Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood Celebrate Chart-Topper ‘I’m Gonna Love You’

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, RED Creative Group’s Kaileen Smith, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard, BMI’s Leslie Roberts and Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak. (L-R, front row): Trent Willmon (Producer), Kelly Archer (BMI), Cody Johnson (BMI), Carrie Underwood (BMI), Travis Denning (BMI), Chris Stevens (BMI) and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI

Cody Johnson and Carrie Underwood gathered friends and industry professionals in the BMI lobby on Thursday (Aug. 21) to celebrate the success of their No. 1 single, “I’m Gonna Love You.”

The song was penned by Kelly Archer, Travis Denning and Chris Stevens, and was produced by Trent Willmon. The duet was the lead single from Johnson’s Leather Deluxe Edition album and serves as his fourth consecutive No. 1 hit and marks Underwood’s 29th career chart-topper.

Emceed by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, various industry leaders took the microphone to speak of each writer producer and artist, including Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, RED Creative Group’s Kaileen Smith, Anthem Entertainment’s Gilles Godard and Capitol CMG Publishing’s Katie Barolak.

Many of these people spoke of the song’s journey of finding success nine years after it was originally written, expressing gratitude to the writers and team members who continued to champion the song during the years it went unrecorded.

Studio Bank sponsored the event, with Ron Cox presenting a special donation in honor of the writers to Johnson’s Different Day Foundation, which provides resources to women recovering and healing from prostitution, trafficking and addiction.

“This song has done absolutely everything a songwriter dreams of,” shared Archer. “You get to write it with people you consider friends, it gets recorded by two absolute icons in the vocal game and it gets produced by someone who took very obvious care of the song.”

Stevens thanked his team, his wife who came with him to Nashville two decades ago to chase a dream and his children who were there to share the moment. He recalled first hearing the song completed and noted that he has always believed in it.

Denning took a moment to reflect on his journey to get to this point in his career. “I basically have only ever cared truly in my heart about this. I’ve been playing guitar since I was 11. I just wanted to get to Nashville and write songs. I wanted to go write with people I looked up to—my heroes—and I’ve done that. I’ve had cuts by artists I look up to and have listened to for so long. I just wanted to feel part of it, and things like this make me feel that way.”

“I’m just humbled and honored,” shared Willmon. “To make a great record you have to have a great song.” He continued on to share the story of recording the song live with both artists, noting the challenge of doing so but how their talent made the performance come together seamlessly.

“I feel like [the story of this song’s journey] is just a testament to ‘Gods got it,’” shared Underwood. “Theres so many things that are unsure about the music business. … No matter what happens, God knows what he’s doing. I feel very blessed and honored today to have played a small part in [the songwriters’] journeys and the song’s journey.”

Johnson took the microphone to share how important it was to him to have Underwood featured on the song. “God does work in mysterious ways. I think each person on the stage is proof that if you give it to Him and let Him work his timeline, not your timeline, thats how monumental things like this happen… To every single person in this room, thank you from the bottom of my heart for believing not only in me, but believing in this song.”

Billy Currington Slates New Album ‘King Of The World’ For October

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Billy Currington will release a new album King Of The World this fall on Oct. 24 via MCA. Alongside the album announcement, he’s unveiled a new single “One Thing I Ain’t Been” today (Aug. 22) on all platforms.

Produced by Carson Chamberlain, the 10-track project is Currington’s seventh studio album and Currington co-wrote multiple tracks on the album alongside Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Corey Crowder, Johnny Clawson, Ben Hayslip and more.

Currington has already released two singles from the project, including “One Thing I Ain’t Been” and “King Of The World,” which dropped last month. The hitmaker, who has had 12 No. 1s, including the four-times Platinum hit “People Are Crazy” and the four-times Platinum “Must Be Doin’ Something Right,” plus the double-Platinum “Do I Make You Wanna,” is embracing his coastal roots on the new album on standout tunes like “Run For My Whiskey,” “Burnin’ The Midnight Gasoline” and “Bourbon Sunset.”

Fans will get a preview of some of the new tracks on Currington’s remaining tour stops which run through Sept. 27.

King Of The World Track List:
1. “King Of The World” (Troy Jones)
2. “Run For My Whiskey” (Thomas Archer, Corey Crowder, Ben Hayslip)
3. “Old School” (Billy Currington, Scotty Emerick, Dean Dillon)
4. “Burnin’ The Midnight Gasoline” (Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick, Jeff Hyde)
5. “One Thing I Ain’t Been” (Johnny Clawson, Chase McDaniel, Steve Moakler)
6. “Georgia in Alabama” (Paul Overstreet, Shane Stevens)
7. “Anchor Man” (Scotty Emerick, Paul Overstreet)
8. “Bourbon Sunset” (Billy Currington, Dean Dillon, Scotty Emerick)
9. “Southern Star” (Brent Cobb, Adam Hood)
10. “Solid Gold” (Dean Pitchford, Michael Miller)

MusicRow Weekly (News, Charts, More…)

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This week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major moves, milestone achievements and exciting developments across Nashville’s music industry. From executive appointments to artist accolades, here’s a closer look at what’s making headlines. Click here to see the full edition.

Stephanie Wright is returning to familiar territory, rejoining MCA Nashville as EVP/Head of A&R. In this role, Wright will not only lead the A&R team in talent scouting, but also steer the label’s broader creative direction and artist development strategies.

Over at Big Loud Records, several key personnel changes signal a strategic growth phase for the label’s marketing division. Effective immediately, the company has promoted Brianne Deslippe to SVP of Marketing, Amy Beard to VP of Marketing, and Morgan Sweat to VP of Creative Services. Joining Big Loud’s team are newly appointed department heads Corey Brewer (VP of Media & PR), Jen Danielson (VP of Streaming) and Alex Henderson (VP of Global Marketing).

In the digital music space, Amazon Music has announced pivotal promotions within its country division. Michelle Tigard Kammerer has been elevated to Global Head of Country Music, while Emily Cohen Belote steps into the role of Global Lead for Country Music Programming.

Leadership Music has named its new executive team for the 2025-26 term. Neal Spielberg of Spielberg Entertainment has been elected President of the Board, with Diane Pearson of City National Bank set to serve as President-Elect. Other officers include Past President Scott Gerow, Treasurer Steve Eggart, and Secretary Brad Bissell. The Executive Committee also welcomes Catherine Moore, Andrew Kautz, Manuel Delgado, Jackie Patillo, and Rondal Richardson. In addition, six new board members have been appointed.

Country superstar Jason Aldean has been honored by SoundExchange with the prestigious Hall of Fame Award, recognizing his place among the most-streamed artists in the platform’s history. The award coincides with Aldean’s 30th career No. 1 single.

In publishing news, chart-topping songwriter Jimi Bell has renewed his deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Worktape Music, solidifying a continued partnership. Meanwhile, award-winning songwriter Michael White has inked a new publishing agreement with Major Bob Music.

On the booking side, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Matthew West has joined The Neal Agency for representation.

Warner Music Nashville is undergoing a strategic restructuring of its radio department. The new framework introduces two specialized teams—Team WMN and Team WAR—supported by a centralized radio executive group. Among the leadership updates, Andy Flick has been promoted to Senior Director, Syndication and Market Strategy, while Paige Elliott has been named National Director of Radio for Team WMN.

Emerging artist Atlus has signed with BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Finally, RED Creative Group has welcomed Kaileen Smith as its new Director of A&R.

This week’s edition also features a conversation with Big Loud’s Sara Knabe.

In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Scotty McCreery and Hootie & the Blowfish maintain the No. 1 spot with “Bottle Rockets.” Explore more chart data here.

The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.

Jelly Roll Marks Over $500K Raised For ACM Lifting Lives This Year

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Jelly Roll accepts the ACM Lifting Lives Award May 6, 2025 at Billy Bob’s Texas during ACM Awards week. Photo: Courtesy of Academy of Country Music

ACM Lifting Lives honored Jelly Roll with the ACM Lifting Lives Award during the 18th ACM Honors on Wednesday (Aug. 20). Over in Europe on tour with Post Malone, Jelly Roll sent in an acceptance video, during which he revealed he will be matching donations made during the show up to $100,000 in support of ACM Lifting Lives.

After the pledge, the room collected a total of $137,000 in donations, including support from Troy Vollhoffer, Riley Green and Kerri Edwards, among others. With the collection, Jelly Roll kept his word, adding his match to the nights grand total of $237,000. With Wednesday’s funds, this marks over $500,000 in donations sparked from Jelly Roll to the organization, and also the largest single-night live fundraiser for ACM Lifting Lives during ACM Honors.

Earlier this year, he raised over $300,000 through the second annual ACM Lifting Lives fundraising concert at Billy Bob’s Texas during ACM Awards week.

“Jelly Roll’s remarkable generosity to ACM Lifting Lives – and his philanthropic work as a whole – exemplifies the very spirit of this award,” says Taylor Wolf, Director, ACM Lifting Lives. “His dedication to using his platform to uplift and inspire others speaks volumes about his character and the meaningful impact he continues to make. It is especially fitting that he chose to turn a moment celebrating his own generosity into an opportunity to rally even more support and help raise record-setting funds.”

In addition to those who contributed towards Jelly Roll’s match, Gibson Gives also donated several Gibson guitars for future fundraising. All donations help fund the vital work of the organization and initiatives that use the healing connection of music to support those in need, from disaster relief efforts to music therapy programs.

The ACM Lifting Lives Award is presented to a Country Music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a spirit of generosity and is committed to serving others.

Tyler Braden Announces 2026 Headline Tour

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Tyler Braden. Photo: Marisa Taylor

Tyler Braden will kick off the new year with his headlining “Devil and a Prayer Tour,” launching Jan. 29 in Minneapolis, and is set to visit 11 markets.

The tour is named after his debut album, devil and a prayer, released in May via Warner Music Nashville. Braden will make stops in Milwaukee, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Lexington, Charlotte, Atlanta, Boston and more through Feb. 21. Tickets for the trek are on sale now via TylerBraden.com.

The Alabama-bred singer-songwriter has accumulated over 915 million global streams to date and averages more than 10 million streams a week. Tracks like “Devil You Know” and “God & Guns N’ Roses” from devil and a prayer have already made waves, and Braden will join Darius Rucker this fall in Canada.

“devil and a prayer TOUR” Dates:
January 29 — Minneapolis, MN — Fine Line
January 30 — Milwaukee, WI — The Rave/Eagles Club – The Rave II
January 31 — Indianapolis, IN — 8 Seconds Saloon
February 6 — Saint Louis, MO — Ballpark Village: Hot Country Nights
February 7 — Lincoln, NE — The Bourbon Theatre
February 13 — Lexington, KY — Manchester Music Hall
February 14 — Charlotte, NC — Neighborhood Theatre
February 15 — Atlanta, GA — Terminal West
February 19 — Boston, MA — Brighton Music Hall
February 20 — New York, NY — Bowery Ballroom
February 21 — Warrendale, PA — Jergel’s Rhythm Grille

Lady A Capture The Joy Of The Season On New Holiday Album

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Lady A is offering fans another helping of holiday fun with On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2), due out Sept. 26.

“We’re really excited about being on the road in December for our first Christmas tour,” shares Lady A’s Dave Haywood. “And that definitely calls for some new music too. This album is filled with so much joy and gratitude—I hope it reaches fans this season the way we feel it ourselves.”

Featuring a cozy country mix of 11 tracks, the new collection marks the first full holiday album from the group in 13 years. Produced by Nathan Chapman, Sam Ellis and Dann Huff, the trio deck the halls with glee, adding a spark of fresh energy to Christmastime favorites and shimmering originals. Kicking off with the original “Wouldn’t Be Christmas,” standards such as “Winter Wonderland” take their place alongside the lush loneliness of George Michael’s “Last Christmas” and the jazzy “What Christmas Means To Me” bounding with anticipation toward another snow-blanketed season.

A cover of “Wonderful Christmastime” mixes Paul McCartney’s genius with orchestral power, while “Little Saint Nick” lets the band indulge in Beach Boys-style harmony, and “That Spirit Of Christmas” captures the soothing comfort of togetherness. And the band’s rootsy original “Christmas Through Your Eyes” celebrates the special memories dear to any parent. Ricky Skaggs collaborates on the original “Why We Sing Noel” and Chris Tomlin lends his voice on “Silent Night,” while “O Holy Night” rings with hallowed harmony.

Lady A will spread the spirit of the season on their first-ever Christmas tour beginning Dec. 5 in Atlanta, the “This Winter’s Night Tour,” which will include 12 days of Christmas music, joy and magic across the U.S. including a three-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

On This Winter’s Night (Volume 2) Track List:
1. “Wouldn’t Be Christmas”
2. “Winter Wonderland”
3. “Last Christmas”
4. “Little Saint Nick”
5. “Why We Sing Noel (Feat. Ricky Skaggs)”
6. “O Holy Night”
7. “Wonderful Christmastime”
8. “What Christmas Means To Me”
9. “Christmas Through Your Eyes”
10. “That Spirit Of Christmas”
11. “Silent Night (Feat. Chris Tomlin)”

Walker Hayes To Embark On Acoustic Tour This Fall

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Walker Hayes. Photo: Emma Delevante

Walker Hayes will embark on his “Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour” this fall. Shane McAnally and Harper Grace will join as support on select dates.

The 18-date run will make stops in Minnesota, Indiana, North Carolina and more. Tickets are available now.

Ahead of the Unplugged tour, Hayes will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on August 29.

Hayes released his 17 track record 17 Problems today via RCA Records. The project explores themes of childhood missteps, coming-of-age lessons, the weight of raising kids, grieving a parent, holding tight to faith and more. Hayes co-wrote every track alongside McAnally, Nicolle Galyon and Lori McKenna, among others.

“This album is very reflective,” shares Hayes. “I think you can tell I’m in the middle of losing my dad and raising kids. I’m at that corner of the road in life when you’re looking back on your childhood – you can see it as clear as you ever have – but you’re looking down the barrel of raising kids and keeping your family together. Accidentally, that is a common thread. The songs have this ‘in retrospect’ feeling, and then also, ‘what does the future look like? How do I do this?’”

“Walker Hayes: Unplugged Tour” Dates:
Fri, October 17th – Duluth, MN – Duluth Entertainment Convention Center – Symphony Hall *
Sat, October 18th – Mankato, MN – Mayo Clinic Health System Event Center – Grand Hall *
Sun, October 19th – Sioux City, IA – Orpheum Theatre – Sioux City *
Thurs, October 23rd – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theatre at Old National Centre *
Fri, October 24th – Midland, MI – Midland Center for the Arts – Auditorium *
Sat, October 25th – Warren, OH – Packard Music Hall *
Wed, October 29th – Toledo, OH – Stranahan Theater *
Thurs, October 30th – Columbus, OH – Mershon Auditorium *
Thurs, November 6th – Paducah, KY – The Luther F. Carson Center for the Performing Arts ^
Fri, November 7th – Shipshewana, IN – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center ^
Sat, November 8th – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre (The Louisville Palace) ^
Wed, November 12th – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 14th – Charlotte, NC – Ovens Auditorium ^
Sat, November 15th – North Charleston, SC – North Charleston Performing Arts Center ^
Sun, November 16th – Sandy Springs, GA – Byers Theatre ^
Thurs, November 20th – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts Center ^
Fri, November 21 – New Brunswick, NJ – State Theatre New Jersey ^
Sat, November 22nd – Lowell, MA – Lowell Memorial Auditorium ^

^Shane McAnally
*Harper Grace

Julia Cole Inks With Broke Records & Neon Coast

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Martha Earls (Owner, Neon Coast), Bryan Bernstein (A&R, broke) , Nathaniel Kosko (Marketing Director, broke), Armin Sadeghzadeh (Operations Director, broke), Tiger Greene (Tour Manager) and Jess Tomlins (Management, Neon Coast). (L-R, bottom row): Brandon De Oliveira (Founder, COO, broke), Julia Cole and Andre Benz (Founder, CEO, broke).

Julia Cole has signed a global recording deal with broke Records, the independent label founded by Andre Benz and Brandon DeOliveira under Create Music Group. With over 600 million global streams and 2.5 million followers across platforms, the Texas-born singer-songwriter becomes the label’s first country signing.

Cole has also signed with Nashville-based music management and entertainment company Neon Coast under the leadership of Martha Earls and Jess Tomlins, joining a roster that includes Kane Brown, Restless Road, Dylan Schneider, Kat Luna and Nightly.

“My journey as an independent artist is the reason I feel so close to the millions of #Coleteam fans who stream my music,” says Cole. “They are my WHY. I’m motivated by every message I get from a #Coleteam sister telling me my music helped her heal and not feel alone. I know my music can impact even more people with a strong team, which is why I’m so proud to be partnering with broke Records and Neon Coast, the perfect blend of Nashville teamwork and coastal creativity.”

Cole has built her career entirely independently thus far. Her latest single, “Day Late & A Buck Short,” has amassed 200 Million views on social media, 52 Million on demand streams and is in rotation on SiriusXM The Highway. It has been featured on flagship playlists including Spotify’s Hot Country, Apple Music’s Today’s Country and Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country. Cole has toured globally in over 10 countries, and is gearing up for Australia dates. Her new single “Hunting Boots” is out today (Aug. 22).

“When we first met Julia, I immediately knew we’d end up working together,” shares Benz. “Her independent ability to execute her career at every intersection, combined with the ambition to dive into the ‘impossible’ with no fear, represents everything we do at broke and words cannot describe how excited we are to now partner with her as our first break-through Country artists.”

“Julia embodies the modern artist: exceptionally talented, driven and deeply connected to her fans,” adds Earls. “What she has built independently is remarkable and we are eager to support her in this next stage of her career.”

BMI Nashville Hosts First-Ever R&B No. 1 Party For Kevin Ross’ ‘Love in the Middle’

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Claude Kelly (BMI), Kevin Ross (BMI), Chuck Harmony (BMI), Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart and BMG’s Chris Oglesby. Photo: Aubrey Wise for BMI

Kevin Ross celebrated his four-week R&B chart-topper “Love In The Middle” at a BMI No. 1 party at the organization’s Nashville headquarters on Tuesday evening (Aug. 19).

The party was the first-ever R&B No. 1 party held at BMI Nashville and lauded the hit track, which was co-written and co-produced by Ross and hitmaker duo Louis York, (Grammy-nominated songwriters Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony). The 10-week, top five track on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay Chart serves as Ross’s first No. 1 hit as an independent artist.

Hosted by BMI’s Shannon Sanders, Ross was reunited with his co-writers at the celebration and each shared grateful remarks to the Nashville music community for championing this moment. Sponsored by Studio Bank, Kari Barnhart made a special donation presentation on behalf of Ross, Kelly and Harmony in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Old Dominion Preview New Album With ‘Ridiculously Hooky’ Tune

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I hope you’re in a contemplative mood, because it looks like this is a country-ballad day here at DISClaimer.

Phil Vassar, Bernie Leadon, Preston Cooper and Ty Myers set the tone. Aaron Nunez, Romeo Vaughn, Ketch Secor, Priscilla Block and Asleep at the Wheel are somewhere in the middle with mid-tempo offerings.

Bucking the trend is our Disc of the Day, a wildly catchy, bopping tune from Old Dominion. Our DISCovery Award goes to the day’s finest honky-tonkin’ country rocker, “Hit By a Good Time” by Addis Luv.

ADIREN NUNEZ / “Wild”
Writers: Adrien Nunez/Mike Robinson/Nevin Sastry/Peter Fenn; Producers: Mike Robinson, Peter Fenn; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
– Cool, anthem-like production with a full sound and mass chanting. Chugging beneath is an acoustic, strummy rhythm and rising above is his earnest tenor pondering his crazy personality. Impressive and different.

PRISCILLA BLOCK / “Couldn’t Care Less”
Writers: Alex Maxwell/Cole Taylor/Priscilla Block/Trannie Anderson; Producer: David Garcia; Label: MCA
– She pretends she is carefree, but she’s fragile and insecure inside. Block sings expressively, and the lyric is nicely crafted. I remain a huge fan.

TY MYERS / “Through a Screen”
Writer: Ty Myers; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: RECORDS Nashville/Columbia 
– Here’s a young person’s view of romance today. Their relationship seems to occur exclusively online. He’s in love with her, and they’ve never met because the relationship is only “through a screen” of a phone. The ballad is produced with piano and orchestral backing.

PHIL VASSAR / “What It Means”
Writers: Dean Sams/Marty Dodson/Phil Vassar; Producer: Dean Sams; Label: PV
– Vassar had a near-death experience that transformed his outlook. When he came back to life, he had a lot of questions about mortality and existence. He has no answers. He only knows that from now on, he will live life to the fullest. The startling ballad’s production emphasizes his soulful singing and piano chops.

PRESTON COOPER / “Weak”
Writers: Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Lance Miller/Preston Cooper; Producer: Brett Warren; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– Cooper is a 22-year-old former mailman from Ohio. He’s also a helluva singer whose gritty wailing anchors this stately blues-ballad outing. This will wake you from slumbering through Music City’s dull parade of male country sound-alikes.

LYLE LOVETT & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “Long Tall Texan”
Writer: Henry Strzelecki; Producers: Ray Benson, Sam Seifert; Label: Bismeaux Records
– Very amusing. Ray Benson plants tongue in cheek to deliver the cliche-packed Lone Star State lyric while Lyle Lovett provides a Greek chorus of commentary. A delightful disc. The new Wheel album, Riding High in Texas, drops tomorrow (Aug. 22)

RAELYNN / “Long Live Country Music”
Writers: Aaron Gillespie/Lauren Hungate/Racheal Lynn Davis; Producers: Aaron Gillespie, RaeLynn; Label: The Valory Music Co.
– This is a sprightly boot stomper that celebrates hard livin’ honky tonkin.’ Shout outs to Cash, Dolly and Jones sprinkle the lyric.

ROMEO VAUGHN / “Big Dreams From a Small Town”
Writers: Brandon Hartt/Romeo Vaughn; Producer: Ryan Rossebbo; Label: RV
– “I wanna be somewhere between Skynyrd and Willie,” he sings. The narrative song is an autobiography of his journey to making it in music. Electronic finger snaps, chiming guitars and an airy atmosphere are the production’s hallmarks. The video is due on Aug. 26, and it will reportedly flesh out some of the details of this Mexican-American’s story. He is a recovering alcoholic military veteran who was homeless until the Nashville nonprofit Matthew 25 gave him a second chance at life.

BERNIE LEADON / “Too Many Memories”
Writer: Bernie Leadon; Producer: Glyn Johns; Label: Straight Wire Records
– Leadon is a founding member of The Eagles and a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It has been 21 years since this Nashvillian has released a solo album. Its single is a deliberately paced ballad of nostalgia. The video intercuts footage and stills of his days as an Eagle with a contemporary view of him playing in a simple studio setting. Leadon will be showcasing the rest of his new music during the Americana convention next month.

ADDIS LUV / “Hit By a Good Time”
Writers: Jim Brown/Terri Jo Box; Producer: none listed; Label: Angel Eyes Music
– Way cool. He can’t remember anything about last night, but his money’s all gone and he vaguely remembers an overtime Titans game and a mysterious woman whose name escapes him. It’s a snappy country rocker played and sung with enormous verve and heart. The singer is from Trinidad, but he “gets” country music. Big Time. Loved it so much I played it on repeat.

KETCH SECOR & MOLLY TUTTLE / “What Nashville Was”
Writers: Jody Stevens/Ketch Secor; Producers: Jody Stevens, Ketch Secor; Label: KS
– Old Crow Medicine Show frontman and “Wagon Wheel” co-writer Secor adopts a Woody Guthrie spoken/sung style on this meditation about the passage of time and the dramatic changes that have occurred in Music City. The track samples Dylan & Cash singing “Girl From the North Country,” particularly the line, “She once was a true love of mine.” Tuttle harmonizes on the sung choruses and carries the hook into the fade. This is wonderfully done, his best single to date. With its vintage footage, the video is cool, too. Secor will be the new host of the beloved PBS-TV series Tennessee Crossroads beginning next month.

OLD DOMINION / “Late Great Heartbreak”
Writers: Josh Osborne/Matthew Ramsey/Shane McAnally/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Columbia Nashville
– The much-awarded band’s much-anticipated new album, Barbara, drops tomorrow (Aug. 22). I expect it will be filled with wall-to-wall great songs, as usual. That’s certainly the case of its ridiculously hooky new single. It’s tuneful and bopping and utterly charming.