Category Archives: ABC – Country

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Singer/songwriter Mark Gray, who was perhaps best known for his 1985 hit “Sometimes When We Touch” with Tammy Wynette, died Friday at the age of 64. Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett and Lady Antebellum will headline the festival formerly known as Jamboree

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Six years ago this week, Lady Antebellum grabbed six Grammy nominations on the strength of this hit, which also happened to be the title track of their album. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Need You Now.” Copyright ©

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Blake Shelton will perform his latest single, “A Guy with a Girl” on Tuesday night’s episode of The Voiceat 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Eli Young Band’s Jon Jones and his wife Sarah are the proud parents of a new little

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock On December 4, 1956, the foursome soon-to-be known as The Million Dollar Quartet held an impromptu recording session at Sun studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Can you name the group’s members? ANSWER:  Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins. Copyright ©

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Blake Shelton stops by the syndicated The Ellen DeGeneres Show on Friday. Vince Gill will be the official ambassador for the Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and will perform at its grand opening on March 9. CMA Entertainer

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockForty-two years ago this week, John Denver scored his first #1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart with this self-penned tune. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Back Home Again.” Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock For the first time in more than two decades, Garth Brooks will play Edmonton, Alberta next year. Tickets for the February 18 show with Trisha Yearwood go on sale Friday, December 9. You can watch a special rebroadcast of

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Twenty-five years ago this week, this mother-daughter duo played the final show on their Farewell Tour at the Murphy Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University on the outskirts of Nashville. Can you name

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Nearly eight million people watched Monday night’s CMA Country Christmas special on ABC, as viewership increased 34% and ratings climbed 44% over last year. Craig Morgan recently partnered with Operation Finally Home to give veteran Justin Raymer a mortgage-free home

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Though Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton have worked together often, they’ve only recorded one full-length album together, a Christmas project from 1984. Can you name it? ANSWER: Once Upon a Christmas. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Jennifer Nettles guests on the 9 a.m. hour of the Today show Wednesday morning, in advance of her starring role as Avie Lee Parton that night at 9 p.m. ET in Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love. You

Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock On November 24, 2016, Decca Records released a song by Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Brenda Lee that was destined to become a Christmas classic. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Rockin’ Around the Christmas

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Trisha Yearwood Sets Up Shop at Amazon

Randee St. NicholasThere’s now one-stop-shopping for all things Trisha Yearwood, as the two-time CMA Female Vocalist of the Year now has her own store on Amazon. In addition to being able to download or stream her latest solo effort, PrizeFighter:

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Garth Brooks’ last World Tour stop in the Arkansas/Mississippi area is coming up February 4, as he plays FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Tickets go on sale next Friday, December 2.   Dustin Lynch, Granger Smith and Tara Thompson are

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockThis week in 1946, as Gene Autry rode in Hollywood’s Santa Claus Lane parade, the excited voices of the children gave him the idea for this Christmas classic. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Here Comes Santa Claus.”

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockRestless Heart is releasing their first-ever holiday single, their cover of Roger Miller’s classic “Old Toy Trains.” Both the single and their album A Restless Heart Christmas are available via the typical digital outlets. A capella

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock With a dozen number ones to her credit, this Country Music Hall of Famer holds the record as the female with the most chart-toppers on Billboard‘s Top Country Albums chart. Can you name her? ANSWER:  Reba. Copyright ©

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Jennifer Nettles will perform her latest single, “Hey Heartbreak,” on American Supergroup Tuesday. When she’s not singing, she’s also one of the judges on the talent competition, which airs at 11 p.m. ET on Pop, before repeating on

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock On November 16, 1977, these two iconic artists recorded their classic duet, “Mammas, Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys,” at Nashville’s American Studios. Can you name them? ANSWER: Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson. Copyright © 2016,

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Tim McGraw took his daughter Maggie as his date to Sunday night’s American Music Awards. Garth Brooks stops by to chat with the ladies of The View on Monday. You can catch the show at 11 a.m. ET on ABC. Kip

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American Music Awards Winners List

Dick Clark ProductionsHere’s the complete list of winners in all categories from Sunday night’s American Music Awards: Artist of the YearAriana Grande Favorite Album – Pop RockJustin Bieber — Purpose Favorite Female Artist – Pop Rock Selena

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Holly Dunn scored her final #1 on the country charts in 1990 with this song from her album Heart Full of Love. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “You Really Had Me Going.” Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All

Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Though best known for her #1 crossover hit from 1977, “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” Crystal Gayle‘s debut single in 1970 was a similarly-titled tune written by her big sister Loretta Lynn. Can you name it?

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Phil Vassar‘s new album, American Soul, comes out December 2. It’s his first new project since 2009. You can see George Strait, Dwight Yoakam, Alison Krauss and many more, when ACL Presents: Americana Music Festival 2016 airs Saturday night on PBS. Mentor

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Though he continues to occasionally play special events or limited engagements, George Strait is officially retired from the road. When was the Country Music Hall of Famer’s final show? ANSWER: King George wrapped his last major trek when

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Dan + Shay are adding 24 U.S. and Canadian dates to their Obsessed Tour in 2017, including a February 21 gig at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Montgomery Gentry has signed with Average Joes, with plans to release

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Country Music Hall of Famer Jim Ed Brown opened Dr. Pepper cans to simulate the sound of cracking a cold one for this hit, which was later covered by Alan Jackson. Can you name the recording from 1966? ANSWER: 

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Jon Pardi spent part of Veterans Day on Friday partnering with Musicians on Call to perform his latest #1, “Head over Boots,” for patients at an Atlanta-area VA hospital. CMA New Artist of the Year Maren Morris has

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Six years ago this month, this Music-City-themed movie starring Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow premiered in Nashville. Can you name it? ANSWER:  Country Strong. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Blake Shelton will headline the Doak After Dark concert April 29 at Doak Campbell Stadium on the campus of Florida State University. Former student Jake Owen is on the bill as well, with more artists to be added

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock The 10-disc set Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection comes out today, exclusively at Target, but can you recall when Garth’s very first, self-titled album was released? ANSWER: Garth Brooks came out on April 12, 1989. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Tickets for the final Ohio/Kentucky area stop on Garth Brooks‘ World Tour go on sale Friday, November 18. The CMA Entertainer of the Year will play US Bank Arena in Cincinnati January 28 with Trisha Yearwood. Sara

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock This week in 1974, Dolly Parton was #1 on the country chart with this tune that also served as the theme for her ’70s variety show. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Love Is Like a Butterfly.” Copyright ©

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock The Eagles’ Don Henley is set to give Clint Black the Stephen Bruton Award at the 10th Annual Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas on Thursday. In the past, both Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson have been bestowed the honor. Chris and Morgane Stapleton will

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Reba scored her very first #1 in 1982 with “Can’t Even Get the Blues,” but can you name her second chart-topper? ANSWER:  1983’s “You’re the First Time I’ve Thought About Leaving.” Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Scotty McCreery discusses his fantasy football picks Wednesday night on NFL Network’s Fantasy & Friends at 6 p.m. ET. Lee Greenwood guests on Fox & Friends this Friday, starting at 7:30 a.m. ET on Fox News Channel. Lonestar performs their new single

Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Even though “Stay a Little Longer” became Brothers Osborne‘s breakthrough hit, another song from their debut album Pawn Shop was actually their first top-30 success. Can you name it? ANSWER:  “Rum,” which peaked at #27 in 2014. Copyright ©

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock William Michael Morgan performed “The Star Spangled Banner” Saturday before the Indiana Pacers took on the Chicago Bulls. Zac Brown Band guitarist Clay Cook and his wife Brooke are the proud parents of a little boy named Charlie, who was born on

Kelsea Ballerini Shows Off Her New Digs

ABC/Image Group LAYou may not have a personal invite, but you can still step virtually into Kelsea Ballerini’s new Nashville digs, thanks to an exclusive tour she recently gave E! News. The “Yeah Boy” hitmaker worked with interior designers Laurel &

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Blake Shelton will headline the Happy Valley Jam next July 8 at Penn State’s Beaver Stadium in University Park, Pennsylvania. Chris Young and Big & Rich are also on the bill. A collection of unpublished verse by Johnny Cash, titled Forever Words,

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock After her Wednesday night win for Song of the Year for “Humble and Kind,” Lori McKenna becomes the only female songwriter to take home the trophy two years in a row, after nabbing the CMA last year

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockGarth Brooks performed “Chug-a-Lug” is his medley with wife Trisha Yearwood on Wednesday night’s 50th Annual CMA Awards. Who originally wrote and recorded the classic country drinking song? ANSWER:  Roger Miller. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. 

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock If you missed Brett Eldredge at Wednesday night’s 50th Annual CMA Awards, it’s because the Chicago Cubs fan was taking in Game 7 of the World Series. CMT gave Brandy Clark its very first Impact Award at part of

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Faith Hill’s mother, Edna Perry, died Sunday in Jackson, Mississippi at the age of 80. Hunter Hayes sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” Tuesday night before Game Six of the World Series. The Cadillac Three, Dr. John, Lucinda Williams, The McCrary Sisters and

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockCan you guess how many CMA trophies the Country Music Association has passed out during the half-century history of its awards show? ANSWER:  722. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Songwriter Curly Putnam, who had a hand in writing both George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” and Tammy Wynette’s “D-I-V-O-R-C-E,” passed away Sunday in Nashville at the age of 85. Vince Gill, Ashley Monroe, Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell raised more than

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Country Star Trivia

With a dozen CMA Awards to her credit, this current contender is the winning-est female artist in the half-century history of the show. Can you name the Texas native? ANSWER:  Miranda Lambert. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockBrandy Clark and Dwight Yoakam’s duet version of “Hold My Hand” is now available wherever you can stream or download music. The two originally performed the tune from Brandy’s debut album, 12 Stories, on the 2015 Grammys.   Country

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Though she’s frequently a name that’s brought up for induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, this McMinnville, Tennessee native only won two CMA Awards during her career, both for Vocal Duo of the Year

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockMartina McBride wrapped up her Band Against Cancer:  The Sarah Cannon Tour Wednesday night at the Grand Ole Opry, with Little Big Town, Cassadee Pope, Scotty McCreery and Nashville’s Charles Esten taking the stage as well. Joe Diffie has just signed a deal with Silverado

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Though only two members of the band are related and their name was actually derived from a brand of facial tissues, this Virginia-born quartet holds the record for most wins in the CMA Vocal Group of

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Hank Williams, Jr.’s four-disc boxed set, A Country Boy Can Survive, is now available at Walmart.             Newcomer Jordan Rager’s debut EP Southern Boy comes out this Friday. The title track features his duet with ACM Entertainer of the

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Who is the most-awarded artist in the 50-year history of the CMAs? ANSWER:  George Strait, with 83 career nominations and 23 wins. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Look for “Different for Girls” hitmakers Dierks Bentley and Elle King to be featured Wednesday on CBS This Morning. Parmalee will host the Feels Like Carolina Flood Relief Benefit November 18 at Minges Coliseum on the campus of East Carolina University.

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock This Oklahoma native is the most-nominated female artist in CMA history, with 49 career nods and six wins. Can you name her? ANSWER:  Reba. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Dustin Lynch, Jerrod Neimann, Steven Tyler and Colt Ford are all set to perform October 29 through November 6, during PBR Finals Week in Las Vegas, Nevada. Carrie Underwood recently donated $100,000 to Houston’s Aldine Independent School District to help girls’

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock During the half-century history of the CMA Awards, how many different Entertainers of the Year have there been? ANSWER:  Thirty-two, ranging from Eddy Arnold in 1967 to Luke Bryan last year. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Vince Gill, Paul Overstreet and Randy Goodrum are the Nashville nominees this year for induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. They’ll compete against the likes of Madonna, George Michael and Gloria Estefan. Zac Brown Band’s Coy Bowles and his wife Kylie are the new parents of

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock One is a Country Music Hall of Famer, while the other is a superstar from East Tennessee. Can you name the two CMA Entertainers of the Year, who are tied for the most wins in the

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Nashville Notes

Comstock/Thinkstock Zac Brown Band performed at the 2016 USO Gala Thursday night in Washington, D.C.   Tim McGraw will headline Saturday’s Sky Ball at DFW International Airport to raise money to help members of the military and their families.

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Ellen Goes Country on Friday

Pearl Records, Inc.Garth Brooks performs his latest hit, “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” Friday on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, but that’s not the only country connection on the week-ending edition of Ellen’s talk show. Robin Roberts also sits down

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Ten years ago this week, this “Indian Outlaw” got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, located at the time in front of the Virgin Records store. Can you name him? ANSWER:  Tim McGraw. Copyright ©

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock In 1990, these two icons hosted the CMA Awards. One is arguably country music’s most famous redhead, while the other was inducted into the Country Music  Hall of Fame earlier this week. Can you name the

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock Watch for Maren Morris Wednesday on the syndicated Ellen DeGeneres Show. Luke Bryan and Chris Stapleton will headline this year’s Tortuga Music Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. They join Kenny Chesney, who was already on the bill for the April 7-9 event.

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/Thinkstock Charlie Daniels performs his #1 hit “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in this 1980 film starring John Travolta. Can you name the classic movie? ANSWER:  Urban Cowboy. Copyright © 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.

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Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/Thinkstock The concert film American Saturday Night:  Live from the Grand Ole Opry is available now on Blu-ray and DVD. Brad Paisley’s new single “Today” tops Billboard’s Country Digital Song Sales tally, selling 41,000 downloads in the first week

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Country Star Trivia

Comstock/ThinkstockAt the 4th Annual CMA Awards, Merle Haggard‘s “Okie from Muskogee” was Single of the Year, while Kris Kristofferson‘s “Sunday Morning Coming Down” took home the Song trophy. Can you recall what year it was? ANSWER: 1970.

Nashville Notes

Burke/Triolo Productions/ThinkstockLOCASH performs their top-five hit “I Know Somebody ” Monday on The Talk. You can catch the show at 2 p.m. ET on CBS. Music City icon John Prine scores the best debut of his career