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.

Clay Walker; Photo by Kirsten Balani

Clay Walker Cancels Arkansas Show Due To Side Effects From Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Posted on June 14, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Walker revealed that this procedure “could really help” his MS.

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Dierks Bentley; Photo Provided

Inside Dierks Bentley’s 11th Studio Album, ‘Broken Branches’

Posted on June 13, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

The project celebrates life’s underdogs and showcases his signature honest storytelling.

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Morgan Wallen; Photo by David Lehr

Morgan Wallen’s I’m The Problem Tour Set List Revealed

Posted on June 13, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

The superstar revealed the official tour set list exclusively on Apple Music Country.

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Luke Combs and Miranda Lambert by Charles Reagan for Bonnaroo 2025

Luke Combs Headlines Bonnaroo, Surprises Fans With Miranda Lambert and Jon Bellion

Posted on June 13, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Combs and Lambert teamed up to sing their duet, ““Outrunnin’ Your Memory.”

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Ashley McBryde; Photo by Kayla Schoen for CMA

Ashley McBryde Marks Three Years Of Sobriety: ‘A Version Of Me Had To Die So I Could Become Myself’

Posted on June 12, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

McBryde marked the milestone with a hike to a scenic waterfall.

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Lainey Wilson at The 66th Annual Grammy Awards; Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.

Recording Academy Adds New Best Traditional Country Album Category to GRAMMYs

Posted on June 12, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Additionally, the Best Country Album category has been renamed to Best Contemporary Country Album to better reflect evolving styles.

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Warren Zeiders, Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis; Photos by Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify House Delivers Star-Studded Surprises And Unforgettable Sets During CMA Fest 2025

Posted on June 11, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Warren Zeiders, Kelsea Ballerini, Jordan Davis, and more lit up the stage with unforgettable performances at Ole Red.

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Jason Aldean, Post Malone; Photos Provided

Jason Aldean Reacts To Post Malone Opening A Bar On Broadway In Nashville

Posted on June 11, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Posty’s new establishment is opening up right next to Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar.

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Luke Bryan; Photo by John Russell/CMA

Luke Bryan Says The Creative Process Never Stops: ‘I’m Always Trying to Write’

Posted on June 10, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Bryan revealed he’s “actively writing songs” while backstage at CMA Fest.

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Ashland Craft; Photo by Easton Jay

Ashland Craft Talks ‘Dive Bar Beauty Queen,’ Getting The Call To Tour With Luke Bryan, And The New Song That’s Stealing The Show

Posted on June 10, 2025

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Lauren Jo Black

Craft’s sophomore album is out now.

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