News And Notes
May 21

Kenny Chesney Featured in Entertainment Weekly Spread

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Kenny Chesney is featured in the current issue of Entertainment Weekly. He went three rounds with the magazine, discussing everything from discipline and focus and playing poker with Willie Nelson to the impact the family of Lynette Rice, a Sandy Hook victim, had on him.

Read our review of Kenny Chesney’s Life On A Rock >>

“The fact they literally wrote ‘No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problems’ in black sharpie on her casket,” Kenny said. “You never know whose life you’re touching with music. You get so caught up in recording…you’re always onto something else, right? You forget songs matter and they live with people. They are a real close part of their lives.” Continue Reading

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Posted at 3:12 pm | Permalink
May 21

Darius Rucker Readies True Believers

Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker photo by Jim Wright courtesy of Essential Broadcast Media.

Darius Rucker is set to release his third country album, True Believers, today. The album, produced by Frank Rogers, features his hit single “Wagon Wheel” which was just certified platinum. He’ll celebrate the release with performances on ABC’s Good morning America on May 21 and Jimmy Kimmel Live on May 22.

Read our album review of True Believers >>

“I could not be more proud of this album, and I can’t wait for the fans to hear it,” Darius said. ““They have always been my ‘true believers,’ and I hope they love the new music as much as I do.” Continue Reading

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Posted at 2:03 pm | Permalink
May 21

Wynonna Judd Returns to Dancing With The Stars Finale Tonight

Wynonna Judd

Dancing With The Stars Cast. Photo courtesy of Good Morning America, photo by ABC/Rick Rowell.

Wynonna Judd will take one more spin around the ballroom when she returns to ABC’s Dancing With The Stars on Tuesday, May 21, for the two-hour season finale airing live on ABC at 9/8c. Wynonna, who was eliminated from the show earlier this season, will dance along with her fellow celebrity cast members, including DWTS finalist and fellow country star, Kellie Pickler. Wynonna will also perform “I Want To Know What Love Is.”

“I said it while I was on the show, ‘I’m a singer, not a dancer,’ and now I’m looking forward to sharing my gift, seeing all my friends and having a blast, closing out this exciting chapter of my life,” she said. Continue Reading

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Posted at 11:02 am | Permalink
May 21

Chely Wright Gives Birth to Twin Boys

Chely Wright, Lauren Blizer Wright

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/chelywright.

Congratulations to Chely Wright and her wife, music executive Lauren Blitzer Wright, on the birth of their twin boys!

According to People magazine, the twins were born Saturday, May 18 and were named George Samuel and Everett Joseph after their great-grandfathers. Although they weren’t due until this summer, a rep for Chely says the babies are doing well. Continue Reading

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Posted at 10:36 am | Permalink
May 21

Country Stars Offer Thoughts & Prayers for Moore, Oklahoma

Toby Keith

Toby Keith photo courtesy of Show Dog-Universal Music.

In the wake of the devastating tornado that tore through Moore, Oklahoma Monday afternoon, country stars, many of whom are from Oklahoma, are offering their thoughts and prayers. Toby Keith grew up in the town of Moore and was deeply affected by the storm.

“This storm has devastated the community that I grew up in,” he said. “I rode my bike through those neighborhoods. I have family and friends in Moore. My heart and prayers go to those that have lost so much. But Moore is strong and we will persevere. God be with you all.”

Carrie Underwood, from Checotah, Oklahoma, sent her thoughts and prayers through Twitter. “I’m thinking about and praying for my beautiful home state and the people in it tonight,” she wrote.

Reba, born and raised in McAlester, Oklahoma, also took to Twitter to offer her support. “All my prayers go out to the folks in Oklahoma dealing with these tornados. Stay safe everyone!!!!” she tweeted.

Blake Shelton, a native Oklahoman, and wife Miranda Lambert who now calls Oklahoma home, sent well wishes through Twitter. “Just landed in LA and hearing about all the tornados in Oklahoma right now… Get somewhere safe!!!” Blake tweeted. “Pray. That’s all we can do. Pray for peace for Oklahoma,” Miranda wrote. Continue Reading

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Posted at 9:19 am | Permalink
May 20

American Idol’s Kree Harrison to Make Grand Ole Opry Debut June 4

Kree Harrison

LOS ANGELES, CA- MAY 16: ‘American Idol’ finalist Kree Harrison arrives at FOX’s ‘American Idol’ Grand Finale at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on May 16, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jeffrey Mayer/WireImage)

American Idol runner-up Kree Harrison has been added to the lineup for the Grand Ole Opry’s two shows kicking off CMA Music Festival Week in June 4. “I’m speechless,” Kree said. “It has been my lifelong dream to perform at the Grand Ole Opry. I am so honored to be invited!” Kree’s debut single “All Cried Out,” is available now at iTunes.

Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts and Keith Urban, as well as Lennon and Maisy Stella from ABC’s Nashville are also set to perform on June 4. Lee Brice and Tyler Farr will kick things off earlier in the afternoon during an Opry Plaza Party. Continue Reading

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Posted at 2:19 pm | Permalink
May 20

GAC Album Review: Darius Rucker’s True Believers

Darius Rucker's 2013 album True Believers

Darius Rucker’s 2013 album True Believers. Photo courtesy of Capitol Records Nashville.

As his current single, “Wagon Wheel,” takes its place at the top of the country music charts, singer/songwriter Darius Rucker is releasing his third solo album for Capitol Records Nashville. True Believers, the follow up to his 2010 gold-certified record, Charleston, SC 1966, is a 12-song set once again showing that this man can craft and deliver a hook.

Darius catapulted to stardom in 1994 with the release of Cracked Rear View, the 16-times platinum debut by his first band Hootie & the Blowfish. Nearly 20 years later, Darius still maintains a prominent position in popular music, a feat nearly impossible without the ability to consistently grow as well as give fans what they want. On True Believers, in stores May 21, Darius manages to do both.

Continue Reading

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Posted at 2:00 pm | Permalink
May 20

Trace Adkins Wins All-Star Celebrity Apprentice

Trace Adkins

NEW YORK, NY – MAY 19: Trace Adkins attends ‘All Star Celebrity Apprentice’ Finale at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 19, 2013 in New York City. (Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images)

Congratulations to Trace Adkins, who took home the title of All-Star Celebrity Apprentice last night during the finale of the Donald Trump reality TV show.

The Tennessean reports Trace’s final challenge was to create a flavor of ice cream for Walgreen’s, film a commercial promoting it and host an ice cream social. During the run of the show, Trace raised $564,000 for his charity, the American Red Cross. Read the complete article HERE.

Trace is GAC’s Artist of the Month! Check out exclusive interviews, videos, photos and more and read our review of his new album here. Continue Reading

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Posted at 1:49 pm | Permalink
May 20

Taylor Swift Dominates Billboard Music Awards

Taylor Swift

Singer Taylor Swift holds her eight trophies in the press room during the 2013 Billboard Music Awards at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 19, 2013. AFP PHOTO / ROBYN BECK (Photo credit should read ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images)

The 2013 Billboard Music Awards belonged to Taylor Swift. She took home eight trophies, including Top Artist and Top Billboard 200 album for Red, making her the night’s big winner. Nominated in 11 categories, she was also named Top Digital Songs Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Song for “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” and Top Country Album, for Red.

Photos from the 2013 Billboard Music Awards >>

While most of Taylor’s wins came in a pre-telecast announcement, she accepted the trophy for Top Billboard 200 Album during the live broadcast. After thanking her family, whom she called her ‘best friends,’ she paid tribute to her fans. “You are the longest and best relationship I ever had,” she said before leaving the stage. Continue Reading

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Posted at 1:27 pm | Permalink
May 20

Kenny Chesney Sings “Happy Birthday” to George Strait During Milwaukee Show

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Chesney photo courtesy of Sony Music Nashville.

Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Nation Tour stopped at Miller Stadium in Milwaukee over the weekend and gave fans a show they won’t soon forget. With a sold-out crowd of 43, 314 in attendance, Kenny debuted “When I See This Bar,” a song from his Life On A Rock album, and brought tour mate Eric Church out to sing it with him.

Read our review of Kenny Chesney’s Life On A Rock >>

“’When I See This Bar’ is the kind of song you have to have lived,” Kenny said. “Most people do, they just never step back and realize what all those lost nights, afternoon beers and friendships really mean. They make you who are, get you through tough things and get you laughing… Obviously, “When I See This Bar” is important to me; I know Eric’s been there, too, and knows that power of place, so it was great to get him up there.” Continue Reading

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Posted at 10:30 am | Permalink

Headline Country

Take a trip inside the world of country music with host Storme Warren! Watch full episodes of Headline Country now.