🤠 COUNTRY MUSIC NEWSCMA AWARDS ANNOUNCE FIRST ROUND OF PERFORMERS The 60th Annual CMA Awards are shaping up to be a star-studded night! The first performers announced include Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Kacey Musgraves, Ella Langley, Zach Top, Tucker Wetmore, and The Red Clay Strays. Lainey Wilson will host the November 18 ceremony in Nashville. Expect a mix of country legends and rising stars as the awards celebrate their 60th anniversary. Source: https://www.acountry.com/the-acountry-friday-roundup-cma-awards-2026-performers-oct-31-nov-6-2026/ SAMMY KERSHAW SPEAKS OUT OVER CMA RED CARPET SNUB Country veteran Sammy Kershaw is expressing disappointment after reportedly being denied permission to walk the red carpet at this year's CMA Awards. Kershaw shared his frustration on social media, and fellow artists including Riley Green and Carly Pearce have voiced their support. The controversy has sparked a larger conversation about recognizing the artists who helped build country music's legacy. Source: https://www.usmagazine.com/entertainment/news/riley-green-more-call-out-cma-awards-for-sammy-kershaw-snub/ MEGAN MORONEY SURPRISES FANS WITH NEW MUSIC Megan Moroney is giving fans another song to add to their playlists! The country star announced the November 6 release of "You For Me (Smoky Mountain Demo)." Fans first heard the song during a live performance in August, and now they're getting the recorded version. It's another glimpse into Moroney's evolving sound and songwriting. Source: https://backstagecountry.com/2026/11/05/megan-moroney-announces-surprise-new-song-coming-this-friday/ RANDY TRAVIS RELEASES NEW SINGLE AHEAD OF ALBUM Randy Travis fans have something special to celebrate! His new single, "Mission of Love," offers a preview of Same Old Way, scheduled for release November 13. The project marks his first collection of original material in more than 18 years. For longtime fans, it's another meaningful chapter in the career of one of country music's most recognizable voices. Source: https://wisevoter.com/world/us/entertainment/music/country CODY JINKS PROMISES A RETURN TO HIS COUNTRY ROOTS Cody Jinks is preparing a new album titled And, Again., and he's promising fans a return to his country roots. The independent country favorite has built a devoted following through his songwriting and traditional influences. His upcoming project is being positioned as a return to the sound that helped establish his career. Source: https://savingcountrymusic.com/category/news/ CARLY PEARCE OPENS UP ABOUT PAINFUL TATTOO REMOVAL Carly Pearce is sharing a less glamorous side of life with fans. The singer documented the process of having a wrist tattoo removed and admitted that the experience has been incredibly painful. She shared the process through Instagram Stories, giving followers a behind-the-scenes look at something many people can relate to: changing your mind about a permanent decision! Source: https://wisevoter.com/world/us/entertainment/music/country THOMAS RHETT DROPS SURPRISE NEW SONG Thomas Rhett has a little Friday surprise for fans! He's released a brand-new song called "Be There In A Minute." The track is part of a busy New Music Friday that also includes releases from Tyler Hubbard, Hudson Westbrook, and several rising country artists. Another reason for country fans to refresh those weekend playlists! Source: https://countryswag.com/here-are-the-new-country-songs-you-need-to-know-this-week-11-6-26/ HUDSON WESTBROOK RELEASES SOPHOMORE ALBUM Rising country artist Hudson Westbrook has officially released his sophomore album, Made You Look. The project includes the title track and arrives as Westbrook continues gaining attention among a new generation of country fans. He's also on the lineup for Morgan Wallen's 2027 Sand In My Boots festival. Source: https://countryswag.com/here-are-the-new-country-songs-you-need-to-know-this-week-11-6-26/ GARTH BROOKS PLANS TEN STADIUM SHOWS IN IRELAND Garth Brooks is heading back across the Atlantic! The country superstar has announced ten stadium performances in Ireland for 2027, with stops planned in Belfast, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Cork. Each city will host two shows between May and June. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale November 12, giving Irish country fans plenty to look forward to. Source: https://www.acountry.com/the-acountry-friday-roundup-cma-awards-2026-performers-oct-31-nov-6-2026/ TYLER HUBBARD UNVEILS NEW SINGLE Tyler Hubbard is bringing new music to the weekend with "Playin It Cool." The former Florida Georgia Line member continues building his solo catalog, and his latest release joins a packed Friday lineup of country songs. It's a fresh track for fans who have followed his music from his duo days into his solo career. Source: https://countryswag.com/here-are-the-new-country-songs-you-need-to-know-this-week-11-6-26/ Social Spotlight:Luke Bryan posted a Reel with the caption: “This is what happens when I have too much coffee before American Idol auditions.” Check out his…interesting…song and dance on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfTA59bSeMV/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&vrfl=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== Lauren Alaina wants to know: “Did Shane Proffitt just out twerk me?!” Weigh in on her Instagram Reel. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DfTHBakS9Lt/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&vrfl=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==&srtk=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 🤪 Truth Is Stranger Than FictionGAS PUMP MALFUNCTION LEADS TO $2 MILLION LOTTERY WIN November 5 — A North Carolina man's unexpected stop at a gas station turned into a life-changing payday! According to UPI, a gas pump malfunction led to a lottery purchase that resulted in a $2 million prize. What started as an inconvenience became one very lucky detour. Optional Punchline: "I usually leave the gas station wondering where all my money went. This guy left with TWO MILLION DOLLARS!" Source: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/ BRITISH TOWN CRIER NAMED WORLD'S LOUDEST WOMAN November 5–6 coverage — A British town crier has earned recognition as the world's loudest woman! Town criers traditionally announce news by projecting their voices in public, but this woman has taken that skill to record-breaking levels. Forget microphones—this is one person who knows how to make herself heard! Optional Punchline: "I think we've finally found someone who could yell for the kids to come downstairs without leaving the couch!" Source: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/ RUNAWAY PARAKEET RESCUED FROM STORM DRAIN November 5–6 coverage — A runaway parakeet found itself in a rather unfortunate hiding place: a storm drain! Rescuers were called to help retrieve the bird after its unexpected underground adventure. The feathered escape artist was rescued, turning an unusual situation into a happy ending. Optional Punchline: "Apparently, this bird heard 'the sky's the limit' and decided to head in the complete opposite direction!" Source: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/ ANIMAL CONTROL OFFICERS ROUND UP LOOSE EMU November 5–6 coverage — Animal control officers in Connecticut had a rather unusual assignment when an emu got loose! Instead of dealing with a typical stray dog or cat, officers had to round up a large, flightless bird. Emus are known for their powerful legs and surprising speed, making this one memorable call for animal control. Optional Punchline: "Imagine calling your boss and saying, 'I'm going to be late. There's an emu in the road!'" Source: https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/ 📅 THIS DAY IN COUNTRY MUSIC HISTORYNOVEMBER 30 1968: Glen Campbell's Wichita Lineman reached No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart. 1974: John Denver's "Back Home Again" reached No. 1 on the country singles chart. 1985: The Statler Brothers' "Too Much on My Heart" reached No. 1. 1990: Randy Travis' Heroes & Friends, featuring duets with Dolly Parton, George Jones, and others, was No. 1 on the country albums chart. 1995: Martina McBride became an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. 2002: Rascal Flatts' "These Days" reached No. 1, becoming the group's first chart-topper.
🎂 BIRTHDAYS Teddy Wilburn (1931–2003): Member of The Wilburn Brothers, who helped launch Loretta Lynn's career. Bob Moore (1932–2021): Legendary Nashville session bassist who played on recordings by Patsy Cline and countless others. George Richey (1935–2010): Songwriter and producer known for "The Grand Tour" and his work with Tammy Wynette. Jimmy Bowen (1937): Producer who worked with George Strait, Reba McEntire, and Garth Brooks. Turns 89. Mindy McCready (1975–2013): Known for "Guys Do It All the Time" and "Ten Thousand Angels."
DECEMBER 1 1954: Legendary songwriter and music publisher Fred Rose died in Nashville. He co-founded Acuff-Rose Music with Roy Acuff and was among the first three Country Music Hall of Fame inductees. 1964: Buck Owens recorded "I've Got a Tiger by the Tail," which became a No. 1 country hit in 1965. 1972: Charley Pride's "She's Too Good to Be True" was No. 1 on the country chart. 1983: Kenny Rogers' Eyes That See in the Dark, featuring "Islands in the Stream," was No. 1 on the country albums chart. 2010: Lady Antebellum received multiple Grammy nominations for "Need You Now." 2012: Shania Twain opened her Las Vegas residency, Shania: Still the One, at Caesars Palace. 2018: Luke Combs' This One's for You returned to No. 1 on the country albums chart.
🎂 BIRTHDAYS Slim Willet (1919–1966): Country singer, songwriter, and DJ who wrote and originally recorded "Don't Let the Stars Get in Your Eyes." Jim Nesbitt (1931–2007): Country singer known for humorous novelty songs. Kim Richey (1956): Grammy-nominated country and Americana singer-songwriter known for writing hits recorded by Trisha Yearwood and others. Turns 70.
DECEMBER 2 1947: Pee Wee King and Redd Stewart recorded "Tennessee Waltz," which became one of country music's most enduring standards. 1957: Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" was No. 1 on Billboard's country best-sellers chart. 1964: Buck Owens and his Buckaroos topped the country albums chart with Together Again/My Heart Skips a Beat. 1975: Willie Nelson's landmark album Red Headed Stranger was back at No. 1 on the country albums chart. 2009: Taylor Swift received multiple Grammy nominations, including Album of the Year for Fearless. 2014: Garth Brooks' Man Against Machine was No. 1 on the country albums chart.
🎂 BIRTHDAYS John Wesley Ryles (1950): Country singer whose debut single "Kay" became a Top 10 hit in 1968. Turns 76. Casey Beathard (1965): Nashville songwriter behind hits for Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Trace Adkins, and others. Turns 61. Jana Kramer (1983): Country singer and actress known for "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy." Turns 43.
🎤 FAMOUS COUNTRY MUSIC QUOTE"I do remember the people who believed in me in the beginning. I'll never forget that." -Jana Kramer
Optional DJ Tag: "A great reminder that success is wonderful, but never forget the people who encouraged you before anybody else knew your name!" 🎤Radio Segment Idea🤠 "COUNTRY SONG OR REAL-LIFE PROBLEM?" The concept: Country music has a song for just about everything—heartbreak, bad decisions, broken-down trucks, crazy relatives, and life going sideways! But sometimes real life sounds even more like a country song. How it works: Read a funny, slightly ridiculous situation and ask listeners: "Is this a country song... or somebody's actual life?" You can use real country song premises mixed with made-up scenarios. Listeners guess which is which! 🎙️ READY-MADE TALK BREAKS:30 Talk Break — "The Best Bad Luck Ever" "You know how frustrating it is when you pull into a gas station and the pump isn't working? Well, one guy in North Carolina had that happen, and it turned out to be the BEST inconvenience of his life! The malfunction led to him buying a lottery ticket, and he ended up winning TWO MILLION DOLLARS! Two million! Meanwhile, when I have trouble at the gas pump, I usually just end up standing there pushing buttons and looking confused. I think I'd be sending that gas station a thank-you card!" :60 Talk Break — "A Two-Million-Dollar Detour" "Have you ever had one of those days where something goes wrong, and you think, 'Oh, come ON!' Well, a guy named Bram Dunehew in North Carolina was filling up his car when the gas pump wouldn't print his receipt. Annoying, right? So he went inside the convenience store to get his receipt, and while he was there, he decided to buy a three-dollar Powerball ticket. And wouldn't you know it? He matched all five white balls! His million-dollar prize DOUBLED to two million because he'd added the Power Play option! And here's the sweetest part. He says he plans to buy his dad a Cadillac with some of the winnings. All because a receipt wouldn't print! I mean, can you imagine? Next time something doesn't work the way it's supposed to, I might be a little more patient. Although, knowing my luck, I'll go inside for a receipt and come out with a candy bar and a Diet Coke!" ________________________________ :30 Talk Break — "The Best Kind of Teamwork" "Here's a story that'll make you feel really good about the next generation! Students at Howell High School in New Jersey helped lead a massive food drive that collected more than 250,000 pounds of food across the state! They covered their football field with bags of donations, and the food is helping families through local food banks. And I love this because these kids didn't just talk about making a difference. They actually DID something. Turns out, one of the biggest victories on that football field had nothing to do with football!" :60 Talk Break — "One Bag at a Time" "You know, sometimes we look at all the needs in the world and wonder, 'What difference can one person really make?' Well, some high school students in New Jersey have a pretty incredible answer. At Howell High School, students helped organize a massive food drive, going into their neighborhoods and encouraging families, businesses, and friends to donate. And it just kept growing! By the time everything was collected across the state, they had more than 250,000 pounds of food! They even covered their football field with thousands of bags of groceries! And the food is now helping families through local food banks. But what I love most about this story is how it started. Not with somebody writing a giant check. Not with a celebrity. But with students deciding they could do something to help. And isn't that a great reminder? You don't have to change the whole world today. Sometimes you just have to do one small thing to make somebody else's world a little better. One person. One act of kindness. One bag of groceries at a time." ❓ LISTENER ENGAGEMENT QUESTIONSWould you rather have to cook the entire Thanksgiving dinner by yourself OR host 20 relatives at your house for three days? Follow-up: "And which family member would make that decision REALLY easy?" What's something completely harmless that other people do that drives you absolutely NUTS? Examples: Leaving one second on the microwave, not returning the shopping cart, or leaving an empty box in the pantry. What's the one Christmas decoration you absolutely LOVE that someone else in your family thinks is tacky?
|
