Month: June 2023

If you’re headed to CMA Fest, be sure to keep your eyes and ears peeled for the next big superstar. Because, as Jordan Davis knows from experience, “You never know who you’re going to see.”

Jordan recently recounted to ABC Audio one of his most indelible CMA Fest memories, which involved then-newcomers Chris Stapleton and Sam Hunt.

“I was at Rippy’s on Broadway. Me, my dad, my brother [and my wife] Kristen, at the time we were just dating. And they had the Bud Light stage right in front of Bridgestone. I was sitting at the bar drinking a beer and I heard this guy singing behind me that I was like, ‘Holy smokes, who is that? That’s, like, unreal.’ Paid the tab, walked out, it was Chris Stapleton. I had never heard him before. And I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this guy’s amazing,'” Jordan recalls.

“We watched the rest of the Stapleton set, and then after that, Sam took the stage. It was early Sam Hunt. I think it was the first time he’d ever play ‘Break Up in a Small Town,'” Jordan continues. “I still remember those two performances back to back just as a fan, man. It was special.”

If you’re headed to CMA Fest this week, be sure to join Jordan for his fan club party and performance at Universal Music Group Nashville’s Music Is Universal event at the Skydeck on Broadway on June 8 at 11 a.m. Jordan will also take the Nissan Stadium that night at 8:30 p.m.

However, if you’re not going to be in Nashville this week, fret not. CMA Fest, a three-hour primetime concert special, airs July 19 at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. His single “Something in the Orange” is now RIAA-certified four-times Platinum, as well.

Capitol Christian Music Group’s Anne Wilson has joined UMG Nashville’s artist roster. Check out photos from the signing and read Anne’s announcement on Instagram.

Alex Hall has tapped Brandy Clark for his new duet, “Women and Horses.” The track will be featured on his forthcoming debut album, Side Effects of the Heart, due out September 15.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

With Father’s Day coming up, it’s time to shop for the perfect gift for your dad.

Well, look no further than Paula Deen‘s Dad’s Day Kitchen Care Package. 

The four-item South in Your Mouth For Dad bundle includes a Deen Brothers seasoning salt, Deen Bothers jack of all spices, butter toffee peanuts and “South in Your Mouth” mug.

Fans can comment on Paula’s latest Facebook video for a chance to win one of the bundles.

The South in Your Mouth For Dad bundle is available for purchase now at pauladeenshop.com.

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It’s not every day that a country singer in the most dire of circumstances runs into another country singer’s dad. But, that’s exactly what happened to Chris Janson.

Chris recently recounted to fans how he happened upon Lee Brice‘s father and uncle after his truck broke down. Of course, the odds of that happening were slim, but it did.

“A few days ago, I ran out of gas in the middle of downtown Main Street in my old 86.’ Traffic everywhere.saw these two men across the way on a park bench, and frantically asked if they’d help roll me out of the street. They helped, and we did. Within 30 seconds we had made friends, and as crazy as the world turns..this is @leebrice and @lewisbrice dad, Kenny and their uncle,” Chris shared on Instagram.

“Two GREAT American men, who lent a helping hand to a complete stranger on a random Thursday. I’ll never forget the kindness they both showed me that day. It was awesome,” the “Buy Me a Boat” hitmaker adds. “I say all that, to say all this: There are Good People in this world, and kindness MATTERS. Always try and do something nice for someone, and it will repay you when you least expect it. Love y'all.”

Check out Chris’ Instagram for a photo of Chris and Lee’s Father and uncle, and to read the story in full.

Chris’ latest single, “All I Need Is You,” is currently in the top 30 on the country charts. The track is the lead single from his upcoming album, The Outlaw Side of Me, which drops June 16.

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Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” is number one on the Mediabase Country chart for a second week.

The song rose to the top of the chart last week, with Morgan’s concurrent single, “One Thing at a Time,” sitting in the top 10. The latter track is number six this week.

“Last Night” is also a 17-week and nine-week chart-topper on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and all-genre Hot 100 charts, respectively. 

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The Country Music Hall of Fame will unveil a new exhibit, Eric Church: Country Heart, Restless Soul, on July 13.

Presented by Gibson, the exhibit will trace Eric’s singular ascent to fame, from his early days of penning songs and performing late-night shows in Nashville to his present-day notoriety as one of country music’s most genuine storytellers and respected rule-breakers.

Artifacts going on display include musical instruments, song manuscripts, awards, stage wear, tour memorabilia, photographs and other items from Eric’s personal collection.

“Eric Church has done it his way completely,” shares Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “His steadfast artistic vision and authenticity resonate deeply with audiences, and he continues to serve as an important collaborator and renegade role model for generations of country music artists.”

Eric’s exhibit opens July 13 and runs through June 2024. For more information, visit countrymusichalloffame.org.

If you’re going to be in Nashville for this week’s CMA Fest, be sure to catch Eric at Nissan Stadium on Saturday, June 10.

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