ICONIC ANTHEM “GOD BLESSED TEXAS” CELEBRATES 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY WITH STAR-STUDDED TRIBUTE

Featured Artists Include: 

Randy Rogers, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott, Aaron Watson, Rodney Crowell,  Kevin Fowler and Pat Green

Thirty years ago, on July 17, 1993, "God Blessed Texas" was released. The iconic anthem, which captured the hearts of millions, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages and holds a special place in the hearts of country music fans worldwide. A tribute version, which features an extraordinary collaboration of some of the most talented and revered artists that hail from the Lone Star State, have joined forces to pay homage to this legendary track. Randy Rogers, Casey Donahew, Josh Abbott, Aaron Watson, Rodney Crowell, Kevin Fowler and Pat Green each bring their own unique style, ensuring a fresh and exciting rendition of the beloved classic. "God Blessed Texas" was written by Porter Howell and Brady Seals and originally released by Little Texas. The song struck a chord with listeners and was able to immediately capture the essence of the Lone Star State with its infectious melodies and powerful lyrics. The new music is available Friday, July 14, for download and streaming and can be pre-saved here.

The song became an anthem for Texas pride and a symbol of unity. “This song made me proud to be from Texas," says Randy Rogers. "I discovered my love for country music right as this song was released and I watched the video a thousand times. So this is truly a full circle moment for me."

“Like many other Texans, this song is part of my DNA,” exclaimed Casey Donahew. “I wish I had written it. What an honor to be asked to collaborate on the new version. I have toured all 50 states and I can say one thing for certain, God definitely blessed TEXAS!”

“Bringing an all-star group of Texans together to celebrate 30 years of 'God Blessed Texas' is something pretty special,” proudly stated Executive Producer - Brandyn Steen.

"I was a musician in Dallas when "God Blessed Texas" was released, and I was immediately a fan. Over the years, I worked on shows that were with Little Texas, and I’m still a fan. So, it was an honor to be asked to play the guitar parts on this 30th-anniversary tribute," shared Mark Matejka (guitarist for Lynyrd Skynyrd).

“I've seen a lot of places; I've been around the world

I've seen some pretty faces, been with some beautiful girls

After all, I've witnessed, one thing still amazes me

Just like a miracle, you have to see to believe

'Cause God blessed Texas with His own hand

Brought down angels from the Promised Land

He gave them a place where they could dance

If you wanna see Heaven, brother, here's your chance

I've been sent to spread the message

'God blessed Texas'

First, he lit the sunshine, then He made the water deep

Then he gave us moonlight for all the world to see

Well, everybody knows that the Lord works in mysterious ways

He took a rest, then on the very next day

God blessed Texas with His own hand

Brought down angels from the Promised Land

Gave them a place where they could dance

If you wanna see Heaven, brother, here's your chance

Well, I've been sent to spread the message

'God blessed Texas'...”

The newly released version of “God Blessed Texas” was recorded at The ER Studio in Nashville, Tennessee. Key people involved in the project included Brandyn Steen - Executive Director, mixed by Bart Busch and engineered by David Spielberg.

Studio musicians on the new project were Mark Matejka (lead and acoustic guitar), Duane Propes (bass), Corey Wright (drums) and Dane Bryant (keys).

RODNEY CROWELL AND HIS ALL-STAR FRIENDS RELEASE "SONGS FROM QUARANTINE" BENEFITTING MUSIC HEALTH ALLIANCE - TWO WEEKS ONLY!

13-song Compilation of Rarities Available for a Limited Time

Features Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal & The Milk Carton Kids, Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Jeff Tweedy, Keith Urban and Lucinda Williams

Grammy-winning artist and long-time Music Health Alliance supporter, Rodney Crowell, has enlisted a number of his all-star friends, including Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal & The Milk Carton Kids, Ry Cooder, Elvis Costello, Ronnie Dunn, Steve Earle, Emmylou Harris, Joe Henry, John Hiatt, Taj Mahal, Jeff Tweedy, Keith Urban and Lucinda Williams for "Songs From Quarantine", a digital compilation of rarities available for only two weeks exclusively on Bandcamp at https://smarturl.it/SongsFromQuarantine.

This unique collection features fan-favorite songs in their raw form, performed by the artists who wrote and/or recorded them. Proceeds from this star-studded, limited edition 13-song download will benefit the work of non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) and its continued work to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to the music community nationwide, including critical mental health and COVID-19 resources in addition to access to healthcare, medicines, diagnostic tests and more.

Crowell, an MHA board member, said: “The good folks at Music Health Alliance work tirelessly on behalf of our nationwide music community. Their selfless contributions have had a profound effect on the lives of countless musician’s families. This little homemade compilation is the least we could do to show our deep appreciation for everything they do.”

Rodney Crowell and Friends’ "Songs From Quarantine" features:

Ry Cooder – “Baby Started Wearing Her Mask”
Elvis Costello – “Maud Gone Wrong”
Emmylou Harris – “Gold”
Jeff Tweedy – “Even I Can See” (Demo)
Keith Urban – “Polaroid”
Taj Mahal – “Sitting On Top Of The World”
Lucinda Williams – “When The Way Gets Dark”
Steve Earle – “Time Is Never On Our Side”
Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal and The Milk Carton Kids – “Western Wall”
Rodney Crowell – “She’s Back In Town”
Joe Henry – “Mission”
John Hiatt – “Goin’ Back To Nashville”
Ronnie Dunn - “Train To Glory”

Crowell is already at work on the star-studded follow up, Songs from Quarantine: Volume 2, also set to benefit Music Health Alliance. More details will be shared soon.

Download and listen to "Songs From Quarantine" at https://smarturl.it/SongsFromQuarantine

For additional information about Music Health Alliance, visit musichealthalliance.com

RODNEY CROWELL "UNEARTHED" IN NEW DIGITAL SERIES FROM ERNIE BALL

This is the first episode of “Unearthed,” the new digital series from instrument company Ernie Ball, a Southern California based third generation, family-run instrument company.

The film features the legendary Rodney Crowell at his Nashville home discussing success in his adopted hometown and also features an intimate performance. It opens with footage of Crowell performing his Close Ties track, “I Don’t Care Anymore,” then goes into an amazing story about how he got (or didn’t get) his first record deal.

GABE DIXON ADDED TO LINEUP FOR “150 YEARS OF ST. BERNARD ACADEMY" BENEFIT CONCERT AT THE HISTORIC RYMAN AUDITORIUM ON APRIL 18

Lineup includes The SteelDrivers, Rodney Crowell, Charles Kelley, Zach Seabaugh 

and Aberdeen Green

Singer-songwriter Gabe Dixon is set to perform for "The Stars Salute St. Bernard Academy" benefit concert along with previously announced performers The SteelDrivers, Rodney Crowell, Charles Kelley, Zach Seabaugh and Aberdeen Green. The event will take place at the historic Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday, April 18, 2017 and will benefit Music Health Alliance. Limited tickets are available at the Ryman Box Office.

Gabe Dixon released his sophomore solo album, Turns To Gold, in April 2016 on his own Rolling Ball Records. Paste Magazine called it “heart-wrenchingly honest,” and No Depression said it’s “simply an exceptional album” with “all the makings of a big breakthrough.” Gabe's music has also been featured in Rolling Stone, American Songwriter and Elmore Magazine, and he has made several live television performances, including "Jimmy Kimmel LIVE!," "The Late Show with Craig Ferguson" and "Last Call with Carson Daly."

The three-hour benefit concert will feature special guests and unique collaborations. The legendary Rodney Crowell will take the stage with an acoustic quartet, including a Celtic harpist, to perform music from his newly released album Closer Ties. With acts ranging from the "soulgrass" group The SteelDrivers to Lady Antebellum's Charles Kelley to exciting newcomers Zach Seabaugh and Aberdeen Green, it will be a night to remember at the historical Ryman Auditorium.

The concert is a celebration of St. Bernard Academy (SBA), the city’s very first elementary school founded by Sister Mary Catherine McAuley of the Sisters of Mercy. SBA joins Fisk University, St. Cecilia and Montgomery Bell Academy as the four oldest schools in Tennessee. Artists will perform short sets accompanied by Nashville’s premier house band, as well as surprise pairings and more special guests to be announced.

“St. Bernard Academy is home to many students whose parents are involved in the Nashville music community and we are thrilled to be able to be a small part of the school’s storied history,” says Tammy King, founding member of The SteelDrivers and parent of a St. Bernard Academy student. “This school is steeped in tradition and history, just like Nashville, and we have loved being a part of the esteemed institution,” she added.

The 2016-2017 school year marks the 150th anniversary of St. Bernard Academy’s founding by the Sisters of Mercy. The entire school year has been filled with activities to honor the legacy of excellence set forth by the Sisters of Mercy, and to celebrate the many years ahead.

Music Health Alliance will be the recipient of a donation in honor of the performing artists that will be presented during a special recognition by members of the SBA student body.

EMMYLOU HARRIS, RODNEY CROWELL, KACEY MUSGRAVES, PAUL THORN AND MORE READY TO SET SAIL FOR A "JOURNEY THROUGH SONG"

Sixthman’s floating Americana Music Festival at Sea filled up in record time, guests can still sign-up for the wait list at Cayamo.com

Atlanta, GA – A true musical paradise, the 10th Edition Cayamo Cruise – A Journey Through Song, brings together 2,200 passionate music lovers with over 20 all-star Americana singer-songwriters for seven days of rare artist collaborations, community and carefree Caribbean fun! Sailing February 19 – 26, 2017 aboard Norwegian Jade from Tampa to Cozumel, Mexico and Roatan, Honduras. The ship is already full but eager guests can still sign up for the wait list!

This year’s Cayamo lineup brings a mix of returning favorites and newcomers, a collection of some of the most influential and thought-provoking artists ever assembled on a music festival at sea. They include country-rock queen Emmylou Harris, Americana visionary Brandi Carlile, a never before seen configuration including all six members of The Wainwright Family, poetic roots chronicler Patty Griffin and English-folk legend Richard Thompson. Also performing are American roots encyclopedia Buddy Miller, master storyteller Rodney Crowell, fiery individualist Steve Earle and mainstream country’s counter-culture pageant girl, Kacey Musgraves.

They’ll be joined by Mississippi-born soul-rocker Paul Thorn, singer-songwriter Shawn Mullins, Americana favorite Jim Lauderdale, Grammy Award winning country artist Lee Ann Womack, fresh-faced blues and gospel shouter Parker Millsap, blood-harmony throwback duo The Secret Sisters, and second-generation Americana path-keeper Amy Helm, while others on the extensive lineup include pop country artist Maren Morris, the blues stylings of North Mississippi Allstars, and Kentucky-bred Pistol Annies member Angaleena Presley.




“We realize how special it is to reach the 10 year milestone and we hope to honor our journey by crystallizing the feel of family that the Cayamo community has fostered over the last decade,” says Sixthman Chairman, Andy Levine. “93% of our guests sailing this year have sailed with us before and they have high expectations. We plan to exceed them on and off the stage.“

Gliding through the gorgeous, blue-green waters of the Caribbean Sea from February 19-26, the 10th Edition Cayamo Cruise will feature more than five performance stages and countless hours of musical storytelling from some of the most gifted interpreters of song in American history, as well as special activities with the artists, meet-and-greets and the chance to witness a famous “Cayamo Moment” – unplanned artistic collaborations that provide truly once-in-a-lifetime memories.

A destination of her own, Norwegian Jade offers guests Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freedom and flexibility to enjoy numerous onboard bars and lounges, 15 dining experiences, one outdoor pool, hot tubs, and a full menu of spa treatments. Guests can enjoy access to other entertainment on the ship as well, whether it’s a game of soccer or basketball on the sport court, a workout in the fitness center or tempting lady luck with a few hands in the casino, Norwegian Jade has you covered. Cayamo cruisers will make day-long stops in the tropical wonderlands of Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, where stunning coral reefs, magnificent beaches and ancient ruins await exploration.

Double occupancy staterooms on the 10th Edition Cayamo Cruise begin at $1,445 per person, plus taxes and fees. For more information about joining the waiting list, visit us online at Cayamo.com, or call Sixthman directly at 877-379-9175 between the hours of 10AM EST and 6PM EST.