Category Archives: ABC – Country

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Conner Smith's going to be a Storyteller

Disney/Scott Kirkland Conner Smith has announced his headlining The Storyteller Tour. The 18-date trek kicks off October 6 in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will wrap up in Montreal, Quebec, on December 7. Up-and-comers Jonathan Hutcherson and Zach John King are slated

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Keith Urban had an exciting full-circle moment

Disney/Frank Micelotta Keith Urban may be headlining arenas and stadiums now, but like most artists, he started his career in smaller venues like honky-tonks and clubs. That’s why performing at Club Dada in Dallas, Texas, recently felt like a full-circle moment. Reflecting on the

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Luke Bryan plots 15th Farm Tour

ABC Get ready for the 15th run of Luke Bryan‘s Farm Tour. The trek kicks off September 21 in Marshville, North Carolina, with stops in Shelbyville, Kentucky; Millersport, Ohio; and Smithton, Pennsylvania, on September 26, 27 and 28, respectively. Two additional

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockFifty-one years ago today, this crossover country star premiered his Good Time Hour, a music and comedy variety show that would go on to run for three years. The opening theme of the show was his hit

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockBrooke Eden kicked off a new musical chapter this week with her song, “No Shade.” It’s the first of three new songs she’s planning for release over the coming months. Filmore shared the music video for

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Country star trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock On this day in 2012, this singer known as The Chief scored his first #1 single with “Drink in My Hand.” Can you guess who it is? ANSWER: Eric Church.  By Cillea Houghton Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockEmmylou Harris has been announced as one of the headliners on The Outlaw Country Cruise next year sailing February 25 – March 3 from Miami to Mexico and Belize. Other performers include Rodney Crowell, Lucinda Williams and Steve Earle & The

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Country star trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock On this day in 1975, this country icon released “The Pill.” Though controversial at the time for its reference to birth control, the song reached the top 5 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and has become one

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Randy Travis and his wife Mary Travis are featured on The Big Interview With Dan Rather this week where they discuss his recovery following a 2013 stroke. The episode airs tomorrow night on 8 p.m. ET on AXS TV.  Lily

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockTen years ago today, the world was introduced to this deep-voiced country singer from North Carolina when his audition for American Idol‘s 10th season aired. He would go on to be crowned champion and score hits with “Five

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Gabby Barrett announces birth of daughter

ABCGabby Barrett and husband Cade Foehner have welcomed a baby girl.  The 20-year-old singer shared on Instagram on Monday night that she gave birth to daughter Baylah May on January 18. “Gotten to spend a very sweet week with our newest addition. Meet our girl Baylah

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock UK country duo The Shires have released the video for their song “Lightning Strikes” featuring Lauren Alaina. Lauren Weintraub has released her debut single “She’s Mine” after the song went viral on Tik Tok, being viewed more than one

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this date in 2014, Luke Bryan hit the top of the country charts with a heartstring-tugging ballad about grief and loss, featuring backing vocals from a then-little known singer-songwriter named Chris Stapleton. The song would remain

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockRory Feek, formerly of country duo Joey + Rory, has announced a solo project called Gentle Man. The first single is a cover of Bob Dylan’s “The Times They Are A-Changin’.” Gentle Man will arrive in

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this date in 2013, a beloved country trio released “Downtown” to country radio. The song went to the top of the charts and remains one of their best-loved hits to this day. Can you name the

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockDanielle Bradbery teams with Grammy-nominated Latin star Kurt to reimagine her “Never Have I Ever” as a Spanish-language song. The version is called “Yo Nunca He…” Highwomen bandmate Amanda Shires and Jason Isbell will make an

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this date in 1957, one of country music’s best-known legends made her debut appearance on Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts TV show. She won that night’s contest with what would go on to become one of her

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo/ThinkstockWynonna Judd is among the acts scheduled to perform during the rock-focused, virtual Big Love Benefit Concert, which supports the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. Bret Michaels, Billy Idol and more are performing; the event will be hosted

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1979, the album The Gambler climbed to #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart where it stayed for the next 24 weeks. Can you name the singer? ANSWER: Kenny Rogers.  By Cillea Houghton Copyright © 2021, ABC Audio.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockAfter going viral on Tik Tok, Kylie Trout has officially released, “Can’t Be Lonely.” Kylie also drew attention on Tik Tok with her rendition of Morgan Wallen‘s “Somebody’s Problem.”  The music of Johnny Cash is at the center of a Nashville

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Luke Combs takes “Better Together” to #1

Zack MasseyLuke Combs has scored his 10th consecutive #1 single with “Better Together.”  The romantic song tops the Billboard Country Airplay chart this week, continuing the superstar’s #1 streak with previous singles including “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Does to Me”

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1946, this global icon known for such hits as “9 to 5” and “Jolene” was born in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Today, she celebrates her 75th birthday. Can you guess who it

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockWillie Jones has released his new single “American Dream” that serves as a patriotic protest anthem against racial injustice. The song is featured on Willie’s debut album, Right Now, that will be released on Friday.  Author and country singer Billy Dawson has

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Loretta Lynn gets COVID-19 vaccine

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Americana MusicLoretta Lynn has received the COVID-19 vaccine.  The 88-year-old music icon revealed on Instagram over the weekend that she and her daughter, Peggy Jean, were administered the vaccine at a local health facility in Tennessee.  “Well, I

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockThirty-four years ago this week, one of the biggest stars in country was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. She’s still a regular performer there, and her Opry shows thankfully go a lot smoother than her

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Hailey Whitters last week announced Living the Dream, the deluxe edition of her 2020 album The Dream. The new project features duets with the likes of Trisha Yearwood, Little Big Town and Jordan Davis, the

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this date in 1992, country’s own Man in Black was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During his lifetime, he also became a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Gospel

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockParker McCollum uses a deserted cityscape as the backdrop for his music video for “To Be Loved by You.” The clip arrived this week. Naomi Judd stars in Ruby, the first installment of a Lifetime-exclusive movie

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOne year ago today, this country legend’s hit “Walkin’ After Midnight” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Can you name her? ANSWER: Patsy Cline.  By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockWillie Nelson has been tapped as the SXSW Online 2021 Keynote speaker. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Austin-based festival will be held virtually March 16-20.  Phil Vassar is launching a new podcast, Phil Vassar’s Songs from the Cellar, on American

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1996, this “Mississippi Girl” topped the charts with the #1 hit, “It Matters to Me.” Can you name her? ANSWER: Faith Hill. By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockRandy Houser and Jamey Johnson are embarking on the Country Cadillac Tour. The shows will be socially distanced and follow safety protocols. The tour kicks off February 5 in Fort Worth, Texas and wraps on April 17 in Birmingham, Alabama.

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day, this superstar topped the country charts with one of his biggest hits, “Unanswered Prayers.” Can you guess who it is? ANSWER: Garth Brooks.  By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Brandi Carlile‘s cover of John Denver‘s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” appears in the trailer for the upcoming CBS show, Clarice, premiering on February 11.  The Voice winner Jake Hoot is teaming up with Kelly Clarkson for “I Would’ve Loved You,” the lead single off his EP Love

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Jennifer Wayne and Austin Moody tie the knot

Ford FairchildRunaway June‘s Jennifer Wayne and Austin Moody are married.  Almost two weeks after getting engaged at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, the couple tied the knot in an intimate ceremony in Santa Rosa Beach in Florida on Saturday, People confirms.  In light

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockThe mother in country’s most famous mother-daughter duo is celebrating her 74th birthday today. Together with her daughter, Wynonna, she’s scored 15 chart-topping hit singles and won five Grammy awards, among many other accolades. Can you name

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Nashville notes

Comstock/ThinkstockAaron Watson’s new album, American Soul, arrived on Friday. The independent artist and native Texan is perhaps best known for his 2017 hit “Outta Style,” which was a top-ten hit at country radio. Rising duo Walker County

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockToday, one of country’s biggest stars is celebrating his 13th anniversary of marriage to his wife, Katherine Blasingame. This singer also won his first-ever Entertainer of the Year trophy at the CMA Awards last November. Can you

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockCollin Raye will hit the Grand Ole Opry stage tonight, in celebration of his new album, Scars. The project is the first batch of original tunes Collin’s released in over a decade; the title track is

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockA very happy birthday is in order to the country star best known for this beloved ‘90s hit “Dust on the Bottle.” This Illinois native, who’s also a frequent collaborator of Kenny Chesney, turns 61 today. Can

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockCountry rapper Lil Nas X, who rose to superstardom in 2019 with his ubiquitous hit “Old Town Road,” is officially a children’s book author. His alphabetical C Is for Country came out earlier this week. Runaway June

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1979, this Country Music Hall of Fame member topped the country charts with his signature hit, “Tulsa Time.” Can you guess who it is? ANSWER: Don Williams. By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC Audio.

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockCaylee Hammack has shared a cover of Patsy Cline‘s “Crazy,” which she calls her “go-to” song during her first trip to Nashville when she was 13.  An exhibit dedicated to famed bluegrass venue Station Inn is opening at the Country

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1985, this Texas native topped the Billboard Hot Country songs chart with “Does Fort Worth Ever Cross Your Mind.” Can you guess who it is? ANSWER: George Strait.  By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC Audio. All rights

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockHailey Whitters has released her new single featuring Little Big Town, “Fillin’ My Cup.”  Reba McEntire‘s son, Shelby Blackstock, is engaged. He proposed to his now-fiancée, Marissa Branch, while on vacation at Disney World. By Cillea HoughtonCopyright © 2021, ABC

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this date in 1969, a young Tennessee native who first came to prominence as the “girl singer” on Porter Wagoner’s syndicated variety show officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry. Can you name her?

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockChristian outfit For King & Country have re-imagined one of their hits to create “Together (The Country Collaboration),” their first country team-up since joining Dolly Parton in 2019. This time around, they’re duetting with singer-songwriters Hannah

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 1999, this famed mother-daughter duo performed a reunion show in Phoenix, Arizona, eight years after their last concert. They opened the set with signature hit, “Love Can Build a Bridge.” Can you name

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockOld Crow Medicine Show is ringing in 2021 at the Ryman Auditorium with two shows today at 8 p.m. ET and 11 p.m. ET for a limited capacity, in-person audience. Tickets to view the livestream of the show are also

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Runaway June's Jennifer Wayne is engaged

Ford Fairchild Another member of Runaway June is tying the knot!   Jennifer Wayne revealed on Wednesday morning that she and up-and-coming country singer Austin Moody are engaged: She posted a photo of the couple holding glasses of champagne, with Jennifer showing off

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 2008, this “He Stopped Loving Her Today” singer was awarded the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors. During the ceremony, he was paid tribute by Brad Paisley, Randy Travis and Alan Jackson. Can you name him? ANSWER: George Jones. By Cillea HoughtonCopyright

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Nashville notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockTo celebrate 2021, Alabama has partnered with Camping World to present a virtual New Year’s Eve concert. The show streams for free at NationalTour.CampingWorld.com on Thursday at 9 p.m. ET.  The Bluebird Cafe’s annual Alive at the Bluebird series is going virtual this

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Country star trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockOn this day in 2001,  “Where Were You (When The World Stopped Turning)” began its five-week run at the top of the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. Inspired by the September 11 attacks, the song later earned this artist