Jerry Ivan Allison, the last survivor of the seminal rock ’n’ roll band, The Crickets, has died at age 82.
Known as “J.I.,” he co-wrote classic songs with the band’s leader, Buddy Holly (1936-1959). Both Holly and The Crickets are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The Holly/Allison copyrights include “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day.”
The group was formed in Lubbock, Texas in 1957. Holly sang and played lead guitar. Allison was the drummer. Joe B. Mauldin (1940-2015) played bass. Niki Sullivan (1937-2004) was on rhythm guitar. Sullivan soon dropped out, leaving the band as a three piece with Holly, Allison and Mauldin.
Born in 1939, Allison had been performing with Holly informally for several years before the group’s official formation. So had their boyhood friends Bob Montgomery and Sonny Curtis. Curtis recorded some pre-Crickets songs with Holly in Nashville in 1956.
The Crickets’ first recording sessions were held in Clovis, New Mexico with producer Norman Petty. From them came the band’s first hit, 1957’s “That’ll Be the Day.” This Holly/Allison song was memorably revived by Linda Ronstadt in 1976.
Sometimes billed as The Crickets and sometimes billed as Buddy Holly, the group placed 11 titles on the pop charts between 1957 and 1959. Among those songs were the Holly/Allison co-written “Think It Over” and “Peggy Sue.” The latter was named for Allison’s girlfriend and later wife, and was propelled by his relentless drumming.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957 (top to bottom: Allison, Holly and Mauldin)
Holly and Allison also co-wrote “Well All Right,” “Look at Me,” “Tell Me How” and “Early in the Morning.” The sides billed as by The Crickets were on Brunswick Records and tended to be more rock-oriented. The sides billed as by Buddy Holly were on Coral Records and leaned toward more pop in style.
Allison also recorded solo works. In 1958, he issued “Real Wild Child” billed as Ivan. It charted for five weeks, reaching No. 68. The song later became a rock classic, recorded by Iggy Pop, among others.
After Holly’s death in a 1959 plane crash (“The Day the Music Died”), Allison continued to lead The Crickets. The core of the group became Allison, Mauldin and Curtis, with various other members coming and going over the next four decades.
The Allison/Curtis composition “More Than I Can Say” was an early non-Holly Crickets favorite. Bobby Vee made it a hit in 1961, and it was revived via a 1980 hit single for Leo Sayer. Another of the band’s tunes was “I Fought the Law,” penned by Curtis. The post-Holly Crickets first charted in late 1961 with Allison’s song “He’s Old Enough to Know Better.”
The band moved from Texas to Los Angeles, signed with Liberty Records and toured with The Everly Brothers. The band became the label’s go-to session musicians, backing Eddie Cochran, Bobby Lee and Johnny Burnette. Allison also memorably drummed behind the Everlys on “Til I Kissed You.” Curtis established a solo career as a singer-songwriter while also performing as a Cricket.
In 1963, the Crickets hit the UK top 40 with “My Little Girl” and “Don’t Try to Change Me.” In 1964, the band issued “California Sun” as its contribution to the surf-rock genre. During this era, the young British musicians in The Beatles named themselves partly in homage to The Crickets.
In 1970, Allison and Curtis recorded as backing vocalists on Eric Claipton’s debut solo album. In 1972, Allison played drums on Johnny Rivers’ L.A. Reggae album. In 1976, he played on J.J. Cale’s album Troubadour. With varying personnel, The Crickets recorded throughout the 1970s,
The Crickets toured with Waylon Jennings for five years beginning in the late 1970s. This is also when the band relocated to Nashville.
In 1988, Paul McCartney produced and played piano on the band’s recording of “T-Shirt.” In the 1990s, The Crickets toured and recorded with “folkabilly” star Nanci Griffith.
The band released The Crickets and Their Buddies in 2004. The album featured collaborations with Griffith, Clapton, Jennings, John Prine, Graham Nash, Rodney Crowell and Bobby Vee, among others.
In 2007, Allison was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville. In 2012, Allsion and The Crickets were placed into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, as a belated recognition for their oversight when Holly was inducted in 1986.
The group’s final performance was on Feb. 6, 2016 at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This was the site of Holly’s last performance in 1959.
J.I. Allison died in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 22. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Carlee Ann Vaughn, Wife Of Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Passes Away
/by LB CantrellCarlee Ann Vaughn
Warner Chappell Nashville President & CEO Ben Vaughn is mourning the loss of his wife, Carlee Ann Vaughn. Carlee passed away on Tuesday (Aug. 23) following a 15-year battle with brain cancer. She was 45.
Carlee was born in Birmingham, Alabama and raised in Culpeper, Virginia. She moved to Nashville in 1994 to attend Belmont University, where she met her husband Ben. The two got engaged on the University’s campus and married on May 30, 1998.
Carlee supported Ben’s successful career as a longtime music executive in Nashville, including time at EMI Music Publishing and now at Warner Chappell. According to those that know her, Carlee’s greatest calling in life was being a mother to her three children: Ruby Elisabeth, age 19, Griffin Charles, age 17, and Ezekiel Earl, age 12. When the children were younger, she wrote and sang each of them a lullaby. They always assumed it was a classic children’s song, but later found out that their mother had written it for them.
Carlee Ann Vaughn loved music, spending time with her two boys, and baking with her daughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that gifts be made to the Carlee Vaughn Brain Tumor Research fund in hopes that others can be helped in their journey. To make a memorial, please send a check made payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P. O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37229
Please include a note with the check or indicate on the memo line that the gift is made in memory of Carlee Vaughn.
Gifts can also be made online at vanderbilthealth.org/giving. Please select the checkbox next to “Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone.”
Miranda Lambert Joins Morgan Wallen As Headliner For Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughMiranda Lambert joins previously announced superstar Morgan Wallen as a headliner of the 11th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, running June 1-4 in Panama City Beach.
The Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam is the largest music event in the southeast, and in 2021 added an extra day of festivities to commemorate the festival’s 10-year anniversary. The fourth day was such a hit, the additional day is now a permanent part of the schedule. Tickets for next year’s festival are currently available at GulfCoastJam.com.
“Miranda headlined one of our very first Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam festivals, and we’ve been working like crazy to get her back ever since,” shares Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “She is an entertainer who leaves it all on the stage every time she performs, and we’re excited to add her to our amazing 2023 lineup.”
“Sky Boxes, Side Stage and Super VIP are already sold out for 2023, and we’ve only announced two-of-our-four headliners,” adds Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “We’re encouraging Jammers to purchase passes and book accommodations soon, because this is going to be an incredible weekend of music!”
New ‘Bakersfield Gold’ Compilation Album Celebrates Buck Owens’ Biggest Hits
/by Lydia FarthingBuck Owens was one of the best-selling artists of the 1960s, accumulating numerous top 10 hits and 19 No. 1s. To celebrate Owens’ career, Omnivore Recordings has compiled many of these hit songs on Bakersfield Gold: Top 10 Hits 1959–1974. A collection of 46 tracks, the record will be available as a double-CD, triple-LP, and digital release beginning Sept. 9.
Featuring new liner notes from Grammy-nominee and author of Buck ‘Em: The Autobiography Of Buck Owens, Randy Poe, this is the first collection to compile Owens’ top 10 hits on vinyl, with a limited edition gold vinyl version for independent retail.
Omnivore will also offer original, sealed Japanese Buck Owens CDs, including copies of the Buck Owens Original Collection released in Japan in 1991. These CDs include 10 early titles: I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail, Buck Owens Sings Harlan Howard, You’re For Me, Buck Owens Sings Tommy Collins, I Don’t Care, Under Your Spell Again, On The Bandstand, Together Again / My Heart Skips A Beat, and Before You Go / No One But You.
For more information or to pre-order Bakersfield Gold: Top 10 Hits 1959–1974, click here.
Disc 1:
Under Your Spell Again
Above And Beyond
Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)
Foolin’ Around
Loose Talk – Buck Owens & Rose Maddox
Mental Cruelty – Buck Owens & Rose Maddox
Under The Influence Of Love
Kickin’ Our Hearts Around
You’re For Me
Act Naturally
Love’s Gonna Live Here
My Heart Skips A Beat
Together Again
I Don’t Care (Just As Long As You Love Me)
I’ve Got A Tiger By The Tail
Before You Go
Only You (Can Break My Heart)
Gonna Have Love
Buckaroo
Waitin’ In Your Welfare Line
Think Of Me
Open Up Your Heart
Where Does The Good Times Go
Sam’s Place
Disc 2:
Your Tender Loving Care
It Takes People Like You (To Make People Like Me)
How Long Will My Baby Be Gone
Sweet Rosie Jones
Let The World Keep On A Turnin’ – Buck Owens & Buddy Alan
I’ve Got You On My Mind Again
Who’s Gonna Mow Your Grass
Johnny B. Goode
Tall Dark Stranger
Big In Vegas
The Kansas City Song
The Great White Horse – Buck Owens & Susan Raye
I Wouldn’t Live In New York City (If They Gave Me The Whole Dang Town)
Bridge Over Troubled Water
Ruby (Are You Mad)
Rollin’ In My Sweet Baby’s Arms
I’ll Still Be Waiting For You
Made In Japan
Big Game Hunter
On The Cover Of The Music City News
(It’s A) Monsters’ Holiday
Great Expectations
Crickets Bandmember J.I. Allison Passes
/by Robert K OermannJerry Ivan Allison, the last survivor of the seminal rock ’n’ roll band, The Crickets, has died at age 82.
Known as “J.I.,” he co-wrote classic songs with the band’s leader, Buddy Holly (1936-1959). Both Holly and The Crickets are in the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The Holly/Allison copyrights include “Peggy Sue” and “That’ll Be the Day.”
The group was formed in Lubbock, Texas in 1957. Holly sang and played lead guitar. Allison was the drummer. Joe B. Mauldin (1940-2015) played bass. Niki Sullivan (1937-2004) was on rhythm guitar. Sullivan soon dropped out, leaving the band as a three piece with Holly, Allison and Mauldin.
Born in 1939, Allison had been performing with Holly informally for several years before the group’s official formation. So had their boyhood friends Bob Montgomery and Sonny Curtis. Curtis recorded some pre-Crickets songs with Holly in Nashville in 1956.
The Crickets’ first recording sessions were held in Clovis, New Mexico with producer Norman Petty. From them came the band’s first hit, 1957’s “That’ll Be the Day.” This Holly/Allison song was memorably revived by Linda Ronstadt in 1976.
Sometimes billed as The Crickets and sometimes billed as Buddy Holly, the group placed 11 titles on the pop charts between 1957 and 1959. Among those songs were the Holly/Allison co-written “Think It Over” and “Peggy Sue.” The latter was named for Allison’s girlfriend and later wife, and was propelled by his relentless drumming.
Buddy Holly and The Crickets in 1957 (top to bottom: Allison, Holly and Mauldin)
Holly and Allison also co-wrote “Well All Right,” “Look at Me,” “Tell Me How” and “Early in the Morning.” The sides billed as by The Crickets were on Brunswick Records and tended to be more rock-oriented. The sides billed as by Buddy Holly were on Coral Records and leaned toward more pop in style.
Allison also recorded solo works. In 1958, he issued “Real Wild Child” billed as Ivan. It charted for five weeks, reaching No. 68. The song later became a rock classic, recorded by Iggy Pop, among others.
After Holly’s death in a 1959 plane crash (“The Day the Music Died”), Allison continued to lead The Crickets. The core of the group became Allison, Mauldin and Curtis, with various other members coming and going over the next four decades.
The Allison/Curtis composition “More Than I Can Say” was an early non-Holly Crickets favorite. Bobby Vee made it a hit in 1961, and it was revived via a 1980 hit single for Leo Sayer. Another of the band’s tunes was “I Fought the Law,” penned by Curtis. The post-Holly Crickets first charted in late 1961 with Allison’s song “He’s Old Enough to Know Better.”
The band moved from Texas to Los Angeles, signed with Liberty Records and toured with The Everly Brothers. The band became the label’s go-to session musicians, backing Eddie Cochran, Bobby Lee and Johnny Burnette. Allison also memorably drummed behind the Everlys on “Til I Kissed You.” Curtis established a solo career as a singer-songwriter while also performing as a Cricket.
In 1963, the Crickets hit the UK top 40 with “My Little Girl” and “Don’t Try to Change Me.” In 1964, the band issued “California Sun” as its contribution to the surf-rock genre. During this era, the young British musicians in The Beatles named themselves partly in homage to The Crickets.
In 1970, Allison and Curtis recorded as backing vocalists on Eric Claipton’s debut solo album. In 1972, Allison played drums on Johnny Rivers’ L.A. Reggae album. In 1976, he played on J.J. Cale’s album Troubadour. With varying personnel, The Crickets recorded throughout the 1970s,
The Crickets toured with Waylon Jennings for five years beginning in the late 1970s. This is also when the band relocated to Nashville.
In 1988, Paul McCartney produced and played piano on the band’s recording of “T-Shirt.” In the 1990s, The Crickets toured and recorded with “folkabilly” star Nanci Griffith.
The band released The Crickets and Their Buddies in 2004. The album featured collaborations with Griffith, Clapton, Jennings, John Prine, Graham Nash, Rodney Crowell and Bobby Vee, among others.
In 2007, Allison was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame in Nashville. In 2012, Allsion and The Crickets were placed into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame, as a belated recognition for their oversight when Holly was inducted in 1986.
The group’s final performance was on Feb. 6, 2016 at The Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa. This was the site of Holly’s last performance in 1959.
J.I. Allison died in Nashville on Monday, Aug. 22. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
Industry Ink: Keith Urban, Runaway June, Marvin Sapp, More
/by Lydia FarthingKeith Urban & Nicole Kidman Visit Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital In Nashville
Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman with patients from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital. Photo: Courtesy of PFA Media
Country superstar Keith Urban and his wife, award-winning actress Nicole Kidman, recently made a visit to the Seacrest Studios at Vanderbilt University Children’s Hospital.
The pair spent the day performing songs, playing games, and spending time with the hospital’s young patients.
Urban will continue on his “The Speed Of Now World Tour” this weekend with stops in Detroit (Aug. 26), Indianapolis (Aug. 27) and Milwaukee (Aug. 28). For a full list of dates spanning through February of 2023, click here.
Runaway June To Perform At The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert
Runaway June. Photo: Gregg Rothe
Pedigree Foundation is set to host The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert featuring a performance from all-female country trio Runaway June on Oct. 5 at The Factory at Franklin.
The event, hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and Larissa Wohl (Great American Media & WKRN News 2), will feature a cocktail reception, dinner, and a silent and live auction with a chance to win trips and autographed celebrity memorabilia.
Runaway June is comprised of Stevie Woodward (lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/ piano), Natalie Stovall (vocals/fiddle/guitar) and Jennifer Wayne (vocals/guitar), and has been named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country.
The event will raise funds for the Pedigree Foundation grant program that supports organizations across the country, with the goal to support shelters and rescue organizations that are focused on supporting fostering, matching, behavior and transport programs, as well as disaster relief. In 2021, Pedigree Foundation awarded more than $760,000 in grants, helping nearly 118,000 dogs find their forever homes.
“Shelters and rescues across the country are facing unprecedented capacity issues with over 350,000 pets currently waiting for their forever homes,” notes Kimberly Wise, President of Pedigree Foundation. “Fundraising events like The Love of Dogs Benefit Concert help us increase our grant funding to support these organizations, making a difference in the lives of dogs and making steps toward our ambition to end pet homelessness.”
Marvin Sapp Celebrates Release Of Documentary With Screening & Fireside Chat
Marvin Sapp accepting the Pandora Billionaire Plaque. Photo: Jordan Johnson
A screening and fireside chat was held at the National Museum of African American Music last week (Aug. 18) to celebrate Never Would Have Made It: The Marvin Sapp Story.
The movie tells the story of Sapp’s upbringing, his battles with alcohol abuse, his rise in the music industry, and more. An award-winning gospel singer, he recorded with the group Commissioned in the 90s before embarking on his solo career.
During the celebration, Sapp was also honored with a Pandora Billionaire plaque for earning over one billion streams on the platform.
Taylor Davis Inks With Porchlight Music, Doosey Co.
Pictured (L-R, front row): Tim Medlin (PLM), Taylor Davis, Anthony Smith (PLM); (L-R, back row): Lydia Cahill (SESAC), Freeman Wizer (PLM), Shannan Hatch (SESAC). Photo: Grayson Green
Porchlight Music and Paul Brown’s Doosey Co. LLC have signed songwriter Taylor Davis.
A native of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, Davis had aspirations of playing college football before injuries changed his course. He made the move to Nashville to pursue his musical dreams at 18 years old. He was previously signed at Magic Mustang Music and BMG.
Davis has had cuts by Big & Rich, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Nate Barnes, and Tom O’Connor.
Radiate Music Adds Justin Warren To Roster
Pictured (L-R): Ian Eskelin, Justin Warren, and JJ Weeks.
Radiate Music has signed Raleigh-based singer-songwriter and worship leader Justin Warren. He will release his debut single on the label next month.
Warren has shared stages across the country with artists such as Mercy Me, Sanctus Real, Building 429, Natalie Grant and more. Beginning Sept. 9, he embarks on the “Bigger Story Tour” with Red Street Records artist Cade Thompson.
“Spend five minutes with Justin and you’ll know why we had to add him to the Radiate roster,” says Ian Eskelin, Radiate Music founder and Grammy-nominated, two-time Dove Award-winning Producer of the Year. “He has a magnetic personality and a true heart for spreading the gospel. I can’t wait for you to hear his new music!”
“I am so thankful to be a part of the Radiate family!” Warren adds. “The opportunity to work alongside Ian is an honor and I am excited to see what the future holds.”
WME Names Lucy Dickins Global Head Of Contemporary Music And Touring
/by LB CantrellLucy Dickins
WME announced on Tuesday (Aug. 23) that Lucy Dickins has been elevated to Global Head of Contemporary Music and Touring, and will now oversee all aspects of the agency’s contemporary music and touring business across Nashville, Beverly Hills, New York, London and Sydney.
Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee, and Jay Williams will continue in their roles as Co-Heads of WME’s Nashville office, managing the agency’s country music touring business. Kirk Sommer will continue in his role of Global Co-Head of Contemporary Music and Touring.
Dickins joined the agency in 2019 from ITB. Since her arrival, she brought in powerhouse clients and solidified WME’s standing as the leading music agency in the UK. During her time at WME, the agency was named Billboard’s Agency of the Year, made several new key agent and executive hires, and has booked over 30,000 dates alone in 2022.
“I am grateful to the leadership at WME for supporting me in this role, and for my partners and team members I have the privilege of working with every day in the music division,” shares Dickins. “There is no place like WME, and I’m excited for what we will achieve together on behalf of our clients.”
Don Williams, Fairfield Four Among Americana Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Al Bell, Indigo Girls, Don Williams; (L-R, bottom row): Chris Isaak, Fairfield Four
The Americana Association has revealed this year’s slate of Lifetime Achievement Award honorees for its 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards show, taking place on Sept. 14 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Recipients of this year’s awards include the Fairfield Four, Al Bell, Chris Isaak, Indigo Girls, and Don Williams.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent the diverse sounds that contribute to American roots music,” notes Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Our honorees have inspired this community individually and have collectively changed the landscape of the music industry. I can’t wait for this show!”
The Legacy of Americana Award will be presented to the Fairfield Four, a legendary group who transformed gospel music from the 1930s onward with its R&B influenced a cappella singing. Launched at the Fairfield Baptist Church 101 years ago as a youth group, the Fairfield Four went national after Rev. Sam McCrary took over as leader in the 1930s.
Isaak will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance. He took rockabilly revival and country noir mainstream in the 1990s with songs such as “Wicked Game,” “Somebody’s Crying” and “Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing.” An accomplished actor, Isaak also appeared in productions directed by Dustin Lynch and Bernardo Bertolucci, as well as two TV series under his own name.
The Spirit of Americana Award will be presented to the Indigo Girls who launched in the mid 1980s. Comprised of Emily Saliers and Amy Ray, the lifelong friends honed their artistry in school before their first album was picked up by Epic Records. As their music career soared, they kept social issues in the spotlight, chiefly LGBTQ rights, the death penalty and the environment.
Bell, an African American music executive who steered Stax Records in Memphis before running Motown Records in the 1980s, will receive the Jack Emerson Lifetime Achievement Award for Executive. In 1965, he joined Stax as head of promotions and would go on to own the company, in the meantime overseeing 1972’s legendary Wattstax festival and elevating the careers of Isaac Hayes and the Staple Singers.
The President’s Award will go to the late Don Williams, a Texas-born singer-songwriter who quietly stormed the country charts from 1974-1991. His breakout came with the Pozo-Seco Singers folk group, and he was ushered into Nashville by Cowboy Jack Clement. Williams’ style and relatable hits, including “You’re My Best Friend” and “I Believe In You,” helped him become a global star who entered the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2010.
Zac Brown Band Adds Ryman Date To Benefit Hop On A Cure
/by Lorie HollabaughZac Brown Band has added a surprise Nashville Ryman Auditorium show to their list of tour dates this fall on Sept. 22.
The special, one-night-only event will serve as a benefit, with a portion of the proceeds going to Hop On A Cure in efforts to help fund research toward making ALS a “thing of the past.” The foundation was established by one of the band’s founding members, John Driskell “Hop” Hopkins, who was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year.
The “Zamily” Fan Club Pre-Sale begins today (Aug. 23), followed by general on-sale on Aug. 26.
“Playing in Nashville, my home away from home, is always something special,” shares Brown. “This particular one is meaningful because we’re raising awareness and funds for one of our very own through Hop on a Cure. We see all the love and support Hop has received thus far so we’re gonna bring the house down and show folks a good time in appreciation.”
The band will continue on their “Out In The Middle Tour” this weekend with stops in Camden, New Jersey on Aug. 26 and Bristow, Virginia on Aug. 27.
“Out In The Middle Tour” Dates:
Friday, August 26 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion+
Saturday, August 27 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live+
Friday, September 7 – St. Paul, MN – Minnesota State Fairgrounds+
Thursday, September 22 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
Friday, September 23 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater+
Saturday, September 24 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion+
Sunday, September 25 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre+
Friday, October 7 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place+
Saturday, October 8 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre+
Sunday, October 9 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre+
Thursday, October 20 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena+
Friday, October 21 – Vancouver, BC – Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena+
Saturday, October 22 – Portland, OR – Moda Center+
Friday, November 4 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Bowl+
Sunday, November 6 – Oakland, CA – Oakland Arena+
Saturday, November 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Chase Field
+ Special Guest Robert Randolph Band
Girls Of Nashville Partners With Songs & Daughters For Return To City Winery
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Lauren Hungate, Caroline Watkins, Joy Williams, Nicolle Galyon, Heather Morgan, Mags Duval, Meg McRee, Abbey Cone, Madison Kozak, Lauren Watkins, Sarah Zimmermann, Ryan Madora, Rachel Soloman, and Megan Jane. Photo: Austin Screws
Girls of Nashville made its return to City Winery Nashville last week (Aug. 15) with a sold-out crowd. This year’s show benefited Home Street Home Ministries, the largest in-the-field homeless outreach organization in the Greater Davidson County area.
Hosts Heather Morgan and Mags Duval were joined by their first ever guest host, singer-songwriter Nicolle Galyon. The evening’s lineup included Abbey Cone, Lauren Hungate, Madison Kozak, Meg McRee, Caroline Watkins, Lauren Watkins and Joy Williams, accompanied by the house band led by Annie Clements.
“The Girls of Nashville x Songs & Daughters show had so many moments that seemed to stop time,” Morgan shares. “From Lauren Watkins singing ‘Camel Blues,’ to Joy Willams filling City Winery with her soaring voice and Nicolle Galyon sharing songs from her debut album to an audience singing every word with her; the night was total magic.”
Girls of Nashville seeks to give a platform for the female voices in Nashville. Past performers at the event include Kacey Musgraves, Hillary Lindsay, Liz Rose, Maren Morris, Lainey Wilson, Danielle Bradbery and more.
Blanco Brown Slates ‘Monster Energy Outbreak Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughBlanco Brown
Blanco Brown is heading out on his new “Monster Energy Outbreak Tour” this fall beginning Oct. 6.
He’s returning to the road after surviving a near-fatal motorcycle accident which sidelined him for nearly a year, and will visit 16 cities, including Indianapolis, Charlotte, Atlanta, Chicago, and more through Dec. 3. Tickets will go on sale to the general public tomorrow (Aug. 24).
“Growing up, if anyone had told me I’d be doing my own headlining tour, I never would have believed it,” Brown shares. “It’s such an amazing feeling, hitting the road on the ‘Monster Energy Outbreak Tour.’ I’m excited to get to present my own show and connect with my fans in my own way. It’s go time!!!”
Brown’s Platinum-certified collaboration “Just the Way” with Parmalee has garnered more than 300 million on-demand streams, earning him his first No. 1 on country radio. No stranger to collaborations, he also teamed with Nelly and Breland for the funky “High Horse,” and “Never Gonna Tame You (Original Song from The Mustangs: America’s Wild Horses),” written by Diane Warren.