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| This is an industry-only version of an email that Country stations in dozens of top markets deliver
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| September 19, 2014
» Singing To The Choir:  Eric Church opened The Outsiders World Tour last week (9/11) and our insiders caught all the action. "I have seen Eric Church three times and have never seen him in a better mood or more eager to perform for his fans," says one attendee. "The energy inside the arena was unlike any I have felt in years." Dwight Yoakam and Brothers Osborne kicked the show off before giving way to The Chief. The dominant feature of Church's set is "The Choir Loft," a 360-degree configuration that allows fans to surround the entire stage. But that's not all.
"[There were] lights dropping from above (the drummer did too) and rising from the stage, a giant floating skull, and two walkways shooting out from the stage for Church and the band to get closer to the fans on the floor, which was entirely general admission," says another concert goer. "You'll leave this show wanting more because you know this is just the start of an amazing career for Eric Church." The tour continues next week in Austin, TX, Louisville, KY, Charleston, WV and Greensboro, NC. See the full list of dates here . |
» Country Crossroads:  You might think stone Country singer Lee Ann Womack and R&B crooner John Legend would be an odd pairing. But when the two Grammy winners got together to tape an episode of CMT Crossroads Wednesday (9/17) in Franklin, TN, it was clearly a match made in musical heaven. Proving the late Ray Charles right when he said Country and R&B were cousins, the two artists effortlessly traded verses on each other's hits, adding exquisite harmonies and new perspectives on familiar tunes. The set included Legend's "All Of Me" (which he performed with Jennifer Nettles and Hunter Hayes earlier this year at the CMT Awards ) and Womack's signature song "I Hope You Dance" as well as her new single, "The Way I'm Livin'."
Between songs, Legend told the crowd he was offered the chance to bring his band, but said he wanted to have the honor of playing with some of Nashville's top musicians instead. Both he and Womack repeatedly gave props to the players – and Womack, who didn't meet Legend until their first rehearsal, was so impressed with her duet partner she told him she hoped he'd someday make a country record. Their Crossroads episode airs Sept. 26 at 10pm ET on CMT . |
» Farm Team:  Luke Bryan has harvested the cream of the crop for his sixth annual Farm Tour . Joining Bryan this fall are Cole Swindell , The Peach Pickers (songwriters Dallas Davidson , Rhett Akins and Ben Hayslip ), Chancie Neal and DJ Rock . The tour kicks off Oct. 1 in Knoxville, TN and hits seven more southern cities throughout the month. Get ticket info here .
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» Chronicle:  Condolences are extended to the family and friends of Grand Ole Opry legend George Hamilton IV , who passed away yesterday (9/17) after suffering a heart attack Saturday (9/13) that left him in critical condition. He was 77. Hamilton took his music all over the world, earning the unofficial title "International Ambassador of Country Music." His hits include "Abilene" and the million-selling pop hit "A Rose And A Baby Ruth." During his pop career Hamilton toured with Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent and the Everly Brothers. In 1959 he moved to Nashville to focus on Country. He joined the Opry in 1960. In the late '90s Hamilton was the narrator for Patsy Cline: The Musical . Services are pending. |
 Hit List -
Blake Shelton got into a hilarious lip sync battle with fellow The Voice judge Gwen Stefani and Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night's (9/17) The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on NBC-TV . See which '80s pop hits he "sang" and check out his impressive tap dancing skills here . -
Alan Jackson will re-release his 2002 holiday album Let It Be Christmas Oct. 27. The project includes classics "Winter Wonderland," "Silent Night" and "Away In A Manger." -
Voting for six People's Choice Awards categories that may be included in the telecast, including Favorite Country Music Group, is underway now here . The 2015 show will be held Jan. 7 in Los Angeles, airing live on CBS-TV . Birthdays Friday (9/19): Jeff Bates, Chase Rice, Trisha Yearwood. Sunday (9/21): Faith Hill, Ronna Reeves. Monday (9/22): Deanna Cox.
On TV Friday (9/19): Julianne Hough, Jimmy Kimmel Live (ABC).
Upcoming Album Releases Sept. 23 Kenny Chesney The Big Revival Lee Ann Womack The Way I'm Livin' Big & Rich Gravity Sept. 30 Lady Antebellum 747 Blake Shelton Bringing Back The Sunshine Marty Stuart Saturday Night & Sunday Morning Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White Hearts Like Ours
Oct. 7 Jason Aldean Old Boots, New Dirt Old Dominion Self-Titled Various Artists The Best Of Me Soundtrack
Oct. 14 Florida Georgia Line Anything Goes |
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