Anne Wilson Unveils Capitol Christian Debut ‘My Jesus’

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Capitol Christian recording artist Anne Wilson is celebrating the release of her debut multi-track collection, My Jesus, today (April 16).

The uplifting three-song project is a powerful expression of Wilson’s unwavering faith. The title track, “My Jesus,” which she co-wrote with Jeff Pardo and Matthew West, is an anthemic exploration of the depth of her relationship and trust in God, and marks her official radio debut. Wilson’s expansive vocal range and multi-genre influences are showcased on “Devil,” and the project’s final track, “Something About That Name,” highlights Wilson’s smoky vocals and intuitive songwriting. A corresponding video for the title track was also released today, as well as a lyric video for “Devil.”

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“I couldn’t be more excited for the world to hear these songs,” Wilson says. “Each of the three songs mean so much to me and my journey with the Lord. I can’t wait to see what God does through these songs!”

Wilson’s career trajectory began in 2017, following the tragic loss of her brother in a car accident, when she shared a video performance on YouTube performing Hillsong’s “What A Beautiful Name” in honor of her beloved brother. The video was passed on to an artist manager, who became intrigued by Wilson’s mesmerizing voice and visible hunger for Jesus, and contacted her six months later. Soon after Wilson landed a deal with Capitol Christian Music Group. Her rootsy sound reflects her strong southern upbringing and her admiration for country legends like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton married with the heart-on-your-sleeve transparency of Steffany Gretzinger and Lauren Daigle.

River House Artists Launches New Creative Division With Emma Kate Golden

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Emma Kate Golden

River House Artists has launched a new creative division in partnership with Emma Kate Golden. Golden will oversee creative endeavors for the River House Artists roster and will also be available for booking.

An accomplished director, photographer and videographer, Golden ­joined River House Artists in 2018 and has since produced creative content for artists including Jameson Rodgers, Bailey Bryan, Chrissy Metz, Drew Parker, Ashland Craft and many more. She is lauded for her unique ability to prioritize her clients’ creative vision while maintaining her own distinct style sets.

“Emma is such a creative force and is creating a path that helps elevate artists careers. It’s exciting to watch and we are happy to be a home to her and her imaginative approach to our community,” says Founder of River House Artists Lynn Oliver Cline.

“I moved to Nashville when I was 18 and have collaborated with [River House Artists’ Director of Creative / A&R] Zebb Luster ever since. Coming from a freelance video background, I really appreciate the value of this journey with River House Artists,” says Golden. “I am thankful to be able to work alongside not only their artists, but the Nashville community as a whole.”

Golden and her creative team will hit the ground running and continue to expand in the coming months.

Sam Hunt Lands At No. 1 On The MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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Occupying the top spot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Chart is Sam Hunt’s “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s.” The track was written by Hunt, Zach Crowell, Chris LaCorte, Josh Osborne, and Ernest K Smith. It appears on Hunt’s Platinum album, SOUTHSIDE, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart. 

The music video for “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” has garnered over 3.8 million views on YouTube.

It was reported last May that Hunt’s Southside Summer Tour 2020 was canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Travis Denning was slated to open the shows alongside Kip Moore and Ernest. No announcement has been made regarding the rescheduling of this tour for 2021.

Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

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Jackson Dean Announces Debut Project On Big Machine Records

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Country newcomer Jackson Dean has announced he will release his debut self-titled album on on April 30 via Big Machine Records. To introduce the Maryland-born singer-songwriter to the world, Dean dropped the track  “Wings” today (April 16).

Produced by Luke Dick and Park Chisolm, the track celebrates the need to wash oneself clean and move beyond the things in life that weigh you down. With a minimal lyric, Dean’s earthy baritone echoes with both loneliness and a desire to rise above.

“When you look at me, I may look a little wild, or a little rootless,” Dean says, “and that’s probably true. I love that rock edge that country has, but I also like those songs that core into you, that get real honest over a slower track. If you want to understand me, listen to ‘Wings,’ and you’ll realize I’m not an angel, but I try to reckon on what I’ve done – and always make things right. ”

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Discovered by WME’s Jay Williams while selling out local clubs, Dean was signed to a publishing deal by Little Louder’s Arturo Buenahora. The now 20-year-old has now spent the last couple of years flying into Nashville on Monday mornings, writing songs throughout the week, and flying out on Thursday nights to gig around the same Maryland bars where the Brothers Osborne cut their teeth on the weekends.

“My Dad raised me to not be afraid of the work, to show up and do the job, stay ‘til you’re done – and make sure the work is good. It’s the secret of his success, so when the opportunity to really do this came along, I was not going to let anything stop me… Between Arturo and Luke Dick, they saw I was a little bit different, a little more intense and maybe honor-bound, and they didn’t want to water that down, so I wouldn’t think of giving anything less than my all to the writing or playing for the people back home.”

Dean’s debut album is available for pre-order and pre-save now.

Thomas Rhett To Launch The Center Point Road Tour In August

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Thomas Rhett announced he’ll kick off his headlining Center Point Road Tour later this year on August 13 with back-to-back nights in Orange Beach, Alabama. Special guests Cole Swindell and Gabby Barrett will join him when he returns to the road this summer.

Previously purchased tickets will be honored accordingly for the rescheduled dates, while tickets for newly-announced dates go on sale to the public Friday, April 23.

“I can’t even put into words what getting back out on the road means to me, my band and crew,” Rhett shared. “We’ve dreamt about this moment for a long time and I feel more rejuvenated and excited than ever to get back out there as safely as possible to connect in-person over live music again, especially with so much new material to share. There’s no feeling in the world like it—see y’all out there!”

Rhett is gearing up for the release of his upcoming fifth studio double album Country Again: Side A out April 30 via The Valory Music Co. The lead single from the project, “What’s Your Country Song,” became his 17th career No. 1, and his 11th consecutive chart-topper—the longest active streak in the format.

2021 The Center Point Road Tour Dates:
8/13/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/14/2021- Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater^
8/20/2021- Bangor, ME – Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion
8/21/2021- Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre
8/22/2021 – Canandaigua, NY – CMAC
8/26/2021- Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
8/27/2021- Philadelphia, PA – BB&T Pavilion
8/28/2021- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
8/29/2021- Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
9/3/2021-  West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
9/4/2021-  Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
9/16/2021- Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*+
9/17/2021- Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center* +
9/18/2021- Boston, MA – Xfinity Center+
9/23/2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
9/24/2021- Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
9/25/2021- Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater
10/1/2021- Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre*
10/2/2021- St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
10/3/2021- Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
10/7/2021 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
10/8/2021- Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion*
10/9/2021- Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

* Indicates rescheduled tour date    
^ Indicates Openers Rhett Akins and Gabby Barrett
+ Indicates Openers Cole Swindell and Conner Smith

Poco Co-Founder Rusty Young Dies

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Pictured: Rusty Young and his wife, Mary. Photo: Courtesy Michael J. Media Group

Singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Rusty Young, founding member of country-rock band Poco and an influential steel guitar players in rock history, died yesterday (April 14) of a heart attack at his home in Davisville, Missouri. He was 75.

Norman Russell ‘Rusty’ Young was born February 23, 1946 in Long Beach, California and raised in Denver, Colorado, where he began playing lap steel as a boy and performed in local country and psychedelic rock bands throughout his teens. In 1967, Young was invited to Los Angeles by Richie Furay to play steel on Buffalo Springfield’s third and final album Last Time Around.

Soon after, Young, Furay, George Grantham and Jim Messina formed Poco. Over the next five decades, alongside members that would also include Randy Meisner, Timothy B. Schmit and Paul Cotton, Young became not only the musical core of the band, but also the writer and vocalist behind hits including “Rose Of Cimarron” and the No. 1 smash “Crazy Love.” The current band—led by Young and featuring Jack Sundrud, Rick Lonow and Tom Hampton—still performed over 100 dates per year.

“I made a promise to myself that Poco would only keep going if we remained a band of real musicians who were having fun,” Young said last year. “Because audiences can tell the difference.”

Rusty was inducted into Guitar Player Magazine’s Gallery Of Greats in 1974 and Steel Guitar Hall Of Fame in 2012. Young orchestrated Poco’s 50th anniversary reunion in 2017 and released his solo debut album Waitin’ For The Sun on Blue Elan Records later that year.

“Rusty was the most unpretentious, caring and idyllic artist I have ever worked with, a natural life force that he consistently poured into his music,” says Rick Alter, Poco and Young’s manager of more than 20 years. “To fans and fellow musicians alike, he was a once-in-a-lifetime musician, songwriter, performer and friend.”

Young is survived by his beloved wife Mary, their daughter Sara, son Will, and 3 young grandsons Chandler, Ryan and Graham, as well as Mary’s 3 children Joe, Marci and Hallie and grandchildren Quentin and Emma.

A memorial service will be held October 16 at Wildwood Springs Lodge in Steelville, Missouri where Rusty and Mary met 20 years ago.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tim McGraw, Brian Kelley, Lanco, Kat & Alex

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Tim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein

Country’s big boys are strutting their stuff in today’s edition of DisClaimer.

And at what better time, with the ACM Awards set to air on Sunday night? So Luke Bryan, Lanco, Brian Kelley of FGL, Thomas Rhett and Jameson Rodgers are on tap with new songs. They are all bested by a superstar veteran, Tim McGraw, who nails down the Disc of the Day award.

This is a male-dominated stack of sounds, but there are three female voices worth your attention this week. One of them is the enduringly great Miranda Lambert, singing with Jack Ingram and Jon Randall and recorded in the great outdoors. Secondly, don’t miss the fiery Maggie Rose performance.

Third is our DisCovery Award winning duo Kat & Alex. Kat Luna sings lead on “Heartbreak Tour.” Partner Alex Garrido shines just a brightly on “You and the Radio.” Here’s a sweet touch: The eliminated American Idol alumni were married in January.

JAMESON RODGERS / “Good Dogs”
Writers: Jameson Rodgers/Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson; Producer: Chris Farren/Jake Mitchell; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
— For doggie lovers everywhere. It’s a raspy-voiced, slow meditation on life and mortality that concludes “good dogs don’t live long enough.”

THOMAS RHETT / “Country Again”
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Zach Crowell/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory Music Co.
— He went Hollywood, but now he’s back to drinking beer, hunting, fishing, wearing boots, going to church, loving his honey, sitting at a campfire and hanging out in Tennessee. Ho hum.

KARISSA ELLA / “Maybe It Was Memphis”
Writers: Michael James Anderson; Producer: Zach Farnum & Karissa Ella; Label: Orchard/117 Entertainment
— The acoustic production is admirable. But her vocal performance is sharp and pitch-y. It doesn’t help that she’s asking for comparison to a Pam Tillis oldie that was a dang-near perfect record the first time around.

KAT & ALEX / “Heartbreak Tour”
Writers: Alex Georgia/Kat Georgia; Producer: Brad Hill; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— They are billed as “Country-Latin disrupters,” whatever that means. All I know is that the sound is very cool. Their harmonies are stellar. The production is echoey-groovy. The chorus is one massive hook. Turn it up. I’m in. Also check out their super rhythmic and equally hooky “You and the Radio.”

MANNY BLU / “Train”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Ryan Beaver/JT Harding; Producer: Aaron Eshuis; Label: MB
— It’s a frothing rocker with loads of energy and sizzle. He’s asking for her love to “hit me like a train.” The rhythm section and electric guitar kick serious butt behind his youthful wail.

TIM McGRAW / “God Moves the Pen”
Writers: James Slater/Tony Lane; Producer: Byron Gallimore/Tim McGraw; Label: Big Machine Records
— Awesome. This man is a superstar for a reason. Is there anyone else in country music who chooses superb songs this consistently? This brisk tempo outing is a string of terrific lines about love and the act of writing. What a wonderfully satisfying country artist.

JACK INGRAM, MIRANDA LAMBERT, JON RANDALL / “Am I Right or Amarillo”
Writers: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Producer: Jack Ingram/Miranda Lambert/Jon Randall; Label: Vanner Records/RCA Records Label Nashville
— Acoustic bliss with outdoor trio harmonies. It’s a honky-tonk cheatin’ song dressed up like a folk tune. Lovely listening. The Marfa Tapes album by these three stellar tunesmiths drops on May 7.

LANCO / “First Beer”
Writers: Brandon Lancaster/Tripp Howell/Jaren Johnson; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Arista Nashville
— I fell in love with this right away. The nostalgic lyric is extremely well written, and the echoey, upbeat audio setting is perfect for the wistful mood. This act never disappoints.

BRIAN KELLEY / “Beach Cowboy”
Writers: Blake Redferrin/Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Producer: Brian Kelley/Corey Crowder/Jake Rose; Label: Nashville South Records Inc/Warner Music Nashville
— Mellow, like summer in the Southern sun. The repetitive song is slim pickin’s, but this outing is all about the groove. Get baked and lay back stoned.

LUKE BRYAN / “Waves”
Writers: Zach Crowell/Ryan Hurd/Chase McGill; Producer: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Highly evocative. It will bring back memories of every beach-spent summer of your youth while the swirling rhythm and anthemic production dazzle your brain today. Bryan’s vocal is one of the most passionate of his career.

CARL RAY / “I Can See Clearly Now”
Writers: Johnny Nash; Producer: none listed; Label: CRW
— Black country singer Carl Ray (Williams) was mentored by the late Johnny Nash, who gave him his start. Ray takes Nash’s million-selling 1972 reggae-tinged pop chart topper, adds his own lyric contributions and reinterprets the tempo to become a country rocker. Intriguing. And the message of hope is timeless.

MAGGIE ROSE / “What Are We Fighting For”
Writers: Alex Haddad/Larry Florman/Maggie Rose; Producer: Ben Tanner; Label: Starstruck
— I remain a massive fan of this blue-eyed soul stylist. This torrid, slow-burn performance is equal parts gospel emotion and blues ambiance. The woman should be some kinda superstar.

Brothers Osborne Announce Headlining Tour To Kick Off This Summer

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Brothers Osborne is returning to the road this summer on their recently announced headlining We’re Not For Everyone Tour, which launches in July.

The duo will hit almost 50 markets including New York, Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta and more beginning July 29 in Philadelphia and running through November 20. Travis Denning and Tenille Townes will serve as alternating opening acts on the dates.

Fans can purchase tickets beginning next Friday, April 23 at brothersosborne.com, and special fan club presale tickets will be available to “The Family” starting 10 a.m. local time on April 20.

Tomorrow (April 16), Brothers Osborne will release a new song titled “Younger Me” written by TJ Osborne in response to the overwhelming support he received after sharing his personal coming out story. The track was produced by both TJ and John Osborne, who will perform a special version as part of a special ACM Awards bonus performance by Brothers Osborne available on Xfinity’s YouTube channel.

Nominated for Duo of the Year and Album of the Year for their third studio album, Skeletons, Brothers Osborne will perform their new single “I’m Not For Everyone” as well as “Deadman’s Curve” as part of this weekend’s ACM Awards. John and TJ will also be featured on CBS Sunday Morning with correspondent Anthony Mason detailing their upbringing in the blue-collar town of Deale, Maryland and their journey to Nashville to pursue their musical ambitions. They also discuss John’s personal battle with mental health and TJ’s recent experience publicly revealing that he is gay.

We’re Not For Everyone Tour Dates:
July 29 – Philadelphia, PA @ Skyline Stage at the Mann
July 30 – Boston, MA @ Leader Bank Pavilion
July 31 – Westbrook, ME @ Main Savings Pavilion at Rock Row
August 1 – Providence, RI @ Bold Point Park
August 4 – Toledo, OH @ Toledo Zoom Amphitheater
August 5 – Maryland Heights, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park
August 14 – Council Bluffs, IA @ Stir Concert Cove – Harrah’s Council Bluffs***
August 15 – Dubuque, IA @ Q Casino Back Waters Stage***
August 19 – Asbury Park, NJ @ Stone Pony Summer Stage
August 20 – Bridgeport, CT @ Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater
August 21 – Farmingville, NY @ Long Island Community Hospital Amphitheater
August 26 – Charlotte, NC @ Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 27 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
September 2 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
September 3 – Indianpolis, IN @ TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
September 4 – Sterling Heights, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
September 9 – Cincinnati, OH @ the Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center
September 10 – Memphis, TN @ the Orpheum Theatre
September 16 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater
September 17 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP
September 18 – Oklahoma City, OK @ the Criterion
September 22 – Irving, TX @ the Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
September 23 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall – Lawn
September 24 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater**
September 25 – Helotes, TX @ Floore’s Country Store**
September 30 – Asheville, NC @ Rabbit Rabbit
October 1 – Atlanta, GA @ Fox Theatre
October 2 – Jacksonville, FL @ Daily’s Place
October 8 – Denver, CO @ Mission Ballroom
October 10 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre
October 12 – Los Angeles, CA @ Greek Theatre
October 13 – Santa Barbara, CA @ Santa Barbara Bowl
October 15 – San Diego, CA @ Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre at SDSU
October 16 – Sacramento, CA @ Memorial Auditorium
October 17 – San Francisco, CA @ the Masonic
October 20 – Portland, OR @ Veterans Memorial Coliseum
October 22 – Seattle, WA @ WaMu Theater
October 28 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre
October 29 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom*
October 30 – Albany, NY @ Palace Theatre*
November 11 – Kansas City, MO @ Arvest Bank Theatre at the Midland
November 13 – Chicago, IL @ Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
November 18 – Richmond, VA @ Altria Theater
November 19 – Washington, DC @ the Anthem
November 20 – Moon Township, PA @ UPMC Events Center

* Tenille Townes Only
**Travis Denning Only
*** Opener TBA

Omnivore Recordings Offering Vintage Vinyl From Buck Owens’ Vaults

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Fans can now purchase original, vintage Buck Owens and Bakersfield-related LPs and 45s direct from Buck’s very own vaults through an arrangement between Buck Owens Enterprises and Omnivore Recordings.

Over the years, the country music great collected a sizable number of his albums and singles for his own use, as well as quantities of releases by other artists in his stable. The unplayed records have been sitting untouched in Bakersfield since they were originally issued, and Omnivore is now adding the 45s and original, vintage records by Don Rich, Susan Raye, Buddy Alan, The Buckaroos, Bakersfield Brass and more. The never-before-played albums and singles date back to the height of  popularity of the Bakersfield sound in the ’60s and ’70s.

From limited edition bundles to single 45s, Omnivore will carry them only while supplies last. All records will go on sale today (April 15) and will only be available from omnivorerecordings.com/bakersfield-vintage-vinyl.

ACM Lifting Lives Announces ACM Awards Pre-Party For A Cause

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ACM Lifting Lives announced today (April 15) the official ACM Awards Pre-Party for a Cause, in partnership with Crown Royal and hosted by Buzz Brainard and Cassadee Pope will simulcast across the ACM official Facebook and YouTube pages on April 17 at 7 p.m. This event will directly support the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund and Packages From Home.

The 60-minute pre-taped livestream will feature performances by Pope, current ACM New Male Artist of the Year winner Jimmie Allen, as well as Lindsay Ell, Kameron Marlowe, Ian Munsick, Tyler Rich, Lily Rose, Mitchell Tenpenny, Tenille Townes and Lainey Wilson.

After the simulcast, the show will be available for playback for 24 hours leading up to the live broadcast of the 56th ACM Awards on Sunday, April 18 at 7 p.m. CST on CBS and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

Crown Royal will directly support ACM Lifting Lives by donating $20,000 on behalf of the participating artists. Additionally, throughout the pre-show, the hosts will encourage fans to pack a virtual bag by going to Crown Royal’s Pack A Bag webpage. Each virtual bag packed during the ACM Awards Pre-Party for a Cause broadcast will be donated to American heroes, with $1 donated to Packages From Home, up to $20,000.

“ACM Lifting Lives is proud to partner with Crown Royal to kick off the 56th ACM Awards with the official ACM Awards Pre-Party for a Cause,” says Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives Lyndsay Cruz. “We’re thrilled to continue to raise funds that will directly benefit our country music community in need. We are especially grateful to all participating talent for dedicating their time and helping to make this program happen, and to Crown for generously donating $20,000 to the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund on their behalf. We look forward to an exciting start to the ACM Awards!”

Since the original launch of the ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund, $3.5 million has been raised and distributed thanks to many sponsors and individuals. For more information about the Fund including corporate partnerships, how to donate or how to apply for relief, please visit ACMLiftingLives.org.