Darius Rucker, ‘Wagon Wheel’ Video Has Dynamic Cameos; Tortuga Fest Adds Grace Potter + More: Country News Roundup
The Boot rounds up today's country music news from around the web.
Darius Rucker's "Wagon Wheel" music video shoot got a little hairy this week, thanks to the inclusion of a group of popular reality-TV stars, the cast of A&E's wildly popular "Duck Dynasty." The bearded Willie Robertson, Jace Robertson and Si Robertson, all showed up for the shoot as well as Willie's wife, Korie Robertson and daughter, Sadie Robertson. "Truly awesome when u meet folks and they r cooler and nicer than u thought they would be," Darius tweeted. "Thank u @DuckDynastyAE" Charles Kelley of Darius' duet partners on the track, Lady Antebellum, is also featured in the upcoming video.
George Jones has added another series of high-profile friends and fellow country stars to his sold-out final concert in Nashville. His fellow Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson, Travis Tritt and other performers who assisted him on his award-winning hit "I Don't Need Your Rockin' Chair" will join him for the special performance. Pam Tillis, Kathy Mattea, Tracy Lawrence, Patty Loveless, Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and T. Graham Brown latest additions to the star-studded concert, set for Nov. 22 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.
Jake Owen visits with Andy Cohen tonight (March 7) on Bravo's "Watch What Happens Live" and among the subjects likely to come up are his marriage, the birth of his daughter and his ... Master Cleanse? Jake went on a juice fast to rid his body of toxins, which required saying so-long to beer and fast food. The Master Cleanse, by the way, is a mixture of purified water, lemon, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. "Watch What Happens Live" airs tonight at 11:00 PM ET on Bravo. [WWGP]
Canadian country-folk singer Thomas "Stompin' Tom" Connors died of natural causes Wednesday, March 6 at his home in Halton Hills, Ontario. He was 77. Connors released nearly 50 albums during his lifetime and garnered sales of more than four million. He earned his nickname thanks to his habit of stomping his left boot on the concert stage. Connors is known in his native land for such songs as "Canada Day, Up Canada Way," "The Hockey Song," "Bud the Spud" and "Sudbury Saturday Night." [HuffPost Music Canada]
Charlie Daniels was the host of a special free concert Wednesday night to support Nashville's Lipscomb University's Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program as part of the Charlie Daniels' Scholarship for Heroes event. The entertainer was surprised by Jason Aldean and Lee Greenwood, who walked on stage unannounced, to show support for our military. The concert also featured Chris Young, the Grascals and Keni Thomas, among others, and included a presentation with Mary Byers, President of Gold Star Mothers, Inc., an organization of mothers who have lost sons or daughters while in service of their country. For more information on Lipscomb University's Yellow Ribbon Enhancement Program, click here.
Willie Nelson takes fans into the studio with him for a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of songs on his upcoming album, Let's Face the Music and Dance. He discusses the cover tunes he chose for the collection and also speaks of his approach to music -- and life. "I believe in doing what I wanna do and what I feel like doing," he notes. One of the subjects addressed throughout the video -- although she is not interviewed -- is Willie's sister, and pianist in his Family Band, Bobbie Nelson. The album's producer Buddy Cannon is also spotlighted. "Willie could just call a title and start playing it and Bobbie was right with him,"" says Cannon. "Or Bobbie could call a title and they just instinctively knew it. I guess after 70 years of playing 'em, that's just the way it is." Let's Face the Music and Dance will be released April 15. [Taste of Country]
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals are the latest additions to the inaugural Tortuga Music Festival. Set for April 13-14 on the sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla., the event will benefit ocean preservation causes. Previously-announced performers include Kenny Chesney, Eli Young Band, Gary Allan, Ben Harper, Avett Brothers, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Jake Owen, Eric Church and many more. Get tickets here, and watch Grace's special message about Tortuga below.
Watch Grace Potter's Tortuga Announcement