Black River Records Adds Natalie Davis As Promotion Coordinator

Natalie Davis
Black River Entertainment has added Natalie Davis as the new Promotion Coordinator for Black River Records.
The Texas A&M University alumna with a Master of Science brings an eye for research and years of experience with her. Beginning as Media Researcher and Content Developer at Texas A&M University’s Digital Media Research and Development Lab, Davis has made stops at Strategic Media Systems and the Country Music Association.
“We are very excited to welcome Natalie to Black River,” says SVP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson. “Given her background and experience in the industry, I have no doubt she will be a great fit.”
Reporting to Wilson, Davis is based out of Nashville and can be reached at ndavis@blackriverent.com.
Rehab Signs With Arcade Management

Rehab
Multi-Platinum selling hip-hop and rock artist, Rehab, has signed an exclusive management deal with Nashville-based Arcade Management.
“We are very excited to welcome Rehab to the Arcade Management roster,” shares Jamie Reeder-Ernst, head of Arcade Management. “Danny [Boone] is one of the most talented vocalists and lyricists in the music industry. I’m proud to have such a multi-genre artist of his stature aboard and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Rehab, known for their mega-hit “Sittin’ At A Bar,” originally disbanded in 2014. However, frontman and founding member Boone is now emerging as the solo artist, Rehab, and will carry forward the band’s signature sound and musical legacy.
Gord Bamford To Host Real Country Livin’ Series
Anthem Entertainment is launching Real Country Livin’, a music-based broadcast and podcast series, featuring award-winning country artist, Gord Bamford.
The series will showcase country artists and songwriters as they share their own Real Country Livin’ story and define what it means to them. With Bamford as the inaugural host, the series will launch with six themed episodes including Entertainin’, Fishin’, Givin’, Boatin’, and Drinkin’ that help guide the narrative as Bamford introduces audiences to his family and friends and their way of life.
Additionally, each episode will feature some of Bamford’s fan-favorite songs along with never-before-seen performances of new original songs from his upcoming June 4 album release of Diamond’s In A Whiskey Glass.
Jason Cox Re-Signs To Daywind Music Publishing For Ninth Year

Jason Cox
Daywind Music Publishing has re-signed Jason Cox who celebrates his ninth year with Daywind Music Group.
“Jason Cox is an exceptional songwriter who consistently and carefully invests his talent and craftsmanship into each song he has a hand in creating,” says Rick Shelton, vice president of music publishing at Daywind Music Group. “We are grateful that Jason is part of our family and I am so very proud of him.”
Cox has been an exclusive staff songwriter with Daywind Music Publishing since 2012, winning the Singing News Fan Awards’ Song of the Year in 2019 for “Even Me,” recorded by Triumphant Quartet, as well as the GMA Dove Awards Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2016 for “Small Town Someone,” recorded by Jeff and Sheri Easter.
He has achieved success recently at radio for the No. 1 songs “Can I Get A Witness” by The Sound, “Come To The Well” by Kingdom Heirs, “What Kind of Man” from Legacy Five, “Victory Shout” by Kingsmen, “Shame On Me” by Joseph Habedank, and “Come Sunday Morning” from Old Paths.
American Idol‘s Alex Miller Signs With Triangle Talent

Pictured (L-R): Alex’s business manager Roger Miller, Alex Miller, CEO David Snowden, Agent Joe Vonderheide, and President Clay Campbell.
American Idol alum Alex Miller has signed an exclusive booking and management agreement with Louisville-based agency, Triangle Talent, LLC.
Miller was a contestant on season 19 of American Idol where he finished as a Top 50 finalist. Kentucky-born, he has been performing professionally since the age of seven, first locally then graduating to larger markets and venues, including the Dolby Theatre, WoodSongs, Renfo Valley, and more.
Miller will be opening for Hank Williams Jr. at the Wisconsin State Fair on Aug. 15 and Josh Turner at the Kentucky State Fair on Aug. 19.
Kylie Morgan Announces Debut EP ‘Love, Kylie’
/by Lydia FarthingEMI Records Nashville’s Kylie Morgan will release her debut EP Love, Kylie on June 11.
Morgan co-wrote all six songs on the new EP and gives listeners the opportunity to peel back the layers of her story. Produced by Shane McAnally and Ben Johnson, Morgan details her journey through relationships, life as an artist, and life experiences.
“This EP is the most personal thing I’ve ever created. Every song is a chapter in my life, and I can’t wait for you all to listen and help me write the rest of the story.” Morgan continues, “It’s a pretty vulnerable state. I realized that every song that I’ve been writing has been either about me, about my family, about a friend, about someone I know. I wanted the whole EP to feel like a cohesive story and for every song to feel like a chapter.”
With this announcement, Morgan has also released her new song “I Only Date Cowboys” with the hope of giving listeners a glimpse into her personality. Additionally, Kylie released her official music video for the lead track on the EP, “Shoulda,” an up-tempo, rapid-fire vocal about the “should’ve known betters” when dabbling with an ex.
Love, Kylie Track Listing:
1. Shoulda – Kylie Morgan, Shane McAnally, Ben Johnson
2. I Only Date Cowboys – Kylie Morgan, Nate Kenyon, Jay Allen
3. Outdoor Voices – Kylie Morgan, Emily Falvey, Benjamin Joel Johnson
4. Break Things – Kylie Morgan, Aaron Eshuis, James McNair, Nicolette Hayford
5. Cheating On You – Kylie Morgan, Benjamin Joel Johnson, Geoffrey Warburton, Jeffrey Garrison
6. Mad I Need You – Kylie Morgan, Nicholas Oliver Ruth, Emily Weisband
William Lee Golden Reveals Secrets ‘Behind The Beard’ In New Autobiography
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“When you write your life story, and you decide to bare everything, it’s kind of scary. It feels a lot like getting naked… in front of the entire world. Now that I’ve committed to it, there is one thing going through my mind… if I was going to get naked in front of everyone, I probably shouldn’t have waited until I was 82 years old,” shares Golden.
The memoir takes readers on a journey from Golden’s childhood and teenage roots to singing on stage with the Oaks, as well as all of the shocking details in between. Behind the Beard not only takes readers through 50 years with The Oak Ridge Boys, but also dives deeper into personal hardships Golden faced throughout his life, including the reasons he left the group for nine years and how he made his return to the Oaks.
“William Lee Golden is a lot of different things to a lot of different people. But he is a person who knows who he is. He has dedicated his life to helping people. William is a man of integrity and honesty, and you will read his very honest words in this book,” adds Jim Halsey, manager of The Oak Ridge Boys.
The new book can be ordered at williamleegoldenbook.com or at Amazon.com.
Along with the launch of his autobiography, Golden is involved in several other upcoming projects, including the release of The Oak Ridge Boys’ new album Front Porch Singin’ on June 11, and working with his sons, The Goldens, on three new rock, country, and gospel albums.
Chart Action: Old Dominion Gains First Week Support
/by Alex ParryOld Dominion earns the biggest radio impact date of their career with their new single “I Was On A Boat That Day.” Garnering a cumulative 248 adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, this is the second most added song of 2021.
Band members Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Whit Sellers, and Geoff Sprung co-wrote the single alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. “I Was On A Boat That Day” also achieved the highest debut across the three country charts landing at No. 22 on Billboard, No. 30 on Mediabase, and No. 48 on MusicRow.
The group recently announced their We Are Old Dominion: Live At The Ballpark Tour with Scotty McCreery, Randy Houser, Matt Stell, Blanco Brown, Caitlyn Smith, and Walker County as supporting acts.
Justin Moore, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, Callista Clark Join Music City Grand Prix Opry Show
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R, Top Row): Justin Moore, Riley Green. (L-R, Bottom Row) Danielle Bradbery, Callista Clark.
After announcing its partnership with the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, the Grand Ole Opry has added more performers to the special Opry show set to take place in downtown Nashville on Sunday, August 8.
Justin Moore, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, and Callista Clark will now join Opry member Alan Jackson to round out the lineup. The Opry show will close out the three day festival.
“When we first began to conceptualize the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix we knew music had to be just as big a part of this event as the racing itself, and there is no better partner for this than the Grand Ole Opry–the show that made country music famous,” says Matt Crews, CEO of Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “We are looking forward to closing out what is sure to be an unforgettable weekend in the best way possible with the Grand Ole Opry.”
The three-day international festival running from Aug. 6-8, 2021 will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The course will cross the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making the Music City Grand Prix the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.
In addition to a weekend of racing, attendees can look forward to live music performances by top artists, best-in-class food experiences, and entertainment that centers on speed.
“The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has brought together a course like no other, an artist like no other and a show like no other to create an experience that could only take place here in Nashville,” shares Scott Bailey, president of Opry Entertainment Group. “We are pleased to have the opportunity to connect artists and fans in such a unique setting.”
Country Music Hall Of Fame Promotes Five To Senior Staff
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, Top Row): Johnny Cunningham, Kaley Daeger, Michael Gray. (L-R, Bottom Row) Ben Hall, Tori Tarvin.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has promoted Michael Gray, Ben Hall, Tori Tarvin, Johnny Cunningham and Kaley Daeger to senior director positions. Additionally, the museum’s Senior Vice Presidents, Nina Burghard and Lisa Purcell, have expanded their responsibilities in support of the institution’s technology, marketing and public relations efforts.
Gray has been named executive senior director of editorial and interpretation. In his new role, he heads the editorial team and directs major exhibitions, album releases, and other special initiatives. Since 2007, Gray has moderated Poets and Prophets, conducting career-spanning live interviews with over 40 notable songwriters. In 2021, the Metropolitan Historical Commission honored him with the Fletch Coke Award for his research and preservation work related to the rhythm & blues music scene in Nashville. Gray reports to Vice President of Museum Services Brenda Colladay.
Hall has been promoted to senior director of development. A 12-year museum veteran, Hall’s expanded role includes the oversight of fundraising initiatives and managing Country Music Hall of Fame member relations. Hall previously served as director of advancement, guiding a team responsible for accelerated fundraising through 2020, including record government funding through competitive grants; major support for BIG NIGHT (At the Museum), the most ambitious digital program in the museum’s history; and increased contributed revenue from individual donors and private foundations. Hall reports to Purcell, Senior Vice President of External Affairs.
Tarvin has been promoted to senior director of marketing, and will be responsible for marketing strategy, paid media, promotions and partnerships, digital distribution channel management, email marketing efforts, project management, and music and media licensing. During her museum tenure, she has expanded the digital footprint and online access to the museum’s rich archival content through integrated campaign management and performance-based analytics tracking, as well as launched innovative revenue streams for the museum’s e-commerce efforts. Tarvin reports to Senior Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Purcell.
Cunningham has been named Senior Director of Information and Technology Operations. In this new role, Cunningham leads the technology and innovation strategy for the museum, guides the organization’s team of systems engineers and analysts, and ensures the institution’s infrastructure and operational needs are met. Cunningham reports to Burghard, Senior Vice President of Financial Services and Operations.
Daeger has been promoted to Senior Director of Information and Technology Business Solutions. She got her start at the museum as a member of the guest relations team. Daeger then completed her masters and transitioned to the museum’s IT department. She and her team now guide the selection and implementation of institution-wide business applications and reporting systems. She also reports to Burghard.
Lefty Frizzell, Nanci Griffith, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Mark James To Join Texas Songwriters Hall Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughLefty Frizzell, Nanci Griffith, Lightnin’ Hopkins, and Mark James are the newest inductees into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame.
The 2022 Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Weekend will return to Austin, February 11-12 to celebrate these inductees. A VIP sponsor-only DKR Pickin’ Party at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum will kick off the weekend on Friday, February 11, and Saturday’s public Hall of Fame Awards Show at the Paramount Theatre will honor and celebrate the newest class of songwriters. The weekend celebration will be packed with performances and appearances from past inductees, Grammy winners, renowned songwriters, and artists.
Frizzell is considered one of the most influential performers in country history. Between 1950 and 1954, Frizzell scored five No. 1 country hits and ten Top 10 chart singles, including “If You’ve Got The Money, I’ve Got The Time,” “I Love You A Thousand Ways,” and “I Want To Be With You Always and Always Late (With Your Kisses).” In 1972, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and his song “If You’ve Got the Money (I’ve Got the Time)” earned him the Grammy Hall of Fame Award. In 1982, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.
A Grammy-winning singer-songwriter, Griffith won Best Contemporary Folk Album for Other Voices, Other Rooms. With over twenty albums released, some of her greatest hits include Kathy Mattea’s cover of “Love at the Five and Dime” and Suzy Bogguss’ “Outbound Plane.” Griffith was awarded the Kate Wolf Memorial Award by the World Folk Music Association in 1995, and in 2008 the Americana Music Association awarded her its Lifetime Achievement Trailblazer Award.
An American country blues singer-songwriter from Centerville, Texas, Hopkins performed for over six decades, recording more albums than any other blues musician over 30 years. He scored a series of national R&B hits with “Shotgun Blues,” “Short Haired Woman,” “Abilene,” and “Big Mama Jump.” The Texas troubadour appeared in the acclaimed 1967 documentary, The Blues Accordin’ to Lightnin’ Hopkins, a tribute to his musicianship and study of the blues. In 1980, Hopkins was inducted into the Blues Foundation Hall of Fame.
James has penned hits for B.J. Thomas, Brenda Lee, and Elvis Presley, including Thomas’ “Hooked On A Feeling,” and Presley’s last U.S. No. 1 hit single, “Suspicious Minds.” A native of Houston, James’ greatest success came with “Always on My Mind,” a collaboration that won a Grammy for both Song of the Year and Best Country Song. In 2015, James was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
A limited number of seats for the 2022 Hall of Fame Awards Show will be made available to the public, with a ticket sales date set to be announced in December.
Shania Twain Adds Over A Dozen New Dates To Las Vegas Residency
/by Lorie HollabaughThe residency, first launched in 2019, is a celebration of one of Las Vegas’ first female and country headliners who has paved the way for other superstar residencies across the city. Designed exclusively for Zappos Theater, the production takes fans through Twain’s vast catalogue of hits, including “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!,” “You’re Still The One,” and “That Don’t Impress Me Much.” Throughout the evening, she also dazzles in eight different couture costumes designed by renowned celebrity fashion designer, Marc Bouwer.
Tickets will go on sale to the public Tuesday, June 1 at 12 p.m. CST. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning Thursday, May 27 at 12 p.m. CST through Monday, May 31 .
Twain, Live Nation Las Vegas, and Caesars Entertainment will be donating $1 of every ticket sold to Shania Kids Can. Established in 2010, Shania Kids Can gives a helping hand to kids who are facing poverty and crises. It also provides programs and support services to ensure these children are learning the skills to cope with and overcome family hardships which, in turn, improves their ability to succeed in school and life.
Justin Moore Earns Fifth No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“We Didn’t Have Much” by Justin Moore is this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. The single was written by Paul DiGiovanni, Randy Montana, and Jeremy Stover. It appears on his sixth studio album, Straight Outta The Country released in April via The Valory Music Co.
In a recent interview with MusicRow, Moore said spoke about the song. Moore says, “It’s more special to me because of what we’ve all dealt with this year than it would have been otherwise. I heard the song really early on in the pandemic. We had Tracy Lawrence on as one of first guests on my podcast. He said something that really resonated with me and I really related to, and then after hearing this song, I related it to the song. What he said was that especially early on in the pandemic, he and his wife and family had been forced to lead a much more simple life, literally borrowing eggs from neighbors and things like that. Things that sound like a cliche country song, but we were kind of in the same boat here at home. I thought, man, this song speaks to the beauty in that simplicity.”
This month, Moore was awarded Pandora’s Billionaire Plaque to commemorate 3 billion streams on the platform.
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Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Luke Combs, More Win At 2021 iHeartRadio Awards
/by Lydia FarthingDan + Shay, winners of the Best Duo/Group of the Year award, attend the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, which was broadcast live on FOX on May 27, 2021. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards, hosted by Usher, went live at the Dolby Theater in Los Angeles on Thursday, May 27.
The 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards honored the legendary Elton John with the 2021 iHeartRadio Icon Award which also featured a tribute performance from Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato and H.E.R., honoring John’s global impact on pop culture, longevity and continued relevance as a touring and radio force.
Dan + Shay, who won Best Duo/Group of the Year, reunited with their full band on the iHeart stage to perform “Glad You Exist” for the first time. The show also featured appearances from Taylor Swift, Dua Lipa, twenty one pilots, Megan Thee Stallion, Nelly, Gabby Barrett, AJR and more.
“Thank you iHeartRadio and thank you to our incredible fans,” said Dan + Shay after accepting the award on the red carpet prior to the show. “This means the world. Ok, gotta gather our emotions and get ready to perform. We love y’all so much.”
Gabby Barrett, winner of the Best New Country Artist award, attends the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California, which was broadcast live on FOX on May 27, 2021. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for iHeartMedia)
Luke Combs won two categories for Country Artist of the Year and Country Album of the Year for What You See Ain’t Always What You Get. Meanwhile, Barrett kept up her awards momentum and walked away with Best New Country Artist. Maren Morris also won Country Song of the Year with her hit single “The Bones.”
“This week has been amazing,” Barrett shares. “To win this award is beyond what I could have imagined. It’s hard to believe. I am so blessed, and so grateful.”
Ashley Gorley won Songwriter of the Year out of all-genre songwriters Ali Tamposi, Amy Allen, Dan Nigro, and Finneas. Gorley is currently No. 1 on the MusicRow Songwriters Chart with Thomas Rhett’s “What’s Your Country Song” and “Country Again,” Cole Swindell’s “Single Saturday Night,” Morgan Wallen’s “Sand In My Boots” and “Warning,” Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave,” and Hardy’s “Give Heaven Some Hell.”
For a full list of categories and their winners, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards. Playback of the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards is available now through June 17 with On Demand, FOX NOW, and Hulu.
Industry Ink: Natalie Davis, REHAB, Gord Bamford, Jason Cox, Alex Miller
/by Lydia FarthingBlack River Records Adds Natalie Davis As Promotion Coordinator
Natalie Davis
Black River Entertainment has added Natalie Davis as the new Promotion Coordinator for Black River Records.
The Texas A&M University alumna with a Master of Science brings an eye for research and years of experience with her. Beginning as Media Researcher and Content Developer at Texas A&M University’s Digital Media Research and Development Lab, Davis has made stops at Strategic Media Systems and the Country Music Association.
“We are very excited to welcome Natalie to Black River,” says SVP of Radio Promotion Mike Wilson. “Given her background and experience in the industry, I have no doubt she will be a great fit.”
Reporting to Wilson, Davis is based out of Nashville and can be reached at ndavis@blackriverent.com.
Rehab Signs With Arcade Management
Rehab
Multi-Platinum selling hip-hop and rock artist, Rehab, has signed an exclusive management deal with Nashville-based Arcade Management.
“We are very excited to welcome Rehab to the Arcade Management roster,” shares Jamie Reeder-Ernst, head of Arcade Management. “Danny [Boone] is one of the most talented vocalists and lyricists in the music industry. I’m proud to have such a multi-genre artist of his stature aboard and can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”
Rehab, known for their mega-hit “Sittin’ At A Bar,” originally disbanded in 2014. However, frontman and founding member Boone is now emerging as the solo artist, Rehab, and will carry forward the band’s signature sound and musical legacy.
Gord Bamford To Host Real Country Livin’ Series
Anthem Entertainment is launching Real Country Livin’, a music-based broadcast and podcast series, featuring award-winning country artist, Gord Bamford.
The series will showcase country artists and songwriters as they share their own Real Country Livin’ story and define what it means to them. With Bamford as the inaugural host, the series will launch with six themed episodes including Entertainin’, Fishin’, Givin’, Boatin’, and Drinkin’ that help guide the narrative as Bamford introduces audiences to his family and friends and their way of life.
Additionally, each episode will feature some of Bamford’s fan-favorite songs along with never-before-seen performances of new original songs from his upcoming June 4 album release of Diamond’s In A Whiskey Glass.
Jason Cox Re-Signs To Daywind Music Publishing For Ninth Year
Jason Cox
Daywind Music Publishing has re-signed Jason Cox who celebrates his ninth year with Daywind Music Group.
“Jason Cox is an exceptional songwriter who consistently and carefully invests his talent and craftsmanship into each song he has a hand in creating,” says Rick Shelton, vice president of music publishing at Daywind Music Group. “We are grateful that Jason is part of our family and I am so very proud of him.”
Cox has been an exclusive staff songwriter with Daywind Music Publishing since 2012, winning the Singing News Fan Awards’ Song of the Year in 2019 for “Even Me,” recorded by Triumphant Quartet, as well as the GMA Dove Awards Country Recorded Song of the Year in 2016 for “Small Town Someone,” recorded by Jeff and Sheri Easter.
He has achieved success recently at radio for the No. 1 songs “Can I Get A Witness” by The Sound, “Come To The Well” by Kingdom Heirs, “What Kind of Man” from Legacy Five, “Victory Shout” by Kingsmen, “Shame On Me” by Joseph Habedank, and “Come Sunday Morning” from Old Paths.
American Idol‘s Alex Miller Signs With Triangle Talent
Pictured (L-R): Alex’s business manager Roger Miller, Alex Miller, CEO David Snowden, Agent Joe Vonderheide, and President Clay Campbell.
American Idol alum Alex Miller has signed an exclusive booking and management agreement with Louisville-based agency, Triangle Talent, LLC.
Miller was a contestant on season 19 of American Idol where he finished as a Top 50 finalist. Kentucky-born, he has been performing professionally since the age of seven, first locally then graduating to larger markets and venues, including the Dolby Theatre, WoodSongs, Renfo Valley, and more.
Miller will be opening for Hank Williams Jr. at the Wisconsin State Fair on Aug. 15 and Josh Turner at the Kentucky State Fair on Aug. 19.