Hitmaker Ross Copperman Releases Two New Original Songs

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HITMAKER ROSS COPPERMAN RELEASES
TWO NEW ORIGINAL SONGS
“Stars Are On Your Side” Featured on SPOTIFY’S
 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

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Toby Keith That’s Country Bro! Tour Opens May 26
New Single “That’s Country Bro” Hits Radio/Streaming/Digital Platforms May 3
 

 

(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.

Written by Keith and longtime collaborator Bobby Pinson, “That’s Country Bro” is a quick sprint down a country icon heritage trail carved out and delivered with the kind of wit and polish that led to Keith being a 2015 Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee. Toby also co-produced the track with Pinson and Reid Shippen; Arturo Buenahora is executive producer.
The single is Keith’s first new music since his acclaimed “Don’t Let The Old Man In,” featured in last year’s Clint Eastwood film “The Mule.” The tour follows last year’s Toby Keith Should’ve Been A Cowboy Tour XXV, which was at the center of a multi-faceted celebration of the 25-year anniversary of his debut No. 1 smash “Should’ve Been A Cowboy.”

 

Toby Keith That’s Country Bro! Tour dates: (more to follow)
May 26           Forest City, IA                        Tree Town Country Music Festival
June 14          Del Mar, CA                            San Diego County Fair
June 15          Sparks, NV                             Nugget Event Center
June 21          Madison, WI                           American Family Insurance Championship at Breese Stevens Field
June 30           Dauphin, MB                          Dauphin’s Countryfest
July 4              Uncasville, CT                        Mohegan Sun Casino & Resort
July 5              Atlantic City, NJ                     Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
July 6              Wantagh, NY                          Jones Beach Amphitheater
July 18            Eau Claire, WI                        Country Jam USA
July 20            Brooklyn, MI                          Faster Horses Festival
July 28            Crownsville, MD                    Outlaw Jam
July 29            Columbus, OH                       Ohio State Fair
August 2         Camrose, AB                          Big Valley Jamboree
August 3         Dawson Creek, BC                 Encana Events Centre
August 5         Everett, WA                            Angel of the Winds Arena
August 6         Airway Heights, WA                Northern Quest Casino
August 8         Sturgis, SD                             Sturgis Buffalo Chip
August 10       Schaumburg, IL                    The Freedom and Dignity Festival
August 16       Highland Heights, KY             BB&T Arena
August 17       Evansville, IN                         Ford Center
August 23       Bakersfield, CA                      Rabobank Arena
August 25       Ontario, CA                            Citizens Business Bank Arena
August 31       Memphis, TN                          Live At The Garden
September 27  Pittsburgh, PA                        Highmark Stadium
September 28  Bloomsburg, PA                     Bloomsburg Fair
November 1    Bensalem, PA                         Parx Casino
November 2    Bensalem, PA                         Parx Casino
November 9    Laughlin, NV                           Laughlin Event Center

Thomas Rhett Will Always “Remember You Young” With New Song, Out Now

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THOMAS RHETT INVITES FANS TO EXPERIENCE MORE OF CENTER POINT ROAD WITH NEW SONG “REMEMBER YOU YOUNG” OUT NOW

Fans Who Pre-Order the Upcoming Album Now Instantly Receive Four Tracks Ahead of Release


MEDIA ONLY – https://app.box.com/s/dzzc3j44bmd2u6zu4q28o5vomtxcphx8
Cover Art Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

NASHVILLE, TN (April 19, 2019) – ACM Awards Male Artist of the Year and MULTI-PLATINUM selling performer THOMAS RHETT continues to preview his most autobiographical album to date, CENTER POINT ROAD (The Valory Music Co.), ahead of its May 31 release with “Remember You Young” – a sweeping reflection of childhood friends, marriage and children, out today.  Once again teaming up with chart-topping collaborators Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley (“Unforgettable, “Marry Me, “Life Changes”), fans can listen to the song here and pre-order limited edition album packages at ThomasRhett.com.  Those who pre-ordered the album digitally will instantly receive the new track in addition to the previously available Top 15-and-climing “Look What God Gave Her,” the “soulful, upbeat” (iHeartRadio) “Don’t Threaten Me With A Good Time” feat Little Big Town and the “nostalgic” (Rolling Stone) “That Old Truck.”

“We wrote this song about the people in life that we love, and always remembering them in their youth no matter how much time passes and we all change,” Thomas Rhett said. “There’s something sentimental about remembering your very best friends who have real jobs and families now tearing it up in college, or picturing me and my wife with no cares at the Tin Roof back in Knoxville. I love that the last verse is a bit of twist with it all coming full circle. It actually makes me emotional…it’s easily one of my favorite tracks on the album.”

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 autobiographical stories with familiar sounds that have propelled his meteoric career. The highly-anticipated new music is the follow-up to the PLATINUM-certified smash LIFE CHANGES, which spawned a 2018 GRAMMY® Awards nomination for Best Country Album and has been streamed more than one billion times, delivering a slew of RIAA-certified PLATINUM and GOLD chart-toppers, bringing Thomas Rhett’s No. 1 tally to 12. Thomas Rhett was named country radio’s most played artist of 2018, following a CMA Triple Play award for penning three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period, adding to his collection of trophies from the Country Music Association, Academy of Country Music, Billboard Music Awards, CMT Music Awards and more. On May 17 in Spokane, WA, he will kick off his headlining VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR, visiting 40 stops across the nation. For more information on new music and upcoming tour dates, visit www.thomasrhett.com.

Lucas Hoge Releases “That’ll Be The Day”

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LUCAS HOGE MEDIA CONTACT:
Scott Adkins / [email protected]
Kelli Wasilauski / [email protected]

LUCAS HOGE MANAGEMENT CONTACT:
Laura Lynn / [email protected]

LUCAS HOGE BOOKING CONTACT:
Bob Kinkead / bkinkead@kinkeadentertainment.com
Greg Scott / gscott@kinkeadentertainment.com

LUCAS HOGE RELEASES NEW SINGLE “THAT’LL BE THE DAY”

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  – Following an appearance on nationally televised morning program, “Fox & Friends,” No. 1 Billboard chart-topping Lucas Hoge releases a dynamic, romantic new single, “That’ll Be The Day,” available today.

“Really excited to start sharing my new music, said Hoge. “‘That’ll Be The Day’ is exactly how I always felt, so this song rings true! This is the first of several songs being released throughout the year!”

Hoge recently attended Spring Training with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and even joined the National League Champions on the field. The singer-songwriter has a connection with the team through Hook The Cure, an annual weekend-long event that raises money for Cystic Fibrosis research and patient care. Each year many Dodgers’ greats including Rick Honeycutt, Matt Young and Orel Hershiser participate. This past year they raised more than $500,000 in the single weekend. To learn more about Hook The Cure, and see 2019 dates, click here.

LUCAS HOGE ON TOUR 
May 15 The Bluebird Cafe – Nashville, Tenn.
May 18 Dosey Doe Breakfast & BBQ – The Woodlands, Texas
May 20-30  Wrangler National Patriot Tour
June 08 Flat Rock Summer Blast – Flat Rock, Mich.
June 15 Cornstock Windmill Festival – Cornstock, Neb.
July 11 MTA Homegrounds – Mason, Mich.
July 13 Fort Randall Casino – Lake Andes, S.D.
Aug. 16 Belleville Community Festival – Belleville, Kan.
Sep. 14 Fall Picknic – Monte Rio, Calif.
Sep. 18 Gamble Family Vineyards – Napa, Calif.
Nov. 07-10 Villa Premiere  Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nov. 12-17 Country Cruising

For more information and the latest news on Lucas Hoge, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and go to LucasHoge.com

ABOUT LUCAS HOGE:
Some people are just born communicators and Lucas Hoge has that gift. Fans know this because Hoge’s new album Dirty South ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart during its debut week. Whether he’s performing for troops overseas, sharing his love for the great outdoors with fellow sportsmen at a Bass Pro/Cabela’s gathering or writing another song for a hit TV show, Hoge has that rare ability to find common ground with just about anyone and draw them into his world. A passionate supporter of the U.S. military, Hoge has traveled the globe extensively performing for the troops visited numerous countries throughout the Middle East and beyond for the past ten years as part of the Wrangler National Patriot Tour. Hoge is also the celebrity spokesperson for Guardian Angels For Soldier’s Pet. Combine all of that with his Midwestern charm and a work ethic that won’t slow him down, it looks like the best is yet to come.

WATCH: Riley Green Heads to Belize For “In Love By Now”

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RILEY GREEN HEADS TO BELIZE FOR “IN LOVE BY NOW”

NASHVILLE, TN (April 19, 2019) – On the heels of his debut No. 1 single, RILEY GREEN jets to Belize as he tries find an old flame in the new video for his sophomore release “In Love By Now.” Billboard.com exclusively premiered the video about a lost love and it is available everywhere today – https://RileyGreen.lnk.to/ILBNvideo.

Directed by Mason Dixon, the video brings Music City to the tropics as they film in a familiar Nashville locale, Losers Bar and Grill Belize. “My buddy runs a bar and invited me down,” explained Green. “You don’t have to ask me twice to go film on the beach for two days. I had nothing to complain about.”

“In Love By Now” became an early fan favorite during his sold-out tour stops throughout the country. Green co-wrote the unrequited track with Rhett Akins, Marv Green and Ben Hayslip and tells Billboard “We sat down, and I think I said something about writing a song that sounded like Shenandoah; a ‘90s country sounding song. They all jumped at the opportunity because that’s kind of their bread and butter too.”

Named one of Rolling Stone Country’s “Artists You Need to Know,” he has also  been named a CMT Listen Up Artist and one of MusicRow’s Next Big Things while Taste of Country declares, he “is clearly an artist on the cusp of stardom.”

Fueled with good-natured rebellion, respect for tradition and steady touring, Green has built a fierce following on social media and at live shows. In addition to his own headlining dates, Green will hit the road next month with Brad Paisley’s 2019 WORLD TOUR. For a full list of tour dates and more, visit RileyGreenMusic.com.

SHERYL CROW AND JOHNNY CASH DUET OUT NOW

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SHERYL CROW AND JOHNNY CASH DUET OUT NOW

“Redemption Day” Leads Her Late Summer Album Release

Music Video Available Now

Crow Publishes Personal Essay About Song

MEDIA ONLY – https://app.box.com/s/37jkrou1i2t6w49f2cikf4izrk6xc1s9
Photo Credit: Kharen Hill
NASHVILLE, TN (April 19, 2019) – Nine-time GRAMMY Award-winner Sheryl Crow believes in the transformative power of music, and today’s release of a duet with the late Johnny Cash, “Redemption Day,” is a clear indication the world does too. “This song has had a lot of different lives,” says Crow of the track that originally appeared on her Grammy-winning, triple PLATINUM album Sheryl Crow in 1996. “It’s led me to some strange and interesting opportunities.” Today marks one of those times as a re-recorded version leads her forthcoming album on The Valory Music Co., slated for late summer. (Read Crow’s personal essay about the song here.)
A catalyst to writing “Redemption Day,” Crow visited Bosnia with then-First Lady Hillary Clinton unbeknownst a storied history spanning more than 20 years would follow. “I’d never been anywhere even close to a war-torn area,” Crow expresses of the trip, where she visited military bases, played for troops and met with families. But when she returned home, the news was covering the ongoing genocide in Rwanda. Sifting through feelings of confusion – “We had all these resources tied up in Bosnia, and I kept thinking about how and why do we choose where to get involved. Is it desire for control, greed for oil—what is it?” – she sat down to write a song. At the time, her hope was actually to write about a break-up, but instead, out came a “diatribe from somewhere in my subconscious,” challenging the motivation and machinery of war.
In 2003, one of Cash’s sons-in-law played “Redemption Day” for the Man in Black, who then wanted to talk to her. “He asked a lot of questions about different lines and what I meant,” says Crow. “He didn’t want to put his voice to the song without being able to believe it heart and soul.”Cash recorded the song and told Crow that he felt it was the cornerstone of his next album, but his version wasn’t released until 2010’s American VI: Ain’t No Grave album. While on tour in 2014, Crow performed “Redemption Day” as a duet with Cash’s recording, projecting his image onstage—which inspired her to approach his estate with the idea of re-recording a collaboration of their voices for her new project.

Director Shaun Silva coupled footage of Cash next to scenes of a young child watching history unfold, in all of its tragedy and triumph, throughout the “Redemption Day” music video as a somber yet hopeful Crow carries the melody. “As a mom of two young kids,” says Crow, “I see that our kids watch what we do on their behalf and how we shape their future. They’re privy to everything visual, especially now, and there’s no way to shield your child from the roughness of reality. If we could see the world through a child’s eyes, we would make different decisions.” Watch Here: https://SherylCrow.lnk.to/RDvideoPR.

Incorporating Cash into the project – alongside songs with other friends from Keith Richards to Stevie Nicks to St. Vincent – is more meaningful to Crow than just the sound and memory of one of America’s greatest icons. “With what’s happening in our nation now, and how dire things look, to have Johnny’s voice offers some hope,” she says. “Knowing how he felt about the song, I feel pretty certain that he would have some wisdom to impart about what’s happening now and who we are becoming. I hope that wherever he is, he feels proud to be a part of it—I certainly feel his presence in the song.”

Watch Now: Morgan Evans Pours a Shot of “Tequila” into “Day Drunk”

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WATCH NOW: MORGAN EVANS POURS A SHOT OF “TEQUILA” INTO “DAY DRUNK”

MASH-UP FEATURING HIS CHART-CLIMBING SINGLE FOLLOWS EVANS’ RUN ON DAN + SHAY THE TOUR

NASHVILLE, TENN. – (April 18, 2019) – Warner Music Nashville / Warner Bros. Records rising star MORGAN EVANS is delivering a buzz-inducing mash-up of his Top 40-and-climbing single “Day Drunk” with Dan + Shay’s GRAMMY award-winning track “Tequila.” The clip showcases Evans’ undeniable musicianship, crafting the production with his trademark loop pedal.

Watch Morgan Evans’ live mash-up of “Day Drunk on Tequila” HERE.

Putting his versatility on full-blast in the video, Evans’ smooth vocals and intricate guitar work effortlessly blend his amped-up party tune – dubbed a “summery slam dunk” by Rolling Stone – with the reflective lyrics of “Tequila.”

The award-winning Australia-native spent this spring as direct support on the SOLD OUT first leg of DAN + SHAY THE TOUR. In addition to high-profile festival dates on tap for summer (Off The Rails Festival, Carolina Country Music Festival, Country LakeShake, Faster Horses), Evans will also hit the road with Rascal Flatts on their SUMMER PLAYLIST TOUR. He recently announced a run of European shows as part of his WORLD TOUR, kicking off September 3 in Dublin, Ireland.

For more information and a full list of tour dates, visit MorganEvansMusic.com. Reach out to him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

ABOUT MORGAN EVANS:
Praised by Rolling Stone as “a savvy performer with strong songwriting chops,” Australian-born rising Country artist Morgan Evans is celebrating the release of his debut album, THINGS THAT WE DRINK TO (Warner Music Nashville), out now. The project features his #1 debut U.S. single “Kiss Somebody,” as well as chart-rising follow-up “Day Drunk.” Forging a path as one of the genre’s up-and-coming stars, he has been named to PEOPLE’s elite “Ones To Watch” 2018 list, MusicRow Magazine’s “Next Big Thing” 2019 list and spotlighted as an emerging artist by CMT, SiriusXM, Pandora, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Bobby Bones, The Tennessean and more. An award-winning Country force in Australia, he recently reached new heights by topping both the Aussie Pop and Country charts with “Day Drunk.” Previously sharing the bill with Taylor Swift, Chris Young, Cole Swindell, Old Dominion and more, Evans completed his 10 IN 10 TOUR, performing 10-straight shows in 10 days including SOLD-OUT headline dates in Los Angeles, CA, Atlanta, GA, and New York, NY. He recently wrapped his run as direct support on DAN + SHAY THE TOUR, and will hit the road with Rascal Flatts for the SUMMER PLAYLIST TOUR later this year.

Keith Whitley 30th Anniversary Memorial Concert at CMA Theater on May 9

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KEITH WHITLEY 30TH ANNIVERSARY MEMORIAL CONCERT TO BE HELD AT THE CMA THEATER AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME® AND MUSEUM THURSDAY, MAY 9

 Show hosted by Lorrie Morgan and Whitley’s son Jesse Whitley to include performances by Country Music Hall of Fame member Garth Brooks, Tom Buller, Mark Chestnut, Larry Cordle, Caleb Daugherty, Kevin Denney, Wesley Dennis, Joe Diffie, Corey Farlow, Carl Jackson, Cory and Dustin Keefe, Tracy Lawrence, Jesse Whitley, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and Trisha Yearwood.

WHAT: On Thursday, May 9, 2019, the 30th anniversary of Keith Whitley’s death, Whitley’s friends, family and fans will remember him at the Keith Whitley 30th Anniversary Memorial Tribute Concert.  The night will honor his memory and pay tribute to Whitley’s artistic contributions to country and bluegrass music. Lorrie Morgan and Whitley’s son Jesse Keith Whitley will host the evening.

Despite the brevity of his career, Whitley’s music has exerted tremendous influence on subsequent generations of country singers, and some of these artists will take the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater to pay homage to Whitley.

WHO: Country Music Hall of Fame member Garth Brooks, Tom Buller, Mark Chestnut, Larry Cordle, Caleb Daugherty, Kevin Denney, Wesley Dennis, Joe Diffie, Corey Farlow, Carl Jackson, Cory and Dustin Keefe, Tracy Lawrence, Jesse Whitley, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and Trisha Yearwood will pay tribute to Whitley by each performing Whitley’s music.

WHEN: Thursday, May 9, 2019, at 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: CMA Theater; 224 5th Avenue South, Nashville, Tenn. 37203

Tickets on sale this Friday, March 29, 2019, at 10 a.m. CST. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit cmatheater.com.

Rita Wilson & Kristian Bush Embark on Joint U.S. Tour

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RITA WILSON & KRISTIAN BUSH
EMBARK ON JOINT U.S. TOUR KICKING OFF JUNE 5
RITA WILSON’S NEW ALBUM, HALFWAY TO HOME, OUT NOW

Rita Wilson and Kristian Bush will embark on a joint concert tour kicking off June 5 in Atlanta (see complete itinerary below).  Musical collaborators and good friends, Wilson and Bush will share both of their intimate and authentic songs with audiences, making for a memorable evening of live music.
Wilson — singer/songwriter, actress and producer — just released her forth and acclaimed studio album, Halfway To Home (Sing it Loud/The Orchard), and was also recently honored by The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Oprah.com called the new album, “deeply personal,” and said it “highlights Wilson’s songwriting skills,” while CMT raved, “it’s genuine, and she’s poured her heart into every song.” “Throw Me A Party,” the first single, was premiered by Rolling Stonewho called it “evocative,” and Taste of Country noted the song has “touched everyone who has heard it.” The “moving” (People) music video was directed by Award-winningPatrick Tracy; watch it HERE.
Halfway to Home was largely recorded in Nashville, and co-produced by Rita and Nathan Chapman (Taylor Swift, Keith Urban), with Ron Aniello (Bruce Springsteen) and John Shanks (Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow) also contributing as producers.  Many of the songs were co-written with an A-List group including Kristian Bush, Grammy winner Liz Rose, Mozella (Kelly Clarkson, Miley Cyrus), Mitch Allan (Demi Lovato), Kara DioGuardi (Pink, Kelly Clarkson) and Emily Schackleton. In addition to her dates with Bush, Rita will also be performing at such notable music festivals as Stagecoach (April 27), CMA Fest (June 7) and Lake Shake (June 21). Watch her recent performances on CBS’ The Late Late Show w/ James Corden here andNBC’s Today here
Kristian Bush is one half of the multi-platinum selling country duo Sugarland and has been leaving his mark on music for more than 2 decades. He is a Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, playwright, podcaster, and instrumentalist who started his career with folk rock duo Billy Pilgrim. To date, Kristian has won six BMI Awards for his songwriting abilities, and in 2011 founded the music publishing company and songwriting collective Songs of the Architect. In 2015, he released his solo debut album, Southern Gravity, which featured the Top 20 single “Trailer Hitch”. Currently, Kristian sits on the board of the Atlanta Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, is a frequent performer on the Grand Ole Opry, continues to tour with Sugarland, and has been working on a new EP, coming out summer of 2019.
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Follow Kristian Bush:

Kelsea Ballerini Becomes Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry

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Kelsea Ballerini inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry member Carrie Underwood

Kelsea Ballerini and Carrie Underwood performed Opry member Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe”

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (April 16, 2019) – Kelsea Ballerini was inducted as the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Carrie Underwood, an Opry member since 2008.

Surprising the sold-out Opry House crowd after Ballerini had performed a three-song set, Underwood took the stage and said to Ballerini, “You have accomplished so much in your career, and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your life. Awards, number ones, sales … this is better than all of that. This is the heart and soul of country music.”

Presenting Ballerini with her Opry member award, Underwood cheered, “I am honored to introduce and induct the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelsea Ballerini.”

After recounting her first visit to the Opry as a fan, her 2015 Opry debut, and subsequent Opry appearances, Ballerini held her award close and said, “Grand Ole Opry, thanks for seeing something in me and for believing that I’ll always love you like I do because I do, and I will.”

Ballerini and Underwood then teamed up for a duet on 20-year Opry member Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Earlier in the night, CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban, an Opry member since 2012, also made a surprise appearance to deliver congratulations to Ballerini and to perform his hit “Blue Isn’t Your Color.” Later in the show, Country Music Hall of Famer and 1991 Opry inductee Vince Gill surprised the audience yet again by joining in with his friends the Del McCoury Band during the group’s portion of the show.

Opry group Little Big Town surprised Ballerini last month with an invitation to join the Opry family during an on-stage collaboration on the award-winning song “Girl Crush.”

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “As evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Opry members here tonight and the fans in the crowd, Kelsea and her music are much loved. She and her fellow members who made tonight so special show that the future of both country music and the Opry are in good hands.”

Among artists scheduled for the Opry in the coming weeks include Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels Band, Terri Clark, Del McCoury Band, Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Wynonna, Chris Young, and more.

About Kelsea Ballerini:

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff).

About The Grand Ole Opry: The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

Kelsea Ballerini becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry
l to r: Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Black River Entertainment’s Kim and Terry Pegula,Kelsea Ballerini, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Black River Entertainment’s Rick Froio