CAITLYN SMITH RELEASES “DREAMIN’S FREE” FROM FORTHCOMING ALBUM

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Kicks Off Headlining Tour Tonight in Hometown Minneapolis, Minn.

A week before the release of her forthcoming self-produced third album, High, Monument Records’ acclaimed songstress Caitlyn Smith gives fans another sliver of what’s ahead with “Dreamin’s Free.”

“I spent a good portion of last year searching high and low through my memories and dreams,” shares the Minnesota-native. “I did what any songwriter would do: I turned off all the outside voices and started turning what I found into something that I want to sing.

“This song was born from that place. As an artist, dreaming fuels my life – the risks I choose to take and the art that I create and share with the world.”

Smith collaborated on the ode to big dreamin’ with GRAMMY-award winners Shane McAnally and Lori McKenna:

Yeah, I know that it ain’t been easy
Ain’t got a lot of honey, but we sure got bees
Up to our knees in the weeds and the trouble
‘cause money don’t grow on trees
We can run but wherever we go
Even the freeway gonna take its toll on you and me, baby
We ain’t rich but the dreamin’s free

Kicking things off in her hometown, Smith will begin her headlining The High & Low Tour tonight, at Minneapolis’ famous First Avenue, a former Greyhound bus depot turned iconic rock venue. The show will precede performances at New York City’s Gramercy Theatre on April 6, Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on April 7 and more.

Tickets are available for purchase now at caitlynsmith.com.

CMT names seven nominees for new social-only category “Trending Comeback Song of the Year”

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Vote now via @CMT Instagram Stories

CMT introduced an all-new, socially-voted category honoring superstar hitmakers who have cemented their status in music history with classic songs that withstood the test of time, and have found themselves the catalyst of recent social trends as their hits still resonate with fans old and new:  “Trending Comeback Song of the Year.”

Beginning today, fans can vote for their favorite nominees by swiping up on CMT’s Instagram Story through Saturday, April 9th. The winner will be announced across CMT’s social platforms ahead of the 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS, airing on CBS on Monday, April 11th. 

The following seven superstar acts are nominated for “Trending Comeback Song of the Year”:

  • Alan Jackson – “Freight Train”
  • Brooks & Dunn – “Neon Moon”
  • Dolly Parton – “9 to 5”
  • Reba – “I’m A Survivor”
  • Sara Evans – “Suds in the Bucket”
  • Shania Twain – “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”
  • Taylor Swift – “Love Story”

Last year, Taylor Swift took home the 2021 socially-voted “Best Family Feature” category for “The Best Day (Taylor’s Version).”

For more information, visit awards.cmt.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok, use hashtag #CMTawards and ‘like’ the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

About the CMT MUSIC AWARDS:

Celebrated for its high-powered, world-premiere and cross-genre performances, the CMT MUSIC AWARDS have aired live since 2005, delivering Nashville’s biggest party to music fans across the globe. The 2021 show, hosted by superstars Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown, featured the most first-time collaborations and blended-genre pairings in show history. Standout performances included H.E.R. + Chris Stapleton, Gladys Knight, Mickey Guyton + BRELAND, and NEEDTOBREATHE + Carrie Underwood, who remains the most-awarded artist in CMT Awards history with 23 wins. More information on this year’s show is available here.

BLAKE SHELTON SET TO “COME BACK AS A COUNTRY BOY” ON THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW, FRIDAY (4/8)

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Country Boy Blake Shelton got an early start on his spring planting this past weekend on his God’s Country farm in Oklahoma (SEE HERE). The country music star lives the life he sings including his current and Top 10 single “Come Back As A Country Boy.” The Voice coach will share a performance of the song with his fellow coach Kelly Clarkson on The Kelly Clarkson Show, airing this Friday, 4/8 (check local listings HERE). The track, written by Michael Hardy, Josh Thompson and Jordan Schmidt, has garnered more than 50 million streams.
“Come Back As A Country Boy” is one of several new tracks featured on Body Language Deluxe (LISTEN HERE). The new tunes include collaborations with GRAMMY-winning country icons Brooks & Dunn and hit-making up-and-comer HARDY, as well as the Shelton-penned love song “We Can Reach The Stars.” Body Language, his 12th career full-length studio album, yielded Platinum-certified No. 1 smash “Happy Anywhere” with Stefani, garnering 200+ million streams and more than 1.5 million track equivalents to date.
Shelton continues to remain a force in country music with 36 Top 10 singles, 28 of which were No.1 hits, on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and nearly a dozen Gold and Platinum-certified. Over the past two decades he has accumulated more than 8.5 billion global on-demand streams, 13 million career album U.S. sales and award wins approaching the hundreds.
As a coach for the Emmy Award-winning television show The Voice, Shelton is an eight-time champion, most recently with his contestant Cam Anthony.
BODY LANGUAGE DELUXE TRACK LISTING
1.    Come Back As A Country Boy (Michael Hardy, Josh Thompson, Jordan Schmidt)
2.    Fire Up The Night (feat. HARDY) (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brian Kelley, Bart Butler)
3.    Minimum Wage (Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Corey Crowder)
4.    Body Language (feat. The Swon Brothers) (Colton Swon, Zach Swon, Matt McGinn, Ryan Beaver)
5.    Happy Anywhere (feat. Gwen Stefani) (Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne, Matt Jenkins)
6.    Now I Don’t (Jessi Alexander, Alysa Vanderheym, Michael Hardy)
7.    Monday Mornin’ Missin’ You (Jessi Alexander, Deric Ruttan, Josh Thompson)
8.    Corn (Craig Wiseman, Matt Dragstrem, Chris Tompkins, Rodney Clawon)
9.    Makin’ It Up As You Go (Brad Tursi, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
10. Whatcha Doin’ Tomorrow (Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Casey Beathard)
11. The Girl Can’t Help It (Ben Hayslip, Josh Osborne, Mark Holman)
12. The Flow (Shane McAnally, Ross Copperman, Josh Osborne)
13. Neon Time (Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler, Ben West)
14. Bible Verses (Joe Fox, Andrew Peebles, Brett Sheroky)
15. Throw It On Back (feat. Brooks & Dunn) (Bobby Pinson, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins)
16. We Can Reach The Stars (Blake Shelton, Craig Wiseman)

BOBBY BARE, DIERKS BENTLEY, CONNIE SMITH AND KEB’ MO’ INDUCTED INTO THE MUSIC CITY WALK OF FAME

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On Tuesday, April 5, staples of Nashville’s musical fabric Bobby Bare, Keb’ Mo’, Connie Smith and Dierks Bentley were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame. Each artist was presented their own star in Walk of Fame park in SoBro between the Hilton and the Country Music Hall of Fame, where Bare has been a member since 2013 and Smith since 2012.

Bare was presented his star by longtime friend, legendary producer and Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame member Buddy Cannon, Smith by husband and fellow Walk of Fame inductee Marty Stuart, Keb’ Mo’ by fellow Walk of Fame inductee Clint Black and Bentley also by Marty Stuart.

Bare’s career has spanned over seven decades, he received a GRAMMY in 1964 for “Detroit City” and earned nearly five dozen top 40 hits from 1962 to 1983. He has long been considered one of the most instrumental connectors in Country music having laid the foundation for contemporaries like Waylon Jennings and Billy Joe Shaver and influencing the styles of Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton and countless others who’ve followed in his footsteps.

The Walk of Fame’s goal is to recognize artists for their outstanding contributions to the musical history of Nashville. The artists inducted this year received the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd stars on the Walk of Fame during the first ceremony in more than two years due to the pandemic.  

Nashville Insider’s Adam Wurtzel and Casie Mason with Walk of Fame inductee Keb’ Mo’

“We are proud to bring back a Music City Walk of Fame ceremony with such a distinguished and diverse group of inductees who span various genres and eras of music,” said Ed Hardy, a distinguished Music Row executive and chairman of Music City Inc., the NCVC foundation that oversees the Music City Walk of Fame. “The individuals in the Walk of Fame remind us of Nashville’s rich history as Music City, and we congratulate the newest four members.”

This induction class joined fellow iconic musicians like Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jimi Hendrix and Garth Brooks. The Music City Walk of Fame originated in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile where the permanent sidewalk medallions with the names of inductees are displayed in a star design.

About the Music City Walk of Fame
The Music City Walk of Fame was created in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile, a roughly one mile stretch that connects downtown to Music Row. Permanent sidewalk medallions with the names of inductees are displayed in a star design. The Music City Walk of Fame is an official project of Music City Inc., the charitable foundation of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp and is produced with the support of founding sponsor Gibson Brands. Additional sponsors include the City of Nashville and Metro Parks and Recreation. Nominations are open to the public and are accepted in the categories of Artist, Musician, Songwriter and Producer/Music Industry Executive. Application forms are reviewed by the Music City Walk of Fame anonymous selection committee. For more information about the Music City Walk of Fame, go to visitmusiccity.com/walkoffame.

BILLY RAY CYRUS AND SNOOP DOGG JOIN THE AVILA BROTHERS FOR “A HARD WORKING MAN” COLLABORATION AVAILABLE EVERYWHERE APRIL 1

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LtoR: Bobby Avila, Billy Ray Cyrus, DJ Quik, Snoop Dogg, IZ Avila Photo Credit: Derrek Kupish

They’re the epitome of artists who’ve transcended genres, and on Friday, April 1, entertainment icons Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop Dogg come together with The Avila Brothers for a “A Hard Working Man,” released via Avila Brothers Music Group/BMG.

While on set shooting a video for “A Hard Working Man,” Snoop Dogg let the cat out of the bag by posting a behind the scenes clip on social media with Cyrus.

“Who said you can’t teach an old Dogg a new trick! Snoop and the Avila Brothers are on fire with this new song out Friday!” Cyrus shared.

“Timing has always been critical for us. For this project, everything lined up perfectly! Even more exciting is the partnership with BMG which shines an even brighter light on the contribution of global superstars, Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop. The record we created puts the focus and value back on hard work. Together, we collectively illuminate, celebrate, and honor those around the world that have continued to show up every single day; keeping our world moving. Music transcends boundaries and is responsible for bringing the colorful world of The Avila Brothers, Billy Ray Cyrus and Snoop Dogg together,” said The Avila Brothers.

Produced by The Avila Brothers and mixed by DJ Quik, “A Hard Working Man” is written by Bobby Ross aka AHVLAH, IZ Avila, Billy Ray Cyrus and C Broadus. CLICK HERE to pre-save and pre-order the new track.

COUNTRY’S NEWEST TRAILBLAZER BRELAND ANNOUNCES STAR-STUDDED LINEUP FOR “BRELAND & FRIENDS” AT RYMAN AUDITORIUM

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Special Guests Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton and More to Join Him on Stage

As Country’s newest trailblazer, PLATINUM-selling sensation and Breakthrough artist for Amazon Music, BRELAND has been making friends and admirers wherever he goes in Country music – and now he’s putting his good will to good use.
The Bad Realm Records / Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville artist will host “BRELAND & Friends” on April 12 at Nashville’s world-famous Ryman Auditorium for his star-studded concert to benefit Oasis Center, aiming to help support local youth in need. The show will kick off at 7:30 pm CT.
Sponsored by Amazon Music, the “Cross Country” game-changer’s show will feature BRELAND plus a top-shelf lineup of guests including Tyler Braden, Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, Mickey Guyton, Charles Kelley, RaeLynn, Restless Road, Seaforth, and Brittney Spencer with proceeds going to the Oasis Center.
“Oasis Center does incredible work with youth in crisis, and their impact on the Nashville community and beyond is unmatched,” BRELAND expresses. “I can’t think of a better location to celebrate and raise money for this amazing organization than the Mother Church itself. Every artist I have joining me at the Ryman represents the same altruistic ideals as the Oasis Center, and I’m so excited to share the stage with them.”
One of Middle Tennessee’s most comprehensive youth development agencies, Oasis Center is at the forefront of helping young people and their families navigate the complex challenges of today. Over 20 programs and services respond to the area’s diverse needs, and BRELAND and Oasis share the belief that the greatest impact happens when we bring people together and unite for a common purpose.
Tickets for the special evening – to help youth feel connected, loved, valued and safe – are available here, and the event marks another high point for a talent who’s truly on the rise.
The night before (April 11), BRELAND will be on hand at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, where he is nominated for three fan-voted trophies. Vote here: vote.cmt.com. Also just announced, he’ll be a part of Amazon’s For Love & Country documentary, exploring the growing diversity movement in Country music, and his forthcoming album CROSS COUNTRY (pre-save/pre-add here) is set for release this summer.
Meanwhile, BRELAND made his performance debut at the 57th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards on March 7, singing his brand-new song “Praise The Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett),” (listen here) and then headed straight to London to perform for C2C: Country To Country Festival.

REIGNING ACM ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR MIRANDA LAMBERT ANNOUNCES HEADLINING LAS VEGAS RESIDENCY

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“Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino

On the heels of being crowned Entertainer of the Year at the recent Academy of Country Music Awards, where she holds the record as the most decorated artist in ACM history, Miranda Lambert will now celebrate the next chapter in her storied musical journey with a headlining Las Vegas residency. “Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” opens Friday, Sept. 23, 2022 for a run of 24 shows at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater and promoted by Live Nation and Caesars Entertainment, “Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency,” will give fans an up close and personal opportunity to experience live performances of the numerous chart-topping songs and beloved album cuts from Lambert’s seven No. 1 albums as well as her forthcoming project, Palomino, set for release April 29.

“When you’ve been touring as long as I have, there’s something really creative about imagining a residency in a city like Las Vegas,” shares the woman celebrated by UPROXX as “the queen of modern country.” “I’ve had a lot of fun designing our sets, merchandise and clothing and boot lines – and even my place on Broadway in Nashville, Casa Rosa – so, this opportunity allows me to lean in a bit more into that side of myself and think about how to really bring country music to life in this room. I think everyone will like what we’ve dreamed up. I’m really excited about this!”

Tickets go on sale to the public starting Thursday, April 7 at 10 a.m. PT. Fan club members will have access to a presale starting Friday, April 1 at 10 a.m. PT. Citi is the official card of Miranda Lambert’s residency at Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Friday, April 1 at 12 p.m. PT until Wednesday, April 6 at 10 p.m. PT through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com. Caesars Rewards members, Caesars Entertainment’s loyalty program, and Live Nation and Ticketmaster customers will have access to a presale beginning Monday, April 4 at 10 a.m. PT until Wednesday, April 6 at 10 p.m. PT.

“Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency” Dates
September 2022: 23, 24, 28, 30
October 2022: 1, 5, 7, 8
November 2022: 26, 27, 30
December 2022: 3, 4, 8, 10, 11
March 2023: 24, 25, 30
April 2023: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9

THE JUDDS to reunite for first nationally televised award show performance in over 20 years at “2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS” airing April 11th on CBS

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Legendary mother-daughter duo to perform hit “Love Can Build A Bridge”

from Nashville’s historic Country Music Hall of Fame

CMT today announced five-time GRAMMY®-winning iconic duo, The Judds, will reunite for the first time in more than two decades on a nationally televised award show stage when they perform for the 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Anthony Mackie, the special airs Monday, April 11th (8:00-11:00 PM LIVE ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and Paramount+*.

The Judds, one of the most successful duos in country music history, will make a triumphant return to the stage to perform their international hit and chart-topping single, “Love Can Build A Bridge” with the iconic landmark of Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame as their background, a nod to the duo’s upcoming 2022 induction. The performance kicks off a soon-to-be momentous year for Naomi and Wynonna as they’re officially enshrined in the Hall of Fame in May.

2x CMT MUSIC AWARDS nominee Kacey Musgraves will introduce the legendary duo’s performance and acknowledge the lasting influence that The Judds’ music has had on her career.

Wynonna and Naomi Judd brought a fresh acoustic sound to country music, with unmistakable harmonies surrounding Wynonna’s powerful lead vocals. The Judds are often celebrated for a rarely interrupted stretch of 14 No. 1 hits when every single of theirs released by Curb/RCA landed in the Billboard Top 10; and a career that defined what it means to be individualists in the music business. The Judds dominated touring in the ‘80s with 20 Top 10 hits, have sold more than 20 million albums and blazed a trail for duos and women who have followed them. Together, The Judds have 16 Gold, Platinum and Multi-Platinum albums and longform videos, led by 2x Platinum albums Why Not Me and The Judds Greatest Hits. Their stripped-back style revived the popularity of acoustic sounds in country music and opened up the genre for more traditional approaches.

This marks The Judds’ first performance together on the CMT MUSIC AWARDS stage. Previously, Wynonna performed alongside Kid Rock to open the 2011 award show, and Naomi served as a show presenter in both 2008 and 2009.

The famed mother-daughter pair join previously announced performers, including co-host Ballerini, Kane Brown, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris + Ryan Hurd, Carly Pearce, Cole Swindell + Lainey Wilson and Keith Urban, plus rising stars Priscilla Block, BRELAND, Jessie James Decker, Parker McCollum, Elvie Shane and Caitlyn Smith who will appear on the Ram Trucks Side Stage. Fan voting is now open at vote.cmt.com. A full list of nominations is available here.

The 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS are executive produced by Margaret Comeaux (CMT), John Hamlin (Switched On Entertainment), Leslie Fram (CMT) and Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment); Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) is co-executive producer; Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino are executives in charge of production; Shanna Strassberg and Taryn Hurd are talent producers.

Official sponsors of the 2022 CMT MUSIC AWARDS include Fritos®, Ram Truck Brand, SONIC® and Verizon.

The Oak Ridge Boys Nominated for “Best Spiritual Record” 2022 A2IM Libera Award

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The Oak Ridge Boys ‘Front Porch Singin’ Tour’ Tickets Available With More Shows Being Added

GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members, The Oak Ridge Boys are excited to announce the nomination of their Front Porch Singin’ album by the 2022 A2IM Libera Awards for “Best Spiritual Record.” Other nominees in the category include Blind Boys of Alabama feat. Bela Fleck, Hiss Golden Messenger, Natalie Bergman, and Wande feat. Porsche Love. The Libera Awards created by the American Association of Independent Music and presented by Merlin celebrate the success of independent music and will be held in person on June 16, 2022, in New York City.

For a complete list of categories and nominees, visit HERE.

“This nomination is such an honor for the Oak Ridge Boys. Front Porch Singin’ is a special project to all of us and to have this music be recognized as such means the world!” shares Joe Bonsall.

The Oak Ridge Boys continue to make stops across the country as part of their 2022 “Front Porch Singin’” Tour, entertaining the audiences everywhere by performing songs from their nominated album, including “Love, Light, and Healing,” “Old Ways,” and “Life Is Beautiful,” as well as their classics “American Made,” “Y’all Come Back Saloon,” “Elvira,” and more! Join together with friends and family as The Oak Ridge Boys bring their one-of-a-kind harmonies to a stage near you. Learn more about this tour, including show and ticket information, HERE.

MADELINE EDWARDS RELEASES NEW SINGLE “PORT CITY”

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Singer/songwriter Madeline Edwards today released her new single, “Port City,” from her upcoming debut project expected out later this year. Written by Edwards, Court Clement, and Josh Moore, the song shares the journey of faith that it takes to pursue your dreams, or take chances. Listen to “Port City” HERE.
“I wanted to write a song about my move from Texas to Nashville and the leap that me and my husband took to go on this venture of pursuing music and me really following my dreams,” said Edwards. “I think everyone has one of those moments, whether it’s moving out of the house for the first time, getting married, having a baby, going off to college; so I wanted a song that incorporated everyone’s first experiences of taking a leap and having the faith to complete that journey.”
Recently announced as an opening act on Chris Stapleton’s upcoming All American Road Show Tour, Edwards has been noted for her ability to transcend musical boundaries by incorporating her jazz, soul, gospel and country influences into her unique sound “through vulnerability and passion” (NPR). She also continues to reign in accolades- including her 2022 CMT Woman of Country honor and her inclusion as a 2022 Spotify Hot Country Artist To Watch. Edwards first made her national television debut in 2021 at the CMA Awards, joining Mickey Guyton and Brittney Spencer for a performance that was consistently ranked as one of the best moments of the night.
Currently living in Nashville working on her debut EP, the California born, Texas raised singer/songwriter has already caught the attention of the industry, with notable performances and features including a performance on Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Tribute Record with The Highwomen, NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert, and opening slots for Jordin Sparks and Grammy award winner Raphael Saadiq. Named a Top 20 Breaker artist on NPR, she first made her national radio debut on Sirius XM and her latest single, “The Road” has garnered millions of streams and counting.