April 2020

Country music icon Dolly Parton has donated $1m of her own money towards finding a cure for the coronavirus pandemic sweeping the world. Taking to her social media accounts, Parton revealed that she had generously donated the sum to the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, where a good friend of hers is working on trying to cure the virus. Speaking in her statement, Parton outlined her intentions to do so and also encouraged people to stay positive in these uncertain times, while hoping that others in her financial situation can help out in the same way. “My longtime friend Dr. Naji Abumrad, who’s been involved in research at Vanderbilt for many years, informed me that they were making some exciting advancements towards research of the coronavirus for a cure,” Parton said. “I am making a donation of $1 million to Vanderbilt towards that research and to encourage people that can afford it to make donations. Keep the faith.” The COVID-19 outbreak has seriously impacted the country music scene, with ’90s star Joe Diffie tragically passing from the virus, while the likes of Kalie Shorr, Ray Benson, Laura Bell Bundy and John Prine have all been battling it. Dolly Parton is known for her charitable gestures and has given away over a hundred million books for children all over the world, with the legendary star aiming to give away a billion books in her lifetime.

Keith Urban has released a video for his most recent single God Whispered Your Name, which was directed by Jennifer Massaux. You can see the video below. [wpdevart_youtube]yyn7_u-sha8[/wpdevart_youtube] Urban, who will be hosting the ACM Awards this year and is current ACM Entertainer of the Year, released the single on February 27 but has now shared a video for the track, which sees him smash out of a prison and find himself in open space, epitomising leaving the dark to be in the light. The song is the second single that Urban has released (excluding his Christmas track, I’ll Be Your Santa Tonight) since his 2018 album ‘Graffiti U’, with God Whispered Your Name following in the footsteps of We Were. It was therefore shaping up that Urban was working to release a new record at some point this year, but given the COVID-19 pandemic, whether that still remains on track or not is another matter. Elsewhere, Keith Urban was meant to be gigging in the UK in May, with a series of dates spread across the first two weeks – including two headline dates at the Eventim Apollo in London – but given what is happening in the world, it is seemingly only a matter of time until there is an announcement confirming rescheduled dates.

Asleep at the Wheel frontman and country music icon Ray Benson has tested positive for COVID-19, though is optimistic about recovery. The 69-year-old, who has been writing and playing songs for 50 years now, shared on his Facebook that he has the virus and lamented a lack of immediate testing. Speaking in a lengthy statement explaining everything, Benson said that he had to make multiple trips to the doctor to find out the true extent of his illness. “To clear up any confusion or questions, I have tested positive for the COVID 19 Virus,” Benson posted onto his Facebook on April 1. “12 days ago, I had become bed ridden with headaches and extreme fatigue/dizziness. “I made an appointment with my Dr on Saturday March 21st to see what was up. Got tests for Flu, etc.. All came back negative. I then asked for a COVID 19 test. They said they didn’t have any! So I just went back home and hunkered down to see if it went away. “Unfortunately, the same symptoms kept occurring/progressing. Being extremely fatigued, just falling asleep all the time, headaches were getting worse. Went back to Dr on Monday the 30th to do some bloodwork and other tests to try and figure out what was going on. “After not finding anything through those, I was finally given a COVID 19 test and was sent home and said they’d call me with the results. So I got a call Tuesday morning saying I tested positive! Luckily for me nothing has progressed any farther and feel very lucky and optimistic about my current situation. “I am still very fatigued/dizzy and in bed for now. DR says if nothing further comes up like elevated temperature, respiratory, cough etc.. I should be in the clear in the coming weeks.”

The Americana Music Association UK (AMA UK) have announced that Bob Harris OBE and Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett will join the board. The duo will join Billy Bragg, Mary Gauthier and Ethan Johns on the board of what is an ever-growing association, with both Harris and Lovett both being long-term supporters of the genre. Speaking about the news, Lovett – who contributes on piano, keyboard, synthesiser and vocals for Mumford & Sons – said that it was an honour for him to be put onto the board and really believes in the organisation. “It’s a pleasure to be asked to join the Americana Music Association Board as one of the Artist Ambassadors,” Lovett said. “I believe in Stevie (Smith, Chief Executive) and her Board and all the good work they do to bridge community through the Americana Music Awards UK and throughout the year, with both artists and the wider industry.  I feel honoured to now be able to contribute in a small way. Adding further comment was Harris, with the iconic broadcaster – who comperes the Americana Music Association UK Awards each year – expressing his joy that he will be taking a more hands on role with the organisation. “I am so happy and proud to be joining the Ambassadors board of AMA-UK and to be a representative for the warmth and creativity of the wonderful UK Americana music community,” Harris said. 

CMA Fest 2020 has been cancelled as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the festival pulling the plug on safety grounds. All purchased tickets will be valid for 2021, which will take place June 10-13. The four day festival, which was due to take place between June 4-7 and takes over downtown Nashville, is the biggest country music festival in the world and some of the biggest acts in the genre are frequently booked. There are a number of free stages which all feature some of country music’s best talents, while a paid ticket enables you to see the biggest names take to the stage in the Nissan Stadium at night. Speaking about the decision, the CMA released a statement which explained why they had to cancel, stressing that the health and safety of the country music community must come first. “After careful deliberation and in following the latest guidance from national, state and local authorities, we are sad to announce that CMA Fest will not take place in 2020,” the CMA said in a statement. “Whether you planned to attend CMA Fest for the first time, or you have attended many times throughout the last 48 years, we know how special this festival is for Country Music fans around the globe and that many will be disappointed by this decision. “As the world is still greatly affected by the spread of COVID-19, we cannot in good conscience risk the health and wellbeing of our fans, artists, staff and Country Music community. “We greatly appreciate your understanding and patience, as our actions are always in the best interest of our Country Music community. “In the coming weeks and months, we will continue to bring Country fans and artists together to celebrate the unique spirit and sense of unity that is at the heart of what CMA Fest stands for.”