Pictured (L-R): Sam Elliott (Courtesy of Deadline/REX/Shutterstock); Faith Hill; Tim McGraw

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are set to star in the Paramount + prequel to the Emmy-nominated series Yellowstone, in a new series called 1883. 101 Studios and Bosque Ranch Productions will serve as production partners on the new drama.

Created by Taylor Sheridan, 1883 follows the Dutton family as they embark on a journey west through the Great Plains toward the last bastion of untamed America. The episodes offer a stark retelling of Western expansion, and a study of one family fleeing poverty to seek a better future in America’s promised land of Montana.

Academy Award-nominated actor Sam Elliott will star alongside McGraw and Hill in the prequel as Shea Brennan, a tough-as-nails cowboy with immense sadness in his past who has the task of guiding a group from Texas to Montana including James and Margaret Dutton, portrayed by McGraw and Hill.

“This is truly a dream job,” says McGraw. “Taylor has found a way of storytelling that brilliantly creates these epic dramas and family sagas with so much depth and creativity.  The Duttons are tremendous characters and it’s so thrilling to be able to bring them to life. As a kid growing up riding horses, you think about dream jobs like this and I am just so excited to work with this amazing cast and crew.”

“This is the opportunity of a lifetime,” says Hill. “The Duttons are a formidable family and it is an absolute dream to bring such a strong female character like Margaret Dutton to life. I am humbled and honored to work with Taylor and his entire team.”

“Yellowstone is a massive hit show with tens of millions of fans – with 1883, we are taking those fans back to the origin story, and in the process, turning the Yellowstone world into a global hit franchise to fuel the growth of Paramount+,” says Chris McCarthy, President/CEO, MTV Entertainment Group. “We are thrilled to have Sam, Tim and Faith as the stars of Taylor Sheridan’s new series exclusively for Paramount+ around the world.”

Carly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo

Carly Pearce was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry family last night (Aug. 3) by Opry member Trisha Yearwood. The show will air on Circle Television on Saturday, Aug. 14.

Pearce was introduced on stage by Opry member Jeannie Seely who shared, “Carly has all the obvious wonderful traits, but she has that one extra thing, determination. She has the sincerest dedication and strongest work ethic of anyone I’ve ever known in my life. And she never strayed from her path of wanting to be a member of the Opry.”

During the special evening Pearce performed her hit “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” and during a press conference earlier in the evening, Big Machine Label Group President/CEO Scott Borchetta and RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations Jackie Jones surprised Pearce with a plaque commemorating the 2X Platinum certification for the hit. As she sang the chart-topper solo for the Opry crowd, duet partner Lee Brice was also presented the honor at the Ryman Auditorium.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group President/CEO, Scott Borchetta; Carly Pearce; RIAA Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations, Jackie Jones. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pearce also performed a duet with Yearwood on “How Do I Live,” before Yearwood officially inducted her, saying “This is a very special place, and when you are invited it’s an invitation to the family. So, with much pride and joy, Carly you are now an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The newest member of the Opry also performed a new song to commemorate her special moment, “Dear Miss Loretta,” an acknowledgement she wrote to one of her profound influences she debuted on the Opry stage. Expressing a true understanding for Loretta Lynn’s pain and life in the song, she enlisted fellow Kentuckian Patty Loveless for a doleful pairing that spans three generations and will be featured on her upcoming album 29: Written in Stone. The evening culminated with Pearce, Yearwood and Seely blending three generations of traditional country harmonies on the Kitty Wells classic “Making Believe.”

Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Jeannie Seely, Carly Pearce. Photo: Chris Hollo

“What makes this family something special to be a part of is you can have hit records and sell out shows, but all of that can fade and this is something I will have forever,” said Pearce. “It’s a stage to sing on, a circle to stand in and a forever family. This is super special to me. All I ever wanted to do was sing country music. This isn’t another accolade or feather in my cap but a promise that I will do my due diligence to make sure the circle is never broken.”

Jesse Willoughby, Stephanie Cox

Kobalt has announced the promotions of Jesse Willoughby as SVP of Business Development and Stephanie Cox as General Manager of the company’s Nashville office. Willoughby will be responsible for the strategic growth of Kobalt’s catalog via acquisitions, partnerships, and high-value direct signings across all genres and markets. In her new position, Cox will oversee and manage Kobalt’s Nashville creative team and the office’s daily operations.

Willoughby joined Kobalt in 2014 as Director of Business Development for Kobalt Neighbouring Rights out of their LA office, growing the business significantly over the next two years with signings including Calvin Harris, Bruno Mars, Ariana Grande, Shakira, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lukas Graham, A$AP Rocky among many others. After relocating to the Nashville office in 2015, he transitioned into the GM role of Kobalt Nashville in 2016, overseeing the day to day operations and management of Kobalt’s Nashville business.

Under Willougby’s leadership, Kobalt’s Nashville footprint experienced incredible growth, securing such high profile deals and partnerships including Dierks Bentley, SMACK Songs, Little Louder Music founded by Eric Church and Arturo Buenahora, Young Guns, Ben Simonetti, Gordie Sampson, Tommy Lee James, Michael Hardy through Relative Music, and BOOM Music with Keith Urban and Ross Copperman. In addition, Willoughby secured deals with up and coming artists such as Patrick Droney, Petey Martin, Jillian Jacqueline, Devon Gilfillian and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, among others.

“Jesse has been instrumental in establishing Kobalt as a top publisher in the Nashville community. We are excited for him to take on this new role where he will undoubtedly use his expertise and relationships to continue to drive Kobalt’s roster on a global level,” says Chief Experience Officer of Kobalt, Jeannette Perez.

“It’s been an honor to head the Nashville office for the last 5 years, I’m incredibly proud of what we were able to achieve during that time,” Willoughby shares. “I am looking forward to this new challenge and opportunity to further Kobalt’s growth and impact on a global scale.”

Cox started her career at Little Big Town Music, where she learned the art of developing songwriters and identifying career-defining songs for artists. She continued honing her skills at Reba McEntire’s Starstruck Entertainment where she was instrumental in establishing the successful career of Grammy award-winning Mark D. Sanders. She went on to run the creative team at MCA Music and helped them win ASCAP’s prestigious Publisher of the Year award. After, Cox branched out to form Larga Vista Music where she achieved success with multiple No. 1 records with George Strait, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, and The Band Perry.

Previously, Cox was SVP, Creative where she helped build the company’s presence and roster in Nashville. Most recently she was instrumental in the signing and development of hit songwriter and recording artist Hardy.

“Since joining Kobalt in 2011, Stephanie has been a key player in the growth and success of Kobalt Nashville. Stephanie is known in the community to be a creative force,” says Perez. “We’re confident her leadership will be critical in the further growth of Kobalt Nashville for our team, songwriters and partners.”

“I am thrilled to continue my career with one of the most innovative and progressive publishers in the world,” says Cox. “Getting to work with our amazing global creative staff and lead our Nashville office is an amazing opportunity and I am excited for the future.”