Brian Kelley Returns To Big Machine Label Group As Solo Artist

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Brian Kelley & Scott Borchetta. Photo: Nick Rau

Diamond-selling singer-songwriter Brian Kelley has returned to BMLG for the release of his future solo projects. Signed to Big Machine Records, Kelley will debut the patriotic “American Spirit” on July 1.

Kelley produced and wrote “American Spirit” alongside Jake Rose, with Blake Redferrin and Canaan Smith also credited as songwriters. The cover art was hand-painted by Penley (aka Steve Penley), which resonated with Kelley whose “Poppy”—John Edward Kelley—served in the U.S. Army during WWII and was a prisoner of war, earning two Purple Hearts.

“Everyone at Big Machine gives a giant and warm welcome-back to Brian Kelley,” shares Big Machine Label Group President, CEO, and Founder Scott Borchetta. “Our results together are historic, and we look forward to building on this incredible foundation as BK enters an extremely creative season with us.”

This marks new music for Kelly, who released his debut solo effort Sunshine State of Mind in 2021 via Warner Music Nashville and embarked on his “Made by the Water Tour” after over a decade as one half of Grammy-nominated duo Florida Georgia Line.

Kelley will also take the stage tonight (June 15) during opening night of May We All: A New Country Musical, stepping into the rotating role of “Bailey Stone” at Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville. Also serving as a producer under his production company CuzBro Productions, the musical will run through July 17.

“It feels good to be home at Big Machine with Scott Borchetta and the team! Their work ethic, heart, creativity, and commitment to winning is what led me back,” adds Kelley. “We’ve worked so well together on many successful projects in the past, and I couldn’t be more excited about this next chapter. I’m grateful for this opportunity and honored to collaborate with Scott again! Off to the races!”

Under BMLG, FGL became the first and only country act to achieve two RIAA Diamond-certified singles with 11x Platinum, No. 1 breakout “Cruise” and 11x Platinum, No. 1 “Meant to Be” with Bebe Rexha. They tallied 19 career No. 1 singles, 16.1 billion global streams, sold more than 32.9 million tracks and 4.7 million albums worldwide, logged 1.9 billion video views, and played to over 4 million fans spanning massive headline tours. The duo also earned multiple CMA, ACM, and Billboard Music Awards.

Dolly Parton Donates $1 Million To Vanderbilt For Pediatric Infectious Disease Research

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Pictured: Dolly Parton and longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton.

Dolly Parton has made another impressive donation to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), this time donating $1 million to the hospital’s pediatric infectious disease research to help in the fight against infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus.

Ongoing research in the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases includes understanding how viruses and bacteria cause disease, understanding and preventing resistance to antibiotics, preventing and treating infections, diagnosing and treating infections in children with cancer, and research to define the impact of childhood infections throughout the world.

“I love all children. No child should ever have to suffer, and I’m willing to do my part to try and keep as many of them as I can as healthy and safe as possible,” Parton explains.

The country legend previously made a $1 million gift to VUMC in April 2020 in honor of her longtime friend, Naji Abumrad, MD, Professor of Surgery, to increase scientific knowledge and advance the battle against COVID-19. VUMC’s researchers have tested an array of already existing drugs in clinical trials aimed at reducing life-threatening symptoms associated with COVID-19 and focused on entirely new therapies that could effectively treat and prevent the infection.

“We are deeply honored by Dolly’s contribution to our research mission,” adds Mark Denison, MD, Professor of Pediatrics and Director of the Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. “For over 40 years our division has been a national and international leader in studies for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of life-threatening infections, and this gift will accelerate our work and support new ideas.”

Among Parton’s other gifts to VUMC was a transformational contribution to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Pediatric Cancer Program in honor of Abumrad and her niece, Hannah Dennison, who was successfully treated for leukemia as a child at Children’s Hospital.

“Dolly’s previous support to infectious disease research, and also our pediatric cancer program, has already saved countless lives,” says Jeff Balser, MD, PhD, President and CEO of VUMC and Dean of the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “This new gift will bolster our defenses against future threats to the safety of this region and society as a whole. It speaks volumes about her passion for people, and we couldn’t be more thankful.”

Industry Ink: Dustin Lynch, ‘CMT Crossroads,’ Craig Campbell, PLA

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Dustin Lynch Joins Pandora’s Billionaire Club

Pictured (L-R): Marian Wolf (VP, Chief of Staff, BMG US), Thomas Coesfeld (CFO, BMG), Jon Loba (President, BMG Nashville) Dustin Lynch, Beville Dunkerley (Head of Country Talent Relations, SiriusXM & Pandora), Thomas Scherer (President Repertoire & Marketing, BMG Los Angeles and New York), Joe Gillen (CFO, BMG North America). Photo: Cooper Smith

Before his pop-up CMA Fest performance at Nissan Stadium on Thursday night (June 9), Broken Bow Records artist Dustin Lynch was presented with a plaque by Pandora for surpassing two billion lifetime spins since his 2012 breakout.

“Wow, this is such an honor. Pandora, thank you so much for sharing my music all around the world,” shares Lynch. “It’s been 10 amazing years of reaching milestone moments and this is definitely one I won’t forget! I’m constantly blown away by the continued support from everyone, especially fans, and I’m just so grateful. We’re only getting started!”

Lynch’s latest single, “Party Mode,” off his fifth studio album Blue in the Sky, is currently in the top 25 at country radio. The multi-Platinum entertainer will continue on his “Party Mode Tour” into the fall. For a complete list of tour dates and tickets, click here.

 

Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton Team Up For New CMT Crossroads Episode Airing Tonight

Mickey Guyton, Black Pumas, and CMT Staff at the taping of CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton. Catherine Powell/Getty for CMT

Black Pumas and country star Mickey Guyton headline the newest installment of CMT Crossroads: Black Pumas & Mickey Guyton.

Following a world-premiere collaboration at this year’s 2022 CMT Music Awards, the threesome reunite for a night of high-energy performances and stripped back, soulful renditions of each other’s greatest hits, including Black Pumas’ “Fire” and “Confines,” and Guyton’s “Black Like Me” and “Better than You Left Me.”

The show will premiere tonight (June 15) at 9 p.m. CT with an immediate encore at 10 p.m. CT. Additional encores will air Sunday, June 19 at 11 a.m. CT on CMT and Thursday, June 23 at 4 p.m. CT and 7 p.m. CT on MTV Live.

 

8th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Raises Over $25K

Celebrities and friends gather for the 8th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge

Craig Campbell recently hosted his 8th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge at Losers Bar & Grill in Nashville, raising more than $25,000 for national nonprofit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC).

This year’s winners were Andrew Millsaps, half of music duo Neon Union, and John Smyth, a caregiver for his sister Denise who was recently diagnosed with colorectal cancer (CRC). In attendance was Jerrod Niemann, Chuck Wicks, Ryan Charles, Abby Anderson, Alexandra Kay, Holly Stocks, Drew Baldridge, Heath Sanders, Thomas Mac, Ian Munsick, Leo Brooks, Lucas Hoge, and Ethan Payne.

“It never ceases to amaze me how many people come out to support this event,” Campbell shares. “I have to give a huge thank you to all of my artist and celebrity friends who came out to play, all of our wonderful sponsors, volunteers, and all of the amazing friends and family behind the scenes who make this happen.”

Campbell’s father passed away with colorectal cancer at age 36. Since then, he, his friends and family have now raised over $354,000 for Fight CRC.

 

PLA Media Adds Case Hardin To Its Artist Roster

Case Hardin. Photo: LaRae Russell

PLA Media has added Texas country singer Case Hardin to its artist roster. Case has logged two No. 1 hits on the Texas Regional Radio Report with “Alcohol Abuse” and “When You Roll That Way.”

A native of San Angelo, Texas, Case began his music career in 2013 when he made his American Idol debut.  In 2016, he released his debut album, Over Fort Worth. Throughout his career, Case has toured with Aaron Watson, Pat Green, Eli Young Band, Parker McCollum, Cody Johnson, Kyle Park, Randall King, Casey Donahew, Roger Creager, Mike Ryan, Josh Ward, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, Radney Foster, Dwight Yoakam, Tracy Byrd, and more.

His new release, “Honky Tonk Highway,” was written by Bernie Nelson and Phil O’Donnell. PLA will be directing Case’s media outreach for his current release and forthcoming album Lucky Him, which will be available this summer.

“When hit writer Bernie Nelson tells you to listen to someone, you do it. He has some of the best ears in the business. Case is an authentic representation of Texas country and we are proud to be a part his team,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.

Stone Aielli Inks With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Leslie Roberts (BMI), Will Overton (WCM), Stone Aielli, Matt Cottingham (attorney), and Ben Vaughn (WCM)

Singer, songwriter, and producer Stone Aielli has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.

Aielli moved to Nashville from Charlottesville, Virginia in 2016. Having spent most of his life close to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, he worked continuously collecting song ideas while operating his farm, until finally moving to Nashville to pursue a career in songwriting.

He has penned songs for numerous artists, including Priscilla Block‘s current single “My Bar” and fan-favorite “I Bet You Wanna Know.” He has also worked with Lexie Hayden on her track “Go To,” Emily Rose on “She’s Got Wings,” and landed two regional No. 1s on Texas radio with Kylie Frey’s “Horses in Heaven” and “I Do Thing.”

He currently writes with artists and songwriters signed with major labels and publishers in Nashville, Los Angeles, Texas, and London.

Garth Brooks To Wrap North American Stadium Tour With Stop In Houston

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Becky Fluke

Garth Brooks has announced that his last stadium date in the U.S. will take place in Houston, Texas on Aug. 6 at NRG Stadium. The show marks Brooks’ first Houston tour stop in over seven years, and the first time the tour has played NRG Stadium.

Tickets for the in-the-round seating show will be on sale Friday, June 24 with an eight-ticket limit per purchase. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks.

Brooks launched “The Stadium Tour” in March 2019, which has broken stadium attendance records at every stop so far. Pollstar announced at the end of 2021 that “The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour” was the best selling country music tour of 2019.

In 2017, Brooks finished the three-and-a-half-year long “Garth Brooks World Tour” with Trisha Yearwood. The tour sold over 6.3 million tickets, making it the biggest North American tour in history and the biggest American tour in the world.

Steven Curtis Chapman, Jason Cox, Ethan Hulse, More Honored At 2022 BMI Christian Awards

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Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Steven Curtis Chapman, and BMI’s Mike O’Neill at the BMI Christian Awards. Photo: Steve Lowry

BMI’s Christian Awards were held Tuesday night (June 14) honoring the Christian Songwriters, Song, and Publisher of the Year, and the songwriters and publishers of the 25 most-performed Christian songs of 2021. Steven Curtis Chapman was also honored with the BMI Icon Award during the evening.

BMI President and CEO Mike O’Neill hosted the ceremony at the company’s Nashville office, along with Leslie Roberts, AVP, Creative, Nashville.

Chapman, who is the first-ever Christian BMI Icon Award honoree, was celebrated for his influence on generations of music makers. During the evening, Lady A’s Hillary Scott and Christian country trio Cain paid musical tribute to Chapman. Scott performed “Who You Say We Are,” while Cain serenaded the crowd with “Great Adventure” and “I Will Be Here.”

Pictured (L-R): Songwriter of the Year Jason Cox, Songwriter Jonathan Smith, Songwriter of the Year Ethan Hulse, Provident’s Terry Hemmings, BMI Icon Steven Curtis Chapman, BMI’s Mike O’Neill, BMI writer Zach Williams, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI songwriter Casey Beathard, Essential Music Publishing’s Holly Zabka, Essential Music Publishing’s Jamie Rodgers. Photo: Steve Lowry

“There Was Jesus” was named the 2022 BMI Christian Song of the Year. Written by Casey Beathard, Jonathan Smith, and Zach Williams, the track was performed by Dolly Parton and Williams, and was the most-performed Christian song of the year. The tune won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song in 2021.

The coveted Songwriter of the Year award was presented to first-time winner Jason Cox and Ethan Hulse, who took home the honor for the fourth consecutive year in a row. Cox and Hulse are each responsible for three of this year’s award-winning songs.

Cox’s writing credits include The Crabb Family’s “I See Revival,” The Nelons’ “If God Pulled Back the Curtain,” and the Tribute Quartet’s “The Healer Hasn’t Lost His Touch.” Hulse penned Andrew Ripp’s “Jericho,” Jeremy Camp’s “Out Of My Hands,” and Cain’s “Rise Up (Lazarus).”

Publisher of the Year honors went to Essential Music Publishing, which is responsible for 11 of the 25 most-performed songs of the year, including “Alive & Breathing,” “Amen,” “Battle Belongs,” “Famous For (I Believe),” “Graves into Gardens,” “Jericho,” “Less Like Me,” “Out of My Hands,” “Peace Be Still,” “Rise Up (Lazarus),” and “There Was Jesus.”

During the ceremony, BMI also saluted the songwriters and publishers of the 25 most-performed Christian songs of the year. A full list of the 2022 BMI Christian Awards winners can be found here.

On The Cover: Lainey Wilson Graces Cover Of MusicRow Magazine’s 2022 Artist Roster Issue

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MusicRow, Nashville’s leading music industry trade publication, is proud to announce the 2022 release of its Artist Roster print issue with breakout singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson gracing its cover.

Reigning ACM New Female of the Year, Wilson has had a whirlwind year, earning her first No. 1 with the Platinum-certified ACM Song of the Year “Things A Man Oughta Know,” as well as being named to a variety of Artist to Watch lists and Billboard‘s Top New Country Artist of 2021. The Louisiana native was also awarded MusicRow Magazine’s Discovery Artist of the Year award in 2021, and recently returned to the top of the country radio charts with her two-week No. 1 hit “Never Say Never” with Cole Swindell.

Bringing her electric live show to stages around the world, Wilson has performed for sold-out crowds with Jason Aldean, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Randy Houser, and more.

In May of 2022, Wilson released her newest single “Heart Like A Truck,” which gives fans a taste of new music slated to come later this year.

This year’s Artist Roster print edition looks at the intersection of sports and live entertainment in Nashville as the city sees the opening of its new soccer stadium GEODIS Park, the return of motorsports, and discussions of a new and improved Nissan Stadium. This issue also highlights Nashville’s recent investments into rock music, profiles WHY&HOW’s CEO and Founder Bruce Kalmick, and dives into some social media best practices in 2022 from Girlilla Marketing’s CEO Jennie Smythe and Chief Marketing Officer Ashley Alexander.

The Artist Roster issue also gives a preview of MusicRow‘s newest weekly column “My Music Row Story,” which features notable members of the Nashville music industry. From esteemed managers, leaders in music publishing, label executives and everything in between, those featured keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.

MusicRow‘s Artist Roster contains five company directories complete with client rosters: Label, Management, Talent Agents, Publicity, and Artist Services (Business Management/Financial/Insurance, Digital Music, Legal, Marketing, Radio Promotion, and Organizations). This edition also offers a summarizing Artist Grid, which has become an indispensable tool connecting artists to their team members in each category.

Single copies of MusicRow’s 2022 Artist Roster print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $45, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

Warner Music Nashville Adds Connor Brock To Radio Team

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Connor Brock

Warner Music Nashville has added Connor Brock as Regional Manager, South for its WAR radio team. Based in Nashville, Brock reports to National Director, Radio, Michael Chase.

Brock joins Warner Music Nashville with six years of experience at Universal Music Group, most recently serving as Director, Regional Promotion for EMI Records Nashville.

“Connor is a perfect fit for team WAR,” Chase shares. “We are thrilled to have his fresh perspective and approach to promotion, which will complement our amazing roster of artists and this incredible radio team.”

“I’m more than ready to join the WAR team in representing this stellar roster of artists!” Brock adds.

Brock can be reached at [email protected].

Gibson Garage Marks Anniversary With Week-Long, Star-Studded Celebration

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Darius Rucker and his band perform at the Gibson Garage.

The Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville celebrated its one-year anniversary last week with top artists, luminaries and the Gibson team on hand for the party.

Fans lined up all week long for Gibson Garage Fest to enjoy live music from a diverse range of artists, CMA performers, special events, and daily giveaways at the Garage.

On Thursday (June 9), Les Paul’s birthday and the official one-year mark of the opening of the Gibson Garage, Darius Rucker visited for a special donation event with Gibson Gives–the philanthropic arm of Gibson.

Pictured (L-R): Cesar Gueikian (Brand President, Gibson Brands), Brennan Boose (Senior Consultant Strategic Marketing, NMAAM), Tamar Smithers (Senior Director of Education and Exhibitions, NMAAM), Henry Hicks III (CEO, NMAAM), James “JC” Curleigh (President and CEO, Gibson Brands) and Darius Rucker.

Gibson Gives donated $30,000 to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and its fund for music education while the superstar thrilled the packed crowd with an intimate acoustic performance of his hits.

“I couldn’t think of a better place to have an African American music museum than Nashville” said Rucker. “Everybody in the world should go see NMAAM, it’s such an important place. For as long as I can remember I’ve been playing Gibsons, and what they’re doing with Gibson Gives is a great thing and now they’re partnered with the NMAAM, it’s a perfect fit. I’m so proud to be a part of all of it.”

Gibson Garage Fest attendees enjoyed artist panels, one-of-a-kind giveaways and experiences, participated in guitar-playing lessons, and enjoyed live music spanning country, Americana, rock, blues, and pop. Performers included Marcus King, Ernest, Charles Esten, Orianthi, Eric Paslay, Hannah Dasher, Tiera, Callista Clark, Temecula Road, Elvie Shane, Danielle Bradbery, Filmore, Sean Stemaly, Alana Springsteen, Love and Theft and many more.

“One year ago, we couldn’t have imagined the impact the Gibson Garage would have on guitar fans in music city and around the world,” said James “JC” Curleigh, President and CEO of Gibson Brands. “It’s the best compliment to hear artists say that the Garage has set a new benchmark and is yet another massive step in the right direction for Gibson.”

The Gibson Garage

Eric Paslay and Charles Esten perform at the Gibson Garage.

Laci Kaye Booth performs at the Gibson Garage.

Ernest performs at the Gibson Garage.

Breland’s Debut Album Slated For September Release

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Breland. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine

Platinum entertainer Breland will release his debut album, Cross Country, on Sept. 9 through Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville. The genre-bending artist debuted his new single, “Natural,” on NBC’s Today With Hoda & Jenna this morning (June 14).

The upcoming project takes its name from Breland’s previously released, autobiographical track, which spawned a revisited version featuring Mickey Guyton in March of 2021. In addition to “Cross Country,” the debut record will also include previously released singles “Throw It Back (feat. Keith Urban)” and “Praise The Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett),” which debuted at the 2022 ACM Awards in Las Vegas.

Lady A performs with Breland at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 12 during CMA Fest 2022 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA

Earlier this week, Breland was recognized at the Tribeca Film Festival, which screened the official music video for Cross Country’s title track. Meanwhile, Sunday night saw the rising singer-songwriter wrapping up a stacked week of CMA Fest appearances by taking the stage at Nissan Stadium for a surprise performance with Lady A.

Breland first broke into the Nashville scene with his hip-hop and country hybrid hit “My Truck,” which went No. 1 on Spotify’s Global Viral 50 in 2019 before earning a remix that featured Sam Hunt. Breland was also featured on Dierks Bentley’s No. 1 single with Hardy, “Beers On Me,” and has collaborated with Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Blanco Brown, Lauren Alaina, and Chase Rice.

Following his run on Russell Dickerson’s “All Yours, All Night Tour,” he will hit the road this summer with upcoming stops across the country. For a full list of dates, click here.