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15 Aug 2023

Kelsea Ballerini and the Public/Private Discomfort Of Drawing From Personal Issues

When Kelsea Ballerini held a fan event on Aug. 8 at the Country Music Hall of Fame, she shared details about her directorial debut with a short film built around her Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP.

But most revealing, perhaps, was the audience reaction. The female-leaning fan base — which took up roughly 160 of the Ford Theater’s 200 seats (the rest were filled by industry invitees) — yelled the lyrics at the screen as the 20-minute film played six individual chapters addressing different stages of a breakup. The EP and Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (A Short Film) documented Ballerini’s emotional experience surrounding her divorce from fellow country singer Morgan Evans.

Much like Taylor Swift’s rabid fan base or the core fans who made Jason Aldean’s divisive vigilante song “Try That in a Small Town” vault to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, Ballerini’s superfans took this EP to heart — and incorporated it in their life.

During the question-and-answer period, one woman told Ballerini that the EP had helped her navigate her own divorce. A newlywed said her husband does not want to cause the kind of pain for his bride that Ballerini conveyed in Welcome Mat. Those reactions seemingly affirmed her intent with the project.

“There are so many songs in country music that are like, ‘I’m going to key your car, it’s all your fault, you’re trash’ — and I love them,” Ballerini told the film’s executive director, P Tracy, who moderated. “That was not [my] story, and so I decided to put it out because I wish that I would have had those five, six songs when I was [in that stage of life]. So that was kind of my goal with it.”

Country artists’ broken relationships often inspire their music. Swift has earned a reputation for hiding Easter eggs about her exes, Carly Pearce built an album around her divorce from Michael Ray, Hank Williams drew creatively from marital turmoil with Audrey Williams, George Jones & Tammy Wynette recorded material that reminded fans of their divorce for years after their split, and even Evans mined his emotions over the divorce from Ballerini in his recent single, “Over for You.”

Ballerini shot most of the six chapters in her short film in one day in Los Angeles, and the work earned three Telly Awards. The public events were a lead-in to the Aug. 11 release of Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good), with new or altered versions of three tracks, plus a new finale, “How Do I Do This,” with a next-chapter message.

Celebrity breakups are difficult for people in the business who know both members of the couple, and they can become a point of contention for fans, many of whom pick a side. In some of Ballerini’s songs, particularly “Leave Me Again,” she seems to wish Evans well, which is a sign of healing and maturity that the fans who look to her for inspiration can use. Ballerini has learned her own lessons, in business and in life, through the process.

“No one is meant for everyone,” she said, addressing personal and business relationships, plus fan bases. “You are meant for who you are meant for … I’m at peace with that.” 

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15 Aug 2023

Greta Van Fleet’s Josh Kiszka Shares How Fans Have Embraced Him Since He Came Out in June

Leading up to his decision to come out during Pride Month this year, Josh Kiszka was worried he’d have “a target on my back” once people knew he was part of the LGBTQ community. Instead, the Greta Van Fleet frontman tells Rolling Stone, fans embraced him even more passionately.

“Everything had been met with love and acceptance and humility and respect, and that was a huge wave of reassurance that things are moving in the right direction,” he reflected to the publication. “As a performer and as an entertainer, a huge weight was lifted. Because ultimately as an artist or just as a person, we all want to be understood to some degree.”

Kiszka was motivated to publicize his eight-year “loving, same-sex relationship” in a June Instagram post after Tennessee lawmakers introduced a bevy of laws targeting gay and transgender people — something he likened to “a f–king dystopian kind of reality” to Rolling Stone. A month later, at Greta Van Fleet’s kickoff show in Nashville for the band’s Starcatcher World Tour, Kiszka found himself looking into a sea of fans holding up coordinated colored paper over their cameras, collectively forming the image of a rainbow.

“The fact that that many people could communicate and coordinate to make that happen was extraordinary,” he recalled. “It was really difficult for me to keep it together.”

Following the release of their July album Starcatcher, Kiszka and bandmates Jake Kiszka, Sam Kiszka –the three are also brothers — and Danny Wagner earned their third No. 1 placement on the Top Rock & Alternative Albums chart. The band is currently booked to tour through September 2024, per their website, closing out with a pair of shows in Mexico City.

But wherever they are, Kiszka says fans can count on their shows being inclusive spaces for everyone. “I heard something from this girl that made me feel really great,” he added. “She said, ‘I always felt very comfortable as a member of the LGBTQIA+ communities at Greta Van Fleet shows, and this makes it even more obvious that it’s a very safe place for all people to come together and celebrate.’ That’s such a beautiful thing to hear.”

15 Aug 2023

Madonna Announces Rescheduled Celebration Tour Shows: See the New Dates

When you’re Madonna, nothing stops a celebration. After spending several days in the ICU battling a “serious bacterial infection,” Madonna was unfortunately forced to pause her career-spanning Celebration Tour. On Tuesday (Aug. 15), Live Nation announced a slew of rescheduled dates for the North American leg of the Queen of Pop’s tour.

Commemorating four decades of hit singles and pop culture-dominating albums, the North American leg of The Celebration Tour was originally scheduled to kick off on July 15 at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver and conclude on Oct. 8 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with additional stops in Phoenix, Detroit, Toronto, Montreal and Atlanta in the interim. Madge was then set to head over to Europe and then back to North America for more dates.

The Celebration Tour will now officially kick off with four sold-out shows in London beginning Oct. 14, followed by shows across Belgium, Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Portugal, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands throughout the remainder of 2023. The North American leg will commence on Dec. 13 in Brooklyn at Barclays Center, followed by shows in Boston, Seattle, Chicago, Las Vegas, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Due to scheduling conflicts, a number of previously announced shows have been canceled, including Tulsa (July 27), Nashville (Dec. 22), San Francisco (Jan. 15), Las Vegas (Jan. 18) and Phoenix (Jan. 20).

Mere weeks after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed a law restricting drag shows in Tennessee, Madonna announced plans to perform in Nashville with Bob The Drag Queen opening.

“The oppression of the LGBTQ+ is not only unacceptable and inhumane; it’s creating an unsafe environment; it makes America a dangerous place for our most vulnerable citizens, especially trans women of color,” she said. “Also, these so-called laws to protect our children are unfounded and pathetic. Anyone with half a brain knows not to f–k with a drag queen. Bob and I will see you from the stage in Nashville where we will celebrate the beauty that is the queer community.” (There is currently no word on a rescheduled Nashville date.)

Check out all of the reschedule dates for the Queen of Pop’s Celebration Tour below:

  • Dec. 13 — Brooklyn, N.Y. — Barclays Center
  • Dec. 14 — Brooklyn, N.Y. — Barclays Center
  • Dec. 16 — Brooklyn, N.Y. — Barclays Center
  • Dec. 18 — Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
  • Dec. 19 — Washington, D.C. — Capital One Arena
  • Jan. 8 — Boston, Mass. — TD Garden
  • Jan. 9 — Boston, Mass. — TD Garden
  • Jan. 11 — Toronto, Canada — Scotiabank Arena
  • Jan. 12 — Toronto, Canada — Scotiabank Arena
  • Jan. 15 — Detroit, Mich. — Little Caesars Arena
  • Jan. 18 — Montreal, Canada — Bell Centre
  • Jan. 20 — Montreal, Canada — Bell Centre
  • Jan. 22 — New York, N.Y. — Madison Square Garden
  • Jan. 23 — New York, N.Y. — Madison Square Garden
  • Jan. 25 — Philadelphia, Penn. — Wells Fargo Center
  • Jan. 29 — New York, N.Y. — Madison Square Garden
  • Feb. 1 — Chicago, Ill. — United Center
  • Feb. 2 — Chicago, Ill. — United Center
  • Feb. 5 — Pittsburgh, Penn. — PPG Paints Arena
  • Feb. 8 — Cleveland, Ohio — Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
  • Feb. 13 — Saint Paul, Minn. — Xcel Energy Center
  • Feb. 17 — Seattle, Wash. — Climate Pledge Arena
  • Feb. 18 — Seattle, Wash. — Climate Pledge Arena
  • Feb. 21 — Vancouver, Canada — Rogers Arena
  • Feb. 24 — Sacramento, Calif. — Golden 1 Center
  • Feb. 27 — San Francisco, Calif. — Chase Center
  • Feb. 28 — San Francisco, Calif. — Chase Center
  • Mar. 1 — Las Vegas, Nev. — T-Mobile Arena
  • Mar. 2 — Las Vegas, Nev. — T-Mobile Arena
  • Mar. 4 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Kia Forum
  • Mar. 5 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Kia Forum
  • Mar. 7 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Kia Forum
  • Mar. 9 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Kia Forum
  • Mar. 11 — Los Angeles, Calif. — Kia Forum
  • Mar. 13 — Palm Desert, Calif. — Acrisure Arena
  • Mar. 16 — Phoenix, Ariz. — Footprint Center
  • Mar. 19 — Denver, Colo. — Ball Arena
  • Mar. 24 — Dallas, Texas— American Airlines Center
  • Mar. 25 — Dallas, Texas — American Airlines Center
  • Mar. 28 — Houston, Texas — Toyota Center
  • Mar. 29 — Houston, Texas — Toyota Center
  • Apr. 1 — Atlanta, Ga. — State Farm Arena
  • Apr. 4 — Tampa, Fla. — Amalie Arena
  • Apr. 6 — Miami, Fla. — Kaseya Center
  • Apr. 7 — Miami, Fla. — Kaseya Center
  • Apr. 14 — Austin, Texas — Moody Center
  • Apr. 15 — Austin, Texas — Moody Center
  • Apr. 20 — Mexico City — Palacio De Los Deportes
  • Apr. 21 — Mexico City — Palacio De Los Deportes
  • Apr. 23 — Mexico City — Palacio De Los Deportes
  • Apr. 24 — Mexico City — Palacio De Los Deportes

15 Aug 2023

Vanessa Bryant Selects The University Of Kentucky To Implement The Mamba Program

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Kobe Bryant's Hand And Foot Prints Placed At TCL Chinese Theatre Forecourt

Source: JC Olivera / Getty

We’re still a week and change away from celebrating Kobe Day, but thanks to Nike, the legacy of one Kobe Bean Bryant is continuously finding new ways to live on. The University of Kentucky has been chosen to be the first school to implement the inaugural Mamba Program.

According to Hypebeast, Vanessa Bryant handpicked coach John Calipari’s program to initiate the Mamba Program. The program will have its players sporting Mamba-branded attire including apparel and sneakers such as the Kobe 11s, which will feature the UK branding on the insoles along with the Mamba logo on the tongue for the 2023/24 season.

Y’all know those Kentucky Wildcat players are going to be balling extra hard this season in those… if they don’t resell them anyway.

Hypebeast reports:

Prior to the official partnership, the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, a charitable foundation conceived in memory of Kobe and his daughter Gianna “GiGi” Bryant, presented the team with Mambacita Kobe 4s during Kentucky’s venture to Toronto’s GLOBL JAM. Coach Calipari also became the recipient of a personal gesture from the Bryant family, receiving a pair of Mambacitas, a Gigi Bryant jersey and Kobe’s book, The Mamba Mentality: How I Play.

Kentucky’s deep connection with the Bryant legacy was further exemplified when the state hosted the Mamba Skills Academy last year, an initiative offering free basketball training to underprivileged children. Kobe’s eldest daughter, Natalia Bryant, along with the foundation, was part of the program.

Touching on the inaugural Mamba Program, Kat Conlon, the executive director of the Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation, shared “This is the first partnership with any university,” adding “Coach Calipari and Kobe Bryant had a very special relationship, so anything we can do with the foundation that continues to tell the stories of Kobe and Gianna Bryant, we are all game for it with the foundation.”

Y’all know those exclusive UK Kobe kicks are going to be going for a stack on the secondary market. Just sayin’.

Check out this throwback video of Calipari getting some exclusive Kobe kicks below, and let us know your thoughts on Nike’s latest venture in the comments section below.

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15 Aug 2023

‘LEVEL’ Details How Hip-Hop Journalists Have Been Winning In Hollywood

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Source: John Lamparski / Getty

Rappers are not the only ones in Hip-Hop bringing their A game to the big screen. LEVEL Magazine has detailed how several journalists have been winning in Hollywood.

As the world continues to celebrate the culture’s 50th anniversary the media outlet showcased another way Hip-Hop is influencing the world. LEVEL recently featured several writers who have originally worked at Hip-Hop magazines during the early parts of the career and have since gone on to to pen television shows and films. Included in the panel was Kim Osorio (The Source Magazine), Erik Parker (Vibe Magazine), Elon D. Johnson (XXL), Selwyn Seyfu Hinds (The Source Magazine), Cheo Hodari Coker (The Source Magazine), Laura Checkoway (Vibe Magazine), and Carlito Rodriguez (The Source Magazine).

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When the roundtable was asked how they made the transition from covering the genre to creating shows the response was simple; they had to put in the work. “I work in the documentary genre, and coming from print journalism, our skills definitely translate, especially the reporting and interviewing” Parker explained. “You really do need to trust yourself and just do the thing you want to do. Laura used to do some fact-checking when we were at Vibe. That definitely translated into her work in documentaries as well.”

Further into the discussion Coker, who was the mastermind behind Marvel’s Luke Cage on Netflix, explained how his tenure in print journalism translated while working on set. “After all these years, I can get star-struck on a set. If I’m working with Mahershala Ali or Regina King, and I’m like, “I have to tell these people what to do?” Just for a hot second. And then, I remember, if I were interviewing them for Vibe or The Source, it would be easy” he revealed.

You can read the panel discussion in it entirety here. 

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15 Aug 2023

How Long-Running No. 1 Hot 100 Hits Have Fared at the Grammys

Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” this week becomes one of only four singles in the history of the Billboard Hot 100 to log 16 or more weeks at No. 1. So, does that mean it’s a lock for a Grammy nomination for record of the year? Its chances are good, but Grammy voters don’t always follow the lead of music fans.

The three previous singles to spend 16 or more weeks at No. 1 – Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus), Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee‘s “Despacito” (featuring Justin Bieber) and Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day” – were all nominated for record of the year, though none of them won.

And numerous long-running No. 1 hits weren’t nominated in any Grammy categories. The list includes Los Del Rio’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix),” Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock n’ Roll,” Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright),” Andy Gibb‘s “Shadow Dancing,” Chic‘s “Le Freak,” Bobby Lewis’ “Tossin’ and Turnin’” and Tommy Edwards‘ “It’s All in the Game.”

“Last Night” is a multi-format hit, which will work in its favor. And Wallen has been one of the most dominant record sellers of the past few years. But he has yet to even be nominated for a Grammy, so there’s still no evidence that Grammy voters are ready to move on from the 2021 incident where he was videotaped using a racial slur. Also, another country smash, Luke Combs’ “Fast Car,” is a formidable record of the year candidate. Both could be among the eight nominees in this category, but that would defy recent Grammy patterns. We haven’t had a year with two or more country hits nominated for record of the year since 1977.

Let’s look back at the five (more in the case of ties) longest-running No. 1 hits of each of the last eight decades (or partial decades) to see how they fared at the Grammys. Conveniently, the Hot 100 and the Grammys started in the same year – 1958. That first Grammy eligibility year began on Jan. 1 of that year. The Hot 100 launched seven months later (on Aug. 4).

We show the number of nominations each song received and list those categories. We also show the number of wins—and also list those categories. (We counted only nominations for that specific track or song, not for the album on which it appeared or the artist in general, or other tracks by that artist.)

The 2020s (2020-23 to date)

Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night”: 16 weeks at No. 1 (so far) in 2023. Grammy status to be determined.

Harry Styles’ “As It Was”: 15 weeks at No. 1 in 2022. 4 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop solo performance, best music video); no wins (though Styles won album of the year).

Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You“: 12 weeks at No. 1 from 2019-23. No nods. Note: Carey was nominated for best female pop vocal performance for “Hero” in 1994, when this was first released and thus eligible.

Roddy Ricch’s “The Box”: 11 weeks at No. 1 in 2020. 3 nods (song of the year, best melodic rap performance, best rap song); no wins.

BTS’ “Butter”: 10 weeks at No. 1 in 2021. 1 nod (best pop duo/group performance); no wins.

Adele’s “Easy on Me”: 10 weeks at No. 1 in 2021-22. 4 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop solo performance, best music video); one win (best pop solo performance).

The 2010s

Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” (featuring Billy Ray Cyrus): A record 19 weeks at No. 1 in 2019. 3 nods (record of the year, best pop duo/group performance, best music video), 2 wins (best pop duo/group performance, best music video).

Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee’s “Despacito” (featuring Justin Bieber): 16 weeks in 2017. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop duo/group performance); no wins.

Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” (featuring Bruno Mars): 14 weeks in 2015. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop duo/group performance); 2 wins (record of the year, best pop duo/group performance).

Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” (featuring T.I. + Pharrell): 12 weeks in 2013. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop duo/group performance); no wins.

Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” (featuring Charlie Puth): 12 weeks in 2015. 3 nods (song of the year, best pop duo/group performance, best song written for visual media); no wins.

The Chainsmokers’ “Closer” (featuring Halsey): 12 weeks in 2016. 1 nod (best pop duo/group performance); no wins.

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”: 12 weeks in 2017. 1 nod (best pop solo performance), 1 win (best pop solo performance).

The 2000s

Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together”: 14 weeks in 2005. 4 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best female R&B vocal performance, best R&B song); 2 wins (best female R&B vocal performance, best R&B song).

The Black Eyed Peas’ “I Gotta Feeling”: 14 weeks in 2009. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals); 1 win (best pop performance by a duo or group with vocals).

Eminem’s “Lose Yourself”: 12 weeks in 2002-03. 5 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best male rap solo performance, best rap song, best song written for a motion picture, television or other visual media); 2 wins (best male rap solo performance, best rap song).

Usher’s “Yeah!” (featuring Lil Jon & Ludacris): 12 weeks in 2004. 2 nods (record of the year, best rap/sung collaboration); 1 win (best rap/sung collaboration).

The Black Eyed Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow”: 12 weeks in 2009. 2 nods (best dance recording, best short form music video); 1 win (best short form music video).

The 1990s

Mariah Carey & Boyz II Men’s “One Sweet Day”: 16 weeks in 1995-96. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop collaboration with vocals), no wins.

Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”: 14 weeks in 1992-93. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop vocal performance, female); 2 wins (record of the year, best pop vocal performance, female).

Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love to You”: 14 weeks in 1994. 3 nods (record of the year, best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal, best rhythm and blues song); 2 wins (best R&B performance by a duo or group with vocal, best rhythm and blues song).

Los Del Rio’s “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)”: 14 weeks in 1996. No nods.

Elton John’s “Candle in the Wind 1997”/“Something About the Way You Look Tonight”: 14 weeks in 1997-98. 1 nod (best male pop vocal performance); 1 win (best male pop vocal performance).

The 1980s

Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical”: 10 weeks in 1981-82. 1 nod (best pop video performance, female); no wins.

Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes”: 9 weeks in 1981. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop vocal performance, female); 2 wins (record of the year, song of the year).

Diana Ross & Lionel Richie’s “Endless Love”: 9 weeks in 1981. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal); no wins.

The Police’s “Every Breath You Take”: 8 weeks in 1983. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal); 2 wins (song of the year, best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal).

Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ “I Love Rock n’ Roll”: 7 weeks in 1982. No nods.

Paul McCartney & Stevie Wonder’s “Ebony and Ivory”: 7 weeks in 1982. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop performance by a duo or group with vocal); no wins.

Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean”: 7 weeks in 1983. 3 nods (song of the year, best R&B vocal performance, male, best rhythm & blues song); 2 wins (best R&B vocal performance, male, best rhythm & blues song). Note: Another of Jackson’s 1983 hits, “Beat It,” won for record of the year.

The 1970s

Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life”: 10 weeks in 1977. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop vocal performance, female); 1 win (song of the year).

Rod Stewart’s “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)”: 8 weeks in 1976-77. No nods.

Bee Gees’ “Night Fever”: 8 weeks in 1978.No nods. (“Stayin’ Alive,” which had half as many weeks at No. 1, brought the group Grammy glory that year, with nods for record and song of the year.)

Andy Gibb’s “Shadow Dancing”: 7 weeks in 1978. No nods.

Simon & Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water”: 6 weeks in 1970. 4 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best contemporary song, best arrangement accompanying vocalist(s));  4 wins (record of the year, song of the year, best contemporary song, best arrangement accompanying vocalist(s)).

Three Dog Night’s “Joy to the World”: 6 weeks at No. 1 in 1971. 2 nods (record of the year, best pop vocal performance by a duo, group or chorus); no wins.

Roberta Flack’s “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”: 6 weeks in 1972. 2 nods (record of the year, song of the year); 2 wins (record of the year, song of the year).

Gilbert O’Sullivan’s “Alone Again (Naturally)”: 6 weeks in 1972. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best pop vocal performance, male); no wins.

Chic’s “Le Freak”: 6 weeks in 1978-79. No nods.

The Knack’s “My Sharona”: 6 weeks at No. 1 in 1979. 1 nod (best rock vocal performance by a duo or group); no wins.

The 1960s

Percy Faith & His Orchestra’s “The Theme from A Summer Place”: 9 weeks in 1960. 4 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best arrangement, best performance by an orchestra); 1 win (record of the year).

The Beatles’ “Hey Jude”: 9 weeks in 1968. 3 nods (record of the year, song of the year, best contemporary-pop performance by a vocal duo or group); no wins.

Bobby Lewis’ “Tossin’ and Turnin’”: 7 weeks in 1961. No nods.

The Beatles’ “I Want To Hold Your Hand”: 7 weeks in 1964. 1 nod (record of the year); no wins.

The Monkees’ “I’m a Believer”: 7 weeks in 1966-67. 2 nods (best performance by a vocal group, best contemporary group performance (vocal or instrumental); no wins.

Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”: 7 weeks in 1968-69. 1 nod (best rhythm & blues vocal performance, male); no wins.

The 1950s (1958-59)

Bobby Darin’s “Mack the Knife”: 9 weeks in 1959. 2 nods (record of the year, best vocal performance, male); 1 win (record of the year).

Sheb Wooley’s “The Purple People Eater”: 6 weeks on the Best Sellers and Top 100 charts in 1958 (prior to the inception of the Hot 100). No nods.

Tommy Edwards’ “It’s All in the Game”: 6 weeks in 1958. No nods.

Johnny Horton’s “The Battle of New Orleans”: 6 weeks in 1959. 2 nods song of the year, best country & western performance); 2 wins (song of the year, best country & western performance).

Note: Danny & the Juniors‘ “At the Hop,” the longest-running No. 1 hit of 1958 (7 weeks at No. 1 on the Top 100 chart), was released in 1957 and thus was ineligible for the inaugural Grammy Awards in 1958.

15 Aug 2023

Will Hoge Teams With Black Opry & Shoes Off Nashville To Ask ‘Can I Be Country Too?’

Will Hoge is collaborating with members of the Black Opry and with Shoes Off Nashville (which celebrates and empowers those in Nashville’s Asian Pacific Islander community) to amass an ensemble of talented, diverse musical voices, congregating to challenge stereotypes within the country music community.

“Can I Be Country Too?” a song Hoge wrote a few years ago, asks a series of straightforward questions: can a person “be country” if they also believe that Black lives matter, believe in gay marriage, vote Democrat and do not go fishing or drinking beer every weekend?

The track finds Hoge collaborating with The Kentucky Gentlemen, Carmen Dianne, Michael Allen, Cheryl Deseree and the The Country Any Way Collective. Joining them are musicians Allen Jones and Jerry Pentecost (drums), Christopher Griffiths (bass), Josh Grange (pedal steel and piano), Audley Freed (electric guitar) and Josh Mailiner (fiddle and mandolin). The choir is made up of members of The Black Opry and Shoes Off Nashville.

Hoge, a Nashville-area native, is known for writing songs including Eli Young Band’s 2012 Billboard Country Airplay chart-topper “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” as well as the band’s song “Just Add Moonlight.” The singer-songwriter has also been outspoken in his own perspectives about society and politics throughout his career, on songs including 2012’s “Ballad of Trayvon Martin” (from his Modern American Protest Music EP), as well as “Still a Southern Man” and “Thoughts and Prayers,” both from his 2018 project My American Dream.

“I’ve always been a bit of an outsider when I’m working on the fringes of the country music world as an artist and writer, and the reasons for that sometimes are incredibly frustrating,” Hoge said in a statement. “I always felt like a lot of my core beliefs and cares were things that if maybe they weren’t allowed, they were definitely frowned upon. Over the last couple years I feel the genre, commercially at large, has really shown how small and homogenous it can be. I know how hard that is for me and I started thinking about how that must feel for so many other folks that I love and care about who are just trying to find their place.”

In that spirit of inclusion, Hoge said he aimed to be as inclusive as possible when it came to finding collaborators. “I wanted to surround myself with folks that are doing this work from the margins and feel frustrated and kind of left out. The artists that lined up to do it represent everything I’ve loved about Nashville and the music community here since I was a little kid,” he said. “It was such a tremendous joy to feel the love in the room as we tracked the song. Having all those voices and all those humans being unabashedly who they are was just tremendous. I’m flattered so many folks showed up in support.”

In a statement, Black Opry founder Holly G noted that Hoge was one of the first people to reach out and offer support when Holly G launched Black Opry. “We’ve built a friendship on learning and better understanding each other’s perspectives, and to this day, Will is the only artist who’s invited the Black Opry Revue to open for him for a show. He’s been such a great friend and supporter.”

Hoge summed up how he felt about the new project, saying “I hope that for young listeners out there, the ones that dream about carving out some kind of living in this business, and they wonder if they fit in, I hope this song is a resounding ‘Yes. You belong.’”

Hear “Can I Be Country Too?” below:

15 Aug 2023

Marvel & Citizen Celebrate Avengers’ 60th Anniversary With Limited-Edition Box Set: Shop It While You Still Can

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In celebration of the Avengers’ 60th anniversary, Citizen and Marvel teamed up to release a limited-edition box set which includes a watch and collectibles pins.

The Marvel x Citizen Avengers: Beyond Earth’s Mightiest 60th Anniversary Box Set ($450) launches on Tuesday (Aug. 15) but there are only 1,963 of them available. The watch features design nods to the 60th anniversary and a collage of Beyond Earth’s Mightiest heroes: Iron Man, Black Panther, Captain Marvel, Captain America, Hulk, Thor and Black Widow.

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The limited set is the latest Marvel collaboration from Citizen following a Spider-Man timepiece ($350) that was released on Spider-Man Day earlier this month.

Created by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, Marvel’s Avengers made their comic book debut in 1963. In June, Marvel announced a string of new Avengers products and collaborations with NFL, MLB and other sports leagues and brands to celebrate the 60th anniversary.

“Marvel’s preeminent Super Hero team has not only entertained fans around the world for sixty years, but also, they’ve inspired generations to embrace their individuality, power through life’s challenges and always strive to help the greater good through teamwork,” said Paul Gitter, executive vice president, global brand commercialization for The Walt Disney Company in a news release announcing the collaborations in June. “We’re thrilled to be teaming up with world-class brands on expansive Avengers’ product offerings and family entertainment in celebration of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes.”

Marvel’s 60th anniversary collection of products includes apparel, accessories, home décor, toys and collectibles such as LEGO Marvel Captain America’s Shield, commemorative 60th Anniversary Marvel Legends figures from Hasbro and Funko Pop! in addition to pin sets, sports gear and athletic wellness products from other brands slated to launch throughout the year.

Shop the Citizen x Marvel Avengers box set collection below.

MARVEL x Citizen Timepiece ️

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Courtesy of Citizen

Marvel x Citizen Limited Edition Avengers 60th Anniversary Box Set

$450

15 Aug 2023

Alejandro Fernández & Live Nation Will Donate a Portion of Upcoming New York Concert Funds to Asylum Seekers

Alejandro Fernández will donate a portion of proceeds from his Oct. 14 concert at The Theater at Madison Square Garden to help newly-arrived asylum seekers in New York.

According to a press release, Live Nation, the promoter behind his 2023 U.S. Amor Y Patria Tour, will be matching the donation. The New York Immigration Coalition will receive the funds in recognition of their efforts in helping the families upon arriving to the city.

“To our Latino community and families in New York, my heart is with you … you are a part of all of us,” Fernández said in a statement. “I can only imagine how hard these times are as you seek a safe place for you and your families in a foreign land. You have my support wherever you are.”

“We are immensely grateful to Alejandro Fernández for his generosity in uplifting the needs of New York’s newest arrivals to a global audience,” said Murad Awawdeh, executive director, New York Immigration Coalition. “His humanitarian action unites Latinos across continents, as well as recognizes the challenges faced by all those fleeing violence and persecution in search of safety and opportunity in new and unfamiliar lands. His support and the matching contribution from Live Nation will ensure that the New York Immigration Coalition can continue to advocate for and serve the needs of asylum seekers in New York City and across the state.”

It’s not the first time the Mexican music icon gives back to immigrant families. His top-grossing 2021 Hecho En México Tour served as a fundraiser for Families Belong Together. The organization received over $100,000 from the tour proceeds to assist immigrant families separated at the U.S.-Mexico border.

Fernández’s Amor Y Patria Tour, for which he’ll be joined by his son Alex Fernández, is set to kick off Sept. 8 in Sacramento, Calif., and will visit major cities such as Chicago, Las Vegas, New York and Atlanta before wrapping up the tour in Miami on Oct. 22.

15 Aug 2023

Tom Morello Plays Woody Guthrie’s ‘This Land Is Your Land’ For Picketing Hollywood Actors and Writers

Rage Against the Machine‘s Tom Morello is standing in solidarity with members of the SAG-AFTRA and WGA in the midst of the ongoing Hollywood Writers’ strike. The musician was the latest supporter to play for the strikers on Monday (Aug. 14), when he showed up armed with an acoustic guitar to sing some political solo tracks, as well as a special cover that was a perfect fit for one of the longest work stoppages in Hollywood history.

According to NME, longtime labor supporter and union member Morello performed a 15-minute set that included solo tracks “Union Song,” “Hold The Line” and “Union Town” in addition to a cover of Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land.” Guthrie’s song has often been seen as a straight-on tribute to American beauty, but the folk legend also intended it as a harsh broadside against the rich hoarding the nation’s precious natural resources to the detriment of those with less; in fact, it was originally named “God Blessed America For Me.”

The Rage guitarist told the outlet that he stands by the Hollywood writers and actors as they continue their work stoppage over issues including residual payments from streaming services and promises about the use of AI technology. “They’re making history here on the sidewalk in front of Paramount Studios and I’m here to support them and express my solidarity,” he said.

Elsewhere during his surprise performance, Morello provided facts and a status update about the strikes, noting that “in the United States right now, we have the biggest wave of strikes and organizing in about 40 years. In town right now, we also have hotel workers out [on strike] as well, so the picket lines are hot!” As for his set and his song selections, Morello added, “I’ve made music throughout my entire life to be played on picket lines and on the front lines, so today is just one more day at the office with regards to that.”

Watch Tom Morello sing Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land” in the video below, and see the full list of musicians supporting the Hollywood writers’ strike here.