Industry Ink: Thomas Rhett, Gabby Barrett, John Rich, More

Thomas Rhett Sells Out International Shows

Pictured (L-R): Thomas Rhett, Niall Horan on stage at London’s O2. Photo: Luke Dyson

Thomas Rhett started the year with international shows—first, sold-out nights in Canada for the “Bring The Bar To You Tour” and then across the pond to headline three nights of C2C: Country Country, Europe’s biggest country music festival, in London, Glasgow, and Dublin.

While in the UK, Rhett surprised fans with special guests each night for one-time-only collaborations. In London on March 10, Niall Horan joined onstage for a joint performance of “Slow Hands.” Lainey Wilson joined Rhett on stage in Glasgow on March 11 where the two covered Merle Haggard’s “I Think I’ll Just Stay Here And Drink.” On March 12, Rhett’s Canadian tourmate Jordan Davis hopped on stage in Dublin for Garth Brooks’ “Friends In Low Places.”

“It’s always amazing to see how much country music is loved when we travel out of the country,” says Rhett. “Our Canadian fans bring the party every time and I’m pretty sure my ears are still ringing from the UK. I already am thinking about when we get to go back!”

Gabby Barrett Surprises CRS Audience With Pop-Up Appearance, Receives Two Career Plaques

Pictured (L-R): Kristen Williams (SVP of Radio, WMN), Tom Martens (VP of Radio Accounts, WMN), Michael Chase (National Director of Radio, WMN), Gabby Barrett, Anna Cage (VP of Radio, WMN). Photo: Kayla Schoen.

Gabby Barrett surprised the packed Omni Hotel during Country Radio Seminar 2023 with a first-time live performance of “Build A Boat,” her Christian AC collaboration with Colton Dixon. She took the stage during the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon as part of CRS 2023. As an added bonus, Barrett’s label stunned her on stage with presentations of two plaques celebrating her RIAA-certified Platinum “Pick Me Up” and her 7x Platinum “I Hope.”

“Thank you guys very, very much from the bottom of my heart,” shares Barrett onstage. “Thank you, I mean that from the biggest part of me because this would definitely not be possible without everybody in this room. We’re coming hard with new music very soon, so thank y’all very much. God bless you.”

“Tennessee Music Pathways” Marker Honoring John Rich Unveiled

Pictured: John Rich. Photo: Randall Spradlin/State of Tennessee

Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter John Rich was honored by the State of Tennessee and Dickson County with the installation of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker. This commemorates Rich’s contributions to Tennessee’s musical heritage.

As part of the country-rock duo Big & Rich, Rich has released four albums and 15 charting singles. He is an avid philanthropist who has raised over $1.5 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. In 2014, he launched his lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera.

At the marker reveal, Rich shared memories of attending Dickson County High School. Joining him at Clement Railroad Hotel Museum were Bob Rial (Dickson County Mayor), Dr. Don L. Weiss (City of Dickson Mayor), Jody Barrett (State Representative) and Melanie Beauchamp (Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development Assistant Commissioner).

Turnpike Troubadours Set Rodeo Season Record with 74,657 Fans

On March 11 Turnpike Troubadours sold the most tickets of the 2023 Rodeo Season so far and performed to an audience of 74,657, their largest audience ever. The Houston Chronicle reported that they broke the record previously held by Bun B’s Southern Takeover by 84 people.

The reunited Turnpike Troubadours have a slate of upcoming shows across the country for their eager and growing fanbase.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s ‘Songs For A Cause’ Raises $2,500

Pictured (L-R): Shayne Hill (Sawyer Brown), Robert Filhart (MHM), Johnny Dailey, Seth Taylor, Carol Ann Ford (NSHOF), Buddy Cannon, Gregg Hubbard (Sawyer Brown), Jamie Dailey, Mark Ford (NSHOF), Mark Miller. Photo: Morris Higham Management.

Morris Higham Management client Johnny Dailey joined Jamie Dailey (of Dailey and Vincent), Seth Taylor and Mark Miller (of Sawyer Brown), along with collaborators and bandmates, Gregg “Hobie” Hubbard and Shayne Hill (of Sawyer Brown) at the Bluebird Cafe for their “Songs For A Cause” concert.

Proceeds benefited the National Songwriters Hall of Fame (NSHOF) in honor of Buddy Cannon, a renowned songwriter, producer, and special guest and recent inductee. In total, proceeds tallied to $2,500 for the organization.

“We so appreciate Morris Higham Management, City National Bank and the Bluebird Café for honoring our nonprofit through their Songs For A Cause fundraiser on Wednesday night,” says Mark Ford, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. “Buddy, Jamie, Johnny and Mark truly brought their A games. Great songs. Great performances. A magical night, and we are grateful!”