Travis Tritt Cancels Concerts That Require COVID Vaccinations, Negative Tests, Or Masks

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Travis Tritt. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Travis Tritt announced that he has canceled his upcoming concerts at venues that require proof of COVID vaccination, mask mandates, or testing. As a result, the following Tritt shows have been canceled: Muncie, Indiana on Oct. 23; Philadelphia, Mississippi on Nov. 6; Peoria, Illinois on Nov. 11; and Louisville, Kentucky on Nov. 13.

In a statement released today (Oct. 18), Tritt says, “I’m putting my money where my mouth is and announcing that any venue or promoter mandating masks, requiring vaccinations, or pushing COVID testing protocols on my fans will not be tolerated. Any show I have booked that discriminates against concert-goers by requiring proof of vaccination, a COVID test, or a mask is being canceled immediately. Many people are taking a firm stand against these mandates around the country, and I wholeheartedly support that cause. I have been extremely vocal against mandates since the beginning. This is a sacrifice that I’m willing to make to stand up for the freedoms that generations of Americans have enjoyed for their entire lifetimes. There are plenty of promoters and venues around the country that appreciate fans and the freedom of choice in this great country, and those are the promoters and venues that I will be supporting.”

Tritt continues, “I’m sorry for any inconvenience this situation creates for anyone who had purchased tickets to these shows. We will try to reschedule unrestricted shows in these areas as soon as we can.”

Shows that do not have mandates will continue as scheduled.

Hardy Jumps Into Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hardy. Photo: Tanner Gallagher

Hit songwriter Michael Hardy leaps from No. 11 to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Hardy is a co-writer on “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Come Back As A Country Boy” (Blake Shelton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell) and his own “Give Heaven Some Hell.”

Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 this week, while Hunter Phelps moves up to the No. 2 spot.

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.

Wade Bowen Slates New EP, ‘Where Phones Don’t Work,’ For November

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Wade Bowen. Photo: Katie Kauss

Wade Bowen is offering a first glimpse of his upcoming EP, Where Phones Don’t Work, with a brand new single “When Love Comes Around,” available everywhere this Friday, Oct. 22.

Set for release Nov. 19 via Thirty Tigers, Where Phones Don’t Work reflects a renewed sense of joy Bowen discovered in making music and sharing it with fans. Writers contributing to the new EP include Rhett Akins, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan, and more.

“While slowing down and reflecting over the past year, I felt a calling to create more uplifting music that would be exciting to incorporate into our shows, since we’re so grateful to be playing live again,” says Bowen.” “There’s a new sense of hope and a new sense of urgency with this music. I’m just so inspired again. Because of that inspiration, it created an opportunity for me to really open my writing brain, and my heart, a lot more. I feel like I’m 25 again, starting my career—it’s almost like a new path, but now I have all the knowledge from the past 20 years. It feels good.”

Where Phones Don’t Work Track List:
1. Phones Don’t Work (Wade Bowen, Aaron Raitiere, Rhett Akins)
2. Where We Call Home (Wade Bowen, Brad Clawson, Jeremy Bussey)
3. The Last Town In Texas (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
4. When Love Comes Around (Wade Bowen, Eric Paslay, Heather Morgan)
5. Trouble Is (Wade Bowen, Steve Earle)
6. Be You (Wade Bowen, Drew Kennedy)
Produced by Paul Moak

Music Health Alliance Offering Free Virtual Health Insurance Assistance To Music Community

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Music Health Alliance is offering free, virtual appointments for individuals, groups and seniors to ensure they get the healthcare coverage they need during the upcoming open enrollment window.

Open enrollment dates for 2021 are Oct. 15 – Dec. 7 for Medicare; Nov. 1-Dec.15 for Insurance Enrollment. During open enrollment, Music Health Alliance advocates will meet virtually with clients to advise and enroll members of the music industry and their families in the best plans to meet their medical needs. If you’ve lost your job due to COVID-19, had a change in coverage or simply need help navigating the complicated health insurance landscape, Music Health Alliance can help you get covered. Coverage is even more critical now as the majority of insurers will cease waiving cost sharing for treatment related to a COVID-19 illness, leaving the individual liable for the balance.

To book a virtual open enrollment with a Music Health Alliance advocate, contact:

Individual/Family Health Insurance:  
Erin: 615-200-6861 / erin@musichealthalliance.com

Group Health Insurance:  
Bonita: 615-200-6897 / bonita@musichealthalliance.com

Medicare Annual Enrollment (65 or over):  
Contact Suzanne Spooner-Faulk to set an appointment with Shelia: suzanne@musichealthalliance.com / (615) 200-6807

Open Enrollment for 2022 is available Nov. 1, 2021 – Jan. 15, 2022. For a Jan. 1 effective date enrollment deadline is Dec. 15, 2021.

Weekly Register: Cody Johnson Makes Top Three Country Album Debut

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Cody Johnson. Credit Chris Douglas

Cody Johnson‘s Human: The Double Album is the top country album debut this week, coming in at No. 3 on the country albums chart and No. 19 overall. The album earns 20,000 first-week streams, according to Nielsen.

Arista Nashville’s Old Dominion also earns a top five country album debut with the release of their fourth studio album, Time, Tequila, and Therapy. The new project debuts at No. 4 on the country albums chart and No. 27 overall, earning 17,000 first-week streams.

Morgan Wallen returns to the top spot this week with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 42,000 streams, contributing to 51 million total streams RTD. Luke Combs takes the second spot with What You See Is What You Get, and fifth with This One’s For You, adding 22,000 and 15,000 streams, respectively.

“Fancy Like” (Walker Hayes) remains at No. 1, gaining another 13.5 million streams for a total of 193 million RTD. The middle of the pack also stays the same with “If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) in second with 7.3 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) in third with 7.2 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) in fourth with 6 million streams. “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton) re-enters the top five this week, adding 5.6 million streams.

Lee Greenwood Honored At All-Star Salute In Huntsville

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Lee Greenwood. Photo: Josh D. Adams

Lee Greenwood was honored on Oct. 12 in a special tribute concert at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama celebrating his 40-year career.

Artists on hand for the celebration, which was the third-highest grossing event in Von Braun Center history, included Gavin DeGraw, Debby Boone, Sam Moore, Michael W. Smith, Scott Stapp (of Creed), Lee Brice, Michael Ray, Jamey Johnson, Dustin Lynch, The Oak Ridge Boys, Crystal Gayle, The Gatlin Brothers, Janie Fricke, and more.

During the tribute, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Sam Moore and T. Graham Brown performed a star-studded collaboration of “Soul Man,” while DeGraw gave his version of the Greenwood hit “I.O.U.” and Brice sang “I Don’t Mind The Thorns When You’re the Rose.” Additionally, The Oak Ridge Boys performed their signature hit “Elvira” and Boone sang “You Light Up My Life.” The night ended with the entire ensemble of guests singing the beloved hit “God Bless the USA.”

Lee Greenwood. Photo: Josh D. Adams

“When Lee Greenwood announced that he wanted to host his All-Star Salute tribute concert in the Von Braun Center Propst Arena, we were ecstatic,” says Von Braun Center Director of Marketing and Public Relations Samantha Nielsen. “We knew the event would be hugely successful–not just for the VBC, but for the entire city of Huntsville and North Alabama… We will continue seeing benefits from hosting this event in Huntsville because there are still three 1-hour television specials from the Lee Greenwood tribute concert that will be aired nationally in 2022.”

In addition to great music on stage, Louis and Patti Breland of Breland Homes bestowed keys to two veterans and their families–SFC Scott Barkelow, USA (Ret) and SSG Michael Brown, USA–through a special partnership with Lee Greenwood and the Helping a Hero organization.

Andy Wickstrom, President of Henry Repeating Arms, presented three veterans, GySgt Brad Wallace, Sgt Michael Price, and MSG Ken Knight, with the Henry Military Service Tribute firearms in recognition of all who answer the call of duty. Greenwood was also presented with The New Original Henry Silver Deluxe Engraved Edition firearm.

Henry Repeating Arms rifle presentation to US Military veterans. Photo: Curtis Hilbun

Blanco Brown, Diane Warren Team Up For ‘The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses’ Collab

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Multi-Platinum artist Blanco Brown has released “Never Gonna Tame You (Original Song from The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses)” via BBR Music Group. Written by 12x Oscar nominee and Grammy, Emmy and two-time Golden Globe award winner Diane Warren, the track is featured in the feature-length documentary The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses, which is in theaters now.

Warren, a Songwriters Hall of Fame member, also co-produced the film and wrote the song inspired by the beauty and freedom of the mustang. In search of someone who could tap into the nuances and emotions of the song, Warren reached out to Brown after watching his rendition of the National Anthem at a Dodgers game.

“America’s mustangs represent us. They are living symbols of freedom and independence. This powerful film inspired me to write ‘Never Gonna Tame You’ for these beautiful and majestic creatures and for us who are lucky enough to share the planet with them. Their freedom is our freedom. Blanco Brown took this song to a whole other level. He sings with the voice of all those who long to be free and to stay free,” says Warren.

Since 2014, Brown has honed his sound of countrified influences and street-smart lingo. His viral hit “The Git Up” spawned nearly four billion views across social platforms, claiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 12 weeks and the top-selling digital country song in the U.S. for 13 weeks. The Georgia native is a background singer, artist and Grammy-nominated engineer who has worked with big name talent including Fergie, Childish Gambino, Kane Brown and Chris Brown. His Platinum-certified collaboration “Just the Way” with Parmalee is currently in the Top 20 on Hot AC and has garnered more than 200 million on-demand streams, also marking Brown’s first No. 1 on country radio.

“Working with someone as accomplished, talented and lovely as Diane has been a blessing. I am incredibly honored not only that she chose me to sing one of her songs, but this one especially because it has such a beautiful spirit and was really cathartic to work on,” adds Brown. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this project.”

Executive produced by Robert Redford, Patti Scialfa Springsteen and USA Olympic Equestrian Silver Medalist Jessica Springsteen, the film tells the story of America’s wild horses from their turbulent history to their uncertain future and impact on our country. The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses soundtrack features an impressive lineup of artists in addition to Brown, including Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris.

Scott Stevens Shares “Come Home To Me” From Upcoming New Album

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Scott Stevens. Photo: Eden Lauren

Scott Stevens has offered fans a preview of his upcoming new album with the release of the project’s lead single, “Come Home To Me,” out now through Verge Records.

The track is, in his own words, “unabashedly a tribute to my better half,” and was written with close friend and co-producer Alex Marshall. The single also pays tribute to Stevens’ love for late ’50s/early ’60s rhythm and blues.

“With everything that’s going on in the world lately, honestly it’s felt a little trivial to me to be making music,” shares Stevens. “But I recently came to peace with the fact that there’s one thing the world needs, regardless of the chaos: that one thing that breaks through everything is love. That’s why this one means the world to me, because [my wife’s] been with me through all of it. Three kids and seven years later, I still just want her to #comehometome.”

Making the project even more of a family affair, Stevens’ oldest son Henry, who is four, designed the artwork for the new single.

“Scott is the real deal,” says Mickey Jack Cones, President and COO of Verge Records, the in-house label arm of global music solutions company ONErpm. “‘Come Home to Me’ will make you a believer in Scott’s integrity as a writer, as well as his ability to deliver a song.”

Ronnie Tutt, Drummer For Elvis Presley, Dies At 83

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Ronnie Tutt, Elvis‘ drummer and an original member of his TCB Band, passed away on Oct. 16, 2021. He was 83.

Tutt was born in Dallas, Texas on March 12, 1938. He was involved with music and performing arts for most of his childhood.

Tutt joined Elvis’ TCB “Taking Care of Business” band at the beginning of his Las Vegas residency in 1969, and remained through Presley’s death in 1977 at 42. He also toured with Neil Diamond, and was an in-demand session drummer and touring musician who worked with Johnny Cash, Kenny Rogers, Stevie Nicks, Elvis Costello, Billy Joel, Jerry Garcia, Roy Orbison, The Carpenters and many others.

Elvis Presley Enterprises paid tribute to Tutt on the Graceland website with this message: “All of us with Elvis Presley Enterprises were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Ronnie Tutt. In addition to being a legendary drummer, he was a good friend to many of us here at Graceland. We enjoyed each time he joined us here to celebrate Elvis Week, Elvis’ Birthday and many other special occasions. Ronnie was an amazing ambassador to Elvis’ legacy – sharing his memories of working with Elvis with fans – as well as bringing Elvis’ music to arenas around the globe through later Elvis in Concert shows and performances.”

Jay Demarcus, Donato’s Pizza Partner To Help Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital

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Jay DeMarcus delivers pizzas to staff at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital in Nashville, Tennessee.

Bassist, vocalist, pianist, producer and songwriter Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts is joining forces with Donato’s Pizza to help raise funds for Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

Starting now through Nov. 28, for every signature “DeMarcus Pizza” sold at Donato’s Restaurants, $1 will be donated to Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital. DeMarcus kicked off the launch by delivering the “DeMarcus Pizza” to staff at the Children’s Hospital.

He has worked in partnership with Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital to give back throughout his career and in 2010, the hospital renamed its Pediatric Surgery Center after Rascal Flatts to show their appreciation for their generosity in donating more than $6 million to the Children’s Hospital.

“Our work with the Children’s Hospital over the last almost 18 years has been the most humbling and one of the greatest joys of our career,” shares DeMarcus. “The goal with this promotion is to continue to bring awareness to the incredible work being done and raise money for a much-needed, and very dear, cause to me. I hope anyone that can will join in in ordering and enjoying some great pizza at the same time!”

For more information on how to get involved, click here.