Candace Cameron Bure, aka “The Queen of Christmas Movies,” has two new films available this year on the Great American Family channel.
Read the full storyCandace Cameron Bure Unwraps Two New Christmas Movies
Category: Entertainment
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s Farewell Tour
When I was asked if I wanted to see the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band play a show on their Farewell Tour, naturally, I wanted to attend. They have long been a favorite of my husband, and I am of an age where I truly appreciate their music.
The NGDB was formed in Long Beach, California, in 1966. They toured extensively as an Americana band from 1978-1983.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Twinnie
British Country-Pop Star, Twinnie, Ends Her “Sad Girl Era” with Empowering New Album ‘Something We Used to Say.’
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Robby Johnson
Robby Johnson is a Canadian transplant who has fallen in love with country music. Hear his latest single, “Road I’m On.”
Read the full storyPreston James Releases Debut EP
Preston James was the second person I ever interviewed for my Music Spotlight column. I saw him open for the iconic Tim Akers and The Smoking Section when he was just 15 years old at 3rd and Lindsley. I interviewed him when he was 16 years old and then featured him again when Preston James’ Band opened for Brian Seltzer in December of 2017.
My writing “hobby” has become a job, and I have interviewed over 500 artists. James is 24 years old, and I had no idea it had been seven years since I had followed up with him. We had to catch up before I could talk about his music.
Read the full storyHeartland Releases ‘What Happened?’
Inspired by their conversations with friends, family, and neighbors, Heartland felt called to write “What Happened?,” a song they hope will help Americans come to their senses.
Read the full storyThe Music City Walk of Fame Inducts The Fairfield four, Colin Reed, Bill Cody, and Jimmy Buffett
On October 30th, the Music City Walk of Fame inducted The Fairfield Four, Colin Reed, Bill Cody, and Jimmy Buffett at their 27th Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Noelle Toland
Noelle Toland describes her music as modern, old-school country. Although she didn’t come from a musical family, her family were huge music fans.
Toland said, “My mother introduced me to Patsy Cline. She loved singer-songwriters, and my dad loved soul music.”
Read the full storyLegendary Music Producer Quincy Jones Dies at 91
Legendary music producer Quincy Jones died at 91 on Sunday evening, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight Artists Shine at the Josie Awards
The Josie Music Awards 2024 winners were announced on October 27 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee. Click here for the complete list of winners.
The Josie Music Awards is the largest music award show in the independent music industry. It recognizes and celebrates excellence globally. The awards ceremony brings together thousands of industry professionals and artists from around the globe to celebrate their achievements.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: John PayCheck
Because John PayCheck is the son of the renowned Johnny Paycheck, you may think his path to country music was automatic, but nothing could be further from the truth. Because he grew up around “the business,” initially, he was keen to avoid it as a career path.
“I knew so much about it; that’s pretty much why I didn’t go into it,” John Paycheck confirmed.
Read the full storyLos Angeles Dodgers Defeat New York Yankees in 2024 World Series
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the 2024 World Series on Wednesday night, defeating the New York Yankees in a 4-1 series. The final score was 7-6.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Colonel Cobalt
Music Spotlight artist Austin Moody was the first to tell me about Colonel Cobalt. Then, when B! Noticed PR messaged me about him, I decided to check him out.
The first song they sent me was “Phatt.” Their sound reminded me a little bit of the lowkey rock music my uncle used to listen to, but I don’t think “phatt” was a word back then.
Read the full storyWoke Cumulus Media, NewsChannel 5 Refuse to Air Trump-Inspired Ads for Tennessee Retailer DT McCall’s
Tennessee retailer D.T. McCall and Sons told The Tennessee Star on Monday that Cumulus Media refused to broadcast advertisements inspired by former President Donald Trump on the company’s Nashville radio station, SuperTalk 99.7 WTN, even after a disclaimer was added to the ads.
The offending ads feature a narrator performing an impression of the former president while extolling the virtues of D.T. McCall & Sons and excoriating nameless competitors at “the lumber yards.”
Read the full storyStar of ‘Young Frankenstein’ and ‘Tootsie’ Teri Garr Dies at 79
The Oscar nominated comedic actor Teri Garr died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, at the age of 79, according to her publicist Heidi Schaeffer.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Ashley Wineland
When Ashley Wineland’s song, “Tumbleweed,” came across my email, I knew from the heartfelt song that I wanted to feature the artist. The more I dug into her bio, the more intrigued I became.
I was interested in how Wineland got her start in music. She said, “I have always had a strong love for the performing arts and just telling stories, especially in front of people.”
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Lexie Hayden
Lexie Hayden is a rising songstress who draws inspiration from artists like Dolly Parton, Cheryl Crow, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves.
Although she wasn’t raised in a particularly musical family, her brother is an avid guitarist. While she is a gifted performer, her heart lies in songwriting, a passion she has honed since age 14.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Kelli Belles
Rising country artist Kelli Belles, known by her stage moniker Belles, is hitting the road this fall on her highly anticipated Trust Issues Tour. The tour kicked off on October 11th in Nashville, Tennessee, at The Basement and marked the beginning of a series of performances that will span the country, including stops in Houston, Los Angeles, New York City, and more.
Belles comes from a musical family. Her grandmother, Geraldine A. “Jeri” Rizzuto, was a renowned jazz singer who performed in Chicago and throughout the Midwest. She also had a stint with the well-known Paul Moorhead Orchestra.
Read the full storyVolleyball Team Risks Forfeiting a Championship to Stand for the ‘Future of Women’s Sports’
The women of the University of Nevada at Reno volleyball team plan to defy their school by refusing to compete against a team with a biological male player.
“We are risking our main goal, which is a Mountain West championship,” University of Nevada women’s volleyball team captain and outside hitter Sia Liilii told The Daily Signal. “A team is a group that bands together to reach a common goal, and that is the purpose of our spot-on the team. No one wants to lose and put that at risk, but this is bigger than wins and losses.”
“It is the future of women’s sports,” she explained.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Emmy Moyen
When independent artist Emmy Moyen contacted me, I was unfamiliar with the name, but I was intrigued when I heard her music. She had just the right balance of sweetness and sass, and I wanted to learn more.
Moyen was born in Kentucky but raised in Starkville, Mississippi. Many from her Kentucky family have a background in bluegrass music, which has always been a part of her life.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Madeline Merlo
I met Madeline Merlo at the 2024 CMT Next Women of Country event in Nashville in January. As is the norm, the women perform an acoustic set, and I specifically remember Merlo’s introspective song, “Make Up.”
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Connor Daly
Rising Americana artist, Connor Daly, released his new album, Colors Fade in July with twelve original tracks that showcase his storytelling prowess and musical versatility.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Cali Tucker
When I saw the music video for Cali Tucker’s “Country Couture,” it was evident that she was a natural-born entertainer. My assumptions were correct. Cali Tucker is LaCosta Tucker’s daughter and Tanya Tucker’s niece.
She recalls growing up backstage and touring on the bus. She explained, “At the end of the show, they’d invite us to come out on stage and wave at the crowd. That’s what really hooked me- the energy. It was the life, the happiness, the joy. It was very intoxicating at a young age.”
Read the full storyHippies and Cowboys Release New EP: Fork in the Road
With their latest EP, Fork in the Road, Hippies & Cowboys keep the sounds of the past alive with modern lyrics and emotions.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Sarah Hardwig
Sarah Hardwig is not unlike many of the females I interview. She moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University and study songwriting and music business.
And she sings at local venues when she can. Her voice is strong and clear, and she credits Patsy Cline and Carrie Underwood as singing inspirations. However, the difference is that Hardwig is blind, which has been the case for her entire life.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Paulina Jane
Paulina Jayne is one of the most joyful artists I have ever met or interviewed. While I have featured her briefly while covering CRS, I have never done a full Spotlight article on her.
I knew she was working on new music, and when I learned the song “If I Knew Me Then” was about to be released, I knew it was the perfect time to feature the singer/songwriter.
Read the full storyChase Rice Releases ‘Go Down Singin’
I featured Chase Rice in 2018 when he celebrated achieving number-one status with his blockbuster hit, “Eyes On You.” Early on, Chase Rice was a fixture in the bro-country scene with other megahits like “Ready Set Roll,” “Ride,” “Lonely If You Are,” and “Gonna Wanna Tonight,” to name a few.
But something shifted in the artist recently, who splits his time between Montana and Nashville when, in 2023, he released I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell. Even by the retro picture of his hero, his dad, Daniel (Danny) Rice, on the album cover, you knew this record would be different. For anyone anticipating the usual new country vibe, boy, were they in for a surprise. With unexpected songs like “Bench Seat” and “Key West & Colorado,” Billboard Magazine called it “one of 2023’s most unexpected artistic pivots” across all genres last year.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Kassi Ashton
I have wanted to interview country singer/songwriter Kassi Ashton for over six years. When I first heard her singing “California, Missouri” on Sirius XM in 2018, her music was so unique that it made her more memorable than most rising artists. Then, when I saw her open at the Budweiser Showcase and later open for Keith Urban, I knew Ashton was one to watch.
Ashton is from the tiny town of California, Missouri. By age five, she split her time performing and doing the pageant circuit with her mother while riding dirt bikes and shooting muzzleloaders with her father.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Andrea Vasquez
Since country music isn’t about a place or demographic but about a mindset, I try to portray a wide range of what country music is and encompasses.
Someone who has been on my radar for a few years is a petite singer/songwriter with powerhouse vocals and an unstoppable attitude that combines to make the complete package known as Andrea Vasquez. The Cali native has blended her love of modern country and Latin-American roots to create a refreshing sound within the genre, with her newest song, “Solo,” out this week.
Read the full storyDennis Quaid’s ‘Reagan’ Shatters Records with a 98 Percent Fan Score: ‘The Biggest Challenge Was Not Doing an Impersonation’
While exceeding all viewing and monetary expectations, Dennis Quaid’s Reagan continues to outperform all competitors.
When I learned that moviegoers gave the film an “A” CinemaScore and a 98 percent on Rotten Tomatoes – in sharp contrast to its critics’ score, which stood at 18 percent the last time I checked – I knew immediately that I wanted to see the movie. That 80 percent difference chasm makes it the film with the greatest gap between critics and fans in Hollywood theatrical films’ history, surpassing the record of 65 percent held by The Boondock Saints.
Dennis Quaid is known for playing iconic characters such as Doc Holliday in Wyatt Earp, Jimmy Morris in The Rookie, and Jerry Lee Lewis in Great Balls of Fire to name a few. But playing Ronald Reagan is at the top of his list and may just be the pinnacle character of his storied career.
Read the full storyCommentary: Different Look, New Coach – Same Old Titans
Some things never change.
Special-teams mistakes, familiar ill-timed turnovers and bone-head plays by Titan’s mayo wonder boy Will Levis sunk the Tennessee Titans in their NFL opener at Chicago, 24-17.
Read the full storyExclusive: Madelyn Rose Releases New EP, ‘Cowboys’
At just 17 years old, the teen country sensation has released her second EP, Cowboys, a collection of three significant songs that cements her insightful music on the country music landscape. This follows her first EP, Teenage Heartbreak which was released at age 16.
I wanted to know how one so young got into singing and songwriting at such an early age. She said, “My parents bought me this old Casio keyboard at a garage sale when I was three or four, not the nicest thing, just something to get me into a hobby.”
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Bree Jaxson
In the past, I have interviewed many veterans who got into music full-time after they left the service. But I have never featured an active-duty military member.
Meet Bree Jaxson, which is a stage name, currently deployed overseas as a Captain for Cyberspace Operations in the U.S. Air National Guard. She is also an accomplished country music singer and songwriter.
Read the full storyPennsylvania’s Gambling Habit Costs More than Just Money
Continuing its usual trend, gambling revenues in Pennsylvania keep climbing year over year.
Along with dozens of other states that have legalized more forms of betting, however, so has a financial problem for residents.
Read the full storyThomas Rhett Releases Seventh Studio Album, ‘About A Woman’
One of the conundrums that singer/songwriters face is “Do you write songs for the radio or songs that are personal and meaningful?” It is often tricky to do both simultaneously, but Thomas Rhett Akins can do it, and he is one of the best in the business. He relies on anecdotes from his personal life and family to provide heart-pumping, danceable tunes that make him a favorite on country radio.
His main muse in songwriting is naturally his beautiful wife, Lauren, along with their four precious daughters. Songs like the massive number one “Die A Happy Man,” “Star of the Show,” “Unforgettable,” and “Look What God Gave Her” are just a fraction of the hits he has written about his wife.
Read the full storyAmanda Kate Ferris’ New Album, ‘Rope the Wind,’ Is Out Now
Music Spotlight and 2X Texas radio chart-topping artist Amanda Kate Ferris has released her sophomore album, Rope the Wind, and it is available now.
Produced by Jimmy Ritchey, the 10-track project features songs by numerous acclaimed writers and artists, including GRAMMY-winners Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, and Lori McKenna, as well as ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson and others.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Walker Montgomery
Country music is part of Walker Montgomery’s DNA. Even though he is the son of John Michael Montgomery and the nephew of Montgomery Gentry’s Eddie Montgomery, he is often mistaken for Chris Young. However, the emerging star was raised away from the spotlight in Nicholasville, Kentucky, a small town outside Lexington.
He had a pretty ordinary childhood, except that his dad worked weekends instead of weekdays. When he would see his dad in concert, it was the equivalent of “Bring Your Kid to Work” day.
Read the full storyFirst Ever MLB Game Scheduled in Tennessee as Nashville Vies for Professional Team
The first ever Major League Baseball (MLB) game is set for about this time next, according to Gov. Bill Lee (R).
The governor’s office said in a release that the Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves will play a regular season game marketed as the MLB Speedway Classic at Tennessee’s Bristol Motor Speedway on August 2, 2025.
Read the full storyTennessee Collects More than $5 Million in July Sports Wagering Taxes
Tennessee received more than $5 million in taxes from sports wagering in July, an increase from less than $4 million each of the past two Julys.
Read the full storyTennessee Hosts County Celebrations Across the State
Multiple county fairs are taking place across Tennessee during the month of August, including the Tennessee State Fair, the Sevier County Fair, the Cumberland County Fair and others.
Read the full storyDeSantis Grants $8 Million for Infrastructure at Miami Soccer Complex
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis says that he is against using state money to fund the construction of sports stadiums.
DeSantis, however, announced Thursday that he and the state will grant $8 million from the Governors’ Job Growth Grant Fund toward road infrastructure around the new construction of Miami Freedom Park by the Inter Miami soccer club’s ownership.
Read the full storyRhonda Vincent Releases ‘Destinations and Fun Places’
Rhonda Vincent is one of my favorite Opry performers, whom I had the privilege to interview back in 2021. Not only is our “Queen of Bluegrass” full of energy and light, but she is exceptionally talented and can play any stringed instrument, especially her beloved mandolin, like nobody’s business. And when she is surrounded by her amazingly gifted band, The Rage, you have one of the best performances at the Opry if you are lucky enough to attend on the evening they are playing.
Right before the pandemic in February 2020, Vincent was asked to join the Opry by long-time mentor and friend Jeannie Seely. She knew that 20 years ago, Seely had written a song about her called “I Miss Missouri,” which is where Vincent and her talented family are from. The only problem was when the great Nashville flood of 2010 hit, the song and lyrics were lost because Seely’s house was on the Cumberland River.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Taylor Sanders
When I met singer/producer Terran “T-RAN” Gilbert of 22Visionz Entertainment last year, he mentioned a remarkable artist he worked with, Taylor Sanders. It took nearly a year, but I finally had the opportunity to interview this powerful artist.
Sanders has been performing most of her life. Since age five, she has been involved in singing, piano, dance, and gymnastics. She loves anything related to the performing arts.
Read the full storyT. Graham Brown Releases ‘From Memphis to Muscle Shoals’
You may remember the legendary T. Graham Brown and Opry member who has recorded 15 studio albums and charted more than 20 singles on the Billboard charts. He has had multiple No.1 hits in country, gospel, and blues. Though released well before streaming was a thing, hits such as “Wine Into Water,” “If You Could See Me Now,” and “Hell and High Water” have had millions of views and plays.
But you may not know that Brown got his start in R&B. He and his buddy would play on his college campus, where they had quite the student following.
Read the full storyAuthor Spotlight: Cleo Childs
Not too far removed from singers/songwriters are poets. Songs are just poetry set to music. Author Cleo Childs debuted her first spoken word project in May. The work entitled Moving With is a collection of 14 poems set to music. It was written throughout her personal, emotional journey as she witnessed her mother’s brave struggle through the stages of Alzheimer’s.
Childs’ mother passed in 2021 from early onset Alzheimer’s when she was just 28 and it sent her into a deep depression. She tried to “intellectually” get over it by learning everything she could about grief.
Read the full story1990s Country Legends to Headline the Ryman
Sammy Kershaw, Collin Raye, and Aaron Tippin, collectively known as Roots & Boots, are playing their first show together at the Ryman on July 31st.
The trio, the brainchild of Kershaw, started playing together more than 10 years ago when Joe Diffie initially held the spot now occupied by Raye. The show is a collaborative event to celebrate 90s country music, with all three on-stage together using one band, and trading hit songs and stories.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Jet Jurgensmeyer
Nashville native Jet Jurgensmeyer has been performing all his life. At age 19, his resume is longer than that of many who are three times his age. Jurgensmeyer has been acting since he was a small child and has recently done a lot of voice-over work. He can be seen in everything from Last Man Standing to Bubble Guppies.
When I met Jurgensmeyer at the 2024 Country Radio Seminar, I discovered that his passion for singing and songwriting may almost be greater than his affinity toward acting. Growing up in Nashville, his parents are the former owners of the Nashville Palace, a long-time popular music venue across from the Opryland Hotel and Grand Ole Opry.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Tiffany Woys
Tiffany Woys has always wanted to be a performer. Her mother was a huge Celine Dion fan, and when she was five, her mother took her to her first concert. Even though she was so young, it had a profound impact on her. She wasn’t sure exactly what was happening, but she knew she wanted to hold a microphone and sing.
A few years later, Woys heard LeAnn Rimes sing the National Anthem at a Dallas Cowboys football game, so she started singing the National Anthem whenever she could. Her parents finally started taking her desire to sing as a career more seriously. However, they insisted that she attend college and get a degree. She could become a singer later on.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Them Dirty Roses
Them Dirty Roses is a southern rock band from Gadsden, Alabama. Brothers James Ford and Frank Ford, along with their hometown friends Andrew Davis and Ben Crain, taught themselves to play music by learning how to bend a string and break a heart like Skynyrd and Hank.
In 2014, the foursome piled into a van with their belongings, instruments, and plenty of whiskey on ice and made their way to Nashville, Tennessee.
Read the full storyMusic Spotlight: Danielia Cotton
Danielia Cotton has made a name for herself in the Americana/Roots Rock world. When I heard that voice, I knew exactly why. She has opened for Gregg Allman, Bon Jovi, Robert Cray, Robert Randolph, Cristone “Kingfish” Ingram, Derek Trucks Band, and Aimee Mann.
Cotton comes from a musical family. Her mother was one of ten children, four boys and six girls. The girls formed a capella band. (Her aunt Jeannie Brooks also has a remarkable jazz solo career and is quite popular in Philadelphia.)
Read the full story