Dolly Parton’s sister Freida is clearing the air after asking fans to pray for the country icon, sparking health concerns. Here’s what she really meant. Continue reading…
The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs
Day: October 8, 2025
Usually, when fans hear about a country artist doing a pop-up show on a random weekday, it happens in Nashville. But last night, October 6, the surprise came in New York City, where Megan Moroney and Ed Sheeran treated some lucky locals to an intimate performance at Brooklyn’s KidSuper.
The moment, first shared on Sheeran’s Instagram, was held in the dimly lit home of the Brooklyn-based fashion brand, a creative hub that doubles as a retail store, art gallery, screenprinting and photo studio, and library. This week’s surprise performance with Moroney follows a string of recent solo pop-up shows from the Halifax, West Yorkshire-born artist across New York.
Throughout the show, the pair of artists took place trading off songs that followed the sole rule of the night, which Ed Sheeran later revealed on social media.
He wrote, “Played a secret show with Meg Moroney tonight at KidSuper in Brooklyn. The rule was deep cuts, song for song, until the end, where we played some of our hits. I loved it so much, thank you, Megan, for your time and being up for the idea. I’m such a fan, you rock.”
The songstress replied to Sheeran’s post, matching his excitement over an unforgettable night and sharing her thanks for being included.
“Loved every minute of tonight!!! Thank you for putting this together.”
With their one rule in place, they dug into deep cuts from their catalog, including Moroney’s “Hair Salon,” from her early EP, Pistol Made of Roses, and Sheeran’s “Don’t,” which appears on 2014’s X album.
As the night went on, they slowly began adding in a few of their well-known hits. The Georgia native performed “Am I Okay?,” “No Caller ID,” her latest fan-favorite, “Six Months Later,” and more. In between those songs, fans got to hear Ed Sheeran sing a track from his newest Play album, “Camera,” as well as “U.N.I,” “Perfect” among others.
This isn’t the first time Moroney and Sheeran have teamed up to perform in a more intimate setting. Back in March, they also appeared together at Nashville’s iconic Bluebird Café. Moroney previously told Audacy’s Katie Neal that their Music City show came together unexpectedly, but the chance to perform with one of her self-proclaimed dream collaborators was something she couldn’t turn down.
“I was supposed to go on vacation that weekend to the beach, but I got a call saying that Ed Sheeran wanted me to play with him at the Bluebird on a Sunday night. I was like, ‘Well, I won’t be going on vacation. You don’t tell Ed Sheeran no,’” she recalled. “His team was just going on about how he’s such a fan and he did know my songs at the Bluebird when I played them. I was like, ‘Oh, he wasn’t lying, that’s crazy!’”
She also shared that they have maintained their friendship by sending emails back and forth since Sheeran notably does not have a smartphone. The country star is also holding out hope that they will end up in the studio together in the future, as Sheeran has hinted at moving towards the country genre on several occasions.
“He’s on the list now of my dream collaborators. I think that would be really cool. I saw that he said he wanted to come to country so I was like, ‘Email me back,’” Moroney added.
So far, there is no official confirmation that a collaboration is in the books, but fans (and Moroney) can continue to hope that that day will come eventually.
The post Megan Moroney Joins Ed Sheeran For Surprise Performance In New York appeared first on Country Now.
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Dolly Parton’s younger sister, Freida, is asking friends and fans to pray for the country music icon amid her recent health struggles.
In a heartfelt Facebook post, Freida shared that she spent the night praying for her sister and encouraged others around the world to do the same.
“Last night, I was up all night praying for my sister, Dolly. Many of you know she hasn’t been feeling her best lately,” Freida wrote. “I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me. She’s strong, she’s loved, and with all the prayers being lifted for her, I know in my heart she’s going to be just fine. Godspeed, my sissy Dolly. We all love you!”
The message was shared on Freida’s verified Facebook account, which identifies her as “Freida Parton, twin sister of Floyd Parton and sister to Dolly Parton, is a singer-songwriter rooted in Smoky Mountain traditions.”
According to People, Dolly was one of 12 children. Freida is the twin sister of Floyd Parton, who passed away in December 2018 at age 61. Dolly reportedly performed at his memorial service in tribute.
Now 68, Freida has long shared her family’s musical talents, contributing vocals to several of Dolly’s albums throughout the years.
Freida’s message to fans comes shortly after Dolly, 79, revealed that she was forced to postpone her run of December 2025 Las Vegas concerts due to “health challenges.”
In a post shared on September 28, Dolly revealed that she will need to undergo “a few procedures,” leaving her without enough time to properly prepare for her upcoming shows. Because of this, all of her Vegas concerts have been rescheduled for September 2026.
Her message to fans read:
“I want the fans and public to hear directly from me that, unfortunately, I will need to postpone my upcoming Las Vegas concerts. As many of you know, I have been dealing with some health challenges, and my doctors tell me that I must have a few procedures. As I joked with them, it must be time for my hundred thousand mile checkup, although it’s not the usual trip to see my plastic surgeon! In all seriousness, given this, I am not going to be able to rehearse and put together the show that I want you to see, and the show that you deserve to see. You pay good money to see me perform, and I want to be at my best for you. Well I’ll still be able to work on all of my projects from here in Nashville, I just need a little time to get show ready as they say. And don’t worry about me quitting the music business because God hasn’t said anything about stopping yet. But, I believe he is telling me to slow down right now so I can be ready for more big adventures with all of you. I love you and thank you for understanding.”
Before that, Dolly Parton missed her scheduled appearance at Dollywood. In a video message at the time, Dolly revealed that she had a kidney stone that had given her “a lot of problems.”
“Turned out it’d given me an infection,” Parton explained in a video to fans. “And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling right this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’”
It’s unclear of Dolly Parton’s current health issues are related.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dolly Parton at this time.
The post Dolly Parton’s Sister Freida Calls For ‘Prayer Warriors’ To Lift Up The Country Legend Amid Health Struggles appeared first on Country Now.
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Eric Church marked his oldest son Boone McCoy Church’s 14th birthday in a deeply touching way. On Friday, October 3, the country superstar took the stage at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, and in the midst of his set, performed “Three Year Old,” a deeply personal song inspired by Boone when he was just three years old.
A video captured by a fan in attendance shows the venue falling silent as Church steps up to the mic. He then explains that while this song is one he rarely performs live, it felt too meaningful not to perform it that night in celebration of his son reaching another year of life.
“If you’ll indulge me, I’m trying to figure out how to do this the right way.” he told the packed crowd. “I wrote this next song when my oldest boy was three years old. He is 14 years old today. I haven’t done it in a long time, and I’m not even sure if I can, but I just want to say I love you very much.”
Midway through the performance, a fan who was unaware they were just a few rows from the birthday boy, shouted, “Happy birthday, Boone!” The official show recap that appears on Church’s website indicates that Boone’s face lit up upon hearing this celebratory cheer. And while wearing “the warmest, most genuine smile,” his friends in attendance joined in the tribute by wrapping an arm around him.
This marked the first time Eric Church has played “Three Year Old” in a long time. In fact, according to the same report, he has only played the song live once in the past six years. The last performance took place during a special show at The Gorge in 2023 when he delivered the entire Mr. Misunderstood album, which the track lives on.
@tyler.lambert25 Eric Church @Rupp Arena – Three Year Old
His Mr. Misunderstood project arrived nearly 10 years ago as his fifth studio album. “Three Year Old” sits as the very last track in the collection and offers a look into one of the most personal stories for the North Carolina native. The tender, heartfelt ballad captures Church reflecting on the simple, yet profound life lessons he’s learned from being a parent to his young son.
He touches on the moments of curiosity, and wisdom that children can teach their parents with their innocent minds. Drawing from personal experiences, he shares lessons like: “A garbage can is a damn good spot to hide truck keys/ Why go inside when you can go behind a tree?/ Walking barefoot through the mud, will knock the rust right off your soul.”
“I learned that from a three year old,” Church adds at the end of almost every verse.
Both the teenager and his 10-year-old son Tennessee Hawkins “Hawk” Church are rarely seen in the public eye, but the occasion brought the birthday boy into the spotlight for a truly memorable father-son moment.
This heartfelt performance took place as part of Eric Church’s Free The Machine Tour, which is set to run through April 2026.
The post Eric Church Performs Deep-Cut ‘Three Year Old’ In Honor Of His Oldest Son Boone’s Birthday appeared first on Country Now.
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Adam Sandler has always made it a point to include his wife and kids in his various projects, from his movies to his live comedy shows. During a recent stop in his 2025 You’re My Best Friend Tour, he proved that once again when he brought out a very special guest: his youngest daughter Sunny.
The 16-year-old took the stage in Milwaukee as her proud dad stepped back to let her have the spotlight. He strummed the guitar while she belted out the lyrics to Gabby Barrett’s breakout hit “I Hope” and earned loud cheers from the crowd.
The lyrics find the song’s Barrett wishing her former partner the best. However things quickly take an emotional turn when she adds, “And then I hope she cheats, like you did on me.” Sunny powerfully delivers her rendition of the breakup anthem that blends vulnerability, heartbreak, and revenge.
@burntknee00 Adam Sandler Show he introduced his daughter ba she’s amazing singing skills 🥰 #ihope #gabbybarrett #sandler #adamsandler #daughter ♬ original sound – Brittney Johnson
Co-written by Barrett alongside Jon Nite and Zach Kale, “I Hope,” appears on Barrett’s record-breaking debut album, Goldmine, and has since been certified 8X PLATINUM.
The users in the comment section of the fan-captured video were quick to call out how prideful Sandler appeared as he watched his little girl show off her talent.
“Adam is like look at this cool thing I made”
“He is such a girl dad 🥹”
“LOOK AT PROUD HE IS 😭”
“Sandler looks like he’s just full of love”
Fans weren’t the only ones who were impressed as the country star also shared her excitement over the by the father-daughter performance. She posted the clip to her Instagram story, writing “Love this @adamsandler maybe Sunny and I can sing it together sometime soon…;)”
While Adam Sandler is most notably known for his comedic acting skills, he has also recorded several songs over the years including “The Chanukah Song,” “Somebody Kill Me,” “I Wanna Grow Old With You” and more. It seems that his daughter has also caught the musical bug.
This isn’t the first time they have performed together either. She previously joined him on stage over the years to sing covers of songs by artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Adele, Taylor Swift and more.
Sandler tied the knot with his wife, Jackie, in 2003. The couple met on the set of the 1999 film Big Daddy, where Jackie played a waitress. They have since built a family with their two children, Sadie, 19, and Sunny, 16.
Both of his daughters have also dabbled in the acting world, most recently appearing in their dad’s Netflix sequel, Happy Gilmore 2.
The You’re My Best Friend Tour will continue to bring a mix of stand-up comedy, live musical performances, and surprise guests to venues across the U.S. through the start of November
The mostly sold-out run will continue on October 13 in Ricket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio. He will bring things to a close with back-to-back shows at the Fontainebleau in Las Vegas, Nevada on October 30 and November 1.
The post WATCH: Adam Sandler Proudly Watches Daughter Sunny Steal The Show With Gabby Barrett Cover appeared first on Country Now.
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Songwriters are the heartbeat of Nashville, and Monday night was all about celebrating the best of the best. The 55th Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala honored seven of Music City’s most influential songwriters, shining a spotlight on the talent behind the hits fans know and love.
The Music City Center was packed with songwriters, rising stars, and Hall of Fame members, all coming together for an evening of music, stories, and a deep appreciation for the craft of songwriting.
The night also paid tribute to three Hall of Fame members we lost over the past year: Troy Seals, Sonny Curtis, and Brett James. Country superstar Kenny Chesney paid tribute to Brett James with a heartfelt performance of their co-written hit “When the Sun Goes Down,” and also shared personal stories of their time writing together in the islands.
The celebration was voiced by legendary announcer Bill Cody, host of 650 AM WSM’s Coffee, Country & Cody and a Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer.
JJ Cale: Legacy Category
JJ Cale was posthumously inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, with his wife, Christine Lakeland-Cale, accepting the honor on his behalf. Ahead of the ceremony, she told us it was a “nice surprise” for Cale to be recognized and shared her hope that new generations will discover his music, which she considers “timeless.”
Cale was presented by Hall of Fame member Gary Nicholson, and Americana artist John Fullbright delivered a soulful performance of his bluesy-rock classic “After Midnight.”
Known for his understated, rootsy songwriting, Oklahoma native JJ Cale became one of music’s most influential stylists. Eric Clapton turned his songs “After Midnight” and “Cocaine” into global hits, while Lynyrd Skynyrd made “Call Me the Breeze” a Southern rock staple, and Waylon Jennings scored a Top 10 country hit with “Clyde.” Blending blues, rock, and country, Cale released 16 albums and inspired generations of artists with his timeless sound.
Tony Martin: Contemporary Songwriter Category
Prior to the gala, Tony Martin reflected on the moment he learned he’d been elected into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. In a fitting twist of fate, the call came during his longtime Tuesday writing session with Mark Nesler, a tradition that has lasted more than 30 years.
“You couldn’t do anything nicer to me,” Martin told Country Now. “I love songs. Like I say, I grew up here, I grew up among all these old legends in the current greats and to be called a songwriter and then called Nashville where I grew up. You couldn’t put a nicer tag on me.”
During the ceremony, Hall of Fame member Tom Shapiro introduced Martin, humorously quoting Lizzo and saying it was “about damn time” he was inducted. The moment was followed by a heartfelt performance from Martin’s longtime friend Wendell Mobley, who sang their Jason Aldean hit “A Little More Summertime.”
Martin is credited with writing hits such as “A Little More Summertime” by Jason Aldean, “I’ll Think of a Reason Later” by Lee Ann Womack, “Just to See You Smile” by Tim McGraw, “Living and Living Well” and “Go On” by George Strait, “No Place That Far” by Sara Evans, “Settle for a Slowdown” by Dierks Bentley, “Third Rock from the Sun” by Joe Diffie, and “You Look Good in My Shirt” by Keith Urban.
Jim Lauderdale: Contemporary Songwriter/Artist Category
For Jim Lauderdale, news of his election into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame was deeply emotional, bringing him to tears. He received the call while teaching a songwriting class at a festival in New York and admitted the honor felt “surreal.”
“In this business, there’s so many ups and downs and more downs than ups and struggle. I think all writers and all recording artists, we’ve really got to keep at it. And so when something good comes along, it’s just very, it’s overwhelming,” he told us.
Later, he shared: “I will cherish this night for the rest of my life.”
Lauderdale’s songwriting credits include Mark Chesnutt’s “Gonna Get a Life,” Patty Loveless’ “Halfway Down,” and Loveless and George Jones’ duet “You Don’t Seem to Miss Me.” George Strait also turned Lauderdale’s songs “We Really Shouldn’t Be Doing This” and “What Do You Say to That” into Top 5 hits.
Hall of Fame member Gretchen Peters presented Lauderdale, and Lee Ann Womack paid tribute with a performance of his signature song, “The King Of Broken Hearts.”
Brad Paisley: Contemporary Songwriter/Artist Category (2024)
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry members Bill Anderson and Steve Wariner joined the celebration to honor Brad Paisley. Anderson presented the award, while Wariner delivered a touching performance of Paisley’s ballad “We Danced.”
When taking the stage, Paisley joked that they let an “imposter” in the Hall of Fame.
“I came to this town and I wanted to be you,” Paisley shared, pointing out at the room full of songwriters. “I have spent my entire time living here, here copying the songwriters that I love. I go back to Steve Wariner, I was a teenager, I wanted to be him… I went through my Bill Anderson phase and no one could hear a word I say for about six months. I moved here really wanting to be a songwriter because I knew that’s the community. That’s the thing that makes this town so unique. And little did I know though when I got here that the best friends in my life, and I think I speak for all of us when I say this are songwriters, they became my family. They became my brothers and sisters and there’s nothing like being accepted in this community even as an imposter.”
He went on to thank his longtime collaborators and joked that he was shocked at “some of the things we’ve gotten to get away with as writers” in his many years in town.
Early in his career, Paisley earned cuts from artists like David Kersh, David Ball, and Tracy Byrd. He eventually signed with Arista Nashville and began recording his own material. As an artist, he’s charted 33 self-written songs on Billboard’s Top 20, including 15 No. 1 hits and 14 more that reached the Top 10.
His songwriting credits include fan favorites like “He Didn’t Have To Be,” “Alcohol,” “I’m Gonna Miss Her (The Fishin’ Song),” “Celebrity,” “Ticks,” “Letter To Me,” “Then,” “This Is Country Music,” “Water,” and the duet with Carrie Underwood, “Remind Me.”
(Paisley was initially selected for the 2024 class but asked to defer his induction to 2025.)
Don Cook: Veteran Songwriter Category
Don Cook was all smiles ahead of his big moment. Backstage, he told us the honor was an “honor of a lifetime” and later reflected on his work with Brooks & Dunn, calling it “one of the most incredibly important things in my career and life.”
“For guys like me, it’s like somebody calling you and telling you you’re getting the Academy Award for the best actor. I mean, it’s that big for me. These are my friends and my heroes that I look up to the most,” he added. Later in the evening, he shared a heartfelt list of gratitude, thanking friends, fellow songwriters, artists, publishers, and more who helped him along the way.
Hall of Fame member Kix Brooks presented Cook with the honor, sharing hilarious stories from their years working together. Brooks then joined his duo partner Ronnie Dunn to perform “Brand New Man,” the 1991 Brooks & Dunn debut single composed by Brooks, Dunn, and Cook.
Cook’s songwriting career began with credits like “Cryin’ Again” by The Oak Ridge Boys and “Lady Lay Down” by John Conlee, his first No. 1 hit as a songwriter. He also wrote “Julia” by Conway Twitty, “I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again” by T. Graham Brown, “Small Town Girl” by Steve Wariner, and “Somebody’s Gonna Love You” by Lee Greenwood. In the early 1990s, Cook co-wrote “Brand New Man” for Brooks & Dunn, later producing the duo and helping craft a string of chart-topping hits including “My Next Broken Heart,” “Only in America,” and “You’re Gonna Miss Me When I’m Gone.”
Steve Bogard: Contemporary Songwriter Category
Steve Bogard’s impressive songwriting catalog includes classics such as Reba McEntire’s “New Fool At an Old Game,” George Strait’s “Carried Away” and “Carrying Your Love With Me,” Rascal Flatts’ “Prayin’ For Daylight,” and Dierks Bentley’s “Every Mile A Memory” and “Long Trip Alone.”
Calling his induction “incredible” and a “life achievement,” Bogard delivered an emotional speech that highlighted what makes Nashville so special. “The remarkable thing about being inducted into the Nashville Songwriter Hall thing, it’s not the fame part, it’s the Nashville part, because the pay it forward humanity of our music community is like no one nowhere else on earth. It’s at the heart of why so many great songs come from here…”
Dierks Bentley honored Bogard with a heartfelt performance of their Grammy-nominated hit “Every Mile A Memory,” while Hall of Fame member Rory Bourke presented the award.
Emmylou Harris: Veteran Songwriter/Artist Category
Ending the night on a high note, Hall of Fame member Vince Gill honored Emmylou Harris with a heartfelt performance of her country-folk classic “Boulder To Birmingham.” Hall of Fame member Rodney Crowell presented Harris with the award.
While Harris has had songs recorded by other artists, most notably Gram Parsons’ rendition of “In My Hour Of Darkness,” she is best known for her work as both a songwriter and artist. She penned many of her own standout songs, including “A River For Him,” “Amarillo,” “Red Dirt Girl,” “The Pearl,” and “Woman Walk the Line.”
In her touching acceptance speech, Harris highlighted her role as a champion for songwriters and encouraged them to continue creating.
“I stand here as someone who is grateful that I’ve been able to write songs. It’s a wonderful feeling too, and you get that idea, you finally get it out, but I stand here as a champion of a songwriter, all of you here, who put in the work day in, day out, year after year as someone who lives off the song and appreciates the work, the hard work, and the artistry that goes into a writing a song. I’m so grateful for your work, and please don’t stop because the world needs songs. We need someone to express what is inside our hearts, which is inside our soul, and nothing touches us more than a song that speaks to our humanity,” she said.
The post Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Welcomes Seven Inductees, Including Brad Paisley, Emmylou Harris & More appeared first on Country Now.
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Jodeci Hitting The Road For 2026 Tour
Jodeci has big plans for 2026. The legendary R&B group has booked a unique tour that will take them to cities across the US on holiday weekends next year.
Things will get started in Middle America on Martin Luther King Jr. Day weekend, with a Jan. 16 date at Horseshoe Hammond Casino in Hammond, IN, and a Jan. 17 show at WinStar World Casino in Thackerville, OK. It’s on to the West Coast for Valentine’s Day weekend, when Jodeci will take the stage at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland, CA on Feb. 14, with an engagement at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Sacramento, CA to follow on Feb. 15. Lastly, Jodeci will spend Mother’s Day weekend on the East Coast, with concerts planned for Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ on May 9 and Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, NY on May 10.
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The tour announcement comes on the heels of a 30th anniversary reissue for Jodeci’s The Show, The After Party, The Hotel, which brought the album to vinyl for the first time since its original 1995 release. Tickets for all shows officially go on sale this Friday, Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. local time. Presale access begins Tuesday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m. local time with promo code JODECI.
Jodeci is one of the most popular and influential R&B groups of all time. Bringing a tough hip-hop edge to their genre’s gospel and soul roots, the quartet of DeVanté Swing, Mr. Dalvin, K-Ci, and JoJo earned the nickname the Bad Boys of R&B. In the New Jack Swing era and beyond, the group was a fixture on the pop and R&B charts thanks to singles like “Forever My Lady,” “Lately,” and “Freek’n You,” becoming style icons and sex symbols in addition to hit-makers.
Shop for Jodeci’s music on vinyl or CD now.
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In the mid-80s, street-tough, edgy hip-hop and slick, sophisticated R&B were seemingly entirely at odds with each other. That changed with the arrival of New Jack Swing. Upbeat, fast-paced, and characterized by sharp, clipped beats and meaty basslines topped with a mixture of rapping and soulful singing, it was a musical revolution. Unashamedly pop-orientated and chock full of catchy melodies, adding to the appeal were flashy videos featuring colorful fashions, high-top haircuts, and energetic dance moves. With humble beginnings in the streets of New York it went on to dominate the US charts between 1989 and ’93 and its innovations have left an indelible influence on modern music.
Listen to the best of New Jack Swing on Spotify.
While producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis had hinted at the new direction with the stark beats of Janet Jackson’s 1986 album, Control, it was a young hip-hop producer and keyboardist from Harlem, Teddy Riley, who would forge New Jack Swing’s distinctive sound. A child prodigy, Riley had made a name for himself by the age of 17 as one of New York’s hottest production talents, overseeing records for the likes of Doug E Fresh and Kool Moe Dee. When soul singer Keith Sweat sought him out, Riley was initially reticent. “I told him I don’t do R&B,” he recounted to The Atlantic.
A compromise was reached, with Riley learning chords and Sweat adjusting his vocals to suit the hip-hop production style. The resulting album, 1987’s Make It Last Forever, which featured the breakout hit ‘I Want Her’, was both an artistic and commercial triumph going on to sell three million copies. That same year, writer and filmmaker Barry Michael Cooper coined the phrase “new jack swing” to describe Riley’s sound in a Village Voice feature, and the term stuck.
Following its success, Riley found himself much in demand, and he soon utilized his distinctive new sound on further smash hit singles by former New Edition member Bobby Brown (“My Prerogative”) and Johnny Kemp (“Just Got Paid”). Another key player at this early stage was former Def Jam man Andre Harrell. Having founded Uptown Records in 1986, he turned his label into an outlet for Riley’s productions. Artists such as Heavy D And The Boyz and Al B Sure! were given the NJS treatment, while the label also snapped up Riley’s band Guy, whose self-titled debut album was the genre’s first great long-player.
With Riley-produced New Jack Swing anthems riding high in the charts, others were quick to get in on the action and put their own imprint on the nascent sound. Production duos reigned supreme. LA Reid and Babyface created a wealth of incandescent hits such as Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step,” Karyn White’s “Secret Rendezvous,” and Mac Band And The McCampbell Brothers’ “Roses Are Red,” while Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy added a West Coast stamp to the genre with their work on Tony! Toni! Tone!’s debut album, Who?, and its follow-up, The Revival. The latter was produced alongside group member Raphael Saadiq and included such classics as “Feels Good” and “Oakland Stroke.” Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis also tapped into their unwitting offspring on Janet Jackson’s wildly successful follow-up to Control, Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Nation 1814.
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The years 1989-92 found New Jack Swing’s popularity at its zenith and it dominated the charts. Its sound and style even began to influence movies such as House Party and New Jack City, along with television series the likes of The Fresh Prince Of Bel-Air. Arsenio Hall’s hugely influential TV talk show, which had premiered in 1989, ensured that the latest talents were given a very public platform.
A plethora of young artists and producers soon began to expand the parameters of the sound. Foremost among these were members of Brown’s former band New Edition. Following his departure, they brought in singer Johnny Gill and enlisted Jam and Lewis to oversee their fifth studio effort, 1988’s Heart Break. Featuring killer songs such as “NE Heartbreak” and “Crucial,” the record embraced the New Jack Swing sound and went on to become their most successful album.
Keen to stretch their wings, the band subsequently agreed to put New Edition on hiatus, and 1990 saw multiple spin-off releases from its members. Ralph Tresvant’s self-titled album featured the Jam and Lewis monster “Sensitivity,” while Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, and Ronnie DeVoe re-launched themselves as Bel Biv Devoe. The trio employed Public Enemy’s production crew, The Bomb Squad, to oversee their seminal debut album, Poison, with the Squad adding a tougher edge to the group’s NJS template; the masterful title track (arguably the genre’s finest moment) became a huge worldwide hit. Newest band member Johnny Gill also got in on the action, and his 1990 self-titled album featured more Jam and Lewis jewels in the shape of “Rub You The Right Way” and “Wrap My Body Tight.”
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If 1991 marked the commercial peak for New Jack Swing, it was also the year that brought the first hints of the genre’s demise as acts began to reshape the sound into new styles. The likes of Mary J Blige and Jodeci employed hip-hop’s swagger and beats but slowed down the pace while losing NJS’s pop affectations. If Boyz II Men’s debut album, Cooleyhighharmoney, found them adding a gospel-like vocal depth on the tracks ‘Motownphilly’ and ‘Sympin’’, cuts such as “Please Don’t Go” and “This Is My Heart” hinted at R&B’s return to more traditional forms of soul. Michael Jackson chose to replace long-standing producer Quincy Jones with Teddy Riley for his Dangerous album; despite its undoubted brilliance, the mega-hit single “Remember The Time’ nevertheless smoothed out New Jack Swing’s edges, reshaping it into a more standardized form of pop.
As such, while the following year heralded gems such as Public Announcement’s “She’s Got That Vibe,” SWV’s “I’m So Into You” and Teddy Riley’s “Is It Good To You” (featuring Tammy Lucas), it wasn’t long before young R&B artists had abandoned New Jack Swing’s narrow artistic confines for pastures new. Certainly, its key architects weren’t sitting still. Teddy Riley disbanded Guy and formed Blackstreet in its wake, employing slower, Jodeci-indebted productions on their self-titled debut, and later adding blues to the mix on their hit “No Diggity.”
LA Reid and Babyface, who had founded their own LaFace Records imprint in 1989, oversaw NJS albums by TLC and Toni Braxton before branching out into purer forms of R&B and hip-hop with the likes of Usher and OutKast. With Raphael Saadiq assuming creative control, Tony! Toni! Tone! went on to help spearhead the hip-hop-soaked neo-soul genre, while former producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy conceived En Vogue as a conduit for their productions. The resultant – and hugely successful – Funky Divas album featured a further diluted version of the genre.
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While New Jack Swing had disappeared altogether by the mid-90s, its influence continues to resonate. For today’s stars such as Rihanna and Beyoncé, the fusion of pop, R&B and hip-hop is a natural one. Recently, an increasing number of musicians are moving closer to the original source. Korea’s megalithic music industry, K-Pop, has taken to employing Teddy Riley to add a NJS sheen to artists such as Girls Generation, f(x), and EXO, while one of the pop world’s biggest stars, Bruno Mars, has paid homage to the genre with his NJS-leaning album 24K Magic and his collab with Cardi B, “Finesse (Remix).” More recently, R&B star Ne-Yo released a throwback single, “Genesis,” which was clearly inspired by the original New Jack Swing sound.
The high-tops may have disappeared, but New Jack Swing’s magic continues to inspire.
Celebrate the history of New Jack Swing with our exclusive playlist on Spotify.
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Avgusta can’t take your call right now. She’s busy releasing her new single, the 2000s-styled pop banger, “Right Now.”
The energetic track is custom made for dancing out your heartbreak — on the dance floor or on your next social media video. It’s also a showcase for the international singer’s powerful voice. Just 21 years old, Avgusta has a sound that seems mature beyond her years.
Released on September 12, “Right Now” makes it clear that Avgusta may be young, but her scars are real. The lyrics tell a well-known tale. She put her trust in someone who didn’t appreciate her, who told her over and over that she wasn’t enough. Now that she has moved on, finding happiness and success on her own, here come the phone calls.
Now you’re blowing up my phone
Sitting in the studio hearing my phone ringtone How’d you get my number though?
I’ve told you many times, last time was long ago
After a few more lines, Avgusta lets the pain and heartache fly away as she belts out the motivational chorus, “I know you’re thinking ‘bout me right now.”
Avgusta started her musical journey at an early age. Amidst an international upbringing in London and Austria, she began vocal lessons at the age of 8. Then came her first professional recording session at Bravo Records in Tbilisi, Georgia, where she sang covers by such vocal titans as Christina Aguilera, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. She released her first single when she was 11.
Several years (and several managers) later, Avgusta became disillusioned by the music industry. She says, “My kindness and trust was being taken advantage of. The music industry is not easy… It is really hard to trust anyone.” When you can’t trust anyone else, the best thing is to trust yourself. And that’s exactly what Avgusta did, setting off on her self-managed path at the age of 19.
All of that hard work, pain, and self-determination has paid off with Avgusta’s debut single, “Right Now.”
The high-quality production of “Right Now” is stellar. During the “blowing up my phone” verse, vocal and electronic effects emulate ringtones. The opening hook includes crunchy bass hits anchoring descending vocal lines and echoing percussion. But the main focus is Avgusta’s voice. From low-octave fast quasi-rapping to higher-octave full-throated power, the singer displays a wide range, in terms of notes and tone quality.
Avgusta built out the structure of the song in her home studio, where she also recorded the vocals. She says, “Recording a song for me is very intimate. I am truly grateful that I have the ability and privilege to own the right equipment to have my mini-studio set up at home.” Then she sent it off to her sound engineer, Misha Komlev, who produced the beat, mixed, and mastered the track. With parts of the song that evoke the Caribbean vibes of Rihanna, and other parts that feel like a Lady Gaga dance mix, Avgusta and Komlev have created an undeniably catchy dance track sure to resonate with fans of many genres.
In addition to her artistry, Avgusta is also involved behind the scenes. This includes managing other artists, drawing on her own experience working with many managers. Above all, her goal is connecting with listeners. She says, “From the bottom of my heart, I truly love connecting with my fans. It makes me so happy to see that my music brings joy to others.”
Although Avgusta manages herself at the moment, she did mention that if she crosses paths with a manager who has the same visions as her, she would be open to working together on advancing her career.
Avgusta also released a banging music video! Working with her long-time director Jon Vulpine, they put a storyline together and turned the vision into reality. The music video has a lot of critics speaking very positively about the release, and the fan base is definitely starting to build up.
“Right Now” is the perfect end-of-summer motivational dance track for anyone who has ever felt underappreciated. Stream it everywhere — right now.
Listen to Avgusta’s “Right Now” at the link below:
AllHipHop
Daddy Yankee is locked in a high-stakes legal showdown in Puerto Rico, where his ex-wife is not only challenging his fortune but also aiming to take his name.
The global reggaetón icon is battling Mireddys González over the rights to his stage name “Daddy Yankee” and related trademarks. The dispute follows their February 18 divorce and centers on González’s claim that she co-owns the brand due to her longtime role as CEO of El Cartel Records.
González has threatened to sue over trademark infringement, demanding that he stop using “Daddy Yankee,” “DY,” and other associated marks, including “El Cartel” and “Legendaddy.” According to court filings, she argues that her executive role in his companies and their marriage entitle her to partial ownership of the brand.
Yankee’s legal team is pushing back, stating he has used “Daddy Yankee” in commerce for more than three decades and that González never had individual rights to the name. His lawyers say she is attempting to “hijack” his identity and legacy.
The divorce, finalized in a virtual hearing, ended a nearly 30-year marriage but left unresolved financial disputes that have since exploded into public view. In court documents, Daddy Yankee accused González and her sister Ayeicha González Castellanos of siphoning off more than $100 million from two of his companies—$80 million from El Cartel Records and $20 million from Los Cangris Inc.
González’s attorneys deny any wrongdoing and claim that the funds were part of marital assets, which were moved with mutual consent. They argue that she had every right to access the money as a co-owner and executive of the businesses.
The financial feud escalated when Daddy Yankee filed for complete control of his business entities and sought damages for what he describes as unauthorized withdrawals.
He also requested a court order to block González from interfering with his trademarks or asserting ownership over his professional identity.
At the heart of the legal fight is González’s demand that the court recognize the “Daddy Yankee” name and related trademarks as marital property. She is also requesting joint management of the brand and a share in any future profits associated with the name.
Yankee’s attorneys argue that intellectual property rights in Puerto Rico cannot be divided in a divorce unless specifically assigned. They say no such assignment exists in this case. His legal team also notes that while El Cartel Records managed the trademarks during their marriage, the brand itself was created and commercialized by Yankee long before that.
González has not spoken publicly about the allegations, but has indicated that she will eventually share her version of the events. In the meantime, the court battle has created tension within the family, including strained relationships with at least one of their children.
The timing of the legal drama adds pressure as Daddy Yankee prepares for high-profile appearances, including the Billboard Latin Music Awards. He argues that any confusion about his identity could damage his career and business relationships.
Court filings reveal that both parties have agreed not to transfer any assets exceeding $100,000 without written consent while litigation is ongoing.
Daddy Yankee is asking the court for a permanent injunction to stop González from making any claims to the name and is seeking financial compensation for what he calls “irreparable harm.” If he loses the rights to his stage name, it could severely impact his legacy and income.
AllHipHop