Kelly Lang Celebrates Her ‘Old Soul’ On New Album

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Kelly Lang. Photo: Courtesy 2911 Media

Kelly Lang has released her new album Old Soul.

The album, which released Sept. 18, transports listeners back to music’s greatest era, putting serendipitous spins on popular classic hits of the ’70s and ’80s to uncover the feel-good intent of simpler times. Old Soul features 14 covers of critically acclaimed songs and highlights Lang’s love and appreciation for the timeless classics. The album is sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Chicken.

“When I was recording my new album Old Soul, I chose songs that brought me back to a simpler time. These songs are woven into the tapestry of our musical lives. My hope is that the listener will also be able to reminisce and be transported back to great memories while enjoying these classics with a new twist,” shares Lang.

Leading up to the release of the album during an appearance on Coffee, Country & Cody live on WSM and Circle TV, Lang was surprised with Proclamations from both the City of Nashville and her home town of Oklahoma City, declaring Sept. 18, 2020, officially ‘Kelly Lang Day’. Both of these honors are coinciding with the release of her new album.

Joe Bonamassa’s Ryman Show Raises Over $32K For Artists Impacted By COVID-19

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Joe Bonamassa. Photo: Kit Wood

Joe Bonamassa played a sold-out show at the Ryman Sunday night (Sept. 20) — well, sort of. The legendary venue typically seats 2,300, but for one night only, the real crowd was the size of a major stadium, and in-house nearly every seat was filled with a custom cardboard cutout. The event sold over 17,000 tickets, reaching 44 countries for one very special live music presentation.

Bonamassa performed the livestream show from the legendary stage in Nashville, playing his new studio album Royal Tea in its entirety, a month before its release on Oct. 23, as well as some fan favorites from his recent 20th anniversary album,  A New Day Now, his 23rd No. 1 album. Those wanting to check out the show still can, since tickets for the livestream are available through the entire rest of the week until Sept. 27.

Tickets purchased this week will benefit touring musicians unable to make a living due to COVID-19. To date, more than $350,000 has been raised, supporting more than 190 touring musicians impacted by the pandemic. Between ticket sales and donations during the After Party Showcase the event raised $32,000 already for Bonamassa’s Fueling Musicians program, presented by his non-profit Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. The showcase featured some of the genre’s most talented, emerging acts of this generation, with performances from artists including Ally Venable Band, The Cold Stares, Elles Bailey, Ida Mae, Jared James Nichols, Jontavious Willis, Katy Guillen & The Drive, Robert Jon & The Wreck, Southern Avenue, Tyler Bryant and Vanessa Collier.

Tickets to the pay-per-view concert on demand are available at $35 for the All-Access Pass, which includes on demand admission to the virtual concert until Sept. 27, the Royal Tea digital album available on Oct. 23, and a one-year pass to Bonamassa’s on-demand video service. The video service includes 17+ concert releases from Joe Bonamassa, Black Country Communion, and Rock Candy Funk Party – available at any time on most devices. Following the ticketed event, the concert is in the works to be broadcast on public television and will be available on DVD at a later date.

Photo: Kit Wood

Sam Hunt, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde Among Top CMT Awards Nominees

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CMT has announced the nominations for the upcoming 2020 CMT Awards with Dan + Shay, Luke Combs, Sam Hunt, Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde, and Kelsea Ballerini all competing for the most accolades of the evening, with three nominations each spanning categories including “Video of the Year,” “Female Video of the Year” and “Male Video of the Year.”

Other multiple nominees for the awards, which will air Oct. 21 at 8 p.m. ET on CMT with a six-network simulcast across MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop TV and TV Land, include Blanco Brown, Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion and The Chicks, who return with their first CMT nomination since 2007. The worlds of pop and dance/electronic also received CMT Award nods this year with Halsey, Marshmello and Gwen Stefani receiving first-ever nominations.

The 2020 CMT Music Awards will also shine a spotlight on a new generation of country stars this year with all six “Breakthrough Video of the Year” nominees Blanco Brown, Caylee Hammack, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Riley Green and Travis Denning all receiving first-time nominations. Super group The Highwomen and the legendary Tanya Tucker are also receiving their first CMT awards nods.

This year’s show will celebrate the genre’s biggest stars through outdoor performances in and around Music City, and in a first for the show, select nominations were revealed on Instagram Reels. The announcement of “Video of the Year,” Female Video of the Year,” “Male Video of the Year,” and “Breakthrough Video of the Year” categories can be viewed here. Each winner is selected by the fans, with voting open now at vote.cmt.com until 11 a.m. CT on Monday, October 12.

VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director. Final nominees announced on 10/12, with final voting held until 10/16 and announced in-show.

  • Ashley McBryde – “One Night Standards”
  • Blanco Brown – “The Git Up”
  • Carrie Underwood – “Drinking Alone”
  • Dan + Shay – “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
  • Keith Urban – “Polaroid”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “homecoming queen?”
  • Little Big Town – “Sugar Coat”
  • Luke Combs – “Beer Never Broke My Heart”
  • Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”
  • Old Dominion – “Some People Do”
  • Sam Hunt – “Hard To Forget”
  • Tanya Tucker – “Bring My Flowers Now”
  • The Chicks -“Gaslighter”
  • Thomas Rhett – “Remember You Young”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist

  • Ashley McBryde – “One Night Standards”
  • Carrie Underwood – “Drinking Alone”
  • Gabby Barrett – “I Hope”
  • Kelsea Ballerini – “homecoming queen?”
  • Maren Morris – “The Bones”
  • Miranda Lambert – “Bluebird”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist

  • Jason Aldean – “Got What I Got”
  • Luke Bryan – “One Margarita”
  • Luke Combs – “Even Though I’m Leaving”
  • Morgan Wallen – “Chasin’ You (Dream Video)”
  • Sam Hunt – “Hard To Forget”
  • Thomas Rhett – “Remember You Young”

GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists

  • Lady A – “Champagne Night”
  • Little Big Town – “Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
  • Midland – “Cheatin’ Songs (Live From the Palomino)”
  • Old Dominion – “One Man Band”
  • The Chicks – “Gaslighter”
  • The Highwomen – “Crowded Table”

DUO VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists

  • Brothers Osborne – “All Night (Studio Performance)”
  • Dan + Shay – “I Should Probably Go To Bed”
  • Florida Georgia Line – “Blessings”
  • LOCASH – “One Big Country Song”
  • Maddie & Tae – “Die From A Broken Heart”

BREAKTHROUGH VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)

  • Blanco Brown – “The Git Up”
  • Caylee Hammack – “Family Tree”
  • Gabby Barrett – “I Hope”
  • Ingrid Andress – “More Hearts Than Mine”
  • Riley Green – “I Wish Grandpas Never Died”
  • Travis Denning – “After a Few”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR:
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists

  • Blake Shelton with Gwen Stefani – “Nobody But You”
  • Carly Pearce and Lee Brice – “I Hope You’re Happy Now”
  • Dan + Shay and Justin Bieber – “10,000 Hours”
  • Kane Brown featuring Nelly – “Cool Again”
  • Marshmello and Kane Brown – “One Thing Right”
  • Thomas Rhett featuring Jon Pardi – “Beer Can’t Fix”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)

  • From CMT Artists of the Year: Ashley McBryde – “One Night Standards”
  • From CMT Crossroads: Brooks & Dunn and Luke Combs – “Brand New Man”
  • From CMT Artists of the Year: Chris Young – “Drowning”
  • From CMT Crossroads: Halsey and Kelsea Ballerini – “Graveyard”
  • From CMT Artists of the Year: Sam Hunt – “Fancy”
  • From CMT Crossroads: Sheryl Crow and Chris Stapleton – “Tell Me When It’s Over”

PMC, MRC Enter Joint Venture To Operate ‘Billboard,’ ‘Rolling Stone,’ More

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Media and entertainment companies Penske Media Corporation and MRC have entered a joint venture deal to establish PRMC, it was announced today (Sept. 23) by PMC CEO Jay Penske and MRC CEOs Asif Satchu and Modi Wiczyk.

The deal puts iconic entertainment brands including PMC’s Rolling Stone, Variety and Music Business Worldwide, and MRC’s Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter and VIBE under the same roof. PMC acquired Variety in 2012, and invested in Music Business Worldwide earlier this year.

Penske Media Corporation will lead PMRC’s day-to-day operations. MRC will make use of its content production assets—including Dick Clark Productions—to develop new content and business opportunities. MRC also brings its production infrastructure to the deal, including the Netflix show Ozark and movies such as Knives Out.

There will be a transition period throughout the end of the year. According to the release, there are no leadership changes at PMC or MRC as a result of the ventures and both PMC and MRC will continue to operate independently.

“These are all brands I’ve long admired. Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and VIBE have created some of the finest content in their respective industries and have contributed immensely to the heightened quality of journalism covering entertainment and music today,” said Penske. “We feel very fortunate for this valuable partnership with the exceptional MRC team and the opportunity to continue the legacy of these tremendous brands for the next many decades.”

“We have a great deal of respect for Variety, Rolling Stone and Music Business Worldwide and, as importantly, the leadership at PMC who we’ve gotten to know well and look forward to partnering with in both these businesses,” said Satchu and Wiczyk.

Granger Smith Launches Fall Apparel Line As ‘Country Things Vol. 1’ Sets To Drop

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Granger Smith. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Granger Smith has unveiled the Fall launch of his outdoor apparel company, Yee Yee Apparel. The line features a collection of 31 new products including T’s, pullovers, custom women’s ball caps, camo neck gaiters and more, and comes as he prepares to release his new album, Country Things, Vol. 1 on Friday (Sept. 25).

For five years, the Smith brothers (Granger, Tyler and Parker) have meticulously built a sustainable lifestyle brand that caters to those in America’s heartland. Stemming from the notorious catchphrase, “YEE YEE,” from Granger’s country boy alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr., the brand has become a symbol for all those who cherish hard work, American values, God, country, family, and our flag.

Through the close-knit relationship Granger has built with his fanbase, the brothers have exponentially grown Yee Yee Apparel. The brand is just another branch of the family of creative and business outlets that Smith has become known for. From Earl Dibbles, Jr., to his family YouTube show “The Smiths,” to his No. 1 book If You’re City, If You’re Country, to his Granger Smith podcast, to his hero-honoring documentary They Were There: A Hero’s Documentary, to his work with the River Kelly Fund, the chart-topper continues to build a brand synonymous with those who cherish hard work and want to live life to its fullest.

The apparel brand also serves as a way to give back as well. The Smith family’s mission, “to share our passion for the outdoors and living life to the fullest and to give back to organizations around the globe who are doing their best to make the world a better place,”has already resulted in over $230,000 in donations to charities. For the Fall launch, they have chosen Veteran Outdoors, an organization that honors our country’s wounded veterans’ patriotism and sacrifice by providing quality hunting, fishing and outdoor related activities.

Recent Yee Yee Apparel Donations:
June 2019 – 218,000 to Dell Children’s Medical Center
November 2019 – $7,500 to Disabled Outdoorsmen USA
January 2020 – $15,000 to The River Kelly Fund
April 2020 – $5,000 to Meals on Wheels America
June 2020 – $7,500 to The River Kelly Fund

Drew Green’s ‘Dirt Boy Vol. 1’ Out Now

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Drew Green released his debut EP, Dirt Boy Vol. 1, on Friday (Sept. 18).

The project includes the two critically acclaimed songs Green has released since signing to Villa 40/Sony Music Nashville in early June: “Little More Be Alright,” and “Right Where I Be,” along with four other previously-unreleased tracks: “She Got That,” “Woods,” “Fine By Me,” and “Dirty Money.” Green co-wrote all six songs on Dirt Boy Vol. 1.

“Little More Be Alright,” was selected as Sirius XM The Highway’s On The Horizon Pandora Pick and has received heavy airplay on the satellite station. Green released his music video for “Right Where I Be,” on July 31 and co-stars in the clip alongside Bachelor and Bachelor in Paradise’s Danielle Maltby. Green signed a publishing agreement in November 2018 with Grammy-winning Brett James’ Cornman Music, a co-venture with Warner Chappell Nashville. In 2019, Florida Georgia Line cut “Colorado,” which Green co-penned with Hunter Phelps and Michael Hardy (HARDY), for their No. 1 album,  Can’t Say I Ain’t Country.

Brock Berryhill Extends Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Brock Berryhill.

Hit songwriter/producer Brock Berryhill has extended his global publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Berryhill has earned three No. 1 singles, including “Good As You” and “Homesick,” both recorded by Kane Brown, as well as “What Happens In A Small Town,” recorded by Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell. Berryhill also co-wrote Kenny Chesney’s hit “Happy Does” and Gilbert’s single “Hard Days,” which are both currently climbing Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. The BMI-aligned songwriter has also earned cuts for Jason Aldean, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Jon Langston and more.

“Since moving to Nashville just a few short years ago Brock’s been making his mark on Music City in a big way with his talent supported by his inspiring work ethic,” said Ben Vaughn, President & CEO Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “He is respected and beloved by everyone who crosses paths with him. We’re excited to extend our partnership with him as he reaches new heights in his career.”

BREAKING: BMLG Promotes Allison Jones To EVP, A&R

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Allison Jones. Photo: Courtesy BMLG

Big Machine Label Group has promoted Allison Jones to Executive Vice President, A&R. Jones has been with BMLG for 12 years and most recently served as Senior Vice President, A&R. In her newly elevated role Jones will continue to lead all A&R efforts for the entire BMLG roster which includes Thomas Rhett, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, Midland, Carly Pearce and more.

“Allison Jones is one of those extremely rare A&R executives who just knows when it comes to great artists and great songs. Our success together has left an indelible mark on this era of country music,” said BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “She continually blows my mind at her knowledge of what’s going on in the marketplace, where the great songs and songwriters are and what new artists are circling. It’s extremely rare that I can bring up a new song or new artist that she doesn’t already know about. Thank you Allison! Nobody better.”

“I’ve worked with Scott since 1997 when we were part of the original team to open Dreamworks Nashville and I’m beyond grateful that he asked me to join his history-making Big Machine team twelve years ago,” said Jones. “I would not be the executive that I am today without his leadership, mentorship and faith in me. I’m so honored to represent our incredible roster of artists and crazy proud of all that we’ve accomplished. I’ve never been more passionate about discovering and developing new talent while continuing to champion our established artists throughout their careers.”

Prior to joining Big Machine Label Group, Jones worked in A&R at Universal Nashville as the Vice President, A&R, as well as at Dreamworks Nashville, Giant Records and BNA Records/RCA. She has been named to Billboard‘s Women In Music and Country Power Players lists and was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal for being one of the most influential executives in the music business.

Priscilla Block Signs With UMG Nashville

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Pictured: Priscilla Block with cardboard cut out versions of UMG Nashville’s EVP, A&R, Brian Wright; Chairman & CEO, Mike Dungan; President, Cindy Mabe. Photo: Katie Kauss

A few weeks ago, Priscilla Block‘s song, “Just About Over You,” reached the top spot on the iTunes all-genre song chart within 12 hours of release. Now, Block has inked a deal with Universal Music Group Nashville, releasing the song to country radio via Mercury Nashville/InDent Records.

“All of us at UMG are beyond thrilled that Priscilla has decided to join our family,” says UMG Nashville CEO & Chairman Mike Dungan. “With a massive fan base already in place, we are excited to take her and her music to the Universe!”

Originally from Raleigh, North Carolina as one of five children, Priscilla moved to Nashville to pursue music shortly after high school. In Nashville, the affable up-and-comer worked multiple jobs to make ends meet while remaining steadfast in her study of songwriting and music.

Block has sold out shows at Deep South the Bar in Raleigh, the Listening Room Cafe, and Nashville’s rowdiest block party, Whiskey Jam. She has also shared the stage with artists including Gabby Barrett, Adam Craig and Dillon Carmichael.

Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Dan + Shay Lead Billboard Music Awards Country Nominees

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Earlier today, Billboard announced this year’s Billboard Music Awards nominees. Post Malone leads this year’s nominees with 16 nominations. Lil Nas X follows with 13 nominations, while Billie Eilish and Khalid earned 12 nominations each.

Luke Combs, Maren Morris, and Dan + Shay lead this year’s country nominees.
Combs is nominated for four awards, including the Billboard Chart Achievement Award, as well as Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist and Top Country Album (for What You See Is What You Get).

Dan + Shay were nominated in the all-genre Top Duo/Group category, as well as Top Country Artist, Top Country Duo/Group, and Top Country Song (for “10,000 Hours” with Justin Bieber).

Morris is nominated for Top Country Artist, Top Country Female Artist, Top Country Album (for GIRL) and Top Country Song (“The Bones”).

Kane Brown earned three nominations, for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album (for Experiment). Thomas Rhett also earned three nominations, for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, and Top Country Album (Center Point Road).

Old Dominion and Morgan Wallen are each up for two honors, with Old Dominion nominated for Top Country Duo/Group, and Top Country Song (“One Man Band”). Wallen is nominated for Top Country Album (for his Platinum-selling If I Know Me) and Top Country Song (“Whiskey Glasses”).

Blake Shelton is nominated in the all-genre Top Selling Song for “God’s Country.” The song also earns a nod for Top Country Song.

Kanye West dominates the Gospel and Christian categories with nine nominations, with songs from his album Jesus Is King placing four of the five slots in the Top Gospel Song category, while the album is also up for Top Christian Album and Top Gospel Album. West is also nominated for Top Christian Artist, Top Gospel Artist and Top Christian Song.

This year’s awards show will air live from Los Angeles’ The Dolby Theatre on Oct. 14 on NBC. Kelly Clarkson will return as host for this year’s show, which was originally slated for April 29, 2020, but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

See below for a list of select nominations:

Top Country Artist:
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Dan + Shay
Maren Morris
Thomas Rhett

Top Country Male Artist:
Kane Brown
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett

Top Country Female Artist:
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
Carrie Underwood

Top Country Duo/Group:
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Old Dominion

Top Country Tour:
Eric Church
Florida Georgia Line
George Strait

Top Country Album:
Kane Brown Experiment
Luke Combs What You See Is What You Get
Maren Morris GIRL
Thomas Rhett Center Point Road
Morgan Wallen If I Know Me

Top Selling Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”

Top Country Song:
Dan + Shay with Justin Bieber “10,000 Hours”
Maren Morris “The Bones”
Old Dominion “One Man Band”
Blake Shelton “God’s Country”
Morgan Wallen “Whiskey Glasses”

Top Christian Artist:
Lauren Daigle
Elevation Worship
For King & Country
Hillsong United
Kanye West

Top Gospel Artist:
Kirk Franklin
Koryn Hawthorne
Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Sunday Service Choir
Kanye West

Top Christian Album:
Bethel Music Victory: Recorded Live
Casting Crowns Only Jesus
Hillsong United People
Skillet Victorious
Kanye West Jesus is King

Top Gospel Album
Kirk Franklin Long Live Love
Donald Lawrence & The Tri-City Singers Goshen
William McDowell The Cry: A Live Worship Experience
Sunday Service Choir Jesus Is Born
Kanye West Jesus is King

Top Hot 100 Song:
Lewis Capaldi “Someone You Loved”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”

Top Streaming Song:
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Billie Eilish “bad guy”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”

Top Collaboration (Fan Voted):
Chris Brown ft. Drake “No Guidance”
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello “Señorita”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Ed Sheeran & Justin Bieber “I Don’t Care”

Top Rap Song:
Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus “Old Town Road”
Lil Tecca “Ran$om”
Lizzo “Truth Hurts”
Post Malone & Swae Lee “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”
Post Malone “Wow.”

Top Christian Song:
Bethel Music, Jonathan David Helser & Melissa Helser “Raise A Hallelujah”
Casting Crowns ft. Matthew West “Nobody”
Lauren Daigle “Rescue”
For King & Country “God Only Knows”
Kanye West “Follow God”

Top Gospel Song:
Kirk Franklin “Love Theory”
Kanye West “Closed on Sunday”
Kanye West “Follow God”
Kanye West “On God”
Kanye West “Selah”