HARMAN International Industries announced that two styles of JBL^®headphones designed in partnership with country music icon Tim McGraw will be available in May from the nation’s leading retailers. The JBL Artist Series headphones by McGraw are available in on-ear and in-ear styles and deliver an impressive acoustic performance at price points music lovers will find attractive.

McGraw is also the next “Hear the truth” artist for JBL, the first in a distinguished line-up of musicians to have a branded line of JBL audio gear that represents the campaign’s commitment to delivering quality products that reproduce music the way artists want it to be heard.

 “Music fans today should not compromise when it comes to sound,” said Dinesh C. Paliwal, chairman, president and CEO of HARMAN. “Our partnership with Tim McGraw shows that musicians want to deliver audio products that represent and emphasize the acoustic quality they work hard to achieve. We think Tim McGraw’s fans – and any music lover – will appreciate these custom-designed headphones for a performance that faithfully delivers music the way the artist intended.”

McGraw, who has 32 No. 1 hits to his credit, said he wants his fans “to hear and experience music the way I do. I’ve teamed up with JBL to create Artist Series headphones that have been tuned to do just that. Truth is in the details, and I’m proud to bring the truth with my own series of JBL headphones.”

The McGraw “Hear the truth” campaign will include national TV, print, online and tour components to support the launch of his JBL Artist Series headphones. Additionally, JBL is an official sponsor of McGraw’s upcoming tour supporting his latest No. 1 album, Emotional Traffic.

The Tim McGraw JBL Artist Series headphones are offered in two styles:

The on-ear headphones, which rest on the listener’s ears, include a comfort headband for lengthy listening periods, such as a cross-country flight. They have a wide dynamic range and excellent bass response to deliver robust, satisfying sound. The headphones fold smartly, ideal for carrying in a backpack or briefcase. The Tim McGraw on-ear headphones are available in black or white and have a suggested retail price of $129.95.

The in-ear headphones have a closed-back design to reduce outside noise so listeners hear music clearly at lower volume levels, which is healthier for the ears. The in-ear headphones ship with three styles of swappable silicon sleeves so users can adjust for a comfortable and snug fit for long listening periods. They have a wide dynamic range and excellent bass response to deliver a rewarding experience. The in-ear headphones include a Tim McGraw-branded carrying pouch, are available in black or white, and have a suggested retail price of $49.95.

The JBL Tim McGraw Artist Series headphones will be available at select Walmart stores, Walmart.com, Guitar Center and JBL.com.

Photo Credit: Kristin Barlowe

Platinum-selling country artist Rodney Atkins has partnered with Applebee’s to launch the world’s largest ongoing military thank you campaign, honoring veterans and active duty soldiers worldwide.  As Ambassador of the Thank You Movement, Rodney Atkins officially launched the campaign this morning with an exclusive announcement on NBC’s Today show, followed by a stellar live performance for an enthusiastic crowd of civilians, veterans and military organizations in New York’s Times Square.  Guests of honor at the event included representatives from Pinnacle Five, comprised of senior enlisted members from the all respective branches of the U.S. Military, as well as Disabled American Veterans (DAV) and Military.com—the largest military and veteran membership organization consisting of 10 million members. 

CMA Awards nominee Luke Bryan wrapped his third annual, “Farm Tour” over the weekend and performed for nearly 42,000 fans in the 6 cities-Clemson, South Carolina and Athens, Macon, Claxton, Valdosta and Carrollton, Georgia.

Local schools in all six towns will receive a “Luke Bryan Farm Tour Scholarship,” which will be given to a student from a farming family who is in financial need.  

Those colleges include:

Seneca, SC – Clemson University

Colbert, GA – University of Georgia

Macon, GA – Mercer University

Claxton, GA – Georgia Southern University

Valdosta, GA – Valdosta State University

Carrollton, GA – University of West Georgia

Great American Country’s “Top 20” and “Headline Country” shows were filmed during the Claxton show on Oct. 5. “GAC’s “Top 20” is set to air this Friday, Oct. 14 and “Headline Country” will air Thursday, Nov 3.  Also on Oct. 5, Luke was surprised with a plaque signifying that his current album tailgates & tanlines has been certified Gold® by the RIAA for sales of 500,000.  He also received a plaque for his first Platinum® single for sales of 1 million— the album’s lead smash hit “Country Girl (Shake It For Me),” which Luke co-wrote with fellow Georgian Dallas Davidson.

The idea for the Farm Tour concerts came from Luke as a way to give back to local farming communities by celebrating and lifting up the American Farmer and offering a fun escape with the outdoor shows.  DEKALB was the presenting sponsor.