HOFFMAN ESTATES, Ill., May 9, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its dedication and commitment to supporting military members and their families, Sears is launching its fourth annual Heroes at Home spring renovation campaign with Rebuilding Together, the nation's leading nonprofit working to preserve affordable homeownership. This spring, Sears and Rebuilding Together expect to renovate more than 300 homes across the country as part of the Heroes at Home program, which aims to improve American military families' lives by making necessary repairs, improvements or modifications to their homes. Sears is encouraging Americans to lend their support by making a donation to Heroes at Home in any Sears store nationwide or online at sears.com/heroesathome now through July 16. Customer donations will support the rehabilitation of homes for veterans and military families across the country, as well as benefit Rebuilding Together's Disaster Assessment and Response Program.

It might have taken seven years, but Josh Gracin recently found out how it feels to be Simon Cowell.  Of course, Cowell was one of the judges on American Idol in 2004, when Gracin was a contestant on the Fox series.  Post-Idol, Gracin went on to score such hits at Country Radio as “Nothin’ To Lose” and “Stay With Me.”  He was in the studio recording a new track called “Make It Rain,” when he thought that the cut would be much better as a duet.  He thought about who in Music City he would like to record with, but then a light bulb went off in his head. 

“I thought that if we wanted to take this song to the next level, we needed to have it be a duet,” he said.  “So, instead of going after somebody in Nashville, why not give somebody else a shot like I had?”

That’s exactly what happened.  The singer opened up the contest on his web site where the winner would get to perform the song in the studio with him.

 

“That was such a great thing that my label, Average Joe’s, let happen.  I came up with the idea about seven or eight months ago.  I was trying to figure out a way to make it happen.  We really wanted to find somebody that would have a chance.  What we did was go out there and gave people the opportunity to submit videos of them singing the song ‘Only When It Rains.’ We went through all these videos, and narrowed it down to about five or six.  Then, we decided to really look at those and who had the best opportunity or best shot.”

That person turned out to be fellow Michigan native Shelagh Brown.  “She was amazing,” said Josh.  “We posted a video of it on my website.  It was very interesting to be on the other side of things.”

So, does he identify a little more with Cowell upon seeing the bad ones? Absolutely.

Nashville, Tenn. (Friday, March 4, 2023) – Average Joe’s Entertainment is pleased to announce the addition of multiplatinum-selling county music duo Montgomery Gentry to their label roster.  The celebrated performers are expected to release their first single in the spring of 2011.

"We couldn't be happier to be signing with Shannon [Houchins] and Tom [Baldrica] and the guys at Average Joe's,” says Eddie Montgomery.  “Those guys are cut from the same cloth we are and man, they are so creative.  We can't wait to get this new project out there to our fans!" Troy Gentry adds, “Eddie and I are really excited about this new partnership with Average Joe's.  We love the team they have in place and the passion and excitement that they bring.  We look forward to going in and making a project we're all proud of."

Prior to entering Average Joe’s Entertainment as President, label executive Tom Baldrica had the pleasure of working with the act during his 17 years at Sony and is an avid fan of not only their music but their passion for entertaining.  “'Hell Yeah,’ Montgomery Gentry is coming to Average Joe’s!” says Baldrica.  “Their music, attitude, and blue collar work ethic are the perfect fit with our label model, and our staff is excited to hit the ground running with Eddie and Troy."

Montgomery Gentry first got their start on Columbia Records in 1999 with the release of “Hillbilly Shoes.”  Since, hit singles including “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” “Back When I Knew It All,” “My Town,” “Hell Yeah,” and “Roll With Me” have catapulted the duo into the spotlight and helped them secure accolades including CMA Duo of the Year (2000) and ACM Top New Group/Duo (2000).

For more information, please visit www.averagejoesent.com.