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.

Walker Hayes, Kesha; Photo by Adam Battaglia

WATCH: Walker Hayes and Kesha Throw Epic ‘Fancy Like’ Dance Party in New Music Video

Posted on October 7, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

Walker Hayes and Kesha joined forces to bring their new version of “Fancy Like” to life with an epic music…

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Reba; Photo by John Russell, CMA

BREAKING: Reba McEntire Will Not Return as 2021 CMA Awards Host

Posted on October 7, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

Country superstar Reba McEntire will not be returning to host the CMA Awards in 2021.  The legendary entertainer, who co-hosted…

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Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Ryan Seacrest; Photo Courtesy American Idol

Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry Return To ‘American Idol’ To Begin Filming ‘Historic’ New Season

Posted on October 7, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

The milestone Season 20 of American Idol is officially underway! Judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, along with…

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Jimmy Fallon, Chris Stapleton; Photo by Sean Gallagher, NBC

WATCH: Chris Stapleton Performs ‘You Should Probably Leave’ with Jimmy Fallon on Guitar

Posted on October 6, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

When Chris Stapleton‘s longtime producer and collaborator, Dave Cobb, had to bow out of his performance alongside the superstar on…

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Tim McGraw and Faith Hill Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill’s Love Story

Posted on October 6, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

There was an immediate connection between Tim McGraw and Faith Hill when they first met at the New Faces showcase…

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RaeLynn with Daughter, Daisy Rae

RaeLynn Is Twinning with Newborn Daughter, Daisy Rae, In Adorable New Photos

Posted on October 6, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

Life as a new mom looks good on RaeLynn!  The country singer is settling in to a routine with her…

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Miranda Lambert and husband Brendan McLoughlin; Photo by Abby Stevenson

PHOTOS: Miranda Lambert, Brendan McLoughlin, & More Attend Star-Studded The Onsite Foundation Gala

Posted on October 5, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

On Wednesday evening (Sept. 29), The Onsite Foundation hosted its “Together Again” gala and a slew of country music artists,…

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Jared Brasher; Photo by: Tyler Golden/NBC

WATCH: Blake Shelton Offers Constructive Criticism After Jared Brasher’s Country Cover Falls Short on ‘The Voice’

Posted on October 5, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

“This isn’t what any of us wanted, man,” Shelton told him.

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Julianne Nguyen, Dustin Lynch; Photo Courtesy Jami Nguyen

WATCH: Dustin Lynch Sings ‘Thinking ‘Bout You’ Duet with 7-Year-Old Fan, Julianne

Posted on October 5, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

Julianne, a 7-year-old Dustin Lynch fan, had the opportunity to share the stage with the country superstar over the weekend…

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Luke Bryan; Photo by Hunter Berry, CMA

LISTEN: Luke Bryan Puts His Faith On Full Display in New Single, ‘Up’

Posted on October 5, 2021

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Lauren Jo Black

Following the success of his 27th No.1 single, “Waves,” Luke Bryan is gearing up to release his brand new single,…

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