Zac Brown Band To Launch Black Out The Sun Tour In May

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band

Zac Brown Band will launch its sixth headlining US concert tour on May 19 in Hartford, Connecticut. The 26-date tour will welcome Drake White & The Big Fire as direct support. The tour will include stops at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, Pennsylvania, Austin360 Amphitheater, Boston’s Fenway Park, Minneapolis’ Target Field, and more.

Prior to kicking off their 2016 tour, Zac Brown Band’s Southern Ground Music & Food Festival returns to Charleston, South Carolina for its fifth year on April 16-17. Headliners include Tedeschi Trucks Band and Thomas Rhett with additional performances by Michael Franti & Spearhead, Kacey Musgraves, Hunter Hayes, Marshall Tucker Band and more.

Zac Brown Band is represented by ROAR, a Beverly Hills-based talent and brand management company. The band is also represented by CAA, public relations firm Shore Fire Media and strategic digital marketing agency Girlilla Marketing.

ZAC BROWN BAND’S BLACK OUT THE SUN TOUR DATES:

May 19: Hartford, Connecticut / XFINITY Theatre
May 20: Camden, New Jersey / BB&T Pavilion
May 21: Burgettstown, Pennsylvania / First Niagara Pavilion
May 22: Noblesville, Indiana / Klipsch Music Center
May 27: Kansas City, Missouri / Sprint Center
May 28: Minneapolis, Minnesota / Target Field
June 3: Mountain View, California / Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 4: Irvine, California / Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre
June 5: Inglewood, California / The Forum
June 24: Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio / Blossom Music Center
June 25: East Troy, Wisconsin / Alpine Valley Music Theatre
June 26: East Troy, Wisconsin / Alpine Valley Music Theatre
July 1: Cincinnati, Ohio / Riverbend Music Center
July 2: Clarkston, Michigan / DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 3: Darien Center, New York / Darien Lake Performing Arts Center
July 21: Syracuse, New York / Lakeview Amphitheater
July 22: Bethel, New York / Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
July 23: Hershey, Pennsylvania / Hersheypark Stadium
Aug. 12: Houston, Texas / Minute Maid Park
Aug. 13: Dallas, Texas / Gexa Energy Pavilion
Aug. 14: Austin, Texas / Austin360 Amphitheater
Aug. 19: Flushing, New York / Citi Field
Aug. 20: Boston, Massachusetts / Fenway Park
Aug. 21: Boston, Massachusetts / Fenway Park
Sept. 2: Bristow, Virgina / Jiffy Lube Live
Sept. 3: Saratoga Springs, New York / Saratoga Performing Arts Center

In Photos: Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Granger Smith, Sierra Black

Erik Johnson (PD/KXKT - Omaha, Nebraska) poses with Blake Shelton prior to a sold-out concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday (Feb. 25).

Erik Johnson (PD/KXKT – Omaha, Nebraska) poses with Blake Shelton prior to a sold-out concert in Lincoln, Nebraska, on Thursday (Feb. 25).

While on tour in Pennsylvania this week, Carrie Underwood visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation where she was interviewed by and met patients at the Foundation’s Seacrest Studios.

While on tour in Pennsylvania this week, Carrie Underwood visited the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation where she was interviewed by and met patients at the Foundation’s Seacrest Studios.

Granger Smith (center) goofs around with  at his hometown station in Austin -IHEART's KASE promoting his new release REMINGTON out on 3/4. VP of programming Travis Moon & MD Bob Pickett

Granger Smith (center) goofs around with his hometown station in Austin, Texas, iHeart’s KASE. Flanked by VP of Programming Travis Moon (L) and MD Bob Pickett, Smith is promoting his March 4 release, Remington.

OMG Entertainment’s Sierra Black is finishing up the recording of her debut album, featuring the single, "Heart on Ice." Pictured (L-R): Producer Michael Omartian, Sierra Black, and producer Tom Hemby.

OMG Entertainment’s Sierra Black is finishing up the recording of her debut album, featuring her new single, “Heart on Ice.” Pictured (L-R): Producer Michael Omartian, Sierra Black, and producer Tom Hemby.

Trisha Yearwood Adds Voice To ‘The Passion: New Orleans’

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood

Trisha Yearwood has recorded five tracks for the soundtrack for The Passion, which airs Palm Sunday, March 20.

On March 18 Deep Well Records/Virgin Records will release the soundtrack The Passion: New Orleans.  The soundtrack also features performances from cast members Yearwood who portrays Mary, the mother of Jesus, as well as Jencarlos Canela (Jesus Christ), Chris Daughtry (Judas), Prince Royce (Peter), and Seal (Pontius Pilate), plus special guests Yolanda Adams, Shane Harper (disciple) and Michael W. Smith (disciple).

The Passion tells the story of the last hours of Jesus Christ’s life on earth through passages from the Bible and a variety of well-known pop songs, sung by the cast. All of the songs were arranged specifically for the album and live event.

“Broken” is available for download ahead of the soundtrack’s release date (March 18). For behind-the-scenes video of Yearwood in the studio recording “Broken,” watch below:

The Passion: New Orleans Soundtrack:
“When Love Takes Over” – Yolanda Adams
“Love Can Move Mountains” – The Passion Cast (Feat. Jencarlos, Prince Royce, Chris Daughtry, Shane Harper & Michael W. Smith)
“My Love Is Your Love” – Trisha Yearwood
“Home” – Jencarlos & Prince Royce
“With Arms Wide Open” – Jencarlos
“Hands” – Trisha Yearwood
“Bring Me To Life” – Chris Daughtry
“Calling All Angels” – Jencarlos
“I Won’t Give Up” – Trisha Yearwood
“Demons” – Chris Daughtry & Jencarlos
“The Reason” – Prince Royce
“You’ll Never Walk Alone” – Trisha Yearwood
“We Don’t Need Another Hero” – Seal & Jencarlos
“Mad World” – Seal
“Broken” – Trisha Yearwood
“Unconditionally” – Jencarlos

Celebrity Photographer Jeremy Cowart Shares Inspiring Story In “I’m Possible” Video

Jeremy Cowart

Jeremy Cowart

Celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart has released the inspiring story of his own career background by filming a new video, which has already garnered more than 1 million views.

Throughout his career, Nashville-area native Cowart has photographed Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson, Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Florida Georgia Line, Reba, Laura Bell Bundy, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Courteney Cox. His work has appeared in Southern Living, Billboard, Southern Weddings, and more.

In the video “I’m Possible,” Cowart details his journey of self-doubt and the obstacles he has had to overcome (including poor academic scores, being fired from a job, and the loss of his brother) to become a celebrity photographer. The video aims to inspire others to follow their passions.

Cowart has used his talent and success to give back to others in a myriad of ways, including the launch of See University, where Cowart shares his expertise with aspiring photographers. In 2008, Cowart also launched the Help-Portrait movement, which offers free portraits to people in need.

For more, visit jeremycowart.com.

Listen: Kacey Musgraves Joins Miguel On “Waves” Remix

Kacey Musgraves UMG

Kacey Musgraves

Kacey Musgraves is featured as a special guest in a remix of R&B star Miguel’s new single, “Waves.” She cut her vocals in Nashville in early January.

The collaboration is part of a new EP from Miguel, titled Rogue Waves, that was released on Friday (Feb. 26). The original single came from Miguel’s album, WILDHEART, which received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Urban Album. His song “Coffee” also earned a nod for Best R&B Song.

The new set also features alternate versions with Tame Impala, Joshua Tree, RAC and Travis Scott.

In a review of the song, SPIN.com reported, “Something about the pair trading off lines makes the already sensual song all that more resonant, and the steel guitar quivering in the background is a countrified cherry on top of the whole gorgeous arrangement.”

Banner Music Signs Jerry Salley

From Left to Right: James Robert Webb, Camilla Kleindienst, Jerry Salley and Daniel Kleindienst. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

From Left to Right: James Robert Webb, Camilla Kleindienst, Jerry Salley and Daniel Kleindienst. Photo: Bev Moser/Moments By Moser

Banner Music has signed singer/songwriter Jerry Salley to its creative family.

“We are thrilled to have veteran songwriter Jerry Salley on staff at Banner Music. His career accomplishments speak to his hard work and dedication to this industry and we look forward to his continued success as part of our company,” said co-owner Camilla Kleindienst.

Salley, who co-wrote “Outlaw State of Mind” on Chris Stapleton’s Grammy-winning country album, Traveller, has penned over 400 cuts in country, bluegrass and gospel genres. His extensive talent has garnered him recordings by multiple artists such as Sir Elton John (“Where We Both Say Goodbye”—a duet with Australian artist Catherine Britt), Reba McEntire (“I’m Gonna Take That Mountain” and “Close To Crazy”), and includes the Dove Awards’ 1990 Inspirational Song of the Year, “His Strength is Perfect”, co-written with and recorded by Steven Curtis Chapman and now found in church hymnals.

“I am happy to join the creative minds here [at Banner Music] whose heart and family atmosphere mirror the passion of their work,” said Salley.

Salley, SESAC’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 2003, was also nominated in 2014 by the International Bluegrass Music Association for Songwriter of the Year.  His winning streak continued this year with his three tracks on the SteelDriver’s Grammy Award-winning bluegrass album,The Muscle Shoals Recordings.

In October of 2015, Salley released the bluegrass/gospel project Gospel From My Grassroots that includes guest vocals from Steven Curtis Chapman to Salley’s daughter, Maggie, with contributing harmonies.

William Michael Morgan Plans Self-Titled EP Release

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William Michael Morgan, a new signing to Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville, will release his self-titled debut EP on March 18.

Co-produced by Scott Hendricks and songwriter Jimmy Ritchey, the album features five new tracks in addition to his first single, “I Met a Girl.”

Morgan is scheduled to open RFD-TV’s The American, the world’s largest one-day rodeo on Sunday (Feb. 28) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

The 22-year-old native of Vicksburg, Mississippi, is currently on the road for a series of shows and festival performances through the summer.

“I Met a Girl,” co-written by Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen and Sam Hunt, hit No. 1 on SiriusXM’s The Highway Top 45 Countdown and has racked up over 2.5 million streams on Spotify as well as over a million views on YouTube.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN EP TRACK LISTING
1. “Vinyl” (Wade Kirby, Ashley Gorley, Carson Chamberlain)
2. “Beer Drinker” (Wynn Varble, David Lee, Don Poythress)
3. “I Met a Girl “ (Trevor Rosen, Sam Hunt, Shane McAnally)
4. “Lonesomeville” (William Michael Morgan, Mark Sherrill, Ash Underwood, Trent Tomlinson)
5. “Cheap Cologne” (Jimmy Ritchey, Kevin Denney, Odie Blackmon)
6. “Back Seat Driver” (Robert Counts, Nicolette Hayford, Matt Willis)

Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots Enlist Country Stars For First Full-Length Album

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Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots are set to release their first full-length album, The Critics Give It 5 Stars, on March 18, via Black River Entertainment.

The comedy group, comprised of Bobby Bones and Producer Eddie from iHeartMedia’s The Bobby Bones Show, brought in some top-shelf star power for the release. They recruited Charles Kelley, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Brad Paisley, Lindsay Ell, and more for the project. Kelley joins on “She’s A 10, I’m A 2,” while Underwood appears on “We Can’t Stand Each Other.” Brad Paisley performs on “I Like You,” while Kelsea Ballerini lends her voice to the country rendition of “Starbucks!”

“Black River is pleased to be the home of great artists like Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots,” said Black River Entertainment CEO Gordon Kerr. “Through the efforts of Bobby, Eddie and the other incredible artists who have come alongside them on this project, comedy music is alive and well in Nashville!”

“Every time someone buys our record, an angel get its wings,” adds Bobby Bones. “I’d buy 10 copies of this album. I’d go to the store and demand them right now! I haven’t listened to it yet, but I hear the critics love it.”

Bobby Bones, who recently nabbed his second ACM award for National On-Air Personality of the Year, co-wrote all the tracks on the album, which takes satirical and deliberate cues from today’s popular music, including the group’s lead track “If I Was Your Boyfriend,” the soon-to-be millennial-favorite “Netflix Love Song,” as well as offering fans two versions of the witty and instantly-infectious track “Starbucks!” depending on their personal genre preferences. The album also features some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Lee Thomas Miller and Kristian Bush. The music video for “If I Was Your Boyfriend” made its debut on CMT and is available now on iTunes.

Continuing in the charitable spirit that made The Raging Idiots a household name and raised over two million dollars for charities across America, a portion of the proceeds from “We Can’t Stand Each Other” with Carrie Underwood are being donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Additionally, fans can pre-order autographed copies of the entire album along with other unique merchandise offers at www.ragingidiots.com. A portion of the proceeds from each package will go to Musicians On Call.

THE CRITICS GIVE IT 5 STARS TRACK LIST:

1. She’s A 10, I’m A 2 with Charles Kelley
(Bobby Bones, Kristian Bush)

2. If I Was Your Boyfriend
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Mical Trejo)

3. We Can’t Stand Each Other with Carrie Underwood
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Keifer Thompson)

4. How We Think Every Hip Hop Song Starts
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)

5. Starbucks!
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)

6. Starbucks! (Country Version with Kelsea Ballerini)
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)

7. I Like You with Brad Paisley
(Bobby Bones, Lee Thomas Miller, Nick Autry)

8. Reenactments with Fake Luke Bryan
(Bobby Bones, Eddie Garcia, Nick Autry)

9. Red, White And Blue
(Bobby Bones, Michael Saenz, Lindsay Ell)

10. Netflix Love Song with Lindsay Ell
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell)

11. Fishin’ With My Dad (Intro)
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)

12. Fishin’ With My Dad
(Bobby Bones, Wynn Varble, David Lee)

13. Everyday Is A Good Day
(Bobby Bones, Lindsay Ell, Kristian Bush)

In Pictures: Kelsea Ballerini, Brandy Clark, Jennifer Nettles, LANco, Maggie Rose, Sam Grow

Kelsea Ballerini and the Black River Entertainment Promotion staff celebrate Ballerini’s second No. 1 single, “Dibs.”
BREpromoDibs

 

Warner Bros. artist Brandy Clark makes a promo stop at KBEB in Sacramento, California, to talk her about her new single, “Girl Next Door.”

Pictured (L-R): Rick Young (WMN), Brandy Clark, KBEB PD JJ Ryan.

Pictured (L-R): Rick Young (WMN), Brandy Clark, KBEB PD JJ Ryan.

 

Big Machine Records recording artist Jennifer Nettles hangs backstage Tuesday night (2/23) at The Wiltern prior to taking the stage in Los Angeles for the CMT Next Women of Country Tour.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Jennifer Nettles and Gellman Management’s Gail Gellman. Photo:Big Machine Records

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Jennifer Nettles and Gellman Management’s Gail Gellman. Photo:Big Machine Records

 

BMI and YEP hosted a showcase of burgeoning country songwriters this week at Exit/In. The storied location featured BMI songwriters Sam Grow, Maggie Rose and LANco, each bringing their signature mixes of country and rock to the stage. The BMI and YEP quarterly showcase highlights up and coming talent in the country genre, and has hosted acts such as Backroad AnthemBrooke Eden and Emma White.

Pictured: (L-R): LANco’s Tripp Howell and Chandler Baldwin, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, BMI’s Perry Howard, BMI songwriter Maggie Rose, LANco’s Jared Hampton, BMI songwriter Sam Grow, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and LANco’s Eric Steedly.

Pictured: (L-R): LANco’s Tripp Howell and Chandler Baldwin, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, LANco’s Brandon Lancaster, BMI’s Perry Howard, Maggie Rose, LANco’s Jared Hampton, Sam Grow, YEP’s Andrew Cohen and LANco’s Eric Steedly.

Weekly Chart Report (2/26/16)

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