FGL wrote it with Rodney Clawson (“Drunk on You”) and Chris Tompkins (“Blown Away”) at the publishing company’s Music Row offices about a year ago.
The first verse has a woman whose lips shimmer with strawberry lipstick and a silver belt buckle to create a shiny flash; the bridge uses moonshine as a pick-me-up as that same woman puts on a shiny, happy attitude. In addition, there’s a reference to rock band Shinedown, the nighttime stars are described as a “summer sky drippin’ rhinestones,” and the second verse makes note of the “chrome piece tucked in the console.”
In the end, the title “Get Your Shine On” captures the informal voice of the audience Florida Georgia Line is trying to reach.
They come in with great ideas,” Clawson says, “and it’s coming from a place that speaks to their generation, the 20- to 25-year-old crowd, the language they use and everything.” Ultimately, the title is so natural, so familiar, that it could make a bid to become part of the everyday cultural vernacular.“‘Get your shine on’ sounds like something that’s on a bumper sticker or a billboard,” writer Chris Tompkins says. “It’s the new ‘Shit happens.’”

Holly Williams is offering an exclusive EP Introduction Download at noisetrade.com (for an email share)
Recommended for Fans Of The Civil Wars, John Prine, Kasey Musgraves, Patty Griffin, Lucinda Williams
It includes 3 acoustic songs from the upcoming album ("Gone Away from Me", "Drinkin'" and "Waiting on June"), one acoustic version of a track from her last release HERE WITH ME, a Tom Waits cover and a song "Without You" , Track 6 from the new album THE HIGHWAY (Georgiana Records) released on 5 Feb 2013
The critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Holly, granddaughter of legendary Hank Williams, is back with her 3rd album and strongest set of songs to date. Billboard called her last release (Here With Me) "one of the best singer/songwriter albums to come out of Nashville", USA Today hailed her as a "dream blend of Dusty Springfield and Lucinda Williams" and People magazine loves her "milk and whiskey kissed singing". Her last release was followed up by extensive touring throughout the US and Europe along with spots on Conan O' Brien, Jimmy Kimmel, Craig Ferguson, Chelsea Handler, Jools Holland (BBC), and numerous other media outlets. She teamed up with veteran producer Charlie Peacock (The Civil Wars) to make this album and wrote or co-wrote every song on the record. Jackson Browne, Jakob Dylan, Dierks Bentley, and Gwyneth Paltrow are a few of her friends who showed up to add backing harmonies.

WATCH
Train & Ashley Monroe gave a wonderful live acoustic performance of "Bruises" from - The Big 98 WSIX

Ashley Monroe performs "Like A Rose," the title track (co-written with Guy Clark and Jon Randall Stewart) to her upcoming solo album, in which Vince Gill produced. Opry member Vince Gill joins Ashley on stage at the Opry for the song  >> YouTube

Angela Hesse’s Official music videoBurn Baby Burn" is a sultry soulful country song. Described as soulful sound, melody, and instrumentation is a little different than anything on current radio >> YouTube

Clayton Bellamy Official video “Straight Into The Sun”. A veteran in the country music industry with a career spanning over 15 years, Clayton Bellamy is a true renaissance man; award winning musician, family man and even Motorcross racing star, once ranking 4th in Canada. Originally from rural Bonnyville, Alberta. His career accolades include Best Country Recording, a four time Canadian Country Music Award winner, and SOCAN Songwriter of the Year. >> YouTube

Rodney Crowell "God I'm Missing You" : Americana Sessions >>  YouTube . Written by Lucinda Williams it appears on the album KIN - Songs By Mary Karr & Rodney Crowell available on UK iTunes

Miley Cyrus, The Backyard Sessions, "Jolene" . The "Backyard Sessions" took place earlier last summer when Miley brought her band together to perform some of her favorite songs >> YouTube

Carnival Music’s newcomer Brent Cobb has a new installment of his “The Fireside Sessions,” with Brent’s fan favorite tune, “Diggin’ Holes,” co-written by himself and Casey Wood. The Ellaville, Georgia native’s witty and spirited song comes to life
 >> YouTube

Mark Blomsteel is a singer/songwriter born and raised in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Check out highlights of his 2012 Tour
At The Isala Theatre near Rotterdam >> YouTube

COUNTRY FASHION
Julianne Hough was in full princess mode at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards held in Beverly Hills on Sunday night (Jan 13).
The actress and country singer wore a Monique Lhuillier Pre-Fall 2013 gown.
Her white tulle gown with gold sparkling embellishments featured a glittering illusion neckline and voluminous ruffled skirt.
Julianne Hough

Julianne explained to E! that she wanted to add a bit more edge via her Salvatore Ferragamo clutch and intricate earrings made out of an actual fossilized beetle. She wore Jerome C. Rousseau Zell platform sandals, these heels are one-of-a-kind featuring bone leather and chain link embellishment under the heel.
Between this beautiful Monique Lhuillier embellished gown and her adorable People’s Choice Award dress, Julianne is off to fashionably fantastic 2013! She also wore a one-of-a-kind Julianne ear cuff by Daniela Villegas and carried a purple Salvatore Ferragamo Melina clutch. (See Fashion Pic)

Julianne changed out of her Monique Lhuillier gown into something more party-practical when she hit up the Fox Searchlight 2013 Golden Globe Awards Party, the Warner Bros. and InStyle Golden Globe Awards After Party, and The Weinstein Company’s 2013 Golden Globe Awards party on Sunday evening with boyfriend Ryan Seacrest.
Wearing her second Jenny Packham gown of the weekend, her petal-pink short-sleeve silk gown features satin panels and beaded shoulders, which gave the look an edge to work with her rockabilly hairstyle. Smoky eyes provided the finishing touches - Fashion Pic

Skyfall’ songstress Adele made her return to the red carpet at the 2013 Golden Globe Awards, hosted at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. The new mum clad her curves in a black, boatneck Burberry number with lace detail and a bracelet sleeve; it was nothing if not sophisticated and classy. With her signature heightened hair, cat-lined eyes and red talon nails in place,  Adele completed her look with diamond Cartier & Van Cleef and Arpels Cartier jewels and a pair of Miu Miu heels.  (Fashion Pic)

Taylor Swift continued her flawless Harry Styles breakup tour at the 70th Annual 2013 Golden Globe Awards following her gorgeous appearance at the People’s Choice Awards, the ‘Best Original Song’ nominee wore Donna Karan Atelier gown.
Taylor Swift
70th Annual Golden Globe
Donna Karan Atelier

Her body contouring dark-plum colour taffeta gown with a sexy low back and dramatic train was a winning look..
She wore Rene Caovilla peep-toe shoes and accessorized with Lorraine Schwartz jewelry & an Oroton bag. A sleek Grace Kelly-inspired updo and stunning blackened platinum, diamond and ruby earrings complete the “Safe & Sound” singers look.
And while the fitted plum number showed off Taylor's slim figure, it also revealed a bit too much with the cutaway sides giving a glimpse of her stick-on bra underneath - www.dailymail.co.uk  (report and pictures)
Single looks good on Miss Swift – Fashion Pic
Taylor’s René Caovilla pumps featured burgundy satin and Swarovski crystal looped bow. A similar style by Caovilla is available online in white satin at The Corner- http://srz.me/thecornertaylorsimilar

COUNTRY GOSSIP
Adele says her music will be happier now that she's loved-up with charity boss Simon Konecki.
The singer's first two albums were inspired by break-ups with ex-boyfriends but she's now got Simon, 37, and their three-month-old son to pen tracks about. 'My inspiration normally comes from heartbreak but I don't think I am going to have to get devastated again to write,' says Adele, 24. She has mentioned that she’d like to record a Bluegrass album.
On expanded editions of her Album of the Year, “21”, Adele included a bonus track, a Steeldrivers’ song written by Chris Stapleton, If It Hadn’t Been For Love. In Feb 2012 she told The Sun Newspaper – “I was exposed to a lot of country, rockabilly, and bluegrass because I was touring for such a long time. The melodies and to-the-point lyrics I have found in a lot of American styles of music is definitely something I’m going to be pursuing heavily from now on. I want to spend some time in Austin in Texas, and in Nashville, Tennessee, and learn about it.”

Taylor Swift played down her rivalry with Michael J. Fox after the actor seemingly told her to stay away from his son Sam.
Taylor took to Twitter to reveal that Michael J. Fox has reached out, and she insists the pair ''are good.'' Their feud followed Tina Fey and Amy Poehler's skit at the Golden Globes last week when they warned the 'I Knew You Were Trouble' hit-maker away from Michael's son Sam. The 'Back To The Future' star was asked about the singer in an interview with Vulture.com, and whether he'd allow her to date his son.

Taylor Swift US singer had plans for a romantic city break in Venice with ex Harry Styles as a treat for his 19th birthday next month. She was planning to surprise the ONE DIRECTION star with five nights at the posh Palazzina Grassi on the Grand Canal.
Harry only found out about it last week — and is now feeling even worse about the whole relationship going pear-shaped.
He has since organised a trip to Las Vegas with Justin Bieber — which could suggest that gondola action might not have floated his boat anyway. A source said: “Taylor organised an all-expenses-paid trip before the split.“She even arranged a private gondola for them for the entire time they would be there.”  Read more: The Sun

Carrie Underwood graces the cover of the latest issue of Allure and in the cover story, talks candidly about her marriage to hockey star Mike Fisher. While she’s not afraid to sing anti-love songs like “Good Girl” and “Before He Cheats,” she thinks she understands why women sometimes give men the power in a relationship.

We want that person to be everything we’ve always wanted,” she said. “If they’re not Prince Charming, we try to make them Prince Charming. But Prince Charming does exist! I found one.”
As with any high profile celebrity marriage, Carrie knows all eyes are on her and Mike. The couple spends a lot of time apart due to their demanding careers but she feels completely confident in Mike to uphold their vows.

Martina McBride says her favorite comfort foods include peanut butter on a spoon right out of the jar, mac and cheese, tomato soup with grilled cheese and chili with cinnamon rolls.

PHOTO
Country single Teea Goans, who was a cover feature for Country Music People in Sept 2012 was looking through some old photos and found her first publicity shot...oh, the 80's - Facebook Photo