Members of the country music community are mourning Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Continue reading…
Country Music News – Taste of Country
Day: September 11, 2025
Well, that wasn’t subtle. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
The predictable thing to do would be to wrap your arms around the neck of whomever is closest and break into tears. That’s not what happens. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Members of the country music community are mourning Charlie Kirk after he was fatally shot during an event at Utah Valley University. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
The ‘DWTS’ host opens up about the emotional toll fame took on her family — and how she and Derek are working to reconnect with their sisters. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Shoplifting is on the rise — and retailers are taking a bold new approach to stop it. But not everyone’s on board. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Life on the road can get a little repetitive, but Riley Green has found his own way to keep things fun while touring. The country star admits he and his crew haul around a trailer filled with workout equipment to stay in shape between shows. But Riley also makes sure to pack a few extras to keep things interesting and break up the monotony.
“We got a trailer with workout equipment in it and try to work out when we’re on the road. And I got a little electric scooter so I can kinda hide from my security guys whenever they’re looking for me and trying to make me do something. And footballs and golf clubs,” he recently revealed. “We try to find something to get into and break up the monotony of just being on the road, you know, and get out and enjoy the weather a little bit.”
Green has certainly become accustomed to life on the road, having previously toured alongside friends like Dierks Bentley and Jason Aldean. Now, on his headlining Damn Country Music Tour, the Alabama native is returning to many of those same venues, this time as the main act. It’s not lost on him how far he’s come since his early days of singing at a Mexican restaurant in his hometown.
“Well, the venues are bigger. I can remember touring with Dierks Bentley, and Luke Bryan, and Jason Aldean I guess back to about four years ago, and I’m selling out all of those venues. I was first of three with Jason Aldean. It was me and Morgan Wallen and Jason. Now I’m going and selling out those same amphitheaters and arenas,” Green recently shared with Today’s Country Radio with Kelleigh Bannen on Apple Music Country. “When you’ve been there, you know how big a deal that is, because I know what those artists are and the careers that they’ve had, and I know how I felt about them as a fan.”
With his headlining tour comes the chance to bring along friends and heroes, and Green has made the most of it.
“It’s nice to be able to help out your buddies and let them get in front of these crowds as well. I love watching Ella [Langley]’s set every night and seeing how the crowd reacts to her because she’s having such a moment. Then having her on stage with me to play two giant songs that we have together,” he explained to Bannen. “Drake White’s on the road with me, he’s a great friend of mine. I’ve been a fan of Drake forever. Me and Drake grew up 10 minutes from each other in Alabama and I was the biggest Drake White fan there was.”
He continued, “Jamey Johnson is the biggest influence I have in country music and he’s going out on tour with me in November. Those things are awesome. But also, it’s being able to have your heroes out on the road with you. Tracy Lawrence was on the road last year. I never would have thought it in a million years. In a weird way, out of all the venues I’ve gotten to play, and all the milestones, and number ones, and awards, that’s probably something that if I had to brag to somebody about my career, it would be that: ‘Tracy Lawrence went on tour with me once.’”
Riley Green’s Damn Country Music Tour continues this week with three shows in London, United Kingdom.
The post How Riley Green Stays Entertained on the Road appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
2025 is shaping up to be a milestone year for Trisha Yearwood. Fresh off the release of The Mirror, the first album she fully co-wrote and co-produced, the country music icon is gearing up to deliver yet another project, Christmastime.
Set for release on November 7, 2025, via Virgin Music Group and Gwendolyn Records, the holiday album pairs Yearwood’s powerhouse vocals with arrangements from legendary composer David Campbell and production by Grammy Award winner Don Was. The collection promises a mix of beloved classics, fresh reimaginings, and brand-new originals, all brought to life with Yearwood’s signature vocals.
Standout moments on Christmastime include a sweeping orchestral take on “Christmastime Is Here” from A Charlie Brown Christmas, a soulful new rendition of Elvis Presley’s “Blue Christmas,” and a cinematic reimagining of “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The album also features the heartfelt original “Merry Christmas, Valentine,” co-written and performed with Garth Brooks.
Other highlights include “My Favorite Things,” “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch,” “Simple Gifts,” “It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve,” “Cool Yule,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Years,” and “Candy Cane Lane.”
Christmastime is Yearwood’s first holiday album since Christmas Together with Brooks, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart in 2016. Her last solo holiday project, The Sweetest Gift, originally released in 1994 and reissued in 2000, also charted, earned Gold certification, and continues to be a seasonal favorite.
In celebration of the release, Yearwood has announced the Christmastime with Trisha Yearwood: 12 Days of Christmas Tour where she will perform alongside local symphonies across the country. The trek begins December 2, in Nashville and will visit major cities including Newark, Atlanta, Pittsburgh, and Detroit before wrapping December 20, in Louisville, KY.
“Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of year, and these songs mean so much to me,” said Yearwood. “To be able to perform them with a full symphony brings the magic to another level. I can’t wait to share this music and celebrate the season with fans on tour.”
Christmastime Track Listing
1. Christmastime is Here
2. Blue Christmas
3. Cool Yule
4. My Favorite Things
5. You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
6. Years
7. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
8. Merry Christmas, Valentine
9. Candy Cane Lane
10. Pure Imagination
11. It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve 12. Simple Gifts
The post Trisha Yearwood Unveils ‘Christmastime,’ Featuring New Garth Brooks Duet and Holiday Favorites appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
Categories
Country Next: Tommy Acker
Tommy Acker is a Nashville-by-way-of-Texas artist on the rise, and he’s keeping the momentum going with his new single, “10 & 2,” out now via River House Artists. The song is fun, upbeat, and full of heart, using driving metaphors to capture what it’s like to hold on tight in a relationship—just like gripping the wheel at 10 & 2.
The 25-year-old has been busy these past few months, releasing a string of singles and hitting the road with Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook. He was first discovered by legendary songwriter Jessi Alexander (known for Miley Cyrus’ “The Climb” and Luke Combs’ “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma”), who signed him to his first publishing deal and has been a huge mentor, opening doors to writing rooms and opportunities he never would have had on his own. Last year, his debut single, “How To Not,” went viral on TikTok and now sits at over 3.5 million streams. With millions of streams and growing attention from the country world, Acker is ready to step into the spotlight as an artist in his own right.
We caught up with Tommy to talk about his journey from Tyler, Texas, to Music City, the story behind his new single, and what life on the road has taught him so far.
What made you want to start playing guitar in high school?
In high school, my buddy had a guitar that he was always fascinated with, and he always had the girls all over him when he played. So, I made him teach me a few chords so I could learn it myself!
Did songwriting and performing naturally follow after you learned to play guitar?
Songwriting definitely came naturally after learning. I was tired of playing the same songs, so I tried writing my own. Performing, however, came much later.
How did you first get connected to Jessi Alexander and how has that relationship impacted your musical journey so far?
My connection with Jessi Alexander came rather quick! She found me through social media after I teased my first song. She really took me under her wing and put me in a lot of (writing) rooms that I would never have gotten the chance to be in otherwise. She has been crucial to my growth and new career in music!
When did you officially make the move to Nashville and what has been the biggest challenge of breaking into Music City as an artist from Texas?
I officially moved to Nashville on December 1, 2024. It’s funny because I am from Texas, but I moved to Nashville from Utah. I think a lot of people assume I’m from Utah, and so they never try to push the “Texas” sound or style on me which is nice because I feel it gives me a lot more freedom and less of a box that I can fit in. Don’t worry, I still throw some Texas roots in there!
Last year your debut single “How To Not” went viral and has earned millions of streams. How did it feel to see fans resonating with that song so strongly?
The success from ‘How To Not’ definitely gave me the confidence to push for a career in music, and I truly believe it was a God thing. I have always felt deep down that if I really gave music a shot, I could make it happen in some fashion. So, having the success from the first one really gave me that boost of confidence to keep trying no matter how hard this road gets!
What’s the most unexpected thing that’s happened in your career since releasing your debut single?
The most unexpected thing was opening for Megan Moroney, and how quickly I did. I was in a spot where I wasn’t sure if I was going to keep releasing music right away and really focus on writing and building a really good catalog of songs. I got a random message from Jessi saying she was on a writing retreat with Meg and that she needed a few openers and suggested my name. Sure enough, I got a call to open up for her on her “Am I Okay?” Tour in 2025. From there, it has been off to the races with releases and hitting the road as much as possible. Other artists such as Hudson Westbrook have really taken a chance on me and given me opportunities that I am beyond grateful for!
Take us into the writing room for your latest release, “10 & 2.” The story is so creative, talk about where the idea came from and what it was like seeing the narrative unfold?
My cowriters, Logan Maggio and Mia Mantia, helped write this one! Mia actually had the title ‘10 & 2’. She threw out the idea and Logan and I both loved it off the bat. We knew it could definitely be a fun and very colorful song.
Did you always envision it as an upbeat track, or did it start off differently in the writing room?
I think we all saw it as a more upbeat and playful love song. This song sort of fell out of us because we just wanted fun and unique ways of saying the cliche feeling that we all can relate to.
You’ve been releasing songs steadily. Are these leading up to a bigger project in the near future?
An album is definitely something we are working towards, but right now we are releasing singles and finding what works and what my fans want the most. Feeding the listeners with consistent singles has been building traction and growing steadily! However, I for sure have enough songs to build a pretty extensive record!
You’ve opened for Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook—what did you learn from those experiences?
From touring with Megan Moroney and Hudson Westbrook, I’ve learned to be flexible and ready for any sort of obstacles that may come your way. The crowd is as eager to listen just as much as you are to play, so being prepared to put on a show and keep an audience’s attention is imperative. The most important thing is that I LOVE every second of it and want to keep writing, making, and playing music for as long as I live!
What are your touring plans for the remainder of the year?
With success from my song ‘City Girl’ and mentioning a sorority, we’ve lined up a few shows to go to some sororities and play for them. They seem to be loving the buzz about it and we get asked to come play for them all the time!
Fans can follow Tommy Acker on Instagram.
The post Country Next: Tommy Acker appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now
When it comes to fan loyalty, few country artists can match Jackson Dean. From sold-out shows to nonstop support on social media, his followers are fiercely devoted, showing up in full force for every release and performance. It’s that level of passion that makes Dean confident in one thing: his fans are a force to be reckoned with.
“My fans are rabid,” he admits. “Like if we went up against another group of fans from somebody else, I’m betting mine all day long because they’re crazy. Properly placed chaos.”
Those loyal fans will have plenty to cheer for with his latest release, “Make A Liar,” out now via Big Machine Records. The song finds Dean playfully hiding his true intentions, pretending to downplay what he wants, only to flip the script and dare the other person to “make a liar” out of him and turn those wishes into reality.
Written alongside frequent collaborator Luke Dick and award-winning songwriter Randy Montana, “Make A Liar” is a bass-driven, blush-inducing song that shows off Dean’s knack for crafting music full of charm and personality.
“‘Make A Liar’ is a cheeky turn of phrase, and the song is a little bundle of stumbling, bumbling fun,” shares Dean. “Seeing the fans’ reaction to this one has been a real treat – I hope they love it!”
Earlier this year, Dean dropped the sultry “Be Your Man,” kicking off an exciting new chapter for the platinum-selling singer-songwriter. The track explores fresh territory both sonically and lyrically, building on the momentum of his September 2024 sophomore album, On The Back Of My Dreams.
As his current single, “Heavens To Betsy,” climbs into the top 15, Dean is crisscrossing the country playing fairs and festivals. On September 13, he’ll headline Taylor Sheridan’s inaugural Bosque Ranch Live concert at the ranch in Weatherford, Texas.
This fall, he’ll also hit select dates supporting Lee Brice on the What You Know About That Tour before taking his headlining On The Back Of My Dreams World Tour Down Under to Australia and New Zealand. Later in the year, Dean will join Brad Paisley on the Truck Still Works World Tour as it rolls through Canada in November and December.
The post Jackson Dean Praises His Dedicated Fanbase: ‘My Fans Are Rabid’ appeared first on Country Now.
Country Now