Willie Jones. Photo: Gordon Clark

Country singer-songwriter Willie Jones announced today (Jan. 14) his partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) for the #IHaveAnAmericanDream initiative, calling people to share their hopes for change in America. The initiative launches on Monday, Jan. 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and finds Jones asking the question: “What is your dream for change in America?” He encourages fans to post a video answering that question to social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and tagging three friends.

#IHaveAnAmericanDream coincides with Jones’ upcoming single release “American Dream,” also out on MLK Day (Jan. 18). The song is a state-of-the-nation address that inspires a positive message of change and builds on the social conversation about race in America. It appears on Jones’ forthcoming Right Now album, due Jan. 22 via The Penthouse/EMPIRE.

“‘American Dream’ is a true patriotic anthem through my eyes,” says Jones. “It’s a story about my love for the country that my ancestors built. Honoring those who have come before me and having faith in those who stand with me in taking America forward. We cannot ignore the fact that so many of our Black leaders—whether they’re civil rights leaders, authors, musicians, athletes or artists—have propelled the evolution of not just Black people but the entire human race. We evolve and the process must continue. While ignorance and racism go hand-in-hand, they’re no match for intelligence and love. So let’s spread some damn love. All power to the people.”

Donations made through the #IHaveAnAmericanDream campaign will benefit the National Museum of African American Music. Text ‘AMERICANDREAM’ to 707070 or visit the NMAAM website to donate.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Willie on his initiative and honored by his donation,” says Vice President of Brand and Partnerships for NMAAM, Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson. “This is the perfect moment for this song, this initiative, and for our museum to be supporting artists as they work to build better communities. Social justice and equity are key through-lines of the museum’s story and NMAAM is committed to supporting artists, like Willie, who are working towards a better future for America.”

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will be officially opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Toby Keith, Ricky Skaggs

Toby Keith and Ricky Skaggs were among a handful of recipients who were honored with a National Medal of Arts by President Trump yesterday (Jan. 13).

According to a statement from the Whitehouse, Keith was honored “for making extraordinary contributions to American music. Rising from humble beginnings in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Toby Keith has become one of the preeminent songwriters of his generation.”

Skaggs was honored “for his contributions to the American music industry. A virtuoso of the mandolin and fiddle, Ricky Skaggs creates and produces bluegrass music that preserves the musical legacy of the most talented artists of his generation,” according to the Whitehouse statement.

According to Skaggs publicist, Skaggs was originally slated to receive the award in early 2020, but the presentation was delayed due to COVID-19.

Photojournalist Nick Ut, art historian Earl “Rusty” Powell III, and opera singer and actress Mary Costa also received National Medal of Arts.

Trump also awarded American public official Kay Coles James, lawyer and politician O. James Lighthizer, and The National World War II Museum with National Humanities Medal yesterday (Jan. 13).

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the Nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.

The Circle TV network is kicking off 2021 with some new shows and some returning favorites as well. The network was recently named Pollstar’s #1 Livestreamer for 2020 and has a full slate of programming for the New Year.

Airing now through Feb. 11, Circle is debuting a new series, Opry Rewind, where host Nan Kelley shares stories with artists like Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, Jana Kramer and more about monumental life experiences and iconic Opry performances.

Runaway June’s Natalie Stovall returns to host her show Southern Weekend as she explores and celebrates the best that the South has to offer. Host Nan Kelley and her husband Charlie are also going to be back to reveal the best-kept secrets in America from their motorcycles with their traveling series Authentic America.

“In the second year of the Circle Network, we are thrilled to continue to work with a wide range of talent and deliver authentic, one-of-a-kind content to country music fans’ homes across the nation,” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network general manager. “We’re kicking 2021 off with a full slate, and we look forward to rolling out all of the exciting and never-before-seen programming in the weeks to come.”

As previously reported, the network is also adding the 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards to its slate, bringing the biggest night in bluegrass music to their viewers. Airing on Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, the show will celebrate 75 years of bluegrass with performances from the genre’s biggest stars and trailblazers including Del McCoury Band, Balsam Range and Taj Mahal, and guest appearances from Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and more.

Additionally, Circle is joining forces with Phil Vassar for his series Songs from the Cellar as well, with this season featuring guests Matt Ramsey, Lonestar and Tracy Lawrence. Renewed programming also sees the return of My Opry Debut where Chrissy Metz, Dennis Quaid, Niko Moon, Madison Kozack, Sam Williams and more share their experiences leading up to their first-ever performance on the Opry stage.

Lindsay Ell. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

The CMA Foundation welcomed Lindsay Ell as the next Artist Ambassador to join the Unified Voices for Music Education (UVfME) initiative.

Through her prior work with the CMA Foundation, Ell has seen firsthand the importance of the CMA Foundation’s work in the music education sector. Her stellar musicianship and songwriting skills will take centerstage as she participates in a variety of activities including creating video tutorials, virtually meeting with students to lead a songwriting workshop and other advocacy efforts to bring more visibility to the organization’s support of music education.

“Lindsay knows the healing power of music and the importance of music education,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Foundation Executive Director. “Her impactful story and passion for music as not only a creative outlet, but a call for human connection, make her a fitting ambassador as we kick off the year with continued efforts supporting music education across the U.S.”

“Music education was such an important part of my childhood,” says Ell. “Growing up I learned to lean into music as an outlet thanks to the guidance and encouragement of some truly amazing teachers. Music is an incredible connector that helps us process our emotions, which is incredibly important given the current state of the world and the weight we are all feeling. Being able to teach the power of music to students in school at an early age is a gift that I believe will serve them in so many ways for the rest of their lives. It is truly an honor to be named an Artist Ambassador for the CMA Foundation’s Unified Voices for Music Education program. I am so excited to highlight the impact our amazing music teachers across this country have on students through music education, and to pay forward the gifts my teachers shared with me.”

Ell is the third artist to join the CMA Foundation’s Unified Voices for Music Education Artist Ambassador program.

Fellow Artist Ambassador Jimmie Allen participated in several online events throughout December, including virtually meeting with a third-grade music class at Snowden Elementary in Memphis, Tennessee to share his story and discuss music and songwriting with the young students. Ashley McBryde served as the inaugural Artist Ambassador, meeting virtually with music educators in November to discuss obstacles they are facing and sharing how music education led to her career in country music.