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Jordan Davis Celebrates No. 1 Milestone, Previews New Album in Nashville

Every once in a while, you’re reminded of what makes Nashville so special: the sense of community, the perseverance, and the unexpected moments that bring songs to life. That was the case at Jordan Davis’ No. 1 party celebrating his eighth chart-topper, “I Ain’t Sayin’.”

The song marked several firsts: it was Davis’ first outside cut released as a single, and the first No. 1 for two of its writers, Steve Moakler and Emily Reid, who co-wrote it with Travis Wood and Mark Holman, despite being longtime members of the Nashville songwriting community.

Jordan Davis - I Ain't Sayin'
Jordan Davis – I Ain’t Sayin’

A No. 1 song can be life-changing for a writer, and it was special to witness their hard work finally pay off.

According to the writers, the track came together quickly. It began during a previous session and was finished on a writing retreat in Big Sky, Montana. 

Davis was at the writing retreat but didn’t hop in on this session, leaving the writers to work their magic in a close by room. After hearing their rough-cut demo after the song was completed, Davis knew it was something he had to record. 

Not long after, he laid his vocals down, the song was released, and began its climb up the charts, ultimately serving as the first glimpse of Davis’ next album.

Looking back on how it all came together, Davis said, “To me, that’s the coolest thing about being in town and being a songwriter is you never know where it’s going to come from. I am fans of all these guys…I’ve been a Moakler fan for a real long time. I think all five of us…we’re blessed to get to do this and it’s just special how it all comes together…It just kind of goes to show you how crazy Nashville can be, but perseverance, and I definitely think everybody on this couch has learned that lesson.”  

Following the No. 1 celebration, Jordan Davis invited friends, collaborators, and industry members to an album release party for his upcoming project, Learn the Hard Way, where he gave a live preview of the new music and its collaborations.

Carly Pearce and Jordan Davis; Photo by Caleb Cockrell
Carly Pearce and Jordan Davis; Photo by Caleb Cockrell

Treating guests to a seafood boil, a nod to his home state of Louisiana, Davis also performed several songs from the upcoming collection, including “Louisiana Stick” with Marcus King, and Mess With Missing You” with his longtime friend Carly Pearce. The father of four also performed the title track, the recently released “Turn This Truck Around,” and his chart-climbing single, “Bar None.” 

Marcus King and Jordan Davis; Photo by Caleb Cockrell
Marcus King and Jordan Davis; Photo by Caleb Cockrell

Next, Davis will appear on Jimmy Kimmel LIVE! August 14 to perform “Bar None,” followed by an August 21 performance on TODAY to celebrate his new album release and preview his fall headlining tour, Ain’t Enough Road. 

The tour kicks off September 11 in Greater Palm Springs, CA, with stops at venues like Los Angeles’ Greek Theatre (Sept. 18) and New York City’s Radio City Music Hall (Oct. 2). The trek features special guests Mitchell Tenpenny and Vincent Mason and will wrap up on October 25 in Estero, Florida.

The post Jordan Davis Celebrates No. 1 Milestone, Previews New Album in Nashville appeared first on Country Now.

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‘The Possum’ and ‘No Show Jones’: The Stories Behind George Jones’ Famous Nicknames

You’ve likely heard George Jones being referred to as one of the most influential voices in country music history, but along with his legendary status came a couple of not-so-flattering nicknames like “The Possum” and “No Show Jones.” The stories behind these nicknames give insight into different chapters of Jones career, starting with the very beginning of his career.

Photo Courtesy George Jones
Photo Courtesy George Jones

Why Is George Jones Called “The Possum”

“The Possum” was born from Jones’ distinctive look that a couple of radio deejays couldn’t help but poke fun at it. He credits T. Tommy Cutrer and Ralph Emery for forming the opinion that as just a young singer, he had a pointy nose and beady eyes that resembled the nocturnal animal.

“When you’re called ‘The Possum’ … it stays with me. There’s no way I can ever live it down,” Jones told The Boot. “T. Tommy Cutrer was a disc jockey. Everybody loved him. He was one of the old-timers on the all-night shows along with Ralph Emery, and those two got started calling me ‘The Possum.’”

He explained that the disc jockeys first drew the comparison from an album Jones released that featured a photo of his side profile with a crew cut as the cover art.

“I was very young, and my nose looked more turned up, and I’ve got little beady eyes so I guess I did look like a possum! So they both laid into me and called me ‘Possum,’ and it got everywhere. There was no way I could stop that, so (I thought) I’ll just have to live with that!”

The nickname stuck and rather than fight it, Jones eventually learned to embrace it, so much so that he even named his famous Nashville establishment, Possum Holler.

George Jones Album
George Jones Album

The Sad Truth Behind “No Show Jones”

While “Possum” was nothing but a clever knock at his looks at the time, his other nickname, “No Show Jones,” held a bit more of a troubling meaning as it was born from fans reactions to him missing so many concerts due to his drug and alcohol problem.

George Jones built a music career by living out the messages of his songs, that often honed in on the pain of his three divorces, his financial issues and struggles with his addiction to drugs and alcohol. His divorce from fellow legend Tammy Wynette led Jones down a destructive path. He was arrested and hospitalized on several occasions and missed countless performances in the process, hence the reason for the nickname.

Reflecting on that chapter of his career, Jones told the outlet that he often looked back on the canceled shows and felt instant regret thinking about all the families who were left with disappointment after spending their hard-earned money to see him live.  

“I think about the dates that I missed, and I’ll see those mamas and daddies and some grandkids walking down the old country dirt road … walking to town maybe a mile, and they’ve been saving their money for a couple months just to get there and to be let down … I guess that hurts me worse than anything else,” he admitted.  

“I Didn’t Think I’d Ever Live It Down”

He certainly wasn’t proud of being known as “No Show Jones,” but he did what he did best and explored the chapter through song and eventually, “made peace with it.”

“I didn’t think I’d ever live it down, but it’s gotten so much better,” he said with a laugh. “Nobody calls me ‘No Show’ any more.”

These nicknames will always be a part of George Jones’ legacy, but they are just a very small part of his story as a successful country artist.

The End Of George Jones’ Legendary Career

The “He Stopped Loving Her Today” singer also earned plenty of honorary titles throughout his career. He won a Grammy for Best Male Country Vocal Performance, two CMA Male Vocalist of the Year awards, the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime achievement and more.

He embarked on his farewell tour in late 2012 but unfortunately passed away before the final date, which was set to take place in Nashville on November 22, 2013 with an all-star celebration dubbed the Playin’ Possum! The Final No Show concert.

Jones was hospitalized on April 18, 2023 with a fever and irregular blood pressure. At 81 years old, he died on April 26, 2013, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville.

The post ‘The Possum’ and ‘No Show Jones’: The Stories Behind George Jones’ Famous Nicknames appeared first on Country Now.

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Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband Of Kelly Clarkson And Blake Shelton’s Former Manager, Passes Away After Cancer Battle

Brandon Blackstock, a longtime talent manager and former husband of renowned singer/songwriter Kelly Clarkson, has died following a private battle with cancer. He was 48 years old.

According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE, Blackstock had been battling cancer for over three years. The family expressed their grief and extended their appreciation for the public’s support amid this difficult time.

“It is with great sadness that we share the news that Brandon Blackstock has passed away,” a rep for the family told the outlet. “Brandon bravely battled cancer for more than three years. He passed away peacefully and was surrounded by family. We thank you for your thoughts and prayers and ask everyone to respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time.”

This news dropped just one day after Kelly Clarkson announced that she would be postponing the remaining dates of her Las Vegas residency to spend time with her ex-husband and father of her two children, River and Remington.

“Unfortunately, I need to postpone the remainder of the August Studio Session dates in Las Vegas,” she wrote on Instagram. “While I normally keep my personal life private, this past year, my children’s father has been ill and at this moment, I need to be fully present for them.”

She concluded her message by offering a sincere apology to ticket holders who were looking forward to the upcoming dates.

“I so appreciate your grace, kindness and understanding.”

Brandon Blackstock and Kelly Clarkson first met during rehearsals for the 2006 ACM Awards. At the time, Brandon was still married to his ex-wife Melissa Ashworth while his father, Narvel Blackstock was acting as Clarkson’s manager. He followed in the footsteps of his father and went on to work as a manager of artists like Blake Shelton and Clarkson. He was also the road manager for Rascal Flatts.

“This guy walks by, making everybody laugh. I said, ‘I’m gonna end up with him. I know it,’ ” Clarkson told PEOPLE in 2013.

Blackstock and the “Where Have You Been” singer got reconnected while attending a Super Bowl in early 2012 and sparks began to fly. They tied the knot in October 2013. After seeing how well he worked with Shelton, Clarkson hired Blackstock to be her manager as well.

They welcomed their first daughter River Rose on June 12, 2014, in Nashville followed by a son, Remington “Remy” Alexander, who was born April 12, 2016.

Their love story came to an end in 2020 when Clarkson filed for divorce due to “irreconcilable differences,” according to reports from multiple outlets. However, the split was not finalized until 2022. During that time, the former couple endured multiple legal disputes including the custody of their kids. Clarkson intimately received primary custody of their two children.

Despite the ups and downs of their relationship, Kelly Clarkson prioritized supporting her ex-husband in his final days.  

Blackstock’s connection to the country music world doesn’t stop there. Between 1989 to 2015, country music icon Reba McEntire was married to Blackstock’s father, making him the stepson of McEntire.

In addition to the kids he shared with Clarkson, Blackstock also welcomed two children in a previous marriage, Savannah and Seth. He is survived by all four of his children, along with his grandson Lake, father Narvel Blackstock and siblings Shelby, Shawna and Chassidy.

The post Brandon Blackstock, Ex-Husband Of Kelly Clarkson And Blake Shelton’s Former Manager, Passes Away After Cancer Battle appeared first on Country Now.

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Lainey Wilson’s Fall Wrangler Collection: Our Top 5 Picks

Lainey Wilson is back with another stylish collaboration with Wrangler, and this fall collection might just be the best one yet.

Available now, the new line includes options for women and girls, blending Wilson’s signature flair with modern Western fashion. Think bell bottoms, vests, cozy jackets, and more, all infused with retro influences and updated textures.

The rich colors and bold silhouettes are SO Lainey, offering country fans the perfect way to infuse their wardrobe with a little flair. 

“Every time I collaborate with Wrangler, we push the boundaries of what ‘country style’ can be,” Wilson shared in a statement. “This collection brings that classic vintage vibe I love, but with fresh silhouettes and textures that feel completely new. It’s for anyone who wants to walk into a room and make their presence felt.”

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Denim Flare Catsuit

We’re adding this to our cart immediately. From the flattering fit to the retro-inspired flare, everything about this look is perfection. It’s versatile enough to dress up with heels and statement jewelry or dress down with boots and a hat. Lainey’s “LW” initials are even embroidered at the cuff…how fun! 

Shop HERE.

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Horse Cheeky Wide Leg Jean 

These jeans are certainly a statement piece, but wow. Our jaws are on the floor. Everything about these jeans, from the a-line silhouette to the colorful wild horses print, is impeccable. 

Shop HERE.

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Studded Star Crewneck Pullover

A cozy pullover with a little country glam? Count us in. The studded stars add just the right amount of sparkle, making this a standout piece you’ll want to wear on repeat.

Shop HERE.

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Keep On Strummin’ Tee

This tee feels like a tribute to Lainey Wilson’s journey. With the words “Keep On Strummin’” front and center, it captures the perseverance she’s known for, spending over a decade in Nashville chasing her dreams before landing her breakthrough hit.

Shop HERE.

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler
Wrangler x Lainey Wilson; Photo Courtesy Wrangler

Wrangler x Lainey Wilson Rodeo Ben Jacquard Vest

The bold colors and vintage-inspired pattern make this vest an instant favorite. Whether you’re dressing it up with a boho skirt or keeping it casual with denim, it’s a must-have! 

Shop HERE.

The new Wrangler x Lainey Wilson collection launched just before the kickoff of her Whirlwind World Tour, which will launch on August 14 in Phoenix, Arizona. Wrangler has signed on as the tour’s official apparel sponsor and will be on site with various activations for fans, including photo opps and giveaways. 

The nearly sold-out Whirlwind World Tour includes stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Los Angeles’ Kia Forum, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Austin’s Moody Center and Denver’s Ball Arena among others.

The post Lainey Wilson’s Fall Wrangler Collection: Our Top 5 Picks appeared first on Country Now.

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Jeannie Seely’s Funeral Will Be Unique + Fitting

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Tulsa King Season 3 Teaser Video Reveals a Dangerous New Villain

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The 10 Best Vern Gosdin Songs

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How Luke Bryan Intercepted This Huge Hit From Blake Shelton

Imagine a song that felt so right it just had to be yours, even if it was meant for a friend. Continue reading…

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Kelly Clarkson Postpones Vegas Shows Due to Ex-Husband’s Illness

The mother-of-two postpones her ‘Studio Sessions’ residency to prioritize family amid her ex-husband’s health struggles. Continue reading…

​Country Music News – Taste of Country