Pictured (L-R): Emily Ann Jones, JesseLee Jones, Jack Cawthon, Jay Cawthon. Photo: Courtesy of Robert’s Western World

Jack’s Bar-B-Que has sold its landmark Lower Broadway building in Nashville to the owners of Robert’s Western World, JesseLee Jones and his wife, Emily Ann.

Jack’s Founder Jack Cawthon is credited with igniting the first wave of revitalization on Lower Broadway. Cawthon first opened a Broadway location in 1991 near Riverfront Park. In 1994, after being displaced by the construction of the Hard Rock Cafe, he relocated to 416A Broadway, where he helped shape the neon-lit character of Lower Broadway.

The buildings at 416A and 416B were once connected by large archways, and the sale reunites the properties into one historic Broadway address. Jack’s smokers and the iconic flying pig sign will be relocated. The decision to sell followed conversations with the Jones family regarding Robert’s planned revitalization and third-floor expansion.

“Emily and I are incredibly grateful to Jack for his vision and tenacity,” says JesseLee Jones. “He paved the way for so many of us on Lower Broadway. We’re honored he entrusted us with this legacy, and we’re excited to reunite 416A and 416B into something truly historic for Nashville and for Robert’s. There’s work ahead, but we’re committed to preserving the music and traditions that made this city Music City.”

“I couldn’t think of a better historic Broadway institution to entrust with the building,” Cawthon adds. “I’m excited to see what Robert’s will do with an expansion. The building will remain in good hands.”

Robert’s Western World is committed to preserving the beloved honky tonk’s history, character, and legacy, and will share renderings of the updated space in the coming months. Robert’s will also continue its relationship with Jack’s as the preferred caterer for private events.

With the sale, Jack’s Bar-B-Que will focus on expanding its other two locations, Charlotte Avenue in Midtown and West Trinity Lane as well as a refocus on catering.

Tyler Childers. Photo: Sam Waxman

Morgan Wallen remains at the top of the charts this week, according to Luminate data. His duet with Tate McRae, “What I Want,” remains at No. 1 on the songs chart with 17 million streams this week adding to its 229 million total, while his recently-released I’m The Problem record holds its top position on the albums chart with 143K in total consumption (4.7K in album only and 174 million in song streams).

On the songs chart, Wallen holds the top 5 spots. “Miami” takes the No. 2 spot and “Just In Case” sits at No. 3 with 13 million streams each this week. Up next is “I’m The Problem” with 12.5 million streams. Lastly, “I Got Better” comes in at No. 5 with 11 million streams this week.

Elsewhere on the albums chart, Tyler Childers’ Snipe Hunter (RCA) has taken the No. 2 spot this week with 48K in total consumption. Falling in third place is Wallen’s One Thing At A Time with 39K in total consumption and in the No. 4 stop is Dangerous: The Double Album with 27K in total consumption. Rounding out this week is Shaboozey with Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going garnering 24K in total consumption.

SiriusXM has revealed its new Artist Residency initiative, which will highlight top artists with exclusive content and programming across multiple channels, including performances, interviews, Guest DJs, takeovers and more. The new series begins today (Aug. 5) with Bailey Zimmerman.

“With our new Artist Residency initiative, artists can participate in special programming across multiple SiriusXM channels and Pandora to help promote a new album, tour, or other key projects.” says Steve Blatter, SiriusXM Senior Vice President & GM, Music Programming. “Bailey Zimmerman and Maroon 5, with their genre-bending sounds and wide variety of influences, are the perfect artists to help us launch this new program, and we’re thrilled to deliver their fans a truly unique dive into their next major album releases.”

Zimmerman’s programming includes the channels Hip Hop Nation, Octane, SiriusXM Hits 1, MLB Network Radio and NASCAR Radio. He will also provide an exclusive subscriber performance event and interview on The Highway, along with a Pandora takeover on The 615 station for his upcoming Different Night Same Rodeo album release this Friday (Aug. 8).

The next residency installment will feature Maroon 5 on August 15. The band will give a live performance event and interview for a super-fan subscriber audience airing on SiriusXM Hits 1. Additionally, they will take over The Pulse and Pandora’s Afterglow station for their new album release, providing exclusive new music commentary, followed by guest DJ appearances on the 10s Spot and Pop2K.

Alexandra Kay will release her sophomore album, Second Wind, on Oct. 24 via BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records.

The 14 track project features previously released tracks “Feminine Energy,” “The Last” and “Cupid’s A Cowgirl.” These tracks set the tone for the album’s story, with themes of heartbreak, hope and healing all in one. The Andrew DeRoberts produced record sees Kay teaming up with top songwriters Pete Good, Jon Nite, Allison Veltz-Cruz and more, as well as credits from fellow artists Karley Scott Collins and Sasha Alex Sloan. A new track, “Straight For The Heart,” will be available this Friday (Aug. 8).

“I’m so ready to share these songs with the people who have been with me every step of the way,” shares Kay. “Over the past two years, I’ve done a lot of growing — and over the last year, I’ve had the chance to write about the version of myself that’s emerged from that growth. This album reflects a new side of me, and I can’t wait for my fans to experience it live — especially the happier songs that I’m hoping they’ll be screaming right back at me from the crowd.”

The new project follows Kay’s independent debut album All I’ve Ever Known, which hit No. 1 on iTunes (All Genre & Country) and Top 10 on multiple Billboard charts (Country Album, Emerging Artist and HeatSeeker).

“One of my favorite things about my fans is that somehow, even before the music is officially released, they already know every word,” Kay continues. “That kind of connection is rare, and this tour is going to be such a special way to close out what’s already been an unforgettable year.”

Kay is currently out on the road with Brad Paisley, which followed her spring headline tour. On September 13, Kay will hit the CCMA stage with Dallas Smith for a performance of “How Do You Miss Me,” their top 10 Canadian country radio hit. She’ll then embark on her “Second Wind: The Tour,” a 30 city trek that kicks off Sept. 26 in Atlanta and will make stops in Nashville, New Orleans, Anaheim and Las Vegas, among others. Tickets for Kay’s “Second Wind: The Tour” will go on sale this Friday (Aug. 8) at 10 a.m. local time.

Second Wind Track List:
1. “Better Off” (Alexandra Kay, Dan Pellarin, Jet Harvey)
2. “Nobody” (Alexandra Kay, Emily Falvey, Pete Good)
3. “Straight For The Heart” (Jimmy Robbins, Karley Scott Collins, Sasha Sloan)
4. “Right Now” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts)
5. “Tomorrow Problems” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts)
6. “Big Boy Boots” (Alexandra Kay, Ava Suppelsa, Kevin Gruft, Maggie Champman)
7. “Hell Right” (Alexandra Kay, Andrew Capra, Ava Suppelsa, Lauren McLamb, Rocko Beall)
8. “Measure Of A Man” (Alexandra Kay, Allison Veltz-Cruz, Andrew DeRoberts)
9. “Old Me” (Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan, Henry Agincourt Allen)
10. “Cupid’s A Cowgirl” (Alexandra Kay, Kevin Gruft, Cheyenna Rose Arnspiger)
11. “The Last” (Alexandra Kay, Jon Green, Andrew DeRoberts)
12. “What He Does” (Alexandra Kay, Andrew DeRoberts, Allison Veltz-Cruz)
13. “Feminine Energy” (Alexandra Kay, Lauren McLamb, Andrew Capra, Rocko Beall, Matt Wynn)
14. “Second Wind” (Alexandra Kay, Rocko Beall, Cheyenna Rose Arnspiger, Kevin Gruft)

Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has completed phase one of its expansion on Music Row and is set to host a grand opening event on Aug. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m..

The event will include live music, free merchandise, giveaways and more. SMACKsongs will host a songwriter round featuring Belmont alumni, while Warner Chappell will present a session on its songwriting internship. The Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) will lead a workshop and networking event. The Belmont Bluegrass Ensemble will perform during the event.

Also taking part are Gibson Guitars, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Leadership Music, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame and more, each bringing unique interactive displays and activities.

Belmont University will unveil plans for phase two of the project during the event, offering a detailed preview of the next steps and future developments.

More information and the RSVP for the event can be found here.