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Check out Jennifer’s EP Here’s To Hoping - available now

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bio

 

Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer Jennifer Hanson first came on the scene with her Capitol Records self-titled, debut album. Her single “Beautiful Goodbye” went on to be a top 15 hit, the highest charting debut single by a new female country artist for that year. Recording for both Capitol Records and Universal South during her extensive musical career, she is an ACM and CMT nominated artist as well as a multi-platinum, award-winning songwriter. The recipient of honors from BMI, NSAI, NMPA and ASCAP, her songs have been recorded by Kelly Clarkson, Michelle Branch, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Rascal Flatts, Mickey Guyton, Jana Kramer, Vince Gill, Pam Tillis, Don Williams, Gaby Moreno and Dan Tyminski, to name a few. She is responsible for such hits as “Leave the Pieces”, the #1 single for Grammy-nominated duo The Wreckers, and "Let Me Down Easy”, the #1 hit for Billy Currington. Hanson also wrote American Idol finalist Bucky Covington's Top 5 hit "A Different World”, as well as "Country Strong”, the title track from the Gwyneth Paltrow-Tim McGraw film, Country Strong. Her songs have been heard in dozens of television shows such as The Voice, America’s Got Talent, American Idol, America’s Funniest Home Videos, Songland, Duets, The Sing-Off, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Tonight Show, Good Morning America, The Fosters and Switched at Birth.

In 2019 she teamed up with GRAMMY award-winning mixer/engineer/producer Nick Brophy to write, produce and record as LÒNIS. Their work has been featured in an impressive list of hit shows, including Grey’s AnatomyThe Bold TypeYounger, Station 19, Emily in Paris, The L Word, Selling Sunset, A Million Little Things, The Watchful Eye, Call Me Kat, Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta, Black Ink Crew, Deadliest Catch, Restored By The Fords, Roswell, New Mexico, The Hills: New Beginnings, Ghosted, Love is Blind and The One That Got Away, as well as in national ad campaigns and promo spots for XBOX, Target, Ford, Pinterest, Coors Light, Walgreens, Citco, Rooms To Go, HHS, AdventHealth and other major brands. Their music can also be heard in movies such as Disney’s Magic Camp, Amazon Prime’s Sitting In Bars With Cake, Netflix’s Choose Love, the Kristen Bell comedy Queenpins, Vanessa Hudgen’s The Princess Switch 3, as well as the Jennifer Lopez/Owen Wilson romantic comedy Marry Me. Their single “Got To Have That” was recently featured in three worldwide campaigns; one for the All-Electric Chevy Blazer, one for the new Chevy Equinox EV and one for Adobe’s Photoshop. This year their infectious hit “Good To Go” went viral on Reels and TikToks, charting multiple weeks and in multiple countries on the “Top 25 Songs Used in Instagram Reels”. Celebrities from Reese Witherspoon, to Olympic star Shaw Johnson, to the cast of Queer Eye have posted the song in their videos garnering millions of streams. Most recently, you can catch their song “Drumroll” off their latest EP in the new, worldwide 2023 Samsung Galaxy Z Flip Phone commercial. 

Currently serving on the Board of Trustees for the Recording Academy, Hanson has been a driving force in the industry proving that her versatility and ability to write, sing and produce have been a key factor in her continued success. A former staff writer with Acuff-Rose and Sony ATV, she is currently signed with iconic music-publishing giant Peermusic. 

 

News & Updates

 

“ready for somethin’ new” featured in recent ford commercial

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check out clay walker’s new single “texas to tennessee” streaming now on all dsp’s

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hear “ready right now” in season 7 of younger, streaming now on paramount

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“c’mon right now” featured in season 4 of ABC’s station 19

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target uses not 1 but 6 of jennifer’s songs in online promo!

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check out “till you can’t go back” on the buckleys new album daydream

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hear “something that i like” in the new netflix trailer for emily in paris

 
 

listen to “truth is” on the new Tim mcgraw ablum here on earth deluxe edition

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“some magic” featured in the new disney film magic camp

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Check out Jennifer’s NEW collaboration EP here’s to hoping with folk/americana artist michael logen - out now!!

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catch jd shelburne’s new single “church pew barstool” on cmt

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hear “Lighthouse home” on the new Mcclymonts album mayhem to madness out now

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“Here’s to hoping” single out now on all streaming platforms

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hear “ordinary” on the netflix series selling sunset

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hear “we can be heroes” on nbc’s songland

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“Celebrate Together now” featured in the new target easter campaign

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“Good To Go” featured in the new promo for my kitchen rules

 

hear “some things you don’t forget” on the new jason aldean album 9

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Catch “Assassin” on the new episode of mtv’s ghosted

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hear jennifer’s song “Huckleberry” on the new dan tyminski ep The Planetarium sessions

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adventhealth uses “work for it” in their Feel Whole challenge campaign

 

“work for it” available now on all streaming platforms

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Check out the new lyric video for “TFW(THAT FEEL WHEN)”

 

“tfw (that feel when)” featured in season 3 of the bold type on freeform 8/7C

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“Good To Go” featured in season 15 of grey’s anatomy 8/7c on abc

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jennifer writes the title track for the new upcoming sister hazel ep fire

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Sister Hazel is set to release their new EP, Fire, on Feb. 8. The newest EP is Volume III of the collectible compilation series titled, “Elements,” and includes a bonus seventh track that will continue throughout the series.

The six-track EP is the follow-up to their Billboard chart-topping EP’s, Water and Wind and features tracks written by Sister Hazel with writers including Monty Powell, Jennifer Hanson, and more. Fans who pre-order the EP can get the instant grat track, “Here With You,” which is also available on all streaming services now. 

“The writing and production of ‘Here With You’ was a very cool departure from the norm for us,” said Drew Copeland, singer and guitarist for the band. “Getting a chance to write a song with Monty and Anna in Utah was a total blast and an honor. Once again Ken delivers a killer vocal and the band loves the way this song turned out.”

To celebrate the release of their new EP, Sister Hazel has announced a string of tour dates for 2019, which include the sold out Holiday Hang in Chicago and the 19th Year of their signature “Rock Boat Cruise.” For more visit sisterhazel.com.

FIRE Track List:

1. “Every Heartbreak” Lyrics & Music by: Jett Beres
2. “On and On” Lyrics & Music by: Ryan Newell, Todd Wright, Mike Meadows
3. “Life and Love” Lyrics and Music by: Ken Block, Trent Summar
4. “Fire” Lyrics and Music by: Andrew Copeland, Michael Logen, Jennifer Hansen
5. “She’s All You Need” Lyrics & Music by: Ryan Newell, Todd Wright
6. “Here With You” Lyrics & Music by: Ken Block, Drew Copeland, Monte Powell, Anna Wilson
7. Elements III (Growing Up) Lyrics & Music: Ken Block

 

“Rise” featured on America’s got Talent the champions on nbc 8/7c

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“Ready For This” chosen for new coors light campaign

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“good to go” featured in the new promo for season 2 of hgtv’s hit show restored by the fords

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"i can't lose" featured on the new abc hit show station 19

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“Roller Rink” featured on ABC’s America’s Funniest Home Video’s

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hear "I'll wait for you" on the new Jason aldean album rearview town 

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jennifer release's new christmas lyric video "only thing i really need"

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Under The Tree available now on all digital platforms

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"run" reaches #1 on the amrap Australian radio chart

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"Rise" in new PBS Special Featuring the 3x emmy award winning texas tenors

THE TEXAS TENORS: RISE PREMIERES AUGUST 2017 ON PBS

– America’s Favorite Tenors Are Back With A Brand New Concert Special Filmed At
The Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, TX –


New Studio Album RISE released on September 8, 2017

America’s favorite tenors are back with RISE, an all-new concert filmed in stunning 4K resolution at the beautiful Grand 1894 Opera House in Galveston, TX. In their second special for PBS, The Texas Tenors follow up their Emmy Award-winning PBS special “You Should Dream” with a live orchestra and choir performing classical, pop, country and Broadway - including a show-stopping tribute to one of the most beloved and cherished musicals of all time - Les Misérables.

THE TEXAS TENORS: RISE is part of special programming that began premiering on PBS stations in August 2017.

Marcus, JC and John treat viewers to favorites from their new album RISE, released on September 8, 2017, including orchestral arrangements of “Amazing Grace,” The Righteous Brothers’ “Lovin’ Feelin’,” John Denver’s “Country Roads, Take Me Home,” and an emotional rendition of the patriotic Irving Berlin classic “God Bless America.”

“This TV special is a collection of music straight from our hearts,” said Marcus Collins of The Texas Tenors. “To quote our title song “Rise,” ‘Life Can Change in a Moment.’ There are no truer words and we’re so excited to share our new music with everyone!” Marcus added, "We'd also like to thank our sponsors, The University of Texas Medical Branch and the Galveston Island Convention & Visitors Bureau, who helped make this possible."

 

 

peermusic Inks Publishing Deal With Jennifer Hanson

Jan. 17,2017 - Singer/songwriter Jennifer Hanson has signed an exclusive publishing deal with peermusic.

Hanson has penned songs including “Leave The Pieces” (The Wreckers), “A Different World” (Bucky Covington), and “Let Me Down Easy” (Billy Currington). She also co-wrote “Country Strong,” the title track for the movie of the same name, which starred Gwyneth Paltrow and Tim McGraw.

“Jennifer Hanson is hands down one of my favorite songwriters in town,” said peermusic VP Michael Knox. “When Kim Wiggins brought her to me and said she was looking for a deal, it was that missing piece we had been looking for.”

“I’m beyond thrilled to be signing with peermusic,” said Hanson about her new publishing home. “The enthusiasm and support that Michael Knox, Kim Wiggins and the rest of the peermusic team have shown me has been incredible and I look forward to a productive and successful partnership.”

 

Check out "Roller Rink" on the upcoming Rascal Flatts Release

Rascal Flatts Announce Track List for New Album, “Back To Us”

by Lisa Konicki | @LisaKon127  |  March 29, 2017

Rascal Flatts is gearing up for the release of their tenth studio album, Back To UsIn preparation for the release, the guys—Gary LeVox, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney— are revealing the tracks included on the album.

“There was a nostalgic feeling between the three of us while in the studio for this record, a feeling that was more reminiscent of our first albums,” said Jay.

The new album, set to drop on May 19, is the follow-up to their successful hit-producing album, Rewind, and features 13 new tracks (on deluxe edition) from some of country’s top songwriters, including Jesse Frasure, Cary Barlow, Shay Mooney of Dan+Shay, Luke Laird, Chris Stapleton and Chris DeSefano.

Joe Don, Jay and Gary have included some of their own cuts on the album such as, “Dance,” co-written by Joe Don; “Kiss While I Can,” co-written by Jay and “Our Night To Shine,” co-written by Gary. All three members also collaborated on the song “Are You Happy Now,” which features Lauren Alaina on vocals.

The trio will perform their current single and lead track off the album, “Yours If You Want It,” at the 52nd Annual Academy Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 2 on CBS.

BACK TO US TRACK LIST with Songwriters
1. “Yours If You Want It”  – (Written by Andrew Dorff, Jonathan Singleton)
2. “Back To Us” – (Written by Cary Barlowe, David Hodges, Josh Thompson)
3. “I Know You Won’t” – (Written by Steve McEwan, Wendell Lee Mobley, Neil Thrasher)
4. “Hopin’ You Were Lookin’” –  (Written by Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, Shay Mooney, Dan Smyers)
5. “Dance”  – (Written by Joe Don Rooney, Blair Daly, Troy Verges)
6. “Are You Happy Now” with Lauren Alaina –  (Written by Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Joe Don Rooney, Sean McConnell)
7. “Love What You’ve Done With The Place” – (Written by Benjy Davis, Shay Mooney)
8. “Kiss You While I Can” –  (Written by Jay DeMarcus, Steven Lee Olsen, Greg Wells)
9. “Vandalized” –  (Written by Luke Laird, Chris Stapleton)
10.”Our Night To Shine” – (Written by Gary LeVox, Chris DeStefano, Travis Hill)

Deluxe Edition Tracks – Exclusive to Amazon
11. “Hands Talk”  – (Written by Gary LeVox, busbee, Jon Nite)
12. “Thieves” – (Written by Jay DeMarcus, Gary LeVox, Scooter Carusoe, Chris DeStefano)
13. “Roller Rink” – (Written by Nick Brophy, Jeffrey East, Jennifer Hanson)

 

"Endless" chosen as title track on the new McClymonts Album

NEW MUSIC AND TOUR ANNOUNCEMENT

THE McCLYMONTS RELEASE NEW SINGLE ‘HOUSE’ 

ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘ENDLESS’ AND NATIONAL TOUR

Oct 13, 2016 - It’s a big day for fans of multi award winning group, The McClymonts who today announce details of a new studio album as well as the release of a brand new single and dates to their first leg of a national tour.

The single, entitled “House” is available for download and streaming today and is the first taste of their new studio album, ‘Endless’. Released on Friday 13th January, 2017 the album will be supported by a national tour which will commence on Wednesday 25th January at the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre on sale at 9am AEDT on Wednesday 19th October.

‘Endless’ is the fifth studio album for sisters Brooke, Sam & Mollie and marks the first time that they have worked with producer/songwriter Andy Mak (Tina Arena, Boy & Bear) who recorded the album in Sydney and the Central Coast. ‘Endless’ follows the highly successful 2014 album ‘Here’s To You & I’ which garnered three hit singles including “Forever Begins Tonight” and saw the girls receive two Golden Guitar Awards for ‘Group or Duo of the Year’ and ‘Top Selling Album of the Year’ in 2015.

‘Endless’ was written and recorded during one of the most rewarding years in the bands history, both professionally and personally. As a trio The McClymonts this year undertook a highly successful ‘10 Years of Hits Tour’, playing sold out venues and receiving rave reviews. Individually Brooke made her acting debut in the feature film ‘Spin Out’, Sam took on the role of host of the ninth season of the reality dating show ‘The Farmer Wants A Wife’ and Mollie gave birth to her first baby, Ned.

That happiness and gratitude shines through in the song’s lyrics. Lead single “House” includes the lines “I used to always be thinking about everything I’m not, instead of everything I’ve got”. Meanwhile the album’s title track may be a contender for ‘wedding song of the year’ and talks of their “Endless” love for their respective husbands. Meanwhile songs like “Nothing Good Comes Easy” and “Like We Used To” acknowledge that while the girls are in a good place personally it doesn’t come without hard work and sacrifice.

The Endless Tour’ will be the most expansive of their career to date and will take in locations they have never played or have not been to for some time. Brooke, Sam & Mollie want to assure the fans that the tour will be rolled out in stages and if you don’t see a town near you right now then keep on watching as more dates will be announced.

The McClymonts are acknowledged as Australia’s #1 Country Group and throughout their ten-year careerthey have released four studio albums which have achieved 2 x Gold Sales Accreditations10 x Golden Guitar Awards2 x ARIA Awards, an APRA Award and a CMA (Country Music Association U.S) Award for Global Artist of the Year. They have released twenty hit singles and toured extensively throughout Australia and the U.S. They are Ambassadors of Toyota Australia and charity organisations the McGrath Foundation and Legacy Australia.

 

broken bow recording artist brooke eden debuts jennifer's song "if i would've known" at cmt's next women of country music

Brooke Eden Introduces New Song “If I Would’ve Known” 

March 11, 2016 - When it comes to Brooke Eden and her enormous talent, I almost become speechless. Except, I love Brooke so much — as an artist and a person — that I can’t help but endorse her whenever, wherever, and however possible; that’s where the “almost” fits in. Whether it is her innate ability to put pen to paper and turn feelings into the most beautiful music you have ever heard, her drive to learn new instruments to play her songs personally, or the tremendous and beautiful voice that escapes from her, Brooke is one of the most special talents I have ever encountered.

CMT’s Next Women of Country show pulled out all the stops this year, jam-packing its lineup with full-fledged country music stars, ranging from the brand new, on everybody’s minds Maren Morris to the Grammy-winning Jennifer Nettles and Brandy Clark. Rightfully taking her spot on the bill for the CMA Awards week luncheon was Broken Bow Records (Red Bow) artist Brooke Eden, stroking the keys of a keyboard and crooning the type of bluesy country tune that is precisely in Brooke’s wheelhouse.

“If I Would’ve Known” glances back at a failed relationship with a “hindsight is 20/20” mentality, realizing that the man who promised you that your heart was safe in his hands was lying all along. Pouring herself into the lyrics, as she does with all of her songs, Brooke silenced the entire room, induced chills down everybody’s spines, and proved once again that she is one of the most gifted artists in Nashville.

 

Mickey Guyton Brings Down the House on GMA singing "better than you left me"

Rising star Mickey Guyton delivers a knock-out performance of her hit on Good Morning America. 

March 16, 2015 - There’s a lot of pressure on a signer when the show host tells the audience the song they’re about to hear is “a ballad that’s gonna blow you away.” But when rising talent Mickey Guyton appeared on Good Morning America on March 16 to perform her critically-acclaimed single “Better Than You Left Me,” she delivered.

The Texas native seemed at ease in a yellow sundress, belting out the warm vocals with the still chilly streets of New York visible just behind the stage.

Guyton is being compared to Carrie Underwood as a rising female country artist, and she has made several artists-to-watch lists, including our own. Keep an eye on her. She seems to have a bright future ahead and will likely join the front of the pack of female artists poised to lead the country charts in 2015-16.

 

Country Legend Don Williams records Jennifer's song "Back To The simple things" on his album reflections

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The 26 Albums of 2014 You Probably Didn't But Really Should Hear

From Dolly Parton's 'Blue Smoke' to Frankie Ballard's 'Sunshine & Whiskey,' the stellar albums you may have missed in 2014

By Rolling Stone

August 6, 2014 - Don Williams, 'Reflections'

Between Glen Campbell's struggle with Alzheimer's, George Strait's retirement and the deaths of legends like George Jones and Cowboy Jack Clement, these have been hard times for fans of country's classic troubadours. Luckily we've still got Don Williams, and Don Williams is still good. Great, in fact. "I'll be your spring when it feels like winter,” the 75-year-old Country Music Hall of Famer croons on a melancholy rendition of Britton Cameron's "I Won't Give Up on You" — the third track from Williams' 25th studio album, Reflections. A respite from the reign of bro country, this 10-song collection of country-Americana covers the likes of Townes Van Zandt's "I'll Be Here in the Morning," Guy Clark's "Talk Is Cheap" and the Merle Haggard murder ballad "Sing Me Back Home." It's a must-have for anyone who hankers to hear the Gentle Giant — one of the genre’s most subtly emotive voices — do what he does best.

 

season 4 winner of nbc's the sing-off record "any way the wind blows" on their debut album crazy life

March 16, 2014 - Winners of NBC's "The Sing-Off," Twin Cities vocal group Home Free found a perfect blend for national stardom. The first Minnesota music act in 25 years to win a recording contract on a TV talent show, the a cappella quintet — no instruments, just voices — hit No. 3 on the iTunes chart when “Crazy Life” was released by music giant Columbia Records. Now Home Free is headlining the first Sing-Off Live Tour, a 32-city trek coming to Minneapolis on Friday.

 

check out jennifer's song "you're breaking your own heart" on kelly clarkson's grammy award winning album Stronger

February 10, 2013 - Best Pop Vocal Album at the 55th annual Grammy Awards was awarded to Kelly Clarkson for the album “Stronger.”

Best Pop Vocal Album was added to the Grammys ledger of awards in 1995. According to the organization, Best Pop Vocal Album rewards “albums containing at least 51% playing time of newly recorded pop vocal tracks.”

Clarkson’s “Stronger,” which includes the hit song “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” beat “Ceremonials” (by Florence + the Machine), “Some Nights” (by fun.), “Overexposed” (by Maroon 5) and “The Truth About Love” (by P!nk).

Last year, Adele won Best Pop Vocal Album for “21,” her mega-successful 2011 album.

 

check out "King of apology" on Jana kramer's debut album

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June 5, 2012 - ‘Jana Kramer’ (in stores June 5) is perhaps the most surprising album of the year. She and producer Scott Hendricks do a nice job avoiding common newbie pitfalls like crafting an album that “has a little something for everybody.” With songs like ‘I Hope it Rains,’ ‘Why Ya Wanna‘ and ‘Good as You Were Bad,’ we’re introduced to a woman that has loved and lost, but still believes she can love again. The repetition of the theme (‘Whiskey,’ ‘King of Apology’ and ‘Over You By Now’ also tackle heartbreak in different ways) never goes monochrome. Each songs comes with a fresh approach and varied emotion.

 

Jennifer celebrates her second #1 single "Let me down easy" recorded by Billy currington

JUNE 2, 2011 - A room full of family and friends joined BMI in celebrating the team behind the Billy Currington #1 hit “Let Me Down Easy” at a party on May 31. Co-written by Marty Dodson, Mark Nesler and Jennifer Hanson, the song marks Currington’s seventh trip to the top. The BMI team of co-writers have also had their fair share of success on the charts: “Let Me Down Easy” is Dodson’s third #1, Hanson’s second, and Nesler’s sixth. Pictured are ole’s Gilles Godard, Mercury Records’ Ken Robold, producer Carson Chamberlain, co-writer Marty Dodson, Billy Currington, co-writers Jennifer Hanson and Mark Nesler, Sony ATV Music Publishing’s Troy Tomlinson, Disney Music Publishing’s Kos Weaver, ole’s Arthur Buenahora, and BMI’s Jody Williams. (Photo by Steve Lowry)

 

Gwyneth Paltrow Makes Live Country-Singing Debut at CMA’s singing "Country Strong"

GWYNETH PALTROW BELTS 'COUNTRY STRONG' DURING CMA DEBUT

ACTRESS/SINGER GETS STANDING OVATION AT AWARDS SHOW.

November 10, 2010 - Fans are used to checking out Gwyneth Paltrow as a red-carpet regular, Oscar-winning screen vet, Jay-Z and Beyoncé pal and aficionado. But down-home, country crooner? Not so much.

With her turn as a Nashville great overcoming drug addiction opposite Tim McGraw in "Country Strong," which slated to hit theaters next year, Paltrow is using the upcoming months to prove she's got serious vocal chops. So Wednesday night (November 10) the "Iron Man" actress chose one of the biggest nights in Country music, the CMA Awards, to demonstrate her mic skills.

Joined by country veteran Vince Gill, Paltrow made her live singing debut with the track "Country Strong," from the movie's soundtrack. With her wavy blonde locks and a dark clingy minidress, Paltrow looked ready to rock another red carpet appearance. But she boldly hit the song's high notes with a steady, even voice like a country pro. Paltrow became visibly more comfortable as she knocked down the second verse, belting, "I may lose, but I'll always keep my faith, 'cause I'm country strong!" With images of clouds moving through the monitors and Gill looking on with a smile, Paltrow received a standing ovation.

 

 

Jennifer writes title track to the new gwyneth paltrow movie Country Strong 

October 14, 2010 - Gwyneth Paltrow is strapping on her cowboy boots, grabbing a guitar and getting in touch with some country roots for her new movie, "Country Strong."

Paltrow reportedly does all of her own singing in the film, where she plays a country singer named Kelly Canter trying to rebound her career after an alcohol-driven downward spiral. Tim McGraw plays her manager/husband while Garrett Hedlund ("Tron: Legacy," "Eragon") and "Gossip Girl" Leighton Meester play up-and-coming country stars trying to get Kelly back on her feet while trying to get a head start of their own. 

 

"leave the pieces" earns grammy nomination

DECEMBER 7, 2006- The list of nominees was announced Thursday morning in Los Angeles by a slate of recording artists including Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Corinne Bailey Rae, James Blunt, Ludacris, Evanescence’s Amy Lee, and Chris Brown. The 49th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony will be held Feb. 11 at L.A.’s Staples Center and will air live on CBS. "Leave The Pieces" earns the The Wreckers their first Grammy nomination for best Country performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.

 

jennifer writes the #1 single "leave The pieces" for the wreckers

How “Leave the Pieces” Saved the Wreckers’ Career

New Duo Celebrate No. 1 Single at Nashville Parties

by craig shelburne 10/25/2006

The Wreckers have had a banner year — opening for Rascal Flatts, landing their first CMA nomination and selling more than 420,000 copies of their debut album, Stand Still, Look Pretty, in just five months. Plus, their debut single, “Leave the Pieces,” reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s country airplay chart, a rarity for any artist, let alone one with a background in pop music.

Between two No. 1 parties at ASCAP and BMI for “Leave the Pieces” on Tuesday (Oct. 24) in Nashville, Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp explained to reporters that the Wreckers nearly crashed before they even hit the road.

“A lot of people don’t realize how long it took to get this project off the ground,” Branch said. “We recorded the album two years ago for [pop label] Maverick Records, and right after we were finished, I found out I was expecting. We kind of kept it to ourselves. We didn’t want the label to freak out and change any of the plans for releasing the album.”

At that point, the album was scheduled for January 2005, but as Harp says, “The label had never had a country artist or a country record, so they were all just kind of looking at each other, thinking, ‘What are we supposed to do with this?'” Because of the label’s uncertainty, the record was pushed back till June. By then, Branch could no longer hide her pregnancy, which meant yet another delay.

Now, Branch says, “It was actually a blessing in disguise because I feel like if we would have continued with the plan, our album would have been released without any real effort and it would have lasted however long it lasted. I have a feeling it wouldn’t have been very long.”

During her pregnancy, Branch (who lived in Los Angeles at the time) traveled to Nashville to visit Harp, take some meetings and hear some songs. As it turns out, Bill Bennett — the former president of Maverick Records — was now helming Warner Bros. Nashville. Branch and Harp thought he should hear the album, which they considered to be finished, so he could give them some perspective.

“We went in and played him the record and said, ‘What do you think? Do you think you can help out in any way?’ And he said, ‘We’d love to. We want to take over the project.’ If I hadn’t have been pregnant, I don’t know if that would have happened,” Branch says. “We’re such firm believers that everything happens for a reason.”

And then Branch and Harp found “Leave the Pieces” (co-written by Billy Austin and Jennifer Hanson) during a publishing meeting. Even though the duo wrote or co-wrote most of the album themselves, the song was irresistible, although it had been cut by several artists already, including Little Big Town.

“We both immediately fell in love with it,” Harp remembers. “And after we went in and cut it, it seems like everyone at both labels were just like, ‘Oh, OK. Light bulb. We get it. Let’s go with it.'”

And as for the temptation to say, “Ha ha, we told you so!”?

“There’s that old saying that ‘success has many fathers,’ and it’s been very humorous for both of us to sit back and watch the people who were definitely not on the same page turn around and talk about how they knew it was going to be great from the start,” says Branch, who recently moved to Nashville with her husband and young daughter. “It’s really great to see, but it’s just human nature. It is the nature of the business. And it feels that much better now, after all that. This feels sooooo great.”

Even though “Leave the Pieces” ultimately hit No. 1, not everybody was so confident at the beginning — not least of all, the Wreckers themselves.

“We really approached this project with a bit of caution, knowing that people were going to be judging us and judging this project before they even heard it, because I was involved with it,” Branch says, alluding to her prior pop success. “We didn’t know how radio was going to respond at all. We were prepared for the worst, and I think the biggest shock was going into stations and meeting programmers who were saying, ‘Oh my gosh! I am so excited about this project! I thought I’d never have the chance to play a Michelle Branch record.’ Everyone immediately understood where we were coming from, and they were so supportive.”

Suddenly the duo went from panicking that they wouldn’t get on a major tour to opening for Rascal Flatts. And they have remained on the road pretty much ever since, with a long line of high-profile TV appearances to boot.

“The reason our schedule is so crazy is that we’re doing all these opening dates but then we’re doing all of these headlining shows in between. We’ve really been having one day off a week or two days off a week. But it’s awesome,” Harp says. “I think that’s part of the reason we’re doing well and people are responding — because we’re out there bringing them the music every night. That’s what we got into this for.”

Asked to explain their breakthrough success in a field crowded with newcomers, Harp says, “I think part of it might be that there hasn’t really been a female duo in a while and I think that was something new and interesting for people to look at. The one thing I say about Michelle and I, the cool thing about us, is our harmonies. We sound like we’re siblings for some reason, and we’re not, which makes it even more special. That might have something to do with it.”

Branch’s answer is more to the point: “Also, I think everything starts with a great song. When we heard ‘Leave the Pieces,’ it was unquestionable. It was so obvious to us.”

 

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