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CHARLIE DANIELS AN AMERICAN ICON
DEPARTMENTS
FEATURES 13
CALLING ‘DIBS’ We give you five reasons why we’re calling ‘Dibs’ on Country Music’s newest superstar, Kelsea Ballerini.
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REVIEWS Check out Carrie Underwood’s new single “Smoke Break” plus new music from The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery.
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JEKYLL + HYDE We explore the critically-acclaimed album from Zac Brown Band released earlier this year in April.
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ON TOUR
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COUNTRY BIRTHDAYS
OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESS BY CHARLIE DANIELS Charlie Daniels recently shared an Open Letter to Congress voicing his concern and call to action.
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REMEMBERING LYNN ANDERSON
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TRENDING IN COUNTRY MUSIC
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An Airplay Weekly Publication
Publisher Tim Hall
Advertising (615) 6 69-9592 Editorial hello@airplayweekly.com
Editor Jeremy Koering
AW Magazine P.O. Box 330322 Nashville, TN 37203
Design KOER Creative Proof Donna Hall
Contributors Haley Maleah Hall Tim Hall Jeremy Koering
Charlie D A M E R I C A N
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BY TIM HALL
Volunteer Jam photos by John Shearer/Getty Images for Webster Public Relations
Daniels I C O N
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How do you define a man that is the epitome
songs like, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” “In
of everything you hold dear about the culture
America,” “Uneasy Rider,” “The South’s Gonna Do
you were raised in? Perhaps the Encyclopedia of
It,” “Long Haired Country Boy,” “Still in Saigon,”
Southern Culture said it best when they wrote, “Few
“The Legend of Wooley Swamp,” and the rest of
individuals have symbolized the South in popular
his catalog, no one can say if he is Southern Rock,
culture as directly and indelibly as Charlie Daniels.” Country, Bluegrass, Gospel or any other single genre, he simply is a mixture of them all, and that my friend is CDB music. Charlie’s resume is not limited to his own recordings as an artist. He has worked with some of the greatest and most diverse artists of our time as a musician, engineer and/or producer such as Bob Dylan, Flatt & Scruggs, Pete Seeger, Mark O’Connor, Leonard Cohen and Ringo Starr. Not to mention the fact that superstars like Elvis Presley and Tammy Wynette have recorded songs he has penned. Perhaps his most cherished accomplishment to date Daniels in the 1970s
came on Saturday night, January 19th, 2008, when his life long dream became a reality. Charlie was
Charlie is a man that is unmistakable, whether you
inducted into the Grand Ole Opry as a full-fledged
are looking at his larger than life Western persona
member. Charlie shared, “It is an honor that I can’t
in his signature, bull rider cowboy hat and king size
begin to articulate, there is no way I can express
rodeo belt buckle or listening to one of his musical exploits that crosses multiple genres, no doubt Charlie is one of a kind. For decades, yes decades, this 78-year-old phenom has refused to be confined or defined by a single musical genre. When asked how he would describe his music he simply states its “CDB music”.
“ I pursued my dream in music and by the goodness of God have been able to have a wonderful career, which has spanned fifty years ”
With a musical catalog that spans more than 50 years and over 20 million units sold Charlie has
what it means to me”. He continued, “And to make it
dumbfounded many reviewers and label execs in the
special, I was joined on stage by Russell Palmer, the
industry simply because he can’t be labeled. With
man who taught me my first guitar chords all those
6
years ago. I pursued my dream in music and by the goodness of God have been able to have a wonderful career, which has spanned fifty years.” “I have been blessed with Gold, Platinum and Multiplatinum albums, I have appeared many times on network television, even in moving pictures. I have won multiple awards from The Country Music Association, The Academy of Country Music, The Gospel Music Association and even a Grammy. I have even played on the Grand Ole Opry many times.
Daniels in 2010
But I was always on the outside looking in. I was
genres, all coming together to support Charlie’s
always a guest, never a member. Ain’t God good!”
efforts in assisting various charities through the years.
Charlie’s humility is legendary. His talents and gifts have certainly opened many doors for him and
The list too diverse and long to itemize has included,
garnered him recognition in the world of music, but
to name a few, Roy Acuff, Don Henley, Tanya Tucker,
even heads of state have recognized and honored
Amy Grant, Leon Russell, Billy Ray Cyrus, the Nitty
Charlie for his music.
Gritty Dirt Band, James Brown, Duane Eddy, Pat Boone, The Outlaws, Dwight Yoakam, Steppenwolf,
“In his time he’s played everything from rock to jazz, folk to western swing, and honkytonk to awardwinning gospel”, former President Jimmy Carter once said. “In Charlie’s own words, ‘Let there be harmony, let there be fun and 12 notes of music to make us all one.’”
“Charlie’s love of music is only surpassed by his love of people, especially the American people.” President Gerald Ford
Another former president, President Gerald Ford once said, “Charlie’s love of music is only surpassed by his love of people, especially the American people.
Bill Monroe, Exile, The Judds, Orleans, Willie Nelson,
He’s traveled this land from coast to coast singing
the Allman Brothers, Link Wray, Ted Nugent, Billy
about the things that concern the American people.”
Joel, the Marshall Tucker Band, Solomon Burke, Little Richard, B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eugene
Possibly no single event more expresses Charlie’s
Fodor, Woody Herman, and Bobby Jones and the
compassion and love for “American people” than his
New Life Singers, again just to name a few.
annual Volunteer Jam. It is a world famous event that showcases a host of musical guests, from multiple
Charlie Daniels founded the Journey Home Project 7
in 2014 with the help of David Corlew and Joe &
Lawrence The Oak Ridge Boys, Ryan Weaver,
Mercedez Longever. The not-for-profit organization,
Wynonna, Craig Morgan, Lee Roy Parnell, Michael
assists in securing funds to help causes that benefit
W. Smith, Travis Tritt, Phil Vassar Montgomery
veterans
Gentry, Blackberry Smoke, and a couple of “Surprise
of
the
United
States Armed
Forces.
Understanding the need to assist our nation’s
Guests”, but we will get to them later.
veterans, the organization has set out to establish strategic partnerships with organizations that do the most good, with the least amount of overhead. The Journey Home Project is making a difference in the lives of American patriots. Charlie says, “I have a very unique opportunity because of being in the music community, you try to give back to some extent. I do feel like people should. We should all do as much as we can.” On August 12th, 2015, the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam celebrated its 40th show at Bridgestone Arena
Lee Greenwood at Volunteer Jam
in Nashville. With a lineup this immense, it would be impossible to The night was full of legendary guests and
adequately write about each performance so we will
performances including The Charlie Daniels Band,
just touch on a few. You could feel the anticipation
Trace Adkins, Alabama, Ted Nugent, Terri Clark,
throughout the arena as Lee Greenwood kicked
Billy Ray Cyrus, Colt Ford, The Grascals, Lee
the night off singing “God Bless The USA”. As you
Greenwood, The Kentucky Headhunters, Tracy
would imagine, the entire arena was charged with excitement and patriotism as everyone stood and sang along. You have to ask yourself if that is the show opener, what’s the closer going to be? I mean how do you top one of the most iconic songs of all time? Stay tuned, we will get there and you won’t be disappointed, I promise. The evening’s hosts then took the stage, first Storme Warren was a crowd favorite and a familiar face to country music fans everywhere, but when he introduced Sean Hannity to the crowd, the place
Storme Warren & Sean Hannity at Volunteer Jam erupted in applause. It was obvious the FOX News 8
TV personality was right at home and very welcome
Seely sang the classic “Who Needs You”.
in Music City USA! The two kept the audience entertained all night long in between the many
There are songs that we all listen to and love,
set changes for each artist. If you’ve ever watched
then there are those songs that transcend time,
Hannity on FOX you know he is constantly throwing
generations, trends and fads, songs that become a
a red and white football to people in his audience or
part of your soul and stay with you forever which
to a cameraman, well this night was no different, he
was obvious when the mighty Oak Ridge Boys took
brought bags full of those signature red and white
the stage and sang “Elvira”. I don’t care if you were
footballs and every chance he got, he and Storme
a man, woman, boy or girl, when it came time for
were launching them into the crowd as souvenirs for
Richard Sterban’s famous bass line, every person in
attendees.
the arena was singing it with him.
After a few minutes of dialog, Hannity & Storme threw us right back into the music with the Kentucky Headhunters singing their hit “Dumas Walker”. For the next hour it was one artist and one hit after another. You had Phil Vassar singing “For a little While”, and then Craig Morgan singing “What I Love about Sunday” to Wynonna belting out her smash
Daniels & Eric Church at Volunteer Jam The night was rolling along with hit after hit, it was as if you had signed in to Pandora and got the best country music playlist of all time, but this wasn’t just another Volunteer Jam, it was the 40th Anniversary, so Charlie had a few tricks up his sleeve. His first surprise guest was, the Chief, Eric Church. Eric joined Charlie on stage for a version “In America”.
Wynonna at Volunteer Jam The crowd, as you’d expect, went crazy with this hit “No One Else on Earth”, which the crowd came
classic Charlie Daniels Band anthem.
unglued on. The crowd absolutely loved Wynonna and for many it was a rare chance to see her perform
To contrast the energy of that moment, Charlie picked
live! Tracy Lawrence followed with “You Find Out
up his acoustic guitar, set on a stool and started
Who Your Friends Are” and the Opry legend, Jeannie
strumming and singing “How great Thou Art” in an 9
other artist. So how do you follow a deeply spiritual, reverent moment like the one I’ve just described? With Ted Nugent, of course! The wild man, rocker of Cat Scratch Fever fame took to the stage, alone with his guitar, and played an instrumental version of the “Star Spangled Banner”. You could feel the energy pumping throughout the arena, it built with every screaming note of our national anthem as Nugent played and by the end
Ted Nugent at Volunteer Jam of the song the only thing louder was the crowd arena where you could have screamed at the person
screaming, “USA, USA, USA,” to the top of their
next to you and never been heard a few moments
lungs.
before, now you could literally hear a pin drop. The reverence that fell on that place was, well there is no other word for it, spiritual. It was obvious Charlie wasn’t just singing, he was worshipping the God he so often speaks of. Suddenly the concert seemed more like church, and everyone was fine with it. You might think a moment like that would occur towards the end of the night, and with most artists you’d be right, but Charlie Daniels is not like any
Michael W. Smith & Daniels at Volunteer Jam Following Ted Nugent was a parade of stars, Michael W. Smith singing “Gospel Ship” then mega group Alabama singing their smash hit “Mountain Music” and the list kept going with Billy Ray Cyrus, Terri Clark, Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Colt Ford, Trace Adkins all singing their mega hits. How any one man could assemble that many artists, in one place, for one night, for one cause, is mind blowing,
Jamey Johnson at Volunteer Jam only Charlie Daniels could pull something like this off, 10
but there was still one more surprise in store for the fans.
of celebration and giving. All in all Charlie Daniels
The final act of the night was Charlie’s second
and his friends raised over $300,000 that night to
“Surprise Guest”, and they were a big one, Lynyrd
benefit the Journey Home Project and countless
Skynyrd. As you can imagine people in the arena
numbers of lives.
were on their feet, with just the mention of their name, but when they started playing “The Breeze”, the party was on! To see that much energy on stage
To get more information about or to contribute to
and in the crowd after hours of performances was a
The Journey Home Project visit:
testament to just how incredible of a night this had
www.thejourneyhomeproject.org
been. Remember when I asked if Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA” was the opener, what
To learn more about Charlie Daniels Band:
was going to be the closer? Well by now you’ve
www.charliedaniels.com
probably guessed it, “Sweet Home Alabama”. There could not have been a more perfect ending to a night
Lynyrd Skynyrd with Daniels (Volunteer Jam photos by John Shearer/Getty Images for Webster Public Relations) 11
5 reasons we’re calling
On Country’s newest superstar
KELSEA BALLERINI
Odds are, if you haven’t already heard of this girl, you will soon. Kelsea Ballerini has taken the music industry by storm as she is quickly becoming one of Country Music’s biggest stars. She has already had
5. History Maker For starters, her first single she ever released,“Love Me Like You Mean It”, was also her first #1 single!
Kelsea was the first solo female artist since Carrie two major hits, “Love Me Like You Mean It” and Underwood in 2006 to make her debut single go to #1. “Dibs”! Because we know that Kelsea is here to stay, we decided to name the top five reasons that we are
4. Songwriter
calling DIBS on Kelsea Ballerini as Country Music’s As if being a super talented 21 year old artist isn’t Newest Superstar. impressive enough, she also co-wrote every song on her debut album, The First Time! Plus, her lyrics are catchy, fun, and relatable.
3. Selfie Taker If you follow Kelsea Ballerini on any of her social media channels, (@KelseaBallerini), you can see that she is a lean mean selfie takin’ machine. Now, she doesn’t take selfies of herself. She takes them with her fans! The interaction between Kelsea and her followers is just another reason to love this girl!
2. Her Humility Something else that is truly amazing about Kelsea is that in the midst of her sudden rise to fame, you can tell that she is the same humble girl that she has always been. She stays true to who she is, and is a shining example of what a classy young artist should be.
1. Her “First Time” If you want to see a genuine, talented, and true artist. Look no further than Kelsea Ballerini. This may be her “First Time”, but it certainly won’t be her last. We can’t wait to see where the future takes you, Kelsea!
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Carrie Underwood’s “Smoke Break” BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
C
arrie Underwood fans, rejoice! At last we have new music! On August 20th, Carrie Underwood surprised everyone and released
her new single “Smoke Break”. As if this news wasn’t exciting enough, she also announced that her new album Storyteller will be released October 23rd. “Smoke Break” is already taking country radio by storm, and is receiving rave review from fans!
The chorus of the song is a solid, catchy hook that Carrie delivers so effortlessly.
“Smoke Break” was written by Carrie Underwood, Hillary Lindsey, and Chris DeStefano. It’s no surprise
Carrie Underwood said this regarding her take on
that Carrie Underwood sounds amazing on this song,
her newest single, “It’s basically an anthem for every
but what’s really special is the lyrical content of this
hard-working person. We all wear many hats and
song. In a world where the majority of the stuff on
are spread thin, so we can all relate to being tired
the radio is fluff, this song brings to life that we are
and needing a break. This song is about having that
all human, and sometimes we just need a break.
moment to be able to escape from whatever it is that’s stressing you out and have some time for yourself.”
She said, ‘I don’t drink, but sometimes I need a stiff drink’ // Sipping from a high, full glass, let the world fade away // She said, ‘I don’t smoke, but sometimes I need a long drag’ // Yeah, I know it might sound bad, but sometimes I need a smoke break
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Something that makes Carrie Underwood so special is her ability to relate to her fans. She is considerate of the music that she puts out, and how her fans will be able to relate to her songs. “Smoke Break” is no exception. But let’s be honest, Carrie can do no wrong! We can’t wait to hear even MORE new music from her.
Single reviews It’s safe to say that Scotty McCreery has one of the most distinctive voices in country music today. This American Idol winner has always stayed true to his true country roots and his music has always displayed that. Scotty’s newest single, “Southern Belle” does its best to stay true to his classic sounds, all while adding a little bit of edge. This song was written by Sean McConnell and Jason Saenz and features a different kind of sound than Scotty has ever released. Even with this new musical venture, Scotty’s voice brings you back to what you love about him, that smooth country voice! This song is sure to have all the southern belle’s singin’ and dancing along to Scotty’s new sound! - Haley Maleah Hall
One of country music’s most beloved groups has new music out! The Band Perry recently released their latest single, “Live Forever”, which was written by Kimberly Perry, Reid Perry, Neil Perry and their co-producer for their new album, RedOne. This song showcases a different side of the band than we are used to seeing. “Live Forever” is very high energy, and is a song that you can easily sing and dance along to (careful, it is sure to get stuck in your head!) Something that is so special to The Band Perry, is that family dynamic between Kimberly and her two brothers. You can’t duplicate that unique and flawless family harmony dynamic that this trio has, regardless of what song they are singing. We love this upbeat anthem from The Band Perry and we can’t wait to see what is to come from them next! - Haley Maleah Hall
Jekyll + Hyde
Z
BY HALEY MALEAH HALL
ac Brown Band has become one of Country Music’s most successful and beloved groups.
features strong lyrics and showcases a side of Zac Brown’s
Through some of their hits like “Chicken Fried”,
vocals that you don’t frequently hear.
“Homegrown” and “Colder Weather”, we have seen the diversity and depth that the band has both musically and
On songs like “Bittersweet”, “Tomorrow Never Comes”,
lyrically. In Zach Brown Band’s latest album, Jekyll + Hyde,
and “One Day” you see the softer side of Zach Brown
you hear a band that is staying true to their country roots,
Band. These songs are smooth and have that classic Zach
all while experimenting in a rock & roll type of feel.
Brown Band sound. Perhaps the most emotionally driven song on this album is the beautiful ballad “Dress Blues”.
The first track is titled “Beautiful Drug” and it really sets
This song pays tribute to our military men and women
the tone for the rest of the album. In the first few seconds
who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. It
you hear the country banjo sounds, later on through the
is a haunting song that will be sure to bring a tear to your
song you hear strong lyrics and a heavy rock tone. It
eye and fill your heart with pride for our service men and
combines both genres and is a great layout for what to
woman.
expect from the rest of the album. Other songs on the album include “Young and Wild”, In the next two songs, “Loving You Easy” and “Remedy”,
“Wildfire”, and “I’ll Be Your Man (Song For a Daughter),
you hear a more familiar Zach Brown Band. These two
which is a beautiful song that displays the growing
songs are feel good anthems that will have you singing
relationship between a father and his daughter. Perhaps
and swaying along! The next song up is “Homegrown”. I
one of the most genre defining songs on this album is
think that this song is the most fitting song to describe who
“Junkyard”. Zach Brown Band shows that they truly can
the Zach Brown Band is. “I got everything I need, and
do anything, and in this hard rock anthem you see that
nothing that I don’t. Homegrown…”
Zac Brown can sing just about anything and be incredible.
In the next two tracks, Zach Brown Band decided to invite
This album is certainly different than anything that the
some of their friends to sing along with them! In “Mango
Zach Brown Band has released previously, but it has a
Tree” Sara Bareilles joins them in this upbeat jazz song. As
little bit of everything that is sure to appeal to their fans!
we move onto the next song, the tone of the album takes a
Throughout the years we have seen Zac Brown explore
different turn. “Heavy Is the Head” is a duet between Zach
different musical elements. This album shows that good
Brown Band and Chris Cornell. This very heavy rock song
music extends beyond fitting into a specific genre or mold. 19
An Open Letter to Congress by charlie daniels
I am a proud American who believes that America has held - and still holds - a very sensitive and special place in the affairs of mankind on Planet Earth. I believe that America has been divinely blessed and protected in our two centuries plus of existence.
many who had to supply their own firearms. It took courage above and beyond for Abraham Lincoln to push the country into a Civil War that he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt would divide this nation for decades.
I believe that America has been a counterbalance that has cancelled out a lot of tyranny, evil and conquest and, admittedly, we have made a lot of mistakes, but on balance we have exerted a certain Pax Americana in the international affairs of mankind.
It took guts to give the order for American troops to storm the beaches of Normandy on D-Day, straight into the face of artillery and machine gunfire, wave after wave being cut to ribbons by German shore emplacements.
It took a lot of old fashioned guts for the Continental Congress to stand up to the world’s mightiest military and tell them that we demanded our independence, even at the peril of going up against a far superior force on land and sea with a ragtag army of untrained citizens,
The history of this nation is written in the blood and courage of men who stood in the face of overwhelming odds, politicians, soldiers, statesmen and ordinary citizens who sought to do the right thing regardless of the cost or the consequences.
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Well, ladies and gentlemen of the United States Congress, it seems that that particular pen has run out of ink. The courageous politicians that once championed this nation have been replaced, for the most part, by a breed of milksop, politically correct, scared of their own shadow, pushover, pathetic excuses for public servants who are supposed to be representing a constituency of citizens who have to live with the circumstances of their timid folly. You don’t even have the courage to face down an out of control president, even when he makes a deal with the devil. Don’t you bunch of timid capons even care what kind of world you’re leaving to your children and grandchildren, not to even mention the rest of us? Are you really party partisans before you’re parents and grandparents or even human beings? Be honest with yourselves a minute, go into the bathroom and look in the mirror and ask the person you see this question. “Do I really believe that Iran will not use the money we’re releasing to them to finance terrorists to kill Americans, and, when, not if, but when, the Iranians develop their nuclear device, will they really use it against America and Israel?” You can’t hide from the truthful answer to that question forever, an answer will be required of you one day. You have allowed Obama to tilt the Supreme Court so far to the left that they’re little more than a shameful extension of the Executive Branch. You have talked for decades about the porous southern border but have done absolutely nothing about it.
run over the very people you are sworn to protect and allow the entitlement society to expand exponentially while you actually entertain the idea of raising taxes on those who still work and shoulder the burden. You compose a third of the constitutionally mandated ruling system and you shirk your duty and allow this nation to move a little closer to the edge every day. I wish you bunch of sold-out, jaded, burned-out hacks would just go home and let some people who still have some vision and whose consciences haven’t been seared past the point of reminding them when they’re wrong take over and start to claw this nation back on to the path of sanity, your ratings are in the single digits, your morals are in the gutter, your minds are on selfpreservation and somewhere along the way you traded your honor for political expediency. You’ve violated your oaths, you’ve betrayed your country you’ve feathered your nests and you’ve sat on your hands while an imperial president has rubbed your noses in the dirt time after time. You’re no longer men, you’re puppets, you’re caricatures, jokes, a gaggle of fading prostitutes for sale to anybody who can do you a political favor. “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” What do you think? Pray for our troops and the peace of Jerusalem. God Bless America,
You have allowed cities in this nation to declare themselves sanctuary cities where they protect the worst of the worst criminal aliens, American citizens paying an awful price for your silence. You watch an impossible National Debt balloon completely out of control knowing full well that a day of reckoning is coming that will seriously curtail the quality of life for coming generations. You allow corrupt government agencies like the IRS to 21
LUK E BRYA N’ S
KICK THE DUST UP TOUR WI TH RA NDY HOU SER & DU ST IN LY NCH
Sept 3 Sept 4 Sept 5 Sept 11 Sept 12 Sept 18 Sept 19 Sept 20 Sept 24 Sept 25 Sept 26 OCT 15 OCT 16 OCT 17 OCT 18 OCT 22 OCT 23 OCT 24 OCT 28 OCT 29 OCT 30
Darien Center, NY Darien Center, NY Cleveland, OH Philadelphia, PA Philadelphia, PA Tampa, FL West Palm Beach, FL West Palm Beach, FL Charlotte, NC Raleigh, NC Raleigh, NC Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA Irvine, CA Irvine, CA San Antonio, TX Dallas, TX Dallas, TX Chicago, IL Chicago, IL Detroit, MI
For more information on Luke Bryan and the Kick The Dust Up Tour, visit lukebryan.com.
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S E P T E M B E R B I RT H D AYS
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9
Charles Esten
10
Hunter Hayes
12
12
Ashley Monroe
Jennifer Nettles
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19
Kelsea ballerini
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Taylor Dye of Maddie & Tae
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Trisha Yearwood
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Chase Rice
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Karen Fairchild of little big town
Marty Stuart
Faith Hill 23
Lynn Anderson 1 94 7 - 2 0 1 5
T R E N D I N G O N A I R P L AY W E E K LY. C O M
1
Carrie Underwood Announces New Music!
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Dan + Shay Announce Fall Tour with Kelsea Ballerini!
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Carrie Underwood & Brad Paisley Return To Host CMA Awards
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Carrie Underwood Releases “Smoke Break” Music Video
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Randy Houser Announces “We Went” Tour
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Dustin Lynch Announces First Headlining Tour 25