Artist Updates (4/1/14)

Courtney Cole

CMT Powering Education, the music television network’s initiative which encourages CMT viewers to pursue post-secondary education, has entered a long-term partnership with American Association of Community Colleges  to raise awareness about resources for workforce training and education within local communities.

Big Machine Music singer-songwriter Courtney Cole entertained attendees during an event on March 28 at Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) in Hazard, Ky. During the event, HCTC shared stories from community members who transitioned from coal mining to other careers by furthering their education.

AACC and CMT Empowering Education are launching the partnership first with Appalachian schools through the help of the Appalachian Regional Commission and will continue to spread the opportunity to community colleges nationwide over the next three years.

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Chase Rice. Photo: Chris Hollo

Chase Rice recently took his first steps “into the circle,” making his debut appearance at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry. He performed his single “Ready Set Roll,” as well as “How She Rolls” and intimate ballad “Jack Daniel’s and Jesus.”

“This is a huge milestone for me,” Rice said. “I will remember this night and that first moment on stage forever.”

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Jeff Bates was recently recognized with a Resolution put forth by the State of Mississippi’s House of Representatives. The resolution commended Jeff Bates for his contributions to Country music.

Bates was raised in Bunker Hill, Miss., adopted as the eldest of nine children by sharecropping parents. After moving to Nashville, he landed a publishing deal with Warner-Chappell. However, in 2001, Bates’ battle with drugs landed him in jail putting an end, if only for a while, to his music career.

After being released, Bates co-wrote Tracy Lawrence’s 2002 single, “What a Memory.” In 2003, Bates inked his first record deal with RCA Records and released his debut album Rainbow Man. Three more albums would follow, including Leave the Light On (RCA), his self-titled project and One Day Closer (Black River), culminating in seven top-40 singles and a No. 1 Christian country single.

Jeff Bates is honored in his homestate of Mississippi.