Reba McEntire is giving her fans an early Christmas gift by releasing her album, My Kind of Christmas, one week earlier than expected.
The project is available now in Cracker Barrel Old Country Stores and online at crackerbarrel.com. Reba made the announcement via video on her social media accounts.
My Kind of Christmas features McEntire’s renditions of several Christmas classics, including “Winter Wonderland,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Hard Candy Christmas,” “White Christmas,” and more. The project was produced by McEntire and Doug Sizemore.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164710/Reba-My-Kind-of-Christmas.png522519Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-25 13:45:102016-08-25 13:45:10Reba Surprises Fans With Early Christmas Album
Miranda Lambert, Alicia Keys, Chris Young, The Band Perry and Dan + Shay have been added as performers for the 10th annual ACM Honors, a two-hour special to be taped at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Tuesday (Aug. 30). The special will air Friday, Sept. 9 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network.
They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Cam, Toby Keith, Maren Morris, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell, Keith Urban and hosts Lady Antebellum.
Additionally, Mike Fisher, Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride and Thomas Rhett have been named as presenters for the evening.
The 10th ACM Honors is an evening dedicated to celebrating the special honorees and off-camera category winners from the 51st Academy of Country Music Awards.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/10165004/Miranda-Lambert.jpg380570Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-25 13:43:262016-08-25 13:43:26Miranda Lambert, Alicia Keys, Chris Young Added To ACM Honors
Rendering of the expansion planned for Inn at Fontanel.
Nashville’s Metro Council has given a green light to add 136 rooms to Fontanel’s bed-and-breakfast-style boutique hotel, Inn at Fontanel, which was once Southern Living‘s Ideas House. The facility will also add a 300-seat banquet and meeting hall, resort-style pool, spa, and artisan retail space.
Music managers Dale Morris and Marc Oswaldpaid $2.5 million for 31 acres near the area planned for expansion, which required a vote from Metro Council to amend the Whites Creek Community plan to accommodate the expansion. Plans are now underway, with the expansion slated for completion in the second quarter of 2018.
Co-owner Oswald said, “We are so excited and energized by the City Council’s vote to support and allow the expansion of the Inn at Fontanel. We endeavor to design and build a facility that pays the most respect possible to the rural and historic character of Whites Creek and ensure public access to all who come to visit and enjoy this beautiful area.”
“We are excited to be able to enhance the Fontanel guest experience with all the new amenities the expansion brings,” stated Bob Ekman, CEO of Fontanel. “Visitors can spend their days touring the mansion, hiking the trails, zipping with Adventureworks, enjoying wine tastings at the Natchez Hills Winery, shopping local, can take in one of many music shows, enjoy several dining options, or take a day trip downtown.”
The Fontanel property also includes the 33,000-square-foot log cabin and former home of Country Music Hall of Fame member Barbara Mandrell, the Carl Black Chevy Woods Amphitheater, Adventureworks Ziplines, restaurant Cafe Fontanella, the Stone House Gift Shoppe, and three miles of public walking trails.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164713/Inn-at-Fontanel-rendering.jpg262570Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-25 10:45:592016-08-25 10:45:59Inn At Fontanel Receives Approval For Significant Expansion
The Americana festival and convention will be here before we know it, so it’s high time we surveyed what’s in this genre’s review-me pile.
The names to remember today are John Gorka, Chip Taylor and those of our dual Disc of the Day winners, Lori McKenna and Liz Longley.
Today’s newcomers include Angie & The Deserters, Andrew Leahey & The Homestead and our DisCovery Award winner, Josh Farrow. The East Nashville troubadour will be performing at Live on the Green on the Metro Courthouse Square on Sept. 2. Be there or be square.
CHIP TAYLOR/I’ll Carry For You Writer: Chip Taylor; Producers: Goran Grini/Chip Taylor; Publisher: Back Road, BMI; Train Wreck (track)
– “Wild Thing,” “Angel of the Morning,” “I Can Make It With You,” “Step Out of Your Mind,” “Make Me Belong to You,” “Son of a Rotten Gambler,” “Storybook Children,” “Try (Just a Little Bit Harder),” “I Can’t Let Go,” “Worry,” “Anyway That You Want Me,” and other vintage pop classics earned Chip entry into the national Songwriters Hall of Fame earlier this year. But he is also a very contemporary, engaging and prolific writer-artist in the Americana genre. This title tune to his latest is inspired by his love of golf. More than that, it is a stately ode to sisterly love, perseverance, striving and being brave. Speaking of prolific, he has two current CDs, the other being Little Brothers, which salutes his family. Trivia fact: He’s actor Jon Voight’s brother and Angelina Jolie’s uncle.
LIZ LONGLEY/Rescue My Heart Writers: Liz Langley/Ian Keaggy/Jodi Marr; Producer: Bill Reynolds; Publishers: Luckelizz/ISK/Little Ruth, ASCAP; Sugar Hill (track)
– I adored this singer-songwriter’s Sugar Hill Records debut disc. Her songs stick in your head long after they end because of their inescapable hooks. Her second album for the label, titled Weightless, drops this week. It finds her recording in Nashville in a more pop/rock direction. She remains a captivating mistress of melody. On this track, the sound is stripped down to just her voice and piano. I remain an enormous fan. Essential listening.
E
JOHN GORKA/I Know Writer: John Gorka; Producer: Jim Rooney; Publisher: Blues Palace, ASCAP; Blue Chalk (track)
– This Americana veteran recorded the tracks that comprise his new Before Beginning CD in Music City in 1985. At the time, he was a newcomer who had won the songwriting contest at the Kerrville Folk Festival. Nanci Griffith admired his work and recommended he go to Nashville to record with producer Rooney, who assembled an all-star band at Jack Clement’s studio. Gorka was used to playing solo and wasn’t sure what he thought of his resulting debut album. Years later, he listened again. So now, here it is. This is one of his best known early songs, presented with top-flight pickers, just as it originally was recorded 30 years ago. It is a jewel of lilting picking, earnest singing and crisp production. The rest of the CD is too. He was clearly nuts not to put it out, back in the day.
DAVE INSLEY/Just The Way That I Am Writer: none listed; Producer: Dave Insley; Publishers: none listed; dir (track)
– This solid country vocalist has surrounded himself with a who’s-who of Austin folks on his new CD. The cast includes Kelly Willis, Dale Watson, Rick Shea and Redd Volkaert. The title tune is a plain-spoken ballad that asks for simple acceptance. It’s not in the least flashy, just honest sounding.
LORI McKENNA/Humble and Kind Writer: Lori McKenna; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Hoodie, BMI; CN/Thirty Tigers
– This divine Massachusetts wife and mom returned to Nashville to craft her latest, The Bird and the Rifle. It includes her own version of this justly revered Tim McGraw hit she wrote. Lori is best known in Nashville as a songwriter of “Stealing Kisses,” “Girl Crush,” “Fireflies,” “God Made Girls” and “I Want Crazy.” But this and the other performances on this collection reveal her as an extraordinarily communicative, warm and womanly vocalist. “Wreck You,” ”If Whiskey Were a Woman,” “Old Men Young Women” and especially “Halfway Home” are particularly recommended. Lend her your ears. Then go get all of her other albums too.
ANDREW LEAHEY & THE HOMESTEAD/Little In Love Writers: Andrew Leahey; Producer: Ken Coomer; Publisher: none listed; Skyline/Thirty Tigers
– He’s a roots rocker with country leanings and a Tom Petty kinda vibe. This lead-off track from his debut CD chimes in all the right places. The collection is titled Skyline in Central Time and was recorded in Nashville on either side of the artist’s life-threatening brain surgery. Produced by Wilco’s Ken Coomer, it sounds as hearty as Andrew is today.
SARA WATKINS/Move Me Writers: Sara Watkins; Producer: Gabe Witcher; Publishers: Fiddle & Fall, ASCAP; New West (track)
– The fiddler/singer from the former Nickel Creek has shed her progressive-bluegrass roots for an all-out pop band sound on her entirely self-composed Young in All the Wrong Ways collection. On this punchy track, she pushes her soprano to sound harder and more forceful than it has before. Courageous.
JOSH FARROW/Devil Don’t You Fool Me Writer: Josh Farrow; Producer: Dexter Green; Publisher: Southern Drag; JF (track)
– This drawling, bluesy tenor singer stomps his way through this soulful, rhythmic outing with aplomb. It comes from his Trouble With Me CD, which has a cast that includes The McCrary Sisters, Ruby Amanfu and Elizabeth Cook, among others. On this track, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Ashley Wilcoxson wail in the background.
BRIAN LANGLINAIS/You Can’t Say I Don’t Love You Writer: none listed; Producers: D.L. Duncan/Brian Langlinais; Publisher: none listed; Patoutville (track)
– Music City stalwart Langlinais recaptures his R&B Louisiana roots on his new Right Hand Road CD. But he proves you don’t have to physically go back there to do it. His Nashville session sidemen, including The Inglewood Horns, put plenty of heat behind him. This opening track is a classic-sounding blues rocker, complete with squalling sax and soul-sister background shouting.
ANGIE & THE DESERTERS/Country Radio Writers: Angie Bruyere/Guy Griffin/Nigel Mogg; Producer: Jeff Huskins; Publishers: none listed; Topanga Canyon
– Love the band name. The sound on this saucy track is nouveau rockabilly with a throaty alto lead vocal alternating phrases with gritty electric guitar riffs, sizzling fiddle work and organ trills. The act has a slightly raggedy, amateurish sonic vibe, but nothing a little production polish couldn’t improve.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/10165447/Lori-McKenna.-Photo-Becky-Fluke.jpg380570Robert K Oermannhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngRobert K Oermann2016-08-25 10:30:102016-08-25 10:30:10DISClaimer: Lori McKenna, Josh Farrow Lead Americana Releases
Clive Davis will present a songwriting award to Pharrell Williams at an event benefiting City of Hope in Los Angeles on Sept. 15.
During the Songs of Hope XII event, the 2016 Clive Davis “Legend in Songwriting” Award will be personally presented by Davis to Williams, whose recent projects include Wanderlust, an album with Little Big Town. In addition, Steve Schnur, President, Music of Electronic Arts, will present the 2016 Electronic Arts Composer Award to The Jungle Book composer John Debney. Schnur is a board member of City of Hope, The Recording Academy, Nashville Film Festival, and The Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business.
The 2016 Pandora Trendsetter Award will be given to artist, songwriter and producer Mike Posner, known for co-writing songs such as Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend” and Maroon 5’s “Sugar.” His own hit singles include “I Took a Pill in Ibiza” and “Cooler Than Me.”
Songs of Hope brings together the music and entertainment industry VIPs committed to fighting cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. The star-studded event, silent auction and CharityBuzz.com auction raises money to support lifesaving research at City of Hope, an independent biomedical research institution and cancer treatment center.
The event is again co-chaired by David Renzer, Chairman of Spirit Music Group; Doug Davis, Founder/Principal of The Davis Firm; Evan Lamberg, President – North America, Universal Music Publishing Group; and Steve Schnur, President, Music of Electronic Arts.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164711/Clive-Davis.jpg380570Craig_Shelburnehttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngCraig_Shelburne2016-08-25 10:14:082016-08-25 10:14:08City Of Hope Confirms Clive Davis, Pharrell Williams For Gala Event
Pictured (L-R): Eric Paslay with MusicRow owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Molly Hannula
Eric Paslay visited the MusicRow office on Wednesday (Aug. 24), where he was presented with two MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.
The EMI Records Nashville singer-songwriter was honored for his hit “Song About a Girl,” which topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart on July 10, 2014. The song was co-written by Paslay, Jessi Alexander and Gordie Sampson. Publishers for the track include Cal IV Songs, Five Stone Publishing, Party Of Five Music, Bughouse, ASCAP/Dash8 Music, Bug Music, and BMG Chrysalis Music.
Eric Paslay accepts his MusicRow Challenge Coins for “Song About A Girl” and “Rewind.” Photo: Molly Hannula
Paslay was also recognized for co-writing “Rewind,” recorded by Rascal Flatts. The track topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout chart on April 3, 2014. “Rewind” was co-written by Paslay, Chris DeStefano and Ashley Gorley. Publishers on the track include EMI April Music, Sugar Glider Music, External Combustion Music, Out Of The Taperoom Music, Songs Of Southside Independent Music Publishing, and Cal IV Songs.
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who achieves a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart earns a MusicRow Challenge Coin.
Paslay is currently on the road with Toby Keith as part of the Interstates and Tailgates Tour, presented by Ford F-Series. Inspired by his current single, “Angels In This Town,” Paslay has been making “angel visits” to perform at local hospitals, Ronald McDonald houses, and other charities during each tour stop.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne and Troy Stephenson; Eric Paslay; MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Eric Parker, and Jessica Nicholson
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164711/eric_sherod_570.jpg380570Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-25 10:11:542016-08-25 10:11:54Eric Paslay Honored With Two MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins
Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry’s Pete Fisher, WME’s Kevin Meads, WMN’s Kristen Williams, Cole Swindell, WMN’s Megan Joyce, WMN’s Justin Luffman, WMN’s Cris Lacy, Sony/ATV’s Terry Wakefield, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Sirius XM’s J.R. Schumann.
Photos: Chris Hollo
Warner Bros./Warner Music Nashville recording artist Cole Swindell celebrated the birthday of his late father on Tuesday (Aug. 23) on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he was honored with a plaque celebrating over 1 billion audience impressions of “You Should Be Here.”
The achievement was measured by Mediabase audience (979 million), on-demand audio/video streams (53 million), and digital track sales (714,000+). The five-time No. 1 hit maker co-wrote “You Should Be Here” with Ashley Gorley about the passing of Swindell’s father.
Cole Swindell celebrates 1 billion impressions of “You Should Be Here.”
Earlier in the day, Swindell was surprised with the news that the title was certified platinum during a visit to the Country Music Association, where he was sharing video for his next single “Middle of a Memory.”
Swindell spent the morning with the staff at CMT to prepare for his upcoming fall headlining tour, CMT Presents the Cole Swindell Down Home Tour, which begins Oct. 26. The release of a new EP, Down Home Sessions III, is scheduled for Oct. 28. He is currently out with Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots Tour.
Cole Swindell
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164712/Cole-Swindell-1-Billion-TRADE-by-Hollo-4662-8.23.16.jpg380569Eric T. Parkerhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngEric T. Parker2016-08-25 10:08:172016-08-25 10:08:17Cole Swindell Visits Opry To Celebrate Platinum Single, 1 Billion Impressions
Geaux Music Row! Flood Relief Drive has teamed with Vanderbilt to accept donations for victims of the recent flooding in Louisiana. On the final day of the relief drive (Friday, Aug. 26), donations will be accepted at Vanderbilt Stadium’s McGugin Center (Gate 2), from 7 a.m.-5 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to bring bottled water, school supplies, clothing, sheets, blankets and towels to donate.
Donations will be distributed by the Mayor’s office in Baton Rouge.
Original post [Aug. 19, 2016, 4:30 p.m.]:
A group of Louisiana-native songwriters, artists, and music business executives have teamed to help those affected by flooding in Louisiana. The recent floods have affected more than 100,000 homes, leaving numerous people and animals displaced. Twenty parishes have been declared as federal disaster areas.
Geaux Music Row! Flood Relief Drive will launch Monday, Aug. 22 and will run through Friday, Aug. 26.
Supplies can be dropped off at the following locations: ASCAP (2 Music Sq. W.), BMI (10 Music Sq. E.), Universal Music Publishing Group (1904 Adelicia St.), Sea Gayle Music (1221 17th Ave. S.), and Creative Nation (1508 16th Ave. S.).
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164735/Geaux-Music-Row.png299300Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-24 17:08:332016-08-24 17:08:33You Can Help: Nashville Music Community Rallies to Aid Louisiana Flooding Victims
Kelsea Ballerini Partners With Justice Lifestyle Brand
Kelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini partnered with Justice, the largest tween girl lifestyle brand retailer, to bring her debut album The First Time to select stores nationwide. Justice is known as a fashion destination for girls who are 7-14, offering fashion apparel and accessories in over 950 stores throughout the United States and Canada.
Ballerini, a Black River Entertainment artist, will perform at The Concert at The Classic presented by Justice at the 19th Annual New Albany Classic Invitational Grand Prix & Family Day on Sunday, Sept. 25, in New Albany, Ohio. Previous performers at the event include Fifth Harmony (2014), ArianaGrande (2013), Demi Lovato (2008), the Jonas Brothers (2007), and more.
MTSU Renames Veterans and Military Family Center To Honor Charlie Daniels
Charlie and Hazel Daniels, left, view the metal plaque given by MTSU acknowledging their gifts and those from The Journey Home Project for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center named in their honor. Celebrating the moment with them are MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, second from right, and Keith M. Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Charlie Daniels‘ longtime association with Middle Tennessee State University continues with the unveiling of a plaque and new logo for MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. MTSU recognized the couple, as well as The Journey Home Project Daniels co-founded to assist veterans, during a celebration Tuesday (Aug. 23) at the Miller Education Center. The 2,600-square-foot, $329,000 center is a one-stop-shop for MTSU’s approximately 1,000 student veterans and family members.
Additionally, Mike Krause, the new Tennessee Higher Education Commission executive director and a U.S. Army veteran, announced the awarding of a nearly $185,500 grant after THEC accepted the center’s proposal focusing on increasing veterans’ student success. The grant will fund a full-time transition manager, a graduate assistant for communications, student travel to conferences, and travel for the transition manager/employing agent.
“It’s an extreme honor having my wife and myself named for the veterans center,” Daniels said. “I accept the honor on behalf of The Journey Home Project. We are just the tip of the iceberg. Thank you. I will carry this with me for the rest of my life.”
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, right, visits with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, and Charlie Daniels. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)
Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, who is on the Nashville Serving Veterans Community Board, said, “The work of the Veterans and Military Family Center changes many lives for the better, opening new opportunities up to veterans so they have every chance to reach their potential and continue serving their communities and their country in new ways. Thank you to Charlie and Hazel Daniels for everything they’ve given to honor the sacrifices of America’s veterans. The renaming of the center is a fitting tribute to Charlie, Hazel and their many contributions.”
Daniels’ second Volunteer Jam was held in MTSU’s Murphy Center. The university presented him with the Joe M. Rodgers Spirit of America Award in 2009. The Danielses and The Journey Home Project gave separate $50,000 (for computers and technology) and $70,000 gifts to the Veterans and Military Family Center in 2015 and ’16. MTSU renamed the facility the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center in April.
Dolly Parton Teams With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store For Deluxe Album Release
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced Dolly Parton as its latest Spotlight Music artist. The singer will exclusively release a deluxe version of her album Pure & Simple via Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online on Friday (Aug. 26).
The deluxe offering features 10 new tracks inspired by Parton’s East Tennessee roots. The project will include content exclusive to Cracker Barrel, including two versions of the singer’s chart-topping hits “Jolene” and “9 to 5” recorded live at Glastonbury Festival and a 48-page magazine filled with photos and interviews highlighting memorable stories from Parton.
https://music-row-website-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/10164714/Kelsea-Ballerini.jpg380565Jessica Nicholsonhttps://musicrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/MusicRow-header-logo-Mar19B.pngJessica Nicholson2016-08-24 15:17:092016-08-24 15:17:09Artist Updates: Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, Dolly Parton
Pictured (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo, 377 Management/Red Light Management; Molly Hannula, Craig Shelburne, and Sherod Robertson of MusicRow; Sara Reevely and husband Lee Brice; Eric Parker, Jessica Nicholson and Troy Stephenson of MusicRow
For three years straight, Lee Brice has notched a No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart. To commemorate the achievement, the Curb Records artist dropped by the MusicRow office on Tuesday afternoon (Aug. 23) to meet the staff and personally accept three MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins.
Since 2014, every artist and songwriter who earns a No. 1 single on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart earns a MusicRow Challenge Coin.
Pictured (L-R): Sherod Robertson, Lee Brice, Enzo DeVincenzo
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store has announced Dolly Parton as its latest Spotlight Music artist. The singer will exclusively release a deluxe version of her album Pure & Simple via Cracker Barrel stores nationwide and online on Friday (Aug. 26).
