Kacey Musgraves, Spotify Host ‘Star-Crossed’ Album Preview Experience

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Kacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify

Spotify hosted an exclusive album preview experience with Kacey Musgraves at The Peach Truck in Nashville yesterday (Sept. 7). Inspired by a track on her upcoming album, Star-Crossed, Spotify created the “Simple Times Machine” for her top fans in Nashville. Fans were transported to an immersive, 90s-themed experience curated by Musgraves.

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The walk-through experience took fans through four themed moments personal to Musgraves from across the decade. Fans first walked through a 1994-outfitted bedroom based on Musgraves’ own childhood room, featuring personal photos from her early days and various memorabilia.

Kacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify

A secret passageway then led fans into a VHS rental store, complete with a preview screening of Musgraves’ forthcoming Star-Crossed film, and some of the actual outfits the singer wore in it. Passing through a glamor photo studio with three bespoke backdrops and a photographer on-hand to provide that dreamy ’90s photo finish, fans were given the perfect Star-Crossed photo op.

The experience culminated at a ’90s convenience store featuring custom merch giveaways and red and blue slushies. The whole experience was set to six new songs from the album as an exclusive advanced listen.

Kacey Musgraves attends Kacey Musgraves Simpler Times Time Machine presented by Spotify on Sept. 7, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Spotify

“We’re all craving the simple times again,” says Musgraves. “It was so sweet and nostalgic for Spotify to be able to take me back to all my favorite old places: my teenage bedroom, local video rental, and the grocery store by my house. Rad way to kick off release week.”

Musgraves highly anticipated fourth studio album, Star-Crossed, will be available everywhere Sept. 10.

Star-Crossed Track List:
Star-Crossed
Good Wife
Cherry Blossom
Simple Times
If This Was A Movie..
Justified
Angel
Breadwinner
Camera Roll
Easier Said
Hookup Scene
Keep Lookin’ Up
What Doesn’t Kill Me
There Is A Light
Gracias A La Vida

John Prine Tribute Concert Series Postponed To 2022

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John Prine. Photo: Rett Rogers

Due to the rising case numbers of COVID-19 and the threat of the Delta variant, the “You Got Gold” concert series that was intended to celebrate the life and music of John Prine has been postponed. “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Life & Songs of John Prine” will now take place Oct. 7-12, 2022.

“This decision to reschedule was not made lightly. We worked tirelessly to find a way to move forward in a safe and responsible manner, while also keeping in mind the intended joyful spirit of this long-awaited celebration and remembrance,” the Prine family shared in a statement. “This event is extraordinary in the sheer number of artists, crews, and fans that are planning to travel and gather together. In light of how John died, we just could not reconcile pushing forward and adding any undue stress and anxiety during an already fraught season.”

Prine died on April 7, 2020 due to complications from contracting COVID-19.

The statement continues to say, “Our deepest apologies to those disappointed in hearing this news. Our family wanted nothing more than to gather with you all and remember John together. We very much look forward to seeing you all next year when we can gather safely and joyfully, and truly be together as a big family and community to remember and celebrate the life and songs of one extraordinary man.”

Net proceeds from this year’s event were intended to benefit the Prine family’s newly created The Hello In There Foundation, as well as Nashville based non-profits Room In The Inn and Thistle Farms. The foundation will continue making gifts to both organizations and will complete its full charitable commitments next year.

Ticketing and refund information is available here.

B.J. Thomas Estate Items Available For Purchase

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B.J. Thomas

The belongings of five-time Grammy award winner and Grammy Hall of Fame inductee, B.J. Thomas, are available for purchase through an online sale curated by Rockology and overseen by the B.J. Thomas Estate.

Items that were personal to B.J. including his Rolex watches, signed baseballs, guitars, awards, personal letters including one from President Reagan, and various other items are included in the sale which is live now. New items will be added weekly.

“The hardest thing for me was losing the love of my life, B.J., my honeyman,” says Gloria Thomas. “Now, working with a team of people, we are placing items of B.J.’s in museums and are working to keep his legacy and memory alive. Doing this sale will also allow many of his loyal fans the chance to have a piece of history and memorabilia that normally wouldn’t be available to them. I can’t take everything with me, so I must downsize and the best way to keep B.J.’s memory alive is to share his stuff with the fans.”

Since his emergence in the 1960s, Thomas’s career crossed multiple genres, including country, pop, and gospel, earning him CMA, Dove, and Grammy awards and nominations. His career was anchored by numerous hits, among them his million-selling cover of Hank Williams’ “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” the Grammy-winning “(Hey Won’t You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song,” and the iconic “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head,” which won the Academy Award for best original song.

Thomas sold over 70 million albums worldwide, scoring eight No. 1 hits and 26 Top 10 singles over his 50+ year career. His lengthy chart history led to him being named one of Billboard’s Top 50 Most Played Artists Over The Past 50 Years.

Thomas passed away on May 29, 2021 at home in Arlington, Texas from complications due to stage four lung cancer. He was 78.

Circle Announces New Series ‘Road Stories,’ Exclusive Livestream Of Farm Aid 2021

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Circle Network is launching its first animated series, Road Stories, hosted by singer-songwriter Chuck Wicks. In the new series, artists like Luke Bryan, Terri Clark, Brett Young, Jon Pardi, and more will be transformed into animated characters to relive their greatest stories from being on the road. The 30-minute, weekly primetime series will premiere with Jason Aldean on Friday, Sept. 10 at 9 p.m. CT.

“Circle is excited to develop an innovative talk show that takes our viewers on a fun journey with famed Country Artists,” says Evan Haiman, SVP of Content.  “The animation takes these behind-the-scenes stories to a new level.  And best of all, our host Chuck Wicks and his friends tell the wackiest stories that will have our viewers in stitches!”

“I’ve been friends with these artists for a long time, and I’ve never heard these stories before from them.  I believe that’s what makes this show so unique and special. The minute the artists find out they will be animated, it’s like an entire protective wall that they normally would have for themselves in an interview setting goes down for what really happened,” shares Wicks.  “And they share it all on Road Stories which all comes to life for the viewer through animation. This was fun for everyone to do!”

The network is also partnering with Farm Aid  to exclusively livestream the 2021 festival. The sold-out event will feature performances by Willie Nelson & Family, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Margo Price, Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, and more.

“Circle is proud to begin a strong partnership with Farm Aid, in support of their invaluable efforts to benefit and uplift America’s vital farming community,” Haiman says. “We are excited to have the opportunity to share this amazing musical event with our audience, bringing them the unforgettable performances that only Farm Aid can provide.”

Farm Aid 2021 will take place on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. CT.

Nashville Musician, Publisher & Producer Ron Cornelius Dies

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Ron Cornelius with 1959 Gretsch Country Gentleman Guitar. Photo: Courtesy Terry Bell

Ron Cornelius, a Music Row session musician, publisher, and producer, passed away on Aug. 18 following complications from a stroke. He was 76.

Cornelius got his start in music as a teen guitarist in California, cutting his musical teeth while backing a list of artists including Chubby Checker, Martha and the Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, Jan & Dean, Bobby Rydell, Glen Campbell, Sonny & Cher, Jackie Wilson, Mary Wells, and more. At age 16, he landed a label deal with his own group The Untouchables on Dot Records.

Ron Cornelius. Photo: Courtesy Terry Bell

After years as a backing guitarist, Cornelius formed the group West. In 1967, they signed with Epic Records and cut two albums in Nashville. A single, “Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues” (a Bob Dylan composition), climbed to No. 17 on the national charts. The group went on to record a final LP for Paramount Records before dissolving. Altogether, Cornelius had five major label deals as an artist including one with A&M Records and his release of “Tin Luck” for Polydor Records.

In 1969, Cornelius was part of the production team for Johnny Cash’s album Live at San Quentin. He also served as lead guitarist on albums by Cash, Marty Robbins, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Hoyt Axton, Loudon Wainwright III, and many others. Cornelius also played lead on seven multi-Platinum albums for the legendary Bob Dylan. During this time, Cornelius also helped assemble a band for singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, serving as band leader for six major world tours, four albums, and a movie. He also provided guitar on several film soundtracks including I Walk the Line starring Gregory Peck, Concrete Cowboy, Little Fauss and Big Halsy, and The Big Lebowski.

He moved to Nashville in 1980 and pursued a career as a producer, songwriter, and publisher in addition to his work as a guitarist. Joining forces with Pete Drake, he served as professional manager and producer of Drake Music Group’s Nashville publishing administration service, and later headed and produced for The A.T.V. Music Corporation’s Nashville office. At that time, A.T.V. was the fourth largest publisher in the world, administering the works of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, as well as a 6,000-song catalog of country greats.

In 1986, Cornelius founded The Cornelius Companies, an independent Nashville-based production and publishing company. Cornelius represented and administered catalogs for Cabin Fever Entertainment, Inc., Charlie Daniels/Miss Hazel Music, and The Lowery Music Group out of Atlanta. In 1995 Gateway Entertainment, Inc., a division of The Cornelius Companies, was created, and Cornelius racked up 11 Top 10s, eight Top 5’s, and two No. 1 singles, all produced by him.

In recent years Cornelius worked on projects for Colt Prather for Epic Records, the band Cooper Berry for Warner Brothers Records, California country singer Summer Schappell, and Miko Marks. Cornelius was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame museum’s 2015-2018 Exhibition of Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City. He loaned the museum his custom made 1959 Gretsch Country Gentleman guitar and other artifacts for the exhibit, and participated in a 2015 panel discussion about his work with Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. He is also the author of the book, The Guitar Behind Dylan and Cohen.

CRB To Honor Beverlee Brannigan With 2021 President’s Award

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The Country Radio Broadcasters will be honoring Beverlee Brannigan with the 2021 CRB President’s Award. The award will be presented at the Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Awards Ceremony on Oct. 13 at The Westin in Nashville.

Brannigan is a longtime member of the CRB Board and executive committee, and currently serves as an officer of the organization.

Her career includes on-air, programming, the general manager’s chair, and corporate roles with tenures at SummitMedia, Scripps, Journal Broadcast Group and others. Currently Brannigan helps air personalities and content creators connect with their audiences through effective storytelling. She was inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame in 2012.

“Few people have impacted CRB, CRS, and country music at the level of Beverlee Branigan. As a highly successful radio professional she has produced great local radio and helped develop the careers of countless country stars,” says CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson. “As an officer of the board of directors she brings wisdom, insight, creativity and conscience to all our dealings at CRB. In short, our entire format is much stronger thanks to Beverlee’s talent and commitment.”

The CRB President’s Award is given to those who have made a significant contribution to the marketing, production, growth, and development of the Country Radio Seminar and the multiple services that the CRB provide. Previous recipients include Sarah Trahern, Mike Dungan, Charlie Morgan, Bob Kingsley, Joe Galante, and Erica Farber, among others.

As previously announced, the Class of 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees will also be honored at the award ceremony, which include Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, Norm Schrutt, Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, and Angie Ward. A special presentation honoring this year’s CRB Artist Career Achievement Award will also be recognized at the event.

Due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic, CRB, Inc and its Board of Directors are requiring anyone attending the ceremony to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test result completed within 48-hours of the event. Individual tickets and tables are now available for purchase here. For tables and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Ashley Bourque.

William Lee Golden And Sons Unveil Plans For Three New Genre-Spanning Albums

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William Lee Golden is making music a family affair as he prepares to release three new albums with his sons, The Goldens. The collection of albums, Old Country Church Gospel, Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics, and Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock, contain over 30 songs spread across several genres which have impacted the lives and careers of both William Lee and The Goldens through the years.

The first single from the Old Country Church Gospel album, “Come And Dine” is available will be released digitally on Sept. 24.

While the world stood still during the pandemic, Golden gathered his sons Rusty, Craig, and Chris, grandchildren Elizabeth, Rebekah, and Elijah, and friends Aaron McCune, Ben Isaacs, and Michael Sykes to record the three albums. Golden, his family, and friends breathe new life into longtime favorites, with highlights including Golden’s rendition of Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone” and Jim Reeves’ “Welcome to My World.”

“Music has always been a huge part of my life. When my boys were growing up, it was important for me to introduce them to music of all walks of life,” says Golden. “Throughout the years, we’ve sung together many times, but never on an official project. Due to the world’s events of the last year and a half, we decided as a family that it was time to record 32 of our favorite songs, which then turned into three full albums of country, rock, and gospel! We are so excited for everyone to hear our version of these classic hits.”

Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics Track List:
I Still Miss Someone
Four Walls
Welcome To My World
Take Me Home Country Roads
The Great Speckled Bird
Green Green Grass Of Home
Send Me The Pillow That You Dream On
You Are My Sunshine
For The Good Times
Jambalaya

Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock Track List:
Me And Bobby McGee
The Long And Winding Road
Stand By Me
Long Black Veil
Southern Accents
Elvira
Multi-colored Lady
Bobbie Sue
Hollywood Nights

Old Country Church Gospel Track List:
Come And Dine
Old Country Church
It’s Suppertime
If I Could Hear My Mother Pray Again
Until Then
Why Me, Lord?
Power In The Blood
Too Much To Gain
Sheltered
Softly And Tenderly
Love Lifted Me
I Saw The Light

Ashley Monroe Unearths Some Favorites For New ‘The Covers’ EP

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Photo Credit: Alexa King

Ashley Monroe is putting her own magic on some classics on The Covers, a five-track EP available everywhere now.

Before her recent diagnosis with a rare blood cancer, Monroe began rearranging these recognizable favorites with Nashville-based artist and producer Tyler Cain. The pair finished the project just as the Grammy nominated songstress started chemo treatment earlier this year.

The Covers captures Monroe and Cain performing live on acoustic, stripped-down arrangements of guilty pleasures like “More Than Words” and “Every Breath You Take.” The Pistol Annie singer also recruited some fellow artists for the project, including Ruston Kelly on “Love Hurts” and Brittney Spencer on “(Everything I Do) I Do It For You.”

“Tyler and I were just hanging at his studio and talking about our favorite songs and I said we should just film ourselves recording some of our favorite songs on Earth. The ones that make us feel better. Maybe it will help other people too. Tyler knows me and exactly the way I create and envision songs. It just seemed natural to collaborate on something that is so personal and raw in a way,” Monroe shares.

Cain has worked with Aloe Blacc, Darius Rucker, and Shaggy, and produced and written several songs in the Top 5 of the iTunes charts. As an artist, his acoustic single “Suitcase Heart”, co-written with Tiffany Goss and Ashley Campbell, has amassed over 5 million Spotify streams to date.

Over the course of three studio albums, Monroe has landed a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album, shared bills with Vince Gill and John Prine, and more in her growing list of successes.

The Covers Track List:
1. Don’t Worry Baby
2. Love Hurts (feat. Ruston Kelly)
3. Every Breath You Take
4. (Everything I Do) I Do It For You (feat. Brittney Spencer)
5. More Than Words

Kelli Turner Exits SESAC, Scott Jungmichel Appointed President/COO, Sam Kling Promoted, Shannan Hatch Returns [Exclusive]

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Pictured (clockwise from top left): Shannan Hatch (VP, Creative Services, SESAC Performing Rights), Scott Jungmichel (President and COO, SESAC Performing Rights), Kelli Turner (outgoing President and COO of SESAC), Sam Kling (Chief Creative Officer, SESAC Performing Rights)

John Josephson, Chairman and CEO of SESAC, announced today (Sept. 8) the departure of Kelli Turner, President and COO of SESAC, as well as several recent promotions within SESAC Performing Rights. Turner is leaving SESAC to pursue a new opportunity outside of the music industry.

“Kelli and I joined SESAC at the same time, and I want to say how grateful I am to her for all that she has done to help shape and build SESAC over the past seven years. Her departure will of course be a loss for SESAC, but it’s a tribute to her leadership and hard work that we feel confident about the future. She has helped us build a strong, seasoned management team, and together we will continue on the successful path that SESAC has followed for many years,” says Josephson, “We wish her all the best in her future endeavors.”

Scott Jungmichel, previously EVP, Royalty Distribution and Research Services and CIO, has been appointed President and COO of SESAC Performing Rights. During his 28 years with the company, Jungmichel has been responsible for all Royalty Distribution and Research Services, as well as SESAC’s technology infrastructure and IT operations. Scott will continue to be based in Nashville.

Sam Kling, who previously served as SVP, Creative Operations, has been appointed Chief Creative Officer of SESAC Performing Rights. Since joining SESAC in 2014, Kling has created an effective client services operation across the New York, Nashville, London and Los Angeles offices, as well as elevated the company’s affiliate roster by collaborating with some of the industry’s most significant songwriters, music publishers and managers. Kling will continue to be based in Los Angeles.

Additionally, Shannan Hatch has returned to SESAC Performing Rights as VP, Creative Services, where she will lead the Nashville-based creative services team in supporting the company’s affiliated songwriters and publishers. Hatch previously worked in this role until September 2019.

Gramps Morgan Explains What Sets Nashville Apart & The Impact Of Reggae In Country Music [Interview]

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Gramps Morgan. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Gramps Morgan is not the typical Music City artist that one might expect, draped in a cowboy hat and boots and toting a used six-string. Rather, the island-born and Nashville-based reggae artist has aimed to forge a new sound within the Nashville music scene that merges the sounds of the Caribbean with those so often heard in country music.

While Morgan’s “day job” lies in Morgan Heritage, his Grammy-winning family band, the recently released 15-track Positive Vibration is his first solo project in nine years. Featuring a stacked list of collaborators, including Shaggy, India.Arie, Lybran (The Rum Boss), and three generations of Morgans with Denroy Morgan & Jemere Morgan, the island-infused album is a genuinely Nashville-born effort.

Recorded and produced by Johnny Reid in his Berry Hill studio, one song and a chance meeting at a Nashville Predators game got the ball rolling for the duo.

“I lost my uncle David to Coronavirus as well as a huge producer and part of the Morgan Heritage journey named Bobby Digital. Both of those losses hit me so hard, and I knew I wasn’t the only one experiencing that. Over the last year there has been so much negativity and tension, and I just thought about what if we give a little more than we take, and if we try to fix more than we break?” Morgan says, “Johnny had this song called ‘People Like You’ and he wanted me to put my voice on it. After we cut it, I sent it to one radio guy to listen to and the song went viral. I think it hit a million views because everyone could identify with that message.”

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After the song’s success, the pair began to pick up steam, releasing singles and EPs before leading up to the full-length project. But what really set this record apart from his past efforts, Morgan explains, was the recording process—which he states is his best work to date.

“There was just such a high level of professionalism,” he puts simply. “I don’t think I’ve ever had that type of experience before. I’ve had flavors of it and little sparks of it here and there, but to come in every morning like I’m going to an office and have my tea and warm my vocals was something different.

“I tell everybody that this project and this recording process is what makes Nashville, Nashville. That’s why we are Music City. This recording process was such a joy, and I’ll never record the same. For that, I tip [my hat] to the city and the industry of Nashville. Having that experience has changed me as a reggae artist,” he admits.

The recording process isn’t the only thing that Morgan loves about the city, though.

After performing at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as support for India.Arie, Morgan knew that Nashville was going to be his home. Eight months later, he and his family made the move and haven’t looked back since.

“I want to be an advocate for this city. I want to be one of the voices to say we are more than just silos, cowboys, whiskey, and country music. We can start on the food alone that I fell in love with, but the city is growing. There’s so much to love about Nashville.”

While not a country artist, Morgan does cite Positive Vibration as a truly Nashville album and sees an avenue for the worlds of reggae and country music to collide. With a list of dream collaborations with the likes of Luke Bryan, Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, and Vince Gill, to name a few, he sees the two genres as being cut from the same cloth at their core.

“I tell people that country music is storytelling music. We all experience emotions, love, heartbreak, and advice from our moms and dads. In reggae we tell the same stories. There’s always been a love and a connection between the Caribbean and country music,” he says. “I’m just bringing country music to reggae and showing them that energy while also showing my reggae fans that we have a lot more in common than we think we do. We have reasons to unite and stand on common ground.”