The Academy Of Country Music Leases Office Space In Nashville

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The Academy of Country Music (ACM) has leased office space at the Nashville Warehouse Company in Nashville, Tennessee, MusicRow has confirmed. This will be the first time the ACM has occupied a permanent presence in Music City. A spokesperson for the ACM says that more details will be revealed in the spring.

“We are excited to officially welcome the Academy of Country Music to Wedgewood Houston, and we are honored that they chose Nashville Warehouse Company to be the organization’s first-ever office location in Music City,” says AJ Capital Partners Pres. Eric Hassberger.

The Academy of Country Music was founded in Los Angeles in 1964. Performer Tommy Wiggins, songwriter Eddie Miller and club owners Mickey and Chris Christensen teamed up with other performers, radio and record label executives to establish the Country and Western Music Academy, and to promote country music in the western states.

The ACM Awards were originally staged in Los Angeles with the first event held in 1966. The ACM Awards left Southern California for the first time in 2003 and settled into Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino Events Center before moving to the MGM Grand Garden Arena. The 50th anniversary of the ACM Awards was held at the AT&T Stadium in Texas in 2015 with the Academy returning back to Las Vegas the following year.

In 2020 and 2021, the ACM moved the show to Nashville due to the pandemic, and broadcasted from three of Music City’s iconic venues: Grand Ole Opry House, Ryman Auditorium and The Bluebird Cafe. The 2022 ACM Awards will take place in Las Vegas, once again.

Darius Rucker Plots 12-City Theater Tour For 2022

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Darius Rucker. Photo: Keith Griner

Darius Rucker is visiting some classic theaters across the country on his new “Darius Rucker Live” tour, set for early 2022.

The new tour, kicking off Feb. 17, will feature intimate theater performances by Rucker in beautiful venues like the Fox Theater in Detroit, the Saenger in New Orleans, and the Met in Philadelphia, and will feature support from Caylee Hammack on all dates. Tickets go on sale to the general public beginning this Friday, Nov. 5, at 10 a.m. CT via Ticketmaster.

“It’s been a dream of mine for a while to bring our show to these beautiful theaters,” says Rucker. “Some of my favorite venue memories over the years are at places like the Apollo in New York or the Royal Albert Hall in London, as it’s just a different experience when you’re that close. With Hootie, we went straight from playing dive bars to arenas, so there are still a lot of theaters I’ve never had the opportunity to play. I’ll just say that this tour will have a lot of firsts, even for me.”

Rucker will celebrate the news of the new tour with a performance of his current single, “My Masterpiece,” during an appearance this Friday, Nov. 5 on ABC’s Good Morning America. The song was penned by Rucker with Josh Osborne, J.T. Harding and Ross Copperman, the same foursome behind his recent No. 1 hit “Beers And Sunshine.” “My Masterpiece” will be featured on Rucker’s forthcoming album due out next year.

Football fan Rucker is also launching a new apparel line, NFL x Darius Rucker Collection by Fanatics, later this month which was inspired by Darius’ love for both music and football. The assortment will feature tees, fleeces, outerwear and more for all 32 NFL teams and will be available at NFLshop.com and Fanatics.com.

“Darius Rucker Live” Tour Dates:
February 17 – Philadelphia, Pa. | The Met
February 18 – Pittsburgh, Pa. | The Benedum Center
February 19* – Columbus, Ohio | Palace Theatre
February 24 – Boston, Mass. | Boch Center Wang Theatre
February 25 – New York, N.Y. | Beacon Theatre
March 3 – Milwaukee, Wis. | Riverside Theater
March 4 – Minneapolis, Minn. | The Orpheum Theatre
March 17 – St. Louis, Mo. | The Fabulous Fox Theatre
March 18 – Indianapolis, Ind. | Murat Theatre at Old National Centre
March 24 – Chicago, Ill. | Chicago Theatre
March 25 – Detroit, Mich. | Fox Theatre
April 1 – New Orleans, La. | Saenger Theatre
* tickets on sale Dec. 17; Citi presale Dec. 14 at 12 p.m. ET through Dec. 16 at 10 p.m. ET

Gorley, Frasure, & Hardy Reign On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 for the fourth consecutive week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland) and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).

Jesse Frasure stays at No. 2 this week, as a co-writer on “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), and “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert).

Michael Hardy moves up to No. 3 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), and “Come Back As A Country Boy” (Blake Shelton).

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.

Mandy Barnett Talks The Road To Her Grand Ole Opry Induction [Interview]

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Mandy Barnett. Photo: Jiro Schneider

Grammy-nominated vocalist Mandy Barnett has been steeped in the world of country music for much of her life.

Growing up just over 100 miles outside of the Music City lines, in Crossville, Tennessee, she listened to the weekly broadcasts of the Grand Ole Opry, which recently celebrated its 5,000th live broadcast.

At a young age, Barnett realized her innate vocal ability and quickly found herself infatuated with singing, though not so interested in becoming a star.

“I’ve always been more interested in singing than trying to become a celebrity. That’s always been my thing: I love to sing,” she shares with MusicRow. “I love the technical aspects of singing. If you have the technical aspects of singing down then you don’t have to worry about the emotional aspects, but it’s a craft. You have to work on it and keep your vocal cords lubed up and agile.”

She continues, “Over the years, I’ve just tried to roll with the punches, keep my voice fairly agile and keep it from aging too much… Whether it’s singing live or in the recording studio, I’ve been singing since I was a little kid so I enjoy both aspects.”

Mandy Barnett Photo: Chris Hollo

Barnett enjoyed early acclaim, working with famed producer Jimmy Bowen (Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Reba McEntire, Kenny Rogers) at the age of 12 and signing deals in her teenage years with MCA and Capitol. However, shortly after moving to Nashville, she was dropped by her label.

Around the same time, a new “jukebox” musical named Always… Patsy Cline was slated to hold its residency at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. After auditioning, an 18-year-old Barnett landed the lead role of the iconic Cline, a role she would become known for for the rest of her career. Barnett appears on the original cast album and remains the only actress to have played the title role on the same stage where Cline’s legendary career began.

“To be able to portray someone that I admired so much was just really a dream come true,” she gushes. “It was so amazing to do that and to work with Gaylord, the Ryman, and all of the great musicians and people that came together for it. We really assembled a great group of people,” Barnett explains.

“I wasn’t coming to Nashville to become the star of a musical theater piece. I was coming to Nashville to make records and do concerts,” she clarifies. “It was just the timing, where I was in my life, and who it was about. All those things matter and all those things came together to be the perfect fit for me.”

In addition to her time in the theatrical space, Barnett has released eight studio albums and worked with some of the who’s who in Nashville’s creative world, including award-winning musicians, songwriters, and producers like Owen and Harold Bradley.

She built her reputation on her powerful voice and devotion to classic country, R&B, and popular standards, which is evident on albums such as her 2020 A Nashville Songbook record, which honors iconic country and pop standards. Barnett’s most recent album, Every Star Above, tributes her hero Billie Holiday. Barnett developed the album alongside the late jazz legend Sammy Nestico and recorded it with a 60-piece orchestra.

“When you’re able to have those roots with people like that, it really means a lot. One of the things that I treasure more than anything are the years that I spent working with some of the greatest musicians, producers, and songwriters ever,” she shares. “[Another one of my favorite parts of my career has been] being able to work at the Grand Ole Opry all these years with the legends.”

After giving over 500 performances on the Grand Ole Opry stage throughout her 30-year career, Barnett has finally earned her coveted spot as a member of the famed country music show.

Connie Smith Mandy Barnett Photo: Chris Hollo

On Sept. 28–which is also Barnett’s birthday–Opry legend Connie Smith invited her to be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

“I was totally clueless about all of it,” Barnett says. “I really had no clue when Connie came back to read my birthday card until she started breaking up a little bit. I thought, ‘Oh no, is she getting ready to ask me this? Because I’m not prepared for it and I may just hit the floor,'” she laughs.

“They made it so special… I have a very long history with the Grand Ole Opry since my years of Always… Patsy Cline, and I’m just very grateful that they invited me to become a member. I’m so proud of it,” Barnett offers.

Barnett’s long-awaited Opry induction ceremony is set to take place tomorrow night (Nov. 2) at the Grand Ole Opry House. She will also be featured in a handful of shows in the Opry’s debut production of “Opry Country Christmas” this holiday season.

When asked what makes the historic Grand Ole Opry stage so special to her and what sets it apart, Barnett quickly sums: “It’s just a special stage in general and it’s the oldest radio show in the world. All the people that I have loved and admired have played on that stage… It’s special to me because I’ve spent the majority of my life trying to get there. It’s really been an amazing journey and well worth the wait.”

Bill Anderson Exhibit To Open At Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum In December

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Bill Anderson‘s life and musical legacy will be explored in a brand new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See, which opens Friday Dec. 3 and runs through March 2023.

The exhibit will trace the Country Music Hall of Famer’s story from childhood to his days in Georgia, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher and sports writer while in high school and a DJ in college, through his contributions as one of the most decorated artists, songwriters and entertainers in history.

Among the highlights of the exhibit are:

– Anderson’s Rawlings leather glove used when he was a pitcher for Avondale High School’s baseball team, circa 1955.
– The Royal electric typewriter used in the 1960s by Anderson to type song lyrics and answer fan mail.
– Anderson’s 1958 Martin D-28 that he called his “second voice.” He used the guitar extensively on stage, in the studio, and to write songs, including “Still,” “The Tips of My Fingers,” “Po’ Folks” and “Once a Day.”
– Stage costumes worn by Anderson, including rhinestone-studded suits from the 1960s designed by S.A. Formann, a Buffalo, New York-based tailor, and Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors.
– Custom-made boots by L.M. Easterling Custom Boot Company, embellished with the initials “WBA”—for Whisperin’ Bill Anderson.
– A Manuel shirt, embellished with rhinestones and metallic embroidery, designed for Anderson in the 1990s.
– Anderson’s handwritten lyrics, with corrections, to “Give It Away.” Written with Buddy Cannon and Jamey Johnson in 2005, it yielded a No. 1 hit for George Strait.

Pictured: One of several suits embellished with elaborate chain-stitch embroidery and rhinestones, designed for Anderson by Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors in the 1960s. Photo: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“Bill Anderson not only fortified and evolved country music, but his remarkable body of work establishes him as one of the most prolific and preeminent American artists and songsmiths across all genres,” says Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “But it’s his natural curiosity, humanity and ability to forge true, emotional connections with audiences—both as a performer and songwriter—that constantly replenishes his relevance and endears him to so many today.”

Known as “Whisperin’ Bill” for his soft-spoken and conversational singing style, Anderson has placed 80 records on the Billboard charts as an artist, with his singles reaching country’s Top 20 more than 40 times. His songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, Connie Smith, George Strait, James Brown, Elvis Costello, Aretha Franklin, Jerry Lee Lewis, Dean Martin, and many more. As a songwriter, he’s placed songs on the country charts in seven consecutive decades. Anderson also achieved popularity as an actor and game show host. He remains a mainstay performer on the Grand Ole Opry today, recently celebrating his 60th anniversary as a member on the historic radio show.

“I grew up dreaming of the day they’d put my ball glove into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, never dreaming that one day it would end up in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville,” says Anderson. “But now that old glove, along with some guitars, a few rhinestone suits and some scribbled song lyrics are on display in the Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See exhibit in Music City. When the museum does an exhibit, they really do it up right, and I’m honored to know that I am now a small part of their incredible legacy. I’m not sure I could have ever seen this far.”

In support of the exhibit’s opening, the museum will host an interview and performance with Anderson, as well as a Songwriter Session with his collaborators, on Saturday, Dec. 4 in the museum’s Ford Theater. Tickets for both programs will be available on the museum’s website on Friday, Nov. 5, beginning at noon CT.

CAA Promotes 9 To Agent/Executive Ranks, Including 3 In Nashville Office

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Creative Artists Agency (CAA) announced the promotions of Zack Borson, Kaitlyn Bruce, Alex Douma, Kara Enos, Omar Garcia, Brian Greenwood, Ariel Happe, Brad Pophal, and Jamie Shaughnessy to Agent/Executive.

The news of the promotions comes on the heels of CAA’s notable signings of Zac Brown Band, who was previously repped by former WME Partner Scott Clayton, in addition to The Weeknd, JoJo Siwa, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Stormzy, and many others.

Of the appointments, Kaitlyn Bruce, Kara Enos, and Ariel Happ are based in CAA’s Nashville office. Bruce began her career at CAA as assistant to agent Lucy Kozak, was elevated to Professional in CAA’s Music Marketing division, and will now serve as an Executive. Enos began her career at CAA as an assistant to agent Tim Beeding and was promoted to Coordinator. She has been elevated to Agent. Happe served as a public relations assistant at Rock Paper Scissors, Inc. before joining CAA. She was elevated to Coordinator in the agency’s Music Brand Partnerships division, and will now serve as an Executive.

The agency has also recently welcomed Music Agents Matt Galle, Carly James, Mike Marquis, Mike Mori, Rachel Pestik, and Adam Voith, who added several artists to the agency’s roster, such as Mumford & Sons, Bon Iver, Shawn Mendes, Vampire Weekend, Janet Jackson, and My Chemical Romance, among many others.

“Given what our industry has been through over the past 20 months, we’re incredibly proud of the Touring department’s accomplishments, and are blessed to have an amazing team that stayed focused and diligent throughout. We have also been fortunate to have fantastic agents and executives join us over these past months,” says CAA’s Head of Music, Rob Light. “The entire team has worked tirelessly on behalf of our clients–their creativity and teamwork continues to serve the passions, needs, interests, and dreams of the incredibly talented artists we work with. Each of the nine people joining our Agent and Executive ranks today has earned their place among our talented colleagues and we look forward to their many successes ahead.”

Weekly Register: Walker Hayes Stays Atop Songs Chart With ‘Fancy Like’

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Walker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers

Monument Records’ Walker Hayes builds on his blockbuster success as his “Fancy Like” keeps the top spot on the country streaming songs chart this week with 12 million streams, according to Nielsen. Hayes also earned the top country song debut this week as his newest single, “U Girl,” receives 1.4 million first-week streams.

“If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) jumps back up to No. 2 with 7.1 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) drops to third with 7 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) falls to fourth with 6.6 millions streams this week. “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton) continues to anchor the top five, adding 5.6 million streams.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album maintains its chart-topping position with 42,000 streams this week, contributing to 50 million streams RTD according to Nielsen. Wallen also grabs the fourth spot with If I Know Me gaining 14,000 streams. Luke Combs takes No. 2 with What You See Is What You Get adding 22,000 streams, and he also moves into third as This One’s For You earns 15,000 streams this week. Stapleton’s Starting Over also seals the top five on the country streaming albums chart, gaining 13,000 streams.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 5000th Saturday Night On Air With Star-Studded Show

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Pictured (L-R): Connie Smith, The Gatlin Brothers, Bill Anderson, Darius Rucker, Terri Clark, Chris Janson. Photo: Rachael Black

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated a giant milestone Saturday night with its historic 5,000th Saturday night broadcast featuring a star-studded lineup of performances from Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Darius Rucker, Terri Clark, John Conlee, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, and Chris Young.

The first musical number of the night celebrated Opry pioneers who heard the Opry on the radio then brought the musical styles from their regions of the country to the Opry stage. Anderson, Smith, The Gatlin Brothers, Rucker, Clark, and Janson performed “Wabash Cannonball,” “Jambalaya,” “San Antonio Rose,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” during the geographical tribute, respectively.

Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks. Photo: Rachael Black

The two-hour extravaganza featured a mix of styles celebrating the past, present, and future of country music, and led to show closers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who offered several of their hits and a duet on “In Another’s Eyes.”

Last night’s milestone show concluded a month of celebrations that included a limited-time tour exhibit “Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts,” special programming on BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom, and more.

The Opry has been on the air longer than any other broadcast program of any medium anywhere in the world, and has continued to produce original shows for 5,000 Saturday nights through the Great Depression, World War II, two Nashville floods and, most recently, a global pandemic.

Pictured (L-R): Dustin Lynch, Connie Smith, John Conlee, Jeannie Seely, Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo

Jeannie Seely & Bill Anderson. Photo: Rachael Black

Darius Rucker. Photo: Rachael Black

Vince Gill. Photo: Rachael Black

Chris Young. Photo: Rachael Black

Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce To Join Kenny Chesney On ‘Here And Now 2022’ Tour

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Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney has announced the lineup for his upcoming “Here And Now 2022” stadium tour, which kicks off April 23 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. He’ll be joined by featured guests Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, and Carly Pearce for next year’s slate of stadium shows.

“Putting this line-up together has been awesome,” Chesney says. “We’ve got Dan + Shay, who continue to set records with their music and have been burning it up on their own headlining tour this year. We have an old favorite, who just keep getting better, Old Dominion – it’s almost like it wouldn’t be a stadium show without them! – and one of my newest friends in Carly Pearce, whose songwriting is so personal to her own life, yet so many people find themselves in her songs.”

Presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum and fueled by Marathon, two new dates have been added to the 21-date tour in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbus, Ohio. The tour will wrap with what has almost become a No Shoes Nation tradition: a double-play at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. All current ticketholders remain in their original seats at each stadium.

“When we realized we weren’t getting to spend 2020 with No Shoes Nation, I never thought it would be three years until I would see my most favorite people in the world,” adds Chesney. ““My favorite place in the world is anywhere we all come together. They come strong. They get loud. They love the music. But most importantly, they live life – every second – for all its worth! They inspire me, and I want to get out there and get going, creating the greatest night of the summer every time we hit the stage.”

To celebrate the news of the “Here And Now 2022” lineup, the 19 stadium shows that were previously announced are getting “Five Day Party Pricing,” to honor those fans who normally attend multiple shows each summer with limited discounted tickets at multiple price points. To make it super-easy, there will be no codes, clubs, or special sign-ups required, and prices will already reflect any discounts: just look for the price that fits your party now through Nov. 5.

Kenny Chesney Here And Now 2022 Tour Dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
April 30* – Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, N.C.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9*** – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
Aug. 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
Aug. 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
Aug. 18** – Historic Crew Stadium – Columbus, Ohio
Aug. 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
Aug. 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Aug. 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.

* American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, Nov 3 at 10 a.m. ET before tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. ET.
**  On sale information TBA; Old Dominion will not be on this date.
***  Dan + Shay will not be on this date.

Reservoir Acquires Hit Songs By Country Songwriter Stephony Smith [Exclusive]

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Stephony Smith

Reservoir Media has announced the acquisition of hit songs by country songwriter Stephony Smith. The deal includes blockbuster country No. 1 “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Smith first began her career writing commercial jingles for a major advertising agency in Memphis, Tennessee. She moved to Nashville in 1989 and signed her first publishing deal with Polygram, now Universal. Smith has written songs for artists such as Shania Twain, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd, and collaborated with The Chicks to pen “Sin Wagon,” which is among the songs Reservoir acquired.

In addition to “It’s Your Love,” which held the top spot on the charts for six straight weeks, Smith has written four additional No. 1 singles, including “How Was I To Know” by Reba McEntire, “Perfect Love” by Trisha Yearwood, “Yes” by Chad Brock, and “Back When” by Tim McGraw. She was awarded the prestigious titles of BMI Country Song and Songwriter of the Year for “It’s Your Love” and garnered a BMI Pop Award in 1998. Smith also co-wrote “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield, formerly of Trick Pony, which stormed the Billboard Charts in 2008 and was nominated for The Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year.

Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative John Ozier, who led the deal alongside Vice President of Creative, Greg Gallo, says, “Stephony’s songs are true country hits, and it’s a privilege to be the publishing home for this impressive collection of works.”

Smith adds, “I’m so proud to have these songs in the capable hands of Reservoir, and I am sure that John Ozier, Greg Gallo, and the whole team there will do great things with ‘my babies.’”