September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Jason Davis/Getty Images for ACM“One of Them Girls” hitmaker Lee Brice admits he’s a little fuzzy on exactly how many times he’s won an ACM Award — for the record, it’s four — but he definitely thinks it would be pretty cool to win Single of the Year again in 2020 with “Rumor.”

He previously won that accolade in 2014 with his hit, “I Don’t Dance.” It’s especially gratifying to be considered for that trophy, Lee explains, because it means recognition for how much he cares about his craft.

“Obviously, to be in the category at all, it’s something — I take pride in what I write. I take pride in what I produce, and play on guitar,” he reflects. “That’s a big part of who I am, and so it’s something to be really, just, proud of.”

It’s not so much about the trophy itself as what the trophy represents, the singer adds.

“It’s not necessarily changing my world, but it sure says a big ‘Thank you,’ and makes you feel good that people notice, you know? And that they like your stuff,” he adds.

As for the trophies he already has, Lee says he might have trouble counting them because his wife Sara prefers to store them in a tucked-away part of the house.

“They start to turn color. Because they’re, like, copper or silver,” he laughs. “I need to get them cleaned.”

You can find out if Lee takes home a fifth trophy in 2020 by tuning into the ACM Awards on Wednesday night at 8PM ET on CBS.

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

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Butterfly Records/12Tone MusicDolly Parton’s upcoming holiday project, A Holly Dolly Christmas, celebrates every aspect of the season, from cozy classics to spiritual ballads.

But of course Dolly had to leave a little room for whimsical, child-like fun, and that’s exactly what the singer does with her take on “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”

The festive traditional embraces all the magic of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child, and Dolly says she’s always found it easy to connect with a child-like sense of wonder.

“I have always loved ‘I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus’ because it’s a song I heard growing up,” the singer explains. “I wanted to do something for the kids and I think it’s a real cute little song. I have a child-like spirit and I love everything about Christmas!”

In keeping with her playful new release, Dolly is also offering a special line of holiday apparel, including “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” sweatshirts and pajama bundles.

A Holly Dolly Christmas will be out in full on October 2.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Kevin Winter/Getty ImagesBack in 2006, Sugarland’s Jennifer Nettles ventured into the rock world, joining Bon Jovi for “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.”

Their duet topped the country chart and earned them a Grammy — and now Jon Bon Jovi and Jennifer have announced that they’re working together again.

Bon Jovi has already released the single “Do What You Can,” from their upcoming album, Bon Jovi 2020. But on Tuesday, appearing side by side in a Facebook video announcement, Jon tells Jen that after he and the band cut the song, he started thinking back to their “Who Says You Can’t Go Home” days.

“It was fun and it was life-changing for us,” the rocker continues. “You know, you and I got a Grammy out of the deal. And that was the band’s first number one country single, which was a big deal. And so I thought, with this song…a way to broaden its appeal would be to have you on it again. And we, you know, were magic the first time.”

“I am just super excited for this,” gushed Jen, adding “I can’t wait for your fans and country fans to hear this duet version. It’s just such a fun song. It’s such an inspiring song. It makes you feel good. And the message is just right on at this time, that ‘when you can’t do what you do, do what you can.’”

“May beautiful, magical lightning strike twice for us,” she laughed. “‘Cause we had such a fun, fun time with ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’ and this is a beautiful next part of the story.”

The duet version of “Do What You Can” will be out on Friday, per a tweet from Bon Jovi.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

ABC/Image Group LAMickey Guyton’s got a mystery guest joining her for her performance of “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” at the 2020 ACM Awards, but she’s not sharing who it is ahead of time. 

“I cannot say who it is. It’s a surprise. But it will be a very beautiful moment, a very special moment,” she hints to ABC Audio.

Mickey’s song, which she first debuted this February at Nashville’s annual Country Radio Seminar, is a call to action to make the world a more welcoming place for women, and particularly women of color.

It was the first glimpse the singer shared into a powerful new musical chapter, followed by songs like “Black Like Me” and “Heaven Down Here.” Last week, she shared her newest collection, an EP called Bridges.

Though Mickey’s not spilling the beans about who’s joining her for “What Are You Gonna Tell Her?” at the awards show this Wednesday night, she did reflect on the impact she hopes the song has on its audience.

“Hopefully [it’ll] just encourage the industry to, again, work that much harder to be inclusive for women, and to protect women, and to show them that they matter and that they matter within this format,” she says.

Mickey’s performance will air from the Grand Ole Opry House. You can watch the show on CBS beginning at 8PM ET on Wednesday night.

September 15, 2020 • No Comments • Country Music News

Jeff JohnsonIt’s been quite the week for Chris Young, who has notched a total of eight RIAA certifications over the past month, and received the hardware to prove it as a surprise yesterday.

The new plaques honor Chris’ success across a span of projects, including his 2015 I’m Comin’ Over album, which is now officially certified platinum. His singles “Lonely Eyes” and “Voices” also achieved platinum certification, while his 2011 “Tomorrow” officially went double platinum and “I Can Take it From There” went gold.

The singer’s newer catalogue has found RIAA success, too. 2018’s “Hangin’ On” and 2019’s “Raised on Country” and “Drowning” all went gold.

As Chris was gearing up to record some music for charity this week, his team surprised him with the massive collection of new plaques, as well as the news that he’s now amassed more than 3.5 billion career streams.

“Today was absolutely a surprise, with all of the plaques,” the singer responded. “Recording stuff for charity, celebrating the past and talking about the future…I couldn’t ask for a better day.”

Speaking of the future, Chris hints that he’s gearing up for something exciting. He’s planning to release a collaboration in the coming weeks. While he didn’t spill any more details, the singer has previously revealed that he’s got some duets planned for his next album.

Additionally, both he and Kane Brown have been teasing a duet called “Famous Friends” on social media for several months.