tag:luannehunt.com,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=1Latest News2024-03-01T08:51:29-08:00Luanne Huntfalsetag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/73601052024-03-01T08:51:29-08:002024-03-01T08:51:29-08:00"If You See Peace" wins Best Original Song<p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Luanne's song, “If You See Peace”, was chosen as "Best Original Song" (Special Interest/Historical Topic) by the prestigious Round the Globe Film and Music Festival, whose mission is to inspire hope, encouragement and global healing to the world through cinema and music.</span></p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/72046462023-05-07T16:30:53-07:002023-10-16T07:52:47-07:00Luanne Scores Fourth Josie Awards Nomination<p>Luanne will be headed to the Grand Old Opry in October for the Josie Music Awards, as she has scored a nomination for Song of the Year for “Dear God.” This is Luanne's 4th nomination from the largest independent awards show in the world.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/69419802022-04-06T12:21:25-07:002022-04-06T12:22:39-07:00"Brave American Girl" Debuts at No. 1<p>"Brave American Girl," a song Luanne was commissioned to write in tribute to women veterans, debuted at No. 1 this week on the Airplay Express patriotic chart, which is compiled by downloads and radio spins on stations around the world.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/69419792022-04-06T12:16:07-07:002022-04-06T12:17:54-07:00Luanne Wins World Songwriting Award<p>A big congrats to Luanne for winning a World Songwriting Award (Best Rock Song) for her latest single, "Midnight Rain & Roses," a track off her 21st studio album, "Portraits in Song."</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/68670142022-01-12T13:58:10-08:002022-01-12T13:58:49-08:00"Portraits in Song" Releases in February<p>Luanne's 21st studio album, "Portraits in Song" will be available for streaming and downloading on worldwide digital music platforms on February 1, 2022.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/67153512021-08-13T07:36:35-07:002021-08-13T07:37:30-07:00"Crazy Dreams" Goes to No. !<p>After several weeks of climing the New Music Weekly country charts, Luanne's current single, "Crazy Dreams," hit No. 1 on the the Indie Music Chart and the regional chart for the central United States. It is currently at No. 2 on the main chart and still climbing.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/63866302020-07-17T17:28:48-07:002020-07-17T17:28:48-07:00"We Rise" Submitted for Grammy Award Consideration<p>Luanne's hit, Inspirational song "We Rise" has been submitted for Grammy Award consideration. </p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/63199172020-05-17T08:22:10-07:002020-05-17T08:23:49-07:00Trailblazing Indie Artist Luanne Hunt Sweeps Us Away with “We Rise,” A Modern Anthem of Pure Sonic Bliss <p>Review by Garth Thomas, Hollywood Digest</p>
<p>Luanne Hunt doesn’t need extra bells and whistles. She doesn’t require extra autotune or the latest sample. Her voice and a few backing instruments are as powerful as an arena full of voices in the profound single “We Rise”. Hunt, one of indie music’s hardest working trailblazers, shines, as always, in her newest release. </p>
<p>The first few moments in “We Rise” are soft reminders of gathering thoughts. As the piano keys begin to play and a warm, acoustic guitar brushes against the piano, it’s almost as if it’s the sound of seeing a Disney meadow for the first time. All the green is as green as you’ve ever seen, all the blues are the bluest you’ve ever witnessed. Breathe in. Breathe out. Hunt’s voice is high and lovely. She’s not a caricature of a Disney princess or songstress, but she’s light, she’s fun and she’s endearing. </p>
<p>Her voice moves above the piano with each lyric. When she sings, “Find purpose in the rain” she calls to mind the idea that as much as we think our plans are being rained on, or it’s a dreary day, she’s saying that the grass needs the rain, the flowers need the rain. The rain has purpose. And we will get through the dark days. I have to change my attitude and well, rise up (and wise up). This song gave me that joy and that simple reminder. </p>
<p>The chorus of “We Rise” is anthemic. And just under Hunt’s emphatic voice are the sounds of many, a plethora of humming that creates a balloon of sonic bliss. The balloon never pops, but rather keeps going up, up, up and away. “We Rise” has such simplicity, yet delivers a powerful and poignant message. I felt awakened and energized after just the first listen. </p>
<p>Fans that love the Andra Day song “Rise Up” should take a chance on Luanne Hunt’s “We Rise”. Listeners that prefer the 60s magic of “Age Of Aquarius” might even dig this tune. I’m positive that Hunt’s country fans will stick with her and love “We Rise”. The need to feel something, to connect with the listener is definitely present in Hunt’s tune. She’s crafted a song that is inspiring and entertaining. </p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/57997902019-06-21T15:13:41-07:002019-07-26T12:10:55-07:00"Backroads, Bottles & Blues" Earns Two Josie Award Nominations<p>Out of 20,000 submissions, Luanne's CD, "Backroads, Bottles & Blues," and the lead single from the project, "The Rhythm," have been nominated for Album of the Year and Traditional Country Song of the Year by the Josie Music Awards. This award show is the largest one anywhere for Independent artists and every year, they hold an awards ceremony to announce the winners at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, TN.Congrats to Dave Berg and Tim Thompson, songwriters of "The Rhythm." Also sending out a big thank you to everyone involved in the production of this album - Eric Uglum, Joe Eiffert, Hal Ratliff, Roger Gillespie, Christian Ward, Austin Ward, Steve Hunt, Stephanie Hillstock, Steven Bankey and Donna Turpin Brendel. Because of all of you, making this record was the experience of a lifetime!!</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/57997892019-06-21T15:11:54-07:002019-06-21T15:14:01-07:005-Star Review for "The Night He Came to Town"<p><strong><span class="font_large">Luanne Hunt and Dave Ward Channel Dylan in Poetic and Powerful, “The Night He Came to Town” </span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span class="font_large">By The Faulkner Review</span></strong></p>
<p>Luanne Hunt's recording of “The Night He Came To Town” is a country/folk ballad written by Canadian songwriter, Dave Ward. The song begins with a spoken word poetry excerpt, setting the tone for the poetic lyrics that follow. </p>
<p>From the opening lines, there is a Dylan-esque depth to the words which seem to depict Judgement Day, or at least a vision of it: <em>"The clouds rolled in, the rain came down, thunder roared, it shook the ground, dead men rose from all around the night he came to town...". </em></p>
<p>Luanne delivers these powerful lines with an authentic, charismatic voice, backed by acoustic guitar by Eric Uglum and electric guitar courtesy of Joe Eiffert. It also features some fine fiddle playing throughout by Christian Ward (no relation to the songwriter), who is one of Nashville's most sought-after studio and touring musicians. </p>
<p>The haunting lead vocal melody is what stands out most of all though, perfectly mirroring the moral gravity and apocalyptic style of the lyrics. Both Christian Ward and Joe Eiffert get to shine at certain points with succinct solos on their respective instruments. </p>
<p>Overall, this is a very well-written country folk song performed beautifully by Luanne. The storytelling aspect of the finest country and folk music is brought back to the fore with this release and rightly so. </p>
<p>Its grave and solemn lyrical message will particularly resonate with those of a Christian faith, but the appeal of this song is universal and should bring Luanne Hunt another deserved success in her long and distinguished career.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/57787532019-06-03T15:19:43-07:002019-06-04T07:46:33-07:00TEE-SHIRTS & MUGS NOW AVAILABLE!<p><span class="font_large">Luanne's new "Simmer Down and Turn Up That Country Music" tee-shirts and coffee mugs are now available. Follow this link to her STORE page to purchase yours! Tee-shirt color is White and shirt comes in S, M, L, XL and XXL.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="Purchase Tee" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store">Purchase Tee Here</a></span></p>
<p> </p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/56882882019-03-21T12:01:54-07:002019-03-21T12:03:11-07:00Luanne's Land Podcast Welcomes Frankie Avalon<p>Throughout recent history, there have been quite a few teen idols but perhaps none so suave and debonair as the legendary Frankie Avalon. Although his heyday in the 1950s and 60s has long passed, the 78-year-old movie star and recording artist seems to still have the power to set hearts aflutter at his live concerts.</p>
<p>Listen to his candid and entertaining interview with Luanne Hunt on her popular program, "Luanne's Land Podcast." </p>22:52Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/56574982019-02-24T10:23:26-08:002019-02-24T10:23:26-08:00"The Rhythm" Tops the UK Charts Two Consecutive Weeks<p>"The Rhythm," the debut single from Luanne's new CD "Backroads, Bottles & Blues" reached No. 1 this week for the second week in a row on the UK's premier Airplay Express country chart. This fantastic tune was written by Tim Thompson and Dave Berg, former producer of "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno."</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/56183662019-01-29T12:18:05-08:002019-01-29T12:20:07-08:00"Backroads, Bottles & Blues" - An Amazing Adventure<p>Review by Noah Penza, Fresh Out of the Booth </p>
<p>Hall of Famer and legendary country recording artist Luanne Hunt has released her new EP, “Backroads, Bottles & Blues.” The project combines modern music with country and is executed so well. </p>
<p>Hunt often confesses her love for country music and the world that circulates it in her EP, such as the great American country backroads and the bottles found at the gigs she play at. But what’s most important is the blues, and the true meaning of country music. </p>
<p>To get an initial feel for the style, the opening track, “The Rhythm,” engages the audience with a composition that’s a country song with a modern twist and contemporary references. </p>
<p>Track No. 2, Truckstops & Honkytonks.” is a personal favorite of mine due to the strong clear and crisp vocals, right down to the flawlessly played acoustic guitar. </p>
<p>Following “Truckstops & Honkytonks” is the ballad, “Broken Branches.” The percussion in the opening welcomes you and prepares you to focus on Hunt's glorious vocals. This song is all around perfection as it taps into (the idea of) broken branches, a metaphor for a broken relationship, whether it be interpreted about a friend, work colleague or a lover. </p>
<p>“Lightning in a Bottle,” which features the great Steven Bankey, is next up and is a true, foot-tapper. The glorious keys with the mix of strings make this is a one-of-a-kind track. </p>
<p>“Old Tobacco Road” starts off with a simple whistle but grows into a greatly complex composition with the glorious vocals provided by Hunt, along with that heavenly-sounding acoustic guitar and simple drums. The track sounds like a memoir reminiscent of Hunt's childhood. </p>
<p>“Whiskey Wisdom” is a powerful track about the complications that come with alcohol. The opening harmonica acts as a motif throughout the composition and ties in nicely with the somewhat gloomy lines, such as "His best friend is Jack Daniels." </p>
<p>“Love Led Us Here,” the final track on this EP, ties in nicely with the themes discovered within the EP and is immensely soothing and relaxing to listen to. </p>
<p>“Backroads, Bottles & Blues” has been an amazing adventure and I feel as if I have grown up with Hunt after listening to the tracks. If you're a fan of country music, looking to get into country music, or just looking to try new things, I suggest her new EP.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/55947952019-01-14T06:52:43-08:002019-01-29T12:18:58-08:00Rave Review for "Backroads, Bottles & Blues" <p>Review by Bob Everhart, National Traditional Country Music Association (NTCMA)</p>
<p>Wow, I've been waiting for “Backroads, Bottles & Blues” for a long time. I can finally say, 'Hey Nashville, take a few steps back while a real country song and artist takes front and center stage. Well, maybe not just a few steps, take a lot of steps back, (because) here's a country album that a whole big bunch of people have been waiting for a long time to hear." </p>
<p>This review is going to be hard for me because it contains so many of the elements that made country music in America such a beloved genre of music and certainly a musical style and treat we don't hear anymore on “so-called” country radio. The very first track on Luanne’s CD, “The Rhythm,” is the best song on this album. It has all the elements that a true country music lover is always looking for. The fiddle is back but it's not just a background instrument. It takes a forceful lead that’s just right for the melody line and is done so incredibly well, you'd think you'd just taken a step back in time. </p>
<p>There's also a great piano player on this session too. It sounds like an old upright, and honky-tonk for sure, and the style this player is using brings it to the forefront, (making it) so easy to listen to. The electric guitar also is there and it's honky-tonkin' too. Drums (are on the track) too, but tastefully done in the background, not as a lead instrument. All the elements are on this one and best of all is Luanne Hunt’s incredibly good 'hillbilly voice' that fits this music so very nicely. She brings the true country sound back to us and has that 'just right' drawl that makes her country. But she has a beautiful voice, too, that totally complements the song. </p>
<p>"The Rhythm" has all the words that are missing in today's “so-called” country music. It's also interesting because it was written by Dave Berg, co-producer of NBC's "Tonight Show" during all the Jay Leno years. So why is he writing country music? He always has and this 'gem' is one that Nashville should be scared of because it could very well take all of the true country music fans right back where they want to be.....among real country music. </p>
<p>Nashville can call Australian rock and roll country music, but they aren't quite sure, huh? Luanne Hunt can sing a country song and the instant you hear it you KNOW this is what we liked about country music in the past so much. One thing is sure, corporate decision makers still control all that they own, but they don't own Luanne Hunt, so I'll be looking forward to something wonderful to happen to her with this release. </p>
<p>There also are some incredibly good additional country songs on “Backroads, Bottles & Blues,” most of them written by Steve Hunt, Luanne's husband. On these tracks, we get to hear some incredibly good harmonica, as well as the other typical country music instruments. </p>
<p>This whole session takes us through a wonderful trip down memory lane, as well as a step forward in how real country music could sound today. </p>
<p>Much congratulations to Luanne Hunt, her husband Steve and Dave Berg for giving us the opportunity to restore our faith in the American country (music) spirit.</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/55271432018-11-25T13:50:20-08:002018-11-25T13:50:20-08:00Patsy Cline's Lost Christmas Song Re-Release On Star 1 Records<p>Silicon Valley -- Following the success of Luanne Hunt and Steven Bankey’s No. 1 single, “Lighting In A Bottle,” Star 1 Records re-releases Hunt’s popular holiday song, “Christmas Without You” (a.k.a. “Patsy Cline’s Lost Christmas Song”), through Universal Music’s worldwide distribution channels. </p>
<p>The tune, which was recorded by Hunt in 2008 and included on the singer’s “How Christmas Feels to Me” CD, recently landed on Dagens Nyheter’s (Sweden’s largest daily newspaper) list of Top 25 Christmas Songs of All-Time. It also has been featured on popular social media sites, such as Universal Music’s UDiscover Music, Country Rebel and Country Music Nation. </p>
<p>"Luanne continues to impress with her interpretation of this beautifully written song,” said Laura Patterson, owner of Star 1 Records. “It's easy to see how it has become a favorite Christmas classic and we are honored to re-release it worldwide on Star 1 Records." fill out the Holiday Contest Form on the homepage of her </p>
<p>“Christmas Without You” was originally written for the late, legendary country singer Patsy Cline by Lawton Jiles and Charles (Buster) Beam in 1960. According to Jiles, Cline never had the opportunity to record it the way it was originally intended and was heartbroken she was unable to give her fans a signature Christmas song. </p>
<p>“Buster and I wrote the song on Patsy’s request and she loved it,” said Jiles, who also has written songs for Hunt, Porter Wagoner and Janie Fricke. “She took it to her label and they weren’t really looking for a Christmas song, so they asked me and Buster to change the lyrics to something non-seasonal. It became ‘How Can I Face Tomorrow?,’ which wound up not doing very well on the charts. Patsy was very upset, to say the least.” </p>
<p>Along with its Dagens Nyheter honor, “Christmas Without You” has racked up a number of other impressive accolades, including topping the European Country Music Association chart in France, Denmark and Austria in December of 2011. It also was the second most played song in Europe that month and has frequently made the Top 10 list on Sounds of Christmas radio. </p>
<p>In 2015, the popular U.S. magazines, Autostraddle and Truckers News, named the song among it’s top holiday songs of the year. </p>
<p>“Luanne has done great justice to ‘Christmas Without You,’” said Sleeping Bag Studios. “Thanks to the timeless writing, the gorgeous sound in the music and Luanne’s endlessly sweet sincerity, I’m pretty sure we’ll all end up feeling the same way about this effort and be glad she took the time to save this tune and give it the life it deserves.” </p>
<p>“Christmas Without You” was produced by Eric Uglum (Alison Krauss, Ron Block, Ralph Stanley, Cherryholmes and Nickel Creek). </p>
<p>“I’ll never forget the day I recorded Patsy’s lost Christmas song,” said Hunt, who has scored numerous, No. 1 hits on country charts around the world. “I was standing there at the studio mic hoping that she was smiling down on me. I know her version would have been phenomenal, but I hope her fans will accept my recording and see it mostly as a tribute to one of the greatest country artists there ever was or ever will be.”</p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/54189652018-09-07T07:28:50-07:002018-09-28T08:33:23-07:00New CD Drops October 8, 2018<p>Luanne's 14th studio CD, "Backroads, Bottles & Blues" is set to be released Tuesday, October 8 for worldwide streaming and distribution. Preview the tracks on the home page of her website.</p>
<p>ALBUM NOTES:</p>
<p>They say that art is subjective but I have never really bought into that notion - not when it comes to great works of art, anyway. As an example, take the song “Yesterday” by the Beatles. Who would be foolish enough to embarrass themselves by saying that’s not a musical masterpiece? Whether it’s music, a painting, or any other artistic creation, there’s a certain level of quality that cannot be denied. Over my 20-plus years of writing, producing and recording songs, I have worked to find that magical formula, believing that if my music was “that good,” it would surely bring me the success I’ve been intending. </p>
<p>Interestingly, when the first single from this CD, “Lighting In A Bottle,” was released in the spring of 2018, it took off like a rocket. The duet, which I co-wrote and performed with Steven Bankey, has that undeniable magic I’m referring to. Like most hit songs, it takes you somewhere and leaves you wanting more. I believe the other six tracks on “Backroads, Bottles & Blues” are just as special and without a doubt the best songs I’ve ever produced and recorded. Creatively, I am satisfied because I know that I have finally reached that level of excellence I have been striving for. No subjectivity applies. LOL!!! </p>
<p>As you experience this recording, know that you are listening to literally some of the finest musicians in the world - Hal Ratliff (keys), Austin Ward (bass), Christian Ward (fiddle), Roger Gillespie (drums), Joe Eiffert (lead guitar) and Eric Uglum (rhythm guitar, harmony vocals). All of these guys have played with an array of the biggest names in show business and I am incredibly fortunate to have them on my team. </p>
<p>I also have been blessed tenfold to have Stephanie Hillstock and Donna Brendel (The Luettes) as my superstar background singers. These ladies are the realization of a dream for me and honestly, the dream is even greater than I ever imagined. Several other singers and musicians contributed to this CD and provided the “icing on the cake.” Many, many thanks to Abrie Mikkelson, Paul Peterson, Jourdyn Blair, Leon Vanegmond, Brian Freeland, Toby Wilson and Julian Andre Thomas. I also would like to extend special gratitude to Dave Berg and Tim Thompson, who co-wrote “The Rhythm.” It’s one helluva hit and I can’t believe I am the one who has been lucky enough to debut it on a world stage. </p>
<p> My husband and collaborator Steve Hunt deserves mountains of praise for his spectacular songwriting talents. I’d really be nowhere without the tunes he has written for me. And I really don’t have proper words to express how grateful I am to have Steven Bankey as a duet partner and co-writer. I knew Steven was something special the first time I heard him sing, so working with him has been an honor of epic proportions. </p>
<p>Lastly, but not least, my gratitude runs deep for Laura Patterson and Sherry Lynn Bradshaw-Torix of Star 1 Records. These two “angels” showed up in my life at the exact right moment and their support has meant more than they will ever know. </p>
<p> Happy listening, my friends! </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/54091072018-08-31T07:24:08-07:002018-09-07T07:36:33-07:00Peter Frampton Podcast Now Available for Streaming<p>Luanne's Land Podcast , which recently launched in early August, 2018, has already welcomed the likes of legendary rocker, Peter Frampton, Oak Ridge Boy, Joe Bonsall, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, Jimmy Webb and country star, Shooter Jennings. </p>
<p>Click on the link to hear the shows:</p>
<p><a contents="Listen to Luanne's Land Podcast Here" data-link-label="Luanne's Land Podcast" data-link-type="page" href="/luanne-s-land-podcast"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Listen to </span></a><a contents="Luannes Land Podcast" data-link-label="Luanne's Land Podcast" data-link-type="page" href="/luanne-s-land-podcast"><span style="color:#e74c3c;">Luannes Land Podcast</span></a></p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/53523982018-07-18T14:10:35-07:002018-09-07T07:37:22-07:00New - "The Lightning Shuffle" Line Dance!<p><span class="font_xl"><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="zs2SFtWhuYk" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/zs2SFtWhuYk/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zs2SFtWhuYk?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">VIDEO INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS AND PERFORMANCE OF DANCE</span></p>Luanne Hunttag:luannehunt.com,2005:Post/53519382018-07-18T09:17:04-07:002018-09-07T07:38:06-07:00Luanne Scores 4th American Songwriting Awards Win!<p>In early July, Luanne's duet with Steven Bankey, "Lightning In A Bottle," won an American Songwriting Award in the Country Category. This is Luanne's 4th win from the organization.</p>Luanne Hunt