The companion soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary, COUNTRY MUSIC – A Film By Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) is set for release in a collectible five-CD deluxe box set edition on Friday, Aug. 30.
The soundtrack showcases essential recordings, drawn from the nearly 600 music cues used in the documentary, covering the wide historic terrain of 20th century American country music. American country music evolved from songs passed down from generations of settlers and slaves until 20th century recording technology made it possible for hundreds and thousands of listeners to share the same musical experience on a record.
Disc One of the deluxe edition covers “Episode One: The Rub (Beginnings – 1933)” and “Episode Two: Hard Times (1933-1945)” of the film and includes pioneering performances from The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Charlie Poole with the North Carolina Ramblers, Gene Autry, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Roy Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseans, Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys and more.
Disc Two brings together music from “Episode Three: The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)” and “Episode Four: I Can’t Stop Loving You (1953-1963)” and features essential recordings by Hank Williams with his Drifting Cowboys, Kitty Wells, Little Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Two, Ray Price, The Everly Brothers, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles and others.
Disc Three showcases recordings from “Episode Five: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968)” and “Episode Six: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)” from artists including Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Jeannie C. Riley, Tammy Wynette, The Byrds, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan with Johnny Cash, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more.
Disc Four focuses on “Episode Seven: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)” and a new generation of country musicians including Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Rosanne Cash and others.
Disc Five rounds out the anthology with “Episode Eight: Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1973-1996)” featuring tracks by Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, The Judds (Wynonna and Naomi), Dwight Yoakam, Kathy Mattea, Trisha Yearwood and more.
Legacy will release a suite of soundtrack products, including two-CD, two-LP and digital configurations of the multi-artist album, on Friday, September 13. Walmart will carry an exclusive CD configuration of the soundtrack as well, and Barnes & Noble will release an exclusive, limited edition red, white & blue vinyl product that includes a signed certification of authenticity from Ken Burns.
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns chronicles the diverse roots, evolution and stylistic diversity of 20th century American country music in the new eight-part (16.5 hour) documentary premiering on Sunday, Sept. 15 on PBS.
Trisha Yearwood To Launch New Tour In October
/by Jessica NicholsonTrisha Yearwood just earned her highest debut and biggest add day in her career, with 84 total adds for her new single, “Every Girl In This Town.” In October, she will take her new music on the road for her 22-city Every Girl On Tour trek.
The tour will launch a three-night engagement with the Nashville Symphony at Schermerhorn Symphony Center on Oct. 3-5. The tour will continue throughout the United States with stops in New York, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, St. Louis, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Fort Worth, Minneapolis and Jacksonville.
“I can’t wait to take my tour solo for the first time in five years!” said Yearwood. “I’ve been absolutely overwhelmed by the positive response to ‘Every Girl in This Town’ and, as enthusiastic as folks are about my new music and the upcoming tour, I don’t think there is anyone more excited than me.”
The new single is the first from Yearwood’s upcoming album, which is her first full-length country album since 2007’s Heaven, Heartache and the Power of Love. Earlier this year, she released her tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra, titled Let’s Be Frank.
Tickets go on sale Friday, June 21 at 10 a.m. local time at trishayearwood.com. Special fan club pre-sale begins Wednesday, June 19 at 10 a.m. local time.
Trisha Yearwood Every Girl On Tour Dates:
10/03/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/04/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/05/19: Nashville, TN-Schermerhorn Symphony Center
10/13/19: Atlanta, GA-Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
10/24/19: Carmel, IN-The Center for the Performing Arts – The Palladium
10/25/19: St. Louis, MO-Stifel Theatre
10/26/19: Cincinnati, OH-Taft Theatre
10/27/19: Cleveland, OH-Playhouse Square – KeyBank State Theatre
11/02/19: Tulsa, OK-Brady Theater
11/03/19: Sugar Land, TX-Smart Financial Centre
11/04/19: Fort Worth, TX-Bass Performance Hall
11/07/19: Chicago, IL-The Chicago Theatre
11/08/19: Milwaukee, WI-Riverside Theater
11/09/19: Minneapolis, MN-Orpheum Theatre
11/21/19: New York, NY-Town Hall Theatre
11/22/19: Boston, MA-Wilbur Theatre
11/23/19: Wilkes-Barre, PA-The F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts
11/24/19: Glenside, PA-Keswick Theatre
12/04/19: Melbourne, FL-Maxwell C. King Center for the Performing Arts
12/05/19: Fort Lauderdale, FL-Parker Playhouse
12/06/19: Clearwater, FL-Ruth Eckerd Hall
12/07/19: Jacksonville, FL-Florida Theatre
12/08/19 : Naples FL-Artis-Naples – Hayes Hall
Skillet Joins Pandora’s Billionaires Club
/by Lorie HollabaughSkillet has achieved another career milestone, joining Pandora’s Billionaires club with over two billion streams. The rarity is reserved for those totaling over a billion spins on the popular platform throughout an artist’s career, and the distinction places them in the company of other Pandora Billionaires like John Legend, Fleetwood Mac, Keith Urban and more.
“Skillet is without peer in the world of fist-pumping, faith-informed rock, a rare kind of band that shatters stereotypes and marketing plans, while tapping into emotional DNA of people from all walks of life, believers and skeptics alike,” shares Pandora’s Programming Curator Melissa Riddle Chalos. “It’s phenomenal to see the success of a band that, 23 years in, continues to delivers hope on a sonically relevant scale.”
The multi-platinum selling group is gearing up for the debut of their newest album, Victorious, on Aug. 2 on Atlantic Records. In anticipation of their tenth LP, Skillet is unveiling two more instant grat songs, “Anchor” and “Save Me,” on all streaming platforms today. The first single, “Legendary,” is impacting rock radio now and has amassed nearly 7 million views on YouTube.
Another new track, “Dreaming of Eden,” will be available upon release by purchasing a pre-order of their upcoming graphic novel Eden. Powerhouse Z2 Comics is publishing the graphic novel which tells Skillet’s story, that of unlikely heroes, perseverance, and faith.
Florida Georgia Line Release Acoustic Remixes
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line have surprised fans with special new stripped-down acoustic takes of their 11X Platinum smash “Cruise” and current chart-rising single “Talk You Out of It” from their new album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. The songs are available everywhere today via BMLG Records.
The duo’s career debut song “Cruise” remains the best-selling digital country single of all time and also made history when FGL became the first country act to achieve RIAA’s Diamond certification for 10 million copies sold. FGL has earned over 8.9 billion streams, 33.6 million tracks, and surpassed 4.6 million albums sold worldwide to date.
The duo just launched their Can’t Say I Ain’t Country Tour and will play in Dallas tonight (June 14) at the Dos Equis Pavilion. The tour features openers Dan + Shay, Morgan Wallen and special guests HARDY and Canaan Smith (on select dates) with shows rolling through September.
Weekly Chart Report (6/14/19)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
DISClaimer: Newcomers Chad Richard, CB30, Dani-Elle Offer Fresh Tracks
/by Robert K OermannMore than half of the hopefuls in this edition of DISClaimer are first-timers in the column. So we’re handing out multiple DISCovery Awards.
The male winner hails from Austin, Texas, where grit and honesty still matter. Chad Richard sounds as comfy as a pair of faded jeans. Our female DISCovery is another singer-songwriter with hit potential, Dani-Elle. The duo/group prize goes to the shiny, buoyant stylists of CB30.
As for the Disc of the Day, that would belong to Sturgill Simpson. You’ll recall that his Sailor’s Guide to Earth won the 2017 Grammy as Country Album of the Year. By the sound of things, he’s back on another winning streak.
ZACH STONE/Hands On
Writers: Zach Stone/Will Stone/Casey Cattle; Producer: Matt Billingslea; Publishers: none listed; ZSC
– Catchy song. Radio ready. His singing voice isn’t particularly distinctive, but he gets the job done. The electric guitarist gets way too busy in the finale.
STURGILL SIMPSON/The Dead Don’t Die
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Elektra
– Beautiful in every way. His hard-country baritone vocal is as warm as a fireside. The steel-saturated track glows like antique jewelry. This Grammy winner’s authenticity is just what country music lacks right now. The song is the title tune to a new zombie comedy film featuring Bill Murray, Selena Gomez and Adam Driver. Get on board now.
BRINN BLACK/72’s
Writers: Brinn Black/Briana Tyson/Brittney Kennell; Producer: Nolan Neal Seals; Publsihers: Floor Six/Breelo, BMI/SOCAN
– Plaintive and yearning in the verses. Triumphant in the choruses. Very promising. Send more.
TANYA TUCKER/The Wheels of Laredo
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Tim Hanseroth/Phil Hanseroth; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Publishers: none listed; Fantasy
– Country-music perfection. This legendary voice is like no other. The Southwestern imagery and rolling melody of the song have a classic sound. Can’t wait for the album.
DANI-ELLE/Head For Home
Writers: Dani-elle/Marie Kieha; Producer: Chip Martin; Publishers: none listed; DKE
– She sings with authority and assurance. The stately ballad plods a little, but the force in her performance and the strength of the lyric’s message keep you hanging on.
WALKER HAYES/Don’t Let Her
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Monument
– It’s more of a groove than an actual melody. Warmly romantic, hip-hop flavored and blandly pleasing.
CHAD RICHARD/Slow Rollin’ State Line
Writer: Chad Richard; Producers: Walt Wilkins/Ron Rlynt; Publisher: Barn Noise, BMI
– Kinda loping and hillbilly funky. He has a cool, weathered, soulful, drawling singing style. The track lays back in a rhythmic pocket featuring a wandering fiddle and a lazy guitar. Very well done.
CHASE RICE/Lonely If You Are
Writers: Chase Rice/Lindsay Rimes/Hunter Phelps; Producer: Chris DeStefano; Publishers: none listed; BBR
– All the guitar noodling, finger snapping and drum thump in the world can’t save this limp, tuneless, dull snooze of single.
BAILEY CALLAHAN/Home Made
Writers: Bailey Calahan/Jared Anderson/Ryan Robinette; Producer: Robbie Artress; Publishers: none listed; Pink Mustang
– The just-folks message and her country-girl delivery match perfectly. The track bounces right along with her.
CB30/That Moment When
Writers: Christian Clement/Matt McVaney/Kevin Bard/Jacob Davis; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Buena Vista
– Brothers Christian and Brody (hence the “CB”) Clementi have a very appealing, youthful sound. Their harmony blend is exquisite, and the swirly, pop-ish production gives the whole outing a sweet, dreamy quality. They also look like Disney teen heartthrobs.
Chuck Mead Readies New Album, Launches New WSM Radio Program ‘Face the Music’
/by LB CantrellChuck Mead
Iconic Nashville-based station WSM Radio announced today that recording artist Chuck Mead will launch a new monthly radio program called Face the Music.
Mead and his studio guests—country legends, Americana stalwarts, cosmic cowboys, music business impresarios and more—will spin records and swap intimate behind-the-scenes stories. Face the Music will debut on both WSM and WSMOnline on Friday, June 14, with special guest Carlene Carter. The show is sponsored by legendary Nashville honky-tonk Robert’s Western World.
The WSM debut comes a week prior to the release of Close to Home, due for release on June 21. The 11-track collection, on Nashville independent label Plowboy Records is the follow-up to Mead’s first Plowboy release, 2015’s Free State Serenade. Recorded at the historic Sam Phillips Recording Studios in Memphis, Tenn., the album was produced by acclaimed Memphis recording engineer and producer Matt Ross-Spang.
The album will be celebrated with a multi-date Honky-Tonk Tour of Nashville. The week will kick off on Honky-Tonk Tuesday at the American Legion Hall on June 18, The 5 Spot on June 19, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge June 20, The Nashville Palace June 21, and Robert’s Western World June 22. Mead will also make his his 139th appearance on the Grand Ole Opry on June 22.
“It’s extremely exciting to me to delve into radio and I’m honored to be a part of the long WSM history,” Mead said. “With Face the Music, I get talk to people artist-to-artist about the records that influenced them and shaped their own work. Of course we have a little fun along the way. The fact that the show premieres the week I have a record coming out and I’m playing all my favorite honky-tonks in Nashville makes it all that much sweeter.”
“We’re constantly looking for new ways to stay engaged in an ever-changing listening environment, and we believe adding Chuck Mead’s Face the Music to our programming line-up on both 650 AM and WSMonline.com feels like a natural fit. Chuck and his guests will provide audiences both near and far with engaging conversation, industry insight, and those much sought-after artist stories from the road. We can’t wait to hear Chuck’s voice and style on WSM,” said J. Patrick Tinnell, WSM Program Director.
Patrick Droney Inks Warner Records Deal, Releases “Stand And Deliver”
/by Jessica NicholsonPatrick Droney
Nashville-based singer, songwriter and guitarist Patrick Droney has released the video for “Stand and Deliver,” and signed with major label Warner Records in March.
The single has earned more than 100K streams in its first week and landed in the Top 10 on Spotify’s U.S. Viral Top 50 chart.
“I could not be more thrilled to join this incredible team with such a rich and iconic history,” Droney says of the signing. “I’ve always focused on creating music with intent as well as being an additive part of the musical landscape. I am inspired by this partnership already.”
Droney has been pursuing music for most of his life, taking up guitar at five years old and earning the Robert Johnson Foundation’s “Next Generation Award” at age 12. After attending the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at New York University, he signed a publishing deal that brought him to Los Angeles where he caught the attention of Fender Guitars as one of their go-to artist ambassadors.
He moved to Nashville and released his self-titled debut EP last year, earning more than 10 million streams.
NMPA SONGS Foundation Announces Partnership With She Is The Music
/by Lorie HollabaughSONGS is providing a donation of $100,000 to She Is The Music to be spread over four years in $25,000 installments. The announcement was made yesterday at NMPA’s Annual Meeting in New York City with STIM Committee Members Carianne Marshall and Ann Mincieli accepting the donation.
“She Is The Music founder Alicia Keys unveiled her pioneering new platform to promote female songwriters, producers, engineers and more at our annual meeting last year, so it was fitting that we announced our partnership on the same stage yesterday,” said David Israelite, President of the NMPA SONGS Foundation. “This $100,000 donation is critical in order to grow in-studio professional mentoring programs as well as other opportunities for women and we couldn’t be happier to be involved in this growing movement.”
In Pictures: BMI Songwriters Showcase Music During CMA Fest
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured: Steve Buchanan, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Colin Elmore, WME’s Lane Wilson and Sony Music Nashville’s Jim Catino. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI
Pictured: BMI’s Jody Williams with Dan Smalley. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI
Pictured: Borman Entertainment’s Erik Peterson, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, CAA’s Darin Murphy and Rob Light, Dan Smalley, CAA’s Sabrina Butera, BMI’s Mason Hunter and CAA’s Brian Hill. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI
Pictured: Josh Phillips performs during CMA Fest. Photo: Erika Goldring/BMI
Soundtrack For Ken Burns’ ‘Country Music’ Documentary To Release In August
/by Lorie HollabaughThe companion soundtrack to the Ken Burns documentary, COUNTRY MUSIC – A Film By Ken Burns (The Soundtrack) is set for release in a collectible five-CD deluxe box set edition on Friday, Aug. 30.
The soundtrack showcases essential recordings, drawn from the nearly 600 music cues used in the documentary, covering the wide historic terrain of 20th century American country music. American country music evolved from songs passed down from generations of settlers and slaves until 20th century recording technology made it possible for hundreds and thousands of listeners to share the same musical experience on a record.
Disc One of the deluxe edition covers “Episode One: The Rub (Beginnings – 1933)” and “Episode Two: Hard Times (1933-1945)” of the film and includes pioneering performances from The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers, Charlie Poole with the North Carolina Ramblers, Gene Autry, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Roy Acuff and His Crazy Tennesseans, Bill Monroe and His Blue Grass Boys and more.
Disc Two brings together music from “Episode Three: The Hillbilly Shakespeare (1945-1953)” and “Episode Four: I Can’t Stop Loving You (1953-1963)” and features essential recordings by Hank Williams with his Drifting Cowboys, Kitty Wells, Little Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash & the Tennessee Two, Ray Price, The Everly Brothers, Lefty Frizzell, Marty Robbins, Faron Young, Patsy Cline, Ray Charles and others.
Disc Three showcases recordings from “Episode Five: The Sons and Daughters of America (1964-1968)” and “Episode Six: Will the Circle Be Unbroken (1968-1972)” from artists including Roger Miller, Buck Owens, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Jeannie C. Riley, Tammy Wynette, The Byrds, Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan with Johnny Cash, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and more.
Disc Four focuses on “Episode Seven: Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way? (1973-1983)” and a new generation of country musicians including Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton, George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Townes Van Zandt, Gram Parsons and the Fallen Angels, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Hank Williams, Jr., Rosanne Cash and others.
Disc Five rounds out the anthology with “Episode Eight: Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’ (1973-1996)” featuring tracks by Ricky Skaggs, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, The Judds (Wynonna and Naomi), Dwight Yoakam, Kathy Mattea, Trisha Yearwood and more.
Legacy will release a suite of soundtrack products, including two-CD, two-LP and digital configurations of the multi-artist album, on Friday, September 13. Walmart will carry an exclusive CD configuration of the soundtrack as well, and Barnes & Noble will release an exclusive, limited edition red, white & blue vinyl product that includes a signed certification of authenticity from Ken Burns.
Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns chronicles the diverse roots, evolution and stylistic diversity of 20th century American country music in the new eight-part (16.5 hour) documentary premiering on Sunday, Sept. 15 on PBS.