December 11, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Curb RecordsIt’s been a landmark year for Lee Brice, and he’s got the hardware to prove it. “One of Them Girls,” the chart-topping first single off of his new album, Hey World, was just certified Platinum by the RIAA.

The success of “One of Them Girls” comes on the heels of another milestone the singer celebrated with “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” his duet with Carly Pearce. That song was certified platinum back in July.

The singer will try and keep that hot streak going with his new single, “Memory I Don’t Mess With,” which is currently inside country radio’s Top 40.

In addition to his dozen new commemorative plaques, 2020 also brought Lee his first-ever CMA Award. That trophy also came courtesy of “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” in the category of Musical Event of the Year.

December 11, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Paul Mann/Legacy RecordingsWillie Nelson’s next studio album, That’s Life, is coming out in early 2021, and it’ll be a tribute project to his old friend and touring partner, Frank Sinatra.

It’s Willie’s second full album of Sinatra’s material, following 2018’s My Way, a project that won the country star a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Pop Solo Album the year it came out.

Over his career, Willie has dabbled in the late, great crooner’s catalogue many times. His 1978 album, Stardust, features material from the Great American Songbook, including crossovers with Sinatra’s own discography. The two artists became close friends and frequent colleagues over the years.

“I learned a lot about phrasing listening to Frank,” Willie told AARP Magazine in 2018 about his friendship with Sinatra. “He didn’t worry about behind the beat or in front of the beat, or whatever — he could sing it either way, and that’s the feel you have to have.”

When he announced his new project this week, Willie gave fans a first look into That’s Life with the release of its third track, “Cottage for Sale.”

Elsewhere, the 11-track project features some of the best-loved songs of Sinatra’s lengthy catalogue, including classics like “Luck Be a Lady” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.”

That’s Life is due out in full on February 26.

December 11, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAThis season of NBC’s The Voice will wrap up next week with a special two-hour finale, and a number of superstars will be on hand to perform, including an impressive lineup of country artists.

It’s no surprise that coach Blake Shelton will take the stage, along with his fellow coaches John Legend, Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani. But that’s not all the show has in store for country fans.

Dan + Shay and Keith Urban will also appear during the finale, with the duo performing their original Christmas hit “Take Me Home for Christmas,” and Keith performing “One Too Many,” his Pink duet from his latest album, The Speed of Now Part 1.

Florida Georgia Line band mate Tyler Hubbard will be there too, joining rapper Nelly onstage for the two acts’ recent collaboration, “Lil Bit.”

The show also will feature the four coaches’ holiday performance of “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” which was a country hit for Brenda Lee back in 1958.

The Voice’s season finale will take place next Tuesday, December 15 from 9-11PM ET. You can watch the show on NBC.

December 11, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Courtesy of Big Machine RecordsTim McGraw offers a poignant tribute to the meaning behind Christmas with his newest release, “It Wasn’t His Child.”

The faith-focused song was originally written and recorded by country singer-songwriter Skip Ewing, and Tim explains that it’s always been one of his favorite holiday tunes. His new version, McGraw says, is his contribution to holiday spirit at the end of what’s been an especially difficult year for many.

“It’s been a crazy year and we’ve worked hard to put out music, knowing how much it can mean and provide solace in difficult times,” Tim points out. “This is our final chance to thank everyone for sticking with us this year and more importantly, provide some Christmas spirit to you this holiday season.”

Tim performed “It Wasn’t His Child” during ABC’s CMA Country Christmas special last month, a show that will air again on December 21.  But that wasn’t the first time he’s played the song live: That happened back in 2003, at the Nobel Peace Prize Concert in Oslo, Norway.

December 11, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC“Ain’t Always the Cowboy” is on track to be Jon Pardi‘s second number one from Heartache Medication, and the California native reveals it’s also something more — a little tip of the hat to Tim McGraw and King George.

“It’s definitely got some influence from, probably some George Strait,” he reflects, “and it’s a little more rockin’ too, you know. We really souped up ‘Ain’t Always the Cowboy.’ We wanted it to be emotional.”

Thanks to an unexpected “Western Version” of the song, the hit takes on even more depth.

“If you listen to each version, from the ‘Western Version’ to the single version,” Jon explains, “it was really fun to take something where it was like really kind of rockin’ and we had to really break it down. And then it becomes like a really intimate song and it builds and builds.”

“I didn’t see the other version coming,” he admits.

For the newly-married Pardi, the track’s always been a favorite, even if he didn’t write it.

“I just thought the song was great. I thought the lyrics were there and it was a great fresh idea that hasn’t been [sung] before, and I look for that,” Jon says. “I always said it was kind of like ‘Just to See You Smile’ or ‘She’ll Leave You with a Smile.'”

“It was that kind of thing, but it’s just got a little more grit, a little more cowboy tough,” he adds.

Jon’s third album, featuring its chart-topping title track “Heartache Medication,” was nominated for both CMA and ACM Album of the Year in 2020. 

By Stephen Hubbard
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