Chris Stapleton, Old Dominion, Brooks & Dunn To Headline 9th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam

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Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam has revealed that Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn and Old Dominion will headline the 9th Annual Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam which will take place from Sept. 3-5, 2021 at Frank Brown Park in Panama City Beach.

The rescheduled 2020 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam kicked off last week. An array of performers took the stage over the weekend, including Lynyrd Skynyrd, Joe Nichols, Lindsay Ell, Jon Langston, Brad Paisley, Cole Swindell, Billy Ray Cyrus, Tenille Townes, Shy Carter, Luke Bryan, Brothers Osborne, Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Tenille Arts, and many more.

“This has been an emotional week to hear music blasting from this stage a full 20 months after our 2019 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam,” said Executive Director Randy Lovelady to the crowd of over 25,000 fans. “We are beyond excited about Chris Stapleton, Brooks & Dunn, Old Dominion standing on this very stage just three months from today, and we can’t wait to reveal the full lineup in a few weeks.”

For more information on Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam, click here. Tickets for the 2021 Pepsi Gulf Coast Jam in September are available for purchase now.

Robyn Ottolini Readies Warner Music Nashville Debut

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Robyn Ottolini is releasing her Warner Music Nashville debut, The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP, on June 25.

The four-song project flips the script on her The But I’m Not Always Hilarious EP and includes the recently-released track “Tell You Everything.” Fans will be able to pre-save the four-song EP beginning June 18.

“The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP is basically a continuation of my story from last year, when I put out a bunch of breakup songs,” Ottolini. “I want to keep telling my story as authentically, honestly and in-time as possible. Even though I’ve written some heartbreakers, a huge part of who I am is making people laugh. I love to have a good time and not take life too seriously. This EP has got a lot of love on it—romantic love, self-love, friend-love, family-love. I’m happy to finally share that part of who I am with everybody.”

Ottolini’s “F-150” scored with audiences in late 2020 via TikTok, and has racked up nearly 40 million global streams, reaching No. 4 on Spotify’s all-genre US Viral 50 chart. Inspired by artists like Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves and Sam Hunt, the 25-year-old is currently tied for the most 2021 CMA Ontario Award nominations with five total nods.

The But I’m Not Always Sad Either EP Track List:
1.     Tell You Everything (Robyn Ottolini, Jesse Slack)
2.     Hold Me Back (Robyn Ottolini, Lydia Sutherland, Jesse Slack)
3.     Sincerely, Drunk Me (Robyn Ottolini)
4.     Daddy’s Daughter (Robyn Ottolini)

International Country Music Conference Marks 37th Year

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The 37th Annual International Country Music Conference, the leading academic conference devoted to country music, was held virtually on June 3-5. Co-hosts for the conference were James Akenson and Don Cusic.

The conference began with a pre-keynote session titled “Country Music Around the World,” with Sarah Trahern, CEO of the CMA, Milly Olykan, VP of International Relations and Development for the CMA, Anna-Sophie Mertens with Live Nation in the U.K. and Natalie Waller with ABC Music in Australia.

Pictured (clockwise): Sarah Trahern, Anna-Sophie Mertens, Milly Olyken, Natalie Waller

The keynote was followed by over 35 presentations and panel discussions with participants from Japan, Australia, Sweden, Hawaii and Canada as well as from universities and colleges throughout the United States. A wide range of topics were addressed, including race, gender, culture and politics in country music as well as studies on individual artists and songs.

On Friday, June 4, the Rolling Stone Chet Flippo Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism was presented to Marcus K. Dowling, and the Belmont Book Award for the Best Book on or about country music was presented to Travis Stimeling for Nashville Cats: Record Production in Music City.

The International Country Music Journal edited by Don Cusic is published annually to coincide with the International Country Music Conference. In this issue are articles about country music in Japan, the Stanley Brothers, Hank Williams, Irish country music, Milton Estes, the Sleepy Hollow Ranch and Eva Thompson Jones, who accompanied Uncle Jimmy Thompson on the first broadcast of what became the Grand Ole Opry and who was arrested for prostitution during World War II in a controversial case. This is the only academic journal dedicated to country music.

Michael Ray, Lily Rose, Jake Hoot, More Join 2021 Concert For Love & Acceptance

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The 2021 Concert For Love & Acceptance has added Michael Ray, Lily Rose, Jake Hoot, Jamie Floyd, Paul Cardall and Cody Belew, as well as comedian Dana Goldberg to its growing lineup of artists and performers. In addition, former NFL quarterback Steve Young and his wife Barbara Graham Young, both advocates for LGBTQ equality and acceptance, will make a special appearance together in support of LGBTQ youth.

Set to take place on Wednesday, June 30, the event returns this year as a star-studded online event, co-hosted by Ty Herndon and CMT’s Cody Alan, who has hosted the event alongside Herndon since 2017. It will take place at 7 p.m. CST and be live-streamed exclusively on CMT’s Facebook and YouTube channels, and on the Foundation’s website.

Previously announced appearances and performances include Brothers Osborne, Kristin Chenoweth, Terri Clark, Brooke Eden, Harper Grae, Chris Housman, Kathy Mattea, Rissi Palmer, Gretchen Peters, Tenille Townes, Walker County, and Chase Wright.

Mattea will be honored during the evening with the second annual Foundation For Love & Acceptance R.A.L.Y. (Rescue A Life, Y’all) Award, presented by Herndon in recognition of her early advocacy for the LGBTQ community and HIV/AIDS awareness.

“Kathy Mattea was standing up for LGBTQ people and raising awareness about the HIV and AIDS epidemic long before it was cool — especially in the country music community. It’s an honor to give her the long-overdue recognition she deserves for being a pioneering ally and friend,” shares Herndon.

Herndon also announced this year’s Red Carpet Countdown, an online event that will feature additional appearances and performances in the two hours preceding the live concert that will stream online exclusively on his Facebook channel. Announced performances include ARLO, Jada Cato, Exit 216, Justin Fabus, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Brandon Stansell, and Jaime Wyatt with additional performances and appearances to be announced.

Tenille Townes’ ‘The Lemonade Stand’ Named Juno Awards Country Album Of The Year

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Tenille Townes. Photo: John Shearer

Canadian-born and Nashville-based recording artist Tenille Townes received the award for Country Album of the Year for her debut album, The Lemonade Stand, at the 50th Annual Juno Awards on Sunday, June 6.

The critically acclaimed project was produced by Jay Joyce and released last June via Columbia Nashville in partnership with RCA Records. Townes first effort included “Jersey On The Wall (I’m Just Asking)” and “Somebody’s Daughter,” which both reached No. 1 on the Mediabase Canada chart, making her the first female in Mediabase Canada history to achieve that feat.

“It feels surreal and so exciting to know that people have heard this collection of music and wrapped their arms around it,” shared Townes. “Truly was a dream to make this record and it’s such an honor to get to celebrate this moment with the Canadian music community at the Junos tonight!”

The MusicRow 2020 Next Big Thing Artist, and MusicRow‘s first ever Robert K. Oermann Discovery Artist winner, has had an impressive year following The Lemonade Stand‘s release, including being named New Female Artist of the Year at the 55th ACM Awards and winning three awards at the 2020 Canadian Country Music Awards, making her an eight-time overall winner at the CCMA’s. Townes has also raised over $2 million for charity through her annual Big Hearts For Big Kids fundraiser.

Sam Williams Signs To UMG Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): Missi Gallimore (Owner & CEO, T.R.U.T.H. Management), Sam Williams, Cindy Mabe (President, UMG Nashville), Mike Dungan (Chairman & CEO, UMG Nashville)

Universal Music Group Nashville has signed singer-songwriter Sam Williams.

Williams, the grandson of country music pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., sings and writes in his own style, fusing gut-wrenching honesty and plainspoken poetics with raw vulnerability and empathy.

“We are so proud and excited that Sam Williams is joining Universal Music Group,” says President of UMG Nashville Cindy Mabe. “His powerful, soulful vocals combine with his introspective storytelling to fully immerse you into Sam’s own life making you feel everything he feels. He’s such a special talent and I believe Sam’s music will help lead country music into its next evolution.”

Williams is set to release his debut album, Glasshouse Children, later this summer. Early releases from the project include “Shuteye,” “Can’t Fool Your Own Blood,” “The World: Alone,” and most recently “10-4,” which have all garnered critical acclaim. Williams also made his national television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in April of this year where he performed “Can’t Fool You Own Blood.”

Linda Martell To Receive Equal Play Award At 2021 CMT Music Awards

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Pictured (L-R) Quia Thompson, granddaughter, filmmaker; Linda Martell. Photo: Sean Rayford/2021 CMT Awards/Getty Images for CMT

Country music pioneer Linda Martell will be recognized with the CMT Equal Play Award during the 2021 CMT Music Awards on Wednesday (June 9).

Martell’s legacy started when she released three pop-country singles at the turn of the 1970s, including an unprecedented Top-20 Billboard Hot Country Charts single “Color Him Father” in 1969. She released her debut album Color Him Father in 1970.

Known for being one of the most influential Black female artists in country music history, Martell became the first Black female performer to play the Grand Ole Opry. However, the lack of success for her last debut album single, 1970’s “Bad Case of the Blues,” caused her to be shelved by her label and prohibited from finding a new label willing to release new material. She eventually returned to her home state of South Carolina to raise her family.

Recently there has been a resurgence of interest in the now 86-year-old’s career, thanks to exposure given to her story by modern female country artists Maren Morris, Yola, Mickey Guyton, Rhiannon Giddens, and Brittney Spencer. Media professional and artist Rissi Palmer even titled her Apple Music podcast Color Me Country, in tribute to Martell.

Martell’s granddaughter Quia, an independent filmmaker, is currently completing a documentary about her grandmother’s life.

Artists including Guyton, Palmer, Giddens, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, and Jennifer Nettles will congratulate Martell during this year’s awards as CMT highlights her place in music history.

“Linda Martell is a living legend who has influenced so many artists of color, giving them the courage and hope to pursue their dreams and a future reality of Equal Play in country music,” says Leslie Fram, Senior Vice President, Music & Talent, CMT. “Linda embodies the spirit of our ‘Equal Play’ initiative and we are proud to honor her with this prestigious award.”

The CMT Music Awards airs live Wednesday, June 9 at 7:00 p.m. central on CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, TV Land and CMT Australia.

Hunter Phelps Makes Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Hunter Phelps moves up several spots to No. 9 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

He is a co-writer on “Cold Beer Calling My Name” (Jameson Rodgers feat. Luke Combs), “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” (Chase Rice feat. Florida Georgia Line), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (HARDY), “That Ain’t Me No More” (Matt Stell), and “Thinking ‘Bout You” (Dustin Lynch feat. Lauren Alaina).

Corey Crowder, who has co-writer credits on “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.,” “Famous Friends” (Chris Young + Kane Brown), and “Minimum Wage” (Blake Shelton), maintains his spot at No. 1 again this week.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Weekly Register: Dierks Bentley Cracks Top 5 On Country Songs Chart

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Dierks Bentley. Photo: Jim Wright

Capitol Nashville’s Dierks Bentley has cracked the top five on this week’s top country songs chart and takes the fifth spot with his current radio single “Gone” at 5.7 million streams and 78 million RTD, according to Nielsen.

Luke Combs takes the No. 1 spot on the country song chart for a third consecutive week with “Forever After All” earning 9.8 million streams this week. Gabby Barrett (“The Good Ones”), Eric Church (“Hell Of A View”), and Nelly & FGL (“Lil Bit”) maintain the second, third, and fourth spot this week with 6.9 million, 6.7 million, and 6.4 million streams, respectively.

Morgan Wallen continues his residency at No. 1 on the country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album earning 52K streams this week. His 2018 debut album, If I Know Me, also climbs to No. 4 with 16K streams, according to Nielsen. Combs takes up two spots again this week with What You See Is What You Get (29K) and his 2017 debut album This One’s For You (18K). Rounding out the top five, Blackberry Smoke takes over the fifth position with their new album You Hear Georgia receiving 13K streams.

Flatland Cavalry Announces Welcome To Countryland Tour This Summer

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Flatland Cavalry. Photo: Fernando Garci.

Flatland Cavalry is set to release their upcoming album, Welcome to Countryland, on July 2. To celebrate their new music, Flatland Cavalry has also set course for the Welcome To Countryland tour this summer.

As the band hits the road, they will be making stops at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works, Austin’s Nutty Brown Café, Denver’s The Grizzly Rose, and Charlotte’s Coyote Joe’s among several others. In addition to the headline run, Flatland Cavalry will also join Luke Combs and Parker McCollum for select dates this year.

The band consists of Cleto Cordero (vocals, acoustic guitar), Jason Albers (drums, background vocals), Jonathan Saenz (bass, background vocals), Reid Dillon (electric guitar), Wesley Hall (fiddle) and Adam Gallegos (piano, keys, mandolin, banjo). Since forming in 2012, Flatland Cavalry has toured across the country, building a passionate grassroots fanbase. In addition to multiple headline runs, they’ve also recently joined artists such as Midland, Hailey Whitters and Jameson Rodgers on the road.

For tickets to see Flatland Cavalry, click here.

Welcome To Countryland Tour Dates:
June 5—Austin, TX—Nutty Brown Café & Amphitheatre
June 11—Concan, TX—House Pasture Cattle Company
June 12—Coleman, TX—Coleman Rodeo
June 18—Gonzales, LA—Lamar Dixon Expo Center*
June 19—Stockdale, TX—Watermelon Thump
June 25—Christoval, TX—Cooper’s BBQ
July 2—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 3—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 4—Orange Beach, AL—The Amphitheatre at the Wharf†
July 9—Bloomington, IN—Bluebird Nightclub
July 10—Fort Laramie, OH—Country Concert
July 11—Alexandria, VA—Birchmere
July 16—Nashville, TN—Marathon Music Works
July 17—Chattanooga, TN—The Signal
July 23—Fredericksburg, TX—Luckenbach Texas
July 24—New Braunfels, TX—River Road Icehouse
July 29—Tucson, AZ—The Rock
July 30—Artesia, NM—Eddy County Fairgrounds
July 31—Dallas, TX—Dos Equis Pavilion*
August 5—Kansas City, MO—Power and Light District
August 6—Seward, NE—Seward Country Fair*
August 7—Columbia, MO—The Blue Note
August 8—Chesterfield, MO—Chesterfield Amphitheater
August 13—Cullman, AL—Rock the South†
August 14—Mobile, AL—Soul Kitchen
August 18—Little Rock, AR—The Rev Room
August 19—Manhattan, KS—The Hat
August 20—Denver, CO—The Grizzly Rose
August 21—Cheyanne, WY—The Lincoln Cheyanne
August 26—Fayetteville, AR—George’s Majestic
August 28—Buda, TX—Buck’s Backyard
September 4—Belton, TX—Bell County Expo Center
September 10—College Station, TX—Hurricane Harry’s
September 15—Stephenville, TX—Larry Joe Taylor Music Fest
September 18—Prior, OK—Born and Raised Festival
September 24—Greenville, SC—Blind Horse Saloon
September 25—Charlotte, NC—Coyote Joe’s
September 30—Wichita, KS—Wichita River Fest
*with Parker McCollum
†with Luke Combs