Category: Music

In honor of Dolly Parton celebrating her 80th birthday on January 19, the country music icon has dipped into her timeless catalog to unveil a brand-new, star-studded rendition of “Light of a Clear Blue Morning.” It has been 50 years since Parton wrote this classic so to commemorate her birthday as well as this milestone, she tapped a powerhouse lineup of female hitmakers to help give it a new life.

Joining her on the fresh recording is Lainey Wilson, her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, Queen Latifah, and Reba McEntire. Parton reignites the song through the recording and music video that also features David Foster on piano and The Christ Church Choir on backing vocals. Together, these artists and musicians combine their talents to share a message that encourages everyone to spread some love and hope in their days.

“You know, we’re living in troubled and uncertain times,” the country icon states in the opening of the video. “But we can’t let the darkness in.

“It’s time to wake up,” adds Queen Latifah, before Parton continues, “because I can see the light of a clear blue morning. Can you?”

The delicate piano keys slowly build over their vocals, offering a soft, tender melody that is soon overtaken by the unmistakable sounds of each of the artists’ voices whispering through the speakers. At first, they take turns carrying out the messages of hope, freedom, and renewal before coming together with soaring harmonies and a powerful spirit.

“I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ I can see the light of a brand new day/ I can see the light of a clear blue morning/ Oh, and everything’s gonna be all right/ It’s gonna be okay,” they sing on the chorus.

Parton acknowledged that this story was penned back in 1976 when she had found herself going through a moment of personal transition. Now, five decades later, Dolly revisits it with a fresh energy, transforming the classic into a celebration of perseverance and optimism for a new generation. The arrangement, which was produced by Dolly and Kent Wells and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, offers reminder that even after the darkest nights, brighter days are ahead.

“I wrote ‘Light of a Clear Blue Morning’ during a season when I was searching for hope, and fifty years later that message still feels just as true. As I celebrate my 80th birthday, this new version is my way of using what I’ve been blessed with to shine a little light forward, especially by sharing it with some truly incredible women,” Parton shared.

One of Parton’s collaborators, country music sensation Lainey Wilson called “Light of a Clear Blue Morning” a “powerful song.” While celebrating a career milestone of her own this week, Wilson reflected on the opportunity to be a part of this recording, stating how honored she was considering how impactful Dolly Parton has been on her musical journey.

“Whenever she asked if I could be a part of this, I was like, that will never get old to me. That will never get old to me. And when I found out who else is going to be a part of the song, it’s huge for her to kind of tip her hat to me like that by allowing me to be on this incredible song that has stood the test of time, that does mean so much,” she shared honestly.

The “Somewhere Over Laredo” goes on to say that she got to spend time in the studio with Dolly while recording this track and in doing so got to be coached by one of the greatest in the genre.

“I feel like I’ve known her from another lifetime. My mama got to spend some time with her. It was just a really special day. And I do not take it for granted that I even got to just spend a few hours with that woman. Everything that she says, I put it in my pocket. Just getting to know her and just, there’s so many layers to that woman and I’m thankful to have her in my life.”

Continuing her longtime tradition of giving back, Dolly Parton has announced that all proceeds from the song and its music video will support the pediatric cancer research program at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, Tennessee, an organization that has been a cherished partner and cause for Parton for many years.

The post Dolly Parton Marks 80th Birthday by Reimagining 50-Year-Old Hit With All-Star Female Lineup appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Megan Moroney is offering a fierce look into her upcoming Cloud 9 album with her latest track release, “Wish I Didn’t.” She comes in hot with a bold attitude with playful flirtation while offering a fun and all-too relatable story about falling for someone she probably shouldn’t.

From the opening line, Moroney sets the scene by describing her potential love interest as someone who’s “got a hell of a reputation” with a plethora of “horror stories” tied to his name from the list of women who came before her.

“You’ve got a hell of a reputation/ So, here I am patiently waiting/ For that other shoe, or should I say boot, to drop I’ve heard all of the horror stories/ Your graveyard of girls before me/ If you play dirty, mmm, how do I say this?/ Hell hath no fury,” Moroney sings.

She admits she’s falling for his charm cautiously while waiting for the other shoe to drop, but makes it clear she won’t be wearing rose-colored glasses. But if the man decides to cross her like he’s done in his past, Moroney warns him that she’s got the power of being a songwriter, which in her mind, can cause as much damage as a “stone cold killer” with a gun.

The serious tone behind Moroney’s rich yet playful vocals is palpable and should be enough to make any man think twice about doing her wrong. The song, penned by Moroney with Emily Weisband, Hillary Lindsey, and Luke Laird, goes on to navigate desire to give into temptations while remaining hesitant in an effort to avoid yet another heartbreak.

She continues onto the chorus, “Don’t make me wish I didn’t/ Get dressed up, let you take me out/ Wreck your bed, make you all I’m talking about/ Consider this a warning/ You’ve got one shot to listen/ I think I’m falling for ya/ Don’t make me wish I didn’t.”

The catchy track was paired with an equally fierce music video starring the Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter with reality TV star Dylan Efron. The video directed by Lauren Dunn finds the pair tapping into their acting skills to play a seemingly ordinary couple, navigating the routines of their morning and heading off to work, but it doesn’t take long for the secrets to unravel.

Paying homage to the Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie classic film, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Moroney and Efron plot to take each other out, leading to a wild, dinner-table fight scene. In the final scene, their brawl is interrupted when they realize someone has been watching them the whole time, leaving Moroney and Efron emerging from the front door with feat and uncertainty.

Throughout the video, fans will catch playful nods to her pink Cloud 9 era, including her signature pink Jeep and the number 9 on her door, and several other Easter eggs.

“Wish I Didn’t” marks the third track released from the MULTI-PLATINUM superstar’s upcoming third studio album Cloud 9, due out on February 20. It follows hits “6 Months Later” and ”Beautiful Things,” setting the tone for what’s to come, including collaborations with global superstar Ed Sheeran and Country luminary Kacey Musgraves.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Megan Moroney (@megmoroney)

The titles of the remaining tracks off the 15-song project were unveiled in another teaser video that found Moroney stepping off a jet in style and looking up to the clouds to see each of her songs laid out before her in skywriting.

Moroney is hitting the road this May for THE CLOUD 9 TOUR, a 49-stop international headline run. She’ll be bringing her show to major arenas across North America, Europe, and the UK.

The post Megan Moroney Drops Fierce New Track, ‘Wish I Didn’t,’ And Cinematic Video Co-Starring Dylan Efron appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Decades after its original release, a beloved 1976 hit is finding new life, thanks to Sara Evans who joined forces with the vocals of the late Texas Heritage Songwriters Hall of Famer Dan Seals for a fresh take on “Nights Are Forever (Without You).” 

When hitmaking duo England Dan & John Ford Coley first released the song, it quickly became a Billboard Top 10 hit on the Hot 100. Now, with Sara Evans lending her voice, the reimagined recording is connecting generations of country music fans.

The “Suds in the Bucket” singer shared that she is honored for the opportunity to be a part of celebrating Seals’ lasting legacy and award-winning career that continues to inspire musicians today across the globe.

“Dan Seals has long been an artist I deeply admire, so being part of this tribute is truly an honor. Recording ‘Nights Are Forever’ alongside his original vocal was a remarkable experience—both meaningful and inspiring. I’m grateful for the chance to celebrate his legacy in such a special way,” says the Melody Place recording artist.

Decades later, the track still carries the same emotional weight as it captures the ache of loneliness that comes with missing someone special. The artists’ vocals intertwine effortlessly, bringing to life the intimate story of someone “lying in bed with the radio on,” unable to stop thinking about the person. They find themselves consumed by the wait and uncertainty of being apart while a slow, haunting melody reinforces the vulnerability of the tender ballad.

“I didn’t know it would be so strong/ Waiting and wondering about you/ I didn’t know it would last so long/ Nights are forever without you,” Evans and Seals sing on the chorus.

This latest duet is the newest release from Melody Place and the Dan Seals Estate, continuing a series of collaborations that bring Seals’ timeless music to a new generation. Previous duet partners have included Luke Bryan, Jamey Johnson, and Broadway star Jasmine Amy Rogers, all of whom, like Sara Evans, lend their voices to Seals’ classics while preserving the authenticity of his original recordings.

Looking ahead, the star-studded re-recordings of Seals’ catalog are set to continue with The Last Duet, a full-length album celebrating Seals’ incredible career that arrives August 28, 2026. The project pairs Seals’ vocals with a mix of country legends and emerging artists, including Alabama, Tanya Tucker, Blake Shelton, Marie Osmond, Katherine McPhee, Jackie Evancho, and many more. Each track reflects the personal connection these artists have to Seals’ music, from his heartfelt ballads to his genre-spanning hits.

Produced once again by Kyle Lehning, The Last Duet will include the previously released singles and as well as additional new music. These songs use Seals’ original vocals and recordings that have been carefully preserved and enhanced with modern digital technology and pair it with today’s top artists to bring a fresh sound to his beloved classics.

“Dan was always true: as a singer, as an artist and as a man,” says award-winning producer Lehning. “Seeing the way all of these artists responded when they had Dan’s voice in their ears shows how that warm truth in his voice still touches people in the best way. The song ‘Still Reelin’’ was Dan reflecting on the effect that Elvis and the early rock n’ rollers had on him as a child, it’s nice to see that people are ‘still reelin’’ from his music today.”

The Last Duet Tracklist:

1. “Big Wheels In The Moonlight” – Blake Shelton
2. “God Must Be A Cowboy” – Ned LeDoux
3. “Nights Are Forever Without You” – Sara Evans
4. “Bop” – Tanya Tucker
5. “You Still Move Me” – Marie Osmond
6. “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)” – Luke Bryan
7. “The Healing Kind” – Katharine McPhee
8. “Wood” – John Berry
9. “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight (50th Anniversary Edition)” – John Ford Coley
10. “Love Is The Answer” – Jackie Evancho
11. “Addicted” – The Castellows
12. “Love On Arrival” – Wendy Moten
13. “One Friend” – Lynda Carter
14. “Three Time Loser” – Jamey Johnson
15. “My Baby’s Got Good Timing” – Jasmine Amy Rogers
16. “Steel Reelin’ (From Those Rock & Roll Days)” – Alabama

The post Sara Evans Honors the Late Dan Seals With a Reimagined Duet of ‘Nights Are Forever (Without You)’ appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

Chase Matthew is doubling down on his small-town pride with his new single, “Holdin’ It Down.” The highly anticipated track celebrates his roots and the people who keep those community values alive, a theme he says will run deep in his next album.

Penned by the rising country star alongside Alex Maxwell, Ethan Escue, Evan Mayo, Jordan Centers, and Presley Aaron, “Holdin’ It Down” paints a vivid picture of a place untouched by modernization, where four digits still make up the population, farmland is valued over pavement, dirt roads beat city streets every time, and lessons are passed down from generation to generation.

Instead of chasing change, the lyrics find Matthew standing his ground on the importance of maintaining tradition and legacy over anything else. At its core, “Holdin’ It Down” centers around the belief that a simple, familiar way of life is already “as good as it gets” and anyone who can relate should be proud of where they come from.

Throughout the entire delivery, the Tennessee native’s humble vocals blend his signature grit with a deep love for traditional country, while still tapping into his high-energy rock edge.

He sings, “Keepin’ them parking lot half-ton circled on up/ Still lightin’ that fire with a diesel filled cup/ Like my daddy done it and had his daddy did/ Still thinkin’ this way of livin’s gettin’ as good as it gets/ If you ever thought about never leavin’ your little town/ Keepin’ them roots in the ground, well, keep holdin’ it down.”

Chase Matthew recently caught up with Country Now prior to his performance in the beachside setting of Crash My Playa to reflect on the new release. In doing so, he shared why this is such an important song for him to share with his fans.

“It represents me well, and I think it also sends a message of you don’t have to leave your small town to be a hero,” he explained. “There’s plenty of small-town heroes in the small towns: The firefighters, the first responders, the guy that’s just making breakfast for everybody at the local mom and pop. And I can think of a few of those already. So yeah, man, if you’re from a small town, hold the pride in that.”

He also noted that while having “a lot of fun” during the writing process for “Holdin’ It Down,” he came to the realization that this was setting the foundation for what he wanted his next album to sound like.

Set to be released sometime this summer, the album is expected to further highlight Matthew’s roots and the sound he was raised on through heartfelt storytelling.

“There’re some songs on there that I’ve held onto for a while that mean a lot to me and I’m finally going to put them out,” he admitted. “I think it’s the right time to do it. And like I say with every album…there’s a song for everybody on there. So make sure you check it out. It’s coming out soon.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Country Now (@countrynow)

Matthew is already starting out the year on a high note. In addition to his new music announcements, he was also named a member of the CRS New Faces Class of 2026 alongside Kelsey Hart, Ella Langley, John Morgan, Meghan Patrick, and Josh Ross.

“Man, that is such a cool title to see my name beside,” he gushed while reflecting on the honor. “All the artists that have came through there have just skyrocketed in their career. And I think seeing my name on that list beside all the other people that are coming up too is just really cool.”

Following his appearance at Luke Bryan’s 11^th Annual Crash My Playa in Cancun, Mexico this weekend, Chase Matthew will continue with the Holdin’ it Down World Tour with stops across Michigan, Arizona, Tennessee, Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, and so many more before bringing it to a close in June.

The post Chase Matthew Shares the Small-Town Pride Behind ‘Holdin’ It Down,’ Teases New Album appeared first on Country Now.

​Country Now

It didn’t take long for the couple to be identified on the show. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

The heartbeat of Texas flows through Langley’s song, where less really is more. Let’s dig into what makes this tune resonate. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

In a new interview, Keith Urban gets philosophical about music, creativity and why less is more right now. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

In a new interview, Keith Urban gets philosophical about music, creativity and why less is more right now. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs

The two have been friends for years, but they’re not above a little gentle ribbing. Continue reading…​Country Music News – Taste of Country

The two have been friends for years, but they’re not above a little gentle ribbing. Continue reading…​The Boot – Country Music News, Music Videos and Songs