Trisha Yearwood, The Judds, Kelly Clarkson To Receive Stars On Hollywood Walk Of Fame

Trisha Yearwood

The Judds, Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson are among the latest crop of artists set to receive stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it was announced on Thursday (June 18).

The newest Class of 2021 will also include Missy Elliott, Nick Cannon, Courteney Cox, Zac Efron, Sarah Brightman and more, in categories including Motion Pictures, Television, Recording, Radio and Live Theatre/Live Performance.

A full list of honorees is below:

MOTION PICTURES: Josh Brolin, Don Cheadle, Morris Chestnut, Benedict Cumberbatch, Zac Efron, Giancarlo Giannini, Shia LaBeouf, Jimmy Smits, Naomi Watts and a double star for Ali McGraw and Ryan O’Neal.

TELEVISION:  Nick Cannon, Courteney Cox, Marla Gibbs, Jenifer Lewis, Laura Linney, Judge Greg Mathis, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Sarah Paulson, Peter Roth and Christian Slater.

RECORDING:  The Chi-Lites, Kelly Clarkson, Missy Elliott, Ana Gabriel, Jefferson Airplane, The Judds, Don McClean, Salt-N-Pepa, Don McLean, Trisha Yearwood and Charlie Parker (Posthumous).

LIVE THEATRE/LIVE PERFORMANCE: Sarah Brightman, Luciano Pavarotti (Posthumous) and August Wilson (Posthumous)

RADIO: Big Boy

Nashville To Enter Phase 3 Reopening On June 22


Nashville Mayor John Cooper announced that Davidson County will enter Phase 3 in its “Roadmap for Reopening Nashville” on Monday, June 22.

Phase 3 of the plan now includes verbiage that says event space venues and small music venues must cap maximum event attendance or crowd size at 50% capacity, or 250 attendees, depending on venue capacity. Schools and educational facilities are allowed to open with restrictions determined by county COVID-19 metrics, and all metro parks and facilities will be open.

It maintains that restaurants and retail companies can open at 75% of capacity (while maintaining social distancing), and exercise, high-touch and close contact businesses like hair and nail salons may continue to operate at 50% capacity. Bars may now open at 50% capacity.

Phase 3 also recommends that gatherings be limited to 25 or fewer people.

Metro Public Health Department officials announced today (June 18) a total number of 7,539 confirmed cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nashville/Davidson County.

For more information, visit http://covid19.nashville.gov.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit, Lucinda Williams, John Prine

John Prine

The abiding importance of song craftsmanship is on full display in this week’s Americana disc survey.

Darrell Scott, Marshall Chapman and Steve Forbert are here to remind us of what excellence has come before, via their new collections of cover tunes. Jason Isbell, Allison Moorer, Steve Earle and more are here to represent what troubadour excellence remains with us today.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to Lucinda Williams. One of Americana’s “founding mothers” is still creating at the top of her game.

I have previously reviewed The Marcus King Band in this column. By virtue of the fact that its leader is releasing his first solo CD, Marcus King becomes our DisCovery Award winner.

How lucky are we that ALL of these diverse talents live and/or work among us here in Music City?

LUCINDA WILLIAMS/Big Black Train
Writers: Lucinda Williams/Tom Overby; Producer Ray Kennedy & Tom Overby; Publisher: none listed; Highway 20/Thirty Tigers
– Lucinda goes dark and spooky in this stunningly beautiful meditation about a descent into mental depression. She was the first artist in Americana music to earn a Gold record. That was with 1998’s Car Wheels on a Gravel Road and the three-time Grammy Award honoree has re-teamed with producer Ray Kennedy for Good Souls Better Angels, from whence this terrific, echoey track comes.

MARSHALL CHAPMAN/Tower of Song
Writers: Leonard Cohen; Producer: Neilson Hubbard; Publisher: none listed; TallGirl
– This Nashville treasure begins her new CD with this masterpiece Leonard Cohen lyric. Her distinctive, conversational, spoke-sung delivery drawls while Will Kimbrough’s guitar twangs expressively. The starkly-produced, evocative album is called Songs I Can’s Live Without because it is a collection of covers from the likes of J.J. Cale, Cash, Carole King, Bob Seger and Elvis. Maah-shul makes them all her own. Even “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES/John Henry Was A Steel Drivin’ Man
Writers: Steve Earle; Producers: Steve Earle; Publisher: none listed; New West
– One of the greatest folk singers in Nashville history returns with a classic sounding saga of the iconic John Henry. As always, he delivers it with effortless charisma. The song is drawn from Earle’s new collection Ghosts of West Virginia, which (prior to the pandemic) he performed as the “soundtrack” of Coal Country, a theater piece about a fatal 2010 mining explosion resulting from corporate corruption.

STEVE FORBERT /Good Time Charlie’s Got The Blues
Writers: Danny O’Keefe; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Blue Rose
– Forbert’s new album of covers is titled Early Morning Rain. The collection’s launching track is his whispery, lonesome, haunting version of Danny O’Keefe’s 1972 folk-pop hit. His talent endures. More power to him.

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT/What’ve I Done To Help
Writers: Jason Isbell/Michael Kiwanuka; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Southeastern
– Strings shimmer, percussion brushes nervously and guitars cry in the background as Isbell’s tenor aches and soars in a song that questions his life’s purpose amid a world in crisis. The new album is titled Reunions, and it goes without saying that it is essential.

LORI McKENNA/When You’re My Age
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Liz Rose; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; CN/Thirty Tigers
-I adore this woman. This ballad is sung from the point of view of a mother gazing backward and forward on behalf of her growing-up child. Backed by stark, sympathetic piano, percussion and cello, her direct, honest, plain-spoken, warm singing voice has striking resonance here. The song is an advance track for an album titled The Balladeer, due on July 24.

DARRELL SCOTT/My Sweet Love Ain’t Around
Writers: Hank Williams; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Full Light
– Darrell Scott Sings the Blues of Hank Williams is an album whose title perfectly describes its contents: It is not a greatest-hits repertoire, but emphasizes the Hank songs that reflect the legend’s blues influences. This swampy, deep-South, earthy, dramatic performance kicks things off with rocking, stomping force. Don’t miss Darrell’s dad Wayne Scott’s emotional rendition of “When God Comes and Gathers His Jewels” or Darrell’s delightfully yodel-embellished “When You’re Tired of Breaking Other Hearts” later in the set. His guitar, slide and piano work throughout the collection are awesome.

ALLISON MOORER/Nightlight
Writers: Allison Moorer; Producer: Kenny Greenberg; Publisher: none listed; Autotelic/Thirty Tigers
– Moorer’s current CD and memoir are both titled Blood. This tender, exquisite ballad is at its emotional center as an ode to love, sisterhood and courage. “You’re the first light, last light/You’re my daylight, my moonlight….my nightlight.” In sum, heart-touchingly lovely. The book is harrowing and real. The album stands on its own as a masterwork.

MARCUS KING/One Day She’s Here
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Publisher: none listed; Fantasy
– This guitar-slinging wunderkind is a talent who can veer from Southern-rock intensity to smoldering soul with amazing panache. The phenom is a funk/R&B falsetto dude in this flawless, admirably slick, groove-soaked outing about the mystery lady who got away. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear it was recorded by Gamble & Huff in Philly in the mid-70s, instead of here and now in Music City. It comes from King’s breakout debut solo CD, El Dorado.

JOHN PRINE/I Remember Everything
Writers: John Prine/Pat McLaughlin; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Oh Boy Records
– This is said to be the late Prine’s last recorded song. If so, it’s a helluva way to bow out, a fond, wistful, heartfelt farewell to a lover. We all felt like he was our dear friend, and he was, to the last note.

Americana Music Association Foundation Announces Thriving Roots Virtual Conference


The Americana Music Association Foundation will launch an online music industry conference, Thriving Roots: A Virtual Community Music Conference, set for Sept. 16-18,2020. The conference will feature programming with Rosanne Cash, John Leventhal, Mavis Staples as well as AMAF Board Members Jackson Browne, Rhiannon Giddens and T Bone Burnett, and more.

The event takes place the week of the originally-scheduled AmericanaFest. The conference will include more than 50 industry and artist-led panel discussions in addition to 40 immersive special events.
“As we continue to navigate these unprecedented times, we know that there is a need now more than ever to feel connected,” said Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Association Foundation and The Americana Music Association. “With Thriving Roots, we hope that our community will benefit from coming together in the comfort of their own homes to learn from each other and have timely conversations, while still having opportunities to network and enjoy great music.”

More programming information will be announced in late July. A limited number of passes at the $99 Early Bird rate are now on sale here.

Two Nashville Panels Will Explore Influence Of Black Music, Purpose Behind Blackout Tuesday Campaign


Two upcoming panel discussions will explore the importance, influence and history of Black Music, and will delve into the purpose behind the recent #BlackoutTuesday social media campaign.

A panel discussion about the real purpose and promise of Blackout Tuesday featuring Candice Watkins, Claude Kelly, Chuck Harmony, Eric Holt, Gina Miller, and moderated by Cheryl Carr is being held June 23 in Nashville. Sponsored by the Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville and presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music as part of Black Music Month, the event will begin at 4:30 p.m. CT and is free. Attendees can register here.

SESAC is hosting a conversation in honor of Black Music Month, “How Black Music Shapes US.” The discussion about the importance of Black Music, its history, and the significance of Juneteenth, will be held on June 19 at 12 p.m. PT via Zoom.

The conversation will include SESAC affiliates Bryan-Michael Cox, Greg Curtis, JimiJames, Wow Jones, and Cocoa Sarai. The event will be moderated by SESAC VP of Creative Services James Leach and SESAC Director of Creative Services Mario Prins. Those interested in joining the conversation can click here.

Elizabeth Cook Explores The ‘Aftermath’ On Upcoming New Album

Elizabeth Cook is releasing her new album, Aftermath, on Sept. 11 on Agent Love Records/Thirty Tigers. The lead single from the new project, “Perfect Girls of Pop,” is out today.

The unfettered new project was produced by Butch Walker, and features 12 songs all penned by Cook that address some tough life subjects including heartbreak, addiction, death and resurrection. Created following a period of significant loss and pain, Aftermath chronicles Cook’s journey through a personal hell and how she made her way back.
“This is the first time that I’ve been completely unchained, really,” said Cook. “I wasn’t in an oppressive relationship, I wasn’t trying to meet some sort of label’s expectation, I wasn’t trying to meet some sort of market expectations. And that’s the way I wanna do it, or not at all.”

Along with working on her new music, Cook is also the host of “Upstream with Elizabeth Cook,” a new fishing and interview show on the Opry’s Circle TV network, and has hosted her regular “Elizabeth Cook’s Apron Strings” show on SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country channel for the past 10 years.

Aftermath Track List:
1. Bones
2. Perfect Girls of Pop
3. Bad Decisions
4. Daddy, I Got Love For You
5. Bayonette
6. These Days
7. Stanley By God Terry
8. Half Hanged Mary
9. When She Comes
10. Thick Georgia Woman
11. Two Chords And A Lie
12. Mary, The Submissing Years

CMT To Exclusively Stream 2020 Concert for Love and Acceptance

Jake Owen, Everette, and Brody Ray are the latest artists joining the lineup of the Concert for Love And Acceptance coming up on June 30. CMT has signed on as exclusive streaming partner of the virtual event, and will air it across CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

Up-and-coming artists Shelly Fairchild, Harper Grae, and Brandon Stansell will be honored and featured as the Foundation For Love & Acceptance’s first-ever LGBTQ Country Music Rising Stars during the show.

“CMT is thrilled to amplify our support as the exclusive streaming partner of this year’s show! The caliber of talent coupled with the generosity and support from the country music community to shine a light on these vital issues makes this a truly can’t-miss event. We’re honored to continue our partnership with ACM Lifting Lives and GLAAD who continue to champion these important causes year after year,” said Co-host Cody Alan.

The lineup also includes previously announced appearances and performances by Lauren Alaina, Matt Bomer, Lewis Brice, Terri Clark, Billy Gilman, Mickey Guyton, Dennis Quaid, Kalie Shorr, Tanya Tucker, and Rita Wilson.

Songwriter Larry W. Johnson Passes


“Don’t Take the Girl” co-writer Larry W. Johnson died on June 16 at age 69.

The song was a massive hit in 1994 for Tim McGraw, becoming the singer’s first No. 1 smash. The record also rose to No. 17 on the pop hit parade.

“Don’t Take the Girl” was certified Double Platinum by the RIAA for sales in excess of two million units. It won Johnson and his co-writer Craig Martin BMI Awards. It inspired a parody, “Please Take the Girl,” which was on the debut Cledus T. Judd album in 1995.

Johnson had more than 50 other titles registered with BMI. His co-written “If You Think You’re Lonely” was recorded by Ray Price in 2002.

Larry Wayne Johnson passed away in Ashland City, Tennessee. He is survived by wife Becky, as well as sons Joshua and Christopher Johnson plus Shane and Joshua Davis, daughter Ginnifer Line and nine grandchildren.

Condolences can be sent to Cheatham County Funeral Home online at cheathamcountyfh.com. The burial will be private, for family, at Neptune-Smith Cemetery in Ashland City. A celebration of life for Larry W. Johnson will be held at a later date.

Jonathan Singleton Joins Spirit Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R, front row): Kayce Singleton; Jonathan Singleton; Frank Rogers, CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, middle row): Katie Flynn, Creative Director, SMN; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration/Office Manager, SMN; Kara Jackson, Creative Director, SMN; David Crow, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC; (L-R, back row): Derek Wells, Sr. Director A&R/Production, SMN; Derek Crownover, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP; Brian Bradford, VP of Administration and Operations, SMN; Tali Canterbury, President/Co-Owner, 50 Egg Music; Chris King, Partner, King Business & Financial Management LLC; Matthew Beckett, Partner, Milom Horsnell Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC.

Songwriter Jonathan Singleton has inked a global publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville. Spirit has also acquired a portion of Singleton’s song catalog.

Singleton is a co-writer on the current No. 1 country song in the nation, Carly Pearce and Lee Brice’s “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” as well as Scotty McCreery’s Top 5 single “In Between,” which was also co-written and produced by Spirit Music Nashville CEO Frank Rogers. Singleton also has a co-writing credit on Maddie & Tae’s Top 20 single “Die From A Broken Heart.”

“Jonathan Singleton is a true renaissance man,” said Rogers. “He is a world-class songwriter, singer, musician, producer and businessman. After years of recording his songs and writing songs with him, I could not be more excited to get the opportunity to partner with him as a publisher. The entire Spirit Music Nashville is fired up to welcome Jonathan to the family! PS – Jonathan, you should go ahead and buy your wife that truck!”

“I’m so very excited to start a new chapter with Frank and the Spirit team,” Singleton said. “I can’t wait to see what we can get done, and I know we’ll have fun doing it!”

Singleton’s additional hits including Luke Combs’ “Beer Never Broke My Heart,” Tyler Farr’s “A Guy Walks Into A Bar,” Rascal Flatts’ “Yours If You Want It,” Josh Turner’s “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” David Nail’s “Let It Rain,” and Tim McGraw’s “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.” Singleton has also penned Gary Allan’s “Watching Airplanes,” Nail’s “Red Light” and Billy Currington’s “Don’t,” along with other songs recorded by Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Chris Young, Little Big Town, Ronnie Dunn and many more.

Since Rogers’ appointment to the role of CEO for Spirit Music Nashville, the company has signed writers including David Garcia, Jeremy Bussey, Derek Wells and his 2 Mix Music enterprise, Bobby Hamrick, Brinley Addington, Frank Ray, Abe Stoklasa and Neil Thrasher.

Other recent successes by Spirit Music Nashville include a publishing interest in Billboard’s No. 1 and No. 2 “Songs of the Decade” (“Meant To Be” via David Garcia and “Body Like a Backroad” via Zach Crowell); the top two Billboard Albums of the Decade (Traveller by Chris Stapleton and Montevallo by Sam Hunt); ASCAP’s Song of the Year (“Body Like a Back Road” by Sam Hunt, Zach Crowell and Josh Osborne); SESAC’s Song of the Year (“It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” by Billy Currington); CMA Song of the Year (“Blue Ain’t Your Color” by Keith Urban) and CMA Album of the Year (From a Room: Volume 1 by Chris Stapleton); and a publishing interest in ACM nominations for Song of the Year (“Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton); Single of the Year (“Broken Halos” by Chris Stapleton and “Drinkin’ Problem” by Midland) and Songwriter of the Year (Josh Osborne). The company also has a publishing interest in hits including Sam Hunt’s “Kinfolks,” Carrie Underwood’s “Drinking Alone,” Dustin Lynch’s “Ridin’ Roads,” and more.

Tenille Townes’ Big Hearts For Big Kids Benefit Set For June 30

Tenille Townes. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Tenille Townes is hosting her annual “Big Hearts For Big Kids” benefit concert on Tuesday, June 30 at 7 p.m. CT from the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The virtual event will feature performances from Townes along with at-home performances from Dierks Bentley, Brandi Carlile, Luke Combs, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBryde, Lori McKenna, Chrissy Metz, John Osborne and Lucie Silvas.

“It is a dream to be bringing ‘Big Hearts For Big Kids’ to Nashville, to be lifting up youth who need us in the world right now and celebrating with music from artists that I admire so much,” said Townes. “Watching the way this event has grown in my hometown over the past 10 years has shaped me and taught me what people coming together through music can really do.”

The concert will be available to stream via Townes’ YouTube, Facebook and Instagram pages. Since Townes started the fundraiser a decade ago, “Big Hearts For Big Kids” has raised over $1.9 million for Sunrise House, a local youth shelter in her hometown of Grande Prairie, Alberta Canada. Proceeds from this year’s event will once again benefit Sunrise House as well as Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s Troop 6000 – an initiative that supports girls without permanent housing. Donations to both organizations can be made through bigheartsforbigkids.com.

The Bobby Bones Show will be the event’s exclusive radio partner, and will feature an on-air interview with Townes and the event’s stream on their Facebook Page.