Weekly Register: Jordan Davis Lands Top Country Album Debut

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Jordan Davis claims the top debut on the country albums chart this week with his latest collection, Bluebird Days, landing at No. 3 and No. 19 overall with 19K in total consumption (3.5K album only/19 million song streams) according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues to live atop the country albums chart at No. 1 with 44K in total consumption (1.2K album only/54 million song streams). Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak remains at No. 2 with 28K (1.7K album only/54 million song streams). Bailey Zimmerman‘s Leave The Light On stays at No. 4 with 19K (675/23 million song streams) and Luke Combs‘ Growin’ Up moves down to No. 5 with 18K (1.3K album only/20 million song streams).

Wallen, Bryan, Zimmerman and Combs remain at the top of the country streaming songs chart as well.

Wallen’s “Last Night” maintains its position as the No. 1 country streaming song with 24 million streams, landing at No. 5 overall. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” rises to No. 2 with 12 million. Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place” reclaims the No. 3 slot with 11 million. Wallen’s “You Proof” moves back up to No. 4 with 10 million, putting Combs’ “Love You Anyway” at No. 5.

Dierks Bentley Finds ‘Gravel & Gold’ With 10th Studio Album [Interview]

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Since making the move from Phoenix, Arizona to Music City, Dierks Bentley has made waves within the country music space. He signed his first publishing deal in 2001 and released his self-titled debut album in 2003 after inking with Capitol Records/UMG Nashville, earning an immediate No. 1 hit. He has built on that success with eight more studio records and 21 No. 1s, three CMA Awards and 14 Grammy nominations as well as a loyal fanbase. Now, Bentley is sharing the gift of Gravel & Gold, his 10th studio album, with his fans and music lovers everywhere.

Released on Friday, Feb. 24, the 14-track record puts the Grand Ole Opry member’s range on full display, as he beautifully blends bluegrass with contemporary country. From songs about drinking to songs about taking it all in on a mountain top, his wholesome core and smooth vocals continue to scratch that itch for a constructive country sound.

Prior to this latest release, Bentley wrote and recorded two albums but he innately felt that they weren’t right. When it came to curating this collection, he found himself trusting the process and letting his heart, mind and muses speak for themselves. He served as a first-time producer on the project, and shared a little bit of the album’s development and what Gravel & Gold means to him with MusicRow.

“The biggest part of this process for me was not recording anything and just being off the road, and being in Colorado for the pandemic. I’ve heard people say it’s the space between the notes that makes a great guitar solo, that’s what builds the tension. So for me, the space between the albums is what really gave this album the life that it needed,” Bentley confesses.

“Being free to explore, live and make new memories, my brain would just come up with ideas. So when I came back to Nashville after living in [Colorado] for a year, I had a lot of ideas. This third time around, it was about taking all of the experiences from being off the road and taking the experiences from those first two times in the studio. Everything came together and [I] knew right away this was feeling like the right vibe for the album.”

Dierks Bentley and Ashley McBryde perform “Cowboy Boots.”

Over the years, the superstar has learned that making music is about showing up and putting actions behind those ideas. He notes that trust is heavily involved as well, when handing the music over to bands and production teams. But at the end of the day, nothing happens unless you show up. The concept and title of Gravel & Gold was derived from Bentley’s “attitude for gratitude,” which he notes became more apparent to him after the pandemic and being away from Nashville.

“The idea that, ‘It might be gravel but it feels like gold’—that it’s all about your perspective—is something that I wouldn’t have gotten had I not left for a year.”

The first single from the album, “Gold,” epitomizes just that, reminding us that it’s all about our outlook on life and our approach to situations with its uplifting beat and purely southern instrumentation.

The album features collaborations with many creators, including “Cowboy Boots” with Ashley McBryde, which is an ode to the shoe Bentley has walked in throughout his career. The tune “High Note” features Bentley picking with bluegrass star Billy Strings alongside Jerry Douglas on dobro, Sam Bush on mandolin, Charlie Worsham on guitar and Bryan Sutton on guitar and banjo, humorously depicting lighting up before kicking the bucket.

“Walking Each Other Home” is a heartfelt song about human connection that Bentley wrote with Luke Dick that creates a lovely image eliciting the message that we are all in this together. Then there’s “Still,” the song Bentley deems one of his favorite and most personal tracks, which talks about peaceful reflection while atop a mountain where everything seems to be calm.

“Gravel & Gold is a step forward but it’s also a look back at everything I’ve done. It’s my 10th album and I wanted it to reflect the music that made me who I am, so there’s some bluegrass and traditional country as well as some commercial country. It’s about pushing the music forward with songs that have a new sound, but also putting an arm around the songs and styles that have made me who I am,” he states.

“If someone were to ask me ‘Who are you?’ I’d give them [this album].”

Dierks Bentley performs during An Evening with Dierks Bentley: The Road to Gravel & Gold.

On Thursday, Feb. 23, the entertainer hosted An Evening with Dierks Bentley: The Road to Gravel & Gold at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater, showcasing music from the new project as well as a few of his older hits. Throughout the show, Bentley consistently took time to thank multiple contributors to his career—ranging from friends from his Broadway performing days and his family to co-writers and members of the UMG Nashville team. Multiple guests joined him on stage as his genuine demeanor drew in the crowd.

Bluegrass Hall of Fame and founding New Grass Revival member Sam Bush joined him for “Sunsets in Colorado,” which earned the night’s first standing ovation.

“You can’t change the world with one song, but it feels good to try,” Bentley noted as Dick joined him for “Walking Each Other Home.” During his set, he vulnerably restarted playing “Still” so has to execute it just right because, “the song means so much to [him].”

The War And Treaty also joined Bentley alongside Ronnie and Del McCoury, Jason Carter and Bush for an incredible, chill-inducing rendition of U2’s “Pride (In the Name of Love).” Then, joined by as many of the special guests that the stage could fit, he performed his classic fan-favorite “Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go).”

Additionally, the well-known hit will be featured alongside “Gold” tomorrow (Feb. 28) during Bentley’s appearance on Today at 8:00 a.m. local time, after he performs “Sun Sets in Colorado” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon tonight (Feb. 27) at 10:35 p.m. CT.

Bentley will also celebrate Gravel & Gold with a special show at the Grand Ole Opry this Friday, March 3.

Alabama’s June Jam Returns After 26-Year Hiatus

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Alabama is bringing back their legendary June Jam in Fort Payne, Alabama on June 3.

The live concert event will take place at the VFW Fairgrounds for the first time in 26 years. Alabama will headline and close the festival, with special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

Alabama’s Fan Appreciation Week will also take place in the days preceding June Jam including a public Celebration of Life for the late Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry‘s talent contest, a songwriters’ concert, a brunch at Cook Castle for the Jeff & Lisa Cook Foundation, and “Fandemonium” at Owen’s farm. The week’s full schedule of events will be announced at a later date.

June Jam was created by the Fort Payne natives and brought some of the biggest names in the country genre together for charity. Over 30,000 fans attended the first June Jam benefit concert in 1982. By 1991, June Jam brought 67,000 fans to Fort Payne, making it one of the biggest country music events in the nation. The June Jam Foundation has raised over $15 million for various charities. Previous performers include Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Alan Jackson, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Wayne Newton, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson and more.

Pictured (L-R): Conway Entertainment Group’s Brandon Mauldin, Lisa Cook, Randy Owen, Conway Entertainment Group’s Tony Conway and Absolute Publicity’s Don Murry Grubbs.

Alabama Fan Club presale tickets for June Jam are available now via ticketmaster.com. Tickets go on sale to the public on Wednesday, March 1 via ticketmaster.com and at the Alabama Fan Club & Museum.

“Our wishes are that Fort Payne will take June Jam and it will go on forever,” explains Alabama lead singer Randy Owen. “We lost Jeff and when me and Teddy are gone, hopefully the city will continue with the June Jam. We want this to continue to help the city, the town, the state, and just help people in general.”

On Feb. 7, Alabama was honored in their hometown, receiving the V.I. Prewett Lifetime Achievement Award from the Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce. The award recognized the band for their decades of giving back to the local community. During the banquet, Alabama announced the return of June Jam. Lisa Cook was also on-hand at the awards banquet to accept the honor on behalf of her late husband and Alabama co-founder, Jeff Cook, who passed away last November.

Old Crow Medicine Show Continues New Year’s Eve Tradition At The Ryman

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Old Crow Medicine Show is helping to ring in the New Year once again at the Ryman Auditorium, Dec. 30-31.

The band’s standing New Year’s Eve tradition marks their 16th year of celebrating at the Mother Church. Tickets for shows start at $59.50 and are available to purchase now at Ryman.com.

Known for their RIAA double-Platinum hit “Wagon Wheel,” Old Crow Medicine Show has headlined the Ryman Auditorium more than 20 times. The Grand Ole Opry members released Live at the Ryman in 2019, a compilation of songs performed at the historic venue between 2013-2019.

Last year, the group released their seventh studio album Paint This Town, which hit No. 1 on the Americana Radio Albums Chart, earning the band’s 10th career No. 1. 

The Ryman is heading into 2023 on the heels of a record-breaking 2022, which saw more than 274 shows and nine residencies. With a growing schedule heading into the rest of the year, upcoming shows include comedians Leanne Morgan and Ali Wong, Sara Evans, rock favorites Futurebirds and America and more.

Industry Ink: ACM, Discover Sooner, Jordan James, More

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ACM’s “From Guitar Strum to Income” Event Talks Royalties

Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery (ACM Awards & Membership Manager), Kris Ahrend (The MLC CEO); Lauren Watkins; Caroline Watkins; Jasper Charles; Ellen Truly (The MLC CMO); and Tommy Moore (ACM Vice President, Artist & Industry Relations and Board Administration & Governance). Photo Credit: Academy of Country Music

The Academy of Country Music recently welcomed members to its “From Guitar Strum to Income” event. The Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC) CEO Kris Ahrend presented about how mechanical royalties from streaming and download services work and the resources available to songwriters. The MLC is a non-profit designated by the U.S. Copyright Office as a result of the Music Modernization Act of 2018 and works to ensure fair compensation for songwriters, composers, lyricists, and music publishers.

Nashville songwriters Jasper Charles, Caroline Watkins, and Lauren Watkins followed the presentation with a performance.

 

 

Discover Sooner Announces Publisher Writer Experience with Lee Krabel

Discover Sooner, a company helping songwriters and artists expand their professional network, announced another edition of the Publisher Writer Experience. Lee Krabel, VP of Publishing at SMACKSongs, is the featured guest for this three-month interactive mentoring program.

The Publisher Writer Experience is designed to accelerate songwriter-publisher relationships. Over the three months, songwriters will meet one-on-one with Krabel who advises some of the industry’s top writers including Walker Hayes, Josh Osborne, Emily Falvey, and Josh Jenkins.

“There are all kinds of different ways that I meet writers,” says Krabel. “For the most part, it’s a pretty organic thing. I’m looking forward to meeting all of the Discover Sooner writers.”

“We are very excited to be working with Lee!” says Nancy Deckant, Founder and CEO of Discover Sooner. “He is a huge supporter of songwriters and truly wants to help them succeed.”

 

Jordan James Donates $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity Build

Pictured (L-R): Penny Gattis (2023 Habitat Music Row Build Ambassador and Eclipse Publishing GM), Sherry Stinson (SVP, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville) and Jordan James

Jordan James, an Eclipse Music artist, made a $10,000 donation to the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build fund.

“It was an honor to partner with Habitat on my Christmas on My Mind release,” says James. “Thank you to everyone who contributed. It was really special meeting this year’s recipient, LaShawnda. I’m thankful to play a small part in supporting the incredible work Habitat does in Nashville.”

The 2023 build, set for May 13, is in support of LaShawnda, a single mother of four children ranging in ages from six to 16.

 

Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater Raise $47,000 for Music Education in Williamson County

Pictured (L-R): Jason Golden (Superintendent of Schools, Williamson County), Nancy McEachern & Rick McEachern (Owners, FirstBank Amphitheater), Erica Krusen (Sr. Director, Cultural Influence & Gibson Gives), Dendy Jarrett (Executive Director, Gibson Gives), and Mark Kinzer (Director of Fine arts, Williamson County)

Many artists who performed during FirstBank Amphitheater’s 2022 concert season participated in the Gibson Gives program by signing a classic Gibson electric or acoustic guitar to be auctioned off to a local cause.

This second annual guitar auction raised over $33,000—adding to the $17,000 from the first year—to give Williamson County a $47,000 donation. Proceeds are earmarked for use by Williamson County Public Schools for music education initiatives.

“We experienced overwhelming participation from performers throughout the season” says Rick McEachern, Owner FirstBank Amphitheater, “It’s very impactful program—15 guitars were autographed and auctioned creating a one-of-a-kind collectible for super fans and helping the next generation of aspiring musicians.”

“We are happy to see Gibson Gives and FirstBank Amphitheater program grow and see the impact it is having on local music education in schools,” says Dendy Jarrett, Executive Director, Gibson Gives. “This program demonstrates Gibson’s commitment to the Nashville area and helping kids reach for their dreams.”

 

 

Deluge Music Signs Noah Garner

Pictured (L-R): David Robkin (Managing Member, Deluge Music), Noah Garner, Stephanie Greene (President, Deluge Music). Not Pictured: Mark Friedman (Senior Advisor, Deluge Music)

Deluge Music announced the signing of artist/writer Noah Garner to a worldwide publishing agreement.

Garner, originally from Dade City, Florida, has been performing and writing in Nashville since he was 18. Garner joins Danny Myrick, Alexandra Corn, Sam Grow, and more on Deluge’s roster.

 

CMS Nashville Promotes Matthew Forster To President

Pictured: Matt Forster

CMS Nashville promoted Matthew Forster from SVP to President and Partner. This sports and entertainment marketing company partners corporate brands with many of music and sports personalities. Their work includes sponsorships and endorsements with festivals, movies, television shows, and more.

Forster has been the architect behind major deals at CMS during his 9 years with the company. He has worked with Luke Combs, Kenny Chesney, Thomas Rhett, and others throughout his tenure. As president, he will continue to expand CMS’s presence in the industry and be involved in researching new technologies for audience and artist engagement. Forster will also lead the expansion of the Nashville personnel team and offices.

Christopher King, CMS’s chairman and CEO states, “Matthew has time and time again proven his ability to build lasting and authentic relationships between CMS clients and artists, events and label partners. His attention to detail and ability to build win-win relationships has helped shape CMS into an invaluable resource for artists, management, labels, events, and team owners. I look forward to watching CMS continue to grow under his leadership.”

“It’s rare to find a company that provides the infrastructure, support, flexibility, and opportunities to succeed,” says Forster, “but that is exactly what CMS has done for me and our team. I’m beyond thankful for all they have provided these past 9 years. It’s a great honor to be given this position, and I am humbled by their faith in me to lead this team and continue to grow the business.”

‘Dierks Bentley & Friends’ Coming To The Grand Ole Opry Stage To Celebrate ‘Gravel & Gold’

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Pictured: Dierks Bentley. Photo: Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry will celebrate Opry member Dierks Bentley and his new album, Gravel & Gold, on Friday night’s show.

Bentley’s 10th studio album is out now, and the Opry will bring portions of it to life on Friday, March 3 with a one-hour set. The show dubbed “Dierks Bentley & Friends” will feature performances by Bentley, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde and more guests. This night will mark Bentley’s historic 90th performance on The Grand Ole Opry stage.

“Dierks Bentley & Friends” will air on March 18 as a Saturday night Opry Live show on Circle Network and Circle All Access social media platforms. Additionally, the Opry show can be heard online at opry.com and wsmonline.com, as well as on air on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse and WSM Radio.

Bentley’s Gravel & Gold details perspective and self-awareness from personal to professional levels. Across 14-tracks, this project pulls from the multiple strains of country music Bentley has mastered and cultivated. Gravel & Gold is a story of persistence and devotion to making authentic and lasting music over his 20-year career.

Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw Set To Headline Coastal Country Jam

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Southern California’s Coastal Country Jam will return Sept. 16-17 to Long Beach, California with headliners Blake Shelton and Tim McGraw.

The lineup for the two-day event featuring multiple stages, a massive line dancing area, locally-curated craft food and beverages, art, and more also includes Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Hubbard, Scotty McCreery, Flo Rida, Kidd G, MacKenzie Porter, and many more performing from the festival’s new location at Long Beach’s Marina Green Park.

“We are thrilled that Coastal Country Jam is making its triumphant return to Southern California, bigger and better than ever. Our new location is the perfect backdrop to welcome country music fans from all over for an incredible line up and ultimate beachside country music festival,” shares Steve Thacher, President of Activated Events and Country Coastal Jam Founder.

Tickets are available Friday, March 3, following an exclusive pre-sale March 2 through Coastal Country Jam’s email list. To sign-up for pre-sale access for special pricing, reserved seating, and hotel packages, visit Coastalcountryjam.com.

Brantley Gilbert Slates Deluxe Edition Of ‘So Help Me God’ For April

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Brantley Gilbert. Photo: Alexa Campbell

Brantley Gilbert is releasing an expanded version of his album So Help Me God, featuring five new tracks, on April 21 via The Valory Music Co.

So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) includes Gilbert’s current chart-climbing single “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill, along with new song “Behind The Times,” (co-written with Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana and Taylor Phillips) that expands on the current single and details how parts of rural life can feel as though they’re disappearing in this fast-paced world.

Another added track is “Wrote The Book Around Here,” which broadens the view of Gilbert’s hometown in the previously released “Miles Of Memories,” recounting some of his antics as a young man and how some things in this world, or in a small town, never change.

“We’ve always been a little outside of the box when it comes to writing and recording,” shares Gilbert. “It’s not necessarily something we’ve done on purpose, but it tends to happen because we always try to serve the song as it takes shape rather than shaping the song to serve us. If a song is asking for a harder edge, let’s do that. If it feels a little more introspective, let’s lean into that. This album intersects across a lot of different genres, and we’re proud to say that it’s something that happened naturally.”

Along with the deluxe album drop, Gilbert is celebrating new RIAA certifications. “Bottoms Up” is now a six-time Platinum tune, while “One Hell Of An Amen,” “The Weekend,” “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do,” “Kick It In The Sticks” and “Country Must Be Country Wide,” have reached double Platinum status, and “What Happens In A Small Town” featuring Lindsay Ell has been Platinum-certified.

So Help Me God (Deluxe Edition) Track Listing:
1. “Heaven By Then” with Blake Shelton featuring Vince Gill | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Hunter Phelps, Taylor Phillips
2. “Rolex On A Redneck” featuring Jason Aldean | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Michael Hardy, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips
3. “Miles of Memories” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Josh Phillips
4. “She’s The One” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Taylor Phillips
5. “The Worst Country Song Of All Time” featuring Toby Keith and HARDY | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
6. “Son Of The Dirty South” featuring Jelly Roll | Brantley Gilbert, Andrew Baylis, Jason Bradley DeFord
7. “How To Talk To Girls” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Wayne Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
8. “Little Piece of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Greylan James, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor
9. “Gone But Not Forgotten” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Jason Blaine, Jay Brunswick
10. “So Help Me God” | Brantley Gilbert, Michael Hardy, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly
11. “Wrote The Book Around Here” | Brantley Gilbert, Hunter Phelps, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
12. “Tailgates Of Heaven” | Brantley Gilbert, Derek George, Josh Phillips
13. “Bury Me Upside Down” | Brantley Gilbert, Brock Berryhill, Brian Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Michael Ray
14. “All Over The Map” | Brantley Gilbert, Randy Montana, Josh Phillips, Will Weatherly
15. “Behind The Times” | Brantley Gilbert, Jake Mitchell, Randy Montana, Taylor Phillips

Carly Pearce To Perform & Avery Anna To Sing National Anthem At CRS Honors

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This year’s CRS Honors on March 13 will feature a performance by Carly Pearce, Avery Anna singing the national anthem and a surprise guest artist, who will be on hand to reveal the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees.

Anna will kick off the event, performing her rendition of the national anthem. CRS Board President Kurt Johnson will officially gavel CRS 2023 to order and introduce the Rusty Walker and Lisa McKay Scholars to CRS attendees. Pearce will take the stage to perform, and the surprise guest artist will join Country Radio Hall of Fame Committee Co-Chairs Joel Rabb and Tim Roberts to reveal the 2023 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2023 inductees. This year’s honorees will be recognized for their contributions at an induction ceremony later this year.

CRS Honors is open to registered attendees of CRS 2023, and will take place following the Digital Music Summit and Warner Music Nashville luncheon.

Sony Music Nashville Signs Ella Langley

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Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Jason McColl, Lexi Stringer, Ken Robold and Randy Goodman, Ella Langley, Sawgod’s Mya Hansen and Danny Kang, Workhorse Artists’ Bradley Jordan, Megan Hinde and Jim Prisco. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Country singer-songwriter Ella Langley has signed with Columbia Records and Sony Music Nashville.

An Alabama native, Langley has shared the stage with Jamey Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Koe Wetzel, Cody Johnson, Elle King, Randy Houser and more. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut last week.

Langley is working on new music to build off the success she’s having with her latest track, “Country Boy’s Dream Girl.”

In an Instagram post announcing her record deal, Langley shared, “If you would’ve told that 13 year old girl, learning guitar in her bedroom, that the dreams she’s dreaming are coming true, I think it would’ve knocked her out of her chair. Grateful and excited for this next step in the journey.”