Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black

Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.

Cole Swindell; Photo by Robby Klein

Cole Swindell’s ‘3 Feet Tall’ Explores The Heartfelt Perspective Of A Child of Divorce

Posted on December 1, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

“Music is so powerful and I feel like this song is just special,” Swindell shares.

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Kacey Musgraves; Photo by: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

Kacey Musgraves Sports Bouffant Hair For Timeless Performance Of Elvis Classic At Graceland

Posted on November 30, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

“Such an unforgettable night being in that time capsule of a house,” Musgraves shared following her performance.

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Photo Courtesy Oliver Anthony

From Viral Sensation To The Grand Ole Opry: Oliver Anthony To Make Opry Debut

Posted on November 30, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

The singer/songwriter says he’s “thrilled” for this opportunity.

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Lainey Wilson; Photo by: Katherine Bomboy/NBC

Lainey Wilson Rocks Graceland With Elvis-Inspired Christmas Performance

Posted on November 30, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

Wilson covered “Santa Claus Is Back in Town.”

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Carrie Underwood; Photo by Jeff Johnson

Carrie Underwood Teases ‘Special Surprises’ For Upcoming Las Vegas Residency Shows

Posted on November 29, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

What does the superstar have in store for fans in Sin City?

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Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson; photos by Andrew Wendowski

NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH: Performers, Hosts, and How to Watch

Posted on November 29, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

Nashville is THE place to be on New Year’s Eve.

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Carly Pearce, Lauren Alaina, Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde; Photos by Andrew Wendowski

Female Artists Absent In Mediabase Country Airplay Top 20 For Second Consecutive Week

Posted on November 29, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

Amidst a troubling trend, the Mediabase Country Airplay chart remains void of solo female hits in the Top 20 for the second consecutive week.

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Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks; Photo Courtesy YouTube

Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks Perform ‘Imagine’ At Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s Funeral

Posted on November 28, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

The country couple honored their late friend with an acoustic performance.

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Kimberly Schlapman with Family; Photo Courtesy Facebook

Kimberly Schlapman Shares Her Family’s Heartwarming Adoption Story

Posted on November 27, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

“We don’t have to share the same DNA to experience the same love,” the singer shared. 

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Megan Moroney; Photos via TikTok

Megan Moroney Confidently Shuts Down TikTok Troll’s Stagewear Criticism

Posted on November 27, 2023

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Lauren Jo Black

The breakout country star had the best response after someone made negative comments about her outfits.

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