Feel-Good Friday: Uplifting Country News From Chris Stapleton, Maren Morris & Reba
What news cheered you up this week?
Welcome to Feel-Good Friday, a weekly roundup of heartwarming stories, lighthearted videos, and inspiring country news that reminds us all there is still good in the world.
Chris Stapleton announces new album Starting Over
Stapleton dropped the title track off his upcoming fourth studio album, Starting Over, this week. The country crooner’s whiskey soaked vocals shine on the nostalgic tune where he sings of running away and starting over with his wife, Morgane. Penned with Mike Henderson, Stapleton sings, “I can be your lucky penny/ You can be my four-leaf clover/ Starting over.” The first taste of new music, “Starting Over” is one of 14 tracks featured on the Dave Cobb-produced project due out Nov. 13. The album was recorded at RCA Studio A with additional work done at Muscle Shoals Sound and Compass Sound Studio.
Get Your Vote On virtual concert includes Cam, Lindsay Ell, Cassadee Pope & more
The country community is stressing voter awareness ahead of the 2020 presidential election with a live broadcast on Sunday, Aug. 30 at 6 p.m. ET via nugs.net. Performers include Maggie Rose, Cam, Lindsay Ell, Cassadee Pope, The Cadillac Three and Kelleigh Bannen, among others.
“The right to vote isn’t just a right, it’s a privilege. I feel personally obligated to raise my voice and encourage others to become active in this year’s election,” says Maggie Rose in a statement. “I’m honored to stand alongside each of these amazing artists, and the Nashville Action Committee, to encourage and empower voter engagement — not only in Nashville, but nationwide.”
Jay DeMarcus shares sweet throwback photo with wife Allison
Rascal Flatts’ Jay DeMarcus is sharing a glimpse inside his home life with wife, Allison, on their new Netflix series DeMarcus Family Rules. On “Throwback Thursday,” the bassist offered up a sweet behind-the-scenes look at their first meeting on a music video set in 2002.
“I met @allisondemarcus on the set of @rascalflatts #TheseDays music video in 2002,” he captions a photo from the archives which includes a piece of the fence from the day they met. “It only made sense that we dress as ourselves for Halloween that year.”
Maren Morris returns to television and performs for the first time in months
Morris returned to television Thursday night (Aug. 27), during an appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden. After chatting with the host about being a new mother, quarantine with her husband, Ryan Hurd, and getting back into the writing room, the singer performed her latest chart topper “The Bones.” Dressed in a form fitting gold dress, Morris appeared outside barefoot surrounded by trees with her band for the emotion-fueled song.
Morgan Myles celebrates awards win by popping a champagne bottle while water-skiing
Earlier this week, Myles was awarded Artist of the Year and Album of the Year at the Nashville Industry Music Awards. When her friends dared her if she won to celebrate by water-skiing while popping a bottle of champagne, she bravely accepted. Watch above as Myles shows off her bottle popping skills on the lake.
Old Dominion hint that new music is on the way
During a nearly 30-minute livestream this week, Old Dominion revealed their upcoming ACM Awards performance as well as their return to the studio. “We’re going to be going to an undisclosed location in the studio and we’re going to be writing and recording music for three weeks,” Trevor Rosen said. “It has nothing to do with cats. It’s going to be some actual real music.”
Reba McEntire unveils second YouTube concert special
McEntire returns to YouTube tonight for another concert special. The show airing was filmed in 1990 at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas and serves as a dedication to her original band members who died in a plane crash the following year.
“This show is very special to me because it features my friends that we lost in a plane crash 29 years ago,” she said in a statement. “Their love for music and incredible talents deserve to be seen again, and I’m so glad that we’re getting the chance to stream this concert for the first time ever. I can’t wait to watch it and I hope they will feel all the love we still have for them.”
