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Country Music News

Nate Smith on hearing his single play on the radio: "It's been a dream of my whole life"

Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville

As "World on Fire" ascends the country charts, Nate Smith is taking time to recount a special moment he experienced recently.

The singer was out on the road when all of a sudden he heard his single come on the radio. That surprise left Nate beaming with excitement.

"You know, I don’t get to catch my songs on the radio as much as I’d like to, because we’re usually running around like crazy and stuff. But I did get to hear 'World on Fire' last week pop up on the radio and I was with my bus driver, and we just were screaming at the top of our lungs," Nate recalls.

"It was pretty cool. So we just turned it up and just rocked out," he shares. "It’s so special to hear that happen. It’s been a dream of my whole life."

"World on Fire" is currently approaching the top 20 on the country charts. The song serves as the second single off Nate's self-titled debut record and follows the project's chart-topping lead single, "Whiskey on You."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Colin Stough's EP, Roman Alexander + Karley Scott Collins' "Downtime"

American Idol alum Colin Stough is set to drop his debut EP, Promiseland, on October 20. The announcement arrives alongside his new song, "Lonely Hour," which serves as the latest preview of the project. Promiseland is available for presave now.

Roman Alexander and Karley Scott Collins have teamed up for their new duet, "Downtime." Restless Road's Zach BeekenGarrett Nichols and Colton Pack wrote the breezy, romantic ballad with Mark Holman and Brett Tyler. "I was drawn to Roman’s voice and the way he sang, and I was really excited to see how we would sound together. I love how this collaboration turned out and I hope listeners love it too!" Karley shares.

"Shoot Tequila" singers Tigirlily Gold are set to make their debut on NBC's Today on October 16. "Someone pinch us!! We are heading to the big apple to make our @todayshow debut on @hodaandjenna Oct. 16th!!!! Tune in! Ahhhh!!!!!!!" the duo share on Instagram.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


HARDY hospitalized for "serious anxiety" and panic attacks following 2022 bus accident

ABC/Connie Chornuk

HARDY's being forced to cancel two shows, as the aftereffects of a bus wreck last year have landed him in the hospital.

"I need to be honest with everyone for a second," his social media post began. "I've been dealing with some serious anxiety since the bus accident last year and over the last two weeks, it has taken control of my life."

"It's caused me to suffer many panic attacks which have landed me in the hospital," he continues. "I need a moment to focus on me and to make myself better for my wife, family and you, the fans." 

Refunds will be given for HARDY's October 5 and 7 shows, while his upcoming Georgia Rodeo concert will be rescheduled to April 12. 

The "TRUCK BED" hitmaker plans to return to the road on October 12. 

HARDY and three other people were injured last October when his tour bus overturned near Nashville on the way home from a show. 

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Shop the Reba at Dillard's fall collection

ABC

Reba McEntire's kicking off autumn with her new Reba at Dillard's fall collection.

The fall-ready clothing items include the Scoop Neck Abstract Print Long Sleeve Mesh Top, Point Collar Embroidered Denim Faux Suede Long Sleeve Statement Jacket and Long Balloon Sleeve Button Front Pointelle Midi Sweater Dress.

Check out the Reba at Dillard's fall collection now at dillards.com.

Coming up, Reba will release her new lifestyle book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, and its companion album, Not That Fancy, on October 10 and October 6, respectively.

Both the book and album are available for preorder now at NotThatFancy.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


'Christmas at the Opry': Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Mickey Guyton + more to perform

ABC/Craig Sjodin

The performance lineup for NBC's Christmas at the Opry has been revealed.

Hosted by Wynonna Judd, the festive event will feature performances from Lauren AlainaChris JansonMickey GuytonTrace AdkinsBRELANDKelly ClarksonMitchell TenpennyAdam Doleac, "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" hitmaker Brenda Lee and more.

Christmas at the Opry tapes at the Grand Ole Opry House on October 3 and is slated to air on NBC December 7 at 8 p.m. ET. 

The full performance lineup can be found on People's website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


ERNEST serves up 'Unplugged' live album

Courtesy of Big Loud Records

ERNEST has released his new live album, ERNEST & The Fellas Unplugged.

Out now, the 10-track project features live performance audio from ERNEST's raved-about Salvage Sessions and Circle Sessions, and includes the searing "What Have I Got To Lose" and a cover of John Mayer's "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room."

"FLOWER SHOPS has been such a wild ride. I can't put words to how much the love and support for the album and its deluxe means to me," shares ERNEST. "Now that we're getting ready to be back out on the road headlining this fall, it only felt right that the fellas and I wrap up this chapter with live versions of some of our favorites to play live."

ERNEST's This Fire Tour kicks off October 18 in Oxford, Ohio. For a full list of dates and tickets, visit ernestofficial.com.

Here's the track list for ERNEST & The Fellas Unplugged:

"This Fire (Circle Sessions)"
"Wild Wild West (Circle Sessions)"
"What Have I Got to Lose (Circle Sessions)"
"Done at a Bar (Circle Sessions)"
"Slow Dancing in a Burning Room (Circle Sessions)"
"Feet Wanna Run (Salvage Sessions)"
"Comfortable When I'm Crazy (Salvage Sessions)"
"Songs We Used to Sing (Salvage Sessions)"
"Miss That Girl (Salvage Sessions)"
"Unhang the Moon (Salvage Sessions)"

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Jelly Roll + Chris Ryan are "Scared To Go to Church"

Courtesy of Warner Music Nashville

Jelly Roll has joined Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Ryan on his debut song, "Scared To Go to Church."

Jelly and Chris penned the confessional track alongside Logan TurnerDave Kuncio and Jay Joyce.

"When I started writing for the album, 'Scared To Go To Church' was the first song I finished," says Chris, who was one-half of now-defunct duo BEXAR. "The minute I wrote it, I knew Jelly could help me tell the rest of the story. I left that second verse open for him."

"Jelly has been a good friend from day one. It’s an honor to have him on the first track with me," he adds.

"Scared To Go to Church" is out now wherever you enjoy music.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tyler Hubbard takes "Back Then Right Now" to 'Today'

Courtesy of EMI Records Nashville

Tyler Hubbard joined NBC's Today on Tuesday, October 3, to perform his latest single, "Back Then Right Now."

Before his performance, Tyler talked with the show's hosts about the song's meaning. 

"It's just a fun, carefree song about making the most of each moment, being present, living life. Yeah, it just feels good. It's one of my favorites," says Tyler, who co-wrote the nostalgic track with David GarciaGeoff Warburton and Jessie Jo Dillon

"Back Then Right Now" is the first preview of Tyler's forthcoming collection of new music. It follows his self-titled debut album, which dropped earlier in January and spawned the #1 singles "5 Foot 9" and "Dancin’ in the Country."

Tyler's currently on the road opening for Old Dominion on their No Bad Vibes Tour. In 2024, he'll join Kane Brown on his newly announced In The Air Tour.

For Tyler's full tour schedule, visit his website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Old Dominion + Megan Moroney drop "Can't Break Up Now" video

Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville

Old Dominion and Megan Moroney have released the music video for their new duet, "Can't Break Up Now."

The visualizer features Old Dominion's Matthew Ramsey and Megan singing their individual parts of the song, before coming together onstage for a performance with the band.

"These songs are yours once we release them, so our attitude about videos is to not make it about us. We know we’re the source, but it’s really more about creating a sense of the feelings to allow y’all to find yourselves in this music," Old Dominion shares on Instagram.

"While we didn’t want to be literal with this video, we also didn’t want to throw away the obvious part of the song," they add. "These two people share way too much to just walk away from it. Thank you to our directors @masontallen and @nicki__fletcher for bringing that vision to life!"

"Can't Break Up Now" is off Old Dominion's forthcoming album, Memory Lane. The record drops Friday, October 6, and is available for presave and preorder now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Darius Rucker enjoyed playing detective in "Fires Don't Start Themselves" video: "I love acting"

Courtesy of UMG Nashville

Darius Rucker recently put his acting chops to use as a detective in the music video for "Fires Don't Start Themselves," and it's something he really enjoyed doing.

"I love acting. It’s a lot of fun. And the actors you get to act with are so giving and make it so easy for you and fun and everything," says Darius, who previously acted alongside Reba McEntire in 2022's Big Sky.

"But that video, when they told me I wasn’t going to do any performance, I was so happy, because that’s so the cliché [for a music] video. You have other people acting and then you do the performance. But when they told me I was going to play a detective, I put on my inner Stabler," Darius shares while referencing Detective Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) from Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime.

"I'm such a Law and Order and CSI fan, so I put on my inner Stabler and went out and did it," Darius recounts.

In fact, he loved acting so much, he's already looking forward to the next opportunity should one come along.

"That was a lot of fun and I'd love to do a lot more of that, but we’ll see if it comes," says Darius. "If it comes, I’ll take it. If not, I’ll keep doing this music thing. I’ll be happy about that."

"Fires Don't Start Themselves" is off Darius upcoming album, Carolyn's Boy. The 14-track collection drops October 6 and is available for preorder and presave now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Randy Houser's "Cancel" + Anne Wilson's "Rain in the Rearview"

Country hitmaker Randy Houser has dropped his self-penned new song, "Cancel." "I've been blown away by how much love out on the road you have given this new song 'Cancel,' shares Randy. "I hope it hits you like it does me in this crazy world we live in!"

Anne Wilson's REBEL (The Beginning) is out now. "I am beyond excited to send this new music out into the world. These three songs felt like the perfect way to begin the next chapter of my musical journey," Anne says. The project also includes her debut country radio single, "Rain in the Rearview."

Rising country group Boy Named Banjo has released their major label debut album, DuskOut now via Mercury Nashville, the nine-track set is produced by Oscar Charles and features the reflective heartbreak song, "Lonely in This Town."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Serve up Paula Deen's honey cider this fall

Getty Images

Paula Deen's right: "Nothing says fall like a glass of hot cider!"

So, what better way to cozy up this season than with Paula's warm honey cider.

With a prep time of only five minutes, all you'll need for ingredients is two cups of apple cider, half a cup of honey lemon syrup and the juice of half a lemon.

To make the honey lemon syrup, just combine honey, one cup of water and lemon zest in a saucepan over medium-high heat, before stirring and letting it lightly simmer for 25 minutes.

For the full recipe, visit pauladeen.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson + Lynyrd Skynyrd to headline 'New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash'

ABC

CBS has announced the headliners for its annual New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash. 

Thomas RhettLainey Wilson and Lynyrd Skynyrd are set to headline the five-hour special.

The annual event will take place at the main stage in Nashville's Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and include close to 50 performances from various locations across Music City. The full lineup, including the show's hosts, will be revealed at a later date.

"Building on what we have established over the last two years by focusing on our artists, the fans and the vibrancy of downtown Nashville, this year’s lineup is shaping up to be our most exciting yet," says executive producer Robert Deaton. "We will celebrate 50 years of the iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, the skyrocketing Lainey Wilson and country music superstar Thomas Rhett, with over a dozen artists and special guests still to be announced."

"Nashville is quickly becoming the destination for New Year’s Eve, and we are honored that CBS wants to help us continue to show off our music and incredible city with a new multi-year deal!" he adds.

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash airs live on CBS Sunday, December 31, at 7:30 p.m. ET. It'll also be available to stream on Paramount+.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Wynonna + Trisha join for 'Cry Myself to Sleep' remake

Courtesy of BMG

Wynonna Judd and Trisha Yearwood have teamed up for a new version of "Cry Myself to Sleep."

The track was originally released in 1986 as the fourth single off The JuddsRockin' With The Rhythm album and is produced by Wynonna's husband and guitarist, Cactus Moser.

"I was absolutely delighted when Trisha showed up at the studio on the farm to record 'Cry Myself to Sleep' with me," shares Wynonna. "We have known each other for years, but have never worked together. In today’s world of technology, artists often don’t get to be in the same room as the other person to record a song. It was so refreshing! I am thrilled with the song, and I cannot wait to sing it live with her."

Trisha adds, "Getting to be a part of celebrating Judds music is such an honor. I’m a true fan, and singing with Wynonna has been a dream come true! I’m proud to be a part of honoring the music that Naomi and Wynonna created."

Wynonna and Trisha's "Cry Myself to Sleep" is the latest preview of A Tribute To The Judds. The star-packed 14-track covers album arrives October 27 and will feature Blake SheltonCarly PearceCody JohnsonDolly Parton, Lainey Wilson and more.

A Tribute To The Judds is available for presave and preorder now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Riley Green previews new album with "They Don't Make 'Em Like That No More"

Courtesy of BMLG Records

Riley Green has dropped a new track, "They Don't Make 'Em Like That No More."

Authored by Riley, Aimee Mayo and Chris Lindsey, the nostalgic track finds Riley reminiscing on the familiar fixtures of yesteryear.

"'Cause they don't make 'em like that no more/ Some things you can't find in the discount store/ There's just something 'bout bein' handmade/ And bought with cash on a firm handshake/ Like old Zebcos and pocket knives/ Shotguns, rifles, four-wheel drives/ And this worn-out pair of boots that my daddy wore/ Well, they don't make 'em like that no more," goes the nostalgic chorus.

"They Don't Make 'Em Like That No More" is the latest preview of Riley's forthcoming album, Ain’t My Last Rodeo. Due out October 13, the 12-track project will tribute the Alabama native's growing-up years.

"I was fortunate enough to grow up within about three miles of my grandparents, so they were a huge part of my growing up and who I am—and this album is a lot of who I am," says Riley. "This is really the first time I was able to really take my time, write and record songs that really felt like a cohesive album—I’m really proud of it and want to thank the fans for all of their encouragement—I hope y’all enjoy it."

Coming up, Riley will celebrate his new album with a show at Nashville's Walk of Fame Park on October 12. For tickets, visit Riley's website.

Ain’t My Last Rodeo, which features the Luke Combs-assisted "Different 'Round Here," is available for preorder now.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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