Keepin' it Country Media & Radio » Dolly Parton

10 songs for Mother’s Day

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 11 May 2013 19:07:20 +0000

Us here at Keepin’ it Country want to wish all the moms out there a happy Mother’s Day! Just in case you’re looking for a playlist of songs to help celebrate the weekend with your Mom, we’ve put together a list of some of our favorite country songs about moms. Take a listen to our list below and let us know what YOUR picks are for mother’s day.

MAMA’S SONG – CARRIE UNDERWOOD

A personal song written by Carrie herself to her mom is our first pick for our Mother’s Day playlist. The music video features Carrie and her real life mom, as pictured to the side of this post, on her wedding day as she tells her mom that she doesn’t need to worry about her daughter, because she learned from her. “Mama’s Song” was the fourth single from Carrie’s “Play On” album, which was co-written by Carrie with Luke Laird, Kara DioGuardi, and Marti Frederikson. BONUS: The video also features Carrie’s real-life husband, Mike Fisher.

Check out the rest of our picks below:

THE BEST DAY – TAYLOR SWIFT

Our next pick for our Mother’s Day playlist is a very special song written by superstar Taylor Swift. She wrote “The Best Day” in secret for her mom while out on tour in 2007. She put together a music video featuring actual home videos, and gave it to her mom, Andrea Swift, as a surprise on Christmas Eve. It was included on her “Fearless” album to show her love for her mom. It’s been reported that when Andrea received the DVD of the music video at Christmas from Taylor that she started crying. Check out the music video and let us know if it makes you get emotional, too:

I HOPE YOU DANCE – LEE ANN WOMACK

Our third song in our playlist is the always touching “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack. The crossover smash hit can be used in almost any kind of playlist, but we feel its especially powerful for a song to moms. It was originally released on March 2000, comes from her album of the same name. It was a number one hit for Lee Ann on both the country and adult contemporary charts, and won the 2001 CMA, ACM, BMI NSAI, ASCAP Song of the Year. The song was written by Tia Sillers and Mark D. Sanders. Check out Lee Ann’s “I Hope You Dance” below and let us know if you can relate it to your mom:

MOTHER LIKE MINE – THE BAND PERRY

Our fourth song for our playlist is the soothing “Mother Like Mine” from The Band Perry’s sophomore album “Pioneer.” The song was a co-write by all three siblings, and tells the story about their mom, Marie Perry. In an interview with Billboard, Kimberly Perry explains:

“That was the most honest song we wrote for Pioneer. We were relaxing, and going through some song ideas. Neil had this one line written on his phone, ‘If the world had a mother like mine.’ We are started to think about what the world would look like if our mother had raised it the way she raised us.”

LIKE MY MOTHER DOES - LAUREN ALAINA

Our fifth song is the first single released by former American Idol runner-up Lauren Alaina. “Like My Mother Does” features powerful vocals by the young singer in an obvious tribute to her mom. The song was co-written by Nathan Chapman, Liz Rose, and Nicole Williams. The video shows actual pictures and video clips of Lauren growing up with her mother. It was actually the second time the single was released, which was originally performed and recorded by Jesse Lee, but Lauren’s version was the only one to chart back in 2011. Country fans fell in love with Lauren when she performed an emotional version of the song on American Idol. Check out the music video version below and let us know what traits you have like your mother:

COAT OF MANY COLORS – DOLLY PARTON

How couldn’t we include what country icon Dolly Parton describes her favorite song she’s ever written? “Coat of Many Colors” is just one of over 3,000 songs Dolly has written over her career, but this one is especially special as it’s about her mom and how even without money she still felt beautiful thanks to a hand made coat made by her mother. It was written back in 1971, and had hit number four on the Billboard U.S. Country charts. In 2012, the song was added to the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry list of songs that represent the United States for being culturally or historically important. Shania Twain covered a version on a 2003 Dolly tribute album, but nothing is quite like the original. Listen to Dolly’s tribute to her mother below:

SOMEBODY’S HERO – JAMIE O’NEAL

The next song on our list is a single by Australian country artist Jamie O’Neal about her mom. In the song, co-written by Jamie with Shaye Smith and Ed Hill, she describes how her mother might not be the kind of hero you hear about on the news, but that to her she’s her own superhero. “Somebody’s Hero” is from her second album “Brave,” and peaked at number three on the Hot Country Charts. It was her sixth country top 40 hit. The video, directed by Trey Fanjoy, has a cameo by Jamie’s own daughter. Check out the official music video below:

IT’S YOUR SONG – GARTH BROOKS

The first male singer on our Mother’s Day playlist is the one and only Garth Brooks. Written by Pam Wolfe and Benita Hill, was released back in 1998 as the only single from Garth’s live album. In the single, Garth shares how his career and his life have been influenced and motivated by his mother. It was pitched to Garth after Benita had heard about his mother’s struggles with throat cancer. It’s an emotional song for Garth, who can be heard choking up at the end as he thinks about his mother. Check out the live version below:

IN MY DAUGHTER’S EYES – MARTINA MCBRIDE

With what is perhaps the most-played song for Mother’s Day in country music, Martina McBride‘s pretty single is more from a mother to a daughter, but we had to include it because of how gorgeous and heart felt it is. Released back in November 2003 on RCA Nashville, it was a crossover hit for Martina on both the country and Adult Contemporary charts. The song only had one writer – James T. Slater, but was co-produced by Martina with Paul Worley. It was the third single from her “Martina” album and is still one of her top hits today. Check out the live version below and let us know if you have it playing for Mother’s Day this year:

THE BABY – BLAKE SHELTON

We couldn’t complete our Mother’s Day playlist without the most memorable country tribute to mom. The single was written by Michael White and Harley Allen, was a huge for Blake Shelton back in 2003, becoming his second-ever number one hit. It held its place on top of the charts in the number one spot for three weeks. “The Baby” was the lead-off single from his sophomore album “The Dreamer.” While the music video remains simple – only showing Blake in a blue room with video being projected, its the lyrics that are touching. The story follows the story of a young man growing up and how he will always be his mother’s baby, even until the day she dies. Watch the music video below:

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That’s our list for Mother’s Day for 2013. Do you think we missed something? What’s the most played song on your playlist on Mother’s Day? Let us know here, on Facebook, or on Twitter!

EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Trinity Bradshaw

Tia — Mon, 06 May 2013 21:38:12 +0000

Trinity Bradshaw is a budding artist you ought to pay attention to. This country singer-songwriter is making a name for herself here in Canada with several notable accomplishments under her belt. The 21-year-old native of Summerside, Prince Edward Island was named 90.3 Amp Radio’s Amp Radio Rock Star earlier this year, a competition that saw her and others being judged by top music execs. She was also declared the winner of Sugar Crisp’s The First 15, a Canadian national songwriting competition, in 2011.

2013 is proving to be an exciting year for the young artist. Trinity is set to play at some major festivals, including Musexpo in California, the Calgary Stampede and Big Valley Jamboree. Moreover, her self-titled debut EP will be released tomorrow (May 7th) and we’re certain that it will be just the beginning of what is to come from this Canadian talent.

You have a self-titled debut EP set to be released this week. How was the whole process of creating it?
The process was so fun and exciting – especially because I have written/co-written the tracks! We took our time on each track so that the perfect sound and emotion would be heard. I couldn’t be more happy with the final product!!

Can you describe what fans will hear on this record?
Listeners will be taken on a journey of love, life, and tons of real emotion! I can only hope that they will feel inspired from at least one of the songs … or two.

How would you best describe your sound?
Pop influenced country and lots of fun!!

How do you balance elements of pop and country in your music?
I definitely do not “try” to make it sound a certain way … it just happens. I believe that the musical composition of every song happens naturally and is 100 percent real.

What was it like to hear yourself on the radio for the first time?
Surreal. I still get butterflies when I listen on my iPod. It’s very exciting to hear the words and emotions that were once written on paper, turned into a wonderful and meaningful production!

Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing?
Life. I tend to overanalyze the way of life, and it’s definitely not a simple journey. There are ups and downs and in-betweens … a great subject and way to inspire.

What or who motivated you to turn your love of music into a career?
It just felt right at a very young age. Even before I knew how the music industry worked, I was singing and writing songs because it made me feel alive. My parents eventually asked me if I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, and of course, I said yes.

Who are your role models in the country music industry?
I am influenced by many different artists and genres. Successful people are successful because of the hard work and dedication towards something. To be more specific, I would have to say Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Dixie Chicks, Christina Aguilera, Carrie Underwood, just to name a few!

What can we can expect from you after the release of the EP?
I’m going to keep doing the only thing I know how to do. My time will come. In the meantime, I am going to have fun and enjoy the ride!

Be sure to check out Trinity’s self-titled EP, including the lead single “Big Town,” which is currently being played on Canadian country radio!

Connect with Trinity:

Country stars react to George Jones’ passing

Lydia Picknell — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:56:05 +0000

It’s been a tragic few days for country music stars and country fans. The legendary George Jones passed away in a Nashville hospital, and country stars have reacted in shock and sadness over the loss of an icon. See what some of your favorite stars have said about the great George Jones:

Brad Paisley:

“George Jones’ life is an example of so many wonderful things. How someone’s God-given gifts can make this a richer, better place. How one human being can overcome adversity, addiction, and life threatening obstacles time and time again. That it is not the stumble or fall that counts, but the willingness to stand again. How a keen sense of humor and a twinkle in a person’s eye can still prevail even after all of life’s hard knocks. How mistakes, missteps, and bad choices are not the end of the world if a person chooses to turn them into something good. And George’s life is above all the strongest example of how the love of a great woman can get a man through anything. All of this made its way beautifully into every note of the greatest voice country music will ever know. And one of the greatest friends you could ever have.

We miss you already, George.

Brad”

Dolly Parton:

“My heart is absolutely broken. George Jones was my all time favorite singer and one of my favorite people in the world. My heart goes out to Nancy and all his family and friends.”

Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts:

“He was the greatest country vocalist that ever lived! Through the years we have all tried to emulate the passion in his voice, but no one can fill his shoes.”

Merle Haggard:

“The world has lost the greatest country singer of all time. Amen.”

Easton Corbin:

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of my all time heroes, George Jones. Georges’ music was real and he was able to touch thousands through his songs. Not only was he a great singer, but he also had the ability to make you relate to every one of his songs, no matter who you are. He and his music will remain timeless in the world of country music. My thoughts and prayers are with his family through this difficult time.”

Blake Shelton (via Twitter):

Just landed in LA. Listened to “The King Is Gone” and “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes” over and over again just like always. Can’t accept it. Really REALLY bad news. We’ve lost a country music legend. And I’ve lost a hero and a friend. Goodbye George Jones…

Kelly Clarkson (via Twitter):

Sad to hear about George Jones passing. That man touched a lot of lives with his music. Thanks for setting the bar for the rest of us. #RIPGeorgeJones

Keepin’ It Country Presents: Sarah Davidson

Jennifer Swirsky — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 01:59:44 +0000

Sarah Davidson, a Georgia native, grew up as one of six kids. So, naturally, Sarah had to find some way to stand out in her crowded Valdosta home. Fortunately, the solution came easily: the natural entertainer simply had to open her mouth and sing. Fast forward years later and Sarah is ready to share that fresh, powerful voice with the world and reenergize country music with a rare woman’s take on lighthearted, good-time music. Sarah’s next stop on her path to sharing her talents with country music? That would be our Keepin’ It Country Presents Stageit Stage on March 21st at 9:00 p.m. EST, and we could not be more honored to have her join us!

We just know you will love Sarah, especially all you female country music lovers out there! Sarah takes pride in her ability to reach her fans — especially the country girls. “There are so many women out there who love country music and are responding to what artists like Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean are doing. Those guys are all about living life, and I feel like that’s missing on the female side,” says Sarah, ready and willing to fill that void. “When girls hear my music, I want them to think, ‘Wow, she is just like me.’”

Sarah is always refining her craft, writing regularly with her husband and creative partner, award-winning songwriter Dallas Davidson. The pair met at a songwriters’ festival in Key West. “I’ve been writing since I was 12, so Dallas and I really connected,” Sarah says. “We work well together.” Some of the pair’s collaborations appear on Sarah’s upcoming debut album, including “Don’t Kiss Me like That,” a playful warning to a lover about what comes after that first smooch. Equally upbeat are “Crazy Good,” written by Luke Bryan, and “No Sad Songs,” a track Sarah wrote with pal Kelly Archer that sums up the unfailingly optimistic singer’s worldview: Sweep aside the negative and embrace the positive.

Sarah’s desire to pursue country music was only reinforced when she discovered the music of Faith Hill, the Dixie Chicks, and even Whitney Houston, whose interpretation of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” struck a chord with Sarah. “I was captivated by the emotion of those artists,” she recalls. “And the stories really attracted me.”

Now, Sarah is eager to share her own story, in songs that will resonate not only with lovers of country, but lovers of life. “I hope people feel good when they hear my songs, because that’s how I feel when I’m singing them,” she says, a brilliant smile on her face. “And that’s a wonderful thing to share.”

We are THRILLED to introduce you all to an incredible artist with an undoubtedly bright future! Please join us on Thursday, March 21st, at 9:00 p.m. EST as Sarah shares her talents with the Keepin’ It Country family! Click HERE to get your tickets for Sarah’s show!

And make sure to check out Sarah’s website, Facebook, and Twitter!

Last Chance to Bid on Great Country Music Memorabilia

Robyn Fleenor — Wed, 20 Jun 2012 18:43:46 +0000

Some of country music’s biggest stars have provided autographed guitars, tour tickets, meet & greet packages, personal phone calls, and much more to support the ongoing mission of Musicians On Call (MOC) Nashville. A list of the items in the auction can be found at www.musiciansoncall.org/auction. All proceeds from the auction will benefit MOC Nashville.

Auction lots close throughout the day on Thursday, June 21, so interested buyers need to make a bid quickly to claim items from Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Billy Currington, Ronnie Dunn, Hunter Hays, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and many more!

Visit www.musiciansoncall.org/auction to make your bid today!

Florida Georgia Line Lace Up Their Boots in Support of the Troops

Nicole Piering — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 03:15:10 +0000

Country newcomers Florida Georgia Line are proud to join forces with the Boot Campaign in support of the troops. The duo, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, have pledged their commitment to the cause by putting on their own combat boots to literally “take a walk in a soldier’s shoes.”

For the band, this is a cause that hits close to home. “Anything that we can do to help our soldiers past, present and future and their families, we are thankful to be a part of. This cause really hits close to home; my uncle and cousin both served overseas and my grandfather was awarded two purple hearts during his active duty. We are proud to be a part of The Boot Campaign and thrilled to have them on the road with us for the Country Throwdown Tour. We hope to see all the country fans at the show put their boots on and join us in supporting our veterans as they return home,” says Kelley.

Florida Georgia Line is in good company, as other celebrity supporters of the Boot Campaign include Dolly Parton, The Rock, FX’s Cast of Sons Of Anarchy, Troy Aikman, Brantley Gilbert, Eli Young Band, George Jones and Gary Allan. Supporters of the cause purchase boots, with all proceeds going to military charities, to put on in order to “symbolically walk in the shoes of our military men and women to remember their service and sacrifice.”

Florida Georgia Line is currently speeding up the charts with their debut single “Cruise,” from their new EP It’z Just What We Do. For more information on Florida Georgia Line and tour dates, visit www.FloridaGeorgiaLine.com.

Dolly Parton Offers An Economical Price On Merchandise

Robyn Fleenor — Tue, 05 Jun 2012 14:51:17 +0000

At this year’s CMA Music Fest, Dolly Parton fans will have the opportunity to take of piece of the country diva home with her, and at an economical price to boot. Although Dolly will not be at the Fest this year, fans who visit the CMA Music Fest exhibit hall will have a chance to play “Do You Know Dolly,” a family feud style game show with chances to win Dolly prizes and merchandise.

The merchandise will include t-shirts, buttons, photos, posters, CDs, DVDs, tote bags, among many other items! All the merchandise will be retailing for $5-$15. One special bundle deal for $50 will be available and will include your choice of an autographed Vinyl “Better Day” LP or an autographed 2011 Better Day World Tour program, poster of your choice, Backwoods Barbie CD, water bottle, and a t-shirt.

Fans will also be able to purchase Dolly’s latest project “An Evening with…Dolly,” which retails exclusively at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, at the Cracker Barrel booth across from Dolly’s booth.

For more information on Dolly Parton, please visit www.dollypartonmusic.net.

Dolly Parton’s “Coat of Many Colors” added to the National Recording Registry

Jennifer Swirsky — Fri, 25 May 2012 14:39:53 +0000

Dolly Parton‘s self-written song, “Coat of Many Colors,” was added to The Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Each year, the Library of Congress selects twenty-five songs that are at least ten years old and are categorized as “historically”, “culturally”, or “aesthetically significant” to be added to the National Recording Registry. With this year’s selections, the total number of recordings in the registry is now 350.

“Coat of Many Colors” recounts Parton’s own impoverished childhood. In “Coat of Many Colors,” Parton sings “My coat of many colors that my momma made for me; Made only from rags but I wore it so proudly; Although we had no money oh I was rich as I could be; In my coat of many colors my momma made for me.” The song aided in establishing Parton’s credibility as a songwriter. Parton has called this song her favorite of her compositions because of the attitude and philosophy it reflects.

The Library of Congress strives to preserve the selections on the National Recording Registry so they will forever be available for future generations to experience. Song nominations for the registry come from online submissions from the public and from the National Recording Preservation Board, comprised of leaders in music, recorded sound and preservation.

Ronnie Dunn Releases Exclusive Cracker Barrel CD

Nicole Piering — Tue, 22 May 2012 02:51:36 +0000

If you’ve been looking for new music from Ronnie Dunn, Cracker Barrel is the place to go. As of May 21, “Ronnie Dunn – Special Edition” will be available exclusively in Cracker Barrel stores and online at crackerbarrel.com. Although the bulk of the CD was previously released by Dunn in 2011, this exclusive features two unreleased bonus tracks. Additionally, a portion of sales from this CD, which costs $11.99, will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Ronnie Dunn specializes in songs about real life and real love, combined with rich patriotism. “More than ever before, I feel as though this album gave me a chance to tell my own story through songs that mean a lot to me,” says Dunn. “And it’s particularly gratifying because, by working with Cracker Barrel, a portion of the CD retail sales will be donated to Wounded Warrior Project. To me, that truly makes this CD a special edition.”

Cracker Barrel is equally as pleased to pair with Dunn on this project. “We’re pleased to work with Ronnie Dunn on a collection of songs we not only think will resonate with our guests, but also will support our nation’s Wounded Warriors,” said Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager. “Ronnie shares his heart and his life-learned lessons through music and the result is a very special mix of memorable songs.”

Tracklisting for Ronnie Dunn – Special Edition:
1.     I Love My Country (Previously Unreleased)
2.     Singer In A Cowboy Band
3.     I Don’t Dance
4.     Your Kind Of Love
5.     How Far To Waco
6.     Once
7.     Cost Of Livin’
8.     Bleed Red
9.     Last Love I’m Tryin’
10. Let The Cowboy Rock
11. I Can’t Help Myself
12. I Just Get Lonely
13. Love Owes Me One
14. Keep On Lovin’ You (Previously Unreleased)

Dunn joins a plethora of country stars who have released CDS exclusively with Cracker Barrel, including Dolly Parton, Rodney Atkins, Kenny Rogers, Josh Turner and many more. For more information on Dunn, visit www.ronniedunn.com.

Dolly Parton’s Exclusive Cracker Barrel CD Goes Gold

Nicole Piering — Sat, 19 May 2012 02:22:11 +0000

Released on April 2, the Dolly Parton and Cracker Barrel two-disc set, “And Evening With…Dolly” has been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). This certification is a first for Cracker Barrel and the first for Dolly Records in the United States. Recorded in London, the album is also the first two-disc set released by Cracker Barrel. It is available for $11.99 exclusively at all Cracker Barrel locations and online at www.crackerbarrel.com.

“I’m thrilled that so many fans are listening to my songs and taking a look behind-the-scenes of my European tour,” said Dolly. “I had a wonderful time performing in London and I think the audience did too. It’s exciting to be able to share my experiences with Cracker Barrel fans. And I have to tell you, I’m even more excited that An Evening With…Dolly earned the first Gold in the Cracker Barrel exclusive music program. That’s just icing on the cake.”

Dolly isn’t the only one thrilled with the success of this latest venture. “We’re very pleased that An Evening With…Dolly has been so popular with our guests,” said Julie Craig, Cracker Barrel Marketing Manager. “It is our first two-disc set and the first Gold for our exclusive music program. We just couldn’t be prouder of the quality and energy that Dolly brought to this project.”

An Evening With…Dolly CD Track Listing:
1.   Two Doors Down
2.   Jolene
3.   Coat of Many Colors
4.   Only Dreaming
5.   Little Sparrow
6.   The Grass is Blue
7.   Do I Ever Cross Your Mind
8.   Here You Come Again
9.   Islands in the Stream
10. 9 to 5
11. I Will Always Love You
12. Shattered Image* – previously unreleased live bonus track
13. My Tennessee Mountain Home* – previously unreleased live bonus track

An Evening With…Dolly DVD Track Listing:
1.   Two Doors Down
2.   Jolene
3.   Backwoods Barbie
4.   Coat of Many Colors
5.   Only Dreamin’
6.   Better Get to Livin’
7.   Shinola
8.   Little Sparrow
9.   The Grass is Blue
10. Do I Ever Cross Your Mind
11. Here You Come Again
12. Islands in the Stream
13. 9 to 5
14. I Will Always Love You
15. Jesus and Gravity