Jimmie Allen Teams Up With Abby Anderson For Outstanding Cover of “Shallow”

On the heels of the release of his second single “Make Me Want To,” now in its fourth week at Country radio, and a first-time nomination this week for New Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards, country music breakout Jimmie Allen and fellow country newcomer Abby Anderson have released their own cover of the hit song “Shallow.” The GRAMMY and Golden Globe winning smash performed by Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper in the critically acclaimed and Oscar nominated film “A Star is Born” was up for “Best Original Song” at the 91stAcademy Awards.

The accompanying video shows a split screen of Allen and Anderson going about their daily lives before uniting in the studio to deliver the passionately soulful chorus together in perfect harmony. Watch the video here.

“‘A Star is Born’ was one of my favorites from last year, and the performance of this song in the film really moved me as an artist,” shares Allen. “I had chills! Getting to cover ‘Shallow’ with my good friend Abby was such a cool experience. She’s an incredible vocalist, and I’m excited for fans to hear our take on the song.”

“I think I speak for everyone when I say that I bawled like a baby during ‘A Star Is Born.’ The song ‘Shallow’ immediately stood out to me,” says Anderson. “When Jimmie called and asked if I would sing on this song with him, I was honored. I mean I’m no Lady Gaga, but working on this with Jimmie, who pours his whole heart into a song vocally, was an absolute joy.”

Fans can stream Allen and Anderson’s version of “Shallow” here. For more information and tour dates, visit jimmieallenmusic.com and AbbyAndersonmusic.com.

Dierks Bentley Is “Living” For His Next Single

Just weeks after earning his 18th career No. One, multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Dierks Bentley continues to reveal ambitious, complex sounds with lyrics reflective of his own personal journey over the last 18 months through the writing and the recording of his latest No. One album THE MOUNTAIN. With the release of “Living” to radio, the “poignant” (Rolling Stone) track “offers up the album’s most easily likable vocal melody and some electric guitar crunch” (Paste) right on the heels of two back-to-back No. One hits from the record with “Woman, Amen” and “Burning Man.”
 
“The idea for this song started from being on the road and realizing how little ‘living’ we were actually doing out there,” said Bentley. “Whole days would go by where you never leave the bus and all you would see is the back parking lot of the arena. Going to Walgreens was a big deal! That is when the idea was born that there is a true difference between being alive and actually ‘living.’ This song is certainly about big moments in life and adventure…but it’s more about finding the beauty and that feeling in everyday moments.

“My goal for 2019 is to get outdoors and seek adventure whenever possible while also being fully present and living in even the ordinary moments…whether it be my son’s hockey practice and my girls’ theater performances or sitting around the table having dinner in catering with my band and crew.”
 
His introspective single “Living” not only serves as a standout on THE MOUNTAIN, but has also been dubbed as “a highlight of the show” (Country Aircheck) during his 2019 BURNING MAN TOUR, which will be on full display at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this Friday (2/22). Critics alike agree as the track “provides lyrical content with depth beyond what’s normally on the charts” (Wide Open Country).
 
Bentley will make notable stops throughout the country on his 2019 BURNING MAN TOUR with special guests Jon Pardi, Tenille Townes and the Hot Country Knights. For more information visit www.dierks.com.

CMR Exclusive Interview with John King

Artist on the rise, John King, kicks 2019 off with the release of his latest single, “Try Saying Goodbye.” The new track has nearly half a million on-demand streams and continues to grow. The excitement surrounding the new song has King pumped up for an exciting year ahead.

We caught up with King to chat about his new single and so much more. Check out our exclusive interview with John King here or watch below.

Keep up with John King by visiting his Official Website, and following him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Lucas Hoge Partners Again With Southwest Airlines Throughout 2019

Billboard-charting artist Lucas Hoge and Southwest Airlines® have renewed their partnership for 2019 following Hoge’s successful year as a #SouthwestStoryteller. Hoge will continue to partner with the airline on opportunities throughout the year, sharing his journey on the airline with Heart along the way.

Hoge’s single “Boom Boom” from his No. 1 album Dirty South is featured on the airline’s 737 MAX 8 aircrafts’ playlist, which the airline implemented to enhance their customers’ onboard experience. Hoge will also be joining the airline during SXSW for a special performance on March 10. 

“I am humbled and honored to continue this partnership, not only is Southwest my favorite airline, but the people behind the brand are truly amazing,” said Hoge. “I’m blessed that they support my music and I am excited to share my travels in 2019, the sky’s the limit!” 

Over the past year, Hoge was part of a curated group of twelve #SouthwestStorytellers who promoted the airline’s brand on their social channels. As part of his partnership with Southwest in 2018, Lucas participated in the airline’s signature Live at 35® program, which brings artists onboard for surprise live inflight performances. Now the Nebraska native is assisting Southwest in their search for the next great storyteller. The contest, which ends February 24, aims to reward and empower influencers with travel on Southwest for a year to help them build their brands and continue creating incredible content. To find out more and enter the Next Southwest Storyteller Contest visit: http://www.swa.is/BeAStoryteller 

For more information and the latest news on Lucas Hoge, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and go to LucasHoge.com

LUCAS HOGE ON TOUR:
Mar. 09 SCI – Charlotte, N.C.
Mar. 10 SXSW – Austin, Texas 
May 20-30  Wrangler National Patriot Tour
June 15 Cornstock Windmill Festival – Cornstock, Neb.
Aug. 16 Belleville Community Festival – Belleville, Kan.
Nov. 07-10 Villa Premiere  Boutique Hotel & Romantic Getaway – Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Nov. 12-16 Country Cruising

Chase Rice Teams Up With Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire To Support The National Volunteer Fire Council

To celebrate and support the nearly 70 percent of firefighters who volunteer their service, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire has announced a partnership with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC). A donation of $75,000 will be made by Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire to the NVFC to help support volunteer firefighters nationwide. 

The NVFC is a nonprofit membership association representing the interests of volunteer fire, EMS and rescue services. The organization serves as an advocate for the volunteer on the national level and provides needed programs and resources to first responders addressing critical needs such as safety, health, recruitment, retention, training, funding and more.  

“There are over 800,000 firefighters across the country who volunteer to serve and protect their communities, and we work to make sure these heroes have the tools and resources they need to thrive,” said NVFC Chair Kevin D. Quinn. “Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire shares our passion for and dedication to the fire service, and we are excited to partner with them to give back to our boots-on-the ground.” 

The Jack Daniel Distillery is one of the only distilleries which has its own fire brigade, staffed by 34 distillery workers who volunteer their time to protect the distillery and the Tennessee Whiskey they work so hard to create. 

“I know first-hand the amount of courage and skill required to serve as a firefighter. I also know that those who volunteer to protect their communities need a great deal of support to do so safely and effectively,” said Fred Elliott, Fire and Security Specialist at the Jack Daniel Distillery. “As a member of the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade for more than 14 years, I’m proud to be a part of this important community while also working for a company that champions it. Firefighters are an integral part of the Jack Daniel’s story, from those who help us make our whiskey to those who work to protect it, and we are honored to be able to give back through this partnership with the NVFC.” 

In addition to the fundraising efforts, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire will also launch a contest for 50 firefighters to win a trip to the Jack Daniel Distillery to attend a concert featuring country artist Chase Rice. The intimate weekend will include a Jack Daniel’s Distillery Tour, a behind-the-scenes look at the Jack Daniel’s Fire Brigade and the private concert. Additionally, one lucky consumer and a guest will have the chance to meet these heroes and join them in their celebratory weekend through a separate sweepstakes which opens March 18. 

“I have the utmost respect for our first responders and all they sacrifice for our safety,” shared Chase Rice. “There’s a camaraderie and a sense of pride in the fire brigade that reminds me of our road family, and as a long-time fan of both Jack Daniel’s and Tennessee Fire, it’s an honor to perform for them and raise a glass to their immense contributions.”

To enter the sweepstakes or support the cause, visit www.jackfire.com.