Country Radio Seminar Announces BMLG Luncheon Lineup for 2023

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Country Radio Seminar (CRS) has announced the lineup for the Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) luncheon, scheduled for March 15, during CRS 2023.

Eight of BMLG’s artists will take the stage in the Broadway Ballroom at Omni Nashville. This year’s lineup includes Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Chris Janson, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, Conner Smith, Shane Profitt and Mackenzie Carpenter.

“The goal has always been to create a CRS ‘must-see’ event and, over the years, our artists have made it just that,” says Scott Borchetta, BMLG Chairman & CEO. “There have been so many unforgettable memories on the BMLG CRS stage and this year will be no exception—it is certainly one you won’t want to miss!”

Entry for the luncheon is only available to registered CRS attendees. Registration for CRS 2023 is open and available for purchase here.

UMG Nashville & Universal Music Canada Join Forces To Sign Josh Ross

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Pictured (L-R): The Core’s Chief Zaruk, Mackenzie Woodson and Tracy Martin, Universal Music Canada’s Jeffrey Remedios, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Josh Ross, The Core’s Simon Tikhman and Universal Music Canada’s Amanda Kingsland.

Universal Music Group Nashville has joined forces with Universal Music Canada to sign country artist Josh Ross. The Waterdown, Ontario native is already an established hitmaker in his home country with back-to-back top 5 singles at Canadian country radio.

Ross was recently named one of Spotify’s Hot Country Artists To Watch and kicked off the year by releasing of his track “Trouble,” which was featured in an episode of the television series Welcome To Flatch, airing on both Fox and Hulu.

He celebrated “Trouble” debut by joining Bailey Zimmerman for three sold-out shows Jan. 5 – 7. Ross will continue to hit the road in the coming months, joining Lee Brice and Tenille Arts on the “Beer Drinking Opportunity Tour” in April as well as Brantley Gilbert and Nickelback on the “2023 Get Rollin’ Tour,” starting this summer. He is managed by The Core Entertainment and booked by The Neal Agency.

“Josh is such a gifted songwriter with so much depth,” shares Cindy Mabe, President, UMG Nashville. “He’s made Nashville his home so he could hone his songwriting skills and has elevated his art and his fan base in a short period of time. Josh found country music through Steve Earle, and songwriting has followed him throughout his life. We are honored to get to work with Josh Ross, The Core and Universal Music Canada to take Josh’s music around the world.”

“For a long time, we’ve wanted to partner with Cindy and the world class team at UMG Nashville – but it needed to be with the right artist. That artist is Josh Ross—one of the most promising voices in country music today,” says Jeffrey Remedios, Chairman & CEO, Universal Music Canada. “Josh is at once a phenomenal songwriter and magnetic performer who captures the hearts of fans with every song and every performance.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Brad Paisley Delivers ‘Country Stardom At Its Finest’

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Country music is dealing with some ear-opening romance reality this week.

Jon Pardi, Ingrid Andress, Kip Moore and Allie Colleen all approach the topic of love with various kinds of creativity. All are well worth your spns.

There’s no denying the topicality and artistry of Brad Paisley, who earns the Disc of the Day with his excellent Ukraine-benefit single.

There’s also no denying the stupendous pleasure that comes with hearing a terrific new band. That would be The Shootouts, who captivated my brain and are taking home this week’s DisCovery Award.

SAM WILLIAMS / “Tilted Crown”
Writers: Luke DickSam Williams/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Williams current single/video is a melodic, wistful ballad that finds him coming to grips with his family legacy. It has a troublesome ache, but a peaceful resolution. Plenty of emotion, plenty of hooks. A winner.

TYLER HUBBARD / “Small Town Me”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– Kinda beefy and anthem-like, it has a certain drive and oomph that make it sound like more than a simple ode to simple living. This guy has the goods.

RUSTY TRUCK / “Be on My Side”
Writers: Mark Seliger/Michael Duff; Producer: Larry Campbell; Label: Downtown
– Beautifully sung and produced, but I don’t hear a hit in this arty, meandering song.

MORGAN WALLEN / “Thought You Should Know”
Writers: Nicolle Galyon/Miranda Lambert/Morgan Wallen; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
– The song’s lyric scans awkwardly, and it seems to slip out of meter here and there. But the missing-mama sentiment rings true, as does the overall vibe of redemption. He can do better, and has.

CAITLYN SMITH / “The Great Pretender”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Bob DiPiero/Joe Clemmons; Producer: Caitlyn Smith; Label: Monument
– Nicely done. It’s about smiling on the outside, but crying on the inside. Her slightly cracked and broken vocal delivery is right on the money. The ballad’s simple, echoey, acoustic production is perfect for the mood. I’m in.

BRAD PAISLEY / “Same Here”
Writers: Brad Paisley/Lee Thomas Miller/Taylor Goldsmith; Producer: Luke Wooten/Brad Paisley; Label: EMI
– Released on the first anniversary of the terrible Ukraine invasion, this yearning ballad is awash in nostalgia, longing and reflection. The third verse addresses our brothers overseas who pray for peace and freedom. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy makes a moving cameo vocal appearance, and proceeds will benefit Ukrainian relief efforts. This is country stardom at its finest.

KASSI ASHTON / “Drive You Out of My Mind”
Writers: Kassi Ashton/Travis Wood/Todd Clark; Producers: Luke Laird/Todd Clark/Kassi Ashton; Label: MCA Nashville
– Ashton rocks out on this hit-the-road, tempestuous tempo tune. Splendidly rhythmic.

KIP MOORE / “Damn Love”
Writers: Jason Gantt/Jaren Johnston/James McNair; Producers: Kip Moore/Jaren Johnston; Label: MCA
– Yes, yes. This delightful pile driver captures everything there is to love about this artist—the passionate attitude, the raspy/urgent voice, the hooks-a-plenty melody, the fiery energy. His best yet.

INGRID ANDRESS / “Treated Me Good”
Writers: Ingrid Andress/Sam Ellis/Derrick Southerland; Producers: Ingrid Andress, Sam Ellis; Label: Warner
– She says a heartache farewell to a lover with tender good wishes. The excellent production builds admirably as she unspools her conflicting emotions. Her penetrating delivery of the drum-beat choruses is especially gripping.

JON PARDI / “Your Heart or Mine”
Writers: Bart Butler/Justin Ebach/John Pierce; Producers: Bart Butler, Ryan Gore & Jon Pardi; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The sound of hot romance. Kinda moody and bluesy, the atmospheric steady stomper is undeniably ear catching. I think this thing has legs.

THE SHOOTOUTS & ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL / “One Step Forward”
Writers: Allen Moss; Producers: Ray Benson, Sam Seife; Label: Soundly
– This Akron, Ohio band’s new album, Stampede, features appearances by Marty Stuart, Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller and Raul Malo. This delightful track is a collaboration with the legendary band led by the record’s producer, Ray Benson. It’s a super swinger with western jazzbo vibes that are bound to charm yer ears. Tune in for some hot picking, too. Yowza!

ALLIE COLLEEN / “Honest Man”
Writers: Allie Colleen/Kate Hasting/Vinny Vincent/Lance Carpenter; Producer: Joe Costa; Label: AC
– A powerfully strummed rhythm guitar backs her solid vocal of this expertly written exploration of true love. Wonderfully melodic and highly listenable. Heartily recommended.

Mark Your Calendar—March 2023

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Single/Track Release Dates:

March 3
Mike Kuster/What If She Says Yes
Southerland/World Without You/Vere Music

March 6 
Brooke Moriber/Little Bit Of You/Reviver Records
Jordan Harvey/Along For The Ride/BBR

March 10
Andrew Salgado/Why Didn’t I Call You/Synapse Publishing & Entertainment
Josh Kinney/Be The One/Birmingham Entertainment/SDMG
Carolyn Miller/Bless the Broken Road (Stripped)
Brian Goyette/Radio Made Us

March 13
Troy Cartwright/That’s Why
Luke Kelly/Live While You Got The Chance/General Records
Kassi Ashton/Drive You Out of My Mind/MCA Nashville

March 14
Mychela/Who Let The Girls Out/MC1 Nashville

March 16 
Aaron Goodvin & Ryan Kinder/The Longer I Live/Reviver Records/Sakamoto Music/Warner Music Canada

March 17 
Stu Basham/Spring Break

March 20
Lucie Tiger/Home Is Where The Heart Is/2120 Music
Frank Ray/Somebody Else’s Whiskey/Stoney Creek Records

March 21 
Drew Pace/Cause I Don’t/MC1 Nashville
Bill Downing & Friends/Who’se Cadillac/MC1 Nashville

March 27
Ashley McBryde/Light On In The Kitchen/Warner Music Nashville
Ty Wilson/Pair of Hearts/Red Dirt North
Billy Crum/Lakes, Boats, Cabins/Billy Crum Records

 

 

Album/EP Release Dates:

March 3
Morgan Wallen/One Thing At A Time/Big Loud
Willie Nelson/I Don’t Know A Thing About Love/Legacy Recordings
Tyler Braden/Neon Grave/Warner Music Nashville
The Mavericks/In Time (10th Anniversary Deluxe)/The Valory Music Co.
Charlie Farley/Once In A Blue Moon/Farley Entertainment/Average Joes Entertainment
Luke Laird, Lori McKenna & Barry Dean/The Songwriter Tapes Vol. 1/CN Records

March 10
Jo Dee Messina/Heads Carolina, Tails California: The Best of Jo Dee Messina/Curb Records
The War And Treaty/Lover’s Game/Mercury Nashville
Kristian Bush/52-This Year/Big Machine Label Group

March 13
The County Affair/Two Day’s Drive

March 17
Liddy Clark/Made Me/Crimson Rose Records

March 24
Luke Combs/Gettin’ Old/River House/Columbia Nashville
Alana Springsteen/Twenty Something: Messing It Up/Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville
Cliff Dorsey/New Neon/Black Sheep Label
Carly Pearce/29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City)/Big Machine Records
Chancey Williams/One of These Days

March 31
Jenna Paulette/The Girl I Was
Bryan Martin/Poets & Old Souls/Average Joes Entertainment
Casi Joy/Miles & Maybes 

 

 

Industry Events:

March 1
CMA Triple Play Awards

March 10 – 12
Country to Country (C2C) Festival

March 13 – 15
Country Radio Seminar (CRS)

March 23
MusicRow‘s Rising Women on the Row

March 28 – April 1
Tin Pan South

Photographer Raeanne Rubenstein’s Work On Display In New CMHOF Exhibit

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The work of celebrity photographer Raeanne Rubenstein is on display in a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in the Community Corridor on the first floor.

“Raeanne Rubenstein: Shooting Stars,” features an array of photographs of celebrities and musical luminaries taken between 1969-1979, including many iconic images of country artists. The exhibit is free and open to the public through May 2023.

Born in 1945 in Staten Island, New York, Rubenstein got her start in the East Village underground scene and became a favored photographer for Life, People, Rolling Stone, Time and other publications. A 1970 assignment to photograph Johnny Cash at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium led Rubenstein to embrace country music, and she played a significant role in many Nashville stars gaining their first feature articles in leading national publications. After thirty years as a New York-based celebrity photographer, she made Nashville her full-time residence in 1998. That year, she founded Dish, an online entertainment and style magazine based in Music City.

Over the course of more than 50 years, Rubenstein photographed a diverse array of cultural figures, including Bob Dylan, Debbie Harry, Jimi Hendrix, Dustin Hoffman, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Kiss, John Lennon, Jim Morrison, Yoko Ono, the Who, Andy Warhol, Robin Williams and Country Music Hall of Fame members Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Jerry Lee Lewis, among others.

The museum’s adjacent Haley Gallery, which is also free to access, will feature an additional selection of Rubenstein’s images beginning Friday, March 10.

Rubenstein published 10 photography books, including Honky Tonk Heroes: A Photo Album of Country Music (1975) and Gone Country: Portraits of Country Music’s New Stars (1997). Her photos have appeared in many other books and have been exhibited in Dublin, London, Los Angeles, Nashville and New York.

Community Corridor Exhibit Photos:

  • B.B. King at the Newport Jazz Festival (Newport, Rhode Island, 1969).
  • Country Music Hall of Fame member Loretta Lynn and husband, Mooney, on their farm (Hurricane Mills, Tennessee, 1975).
  • Barbara Mandrell, preparing to appear on the TV program Hee Haw (1975).
  • Willie Nelson, backstage at the 2nd annual Willie Nelson 4th of July Picnic at Texas World Speedway (College Station, Texas, 1974).
  • Gram Parsons and Nudie Cohn, posing on a worktable at Nudie’s Rodeo Tailors (North Hollywood, California, 1969).
  • Parton, in her tour bus (Nashville, Tennessee, 1979). Rubenstein photographed several recording artists with their tour buses for a photo essay in Life magazine.
  • Country Music Hall of Fame member Charley Pride (Nashville, Tennessee, 1975).
  • Little Richard (1971).
  • Tanya Tucker, on her 16th birthday (Little Rock, Arkansas, 1974).
  • Country Music Hall of Fame member Dottie West, with her dog Tiger, at her home (Nashville, Tennessee, 1975).

Other items on display in the Community Corridor include magazine covers featuring Rubenstein’s work, two of her cameras and correspondence, including a note from Lennon and Ono — in Lennon’s handwriting — specifying the couple’s selections of Rubenstein’s photos for use on the front and back covers of the 1971 edition of Ono’s pioneering work of conceptual art, Grapefruit.

Kelsea Ballerini Adds Third Leg To ‘Heartfirst Tour’

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Kelsea Ballerini will launch the third leg of her “Heartfirst Tour” in June with ten new dates. With Georgia Webster continuing to serve as support, this leg will kick off at the Santa Barbara Bowl and close at the Arizona Financial Theatre in Phoenix, Arizona.

Tickets for the general on-sale are available Friday, March 10 at 10:00 a.m. local time. For more information, visit heartfirstour.com.

The multi-Platinum and three-time Grammy Award nominee will start on the second leg of  her “Heartfirst Tour” next week in Toronto, Ontario, picking up where she left off last fall. This portion of the journey will take Ballerini through the Midwest and East Coast before ending in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The third leg announcement comes ahead of her Saturday Night Live debut as a musical guest with host Travis Kelce, set to air this Saturday, March 4. She also recently released her surprise EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, and its accompanying short film on Feb. 14.

The “Heartfirst Tour” features Ballerini’s full headlining set. She also has appearances scheduled for “The Judds: The Final Tour” and Kenny Chesney’s “I Go Back Tour” this spring.

Industry Ink: Erv Woolsey, CMT Crossroads, Kelly Sutton

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BMI Honors Erv Woolsey With “Million-Air” Award

Pictured (L-R): Erv Woolsey and BMI’s Mitch Ballard celebrate the remarkable achievement of “I Can Still Make Cheyenne” at Woolsey-owned Losers in Nashville on Feb. 28, 2023

BMI honored songwriter/executive Erv Woolsey for writing George Strait’s “I Can Still Make Cheyenne,” which has earned more than one million broadcast performances. Co-written with Aaron Baker, the now Platinum-certified song appeared on Strait’s album, Clear Blue Sky, in 1996.

In addition to being a songwriter, Woolsey has been a Music Row player for more than 30 years when he broke into the business managing a young and determined Strait. He currently manages Strait, Lee Ann Womack (with 377 Management), Ian Munsick (with Not A Public Figure Management) and more.

 

CMT Crossroads: For King + Country & Jimmie Allen

Pictured (L-R): Heather Graffagnino, Margaret Comeaux, Joel Smallbone, Jimmie Allen, Luke Smallbone, Leslie Fram and John Hamlin pose at CMT Crossroads at The Factory on Jan. 24, 2023 in Franklin, Tennessee. Photo: Catherine Powell/Getty Images

CMT Crossroads with For King + Country and Jimmie Allen premiered on Feb. 28 on CMT. The broadcast began at 10 p.m. / 9 p.m. cst, with an immediate encore during the following hour.

Filmed in front of a studio audience outside of Nashville, the special episode pairs the Christian pop duo with Allen as they swap stories and collaborate on each other’s most-loved songs, including Allen’s “Best Shot,” “Down Home” and “Freedom Was A Highway,” and For King + Country’s “God Only Knows,” “Joy” and “Relate,” as well as a special debut performance of a brand-new song. Audiences who missed the original segment can catch it on air again this week. This CMT Crossroads episode will be on CMT on March 5 and on CMT Music on March 10 and March 11.

 

Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton Airs 100th Episode

Pictured (L-R): Kelly Sutton, Lainey Wilson

Y’all Access with Kelly Sutton aired its 100th episode last weekend. Host Kelly Sutton celebrated with a fun photo with Lainey Wilson.

The show, syndicated across the country by Compass Media, features new music and lasting hits. Y’all Access highlights artist interviews during the three-hour segment.

Lindsay Rimes Renews Deal With Sony Music Publishing Nashville

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Tom Luteran, Kenley Flynn, Aubrey Rupe, Synnovea Halsel and Dale Bobo. (L-R, front row): Josh Van Valkenburg, Lindsay Rimes and Rusty Gaston.

Lindsay Rimes has renewed his worldwide publishing agreement with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.

A native of Surry Hills, Australia, Rimes’ songs have been recorded by Thomas Rhett, Kelsea Ballerini, Phillip Phillips, Dylan Scott, LoCash, The Cadillac Three, Tyler Rich, Canaan Smith and The Shires. He co-penned Kane Brown‘s quadruple Platinum single “Heaven,” which reached No.1 on Billboard‘s Country Airplay chart and collected over a billion total streams.

Rimes has had success across other genres as well, with contributions on Troye Sivan‘s 2014 EP TRXYE, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart, as well as Kylie Minogue‘s 2018 album Golden, which entered the charts at No. 1 in the U.K and Australia.

Rimes recently co-wrote and produced Nate Smith’s “Whiskey on You,” which scored two consecutive weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

“Lindsay’s star has been steadily rising over the last few years, and it’s been amazing to watch him succeed and grow creatively beyond genres,” says Sony Music Publishing Nashville EVP, Creative Josh Van Valkenburg. “He’s a very important member of our Sony team, and we are elated to continue our partnership with him.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about continuing my journey with the Sony family,” says Rimes. “I consider Josh and Rusty and the whole team to be simply the best at what they do.”

Morgan Wallen To Celebrate New Album With Free Nashville Arena Pop-Up Show

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr

Morgan Wallen surprised fans this morning with news of a free, pop-up show tomorrow night, March 3 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

The direct-with-fans celebration will commemorate the release of Wallen’s new 36-song album One Thing At A Time, which drops tomorrow as well. The hitmaker played three consecutive sold-out shows at the venue during his 2022 “Dangerous Tour,” and with the NHL’s Predators away for a game, the stars aligned for Wallen to return to the arena for one night only this weekend.

“I’m gonna do acoustic… everyone’s asking me why I’m not doing a Tennessee show. I’m doing one now. Friday, March 3. See you there,” Wallen shares.

Fans can only reserve tickets in person at downtown at the Bridgestone Arena Box Office. Tickets are capped at two per-person. The in-the-round show kicks-off at 7:30 p.m. with doors opening at 4:30 p.m.

Nine of the songs from One Thing At A Time are available now, and have already seen huge streaming demand. Over 1.2 million fans are set to attend Wallen’s upcoming “One Night At A Time World Tour,” which kicks off overseas March 15-24 in New Zealand and Australia with Hardy before returning stateside on April 15 in Milwaukee.

Rissi Palmer To Be Featured In ‘American Masters’ Documentary

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Rissi Palmer. Photo: Chris Charles

American Masters and Firelight Media announced the second season of the documentary short series In the Making. The premiere episode will feature Grammy-nominated country artist and radio host, Rissi Palmer.

The new season focuses on nine artists across a variety of disciplines, whose work explores and influences American culture. Tony Award-winning actor and singer Audra McDonald will host the broadcast premiere of American Masters: In the Making, and the documentary short film, Rissi Palmer: Still Here.

Palmer is one of only five African American women to ever hit the Billboard charts in the history of country music. In 2007, Palmer became the first Black woman to chart a country song since Dona Mason in 1987. She has dealt with obstacles in pursuing her career yet continues to create a spotlight for herself, other Black women, and women of color.

“No one becomes an ‘American Master’ overnight, and the idea behind In the Making is to take a behind-the-scenes look at the creative processes of artists who are on their way to becoming masters in their field,” says Michael Kantor, Executive Producer for American Masters.

In Rissi Palmer: Still Here, director Dilsey Davis focuses on Palmer’s work on her upcoming new album while managing her family life and one of her busiest professional years in a decade. She hosts her own radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, on Apple Music Country. It is part of her work to change beliefs about people of color’s present and past involvements in country music.

In addition, Palmer has released three critically acclaimed albums independently. She also garnered two Grammy nominations in the Best Children’s Music Album category. Palmer is also Governor of the Recording Academy Nashville chapter and correspondent for CMT’s Hot 20 countdown.

Rissi Palmer: Still Here premieres Friday, March 24 at 9 p.m. est / 8 p.m. cst on PBS, pbs.org/americanmasters and the PBS App. The film is a production of Firelight Media and Café con Leche Media, in association with American Masters Pictures and Black Public Media.