Ashley Monroe Joins Sheltered Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Darrell Franklin (Sr. Vice President Sheltered Music), Ashley Monroe, Freeman Wizer (Sr. Creative Director Sheltered Music)

Ashley Monroe has joined Sheltered Music through an exclusive publishing deal.

“I am so excited about joining the Sheltered music family,” Monroe says. “Not only do I get to be on the same roster as some of my biggest songwriting heroes (Marty Stuart, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris — I mean come on!), but I feel equally supported and empowered in exploring new collaborations outside of the Nashville norm.”

Monroe has received three separate Grammy nominations—one as a solo artist, one as member of the group Pistol Annies and one as a featured performer alongside Blake Shelton. She has also written No. 1 songs for megastars Miranda Lambert (“Heart Like Mine”) and Jason Aldean (“The Truth”) and has had her songs recorded by many artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brendan Benson, Guy Clark, Vince Gill, Dwight Yoakam, Caitlyn Smith and Morgan Wade.

“Ashley just has a passion for music that moves the soul first and foremost, which is what makes her such a versatile writer with songs that go beyond the country genre,” says Darrell Franklin, Sheltered Music’s Senior Vice President. “The heart that you feel in her songwriting mixed with the pure authentic tone and emotion in her voice have made her one of Nashville’s one-of-a-kind treasures. I’m honored for us at Sheltered Music to have the opportunity to represent her music.”

“I’m grateful to Darrell, Lance [Freed] and the Sheltered team for being so willing and eager to champion this next creative chapter of my career, and can’t wait to see all that we accomplish together,” Monroe says.

Monroe’s most recent solo album, Rosegold, was an exploration into electronic pop and she is currently working on a sixth studio album due to be released early next year.

Jeanne Pruett & Bill Anderson Celebrate Milestone Opry Anniversaries

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Jeanne Pruett celebrating her 50th Opry anniversary with Vince Gill. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry members Jeanne Pruett and Bill Anderson were feted this past weekend during special celebrations on their milestone Opry anniversaries.

Jamey Johnson and Bill Anderson performing “Everybody Wants To Be 21” in celebration of Anderson’s 62nd Opry anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

The Opry celebrated Pruett’s 50th Opry anniversary during Friday night’s show (July 21). Friends and fellow Opry members including Vince Gill, Jeannie Seely, The Whites and more were on hand to celebrate with her. Gill covered Pruett’s hit “Satin Sheets” in her honor.

On Saturday night (July 22), the Opry celebrated Country Music Hall of Fame member Anderson on his  62nd Opry anniversary and honored “Whisperin’ Bill” as the longest-serving Opry member in the show’s history. Many of Anderson’s Opry family and friends including Gill, Jamey Johnson and Seely paid tribute to him throughout the show. Highlights included a Seely/Anderson collaboration on “When Two World’s Collide,” a Johnson/Anderson collaboration on “Everybody Wants To Be 21” and Gill’s performance of his hit “Which Bridge To Cross, Which Bridge To Burn,” which was co-written with Anderson.

Artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Steve Earle, Ernest, Lady A, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan, Ricky Skaggs, Brittney Spencer, Carrie Underwood and more.

Jake Worthington Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Jake Worthington during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Jake Worthington made his Grand Ole Opry debut Friday night (July 21), a lifelong dream for the Big Loud Records artist.

Raised on the legends like George Jones, Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard and more, the Texas native set his sights on the Opry from a young age, holding the honor of playing the institution in such high esteem that he didn’t want to watch a show until he had earned the privilege of performing at the hallowed hall.

During his bucket list moment, Worthington performed “Single At The Same Time,” “State You Left Me In” and an acoustic version of his ballad “Closing Time,” receiving a standing ovation from the crowd.

“I wouldn’t change a thing about my life, and being here is a really big reason why,” Worthington shared teary-eyed from the circle. “This is the greatest honor, to be here on the stage where all my heroes stood.”

Worthington will be performing at fairs and festivals the rest of the year, including TidalWave Music Festival, the Illinois State Fair, the State Fair of Texas, and Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest – Texas Edition, supporting Ernest this fall on his “This Fire Tour” and opening various dates for Lainey Wilson and Ian Munsick.

Taylor Swift Springs To No. 1 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Taylor Swift. Photo: Beth Garrabrant

With all 22 songs from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) on the country charts, Taylor Swift secures the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.

Swift, the sole writer on all 22 tracks, made Spotify history with this project, a re-recording of her third album with its original 16 songs and an additional six previously unreleased vault cuts. On its release day, July 7, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) became the most-streamed country album in a single day in Spotify history.

Tracy Chapman maintains the No. 2 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week with “Fast Car,” followed by Ashley Gorley at No. 3 with 10 currently charting hits. Jordan Schmidt and Ryan Vojtesak round out the top five at No. 4 and No. 5, respectively.

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.

Spotify To Adjust Premium Pricing

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Spotify will be updating its premium pricing model.

Its 200 million Premium subscribers have access to on-demand and ad-free music listening, offline music downloads and quality music streaming. In an effort to keep innovating and delivering value to fans, Spotify’s prices are changing across several international markets.

In the United States, the Premium Individual plan will be $10.99 moving forward, with the Premium Duo plan available at $14.99, the Premium Family plan at $16.99 and the Premium Student plan at $5.99.

Fore more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Hardy, JD Souther, Nancy Jones

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Hardy Receives Plaque For First Rock Radio No. 1 ‘Jack’

Pictured (L-R): Caleigh Hardy, Hardy, Big Loud’s Austen Adams, Big Loud Management’s Troy “Tracker” Johnson, Big Loud Rock’s Delaine Halpin, RGR Promotion’s Ray Gmeiner, Big Loud Rock’s Colleen Kennedy, Lloyd Aur Norman, Big Loud Records’ Patch Culbertson, Big Loud Management & Big Loud Rock’s Greg Thompson and Big Loud’s Paul Logan.

The Big Loud Records and Big Loud Rock teams surprised Hardy backstage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California this past weekend with a No. 1 plaque for his first rock radio hit “Jack.”

The genre blender will continue his travels this fall, as he plans to kick off “The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour” in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 31.

JD Souther Featured In CMHOF’s Poets & Prophets Interview Series

Senior Museum Writer & Editor Michael McCall with JD Souther at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Singer-songwriter and producer JD Souther was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Poets and Prophets interview series this past weekend. The series spotlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.

Souther formed the duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey and released a self-titled album in 1969. The Grammy-nominated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has written hits for Brooks & Dunn, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood and more.

He recorded and performed with Richie Furay and Chris Hillman as the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and has released several solo albums over the last 20 years, including his most recent project, Tenderness (2015). Souther has sinced reissued expanded editions of past solo albums John David Souther (1972), Black Rose (1976), Home By Dawn (1984) and his project with Frey, Longbranch/Pennywhistle (1969).

The program—which included vintage photos, audio and film clips—was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Live at the Hall digital program series, which is available to stream on the museum’s website.

Nancy Jones Presents Huntsville Police Department With Fundraising Check

Pictured (L-R): Von Braun Center’s Mike Vojticek, Chief Kirk Giles, Concerts 4 A Cause’s Josh Bleidt, Nancy Jones, The Wounded Blue’s Randy Sutton, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Von Braun Center’s Steve Maples. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media

Nancy Jones, widow of the late George Jones, presented a fundraising check in partnership with Concerts 4 A Cause, The Wounded Blue and the Von Braun Center (VBC) to the Huntsville Police Department on Wednesday (July 19) to benefit the family of Officer Garrett Crumby following his death and Officer Albert Morin, who was critically injured in a shooting on March 28.

When Jones became aware of the shooting, she immediately wanted to use the high-profile tribute concert, “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” to raise money in support of both officers and their families.

Guitars autographed by Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd, Dierks Bentley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll and more were sold during the fundraiser. Additionally, a pair of front-row tickets to the concert were auctioned off with support from 93.3 Nash Icon.

“I am beyond thankful for the friendships I have with so many artists who agreed to sign guitars to help raise this money,” said Jones. “Everyone did their part and we did the right thing here. I hope this money will help these families not have to worry about some of the day-to-day bills that put a burden on you when you are dealing with health and tragic situations.”

Police Chief Kirk Giles accepted the fundraiser proceeds of more than $80,000 on behalf of Officer Morin and Officer Crumby’s families.

“The outpouring of love from our community was overwhelming following the death of Officer Garrett Crumby and the critical wounding of Officer Albert Morin,” said Chief Giles. “Thank you to Nancy Jones, the artists, these organizations and everyone who donated to support Officer Crumby’s family and Officer Morin following this tragic shooting.”

Robert Earl Keen’s Fan Appreciation Day To Return In September

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Robert Earl Keen will host his second annual Fan Appreciation Day this Labor Day (Sept. 4) at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas.

Keen, his band and his rowdy musician friends will take to the stage for, as Keen says, “a laid-back party with great food, cold beer and a bunch of fellow artists.”

He adds, “I love my fans and I want to be proactive in showing my appreciation for them which is why I came up with Fan Appreciation Day. I want to return the love. This is one big free party with 2,000 or so of the fans who have been with me for decades. Newcomers are welcome, too.”

“We are extremely excited to be hosting Robert Earl Keen’s Fan Appreciation Day party again this year,” says Mark McKinney, Floore’s Country Store. “All of those lucky enough to have attended last year know what a memorable day of music and celebration it was. Robert Earl Keen and his music are such a unique and special part of the history of Floore’s Country Store. It’s an honor for us to help bring back this one-of-a-kind event in 2023.”

Tickets are given away via a lottery system, which began at 12 p.m. CT on July 17 via liveatfloores.com.

Earlier this year, Keen and his band released a brand new LP, Western Chill, and copies of the project will be available at the party.

Sac Song & Wine Series Adds Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, More To Upcoming Lineups

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Sac Song & Wine Series 2023. Photo: Aydan Perez Media

The inaugural Sac Song & Wine Series will continue to bring more of Nashville’s hit songwriters to Miner’s Leap Winery in Clarksburg, California to share the stories behind some of country music’s biggest songs.

The Sac Song & Wine Series takes place on one Wednesday night each month through October. The next event is Aug. 16 with hitmakers Eric Paslay and Trent Tomilson. The Sept. 13 event features Charles Esten (ABC series Nashville, Netflix Series Outer Banks, newly released single “In A Bar Somewhere) and Jon Nite (“I Hope” by Gabby Barrett, “Lady” by Brett Young, “Break Up in the End” by Cole Swindell and “Living” by Dierks Bentley). The series will conclude on Oct. 4 with Nicolle Galyon  (“Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen, “Tequila” by Dan & Shay, “All The Pretty Girls” by Kenny Chesney and “We Were Us” by Keith Urban) and Rodney Clawson (“I Saw God Today” by George Strait, “Lucky” by Megan Moroney, “Crash My Party” by Luke Bryan and “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney).

Each event features a live DJ set by Louis Giovanni, line dancing lessons, food trucks and pourings by Miner’s Leap.

Following the launch on May 17 with two successful shows that featured songwriters Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Tim Nichols and D. Vincent Williams, the Sac Song & Wine Series has become a sought-after ticket in the area. Created by Randi Moody, the series brings together her expertises in music and food and wine events to her community while spotlighting songwriters who have written the soundtrack to her and her family’s life.

For more information, click here.

Matthew West’s ‘Come Home For Christmas The Concert’ Set For Dec. 2

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Matthew West is inviting fans to “Come Home For Christmas” with the announcement of his holiday show on Dec. 2 at The Fisher Center in Nashville.

West will kick off the Christmas season in style with holiday classics, his original tune “Come Home For Christmas,” surprises and more at the special concert event. The show is in conjunction with his second annual “Come Home For Christmas Weekend,” primarily taking place in Franklin and including events such as a Christmas dinner with the West family, the Franklin tree lighting, a meet and greet, worship time and more. Tickets are on sale now here.

“I can hardly wait to bring our Christmas show to this amazingly beautiful theater in my hometown,” says West. “Christmas in Tennessee is such a magical time, and I hope this special night will help all who attend get a jumpstart on getting in the Christmas spirit.”

West’s current single “You Changed My Name” is impacting Christian radio now. The song is from his double-album, My Story Your Glory, which is composed of 22 tracks. The first part of the double album, My Story, embodies the countless stories fans have shared with the songwriter over the years as well as personal experiences. The second part, Your Glory, marks his first official Gospel worship album. The accompanying video for “You Changed My Name” was released earlier this year.

Niko Moon To Launch ‘Better With You Tour’ This Fall

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Niko Moon. Photo: Matthew Berinato.

Niko Moon has announced his “Better With You Tour,” which is set to kick off this fall. Jordan Harvey will support on all dates.

Named after Moon’s latest release “Better With You,” the trek will visit more than a dozen cities across the country, including Cleveland, Louisville, Detroit, Dallas, Charlotte and more through Nov. 10. Ticket presales begin tomorrow (July 25), with general sales starting this Friday (July 28).

A songwriter with a proven track record, Moon has written six No. 1s for artists including Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley. His new track “Heaven Has A Bar” reunites him with friend and collaborator Zac Brown. He has currently racked up more than 870 million on-demand career streams thus far and earned triple-Platinum status for his No. 1 debut single, “Good Time.”