The Ryman Celebrates The History Of Bluegrass With Dailey & Vincent

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Dailey & Vincent perform in the Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim

The Ryman Auditorium is currently celebrating the history of bluegrass music with its Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman series.

The Del McCoury Band kicked off the series that runs every Thursday night from June 23 to July 28. Dan Tyminski, Earls of Leicester and Dailey & Vincent have followed.

When Grammy-winning duo Dailey & Vincent took the stage last week, they had much to celebrate. The Grand Ole Opry members just announced that they have partnered with BMG to release a new country album called Let’s Sing Some Country!

The album has been on the duo’s to-do list since they first secured a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group for their rendition of “Elizabeth.” Let’s Sing Some Country! will find Dailey & Vincent singing and playing along with Jimmy Fortune, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, and Rhonda Vincent, and is expected on Sept. 16.

Darrin Vincent performing. Photo: Eric Ahlgrim

The two talented performers, Jamie Dailey and Darrin Vincent, spent many years in iconic bluegrass bands before joining together, with Dailey playing with Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver and Vincent with Ricky Skaggs‘ band Kentucky Thunder. Since joining forces, Dailey & Vincent have won five individual Grammy Awards, three collective Grammys, four Dove awards, and 35 IBMA Awards.

On Thursday night (July 14), they entertained with gospel numbers such as “By The Mark,” “Somebody’s Prayin'” and “The Wall,” as well as lively bluegrass jams like “That Feel Good Music.” The extremely talented singers made sure to spotlight all of their equally as talented musicians, letting each one have a turn at showing off. They also invited out the Opry Square Dancers to dance to some songs.

It’s clear that The Statler Brothers are some of Dailey & Vincent’s heroes, from their red, white and blue microphones—which pays homage to the legendary country quartet—to their many mentions of Jimmy Fortune. The band also played a medley of Statler Brother hits, such as “I’ll Go To My Grave Loving You” and “Flowers On The Wall.”

They were also excited to play the new Tennessee state song, “I’ll Leave My Heart in Tennessee,” written by Karen Staley.

Dailey & Vincent brought out iconic producer Paul Worley, who is producing their new country album, to play a song from it. They chose a bluegrass ditty, “Those Memories Of You,” and countrified it for their new project.

Worley wasn’t the only special guest. The pair also brought out Jeannie Seely to sing her Connie Smith-recorded “Senses.”

There are two shows left in the Bluegrass Nights At The Ryman series. The Steeldrivers with Troubadour Blue will take the historic stage on July 21, and Ricky Skaggs & Kentucky Thunder will close out this year’s series on July 28. For tickets, visit ryman.com.

‘Bobby Bones: Comedically Inspirational’ Adds New Nashville Dates

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The “Bobby Bones: Comedically Inspirational” show is returning to the CMA Theater for two new shows on Aug. 12-13. Eric Dodd and Steve Moakler will open the dates on Aug. 12 and Aug. 13, respectively.

The new shows follow the success of Bones’ two recent sold-out Nashville dates. Tickets for the CMA Theater dates are on sale now and can be purchased at cmatheater.com.

The announcement follows the successful launch of Bones’ new children’s book, Stanley The Dog: The First Day Of School. He is also gearing up for another TV venture as the host of USA Network’s new series Snake In The Grass, a show that will test the limits of participants as they complete challenges while aiming to figure out which person is the “snake” sabotaging the competition. The show premieres on Monday, Aug. 1.

Industry Ink: Kenny Chesney, Drew Baldridge, Presley & Taylor

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Kenny Chesney Invites ‘Knowing You’ Co-Writer Kat Higgins To Perform In Lake Tahoe

Kat Higgins with Kenny Chesney. Photo: Jill Trunnell

Last week in Lake Tahoe, Kenny Chesney brought “Knowing You” songwriter Kat Higgins out onstage at Harvey’s Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena for a special performance of the country entertainer’s 34th No. 1 country single.

Written by Higgins, Adam James and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James, “Knowing You” served as a special milestone for Higgins and James, who scored their first No. 1 with the track. Higgins, a Vancouver native, came to Nashville at age 19 after having success as an artist in Canada.

“It was an amazing thing to see,” Chesney shared. “It’s tough to walk out anywhere with just a guitar and put your heart out there, but Kat was so pure and just so true. She played that song we’ve all loved and believed in, and when she was done, she’d just destroyed the crowd.” He continued, “Country at its best is true, from the heart. ‘Knowing You’ is just that. Especially hearing Kat sing it by herself. She made the essence of the song really shine with all the magic that was that other person—or for me, in a way, all of No Shoes Nation during the wait. Because even when we’re not together, I know every single one of those people is out there making people feel more alive and enjoying everything about being alive.”

Chesney’s “Here And Now 2022” tour rolls into Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next weekend (July 23).

 

Drew Baldridge Announces The Big Baldridge & Bonfire Music Festival For October

Independent singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge has announced The Big Baldridge & Bonfire Music Festival, slated for Oct. 1 in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois.

Baldridge will headline this special event, performing new tunes and fan-favorites that helped propel him onto the country radio charts. Sponsored by Ariat, Landers Iron Saddle Ranch and Midwest Farm & Land Co., the show will also feature Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy 500, and Katie Hatch. Tickets for the event are on sale now.

“Having the opportunity to do small, intimate performances for my fans through the Baldridge & Bonfires Tour has been a highlight of my career so far,” Baldridge shares. “I can’t wait to emulate and expand on the foundation that those shows built with this large-scale event in my hometown where my passion for country music began.”

Baldridge’s current single, “Little Bit,” was released in May and offers a preview to his forthcoming full-length project. With over 130 million total catalog streams, he is also signed to Sony Music Publishing with over 500 songs under his belt, including major label cuts for other artists.

 

Presley & Taylor Make 3rd & Lindsley Debut, Celebrate One Million Single Streams

Pictured (L-R): Tim Wipperman, ONErpm Managing Director/Nashville; Presley & Taylor; Dewayne Brown, White Mustang Records. Photo: Krista Johnson

White Mustang Records duo Presley & Taylor made their first headline appearance at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley last week.

To further commemorate the special evening, the pair were surprised with the news that their single “Everybody Sees It” had earned one million streams. ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman and White Mustang’s Dewayne Brown were on hand for the celebration.

Kane Brown Announces New Album, ‘Different Man,’ For September

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Kane Brown

Kane Brown revealed news today he’ll be dropping his third studio album, Different Man, on Sept. 9. A new single from the project, “Grand,” is set for release this Friday (July 22).

The new project will feature 17 songs, including current top 5 hit  “Like I Love Country Music,” his co-produced track “Whiskey Sour,” the No. 1, “One Mississippi,” and “Leave You Alone.” The album will include twelve additional yet-to-be-revealed songs.

The RCA recording artist confirmed the news in a big way by partnering with CMT to become the first artist ever to reveal his official album cover on Paramount’s Times Square Billboard. The fan-selected album cover for Different Man was one of two options Brown released to fans last week on his Instagram, asking them to select their favorite option.

Brown kicks off his international “Drunk or Dreaming Tour” this fall, which will include his first dates to Australia and New Zealand, as well as his long-awaited return to Canada and Europe. The tour will kick off Sept. 17 in Melbourne, Australia.

Alana Springsteen Releases ‘History Of Breaking Up (Part Two)’

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Alana Springsteen at Virgin Hotel Rooftop Takeover Sponsored by White Claw. Photo: Anna Clary

Alana Springsteen has released the second installment of her independent EP, History Of Breaking Up (Part Two). The new project is available everywhere now.

Springsteen co-wrote all but one song on the project, as well as co-produced and played guitar on various tracks. History Of Breaking Up (Part Two) finds the 21-year-old documenting the varied dimensions of heartache.

Anchored by a title track co-written with Whakaio Taahi and Melissa Fuller, other writers on this collection include Sasha Alex Sloan, Chris LaCorte, Ryan Beaver, Jessie Jo Dillon, Geoff Warburton and more, plus her first outside cut by Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley and Rhett Akins.

“When I look back on where I was as I was writing the songs for History Of Breaking Up (Part One) and then look at where I am now, it’s all a little surreal,” Springsteen admits. “This project started out as a way for me to find some peace and healing through the heartbreak, but it’s given me so much more: I’ve found a community of the most amazing fans who’ve helped me—and each other—to feel a little less alone. If Part One set the bar for me, I truly believe Part Two raises it.”

Springsteen, who played the Pool Club Rooftop Bar at Virgin Hotels Nashville last week (July 13), has independently reached nearly 55 million career streams to date. She is busy on the road this summer with upcoming dates at the Faster Horses Music Festival (Ju;y 22) in Brooklyn, Michigan; the inaugural TidalWave Festival (Aug. 13) in Atlantic City; and a stop at Barnato in Omaha on Aug. 18.

History Of Breaking Up (Part Two) Track List:
1. “While You’re At It” (Alana Springsteen, Chris LaCorte, Josh Dorr) **
2. “Close To Me” (Alana Springsteen, Cameron Bedell, Ryan Beaver) *
3. “Me Myself and Why” (Alana Springsteen, Pete Good, Josh Jenkins) +
4. “Trust Issues” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, Jessie Jo Dillon, Nick Bailey) *
5. “You Are” (Alana Springsteen, Geoff Warburton, Will Weatherly) *
6. “That Was All You” (Alana Springsteen, Chris LaCorte, Emily Falvey) **
7. “New Number” (Ashley Gorley, Shane McAnally, Rhett Akins) *
8. “History of Breaking Up” (Alana Springsteen, Whakaio Taahi, Melissa Fuller) *
*Co-produced by Springsteen and Cameron Jaymes
**Produced by Chris LaCorte
+ Produced by Pete Good

Industry Ink: Breland, Warren Zeiders, CMA Foundation, SAE Institute

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Breland’s ‘Throw It Back’ Collaboration With Keith Urban Goes Gold

Breland

Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville recording artist Breland has earned a Gold certification for his collaboration with Keith Urban, “Throw It Back.”

Breland is slated to release his debut album, Cross Country, on Sept. 9. Recognized as a Breakthrough Artist by Amazon Music earlier this year, he recently launched BRECAP, his new show on Amp, the new live radio app from Amazon. There he discusses music, sports, culture, and more with friends each week.

The rising singer-songwriter has also been selected as the Opry NextStage artist for July. The program invests in the discovery of new artists and highlights one up-and-coming artist per month with featured original content, an Opry performance and support across the brand’s platforms.

 

Warren Zeiders Goes From TikTok Sensation To Gold Certification

Pictured (L-R):Aaron Bay-Schuck (Co-Chairman & CEO, Warner Records); Warren Zeiders; Charly Salvatore (Underscore Works Mgmt) and Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group Director of Artist Relations and Programming Strategy). Photo: Chris Hollo

Warner Records’ breakout country artist Warren Zeiders made his debut at the Grand Ole Opry this past Saturday (July 9).

To make the moment even sweeter, Zeiders was presented with a plaque for his RIAA Gold-certified single “Ride The Lightning,” signaling over 500,000 units sold. The singer-songwriter’s original, solo acoustic version of the track racked up over 657 million global views on TikTok alone before achieving this newest feat.

Zeiders, who recently inked a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, released his debut 717 Tapes EP in October 2021, and followed it with 717 Tapes, Vol. 2.

 

CMA Foundation Hosts State Of The Arts Session During Tennessee Arts Academy

Pictured (L-R): Falon Keith, Community Impact Manager; CMA Foundation, Tricia Williams; Program Director, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education, Tennessee Department of Education

The CMA Foundation, in partnership with Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation and the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE), hosted a session focused on the State of the Arts initiative this week during Tennessee Arts Academy.

The session, which took place on Monday (July 11), featured an in-depth discussion with Tricia Williams, Program Director, Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, around State of the Arts, a multi-phase initiative aimed to develop an understanding around the varying criteria necessary for establishing high-quality arts education programs. Todd Shipley, Director of Arts Education, TDOE, also spoke to the importance of the program to the TDOE and how districts can get involved.

“We are grateful to the Tennessee Arts Academy for providing so many Tennessee arts educators a week-long, intensive, content-specific professional learning experience,” says Shipley. “The department continues to be a strong partner in the State of the Arts program, and we thank the CMA Foundation and Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation for championing this continued work with the State of the Arts Study. This study is a free opportunity open to all Tennessee school districts that provides participating districts, local communities, and the state with data to identify the resources and support needed to make decisions and improve access to high-quality arts education experiences for all students.”

“As a longtime partner of the Tennessee Arts Academy, we are delighted to be able to share more information about State of the Arts with their participants,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “A thriving music and arts community starts within the four walls of a classroom. We know that when students find their creative voice through music and the arts, magic happens. While we are incredibly excited that this statewide music and arts assessment will provide a roadmap for students within Tennessee, we are also confident that the model we’re building can be used by other states across the country to foster exceptional music and arts programs.”

 

SAE Institute Nashville Partners With CMHOF For Youth Songwriting Camp

SAE Institute North America’s Nashville campus will be participating in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Youth Songwriting Camp. Taking place July 18-19, the campus will be hosting an event with the organization which offers budding songwriters the opportunity to hone their craft through professional instruction.

During the event, campus faculty and instructors will provide assistance to youth camp attendees with recording and mixing songs alongside session musicians, as well as one-on-one sessions, performance coaching, and more. Additional activities that will be taking place during the camp include instrument instruction, recording experiences, and workshops led by special guests.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Country Music Hall of Fame for this event,” says SAE Institute Nashville’s Director of Education, Ryan Griffin. “It’s a great opportunity to work together with some of the talent we have here in our community, and offer the expertise of our faculty who are pleased to extend their knowledge and passion with the future music professionals of tomorrow.”

Adam Doleac Sets Debut Album, ‘Barstool Whiskey Wonderland,’ For September

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Adam Doleac. Photo: Cal & Aly

Adam Doleac is releasing his debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland, on Sept. 30. A new track from the Arista Nashville project, “Girl In Love,” is available now.

Among the tracks on Barstool Whiskey Wonderland are SiriusXM The Highway No. 1s “Another” and “Famous,” and 11 new songs. Doleac co-wrote the tracks on the album aside from his collaboration with Danielle Bradbery, “Fake Love,” which was penned by Hardy, Ryan Hurd, Maren Morris and Jordan Schmidt.

“I couldn’t be more excited to start the roll out of my debut album, Barstool Whiskey Wonderland,” Doleac shares. “So much hard work and time and life has gone into making it. More than anything, I wanted it to sound like me. I tried to create my own little world, or ‘wonderland’ I should say, and I think I did that. Barstool Whiskey Wonderland is 18 songs, full of my favorite lyrics, titles, and most importantly, my favorite emotions. I hope you listen to it top to bottom, and then I hope you do it again.”

Barstool Whiskey Wonderland Track List:
1. Don’t It Sound Alright (Adam Doleac/Josh Jenkins/Chris La Corte)
2. Where Country Music Comes From (Adam Doleac/Eric Arjes/Chris Gelbuda)
3. Barstool Whiskey Wonderland (Adam Doleac/Lindsay Rimes/Jonathan Singleton)
4. Drinkin’ It Wrong (Adam Doleac/Cary Barlowe/Jordan Schmidt)
5. Close That Tab (Adam Doleac/Zach Abend/Derrick Southerland)
6. Til Dawn Do Us Part (Adam Doleac/Rian Ball/Ben Caver)
7. Fake Love feat. Danielle Bradbery (Hardy/Ryan Hurd/Maren Morris/Jordan Schmidt)
8. Fast Asleep (Adam Doleac/Jon Nite/Jordan Schmidt)
9. Another (Adam Doleac/Kyle Jacobs/Trannie Anderson)
10. Girl in Love (Adam Doleac/Jared Keim/Derrick Southerland)
11. Hey Drink (Adam Doleac/Paul DiGiovanni/John Pierce)
12. Way Over You (Adam Doleac/Michael Carlisle/Frank Legeay)
13. Holy Jeans (Adam Doleac/Ben Simonetti/Fred Wilhelm)
14. Somewhere Cool with You (Adam Doleac/Josh Jenkins/Matt Jenkins/Jared Keim
15. What Kinda Night (Adam Doleac/Chris DeStefano/Josh Osborne)
16. Coulda Loved You Longer (Adam Doleac/Casey Brown/Jesse Lee Levin)
17. Neon Fools (Adam Doleac/Thomas Finchum/Andy Skib)
18. Famous (Adam Doleac/Bobby Hamrick/Andy Skib)

Lewis Brisbois Adds Two Attorneys To Entertainment Law Practice

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Matt Cottingham & Austin Wells

Lewis Brisbois has added entertainment attorneys Matt Cottingham and Austin Wells to its Nashville office as partner and associate, respectively, in the firm’s Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice.

The duo joins Lewis Brisbois from a boutique entertainment law firm and bring with them extensive experience, as well as several high-profile clients, including Brittney Spencer, Lily Rose, Ashley Cooke, Chris LaCorte, and Matt Roy.

“We are especially pleased that Matt and Austin have joined our Nashville team and look forward to their leadership on a national level,” notes Entertainment, Media & Sports Practice Chair Steven C. Beer. “They bring to Lewis Brisbois specialized experience that will significantly benefit our clients, particularly in the music area, and we look forward to collaborating with them.”

A 2022 Billboard Top Music Lawyer with more than a decade of experience in the entertainment, intellectual property and business law space, Cottingham regularly advises artists, songwriters, producers, indie publishers, new media companies, and independent labels. He earned his law degree from The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Middle Tennessee State University.

“This was an opportunity to get in on the ground floor and to help build the Nashville office, while coordinating with the other entertainment lawyers in New York, Atlanta, and Los Angeles” shares Cottingham. “I am looking forward to being at a powerhouse firm with a variety of different practice groups and working with those teams to access whatever firm resources we need for our clients.”

Wells represents a diverse group of creators, entertainers, musicians, and entrepreneurs in transactions including recording, publishing, and production agreements. He earned his law degree from the Belmont University College of Law, where he obtained a certificate in Entertainment and Sports Law, and his undergraduate degree from Davidson College, where he played Division I football.

“This is an opportunity for me to follow a mentor of mine and help build something unique in the Nashville music space,” adds Wells.

Chart Action: Urban, Aldean Debut On MusicRow Radio Chart

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Keith Urban and Jason Aldean impact the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.

Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby” landed at No. 61 earning 20 new station adds and accumulating +250 spins. The single, written by Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen, received its debut on the opening night of Urban’s “The Speed Of Now World Tour.”

“So we’ve been working on some new music that’s gonna be coming out very soon,” Urban said before performing the song, “and we thought we might lay this one on you.”

Aldean received +148 spins from 12 stations this week, putting him at No. 80. “That’s What Tequila Does” was written by Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan.

“We had a chance to play this song at CMA Fest a couple weeks ago and the crowd’s reaction helped solidify this as the next single,” Aldean notes. “I’m looking forward to kicking things off on the road next week and I feel like this song is going to have a big moment during our set. I can’t wait to see what the fans think of it.”

For more chart data, click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Jensen Gahagan Sessums Joins Bob Doyle & Associates

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Jensen Gahagan Sessums

Marketing and management consultant Jensen Gahagan Sessums has joined Bob Doyle & Associates.

Gahagan Sessums is known for her work in the music, healthcare and non-profit sectors. She serves on the boards of The Boys & Girls Club of Middle Tennessee and the Austin Hatcher Foundation for Pediatric Cancer, among others, for whom she has helped raise over $20 million over the past few years.

Along with Mike Doyle, Gahagan Sessums will serve as co-manager for up-and-coming singer-songwriter Julia Cole, whose Whole ‘Nother Margarita EP was released today (July 15) ahead of her Grand Ole Opry debut this weekend. She will also lend her experience to the artist roll-out for 24-year old songwriter Zach Top, whose ’90s-country sound has earned him an invitation for his own debut on the Opry stage on July 27.

Bob Doyle & Associates is the longtime management firm for Garth Brooks and recently celebrated 30 years of success on Music Row. BD&A also encompasses Major Bob Music, a publishing division whose writers include Brooks, Andy Sheridan, Colin Healy, Ben Williams, Top, and Larry Bastian. Major Bob’s roster of hits over the years include “If Tomorrow Never Comes” (Brooks), “Fly Over States” (Jason Aldean), “American Honey” (Lady A), “Crash and Burn” (Thomas Rhett), “Best Shot” (Jimmie Allen), “Done.”” (The Band Perry), “Where It’s At” (Dustin Lynch), “I Like The Sound Of That” (Rascal Flatts), and “It Don’t Hurt Like It Used To” (Billy Currington).