Chayce Beckham Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Chayce Beckham during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Chris Hollo

Singer-songwriter and American Idol winner Chayce Beckham made his Grand Ole Opry debut last week.

Beckham performed his newly-Platinum-certified single “23,” which he wrote on entirely on his own and is currently top 20 at country radio. He also performed his tender ballad “Till The Day I Die” to a packed-out audience.

Pictured (L-R): Lisa Mastrianni (Wheelhouse Records), Jenn Tressler (Opry), Justin Hill (UTA), Elissa Felman (19 Recordings), Ken Tucker (Wheelhouse Records), Chayce Beckham, Kerri Edwards (KP Entertainment), Shelley Hargis (BMG), Jennifer Shaffer (Wheelhouse Records), Katie Kerkhover (BMG), Charlie Cook (Cumulus) and Dan Rogers (Opry). Photo: Chris Hollo

After his performance, Beckham was then surprised on stage with the song’s Platinum plaque by his mom, Windie Peterson, and manager, Kerri Edwards.

“Last night, so many dreams came true because of music,” said Beckham. “It’s been a long, long road, and I’d like to thank everyone who has been on it with me. It’s hard not to be emotional when something you have been working so hard at comes to fruition, and the people who got you there can hand you the award for it on the biggest stage in country music. Because of my family, my team and my fans, I got to step foot into the Circle and sing at the Grand Ole Opry. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

Toby Keith To Headline Two Vegas Shows In December

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Toby Keith will headline two shows at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Dec. 10 and 11.

“Y’all been waiting a long time to hear this, I’ve been waiting a long time to do this. I’m back, come see me. You’ll have the best time, I will too. We’ll never forget it. Can’t wait to see you there. Let’s go,” says Keith.

YouTube video

Ticket for the new shows go on sale on Oct. 27 at LiveNation.com. For the past few months, Keith has been making public appearances with hometown shows and his recent performance on the People’s Choice Country Awards, signaling his return to touring after an 18-month break to focus on his health.

Over this summer Keith surprised Oklahomans with two pop-up concerts, where he performed for hours at the historic Hollywood Corners roadhouse in Norman. Just weeks prior to that, he hosted his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic, which raised a record $1.8 million for the families of children battling critical illness in the Oklahoma City area.

On Nov. 3, Keith will release the album 100% Songwriter, a selection of 13 of many of his solo-written songs in one package.

Chris Lane’s New EP ‘From Where I’m Sippin” Out Now

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Photo: Robby Klein/Courtesy of Red Street Records/Voyager Records

Chris Lane has released a new five-song EP, From Where I’m Sippin’.

Produced by Derek Wells and Michael Lotten, the project marks another step forward for Lane, who fuses gratitude, good times and more on the collection. The lead single from the EP, “Find Another Bar” is currently climbing the country charts. First shared in August, the moody, post-breakup anthem has already surpassed more than 3.4 million global streams.

The collection includes the romantic “Mistake,” the bittersweet heartbreak of “Way to Go Girl,” the flirtatious gamble of high stakes on “Betcha” and the good-life gratitude of the open-hearted title track, ushering in a new chapter of life for the chart-topping entertainer, husband and father, marking the first studio collection on Lane’s newly announced label home – a partnership of Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records and Lane’s own Voyager Records.

“I cannot believe the day is finally here! I am so excited to introduce this next chapter with From Where I’m Sippin’,” shares Lane. “This set of songs is a rollercoaster journey of living and loving life, and I feel like it shows another side of me as a songwriter. Hope y’all love this project as much as I do!”

From Where I’m Sippin’ Track Listing:
  1. “Mistake” (Chris Lane, Michael Lotten, Josh Miller)
  2. “Way to Go Girl” (Casey Brown, John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Blake Pendergrass)
  3. “Betcha” (Chris Lane, Casey Brown, Travis Wood)
  4. “Find Another Bar” (Chris Lane, Justin Ebach, Josh Thompson)
  5. “From Where I’m Sippin'” (Chris Lane, Josh Miller, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)

Brandon Lake Among Top Winners At 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards

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Brandon Lake accepting award for Artist of the Year. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Brandon Lake was the big winner of the night at the 54th Annual GMA Dove Awards in Nashville last week, taking home trophies for Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year – Artist, Worship Recorded Song of the Year and Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year.

Brandon Lake, Michael W. Smith, Phil Wickham, Naomi Raine. Photo: Blue Amber Photography

Song of the Year honors went to “Goodness Of God,” from songwriters Ben Fielding, Ed Cash, Jason Ingram, Jenn Johnson and Brian Johnson. Tasha Cobbs Leonard received both Gospel Worship Album of the Year and Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year, while New Artist of the Year went to Katy Nicole. Jason Crabb and Dylan Scott took home Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year honors for their song “Good Morning Mercy,” and the movie Jesus Revolution was named Feature Film of the Year at the celebration, which was hosted by Tauren Wells.

A variety of guest performers surprised the audience during the star-studded show, including Jordin Sparks performing “Love Me Like I Am” with For King + Country, Pastor Mike Jr. and Ricky Dillard joining forces on “Impossible” and Tauren Wells including Davies on “Take It All Back.”

Gospel Hall of Fame members Take 6 joined forces with Ernie Haase & Signature Sound for a one-of-a-kind collaboration. The show also included a special moment highlighting the impact of hip-hop across the decades featured performances from Hulvey, Social Club Misfits Grits and TobyMac taking it all the way back with a reprise of 2002’s “Ooh Aah (My Life Be Like).”

Host Tauren Wells. Photo: Terry Wyatt

Composer, recording artist and choir director Dr. Bobby Jones was honored with the Jackie Patillo Leadership Award. Jones is among the foremost pioneers in bringing Gospel music to the masses, and many of today’s best known artists look to their appearances on the Dr. Bobby Jones Show as foundational to their widespread acclaim. A fixture in the industry since 1976, he is also a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. A full list of winners can be found here.

The show aired on Oct. 20 on TBN and The TBN App and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. An encore performance will air on TBN and The TBN App on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.

Katy Nichole. Photo: Tessa Voccola

Luke Smallbone of For King + Country, Jordin Sparks, Joel Smallbone of For King + Country. Photo: Jason Davis

Photo: Blue Amber Photography

Big Loud Records Signs Multi-Genre Artist Maggie Rose

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Loud Records’ Jeff Tanner, Stacy Blythe, Candice Watkins, Maggie Rose, Starstruck Entertainment’s Austin Marshall, Narvel Blackstock, Big Loud’s Joey Moi and Big Loud Records’ Brianne Deslippe; (L-R, front row): Big Loud’s Seth England, Big Loud Records’ Nate Yetton, Patch Culbertson, Big Loud’s Austen Adams and Big Loud Records’ Paul Logan. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Big Loud Records has signed singer-songwriter Maggie Rose.

The signing comes as the multi-genre artist preps to release new music that aligns with the label’s mission to expand their roster with talent in alternative genres such as Americana, indie, folk, alt-country and more. Big Loud Record’s VP of A&R Nate Yetton is leading the mission with support from the label team. Rose marks his first signing to the exciting new group of creators.

It was Rose’s soon-to-be-announced work that caught Yetton and Big Loud Records’ attention. Refusing to be defined by any one genre, she comfortably straddles different musical spaces and Big Loud has embraced the unique path Rose has paved for herself.

“Maggie is a world-class vocalist, performer, and songwriter,” says Yetton. “Earlier this year I was privileged enough to hear her new, unreleased album, and after one listen through, I knew that we had to find a way to partner with her and release this body of work via Big Loud Records. I truly believe it is her best, most undeniably authentic, compelling and complete work to date. This is the kind of art that transcends genre and will be playing at dinner parties and on stages across the globe for decades to come.”

“When I heard some of Maggie’s upcoming new music, I just loved the sound of it. The songs are something entirely their own; her voice speaks for itself. Happy that Big Loud is putting this music out and helping Maggie tell her story,” adds Joey Moi, Big Loud Partner/Producer/President of A&R.

Rose is already well-respected within Music City, as she was recently elected Governor of the Recording Academy’s Nashville Chapter and has played the Grand Ole Opry almost 100 times. She has shared stages with Eric Church, Kelly Clarkson, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Heart, Joan Jett, Gov’t Mule, The Mavericks, Fitz And The Tantrums, The Revivalists and more at various shows. She felt the time was right to join forces with the Big Loud Records team for this next chapter.

“Big Loud dove in headfirst and defied my preconceived notions of what I’d come to expect from a big label,” she explains. “They didn’t want me to change the music I was working on or ‘chase’ the trends. They understood the vision and believed in me from the outset.”

Additionally, Rose is set to embark on a nationwide theatre tour with St. Paul & The Broken Bones.

Jordan Davis Extends Publishing Deal With Anthem Entertainment

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Jordan Davis. Photo: Harper Smith

Jordan Davis has extended his exclusive publishing deal with Anthem Entertainment.

The multi-Platinum singer-songwriter originally signed with Anthem in 2015 and has since gone on to earn six No. 1 singles, six billion-and-counting career streams, numerous industry nominations from the ACM, CMA, AMA and Billboard, and an NSAI and CMA Song of the Year win for his multi-week, multi-Platinum No. 1 hit, “Buy Dirt.”

The Louisiana native’s hits include “Next Thing You Know” (CMA Song of the Year-nominated, Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “Buy Dirt” (NSAI and CMA Song of the Year winner, 3x Platinum-selling, multi-week No. 1), “What My World Spins Around,” (2x Platinum, multi-week No. 1), “Take It From Me” ( 2x Platinum No. 1), “Singles You Up” (3x Platinum No. 1), “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot ( 2x Platinum No. 1) and “Almost Maybes” (Platinum-selling top 5). In addition to his own catalog, he has penned songs for other artists including Jake Owen and Old Dominion. His current single, “Tucson Too Late,” from his latest album Bluebird Days album, is currently at country radio.

Bluebird Days was just certified Gold, along with his debut album, Home State, and he is currently nominated for three CMA Awards, including Song of the Year for a second consecutive year.

“We are incredibly proud that Jordan Davis has chosen to continue his long-standing publishing relationship with Anthem,” says Jason Klein, CEO of Anthem Entertainment. “We are excited to continue our investment in Jordan’s exceptional career and feel honored to work with him and his team as he continues to scale new heights as an artist and songwriter.”

“The team at Anthem has evolved into a great creative platform for me,” says Davis. “Their belief in me as an artist and a songwriter—it’s made such a difference along the way—from when I first moved to Nashville as a songwriter to now.”

Nashville attorneys Derek Crownover, John Rolfe and Colleen Kelley of Loeb and Loeb, LLP represented Davis in the transaction.

Davis is currently headlining arenas on the “Damn Good Time Tour” and recently extended his headlining run into 2024 with additional dates across the U.S., Canada, the UK and Europe.

Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar Opens On Lower Broadway In Nashville

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Hank Williams Jr. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

The Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar has opened in Nashville’s historic Lower Broadway district (419 Broadway), between AJ’s Good Time Bar and the Ernest Tubb Record Shop.

Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar

Named after his hit song, “Born to Boogie,” the bar aims to capture the energetic essence of Williams Jr.’s music, while honoring Nashville’s heritage and spirit of hospitality, and providing memorable moments for locals and tourists alike.

The first in a series of destinations to be launched by BPH Hospitality, led by Co-Owner and President Sean Marshall, the Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar is a joint project with the legendary musician. The restaurant and bar includes four-levels with a rooftop deck offering live music, full food and drink menus, and panoramic views of the Nashville skyline in the heart of Music City.

“The restaurants of Lower Broadway in Nashville are central to Tennessee’s $36 billion+ tourism industry and key to incentivizing continued investment and opportunity for businesses and the entrepreneurial sect alike,” says Eric Russell, Co-Owner of BPH Hospitality. “We are pleased to celebrate this milestone in our investment portfolio and contributing role in showcasing Lower Broadway’s continued receptiveness for new and exciting venues in such a historic part of the city and State”.

Tara Joseph, Co-Founder and CFO of Big Plan Holdings, adds, “The Honky Tonk district is inherent to Nashville’s culture, its nightlife, and has been integral to our city’s ascendance to become one of the foremost travel, hospitality, and tourism hubs in the United States. We are delighted to expand our footprint here in Nashville and ask, following today’s exciting launch, that patrons stay tuned for more groundbreaking announcements from the Team at Big Plan Holdings and BPH Hospitality!”

Why&How Promotes Three On Executive Team

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Chris Koegen, Halie Hampton Mosley, Eddie Kloesel

Why&How, the artist management company founded by CEO Bruce Kalmick in 2020, has elevated three of its key executives. Halie Hampton Mosley has risen to Chief Operating Officer, Eddie Kloesel to Executive Vice President and Chris Koegen to General Manager and Head of Global Strategy.

Hampton Mosley and Koegen are both based in the company’s Nashville office, while Kloesel is based in Why&How’s Austin office.

As Executive Vice President, Kloesel’s purview will be Why&How’s broader strategic goals, building on his ability to identify and maximize opportunities that contribute to the company’s performance and profitability goals. He will continue to focus on long-term strategy and identifying new brand partnership and revenue opportunities, while also expanding the company’s growing roster.

As COO, Hampton Mosley will continue to oversee all aspects of Why&How’s day-to-day operational functions, including strategic and organizational leadership, focusing on ongoing internal and client facing management. She will expand the company’s key industry relationships while also streamlining the company’s internal policies, ensuring alignment on the heels of Why&How’s recent partnership with Red Light Management.

As General Manager and Head of Global Strategy, Koegen will continue to oversee global marketing, finances and staffing while also leading Why&How’s expansion across the US and internationally, with a focus on client acquisition, artist development and growth.

“Halie, Eddie and Chris have been instrumental in the rapid growth of Why&How,” shares Kalmick. “Not only have they helped shape our overall corporate strategy and ensured our artists’ success, but each of them are dedicated to fostering the professional development of our internal team to allow for continued success across all facets of our business. I’m thrilled to have them step into these roles as we look towards the next phase of our company.”

In addition to the executive promotions, Why&How also elevated Evan Kaufmann to Senior Vice President of Creative. Kaufman will continue to lead creative strategy across the roster, and expand his role to include content ideation, creation and delivery. He will also manage Why&How’s external creative partners.

Why&How’s client roster features a slate of high-profile acts including Breland, Chase Rice, Danielle Bradbery, Drake White, Kaleo, Kelleigh Bannen, Saint Motel, Whiskey Myers, William Clark Green, ZZ Ward and more.

Kix Brooks To Receive Nashville Symphony’s 2023 Harmony Award

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Kix Brooks

Kix Brooks will be honored with the 2023 Nashville Symphony Harmony Award during the 39th annual Symphony Ball on Dec. 9 at Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Presented annually by the Nashville Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.

“Kix Brooks has had a remarkable career as one of the most successful country artists in history,” says Nashville Symphony CEO and President Alan D. Valentine. “Beyond his fame and musical success, he possesses a generous and philanthropic spirit and has made a significant impact in the Nashville community, particularly with regard to music education in Nashville—a cause near and dear to the Nashville Symphony. He is a passionate advocate for many wonderful causes and truly embodies the heart and soul of Nashville’s unique musical community. We are honored to recognize him for his musical accomplishments, as well as his community impact.”

“Being honored with this award truly means the world to me,” says Brooks. “I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world, but Nashville, Music City, is home. So, to be recognized by this community always means a little extra. I want to give a special ‘thank you’ to all the people and organizations like the Nashville Symphony that I’ve crossed paths with over the years who have helped make Nashville a one-of-a-kind place to live.”

Brooks’ musical career spans five decades, as a songwriter, a solo artist and as half of Brooks & Dunn, the highest-selling duo in country music history. Over 20 years, Brooks & Dunn sold more than 30 million records, won more than 75 major music awards, including Grammys and CMAs, and scored 20 No. 1s. The duo was also inducted in 2019 into the Country Music Hall of Fame, and Brooks was recently recognized for his songwriting achievements as an inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame’s 2023 class.

In addition to his career as an artist, Brooks has hosted the syndicated radio program American Country Countdown for over 15 years. He was honored as CMA Broadcast Person of the Year three times and earned an ACM Radio Award for National Personality. Brooks is also a founding partner of Arrington Vineyards, a winery and events venue in Arrington, Tennessee. Through Brooks’ involvement with organizations such as the Country Music Association, Operation Finally Home, Veterans Matter, Tennessee Tourism Board and the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, he has become an advocate for many causes. In December of 2014, Brooks was the first recipient of the CMA’s Humanitarian Award, celebrating his unwavering dedication to the community.

The Symphony Ball is one of the Nashville Symphony’s annual signature fundraisers. Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised more than $12 million for the Symphony, sustaining the organization’s mission of inspiring and engaging a diverse and growing community with extraordinary live orchestral music experiences.

Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Lady A, Maren Morris, Keb’ Mo’, Kelsea Ballerini, Toby Keith, Steven Tyler, Béla Fleck, Miranda Lambert, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Amy Grant, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Mike and Linda Curb, Lyle Lovett, Steve Winwood, Vince Gill, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Chet Atkins, Martina McBride, Rascal Flatts, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and Marty Stuart.

Black River Records Signs Scotty Hasting

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Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Tanya Schrage; Black River’s Rick Froio; Black River Publishing’s Rebekah Gordon; Black River’s Doug Johnson; Scotty Hasting; Black River’s Karen Kane; Attorney Lauren Kilgore; Black River’s Gordon Kerr; Black River’s Dawn Delvo

Black River Records has signed songwriter, artist and army veteran Scotty Hasting to its artist roster. His label debut “How Do You Choose” is slated for release on Nov. 3.

Hasting first picked up the guitar in 2020, teaching himself to play via YouTube. Despite 10 nearly fatal gunshot wounds from his time spent serving in Afghanistan, which left no feeling in his right hand, Hasting’s passion for music and desire to help others with mental health struggles spurred him onward.

In a chance encounter, Hasting met Black River’s CEO and President Gordon Kerr‘s son, who brought the Cincinnati/northern Kentucky native into the sights of the independent label. Hasting immediately caught the attention of renowned hit songwriter, producer and Black River’s Vice President of A&R Doug Johnson, who took the promising country artist under his wing.

“I don’t think that thank you is enough. I’ve been through a lot. Black River has welcomed me and become family,” says Hasting. “Thank you to Black River for giving me a new purpose, for giving people like me — veterans, people with disabilities, people who are at the end of their line — an opportunity and a reason to wake up tomorrow. Thank you for giving me a voice and letting other veterans hear a story like this that can change their whole lives.”

Hasting’s first release, “How Do You Choose,” was co-written with Jesse Wayne Taylor in association with CreatiVets — a nonprofit that the budding singer is heavily involved with. The song was inspired by a conversation with the mother of his late best friend Adam Hamilton.

“How Do You Choose” details his first visit to Adam’s tombstone, whose death followed about one month after an ambush that left Hasting fighting for his life flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot in April of 2011.

“I know you’ll change somebody’s world,” says Johnson of Hasting’s signing. “I’m a big fan, and your friendship means the world to me. Everybody here believes in you, your music, your heart, and your spirit. We are honored. Thank you for trusting us.”

Kerr shares, “It is with great pleasure that we come together and join Scotty’s team. We are so excited for the opportunities that await for the world to hear Scotty’s heart. Nothing takes place by coincidence — that’s what today represents.”