Trisha Yearwood, John Prine To Be Inducted Into Austin City Limits Hall Of Fame

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Trisha Yearwood and the late songwriting giant John Prine will be honored as the newest inductees into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame.

Yearwood and Prine will be saluted at a star-studded ceremony to be held on Oct. 26 at ACL’s studio home, ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin. More information about guest performers, presenters and additional guest stars will be announced prior to the event. The event will be open to the public and tickets will be on sale June 23 at acltv.com/hall-of-fame.

“John Prine and Trisha Yearwood represent both the growth and continuity of ACL’s legacy,” says longtime ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “John was the consummate songwriter whose body of work on ACL spans decades. Trisha was one of a new breed of women in country music, and one of the first to recognize ACL’s value and impact. They are foundational artists in ACL’s rich legacy.”

“Appearing on Austin City Limits for the first time in 1992 was a rite of passage for me as an artist,” says Yearwood. “After watching all of my heroes grace that stage, walking onto it myself was a spiritual experience. I am so honored to go into the ACL Hall of Fame, made even sweeter by going in alongside my friend John Prine. Getting to sing with John was one of the highlights of my career, and I’m proud to share the evening honoring his memory.”

“We are delighted and honored that Austin City Limits will induct John into its esteemed Hall of Fame,” says Fiona Whelan Prine. “ACL is an important institution, celebrating the very best of American music and performances. John was always proud to appear on Austin City Limits. This induction would be a proud moment for him to join some of the artists he most admired. It is especially meaningful that he will be inducted alongside his dear friend, and duet partner, Trisha Yearwood.”

Musical highlights and inductions from the ceremony will air on PBS in 2024.

Garth Brooks Launches New Global Station, The BIG 615, On TuneIn

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Garth Brooks. Photo: Blue Rose, Inc

Garth Brooks is launching a new country station, The BIG 615, exclusively on TuneIn’s SEVENS Radio Network. Fans around the world can stream The BIG 615 for free on TuneIn today.

The BIG 615 offers listeners an authentic take on country music and provides songs from the biggest artists today. Radio host Storme Warren will be the official voice of The BIG 615 and plans to partner with Brooks to drive content. Warren will be joined by guest hosts on occasion, including Brooks and other industry stars.

“I believe that country music listeners want to hear the latest from George Strait followed by the latest from Luke Combs. The latest from Ashley McBryde followed by the latest from The Chicks,” says Brooks. “The BIG 615 station is purely for the love of country music. We lean a bit more traditional at The BIG 615. We are proud of how the station sounds and want the entire world to hear what we think is the greatest format of all…country music.”

“Garth Brooks has an amazing vision for radio,” says Rich Stern, CEO of TuneIn. “At TuneIn, we are honored to work with an artist like Garth to build his vision and create an unduplicable experience for our listeners. We are even more excited to bring The BIG 615 to our global community of listeners, providing them with a one-of-a-kind destination to immerse themselves in the world of country music.”

SEVENS Radio is set to launch multiple stations dedicated to country music and more on TuneIn this year, all curated and conceived by Brooks and the SEVENS Radio Network.

Industry Has Twice The Fun At Tyler Hubbard’s Double No. 1 Party

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Mike Sistad (ASCAP), Mike Harris (UMGN), Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Leslie DiPiero (Tree Vibez Music), Troy Tomlinson (UMPG), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jaren Johnston (ASCAP), Chase McGill (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI/UMG), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Industry members rallied to celebrate Tyler Hubbard‘s first two No. 1 songs as a solo artist, “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” Hubbard co-wrote the former with Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, and the latter with Keith Urban, Jon Nite and Ross Copperman. Jordan Schmidt produced both tracks.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Jimmy Rector (EMI), Mike Harris (UMGN), Jackie Jones (RIAA), Cindy Mabe, (UMGN), Chelsea Blythe (UMGN), Lori Christian (UMGN); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

Hosted by BMI, ASCAP and SESAC, the celebration was held at Yee-Haw Brewing Co. There supporting their artists and writers included Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, Jonas Group Publishing’s Leslie DiPiero, UMG Nashville head Cindy Mabe, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch and more. BMI’s MaryAnn Keen presided.

Sponsors for the celebration were First Horizon and Studio Bank. Studio Bank made a special donation to the non-proft For Others on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters. A donation presentation was also made by Tomlinson from Universal Music Publishing Group on behalf of Hubbard and the songwriters to MusiCares.

The RIAA Platinum-certified “5 Foot 9” released on May 20, 2022 was Hubbard’s debut solo single and his 20th career No. 1. Its rise to the top marks the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo act. “5 Foot 9” is one of 18 songs from his self-titled album, which was released January 27, 2023.

At the celebration, Hubbard thanked the team of songwriters and creatives who helped create the tune.

“I feel like I have a really strong foundation with a great team now. I feel more supported than ever so it enables me to be a better artist, better songwriter, take more risks and trust the people around me, which is amazing,” Hubbard shared.

The songwriters celebrated this win by chasing another one. Hubbard shared, “Honestly, we got back together and said “that was fun let’s do it again,” We’ve probably written five songs together since then. That’s what we love doing together and that’s how we celebrated.”

Pictured (L-R, back row): Rusty Gaston (Sony Music Publishing), Shannan Hatch (SESAC), Cyndi Forman (UMPG), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Leslie DiPiero (Jonas Group Publishing), MaryAnn Keen (BMI), Ron Cox (Studio Bank); (L-R, front row): Jon Nite (SESAC), Ross Copperman (BMI), Tyler Hubbard (BMI), Keith Urban (BMI), Jordan Schmidt (ASCAP). Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI

“Dancin’ In The Country” marked Hubbard’s second No. 1—a year to date after his first single. The track now has over 192 million global streams. It was Hubbard and Urban’s first collaboration. Their goal was to create something fun and upbeat heading into the summer months.

Urban said, “Four on the floor, windows down, summer anthem is right up my alley.” The country superstar also noted that he knew from the jump that Hubbard would be singing this one. “I came with an idea and I suggested it to Tyler. He already had a vision for this 4/4 driving thing. It was good because he had such a strong vision.”

Hubbard recalled that Urban joked after the write about how much fun they had writing Hubbard’s next single. “He was just about right,” Hubbard said. “With everything matching up the way it should and everyone bringing their strengths to the table, by the end of the day, it was really something special.”

With each success, Hubbard shares the celebrations with his family and team.

He shared, “I love being a songwriter. As I started this journey as a solo artist, I was surrounded by people who showed up for me. These writers were put into my life, and my new label and team showed up for me. I felt supported, loved and empowered and I felt creativity overtake me. I wanted to write songs that represent who I am—I felt doors were opening as other doors were closing and I want to thank everyone here today for being those people that were put into my life.

“I’m quickly reminded that my name might be the one on the charts, but this is what it is all about—this whole crew who’s right here—everybody puts in the work and the sacrifice. This is bigger than a No. 1—thank you for allowing me to have an individual voice. Thank you for believing in me and the possibility to do something that’s not commonly done and thank you for inspiring me. I’m more inspired than ever and you all have given me a new energy that I haven’t had in years. and it’s a culmination of all the blessings in my life.”

Ben Rector Joins Nashville’s Fourth Of July Concert Lineup

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Ben Rector. Photo: Collin Fatke

Pop singer-songwriter Ben Rector has joined the concert lineup for Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th presented by Dr Pepper.

Rector has released seven studio albums, and has topped multiple Billboard charts. His last two records landed at No. 1 on Billboard‘s U.S. Folk and No. 2 on the U.S. Rock and U.S. Indie charts.

He will take the Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage along with previously announced artists, including second-year headliner Brad Paisley as well as The War And Treaty, Langhorne Slim and Tiera Kennedy, who will also sing the national anthem.

The Jack Daniel’s Broadway Stage performances will start at 4 p.m. on July 4. After the concert, the event will shift to Ascend Amphitheater for a live performance by the Nashville Symphony and the fireworks show. Media personality Kelly Sutton will host both stages, Operation Song will provide a song and DJ Dave Audé will entertain between sets.

Additionally, the Amazon Family Fun Zone at Music City Walk of Fame Park will be open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., featuring performances from The Magi, Tommy Howell, Les Kerr & The Bayou Band and Troubadour Blue, with DJ Coach entertaining between sets.

The event is partnering with The Store, a free-referral based grocery store, which aims to empower low-income individuals and families in the Nashville area, founded by Paisley and his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley. The Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp (NCVC) will donate a dollar from each event T-shirt sale to The Store.

Willie Jones, Young Buck, More To Play ‘Bridge To Broadway Block Party’ On June 18

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The National Museum of African American Music is celebrating Black Music Month and Juneteenth with a “Bridge To Broadway Block Party” on Lower Broadway in Nashville on June 18 from noon-8 p.m.

Performers on hand to help celebrate at this year’s block party will include Doug E. Fresh, Young Buck, Willie Jones, Bubba Sparxxx, Daru Jones, and more. Hosted in partnership with Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators, the 3rd annual block party previously held at Skydeck will now take place in front of Bridgestone Arena. The event will feature live music, local Nashville vendors and more. It will be free and open to the public.

The Museum has plenty of events on tap for Black Music Month this month. The Museum will host Jones’s album release party tomorrow evening (June 16), featuring a performance by Jones. On June 17, it will host comedian Amanda Seales for two free performances of her comedy show “Smart Funny & Black.” On June 19, NMAAM will also host a Community Day, a free day at NMAAM that will feature Juneteenth programming.

T.J. Martell Foundation Honors Shane McAnally

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Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally and John Esposito appear at the T.J. Martell Foundation 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

Shane McAnally received the Spirit of Music Award at the T.J. Martell Foundation’s 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street earlier this week.

The memorable evening, which raised over $1.3 million, also presented the Lifetime Music Industry Award to Warner Records Co-Chairman & COO Tom Corson, as well as the Rising Music Superstar Award to Def Jam Recordings Chief Creative Officer & EVP Archie Davis.

Pictured (L-R): Shane McAnally accepts the Spirit of Music Award from Kristin Chenoweth at the T.J. Martell Foundation 45th annual New York Honors Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street. Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for T.J. Martell Foundation

The event was hosted by Board Chairman John Esposito and Gala Co-Chairs Tunji Balogun, Aaron Bay-Schuck, Robert Carlton, Steve Gawley, Laura Swanson and Julie Swidler.

“Tonight has been a truly memorable night for all of us at the T.J. Martell Foundation and we were honored be able to bring the gala back to New York City,” shared Esposito. “It was a thrill to bring together such an incredible room to celebrate tonight’s three honorees and to be in the presence of such wonderful talent from the presenters to the artists who performed, all in the name of continuing our mission to further the critically important work the foundation does in support of cancer research.”

It was a big week for McAnally, who also celebrated his and Brandy Clark‘s musical Shucked being recognized at the Tony Awards, with Shucked actor Alex Newell taking home an award for Best Actor in a Featured Role In a Musical for their role as Lulu.

11-time Grammy nominee Clark was one of the evening’s performers, along with Grammy-nominated bilingual alternative R&B/pop singer-songwriter Omar Apollo and breakout actress/singer-songwriter and R&B star Coco Jones.

Presenters included Grammy and Tony Award-nominated music and theater star Josh Groban, iconic Tony and Emmy Award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth as well as Oscar and Golden Globe nominee and NAACP Image Award-winning filmmaker Ryan Coogler.

Black River Entertainment Hires Grace Watson

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Grace Watson. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Black River Entertainment has hired Grace Watson as Senior Director, Streaming & Revenue.

In this role, Watson will oversee all aspects of streaming and sales for Black River Entertainment. Her responsibilities will include building comprehensive streaming strategies and furthering partner relationships for the company’s roster.

The Missouri native graduated from Belmont University with a music business and audio engineering degree, and previously served as a full-time member of UMG/Capitol Christian Music Group’s Commercial Partnerships Team. She worked directly with major streaming partners and oversaw operational strategy during her tenure since 2016. Watson also worked with an array of artists including Lauren Daigle, Amy Grant, Chris Tomlin, TobyMac and Anne Wilson.

“We are so excited to welcome Grace to our team,” says Rick Froio, Executive Vice President of Black River Records. “Her wealth of knowledge and great relationships will immediately benefit Black River’s artists.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the Black River Entertainment team and working under the leadership of Gordon Kerr and Rick,” shares Watson. “As the streaming and digital space are ever-changing, I’m eager to explore new and untapped opportunities for Black River’s roster!”

Watson can be reached at gwatson@blackriverent.com.

Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Jenna Paulette, Craig Campbell, IBMA

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Chris Janson Celebrates Platinum Nods During Opry Show

Pictured (L-R): Lance Roberts, Chandler Thurston, Noah Dewey, Kelly Janson, Chris Janson, Courtney Crist, Maddie Sanderson, Gracie Glass, Tom Lord. Photo: Josh Daubin

Chris Janson celebrated the upcoming release of his latest album, The Outlaw Side of Me, at the Grand Ole Opry recently, hosting a special livestream for fans which will stream on the free Circle Now app and on the Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube pages this Friday, July 16 at 5 p.m. CT.

Janson ignited the stage, performing new tracks from the latest project, along with some of his biggest hits, and was also presented with four Platinum certifications for “Good Vibes,” “Drunk Girl,” “Fix A Drink” and the quadruple-Platinum “Buy Me A Boat.”

 

Jenna Paulette Partners With Justin Boots

Jenna Paulette. Photo: Courtesy of Justin Boots

Jenna Paulette has signed on as a brand ambassador for cowboy boot brand, Justin Boots. The deal places Paulette alongside Reba McEntire and George Strait as the only entertainers partnered with the brand. For Paulette, the partnership is a dream realized, having worn the boots while growing up and working cattle.

“Justin Boots…gosh I wore Ropers to work in and that’s why I put ‘new Justin Boots’ in my song ‘Country In the Girl.’ I really believe that song helped me find my footing with my audience. This partnership means the world to me, from what Justin does for Rodeo athletes to the way they represent agriculture and support the future of it. It’s an honor to get to further the heart of their brand together. I can’t wait to see what we do,” Paulette shares.

 

Craig Campbell’s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge Benefit Raises $27K

Attendees at Craig Campbell’s 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge & Concert

Craig Campbell kicked off CMA Fest with his 9th Annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge on June 6. When the last bag was tossed, over $27,000 had been raised for the Kenny Campbell Foundation. Campbell defeated his longtime rival Jerrod Niemann, who has played in all nine tournaments, to claim the 2023 trophy.

This year’s event was held at the Yee Haw Brewing and Ole Smoky Moonshine distillery at 6th & Peabody in Nashville. The Kenny Campbell Foundation was founded by Campbell to honor his father who lost his battle with colorectal cancer at age 36. The organization raises money for research hospitals and doctors that focus on finding a cure and preventative measures for colorectal cancer. Fans placed bids to compete on teams alongside Campbell, Niemann, Charles Esten, Lucas Hoge, Hannah Dasher, Mitch Rossell and more, and a free concert followed the tournament.

 

Ethan Charles Returns To IBMA Staff

Ethan Charles

The International Bluegrass Music Association is welcoming back Ethan Charles, who resumed his previous role as Events Director on June 5. The Pennsylvania native and 2019 Belmont University graduate began working in the IBMA office as an intern in 2017, before working in a part-time capacity from 2018-2019. Charles joined the staff full-time as Operations Specialist in 2019, supporting the switch to virtual and hybrid event structures the following two years. He became Events Director in August 2022, a position he held through October. Now back on board, Charles is eager to continue working to serve the bluegrass community.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to the team at IBMA. Creating an elevated event experience for our community is my highest priority, while also placing a strong emphasis on promoting environmental sustainability and fostering inclusiveness within our genre,” Charles says. “We have one of the strongest staffs I’ve seen in my time with the organization and we are poised to propel the association and the World of Bluegrass event to a new level.”

Eric Church To Commemorate 10 Years Of ‘Caught In The Act’ With Documentary

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Eric Church. Photo: Anthony D’Angio

Eric Church is commemorating the 10th anniversary of his Caught In The Act live album with a documentary film set to release exclusively on nugs.net, beginning Friday, June 23.

Caught In The Act: A Film highlights Church’s shows from a decade ago at Chattanooga’s Tivoli Theatre, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes at those nights. The film includes full performances of the album’s 17 songs and commentary from the 10-time Grammy nominee as well as his longtime manager Q Prime South’s John Peets, producer Jay Joyce and several members of Church’s band and crew, offering rare insight into the Chief’s world in the midst of an epic run.

“When you’re in the craziness of the moment, you’re not even sure what you’re looking at or experiencing, you just feel that it’s different,” recalls Church. “We went to the Tivoli because everyone in our world – the band, the crew, the fans – knew we were a part of something special and wanted to capture the fire that has got us here. So, we just started rolling cameras as we figured at least we’d have it for posterity. It’s been sitting in the vault, and with the live album celebrating 10 years since its release, it felt like the right time to rewatch and share the journey we’ve been on together.”

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Beth Rasnick Rises To Chief Of Staff At Gibson Brands

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Beth Rasnick

Beth Rasnick has been promoted to Chief of Staff to the CEO at Gibson Brands.

In her new role, Rasnick will act strategically as representative for the office of the CEO internally and externally, collaborating with Gibson leadership and extended teams to determine and prioritize business strategies and action plans. She will lead the CEO Office with sponsored high-impact projects, as well as strategic business initiatives from ideation to implementation.

Throughout nearly a decade at Gibson, Rasnick has held key positions spanning finance, accounting, treasury, business acquisitions and divestitures, transformation initiatives and corporate strategy. She is also an emerging player of rhythm guitar, which she has learned from her father. Prior to joining Gibson, Rasnick held leadership positions in Voya, Inc.’s strategic finance group, including during the company’s IPO and rebranding initiatives. She began her career at Ernst & Young serving multiple clients in Ernst & Young’s assurance practice, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Georgia.

“Beth will be instrumental in driving our strategic priorities, leveraging 130 years of history shaping the sound of music, and focusing on our future through strategic actions in service to music fans around the world,” says Cesar Gueikian, President and Interim CEO, Gibson Brands.

“I’m honored and so excited to be taking on this important role in leading Gibson Brands into the future alongside an exceptionally talented team whom I know very well,” says Rasnick. “My focus will continue to be on shaping our thriving world class instruments, sound and media/entertainment business across the global landscape and supporting our team through the limitless opportunities ahead.”