Old Crow Medicine Show Performs ’50 Years of Blonde on Blonde’ At Country Music Hall of Fame


Grammy-award winning string-band Old Crow Medicine Show today (April 28) released their sixth album, 50 Years of Blonde on Blonde, a recreation of Bob Dylan’s classic album Blonde on Blonde. The album is being released via Columbia Records, which also released Dylan’s iconic original version. 50 Years of Blonde on Blonde, a 14-track set, was recorded live at the CMA Theater in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

On Thursday (April 27) the band returned to the Country Music Hall of Fame for a special event featuring footage from the live recording, a panel discussion, and performance.

The group discussed what it meant to them to recreate what they referred to as the first “pop” album, part of which was recorded in Nashville, and how important it was for them to have the album released by Columbia Records. They also discussed some of the more challenging aspects of the recording process, such as memorizing all the lyrics to Dylan’s “masterpieces.”

The panel was followed by a meet and greet, and a live set which included performances of “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “One of Us Must Know,” “Most Likely You Go Your Way and I’ll Go Mine,” “ Just Like a Women,” and “Obviously 5 Believers.”

The Old Crow Medicine Show Performing Blonde on Blonde tour is set to start May 4. The album will be performed in its entirety in 26 cities in the US and Europe.

Brad Paisley Releases Country Music’s First Visual Album ‘LOVE AND WAR’

Brad Paisley has released a visual version of his new album LOVE AND WAR, featuring videos for all 16 tracks which flow seamlessly as a movie to tell the album’s complete story. Locations of the video shoots ranged from a concert in a Sleep Number store in a mall, a party at Brad’s parent’s house, to the USS Midway in San Diego, CA.

The project is available exclusively on Apple Music starting today Friday, April 28. Paisley is the first country artist to release a visual album, and fans can view a sneak peek here.

Below is a complete list of video credits for the LOVE AND WAR visual album.

  1. “Heaven South” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois)
  2. “Last Time for Everything” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Smith Ahnquist/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois/Mike Ryan)
  3. “One Beer Can” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois)
  4. “Go to Bed Early” – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Hannah Dasher/Chris DuBois)
  5. “Drive of Shame” (Featuring Mick Jagger) – Director: Brad Paisley, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Mick Jagger/Matt Clifford)
  6. “Contact High” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller)
  7. “Love and War” (Featuring John Fogerty) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/John Fogerty)
  8. “Today” –  Director: Brad Paisley and Jim Shea, Producer: Jim Shea, Mark Kalbfeld and Kendal Marcy (Brad Paisley/Chris DuBois/Ashley Gorley)
  9. “selfie#theinternetisforever” – Director: Brad Paisley, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Jim Beavers/Chris DuBois)
  10. “Grey Goose Chase” (Featuring Timbaland) – Director: Todd Cassetty, Producer: Todd Cassetty (Brad Paisley/Jared Gutstadt/Lee Thomas Miller/Timothy Mosley)
  11. “Gold All Over the Ground” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/John R. Cash)
  12. “Dying to See Her” (Featuring Bill Anderson) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Bill Anderson)
  13. “Solar Power Girl” (Featuring Timbaland) – Director: Dave Brown and Frank Agnone, Producer: Frank Agnone (Brad Paisley/Jared Gutstadt/Timothy Mosley)
  14. “The Devil Is Alive and Well” – Director: Jim Shea, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Robert Arthur/Kenny Lewis)
  15. “Meaning Again” – Director: Derek Cressman, Producer: Ben Skipworth (Brad Paisley/Kelley Lovelace/Lee Thomas Miller)
  16. “Heaven South” (Reprise) – Director: Jeff Venable, Producer: Ben Skipworth(Brad Paisley/Brent Anderson/Chris DuBois)

 

 

Artist Action: Raelynn’s Late Night Debut, ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ Turns 25, Darius Rucker Goes Undercover

Raelynn Visits Seth Meyers

Raelynn made her late-night TV debut Thursday (April 27) on NBC’s Late Night With Seth Meyers, performing a raw and emotional rendition of her current single, “Love Triangle.” See it here.

Penned with Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, the track is the lead single from her debut album, Wildhorse, and is currently in the Top 30 on the country charts. Raelynn’s RaVe TOUR will hit Nashville May 24.

 

 

 

“Just Call Me Cyrus”

It’s been 25 years since “Achy Breaky Heart” was released on March 23, 1992. And today Billy Ray Cyrus is marking the anniversary of his trademark hit with a new version of the song. The singer, who has adopted the one-name moniker Cyrus, trekked to Muscle Shoals, Ala. to re-record the song with members of the famed Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.

Cyrus is also gearing up for the second season of CMT’s series Still The King.

 

 

 

Darius Rucker Goes Undercover

For the first time on the series, state-of-the-art prosthetic makeup was used to disguise Rucker.

Darius Rucker will be the first celebrity featured on CBS’s Undercover Boss. Rucker traveled to Austin, Texas on a journey to discover great musical talent. During his time undercover, he ran an open mic night, worked as a roadie, and strolled Austin’s famous Sixth Street in search of standout street performers. The episode airs Friday, May 12 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT).

 

Big Video Premieres: Thomas Rhett Gives Sneak Peek, Kenny Chesney Teams With SiriusXM

Several lucky industry members and invited guests attended Thomas Rhett‘s sneak-peek of the music video for “Craving You” ft. Maren Morris, Rhett’s lead single and title track from his third studio album. The video is slated to be released in the near future.

The viewing was held at BMI’s theater on Tuesday, April 25. Introduced by Big Machine Label Group CEO Scott Borchetta, both Thomas Rhett and Morris discussed their experience filming the video for the attendees.

Grammy-winner Morris joined Thomas Rhett to perform the new single, written by Dave Barnes and Julian Bunetta, at tour stops at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on Thursday, April 20 and Friday, April 21.

Kenny Chesney Leads Into Video Premiere With Mystery Teasers

 

Click to see the video.

Kenny Chesney debuted the video for “Rich and Miserable,” an album track from Cosmic Hallelujah, this morning (April 28) on SiriusXM, marking the first world premiere on the satellite radio platform’s website. Chesney teased the premiere in an unconventional way, without mention of the song or the artist, via clips which popped up on SiriusXM’s site, with only the tag “World Video Premiere,” a date (Friday, 4/28/17) and time (10 a.m. EST).

“I think there’s so much more to what goes on a record than radio can play,” Chesney says of the decision, “and some songs need to be heard. For ‘Rich and Miserable,’ it felt like it was addressing so many of the things we’re sold and told—about what makes us happy, or we’re supposed to want, or are expected to do. I didn’t want that message getting lost, so we decided to skip a video on some of the singles and do this instead. What was even better is that the people we work with at SiriusXM understood doing this was about the message. They allowed us to break out what the song was about without relying on an artist’s name or the usual tags. They saw the importance of what we’re trying to say.”

Jake Owen Showcases Horns, Hits Beyond Radio, At Ascend Show

Photos by John Shearer/Getty Images

As part of a touring schedule keeping Jake Owen busy until at least October, the RCA Nashville star took to Music City’s Ascend Amphitheater on Thurs., April 27.

For his first headlining concert in Nashville, Owen showcased a high-energy set-list of fan-favorites alongside radio hits.

After a string of upbeat songs, Owen slowed the tempo with the memorable, “Alone With You.” Without losing the standing crowd’s enthusiasm, Owen teased with a prelude of Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” complete with a 3-piece horn section, before leading into a rearranged cover of “8 Second Ride.”

Offering more hits, including “Beachin'” and “Days of Gold,” complete with flamethrower pyrotechnics, the singer then covered Johnny Cash’s “Ring Of Fire,” emphasized by the backing brass section.

Owen again slowed the 90-minute set with another mega-hit, “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” accented by the dynamic horns.

“In a town filled with so much talent, I’m so flattered you would see the guys and I come out and play,” said a humble Owen with heartfelt gratitude for the capacity crowd, adding that he moved to Music City 13 years ago to follow his dream.

Owen even threw it back to 2006 with “Yee Haw,” the lead single from his debut album, and also played his hit “The One That Got Away.” If there were anthems that filled the venue, “Anywhere With You” and the encore “American Country Love Song,” were them.

For a rare acoustic highlight, Owen gave a tribute to the late Merle Haggard with “Footlights.” He next welcomed show opener Eric Paslay back to the stage for a mash-up of “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (co-written by Paslay) and Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince Of Bel Air.” The night’s wall of sound concluded with dazzling fireworks.

LANco and Paslay were featured as special guests for the outing. Paslay said he felt, “like we’re in the back yard.” The UMG Nashville hitmaker donned sun shades for “High Class,” following the remarkably written “She Don’t Love You.” Paslay wrapped with Eli Young Band’s No. 1, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart,” another hit he co-wrote.

To catch all the action, see Owen on the recently-announced Good Company World Tour, expected to hit arenas and theaters in America, Canada and Europe in 2018.

(L-R): Dennis Reese (SVP Promotion, RCA Nashville), Keith Gale (Good Company Entertainment), Rob Beckham (WME), Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, Sony Music Nashville), Jake Owen, Ken Robold (COO, Sony Music Nashville), John Zarling (SVP Marketing & New Business, Sony Music Nashville), Jim Catino (SVP A&R, Sony Music Nashville), Lauren Thomas (Director National Promotion, Sony Music Nashville)

 

Jake Owen and Eric Paslay.

Jim Lauderdale Finds Inspiration Across The Pond On Latest CD

Jim Lauderdale recorded his latest project, London Southern, in a whirlwind of inspiration during a tour of England and Scotland, and he enlisted the help of Nick Lowe’s touring band (Robert Trehern on drums; Matt Radford on bass; Steve Donnelly on guitar; Geraint Watkins on keyboards) to help capture the magic of the moment. 

Produced by Neil Brockbank and Robert Trehern in two sessions at London’s Gold Top Studios, and due out June 30, London Southern is Lauderdale’s 29th album. Yesterday (4/27) American Songwriter premiered the first song from London Southern, “You Came to Get Me” a track that is available for instant download with every album pre-order.

“I wanted a different sound, kind of a throwback to the early ’60s. All the players had the same sort of experience I did, only from where they were. So it was that thing of how much British musicians loved American music, and how they interpreted our roots, then we interpreted them. They love a lot of the same things I do, only from a very different perspective…it was very American to British to America to Britain to America to, well, here. And sonically, I really put myself in Neil’s hands. He got things that were very unique, and fresh, and captured that feeling I was after.”

LONDON SOUTHERN Track Listing:
1.     Sweet Time (Lauderdale)
2.     I Love You More (Lauderdale)
3.     We’ve Only Got So Much Time Here (Lauderdale, Odie Blackmon)
4.     You Came To Get Me (Lauderdale)
5.     What Have You Got To Lose (Lauderdale, Dan Penn)
6.     If I Can’t Resist (Lauderdale, John Oates)
7.     Don’t Let Yourself Get In The Way (Lauderdale)
8.     No Right Way To Be Wrong (Lauderdale)
9.     Different Kind Of Groove Some Time (Lauderdale, John Oates)
10.  I Can’t Do Without You (Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel)
11.  Don’t Shut Me Down (Lauderdale, Dan Penn)
12.  This Is A Door (Lauderdale)

Cheap Trick Plans New Big Machine Project

Cheap Trick will release a new album, WE’RE ALL ALRIGHT!, on Big Machine Records June 16. Pre-orders for the new project will be available May 5 via Cheap Trick’s PledgeMusic campaign, and will include two instant downloads, the first single “Long Time Coming,” and “Lolita.” Additional tracks will be available in the next few weeks leading up to the album’s release.

The band co-produced the new project, their 18th studio album, with longtime collaborator Julian Raymond (Glen Campbell, Fastball). The album will be available in standard and deluxe editions, with the deluxe version including three bonus tracks, including a kaleidoscopic cover of The Move’s “Blackberry Way.”

WE’RE ALL ALRIGHT! Track List:
1. “You Got It Going On”
2. “Long Time Coming”
3. “Nowhere”
4. “Radio Lover”
5. “Lolita”
6. “Brand New Name On An Old Tattoo”
7. “Floating Down”
8. “She’s Alright”
9. “Listen To Me”
10. “The Rest Of My Life”
Deluxe Tracks
11. “Blackberry Way”
12. “Like A Fly”
13. “If You Still Want My Love”

Rising Stars Brett Young, Luke Combs Earn RIAA Gold

Brett Young is celebrating two RIAA Gold certifications, earned by the first two singles from his debut album: the No. 1 hits “Sleep Without You” and “In Case You Didn’t Know.” The latter is sitting at the top of MusicRow’s CountryBreakout Chart today.

The BMLG artist is on the road with Justin Moore and Lee Brice, and will soon head to Canada to open for Thomas Rhett before spending the summer on tour with Lady Antebellum.

Luke Combs’ debut single “Hurricane” has been certified Gold by the RIAA. Continuing its meteoric rise, the single peaked at No. 1 on MusicRow’s CountryBreakout chart and continues to rise on the major-market charts. It is No. 2 on the country streaming charts this week with over 74 million streams.

Combs’ debut album This One’s For You will be released June 2 on River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. The project features twelve tracks co-written by Combs. Fans who pre-order it will immediately receive five tracks: “Hurricane,” “Out There,” “Memories Are Made Of,” “Beer Can,” and “This One’s For You.” On May 19, previously unreleased track “One Number Away” will also be available as part of the pre-order.

Combs has played over 110 sold-out headlining shows, and continues on the Devil Don’t Sleep Tour with Brantley Gilbert through September.

Exclusive: Reba Teams With Clarence Spalding, Maverick For Management

Reba McEntire has teamed with Clarence Spalding and Maverick as her new management partner, MusicRow has confirmed. Spalding leads the Nashville office of international music management firm Maverick.

McEntire will still serve as president of Reba’s Business, Inc. Her team includes Carolyn Snell (Associate Manager / Tour Manager), Justin McIntosh (VP, Creative & Marketing), Leslie Matthews (Brand Manager) and Eric Steiger (Executive Assistant).

Spalding also oversees the careers of Jason Aldean, Rascal Flatts, Kix Brooks, Darius Rucker, Brooks & Dunn, Terri Clark and Seth Alley.

Little Big Town and CMA Recognize Local Music Teachers

Little Big Town (center) join CMA and CMA Foundation Board members at CMA Music Teachers of Excellence Wednesday at Nissan Stadium. Back (l-r): Victoria Shaw; Kix Brooks; Ron Samuels; Blair Garner; Sally Williams, CMA Board Chairman; Frank Bumstead; John Marks; Everett Lybolt; Bob DiPiero; Rob Potts; Biff Watson; John Huie; Jim Beavers; Mike Dungan; and Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. Front (l-r): Tiffany Kerns, CMA Director of Community Outreach; Little Big Town’s Phillip Sweet, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Karen Fairchild; Jennie Smythe; and Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Chairman. Photo: Dusty Draper / CMA

Little Big Town and the CMA honored local Metro Nashville educators as the CMA Music Teachers of Excellence Wednesday night (4/26) at a special ceremony at Nissan Stadium. More than a dozen artists were on hand to celebrate with the teachers, as well as CMA Board members, community leaders, and CMA Foundation beneficiary programs.

Twenty-five Metro Nashville Public School teachers were recognized during the ceremony, along with six recipients from other cities, who were acknowledged by the Give a Note Foundation’s “Music In Our Schools Tour” presented by Radio Disney. Each honoree receives a stipend from the CMA Foundation in recognition of their commitment and teaching excellence.

“These educators are building and inspiring a generation, equipping students with tools they will continue to use throughout their lives,” said Joe Galante, CMA Foundation Chairman.

In a special pre-event gathering, Little Big Town were surprised with an emotional reunion with their childhood music teachers Sarah Glover and Jim Walker of Alabama (Jimi Westbrook), Billy Jack Green of Georgia (Karen Fairchild), and Julia Lansford of Arkansas (Phillip Sweet). Earlene Rentz of Kentucky and Robert Ivey of Georgia, who taught Kimberly Schlapman, shared heartfelt video and written messages in their absence. Fairchild serves on the CMA Foundation Board of Directors.

Entertainers also shared videos of well-wishes throughout the evening, with Cam, Brad Paisley, Cassadee Pope, Darius Rucker, Zac Brown Band, and ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” announcer Dicky Barrett and musical director Cleto Escobedo III all sending messages of support.

The City of Nashville also showed its support for the special event by lighting up downtown landmarks Ascend Amphitheater, Bridgestone Arena, Korean Veterans Boulevard Bridge, Omni Hotel, and the Westin Hotel in CMA blue lights.

“Music City is Music City because of the Country Music Association,” said Dr. Shawn Joseph, MNPS Director of Schools. “[The CMA Foundation] has set the bar high and established new standards for public/private partnerships between Metro Schools and business partners in Nashville and Davidson County.”

Now in its second year, the CMA Music Teachers of Excellence program honors music educators and their indelible impact on students and school communities. The program was created in partnership with Metro Schools’ “Music Makes Us” initiative, which was formed as a result of a 2015 study that highlighted the challenges of local music teachers.