Month: May 2023

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Go Country 105

Garth Brooks reveals what he's most excited about for the ACM Awards

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With the 2023 ACM Awards just one week away, host Garth Brooks is sharing what he’s most looking forward to.

No, it’s not making his hosting debut. While he’s definitely excited about that, it doesn’t quite top what he’s truly eager to see – a performance by his co-host, Dolly Parton. 

“I think what I'm most excited about is just … I'm really excited about the final number of the show,” Garth says. The “final number” performance is, of course, Dolly’s world premiere of her highly anticipated rock song, “World on Fire.”

“I can tell you this,” adds Garth, “I don't think she'll disappoint. I just love her!”

“World on Fire” will serve as the first preview of Dolly’s debut rock album, Rockstar, which is slated for release later this year.

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, hosted by Dolly and Garth, streams live on Amazon Prime Video May 11 at 8 p.m. ET.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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News Daypop

Suspect arrested in shooting at Atlanta medical facility that left 1 dead and 4 injured

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A man suspected of shooting five women inside an Atlanta medical facility waiting room is in custody, the Atlanta Police Department confirmed. One woman was killed and four others were wounded by a gunman inside a downtown medical office building on Wednesday; the shooting occurred at 12:42 p.m. EDT inside a building on West Peachtree Street between 12th and 13th Streets.

The Atlanta Police Department announced the apprehension of Deion Patterson, 24, following a manhunt that lasted almost eight hours. Police say he was arrested near the Truist Park baseball stadium after stealing a pickup truck near the scene of the shooting. Patterson was taken into custody around 8 p.m. Officers said his family has been cooperating in the investigation.

Robert Jansen, Chief Medical Officer at Grady Memorial Hospital, told reporters that three of the four women injured in the shooting are considered “critically ill” and are in the intensive care unit. Two of the patients underwent surgery Wednesday, and a third victim underwent an interventional radiology procedure to repair vascular injuries. The fourth victim is in stable condition.

The Northside Hospital building, where the shooting took place, will be closed Thursday and all appointments canceled. The hospital, which houses a cancer center, a radiology unit and orthopedics, issued a statement after the shooting, saying “this tragedy is affecting all of us, and we ask for patience and prayers at this time.”

Editorial credit: Billy F Blume Jr / Shutterstock.com

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News Daypop

Federal Reserve raises interest rate by quarter point to 5.25%

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The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday a 10th interest rate hike on Wednesday, raising the rate to 5.25% — a 16-year high — as it continues its firefight against inflation. In a statement announcing the hike, it omitted previous language that signaled more hikes are likely.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell faces pressure from politicians to stop raising rates, as fears of a recession increase. The most recent data show personal income levels increased by 0.3% from February to reach $67.9 billion, but inflation remains above the Federal Reserve’s target.

Democratic Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Sheldon Whitehouse and other lawmakers sent a letter to Powell saying that the Federal Reserve’s aggressive actions were threatening to throw millions of people out of work: “While the Fed should remain flexible to incoming data as it assesses the economy’s progress toward achieving lower inflation, the evidence to date suggests that progress can continue to be made without slamming the brakes on the economy and costing millions of Americans their jobs.” The lawmakers argued that Powell’s aggressive actions would end up hurting working families more than inflation has: “While we do not question the Fed’s policy independence, we believe that continuing to raise interest rates would be an abandonment of the Fed’s dual mandate to achieve both maximum employment and price stability and show little regard for the small businesses and working families that will get caught in the wreckage.”

Editorial credit: DCStockPhotography / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Willie Nelson's induction to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame has been a long time coming

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Country music’s elder statesman Willie Nelson was recently announced as one of 2023’s inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. He follows 2022 member Dolly Parton as the latest country icon to receive this prestigious honor.

The recognition has been a long time coming for Willie, who has made an enduring impact on art and society by co-founding Outlaw Country, launching Farm Aid and championing marijuana legalization in the U.S., among other things.

“He’s somebody who has managed throughout his entire 90 years to find a way to make great music and have an impact on society,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame's Vice President of Education and Visitor Engagement Jason Hanley tells ABC Audio. “I think when he finally ended up on the ballot this year, the voters said, ‘Yeah, this is somebody who’s connected to so many styles, sounds [and] artists.'”

“Every musician who’s come through the Hall of Fame in the last several months since he’s been nominated has said to me, ‘Man, Willie Nelson, an American treasure. Not only what an incredible musician, but what a great guy,'” he continues.

Joining Willie as one of 2023’s inductees is Sheryl Crow, who’s ecstatic that her longtime friend and collaborator is joining the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, as well.

“Sheryl said one of the things she was most looking forward to during the inductions was seeing Willie get inducted,” Jason shares with a laugh. “So I wouldn’t be surprised if the two of them end up onstage at some point during the night together. I can just see that happening.”

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Country Daypop

Dierks Bentley earns his 22nd No. 1 Hit with “Gold”

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Dierks Bentley earned his 22nd No. 1 hit with “Gold,” the debut single from his 10th studio album Gravel & Gold, released in February.

Bentley co-wrote “Gold” with Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley and Luke Dick; he says of the song: “When we wrote ‘Gold,’ I wanted to write a song that captures the idea of enjoying the journey. The reality is that there are a lot of rocky times that we all go through, but amongst all the tough stuff, when you look for the special moments it can change how you view the world. I know that’s a reminder I need for myself, so the fans and country radio embracing it means a lot … I think the song is a lot about just being present in the moment you’re in, and recognizing that the grass isn’t always greener, but it’s pretty good where you are, just being present where you are. It’s a message as much for me as much as anybody else about, I guess, about gratitude. I love the feel of the track. It’s got that acoustic vibe that I hope is a little bit of my sound, but also still feels big and ready for these big amphitheaters we’re playing and it’s a good kick-off to the record, I think.”

Bentley will also be embarking on his Gravel & Gold Tour beginning June 1 in Toronto, with Jordan Davis opening for him on all dates, joined by a rotating list of support acts, including Tracy Lawrence, Elle King, Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, Kameron Marlowe, The Cadillac Three, The Red Clay Strays, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Shane Smith & the Saints, Caitlyn Smith and Hailey Whitters, and Bentley’s ‘Hot Country Knights’ band.

For tour information, head to: www.dierks.com.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Willie Nelson, Sheryl Crow among the 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees

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The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame revealed on Wednesday that legendary country singer Willie Nelson is among its 2023 inductees. Other artists joining Nelson in the Rock Hall this year include Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Kate Bush, George Michael, The Spinners and Rage Against the Machine.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation chairman John Sykes said in a statement: “This year’s incredible group of Inductees reflects the diverse artists and sounds that define rock & roll. We are honored that this November’s Induction Ceremony in New York will coincide with two milestones in music culture: the 90th birthday of Willie Nelson and the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop.”

The “musical excellence award” will be given to three additional artists: Chaka Khan, Al Kooper (producer on recordings from Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Lynyrd Skynyrd and Blood, Sweat & Tears), and Bernie Taupin (Elton John’s longtime lyricist).  In addition, the Ahmet Ertegun Award will be presented to Don Cornelius – who hosted ‘Soul Train’ on television from 1970-1993.

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s Class Of 23 induction ceremony will take place at Barclays Center in Brooklyn on Nov. 3. Ticket information will be announced in the future. For further details, visit the official website for the Rock Hall’s Class Of 2023.

Editorial credit: Randy Miramontez / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Jonas Brothers to launch 2023 North American Summer Tour

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Jonas Brothers confirmed details of their headlining North American tour for Summer 2023. The band, consisting of brothers Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas and Nick Jonas, shared on social media: “It’s official! FIVE ALBUMS. ONE NIGHT. THE TOUR. Register for Verified Fan now through Saturday, May 6th at 11:59PM ET for your chance to purchase tickets! Let’s go!” 

Each and every date of the will see the band perform five of its albums in full, following successful runs of the format at a sold-out Broadway engagement and a one-off night at London’s Royal Albert Hall. The trio released five albums thus far, and will release a sixth album, The Album, on May 12.  To pre-order “The Album,” head here.

The dates will begin with the previously announced pair of shows at New York’s Yankee Stadium on August 12 and 13 before continuing on across the US and Canada. Stops will be made at the likes of Toronto’s Rogers Centre, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium, and more, before wrapping-up on October 14 at Miami’s Kaseya Center.

The tour is using Verified Fan presale in order to ensure tickets get into the hands of fans directly. Fans can register now through Saturday, May 6th at 11:59 pm ET, and fans who are selected to receive an access code will be able to participate in the Verified Fan presale starting Tuesday, May 9th. In addition, two further presales will begin on May 10. The Citi presale will be open to Citi cardmembers from 10am local time on May 10 through 10pm local time on May 11 via the Citi Entertainment program.  A limited number of tickets will then be made available during a general onsale, which will begin at 10am local time on May 12 via the band’s official website.

Editorial credit: Steve Sykes / Shutterstock.com

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Pop Daypop

Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj premiere their video for ‘Alone’

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Kim Petras has released the music video for her new single “Alone” feat Nicki Minaj.  The video sees the duo embodying a man’s ultimate fantasies, while making references to multiple club classics such as Eric Prydz’s “Call on Me,” Alex Gaudino’s “Destination Calabria,” and Fedde Le Grand’s “Put Your Hands Up For Detroit. Since its release last week, “Alone” has racked up millions of streams and was featured on top playlists across Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and more.

“Alone” follows the recent release of Petras’ “brrr” and her history-making No. 1 song with Sam Smith, ‘Unholy.” “Unholy” skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, the Billboard Global 200, the worldwide charts on Spotify and Apple Music, and the UK Official Singles Chart, and won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.

Take a look at the video for “Alone” – here.
To stream “Alone,” head here.

Editorial credit: Fred Duval / Shutterstock.com

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Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Ashley McBryde's new merch items + Shy Carter's upcoming duet

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Ashley McBryde has dropped new items in her merch store, including a black sweatshirt and white T-shirt with the words “trust yourself” from her latest single, “Light On In The Kitchen.” Check it out on store.ashleymcbryde.com.

Christ Stapleton has added new All American Road Show tour T-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and bandanas to his merch store, as well. Grab yours at Chris’ online store.

Shy Carter is dropping his new song with Caitlyn Smith, “How Did You Sleep,” on Friday, May 5. Presave the track now to be the first to hear it.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Go Country 105

Relive Taylor Swift's eras at the Country Music Hall of Fame

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Get very excited, Swifties.

A new pop-up exhibit, Through Taylor Swift‘s Eras, has been launched at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame. 

Open now through May 31, the showcase features Taylor’s iconic outfits, hairstyles and mementos that represent each of her past 10 albums, from her 2006 self-titled debut record to 2022’s Midnights. 

Items on display include the BCBG dress Taylor wore at the 2006 ACM Awards, the Vivetta faux fur jacket from her “You Need to Calm Down” music video and the iconic Stella McCartney coat she donned on the album cover of 2020’s evermore.

Limited tickets are available daily. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.