Country
Lady A Issues New Statement: “I Will Not Allow Lady Antebellum to… Look ‘Woke’ to Their Fans”
Lady A, the country band formerly known as Lady Antebellum, is suing Anita “Lady A” White, a Black blues singer who has been performing under the name for over 20 years, over the rights to her moniker. Now, Anita White has issued a new statement to Pitchfork in response to that lawsuit. In the band’s most recent statement, Lady A said the decision to file a lawsuit stemmed from White “demanding a $10 million payment.” That money, as White later clarified, would be split in half to rebrand herself and to donate to organizations supporting Black independent artists — a tradeoff so that Lady Antebellum could keep the Lady A moniker. White is now doubling down in that request, saying, “I will not allow Lady Antebellum to obliterate me and my career so they can look ‘woke’ to their fans.” ...
Darius Rucker Announces ‘Darius & Friends’ Livestream Concert to Benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Darius Rucker is heading to the Grand Ole Opry stage with Clint Black and Tracy Lawrence for a virtual edition of his 11th annual “Darius & Friends” concert. The event, which raises money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, will air as a pay-per-view live stream event available on LiveXLive.com/Darius and on LiveXLive’s app. “Even though we can’t all get together for a normal concert right now, it’s important that we continue to support St. Jude and the amazing work that they do,” said Rucker in a statement. “I hope we can bring a fun night of music to everyone watching from home while also raising money for this important cause.” Tickets to the event start at $15 with VIP options offering limited-edition and signed posters priced at $50 and...
First Country: New Music From Jimmie Allen, Tim McGraw, Brett Eldredge, Margo Price & More
First Country is a compilation of the best new country songs, videos and albums that dropped this week. Jimmie Allen, Bettie James Allen returns with a seven-song EP —its moniker taken from his father and grandmother’s first names—filled with collaborations. The tunes range from the wistful (and should be single) “Drunk & I Miss You” featuring Mickey Guyton, the inspirational “Made For These” featuring Tim McGraw, and the historic coupling of three generations of Black country hitmakers on “Why Things Happen” featuring Charley Pride and Darius Rucker. First single, “This is Us,” featuring Noah Cyrus, is a sweet love song about “you” and “me” coming together to form an “us.” The set could use a few more up-tempo tracks, but its a powerful statement from a developing voice. Tim McGraw, “...
Luke Bryan’s ‘One Margarita’ Tops Country Airplay: ‘It’s Going to Be Even More Fun at a Live Show’
The song completes the quickest trip to No. 1 this year. Luke Bryan banks his 23rd No. 1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart, as “One Margarita” rises 2-1 on the July 11-dated list. The song gained by 13% to 32.8 million audience impressions in the week ending July 5, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. The track, written by Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem and Josh Thompson, reaches No. 1 in its 15th week on Country Airplay, wrapping the fastest trip to the top this year. It completes the quickest coronation since Luke Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” also reached the summit in its 15th frame in November 2019. [embedded content] “When I first heard ‘One Margarita,’ I really thought it was the perfect summer song,” Bryan tel...
Rewinding the Country Charts: In 1980, George Jones’ Iconic ‘He Stopped Loving Her Today’ Hit No. 1
Jones’ skepticism about the song’s commercial chances was overwhelmingly proven wrong. On July 5, 1980, George Jones‘ “He Stopped Loving Her Today” rose 2-1 on Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs chart. The legend earned his eighth of 13 No. 1s with the song, which Bobby Braddock and Curly Putman co-wrote. Reportedly on the day that Jones recorded the single (Feb. 6, 1980) at Columbia Recording Studio in Nashville, he bet producer Billy Sherrill that it would not make it to No. 1. The ballad was named song of the year at the Country Music Association Awards in both 1980 and 1981. It has been preserved by the Library of Congress in the National Recording Registry since 2008. [embedded content] Jones, who was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1992,...
The 13 Best Things That Happened in Music This Week (July 3)
This week was full of star-studded events and awards shows, with the “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” concert, BET Awards and Juno Awards all taking place virtually. In other awards show news, we’ve got an update on the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards — more on that later. Take a look at some of the week’s biggest music happenings below. Stars came together for the virtual “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” concert From Jennifer Hudson’s rousing kickoff to Justin Bieber and Quavo’s stripped-down performance, the “Global Goal: Unite For Our Future” event on Saturday (June 27) was chock-full of amazing moments. Christine and the Queens, Chloe x Halle, Shakira and more also performed. In case you missed the concert, you can watch all of the must-see performance videos here! The 20...
Kanye West, Ellie Goulding, Pop Smoke and More: What’s Your Favorite New Music Release? Vote!
This week’s new music releases brought fans a variety of new tunes from some of today’s hottest rappers, rock legends, pop songstresses and country stars. Pop Smoke returned with a posthumous album featuring a star-studded track list, Rage Against the Machine‘s Tom Morello brought a politically righteous tune, and Kanye West teamed with Travis Scott for a fiery examination of injustice, and Ty Dolla $ign recruited the best and brightest for his new track. Elsewhere, Ellie Goulding delivered an emotionally intelligent track with the help of Lauv, Chris Young reflected upon the wonder of the commonplace, and Sufjan Stevens prodded at America’s problems in a 12-minute epic. So, with so much to choose from, Billboard wants to know which new music release is your favorit...
PTF: Schools to reopen only for graduating pupils
The Federal Government on Thursday insisted that schools have not reopened in the country. The Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha, stated this in Abuja during a briefing. He maintained that President Muhammadu Buhari only approved the resumption of schools for graduating pupils to take revision classes and write their examinations. Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, explained, “The Presidential Task Force similarly announced some limited measures for the educational sector. Specifically, we pointed out that it was still not safe to reopen schools. “However, in order not to truncate the progression of pupils and students not in critical classes, the President approved that arrangement be made for those who need revision b...
John Prine Posthumously Named First Honorary Poet Laureate of Illinois
John Prine has received a very special posthumous honor. The late country folk legend has been named the first honorary poet laureate of Illinois, his home state. “John Prine leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy and was beloved by family and millions of fans who hope that in Heaven he finds Paradise waitin’ just as he longed for,” comments Governor J.B. Pritzker in a statement. Prine is the first Illinoisan to receive the honorary designation, which commemorates his and celebrates his writing and musical contributions. “John had a great respect for Writers of all kinds. He regarded Poets as being among those whose work carried weight, relevance and elevated craft,” comments Fiona Whelan Prine, the celebrated singer and songwriter’s widow. “It is such an honor for me, our...
John Prine Named Illinois’ First Honorary Poet Laureat
John Prine has long been heralded as a man of wise words and even sweeter songs. Now, he will be forever remembered for such. Earlier today, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the Maywood-born singer-songwriter will be named an Honorary Poet Laureate, making him the first in Illinois’ history. “It’s my honor to name our state’s first honorary poet laureate,” tweeted Governor Pritzker. “John Prine leaves behind an unparalleled musical legacy and was beloved by family and millions of fans who hope that in Heaven he finds Paradise waitin’ just as he longed for.” Prine learned how to play guitar at the Old Town School of Music in Chicago, and following a brief stint in the military, he worked in the city as a mailman. While on his routes, he wrote songs in his head. Eventually, Prine...
Kenny Chesney Extends Record For Most Country Airplay No. 1s With ‘Here and Now’
The song is his 31st leader. Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now” ascends 2-1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart dated July 4. In the week ending June 28, the song increased by 18% to 29.8 million audience impressions, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. Chesney adds his record-extending 31st Country Airplay leader. Dating to the list’s January 1990 launch, Tim McGraw ranks second with 29 No. 1s, Blake Shelton places third with 27 and Alan Jackson and George Strait follow with 26 apiece. “I remember cutting ‘Here and Now’ and how great it felt,” Chesney tells Billboard. “But I also hoped it might remind really busy people what matters is, be in the moment. I always try to cut songs that lift people up, or say something about how...
John Legend, Black Eyed Peas & More Set for ‘Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular’
John Legend, The Black Eyed Peas, Lady A and many more are set to take the stage during NBC’s upcoming 44th annual Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular. Hosted by Jane Lynch and Today anchor Craig Melvin, the annual Independence Day event will be broadcast live from New York City. Additional performers confirmed for the telecast ahead of the yearly fireworks display include The Killers, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley and national youth poet laureate Amanda Gorman. Due to concerns over social distancing amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year’s Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will look a bit different than it has in years past. This year, the event is being “reimagined as a series of neighborhood shows” through the city’s five boroug...
