Jackson Dean Celebrates First No. 1 Song ‘Don’t Come Lookin’’

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Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Jackson Dean, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Luke Dick, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones and Little Louder Music’s Arturo Buenahora. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Industry members, friends and family gathered this week to celebrate country breakout Jackson Dean‘s first No. 1 song, “Don’t Come Lookin’.” Dean co-wrote the track alongside hit songwriter Luke Dick, who also produced it.

“Don’t Come Lookin'” was Dean’s first single for Big Machine Records. In addition to being his debut onto the country radio airwaves, the single made history by becoming the fastest debut to reach No. 1 on Country Aircheck’s chart for the year. The feat made 22-year-old-Dean the youngest male in not just Aircheck, but Radio & Records’ history to top the charts with their very first single.

The celebration for “Don’t Come Lookin'” was held in the lobby of BMI on Music Row. BMI Nashville Head Clay Bradley presided.

“Today we bring the music business together to celebrate one of the most elusive accomplishments in the beginning of a songwriting career—a No. 1 song,” Bradley said. “No. 1 records are hard to achieve. It takes a real team effort.”

After calling out Dean’s closest team members—Big Machine Label Group, TKO Artist Management and Little Louder Music—Bradley welcomed publisher Arturo Buenahora to the stage to speak.

Buenahora, who represents both writers, said a few words about his long relationship with Dick, having known him since he was writing “frog songs.” The publisher also told a bit of the story behind his introduction to Dean, saying that WME Co-Head Jay Williams introduced the two.

After meeting Dean and his parents, the young songwriter could count himself amongst the small but mighty roster at Little Louder. Buenahora—who also connected Dean to his manager TK Kimbrell—says that once labels in town caught a whiff of Dean, they were all interested.

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Luke Dick,
Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Jackson Dean and Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“We had an offer from every label in town and Allison Jones won the prize. She was in early and she was in heavy,” Buenahora shared. “We made the decision to go with Big Machine because they really take care of radio. As a publisher, I don’t care for the streaming. I need to eat.”

That earned a big laugh from the industry members in the crowd. Buenahora then introduced Little Louder’s Jefferson Brown to say a few words, as “Don’t Come Lookin'” marked one of Brown’s first times seeing a No. 1 hit through.

“Jackson is a young man but an old soul. When talent like his is matched by his work ethic, the sky is the limit,” Brown shared.

Big Machine Label Group Founder, President & CEO, Scott Borchetta, spoke about Dean and his well-regarded team. He also mentioned that “Don’t Come Lookin'” marked an astounding 248 No. 1 singles celebrated throughout his career.

“But this one is as exciting as ever,” he said. “I hope all of you get a chance to know [Dean]. The more I get to know him, the more I want to know about him.”

Borchetta let Dean know that his single had been certified Gold. “You look good in gold, my friend,” Borchetta said.

Before turning it over to the co-writers, Bradley let the crowd know that BMI has now partnered with Studio Bank on No. 1 parties to come. Ron Cox, Studio Bank’s Co-Founder, presented a donation on behalf of Dean and Dick to Music Health Alliance.

When Dick got up to speak, he told the story about how Dean came into his orbit via a connection made by Little Louder. Instantly recognizing that Dean had something special, the two began to write.

“You feel something around people energetically. I don’t say yes to everything unless I feel something,” Dick shared. “I’m so proud to be here on the first No. 1 with Jackson and to have been a part of it, to have written with him and to be on this creative journey together.

“He’s humble. He’s there to work and to dig. He’s there to be an artist. I hope we have a million of these things because it’s such a ride and I’m proud to be on it with you,” he summed.

When Dean spoke, he thanked all of his team members, calling them out by name.

Pictured (L-R): MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson, Jackson Dean and Luke Dick. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“It takes a village so it meant a lot to soak in the moment with everybody who helped make this dream a reality,” Dean shared. “This is only the beginning, there is a lot more music to make and stones to turn over.”

Before the celebration, MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson presented Dean and Dick with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins for “Don’t Come Lookin'” reaching the top of the MusicRow radio chart. Country Aircheck‘s Lon Helton and RIAA’s Jackie Jones were also in attendance to present Dean with more tokens of success. BMI presented Dean with a Taylor Guitar and Dick with their token mint julep cup—which Dick later nicknamed “the chalice of success.”

Dean will perform as part of the New Faces of Country Music class of 2023 showcase at CRS in March.

Luke Laird, Lori McKenna & Barry Dean Team For ‘The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1’

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Songwriters Luke Laird, Lori McKenna and Barry Dean are releasing an all-new collection of their works, together and apart. The album, titled The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1, will release March 3 via CN Records.

A simple idea that started as a group text thread between the three writers blossomed into a three-volume project. Each volume includes brand new recordings of three hits, and one tune that has yet to see the light of day. Choosing the four songs for each of the songwriters to sing was a collaborative process for the trio, and the result is a timeless anthology of career-defining songs from as far back as 2004 and as recent as 2020.

Laird, McKenna and Dean have shared a track from Vol. 1 early, “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools.” The song was originally made popular by Tim McGraw on his 2014 album Sundown Heaven Town, and was penned by Dean and Laird alongside Jonathan Singleton, and spent time on the Billboard Hot 100 while simultaneously reaching the top 10 of the country airplay chart.

Written over the course of a mere forty minutes, Dean and Laird demoed the song the following week just to hear Singleton’s voice on the track, but then rumors started flying around that George Strait might cut “Diamond Rings,” though they turned out to be only rumors.

“We assumed that might be the end for this song, then Tim McGraw made it his,” remembers Dean. “It was nominated for a Grammy and remains a song that people bring up all the time. I think it might be because there is nothing better than country music when you’re trying to make peace with moving on.”

The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1 Track List:
“Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” performed by Barry Dean (recorded by Tim McGraw, 2014)
(Barry Dean, Luke Laird, Jonathan Singleton)
“Humble & Kind” performed by Lori McKenna (recorded by Tim McGraw, 2015)
(Lori McKenna)
“American Kids” performed by Luke Laird (recorded by Kenny Chesney, 2014)
(Luke Laird, Rodney Clawson, Shane McAnally)
“Settling In” performed by Lori McKenna
(Lori McKenna, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)

Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark Release First Music Preview From ‘Shucked’

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Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Shucked, Broadway’s new homegrown musical comedy, has released the music video for “Maybe Love” as the first preview of music from the upcoming show at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City.

Written and performed by the comedy’s composers Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally, the video also includes rehearsal footage of the Shucked cast ahead of the musical’s first preview on March 8, before its opening night on April 4.

The show is an audacious farm-to-fable musical about the one thing Americans everywhere can’t get enough of: corn. The new production demonstrates that sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life.

“I remember the day that we wrote ‘Maybe Love’ and the way we stumbled into that hook ‘maybe love just needs a little love,'” says Clark. “I think what I love about this song is that it transcends the show for me and is a great reminder that we need to not only give each other more love, but also give love a little love. We can sometimes hate love for breaking our hearts, etc., but I think if we give love a little more love, it has a chance to grow and change our hearts.”

Shucked features an ensemble of Jimmy Brewer, Audrey Cardwell, Dwayne Clark, Rheaume Crenshaw, Jaygee Macapugay, Scott Stangland, Yasmeen Sulieman and Quinn VanAntwerp. The swings include Miki Abraham, Ken Clark, Traci Elaine Lee and Alan Wiggins. The choreography is done by Sarah O’Gleby, and the music supervision, music direction, orchestrations and arrangements are conducted by Tony Award nominee Jason Howland.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Ashley McBryde & Brothers Osborne Stun With ‘Play Ball’

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Ashley McBryde and John Osborne. Photo: Katie Kauss

As we roll toward springtime, country music’s artists are putting their best feet forward.

Perhaps no one more so that Grammy winner Ashley McBryde. Her co-written “Play Ball” provides an outstanding platform for the talents of Brothers Osborne. Which is the Disc of the Day.

Newcomer Brandon Davis rides into town as this week’s DisCovery Award winner.

BRANDON DAVIS / “Fell For You”
Writers: Brandon Davis/Brandon Sammons; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– A poignant heartache honky-tonker that’s country, country, country, all the way. Very promising.

BROTHERS OSBORNE & ASHLEY McBRYDE / “Play Ball”
Writers: Ashley McBryde/Brandy Clark/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Ratiere; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner
– If there was an award for Country Concert of the Year, I’d be polishing a statuette for Ashley McBryde. Her “Welcome to Lindeville” all-star gathering at the Ryman last week was the most wildly entertaining and meaningful country event of our era. I have already told you about her extraordinary album’s “Bonfire at Tina’s,” “Gospel Night at the Strip Club” and “Brenda Put Your Bra On,” all of which were stunning in live performance. One thing the concert revealed was how important is the album’s producer, John Osborne. He and his brilliant vocalist brother T.J. turned this exquisite song into an an epic small-town poem about the groundskeeper at Dennis Linde Field. In a word, awesome.

MACKENZIE CARPENTER / “Jesus I’m Jealous”
Writers: Mackenzie Carpenter/Steve Moakler; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Valory
– Carpenter is a CMT Next Women of Country participant this year. This lilting outing finds her watching young lovers from her barstool and feeling pangs of envy. Loneliness hurts.

THE WAR & TREATY / “Ain’t No Harmin’ Me”
Writers: Michael Trotter Jr.,Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury
– Moody and bluesy and altogether hypnotizing, the new single by this extraordinary act is a rapturous swirl of soul. They introduced it on the Opry and, as usual, brought down the house.

DALTON DOVER / “Giving Up on That”
Writers: Dalton Dover/Adam Craig/John Pierce; Producer: Matthew McVaney; Label: Mercury
– I have been in this country youngster’s corner from the get-go and couldn’t be more pleased that he is getting a major-label shot. This power ballad of regret and yearning gives him a super showcase for his dynamic, whisper-to-a-scream vocal ability. A solid winner. Make this man a star.

OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN & DOLLY PARTON / “Jolene”
Writers: Dolly Parton; Producer: Dane Bryant; Label: Green Hill
– The last recording and video that Olivia did prior to her passing last August was a duet with her longtime buddy Dolly. The result is a terrific interplay of voices fronting a kick-butt rhythm track. I love the way Dolly improvises as the choruses repeat. It will become part of an Olivia duets album in May, and the late singer will be celebrated via a live-streamed “global memorial service” from Melbourne on Sunday (Feb. 26). As for Dolly, she has a gospel duet coming next month with the legendary Dionne Warwick and is also part of an all-star collaboration titled “Gonna Be You” with Cyndi Lauper, Gloria Estefan, Debbie Harry and Belinda Carlisle.

NEON UNION / “‘Bout Damn Time”
Writers: Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Hunter Phelps, Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Red Street
– Comprised of Leo Brooks and Andrew Millsaps, this plus-sized, Black-white duo was put together by Jimmie Allen after he saw each of the members performing separately. Neon Union’s disc debut is a raise-em-up, beer-drinking, party-hearty, rousing country rocker about getting back to our hillbilly roots. I’ll drink to that.

TENILLE TOWNES & BRYAN ADAMS / “The Thing That Wrecks You”
Writers: Bryan Adams/Daniel Tashian/Kate York/Tenille Townes; Producers: Tenille Townes/Jaxon Hargrove; Label: Sony
– Adams’ hoarse raspy whisper contrasts beautifully with Townes’ assured, penetrating soprano delivery on this dramatic pile driver. The throbbing track and the Canadian stars’ audio charisma make this an essential listening experience. Absolutely play this.

KYLIE MORGAN / “Don’t Stay Gone Too Long”
Writers: Jason Massey, Kylie Morgan, Nelly Joy; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: EMI
– Sweet and plaintive, it begins with a youngster leaving home for the first time, segues into a lament about lovers separating, then a deathbed farewell to a beloved grandma. Achingly innocent-sounding and lovely.

BAILEY ZIMMERMAN / “Rock and a Hard Place”
Writers: Heath Warren/Jacob Hackworth/Jet Black; Producer: Austin Shawn; Label: Warner/Elektra
– Currently opening for Morgan Wallen on tour, this new country streaming sensation seems to blast one single after another into the top-10. This searing ballad is no exception. Sung with burning conviction.

LILY ROSE / “Truth Is”
Writers: Lily Rose/Stephen Carey/Ian Christian/Matt Morrisey; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– It’s easier to swallow a slug of booze than it is to face the fact that the relationship is dead as a doornail. A classic heartache honky-tonk message given a kicking, driving, rhythm-saturated production. Not to mention her always-dynamic voice.

IAN MUNSICK / “River Run”
Writers: Jeremy Spillman/Ryan Beaver/Ian Munsick; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jeremy Spillman; Label: Warner
– Instantly gripping. The banjo-and-fiddle embellished, groove-soaked track pulls you in from its opening notes. Munsick’s piercing, country-boy tenor vocal carries the rushing, frothing emotions of lost love forward with immense personality. A very cool sonic experience.

Bobby Bones Hosts Star-Studded 6th Annual Million Dollar Benefit Show

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Bobby Bones during the 6th annual Million Dollar Show. Photo: Reid Yarberry

Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots celebrated a sold-out 6th annual Million Dollar Show at the Ryman Auditorium last night (Feb. 22), raising over $200,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

In addition to performances from Bones & The Raging Idiots, the show featured Parker McCollum, Randy Houser, Deana Carter, Michelle Branch, The Wreckers, Madeline Edwards and Dave’s Highway. Fans were also treated to surprise appearances from Dierks Bentley, Creed’s Scott Stapp, Lady A’s Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood, Morgan Evans and Jake Owen.

Addie Pratt performing with Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood at the 6th annual Million Dollar Show. Photo: Reid Yarberry

Highlights from the show included the touching moment when Kelley and Haywood were joined by a special guest, Addie Pratt, a country music fan and former St. Jude patient. With the Lady A members backing her on stage, Pratt sang “The Woman That I Am,” an original song she wrote alongside the two and producer Nathan Chapman.

Towards the end, Bones was also surprised with an award presented by Owen and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to recognize his avid support of the organization. Since 2014, Bones and The Bobby Bones Show have raised over $22 million for the cause. Additionally, the all-star event was recorded for an upcoming broadcast on Circle Network and iHeartRadio, with dates to be announced soon.

Bones is now gearing up to guest host The Rich Eisen Show next week, and recently served as co-host of this year’s Live from E!: Grammys red carpet alongside Laverne Cox.

Ernest Performs At Country Music Hall Of Fame’s Troubadour Kickoff Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Ben Hall, Zach Farnum, Ernest and Patrick Thomas. (L-R, front row): Katherine Smith, Katie Cline Moore and Lisa Purcell. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ernest entertained members of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour program at their annual kickoff party on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

The Troubadour membership program aims to engage young leaders, ages 21-45, in the museum’s mission, build lifelong relationships between members and the nonprofit museum, and create a special networking space that unites music lovers. For Troubadour members, the museum hosts quarterly networking events including concerts and exhibit previews.

The special show included hits “Flower Shops” and “What Have I Got to Lose,” from Ernest’s recently released deluxe edition of  Flower Shops (The Album). Earlier this month, the Variety Hitmaker was honored with a CMA Triple Play Award.

Ernest performing at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Troubadour program kickoff. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Ernest’s songwriting credits include Florida Georgia Line‘s “I Love My Country,” Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof,” “Wasted on You” and “More Than My Hometown” as well as Chris Lane‘s “Big, Big Plans,” Diplo‘s “Heartless” and Kane Brown‘s “One Mississippi.”

Reba McEntire Joins Upcoming Season Of ‘The Voice’ As Mega Mentor

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Reba McEntire. Photo: Robby Klein

Reba McEntire is set to appear on NBC’s The Voice this season. The superstar will serve as a Mega Mentor on season 23 of the four-time, Emmy-winning music competition, which premieres Monday, March 6 at 7 p.m. CT.

She joins fellow coaches Chance the Rapper, Kelly Clarkson, Niall Horan and Blake Shelton to mentor the remaining artists, who have made it through the Battle Rounds as each team prepares for the Knockouts, beginning April 17. This isn’t McEntire’s first appearance on the show — she also served as Battle Advisor to Team Blake during the competition’s inaugural season, and returns to help as he coaches his final group of artists and bids farewell to the competition.

McEntire has 35 career No. 1s and has sold more than 58 million albums worldwide. She recently earned her 60th top 10 on the Billboard country chart, extending her record for the most top 10 hits among female artists. She plans to return to the road for the spring leg of her “Reba: Live In Concert” tour beginning March 9 in Jacksonville.

Chase Wright To Embark On ‘Hurt No More Tour’

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Chase Wright will embark on his new headlining “Hurt No More Tour” beginning March 24.

Named for Wright’s recent song “Hurt No More,” the 17-date journey comes on the heels of supporting multi-Platinum country group Parmalee on their tour. Wright says his growing fanbase is to thank for this new tour which kicks off in Indianapolis, Indiana.

“Even when in the writing room, we always have the end goal of performing them live for fans,” Wright shares. “It’s what influences everything, that connection. I’m so grateful for the way this music has resonated with people across the country and that the moment has come to tour with all this new music.”

Last month, Wright, who is managed by Morris Higham and signed to Toby & Molly Music, released “Never Loved Before” which he co-wrote with Jeffrey East and Josh Kelley.

Kane Brown To Co-Host CMT Awards, Guest Star In ‘Fire Country’

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Photo credit: John Shearer

Kane Brown is set to return as co-host of the 2023 CMT Music Awards alongside Kelsea Ballerini, for Austin’s first major televised awards airing live from Moody Center on April 2 on CBS.

Brown, who was the most-nominated artist for the 2022 CMT Music Awards, will also perform during the show, teaming with wife Katelyn Brown for the broadcast world premiere of their multi-week No. 1 hit, “Thank God.” The history-making duet has over 210 million streams and cements the Browns as only the second married couple in country music history to earn a No. 1 on both the Billboard and Aircheck charts.

“Kane Brown is a genre-defying force and an electric live performer who continues to break barriers and smash records,” the CMT Music Awards producers share. “He and Kelsea are both seasoned pros and an unstoppable duo with mega charisma, star power and global appeal to match. We couldn’t pick a more dynamic pair to helm our show’s first ever move to Austin in what is sure to be one of our most memorable yet—and can’t wait for him and Katelyn to together share the stage for what will be an unforgettable, world premiere performance.”

The CMT Music Awards, country’s only entirely fan-voted award show, will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to stream live via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on demand. Essential-tier subscribers will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

Following the awards, Brown will make his acting debut on the new drama Fire Country on April 7 on CBS and Paramount+. Brown portrays Robin, an enigmatic, train-hopping outlaw on the run who helps injured patients on the scene of a crash in the episode.

“As soon as Kane stepped onto set it felt like he had been a part of the Fire Country family from the beginning,” shares series star and creator, Max Thieriot. “I was really blown away by how natural and honest he is in each scene. To top it off he’s just a wonderful person—kind, excited to learn and fun to be around… dude is the real deal!”

Brown’s most recent album, Different Man, includes the Platinum No. 1 single “One Mississippi,” and “Like I Love Country Music” which is his fastest rising No. 1 in the U.S. while also topping the Australian Country Radio chart and landing at No. 1 for 7 consecutive weeks at Canadian Country Radio. His most recent single “Thank God,” featuring wife Katelyn, has accumulated over 10 million streams in the first week, a career high for Brown.

Industry Ink: Corey Kent, Nashville Briefing, AIMP, CMHOF

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Corey Kent Hit “Wild As Her” Certified Platinum

Corey Kent, Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management and Combustion Music celebrate Kent’s smash hit single “Wild As Her” with a plaque commemorating R.I.A.A. certified Platinum status at SMN’s headquarters

Corey Kent recently celebrated his single “Wild As Her” reaching an RIAA Platinum certification with his teams from Sony Music Nashville, Triple 8 Management, and Combustion Music. Kent released “Wild As Her” on March 4, 2022, shortly before signing with Sony Music Nashville’s RCA Imprint.

For his rock-infused country sound, Kent draws inspiration from The Eagles, Keith Richards, Turnpike Troubadours and more. He has two albums out now—From The West LP and ‘21—both released via Combustion Music. With headlining and festival credits logged, Kent has been the supporting act for artists including Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Chase Rice, and more over the years.

 

Nashville Briefing Celebrates 30 Under 30 Honorees

Pictured (L-R): Will Tenney (SunPop), JJ Farrell (Jump Global), Nick Maiale (Jump Global), Blair Miller (Chaos Creators), Zak Kuhn (Nashville Briefing), Avery King Harris (Elicity PR), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb), Ali Patton. Photo Credit: Hannah Kik

The Nashville Briefing held its 30 Under 30 Celebration for some of the most powerful people in Nashville under age 30. Attendees ranging from Rock and Roll Hall of Famers to successful young artists and executives joined the party at The 8th Room on Feb. 15. The music industry newsletter, in its third year of publication, presented this night alongside Stem.

“Last week we gathered many leaders in Nashville’s music industry to celebrate the next generation in the business, shine a spotlight on them and build community,” says Zak Kuhn, founder & CEO of The Nashville Briefing. “Three years in, being included on our 30 UNDER 30 list has already had so many benefits from networking, to creating new opportunities, to being more visible in the industry. We’ve built a community of honorees that […] continue supporting each other’s careers. I also want to thank Stem for all they are doing in Nashville and for being an amazing partner to the next generation.”

Some notable attendees included John Oates (Hall & Oates), Judah Akers (Judah & The Lion), Yelawolf, Copeland Isaacson (Head of Artist Partnerships – YouTube Nashville), Blake McDaniel (Agent, CAA), Spencer Crandall, Johnny Cloherty, (CEO, Songfluencer) Carla Turi (Editor, Spotify), Roxy King (A&R Director, Universal Music Publishing Group), Zach Farnum (117 Entertainment), Andre Herd (Director of A&R, APG), Rocky Block (songwriter, Big Loud) and duo Temecula Road (Warner Music Nashville).

 

 

AIMP Hosts “Things You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know” Panel

Pictured (L-R): Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Brent Daughrity (Anderson Benson), Ree Guyer (Wrensong Music), Greyson Stephens (Big Machine Label Group), Trina Smith-Dort (Me Gusta Music), Emily Boardman (River House Artists)

The Association of Independent Music Publishers Nashville Chapter hosted a panel, “Things You Didn’t Know You Needed To Know,” on Feb. 17. This panel, moderated by Trina Smith-Dort (Owner, Me Gusta Music), tackled the collection of publishing royalties and the protections of copyright insurance.

Brent Daughrity (Partner, Anderson Benson) and Grayson Stepehens (Sr. Director of Royalties & Finance, Big Machine Label Group) were the event’s featured panelists.

AIMP, whose primary focus is to educate and inform music publishers about the most current industry trends and practices, hosted this event at the CMA offices in Nashville.

 

CMHOF Opens New Dick Curless Legacy Exhibit

Pictured (L-R): Terry Chinnock (Curless’s daughter), Peter Guralnick, Jake Guralnick, Michael Gray and Chuck Mead. Photo courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the new exhibit, “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man From Maine,” this weekend with a special performance and discussion program.

This exhibit traces the life and legacy Dick Curless, including his hit song “A Tombstone Every Mile” and through his final album, Traveling Through. “Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man From Maine” features instruments, stage wear, and personal artifacts courtesy of the Curless family and is open through January 2024.

As the featured speakers for the evening, co-curator of the exhibit, Peter Guralnick, was joined by his son, Jake Guralnick, who produced Curless’ final album. The night also saw a tribute to Curless performed by Chuck Mead of BR549. Both the discussion and performance were filmed and will be available for streaming on the museum’s website.