Shawn Parr To Debut New Radio Show This Month

Shawn Parr

Radio personality Shawn Parr is debuting a new country radio show, Shawn Parr’s Backstage Country, on over 70 affiliates across the U.S. on Feb. 27.

The new program extends the syndication partnership of Beasley Media Group and Key Networks, and merges two syndicated country shows, Backstage Country and Shawn Parr’s Across the Country, into a freshly-produced alchemy featuring the best of both shows.

Shawn Parr’s Backstage Country offers access to Nashville’s biggest country stars and new artists, and features Parr’s trademark warmth, wit, and love for country music. Fans will also be able to get the latest news, interviews, music and more on-air and through the new backstagecountry.net website.

Parr is one of country’s best-known personalities with over 35 years in radio, including 13 years as a nationally syndicated on-air host. Based in Nashville, he is widely known for his work as the voice of The Academy of Country Music Awards, The Golden Globes, American Music Awards, and many other national TV specials.

“We are absolutely thrilled to partner with Key Networks in presenting Shawn Parr’s New Backstage Country,” shares Beasley Media Group Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Brian Beasley. “Shawn is an incredible talent and a highly respected voice in the country radio format. We look forward to joining Key Networks in offering it to stations across the United States.”

“What do you get when you combine Shawn Parr, Beasley Media Group, 70+ plus stations, and the hottest stars in country music week in and week out? Simple. A juggernaut! This is the must-have show for country music stations across the U.S. and we have saved you a front row seat,” adds Key Networks Chief Operating Officer, Dennis Green. “We can’t wait to get this PARR-TY started!”

“We have built an amazing team with Beasley Media Group, Key Networks, and Shawn Parr Productions and there will be no stopping this train once it leaves the station,” shares Parr. “Having backstage access to country’s incredible list of stars is such a big bonus to the quality and fun we put on the air daily. I could not be more excited!

Grayscale Marketing Adds Three Team Members

Pictured (L-R): Janaye Roberson, Adam Craft and Kieran Trask

Nashville-based advertising and marketing firm Grayscale Marketing has added Adam Craft, Janaye Roberson and Kieran Trask to their team.

Craft joins the firm with more than 15 years of operations experience. Prior to Grayscale, Craft served as the Vice President of Platform & Success at UpPurpose, a global technology SaaS platform that partners with nonprofits, foundations, CSR organizations and social enterprises to increase digital awareness.

Roberson joins Grayscale Marketing as a Media & Marketing Specialist, bringing with her over 10 years of experience in booking logistics, social media marketing, audio recording and event production. Her previous roles include Agent Assistant at New Frontier Touring, and most recently, a Marketing Strategy Coordinator position at Outback Concerts.

With over 15 years of experience, Trask joins Grayscale Marketing as Digital Communications Manager. Throughout her career thus far, she has built digital communities for entertainers, nonprofits and solo-preneurs with experience at Crowd Surf, Draft.dev, and as Director of Social Media for RFD-TV.

“We are thrilled to welcome three exceptional individuals to our team who bring a wealth of talent and experience to the table. Their proven ability to provide digital transformation, strategic solutions and in-depth analysis to help their clients multiply their revenue is undeniable. Their additions further solidify our position as a leader in our industry and bring us one step closer to achieving our ambitious goals. I am confident that they will be invaluable assets and will make a significant impact on both our clients’ and our company’s continued success,” states Grayscale Marketing CEO Tim Gray.

Marv Green Inks With Warner Chappell Music & Red Door Music Group

Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Bryce Sherlow, Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Marv Green, Red Door’s Abbey Adams and Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel

Marv Green has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Red Door Music Group.

Green penned the smash BMI Song of the Year, “Amazed” by Lonestar, which reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and Hot 100 chart and was also covered by R&B super group, Boyz II Men. Other cuts by Green include “Creepin” by Eric Church, “I Called Mama” and “Shotgun Rider” by Tim McGraw, “Let’s Make Love” by McGraw and Faith Hill, “Wasted” by Carrie Underwood, “Who I Am With You,” by Chris Young and “Proud of the House We Built” by Brooks & Dunn.

He has also had cuts with Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, Jon Pardi, Midland, Lee Brice, Jackson Dean and LoCash.

“I’ve had the pleasure to know Marv Green his entire career,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “One thing that is certain is that you can always count on him to show up with the right idea, unique spin on a melody, and the writing room battle-worn ability to know how to dig out a hit song that can be played forever.”

Abbey Adams, President & General Manager of Red Door Music Group, shares, “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be working with such an accomplished writer. Until recently, I have only known Marv from afar but have always been a fan of his story-telling craft. To now be a partner in his career is really an honor. I am looking forward to celebrating many hits together in the future!”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join forces with Abbey Adams, Red Door Music Group and the amazing Warner Chappell staff,” says Green. “I’m looking forward to this next chapter of my songwriting career.”

CMHOF Announces 2023 Troubadour Advisory Council Members & Leadership Team

The 2023 Troubadour Advisory Council Leadership Team

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has revealed its 2023 Troubadour Advisory Council Members and Leadership Team.

The Troubadour Advisory Council consists of dedicated young leaders in the Nashville music community. Members participate in quarterly networking events at the museum and connect with other professionals, ages 21-45, while supporting the museum’s educational mission. Troubadour membership also supports the Community Counts program, through which the museum provides free admission to youth from Davidson County and bordering counties.

This year’s leadership team is made up of Chair Katie Cline Moore (Cline Co Business & Financial Management), Vice Chair Zach Farnum (117 Entertainment), Vice Chair Nina Jenkins Fisher (Jody Williams Songs) and Vice Chair Patrick Thomas (Silverfish Media).

The leadership team will work closely with the Troubadour Advisory Council members, which include: Scott Adkins (Adkins Entertainment/Adkins Publicity); Chris Beverly (Fifth Circuit Court of Davidson County); Lyndsay Church (Arista/Sony Music Nashville); Kasey Cleckler (Cape + Anchor); Betsy Lee (FBMM); Elizabeth Lombardi (CAA); Brenden Oliver (CMA); Will Overton (Built Technologies); Annie Reuter (American Songwriter); Carter Robinson (Music Entertainment & Sports Group, Pinnacle Bank); Karen Schillinger (CAA); Molly Shehan (Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC); Mary Lauren Teague (Belmont University/Dotted i Entertainment); Casey Thomas (Monument Records); Josh Tomlinson (BMI); and Torianne Valdez (Musicians On Call).

Bluewater Music Promotes Rachel Boyle

Rachel Boyle. Photo: Heather Ferguson

Rachel Boyle has been promoted to Director of Licensing & Administration at Bluewater Music.

A cum laude graduate of Belmont University, Boyle joined Bluewater in 2017 as a Licensing Assistant. In her new role, she will oversee all licensing matters for Bluewater while managing the company’s relationships with its many direct licensees. She will also continue to resolve counter claims as well as register cue sheets and live performances with collection societies worldwide.

With Bluewater’s recently acquired administration rights to publishing catalogs owned by Adam SandlerGreta Van Fleet, Jason Mraz, The Offspring’s Brian Dexter Holland and Metallica’s Kirk Hammett, Boyle’s dedication to hands-on client communication and service will be instrumental in her new position.

“Rachel plays an integral role for our team,” says Bluewater President Peter Roselli. “Her dedication to maximizing the value of copyrights while providing top-notch service will continue to serve our songwriters and clients quite well. I’m excited to continue collaborating with Rachel in her well-deserved, expanded role.”

Trace Adkins To Kick Off Nationwide Tour This Friday

Trace Adkins will embark on his new “Somewhere In America Tour” this Friday, Feb. 10 in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The nationwide tour is slated to run through the fall.

The trek will make stops in Stillwater, Oklahoma; Arlington, Texas; Kansas City, Missouri; Council Bluffs, Iowa and more before wrapping in Hiawassee, Georgia on Oct. 14. Ticket presale begins tomorrow (Feb. 7) at 10 a.m. local venue time. Tickets will be available to the general public this Friday, Feb. 10 at 10 a.m. local venue time at traceadkins.com. Select dates are on sale now.

Adkins will also return to both host and judge INSP’s fourth season of Ultimate Cowboy Showdown while also serving as an executive producer of the show, which is currently filming in Arizona. Ultimate Cowboy Showdown features a diverse group of cowboys from across the country competing for the ultimate cowboy prize – their own herd of cattle. The full cast and the show’s premiere date will be announced soon.

Additionally, he recently released a video for “Love Walks Through The Rain,” featuring Melissa Etheridge, which premiered exclusively across CMT, CMT Music, CMT’s website and the Paramount Times Square Billboard in New York City, before its debut on YouTube.

Trace Adkins “Somewhere In America Tour” Dates: 
*On sale now
Feb. 10 | Lancaster, PA — American Music Theatre*
Feb. 14 | Stillwater, OK — McKnight Center for the Performing Arts*
March 4 | Choctaw, MS — Center Stage at Pearl River Resorts*
March 18 | Gilbert, AZ — Boots in the Park*
April 1 | Lake Charles, LA — L’Auberge Casino Resort Lake Charles
April 15 | Arlington, TX — Live! By Loews (Community Storehouse Fundraising Dinner)
May 13 | Kansas City, KS — Country Roots Fest*
June 10 | Wright City, MO — Cedar Lake Cellars
June 17 | Charles Town, WV — Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races*
June 30 | Camdenton, MO — Ozarks Amphitheater
July 1 | Algona, IA — ABATE Freedom Park*
July 6 | Council Bluffs, IA — Harrah’s Stir Concert Cove
July 7 | Independence, IA — Buchanan County Fair
July 28 | Henderson, NV — Sunset Station Amphitheater
July 29 | Minden, NV — Carson Valley Inn & Casino
Aug. 6 | Coachella, CA — Spotlight 29 Casino
Aug. 11 | Arcadia, WI — Ashley for the Arts*
Aug. 12 | Galva, IL — The Back Road Music Festival*
Aug. 13 | West Allis, WI — Wisconsin State Fair
Aug. 26 | Mason, WI — Concert in the Corn
Sep. 2 | West Liberty, OH — Country Legends Festival*
Oct. 14 | Hiawassee, GA — Anderson Music Hall

Grand Ole Opry Debuts New Stage

Jon Pardi performs on new Grand Ole Opry stage. Photo: Grand Ole Opry; photo by Chris Hollo

The Grand Ole Opry unveiled a brand new stage featuring major upgrades during Saturday night’s show (Feb. 4).

This marks the first major set change for the show since its 75th Anniversary more than two decades ago. Christening the new stage during the Saturday night show were Mandy Barnett, Rudy Gatlin, Kat & Alex, Oak Ridge Boys, Jon Pardi, Don Schlitz, Ricky Skaggs, The War and Treaty, and Mark Wills.

The new staging is part of more than $4 million in venue upgrades to the set, audio/visual technology, and auditorium, including a new Barn with new lighting elements and capabilities, a 52’ w x 27’ high resolution Ross/D3 video wall upstage of the barn set, a completely new JBL A Series PA system, and more.

Artists scheduled to appear on the Opry in the coming weeks include Bill Anderson, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Lady A, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and many others.

Nashville Talents Shine Bright At 65th Annual Grammy Awards

Carly Pearce poses with her Grammy Award.

At the 65th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday night (Feb. 5), talented Nashville musicians made the most of their time on screen via a handful of performances.

Brandi Carlile earned a rousing standing ovation when she kicked the night off with “Broken Horses,” the tune that won her both Best Rock Performance and Best Rock Song earlier in the evening.

Luke Combs made his debut as a performer on the Grammy stage with his newest, rising hit, “Going, Going, Gone.” Combs sounded great with an orchestra accompaniment. Combs was introduced by Justin Davis, his former boss from his time as a bouncer at a bar in Boone, North Carolina. Davis admitted that Combs wasn’t a great bouncer because he was too nice.

Another country music moment came when Chris Stapleton joined Smokey Robinson and Stevie Wonder on “Higher Ground.” The country star held his own with the legends in an epic moment of the night.

A standout moment for Nashville talent was Kacey Musgraves‘ gorgeous tribute to the late Loretta Lynn. With Lynn’s guitar in hand that the family loaned her, Musgraves sang “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Barefoot, sitting on a stool amongst a bed of flowers, Musgraves’ simple performance of the country standard started the official In Memoriam segment of the night. Among those remembered were Naomi Judd, Mickey Gilley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Olivia Newton-John, Dr. Paul Kwami, Peter Cooper, Jeff Cook and more.

Maverick City Music, who were big winners of the day, joined Quavo to honor Migos member Takeoff in another portion of the In Memoriam tribute before Sheryl Crow, Bonnie Raitt and Mick Fleetwood joined together to finish it off.

The only televised country award went to Willie Nelson for his A Beautiful Time, which won Best Country Album. Shania Twain presented the award and accepted it on Nelson’s behalf, as he was not in attendance.

In the pre-televised portion of the Grammys, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde made history as the first female pairing to win Best Country Duo/Group Performance. With “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” Pearce and McBryde won their first Grammys.

During their acceptance speech, Pearce shared, “We wrote this song together and it has just transcended so many of my wildest dreams. We won a Grammy!”

“‘Til You Can’t,” recorded by Cody Johnson, won Best Country Song in the pre-televised awards. Songwriter Ben Stennis accepted the award. His co-writer Matt Rogers couldn’t be there as his daughter was sick.

“Dear Lord, this is crazy,” Stennis shared before thanking his publisher, his family and the Recording Academy. He also asked for prayers for Rogers’ daughter.

Click here for a list of Nashville-related Grammy winners.

Channing Wilson Releases New Single, Debut Album Out February 24

 

Channing Wilson. Photo: David McClister

Singer-songwriter Channing Wilson has released his new single, “Gettin’ Outta My Mind,” which he wrote alongside Kendell Marvel. The track will be featured on his debut album, Dead Man, out on Feb. 24 via Ol’ Dog Records/Soundly Music.

“Gettin’ Outta My Mind” joins the three previously unveiled album tracks: “Sunday Morning Blues,” “Drink That Strong,” and “Blues Comin’ On.”

Wilson has written hits for Luke Combs, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt and more. After two decades as a successful songwriter, Dead Man marks a new chapter for Wilson as he is coming into his own as an artist.

Produced by Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb, the 10-track project puts the Georgia native’s honest and empathetic voice on display as he addresses universal topics such as love, heartbreak, loneliness and human connection through a personal lens.

“Back in the Depression era, Jimmy Rogers was a big hit, and the reason why was because he sang all these sad songs that let people know they weren’t the only ones going through hard times,” shares Wilson. “There are so many people out there right now dealing with problems like mental illness, but we still don’t talk about it nearly as much as we should. So, the one thing I hope for this record is that it helps people realize that they’re not alone, that someone else feels the way they do. Because to me that’s the first step to feeling okay again.”

In celebration of the new music, Wilson will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Feb. 25, and continue to tour this spring with shows at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley, Kansas City’s Knuckleheads, Columbus’ King of Clubs, Lexington’s Manchester Music Hall, Louisville’s Mercury Ballroom, Seattle’s Tractor Tavern and Portland’s Ponderosa Lounge & Grill, among others.

Dead Man Track Listing:
1. Drink That Strong
2. Running Down A Song
3. Beer for Breakfast
4. Blues Comin’ On
5. Sunday Morning Blues
6. Ol’ Dog
7. Dead Man Walking
8. Crazy Over You
9. Gettin’ Outta My Mind
10. Trying To Write A Song

The Mavericks To Release 10th Anniversary Edition Of ‘In Time’

The Mavericks. Photo: David McClister

The Mavericks are releasing a special 10th Anniversary Deluxe edition of their acclaimed album In Time on March 3 via The Valory Music Co.

The revamped collection features 14 original tracks plus the previously unreleased song, “Tonight Is The Night,” which is out now, as well as the group’s take on “Gentle On My Mind,” and a rare conjunto version of “Ven Hacia Mi.” 

“We’re thrilled to offer up this special anniversary version with extra tracks and the original album art initially planned before Mark Tucker took the iconic group photo that became the cover people know and love,” explains Jerry Dale McFadden. “We weren’t sure what to expect when we got back together to make this album after many years of being off. What would The Mavericks sound like in this new 2.0 version? Would our fans dig it? Well, In Time ended up being a huge hit for us, creating new fans and satisfying old ones alike.”

The band’s Cuban-American roots were planted in Miami and reached all the way to Nashville, where they solidified their eclectic Americana fusion of country, rock and Tejano/Tex-Mex influences. The Mavericks have gone through three phases since forming in 1989. An initial period of success marked by big hits and critical acclaim in the 90’s gave way to a long hiatus starting in 2003, when the musicians each went their separate ways. After reuniting in 2012, they celebrated the group’s 30th anniversary.

Featuring the vocals of Raul Malo, drummer Paul Deakin, guitarist Eddie Perez, and keyboardist McFadden, the Grammy, CMA, ACM and Americana Music Lifetime Achievement Award-winning quartet continues their legacy with this new, special anniversary edition album.

In Time (10th Anniversary Deluxe) Track Listing:                                                   
1. “Back In Your Arms Again”
2. “Lies”
3. “Born To Be Blue”
4. “Come Unto Me”
5. “In Another’s Arms”
6. “Fall Apart”
7. “All Over Again”
8. “Forgive Me”
9. “Amsterdam Moon”
10. “That’s Not My Name”
11. “As Long As There’s Loving Tonight”
12. “Dance In The Moonlight”
13. “(Call Me) When You Get To Heaven”
14. “Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me) (Spanish Version)”
15. “Tonight Is The Night”
16. “Gentle On My Mind (Live)”
17. “Ven Hacia Mi (Come Unto Me) (Conjunto Version)”