Luke Combs Announces What You See Is What You Get Tour

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Photo (c) 2019 David Bergman

Luke Combs will kick off his What You See Is What You Get Tour in February with newly confirmed stops at Lexington’s Rupp Arena, Albuquerque’s Isleta Amphitheater, Colorado Spring’s Broadmoor World Arena and Houston’s Toyota Center, among many others. The dates will feature special guests Ashley McBryde and Drew Parker.

Tickets for the shows will be available for verified pre-sale starting next Tuesday, Sept. 24 with general on-sale following on Friday, Sept. 27. Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will have first access to tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starting next Tuesday, Sept. 24 . Additionally, every concert ticket sold online will include a copy of Combs’ new album What You See Is What You Get.

What You See Is What You Get is due out Nov. 8 via River House Artists/Columbia Nashville, and each pre-order includes an instant download of new track, “1, 2 Many” featuring Brooks & Dunn, as well as the five tracks previously released as part Combs’ The Prequel EP. The EP debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart with all five tracks charting on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Top 25—a feat not accomplished by any artist in 60 years since Johnny Cash in 1959. The release also propelled Combs to the largest streaming week ever for a country artist with 73 million on-demand streams. Additionally, The Prequel’s lead single, “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” recently topped Billboard ’s Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts and became Combs’ sixth consecutive No. 1.

What You See Is What You Get Tour Dates:
February 7, 2020—Columbia, MO—Mizzou Arena
February 8, 2020—Peoria, IL—Peoria Civic Center
February 13, 2020—University Park, PA—Bryce Jordan Center
February 14, 2020—Lexington, KY—Rupp Arena
February 15, 2020—Grand Rapids, MI—Van Andel Arena
April 18, 2020—Albuquerque, NM—Isleta Amphitheater
April 19, 2020—Colorado Springs, CO—Broadmoor World Arena
April 21, 2020—Las Cruces, NM—Pan American Center
April 24, 2020—Corpus Christi, TX—American Bank Center
April 25, 2020—Houston, TX—Toyota Center

Steven Curtis Chapman’s The Stable Collective Signs Jillian Edwards

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Pictured (L-R): Avery Stanley (The Stable Collective), Steven Curtis Chapman, Jillian Edwards, Mark Mattingly (The Stable Collective), Alex Whiten (The Stable Collective)

The Stable Collective, the business venture launched in 2017 between Grammy-winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman and artist manager Mark Mattingly, has signed new singer-songwriter Jillian Edwards.

Edwards, a Dallas, Texas native, released her debut EP in 2009, followed by her sophomore effort in 2011, which held the No. 1 spot on the singer-songwriter charts upon its release. In 2014, she released Daydream, which charted at No. 6 on Billboard‘s New Artist Chart and No. 1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart. In 2016, she released COVERS, as well as the surprise EDM release “Magic” with DJ Thomas Gold, which earned over 58 million streams on Spotify.

She is a signed writer for Concord Music Publishing and has had original songs on television series including ABC’s Pretty Little Liars and Grey’s Anatomy, CMT’s Nashville, and most recently the movie A Dog’s Way Home. She has also opened for a variety of artists over the last few years, including Jon Foreman, Drew & Ellie Holcomb, Josh Garrels, Ben Rector, David Ramirez, the Civil Wars, and more.

“The first time I heard Jillian’s pure sweet voice I felt like I was looking straight into her heart…and from the songs she wrote and the way she told her stories I could tell it was a beautiful place,” shares Chapman. “I’m so excited to have Jillian as our newest artist signed on to The Stable Collective roster. I truly believe God has entrusted her with a remarkable gift to share with the world, and we are very honored to have the opportunity to serve her and her gift.”

“Both having roots in Texas, I’ve known about Jillian’s music for 10 years now,” explains Mattingly. “Through the years we’ve gotten together to dream and talk about ideas, but never on a formal level. This is such exciting news for us as a team to have her as a client. She’s an incredible talent, and it is a true honor to be in business with her.”

“Jillian’s melodies, lyrics, and voice are undeniably set apart and uniquely captivating,” says Avery Stanley of The Stable Collective team. “With her seamless angelic voice, she has a way of quieting an audience from the clutter of our world and awakening brightness in her listeners. I am so proud to partner with her, and have so much faith in her writing and her heart. To know Jillian’s music is to experience a sweet rush of hope, inspiration, and light.”

Ralph Murphy To Be Honored By Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

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The late Ralph Murphy will be honored with the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award during the upcoming Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala at the Music City Center on Monday, Oct. 14.

“Ralph Murphy lived his life in service to songwriters; sharing his time and his expertise to help them achieve their potential,” said Sarah Cates, Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation. “He personified the qualities that this award strives to recognize, and it is our privilege to honor him and his legacy in this way.”

“Ralph Murphy, successful songwriter, publisher and legendary international raconteur, who wrote an extremely popular book called Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting: The Book, sadly passed away this spring,” said NaSHOF Board member/Hall of Fame songwriter Pat Alger. “Although he was unfortunately still unaware of it, the nominating committee and board of directors had already voted to present this award to Ralph in honor of the many years of service and stewardship he brought to the songwriting community. His door was literally and metaphorically always open to songwriters from all over the world who, upon passing through Nashville, knew that Ralph was a welcoming friend and trusted adviser who might not always tell you what you wanted to hear, but would leave you enlightened and encouraged.  Ralph was the epitome of what this award is all about – a man who was generous with his time and resources with no personal agenda attached as well as a personal friend to so many of us.”

Previous recipients of the award are music publisher Bob Beckham (2008), music publisher Bill Hall (2009), Preston (2010), music publisher David Conrad (2011), music publisher Donna Hilley (2012), Bluebird Café founder Amy Kurland (2013), music publisher Pat Higdon (2014) and music publisher Bill Lowery (2016).

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists. In recent years artists such as Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Jimmy Buffett, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, and Trisha Yearwood have performed at or participated in the event.  As previously announced, this year’s inductees are Larry Gatlin, Marcus Hummon, Kostas, Rivers Rutherford, Sharon Vaughn and Dwight Yoakam.

Tickets for the event are $250 each.  Select seating is available to the public and may be purchased as available by contacting Executive Director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com or 615-460-6556.

Kenny Chesney To Receive CRB Humanitarian Award

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Kenny Chesney with St. John School for the Arts students. Photo Credit: Jill Trunnell

Kenny Chesney has been named the recipient of the 2020 Country Radio Broadcasters Artist Humanitarian Award. He’ll receive the award on Wednesday, Feb. 19 as part of the 2nd Annual Warner Music Nashville Kickoff Luncheon, which serves as the official launch of Country Radio Seminar 2020. The Blue Chair/Warner Music Nashville recording artist will also headline this year’s Kickoff Luncheon, where he’ll be joined by several artists from the Warner Music Nashville family.

Chesney’s charitable work is widespread. His Love for Love City Foundation helped spearhead the rebuilding of St. John following the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017. In addition to humanitarian aid and working with local teams to facilitate physical clean-up and rebuilding, he and his core staff worked to rescue and relocate over 2,000 displaced animals of St. Thomas and St. John to several no-kill shelters and loving families in the U.S.

Chesney donated all proceeds from his Songs for the Saints album, which featured Ziggy Marley, Jimmy Buffett and Mindy Smith, to the Love for Love City Foundation. Raising over $1.1 million to date, the project continues to generate funds for St. John’s ongoing reconstruction work. Chesney also filled the St. John School for the Arts with a bounty of musical instruments, to inspire the children to go to school and be creative as they recovered from the disaster. Songs for the Saints generated the multiple week No. 1 “Get Along,” an anthem Chesney felt spoke to the spirit of people coming together post-devastation. Having already been involved with two successful PassItOn.Org campaigns with “Spread the Love” and “The Good Stuff,” the life-affirming organization requested an unprecedented third collaboration, and “Get Along” has already surpassed 2.5 billion views.

Following the bombing at the Boston Marathon, Chesney worked with the Boston Medical Center, creating the Spread the Love Fund to benefit amputee survivors. He aided survivors by selling special edition t-shirts as well as creating a place for donations, including turning a “Good Morning America” Summer Concert appearance into a fundraising opportunity. To date, Spread the Love has accrued over two million dollars, and the beneficiaries, as well as first responders, can often be seen at Chesney’s Gillette Stadium shows.

Chesney’s ongoing commitment to ocean habitat conservation extends from his years spent on the water. No Shoes Reefs has helped rebuild coral reefs in Jacksonville, Florida, as well as supported other local ocean ecology efforts around Florida and the Gulf Coast. He has also worked regularly – and often anonymously – with a myriad of other organizations, including MusiCares, the Red Cross, Farm Aid, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, ACM Lifting Lives, the CMA Foundation, Kids Wish Network and many local charities.

“It’s as if this CRS award was created for Kenny Chesney,” said CRS/CRB Board President, Kurt Johnson. “Artists with his career span are rare. Among them, artists who do as much good as he does, for as long as he has, without calling attention to it, are particularly singular. Here’s to you, Kenny.”

“I was raised to lend a hand where I could, but also to reach out quietly and keep the focus on the people who need the help,” said Chesney. “I’ve always tried to do the right thing where I could, but this award really belongs to all the people I’ve met over the years who are rebuilding their lives, their homes, their world. Watching them come together – the courage, the hours and strength they give to these things – my award is getting to be inspired by what these people have accomplished.”

Beloved Country Music Journalist Chuck Dauphin Passes

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Chuck Dauphin. Photo credit: Jamie Schramm/CMA

Beloved Nashville country music industry journalist and Dickson resident Chuck Dauphin passed away Wednesday evening (Sept. 18) at 6:47 p.m., following a series of complications from diabetes. He was 45.

As a radio broadcaster, record promoter and journalist, he has spent the past 25 years sharing his passion for country music and carrying a torch for all of its artists, songwriters and industry members.

With over 1,000 articles published in various magazines and newspapers, including Roughstock, At Home Tennessee, Sounds Like Nashville and Billboard among many others, he will always be known for his integrity, preparation, creativity and passion for country music. His peers and close friends will also remember him for his quiet wit and unwavering support of others.

As one of the most well-respected journalists within the industry, the veteran radio and music journalist was presented with the 2014 CMA Media Achievement Award on the night of the “The 48th Annual CMA Awards.”

Dauphin launched his career as a professional radio host in 1991 during his junior year in high school, when he earned his first job in the music business at WDKN in Dickson, Tennessee. He worked there for 18 years, rose to program director and was known to everyone in Dickson County by his on-air personality, “Crazy Chucky.” He enjoyed a flourishing radio career with stops at WNKX in Centerville, Tenn., Nashville’s WSM-AM, and he often appeared as a guest on Sirius XM’s country channels.

He is survived by his father Charles F. Dauphin, Jr., his stepmother, Marcia Dauphin of Savanna, Ill., a stepson Zach Heath of Kentucky, stepdaughter Isabella Heath of Pennsylvania, stepbrother Lyle Klein (Dee Dee) of Carthage, Ill., a stepsister, Deanna Deal (Eric) of Freeport, Ill., an uncle Burt Dauphin of Savanna, Ill., two aunts, Diana Chaplin of Baileyville, Ill. and Gloria Roberts of Freeport, Ill. and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his mother, his grandparents Ernest and Pauline Clymer, Charles and Edna Dauphin, two uncles Jim Chaplin and Del Roberts, an aunt Peg Dauphin and a cousin, Douglas Harbers, and many beloved pet dogs and cats, including Lassie, Brownie and Chloe.

Chuck Dauphin Public Funeral and Visitation  
Saturday, September 21, 2019

5:00 – 8:00 PM Visitation

Taylor Funeral Home
214 North Main St.
Dickson, TN 37055
Phone: 615-446-2808

Sunday, September 22, 2019

1:00 – 3:00 PM Visitation
3:00 PM Celebration of Life
A reception will follow Chuck’s Celebration of Life at Burns Church of Christ.Burns Church of Christ 
2718 Church St.
Burns, TN  37029
Phone: 615-441-3984

 

Industry Ink: All For The Hall, Big Machine, WME, Big Deal

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Sheryl, Luke, Vince, And Emmylou Are All For The Hall

Pictured (L-R): Emmylou Harris, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill. Photo: Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Last night, Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris, along with Luke Combs and Sheryl Crow took the stage at All for the Hall Los Angeles, a benefit for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s education programs. Gill has hosted or co-hosted every All for the Hall concerts since he founded the campaign in 2005.

 

Big Machine Label Group Adds Two Promotion Coordinators

Pictured: Samantha Kane, Athena Puharic

Big Machine Label Group announced today the addition of Athena Puharic to The Valory Music Co. and Samantha Kane to Big Machine Records. Puharic joins The Valory Music Co. team as the Promotion Coordinator following her former role as Associate Editor at ALL ACCESS. Kane brings previous communications experience from the Country Music Association to her new role as Promotion Coordinator for Big Machine Records.

 

WME Hosts Early Listening Party For Jillian Cardarelli’s New Single

Pictured (L-R): Lauren Ledford (WME), Sloane Logue (WME), Cam Caldwell (Dickinson-Wright), Jillian Cardarelli, Matt Malcolm (WME), Alex Kline (producer), Lindsey Dodge (WME).

WME hosted a listening event for the release of Jillian Cardarelli‘s new single, “I Never Do This,” from her upcoming EP. The track is co-written by Cardarelli and Curb|Word writer Adam Wood.

 

Boardman Promoted At Big Deal Music Group Nashville

Emily Boardman

Emily Boardman has been promoted to Manager / Creative at Big Deal Music Group Nashville. She has been with Big Deal Music since 2015, and previously served as catalog manager for Red Vinyl Music.

Play It Again Music Signs Walker Montgomery To Publishing, Artist Development Deal

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Pictured (L-R): Dallas Davidson and Walker Montgomery

Play It Again Music has signed Walker Montgomery to a multi-faceted music publishing and artist development deal. Play It Again founder and CEO Dallas Davidson, who has earned 25 No. 1 singles, will produce a new project for Montgomery, the son of John Michael Montgomery and nephew of Eddie Montgomery, which will be released on the company’s independent label.

“I know a superstar when I see one, and as soon as I met Walker I knew we had to make him a part of our team. With that much talent running through his blood, it won’t be long before everyone knows how incredible he is,” Davidson says.

Before signing his deal, Walker Montgomery earned more than 3 million streams with his self-penned first single “Simple Town,” which earned the attention of Play It Again’s President, Juli Newton-Griffith. Griffith looks forward to spearheading the development of Montgomery’s career and establishing him as a major songwriter and recording artist.

“There is something very special about Walker. He is a natural super star. This is going to be really fun!” says Newton-Griffith.

“This is totally BUCKET LIST for me!! I’ve been in awe of Dallas Davidson since I was a teenager and only dreamed about the opportunity to shake his hand someday. To be signed to his music company and have him produce a record on me is just mind boggling. And, I’m also very lucky to have Juli as a mentor and leader. I feel very blessed and I’m so appreciative of this opportunity,” Montgomery adds.

Spirit Music Group Signs David Garcia

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Pictured (L-R): Derek Crownover, Attorney (Dickinson Wright PLLC); David Garcia; Megan Keelan, Legal Intern (Dickinson Wright PLLC); Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager (Spirit Music Nashville); Cam Caldwell, Attorney (Dickinson Wright PLLC); Derek Wells, Sr. Director of A&R/Production (Spirit Music Nashville); Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations (Spirit Music Nashville); David Crow, Attorney (Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC); Matthew Beckett, Attorney (Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC); Frank Rogers, CEO (Spirit Music Nashville); Freeman Wizer, Sr. Director of Creative (Spirit Music Nashville)

Spirit Music Group has signed a multi-faceted deal with songwriter and producer David Garcia, which includes the purchase of his catalog as well as a publishing deal for future works.

“Spirit Music Group is honored to partner with David Garcia in both his catalog and new works,” said Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “David has a proven track record of hits, and the impressive ability to write in multiple genres—the entire global team at Spirit is excited to give David our full support.”

“David Garcia is a force of nature,” said Frank Rogers, Chief Executive Officer, Spirit Music Nashville. “His songs, his production, his energy and his personality are addictive. We could not be more excited to partner with David and welcome him to the Spirit Music family!”

“I am so excited to be partnering with Frank Rogers and the whole Spirit Music team for this next chapter of my songwriting career,” said Garcia. “The energy and excitement that is coming out of the Nashville office is amazing, and I am thrilled to have them on-board as my publishing partner.”

Four-time Grammy recipient Garcia co-wrote and co-produced the smash hit “Meant To Be,” recorded by Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line. The song spent 50 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. In 2017, he earned a No. 1 hit for co-writing and co-producing “More Girls Like You,” recorded by Kip Moore.

Garcia has penned more than 20 No. 1 Contemporary Christian songs. He was named ASCAP’s 2019 Christian Songwriter of the Year earlier this week (he previously earned the honor in 2015), and has earned nine Dove Awards.

He worked with Carrie Underwood on her sixth studio project, including the lead single “Cry Pretty,” and “Southbound.” His latest single, “Hell Right,” recorded by Blake Shelton (ft. Trace Adkins) is currently at radio.

Since announcing the appointment of Frank Rogers to Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Music Nashville in May of this year, the company has made quick impact with the formation of a JV with Grammy-nominated Platinum producer Derek Wells (also appointing Wells as Senior Director A&R Production); the signing MusicRow‘s Song of the Year co-writer Jeremy Bussey; as well as the signings of Bobby Hamrick and Brinley Addington. Other recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville and Fluid Music Revolution include ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne).

Spirit Music Group and Spirit Music Nashville have had a string of signings and acquisitions over the past year. In January, Spirit Music Group executives Singer and Ross Cameron formed Lyric Capital Group to take ownership of Spirit Music Group and secure a recapitalization of over $350 million. Spirit Music Group is now wholly-owned by the newly formed Lyric Capital Group.

Striking Gold: Ryan Hurd, Matt Stell, Colt Ford

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Ryan Hurd Celebrates Gold Success Of “To A T”

Pictured (L-R): Janet Weir, 42 Entertainment/Red Light Management, Dennis Reese, SVP Promotion RCA Records Nashville, Steve Hodges, EVP Promotion & Artist Development, Sony Music Nashville (SMN), Caryl Atwood, SVP Sales/Streaming, SMN, Ryan Hurd, Tracy Fleaner, VP Creative Services, SMN, Jim Catino, EVP A&R, SMN, Paige Altone, Sr. Director Marketing, SMN, Taylor Lindsey, SVP A&R, SMN   Photo Credit Alan Poizner

Ryan Hurd received a Gold certification for his single “To A T” on Tuesday (Sept.  after participating in the SIP Hope 4 Hope Town benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium on Monday. Late Tuesday, Hurd was rehearsing for his upcoming opening slot on the Old Dominion “Make It Sweet Tour,” which kicks off on Sept. 27 at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte when members of his management team and Sony Music Nashville surprised him with T-shirt-shaped cookies and a Gold plaque for “To A T.”

On Friday he’ll release his five-song Platonic EP which includes his current rising radio hit “To A T” and the sweetly wistful “Wish For the World,” which Hurd performed during the Hope 4 Hope Town benefit. The star-packed concert raised funds for an estimated 70,000 people in the Bahamas left homeless by the ravages of Hurricane Dorian on Sept. 1.

 

Matt Stell’s “Prayed For You” Achieves Heavy Metal Status

Pictured (L-R): Liz Cost, Sr. Director Marketing, SMN, Keith Gale, Good Company Entertainment, Ash Bowers, Wide Open Music, Barry Weiss, RECORDS, David Enriquez, RECORDS, Brendan Rich, Wide Open Music, Matt Stell, Josh Easler, VP Promotion Arista Nashville; Jamice Jennings, GCE Promotion, and Laurent Thomas, Director National Promotion, SMN  Photo Credit Alan Poizner

Matt Stell was surprised Monday night (Sept. 16) with a Gold plaque for his hit single “Prayed For You” presented by his management and label teams in front of a capacity crowd at Whiskey Jam in Nashville. “Prayed For You” is currently at No. 9 with a global reach of more than 90 million digital streams.

 

Jamey Johnson Surprises Colt Ford With Gold At Opry

Pictured: Jamey Johnson, Colt Ford. Photo: Alan Taylor

Colt Ford was surprised on the Grand Ole Opry last night (Sept. 17) by Jamey Johnson, who presented him with an RIAA Gold-certified plaque marking sales of more than 500,000 units of Ride Through The Country, Ford’s debut album released in 2008 featuring Johnson on the track, “Cold Beer.” The RIAA certification comes just days before Ford releases his seventh album, We The People, Volume 1 this Friday. Ford’s new video and radio single, “Slow Ride” featuring Mitchell Tenpenny debuted on CMT Music and CMT.com this week.

MusicRow Introduces New N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, Submissions Now Open

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In our effort to recognize the industry’s up-and-coming talent, MusicRow‘s inaugural N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory will be featured in MusicRow‘s print issue that comes out the first week of December.

The N.B.T. Music Industry Directory is the first and only list of its kind, showcasing Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to lead the Nashville music industry into the future. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of 5 or more years experience in the music industry.

Sherod Robertson, MusicRow Publisher/Owner says, “As leaders in the music industry, it’s important to work closely with up-and-coming professionals to help them become better, more effective leaders in the future—which not only benefits the Nashville music industry today, but helps advance the direction of our industry into the future. Recognizing these individuals is the first step and is the mission of this new MusicRow directory.”

This print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artists listing, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry.

For you or a staff member(s) to be considered for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form. (Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory.)

Note: If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate.

While you can submit more than one candidate, only those that meet the above criteria will be considered.

Please send a recent head shot to [email protected]. (Photo specs: 2” x 2” or larger, 266+ dpi, color, jpeg).

New submissions for the directory close on Friday, September 27, 2019. For questions, email [email protected] or call (615) 499-5420.