Tracy Lawrence Hosts Third Annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Golf Tournament

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Pictured (L-R): Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Damon Johnson, WME’s Greg Oswald, Jamey Johnson, Tracy Lawrence and Randy Houser. Photo: Jordan Smith

Tracy Lawrence held his third annual Mission:Possible Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament on Monday (May 8).

The tournament successfully raised over $390,000 to help build support and awareness for the homeless population in Middle Tennessee and beyond. Players tee’d off at Old Hickory Country Club for a fun-filled round of golf, the 2023 Mission:Possible Celebrity Shootout dedicated to the late Keith Gattis, and a fundraising auction hosted by Shawn Parr featuring performances from Lawrence, Hardy, Dan Tyminski, Tyler Farr, Brett James, Cole Taylor and Josh Mirenda.

“Starting Mission:Possible almost 20 years ago, I knew what we wanted to accomplish, but I never expected our work would gain the significant support that it has,” shares Lawrence. “The golf tournament continues to make me so proud. Seeing some of my closest friends come together for this cause is so special. As always, thank you to our amazing sponsors and to everyone who continues to come out for this fun day of golf and fundraising!”

Since its inception, Mission:Possible has raised over $2.5 million, which has helps to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand their ability to support causes that align with their mission. The star-studded event has featured appearances by some of the hottest names in country and the sports world, including Jake Owen, John Daly, Randy Houser, Mitchell Tenpenny, Ernest, Jamey Johnson and more.

The tournament also kicked off Lawrence’s Live at Billy Bob’s Texas album release week, which will be available everywhere this Friday, May 12. He plans to celebrate the album launch back at the legendary venue with a packed release day concert.

The Cadillac Three To Host & Headline CMA Fest Show

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Photo: CMA

The Cadillac Three will host and headline “The Cadillac Three & Friends,” during CMA Fest on June 9 at 7 p.m. at Ascend Amphitheater.

The one-night event at the open-air venue will also include performances by Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie Shane, Tenille Townes and special guests.

“We are so excited to be a part of CMA Fest this year by headlining Ascend Amphitheater with a handful of our favorite artists including Boy Named Banjo, Randy Rogers Band, Elvie and Tenille,” says the band. “Being born and raised in Nashville, we’ve been coming to CMA Fest since it was Fan Fair and it’s an honor to get to be a part of the party again. It’ll be a special show and we can’t wait to bring a little country fuzz to downtown Nashville on a Friday night!”

Tickets are required for entry and start at $15. The public sales begins May 12 at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.

Brand-new official CMA Fest merchandise, including an online exclusive Fan Fair throwback hat, are available for pre-order at Shop.CMAfest.com and through the official CMA Connect App. Many more items will be added on May 17. The last day to purchase online and receive in time for CMA Fest is May 24. Fans will also be able to purchase merchandise at multiple locations across the CMA Fest footprint in June.

Garth Brooks & Jelly Roll Set For First-Ever ‘Billboard Country Live’ In Nashville

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Billboard is hosting its first-ever Billboard Country Live inaugural conference featuring concerts and music industry panels June 6-7 in Nashville.

The first ever Billboard Country Live in Concert will take place at Marathon Music Works on June 6 with headliner Jelly Roll and Nate Smith to open. The inaugural Country Live in Conversation is set for the following day (June 7), a one-day ticketed conference for fans and industry insiders that kicks off with an intimate Q&A with Garth Brooks. The conference will also feature a number of sessions featuring country acts discussing issues in country music today.

Among the other artists taking part are Carly Pearce, Bailey Zimmerman, Brian Kelley, Lauren Alaina, Megan Moroney and Lady A’s Hillary Scott. 

“We’re thrilled to launch the first year of Billboard Country Live with acts that have something to say and sing about,” says Melinda Newman, Executive Editor of Billboard, West Coast and Nashville. “From Jelly Roll performing in a small setting to discussions with some of the biggest names in country, it’s our privilege to highlight the tremendous talent that thrives in Nashville with premier programming we hope will bring people back for years to come.”

The June 7 Billboard Country Live in Conversation will also feature a Q&A with Jelly Roll, as well as a Women of Country panel with Scott, Pearce, Lily Rose and Madeline Edwards. Zimmerman and Moroney will be joined on The Future of Country panel by Smith and Priscilla Block. With the CMA Fest kicking off June 8, a panel celebrating the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest will include artists who span the event’s half century including Kelley, Alaina, Terri Clark and Bill Anderson.

Billboard salutes the hottest show on TV with a look behind the music of Yellowstone with Dani Rose of Honey County, artist manager Brian Schwartz of 7s management and the show’s music supervisor Andrea von Foerster.

A songwriter-in-the round session will present Jessie Jo Dillon, Nicolle Galyon and Chase McGill playing their hits and telling the stories behind their creations. Additional names are still to be announced and programming is subject to change.

Both events will be presented in partnership with Carnival Cruise Line, and tickets are available for purchase on May 12 at 9 a.m. CT at live.billboard.com.

ACM Awards Week Rocks Texas, Tune In Tonight For Awards

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Pictured (L-R): ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, ACM New Female Artist of the Year Hailey Whitters and 2020 ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

The country music industry is celebrating all week down in Frisco, Texas in preparation for the 58th annual ACM Awards, which will air live tonight (May 11) at 7 p.m. CT on Prime Video.

In addition to rehearsals taking place throughout the week, public festivities kicked off on Tuesday (May 9) with the first day of the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star free fan festival, including a special opening ceremony with Frisco resident and RCA recording artist Corey Kent, Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside as well as local and state officials and representatives of the Dallas Cowboys.

Pictured (L-R): Brendon Anthony, Director, Texas Music Office; Corey Kent, RCA recording artist, ACM Country Kickoff performer, and Frisco, TX resident; Jeff Cheney, Mayor, Frisco, TX; Chuck Aly, Chair, ACM Board of Directors; Damon Whiteside, CEO, ACM; and Chad Estis, EVP Business Operations, Dallas Cowboys and Legends. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

Other country artists who performed at The Star were exciting up-and-coming artists Kent, Ashley Cooke, Randall King, Erin Kinsey, Chase Matthew, Ian Munsick, Neon Union and Frank Ray.

On Tuesday night (May 9), Gabby Barrett revealed some early winners at the Live From the ACMs: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration. The ACM New Male Artist of the Year was awarded to Zach Bryan, and ACM New Female Artist of the Year was presented to Hailey Whitters. Whitters performed for the crowd after accepting her award and will also take the stage at Ford Center tonight to perform live at the 58th ACM Awards, marking her win.

Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, The Bluebird Cafe General Manager Erika Wollam Nichols, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley and Hunter Phelps. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

On Wednesday (May 10), fans gathered at the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star stage were treated to performances from ACM New Male Artist of the Year nominees Dylan Scott and Nate Smith; ACM New Female Artist of the Year nominee Caitlyn Smith; ACM Music Event of the Year nominee MacKenzie Porter, who surprised the crowd with a special appearance by her chart-topping duet partner Dustin Lynch; as well as Chayce Beckham, Chapel Hart, Hannah Ellis, Tiera Kennedy, Catie Offerman, Josh Ross and MaRynn Taylor.

Elsewhere, The Bluebird Cafe and NSAI brought four of the ACM Songwriter of the Year nominees together to the brand-new Omni PGA Frisco Hotel for an intimate celebration.

Hosted by beloved actor and singer-songwriter Charles Esten (Nashville, Outer Banks), the brunch featured Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Chase McGill and Hunter Phelps performing some of their top hits for an enthusiastic crowd. After the show, Esten surprised Gorley with his first ACM Award for ACM Songwriter of the Year.

Pictured (L-R): BBR Music Group’s Lainey Wilson and Big Loud’s Hardy with their ACM Awards for ACM Visual Media of the Year. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

ACM Radio Award winners for the 58th ACM Awards were celebrated at Frisco’s Monarch Stag Cocktail Bar, just blocks away from the ACM Country Kickoff at The Star, toasting their well-deserved recognition and the vitality of country radio.

Later on, Bailey Zimmerman, Ernest, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean and Hardy performed at Frisco’s Topgolf The Colony for the ACM Lifting Lives Live benefit concert. At sunset, Gorley surprised Hardy with the ACM Award for Artist-Songwriter of the Year.

After the show was over, Hardy and Wilson were surprised by SiriusXM The Highway’s Storme Warren with the news that they had won the award for ACM Visual Media of the Year for their “Wait In The Truck” music video.

Tune in to the 58th ACM Awards tonight on Prime Video.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Janson, Dolly & Slash Come Together For A ‘Sensational Collaboration’

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Sunday is Mother’s Day, and country music has its soundtrack.

Dalton Dover, Ernest, Veronique Medrano, Rebecca Lynn Howard and Honey County are all releasing singles that relate to this holiday. For her Tex-Mex entry, Veronique Medrano wins the DisCovery Award. I don’t understand Spanish, but she comes through loud and clear anyhow.

There are some pretty amazing performances in this week’s column. Luke Combs and the Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith duet are both essential listening experiences. So is the extraordinary “21 Forever” by Chris Janson, Dolly Parton and Slash. It wins the Disc of the Day.

HONEY COUNTY / “Got It From My Mama”
Writers: Kalie Shorr/Dani Rose/Maks Gabriel/Hillary Reynolds/Sofie Lynn ; Producers: Maks Gabriel/John Spiker; Label: Honey County
– This manages the tricky feat of being trippy and danceable while also having heart and meaning. The swirling beats are charming, and the sentiment is poignant. Happy Mother’s Day, y’all.

SHY CARTER & CAITLYN SMITH / “How Did You Sleep”
Writers: Blake Anthony Carter/Caitlyn Smith/Bryan Simpson; Producers: Shy Carter/Caitlyn Smith; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– These two sound great together. Her soprano harmony voice is flawless, and he invests every note of his vocal with emotion. The lyric of bitter reproach is penetrating, and their duet delivery has you hanging on every line. I’m into this one.

LUKE BRYAN / “But I Got a Beer in My Hand”
Writers: Chase McGill/Matt Dragstrem/Geoff Warburton; Producers: Jeff Stevens/Jody Stevens; Label: Capitol Records
– This lively bopper is produced with rousing oomph. He should be broken hearted, but instead he’s in party-hearty mode. Sounds like summer energy.

REBECCA LYNN HOWARD / “I Am My Mother”
Writers: Rebecca Lynn Howard/Jamie Floyd/Rachel Thibodeau/Carolyn Dawn Johnson; Producer: Rebecca Lynn Howard; Label: Rebecca Lynn Howard
– I have always loved this artist. Her Mother’s Day sentiment is a heart tugger, as is attested by such celeb endorsers as Lee Brice, Patty Loveless, Ricky Skaggs and Charlie Worsham.

CHRIS JANSON, DOLLY PARTON & SLASH / “21 Forever”
Writers: Chris Janson/Tommy Cecil/Tom Douglas; Producers: Julian Raymond/Chris Janson/Scott Borchetta; Label: BMLG Records
– Yes, it’s a sensational collaboration. But the song is so awesome and powerful that it doesn’t need any guest stars at all. That said, Janson turns in the finest vocal of his career to date, and I’ll go to my grave loving Dolly. Hang on for the extended, breath-taking Slash guitar solo at the coda. A magnificent recording.

VERONIQUE MEDRANO / “Que Hueva!”
Writers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Producers: Veronique Michelle Medrano/Mariano Herrera; Label: Veronique Medrano
– This bi-lingual Tejano artist takes an aggressive feminist stance here, speaking out forcefully for self-determination and pro-choice and against our government’s war on women. The zippy, accordion-accented Mexicali track sounds happy, but she means business as a badass woman. Apparently, there’s an uncensored version coming, but I don’t speak Spanish, never mind understanding its cuss words. In this release timed for Mother’s Day, Medrano reminds us, “Ser una mujer es todo una guerra (Being a woman is constantly having to go to battle).” A joyous, Latina rallying cry.

LUKE COMBS / “Fast Car”
Writer: Tracy Chapman; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– Tracy Chapman won a 1988 Grammy with this timeless tune. Combs sets his usual belting-vocal style aside to give the song the folkie spin it needs. In doing so, he brings out the lyric’s blue-collar power. It’s one more reason why this guy deserves his superstardom.

DALTON DOVER / “I Wouldn’t Be Here”
Writers: Dalton Dover/Russell Sutton/Dan Isabell; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Beautifully done. This is a heartfelt ode to the mother who loved him, believed in him, supported him and held him. “I am the man I am because you cared/And I wouldn’t be here, if you hadn’t been there.” It’s lump-in-throat time, folks. Partly because Dover, as always, is a brilliant country singer.

JASON ALDEAN / “Tough Crowd”
Writers: Kurt Allison/Marv Green/Tully Kennedy/Kelley Lovelace/Neil Thrasher; Partner: Michael Knox; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Lotsa volume and electric guitars here. Amid the noise, he sings of the throngs who pack his shows every night.

ERNEST / “Takes After You”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Thompson; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– This Mother’s Day gift is a wish that his son will have the attributes of his mom, rather than the singer’s own imperfections. Very loving.

CODY BELEW / “Charlene”
Writer: Cody Belew; Producer: Dustin Ransom; Label: Visionary
– This forcefully sung, gospel-flavored ballad was written as a response to a woman who told him he couldn’t go to Heaven because he was gay. Belew is an outspoken member of country music’s LGBTQ community and wrote a Tennessean op ed last Sunday about religion being used as a weapon of intolerance.

WMG Corp. Q2 Results: Streaming Revenue Grows Despite Challenged Economic Environment

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Warner Music Group Corp. announced its second-quarter financial results for the period ended March 31, 2023.

The results show that revenue was up 1.7 percent(or 4.6 percent in constant currency), but revenue growth was unfavorably impacted by foreign currency exchange rates, which is consistent with the prior quarter. Digital revenue increased 1.2 percent (or 3.7 percent in constant currency) and streaming revenue increased 1.9 percent (or 4.5 percent in constant currency) primarily driven by growth in Music Publishing streaming revenue of 16.4 percent (or 18.3 percent in constant currency).

Recorded Music streaming revenue decreased by 0.4 percent (or increased by 2.2 percent in constant currency) as a result of a lighter release schedule and the impact of exchange rates as well as a market-related slowdown in ad-supported revenue. Recorded Music licensing revenue and Music Publishing performance and mechanical revenue all had double-digit growth.

Recorded Music physical revenue decreased on an as-reported basis but increased in constant currency. Recorded Music artist services and expanded-rights revenue and Music Publishing synchronization revenue were lower on an as-reported basis and in constant currency.

“With continued momentum in music publishing, and a more robust schedule that includes the return of worldwide superstars and new artists breaking globally, we are optimistic about the second half of the year,” says Robert Kyncl, CEO, Warner Music Group. “As the music ecosystem continues to morph, and the use cases multiply, it only increases conviction in our tech-enabled strategy. In a highly proactive, fiscally responsible way, we’re investing in the artists, songwriters, team and technology that will deliver continued growth and long-term success.”

“While macroeconomic, currency and release slate headwinds continued to impact our revenue this quarter, our fiscal discipline enabled us to deliver solid Adjusted OIBDA growth and margin expansion,” adds Eric Levin, CFO, Warner Music Group. “As we look to the future, we’ll combine A&R and marketing excellence with tech innovation to achieve greater efficiency, scale, and growth.”

See the full report here.

Financial Highlights:
– Underlying Growth in Recorded Music Streaming Revenue Despite a Challenged Macroeconomic Environment
– Continued Momentum in Music Publishing Drives Double-Digit Revenue Growth
– Adjusted OIBDA Growth and Margin Improvement Underpinned by Financial Discipline
– Cost Savings to be Reinvested in Tech-Focused Initiatives and Expertise to Drive Long-Term Growth

For the three months ended March 31, 2023:
– Total revenue increased two percent or five percent in constant currency
– Digital revenue increased one percent or four percent in constant currency
– Net income was $37 million versus $92 million in the prior-year quarter
– OIBDA decreased 19 percent to $207 million versus $255 million in the prior-year quarter or 16 percent in constant currency
– Adjusted OIBDA increased four percent to $286 million versus $274 million in the prior-year quarter or eight percent in constant currency
– Cash from operating activities decreased 114 percent to a use of six million dollars versus a source of $44 million in the prior-year quarter

Ryan Wesley Smith Joins TRIBL Records As A&R Exec. In Joint Venture Deal

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Ryan Wesley Smith

Big Future Music Group President and CEO Ryan Wesley Smith is joining Christian label TRIBL Records as A&R Executive in a new joint venture deal.

Smith moved to Nashville in 2014 to pursue a career in the music business. He’s since been part of the marketing and development of dozens of artists and their albums, which have collectively amassed over 100 million streams in consumption. Smith has remained busy serving artists and teams throughout the industry including artists Chris Tomlin, TobyMac, I Am They, Matthew West, For King & Country, teams at Awakening Events and Story House Collective, and labels Capitol Records and Curb|Word Entertainment, among others.

“This marks an exciting new chapter for TRIBL as we announce our new partnership,” says TRIBL Records CEO, Leonard Brooks. “Through this joint venture, we will be combining our respective strengths and expertise to create a powerful synergy that will drive innovation and growth in our industry. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with Ryan and look forward to the great things we will accomplish together.”

“It is really exciting to join forces with TRIBL Records in this new role, in addition to the launch of a joint venture with Big Future,” says Smith. “I believe this partnership will be fuel for continued growth and allow us to see new heights together. Onward!”

TRIBL Records is home to Grammy-winning Maverick City Music, JJ Hairston, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, Brandon Lake, Maverick City Musica, Travis Greene, Forward City Music, Tim Bowman, Todd Galberth, Housefires, and more.

LoCash & CountryLine Team Up For New Radio Show Across The Pond

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LoCash‘s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas are launching One Big Country Show, a new international radio show with CountryLine, on May 17.

Airing on CountryLine Radio in the U.K., Brust and Lucas will bring Nashville to London on the new show while sharing a wealth of unforgettable stories from their 15 years together. Along with their reflections on their own songs and their creation as well as memories of songs that resonate with them and the artists who wrote them, LoCash will curate a selection of music reflecting their unique perspective.

The show will provide the duo with an additional platform to spread their message of positivity and love with fans around the world, encouraging listeners to see the good in themselves, others and their own lives, a message Brust and Lucas try to embody in their music and daily life. One Big Country Show was named after LoCash’s Gold No. 1 “One Big Country Song,” released in 2019.

“We’re so pumped to be able to take our world across the pond and welcome more fans to our country family,” shares Lucas.

Brust adds, “‘Ain’t the whole wide world just one big country song’ is more than just a lyric to us, so we’re bringing our ‘One Big Country Show’ to all four corners of the world!”

The show will air Wednesday evenings from 7-8 p.m. BST and 1-2 p.m. CT . Fans wanting to tune in can catch the duo on the air through the summer on DAB radio in London, online at CountryLine.radio, on the CountryLine Radio and CountryLine TV apps as well as the Tunein radio app.

LoCash is also currently on the road supporting Kane Brown‘s “Drunk or Dreaming Tour.” They are also gearing up for summer with their latest song, “Three Favorite Colors,” a patriotic anthem celebrating all things USA.

Ashley Gorley, Hardy & Lainey Wilson Score Early ACM Award Wins

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Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hardy and Lainey Wilson

More winners have been announced ahead of the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards, which will air live tonight (May 11) across over 240 countries and territories exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch at at 7 p.m. ET/6 p.m. CT/4 p.m. PT from Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas.

The winners of the Songwriter of the Year, Artist-Songwriter of the Year and Visual Media of the Year categories were unveiled last night (May 10) via social media.

This year, the ACM Songwriter of the Year category was split into Songwriter of the Year and Artist-Songwriter of the Year, and Video of the Year was expanded into Visual Media of the Year to include additional formats of visual content.

Ashley Gorley earned Songwriter of the Year, taking home his first win in the ACM category. Artist and actor Charles Esten surprised Gorley with the news and presented him with the golden award during an interview at the first-ever Songs and Stories event, presented by The Bluebird Cafe and Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI).

Hardy, the most nominated artist at this year’s ACM Awards, was named Artist-Songwriter of the Year. He and Lainey Wilson also scored Visual Media of the Year for the music video accompanying their No. 1 duet “Wait In The Truck.”

The Erv Woolsey Company Signs Tyler Halverson

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Pictured (L-R): Allen Mitchell, Tyler Halverson, Erv Woolsey and Clint Woolsey. Photo: Felicity Tidwell

The Erv Woolsey Company has signed country singer-songwriter Tyler Halverson to its client roster.

Halverson has garnered more than 20 million streams in less than two years, leading him to develop a loyal fanbase and support from fellow artists such as Kylie Frey, Muscadine Bloodline and Parker McCollum.

It was his duet with Frey, “Your Bar Now,” that initially caught the attention of veteran Nashville music manager Erv Woolsey.

“Tyler has a unique sound and perspective on storytelling that I really appreciate,” shares Woolsey, Owner of The Erv Woolsey Company. “I’m excited for what the future holds for this young man and the opportunity to work with him.”

“Tyler Halverson is a kind soul but a fierce music man,” adds Allen Mitchell, VP, New Artist Management at The Erv Woolsey Company. “His craft for songwriting and entertaining sets a standard that I’m fortunate to represent.”

The South Dakota native is known for telling a different kind of cowboy story through his self-described “Amerijuana Music.” He recently released his major label debut “Her” via Atlantic Records. Delivered with grungy acoustic guitars, rustling harmonica alongside Halverson’s vocals, the track sets the tone for more new music coming this summer.

He also recently toured with Muscadine Bloodline, and is set to launch the first leg of dates with Frey as part of their co-headlined “Your Bar Now Tour” soon. Additionally, Halverson will serve as support for McCollum on a string of arena dates later this year.