November 18, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABCFor Morgan Wallen, it’s been a year of highs and lows.

Just last week, the “Up Down” hitmaker clinched the coveted CMA award for Best New Artist, as his music finds success on both the country and pop charts. 

But the triumph comes on the heels of the 27-year-old losing his performance slot on Saturday Night Live, and an arrest for public intoxication and disorderly conduct in Nashville.  He also recently revealed that he’s fathered a son. 

But Morgan says he’s turned things around.

“For me personally, I feel like I’m in a better spot…” he reflects. “With everything that’s went on with this year and with my career kinda exploding in a way, for me, it’s been easy to just get caught up in that.”

“And I kind of feel like I’m back at home with myself now, which is nice,” he adds.

After 2020, Morgan vows to never again take things for granted.

“You know, I’ve always loved playing shows and giving everything I got every night,” he declares. “I truthfully can say that…”

“You don’t ever look at a show and be like, ‘Damn, this might be my last one,’ you know?’ And I think I might treat every show like it might be from now,” he muses. 

Right now, Morgan’s latest hit, “More Than My Hometown,” seems destined to be country’s next number one, while his crossover track, “7 Summers,” climbs in the top 25 as well. 

His new double album, Dangerous, is set to come out January 8.

By Stephen Hubbard
Copyright © 2020, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.

November 17, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Matthew BerinatoThough Kane Brown‘s daughter Kingsley is only a year old, her dad reveals she’s already developing a personality. 

During a virtual appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Kane shares that as his daughter, who turned one in October, continues to grow, so does her character.  He jokes that she’s now a “diva,” having appeared in two of his music videos, “Worldwide Beautiful” and “Worship You,” the latter of which also features wife Katelyn. 

“She’s doing great. She just turned one, she’s getting a little personality. Been in two music videos already, she’s becoming a little diva,” Kane quips about his daughter.  

Kane will perform during the halftime show at the Dallas Cowboys vs. The Washington Football Team Thanksgiving Day game at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas on November 26.

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

November 17, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

HBO MaxCarrie Underwood has set a release date for her HBO holiday special. 

My Gift: A Christmas Special from Carrie Underwood will stream on HBO Max beginning on December 3. The special finds the superstar performing a series of classic holiday songs, along with original material off her Christmas album, My Gift, released in September, backed by her band and a live orchestra and choir.  

The special will also feature a duet between Carrie and John Legend on their original song “Hallelujah,” along with behind-the-scenes footage of Carrie recording “Little Drummer Boy” with her five-year-old son, Isaiah.

The powerhouse singer is a co-producer of the show, alongside her manager, Ann Edelblute, and actor Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman under Hanks’ production company, Playtone. 

“I’m thrilled to be collaborating with Playtone and HBO Max to bring My Gift to life. Just like the album, I hope this special will help bring some much-needed joy and become part of the soundtrack to people’s holiday festivities this year as it streams throughout the season and beyond,” Carrie says in a statement. 

My Gift debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums, Top Christian Albums and Top Holiday Albums charts.

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

November 17, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

David BeanBrad Paisley now has another guitar named after him. 

In collaboration with Fender, the country star lent his name and insight to the Brad Paisley Signature Esquire as part of Fender’s Artist Signature Series.

Brad co-designed the instrument, which features a paisley pattern over a black sparkle frame and boasts an exclusive neck pickup hidden under the pick guard that protects the instrument’s finish. 

“The Esquire is a streamlined, working-man’s guitar. It’s really important to me that you hear an echo of the past in the stuff that I do, and in that sense, this guitar encompasses what I try to do musically,” Brad explains. “It has a retro feel, but at the same time, it’s progressive, with a new style of pickup that hasn’t been done before.”

Brad has used Esquire guitars throughout his career; the new instrument follows the 2017 release of the limited-edition Brad Paisley Road Worn Telecaster. 

The Brad Paisley Esquire is priced at $1,399.99 and is for sale via the official Fender website.

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

November 17, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Curb RecordsLee Brice will “Go Tell It on the Mountain” in his passionate rendition of the holiday classic. 

In honor of the holiday season, the country star is lending his voice to a cover of the spiritual song that dates back to the 1860s.   

There’s a sense of urgency at the beginning of the track, with a rush of guitars that introduce the song. Lee’s soaring voice shines throughout, carrying the message that feels like an anthem, with a chorus of voices behind him. 

“I have been wanting to do my own version of one of my favorite Christmas songs!,” Lee says. “So excited to have been able to do it over this time at home! Hope folks love it as much as I do.” 

“Go Tell it on the Mountain” comes days before the Friday release of Lee’s new album, Hey World.

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