Elle King, Jimmie Allen, & Rachel Smith To Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live’

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Elle King, Jimmie Allen, and Rachel Smith. Photos: Courtesy of CBS.

Grammy-nominated artists Elle King and Jimmie Allen will host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash alongside Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith on Friday, Dec. 31. The special will air live from Music City at 7 p.m. – 10 p.m. CT to 9:30 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT on CBS. It will also stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.

“This hometown gal is thrilled to be back for round two of Nashville’s Big Bash,” says Smith. “Hanging with my talented country friends in Music City on New Year’s Eve is the ultimate way to kick off the new year!”

The five-hour celebration will ring in 2023 with nearly 50 high-energy performances by some of country music’s biggest stars such as Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Zac Brown Band, and more. Additional performers and information will be announced at a later date.

“When I got the call to host New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, I was super excited and started looking forward to it right then,” shares Allen. “I was part of the show last year as a performer, so being able to co-host it this year with Elle King and Rachel Smith and see all the great performances that are lined up – it’s going to be awesome. Hosting is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and to do it on CBS is a big deal. I get to represent not only Nashville and country music but my home state of Delaware – primetime television on New Year’s Eve! Let’s bring this new year in right!”

“New Year’s Eve has always been one of my favorite nights to celebrate because we get to reflect on the year we’ve had while getting a fresh start,” says King. “Nashville has been so amazing and welcoming to me this year and I can’t wait to see what next year brings. I am so excited to be hosting the festivities live from Music City!”

New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will cross multiple time zones, with the traditional countdown at midnight, eastern time, peaking with the famous Nashville music note drop and fireworks at midnight, central time. This year’s broadcast is executive produced by Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington in partnership with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp, and directed by Sandra Restrepo.

*Paramount+ Premium subscribers will have access to the livestream via the live feed of their local CBS affiliate on the service as well as on-demand. Essential-tier subscribers will have access to on-demand the day after the special airs.

Sheltered Music Publishing Acquires Interest In Catalog Of Dennis Linde

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Dennis Linde

Sheltered Music Publishing has acquired significant interest in Hall of Fame songwriter Dennis Linde’s music catalog.

Linde, who cut five solo albums in the ’70s, is known for writing a handful of Elvis Presley’s hits, including “Burning Love,” which marks Presley’s second highest-charting single in a decade, his 40th hit on Billboard‘s top 10, and would be his last on that chart.

Other notable Linde hits include Garth Brooks’ “Callin’ Baton Rouge” (1993) and The Chicks’ “Goodbye Earl” (1999), as well as “John Deere Green,” “Queen of my Double Wide Trailer,” “It Sure Is Monday,” and “Bubba Shot the Jukebox.” Steve Earl as well as fellow Hall of Fame songwriter and artist, Roger Miller, also recorded several of Linde’s songs.

“It is not often that a catalog as distinguished and diverse as Dennis Linde’s becomes available,” notes Sheltered Music SVP, Darrell Franklin. “As a music publisher, this is the quality of work we all aspire to represent. I’m honored to be able to do that with this music and to help further raise awareness and appreciation of one of Nashville’s greatest songwriting talents.”

“First and foremost, Dennis was a great father and loving husband,” shares Pam Linde. “He was the greatest man I ever met and I miss him every day. When we sat down with Lance [Freed] and Darrell, I knew that Sheltered Music Publishing would be a great home for Dennis’s musical legacy.”

Linde has recently been brought back into the spotlight following the release of Ashley McBryde‘s newly-Grammy-nominated record, Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, which tips its hat to the writing methods of Linde. Created alongside Aaron Raitiere, Nicolette Hayford, Connie Harrington, Brandy Clark and Benjy Davis, Lindeville blends familiar characters, moral ambiguity and a dose of gallows humor to make the town feel like home.

Linde won BMI’s Top Writer Award in 1994 and earned 14 BMI Million-Air songs. In 2001, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Linde died in 2006 in Nashville at the age of 63.

 

Maren Morris, Avett Brothers, More Set To Play MerleFest 2023

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MerleFest has announced the first round of artists for its 2023 festival, set for April 27-30 in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. 2023 will mark the event’s 35th edition, and will honor Doc Watson’s 100th birthday year.

MerleFest 2023 will feature performances from The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, the Black Opry Revue, Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas, and Peter Rowan.

Others set to appear include Andy May, Banknotes, Carol Rifkin, Charles Welch, Donna the Buffalo, Jack Lawrence, Jeff Little Trio, Jim Lauderdale, Joe Smothers, Kruger Brothers, Laura Boosinger, The Local Boys, Mark Bumgarner, Mitch Greenhill & Mitch’s Kitchen, Pete & Joan Wernick, Presley Barker, Roy Book Binder, Scythian, T. Michael Coleman, The InterACTive Theater of Jef, The Waybacks, Tony Williamson, and Wayne Henderson. 

A variety of ticket packages are available now, including general admission passes, reserved seating, parking and more.

Adam Wood Signs With Spirit Music Nashville & Lee Brice’s Pump House Music

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Mike Fiorentino, Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Derek Wells, Vice President, A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville; Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville; Adam Wood; Lee Brice; Hannah Hall; Michelle Davey, Director of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville; and Kara Jackson, Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville; (L-R, back row): Brian Bradford, GM/VP of Administration, Spirit Music Nashville.

Singer-songwriter, producer and musician Adam Wood has signed to Spirit Music Nashville and Lee Brice’s Pump House Music.

Wood grew up in Colbert Heights, Alabama and graduated from the University of North Alabama with a degree in Commercial Music. In 2004, he moved to Nashville to pursue songwriting and producing, and has landed cuts from Brice, Scotty McCreery, Elvie Shane, Trace Adkins and Tyler Braden.

Among the songs he has credits on are “More Beer” and “Hey World” for Brice, “Hey Whiskey” for the duo Smithfield, and Braden’s single “Try Losing One,” which reached the top spot on Sirius/XM The Highway’s Top Thirty Countdown.

“I can’t say enough about how excited I am for Adam, Frank [Rogers] and the team over at Spirit,” notes Brice. “Adam has been poised to break out huge as a multi-talented songwriter and I can’t wait to have a front row seat for it. There’s nothing like being at a place that is excited and appreciates you and Spirit has their stuff so together and have every reason to be excited about Adam. The first song I heard before I ever met Adam put me on the floor and he has never let me down since. Better jump on this train y’all, it’s bout to bust out the station.”

“When Lee approached us about meeting with Adam, it was a no-brainer,” adds Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “I have had the privilege of writing with Adam and know first hand how talented he is in a writing room. Combine Adam’s talent, drive and personality with Lee’s crazy world and the sky is the limit!! We could not be more excited to welcome Adam and Lee to the Spirit family!”

“There is just something about the warmth and hustle at Spirit Music Nashville that really excited me,” Wood shares. “I couldn’t be happier to join this team and to continue my publishing relationship with a world-class artist and writer like Lee Brice.”

BoomTown Saints Sign With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Claire Cook-Taylor, VP, 8 Track Ent.; Noah Gordon, Pres., 8 Track Ent.; The Kinkead Entertainment Agency’s Ben Costello, Jr. Agent; Nathan Brewer, Jr. Agent; Art Benson, VP; Michelle Barnett, Exec. Asst.; Julie Devereux, Pres.; Greg Scott, Sr. VP; (L-R, front row): Bob Kinkead, CEO, The Kinkead Entertainment Agency; BoomTown Saints’ Ben Chism and Chris Ramos; Gary Kraen, 8 Track Ent. Photo: Alan Taylor

Rising 8 Track Entertainment country duo BoomTown Saints have signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking representation.

BoomTown Saints’ debut single, “All Trucks Go To Heaven,” has been garnering airplay nationwide since its release over the summer, and is currently climbing the Billboard Country Indicator chart with more than 170,000 streams. While off the road, the duo has been writing and recording new music, and will release their next single in early 2023.

“My team and I are very excited to be the agents for BoomTown Saints,” says The Kinkead Entertainment Agency CEO, Bob Kinkead. “We have been watching this duo evolve with their sound, songs and team for a year or so. Once we saw them perform we all knew that BoomTown Saints was the perfect fit for our agency. I was blown away by their energy, harmonies and their hit songs. I feel they are the real deal and I can’t wait to see where 2023 takes all of us.”

Kinkead Co-RA Greg Scott adds, “I have worked with Noah [Gordon] at 8-Track in various capacities over the years and am excited along with TKEA to be part of the team he has built to catapult BoomTown Saints to the top.”

“We could not be more excited to join the roster at The Kinkead Entertainment Agency,” shares BoomTown Saints’ Chris Ramos and Ben Chism. “The team’s passion and excitement is contagious, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

Hailey Whitters To Launch ‘Raised Tour’ In February

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Hailey Whitters. Photo: Harper Smith

Hailey Whitters will kick off the first leg of her new, headlining “Raised Tour” on Feb. 23 in Bloomington, Indiana. The trek will find the “College Town” singer hitting her favorite college towns across the country, with more dates to be announced soon.

The tour includes three dates in her home state of Iowa, and marks Whitters’ first headlining run in support of her third studio album Raised, released earlier this year via Pigasus/Songs & Daughters/Big Loud.

“The Raised record was largely influenced by not just the people and place that brought me up, but by the country music that influenced me,” Whitters explains. “My mom drove me five hours away from our hometown to see The Chicks on a school night and I bailed on my high school winter formal at the last minute because my dad came home that night with tickets to Brooks and Dunn.” She continues, “Country music is about people, place, and community. I’m super thankful for my fans, and I’m excited to create a live experience for this tour in some awesome venues where a whole new crop of country fans will create those same special kinds of memories.”

Whitters will support Shania Twain on her “Queen of Me” tour next May. Her breakthrough single, “Everything She Ain’t,” is currently climbing the charts, and she recently released covers of  Randy Travis’ “Meet Me Under the Mistletoe” and George Jones “New Baby For Christmas” in celebration of the holiday season.

“Raised Tour” Dates:
2/23: Bloomington, IN – Bluebird Nightclub
2/24: Lexington, KY – The Burl
3/3: Lincoln, NE – The Bourbon Theatre
3/4: Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck
3/5: Columbia, MO – Rose Music Hall
3/17-19: Willowbank, Australia – CMC Rocks
3/24: Las Vegas, NV – Stoney’s Rockin Country
3/30: Iowa City, IA – Wildwood Smokehouse and Saloon
3/31: Peoria, IL – Crusens
4/1: Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s

Dalton Dover Inks With UTA

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Pictured (L-R): Jeffrey Hasson (Co-Head of UTA Nashville), Matthew Morgan (Partner & Co-Head of UTA Nashville), Scott Clayton (Partner & Co-Head of Global Music, UTA), Charly Salvatore (Founder & Manager, Underscore Works), Dalton Dover, Josh Garrett (Music Agent, UTA), Brett Saliba (Music Agent, UTA).

Dalton Dover has signed with UTA for worldwide booking representation in all areas.

The newly-signed Universal Music Group Nashville artist will release his new music via Mercury Nashville, including his latest song, “Damn Good Life.” His other tracks, such as “You Got A Small Town” and “Baby I Am,” helped the 23-year-old earn a place on Spotify’s Hot Country 2022 Artists to Watch, and a spotlight as Billboard’s February Country Rookie of the Month.

Dover first appeared on the scene as a contestant on season 16 of The Voice in 2019, where he earned a chair turn from Blake Shelton. He has continued to build his fan base on TikTok, racking up over 650,000 followers and garnering millions of views with his popular #CatchMeOffGuard series of cover song mashups. He also has nearly 615,000 monthly listeners on Spotify.

Dover is currently supporting Priscilla Block on her “Welcome to the Block Party Tour,” and is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Dec. 3.

Earlier this year, Dover signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville and Droptine Music Publishing. He is represented by Charly Salvatore at Underscore Works.

Rissi Palmer, Miko Marks Team Up For Co-Headlining Acoustic Tour In May

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Rissi Palmer & Miko Marks

Rissi Palmer and Miko Marks are joining forces for a co-headlining acoustic tour beginning May 3 in Washington, D.C.

Each show on the nine-date tour will feature special performances from both artists, as well as performances as a duo, including their yet-to-be-released track, “I’m Still Here.” Tickets go on sale Nov. 18 on both artist’s websites.

Palmer and Marks have a long-standing history in the music industry, releasing their debut albums in 2007 and 2005, respectively. Their friendship has blossomed throughout the years as Black women in country music working to combat racism in the space.

Palmer launched her Apple Music radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, in 2020, giving a voice for country artists of color and those who have been marginalized in mainstream country. She is also a special correspondent for CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown, and was recently highlighted in the Grammy Museum’s Power of Women In Country Music exhibit.

Marks returned from a hiatus of recording in 2021 with her first album in 13 years, Our Country. She released her new album, Feel Like Going Home, on Oct. 14, making her Grand Ole Opry debut that same night. In January, Marks was named to CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2022 and in April stood alongside five other artists and managers chosen to participate in the inaugural Equal Access Development Program, a program from mtheory and CMT to foster and support marginalized communities underrepresented in the country genre.

“Miko has been an inspiration and a friend for a long time,” says Palmer. “Her talent is second to none and it’s an honor to be sharing a stage with her. The audience can expect a lot of laughter, lots of good, new music, stories, and a great show!”

“Working with Rissi on tour is definitely one of the highlights of my journey in music,” Marks adds. “I have always loved her music and now I get to be on tour with her. We have grown to be close friends over the years and this moment has been a long time coming.”

U.S. Tour Dates:
May 3 / Washington, DC / Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage Series
May 4 / Old Saybrook, CT / The Katharine Hepburn Cultural Center
May 5 / Brownfield, ME / Stone Mountain Arts Center
May 6 / Boston, MA / City Winery Haymarket
May 7 / New York, NY / City Winery – The Loft
May 10 / Philadelphia, PA / World Cafe Live
May 11 / Durham, NC / The Pinhook
May 13 / Atlanta, GA / Eddie’s Attic

Tyler Hubbard’s Debut Solo Single Goes No. 1, Earns Gold Certification

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Pictured (L-R, back row): UMG Nashville’s (UMGN) David Friedman, UMGN’s Nick Kaper, EMI Nashville’s Briarman Whitfield, UMGN’s Donna Hughes, UMGN’s Royce Risser; (L-R, front row): EMI Nashville’s Jimmy Rector, EMI Nashville’s Heather Carpenter (holding a still of EMI’s John Trapane), Tyler Hubbard, EMI Nashville’s Jackie Stevens, UMGN’s Mike Dungan, EMI Nashville’s Mike Krinik (holding a still photo of EMI’s Trudie Daniell).

Tyler Hubbard’s debut solo single as an EMI Records Nashville artist, “5 Foot 9,” has reached No. 1 at country radio. The feat makes Hubbard the first male country artist formerly in a country duo to hit No. 1 as a solo artist.

The song, which also has 224 million global streams, is the first single off Hubbard’s debut solo album, set for release on Jan. 27. Penned by Hubbard, Jaren Johnston and Chase McGill, “5 Foot 9” went No. 1 and was certified Gold within six months of its release, marking Hubbard as the first debut country artist to go No. 1 this year.

Pictured (L-R): Brian Wright (UMGN), Tyler Hubbard, Lindsey Terry (UMGN), Cindy Mabe (UMGN), Erik Peterson (Borman Entertainment). Photo: Devin Groody

Hubbard celebrated the Gold certification last Friday night (Nov. 11) backstage at the Grand Ole Opry, where he received a plaque before making his debut Opry performance as a solo artist. He performed the hit single, along with “Way Home,” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” which will be Hubbard’s next radio single.

“Reaching No. 1 with my first single as a solo artist is an incredible feeling,” says Hubbard. “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude when I think of everyone who has supported and stood behind me. I’m thankful to the fans, country radio, my team, and everyone at EMI Records and UMG Nashville for believing in me and working so hard to make this dream become a reality.

“Stepping into the circle to perform on stage at the Grand Ole Opry is such an incredible honor,” he continues “Being at the Opry with family and friends and getting to celebrate ‘5 Foot 9’ being certified Gold is a moment I’ll never forget.”

Nashville’s Historic Exit/In To Close On Thanksgiving

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Exit/In

After 51 years, Nashville’s historic Exit/In will officially close its doors on Thanksgiving, ahead of the venue’s lease ending at the end of 2022. The restaurant attached to the building, Hurry Back, will remain open into December, but will close before year’s end.

The venue ownership turned to social media to break the news, saying, “It appears that 51 years of local, independent ownership and operation have come to an end.” The post continues, “We’re humbled to host this last run of concerts with friends from many eras gracing our stage again. There have been too many incredible moments to count over the 18 years we’ve stewarded Exit/In. It’s an incredibly special place that we are so fortunate to have been a part of. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the extended Exit/In family.”

First opening in 1971 at 2208 Elliston Place, the venue is one of Music City’s most beloved independently owned venues and played host to tens of thousands of notable acts, including Etta James, Rosanne Cash, Johnny Cash, Linda Rondstadt, Talking Heads, Billy Joel, Muddy Waters, Leonard Cohen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Willie Nelson, Chuck Berry, Sharon Jones, Kings Of Leon, Lucinda Williams, The Allman Brothers Band, Cage The Elephant, REM, and many more.

In February of 2021, it was announced that the Exit/In property was being listed for sale. Venue owner Chris Cobb, in partnership with Grubb Properties, created a GoFundMe campaign in an attempt to help purchase the property and, in turn, solidify the future of the club. However, none of their bids were accepted.

Photo: Courtesy of Zach Nieszczur

“Over 4,000 people donated to the Keep Exit/In Independent GoFundMe,” the post noted. “Revisiting the number of donations and outcry of support gives up hope for the future and has allowed us to continue fighting. As stated from the beginning, the funds raised will be donated to MVAN and NIVA once this process has finalized.”

In their statement, the owners explained that there is a historic overlay on the building, and that the exact effect of the zoning is dependent on the Historic Commission. While the zoning should prevent complete destruction of the historic building, it can change at any time.

“We love this city wholeheartedly but are not ok with many current trends here. We know Nashville needs Exit/In and independent venues like it to continue supporting our community of artists, musicians, and the entire ecosystem they center.” The post added, “Thank you again most humbly and sincerely for all your support, for all the shows, and all the memories.”

The Exit/In will wrap up its slate of programming with upcoming shows from Spencer Crandall (Nov. 15), Carlene Carter & The Lucky Ones (Nov. 16), Emmylou Harris (Nov. 17), Lilly Hiatt and Adia Victoria (Nov. 19), Jeff the Brotherhood (Nov. 20-21) and Diarrhea Planet (Nov. 22-23).