Dolly Parton Releases Time Life 19-DVD set – DOLLY: THE ULTIMATE COLLECTION

Fri Oct 16, 2020

Dolly Parton is the most honored and revered female country singer-songwriter of all time. Achieving 25 RIAA-certified gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards, she has had 26 songs reach #1 on the Billboard country charts, a record for a female artist. Recently, Parton reached #1 on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart for the first time for her duet with Grammy award-winning Zach Williams of “There Was Jesus.”

Parton is the first artist to have topped the Billboard’s Adult Contemporary, Christian AC Songs, Hot Country Songs, Christian Airplay, Country Airplay and Dance/Mix Show Airplay radio charts. Parton recently became the first country artist honored as Grammy MusiCares Person of the Year given out by NARAS. She has 44 career Top 10 country albums, a record for any artist, and 110 career-charted singles over the past 40 years. In 2014 the RIAA recognized her impact on recorded music with a plaque commemorating more than 100 million units sold worldwide. Her 2016 #1 album, “Pure & Simple,” which topped the Billboard Top Country Albums and Americana/Folk Albums charts and debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Canada, U.K. and Australia, added to that massive tally.

Maria Manna “I Like It In The Water” Tells Tale Of Love’s Bliss & Female Empowerment

Thu Oct 08, 2020

Multi-award winning singer/songwriter Maria Manna shares a message of love’s bliss and female empowerment alike in her sassy new single, “I Like It In The Water” – currently now a Top 20 Pick Hit on the October Chart on Cashbox Radio.

An indefatigable dynamo across her 45-year career and pure gem in Canada’s creative crown, “I Like It In The Water” lands as a moment for pause to revel in the fruits of a life well lived. “My inspiration while filming the video was my husband, who sat in the audience,” Manna shares. “He knows I like to dance in the water…”

Check out “I Like It in The Water” here:

“The song was created as a celebration of life, and the desire to share intimacy with the person of your choice. It captures the essence of the joy of living and giving to your special someone. It’s my hope that showcasing love and happiness gives a sense of freedom of choice as an evolved, responsible being.

MINI POP KIDS Scoop Their Take on BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez’s “Ice Cream”

Thu Sep 24, 2020

Mini Pop Kids are remarkable – no other way to describe them. With the current state of the world, and with the way music is going these days, it is refreshing to find an act like this who are solely based on talent and optimism - and a love of music!

Combine that with the historical K-Tel label and distribution with WalMart,in many ways it is all a very throwback approach to when music was fun.

With BLACKPINK feat. Selena Gomez’s latest track “Ice Cream” hitting Top 10 on both the Global and U.S. Billboard charts, Canada’s original and best-selling kid’s music group are serving their own scoop of the song in their signature family-friendly way! MINI POP KIDS’ version of BLACKPINK feat. Selena Gomez’s “Ice Cream” is available now!

“This song is one of our favourites of 2020,” the MINI POP KIDS say. “We’re HUGE fans of BLACKPINK.”

They’re not kidding; MINI POP KIDS also feature BLACKPINK’s “How You Like That” on this year’s hit release, MINI POP KIDS 18.

Crack Of Dawn is Back with New Single “Tiempo” ft. Melba Moore

Fri Sep 18, 2020

The legendary funk band Crack of Dawn note the meaning of ‘time’ with “Tiempo,” their latest single featuring the incomparable Melba Moore.

Featuring the same signature velvet-funk tones that have made them Canada’s most celebrated soul act for 40 years and running, Crack of Dawn refresh and reimagine a song written years ago by lead singer Michael Dunston and Dennis Nieves.

“It’s about lovers needing time to find themselves again after a tumultuous breakup,” the band says about the track. “Fast forward to 2020, and things happened in Michael’s life where the meaning of the lyrics really hit home; his wife was battling a few serious medical issues.”

It’s under these renewed circumstances — along with the addition of Tony Award-winning, four-time GRAMMY nominee, TV star, first black actress to play ‘Fantine’ in Les Misérables on Broadway, and 11-time Billboard Top 10 charting artist, Melba Moore — that takes “Tiempo” to an unprecedented, out-of-this-world level. “It’s filled with an emotional interpretation that’s difficult to explain with words alone.”

The Kings Celebrate 40 Years with “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide”

Fri Sep 11, 2020

There is a French expression “la plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose” which roughly translates to "the more things change, the more they stay the same". For me, this really describes the musical journey of The Kings.

It’s been 40 years since The Kings released “This Beat Goes On/Switchin’ To Glide,” and closed the show at Heatwave. To celebrate, they’ve got unseen, exclusive, re-mastered footage.

This story is about a hard-working band hailing from Vancouver, BC and Oakville, ON that appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand, was nominated for a JUNO Award, named ‘Most Promising Group’ by Cashbox Magazine, hit Platinum-selling status, and has released five studio albums, two live albums, a live DVD, an anthology, a documentary, and numerous hit singles — including “another rocking two-fer,” “Circle of Friends / Man That I Am.”  The 2018 single was somewhat like arriving full circle; it was mixed in Nashville by industry legend Bob Ezrin (Pink Floyd, Alice Cooper, KISS), who also helmed the same role on their 1980’s debut, The Kings Are Here, and sophomore follow-up, Amazon Beach.

Billy Ray Cyrus Gets “Country Twisted”

Fri Sep 04, 2020

After A Record-Breaking Billboard #1 Chart Hit,  Billy Ray Cyrus returns with Canadian-exclusive “Country Twisted”.

The Multi-Platinum selling, GRAMMY Award-winning and Billboard chart topping artist Billy Ray Cyrus is circling back to his roots in this, his newest single, “Country Twisted”.

Watch and listen to “Country Twisted” here:  https://youtu.be/5KcztiIBvaQ

The newly minted country anthem is straight out of the long-iconic American singer/songwriter’s wheelhouse, and sure to inspire a line dance redux as he first did in his unforgettable 1992 hit, “Achy Breaky Heart.”

Tears For Fears Sowing “The Seeds Of Love”

Fri Aug 28, 2020

Over thirty years on from its original release, Tears For Fears' third long-player The Seeds Of Love has taken on mythical status for its scope, ambition, timeless musicality, and the fact that it took over four years to record.

For music fans and audiophiles the world over, the album continues to astound with its depth and sheer audacity, which is why three decades on it, has barely aged a day.  As Roland Orzabal puts it, "Out of all our albums, I'd probably rank it highest. I think it surprised a lot of people, a lot of our peers as well, people who maybe we were being compared to in the mid-Eighties." Curt Smith "The tracks I liked then, I still like now. 'Woman in Chains,' 'Badman's Song,' 'Sowing the Seeds of Love,' and 'Advice For The Young At Heart' have all stuck around. We still play those live."

Elvis Presley – The Legend Lives On (rerun from The Boy Who Would Be King)

Fri Aug 21, 2020

From Elvis in NashvilleOn August 16, 1977, 41 years ago, we lost one of the most significant artists on human beings the world has ever known.  Elvis Presley. Although the anniversary of his death is not as universally recognized as years past his impact on the world has not diminished. In 2010 we wrote the story “The Boy Who Would Be King” and thought it appropriate to rerun it for your reading enjoyment. Elvis didn’t like being called the King and at one show where they held up a sign saying Elvis Is King. He asked them to take it down saying there is only one King and pointed heavenward.

RCA Records will be releasing a much sought after new release available as a 2 LP Vinyl set or a 4 CD box set commemorating the Nashville years.

The Rolling Stones Release Official “Scarlet” Video Starring Actor Paul Mescal

Fri Aug 14, 2020

The official video for The Rolling Stones’ new track “Scarlet” was released on August 6, featuring Emmy-nominated actor Paul Mescal, who starred in critically acclaimed television series ‘Normal People.’

Watch and listen to the official “Scarlet” video here:

A love letter to ‘Scarlet,’ the video was directed by directing duo ‘Us’ and filmed with a socially distanced shoot at the London iconic Claridge Hotel in London, England.

Taylor Swift Makes Chart History with "Cardigan" and New Album Folklore

Fri Aug 07, 2020

Released on ‘July 24 the new album ‘Folklore’ by Taylor Swift became the first artist ever to debut at #1 on both the Hot 100 and Billboard 200 in the same week, with “Cardigan” coming in at #1, joined by two other songs from the set that debuted in the Hot 100's top 10: "The 1," at #4, and "Exile," featuring Bon Iver at #6.

"Cardigan," the 1,106th # 1 in the Hot 100's 62-year history, enters with 34 million U.S. streams and 71,000 downloads sold in the week ending July 30, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. It concurrently debuts atop both the Streaming Songs and Digital Song Sales.

The song also drew 12.7 million in all-format radio airplay audience in the week ending Aug. 2.

Facts and figures after the release of Folklore and its songs on the album:

Fergus Hambleton – Where Do We Go From Here?

Fri Jul 31, 2020

Cover Photo Credit: Laura Proctor LPPhotographs

If you have any knowledge of the Canadian music scene, then the name Fergus Hambleton is one you will know. If you don’t know the name Fergus Hambleton then you should. Fergus Hambleton, a versatile singer, songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto, Canada has been prominent in the folk, pop and reggae fields for many decades. He was a member of many Toronto bands in the 60s including A Passing Fancy, a popular Yorkville group, as well as being signed to Capitol Records Canada and releasing two folk-rock albums, "All The Right Noises" and "Town Of Fergus".

Legendary Award Winning & JUNO Nominated Canadian Reggae Master Jay Douglas Says Things “Muschange”

Fri Jul 17, 2020

Submitted by Sandy Graham

Multi-award winning and 2 x JUNO Award nominee Toronto-based reggae master Jay Douglas says things “Muschange” in this, his new double-single — available now from Slammin Media and distributed worldwide by Believe Distribution.

“‘Muschange’ means that nothing stays the same forever,” Douglas muses on the song’s meaning. “There must be a change, and it is happening right in front of our eyes. The greatest teacher of all is Mother Nature and the teacher will be there when the students show up for the lesson.

“We must not be afraid of changes, we must embrace it,” he adds. “As a collective, we have been forced to slow down the pace of which we live and it has given many a chance to reflect on the good in their lives and focus on what really matters.”

Ned LeDoux – Dance With Your Spurs On from ‘Next In Line’

Fri Jul 10, 2020

Ned LeDoux is the real deal, genuine, authentic and real; he has lived every word he writes and sings.

The honesty comes from watching and listening to his famous Dad, the legendary Chris LeDoux and his producer and mentor Mac McAnally . Mac has won CMA Musician of the Year 10 times, written and produced many great records and is a part of Jimmy Buffet’s touring band, The Coral Reefers.

“Mac has been a big influence on my songwriting. He just said write what you know and the honesty will translate to the audience.”

Newly Remastered Releases Johnny Cash Mercury Recordings of Johnny Cash 1986-1991

Fri Jul 03, 2020

In the mid-1980s as Johnny Cash found himself between labels, Mercury Records snatched up the country legend for what would end up being a prolific string of six albums in five years. The records, released from 1986 to 1991, were a diverse collection that included a notable reunion with fellow Sun Records alumni Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins, star-studded collaborations with Paul McCartney and Linda McCartneyGlen CampbellWaylon JenningsEmmylou HarrisHank Williams Jr. and others, inspired takes on songs from Elvis CostelloGuy Clark and Harry Chapin, the Man in Black revisiting his classic hits, and some of the finest songs ever written by Cash. Despite the quality of material, Cash’s stint with Mercury has never been revisited—until now.

Corey Hart Offers a New Updated Version “Never Surrender”as an Athem for People's Strength During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Fri Jun 26, 2020

One of Corey Hart's most iconic hit singles, ‘Never Surrender’, has been reworked and inspired by people's unwavering strength during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Montreal-born performer says he's written and recorded an updated version of the track from his 1985 album Boy in the Box.

Never Surrender (Angels) 2020 takes a cue from the original, but Hart says it incorporates a new melody and lyrics that reflect his perspective as a songwriter today. "Since the pandemic began, I've received so many heartfelt messages from people all over the world telling me how much Never Surrender has meant to them during the journey of their lives, including into this new crucible we are all facing," he said in a statement.

"It thus spurred me on to release a reworked single and video."

Hart says his new version was recorded at Sanctuary Studios in Nassau, Bahamas, where he lives with his family, who all chipped in to make the video, which was directed by his wife, Julie Masse.

“As we are in a stringent lockdown here in the Bahamas we had no other alternative but do it ourselves,” he said.

Judy Collins & The Global Virtual Choir Re-Release Her Version of “Amazing Grace” in Aid of the WHO Solidarity Response Fund

Fri Jun 19, 2020

On the 50th Anniversary: Judy Collins & The Global Virtual Choir Re-Release Her Version of “Amazing Grace” in Aid of the WHO Solidarity Response Fund, a much needed monetary initiative in the current state of the world crisis.

Over the past few weeks, 1000 singers from across the globe — professional and amateur, alike — answered Judy Collins’ call to sing “Amazing Grace” with her as a sign of solidarity in this unprecedented time.

This new version of Judy’s historic recording is out now, and Ringo Starr, Alan Cumming, Judith Owen, Steve Earle, Madeleine Peyroux, Mandolin Orange, and Tift Merritt — plus internationally known choirs like The Sixteen, New York Choral Society, Voices International, and GOA University Choirare — are just some of the singers who participated in this Global Virtual Chorus event.

All proceeds raised from this single will be going to the World Health Organization Solidarity Response Fund: covid19responsefund.org/

The Magnettes American!

Fri Jun 12, 2020

American The MagnettesSwedish alt-pop outfit The Magnettes, consisting of front duo Rebecka Digervall and Sanna Kalla and producer Tomas Bäcklund Tuneström reveal their new single “American”, a driving, anthemic Springsteen-esque runaway drama.

“We have a problem with America. Or maybe with ourselves. America is all about the things we love and the things we hate. Since we were babies, it taught us what love was and how to live the dream, and like junkies we swallowed it all in chunks.”

“Dylan, Denny’s and Dawson’s Creek, the twists and turns of teenage drama, extra salt, extra sugar. We viewed the world through that filter and plastered American Romance on our surroundings, until slowly but surely we realized what we already had was kind of OK too.”

Micah Barnes Invites Us to Experience Vegas Breeze

Fri Jun 05, 2020

Born in Vienna and raised in Canada, Micah cut his teeth in the cabarets and jazz clubs of Toronto while still a teenager before joining A Capella Vocal group The Nylons in 1989. Recording & Touring with the guys brought Micah into the global music scene and a busy concert, TV and Media schedule throughout Europe, Asia and North America, introducing Micah’s rich soulful baritone voice to music fans around the world. 

Micah Barnes joined the globally popular Nylons  as a (baritone from 1990–1994 and In October 24, 1992, The Nylons sang “O Canada”at Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia preceding Game 6 of the 1992 World Series in which their hometome team, the Toronto Blue Jays, won their first championship. May 30, 2014, the Nylons performed a show in Toronto which included the participation of every living past or present member of the band. In fall and winter 2016, The Nylons toured and performed their farewell show throughout Canada