Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Big & Rich

ACM Poll: Vocal Duo of the Year

Jeanna D. — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 00:12:50 +0000

We’re moving along with our ACM polls!

Who do you want to take home “Vocal Group of the Year”?

Thompson Square won this award last year. The married duo is nominated once again alongside Big & Rich, Florida Georgia Line, Love and Theft, and Sugarland.

Vote and let us know your thoughts! We love hearing from our fellow country music fans.

Note: There is a poll embedded within this post, please visit the site to participate in this post's poll.

Exclusive Interview: Introducing Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves

Nicole Piering — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:40:07 +0000

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.

For those not yet familiar with the band, they’re made up of siblings Angel Mary and Christian Wolf and their “Papa Wolf,” Antoine, who also doubles as the band’s manager. As for where they got their unique name from, Angel Mary told us that it was actually inspired by one of her idols, Johnny Cash. She said, “I’m a big Johnny Cash fan, and he has a name, Johnny Cash and the Tennesse Two when he first started out, and he’s influenced me so much so I wanted him to be a part of the name, and he has that song “The Beast in Me” which talks about how he was fighting that other side, talking to God…and I feel like there’s a wolf, definitely, in every man.”

Although the singing siblings grew up on music, it was only about a year and a half ago that they put this project together, which has really snowballed through social networking and meeting fans. They described 2012’s CMA Fest as one of their career highlights so far. According to Christian, it was “amazing,” having grown up attending the event. “It was just really cool to be on the other side.” Angel Mary says a highlight of the event for her was sitting next to Lynn Anderson (“I Never Promised You a Rose Garden”). “I’m still a fan myself, it was exciting to sit next to such a legend”

Another career highlight: Opening for John Michael Montgomery and David Allan Coe, naming them as “both legends in their own right.” Angel Mary tells us that she “never thought I’d be on the same stage as them.”

The band’s rollicking first single, “Cowboy” is themed around old western movies and the universal appeal of cowboys. To put it simply, “Boys want to be cowboys and girls want to be with cowboys.”

The band is joined on the track by family friend, Doug Phelps of the Kentucky HeadHunters, who worked with them on much of their EP, including the duet “Waiting on You.” “We write most of our music, but sometimes we include other writers to get other perspectives, so I asked Doug if he had any songs and he pitched us “Waiting on You…” Antoine tells us. “So he came in the studio when we were recording it…And Angel saw it as a duet. Doug jumped in the booth and cut it on the first take, so “Waiting on You” became a duet”

As their career continues to take off, I asked them who they’d love to tour with and they immediately jumped on Jason Aldean, which seems like a good rowdy country pairing. As for dream duets, the boys in the band pick Dolly Parton, while Angel Mary says she’d pick Johnny Cash if he were alive. Her other choice? Big & Rich. “They’re cool, they have their own thing going on, they’re a little crazy, and we’re a little crazy too so we’d probably do a great song”

As the band kicks off 2013, they’ve got big plans, including the release of the video for “Cowboy” to CMT & GAC. They’ll also appear in a documentary called Music City USA, with artists like Vince Gill, Lorrie Morgan, Hank Williams III. They also plan to record a version of “Folsom City Blues,” which is a staple in their live show. If that’s not cool enough, John Carter Cash is going to play acoustic guitar on it, and they’ll record at the cabin where Johnny Cash recorded a lot of his songs.

When I asked them what they’d like readers to take away from this interview, the answer was simple and sincere. “We’re real people making real music, we’re excited about meeting fans and being touchable people. We’re all just the same, being here in this world just trying to live our dreams and doing what we love to do. And we just appreciate the opportunity to share our music.”

For more information on Angel Mary & the Tennessee Werewolves, visit their official site, follow them on Twitter, Facebook & Youtube.

Check out their first single “Cowboy” here:

Big & Rich Select Four Directors For Four Videos

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:07:27 +0000

Country music duo Big & Rich personally selected four different music video directors for four tracks off of their new album “Hillbilly Jedi.” Each director was challenged with only a week to finish their projects and with a very small budget to make it happen. They were challenged to be as creative as possible, and to show off each of their own visions to the tracks. The four directors given the challenge were the Edde Brothers, Ryan Hamblin, Kip Kubin, and Jeff Venable.

The four tracks chosen for the challenge are “Party Like Cowboys,” “Born Again,” “Lay It All On Me,” and “Cheat On You.” All directors were given total freedom by Big & Rich to complete their projects. The videos will premiere on CMT will “Hillbilly Hijack” on Friday, October 5th at 10 am CST.

VIDEO: Country Stars Unite For St. Jude’s

Lydia Picknell — Thu, 27 Sep 2012 13:50:12 +0000

In what might just be the world’s biggest cover of The Beatles’ “Hey Jude,” stars from all over the United States have teamed up to help promote the St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. From the Nashville side of things, appearing in the below video is Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Big & Rich, Kellie Pickler, Darius Rucker and Alabama. The video also gets a little help from Robin Williams, Jimmy Kimmel, Jordin Sparks, Ellen DeGeneres, Jennifer Aniston, Betty White and more!

Take a look below and see if you can name all the cameos:

Big & Rich, Jana Kramer, Brett Eldredge & David Lee Murphy Take Part in ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp 2012

Nicole Piering — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 02:48:46 +0000

ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp just concluded a week in Nashville with campers from across America participating in various activities and excursions around Nashville. The Camp has two purposes: a study of Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities and providing music enrichment through performance and education.

The camp featured a Monday songwriting session led by Brett Eldredge and David Lee Murphy, who led campers in a songwriting session, creating “We’re Having a Party,” an original song based on campers’ personal experiences and inspirations.

Later in the week, on Thursday, Jana Kramer stopped by the Vanderbilt campus for a cookout and sing-a-long. The camp wrapped on Friday at the Grand Ole Opry with a performance from Big & Rich. Additionally, the campers performed “We’re Having a Party.”

Check out the photos from this incredible week!

Third Annual “Lifting Lives” Music Camp

Jennifer Swirsky — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:59:31 +0000

ACM Lifting Lives® and the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities will partner again for the 3rd Annual ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp, June 18-June 22, 2012, in Nashville. Country artists Lauren Alaina, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Brett Eldredge and Jana Kramer, along with hit singer/songwriter David Lee Murphy and renowned producer Paul Worley, have selflessly agreed to volunteer their time with the special-needs campers throughout the week.

The camp is a week-long residential program open to individuals with developmental disabilities. The camp’s mission is to study Williams syndrome and other developmental disabilities while providing music enrichment through performance and education. ACM Lifting Lives funds the costs of the camp, in addition to providing scholarships to several campers.

During the week, campers participate in a songwriting workshop and recording session, along with other music-oriented activities, culminating in a live performance with Big & Rich at the Grand Ole Opry. Each year, the campers gain invaluable experience of visits from top-tier country music veterans. This year’s camp artist/VIP visits include:

Monday, June 18th – 9:30am-12noon: Songwriting Workshop with Brett Eldredge & David Lee Murphy
Wednesday, June 20th – 9:00am-12noon: Recording Session with Paul Worley & Luke Bryan
Wednesday, June 20th – 5:30pm-7:00pm: Dinner & Karaoke with Lauren Alaina
Thursday, June 21st – 5:30pm-7:30pm: Campsite Cookout with Jana Kramer
Friday, June 22nd – 7:00pm-9:15pm: Live Performance with Big & Rich at the Grand Ole Opry at 8:45pm.

Tickets for Friday evening’s Big & Rich performance are available now. You can get your tickets by clicking here.

Top 10 Country Songs for Memorial Day

Lydia Picknell — Mon, 28 May 2012 17:30:59 +0000

Us here at Keepin’ it Country want to wish our American friends a happy Memorial Day weekend. We also want to thank all those who have, will, or currently are serving their countries overseas. The sacrifices that have been made, and will be made, by the men and women serving their countries will never be forgotten. Even as a Canadian, I still want to thank everyone for what they’ve done protecting freedom not only in the United States today, but around the world.

While there are tons of songs in country music that pay tribute to the troops, we had the difficult task of narrowing it down to just our top ten. Take a look at our top 10 playlist for Memorial Day and let us know what your favorite songs for tribute are on our Facebook page or in the comments to our post.

10. Just A Dream – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood‘s 2008 platinum single from her “Carnival Ride” album takes a different side of a tribute for fallen heroes. She takes on the role of a widow of a soldier and her moving single takes the number ten spot on our list. The song starts out sounding like a love song about a young girl going to the chapel to get married, but quickly changes to a story about the funeral of a soldier who was lost in battle. The single earned Carrie a 2010 GRAMMY nomination for Best Female Country Vocal Performance, and reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles Chart.

9. Brothers – Dean Brody

Canadian country singer Dean Brody‘s debut single remains one of his top singles to date. His song, which peaked in the top ten of the Canadian Country Singles Chart, also made an imprint on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart in the USA in the top 30. The song’s narrator deals with not wanting to see his brother leave for war and wanting to do anything to keep him home, but his brother tells him that it’s what brothers are for. The single later deals with the sacrifice an older brother gives up for his younger brother.

8. Sleeping With The Telephone – Reba McEntire & Faith Hill

Reba McEntire‘s “Duets” album brought together some of the top voices in not only country, but pop music too. Reba teamed up with country’s power vocalist Faith Hill for a track about being the wife to a soldier serving overseas. While the song never saw radio airplay, it’s still an emotional single about waiting every night for a phone call about her loved one and the thoughts always running through the wife’s head. It’s another song to remind country fans that it’s not only the soldiers that sacrifice everything to keep their country safe, but their families too.

7. Travelin’ Soldier – Dixie Chicks

The Dixie Chicks once had the best harmonies in country music, and their single about love with a soldier was quickly forgotten during its short chart run. It was the single that was pulled by radio stations across the United States due to the controversy surrounding the group’s political stance. Regardless of the statements made, the girls still have a touching story about a young girl who falls in love with a man who was sent out to war. She finds out that he was killed in action when his name was announced at a football game.

6. 8th Of November – Big & Rich

Big & Rich released a tribute to a real-life soldier Niles Harris and the 173rd Airborne Brigade who were ambushed on November 8th, 1965 by 1200 Viet Cong during Operation Hump. Forty-eight American soldiers lost their lives on that day. John Rich and Big Kenny were so touched by their friend’s story that they wrote this song and put it on their 2005 album “Comin’ To Your City.” The music video has an introduction by Kris Kristofferson on Niles, who was one of the soldiers saved by Lawrence Joel, who was the first black American soldier to receive a Medal of Honor. Niles is the one who gave Big Kenny his top hat that he is known for wearing.

5. Have You Forgotten? – Darryl Worley

Country music singer Darryl Worley released an important single in 2003 that dealt with remembering the events of September 11th. The first single from his 2003 album hit number one in only three weeks, and stayed there for a total of seven – not bad for an album that only had four brand new songs, including the title track, and songs from two previous albums. It’s a strong song that deals directly with never forgetting the men and women lost on the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and going after Bin Laden.

4. Arlington – Trace Adkins

Trace Adkins is one of the most supportive country singers for American troops. The history buff released the touching tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed everything for the United States with “Arlington” in 2005. The second single from his “Songs About Me” album tells the story of a fictional soldier who was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. While the single peaked at only number sixteen on the Billboard Country Singles Chart, it’s Trace’s vocals and story telling ability that makes the song so perfect for this holiday weekend.

3. American Soldier – Toby Keith

This is one of my favorite singles by Toby Keith, one that is often forgotten. Toby recently played this song live to the USO on his tour overseas just a few weeks ago at the military bases in the Middle East. We could have picked almost any song out of Toby’s library for this list, or he could have made our entire list, but we chose this song. It’s a moving song about the life of an American Soldier and what they really give up in the name of freedom. Is there anyone out there right now in country music that has more American pride that Toby himself?

2. If You’re Reading This – Tim McGraw

When Tim McGraw performed “When You’re Reading This” live at the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs) in 2007, he gave country music goosebumps. The song was so powerful that immediately following the telecast, radio stations played his performance and the live version of the song debuted at number thirty-five on the Billboard Hot Country Songs from unsolicited airplay. His performance received a standing ovation at the Las Vegas award show, when Tim revealed that behind him were families of fallen heroes. It’s one of the most touching moments in country music award show history, and Tim’s tribute to soldiers makes our list at number two.

1. Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning – Alan Jackson

Alan Jackson is one of country music’s greatest singers and songwriters of all time. The legend put together a touching tribute to the September 11th terrorist attacks, and debuted the song on the November 7th, 2001 Country Music Association (CMA) awards. It’s the number one song on our top 10 Memorial Day songs playlist because of how perfect the song is in a changed world today. No matter where you were on September 11th, 2001 you remember where you were when you heard the news of the tragedy. Alan might just be a “singer of simple songs,” but his simple song is the ultimate Memorial Day song.

John Rich & Friends Benefit Announced

Lydia Picknell — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:21:17 +0000

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and John Rich have announced the return of the John Rich & Friends Concert. This year’s benefit show will take place on June 5th in Memphis, Tennessee’s Cannon Center. The line-up is a pretty big one, with expected guests Darius Rucker, Kellie Pickler, Big & Rich and Jeff Foxworthy. The event is the kick-off to 2012′s Fedex St. Jude Class golf tournament.

St. Jude is celebrating their fiftieth anniversary this year, and the hospital aims to provide exceptional health care to children who are fighting cancer. What makes St. Jude unique is that they believe that no child or family should have to pay for treatment while battling the disease. It’s something that John believes strongly in:

“St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital holds a very special place in my heart, that’s why I’m excited to kick off the Fedex St. Jude Classic with the John Rich & Friends concert. I don’t know how you could spend your time any better on this earth than to support something like St. Jude. It’s truly God’s work – taking care of them babies.”

St. Jude is planning an entire week of events during the golf classic to help support the hospital.

CONTEST: Win An iTunes Gift Card From GCB

Lydia Picknell — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 20:26:12 +0000

ABC is putting together one heck of a sound track for their newest television series, “GCB.” The show follows the story of Texan Queen Bee Amanda Vaughn, (played by Leslie Bibb), who returns home after 20 years, but there’s a little payback for the original mean girl of the town. Will she be welcomed back with open arms, or will her town preach her the golden rule while stabbing her in the back? Everything’s always bigger in Texas… including the drama! The show is based off of the book “Good Christian Bitches” by Kim Gaitlin.

While the sound track for the show isn’t available until May 8th on Elektra Nashville, fans will get the chance to preview a new song each week on iTunes. Star Kristin Chenoweth (who plays Carlene Cockburn) contributes three tracks to the compilation album, including a duet with co-star Miriam Shor on the classic “This Little Light Of Mine”. Other artists featured on the super-star CD include John Rich of Big & Rich, the JaneDear Girls, Emily West, Dean Alexander, Damien Horne, Joanna Cotten, Don Derby, Jaime Hanna, and Bum Steers.

We’ve teamed up with ABC to give our readers the chance to purchase the tracks from the sound track each week with a $15 iTunes gift certificate. Two readers will receive the gift card courtesy of ABC. To enter, follow the instructions on the form below. The contest is open immediately until midnight EST on Wednesday, March 14th. The winners will be contacted by e-mail within 24 hours of the contest closing, then have 24 hours to respond or new winners will be chosen. Only readers with United States mailing addresses can enter this one.

Don’t forget to tune in to GCB on ABC on Sundays at 10 pm EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Looking for an extra chance to win some GCB goodies? Take a chance in the GCB Twitter Sweepstakes by visiting GCBconfessions.com and using the hashtag #GCB on Twitter to get your entry in for some more fabulous prizes from GCB and ABC!

The Best Valentines Day Songs

Tia — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:27 +0000

Here at Keepin’ It Country, we like to get a little festive. With Valentines Day tomorrow, we thought it would be fun to put together some of our favourite songs that celebrate love and are thus appropriate to celebrate during this time of year. We recognize some oldies (but goodies), as well as some more modern tunes. Nonetheless, it was rather hard trying to narrow down this list to just ten! Let us know how you feel about our picks!

Let’s Make Love – Faith Hill & Tim McGraw
This song hit radio at the turn of the century, yet is still recognized as a beautiful, sensual country classic. Who could find anything bad to say about one of country music’s hottest couples sharing their love and deep connection? The song’s merit was even recognized at the Grammys where it won Best Country Collaboration. Something about the genuine and endearing love evident in this song can’t help but pull at any listener’s heartstrings.

Amazed – Lonestar
This country classic is, no doubt, deserving of being on this list. The simple fact that this song is still being played at weddings proves how raw, yet beautiful this song truly is. Doesn’t every girl want a man to sing these touching lyrics to her?

Bless The Broken Road – Rascal Flatts
Although it has been recorded by several country artists over the past few years, we think Rascal Flatts brought to the forefront the charismatic charm of this song. The combination of the piano and the talented vocals of these boys can truly generate an appreciation for the message of this song from any music lover, country or not.

Remember When – Alan Jackson
We think this song should go down in the books as one of the most beautiful love songs of any genre. What more can you ask of a man that shares his love for his wife and their life together in such a touching way? Alan makes it clear with this song that life is about enjoying every moment that we can with the people we love and counting on those memories later on in life to relive the joys of a relationship.

Come A Little Closer – Dierks Bentley
Who can resist an attractive country singer, such as Dierks, singing such a sensual song? We can’t! The romanticism and uninhibited emotions that ooze out of this song are enough to give any girl goosebumps. Even lyrics such as, “There ain’t nothin’ that love can’t fix,” captures the essence of what Valentines Day is about – surrendering to love and building all else on such a foundation.

You Had Me From Hello – Kenny Chesney
This tune garners all of the emotions of a pure love and makes them evident in such a simple way. Kenny sings about a love that disregards all else except for the initial emotions of a relationship. This song is founded on a first meeting – to think that anyone can sing about something so simple and arbitrary, yet so moving – that’s romantic!

Making Memories Of Us – Keith Urban
Where to begin with this romantic number? Keith Urban’s rustic voice wraps around every beautiful lyric of this song, as is the case with most of his songs. It was a toss up between this song and his “Your Everything”. We went with “Making Memories Of Us” because it speaks of the memories Alan Jackson reflects on in “Remember When”. What’s more romantic than a man telling a girl all of the things he wants to share with her? Someone as dedicated and thoughtful as that is awfully romantic to us!

Then – Brad Paisley
“Then” is a classic country love song. The piano and strings combo backing this song add to the romantic tone of it. It’s quite clear that any man who can continue to let his love for a woman flourish is a keeper.

Dance With Me – Johnny Reid
This song might come as a surprise for being on this list. But Canadian country artist Johnny Reid is truly deserving of being recognized for his romantic vibe, especially on this track. There’s nothing better than a country crooner singing about a passionate dance shared between two lovers. It helps matters that the man’s Scottish accent finds a way into the song so as to make it that much more sensual.

Lost In This Moment – Big & Rich
Big & Rich sing about the ultimate expression of love – marriage – in this song. Lyrics such as, “Sealing our love with a kiss, waited my whole life for this,” are so simple, yet so genuine. There is no doubt that the often upbeat duo buckling down to sing something so fervent is refreshing to country music lovers. We like this romantic side of Big & Rich!