Rebecca St. James Returns With First Studio Project In Nine Years

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Rebecca St. James will return with her first studio recording in nine years, and her first for Heritage Music, when she releases the six-song EP Dawn on July 24. The project, produced by Seth Mosley and Tedd T., features guest contributions from St. James’ brother—for King & Country’s Luke Smallbone—as well as Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin and Brandon Lake.

“Worship just seems to be the right kind of music for me to make in this season; it’s so true to who I am and my roots,” St. James says of her return. “The foundation of the EP is the idea of dawn—a new sunrise, a new beginning, a new spring. The theme throughout is God’s redemption; new seasons of joy after pain, and hope.

“Nearly three years ago God did a rebirth in our little family during what we would call a winter,” St. James explains. “I miscarried twice after our first daughter, and it just felt like when it rains, it pours. It was winter on so many levels—dealing with internal pain, major vocational change and unknowns, outside family issues—just a lot all at once. Then God brought about a total change in my heart and in my husband’s heart too, and we felt that He delivered us into a spring season, a renewal that started on the interior.”

She collaborated with songwriters including Smallbone, Baldwin, Bethel Music’s Kristene DiMarco and Mia Fieldes and others. The title track highlights St. James and Smallbone’s sibling harmonies, while “Middle of the Fire,” featuring Baldwin, offers an anthem of trust.

“The time away from music has helped me come back with fresh energy,” St. James says. “It’s much easier to go with a formula that feels safe or sure to be received, but I’ve not wanted to do that. I’ve really wanted this project to feel progressive but also really accessible.”

St. James debuted on the CCM scene in 1994 with her self-titled ForeFront Records album and has since won numerous Dove Awards, and earned nine No. 1 Christian radio singles as well as two Gold-certified recordings. As an author, she penned titles including Wait For Me (Thomas Nelson) and Pure (Hachette/Faithwords). She starred in the 2009 film Sarah’s Choice and portrayed Mary Magdalene in the rock opera !Hero. She also co-wrote songs for for King & Country’s 2019 album Burn the Ships and is the co-host of the weekly podcast Rebecca St. James & Family.

2020 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Female Songwriter Of The Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 32nd annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Female Songwriter of the Year category. Female Songwriter of the Year nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. Eligible projects were active between April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020.

The MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 17 at 5 p.m. CT.

To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.


Jennifer Denmark, Curb | Word Music Publishing, ASCAP
“Make Me Want To,” recorded by Jimmie Allen

Nicolle Galyon, Warner Chappell, BMI
“All To Myself,” recorded by Dan + Shay
“Details,” recorded by Billy Currington
“homecoming queen?,” recorded by Kelsea Ballerini

Natalie Hemby, UMPG, BMI
“Bluebird,” recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Butterflies,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Heartache Medication,” recorded by Jon Pardi
“Mess With My Head,” recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Rainbow,” recorded by Kacey Musgraves
“Redesigning Women,” recorded by The Highwomen

Hillary Lindsey, Endurance Music Group/BMG, ASCAP *Signed to Concord Music Publishing in June 2020
“Almost Maybes,” recorded by Jordan Davis
“Buy My Own Drinks,” recorded by Runaway June
“Closer To You,” recorded by Carly Pearce
“Hole In The Bottle,” recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“It All Comes Out In The Wash,” recorded by Miranda Lambert
“Knockin’ Boots,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“One Beer,” recorded by HARDY featuring Devin Dawson and Lauren Alaina
“Over Drinking,” recorded by Little Big Town
“People Are Different,” recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“What She Wants Tonight,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“What Whiskey Does,” recorded by Randy Houser

Laura Veltz, Big Machine Music, BMI
“A Song For Everything,” recorded by Maren Morris
“Keeping Score,” recorded by Dan + Shay featuring Kelly Clarkson
“Speechless,” recorded by Dan + Shay
“The Bones,” recorded by Maren Morris
“To A T,” recorded by Ryan Hurd
“To Hell & Back,” recorded by Maren Morris
“What If I Never Get Over You,” recorded by Lady A
“What I’m Leaving For,” recorded by Lady A

Parker Welling, Home Team/Roc Nation/Warner Chappell, BMI
“Every Little Thing,” recorded by Russell Dickerson
“Love You Like I Used To,” recorded by Russell Dickerson
“These Days,” recorded by Mackenzie Porter

Ongoing Conversation Series “Dear Music City…” To Examine Racial Issues In The Nashville Music Industry

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Nashville Music Equality is launching “Dear Music City…,” a series of continued conversations about racial issues that surround the Nashville Music Industry community.

This follows the two extraordinary panel discussions, “A Conversation on Being African American in the Nashville Music Industry,” that were held beginning June 2 in the response to Blackout Tuesday (#TheShowMustBePaused).The first webinar of “Dear Music City…,” will be held on July 15, 2020 at 5 p.m. CST. Moderators will include Grammy-Award Winning Producer and 102.1 THE VILLE Founder and Program Director Shannon Sanders, and CMT’s Senior Vice President of Music Strategy Leslie Fram.

“Part 1: Minority Fans of Country Music” will discuss topics including unwelcoming and racist acts fans have experienced from other country fans, including their concerns for their personal safety while attending music concerts. They will explore their opinions on whether the industry is turning a blind eye to the effects of racism on their fans of color, as well as the images and messages the genre projects to the world and its tradition of excluding African American creators and employees. In addition to that, the series will also include candid letters written by those in the country music industry in which they share their thoughts on racism in Nashville and the country music industry.

Attendees can register here.

HARDY Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Michael Hardy—or HARDY—earns the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, with co-writer credit on “More Than My Hometown” and “This Bar” (Morgan Wallen), “One Big Country Song” (LOCASH), “Single Saturday Night” (Cole Swindell), “Some Girls” (Jameson Rodgers), and “One Beer” (HARDY feat. Lauren Alaina and Devin Dawson). After an impressive 11 consecutive weeks at No. 1, Craig Wiseman shifts down to No. 2.

Josh Thompson, Shane McAnally and Morgan Wallen round out the top five this week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Industry Pics: Live From The Drive-In, Travis Denning, Grand Ole Opry, Charlie Daniels

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Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi Thrill During Live From The Drive-In

Darius Rucker. Photo: Freddy Breedon


Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker and Jon Pardi treated fans to a long-awaited Summer concert at Live Nation’s Live From The Drive-In Concert Series over the weekend at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium. Jon Pardi kicked off the weekend bringing the party to a packed crowd on Friday (July 10), while Brad Paisley hit the stage Saturday playing some of his biggest hits including “Crushin’ It,” “Mud on the Tires,” “American Saturday Night,” and “No I In Beer.” The superstar also surprised concert-goers with a special video duet with Carrie Underwood for their smash hit “Remind Me” and an opening comedy set in Nashville from Kevin Nealon. Darius Rucker headlined the final night of the weekend, complete with a “Only Wanna Be With You” singalong with the crowd. Fans who weren’t able to make it out to the first Live From The Drive In, can check out Paisley’s livestream from his Nashville performance on Saturday. The livestream has earned more than 619,000 views so far and is still available to watch HERE.
 

Travis Denning’s Golden Drive-By Surprise

Top row, (L-R): Damon Moberly – Mercury Nashville VP Promotion, Royce Risser – UMG Nashville EVP Promotion, Mike Dungan – UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO, Brian Wright – UMG Nashville EVP A&R, Rob Femia – UMG Nashville SVP Business & Legal Affairs.
Bottom row left to right: Angie Coonrod – Red Light Management, Travis Denning, Tom Becci – Red Light Management, Jeremy Stover – RED Creative Group. Photo: Bo Lbbotson


Travis Denning was surprised recently by his team at Universal Music Group, Red Light Management, RED Creative and WME with a drive-by parade in Nashville to celebrate his No. 1 hit single “After A Few,” which has officially been certified GOLD by the RIAA. Denning co-wrote “After A Few” with Kelly Archer and Justin Weaver, and just released his followup single to country radio, “Where That Beer’s Been.”
 

The Gatlin Brothers Tribute Charlie Daniels During Opry

The Gatlin Brothers performed “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “Help Me” in honor of their fellow Opry member Charlie Daniels on Saturday night’s show. Photo: Photos courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Mark Mosrie, photographer


The Grand Ole Opry honored the life and career of Country Music Hall of Famer and beloved Opry member Charlie Daniels during Saturday night’s show (July 11). Opry members The Gatlin Brothers performed “Heaven’s Jubilee” and “Help Me” in honor of their fellow Opry member. Margo Price and Jimmie Allen joined the Gatlins on the show, which was the 4,932nd consecutive Saturday night Opry broadcast.
 

Charlie Daniels Laid To Rest In Mt. Juliet

Photo credit: Nate Shuppert


Family, friends and hundreds of fans gathered Friday (July 10) at World Outreach Church in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, to pay their respects to country and southern rock icon Charlie Daniels, who passed away July 6. Throughout the morning, several guest performers took the stage to pay tribute to the late Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member. Trace Adkins performed the patriotic “Arlington,” while Vince Gill crooned through “Go Rest High on That Mountain,” and “America the Beautiful.” Travis Tritt led the congregation in “Amazing Grace.” Accompanied on piano by Michael W. Smith, Gretchen Wilson honored Daniels with gospel classic “I’ll Fly Away.” Speakers included former U.S. Navy SEAL David Rutherford, tenured CDB roadie Roger Campbell, and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. World Outreach Church pastor Allen Jackson eulogized the legendary singer, who was laid to rest at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

Weekly Register: Maren Morris Tops Country Streaming Chart

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Maren Morris. Photo: Harper Smith

Maren Morris tops the On-Demand Country Streaming Songs chart this week, with 8.3 million streams for “The Bones,” according to Nielsen Soundscan. Sam Hunt‘s clever “Hard To Forget” follows at No. 2 with 8 million streams. Gabby Barrett‘s long-running chart-topper “I Hope” is at No. 3 this week, with 7.8 million streams. Morgan Wallen‘s “Chasin’ You” is at No. 4 with 7.5 million streams, while Miranda Lambert‘s sweet anthem of hope “Bluebird” rounds out the Top 5 with 7.2 million streams.

Sales juggernaut Luke Combs remains atop the country albums chart, with What You See Is What You Get moving 23K this week in total consumption. Wallen continues his success on the country albums chart as well with If I Know Me at No. 2, with 22K in total consumption. Combs’ This One’s For You is at No. 3 with 20K, followed by Hunt’s Southside at No. 4 with 15K. Willie Nelson‘s First Rose of Spring—the legend’s 70th studio album—debuts at No. 5 with 12K.

Following the death of entertainer Charlie Daniels, his 16 Biggest Hits project re-entered the country albums chart at No. 12 (and overall chart at No. 105) with 8.7K.

2020 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Male Songwriter of the Year

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Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 32nd annual MusicRow Awards, we take a look at the MusicRow Male Songwriter of the Year category. Male Songwriter of the Year nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. Eligible projects were active between April 1, 2019 to May 31, 2020

The MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2020. Presenting Sponsor of the 2020 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank

Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.

Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 17 at 5 p.m..
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.


Ross Copperman, Sony ATV/Endurance Music Group, BMI
“Catch,” recorded by Brett Young
“Get Along,” recorded by Kenny Chesney
“Lady,” recorded by Brett Young
“Living,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Love Ain’t,” recorded by Eli Young Band
“Nobody But You,” recorded by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
“The Other Girl,” recorded by Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey
“Tip Of My Tongue,” recorded by Kenny Chesney
“What She Wants Tonight,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“World For Two,” recorded by King Calaway

Ashley Gorley, Round Hill Music, ASCAP
“Catch,” recorded by Brett Young
“Drop Everything,” recorded by Carlton Anderson
“Eyes On You,” recorded by Chase Rice
“Good Vibes,” recorded by Chris Janson
“Hard To Forget,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Hole In The Bottle,” recorded by Kelsea Ballerini
“I Don’t Know About You,” recorded by Chris Lane
“Living,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Love Ain’t,” recorded by Eli Young Band
“Notice,” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“One Big Country Song,” recorded by LOCASH
“One Of Them Girls,” recorded by Lee Brice
“Over Drinking,” recorded by Little Big Town
“Remember You Young,” recorded by Thomas Rhett
“Ridin’ Roads,” recorded by Dustin Lynch
“Rumor,” recorded by Lee Brice
“Single Saturday Night,” recorded by Cole Swindell

Jon Nite, Sony/ATV, ASCAP
“Friends Don’t,” recorded by Maddie & Tae
“I Hope,” recorded by Gabby Barrett
“Knockin’ Boots,” recorded by Luke Bryan
“Lady,” recorded by Brett Young
“Living,” recorded by Dierks Bentley
“Lost In The Middle Of Nowhere,” recorded by Kane Brown and Becky G
“What She Wants Tonight,” recorded by Luke Bryan

Josh Osborne, Sony ATV/SMACK Songs, ASCAP
“Breaking Up Was Easy In The ’90s,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Cheatin’ Songs,” recorded by Midland
“Hard To Forget,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Kinfolks,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“Mr. Lonely,” recorded by Midland
“Never Be Sorry,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Nobody But You,” recorded by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani
“One Man Band,” recorded by Old Dominion
“Really Shouldn’t Drink Around You,” recorded by Teddy Robb
“Sinning With You,” recorded by Sam Hunt
“World For Two,” recorded by King Calaway
“Young Once,” recorded by Sam Hunt

Jordan M. Schmidt, Tree Vibez Music/Sony ATV, ASCAP
“Anything She Says,” recorded by Mitchell Tenpenny and Seaforth
“Blessings,” recorded by Florida Georgia Line
“Caught Up In The Country,” recorded by Rodney Atkins
“God’s Country,” recorded by Blake Shelton
“Like A Rodeo,” recorded by Kane Brown
“Rednecker,” recorded by HARDY
“This Is Us,” recorded by Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus
“We Back,” recorded by Jason Aldean
“Worldwide Beautiful,” recorded by Kane Brown

Jonathan Singleton, Big Machine Music/Spirit Music Nashville, ASCAP
“Beer Never Broke My Heart,” recorded by Luke Combs
“Die From A Broken Heart,” recorded by Maddie & Tae
“I Hope You’re Happy Now,” recorded by Carly Pearce and Lee Brice
“In Between,” recorded by Scotty McCreery
“Moon Over Mexico,” recorded by Luke Combs
“What You See Is What You Get,” recorded by Luke Combs

Chris Fabiani Joins Warner Music Nashville

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Chris Fabiani

Chris Fabiani has joined Warner Music Nashville as Regional Manager of the Radio & Streaming Department. Fabiani steps into the role beginning today (July 13) and will report directly to Warner Music Nashville Radio & Streaming National Director Shari Roth.

Fabiani, who is based in Nashville, served as Director of Promotion and Artist Engagement at Universal Music Group for the past two years. He spent more than a decade with UMG, including six years as Director of Midwest Promotion at EMI.

“I’ve known and admired Chris for years,” Roth said. “He’s an absolute pro who loves our format and knows how to deliver airplay because he’s trusted and respected by our radio partners. I’m so thrilled to be finally working with him!”

“I am thrilled to be joining Kristen, Tom, Shari and the entire Warner/WEA team,” Fabiani said. “I look forward to working with their roster of talented artists and staff. I am excited to reconnect with many of my radio friends in the Midwest as well as some new faces.”

Reba McEntire, Vince Gill To Perform On Grand Ole Opry

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Two Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame members will take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend, as Vince Gill and Reba McEntire step into the circle for the Opry’s 4,933rd consecutive Saturday night broadcast on July 18. The performance can be viewed on Circle TV, wsmonline.com and SiriusXM.

Gill was inducted as a member of the Opry on Aug. 10, 1991 while McEntire became an Opry member on Jan. 17, 1987.

The two Oklahoma natives have collaborated for years. In 1988, Gill sang background vocals on McEntire’s self-titled studio project. In 1990, they recorded “Oklahoma Swing,” the second single from Gill’s breakthrough project When I Call Your Name. In 1993, the duo earned a chart-topper with the dramatic ballad “The Heart Won’t Lie.”

Gill says of McEntire, “She is arguably one of the greatest singers that will ever draw a breath.”

“The Grand Ole Opry has always been very special to me and my family,” said McEntire. “It’s part of my history, my heritage and my future, and I’m so excited to get to share the stage with Vince again. Just like Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Brother Oswald, Porter Wagoner and Loretta Lynn, Vince is an Opry legend. I’m proud to be an Opry member and I’ll always be proud to stand on the stage with Vince. Things may be a little different right now, but one thing stays the same – the Opry continues to bring great country music into the homes of the American people.”

Though Opry shows with a live Opry House audience are paused, the show will be broadcast live on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other TV affiliates.

Bill Anderson Breathes New Life Into Hits On Latest Album

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Bill Anderson is set to release his 73rd album, The Hits Re-Imagined, on July 24. The new project includes 10 of the most iconic songs the Country Music Hall of Famer has written and recorded, as well as songs he’s written that have become hits for George Strait, Brad Paisley, Kenny Chesney and more.

In addition to the re-imagined hits, the album also includes instrumental versions of each track. Co-produced by Anderson with Thomm Jutz, the album includes some of Anderson’s earliest hits like “City Lights” and “Po’ Folks,” as well as his more contemporary cuts such as “Whiskey Lullaby.”

The Hits Re-Imagined Track List:
1. Bright Lights and Country Music
2. Whiskey Lullaby
3. Po’ Folks                         
4. I’ll Wait for You
5. City Lights                        
6. Still
7. Give It Away
8. The Tips of My Fingers
9. A Lot of Things Different                     
10. Which Bridge to Cross (Which Bridge to Burn)
11. Bright Lights and Country Music (Instrumental)                
12. Whiskey Lullaby (Instrumental)                
13. Po’ Folks (Instrumental)
14. I’ll Wait for You (Instrumental)                
15. City Lights (Instrumental)                
16. Still (Instrumental)                
17. Give It Away (Instrumental)                
18. The Tips of My Fingers (Instrumental)                
19. A Lot of Things Different (Instrumental)                
20. Which Bridge To Cross (Which Bridge To Burn) (Instrumental)