Latest Day In Country News Stories

---

Koe Wetzel caps a breakout year with another major career milestone, earning his first No. 1 single at Country radio with "High Road" featuring Jessie Murph, topping both the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/Mediabase Country charts this week while also Top 20 Hot AC and Top 25 at Top 40.

"Look at us with a No. 1! Jessie, you're a beast of a singer and writer, glad we share this one together. Amy, Carrie, Laura, Serrato and Gabe, it's an honor any time we're in a room together," shares Wetzel. "It's been an unbelievable year and to cap it off with this is just unreal. Huge shoutout to the fans for already making this one Platinum, to our promo team for working their asses off all year and to Country radio for taking a chance on a kid from East Texas." (continue)

---

Country superstar Jon Pardi has made a tradition of his spirited big band holiday run, this year hitting the stage for five festive The Christmas Show dates. Pardi delivered the perfect holiday celebration backed by a 13-piece band including twin fiddles and a horn section.

Proving "there's no party like a Jon Pardi (Christmas) party!" (People), the lively set list included a mix of holiday classics like "Please Come Home for Christmas" and "All I Want for Christmas Is You," alongside tracks from his 2023 Christmas album MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM JON PARDI, including "lighthearted" (New York Time) originals "Beer for Santa," "Merry Christmas from the Keys" and "400 Horsepower Sleigh" as well as his fan-favorite chart-topping hits. (continue)

---

GRAMMY-nominated R&B superstar Summer Walker (LVRN/Interscope Records) unveils the official music video for her latest hit song, "Heart Of A Woman." Co-starring multi-platinum rap star NLE Choppa, the video brings to life a dramatic time-loop narrative, where Summer finds herself reliving the same day three times after her partner's infidelity.

Drawing inspiration from her celebrated trilogy, the video connects the eras of Over It, Still Over It, and the highly anticipated Finally Over It, with each loop. The intense final sequence showcases Summer walking away from the toxic cycle-and from NLE Choppa-leaving both the relationship and its turmoil engulfed in flames. (continue)

---

Hosting his annual Dustin Lynch And Friends Benefit Concert at his former high school, Tullahoma High School, for the ninth year on Tuesday night (12/17), Tullahoma, TN-native Dustin Lynch raised over $32K for two local organizations supporting education: Imagination Library of Coffee County, Tennessee (an affiliate of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library) and the Tullahoma Education Foundation for Excellence. Likewise, toys were collected for Toys for Tots for the area.

Marking a career milestone this year by achieving his 10th #1 with current single "Chevrolet (feat. Jelly Roll)," the MULTI-PLATINUM star brought a setlist full of smashes to the SOLD-OUT crowd. Playing chart-toppers inspired by his hometown like 3X PLATINUM "Small Town Boy," he was joined by fellow songwriters from his statement-making sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville): Andy Albert, Blake Pendergrass, and Jameson Rodgers, who added their own hits to the round. Lynch's special guests also included Madeline Merlo, as they teamed up to showcase several of his biggest duets, as well as their "Broken Heart Thing" collaboration. (continue)

---

Logan Mac writes with authenticity, diving deep into life's toughest topics. Today, he's excited to share his latest song, "Stay At Home Mom." "Stay At Home Mom" was produced and mixed by 4 time GRAMMY winner Sean Sullivan and features Tammy Rogers of The SteelDrivers on harmony and fiddle.

'Stay At Home Mom' celebrates the often overlooked role of a stay at home moms, acknowledging the sacrifices, love, and dedication they invest in their family. (continue)

---

Country and Americana Singer-Songwriter Jimmy Stanley releases his new single "Like I Stole It" today on all streaming and download sites. Jimmy Stanley captivates listeners by reviving a country fan favorite, "Like I Stole It." Jimmy is an accomplished performer in the country and Americana/Alt country genres.

His deep voice and guitar skills are a pleasure to all listeners. Jimmy's genuine songwriting is a direct result of his profound ties to the country music genre. Love, heartbreak, and the difficulties of daily life are topics that frequently appear in his lyrics. This can totally be seen in his latest single, as he shares his wishes to steal away the woman of his dreams that is being mistreated in her current relationship. "Like I Stole It" is embedded with catchy guitar licks and engaging melodies that do not disappoint, and are sure to make all listeners want to two-step and dance along. (continue)

---

Everett Wren does not make small music. His songs have a sweeping grandness, like a big sky, even when they're about, or inspired by, small moments. On his latest album, Cascades, releasing Jan. 17, 2025, the Austin-based songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist taps a deep well of American musical idioms and influences, from Western music and bluegrass to Broadway and traditional folk balladry, to craft songs of startling complexity and precision. He'll perform them at an album release show on Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. at Radio Coffee & Beer (South), 4204 Menchaca Road, Austin. Admission is free.

The self-produced album follows 2022's Porchlight, Wren's solo debut after making a name for himself (as Chris Everett Peterson) in Chalkboard Poets and Lost & Nameless. On Cascades, Wren, who won an Arkansas state fiddling championship as a teen and played first violin in the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra, accompanies his tenor vocals on fiddle, mandolin, percussion and acoustic, electric, resophonic slide and lap steel guitars. He also sings harmony vocals, and on "Angie & Tim Reel" and "Ungrounded," throws in a little clogging - while evoking memories of composer Aaron Copland's timeless "Hoedown." (continue)

---

Country music icon Travis Tritt is set to hit the road in 2025, bringing his electrifying performances to cities across the United States. At the time of the announcement, the tour kicks off April 5 at Harrah's Cherokee Event Center in Cherokee, NC, and includes stops in major markets like Pompano Beach, FL; Bristol, VA; Sioux Falls, SD; and Lake Charles, LA, before concluding at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino on October 10.

Fans can expect to hear their favorite Tritt's classic hits, including favorites like "Help Me Hold On," "Anymore," "Best of Intentions," and his signature anthem, "It's a Great Day to Be Alive." (continue)

---

Steve Martin and the Board of The Steve Martin Banjo Prize have announced two winners for this year's prize. Building on the Board's mission to recognize excellence across the spectrum of banjo styles, this year's recipients represent excellence in both clawhammer and 5-string bluegrass banjo styles.

Steve Martin will introduce viewers to the winners on December 17th at 5.30PM EDT on the Deering Banjo Company's livestream show Deering Live broadcasting on their YouTube channel. Martin comments: "The acknowledgement of these unique and talented musicians continues to thrill me." (continue)

---

Singer-Songwriter Chris Garner drops his new EP "Songs For The Trees" today on all streaming and download sites. "The music world is one big forest and only the trees here it, but you still have to release the music." - Chris Garner on his EP Release.

Chris Garner's new single "Bass Pro Hat" is a classic country heartwrencher about the loss of someone near and dear. The vulnerability in his songwriting is truly highlighted on this track, as the lyrics are raw and powerful. In the chorus, he states "One day I'll reach them streets of gold and that's a fact / Maybe one day I'll be the one that's wearing / Your old bass pro hat." (continue)

---

Chase Rice will perform two exclusive acoustic shows this coming February at the Neon Steeple, the intimate venue inside Chief's on Broadway. The special evenings will spotlight Rice's two most recent critically acclaimed and deeply personal albums while also featuring fan-favorite hits and unreleased new music. Tickets to both dates go on sale this Friday, Dec. 20 at 12 p.m. CT via Chase Rice.com.

February 13: A Night of I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell: Rice will delve into the storytelling and raw emotion of his record hailed for its authenticity and connection to his roots, with Forbes heralding the project as "a full-circle, career defining journey for Rice, as both a singer and a songwriter," and Billboard celebrating it as "one of 2023's most unexpected artistic pivots" on their all-genre best albums list. Featuring hits like "Bench Seat" and "Oklahoma" this album captured Rice's journey of loss, self-discovery and reconciliation with his past. (continue)

---

Corey Kent today announces the release of his upcoming live album, '24 Live, dropping Dec. 27. Captured from the combination of Kent's two shows at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK this year, the album will immerse listeners into the high-energy experience of Kent's live show. The release of this album continues Kent's tradition of dropping new music at the end of the year in celebration of his fans, last year releasing an acoustic album titled '23.

Giving fans an early listen of '24 Live, Kent dropped a new track from the album today, a live, rocking rendition of "Come Together". Additionally, Kent released a live performance video to accompany the song. (continue)

---

Since Kenny Chesney broke the million tickets in a single year touring cycle in 2002, the 8-time Entertainer of the Year has placed a premium on people. His love of No Shoes Nation is boundless, but his commitment to his touring organization is truly worthy of the "road family" name he gave them.

With the Country Music Association announcing their coveted Touring Awards nominations, Chesney's road family brings home a staggering 17 nominations, from Crew of the Year through Unsung Hero; a testament to the team-building, hard work and unbridled joy of inhabiting the war cry: "Who lives like we do? WE DO!" (continue)

---

Country music superstar, Parker McCollum, has just announced additional dates for his upcoming What Kinda Man Tour - which is kicking off in January of 2025.

The 16 newly announced shows will carry the tour throughout the summer and across the country as McCollum plays some of the best outdoor venues and Country music festivals set for 2025. (continue)

---

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Maggie Rose has joined forces with pop-punk influenced Charlotte Sands for a new, stripped back version of "Under the Sun". "Under The Sun" first appeared on Maggie Rose's widely lauded album No One Gets Out Alive, which has earned a GRAMMY nomination for Best Americana Album.

"Under the Sun" was co-written by Maggie and Charlotte along with Jon Santana. This new collaborative reimagining was produced by Davis Naish, whose credits include Matt Hansen, Thomas Day and more. With its breezy instrumentation, and laid-back, top-down sound, the song simultaneously possesses a more melancholy theme at its core. Maggie explains, "The lyrics are about the futility of trying to resuscitate a relationship- when you're dealing with someone who has resigned to the idea that they've exhausted every effort to make things better." (continue)

---

Rising country music star Eli Locke finally delivers fans his long anticipated EP Country 101. The EP is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Eli Locke brings his artistry to the forefront with his highly anticipated EP Country 101, which masterfully blends classic honky-tonk sounds with a fresh, modern twist.

The title track, "Country 101" delivers everything fans love about traditional country music while adding Locke's unique touch, showcasing his natural ability to tell timeless stories in an instantly relatable way. His musical influences, from classic country to contemporary hits, are woven seamlessly throughout the EP, setting him apart as one of the genre's next breakout stars. (continue)

---

Midland has announced the continuation of their successful Get Lucky Tour with additional dates in 2025. With stops in Tampa, Tucson and at Stagecoach Festival, the tour will include special guests Flatland Cavalry and Pug Johnson; tickets go on sale today. Find a full list of dates below and at midlandofficial.com.

This announcement follows this year's critically-acclaimed album Barely Blue - and its deluxe edition featuring Kaitlin Butts and Paul Cauthen - which was named one of the Best Country Albums of the Year by All Country News and Rolling Stone who called it "their most mature record to date." The band was also featured as one of Country Central's Duo/Groups of the Year. (continue)

---

Jelly Roll has now garnered a Platinum certification from the RIAA for his 2024 smash single "I Am Not Okay"-as announced today. The song graces his blockbuster Billboard 200 #1 critically acclaimed sophomore country album, Beautifully Broken.

Jelly Roll co-wrote "I Am Not Okay" with Taylor Phillips, Ashley Gorley, and Casey Brown with Zach Crowell serving as producer. The single is currently nominated for two GRAMMY Awards at the upcoming 67th annual GRAMMY Awards taking place on February 2, 2025. (continue)

---

Oscar and Grammy-winning singer-songwriter and Yellowstone star Ryan Bingham is set to release his much-anticipated new single, "A Song For The Stone," at Midnight on Friday, December 13th.

The haunting original song marks the first track Bingham has written specifically for and inspired by the acclaimed television series Yellowstone, where he has played the role of "Walker" the past five seasons. Released via The Bingham Recording Co. and distributed by Thirty Tigers. Its release comes just ahead of the Yellowstone season finale, airing Sunday, December 15, at 8/7c on Paramount Network. (continue)

---

Rounding out a banner year, Post Malone has garnered a bevy of new certifications from the RIAA. His blockbuster debut country album, F-1 Trillion, just scored a Platinum certification, while the standout "Pour Me A Drink" [feat. Blake Shelton] also went Platinum. The chart-busting smash "I Had Some Help"[feat. Morgan Wallen] notably earned a 5x-Platinum certification.

Earlier this year, F-1 Trillion bowed at #1 on the Billboard 200 as Post's third #1 debut on the respective chart. It received GRAMMY Award nominations in the categories of "Best Country Album" and "Best Recording Package." (continue)

---

Country news headlines from the best indy and commercial music sites