“Cowboys Cry Too” Up for “Best Country Duo/Group Performance”

Four-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini can now make it five. Receiving her first “Best Country Duo/Group Performance” nomination for “Cowboys Cry Too” with two-time GRAMMY-nominated multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Noah Kahan. The pair’s inherent chemistry and willingness to probe people’s most vulnerable emotions connected with the GRAMMY voters in a palpable way.

Having come together with a “Stick Season” mash-up performance at the 2024 Academy of Country Music Awards, Kahan and Ballerini recognized each other’s curiosity about the faltering places most of us face – and decided to collaborate further. That collaboration sees the 2024 “Best New Artist” GRAMMY nominee coming into the emerging country music superstar’s world to co-write a song that leaves space for grief, doubt and raw feelings.

“I’m just so proud of the heart of this song, and the vulnerability it celebrates and stands for,” Ballerini says of the duet that debuted at No. 27 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, was most added its first week, as well as amassing 12 million streams. “I believe a lot of people wish they could drop their armor, admit when they’re hurt or scared — and not feel like a failure for owning very human emotions.

“When Alysa (Vanderheym) and I were writing this last fall, there was a real feeling of freedom celebrating the scope of feelings. Noah adding his perspective and lyricism made it a different level, and I’m so grateful he added his magic and made this song what it is.”

The New York Times offered, “With string-band fiddle and mandolin set amid an arena-country march, Ballerini and Kahan praise vulnerability as a different form of toughness, one that’s not encouraged by family or culture,” People raved, “the artists bare it all, talking emotional suppression and stoic fathers, noting it’s OK to pour one out from time to time – ‘cause cowboys cry too’,” and American Songwriter praised the “beautifully crafted country song that hits all the right notes, from the fiddle to acoustic guitar;” AS also cited the duet’s power, “While this song could have worked with just Ballerini, Kahan’s verses punch it up and give it a new point of view. This expands the song beyond a single mindset, making it universally understood.”

Kahan embraced the process, saying, “It’s the writers who are willing to go to the awkward places that inspire me. Kelsea is one of those, and I knew if we could find something we both believed to sing, it would expand how we look at the way we live, what society decides and we should reject. ‘Cowboys Cry Too’ is everything I believed our collaboration could be.”

With Kahan’s vocal produced by Gabe Simon, Billboard notes that in spite of earlier collabs with Kacey Musgraves and others, the record, which features John Osborne on lead guitar, “(Kahan} has never sounded as comfortable picking up the cowboy hat as he does here.”

Both artists are TIME Magazine’s TIME100 Next and Saturday Night Live veterans, as well as all-genre GRAMMY “Best New Artist” nominations for following music instead of formats. “Cowboys Cry Too” shows the fluidity with which both Ballerini and Kahan inhabit their songs, delivering on their strengths as citizens of a global world that recognizes the critical need for a space that allows people to find shelter from the storm.

Country artist Robby Johnson is excited to release his new single, “Road I’m On,” today. This emotionally charged track intertwines themes of struggle, resilience, and the search for peace, starting with a powerful metaphor of life as an uphill battle. Johnson’s vivid lyrics recount his challenging childhood marked by his father’s absence and his mother’s sacrifices, setting the stage for an exploration of self-doubt and the lasting impact of early trauma. The chorus, “This road I’m on,” resonates as both a lament and an anthem of determination, highlighting how our past shapes our present.

“Road I’m On” is more than just a song; it’s my story,” Johnson shares. “Sometimes when we look at our past, it helps us appreciate what we have now with a deeper appreciation than you ever thought could be possible. Always remember, if things are tough, they will get better. Never give up.”

Johnson opens up with Cowboys & Indians about the pain from his youth, his journey into adulthood, and finding purpose.

The verses in “Road I’m On” tell Johnson’s transformation from a child with a “beaten up guitar” to a traveling musician, emphasizing music’s power as a form of healing. The song’s imagery—“a hole in his soul” and “running errands through my heart”—depicts deep, lasting pain while also expressing hope for peace.

After a decade of chasing songwriting dreams in Nashville, the release of Johnson’s Christmas song, “Oh! Santa, Please” brings a new holiday classic that is becoming a household favorite one listen at a time. Johnson has admitted after battling with self-doubt and the weight of unfulfilled aspirations despite years of family sacrifices, he found inspiration in an unexpected moment. The song, centered on asking Santa for the perfect gift, mirrors Johnson’s own journey and hope for a breakthrough. Completing the song took a stroke of divine inspiration, with the final, perfect hook arriving in a dream, proving that with the power of persistence, faith, and belief. breakthroughs often come when least expected. “Oh! Santa, Please” is now available on all streaming platforms.

“My family has made countless sacrifices for us to be in Nashville,” Johnson shares. “After feeling like I had let them down, I woke up to an incredible gift – a Christmas song that seemed to write itself.”

Country Music Hall of Fame, Grand Ole Opry, and The Oak Ridge Boys member Joe Bonsall’s latest and final book ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ is now available today through Fidelis Publishing LLC in hardbound, e-book, and audiobook formats wherever books are sold!

“‘I See Myself’ is just a collection of visions as I have searched through my mental archives, and they have manifested themselves, reminding me of a life well lived. I have simply followed the leads and written stuff down. I hope these little musings and memories will entertain and, hopefully, inspire you to follow your dreams,” Bonsall wrote.

As a fifty-year member of the legendary country music group The Oak Ridge Boys, Bonsall left an indelible mark on the music world. His final book, ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ received his last sign-off just one week before his passing on July 9, 2024. Earlier this year, Bonsall had announced his retirement from touring due to his battle with a debilitating neuromuscular disorder, which eventually claimed his mobility. The memoir captures his reflections on the contrasts and crossroads of his life, from growing up in inner-city Philadelphia and running with a street gang to finding faith in Christ at a youth camp. His story embodies both the resilience and the joy of a life well-lived, from working as a short-order cook to performing in sold-out arenas and experiencing the heartbreaking limitations of ALS.

“We at Fidelis are honored to publish ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life’ by the music legend Joe Bonsall. His life and career with one of the most successful Country/Gospel bands of all time is the definition of ‘inspirational.’ More so is his testimony about his walk with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, which he did daily.” – Gary Terashita, COO and publisher, Fidelis Publishing, LLC, a company founded by LtCol Oliver L. North USMC (Ret.)

In I See Myself, Bonsall shares his journey through a series of heartfelt memories that showcase his unwavering faith in God and his ability to inspire others, even in the face of changing circumstances.

Known for his love of Southern Gospel music from a young age, Bonsall’s legacy extends beyond music to his deep connection with family, spending cherished moments with his wife and loved ones at their Hendersonville, Tennessee, home. I See Myself is now available for purchase everywhere books are sold.

At a special event held at The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum yesterday commemorating the book release of Bonsall’s memoir, ‘I See Myself: Musings and Memories of a Blessed Life,’ authors, artists, media, and fans alike came together to celebrate his final project. The event was sponsored by Gus Arrendale and Springer Mountain Farms and paid tribute to Bonsall’s lasting influence on the music industry. The event, led by hosts Deborah Evans-Price and Jimmy Wayne, featured an engaging Q&A session with The Oak Ridge Boys, offering fans insight into Bonsall’s journey. The intimate gathering included support from artists such as Larry and Rudy Gatlin, Tenille Arts, John Berry, T. Graham Brown, and Brooke Aldridge, as well as authors Ken Abraham, Scott McKain, and Peter W. Rosenberger, creating an unforgettable event honoring Bonsall’s remarkable career.

Fifteen-time GRAMMY® winner and Country Music Hall of Fame member Ricky Skaggs today announced his 2024 holiday tour: Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas. Skaggs and his ace band Kentucky Thunder hit the tour trail this December with thirteen Christmas concerts across the nation.

Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder will perform in Nashville, TN, Tucson, AZ, Huntington, WV, Richmond, KY, Jim Thorpe, PA, Louisville, KY, Knoxville, TN and more (full tour schedule below).

The show will feature songs both old and new as Skaggs and his band perform their own perfect blend of tight harmony in their refreshing acoustic style.

“This is my favorite time of the year,” explains Skaggs. “Not only do we celebrate the birth of the Savior, we also get to play some really fun music. I hope you will come out and see one of our Kentucky Thunder Christmas shows. It’s a joyful time. You’ll love it.”

Concertgoers can expect to hear bluegrass tune “Christmas Time’s A Comin,’” along with a rendition of “New Star Shining,” a hit song for Skaggs and James Taylor. Beloved classic songs “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls,” and “Let it Snow” are part of the show, along with many other special Christmas melodies. Included in this seasonal show are sing-a-longs, rounding out an exclusive assortment of holiday favorites.

For ticketing information, visit rickyskaggs.com/tour.

Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder Christmas Tour Dates:

Dec. 5 – Tucson, AZ – Fox Theatre
Dec. 6 – Scottsdale, AZ – Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts
Dec. 10 – Richmond, KY – EKU Center for the Arts
Dec. 11 – Newport News, VA – Ferguson Center for the Arts
Dec. 12 – Huntington, WV – Joan C. Edwards Performing Arts Center
Dec. 13 – Wheeling, WV – The Capitol Theatre
Dec. 14 – Jim Thorpe, PA – Penn’s Peak
Dec. 15 – Marietta, OH – Peoples Bank Theatre
Dec. 18 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Music Center
Dec. 19 – Knoxville, TN – Tennessee Theatre
Dec. 20 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
Dec. 21 – Germantown, TN – Germantown Performing Arts Center
Dec. 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium

Rising country-pop artist Emily Brooke releases her new single “if you didn’t notice.” The single comes ahead of her highly anticipated new album all of the pieces (unplugged), which will be available across all streaming platforms on November 15, 2024.

“if you didn’t notice” is a poignant track, capturing the emotional turmoil of recognizing a transition from sadness to frustration as one grapples with the realization that a connection is fading. “This song is a raw reflection of how we sometimes push others away just to feel something,” Emily explains. “I’m so excited to share this with the world because I know so many people can relate to that anger and hurt.” The single was recorded live in Brooke’s apartment along with the rest of the album, embodying a sense of intimacy and authenticity and allowing listeners to connect deeply with her music.

all of the pieces (unplugged) will take listeners across an emotional journey encapsulating Brooke’s experiences with the process of love and healing. Throughout her dating experiences, Brooke longed for an album that captured the full spectrum of her emotions, from the thrill of new love to the pain of heartbreak. Living in Nashville, she channeled these feelings into all of the pieces (unplugged), arranged to guide listeners through a compelling love story. Each track unfolds in sequence, immersing the audience in the highs and lows of romance.

Hailing from the charming town of Wellington, Florida, Brooke has been making waves in Nashville as an upcoming country/pop singer songwriter. Despite being only 26 years old, Emily has dedicated over a decade to her craft, immersing herself in the world of songwriting and performance. Her journey through the music industry is nothing short of impressive; she has graced the stage as an opener for some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including Kelsea Ballerini, Old Dominion, Ryan Hurd, Charles Kelley, Craig Campbell, Randy Houser, amongst others.

Brooke’s talent was evident early on in her career when, at just 17, she earned a spot as a Top 24 finalist on American Idol. This achievement marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see her traveling back and forth between her hometown and Nashville. She has collaborated with esteemed songwriters like Jamie Floyd, Josh Kerr, and Hannah Ellis to craft her previous self-titled EP, which achieved notable success by charting at #11 on the iTunes Country Albums chart and #81 across all genres. Her move to Nashville was a pivotal step, transforming her from a promising young artist into a full-time resident of the heart of country music.

Brooke recently wrapped up the Nashville Country Cafe Tour, where she was the main featured artist performing throughout the Netherlands. The tour brought a taste of Nashville’s country music to European audiences, highlighting the charm and storytelling tradition of country music in an intimate theater setting and emulating a night in Nashville at the Bluebird Café. Her musical style was a unique blend of “sweet and sassy” with a distinct edge, creating a powerful synergy in both her songwriting and performances. This signature sound resonated with many, helping her grow to over 257k fans on social media.