Industry Ink: Rhett Akins & Thomas Rhett, Darryl Worley, ‘Who Knew,’ Mason Lively

Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett Take Opry Stage Together For First Time Over The Weekend

The Grand Ole Opry welcomed award-winning singer-songwriter Rhett Akins and multi-Platinum selling artist Thomas Rhett for a sold-out show on Saturday, June 12. The night’s performance marked the first-time father and son played the Opry on the same evening and the first time they took the Opry stage to perform together.

Akins performed first with his No. 1 hit “That Ain’t My Truck” and also entertained the crowd with the No. 1 song he wrote for Opry member Blake Shelton, “Boys ‘Round Here.” Rhett followed with several of his hits including “Die A Happy Man,” his current single “Country Again,” and “Sixteen.”

“Do y’all understand how freakin’ cool this is right here? We are going to play a song we wrote together. It’s the first single off my latest album,” shared Rhett from the stage. Akins added, “This is unbelievable. You were over there [pointing to side of stage] at two years old watching me play. We’ve written songs in the kitchen since you were eight years old and now we are singing one we wrote together on the Grand Ole Opry that went to No. 1!”

 

 

Darryl Worley, Leatherwood Distillery Partner For 20th Anniversary of 9/11

Country recording artist Darryl Worley has partnered with veteran-owned and operated Leatherwood Distillery to launch a limited-edition spirits line to help raise money and awareness for veteran and military organizations on the heels of the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

“I am excited to be working with Andy Lang and the folks at Leatherwood Distillery on this project,” shares Worley. “Andy is a special forces veteran, and we will never know what all those guys had to endure while serving our country. Helping raise money and awareness for their charity is something I feel very passionate about and it is truly an honor to have an opportunity to work with these quiet professionals.”

Leatherwood Distillery will be creating 2021 bottles of Darryl Worley Bourbon, Darryl Worley Rye Whiskey, and Darryl Worley Sweet Feed Whiskey as well as 2021 bottles of Have You Forgotten Darryl Worley Moonshine in Peach, Apple Pie, and Elderberry flavors. The liquor will ship in August 2021, however, with limited bottles available, a pre-sale is being offered to reserve your bottle(s) and help support the charities.

“Darryl is the perfect promotional partner for this endeavor as we are coming upon the 20th anniversary of the horrific tragedy of 9/11 and his song ‘Have You Forgotten’ really makes us think of how many have forgotten what took place that day,” adds Lang, President of Leatherwood Distillery. “September 11 is nothing to celebrate, it’s a time to remember how all our lives changed and those who lost their lives for no reason.”

 

 

Rendy Lovelady, Craig Campbell To Host Who Knew The Smartest Person In The Room Webinar

Industry professionals Rendy Lovelady and Craig Campbell will host Who Knew The Smartest People In The Room. The free event will take place on Tuesday, June 15 at 3:00 p.m. CST. To register, click here.

Lovelady has worn several hats throughout his time in the music industry, including rock tour manager, artist manager, and festival producer. His latter role will be the focus of this session as he discusses his recent success with the Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam which took place June 4-6 and was the largest event to return since the COVID-19 pandemic forced tours and events to be postponed worldwide.

Campbell is the CEO of Campbell Entertainment Group, which includes managing the careers of numerous artists as well as driving PR and publicity for artists and companies. With an impressive network of connections throughout the industry, he will lead a discussion with Lovelady about what’s next for live music post-pandemic.

 

 

Red 11 Music Signs Booking Agreement With Mason Lively

Mason Lively has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Red 11 Music, with Geoff Turner as his responsible agent.

Growing up in Victoria, Texas, Lively’s early music influences span from John Mayer and Jack Johnson to Robert Earl Keen, Pat Green and Wade Bowen. This blend has helped Lively develop a unique sound with clever lyrics, warm vocals, and dynamic live performances.

Lively released his 2018 debut album Stronger Ties and began to build a steady touring schedule, including performances with artists like Parker McCollum, Lee Brice, Randy Rogers Band and Jon Pardi. After releasing his self-titled second album in March of 2021, Lively has continued to gain fans and grow an audience.