Opry NextStage Names Parker McCollum As Featured Artist For July 2021

Opry NextStage has named MCA Nashville’s Platinum-selling, rising country artist Parker McCollum as the featured artist for July.

Developed by Opry Entertainment Group and the Grand Ole Opry, Opry NextStage invests in the discovery and development of new artists and highlights one up-and-coming artist per month. Initially launched in 2019, the inaugural class included Riley Green, Tegan Marie, Tenille Townes, and Travis Denning. McCollum joins Hailey Whitters in the 2021 class.

McCollum, the ACM-nominated New Male Artist of the Year, made his Grand Ole Opry debut in February of this year and is set to return on Tuesday, July 20. He released his major label debut, Hollywood Gold, last fall and it quickly became the top-selling debut country EP of 2020 and held his first No. 1 with the Platinum-selling “Pretty Heart.” His current radio single, “To Be Loved By You,” is the newest release off his forthcoming album, Gold Chain Cowboy, out July 30. He was named MusicRow‘s Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2021 CountryBreakout Awards.

“Parker has a way of connecting with fans through a sound that is about as real as it gets,” says Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy at Opry Entertainment Group Jordan Pettit. “We look forward to shining a spotlight on his craft as he continues to win over the hearts of our audiences.”

Opportunities for Opry NextStage artists include feature performances on the Grand Ole Opry and Circle’s Opry Live broadcast and livestream; a performance at a special Opry NextStage concert in 2021; content produced by Opry Entertainment’s award-winning content team that utilizes all Opry Entertainment venues including Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium and Ole Red locations nationwide; exclusive content to be distributed via Circle broadcast, streaming, and video-on demand channels; customized marketing and promotion activations utilizing Opry web and social assets; and other opportunities such as outdoor advertising, 650 WSM-AM radio specials, and more.