The Raconteurs To Stream Live From Ryman Auditorium

The Raconteurs, comprised of Jack White, Brendan Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, have tapped nugs.net, the leading live music platform for concert recordings and live streams, to offer free live streams of their upcoming sold-out three-night run at the Ryman Auditorium on Aug. 29, 30, and 31. Fans can tune into the free live streams at nugs.tv and on The Raconteurs’ YouTube and Facebook channels at 9:00 PM CDT each night. The Raconteurs are currently touring in support of their long-awaited new album, HELP US STRANGER via Third Man Records. This is the rock band’s third studio LP and first new album in more than a decade.

The live streams are happening in conjunction with the launch of a Third Man Records live archive audio program. Starting today (Aug 28), 12 shows from the archives are now available on nugs.net’s live music streaming service as well as a-la-carte downloads, Hi-Res, MQA, and CDs. New shows will be added on Third Man Thursdays, the third Thursday of each month. Today’s releases include a never-before-heard White Stripes show from 1999, The Raconteurs 2006 UK Tour, The Dead Weather’s 2009 Mayan show in Los Angeles, and Jack White’s epic 2012 solo live debut. Additionally, Third Man Records’ Vault members will be able to activate a special introductory 3-month nugs.net streaming app subscription to access all Nugs content for $3.33. Find the Third Man Records Archives at nugs.net/thirdmanrecords.

Third Man Records co-founder, co-owner and in-house archivist Ben Blackwell said “With literally thousands of live recordings dating as far back as 1997, the Third Man vault is filled with more shows than we could ever reasonably attempt to release in three lifetimes. We can think of no better partner than nugs.net to help share the awesomeness we’ve captured over the years.”

Brad Serling, nugs.net Founder and CEO, commented, “We had a meeting of the minds the first time I walked into Third Man Records in Nashville and took a gander at the archives dating back 20 years to the very first White Stripes album. Launching the archive series with live streams from The Ryman is a perfect way to honor Jack White’s 20 year history as a recording artist and tap into the raw energy of the current Raconteurs tour.”

Carly Pearce Explores Country’s Rich Heritage In New Country Music Hall Of Fame Series

Carly Pearce stars in a new video series for the The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, “Unbroken Circle: Exploring Country Music History with Carly Pearce,” that is available for viewing now on the museum’s YouTube channel.

The four-episode series explores the connections between Country music’s past, present and future as Pearce takes viewers through the museum’s galleries, the Frist Library and Archives, and Historic RCA Studio B. Over the course of multiple days, Pearce digs for inspiration in the museum’s archives and galleries along with friends and collaborators Jeannie Seely, Emily Shackelton, busbee and Michael Ray.

“The mission of the museum is to tell the ever-evolving story of country music history,” said Brenda Colladay, Vice President, Museum Services, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “We are always pleased when contemporary artists join us in our mission and help us share the history of the genre with new generations of audiences.”

This series is produced in support of the museum’s American Currents exhibit, which explores the stories, artists and events of country’s most recent past. Pearce is paired in the exhibit with Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, her friend and mentor. Pearce’s stage wear from her Grand Ole Opry debut is on display along with Opry stage wear from Seely, representing the “Unbroken Circle” of Country music’s past, present and future.

“It’s our new duty, as the next generation of country music artists, to preserve country music history and tradition,” said Pearce. “I couldn’t have been more honored to join the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in exploring this rich lineage of our genre alongside some of my favorite collaborators.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: SOURCE Hall of Fame Honors Seven Nashville Trailblazers

Pictured (L-R, back row): SOURCE Awards honorees Grace Reinbold, Beverly Keel, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Sarah Brosmer; (L-R, front row): Gayle Hill, Judi Turner, Trisha Walker-Cunningham. Photo: Moser Photography

Chapter 630

Seven women joined the SOURCE Hall of Fame on Tuesday night (Aug. 27), and one of them sounded a manifesto for the organization.

“Here’s what you need to know to make it in music,” said honoree Beverly Keel. “Be your own best friend. Support other women. Speak your mind. Don’t worry about the nay-sayers. You’re not alone.

“Your ideas are good — that’s why men keep stealing them.” She saluted her Change the Conversation sisters, who are working to bring gender equality to music. And she reminded the attendees how far women have come.

“It’s just starting to get good,” Beverly concluded. It was a great, rabble-rousing speech that drew an enthusiastic response from the sold-out audience. It underscored the whole purpose of the SOURCE organization, which annually recognizes “the women behind the music.”

“That’s the best talk I’ve ever heard,” said co-host Jeannie Seely. “Brenda and I want copies,” she added, referring to her hosting partner, Brenda Lee.

Jeannie Seely and Brenda Lee at the 2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

Keel was recognized for her work as a publicist (UMG), journalist (The Tennessean, The Banner, People, etc.) and educator (MTSU). She was saluted on video by Jamey Johnson, who also attended in person.

“I begged not to go on after Beverly Keel, but here I am,” quipped honoree Erika Wollam-Nichols. She earned her place in the SOURCE Hall via her presidency of The Bluebird Café and stints with the Summer Lights arts festival, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the NSAI, an NPR series and Tin Pan South.

She recognized tunesmith Fred Knobloch in the crowd, adding, “There is an army of songwriters in this town that we could not live without. I live in constant gratitude and admiration for what they create.

“I also want to thank all of you – you have made me what I am today. I am shocked to be up here with all of these amazing women.” Erika was saluted on video by songwriter Lori McKenna.

Singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell gave video greetings to honoree Judi Turner. “There are 120 women on the wall of this institution who never would have received an award were it not for SOURCE, including me,” Judi said. “I am stunned and amazed that you would see fit to honor me.”

Judi is currently with Leadership Music. Her resume also includes work with the CMA, Network Ink and Turner & Co., as well as notable magazine-editing assignments.

2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

Gene Watson did the video honors for Sarah Brosmer, whose career includes gigs at Ray Stevens Music, PolyGram, Compleat, Sony and Lytle Management.

“I really want to give a big thank-you to my family,” Sarah said. “My girls are living proof that you can survive on Hamburger Helper.” Referring to her promotion work overseas (for which she won a Jo Walker Meador CMA Award), she added, “I like to think I was promoting global peace through country music.” Sarah concluded, “Every day, it is still a great pleasure to go to work.”

Grace Reinbold is the rare SOURCE honoree who forged a career in rock, rather than country music. She managed several Nashville rock bands, including Royal Court of China. She also created What a Trip! This company manages vacation promotions for recording artists, film firms, radio stations and record labels.

Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer Sam Moore did her video greeting. Grace told Brenda, “It’s really because of you that I fell in love with rock ‘n’ roll, and it’s never left my soul.

“What an honor tonight is, to be in front of people who rock my world.”

“What can I say?” said honoree Gayle Hill. “Except I am so stunned and thrilled to be standing in front of such a distinguished group.” Gayle was dubbed “Jingle Belle” because of her work producing country artists such as Dottie West, Sonny James, Loretta Lynn and The Glaser Brothers as ad singers for Coke, GMC, Miller Beer, Kraft, Rubbermaid, Mellon Bank and Stouffer’s Pizza, among many others.

“I was not the smartest, but I was shrewd as heck, and I knew how to talk,” Gayle said of her success in selling Nashville to New York and Chicago ad agencies. “With the singers, the musicians, the engineers and the songwriters in Nashville, I couldn’t fail.” Video congratulations came from Ron Oates, who worked with her on many of those jingles.

SOURCE honoree Trisha Walker-Cunningham has booked more than 400 artists on overseas tours. Country Music Hall of Famer Jo Walker-Meador encouraged Trisha in all of her international-festival ventures.

“Nobody believed there was a market for country music overseas,” Trisha recalled. “It was a solitary mission to change all that. I worked for love, not money, that’s true.” Today, “I’m happy to see so many young artists touring Europe.” International superstar Ronan Keating sent video greetings from Ireland.

SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

Brenda, Seely, Knobloch and Jamey weren’t the only music makers in attendance. Regina McCrary, Joe Stampley, Tommy Womack, Ray Baker, Smilin’ Jay McDowell, Dave Pomeroy, Steve Bogard, Benita Hill and actor/musician/model Rob Mayes also worked the room. Which was the lobby space of the Musicians Hall of Fame at Municipal Auditorium, decoratively transformed.

Stampley reports that he and Moe Bandy are doing reunion shows at casinos. Regina checks in with the news that The McCrary Sisters have signed with Rounder and are preparing a Christmas album. Womack is working on a rock project with Reinbold.

The room was full of fabulous females. Deb Barnes, Deborah Brauner, Debi Fleisher-Robin, Debbie Linn, Debbie Carroll, Debbie Moore, Carrie Moore, Martha Moore, Ronna Rubin, Barbara Baker, Sheree Spoltore, Susan Stewart, Suzanne Lee, Susan Meyers Woelkers, Cindy Mabe, Cindy Owen, Cindy Watts, Margie McGahey, Margie Hunt, Karen Clark, Karen Conrad, Becky Harris, Judy Harris, Preshius Harris, yadadda, yadadda, yadadda.

Supportive boys in attendance included Roger Nichols, Lou Spoltore, Bart Herbison, Dan Rogers, Don Cusic, Matt Davenport, Gene Ward, Sherrill Blackmon (who gallantly escorted honorees on and off the stage), Jimmy Wheeler, Jeff Gregg, Frank Mull, Bob Doyle, Joe Chambers, Sherod Robertson, David Conrad, Fletcher Foster, Charlie Monk and Charlie Robin.

But enough about the hairy-legged contingent. Let’s get back to citing women such as supreme schmoozers Bonnie Garner, Cathy Gurley, Pat Rolfe, Celia Froehlig, Marion Williams, Anita Hogin, Katie Gillon, Lauren Tingle, Lori Badgett, Amy Kurland, Linda Chambers, Areeda Schneider-Stampley (pause for breath),

Leslie Tomasina DiPiero, Patsy Bruce, Bonnie Sugarman, Pam Matthews, Lyndie Wenner, Renee White, Teresa George, Diane Pearson, Bev Moser, Vernell Hackett, Paula Szeigis, Alicia Jones, Jessica Nicholson, Laurie Hughes and a partridge in a pear tree.

Then there’s Kay Smith. Brenda and she have been friends since the 7th Grade at Maplewood Junior High. Kay faithfully corresponded with her pal as Brenda went singing around the world (to a reported 52 nations, before jet travel existed).

“She was my source of friendship,” said Brenda, “my source of home.” Kay conceived of the SOURCE awards, and the organization launched its annual banquet in 2003.

“Can you believe this is SOURCE’s 17th year?” asked Brenda. “We didn’t know if it would work or not. Boy, has this worked! We’re having a big party tonight.”

She and Seely sang “Happy Trails” to bid us adieu. By the way, the evergreen song was written by a woman, Dale Evans.

2019 SOURCE Honoree Beverly Keel, Patsy Bruce, Jamey Johnson. Photo: Moser Photography

2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

Charlie Monk with Jeannie Seely at the 2019 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Moser Photography

CMA Broadcast Awards Finalists Revealed

The finalists for the 2019 CMA Broadcast Awards were revealed Wednesday (Aug. 28). The CMA Awards will be held Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

NATIONAL
• “The Blair Garner Show” (Blair Garner and “Off Eric” Garner) – Westwood One
• “The Bobby Bones Show” (Bobby Bones, Amy Brown, “Lunchbox” Dan Chappell, and Eddie Garcia) – Premiere Networks
• “The Mayor of Music Row” (Charlie Monk) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio
• “Nash Nights Live” (Shawn Parr and Elaina Smith) – Westwood One
• “The Storme Warren Show” (Storme Warren) – Sirius XM Satellite Radio

MAJOR MARKET
• “Chris Carr & Company” (Chris Carr, Kia Becht, McKaila Granning, and “Maverick” Jeffrey Bolen) – KEEY, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.
• “Mason & Remy” (Mason Schreader and “Remy” Zachary Hoesly) – WIL, St. Louis, Mo.
• “The Morning Wolfpack with Matt McAllister” (Matt McAllister, Emily Raines, and “Slow Joe” Wallace) – KKWF, Seattle-Tacoma, Wash.
• “The Rob + Holly Show” (Rob Stone and Holly Hutton) – WYCD, Detroit, Mich.
• “Tanner in the Morning” (Rob Tanner, Catherine Lane, Chris Allen, and “Captain Jim” Homa) – WSOC, Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, N.C.-S.C.
• “Tony, Jake & Jenn” (Tony Russell, Jake Byron, and Jenn Hays) – KUPL, Portland, Ore.

LARGE MARKET
• “Amanda and Jesse” (Amanda Valentine and Jesse Tack) – WUBE, Cincinnati, Ohio
• “J.R. and Beth in the Morning” (“J.R.” Jon Jaus, Beth Boehm, and Chris Cardenas) – KCYY, San Antonio, Texas
• “Q Morning Crew” (Mike Wheless and Janie Carothers) – WQDR, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
• “The Randy, Jamie, and Jojo Show” (Randy Carroll, Jamie Martin, and Jojo Meza) – KAJA, San Antonio, Texas
• “Ridder, Scott and Shannen” (“Ridder” Shaun Ridderbush, Scott Dolphin, and Shannen Oesterreich) – WMIL, Milwaukee-Racine, WI

MEDIUM MARKET
• “Clay & Company” (Clay Moden and Val Townsend) – WYRK, Buffalo-Niagara Falls, N.Y.
• “The Doc Show with Jessie” (Ken “Doc” Medek and Jessie Roberts) – WGGY, Wilkes Barre-Scranton, Pa.
• “Mo & StyckMan” (“Mo” Melissa Wagner and “Styckman” Greg Owens) – WUSY, Chattanooga, Tenn.
• “Scott and Sarah in the Morning” (Scott Wynn and Sarah Kay) – WQMX, Akron, Ohio
• “Tony and Kris” (Tony Randall and Kris Rochester) – WIVK, Knoxville, Tenn.

SMALL MARKET
• “Barrett, Fox & Berry” (Bill Barrett, Tim Fox, and Tracy Berry) – KKNU, Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
• “Ben & Arnie” (Ben Butler and Arnie Andrews) – WCOW, La Crosse, Wis.
• “Dr. Shane and Tess in the Morning” (Shane Collins and Tess Connell) – WPAP, Panama City, Fla.
• “Mackey and Miles in the Morning” (Jim Mackey and Deb Miles) – WBYT, South Bend, Ind.
• “Officer Don & DeAnn” (“Officer Don” Evans and DeAnn Stephens) – WBUL, Lexington-Fayette, Ky.

FINALISTS FOR RADIO STATION OF THE YEAR (by market size):

MAJOR MARKET
• KILT – Houston-Galveston, Texas
• KPLX – Dallas-Ft. Worth, Texas
• WIL – St. Louis, Mo.
• WKLB – Boston, Mass.
• WYCD – Detroit, Mich.

LARGE MARKET
• KCYY – San Antonio, Texas
• KUBL – Salt Lake City-Ogden-Provo, Utah
• WFMS – Indianapolis, Ind.
• WLHK – Indianapolis, Ind.
• WQDR – Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
• WSIX – Nashville, Tenn.

MEDIUM MARKET
• CKRY – Calgary, Alta.
• KXKT – Omaha-Council Bluffs, Neb.-Iowa
• WBBS – Syracuse, N.Y.
• WIVK – Knoxville, Tenn.
• WXCY – Wilmington, Del.

SMALL MARKET
• KCLR – Columbia, Mo.
• KFDI – Wichita, Kan.
• KKNU – Eugene-Springfield, Ore.
• WBYT – South Bend, Ind.
• WYCT – Pensacola, Fla

BREAKING: 2019 CMA Awards Nominees

The nominees for the 2019 CMA Awards were announced Wednesday (Aug. 28) morning. Select categories were first announced on Good Morning America, with remaining categories revealed during a live stream via Billboard.

Maren Morris tops the list of finalists with six nominations. Brothers Osborne receives four nominations, the second most nominations this year, while 11 artists garner three nominations each—Dierks Bentley,  Eric ChurchLuke CombsDan + ShayScott HendricksDann HuffGreg KurstinKacey MusgravesBlake SheltonChris Stapleton and Carrie Underwood.

For the night’s highest honor, reigning Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban is nominated again in the category alongside Garth BrooksEric ChurchChris Stapleton and Underwood.

Entertainer of the Year
Garth Brooks
Eric Church
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood
Keith Urban

Album of the Year
Center Point Road, Thomas Rhett
Cry Pretty, Carrie Underwood
Dan + Shay, Dan + Shay
Desperate Man, Eric Church
Girl, Maren Morris

Musical Event of the Year
“All My Favorite People”- Maren Morris and Brothers Osborne
“Brand New Man” – Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs
“Dive Bar” – Garth Brooks and Blake Shelton
“Old Town Road (Remix)” – Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus
“What Happens In A Small Town” – Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell

New Artist of the Year
Cody Johnson
Ashley McBryde
Midland
Carly Pearce
Morgan Wallen

Single of the Year
“Burning Man” – Dierks Bentley Feat. Brothers Osborne
Producers: Ross Copperman, Jon Randall, Arturo Buenahora, Jr.
Mix Engineer: F. Reid Shippen

“GIRL” – Maren Morris
Producer: Greg Kurstin
Mix Engineer: Greg Kurstin

“God’s Country” – Blake Shelton
Producer: Scott Hendricks
Mix Engineer: Justin Niebank

“Millionaire” – Chris Stapleton
Producers: Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton
Mix Engineer: Vance Powell

“Speechless” – Dan + Shay
Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks
Mix Engineer: Jeff Juliano

Song of the Year
“Beautiful Crazy” – written by Luke Combs, Wyatt B. Durrette III, and Rob Williford; recorded by Luke Combs
“GIRL” – written by Maren Morris, Sarah Aarons and Greg Kurstin; recorded by Maren Morris
“God’s Country” – written by Devin Dawson, Jordan Schmidt and Michael Hardy; recorded by Blake Shelton
“Rainbow” – written by Natalie Hemby, Shane McAnally, and Kacey Musgraves; recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Tequila” – written by Dan Smyers, Nicolle Galyon and Jordan Reynolds; recorded by Dan + Shay

Female Vocalist of the Year
Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

Male Vocalist of the Year
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban

Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion
Zac Brown Band

Vocal Duo of the Year
Brooks & Dunn
Brothers Osborne
Dan+Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae

Musician of the Year
Jenee Fleenor
Paul Franklin
Mac McAnally
Illya Toshinsky
Derek Wells

In Pictures: Matt Stell, Tanya Tucker, King Calaway

Matt Stell Celebrates His Top 15 Hit “Prayed For You”

(L-R): Caryl Atwood, SVP Sales/Streaming SMN; Jim Catino, EVP A&R SMN; Josh Easler, VP Promotion Arista Nashville; Ash Bowers, Wide Open Music; David Enriquez, RECORDS; Ken Robold, COO/EVP SMN; Matt Stell; Randy Goodman, Chairman/CEO SMN; Ed Rivadavia, VP Digital Strategy SMN; Brendan Rich, Wide Open Music; Liz Cost, Sr. Director Marketing SMN; Steve Hodges, EVP Promotion/Artist Development SMN; and Scott Stachelski, VP Finance SMN      Photo Credit Alan Poizner

Matt Stell celebrated the success of his debut single, “Prayed For You,” Monday night with his management and label teams before his Nashville showcase at 12th & Porter. Stell has a lot to celebrate, as “Prayed For You” is Top 15 and climbing the charts and he’ll perform the song tonight in primetime during a special episode of ABC’s summer reality series, Bachelor in Paradise (8/7c).

 

Tanya Tucker Celebrates Latest Album With Opry Performance

(L to R): WSM’s Devon O’Day; Tanya Tucker; Opry’s Dan Rogers; Opry’s Jordan Pettit   Photo by Derrek Kupish | DK Productions

Tanya Tucker performed on the Opry last Friday night (Aug. 23), celebrating her latest album, While I’m Livin’, which released earlier that day. Tucker performed her signature song “Delta Dawn” as well as two songs from the new album: “Hard Luck” and “Bring My Flowers Now.” After her performance she hosted fans backstage in Opry House Studio A to discuss her life and career and the new album. Hosted by WSM’s Devon O’Day, the Studio A event will air along with songs from the new album as a Tanya Tucker While I’m Livin’ special on 650 AM and WSMonline.com on Friday, Aug. 30 at 10 a.m. CT. WSM will feature a re-aired playback on Labor Day (Sept. 2) at 7 p.m. CT.

 

King Calaway visits WXTU/Philadelphia

KC’s Caleb Miller, the label’s Lexi Willson, LC’s Chris Deaton, Simon Dumas, Joel Raab, KC’s Jordan Harvey, WXTU/Philadelphia’s Razz, KC’s Chad Michael Jervis, Austin Luther

King Calaway recently visited WXTU in Philadelphia. The group also recently opened for Rascal Flatts during a sold-out show in Nashville.

30A Songwriters Festival Announces First Round of 2020 Lineup

The 30A Songwriters Festival will celebrate its 11th year with performances on the main stage at presenting partner Grand Boulevard’s Town Center. This year’s performances include iconic artists Brian Wilson, John Prine, Indigo Girls, Tanya Tucker, Don McLean, and Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone.

The beach towns along Highway 30A on the Gulf of Mexico feature 30 venues presenting over 200 songwriters and 250 solo, band and in-the-round performances throughout the weekend of January 17 – 20, 2020. The 30A Songwriters Festival production team transforms amphitheaters, town halls, restaurants, theaters, bars and covered patios into unique music venues ranging in capacity from 75 to 750 seats indoors and 6,000 outdoors.

“Let me summarize what the 2020 30A Songwriters Festival is all about,” says Russell Carter, President of RCAM and festival co-producer. “It’s about great songs—‘God Only Knows,’ ‘American Pie,’ ‘Closer To Fine,’ ‘Angel From Montgomery,’ ‘Delta Dawn,’ ‘Puff the Magic Dragon,’ ‘Good Vibrations,’ ‘Closing Time’— just to touch the surface. There is a calm along 30A early in the third week of January, a typically quiet time in the resort town. By the week’s end, an explosion of music, food, wine and spirits combine to create an indescribable, sustained vibe as 200 musicians gather to perform for the multitude of fans throughout the weekend.”

“The 30A Songwriters Festival is a beloved and anticipated tradition for locals and visitors to South Walton and a major source of funding for the Cultural Arts Alliance,” says Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County Executive Director and Festival Co-Producer Jennifer Steele. “The Festival fulfills the CAA’s vision for creative placemaking, establishing the area as a home for rich and rewarding cultural entertainment and experiences. We are so proud to be able to bring it to life each year and grateful the event allows us to fulfill our mission to advance the arts in our community.”

The following prominent songwriters are confirmed to perform two shows each throughout the weekend: Dan Wilson (Semisonic), Peter Yarrow (Peter, Paul and Mary), Mindy Smith, Todd Snider, Elizabeth Cook, Birds of Chicago, Sierra Hull, James McMurtry, Carlene Carter, Shawn Mullins, Nikki Lane, Matthew Sweet, Mary Gauthier, Chastity Brown, Hayes Carll, Gretchen Peters, Will Hoge, Marc Broussard, Sarah Lee Guthrie, Darrell Scott, Chely Wright, Over the Rhine, Jeffrey Steele, Pat McGee Band, Amy LaVere, Livingston Taylor, Paul Thorn, John Fullbright, Steve Poltz, The Secret Sisters, Robyn Hitchcock, Miles Zuniga & Tony Scalzo (Fastball), Ken Block & Drew Copeland (Sister Hazel), Aaron Lee Tasjan, Lindsay Lou, Radney Foster, Bob Schneider, Allison Moorer, David Ryan Harris (John Mayer band), Dan Bern, Cory Chisel & Adriel Denae, Amy Ray (solo), Emily Saliers (solo), Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz, The Honey Dewdrops, Grant-Lee Phillips, Griffin House, Peter Holsapple (The dB’s), Chris Stamey (the dB’s), Chris Stills, Amy Rigby, Abe Partridge, Liz Brasher and AJ Ghent.

Click here for tickets and more information about the 30A Songwriters Festival.

Cody Jinks Set For Grand Ole Opry Debut

Cody Jinks will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, Aug. 28, sharing the 7:30 p.m. segment with Clint Black.

Less than two years ago, Jinks celebrated two consecutive sold-out performances at the Opry’s former home, The Ryman Auditorium. He will release his upcoming album After The Fire on Oct. 11, as the first project on his own Late August Records. His previous project, Lifers, was released through Rounder Records.

Jinks is currently on tour with artists including Lynyrd Skynyrd, and streams approximately 40 million songs per month.

Home Team Publishing Signs Austin Burke

Pictured (L-R, top row): Jake LaGrone (287 Entertainment), Greg McCarn (287 Entertainment), Ryan Beuschel (President, A&R, Warner Chappell Nashville), Ben Vaughn (CEO, Warner Chappell Nashville), Rhett Akins (Partner, Home Team Publishing), Thomas Rhett (Partner, Home Team Publishing), Virginia Bunetta (Partner, Home Team Publishing / G Major Mgmt); (L-R, bottom row): Daniella Rasho (Creative Director, Home Team Publishing), Austin Burke, Jessie Vaughn (Manager, A&R, Warner Chappell Nashville)

Rising singer-songwriter Austin Burke has signed with Home Team Publishing, the company created by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins and Virginia Bunetta. Burke has earned more than 53 million Spotify streams of the track “Whole Lot in Love,” and will release his next single, “Love You Most,” on Sept. 6.

“I am thrilled to welcome Austin into the Home Team family,” stated Home Team Creative Director Daniella Rasho. “He has an instinctual knack for melodies, and his lyrics exude Southern charm with a West Coast flair. He displays all the makings of a modern country entertainer, and we cannot wait to embark on this journey together.”

Sea Gayle Announces Promotion, Staff Addition

Sea Gayle Music Executive VP/GM Marc Driskill has announced the promotion of JD Groover to Sr. Director, Creative and A&R and the addition of Emily Witters as Director, Creative, to the creative team at Sea Gayle Music.

Groover joined Sea Gayle as Creative Director in 2018. Witters, a Denver native, moved to Nashville in 2011 and earned a Music Business degree from MTSU. After graduating from MTSU, she worked for Sony/ATV Music Publishing for three years before landing an opportunity to work at Dean’s Cabin Publishing.

“Along with Sr. Director, Creative, Kim Wiggins, who is simply a rockstar, we are so excited about this team! The authenticity and dedication Kim, JD and Emily exhibit are the main reasons songwriters and artists gravitate to them and trust them with their careers,” said Driskill. “I’m so proud of each of them for what they mean to our songwriters and our team. And we are so excited to welcome Emily to the creative team at Sea Gayle. Her genuine love of music and her instinctual song sense are the foundation of her passion for her working with songwriters. She is going to be an outstanding addition to the Sea Gayle team.”