Artist Updates: Brad Paisley, Sam Hunt, Craig Morgan

Brad Paisley Salutes Jimmy Dickens

Brad Paisley made a surprise appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Jan. 2) in honor of one of his best friends, Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmy Dickens. Dickens passed away on Jan. 2, 2015, at the age of 94.

Paisley shared stories about the Opry legend, including a memory from the first time the two friends went fishing together. Paisley ended the night with a medley of Dickens’ favorites, including “Country Boy,” “Out Behind The Barn,” “May The Bird Of Paradise Fly Up Your Nose,” and “Mountain Dew.”

Dickens was the longest-running member of the Opry, joining in 1948. He last performed on the Opry on Dec. 20, 2014, singing “Out Behind The Barn” and delivering his trademark comedy.

 

Sam Hunt Returning to ‘Late Night With Seth Meyers’

Sam Hunt will sing “Break Up in a Small Town” on NBC’s Late Night with Seth Meyers on Wednesday night (Jan. 6). Hunt made his national television debut on Meyers’ show in September 2014 when he performed his debut single, “Leave the Night On,” from his first major label album release, Montevallo.

In December, Hunt earned his first-ever Grammy nominations with nods in the all-genre Best New Artist category and in the Best Country Album category for Montevallo.

 

Craig Morgan Receives AutoZone Liberty Bowl Honor

Craig Morgan received the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s Outstanding Achievement Award at the President’s Gala in Memphis, Tennessee, on Jan. 1. Each year, this award is presented in recognition of excellence in the field of music and entertainment, as well as service to the community. Morgan also headlined the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Halftime Show on Saturday (Jan. 2) as Arkansas beat Kansas State 45-23. The sold-out game was seen live by more than 60,000 fans and aired on ESPN.