Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus Launches Christian Music Label

Rascal Flatts member Jay DeMarcus has launched his own Christian music label, Red Street Records. The first two signees to the label were also announced today: new artist Lauren James, a worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, and iconic CCM group Avalon. 

Marking "the next chapter" for the band, who recently welcomed new member Dani Rocca alongside Jody McBrayer's return after a 12-year absence from the group, Avalon is back in the studio and working on new music. The monumental press conference was live-streamed on Avalon's Facebook page, which you can check out below for a powerful acoustic performance from the group.

While Jay DeMarcus is largely known for his involvement with country superstars Rascal Flatts, his roots are deeply planted in Christian music. DeMarcus was part of Dove-nominated band East to West in the late 1980s before the group disbanded in the early 90's. Even during his time in Rascal Flatts, Jay has continued to stay connected to the Christian music industry, producing records for artists like Jason Crabb and The Martins, in addition to country legend Reba McEntire's recent gospel album. 

"I kind of feel like everything I've done up to this point in my life has led to this one moment," Jay shared today. "Christian music was such a huge foundation for me, even as a kid growing up. Before there was ever a Rascal Flatts, I started out in Christian music with East to West, and I've always felt like every time I would come back into the Christian music genre and produce records, I always felt like I was coming back home to a degree. It's always been in my heart, when the timing was right, to do something on my own."

As owner and CEO of Red Street Records, DeMarcus, alongside general manager and producer Don Koch, will produce albums for both Avalon and Lauren James. 

MercyMe, Blake Shelton and Craig Morgan Join Trace Adkins For "Jammin' To Beat The Blues"

Country star Trace Adkins has not only cemented his status as a country music icon, he has also made it his mission to help important causes throughout his career. Adkins serves as a spokesman for the Wounded Warrior Project and the American Red Cross and has participated in 12 USO tours. Adkins will team up with Craig Morgan, Blake Shelton and MercyMe – as well as previously announced performers Jason Crabb and High Valley – on March 21 at the Ryman in Nashville to benefit Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.

Adkins is currently on tour with Shelton and collaborated on the No.1 hit “Hillbilly Bone,” which won the 2010 ACM Award for “Vocal Event of the Year” and was RIAA Platinum-certified. One of the most visible and constant ambassadors of country music, Shelton  continues to serve as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, with Adkins currently serving as his team advisor.

A multi-faceted entertainer, Morgan has made a name for himself as a country music star, TV personality, celebrated outdoorsman and patriotic Army veteran. Twenty-five of his hit songs have climbed the Billboard chart, including the four-week No. 1, “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” Prior to his successful career in country music, Morgan spent seventeen years serving our country in the Army and Army Reserves and has since made 14 overseas trips to perform for our servicemen and women.

Rounding out the latest lineup is multi-Platinum selling band MercyMe. The contemporary Christian band made history in 2014 as “I Can Only Imagine” became the first song in Christian music to go platinum and double-platinum in the digital domain. Almost There, the album containing the hit, recently received triple-platinum certification from the RIAA. MercyMe is currently on a nationwide tour and just unveiled I Can Only Imagine – The Very Best of MercyMe, coinciding with the soon-to-be-released film I Can Only Imagine, in which Adkins plays MercyMe’s real-life manager, Scott Brickell.

“Never have I been surrounded by more talent," says Adkins. "I am thrilled and honored to welcome these three talented artists to the line-up!”

Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee's mission is to connect the community with specialized mental health and wellness resources, provide services that improve the quality of life, and promote effective services where mental health needs exist. 

Jason Crabb to be Inducted Into Kentucky Music Hall of Fame

Jason Crabb will be honored by his home state of Kentucky when he is inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2018. He will be honored alongside fellow inductees Billy Ray Cyrus, David "Stringbean" Akeman, Dale Ann Bradley,  Jackie DeShannon and Bobby Lewis. The induction ceremony will be held May 11, 2018. 

The 2018 class will join an elite roster of individuals including Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Florence Henderson, Rosemary Clooney, Wynonna & Naomi Judd, Steven Curtis Chapman, Clarence Spalding, EXILE, and many more.

Jason Crabb In A Comic Strip

Famed illustrator and writer of the Nancy daily comic strip, Guy Gilchrist, has chosen to highlight the lauded vocalist in a story arc. The strip is syndicated internationally in 80 countries, and viewed by 57 million readers around the world. On rare occasions Gilchrist will slip his favorite music icons within the frames of his work (most often with their names emblazoned on characters’ tee-shirts or in storefront signage). Such was the case in the Tuesday, December 3 edition of Nancy when Jason Crabb was highlighted.

Gilchrist, who resides in the Nashville area, has embedded his love for music within the strip, honoring artists such as Elvis, The Beatles, Charlie Daniels, Rascal Flatts, Patti Page, George Jones, Don McLean, and many more. A collection of these music-related strips were donated to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. They are currently on display as part of the larger, ongoing exhibit, “Nancy Loves Nashville,” at the Nashville International Airport, which will run through 2015.

Recognizing the Best in Christian Music: Dove Awards Airs on UP Tonight

Hosted by Amy Grant & Kirk Franklin, the Dove Awards airs tonight at 8 PM ET on UP and features performances by NEEDTOBREATHE, TobyMac, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Gaither Vocal Band, Jason Crabb, Tamela Mann and more.

Presenters include Candace Cameron Bure, Rusty & Julie Bulloch, Pastor Rick Warren, Joyce Meyer, Brandon Heath, Chonda Pierce, David Mann, Isaac Carree, Jaci Velasquez, Lecrae, Bart Millard (MercyMe), Mandisa and Montell Jordan.

Jason Crabb - Come On Down!

On the heels of his GRAMMY® Award win last week, Jason Crabb and his wife Shellye celebrated by visiting a taping of “The Price Is Right.”

While sitting in the studio audience, Jason was recognized by a contestant who spread the word of him being in attendance. Acknowledging Jason’s GRAMMY® win, “The Price Is Right” host Drew Carey congratulated him later in the taping. Afterward, Jason and Shellye were invited backstage. Jason’s appearance is slated to be featured on the March 12 broadcast of “The Price Is Right.”