Gregg Allman. Photo: Sidney Smith
Gregg Allman, a Nashville native who rose to become a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, died at age 69 on Saturday, May 27, at his home near Savannah, GA. As the lead singer of The Allman Brothers Band, he was the voice behind such huge fan favorites as “Whipping Post” (1969), “Dreams,” (1969), “Revival (Love Is Everywhere)” (1971), “Melissa” (1972), “Statesboro Blues” (1971) and “One Way Out” (1972). In addition to singing them, he was the writer of the first four songs.
With his tattoos and long blonde hair, Gregg Allman was the visual focus of the band, as well. As a solo artist, he was famed for such performances as “Midnight Rider” (1974), which he also wrote, and “I’m No Angel” (1987). Both as a solo artist and with The Allman Brothers, he was a recurring visitor to Nashville’s recording studios and concert venues.
The Allman Brothers were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The group received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. It earned seven Gold and four Platinum record awards.
Allman earned an additional two Gold albums for his solo work. Gregory LeNoir Allman was born at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville in 1947, a little more than a year after his brother Duane Allman (1946-1971) was born in the same hospital. Their father died when Gregg was two years old, and the boys were raised by their widowed mother.
In his autobiography My Cross to Bear, Gregg Allman recalled spending a great deal of time at his grandmother’s house on 18th Avenue South, near what is now Music Row. That residence no longer stands. But his mother’s house on Scotland Place off Leake Avenue still exists.
To further her lot in life, she went back to school to become a CPA and sent her sons to Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN when Gregg was eight. Gregg and Duane returned to Music City in 1958. They moved with their mother to Florida when Gregg was 12.
Duane developed into an outstanding slide guitarist. Gregg played keyboards and sang. Music took over their lives. Their grades suffered so badly that they were sent back for a second stint at Castle Heights.
Deeply influenced by the blues records they heard on Nashville’s WLAC radio, they formed their Allman Joys band. They spent the summer of 1965 in Nashville being mentored by songwriter John D. Loudermilk (1934-2016).
In 1966, they returned to Nashville for a residency at a club called The Briar Patch. During their stay, producer Buddy Killen (1932-2006) recorded what became the sole LP by The Allman Joys. It contained several of Gregg Allman’s earliest songwriting efforts.
The group became Hour Glass and recorded two LPs in Los Angeles in 1967 and 1968. Gregg remained in California to work on his songwriting while Duane became a session guitarist in Muscle Shoals, AL. In Jacksonville, FL, Duane assembled what became The Allman Brothers Band and urged Gregg to join him there.
After the group relocated to Macon, GA, the million-selling albums At Fillmore East (1971) and Eat a Peach (1972) made The Allman Brothers rock superstars. The band pioneered the style known as Southern rock music. This led to the modern jam-band scene and to festivals such as Middle Tennessee’s Bonnaroo.
The motorcycle-crash deaths of Duane Allman in 1971 and Barry Oakley in 1972 devastated The Allman Brothers Band. Gregg reconstituted the group, which released its biggest hit LP, Brothers and Sisters, in 1973. The band was nominated for a Grammy in 1979.
The Allman Brothers Band recorded its 1981 CD Brothers of the Road in Music City. By then, Gregg Allman had also launched a solo career and become a very public persona via his 1975-79 marriage to Cher.
Allman appeared at Volunteer Jam XII, staged by Charlie Daniels at Nashville’s Starwood Amphitheater, in 1986.
In 1989, he reconstituted The Allman Brothers Band, incorporating Nashville rock musicians Warren Haynes, Allen Woody (1965-2000) and Johnny Neel. The band won a rock-instrumental Grammy Award in 1996. Gregg Allman was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2006. In various incarnations, The Allman Brothers persevered until 2014.
Gregg Allman was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2008 and received a transplant in 2010. In 2011, he released a critically acclaimed comeback solo album, the Grammy-nominated Low Country Blues. But lung surgery and addiction recovery sidelined him while promoting it.
He published his autobiography in 2012. It became a New York Times best-seller.
In 2015, he was the focus of All My Friends, a tribute album that included performances by Nashvillians Vince Gill, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, John Hiatt, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride and Keb Mo. By then, Allman knew that his cancer had returned, but he kept it from the public.
Allman’s final Nashville appearance was on the live streamed concert series Skyville Live in December 2015. On that show, he was saluted by Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and Taj Mahal. His last concert was in October last year. In March, he announced that his touring days were over.
Gregg Allman was married and divorced six times. He is survived by wife Shannon and by his five children — Michael Sean, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island and Layla Brooklyn — as well as by three grandchildren.
According to Variety, Allman will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, next to brother Duane and band mate Barry Oakley (1948- 1972). His mother’s ashes will be interred there as well — they have been in his home since her death in 2015.
A posthumous Gregg Allman album, Southern Blood, is scheduled for release in September.
Gregg Allman. Photo: Patricia O’Driscoll
Kelsea Ballerini, Willie Nelson, Reba, Dolly Parton, George Strait To Be Awarded At ACM Honors
/by Jessica NicholsonGeorge Strait will be honored with the Cliffie Stone Icon Award (previously The Cliffe Stone Pioneer Award), presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who throughout their career has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.
The ACM’s Humanitarian Award has been renamed and incorporated into the existing Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award, which will be presented to Dolly Parton. The award honors a country music artist, duo/group or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit, and is committed to serving others, voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors.
Kelsea Ballerini will be honored with the Gene Weed Milestone Award (a combination of the previous Crystal Milestone and Gene Weed Special Achievement Awards). This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for a specific, unprecedented or outstanding achievement in the field of country music during the preceding calendar year.
Bob Kingsley and Reba McEntire have been chosen as recipients of the Mae Boren Axton Service Award (previously The Mae Boren Axton Award), to honor an outstanding country music artist, duo/group or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.
Eric Church will be honored with the Merle Haggard Spirit Award, presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country legend and 20-time ACM Award Winner Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Merle’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Miranda Lambert was the award’s inaugural honoree last year.
Three artists and songwriters will share the Poet’s Award, including Toby Keith, Willie Nelson and Shel Silverstein (awarded posthumously). This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.
“Nashville” has been chosen as the recipient of the Tex Ritter Film Award, which honors an outstanding television movie, series or feature film released during the preceding calendar year which prominently features country music.
Additional off-camera categories to be honored include the yet-to-be-announced Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards winners, as well as previously announced Songwriter of the Year winner Lori McKenna. McKenna is the first female to win the ACM Songwriter of the Year honor. Past recipients of the Songwriter of the Year Award include Ross Copperman, Dallas Davidson, Luke Laird, Shane McAnally and Roger Miller.
The Academy of Country Music Special Awards are voted on by the ACM Board of Directors for specific achievements.
Industry Ink: Jason Aldean, Clay Walker, Rare Country, Chris Tomlin
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean Visits His Country Music Hall Of Fame Exhibit
Pictured (L-R): Maverick’s Chris Parr, Jason Aldean, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young and Maverick’s Clarence Spalding. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Jason Aldean visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s new exhibit on his life and career last Thursday (May 25) with wife Brittany, daughters Keeley and Kendyl, his parents, stepparents and friends. Presented by Field & Stream, Jason Aldean: Asphalt Cowboy runs through Nov. 5, 2017.
Clay Walker Inks With UTA
Phyllis Stark Named Rare Country Sr. Content Editor
Chris Tomlin’s Worship Night In America A Huge Success
Photo: Daniel White
Chris Tomlin recently wrapped his Worship Night In America tour which featured Tomlin, Big Daddy Weave, Phil Wickham and Zach Williams. The tour made 23 stops across the US, selling out arenas in major markets including Phoenix, Portland, Kansas City, and Seattle, while making history in Nashville as the largest ticketed Christian concert at Bridgestone Arena.
Weekly Register: Chris Stapleton’s ‘Room’ Continues To Reign, Lauren Duski Unseats Sam Hunt
/by Jessica NicholsonZac Brown Band’s latest, Welcome Home, slides from No. 1 to the No. 3 spot this week, with 23K sold.
In the fourth spot this week is Stapleton’s Traveller, which moved 11K this week, upping the album’s tally to 1.9 million RTD.
Keith Urban‘s Ripcord rounds out this week’s Top 5 with 5.5K.
On the country digital tracks rankings, The Voice Contestant Lauren Duski unseats Sam Hunt‘s”Body Like A Back Road” from the No. 1 spot, as her original song “Deja Vu” moves 86K this week. Duski also debuts a new track, her rendition of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance” landing at No. 4 with 37K sold.
Hunt’s “Body Like A Back Road” moves to No. 2, with 52.5K. Brett Young‘s “In Case You Didn’t Know” lands at No. 3, with 46.1K.
Lee Brice‘s “The Boy” debuts at No. 5, moving 24K.
Information provided by Nielsen Soundscan.
2017 MusicRow Awards: Last Day To Vote!
/by Sarah SkatesVoting for the 29th Annual MusicRow Awards will close today (May 30) at 5 p.m. View all of the nominees.
Subscribed members of MusicRow determine the winners in five categories: Breakthrough Artist of the Year, Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year, Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Song of the Year.
If you have already submitted your ballot, no further action is required.
If you do not have a MusicRow subscription, subscribe to receive your ballot.
To have your ballot resent, please email eparker@musicrow.com or call 615-499-5421.
The 2017 MusicRow Awards will be presented in a private ceremony.
LifeNotes: Gregg Allman Drew From Nashville Roots To Pioneer The Southern Rock Sound
/by Robert K OermannGregg Allman. Photo: Sidney Smith
Gregg Allman, a Nashville native who rose to become a member of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, died at age 69 on Saturday, May 27, at his home near Savannah, GA. As the lead singer of The Allman Brothers Band, he was the voice behind such huge fan favorites as “Whipping Post” (1969), “Dreams,” (1969), “Revival (Love Is Everywhere)” (1971), “Melissa” (1972), “Statesboro Blues” (1971) and “One Way Out” (1972). In addition to singing them, he was the writer of the first four songs.
With his tattoos and long blonde hair, Gregg Allman was the visual focus of the band, as well. As a solo artist, he was famed for such performances as “Midnight Rider” (1974), which he also wrote, and “I’m No Angel” (1987). Both as a solo artist and with The Allman Brothers, he was a recurring visitor to Nashville’s recording studios and concert venues.
The Allman Brothers were inducted into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame in 1995. The group received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012. It earned seven Gold and four Platinum record awards.
Allman earned an additional two Gold albums for his solo work. Gregory LeNoir Allman was born at St. Thomas Hospital in Nashville in 1947, a little more than a year after his brother Duane Allman (1946-1971) was born in the same hospital. Their father died when Gregg was two years old, and the boys were raised by their widowed mother.
In his autobiography My Cross to Bear, Gregg Allman recalled spending a great deal of time at his grandmother’s house on 18th Avenue South, near what is now Music Row. That residence no longer stands. But his mother’s house on Scotland Place off Leake Avenue still exists.
To further her lot in life, she went back to school to become a CPA and sent her sons to Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, TN when Gregg was eight. Gregg and Duane returned to Music City in 1958. They moved with their mother to Florida when Gregg was 12.
Duane developed into an outstanding slide guitarist. Gregg played keyboards and sang. Music took over their lives. Their grades suffered so badly that they were sent back for a second stint at Castle Heights.
Deeply influenced by the blues records they heard on Nashville’s WLAC radio, they formed their Allman Joys band. They spent the summer of 1965 in Nashville being mentored by songwriter John D. Loudermilk (1934-2016).
In 1966, they returned to Nashville for a residency at a club called The Briar Patch. During their stay, producer Buddy Killen (1932-2006) recorded what became the sole LP by The Allman Joys. It contained several of Gregg Allman’s earliest songwriting efforts.
The group became Hour Glass and recorded two LPs in Los Angeles in 1967 and 1968. Gregg remained in California to work on his songwriting while Duane became a session guitarist in Muscle Shoals, AL. In Jacksonville, FL, Duane assembled what became The Allman Brothers Band and urged Gregg to join him there.
After the group relocated to Macon, GA, the million-selling albums At Fillmore East (1971) and Eat a Peach (1972) made The Allman Brothers rock superstars. The band pioneered the style known as Southern rock music. This led to the modern jam-band scene and to festivals such as Middle Tennessee’s Bonnaroo.
The motorcycle-crash deaths of Duane Allman in 1971 and Barry Oakley in 1972 devastated The Allman Brothers Band. Gregg reconstituted the group, which released its biggest hit LP, Brothers and Sisters, in 1973. The band was nominated for a Grammy in 1979.
The Allman Brothers Band recorded its 1981 CD Brothers of the Road in Music City. By then, Gregg Allman had also launched a solo career and become a very public persona via his 1975-79 marriage to Cher.
Allman appeared at Volunteer Jam XII, staged by Charlie Daniels at Nashville’s Starwood Amphitheater, in 1986.
In 1989, he reconstituted The Allman Brothers Band, incorporating Nashville rock musicians Warren Haynes, Allen Woody (1965-2000) and Johnny Neel. The band won a rock-instrumental Grammy Award in 1996. Gregg Allman was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame in 2006. In various incarnations, The Allman Brothers persevered until 2014.
Gregg Allman was diagnosed with liver cancer in 2008 and received a transplant in 2010. In 2011, he released a critically acclaimed comeback solo album, the Grammy-nominated Low Country Blues. But lung surgery and addiction recovery sidelined him while promoting it.
He published his autobiography in 2012. It became a New York Times best-seller.
In 2015, he was the focus of All My Friends, a tribute album that included performances by Nashvillians Vince Gill, Eric Church, Brantley Gilbert, John Hiatt, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride and Keb Mo. By then, Allman knew that his cancer had returned, but he kept it from the public.
Allman’s final Nashville appearance was on the live streamed concert series Skyville Live in December 2015. On that show, he was saluted by Chris Stapleton, Little Big Town and Taj Mahal. His last concert was in October last year. In March, he announced that his touring days were over.
Gregg Allman was married and divorced six times. He is survived by wife Shannon and by his five children — Michael Sean, Devon, Elijah Blue, Delilah Island and Layla Brooklyn — as well as by three grandchildren.
According to Variety, Allman will be buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Macon, next to brother Duane and band mate Barry Oakley (1948- 1972). His mother’s ashes will be interred there as well — they have been in his home since her death in 2015.
A posthumous Gregg Allman album, Southern Blood, is scheduled for release in September.
Gregg Allman. Photo: Patricia O’Driscoll
BMI Hosts Stage At 2017 Hangout Music Festival
/by Haley CrowBassh performs on the BMI stage at Hangout Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring.
BMI once again hosted a stage at the 2017 Hangout Music Festival held May 19-21 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The lineup for BMI’s fifth annual stage featured performances by alternative duo Bassh, the pop/electronic group A R I Z O N A, power pop singer Fletcher, Nashville-based band The New Respects, and more.
The New Respects perform on the BMI stage at Hangout Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring.
BMI’s Nina Carter (center) poses with The New Respects backstage at Hangout Music Festival. Photo: Erika Goldring.
Lewis Brice To Debut Self-Titled EP
/by Alex ParryLee Brice’s brother Lewis Brice will debut his first nationally-distributed EP on July 14. The EP’s six original songs are all co-written and co-produced by Lewis alongside Brian Bunn, Dan Frizell, and Ben Simonetti with executive producer Lee Brice at the project’s helm.
Released on Pump House Music through a venture with Straight 8 Entertainment and Kobalt Music Recordings, the project is now available for pre-order. A seven-week promotional campaign will push to social media and streaming featuring weekly behind the music-style interviews with Lewis as well as intimate, stripped-down acoustic versions of each song leading up to the street date.
“I’ve been writing, playing, and working on these songs for the last few years and am very proud to be releasing them in July,” says Lewis. “I lean a little more rock, but my roots have always been country, so listeners can expect to get a solid blend of both. I couldn’t ask for a better team to start my next chapter with!”
Lewis is represented by WME’s Risha Rodgers, BMI, Straight 8 Entertainment management’s Lee Willard and Norman Jacob, promotions veteran EJ Barnas, Shaun Melby of Wiatr & Associates (business management) and Zach Farnum of 117 Entertainment Group for publicity.
Lewis Brice Track Listing:
1. Best Ex Ever (Lewis Brice, Mike Walker, Benjy Davis)
2. Rob You Blind (Lewis Brice, Aaron Parker)
3. Messin’ With My Mind (Lewis Brice, Matthew Quinton)
4. Outta My Head (Lewis Brice, Randy Montana)
5. Still With You (Lewis Brice, Aaron Parker)
6. Alabama (Lewis Brice, Lee Brice)
Lewis Brice Upcoming Shows and Appearances
June 6 – Nashville, TN – LewisPalooza No. 7 benefiting HopeSong
June 9 – Myrtle Beach, SC – Carolina Country Music Festival
June 10 – Nashville, TN – Hard Rock @ Night Stage during CMA Fest
June 11 – Nashville, TN – Fan Fair X Signing @ Music City Center
July 8 – Independence, IA – Buchanan County Fair
Aug. 4 – Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus
Aug. 5 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent
Aug. 6 – Hampton Beach, NH – Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom
Rhonda Vincent Announces New Album With Daryle Singletary
/by Alex ParryRhonda Vincent is teaming up with Daryle Singletary for an upcoming duets album, American Grandstand, set for release July 7. The project delivers traditional country music with a unique American twist. This album will be released via Upper Management Music.
“I’ve always loved singing with Daryle Singletary. He’s one of the greatest singers in this generation of country music,” said Vincent. “It’s so fun to sing with someone who challenges me as a singer. The songs were given great thought, along with one that was totally unexpected. It’s one of the best projects I’ve ever been part of. I am so proud of this recording, and I cannot wait for the world to hear our wonderful creation, American Grandstand.”
“Rhonda and I have been singing together since my first CD on Giant Records in 1994. I’ve been a fan of Rhonda’s singing before that, but since then for sure and it’s obvious as she has sung on most of my indie records as a background vocalist or a duet partner,” said Singletary. “If you love traditional country music, and remember songs originally sung by well-known duet partners like George Jones and Tammy Wynette, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn, and Merle Haggard and Bonnie Owens, this is a must-have CD that we are extremely excited about.”
The two will also hit the road starting June 1 in Preston, Connecticut through October 2017. Nashville fans will have multiple opportunities to see shows from the two, on June 8 during CMA Fest, CD signing at Ernest Tubb Record Shop then a fan party later that evening. Two Grand Ole Opry shows are planned, June 11 and June 21. Full dates below.
American Grandstand Track Listing:
1. Above and Beyond
2. One
3. After The Fire Is Gone
4. American Grandstand
5. Slowly But Surely
6. As We Kiss Our World Goodbye
7. Can’t Live Life
8. Golden Ring
9. We Must Have Been Out of Our Minds
10. Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man
11. A Picture of Me Without You
12. Up This Hill and Down
Rhonda Vincent On Tour:
May 30 Larry’s Country Diner Taping
June 01 Preston, CT – Strawberry Park Bluegrass Festival w/ Daryle Singletary
June 03 Auburn, AL – Bluegrass on the Plains
June 04 Pigeon Forge, TN – Dollywood
June 07 Franklin, TN – Music City Roots – w/ Daryle Singletary
June 08 Nashville, TN. – CMA Music Fest – 2pm-2:30pm – w/ Daryle Singletary
June 08 Nashville, TN – 3pm – CD Signing at Ernest Tubb Record Shop on Broadway – w/ Daryle Singletary
June 08 Nashville, TN – 9pm – CD Release Party – w/ Daryle Singletary
June 09 Cherokee, NC – Cherokee Bluegrass Festival
June 10 Dinwiddie, VA – Dinwiddie Music Festival with Daryle Singletary
June 11 Nashville, TN – Grand Ole Opry House – Gospel Show
June 21 Nashville, TN – Opry – w/ Daryle Singletary
June 22 Grayson, KY – RudyFest
June 23 Summersville, WV – Music in the Mountains Festival
June 24 Charlotte, MI – Charlotte Bluegrass Festival
June 27 RHONDA VINCENT FAN CLUB PARTY – Must register to attend – Limited Seating
June 28 – July 02 Queen City, MO – Sally Mountain Bluegrass Festival
July 04 Greenwood, AR – Freedom Fest
July 07 Murfreesboro, TN – Uncle Dave Macon Days
July 08 Centre Hall, PA – Remington Ryde Festival
July 09 Woodbine, MD – Jennings Chapel United Methodist Outdoor Worship Center
July 15-16 Colby, KS – Pickin’ on the Plains Bluegrass Festival
July 19 Sheridan, WY – Whitney Center for the Arts
July 20 Livingston, MT – Music Ranch Montana
July 22-23 Darrington, WA – Darrington Bluegrass Festival
July 27 Hiawassee, GA – Georgia Mountain Fair
Aug. 03-04 Thornton, NH – Pemi Valley Festival
Aug. 05 Milan, MI – Milan Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 11 Hebron, CT – Podunk Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 17 Marion, NC – North Carolina Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 18 Gettysburg, PA– Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
Aug. 23 Rhonda Filming
Aug. 25 Keene, Ontario, Canada – Greenbridge Celtic Folk Festival
Aug. 26 Washington, PA – Wild Things Park
Sept. 02 Fort Fairfield, ME – County Bluegrass
Sept. 06 Prague, Czech Republic
Sept. 8-9 Gstaad, Switzerland – Country Night Gstaad
Sept. 14 Kodak, TN – Dumplin Valley Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 15 Conway, MO – Starvy Creek Bluegrass Festival
Sept. 16-17 Flagstaff, AZ – Pickin’ in the Pines
Sept. 23 Vine Grove, KY – Vine Grove Bluegrass Music Festival
Sept. 30 Hartselle, AL – Hartselle High School Auditorium
Oct. 19 Breman, GA – Milltown Music Hall with Daryle Singletary
Artist Action: Kane Brown, RaeLynn, Chris Janson, Craig Campbell
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown And Friends Retreat To Tims Ford
Pictured (L-R): Lindsay Rimes, Josh Hoge, Sony Music Nashville A&R SVP Jim Catino, Kane Brown, Shy Carter, Sam Ellis, Matt McGinn and Universal Music Publishing Group EVP/GM Kent Earls
RCA Nashville/Zone 4 artist Kane Brown joined some fellow writers including Lindsay Rimes, Josh Hoge, Shy Carter, Sam Ellis, and Matt McGinn for a songwriters retreat at Tims Ford Lake in Winchester, Tennessee. Brown is currently touring as part of Jason Aldean’s They Don’t Know Tour.
RaeLynn Thrills Fans At Forever 21 In-Store In Nashville
Chris Janson Fixes A Drink For Ty, Kelly & Chuck
Craig Campbell Cornhole Challenge And Benefit Set For June 6
Craig Campbell. Photo: Jason Myers
Craig Campbell is set to host his 5th Annual Craig Campbell Celebrity Cornhole Challenge and third One Million Strongbenefit in Nashville on June 6 during CMA Fest. The afternoon-to-evening event will raise funds for the non-profit Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC) which works to increase awareness, education and research for colorectal cancer. Building on last year’s success which raised over $35,000, the fundraiser will take place at a new venue, City Winery. A Fight CRC national spokesperson, Campbell was only 11 when he lost his father at age 36 to colorectal cancer. Celebrities including Dee Jay Silver, Trent Harmon, NASCAR driver Scott Lagasse, Jr., Jackie Lee, Love and Theft, Jerrod Niemann, Parmalee, Michael Ray and Thompson Square are participating in this year’s challenge.
Kalie Shorr called ‘The New Nashville’ in Teen Vogue
/by Lorie HollabaughKalie Shorr: Photo: Zhenya and Tanya Posternak
Kalie Shorr is the only country artist chosen by Teen Vogue in its music issue as part of “The New Nashville.” In the article, on stands now, the magazine spotlights the future of music and features Shorr with artists from all genres handpicked in collaboration with Apple Music.
“I was so excited when I got the call to be in an issue of Teen Vogue,” says Shorr. “I couldn’t believe it. I remember reading it as a teenager and daydreaming about seeing my picture in there, so it was pretty emotional when I got to actually hold it in my hands. And the shoot itself was just as amazing as I thought it would be. I’m so thankful.”
Shorr did a photo shoot for the piece in Los Angeles back in March, with photographers Zhenya and Tanya Posternak, twin sisters from Kiev, Ukraine who are currently based out of New York City.
As part of the magazine’s release, Teen Vogue and Apple Music have curated an exclusive playlist called “Raise Your Voice” which features Shorr’s hit single “Fight Like A Girl” and nine other rising female creative powerhouses they deem are on track to change the music industry with empowering songs. Shorr is the only country artist featured on that playlist as well as the only unsigned artist featured. She recently performed as part of MusicRow‘s annual Rising Women On The Row event.