Darius Rucker Follows Up European Tour With Headlining U.S. Tour

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Rucker Earns Three Additional Digital Single Certifications
Darius Rucker performing in a Navy Seals T-Shirt

Photo courtesy of John Schultz with the Quad-City Times

Nashville, Tenn. (Thursday, September 1, 2011) – Capitol Records Nashville recording artist Darius Rucker has rejoined Brad Paisley for the H2O II: Wetter and Wilder Tour, which kicked off last week at London’s famed O2 Arena and will continue through Ireland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark.  The entertainers have been receiving rave reviews and having a great time, as noted by The Times (London), Maverick Magazine, and numerous uploaded fan videos showing the pair rocking the stage with Rolling Stones legend and surprise guest Ronnie Wood.

When Rucker returns stateside, he’ll be able to celebrate more than just his first European tour since his days with Hootie, as the singer will be headlining his first U.S. tour beginning this fall.  Fans are sure to hear smash hits off both the platinum-selling country debut Learn to Live (2008) and the RIAA-Gold® certified Charleston, SC 1966 (2010), including his five No. 1 singles “Come Back Song” (newly certified Gold), ”This” (newly certified Gold), ”Alright” (newly certified Platinum), ”It Won’t Be Like This For Long” (Gold), ”Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It” (Gold) and Rucker’s latest “I Got Nothin’,” which is currently climbing the Top 25.  Joining Rucker for select dates will be Rodney Atkins, Frankie Ballard, Thompson Square, and Justin Moore.

 

“I haven’t headlined a tour since Hootie, so to say I’m excited is an understatement,” says Rucker.  “It has been such an incredible experience to tour with Paisley and Rascal Flatts, and I’ve learned a lot being on the road with them.  With this tour, I’m just excited to perform again for our fans, and I’m thrilled to have Rodney, Frankie, Justin, and Thompson Square joining us.”

Top Five Category Finalists Announced For The 17th Annual ICM Awards

Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, George Strait, Randy Travis, Dolly Parton Given Top Major Category Honors

ICM Gold LogoNashville, Tenn. (August 31, 2011) –The ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards Top 5 finalists were announced today in 22 key categories  advancing the presentation of the 17th Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards in award ceremonies to be held on Friday, October 28th at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

The ICM Faith, Family & Country Top 5 ballot, as determined by first round membership voting by the members of the Inspirational Country Music Association, includes a stellar array of major names in a broad cross section of categories that include entertainer, new artist, song, songwriter, group, duo,  musician, radio, radio station, film, television honors and more.

Major artist nominees on the Top 5 ballot for this year’s  ICM Faith, Family & Country Awards  include Carrie Underwood, Lady Antebellum,  The Band Perry, Ronnie Dunn, The Roys,  Josh Turner, Jeff Bates, Randy Travis, The Grascals,  Ricky Skaggs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Point of Grace, Guy Penrod, The Isaacs, and George Strait.  Film honors finalists  include a competitive field highlighted by family rated major box office contenders including Country Strong, Secretariat, and The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.

Top 5 finalists in all categories will now be presented to the membership in final round voting that will end on September 30th. Awards will be announced at the October 28th awards presentation.

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George Strait to Tour with Martina McBride in 2012

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George Strait on his Here for a Good Time Album CoverNashville, TN (September 1, 2011) – George Strait isn’t called King George for nothing…Year after year, night after night, when it comes to showing fans a good time whether it’s on the road or on the radio, Strait always delivers.   And he’s doing it again.  His 39th studio album HERE FOR A GOOD TIME is already receiving rave reviews before it’s release next week, the title track is on the brink of Top 10 at radio and his 2012 tour plans are underway.
The King of Country Music revealed he’s invited another award-winning superstar to join him on stage – Martina McBride.  The tour will kick off late January. Cities and on-sale information will be announced soon.
Martina McBride posing, sitting on floor in front of a grand piano“I love Martina. She’s been on our tours before and she’s great, “ commented Strait.  “I’m really looking forward to the tour. Martina will definitely make it a special night.”
Strait’s current single, “Here For A Good Time” currently sits at #11 on the Billboard chart.  The album Here For A Good Time will be in stores Tuesday, September 6. Strait co-wrote seven of the 11 tracks with his son Bubba and the legendary songwriter Dean Dillon.
George Strait has the most number one singles of any artist in history including Elvis (57 to date inclusive of all charts).  He has sold nearly 69 million records and with 33 different platinum or multi-platinum albums has the most RIAA platinum certifications in country music and the third in all genres, behind The Beatles and Elvis Presley.  Strait was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006.