The Stars Shine For St Jude Benefit Raising $215,174

Country music stars helped raise $215,174 during the 32nd Annual ESA St Jude Country Cares For Kids Radio / Cablethon at KHLS Thunder Country 96.3 in Blytheville, Arkansas. Pictured above are the artists with members of the Sudbury Broadcasting Group team (kneeling in front l-r) Coty and Clinton Walker from The Walker Bros., (seated on the couch l-r) Jason Green, Chuck Wilder, Tiffany Sykes, Steve Southard and David Adam Byrnes (seated on the upper level of the couch l-r) Dana Ham, Kelly McGrath, Kacey Smith, and Christine Moore (back row l-r) CJ Wilder, Mark Wayne Glasmire, Bob Logan Buddy Jewell, Darren Warren, Mike Lester, Debbie Polk, Tom Hill and Sean Patrick McGraw

Country music stars from around the country descended on Blytheville, Arkansas, to perform for the 32nd Annual ESA St Jude Country Cares For Kids Radio / Cablethon on Friday, February 24, and Saturday, February 25, which raised a grand total of $215,174 for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Buddy Jewell headlined the Southern Bancorp St Jude Benefit Concert held Friday night, raising over $6,000 toward the total. Jewell is also from Mississippi County where the event was held.

The concert also featured former St Jude patient and now artist Darren Warren, who shared his new song "There's Miracles In Memphis" with the audience. 

Other artists donating their time to the cause included  Mark Wayne Glasmire, Kacey Smith, Sean Patrick McGraw, Kelly McGrath, David Adam Byrnes, CJ Wilder, Jason Green, Chad Warrix, and The Walker Bros.

The annual event is sponsored by KHLS Thunder Country 96.3 FM, Epsilon Sigma Alpha, and Ritter Communications.

CMT Renews Bayou Billionaires, My Big Redneck Vacation

CMT's new Saturday night series, Bayou Billionaires and My Big Redneck Vacation, have been renewed for second seasons. The shows debuted in January to record-breaking viewership and have become the two highest-rated original series in CMT history. Bayou Billionaires stars the hardworking and close-knit Dowden family of Shreveport, La., who struck it rich when the fourth largest deposit of natural gas in the U.S. was found on their property. My Big Redneck Vacation, hosted by Tom Arnold, follows the extended Clampet family as they experience the vacation-of-a-lifetime in the Hamptons. Both series will conclude their first season with premieres on March 31. The second seasons are scheduled to premiere in June.

Mindy McCready's Son to Remain in Arkansas During Custody Battle

Mindy McCready's 5-year-old son will remain in foster care in Arkansas while a child custody battle is decided in a Florida court. McCready's mother had legal custody of the child, Zander, in November when the singer took him from her mother's house near Fort Myers, Fla. McCready and her son were later found in Arkansas. She wants Zander to stay in Arkansas, but the child's father, Billy McKnight, wants him back in Florida where his legal guardians live. A representative for a state social services agency in Arkansas said the custody case should be transferred to Arkansas, where the child is attending school and seeing a therapist. In a ruling issued Wednesday (Feb. 22), a Florida judge decided to retain jurisdiction in the custody case while allowing Zander to remain in foster care in Arkansas until details can be worked out.

Vince Gill Exits MCA Records After 23 Years

Vince Gill has left MCA Records. Appearing Wednesday (Feb. 22) as an unscheduled guest on Universal Music Group's Country Radio Seminar show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, Gill sang his unrecorded song "Red Words" after announcing his 23-year relationship with MCA was over. A spokesman for Gill confirmed the departure from MCA, a division of UMG. Prior to signing with MCA in 1989, he had spent five years recording for RCA Records. Gill released Guitar Slinger, his final album for MCA, last October. His first -- and possibly final -- single from that album, "Threaten Me With Heaven," received only moderate airplay. However, Gill, wife Amy Grant, Dillon O'Brian and the late Will Owsley received a Grammy nomination in the best country song category for co-writing it. The trade publication Country Aircheck reported that Gill told the audience of radio programmers, "I'm just grateful for where I've been, and you've been a big part of where I've been and where I'm going. To my MCA family, it was really a sweet ride the last 23 years, and I appreciate everything you do."

Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl" Available Now To Radio

It's finally here and you can grab it now on PlayMPe.com. Download Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl" and add it now!

Carrie Underwood, CMT's number 11 top artist this week, gave fans a sneak peek at her new single "Good Girl" Feb. 21 by posting a video on Youtube. Underwood opens the video discussing how it's their last day in the studio and taking viewers into the mixing room as the track is playing.

Wonder if her record label approved that leak?

The album still doesn't have a title -- or at least not one released to the public -- but the single will hit radio stations Feb. 23 and according to CMT , the album will be released March 1.

Even before this release, Billboard magazine  reported the "American Idol" alumnus had surpassed Kelly Clarkson last May to become the biggest selling "Idol" winner ever, with nearly 13 million album sales and over 18 million digital downloads at that time.

DOWNLOAD THE SONG FROM PLAYMPE.COM

Hank Jr Launches Tour To 'Take Back America'

Hank Williams, Jr.  will hit the road next month on his Taking Back the Country tour. The trek beings March 3 in St. Augustine, Fla., and crosses the country on 16 announced dates, with more to follow. He's also enlisted his rowdy friends -- Jamey Johnson , Chris Young , 38 Special  and George Thorogood  -- to join him in select cities. (See a full list below.)

The country legend has filled his set-list with classics including 'Family Tradition,' 'A Country Boy Can Survive' and 'All My Rowdy Friends Are Comin' Over Tonight,' as well as new, unheard material. If you can't make it to one of his shows, Bocephus' biggest hits are also coming together in the 'Best of Hank Williams, Jr.' album, out March 27. 

Fans can expect new material, written within weeks of his 2011 controversial remarks that got him booted from singing All My Rowdy Friends for NFL games.

Tour dates are:

March 3 - St. Augustine, FL - The St. Augustine Amphitheatre

March 4 - Plant City, FL - Florida Strawberry Festival
April 6 - Biloxi, MS - Mississippi Coast Coliseum (with 38 Special)
April 7 - Tuscaloosa, AL - Tuscaloosa Amphitheatre (with 38 Special)
April 13 - Duluth, GA - The Arena at Gwinnett Center (with 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
April 14 - Charleston, WV - Charleston Civic Center Coliseum (with 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
April 27 - Southaven, MS - Landers Center (with Josh Thompson and Jamey Johnson)
May 11 - Evansville, IN - Ford Center (with 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
May 5 - Dayton, OH - Nutter Center (with 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
May 18 - Bossier City, LA - Centurylink Center (with 38 Special and Jamey Johnson)
May 19 - Wichita, KS - INTRUST Bank Arena (with Jamey Johnson)
July27 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Frontier Days (with Chris Young)
Aug. 04 - Davenport, IA - Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds
Aug. 16 - Louisville, KY - Kentucky State Fair, Freedom Hall (with George Thorogood)
Aug. 17 - Des Moines, IA - Iowa State Fair, Grandstand (with George Thorogood)
Aug. 18 - Sedalia, MO - Missouri State Fairground (with George Thorogood)

Lady A, Civil Wars, The Band Perry, Swift see sales spurt

Lady Antebellum, The Civil Wars, The Band Perry and Taylor Swift received the predictable sales bump from the Grammys.

Lady A jumped from 17 to 9 with "Own the Night," selling 37,000 units, up 57 percent.

The Civil Wars had a huge week with "Barton Hollow" skyrocketing 178 percent to 36,000 units sold. The disc from the duo went from 41 to 10. The Civil Wars sang a snippet before handing the stage over to Swift.

The Band Perry's self-titled debut moved from 24 to 19 with 24,000 in sales, up 22 percent.

Swift's "Speak Now' jumped from 42 to 25 on the overall chart with 20,000 units sold, up 60 percent.

Adele had a huge jump with "21." The disc sold 740,000 units, up 207 percent for its 21st non-consecutive week at number 1.

Craig Morgan Plans TV & Appearances to Promote ‘This Ole Boy’

Craig Morgan is putting the finishing touches on a busy week of live performances, autograph sessions and national TV appearances in support of his upcoming CD, This Ole Boy.

Prior to his new record releasing on February 28th, Morgan will start the week on Monday with a live Facebook chat with CMT. That same night he’ll entertain his hometown crowd with a rare appearance in Dickson, Tennessee. Morgan will sign copies of his soon-to-be-released album and perform an acoustic set previewing tracks from the new record for the Middle Tennessee crowd. Fans from Dickson to Duluth and Dublin to Dubai can stream Morgan’s live performance via STAGEIT. A limited number of tickets to the live webcast can be purchased HERE.

A number of other live appearances and autograph signings are planned to celebrate the release of Morgan’s sixth studio record.

Scheduled Live Appearances and Autographs
Feb 27 8pm Dickson, TN Renaissance Center
Feb 28 12pm Chattanooga/Hixson, TN Wal-Mart 5764 Highway 153
Feb 28 9pm Atlanta/Duluth, GA Wild Bills 2075 Market St
Feb 29 6pm Greenville, SC Wal-Mart 1451 Woodruff St
Mar 3 3pm Charlotte, NC Wal-Mart 2101 Younts Rd
Mar 4 12pm Knoxville, TN Wal-Mart 6777 Clinton Hwy

That same week, Morgan will make a stop in Manhattan for a series of national TV appearances in support of his newly released record. On Thursday, March 1st he’ll visit Fox News Channel’sHannity (9pm ET) where he’ll take part in Sean Hannity’s Great American Panel. The following morning Morgan will perform his hit single “This Ole Boy” on Fox & Friends (6-9am ET).

Fans can get in on the action with a PDA CONTEST. Snap a photo of yourself sharing your love for Craig Morgan and “This Ole Boy” to enter to win iTunes gift cards or an autographed copy of Morgan’s new album.

This Ole Boy is Craig Morgan’s first new music in three years. Co-produced with his longtime creative partner Phil O’Donnell, Morgan co-wrote 7of the 12 songs on the new record. The feel good, sing-along title track love song is climbing the country radio charts and the music video, featuring Hollywood actress Angie Harmon, can be viewed on numerous web and TV outlets.

Justin Moore Releases His First Love Song

Justin Moore’s  latest single, “Till My Last Day,” is a first for him. It marks the first time he’s ever released a love song. It is also his wife Kate’s favorite song on the album, so much so that she had the lyrics engraved in a special gift for her husband.

“My wedding ring was kind of big on me and slapping people’s hands on stage, it almost came off a couple times,” Justin said. “So, she got me a new ring and she got engraved in it some lyrics, ‘I can love you the best.’”

While “Till My Last Day” is a ballad, it was inspired by a rock band. “It sounds different than anything I’ve ever cut,” Justin said. “I was listening to a ZZ Top song, “Rough Boy,” and I just liked the groove of it and I thought ‘Well, that still sounds tough. I could sing something like that.’ So, we sat and wrote that song. I think it came out good.”

Besides writing “Till My Last Day,” Justin also wrote the title track for This Is NRA Country, Volume 1 which just hit shelves. The album is in promotion of the This Is NRA Country initiative which features country stars helping to promote the NRA and what it stands for.

“I’m just trying to spread the gospel about what all they do that’s so great,” said Justin, “but my view on it is that I believe in the Constitution. It’s pretty simple. I believe that the values that this country’s based on aren’t broken and so I’m happy to be helping spread that message.”

Justin is touring with Blake Shelton  as a special guest on Blake’s Well Lit & Amplified Tour. He will join the Country Throwdown Tour for select dates in May.

Watch Keith Urban’s New “For You” Video

Keith Urban’s latest video is a thriller. “For You,” written by Keith for the Act of Valor soundtrack, is about the sacrifices our U.S. servicemen and women make to defend our country. The video features Keith and his band in the desert while explosions go off around them, cut between footage from the Act of Valor film.

“I loved the challenge of writing for a film,” Keith said. “I’ve never done that before. After seeing Act Of Valor, my co-writer and I wanted to capture the essence of not only what these men and women do so extraordinarily, but how that relates to all of us.  ‘Valor’ shows us what they are willing to give their all for, which made me wonder, ‘What am I willing to give my life for?’  ‘For You’ is intended to allow the listener to define who that is for them.”

Watch the video now!

Urban Claims Top Spot On Billboard Country Chart

Keith Urban claimed the top of the Billboard Country Songs chart for the week ending March 3 withYou Gonna Fly. Urban took over for The Band Perry's All Your Life,which fell to fifth. On the albums chart Lady Antebellum moved back to the top with "Own the Night," with last week's chart topper, "Home" from Dierks Bentley, falling to fifth.

Jason Aldean stayed second on the albums chart with "My Kinda Party" The Band Perry may have benefitted from a Grammy appearance, moving from sixth to third with their self-titled debut. Luke Bryan remained fourth with "tailgates & tanlines,"

Taylor Swfit's "Speak Now" World Tour Live CD/DVD" jumped from 33 to 24. "Here for a Good Time" from George Strait was up 5 to 25. A Grammy appearance helped Glen Campbell receive a huge jolt in sales, going from 58 to 34 with "Ghost on the Canvas." Alison Krauss & Paper Airplane jumped 12 to 37 with "Paper Airplane." Thompson Square's self-titled debut moved up 7 to 39.

Kenny Chesney went from four to two on the songs chart withReality, while Chris Young remained third with You. Bentley is at four with Home.

Swift broke into the top 10 with Ours, up 2 to 9. Zac Brown Band went from 24 to 20 with No Hurry. Aldean's Fly Over States moved from 25 to 22. Time Is Love, the new Josh Turner single, jumped from 31 to 27. The biggest mover by far was Eric Church whoseSpringsteen skyrocketed from 43 to 28. Rodney Atkins stood at 30, up 2, with He's Mine.

Skylar Laine Makes Top 24 on 'American Idol' With Reba McEntire's 'Fancy'

Country girl Skylar Laine, one of many contestants who needed help from paramedics during Hollywod week, rallied by the time she was ready for her solo performance. Laine, whom the judges have been calling a young Reba, sang Reba McEntire’s “Fancy” and wowed the judges for a spot in the top 24.

Hallie Day, Chase Likens and another returnee from last year Aaron Marcellus also get the good news that they’ve been picked.

Cledus T. Judd Releases Parody Song "Double D Cupps"

Always one for a great parody song, Cledus T. Judd has done it again. Cledus has somehow spun Toby Keith's "Red Solo Cup" into a hilarious tune about breasts!

Take a listen and see what you think!

Hillary Scott, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift Make 100 Greatest Women in Music List

Last week, Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and a handful of musical country femmes made it onto VH1‘s 1oo Greatest Women in Music list. The complete list debuted Feb. 13 in a one-hour special that kicked off a five-day series of similar specials. Topping the list as the greatest woman in music was Madonna, with Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Lady Gaga and Adele joining her in the top five.

Country women made quite the showing on the list as well, with Lady Antebellum’s Hillary Scott sitting at No. 89,Leann Rimes at 62, Miranda Lambert at 58, Taylor Swift landing at 43, the Dixie Chicks at 39, Faith Hill at 37, Shania Twain at 35 and Carrie Underwood as the highest-ranking country lady with a placement at No. 23.

The list features the best women in music in the past 20 years, and last week VH1 aired an hour-long segment talking about a different group of the women each night.

Underwood just released an in-studio video preview of her upcoming single ‘Good Girl’ for fans to enjoy. That single is expected to release Feb. 23, just a couple of weeks after Underwood made an appearance at the Grammys dueting with pop standard luminary Tony Bennett.

SEE THE ENTIRE LIST HERE

Keith Urban's "For You" Now Available

Keith Urban's new track, "For You," is now available -- in stores and on iTunes. It's on the "Act of Valor" soundtrack. Co-written by Monty Powell, "For You" marks the first time Urban has written and recorded a song specifically for a movie. It's featured during the film's end credits.

Rascal Flatts to Release One-Night-Only Movie Theater Event April 5

Rascal Flatts is coming to a movie theater near you – for one night only. The group has partnered with AEG Live in conjunction with NCM Fathom to presentRascal Flatts – CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event. The show will start in select theaters nationwide on April 5 at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT/6:00 p.m. MT/8:00 p.m. PT (tape delayed).

Rascal Flatts – CHANGED: One Night Exclusive Theater Event will give fans exclusive, never-before-seen access into the lives of Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney and Jay DeMarcus. It will also include exclusive live performances of their biggest hits and music from the new album, Changed, which hits stores April 3.

Tickets to the event will be made available to the U.S. public in early March at www.FathomEvents.com. The event will also play at select Cineplex Entertainment theatres across Canada. Their first single from Changed, “Banjo,” is at radio now.

Rascal Flatts Give Sara Evans a Jeep!

Sara Evans opened-up for Rascal Flatts on their last tour…well, it turns out the guys like to give folks who hit the road with them a little gift…Well a big gift!

Rascal Flatts gave me a JEEP today as a gift from the tour! A crimson Alabama Jeep! I am in shock! They are SO sweet! I LOVE them!

Rascal Flatts receives CRS Humanitarian Award

Pictured above, CRS 2012 Artist Humanitarian Award winners Rascal Flatts.  L to R:  RF’s Jay DeMarcus, RF manager Clarence Spalding, CRS Executive Director Bill Mayne, RF’s Gary LeVox, Radio Ink Magazine’s Lois Chooljian, CRS President Mike Culotta, RF’s Joe Don Rooney.  Photo: Bev Moser.

The CRS Radio and Artist Humanitarian Awards were handed out today on the opening day of CRS 2012, held Feb. 22-24 in downtown Nashville at the Nashville Convention Center.

The 2012 Radio Humanitarian winners are KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho (Small Market), WIVK/Knoxville, Tenn. (Medium Market) and WLHK/Indianapolis, Ind. (Large Market).  As previously announced, the Artist Humanitarian Awardwinner is Rascal Flatts.  CRS President Mike Culotta and Radio Ink’s Lois Chooljian presented the awards at 10:30 a.m., immediately following the CRS Keynote Address.

Small Market Winner: 106.9 KMOK/Lewiston, Idaho -Lewiston’s KMOK was instrumental in dozens of local humanitarian efforts in 2011, including National Night Out Against Crime, Pet of the Week, Lewis Clark Animal Shelter’s Dog Swim, Coats for the Cold, Annual Life Safety Day, United Way Day of Caring, Relay for Life, Earth Day, Jackson Baldwin Foundation, Jog for Jugs, Wounded Warriors Project, Cruising to Clarkston and numerous others.

Medium Market Winner: 107.7 WIVK/Knoxville, Tenn. -
WIVK’s contributions to fundraising efforts helped raise a total of more than $12.9 million in 2011.  Campaigns included: the HonorAir Radiothon, Voices from the Front, Coats for the Cold, Stuff the Bus, a Susan G. Komen benefit concert and the Teddy Bear Round Up.  WIVK sponsored dozens of events, such as the “Real Steel” movie premiere, Buddy’s Race Against Cancer, Fantasy of Trees for Children’s Hospital, Great Rubber Duck Race for Boys & Girls’ Club, ADA Step Out Walk, Knoxville Zoo and more.

Large Market Winner: 97.1 WLHK/Indianapolis, Ind. -Indianapolis’ HANK FM/97.1 continued its avid support for Habitat For Humanity in 2011, building a five bedroom house at the Indiana State Fair in just 15 days.  The station hosted a Santa’s Secret Star benefit concert for the Salvation Army during Christmas, debuted its Christmas Angel program, received national media attention for Cheri’s Chores, partnered with the Indianapolis Colts to host the Big Blue Drive-Through for tornado relief and was instrumental in efforts supporting the victims at the Indiana State Fair tragedy.

Rascal Flatts received the 2012 Artist Humanitarian award for their charitable contributions and humanitarian endeavors throughout their career.   In 2010, the group donated $3 million to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt’s Pediatric Surgery Center.  They currently serve as celebrity spokespersons for the national suicide prevention organization, The Jason Foundation, and have been members of the American Red Cross Celebrity Cabinet for the past seven years.

About the CRS Artist Humanitarian Award:The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 to honor those Country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.  Past recipients of the annual award have included Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels and Kenny Rogers, among others.

About the CRS Radio Humanitarian Awards:The CRB Radio Humanitarian Awards are presented to full-time Country radio stations for notable public service initiatives that improve the quality of life for the communities they serve.  The annual awards are presented to stations in three categories: Large (markets 1-50), Medium (markets 51-130), and Small (markets 131+).

About Country Radio Seminar:Country Radio Seminar is an annual convention designed to educate and promote the exchange of ideas and business practices in the Country music industry, with specific emphasis on issues relevant to Country radio.  CRS 2012 will be held Feb. 22-24, 2012, in downtown Nashville, Tenn., at the Nashville Convention Center.  Visit www.CountryRadioSeminar.com for more information.  Country Radio Seminar is a property of Country Radio Broadcasters.

 

 

Carrie Underwood Previews Her New Song With YouTube Video

The fourth studio album from Carrie Underwood is just days away, and she was kind enough to give fans a preview of the first release from the album. Carrie takes us inside the studio where the engineers are working on the final version of her song "Good Girl."


“I thought I’d give you guys a little teaser, cause hey, what are they gonna do to me?” the blonde country superstar asks before swinging the mixing room door open, releasing a flood of uptempo country goodness. The song seems cut from the mold of ‘Before He Cheats’ or ‘Undo It.’ It’s the bad girl Underwood that fans will hear from first.

“I cannot wait for you to hear the whole thing. It will be coming to a radio near you very soon. I hope you like it.” The still-untitled album is due in stores May 1.

Underwood’s website says the song will be released on Feb. 23. In fact, there is a ‘Good Girl’ countdown that is pecking away the seconds to midnight ET. It may be a very late night for the singer’s most loyal fans.

Chris Cagle to Sing National Anthem at Upcoming NASCAR Nationwide Series

Chris Cagle will “get his NASCAR on” when he sings the national anthem prior to the upcoming NASCAR Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Fla., on February 25. In addition to performing during Saturday’s race, Cagle also will ride “shotgun” with friend and NASCAR driver Mike Wallace, when Cagle’s image appears on the decklid of Wallace’s No. 01 G&K Services Chevrolet car.

“Just being in Daytona during the kick-off of the NASCAR racing season is a big deal, but when I found out I was going to be featured on the car, it was unbelievable! On top of that, getting the call to sing our National Anthem before the Nationwide Series race…it’s a dream come true!,” Cagle expressed.
Wallace shares his enthusiasm.
“It’s going to be fun to have my friend Chris Cagle on our car. He’s an excellent country artist with songs everyone can relate to in life. Maybe we can inspire him to write a song about racing for us,” said Wallace, who will open the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Daytona International Speedway.

Cagle plans to enjoy the monumental day with his wife Kay.

“I am a huge NASCAR fan and a dear friend to Mike Wallace and his family! This is going to be an amazing day for me and something I never thought I’d have the opportunity to do! I’m going to enjoy every single moment, not to mention, the pleasure of introducing my wife to one of the greatest spectator sports that America has to offer,” said Cagle.

Chris Cagle’s performance of the national anthem with air at 1:18 P.M. EST/12:18 P.M. CST on ESPN.