Willie Nelson Unveils Title Track Of Upcoming Album ‘The Border’

Willie Nelson has unveiled the title track of his upcoming studio album The Border, set for release on May 31.

Cowritten by Rodney Crowell and Allen Shamblin for Crowell’s 2019 Texas album that featured Nelson, “The Border” is a track that describes the inner life and outer reality of a border guard.

The 10-tune project also includes four new Nelson and Buddy Cannon compositions, “Once Upon a Yesterday,” “What If I’m Out of My Mind,” “Kiss Me When You’re Through” and “How Much Does It Cost,” along with “Hank’s Guitar,” written by Cannon and Bobby Tomberlin. The country legend rounds out The Border with his versions of “I Wrote This Song for You” penned by Larry Cordle and Erin Enderlin, “Many a Long & Lonesome Highway” crafted by Crowell and Will Jennings, “Made in Texas” written by Shawn Camp and Monty Holmes  and “Nobody Knows Me Like You” created by Mike Reid.

The album will be available digitally as well as on CD and black vinyl. Additionally, Barnes & Noble will offer an exclusive LP edition pressed on orange vinyl, and Nelson’s D2C store will provide an exclusive vinyl version that includes a lyric book featuring the artwork with listening notes by Mikal Gilmore and photos by Pamela Springsteen.

Following the project’s release, Nelson will hit the road for this year’s “Outlaw Music Festival Tour.”

The Border Track Listing:
1. “The Border”
2. “Once Upon a Yesterday”
3. “What If I’m Out of My Mind”
4. “When I Wrote This Song for You”
5. “Kiss Me When You’re Through”
6. “Many a Long & Lonesome Highway”
7. “Hank’s Guitar”
8. “Made in Texas”
9. “Nobody Knows Me Like You”
10. “How Much Does It Cost”

Ernest Previews Sophomore Album ‘Nashville, Tennessee’ With Five New Tracks

Ernest will release his sophomore album, titled Nashville, Tennessee, on April 12.

As part of the album’s pre-order launch, Ernest released the video and song for “I Went To College / I Went To Jail,” featuring fellow Nashville native Jelly Roll, as well as tracks “Ain’t As Easy,” “How’d We Get Here,” “Ain’t Too Late” and “Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson),” which join already available songs “Kiss Of Death” and “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” on the project.

In addition to the previously-released tracks and five new songs, the 26-track album will include additional musical collaborations with Lainey Wilson, Morgan Wallen, Hardy and Ernest’s two-year-old son, Ryman. Writers contributing to the album include Jessie Jo Dillon, Luke Bryan, Grady Block, Chandler Paul Walters and many more.

Nashville, Tennessee is the follow up to Ernest’s 2021 debut album, Flower Shops (The Album), which featured the double Platinum title-track “Flower Shops (feat. Morgan Wallen).” He has over a billion streams as a solo artist to date, and has also earned nine No. 1s as a writer, including Jelly Roll’s double Platinum “Son of a Sinner,” Kane Brown‘s Platinum “One Mississippi,” Sam Hunt‘s Platinum “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” Chris Lane‘s double Platinum “Big, Big Plans” and Morgan Wallen hits including seven-times Platinum “Wasted On You,” four-times Platinum “You Proof,” five-times Platinum “More Than My Hometown” and Platinum “Everything I Love.”

Nashville, Tennessee Tracklist:
1. “I Went To College / I Went To Jail (feat. Jelly Roll)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Rivers Rutherford, Luke Bryan)
2. “Ain’t As Easy” (Ernest Keith Smith, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon, Chandler Paul Walters)
3. “Why Dallas (feat. Lukas Nelson)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Grady Block, Jordan Merrigan, Lukas Nelson)
4. “One More Heartache” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters, Jessie Jo Dillon, Dean Dillon)
5. “Hangin’ On (feat. Morgan Wallen)” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rhys Rutherford, Jacob Durrett, Rafe Tenpenny)
6. “Did It For The Story” (Ernest Keith Smith, John Byron, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
7. “How’d We Get Here” (Ernest Keith Smith)
8. “Never Said I Love You” (Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Paul Walters)
9. “Would If I Could (feat. Lainey Wilson)” (Dean Dillon, Donald Ewing II)
10. “Honkytonk Fairytale” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Dallas Wilson, Brad Clawson)
11. “Smokin’ Gun” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Grady Block, Ryan Vojtesak, Blake Pendergrass)
12. “Twinkle Twinkle (Live At Fenway Park) [feat. Ryman Saint]” (Jane Taylor)
13. “Life Goes On” (Ernest Keith Smith, Ashley Gorley, Ryan Vojtesak)
14. “If You Don’t Know By Now” (Clint Daniels, Dale Dodson)
15. “You Don’t Have To Die” (Clint Ingersoll, Chris Stapleton)
16. “Redneck Sh*ttt” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
17. “Small Town Goes” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Cody Lohden, Ryan Vojtesak, Chandler Paul Walters)
18. “Kiss Of Death” (Ernest Keith Smith, Andy Albert, Ryan Vojtesak)
19. “Slow Dancing In A Burning Room” (John Clayton Mayer)
20. “Ain’t Too Late” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Chandler Paul Walters, Jordan Merrigan, Cody Lohden)
21. “Sayin’ You Love Me” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, James McNair)
22. “Summertime Flies” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rafe Tenpenny, Grady Block, Jacob Durrett, Ross Portaro)
23. “Ain’t Right Ain’t Wrong” (Ernest Keith Smith, Rhys Rutherford, Ryan Vojtesak)
24. “Creep (feat. Hardy)” (Colin Greenwood, Jonathan Greenwood, Albert Hammond, Michael Hazlewood, Edward O’Brien, Philip Selway, Thomas Yorke)
25. “Bars On My Heart” (Ernest Keith Smith, Mark Holman, Nicolle Galyon)
26. “Dollar To Cash” (Ernest Keith Smith, Grady Block, Rafe Tenpenny, Brett Tyler)

Dolly Parton To Launch New Home, Kitchen & Tableware Collection

Dolly Parton is launching her first collection of home, kitchen and tableware products in collaboration with partners Lodge Cast Iron, Lifetime Brands and Mainstream International.

From a Guitar-shaped mini skillet to a custom Toile print depicting Parton’s childhood home, each item is a nod to her legacy and journey from humble beginnings to worldwide stardom. The collection will first launch with a range of seasoned cast iron skillets with unique designs, available at Cracker Barrel, Walmart.com and Lodge Cast Iron’s website and factory stores this month.

The collection also includes home decor and kitchen tools as well as table linens and soft kitchen textiles, which will launch online and in retail in March of next year.

“Home is as much a state of mind as it is a place for me,” states Parton. “I am excited to share these new kitchenware collections inspired by my childhood memories. While we didn’t have much that money could buy growing up, spending time with family over a meal created priceless moments that have lasted me a lifetime. It is my hope that these products be a part of wonderful memories for you.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young ‘Swoons With Emotion’

Chris Young. Photo: John Shearer

You might have springtime in your step, but the sounds in this week’s DISClaimer are dominated by downbeat ballads.

By far the best of them belongs to Chris Young, who easily nails down the Disc of the Day award.

The DISCovery Award goes to Wayland. I believe this used to be a rock band, but now seems to be a country duo. In any case, lend these guys your ears.

WAYLAND / “Way Back When”
Writers: Mitch Arnold/Phill Vilenski/Sam Varga/Caleb Oczkowski; Producers: Phillip Vilenski/Kate Malone; Label: Ironworks
– It’s a big-sounding, oomphy power ballad with hooks a-plenty. Lead singer Mitch Arnold has an endearing, youthful warmth and Phill Vilenski’s lead guitar work and harmony vocal are both razor sharp. Highly listenable.

CHRIS JANSON / “Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get”
Writers: Blake Hubbard/Chris Janson/Jarrod Ingram/RaeLynn/Tyler Hubbard; Producers: Scott Borchetta/Julian Raymond; Label: Nashville Harbor
– Fishin.’ Deer huntin.’ Drivin’ trucks through mud. Wearin’ camo. Drinkin’ beer. Ho hum.

MICKEY GUYTON / “Woman”
Writers: Mickey Guyton/Victor Franco/Oliver Frid/Kameron Glasper/Tayla Parx; Producers: Tayla Parx/Oliver Frid/Victor Franco; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– Her piercing singing is absolutely gripping on this empowering female anthem. The echoey production underscores the drama.

LONESTAR / “You Make Loving Fun”
Writer: Christine McVie; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: Band Cave Records
– The 1977 Fleetwood Mac hit gets a dandy countrified remake with a solid beat and some snappy picking. I don’t usually go for this kind of thing, because bands ordinarily mimic the original. But this is a marvelous reinterpretation that turns a classic inside out, splendidly.

SARAHBETH TAITE / “Pretty Good Living”
Writers: Sarahbeth Taite/Jason Gantt/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Nathan Chapman/Parker Welling; Label: ST
– It says here that this single is “resonating with Taite’s Suburban Country Lifestyle fan base.” I wasn’t aware that there was a “suburban country lifestyle” demographic, but apparently there is. The lyric is about contented living in a little house with babies and a hubby. So there you have it.

CHRIS YOUNG / “What She Sees In Me”
Writers: Chris Young/Christian Stalnecker/Josh Hoge/Kyle Fishman/Ray Fulcher; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– His country baritone grabs you from the first note. The ultra-romantic ballad swoons with emotion. Love this. Love him.

DAVID MALLOY / “A Brand New Day”
Writer: David Malloy; Producers: Paul Lancaster Childers/David Malloy; Label: Creative People Music LLC
– Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame member Malloy has been producing hits for others for decades. His solo album Mirror drops on March 26. It contains this jaunty pop bopper that is as sweet as soda pop. Be sure and check out its candy-colored,  surrealistic video costarring his black German shepherd doggie, DJ.

T.G. SHEPPARD & KELLY LANG / “You’re Still The One”
Writers: Robert John “Mutt” Lange/Shania Twain; Producers: T.G. Sheppard/Kelly Lang; Label: Leopard Entertainment
– These vets turn the monumental 1998 Shania Twain ballad into a romantic duet. Kelly takes the soaring lead with T.G. shadowing her in harmony.

CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Hard Luck & Circumstances”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett/Billy Horton; Label: Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers
– The prolific Mr. Crockett will issue another new album next month. In advance of it is this lonesome lament about the weary life of a wanderer. He’s been dubbed “one of the modern kings of country traditionalism,” and this certainly sounds apt.

SARA EVANS / “Pride”
Writers: Sara Evans/Sean McConnell/Madi Diaz; Producers: Jeff Trott/Sara Evans; Label: Melody Place/Born To Fly
– He mistreats her, but can’t understand why she’s leaving. Evans delivers the ballad with tension and tear stains. Well worth your spins.

CATIE OFFERMAN / “Barely A Two Lane Road”
Writers: Catie Offerman/Rodney Clawson/Ryan Beaver; Producer: Dan Huff; Label: MCA Nashville
– Sweet heartache colors this nostalgic recollection of first love. Fiddles saw and mandolins ripple to drive the no-regrets ballad forward.

DILLON JAMES / “My Shadow”
Writers: Dillon James/Marty James/Matthew Joseph Geroux/Frank Romano; Producer: Paul Sikes; Label: UMG/Buena Vista Records/19
– He’s living an anguished, lonely, rolling-stone life, but the ballad hopes for redemption. Even with four writers on board, this needs some help in the melody department.

Big Loud Records Signs Distribution Deal With Mercury Records/Republic

Big Loud Records has signed a new multi-year distribution deal with Mercury Records/Republic.

In the past, only releases from Big Loud Records artists Morgan Wallen, Lily Rose and Dylan Gossett were involved in the partnership, while the rest of the label’s roster was distributed through Stem and Amped.

Big Loud Founders & Partners Seth England, Craig Wiseman and Joey Moi sent a memo to their staff regarding the new deal, and expressed their gratitude for Stem and Amped, stating: “Both teams have been an integral part of our growth story and remain a highly recommended distribution and artist resources solution for self-determined artists and companies. We remain proud investors of Stem to this day.”

The memo continued: “The Big Loud partners and executive leadership team are immeasurably proud of what this roster and staff have accomplished over the past eight years. Our songs, albums, artists and company have seen the top slots of nearly every chart in our format. Best of all, we’ve earned those accolades with integrity. We’re reaching new heights with broadened creative ventures and international outposts leading our growth into new genres and markets. With this next chapter, we are thrilled to elevate with a like-minded, best-in-class team that’s effectively been the No. 1 all-genre record label in the business for the last decade. Rest assured, Mercury Records/Republic both mirrors and supports our renegade spirit.

“This partnership allows for Big Loud Records to remain fiercely independent while leveraging their global distribution and resources, as needed, to best serve our world-class roster. Artists and our staff will see increased creative opportunities, robust international support, new multimedia partnerships, additional multi-format promotion muscle and merchandising resources, among many other benefits. And to clarify: Big Loud Records has not been acquired in any way. Our full staff will remain intact and will continue to lead with the artists we represent.”

Trisha Yearwood Celebrates 25 Years As An Opry Member

Pictured (L-R): Terri Clark, Trisha Yearwood, Pam Tillis and Suzy Bogguss celebrate Yearwood’s 25th Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Trisha Yearwood celebrated a milestone as she marked her 25th Anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member Wednesday night (March 13).

Trisha Yearwood celebrates her 25th Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The star performed during the special evening and collaborated with each member of the all-female guest cast personally chosen by Yearwood, consisting of friends Suzy Bogguss, Terri Clark and Pam Tillis. 

“Tonight is special because I asked my girlfriends to come out and sing. I’m so excited to perform with them,” she said during her performance. “The thing about the Opry is this family is always here. Even the members who have passed on; they’re with you. When you are standing in that circle nervous—and this is the only stage I get nervous on because of the history—the circle is like ‘we got you.’”

Highlights of Yearwood’s 25th Anniversary will air on March 30 on Opry Live. Fans can watch on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, stream free on the Circle Now app, or tune in via Circle country digital streaming partners.

Yearwood was inducted into the Opry family on March 13, 1999 by legendary Opry member Porter Wagoner, who said during the moment, “She’s the best I’ve ever heard.”

BREAKING: Black River Entertainment Names Bill Macky As VP, National Promotion

Bill Macky. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has named Bill Macky as VP, National Promotion. The appointment follows the news of SVP, Promotion, Mike Wilson‘s resignation from the company earlier this month.

Macky joined Black River in 2012, and most recently served as Sr. Director, National Promotion & Strategy. He previously spent time at MCA Nashville, Sony Nashville, Category 5 Records, 1720 Entertainment, Stroudavarious Records and Rodeowave Entertainment in addition to 16 years programming country radio stations in Pittsburgh, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego.

“Bill has always been the consummate professional who has been with Kelsea [Ballerini] from the beginning of her career,” says Rick Froio, EVP, Black River Entertainment. “I am grateful that he will be there for her next chapter and the careers of MaRynn Taylor, Pryor Baird and Scotty Hasting. His promotion to VP, National Promotion is well deserved!”

“My thanks to Gordon Kerr and Rick Froio for giving me this opportunity to lead our promotion team to the next level,” expresses Macky. “Our future is bright with new music coming from Kelsea Ballerini and continued development of our new artists. It’s the beginning of a new era, and I could not be more excited!”

William Michael Morgan Is ‘Onto Something’ With Latest EP

Photo: Sean McGee

William Michael Morgan is dropping his new six-song EP Onto Something tomorrow (March 15) via ONErpm Nashville.

The artist has already released two tracks from the project, “In Walked You” and “Not Letting Go,” which set the tone for the set layered with fiddle and steel evocative of country music’s past.

Morgan’s current single “Pour A Little Whiskey On It” is a drinking song that seeks to right the wrongs with every cowboy’s favorite libation. He and producer Keith Stegall round the collection out with the title track, “She Don’t Like Old Country” and “The Sun Don’t Shine No More In Acapulco.” Writers contributing to the project include Randy Montana, Luke Laird, Josh Osborne, Sam Banks and more.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get this EP out,” says Morgan. “Tracking with Keith Stegall was an incredible experience, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what we put together.”

He will celebrate the EP’s release tonight with an hour-long pop-up set at Blake Shelton’s Ole Red in downtown Nashville.

Onto Something Track Listing:

1. “Pour A Little Whiskey On It” (Randy Montana, Luke Laird, Jeremy Spillman)
2. “Not Letting Go” (William Michael Morgan, Dan Hutson, Sam Banks)
3. “In Walked You” (Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
4. “She Don’t Like Old Country” (William Michael Morgan, Tony Lane, David Lee)
5. “Onto Something” (William Michael Morgan, Sam Banks, Dan Hutson)
6. “The Sun Don’t Shine No More In Acapulco” (Gregory Switzer)

Judah & The Lion Sign With Downtown Artist & Label Services

Pictured (L-R): Judah Lee, Jeanette Porcello, Brian Victor Macdonald

Downtown Artist & Label Services has signed the Nashville-based, Platinum-certified, American folk band Judah & The Lion to its growing Nashville roster.

Signed by Senior Manager, A&R Jeanette Porcello, Downtown will spearhead the distribution, release strategy and marketing for the band’s future projects. The announcement coincides with an ongoing album rollout, with Judah & The Lion’s upcoming LP The Process scheduled for release on May 10.

“We’re excited to embark on this journey with Judah & the Lion,” says Porcello. “This band is a staple of Nashville’s vibrant music scene, and we knew Downtown Artist & Label Services had to work with them after getting an ear on the new music. Judah [Lee] and Brian [Victor Macdonald] are continuing to shape their trajectory, and have written a bold, beautiful new record that both current and new fans are going to cherish for the ages.”

The collaboration between Downtown and Judah & The Lion has already yielded success with recent singles, “Leave it Better Than You Found It” featuring Ruston Kelly, “Great Decisions” and “Is What It Is.” The band is no stranger to success, accumulating over 910 million career streams, achieving both Gold and Platinum certifications and landing six of their hit singles in the top 15 on Alternative radio. They were also honored with the iHeart Music Award for Best New Alt Rock Band of 2018.

Of the deal, Judah & The Lion shares, “From the get go, Downtown has shown to us that they fully understand our vision for this new record and have been supportive and proactive during this entire rollout. Jeanette, Channing [Mitzell] and team are a joy to work with, and we can’t wait to get this record out alongside Downtown.”

Downtown Artist & Label Services has continued to grow its Nashville division, seeing the release of projects such as Cheat CodesOne Night In Nashville, Hunter HayesRed Sky, Colbie Caillat’s Along The Way and Fancy Hagood’s Apple Radio show, Trailblazers.

CMA Fest 2024 Reveals Initial Star-Packed Lineup

The initial lineup for the 51st CMA Fest in Nashville June 6-9 has been announced, and will include hundreds of artists across 10 stages throughout the festival, along with special meet-and-greet moments at Fan Fair X and unique activations along Broadway in Nashville.

The nightly shows at Nissan Stadium will include Kelsea Ballerini, Brothers Osborne, Luke Bryan, Jordan Davis, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, The War And Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman. Additional collaborations and performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

Among the artists set to take the stage at The Chevy Riverfront are Ingrid Andress, Lauren Alaina, Brian Kelley, Matt Stell, The War And Treaty, Colbie Caillat, Chayce Beckham, Gavin DeGraw, George Birge, Breland, Dillon Carmichael, Jackson Dean, Eli Young Band, Cooper Alan, Larry Fleet, Wyatt Flores, Corey Kent, Locash, Kameron Marlowe, Drake Milligan, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Lily Rose, Anne WilsonWarren Zeiders and many more.

The Dr Pepper Amp Stage at Ascend Park offers a lineup including Abby Anderson, Tenille Arts, Drew Baldridge, Craig Campbell, Mackenzie Carpenter, Abbey Cone, Dalton Dover, Emerson Drive, Tyler Farr, Mickey Guyton, Wade Hayes, Ty Herndon, Home Free, Greylan James, Brett Kissel, David Nail, Ricochet, Shenandoah, Brittney Spencer, The United States Navy Band Country Current, Uncle Kracker, Lauren Watkins, Charlie Worsham and others.

The Chevy Vibes Stage at Walk of Fame Park is packed with performances from artists including Keith Anderson, Kassi Ashton, Tyler Braden, Blanco Brown, Kolby Cooper, Jade Eagleson, Carter Faith, HunterGirl, Lanco, Little Texas, Chase McDaniel, Chrissy Metz, Kylie Morgan, William Michael Morgan, Drew Parker, RaeLynn, Frank Ray, Dylan Schneider, The Castellows, Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top, Lathan Warlick, Mark Wills, Darryl Worley and more.

Hitting the Good Molecules Reverb Stage at Bridgestone Arena Plaza are artists Tanner Adell, Laci Kaye Booth, Karley Scott Collins, Dasha, David J, Brooke Eden, Kylie Frey, Ben Fuller, Harper Grace, Bryce Leatherwood, Lecade, Madeline Merlo, Walker Montgomery, John Morgan, Neon Union, Griffen Palmer, Peytan Porter, Mason Ramsey, Redferrin, Emily Ann Roberts, RVSHVD, Shaboozey, Dallas Smith, Payton Smith, Austin Williams, Sam Williams, Jake Worthington, Chase Wright and others.

The Hard Rock Stage returns for a second straight year, with both daytime and nighttime shows featuring Sammy Arriaga, Annie Bosko, Ben Chapman, Ashland Craft, Logan Crosby, Mae Estes, Flat River Band, Fancy Hagood, Tyler Halverson, Noah Hicks, Alex Lambert, Clayton Mullen, Reyna Roberts, Sophia Scott, Colin Stough, The Washboard Union, Kasey Tyndall, Walker County, Tucker Wetmore, Drew Green, Alex Hall, Hueston, Matt Koziol, Brooke Lee, Trey Lewis, Canaan Smith, Sean Stemaly and more.

Ascend Amphitheater will also return with three nights of performances at the open-air venue. Lineup and ticket details will be announced in the coming weeks. Additional stage lineups, Fan Fair X activities inside Music City Center and more will be revealed as the festival approaches.

A limited number of four-night Stadium Passes are currently on sale, and fans can access a variety of ticket options starting today (March 14) at CMAfest.com/tickets. Single night tickets for the nightly concerts at Nissan Stadium will be available. Four-day and single day tickets for Fan Fair X are also available now, as well as four-day tickets to Riverside Retreat, an exclusive destination along the Cumberland River, offering early admission to the Chevy Riverfront Stage, where audiences attending the free daytime concerts often reach capacity.