Warren Zeiders Pays Tribute To Some Of His Heroes On New Acoustic Album

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Singer-songwriter Warren Zeiders has released his new project, Acoustic Covers (Deluxe).

The record features Zeiders’ takes on some of the songs that shaped him, and paying tribute to some legendary voices as he strips their work down to its essence. The opening track, “Outskirts of Heaven” was produced by Craig Campbell, who also plays guitar and sings on Zeiders’ new version.

Zeiders also offers up a lowdown version of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man,” and his takes on hip-hop tracks like Afroman’s “Colt 45” and Post Malone’s “Feeling Whitney.” He also delivers faithful versions of Jason Isbell’s impassioned “Cover Me Up” and Tyler Childers’ intimate “Lady May” on the new album.

Zeiders burst onto the country scene last summer with the release of his single “Ride The Lightning.” His debut 717 Tapes EP, quickly followed by a full band version of “Ride The Lightning,” racked up multi-millions in streams, downloads, and You Tube views. In a short time, he has already garnered over 200 million views on TikTok and more than 33 million streams across platforms.

Acoustic Covers (Deluxe) Track List:
1. Outskirts of Heaven featuring Craig Campbell (Campbell)
2. Simple Man (Lynyrd Skynyrd)
3. Drunk Driving (Wetzel)
4. Stone (Myers)
5. Cover Me Up (Isbell)
6. Colt 45 (Afroman)
7. Lady May (Childers)
8. Feeling Whitney (Post Malone)
9. Porch Swing Angel (Muscadine Bloodline)
10. Nose on the Grindstone (Childers)
11. This Damn Song (Pecos & The Rooftops)

CJ Solar To Embark On ‘Nashville Hits The Roof’ Series In January

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CJ Solar will kick off the new year with a series of dates as part of  Tin Roof’s “Nashville Hits The Roof” Concert Series.

Solar is set to perform at eight Tin Roof locations beginning Jan. 6 in Birmingham and wrapping Feb. 4 in Delray Beach, Florida. The singer-songwriter will also make stops in Memphis, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and more. Additional markets are likely to be added.

“This is such a great way to kick off the new year,” shares Solar. “The Tin Roof folks are incredibly supportive of new artists, and this is just the beginning of some great news that will be coming next month.”

Solar, a Belmont University graduate, recently signed an exclusive publishing deal with Edgehill Music Publishing. He has penned No. 1 singles for Morgan Wallen (“Up Down” featuring Florida Georgia Line) and Jameson Rodgers (“Some Girls”), and has won ASCAP Awards for both songs. He also co-wrote Jason Aldean’s “I Don’t Drink Anymore,” Justin Moore’s “Between You & Me,” Jerrod Niemann’s “The Regulars” and Top 30 “Blue Bandana,” and more.

“Nashville Hits The Roof” Dates:
January 6 – Birmingham
January 7 – Memphis
January 8 – St. Louis
January 20 – Cincinnati
January 21 – Louisville
January 22 – Indianapolis
February 3 – Orlando
February 4 – Delray Beach, FL

Brett Eldredge To Host Virtual ‘Glow Live’ After Contracting COVID-19

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Brett Eldredge. Photo: Andrew Eccles

Self-proclaimed Mr. Christmas, Brett Eldredge, will be taking his “Glow Live” Christmas show virtual tonight (Dec. 20) after contracting COVID-19.

Since being forced to cancel his back-to-back shows at The Chicago Theatre on Dec. 17 and 18, the Warner Records’ country artist announced via social media that he will be doing his holiday set from quarantine tonight on Instagram live beginning at 7 p.m. CT.

“Thank you everybody for your love and support. I am feeling so much better, and I am healing up nicely,” Eldredge shared through his Instagram story. “I’m missing playing shows, so I figured I’m going to do ‘Glow Live’ from my quarantine.”

Similar to the in-person “Glow” show, Eldredge will share stories, songs, and holiday spirit with fans, while also delivering some of the tracks from his recently released Mr. Christmas holiday record.

“Everybody get your cup of cocoa, throw on your PJ’s or a tux or a dress. Whatever you wanna do and however makes you feel festive! It’s kind of a crazy time so escape the world for a little bit. Come join me.”

Chicago’s “Glow Live” shows have been rescheduled for Dec. 29 and 30, respectively. More information will be shared with ticketholders soon.

Oh Boy Records To Host Kentucky Tornado Relief Benefit Concert On Jan. 1

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Oh Boy Records is presenting “Music For Paradise: A Benefit For Western KY Tornado Relief,” a concert event supporting the Muhlenberg County Disaster Relief Fund and Team Western KY. It will take place Saturday, Jan. 1.

The even will feature performances from artists with close ties to the area, including Abby Hamilton, Brit Taylor, Brother Smith, Cole Chaney, Eric Bolander, Grayson Jenkins, John R. Miller, Justin Wells, Kelsey Waldon, Leah Blevins, Logan Halstead, Magnolia Boulevard, Nicholas Jamerson, Scott T. Smith, Senora May, Wayne Graham and Wolfpen Branch.

The benefit concert will support those affected by the devastating tornado that recently crossed the region and will take place at The Burl in Lexington, Kentucky. The show will also carry simultaneous livestream broadcasts. Tickets for both the livestream and in-person concert are on sale now.

“We are heartbroken at the devastation that has hit Muhlenberg County and so much of Western Kentucky,” says Oh Boy Records’ Jody Whelan. “It’s a place that the whole Prine and Oh Boy Records family holds dear to their heart. But it’s been incredible to see how many people have come together, so quickly, to help in any way they can. In particular, John’s fans have continually shown us how willing they are to honor him by their acts of generosity for those in need. ‘How lucky can one man get.’ The folks at The Burl have put a lot of work into putting this show together, and we’re really grateful to be able to help out in any way.”

In continued support of the community, Oh Boy is offering several additional ways to raise money for Kentucky Tornado Relief, including Muhlenberg County and “Kentucky Is Pretty Good” t-shirts, “Paradise” prints, and more.

H. Jack Williams Inks With Anthem, Copperline, B! Noticed Public Relations

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Anthem Senior Vice President Publishing Gilles Godard, Jack Williams, Anthem President Nashville Tim Wipperman; (L-R, back row): Anthem Creative Emma Martin, Anthem Creative Director Courtney Crist, Anthem Senior Creative Director Noah Dewey, Scott Safford, Attorney Safford & Motley; Anthem Marketing Director Lindsay Hayslop.

Songwriter, composer and artist H. Jack Williams has inked exclusive representation deals with three Nashville entities: Anthem Entertainment for sync placements and publishing, Copperline Entertainment in conjunction with Sony Orchard for global digital music distribution, and B! Noticed Public Relations for publicity.

The native of Eureka, Florida, began writing songs shortly after his 1971 discharge from the US Marines Force Recon. Years later, with a $50 loan and a one-way bus ticket, Williams landed in Nashville and signed a publishing deal with The Oak Ridge Boys, who soon recorded his songs “Seasons” and “Everybody Wins.” Williams had his first major hit co-writing Gregg Allman’s “Just Before The Bullets Fly.”

PIctured (L-R): H. Jack Williams and William Edwards, Copperline Entertainment.

Williams returned to Nashville in 2005, landing cuts with artists such as Montgomery Gentry, Black Stone Cherry, and on the Miracles From Heaven Soundtrack. He signed a publishing deal with Lynn Gann Music Enterprises in 2015, scoring more cuts, including Aaron Pritchett’s Top 10 hit “Dirt Road In ‘Em.”

Williams has also worked closely with Kevin Costner & Modern West, who has recorded two of Williams’ songs, including the Top 20 hit “Love Shine.” An Academy award-winning actor, Costner has also cut five of Williams’ tracks for his the TV series’ Tales From Yellowstone soundtrack.

“Jack has a unique ability to craft songs and create epic musical moments for television and film! He is one of the hardest working writers I know, and I look forward to celebrating hits and magical sync placements together! Welcome to the Anthem family Jack.” shares Gilles Godard, Senior VP Publishing, Anthem Entertainment Group.

“We are excited to provide Jack with digital opportunities and distribution in partnership with The Orchard. His depth in his lyrics and unique sound is something rare and we look forward to reaching new horizons alongside him,” offers William Edwards, Copperline Distribution.

“I am blessed to work with H. Jack Williams, on this music project, he is one of the most driven and tenacious people I know who has the biggest heart and compassion to touch others who need to hear his words,” adds Bev Moser, Owner, B! Noticed Public Relations.

Ashley Gorley Finishes 2021 Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ashley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer

For the last MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2021, Ashley Gorley remains at No. 1 for the second consecutive week.

The charting songs cementing Gorley’s place at the top are “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy) and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).

Jesse Frasure moves up to No. 2 with “Whiskey And Rain” (Michael Ray), “One Mississippi” (Kane Brown), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), and “If I Was A Cowboy” (Miranda Lambert). Taylor Swift moves down one to No. 3 on the MusicRow chart, as her songs “All Too Well,” “I Bet You Think About Me,” “Nothing New,” “Red,” “The Very First Night,” “Better Man,” and “Treacherous” continue to chart on the country charts.

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.

Opry Entertainment Group, AXS Form New Ticketing Partnership

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Opry Entertainment Group (OEG) has partnered with AXS as the group’s official and exclusive ticketing partner. OEG properties includes the Grand Ole Opry; Ryman Auditorium; its Ole Red venues in Orlando,  Gatlinburg, Nashville, and Tishomingo, and the newly announced Las Vegas location.

Under the new partnership, AXS will help streamline tour and ticketing operations on a single platform to offer a premium experience for fans. The partnership also creates opportunities to align with AXS’ parent company AEG and its live event business, AEG Presents. The companies expect this alliance to unlock collaborations with music festivals and additional content opportunities for Opry’s Circle TV Network.

“This partnership with AXS will allow us to deepen our relationship with our customers across our venues and provide them a secure, safe and convenient way to access all of their OEG tickets in one place,” says Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group. “This partnership was created with our future in mind and opens doors for us to collaborate with AXS and AEG on a deeper level as we expand our offerings and continue to grow our business.”

“The Opry Entertainment Group is the jewel in the crown of one of the greatest music cities in the world,” adds Bryan Perez, president and CEO of AXS. “AXS will super serve these landmark venues and their customers with our suite of state-of-the-art technologies and marketing solutions, enabling each property to tailor their ticketing experiences and maintain the individual identities which make them so iconic in Nashville and beyond. We’re thrilled to partner with such a seminal brand as we build out our presence in the city.”

Fans will gain access to services like AXS Mobile ID—an identity-based ticketing technology that allows customers to discover, transfer, and manage tickets for all OEG events–and the AXS Official Marketplace to buy and sell authenticated tickets.

Brothers Osborne Announce Deluxe Edition Of ‘Skeletons’ Due Out In January

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Brother Osbourne. Photo: Natalie Osborne

Award-winning duo Brothers Osborne are releasing a deluxe edition of their Grammy-nominated album, Skeletons, on Jan. 21.

Nominated for Best Country Album at the upcoming 64th Grammy Awards, Skeletons Deluxe includes the Jay Joyce-produced “Headstone,” “Midnight Rider’s Prayer,” and “Younger Me.”

“Midnight Rider’s Prayer” was recorded at John Osborne’s home studio and co-produced by the duo. With Willie Nelson’s personal blessing, the track also uses elements of “On the Road Again.” “Younger Me,” which is currently Grammy-nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, rounds out the Skeletons Deluxe track list.

“Younger Me” topped Billboard’s Best Country Songs of 2021 list and received national attention as the duo performed the vulnerable track on this year’s CMA Awards.

Skeletons Deluxe Track List:
1. Lighten Up (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk)
2. All Night (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Andrew DeRoberts)
3. All the Good Ones Are (TJ Osborne, Lee Miller and Craig Wiseman)
4. I’m Not for Everyone (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Luke Dick and Natalie Hemby)
5. Skeletons (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Andrew DeRoberts)
6. Back On The Bottle (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Hayes Carll)
7. High Note (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Casey Beathard and Dustin Christensen)
8. Muskrat Greene (John Osborne)
9. Dead Man’s Curve (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Lee Miller)
10. Make It a Good One (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Stephen Wilson Jr.)
11. Hatin’ Somebody (John Osborne, TJ Osborne and Casey Beathard)
12. Old Man’s Boots (John Osborne)
13. Younger Me (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Kendell Marvel)
14. Headstone (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Kendell Marvel)
15. Midnight Rider’s Prayer (John Osborne, TJ Osborne, Paul Moak, Willie Nelson)

Gene Higgins Comes Out Of Retirement, Announces New Consulting Firm

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Gene Higgins

Industry veteran Gene Higgins has come out of retirement with the launch of a new consulting firm which will work with independent and major film projects.

His decades of experience include serving as executive producer of twenty major ICM and CCMA award shows, founding the Christian Inspirational Country Music Association, and working as editor-in-chief of Power Source magazine.

The Gene Higgins Consulting Firm plans to consult, produce, direct, and distribute independent and major motion picture productions across multiple media verticals, including MC1 Nashville, Dark Lonesome Films, and Parade Stormer Productions.

“I want to experience and empower the hands-on job of a film producer to learn all the tricks of the trade,” shares Higgins. “Then, I plan to create the Music City Movie Network to give a permanent home to independent films and to create the first Galaxy Independent Motion Picture Awards show. In the near future, I will be meeting with investors and partners to bring the vision and dream to reality. It’s our goal to start at the top, not the bottom.”

Higgins will continue to consult and work with broadcast media and creatives in all genres of music, including labels, songwriters, publishers, and associations.

Higgins can be reached at [email protected].

Lauren Alaina Wraps Dream Defining Year With Invitation To Join Grand Ole Opry

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Lauren Alaina & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Chris Hollo

Lauren Alaina was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry over the weekend by Opry member and friend/mentor Trisha Yearwood, who surprised Alaina onstage with the invitation.

The Opry was the first major stage Alaina played just a week after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol, making her Opry debut on June 10, 2011. Earlier this fall she marked her 50th appearance on the Opry stage.

Throughout the evening, the Opry played video greetings from artists sharing their 2021 Christmas wishes. When Yearwood appeared to share her wish via video during a break in Alaina’s set, she ended with, “Hey… is that Lauren Alaina?” Yearwood then made her way on stage.

Lauren Alaina & Trisha Yearwood. Photo: Chris Hollo

“Junior [her nickname for Alaina], I have a present for you. And I have some surprises for you too. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation of becoming our newest member.” She continued, “You are the real deal. You’ve played over 50 times. It’s obvious what this means to you. This is a very special club to be in so you have to understand what the Opry means to be asked. It’s such an honor. Country music is in good hands with you. Soak up every second!”

An overcome Alaina dropped to her knees and accepted, saying, “I did not expect this. You are my hero. I could not have picked a more perfect person to ask me. She calls me Junior–y’all I’m in her phone as Junior which is the coolest thing to have happened to me besides this!”

Yearwood duets with Alaina on her Gold-certified song “Getting Good” from her recent album, Sitting Pretty On Top of the World, and also wrote the foreword to her just-released inspirational book Getting Good At Being You.

Alaina will be formally inducted into the Opry family in early 2022.

Other 2021 career highlights for Alaina include announcing her second career headlining tour, “On Top Of The World Tour Presented By Maurices,” which will kick off in February 2022, starring in her first Hallmark Channel movie Roadhouse Romance, (which became the No. 1 most-watched entertainment cable program of the day and week), performing the National Anthem at Game 5 of the World Series, becoming a CMA Artist Ambassador, and more.