John Prine’s Wife/Manager Fiona Whelan Prine Reveals Coronavirus Diagnosis

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John Prine

Fiona Whelan Prine, the wife and manager of singer-songwriter John Prine, has announced she has contracted COVID-19.

In a video posted to her socials, the Nashville resident revealed she was diagnosed with COVID-19 earlier this week, and that John was also tested but results came back indeterminate. She says she is doing fine and also stated they are taking measures to protect John from catching the virus, which is especially serious to those who are older or with compromised health conditions.

“So many people have reached out to ask how we are and especially how John is, because many of you know that he’s had a lot of different health issues over the years, and he is definitely in that vulnerable population they’ve been talking about,” she shared. “So far, he’s fine. He’s always got a little something going on, but he’s 73 years old and he may have some issues, but he may not have this virus and I want to keep it that way.”

The couple is now self-quarantined and isolated from each other, as well as from other family members.

She also urged people to stay home to help prevent the virus from spreading.

“Please stay home. I think we will get through this if we do it together…I have all of you in my prayers. I absolutely do, and I know that I’m in yours. And we will get through this. Please stay well. Stay home.”

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Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart To Play Saturday Night Opry Show

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Brad Paisley. Photo credit: Justin Kaicles

Brad Paisley, Vince Gill and Marty Stuart will perform together on Saturday night’s (March 21) Grand Ole Opry, offering an acoustic set on the Opry stage—with no in-house audience—as the Opry hosts its 4,916th consecutive Saturday night broadcast.

 The Circle network will broadcast the show live on-air in their local markets for the first time since debuting Opry, a new weekly, live-recorded, one-hour TV program earlier this year. Opry fans can also stream it online at Circle All Access on Facebook or at Circle All Access on YouTube starting at 7 p.m. CT / 8 p.m. ET.
Last week, amid the concerns of the COVID-19 virus, the Opry paused all shows with a live audience through April 4 but vowed to continue its nearly-100-year radio broadcast history. Nearly half a million fans last Saturday were able to video stream or listen to Opry members Bill Anderson, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, Sam Williams and others perform acoustically from the Opry Circle. With today’s technology, the Opry can now be broadcast and streamed with a very small production team of people and very limited number of artists performing acoustically on the Opry stage.

Johnny McGuire Extends Publishing Deal With Combustion Music and COR Entertainment

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Photo L to R: Kenley Flynn (Combustion Music), Chris Farren (Combustion Music), Johnny McGuire, Mickey Jack Cones (COR Entertainment), Chris Van Belkom (Combustion Music)

Johnny McGuire has extended his publishing deal with Combustion Music, in conjunction with Mickey Jack Cones’ COR Entertainment.

As a recording artist, McGuire recently signed as a solo artist to BBR Music Group’s Wheelhouse Records. His debut single, “I Can’t Even,” is currently climbing the charts, and appears on McGuire’s debut EP, Neon Nights, which was released in late 2019.

“Johnny is a unique voice in a very crowded field of similarity,” said Combustion Music President Chris Farren. “His honesty and passion for his music is refreshing, and we couldn’t be happier to be continuing this relationship.”

As a writer, McGuire co-wrote “Chevys and Fords,” a duet with Billy Ray Cyrus which the two performed at Nissan Stadium during 2019’s CMA Fest. McGuire also co-wrote multiple songs as half of the Stoney Creek Records duo Walker McGuire, including their debut single “Til Tomorrow” and streaming hit “Mysteries of the Worlds.”

“COR Entertainment is thrilled to be continuing our publishing partnership with Johnny and Combustion Music. We couldn’t ask for a better team and are extremely excited for Johnny and the next chapter in his career,” said COR Entertainment’s Mickey Jack Cones.

“I couldn’t be more happy to sign with Combustion,” said McGuire. “It’s exciting that I’m able to work on my new direction with the people who have been with me since day one.”

Music Biz 2020 Postponed

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This year’s Music Biz conference, which was scheduled to take place in May at Nashville’s JW Marriott, has been postponed. The annual conference will now take place Sunday, Aug. 16-Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2020 at the JW Marriott Nashville. All conference registrations and hotel reservations will be honored and automatically transferred for the postponed dates.

“Thank you to our registered attendees, speakers, and sponsors for your patience and continued enthusiasm for our event in this extremely uncertain period,” offered Music Biz President Portia Sabin. “The music industry has survived many turbulent patches throughout its long history, and once this health crisis is controlled, we look forward to an opportunity to come together and support our industry’s collective path forward.”

In the meantime, the organization will make its back catalog of webinars available both Music Biz members and non-members.

Among the previously-announced honorees for this year’s conference include Sony Music Entertainment’s Julie Swidler and Kobalt’s Willard Ahdritz.

Weekly Chart Report (3/20/20)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.

DISClaimer: Willie Nelson, Lukas Nelson Offer New Musical Gems

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This week, the Americana music winners come two-by-two.

In a DisClaimer first, the tie for the Disc of the Day award is a father and son. That would be Willie Nelson and his boy Lukas Nelson.

There are also two DisCovery Award winners in this stack of Americana platters. They are singer-songwriters Sarah Peacock and Van Darien. Heed them both.

LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL/Couldn’t Break Your Heart
Writer: Lukas Nelson; Producer: John Alga and Promise of the Real; Publisher: none listed; Fantasy
– Audio ecstasy. The band is super tight, rolling along with a steady thump, some echoey atmosphere and high, keening electric and steel notes. Lukas rides atop the enchanting production with a plaintive, spot-on vocal of heart, head and soul. This is a foretaste of the act’s collection Naked Garden, which drops a week from Friday (3/27).

WILLIE NELSON/Our Song
Writer: Chris Stapleton; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Legacy
-This soft, meditative ballad completely envelopes you with its intimacy and warmth. A simple, gentle production, Willie’s guitar and an almost whispered vocal cuddle up next to you like loved ones. I swooned over this. The track comes from his forthcoming 70th (!) album, First Rose of Spring. It is due April 24, and Willie turns 87 five days later. May I remind you that he has won Grammy Awards the past two years in a row? The man is still at the top of his game.

THE SECRET SISTERS/Late Bloomer
Writers: Laura and Lydia Rogers; Producers: Brandi Carlile, Tim Hanseroth, Phil Hanseroth; Publisher: none listed; New West
– Languid and folkie, this has a certain simple charm. But it is a little too pristine and pretty for my taste.

JASON ISBELL & THE 400 UNIT/What I’ve Done To Help
Writer: Jason Isbell; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Southeastern/Thirty Tigers
– Soulful and fiery, with his usual searing honesty. A new highlight in a catalog that’s already full of memorable moments.

DARIN & BROOKE ALDRIDGE/Emmylou
Writer: Soderberg; Producers: Darin Alridge/Mark Fain; Publisher: none listed; Rounder
– Brooke possesses one of the most gripping voices in all of country music, and Darin’s harmony work tugs at every heart string. Their little falsetto leaps in this enchanting song tickle the ears at every turn. This lovable couple is marketed as bluegrass, but their appeal is so much broader than that. Every music lover on earth needs to hear the magic that they make. And, yes, I did pen the liner notes for their exquisite current CD.

BOBBY BARE/The Day All The Yes Men Said No
Writers: Shel Silverstein; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; BB
-Let’s face it, the wry, dry Bare and the wry, dry and high Silverstein were made for each other. The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member (1930-1999) wrote hits for Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash, Dr. Hook, Brenda Lee, Dave & Sugar, Waylon Jennings, The Irish Rovers, Jerry Lee Lewis and more. But his collaborations with Bare have always been special events.

SARAH PEACOCK/Burn The Witch
Writers: Sheena Brook/Sarah Peacock; Producer: Shawn Byrne; Publisher: none listed; Road Dog
– The rumbling bass undertow, heartbeat cello and mysterious atmosphere are perfect for her haunting soprano delivery of this poetic, evocative saga. This Music City troubadour is cool and different, and I fell for her at once. Think about the wail and passion of the Jefferson Airplane’s Grace Slick mixed with the dark, magical swirl of Stevie Nicks and you’ll be in the general vicinity. Elsewhere on her Burn the Witch CD, she’s a folk-pop diva with plenty to say.

WEBB WILDER/Night Without Love
Writer: R.S. Field; Producers: Webb Wilder/George Bradfute; Publisher: Sharp Circle/ASCAP; Landslide
– This great Music City rock showman is back with a romping, thoroughly Americana collection that includes slabs of sound penned by the likes of Russell Smith, Los Lobos and Chip Taylor, not to mention six of his own individualistic concoctions. The title tune is a light-hearted skip through a countrified ditty, complete with steel guitar. Don’s worry, the CD has a bluesy take on “Hi Heel Sneakers,” too.

VAN DARIEN/Levee
Writers: Van Darien/Ryan Michael; Producer: Steven Cooper/J.D. Tiner; Publisher: none listed; Mechanical Heart
– I dig her throaty alto as well as her evocative lyrics. This is the atmospheric title tune of a collection that sends repeated waves of liquid sound over you. This Texas-to-Tennessee transplant is essentially an introspective folk-flavored troubadour with a healthy dose of deep soul. Start your welcome-to-Nashville applause right now, because this is one of the most promising debut discs I’ve heard this year.

THE CARTER FAMILY/Farther Along
Writer: traditional; Producer: John Carter Cash; Publisher: public domain; Reviver Legacy
– This fascinating collection came out late last year. It’s titled Across the Generations because it combines voices of this legendary dynasty from first generation (Sara, Maybelle), to second generation (Anita, June, Helen), third generation (Carlene, John Carter Cash, Dale Jett. Lorrie Carter Bennett, David Carter Jones), fourth (Tiffany Anastasia Lowe, AnnaBelle Cash, Tucker Jett) and even fifth (Flo Wolfe, Adrianna Cross, Lux Darling, Jacob Strong). This set-opening track features Sara with descendants Dale and Adrianna. Elsewhere, you’ll hear ear-opening new treatments of such Carter chestnuts as “Gold Watch and Chain,” “Worried Man Blues,” “I Never Will Marry,” “Foggy Mountain Top” and, of course, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This, my friends, is the definition of American folk music. Not to mention the original foundation of country music.

Brooks & Dunn’s 2020 Tour Dates Rescheduled For Fall

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Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn announced today that their Brooks & Dunn REBOOT 2020 Tour is rescheduled for this fall. The duo’s first nationwide tour in 10 years will now kick off in Cincinnati, Ohio on Aug. 28 and take them across the country through the fall. Tickets purchased will be honored for the rescheduled date.

Brooks & Dunn REBOOT 2020 Tour Official Dates:
8/28—Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
8/29—Burgettstown, PA – S & T Bank Music Park
9/3—Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
9/4—Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
9/5—Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
9/10—Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheater
9/11—Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
9/18—Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
9/19—Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
9/24—Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
9/25—Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
9/26—Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
10/2—Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
10/3—St Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/23—Tampa, FL – Midflorida Credit Union Amphitheater
10/24—Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater
10/29—Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman
10/30—Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion

Cole Swindell Reschedules Remaining Down To Earth Tour Dates

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Cole Swindell has postponed the remaining dates of his headlining Down To Earth Tour and rescheduled them until Fall. The tour will kick back off Oct. 1 in his home state for a show in Macon, Georgia at the Macon Centreplex Auditorium. Joining Swindell on the tour will be special guests HARDY and Trea Landon, with Jon Langston now joining for the final three shows.

“We were so disappointed to have to pause the Down To Earth Tour but it was the absolute right thing to do for the safety of our fans, our band, crew, families and public in general,” said Swindell. “I am happy to say we have been working hard over the past few days to get these dates rescheduled and get this Down To Earth Tour back out in front of the fans. Me, HARDY, Trea and Jon have a lot of exciting things still in store.”

Tickets purchased for the original tour will be honored for the rescheduled dates. Any further ticket inquiries can be addressed at point of purchase.

RESCHEDULED DATES:
Oct. 1—Macon, GA—Macon Centreplex Auditorium- HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 2—Jacksonville, FL—Daily’s Place- HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 3— Fort Lauderdale, FL—TORTUGA Festival*
Oct.  8—Dubuque, IA —Five Flags Center-Five Flags Arena – HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 9—Peoria, IL—Peoria Civic Center Theatre – HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 10—Grand Rapids, MI—20 Monroe Live- HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 11—Louisville, KY—Palace Theatre- HARDY, Trea Landon
Oct. 22—Sioux Falls, SD—Sanford Pentagon– Jon Langston, Trea Landon
Oct. 23—Park City, KS—Hartman Arena – Jon Langston, Trea Landon
Oct. 24—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater – Jon Langston, Trea Landon
*festival date

Heidi Newfield Readies New Collection Featuring Delbert McClinton, Chris Stapleton, More

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Heidi Newfield is releasing a new album The Barfly Sessions on June 5. The collection was co-produced by Newfield with Jim “Moose” Brown, who, in addition to being a hit songwriter and producer, is known for playing Hammond B3, guitar and is the band leader of Bob Seger’s Silver Bullet Band.

“It’s inspiring to see an artist who’s had the kind of success she’s had be so determined to push new musical boundaries and get outside of her comfort zone,” Brown says. “Heidi and I have been friends for many years and I’ve always been a fan of her music, but I really had no clue as to the depth of her musicianship, songwriting, and general bad-assery until now. She is a deep mix of old school country, Texas twang, blues and straight-up soul, and she absolutely delivers the goods on this record.”

The album, which has 12 songs co-penned by Newfield herself, features a notable collection of collaborators and co-writers including Al Anderson, Randy Houser, Jim Lauderdale, Delbert McClinton, Jon Randall, Mickey Raphael, Rivers Rutherford, Leslie Satcher, Chris Stapleton, Matt King and Kenny Vaughan.

One track she didn’t write, “Blues Is My Business,” is a standout, especially to its writer, Kevin Bowe, who says, “I’ve heard many, many versions … from Etta James to the old bar-band down the street … but no one owns this song like Heidi Newfield. Her combination of big-hearted soul and an even bigger middle finger gave this song exactly what it wanted. Having the legendary Delbert McClinton join Heidi was better than having the cherry on top — more like the spicy BBQ sauce, the perfect combination and flavor.”

Big Machine Music Signs Ryan Hurd

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Red Light Management’s Dallas McVey, BelleSouth Business Management’s Anna Marsh, Red Light Management’s Janet Weir, Big Machine Music’s Alex Heddle, Big Machine Label Group’s Malcolm Mimms; (L-R, front row): Ritholz Levy Fields’ Chip Petree, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Ryan Hurd, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar. Photo: Seth Hellman for Big Machine Music

Big Machine Music, the music publishing arm of Big Machine Label Group, has signed Ryan Hurd to an exclusive songwriting agreement, and has acquired his Lake Allegan Pub Club (ASCAP) and Hurdjamz (BMI) music publishing catalogs. The catalogs include songs recorded by Lady Antebellum (“What If I Never Get Over You,” “You Look Good”), Luke Bryan (“Sunrise, Sunburn, Sunset”), Diplo (“Heartless” ft. Julia Michaels and Morgan Wallen) and wife Maren Morris (“I Wish I Was,” “All My Favorite People”), and more.

As an artist, Hurd is currently signed with Sony Music Nashville, and has released singles including “We Do Us,” “Love in a Bar,” and the Gold-certified, Top 20 hit “To A T.”

BMM General Manager Mike Molinar said, “Ryan is a dynamic artist and songwriter with a high trajectory and boundless future. The power of his music translates through both his voice and his writing, across genres, through audiences and up the charts. Big Machine Music is proud to become the steward of his catalog and advocate for his songwriting career.”

“I love being a songwriter in Nashville, Tennessee. Over the last few years, I have gotten to know Mike Molinar and Alex Heddle on a personal and professional level. They treat songs and songwriters with amazing care and excitement, and I’m so happy to begin a new chapter with the entire publishing team at Big Machine Music,” shared Hurd.

Big Machine Music’s roster also includes Brett Young, Brandy Clark, Laura Veltz, Jessie Jo Dillon, Eric Paslay and more.