George Strait Announces Second ‘Strait Out Of The Box’ Set

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George Strait
George Strait will release Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 exclusively with Walmart on Nov. 18.

Issued by MCA Nashville, the three-disc, 56-track collection features 36 hit singles including 26 No. 1s. The set also features two brand new songs, including his latest radio single “Goin’ Goin’ Gone,” in addition to 18 choice album cuts. All songs were personally selected by Strait. A track list has not been announced.

Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 spans 20 years of Strait’s career from 1996 to 2016, following the 1995 multi-platinum four-disc release, Strait Out of the Box.

CMHOF’s Poets And Prophets Series Will Honor Paul Overstreet

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paul-overstreet

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Paul Overstreet will be honored in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s songwriter series Poets and Prophets on Saturday, Oct. 8, at 1:30 p.m. An in-depth interview hosted by museum editor Michael Gray will be illustrated with rare vintage photos, film footage and recordings from Overstreet’s career. Overstreet will also perform a few of his compositions.

Raised in Mississippi, Overstreet moved to Nashville in 1973 and had his first hit in 1982 with George Jones’ “Same Ole Me,” which climbed to No. 5 on the country chart. Overstreet became a chief source of material for Randy Travis, and by the end of the 1980s Travis had topped the charts with “On the Other Hand,” “Diggin’ Up Bones,” “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Deeper than the Holler.” Overstreet went on to write dozens of other hits, including “When You Say Nothing at All” (Keith Whitley, followed by Alison Krauss), “Love Can Build a Bridge” (the Judds), “A Long Line of Love” (Michael Martin Murphey) and “Some Beach” (Blake Shelton).

Overstreet also has had a career as an artist, with No. 1 hits “I Won’t Take Less than Your Love” and “Daddy’s Come Around.” In addition to Grammy awards for “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Love Can Build a Bridge,” Overstreet has received numerous CMA, ACM and Dove Awards. He was BMI’s Country Songwriter of the Year every year from 1987 to 1991.

The Poets and Prophets program is included with museum admission and free to museum members. Seating is limited, and passes are required for admittance. Museum members can reserve program passes in advance by phone (615-416-2050) or via reservations@countrymusichalloffame.org. The program will be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.

Artist Updates: Dolly Parton, Selah, Smithfield

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Dolly Parton Plans First Visit To Jimmy Kimmel Live

Dolly Parton

On Monday (Oct. 3), Dolly Parton will be the lead guest and perform as part of the Outdoor Concert Series on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live, her first-ever appearance on the late night program. In addition, that morning, she will appear as the featured guest on The Talk, where she will chat with hosts Sharon Osbourne, ‎Sheryl Underwood, Aisha Tyler and Julie Chen about her new movie, Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors – Circle of Love, and the success of her new album Pure & Simple.

Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors – Circle of Love, premieres on NBC on Nov. 30. The sequel to the critically-acclaimed film Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors will be available on DVD beginning on Dec. 20 and digitally on Dec. 1.

 

Christian Group Selah Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

Pictured (L-R): Selah's Allan Hall; Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher; Selah's Amy Perry and Todd Smith. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Pictured (L-R): Selah’s Allan Hall; Grand Ole Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher; Selah’s Amy Perry and Todd Smith. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Curb recording artist Selah made their debut on the Grand Ole Opry on Friday (Sept. 23). Introduced by Grand Ole Opry member Ricky Skaggs, the trio performed “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “Amazing Grace” at the Grand Ole Opry House.
 
Comprised of Todd Smith, Allan Hall, and Amy Perry, the group has been recording and touring for nearly 20 years, garnering total sales of more than 4 million (album and single units), and eight GMA Dove Awards.

The evening’s lineup also included Cassadee Pope, Chris Lane, Lindsay Ell, Striking Matches, and Grand Ole Opry members The Whites, Connie Smith, Mike Snider and John Conlee.

Pictured (L-R): Selah's Amy Perry; singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope; and Selah's Allan Hall and Todd Smith

Pictured (L-R): Selah’s Amy Perry; singer/songwriter Cassadee Pope; and Selah’s Allan Hall
and Todd Smith

 

Smithfield Teams With Rebecca Creek Distillery

smithfield

The duo Smithfield, comprised of Trey Smith and Jennifer Fiedler, has partnered with Texas-based Rebecca Creek Distillery for an endorsement deal. The partnership comes as Smithfield is promoting their current single, “Hey Whiskey.” The company’s spirits include Rebecca Creek Fine Texas Spirit Whiskey, Texas Ranger Blended Whiskey and Enchanted Rock Texas Vodka.

“Rebecca Creek Texas Whiskey is very excited about our new relationship with Smithfield,” said Matt Appleby, VP of National Marketing for Rebecca Creek Distillery. “So many undeniable similarities make our partnership the perfect fit; from our Texas roots, to the passion and determination we’ve put into our craft in an effort to reach our fans and share what we have created. Steve Ison, our founder, set out to prove that Texas could create a whiskey that could compete with the best in the world. Mission accomplished and the result is as smooth as the sounds of Jennifer and Trey’s harmony. We can’t wait to see what the future has in store for both of us.”

Jason Aldean Recognized By Susan G. Komen Organization

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Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

Jason Aldean. Photo: Jim Wright

Jason Aldean is part of “The List” created by the Susan G. Komen organization to honor men and women contributing to the fight against breast cancer.

The List is associated with a new movement called “More Than Pink,” which includes a goal for the organization to reduce the number of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. by 50 percent over the next decade.

In addition to Aldean, The List includes: Dr. Mary-Claire King (discoverer of the genetic link for increased breast cancer risk); Dr. Craig Jordan (the “Father of Tamoxifen”); former First Ladies Laura Bush and the late Betty Ford; Princess Dina Mired of Jordan; WWE Superstar John Cena; boxing champion Oscar De La Hoya; and Allison Titus and Jordan Phillips, young women whose families have been affected by breast cancer and who have raised funds to ensure that no family is affected as they were.

The List honorees will be visible this October, spreading the More Than Pink message throughout national sporting events, concerts, races, educational webinars, news and talk shows and social media networks. Additionally, the stories and faces of a select few of Komen’s “heroes” will be showcased in newly developed public service announcements and advertisements being placed and streamed on a variety of traditional and digital media platforms throughout the country.

As previously announced, Aldean has partnered with the Grand Ole Opry to raise awareness of breast cancer research. On Oct. 25, he will incorporate his 11th annual Concert for the Cure as part of the eighth annual Opry Goes Pink event, an annual special performance staged to fight breast cancer.

During his appearance, Aldean will flip a switch to turn the Opry stage pink. In addition, he will perform during the show, which will raise awareness and funds for Women Rock for the Cure and Susan G. Komen’s Nashville Chapter.

Aldean has been an advocate for breast cancer research since 2004, after losing a dear friend to the disease. Aldean continues to donate a portion of each ticket sale towards his longstanding partner, Susan G. Komen, while also honoring one breast cancer survivor and guest during his 2016 Six String Circus Tour, with a VIP backstage meet-and-greet experience.

During his Opry set, he will present a check to the Susan G. Komen Foundation from monies raised on his tour throughout the year.

First Citizens Bank Will Move Nashville Location To Music Row

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1516 16th Ave. S., Nashville, TN. (Photo: Davidson County Property Assessor)

1516 16th Ave. S., Nashville, TN. (Photo: Davidson County Property Assessor)

Next fall, First Citizens Bank will relocate its Nashville market headquarters and main Nashville branch from 1534 Demonbreun St., to 1516 16th Ave. S., The Tennessean reports. The North Carolina-based bank also has a branch in Franklin.

First Citizens Bank paid $3 million for the three-story brick building on 16th Avenue. In July, the bank paid $715,000 for the vacant .22-acre parcel at 1518 16th Ave. S., next to the new Music Row location.

Musicians Hall Of Fame Concert Announces Performers

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Musicians Hall of Fame

Peter Frampton, Bruce Hornsby, Russell Thompkins Jr., Steve Wariner and Trisha Yearwood will perform at the Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Concert on Oct. 26 at the Municipal Auditorium in Nashville.

Frampton and Yearwood will perform on behalf of 2016 inductee Don Felder. Wariner will pay tribute to the late Jerry Reed. Hornsby will join 2016 inductee Ricky Skaggs. Thompkins, of The Stylistics, taking the stage with the Sigma Sound Studio Inductees.

As previously announced, the 2016 Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Class includes Garth Brooks & The G-Men (Bruce Bouton, Mark Casstevens, Mike Chapman, Rob Hajacos, Chris Leuzinger, Milton Sledge, Bobby Wood), Don Felder (formerly of The Eagles) for Iconic Riff Award for “Hotel California,” Jerry Reed, Ricky Skaggs, the Sigma Sound Studio Rhythm Section (Ronnie Baker, Tommy Bell, Roland Chambers III, Charles Collins, Bobby Eli, Dennis Harris, Norman Harris, Vince Montana, T.J. Tindall, Larry Washington, Jimmie Willams, Earl Young), the Producer Award to Allen Reynolds, and Engineer Awards to Lou Bradley, Mark Miller, Ron Reynolds, and Joe Tarsia.

DISClaimer: Two Duets Tie For Disc Of The Day

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Eric Church. Photo: Jensen Sutta

Eric Church. Photo: Jensen Sutta

Today’s listening session is the way things ought to be, split almost evenly between male and female voices.

A few of those females come to us courtesy of male collaborations. And two of those finished in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day award. They are Pink singing with Kenny Chesney and Rhiannon Giddens singing with Eric Church. If you have not heard “Setting the World on Fire” and “Kill a Word” yet, drop what you are doing and listen to them now.

The other essential listening (and viewing) experience this week is, of course, the CMA’s multi-artist extravaganza “Forever Country.” It is awesome.

There is no DisCovery Award winner this week.

ERIC CHURCH & RHIANNON GIDDENS/Kill a Word
Writers: Eric Church/Jeff Hyde/Luke Dick; Producer: Jay Joyce; Publisher: Sony/ATV Tree Publishing/Longer and Louder Music/Little Louder Songs/Mammaw’s Friend Okra Music/Emileon Songs (BMI); EMI
– “I’d turn lies and hate to love and truth/If I could only kill a word.” To the accompaniment of a steady, thumping beat, Church chants one of his coolest songs to date. While he tries to wish away human unhappiness, Giddens shadows him in harmony, then lets fly with some wafting wailing. Love, love, love this.

YouTube video

 

BLAKE SHELTON/A Guy With a Girl
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Brian Simpson; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Publishers: Combustion Engine/Sadie’s Favorite/WB/Writers of Sea Gayle/Spirit Catalog Holdings/Spirit of Nashville, ASCAP/BMI; Warner Bros
– When he’s out with his darlin,’ she’s so beautiful that he becomes invisible. The rolling tempo never lets up for a second, but big-voiced Blake rides atop it like a pro.

 
AUBRIE SELLERS/Sit Here and Cry
Writers: Aubrie Sellers/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publisher: Tiltawhirl/Casa de Casa, BMI; Warner Bros
– The song is a solid slab of hillbilly heartache. The dirty-guitar arrangement is a snarling garage-rock outing. Quite a combination.

YouTube video

 

RONNIE DUNN (With KIX BROOKS)/Damn Drunk
Writers: Liz Hengber/Alex Kline/Ben Stannis; Producer: Jay DeMarcus; Publisher: Starstruck Writers Group / Giving Out Wings Music/Vision Board Songs / Airplanes for Stars Music/The Stennis Mightier Music / Dead Aim Music / Young Guns Publishing (ASCAP/BMI/SESAC); Nash Icon
– Spectacularly well-written. Ronnie, as usual, sings the fire out of it. The pulsing production goes from a whisper to a scream, which puts you right on the edge of your seat. This is one righteous record.

 
KIM McABEE & TY HERNDON/Looking Back to See
Writers: Jim Ed Brown/Maxine Brown; Producer: Ty Herndon; Publisher: None listed; Soigne
– I have always loved this Jim Ed & Maxine Brown 1954 golden oldie. But part of its charm is the fact that it is such a bouncy, rapid-fire ditty. Slowing it down like this ruins it for me. Kim McAbee, by the way, is the featured singer with The Buckaroos and has opened The Bakersfield Music Hall of Fame. The venue will host its first induction ceremony next month.

 
KENNY CHESNEY Feat. PINK/Setting the World on Fire
Writer: Ross Copperman/Matt Jenkins/Josh Osborne; Producer: Kenny Chesney/Buddy Cannon; Publisher: EMI Blackwood Music Inc./Atlas Music/WB Music Corp/Smackville Music (ASCAP/BMI); Blue Chair/Columbia
– Rousing and resonant. This has a big, soulful sound, and both of them are singing their faces off. Massive airplay, please.

YouTube video

 

DOLLY PARTON/Head Over High Heels
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Dolly Parton; Publisher: Velvet Apple, BMI; Dolly Records/RCA Nashville
– Cute and coy, with a slightly funky backbeat. She’s headed for a hot date with her honey, tricked out in all her finery.

 
GEORGE STRAIT/Goin’ Goin’ Gone
Writers: Wyatt Earp/Keith Gattis; Producer: Chuck Ainlay & George Strait; Publishers: Western Legend/Warner-Tamerlane/Gattis/Atta Baby, BMI; MCA Nashville
– A working man’s Friday-night plight, set to a bopping rhythm and accompanied by stuttering steel, twanging guitar and some rambunctious party people. His long vocal drawls are exquisite.

 
KELSEA BALLERINI/Yeah Boy
Writers: Kelsea Ballerini/Forest Glen Whitehead/Kelsea Timmer; Producer: Forest Glen Whitehead & Jason Massey; Publishers: Songs of Black River/KNB/Songs of Blue Guitar, ASCAP/BMI; Black River
– This is a pert, attractive come-on to a cute guy that arrives with built-in smiles and winks. Jaunty and likable. Open that car door and let her in for a ride.

YouTube video

 

JAKE OWEN/If He Ain’t Gonna Love You
Writers: Luke Laird/Shane McAnally/Chris Stapleton; Producers: Shane McAnally, Luke Laird & Ross Copperman; Publishers: Songs of Universal/Creative Nation/Universal/Smack Ink/WB/House of Sea Gayle, BMI/ASCAP; RCA
– A slamming rhythm track, an echoey production, some quasi-rapping, ghost background vocals and a dense soundscape are among the ingredients here. It ain’t exactly something you can sing along with, and it’s certainly not very “country,” but it is absorbing listening.

BMI Maui Songwriters Festival Confirms Lineup

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Maui Songwriters Festival

Eric Church and Lee Ann Womack are confirmed for the BMI Maui Songwriters Festival, taking place Dec. 1-3.

The lineup also includes Nashville hit songwriters Scotty Emerick and Liz Rose, Texas troubadour Robert Earl Keen, garage-country rocker Aubrie Sellers, rock songwriter Marti Frederiksen, pop chart-topper Sean Douglas and Hawaiian maestro Willie K, with more to be announced.

“We are excited to return and bring a diverse line up ranging from top country to top pop/rock acts,” says Mason Hunter, Executive Director, Events and Strategic Partnerships. “We love the island of Maui and the hospitality and look forward to contributing to a good cause!”

Hosted by Storme Warren, shows will be held at the venues Mulligans on the Blue, the Maui Arts and Cultural Center, and the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort.

The gathering benefits key organizations, including Dorvin and Betty Leis Charities, Inc., the Maui Arts and Cultural Center and the BMI Foundation, dedicated to encouraging the creation, performance, and study of music through awards, scholarships, grants, and commissions.

The second annual BMI Maui Songwriters Festival is presented by Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria property, which is offering special rates to attendees. The festival is sponsored by Smokin’ Tuna Saloon, HD Radio, SunTrust Bank and Texas Roadhouse, with official transportation provided by SpeediShuttle.

Citi, Live Nation, NextVR Plan Live Virtual Reality Concert Series

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citinextvrlivenationCiti, Live Nation and NextVR have announced plans to produce a series of up to 10 live virtual reality (VR) concerts as a part of the “Backstage with Citi” initiative.

The planned series will transport fans into an immersive VR experience with some of the world’s biggest artists including bringing fans “backstage” with the artists as they prepare to take the stage.

The series will build upon the success of the “Backstage with Citi” series that Live Nation and Citi previously collaborated on. The first live concert will launch later this year and artists will be announced soon. The series will be accessible on the Live Nation Channel and the NextVR app and available on all major platforms by the end of 2016. Portions of “Backstage with Citi” will also be made available on other channels.

“We want to push the boundaries of the very meaning of access beyond attendance and as technology evolves, it’s allowing us to do so,” says Jennifer Breithaupt, Managing Director, Media, Advertising and Global Entertainment, at Citi. “We are thrilled to be announcing this new initiative with Live Nation and NextVR that will offer ‘front-row’ and behind-the-scenes VR concert experiences for millions of fans.”

Consumer research firm Forrester predicts demand for VR headsets to reach 52 million units by 2020.

“Virtual reality is starting to take off and the time is right to experiment in the music space,” Darin Wolf, Executive Vice President, Live Nation Media & Sponsorships. “Together with NextVR and Citi we will be able to provide unparalleled access for fans to enjoy live music and see first-hand the emotion and adrenaline rush from artists as they prepare to perform live.”

Industry Ink: Silverado Records, ole, WQMX’s Chicks With Picks

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Silverado Records Adds Country/EDM artist HISH

HISH signs with Silverado Records.

HISH signs with Silverado Records.

Nashville-based Silverado Records has signed country/EDM artist HISH to its roster. The Pennsylvania native moved to Nashville in 2011, and began writing songs and DJ’ing at private events. He joined Brantley Gilbert’s Let It Ride Tour in 2014, and later toured with Chase Bryant and Dustin Lynch. He has also had performance slots at the Stagecoach and Country Thunder festivals.

“HISH is a pioneer, a visionary taking risks on a genre that has fans embracing his unique take on country. I am so stoked to have a groundbreaking artist like HISH on the Silverado team,” said Silverado Records A&R Director Aaron Chesling.

“What I’m doing with country music in the EDM realm is something that breaks down a lot of Nashville barriers,” says HISH. “I’m so excited to work with the energizing team at Silverado Records to do just that. They understand and fully support my brand and my vision. Be ready for things to heat up in 2017.”

 

ole’s Adam Hambrick Visits North Carolina On Write Where You Are Tour

Pictured (L-R): Adam Hambrick, Brett Young, Kyle Schlienger, Billy Hawn and Jay Ollero.

Pictured (L-R): Adam Hambrick, Brett Young, Kyle Schlienger, Billy Hawn and Jay Ollero.

ole songwriter Adam Hambrick hit the road this this past weekend to Charlotte, North Carolina on the ole bus with Big Machine Label Group recording artist Brett Young and Brett’Ys band members Kyle Schlienger, Billy Hawn and Jay Ollero as part of ole’s ongoing Write Where You Are Tour.

 

Akron, Ohio’s WQMX Welcomes Chicks With Picks

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Davis, Red Bow; Cliff Blake, Columbia; Maren Morris; Brooke Eden; Brandy Clark; WQMX's Sue Wilson and Jody Wheatley; Mallory Opheim, Warner Bros.

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Davis, Red Bow; Cliff Blake, Columbia; Maren Morris; Brooke Eden; Brandy Clark; WQMX’s Sue Wilson and Jody Wheatley; Mallory Opheim, Warner Bros.

Maren Morris, Brooke Eden and Brandy Clark performed at the fifth annual WQMX Chicks With Picks event in Akron, Ohio, on Tuesday night (Sept. 27). The concert was held at the Tangier Event & Entertainment Center. Proceeds from the event help provide free mammograms for uninsured or under-insured women throughout Northeast Ohio, along with patient and community educational outreach.