Grand Ole Opry Salutes The Troops At Special Tuesday Night Celebration

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Pictured (L-R): Locash’s Chris Lucas, William Lee Golden of The Oak Ridge Boys, Michael Trotter Jr. of The War And Treaty, John Conlee, Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty, Rhonda Vincent, Duane Allen of The Oak Ridge Boys, Jason Crabb and Locash’s Preston Brust. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry honored our service men and women with a special Tuesday Night Opry Salute The Troops performance.

The red carpet was led by a drumline and special guests including Richard Casper, a United States Marine Veteran, Purple Heart recipient, artist and CreatiVets co-Founder/Executive Director, as well as retired Army General Keith Huber, who served 38 years as an Infantryman and Green Beret with tours in Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Haiti, Honduras, Kosovo and Afghanistan. Huber is a senior advisor for the veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU and was a guest announcer representing The Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU.

Performers for the special evening included Opry members John Conlee, The Oak Ridge Boys and Rhonda Vincent as well as Craig Campbell, Jason Crabb, Locash and The War And Treaty—the husband-and-wife duo of U.S. Army veteran Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter.

The Opry and sponsor Humana partnered with CreatiVets to invite men and women of the U.S. military and CreatiVets members, as well as spouses, children and parents of service members to walk the red carpet into the Opry House for the evening’s show.

Highlights of this year’s Opry Salute the Troops will air as a special Opry Live on Memorial Day weekend (Saturday, May 27) on the Opry’s TV broadcast home, Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

DeFord Bailey Avenue Unveiled In Nashville

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DeFord Bailey Ave. street sign is unveiled. Photo: Ramona Whitworth Wiggins

The city of Nashville renamed Horton Avenue to DeFord Bailey Avenue, to honor “harmonica wizard” DeFord Bailey, one of the original stars of the Grand Ole Opry and its first African American performer.

The new street name was officially unveiled on May 20 in a public ceremony, immediately followed by a free outdoor concert. The dedication and celebration was held at the north end of the William Edmondson Homesite Park, which borders on Horton Avenue, and featured country and R&B performances by two of Bailey’s grandsons, Carlos DeFord Bailey and Herchel Bailey, along with guest artist Smokin’ Otis.

DeFord Bailey was one of the most popular performers on WSM’s Grand Ole Opry radio program from its early days in 1926 until 1941, when he was abruptly dismissed by WSM management. Bailey was born in 1899 in rural Smith County, eventually moving to Nashville, where he lived in the Edgehill neighborhood until his death in 1982. In 2005, Bailey was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Invited speakers and special guests at the event included members of the Bailey family, the Mayor’s office, Metro Council sponsors, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, National Museum of African American Music, and the Grand Ole Opry.

DeFord Bailey biographer David C. Morton also also attended. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently reissued the long-out-of-print biography DeFord Bailey: A Black Star in Early Country Music, written by Morton with Charles K. Wolfe.

Big Machine Label Group Partners With Hard 8 Working Group For New Label Venture

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg, The Hard Working Record Company’s LJ Stoll, Big Machine Label Group’s Andrew Kautz; (L-R, front row): Hard 8 Working Group’s Dirk Hemsath, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Hard 8 Working Group’s Rich Egan. Photo: Nick Rau

Big Machine Label Group (BMLG) has partnered with renowned management company Hard 8 Working Group (H8WG) to form a new venture, The Hard Working Record Company.

The new label venture will focus on discovering, developing and publishing pop acts as well as other genres, and will be helmed by BMLG’s President/CEO/Founder Scott Borchetta and H8WG’s Co-Founders Dirk Hemsath and Rich Egan, along with partners David Conway and Mike Bachta.

The venture is a progression of the relationship between BMLG and H8WG, which started when the two entities worked together on Brantley Gilbert and Kidd G. Based in Nashville, the new imprint will fall under the BMLG umbrella. The Hard Working Record Company has brought on LJ Stoll to serve as General Manager and VP of A&R.

“Our continued growth and dominance depend on quality and visionary A&R in all genres,” says Borchetta. “Rich, Dirk and the Hard Working team live for artist discovery and development and they’re bringing in heat from the onset.”

“Rich and I had been toying with the idea of starting a label again, since that’s the world we both came from. We had been working closely with Scott and Big Machine on the artist Kidd G and Scott mentioned he wanted to start a more pop-leaning imprint, and that’s the world we’ve been in heavily for the last few years most recently building pop star Tate McRae,” says Hemsath.

H8WG was founded in 2017 when Hemsath and Egan combined their management companies, The Working Group and Hard 8 Management. Both entities had a huge impact on the careers of artists such as The Working Group’s Billie Eilish, Morgan Wallen and Daughtry and Hard 8’s Jakob Dylan, Mac Miller and Gilbert.

The Hard Working Record Company joins other enterprises Borchetta has recently invested in. He chartered his rock imprint, Big Machine/John Varvatos Records, in 2017, and established a partnership with Blac Noize! to sign and develop hip-hop and R&B acts in 2022.

NMPA To Honor Brandi Carlile, Ashley Gorley At Annual Meeting In June

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Brandi Carlile, Ashley Gorley

The National Music Publishers’ Association has announced the honorees and keynote for its Annual Meeting at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall on June 14.

Nine-time Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and producer Brandi Carlile will receive this year’s NMPA Songwriter Icon Award. Warner Music Group CEO Robert Kyncl will deliver a keynote conversation, and the event will also feature the first-ever NMPA Non-Performing Songwriter Icon Award presented to mega hit-maker Ashley Gorley. RIAA Chairman and CEO Mitch Glazier will also be presented with the NMPA Industry Legacy Award.

The event will feature surprise tribute performances and in-depth panels. An impactful lawmaker will be presented with the NMPA President’s Award, which this year will go to Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) for his leadership on the Music Modernization Act and CASE Act. This year’s State of the Industry address will examine the new streaming rates which recently went into effect.

“Brandi Carlile is in a class of her own,” says NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “A critical success who has become a cultural and commercial force, she consistently has delivered stunning lyrics and vocals that cut to the heart of the human experience. We are thrilled to celebrate what she has given and continues to give to the craft of songwriting.”

He adds, “We are also honored to celebrate the success of Ashley Gorley, a singular talent in songwriting. A recipient of an astonishing 210 Gold & Platinum songwriting certifications, he is easily the most successful songwriter in country music. His dominance comes from honing influences from hip hop to rock and incorporating them into his unique style. He is responsible for widening and growing the entire genre.”

Save The Date: Recording Academy’s 22nd Annual Nashville Chapter Block Party

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The Nashville Chapter of the Recording Academy will host its annual Block Party on Wednesday, May 31, 5 p.m. at Nashville’s 6th & Peabody.

The Block Party is a private, industry-only event, providing members an experience that helps preserve the sense of community that is unique to the Nashville music industry by bringing back the “block party” tradition. Members gather for a night filled with food, drinks and extraordinary music from Nashville’s numerous musical genres.

Breland, Brothers Osborne and Blessing Offor will perform at this year’s Music City event. Guests will also be treated to a 50th Anniversary Hip-Hop tribute by Tim Gent, Chuck iNDigo and Daisha McBride as well as special guests DJ, Megan Coleman, and the TSU Aristocrat of Bands. Party host Wendy Moten will round out the celebration.

In addition to the performances, guests will enjoy tasty food and beverage offerings at the private, invitation-only event for Recording Academy Nashville Chapter Voting and Professional Members.

Spotify House Returns To 2023 CMA Fest With Star-Studded Lineup

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Spotify is returning to CMA Fest with their four-day Spotify House event from June 8-11 at Ole Red in downtown Nashville.

Spotify House will kick off on Thursday, June 8 and will present a daily and nightly lineup on the main stage featuring a mix of emerging artists, top country stars, exclusive late-night jam sessions and surprise special performances throughout the weekend.

Fan favorites who will perform on the main stage throughout the weekend include Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Hailey Whitters, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Davis, Luke Grimes, Mickey Guyton, Old Dominion, Lady A and Ruston Kelly.

The full main stage lineup will include Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Brett Young, Brian Kelley, Chase Rice, Chayce Beckham, Chris Young, Colbie Caillat, Conner Smith, Dalton Dover, Danielle Bradbery, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Ella Langley, Ian Munsick, Jon Pardi, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Tanner Adell, Tenille Arts, Warren Zeiders, and 49 Winchester.

Spotify House will also treat fans who want to show off their latest country dance moves to several exclusive late night DJ sets including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends. As part of Spotify’s commitment to supporting rising talent and music discovery, fans will be able to see new acts from the Fresh Finds Country playlist perform live throughout the weekend.

“The Spotify House has become a CMA Fest staple and we couldn’t be more excited to be returning to Ole Red again this year,” says Jackie Augustus, Lead, Country & Folk, Artist Partnerships at Spotify. “As always, we wanted the lineup to reflect the trends and discoveries that listeners have been making on platform. Every year the genre expands into new influences and sounds, so we’re looking forward to giving the fans an opportunity to experience 2023 country in its fullest. And as always, we have a few surprises up our sleeves, so you never know who might show up on our stage.”

Country fans can stop by Spotify House Thursday, June 8-10 from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. CT daily, and Sunday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT. All shows will be open to the public, and space will be limited to first-come, first-served.

Ryman Community Day To Take Place May 28

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The Ryman Auditorium is hosting its annual Community Day this year on Sunday, May 28.

The Ryman Community Day invites Tennessee residents to experience the Ryman’s daytime tour free of charge from 9 a.m-4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID. Tickets may also be reserved in advance at ryman.com.

As part of the Community Day festivities, PNC Plaza at Ryman Auditorium will feature a variety of family-friendly activities, including on-site print making from Hatch Show Print, food trucks and free live music. Once visitors step inside the Ryman, tours begin with the Soul of Nashville video experience. From there, they can explore the auditorium, enjoy star-studded exhibits of artifacts highlighting each chapter of the Ryman’s history, and take a picture on the iconic stage where so many legends have stood before them.

Visitors will also experience the Ryman’s newest exhibition, Rock Hall at the Ryman, in partnership with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The exhibit honors over 100 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history. The exhibit features inductees James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters and Joan Jett in addition to country icons Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton and Hank Williams.

“This year’s Ryman Community Day is especially exciting as it will be the first opportunity for locals to view the new Rock Hall exhibit for free,” says Gary Levy, Ryman Auditorium General Manager. “The Ryman has played an important role in the evolution of rock & roll, and we are pleased to offer Tennesseans a new experience that celebrates the Ryman, not only as the Mother Church of Country Music, but as an official Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Landmark.”

Adam Hambrick Signs With Sheltered Music

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Pictured (L-R): Sheltered Music’s Darrell Franklin, Adam Hambrick and Sheltered Music’s Freeman Wizer

Singer-songwriter Adam Hambrick has signed a publishing deal with Sheltered Music.

Hambrick penned Dan + Shay’s “How Not To” and Justin Moore’s “Somebody Else Will,” both of which went to No. 1, as well as his own top 40 track “Rockin’ All Night.” His songs have also been recorded by Miranda Lambert, Walker Hayes, Maddie & Tae, Eli Young Band and more.

He is currently prepping his next project featuring the single “Built For A Small Town,” that will be released independently this Friday, May 26. Hambrick wrote the genre-bending single, featuring longtime friend Logan Mize, alongside Kelly Archer and Dylan Guthro, with Guthro producing.

“I’ve been a fan of Adam, both as an artist and songwriter since I first became aware of him,” says Darrell Franklin, Sr. VP of Sheltered Music Nashville. “Whether he is in the room creating for another artist, or he is digging into his own soul as an artist, he brings such a powerful skillset of both music and lyric. I’m honored to have the chance to represent Adam in this next chapter and he is going to be such a crucial piece of our growing roster at Sheltered.”

“I have had the opportunity to work with some amazing people since starting my career, and I am thrilled to now be working with the team at Sheltered,” shares Hambrick. “They are true song people who have such a great reputation with the music creators of Nashville. I’m grateful for their support and partnership as we begin building the next phase of my career together.”

Industry Ink: Chris Janson & Sandi Borchetta, Danielle Bradbery, SoNash Publishing

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Sandi Borchetta & Chris Janson Celebrate Graduates In Colorado

Delta High School’s graduation commencement ceremony

Sandi Spika Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group’s EVP of Creative, gave the keynote address for Delta High School’s graduation commencement ceremony in Delta, Colorado on Sunday (May 21). The Delta High School alumna returned to share wisdom and encouragement with the 126 graduates.

Alongside Borchetta, Delta High School welcomed country hitmaker Chris Janson, who performed for the crowd. His set featured some of his Platinum hits as well as new tracks “Goat” and “21 Forever” from his forthcoming album, The Outlaw Side of Me, available June 16 via BMLG Records. Janson welcomed the graduates on stage to sing fan-favorite “Buy Me a Boat,” and gifted them BassProShops hats to throw up in celebration of their milestone.

“Even though I’ve been a Nashville resident for a while, I hold this small community close to my heart,” shares Borchetta. “I’m honored to provide a celebration to remember for these amazing graduates! Hard work and persistence pay off, never give up!  Small towns produce great minds that are capable of big things. If you’re going to do something, be the best…be the GOAT! Chris Janson’s song “Goat” inspires greatness! He was the perfect artist to partner with for this event.”

“The more time you spend with the next generation the better off the world will be,” shares Janson. “Congratulations to the Class of 2023, good vibes.”

Danielle Bradbery Strikes RIAA Gold With ‘Stop Draggin’ Your Boots’

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Rachel Burleson and Darielle Schroeder, Why&How’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Danielle Bradbery, Why&How’s Allie Petko, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland and Bekah Digby. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham

Danielle Bradbery‘s “Stop Draggin’ Your Boots” has reached RIAA Gold certification with over 118 million streams to date. Bradbery and her team celebrated the golden single at her sold-out headlining show at The Basement East, as she wrapped up “A Special Place Tour.”

SoNash Publishing Welcomes Seth Michael To Roster

Seth Michael with SoNash Team

Nashville-based publishing company SoNash has announced the signing of artist-songwriter Seth Michael.

After relocating from Georgia to Nashville and collaborating with songwriters and performers, Michael caught the attention of SoNash Publishing. In December 2022, they offered him his first worldwide publishing deal. Michael’s ultimate goal is to make a significant impact in the country music industry.

“I am an aspiring country artist wanting to make an impact and be the next spark of light to emerge in country music history,” he says.

Michael joins Emma Zinck on the SoNash publishing roster. The new publishing venture is helmed by  President Travis Chaney, Vice President Bridgette Tatum and Creative Director Abigail Wate Ayala.

14th Annual Porter’s Call ‘Evening Of Stories’ Set For August

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Porter’s Call, the nonprofit dedicated to providing counsel, support and encouragement to artists and their families, will hold their 14th annual “Evening of Stories” on Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.

As in previous years, “Evening of Stories” will feature an eclectic group of storytellers and musical guests, all sharing their unique, moving and often humorous tales and talents throughout the night. This year’s featured storytellers are Porter’s Call Founder & Executive Director Al Andrews as well as Dr. Richard Antoine White, a professional tuba player. The musical guests include Paramore, Brandon Heath and Lucie Silvas. All proceeds from the event support the work of Porter’s Call.

“Evening of Stories” is the primary fundraiser for Porter’s Call, and seeks to raise at least one-third of the organization’s annual operating budget. Sponsorships are available for individuals, businesses, foundations, churches or any group that wants to support their mission, including priority seating for the show, a VIP reception and recognition within marketing materials. Sponsorships are tax-deductible, less the cost of goods and services received. Individual tickets for this year’s event will be available later this summer. For information about sponsor packages, contact Ashley Holland at Ashley@porterscall.com.

Porter’s Call has been bringing well-being and relief to artists and their loved ones for 22 years. To date, the team has spent over 70,000 hours working for and with clients, saving them millions on counseling fees.

“Every day, our team has the privilege of offering a safe and confidential space for artists to be off-stage and deal with the issues they face,” says Andrews. “With ‘Evening of Stories,’ we pride ourselves on creating a hope-filled event that is not just talent-packed but heart-changing, and you can become a part of the larger story with us.”