Amy Grant To Release Vault Project ‘Lead Me On Live 1989’

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Amy Grant is releasing a new 18-track project, Lead Me On Live 1989, on Oct. 6 featuring unreleased songs from the Fort Worth, Texas stop of her “Lead Me On Tour” in 1989.

The album was originally recorded during the tour and also includes a few songs from the 20th anniversary edition of the original Lead Me On album.

Pulled from the vault 34 years later, this is the first time fans will have the opportunity to experience all the songs from Grant’s biggest tour up to that point in her career. Prior to her global pop-star success with Heart In Motion, 1988-1989 was a time of incredible audience growth for Grant, and found her pulling out all the stops for an unparalleled experience.

“When I first heard the recordings from 1989 from the ‘Lead Me On Tour,’ the thing that bowled me over was just what a talented band I had on the road,” says Grant. “I have loved every band configuration I’ve ever had on the road and all are so special to me, but there was something unique about that group of players and singers during the ‘Lead Me On Tour.’

“First of all, there were so many of us on the stage and so many types of instrumentation like harmonica solos, flute solos, saxophone, mandolins, lots of keyboards and stacks of vocals, it just felt like one big family reunion every night.  The size and scope of the production and the big experience we were trying to create also made this tour very special. The energy of the crowd felt like an infinite number eight with energy coming from us on stage, it circling through the audience and then coming back to us and it brought back so many amazing memories.  I’m so grateful we captured that moment in time.”

Lead Me On Live 1989 will be available digitally as well as on a two-CD collection. iTunes will have the album for pre-ale with track “Wait For The Healing” available, starting Sept. 15.  All-new merch, fan packs and bundles for the project will also be available. Additionally, the salvageable film footage from the 1989 Fort Worth show that has been “in the vault” will finally see the light of day on YouTube and social media platforms in the forms of music videos, shorts, reels and more. For more information, click here.

This fall, Grant will hit the road starting Sept. 20 performing her hits along with selections from the Lead Me On Live 1989 project. On Nov. 26, Grant and her long-time friend and collaborator Michael W. Smith will begin their “2023 Christmas Tour.”

Lead Me On Live 1989 Track Listing:
1. “Love Of Another Kind”
2. “Wait For The Healing”
3. “Shadows”
4. “Everywhere I Go”
5. “All Right”
6. “Saved By Love”
7. “1974”
8. “Stay For A While”
9. “Emmanuel”
10. “El Shaddai”
11. “Lead Me On”
12. “Find A Way”
13. “Band Intros”
14. “I Love You”
15. “Wise Up”
16. “Fight”
17. “Angels”
18. “Say Once More”

George Strait & Chris Stapleton Extend Stadium Shows Into 2024

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George Strait and Chris Stapleton are extending their run of stadium shows into 2024 with nine new dates. Little Big Town will join them for the extended run of one-off stadium dates next year.

In addition to summer shows in Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Ames, Charlotte, East Rutherford, Salt Lake City, Detroit and Chicago, Strait will also supersize his longstanding “Strait to Vegas” show with a December date at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the engagement.

Tickets to all shows except Jacksonville will be available Sept. 22. Tickets to the Jacksonville show go on sale Oct. 20. American Express Card Members can purchase tickets before the general public Sept. 15-21. For more information, click here.

“I’ve always said we have the best fans in the world, and to see so many of them show up for these shows just makes us want to keep bringing them more,” shares Strait. “I’ve also missed performing in Las Vegas during NFR, so I’m happy to see that show come together in 2024. See you soon!”

George Strait & Chris Stapleton 2024 Stadium Shows:
May 4 – Indianapolis, Ind.  ||  Lucas Oil Stadium
May 11 – Jacksonville, Fla.  ||  EverBank Stadium
May 25 – Ames, Iowa  ||  Jack Trice Stadium
June 1 – Charlotte, N.C.  ||  Bank of America Stadium
June 8 – East Rutherford, N.J.  ||  MetLife Stadium
June 29 – Salt Lake City, Utah  ||  Rice Eccles Stadium
July 13 – Detroit, Mich.  ||  Ford Field
July 20 – Chicago, Ill.  ||  Soldier Field
Dec. 7 – Las Vegas, Nev.  ||  Allegiant Stadium

Kelsea Ballerini To Headline Homecoming Arena Show In Knoxville

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Kelsea Ballerini is heading back home to East Tennessee for a one-night-only concert, “The Homecoming Show,” on Nov. 2 at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville.

Ingrid Andress and Georgia Webster will serve as support for the special date, which will be Ballerini’s first headlining arena show and a bucket list moment for the entertainer.

“Throughout the last decade and four albums, there has been a consistent ode to my hometown. Whether it be lyrically like in ‘Half of My Hometown’ or celebrating milestone moments in venues like my high school, the Tennessee Theater or the Civic Center, it’s always been incredibly important to me to go back to the place that let me go to chase my dream. Playing Thompson-Boling has been on my bucket list since I was a little kid watching my favorite musicians come through town and is the perfect place to celebrate such a bookmark year and kick off a new level of touring,” says Ballerini.

Tickets go on sale to her fan club on tomorrow (Sept. 13), and general sales start on Friday (Sept. 15). For more information, click here.

Her latest single “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” is currently in the top 15 at country radio and climbing, and she’s set to to perform “Penthouse (Healed Version)” at MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Seth Alley Re-ups With Endurance Music Group

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Pictured (L-R): EMG’s President Michael Martin and Senior Creative Director Lauren Funk, Alley’s son Malcolm, Seth Alley, EMG’s Senior Vice President Mark Ahlberg and Creative Director Courtney Kruckeberg

Songwriter and producer Seth Alley has renewed his exclusive publishing deal with Endurance Music Group.

A native of Sparta, Tennessee, Alley moved to Nashville in 2011 to further his emerging career as a country artist, signing his first record deal in 2013. In the past few years with Endurance, Alley has transitioned into a producer role, working across multiple genres including pop, rock, and country.

Alley has three cuts on country-rocker Nate Smith‘s recent album, Nate Smith (Deluxe), and co-wrote David Morris‘ anthemic hit “Does He Know About Us.” In the pop and sync spaces, Alley is working with Rayelle, Sam Tinnesz, Tina Parol, Matt Bronleewe, and Que Parks. He has had recent cuts with Matt Stell, Skeez, New Medicine, Jake Banfield, and more, and frequently co-writes with Jake Rose, CJ Solar, Heath Warren, James McNair, Nick Wayne, and David J, among others.

Sawyer Brown Announces ‘Get Me To The Stage On Time’ Documentary

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Sawyer Brown. Photo: Courtesy of Shore Fire Media

In honor of Sawyer Brown’s 40th anniversary, the band is releasing Get Me To The Stage On Time, a documentary of how a Nashville outlier changed the country genre by turning 15 minutes of fame into 40 years.

Sawyer Brown blazed a trail with explosive live performances and chart-topping songs in the ’90s with genre-staple hits like “Some Girls Do” (1992), “Thank God for You” (1993), “Step That Step” (1985) and more are synonymous with pushing the group and the genre forward.

Executively produced by Blake Shelton, Get Me To The Stage On Time is a behind-the-scenes look at millions of miles, 24 albums, 6,000 shows and gratitude for the legions of loyal fans, even when Nashville counted them out. Featuring interviews with Shelton, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley and more, the documentary tells a David and Goliath story that transcends musical genres.

YouTube video

The documentary will premiere on Sunday, Oct. 1 at the Nashville Film Festival at the Franklin Theatre in Franklin, Tennessee. Following the film’s premiere, Sawyer Brown will perform live on the Franklin Theatre stage with several surprise guests. For more information, click here.

Get Me To The Stage On Time is the first of many announcements–including a Shelton-produced album–to come from the band as they celebrate their 40th anniversary.

Chase Matthew Announces Headline ‘Come Get Your Memory Tour’

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Chase Matthew. Photo: Justin Mayotte

Warner Music Nashville newcomer Chase Matthew has announced an extensive, headline trek for fall and winter, the “Come Get Your Memory Tour.” Kicking off tonight in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the tour features over 25 shows through December.

Booked by UTA Nashville, Matthew is known for his rowdy live performances, relatable lyricism and impressive chops, amassing a loyal fanbase of more than two million social followers, racking up more than 600 million global streams to date, and garnering an average of more than 3.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone.

On the upcoming journey, fans can expect hits like the breakout, RIAA Gold-certified smash, “County Line,” as well as the headline tour namesake, “Come Get Your Memory” and his debut radio single, “Love You Again.” Currently climbing the country radio charts, this hard-charging anthem is just one of 25 tracks featured on Matthew’s major label debut, Come Get Your Memory, which arrived on June 9.

More “Come Get Your Memory Tour” dates will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, click here.

Zach Bryan Claims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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With his self-titled album yielding hit after hit, Zach Bryan claims the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

All 16 tracks from Zach Bryan are charting this week, 11 of which are solely written by Bryan.

Ashley Gorley shifts down to No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week with nine charting songs, followed by Tracy Chapman who maintains her No. 3 spot. Oliver Anthony Music (as Christopher Anthony Lunsford) falls to No. 4 from the chart’s top spot. Jordan Schmidt rounds out the leaders, sitting in the No. 5 position.

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.

Texas Singer-Songwriter Charlie Robison Dies At 59

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Charlie Robison

Singer-songwriter Charlie Robison passed away on Sunday (Sept. 10). He was 59.

Robison reportedly died at a hospital in San Antonio after suffering cardiac arrest and other complications. His death was confirmed via a Facebook post from his wife, Kristen Robison.

Robison grew up in Texas making music with his brother Bruce. After a knee injury playing football for Southwest Texas State halted his sports career, he began performing in the late 1980s in Austin with several local bands. In 1996, he ventured out solo, releasing his debut album Bandera, named after the town where his family has owned a ranch for generations.

In 1998, Robison signed with Sony Music’s Lucky Dog imprint, and released a couple of albums including 2001’s Step Right Up, which included the top 40 single, “I Want You Bad.” In 2004, his Dualtone album Good Times included “El Cerrito Place,” which was written by Keith Gattis and later recorded by Kenny Chesney. The title track was featured in the credits of the HBO series True Blood in the third episode of the first season. In 2009, Robison released Beautiful Day, and his final project, High Life in 2013, which included a cover of Bob Dylan’s “When I Paint My Masterpiece.” He released nine albums over the course of his career.

In 2018, Robison was forced to step away from making the music he loved and retire, announcing that he had permanently lost the ability to sing following a surgical procedure on his throat.

Robison served as a judge for one year in 2003 on the inaugural season of USA Network’s Nashville Star reality competition, in which contestants lived together while competing for a country music recording contract.

He is survived by his wife and four children and stepchildren. Three of his children were with first wife, Emily Strayer, a founding member of The Chicks. Details for memorial services have not been announced yet.

Brandi Carlile Announces Fifth Annual ‘Girls Just Wanna Weekend’ Lineup

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Brandi Carlile has announced the lineup for her fifth annual “Girls Just Wanna Weekend” event, returning Jan. 18-21, 2024 at a new host resort, Barceló in the Mexican Caribbean, which will accommodate all attendees on one property.

The all-inclusive, female-fronted concert vacation will include performances by Carlile, Janelle Monae, Sarah McLachlan, Lucius, Allison Russell, Celisse, KT Tunstall, Wendy & Lisa, Corook, Monica Martin, Tish Melton, SistaStrings and SmallTown Strings as well as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Brandy Clark and Kim Richey guest-starring as “Titans of Americana” for a special songwriters round.

The closed campus “Brandi Land” at Barceló will provide additional opportunity for immersion as well as a bespoke custom concert venue, direct beach access, additional activations on-site and premium guest services. Room confirmation for those who have already purchased a Blind Faith pre-book will begin tomorrow (Sept. 12), with general on-sale following Wednesday (Sept. 13). Complete details regarding the event, packages and payment plans are available at girlsjustwannaweekend.com.

All event packages include luxury resort accommodations, concert access, round-trip airport transportation, bottomless top-shelf drinks, all-inclusive culinary offerings, daily pool parties featuring acts hand-picked by Carlile, artist-curated activities, off-site adventures and more. The full itinerary of performance times, activities and local excursions will be announced soon.

James Barker Band Pops ‘Champagne’ For Upcoming EP ‘Ahead Of Our Time’

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Photo: Courtesy of Starseed Entertainment

James Barker Band will release their label debut EP, Ahead Of Our Time, on Oct. 20. Along with the collection announcement, the band has released their new breakup anthem, “Champagne.”

Ahead Of Our Time includes six tracks, five of which were penned by frontman James Barker along with writers including Rodney Clawson, John Byron and Blake Pendergrass. The project showcases the group’s trademark cheeky lyrics and catchy melodies from the clever “Step On His Boots,” to the star-crossed title track and the charm of “Champagne.” “Meet Your Mama” tugs at the heartstrings, while “On the Water (feat. Dalton Dover)” serves as the project’s go-to party anthem. The EP wraps with “Heartbeat,” which captures the essence of love at first sight in a fast-paced musical journey.

“This project tells the story of who we are, where we’ve been and where we’re headed in our next chapter,” shares Barker. “We were drawn to the title of Ahead Of Our Time because these songs have been a part of our journey for a while. From the writing room to the stage, they’ve been with us on the road, interacting with our fans, and evolving along the way. As creators, we’ve experienced these songs ahead of their formal release, but the only part that matters is when it’s in the hands of our fans who can make it their own. We can’t wait for everyone to do just that on Oct. 20!”

Ahead Of Our Time Track Listing:
1. “Step On His Boots” (James Barker, Travis Wood, John Byron, Blake Pendergrass)
2. “Ahead of Our Time” (James Barker, Jake Rose)
3. “Champagne” (James Barker, Rodney Clawson, Travis Wood)
4. “Meet Your Mama” (James Barker, Travis Wood, Gavin Slate, Todd Clark)
5. “On the Water (feat. Dalton Dover)” (Jordan Minton, Hunter Phelps, Ben Johnson)
6. “Heartbeat” (James Barker, Travis Wood, Gavin Slate, Todd Clark)