Bon Jovi and Jennifer Nettles Team Up Again For New Country Single “Do What You Can”

Fifteen years after working together on the Grammy-winning, chart-topping single “Who Says You Can’t Go Home,” Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band Bon Jovi and country music superstar Jennifer Nettles have reunited for a country single of the band’s newest song “Do What You Can.”  The song can be heard HERE and the stunning video which took to the streets of New York City can be seen HERE.

The song, written by Jon Bon Jovi in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic, quickly became an anthem for the collective experience the world was experiencing. As press reported at the time:  “No band has stirred more empathy, articulated the feelings of uncertainty, and comforted fans with reassurance than the Jersey rockers in the first weeks of the outbreak,” USA Today said of the storied band’s impact during those historic weeks.

“In 2005 Jennifer helped BON JOVI take ‘Who Says you Can’t Go Home’ to number one on the country charts. It was her powerful and emotion filled voice that I hope will carry us back onto the country airwaves again to share this uplifting message of unity,” said Jon Bon Jovi.

“Being invited to sing with Bon Jovi back in 2005 on ‘Who Says You Can’t Go Home’ was a real blessing as an artist and in my career,” said Jennifer Nettles. “I could not be happier to continue that amazing musical story on our new duet ‘Do What You Can.’ (Or should I say ‘Duet What You Can’)

Country Newcomer Elvie Shane Has Strong Release Week with Debut Single “My Boy”

BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records artist, Elvie Shane’s debut single, “My Boy,” impacts Country radio, after pioneering a six-week virtual radio tour. With 26 first-week stations on, the tearjerker became the second most-added song in its debut week (behind Miranda Lambert), just as the song develops viral success on TikTok.

The song, written as a heartfelt tribune to his stepson, has caught the attention of TikTok users and inspired a slew of heartwarming videos, pushing the song to No.1 on the platform’s Country chart. With videos garnering more than 15 million views and more than 775 million uses of #MyBoy, the track is seeing spikes on Shazam and other streaming platforms (more than 1.4 million streams in the US alone).

The tender ballad in which Elvie describes his unconditional love for his stepson, has turned to a celebration of blended and unconventional families. In addition to the Tik Tok videos that have illustrated just how powerful this song is, (view examples here, here and here if you want your heart warmed), families with adopted children, surrogate parents and other non-traditional family dynamics have been reaching out to the singer/songwriter, sharing their stories and attachment to the song.

“I’m touched at the response people have had to this song already—it was born out of something so simple and genuine—we call it a ‘God song’ because it just kind of fell in our laps,” said Elvie Shane. “I’m thrilled to have such a special song out on Country radio too, we’ve been talking to stations across the country for the past few weeks—I just feel like there is no better time than now to put a little more love out into the world.”

Elvie has bravely become one of the first Country artists to launch a debut single to radio in the Covid-era. Wanting to convey what an incredible, high-energy entertainer Elvie is, while remaining socially responsible, and make meaningful connections with the Country music community, BBR Music Group reimagined the traditional radio tour. The innovative approach involves customized, high-quality live-streamed, full-band performances and video chats, which deliver extraordinary experiences for the viewer and will likely become the model of radio tours for the foreseeable future. For six weeks straight, Elvie has performed roughly five full-band shows per day—miraculously maintaining his stamina, gaining believers and setting the bar high for future newcomers.

The family-inspired single shows the softer side of the muscle cars and electric guitar-loving singer-songwriter who credits Steve Earle, John Fogerty and Roger Miller as his biggest influences. The Kentucky native’s music, whether it features tear-jerk moments or heavy guitar licks, is centered around lyrical storytelling with heart, nostalgia and hardship— with a side of food for thought.

For more information, please visit his Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Runaway June To Release ‘When I Think About Christmas’ EP October 16

Christmas comes early this year as Country’s favorite female trio Runaway June announce their When I Think About Christmas EP out October 16. This five-track EP will feature three Christmas classics in addition to two Runaway June Christmas originals. Following their appearance on the ACM Awards last week where they presented the efforts of ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Relief Fund, Runaway June is ready to flaunt their country roots with versatility by showcasing on this EP their organic three-part harmonies paired with their genuine excitement to spread holiday cheer.

“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” says Naomi, Jennifer, and Natalie. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music and we’ve got some fiddle so why not!”

Displaying their authentic love for the season expressed through the artistry and talent that fans, critics, and radio have all embraced, Runaway June poured their passion for the holidays into this project. Penned by songwriters Sam Hollander and Martin Johnson, “Christmas On The Radio” is an original song described by that band as an “ instant classic,” exuding cheer and anticipation of holiday music and traditions soon to come.

Their other original and title-track of the EP “When I Think About Christmas” was co-written by Runaway June’s Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, and Tiffany Goss. Described by Wayne as a song that “feels like it’s been around for a hundred years,” Cooke croons with hints of classic Country mixed with Christmas touch.

The legedary Ron Fair (Christina Aguilera, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Pussycat Dolls, and more) produced four of the five tracks and co-produced “Christmas On The Radio” with Sam Hollander and Brandon Paddock. Including classics such as “O Holy Night” that is like an art piece with its Appalachian sound along with the up-beat fireside version of “Let It Snow,” Runaway June is ready to get their fans in the Christmas spirit.

When I Think About Christmas EP Track-listing:
1.    Christmas On The Radio (Runaway June Original – Sam Hollander, Martin Johnson)
2.    Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson, Mitchell Parish)
3.    O Holy Night (Traditional Holiday Song)
4.    When I Think About Christmas (Runaway June Original – Jennifer Wayne, Josh Matheny, Tiffany Goss)

This EP comes while their current single “We Were Rich” continues to climb the charts. “We Were Rich” came shortly after the trio made history with their record breaking single “Buy My Own Drinks” that marked the first time a female trio has broken into the top five on the Mediabase Country chart since The Chicks in 2003. According to Music Row, “I don’t know which I like better, the deliciously well written lyric or the breath-taking harmony-vocal perfection. I fell hard for this little slice of American life.”  With their current single mixed with these Christmas originals and classics, Runaway June has made it a mission to trigger a warm sense of nostalgia. “We Were Rich” is a subtle reminder during this time of chaos in the world that it is the little things in life that matter most while these Christmas songs are a nod to Christmas traditions and holiday spirit.

For more information on Runaway June, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Check out their website here.

Michael Ray Releasing New Single “Whiskey and Rain”

Michael Ray has spent the last few months traveling between Nashville and his hometown of Eustis, Florida, where he grew up in a family of musicians, watching his grandfather’s band The Country Cousins, learning his first guitar chords at 8-years-old and eventually joining them on stage.

“If I start feeling real down, I just need to go down there for a few days to see everybody. I’ll get rejuvenated with my family. Something about being on that dirt just does a lot for me,” shares Ray. “This year helped me realize that going back home allows me to move forward, being around the people who would say, ‘We know you can do it’ when I would say, ‘I think I can do it’ as I was getting started.”

Now, with two hit albums, five RIAA Gold-certified songs, three No. 1’s and both feet firmly planted on the ground, Ray is readying his third project – a bridge between country’s past and present – with lead single “Whiskey And Rain” set for release Friday, Sept. 25. Pre-save “Whiskey And Rain” HERE.

“I miss story songs that you have to listen to all the way through to understand. This song is everything I love about country music – traditional Country music, like Tim McGraw and Earl Thomas Conley, and I want to bring that back,” shares Ray. “This is the music I originally came to Nashville to make, and I’m grateful to have this opportunity for fans to get to know me better as an artist.”

Written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure and produced by Ross Copperman, “Whiskey And Rain” echoes two of Ray’s heroes, Gary Stewart and Gary Allan, melding vintage sounds with modern Country in sad commiseration.

With touring currently on hold, Ray has established a weekly virtual series, Honkytonk Tuesday, where he is joined by surprise guests to perform their favorite ‘80s and ‘90s tunes.
 
“We started recording after we created Honkytonk Tuesday, but I knew I wanted to do this project before we put the series together,” Ray elaborates. “Creating Honkytonk Tuesday made me fully dive-in to that sound, and it was the perfect segue into ‘Whiskey And Rain.’”

To-date, Ray has been joined by Clint Black, Mark Wills, Marty Raybon, Aaron Tippin and Steve Wariner, among others. Honkytonk Tuesdays are streamed live on Ray’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter at 7 p.m. CT and shared on Instagram immediately following the stream.

“Whiskey And Rain” follows the release of “Her World Or Mine,” with the official music video starring Chad Michael Murray garnering over 19 million views on YouTube since its premiere with “Good Morning America” and ABC.com last October.

Winners of the 55th ACM Awards

Winners have been announced for the 55TH ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS™, a Night of Heart and Hits Live from Nashville. 15-time ACM Award®-winning artist Keith Urban hosted the show featuring three iconic Nashville venues including Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe.

For the first time in ACM Awards history, Thomas Rhett and Carrie Underwood TIED for the Academy’s highest honor Entertainer of the Year Award – the first ever tie in that category. This is Rhett’s first win in the Entertainer of the Year category, and Underwood’s third win, making her the most awarded female in the ACM Entertainer of the Year category.

Following is a full list of winners from the 55th Academy of Country Music Awards.

ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Luke Bryan
Eric Church
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett – WINNER
Carrie Underwood – WINNER

FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris – WINNER
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs – WINNER
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

DUO OF THE YEAR
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan + Shay – WINNER
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

GROUP OF THE YEAR
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – WINNER
The Highwomen

NEW FEMALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Ingrid Andress
Gabby Barrett
Lindsay Ell
Caylee Hammack
Tenille Townes – WINNER

NEW MALE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Jordan Davis
Russell Dickerson
Riley Green – WINNER
Cody Johnson
Morgan Wallen

ALBUM OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
Center Point Road – Thomas Rhett
Producers: Julian Bunetta, Jesse Frasure, Dann Huff, Thomas Rhett, The Stereotypes, Cleve Wilson
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.

GIRL – Maren Morris
Producers: busbee, Greg Kurstin, Maren Morris
Record Label: Columbia Nashville

Heartache Medication – Jon Pardi
Producers: Bart Butler, Ryan Gore, Jon Pardi
Record Label: Capitol Records Nashville

What You See Is What You Get – Luke Combs – WINNER
Producer: Scott Moffatt
Record Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville

Wildcard – Miranda Lambert
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

SINGLE OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
God’s Country – Blake Shelton – WINNER
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Record Label: Warner Bros. (Nashville)

One Man Band – Old Dominion
Producer: Shane McAnally
Record Label: RCA Records Nashville

Rainbow – Kacey Musgraves
Producers: Ian Fitchuk, Kacey Musgraves, Daniel Tashian
Record Label: MCA Nashville

Rumor – Lee Brice
Producers: Lee Brice, Dan Frizsell, Kyle Jacobs, Jon Stone
Record Label: Curb Records

What If I Never Get Over You – Lady Antebellum
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Label: BMLG Records

SONG OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Songwriter(s)/Publisher(s)/Artist(s)]
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
Songwriters: Justin Bieber, Jason “Poo Bear” Boyd, Jessie Jo Dillon, Shay Mooney, Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers
Publishers: Beats and Banjos (ASCAP), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) / Shay Mooney Music (BMI), Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. (BMI) / Big Ass Pile Of Dimes Music (BMI), Big Machine Music (BMI) / Buckeye 26 (ASCAP), Jreynmusic (ASCAP), WB Music Corp. (ASCAP) / Bieber Time Publishing (ASCAP), Universal Music (ASCAP) / Poo B Z Inc. (ASCAP), BMG Gold Songs (ASCAP).

Girl Goin’ Nowhere – Ashley McBryde
Songwriters: Jeremy Bussey, Ashley McBryde
Publishers: Songs of Song Factory (BMI) / Universal Tunes (SESAC).

God’s Country – Blake Shelton
Songwriters: Devin Dawson, Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt
Publishers: Relative Music Group (BMI), Administered by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing (BMI) / WB Music Corp. / Georgia Song Vibez / We-volve Music (ASCAP) / Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp. / Neon Cross Music (BMI).

One Man Band – Old Dominion – WINNER
Songwriters: Josh Osborne, Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi
Publishers: WB Music Corp/Smackville Music/Smack Songs LLC (ASCAP) adm by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing. Rezsongs/Reehits World/Smacktown Music, a division of Smack Blue, LLC/Unfair Entertainment  (ASCAP) adm. by Me Gusta Music. We’re Really Doin’ It Publishing (ASCAP) adm by Words & Music. Sony/ATV Cross Keys Publishing/Smackville Music/Smack Songs LLC (ASCAP) adm. by Kobalt Songs Music Publishing.

Some Of It – Eric Church
Songwriters: Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson
Publishers: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Longer and Louder Music, admin. by Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC; Mammaw’s Fried Okra Music/Little Louder Songs, admin. by Songs of Kobalt Music Publishing; New Writers Of Sea Gayle Music, admin. by ClearBox Rights; New Writers Of Sea Gayle Music/Not A Track Guy Music, admin. by ClearBox Rights (BMI).

VIDEO OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Producer(s)/Director(s)/Artist(s)]
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
Director: Patrick Tracy
Producer: Christen Pinkston

God’s Country – Blake Shelton
Director: Sophie Muller
Producers: Jamie Amos, Patrick Kennedy

One Man Band – Old Dominion
Director: Mason Allen
Producer: Mason Allen

Remember You Young – Thomas Rhett – WINNER
Director: TK McKamy
Producer: Dan Atchison

Sugar Coat – Little Big Town
Directors: Alexa Kinigopoulos, Stephen Kinigopoulos
Producers: Wes Edwards, Carlo Glorioso, Angie Lorenz

MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR [Awarded to Artist(s)/Producer(s)/Record Company–Label(s)]
10,000 Hours – Dan + Shay Featuring Justin Bieber
Producers: Dan Smyers
Record Label: Warner Music Nashville

Dive Bar – Garth Brooks Featuring Blake Shelton
Producers: Garth Brooks
Record Label: Pearl Records, Inc.

Fooled Around And Fell In Love – Miranda Lambert Featuring Maren Morris, Ashley McBryde, Tenille Townes, Caylee Hammack & Elle King – WINNER
Producer: Jay Joyce
Record Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville

Old Town Road – Lil Nas X Featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
Producers: Michael Trent Reznor, Atticus Matthew Ross, YoungKio
Record Label: Columbia Records

What Happens In A Small Town – Brantley Gilbert Featuring Lindsay Ell
Producer: Dann Huff
Record Label: The Valory Music Co.