Frankie shares:

“I have always wanted to do an old school package tour. That’s what all my musical heroes did back in the day. Piled into two Cadillacs and hit the highway! At least we get to do it on a bus. Jon and the Miss Willie Brown clan are great people and I’m honored to share these dates with them…there’ll be no shortage of fun, hell, we’re tyin’ one on right?!

Check out the full list of dates below and let us know if you’re planning on going to any of them! What artists would you love to see team up together for a tour?

Frankie will be joining us on-board the Blake Shelton Cruise this October! The 7-night cruise is the biggest country music line-up to ever set sail! Blake will perform on two nights on the cruise, as will special guest Trace Adkins. Frankie will be performing along with some of the brightest, and newest, stars in country music. Make sure you mention Keepin’ it Country when you book your new reservation to receive a special gift from us on-board! Space is running out, and so is time, so make sure your book your cabin today at blakesheltoncruise.com

Tie One On Tour Dates:
THU: 10/4: SAN DIEGO, CA: Block No. 16
FRI: 10/5: SAN MIGUEL, CA: The Ranch*
SAT: 10/6: HENDERSON, NV: Henderson Events Plaza
SUN: 10/7: SAN BERNARDINO: Brandon’ Iron
TUE: 10/9: ANAHEIM, CA: The Ranch Restaurant & Saloon
THU: 10/11: FOLSOM, CA: Powerhouse Pub**
FRI: 11/2: AUBURN HILLS, MI: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
SAT: 11/3: SOUTH BEND, IN: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
FRI: 11/9: GULFPORT, MS: Jones Park
THU: 11/29: SAINT LOUIS PARK, MN: Toby Keith’s Bar & Grill
FRI: 11/30: KANSAS CITY, MO: Beaumont Club
SAT: 12/1: FORT WAYNE, IN: Neon Armadillo
* Jon Pardi & Frankie Ballard Only
** Frankie Ballard & Miss Willie Brown Only

Related posts:

1. EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Frankie Ballard
2. Frankie Ballard Added To Blake Shelton Cruise
3. Frankie Ballard Surprises Nashville Teacher

The 7-night cruise leaves Miami on October 14th, then returns on October 21st after 7-nights at sea. You’ll visit San Juan, Tortola, Nassau, and St. Thomas over those fantastic seven nights. Not only will we be on-board, but so will some of the biggest stars in country music… Blake Shelton will perform twice during the cruise, and he’s bringing along some friends to perform and party with too. There’s so many great performers announced so far that it would take all day to list them here, so visit blakesheltoncruise.com to book your cabin or for more information on the country music party of the year. If you mention Keepin’ it Country when you book your cabin you’ll receive a free gift from us on-board!

Take a look at our ultimate Blake Shelton Cruise playlist below, which we’ll be playing on our iPods as we board the beautiful Norwegian Pearl in October.  Leave us your suggestions and maybe your favorites might make our Cruise playlist part 2 at a later date.

Kenny Chesney ft. Uncle Kracker – When The Sun Goes Down

Almost any song from Kenny’s library could be chosen to fit in this playlist.. or make it up entirely! The king of country music summer anthems, Kenny’s “When The Sun Goes Down” might just end up being true on-board the Blake Shelton Cruise this year. The fun island-sounding track features Uncle Kracker. Is there anything better than hanging out at the beach all day at one of the ports (Tortola, San Juan, Nassau or St. Thomas), then going back on-board the ship to party the night away? I didn’t think so. This song is the perfect song for the port days during the 7-night cruise.

When the sun goes down, we’ll be groovin
When the sun goes down,we’ll be feeling alright
When the sun sinks down over the water
Everything gets hotter when the sun goes down

 Blake Shelton – Some Beach

How could we put together a list of ultimate Blake Shelton Cruise songs without putting one by the man himself? This is the song to listen to while you’re getting through your work or school day, so blast “Some Beach” loud and remember that pretty soon you’ll be on some beach somewhere. Just count down the days until the ship leaves Miami and remember that you’ll be going on the ultimate country music vacation pretty soon! As a bonus, check out Blake’s old mullet in the music video!

Some beach
Somewhere
There’s a big umbrella casting shade over an empty chair
Palm trees are growin’ and a warm breezes a blowing
I picture myself right there
On some beach, somewhere

Alan Jackson Ft. Jimmy Buffett – It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere

The legendary Alan Jackson teamed up with the king of beach music Jimmy Buffett in 2003 for the island drinking anthem “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” The single was originally pitched to Kenny Chesney, who turned it down. It landed in Alan’s hands when he made it known he wanted to sing with Jimmy on a track. The gold certified single for the pair brings up a good point: that it’s always five o’clock somewhere, and on-board the NCL Pearl, it’s always going to be five o’clock! So get ready to grab yourself something tall and strong and sit back and enjoy the biggest country music party over 7 nights.

Pour me somethin’ tall an’ strong,
Make it a Hurricane before I go insane.
It’s only half-past twelve but I don’t care.
It’s five o’clock somewhere.

Jerrod Niemann – Shinin’ On Me

Our next song comes from one of the special guests on-board the cruise, Jerrod Niemann. The brand new single from his upcoming album due out later this year is a great song to help get you in the mood for the Caribbean sunshine and easy going attitude. We’ll also get to hear this song live on-board the ship when Jerrod performs live for the biggest country music fans at sea! His current single reminds us all to enjoy the sun shining on you out on the ocean or the beach, and forget about your troubles.

Today the sun is shinin’ on me
Sitting with my feet in the breeze
Ain’t sweating the little things
And who knows what tomorrow is gonna bring
But today, the sun is shinin’ on me

Frankie Ballard – A Buncha Girls

Frankie Ballard brings us our next song on our Blake Shelton Cruise song list. His single from his self-titled album out last year is dedicated to the girls who go out to party, and what it does to the boys. It’s a fun anthem by the guitar genius, who fans will see live on the ship. “A Buncha Girls” is dedicated to all the sisters, mothers, daughters, grandmothers, and best friends taking on the Cruise together – it will be one vacation to remember!

A Buncha Girls sitting on the deck, drinking fishbowl margaritas
A buncha girls down in Cancun, yeah some seven day senioritas
A buncha girls packed in a jeep, heading to the beach for the weekend
A buncha girls rockin’ out in vegas, ain’t got no time for sleepin’.

Zac Brown Band – Toes

You could get away with almost any song from the Zac Brown Band’s two albums, but we had to choose “Toes.” It’s one of the most-played songs on our iPods when the warm weather kicks in and there’s a good reason why: who doesn’t want to be sitting on a beach somewhere with their toes in the sand? You won’t have a worry in the world when you’re on-board the 7-night party with your fellow country music fans.

I got my toes in the water, ass in the sand
Not a worry in the world, a cold beer in my hand
Life is good today, life is good today

Brad Paisley – Water

The guitar god of country music named two tours after his single from “American Saturday Night.” We’ll be surrounded by “Water” on-board the beautiful Norwegian Pearl, and this fun little love song about water in all its various forms was an obvious choice for the Blake Shelton Cruise playlist. The gold-certified single went number one on the Billboard Country Singles Charts in Summer 2010. Brad might not be on the cruise himself, but he has connections: both Blake Shelton and Jerrod Niemann have opened for Brad over the last two years. (We don’t recommend you try to play your guitar in the pools on-board the ship, however).

Yeah when that summer sun starts to beatin’ down
And you don’t know what to do
Just go and grab someone you wanna see in a bathing suit
And drive until the map turns blue

Joe Nichols – Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off

Joe Nichols made one of the top country music party songs in 2005 on Universal South Records with “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Come Off.” The funny little song, which a just-as-funny end to the music video, might just end up being too-true for a few fans during the Blake Shelton Cruise. Have a little laugh over the possibility, and make sure to add this one to your Cruise playlist too.

She don’t mean nothing – she’s just havin’ fun
Tomorrow she’ll say oh what have I done
Her friends will joke about the stuff she lost
Yeah, Tequila makes her clothes fall off

Little Big Town – Pontoon

Little Big Town’s newest single is a stand-0ut right now on country music. With a groovy little sound to it, it’s a fun summer song about a different kind of boat that you’ll be on, but it still fits. The dance-able song is about getting out a koozie, floating on the water, and just taking it easy on the water. They’re one of the most underrated groups in country music today, and their single is a perfect addition to any Blake Shelton Cruise play list.

Makin’ waves and catchin’ rays up on the roof
Jumpin’ out the back, don’t act like you don’t want to
Party in slow motion
Out here in the open
Mmmmmmm…motorboatin’

Sugarland – All I Want To Do

One of my personal favorite Summer songs comes from country music super-duo Sugarland. Their 2008 single on Mercury Records Nashville is a feel-good single about doing nothing but being lazy and sitting around with the one you love. “All I Want To Do” is a catchy little song that fits in perfectly with our list for everyone who wants to get on-board and do things at their own speed. This is the song to listen to when you’re lying on one of the ship’s outdoor decks under the sun and relaxing and bringing back that tan that everyone back home will be jealous of.

I got my whole life to change the world and climb the ladders
Looking at you looking at me is the only thing that matters
Come a little closer baby, we can talk without the words
Hang a sign on the door, please do not disturb
Let’s just lay here and be lazy, baby drive me crazy

Toby Keith – Red Solo Cup

Toby Keith’s fun single wasn’t supposed to be released to radio originally, but there’s really no looking back now. It’s become one of the biggest songs of the year all-genres, even appearing on Glee, and getting attention from Ryan Seacrest who named it the official Summer party anthem. “Red Solo Cup” is one song that gets stuck in your head and doesn’t leave. I was part of the Academy of Country Music performance of the single when Toby was in the crowd, and while there might not be a lot of Red Solo Cups on-board the ship, the sentiment remains the same… whenever country music fans get together, they always Proceed to Party.

I love you, red solo cup
I lift you up
Proceed to party
Proceed to party

Eric Church – Drink In My Hand

This final song on our part one is one for the younger crowd. Eric Church made this single as a tribute to his fans at his shows every night who always had their cups high in the air during his set. The rocking song is another reminder to forget your troubles and just have a good time on-board with some of the best fans, and artists, in country music this October. Eric’s song might just end up being the late night anthem for some during the 7 nights at sea. You can always try the hair of the dog that bit you if you’re a little hungover one morning!

Fill it up, throw it down
I got a 40 hour week worth of trouble to drown
No need to complicate it, I’m a simple man
All you got to do is put a drink in my hand

Related posts:

1. Blake Shelton Cruise Adds 5 More Performers
2. Blake Shelton Cruise Adds Jana Kramer, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr
3. Frankie Ballard Added To Blake Shelton Cruise

@OfficialJackson: Hope all you moms have had a happy Mother’s Day!

@blakeshelton: Happy Mothers Day momma!!!!! I love you…

@CartersChord: Happy Mother’s Day to our lovely mom @carterrobertson! And to all you other mamas out there, hope you feel very celebrated today!

@davidnail: For all of us Mommy Boy’s out there, Happy Mothers Day!

@EliYoungBand: Happy mothers day to our moms and all you great moms out there!

@FrankieBallard: How can you not love my Mom?

@HillaryScottLA: Happy Mother’s Day @lindadavismusic!!! I’m the luckiest daughter in the world to have you as my mama!

@HunterHayes: Happy mothers day to all the moms out there. Especially MY mom, the best AND coolest one. ;)

@kramergirl: The strongest lady I know. If I’m half the mother she is I’ll be okay! Happy mothers day to all the moms out

@katiearmiger: Happy Mother’s Day to all of those amazing moms out there!

@KeithUrban: Happy Mother’s Day!

@kristianbush: Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, without whom we would really be nowhere.

@Lauren_Alaina: Happy mothers day @Kristytara (: tell y’alls momma thanks for everything she does for you and play her my song “like my mother does” (; muah

@martinamcbride: Thanks for all the Mother’s Day wishes! Hope it’s a special day for all you moms!

@reba: Red Velvet cupcakes for Mother’s Day w @Shelbilly.

‏@taylorswift13: Celebrating this Mother’s Day, reflecting back on past matching velvet holiday ensembles.

@thompsonsquare: happy mothers day!!!!

We here at Keepin’ It Country hope all you moms out there had a great Mother’s Day!

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3. Country Music Stars Share Christmas Memories

The Blake Shelton Cruise leaves Miami on October 14th, and returns on October 21st. Fans will visit Nassau, Tortola, San Juan and St. Thomas during the 7-night cruise. If you mention Keepin’ it Country when you book your new reservation, we’ll send you a gift on-board! For more information on this fantastic cruise, or to book your cabin before its too late, visit blakesheltoncruise.com. Remember to mention Keepin’ it Country to qualify for the free gift from us and we’ll see you on-board!

Rumor has it that a The Voice contestant will be announced shortly. Who do you hope gets added to the cruise next?

Related posts:

1. Blake Shelton Cruise Adds Jana Kramer, Brett Eldredge, Tyler Farr
2. Frankie Ballard Added To Blake Shelton Cruise
3. DVR Alert: Blake Shelton On The Tonight Show

His talent was quickly picked up in Nashville, and he was signed to his first song publishing company after only one showcase. The country music singer released his self-titled debut album on the major label last year, and he’ll be making an appearance at this year’s CMA Fest on the Bud Light stage on Friday, June 8th at 2:45 pm outside Bridgestone Arena.

Frankie has just been announced as part of the line-up for the Blake Shelton Cruise. Are you thinking of going? Check out our interview with Frankie below, and join us on the cruise! If you mention Keepin’ it Country on your new reservation, you qualify for a free gift from us on-board the ship! Get to know the latest addition to the Blake Shelton Cruise below, and get ready for a one-of-a-kind party on the seven seas this October. For more information on the Blake Shelton Cruise, or to book your reservation, visit blakesheltoncruise.com.

Find out what Frankie’s dream tour was that he got to be a part of, what his goal for the year is, how he relieves stress at home, and how he got signed so fast in Nashville:

When you came to Nashville, you got signed pretty fast.

Yeah, I actually didn’t move down until I signed my record deal. I was up in Michigan and making trips down, but I wasn’t committed to moving here. I was playing a bunch of shows in Michigan and I didn’t want to have to give up all my gigs and come down here and get a real job (laughs). So, I didn’t move down until I was signed.

After one showcase, right?

Yeah, there was a lot of work before the actual showcase. I went around and met some of the labels. We did two showcases – one was an exclusive one for Sony, and the next night was open to anybody. Warner Brothers came out to the second night, and they made me an offer. It was awesome. I remember being so excited that night, and they were like “we want to sign you!”. I just couldn’t believe it.

Have you had a chance to sit back and reflect on it all yet? Or is it mostly a blur?

Yeah, I guess I haven’t done as much reflecting as I probably should, but it’s gone by so fast. Last year was crazy fast. I’m so blessed with all the opportunities I’ve gotten, and just trying to work it one step at a time, and not make too big of a goal or go out on a limb. There’s so much work to be done everyday, and it’s hard for me to think about where I’ve been and where I’m going. I just like to think about what I can do today to try and get closer to where I want to go.

Do you have one big goal you want to accomplish for the year?

Yes! I want to get a big ol’ hit song on country radio. I want to tour and play clubs, and all that supported by a song on the radio. The power of country radio is a crazy thing… I can go down to Texas, or Florida, or anywhere and there’s people near the club that have heard my song. I want to get my next single out sometime soon so I can spend time out on the road.

Now you’ve toured with some pretty big acts, but who would you consider to be your dream tour?

Well, I’ve got to say I might have already gotten to do it. I’m a huge Bob Seger fan my whole life. Getting to do that tour with him was such a dream come true. I know I’m a country artist, but I think Bob Seger’s music is just American Heartland music, you know. He has a lot of country fans, and if his “Running Against The Wind,” or really any of his songs, were to come out today they’d probably be on country radio. Getting to do that tour was it for me.

Would you consider him to be your inspiration?

Oh, he was a huge inspiration and still is. He comes out and does sound check everyday, full-on. This guy doesn’t have anything left to prove to anyone, but he’s still there and he still makes sure that everything is right. That was incredibly inspiring, I’m seeing him do this and I’m thinking “man, I gotta work harder!”.  (laughs)

Now, I know you play guitar, but do you play any other instruments?

Yeah, I play drums. I started out playing drums before I played guitar. Drums are so much fun because it’s not so much of a precise exact science. You just kind of cut loose, and it’s a great stress reliever. I go back home and take out my drum kit sometimes, put on some headphones, and just jam along to music. It just gets the stress out.

Is there any song out on the radio right now that you wish you wrote?

Oh, I wish I wrote Eric Church‘s “Drink In My Hand.” The first time I heard that song I was like “no! That should have been me!” (laughs). No, I love Eric’s new record, its so good top-to-bottom. It’s a great, great record. It’s not a bunch of songs that don’t make sense together, you know? It’s just a great, great record.

Now, for people who haven’t seen you live before, how would you describe your show to them?

Just energy. When people come out and spend their hard earned money, they deserve to be entertained. If they want to just hear music they can fire up their iPod in the car, or open up a bottle of wine and just put it on in the house. They don’t have to come out to hear music, so when they’re coming out they want to see something as well. We try to really entertain and be entertaining… and lots of guitar playing (laughs).

Now if you could work with any country artist today, who would you pick?

There’s guys like Merle Haggard and George Jones because they’re legends. Maybe Miranda Lambert. That would be cool to do a duet with her because she’s so country. She has such a pure, original country voice. It would be cool to play guitar with Keith Urban.  Probably those last two I’d pick for current artists.

Now, if you could write a song with anybody…

Oh man… Man, I’d hate to use him again but probably Bob Seger. He wrote all those hits by himself, just Bob Seger. I don’t think he ever co-writes, but just to be in a room with him or John Prine would be amazing. Those are two guys I really respect as songwriters, and I don’t think that they co-write, so even if I could just sit there and bring them in coffee all like “hey man, let me fill you up there,” and I’d be happy (laughs). I’d just love to be in the room with those men while they’re writing a song.

Any touring plans for the year?

Not with anybody, we’re doing a few shows with Luke Bryan. We’ll just be on the road, we’ll be hitting the Frankie Ballard never ending club tour that has no start and no end (laughs). We’re always on the road, but if something comes along we’ll jump on it, you know.

Is there one place you haven’t played yet that you really want to?

Well I’ve never been to Alaska or Hawaii, so that would be cool… but I’m not sure if they like country music up there in Alaska, I’m sure they do though. Country music transcends the frozen tundra (laughs). The only state I’ve never been to is North Dakota. I’ve been so blessed the last few years to spread my wings outside of Michigan and see the country.

How old were you when you started playing guitar?

Eighteen, maybe early seventeen.

Remember what the first song you learned was?

“Suspicious Minds,” the Elvis tune. But I suppose there were songs like “The Gambler” and “Sunday Morning Coming Down”, and the early Johnny Cash songs that I knew just because they’re three chords, but I think that one is the first song that I really put together and played.

What would you consider to be the coolest moment of your career so far?

Might have to say releasing my debut album last year. It was on the wings of going on tour with Taylor Swift, we were about to go out with Taylor and the album was coming out. I’d have to say that was the coolest moment to finally have answers to “where can I find you? Where can I get your album, man?”.  I can finally say “everywhere, man!” That was a cool feeling.

—-

Frankie Ballard is out on the road right now, with his next stop on May 19th in Altoona, AL, and May 25th at Toby Keith’s I Love this Bar & Grill in Auburn Hill, MI. Check out his music video for “A Buncha Girls” below and make sure you see his show at CMA Fest this year!

Related posts:

1. Frankie Ballard Added To Blake Shelton Cruise
2. EXCLUSIVE: Interview With Jason Link
3. Frankie Ballard Surprises Nashville Teacher

We have an interview with Frankie which you’ll see here later tonight. Stay tuned for that!

Are you thinking of the Blake Shelton Cruise? We’ll be there! The Blake Shelton Cruise is already the largest live country music line-up ever to hit the seven seas. Each night will be filled with live entertainment, music, and live performances from Blake Shelton and his friends. Other artists already part of the line-up and who will be performing include Justin Moore, Easton Corbin, Neal McCoy, Lee Brice, and many more. If you mention Keepin’ it Country when you book your new reservation, you qualify for a free gift from us on board! We’ll also be having a party for the whole ship to attend during the cruise so it’s guaranteed to be a good time. For more information on the cruise, or to book your cabin today, mention us in your booking at blakesheltoncruise.com.

Who do you want to see added to the amazing line-up?

Related posts:

1. DVR Alert: Blake Shelton On The Tonight Show
2. Blake Shelton Takes His Party to Sea
3. Cruise With Blake Shelton and Special Guests This Fall!

What were the first Christmas presents they remember getting as kids? What’s their favorite Christmas food and tradition? Find out below: 

THE JANEDEAR GIRLS:

Any Christmas tradition/food that you love:

Danielle Leverett: I love helping my mom make Christmas sugar cookies:) They are cut out into different shapes like Xmas trees, stars, hearts etc. and decorated with green and red frosting and sprinkles!

Is there a Christmas present you remember being given as a kid:

Danielle Leverett: My parents gave me a ukulele when I was four years old and I loved to carry it with me EVERYWHERE I went!

Susie Brown: Ever since I was a little girl I’ve been obsessed with horses. I used to read books about horses, watch movies with horses, cut out advertisements of horses for sale in the newspaper and show them to my parents so they knew exactly what kind of horse I wanted. My oldest sister had a bunch of horses, and when I was about 13 she bought a little white Arabian mare named Misty. We had a pasture at our house so I could ride her if my sister was there with her saddle. A few months later on Christmas morning I went out to the living room and saw an English riding saddle, hat, and riding pants. I was so excited I put on all my new riding clothes and saddled up our organ bench just so I could sit on it.

GLORIANA:

Is there a Christmas present you remember being given as a kid:

Tom Gossin:  I’ll never forget the Christmas when I received my first guitar — I was 12 yrs. old.  I disappeared into a quiet room with the guitar and emerged about three hours later and played my first song for my family, “Jingle Bells.”  Little did I know, but that present would end up shaping the rest of my life!

Rachel Reinert: So typical, but I got an Easy Bake Oven as a little girl and I loved it! I wonder if I still have it?

Michael Gossin: My favorite Christmas present as a kid was He-Man action figures

Favorite Christmas Food:

Michael Gossin: Mom’s homemade brownies. My brothers and I called them “reindeer-terds.”

Rachel Reinert: We usually recreate Thanksgiving dinner for Christmas- turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce. The whole shebang!

JANA KRAMER:

Christmas food that you love?

My grandpa’s stuffing! It’s the best!

Is there a favorite Christmas present you remember being given as a kid?

My favorite gift was a fringe jacket. I thought I was Pocahontas when I was a little girl!

Favorite Christmas memory:

My favorite Christmas memory is probably always having euchre tournaments with my family and just hanging out laughing!

FRANKIE BALLARD:

Any Christmas tradition/food that you love:

My dad and I always watch “Christmas Vacation” with Chevy Chase. It wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t do that every year.

Is there a favorite Christmas present you remember being given as a kid:

Back when I played hockey there was a hockey jacket you would get, a red corduroy jacket, all the kids would get it and put patches on it when they got a hat trick or won a championship. I remember finally getting one and freaking out.

THE FARM:

Nick: Some of my favorite holiday memories are playing music around the piano at my grandparents’ house on Christmas Day after everyone has opened presents and gotten fat off of my Grandma’s cooking.  When I was younger, I would need a little prodding to get my fiddle out, but once it was out, I wouldn’t put it away!  My Grandma would sit at the piano, my Grandpa would play stand-up bass, and we would play old Scandinavian tunes and Christmas songs for hours. When I was younger, I didn’t realize how special those moments were, but I definitely cherish those memories now.

Damien: Some of my best memories as a child around the Christmas Holiday was singing in church! We would put together Christmas plays and friends and families would be there as we recreated the birth story of Jesus! I remember playing various parts like a star, a goad and even a wise man. I would have to say my favorite was playing the goat! We would drink eggnog after church and my family would all be together. Great times.

Krista: As the holiday quickly approaches, each year at this time, I find my heart a little melancholy. It reminds me of my father, how much I miss him and how wonderful he and my mother always made Christmas. I miss the sound of his accordion and the smell of our family-owned meat market smoking Christmas hams. I was eight-years old, give or take, and Dad decided we’d go out back on our land and I could pick out our tree. He patiently cruised for well over an hour until I had found the perfect one. To this day, I still pick out my own tree and smile, knowing dad is with me.

BRETT ELDREDGE:

A few years ago my mom asked my brother and I for a new robe for Christmas. Being the jokesters that we are, we got the idea to get a really old gross robe and smeared brown shoe polish on it to make it look gross because we wanted to see how she would react. She opened it and tried to act like she liked it but I couldn’t keep from laughing my butt off!  I was laughing so hard I was crying!  Eventually she figured out it was a prank and we went to the other room and brought her a brand new soft, clean robe! I kept the robe for Halloween and dressed up like ‘Cousin Eddy’ from Christmas Vacation!

BIG & RICH:

Big Kenny:

Is there a Christmas present you remember being given as a kid:

The greatest gift I’ve ever received is a letter from my Dad a few years back.  He spoke of all of his memories of my life through my ups and downs. He told me he was proud and loved me through it all and his greatest words come in the last paragraph, ‘…be at Peace with yourself, be at Peace with everyone around you and most important be at Peace with God.’ ”

Is there a holiday treat that reminds you of Christmas:

My grandmother would always make homemade Fruit Cakes.  They were as dense as an energy bar and chewy as beef jerky. I miss my Grandmas and Christmas always brings their tremendous strong spirits back so close to my heart.

Any Christmas traditions you plan to share with your kids:

I will never forget being about the age of my boys now (6 and 2) and sitting on my Daddy’s lap and watching Berl Ives version of ‘Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer’.  And I’m gonna love on my kids as much as I can and watch it with them again this year.

Related posts:

1. Top 20 Country Christmas Songs
2. VIDEO: Phil Vassar Talks New Christmas Music
3. More Artists To Perform On “CMA Country Christmas”

The donation was made to celebrate Josh going above the call of being a teacher to help bring the best possible education to his students in his classroom. He was one of many teachers who spend $1,000 out-of-pocket annually on classroom supplies for their students. OfficeMax and Adopt-A-Classroom partnered up for the “A Day Made Better” campaign to help stop teacher-funded classrooms.

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His next tour date is a headlining concert August 11th in Kansas City, MO at the KC! Live Power & District. The show is a 21 and over event.

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