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Country Daypop

Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs earn first Nos. 1 and 2 country songs on Billboard Hot 100 in 42 Years

For the first time in more than four decades, country songs have hit the Nos. 1 and 2 spots on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” lands at No. 1 while Luke Combs’ cover of Tracy Chapman’s 1988 hit “Fast Car” is at No. 2.

The achievement by Wallen and Combs marks the first time in 42 years that country songs have filled the top two slots on the Hot 100 chart. The last time this happened was March 7, 1981, when Eddie Rabbitt’s “I Love a Rainy Night” and Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5” placed at No. 1 and 2, respectively.

Wallen has managed to chart all 36 songs from his latest album, One Thing at a Time; and the album has also topped Billboard‘s Top Country Albums and 200 charts. Combs’ 2023 album, Gettin’ Old, peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums, and reached No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Rihanna steps down as Savage X Fenty CEO

As noted in an article published by Vogue Business, Rihanna has stepped down from her role at Savage X Fenty and appointed a new CEO. Rihanna held the title since founding the line in 2018; she will remain the company’s executive chair.

Hillary Super, the former CEO of Anthropologie Group, will be the new chief executive officer of the brand, effective Monday, June 26.  Savage X Fenty said in a statement: “It’s been beautiful to see our vision for Savage X Fenty impact the industry at such an incredible magnitude over the last five years. This is just the beginning for us, and we’re going to continue to expand in ways that always connect with the consumer. I’m so grateful and excited to welcome Hillary Super as our new CEO – she is a strong leader and is focused on taking the business to an even higher level.”

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Drake releases first book of poetry along with new album announcement

Drake released his first book of poetry, and also teased a new album to accompany the book. 

In an Instagram post alongside an image of the book, Drake wrote: “I don’t know if I have ever wanted people to buy or support something more in my life…our first book is available tmrw on @drakerelated and other select retailers 😮‍💨” Additionally, a QR code directed fans to the website titlesruineverything.com, which features the message: ​​”I made an album to go with the book. They say they miss the old Drake. Girl, don’t tempt me. ‘FOR ALL THE DOGS’.”

Titles Ruin Everything, A Stream of Consciousness by Kenza Samir and Aubrey Graham is currently on sale on Drake’s website.  The book’s page on publisher Phaidon’s website indicates that Titles Ruin Everything will start shipping on July 14:  “Aubrey Drake Graham is a cultural phenomenon — a record-breaking musician, style icon, creative entrepreneur, and actor. Graham has been writing and having fun with poetry as a means of personal expression for quite some time … Flowing across 168 pages, the provocative musings translate Graham’s wit and talent for wordplay into potent stanzas. Together, these meditations on fame, romance, and relationships offer an unfiltered view of the artist’s inner world.”

No release date for the album For All the Dogs has been announced.

Editorial credit: John Steel / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Go Country 105

Nashville notes: Chris Stapleton's summer merch + Billy Currington's new music

Chris Stapleton has dropped new summer merch, which includes a tie-dye T-shirt, water bottle, sunglass strap and tank top, among other things. Shop it now at Chris’ merch store.

To celebrate their new Memory Lane EP, Old Dominion has released brand new Memory Lane merch items. Shop the collection now at Old Dominion’s merch store.

Billy Currington might be rolling out new tunes soon. “You guys may want to sign up for my email and sms lists today … We might send a sneak peek of new music coming soon!” Billy shared on Facebook. Sign up now at billycurrington.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Soak in the summer fun at Nashville's Gaylord Opryland

Need help planning the perfect family-friendly trip this summer? Fret not, Gaylord Opryland’s got you covered.

The resort has officially kicked off the summer season with numerous activities for you and your family. This includes enjoying some water fun at Soundwaves (Nashville’s only resort indoor-outdoor water park), embarking on the Adventure Kids Hidden Treasure Hide & Sea-k Scavenger Hunt and cruising down the Delta River. Of course, enjoying a piña colada while the kids play in the pool is an option, too. 

What are you waiting for? Head over to Gaylord Opryland’s website to plan your visit soon.

For a preview of what’s in store, check out the resort’s latest Instagram Reel.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Celebrate summer with Russell Dickerson's new EP

Russell Dickerson has dropped his new summer EP, Three Months Two Streets Down.

The project features Russell as a writer on four of its five songs. Tyler Hubbard and Dan + Shay‘s Shay Mooney also contribute as writers on “Down on the Beach” and “Ride The Wave,” respectively.

“I’ve had these songs for awhile and wanted to do something cool with them – releasing a summer EP just seemed like the perfect fit,” shares Russell. “I like how there's a track on there for everyone – whether it's one that makes you nostalgic or more of a feel-good song to blast in your car. So glad I can officially share these tracks with the RD Fam!”

Three Months Two Streets Down is out wherever you listen to music.

To get tickets to Russell’s upcoming Big Wheels & Back Roads Tour this fall, visit his website.

Here’s the Three Months Two Streets Down track list:

“Ride The Wave”
“Down on the Beach”
“Steal My Summer”
“Beauty and the Beach”
“SMR LV” 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

“Next Thing You Know,” Jordan Davis has his sixth #1

Jordan Davis has notched his sixth career #1 with “Next Thing You Know.”

The romantic ode was written by Jordan, Greylan JamesJosh Osborne and Chase McGill, and is his fastest-rising single to date.

“This song has been a special one since the day I wrote it with.To Greylan, Josh, and Chase, thank y'all for writing this one the way it needed to be written, which was not the traditional way that leads to songs being recorded,” Jordan wrote in his latest Instagram post. “Thank you Paul (DiGiovanni) for hearing a work-tape of this tune in the studio and then turning it into what you hear today.”

“Thank you Country radio for continuing to support my music and giving me my 6th #1 song,” he continued. “Thank you MCA Nashville for being my biggest champions from the start.And to my fans, y'all don't know how grateful I am for y'all in making this song what it is.Much love, and cheers to ‘Next Thing You Know’ being #1.”

“Next Thing You Know” is featured on Jordan’s latest album, Bluebird Days. Out now, the 17-track set also includes the chart-topping hits “What My World Spins Around” and “Buy Dirt” with Luke Bryan.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Tim McGraw, Chris Stapleton, Kane Brown + more announced as ACM Special Awards honorees

The annual Academy of Country Music Honors is returning to the Ryman Auditorium on August 23, with Carly Pearce serving as the night’s host.

This year’s ACM Special Awards honorees include Tim McGraw (ACM Icon Award), Chris Stapleton (ACM Triple Crown Award), Kane Brown (ACM International Award), BRELAND (ACM Lift Every Voice Award) and HARDY (ACM Artist-Songwriter of the Year), among others.

“The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting,” shares Carly, who’s also a four-time ACM winner. “To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!”

Tickets for ACM Honors will be available from Friday, June 30, at axs.com. Academy members and subscribers of the ACM’s A-List newsletter will get access to presale tickets on Thursday, June 29.

For more information on the 16th Annual ACM Honors and to view the full list of honorees, visit acmcountry.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Dierks Bentley takes son Knox to his first hosting gig

Dierks Bentley hosted the 2023 NHL Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Monday, June 26, with his son, Knox.

While this wasn’t the country star’s first hosting opportunity, it was his 9-year-old son’s. The father and son duo worked together on the pre-show prep and onstage hosting duties. 

In Dierks’ latest Instagram video, he shared Knox and himself in their before-and-after outfit change, from being dressed in simple T-shirts to getting all decked out in dapper suits.

What do you think? Should Dierks and Knox host more awards shows?

In the meantime, you can catch Dierks co-hosting ABC’s CMA Fest with Lainey Wilson and Elle King on July 19, at 8 p.m. ET.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

Categories
Go Country 105

Morgan Wallen, Jason Aldean + more to perform at Covenant School benefit concert

Nashville’s country music community will be coming together on August 7 for A Covenant Knight at the Grand Ole Opry House.

The benefit concert, which will honor victims and families affected by the tragic Covenant School shooting back in March, will feature performances from Morgan WallenJason AldeanOld DominionLee BriceMaddie & Tae and more. Radio veteran Storme Warren will serve as the night’s host.

“This event stands as a powerful testament to the unwavering strength of Nashville's country music community, friends, neighbors, and especially parents,” shares music industry veteran and Covenant School parent Houston Phillips, who will co-produce the show with fellow veteran and Covenant School parent Chad Schultz as well as the Covenant School staff and Opry Entertainment Group.

“I was truly moved by the inherent goodness of those who offered support, no questions asked, as we worked to create an event that would lift up our community and contribute to Covenant School's ongoing recovery efforts,” he adds.

Tickets to the benefit concert go on sale Friday, June 30, at 10 a.m. CT at axs.com. All proceeds from the event will go to The Covenant School Community Fund.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.