DISClaimer Single Reviews: Riley Green Is ‘Intensely Moving’

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Riley Green. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

We’re ending 2024 on a country-music high note.

Eight of them, actually, as we celebrate the hardcore country sounds of Zach Top, Nu-Blu, Kashus Culpepper, Riley Green, The War & Treaty, The Boykinz, Redferrin and Alex Miller. The pop-country outings in this week’s column decidedly take a backseat to these fine folks.

Heart-touching ballads are the order of the day with the moving tracks by Green, Nu-Blu and Hueston. In fact, Riley’s Green’s powerful “Jesus Saves” is the Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to the sister act The Boykinz. I was charmed. You will be, too.

ALEX MILLER / “She Makes Dirt Look Good”
Writers: Dusty Drake/Kerry Kurt Phillips/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Country as grits, plus lyrics that put a smile on your face. Hillbilly lovable.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Carried Away”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr./Tanya Trotter; Producers: Michael Trotter Jr., Tanya Trotter; Label: UMG Nashville
– Honky-tonk nirvana. This powerhouse vocal duo takes on a country love ballad, demonstrating a mastery of the genre that hasn’t been heard since the classic days of Ray Charles. Joyously sexy.

DYLAN SCOTT / “Country Till I Die”
Writers: Benjamin Joel Johnson/Charlie Handsome/John Byron/Taylor Phillips; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Curb Records
– The lyric proclaims his country bona fides. The track is pounding hard rock. Whatever…

HUESTON / “Pour Me Another”
Writer: Brandon Sammons; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings Records
– Cory Hueston comes to us from the world of alt-rock. On this stark, stripped down ballad, he dips deeply into authentic country, complete with echoey twang guitar and a vocal performance of grit and anguish. Ear catching, to say the least. Send more.

RILEY GREEN / “Jesus Saves”
Writer: Riley Green; Producers: Dann Huff, Jimmy Harnen, Scott Borchetta; Label: Nashville Harbor
– Intensely moving. Green tells the tale of a homeless, jobless veteran on the street and the circumstances that brought him to a place of destitution. A simple guitar accompaniment and some soft strings frame the poetry. Brilliantly done.

KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Pour Me Out”
Writers: Ben Burgess/Diego Urias/Kashus Culpepper; Producer: Brian Elmquist; Label: Big Loud/Mercury Records
– In this barroom ballad, Kashus compares himself to a drink that she holds in her hand. He begs her to either drink him or pour him out. A barrelhouse piano, a sighing organ and a sympathetic steel guitar echo every soulfully sung note. A solid winner.

NEIL PERRY / “Easy Love”
Writer: Neil Perry; Producers: Nathan Chapman, Scott Thomas Robinson; Label: NP
– First known as one-third of The Band Perry, this guy’s second solo single that has an enchanting production of ghostly, echoey guitars and electronic washes. This underscores a gentle, pop vocal that goes down smooth and easy. Exquisitely listenable.

THE BOYKINZ / “Fell In Love With A Cowboy”
Writers: Alona Lebray Boykin/Anale Lasha Boykin/Kylan Lantress Boykin/Nathan Chapman/Nytere Lona Boykin; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: QCLG
– The sister quartet turned heads opening for Shania Twain. This wildly catchy bopper is a sensational disc debut. An ultra-cute video, also their first, features them dancing in sync, flirting with cowpokes and trading lead vocals with verve. Spectacularly promising and essential viewing.

NU BLU, SHARON WHITE & RICKY SKAGGS / “The Will”
Writers: Dennis Morgan/Rockie Lynne; Producer: Nu Blue; Label: Turnberry Records
– The Nu-Blu band is celebrating its 20th anniversary in bluegrass this year. Lead singer Carolyn Routh shares a microphone for a flawless trio harmony performance with these two Grand Ole Opry stars on a ballad that describes a father’s last wishes. By the time they get to, “see you on the other side,” you’ll have a lump in your throat. The group’s Where You’ve Been album that contains this performance also features guests Jim Peterik (Survivor, The Ides of March) and Jody McBrayer (Avalon).

REDFERRIN / “Ruin My Night”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Jackson Foote/Jake Saghi; Producers: Jake Saghi, Redferrin; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This is a rolling bopper with a dandy backbeat and an earnest, country-boy delivery. It’s come-on to a gal who’s as bad for him as whiskey is. It rides like a road song, for sure.

JERRY DOUGLAS / “The Fifth Season”
Writers: Christian Sedelmyer/Jay Kimbro/Jerry Douglas/Mike Seal; Producer: Jerry Douglas; Label: Many Hats Distribution
– The dobro master is gearing up for a massive tour with Alison Krauss & Union Station next year. In the meantime, his new solo album The Set is claiming attention and praise. Its single is a dazzling, multi-textured instrumental that showcases his superb band in all its fleet-fingered glory. Close your eyes and take a trip.

ZACH TOP / “Cold Beer & Country Music”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– What a year this fellow has had—a CMA award nomination, a New Faces CRS slot and universal applause for his back-to-country sound. The title tune of his album says it all. He bends notes in honky-tonk splendor, picks hot licks and describes a solo night in a beer barroom. Slap him on the back and yell, “Yee-haw!” to heaven. Thank God for this man’s music.

Dualtone Music Group President, Paul Roper, Passes After Cancer Battle

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Paul Roper

Paul Roper, President of Dualtone Music Group, passed away on Tuesday (Dec. 17) after a battle with cancer.

Roper joined Dualtone Music Group in 2002 as an intern and swiftly rose through the ranks, becoming a key leader at the label and ultimately serving as President and Partner. He played an integral role in the release of over 200 albums, garnering Americana Music Association Awards as well as four Grammy wins and multiple nominations.

Roper was instrumental in championing critically-acclaimed albums by The Lumineers, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mt. Joy, Shakey Graves, Shovels & Rope, Flipturn, Brett Dennen, Langhorne Slim, Wilder Woods, Guy Clark, Chuck Berry, Mouse Rat, June Carter Cash and more.

He was known as visionary leader in the music space he called “Amerikinda,” and celebrated great songwriting across genres. Roper was also known as a tireless advocate for artists.

“When we started touring in our 15-passenger van, we used to park at the venue and bide our time until it was time to load in. We didn’t have money for hotels, and we’d usually be splitting Subway sandwiches or Clif Bars between us,” shares Jeremiah Fraites of The Lumineers. “I’ll never forget when Paul Roper showed up to the parking lot behind the venue in Nashville and met us with beer and pizza. It was a small gesture on his side, but a massive one to us.”

Under his leadership, Dualtone earned a reputation as a trusted partner for artists and a leader in independent music. In the wake of the East Nashville tornado in 2020, Roper shared, “The spirit of this company has always been bigger than any person or place. We had a lot of great memories in that building, but the heart of Dualtone is the music, the artists, the staff, the community. No storm could ever take that away.”

He is survived by his wife and their four children. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Corner to Corner in his memory.

A memorial service for Roper will take place at Belmont University’s Fisher Center on Monday (Dec. 23) at 10:30 a.m.

Jessi Alexander & Jessie Jo Dillon Talk Hits, Grammy Nominations & Music Row Sisterhood [Interview]

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Jessie Jo Dillon and Jessi Alexander

Two of the five nominees for Songwriter of the Year at the 67th annual Grammy Awards are Music Row hitmakers with more than just a name in common: Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon.

Alexander is credited with penning some of the year’s biggest hits, including the Grammy-nominated “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” by Luke Combs, which became the theme for the Twisters movie, and the No. 1 hit “Chevrolet” by Dustin Lynch and Jelly Roll. Dillon, meanwhile, has made her mark this year with standout tracks like Morgan Wallen’s “Lies Lies Lies,” Keith Urban’s “Messed Up As Me” and Kelsea Ballerini’s “Sorry Mom.”

The pair also collaborated with rising star Megan Moroney, contributing to her hit “No Caller ID” as well as the Twisters soundtrack standout “Never Left Me.”

Alexander and Dillon’s friendship and mutual respect play a big role in their creative success. The two first connected years ago at a wedding, bonding over their shared love of country music and similar work ethics.

“We’re both grinders,” Alexander shares. “We bring that heart and honesty into every song.”

Pictured (L–R): Lainey Wilson, Nicolette Hayford, Jessi Alexander and Jessie Jo Dillon

The women’s relationship deepened when they committed to doing night writes together, after the hustle of the 9-5 hours on Music Row, where they could set aside commercial concerns to create music that speaks to them personally.

This bond was evident in their collaborative writing with Moroney. Though Dillon had connected with the young star on her reflective “Girl In The Mirror” track, Alexander and Connie Harington joined the two on a writing trip when Moroney was making her sophomore album Am I Okay?

On the same day, the foursome wrote “No Caller ID” and “Noah,” both of which landed on the album.

“Meg is like us, too. She’s a grinder and she loves songs,” Dillon says. “The best thing about writing with her is it comes from a pure place as a songwriter—you are helping somebody to tell their narrative.”

“It’s not about making her a hit,” Alexander adds.

The two, Harrington and Moroney also came together to write her Twisters tune, “Never Left Me,” which was both Alexander and Dillon’s first of two tracks they each wrote for the film.

Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Jessie Jo Dillon and Morgane Stapleton

Dillon later joined Jesse Frasure, Hillary Lindsey, Blake Pendergrass and Jelly Roll for his track on the Twisters album, “Leave the Light On” featuring Alexandra Kay.

Alongside Jonathan Singleton and Combs, Alexander co-penned the movie’s fiery theme “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma,” which became Combs’ 19th consecutive No. 1 hit months later. Alexander recalls trekking through a snowstorm to write that song.

“I just barely got to to that write,” she says. “Luke had the director and producer on speed dial, which is very rare for songwriters [writing for film and television]. We typically write the song and then we move on, but we had the guy right there so that we could make any tweaks. He said we nailed it.

“We had time after that, so we ended up writing ‘Remember Him That Way’ for Luke’s Fathers & Sons album. It was a great day.”

Another project Dillon put her mark on this year was Post Malone‘s country album. With her dad, Country Music Hall of Famer Dean Dillon and a few other collaborators, she co-wrote Post’s “Two Hearts” and “Go To Hell.” She is one of the only female writers on the project.

“He’s so sweet. Jelly introduced me to him and I said, ‘You should write with girls.’ So we ended up writing with my dad on Father’s Day,” Dillon says. “Post is super nice. He’s from Texas, and he loves country music. He has a real reverence for writers and the music. He’s not just wearing the clothes.”

With the wide variety of artists Alexander and Dillon have crafted hits with over the years, it’s safe to say they can write with anyone. Their songbooks are a testament to their versatility as songwriters, blending traditional country roots with fresh, modern storytelling.

For Alexander, who has balanced her career with family life, stepping back and focusing on quality over quantity has been a game changer. Dillon echoes that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bringing raw emotion into the writing room.

“We’re craftsmen, but we also bring our own perspective into every room,” Dillon explains.

Pictured (L–R): Jessi Alexander, Miranda Lambert, Jessie Jo Dillon and Stevie Frasure

Their Grammy nominations come at a time when women are still underrepresented in country music. Both Alexander and Dillon say they were surprised by the news that Ella Langley just became the first female artist to top the country radio charts in 2024.

“It’s disheartening to see so few women in the charts,” Dillon says. Despite this, they’ve found ways to thrive, often collaborating with other talented female artists like Moroney. “We need more artists like Megan, Kelsea, Ella and Lainey to change the narrative,” Alexander adds.

Both writers acknowledge the unique challenges women face in the industry, from being excluded from writing camps to battling the perception that there’s only room for one “girl” in the writer room. Still, their success proves that determination, talent and a strong support system can defy the odds. Their advocacy for others, through choosing to write with women and cheering on their peers who are breaking through, continues to inspire.

Deservedly so, both are looking forward to representing Music Row in the Songwriter of the Year category at the Grammys in February.

Looking ahead beyond the Grammys, they are excited about the projects on the horizon. Both are passionate about mentoring younger songwriters and continuing to push the boundaries of what country music can achieve on a global stage.

“We’re in such an exciting time for country music,” Alexander says. “The return of authentic storytelling and classic country sounds is bringing a new energy to the genre.”

Their excitement isn’t just about their own success—it’s about the stories they’ve helped bring to life. Dillon and Alexander’s wide-ranging work reflects their ability to transcend sounds while staying rooted in authentic emotion. And as Alexander notes, “the best is yet to come.”

Music Row Veteran Martha Sharp Passes

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Martha Sharp. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Martha Sharp, who had successful careers as both a songwriter and a record-label executive, died on Wednesday morning (Dec. 11) at age 87.

She wrote a series of pop hits in Music City in the 1960s. She reemerged as a longtime A&R executive at Warner in the ‘80s and ‘90s. Among her signings to the label were the superstars Randy Travis and Faith Hill.

Martha Marion Sharp was born in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1937. She attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Richmond, Virginia, and Mary Baldwin University in Staunton, Virginia. She came to Music City in 1963 to become a songwriter.

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Sharp signed with Painted Desert Music as a staff songwriter in Nashville. Producer Chips Moman found her song “Born a Woman.” He brought Memphis singer Sandy Posey to Muscle Shoals to record it in 1966, and it became a big pop hit.

Next, Bob Beckham signed Sharp to Combine Music on Music Row and published the songwriter’s next Sandy Posey hit, 1967’s “Single Girl.” This became Maratha Sharp’s most recorded composition. An appreciative Sharp wrote the liner notes for Posey’s third album.

Pop star Bobby Vee dipped into Sharp’s Painted Desert catalog to record her song “Come Back When You Grow Up.” It hit No. 3 on the pop hit parade in 1967 and became Sharp’s biggest songwriting hit. She also wrote “Maybe Just Today” as a Bobby Lee single of 1968.

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Eddy Arnold had a minor country success with her song “You Fool” in 1969. Irish crooner Val Doonican had a top 10 U.K. hit in 1965 with Sharp’s “The Special Years.” In 1970, Jean Shepard had a top 20 country hit with the songwriter’s “I Want You Free.”

Her songs were also recorded by Tom Jones, Connie Smith, Waylon Jennings, Nick Lowe, Barbara Eden, The Browns, Dottie West, Jan Howard, Leif Garrett, Johnny Tillotson, Cilla Black, The Lennon Sisters, Wilma Burgess, Brook Benton and several European artists. Martha Sharp mainly wrote solo, although a few of her songs were cowritten with Larry Butler. One of these was “Another Goodbye Song,” which Rex Allen Jr. took onto the country charts in 1974.

Martha Sharp on the cover of MusicRow Magazine in 1995

Combine Music was owned by Fred Foster, who also owned Monument Records. He co-produced a 1973 Monument album for Martha Sharp titled Anywoman. This was her only recording. Her fellow Combine/Monument signee Kris Kristofferson wrote its liner notes.

Martha Sharp’s skill as a songwriter led her into A&R work, finding songs and singers for country record labels. She initially worked for Jimmy Bowen at Elektra Records in 1980, then moved to Warner when it absorbed the company in 1983. Under Warner leader Jim Ed Norman, Sharp was named a vice president of the label.

At Warner, Sharp signed Randy Travis after he’d been turned down by every record company in Music City. She also took a chance on an unknown Faith Hill. She was involved with the Warner careers of Highway 101, Carlene Carter, The Forester Sisters, Crystal Gayle, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Anderson, Gary Morris, Holly Dunn, Travis Tritt and the company’s other stars of that era. Sharp contracted with producers, recording studios, mastering labs and all other aspects of record production.

Martha Sharp retired from the record label in 1995 and moved to Richmond, Virginia to pursue her avocation as a painter. She returned to Music City about a decade ago. In 2014, Leadership Music and SOURCE presented a panel discussion with Sharp and RCA’s Mary Martin about Nashville’s pioneering female A&R executives.

Martha Sharp is survived by her brothers, Hardin Marion of Lexington, Virginia, and Dave Marion of Zephyr Cove, Nevada. There will not be a funeral.

Ashley Gorley Reclaims Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Katie Kauss

Ashley Gorley has reclaimed the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart in its last edition of 2024. “Fix What You Didn’t Break,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “Liar,” “Losers,” “Love Somebody,” “Park” and “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” all pushed the hitmaker to No. 1 this week.

Chris Stapleton moves up to No. 2 this week with “Think I’m In Love With You.” Zach Bryan sits at No. 3 with “28,” “High Road” and “This World’s A Giant.”

Riley Green (No. 4) and Taylor Phillips (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.

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.

On The Row: Christian Hayes Encapsulates Personal Experience With Hypnotic Harmony

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Christian Hayes. Photo: Chandler Holmes

A passion for music has remained present through every phase for up-and-coming creator Christian Hayes. Pulling from influences, such as Shawn Mendes and Noah Kahan, he encapsulates personal experiences with his hypnotic folksy pop-country sound.

Bearing bouquets from Amelia’s Flower Truck in honor of his new single, “Wildflower,” Hayes swung by the MusicRow office last week to share his story and perform several songs.

Pictured (L–R): MusicRow’s Liza Anderson and LB Cantrell, Christian Hayes, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge

Growing up in Rome, Georgia, he was encouraged to write by his grandfather, who perviously served as the state’s Poet Laureate, and began playing guitar and writing tunes around the age of eight. Hayes also led worship in church and played the saxophone for seven years.

He joined the U.S. Navy Reserve before attending the University of Alabama. After graduation, Hayes spent time selling Diesel fuel and gas, cultivating an extensive music catalog on the side. Implementing that military discipline, the songsmith would often wake up at 2 a.m. and spend an hour or so honing his craft before heading to work.

“In every stage of life [so far], it has always come back to music at the end of the day,” he says. “I always knew that I wanted to pursue music in some capacity. I just didn’t know how to.”

Hayes started posting his work on social media a little over a year ago, leading his current manager, Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps, to discover him in November 2023. By the time he moved to Music City, Hayes had penned more than 900 songs—most of which were written on his parents’ front porch.

“That was where I felt most at home,” Hayes recalls. “I was living in Atlanta selling fuel, and I was trying to write a song while looking at a skyscraper. I just kept thinking, ‘This isn’t like looking at the oak trees back home.'”

Christian Hayes & MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson

This moment served as the muse for unreleased number “Home Sweet Home,” which he played for the MusicRow team.

Since uniting with Capps, Hayes has continued to assemble his team as well as his arsenal of songs, signing with Capitol Records and releasing debut EP Last I Love You earlier this year.

“I always knew that God put me on this planet to write songs and share them, so I haven’t had a ‘plan B’ since we started doing all of this,” he states.

The track “LILY,” an acronym for the project title, was the first song he ever played for Capps and the one he feels “did everything for [him].” As Hayes strummed the opening chords of “LILY” on his guitar, he explained that he wrote to tune to make sense of the discontentment he was feeling at the time following the end of a relationship. Hayes then finished with another Last I Love You track, “Cheyenne.” Inspired by a conversation he had with his father, the song takes listeners on a journey of self-discovery and heartbreak.

Nicknamed the “lullaby kid” by a close friend, Hayes finds himself molding melodies that are easy on the ears alongside lyrics that resonate with others.

“I always wanted my songs to mean something and my words to actually hold weight,” he shares.

Since participating in his first-ever co-writing session in January, Hayes has worked with over 100 writers, including Natalie Hemby, Tenille Townes and Topher Brown, among others. While maintaining the art of writing solo, he is excited to cultivate a solid crew of collaborators and unveil new music in 2025.

Additionally, Hayes is slated to take the stage at the Jackalope Jamboree, taking place June 26–28 at Happy Canyon Arena in Pendleton, Oregon.

Post Malone & Luke Combs Top MusicRow Radio Chart

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Post Malone notches another No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart alongside Luke Combs with their track “Guy For That,” marking the last chart-topper of 2024.

The track is part of his recent album F-1 Trillion and was written by Post, Combs, Ernest, James McNair, Charlie Handsome, Hoskins and Louis Bell.

Yesterday (Dec. 12), Post was awarded three new RIAA certifications. His album F-1 Trillion achieved Platinum status, his six-week No. 1 with Morgan Wallen, “I Had Some Help,” went five-times Platinum and his hit with Blake Shelton, “Pour Me A Drink,” also earned a Platinum certification.

“Guy For That” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay ‘Own’ The Holiday

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Dan + Shay

There’s a bonanza of Nashville Christmas music this year.

Dolly, Vince & Amy and Brett Eldredge have updated and/or expanded versions of their classic holiday collections. Monument and Pinecastle have both issued all-star compilations of their rosters’ offerings. Starship rocker Mickey Thomas came to Music City to record a Christmas album. Home Free, Alicia Witt and Cat Cohen also have new collections.

Ruling the roost this year are Dan + Shay whose jumbo Xmas serving is the Disc of the Day. Give Chapel Hart a special nod for having the cutest new holiday tune.

Since Nov. 1, I have received 78 Christmas singles from Nashville artists. We’d be here for a week if I reviewed them all. Just so you know, there are four new versions of “O Holy Night,” three new renditions of “Christmas In Dixie” and three Spanish-language holiday treats. The most intriguing new titles seem to be “All I Want for Christmas Is an Open Bar” by Drew Green, “Naughty List” by Trace Adkins, “Santa You Can Skip Our House” by Jessica Lynn, “Layaway Mama” by Adam Chaffins and “Single Bells” by Lee Brice.

Happy holidays.

MASON RAMSEY / “Silent Night”
Writer: Franz Xaver Gruber/Joseph Mohr; Producer: Dan Fernandez; Label: Atlantic Records
– The 11 year old who yodeled his way to fame at Walmart is now a mature vocalist with a smooth baritone delivery. His reverent take on this beautiful ballad is paced just right. It is drawn from his debut holiday EP, Merry Christmas Baby.

GABBY BARRETT / “The First Noel”
Writer: public domain; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This American Idol alumna has issued her first Christmas album, Carols and Candlelight. It’s a mix of traditional tunes, classic pop compositions and a few new items. Accompanied by piano, acoustic guitar and strings, she performs this ancient British carol with heart-in-throat sincerity. It has become something of a holiday favorite of hers—she introduced a live version of it on a CMA Christmas TV special four years ago.

LITTLE BIG TOWN / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writer: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blane; Producers: Little Big Town, Wayne Kirkpatrick; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This golden-voiced quartet has its first Yule LP this year, aptly titled The Christmas Record. And I do mean “LP:” You can buy it on vinyl. Karen’s lead vocal on this sweet classic has a lustrous tone. Kimberly chimes in on soprano harmony, followed by Jimi and Philip to create a lovely, hushed, layered sound. Gorgeous is the word. The song was introduced by Judy Garland in the 1943 movie Meet Me In St. Louis.

KEVIN JONAS SR. / “Ready Set Glow”
Writers: Amy Stroup/Bob DiPiero/David Kalmusky/Kevin Jonas Sr; Producer: David Kalmusky; Label: Red Van Records
– This light-hearted toe tapper is drawn from his holiday EP, Joy to the World. Sometimes billed as “Papa Jonas,” he’s joined here by “Mama” Denise Jonas. Their world-famous sons must be proud, especially since Nick evidently inspired the recording.

DAVID NAIL / “I’ll Be Home For Christmas”
Writers: Buck Ram/Kim Gannon/Walter Kent; Producers: David Nail, Peter Ferguson, Reed Pittman; Label: One Five Sound
– I know it’s supposed to be a season of joy, but Christmas is a depressing time for many folks. That’s why I have a soft spot for the sad holiday songs. With just a guitar accompaniment, Nail tugs at the heartstrings with his rendition of this World War II chestnut, originally introduced by Bing Crosby. Nail’s holiday EP is titled A Campfire Christmas.

DAN + SHAY / “Officially Christmas”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds/Nicolle Galyon; Producers: Dan Smyers, Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Shay Mooney’s tenor voice was born for this season. He sounds like a warm wool sweater on a cold night. The production by Dan Smyers sparkles and dazzles with holiday cheer. This is the bopping title tune to a fabulous double album of Christmas music. As of this year, this duo owns the holiday.

AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED / “Christmas Time Is Here”
Writers: Lee Mendelson/Vincent Guaraldi; Producer: Authentic Unlimited; Label: Billy Blue Records
– These guys have the bluegrass Christmas album to get. Authentic Unlimited is this year’s IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, and this is a dandy way to hear why. Their playing and singing on this tender, jazzy, minor-key ballad are pristine perfect.

CHAPEL HART / “Come On Santa”
Writers: Chapel Hart/Dan Needham/Tré Corley; Producers: Chapel Hart, Dan Needham, Tré Corley; Label: Origins/Hitmaker Music Group
– Hartfelt Family Christmas is the debut holiday album by this trio. It features celebrity guests Vince Gill, Rissi Palmer, The Isaacs, Darius Rucker, T. Graham Brown, Jason Crabb and Gretchen Wilson. On its lead-off single, the three gals go it alone, complete with sleigh bells, chimes, a solid rhythm section and a merry “girl group” mood. Rock on, ladies.

SCOTTY McCREERY / “Feel Like The Holidays”
Writers: Bobby Hamrick/Derek George/Frank Rogers/Jeremy Bussey/Monty Criswell; Producers: Aaron Eshuis, Derek Wells, Frank Rogers; Label: Triple Tigers
– McCreery takes this jazzy, upbeat ditty out for a mellow spin in his best pop baritone mode.

BEN FOLDS & LINDSEY KRAFT / “We Could Have This”
Writers: Ben Folds/Lindsey Kraft; Producer: Ben Folds; Label: New West Records
– Sleigher is the first Christmas album by this acclaimed pop singer-songwriter. He initially thought he’d do cover tunes, but apart from “The Christmas Song,” the collection is mainly originals. He’s joined by his cowriter Lindsey Kraft on this delicately intricate, lilting confection. Very accomplished and highly recommended.

THE MILK CARTON KIDS / “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas”
Writers: Hugh Martin/Ralph Blaine; Producer: The Milk Carton Kids; Label: Far Cry Records
– This star Americana duo’s seasonal album is titled Christmas In a Minor Key. Their soft, stark arrangement of this classic is wistful and gentle. So is the rest of the 10-song collection.

Lineup Announced For 2025 CRS New Faces Show

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The Country Radio Broadcasters have unveiled the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music Show at CRS 2025. Next year’s class includes Drew Baldridge (Lyric Ridge/BMG/Stoney Creek), Ashley Cooke (Big Loud/Back Blocks), Dasha (Warner Records), Zach Top (Leo33) and Warren Zeiders (Warner Records).

For over five decades, the New Faces of Country Music Show has served as a platform to showcase five emerging artists who have achieved notable success on country radio during the qualification period. The period for this class spanned from Nov. 1, 2023 to Oct. 31, 2024.

Co-partnered by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, the New Faces of Country Music Show will take place during CRS 2025, to be held from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21, 2025.

BREAKING: Ben Kline Joins Red Light Management

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Ben Kline

Industry veteran Ben Kline has joined the Red Light Management Executive Leadership Team in Nashville.

In his new role, Kline will help oversee Red Light’s Nashville operations as well as focus on new business opportunities for the company and its artists. He reports to the company’s founder, Coran Capshaw.

“I’m beyond excited for this incredible next chapter. What Coran and team have built is one of a kind, and I look forward to being a part of its continued evolution and success” shares Kline.

Capshaw says, “We are very happy to welcome Ben. His experience and reputation within the Nashville music community make him a great addition to the Red Light team.”

Prior to joining Red Light, Kline spent 10 years at Warner Music Nashville, where he was most recently Co-Chair and Co-President. He has held various senior leadership roles in his near 30-year career, including at Ingrooves, Rostrum Records and Universal Music Group Nashville.