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LeAnn Rimes announces Spitfire release date

LeAnn Rimes.

Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter LeAnn Rimes is releasing her new album, SPITFIRE, on June 4, 2013. Rimes, who co-wrote nine of the songs on her newest offering, says:

“This album is a peek into my world; who I am, what I’ve gone through, what my emotions are. It’s an intimate conversation between me and whoever’s listening. I hope I’m saying things that are hard for others to express. It certainly took me a lot of work to get to this point. And it’s still easier to sing these thoughts than it is to say them out loud. The intimacy in my music is just beginning.”

SPITFIRE is co-produced by Darrell Brown, LeAnn’s longtime friend, whom she calls her “writing soul mate”. Rimes speaks of this album as a “journey” and says there were several memorable moments along the way from having multi-Grammy award-winning engineer, Al Schmitt (Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Norah Jones) mix several songs to having Alison Krauss and Dan Tyminsky sing background vocals on “What Have I Done?”. After ten years of trying to write or record with Rob Thomas, the planets aligned as Rob added an undeniable groove to “Gasoline and Matches”, which also features the legendary signature guitar styling’s of Jeff Beck, whom LeAnn previously worked with on a Barbra Streisand tribute at the Grammys to benefit MusiCares.

The physical CD will launch exclusively at Walmart and is currently available for pre-order at http://bit.ly/Spitfire1. Check out the official cover and track listing for her new album below and let us know if you’ll be getting your copy on June 4th:

CMT to celebrate Willie Nelson’s 80th birthday

Willie Nelson.

Here’s one special you won’t want to miss. CMT is planning on celebrating country icon Willie Nelson‘s 80th birthday with a very special taping of “CMT Crossroads: Willie Nelson & Friends From Third Man Records.”Announced to be part of the big birthday celebration will be performers Ashley Monroe, Jamey Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Neil Young, and Leon Russell. The episode will air in May, but we don’t have an exact date yet.

Fans are also asked to take part in Willie’s 80th birthday celebrations by visiting birthday.willienelson.com/ and submitting a video talking about why you’re a fan of the country legend. The birthday submissions are being put together by Farm Aid,who is gathering up good wishes for Willie Nelson from America’s family farmers, and artists. They’ll round up your funniest, most heartwarming testimonials to make a video for Willie on his big day on April 30, 2013.

One of the artists helping to celebrate with a video message is Kenny Chesney. Check out his special birthday message for the icon:

John Fogerty and Miranda Lambert Collaborate On “Wrote A Song For Everyone”

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Southern rock legend and Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman, John Fogerty, teamed up with several country superstars for his upcoming album, Wrote A Song For Everyone. The record features some of our favorite artists collaborating with Fogerty on his classic hits.

One of his special guests is country’s beloved female, Miranda Lambert. She joined the project after Fogerty slipped her a note at an event and asked Lambert to lend her voice for the title track.

Lambert grew up listening to CCR and was honored to work with Fogerty, whom she calls “rock royalty.” Because of her high regard for him, Lambert was nervous walking into the studio but she says Fogerty is so nice and normal (besides the fact that he is a rock star, of course). She went on to say that “cool is the word for him.”

Lambert dubbs Fogerty and CCR’s music “timeless” spanning and bridging generations. I would definitely have to agree with her!

Check out the video below to see what Miranda had to say about the whole experience and also view behind the scenes with Lambert and Fogerty. You can also hear snippets of the song in the background.

Other country artists included on the star-studded project are Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Zac Brown Band, and Alan Jackson. The album is set to be released on May 28th. You can pre-order your copy on iTunes or Amazon today!

 

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Josh Charles

josh charles

It’s the eve of the release of “Wasted on Love,” the first single from country piano-man Josh Charles. The song will be released via Downhome Records/ THC: Music/Ingrooves/Fontana, and is Charles’s first single since 2011′s critically-acclaimed “Life Ain’t Fair.” In addition to releasing his single this month, Josh recently went to Nashville, where he recorded with Grammy Award winner, Toby Wright and he’ll be backed by Blake Shelton‘s touring band, Rob Byus, Tracy Broussard, Kevin Post and Beau Tackett.

We discussed his background, who he’d LOVE to duet with, country music in NYC, his oddest job (hint: I’ve fallen and I can’t get up) and more! Plus, what’s it like to open for Blake Shelton? Read on to find out!

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves

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When I spoke to Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, they were amidst a radio tour in Paris, Texas. They were also in search of the Eiffel Tower wearing a cowboy hat. Believe it or not, shortly after our interview, they Tweeted a pic that they had found it.

Although this may sound silly, it’s a perfect anecdote about this family band, a determined, but fun-loving group determined to make their dreams come true. Whether those dreams involve finding the Texan Eiffel Tower or making great music, they’re well on their way.

Chris Janson to make Opry Debut

Chris Janson.

Country singer Chris Janson is about to finally achieve a major milestone – his first Grand Ole Opry performance. Bigger Picture Group’s hot country newcomer and dynamic multi-instrumentalist Chris Janson will make his Grand Ole Opry debut this Friday, February 15. Janson will perform on the legendary stage his addictive new single “Better I Don’t,” which is quickly climbing up the charts and was the second most added song to country radio playlists nationwide the week of release.

“Words can’t describe how humbled I am, that I’ve been asked to play the Grand Ole Opry,” shares Janson. “This will be my greatest career highlight, hands down. Dreams do come true. I’m so grateful.”

Janson will join Josh Turner, Craig Morgan, The Black Lillies, Jimmy Dickens, John Conlee, Ricky Skaggs and more, in Friday’s lineup, which begins at 7:00 PM.

Interview: Trey Graham, Everybody!

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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!
 

Miranda Lambert to judge Project Runway

Miranda Lambert.

Country music really is going mainstream after all, with another reality show adding in a country music star for its panel. Texan superstar Miranda Lambert will serve as a celebrity judge on the eleventh season of Project Runway, show producers have announced. The new season returns with a twist that throws 16 eager designers into a panic when they discover they will be participating in the series’ first-ever TEAMS EDITION, premiering Thursday, January 24, at 9pm ET/PT.

This season, the controversial “team challenges” are taken to a whole new level when the designers must work together for every challenge while ensuring their own garments stand out on the runway to host and judge Heidi Klum, Marie Claire’s Fashion Director Nina Garcia and featured judge, award-winning fashion designer Zac Posen.

Miranda is one of many A-list stars appearing on the season, which includes appearances by Bette Midler, Susan Saradon, John Legend, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Emmy Rossum, Kristin Davis, and Jordana Brewster. Make sure you tune-in to the season premiere on January 24th, 2013!

Will you be watching? Who would be your pick for most stylish country star?

 

2013 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees

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The Recording Academy announced the newest additions to its legendary GRAMMY Hall Of Fame collection.  While inductees range from rock to pop, to showtunes to comedy, there are, of course, a few representatives from country music making their way into the coveted Hall of Fame!  Congratulations to the following country music inductees (though, they pre-date all of our existences in this world!):

“ACT NATURALLY”
Buck Owens
(Johnny Russell, Voni Morrison)
Capitol (1963)
Country (Single)

“BONAPARTE’S RETREAT”
W.H. Stepp
(Traditional arr. Stepp)
Library of Congress (1937)
Country (Single)

“FOGGY MOUNTAIN BANJO”
Lester Flatt, Earl Scruggs And The
Foggy Mountain Boys
Columbia (1961)
Country (Album)

“THE TITANIC”
Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman
(Ernest V. “Pop” Stoneman)
Okeh (1924)
Country (Single)

Vince Gill’s the Big Winner at ICM Awards

Vince Gill.

The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards rolled out the red carpet at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony for Inspirational Country artists last night. Vince Gill was a big winner of the night, taking home two awards—Mainstream Inspirational Country Song and Mainstream Country Artist. Other winners included Chuck Day for Entertainer of the Year, Joyful Noise for Faith, Family and Country Movie and The Roys for Inspirational Bluegrass Artist.

Highlights of the evening included performances by Mac Powell, performing music from his new country album, as well as moving performances from Andy Griggs, John Berry, Doyle Lawson and Quicksilver and Crawford Crossing. Dr. Johnny Lee Cook was the recipient of this year’s Living Legend Award. Ronald McDonald was on-hand representing Ronald McDonald House Charities of Nashville—a portion of the proceeds from the week-long event were donated to the charity.

In addition to being aired on Total Living Network, Golden Eagle Broadcasting, TCT Television Network and NRB Network, Nashville’s News 2, WKRN-TV, the ABC affiliate in Nashville, Tenn., will be airing the awards this year for the first time. The 18th Annual ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards will air on Dec. 23 from 1pm-3pm.