RANDALL KING ANNOUNCES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MAJOR LABEL DEBUT ALBUM, SHOT GLASS
/in Country Music/by Michael Glynn
B.J. THOMAS 18-SONG CD TO BE RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 4
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnIN REMEMBRANCE – LOVE SONGS & LOST TREASURES AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER NOW AT BJTHOMAS.COM
B.J. Thomas, whose career spanned over six decades and sold over 70 million albums, will have new music available to music lovers on February 4, 2022, as Real Gone Music will release an 18-song CD, which will include 13 unreleased songs! This package includes eight unreleased songs from the Warner-Reprise Records vault, four songs from a limited edition direct response album in the 90s, rare photos, outtakes recorded with veteran songwriter/producer Steve Dorff, and more. Fans can pre-order this collection at www.bjthomas.com.
Born in Oklahoma, raised in Texas, B.J. Thomas began his career with the Houston-based band The Triumphs, when as lead singer he covered his father’s favorite Hank Williams classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” which led to Scepter Records to buy out his contract and take the song to the Top 10 on the national charts. Hit after hit then followed for B.J. as he mixed genres effortlessly, joining legendary Memphis producer Chips Moman for a series of smashes (“Hooked on a Feeling,” “The Eyes of a New York Woman,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing”) and he hit paydirt with the #1 Bacharach- David hit “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” the Oscar-winning song from Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid.
B.J.’s cross-over to country was cemented with his 1975 pop/country/adult contemporary million-seller “(Hey, Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.” Simultaneously, B.J. became the first platinum-selling Contemporary Christian recording artist with a string of hugely popular albums in the late 1970s and early 1980s which also won him five Grammys and numerous other awards.
Along the way, B.J. made countless television appearances and performed thousands of concerts into 2020 until the Coronavirus pandemic brought an end to touring. His voice and energy remained almost supernaturally strong and B.J. eagerly looked forward to returning to the stage until cancer claimed his life on May 29, 2021, at the age of 78.
Multi-Platinum Selling and Award-Winning Artist Travis Tritt Announces Set In Stone Tour
/in Country Music/by Michael Glynn
ANNOUNCING 2022 ROSE PARADE® MID-PARADE PERFORMANCE PRESENTED BY LOUISIANA OFFICE OF TOURISM
/in Country Music/by Michael Glynn
Mid-Parade Performance to feature Louisiana’s own Laine Hardy and the Hot 8 Brass Band
Recently the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® announced the Mid-Parade Performance presented by the Louisiana Office of Tourism. The 2022 Mid-Parade Performance fulfills Louisiana’s promise to feed your soul with an unforgettable rendition of Born on the Bayou, featuring Laine Hardy, season 17 winner of American Idol, and the Hot 8 Brass Band – the New Orleans-based group that blends hip-hop, jazz and funk styles with traditional New Orleans brass sounds.
Mention Louisiana and images of Mardi Gras, jazz clubs and late-night revelry are most likely the first things that come to mind. But there is far more to Louisiana than the Crescent City—and likewise, New Orleans is much more than the French Quarter and Fat Tuesday.
With this year’s float and mid-parade performance, Louisiana invites the world to come to Louisiana and experience all it has to offer. But Louisiana isn’t for spectators. It’s for participants— for those who want to not only live the moment, but also to become the moment.
Celebrating the diverse beauty and unique cultures of Louisiana, this gorgeous float features the iconic wrought-iron balconies, lamp posts and moss-draped cypress swamps that make Louisiana beautiful, as well as the music and zest for life of the people of this great state.
For millions of viewers around the world, the Rose Parade is an iconic New Year’s Day tradition. Join us on Saturday, January 1, 2022, to experience the floats, bands and equestrians as they parade down Colorado Blvd.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and The Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 volunteer members supply more than 80,000 hours of human power, which will drive the success of the 133rd Rose Parade, themed “Dream. Believe. Achieve.,” on Saturday, January 1, 2022, followed by the 108th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Ava Rowland’s Highly Anticipated New Self-Titled EP Available Now
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnEP Includes Ava’s Most Recent Singles “Love Away The Lonely,” “Ghost,” “If I Ever Fall In Love,” and More!
Rising country singer/songwriter Ava Rowland shows off her true talent and artistry with the release of her new EP, Ava Rowland. The EP consists of her most recent previously released singles, showing off the range of her creativity and incredible musicality. Fan favorites such as her romantic tunes “If I Ever Fall In Love,” “Best Thing Around,” her latest groovy single “Love Away The Lonely,” and more will all be included in her first-ever EP which is available both physically and digitally now!
Listen/Stream/Buy Ava Rowland’s EP HERE.
To purchase physical copies of the EP, visit Ava’s website HERE.
“I’m so excited to release my first album,” shares Ava. “The songs on the album are a collaboration of the singles I’ve released since September 2020, starting with ‘He’s Like A Habit.’ There is such a feeling of accomplishment when the songs I’ve written and recorded are all put together on one CD. I hope you enjoy the album and want to listen to it over and over again.
Ava continues to prove why she’s one to watch in the music industry, shining on each track she releases and engaging with fans on social media. Ava’s most recent single “Love Away The Lonely,” premiered by Sounds Like Nashville, shows off her playful side by channeling 70’s aesthetics. Her new EP will have fans excited to have all of their most-loved Ava songs on repeat and keep them on their toes for what’s to come next!
To view Ava’s premiere of “Love Away The Lonely” with Sounds Like Nashville, visit HERE.
To view Ava’s premiere of “Ghost” with Taste of Country, visit HERE.
To view Ava’s premiere of “Ghost” on The Boot, visit HERE.
To view Ava’s premiere of “If I Ever Fall in Love” with Center Stage Magazine, visit HERE.
To view Ava’s premiere of the “Run Like Hell” lyric video on Nashville.com, visit HERE.
To view Ava’s premiere of the “Mama’s Favorite Song” music video on American Songwriter, visit HERE.
Visit HERE to keep up with everything Ava Rowland.
Barry Waldrep Honors Tony Rice With All Star Tribute Featuring Vince Gill, John Paul White, Darrell Scott, Warren Haynes, and Many More
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnBarry Waldrep and Friends Celebrate Tony Rice now available digitally

COUNTRY ARTISTS JOIN THE 82ND AIRBORNE DIVISION FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE ALL-AMERICAN HOLIDAY CONCERT AND TV EVENT.
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnJoin country artists as they take the stage alongside the 82nd Airborne Division Band & Chorus for an All-American Holiday Concert! Hosted by Natalie Stovall and produced by Orpheus Live, in collaboration with Nashville Music Consultants, the show features country stars Michael Ray, Craig Morgan, and Abby Anderson performing holiday favorites in tribute to the 82nd Airborne Division paratroopers, veterans, and their families.
“We are beyond thrilled that some of Nashville’s best artists, to include 82nd Airborne veteran, Craig Morgan, came to town to ring in the holidays,” says Fort Bragg Commanding General Christopher Donahue. “This was a very special evening and a perfect way for us to say thank you for everything our Paratroopers and families have done for the Division and the nation over the past year.”
“We are honored to answer the call of General Donahue and Fort Bragg to bring this fantastic event to the men and women of the 82nd Airborne Division and the surrounding community,” said Rebecca Abrahams, Executive Producer and President of Orpheus Live. “We are also excited to entertain and bring holiday cheer to active-duty soldiers throughout the season by distributing the concert via American Forces Network and to country music fans nationwide via Circle TV and RFD TV.”
Prior to the show, Michael Ray, Craig Morgan and Abby Anderson visited with the 82nd paratroopers and commanding officers at Fort Bragg to participate in various training activities and offer their personal thanks to the paratroopers for their service in Afghanistan.
“I’m very proud to have performed with the 82nd Airborne Division Band for our servicemen and women at Fort Bragg,” says artist Michael Ray. “The opportunity to show appreciation for those who serve our country is always an honor, and I’m grateful to have been a part of it.”
“The 82nd Airborne Division’s performance is spectacular under the musical direction of MAJ Rich Winkles,” says Clay Myers, President of Nashville Music Consultants. “We were proud to be a part of the All-American Holiday concert and to have had the privilege to work alongside Lt. Col. Brett Lea and his team.”
The All-American Holiday was shot live to tape on December 10th at the Crown Complex in Fayetteville, North Carolina. The concert airs December 24th and December 25th at 8:00pm ET on Circle TV, December 24th at 12:00pm ET on RFD TV and December 24th at 7:00pm viewer time overseas on AFN Prime.
LUCAS HOGE TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS DAY WITH PERFORMANCE ON FOX & FRIENDS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnNo. 1 Billboard charting artist Lucas Hoge will celebrate Christmas Day with a performance of “Christmas Without You” from his holiday album, 12.25, this Saturday, December 25 on “Fox & Friends.” Proceeds from “Christmas Without You” will benefit the Purple Heart Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises funds to help veterans and their families. Hoge is passionate about giving back to this organization during the holiday season and beyond.
12.25 is produced by GRAMMY®-nominated Kent Wells (Dolly Parton) and features collaborations with ACM/CMA/TONY-nominated Skip Ewing and platinum-selling singer-
People.com exclusively premiered Hoge’s video for “Let It Snow” Featuring Jamie O’Neal. The host of “Hoge Wild” enlists ACM award-winning O’Neal for the classic duet, whose “velvety harmonies perfectly meld with Hoge’s charming croons” (Sounds Like Nashville). Sounds Like Nashville exclusively premiered a ‘First Listen’ to the track, praising that Hoge’s version “is every bit cheery and cozy, while also brimming with playful holiday romance.”
“This is my favorite project to date, not only did I have the best time recording this with such a revered producer in the industry as Kent Wells. I got to have some good friends and amazing country artists be a part of this as well,” shared Hoge. “Being able to have one of my musical inspirations, Skip Ewing, duet a song with me and have Jamie O’Neal’s tremendous vocals on ‘Let it Snow’ was a dream. I hope everyone loves this record as much as I do, and becomes a staple for every Christmas season.”
ABOUT LUCAS HOGE:
With equal ease and finesse, No. 1 Billboard-charting artist Lucas Hoge can craft a song, cast a line or call in a turkey in front of a film crew, all while holding an audience’s attention on stage when performing. As a warm, engaging television host on his own weekly series “Hoge Wild,” Lucas takes viewers across the globe as he travels to New Zealand, Bolivia, Africa and unchartered territory in North America to amplify his passion for the outdoors and change the narrative around conservation. For more than two years, Lucas has been bringing his gospel “Sunday Sessions” to his fans every week, which eclipsed 25 million views in early 2020. Even during the height of online engagement worldwide during the COVID pandemic, Lucas still found a way to dominate the live streaming charts with weekly virtual concerts that consistently amassed chart-topping audience numbers, Hoge found himself alongside Luke Combs, Snoop Dogg, DMX, BTS in the Top Ten on Pollstar’s Weekly Livestream Chart. Lucas Hoge’s restless creative spirit, abundance of Midwestern charm and a work ethic that won’t let him slow down, it looks like the best is yet to come.
HELPING A HERO TELETHON HOSTED BY LEE GREENWOOD AND PAULA DEEN PREMIERES MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
/in Country Music/by Michael GlynnDEBBY BOONE, THE OAK RIDGE BOYS, CRYSTAL GAYLE, LARRY GATLIN & THE GATLIN BROTHERS, THE FRONTMEN OF COUNTRY, JOHN CONLEE, HOME FREE, SAM MOORE & T. GRAHAM BROWN WITH SPECIAL GUESTS LEE BRICE, MICHAEL RAY, TIM RUSHLOW, JANIE FRICKE, AND DARRYL WORLEY, AND MORE SET TO PERFORM ON HELPING A HERO TELETHON HOSTED BY LEE GREENWOOD AND PAULA DEEN PREMIERING MONDAY, DECEMBER 27
Telethon Event Set to Raise Awareness
and Funds To Support Wounded Veterans
As people are in the giving spirit, Grammy award winner LEE GREENWOOD and America’s Southern Cooking Queen PAULA DEEN have teamed up to host the Helping A Hero Telethon set to air on December 27th across various broadcast stations and networks.
Helping a Hero is one of the largest home-building organizations in the nation for wounded veterans. Home recipients include veterans from 23 states whose permanent injuries have left them paraplegics, quadriplegics, amputees, with a severe TBI, blind, and with severe burns.
“Paula and I are both strong supporters of Helping A Hero and its mission to provide homes for veterans,” says Lee Greenwood. “The best way for us to end the year is by giving back and helping raise money and awareness for this great organization. We are hoping that America will join us in the effort to give back!”
Partnering with community homebuilders and the veteran, Helping A Hero makes sure each home is adapted to the specific needs of its recipient. The home recipients are responsible for three things: 1) a $50,000 mortgage, 2) to live in the home as his/her primary residence for a minimum of 10 years, and 3) Use of the VA Specially Adapted Housing grant if eligible.
Helping A Hero is accepting applications from eligible wounded warriors needing a specially adapted home. We also invite the public to Nominate a Hero by completing the nomination form. Both the application and the Nominate a Hero form are available on our website at www.helpingahero.org.
The Helping A Hero Telethon is executive produced by Kim Greenwood and Lee Greenwood.
ABOUT HELPING A HERO:
Texas-based Helping a Hero is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel severely injured in the war on terror. Our principal activity is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members as well as engage the community to provide services and resources for our wounded heroes and their families.