LUCAS HOGE’S SERIES “GSM’S HOGE WILD” SEASON 3 PREMIERING MONDAY, JUNE 27

Billboard No. 1 charting artist and avid outdoorsman Lucas Hoge is back with season three of his series, “GSM’s Hoge Wild,” premiering Monday, June 27 at 6:30 CT/ 7:30 ET on Sportsman Channel. Hoge, who is the creator and executive producer, shares his passion for wildlife conservation throughout the series, changing the narrative around the hunting lifestyle.

“GSM’s Hoge Wild” follows the singer-songwriter on his epic adventures throughout the globe. Hoge filmed throughout Central and South America and South Africa, Alaska, San Antonio and the Dominican Republic with special guests including Orel Hershiser and Rick Honeycutt of the LA Dodgers, Keesey Timmer, Rob Mayes and more. Hoge is excited to also be adding Remington Ammunition as a new partner.

This season kicks off with Hoge visiting the Dominican Republic with Orel Hershiser and Rick Honeycutt of the LA Dodgers to shoot clays, deep sea fish and enjoy some golf around the scenic community of Casa de Campo. Hoge will also be doing a sweepstakes for two to win a trip to Casa de Campo. From there, Hoge will head over to South Africa with Doug McComb, sponsor and owner of Camelot Ridge Resort, where Hoge hunts later in the season.

The series is produced by Forge Entertainment Group and Fall West Collective. Partners for the series include Batteries Plus, Millkeeper Wine, GSM Outdoors, Stealth Cam, Muddy, Walkers, Houge Knives, Southwest Airlines, Sherwood Scuba, OTS Ocean Technology Systems, Remington Ammo, Kanati Taxidermy, Pnuma, Camelot Ridge, Mustang Survival, Ozark Ag, Trophy Scan, Heated Core, Wyld Gear and more.

Steven Curtis Chapman Honored as BMI Icon at 2022 BMI Christian Awards

Hillary Scott and CAIN Pay Tribute to the Songwriting Legend 
“There Was Jesus,” Jason Cox, Ethan Hulse, and Essential Music Publishing Among Honorees at the Annual Event in Nashville

BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI Icon Steven Curtis Chapman, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the BMI Christian Awards. Photo Credit: Steve Lowry for BMI

Broadcast Music, Inc.® (BMI)® presented its 2022 BMI Christian Awards this evening, honoring the prolific musical career of BMI Icon Award recipient Steven Curtis Chapman and the Christian Songwriters, Song, and Publisher of the Year. The annual event, held in BMI’s Music Row office, also celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the previous year. BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the ceremony at the Company’s office in Nashville, along with Leslie Roberts, AVP, Creative, Nashville.

Chapman, who was named the first Christian BMI Icon Award honoree, was celebrated for his unique and indelible influence on generations of music makers. During the evening, country star and member of Lady A Hillary Scott and Christian country trio CAIN paid musical tribute to Chapman. Scott brought her signature voice to “Who You Say We Are” while CAIN serenaded the crowd with “Great Adventure” and “I Will Be Here.” In receiving this award, Chapman joins an elite list of songwriters including Barry Manilow, Brian Wilson, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard, Sting, Nile Rodgers.
In addition to the performances in honor of Chapman, attendees were also treated to performances by The Four: Battle for Stardom on FOX winner Evvie and Provident recording artist Ben Fuller. Evvie gave a powerhouse rendition of her song “Do It Again,” followed by Fuller with a powerful version of his latest single “Who I Am.”
The coveted Songwriter of the Year award was presented to first-time winner Jason Cox and Ethan Hulse, who took home the honor for the fourth consecutive year in a row. Cox and Hulse are each responsible for three of this year’s award-winning songs. Jason Cox’s writing credits include The Crabb Family’s “I See Revival,” The Nelons’ “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” and the Tribute Quartet’s “The Healer Hasn’t Lost His Touch.” Hulse, who also took the title this year, is responsible for Andrew Ripp’s “Jericho,” Jeremy Camp’s “Out Of My Hands,” and CAIN’s “Rise Up (Lazarus).”
“There Was Jesus” was named the 2022 BMI Christian Song of the Year. Written by BMI Songwriters Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, and Zach Williams, the immensely successful track, performed by Dolly Parton and Zach Williams, was the most-performed Christian song of the year. The song previously won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Taking home the Publisher of the Year accolade was Essential Music Publishing, which is responsible for 11 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year, including “Alive & Breathing,” “Amen,” “Battle Belongs,” “Famous For (I Believe),” “Graves into Gardens,” “Jericho,” “Less Like Me,” “Out of My Hands,” “Peace Be Still,” “Rise Up (Lazarus),” and “There Was Jesus.” During the ceremony, BMI also saluted the songwriters and publishers of the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the year.
For a complete list of 2022 BMI Christian Awards winners, please visit https://www.bmi.com/christian2022

Cherish Lee Releases New Music Video For “Father’s Daughter” Honoring Johnny Lee

Premiered Digitally by Taste of Country and This Weekend on Heartland TV

Country music singer/songwriter Cherish Lee honors her father, Urban Cowboy singer and ACM winner, Johnny Lee, with the release of her latest music video for “Father’s Daughter.” The video features the close relationship Cherish and Johnny share, with clips of the two singing in front of crowds together and their special moments backstage. Cherish’s emotion proves just how proud she is to be Johnny’s daughter. The sentimental song lays out Johnny’s life from early childhood to hitting the road as a musician and highlights the significant impact he has had on Cherish. The video was premiered digitally by Taste of Country and will debut on Heartland TV this Saturday, June 18 at 6 pm ET with an encore on Father’s Day morning at 8 am ET.

Listen/stream/buy HERE.

To view Cherish Lee’s premiere with Taste of Country, visit HERE.

“Cherish called me one day and started asking a bunch of questions,” shares Johnny Lee. ”I didn’t know what she was doing until she played the song. It means a lot, especially coming from my daughter. I love you Cherish.“

“My dad means so much to me,” shares Cherish Lee. “To the world, he is Johnny Lee, but to me- he’s dad. My Papa Bear! He has made a tremendous mark in the entertainment and country music world. But he has made an even bigger imprint on me. This song was my way of honoring him, his life, with the language we speak together…..music. I love you, Papa Bear. Happy Father’s Day!”

Johnny Lee, known for his dynamic stage presence and No. 1 smash crossover hit “Lookin’ for Love,” recently released his highly anticipated new album, Everything’s Gonna’ Be Alright by BFD/Audium Nashville distributed exclusively through Orchard. Everything’s Gonna’ Be Alright consists of fourteen songs, some written or co-written by Johnny, that he has saved throughout the years for the perfect album that truly reflects his life. Each of the fourteen tracks showcases a different side of Lee, allowing his listeners to experience a journey that draws on his past, but more importantly highlights the future. Everything’s Gonna’ Be Alright premiered on Taste of Country and is available on all streaming platforms at orcd.co/JohnnyLeeEverythingsGonnaBeAlright

JON PARDI SETS FOURTH STUDIO ALBUM, MR. SATURDAY NIGHT, FOR SEPTEMBER 2

Lead Single “Last Night Lonely” Is Top 15 And Climbing At Country Radio

Capitol Records Nashville Multi-Platinum hitmaker Jon Pardi will release his anticipated fourth studio album, Mr. Saturday Night, on September 2nd. Beginning today, fans can pre-order a physical copy here. The 14-song collection will feature his chart-climbing single “Last Night Lonely,” latest release “Fill ‘Er Up” and 12 additional new tracks.

“A lot of time was spent living with the songs on this record,” shares Pardi. “There is more life experience on Mr. Saturday Night than any album I’ve released before. I chose ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ as the title track because it’s special to me. I’ve been hanging onto it for three years and can’t wait for people to hear it, and the rest of these songs.”

Setting the tone for Mr. Saturday Night, the project’s lead track “Last Night Lonely” has already hit Top 15 at country radio, while tallying more than 55 Million global streams. Pardi recently brought the fiddle and steel-drenched song to life with the official music video, hitting the famed Las Vegas strip.

Mr. Saturday Night is produced by Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Pardi, the same team behind the boards of his critically acclaimed third studio release Heartache Medication. Nominated for Album of the Year by both the CMA and ACM, Heartache Medication was named one of the best albums of 2019 by Rolling Stone and Los Angeles Times. Sure to further his “long-lasting mark on the genre” (MusicRow) with Mr. Saturday Night, Pardi continues to prove “the kind of country music multiple generations came to know, and love can still work on a mass scale.” (Variety)

Pardi is set to bring his fan-favorite hits and new music coast to coast on his AIN’T ALWAYS THE COWBOY TOUR, kicking off July 14 in Irving, TX. Along with Lainey Wilson and Hailey Whitters, he will hit the stage in major markets including Las Vegas, Boston, New York and more, wrapping with an October 1 show at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.

KIMBERLY KELLY PREMIERES VIDEO FOR “SUMMERS LIKE THAT” TODAY ON CMT

On the heels of the announcement of her label debut, I’ll Tell You What’s Gonna Happen, arriving July 8 via Show Dog Nashville in partnership with Thirty Tigers, singer/songwriter Kimberly Kelly debuts the music video for album track “Summers Like That” exclusively, today on CMT. Watch HERE. Fans can also catch Kelly every Tuesday in June for her residency at Nashville’s legendary venue, The Basement. Performances begin at 7 pm on June 21 and 28. For more information visit, thebasementnashville.com.

Directed by Tyler Barksdale, the video brings the nostalgic song to life…capturing what young love looks like. “Tyler did an amazing job using subtle imagery that mirrors the song’s lyrics and the story in addition to what the actors are doing,” Kelly shared exclusively with CMT. “The carnival scene wasn’t planned either— it just happened to be set up nearby the weekend we shot. The carnival alone added a whole other level of charm to the story and song.”

Summers Like That,” which left Billboard praising Kelly’s “warm, lifting voice,” was written by Karyn Rochelle and Bobby Tomberlin and produced by Brett Tyler. The song not only name checks a number of classic 90s country hits but is also sonically, reminiscent of some of Kelly’s biggest influences, artist like Trisha Yearwood, Pam Tillis, Brooks & Dunn and Deana Carter. Listen to “Summers Like That” HERE.

A native of Lorena, Texas, Kelly spent years in both the Texas and Nashville music scenes earning an education in experiences that have made her both fearless in her approach to creating and unafraid to defy convention when it comes to industry expectations. Those years of hard work, all while also earning a Master’s degree and working fulltime, culminated last summer in a long-awaited record deal with Show Dog Nashville. Now she is set to make her label debut. Pre-order or pre-save I’ll Tell You What’s Gonna Happen HERE.

The album is already earning kudos including praise from legendary singer/songwriter and fellow Texan, Radney Foster, who shared, “If you like your Country music with fiddles and steel guitars, melodies that soar and a singer who unapologetically sings with a twang, you will love Kimberly Kelly. She’s a great songwriter and her timeless voice delivers power and emotion on this fun but often poignant collection. Don’t try to drive while you’re listening to ‘Person That You Marry.’ Don’t ask me how I know.”

Off stage Kelly possess an inviting warmth mixed with sly self-deprecation, a winsome combo only earned with some life experience, self-awareness and nothing to prove on stage just the goods to stop a listener in their tracks. “This is not my first rodeo,” Kelly says of her label debut. “I worked really hard in Texas before I came to Nashville. I wrote songs, put out records, did a radio tour, and played every weekend while going to school and working full-time.”

The album’s title, I’ll Tell You What’s Gonna Happen, is a clever nod to her friend and fellow Texas musician, the late Country Music Hall of Famer, Billy Joe Shaver. The abbreviated quote comes from the better-than-fiction-true story of Shaver forcing his way into a Waylon Jennings recording session after the star tried to renege on recording some of his songs. Brushing off a $100 bill to go away, Shaver said to Jennings, “I’ll tell you what’s gonna happen. You’re gonna either listen to these songs or I’m gonna whip your ass.” Waylon agreed to listen to one. The rest is history in the form of Jennings’ 1973 Honky Tonk Heroes album, on which every song but one was written by Shaver.

“I landed on this album title on a dare,” Kelly says. “I was like, ‘Sure. What do I care?’ I did the Texas music scene, I’ve done time in Nashville, and I thought my time had passed when I got offered my record deal. My husband could keep writing songs and I’d just be a speech therapist. So I made this album like it’s the last one I’ll ever get to make and the title is my mantra so to speak. I love good songs, and I let the best ones win whether I wrote them or not. It’s a compilation I’m proud of, and I’m thrilled for people to hear them!”

GIBSON INTRODUCES THE EVERLY BROTHERS SJ-200

The Everly Brothers paved the road for The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Rolling Stones. Combining Appalachian country with the all-new rock ‘n’ roll, Phil and Don Everly produced 15 top ten hits in only five years. Driven by their soaring harmonies and propelled by their matching Gibson acoustic guitars, the brothers’ influence and success earned them the honor of being among the original ten artists inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. There was no one else like them.

To celebrate their musical legacy, the Gibson Acoustic Custom Shop is proud to announce a special limited-run Everly Brothers SJ-200.

The Everly Brothers SJ-200 features AA flame maple back and sides paired with a thermally aged Sitka spruce top, which is capped with the dual pickguards that the Everly Brothers made famous. This guitar also has essential SJ-200 cosmetic features, such as the classic mother of pearl graduated crown inlays on the rosewood fretboard, as well as a Moustache bridge with four-bar mother of pearl inlays. The bridge saddle, nut, and bridge pins are bone, while Gold Grover Rotomatic tuners ensure solid tuning stability. An SJ-200 hardshell case is also included.

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million to Pediatric Infectious Disease Research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Dolly Parton is donating $1 million to pediatric infectious disease research at Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), another transformative gift aimed to help in the fight against serious infectious diseases such as coronavirus that have worldwide ramifications.

Ongoing research in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases includes understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing resistance to antibiotics, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer and research to define the impact of childhood infections throughout the world.

“I love all children. No child should ever have to suffer, and I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible,” Parton said.

A legendary country music singer-songwriter, Parton made a previous $1 million gift to VUMC in April 2020 in honor of her longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD, professor of Surgery, to increase scientific knowledge and advance the battle against COVID-19 by supporting research teams working urgently to perfect treatments and cures.

VUMC’s researchers have tested an array of already existing drugs in urgent clinical trials aimed at reducing life-threatening symptoms associated with COVID-19 and focused on entirely new therapies that could effectively treat and prevent the infection.

“We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission,” said Mark Denison, MD, professor of Pediatrics and director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “For over 40 years our division has been a national and international leader in studies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of life-threatening infections, and this gift will accelerate our work and support new ideas.”

Among Parton’s other gifts to VUMC was a transformational contribution to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Cancer Program in honor of Abumrad and her niece, Hannah Dennison, who was successfully treated for leukemia as a child at Children’s Hospital.

“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” said Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole. It speaks volumes about her passion for people, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Trisha Yearwood To Receive 2022 CRB Artist Achievement Award

The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. has announced multi-award-winning artist Trisha Yearwood as the 2022 CRB Artist Achievement Award recipient. Yearwood will be honored during the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, set for June 30 at Virgin Hotel Nashville.
CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson comments, “Trisha’s career achievements are among the ultimate imaginable: Country icon, TV star, bestselling author, philanthropist. Undeniably a legend. Let’s celebrate her together on this extraordinary night.”
 
A musical tribute featuring a surprise performer will be held during the evening in honor of Yearwood.  For information about attending the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, please contact Ashley Borque, at [email protected].
The CRB Artist Career Achievement Award is presented to an individual artist or act that, through their creativity, vision, performance, or leadership, has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of country music and country radio.
Following three decades in the spotlight, numerous GRAMMY®, CMA®, and ACM® Awards to her name, countless multiplatinum certifications, and millions of fans entertained, the same passion still motivates and moves Trisha Yearwood. The singer, actress, author, chef, TV personality, and entrepreneur derives deep fulfillment from simply walking up to a microphone and pouring her heart out by way of a celebrated powerhouse voice.
At the same time, she remains a timeless entertainer whose influence permeates multiple facets of culture. Beyond twelve studio albums, she hosts the EMMY® Award-winning Food Network hit Trisha’s Southern Kitchen and her Facebook Live “pre-show,” T’s Coffee Talk. At the forefront of a veritable lifestyle empire, she penned four New York Times-bestselling cookbooks and has designed cookware, furniture, home accessories, and area rugs. Plus, she launched the “Trisha Yearwood Pet Collection.” Trisha has also collaborated with Williams Sonoma on her signature best-selling cocktail mixes, as well as her new Gwendolyn dinnerware collection honoring her mother, and a variety of food products. Recently, she unveiled what might be her most personal cookbook yet, Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family, available now. For more information, please visit www.trishayearwood.com.
Previous Artist Career Achievement recipients include Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Vince Gill, Randy Travis, George Strait, and the Judds, among others.
The Country Radio Hall of Fame will be held on June 30 at Virgin Hotel Nashville. The Class of 2022 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees will be honored at the event and include two off-air radio broadcasters and four on-air radio personalities. The off-air honorees are Becky Brenner, Bob Call and Barry Mardit. The on-air honorees are Whitney Allen, Debbie Conner, Cathy Martindale, and Rachel & Grunwald. Individual tickets are $150 per person and are available for purchase here.

Carrie Underwood Dishes on Life on the Road Ahead of ‘Denim & Rhinestones’ Tour

Grammy winner Carrie Underwood celebrated the release of her highly anticipated brand-new album “Denim & Rhinestones” with a launch week packed full of activities!

“Extra’s” Alecia Davis spoke with Carrie, who told her all about it and life on tour.

Discussing the event, Carrie shared, “CMA music fest week, everybody is in town just having a great time. Just wanted to create this immersive place where people could come be a part of ‘Denim & Rhinestones.’ There is a lot of that going on. We have different photo ops… various outfits I have worn… We’re giving out drinks. Just come by The Bell Tower here in downtown Nashville.”

As for choosing “Denim & Rhinestones” for her album title, Underwood explained, “When we wrote the song, I was like, ‘We can do a lot with this… Immediately you get some picture in your head when you hear denim and rhinestones… We bring the bling, all the denim, all the fringe… We are in a great time of fashion where there is no short supply of denim and rhinestones.”

For the interview, Carrie wore denim shorts and rhinestone boots, showing off her toned legs, which have gained tons of attention! She commented, “The boots… they are very heavy. I feel like they help with the leg workout for the day, like I have ankle weights on.”

Of her look, Carrie said, “I love it. I love the girly dressing… Onstage, there is like a toughness I kind of want to have… I just want to sing and not worry about what I am wearing. What’s better than a pair of cutoff denim shorts?”

Underwood will be heading out on tour soon. When she’s on the road, Carrie shared, “It’s easier to maintain a routine when I am on tour. I don’t have a house to clean, I don’t kids to cook for because there is catering and room service… I don’t eat that. You will never see me in catering or ordering room service. I go to the grocery store. I have my own food… Having those things on hand and taking care of myself.”

She added, “I usually work out longer when I am on the road just because I have more time.”

That includes working out with her husband Mike Fischer! She dished, “We work out in the same space quite a bit. We have definitely done partner workouts. He does his thing, I do my thing and try to stay out of each other’s way… I think I impress him on working out.”

The couple have two boys, who have traveled with them as well! She said, “This tour, I think for the most part they will be home. The last tour we set up a playroom in the venues… My last tour, my youngest son was 3 months old when we went on the road.”

How does she do it all? She answered, “A lot of juggling.”

Back to music, her first single on the album is called “Ghost Story.” Explaining the meaning of the song, she said, “I loved the feel of it… I did love saying I’m the one that got away but in a different kind of way, in a haunting kind of way.”

When Alecia commented, “We all secretly wonder if we are somebody’s ghost story,” Carrie responded, “I think to some extent, I know we all have one in some way… It has to be unfortunate if you at one point you dated someone who has a career like this now.”

While Carrie has a clothing line and books, could her own talk show be in the works? She answered, “I don’t think so. I am not a good talker… I’m a quiet person. I am okay with silence, so I would probably be a terrible talk show host.”

Carrie stressed the importance of staying focused on what is right in front of her, saying, “Releasing this album and going out on tour, and we will see what opportunities arise.”

“Denim & Rhinestones” drops June 10.

Courtesy of ExtraTV.com

HANK WILLIAMS JR. RELEASES “FIREMAN RING THE BELL” FROM RICH WHITE HONKY BLUES

12-Song Album Produced by Dan Auerbach Available Next Friday, June 17 via Easy Eye Sound

As Hank Williams Jr. readies fans for Rich White Honky Blues, set for next Friday, June 17 via Easy Eye Sound, the Country Music Hall of Famer debuts his take on R.L. Burnside’s “Fireman Ring the Bell,” a high-tempo blues burner, driven by punchy slide guitar punctuated by the longtime legendary country outlaw’s dynamic vocals.

A 12-song collection reprising classics from Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Burnside, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner and a few from Bocephus himself, captured live over the course of just three days by GRAMMY-winning producer Dan AuerbachRich White Honky Blues finds Williams making good on his legacy with a turpentine and rough wood take on the hill country blues that informed his father’s raw-boned style.

Today’s release follows “Jesus, Won’t You Come By Here,” which premiered exclusively with CMT and CMT.com. With Kenny Brown’s electric guitar, Auerbach on dobro and Bobbie Wood’s churchy piano and organ, the Country Music Hall of Famer sings with a robust conviction that suggests the larger than life amongst us transcend mortal limitations.

With another cover from blues legend Burnside, Williams’ “Georgia Women” premiered with Tennessean, sharing “Bocephus achieves tapping into the spirit of his father’s iconic teacher Rufus ‘Tee Tot’ Payne, and a century of other blues legends.”

Released alongside the announcement of Rich White Honky Blues, album opener “.44 Special Blues” (Williams’ take on Robert Johnson’s “32-20 Blues”) was dubbed by Rolling Stone as “a lonesome, acoustic blues number,” while Consequence shared “the spry solo track digs into the County Music Hall of Famer’s bluesy roots, with its vintage-style refrain, ‘Baby where’d you stay last night,’ pairing perfectly to his well-worn wail.”

“You bring who you are,” Williams says. “All that… all… of… that… is where my music comes from. When we got into the studio, the more we played, the deeper we got – and the deeper we got, the harder I wanted to go.”

“It’s that rawness, and how real it is,” shares producer Auerbach. “I was always searching for the rawness, the darkest stuff. Once we were in it, as soon as we started playing, Hank was invested. That lifted everybody else up, to really push each other.”