Shenandoah Kicks Off 50-City ‘Two Dozen Roses Tour’

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Shenandoah is kicking off their 2024 “Two Dozen Roses Tour” today (May 31) in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee.

The new 50-city tour pays homage to the band’s 1989 smash hit, 35 years after the song peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Country chart. The first leg of the trek includes festival appearances at Country Thunder Bristol with Cody Johnson and Country Thunder Saskatchewan with Nickelback and Luke Combs. In the fall, the group will embark for its first-ever Canadian tour, performing over 10 dates alongside Sawyer Brown.

Shenandoah released a newly-recorded version of “Two Dozen Roses” featuring Combs, which rose to the top of the iTunes All Genre and Country charts—marking their first chart topper in 30 years.

“What has happened in the last year and a half with ‘Two Dozen Roses’ has been unbelievable,” says lead singer Marty Raybon. “To even believe that it’s bigger today than when we first released it in 1989 shows the power of songs that stand the test of time. It’s certainly one of the biggest things going on in our world right now, so it only makes sense to call the tour ‘Two Dozen Roses.'”

For more information, click here.

Shaboozey Shares Stories That Shaped His Artist Journey On ‘Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going’

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Shaboozey

Shaboozey‘s new 12-track, genre-bending album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, is out today (May 31) via Empire.

The project includes the focus track “My Fault” featuring Noah Cyrus, as well as his newly-Platinum certified song of the summer “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which currently sits at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. With that milestone, Shaboozey and Beyoncé have made history as the first two Black artists to lead the chart with back-to-back No. 1s. The song has also amassed over 300 million streams and landed in the top 10 in several countries across the world with No. 1s in Canada, Sweden, Denmark and the UK’s Big 40.

YouTube video

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going charts a cinematic road trip through the wilds of the American west, pushing further into the country/folk-inspired sound Shaboozey has explored in recent years. “Let It Burn,” the haunting heartbreak track “Anabelle” and western sing-along “Vegas” were the first tracks released from the album, giving fans a taste of the artist’s range and talents.

“This album means the world to me, it’s a reflection of my journey and the stories that shaped me,” says Shaboozey. “Growing up in Virginia, music was our way of speaking truths and finding joy, and I tried to capture that in every track. It’s a blend of all my experiences, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I hope when y’all listen, you feel that same connection and authenticity. It’s not just an album, it’s a piece of my soul, and I’m grateful to share it with you.”

The Nigerian-American hitmaker just finished a run of three sold-out performances in New York, Nashville and L.A., and hit the stage at Stagecoach with a solo set along with guest appearances with fellow performers Diplo and The Chainsmokers. He appeared on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter project with features on the Billboard Hot 100 charting tracks “Spaghettii” and “Sweet Honey Buckiin,’” and has gained more than 32 million monthly listeners.

Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going Track List:
1. Horses & Hellcats
2. A Bar Song (Tipsy)
3. Last Of My Kind ft. Paul Cauthen
4. Anabelle
5. East Of The Massanutten
6. Highway
7. Let It Burn
8. My Fault ft. Noah Cyrus
9. Vegas
10. Drink Don’t Need No Mix ft. BigXthaPlug
11. Steal Her From Me
12. Finally Over

Tucker Wetmore Signs With UMG Nashville In Partnership With Back Blocks Music

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Pictured (L–R, back row): UMG Nashville’s Lori Christian, Rob Femia, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP’s T.D. Ruth, Lewis Brisbois’ Matt Cottingham and UMG Nashville’s Jake Gear; (L–R, front row): UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris, Cindy Mabe, Tucker Wetmore, Back Blocks Music’s Rakiyah Marshall and Autumn Ledgin. Photo: Chris Hollo

Tucker Wetmore has signed a record deal with UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music.

With nearly 200 million career streams, Wetmore has made waves with tunes “Wine Into Whiskey,” “What Would You Do?” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” which will impact country radio June 10 via the label’s EMI Records Nashville imprint. He is also slated to have two tracks featured on the forthcoming Twisters soundtrack, “Already Had It” and “Steal My Thunder (with Conner Smith).”

In addition to his headlining shows, Wetmore recently supported Kameron Marlowe on the “Strangers Tour,” and is set to make appearances at Spotify House and the UMG Nashville Takeover during CMA Fest next week. He will also join Luke Bryan for his “Farm Tour 2024” in September.

“I’m honored to continue working with Tucker as he expands his team with the brilliant minds at UMG,” shares Rakiyah Marshall, Back Blocks Music Founder & CEO. “What Tucker and our Back Blocks team have built together in less than three years has been incredible, but it’s just the beginning. I am blown away by the character, talent and work ethic that make up who Tucker is as an artist and human, and am so thankful to be on this ride with the newest UMG Nashville artist.”

“The world has only seen a glimpse of what Tucker is going to do for country music,” says Cindy Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “His strong connection to his purpose shines a light on what has helped build him: his family, his faith, his team and his fans. Representing country music from the pacific northwest, Tucker’s distinctive sound, soulful lyrics and his instantly likable personality bring the perfect ingredients to nurture and grow a lasting career. UMG Nashville is so honored to work with Tucker, Rakiyah and Back Blocks Music in building the next era of country music history.”

“Before I moved to Nashville, I sat down and made a list of goals for myself and for the last four years, I have been working toward them every single day,” shares Wetmore. “Today I have checked off one of the biggest I set for myself… signing a record deal. My new family at UMG Nashville checked all of my boxes. The drive, dedication, love and respect we all have for each other outside of music is the real reason why I’m so proud to now call them partners, along with my team at Back Blocks Music. With the fire that has already been started, I couldn’t pick better people to pour gasoline on it. I couldn’t be more excited and confident about this next chapter in my career. I love you all, thank you for continuing to make my dreams come true. God is so good.”

Nate Smith’s ‘Bulletproof’ Tops The MusicRow Radio Chart

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Nate Smith tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his gritty track “Bulletproof.”

The song, written by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson and Hunter Phelps, appears on Smith’s EP Through The Smoke.

Smith recently teamed up with Avril Lavigne to debut their “Bulletproof” duet at the 2024 ACM Awards, which came shortly after Smith was named the New Male Artist of the Year. Currently, Smith is on the road performing at various festivals and supporting Morgan Wallen on his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” and is set to kick off his own “Through The Smoke Tour” in September.

“Bulletproof” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Industry Ink: ‘WMN: On Deck,’ AIMP Nashville, Chris Tomlin, More

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Warner Music Nashville Holds Second ‘WMN: On Deck’ Event

Pictured (L–R, back row): Warner Music Nashville’s Jamie Younger, Ben Kline, Cris Lacy, Stephanie Wright and Stephanie Davenport; (L–R, front row): Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Sabatini, Victoria Mason, Make Wake Artists’ HB Riordan, The Castellows, Drew Parker, Make Wake Artists’ Chris Kappy, Jarrod Holley and Warner Music Nashville’s Patrick Worstell. Photo: David Bradley

Warner Music Nashville held its second “WMN: On Deck” event last week at its offices.

The function, formerly known as “Pickin’ On The Patio,” showcased The Castellows and Drew Parker. Freshie Imports, Goo Goo Cluster and Daddy’s Dogs served as the sponsors for the “WMN: On Deck” installment.

AIMP Nashville Hosts ‘Sync In Sports’ Panel

Pictured (L–R): Anthem Entertainment’s Courtney Crist, Peermusic’s Kendall Lettow, Big Loud’s Paul Logan, Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck, The Score’s John Adams, Me Gusta Music’s Trina Smith-Dort, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph, SESAC’s ET Brown and Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford

Association of Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) Nashville hosted a panel titled “Sync In Sports” at The Basement East on Tuesday (May 28).

Moderated by Big Loud’s Paul Logan, the panel consisted of The Score’s John Adams, Sony Playstation’s Alex Hackford, CBS Sports’ Taylor Ralph and Fox Sports’ Stephanie Urcheck speaking to AIMP members and guests about all aspects of licensing and clearance at their respective companies.

Chris Tomlin Celebrated Gold-Certified Single ‘Holy Forever’

Pictured (L–R): Piedmonte & Co.’s Makayla Symmonds, Anthony Piedmonte, Capitol Christian Music Group’s Brad O’Donnell, Chris Tomlin, Capitol Christian Music Group’s David Slyvester and Hudson Plachy. Photo: Nathan Blaine

Chris Tomlin was surprised by Capitol Christian Music Group and his management team with a plaque for his RIAA Gold-certified single “Holy Forever.”

The song became Tomlin’s 21st career No. 1 last year. With more than 160 million streams to date, “Holy Forever” has garnered Grammy and Billboard Music Award (BBMA) nominations, and is currently up for Worship Song of the Year at the 2024 K-Love Fan Awards.

Allison Russell Completes Americana Artist Residency At NYU

Allison Russell completes time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU)

Allison Russell recently completed her time as the Americana Artist-In-Residence at New York University (NYU). The residency is a part of the partnership between the Americana Music Foundation and NYU Steinhardt, home of the school’s music department.

Throughout the residency, Russell worked closely with undergraduate and graduate students, sharing her experience as a collaborator, creator and citizen of the music community. She also sought to provide guidance on developing and accessing creativity as well as the importance of remaining open to opportunities that may not always take the obvious path. Her visit concluded with an intimate, candid conversation with songwriting majors.

Drew Holcomb And The Neighbors Exceed 500 Million Global Streams

Pictured (L–R): Ellie Holcomb, Samantha Steele, Nathan Dugger, Drew Holcomb, Ian Miller, Rich Brinsfield, Will Sayles, Paul Steele and Morgan Combs

Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors exceed 500 million global streams this month. To celebrate the milestone, the band’s management team presented them with a plaque commemorating the achievement at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium after they wrapped the latest leg of their spring U.S. headlining tour with two sold-out shows.

The group has spent the past year on the road supporting their ninth full-length studio album, Strangers No More. The project features their first Americana chart-topper, “Find Your People.” The single peaked at No. 2 on TikTok’s popular chart and broke into the top 50 on the TikTok Billboard chart.

Romeo Entertainment Group Promotes Three & Hires Six

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Romeo Entertainment Group has made several staff promotions and additions. The talent buying and concert production company currently serves over 170 events across the U.S. and Canada in 35 states and 80 locations nationwide, catering to fairs, festivals, rodeos, casinos and corporate events.

Promotions at REG include Adriana “Dri” Valadez who has risen to Talent Buyer/Event Producer, Taylor Williamson who was promoted to Talent Buyer/Event Producer and Carly Dibble who was elevated to Talent Buyer/Event Producer.

Six new hires have been added to the REG team, including Scott Kernahan who joins as Talent Buyer/Event Producer and Briannon “Bree” Griffin who joins as Executive Assistant to RJ and Michelle Romeo. Chloe Dubrovay, Ali J. Stinehour, Alexandra “Alex” Hargiss and Grayce Keefer have all been hired as Event Coordinators.

Since 2021, Romeo Entertainment Group has seen a steady annual growth. They recently welcomed new clients including The State Fair of Texas, which boasts an average annual attendance of over 2.3 million people, and The San Diego County Fair, one of the largest and most successful county fairs in the nation. REG has increased its staff by 70% to help meet the growing demands due to the expansion of business.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotions of our dedicated team members and to welcome new talent to the Romeo Entertainment Group family,” says REG. “Each team member brings a unique set of skills and a passion for music that enriches our ability to deliver unforgettable experiences to our clients. These promotions and new hires reflect our ongoing commitment to growth and excellence. As we celebrate these achievements, we are reminded of the legacy of innovation and leadership instilled by my grandfather, Don Romeo, and we continue to build on this foundation with a forward-thinking approach. I am incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication, which have been pivotal in driving our success and reaching new heights year after year.”

David Kalmusky Signs With Jonas Group Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): George Kreis, President Jonas Group Entertainment; David Kalmusky; Leslie DiPiero, President, Jonas Group Publishing and Kevin Jonas Sr, Founder, Jonas Group Entertainment. Photo: Cole Barneill

Multi-Platinum producer, songwriter, musician and mixer David Kalmusky has signed with Jonas Group Publishing.

Kalmusky has worked with artists including Shawn Mendes, Keith Urban, Warren Zeiders, Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, Nate Smith, Tenille Townes, Joss Stone, Elle King, Mickey Guyton, John Legend, John Oates, Motley Crüe and more. As a writer, he’s penned songs with Mickey Guyton, Tenille Townes, Blessing Offor, Keb’ Mo’ and others. Altogether, the multi-hyphenate’s work has accumulated more than 20 billion global streams across all platforms.

“David is such a magical Unicorn that I would follow him down any musical path he wanted to journey on,” says Jonas Group Publishing President Leslie DiPiero. “David is a musician’s musician, a producer’s producer, and a songwriter’s undiscovered gem. We are grateful for his love of songwriting and developing talent.”

“I’m excited to begin this chapter on Music Row, in a historic space, signing with one of the biggest champions I’ve had in my career, Leslie DiPiero, and the incredible new family at Jonas Group Publishing,” shares Kalmusky. “We’ve hit the ground running, and every day feels more creative and exciting than the day before. I can’t wait to share this music with everybody!”

Kalmusky recently relocated his Addiction Sound Studio to Music Row. The move brings him back to his roots, as he is a third-generation music maker following in his father’s footsteps. Dad Kenny Kalmusky, one of the original band members of The Hawks, made records in both Woodstock, New York and Nashville in the late ’60s, with the likes of Ian & Sylvia, Todd Rundgren, Cowboy Jack Clement, Ronnie Hawkins, Jerry Reed and more.

“Creatives like David are the foundation of Music Row,” says Kevin Jonas Sr., Founder of Jonas Group Entertainment. “David has earned the trust and respect of musicians, songwriters and artists from every genre, and Leslie and I are thrilled the day is here that we get to work with him.”

St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council Welcomes New Members

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St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council

The St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council came together last week to welcome new members and review a record-setting year for the hospital’s music and audio fundraising efforts.

The council supports program initiatives and strategy for Country Cares for St. Jude Kids, which is one of the most successful music fundraising initiatives in the U.S. with over 200 radio, music and media partners. Each year, the music industry helps to raise more than $70 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to support children with cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Council

Chair:
Carletta Blake — WGAR, Cleveland

Co-Chairs:
Lauren Thomas — Sony Music Nashville
Chris Schuler — UMG Nashville

Council Members:
Courtney Allen — Concord Music Publishing
Chuck Aly — Country Aircheck
Matt Bradley — KWEN, Tulsa (Cox)
Keith Cunningham — KLOS, Los Angeles
Robert Deaton — 24 Entertainment
John Dimick — Cumulus Media
Chip Dorsch — Red Light Management
Keith Gale — Good Company Entertainment
Jamie Graves — Warner Music Nashville
Phil Guerini — Jonas Group Entertainment
JoJamie Hahr — BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville
Debra Herman — Apple Music
Kurt Johnson — Townsquare Media
Jackie Jones — RIAA
Angela Lange — Q Prime
Don Langford — Entertainment Marketing Group of California
Crystal Legends — WRNS/Dick Broadcasting
Tom Lisack —  CBS Interactive (Entertainment)
Scott Mahalick —  Hubbard Radio
Rakiyah Marshall —  Back Blocks Music
Ali Matkosky — Relative Music Group
Mike McVay —  McVay Media Consulting
Darin Murphy —  CAA
Marcel Pariseau — True Public Relations
Tim Roberts — Audacy Country
Larry Rosin — Edison Research
Brittany Schaffer — Belmont University, Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business
Ashley Sidoti — Big Machine Label Group
Froggy — iHeartMedia/WQIK, Jacksonville (Elvis Duran and the Morning Show)

PLA Media Taps Shelly Mullins As Sr. VP Of Marketing

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Shelly Mullins

Nashville-based publicity firm PLA Media has tapped Shelly Mullins as Senior Vice President of Marketing.

With more than 30 years spent in the music industry, Mullins brings knowledge of publicity, event production and promotion, royalty accounting, television production, studio management and booking to her new role.

She started her career as a full-time vocalist and keyboard player, and went on to hold positions at Kaleidoscope Media, Creative Workshop, High5 Television, William Morris and Cumulus Radio, among others. Mullins also founded her own publicity and marketing company, ProMO Image, over a decade ago, and was nationally recognized with the E.W. Scripps President’s Award for her work in television production in 2005.

“I have known of Shelly and her impressive pedigree,” says Pam Lewis, PLA Media Founder & President. “It’s good to have a brain trust again, and I am delighted to have her team up with me at PLA. T-wanda!”

“I’ve admired and known Pam Lewis for years and her work for even longer! I was a teenager [when I watched] the first broadcast of MTV from my living room. Like everyone else, I was glued to it from the moment the Buggles hit their first note until I left for college. It was a HUGE part of my life and contributed greatly to my love of music, and Pam was instrumental in the launch,” shares Mullins. “When I got to Nashville, Garth Brooks had exploded and it reshaped the entire industry, which Pam was also instrumental in doing, so her influence followed me into that era too. When the opportunity came along to work with her, I just had to take it. Life is truly amazing…especially when it feels like things have come full circle.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lainey Wilson Gives Us A ‘Summertime Smash’

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Lainey Wilson. Photo: Erick Frost

This month’s ACM Awards put a spotlight on several of today’s DISClaimer candidates.

Among the Top New Male and Female nominees were Kameron Marlowe and Kassi Ashton, both of whom have fine new sounds. Entertainer of the Year nominee Kane Brown shows a whole new side of his artistry with “Georgia on My Mind.” Artist/Songwriter of the Year nominee Hardy is paired today with Travis Denning. Songwriter of the Year nominee Chase McGill is present as a co-writer on that same collaboration.

And then there’s Lainey Wilson, wearing the ACM Female Vocalist sash and the Entertainer of the Year crown. She rules in DISClaimer, too, with our Disc of the Day.

Dust off a tiara for Kayley Green, too. She takes home a DISCovery Award.

HARPER GRACE / “Getaway”
Writers: Cooper Bascom/Harper Gruzins/Nate Kenyon/Tedd Tjornhom; Producers: Cooper Bascom/Tedd T.; Label: Curb Records
– Electro-pop meets country in this rushing, open-road blast of uptempo energy. Grace is a highly skilled vocal communicator, leaping effortlessly from the deep alto passages in the verses to the sunny soprano soaring in the choruses. The whole thing feels like warm summer wind in your face.

MIDLAND / “Old Fashioned Feeling”
Writers: Cameron Duddy/Jess Carson/Josh Osborne/Mark Wystrach/Matthew Dragstrem; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Big Machine Records
– Bittersweet barroom heartache, served with the group’s trademark California-country harmonies. A super strong comeback tune.

TRAVIS DENNING & HARDY / “Southern Rock”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Chase McGill/Travis Denning; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– Guitar rock is dead on pop radio. All you’ll find there is diva singing, rap shouting and synthesized sounds, sometimes in the same single. What’s a rock lover to do? Country music is still about guitars, so that is where these Southern rockers head, proudly singing of their love for Skynyrd. Denning’s guitar states its case, as do both vocalists. Rock on, bro’s.

KANE BROWN / “Georgia On My Mind”
Writers: Hoagy Carmichael/Stuart Gorrell; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Brown demonstrates his talent for crooning on this string-embellished revival of a much-loved pop standard. He holds his own by comparison with well-known prior versions by Mildred Bailey (1932), Ray Charles (1960), Willie Nelson (1978) and Michael Bolton (1990).

KAYLEY GREEN / “Live Fast Die Pretty”
Writers: Joey Hyde/Kayley Green/Kylie Sackley; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Green is a Lower Broadway veteran who is a regular entertainer at Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row honky-tonk. She was heard there by Keith Urban, who invited her to sing with him at Bridgestone Arena. That’s where she got Sony’s attention, and, voila, a rocking major-label single. It’s a little over-produced, but shows great promise.

PAUL OVERSTREET / “All I Ever Wanted To Be (Was A Cowboy)”
Writers: Christopher Harris/Paul Overstreet/Steve Thomas; Producer: Paul Overstreet/Christopher Harris; Label: Horsefly Music
– This stone-country cowboy outing salutes legendary rodeo champion Jack Roddy. Accompanied by a loping western beat and sighing steel, Overstreet still sings with a warm heart.

LOUIE THESINGER / “Desperado”
Writers: Bordeaux/Jake Angel/Luis Alfonso Palacios II/Non Native/Xzavier; Producers: Bordeaux/Non Native/Xzavier/Jake Angel; Label: UMG Nashville
– He’s a Mexican-American stylist who sounds confident and cool on this moody portrait of an outsider. The song seems to meander aimlessly despite its repetitive lyric. He needs better material.

LAINEY WILSON / “Hang Tight Honey”
Writers: Driver Williams/Jason Nix/Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– Wilson premiered this new tune on The Voice. Its a snappy hillbilly rocker that comes on with whiplash energy and wildfire heat. The lady rules, and this is a summertime smash.

ALEX MILLER / “My Daddy’s Dad”
Writers: Alex Miller/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– Miller is a marvelously expressive country vocalist, and this heart-warming word portrait is right up his alley. Father’s Day is approaching, so this ode to a loved granddad couldn’t be more timely. Deserving of many spins.

KAMERON MARLOWE / “I Can Run”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Oscar Charles/Ben Roberts; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Columbia Records
– This is the focus track from Marlowe’s sophomore album Keepin’ the Lights On. I have said many times before how much I love his emotional singing. Backed by a rhythmic thump and sympathetic guitar work, he is splendid on this tune of a troubled soul. No one deserves stardom more.

KASSI ASHTON / “I Don’t Wanna Dance”
Writers: Oscar Charles/Kassi Ashton/Emily Landis; Producers: Luke Laird/Kassi Ashton/Oscar Charles; Label: MCA Records
– I dig the bluesy vibe in her alto delivery. The midtempo meditation is sultry and inviting, but, “I don’t wanna dance/If I ain’t dancin’ with you.” So back off, buddy.

JAMEY JOHNSON / “21 Guns”
Writers: Jamey Johnson/Jim Brown; Producer: The Kent Hardly Playboys; Label: Big Gassed Records/Warner Music Nashville
– Johnson premiered this on the PBS Memorial Day concert special. Which was so fitting, because the song is literally about Memorial Day. The somber ballad salutes a fallen young soldier. The singer is a former Marine, himself, and means every last word of this moving meditation. Intense and powerful.