Crook & Chase Celebrate 40-Year Anniversary With Special Programming

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Lorianne Crook & Charlie Chase

Award-winning TV personalities Lorianne Crook and Charlie Chase are celebrating four decades together this month with some special anniversary programming across the Premiere Networks / iHeart Media platforms.

The duo, who kicked off their on-air career together on Sept. 23, 1983, is honoring Nashville’s past, present, and future with curated, special editions of the The Crook & Chase Countdown. A broad array of artists are featured within the anniversary broadcasts including Taylor Swift, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton and many more.

“George Jones became a lifelong friend, and what he told me the first time we met continues to ring true,” says Crook, who serves as President and Executive Producer for Jim Owens Entertainment. “George stated emphatically ‘Darlin, country music isn’t a fad. Ain’t ever gonna be’. Jones realized that artists will test different sounds and trends, but the heart and soul of Country Music, and the love between the artists and fans, will never waver. What a privilege it is for Charlie and me to serve as a conduit in that sacred connection.”

“We owe our success to the country music fans and the incredible artists who have given us access to their lives for the past four decades,” says Chase, who also serves as the show’s Executive Producer. “Lorianne and I never take for granted the trusted relationship both the artist community and the audience give us. We look forward to many more years of bringing the music, the conversations, and a lot of fun to listeners all over the world.”

Each week from their Music Row studios, the duo delivers their Top 30 Crook & Chase radio show, airing across 150+ radio stations, as well as their iHeart streaming channel Crook & Chase Countdown and their iHeart podcast, Crook & Chase: Nashville Chats.

Dolly Parton Announces ‘Rockstar’ Partnerships With ESPN & UT Vols

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Dolly Parton has partnered with ESPN and University of Tennessee ahead of her Rockstar album release on Nov. 17.

ESPN’s Monday Night Football will also feature music from Rockstar during select weeks this season. The collaboration began in week 3 of the schedule (Sept. 25) with “Night Moves,” featuring Chris Stapleton, and then continues in week 6 (Oct. 16) with “Heartbreaker” featuring Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo.

Following the album’s Nov. 17 release, Rockstar’s “Magic Man,” featuring Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Leese, and the album’s title track “Rockstar,” with special guest Richie Sambora, will be heard in select Monday Night Football games the remainder of the year.

“I am excited for ESPN to spotlight songs from my new Rockstar album,” says Parton. “When I decided to do a full-blown rock album after they put me in the Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame, I thought it would be fun to call the album Rockstar. The athletes who give their all everyday are most definitely rock stars, and I love that these songs will be a small part of celebrating their achievements.”

Parton has also collaborated with The University of Tennessee Athletics Department for an exclusive Vols edition the much-anticipated album. The 2-CD set, available for pre-order now, will include a live version of Parton’s “Rocky Top.”

In a deal facilitated by IMG, leading game day apparel company LivyLu launched a co-branded merchandise collection with Parton and the UT Vols. The collection will be available via regional retail locations and online platforms.

“My East Tennessee roots run deep, and I am so proud to be partnering with the Vols on a line of merchandise,” says Parton. “I’ve performed ‘Rocky Top’ so many times live in my concerts through the years, and I know how much that song means to Vols fans. I am thrilled to have the chance to include my version of the song on a special edition of my new Rockstar album as part of this partnership.”

Parton has a long association with the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. In 2009, she delivered the commencement speech to the graduating class, where she was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane and musical letters. In both 2011 and 2014, Parton brought her world tours to the campus arena.

Lillian Hepler Signs With The Hard Working Record Company

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Photo: Courtesy of The Hard Working Record Company

Pop singer-songwriter Lillian Hepler has signed with The Hard Working Record Company.

Hepler is the second artist signed to The Hard Working Record Company, which launched in May as a Nashville-based, pop-focused imprint from the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) and Hard 8 Working Group (H8WG). Her debut single for the label, “Call Me Yours,” is set to arrive on Oct. 20.

Born and raised in Utah, the Los Angeles-based artist knew she wanted to be a singer at a young age. She began uploading covers at 13 and writing original songs at 15, accumulating millions of streams with singles like “Nightmare” and “Easy” and garnering over two million followers on TikTok. Hepler’s new single, “Call Me Yours,” is a song about choosing self-worth over a lukewarm love, and her forthcoming new material is written in a stream-of-consciousness style, as if the tracks were lifted straight from her diary.

“Simply stated, Lillian has all the right stuff,” explains Scott Borchetta, BMLG President/CEO/Founder. “She’s an incredibly talented singer and songwriter with a massive online following who uniquely connects with her peer group.”

“Lillian is an absolutely gifted songwriter, singer and performer,” adds Dirk Hemsath, H8WG’s Co-CEO & Co-Founder. “She’s the kind of artist that gives you chills when she sings, not just because her voice is so stunning, but because the words and melodies that she delivers with that voice are equally impactful. I’m honored to be expanding our relationship, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear what she’s been creating.”

“I’m so grateful to Scott and Big Machine for giving me the opportunity to work alongside them in building this next chapter of my career,” Hepler states. “I’m super excited to be with a team that shares my anticipation of what the future holds and supports me and my vision.”

Madame Tussauds Nashville Welcomes New Kacey Musgraves Wax Figure

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Kacey Musgraves with her wax figure at Madame Tussauds Nashville

Kacey Musgraves has a unveiled her new wax figure at Madame Tussauds Nashville.

Mirroring her outfit from the 2019 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Musgraves’ figure is dressed in a white lace jumpsuit and styled with a nose stud, gold rings, hoop earrings and heels. In an interactive experience, guests can perform a duet with Musgraves’ figure as they sing along to her most popular songs from her albums Same Trailer Different Park (2013), Pageant Material (2015), Golden Hour (2018) and Star-Crossed (2021).

The new figure took approximately six months to create by a team of 20 London-based artists. Madame Tussauds studio artists worked closely with Musgraves and her team of makeup artists and hairstylists to capture her exact measurements, hair color, eye color, skin tone and complexion.

“What an honor, I never even knew I wanted this to be a bucket list moment. You all did an amazing job,” expressed Musgraves to the Madame Tussauds team.

“As a country music icon, there is no better artist we’d like to welcome to the Madame Tussauds Nashville family than Kacey Musgraves,” says Monica Jackson, Marketing Manager, Madame Tussauds. “She is one of country music’s most beloved stars and we’re honored for guests to welcome and sing with her at our attraction.”

Madame Tussauds Nashville is celebrating the new figure at a special reveal VIP party tonight (Sept. 28) from 4-7 p.m., and fans can come check it out starting tomorrow (Sept. 29).

‘People’s Choice Country Awards’ Announces Presenters

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NBC and Peacock have revealed a superstar lineup of presenters for the first-ever People’s Choice County Awards which will air Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. CT. Wynonna will receive the Country Champion Award, presented by Brothers Osborne. As previously announced, Blake Shelton will present the Country Icon Award to Toby Keith.

Additional presenters including Adam Doleac, Carly Pearce, Chris Young, Dustin Lynch, Gabby Barrett, Hunter Hayes, Jessie James Decker, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Kristin Cavallari, Lady A, Lauren Alaina, Leanne Morgan, Mickey Guyton, Nikki Garcia, Scotty McCreery and The War And Treaty will take the Grand Ole Opry House stage throughout the night to honor country music’s biggest stars.

The inaugural show will also feature exciting performances from Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Keith and Wynonna.

Hosted by Little Big Town, the People’s Choice Country Awards will air on NBC and Peacock and will extend across platforms with Backstage Live: People’s Choice Country Awards bringing red carpet arrivals, backstage chats and everything behind-the-scenes to fans at home.

People’s Choice Country Awards is produced by Den of Thieves. Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager, Barb Bialkowski and RAC Clark will serve as Executive Producers, with Clark working as Showrunner as well.

These projects are an example of collaboration resulting from NBCUniversal’s equity investment in Opry Entertainment Group alongside Atairos, which was finalized last year.

Warner Chappell Signs David Ray Stevens & Philip Mosley

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Pictured (L-R): BJ Hill (WCM), David Ray Stevens, Philip Mosley, Jeremy Brook (Attorney), Alexa Morris (WCM)

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with writing and artist development partners, David Ray Stevens and Philip Mosley.

As a co-writer on his No. 1 hits “Son of a Sinner” and “Dead Man Walking,” Stevens works closely with Jelly Roll. He is a Nashville native has written multiple chart-topping songs including Jelly Roll’s “Bottle and Mary Jane” and “Save Me” with Lainey Wilson, which is nominated for Collaboration of the Year at tonight’s People’s Country Music Awards.

Working simultaneously from Nashville and Texas, Mosley is a songwriter and producer who has collaborated with a variety of artists including Chris Colston, Kolby Cooper, Blacktop Mojo and Dylan Wheeler.

BJ Hill, VP of A&R at Warner Chappell Music Nashville, shares, “D-Ray and Phil are incredible talents on their own, but together they are an unstoppable team. We’re looking forward to working on a lot of inspiring and successful projects with them.”

Luke Bryan Wraps 14th Successful ‘Farm Tour’

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Pictured (L-R): Chayce Beckham, Dallas Davidson, Luke Bryan, Kameron Marlowe, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip and DJ Rock. Photo: Eder Acevedo

Luke Bryan wrapped his 14th annual “Farm Tour” last weekend, playing the final show Friday night (Sept. 22) after Saturday’s concert was cancelled due to inclement weather and concern for fans’ safety.

Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, The Peach Pickers and DJ Rock were this year’s special guests on the annual tour, which sets up stages in the fields of local farmers to bring the show to small towns across the country.

Thousands of fans have attended the tour each year since its inception in 2009, and Bryan continues to give back to the farmers by awarding college scholarships to students from farming families who are attending local colleges or universities near the tour stops. To date, 83 college scholarships have been granted.

Through a partnership that began in 2015, Bayer serves as Presenting Sponsor of the tour and teamed up with Bryan for their annual “Here’s To The Farmer” initiative benefitting Feeding America. The campaign celebrates America’s hard-working farmers who help to provide people in the U.S. and around the world access to critical health and nutrition, and encourages fans to share #HeresToTheFarmer on their social media channels now through Nov. 30. In support, Bayer will help provide one million meals to people experiencing hunger through the Feeding America network of food banks. With this year’s contribution, more than seven million meals have been donated since the inception of the partnership.

New this year, #HeresToTheFarmer is a part of Bayer’s larger “Take Care, Now” campaign, which brings together Bayer, Kroger and Bryan to remind rural America to “Take Care, Now,” and helps alleviate care deserts or areas significantly impacted by both food insecurity and limited access to healthcare.

Additionally, Bryan joined “Farm Tour” sponsor Fendt in creating the Luke Bryan’s Boldly Grown Peanuts, a limited-edition packaged snack. When the limited supply sold-out, Fendt donated $50,000 to the National FFA Organization, the youth organization that prepares members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. Bryan also rewarded fans who made the donation possible with a fourth “surprise” flavor, Backroads Bourbon.

Two More Willie Nelson Catalog Classics Get The Vinyl Treatment

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Willie Nelson. Photo: by Pamela Springsteen

Two additional Willie Nelson titles are being released on vinyl from the legend’s UMG catalog: 2001’s Rainbow Connection and It Always Will Be, in celebration of Nelson’s 90th birthday celebration this year.

Nelson’s classic children’s album Rainbow Connection will be released on vinyl for the first time ever on Nov. 10, and It Always Will Be, previously released as a double LP in 2004, will be reissued on vinyl as a single LP.

Both records will be available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as a special limited edition color variant, with Rainbow Connection on 140-gram translucent orange vinyl and It Always Will Be on translucent ruby vinyl.

The stripped-back 1996 album Spirit will bow on Oct. 20, just ahead of the American icon’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3. The Great Divide and Milk Cow Blues join Rainbow Connection in making their vinyl debuts while Teatro and Spirit return to vinyl due to popular demand, after being available in limited capacity but now long out-of-print.

All albums are available on 180-gram black vinyl in addition to a limited edition color variant on 140-gram vinyl, exclusively available at uDiscover Music and WillieNelson.com. The Great Divide and Spirit have been pressed on clear vinyl while Teatro and Milk Cow Blues are on translucent red vinyl and orange vinyl, respectively.

Josh Thompson Extends Publishing Deal With MV2 Entertainment

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Pictured (L-R): MV2 Entertainment’s Tony Harrell, Josh Thompson, MV2 Entertainment’s Ben Strain and Nicole Sherrill. Photo: Lindsey Parrish

Josh Thompson has extended his exclusive publishing deal with MV2 Entertainment.

Arriving in Music City in 2005, Thompson is a ​​two-time CMA Triple Play recipient and Billboard top 10 country writer. He has penned multiple No.1s, achieved three top 10 hits and collaborated with numerous artists including Jordan Davis, Luke Combs and more. Thompson’s list of hits includes “Any Ol’ Barstool” by Jason Aldean, “I’ll Name The Dogs” by Blake Shelton, “One Margarita” by Luke Bryan, “Wasted On You” by Morgan Wallen, “Stars Like Confetti” by Dustin Lynch, which is currently in the top 10 on the charts, and “Angels (Don’t Always Have Wings)” by Thomas Rhett, which recently went No. 1, among others.

“Josh Thompson’s songwriting is a force to be reckoned with,” expresses Tony Harrell, General Manager, MV2 Entertainment. “His ability to capture raw emotion and translate it into captivating melodies is truly exceptional. We’re excited to continue this musical journey together and look forward to the incredible music that lies ahead.”

“Josh’s presence is a testament to the power of authenticity in art,” says Ben Strain, Senior Creative Director, MV2 Entertainment. “His lyrics don’t just narrate stories; they paint the human experience with depth that goes beyond notes and chords.”

“The journey with MV2 has been a new source of inspiration not only for the songwriting but the importance of enjoying the people you’re surrounded by,” shares Thompson. “I genuinely look forward to continuing this partnership.”

Chris Tomlin Celebrates Unprecedented Career Milestone Of Chart-Topper ‘Holy Forever’

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Pictured (L-R): Anthony Piedmonte, Piedmonte & Co., Hudson Plachy, Co-President Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG), Brad O’Donnell, Co-President (CCMG), Chris Tomlin, David Sylvester, SVP of Operations (CCMG), Kenny Rodgers, VP of National Promotion (CCMG), Makayla Symmonds, Piedmonte & Co.. Photo: Scott Parker

Chris Tomlin celebrated a monumental benchmark with industry members, family and friends recently as his six-week No. 1 “Holy Forever” marked the achievement of holding the top position on a radio chart for over three years, totaling 157+ weeks.

The celebration of the worship leader, songwriter and artist took an unexpected turn as Tomlin himself presented a plaque to his label Capitol Christian Music Group for the unprecedented historical accomplishment. During the celebration the Grammy-winner was also presented with four new Gold and Platinum RIAA certifications.

“I have had the great honor of receiving many awards and accolades, commemorating different achievements throughout my career… but today is different,” shared Tomlin. “As we sit here celebrating this remarkable milestone it is not lost on me that to have this kind of longevity and impact is directly attributed to a long term partnership with the same record label, Capitol Christian Music Group. So while today was intended to celebrate 21 No. 1 songs … I wanted to take the moment and put the spotlight on this 20+ year partnership with Capitol, the entire team, and each person who has made all this possible.”

Prior to “Holy Forever” hitting the radio charts, there was an undeniable movement as worship leaders across the country discovered the song and began adding it to their church services. That attention, and the remarkable run at radio, has triggered a global response to the song, which was written by Tomlin, Jenn Johnson and Brian Johnson of Bethel Music, Phil Wickham and Jason Ingram. Off the continued success, Tomlin partnered with Miel San Marcos to release a Spanish version of the song, out now, and this Friday, a Portuguese adaptation will be available as well as Tomlin teams up with Gabriel Guedes de Almeida.