December 16, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Dustin HaneyIn celebration of his latest #1 single, “Everywhere But On,” Matt Stell is performing a free virtual concert for fans. 

The country star is taking the showcase next level by partnering with Lemonade.TV to present the show in 3D spatial audio as part of the app’s “Sunday Sessions” concert series. His set was recorded live using 3D sound technology to create an immersive experience for the listener. 

In addition to performing his hit songs and tracks off his latest EP Better Than That, fans will also be able to engage in a live chat with Matt.

The show streams on December 20 at 8 p.m. ET on Lemonade.TV and the corresponding app. 

“Everywhere But On” follows Matt’s first #1 hit, “Prayed For You.” 

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

December 16, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABCOld Dominion‘s Matthew Ramsey is using his new Christmas song as a method of paying it forward. 

Matt recently shared the demo of a song he wrote called “It’s Christmas and We’re Still Here,” and after many requests from fans, the songwriter will officially release it tonight at midnight.

The peaceful number is in line with the classic Old Dominion sound, yet offers a sense of warmth that reflects the holiday season, wrapped around a hopeful message. 

“I hope that secret Santa’s got it in his plans/To help us put our pride and differences aside/And share a little cheer/Before the chance disappears/It’s Christmas and we’re still here,” Matt sings sweetly over a twinkling acoustic melody. 

“It’s been a hard year. No doubt. I wrote this song because I needed it,” he shares in a follow-up post. “After I posted it the other day, the responses made me realize other people felt the same.” 

Proceeds from the song will go toward the singer’s nonprofit, The My Hometown Fund. In partnership with The Community Foundation in his home state of West Virginia, the fund helps bring music and arts education into rural communities.  

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

December 16, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Robby KleinGabby Barrett is continuing to set records with her hit song, “I Hope.” 

Gabby’s debut single currently sits in the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for its 20th week, making for the longest-running #1 by a solo female artist on the chart in its 62-year history. 

The season 16 American Idol finalist surpassed the record set by Maren Morris with “The Bones,” which sat at #1 for 19 weeks earlier this year.

Pop star Bebe Rexha still holds the title as the woman to enjoy the longest-running #1 on the chart with her collaboration with Florida Georgia Line on “Meant to Be,” which topped the ranking for 50 weeks.

“I Hope” also hit number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart this year, while Gabby’s remix of the hit featuring Charlie Puth reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Top 40 chart and #3 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.  The solo version was streamed a jaw-dropping 8.8 million times last week, sold 4,000 additional downloads and was played 64.1 million times on the radio.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

December 16, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Phylicia J.L. MunnMickey Guyton is paying tribute Charley Pride following his recent passing at age 86 from complications of COVID-19. 

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mickey credits Pride for paving the way for her as a Black woman in country music. “Charley Pride means the world to me. His voice and his bravery made it possible for me to be able to have a career in country music,” she professes, adding that it was his person, as well as the impact of his music, that inspires her. 

“The fact that he was a Black man in country music resonated with me more than any particular song. His music moved people,” she declares. 

Mickey’s single “Black Like Me,” released in June in the wake of the death of George Floyd, is nominated for Best Country Solo Performance at the 2021 Grammy Awards, making her the first Black female solo artist ever to be nominated for an award at the ceremony. 

“Artists can further his legacy by daring to be seen and bravely taking risks,” Mickey adds. “Continue to make music that moves people like Charley did.”

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

December 16, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Jason Kempin/Getty ImagesGarth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are taking a humble approach with their upcoming holiday special. 

On Inside Studio G this week, Garth reveals that he and his powerhouse vocalist wife are keeping the vibe casual for their upcoming special, Garth and Trisha Live! A Holiday Concert Event, setting up shop around their home as they perform holiday songs requested by fans. 

“I think we’re going to be in the kitchen, and maybe by the fireplace. Maybe in the studio. We can go all over the place,” Garth explains.

During the Facebook Live broadcast, it was revealed that the couple has received multiple requests to perform “O Holy Night.”  The comments section on Trisha’s Instagram post announcing the special also boasts requests for “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Mary, Did You Know?” “Holly Jolly Christmas” and many more.

“This is gonna be a fun night no matter what happens,” Garth declares. “We’re excited.”    

Garth and Trisha Live! airs on Sunday on CBS at 8:30 p.m. ET.

By Cillea Houghton
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.