Donnie Winters
Nashville’s Donnie Winters, who achieved notoriety in the Southern rock group The Winters Brothers Band and later became a go-to sound engineer in this city’s nightclubs, has passed away at age 73.
Winters died at home in Bellevue due to complications from pneumonia he contracted as a COVID victim in 2021. He died on Aug. 18, the day before his 74th birthday.
In The Winters Brothers Band, Donnie sang and played lead guitar. The group recorded six albums, starred at seven of the legendary Volunteer Jam concerts and toured with The Marshall Tucker Band, The Charlie Daniels Band and other Southern rock headliners.
As a sound man, he aided generations of aspiring Nashville songwriters by mixing their performances’ audio at nightclub writers’ nights for decades. He was also a songwriter, himself.
Donnie Winters was the grandson of “Pop” Winters, who led the swinging Southern Strollers band in the 1940s. His father was Don Winters (1929-2002), a golden-voiced singer and yodeler who scored a double-sided country hit with his self-composed “Too Many Times”/“Shake Hands With a Loser” in 1961. Don Winters recorded for Decca and RCA and was a member of the Marty Robbins road show for more than 30 years.
Sons Dennis and Donnie grew up in this atmosphere, and superstar Robbins recorded 10 of their songs. After the siblings heard the early records of The Allman Brothers, they styled their music in a Southern-rock mode and formed The Winters Brothers Band.
The group achieved prominence beginning with its self-titled 1976 debut LP, recorded at the Capricorn studios in Georgia for Atco Records. The collection’s singles “Sang Her Love Songs” and “Smokey Mountain Log Cabin Jones” received regional airplay. The album was produced by Taz DiGregorio of The Charlie Daniels Band.
During this era, Winters toured with The Marshall Tucker Band and was booked to open shows on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 tour. But a plane crash decimated Skynyrd, and that tour never happened.
The follow-up Winters Brothers Band Atco/Atlantic album was 1977’s Coast to Coast, but it remained unreleased until 2007. In the meantime, the group issued Keep on Running (1982), Southern Rockers (2000) and Southeast Stampede (2004). In 1984, Donnie and Dennis joined their father on the LP The Yodeling King. That record contained Don’s renditions of country classics plus trio vocals and solo performances by both Donnie and Dennis.
The Winters Brothers Band also appeared on several of the commemorative albums of the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam marathon concerts. The Winters boys were regulars at these quasi annual all-star events, 1974-2018.
Donnie Winters played in several bands on the Nashville showcase circuit. These included Willi X. Evans & Hillbilly Mardi Gras, Shotgun Riders and Donnie Winters & The Copperhead Band. He continued to perform at songwriter nights throughout his life.
In the new millennium, he made a career transition and became a sound man for music venues. Beginning in 2000, he worked as the house sound engineer at The Sutler Saloon. When The Sutler closed, Winters moved to perform the same duties at Douglas Corner. While there, he hosted a weekly open-mic writers night. At both clubs, he often sat in to back performers on guitar or dobro.
For more than 25 years Donnie and Dennis Winters co-hosted annual Sumer Jam music festivals at the family’s farm in Nolensville, Tennessee. He and his brother also co-hosted an “unplugged” cable-access TV series of songs and stories.
In later years, Donnie became a regular participant in The Commodore Grille’s writers nights run by Debi Champion at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt. Out at Metro Center in the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, he mixed sound and performed at Lee Rascone’s twice weekly writers nights.
Donald Leroy Winters is survived by Paula, his wife of 44 years, by son Derek, brother Dennis, sister Jackie, three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His funeral was held Aug. 24 at West Harpeth Funeral home on Charlotte Pike.
Terri Clark Makes Ryman Headline Debut
/by Madison HahnenTerri Clark. Photo: Ryan Camp
Terri Clark made her long-awaited headlining debut at the Ryman Auditorium on Thursday night (Aug. 29) after 37 years in the making.
“It’s hard to describe the feelings that were flowing through me that night,” shares Clark. “I wish I could go back and tell that naive, wide-eyed 18-year-old girl from Alberta, sitting on a stool at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, sometimes playing to an empty bar in broad daylight, leaving with nothing but $15 and a pocket full of faith, hope and dreams, that it was going to take 37 years to get to the Ryman… but that it WAS going to happen and it WAS going to be worth every step to get there.”
Trisha Yearwood and Terri Clark. Photo: Ryan Camp
Clark started off the night with a standing ovation from the eager crowd, before singing chart-toppers “You’re Easy On The Eyes,” “I Wanna Do It All,” “Girls Lie Too” and more. She also brought her most recent album, Terri Clark: Take Two, to life by bringing out Ashley McBryde to sing the new rendition of “Better Things To Do.” After 90 minutes, Trisha Yearwood then joined Clark on stage for “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” to close out the night.
Julien’s Auctions To Commemorate Life & Career Of Christine McVie With Exclusive Event
/by Lorie HollabaughChristine McVie. Photo: Larry Marano/Shutterstock
Julien’s Auctions will host an exclusive event offering a collection from Christine McVie of Fleetwood Mac‘s Estate to the public for the first time on Oct. 16–17 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville and online at juliensauctions.com.
An exhibit featuring highlights from the collection will run from Aug. 30–Oct. 15 ahead of the auction, which will benefit MusiCares and other charities. Over 650 of McVie’s treasures representing a lifetime of performances, recordings and classic songs as a member of famous group and as a solo artist, coming directly from her home in London will be sold by the industry memorabilia auction house. Items set to be featured include a Hammond XK-5 organ played on tour, 1998 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame award, Rumours RIAA 21-time Platinum sales award, Fleetwood Mac’s 2018 tour setlists; a plaque celebrating Rumours‘ Grammy nomination, a black embellished blazer from the “On With The Show Tour” and Edward Reginald Frampton’s “St. Cecilia” painting. For more information, click here.
Additionally, AXS TV will serve as the auction’s exclusive broadcast partner and will air special Fleetwood Mac weekend programming throughout Oct. 12–13, such as concerts and interviews as well as a special preview of the auction and the items that will be available. Content on the items will also be posted on AXS TV’s social media platforms.
Southern Rock Veteran Donnie Winters Passes
/by Robert K OermannDonnie Winters
Nashville’s Donnie Winters, who achieved notoriety in the Southern rock group The Winters Brothers Band and later became a go-to sound engineer in this city’s nightclubs, has passed away at age 73.
Winters died at home in Bellevue due to complications from pneumonia he contracted as a COVID victim in 2021. He died on Aug. 18, the day before his 74th birthday.
In The Winters Brothers Band, Donnie sang and played lead guitar. The group recorded six albums, starred at seven of the legendary Volunteer Jam concerts and toured with The Marshall Tucker Band, The Charlie Daniels Band and other Southern rock headliners.
As a sound man, he aided generations of aspiring Nashville songwriters by mixing their performances’ audio at nightclub writers’ nights for decades. He was also a songwriter, himself.
Donnie Winters was the grandson of “Pop” Winters, who led the swinging Southern Strollers band in the 1940s. His father was Don Winters (1929-2002), a golden-voiced singer and yodeler who scored a double-sided country hit with his self-composed “Too Many Times”/“Shake Hands With a Loser” in 1961. Don Winters recorded for Decca and RCA and was a member of the Marty Robbins road show for more than 30 years.
Sons Dennis and Donnie grew up in this atmosphere, and superstar Robbins recorded 10 of their songs. After the siblings heard the early records of The Allman Brothers, they styled their music in a Southern-rock mode and formed The Winters Brothers Band.
The group achieved prominence beginning with its self-titled 1976 debut LP, recorded at the Capricorn studios in Georgia for Atco Records. The collection’s singles “Sang Her Love Songs” and “Smokey Mountain Log Cabin Jones” received regional airplay. The album was produced by Taz DiGregorio of The Charlie Daniels Band.
During this era, Winters toured with The Marshall Tucker Band and was booked to open shows on Lynyrd Skynyrd’s 1977 tour. But a plane crash decimated Skynyrd, and that tour never happened.
The follow-up Winters Brothers Band Atco/Atlantic album was 1977’s Coast to Coast, but it remained unreleased until 2007. In the meantime, the group issued Keep on Running (1982), Southern Rockers (2000) and Southeast Stampede (2004). In 1984, Donnie and Dennis joined their father on the LP The Yodeling King. That record contained Don’s renditions of country classics plus trio vocals and solo performances by both Donnie and Dennis.
The Winters Brothers Band also appeared on several of the commemorative albums of the Charlie Daniels Volunteer Jam marathon concerts. The Winters boys were regulars at these quasi annual all-star events, 1974-2018.
Donnie Winters played in several bands on the Nashville showcase circuit. These included Willi X. Evans & Hillbilly Mardi Gras, Shotgun Riders and Donnie Winters & The Copperhead Band. He continued to perform at songwriter nights throughout his life.
In the new millennium, he made a career transition and became a sound man for music venues. Beginning in 2000, he worked as the house sound engineer at The Sutler Saloon. When The Sutler closed, Winters moved to perform the same duties at Douglas Corner. While there, he hosted a weekly open-mic writers night. At both clubs, he often sat in to back performers on guitar or dobro.
For more than 25 years Donnie and Dennis Winters co-hosted annual Sumer Jam music festivals at the family’s farm in Nolensville, Tennessee. He and his brother also co-hosted an “unplugged” cable-access TV series of songs and stories.
In later years, Donnie became a regular participant in The Commodore Grille’s writers nights run by Debi Champion at the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt. Out at Metro Center in the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, he mixed sound and performed at Lee Rascone’s twice weekly writers nights.
Donald Leroy Winters is survived by Paula, his wife of 44 years, by son Derek, brother Dennis, sister Jackie, three grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. His funeral was held Aug. 24 at West Harpeth Funeral home on Charlotte Pike.
Mark Your Calendar—September 2024
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Releases & Radio Add Dates:
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson
September 3
Lainey Wilson/4X4XU/Broken Bow Records
September 6
Jon Pardi/Friday Night Heartbreaker/Capitol Records Nashville
Joe Nichols/Doin’ Life With You/Quartz Hill Records
MaRynn Taylor/Season 2 Of Friends/Black River Records
Anslee Davidson/Praying In A Bar
Colby Lee Swift/Money To Drank/Hollow Point Records
Anthony Bonnette/That’s Just Me/Bonnette Son
Ross Flora/Santa Ana Wind
Colonel Cobalt/Everybody Says/MCW Records
Colonel Cobalt/Two Birds/MCW Records
September 9
Redferrin/Just Like Johnny/Warner Music Nashville
Scotty Hasting/Whiskey In The Bottle/Black River Entertainment
Six One Five Collective/What You’re Looking For
September 11
Birdie Nichols/Desert Lilies Blooming
September 13
Hudson Westbrook/Dopamine
Ben Gallaher/Cut Like A Knife/Stone Country Records
Becca Bowen/Tangled In Your Love
John Haywood/Midnight Cowboy/Hollow Point Records
Shawna Thompson/Leon On Neon/Sun Records
Ashley Barron/Satisfied
September 16
MaRynn Taylor/How’s It Gonna Go/Black River Entertainment
Branch & Dean/Us Back In USA/SSM Nashville
September 17
Rachel Lipsky/You Don’t Go/Riot South
September 20
Dusty Black/Goodbye Drives Me Crazy/Stone Country Records
September 22
Rob Wolf/Better Man/Wolf Entertainment
September 23
Tori Rose/Your Loss/Brown Lee Entertainment/The Orchard
September 27
Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko/Better Than You/Quartz Hill Records
Jake Worthington (feat. Miranda Lambert)/Hello Shitty Day/Big Loud Records
Jillian Cardarelli (feat. Vince Gill)/I’ll Get Over You/Vydia
Ashley Wineland/Tumbleweed
Dallas Remington/Life In Podunk/Road Warrior Records
Album/EP Releases:
Photo: James Macari
September 6
Old Dominion/Odies But Goodies/Sony Music Nashville
Corey Kent/Black Bandana/Sony Music Nashville
Jackson Dean/On The Back Of My Dreams/Big Machine Records
Danielle Bradbery/Danielle/DB Records via Firebird
Jenna Paulette/Horseback/Leo33
Jessie Murph/That Ain’t No Man That’s The Devil/Columbia Records
September 13
Miranda Lambert/Postcards from Texas/Republic Records
Brantley Gilbert/Tattoos/The Valory Music Co.
Maddie & Tae/What A Woman Can Do/Mercury Nashville
Amy Grant & Vince Gill/When I Think Of Christmas/MCA Nashville
Lakeview/Lakeview/Gravel Road
Texas Hill/Soldiers/Queue Records
Ben Goldsmith/The Start Of Something Beautiful/Free Flight Records
Shawna Thompson/Lean On Neon/Sun Records
September 20
Keith Urban/High/Capitol Records Nashville
Mitchell Tenpenny/The 3rd/Riser House/Sony Music Nashville
Midland/Barely Blue/Big Machine Records
Chase Rice/Go Down Singin’
Brenda Lee/Greatest Hits/UMG Nashville/UMe
Mason Ramsey/I’ll See You In My Dreams/Atlantic Records
RVSHVD/It’s Rashad/Sumerian Records
Kassi Ashton/Made From The Dirt/MCA Nashville
Jerry Douglas/The Set/Nolivian Records
Drake White/Low Country High Road/Reverend Records
September 27
Luke Bryan/Mind Of A Country Boy/Capitol Records Nashville
Billy Strings/Highway Prayers/Reprise Records
Cody Jinks/Backside Of 30/Late August Records
Gavin DeGraw/Chariot 20 (Reimagined)/Sony Music Nashville
Dylan Marlowe/Mid-Twenties Crisis/Sony Music Nashville
Dylan Schneider/Puzzled/Wheelhouse Records
Mickey Guyton/House On Fire/Capitol Records Nashville
Logan Crosby/2019
Industry Events:
September 9
CMA Awards Nominees Announcement
September 17 – 21
AmericanaFest
September 18
Americana Honors & Awards
September 23 – 28
IBMA World of Bluegrass
September 24
Nashville Songwriter Awards
September 26
People’s Choice Country Awards
September 28 – 29
Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival
Inaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival Set For November
/by Lorie HollabaughThe inaugural No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival will take place Nov. 7–8 on the island of Maui with a lineup including Randy Houser, Brad Warren, Jared Keim, Kassi Ashton, Josh Phillips, Jeffrey Steele, Jessi Alexander and Preston Cooper, among others.
Hosted by The BIG 615’s Storme Warren, the new festival aims to be a blend of music, business collaboration and philanthropy that will feature both public concerts and exclusive private performances in an intimate atmosphere while supporting the Maui Family YMCA Music Programs and the Lele Aloha Foundation, which is committed to safeguarding Hawaii’s land, ocean and water resources while fostering communities, starting with Lahaina. Led by waterman, lifeguard and surfer Archie Kalepa, the foundation champions collective healing and Lahaina’s recovery journey. Kalepa spearheads initiatives to address housing challenges, enabling displaced Lahaina residents to reclaim their homes. Through advocacy and action, Lele Aloha aims to amplify the voices of the community, advocating for sustainable practices and cultural preservation.
“We are thrilled to help support the launch the No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival on the beautiful island of Maui,” says Ben Vaughn, Warner Chappell Nashville President & CEO. “Our goal is to raise funds and awareness for two worthy causes in a place where songwriters can connect, collaborate and find inspiration.”
Danny Goodfellow, No Ka ‘Oi Songwriters Festival Co-Founder, states, “Beyond merely showcasing music’s finest, the event serves as a vibrant homage to Maui’s tight-knit community and its vibrant cultural tapestry.”
Upon initiating discussions with the Maui Family YMCA, Goodfellow proposed the establishment of music programs for local children. To date, over 542 ukulele and piano lessons have already struck a chord with elementary school children in after-school and Lahaina day camp programs. The ongoing music tutelage embraces over 100 learners of all ages.
The festival will kick off on Thursday (Nov. 7) with a No Ka ‘Oi Bar Crawl at Kihei’s Barmuda Triangle, followed by performances at three local watering holes starting at 4 p.m. and a ticketed show at Lava Rock at 8 p.m. The Grand Concert at the Grand Wailea Molokini Gardens will be held on Friday (Nov. 8) at 7 p.m. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
For travel information and accommodations, contact mary@travelstars.net.
Levi Hummon & Eric Arjes Launch 3686 RECORDS, Sign Marcus Hummon & More [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonPictured (top): Levi Hummon; (bottom) Eric Arjes
Levi Hummon and Eric Arjes have launched 3686 RECORDS, a new fully-independent record label distributed by The Orchard/Sony. Its roster currently includes Levi’s father, hitmaker Marcus Hummon, as well as Ava Claire and Kira Lise.
With both founders being artists, they know how hard it can be to navigate the business. Their goal is to develop an artist-friendly distribution service that assists each signee in achieving their goals and seeing the benefits of their hard work, while focusing on brand development and giving creators as much ownership of their music as possible.
When asked what inspired him to establish a label of his own, Levi says, “I feel like I have learned so much being an independent artist with almost 200 million streams that I wanted to champion other artists like me—artists that are hardworking, hungry and want to retain ownership of their music. Eric Arjes, my producer, and I have dreamed of creating a place where we can pour into people we believe in. We’ve created a template where artists can pick and choose how involved they want us to be. Whether it’s just helping them get their music out into the world or creating a product that’s fully produced, mixed and [built] in-house, we offer it all!
He adds, “We aren’t focused on any particular genres, but we are interested in artists that have a unique sound and don’t fit the cookie cutter mold of the industry. We want authenticity and creators that stand out!”
Marcus will release his first 3686 RECORDS single, “Never Saw A Moor,” on Oct. 18. A full project inspired by his favorite Emily Dickinson poems is set to follow in late November. Other releases consist of Ava’s new tune “Knees,” set to drop on Sept. 13, with more to be announced alongside Kira’s forthcoming track “Linger.”
3686 RECORDS will host a special artist showcase at the Analog at Hutton Hotel in Nashville tomorrow (Sept. 4). General admission is free, and doors open at 5:30 p.m. before the showcase starts at 6 p.m.
BREAKING: Blake Shelton & Warner Music Nashville Part Ways
/by LB CantrellBlake Shelton. Photo: Andrew Eccles
After two decades together, Blake Shelton and Warner Music Nashville have amicably parted ways.
“I moved to Nashville when I was 17 to sing country music and get a record deal,” says Shelton. “Along with the support from Warner, my dreams came true, and then some. It’s impossible to name everyone who has had a hand in all the success we enjoyed, but a huge and heartfelt thank you to the Giant Records, Warner Bros. Records and Warner Music Nashville staff and family.”
“Working alongside Blake these past 23 years has been an honor and a privilege,” the label shares in a statement. “Together, we’ve celebrated a record number of hit songs, sold-out tours and award wins. Blake’s talent is undeniable, but that wit of his, and the countless moments of laughter he’s given us remind us how fun this business of music can be. While our time together has come to an end, we count ourselves amongst his biggest fans and are grateful for the ride with this true gentleman and icon.”
Shelton burst onto the scene in 2001 with his No. 1 debut single, “Austin,” which began a string of 28 No. 1 singles, 11 billion global streams, 13 million albums, and 52 million singles sold. He has won 10 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and five consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year Awards, multiple ACM, AMA, CMT, People’s Choice Awards and more.
For business inquiries, email blakeshelton@starstruck.net.
Troy Cartwright Releases Full-Length Studio Album ‘Bygones’
/by Madison HahnenTroy Cartwright has released his full length studio album Bygones today (Aug. 30).
Cartwright has built a community of fans with his talent and his strength of bringing listeners in for a story. Bygones is an emotional and honest musical diary, allowing fans to see him for who he is. Up to this point, he has successfully released parts of his life experiences and thoughts through single songs, and now this project brings them into one cohesive snapshot.
“For me, Bygones is a celebration and a trail marker for the journey so far, and more specifically, for everything that’s happened in my life over the last 18 months,” shares Cartwright. “When I reflect back on where I was when this started, I wasn’t so sure where I was headed. I just knew I wanted to build something that was all my own, and that I wanted to chart my own course into the unknowable future and see what kind of adventure awaited me.
“This is a collection of 9 of my favorite songs that I’ve released over that time period, and a little something new as an ode to where I am going,” he continues. “With gratitude, I look forward to celebrating this chapter with all of you and to letting bygones be bygones. Thank you for listening”
Last year, Cartwright gained over a million streams each week. He also hosts his podcast, Ten Year Town, where he has been joined by lauded Nashville community members such as Hardy, John “Trapper” Morris from SiriusXM The Highway, Luke Laird, Jessi Alexander and more.
Bygones Tracklist:
1. “Bygones” (Brandon Paddock, Troy Cartwright)
2. “Same” (Derek George, Monty Criswell, Troy Cartwright)
3. “Over You By Now “(Devin Dawson, Kyle Fishman, Troy Cartwright)
4. “One That You Want” (Brock Berryhill, Josh Osborne, Troy Cartwright)
5. “Wild One” (Emily Landis, Jason Massey, Troy Cartwright)
6. “Unlove You” (Kevin Bard, Nolan Snipe, Troy Cartwright)
7. “How Smart I Am” (Matt Rogers, Troy Cartwright, Zach Abend)
8. “Lincoln Continental” (Bobby Campbell, Parker Welling, Troy Cartwright)
9. “Married Now” (Billy Montana, Justin Morgan, Troy Cartwright)
10. “Deathbed” (Justin Ebach, Troy Cartwright)
Virgin Music Releases New Project Honoring Jimmy Carter
/by Lorie HollabaughVirgin Music has released Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration, a new project featuring recordings from former President Jimmy Carter’s final Sunday School lessons delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The collection’s unveiling comes one month before Carter’s 100th birthday and also includes soulful songs from Jon Batiste, Keb’ Mo’, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Nicole Zuraitis.
“My hope is this project shines a light on his incredible legacy and unites families together to relish in the beauty of life together,” says Rucker.
“Jimmy Carter’s legacy of kindness and dedication to humanity will endure, reminding us all of the impact one person’s love can have on the world,” notes Rimes.
“I would like our presidential candidates to keep our country at peace, and to be champions of human rights, of environmental quality and of equality,” Carter explains on the recording. “Aren’t those things you would like to have? It puts the responsibility on us as Americans to make our country better by helping to give somebody else a better life.”
Industry Ink: Joakim Richardson, Charlie Peacock, Josh Abbott Band, Cochren & Co.
/by Liza AndersonJoakim Richardson Receives 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award
Joakim Richardson with his 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award. Photo: Courtesy of Go Country Sweden
Viaplay Radio CEO Christer Modig and artists Lauren Watkins and Larry Fleet presented Go Country Sweden Station Manager Joakim Richardson with the 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award on Wednesday (Aug. 28) just before Morgan Wallen’s show at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, making him the first Swedish broadcaster to receive the honor.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions to the development of country music. Richardson is responsible for developing new opportunities for both international and domestic country acts in Sweden. Two of his recent initiatives, “Go Country Live” and “Welcome to Sweden” have expanded engagement resources for U.S. country artists by providing promotional support, showcase opportunities and meet-and-greets.
Charlie Peacock Hosts Listening Event For New Album At RCA Studio A
Pictured (L–R): Troy Tomlinson, Charlie Peacock and Clay Bradley. Photo: Betsy Phillips
Grammy-winning artist, musician and producer Charlie Peacock hosted a listening event for his new album Every Kind Of Uh-Oh, out now, at the historic RCA Studio A in Nashville on Wednesday night (Aug. 28).
A bevy of industry members were present for the event, which was emceed by BMI’s Clay Bradley. Among those in attendance were CMT’s Leslie Fram, artist manager Fletcher Foster, People’s Nancy Kruh, Country Insider’s Brian Mansfield, Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, vocalist Vicki Hampton and musician Scott Mulvahill as well as acclaimed producers Brown Bannister, Tommy Sims, Mike Elizondo and Kyle Lehning, attorney Jim Zumwalt, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, CCMG’s Brad O’Donnell, GMA’s Jackie Patillo, and award-winning engineers Chuck Ainlay, Craig Alvin and Brandon Bell along with the Recording Academy’s Susan Stewart.
Josh Abbott Band Earn Third RIAA Gold Certification With ‘Settle Me Down’
Pictured (L–R): SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Deep Roots Management’s Dylan Wright, Josh Jenkins, Josh Abbott, Ryan Beaver, Make Wake Artists’s Eric Berger, Nettwerk Music’s Marshall Altman, WME’s Henry Glascock and Wiatr & Associates’ Jonathan Regan. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Josh Abbott Band‘s single “Settle Me Down” has been Gold-certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking their third RIAA Gold certification. “Settle Me Down” follows the band’s previous Gold-certified hits, “She’s Like Texas” and “Oh, Tonight (feat. Kacey Musgraves).”
“This is our third gold single, yet this one means even more! To have this success 12 to 15 years into our journey is a true testament to maturing as a writer/artist/musician, building relationships with fans, touring and utilizing streaming as an asset,” says Josh Abbot. “I co-wrote this song along with friends of mine [Ryan Beaver and Josh Jenkins] that I’ve known since I first started my career. I wrote it with my wife and my faith as inspiration. I’m proud of my bandmates on this album as well as our producer and engineer and the magic we created that session out at Sonic Ranch in West Texas. Also honored to have Catie Offerman singing harmonies. It’s simply a phenomenal song that resonates with people and to have this success a decade and a half into touring as a band, it just truly means more.”
Cochren & Co. Strikes Gold With ‘Church (Take Me Back)’ & Releases New Single
Cochren & Co.’s Michael Cochren and Leah Cochren with their plaque for first Gold-certified single “Church (Take Me Back).” Photo: Anthony Sweeton
Multi-genre act Cochren & Co. recently scored their first Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold certification with “Church (Take Me Back),” and released new single “Money Can’t Buy.”
“Our new song came from a season of fighting hard for gratitude and contentment,” shares Micahel Cochren of Cochren & Co. “It doesn’t come easy in this world, but when you really stop and look around at everything God has given you, you begin to see the truly good stuff. The stuff money can’t buy.”