James Otto Celebrates Release Of Zac Brown Band’s New Single “No Hurry”

James Otto, Zac Brown Band 1 Response »
Jan 192012
James Otto 1 - CountryMusicRocks.net

“When I got the call, my wife and I stopped what we were doing and started dancing around the kitchen of our house, we were so excited,” said singer/songwriter James Otto about the news his co-penned song “No Hurry” would be the new single release off of GRAMMY/CMA/ACM award-winning group the Zac Brown Band’s latest album, You Get What You Give. The heartening, ‘slow-down-and-smell-the-roses’ ballad is the fifth single from You Get What You Give and hits radio airwaves this week, joining the race to become the band’s tenth consecutive No. 1 single on country radio.

“No Hurry” was co-written by Otto, Zac Brown and long-time collaborator Wyatt Durrette, who is responsible for crafting many other ZBB hits including “Chicken Fried” and “Colder Weather.” Reminding listeners that life is too short not to make time for the people and experiences that matter most, the melodic violin-infused track’s chorus recites:

Ain’t in no hurry/Be a fool now to worry/About all those things I can’t change/And the time that I borrow Can wait till tomorrow/Cause I ain’t in no hurry/Ain’t in no hurry/Ain’t in no hurry today (Z. Brown, J. Otto, W. Durrette)

They are lyrics Otto has lived over the past year since welcoming new baby girl Ava Katherine into the world in the midst of transitioning from top-charting country star and GRAMMY-nominated singer and songwriter to “Daddy.” “When she came along, I realized it was time to slow down and focus on what really mattered to me in this life — and that was being there for those unrepeatable moments of her first steps, words and discoveries…and I’m still in ‘no hurry’ to let those little moments go,” he said.

Although Otto will always put family first, he’s planning on resuming his regular touring schedule in 2012 to promote his new music and current album Shake What God Gave Ya; and now, celebrating ZBB’s release of “No Hurry.”

“There’s nothing like the feeling of knowing one of the most successful bands in country music right now is going to release your song,” he said. “I’m simply blown away, and utterly humbled.”

For more information on James Otto, visit www.JamesOtto.net.

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 11:54 am Tagged with: ,

James Otto Celebrates Halloween With Mary And His “Little Lamb”

James Otto No Responses »
Nov 022011
Pictured from left to right: Amy Otto (Mary), Ava Otto (Little Lamb), James Otto (Farmer), Izzy Otto (Farm Dog).

Pictured from left to right: Amy Otto (Mary), Ava Otto (Little Lamb), James Otto (Farmer), Izzy Otto (Farm Dog).

Aside from being out on the road this fall making special  appearances on Reba’s “All The Women I Am” tour, country soul powerhouse James Otto is spending a lot of time at home with his daughter Ava who celebrated her first birthday in August.  Although he’s known for his larger-than-life stature and tough-man military attitude, Otto has a soft spot in his heart when it comes to his little girl.  Shamelessly, for Halloween on Monday, he dressed up as the farmer in Ava’s favorite nursery rhyme “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” and took Ava on a “hayride” around their neighborhood trick-or-treating in Nashville.

For more information on James Otto and to stay updated on his career happenings and impending tour dates visit www.jamesotto.net.
Posted by countrymusicrocks at 3:18 pm Tagged with: ,

James Otto Joins Steel Magnolia On Reba’s “All The Woman I Am Tour”

James Otto, Reba, Steel Magnolia No Responses »
Oct 212011
James Otto Reba All The Woman I Am Tour - CountryMusicRocks.net

James Otto will be making special guest appearances on select Reba’s All The Women I Am tour dates this fall.  Concert-goers can expect Otto to blend his rich vocals in a rare pairing with Steel Magnolia’s Meghan Linsey, as well as perform hits like “Just Got Started Lovin’ You,” and Jamey Johnson’s “In Color,” which he co-wrote with Johnson and Lee Thomas Miller.

Upcoming dates are as follows:

Oct 27 — Sioux City, IA  (Tyson Events Center)

Oct 28 — St Louis, MO  (Chaifetz Arena)

Nov 4. — Tulsa, OK  (BOK Center)

Nov 5 — Wichita, KS  (In Trust Bank Arena)

Nov 10 — Grand Rapids, MI  (Van Andrel )

Nov 11 — Evansville, IN  (Ford Center)

Nov 12 — Atlanta, GA  (The Arena at Gwinnett)

Nov 17 — Lafayette , LA  (Cajundome)

Nov 18 — Biloxi , MS  (Mississippi  Coast )

Nov 19 —  Tupelo, MS  (Bancorp South Arena)

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 12:47 pm

Country Artists Take To Social Media About The Passing Of Apple’s Co-Founder – Steve Jobs

Carter's Chords, Chris Young, Eric Paslay, James Otto, Jaron And The Long Road To Love, JT Hodges, LeAnn Rimes, Rascal Flatts No Responses »
Oct 052011
Apple Steve Jobs - CountryMusicRocks.net

Apple’s Co-Founder & Former CEO, Steve Jobs, passed away today, Wednesday October 5, at the age of 56 after a battle with cancer.  Steve’s creativity and innovation was beyond amazing.  His inspiration & brilliance has impacted, and will continue to impact, millions of lives on a daily basis.  Thoughts and prayers as well as sincere condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. 

Country Stars took to social media upon hearing the news of the passing of Steve Jobs. 

LeAnn Rimes: RIP Steve Jobs…..what an innovator. This world will miss him

Eric Paslay: Can’t believe the news about Steve Jobs! Thoughts and prayers for his family

Joe Don Rooney/Rascal Flatts: Steve Jobs passed away. Sad loss but his legacy will live forever. My thoughts & prayers are with his family & friends at this time

James Otto: So Sad Steve Jobs died today! As a mac geek this is Truly sad news! He was a visionary that will never be replaced!

Chris Young: RIP Steve Jobs- sent from my iPhone

JT Hodges: His undeniable passion and vision created one of the greatest cultural phenomenon this world has ever seen. Although Steve Jobs time has passed, he will never die

Jaron ATLRTL: iCrushed. RIP Steve Jobs.  Wondering why I’m so saddened by the passing of Steve Jobs… I realize he was the cool uncle who brought the coolest gifts every time he showed up. RIP uncle Steve.

Billy Ray Cyrus: What the mind of man can conceive and believe… it can achieve. Great work Steve Jobs !!! Couldn’t Tweet Without ya. Rest In Peace.

CartersChord: RIP Steve Jobs. You challenged the norm and took creativity to new heights & depths. The world won’t be the same.

Taylor Swift: I never met Steve Jobs, but I always wanted to. What a tragic loss. I can’t believe it. About to call my family and tell them I love them.

Brad Paisley: I am glad I get to live in the world Steve Jobs enhanced.

Laura Bell Bundy: Steve Jobs, Thank u for ur genius & incredible advancements in technology … & allowing me to literally work anywhere. #ripstevejobs  Steve Jobs definitely defined my generation…

Jay DeMarcus/Rascal Flatts: Sad to hear about Steve Jobs.. What a true visionary… Thoughts and prayers go out to his family…

“Let’s go invent tomorrow rather than worrying about what happened yesterday.” – Steve Jobs (May 2007).

 

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 8:37 pm

James Otto To Honor Heroes Throughout Month Of September

James Otto No Responses »
Sep 122011
James Otto 1 - CountryMusicRocks.net

In remembrance of the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th attacks yesterday, country star James Otto has committed to honoring our heroes throughout the month of September by inviting fans to post personal stories and photos about their own heroes on his website. So far he has nearly 200 submissions about active or veteran military, police/fire personnel, paramedics, nurses, doctors, etc. who have individually touched lives in a special way.

A personal statement on James’ website reads, “For several months since my USO Tour in April, I’ve been thinking about what we can do as a community to show our gratitude to our military and civil personnel who sacrifice their lives for us every day… therefore my vision is for this [website] to be a place for your heroes to be publicly honored and shown proper gratitude for their self-sacrifice. Thanks in advance to everyone who takes part – can’t wait to read your stories.”

In addition, James has volunteered to randomly select one fan’s story from each market where he has a scheduled show in September, and give them two tickets to his show where he’ll personally dedicate his song “Soldiers and Jesus” to the hero and their family chosen on stage.

“I know it’s not much,” he said. “But I feel it’s the least I can do to show my sincere thanks to those who make the ultimate sacrifice, in memory of the Sept. 11th victims.”

To submit a special story about a loved one, visit www.jamesotto.net.

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 2:38 pm

Colt Ford Presents Check For $85,000 To Families Of Wounded & Fallen Police Officers

Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Corey Smith, James Otto, Jason Aldean No Responses »
Aug 302011
Pictured (Left to Right; front row): Colt Ford and Sergeant Courtney Gale, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and NobleHeroes Board Member; (second row) David Griffeth, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Melissa Christian, wife of fallen officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian; (third row) Paulette Watkins, Charlie Upchurch, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, and Major Mark Sizemore, Athens-Clarke County Police

Pictured (Left to Right; front row): Colt Ford and Sergeant Courtney Gale, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and NobleHeroes Board Member; (second row) David Griffeth, Athens-Clarke County Police Department and Melissa Christian, wife of fallen officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian; (third row) Paulette Watkins, Charlie Upchurch, Coldwell Banker Upchurch Realty, and Major Mark Sizemore, Athens-Clarke County Police

The August 16, 2011 “Colt Ford & Friends” Athens, Georgia benefit concert held at Georgia Theatre featuring Ford alongside Rhett Akins, Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Mike Dekle, Edwin McCain, James Otto, and special guests Rachel Farley, Brantley Gilbert, and Corey Smith successfully raised $85,000 and counting to benefit NobleHeroes Foundation in an effort to supply much needed help to the families of fallen Senior Police Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian and wounded Senior Officer Tony Howard. 

“A community came together for a great cause,” says Ford.  “I’m just happy we were able to put some smiles on the faces of the family members who have gone through so much this year already.”

Ford hopes his community and fans will continue to pay tribute to the heroes with endless support for NobleHeroes as well as prayers and assistance to the families. 

For more information, visit www.coltford.com. To make a donation, please visit www.nobleheroes.org.

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 6:47 am

Colt Ford & Friends Benefit Concert Raises Over $85,000 For Fallen & Injured Police Officers’ Families

Brantley Gilbert, Colt Ford, Corey Smith, James Otto, Jason Aldean 1 Response »
Aug 182011
Colt Ford & Friends Benefit Concert - Photo Dan Harr - CountryMusicRocks.net

Photo Courtesy Dan Harr

It was an incredible evening filled with music, camaraderie, and vivacity as country music artist and Athens, Georgia native Colt Ford welcomed friends Rhett Akins, Jason Aldean, Dallas Davidson, Mike Dekle, Edwin McCain, James Otto, and surprise guests Brantley Gilbert, Rachel Farley, and Corey Smith to the recently rebuilt Georgia Theatre stage on Tuesday, August 16 to raise money for the families of fallen Senior Officer Elmer “Buddy” Christian and surviving Senior Officer Tony Howard. The emotionally-charged sold-out event attracted over 200 people to a private reception and silent auction at the Hotel Indigo’s Rialto Room for a pre-show celebration before the crowd of 1,100 enjoyed an evening featuring all the artists ‘in the round’ with Ford’s band backing the performances.  Altogether, the evening raised over $85,000 for the families, with monies still being donated in the wake of the performances.

The aptly titled “Colt Ford and Friends” event was conceived after Ford learned of a shooting earlier this year in his community that left his high school friend, Senior Officer Howard, injured and resulted in the death of Senior Officer Christian, leaving both families at a financial disadvantage in the tough economy.  In less than one month, Ford organized the fundraiser and called in friends to help him pay tribute to Christian’s memory. 

Ford shares, “I want to say thank you to all of my friends who helped us have such a special night in my hometown. To all the artists who joined in to perform or who donated items to help raise money, y’all are amazing, and I am thankful to call you all friends.  This could not have happened without y’all.” 

Ford received autographed guitars from Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, and Carrie Underwood, as well as an autographed stage shirt from Keith Urban, ticket and meet-and-greet packages from Aldean and Eric Church, Adams Golf clubs, autographed R.E.M. package including limited edition vinyls, autographed merchandise from Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Kid Rock and NASCAR’s David Ragan, a 4-day TravAmerica vacation to Cancun from Janice Brockmeyer, a luxury stay in the Hotel Indigo Athens’ Presidential Suite, along with many more items.

The evening held several special moments with one of the most memorable being Aldean, Ford, and Gilbert’s performance of the No. 1 hit (penned by Ford and Gilbert), “Dirt Road Anthem.” Ford reminisced saying, “The first time we ever did this song was me and Brantley right here [on the Georgia Theatre stage],” before turning to Aldean and sharing, “but thank you for taking this song to No. 1 for us!”

Aldean chimed in, “I want to thank these two guys right here for writing this song. It was a hit before I ever recorded it, so thank you both.” The rendition opened with Aldean performing the first verse, followed by Ford and Gilbert’s unique adaptation of the song’s second and third verses.

The evening closed after nearly three hours of music with Ford thanking the crowd for their extraordinary support. “A very special ‘thank you’ to all fans that came out to show and have been praying for the families and this community…I love y’all so much.”

Ford will present a check to NobleHeroes, a nonprofit organization created to assist the honorable men and women of public safety in America, on Monday, August 22 in Athens, Georgia with all the proceeds from the silent auction, tickets, and donations going to the families.  To make a donation online, please visit www.nobleheroes.org.  For additional images from the evening, please stay tuned to ColtFord.com. 

Photo Courtesy Dan Harr

Photo Courtesy Dan Harr

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 8:02 am

Country Stars React To The Tragedy At The Indiana State Fair

Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Brantley Gilbert, Chuck Wicks, David Nail, Dierks Bentley, Easton Corbin, Edens Edge, Gloriana, Jake Owen, James Otto, Jason Aldean, Jimmy Wayne, Keith Urban, Laura Bell Bundy, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, Miranda Lambert, Neal McCoy, Randy Houser, Reba, Sara Evans, Steel Magnolia, Sugarland, The Farm No Responses »
Aug 142011
Indiana-State-Fiar-Stage-Collapse-Sugarland-Video

Country Stars took to social media last night after hearing about the unfortunate tragedy at the Sugarland Concert.  Due to severe weather conditions, the stage collapsed causing multiple injuries, some life threatening, and at this time has claimed 5 lives.

In true form, country artists come together and offer their thoughts, prayers & condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

Blake Shelton: My prayers to the people at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis…. Absolutely shocking and hard to comprehend… Beyond belief…

Jake Owen: Every guy in our crew has thoughts and prayers going out to folks at Indiana State Fair and our friends @Sugarlandmusic.

Edens Edge: Prayers to everyone at the IN state fair. It’s so scary when a stage collapses…. HB

Laura Bell Bundy: My thoughts & prayers go out to the Sugarland fans in Indianapolis as well as Kristian, Jen & the @sugarland band/team. tragic

Gloriana: Thoughts and prayers goin out to everyone at the @Sugarlandmusic concert at the Indiana state fair 2day. We are sending our love to u all -G

David Nail: We are with you Indianapolis, we were just there! Prayers your way! Huge knot in stomach, feeling completely sick watching/reading about Indy! All of us in Idaho are praying for ya!

Reba: What happened in Indianapolis tonight is what promoters, artists, crews and fans pray never happens. From my band, crew and the entire Starstruck organization, we send our thoughts and prayers to the 4 people who lost their lives tonight and to everyone who was at the concert . Jennifer and Kristen, I love you both.

Hunter Hayes: Praying for everyone at the fair in Indianapolis. Our thoughts are with you all tonight!

Neal McCoy: I’m so sorry about what happened at the Sugarland concert,,,;our thoughts and prayers go out to everyone involved

Chuck Wicks: The band and myself just watched the horrible footage of the Indiana State Fair…shocking. Thoughts and Prayers to anyone involved.

Martina McBride: So sad to hear about the State Fair in Indianapolis. Our prayers are with Sugarland, their fans, and all the personnel working there.  And most importantly, our prayers are with the families of the injured and the families of the four people who were killed.

Keith Urban: “I just saw the footage from Indiana State Fair tonight on youtube and am absolutely in shock. We send our prayers and thoughts to each and everyone of you who were there and your families and loved ones as well. God bless you all” – KU

Dierks Bentley: man… my heart goes out to all the country fans at the Indiana state fair. praying for you all….

Sara Evans: Omgosh! Just heard about the stage at Sugarland concert! My prayers are with everyone involved! :(

Jason Aldean: Just saw the video of stage collapse last nite at the Sugarland concert. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families of the people who were killed and injured. Unbelievable!

Miranda Lambert: Rainy in hamburg NY. The show must go on. Our prayers our with the Indiana people who suffered from the storm yesterday.

Brad Paisley: Really sad about the sugarland stage collapse. What a tragedy.

LeAnn Rimes: My heart goes out to everyone who experienced the horrific event at the Indiana St. Fair last night. Prayers for the families that lost loved ones.

Brantley Gilbert: Our thoughts and prayers go out to the 5 people who lost their lives yesterday in Indianapolis @ the Indiana State Fair due to a stage collapse…. R.I.P.

Randy Houser: Saddened to hear what happened in Indianapolis last night. Please pray for @sugarland band and crew and families of lost and injured.

James Otto: What a tragic thing that happened tonight in Indiana! I pray for all parties involved!

Easton Corbin: My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone that was injured and killed at the Indiana State Fair tonight.

Jimmy Wayne: Everyone take a minute to say a prayer for the survivors and the family & friends of those who lost their lives in Indy yesterday when the stage fell during the concert. This is horrible news! Indy has a country music fan base that’s outta this world! Rock on Indy!

Steel Magnolia: So sad to hear about the lives lost and those injured at the Sugarland concert in Indianapolis. Our prayers go out to their families.Xo Meg

The Farm: Sending thoughts & prayers 2 the 4 people who lost their lives tonight their families & 2 everyone who was @ the concert in Indianapolis…

 

 

 

Posted by countrymusicrocks at 10:37 am
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