NASHVILLE, Tenn. – One of music’s most enduring and beloved recording artists will be returning to a familiar stage this weekend, as Wanda Jackson makes a rare appearance on the Grand Ole Opry this Saturday, June 17.
"I've listened to the Grand Ole Opry since I was a small girl. It's really nice going back to be on the Opry stage. I look forward to performing Saturday night," said Jackson. Jackson's debut performance on the Opry stage took place in the 1950s at the historic Ryman Auditorium in downtown Nashville. This will be her first appearance on the show since 2011, when she appeared with Rock and Roll artist Jack White of The White Stripes. A native of Maud, Oklahoma, Jackson has enjoyed success in a wide variety of formats, perhaps being best-known for being billed as one of the earliest female pioneers of rockabilly. “Hot Dog! That Made Him Mad” and “Let’s Have A Party” were two of her earliest hits in this vein. The latter was also recorded by Elvis Presley, whom Jackson briefly dated in the late 1950s. She scored with cross-over hits such as “Right Or Wrong” and “In The Middle Of A Heartache,” which were Top 30 hits on both the Billboard Country charts, as well as the Hot 100. A 1963 album, Two Sides Of Wanda, helped to further introduce her to Country fans. The Grammy-nominated disc foreshadowed many hits in the format for Jackson in the 1960s and 1970s, including “The Box It Came In” and “Tears Will Be The Chaser For Your Wine.” She also enjoyed several hits in the gospel field for Word and Myrrh Records. In recent years, appreciation of Jackson and her music have grown to include multiple generations. She is a member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, as well as the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, of which she became a member in April 2009. She was named as one of CMT’s 40 Greatest Women In Country Music during a 2002 special, and was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance from the Americana Music Honors and Awards by White in 2010. White produced her 2011 disc, The Party Ain’t Over, which earned rave reviews from critics, as well as guest shots on such programs as Conan and The Late Show with David Letterman. Jackson continues to perform and record, working on a new album, set for release later in 2017. She collaborated with Pistol Annies member Angaleena Presley on “Good Girl Down,” which appears on Presley’s newest album, Wrangled. Presley will also be making an appearance on the Opry Saturday evening. THOMPSON SQUARE NAMED GRAND MARSHAL FOR MONSTER ENERGY NASCAR CUP SERIES IN BROOKLYN, MICH.6/15/2017 BROOKLYN, Mich. (June 14, 2017) – Multi-platinum international country duo Thompson Square will serve as the Grand Marshal for the FireKeepers Casino 400 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series on June 18 at Michigan International Speedway.
The GRAMMY-nominated duo will participate in the pace laps as well as give the command of “Start your engines!” when the FireKeepers Casino 400 gets underway at 3 p.m. The FireKeepers Casino 400 will be broadcast live on Fox Sports 1. “We are honored to have Thompson Square give the command to start the FireKeepers Casino 400 on Sunday,” track President Rick Brenner said. “Thousands of fans are eagerly waiting to hear the starting command and see the race action at NASCAR’s fastest track.” Thompson Square will return to Michigan International Speedway to perform on August 12. Fans can attend the Saturday concert in Turn 3 FREE with a Sunday admission ticket, MISCamping.com Infield or MISCamping.comAPEX wristband. Race fans who purchase early will have the best prices and the best seats. Children 12 and under are free on Fridays and Saturdays. On Sundays, tickets for children 12 and under start at $15. Children 12 and under can attend three days of NASCAR action for just $15, ensuring families a weekend of fun at affordable prices. Visit mispeedway.com for tickets and camping information. To learn more about Thompson Square, visit: http://www.thompsonsquare.com Follow Thompson Square on Social Media: www.twitter.com/thompsonsquare www.facebook.com/ThompsonSquare www.instagram.com/ThompsonSquare Owens' "Country Never Goes Out Of Style" Featured in Season 3 of NETFLIX Original Series “The Ranch" NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Shane Owens’ patriotic tribute song, “19” will pull at your heartstrings. Arguably one of the best written songs about our military, the lyrics are a sobering reminder of the dangers our military members face every day. Click here to purchase “19.”
Fans of Owens can also catch his song “Country Never Goes Out of Style” in Season 3 of the Netflix original series “The Ranch”, starring Ashton Kutcher, streaming June 16. “19” tells the story of a local football star signing up for the military straight out of high school following the terror attacks on September 11, 2001. In the end he pays the ultimate sacrifice as the song alludes to a life cut short. Written by Jeffrey Steele, Tom Hambridge and Gary Nicholson the song brings to life an important message about the true American heroes, rarely heard on the radio today. The song is connecting with audiences everywhere, getting high praise from military families. Nearly every live performance of “19” has Owens’ hearing another story of personal loss reminding us this story is being lived out in cities and small towns all over this country. Here is a recent excerpt from a letter Owens received from a Gold Star widow "It's the song, "19" that helps the listeners to remember there are those who are willing to give up high prospects and opportunities in life to serve for our nation and her freedoms! As a person living overseas in a US Army community and the widow of a fallen Soldier, I have daily reminders of the fine folks who serve and the families who sacrifice every day in the service of our nation and her people. Shane, your song reminds the high percentage of other Americans, who sometimes don't have the daily reminder, to remember and be thankful! Thank you Shane Owens for singing and helping keep the memory alive of the fallen while being a positive reminder of the sacrifices of our freedoms as Americans,” said Nickayla Myers-Garner, Army widow living in Hohenfels, Germany. The Neo-traditional country singer is always looking for ways to support our military. Owens is donating 100% of net proceeds of this single to the TAPS organization. The TAPS organization offers help, hope, and healing to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in America’s Armed Forces. Owens recently performed “19” on Fox & Friends over Memorial Day weekend as a tribute to our service men and women, and to highlight the TAPS partnership. Click here to watch his performance. For more information go to ShaneOwensCountry.com or follow Shane Owens on Twitter and Facebook. Patriotic Entertainer’s New Tune Appropriately Drops on Flag Day NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Staunch supporter of the United States Armed Forces, Platinum-selling entertainer Aaron Lewis released “Folded Flag” today across digital retailers. The new song is available here. A patriot through-and-through, Lewis has spent much of his career honoring those who sacrifice their lives every day to protect our nation and the new music is just a small reminder of that mentality. “In today’s world, the ultimate sacrifice that our servicemen and women give selflessly in protection of the American Dream is often overlooked,” stated Lewis. “The first time I heard this song, I watched three battle-hardened special forces soldiers cry after hearing it. I knew it hit home and I knew it deserved to be heard.”
Written by Marty Morgan, Luc Nyhus and Yasmine Van Wilt and produced by Ben Kitterman, this is a perfect addition to Lewis’ catalog of raw tunes that hit close to the heart. It is hard to miss importance of the sentiment as he sings lyrics like “Two men with starch white gloves / Fold the colors ‘til they touch / It’s probably more than I deserve / But I’m proud to get this much / Sendin’ all the love I ever had / Inside this folded flag.” Fans who have been to his shows in the past know that Lewis opens every performance with a rendition of the The Pledge Of Allegiance. His passion for the strong tradition is something loyal concert-goers have come to expect from the Country rocker. He is currently on the road for his headlining SINNER TOUR. Fans can share a teaser of “Folded Flag" from Lewis' Facebook page here. For additional information and tour dates, visit AaronLewisMusic.com. Aaron Lewis On Tour June 15 – Tippecanoe County Amphitheater – West Lafayette, Ind. June 16 – Sangamon County Fair – New Berlin, Ill. June 17 – Buffalo Run Casino – Miami, Okla. June 22 – The Texas Club – Baton Rouge, La. June 23 – Golden Nugget Casino – Lake Charles, La. June 24 – Choctaw Casino – Durant, Okla. June 29 – Harrah’s Casino and Hotel – Council Bluffs, Iowa June 30 – Lakeside Hotel and Casino – Osceola, Iowa July 01 – Mystique Casino – Dubuque, Iowa July 14 – Cowboy Saloon – Ocala, Fla. July 15 – Beaufort Water Festival – Beaufort, S.C. July 20 – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom – Hampton, N.H. July 21 – Upstate Concert Hall – Clifton Park, N.Y. July 22 – Peck Fest – Point Pleasant, W. Va. July 27 – The Bluestone – Columbus, Ohio July 28 – The Bluestone – Columbus, Ohio July 29 – Belterra Casino, Resort & Spa – Florence, Ind. Aug. 10 – State Fair of West Virginia – Fairlea, W. Va. Aug. 11 – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater – Virginia Beach, Va. Aug. 12 – Coastal Credit Union Music Park – Raleigh, N.C. Aug. 17 – Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Catoosa, Okla. Aug. 18 – Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tenn. Aug. 19 – Harrah’s Cherokee Resort Event Center – Cherokee, N.C. Aug. 24 – Cowboy Coast Country Saloon – Ocean City, Md. Sept. 01 – Chesterfield Amphitheater – Chesterfield, Mo. Sept. 09 – House of Blues – Las Vegas, Nev. Sept. 15 – Peppermill Concert Hall – West Wendover, Nev. Sept. 16 – Pechanga Casino – Temecula, Calif. Sept. 17 – Talking Stuck Resort – Scottsdale, Ariz. Sept. 21 – Elsinore Theatre – Salem, Ore. Sept. 22 – Knitting Factory – Spokane, Wash. Sept. 23 – Knitting Factory - Boise, Idaho Oct. 05 – Motor City Casino – Detroit, Mich. Oct. 06 – The Venue at Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, Ind. Oct. 20 – Grand Casino Mille Lacs – Onamia, Minn. The Charlie Daniels Band To Perform This Friday (6/16) As Part of Fox & Friends All-American Summer Concert Series NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Few musical performers epitomize the American spirit with more passion and fervor than Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels. The singer, who has sung of his unabashed patriotism time in and time out during his career, is showcasing his love of the Red, White, and Blue once again in his latest recording that will be available for sale digitally on July 4th via iTunes, Amazon, Google Play among other digital platforms.
Daniels has recorded a stirring version of the Johnny Cash standard “Ragged Old Flag.” Written and recorded by “The Man In Black,” the song hit No. 31 on the Billboard Country Singles chart in 1974. The song still garners airplay during the summer months on Classic Country stations nationwide, particularly around the Fourth of July. Recording this song allowed Charlie to combine two of his biggest passions – his country and his love of Johnny Cash. Charlie is joined on this track by Mark “Oz” Geist, Benghazi Warrior/Survivor and co-author of “13 Hours: The Inside Account of What Really Happened in Benghazi.” “These lyrics are just as timely today as they were when Johnny originally recorded them over four decades ago,” said the Grand Ole Opry star. “The song demonstrates the passion and the love that we all should have for this country – and the freedoms that we enjoy with it,” he said. “Of course, it is always a joy to record a song written by the great Johnny Cash. He was an American original, and someone that I consider myself humbled and honored to call friend. Good songs, such as his, continue to remain in style.” Having just turned 80 last fall – just a few weeks after his induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame, Daniels is not slowing down in the slightest. He continues to tour across the country, and will release a new book, Never Look At The Empty Seats on October 24. The book will document his legendary career, as well as several of his many trips abroad in support of the United States Military. About Charlie Daniels: With a career spanning nearly 60 years and exceeding 20 million in sales worldwide Charlie Daniels is the quintessential southerner with a healthy dose of wild west cowboy. For decades, he has connected with his millions of fans in the varying genres of music that reflect his steadfast refusal to label his music as anything other than the "Charlie Daniels Band" sound — music that is now sung around the fire at 4-H Club and scout camps, helped elect an American President, and been popularized on a variety of radio formats. Having celebrated multiple GRAMMY® Awards, CMA Awards, ACM Awards, BMI Awards, GMA Dove Awards, CCMA Awards, his list of accolades is broad; the latest being the newest inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Several of his albums have been RIAA Certified Multi-Platinum® and he has achieved a platinum-selling single in his iconic fiddle-ridden hit, "Devil Went Down To Georgia." An outspoken American patriot and strong supporter of the U.S. military, his talked-about Volunteer Jam concerts are world-famous musical extravaganzas featuring artists like Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ted Nugent, Trace Adkins, Alabama and others, all on one stage for one purpose – to raise funds for our U.S. military. Daniels 80th Birthday Volunteer Jam in 2016 raised funds for The Journey Home Project, a non-profit veterans assistance organization which he co-founded. For more information on Charlie Daniels, please visit www.charliedaniels.com. Operation FINALLY HOME Welcomes “American Stories Tour” with Craig Morgan and very special guests |