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Merle Haggard passed away this morning at his home in California. Today is his 79th birthday. Last week, The Hag cancelled April tour dates while recovering from recurring double pneumonia.  Mr. Haggard is survived by his wife, Theresa, whom he married in 1993, and his children: Dana, Marty, Kelli, Noel, Ben and Jenessa. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.  We lost an American icon today. One of Country music's greatest legends! Let's remember him today by playing his music. Funeral arrangements are not available at this time.

Fans will get an exclusive "first look" at the highly anticipated forthcoming scripted comedy STILL THE KING when a special two-minute introductory piece to the series premieres during the finale of "Party Down South," Thursday, April 7 at 9pm ET/PT . Starring Billy Ray Cyrus and Joey Lauren Adams, "Still The King" premieres Sunday, June 12 at 9pm ET/PT. "Still The King" features Cyrus as Vernon Brown, AKA "Burnin' Vernon," a scandal-ridden washed up one-hit wonder who is kicked out of country music, only to emerge 20 years later as the second best Elvis impersonator. After crashing into an old country church outside of NASHVILLE during a drunken bender, he is sentenced to return and perform community service. Along the way, he pretends to be the congregation's new minister and discovers he has a 15-year-old daughter he's never met. In addition to Cyrus and Adams, "Still The King" stars Madison Iseman (...

Check out Texas singer-songwriter Jason James. His music is true to traditional Country music yet rich with James' unique style. He's one to watch! From his bio: "The love that I have for traditional country music is like a mission to me," James affirms. "For me, there's never been any consideration of 'Well, if I change this, I might sell more records.' For me, it's always been all or nothing, and this is how I do it." The 13 original compositions that comprise Jason James make it clear that the artist is interested in making music that's timeless rather than retro, reflecting his interest in adding to country tradition rather than merely emulating it. Such catchy, impeccably crafted numbers as "Here Comes the Heartache," "I've Been Drinkin' More," "Back in My Arms" and "Fancy Limousine" have the ring of classic country songcraft, embodying the mix of swagger, sensitivity and...

Merle Haggard‘s 1968 classic “Mama Tried” has been selected as one of 25 sound recordings added into the Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry. Acting Librarian of Congress David S. Mao hand-selected each entry after consulting with the National Recording Preservation Board. Each song was chosen for its unique “artistic, cultural and/or historical significance to American society.” “These recordings, by a wide range of artists in many genres of music and in spoken word, will be preserved for future listeners,” Mao explained in a press release. “This collection of blues, jazz, rock, country and classical recordings, interspersed with important recordings of sporting events, speeches, radio shows and comedy, helps safeguard the record of what we’ve done and who we are.” Haggard’s track is the only country selection found in this round of additions, which features everything from speeches, sport announcements to modern metal hits. LOVE and God Bless the HAG! Se...

Elvis Week is August 10-16, 2016 @ Graceland! The schedule of events includes the Candlelight Vigil, Official Graceland Insiders Conference, The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley Concert event, Designing for the King, Elvis Fan Reunion, Conversations on Elvis: Elvis' Co-Stars, The Auction at Graceland and much more! Join great performers and guests as they share their favorite Elvis stories and music. Guests for 2016 include drummer DJ Fontana , TCB Band member Glen Hardin , Elvis co-stars Francine York and Celeste Yarnall , former members of The Stamps Quartet, Terry Blackwood and The Imperials, Charles Stone, Terry Mike Jeffrey, Andy Childs, Jamie Kelley - and many, many more! Graceland Insiders ticket pre-sale will start on Tuesday, April 5, at 8:30 a.m. CST . Tickets will go on sale for the general public on Thursday, April 7, at 8:30 a.m. CST. To see the full line up of events , click  HERE

Randy Travis spoke for the first time since his stroke at the 2016 Induction ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville . This took a lot of courage. God bless him! We love him and pray for him everyday. Randy has more courage than most! I adored Randy Always! I was in his fan club, had his albums (yes,dates me!), I even met him in NYC after a Letterman appearance and he could not have been nicer! I was to see him in Philly in 1991 but the night before my 19 year old cousin Doug was killed. April 8, 1991. I couldn't listen to his music for a long time. Randy, keep fighting! And keep going! You are so courageous! My brother is deaf and he talks funny to many. Sometimes people laugh and it hurts. My mom had a stroke a few years ago, and people laughed when she talked. It took a lot for me not to knock them out. But she carried on and talks fine today! But you're more courageous than them! Keep TCBing! We love you and are praying for you!

The Country Music Association announced three newly elected inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame . Charlie Daniels will be inducted in the Veteran’s Era category. Fred Foster will be inducted in the Non-Performer category. Randy Travis will be the 2016 inductee in the Modern Era category. These artists will be inducted during a special Medallion Ceremony at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the CMA Theater later this year. During the Medallion Ceremony, friends and colleagues pay tribute to each inductee through words and song. Bronze plaques honoring each inductee are unveiled, to be displayed later in the museum’s Rotunda.Brenda Lee is THE COOLEST! You can watch the announcement above, the video lasts 55 minutes. Source: Country Music Hall of Fame