OPRY NEWS:
RADIO NEWS:
Grand Ole Opry member, songwriting titan and Country Music Hall of Fame member Whisperin’ Bill Anderson released a new song just in time to celebrate his eighty-third birthday (November 1st) right when our world needs it, with his single “It’s A Good Day To Have A Good Day,” available now. This follows the Grand Ole Opry legend’s 73rd album, The Hits Re-Imagined, released this summer. Though the hopeful tune was penned by Anderson before the novel coronavirus covid-19 pandemic, the lyrics and sentiment arrived at the perfect time. Anderson boasts a renowned career that has seen extraordinary milestones, including his Country Music Hall of Fame induction; 59 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry and 80 top-charting songs—37 of which were Top Ten hits in addition to seven No. 1 singles. Anderson’s record-breaking songwriting has made him the only writer to chart country songs in seven consecutive decades. The prolific songwriter has received more than 50 BMI Awards, three CMA Awards and two ACM Awards; and in 2018 he was inducted into the all-genre Songwriters Hall of Fame. For more information visit: https://billanderson.com
CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience will feature a curated jam-pack schedule that includes numerous educational sessions, three lunchtime performances, interactive workshops, Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley and – for the first time in CRS history – a New Faces of Country Music ticket with every registration. Luke Bryan has been confirmed for the annual “ CRS Artist Interview” sponsored by BMI. Bryan will sit down for a rare and exclusive Q&A session discussing his continuous success at Country radio, and the expansion of his recording, touring, and entrepreneurial ventures. Also announced, a new-for-2021 Streaming Summit, held on Tuesday, February 16. The streaming summit will feature industry professionals and platform experts providing insights on trends, strategies, and best practices to optimize digital assets and streaming platforms. More about CRS 2021 countryradioseminar.com
PERFORMANCE NEWS:
SINGLE NEWS:
Platinum-selling country music group BlackHawk returns to the scene with a two-disc greatest hits project titled Just About Right: Live From Atlanta. The new album, recorded live acoustically from Eddie’s Attic in Atlanta, Georgia, dropped Friday, November 13th via BFD / Audium Nashville / The Orchard. Known for their smooth, brother-like harmonies, BlackHawk was originally made up of trio Henry Paul (lead vocals, mandolin, acoustic guitar), Dave Robbins (harmony vocals, keyboard) and the late Van Stephenson (harmony vocals, electric guitar). Recording Just About Right gave Paul and Robbins the chance to reunite with their original backing band from the 90s, performing again alongside Bobby Huff (percussion) and Dale Oliver (lead guitar).
Thomas Rhett’s new single, “What’s Your Country Song,” was released November 11. It is the first single off his upcoming fifth studio album that will be released via the Valory Music Co. The new single was written by Thomas Rhett alongside Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Parker Welling. The song infuses inspiration from classic country songs and whip-smart storytelling to breed a fresh new take on a country state of mind.
Paul explains that this reunion “made for a very memorable musical moment. Many of the songs we chose were personal favorites from our early records spanning nearly a decade.” Fans will recognize top hits including “Goodbye Says It All,” “Every Once in a While,” “I Sure Can Smell the Rain,” “That’s Just About Right” and 18 more of the band’s applauded tracks. The album is available to purchase, download and stream everywhere.
Country Radio Seminar (CRS), the annual gathering of recording artists and executives from the country radio and music industries, is going virtual next year and will take place Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19.
“We wrote this song on the road last year in Dallas, Texas,” Thomas Rhett said. “It’s really about how I was noticing that no matter where you live or where you’re from, everyone has a little bit of country inside their bones.” Rhett’s most recent album, the Grammy-nominated Center Point Road, debuted atop the Billboard 200 and spawned three No. 1 hits including its PLATINUM lead single, “Look What God Gave Her.” Thomas Rhett has scored nearly 10 billion total career streams and received two CMA Triple Play awards for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. Updates at www.thomasrhett.com
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