JUSTIN MOORE, DENNIS QUAID, KEIFER SUTHERLAND – National Memorial Day Parade
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderJustin Moore, Dennis Quaid, Kiefer Sutherland, Gary Sinise, Natalie Morales, Kyra Phillips and More to Headline the 2019 National Memorial Day Parade
Presented by the American Veterans Center, the Largest Memorial Day Parade in the Nation Commemorates Service & Sacrifice
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, which marks the first day of Military Appreciation Month, the American Veterans Center announced that the 15th annual National Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 27th at 2PM (EST) along Constitution Avenue in our nation’s capital. The parade will include musical performances by country star Justin Moore, critically acclaimed actors turned critically acclaimed musicians Dennis Quaid and Kiefer Sutherland, and the season 16 winner of NBC’s The Voice, in the winner’s first concert performance following the show’s season finale.
The parade will be hosted by Natalie Morales (NBC News) and Kyra Phillips (ABC News) and will be televised on local network affiliates across the U.S. and overseas to our troops on the American Forces Network. It will also be livestreamed online at YouTube.com and Military.com. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of Americans will line the National Mall to pay tribute to those who have served and sacrificed for our country, including veterans and active duty military personnel, historical re-enactors, marching bands, musical performers, and celebrity supporters of our troops, such as award-winning actors Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna, celebrity chef Robert Irvine, Miss USA 2019 (to be crowned on May 2nd), and many more.
This year’s parade will commemorate the 75th Anniversary of D-Day, the largest seaborne invasion in history. It will also feature surviving members of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, who were the only battalion of African-American women to deploy overseas during World War II. The American Veterans Center re-introduced the tradition of a Memorial Day parade along Constitution Avenue in 2005, decades after it had faded away during the Second World War. It has since grown into the largest Memorial Day commemoration in the country.
“In its 15th year, The National Memorial Day Parade has become a holiday staple. It is a great opportunity for Americans to take a moment to unite around the brave men and women who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedom,” said Tim Holbert, Senior Vice President of American Veterans Center. “The parade, which is a moving timeline of America’s military history, honors those who have served to protect our country, especially our fallen heroes, from the American Revolution to today.”
The National Memorial Day Parade will commence at the corner of Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW. It will proceed west down Constitution Avenue, ending just past The White House and the National World War II Memorial at 17th Street. Participants will pass by the nation’s monuments, memorials, and museums, and will be greeted by hundreds of thousands of spectators waving flags and cheering for our country’s heroes.
John Prine debuts cover of “My Old Kentucky Home, Goodnight”
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderOLD KENTUCKY HOME, GOODNIGHT”
MORE.”—THE NEW YORK TIMES
—American Songwriter, Top 25 Albums Of 2018
icon in the first place…”—Associated Press
—Esquire, The 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
that resonate deeply and profoundly…”—Los Angeles Times
now there are ten more of them.”—The New Yorker
handful of folky chords, a melody that sounds like it’s always been around, a grainy and understated vocal and lyrics that summon complex emotions in a rigorous minimum of syllables.”—The New York Times
relying mostly on end rhyme to tie in the artist’s message of longing to return to a
place where he can feel at home.”—Paste
★★★★—Rolling Stone
him stand out in the genres of folk, country and beyond.…his best performing album of his entire career.”—Sound Opinions
once again.”—The Wall Street Journal
Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Opens Still Rings True: The Enduring Voice of Keith Whitley
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderPictured L-R Tony Conway, Jesse Keith Whitley, Lorrie Morgan, Morgan Whitley, and Country Museum Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young
(Photo by: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM OPENS
STILL RINGS TRUE: THE ENDURING VOICE OF KEITH WHITLEY
NASHVILLE, Tenn., April 30, 2019 – Tonight, the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum celebrated the opening of its newest exhibition Still Rings True: The Enduring Voice of Keith Whitley. The exhibit carefully examines the life and times of Whitley. Despite the brevity of his career, Whitley produced many significant country hits, and his music continues to exert tremendous influence on subsequent generations of country singers. The exhibit officially opens this Friday, May 3, and runs through April 5, 2020.
Brenda Colladay, vice president of museum services of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, spoke emotionally on Whitley’s life and career remarking that he appeared poised for superstardom when he lost his battle with addiction. A visibly moved Lorrie Morgan thanked the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and everyone who contributed to the exhibit.
Thomas Rhett Brings LIFE CHANGES TOUR to Canada with a String of Sold-Out Shows
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderTHOMAS RHETT BRINGS LIFE CHANGES TOUR TO CANADA WITH A STRING OF SOLD-OUT SHOWS
“All Around Star” Launching VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR in U.S. Next Month
NASHVILLE, TN (April 29, 2019) – Current ACM Awards Male Artist of the Year and MULTI-PLATINUM selling performer THOMAS RHETT brought his critically acclaimed LIFE CHANGES TOUR to Canada this past weekend with a string of sold-out and packed arenas in Montreal, Ottawa and London. Long recognized for his “infectious energy” (iHeartRadio) onstage, the Canadian launch follows 2018’s U.S. LIFE CHANGES TOUR, which drew in thousands of fans and led critics to praise Thomas Rhett’s live show as he’s “fearlessly come into his own” (Tennessean), “adept at engaging a crowd” (Houston Chronicle), and noting “there’s a palpable connection between the country music superstar and his fans” (M-LIVE).
“We have never worked so intensely in rehearsals, with our entire band and crew literally working round the clock for several weeks, challenging ourselves to take the show to an even bigger level. Getting to start in Canada and feed off the crazy energy from the Canadian fans was the perfect way to kick off the tour. We’re fired up and can’t wait to do it again next weekend!” said Thomas Rhett.
With electricity pulsating through at-capacity venues, fans were treated to arena-ready debut performances of new songs from Thomas Rhett’s hotly anticipated upcoming studio album CENTER POINT ROAD (The Valory Music Co.), out May 31. Performing “Remember You Young,” and “Beer Can’t Fix,” (featuring Jon Pardi) the “talented performer, songwriter and all around star” (Forbes), also unleashed the “funkier, horn-laced” (Rolling Stone) “Don’t Threaten Me With a Good Time,” (featuring Little Big Town), and his Top 10 smash “Look What God Gave Her.”
The LIFE CHANGES TOUR resumes this weekend in Saskatoon (5/2), Regina (5/3) and Winnipeg (5/4). Up next, Thomas Rhett will return to the U.S next month heating up summertime with the VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR featuring special guests Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson and Rhett Akins. The VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR will make notable stops across the US, hitting 40 cities on its run and wrapping in his hometown of Nashville, TN. Tickets are on-sale now via ThomasRhett.com.
Remaining LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2019 Canadian Dates:
May 2 | Sakatoon, SK – Sasktel Centre
May 3 | Regina, SK – Brandt Centre
May 4 | Winnipeg, MB – Bell MTS Place
May 8 | Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
May 10 | Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
May 15 | Vancouver, BC – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
The upcoming album’s lead single “Look What God Gave Her” has already earned the highest chart debut of Thomas Rhett’s career. CENTER POINT ROAD connects fans to Thomas Rhett’s past, weaving together autobiographi
Tyler Rich Celebrates Love With New Single “Leave Her Wild”.
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderTYLER RICH CELEBRATES LOVE WITH NEW SINGLE “LEAVE HER WILD”
Watch First Look Video: https://TylerRich.lnk.to/
Performs Track During Symbolic Stagecoach Appearance
Matt Stell Makes Memorable Opry Debut
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderMATT STELL MAKES MEMORABLE OPRY DEBUT
Nashville, TN — April 28, 2019 — Rising star MATT STELL made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday, April 27th, sharing the iconic stage with Martina McBride, Charles Esten, Mark Wills, Jeannie Seely, and more. The “Prayed For You” singer/songwriter was introduced by Seely and received a rousing welcome from the audience, including throngs of friends, family, and fans who made the trip from Arkansas to cheer on the hometown singer, as he stepped into the Opry’s hallowed circle to perform “Everywhere But On” and a heartfelt rendition of his debut single. Stell had just returned to Nashville from a sold-out hometown show in Little Rock, AR hours before stepping onto the Opry stage.
Matt Stell continues to turn heads with his current single, “Prayed For You,” a song he wrote with Ash Bowers and Allison Veltz, which has already garnered over 42 million on demand streams and over 360,000 consumption units. The track which features his “rich, rumbling vocals” (Digital Journal) is making waves on Billboard’s Country Airplay and Hot Country Songs Charts — currently sitting at No. 43 on Airplay — and spinning on SiriusXM’s The Highway. The CMT Discovery Artist’s official music video for “Prayed For You” premiered via People, stars Savannah Chrisley and her fiance’, Nic Kerdiles and has racked up over 4.3 million views! The track has been featured on Spotify’s Hot Country, New Boots, Wild Country, and Country Kind Of Love Playlists, Amazon’s “The Weekly One,” and Apple’s A-List Country Playlist.
“Prayed For You” is the debut single from his forthcoming EP slated for release this spring.
After playing college basketball for Drury University for four years, breakthrough country artist, Matt Stell stood at a crossroads. One road led to Cambridge, MA where Stell was accepted into Harvard University’s Extension School Pre-Med program. The other road pointed toward Nashville and a career in country music. Stell made the choice to follow his dreams of writing and performing. The 6’7” Center Ridge, Arkansas native and self-taught vocalist and guitar-player made the move to Music City in 2014, landing a publishing deal with Wide Open Music and a record deal with music industry powerhouse Barry Weiss’s RECORDS/Sony Music Entertainment. He will be taking the stage at a number of major country music festivals this summer including CMA Music Fest (Nashville, TN), LakeShake (Chicago, IL) and Watershed (George, WA). Learn more at mattstell.com, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube@MattStellMusic.
LANCO Finds Unity in “Rival” Music Video
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderACM-WINNING GROUP LANCO RELEASE NEW MUSIC VIDEO
FOR UNDERDOG ANTHEM “RIVAL” TODAY
LANCO to Headline For Capacity Crowds Overseas as
Their HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR Launches in London on May 1st
NASHVILLE, TN – Apr. 22, 2019 – Double-PLATINUM Arista Nashville band LANCO released their new music video “Rival” today. The first track from the band’s upcoming sophomore album, which already boasts over one million streams, follows their No. One selling and critically acclaim debut HALLELUJAH NIGHTS. In the music video directed by Peter Zavadil and filmed in Nashville, LANCO brings together a diverse crowd from all walks of life who have overcome judgment cast by others. They amplify the power of unity by bulldozing through defeating moments together alongside a compelling live performance. Fans can watch the music video for “Rival” here.
“We really wanted to capitalize on the true message behind the song that was built from different times in our lives and the stories from fans who have felt beat-down and lost, but ultimately find hope and redemption,” said Lancaster. “Every caption on that wall was an experience that person had to overcome, and when it was knocked down you could feel the genuine joy from everyone on the set. It was a powerful moment I’ll never forget.”
Fans can get a behind the scenes look of LANCO’s “Rival” music video here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?
ACM “New Group of the Year” once again tapped producer Jay Joyce for the track that was written by frontman Brandon Lancaster and drummer Tripp Howell as it curates “thumping beats, soaring guitar riffs and a sing-along chorus” with “a sound reminiscent of Arcade Fire” (Billboard). LANCO was able to “rile up the crowd with their catchy performance” (CBS) of “Rival” during the 54th annual ACM Awards, as it served as one the best moments of the night for Associated Press, Billboard, Country Living andRolling Stone. They will continue that moment at Stagecoach this weekend, before heading overseas with their headlining HALLELUJAH NIGHTS TOUR. The UK trek will launch May 1st at London’s O2 Academy Islington, with opener Bailey Bryan.
LANCO has paved the course for critical acclaim with the success of their 2x PLATINUM single “Greatest Love Story” which became a multi-week chart-topper. Following the release of their No. One selling debut album HALLELUJAH NIGHTS, which has over 550 million streams, both moments were historical in Country music as Lancaster became the first artist in 10 years to have a No. One on the chart is solely written by that artist, while LANCO served as the first Country group in a decade to appear at the top of the Billboard Country albums chart with a debut album. LANCO recently earned their first award as ACM“New Group of the Year” and has garnered additional nominations from the CMT, CMA, AMA, and iHeartAwards, while Lancaster became the first member of a group to ever win NSAI’s “Songwriter/Artist of the Year.” This summer, they will perform at Country music’s biggest festivals after serving as direct support for Luke Combs’ “BEER NEVER BROKE MY HEART TOUR.” Fans can connect with LANCO onFacebook, Instagram and Twitter. For more information, visit www.lancomusic.com.
Hitmaker Ross Copperman Releases Two New Original Songs
/in Country Music/by Nashville InsiderTWO NEW ORIGINAL SONGS
New Music Friday“We Should Plant a Tree” Celebrates the Beauty of Earth Day
Ross Copperman | Photo Credit: Taylor Kelly
Nashville, Tenn. – Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer Ross Copperman is further cementing his position as one of the most influential figures in country music today with the release of two new original tracks to all digital partners starting this week. Copperman wrote, produced and sings on both of the thought-provoking songs.
Written alongside Kevin Bard and Brian Fallon, “Stars Are On Your Side” was recently featured on Spotify’s “New Music Friday” segment and was also featured on the April 18 episode of ABC’s award-winning show “Grey’s Anatomy.” A second song, “We Should Plant a Tree,” was recently released in honor of Earth Day (April 22). Written by the Virginia native alongside accomplished Nashville songwriters Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally, “We Should Plant a Tree” is a song that reminds us all that we all play a part in taking care of the earth in which we live.
Fresh off his ACM Award win for Music Event of the Year as producer of the Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne’s collaboration “Burning Man,” Copperman continues to add to his impressive list of professional accolades. A five-time CMA Triple Play Award winner, Copperman was nominated twice this year for “CMA Album of the Year” for Keith Urban’s Graffiti U and Dierks Bentley’s The Mountain. In addition, Copperman’s songwriting talents have shined on a total of 18 No. 1 hits for artists such as Luke Bryan (“Strip It Down,”) Kenny Chesney (“Setting the World On Fire”) and Florida Georgia Line (“Confession.”)
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Copperman has also led a very personal initiative as the co-founder of Songfarm, an initiative to provide high school students the proper studio equipment to help them reach their music-filled dreams. The idea of Songfarm first originated when Copperman attempted to fulfill the needs of the music students from his very own high school, Glenvar High School. It is now Copperman’s hope to replicate Songfarm to schools across the nation. For more information, please visit songfarm.org.
Toby Keith That’s Country Bro! Tour Opens May 26
/in Country Music/by Nashville Insider
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Singer, songwriter and entertainer Toby Keith kicks off the first leg of Toby Keith That’s Country Bro! Tour May 26 at the Tree Town Music Festival in Forest City, Iowa. The tour’s initial leg has been announced, with 28 cities on the slate and more to come. Meanwhile, the single from which the trek gets its name bows May 3 across all radio, streaming and digital platforms.