Weekly Register: Zach Bryan Notches Sixth Week Atop Country Streaming Songs Chart

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Zach Bryan

At the top of this week’s country charts are the familiar cast of characters, with Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” leading the pack on the top country streaming songs chart for a sixth consecutive week. Notching a stellar 14.5 million streams, the Warner Music artist’s breakout hit now boasts 286 million cumulative streams.

Bryan’s American Heartbreak also rises one spot to No. 2 on the top country albums chart. The project racks up 27K in total consumption this week, according to Luminate data.

Elsewhere on the top country albums chart, you can find Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album at No. 1 with 43K (1.2K album only/53 million song streams). Newcomer Bailey Zimmerman‘s debut project, Leave The Light On, drops one spot to No. 3, adding 23K in total consumption, while Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) keeps its spot at No. 4 with 17K. Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You rounds out the top five, gaining 15K in total consumption.

On the songs side, Wallen holds the No. 2 position with “You Proof,” as well as the No. 4 spot with “Wasted On You.” The tracks earned 9.7 million and 7.5 million streams, respectively. Zimmerman’s “Rock And A Hard Place” falls one to No. 3 with 9.2 million streams, and Combs’ “The Kind Of Love We Make” takes fifth at 7.5 million streams.

Concord Unveils New Logo, Expands Global Headquarters In Nashville

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Concord has unveiled its new branding in tandem with the opening of its innovative global headquarters in Nashville. The new identity includes a bold new logo, as well as a refreshed color palette and overall design look, which will be applied to all company brands and businesses that use the Concord name.

Photo: Courtesy of Concord

Concord’s new Nashville headquarters was constructed in 2020-2021 and officially opened at the beginning of 2022. The company’s rapidly growing team prompted an 8,300 sq. ft. expansion of its 2nd floor offices in Peabody Plaza. The 50,000 square ft. space in the Rolling Mill Hill neighborhood is almost triple the size of Concord’s former offices at 1201 Demonbreun St.

The announcement of Concord’s new branding follows several major announcements, including the acquisition of the Genesis publishing and recording catalogs, its major expansion into the Australasia region and many notable artist signings and projects.

“Concord has grown significantly in the last seven years, necessitating new offices in LA, NYC, Berlin and Nashville. Marrying not only copyrights, plays, musicals, recordings and other narrative content, but more importantly merging the cultures of the many companies is what makes us the Concord of today,” explains Concord President Bob Valentine. “It is time for us to recognize that we now have an integrated, singular and unique culture that requires a fresh visual representation, giving our teams around the world a renewed sense of purpose. We are still the Concord that does what it says, seeks out exciting challenges and that exists to elevate every creative voice that it can, we just have a new and wonderfully bold face.”

Photo: Courtesy of Concord

“This is about more than just a new logo,” adds Scott Pascucci, Concord CEO. “After years of growth and acquisitions and internal refining, Concord is making a renewed commitment to its recently established mission statement: Champion Artists; Elevate Voices; Impact Culture. This is at the core of who we are and what we do every day.”

Through its family of companies and brands, Concord represents compositions, recordings, estates and theatrical collections spanning more than 200 years of entertainment history.

 

Nashville Industry Remembers The Legendary Jerry Lee Lewis

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Jerry Lee Lewis at the 2022 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee announcement press conference on May 17, 2022. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Legendary entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis passed away on Friday (Oct. 28) at the age of 87 at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Also known as “The Killer,” Lewis earned 28 top 10 Billboard Country singles across four decades, including hits “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On,” both of which have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was also the first person inducted into the first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. The Recording Academy honored Lewis with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and earlier this month, he was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Lewis is survived by his wife Judith and four surviving children, plus extended family. Services will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Lewis’ honor to the Arthritis Foundation or MusiCares.

Over the past few days since the news broke, the Nashville music industry and beyond has shared their thoughts and condolences for the beloved vocalist and pianist.

“One of my most vivid memories of Jerry Lee was in 1997, when he was a guest on ‘Monday Night Concerts’ at the Ryman. Ricky Skaggs and Brian Setzer joined Jerry Lee for a set that started with the classic ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ended with a stirring rendition of ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’ A true force of nature, it was amazing to be able to witness Jerry perform in person that night. As one of the most talented musicians and entertainers of our time, it warms my heart to know that he got the chance to accept his rightful place in the hallowed hall as a member of the newest class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees just a few weeks ago. My deepest condolences go out to Jerry Lee’s family and friends during this time.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

“Jerry Lee’s indelible mark as a rock & roller in no way obscures his impact as one of the greatest country singers of all time. He was the ultimate stylist, taking songs to places they could never have gone without his unique voice and soul. Known as ‘The Killer,’ in reality he was a reviver, resurrecting music and emotions. The country records he made with producer Jerry Kennedy will never be replicated or surpassed, and we were honored to recently welcome him into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Among the greatest of artists, he was, as his friend Kris Kristofferson put it, ‘a table-thumpin’ smash.’” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“Jerry Lee was a Christian, an American icon and the greatest piano player in the world. People will be listening to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lot of Shakin” 500 years from now. I will miss him. God bless you Jerry Lee.” – Dennis Quaid

“It’s so sad to hear that Jerry Lee Lewis has passed. I’ve loved him since I first met and worked with him in the early 1970s. He was definitely one of a kind as an artist and person.” – Crystal Gayle

 

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“Jerry Lee at the beginning of a session put his gun on the piano. Silence. They do the session… The next day the musicians come to the session and all bring their guns. That was Jerry Lee.” – Don McLean

“The image and influence of Jerry Lee Lewis is an iconic memory we will always have. As a musician/singer I loved his energy and style. He was the greatest!” – Janie Fricke

“The first time I saw Jerry Lee Lewis play and literally light his piano on fire I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ He proved that not all piano players are balladeers and that’s what I love and will always remember about him. He was a huge inspiration to me and so many musicians across genres. May he rest in peace.” – Phil Vassar

Naomi Cooke Johnson Joins Fusion Music Roster

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Naomi Cooke Johnson. Photo: Courtesy of Hot Schatz PR

Naomi Cooke Johnson has signed with Fusion Music for management.

Prior to pursuing her solo career, Johnson spent seven years with her former band, Runaway June where she co-wrote the band’s Gold-certified top 10 hit, “Buy My Own Drinks,” and received nominations from ACM and CMT.

“We have been fans of Naomi throughout her career and are excited to work with her as she steps forward into her new musical journey,” says Daniel Miller, Managing Partner, Fusion Music.

Johnson is also represented by Joey Lee and Adi Sharma at WME, Jess Rosen  at Greenberg Traurig, LLP, and Mike Vaden at Vaden Group.

In association with Red Light Management, Fusion Music also represents Martina McBride, Riley Green and Lily Rose.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Ushers In Six New Members At 52nd Anniversary Gala

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Pictured (L-R): Sarah Cates, Board Chair of NaSHOF; inductees David Malloy, Gary Nicholson, Hillary Lindsey and Steve Wariner; Mark Ford, Executive Director of NaSHOF

The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF) welcomed six new members into its ranks on Sunday night (Oct. 30) at the organization’s 52nd Anniversary Gala. The musical contributions of the Class of 2022 were celebrated through star-studded performances at Nashville’s Music City Center.

The Class of 2022 includes Hillary Lindsey and Gary Nicholson in the songwriter category; David Malloy in the veteran songwriter category; Shania Twain in the songwriter/artist category and Steve Wariner in the veteran songwriter/artist category. Additionally, the late Chips Moman was inducted into the Hall’s new Legacy category, designed specifically to honor NaSHOF-worthy candidates who are deceased.

The Isaacs with Sharon Vaughn

“Tonight we are celebrating the legacies of six extraordinary songwriters and bestowing upon them one of the nation’s highest songwriting honors—induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame,” Sarah Cates, Board Chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Foundation noted. “I always look forward to this evening when the industry can gather to share in this moment with our inductees, their families and friends. And I’m not alone in anticipating this event. This year, we have one of our largest audiences ever, all here to applaud these exemplary songwriters.”

Award-winning artists The Isaacs kicked off the evening by honoring Twain with a medley of her song-of-the-year hits “Forever And For Always” and “You’re Still The One.” Though Twain was unable to attend, she sent a video thanking NaSHOF for the honor, noting that songwriting had gotten her through many hard times. NaSHOF 2019 inductee Sharon Vaughn presented Twain and also spoke on her behalf.

NaSHOF 2021 inductee Rhett Akins took the stage to honor Malloy, reprising his own 1998 recording of “Drivin’ My Life Away,” originally popularized by Eddie Rabbitt. NaSHOF 2015 inductee and longtime co-writer Even Stevens presented him.

NaSHOF 2005 inductee Vince Gill was joined on stage by Delbert McClinton, Shawn Camp and Michael Rhodes to perform “One More Last Chance” in honor of Nicholson. NaSHOF 2003 inductee Rodney Crowell presented him.

Garth Brooks. Photo: Moser Photography

The late Chips Moman was presented by NaSHOF Board member, industry journalist and longtime MusicRow contributor Robert K. Oermann. The legendary Clint Black performed Moman’s standard, “Luckenbach, Texas.”

Superstars Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban joined forces to perform a medley of Lindsey’s song of the year hits “Jesus, Take The Wheel” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” NaSHOF 2008 inductee Matraca Berg presented her.

Closing the night’s festivities, NaSHOF 2011 inductee Garth Brooks offered his rendition of “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” to honor Wariner. NaSHOF 1975 inductee Bill Anderson presented him.

The evening also featured a medley of “Coal Miner’s Daughter and “If My Heart Had Windows” performed by award-winning songwriters Jessi Alexander and Jon Randall in a special memorial tribute to NaSHOF inductees Loretta Lynn and Dallas Frazier.

Gary Nicholson. Photo: Moser Photography

Jaron Boyer Signs With Wide Open Music Publishing

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Jaron Boyer and Victoria Goodvin (Wide Open Publishing)

Jaron Boyer has signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music.

Boyer has written songs for artists including Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Chris Stapleton, Sam Hunt, Clay Walker and Rascal Flatts. He has penned four No. 1s, including “Hell Of A Night” (Dustin Lynch), “Somewhere On A Beach” (Dierks Bentley), “Flatliner” (Cole Swindell feat. Dierks Bentley) and “Girl Like You” (Jason Aldean).

The 2016 SESAC Country Song of the Year award-winner’s latest cut, “Mind On You” (George Birge), was most-added at country radio upon its release earlier this month.

“I could not think of a better addition to our already talented roster than Jaron Boyer. He’s an incredible songwriter and human and we’re grateful to team up with him on the next chapter of his career,” shares VP/GM of Wide Open Music, Victoria Goodvin.

“I wanted to sign Jaron the moment I met him,” adds Steve Williams, President of Wide Open Publishing. “He was extremely humble, he was very professional and he had a huge desire to be even more successful. What more could anyone ask for? We are so blessed to have him become part of our family.”

“I’m so excited to be signing with Wide Open. Blessed to have the opportunity to work with Ash Bowers and Wide Open VP/General Manager Victoria Goodvin on a daily basis. God is good,” says Boyer.

Music Industry Veterans Launch Dream 3 Publishing

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Dream 3 Publishing. Photo: Jason Myers

Greg Hill, Laurel Kittleson-Cobb and Emily Olson have joined forces to launch Dream 3 Publishing.

Hill owns Hill Entertainment Group, a company focused on brand building in the entertainment space. He currently overseas the management of Rodney Atkins, Mark Wills, The Naomi Judd Estate, Jennifer Hart and others.

Kittleson-Cobb is the founder of Rainier Entertainment, a music consulting company for A&R, publishing, management, and artist development. She consults for RECORDS Nashville, developing their artist roster, scouting new talent, and overseeing the song selection and recording process of the entire roster. Additionally, Kittleson-Cobb consults for 19 Recordings with their Nashville based artists, assisting in all publishing aspects as well as management, and independently does A&R for artists Caroline Jones and Drew Baldridge.

Olson, who has over 10 years of experience in publishing, has secured over 150 cuts in her career for artists, including Brett Young, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Mickey Guyton, Justin Moore, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, and more.

With over five decades of combined experience in different faucets of the industry, involvement with countless No. 1s and their instrumental roles in the careers of some of country’s biggest stars, the industry veterans aim to build a boutique publishing company that focuses on great writers, great songs and developing talent.

Olson will run the day-to-day publishing operations for Dream 3 Publishing, including setting up co-writes and pitching songs. Kittleson and Hill will continue running their businesses and will filter in talent with the writers of Dream 3.

“I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Laurel, an A&R person who has an extensive track record of successful signings, and Emily, a publisher who has been a part of some of the biggest hits of the last few years,” explains Hill. “I started out in publishing and transitioned to management but never lost the love of songs and songwriters. I’m excited to see what we create bringing together our different perspectives and experiences.”

“When Greg approached me with the notion to start a publishing company, I told him we had to bring in Emily Olson. I’ve always loved her genuine passion for songs and the songwriter,” shares Kittleson. “The three of us met to discuss what type of publishing company we’d like to create together. We each have different strengths from our varying experience in the industry and, together, we will be able to give our writers the best opportunity to succeed.”

“I met Laurel 17 years ago at Belmont in my Computer 101 class and she has been one of my most favorite people since then, she is the absolute best in town when it comes to artist development and A&R. Greg’s creative strategies and passion for people and songs inspire me and fire me up so much. I admire them and could not be more excited to get to partner with Laurel and Greg,” adds Olson. “This is my dream team and we are building something so special!”

To contact Dream 3, email emily@dream3publishing.com.

Randy Houser Gives Fans A Taste Of Upcoming Music With ‘Country Round Here Tonight’

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Randy Houser. Photo: Rachel Deeb

Randy Houser has released “Country Round Here Tonight,” a single from his upcoming sixth studio album Note To Self, due out Nov. 11 via Magnolia Music Group.

The steel guitar, fiddle-laced track, written by Houser with Brice Long and Jeff Hyde, is reminiscent of classic 90’s country hits as Houser croons about a small-town spot where everyone goes to unwind and spend their paycheck.

The new album includes tracks like “Rub A Little Dirt On It,” “Workin’ Man,” and album opener “Still That Cowboy” written by Houser, Matt Rogers and Josh Hoge as an ode to his wife Tatiana. Other writers contributing to the album include Casey Beathard, Ross Copperman, Bobby Pinson, Kendell Marvel, and more.

Along with preparing new music and touring, Houser landed on-screen roles in Martin Scorsese’s upcoming film Killers of the Flower Moon starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro and more, as well as The Hill starring Dennis Quaid.

Note To Self  Track List:
1. Still That Cowboy (Randy Houser, Matt Rogers, Josh Hoge)
2. Workin’ Man (Randy Houser, Randy Montana)
3. Note To Self (Randy Houser, Casey Beathard, Ross Copperman, Bobby Pinson)
4. Country ‘Round Here Tonight (Randy Houser, Brice Long, Jeff Hyde)
5. Take It To The Bank (Randy Houser, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tindell)
6. Call Me (Randy Houser, Paul Overstreet, Andrew Albert)
7. Out And Down (Randy Houser, Matt Rogers, Chris DeStefano)
8. Rub A Little Dirt On It (Randy Houser, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
9. American Dreamer (Randy Houser, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
10. Remember How To Pray (Randy Houser, Kendell Marvel)

Carly Pearce Shines Bright During Sold-Out Headlining Debut At The Ryman

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Carly Pearce during her headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

Reigning CMA and ACM Female Artist/Vocalist of year Carly Pearce lit up Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with her first-ever headlining show at the historic venue on Wednesday night (Oct. 26). It was the first of two back-to-back, sold-out Ryman shows.

Fellow Big Machine label-mate and country artist Jackson Dean kicked off the evening, firing up the crowd alongside his band with songs such as “Don’t Come Lookin'” and “Trailer Park.” Dean gave a moving performance of self-written song “Heavens to Betsy,” not only putting his incredible vocals on display, but those of his band members’ as well.

Bill Anderson and Carly Pearce. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

As Dean wrapped up his set, the Ryman faded to black and white lights flashed all around. Suddenly, the beginning of Pearce’s “Diamondback” covered the pews and rising from beneath the stage was the woman of the hour. Hand on her rhinestone-studded microphone, she poured heart and soul into her 90-minute set, featuring songs such as “Should’ve Known Better,” “Dear Miss. Loretta,” “Next Girl,” “29,” “Never Wanted To be That Girl” and more. Her sunny disposition radiated through each song and the congregation of  “the Mother Church of Country Music” couldn’t help but dance and sing along.

During the first half of her performance, Pearce introduced special guest Bill Anderson, the longest-tenured member of the Grand Ole Opry, and together they sang Anderson and Dolly Parton‘s “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.”

Ricky Skaggs and Carly Pearce. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

“I just want to say on behalf of all the Opry artists, the management and everyone who puts that wonderful show together, how honored and proud we are to have Carly Pearce as a part of our family,” said Anderson. Turning to Pearce, he continued, stating, “You are what the future of country music is, you are what it’s all about.”

The Kentucky-native fulfilled a childhood dream when she sang “Blue Moon of Kentucky” with second guest Ricky Skaggs. Pearce is set to be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame today (Oct. 28). “Someone check on my mother and make sure she’s okay after that,” Pearce joked to the audience after the performance.

She continued to bare her soul with “Every Little Thing” and a touching performance of “Show Me Around,” dedicated to her late producer Michael Busbee (“Busbee”). She also paid homage to him and producer and co-writer Shane McAnally with “If My Name Was Whiskey,” a track off of her debut album Every Little Thing that the three of them wrote together.

Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

To wrap up the incredible show, Pearce belted “Hide The Wine” and surprised the audience with an appearance by Gary LeVox. Together the two performed a rendition of Rascal Flatts‘ “What Hurts The Most,” which received an electric reaction from the crowd. Dean then returned onstage to join Pearce in singing her and Lee Brice‘s duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

“All of my country music dreams are coming true tonight. You only get to play the Ryman like this once and these shows represent all of my hard work coming to fruition. This moment is all I’ve dreamt of and from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for letting me live this life,” Pearce said with her hand on her heart, tears brimming her eyes and a smile glowing on her face.

Shania Twain To Usher In 2023 With New Album, Global Tour

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Shania Twain. Photo: Louie Banks

Five-time Grammy award-winner Shania Twain will kick off 2023 in a major way with a brand new album, Queen of Me, on Feb. 3, and a massive global tour.

The new album will be Twain’s sixth full-length project–her first since 2017–and marks her official debut with her new label partner Republic Nashville. She’s heralding in the anticipated album with a brand new song, “Last Day of Summer.”

To celebrate this next career era in style, she’ll also embark on a global 49-date “Queen of Me Tour,” her first tour in nearly five years, following her Vegas residency run. Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block and Mickey Guyton will join Twain on select dates throughout the tour.

The new tour kicks off on April 28 at Spokane Arena in Washington and makes stops across North America and Europe, including Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, Los Angeles, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on Sept. 26 at Utilita Arena in Birmingham, UK.

Twain will also make a stop in Nashville on June 7 as the inaugural concert at Music City’s new GEODIS Park. Tickets go on sale starting Friday, Nov. 4 at LiveNation.com.