Republic Records / Universal Music Group Nashville recording artist Bryce Leatherwood is starting the new year with new music: the neotraditional, line dance ready “Neon Does,” out now.
“Y’all I am so excited to share my song ‘Neon Does,’” shares Leatherwood. “This is the first song I’ve written to be released to the public and I am amped up to hear what y’all think! God bless country music and let the neon do what the neon does."
Written by Leatherwood along with Matt McKinney and Alex Maxwell and produced by Will Bundy, the track finds the Woodstock, Georgia native waxing poetic about the intoxicating effects of neon lights on the dance floor. It’s the first taste of new music to come in 2024, as the rising star hits the studio with Bundy to begin recording his debut full-length project.
On the inspiration for the song, Leatherwood recalls, “The write happened pretty quickly. I was wanting to write something fun and upbeat that people would love to dance to. Someone threw out the line ‘Neon Does’ and it immediately sparked thoughts of Brooks and Dunn’s ‘Neon Moon’ and Chris Young's ‘Neon.’ Once that idea was shared, the song just came out...I think we had it written in less than 90 minutes!”
A Georgia Southern University alum, Leatherwood began honing his craft in college, playing local venues and fostering his country music repertoire. At Georgia Southern, he formed his band in late 2021 and began playing all around the Southeast.
After graduating college, he competed on the NBC hit television show The Voice and was crowned the Season 22 winner in December of 2022. Following his success on The Voice, Leatherwood began pursuing a full-time music career, signing with Republic Records and Universal Music Group Nashville in October 2023.
Leatherwood is currently recording and will be releasing new music throughout 2024.
Country traditionalist Emily Ann Roberts released Someday Dream on July 12 and the debut project from The Voice alum landed on two Billboard album charts. Entering the Country Album chart at #25 and the all-genre Independent Albums chart in the Top 50, Roberts’ first official body of work is proudly making its mark.
“I am so excited about this news,” exclaims Emily Ann Roberts. “I never dreamed my debut project would land on a Billboard chart much less two. I couldn’t be more thankful for everyone that has been a part of it and a special shout out to all my fans for the continued support.”
Roberts spent the last three years writing and thoughtfully cultivating the music for this project. The EP, produced by award-winning Jason Saenz, mixed by Chuck Ainlay and mastered by Adam Ayan at Gateway Mastering, features a collection of six songs, five of which Roberts has writing credit.
Earlier this summer, Roberts performed the title track “Someday Dream” on The Voice. She also shared songs from the EP at CMA Fest last month where her performance caught the ears of Rolling Stone who placed her on their list of 20 Best Acts of the festival alongside artists like Lil Nas X and Kassi Ashton.
Singer/Songwriter Kelsie May has lived in the Eastern Kentucky mountains all her life, and turning three chairs on The Voice stage before turning sixteen, proves that she’s destined for stardom. While she may have a lot in common with others her age, she has distinctively unique dreams of her own. She has a deep desire to make a difference with her music and to proclaim her faith, while capturing the attention of many. Opening up for Sara Evans, Travis Tritt, Pam Tillis, John Michael Montgomery, Montgomery Gentry, Marty Stuart, Jewel and Jo Dee Messina, just to name a few is evidence that she’s here to stay.
What The Stars Say About Kelsie May and her talent:
Christina Aguilera: “This girl is so beyond country. And you’re so young, I can relate to you.”
Pharrell Williams: “From the very instant, I knew that you were so special.”
Pharrell Williams: “She was walking around on that stage like Wonder Woman to me.
She was so confident.”
Loretta Lynn: “I can’t stop listening to Kelsie May’s song Highway 23.
Of course, this girl can sing, she’s from Kentucky!”
Loretta Lynn on Kelsie’s cover of her song: “Thank you for thinkin about me honey!
You keep on singin’ and don’t be shy about writin’ ‘em either!”
Reba McEntire on Kelsie’s Battle Round on The Voice:
“#Team Blake singing Fancy!!! Great job girls!!! Blake Shelton"
Kelsie's new single "Fool For You" has been released to Play MPE TODAY and is out for adds! For more information, check out www.kelsiemay.com. If you like the song, let your local stations know it would be a good add to their playlist and tell other country music fans about the single. #SharetheMusic
The Voice alum and southern traditionalist Emily Ann Roberts, who garnered the support of throngs of fans worldwide when she finished as runner-up on the ninth season of the reality singing show, officially released her single “Someday Dream” on Friday to much acclaim. The heart-felt anthem, penned by Roberts, Jason Saenz and Seth Mosley, landed on Apple’s “Best Of the Week” and “Breaking Country” and Spotify’s “New Music Nashville” playlists. Superstars Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton tweeted their support.
Shelton tweeted “Y’all need to give this song a listen. ‘Someday Dream’ by the amazing @emilyann_music.”
Clarkson retweeted Shelton’s post and add, “This is great. Congrats on a killer song.”
Roberts, managed by industry heavyweights Starstruck Management, aims to continue encouraging her supporters as well as new fans to chase their dreams with “Someday Dream,” the first release from her forthcoming EP.
“Someday Dream" has been my anthem since I wrote it with Jason and Seth and I couldn’t be more excited to share it with everyone," exclaims Emily Ann Roberts. "My fans have always supported my dream and I want them to know there is no dream too big. If I can do it, they can too.”
Roberts enlisted an all star production team on “Someday Dream” including Jason Saenz (Little Big Town, Drake White, Scotty McCreery) with mixing duties performed by Chuck Ainlay (Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and George Strait.)
Be sure to catch Emily Ann Roberts on the road this Spring. For tour dates and info, visit www.emilyannroberts.com.
"'Better Together' is a song we wrote about an experience on top of a hotel in Santa Monica with my then girlfriend now wife, Taylor," says Boyd. "It was an experience that will forever be with me and am glad that I get to share it with the world."
"Better Together" is the second single from Boyd's October 2017 release Top Shelf, the Texan's debut album since winning the highest ever rated season of NBC's The Voice.
The romantic ballad was written by Boyd, Brett James and Will Edwards, and tells the story of Boyd and his wife. Confessing that although he's seen and been to all of these places before, it's an entirely different experience with her by his side.
"Better Together" follows the album's lead single, "Stuck in My Head," that was released in late 2017.
Boyd also showcased his songwriting chops, taking on Ty, Kelly & Chuck's 10-minute tune. Check out Boyd's yodeling skills HERE.
Millions thrilled to Craig Wayne Boyd’s victory in Season 7 of NBC’s “The Voice,” and now, fans can rejoice as the dynamic vocalist announces the long-awaited release of Top Shelf October 27 from Copperline Music Group.
Boyd, who recently announced to People Magazine that his wife Taylor and him are expecting a new baby, says that although it will be a crazy next few months, he is thrilled to be releasing his first full-length album since winning “The Voice.”
“I’ve felt so much love from people who supported me from day one! I am so excited to finally get to share some new music with those loyal fans and maybe win over a few new ones in the meantime,” Boyd said.
Throughout Top Shelf, Boyd goes way beyond that platform to a place that even his fans might not have anticipated. Top Shelf is a musical kaleidoscope - a whirl of celebration, heartbreak, the sweet pain of love, and the comfort of faith’s embrace. Boyd also co-penned “Better Together” on this latest release. From the buoyant “Stuck In My Head” to the dirty sound of “We Sweat,” Boyd presents himself as an artist of complex dimension, never satisfied with repeating himself but always true to his roots.
TOP SHELF TRACK LISTING: 1. Stuck In My Head 2. Somewhere In There 3. She’s Killing Me 4. Wild Ways 5. We Sweat 6. Everywhere You Go 7. Sweet Temptation 8. Better Together 9. Hold Me Up 10. Only In My Mind 11. Interlude 12. Presence of the Lord 13. Sweet Temptation Mini Jam
During his rise to fame, Boyd’s “My Baby’s Got A Smile on Her Face” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, becoming the second song (following Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory”) to achieve that level of chart success.
Growing up in the Dallas, Texas suburb of Mesquite, Boyd’s childhood was highly influenced by gospel and country music and he later became the choir director at his hometown church. After a trip to Nashville, life-changing events came his way. Boyd signed a publishing deal with EMI and after several years of prolific songwriting, he began touring heavily, logging more than 1,000 shows in four years, and toured with acts like Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser and Brantley Gilbert. In addition, Boyd also played with Rascal Flatts during their Vegas Riot! nine-show residency at the Hard Rock Casino in Las Vegas.
Currently, Boyd is criss-crossing the country visiting radio stations before the release of Top Shelf. For more information on Craig Wayne Boyd, follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Rudy Parris new single, “Cowboy Cry” is available now! Rudy is continuing his concert appearances and radio station tour through the summer, in support of his debut album and mantra, “Makin’ My Way.” Contact us now to schedule on-air interviews and appearances.
Rudy made a name for himself nationally as part of “Team Blake” (Shelton) on NBC’s The Voice and caught the attention of many mainstream artists, including Steven Tyler. Rudy’s talents even merited world renowned Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, Hank Williams III, 4-time Grammy winner Lil Joe (y La Familia), Michael Madsen (co-star of Quentin Tarantino’s The Hateful Eight), and others performing on “Makin’ My Way.”
As a Visalia, CA, native, he is of Navajo descent and was influenced by the Bakersfield sound, due to a residency playing alongside Buck Owens at his Crystal Palace. Citing Owens and Merle Haggard as his greatest influences, Parris feels fortunate to have been mentored by the masters. “I learned from Buck that I just need to be me,” Parris says. “Buck played his music, had fun, and joked around. He instilled in me a sense of freedom to be myself.” Carrying the Bakersfield torch is important to Parris, which is why his producer, Jim Ervin, chose to record the album at Capitol Records “Studio B” (the same room where both Owens and Haggard recorded their hits).
Rudy continues to expand his fan base, staying busy as an in-demand live draw, having performed as a solo artist with some of the biggest names in music, including Merle Haggard, Hank Williams Jr., Bo Diddley, Jerry Lee Lewis, James Brown, Buck Owens, as well as touring with Hank Williams III.
“Rudy’s a truly amazing performer.” ~ Merle Haggard
“He damn sure may not look country, but country’s still in there, man!” ~ Blake Shelton
“Rudy has a soulful, native spirit and authentic voice.” ~ Steven Tyler
Steve Scarsone- Nashville Sounds, Booster, RaeLynn, Eric Martins- Nashville Sounds
RaeLynn, joined the Nashville Sounds and beloved mascot Booster on the field for a “warm-up” and pro tips session yesterday in preparation for her playing in the City of Hope Celebrity Softball Game on Tuesday, June 7th at 3PM at First Tennessee Park. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.
Player Roster Announced for June 7 Game include: Lauren Alaina, Danielle Bradbery, The Bobby Bones Show, Jessie James Decker, Mickey Guyton, Jonathan Jackson, LOCASH, Tristan McIntosh, Jake Owen, and former Major League Baseball pitcher Barry Zito, Charles Esten, Vince Gill, Chris Lane, Scotty McCreery, Bret Michaels, David Nail, RaeLynn and Jamie Lynn Spears with more to come.
NBC's hit vocal competition, "The Voice", wrapped up an amazing ninth season last night with one of the closest races ever for the title. The four final positions, whittled down from thousands of entries, went to #TeamBlake's Barrett Baber and Emily Ann Roberts, #TeamGwen's Jefferey Austin, and #TeamAdam's Jordan Smith.
With America's final votes cast the night before, the finalists returned to the stage with former contestants and to sing duets with their "dream duet partners" as well as duets with their team coaches. What a night for some amazing music!
The night kicked off with an all inclusive contestant rendition of "Lean on Me". Following the performance, each finalist brought back a previous contestant of their choice for a duet. Barrrett Baber chose country favorite Zach Seabaugh for a rousing rendition of the Randy Travis classic, "Forever and Ever, Amen", bringing the crowd to their feet and having millions at home singing along.
Up next was Jeffery Austin with former team member Madi Davis for their collaboration of a song by the late Amy Winehouse, "Tears Dry on Their Own". In true Jordan form, Smith went big and kicked it into full gear by bringing back several contestants to raise the roof with the Journey classic, "Any Way You Want It". Emily Ann Roberts followed Jordan's lead by bringing back a brigade of her own to rock the stage with Rascal Flatts' anthem, "Summer Nights". Following the contestant performances, Coldplay took the stage and performed their song, "Adventure of a Lifetime", followed by another group of former contests who boarded the "Love Train".
Country Dream Duet #1 - Emily Ann Roberts and country bluegrass legend, Ricky Skaggs, did some big time pickin' and it was us that was doing the grinnin' as they brought the crowd to their feet with a rousing, energetic performance of Skaggs' "Country Boy". What a showing! Bluegrass had a rebirth last night and I'm sure a birth of many new fans.
Following the country collaboration of Roberts and Skaggs, Jeffery Austin connected with his dream partner, Tori Kelly, on her single,“Hollow” and the crowd loved it.
Country Dream Duet #2: Barrett Baber and one of country's biggest voices and most powerful presences, Wynonna, performed her smash hit, "No One Else on Earth" and it was a power vocal on both parts without a doubt.
The evening wrapped up with a duet between Pharrell and hip hop queen Missy Elliott, a performance of "Break Up in a Small Town" by Sam Hunt, a song by The Weeknd, and a finale performance by Justin Beiber.
And the winner was ... and well deserved ... JORDAN SMITH!
Congratulations to all finalists, you were the cream of the crop and we all know that cream always rises to the top!
THE AMERICAN MUSIC ICON WILL SING HER CLASSIC HIT SONG
"NO ONE ELSE ON EARTH" WITH TEAM BLAKE FINALIST BARRETT BABER
NEW ALBUM 'WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE' DUE OUT FEBRUARY 12, 2016
Album art for WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE;
Credit: Joseph Llanes
American music icon and five-time GRAMMY Award winner WYNONNA JUDD will perform tonight, Tuesday, December 15, on NBC's "The Voice" finale. She will sing her classic hit song "No One Else On Earth"--a #1 Billboard country hit from her five-times platinum 1992 debut solo album Wynonna--with Team Blake contestant and finalist Barrett Baber, who chose her as his dream duet partner. Tune in to NBC at 8/7c to watch.
WYNONNA and her band The Big Noise, led by her husband drummer/producer Cactus Moser, will release their debut full-length album February 12, 2016 on Curb Records. WYNONNA has described the new album as "vintage yet modern" and a "return to the well." It's a rootsy work encompassing country, Americana, blues, soul and rock. The album features special guests Derek Trucks, Jason Isbell, Susan Tedeschi and Timothy B Schmit, and is available now for pre-order at Amazon: http://smarturl.it/WyTBN.
For more information on WYNONNA & THE BIG NOISE, visit:
Country and bluegrass legend Ricky Skaggs will be featured on NBC's The Voice vocal competition, singing with one of the show's finalists, Emily Ann Roberts. Skaggs' duet with Roberts will air on Tuesday night, December 15 at 8 pm ET / 7 pm CT.
Roberts, hailing from Knoxville, Tenn., is one of Blake Shelton's two remaining team members and will be breaking out some country hits. She will be joined by Skaggs to sing his #1 country song, "Country Boy."
The Voice features the strongest vocalists from across the country who are invited to compete in this blockbuster vocal competition show's ninth season. Internationally acclaimed artist Gwen Stefani returns to join megastars Pharrell Williams, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton as celebrity musician coaches, while Carson Daly continues to serve as host. After many rounds of singing and voting, in the end, one contestant is named The Voice and receives the grand prize of a recording contract.
For more information, check out the story on E! News, HERE.
Cassadee Pope of “The Voice” fame has released her newest single “I Am Invincible.” It’s a tour de force about a girl that refuses to be defeated. A call to arms reminding women that we are fighters and survivors. It starts out saying exactly that “For my girls, the fighters, the warriors,” There have been times that have tried to break her, but she’s come out on top, less scared, more scarred and ready to go. There’s nothing that can shatter her, though at the time it may have seemed like she was down and out. A very inspirational song that anybody can draw from. Whether it be a pre-workout song to get you pumped or just a song that you crank up when you hear it on the radio, it is definitely one to get you up and going. In addition to the lyrics, is there really anybody that’s not going to turn it up when they hear Cassadee’s voice? She flourished on “The Voice” for a reason and that reason is readily apparent here. With previous songs such as “I Wish I Could Break Your Heart” and “Wasting All These Tears”, Cassadee has displayed struggles and heartbreak but this is the first time she’s shown that she’s come out on the other side stronger and ready to kick ass. Every time something in her life tried to get her down, she dealt with it and she wrote about it and now all she’s saying is there is nothing you can do to hurt me anymore because “I Am Invincible.” A great message to anyone who’s ever struggled, there is a light at the end of the tunnel and you can show up stronger than you were. Let nothing break you and be not afraid to show your scars, it at least worked out well for Cassadee in this situation because I can’t see her doing anything but absolutely dominating the stage, the airwaves and whatever else she sets her sights on!
Thank you to Craig Wayne Boyd, winner of NBC's hit series, "The Voice", and a longtime friend of ours, for taking what little free time he has to himself to agree to sharing some of it with us for an interview. We know his time is very limited and he's very gracious to allow us to be part of it. The entire interview was supposed to be video, but due to interruptions and equipment issues, we had to take part of it and make it a written interview. We were able to salvage bits and pieces on video.
Lovin Lyrics: We're here with THE VOICE, Craig Wayne Boyd. He's been the voice to us for a long time now.
CWB: Awww, you're too sweet. Lovin' Lyrics: How are ya? How are you getting used to all of this?
CWB: I am doing well. I'm not sure you ever really get used to it. I just keep my nose to the grindstone and don't pay attention to the rest of it. Lovin' Lyrics: One day you can walk down the street and have total anonymity and the next day everyone knows who you are.
CWB: Yeah, that's true. Um, it's different but it's what I signed up for. Lovin' Lyrics: You're not an overnight success story like everyone thinks you are. You've worked so hard for it.
CWB: Right, yeah. I've been doing it a long time, kickin' the streets. Lovin' Lyrics: We've known you since 2009 when we met you through Buddy. Now it's like "OMG! That's Craig on The Voice! Craig just won the freakin' Voice!"
CWB: And that was the second go around in Nashville. It's been a long time for sure. Lovin' Lyrics: It has to be stressful but you'd never know it from how you just glide through it. You're so cool with everyone.
CWB: I think it was kindergarten that they voted me "least likely to have a heart attack" just because I'm so laid back. (Laughs) Lovin' Lyrics: So everyone has asked you about your background, told your story about how you almost gave up and were close to being homeless. We know you had to use a screwdriver to start your truck sometimes. What's something about you that we don't know?
CWB: Ha! Since I've had my new truck, I think I've put maybe 15 miles on it ! There's really not much to tell, I've told everything. I'm pretty much an open book, nothing to hide, I've been very open, probably more open than I should be. I've told the bad, the good, the ugly and the indifferent.
Lovin' Lyrics: Is there anything people would be surprised to know about you?
CWB: I like to cook! I have a brand new grill. Probably one of my favorites to make is Asian Green Beans that are to die for. It includes brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic, crushed red pepper. The recipe is listed in the recipes section on my Facebook. Go check it out!
Lovin' Lyrics: Does that travel well overnight in case you should want to send some to a certain music promoter who's in this room right now?
CWB: Oh, it's much better the next day. Lovin' Lyrics: So your huge breakout moment on "The Voice", the one that really grabbed America's attention, was the performance of a hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross" which I thought was fantastic, the perfect choice. Was that your decision to perform and if it was, did it get any negative feedback or discouragement from the show?
Hear Craig Talk about His Song Choices on "The Voice"
Lovin' Lyrics: Well, I bawled through the whole thing, I'm not gonna lie. (laughs) ... because just seeing you up there and knowing what you've gone through to get there and seeing you play in the honkytonks, seeing you in the rounds and then seeing you at that point finally getting your redemption was a great thing to see and I know that everyone in the neighborhood heard me when I screamed when you won. (Craig laughs). So, when you were standing up there and it comes down to you and Matt, how did you keep from fainting? I would have fallen right on the floor.
CWB: Um, they had told us ahead of time that if we won, be prepared to sing and that's all I was thinking. It was "Oh my goodness, I gotta sing, pull it together." ... (shrugs shoulders) ... That's all I was thinking. My son was up there and I was like "They want me to sing, everybody's expecting me to sing." ... (laughs) ... that's all I could think. But I've always been that guy, like, the show must go on no matter what happens. Like when I broke this ... (rubs his shoulder) ... the folks out in Macon, GA probably remember I showed up the day after I broke my collarbone, I snapped my shoulder. I was up there, I took my sling off and held onto my suit jacket and played the whole show. I was bound and determined I wasn't gonna show that I was hurt because the show must go on and that's always been my mentality.
Lovin' Lyrics: Sounds like you've had a pretty strong upbringing.
CWB: Yeah (smiles).
Lovin' Lyrics: Like I said, we all kinda "met" your family on the show
CWB: My dad is one of those guys that ... it doesn't matter if he's sick as a dog, he's gonna go drive his truck.
Lovin' Lyrics: They seem like such sweet people.
CWB: My mom is a very determined person too. I got it from both sides.
Lovin' Lyrics: I love how they get on your Twitter or Facebook and jump in for you, defend you, speak up for you when it needs to be done. That's pretty great that they're so interactive with it.
CWB: Yeah, absolutely. They're pretty great.
Lovin' Lyrics: Ok, so your new single out is "My Baby's Got a Smile on Her Face" which Blake held back. I guess he'd had it for a long time waiting on the perfect voice to come along to sing it, it wasn't right for him and here you were.
CWB: He's had it since ... um ... I wanna say that song was written in 1998 or so. It's been around awhile.
Lovin' Lyrics: It's doing very well.
CWB: It debuted at #1 on the sales chart, tied with Garth. It was very cool. It goes to show that my style of country is relevant.
Lovin' Lyrics: I've always loved your style and I think, along with a lot of others, that you're gonna be the new voice of country music and kinda bring it back where it started.
CWB: It will not be for the lack of trying.
Lovin' Lyrics: So you've got this huge social media following, enormous, country wide, world wide, heck, I'm waiting on Mars to start a Yallers group. They're all called Yallers after your Twitter handle, CWBYall.
CWB: What a blessing. Ya know, it's funny how that name even got started. I um ... the Y'all started ... I walked into, at the time it was Blue Bar in Nashville, and a fella, Blue Foley, he was like "It's Craig Wayne Boyd ya'll!" and I was like "Where did you come up with that???" He said "Dude, you need to listen to your voicemail." I was like "What?" So I went and checked it and evidently I had had a little too much to drink one night and um, my voicemail had messed up and so I was having to do a little thing on it. It said please state your name and evidently I said "Craig Wayne Boyd Y'all"... (laughs) ... I forgot that I did it and so everybody would call my phone and hear "Craig Wayne Boyd Y'all" and that's where it all started ... and now ya know!
Lovin' Lyrics: Well these fans are rabid. I mean rabid. As long as I've been doing Twitter and social media, I've never seen a fan base this protective and 100% dedicated to an artist like the Yallers are with you. It's great to see it so widespread and positive. It's all age groups, male, female.
CWB: It's amazing and I'm so thankful. Yeah, it's crazy. It's from 15 years old to 83, 84 I think is the oldest? It's a Yaller that's active. It's crazy. They really are the best fans ever.
Lovin' Lyrics: So on social media, people don't seem to realize that although you do answer your tweets and comments when you can, that your schedule doesn't allow you the time to be on constantly and that is a huge reason you can't respond to each and every person as much as you'd love to. Tell me what a typical day in the life of CWB looks like now that you've won the show.
CWB: My typical day, um, for instance ... in Vegas ... and that was a non travel date. It started at 6 in the morning and I got up with about 30 minutes to get myself together for my first radio call. And then, uh, yeah, that was at 6:30am, and then I had a 6:45am call, then a 7:15am call, and then get ready and run downstairs for a 9:00am on camera interview with the local TV station. Then I had a magazine come in and wanted to do a sit down interview which was 30 minutes and I did that and then went and did a charity event with Gary LeVox where we shaved people's heads and that was at noon, left there and at 3pm we had the stage, set up all of our equipment, checked our systems, our inner ears, had sound check, and then by the time we were done with that it was 6:30pm. I ran back to my hotel room, got dressed, was back down by 7:30pm and on stage at 8:00pm. I played from 8pm to 8:45pm, then had meet and greets at 8:45pm, then after show interviews and dinner, then got back to the room for a couple hours sleep before getting up to do it all over again.
(Tour manager interrupts and let's Craig know we need to wrap it up because his meet and greet is ready.)
Lovin' Lyrics: I promised a few Yallers that I'd ask you a few of their questions. Cheryl Daigle wants to know how many tattoos you have and what your favorite whiskey is.
Craig Answers Cheryl's Question
Lovin Lyrics: Tina from the street team wants to know if you ever heard from George Strait after performing his song on The Voice.
Craig Answers Tina's Question
Lovin' Lyrics: Brian Struxness wants to know how long it usually takes you to write a song and how easy is it for you to come up with ideas for songs?
SINGLE: "My Baby's Got a Smile On Her Face" ARTIST: Craig Wayne Boyd REVIEWER: Alyse Smith Follow Alyse on Twitter at @ASmith1300
Purchase "My Baby's Got a Smile on Her Face" on iTunes
Craig Wayne Boyd has been drumming up attention long before his debut single “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” - he was not only a contestant on "The Voice", he was also the "Comeback Kid" after being the sought after prize in Gwen Stefani and Blake Shelton's game of on-air Tug-Of-War. First to Blake, then to Gwen, then back to Blake. With Blake Shelton (And damn near all of Nashville) backing him, Craig Wayne Boyd has won "The Voice" and been let loose with his own music. After a decade of waiting, writing and singing with little success he finally found a way to get people’s attention. I’m so very glad he has because listen to that voice! His debut single, “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” was actually a song given to him as a gift from Blake, who had been holding out for just the right voice to do it justice and Craig's done more than done it justice, he made country music history when the single debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart second only to this guy named GARTH BROOKS! It's a song about satisfying his lady love. Leaving just enough to the imagination, he talks about that suggestive smile his girl’s throwing him to let him know that sleep deprivation for the best possible reason is going to happen tonight and again the next night. There’s no deep, hidden meaning in this song, but Craig sounds so good singing it that’s perfectly okay. Craig’s one of those “phonebook” guys. The “I’d listen to him sing the phonebook” guy that everyone swoons over or wants to be, that’s him. They’re a rarity but the multi-talented Craig Wayne Boyd is definitely one of them. A songwriter, singer and definitely not hard on the eyes with a hypnotic stage presence he’s emblematic of the phrase “Triple Threat.” When Craig Wayne Boyd sings, his baby ain’t the only one with a smile on his face, nor may she be the only one thinking that song’s for her. A whole room of captivated, swooning to the crooner people are what’s to be expected whenever he sings. He’s touring near daily from now until October, so don’t sleep on this one and be sure to catch a show! He will definitely be leaving a smile on a lot of faces for years to come!
Craig Wayne Boyd brings tour, compassion to San Bernardino area
Dot Recording Artists takes time to visit sick children prior to sold-out concert
PRESS RELEASE
Craig Wayne Boyd’s West Bound and Down Tour made its second California stop at San Bernardino’s Branding Iron Saloon Monday night.
Before the Monday night show in San Bernardino, Boyd made a stop at local country station New Country K-Frog to visit with Music Director and Morning Show Host Scott Ward. When he arrived at the station, Ward suggested they take a road trip to the Loma Linda University Childrens Hospital, just outside of San Bernardino. Boyd, who is always looking for ways to give back, enthusiastically accepted the offer and off the two went to spread some cheer to sick children.
“Visiting children’s hospitals is something I have done before I ever even had a single out.” Boyd said. “This is something I've done since I was a kid. So, this is something special for me be able to come out and do something of this magnitude. And I know that music always seems to helps healing and that’s what I wanted to be able to do (here),”
To Ward, it seemed like a really good fit. The studio was 15 minutes away and Craig was in town. When Boyd rolled into the hospital, there were 40 or 50 people set up in the lobby to hear him play and among the people in the lobby were several really young patients who thoroughly enjoyed the performance because most of them don’t get to leave the hospital.
Boyd treated the audience to three songs, “Old Rugged Cross,” “My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face” and “I Ain’t No Quitter,” which Boyd hoped would serve as an inspiration to the children to never give up. “He took time with each them that wanted to talk or get an autograph and made sure he got to see every last one of them.” Ward said
During the post-performance meet and greet, Boyd was approached by the daughter of a woman who is in the advanced stages of cancer and too sick to come to the lobby. Although Craig was on a tight schedule because of his show in a few hours, he went upstairs to go visit with her.
Boyd’s compassion for people struggling with cancer hits home, as he has seen members of his family and even longtime fans battle the disease over the years. Boyd recently performed at Rock for the Cure event at The Block in Ft Walton Beach, Florida and several of his fans were so moved by his dedication to help fight the disease, that they started a Fans of Craig Wayne Boyd Team to raise money for Relay for Life of Nashville, which happens in May.
LAS VEGAS – Craig Wayne Boyd will put a smile on race fans’ faces prior to the start of the Kobalt 400 on March 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The most recent winner of The Voice, Boyd will perform during pre-race festivities for the 18th annual NASCAR Sprint Cup Series event at LVMS.
“Holy wow! Getting to be a part of the Kobalt 400 is going to be something I'll never forget,” Boyd said. “There's nothing like being at a NASCAR race... the smell of the fuel, the excitement of the crowd, rooting for your favorite driver, and now to be able to stand in the middle of it all and perform to such a loyal NASCAR audience is more than I can ask for! I am truly blessed.”
Boyd, who recently made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry, will play a 15-minute set, including his hit single “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face” just prior to driver introductions.
“Craig Wayne Boyd is an up-and-coming star in Nashville, and we’re looking forward to having him on our stage before the Kobalt 400,” said LVMS president Chris Powell. “It takes a special talent to win a fierce competition like The Voice, and we’re just excited to hear Craig do his thing here at LVMS.”
Boyd is making his mark in Las Vegas as he is also opening for Rascal Flatts’ “Vegas Riot!” nine-show residency, which runs from February 25-March 14 at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Rascal Flatts will perform the national anthem prior to the start of the Kobalt 400.
The Kobalt 400 is the main event of a packed racing weekend that kicks off with two nights of World of Outlaws racing at the Dirt Track on Wednesday, March 4 and Thursday, March 5. Stratosphere Pole Day follows on Friday, March 6 and the Boyd Gaming 300 NASCAR Xfinity Series race is Saturday, March 7. Tickets for all events remain available. Fans also may purchase driver introduction passes, which will allow them closer access to all pre-race activities, including the performance by Craig Wayne Boyd.
Craig Wayne Boyd, this season's winner of "The Voice", appeared on Fox and Friends this morning and talked about overcoming the odds and about his faith. Check out the videos of his discussion/performance of his latest single, "My Baby's Got a Smile On Her Face" and his performance of "The Old Rugged Cross" on the show. Follow Craig and his team on Twitter at @CWBYall and @TeamCWBYall. Check his website to see if he's coming to your area! New tour dates have been posted at www.craigwayneboyd.com.
We've been huge supporters of Craig Wayne Boyd since first being introduced to him by a mutual friend about 7 years ago. We saw the talent, the charisma, the humility and the tenacity that we knew one day was going to be seen and appreciated by the right people. We've seen him struggle, paying his dues day in and day out just to get his name out there and gettting his music heard and we've seen him walk a hard road, coming close to throwing in the towel on a career in music.The decision to take one last chance came in the form of an audition for one of television's hottest musical talent shows, "The Voice" on NBC. Well, they say that the results you work so hard for usually happen just when you've lost faith and are ready to give up and that the only chances you regret are those you don't take. Taking that chance paid off last night when Carson Daly announced Craig, the "Comeback Kid" and last man standing member of Team Blake, as this season's winner of "The Voice". The years of struggle and hardship paid off in spades with this win, putting Craig on a brand new path paved with opportunity and recognition in the industry. Craig is one of the best selling contestants from "The Voice", with all of his performance singles breaking the Top 25 on iTunes in the all genre charts and claiming the #1 spot on the iTunes country charts with his emotional rendition of Johnny Cash's classic "Walk the Line" and his heartfelt version of the spiritual hymn, "The Old Rugged Cross".
Here's the video timeline of Craig's journey to the top
September 30, 2014 - Sporting his signature fringe, Craig walked out onto that stage, belted out Travis Tritt's "The Whiskey Ain't Workin' Anymore" and turned around the chairs of coaches Blake Shelton and Pharell Williams, eventually choosing Blake as his coach.
October 13, 2014 - Craig goes head to head with another strong country artist, James David Carter, in the Battle Rounds performing Pat Green's "Wave on Wave". This round resulted in Blake choosing to keep James which put Craig on the chopping block, but a last minute save by Gwen Stefani, put Craig on the path to the title with a makeover to a "modernized" look including less fringe and a new haircut which also seemed to give him a noticeable burst of newfound confidence.
November 3, 2014 - Craig advances to the Knock Out rounds, performing "Can't You See" by the Marshall Tucker Band. This performance resulted in Gwen choosing to give him up, but Blake's last minute surprise steal brought him back to Team Blake and kept him in the game, with the Live Playoffs being the next week.
November 10, 2014 - Craig wows the crowd with a rousing rendition of "Some Kind of Wonderful", gaining momentum to move on to the Top 12!
November 17, 2014 - He's made it to the Top 12! His song choice of George Strait's "You Look So Good in Love" made a huge impression on viewers and the coaches alike, moving him on to the next round. This performance proved that he has the new voice that could bring country music back to the basics.
November 24, 2014 - Craig's Top 10 performance captured America's heart with a stirring tribute to his late friend and fellow musician, Wayne Mills, with an emotional take on the Johnny Cash classic, "I Walk the Line". This performance made it to the top of the iTunes country charts and to the Top 10 iTunes all genre charts. It also cemented his position as a true contender in the Top 8.
December 1, 2014 - Craig's Top 8 performance of the Eagles' hit, "Take It Easy" made it very easy for America to vote him on to the next round, the Top 5 semi-finals.
December 8, 2014 - Craig had 2 performances tonight in the semi-finals. His first performance was THE performance that really gave Craig his push for the title, taking a chance on God and bringing a deep and meaningful performance of "The Old Rugged Cross" to America during a time we really needed it. This performance stirred emotion in everyone and took him to the top of the iTunes charts and straight to the heart of viewers. His second performance of Merle Haggard's "Working Man Blues" kept the momentum going right on to the finals.
December 15, 2014 - Tonight was it, part one of a two night finale, his last chance to shine and get those votes. He got them with his 3 performances - his first performance was the original song, "My Baby's Got a Smile on Her Face" which was a song that Blake Shelton had for years and never cut, deciding that Craig's voice was the right voice to record it. The song also came with a chance to put out a Voice first, a contestant video (shown at the end of the article)!
His second performance was a duet with Blake Shelton of "Boots On", an energetic song by one of our favorites, Randy Houser.
His third performance brought out the tissues, Alabama's "In Pictures". If you didn't cry during this performance, knowing Craig's relationship with his young son, Jaxon, you have a black heart.
December 16, 2014 - The night everyone has worked so hard for, not just Craig and his Voice team but his fans, the night the winner is announced. With a night of great performances, including a rocking collaboration with Lynyrd Skynyrd on their classic "Sweet Home Alabama". The atmosphere was tense, you could hear a pin drop when it came time to announce each contestant's final position. Carson started the announcements:
4th runner up? Damien
3rd runner up? Chris
This left Craig and Matt McAndrews, who gave some serious competition from day one. You could feel the anticipation and see it on both of their faces, you could almost feel their hearts pounding as they waited to see which one of them would be named the winner ...
The winner is ...
CRAIG WAYNE BOYD!
Many thanks to fans who showed patience and braved busy phone lines to get their votes in, who voted using the smartphone app, Facebook, Twitter and who purchased each contestant's music on iTunes. This was a great season, anyone's game with amazing talent. I'd say the best talent since the show began.
Be sure to keep supporting Craig by signing up for latest news updates on his website - www.craigwayneboyd.com, liking him on Facebook, connecting with him on Twitter,and by purchasing his music.
Request his new single, "My Baby's Got a Smile on Her Face" which has already hit country radio!
Thanks to your support, Craig is on a new road to being one of the next big names in country music and a new life for both he and Jaxon. Thank you ALL for your support! It's been one hell of a ride and hang on, because it's just gonna get better from here!
RaeLynn has joined forces with the National Association for Music Education and the Give A Note Foundation. She'll perform an original song, "Always Sing," on the Music In Our Schools Tour which kicks off on March 1. Students are encouraged to submit videos of their school ensemble performing the song for a chance to be included on the tour and receive a $1,000 grant. Submit videos through Jan. 31 and get details at http://www.nafme.org/programs/miosm/the-concert-for-music-in-our-schools-month/
We first noticed Gracia Harrison as the girl who yodeled her way onto Team Blake during Season 3 of NBC’s The Voice! She's made quite a name for herself since thenSince then, she has gone on to share the stage with Trace Adkins, Lee Brice, Luke Bryan, Tyler Farr, and more!
* Season 3 of NBC's The Voice - Team Blake
* Produced by Jamie O'Neal and Rodney Good
* Debut EP titled Gypsy Spell will release later this summer
* Recently opened for The Swon Brothers for the kick-off to her
summer tour
* Sharing the stage with American Idol winner Scotty McCreery in July
* Gracia will be taking her high energy stage show on the road this summer in support of her debut release
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