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Trace Adkins is Keepin’ it Country:
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Joel Crouse makes Opry debut
Massachusetts-born singer/songwriter Joel Crouse grew up listening to all genres of music, but it wasn’t until years later that he realized his favorites all had one similarity–the stories. It was at that moment, at the ripe age of 14, that Crouse first discovered his passion for country music. He immersed himself with the lyrics with one goal in mind: to be heard on the same country radio he grew up listening to. Little did he know someday one radio program in particular that he loved, Grand Ole Opry on 650 WSM AM, would feature his voice. Fast-forward to Saturday, May 11, 2013–one move to Nashville and a record deal later–the now-20 year old country crooner is well on his way having made his debut on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage.
He was overwhelmed playing on the historic stage, he explains:
“I was overwhelmed with emotions that I don’t even know how to describe. There’s something about the moment you step on its stage…for me, it was the first time I’ve truly felt like a part of the country music community. I’ll never forget that moment.”
Crouse was joined by his mother, father, sister, grandmother and friends as he waited side-stage for his name to be called by Opry member Jeannie Seely. Crouse then performed his self-penned “If You Want Some,” his current Top 40 single on Show Dog-Universal Music, and “That’s Why God Made Love Songs.”
He actually got some pretty cool advice from an Opry member before hitting the stage:
“I actually received some great advice from Darius [Rucker]. He said, ‘It’ll be surreal’ and to take it all in cause you won’t get another first time, and I really took that to heart.”
Crouse will step from the Opry stage to a Red stage as he joins Taylor Swift‘s Red Tour beginning May 28 in Glendale, Ariz. at Jobing Arena.
VIDEO: Darius Rucker – Wagon Wheel
Capitol Nashville artist Darius Rucker debuted the video for his latest single, “Wagon Wheel,” last week on A&E network’s “DUCK DYNASTY” FACEBOOK page. The Hootie & The Blowfish lead singer will be releasing his third solo country album “True Believers” on May 21st.
His brand new music video features cameo appearances by Lady Antebellum‘s Charles Kelley, and stars from the hit series Duck Dynasty. Check out the official music video below and let us know what you think. Are you excited for Opry Member Darius Rucker’s record?
Join Your Favorite Country Artists in George Straight’s Sixty for Sixty Movement
Many of the biggest artists in country music, including Little Big Town, Scotty McCreery, Darius Rucker, Lauren Alaina, Kacey Musgraves and more, are joining together to pay tribute to George Strait and they want YOU to join them in the “Sixty for Sixty“ movement. The campaign’s goal is to make “Give It All We Got Tonight” George Strait’s 60th #1 single, while he’s still 60 years old.
Watch the video below and become a part of modern Country music history. Join the “Sixty For Sixty” movement!
VIDEO: Joel Crouse – If You Want Some (lyrics)
Show Dog Universal’s newcomer Joel Crouse just released the official lyric video for his groovy “If You Want Some” to VEVO this morning. The fun country song is the debut singer from the young accomplished singer. Joel, who signed his recording contract at 16 years old, has toured with Toby Keith, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, the Goo Goo Dolls and more.
Check out his first single below and let us know what you think about Joel. Are you a fan?
Country stars react to Mindy McCready’s suicide
It’s been a tragic twenty-four hours for the country music community after learning about the passing of singer Mindy McCready. The “Ten Thousand Angels” artist was found dead from an apparent suicide last night in Arkansas. Mindy was 37 years old and leaves behind a six year old and a nine-year old son.
See what some of country’s brightest stars had to share about the sad news:
Oak Ridge Boys: We sang “Farther Along” last night in honor of Mindy McCready. One day we will know!!!!!
John Rich: Very sad to hear about Mindy McCready. When I was in Lonestar she was our label mate and we were friends. A tragic end to a talented life.
Jana Kramer: So sad to hear about the loss of Mindy. What an insanely talented woman.
Michelle Wright: As you may know Mindy McCready has passed on. She was a young promising country music artist in the mid ’90′s but faced a number of challenges and I’m so sad that she lost the battle with addiction and mental illness which can also cause depression. I’ve been sober now for several years and I know how hard it can be sometimes. RIP Mindy.
Jimmy Wayne: RIP @mindymccready We met 14 years ago @ Acuff & Rose. Who’d thought 14 years later on this day…. #why
Jason Blaine: Sad to hear about the passing of Mindy McCready. Thoughts & prayers for her young children. Tragic situation.
Carrie Underwood: I grew up listening to Mindy McCready… so sad for her family tonight. Many prayers are going out to them…
See more reactions below:
Joel Crouse releases debut single on Show Dog-Universal
Born and raised in Holland, Mass., Show Dog-Universal Music recording artist, Joel Crouse, penned his first song at the ripe age of 14, formed a band by age 15, graduated from high school by age 16, and signed a record deal by age 19. Now, at age 20, he has released his first single, “If You Want Some,” to country radio and iTunes on February 5. Crouse co-wrote the up-tempo party anthem alongside acclaimed songwriter Luke Laird (No. 1 Billboard singles include Blake Shelton’s “Hillbilly Bone,” Rodney Atkins’ “Take a Back Road,” Eric Church’s “Drink in My Hand” and Little Big Town‘s “Pontoon”) and his producer Jamie Houston (High School Musical, Christina Aguilera).
“My life has definitely changed in the past couple years,” states Crouse. “I’ve been on the road the last few months visiting country radio, and that’s just been incredible. I’m very thankful.”
Crouse grew up performing in his father’s church, but credits his grandfather for introducing him to country music.
“We called him ‘Big Guy,’ and he lived with us while I was growing up. I guess I was 12 years old when he first took me down to the music store, bought me a guitar and set me up with lessons,” shares Crouse.
Crouse was introduced to Houston through a mutual friend, Brandon Creed (Manager for Bruno Mars) shortly after Crouse graduated high school.
“We began working on music immediately and knew we both wanted to make a really cool sounding record,” Crouse reflects. “Jamie blows me away every time we’re in the studio because his ear is so unbelievable.”
Houston notes, “I think what was most unique about Joel — especially being the age that he is — was how hard of a worker he was in the studio. When we would write a song, he would sing in the room as we were writing it but then come back a few days later and he would have it all worked out — all the lifts, peaks and valleys — and he nailed it. I think he has a lot to contribute to country music stylistically.”
“For someone that young to know who they are as an artist is really impressive,” says Laird. “He’s just one of those that has a natural gift for the songwriting process, and just knows who he is as an artist.”
Crouse spent 2012 road testing his music for the fans, opening for Rodney Atkins, Sara Evans, the Goo Goo Dolls, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker and will perform several shows with The Band Perry in 2013.
Interview: Trey Graham, Everybody!
A few of us have followed Trey Graham since about 2005 — back when he hit the road as background vocalist on Kelly Clarkson’s tour. Trey won the hearts of Kelly’s fans with his stellar vocals and endearing personality. After taking a slight detour for a bit, Trey is back on the road toward a music career, and we couldn’t be more excited to see where this journey takes him! We caught up with Trey and learned about his past, his present (he is currently auditioning for NBC’s The Voice!), and predict great things for his future. Without further ado, Trey Graham everybody!
Country Music Blog Rodeo: The Year of the Country Crossover
Over the last few years, country music has certainly expanded beyond the old stereotype of boots, big hair and ten-gallon hats. Artists like Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum have huge pop hits, the Zac Brown Band & Jason Aldean sell out Madison Square Garden and the Scotty McCreerys and Tate Stevens of the world rise to fame via televised talent shows. On the flip side, Mumford & Sons get played on country radio, UK-lite-rocker Ed Sheeran tours with Taylor Swift and Kelly Clarkson performs on the CMA’s. Over the last few years, it has become commonplace for country musicians to dabble outside of their genre, and if January of 2013 is any indication, this trend is only going to continue into 2013.
Interestingly enough, I grew up claiming that I loved all music “except country.” (Seriously – I think I wrote that on my Myspace…don’t judge me, I’m from NY.) However, after being taken to see Rascal Flatts at Madison Square Garden, my perspective on the genre completely changed and I was hooked. Now I’ll listen to anything from Garth to Reba to Taylor to Jason. However, if you were to ask a purist of country music, they’d probably argue that Rascal Flatts is just a boy (err, man) band in cowboy boots, Taylor is a dubstep-loving pop act and Jason’s renegade hick-hop style bastardizes country music. Yet, on the heels of Aldean selling out a show at New York’s Madison Square Garden in mere minutes, I’d argue that the biggest development of country music in 2013 will be the pure magnitude of its reach and ability to cross over, while also openly welcoming those who dabble and stretch the ideas of what typical “country” is.
PHOTOS: Kelly Clarkson Spreads Holiday Cheer With MOC Nashville
The Christmas spirit was alive and well when the multi-platinum-selling singer-songwriter Kelly Clarkson stopped by Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt yesterday afternoon to sing and celebrate the season with patients, staff and families through Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville.
Clarkson, who recently released her Greatest Hits – Chapter One album, visited with the children and performed an acoustic set in the Children’s Hospital Theatre. The songstress led the packed room in a sing-along of her favorite holiday carols including “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer,” “White Christmas,” and “All I Want for Christmas is You.” Clarkson encouraged singing and dancing, and the children were happy to oblige. Following the show, the kind-hearted entertainer generously offered to visit the rooms of patients unable to attend.
“This is such a special time of year and I’m so happy to be able to share it with all of these great kids. I’m probably having just as much, if not more, fun than they are,” exclaimed Clarkson. “I heard about Musicians On Call from a friend of mine,” she continued, “and I thought this would be the perfect way to get involved with a hospital music program here in Nashville. I love playing for the kiddos!!”
MOC Nashville is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year and since its inception, the Music City branch has grown to provide 11 weekly bedside performance programs throughout six area healthcare facilities and has played for over 60,000 patients. With the help of artists like Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Hayes, Martina McBride, Jerrod Niemann, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, and so many more, MOC Nashville will continue to expand its reach within the Nashville community and deliver the healing power of music to those who need it most.
For more information on MOC, please visitwww.MusiciansOnCall.org.
Kelly Clarkson sings for patients, families and staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Dec. 21, 2012. Photo Credit: Joe Howell
Kelly Clarkson makes a room visit to sing a song for a patient at Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Photo Credit: Shane Tarleton
Steven Webber, Chair of Pediatrics at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, presented Kelly Clarkson and her band special thank-you gifts made by patients. Photo Credit: Joe Howell
L to R: MOC Nashville volunteer Shane Tarleton, MOC Board of Directors Chairperson Scott Welch, Kelly Clarkson, MOC Director of National Expansion and Nashville Program Director Katy Brown Epley, MOC Manager of Volunteers and Programming Dana Brim. Photo Credit: Glenn Sweitzer
Katie Armiger To Release Album
One of country music’s biggest independent female artists, Katie Armiger, is set to release her much anticipated album on January 15th, 2013.
Fall Into Me is the artist’s fourth studio album. Katie, who worked with Chad Carlson on this album (Taylor Swift, Trisha Yearwood, and Terri Clark) took part in writing all fourteen tracks. Fall Into Me features Katie’s current single “Better In A Black Dress.” The track, which is climbing the charts rapidly, is the artist’s first Top 40 hit single.
Fall Into Me is quite personal: Katie highlights the discovery of true love, the loss of trust, and the discovery of inner strength with this album.
“We took our time making this record because I had a personal story to tell and as a songwriter I wanted to really showcase the past two years in the music,” said Katie. “I worked with so many amazing people for the album and I am so proud of it because I think everyone will relate to each song. I cannot wait to get it out there.”
Katie has opened for some of country music’s biggest artists, including Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, and the Eli Young Band. Currently, she is out on her Get Smart Tour, sponsored by GAC.
Stay up to date with Katie by checking out www.katiearmiger.com and following her on Twitter.
