Chris Young Teams Up With Toys For Tots

As the holiday season approaches, it is easy to get caught up in buying gifts for loved ones and friends without even realizing so many children go without presents year after year. This year, Chris Young is teaming up with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys For Tots charitable organization, and bringing the spirit of Christmas, as well as gifts, to disadvantaged children that would normally go without.

Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy or book throughout Young’s November 17 – December 10 “I’m Comin’ Over Tour” dates, and the donations will be distributed to children in each of the local communities. For a full list of dates, please see below.

“My sister and brother-in-law both served in the United States Marines Corps so I’m excited to join up with Toys For Tots and help share the Christmas spirit with kids in the cities along my tour,” said Young.

In addition to spreading the Christmas spirit throughout the Toys for Tots Program, Young is also releasing his first holiday album, It Must Be Christmas, on Friday, October 14. The collection of music will feature holiday classics as well as two original songs. In addition, Young features Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson and Boyz II Men on the new album that is sure to be a must-have this holiday season. Limited edition It Must Be Christmas packages are available at ChrisYoungCountry.com.

Toys For Tots donations will be accepted at the following Chris Young “I’m Comin’ Over Tour” Dates*
Nov. 17 – Bob Carpenter Center – Newark, DE+
Nov. 18 – Wicomico Youth & Civic Center – Salisbury, MD+
Nov. 19 – Crown Coliseum – Fayetteville, NC+
Dec. 1 – Ryan Center – Kingston, RI+
Dec. 2 – Cross Insurance Arena – Portland, ME+
Dec. 3 – Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza – Wilkes-Barre, PA+
Dec. 8 – Show Me Center – Cape Girardeau, MO+
Dec. 9 – iWireless Center – Moline, IL+
Dec. 10 – Thompson-Boling Arena – Knoxville, TN+
*Dates subject to change, please check chrisyoungcountry.com for the latest information
+with special guest Dustin Lynch and Cassadee Pope

Jana Kramer Performed Captivating Dance For Her Daughter on Week Five of Dancing With The Stars

Jana Kramer once again delivered an exceptional performance last night on Dancing with the Stars. With the theme of Most Memorable Year, Kramer danced for her daughter Jolie Rae.

Performing a contemporary dance, Kramer’s partner Gleb Savchenko choreographed a beautiful routine to Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” The was song was very fitting and captured the element of the evening beautifully, as well as the message Jana was sending to her daughter.

Perseverance was a word the judges used to described Kramer, not only for in the competition but also for in life. In the days prior to the performance last night, Kramer revealed shicking and intimate details of her life with her first husband who was extremely abusive. Jana has since then persevered and is now ready to share her story.

As we go in to week six of the competition next week, all couples were safe last night. Next week we’ll get to see Jana and Gleb return for latin night, and we can’t wait! Be sure to tune-in and vote – remember every vote counts!

Getting To Know… Camille Rae

Artist on the rise Camille Rae recently released her latest single, “But I Want You.” The relatable track showcases Rae’s strong vocals and certainly leaves a lasting impression.

Wanting to get to know the artist a little better, we caught up with Camille to chat about her music, touring, etc…. Rae shared details about her upcoming music video, what fans can expect at one of her shows, and much more. Check out our exclusive interview below with the country newcomer, and be sure to check out one of her bucket list items – our fingers are crossed for her!

CountryMusicRocks (CMR): You recently released your new single “But I Want You.” Tell us a little about it, and give us some background on this new song.

Camille Rae: This song is about wanting someone that you really shouldn’t want. It’s my sassy take on this subject and something I am actually personally dealing with at the time. It perfectly captures the fun side to this very annoying and complicated subject… and a little attitude doesn’t hurt either.

CMR: You also wrapped up the music video for the new single. What can you tell us about the video & what was one of your favorite moments filming the video?

Camille Rae: The video combines a really cool, dark scene of me singing with the band and a fun bbq/pool scene that involved many of my closest friends and family. My favorite part of the video was having the opportunity to include so many people that mean so much to me in a very natural element.

CMR: Your tour schedule has been full all year long and you already have dates for next summer on the books. For folks that haven’t seen you perform yet, how would you best describe your set?

Camille Rae: Well… I travel solo and full band. My solo set is more intimate and allows me to really connect with my audiences. I always feel like I have made true fans and friends when leaving my solo shows. My full band show is full of energy and really demonstrates what my music and sound is all about. It also shows the talent of the band and how much they are invested in my music. Both shows include my originals, my new single (of course) and a variety of covers of many cool genres.

CMR: Women in country have taken a strong role once again in the genre. What has it been like for you being a part of this and watching this movement grow?

Camille Rae: I feel like I have been part of this movement since I’ve been singing as a little girl. Women are truly starting to take a stand and be BOLD in country music. We all have something to say and beauty to radiate. It has been an honor and a hell of ride to be part of it.

CMR: We all have wish lists and bucket lists, what is one thing that is pretty high up there on your country music bucket list as an artist?

Camille Rae: I, of course want to sing at the Opry… as all country artists dream. But, my biggest bucket list goal as touring artist is to do a nation wide children’s hospital tour. I would stop in the town and do a concert with as much of the proceeds as possible going to the hospital and, of course, dropping by each hospital to visit the kiddos.

CMR: Country Music is a genre that significantly stands out on its own, not only within the music industry but with fans too. What is one thing about country music that resonates with you?

Camille Rae: The story telling aspect of the songs and the lyrics. Country music will always tell stories that not only entertain people, but help us all through the toughest times. Words have such power and when you add music to them, it’s like BAMMMM.

Get connected Camille Rae by visiting her Official Website, and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Also, be sure to grab her new single, “But I Want You,” on iTunes here.

Billy Currington Tops Billboard Country Airplay Chart… Again!

Billy Currington and his hit single “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” remains at the top of Billboard’s Country Airplay chart for the second consecutive week.

In addition to “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” maintaining the coveted No. 1 spot on the chart, it is also one of six songs by a country artist to have a multi-week chart topper this year! Billy is no stranger to multi-week number ones as his hit single “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and “People are crazy” spent two weeks at No.1, and “Good Directions” maintained the #1 spot for three weeks.

“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” can be found on Currington’s latest album, Summer Forever, available now.

First Round of Performers Announced for the 50th Annual CMA Awards

The biggest night in country music is right around the corner with the 50th Anniversary of the CMA Awards. What is sure to be an iconic evening filled with amazing memories throughout the past fifty years, the performances will no doubt be stellar.

Speaking of performances, the first round of performers have been announced for the 50th Annual CMA Awards. Confirmed performances for the evening include: award hosts Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood, and top nominees Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Maren Morris, and Keith Urban. Additional performers will be announced throughout the coming weeks leading up to the event.

The 50th Annual CMA Awards will take place in Nashville, TN at the Bridgestone Area, and broadcasted live on ABC at 8pm/ET.