Welcome to The Boot's News Roundup, a morning rundown of the news country music fans need to know. Read on to learn more about the latest goings-on in the country, Americana, bluegrass and folk genres.

Dave Rowland, founding member of '70s pop-country trio Dave & Sugar, is dead at the age of 74. According to a press release, Rowland passed on Nov. 1 in Nashville, from complications following a stroke. Before forming Dave & Sugar and scoring hits such as "Don't Throw It All Away" and "The Door Is Always Open," Rowland toured alongside Elvis Presley as part of JD Sumner and the Stamps Quartet. Funeral arrangements for Rowland have not been made public, but the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt University.

Zac Brown Band
Steven Ferdman, Getty Images
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After the massive success of the soundtrack for the Oscar-winning film The Greatest Showman, the Zac Brown Band have contributed a song to a "re-imagined" version of the soundtrack. According to Sounds Like Nashville, the Zac Brown Band recorded a cover of "From Now On," originally performed in the film by lead actor Hugh Jackman. Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson and Kesha are also featured on the album, titled The Greatest Showman: Reimagined and set for release on Nov. 16.

Jason Boland and the Stragglers Right Where I Began
Photo by Cameron L. Gott Photography, courtesy of All Eyes Media
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Drummer Brad Rice, a founding member of stalwart Texas country band Jason Boland & the Stragglers, has parted ways with the act he's been a part of since the late 1990s. According to Saving Country Music, Rice's decision to leave the Stragglers came on Oct. 19, and there is reportedly no animosity among members of the group: "There was nothing finitely wrong, and not one person is angry for making this decision to move on with my family, my new metal art business and my commitment to make this world a more beautiful place," Rice says in a statement. There is no word yet on who will replace Rice in the Stragglers, or whether or not he's got plans to pursue new musical ventures.

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