‘Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon’ To Make Theater Debut In December

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Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon will be shown in theaters for a limited run from Dec. 5-7. Tickets for the screenings are on sale now.

Presented by Fathom Events, Kingdom Story Company, WTA Media, and Harvest Ministries with Greg Laurie, the documentary was created from over 100 tapes that have never been heard outside of the Cash family. Originally recorded for Cash’s autobiography, the tapes were provided with the blessings and involvement from John Carter Cash, the only child of Cash and June Carter Cash, and his sister Joanne Cash.

“I think of all the documentaries made about my dad, he’d be most excited about this one,” says John Carter Cash.

The film recounts a critical period in Cash’s life and career during the time of his most famous album Man In Black, while the legend was stuck in a cycle of depression and drug addiction. The road to redemption for the icon and his return to an unshakeable faith that would influence some of his most famous songs like “The Man Comes Around,” are the core focus of the film.

The film also features guest appearances by John Carter Cash, Sheryl Crow, Tim McGraw, Marty Stuart, Wynonna Judd, Jimmie Allen, Alice Cooper, Franklin Graham, Joanne Cash Yates, Greg Laurie, and many others.

”Johnny Cash is an American icon who undoubtedly shaped the musical landscape. Behind the fame is the true story of a man who was haunted by his own inner demons, and through facing them, ultimately found an unshakable faith in God,” notes producer Jon Erwin. “At Kingdom Story Company, we strive to bring inspiring true stories to screen. Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon is one such story. We’re excited to share it with you in theaters this December.”

“Here’s the great contradiction–who could be friends with Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Billy Graham all at the same time? The answer, Johnny Cash,” explains Laurie, who is also the author of a recent spiritual biography of Johnny Cash, and released Steve McQueen: American Icon in 2017. “He was a contradiction at times, but he had a deep faith that he always returned to.”

Industry Ink: Garth Brooks, Lauren Alaina, Frank Ray, ELLA Program

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Garth Brooks Adds Two Thunder Ridge Dates In Honor Of Bass Pro’s 50th Anniversary

Garth Brooks. Photo: Becky Fluke

Bass Pro Shop will ring in its 50th anniversary with three shows from Garth Brooks.

Originally slated for one night, the country superstar will now take over Sept. 30, Oct. 1, and Oct. 2 at the newly expanded Thunder Ridge Nature Arena at Bass Pro Shops Big Cedar Lodge in the Ozarks of Missouri.

“This was for Ben Farrell, he was with us this morning,” Brooks shares after news broke earlier this week that his longtime tour promoter had passed. “I couldn’t be happier for Johhny Morris [CEO of Bass Pro Shops], his story is truly the American tale. I love him.”

 

Lauren Alaina, Maurices Partner For Fall & Holiday T-Shirt Collections

Lauren Alaina. Photo: Robby Klein

Maurices has partnered with its first-ever celebrity brand ambassador, Lauren Alaina, for an exclusive t-shirt collection. The collection is available for purchase now across its stores and online.

A multi-Platinum-selling entertainer, Alaina co-designed the collection which will feature styles for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons. The fall collection will include shirts donning puns and lyrics made famous by Alaina, while two additional tees will be made available for the holiday season.

“Lauren has been a great partner and brand ambassador, and we had a lot of fun collaborating on this t-shirt collection,” notes Laura Sieger, Chief Marketing Officer. “She had a lot of great ideas and we brought forth consumer insight to guide our final designs. We are excited to see the response from her biggest fans and our loyal customers.”

“I am a good pair of jeans and t-shirt type of southern girl at heart,” Alaina adds. “I love casual comfort with a fashionable twist, which is why I’m so excited to launch my first-ever exclusive t-shirt collection with Maurices for the upcoming fall and holiday seasons! This collaboration with Maurices has allowed me to express myself in a whole new way for my fans. The designs are a true reflection of my personality and love of sassy puns. Make sure to shop the collection just in time for fall!”

 

Frank Ray Gives Back In New Mexico & Texas Communities Following His Album Release

Frank Ray visits O’Shea Elementary School in El Paso, Texas.

Following the release of his label debut Getcha Some, BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records’ Frank Ray was off visiting police departments and schools throughout New Mexico and Texas last week. Along the way, he donated school supplies and Bose S1 Pro Portable Bluetooth speaker systems in partnership with Bose.

Visiting Picacho Middle School in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Columbus Elementary School in Columbus, New Mexico and O’Shea Elementary School in El Paso, Texas, Ray gave special acoustic performances and shared his journey of growing up in New Mexico, becoming a police officer for ten years, and eventually following his dream of becoming a country music artist.

Ray also visited the Las Cruces Police Department, where he was an officer prior to turning in his badge for his guitar.

 

ELLA Celebrates Inaugural Songwriting Class

Pictured (L-R): Brenda Coulter (TLACC Board Member, Songwriter), Diane Janbakhsh (Owner, Plaza Mariachi, Founder and Exec Dir. Hispanic Family Foundation), songwriters Marta Albarracin, Pat Alger, Marcela Pinilla Eicher, Rosa Rodriguez and Rachel Rodriguez. Not pictured, Jessie Garcia Knowles, Executive Director, TLACC and ELLA. Photo: Jackie Marushka, TLACC Board Member

Entrepreneur Latina Leaders of America (ELLA), the Tennessee Latin American Chamber of Commerce’s partner program, celebrated its inaugural Songwriting Class this week with a gathering at Plaza Mariachi.

Pat Alger, an ASCAP Songwriter of the Year, NSAI Songwriter of the Year and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member (“Unanswered Prayers,” “Small Town Saturday Night”) began mentoring five Latina singer-songwriters last August.

“It started when my friend Jimmy Wayne recommended I participate in a songwriting session. Once we began, we just kept going. Over the past 12 months, I’ve grown to consider these creative ladies not only incredible talents, but also, friends,” Alger explains.

Jessie Garcia Knowles, ELLA’s Executive Director, shares, “When our TLACC board member Jackie Marushka came to me with this idea, I knew it had to be part of our ELLA program. ELLA invests in Latina entrepreneurs and we hadn’t ever approached supporting our artist community with a class directed toward music or songwriting. Jackie connected the dots, via Jimmy Wayne, to Pat Alger, and what we thought would be a one-hour mentoring session turned into a year of master classes with Pat. We are incredibly grateful to him for investing in our songwriters, our community with such a gracious heart. We love you, Pat!”

Lone Star Mainstay Pat Green Returns With ‘Miles And Miles Of You’

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Pat Green. Photo: Jimmy Burch

Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Pat Green has released his first new album since 2015, Miles And Miles Of You, available everywhere now.

Produced by Dwight A. Baker, the 10 new tracks mix Green’s poetic flair with organic instrumentation as he explores life, love and beyond. The album includes the tribute to long-lasting love, “Steady,” the romantic “Build You A Bar,” “All In This Together” (featuring Abby Anderson), and the project’s expansive title track. Green dropped “If It Don’t Have A Honky Tonk” in July, which is already in the top 30 at Texas Regional Radio and climbing.

Along with the new project, the native Texan has unveiled his mini-doc series, The Miles and Miles of Pat Green. Taking viewers on a journey through his Lone Star home state, Green shares the stories, people, and music that made him. The full mini-doc is available to watch now.

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Drew Baldridge’s New Album ‘Country Born’ On Deck For September

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Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

Drew Baldridge is gearing up for the upcoming release of his sophomore album, Country Born, on Sept. 30.

Releasing on Patoka Records in partnership with Riser House, Country Born features nine new tracks in addition to his summer release “Little Bit” and a special reimagined version of his viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter.”

“First,” a brand-new track from the project written by Baldridge with Lydia Vaughan and Jordan Dozzi, is available now. The inspiration for “First” came out of a conversation that Drew had with his wife, Katie, where he expressed his hope that he goes first because he doesn’t want to live life without her.

“I am so excited to pay homage to my small-town roots through Country Born,” shares Baldridge. “This collection of songs encapsulates who I am and how my upbringing shaped me into the person I am today.”

With over 130 million total catalog streams, Baldridge has carved his own independent path. Prior to “Little Bit,” he released six songs in the last 18 months, all of which he co-wrote. His viral hit “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” has amassed over 235 million TikTok impressions and has been streamed over 60 million times.

The new album announcement comes as Baldridge gears up for his “The BIG Baldridge and Bonfire Music Festival” in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois on Oct. 1. The one-day only outdoor festival is the culmination of over 200 “Baldridge and Bonfires Tour” stops over the last two years. He will headline this special event and perform never-before-heard tunes as well as fan-favorites along with other acts on the lineup including Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy 500 and Katie Hatch.

Country Born Track Listing:
1. Imma (•*Drew Baldridge, Trannie Anderson, Paul Sikes)
2. Mom and Them (*Josh Thompson, Jameson Rodgers, Will Bundy)
3. Lost in Love (featuring Harper Grace) (+*Drew Baldridge, Harper Grace, Kyle Schlienger)
4. Legacy (*Drew Baldridge, Jeb Gipson)
5. She Does (^*Drew Baldridge, Andy Sheridan, Josh London)
6. Country Born (^*Drew Baldridge, Andy Sheridan, Josh London)
7. First (*Drew Baldridge, Lydia Vaughan, Jordan Dozzi)
8. Dudn’t It (:*Drew Baldridge, Allison Veltz, Seth Mosley)
9. It Ain’t Up To Me (*Adam James, Jordan Dozzi, Jimi Bell)
10. Little Bit (=*Drew Baldridge, Matt McKinney, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams)
11. She’s Somebody’s Daughter (reimagined) (*Drew Baldridge, Cameron Jaymes, Jimmy Yeary)

*songwriting credits
produced by Nick Schwarz
^produced by Andy Sheridan
•produced by Paul Sikes
:produced by Seth Mosley
+produced by Kyle Schlienger
= produced by Chris DeStefano

Steve Wariner & David Malloy Earn BMI Million-Air Awards

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Pictured (L-R, top row): BMI’s Shannon Sanders and Michael Collins; (L-R, middle row): BMI’s LuAnn Davidson, Leslie Roberts and Josh Tomlinson with Sam Severs and Ryan Wariner; (L-R, bottom row): Kathy Anderson, Melody Malloy, David Malloy, BMI’s Clay Bradley and Nancy Moore, Steve Wariner, BMI’s Mason Hunter and Matilda Severs and Caryn Wariner

Earlier this week, BMI celebrated legendary songwriters and soon-to-be-inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, Steve Wariner and David Malloy.

The PRO presented the two tunesmiths with its signature Million-Air awards, which commemorate songs reaching one million plays. Collectively, Wariner and Malloy total more than 43 million broadcast performances.

Malloy’s songs that received awards included: “Love Will Turn You Around” (3 million), “Drivin’ My Life Away” (5 million), “Gone Too Far” (1 million), “You Can’t Run From Love” (2 million), “Real Love” (1 million), “I Love A Rainy Night” (6 million), “Suspicions” (3 million), “Someone Could Lose A Heart Tonight” (2 million), and “Step By Step” (3 million).

Wariner’s songs that received awards included: “Been There” (1 million), “Holes In The Floor Of Heaven” (2 million), “I Got Dreams” (2 million), “I’m Already Taken” (1 million), “I Should Be With You” (1 million), “Longneck Bottle” (1 million), “Nothin’ But The Taillights” (4 million), “Two Teardrops” (1 million), “Where Did I Go Wrong” (1 million), “Where The Blacktop Ends” (2 million), and “You Can Dream Of Me” (1 million).

Chart Action: Blake Shelton Impacts Country Radio

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Blake Shelton‘s latest release, “No Body,” impacts country radio this week, raking in 176 new station adds across the Billboard, Mediabase and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio charts. He debuts at No. 25, No. 33 and No. 49, respectively.

“I get excited and feel like a kid every time we release new music,” Shelton notes. “But this song in particular takes me back to the ‘90s when I was in high school and first moved to Nashville, because it feels like what the music sounded like at that time.”

Written by Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, the tune tells the story of a guy who doesn’t want to be with “No Body” but the person he’s with. “The hook confused me the first time I heard it–I’m hoping it’s the same way for everyone else so they have to listen to it a bunch of times to figure it out!” laughs Shelton.

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Shelton, who is celebrating his 12th year as a Grand Ole Opry member, will also return to the Opry stage on Saturday, Sept. 10.

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

In This Issue: MusicRow Awards Issue Features ’90s Country, Post-Pandemic Anxiety, More

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MusicRow Magazine, Nashville’s leading music industry publication, released its 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue earlier this week with Capitol Records Nashville’s Jon Pardi gracing the cover.

The print magazine highlights this year’s MusicRow Awards nominees in a range of categories. Presented by City National Bank, the winners for the 34th annual MusicRow Awards will be announced virtually among multiple MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022. This print issue also honors the Top 10 Album All-Star Musicians Awards, which will also be announced on Aug. 30, recognizing the studio players who played on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Country Albums Chart during the eligibility period.

The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also includes a look at the resurgence of popularity for ’90s country, tapping industry veterans Cris Lacy and Kerri Edwards to analyze this trend.

“It’s the cycle of music,” Lacy tells MusicRow regarding the surge of popularity for ’90s country. “It’s the music that millennials and Gen Z heard their parents listening to. I lean into things that my folks listened to when I was a kid, so I think that’s a piece of it.”

She adds, “I also think ’90s music was really fun. If you look at The Chicks, Faith Hill, George Strait, Alan Jackson, Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, Joe Diffie and Shania Twain, there was a lot of fun music. It was positive and uplifting. There were certainly meaningful songs, but there were also songs that felt light and carefree. I think we all need that right now. Those two things are converging—the state of the world for the last couple years and the age of younger listeners and what they grew up on.”

Also featured in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is a deep dive into the recent changing of the guard in Music City’s major label publicity departments, as Meg Kehoe takes over for Allen Brown at Sony Music Nashville and Fount Lynch assumes Wes Vause’s former position at Warner Music Nashville. Both Kehoe and Lynch detail their career journeys to this point and discuss their goals for their new positions.

Elsewhere, MusicRow hears from Onsite Entertainment’s Debbie Carroll to discuss the mental and emotional health challenges that have arisen due to the pandemic, and how we as an industry can move on. Onsite is an international leader in the emotional and mental wellness space. This spring the organization launched Onsite Entertainment, an innovative new division explicitly curated to meet the growing needs of the entertainment industry, tapping Carroll to lead the division.

“The pandemic has taken a toll on all of our mental health, so it’s important for everybody to acknowledge that and to normalize it a little,” Carroll shares.

The 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue also features a discussion on the ins and outs of the life of a business manager with FBMM’s Duane Clark. As President & COO of FBMM’s Nashville firm, Clark’s roster of clients includes top recording and touring artists.

In the article, Clark tells MusicRow how he got his start, details his journey with FBMM, and speaks about his philanthropy efforts that recently secured him an ACM Award.

He shares, “It’s a blessing to get to wake up every morning and do what you really are passionate about. I can come in and do what I really love doing and hopefully help guide some folks to their dreams.”

Also included in the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue is an informative roundup of all the awards applicable to the Nashville music industry.

Single copies of the 2022 MusicRow Awards print issue are available for purchase at musicrow.com for $20, and are included with yearly MusicRow subscriptions.

The War And Treaty Unleash Major Label Debut Single

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Newly-signed Mercury Nashville duo The War And Treaty have made their major label debut with their new single, “That’s How Love Is Made,” available everywhere now.

Exploring what true partnership means, the husband-and-wife duo of Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter co-wrote the soaring ballad with Dave Barnes. The track marks the first taste of their upcoming album, produced by Grammy award-winner Dave Cobb.

“I can’t believe the day has come and we finally get to let the world in on the secret that is, ‘That’s How Love Is Made’ and we hope folks connect to it as much as we have,” Michael says. “My prayer is that so much love is created through this song that eventually hate is drowned out. Let love be as creative as it wants in our friendships, in our business partnerships, in our neighborhood, and never put the chains on her…for she is meant to be free.”

“My palms are sweaty, my knees are shaking and I’m going crazy all because of the love we put into creating this song,” Tanya adds. “Now that it’s being released, I’ve moved from tongue clamping to nail biting. Needless to say, I’m excited.”

Founded in 2014, The War And Treaty fuse country, soul, gospel, rock ‘n’ roll and more, and have been named the International Folk Music Awards 2021 Artist of the Year. The duo has spent 2022 entertaining crowds across North America, Europe, Italy, Australia, Ireland and more, opening for artists such as Al Green, Willie Nelson, Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, John Legend and Lauren Daigle.

They will launch their headlining “Hearts on Fire Tour” beginning Sept. 7 at Atlanta’s Terminal West. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

Everette Offers A Glimpse Into 16 Years Of Friendship On Upcoming Project

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Everette. Photo: Robby Klein

Everette, the duo composed of Brent Rupard and Anthony Olympia, will release their new album Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot: Side B on Oct. 7. They’re giving fans a sneak peek of what’s to come with two new tracks, “Make Me Want One” and Run,” available everywhere now.

Produced by Luke Laird and Ben Phillips, the new album includes tracks like “Woo Hoo Hoo,” which is all about looking on the brighter side of life, and “Shunk As Drit” a how-to-guide for living your last day on Earth. The duo co-wrote all eight tracks, diving into romance on “Run,” “Make Me Want One” and “She Got That From Me,” while “Wild Woman” and “Get By” blast their signature sound.

“From beginning to end of Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking Lot: Side B, we explore every shade of us stylistically and lyrically,” the duo share. “These songs relive the stories from our 16 years of friendship and musical partnership that made Everette. We feel like the world can use a little off-the-wall crazy to escape every now and then, and we’d love to take you there and back again.”

The duo will be heading out on the road with Cadillac 3 this fall.

Kings of the Dairy Queen Parking: Side B Track List:
1. “Run” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Ross Copperman)*
2. “Woo Hoo Hoo” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
3. “Gonna Be A Problem” (Brent Rupard, Anthony Olympia, Harold Ryan Tyndell, Bryan Simpson)^
4. “She Got That From Me” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Bryan Simpson)*
5. “Wild Woman” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
6. “Shunk As Drit” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Aaron Raitiere)*
7. “Make Me Want One” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Chris DuBois)*
8. “Get By” (Anthony Olympia, Brent Rupard, Matt Jenkins)*
*Produced by Luke Laird
^ Produced by Ben Phillips

‘The Voice’ Finalist Ian Flanigan To Release Debut Album In September

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The Voice Season 19 finalist Ian Flanigan will release his upcoming debut album Strong on Sept. 2. As part of the album release, fans can order the album digitally, as well as purchase a limited edition vinyl here.

Flanigan has already given fans a taste of the new project with singles “Under A Southern Sky,” “Last Name On It,” and  “Grow Up” featuring Blake Shelton, which has racked up millions of streams so far.

“For me, strength has always come from the support of the folks I hold dear,” shares Flanigan. “I made this record to feel like stepping out of the loud and busy world after a hard day’s work, taking off your boots and having a seat with my loving family in the living room. My family would love for you to be our guest to enjoy this ride with us.”

Flanigan recently made his debut CMA Fest performance on the Maui Jim Reverb Stage, and has been traveling the country performing, as well as traveling on an extensive radio tour.