Jordan Minton Enters Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Jordan Minton

Hit songwriter Jordan Minton has moved into the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. “Bigger Houses,” “Dance With You,” “Love You, Miss You, Mean It” and “Your Place” all pushed Minton into the No. 8 spot.

Beyoncé remains in the No. 1 spot this week with “16 Carriages,” “Alliigator Tears,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Daughter,” “Just For Fun,” “Levii’s Jeans,” “ll Most Wanted,” “My Rose,” “Protector,” “Riiverdance,” “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “Tyrant,” all off her Cowboy Carter album. Josh Phillips takes the No. 2 spot with “Dirt Cheap.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Jessie Jo Dillon (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.

ACM Radio Award Winners Revealed

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The winners of the ACM Radio Awards for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards have been revealed. The announcement was made with the help of Danielle Bradbery, Breland, Ashley Cooke, Russell Dickerson, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Conner Smith and Tigirlily Gold.

There were ties in two categories (Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Medium Market Radio Station of the Year) and multiple first-time honorees. In the On-Air categories, first-time winners include Katie Neal of Katie & Company for National Daily On-Air Personality of the Year, Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar of Annie & Cole for Large Market On-Air Personality of the Year and Doc Medek and Chewy Medek of The Doc Show for Medium Market On-Air Personality of the Year. Angie Ward of Angie Ward and Jason Pullman of The Jason Pullman Show—both first time winners—tied for Major Market On-Air Personality of the Year.

B-Dub of B-Dub Radio Saturday Night received his second ACM Award for National Weekly On-Air Personality of the Year, and Steve, Ben and Nikki of Steve, Ben and Nikki took home their second ACM Award for Small Market On-Air Personality of the Year.

In the Radio Station categories, WXTU in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania took home its second win for Major Market Radio Station of the Year, and WUBE in Cincinnati, Ohio took home its fourth win for Large Market Radio Station of the Year. WBEE in Rochester, New York and WGGY in Scranton, Pennsylvania both took home their first wins for Medium Market Radio Station of the Year (tie), and WFLS in Fredericksburg, Virginia took home its first win for Small Market Radio Station of the Year.

Below is a complete list of the Radio Award winners for the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards:

On-Air Personality Of The Year Winners:
National Daily: Katie Neal | Katie & Company
National Weekly: B-Dub | B-Dub Radio Saturday Night
Major Market (Tie): Angie Ward | Angie Ward – WUBL – Atlanta, GA & Jason Pullman | The Jason Pullman Show – KPLX – Dallas, TX
Large Market: Annie Fox and Cole Dunbar | Annie & Cole – WLHK – Indianapolis, IN
Medium Market: Doc Medek and Chewy Medek | The Doc Show – WGGY – Scranton, PA
Small Market: Steve, Ben, and Nikki | Steve, Ben and Nikki – WXBQ – Bristol, VA

Radio Station Of The Year Winners:
Major Market: WXTU – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Large Market: WUBE – Cincinnati, Ohio
Medium Market (Tie): WBEE – Rochester, New York AND WGGY – Scranton, Pennsylvania
Small Market: WFLS – Fredericksburg, Virginia

The 59th ACM Awards will take place Thursday, May 16 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and will steam exclusively on Amazon’s Prime Video. Click here for a list of nominees.

Scotty McCreery Officially Welcomed Into Opry Family

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Scotty McCreery being officially welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry family by Opry member Josh Turner who was joined by a surprise guest, Country Music Hall of Fame Member Randy Travis with wife Mary. Photo: Chris Hollo

Scotty McCreery was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family on Saturday night (April 20) by Opry member Josh Turner and a special surprise guest, Country Music Hall of Famer and Opry member Randy Travis.

Pictured (L-R): Opry host Bill Cody; George Couri (Founder, Triple 8 Management and Founding Partner, Triple Tigers Records); Josh Turner; Randy Travis; Bill Anderson; Scotty McCreery; Scott Stem (McCreery’s manager, Triple 8 Management); Gina Keltner, Associate Producer, Talent, Grand Ole Opry and Dan Rogers, Sr Vice President/Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo

McCreery performed his new single “Cab in a Solo,” “Fall of Summer” (from his upcoming album Rise and Fall) and Travis’ iconic “Three Wooden Crosses” before being joined onstage by Turner and Travis for the bucket list moment.

“I stand here tonight proud of the fact that I bridged the gap between the generation of Randy Travis and Scotty McCreery,” shared Turner. “Only time will tell who will be inspired by Scotty. Scotty is not only a fine singer and a songwriter, but he’s a great man, husband, and now father. I’m proud of him and I’m proud that he is filling the shoes of the artists before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape.”

“If you’ve listened to any of my interviews over the last 15 years of doing this, they’d say, ‘what is your biggest goal?’ and I’d always say, ‘One day I wanna be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,’” shared McCreery. “I gotta go home and start writing a new bucket list.”

Scotty McCreery officially adds his plaque to the Opry member wall. Photo: Chris Hollo

Pointing to his 18-month-old son Avery in the audience and holding back tears, McCreery added, “He might not understand tonight but one day I’ll be able to tell him, ‘Hey buddy, this was your daddy’s dream and it came true.’”

McCreery capped the special night with a tender performance of his first No. 1, “Five More Minutes,” which he debuted on the Opry stage in 2016.

McCreery’s Opry induction and performance will air as a Saturday night Opry Live later this spring on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, streaming free on the Circle Now app and via Circle Country digital streaming partners.

On May 11, McCreery will return to perform at the Opry just one day after he releases his new album Rise and Fall. The first 400 ticket-holders who purchase the album in the Opry Shop that evening will gain access to an exclusive album release celebration and acoustic performance with McCreery directly following the show in the Opry House’s Studio A.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Kameron Marlowe Brings Soulful Voice To Ballad

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Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Trea Allen.

The voices of today meet the legends of yesterday in this week’s DISClaimer. 

Country music is in good hands (throats?) with such new talents as Avery Anna, Sam Williams, Harper Grace, Kane Brown and Disc of the Day winner Kameron Marlowe.

Showing the kiddies how it’s done are Barbara Fairchild and the late Ed Bruce.  

This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Dustin Kensrue, the singer from the band Thrice. He is apparently transitioning from rock to country.

BARBARA FAIRCHILD/ “All My Cloudy Days Are Gone”
Writer: Alan Rhody; Producer: Don Williams; Label: 65South
– Prior to his death in 2017, Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams collaborated with ‘70s hit maker Fairchild. He both produced and sang harmony on her project, which is now seeing the light of day. The album’s title tune is a splendid two-step with a rolling rhythm track and soft strings backing her heartfelt delivery. As country as a mountain stream.

NATE SMITH/ “Bulletproof”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– The “World On Fire” man returns with a rocking barroom stomper. No matter how many shots he drinks, he can’t forget her. Hence, her “memory must be bulletproof.”

HARPER GRACE/ “Break It Like A Man”
Writers: Scott Stepakoff/Alex Kline Eisberg/Harper Gruzins; Producers: Alex Kline/Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Grace spits out this country-rocker with fiery force. She wails righteously on the choruses of the fiesty, wronged-woman outing. Well worth your spins. The video debuted on CMT yesterday.

KANE BROWN/ “Fiddle In The Band”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jordan Walker/Kane Brown/Russell Sutton; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– A blast furnace of energy. Brown paints the town red while a scorching fiddle in the house band sizzles. A little r&b, a little honky-tonk and a whole lotta rock percussion. A wild ride.

SAM WILLIAMS/ “Carnival Heart”
Writers: Ned Houston/PJ Harding/Sam Williams; Producers: Ben Roberts/Nathan Sexton; Label: Mercury Nashville
– This was created to accompany Cirque du Soleil’s new country show “Songblazers “which will open in Nashville in July. The orchestrated track has a celestial, dreamy quality, and Williams delivers a message of pain and hope brilliantly. An epic ballad, beautifully produced and sung.

RAELYNN/ “Funny Girl”
Writers: Lauren Hungate/Racheal Davis; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: Daisy Rae Productions
– A winsome little piece of advice for a youngster who is hurting. You’ll grow out of this and blossom into a winner, she promises in this anthem of perseverance.

ED BRUCE/ “Old Timer”
Writers: E. Bruce/J.Bruce/T.Bruce; Producers: Ed Bruce/Jeff Elliott/Mike Morgan; Label: MRT/Old Hat
– The songwriting  great, successful actor and country hit maker (14 top-20 hits in 1975-86) passed away in 2021. But Bruce left behind many guitar-vocal demos, sung in his unforgettable, resonant baritone. Producers Elliott and Morgan have fleshed some of these out with sympathetic accompaniment to create an album titled After Hours. The 16-track  collection concludes with this wistful waltz. The first verse concerns a combat vet, the second describes a retired rodeo rider and the third is about a forgotten music star. It chillingly suggests an obituary. It also proves that the creator of such classics as “Texas (When I Die),” “The Last Cowboy Song,” “The Man That Turned My Mama On,” “Everything’s a Waltz” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys” was a songwriting master to the end.

AVERY ANNA/ “Two Sides Of The Story”
Writers: Andy Sheridan/Avery Anna/Ben Williams/David Fanning; Producer: David Fanning; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This streaming sensation (“Make It Look Easy,” “Narcissist”) caresses this ballad of heartbreak resignation with elegance and eloquence. The CMT-nominated youngster seems to be going from strength to strength. She has a voice of gold.

KAMERON MARLOWE/ “Keepin’ The Lights On”
Writers: Kameron Marlowe/Kendell Marvel/Phil O’Donnell; Producer: Dan Huff; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The title tune of Marlowe’s upcoming sophomore album is a recollection of hard times when his hard-working parents weathered spirit-crushing storms to provide for the family. The beautifully produced ballad mixes his expressive, soulful voice up front and intimately in your ear. I have been a consistent fan of this artist for four years and am more convinced than ever that he is one of our greatest living country singers.

GRAHAM BARHAM & LAUREN WATKINS/ “Straight To My Heart”
Writers: Graham Barham/Lauren Watkins/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Highly engaging. “Whiskey went straight to my head/Goodbye went straight to my heart.” Nicely done, from pristine vocal harmonies to propulsive production.

DUSTIN KENSRUE & CAT CLYDE/ “Death Valley Honeymoon”
Writer: Dustin Kensrue; Producer: Dustin Kensrue; Label: Vagrant Records
– This is an alt country gem, packed with retro harmonies, echoey twang and standout pedal steel guitar. Immensely cool. This is the California rock artist’s country debut, and Clyde adds an extra layer of audio authenticity. Absolutely send more. Mark your calendars: Kensrue is playing the fantastic Eastside Bowl on April 29.

Big Loud Records Elevates Tyler Waugh To VP, Radio Promotion

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Tyler Waugh. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith

Big Loud Records has elevated Tyler Waugh to VP, Radio Promotion, effective May 1.

Current VP, Radio Promotion Ali Matkosky will exit the company for a new role with Relative Music Group starting this summer. Her last day with Big Loud will be May 14.

“Ali has been an integral part of this team and her contribution over the past six years has been nothing less than significant,” says Stacy Blythe, SVP, Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records. “Tyler’s unwavering passion and dedication have propelled him to the role of VP of Radio Promotion, where his leadership will continue to inspire and drive success.”

“I hope everyone gets to experience firsthand the kind of belief that Big Loud has had in me,” Matkosky shares. “I’m forever grateful to [Big Loud Partners] Craig [Wiseman], Seth [England] and Joey [Moi] for putting their trust in me, and to my girl Stacy for kicking down every door just to grab my hand and walk me through it with her. It’s been an honor. I am immensely excited about my next chapter with Relative Music Group and all that is to come.”

The label is not looking to fill any other positions within the Radio Promotion department at this time.

CMA Celebrates Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Troy Tomlinson

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Hunter Phelps, Troy Tomlinson, Jelly Roll and Chase McGill; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley Gorley and Jordan Schmidt at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Not pictured: Charlie Handsome and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA

The Country Music Association held its 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony on Monday night (April 15). The evening honored seven CMA Triple Play Award recipients for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period, as well as awarded publishing veteran Troy Tomlinson with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.

The evening took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and was hosted by songwriter and CMA Board member Jim Beavers. His humor and familiarity with those in the room highlighted the spirit of togetherness the Nashville publishing community has always had.

Kenny Chesney performs “Old Blue Chair,” to honor Troy Tomlinson at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo” John Russell/CMA

Throughout the night, each of the Triple Play recipients were celebrated, with a collaborator or friend doing the honor of inviting the winners to the stage.

Hitmaker Jesse Frasure was on hand to present for honoree Jelly Roll, who notched three No. 1 hits in the period with his own “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and “Save Me.” Jelly Roll shared that at the end of the day, he was a songwriter first, and that the honor was very special to him.

Mitchell Tenpenny shared words about his friend and collaborator Jordan Schmidt, who clinched the Triple Play trophy with “Wait In The Truck,” “Bury Me in Georgia” and “Watermelon Moonshine.” Schmidt, who brought his eight-month-old son with him to the podium, thanked his village of supporters. His son kept the room grinning as he grabbed at his dad’s award.

Hardy took to the mic to present the Triple Play award to Hunter Phelps, who co-wrote the No. 1 hits “Best Thing Since Backroads,” “New Truck” and “Wait In The Truck.” Phelps shared his appreciation for the CMA for putting the event together each year, as songwriters can have a hard time slowing down and appreciating the wins since their careers often feel like an up-hill battle.

Troy Tomlinson receives the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Jordan Davis presented honoree Chase McGill with his Triple Play award. He earned the trophy with “5 Foot 9,” “With A Woman You Love” and “Next Thing You Know.” McGill talked about the balancing act of career and family, and spoke of his gratitude for his co-writers.

Chris DuBois presented a historic CMA Triple Play honor to Ashley Gorley, who took home four trophies for garnering three No 1 songs in a 12-month period four different times. The feat makes the iconic hitmaker the first to take home that many trophies in the 14-year history of CMA Triple Play. Gorley was as humble as usual when he spoke, making sure to thank everyone in his village and encouraging the songwriters in the room with his wisdom.

Charlie Handsome (“Wasted On You,” “You Proof” and “Last Night”) and Thomas Rhett (“Half Of Me,” “Angels” and “Stars Like Confetti”) were also 2024 Triple Play honorees, but were not able to attend. Both shared video acceptances for their awards.

Halfway through the night, the focus turned on CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honoree Troy Tomlinson. A video played honoring the UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO, where clips of interviews and congratulatory messages were shared with the room. Kelsea Ballerini, Dean Dillon, Tom Douglas, Mike Dungan, Ronnie Dunn, Joe Galante, Jody Gerson, Josh Tomlinson, Sylvia Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ben Vaughn, Jody Williams, Lainey Wilson and narrator Cliff Williamson all spoke about Tomlinson’s legacy in the songwriting community. Each of them commented on his passion for songwriters, but also his commitment to the people in his life at a personal level.

Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, Jim Beavers and Tom Douglas perform at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Kenny Chesney emerged to pay tribute to the Music Row icon. He spoke about Tomlinson’s impact on his life and career. He then sang “Old Blue Chair,” and shared an anecdote about the publisher’s role in the song.

Tomlinson tried to keep his emotions at bay when he gave his speech, but the room went from teary-eyed admiration to relatable laughter throughout his remarks. He spoke about all of the people who poured into his life—like Williamson, Donna Hilley, Jerry Bradley, Gerson and many more—and thanked his family for their sacrifices in sharing him with the community.

He pointed out that his success was in large part due to exceptional songwriters and A&R teams, and he encouraged everyone in the room to show their writers—or collaborators—that they care.

To end the night, McGill returned to the stage alongside Beavers and Douglas to do a surprise writer’s round featuring songs that Tomlinson helped pioneer. McGill performed “Next Thing You Know,” Beavers sang “Drink A Beer” Douglas performed “The House That Built Me,” ending the night with a joyful standing ovation.

Beyoncé Tops MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Beyoncé

Global superstar Beyoncé has topped MusicRow‘s Top Songwriter Chart this week following the release of Cowboy Carter album on March 29. She co-penned 23 out of the 27 tracks on the project. “Texas Hold ‘Em,” “ll Most Wanted,” “Levii’s Jeans,” “Ameriican Requiem,” “Daughter,” “16 Carriages,” “Protector,” “Tyrant,” “Riiverdance,” “Alliigator Tears,” “My Rose,” “Just For Fun” and “Amen” all pushed Beyoncé to the No. 1 spot this week.

Hunter Phelps jumped into No. 2 this week with “Truck Bed,” “Chevrolet,” “Take Her Home” and “Bulletproof.” Beyoncé’s cover of “Jolene” gives Dolly Parton the No. 3 spot.

Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Josh Phillips (No. 5) round out the top five 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.

JUST IN: Monument Records Promotes Casey Thomas To VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships

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Casey Thomas & Ansley Neeley. Photos: Robert Chavers

Monument Records has promoted Casey Thomas to VP, Marketing & Commercial Partnerships. The label has also elevated Ansley Neeley to Manager, Marketing & Creative.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Thomas earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College and master’s degree from Boston College. She came to Monument from the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and started as Manager of PR in 2018. Thomas was later elevated to Publicist and later, Director of Marketing, Publicity & Creative. In her new role, she will continue to oversee marketing, publicity, creative, digital and streaming.

“Casey has worked tirelessly in support of Monument and our artist roster over the years she has been with us. Her leadership and relationship skills along with her one of a kind marketing mind are beyond impressive and she will excel in this role,” says Katie McCartney, Monument Records GM.

Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, Neeley moved to Nashville in 2019 after graduating from The University of Alabama with a degree in public relations. She started her career as a Junior Publicist at The GreenRoom PR, and joined Monument Records in 2021 as the label’s Promotion Coordinator, later taking on Marketing Coordinator responsibilities ranging from facilitating the delivery and strategic setup of all the label’s releases, to planning various artist events and executing traditional and digital marketing campaigns. Most recently, Neeley has been involved in the process of overseeing and developing the roster’s creative elements. In her new position, she will step into project management and continue her work in supporting creative and publicity efforts.

“Ansley has leaned in and worked so hard to grow and learn all aspects of marketing and promotion. This is a natural progression for her and this elevation is well-deserved,” notes McCartney.

Thomas can reached at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com, and Neeley can be reached at ansley.neeley@sonymusic.com.

Jordan Davis’ ‘Tucson Too Late’ Reaches No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Jordan Davis’ gentle tune “Tucson Too Late” takes the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, rising from No. 3 to No. 1.

The track appears on Davis’ Bluebird Days album and was written by Davis, Jacob Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins.

Davis is currently on the road after extending his sold-out “Damn Good Time” tour. Joining him for these new dates are artists Mitchell Tenpenny and Ashley Cooke. The tour is set to close on Oct. 20, 2024 at the Abbotsford Center in Abbotsford, British Columbia.

“Tucson Too Late” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.

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

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Blanco Brown & Lily Rose Share The Disc Of The Day

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Blanco Brown, Lily Rose

There’s a lot of pop in this week’s country music offerings.

I believe they call it “pushing the envelope.” Whatever the case, it’s what Tanner Adell, Little Big Town with Sugarland, Kelsea Ballerini and Blanco Brown are bringing. On the country side, we have Tracy Lawrence, Lily Rose, Dylan Marlowe, Tenille Townes and Luke Bryan.

Taking one from each column, we have two winners of the Disc of the Day award, Blanco Brown and Lily Rose.

TENILLE TOWNES / “Thing That Brought Me Here (Truck Song)”
Writers: Tenille Townes/Ben Rector; Producers: Tenille Townes/Logan Wall; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The gifted Canadian award winner returns with a “road” song that rolls along on wheels of rhythm. The track ebbs and flows with an echoey twang and a gripping lead vocal that keeps you glued to the speakers. I remain a huge fan.

KELSEA BALLERINI / “Love Me Like You Mean It (Reimagined)”
Writers: Forest Glen Whitehead/Josh Kerr/Kelsea Ballerini/Lance Carpenter; Producers: Kelsea Ballerini/Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Black River Entertainment
– I have always liked this song, and Ballerini’s new arrangement of her 2014 breakthrough hit sparkles with imagination. It begins with a stark, unadorned vocal then gradually builds with electronic percussion burbles and deft guitar touches. Highly listenable and downright addictive.

TANNER ADELL / “Whiskey Blues”
Writers: Tanner Adell/Akii King/Stephen McGregor/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White; Producers: Tanner Adell/Akil “worldwidefresh” King/Stephen McGregor/Will Weatherly/Anthony Germaine White “J. White Did It”; Label: Columbia Records
– Adell’s appearance on the Beyoncé album has raised her profile dramatically. But the “Buckle Bunny” singer’s new single sounds like an ‘80s rock track rather than a country performance.

LUKE BRYAN / “Love You Miss You Mean It”
Writers: Rhett Akins/Ben Hayslip/Jacob Rice/Jordan Minton; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– A country romance, written with panache and hooks a-plenty. Hit bound.

LILY ROSE / “True North”
Writers: David Garcia/Hillary Lindsey/Trannie Anderson/Lily Rose; Producers: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Big Loud Records/Back Blocks Music/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Deliciously melodic and marvelously evocative as a lyric. When she feels like she’s losing her way, “I head down South to my True North.” Authentic and honest. Sung with ringing conviction. This Georgia artist hits a bullseye every time. Lily Rose stages her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday night. They’re lucky to have her.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “The Ballad Of Sally Anne”
Writers: Alice Randall/Harry Stinson/Mark O’Connor; Producer: Ebonie Smith; Label: Oh Boy Records
– Dropping tomorrow, My Black Country: The Songs of Alice Randall is an all-star album that casts the songwriter’s works as expressions of the Black female experience. It is part of a package deal that also includes Randall’s memoir of the same title. On this advance track, Giddens takes Randall’s song on an old-time music journey that evokes an ancient, tragic folk ballad. Her banjo leads the way. Others on the album include such favorites as Valerie June, Miko Marks, Rissi Palmer, SistaStrings, Layla McCalla, Allison Russell and Adia Victoria.

BLANCO BROWN / “Good As It Gets”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/David Fanning/Matt Thomas/Tommy Cecil; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The charismatic “Git Up” man has returned with a new EP and this change-of-pace, deeply romantic outing. Instruments swirl around him as he soars into his upper vocal register. Sonically innovative and totally dreamy.

DAVE ALVIN & JIMMIE DALE GILMORE / “We’re Still Here”
Writers: Dave Alvin/Jimmie Dale Gilmore; Producer: Dave Alvin; Label: Yep Roc Records
– The Blasters front man and The Flatlanders Texas great teamed up as a duo in 2017. In advance of Texicali, their sophomore album together, they’ve released this rollicking, rootsy romp. Guitar twang and barrelhouse piano abound.

DANIELIA COTTON / “Roll On Mississippi”
Writers: Dennis Morgan/Kye Fleming; Producer: none listed; Label: Cottontown
– Cotton salutes her Black country forefather with this revival of Charley Pride’s 1981 hit. She struggles painfully with the high notes.

LITTLE BIG TOWN & SUGARLAND / “Take Me Home”
Writers: Phil Collins; Producers: Little Big Town/Kristian Bush; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Little Big Town has long peppered its concerts with reworkings of pop/rock oldies. On this week’s CMT Awards, the group and its tour mates of Sugarland stunned viewers with this spectacular treatment of the Phil Collins 1986 pop smash. Drenched in vocal harmonies, it is absolutely gorgeous. It has nothing to do with country music, but what a sound.

TRACY LAWRENCE / “Gulf Of Mexico”
Writers: Monty Criswell/Derek George/Bubba Strait; Producers: none listed; Label: TL
– The honky-tonk master nails this heartache ballad completely. It’s a slow dance for the down and out who can’t drink away a memory.

DYLAN MARLOWE / “Bat Outta Hell (With A Boat On The Back)”
Writers: Jessie Jo Dillon/Dylan Marlowe/Kyle Fishman; Producer: Joe Fox; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The fisherman is speeding home to get to her before she leaves him. The energetic track pushes things along.