LeAnn Rimes Celebrates The Season With New ‘Joy: The Holiday Tour’

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LeAnn Rimes is getting into the holiday spirit early by announcing her upcoming “Joy: The Holiday Tour,” which will kick off Dec. 2 and run through Dec. 18.

The tour will visit New York, Washington, Iowa, Oregon, and includes a Ryman Auditorium show on Dec. 10. Tickets for the Music City show are already on sale, and the rest of the shows go on sale beginning Sept. 1.

The concerts will bring fans together for festive songs mixed with some of Rimes’ greatest hits and new songs from her upcoming new record God’s Work, which will be available on Sept. 16. The project features Mickey Guyton, Ziggy Marley, Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper, Ledisi, Sheila E. The 12-track record includes a mix of songs that are nearly three years in the making.

She has also remains busy with her iHeartRadio mental health and wholeness podcast, Wholly Human, that brings her lifestyle blog, Soul of EverLe, to life. Now in its third season, Wholly Human placed in the top 35 overall for podcasts worldwide and was recently named as one of the 15 best mental health podcasts that educate and empower listeners by Good Housekeeping.

Greg Frey Tapped To Spearhead Cumulus Media’s New Music Partnerships Division

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Greg Frey

Cumulus Media has tapped VP of Programming Operations Greg Frey to lead its new Music Partnerships division.

Frey, a 12- year Cumulus veteran, will serve as VP, Music Partnerships where he will be the company’s creative liaison with artists, labels, booking agencies, and promoters. He will report to Chief Content Officer Brian Philips, and will be supported by a coalition that includes local and national advertising sales; music format VPs; digital leaders; and programming, promotion, and marketing executives.

In his new position, Frey will front the team which will develop music marketing partnerships for Cumulus’s over 300 music stations, Westwood One network franchises, and related social/digital platforms. The team’s focus will be on enhancing partnerships, creating value for the music industry, as well as new content and revenue opportunities for Cumulus.

“Greg will advance Cumulus’s music industry collaboration with his trademark credibility and tastemaker’s integrity,” Philips notes. “Greg enjoys the longstanding respect of the industry and from all at Cumulus, and I’m confident we will see success with his leadership right out of the gate.”

Frey adds, “We’ve spent the recent months laying the groundwork for this critical function so that we can best support collaboration between Cumulus and our esteemed music partners. I’m eager to get out there and show the music world what more we can do together.”

Tyler Hubbard Signs With UTA As Solo Artist

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Tyler Hubbard. Photo: John Russo

UTA has signed country music star Tyler Hubbard for representation in all areas.

As half of country powerhouse duo Florida Georgia Line, he has recently launched his own career as a solo artist. The agency will help him find new opportunities in live touring, brand partnerships, film, television and more.

His debut project, Dancin’ in the Country, was released earlier this month via EMI Records Nashville. The six-song project debuted with over 10,000 sales plus streaming, making it the second best-selling country EP debut of the year. The project also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums Chart and No. 6 on the Current Country Albums Chart. Hubbard’s hit debut single, “5 Foot 9,” which has over 110 million global streams and reached No. 10 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, is also featured on the debut EP.

As a member of FGL, Hubbard amassed a decade of hits, including the blockbuster single “Cruise,” which became the first-ever country song to receive Diamond certification from the RIAA. It also spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country chart. The duo later collaborated with Bebe Rexha on another Diamond-certified track, “Meant To Be,” which earned them a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

Hubbard will join Keith Urban on “The Speed of Now World Tour” starting in September. He will also be touring throughout 2023 in support of his debut full-length album, which is expected for release on Jan. 27.

Hubbard is managed by Borman Entertainment.

Jimmie Allen, Willie Nelson, More To Join ‘Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas’ Special

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Dolly Parton. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

A handful of the special guests set to join Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas TV special on NBC this holiday season have been unveiled.

A modern-day musical about the making of a network TV special, Dolly Parton’s Mountain Magic Christmas shows the backstage story and on-camera results of Parton’s desire to share the unique “mountain magic” she has always found in and around Dollywood at Christmas. Throughout the production, Parton takes a private journey into her past, guided by the mysterious appearances of her personal Three Wise Mountain Men. The decorated entertainer aims to show the world that the real magic of Christmas lies in the people we share it with, and how her faith remains the common thread between Christmases past, present, and future.

Among the stars slated to join the country icon are Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Jimmie Allen, Zach Williams and Miley Cyrus. In addition to Parton serving as the lead role, the film will also star Tom Everett Scott, Ana Gasteyer and Angel Parker, with additional cast members to be announced in the coming months.

David Rambo will write and executive produce with Sam Haskell and Parton, while Joe Lazarov will direct and executive produce. Hudson Hickman will executive produce and Billy Levin will serve as producer. Warner Bros. Television will produce the show in association with Magnolia Hill Productions and Sandollar Productions.

Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Makes Top Five Debut On Country Streaming Chart

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Chris Ashlee

Warner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group’s Bailey Zimmerman claims two of the top five spots on the top country streaming songs chart this week.

The rising singer-songwriter’s “Rock And A Hard Place” rises to the No. 3 spot with 10 million streams, while his brand new release, “Where It Ends,” claims the No. 4 spot. The new single earns 9.6 million first-week streams and scores the gravel-tinged vocalist the top country debut, according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen continues his run at No. 1 on the top country streaming songs chart as “You Proof” tacks on another 12 million streams. Luke Combs‘ “The Kind Of Love We Make” remains in second with another 10 million stream week, and Cole Swindell seals the top five with his “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” earning 9.2 million streams.

There’s little movement on the top country albums chart. Wallen keeps his spot at No. 1 with Dangerous: The Double Album adding 48.5K in consumption (3.3K album only/57 million song streams), Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak remains in second with 23K, and Combs’ Growin’ Up stays in third with 19K. Combs’ This One’s For You trades places for No. 4 with Wallen’s If I Know Me, with both records nabbing 16K in total consumption.

Thompson Square Postpones Upcoming Performances

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Thompson Square. Photo: Ford Fairchild

Thompson Square has postponed some upcoming performances and appearances as member Shawna Thompson prepares for an impending back surgery due to a recent injury.

Later dates through the end of the year will be reassessed as needed. Fans who have purchased tickets for an upcoming show can contact the point of purchase for further details on refunds and rescheduling.

“We’re disappointed to have to postpone some of the dates we have coming up, as we were really looking forward to connecting with fans again post-pandemic,” shares Keifer Thompson of Thompson Square. “That said, health is always the priority, and per doctor’s orders, Shawna will have to sit some dates out. We’re looking forward to her successful recovery, and being able to hit the road again soon.”

In April, the pair released their latest single, “Country In My Soul.” Co-written by Lainey Wilson with Daniel Ross and James McNair, the song marks Thompson Square’s first release since 2019’s “You Shoulda Been There,” and is currently climbing the charts.

Kat & Alex To Release ‘Side A’ of Their Self-Titled EP In September

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Kat & Alex. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Kat & Alex are set to release Side A of their self-titled EP on Sept. 16.

Kat & Alex co-wrote every track on the project except “Marry You,” which was written by labelmate Maren Morris and Busbee. Other writers contributing to the EP include Josh Osborne, AJ Pruis, Austin Taylor Smith, and more.

“We’re so excited to share this EP! These songs tell our stories, and it introduces us to the world not only as musicians but also as a couple,” the duo share. “Sonically, Side A is a melting pot, which is true to who we are. You’ll hear country, which is the root of it, as well as some rock, soul and pop. The common theme of the music though is love, which is purposeful because our relationship is full of love and it’s the core of everything we do.”

Recently singled out as an Emerging Latin Artist to Discover by Billboard, the married couple is releasing their music in both English and Spanish. On Friday (Aug. 26) they shared their latest track, “Mi Casa,” the Spanish version of recently released “We Bought A House,” the third all-Spanish song they’ve released this year.

Kat & Alex: Side A Track List:
1. Let’s Find a Bar (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/Jared Keim/Jared Scott)
2. 5 on a Friday (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/Chris Loocke/Austin Taylor Smith)
3. Marry You (busbee/Maren Morris)
4. I Want It All (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/AJ Pruis)
5. We Bought a House (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/Josh Osborne/Lindsay Rimes)
6. Still In It (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/Jason Massey/Austin Taylor Smith)
7. I Want It All (Spanglish Version) (Kat Georgia/Alex Georgia/AJ Pruis)
**Produced by Brad Hill except “We Bought A House,” which was produced by Lindsay Rimes

Dierks Bentley Takes Over Nashville’s ‘Biggest Honky-Tonk’

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Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zach Belcher

Dierks Bentley took over what he called “the biggest honky-tonk” on Lower Broadway last Friday (Aug. 26), bringing his “Beers On Me Tour” home to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

After opening sets from rising singer-songwriter Elvie Shane and multi-Platinum BBR artist Dustin Lynch, Bentley exploded onto the stage to his 2003 smash hit “What Was I Thinkin'” after his band set the stage with a dueling guitar battle. The eager audience set the tone, already screaming the lyrics back to him.

“Bridgestone Arena! When I think about this building, the first thing I think about is that it’s home to my favorite hockey team: the Nashville Predators,” Bentley said to the buzzing crowd. “The main thing that I think about, though, is that this is the honky-tonk of Lower Broadway, y’all. It’s the biggest honky-tonk I know on Broadway!” he said with a smile.

“Thank you guys for your faith in us. Thanks for holding onto us for the last few years.”

Dierks Bentley. Photo: Zach Belcher

The decorated entertainer rolled through some of the biggest hits from his nearly 20-year career, including the fiery “Burning Man,” the faith-filled “I Hold On,” the sunshine-soaked “Livin’,” his break-up anthem “Gone,” the sensual “Black,” and more.

Before breaking out into “Woman, Amen,” Bentley made sure to give a shoutout to all the women who have propelled him in his career, listing off over a dozen critical females, including his longtime manager Mary Hilliard Harrington.

Following a high-energy cover of The Charlie Daniels Band’s “The Devil Went Down To Georgia,” the multi-Platinum entertainer brought Shane back out for a rendition of “Bad Angel,” a track from Bentley’s 2010 Up On The Ridge album that originally features Miranda Lambert and Jamey Johnson. Bentley also welcomed Lynch back to the stage to help him perform the tour’s namesake and his most recent No. 1 with Hardy and Breland.

After giving fans a performance of his newest release, “Gold” which was most added at country radio upon its release, Bentley took the opportunity to unplug for a few songs, giving acoustic versions of “Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do,” “Settle For A Slowdown” and “Bourbon in Kentucky.”

The country superstar also brought out some extra special guests for his hometown show that, ironically, came from his home.

“It’s a Friday night in August, folks. All of my friends are on the road, so I had to go a little closer to the house for tonight. I’m bringing out my daughters.”

With his daughters by his side, Bentley and the girls gave the roaring audience a performance of P!nk’s “All I Know So Far,” fit with all the big notes, though missing the pop icon’s signature silks.

Bentley then kicked things back into high gear, knocking out more of his many hits. After dedicating his inspirational “Riser” to the many nurses and first responders in Nashville, he sang his certified party anthem “Am I The Only One,” as well as “Somewhere On A Beach” and “Free And Easy,” which the audience happily helped him sing. He wrapped with “5-1-5-0” and his iconic “Drunk On A Plane.”

Bentley’s ’90s parody band, The Hot Country Knights, took the stage for the encore, kicking off with their version of Travis Tritt’s “T-R-O-U-B-L-E.” The band, who were decked out in over-the-top ’90s attire, bad wigs and some interesting facial hair, also ripped through a medley of massive ’90s country hits, including “She’s In Love With The Boy,” “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” “Cowboy Take Me Away,” “Bye Bye,” “The Dance,” “I Hope You Dance,” and more.

The Knights also fired off the first verse and chorus of Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!” before the original Bentley returned to the stage, shutting the whole affair down.

To wrap the night’s festivities, Bentley broke out into his high-voltage hit “Sideways” before wishing the Nashville crowd goodnight.

Bentley will take a break from his “Beers On Me Tour” this weekend as he hosts his Seven Peaks Festival in Villa Grove, Colorado over Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2-4). The trek will resume in Montana on Sept. 10-11.

Kane Brown Becomes First Male Country Artist To Perform At VMAs, Reveals Album Details

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Kane Brown

Multi-Platinum entertainer Kane Brown made history Sunday night (Aug. 28) with his debut performance of his new single “Grand” at the MTV Video Music Awards. Playing from a remote outdoor stage, Brown is now the first male country artist to perform at the event.

Following his performance, Brown released a new vertical music video for “Grand” that will live on his TikTok page.

Brown also unveiled details regarding his third studio album, Different Man, out Sept. 9. The 17-track album features previously released songs “Grand,” “Whiskey Sour,” and “Leave You Alone,” as well as his recent No. 1 hits ““Like I Love Country Music” and “One Mississippi.” Different Man will also include features from Blake Shelton and Brown’s wife Katelyn.

Brown will kick off his international “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” on Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia before continuing throughout Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK and Europe.

Different Man Track Listing:
1. Bury Me in Georgia — Kane Brown/Matt McGinn/Jordan Schmidt/Josh Hoge
2. Different Man (w/ Blake Shelton) — Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Christian Davis
3. Like I Love Country Music — Kane Brown/Matt McGinn/Taylor Phillips/Jordan Schmidt
4. Go Around — Kane Brown/Zach Beekan /Garrett Nichols/Jordan Schmidt
5. Grand — Kane Brown/Cam Alexander/Mike Posner/Andrew Goldstein
6. See You Like I Do — Kane Brown/Lindsay Rimes/Matt McGinn/Devin Dawson
7. Thank God (w/ Katelyn Brown) — Josh Hoge/Jaxson Free/Kyle Fishman/Christian Davis/Jared Mullins
8. Leave You Alone — Kane Brown/Jordan Schmidt/Jordan Menton
9. Riot — Kane Brown/Melvin li Hough/Reese Thornton/Rivelino Raoul Wouter
10. One Mississippi — Kane Brown/Levon Gray/Jesse Frasure/Ernest
11. Drunk or Dreaming — Kane Brown/Jordan Schmidt/Ernest/Josh Hoge
12. Losing You — Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Jaxson Free
13. Whiskey Sour — Josh Hoge/Jaxson Free/Adam Craig
14. Pop’s Last Name — Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Jake Mitchell
15. Devil Don’t Even Bother — Kane Brown/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thomspon/Cary Barlowe
16. Nothing I’d Change — Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Jordan Schmidt/Ernest
17. Dear Georgia — Kane Brown/Josh Hoge/Jordan Schmidt/Ernest

Ashley Gorley Nabs Fourth Week Atop The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley

Ashley Gorley notches a fourth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. The decorated songwriter has co-writer credit on seven currently charting songs with Dierks Bentley’s “Gold,” Michael Ray’s “Holy Water,” Cole Swindell’s “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” Parmalee’s “Take My Name,” Carly Pearce’s “What He Didn’t Do,” Brett Young’s “You Didn’t” and Morgan Wallen’s “You Proof.”

Ernest Keith Smith (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3) and Mitchell Tenpenny (No. 4) maintain their spots in the top five, while Zach Bryan bumps up one spot into the No. 5 spot with his own self-penned “Something in The Orange” and “Oklahoma Smokeshow.”

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.