Country At The 57th Annual Grammy Awards

The 2015 Grammy's hit a sour note within only minutes of it's telecast Sunday evening February 8th leaving a less than desirable taste for fans and industry insiders alike, whether it was from sound technical difficulties or the less than stellar performances within the first hour, it was a snooze fest that is until the first country performance of the evening got it's start. Miranda Lambert brought her new single "Little Red Wagon"  to the Grammy stage with pyro, flashing lights and a techno sound that had the rocker chick bring her A game. A bit overshadowed at times though. Was it the sound of technical difficulties to blame?  Regardless Lambert's country rock physique, charm and vocals dazzled.  Eric Church brought us a country revival performance of "Give Me Back My Hometown". The video footage behind gave a clear indication as a nation we must stand true, put aside the rioting and damage to rebuild the nation. The performance was clearly served proud. The night's most memorable performance. It was the duet of Brandy Clark and Dwight Yoakam  performing "Hold My Hand" that sent shock waves through the country and media alike, Clark and Yoakam's  harmonizing fluidity served us what country is traditionally. A standing ovation pleaser  Clark and Yoakam was relevantly unforgettable.  Though the Grammy's had it's hits and misses of the night on the pop and R&B side country music had a way to shine. Lambert took home a Grammy for Best Country Album, the only country award given out during the telecast. Pre-show winners are:

Best Country Duo/Group Performance  - Gentle On My Mind, The Band Perry

Best Country Solo Performance -  Something In The Water , Carrie Underwood

Best Country Song  - "I'm Not Gonna Miss You" Glenn Campbell and Julian Raymond, songwriters - Track from: Glenn Campbell I'll Be Me

Best Folk Album  - Old Crow Medicine Show



For the full list of winners visit the Grammy's official website here
Grammy.com | The Official Website Of Music's Biggest Night

New Single Downloads Out Now

Long summer days are here again, when the weather is just heating up country music is sizzling. Grab these brand new singles on iTunes and Amazon and don't forget to request on country radio. Get your favorites heard.

Capitol Records
Nashville

Day Drinking Little Big Town | iTunes


Day Drinking Little Big Town | MP3 Download

EMI Records Nashville

Cold One Eric Church | MP3 Download

Cold One Eric Church | iTunes

Big Machine Label Group

Payback Rascal Flatts | MP3 Download

Payback Rascal Flatts | iTunes

Stoney Creek Records

I Can't Outrun You Thompson Square | Amazon MP3 Download

I Can't Outrun You Thompson Square | iTunes

Flying Island
Entertainment 

Small Town Soul Gwen Sebastian | iTunes

Small Town Soul Gwen Sebastian | MP3 Download

New Country Singles To Impact Country Radio

Country music is buzzing through out the month of June and summer is just around the corner. You the fans have the power to hear these new singles in country radio. Who do you want to hear?
The following singles are listed.


Eric Church "Cold One" Today! 6/2/14

Little Big Town "Day Drinking" 6/3/14

JT Hodges  "Already High" 6/14/14

Rascal Flatts  "Payback"  6/16/14

Gwen Sebastian  "Small Town Soul" 6/17/14

Kenny Chesney  "American Kids"  6/20/14

Keith Urban  "Somewhere In My Car"  6/23/14

Lee Ann Womack  "The Way I'm Livin"  6/23/14

Thompson Square  "I Can't Outrun You"  6/23/14

Craig Morgan  "We'll Come Back Around"  6/30/14






You the fans make it happen, request these new singles coming to country radio. Stay tune to Country Music City Promotions for iTunes and Amazon downloads.

The Stories Behind The Songs And Songwriting

What is it that draws us so close to country music? Is it the stories or story of a song, the artist, the entertainer? Without a doubt it's the story behind the song and the artist who performs them. There are so many these days. One of the fellow artists featured is Kip Moore who recently released the story behind his new single "Dirt Road" who's currently finishing production on his sophomore album due out later this year. Dirt Road is his follow up to "Young Love" both on the album, the albums title yet to be announced.

Listen to the story behind "Dirt Road"

All Rights Reserved to: UMG

Eric Paslay is most known for writing Jake Owen's "Barefoot Blue Jean Night", Eli Young Band's "Even If It Doesn't Break Your Heart" to songs for Lady Antebellum and Joe Nichols and many others. Paslay who's 2014 one's to watch released his debut album earlier this year has a number hit with "Friday Night" and has since released his newest single "Song About A Girl".

Hear all about the story behind the song "Song About A Girl" written by Jessi Alexander and Gordie Sampson.

All Rights Reserved to EMI Records Nashville

Songwriting fuels the fire for songwriters, it as clear as day Eric Church only made it to Nashville to hone is songwriting skills and just to write as several artists who's careers have begun at the form of songwriting. With the release of five albums in his career Eric Church is where he is at in life. The Story of Nashville sat down with Church last year and explains where songwriting is at in his life. Hear the story here

All Rights Reserved: The Story of Nashville

Dusty Armadillo Winter Concert Series 2014

Country music's hottest little night club the Dusty Armadillo is well on set for another year of concerts and it will be a jammed packed year of returning artists as well as rising artists coming out of Nashville and beyond.
What can you expect? A whole lot of country music concerts, rising star showcases and more. Get the full line up and stay tune to the Dusty Armadillo and Country Music City Promotions for the latest.

All concerts are Saturday's at 10:00 pm EDT unless otherwise stated.
Doors open at 7:00 pm
Must be 18 or older.
Purchase tickets at the Dusty Armadillo here
Dusty Armadillo - The Place Country Comes To - Country Line Dancing OHIO - Live Bands - Country Concerts

2014 Winter Concert Series

A new year and country artists are lining up for the 2014 winter concert series at the Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown,Ohio.
Find out who's coming and don't forget to get your tickets for a show.

1-11-14  Eric Paslay w/ Bush Hawg  tickets $12.00 (tickets go on sale 11-30-13 at 10 am EST)

1-18-13  Josh Thompson  tickets $18.00  (tickets go on sale 12-7-13 at 10 am EST)

2-1-14  Chris Janson  tickets $10.00  (tickets go on sale 12-14-13 at 10 am EST)

2-7-14  Chase Rice  tickets $15.00  (tickets go on sale 12-21-13 at 10 am EST)

2-13-14  Eric Church  Listen and Win at 94.9FM Akron's Country for tickets

2-22-14  Neal McCoy  tickets $20.00  ( tickets on sale now!)

2-27-17  Thomas Rhett with Jon Pardi  SOLD OUT!

3-1-14  Charlie Worsham  tickets $10.00 (tickets go on sale 1-18-14 at 10 am EST)

3-8-14  Frankie Ballard  tickets $10.00  (tickets go on sale 1-25-14 at 10 am EST)

3-14-14  Will Hoge  tickets $10.00  (tickets go on sale 2-1-14 at 10 am EST)

3-29-14  Parmalee  tickets $17.00  ( tickets go on sale 3-1-14 at 10 am EST)

New Country Music In 2013

Jana Kramer and Jerrod Niemann have their sights set on videos for their current singles "Whiskey" and "Only God Could Love You More" already in the new year, the official "Whiskey" premiere is here from  +Rolling Stone
Jana Kramer Whiskey PREMIERE  while Jerrod's "Only God Could Love You More" lyrics video will tide you over until it's official premiere seen here 
Jerrod Niemann Only God Could Love You More (LYRICS VIDEO)

In other music news Eric Church releases his new single to radio this month from his critically acclaimed Cheif album "Like Jesus Does" January 22,2013 while Miranda Lambert's new single "Mama's Broken Heart" went to country radio today January 14,2013. Blake Shelton's new single to country radio is the  #1 most added  to country radio 
"Sure Be Cool If You Did", I say Blake is set on speed control into the new year. 

Country's Casey James, Maggie Rose and Sarah Darling continue to soar with their singles "Crying On A Suitcase", "I Ain't Your Mama" and "Home To Me", these gains in country aircheck are astounding! 

Randy Houser's "How Country Feels" has taken leaps and bounds, I must say this is how country feels!! Country music fans will have much more to look forward to when Houser's new album hits store's January 22,2013.

Dustin Lynch gives us his new single "She Cranks My Tractor", here's to some good ole country in this modern world of country music.

To keep these artists on country radio, request today!!

NIXA Country Official Website

CMT Radio Live with Cody Alan

WQMX Your Station Your Country 94.9FM

99.5 WGAR - 99-5 WGAR Cleveland's Country 855-222-0995





  

2012 Year End Review

As we look back in country music of 2012 it was still dominating most radio stations, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert reigned the charts, Dierks Bentley and Kellie Pickler gave us the most traditional country albums, rising artists Kip Moore and Casey James proved their hard work pays off and Little Big Town experiences the biggest highlight of their careers, paying your dues in this industry is years in the making.

During the first half of the year Kellie Pickler released her most highly anticipated album 100 Proof and what was receieved was the most refreshing sound in country music. The traditional classic honky tonk feel good vibe made leaps and bounds from the ever catchy "Unlock That Honky Tonk" to "Where's Tammy Wynette", the title track "100 Proof" gave us the real Kellie Pickler at her finest. The small town country girl from Albemarle, North Carolina has music row talking and country music noticed, Country Weekly's  senior editor Tammy Ragusa tells us " We haven't heard the last from her, this girl is going places", she tells fans live on +Country Music Chat ~ #CMchat+ Year End Review.  Kellie Pickler knows her directions and will prove longevity in her career. 100 Proof is the must have album of 2012.

Dierks Bentley tapped into what was the most promising of his career after releasing an album that could have well been put on the back burner, needless to say Bentley went ahead and delivered. "Home" went on to shine and win all on it's own, the title track "Home" reminded folks what America is all about. Dierks went on to release 4 hit singles "Am I The Only One", "5-1-5-0", "Tip It On Back" and "Home". Bentley's bluegrass, country soul and twang is truly infectious.  The Grammy nominated Bentley released a 5 song EP Country and Cold Cans and introduced his fan base to new country from Brantley Gilbert to Thomas Rhett. In 2013 Dierks will co headline with Miranda Lambert on a 33 date Locked and Reloaded tour. There is simply no place like home for Dierks Bentley.

New comers Kip Moore and Casey James may have started their country music paths quite differently however their country sound has the ladies jumping for joy.  What many may not know Kip Moore is more than an artist and performer, he in fact is a songwriter among things who has written with other artists of the field from fellow friend of Thompson Square Keifer Thompson to songwriter,producer Brett James, I say Kip Moore keeps the music flowing. Moore debuted his first solo effort as a singer songwriter with "Up All Night" that has spawned the mega hit "Somethin' Bout A Truck" and rising hit "Beer Money". I say give us more of Kip Moore.



Many American Idol followers will remember Casey James from the hit FOX reality TV program who came in third place in season 9, James went on to release his self titled debut Casey James that gave us the hits "Let's Don't Call It A Night" and "Crying On A Suitcase". James is a triple threat, musician, songwriter, entertainer and humanitarian. Casey and the Casey James band have become the most welcoming group to participate for such great causes who have raised more than $15,000 for +St. Jude Children's Research Hospital this past November for No Shave November. James continues to reach out to special causes including St. Jude, Wounded Warrior Project and others. There is no limit to what Casey James can do. Skies the limit for the mutli-talented .

Kip Moore's "Up All Night" and Casey James self titled albums are must have albums of 2012.  Country radio keeps Moore and James fans well pleased in rotation. 

 Out of the pearly gates of Hollywood and into country music Jana Kramer beat the odds of Hollywood meets country who gave people something to talk about earlier this year, Jana went on to debut her first album, her first single "Why Ya' Wanna" became a fast fan favorite and country radio took notice of it,Why Ya' Wanna went on to become gold certified. The One Tree Hill star balances film and TV with her growing music career. Kramer's second single "Whiskey" truly showcases a down to earth country girl at heart who knows a thing or two when it comes to delivering a performance. You can't take the country out of Hollywood, or is it Hollywood out of the country. Kramer is a delight and loves her fans more than anything, I say Jana fans will want more Kramer in 2013.





2012 has been the year for artists Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town and Eric Church to name a few. Miranda's Four The Record album has won Lambert numerous awards for "Over You" written by Miranda and husband Blake Shelton, that song means the world to Miranda and Blake, to win awards for sharing such a personal story with the world has been a little bittersweet for the reigning CMA female vocalist and ACA winner. Blake Shelton himself has had a year full of highs that would include winning the coveted CMA Entertainer of The Year award among releasing his most personal album to date Red River Blue that has landed Blake a Grammy nomination for his single "Over". Miranda herself landed a grammy nomination for best country album for, Four The Record, it's been an unbeatable year for Blake and Miranda. 
Throughout the summer of 2012 Little Big Town took the biggest splash in their career's chart topping the year with their multi platinum hit "Pontoon" from their 5th studio album Tornado, Jimi, Karen, Kimberly and Phillip have blown through country radio and country music fans and industry peers jumped on board to help celebrate with the group on this huge milestone. Little Big Town went on to win 3 coveted CMA awards for Pontoon, ACA Awards and landed them a grammy nomination. Tornado has swept Little Big Town in new territory and it's well deserving for the group. 
Eric Church might beat to a different drummer and well what has come of it, his most critically acclaimed album Chief that has brought us the hit singles "Springsteen", Creepin", "Homeboy" and "Drink In My Hand". Church who toured most of the year is feeling the accolades pile up who won the ACA with writers Jeff Hyde and Ryan Tyndell for Springsteen, the CMA for Album of The Year for Chief and recently grammy nominated for Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Song for Springsteen. I say Church has a good gripe on things.
Who else has had a big year in country music, Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean, these Georgia men have a lot going for themselves. Bryan dominated country radio as did Aldean for that matter and the awards, those accolades are so sweet for Luke Bryan who took home the most ACA's, I say Luke Bryan keep on beaming with that 100 watt smile. Jason Aldean who toured feverishly throughout the year released a record breaking milestone in his career with the new album Night Train that not only dominated in record sales, also in digital sales. For Luke Bryan and Jason Aldean they'll keep on truckin'. 
Country legend, yes, icon, yes, George Strait the man who's inspired many of today's artists has undoubtedly been in the limelight in 2012, who I have to point out has been named more times in Country Weekly than I can count. Obviously, Strait keeps on the straight and narrow touring the country who continues to bring his southern twang to adoring fans. The biggest story of the year was in fact Mr. Strait announcing he will hang up his cowboy boots in late 2013, the final tour might not send George off into the sunset, he's leaving memories behind for those who have followed his career. 

As I leave you with this in 2012, country music still rings on and not far into the distance. We will hear much more diversity in 2013. 

New In Country Music

Country music keeps on growing with these new releases, Eric Church brings fans his new video for the new single " Creepin' " while Lauren Alaina brings the latest lyrics video for "Eighteen Inches". From an out law rebel to a young woman finding her way, Church and Alaina will have fans listening. View "Eighteen Inches" lyrics video here  YouTube - Lauren Alaina Official "Eighteen Inches" Lyrics Video see Creepin' on CMT here CMT - Eric Church "Creepin"  In other music news Big and Rich have made their return as a duo with a new album Hillbilly Jedi in stores now, their first single release "That's Why I Pray" has made an impact on country music fans and in country music, those lyrics ring true to everyone these days. Want more on Big and Rich visit the official web site here  Big and Rich
You'll be inspired to make a difference after watching the video for "That's Why I Pray", seen here on CMT  CMT - Big and Rich "That's Why I Pray"  Dierks Bentley releases new single and video "Tip It On Back" from his critically acclaimed Home album. Country music is a whole lot sweeter with Dierks. Watch "Tip It On Back" on cmt.com CMT - Dierks Bentley "Tip It On Back"

Stay tune to Country Music City Promotions for the latest updates in country music and more.

Eric Church The Blood,Sweat & Beers Tour

Tour Dates

January 19,2012 Fort Smith Convention Center  Fort Smith, AR

January 21,2012 Landers Center (formerly DeSoto Civic Center)  South Haven, MS

January 26,2012 Coliseum at Alliant Energy Center  Madison, WI

January 27,2012 Dow Event Center  Saginaw, MI

January 28,2012 Hulman Center Terre Haute, IN

February   3,2012  Thompson Boling Arena  Knoxville, TN

February 16,2012  BI-LO Center  Greenville, SC

February 18,2012  Greensboro Coliseum Complex  Greensboro, NC

February 23,2012  Kellogg Arena  Battle Creek, MI

February 25,2012  Allen County War Memorial Coliseum  Fort Wayne, IN

March 1,2012  Cumberland County Civic Center  Portland, ME

March 8,2012 Chesapeake Energy Arena  Oklahoma City, OK

March 10,2012 Amphitheater at The Warf  Orange Beach, AL

March 15,2012 Broome County Arena  Binghamton, NY

March 16,2012 Sovereign Center Reading, PA

March 17,2012 Trump Taj Mahal - Mark G. Etess Arena  Atlantic City, NJ

March 22,2012  Germain Arena  Estero, FL

March 23,2012 UCF Arena  Orlando, FL

March 24,2012 Tallahassee Leon County Civic Center  Tallahassee, FL

April 12,2012  Bancorp South Arena Tupelo, MS

April 13,2012  CenturyLink Center Bossier City, LA

April 19,2012  Ford Center  Evansville, IN

April 20,2012  Chaifetz Arena St. Louis, MO

April 21,2012  Eastern Kentucky Expo Center Pikeville,KY

April 26,2012  Nationwide Arena Columbus, OH

April 27,2012  Rupp Arena  Lexington, KY

April 28,2012  US Cellular Coliseum  Bloomington, IL

April 29,2012  US Cellular Coliseum  Bloomington, IL

May 5,2012    Bridgestone Arena Nashville,TN

May 10,2012  Huntington Center Toledo, OH

May 11,2012  Sears Centre Arena Hoffman Estates, IL

May 17,2012  Target Center Minneapolis, MN

May 18,2012  Kansas Expocentre  Topeka, KS

May 19,2012  Red Rocks Amphitheatre Morrison, CO


Eric Church fans don't forget to get your tickets,there going fast. Visit Ticketmaster to purchase your tickets Ticketmaster
Changes and updates have made the list.