Luke Combs Extends ‘World Tour’ With Four New Stadium Shows

/by

Luke Combs has added second nights to his upcoming “World Tour” stadium shows in Tampa, Charlotte, Foxborough and Philadelphia due to overwhelming demand.

Tickets for the new dates at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium (July 7), Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium (July 14), Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium (July 21) and Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field (July 28) will be available for pre-sale starting June 8 at 12 p.m. local time through Ticketmaster Verified Fan. General sales will follow June 9, and Combs’ official fan club, The Bootleggers, will have early access to tickets through Ticketmaster Verified Fan pre-sale starting June 8.

“After we got to play two shows in Nashville, I decided I wanted to play more shows for the fans, so I got with my team and the stadiums and luckily all of the July dates lined up for us, so we decide to just do it,” says Combs. “I’m really excited to be able to bring more music to more fans.”

The newly confirmed dates add to the huge success of Combs’ “World Tour,” which has sold over 570,500 tickets across just 11 stadium shows so far, with the majority of the tour still to come. With 44 shows across three continents and 16 countries, the tour is the largest ever for a country artist, earning Combs the No. 1 spot on Pollstar’s Live75 chart, where he has more than doubled all other charting artists.

‘CMA Fest’ Primetime Special Slated To Air July 19

/by

Pictured (L-R): Lainey Wilson, Dierks Bentley and Elle King. Photo: Robby Klein for CMA/ABC

CMA Fest, the three-hour primetime concert special set to be filmed during CMA Fest’s milestone 50th anniversary in Nashville later this week, will air on July 19 on ABC.

Hosted by Dierks Bentley, Elle King and Lainey Wilson and airing at 7 p.m. CT, the special will feature never-before-seen performances and surprise collaborations from some of country’s hottest acts.

“I could not be more excited to welcome Dierks, Elle and Lainey as our CMA Fest hosts this year,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “As fans experienced last year, the energy Dierks and Elle bring to the stage is palpable and will only be amplified with the addition of Lainey this year. Each of these artists have a deep passion for CMA Fest and the country music fans from around the globe who travel to Nashville for the event. We are thrilled to have all three of them together to help us celebrate 50 years!”

Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer and Writer for CMA Fest, and Alan Carter is the Director. 2023 marks the 20th consecutive year CMA has produced a summer concert TV special.

On The Row: Emily Ann Roberts Shares Her Story & Classic Country Style

/by

Emily Ann Roberts

Emily Ann Roberts has been singing for as long as she can remember. Born and raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, she recalls driving around with her father listening to bluegrass records and picking out the harmonies while in a carseat. Inspired by greats such as Ricky Skaggs, Patty Loveless and Dolly Parton, among others, Roberts mixes definitive country elements with her warm spirit to create a sweet and classic sound all her own.

From flaming tracks such as “He Set Her Off” to tunes about the simple life and adoring love songs like her latest release “Infinity,” out today (June 2), she covers the story-telling spectrum with the velvety twang of her vocals. Roberts recently visited MusicRow, accompanied by fiddle player Ivy Phillips, to share her work as well as her journey thus far.

Emily Ann Roberts with MusicRow‘s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Courtesy of MusicRow

She had a gig at a local Mexican restaurant for three years before she began performing for people across the nation on season nine of NBC’s The Voice as a member of Blake Shelton‘s team in 2015. Still in high school, Roberts made it all the way to the finals and finished as the season’s runner-up. She notes how grateful she is for the experience and the knowledge she gained from it, as it was her first taste of the music business.

“I hadn’t had any vocal training before I went on The Voice, and there was a vocal coach [we worked with] on my season, so I learned a lot from her,” said Roberts. She continued, “All the songs I sang on the show were old country and Blake loved that.

“He [told] me ‘You’ve got to do what feels real to you, that’s the only thing people are going to believe.’ He was so encouraging and told me time and time again how much he believed in me. He’s so down-to-earth and that was good for me to see. If I ever have a bunch of hit songs on the radio, I hope I treat other people the way he treats them.”

During the season’s finale, Roberts got the chance to sing “Country Boy” with one of her musical influences Skaggs, who will make a special appearance on her forthcoming project along with country icon Vince Gill.

After the show wrapped, Roberts graduated and made her way to Music City in the summer of 2016. She signed with Starstruck Management and began writing. Roberts since has graced the Grand Ole Opry stage 16 times and recently expanded her team by signing with UTA. Working alongside co-writers and producer Trent Willmon, she is currently prepping to release her first full-length album.

The collection will feature previously released single “He Set Her Off,” a riotous tune about a scorned wife seeking revenge. Roberts is an honorary member of a volunteer fire department in Seymour, Tennessee and was able to actually burn a vacant house down as part of a training fire while filming the song’s music video.

Also included in the new project is “Whole Lotta Little,” which the artist co-wrote with Willmon and Jeremy Spillman. The catchy number centers around the joy of life’s little things, and talks about being happy with what you’ve got and where you are.

Following the October release of “Whole Lotta Little,” she shared an additional single set to appear on the record, “The Building”. As the music video takes place in the “Mother Church of Country Music,” the touching tune describes the personal impact Roberts’ hometown church has had on her and her family. She wrote the song with Michael Farren, who had similar relationship with his church growing up. Unbeknownst to Roberts at the time of writing, her church was set to celebrate its 100th anniversary the same year, and she was able to perform it for the congression during the celebration.

“If I had to pick a song that meant the most to me, [that] one would be up there [near the top],” she states.

Roberts has now unveiled another album track, “Infinity.” She wrote the soothing, devoted song with Stephanie Chapman about her high school sweetheart and husband Chris.

“This was the first time Stephanie and I were writing one on one. It was just us, and right away we started with girl talk. She asked me if I had a boyfriend. I said yes. She asked, ‘Well, is he the one?’ When I told her he was, she wanted to know how I knew. I said that forever doesn’t seem like long enough to love him. And from there, this song came to us. I sang it for my sister’s first dance at her wedding, then at mine, the string quartet played this for me to walk down the aisle. My husband is so humble, but he was definitely the inspiration. We met in Spanish class in high school and we’ve been together ever since. He is such a steady force in my life. He truly is my better half and my best friend. When you find your person, forever just doesn’t feel like long enough,” shares Roberts.

Additionally, the vibrant southern belle will kick off CMA Fest with a full-band performance at Station Inn on Wednesday, June 7 at 8 p.m. She’ll then take the Hard Rock Stage at the Hard Rock Cafe at 10:55 a.m. on Thursday, June 8 for a free outdoor show.

Warren Zeiders’ ‘Pretty Little Poison’ Due In August

/by

Warren Zeiders is putting his heart on his sleeve and pouring his life story into his new Warner Records debut album, Pretty Little Poison, out Aug. 25.

The 14-track album was produced by Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Ross Copperman, and is peppered with a multitude of Zeider’s different influences. “Tell Me Like It Is” from the new project is available now.

Pretty Little Poison includes “God Only Knows”and “Comin’ Down High,” southern rock anthems perfect for summer, while “Painkiller” and “Love’s A Leaving” explore the darkness of outlaw country. “West Texas Weather” and “Some Whiskey” showcase his vocals with their bright choruses, while “Pretty Little Poison,” the album’s lead single, pairs dusty western textures with a radio-ready chorus. The track “Inside Your Head” was penned by Chris Stapleton, and other writers contributing to the project include Eric Paslay, Randy Montana, Ryan Beaver, Lee Thomas Miller, Benjy Davis and Austin Taylor Smith, among others.

“A lot of this album is about a girl, and a lot of it is about me,” says Zeiders. “I’m paying tribute to that classic country sound, but I’m keeping things modern, too. At the end of the day, I’m just putting my heart on my sleeve and putting myself onstage. Faith, family and athletics were the three pillars of my life, long before I started playing music. I haven’t forgotten that. I’m always learning new things — if you stop doing that, you stop growing — but I’m staying true to who I am, too. This album is my story. It’s who I am. It’s who I’ve always been. I may not be playing lacrosse anymore, but I haven’t lost the discipline or focus that I learned as an athlete. I still put in the work. I still push myself. I go onstage and treat it like it’s a game day.”

Next week, Zeiders will perform on the Chevy Riverfront Stage and at the Spotify House during CMA Fest, and will play in the Folds of Honor Rock ‘n Jock Celebrity Softball game.

Pretty Little Poison Track Listing: 
*Produced by Bart Butler & Ryan Gore
1. “Pretty Little Poison” (Warren Zeiders, Jarred Keim, Ryan Beaver)
2. “Some Whiskey” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Mark Hollman)
3. “Love’s A Leavin'” (Warren Zeiders, Ross Copperman, Joy Beth Taylor)
4. “Tell Me Like It Is” (Warren Zeider, Rivers Rutherford, Warren Zeiders)
5. “Black and Blue” (Warren Zeiders, Bart Butler, Joe Clemmons, Ryan Beaver)*
6. “Weeping Willow” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Mark Hollman, Erik Dylan)*
7. “Painkiller” (Warren Zeiders, Erik Dylan, Josh Phillips)*
8. “Inside Your Head” (Chris Stapleton, Lee Thomas Miller)
9. “Coming Down High” (Warren Zeiders, Bart Butler, Ryan Beaver, Benjy Davis)*
10. “God Only Knows” (Warren Zeiders, Eric Paslay, Rob Crosby)
11. “Drive You Crazy” (Warren Zeiders, Stephen Wilson Jr., Randy Montana)
12. “West Texas Weather” (Warren Zeiders, Austin Taylor Smith)
13. “Pittsburgh Steel” (Warren Zeiders, Randy Montana, Joe Fox )
14. “Cowboys Ride Away” (Warren Zeiders, Ryan Beaver, Jared Keim)

Sony Music Nashville Partners With Ryan Tedder’s Runner Music To Sign David J

/by

David J. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Sony Music Nashville has signed 19-year-old, multi-instrumentalist David J. Runner Music and its founder, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter-producer Ryan Tedder, are joining in partnership with the label, as Tedder is an avid supporter of the country-pop artist.

A native of upstate New York, David J has earned 75 million career on-demand streams on independent releases including “Lost My Heartbreak,” “Before You” and “Stay,” which appear on his 2022 EP Lost My Heartbreak. David J has supported Blake Shelton, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, Drake White and more on the road and is gearing up for upcoming dates with Lauren Alaina as well as an appearance at CMA Fest on Saturday, June 10 on the Maui Jim Reverb Stage.

He is managed by Grey Area Music—operated by Joe Putnam, Sean Pace and Collin McMillan—and represented by Sabrina Butera at CAA for booking.

“I can’t wait to see what happens in this next chapter with Sony and Runner,” says David J. “When I was in my bedroom studio in New York and releasing my own music, I always dreamt of being on a major label and working with Ryan Tedder. I actually got his masterclass for Christmas 2 years ago during Covid. The day I walked into Sony it felt like home and I’m so excited for our future together!”

“David is a true unicorn talent and I’m thrilled that Runner can partner with Sony to help bring his music to the world,” says Tedder. “I’m also pleased to announce that Brandon Silverstein is working with Runner as a strategic and creative partner for this project.”

To celebrate his signing, David J has released his latest track “Last Time,” available everywhere now.

Industry Ink: Buddy Jewell, Lee Greenwood, T. Graham Brown, More

/by

Buddy Jewell Inducted Into Arkansas Walk Of Fame

Buddy Jewell. Photo: FOUR17 Entertainment

Buddy Jewell was inducted into the Arkansas Walk of Fame on May 26 along with five other recipients, joining roughly 100 influential names in the fields of civil rights, wrestling, aviation, kickboxing and country music on the Walk of Fame. The Lepanto, Arkansas native was honored at the walk at 629 Central Ave followed by a free concert in the Bridge Street Entertainment District featuring Jewell as the headlining act.

“Buddy Jewell is a prime example for all Arkansans and others that with grit and determination you can achieve your dreams and goals at any age. Buddy has never lost his Arkansas values and continues to give back with his work for St. Jude, the USO and many other worthy causes,” stated Visit Hot Springs CEO Steve Arrison. “Buddy Jewell makes Arkansas proud and we are very proud as well to have him in the Walk of Fame.”

 

Lee Greenwood Signs With Action Entertainment Collaborative

Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry Manager Dan Rogers, Lee Greenwood, Dustin Lynch. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media

Lee Greenwood has signed with Action Entertainment Collaborative, with Charles Ray and Nick Meinema serving as the his agents.

“Charles and I are thrilled to have the opportunity to work with this amazing singer, American treasure and patriot as he plots his final years of touring,” says Meinema.

2023 marks the 40th anniversary of Lee Greenwood’s patriotic song, “God Bless The USA.” Greenwood penned the song in 1983 and it was released by MCA Nashville in 1984, becoming a mainstay year after year at every patriotic holiday party, fireworks display celebration and military retirement. As part of the 40th-anniversary celebration, Greenwood will be touring throughout North America with several key event announcements coming soon.

 

T. Graham Brown Signs With Third Coast Talent

T. Graham Brown

T. Graham Brown has inked an exclusive booking deal with Third Coast Talent. Known for his soulful voice and stage presence, Brown has been performing hits “Darlene,” “Hell and High Water,” “I Tell It Like It Used To Be,” “Don’t Go To Strangers” and “Wine Into Water” for decades.

“Third Coast Talent is thrilled to be the exclusive booking agency for ‘His T-Ness’. We have known and worked with T. Graham Brown for years, but have not had the opportunity to work with him exclusively. We are huge fans and admirers of his incredible soulful vocal stylings, his chart-topping songs, and endearing stage presence. We look forward to a bright future together,” says Carrie Moore-Reed and Debbie Moore of Third Coast Talent.

Ava Hundley Joins PLA Media

Ava Hundley

Ava Hundley has joined PLA Media as a Publicity and Social Media Coordinator, assisting in the management of all social media and publicity initiatives for current and future clients. Since January 2023, Hundley shadowed PLA’s senior team part time as a PR assistant before ascending to her current role.

“Ava immediately impressed me with her maturity, outgoing personality, intelligence and quick ability to pick up and run with a project,” says PLA President, Pamela L. Lewis FRSA. “She has proven to be a good team player who is ready to learn and contribute. Welcome aboard young lady!”

 

Blackhawk and The Outlaws Donate $75,000 To MusiCares & Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Pictured (L-R): Dave Robbins, Dr. Doug Johnson, Henry Paul.

BlackHawk and The Outlaws have donated a collective $75,0000 to MusiCares and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Henry Paul, a member of BlackHawk, as well as the sole original active member of The Outlaws, presented a $50,000 check to Vanderbilt on behalf of BlackHawk’s “Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.” Stephenson, a founding member of BlackHawk, passed away from melanoma in 2001. Additionally, The Outlaws donated $25,000 to MusiCares.

“BlackHawk’s commitment to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center goes back to the mid-nineties and our involvement with the charity event, Country In The Rockies,” explains Paul. “Since establishing our own 501C in the early 2000’s, in the name of our diseased bandmate Van Stephenson, we have donated close to $500,000 to the research lab for cancer research.”

Ashley McBryde Turns It Up A Notch On Upcoming LP, ‘The Devil I Know’

/by

Ashley McBryde has announced her latest Warner Music Nashville album, The Devil I Know, is set for release Sept. 8. She released “Learned To Lie” from the new project today (June 2).

The new project includes her current chart-climbing single “Light On In The Kitchen,” as well as “Single At The Same Time,” “Women Ain’t Whiskey,” “Cool Little Bars” and more.

“When it was time to put together The Devil I Know, my band and I did what we always do: got together in the purple building in East Nashville, played through a bunch of songs and discussed where we wanted it to go,” shares McBryde. “We decided to take all the things that people tend to give us a hard time for and turn it up. ‘Y’all are too country.’ We leaned into that – more country it is. ‘Y’all are awfully rock leaning for a country artist.’ Is that so? You ain’t seen nothin’ yet. ‘Last thing y’all need is another tender, finger pickin’ song.’ Oh? Tender makes you uneasy, cowboy? I hear you. Let’s see how much more tender we can be. We listened to all those opinions and said, ‘I hear you. I understand what you’re saying.’ But sadly, there’s no room on the record for your opinion. We’ll do what we want.”

McBryde will play CMA Fest’s 50th Anniversary at Nissan Stadium next week, and will be on the road throughout summer for a slew of headlining and festival shows, along with tour dates with Eric Church and Jelly Roll.

The Devil I Know Track List:
1. Made For This (Ashley McBryde and Travis Meadows)
2. Coldest Beer in Town (Ashley McBryde, Autumn McEntire and Nicolette Hayford)
3. Light On In The Kitchen (Ashley McBryde, Jessi Alexander and Connie Harrington)
4. Women Ain’t Whiskey (Ashley McBryde, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite and Chris LaCorte)
5. Learned To Lie (Ashley McBryde, Nicolette Hayford and Sean McConnell)
6. The Devil I Know (Ashley McBryde, Jeremy Stover and Bobby Pinson)
7. Single At The Same Time (Ashley McBryde, Benjy Davis and Andy Albert)
8. Cool Little Bars (Ashley McBryde, Trick Savage and Lainey Wilson)
9. Whiskey and Country Music (Ashley McBryde, John Osborne and Lee Thomas Miller)
10. Blackout Betty (Ashley McBryde, Aaron Raitiere and Nicolette Hayford)
11. 6th Of October (Ashley McBryde, Blue Foley and CJ Field)

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Grammy Chapter Hosts ‘Party Of The Year’

/by

Breland performs at the Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy’s annual Block Party. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

Chapter 671

In my opinion, Music City’s greatest annual fiesta is the Grammy Block Party.

It certainly felt that way on Wednesday evening (May 31) at Ole Smoky Distillery. This event is staged every year by the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy and has evolved into an essential calendar item for the music-biz community. If you work in this industry and you are not a member of the Recording Academy, you should be, if only to be invited to attend this awesome bash.

“I became a member last year, and I’m very proud of it,” said Breland.

Pictured (L-R): TJ Osborne; Ruby Amanfu, The Recording Academy, Nashville Chapter President; John Osborne; Alicia Warwick, Senior Executive Director, The Recording Academy, Nashville Chapter. Photo: Ed Rode/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

He was one of the stellar performers at the party. Get this: The gig began with the Tennessee State University Band strutting across the street and onto the party plaza with the panache and pride of the Grammy winners they are. Once on stage, they did a jam presentation alternating rhythm-section romps with melodic brass interludes. It was youthful and electrifying.

Christian singer/keyboardist Blessing Offor offered a set that included the Bill Withers classic “Grandma’s Hands” and his “Real Magic” tune that’s become a national Coca-Cola commercial. The blind native Nigerian more than proved he’s a worthy member of the Nashville music community with his brilliant showcase.

Wendy Moten, who hosted, also presented a dynamic vocal session. It included the slinky groove of the inspiring “Don’t Give Up” as well as her spine-tingling arrangement of “You’re All I Need to Get By.” She reminded the crowd that she’d competed with the song on TV’s The Voice. The veteran R&B vocalist went on the talent competition in order to remain active during the COVID pandemic and became a crowd-favorite finalist.

Pictured (L-R): Alicia Warwick, DJ Megan Coleman, Blessing Offor, Wendy Moten. Photo: Ed Rode/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

The musically eclectic Breland did “Cross Country,” which he said describes his musical style. He danced nimbly across the stage as he presented everything from his current single “For What It’s Worth” to the gospel song “Praise the Lord.” He is presently on tour with Shania Twain, so you’ll be able to catch him at GEODIS Park when she headlines the venue’s opening concert next Wednesday (June 7). Breland’s energy got the crowd on its feet and dancing.

The superstar stardust of the event was sprinkled by Brothers Osborne. The multiple country award winning band features one of modern music’s most charismatic and gifted frontmen T.J. Osborne alongside his equally-gifted, guitar-slinger brother John Osborne, a class instrumentalist and now an amazing record producer for Ashley McBryde.

You will notice that those artists performing at the bash reflected diverse styles and social groups. This is one of the things I love most about the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy. The crowd was also racially diverse. Which shows how effective the chapter has been in representing the many artists who live and record here. Yes, we are country and (usually) proud of it, but Nashville is a crib for many other genres. One of the things I liked about this event’s 22nd staging is that it has become more diverse and welcoming. Did I mention that the finale was scheduled to be a grand salute to hip-hop with Daisha McBride, Chuck iNDigo and Tim Gent?

Pictured (L-R): Tim Gent, Daisha McBride, Chuck iNDigo, Alicia Warwick. Photo: Ed Rode/Getty Images for The Recording Academy

In between the performers, DJ Megan Coleman grooved non-stop spinning choice tunes. Grooving along were Emily Peacock, Becky Parsons, Natalie McDonald, Pam Lewis, Steve Dorff, Leslie DiPiero and chapter executive director Alicia Warwick.

We were greeted on entering by Mike Kepler, a born fabulon if I’ve ever met one. After schmoozing the TSU band members in the the Mexi-food buffet line, we loved on the gig’s terrific publicist Ronna Rubin.

Then the proverbial floodgates opened — Nancy Shapiro, Ed Rode, Sherry Bond, Earle Simmons, Becky Hobbs, Bonita Hill, Ruby Amanfu, Dan Hill, Debbie Carroll, Neil Spielberg, Tracy Gershon, Beverly Keel, Jennifer Hanson, Jenny Tolman & Dave Brainard, Courtney White, Dan Daley, Mason Hunter, Tom Long, Laura Crawford, Ashley Ernst, Ben Fowler, Lyn Aurelius, Phil Thornton and a multitude of other fabulons worked the room. If you weren’t there, you should have been.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Wendy Moten Releases A ‘Groove-Saturated Sonic Slab Of Soul’

/by

I have been looking forward to this for years.

This is the first all-Black column in DISClaimer’s 40-year history. Never before have there been a full dozen current Black-music releases related to the Nashville music scene that are available in the same week.

Musically, it’s a mixed bag. You’ll find blues, folk, R&B, reggae, Americana and more in this roundup. What unites almost all of them is musical excellence.

Wendy Moten’s new single is the Disc of the Day. The DISCovery Award goes to the sister quartet The BoykinZ. Both acts are proud Nashvillians, and we’re just as proud of them.

JOY OLADOKUN / “Taking Things for Granted”
Writers: Joy Oladokun; Producers: Joy Oladokun, Elliot Skinner, Aaron Steele; Label: Verve Forecast/Republic
– I usually think of her as a folkie, but this track rocks with pop punch. Plus, she shreds on the electric guitar. It’s so hooky and radio friendly that she could ascend to Swiftian levels with it. This Nashvillian is celebrating a new album, Proof of Life, with a national tour and a basket full of rave reviews. Rousing applause from this corner.

WENDY MOTEN / “Don’t Give Up”
Writers: Wendy Moten/David Santos; Producers: Paul Worley/Wendy Moten; Label: Radio Eye Music
– After more than 20 years as a background vocalist for others, Moten shot to national fame via competing on The Voice last year. She was an inspiration to mature performers everywhere when she became a fan-favorite finalist. Her new single is similarly inspiring, a life philosophy about persevering through the storms. Not only that, it’s a groove-saturated sonic slab of soul. Everything about this is electrifying, from the sizzling organ to the rump-shaking rhythm section, from the tasty guitar licks to her shout-to-the-heavens vocal. All together now: “Hallelujah!”

LOUIS YORK & JESSIE J / “Heaven Bound”
Writers: Charles Harmon/Claude Kelly/Jessica Ellen Cornish/Margaret Rose Durante; Producer: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop 
– Contemporary R&B the way it is meant to be played. It’s also an ultra-romantic duet with scintillating harmonies, killer production and hooks a-plenty. Jessie sings great, but the stars of this show are the Louis York production team with Claude Kelly vocalizing up a storm and his partner Chuck Harmony laying down all the keyboard and guitar parts. It is part of a forthcoming album by these two Music City creators titled Songs With Friends.

THE WAR AND TREATY / “Up Yonder”
Writers: Michael Trotter, Jr., Tanya Trotter; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: UMG Nashville
– These two thrilling voices wrecked the house during the PBS broadcast of the Memorial Day concert. Elaborating on the gospel chestnut “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder,” they paid tribute to the fallen men and women of our armed services. By the time they finished, I was sobbing openly. If you didn’t catch this performance on TV, go to YouTube right now and be prepared to be shaken to the depths of your soul. Michael and Tanya make me feel so proud to live in a community that lifts them up.

THE SHINDELLAS / “Last Night Was Good For My Soul”
Writers: Claude Kelly/Chuck Harmony; Producers: Louis York; Label: Weirdo Workshop
– This Nashville female trio harkens back to the glory days of the “girl group” era. Over an addictive funk/disco groove, they harmonize and emote marvelously on this sunny thumper. It debuted on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart this week, and hooray for that. The Shindellas opened last fall’s Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame banquet, and I’d sure like to see them again. How about a local club date?

KEB’ MO’ / “Taking Me Higher”
Writers: Keb’ Mo’/John Lewis Parking; Producers: Keb’ Mo’/John Burk; Label: Candid
– “Taking Me Higher” is the first single from the soundtrack of the upcoming movie Sweetwater, which tells the story of Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton, the first African American to land an NBA contract. Nashville’s resident blues genius gives it a stately, deliberate reading, loaded with cool guitar licks, accompanying female choristers and his own brilliant, mellifluous, behind-the-beat phrasing. Totally uplifting. Love this. Love him.

DEVON GILFILLIAN / “All I Really Wanna Do”
Writers: Devon Gilfillian/Henry Brill/Ran Jackson; Producer: Jeremy Lutito; Label: Fantasy
– This guy attracted attention a few years back by recreating Marvin Gaye’s 1971 masterpiece What’s Going On, song for song. That influence is still audible on his new Love You Anyway album and its trippy, dreamy current single. Gilfillian’s presence in Nashville seems to me like the future of the town’s Black-music scene. This is a sound to get lost in.

MORGAN HERITAGE / “Ready”
Writers: Charles Nii Armah Mensah Jr./Emmanuel Mkono, Jose Chameleone/Morgan Heritage/Romeo Bangula; Producers: Morgan Hertiage/Nahreel; Label: CTBC Music Group
– Among Nashville’s most distinctive musician residents is Gramps Morgan, the Grammy-winning reggae star. His Morgan Heritage recording ensemble has a new 21-track album titled The Homeland, and it has already spawned several simultaneously released stoner singles. This one features Jose Chameleone and Shatta Wade chanting the refrain with Gramps coming in with a baritone rap about midway through. It’s a rhythm-happy bouncer extolling booty beauty. Beats to brighten your day.

AMYTHYST KIAH / “Chained to the Rhythm”
Writers: Ali Payami/Katy Perry/Max Martin/Sia Furler/Skip Marley; Producers: Amythyst Kiah/Matty Alger/Ethan Ballinger; Label: Rounder
– This Johnson City, Tennessee resident recently hit TikTok with her cool cover of the Katy Perry 2016 hit “Chained to the Rhythm.” It is awash in electronic atmosphere and an alto vocal echoing from deep in a well. The track is on her EP titled Pensive Pop. Hypnotic listening.

THE BOYKINZ / “Girls Night”
Writers: Alona Boykin/Anale Boykin/Cory Moore/Craig King/Kylan Boykin/Nytere Boykin; Producers: none listed; Label: The BoykinZ
– These four Black Nashville vocalists harmonize as only blood sisters can. An encounter with Shania Twain on Kelly Clarkson’s TV show led to an invitation to appear with the superstar on her June 7 concert at GEODIS park. They are still working on their album, but already have more than half a million followers on social media. The BoykinZ current single has hip-hop rhythms, dancefloor style and a country vibe. For an even more ear-opening experience, check out the YouTube footage of them singing Dolly’s “Jolene” in a cappella harmony on that same Kelly Clarkson Show.

RHIANNON GIDDENS / “You’re the One”
Writers: Lalenja Harrington/Rhiannon Giddens; Producer: Jack Splash; Label: Nonesuch
– This is the title track of her first solo album in six years (due Aug. 18). Previously noted for her old-time country and quasi-classical explorations, the set also marks her first collection of all original songs. The sound here is attractive, romantic pop-country with her fluid vocal layered over a track rippling with mandolin, fiddle and banjo notes plus crashing chorus percussion.

VALERIE JUNE & BILL FRISELL / “Handsome Molly”
Writer: Don Watson; Producer: Matthew Stevens; Label: FLi Records/Budde Music
– This is drawn from the Doc Watson tribute album I Am a Pilgrim. Both artists are big Americana favorites. The track is a traditional Anglo-American folk song, and June’s lead vocal sounds exactly like an Appalachian mountaineer, backed by Frisell’s ethereal, loopy strumming. She is a delightfully genre-defying Black Tennessee artist who has always followed her own bliss.

23rd Annual Truist Hot Dog Day To Be Held On June 8

/by

The 23rd Annual Truist Hot Dog Day will be held Thursday, June 8, from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Truist Bank on Music Row.

The event will include live entertainment provided by songwriters from Combustion Music, Ern’s Cadillac Music and Big Yellow Dog Music.

Truist will provide hot dogs, chips, cold drinks and ice cream to all attendees.