Taste of Country

Newcomer Jared Ashley Welcomes a Daughter

Megan Pacella — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:05 +0000

This Father’s Day was a particularly special holiday for up-and-coming country music singer Jared Ashley. On June 9, Ashley and his wife, Taylor, welcomed a brand new baby girl into their home. Georgia McClain Ashley entered the world in Nashville, weighing in at 7 pounds, 2 ounces. Mom and baby girl are doing just fine, [...]

Movie About George Jones' Life in the Works

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:30:35 +0000

The life story of one of country music's most celebrated singers is going to be told in a feature film. George Jones and his wife Nancy were working with a screenwriter in the years leading up to the legend's death. The biopic has the singer's blessing, and now has a production company to produce it.

Hunter Hayes to Appear on 'The Voice' Season 4 Finale

Christina Vinson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 21:00:52 +0000

‘The Voice’ Season 4 finale is Tuesday (June 18), and after months of heated competition, the television show’s next star will be unveiled. Throughout the night, plenty of other superstars will be taking their place onstage, including country crooner Hunter Hayes. The lovable and super talented Hayes will duet with Danielle Bradbury, who is one [...]

Cute Kids Singing Country Songs – Eric Church, 'Drink in My Hand'

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 20:00:54 +0000

Meet Keyli, a 3-year-old ball of fire that turns Eric Church's 'Drink in My Hand' into the ultimate toddler anthem. She not only knows all the words, she captures the essence of the bad boy singer's attitude while her equally adorable little brother dances around in the background. It's so sweet you'll sweat sugar.

Taste of Country Music Festival 2013: 10 Things We Learned From This Year's Event

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 19:00:53 +0000

The first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival is now behind us. What started as a rainy weekend ended with country music fans spread across the hill, dancing along with songs by Lady Antebellum, Billy Currington, Hunter Hayes and many more. Real estate was difficult to come by for the entire three-day festival, but Saturday's nice weather really packed Hunter Mountain.

Blake Shelton Leads 'The Voice' Coaches in Rendition of Beatles Classic

Amy Sciarretto — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:30:33 +0000

Blake Shelton and his bromantic partner Adam Levine strapped on guitars and performed the Beatles' classic 'With a Little Help From My Friends' with a little help from their friends, er, co-coaches. The show's four mentors hit the stage together on Monday's (June 17) episode of 'The Voice.'

Trace Adkins (Feat. Colbie Caillat), 'Watch the World End' – Song Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:00:42 +0000

There’s an intentional darkness that lingers over Trace Adkins‘ new single ‘Watch the World End,’ a duet with pop singer Colbie Caillat. It’s an effective love song that also succeeds in painting a vivid picture of the apocalypse. The ballad is both heartwarming and terrifying. Tempo, arrangement and performance all add to the details Adkins [...]

Is John Mayer's New Single 'Paper Doll' About Taylor Swift?

Christina Vinson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:00:18 +0000

John Mayer’s new single ‘Paper Doll’ may be his form of payback for superstar Taylor Swift. The singer said he was “humiliated” after the track ‘Dear John’ landed on her 2010 ‘Speak Now’ album, and now he’s apparently fighting lyrics … with lyrics. It’s never been confirmed that Swift dated Mayer, although there has certainly been [...]

Hunter Hayes, '(Encore)' – Album Review

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:30:03 +0000

Hunter Hayes‘ ‘(Encore)’ is his debut album in its entirety plus two additional vocalists, one additional pass through the studio and five new tracks. With 17 songs, it’s a monster for those who don’t already own ‘Hunter Hayes.’ The additions and changes make it worth the effort. It’s difficult to find better duet partners than [...]

Glen Campbell's Family Shares Heartbreaking Update Regarding His Alzheimer's Battle

Christina Vinson — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 16:00:02 +0000

The iconic Glen Campbell has contributed to country music in lasting ways, and his presence in the industry (since 1958) will never be forgotten. However, the singer is battling Alzheimer's, and now more than ever, his family needs to remember the good memories -- because each day is a struggle.

Darius Rucker Hoping to Tour With Sheryl Crow

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 15:00:56 +0000

Darius Rucker is one month into his True Believers Tour, but he's already got an eye on his next round of live shows. The singer says a tour with Sheryl Crow is being discussed, but he's not sure if the plan will come together.

Watch: Justin Moore Talks 'Dad Laws,' New Music at ToC Music Fest 2013

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:00:39 +0000

Justin Moore open up about his “Dad laws” and dance moves before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Friday (June 14). The ‘Point at You’ singer also dished on his upcoming ‘Off the Beaten Path’ album, due Sept. 17. Among the highlights from this video interview are how Moore plans [...]

Watch: Dustin Lynch Shows Us How to 'Bicep Chug' at 2013 ToC Fest

Billy Dukes — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:00:27 +0000

The “bicep chug” is catching on among Dustin Lynch fans. For the first time ever, the ‘Cowboys and Angels’ singer gave a tutorial on how the move is performed. During an interview before his set at the 2013 ToC Music Festival on Saturday (June 15), Lynch talked about his band’s signature move, the strangest place [...]

10 Things You Didn't Know About Blake Shelton

Cristin Maher — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:00:48 +0000

Blake Shelton lives his life in as bright of a spotlight as you can find in country music, but there are still a few things even the most educated Shelton fan doesn't know about the 'Honey Bee' hitmaker. Wife Miranda Lambert is known for her many pets, but she's never had one as odd as her husband's...

Paralyzed Artist Paints Incredible Portraits of Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw

Christina Vinson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:55:03 +0000

There are some painters who inspire through their work, and there are others who inspire through the finished product and the process it took to get there. Richard Masters of Webster, NY is paralyzed, but still paints phenomenal portraits. A country music lover through and through, he recently honored country stars Carrie Underwood and Tim McGraw with their own paintings.

The 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival … By the Numbers!

Taste of Country Staff — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:30:16 +0000

The 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival began at 6:30PM on June 13 and wrapped at 11:15PM on June 15. In that time, thousands of fans camped out to wait for their favorite singers, duos and trios, or drove hundreds of miles to stay for just one day. No matter how you add it up, the first-ever festival was a success.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian Have a Baby, 'Taylor Swift' Finally Gets Her Comeback

Amy Sciarretto — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 21:00:51 +0000

The big news of the weekend was the fact that Taylor Swift's arch nemesis Kanye West became a father. He and girlfriend Kim Kardashian welcomed a daughter, and of course, the internet is having a field day, even pulling Swift into the mix.

Bronze Radio Return, 'All In' – Exclusive Song Premiere

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:30:55 +0000

Next week, Bronze Radio Return will release their new album 'Up, on & Over,' and the alt-country group from Hartford, Conn. is sharing a song exclusively with Taste of Country readers before the record hits. 'All In' isn't a mainstream country sound, but it's one fans of groups like the Lone Bellow and the Civil Wars will enjoy.

Dakota Bradley, Austin Webb Face Off in Ultimate Bull Riding Challenge

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:43 +0000

Country newcomers Dakota Bradley and Austin Webb are fairly new to bull riding. OK, it's pretty obvious that neither has saddled up before, but they agreed to square off to determine who should be crowned the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival bull riding champion at the 2013 event.

Little Big Town and Trisha Yearwood Snag Daytime Emmy Awards

Christina Vinson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:58:28 +0000

While soap operas and talk shows certainly dominated the Daytime Emmy Awards Sunday night (June 16), country music was strongly represented, with Little Big Town and Trisha Yearwood both earning prestigious trophies for daytime entertainment.

Watch: Joe Nichols Talks About Randy Travis Duet and Raising Daughters Before ToC Music Festival Set

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 18:00:38 +0000

Joe Nichols was handpicked by Randy Travis to record the new George Jones tribute 'Tonight I'm Playing Possum.' Before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival, the 'Sunny and 75' singer told ToC that the two only recently developed a relationship, and Travis likely picked him because he knew he'd appreciate the opportunity.

Vote to Determine the Top 10 Videos of the Week in Taste of Country's Countdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:30:52 +0000

The Taste of Country video countdown poll adds two new videos this week. Gary Allan's 'Pieces' makes the poll for the first time, as does 'Point at You,' the new clip from Justin Moore. It's an impressive lineup of choices for fans to make a Top 10 list from. Although, no one artist's fanbase has been able to top Carrie Underwood in months. Can one of these two men do it?

Carrie Underwood and Mike Fisher's Canadian Home Up for Sale

Christina Vinson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:00:37 +0000

It seems that Carrie Underwood and husband Mike Fisher have officially found their home sweet home in Nashville, as they’ve decided to put their Canadian home up for sale. The couple completed their Canadian dream home just a couple years ago, when Fisher was playing hockey there, but have since settled in Music City, since he was transferred from [...]

Dustin Lynch Drops in on ToC Festival Campers for Surprise Visit, Performance

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 16:00:37 +0000

Before his set at the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival on Saturday, Dustin Lynch hopped in a Ram truck and toured the campground. He started the day early, playing beer pong with wild country fans and even doing a Jello shot as he made his way through the campers. Then, hundreds gathered for a [...]

Taylor Swift Wins Her First MuchMusic Video Award

Christina Vinson — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:00:50 +0000

Taylor Swift is a worldwide sensation, and she proved that once again on Sunday night (June 16) at the MuchMusic Video Awards, when she won the award for Your Fave International Artist or Group. The ‘Everything Has Changed‘ hitmaker was stunning in a black and white mini dress, and if she was tired from her [...]

Watch: Gloriana Dish on Tom Gossin's Bachelor Party, Rachel Reinert's Sexiest Men in Country at 2013 ToC Music Festival

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:30:19 +0000

Gloriana's Rachel Reinert responded to making the 2013 Taste of Country Sexiest Females in Country Music list at the Taste of Country Music Festival over the weekend. The lone female in the trio said she's both honored and embarrassed by all the attention, but she wasn't too overcome to quickly rattle off four names who top her personal Sexiest Males list.

Drake White vs. David Nail – The Showdown

Billy Dukes — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:44 +0000

Drake White has torched four big-name country stars on his way to the Showdown Hall of Fame. His song 'The Simple Life' is one win away after topping 'Drunk Last Night' by Eli Young Band over the weekend. Today, he takes on the latest from David Nail.

See the 2013 Taste of Country Music Festival in Pictures!

Taste of Country Staff — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 13:00:05 +0000

Three days, over a dozen of country music's top artists and 23,000 screaming country music fans helped make the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival an undeniable success. Headliners Willie Nelson, Trace Adkins and Lady Antebellum led the way in 2013, but the fans were every bit as important to the party as the music.

Watch: Blackberry Smoke Share Pre-Show Rituals Before Show at 2013 ToC Fest

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 20:52:16 +0000

Before taking the stage to play the Taste of Country Music Festival on Friday night (June 14), the five men of Blackberry Smoke talked about the burgeoning country music scene in Atlanta and how they take care of their beards.

Montgomery Gentry, Justin Moore + More Share Best Advice From Dad on Father's Day 2013

Billy Dukes — Sun, 16 Jun 2013 17:56:31 +0000

Stars Justin Moore and the men of Montgomery Gentry are dads, but they're also sons who are no doubt thinking about their fathers this Father's Day. The two acts joined Craig Campbell and Dustin Lynch at the first-ever Taste of Country Music Festival this weekend, where