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.

Dan + Shay; Photo by John Shearer/CMT2020/Getty Images for CMT

Dan + Shay Awarded With Duo Video of the Year Trophy at 2020 CMT Music Awards

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Dan + Shay nabbed the Duo Video of the Year trophy at the 2020 CMT Music Awards for their “I…

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Sam Hunt; Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT

Sam Hunt Brings Spirited ‘Hard To Forget’ Performance To 2020 CMT Music Awards

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Sam Hunt performed his chart-topping hit “Hard To Forget” at 2020 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday (Oct. 21). The superstar…

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Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn; Photo by Getty Images for CMT

Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn Open 2020 CMT Music Awards With ‘1, 2 Many’ Performance

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn reunited for a performance of “1, 2 Many” to open the 2020 CMT Music…

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Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Gabby Barrett, Morgan Wallen

See Photos From the Socially-Distant 2020 CMT Music Awards Red Carpet

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

The 2020 CMT Music Awards look a bit different this year, but as they say, the show must go on!…

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Miranda Lambert Brendan McLoughlin

Miranda Lambert Debuts Breathtaking ‘Settling Down’ Video Co-Starring Husband Brendan McLoughlin

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Miranda Lambert’s new “Settling Down” music video is here and it’s absolutely stunning. Directed by Lambert’s longtime collaborator, Trey Fanjoy,…

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David Nail and Wife, Catherine; Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for CMT

David Nail and Wife Welcome Daughter, Ellie Britton

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

David Nail and his wife Catherine are overjoyed to announce the arrival of their third child, daughter Ellie Britton Nail….

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Brett Young; Photo by Kit Wood

Brett Young Looks Back On Daughter’s First Year In Heartfelt ‘Lady’ Performance Clip

Posted on October 21, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Brett Young is commemorating his daughter’s first birthday with a special live performance of his heartwarming single, “Lady.” The live…

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Madeline Consoer

Madeline Consoer Joins Team Kelly Clarkson After Auditioning With Maren Morris Song

Posted on October 20, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Madeline Consoer is ready to make a name for herself on this season of NBC’s The Voice. The 24-year-old Wisconsin…

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Taryn Papa

From Ole Red To ‘The Voice,’ Taryn Papa Has Full-Circle Moment with Blake Shelton

Posted on October 20, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Nashville resident Taryn Papa delivered a stunning performance of Martina McBride’s 2006 hit, “Anyway,” for her blind audition on The…

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Bobby Bones, Stanley

Exclusive: Bobby Bones Shares Details About New Children’s Book Inspired By His Dog, Stanley

Posted on October 20, 2020

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Lauren Jo Black

Bobby Bones is bringing his beloved English Bulldog Stanley to life in a new children’s book. The multi-media personality just…

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