Month: November 2023

For the second year in a row, country music was acknowledged in a big way at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, held this year in Brooklyn, New York, and now available for streaming on Disney+.

Willie Nelson was ushered into the Hall by his friend and fellow Farm Aid board member Dave Matthews. After performing Willie’s song “Funny How Time Slips Away,” Matthews gave a speech in which he constantly referred to Willie’s infamous love of weed. 

Recalling the time he met Willie – on Willie’s tour bus after a gig – Matthews got big laughs when he said, “I got so high that I thought I might forget to breathe … and then we continued to get high, until Willie said, ‘Is everybody high?'” But Matthews also stressed Willie’s efforts on behalf of American farmers, among other good works.

When he took the stage, the 90-year-old country icon made several pointed references to the fact that he has never been held back by musical genres – possibly to answer anyone who questioned whether or not he was “rock” enough for the Rock Hall of Fame. Referring to his pioneering collaborations with the late Ray Charles, Willie said, “We never asked each other … whether to do a soul song, a rock song or a country song – we just sang the songs we loved.”

Noting that he and Johnny Cash are now both in the Hall of Fame, Willie also called for the other two members of their supergroup The Highwaymen to be inducted.

“I want to give a plug for Waylon [Jennings], who played with Buddy Holly,” he said. “And Kris [Kristofferson], who sang so many hits, to be inducted, too.”

Willie then performed three classics: “Whiskey River” with Chris Stapleton, “Crazy” with fellow inductee Sheryl Crow and “On the Road Again” with Crow, Matthews and Stapleton.

Carrie Underwood, announced as a performer ahead of the show, didn’t take part in tributes to either Willie or Sheryl. Instead, she paid tribute to the late George Michael, who was also being inducted, bringing the house down with an impassioned rendition of Michael’s hit “One More Try.”

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Drake Milligan has dropped a full-length version of his latest track, “I Got a Problem.” The extended rendition features a slow piano intro that spotlights Drake’s rich baritone before he soars on the romantic ode. 

Travis Denning‘s “Going Places” is out now. “Lyrically, I wanted to paint a picture of a storyline of two people that ran together then blew apart into two very different lives,” says Travis, who penned the track alongside Paul DiGiovanni, Jeremy Stover and Matt Mulhare. “I tried to challenge myself to think outside of my normal comfort zone melodically and musically with this one, and that's been the motive for all the new music I've been working on.”

Griffen Palmer‘s heartbreak song, “Heart of Exes,” has arrived. “Although this is undeniably a breakup song, it’s also a love letter to all of the shared experiences and moments with this other person in the seemingly ‘magical’ place where it all happened,” says Griffen, who authored the tune alongside Hoskins, Jackson Morgan and Ryan Vojtesak.

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Filson has announced its new Chris Stapleton Signature Mackinaw Cruiser jacket.

The limited-edition black jacket drops November 7 and is made with deadstock Mackinaw Wool from Filson’s archives.

Earlier in October, Filson released its Traveller Collection with Chris. The line is comprised of an outfitter bag, duffle bag, stowaway backpack, dopp kitt and suit cover.

Of the collab, Chris shares, “Filson feels like part of my family, and their commitment to lasting craftsmanship aligns perfectly with my values. It’s been an honor to collaborate with such a legendary brand that creates products meant to outlive us all.”

To sign up for early access to the Chris Stapleton Signature Mackinaw Cruiser and to check out the Traveller Collection, visit filson.com.

Chris’ new album, Higher, arrives November 10 and is available for preorder and presave now.

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Country icons Trisha Yearwood and Tanya Tucker have joined Brenda Lee for the “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” music video.

It’s the first time the song has received a video treatment following its 1958 release, when Brenda was 13.

In the festive visualizer, Trisha and Brenda spend time baking cookies in the kitchen, before Tanya and friends arrive to decorate the Christmas tree ahead of Santa’s arrival.

“For those out there who know me and have supported me and my music through the years, I've very proud to be putting out the first ever music video for ‘Rockin’.’ This song has been so special to me – I never thought it would be my signature song, but I love that it is because it brings so much joy,” says Brenda of her five-time RIAA-certified Platinum hit.

“I remember the day I recorded this wonderful Johnny Marks song, and here we are 65 years later and I'm only here because of you,” she continues. “I won't ever meet all of you, but I know you are there and have been since I was a little girl – so Thank You and I wish everyone a Merry Christmas!”

Coming up, fans catch Brenda perform “Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree” on Christmas at the Opry, airing Thursday, December 7, at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

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Kelsea Ballerini made her headlining arena show debut on November 2 in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.

The Homecoming Show kicked off with opening sets by up-and-comer Georgia Webster and “More Hearts Than Mine” hitmaker Ingrid Andress before Kelsea arrived for her sold-out concert.

“there's no place like home. we did it,” Kelsea captioned an Instagram carousel of photos from the special night, including onstage shots of her with Georgia and Ingrid, and Kenny Chesney, with whom she sang “half of my hometown.”

“I'm so happy and proud for you. Thanks for having me,” Kenny commented on the post.

Coming up, fans can catch Kelsea’s performance of “Leave Me Again” from her CMA Album of the Year-nominated Rolling Up The Welcome Mat at the 57th CMA Awards, airing Wednesday, November 8, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.

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Tyler Hubbard has released his new song, “A Lot With a Little.”

The romantic ode was penned by Tyler, Casey Brown and Parker Welling, and it’s all about taking time to enjoy the simple things in life.

“Still got a little moonlight/ Still got a little windin’ road/ Still got a little all-night/ Left in the throttle/ Yeah, girl, we got a little/ Love song on the radio dial/ Bench-seat smile while you slide in the middle/ And steal a little kiss on a night like this/ Me and you can do a lot with a little,” goes the anthemic chorus.

Tyler is currently in the top 40 of the country charts with his single “Back Then Right Now.” Both songs serve as previews of Tyler’s forthcoming sophomore album.

Coming up, fans can catch Tyler on Kane Brown‘s 2024 In The Air Tour. For Tyler’s full tour schedule, visit his website.

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The Country Music Association and ABC have just announced the star-studded programming for this year’s CMA Awards week.

Happening from November 4 to November 9, ABC will air several programs and country performances on its morning news and night talk shows. This includes the one-hour television special Dolly Parton: From Rhinestones to Rock & Roll, where Dolly Parton will join ABC News’ Robin Roberts for a sit-down conversation about her career, iconic looks and new Rockstar album.

Here’s the full programming for CMA Awards week:

Saturday, November 4, and Sunday, November 5 (local timings vary): On The Red Carpet: Countdown to the CMA Awards, a 30-minute special featuring exclusive interviews with CMA Awards nominees Lainey Wilson, Jordan Davis, The War And Treaty, Jelly Roll, Lady A and Old Dominion.

Monday, November 6 (11:35 p.m. ET): Jordan Davis on Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Tuesday, November 7 (10 p.m. ET): Dolly Parton: From Rhinestones to Rock & Roll

Wednesday, November 8 (7 a.m. to 9 a.m. ET): Good Morning America. CMA Awards hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will offer viewers a behind-the-scenes look at Country Music’s Biggest Night. Megan Moroney will make her debut performance on GMA and GMA3: What You Need To Know. The CMA Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year winners will be revealed.

Wednesday, November 8 (6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET): On The Red Carpet Live At The CMA Awards with ABC7/KABC-TV Los Angeles' George Pennacchio, Rebecca Spera and Roshumba Williams.

Wednesday, November 8 (8 p.m. ET): 57th annual CMA Awards

Wednesday, November 8 (11:35 p.m. ET): Jelly Roll on Jimmy Kimmel Live! 

Thursday, November 9: Good Morning America. GMA‘s Lara Spencer will share behind-the-scenes interviews with CMA Awards winners. 

For more information, visit cmaawards.com.

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Jason Aldean‘s long-awaited 17th studio album, Highway Desperado, has arrived.

Michael Knox produced the 14-track collection, which features the chart-topping single “Try That in a Small Town.”

Of his album’s title and headlining tour name, Jason says, “I think when I look back on it, I built my career early on my live show, and have been on the road touring since I was 18 years old. For us, touring is our favorite part. Getting on the bus and going town to town and playing our shows and doing our thing and seeing the fans. the title for the tour and album was really inspired from that.”

He adds on Instagram, “This album is a tribute to my life on the road and all of u guys who come out and see us play every night. Hope u dig it!”

Highway Desperado is available now wherever you enjoy music.

Here’s the track listing for Highway Desperado:

“Tough Crowd”
“Let Your Boys Be Country”
“Knew You’d Come Around”
“Hungover In A Hotel”
“Try That In A Small Town”
“Whiskey Drink”
“Whose Rearview”
“I’m Over You”
“Rather Watch You”
“Breakup Breakdown”
“Get Away From You”
“Changing Bars”
“From This Beer On”
“Highway Desperado”

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