Ned LeDoux Announces Third Album, ‘Buckskin,’ Coming In March

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Ned LeDoux

Ned LeDoux has released a track, “The Mountain,” from his upcoming third full-length album, Buckskin. The new project is due out March 11 and is available now for pre-order at all digital retailers.

“’The Mountain’ is one of those songs that just felt really good to write,” says LeDoux. “There’s just something about the mountain that has a way of putting you back on track. For me when I’m up on the mountain, I feel closer to God. I think a lot of people have a certain place that they like to go, whether it’s the ocean or the family ranch or maybe just their front yard. For me it’s always been the mountain. It’s a very spiritual place for me. A place to free your mind and get something off your chest and have a conversation with the man upstairs. Whether it’s going through a struggle in your life or really good times. I think it’s good to share everything with him. I’m very proud of this song”

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Produced by his long-time friend/producer Mac McAnally, Buckskin includes 12 songs, eight of which LeDoux wrote or co-wrote. In addition to his eight original songs, LeDoux also included his dad Chris LeDoux’s self-penned, iconic “He Rides The Wild Horses,” one of his favorite songs his dad ever wrote.

“On every album I put out I’m always going to record one of my dad’s songs,” LeDoux says. “For the Buckskin album, I decided to go with ‘He Rides The Wild Horses.’ This has definitely got to be one of my top five favorite songs that he’s written, and I think it fits perfectly following The Buckskin poem. I really love this song.”

“I hope I inspire people to never forget where you came from,” he continues. “That’s one thing I’m very proud of. I’m carrying on a tradition, but I’m writing my own story. I’m very proud of my family and friends and there’s one piece of advice my mom gave me when we were kids: ‘Never forget where you came from and show respect to people no matter where you are.’ So with this album I hope to inspire and show people, ‘Hey this old cowboy isn’t changing for nobody.’ I want people to know they should never give up on a dream. There’s always time. Just keep on going.”

Buckskin Track Listing:
1) “The Mountain” – Ned LeDoux
2) “Open Road” – Ned LeDoux, Mark Sissel
3) “Only Need One” – Andy Albert, Rodney Clawson, Jimmy Robbins
4) “Hey Hey” – Ned LeDoux
5) “This Ain’t My First Rodeo” – Chad Roland, Joe Hash
6) “Upside of the Ground” – Mac McAnally
7) “Cards In San Antone” – Ned LeDoux, Mark Sissel
8) “The Buckskin” – Ned LeDoux
9) “He Rides The Wild Horses” – Chris LeDoux
10) “Rodeo Dreams” – Ned LeDoux, Clay LeDoux
11) “Cowboy Is His Name” – Ned LeDoux
12) “Damn Good Cowboy” – Ned LeDoux, Willy Braun

Brandi Carlile, Mickey Guyton & More To Honor Joni Mitchell At MusiCares Person Of The Year Gala

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Joni Mitchell. Photo: Marcy Gensic

Just two nights before the Grammy awards telecast, MusiCares will honor Joni Mitchell at the 31st Annual MusiCares Person of the Year benefit gala.

On Jan. 29, Grammy award-winning artists Brandi Carlile, Graham Nash, Herbie Hancock, James Taylor, Leon Bridges, and Pentatonix, as well as Grammy nominees Mickey Guyton, Black Pumas, Jon Batiste, and Maggie Rogers are among the performers for the night’s festivities. Carlile and Batiste will also serve as Artistic Directors for the night.

The tribute will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The night will include a reception and silent auction, followed by a dinner and tribute concert. Artists will pay tribute to some of Mitchell’s most iconic songs, showcasing her talent for inspiring generations of musicians and songwriters.

“We are crafting a once-in-a-lifetime evening in honor of Joni,” says Laura Segura, executive director of MusiCares. “I thank each of these artists for lending their talents to celebrate Joni and her impact on the music community.”

One of the most prestigious events held during Grammy Week, the Person of the Year tribute benefits MusiCares, the leading music charity providing music professionals health and human services across a spectrum of needs.

Dolly Adds New Guinness World Records To Career Accomplishments

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Dolly Parton accepts Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Guinness World Records

Country music icon Dolly Parton has broken some new world records with her music. Guinness World Records recently acknowledged the feat during an exclusive presentation in Nashville.

Parton was honored with new record titles for Most Decades On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart (female) at 7, and Most No.1 Hits On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart By a Female artist at 25. The Tennessee native also broke her own record for the most hits on the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart By a Female Artist with 109.

These titles join Parton’s previous record for Most Decades With a Top 20 Hit On the U.S. Hot Country Songs Chart at 6, which was awarded in 2018.

Dolly Parton accepts Guinness World Records. Photo: Courtesy of Guinness World Records

“This is the kind of stuff that really makes you very humble and very grateful for everything that’s happened. I had no idea that I would be in Guinness World Records this many times! I am flattered and honored,” says Parton. “I’ve had a lot of people help me get here. Thanks to all of you and all of them for helping me have all of this. I’ve loved being able to make a living in the business that I love so much. I’ve been so fortunate to see my dreams come true, and I just hope to continue for as long as I can. You’re going to have to knock me down to stop me!”

Parton started crafting hits in 1967 with “Something Fishy” and “Dumb Blonde.” Her first No. 1 entry came in 1971 with “Joshua.” She followed that up with “Jolene” in 1974 and has been releasing hits every decade since.

Her latest duets for friend Reba McEntire’s remake of “Does He Love You” and Michael Bublé’s holiday tune, “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas,” have extended her reign on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.

Next up, the legend will collaborate with bestselling author James Patterson on an upcoming novel, Run, Rose, Run, which will be accompanied by a new album based on the story, due out in March 2022.

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Carlene Carter Headlines For Ralph Lauren

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Carlene Carter performs at Ralph Lauren store in Nashville. Photo: Bob Merlis

Chapter 651

Whatever you think of his clothes, you can’t fault the musical taste of the folks who run Ralph Lauren’s Double RL stores.

The designer’s branded, quality-lifestyle company is debuting a Nashville-music film that will run in a continuous loop in all of its stores. It showcases the sounds of Carlene Carter, The Lone Bellow, The McCrary Sisters, Willy Gantrim and Aaron Steele. They were among those on hand at a celebratory premiere party at the retailer’s Nashville venue on Villa Place on Thursday evening (Dec. 16).

Carlene was tapped to headline the gig. “I’m Carlene Carter…I’m a third-generation member of The Carter Family,” she told the crowd. “I’m here by way of a film that Double RL did. I’m gonna entertain the shit outta ya, if I can.” She could, and did.

The Lone Bellow sing with Carlene Carter. Photo: Bob Merlis

Armed with just her guitar, she kicked things off with an expressive, driving delivery of “The Bitter End.” The lilting, autobiographical “Me and the Wildwood Rose” drew enthusiastic applause. Before singing it, Carlene talked about writing “Easy From Now On” with Susanna Clark and of Emmylou’s decision to record it.

Elizabeth Cook joined her to harmonize on The Carter Family’s “I’ll Be All Smiles Tonight.” Carlene offered her gospel tune “Damascus Road,” again demonstrating her Maybelle-style, acoustic-guitar mastery (she also plays autoharp and piano). She commands and charms the stage as a total pro, a true troubadour. She closed by leading a sing-along of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” joined by The Lone Bellow and the whole crowd.

Singing, mixing and mingling were Brian Mansfield, Tim Ghianni, Ronna Rubin, Trav Livingston & Randy Talmadge, Tiffany Anastasia Lowe, Wade Sapp, Ben Payne, Bob Merlis, filmmaker Dikayl Rimmasch and a boatload of handsomely attired and expensively groomed fashionistas.

The party was originally planned for outdoors, but we were somewhat uncomfortably crowded inside because of the rain. The move indoors also meant that they couldn’t actually screen the film at its premiere. It is called Double RL Holiday Bread & Jam and was shot on the old Orbison property located next to Old Hickory Lake. Also featured making music in the film are Cindy Cashdollar, Jacob Sooter, Cedric Burnside, Dylan Smucker, Redd Volkaert, Nina Brown & Jackson Lynch, Bart Pike and Matt Pynn.

As for Ralph Lauren in Nashville: Forget the Polo shirts and the preppy look — Double RL is Lauren’s line of western wear. Think denim, Navajo-patterned garments, leather goods, outdoor wear, boots, corduroy and woolens. Lauren’s getaway ranch in Montana initially inspired these beautifully created garments. I doubt that there’s a cowboy in that entire state who can afford Ralph Lauren prices.

There are only 11 of the exclusive Double RL stores in the world, and Music City has one of ‘em. The merch is awesome.

Blake Shelton Closes The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart For 2021

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Blake Shelton ends 2021 on a high note as his single, “Come Back As A Country Boy,” tops the final CountryBreakout Radio Chart of the year. The song was written by Michael Hardy, Josh Thompson, and Jordan Schmidt and appears on his deluxe album, Body Language. 

Shelton will be the featured artist for The Artist Interview, sponsored by BMI, at CRS 2022 in February. He will sit down with Country Aircheck Publisher/CEO and host of Westwood One’s Country Countdown USA, Lon Helton, and will speak candidly on his career, artistic process, and what’s on the horizon.

Shelton also plans to expand his chain of music venues, Ole Red in the coming years with plans to open a location in Nashville International Airport (BNA) for 2022 and the Las Vegas Strip for 2023.

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

Dates Revealed For 2022 Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival

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The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) has announced the dates for the 30th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, presented by Regions Bank.

The festival is scheduled to take place Tuesday, March 29 through Saturday, April 2, 2022 in some of Nashville’s most popular venues throughout town. Per usual, each venue will host two shows per night showcasing hundreds of songwriters from Nashville and beyond.

The 2022 Tin Pan South line-up will be revealed and tickets will go on sale on March 1 at 10 a.m. CST. Additional details will be made available in January.

The official 2022 Tin Pan South poster was created by Charlie Hartrich, a freshman at Watkins College of Art at Belmont University.

“When designing this poster I wanted to focus on the songwriting aspect more so than music or Nashville. I was inspired by the idea that songwriters across America are all a part of this festival, and that is what music is all about. Bringing people together and encouraging empathy,” Hartrich says. “Music and the city are a part of one another here so I also wanted to mix the two together and that drove most of the subject choices. But, lastly my main inspiration for my work was music itself. As a musician, music can be such a crazy, other-worldly thing and I tried to convey how expressive it can be in the poster although nothing beats the real thing!”

J.T. Harding Recounts His Wild Ride To Fame In Upcoming Memoir

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J.T. Harding. Photo: Fred Hayes

Songwriter J.T. Harding is known for his hilarious, fun-filled stories, and he’s sharing some of them in a new memoir and songwriting how-to, Party Like A Rockstar: The Crazy, Coincidental, Hard-Luck, and Harmonious Life of a Songwriter, due out Feb. 22 from Twelve Books.

The new autobiography charts Harding’s life from a kid growing up in Michigan to a chart-topping songwriter living in Nashville and working with stars like Keith Urban, Kenny Chesney, and more.

In addition to being a memoir, Party Like A Rockstar is also a how-to guide for anyone wanting to learn how to craft a hit song. It tells the story of one man’s love for rock and roll, and how it guided him through some of the greatest tragedies and triumphs of his life.

Inspired by his favorite artists from KISS to Prince and everything in between, Harding ran away to LA, where he formed a band and became part of the music scene there all while selling records to his favorite artists and producers at Tower Records. Harding made his first demo tape with prize money he earned by winning the VH1 game show Rock & Roll Jeopardy!

He’s penned numerous chart-topping hits, including the triple Platinum “Smile” with Uncle Kracker; “Somewhere In My Car” with Keith Urban; “Somewhere With You” and “Bar at the End of the World” for Kenny Chesney; Dierks Bentley’s “Different For Girls;” Jake Owen’s “Alone With You;” and Blake Shelton’s No. 1 “Sangria.”

Filmore Named CMA’s Newest Artist Ambassador

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Filmore attends the Music Teacher of Excellence reception at The 55th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 10 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA

Filmore has been named the CMA’s newest Artist Ambassador, helping expand its support and advocacy for equitable music education opportunities across the United States.

As a CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador, the Curb Records artist will participate in various events and initiatives that enhance the CMA Foundation’s mission of ensuring this generation’s access to equitable music education opportunities. He will also lead a focus group with Nashville-based Music Teacher of Excellence recipients to discuss the program, their experiences attending The 55th Annual CMA Awards, and being recognized on live TV during the broadcast.

“We are excited to have Filmore join the CMA Foundation Artist Ambassador collective,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “As someone who participated in choir as a kid and went to college for vocal performance, we couldn’t think of a better artist to shine a light on the importance of music in a student’s education. We cannot thank him enough for joining us to help enhance our mission of ensuring all students across the U.S. have access to participate in quality music programs.”

“I’m so ready to be a part of such an amazing mission and organization,” adds Filmore. “As an artist, writer, and music graduate, I will help share my experiences with students and hopefully inspire them to continue chasing the amazing journey that is music!”

Filmore Alaina joins the CMA Foundation’s Artist Ambassador collective alongside Lauren Alaina, Jimmie Allen, Charlie Worsham, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, Maddie & Tae, Ashley McBryde and Caitlyn Smith.

Thomas Rhett, Mitchell Tenpenny & Walker Hayes To Perform At New Year’s Sporting Events

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Country artists Thomas Rhett, Mitchell Tenpenny and Walker Hayes are headlining two major sporting events over New Year’s: the NHL Winter Classic and the Orange Bowl.

Rhett, an 18x multi-Platinum and Gold-Certified country artist, will perform during the first period intermission at the sold-out Winter Classic between the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild. The game will be played outdoors at Target Field, the home of MLB’s Minnesota Twins on Jan. 1.

The 2019 ACM Performer of the Year’s performance will be aired on TNT as part of the Winter Classic Event. The game and concert will air at 6 p.m. CT.

Tenpenny and Hayes will be performing at the highly anticipated 2021 Orange Bowl between Georgia and Michigan on New Year’s Eve.

The “Drunk Me” singer played football in high school and planned to play college football before deciding to pursue a music career. The fan fest will take place in the south lot outside Hard Rock Stadium in Miami beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT. Admission to fan fest is free for all fans with a ticket to the game.

“I’ve watched the Orange Bowl ever since I can remember,” says Tenpenny. “I’m so excited to play fan fest and get to see this game live!”

At halftime of the Orange Bowl, Hayes, the 2x Platinum singer of “Fancy Like,” will take the stage to perform the halftime show. The Orange Bowl will air on ESPN at 6:30 p.m. CT.

Industry Ink: Parker McCollum, Lily Rose, MercyMe, Troubadour Blue

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Parker McCollum Releases Signature Edition Of Fan Club NFT

Parker McCollum. Photo: Tyler Conrad

MusicFX.io, a leading digital community that connects artists to their fans through NFTs, has released its first NFT with rising country artist Parker McCollum. The Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition, named after the Platinum singer-songwriter’s debut album, is available for purchase now.

The Gold Chain Cowboy Black Card: Signature Edition is one of the world’s first fan club NFTs. With many of McCollum’s fans already signed up for priority access to his digital NFT fan club community, the first 1,000 to purchase a Black Card will receive a Signature Edition membership. The membership retails for $100.00 and includes an individually signed and numbered digital membership NFT, a 12-month membership to the Gold Chain Cowboy Club, access to private jam sessions, VIP access to future events, meet & greet opportunities at select Parker McCollum concerts & events, and more.

“The response from fans has been amazing,” shares McCollum. “I’m so lucky to be blessed with such awesome fans, and I can’t wait to start engaging with members of the Gold Chain Cowboy Club. It’s going to be insane!”

“Everyone at MusicFX, and Parker’s team, have been delighted with the feedback to his Black Card announcement last week,” adds Billie-Jo Aasen, co-head of MusicFX. “This really is a special moment for all of us, and it will show artists how we can connect them to their fans in ways they never thought were possible.”

 

Lily Rose Earns First Career RIAA Certification For ‘Villain’

Pictured (L-R): Paul Logan (Big Loud), Stacy Blythe (Big Loud), Ali Matkosky (Big Loud), Kelcie Roberts (Big Loud), Daniel Miller (Fusion Music), Kyle Clark (Sony/ATV Music Publishing), Rakiyah Marshall (Back Blocks Music), Lily Rose (Big Loud/Back Blocks Music/Republic Records), Matt Cottingham (Ritholz Levy Fields Llp), Daira Eamon, Mackenzie Carpenter, Patch Culbertson (Big Loud), Olivia Hanceri (Oh Creative), Lexi Howder (Oh Creative), Kennedy Murphy (Back Blocks Music), Tyler Arnold (Republic Records), Seth England (Big Loud). Photo: Chris Hornbuckle

Lily Rose recently celebrated her first-ever RIAA Gold certification for her breakthrough single, “Villain,” for earning over 500,000 combined sales and/or streams. Originally released on Dec. 15, 2020, Rose was presented with her commemorative plaque exactly one year post-release outside her previous employer at Opry Mills mall in Nashville.

“‘Villain’ has changed my life in more ways than one. The morning we wrote it, I had just finished an overnight shift stocking shelves at the mall, and it’s surreal to stand here a year after I released it with over 500,000 units sold, and the incredible writers and my team around me. Every time I step on stage and hear the fans singing my songs back to me, I’m reminded of why I do what I do. But looking at a plaque that says certified Gold with my name next to it? It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt before,” shares Rose. “The only reason why this is possible is because so many people were able to connect with a song that was so special to me, and for that I’m forever grateful.”

Written by Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Kyle Clark and produced by Matt Morrisey, the track first gained traction on TikTok where it skyrocketed to over 5 million views pre-release. Topping the iTunes US all genre chart for six days, the song caught the attention of Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and quickly led to Rose signing her first record deal with Big Loud / Back Blocks Music and Republic Records in January 2021.

Recently named as part of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2022, Rose will take on an opening slot on Chris Lane’s nationwide “Fill Them Boots Tour,” kicking off in January 2022.

 

MercyMe’s ‘Lifer’ Goes Gold

Pictured (L-R): Jeff Moseley (Founder/President, Fair Trade Services), Mike Scheuchzer, Kim Davis (BrickHouse Entertainment), Bart Millard, Dan Michaels (Senior VP Marketing & Promo, Fairtrade Services), Scott Brickell (BrickHouse Entertainment).

Multi-Platinum band MercyMe has received a Gold certification for their 2017 album Lifer. This is MercyMe’s seventh Gold-certified album, in addition to their one triple Platinum certification. All three singles from the project (“Even If,” “Grace Got You,” and “Best News Ever”) hit No. 1 on Billboard National Christian Audience, AC Monitored, and AC Indicator charts.

Fair Trade Services’ Founder/President Jeff Moseley and Senior VP of Marketing & Promo Dan Michaels, along with Scott Brickell and Kim Davis from the band’s management, BrickHouse Entertainment, presented commemorative plaques to band members Bart Millard and Mike Scheuchzer at their studio outside Nashville.

Closing out 2021, MercyMe garnered Top Christian Artists (No. 8), Top Duo/Group (No. 4), Top Christian Albums Artists (No. 8), Top Christian Digital Songs Artists (No. 4), and Hot Christian Songs Artists (No. 16) positions. Their current single, “On Our Way,” is currently Top 10 on the Billboard National Christian Audience chart.

 

Conway Entertainment Group Signs Nashville-Based Band Troubadour Blue

Troubadour Blue

Musical trio Troubadour Blue has signed with Conway Entertainment Group for exclusive booking. Brandon Mauldin will serve as the responsible agent for the group.

Daniel Kim Ethridge and Brenna Wheeler met while students at Nashville’s Belmont University where they began writing and performing together. Once Wheeler’s brother Eli graduated from Elon University, he joined the fold.

The trio has written all tracks on their debut album, produced by Tammy Rogers King, and share lead vocals. Troubadour Blue will embark on a mini tour in early January that will make stops in Florida, Tennessee, and several other states.

The group is managed by Jules Wortman of Wortman Works.