A Thank You From Brantley Gilbert

Garth, Reba & More Help Celebrate the Life of Dan Wheldon

Source: www.gactv.com





Shelby Blackstock, Reba McEntire, Scott Borchetta & Dan Wheldon. 

Photo courtesy of Twitter.com/reba.

Indy Car driver Dan Wheldon’s life was honored last weekend with a private funeral on Saturday in St. Petersburg, Florida and a public memorial on Sunday at Indianapolis’ Conesco Fieldhouse, in the city where Dan won his 2011 Indy 500 championship. Dan was killed in an accident during the IndyCar race at Las Vegas on October 16.

Several country music stars were on hand at Sunday’s memorial to help honor Dan’s memory. Garth Brooks performed “The Dance” and Reba preformed “If I Had Only Known.” The Band Perry performed a medley of “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Amazing Grace.”

Dan’s family was in attendance. CNN reports they issued a message through Dan’s manager, Adrian Sussman. “They’d like you to know how much they appreciate the amazing outpouring of sympathy, flowers, gifts and notes of condolences,” Sussman said. “It’s been a great comfort for them to know that there are so many others that share in their grief.”

Wynonna Judd, whose sister Ashley is married to Indy Car driver Dario Franchitti, sang at Dan’s funeral on Saturday. GAC extends condolences to the family, friends and fans of Dan Wheldon.

Brantley Gilbert Lands At #2 On Country Album Charts After Weeklong Retail Tour

Brantley entertained over 4,000 fans in six major retail stores in just six days

Brantley performing at a Best Buy store in Indianapolis on Sunday, September 18, 2011.
(Photo courtesy of Ernie Mills)

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (September 21) – Valory Music Company recording artist Brantley Gilbert’s HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE debuted at # 2 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart and came in at #4 on the Billboard Top 200 All-Genre Chart for the week ending September 19. According to Soundscan, 50,822 copies of HALFWAY TO HEAVEN were purchased last week.

For the album’s launch Brantley partnered with mass retailers Best Buy and Walmart to create a weeklong in-store tour that allowed Brantley to engage with over 4,000 fans in six stores in four different cities. Hundreds of fans rolled out to the stores in Atlanta, Charlotte, Dallas, and Indianapolis to see Brantley perform acoustic sets and sign autographs.

“Last week I saw firsthand that Country Music really is ‘Country Wide.’  From my hometown in Athens, Georgia, all the way to Tulsa, Oklahoma, I met many fans and saw a lot of friends,” said Gilbert. “I am so excited about how well everyone has responded to this album. It means the world to me.”

While the in-store events provided Brantley with a unique platform to meet with fans and talk about his inspiration behind its songs, the events also proved very fruitful for the retailers involved.

“There was a great time had by all at our store here in Indianapolis. We had over 700 fans come out to the store! I have done these events for Best Buy dating back to Sheryl Crow's first CD release,  yet I have never seen this big of a crowd for any of them! Not only did we have a huge turnout but we also sold over 300 units of product!” said Jim Davis, Assistant Manager of Best Buy store #230 in Indianapolis.

QDR Concert for the Kids Featuring Brantley Gilbert, Jerrod Niemann, David Nail and Jason Michael Carroll

94.7 QDR invites you to a very special and affordable night for the kids. Join the Q Crew for a night filled with live music from Brantley Gilbert, David Nail, Jerrod Niemann and our own Jason Michael Carroll  Wednesday, November 30th at the Durham Performing Arts Center. Tickets start at $25 for four amazing artists and every penny benefits the NC Children’s Hospital. Tickets go on sale Friday, August 18th at 10 a.m. through Ticketmaster.com. QDR Country for the kids concert! You can believe that I'll be back in town for this one. I was at last year's show and it was GREAT!

Click Here For Details

BRANTLEY GILBERT TO RELEASE HIS FIRST ALBUM WITH THE VALORY MUSIC CO.

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. NEWSFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, August 12, 2011

HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE TO DEBUT ON SEPTEMBER 13, 2011

WILL FEATURE BONUS CONTENT: MUSIC VIDEOS, A SNEAK PEEK AT BRANTLEY UP-CLOSE AND 3 EXCLUSIVE TRACKS PRODUCED BY AWARD-WINNING PRODUCER DANN HUFF

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE (August 12, 2011) – For a small-town Georgia boy, Brantley Gilbert is making a big impact “country wide.” The lead single, “Country Must Be Country Wide,” off his debut album with The Valory Music Co. is quickly making its way up the charts, already escalating into the Top 20. The impending project, HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE, is slated for release on September 13, 2011 in stores and online.

Scott Borchetta, President and CEO of the Big Machine Label Group, said, "Time has come!  The demand for this album, of which all tracks have been remixed and remastered, is off the hook.  BG's fans are the full compliment of 'fan'… as in 'fanatic'.  I've never seen anything like it.  His live shows are an experience, his songs anthems, his personality contagious.  I personally can't wait to get the final CD!  This is really, really exciting."

Although he is one of the fastest-rising new Country artists of 2011, Gilbert’s already achieved two #1 hits as a songwriter. Gilbert co-wrote both “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem,” which were recorded by Jason Aldean for his Platinum-selling album, MY KINDA PARTY.

Gilbert’s true-to-life lyrics – coupled with his distinct, raw vocals – make HALFWAY TO HEAVEN DELUXE an album for fans of Country and Southern Rock alike. His online music video for “Kick It In The Sticks” has garnered over 5.8 million views, proving Gilbert already has mass appeal.

“As we tour country wide each night, I continue to realize that my fans in the crowd are just like me. They are my closest friends because they listen to my music, they sing along with me and they have been through the same type of experiences. This album is essentially a storybook of my life and I am excited to see what those friends have to say about it,” says Gilbert.

The album’s original 12 tracks have been remixed and remastered to sound the way that Brantley originally intended.  The Deluxe Edition includes three newly recorded songs produced by award-winning music producer Dan Huff as well as videos for the hit single 'Country Must Be Country Wide' and the already-classic 'Kick It In The Sticks' and an up-close and  personal behind the scenes interview with Gilbert.

Gilbert, who is also known for his high-energy live performances and fiercely loyal fans, spent the earlier part of this summer on the Willie Nelson Country Throwdown Tour. Throughout the fall, he will continue to play shows across the country. To see when Brantley Gilbert will make a stop in your town, visit BrantleyGilbert.com.

ALBUM TRACK LIST:
1. Hell On Wheels (Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert)         
2. Bending The Rules And Breaking The Law (Brantley Gilbert, Jeremy Spillman) 
3. Back In The Day (Dallas Davidson, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip)
4. My Kind Of Crazy (Rhett Akins, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip)
5. Kick It In The Sticks (Rhett Akins, Brantley Gilbert, Ben Hayslip)     
6. Halfway To Heaven (Brantley Gilbert, Mike Mobley Jeremy Spillman)
7. Saving Amy (Bonnie Baker, Brantley Gilbert)
8. Country Must Be Country Wide**(Mike Dekle, Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert)
9. Take It Outside (Brantley Gilbert, John Merlino)       
10. Them Boys (Mike Dekle, Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert)
11. Fall Into Me (Brantley Gilbert, Mike Mobley, Jeremy Spillman)   
12. Dirt Road Anthem (Revisited) featuring Colt Ford (Colt Ford, Brantley Gilbert)
13. More Than Miles** (John Eddie, Brantley Gilbert)  
14. You Don't Know Her Like I Do** (Brantley Gilbert, Jim McCormick)
15. Hell On An Angel** (Brantley Gilbert, Jeremy Spillman)   

BONUS VIDEO CONTENT
16. Country Must Be Country Wide (Music Video)
17. Kick It In The Sticks (Music Video)
18. Brantley Gilbert Up Close                                            

Big Machine Records: Come See Them at CMA Music Fest!

	Big Machine Records will be hosting a booth in the Fan Fair® Hall where you will be able to meet Big Machine Label Group artists, see the Rascal Flatts custom-built Red Camaro, purchase artist merchandise and more! Be sure to follow Big Machine on Twitter & Facebook to get up to date information. You never know when they might have a surprise up their sleeve!
	Download Booth Schedule & Giveaways
	Click here to download a schedule of all of the artists appearing in the Big Machine booth this year as well as a schedule of where you can find their artists around town during CMA Music Festival. The first 200 fans who come to the booth and sign up for the brand new email update will receive a Big Machine Label Group rally towel! They also have Big Machine Label Group temporary tattoos so you can show your BMLG pride. You also won't want to miss a special Q&A with BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, appearances by Rascal Flatts, Martina McBride, and more and opportunities to win private meet and greets with Reba and The Band Perry.

REBA AND BLAKE SHELTON RAISE $500,000 FOR OKLAHOMA TORNADO VICTIMS DURING TWO SOLD-OUT BENEFIT CONCERTS

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MAY 27, 2011

Shows Hosted at the Choctaw Event Center In Durant, OK

All Proceeds Will Aid in the Atoka County Area’s Relief Efforts

Nashville, Tennessee (May 27, 2011) – Country superstars Reba and Blake Shelton raised $500,000 for victims of recent tornados in Atoka County, OK during two sold-out “Tornado Relief Concerts” at the Choctaw Events Center in Durant on May 25 and 26. Susie McEntire-Eaton and Kelly Clarkson made a surprise guest appearance at the May 26 relief show.

The proud Okies did not disappoint, entertaining for over two hours each night and giving their hometown friends support, songs and of course – some comedic banter. The pair co-headlined the event, opening with a duet of “Oklahoma Swing.” Armored with humor, they took turns belting out hits – occasionally harmonizing between songs and jokes – on Reba’s “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” “Why Haven’t I Heard From You,” “Turn on the Radio” and “Consider Me Gone,” as well as Shelton’s “All About Tonight,” “Goodbye Time,” “Hillbilly Bone” and “Some Beach.” The duo also showcased their current singles “When Love Gets a Hold of You” (Reba) and “Honey Bee” (Blake Shelton). Reba and Shelton sent their dedicated audience home with a sense of optimism and an encore. Performing alone for the first time all evening, Shelton performed “Ol’ Red” before Reba made her solo appearance for “Fancy.”

Initially, news of the disaster prompted the stars to reach out with one fundraising event, but when it sold out in less than two hours, they announced a second show. Reba was born just outside of Kiowa, which is approximately 30 miles away from the greatest devastation. Shelton was born in Ada and currently resides in Tishomingo, less than 50 miles from the Atoka County border. All proceeds from both shows, as well as generous donations from The Choctaw Nation and fans, will go towards Atoka County’s ongoing relief efforts through the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund.

In addition to the proceeds already raised, a special mobile fundraising campaign has been set up with The mGive Foundation. Fans can text “OKGIVE” to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation, which will be added to their monthly cell phone bill. Checks can also be made out to the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to: 101 SE 1st Street, Tushka, OK 74525.

For more information on Reba, please visit: www.Reba.com.

For more information on Blake Shelton, please visit: www.BlakeShelton.com.

For more information about The mGive Foundation, please visit: www.mGive.org.

Justin Moore Visits the ACM Office to Promote Upcoming CD, "Outlaws Like Me", Which Hits Shelves June 21

BIG MACHINE LABEL GROUP NEWS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 18, 2011


JUSTIN MOORE VISITS THE ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC® OFFICE

Performs Top 10 Single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” From Upcoming Album

OUTLAWS LIKE ME – Due In Stores June 21

Pictured (L-R): Justin Moore and Bob Romeo, CEO of the Academy of Country Music

Photo: Michel Bourquard/Courtesy of the Academy of Country Music

Nashville, TN (May 18, 2011) – The Valory Music Co. recording artist Justin Moore paid a visit to The Academy of Country Music® office while he was in Los Angeles earlier this week. He performed the lead single, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” and others from his upcoming album OUTLAWS LIKE ME, slated for release on June 21.

The accompanying video for, “If Heaven Wasn’t So Far Away,” also made an impressive debut just a week after it’s premiere, taking over the #1 video spot on iTunes as well as entering the prestigious ‘Top 20 Countdown’ for both video networks:  CMT: Country Music Television and GAC:  Great American Country.

About Justin Moore: Justin Moore’s star has grown significantly since he was named Billboard’s “Top New Country Artist of 2009.”  This Southern Country stylist has sold over 1.2 million digital downloads to date and has scored three consecutive smash hits from his debut album (the #1 “Small Town USA”; Top 5 “Backwoods”; and Top 20 “How I Got To Be This Way”). His self-titled album, which debuted in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200, was recognized as one of the best albums of 2009 by The New York Times and garnered him a CMT Music Award nomination.  

About The Valory Music Co.: The Valory Music Co., the second of three labels established under the Big Machine Label Group umbrella, opened in November 2007. The label celebrated its first #1 album with Jewel’s PERFECTLY CLEAR only 7 months after launching and then celebrated its first #1 single just 3 months later when Jimmy Wayne’s, “Do You Believe Me Now,” spent 3 weeks atop the Country singles charts. In November 2008, the label signed multimedia superstar Reba McEntire, who saw her first Valory Music Co. album release KEEP ON LOVING YOU debut at #1 on the Billboard Top 200 and spend two consecutive weeks at #1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Since then Reba has enjoyed the two biggest chart hits of her illustrious 30+ year career when, “Consider Me Gone,” spent a historic 4 weeks at #1 and, “Turn on the Radio,” followed, allowing Reba to both begin and end 2010 at #1.  Southern stylist Justin Moore’s poignant anthem, “Small Town USA,” reached #1 in October of 2009 and he has quickly become a Country Radio airplay staple as well as a touring force to be reckoned with.  New to the label is southern Country-Rock sensation Brantley Gilbert who has already topped the Country Singles Charts by writing, “My Kinda Party,” for Jason Aldean.  New albums from Justin Moore and Brantley Gilbert are due in 2011.  The Valory Music Co. possesses an exclusive, in-house promotion branding team while utilizing existing Big Machine Records backroom service and is distributed by UMGD.

REBA AND BLAKE SHELTON’S “TORNADO RELIEF CONCERT” SELLS OUT IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, May 6, 2011

REBA AND BLAKE

SHELTON’S “TORNADO RELIEF CONCERT” SELLS OUT IN LESS THAN TWO HOURS

Due to the demand, a second show is added for Wednesday, May 25 at 7:30 PM
at the Choctaw Casino Resort in Durant

Tickets for the second show will go on sale at 4 PM today and can be purchased by phone at 1-800-585-3737 or online at www.choctawcasinos.com

Nashville, Tennessee (May 6, 2011) – In light of the recent tornado disaster in Atoka County, country superstars Reba and Blake Shelton made a decision to host a “Tornado Relief Concert” in Durant, OK to raise support for their hometown friends. After the May 26 show sold out in less than two hours this morning, Reba and Shelton announce a second relief concert for Wednesday, May 25. Tickets for the second show will go on sale today at 4 PM and may be purchased by phone at 1-800-585-3737 or online at www.choctawcasinos.com.

Reba was born just outside of Kiowa, which is approximately 30 miles away from the greatest devastation. Shelton was born in Ada and currently resides in Tishomingo, less than 50 miles from the Atoka County border. All proceeds from Reba and Shelton’s “Tornado Relief Concert” will go towards Atoka County’s ongoing relief efforts through the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund.

“A lot of people lost a great deal in this disaster and it’s particularly close to us because we both consider Oklahoma home,” said Reba. “We wanted to do something and let the people in Oklahoma know that we love them and we’re praying for them during this difficult tragedy.”

“Oklahoma defines who I am and seeing the effects this disaster has had on my neighbors, I knew I had to do something,” said Shelton. “Reba and I have a lot of love for this state and we wanted to do what we can to help. This place is my home and these people are family to us.”

In addition to the proceeds raised from the concert, a special mobile fundraising campaign has been set up with The mGive Foundation to raise funds for relief efforts. Fans can text “OKGIVE” to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation, which will be added to their monthly cell phone bill. Funds will be donated to The mGive Foundation for the benefit of the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund. Checks can also be made out to the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to: 101 SE 1st Street, Tushka, OK 74525.

For more information on “Tornado Relief Concert,” please visit: www.choctawcasinos.com.

For more information on Reba, please visit: www.Reba.com.

For more information on Blake Shelton, please visit: www.BlakeShelton.com.

For more information about The mGive Foundation, please visit: www.mGive.org.

Reba and Blake to Host "Tornado Relief Concert"

THE VALORY MUSIC CO. NEWS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, April 28, 2011

REBA AND BLAKE SHELTON TO HOST “TORNADO RELIEF CONCERT” IN DURANT, OKLAHOMA ON MAY 26

In Light of the Recent Tornado Disaster in Atoka County, the Country Superstars Will Host a Benefit Concert at the Choctaw Event Center

All Proceeds From the Concert Will Aid in the Area’s Relief Efforts

Nashville, Tennessee (April 28, 2011) – For country superstars like Reba and Blake Shelton, home is definitely where the heart is. Both hailing from Oklahoma, the news of Atoka County’s recent tornado disaster prompted the stars to reach out to the affected area. Reba was born just outside of Kiowa, which is approximately 30 miles away from the greatest devastation. Shelton was born in Ada and currently resides in Tishomingo, less than 50 miles from the Atoka County border. Reba and Shelton made a decision to host the “Tornado Relief Concert” on May 26 in partnership with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and Choctaw Casino Resort as a way to help their hometown friends.

Approximately half-a-million dollars in damages was caused by the recent storm, which destroyed many homes, schools and businesses. All proceeds from Reba and Shelton’s “Tornado Relief Concert” will go towards Atoka County’s ongoing relief efforts through the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund. Tickets will be available beginning May 6 at 10:00 AM and may be purchased by phone at 1-800-585-3737 or online at www.choctawcasinos.com.

“A lot of people lost a great deal in this disaster and it’s particularly close to us because we both consider Oklahoma home,” said Reba. “We wanted to do something and let the people in Oklahoma know that we love them and we’re praying for them during this difficult tragedy.”

“Oklahoma defines who I am and seeing the effects this disaster has had on my neighbors, I knew I had to do something,” said Shelton. “Reba and I have a lot of love for this state and we wanted to do what we can to help. This place is my home and these people are family to us.”

In addition to the proceeds raised from the concert, a special mobile fundraising campaign has been set up with The mGive Foundation to raise funds for relief efforts. Fans can text “OKGIVE” to 27722 to make a one-time $10 donation, which will be added to their monthly cell phone bill. Funds will be donated to The mGive Foundation for the benefit of the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund. Checks can also be made out to the Tushka Disaster Relief Fund and mailed to: 101 SE 1st Street, Tushka, OK 74525.

For more information on “Tornado Relief Concert,” please visit: www.choctawcasinos.com.

For more information on Reba, please visit: www.Reba.com.

For more information on Blake Shelton, please visit: www.BlakeShelton.com.

For more information about The mGive Foundation, please visit: www.mGive.org.