Exile Inks With Time Life For Digital Re-issue Of Four Albums

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Pictured (L-R): Exile’s Steve Goetzman, JP Pennington, Sonny LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Les Taylor. Photo: Mark Conner

Exile has signed a distribution deal with Time Life to reissue four of their albums: The Garage Tapes, Exile Hits, Live at the Franklin Theatre and People Get Ready.

For the first time ever, the multi-award winning albums will all be available digitally, and include the No. 1 hits and fan favorites “Kiss You All Over,” “Woke Up In Love,” “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory,” “Give Me One More Chance” and many more.

“Exile is driven by an astounding amount of talent, writing and performing music that appeals to everyone from rock to pop to country music fans,” says Time Life Sr. Vice President, Live Entertainment, Mike Jason. “We’re thrilled to help deliver their music across digital platforms to all of them.”

“I have been aware of, and highly impressed with, the Time Life brand, for many years,” says Exile’s Marlon Hargis. “It is a real thrill to now be included in their family!”

The pop/country crossover band continues to tour, performing their greatest hits and fan-favorites on the road, and plans to announce new dates later this year.

Gary LeVox Embarks On Solo Journey With New Single ‘The Distance’

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Gary LeVox of Rascal Flatts is stepping out on his own with a stirring new Christian solo track, “The Distance,” out on Big Machine Records today (March 19).

“The Distance,” penned by LeVox with Josh Hoge and Matt McVaney, is a sweeping expression of the power of faith and a first-person testimony filled with encouragement and a sense of resilience. LeVox also released a performance video of the track.

YouTube video

“’The Distance’ was the first song written for my solo chapter,” explains LeVox. “With the struggles and battles so many have gone through this past year and taken over people’s everyday lives, this felt like a true song of hope. With this song, the message we wanted to share is that our hope is not lost, it’s found on the cross. And with God, we can go the distance. Don’t ever give up.”

After 20 years as front man of country supergroup Rascal Flatts, LeVox is embarking on a solo chapter combining two of his biggest passions—music and faith. With his debut single, “The Distance,” the Ohio native unveils the empowering first taste of that mission, delivering an expression of the power of belief that’s tailor made for the COVID-19 era. Grounded in the Flatts legacy, the track mixes LeVox’s stratospheric vocals with high-energy instrumentation, encouraging fans to never give up—a message he knows by heart.

Smokey Robinson To Headline 10th Annual Boys & Girls Clubs Great Futures Gala

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Smokey Robinson

Motown legend Smokey Robinson will perform at the 10th Annual Great Futures Gala on October 2, organized by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee (BGCMT).

Along with the performance from Robinson, a Boys & Girls Club alumnus, the event includes an auction experience, dinner, as well as mission moments. The gala raises more than $500,000 for local youth programs and services.

The annual event supports 11 Boys & Girls Clubs locations in Davidson and Williamson counties, as well as efforts to serve 10,000 youth in Middle Tennessee. For more than 118 years, BGCMT has helped young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.

“Smokey’s experiences with the Boys & Girls Clubs during his childhood in Detroit make him the perfect fit for shining a spotlight on the importance of our programs and how they help local youth build their own great futures,” says Eric Higgs, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee. “Not only is he a role model for our youth, he has also inspired generations of musicians and will be sure to put on a show that Great Futures Gala attendees will remember for years to come.”

In addition to the performance, Boys & Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee’s Youth of the Year will share the value of the Club in their life and how they have achieved academic success, a healthy lifestyle and good character through their Club engagement.

Tickets, tables, and sponsorships can be secured through www.BGCMT.org or by contacting (615) 983-6804. Nissan is this year’s presenting sponsor, and CAT Financial is on board as an entertainment sponsor.

The event is set for October, 2 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Grand Hyatt Hotel on 1000 Broadway.

Song Suffragettes To Celebrate Seven Years With Special Anniversary Show

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The Song Suffragettes are marking their seventh anniversary with two performance rounds featuring 11 singer-songwriters, and a special presentation to Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde on March 29.

McBryde will be presented with the Song Suffragettes’ Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award for her contributions to the songwriting community, including writing many of the songs that have inspired the 308 women who have performed on the Song Suffragettes stage through the years. McBryde is only the third woman to receive that honor after esteemed songwriter/publisher Liz Rose who received it in 2019 and hitmaker Laura Veltz who received it in 2020. McBryde will also take the stage to perform a few select songs as part of the celebration.

Starting at 6 p.m. at The Listening Room Café, the first songwriter round will feature special guest Tenille Arts. Arts’ performance will be a special homecoming for Song Suffragettes since Arts played her first of many Song Suffragettes shows back in May of 2016. Her single, “Somebody Like That” was co-written by Arts and fellow Song Suffragettes Allison Veltz and Alex Kline—Kline also produced the track. Joining Arts and hosting the first round of the night will be Kalie Shorr along with fellow singer-songwriters Madeline Finn, Livy Jeanne and Brittney Spencer.

The second round of the evening will by hosted by long-time Suffragette Candi Carpenter and feature singer-songwriters Mia Mantia, Kaylin Roberson and Sophia Scott along with first-time Suffragette Allie Dunn. Both of the evening’s songwriter rounds will be supported by cajon player, multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Mia Morris who will also perform. Tickets to the March 29 show are available at The Listening Room Café’s website. Like all Song Suffragettes shows, the 7th Anniversary Celebration show will also stream live on the Song Suffragettes YouTube channel at youtube.com/songsuffragettes/live.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Cadillac Three, Cam, Ronnie Milsap

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The Cadillac Three. Photo: Dylan Rucker

Diversity is the name of the game in this edition of DisClaimer.

In a preposterously male-dominated genre, we have gender parity today—fully half of our contestants are female. With Tiera, Darius Rucker and Chapel Hart in the mix, country music made by Black artists is well represented. South American native Flo Olavarria adds a touch of Latin. Canadian country is along for the ride, too.

Because the sounds are so difficult to compare to one another, the Disc of the Day award is divided. The Male winner is Ronnie Milsap. The essential Female disc belongs to Cam. The Group award goes to The Cadillac Three.

The afore mentioned Flo Olavarria takes home the DisCovery Award.

JOEY HENDRICKS / “Yours Or Mine”
Writers: Joey Hendricks/Daniel Ross/Michael Whitworth; Producer: Daniel Ross; Label: Sony Music Nashville
— Producer Ross surrounds this earnest-sounding troubadour with an echoey swirl of yummy pop flavors. Hendricks sings with sweet sincerity.

DARIUS RUCKER / “My Masterpiece”
Writers: Darius Rucker/Ross Copperman/JT Harding/Josh Osborne; Producer: Ross Copperman; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
— Positive, sunny, upbeat and engaging, as usual. The happy-in-love theme is common, but its delivery in this finely crafted lyric is exceptional. Supremely playable. In case you missed it: earlier this week, producer and four-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year Copperman signed a pop recording contract in New York.

CAM / “Till There’s Nothing Left”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jeff Bhasker/Cameron Ochs/Tyler Johnson; Producer: Jeff Bhasker/Tyler Johnson; Label: RCA Records/Triple Tigers
— It goes beyond steamy and sensual, all the way to hot sex. I have always been captivated by this woman’s talent. This gorgeous, tempest-tossed ode to youthful passion renews my fandom. Cam rules.

LADY A / “Like a Lady”
Writers: Brandon Paddock/Dave Barnes/Hillary Scott/Martin Johnson/Michelle Buzz; Producer: Dann Huff/Martin Johnson/Brandon Paddock; Label: BMLG Records
— Hillary takes the lead in this zesty, female-proud ditty. The mood is sprightly.

CHAPEL HART / “You Can Have Him Jolene”
Writers: Chapel Hart; Producer: Chapel Hart; Label: none listed
— The trio rocks out on this feisty whiplash ride, with their flawless vocal harmonies intact. This CMT Next Women of Country act is outstandingly talented, and so far has been batting a thousand with its releases. The video is a hoot, too.

DUSTIN LYNCH & MACKENZIE PORTER / “Thinking ‘Bout You”
Writers: Dustin Lynch/Andy Albert/Hunter Phelps/Will Weatherly; Producer: none listed; Label: Broken Bow Records
— The small-town details in the lyric are groovy, and the tune bops along with verve. It originally appeared as a collaboration with Lauren Alaina. Top Canadian country star Porter is an able substitute.

JULIA COLE / “My Home Too (My Voice Too)”
Writers: Josh Berkowitz/Matt Wynn; Producer: Josh Ronen; Label: none listed
— The rhythm-happy song’s message of inclusion, empowerment and equality spans relationships, households and nations. It’s also as catchy as the dickens. Sing along.

RONNIE MILSAP / “Wild Honey”
Writers: Jim Weatherly/Nigel Wright; Producer: Ronnie Milsap/Rob Galbraith; Label: Black River
— A little bit hillbilly, a little bit soul, a little bit rock n roll, this toe tapper is pretty hard to resist. The legendary Country Music Hall of Famer still has plenty of kick in his delivery. We recently lost songwriter Weatherly, and this dandy concoction illustrates what a shame that is.

TIERA / “Not Your Girl”
Writers: Tiera/Cameron Bedell/Jack Newsome; Producer: Cameron Bedell; Label: Tiera
— Signed to Nicolle Galyon’s Songs & Daughters female-driven publishing company, this singer-songwriter is staking her claim to country authenticity with a new, five-song EP that showcases her heart warming, sweet/tart vocals and her flair for relatable lyrics. Wildly promising.

THE CADILLAC THREE / “Long After Last Call”
Writers: Jaren Johnston; Producer: The Cadillac Three; Label: Big Machine Records
— Easily their finest single to date, this has a restless rhythmic energy, a brilliantly understated lead vocal and a marvelously crafted lyric about a late-night hookup. I could definitely get used to this on country radio. Absolutely play this ACM nominated Group of the Year.

DREW GREEN / “Hooch”
Writers: Drew Green, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell; Producer: none listed; Label: none listed
— The production is over-stuffed with busy audio effects. His rapped lyric is a repetitive loop that quickly wears out its welcome.

FLO OLAVARRIA / “Talking to Myself”
Writers: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Producer: Flo Olavarria/Noah Henson; Label: none listed
— Now here’s a country biography you don’t read every day. Flo is a native of Chile who migrated to Canada, went back to Chile, began performing in Singapore, moved to Miami and now resides part time in Music City. She brings a Latina flair, a sharp pop sensibility and country verve to this peppy, female-positive bopper. I dig her pert attitude.

ASCAP Unveils GPS Project Class Of 2021

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The songwriters participating in ASCAP’s 10th Annual GPS (Guidance from Publishers for Songwriters) Project have been announced. This year’s class includes Brooke Alexx, Shawn Chambliss, Bree Doster, Daniel Ethridge, Joe Hanson, Brooke Hatala, Emily Kroll, Autumn Marie, Nicole Miller, Kaylin Roberson, Anna Rose and Elysse Yulo.

Curated by ASCAP Creative Director Evyn Mustoe Johnston, the 12 writers in this year’s class will be paired with publishers who will listen and critique their songs and host virtual follow-up meetings over the next several months to help develop their craft. By the end of the program, each songwriter will have met with representatives from at least five different publishers. The program has helped numerous songwriters earn publishing agreements as a result of their participation, and well-known ASCAP GPS alumni include Hannah Dasher, Jacob Davis, Ben Goldsmith, Caylee Hammack, Ryan Hurd, Lainey Wilson and more.

Participating 2021 publishers include Carnival Music’s Courtney Gregg, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard, Creative Nation’s Emily Furman, Endurance Music Group’s Courtney Kruckeberg, Hang Your Hat Music’s Jake Gear, King Pen Music’s Kelly King, Kobalt Music’s Mark Abramowitz, Milk and Honey’s Shelby Yoder, MV2 Entertainment’s Nicole Sherrill, Red Door Music Group’s Abbey Adams, Sea Gayle Music’s Kim Wiggins and Spirit Music Nashville’s Kara Jackson.

Bre Kennedy Signs With Kobalt Publishing

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Bre Kennedy. Photo: Jason Lee Denton, Aliegh Shields

Nashville singer-songwriter Bre Kennedy has signed a global publishing deal with Kobalt Publishing.

Kennedy has written songs for pop acts including Nina Nesbitt, Echosmith, Joy Oladokun and GAYLE. As an artist she has toured with Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark Jr., Philip Philips and Rhys Lewis.

“I couldn’t be more excited and honored to start this next chapter of music and songwriting with Kobalt,” says Kennedy. “Everyone at the company inspires me to push my writing boundaries and continue to help me grow as a songwriter… They feel like family and have been like home for me here in Nashville. I’m proud to continue to call Kobalt home!”

“We’re thrilled to continue our relationship with Bre,” says Mark Abramowitz, senior creative director at Kobalt Music. “Bre has become one of the new leading voices in the growing non-country music community with her storytelling as an artist and collaborator.  I’m honored to be part of her team and excited for people to hear Bre’s stories.”

Kennedy gained attention with her independent debut EP “Jealous of Birds” in 2019 and then her second EP “Twenty Something” in 2020. She is working on a new album which will be announced later this year.

Jimmie Allen Renews Publishing Deal With Endurance Music Group

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Jimmie Allen. Photo: John Shearer

Endurance Music Group has announced the renewal of its worldwide publishing agreement with multi-Platinum hit songwriter and recording artist Jimmie Allen.

Allen’s chart-topping singles include his debut, “Best Shot,” as well as his follow-up, “Make Me Want To,” which he co-wrote with EMG’s Paul Sikes along with Jennifer Denmark. His current single, “Freedom Was a Highway” with Brad Paisley, is climbing the country charts. Allen is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming 56th ACM Awards.

The BBR Music Group / Stoney Creek Records artist made history as the first Black artist to launch a career with two consecutive No. 1 hits on country radio.

“We couldn’t be happier to renew our deal with Jimmie,” says Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin. “His growth as a writer and artist has been inspiring to watch and we’re proud to have been a part of it. He truly embodies the evolution of modern country music songwriting. We’re so excited to be on this journey with him.”

“Michael, Mark [Ahlberg], Josh [Saxe], and the Endurance team have become like family. They’re super supportive of my creative vision, they take the time to check on me and see how I’m doing as a person outside of music, and that really means a lot to me. Re-signing with them was a no brainer for me—Endurance is a home I’m thankful to have. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with these amazing people as I create new music,” says Allen.

Allen has recently been in writing sessions with artists like legendary R&B singer, songwriter, and producer Babyface, multi-Platinum Latin hip-hop artist Pitbull, Grammy Award-winning rocker Rob Thomas, and southern rapper Yelawolf, a testament to his versatility and range as a songwriter.

His latest project, Bettie James, is a star-studded collaboration EP that features Paisley alongside Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Nelly, Noah Cyrus, The Oak Ridge Boys, Rita Wilson, Tauren Wells, and Tim McGraw. In July, he will release his first ever book, a children’s book titled My Voice Is A Trumpet on Flamingo Books, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers.

Larry Gatlin Is ‘Feeling Great’ After Recovering From COVID-19

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Larry Gatlin recovering at home. Photo: Courtesy Larry Gatlin

After testing positive for COVID-19 just days after getting his second dose of the Moderna vaccination, Larry Gatlin has recovered and is feeling great.

Gatlin received his vaccine on March 4, four days later on March 8, he tested positive with both a rapid test and a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test.

“My symptoms were a cough and feeling a little funky. I never registered more that 9/10ths of a degree of fever. I had some slight body aches, but at 72 I have slight body aches every day. I had no headache. At the worst it felt like a very slight chest cold and it was gone in three days,” Gatlin tells MusicRow of his experience.

Fortunately, Gatlin is feeling better. “I’m now 100% good to go and feeling great. Thanks be to God,” he says.

While Gatlin is feeling healthy again, he is mourning the loss of his father, William Wayne “Curley” Gatlin, who died in November of 2020 after being diagnosed with COVID-19.

“My heart, my sympathy and my prayers go out to those who have suffered and are continuing to suffer from COVID, and to those who have lost friends and loved ones,” Gatlin says. “My 93-year-old marine daddy died of COVID or with COVID. I’m not sure. His body had begun to shut down long before he contacted COVID, so our family is not sure exactly what happened. What we are sure of is that the old marine is with Mama and Jesus and he does not have COVID now.”

Gatlin encourages fans and industry members to stay vigilant in avoiding COVID. “Dear friends, stay vigilant. Be careful and above all else, pray for your race: the human race.”

CCM News: Sarah Reeves, The Erwins, Brian Free & Assurance

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Sarah Reeves Celebrates Two Weeks At The Top With “Just Want You”

Curb|Word Entertainment’s Sarah Reeves is celebrating a two-week No. 1 with “Just Want You” on the Mediabase Hot AC chart this week. The single also topped the Billboard Christian Hot AC/CHR chart this week. Reeves’ music has been featured on TV shows on ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix and others. “It’s amazing to see ‘Just Want You’ connecting with so many,” said Reeves. “This song has been a special one to me since the day we wrote it. Having a NO. 1 is a huge honor, and even more than that, it means more people are being impacted by the music, and that’s why I do what I do.”

The Erwins’ New Project ‘This Is Love’ Slated For April

The Erwins are releasing This Is Love April 9. Hallmarked by The Erwins’ tight family harmonies wrapped in modern musical influences, the new project was produced and arranged by Wayne Haun and features tracks penned by Kenna Turner West, Joseph Habedank, Sue Smith, Tony Wood, Dixie Phillips and Kevin Winebarger, among others. The debut single “The God I Know” from the Texas siblings is set to impact radio in tandem with the album’s April 9 release. A soaring ballad proclaiming Christ’s peace to a pandemic-weary world, “The God I Know” embodies the project’s thematic inspiration found in 1 Corinthians 13:13, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” In addition, the upbeat album opener “All Of My Help” will be available March 19 as the lead digital single.

Jake Anglin Joins Brian Free & Assurance

Jake Anglin is joining Brian Free & Assurance in the baritone position. Thirty-one year old Anglin has served in full-time music ministry for ten years. The first southern gospel album he ever owned was Brian Free & Assurance’s Live in New York City, and he has purchased every album since. Free said, “When I received the audition info for Jake I was very impressed with his history in music ministry. Having traveled with evangelistic outreaches over the past 12 years, I knew he was a perfect fit for our ministry and that he was the one God had sent to be a member of our BFA family. I love his heart and the love he has for people.”