Georgia Major Artist News

Check here often to find out the latest news on your favorite country stars from Georgia
(sources: AllAboutCountry.com, CMT.com, GACTV.com and others as noted)

TRISHA YEARWOOD TO LAUNCH OWN COOKING SHOW

(Jan 31st) In addition to her multi-platinum-selling music career, Trisha Yearwood is also a best-selling cookbook author, having already released two cookbooks, 'Georgia Cooking in an Oklahoma Kitchen' and 'Home Cooking With Trisha Yearwood,' which both included some of her most memorable recipes from her childhood. Now, the wife of Garth Brooks is parlaying her love of cooking into a new TV show, which will air on the Food Network. The six-episode series, which will begin airing in April, will show the songbird cooking her favorite meals in her own kitchen, and then sharing them with her extended family and friends. "I'm so grateful to Food Network for the opportunity to share my family's favorite recipes and precious memories in this show," Trisha shares with the Hollywood Reporter. "I'm having so much fun, it's a very special experience." The 47-year-old, who previously appeared on the Food Network as a guest on Paula Deen's cooking show, 'Paula's Home Cooking,' is a welcome addition to the network's line-up. The show does not yet have a title. Trisha, who co-authored both of her cookbooks with her sister and her mother (who passed away last year after a lengthy battle with cancer), credits all of her culinary success to her childhood upbringing. "I'm not a chef. I'm a cook," the Georgia native maintains. "I learned from a great cook, my mom." (To learn more and see a behind the scenes peek, watch video below)

GEORGIA ACTS AGAIN DOMINATE ACM AWARD NOMINEES

(Jan 26th) Georgia acts once again dominated the nominees list for the 47th Academy of Country Music Awards, to be presented April 1st, from Las Vegas. Jason Aldean was lead the pack with six nominations ( Entertainer of Year, Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, Single of the Year, Video of the Year and Vocal Event of the Year (with Kelly Clarkson). Sugarland was nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year. Lady Antebellum was nominated for Vocal Group of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the Year. Zac Brown Band is up for Vocal Group of the Year. The Awards show will air on CBS from the MGM Grand.

KIP MOORE RETURNS TO THE GRAND OLE OPRY

(Jan 24th) Kip Moore from Tifton is making great strides in his career, especially with his new hit song "Somethin' Bout A Truck". He is show here being introduced by Opry legend, Little Jimmy Dickens.

LUKE GAINS HIS 4TH #1

(Jan 24th) Luke Bryan has his fourth No. 1 song with 'I Don't Want This Night to End,' the sexy second single from his 'Tailgates and Tanlines' album. It's the country star's fastest-rising song to date and has sold more than one million downloads. "I thought 'Country Girl (Shake It For Me)' was going to be hard to beat in my shows," Luke says of his previous single, "but watching over 16,000 people jumping with their hands in the air last night just blew me away. Thank you to radio and the country music fans for continuing to let me have fun with my music. I'm having a blast!" Luke co-wrote 'I Don't Want This Night to End' with fellow Georgia natives Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip. "It's about a guy meeting a girl, and it's the first night that they're hanging out," Luke shares with The Boot. "It's a magical night and he doesn't want it to end. It's got a big fun chorus in it." (Source: TheBoot.com)

BRANTLEY GILBERT CELEBRATES HIS FIRST #1

(Jan 19th) Brantley Gilbert, his friends and family, gathered at the Cabana restaurant in Nashville on this past Tuesday afternoon, to celebrate his first number one as a singer. He's helped Jason Aldean. He has gone to #1 as a writer on Jason Aldeans's single "Dirt Road Anthem". Also in the spotlight were Colt Ford and Mike Dekle, who co-wrote the song with Gilbert. Ford, who spoke only briefly, broke into tears as he described the joy of working with his fellow writers and seeing their efforts succeed. Gilbert applauded his touring band, which also played on his album. "I've got the best band in the world," he declared. This was Nashville's first No. 1 party of the new year.

COLT FORD TO BE PART OF WAYLON JENNINGS TRIBUTE CD

(Jan 17th) Colt Ford will be be performing "Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line" on Waylon-The Music Inside: A Collaboration Dedicated to Waylon Jennings, Volume II, due to be released Feb. 7th. The eleven track album, and the second of three album series is dedicated to the late Waylon Jennings. Various Country artists will perform Waylon's hit songs. Artists and the songs on the album include: 1) Lonesome, On'ry and Mean - Dierks Bentley, 2) Waymore's Blues - Hank Williams Jr. , 3) Good Ol' Boys - Montgomery Gentry, 4) I Ain't Livin' Long Like This - Justin Moore, 5) Bob Wills Is Still The King - Jack Ingram, 6) Only Daddy That'll Walk The Line - Colt Ford, 7) Rainy Day Woman - Pat Green, 8) Love of the Common People - Josh Thompson, 9) Mama - Jessi Colter, 10) Dreaming My Dreams With You - Jewel, 11) A Long Time Ago - Wyatt McCubbin (BONUS TRACK)

HILLARY SCOTT OF LADY A MARRIES

(Jan 17th) Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott and drummer Chris Tyrrell have tied the knot! "I'd like to introduce you to Mrs. Hillary Scott Tyrrell," Chris, who popped the question at sunset in East Tennessee last Fourth of July weekend, says in a video posted to Lady Antebellum's official website. "We got married!" Scott, 25, says as she flashes a wedding ring. "We just wanted you to hear it from us first. We love you. We're so excited to be starting our life together and we just had to let you in on the exciting news." The couple were married on Saturday in Upstate New York in front of family and close friends. The video contains footage of Scott in her custom Vera Wang strapless mermaid dress with hand-applied crystal and pearl beading. She's also wearing a mantilla veil with hand-cut chantilly lace applique and holding white flowers. Tyrrell is wearing a gray suit by Ermenegildo Zegna with a black shirt and a gray tie. Steven Curtis Chapman sang for the couple's first dance, according to the rep. And although Scott's Lady Antebellum bandmates Charles Kelley and recently engaged Dave Haywood were not able to attend the intimate ceremony, "They look forward to celebrating with both Hillary and Chris in the coming weeks," the rep said. "Everything is brighter. Everything has a deeper meaning," Scott said recently of being engaged. "I've found a guy who truly embraces me for who I am and appreciates the things that I don't necessarily love about myself." To see the video of Hillary and Scott announcing their marriage, go to LadyAntebellum.com

LADY ANTEBELLUM GOES DOUBLE PLATINUM

(Jan 17th) Lady Antebellum will have to clear some space on their already full award shelves, as their No. 1 single "Just A Kiss" has earned Double Platinum certification by the RIAA for sales eclipsing two million downloads. Simultaneously, the group's recent No. 1 "We Owned The Night" has earned Gold certification for more than 500,000 downloads. "We're planning a big party to celebrate both of these songs going No. 1 at radio, and now we'll be able to toast this at the same time... and then we can do it again with our fans on the tour," said Charles Kelley. "A little downtime over the holidays has been great, but we're about to go crazy to get this tour back up and running next week... can't wait to see everyone in Tulsa!" (Source: MusicRow.com)

JASON ALDEAN AND LADY ANTEBELLUM ON 2012 GRAMMY ALBUM

(Jan 6th) Jason Aldean and Lady Antebelum, along with The Band Perry, Eric Church and Taylor Swift are included on the all-genre compilation, 2012 Grammy Nominees, due Jan. 24 on Universal Republic. Aldean is nominated for best country solo performance ("Dirt Road Anthem"), best country duo/group performance ("Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson) and best country album (Dirt Road Anthem). The Band Perry is nominated for best new artist, the only country music nominee in that category. In addition to "Don't You Wanna Stay" and The Band Perry's "If I Die Young," the 22-track collection includes Church's "Drink in My Hand," Lady Antebellum's "Just a Kiss," Shelton's "Honey Bee" (written by Rhett Akins) and Swift's "Mean." A portion of sales will benefit the Grammy Foundation and MusicCares Foundation. The Grammy Awards will be held Feb. 12 in Los Angeles.

BAMAJAM RETURNS THIS YEAR

(Jan 5th) Enterprise, Alabama will be the site of Bamajam 2012. The event will be held from Thursday, June 14-Saturday, June 16. Rendy Lovelady of RLM/Mission Management has been appointed Executive Producer for this festival and other musical events that will take place throughout the year. "The history of Bamajam might be short, but it is sure exciting," Lovelady said. "Headliners ranging from Kid Rock, Hank Williams Jr., Brooks and Dunn, Jason Aldean and Taylor have all graced the Bamajam stage and this year will be just as exciting, with our 2012 plans already underway."

JESSIE JAMES TO CUT KATY PERRY SONG

(Jan 4th) Katy Perry is a 'California Gurl' at heart -- but she was a country girl in the track 'Bullet.' Perry penned the song for country-pop beauty Jessie James, and the demo surfaced this week. This should be a nice momentary distraction from all of poor Perry's divorce reports. The track is both distinctly country with the addition of the banjo, but also clearly Katy Perry -- it has a soaring chorus and a fun beat. The lyrics are pretty country-standard, but still fun. "My momma warned me 'bout boys like you / It's the reason I wear these steel-toed boots," Perry opens. That's one way to tell the track is for someone else -- we can't picture even eclectic Perry donning that kind of footwear. Another tell-tale sign? Well, one lyric has the intended artist's name in it. "I'm gonna give you a little piece of advice / My papa packs heat and he won't think twice / Why do you think they call me Jessie James? / Too much trouble, better stay away / Grab your hat, better get gone / But if you stay, you've been warned." The hook has the simple yet effective lyrics we've come to expect from Perry. "I'm a bullet and I'm headed straight for your heart / Be careful what you start," she sings. "I'm a bullet and I'm headed straight for your heart / It's gonna leave a mark." You hear that, Russell Brand? Watch out! Jessie James isn't the only singer to snag a Perry track. The 'One That Got Away' warbler has also written songs for Kelly Clarkson ('I Don't Hook Up,' 'Long Shot'), Ashley Tisdale and Selena Gomez ('That's More Like It'). Based on what we've heard, we think Katy Perry may have a leg up on her outspoken critic Linda Perry.

Katy Perry - Bullet (Demo for Jessie James) by agarsal

CRAIG CAMPBELL ON FOX & FRIENDS

(Jan 4th) Over the holidays, Craig Campbell made his national TV debut Dec. 17 on Fox News Channel's Fox & Friends Weekend. After an interview with co-host Alisyn Camerota, Campbell performed the holiday standard "I'll Be Home For Christmas" followed by his latest single "When I Get It" and the autobiographical tune "Family Man." (Source: MusicRow.com)

JASON ALDEAN AND ZAC BROWN BAND TO BE ON COVER OF NEW BILLBOARD COUNTRY MAGAZINE

(Dec 22nd) Jason Aldean and The Zac Brown Band will be on the cover of the first ever mini-magazine dedicated to country music. This special fan-focused publication will be available exclusively in Target stores nationwide on Tuesday, December 27th, for $4.99.The limited edition mini-magazine includes two collectible covers featuring Zac Brown Band and Jason Aldean, more than 48 pages of artist interviews and reviews, a fold out 2012 calendar/poster, and a 20-track bonus CD showcasing music from Zac Brown Band, Jason Aldean, Trace Adkins, Aaron Lewis, Montgomery Gentry, Craig Morgan, Thompson Square, and more.

JASON ALDEAN AND LADY ANTEBELLUM AGAIN ARE CMT ARTIST OF THE YEAR

(Dec 14th) Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum were again part of the CMT's Artist of the Year celebration, along with Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and Taylor Swift. The special aired last night on CMT, hosted by Rob Lowe. "You know what? It's been a great year," Aldean said in his acceptance speech, after receiving the award from Lionel Richie. "I remember about this time last year, sitting around and not really sure about how this year would go. ... Getting ready for us to go out and headline a tour for the first time this year and being a little nervous. So I've got to say a huge thank you to all the fans who came out this year to support the tour. Hillary Scott said "First of all, I'm so humbled. I mean, all the artists in this room are some of our biggest influences, some of our best friends and have all had spectacular years. We are so honored and feel very, very privileged to be in this group of five," she said. Bandmate Charles Kelley noted, "We were laughing earlier. We said if anybody ever was to say, 'Give me five songs to give me a little taste about what's going on in country music,' I'd give them 'Love Story,' I'd give them 'You and Tequila,' I'd give them 'Dirt Road Anthem' and 'This Is Country Music' - and one of our crappy songs." The comment brought a round of laughter from the room. He added, "But seriously, that's what I think I so cool about this. It just shows how great the genre is right now. It's got so many great things going on inside of it, and we're just excited to be a part of it." Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood concluded, "Everything we do is for the fans. Thank you, guys." (GC Note: Stay tuned as we'll have video highlights of the show on GC soon)

SUGARLAND PERFORMS AT NOBEL PEACE PRICE CEREMONY

(Dec 12th) Sugarland performed at the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony last night (Dec. 11) in Oslo, Norway, took Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush to a renowned international stage. The superstar country duo performed their mega-hits 'Tonight' and 'Stuck Like Glue' at the event, which honored three incredible women. Sharing a vision of world peace on a universal level, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleak, Liberian women's rights activist Leymah Gbowee and democratic activist Tawakkul Karmen of Yemen all accepted the prestigious award as they urged action for world peace through solidarity. Just before taking the stage, Jennifer shared Sugarland's elation over performing before the three inspiring ladies. "We are thrilled to be here for these women who everyday worked so hard to help people find their votes and hope to humbling raise ours to celebrate with them," said the singer.

Click on below video to watch performance

JASON ALDEAN COMES UP BIG AT THE ACA AWARDS

(Dec 6th) Jason Aldean won Artist of the Year at last nights American Country Awards, from Los Vegas. He also won for cd, " My Kinda Party" swept up Album of the Year, Touring Artist of the Year and Single of the Year by a Male Artist for the album's title track. He also scored Single and Music Video of the Year for "Don't You Wanna Stay," a collaboration with Kelly Clarkson. Lady Antebellum won for Group of the Year. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

GEORGIA ACTS NOMINATED FOR GRAMMYS

(Dec 5th) Jason Aldean and Lady Antebellum were each nominated for the Grammy Awards (Airing Feb 12th on CBS). Jason Aldean was nominated for Best Country Solo with "Dirt Road Anthem", Duo or Group Performance for "Don't You Wanna Stay" with Kelly Clarkson and Best Country Album with "My Kinda Party". Lady Antebellum is up for Best Country Album with "Own The Night".

BEN HAYSLIP EXTENDS SONGWRITING AGREEMENT

(Nov 30th) Georgia / Nashville hit songwriter Ben Hayslip has singed an extention of his publishing agreement with Warner/Chappell Music--the global music publishing arm of Warner Music Group Corp.--together with partner This Music--a leading Nashville-based music publishing company. "We're longtime fans of Ben and extremely proud of the year he's had so far," said Cameron Strang, Chairman & CEO, Warner/Chappell Music. "He's one of the most talented songwriters in Nashville and we feel privileged to continue having him on our team." Hayslip is a staff writer for This Music and Warner/Chappell Music and has seen his songs recorded by acts such as Brooks & Dunn, Tim McGraw, Billy Currington, Blake Shelton, Rodney Adkins, Joe Nichols, Jack Ingram and Willie Nelson. He was recently named ASCAP's 2011 "Country Songwriter of the Year," due in part to his four recent No. 1 songs: Joe Nichols' "Gimmie That Girl," Josh Turner's "All Over Me," and Blake Shelton's "All About Tonight" and "Honey Bee." (Source: MusicRow.com)

SUGARLAND'S JENNIFER NETTLES MARRIES

(Nov 28th) Sugarland singer Jennifer Nettles had a sweet weekend! The 37-year-old said "I do" Saturday to entrepreneur Justin Miller, Nettles' rep confirms to Us Weekly. Nettles and Miller, a former model, dated for more than two years before tying the knot. The couple wed in a small ceremony in Tennessee in front of their close family and friends, including Sugarland's Kristian Bush. The bride was previously married to club owner Todd Van Sickle from 1998 to 2007. "I'm from the South, and if you're not married early, it's off to the convent," she told Colarado Springs' Gazette last year, adding, "I try to keep my personal life personal. People are really interested in this? This is so bizarre. It gets a bit toxic." For her second wedding, Nettles stunned in an Alexander McQueen gown. As for her honeymoon? It might have to wait. Nettles and Bush are hosting the annual CMA Country Christmas special, airing Thursday at 9 p.m. EST on ABC. (Source: Yahoo.com)

GEORGIA ACTS LEAD LIST IN ACA NOMINEES

(Nov 25th) Georgia acts once again lead the pack at a country awards. The American Country Awards, coming up on December 5th from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, has Jason Aldean, Lady Antbellum and The Zac Brown Band up for Artist of the Year. Luke Bryan joins Jason Aldean for Male Artist of the Year. Lady Antebellum, Sugarland and The Zac Brown band are nominated for Duo or Group of the Year. Aldean and The Zac Brown band are up for Album of the Year. Billy Currington's "Let Me Down Easy and Zac Brown with Alan Jackson's "As She's Walking Away" is up for Single of the Year". Jason and Luke are up for Male Single of the Year. Voting for Artist of the Year ends on Friday, December 2nd. For a complete list of all the nominees and categories, go to www.theacas.com

SUGARLAND PART OF SUIT IN INDIANA STAGE DISASTER

(Nov 25th) Sugarland is among the 13 total defendants in the lawsuit that was filed yesterday (11/22) by the estates of the four people who died in the Indiana State Fair stage and the 44 others who were injured at the event.The tragedy took place on August 13 and the lawsuit was filed in Marion Superior Court in Indianapolis.

KIP MOORE TO GO ON TOUR WITH BILLY CURRINGTON

(NOV 18th) Another rising star from Georgia, Kip Moore, is scheduled to go on tour with fellow Georgia star, Billy Currington, in 2012. Billy is set to kick off 2012 in a big way with his first headlining tour across the country. He has received rave reviews out on the road on Kenny Chesney's 'Goin Coastal' tour throughout this year, will perform his #1 hits, including "People Are Crazy," "Pretty Good At Drinkin' Beer," "Good Directions," 'That's How Country Boys Roll," "Must Be Doin' Somethin' Right," "Don't," "Let Me Down Easy," and his current single climbing the charts, "Like My Dog." He has invited Kip to join him on tour along with David Nail. Kip, from Tifton, has just release his own single and video "Something 'Bout A Truck". Exact dates for the tour has not been announced yet. Stay tuned to GC.

BILL ANDERSON TO RELEASE BOX SET

(NOV 16th) Country Hall of Famer and Opry legend Bill Anderson has released his first-ever box set, Bill Anderson: The First 10 Years, 1956-1966. Available in the US this week through Bear Family Records, the 4 disc collection includes 126 tracks from favorites to demos and rare cuts, as well as a 64-page book. Autographed copies are being offered on Anderson's website for $149.99. Billanderson.com

LADY ANTEBELLUM'S "OWN THE NIGHT" GOES PLATINUM

(NOV 15th) Lady Antebellum's Own The Night album has been certified platinum for more than one million units sold, just four weeks after its release. The platinum milestone brings the group up to a total of seven million albums sold worldwide. "It's been a dizzying and exciting few months launching this album, but it's also really energizing to see how the fans are reacting to some of the songs on our new record," Dave Haywood said. "The reaction both in the States and overseas has been a huge confidence booster as we are getting ready to launch our first big arena tour. We couldn't be more excited to get back out on the road!" After winning their third consecutive CMA for Vocal Group of the Year at Wednesday's CMA Awards, Lady Antebellum kicked off their Own The Night Tour 2011 Tour in Knoville, Tennessee on Friday with special guests Randy Montana and Josh Kelley. (Source: GACTV.com)

LAUREN ALANIA TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM ON THANKSGIVING

(NOV 14th) Lauren Alaina will sing the National Anthem on Thanksgiving when the Green Bay Packers play the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. The youth ambassadors Play 60 will sing with Lauren during the performace. It will be aired on Fox-TV at noon ET. (Source: AllAboutCountry.com)

GEORGIA ACTS HAS ANOTHER BIG NIGHT AT THE CMAS

(NOV 10th)Georgia acts came up big again last night at the 45th Country Music Awards in Nashville. Jason Aldean won for Album of the Year, for "My Kinda Party" and Vocal Event of the Year with Kelly Clarkston with "Dont You Wana Stay". Lady Antebellum won again for Vocal Group and Sugarland repeated as Vocal Duo of the Year. Other Georgia highlights of the evening were The Zac Brown Band doing a tribute to Georgia with "Georgia On My Mind" with Greg Allman lending vocals. Luke Bryan performed "Country Girl (Shake It For Me) with a host of dancers on stage. Aldean performed "Tattoos On This Town", Sugarland performed "Run" and Lady Antebellum sung "We Owned The Night". (Stay tuned to GC for video highlights of the night)

LADY A'S HILLARY SCOTT WINS THE SESAC SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD

(NOV 8Th) Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum won the SESAC Songwriter of the Year Award last night in Nashville. This is the second straight year that Hillary has won the award. Hillary wrote Sara Evan's hit "A Little Bit Stronger" as well as Lady Antebellum hit's "Just A Kiss", "Our Kind Of Love" and "Need You Now". Her publishing company, Hillary Dawn Songs, shared publisher of the year distinction with EMI Foray Music. (Photo Credit: Ed Rode / Getty Images)

RHETT AKINS WINS BMI SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR WITH DALLAS DAVIDSON

(NOV 8Th) The Peach Pickers are at it again, as last night, Rhett Akins and Dallas Davidson won BMIs Songwriter of the Year at BMI's Nashville's headquaters. They both won as it was a tie decision. "All Over Me", their song, a hit by Joe Nichols was Song of the Year. Other hits of the year penned by Rhett and/or Dallas were: "All About Tonight", "Farmer's Daughter", "Gimmie That Girl", "Rain Is a Good Thing" and "The Shape I'm In".

LADY ANTEBELLUM NOMINATED FOR PEOPLE CHOICE AWARDS

(NOV 8Th) The People's Choice Awards has announced it's nominees and Lady Antebellum is up for two awards. They were nominated for Favorite Album of the Year with "Own The Night" and Favorite Country Artist. The show will broadcast from Los Angeles on Jan 11th on CBS at 9PM EST.

CODY COLLINS LEAVES LONESTAR

(Oct 26th) Country band Lonestar has announced that there lead singer for the last four years, Cody Collins, has left the band and former and original lead singer, Richie McDonald, has returned. McDonald left Lonestar to pursue a solo career in 2007. In 2007, Lonestar toured and released their 10th album in 2010, Party Heard Around The World, with Cody Collins. The band wishes Cody the best in his future musical endeavors. Atlanta area country music fans remember Cody when he was house singer for years at Cowboys in Kennesaw (soon to be Electric Cowboy).

Follow Us: