Everyone’s busy for the upcoming holiday, and we know you have missed out a lot in what’s happening in the world of country music. But, you don’t have to worry folks, we got your back. Today, we feature the top five hot stories of this week.

Alabama turns 50 in 2019, Anniversary Tour Starts January

In 1969, three cousins from Fort Payne, Alabama, began their journey in country music. Now, they are ready to celebrate their 50th anniversary in 2019. Alabama will be headlining a tour at the start of the coming year. The band will begin their tour on January 10, in Detroit, Michigan. Joining them are Charlie Daniels Band, Oak Ridge Boys, Tracy Lawrence, and more. You can check their website to stay updated about the upcoming tour next year.

Jerry Chesnut, Country Songwriter, dies at 87

The songwriter Jerry Chesnut who wrote hit songs for Willie Nelson, Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, and many more died last December 15, 2018, at his home in Brentwood, Tennessee. Before his death, he was already experiencing respiratory problems last October.

Chestnut was a talented songwriter who wrote “Good Year for the Roses,” a George Jones hit single, “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” a single Elvis Presley made famous and “Another, Place Another Time,” a song Jerry Lee Lewis was nominated for a Grammy’s.

In 1992, Chesnut was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Family and friends of Chesnut gathered together at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home and Memorial Park to remember Chesnut.

More Artists Added to Willie Nelson’s Tribute Concert

On January 12, line-up artists will all gather together to perform on a tribute concert for country music’s legend, Willie Nelson. The tribute concert, Willie: Life & Songs of an American Outlaw, will take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

It was recently announced that Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Jimmy Buffet, Bobby Bare, Emmylou Harris, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, Micah Nelson, Ray Benson, Steve Earle, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Margo Price will join other artists who were announced previously.

Tickets are still available online, at the Bridgestone Arena box office, and via phone (800-745-3000).

Ronnie Milsap Announces Upcoming Tour For Next Year

This coming year, Ronnie Milsap has many things to celebrate. As the year begins, he will be celebrating his 76 birthday. Furthermore, his upcoming 76 for 76 Tour begins on the day of his birthday, which means it’s going to be one big celebration.

Visit Ronnie Milsap’s official website to check for tour schedules, and to purchase tickets.

Two days after the kickstart of his tour, January 18, Milsap’s album The Duet’s will be out. The album is a collection of best-known songs from different country singers. Expect to hear collaborations with country artists George Strait, Willie Nelson, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Bryan, Dolly Parton, Jason Aldean, and many more. Therefore, stay tuned, folks!

The Voice Season 15 is Over, Chevel Shepherd Brought Home the Prize

Country music surely rules because country singer Chevel Shepherd won The Voice Season 15. The sixteen-year-old from Farmington, N.M., won last Tuesday night. She competed with Kirk Jay and Chris Kroeze, both were country singers too, and pop singer Kennedy Holmes. Shepherd won $100,000 and a recording contract with Universal Music Group.

However, Shepherd wasn’t the only winner that night. Kelly Clarkson, for the second time, mentored another winner of the show. Last year, she was the coach of The Voice Season 14 winner Brynn Cartelli.

Shepherd was the first country singer in the show who won that wasn’t under the mentorship of Blake Shelton. Most contestants who are into country music always choose him, but this time Kelly Clarkson got the crown. Congratulations to Chevel Shepherd and Kelly Clarkson.

There you have it, folks! The latest news in country music. Stay tuned, for more to come next week.