Randy Travis Marks 35th Anniversary Of Debut Album With Remastered Version

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Randy Travis

Randy Travis will celebrate the 35th anniversary of his album Storms of Life with a newly remastered version including classic songs “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “On The Other Hand,” as well as three previously unreleased tracks.

Storms of Life (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) will be released Sept. 24 with pre-order beginning Aug. 27.

Travis and his triple-Platinum debut album Storms of Life helped bring the country genre back to its traditional roots. Released in 1986 by Warner Bros. Records, it was his first of five consecutive No. 1 albums and went on to sell more than 3 million copies. The 35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition will be released by Warner Music Nashville.

“I love the timeless lyrics and the traditional country instruments, like steel guitar, banjo, piano, fiddle,” says the Country Music Hall of Fame member. “It was music I believed in, that told a story I wanted to share. We were fortunate to have a large catalog of songs to choose from that were more traditional. At the time, people and radio really weren’t playing this kind of music. Most people were recording more of an urban cowboy sound, so I got to choose from the best of the best, cream of the crop. It was exciting for all of us to get back to our roots.”

Storms of Life (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “On The Other Hand” (Paul Overstreet, Don Schlitz)
2. “The Storms of Life” (Max D. Barnes, Troy Seals)
3. “My Heart Cracked (But It Did Not Break)” (Ronny Scaife, Don Singleton, Phil Thomas)
4. “Diggin’ Up Bones” (Al Gore, Paul Overstreet, Nat Stuckey)
5. “No Place Like Home” (Paul Overstreet)
6. “1982” (Buddy Blackmon, Vip Vipperman)
7. “Send My Body” (Randy Travis)
8. “Messin’ With My Mind” (Joseph Allen, Charlie Williams)
9. “Reasons I Cheat” (Randy Travis)
10. “There’ll Always Be A Honky Tonk Somewhere” (Steve Clark, Johnny MacRae)
Unreleased Tracks: (songwriters not listed in press release)
“Ain’t No Use”
“Carryin’ Fire”
“The Wall”

*All tracks produced by Kyle Lehning, except “On The Other Hand” and “Reasons I Cheat” produced by Lehning and Keith Stegall.

Country Radio Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021 Announced

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Pictured (L-R, top row): off-air inductees Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, Norm Schrutt; (L-R, bottom row): on-air inductees Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, Angie Ward

The Country Radio Broadcasters announced the Class of 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees Wednesday (June 2).

The 2021 class includes four off-air radio broadcasters and four on-air radio personalities. The off-air honorees are Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, and Norm Schrutt. The on-air honorees are Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, and Angie Ward.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame recognizes those individuals who have made significant contributions to the radio industry over a 20-year period, 15 of which must be in the country format.

“Country Radio should be extremely proud of this year’s 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees. They represent the best of the best from a large group of excellent nominees,” says CRB’s Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Chairman, Joel Raab.

The Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction and Dinner will be held in person on Oct. 13, 2021, at the Westin Nashville. Exact times and ticket information will be released closer to the event. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 8.

About the 2021 Inductees:

Radio (off-air) Category:

Bob Call has been directly involved in the country music format as an air personality, Program Director, or Market Manager for 44 years, the last 41 at KYGO/Denver. Call was the first-ever Program Director at KYGO, signing on the station in 1980. He was elevated to Operations Manager in 1987 and has served as KYGO’s GM/Market Manager since 1989, leading the station to local ratings and revenue success, while establishing KYGO as a highly-respected national country radio brand. He is responsible for establishing successful careers for generations of artists and exposing listeners to their music. KYGO has earned numerous industry honors during Call’s tenure, including CMA and Marconi Station of the Year honors, plus individual awards for its personalities and Program Directors.

RJ Curtis is a 41-year country radio/Music Row executive whose career has impacted nearly every aspect of the format. His resume features 30 years in major market radio (Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Antonio), where he served as Program Director, Operations Manager, Music Director, and on-air talent for iconic radio brands such as KNIX/Phoenix, KCYY/San Antonio and KZLA/Los Angeles, as well as the nationally syndicated “After Midnite” show. Curtis later spent 13 years providing insight, analysis, and commentary on the country music industry while writing and reporting for Radio & Records Magazine, Billboard, Country Aircheck, and All Access Music Group. His experience includes time in the record industry, too, with Arista Nashville, as Dir./Regional Promotion. A 20-year CRB Board member and the organization’s past President, VP, Secretary, and Treasurer, Curtis transitioned to his current role as CRB Executive Director in 2018. He has served on the Board of Directors of both ACM and CMA and has served on the St. Jude Children’s Hospital Radio Advisory Board since 2015.

Bill Hagy had already established himself as a successful radio programmer when he assumed Head of Programming responsibilities for Bristol Broadcasting Company in 1984. While anchored in Bristol, Tenn., Hagy took direct oversight of country outlet WXBQ, leading the station to decades of overwhelming ratings and revenue success, with audience listening shares consistently reaching north of the 20s, often making WXBQ the highest-rated radio station in America. During his career, Hagy has been instrumental in launching the careers of artists like Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, and many others, while maintaining WXBQ’s dominance and influence in the promotion of live and local music in the Tri-Cities. Even in retirement, Hagy continues to serve as a programming consultant for Bristol Broadcasting Company, where his influence continues to lead WXBQ to market success and national prominence.

Norm Schrutt joined Capital Cities in 1963 as WKBW/Buffalo Account Executive. In 1971, Schrutt was named LSM and was elevated to GSM in 1974 before taking the VP/GM role in 1977. In 1980, Capital Cities sent Schrutt to manage the company’s two Los Angeles-based radio stations – including KZLA, which he flipped from AC to country, making it the first FM country station in the market. The following year, he was transferred to Atlanta to manage the company’s new purchase of WKHX-AM/FM and WYAY. Schrutt also oversaw KSCS/Dallas, where he hired Country Radio Hall of Famer Terry Dorsey for mornings. Schrutt was named to his final post in 1987 due to restructuring following the acquisition of the American Broadcasting Companies by Capital Cities, Inc. He retired from radio in 1996 as Capital Cities/ABC Pres./Owned Radio Stations, where his corporate responsibilities included supervision of the company’s stations in Chicago, Washington, Dallas, Atlanta, and Minneapolis. He served on the board of the CMA, Georgia Association of Broadcasters, Atlanta Radio Association, and the All Radio Negotiating Committee. He was inducted into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame of Western New York in 2006. Schrutt passed away in 2020 and will enter the Country Radio Hall of Fame posthumously.

 

Personality (on-air) Category:

Heather Froglear has been an important member of the KFRG/Riverside on-air and programming team since 1993, currently serving as APD/MD/West Coast Talent, co-hosting a nationally syndicated afternoon show for Audacy. Froglear began her career at KFRG, doubling as Dir./Promotions and middays, eventually co-hosting morning drive and segueing to a programming role as KFRG MD, rising to APD in 2019. She has received multiple Best Radio Personality honors in the Riverside-San Bernardino market, while staying active in her community, serving on the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital Board of Directors. Froglear has also been active in national industry events, as a four-time CRS Agenda Committee member, and is an architect of the popular and always well attended Woman’s Mentoring Breakfast.

Buzz Jackson is the longtime PD/afternoon personality for KIIM/Tucson, where he has enjoyed consistent ratings dominance, and garnered national industry recognition, winning ACM (2009) and CMA (2014) Broadcast Personality of the Year honors, in addition to CRS/Country Aircheck Awards for both PD and Air Personality of the Year. Jackson also hosts a nationally syndicated show for three dozen Westwood One Mainstream country affiliates. Prior to establishing himself as a Tucson radio staple, Jackson enjoyed programming and on-air success at WCFB/Orlando and WROO/Jacksonville.

Bob Pickett has been a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame since 2015 and a programming/on-air fixture in the Austin radio market since 1981 when he first arrived at KOKE. He joined crosstown KVET in 1984, then moved to country sister KASE in 1988. While at KASE, Pickett helped lead the station to four CMA Station of the Year trophies before transitioning back to KVET in 2011. As PD and MD for both over many years, he’s been honored with multiple CRS/Country Aircheck Large Market PD honors. Pickett began his radio career in Sweetwater, TX in 1977 at KXOX, and currently hosts the “Tales of the Broken Spoke” podcast.

Angie Ward is the APD/Midday personality for WUBL/Atlanta, where she moved in 2009, following success at WTQR/Greensboro, NC, where she served as MD/middays and morning drive. Her resume includes time at WNEU/High Point, NC, WSTH/Columbus, GA, and WMXA/Auburn, AL. In addition to her day-to-day duties in Atlanta, Ward voice tracks shows for ten iHeart Country sister stations, including WKKT/Charlotte, KVET/Austin, WFUS/Tampa, and WESC/Greenville, SC. Ward has earned multiple industry awards for both programming and air personality achievements, including 2000 CMA Large Market Personality of the Year. She has also volunteered her time with numerous local and national charitable organizations and received honors from the Susan G. Komen Foundation and the “Can Do” Media Award from the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

Corey Crowder Takes Top Position On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Corey Crowder. Photo: Nicola Harger

Corey Crowder moves up to the No. 1 spot this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on the charting songs “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” by Chase Rice featuring Florida Georgia Line, “Famous Friends” by Chris Young and Kane Brown, and “Minimum Wage” by Blake Shelton.

Ashley Gorley shifts down one to No. 2 this week, along with Jesse Frasure who lands at No. 3. The remainder of the top 10 stays the same this week.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

B.J. Thomas Dead At 78

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B.J. Thomas

Five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, died May 29 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.

Thomas’ expansive career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations since his emergence in the 1960s.

His career was anchored by numerous enduring hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song. A five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, Thomas has sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ years in the music industry. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years. Such memorable hits as “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “Don’t Worry Baby,” “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks From An Old Lover” and “Hooked on a Feeling” have made him a staple on multiple radio formats over the years.

He was born Billy Joe Thomas in rural Hugo, Oklahoma, before he moved to Houston, Texas with his family. He began singing in church as a child and in his teens joined the Houston-based band the Triumphs.

Thomas’s first taste of success came in 1966 when he recorded “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry” with producer Huey P. Meaux. Released by Scepter Records, it peaked at No. 8 on the pop charts and became his first million-selling single. He released the follow-up single, “Mama,” and delivered his first solo album that same year.

Thomas’ second million-selling hit came in 1968 with the release of “Hooked on a Feeling” from On My Way, his sophomore album for Scepter. During his days with the New York label, he became friendly with Ronnie Milsap and Dionne Warwick, who were also on the roster at the time. It was Warwick who introduced him to songwriter-producer Burt Bacharach. In January 1970, Thomas topped the charts with “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head.” Penned by Bacharach and Hal David, the song was featured in the classic Paul Newman/Robert Redford film Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, earning the Oscar for best original song. Sales quickly exceeded two million copies and it has remained one of the most enduring pop hits of all time, reoccurring in such films as Forrest Gump, Charlie’s Angels: Full Throttle, Clerks II, and Spider-Man 2 as well as multiple TV shows over the years. He followed that career-defining single with a string of pop/rock hits, including “Everybody’s Out of Town,” “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” “No Love at All” and “Rock and Roll Lullaby.”

After six years with Scepter Records, Thomas signed with Paramount Records where he released two albums—1973’s Songs and 1974’s Longhorns & Londonbridges. In 1975, Thomas released the album Reunion on ABC Records, featuring “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” which holds the distinction of being the longest titled No. 1 hit ever on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Like many successful pop/rock artists, Thomas fell into drugs and battled substance abuse. His wife Gloria became a born-again Christian and the turning point in Thomas’ life came when he became a believer in 1976. He immediately quit drugs and found an avenue for expressing his faith in gospel music. Thomas signed with Myrrh Records and released the album Home Where I Belong in 1976. Produced by Chris Christian, the project won Thomas a Grammy and became the first of two Dove Award wins. The album became the first gospel record to sell a million copies. The warmth and emotional timbre of Thomas’ voice was well suited to the genre and he became one of gospel music’s most successful artists. His rendition of “Amazing Grace” is considered one of the most poignant of the classic hymn’s many covers.

In addition to his country and gospel success, Thomas also enjoyed a healthy run on the country charts in the 1980s with such hits as “Whatever Happened to Old Fashioned Love,” “New Looks from an Old Lover Again,” “The Whole World’s in Love When You’re Lonely” and “Two Car Garage.” “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song” was No. 1 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Hot Country Songs charts. It won the Grammy for Best Country Song in 1976 and was nominated for CMA Single of the Year. On his 39th birthday in 1981, Thomas became the 60th member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Beyond populating multiple radio formats with so many beloved hits, Thomas also voiced the theme song, “As Long As We’ve Got Each Other,” for the popular TV series Growing Pains, and has lent his voice to numerous commercials, including campaigns for Coca-Cola and Pepsi. He can also be seen on television hosting Time Life Music’s Forever 70s infomercial. As an actor, he also appeared in the films Jory and Jake’s Corner. Thomas authored two books, including his autobiography Home Where I Belong.

In 2013, he released The Living Room Sessions, an acoustic album, which celebrated Thomas’ nearly six decades in the music industry. The project featured Thomas dueting with other high profile artists on his most beloved hits, which included teaming with Richard Marx for “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” Vince Gill on “I Just Can’t Help Believing,” Sara Niemietz on “Hooked on a Feeling,” Keb’ Mo’ on “Most of All,” Lyle Lovett on “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head” and The Fray’s Isaac Slade on “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.” The album was well-received with critics praising it as a reminder of just how engaging his voice remained after decades of recording and touring.

Though Thomas will be remembered as one of this generation’s premiere vocalists and a consummate entertainer, the humble artist was most proud of his family. He’s survived by his wife of 53 years Gloria, their three daughters Paige Thomas, Nora Cloud, and Erin Moore, and four grandchildren, Nadia Cloud, Keira Cloud, Ruby Moore, and Billy Joe Moore.

A quote from his website exemplifies Thomas’ humble attitude and appreciation for life. “All I am is just another guy. I’ve been very lucky,” he shared. “I’ve had a wonderful life, I’ve been a husband and a father who cherishes his children and now I’m a grandfather, and I’m motivated like all these teachers and preachers and mothers and fathers to help my kids grow up with character and self-respect. I hope that doesn’t sound too grandiose, but that’s what it comes down to. It’s what I’ve tried to do with my music and with the majority of my life.”

Funeral arrangements are forthcoming and will remain private. In lieu of flowers, in-memoriam donations will be accepted by Mission Arlington, Tarrant Area Food Bank, and the SPCA of Texas.

Justin Moore Earns Fifth No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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“We Didn’t Have Much” by Justin Moore is this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single was written by Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, and Jeremy Stover. It appears on his sixth studio album, Straight Outta The Country released in April via The Valory Music Co.

In a recent interview with MusicRow, Moore said spoke about the song. Moore says, “It’s more special to me because of what we’ve all dealt with this year than it would have been otherwise. I heard the song really early on in the pandemic. We had Tracy Lawrence on as one of first guests on my podcast. He said something that really resonated with me and I really related to, and then after hearing this song, I related it to the song. What he said was that especially early on in the pandemic, he and his wife and family had been forced to lead a much more simple life, literally borrowing eggs from neighbors and things like that. Things that sound like a cliche country song, but we were kind of in the same boat here at home. I thought, man, this song speaks to the beauty in that simplicity.”

This month, Moore was awarded Pandora’s Billionaire Plaque to commemorate 3 billion streams on the platform.

Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion, Marty Stuart, Frank Ray

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Old Dominion. Photo: Mason Allen

Sometimes your head has to overrule your heart.

My favorite tracks this week are by Hall of Fame members—Marty Stuart’s “Skip a Rope,” The Oaks’ “Swing Down Chariot” and Michael McDonald & Willie Nelson’s “Dreams of the San Joaquin.” I’d crown any one of them my Disc of the Day. But bowing to radio reality, I have to give the prize to Old Dominion and its outstanding song of summer.

There are a number of new faces in the column this week. I am most interested in Frank Ray, who earns the DisCovery Award.

VINCENT NEIL EMERSON / “Texas Moon”
Writers: Vincent Neil Emerson; Producer: Rodney Crowell; Label: La Honda/Thirty Tigers
— His folkie vocal is backed by an enchanting bluegrassy blend of rippling acoustic guitars, fiddle and banjo. The dandy song is about a wandering fellow who is headed home to the Lone Star State. Highly promising.

RAY SCOTT / “Cover the Earth”
Writers: Ray Scott; Producer: Ray Scott & Michael Hughes; Label: OneRPM
— I have always liked this guy. His dark, rich baritone is a voice to get lost in. This mid-tempo tune rolls along with hearty energy and charisma, punctuated with semi-spoken accents. A winner.

DAVID FERGUSON / “Knockin’ Around Nashville”
Writers: Pat McLaughlin; Producer: David Ferguson; Label: Fat Possum
— Super producer Fergie is best known for being behind the board for Cash, Prine, Sturgill Simpson, Margo Price and more. Now he’s stepping out as an artist, himself, with this wistful, ultra-traditional, steel-soaked, slow ballad. Country, country, country.

MIRANDA LAMBERT / “They’ve Closed Down the Honky Tonks”
Writers: Miranda Lambert; Producer: Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Stark and acoustic, like the rest of The Marfa Tapes album. The simple setting throws a spotlight on her extraordinary, stone-country vocal powers. There are a zillion reasons why she is at the top of this format, and this performance is yet another.

FILMORE / “Who Cares”
Writers: Filmore/Zach Abend/Josh Kerr; Producer: Zach Abend; Label: Curb Records
— Bubbling joy. Full of delightful rhythm and jaunty attitude. This guy always impresses me with his sonic creativity.

MICHAEL McDONALD & WILLIE NELSON / “Dreams of the San Joaquin”
Writers: Randy Sharp/Jack Wesley Routh; Producer: none listed; Label: Stem/Chonin
— This single benefits the United Farm Workers. McDonald leads the way with a languid, haunting delivery of the contemplative ballad. Then he and Nelson begin entwining their golden voices with accompaniment by David Hidalgo of Los Lobos, and the effect is utterly magical.

FRANK RAY / “Streetlights”
Writers: Frank Ray/Bobby Hamrick/Frank Rogers; Producer: Frank Rogers; Label: BBR
— This Texan is a former police officer who mixes his Latino heritage with pop-country production. The bilingual track has bright bursts of brass amid nervous rhythmic beats. Intriguing. Send more.

OLD DOMINION / “I Was on a Boat That Day”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Brad Tursi/Geoff Sprung/Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Trevor Rosen/Whit Sellers; Producer: Old Dominion/Shane McAnally; Label: Arista Nashville
— How timely. Memorial Day weekend is upon us, and here’s the official summer kick-off song. This sunny bopper is the sound of happiness.

LILY ROSE / “Remind Me of You”
Writers: Sam Hunt/Corey Crowder/Ryan Vojtesak/Ernest Keith Smith; Producer: Matt Morrisey/Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Republic
— Decidedly on the pop side of pop-country, but a listening delight. Catchy, sweet, warm and winning while delving in relationship regret.

MARTY STUART / “Skip a Rope”
Writers: Glenn Douglas Tubb/Jack Moran; Producer: Marty Stuart; Label: MS
— One of the all-time cool country social-message songs is dusted off by this new Country Music Hall of Famer. The song was a huge hit for Henson Cargill in 1968. Co-writer Tubb passed away this week, and this is a more than fitting elegy.

TIGIRLILY / “My Thang”
Writers: Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh/Walker Hayes; Producer: Shane McAnally/Louis Newman; Label: Monument
— This sister duo harmonizes perfectly. The choppy, bouncy track is packed with pop energy.

THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Swing Down Chariot”
Writers: Marty Matthews; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Lightning Rod/Thirty Tigers
— If you aren’t tapping your toes by the time this concludes, check your pulse. This scratches that old-time gospel itch, big time. Loved every note.

REVISED DATES: MusicRow Announces 33rd Annual MusicRow Awards Dates For 2021

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Now in its 33rd year, the 2021 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank, will take place virtually on all MusicRow platforms on Thursday, Aug. 19.

The publication will feature the award winner in each category, determined by the most votes received from subscribed industry members of MusicRow.

Nominees for the MusicRow Awards will be revealed Tuesday, July 13 and supported by MusicRow‘s annual “Nominator” publication. The eligibility period is June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021.

Voting will begin Wednesday, July 14 and run through Friday, July 23 for all MusicRow subscribed members. To become a subscribed member and become eligible to vote, sign up here.

 

  • Nominees Announced (via online Nominator publication): Tues., July 13
  • Ballot Opens: Wed., July 14 at 11:00am CST
  • Ballot Closes: Fri., July 23 at 5:00pm CST
  • MusicRow Awards Print Issue Release Date: Tues., Aug. 10
  • MusicRow Awards Presentation (virtually): Thurs., Aug. 19

 

There are 11 member-voted categories.

1. Producer of the Year
2. Label of the Year
3. Talent Agency of the Year
4. Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
5. Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
6. Male Songwriter of the Year
7. Female Songwriter of the Year
8. Song of the Year
9. Discovery Artist of the Year
10. Breakthrough Artist of the Year
11. Artist of the Year

Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Thurs., Aug. 19, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

Nominees Revealed For 2021 Americana Honors & Awards

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The nominees for the 20th annual Americana Honors & Awards were announced today (May 26) at the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville.

Keb’ Mo’ and Old Crow Medicine Show‘s Ketch Secor served as hosts for the nomination ceremony. Attendees and livestream viewers were also treated to performances by Allison Russell, Valerie June, and the hosts.

“We’re delighted to see our incredible membership recognize such an array of talent,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Every one of these musicians is a trailblazer in their own right, and I’m thrilled to see that these nominees and their works have resonated so deeply within our community.”

The Americana Awards will take place at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 22, as part of the Americana Fest.

Brandi Carlile, Kathleen Edwards, Jason Isbell, Margo Price and Billy Strings are up for Artist of the Year at the Americana Honors & Awards. Sturgill Simpson, Steve Earle & The Dukes, Valerie June, Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit, and Sarah Jarosz are among the Album of the Year nominees.

Charley Crockett, Amythyst Kiah, Joy Oladokun, Allison Russell, and Waxahatchee are nominees for Emerging Artist of the Year.

 

Nominees for the Americana Honors & Awards are below:

Artist of the Year:

  • Brandi Carlile
  • Kathleen Edwards
  • Jason Isbell
  • Margo Price
  • Billy Strings

Album of the Year:

  • Cuttin’ Grass Vol. 1 (Butcher Shoppe Sessions) by Sturgill Simpson (Produced by David Ferguson & Sturgill Simpson)
  • J.T. by Steve Earle & The Dukes (Produced by Steve Earle)
  • The Moon And Stars: Prescriptions For Dreamers by Valerie June (Produced by Valerie June, Ben Rice & Jack Splash)
  • Reunions by Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit (Produced by Dave Cobb)
  • World On The Ground by Sarah Jarosz (Produced by John Leventhal)

Song of the Year:

  • “Black Myself” by Amythyst Kiah (Written by Amythyst Kiah)
  • “Call Me A Fool” by Valerie June ft. Caral Thomas (Written by Valerie June)
  • “Dreamsicle” by Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit (Written by Jason Isbell)
  • “I Remember Everything” by John Prine (Written by John Prine & Pat McLaughlin)
  • “Long Violent History” by Tyler Childers (Written by Tyler Childers)

Emerging Artist of the Year:

  • Charley Crockett
  • Amythyst Kiah
  • Joy Oladokun
  • Allison Russell
  • Waxahatchee

Duo/Group of the Year:

  • Black Pumas
  • The Highwomen
  • Our Native Daughters
  • The War And Treaty
  • Gillian Welch & David Rawlings

Instrumentalist of the Year:

  • Megan Coleman
  • Robbie Crowell
  • Ray Jacildo
  • Philip Towns
  • Kristin Weber

Florida Georgia Line To Hit The Road On I Love My Country Tour

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Global superstars Florida Georgia Line are returning to the road this fall with the I Love My Country Tour 2021, presented by Old Camp and sponsored by T-Mobile.

Kicking off the much-anticipated tour at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood in Atlanta on Sep. 24, FGL has invited Russell Dickerson as direct support, plus Lauren Alaina and Redferrin as openers on all dates. The 29-stop trek will wrap Nov. 20 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington.

“Touring is back, y’all! This is the longest we’ve gone without being on the road, and we’ve been counting down the days until we can finally say – we’re going on tour! Thank you to our fans for all of your support with our new music over the past year, we truly can’t wait to bring these tunes to the stage,” shares FGL’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley. “We’re excited to see your faces, feel the energy, and bring some good vibes to your city this fall. Let’s make some new memories!”

FGL’s fan club, FGL Lifers, will have first access to pre-sale tickets starting Friday, May 28 at 10 a.m. local time, while Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 1 at 10 a.m. local until Thursday, June 3. Produced by Live Nation, tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, June 4 at 10 a.m. local time here.

FGL’s I Love My Country Tour Dates:
9/24 | Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
9/25 | New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
9/26 | Houston, TX – Toyota Center
9/30 | Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
10/1 | Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
10/2 | Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
10/7 | Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
10/8 | Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
10/9 | Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
10/14 | Des Moines, IA – Wells Fargo Arena
10/15 | Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center
10/16 | St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
10/21 | Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
10/22 | Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
10/23 | Washington, DC – Jiffy Lube Live
10/28 | Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
10/29 | Chicago, IL – United Center
10/30 | Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
11/4 | San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
11/5 | Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
11/6 | Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
11/7 | Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center
11/11 | Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion
11/12 | Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
11/13 | San Bernardino, CA – Glen Helen Amphitheater
11/16 | Denver, CO – Ball Arena
11/17 | Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
11/19 | Portland, OR – Moda Center
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Acclaimed Songwriter Jon Nite Renews Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Jon Nite

Sony Music Publishing Nashville announced it has renewed its worldwide deal with Grammy-nominated, CMA, and ACM award-winning hitmaker Jon Nite. This agreement extends Nite’s longstanding relationship with the company which began in 2009.

“Jon is a true craftsman of the highest order. Throughout his years of success as one of Nashville’s top songwriters, he has never sacrificed his integrity or work ethic, and he continues to create masterful music that will be appreciated for generations. We are honored to remain Jon’s publisher and look forward to celebrating many more career milestones with him in the coming years,” shares Josh Van Valkenburg, SVP Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

Texas native Nite is credited for an array of country music hits including “Lady” by Brett Young, “Break Up in the End” by Cole Swindell, “Strip it Down” by Luke Bryan, “Living” by Dierks Bentley, “We Were Us” by Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert, “Beachin” by Jake Owen, “Think a Little Less” by Michael Ray, “Boy” by Lee Brice, and many more.

Over the last year, Nite earned incredible success with his work on Gabby Barrett’s multi-genre, award-winning break-up anthem “I Hope,” which was co-written by fellow SMP songwriters Barrett and Zach Kale. “I Hope” dominated the country charts, breaking airplay and streaming records.

“I’m so thankful to be a part of the Sony Music Publishing family. I’ve been lucky enough to have these friends for the last decade help me take these songs and turn them into a living, breathing American dream,” says Nite. “Josh V, Dane, Tom, Rusty, all the way to Jon Platt have believed in what I’m fighting to create every day, and it has resulted in hits that are heard in places I can’t even pronounce. I hope to keep the bar high and help my team see the success they deserve.”

Throughout his songwriting career, Nite’s songs have been recorded by country superstars Tim McGraw, Blake Shelton, David Nail, Kenny Chesney, Phillip Phillips, Chase Rice, Chris Young, Darius Rucker, and Dustin Lynch, among many others. He has written sixteen No. 1 singles, and earned three CMA Triple Play Awards, an ACM Vocal Event of the Year award, an NSAI Song of the Year Award for Swindell’s “Break Up In The End,” and was named one of Variety’s 2020 hitmakers.