Hey Maine: Here’s Some Country News

Tracy Lawrence‘s father, Duane Dickens, has died. The 83-year-old was surrounded by family when he passed at his home in Texarkana, Ark. on Wednesday morning (Aug. 31).

Dickens was suffering from an undisclosed extended illness, and the family had time to prepare and say goodbye. No cause of death was listed in the obituary. In addition to Tracy, Dickens is survived by sons Laney and Samuel, as well as daughters Wendi, DeRenda and Daphne. He’s also survived by his brother, a twin sister, seventeen grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The list of 2016 CMA Award nominees includes first-timers, but excludes several long-timers. Maren Morris has seven nods approaching the show, while Blake Shelton and Jason Aldean have zero. Last year Chris Stapleton had a career-changing night at the CMAs, and this year he’s nominated for Entertainer of the Year, as well as Single and Music Video of the Year.  Kelsea Ballerini and Maren Morris are in the running for Female Vocalist, and Morris’ debut album, Hero, is also up for Album of the Year. The 2016 CMA Awards will air live on ABC on Nov. 2 at 8PM.

Sam Hunt has made history. The singer just became the first solo male artist to top Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart four times with singles from a debut album since the chart’s January 1990 launch. Hunt’s latest single “Make You Miss Me” has reaching No. 1, following the success of previous chart toppers “Take Your Time” “Leave the Night On” and “House Party.” All four songs are off his 2014 debut album, Montevallo.

tasteofcountry.com