Dolly Parton

Songs from Dolly Parton‘s legendary repertoire will be explored in a new way with “Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony,” a concert project for orchestras. Attendees will hear the Hall of Famer’s life in song, with her illuminating stories behind them in a multimedia symphonic experience featuring Parton on screen.

Accompanied by guest vocalists and musicians, the concert project will feature new and innovative orchestrations of Parton’s hits—such as “Jolene,” “Coat of Many Colors” and “I Will Always Love You,” in addition to her personal favorites. The premiere performance will take place on March 20, 2025 in Nashville with the Grammy-winning Nashville Symphony. Afterwards, the project will tour to orchestras throughout the world.

Of the concert experience, Parton says, “I’m just so excited to share my songs and the stories behind them in this beautiful new way. ‘Threads: My Songs in Symphony’ is like a journey through the heartstrings of my life. I hope we can take it far and wide to symphony orchestras everywhere!”

“Threads: My Songs in Symphony” is co-produced by Parton together with Schirmer Theatrical and Sony Music Publishing.

“Bringing the genius, music, life and legacy of Dolly Parton to symphonic audiences is an honor for us,” says Robert Thompson, Schirmer Theatrical President. “Audiences will hear for the first time Dolly’s songs performed by orchestras worldwide in this innovative symphonic story-telling experience.”

“It’s an incredible honor to represent the popular and influential song catalog of Dolly Parton,” adds Todd Ellis, Sony Music Publishing’s Director, Licensing & Strategic Marketing. “We couldn’t be more excited for fans to immerse themselves in her music and experience her songs in such a new and imaginative way.”

Pictured (L–R): Prescription Songs’ Chris Martignago, Anderson East and Prescription Songs’ Christian Conant

Prescription Songs has partnered with Kobalt Music Group to sign artist, songwriter and producer Anderson East.

East is currently working on a new album with longtime collaborator and producer Dave Cobb, which scheduled for release later this year. His last project via Elektra/Low Country Sound, Maybe We Never Die, featured the top 20 AAA radio single “Madelyn.” East’s 2018 album, Encore, featured the Grammy-nominated No. 1 AAA radio single “All On My Mind,” co-written with Ed Sheeran.

On the live front, the creator has toured alongside Brandi Carlile, The Revivalists and Chris Stapleton, among others, and performed at festivals including Austin City Limits (ACL), Lollapalooza, Stagecoach, Forecastle, Bottle Rock, Byron Blues, Mountain Jam and Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival. This summer, he plans to hit the road with Whiskey Myers.

“Anderson doesn’t put himself in a box and knows the value of a great song. His deep roots in Nashville and the community here paired with our team is going to be powerful,” says Katie Fagan, Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs. “We are beyond honored to help be a part of his story as a producer and songwriter, and to finally be on his team!”

“I first met Anderson at one of his Troubadour shows in L.A. I was obviously impressed by his performance as an artist and singer on stage but what really struck me was how he interacted with people off the stage,” shares Chris Martignago, A&R, Prescription Songs. “He brings the same excitement to conversation as he does to his show and it’s that passion for music and people that got me excited about him as a writer/producer in the room.”

“I’ve been a fan of Anderson’s since I first heard his Delilah LP in 2015, so getting to work together officially now feels incredibly special,” says Christian Conant, A&R, Prescription Songs. “He’s all the best things about Nashville—an amazing storytelling songwriter and a real musician’s musician. I’m so thankful to be joining the team for this next chapter of Anderson’s career!”

“I’m very happy to be partnering with the talented and forward-looking team at Prescription,” shares East. “Their ability to exist outside the box while still able to recognize and value a well-crafted song is rare and immensely exciting.”

Pictured (L-R): Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride, Alice Randall, Reyna Roberts and Naima Cochrane. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition

The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) held “Act III: A Conversation Around Three Chords & The Actual Truth” last Wednesday (May 15) at Live Nation in Nashville, in partnership with Vibe, Songwriters of North America (SONA), Mayors for a Guaranteed Income and The Ogunlesi Group.

The panel discussion continued the important conversation surrounding Black origins of country music and the exclusion of Black artists in the genre. Naima Cochrane, who wrote BMAC’s 2022 report on the marginalization of Black people in country music, moderated the panel consisting of country artist Reyna Roberts; novelist, songwriter, educator and activist Alice Randall; and rapper, songwriter and OnRamp Awardee Daisha “The Rap Girl” McBride.

Roberts shed light on the fanbase expansion and movement that country music has been experiencing following the release of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter. “It’s great to be supported by people who aren’t typically country music listeners…I have been praying for this moment for years,” she shared. Randall gave an overview of the “first family of Black country,” which included Ray Charles, DeFord Bailey, Charley Pride and more.

McBride talked about being a rapper in Tennessee, and the importance of uniting the Black female community despite genre differences in order to create more opportunities for Black musicians in Nashville as a whole. “This is Music City, not just Country Music City. There is space for everybody here…There are other genres here that deserve a little bit of shine as well,” she noted.

Pictured (L-R): Willie “Prophet” Stiggers, Mayor Michael Tubbs and Rep. Justin Pearson. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition

Afterwards, BMAC Co-Founder, President & CEO Willie “Prophet” Stiggers; Mayor Michael Tubbs, Founder of SEED and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income; and Tennessee State Representative Justin Pearson took the stage to call for economic justice in Tennessee. BMAC then announced its partnership with Rep. Pearson and Mayors for a Guaranteed Income to develop legislation for guaranteed income for underserved Tennessee communities. Attendees were also treated to a live performance by Roberts.

Pictured (L-R): Rich Mgmt’s Brendan Rich, EMG’s Lauren Funk, Matt Stell, EMG’s Michael Martin and Courtney Kruckeberg. Photo: Courtesy of Endurance Music Group

Matt Stell has renewed his worldwide publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.

Stell, signed to RECORDS, has had two No. 1 hits with “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On,” both he co-wrote. He recently revealed his debut album, Born Lonely, dropping on June 7. Stell co-wrote all ten tracks on the project, including lead single “Built By Broken Hearts.”

He recently performed at “ACM Country Kickoff At The Star” ahead of last week’s ACM awards. Stell is slated to perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage on June 6 during this year’s CMA Fest.

“It has been a privilege to work alongside the unstoppable creative force that is Matt Stell over the past few years,” shares Michael Martin, Endurance Music Group President. “His talent and determination are limitless, and we can’t wait to see what comes next!”

Martina McBride. Photo: Joseph Llanes

A new talent competition series from the Magnolia Network, Second Chance Stage, is in development to air on Max this fall and will include Martina McBride as one of the judges.

Filmed in Kansas City, the eight-episode series, produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years a second chance at their big break. With performances ranging from dancing to singing, stand-up comedy and more, one winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize in front of an audience of talent scouts, agents and producers looking for the next big star.

Other judges include actor Taye Diggs and Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actress Heidi Gardner, with sports broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho tapped to host.

Magnolia Network is a joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Warner Bros. Discovery, featuring a family-friendly library of Emmy-winning, unscripted original content streaming on Max and discovery+ and the cable network.