The Nelons’ Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler and Jason Clark
Gospel favorites The Nelons were involved in a fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon (July 26) while en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
Those killed in the tragic crash include Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.
Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter Autumn and her husband Jamie Streetman were not on the plane, and arrived safely in Seattle and were notified of the accident. They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray and embrace them in their grief, and offer them support.
“As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” said Autumn in a released statement. “Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016, The Nelons have been one of gospel music’s most beloved families for nearly five decades. The eight-time Dove Award winners have been nominated for three Grammy Awards. have recorded more than 35 albums, amassing over 20 top five southern gospel radio singles including classics like “We Shall Wear A Robe and Crown,” “Come Morning,” “O For A Thousand Tongues” and “Thanks.”
A celebration of life for Jason, Kelly, Amber and Nathan Kistler will take place at Roopville Road Baptist Church in Roopville, Georgia on Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s website and Facebook page.
Larry and Melissa Haynie’s services will take place at the same church on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.
Schmitty Signs With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Ben Vaughn (WCM), Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (WCM), Schmitty and Eric Reid (WCM)
Singer-songwriter Schmitty has signed a publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
Raised on the farmlands of North Dakota, Schmitty gave up his third-generation seat as a grain farmer to chase his musical dreams in Nashville. Through his heartfelt lyrics and ’90s country and rock-influenced melodies, he has connected with audiences nationwide and has already garnered over 1.7 million views on TikTok. Schmitty’s recent single, “Don’t Hurt,” has already been featured in multiple editorial playlists across DSPs, and he will be releasing new music this fall.
“I am thrilled to be working with Schmitty,” says Jessi Vaughn Stevenson, VP of A&R/Digital, WCM Nashville. “Growing up in a farming family has really added an authenticity to his songwriting and artistry that I find extremely refreshing. I am excited to help him grow his fanbase both on and off Music Row.”
“I am so excited to join Warner Chappell,” says Schmitty. “For all the awards and praise given at the individual level in music, people sometimes forget the fact that success in this industry is really a team effort. To have a champion like Jessi and the team at Warner Chappell behind me, my dream is on its way to becoming a reality.”
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville Signs K. Michelle
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Peter Strickland (BMG), Katie Kerkhover (BMG), JoJamie Hahr (BMG), John T. Rose (Fox Rothschild), Jon Loba (BMG), K. Michelle, Gina Miller (Off The Bench Management), Leron E. Rogers (Fox Rothschild) and Quinn Bauducco (BMG). Photo: Kevin Grace
BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville has signed K. Michelle to its artist roster.
An accomplished singer, songwriter, guitarist and pianist, K. Michelle has placed five albums on the Billboard charts, primarily in R&B and hip-hop music. With her 2023 album I’m The Problem, she delivered her final R&B record in order to focus on her dream of releasing a country project.
“When we first met K. Michelle, she radiated her passion for country music. It’s the fabric of who she is because the lyrics represent truth. She’s built an incredible fanbase with her unique vocals anchored with storytelling at its heart and that is what transcends genres,” says Katie Kerkhover, VP, A&R at BMG.
“I have been ready. I am grateful for this moment,” shares K. Michelle. “Rebels and Real Outlawz, it’s time! I am excited and want to thank my BMG Team. I am happy to finally sing the music I grew up on. I am a country girl at heart and can’t wait to share my country music with you.”
Since announcing to her over 10 million social media followers that she would be focusing on country music, K. Michelle has released the track “Tennessee” and introduced her alter-ego Puddin, a nickname that originated in her childhood. She was also featured on the acclaimed A Tribute To The Judds in 2023, singing “Love Can Build A Bridge” alongside Jelly Roll and Fisk Jubilee Singers, and performing the song live at the 2023 CMA Awards.
In June, K. Michelle returned to CMA Fest for the second time, performing on the Chevy Vibes Stage and making her Nissan Stadium debut. She is actively writing and recording on her highly anticipated debut country album and finalizing its accompanying tour.
Three Members Of Gospel Group The Nelons Killed In Plane Crash
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Nelons’ Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber Nelon Kistler and Jason Clark
Gospel favorites The Nelons were involved in a fatal plane crash on Friday afternoon (July 26) while en route to join the Gaither Homecoming Cruise to Alaska.
Those killed in the tragic crash include Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, Amber and Nathan Kistler and their assistant, Melodi Hodges, along with the pilot, Larry Haynie, and his wife, Melissa. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.
Jason and Kelly’s youngest daughter Autumn and her husband Jamie Streetman were not on the plane, and arrived safely in Seattle and were notified of the accident. They were brought to the hotel where artists were gathered with Bill and Gloria Gaither to pray and embrace them in their grief, and offer them support.
“As many of you have heard by now, my father and mother, Jason and Kelly Nelon Clark, along with my sister, Amber and brother-in-law, Nathan, as well as our dear friends Melodi Hodges, Larry and Melissa Haynie were involved in a tragic plane crash on Friday,” said Autumn in a released statement. “Thank you for the prayers that have been extended already to me, my husband, Jamie, and our soon-to-be-born baby boy, as well as Jason’s parents, Dan and Linda Clark. We appreciate your continued prayers, love and support as we navigate the coming days.”
Inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame in 2016, The Nelons have been one of gospel music’s most beloved families for nearly five decades. The eight-time Dove Award winners have been nominated for three Grammy Awards. have recorded more than 35 albums, amassing over 20 top five southern gospel radio singles including classics like “We Shall Wear A Robe and Crown,” “Come Morning,” “O For A Thousand Tongues” and “Thanks.”
A celebration of life for Jason, Kelly, Amber and Nathan Kistler will take place at Roopville Road Baptist Church in Roopville, Georgia on Aug. 6 at 1 p.m. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s website and Facebook page.
Larry and Melissa Haynie’s services will take place at the same church on Aug. 3 at 2 p.m.
Steven Curtis Chapman Invited To Become Grand Ole Opry Member
/by LB CantrellSteven Curtis Chapman reacts to an invitation to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry
by Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs. Photo: Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry
Multi-Grammy and GMA Award-winning star Steven Curtis Chapman has been invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry cast. Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs did the honor of extending the invitation on Saturday night’s show.
With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. He made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19, when he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park.
After Chapman’s set, Skaggs made his way to the stage with a framed photo of the young star from around the time of his Opry debut.
“[The archives] have found a picture of [you]. We need to have a picture of this,” Skaggs said, looking for Opry photographer Chris Hollo. “Get a good picture because this is going to go great beside that picture right there that he’s taking because you are going to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry, if you want to? Only if you want to!”
He continued, “I’m so proud for you bud. You deserve to be here. There’s been greats that have been on this stage and been members of the Opry and we are glad you’re joining the Grand Ole Opry and doing what you do best.”
“That is incredible, brother,” said Chapman. “I can not tell you all how surprised I am. This is a massive surprise. I had no idea, and I am so honored and just so grateful. What an amazing family to be a part of. I was thinking when I started singing tonight on this stage, I really did, this is my favorite place to sing these days. I feel at home, I feel like this is my family. Everyone here. I am so honored to be part of this family. Thank you guys. Thank you Jesus, and thank you all.”
Chapman’s induction date will be announced soon.
Apple Music Adds New Radio Features To Artists Dashboard & Partner Program
/by Liza AndersonRadio Spins in Apple Music for Artists & Radio Spins in Apple Music Partner Program
Apple Music has added new radio monitoring features to its Apple Music for Artists dashboard and recently-launched Partner Program toolkit.
On the dashboard, artists and their team members can now see when and where their music is being played on over 40,000 radio stations throughout more than 200 countries and regions. Using Shazam’s technology, Apple Music is monitoring terrestrial and digital stations outside of itself.
Radio Spins has been added as one of the key metrics on the Overview page. The data can be further broken down by song, by the station that is playing the artist’s music, by location data (where available) or top radio spins by song. The Trends page filters include spins by song, continent, country or region and city. If an artist selects spins by song, the filters consist of location, city and station. Additionally, Radio Spins are available in the KPI hovers on the Places map and the stats table below the map as well as in the table on the Music page. For more information regarding Apple Music for Artists, click here.
The Apple Music Partner Program provides access to new tools to break the next talent, spot emerging trends and uncover new insights about a record label’s or distributor’s content. Offered as APIs for a limited number of U.S. labels and distributors that distribute directly to Apple Music, these tools include global radio airplay monitoring with Radio Spins, deeper access to Apple Music charts with Chart Explorer, an authoritative source of music information with Apple Music Atlas and more.
The premium Radio Spins experience is now available as Web UI, allowing anyone across participating industry partners in their preferred mode to gain insight into global radio airplay. This tool gives industry partners access to data for any music played on the radio from over 40,000 terrestrial and digital stations across 200 countries and regions all in one place. Users can explore a global picture of industry spin data across countries by market, daypart, station, artist and song, and create custom airplay reports. For more information regarding the Apple Music Partner Program, click here.
Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Hardy & More Join Toby Keith Tribute Lineup
/by Madison HahnenMore country stars are slated to join the lineup for “Toby Keith: American Icon,” a live concert event celebrating the life and legacy of the renowned hitmaker this Monday (July 29) at Bridgestone Arena.
Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Leanne Morgan, Mac McAnally and Clay Walker are the latest group of people ready to pay tribute to Keith.
They join previously-announced performers Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Lainey Wilson. Keith’s daughter Krystal will also take the stage for a special performance.
The event will also be recorded and air on NBC Wednesday, Aug. 28 from 9 to 11 p.m. ET/PT, produced by UMG Nashville’s Sing Me Back Home Productions and ITV America’s Thinkfactory Media in association with Alex Coletti Productions. Cindy Mabe, Dawn Gates and Harper Grae will serve as Executive Producers for Sing Me Back Home Productions in partnership with Mercury Studios Executive Producers Alice Webb and Barak Moffitt. Other Executive Producers include Adam Reed and Jordana Hochman for Thinkfactory Media, Coletti for Alex Coletti Productions as well as TK Kimbrell and R.A. Clark. The show and special have been packaged by UTA, Keith’s longtime agency partner.
A portion of the ticket sales will benefit The Toby Keith Foundation’s OK Kids Korral, a cost-free home for families of children dealing with critical illnesses, as well as Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals and the top rated in the Southeast. Tickets are still available here.
Machine Gun Kelly & Jelly Roll Unveil New Collaboration
/by John Nix ArledgeMachine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Jelly Roll have unveiled their first-ever collaboration, “Lonely Road,” along with its accompanying video.
Directed by Sam Cahill, the video sees the pair take on the roles of car mechanics enduring financial difficulties while trying to provide for their families. The cautionary tale, featuring both Megan Fox and Bunnie Xo, follows MGK devising a plan to take care of Fox and his family.
The collaboration debuted on several platforms, including MTV Live, MTVU, MTV Biggest Pop, CMT, CMT Music, CMT Equal Play and the Paramount Times Square billboards.
The two stars continue to make waves in country music, with MGK releasing a video cover of Zach Bryan’s “Sun To Me,” which debuted on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, and Jelly Roll gearing up for his “Beautifully Broken Tour 2024” next month.
BMI Austin Office Shares In Five-Year Anniversary With Gov. Greg Abbott
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Texas Music Office’s Chip Adams, Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism Adriana Cruz; (L-R, front row): BMI’s Kristen Townsend, Governor Greg Abbott and BMI’s Mitch Ballard. Photo: Karley Brassell
BMI traveled to Austin on Wednesday (July 24) to celebrate their Texas office’s fifth anniversary and share its accomplishments with Governor Greg Abbott at the Texas State Capitol.
BMI’s Mitch Ballard and Kristen Townsend detailed BMI’s pivotal role in accelerating affiliates careers through exclusive opportunities like Austin City Limits, Saxon Pub Songwriter Series, Sounds at Still Austin showcase, SXSW and more. Joined by Executive Director of Economic Development Adriana Cruz and the Texas Music Office’s Chip Adams, the group also discussed the importance of affiliates understanding their revenue streams and how these contributions economically influence their careers.
“The State of Texas continues to find ways to support, grow and foster its vibrant music scene,” says Ballard, BMI’s Exec. Creative Director, Austin. “We thank Governor Abbott and Adriana Cruz for taking time out of their busy schedules to learn more about the significant impact BMI has on Texas songwriters and the influence of our day-to-day presence in Austin.”
The afternoon concluded with a presentation to Gov. Abbott with a custom BMI Austin five-year anniversary guitar to commemorate the milestone.
BREAKING: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Promotes Two
/by LB CantrellRyan Dokke & Andrew Thoen
Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has elevated Ryan Dokke to Senior Vice President and Andrew Thoen to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. Both are already on the job.
The Big Machine Label Group imprint’s artist roster includes Riley Green, Lady A, Brett Young, Chris Janson, Greylan James, Noah Hicks, Shaylen and more.
Dokke, who recently served as Vice President of Promotion and Marketing, joined the label in 2022. He previously served as CEO of Play It Again Music, as well as holding positions at Curb | Word Entertainment (Curb Records) and Sony Music Nashville (Arista Records). As SVP, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment, Dokke will continue to oversee radio promotions for the label while expanding his focus to enhancing fan engagement and consumption through innovative marketing strategies.
“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to work alongside Scott and Jimmy these past couple years. I am beyond grateful for their continued confidence in me,” says Dokke. “I believe deeply in our incredible artist roster and passionate team and am so proud of how Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment is developing into such an inspiring and creative home for artists and music to thrive.”
“Throughout his tenure, Ryan has consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of industry trends, making him an invaluable asset to our team. We are confident his leadership and innovative thinking moves our company forward,” says Jimmy Harnen, President of Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment. Regarding Thoen, Harnen continues, “it has been a joy to see Andrew rise through the ranks over the last 10 years here. His unwavering dedication and passion for the industry and our roster as a whole has contributed to many wins for this crew and we’re eager to see him thrive in this new role.”
Thoen transitions from Director of Northeast Promotion & Marketing to Director of Streaming & Digital Partners / Radio Promotion. He will spearhead the label’s streaming initiatives, driving Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s strategy forward amidst the evolving music industry landscape to amplify artist visibility and drive streaming revenue, while continuing to oversee marketing efforts for the label’s artist roster and radio promotion in his region. Thoen will report to Dokke.
“I’m deeply grateful for Jimmy and Ryan’s belief in me over the past decade and have cherished building relationships with our country radio partners,” shares Thoen. “I’m thrilled to now foster connections with our streaming partners and elevate our artists’ music to new heights.”
Dylan Marlowe Will Explore ‘Mid-Twenties Crisis’ On Debut Album
/by Madison HahnenDylan Marlowe will release his debut album Mid-Twenties Crisis on Sept. 27 via Sony Music Nashville.
The project will feature Side A and Side B, totaling 15 tracks. Marlowe is featured as a co-writer on every song, while solo writing the title track. Some of his co-writers include Seth Ennis, Jordan Minton and Trannie Anderson, among others. Joe Fox and Mikey Reeves are credited as producers, and the album also features a collaboration with Riley Green.
“Mid-Twenties Crisis is a record I wrote in my mid-twenties, really over the last two or three years,” shares Marlowe. “There’s a bunch of songs that are going to be fun to play live. I also thought it was really important to make sure I had some deeper lyrics as well. ‘Mid-Twenties Crisis’ was actually the last song to make the record. I’m so proud of that song—it’s kind of vulnerable but I hope y’all can relate and that you love the record.”
Along with the news, Marlowe shared a taste of the project by releasing “Devil On My Shoulder” today (July 27). The track tells the story of someone unable to move on from their ex, with a gritty and nostalgia filled sound.
Of the new song, Marlowe says “I wrote ‘Devil On My Shoulder’ with Kyle Fishman, Beau Bailey and Rocky Block. When I got there that morning, Kyle had a really cool track that needed some words and I had the idea of ‘devil on my shoulder.’ We wanted to find a different angle with the phrase so the song talks about how sometimes you can try everything you can to get over somebody, but you still can’t at the end of the day. I think it’s a fun song and I hope y’all enjoy it.”
Marlowe is currently out on the road with Dan + Shay for the “Heartbreak On The Map” tour, and will appear at Greenville Country Music Festival in October.
Mid-Twenties Crisis Track List:
Side A:
1. “Heaven’s Sake” (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
2. “Deer on the Wall” (Dylan Marlowe / Zach Abend / Seth Ennis)
3. “Mid-Twenties Crisis” (Dylan Marlowe)
4. “Heart Brakes” (Dylan Marlowe / Jordan Minton / Lindsay Rimes)
5. “Stick to My Guns” (feat. Riley Green) (Dylan Marlowe / Benjy Davis / Abram Dean / Joe Fox / Reid Isbell)
6. “Hungover in a Deer Stand” (Dylan Marlowe / Trannie Anderson / Ryan Beaver / David Garcia)
7. “Hang It Up” (Dylan Marlowe / Tyler Chambers)
Side B:
1. “Shop Radio” (Dylan Marlowe / Tyler Chambers / Johnny McGuire)
2. “Devil on My Shoulder” (Dylan Marlowe / Beau Bailey / Rocky Block / Kyle Fishman)
3. “I Never Miss” (Dylan Marlowe / Rocky Block / Mark Holman / Blake Pendergrass)
4. “There Goes That” (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
5. “Boys Back Home” (feat. Dylan Scott) (Dylan Marlowe / Seth Ennis / Joe Fox)
6. “You Did It Too” (Dylan Marlowe / Dallas Davidson / Joe Fox)
7. “Bat Outta Hell (With a Boat on the Back)” (Dylan Marlowe / Jessie Jo Dillon / Kyle Fishman)
8. “The Fence” (Dylan Marlowe / Jimi Bell / Tyler Chambers / Benjy Davis / Seth Ennis / Mikey Reeves)