world shut down from the pandemic so I haven’t been able to return but I can’t wait to sing on that hallowed stage again.” Watson was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family February 7, 2020 by Opry member Steve Wariner. See https:// www.genewatsonmusic.com/
MOVIE NEWS: Set your DVR to watch ‘Mama’ Judd in March. Lifetime, the exclusive home of movies inspired by books from bestselling author V.C. Andrews, premieres the next movie series event, centered on the Landry Family, beginning March 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT with Ruby starring Naomi Judd (The Killing Game). Ruby also stars Crystal Fox (Big Little Lies), Gil Bellows (Patriot), Deborah Cox (Influence), twins Raechelle Banno (Pandora), Karina Banno (The Letdown) and Lauralee Bell (The Young and the Restless). The four-movie V.C. event airs consecutively over two weekends starting at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, March 20 and Sunday, March 21 and then again at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28. The V.C Andrews’ Landry Family book series - Ruby, Pearl in the Mist, All That Glitters and Hidden Jewel - is the second highest-selling series from the author and becomes Lifetime’s latest adaptation of the prolific writer’s work. More about Naomi Judd at https://www.naomijudd.com/
MUSIC BUSINESS NEWS:
who we are and what’s important to us.” Other country artists who have gotten into the alcohol business and our featured in this issue include: Jake Owens (American Beach Whiskey), Little Big Town (Four Cellars Wine), Willie Nelson (old Whiskey River Bourbon), John Rich (Redneck Riviera Whiskey), Zac Brown (Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Wine), Kix Brooks (Arrington Vineyards), Toby Keith (Wild Shot Mezcal), Darius Rucker (Backstage Southern Whiskey, Florida Georgia Line (Old Camp Peach Pecan Whiskey), Blake Shelton (Smithworks American Made Vodka), Kenny Chesney (Blue Chair Bay Rum), George Strait (Codigo Tequila), Miranda Lambert (Red 55 Winery), Cole Swindell (Sugarlands Shine) and Brandi Carslile (XOBC Cellars wine).
MUSIC NEWS: Parker Millsap’s musical influences run the gamut from blues, rock and folk to Americana and of course country. He garnered national attention with his 2014 song, “Truck Stop Gospel.” On January 14, Millsap released the single, “The Real Thing,” as a teaser for his upcoming album. Titled Be Here Instead, the album will drop via his own Okrahoma Records and Thirty Tigers on Friday, April 9. Produced by the legendary John Agnello (Kurt Vile, Sonic Youth, Waxahatchee), The new single, “The Real Thing,” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services. The song – which features guest vocals from Nashville singer Erin Rae – is joined by an official companion video, streaming now at YouTube. The 12-song album – Millsap’s fifth – is available for pre-order now via https://www.parkermillsap.com/ “It’s a song whose meaning has revealed new layers to me over time,” Millsap says. “At first it was about being on the road and missing my wife, then it was about my general distaste for internet communication, and then the pandemic hit, and it became about having to depend on that type of communication and being starved for physical closeness.”
NEW ARTIST NEWS: Thirsty? On January 11, Thomas Rhett and his cousin, pecan magnate Jeff Worn, launched their new ultra-premium tequila brand, Dos Primos. Spanish for “Two Cousins,” Dos Primos is a blanco tequila made from hand-harvested 100% Blue Agave sourced from estates in Los Altos and the valley area of Jalisco, Mexico. More at www.dosprimostequila.com. Rhett, the reigning ACM Awards Entertainer of the Year, explained, “Our decision to create a new tequila brand grew out of just loving being with family. Jeff and I wanted to create a tequila that was expertly crafted and could be enjoyed year-round – regardless of the season or activity – with the people we care about most. Dos Primos is all about
Emerging artist Ashlyn Grayce’s new single, “Who’s to Say,” conveys a powerful message of the freedom of self-determination. It was written to inspire others to follow their hearts and dreams and to avoid getting caught up in what others think or say. (“So many think they know, just what you should do, but they’re not walkin’ in your shoes.”) “Who’s to Say” is now available through all streaming platforms and digital retailers. Music, info and more at https://www.ashlyngrayce.com/
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