Jonathan Insogna Joins Wasserman Music As VP

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Jonathan Insogna. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Longtime agent Jonathan Insogna has joined Wasserman Music as a Vice President based in Nashville.

Insogna joins the company after 17 years at WME, where he represented many prominent country and Americana artists. His new clients at Wasserman Music include Morgan Wade, Yola, Cam Whitcomb, Drew Erwin, Joshua Quimby, Max McNown and Theo Kandel.

Insogna is graduate of the University of Georgia and earned his MBA from Belmont University. He served on the Founding Board of Advisors for the To Nashville, With Love Fund, created to help raise vital funds after the devastating March 2020 tornadoes that struck Middle Tennessee.

His addition was announced alongside the hiring of Josh Dick as a Vice President based in New York, Rebecca Prochnik as a Director based in London and Shay Royale as a Director based in New York.

“We are excited to welcome Josh, Jonathan, Rebecca and Shay to our growing global team of outstanding agents and career strategists,” says Lee Anderson, EVP & Managing Executive, Wasserman Music. “Their unique backgrounds and experience will help to drive Wasserman Music’s accelerating growth across global territories, emerging genres and innovative new ways to serve our valued clients around the world.”

T. Graham Brown Invited To Join Grand Ole Opry Family

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Vince Gill invites T. Graham Brown to become member of the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Rachael Black for Grand Ole Opry

T. Graham Brown was surprised by Opry member Vince Gill with an invitation on Tuesday (Feb. 20) to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The invitation came in front of a live SiriusXM studio audience as Brown welcomed Gill as the guest for a taping of his SiriusXM show Live Wire. The show will debut April 6 at 9 p.m. CT on SiriusXM’s Prime Country, channel 58. An induction date will be announced soon.

Pictured (L-R): Vince Gill, Opry’s Gina Keltner, T. Graham Brown and Opry’s Dan Rogers. Photo: Rachael Black for Grand Ole Opry

“Awww, man,” said Brown during the taping about his invitation. “That’s amazing, Vince. Oh my goodness. Please tell me you’re not kidding me. This is the greatest thing. You don’t know what that means to me. I so wanted this; you just don’t know. I’m so proud of the Opry. I’m just so proud to be there every time. I’ve never taken it for granted. It’s just amazing.”

“They love you,” Gill said. “That’s a special place, and you’ll be a valued part of that place. I didn’t mean to make you cry. Congratulations!”

“T. Graham Brown feels like family every single time he walks through the backstage doors of the Grand Ole Opry House,” says Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “He adds a special spirit and a great performance to every Opry show he’s part of. It’s not lost on me that immediately after having been invited to join the Opry at the SiriusXM studios, within minutes he was on the road to the Opry for yet another performance, adding to his 300+ count of Opry appearances.”

Brown is a CMA award-winner who has toured extensively since the early ’80s, and performed on the Opry more than 300 times. His signature hits include “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Hell And High Water,” “I Wish That I Could Hurt That Way Again,” “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Darlene,” as well as his gripping “Wine Into Water,” which introduced him to the Christian audiences. “Wine Into Water” has gone on to be recorded by over 100 artists, including the legendary Loretta Lynn on her critically acclaimed project, Full Circle.

We Are Giant Adds Becky Gardenhire To Board Of Directors

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Becky Gardenhire

Music community platform We Are Giant has added WME Nashville Co-Head Becky Gardenhire to its Board of Directors.

Throughout her over 20-year tenure at WME, Gardenhire has played a key role in developing the careers of Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Sara Evans, Trisha Yearwood, Jordan Davis, Lanco, Tenille Townes, Ingrid Andress and more.

She will serve as a strategic advisor to We Are Giant Founder & CEO Andy Apple and his executive leadership team—including VP of Product & Community Dan McComas, VP of Music JP Slater and VP of Engineering Josh Fraser—on fan development and engagement, artist relations and footprint expansion in the Nashville market. Gardenhire joins AEG Presents COO of Global Touring David Rappaport on the platform’s Board of Directors.

“Becky is a force, and her expertise at artist development has been integral to the careers of some of the most successful artists in Music City,” says Apple. “What she’s accomplished at WME over the past two decades aligns with We Are Giant’s commitment to helping artists build long-term careers with a dedicated community of fans. Her appointment to our Board of Directors is a great milestone for our company and will propel us to new heights. It is truly an honor to have her on the board.”

Headquartered in Los Angeles, We Are Giant aims to provide centralized solutions for artists to cultivate and own their direct-to-fan relationships, build revenue, leverage new engagement channels and create a community with their audience. Since its official inception in November 2023, the platform has launched 80 artist community channels and hosted more than 150 fan-led functions for Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan, Dominic Fike, Mac Miller, Beabadoobee and Laufey.

“We Are Giant is at the forefront of revolutionizing the connection between artists and their fans in an authentic way,” shares Gardenhire. “I am excited to be a part of the organization and see how they continue to innovate the fan experience and strengthen the artist-fan connection.”

Clint Black Marks 35th Anniversary Of ‘Killin’ Time’ With Three Heartwarming Nashville Shows

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Clint Black. Photo: Ari Lyon

Country icon Clint Black celebrated a big milestone with a run of shows over the weekend at the Ryman Auditorium.

It’s the 35th anniversary of Black’s triple-Platinum debut album Killin’ Time. The album, released in May of 1989, contained multiple hits, including its title track, “A Better Man,” “Walking Away,” “Nobody’s Home,” “Nothing’s News” and more.

Killin’ Time launched Black into country stardom. He went on to sell over 20 million records, earn more than a dozen Gold and Platinum certifications and nab stars on the Hollywood and Music City Walks of Fame. With enduring hits such as “A Good Run Of Bad Luck,” “Like The Rain” and “Nothin’ But The Tailights,” Black has made a long-lasting impact on the genre with songs that he wrote or co-wrote. He was honored with the Poet’s Award at the ACM Honors in August, an award given to the most remarkable and enduring talents in country music songwriting.

Clint Black. Photo: Ari Lyon

Black is commemorating the album that started it all with a world tour, which kicked off with his three-night stand at the Ryman. On night one (Feb. 16), he was in high spirits when the music began. Black was introduced by radio personality Storme Warren, who spoke about his impact on country music.

When the star appeared, he started playing Killin’ Time from top to bottom. Right away, he launched into the ground-breaking album with track one: “Straight from the Factory.”

Black blitzed the crowd with the next few tunes, performing smash after smash with “A Better Man,” “Nobody’s Home” and “Walkin’ Away.” Fans yelled messages of love and admiration to the singer as he made comments about the tunes, how they were written or how he felt about them.

He spoke a lot about songwriting, telling a specific story about how his father told a 22-year-old Black that he needed to live a little bit more life before he had source material for good country songs. He shared that he wrote “Nothing’s News” shortly after.

“Killin’ Time” got the biggest reaction of the night, with fans singing and toe-tapping along as Black sang it through a grin. After singing the album’s final track, “Live and Learn,” Black turned his attention the other hits in his arsenal. Kicking off the second section of the show with “State of Mind,” Black got the Ryman crowd on their feet again with “When My Ship Comes In.”

Clint Black. Photo: Ari Lyon

At one point, Black’s wife, Lisa Hartman Black, and their daughter Lily Pearl Black, joined him on stage. “The lovely part of the show has arrived,” he said. He was right. The three sounded beautiful on “A Change in the Air.”

After playing “Untanglin’ My Mind,” a song he wrote with his hero Merle Haggard, Black launched into No. 1s “Summer’s Comin’,” “Like the Rain” and “A Good Run of Bad Luck.” All of which thrilled the crowd.

Lisa, who donned a white dress reminiscent of a bridal gown, joined him again for their iconic duet “When I Said I Do.” The hair-raising performance had couples in the audience holding each other and singing along.

Black brought the tempo back up with his tribute to Waylon Jennings, “Are You Sure Waylon Done It This Way,” before getting everyone roaring with the opening shuffle of “Nothin’ But The Taillights.” Black and his legion of supporters, satisfied from a night of ’90s country nostalgia, danced the night away before the icon said goodnight.

Catch Black’s “Killin’ Time World Tour” at one of the dates below. Tickets and on-sale information is available at clintblack.com.

Feb. 23, 2024 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Casino
Feb. 24, 2024 – San Antonio, TX – San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo
Feb. 29, 2024 – Roanoke, VA – Berglund Performing Arts Center
March 1, 2024 – Roanoke Rapids, NC – Weldon Mills Theater
March 2, 2024 – Cherokee, NC – Harrah’s Cherokee Event Center
March 23, 2024 – Lancaster, PA – American Music Theatre
March 24, 2024 – Nashville, IN – Brown County Performing Arts Center
April 6, 2024 – Carlton, MN – Black Bear Casino Resort
April 21, 2024 – Georgetown, TX – Two Step Inn Fest
April 26, 2024 – Chandler, AZ – Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino
April 28, 2024 – Indio, CA – Stagecoach
June 13, 2024 – Abbotsford, BC – Abbotsford Arena
June 14, 2024 – Penticton, BC – South Okanagan Arena
June 15, 2024 – Prince George, BC – CN Arena
June 16, 2024 – Dawson Creek, BC – Ovintiv Arena
June 19, 2024 – Lethbridge, AB – ENMAX Arena
June 21, 2024 – Edmonton, AB – Winspear Centre
June 22, 2024 – Strathmore, AB – Strathmore Stampede
June 25, 2024 – Saskatoon, SK – SaskTel Arena
June 27, 2024 – Moose Jaw, SK – Moose Jaw Arena
July 11, 2024 – New Salem, ND – ND Country Fest

Dan + Shay Add 30 New Dates To ‘Heartbreak On The Map Tour’

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Dan + Shay have extended their upcoming “The Heartbreak On The Map Tour,” adding 30 new dates to the bill.

The newly-announced dates, beginning July 18, will feature support from Jake Owen and Dylan Marlowe, and will include stops in Cincinnati, St. Louis, Charleston, Charlotte, Dallas, Phoenix and more through Sept. 21.

The tour is named for the duo’s song “Heartbreak On The Map,” the third track and early fan favorite on the duo’s fifth studio album, Bigger Houses, which was released last September. Tickets to the newly-announced stops will be available starting with presales beginning today. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on-sale beginning Feb. 23.

The first leg of the tour, featuring support from Ben Rector and Hailey Whitters, is set to kick off on Feb. 29 in Greenville, S0uth Carolina, just days after Dan + Shay make their coaching debut on season 25 of NBC’s The Voice.

“The Heartbreak On The Map Tour” Newly Added Dates:
Thursday, July 18 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Friday, July 19 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Saturday, July 20 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thursday, July 25 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Friday, July 26 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview
Saturday, July 27 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
Friday, Aug. 2 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
Saturday, Aug. 3 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Friday, Aug. 9 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
Saturday, Aug. 10 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Sunday, Aug. 11 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Thursday, Aug. 15 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
Friday, Aug. 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Saturday, Aug. 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Thursday, Aug. 22 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Friday, Aug. 23 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Saturday, Aug. 24 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
Thursday, Aug. 29 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
Friday, Aug. 30 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Saturday, Aug. 31 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
Thursday, Sept. 5 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Friday, Sept. 6 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Thursday, Sept. 12 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Friday, Sept. 13 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Saturday, Sept. 14 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Sunday, Sept. 15 – Stateline, NV – Lake Tahoe Harveys Outdoor Arena
Thursday, Sept. 19 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
Friday, Sept. 20 – West Valley City, UT – Utah First Credit Union Amphitheater
Saturday, Sept. 21 – Denver, CO – Fiddlers Green Amphitheater

Carson Wallace Signs With Red Light Management

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Pictured (L-R): Enzo DeVincenzo, Red Light Management; Carson Wallace; Anthony DeVincenzo, Red Light Management. Photo: Sean O’Halloran

Singer-songwriter Carson Wallace has signed with Enzo and Anthony DeVincenzo at Red Light Management.

The 20-year-old California native grew up in a small town of a thousand people in Springville, California—just outside of the Sierra Nevada mountains—and the Western lifestyle had a big impression on Wallace growing up. He picked up the piano at the age of four and started playing guitar by seven. His uncle, songwriter Marv Green, captivated Wallace at an early age, and created an event called “Nashville Nights,” which brought hit songwriters to his small town. With coaching and wisdom from his uncle, Wallace made the leap to Nashville to make a name for himself.

Wallace released his first singles “Lonely Look Like,” “Ghost In My Chevy” and more last year. The newcomer has already amassed over one million streams with his few initial releases, and is cultivating an avid fanbase across his growing social platforms. He recently inked a global publishing deal with Hardy‘s Relative Music Group in partnership with Sony Music Publishing.

“When I first met Carson, you could see and hear the raw talent that he possesses,” says Anthony DeVincenzo. “Fast forward two years, his work ethic and ability to build relationships is unmatched. He knows his vision and he certainly knows what he wants to say. Enzo and I are excited to see what the future holds.”

“I could not be more excited to announce my partnership with the DeVincenzo brothers! Their competitive drive, tenacity, and most importantly their genuine passion for my music and career left me no doubt about working with them,” says Wallace.

Riser House Entertainment Elevates Three Promotion Team Members

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Pictured (L-R): Jeff Davis, Roger Fregoso and Nathan Cruise

Riser House Entertainment has elevated Jeff Davis to Vice President of Promotion, Roger Fregoso to National Director of Promotion and Nathan Cruise to Senior Regional Director of Promotion, effective immediately. All three will retain their regions, East, West and Central, respectively.

Riser House Entertainment is a full-service record label, artist management and music publishing company founded by President Jennifer Johnson and Chairman Matt Swanson. Riser House Records, the company’s in-house label co-founded by country artist Mitchell Tenpenny, features a roster of established and rising acts including Tenpenny, Dillon Carmichael, Meghan Patrick, Lanco and more.

“Jeff Davis’ enthusiasm and passion is unmatched! His leadership and commitment to elevate Riser House and our artists inspires me daily,” says Johnson.

“I am deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as VP of Promotion at Riser House,” shares Davis. “I extend my sincere thanks to Jennifer, Matt and our entire Riser House team for their unwavering belief and support! Roger and Nathan have also both demonstrated tremendous leadership and dedication, and I am confident that we will continue to elevate our artists and music to the next level.”

Brandon Lake & Sadie Robertson Huff To Host 11th Annual K-Love Fan Awards

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Brandon Lake & Sadie Robertson Huff

Brandon Lake and Sadie Robertson Huff have been tapped to host the 11th annual K-Love Fan Awards on Sunday, May 26 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.

The weekend of the awards will also consist of the Friday night (May 24) kick-off concert headlined by MercyMe with Cain and Consumed by Fire as well as the Sunday morning worship service led by Elevation Worship. More details will be released at a later date.

Tickets for the 2024 K-Love Fan Awards are on sale now, with travel packages still available. For more information, click here.

Grand Opening Set For Friends In Low Places Bar

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Country superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will celebrate the grand opening of their new bar, Friends In Low Places, on March 7. Located at 411 Broadway, the 54,715 square foot, four-floor venue will become the largest honky-tonk on Lower Broadway.

“If you are one of the lucky ones who come to this town and receive its many blessings, don’t you owe something to Nashville?” shares Brooks. “Garth Brooks owes a lot to Music City.”

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood

The first and second floor will feature an elevated experience of a traditional honky-tonk. It will include the largest LED screens on Broadway as well as the newest sound and lighting technology, all of which was installed by Brooks’ road crew. The custom built stage for musicians will sit in the heart of the building, and will feature the Circle G emblem, which Brooks used to perform in Central Park. The first floor will offer two bars, seating and a dance floor. On the second, guests can find an additional two bars, a place to overlook the stage downstairs and sliding glass windows overlooking Broadway.

The third floor will be the private event space for the venue. With the ability to accommodate up to 250 guests, the space will mimic the inviting atmosphere of Brook and Yearwood’s home, featuring a double sided fireplace and patio.

The Oasis Rooftop will offer a beach theme with 10 foot palm trees. Featuring retractable garage doors, an open-air patio and two full bars, The Oasis will be the largest rooftop on the street.

As for food, the menu will be crafted by Yearwood herself. Recipes will be inspired by her own Trisha’s Southern Kitchen, as well as her cookbooks. The venue plans to serve food on all four floors from 11 a.m – 9 p.m every day.

“I can’t imagine there being a Garth honky-tonk without Trisha Food!” says Yearwood. “I’m honored to get to be a part of something so exciting and so big, and to work alongside the love of my life doing it. The whole team at Friends In Low Places is incredible!”

Friends in Low Places was brought to life by EOA Architects and R.C. Mathews Contractor. The venue plans to be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. The opening of Friends in Low Places will also include a police substation in partnership with the MNPD.

Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, More Set For CRS Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament

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The Paddle Royale Ping Pong Tournament will return to Country Radio Seminar (CRS) on Feb. 28 in the Omni Nashville Hotel’s Legends D-G on the second floor.

The 16-player event has grown each year, with over 800 in attendance in 2023. This year’s tournament will feature players Kane Brown, Jelly Roll, Sam Hunt, Russell Dickerson, Tyler Hubbard and returning Champion Chris Lane, along with industry executives Kurt Bardella, Johnny Chiang, Michelle Kammerer, Annie Ortmeier, Jackie Tigue, Jay Williams, Kristen Williams and more to be announced.

Tennessee Titans play-by-play man Mike Keith will come back to call the action, with Rob Stone and Holly Hutton from Audacy WYCD/Detroit serving as sideline reporters. The “Prime Ministers of Pong” George Couri and Tim Roberts will lead the event, which will follow “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat.” Doors open at 8:30 p.m. and the tournament starts at 9 p.m.

“This is the true test of success in the music business,” says Roberts. “We serve it up, care about spins, and we don’t settle for anything less than No. 1!”

Couri adds, “No music, no panels. Just getting our industry together to have fun and get silly. This thing gets bigger every year, and we are going to make the spectacle of it all even bigger this time.”

CRS 2024 will take place Feb. 28-March 1. Online registration is now closed, and will reopen on-site at the Omni Nashville Hotel. For more information, click here.