Country Music Supports St. Jude

Curious as to why so many of your favorite artists and celebrities are rocking a ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ t-shirt? Learn all about the special tee and how you can get one to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital here…

Country Music artists meet St. Jude patients while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 35th annual Country Cares seminar on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

As a country music fan, year after year, it’s almost certain that you’ve found your favorite country music artists supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Whether through benefit concerts, posts on social media, or rocking the ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ tee, it’s pretty clear that St. Jude holds a very special place in the country music community.

While the answer may seem obvious by brief definition alone, — St. Jude leads the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. To learn even more, Country Swag took a visit to St. Jude during the annual ‘Country Cares Seminar’ this fall.

Launched more than 30 years ago, Randy Owen from the band Alabama stood up during Nashville’s Annual Country Radio Seminar and asked his friends, colleagues, and radio partners to join together to help St. Jude and the children they serve, and so, the ‘Country Cares Seminar’ was born. The program unites more than 200 radio stations, influencers, and dozens of country music artists annually to raise awareness and support for St. Jude.

Country Music artists meet St. Jude patients while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 35th annual Country Cares seminar on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

During the seminar, all guests are invited to tour St. Jude, located in Memphis, Tennessee, and see firsthand the inspirational work that the teams at St. Jude are doing. Upon the first introduction, guests learn about the organization and what exactly makes it so impactful and so special. Perhaps the most remarkable part is that thanks to very generous donors, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food. Families receive the best care in the world, at no cost, making the worst and darkest days of their lives a little bit brighter – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.

In addition, St Jude’s research facility and labs are open 24/7 and freely share their findings, protocols, and breakthroughs, so that every child saved at St. Jude means doctors and scientists worldwide can use that knowledge to save thousands of more children.

Thanks to generous donations, the brilliant teams at St. Jude have access to equipment that costs millions and millions of dollars, which just not all doctors and scientists everywhere have access to. This not only gives them the freedom to focus on what matters most — saving kids regardless of their financial situation, but they are able to share their discoveries and patients everywhere are getting treatments that were started at St. Jude. Consequently, when you’re donating to St. Jude, you’re not just donating to one hospital in one city, you’re funding the source and if speaking to cancer patients around the world, a common thread may be that many have been treated by protocols that have been sourced by St. Jude. St. Jude is actively working towards a world where no family ever has to hear the words “you have cancer”.

Seeing the work, hearing stories from doctors and patients alike, and understanding the experiences at St. Jude make it easy to recognize the importance of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and instantly inspires guests to get involved and help raise awareness. Next time you see your favorite artists talking about and supporting St. Jude it’s likely because they were able to have these experiences too and see firsthand the amazing work done at St. Jude.

Country Music artists meet St. Jude patients while supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the 35th annual Country Cares seminar on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

Words like “inspiring”, “joy”, “positivity” and “healing” are just some of the many terms that came to mind for country artists like Megan Moroney, Old Dominion, and Randy Owen, during their visit to St. Jude.

There are great research institutions, great hospitals, and great charities. St. Jude is all three. You can join the cause and help support St. Jude and the incredible initiative set forth by many country artists and celebrities alike with the ‘This Shirt Saves Lives’ t-shirt. For a monthly donation of just $19, you get the exclusive tee and all funds directly support the incredible St. Jude organization.

It costs over a million dollars daily to operate St. Jude each and every day. Donations allow St. Jude to continue to help children everywhere.

Join us and many of your favorite country artists like Lainey Wilson, Jon Pardi, Megan Moroney, and Old Dominion, and help save lives.

To donate and get your own “This Shirt Saves Lives” t-shirt head to: musicgives.org.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming country music announcements and releases.

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Nate Smith and Crown Royal Team Up to Support Veterans with 50k Donation

In a heartfelt moment at the CMA Awards, Nate Smith, Scotty Hasting, and Crown Royal team up to support veterans with 50k donation. Learn more below.

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Nate Smith // Photo credit: Natasha Moustache (CMA)

Country music is a genre that believes in giving back, which makes it all the more special. Recently, on country music’s biggest night, the 2024 CMA Awards, breakout artist, Nate Smith alongside the Crown Royal team banded together to donate $50,000 to ‘CreatiVets,’ a non-profit organization helping veterans navigate life after service through music.

During the 58th Annual CMA Awards show, Crown Royal and Smith took to the stage to highlight the story of veteran, Scotty Hasting’s journey from Purple Heart recipient to one of country music’s own.

“I’m humbled to put a spotlight on an organization as incredible as CreatiVets on country music’s biggest stage,” shared Smith in a recent press release. “Crown Royal has been my go-to in the songwriting room and while on tour, and I’ve long admired their commitment to supporting veterans. Learning about CreatiVets’ mission and Scotty’s personal story  is something I’ll never forget.”

What an unforgettable moment for both country music fans and veterans! Watch the full experience here.

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Nate Smith announcements and releases.

To keep up with Nate Smith, follow him on Instagram, TwitterTikTok, and Facebook.

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Ryan and Rory Release New Song “Heaven’s Got A Country Station”

Ryan and Rory share their brand new song, “Heaven’s Got A Country Station,” available now, December 6th on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

There is nothing we love more than introducing fans to new, fresh, and exciting acts in country music! BBR Music Group’s new signees, Ryan and Rory are an act to pay attention to! The singer-songwriters feel like seasoned veterans with their newest release. Their new song, “Heaven’s Got A Country Station” is out today, and it might be their best yet.

Filled with heart and honesty, “Heaven’s Got A Country Station” is a special song. From the moment the duo started teasing it on socials, fans begged for it to be released. The track is a tribute to loved ones lost. Anyone who has ever experienced losing someone they love can surely relate to this beautiful song. Ryan and Rory bring imagery, emotional and a sense of camaraderie to the forefront of this touching song.

“I bet the signals clear as day, where you are now // There ain’t a trace of static way up in them clouds // Since you left I”ve filled dup a book of songs / Bout how I can’t believe your’e gone // Maybe one of these days, one’ll come on”

“Heaven’s Got A Country Station” is a must listen to! The song showcases everything that country music and good, honest story-telling is all about. Ryan and Rory are the real deal, and this song proves it.

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Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Ryan and Rory releases.

To keep up with Ryan and Rory, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Heaven’s Got A Country Station” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

Dylan Scott Shares New Song “Country Till I Die” Ahead of Tour

Dylan Scott shares brand new song, “Country Till I Die,” out now, December 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the brand new track below.

Dylan Scott knows exactly who he is an artist. He does not shy away from firmly planting his boots in his country-lifestyle. While Scott is equally as known for his romantic songs, singing about his country roots comes natural to him. As he embarks on a new era of music, fans can blast his new song, “Country Till I Die,” out today.

Written by Taylor Phillips, Charlie Handsome, John Byron and Ben Johnson, the song is the namesake behind Scott’s upcoming spring headlining ‘Country Till I Die Tour,’ with special guests George Birge, Dasha and Graham Barham. The new song celebrates small-town, country living in a way that feels reminiscent of Scott’s song “Boys Back Home” with Dylan Marlowe. The new track is fun and primed for the stage.

“C-O-U-N-T-R-Y, I’ll be country till I die // Every day and every night it’s the only way of life // I’ve ever known that’s how Daddy raised me // You got me wrong if you think that you can change me // I like it man, I love it, wouldn’t trade it not for nothing // C-O-U-N-T-R-Y, I’ll be country till I die”

Scott is ready to embrace more sides of his personality, while still remaining true to who he is as an artist. “Country Till I Die” is a great addition to his catalog of music, as it fits in seamlessly. It will be exciting to hear the song live, when Scott embarks on his tour.

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Dylan Scott shares new song, “Country Till I Die,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Dylan Scott releases.

To keep up with Dylan Scott, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

“Country Till I Die” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Tyler Rich Shares New Song “Home We Choose”

Tyler Rich shares brand new song, “Home We Choose,” out now, December 6th, on all streaming platforms. Listen to the new track below.

As Tyler Rich continues to embark on his journey as a newly independent artist, the singer-songwriter is arguably releasing his best music to date. Following up his recent release, “All The Small Things,” the singer ups the ante with his brand new track, “Home We Choose.”

Inspired by Rich’s own move from California to Tennessee and building a life with his wife Sabina, “Home We Choose” is an introspective song that anyone who has every left their hometown can relate to. The song evokes mixed emotions, while ultimately, allowing listeners to be comforted by the notion that ‘home’ is truly about the people and the experiences we have in life.

“‘Home We Choose’ is about finding a place in the world that feels right to you, whether it’s where you grew up or somewhere entirely new,” shared Rich in a recent press release. “It’s a reminder that home is more about the choices we make, the people we surround ourselves with, and the memories we build along the way. It’s never too late to start over, and it’s never too soon to settle down.”

“Home We Choose” is arguably our favorite song from Rich so far in his impressive career! We are excited to see what comes down the pipeline next for the singer as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

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Tyler Rich shares new song, “Home We Choose,” out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Tyler Rich releases.

To keep up with Tyler Rich, follow him on InstagramTwitter, and Facebook.

“Home We Choose” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Here is Koe Wetzel’s New Project ‘Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2’

Koe Wetzel shares his new project, Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2, officially out now, December 6th on all streaming platforms. Listen here!

Koe Wetzel is one of the most unapologetically authentic acts in music right now. The genre-defying artist always releases music that his fans fall in love with. This holiday season, Wetzel is celebrating his love for Christmas yet again with a new project called, Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2.

Building on its predecessor, the new project features new renditions of Christmas classics, across seven new tracks, including fan-favorite, “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” “I fucking love Christmas,” shared Wetzel in a recent press release. “It is always a big deal in the Wetzel household, and we wanted to put our own spin on some more holiday classics for you. Ho Ho Ho from Uncle Koe!”

Listen to the new project,  Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2 now to get you in the mood for the holiday season!

Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2 Track List:

  1. ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas (performed by Ben Burgess)
  2. Run Run Rudolph
  3. Merry Christmas Baby
  4. Silver Bells
  5. Please Come Home for Christmas
  6. Blue Christmas
  7. I’ll Be Home For Christmas
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Here is Koe Wentzel’s new project, ‘Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2.’

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Koe Wetzel releases.

To keep up with Koe Wetzel, follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Koe Wetzel Presents… Wetzel’s Wonderland Chapter 2 is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Here is Not Leaving Sober’s Debut Album ‘Almost Sober’

Not Leaving Sober share their debut album, Almost Sober, officially out now, December 6th on all streaming platforms. Listen here!

There’s nothing like championing artist that hail from the tristate area! While country music is huge in New York and the surrounding areas, often fans will think of country artists as hailing from southern states; however, there are a ton of incredibly talented country acts from the tristate area. Country band, Not Leaving Sober fits the bill! The New Jersey natives show off their undeniable talent on their brand new, debut album, Almost Sober.

According to the band members, this record was cultivated from the heart. “The album features 13 songs including our lead single, “Y’all Don’t Know” — a feel-good party anthem, which has accrued 90,000+ streams on Spotify, and was featured on Spotify’s “Hot Country” editorial playlist. It also went viral on Instagram with over 600,000 views and 39k likes. The 4th track, “Different Kind of Country” is an ode to life in our neck of the woods — and how we don’t have to be “from” the country to share the same values and ways of life portrayed in the music.”

Listen to Not Leaving Sober’s brand new, debut project, Almost Sober ASAP!

Almost Sober Track List:

  1. Not So Sober (skit)
  2. ROCKSTAR
  3. Beer Run
  4. Different Kind Of Country
  5. On the Rocks
  6. Sunflower
  7. Rules To A Happy Lifestyle (skit)
  8. Throwback Thursday
  9. SO Darling
  10. Home
  11. Wolfie calls
  12. Carat Cake
  13. Blow A Kiss to Jersey
  14. Chasin’ Tequila
  15. W
  16. Y’all Don’t Know
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Not Leaving Sober share their debut album, ‘Almost Sober,’ out now on all streaming platforms.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Not Leaving Sober releases.

To keep up with Not Leaving Sober, follow them on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

Almost Sober is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Parmalee Goes Number One at Country Radio with “Gonna Love You”

Parmalee earns a number one song at country radio with their song, “Gonna Love You.” Learn more and listen below!

Platinum-selling country band, Parmalee has hit their stride. Last year, Parmalee secured their fourth number one single at country radio with their song, “Take My Name.” Today, Parmalee keeps the momentum going, landing their fifth number one with their song, “Gonna Love You”

Parmalee has found their stride in country music. Their single, “Gonna Love You” is the perfect song to continue their recent streak of number ones. The song showcases their talent as a band, as well as, their grit as a group with staying power in this genre.

“You’re never gonna be alone, never from now on // Need someone to hold just hold on me // I’ll never be far away, I’m here to stay // If you get lost, get lost on me // The second I looked into your eyes // Baby, I held on for my life // No matter what I know you’re right where I wanna be // Even if the whole world turns itself against us // I’m gonna love you, I’m gonna love you // Even with my last breath, the last beat in my chest // I’m gonna love you, I’m gonna love you”

This marks Parmalee’s fifth number one song of their career. We wonder what song will be next! Congrats to Parmalee and their team!

Join our Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Parmalee announcements and releases.

To keep up with Parmalee, follow them on Instagram, X / Twitter, and Facebook.

“Gonna Love You” is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Who Is Kayley Green? The Story Behind Her Journey to Country Music

Who is Kayley Green? The singer-songwriter joined us to chat about her journey to country music. Get to know the rising star here…

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Kayley Green // Photo credit: Matthew Berinato

Quick Facts:
Full Name – Kayley Green
Birthdate – October 4th
Hometown – Florence, South Carolina
Current City – Nashville, Tennessee
Musical Influences – Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton
Label – Sony Music Nashville
Latest Music – “Catching Up” (as of date of article 12/1/24)
The Beginning:

This week we caught up with incredible singer-songwriter, Kayley Green. The Sony Music Nashville recording artist has a chased her dreams for a decade, knowing from an early age, that music was her calling. We chatted with the songstress all about her journey, her music, and everything in between.

“I have a big family, none of which are really musical. My mom’s dad was musical and my dad played a little guitar, but no one in my family really pursued music or did it as hobbies or anything, but I always pursed music. I did musical theatre as a kid and sang in church choir, and was playing live gigs in front of audiences as soon as I possibly could. It started in middle school,” shared the South Carolina native.

Green recalls always being drawn to music. “I loved Martina McBride. She was my favorite. My grandad asked me to sing one of her songs, and I remember saying “I can’t sing that.” But I wanted to make him happy and make him proud, so I would blare my stereo and scream sing her songs until I could hit the notes,” she shared. Adding, “I loved all genres of music, but my grandma watched me and all of my cousins, she watched all of us everyday, and she spent most of her time standing in front of CMT watching all of the music videos, so I just grew up with country music constantly playing.”

During her youth, Green chased her music dream, garnering the support of the people in her town. “My youth pastor set-up my first gig at a coffee shop, and it just continued from there. I played bar gigs all through high school. I moved to Nashville and continued playing shows as much as I could,” shared the singer. “There really wasn’t ever a time in my life where I didn’t want to be a singer. There really wasn’t any other option at any point in my life.”

The Turning Point:

Armed with a dream and ambition to match, Green headed to Nashville in 2013 to attend Belmont University “I found out about Belmont [University] in middle school, and I found out I could get a singing degree, and that was it. I went to Belmont and I got my music degree, and from that moment on, I just knew I was moving to Nashville, and I was going to do it.”

Green worked on her craft, all while performing five nights a week at the bars on Broadway. Eventually, she experienced the pandemic, which led her to leave her dreams behind momentarily. “I lived in Nashville for probably seven years, when the pandemic happened. I was playing downtown the whole time, but I had no idea how to even get into the industry. I wasn’t being told “no,”. I didn’t even know how to find a “no,”” she shared. Adding, “I moved home for a year and a half during the pandemic, and I thought that music was over, but I couldn’t quite give it up.”

The songstress began to find a new way to make her a dream a reality. “I started working on TikTok and influencing, doing that kind of thing. I really wanted to build up my influencer platform, so I could have money to put into my own original music and really give music one more shot. As soon as I launched my website and my merch line, I got a call from Keith Urban and his team, asking me to come play at the Bridgestone. It was two days before the show, I had no idea it was coming. […] He asked me to sing “We Were Us” with him and one song that I loved to sing too. […] I sang “Independence Day” and it changed my life over night.”

Today:

Flash forward to today, Green found a home at Sony Music Nashville, first a writer with a publishing deal and later with a record deal.

“I had no prospects in the industry, no contacts, no friends, I was so far from it, and immediately was kind of thrown into it, 100 miles an hour. Ross Copperman was behind me at the show, and he asked “who are you, what are you doing,” and he was kind of helping guide me in the right direction, and asked if I wanted to sign a publishing deal with SONY. […] I signed a joint venture publishing deal with Ross and SONY, and then not long after, I was offered a record deal with SONY too, but it was all because of the night at Bridgestone with Keith Urban.”

In the last few months, the songstress has released two songs that really speak to her unique talent as an artist. Both “Shadow of a Cowboy” and “Catching Up” were inspired by a break-up that the artist was going through.

“‘Shadow Of A Cowboy” was written by me, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite, and Ben Williams. It was Ben’s idea, but I was going through a break-up at the time, and he had the idea “Shadow Of A Cowboy,” and then just that with break-up energy in the room, we created this awesome song. […] As soon as I listened, I knew it was special and big. […] It was one that I had no doubt that I wanted to release,” she shared.

When it came to “Catching Up,” Green recalls wanting to hide the heartbreak she was going through. Her poker face was not very good, and one of her co-writers asked her what was wrong, eventually leading to this song.

“I told them everything that was going on, and we wrote “Catching Up.” It was totally organic, no one really came in with the idea, it was just about everything I was going through, and it was so healing to write it with them. I think it’s a story that a lot of people can relate to, especially girls. I think the story is great, and I’m really proud of that one too.”

Fans can expect more new music coming from the singer at the top of 2025. This is only the beginning for Green, so make sure you follow along!

Connect:

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about upcoming Kayley Green announcements and releases.

To keep up with Kayley Green, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, or Twitter. 

Kayley Green’s music is available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released tunes on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.

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Thomas Rhett Goes Number One with His Song “Beautiful As You”

Thomas Rhett earns the number one song at country radio this week with his song, “Beautiful As You.” Get all the details here!

Thomas Rhett deserves each and every accomplishment he earns. In his incredible career, Rhett has already scored twenty-two number one singles. Today he adds to that impressive number, securing his twenty-third number one at country radio with his song, “Beautiful As You.”

Rhett co-wrote the new song during a writer camp in Chattanooga, Tennessee sometime last year. According to the singer, “Beautiful As You” is an ode to that relationship, where one person feels like they hit the jackpot. It is a true testament to feeling unbelievably lucky to have landed a partner that feels better than you in every way. Fans of Rhett know how often he credits his wife, Lauren, and it seems he feels like she is out of his league too.

“What someone as beautiful as you // Doin’ ridin’ ’round with someone like me? // I swear, girl, you could have anyone you choose, I should stop // Askin’ questions, ‘fore you get up and leave // What someone as beautiful as you // Doin’ wakin’ up with someone like me? // Ain’t gonna lie, you could have anyone you choose, I should stop // Askin’ questions, ‘fore you get up and leave”

Congrats to Rhett and his team on another incredible number one feat! “Beautiful As You” is definitely a song worth celebrating.

Fans can join our Weekly Round-Up e-newsletter here, for the latest in country music and more news about future Thomas Rhett releases.

To keep up with Thomas Rhett, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

“Beautiful As You” is now available everywhere you buy or stream music. Take a listen below and check out more new recently released music here on our ‘New Country Music’ playlist. Be sure to give the playlist a follow for your weekly new country music fix.