Pistol Annies “Takin’ Pills” In New Video

The Pistol Annies (Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley) make a point of celebrating some of their vices in the new video for the tongue-in-cheek song “Takin’ Pills.”

The clip was shot in Nashville with the Annies driving around the city in a Volkswagen van, rehearsing for a gig, and indulging some bad habits like pills, cigarettes, and booze. Check it out below.

“We had a blast filming this video,” said Lambert. “We left the driving to me since I was just smoking,” added Presley.

Little Big Town Writes and Records TV Show Theme

Capitol Records quartet Little Big Town has used its creative talents to write and record the the promotional campaign and theme song to ABC’s new show Good Afternoon America, which debuts today (7/10).

The song, appropriately titled “Good Afternoon,” was co-written by Little Big Town (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet), Brett Warren, and Brad Warren. Jay Joyce produced the recording.

“Sometimes you get unexpected opportunities as an artist,” said Karen Fairchild. “We loved getting the chance to write and record a song for such a cool show.”

Good Afternoon America, with anchors Josh Elliott and Lara Spencer, begins airing at 1 pm CT today (7/9) and is taped live in Good Morning America’s studio. The program also features Sam Champion, Robin Roberts, and George Stephanopoulos. LBT will perform current single “Pontoon” and “Good Afternoon” on the show August 2.

Morgan Announces Guest Stars For Charity Event

Craig Morgan recently announced the first round of performers and motocross riders for his 6th Annual Charity weekend event.

On Saturday, August 11, motocross stars Destry Abbot, Fred Andrews, Cowboy Kenny Bartram, Trey Canard, Randy Hawkins and Kevin Windham will take part in an exhibition and trail ride from Vanleer, TN. Later that night, Darryl Worley and HLN Morning Express host and “Brand New Day” singer Robin Meade will take the stage in concert with Morgan.

Proceeds from the two-day event will benefit the Craig Morgan Charity Fund, a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. The Craig Morgan Charity Fund continues to raise funds to establish Billy’s Place, an organization that will benefit foster children in Dickson County and throughout Middle Tennessee.

All events are open to the public with tickets on sale at NowPlayingNashville.com as well as all TriStar Bank locations in Dickson.

Craig Morgan Charity Weekend
Dirt Bike Ride/Trail Ride
Date: August 11, 2012
Location: Paul Allen Farm 1286 Bell Hollow Rd., Vanleer, TN
Registration Opens: 8:00 AM
Ride and Exhibition Start Time: 10:00 AM
Tickets: $40 pre-registration; $45 day-of registration; $15 spectator. All ticket prices incl. lunch

Craig Morgan Concert
Date: August 11, 2012
Location: Dickson Middle School 401 East College St., Dickson, TN
Doors Open: 6:00 PM
Concert Start Time: 7:30 PM
Tickets: $25 adult; $10 children 12 and under

Sporting Clay Event
Date: August 12, 2012
Location: Tennessee Clay Target Complex 1100 County Hospital Rd., Nashville, TN
First Flight:  9:00 am Registration; 10:00 am Shoot
Second Flight: Noon Registration; 1:00 pm Shoot
Tickets: $100 per competitor with prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place competitors

Hank Jr. Prepares New Album Release

Hank Williams, Jr. is currently preparing for the release of his new studio album, Old School, New Rules (Blaster Entertainment/Bocephus Records), which hits stores Tuesday, July 10.

On Saturday (7/7), Williams made appearances on CBS This Morning’s Second Cup Café and Fox News Channel’s Huckabee, where he performed his current single, “That Ain’t Good.”

Williams’ upcoming media appearances include CMT’s Live from Nashville airing today (7/9) and GAC’s On the Streets for a segment airing July 17. Additionally, Walmart’s Soundcheck Series has begun broadcasting one of his performances. He’ll also be featured on FOX 411’s Country Roundup.

Blaster Entertainment/Bocephus Records along with Hank Williams, Jr. continues the previously announced “Free Music for a Free America” campaign through Fri., July 13, giving away free copies of Williams’ new single. Old School, New Rules is available for pre-sale here, includes a duet with Brad Paisley on “I’m Gonna Get Drunk And Play Hank Williams” as well as a new duet with Merle Haggard on his classic “I Think I’ll Just Sit Here and Drink.”

Americana Summer Celebration Adds Songwriter Session

Americana Summer Celebration Adds Songwriter Session
The Americana Summer Celebration at Blackberry Farm will include a special songwriter session with artists and friends Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal and Jim Lauderdale on Sat., July 21. The afternoon event will offer a glimpse into the songwriting craft before the artists take the stage that night for an evening performance that will also include hitmaker John Oates.

The intimate weekend at the luxury property in the Smoky Mountains will kick off on Fri., July 20 with a performance by Cash and noted guitarist and producer Leventhal. Held annually at Blackberry Farms in Walland, TN, the fundraising event benefits the not-for-profit Americana Music Association. For reservations, please contact Blackberry Farm at 1-800-557 8864 or email reservations@blackberryfarm.com.

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Johnny Cash Music Festival Returns
Rosanne Cash is also confirmed for the Johnny Cash Music Festival at Arkansas State University. She will join Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley and The Civil Wars for the Oct. 5 concert at ASU’s Convocation Center in Jonesboro, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Like last year’s inaugural sold out event, proceeds will fund the restoration of the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home in Dyess, Arkansas as well as support a scholarship established in his name. Details at www.johnnycashmusicfest.com.

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Don Williams Touring Behind New Album
Don Williams’ new Sugar Hill Records album And So It Goes is his highest charting country album in 27 years, bowing recently at No. 20 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album is also in the Top 5 Most Added at Americana Radio.

It was produced by longtime collaborator Garth Fundis and features guest vocal performances by Keith Urban, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss and Chris Stapleton among others. Williams is touring in support of the project with fair, festival and theater dates crossing the country through September, including a two-night stand at Pigeon Forge, TN’s Country Tonite Theatre Sept. 21-22.

Click here to listen to the Williams/Krauss duet.

 

From the Road (7/09/12)

Pretty Good at Sayin’ “Cheese”
Mercury Nashville’s Billy Currington took a break from working on his upcoming album for an “Up Close and Personal” session with KKBQ at the Four Seasons in Houston.

(L-R): KKBQ APD/MD Christi Brooks, Billy Currington, Mercury Nashville’s Jill Brunett, KKBQ PD/OM Johnny Chiang

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Farr Away in Star Country
Columbia Nashville new artist Tyler Farr recently stopped by Roanoke’s WSLC (Star Country) during his promotional radio tour.

(L-R): WSLC PD Brett Sharp, Farr, WSLC Promo Director Rachel Rodes, Columbia Nashville’s David Friedman

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Like Johnny and June… and Also Buck
Sidewalk Records’ Heidi Newfield is currently visiting radio to promote her new single “Why’d You Have to Be So Good.” Recently she visited with KUZZ/Bakersfield.

(L-R): KUZZ PD Tom Jordan, Newfield, KUZZ Promo. Dir. Jerry Hufford

RFD-TV Celebrates Larry’s Country Diner; Debuts Joey+Rory Show

The Joey+Rory Show Debuts
Husband and Wife duo, Joey+Rory, will showcase their down-home lifestyle and creativity with The Joey+Rory Show, which debuts on RFD-TV tonight (7/6).

Filmed at their farm and around Pottsville, TN, the first 13 episodes of The Joey+Rory Show will mix live performances of songs from their forthcoming third album, His and Hers, due out July 31, recipes from their  family-owned café, Marcy Jo’s, and artists who inspire them.

“We don’t have a TV in our home, partly because it’s hard to find good family programs to watch any more,” said Rory. “So rather than just complain about it, we’re trying to create some good programming that everyone can enjoy.”

The Joey+Rory Show airs Fridays at 8:00 pm CT on RFD-TV. Watch a preview below:

YouTube video

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Larry’s Country Diner Celebrates 100
One of RFD-TV network’s top-rated weekly shows, Larry’s Country Diner, celebrated its 100th episode yesterday (7/5).

Larry’s Country Diner integrates entertainment, interviews and music in a weekly format, taped live in a country diner setting. The show features regular characters including creator Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Sheriff Jimmy Capps, waitress Renae and avid church lady Nadine, along with special guest appearances by country music artists of yesterday and today.

This June, guests include James Gregory, Georgette Jones, The Whites, and Teea Goans.

“It’s the kind of television you just don’t see too much anymore and both the artists and fans love it,” said Larry Black. “We even tell our artists that once the tape starts rolling, it does not stop.  If you get yourself in trouble, get yourself out ‘cause we’re not stoppin’.”

To get a seat at a live taping, please call 615-673-2846. For more information, please visit: www.larryscountrydiner.com.

Cast of Larry’s Country Diner celebrates 100 episodes. Pictured (L-R): Larry Black, Keith Bilbrey, Jimmy Capps, Church Lady-Nadine, Renae the Waitress. Photo: Phil Johnson

Rhonda Vincent Plans Gospel Album

Rhonda Vincent is releasing her first ever all-gospel CD, Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ Live!, next Tuesday, July 10 at all retailers.

The collection was recorded live at Vincent’s childhood home church, Greentop United Methodist Church in Greentop, MO, with her award-winning band The Rage supporting her. AOL Music is currently previewing the entire album online here through July 15. Full track list is below.

“This is the music I grew up on – the music that shaped who I am today,” says Vincent. “My family sang this music all our lives and I’ve always included Gospel music in every performance. Going back to my childhood church to record this very special project made this moment in time unforgettable and I/m so excited to share this with all my friends.”

Sunday Mornin’ Singin’ Live! Track Listing:
1. I Feel Closer To Heaven Everyday
2. Blue Sky Cathedral
3. His Promised land
4. Where We’ll Never Say Farewell
5. Silent Partner
6. Just As I Am
7. God Put A Rainbow In The Clouds
8. Prettiest Flower There
9. The Last Best Place
10. Walking My Lord Up Calvary’s Hill
11. Fishers Of Men
12. Homecoming
13. Where No Cabins Fall
14. Help Me To Be More Like Him
15. Joshua
16. Old Rugged Cross

Artist Updates (7/6/12)

Thompson Square journeyed to Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends earlier today (7/6), where they played the show’s “All American Summer Concert Series.” Check out the duo singing current single “Glass” here.

• • • • •

Carrie Underwood has wrapped up a successful string of shows in the United Kingdom and Australia, including a sold-out concert at London’s prestigious Royal Albert Hall. Underwood’s latest album Blown Away debuted at No. 1 in both countries.

• • • • •

Lady Antebellum recently finished the North American leg of its headlining Own The Night World Tour, sponsored by GAC. The 85 city run reached a major milestone for the trio, as it brought out over one million fans to venues. Lady A will continue through Europe and Australia this summer.

• • • • •

Trace Adkins has released his latest single “Them Lips (On Mine),” which is currently climbing the CountryBreakout Chart at No. 38. The song appears on Adkins’ forthcoming Show Dog-Universal album, due for a fall release. Adkins’ team has put together an online campaign allowing fans to give a “virtual kiss” to the singer. Check it out here.

• • • • •

 

Clint Black and History Detectives' Elyse Luray (R) uncover the secrets of Black's antique book. Photo: Jon-Paul Photography

Clint Black recently appeared on an episode of Lifetime’s Coming Home, where he helped two children write a song about their Army captain father who returned from Afghanistan. Black is also featured in an upcoming episode of the PBS series History Detectives, which will air Tuesday, July 24 at 8 pm CT. The episode will center on the history of an artifact Black was given by his wife. Clint Black and History Detectives’ Elyse Luray uncover the secrets of Black’s antique book. Airing July 24, 2012 on PBS. Photo: Jon-Paul Photography

• • • • •

Teen Hoot is presenting HootFest, a concert outlet for teenage performers and musicians, at Rocketown in Nashville today (7/6) and tomorrow (7/7). Twenty-two artists from five countries are performing, including Dylan Holland, Peyton Sanders, AJ Silva, Tyler Matl, and more. Music starts at 6 pm and tickets are $35 here.

• • • • •

(L-R): Sarah Darling; Madison Cain; Jonathan Cain

Black River Entertainment’s Sarah Darling had a surprise guest performer during her set at Wednesday’s “Music City July 4th” celebration when Journey’s Jonathan Cain joined her to perform “Don’t Stop Believin’.”

• • • • •

Jo Dee Messina has joined the Babble Voices Team on babble.com as a blog contributor, and is the first musician to write for the website. Messina debuted her “Backstage With Fumbling Mom” blog on the site July 1. See it here.

• • • • •

HLN Morning Express host Robin Meade (L) with Angie Johnson.

The Voice contestant Angie Johnson recently performed her self-penned song “Outlaw Spirit” on HLN’s Morning Express with Robin Meade. The two also chatted about Johnson’s career in the military and performing at Warner-Robbins AFB “Independence Day Concert” with Josh Turner. Johnson also has a Kickstarter.com campaign for her upcoming album here.

Signings: Tora Fisher, Josh Kerr

L–R: Chris Keaton (Chris Keaton Presents), Tora Fisher, and Lee Lessack (President, LML Music)

New York City singer/songwriter Tora Fisher, who recently signed with manager Chris Keaton, is anticipating the release of her debut album Spilling Over next Tuesday (7/10). The album was produced by Tora and Michael Mugrage, who also co-wrote several tracks on the CD. It will be released via LML Music/Allegro.

“This entire album is about men,” says Tora. “I guess I find that somewhat ironic because I’m such a strong independent woman who can provide for herself and in the process act like a father figure to many of my friends and family. But that’s probably why it dominates my art. In life I am all of the things a strong woman should be. In music, I’m just a fragile girl who’s had her heart broken by the men I’ve lost both in life and in love.”

••••

L-R: Black River's Celia Froehlig, Josh Kerr and Black River's Robert Carlton

Black River Publishing has added to its songwriter roster with the signing of Josh Kerr. “I believe Josh Kerr has a very bright future ahead and I am happy to have him on our Black River Publishing roster,” said Black River’s VP Publishing, Celia Froehlig.