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Country Music News

Luke Combs loves his "crazy busy" life as a father of two

ABC

Earlier in August, Luke Combs and wife, Nicole, welcomed their second baby boy, Beau Lee

While the country superstar is overjoyed to be a father of two, juggling work, family life and everything in between is something he's still getting used to.
 
"It's wild. I'll tell you that much. It's crazy busy, but it's so much fun," Luke tells ABC Audio. "We're really enjoying it. Me and Nicole. And we're still trying to figure out how we have time to do everything."

"For me to go to work and [for] her still be able to have time to not go insane. It's tough. It's a challenge," he shares. "But man, we love it so much and wouldn't trade it for the world." 

Luke's currently #14 and rising the country charts with his latest single, "Where the Wild Things Are."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Shop with Garth + See Hank Williams Jr. on tour

Garth Brooks will appear on TalkShopLive on Monday, December 4, at 7 p.m. ET to kick off Billboard Live Shopping Week. The livestream show will feature exclusive merch items from Garth's Friends in Low Places Bar and Honky-Tonk in Nashville as well as his seven-disc box set, The Limited Series, which includes Time Traveler

Hank Williams Jr. is celebrating the 45th anniversary of 1979's Family Tradition with a 2024 headlining tour. The 13-city trek kicks off Friday, April 5, in Birmingham, Alabama, with Whiskey MyersNeal McCoyNitty Gritty Dirt Band, Charley CrockettMarty Stuart & His Fabulous Superlatives and Old Crow Medicine Show opening on select dates. Tickets go on sale Friday, December 8, at 10 a.m. local time at Live Nation's website.

Warner Music Nashville's Matt Schuster has dropped a new song, "Left Me in the Dusk," which he wrote with Lori McKenna and Jordan Reynolds. "Before we even finished writing this song, I knew I was going to release it," shares Matt. "It just sits so well with me. Amazing song, amazing people, and amazing sound coming from [producer] Chris LaCorte. Blessed to call this song mine, and now yours."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Lauren Akins launches new Daisy & Cowboy Perfume Collection

ABC

Thomas Rhett's wife, Lauren Akins, has teamed with Love One International and Nashville-based fragrance house Ranger Station to launch the Daisy & Cowboy Perfume Collection by Lauren Akins.

The line is named after Lauren and Thomas' horses, who are featured in the collection's photoshoot.

"Daisy is what people say it smells like when I walk into a room, and Cowboy is all the things that I had added to [Daisy] that I had to take out because my friends were like, 'that’s not it,'” Lauren tells People with a laugh.

“When we created Daisy, [Thomas] was like, yeah, that's it," adds the Love One International board vice-chairman. "He knows me the best. So I think when I had his approval I was like, all right, we've done it, my husband says we nailed it."

The Daisy & Cowboy Perfume Collection by Lauren Akins is available for purchase now at Ranger Station's store in Nashville and online at rangerstation.co.

Half of the proceeds from every purchase will support Love One International's provision of lifesaving medical care to children in Uganda.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


See the songs Lainey, Trisha, Jon + more are performing on 'CMA Country Christmas'

Disney/Larry McCormack

The Country Music Association has revealed the festive songs set to be performed on this year's CMA Country Christmas.

Here's the list of songs you can expect on the holiday special: 

Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood - "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing"
Amy, Trisha, Lindsey Stirling - "Joy to the World"
Amy - "Grown Up Christmas List" 
Trisha and Lindsey - "O Holy Night"
Lainey Wilson and Zach Williams - "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
Jon Pardi - "Beer for Santa"
Lady A - "What Christmas Means to Me"
Ashley McBryde and Lindsey - "You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch"
Jordan Davis - "O Come All Ye Faithful"
The War And Treaty - "Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)"

CMA Country Christmas, hosted by Amy Grant and Trisha Yearwood, airs Thursday, December 14, at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and the next day on Hulu and Disney+.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Tim McGraw adds new Texas show to Standing Room Only Tour

ABC

Tim McGraw is headed to Fort Worth, Texas for his upcoming Standing Room Only Tour.

The newly announced show is slated for April 12 and will follow April 11's stop in Austin, Texas.

"We heard you…. And just added one more show to the #StandingRoomOnly tour with special guest @carlypearce! See you April 12th at @dickiesarena in Ft. Worth!!" Tim captions his announcement post on Instagram.

Tickets go on sale Friday, December 8, at 10 a.m. CT at timmcgraw.com.

Most recently, Tim celebrated notching his 47th #1 single with "Standing Room Only," the title track and lead single off his latest album.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Miranda Lambert saddles up for final Vegas shows

ABC

Miranda Lambert is wrapping up her Miranda Lambert: Velvet Rodeo The Las Vegas Residency with nine shows in March and April.

The final dates are slated for March 20, 22, 23, 27, 29, 30, and April 3, 5 and 6.

"As someone who's lived on a bus and toured from city-to-city for more than half my life, having a Vegas residency has been such a fun change of pace creatively," Miranda shares. "The band and I are excited to keep this party going!"

Tickets for the final shows go on sale Friday, December 8, at 10 a.m. PT. 

Presale for Miranda's fan club members begins Tuesday, December 5, at 10 a.m. PT. Citi card members will have access to presale tickets from Tuesday, December 5, at 12 p.m. PT.

To grab tickets and for more information on Miranda's Vegas residency, visit ticketmaster.com/mirandavegas.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Cole Swindell's ready to Win The Night in 2024

ABC

Cole Swindell is hitting the road in 2024 for his headlining Win The Night Tour.

The trek kicks off May 16 in London, Ontario, and will conclude in Bonner, Montana, on July 20. 

Dylan Scott will serve as direct opener while Jon LangstonLily RoseMackenzie CarpenterMeghan Patrick and Restless Road will open on select dates.

"My band and crew on the road have been a big reason for the successes in my career and I never take that for granted," says Cole, who recently released "3 Feet Tall." "It is our goal every single night to give the fans the best show we can, so the last three words we say before stepping on stage is 'Win The Night.'"

"This one is for my band, my crew, my team and for the ones that continue to show up- the fans!" he adds. "We can’t wait to get out there in 2024 with Dylan and Jon Langston, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Meghan Patrick and Restless Road."

Tickets for the Win The Night Tour go on sale Friday, December 8. Presale for Cole's Down Home Crew fan club begins Tuesday, December 5, at 10 a.m. local time.

For Cole's full tour schedule and tickets, visit coleswindell.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Scotty McCreery's dream comes true with Opry member invitation

Danielle Del Valle/Getty Images

Being a Grand Ole Opry member has been a longtime goal for Scotty McCreery, and now, he's one step closer to achieving his dream.

On Sunday, December 3, during an Opry Christmas Show, Scotty was invited by Garth Brooks to become the next member of the Grand Ole Opry.

"On behalf of the Grand Ole Opry, and this is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry,” Garth said after handing Scotty his Christmas gift and cautioning him against opening it, "We would love for Scotty McCreery to be the newest member of the Opry."

"Holy cow. Yes, I would love to," Scotty replied. "I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living and I didn’t think that dream would become a reality, but it is because of all of y’all sitting in this house tonight. God bless y’all."

"When I got started doing this people asked, 'What are your goals?'" the "Five More Minutes" hitmaker recounted emotionally, "And I’d say 'one day I’d like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.'" 

Scotty's induction date will be announced soon.

You can head over to the Opry's Instagram to watch Garth's invitation to Scotty.

Scotty's currently #24 and ascending the country charts with his latest single, "Cab in a Solo."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Gabby Barrett says firstborn Baylah is a "good big sister"

Terry Wyatt/Getty Images

With a third child on the way, Gabby Barrett recently chatted with ABC Audio about how her firstborn, Baylah, is getting ready to welcome another sibling.

"She understands that I have another baby in my belly right now. She understands that it's going to be a sister, too. And she's very excited about that," Gabby shares.

"She's such a good natural nurturer. And she's good with brother [Augustine] and sweet with him, even though it's too rough sometimes. But it's fine, he needs [to be] roughed up," she says, before praising Baylah for being a "good big sister."

Gabby is set to drop her sophomore album, Chapter & Verse, on February 2. The project will include its lead single, "Glory Days," as well as the recently released "Growin' Up Raising You" and "Cowboy Back."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Nashville notes: Jordyn Shellhart's holiday EP + Conner Smith's LP

Jordyn Shellhart has released her Christmas EP, Cross-Legged By The Fireplace. The four-track set includes a cover of Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's "You Make It Feel Like Christmas" with Austin Snell. "I made this EP for people who want their Christmas music to sound like mulling spices, watching snow fall gently with a single deer in the distance or sitting cross-legged by fireplaces. I hope this EP serves to enhance those specific activities this holiday season," shares Jordyn.

Conner Smith's upcoming debut album, Smoky Mountains, is now available for preorder on vinyl. The LP will ship on the project's release date, January 26. Grab yours at shop.bigmachinelabelgroup.com.

Tickets to Jason Aldean's 2024 Highway Desperado Tour are on sale now. The trek kicks off May 18 in Thackerville, Oklahoma, with Lauren AlainaHailey WhittersChase MatthewAustin Snell and Dee Jay Silver opening on select dates. Get your tickets now at Jason's website.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Dollywood's searching for singers for new musical

Miller Mobley/NBC

Ever wanted to perform at the famed Dollywood? Here's your chance.

Its entertainment team is holding auditions in Nashville on Friday, December 15, to find both male and female country singers to tell Dolly Parton's life story in a new musical at its Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, theme park.

Per a press release, the team's looking for those who can "move and dance in musical numbers that will be featured throughout the new show." For the audition, candidates should prepare two contrasting country songs of 45 seconds each. A piano accompanist will be provided, or auditionees may accompany themselves on guitar or any other hand-held instrument.

Auditions are by appointment only. To register and for more information on the process, visit dollywood.com.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Deck the halls with Cody Johnson

ABC

It's time to get in the festive spirit with Cody Johnson.

CMT has announced a new holiday special, A Cody Johnson Christmas. Named after Cody's 2021 album, the event will feature the Texas native and his family delivering yuletide tunes for viewers.

Cody's 10-track A Cody Johnson Christmas arrived in November 2021, and features a cover of Willie Nelson's "Pretty Paper" and Merle Haggard's "If We Make It Through December." 

A Cody Johnson Christmas airs Wednesday, December 13, at 9 p.m. ET on CMT.

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Head to the "Southeast Oklahoma Pines" with Corey Kent

Courtesy of Sony Music Nashville

Corey Kent has released an autobiographical new song, "Southeast Oklahoma Pines."

The acoustic-leaning track was penned by Corey, Luke Preston and Jack Hummel, and it finds Corey basking in the stillness of his old stomping grounds.

"Broken Bow, Oklahoma just might be my favorite place in the world. It’s where my family has been for generations running lumber mills & cattle," shares Corey. "It’s where I learned to hunt & fish. It’s where I fell in love with the outdoors."

"To me, Southeast Oklahoma is more than a place. It’s a home cooked meal. It’s a hug when you walk through the front door. It’s heritage. It’s a nudge to slow down. To remove the distractions," he says. "When I make my way home to those Southeast Oklahoma Pines, it’s a reminder that even at its worst, life ain’t all that bad."

Corey's currently approaching the top 40 of the country charts with "Something's Gonna Kill Me," the follow-up single to the chart-topping "Wild as Her."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Sam Hunt shares gender, name of second child

Todd Owyoung/NBC

Sam Hunt is no longer the only male in the Hunt household.

The "Take Your Time" hitmaker shared with People that he and wife Hannah Lee Fowler have welcomed their second child, a boy, named Lowry Lee.

The baby boy's name is derived from his parents' middle names: Lowry is Hunt's and Lee is Hannah's. 

Lowry joins his 18-month-old big sister, Lucy Louise, who arrived in May 2022.

Sam's announcement comes after he posted a photo of the new family of four during the Thanksgiving holiday and captioned it, "Thank You Lord." The picture, however, hid Lowry's face and was shared without mention of his name or gender.

On the music front, Sam's #35 and ascending the country charts with his latest single, "Outskirts."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


Carly Pearce praises Jelly Roll: "To know him is to love him"

ABC

There's another person who's a big fan of Jelly Roll, and it's none other than fellow country artist Carly Pearce.

The "What He Didn't Do" singer recently posted a photo of her hugging Jelly onstage alongside a heartfelt caption praising him.

"I. Am. Not. Okay. Yall…. I have played so many shows over the last 7 years, but none like tonight. This human is obviously taking country music by storm, but to know him is to love him," Carly shares on Instagram. "I have never met someone with more of a purpose than you @jellyroll615."

"I feel inspired by the power of music and by the power of the underdog," she continues. "Unbelievably proud of what Jelly is doing & feel so honored to have witnessed the impact tonight. If you ever need your next duet partner, CALL ME."

Carly's currently #25 on the country charts with her Chris Stapleton-assisted ballad, "We Don't Fight Anymore." Meanwhile, Jelly's #2 and approaching the #1 spot with his Lainey Wilson-featured single, "Save Me."

Copyright © 2023, ABC Audio. All rights reserved.


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