Tim McGraw with the NHL Stanley Cup during his show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ben Dartnell
Country star Tim McGraw took over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night (April 25). The show marked one of the many spring dates slated for his “Standing Room Only Tour,” which will run through June 29.
Rocking a red bedazzled crop top, a red fringe jacket and black plants, Abby Anderson graced the stage first to say hello and serenade the stands with songs such as “Where Did All The Cowboys Go,” which she mixed with a portion of The Chicks‘ “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and “Heart On Fire In Mexico,” which was inspired by the women in her family. Anderson then thanked everyone for coming as well as McGraw for choosing her to join him on the journey before making her exit.
Only one little light appeared to shine on stage as the sounds of a fiddle and guitar filled the venue. Multiple musicians soon made their way to the middle of the platform in a single file line to take their places alongside their instruments. Royal blue beams scanned the crowd and the lines encircling the elevated surface on stage flashed as Carly Pearce began her first-ever Bridgestone set with “Diamondback.” Dressed in a white fringe shorts and jacket set accented with an amber color and paired with blue boots, she jumped into Gold-certified “Next Girl.” Pearce then grabbed her acoustic guitar and confirmed that Nashville was ready for some country music while moving into “Easy Going.” She addressed the audience and expressed her gratitude for the milestone moment before performing the Grammy-winning tune “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which she recorded with Ashley McBryde. Pearce then paid tribute to McGraw’s wife and fellow country sensation Faith Hill by covering “Let’s Go to Vegas.”
“What is so special about Nashville, and what all of you country music fans need to know is that we could not be the artists that we are without the songwriters in Nashville,” the songstress stated as she discussed her forthcoming album, Hummingbird.
She then introduced collaborators Lauren Hungate and Jordan Reynolds, with whom she wrote the recently-released Hummingbird track “My Place.” Pearce referred to Hungate as “[her] generation’s Hillary Lindsey” and reminisced on meeting Reynolds while making note of his various hits before the three sang the single together. She thanked them both for their presence as they left the stage. Pearce proceeded by sharing the story behind her first No. 1 “Every Little Thing.” Phone flashlights swayed as her vocals travelled through the chart-topper. She brought her guitar back out for “Country Music Made Me Do It” and asked concertgoers to insert their own story into the song.
The artist then switched to an electric guitar to share unreleased album track “Truck On Fire.” She gave a shoutout to her radio and streaming partners before transitioning to her and Chris Stapleton‘s duet “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” which is currently climbing the charts. Pearce took a moment to talk about how meaningful it is that her fourth No. 1 “What He Didn’t Do” has resonated with some many others before belting it for the crowd. She finished with “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which she recorded with Lee Brice, after giving thanks to her village and fans.
After a brief intermission, Bridgestone faded to black. Suddenly, red and white rays penetrated the arena as McGraw’s silhouette flashed on the screen in time with the beat of “Truck Yeah.” The platform then lit up to reveal the band, and smoke rose up from underneath along with the acclaimed entertainer. Wearing a black t-shirt, jeans and his signature cowboy hat, he picked up his guitar for “Southern Voice.” Vibrant backroad scenery was depicted with animations behind McGraw on the screen above as he sang. He put the guitar away for “All I Want Is A Life” as the screen separated into alternating red, black and white panels spotlighting him and the members of his band. The streaks of light shifted to blue and white and a ballerina twirled across the screen as McGraw began to cover Elton John‘s “Tiny Dancer.” The songsmith then welcomed fans and introduced himself, though he needed no introduction, as well as each bandmate and declared them “the best band you’re ever going hear.”
“Our job is to leave the outside world behind, so you guys can come in here, let loose and have a great time. We’re going to take you on a ride, and we hope you enjoy it,” said McGraw before sliding into “Just To See You Smile.”
Every seat was tinged with orange as his guitar made its return for his and Nelly‘s “Over And Over.” Clips of the collaborators from the number’s accompanying music video played above. McGraw held onto the instrument for his 2015 smash single “Shotgun Rider” and threw his pick into the sea of fans below.
“This is for my wife,” he said before starting “One Bad Habit.” Sweet moments captured of McGraw and Hill were shared on screen throughout the tune. A hypnotic blend of warm hues hid subtle images of Hill above the stage as the headliner poured his heart into “Watch The Wind Blow By.” He had the audience on their feet and singing along during “Something Like That.” The cameras flashed to show multiple members on screen still moving and grooving for “Where The Green Grass Grows.” A starry scene served as the backdrop for the tour’s namesake.
A bright white stream of light followed McGraw as he performed “Red Ragtop” before checking in with everyone. What could’ve been considered a mini laser light show of many colors occurred for his and Taylor Swift‘s “Highway Don’t Care.” Broken images of Swift were projected during her parts of the tune and at one point, McGraw knelt down to point to one of his guitarists for a solo.
At one point, McGraw paused to acknowledge the city’s sports community and showed his support for the Nashville Predators by displaying the actual NHL Stanley Cup, shouting, “Let’s bring that home to Nashville!” before diving into his Preds anthem “I Like It, I Love It.”
Heads bopped and hands clapped for the duration of “Felt Good On My Lips.” McGraw gripped an electric guitar for “Real Good Man,” which had every corner of the room jamming. Scenes from McGraw and Hill’s Yellowstone spinoff series, 1883, flashed before every pair of eyes as the artist rode into “The Cowboy In Me,” accompanied by the crowd’s vocals. Two other band members came centerstage to play the final strums beside him, making for a satisfying end to the tune.
Rows of blue and pink shining dots glowed behind McGraw as he touched hearts with the beautiful “Humble and Kind.” Aqua tones led him to the middle of the platform as the arena absorbed the reminder and took the mic for the last chorus. McGraw then closed with his megahit “Live Like You Were Dying,” which had the room roaring and every hand ending the night in the air.
The “Standing Room Only Tour” will visit Cananda with a Montreal show this Thursday (May 2) and an Ottawa show on Friday (May 3).
Stagecoach Hosts Sold-Out 2024 Weekend [See Photos]
/by Madison HahnenReba McEntire & Miranda Lambert. Photo: D. Ernst, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Indio, California hosted a sold-out crowd for the three-day country music festival Stagecoach. One of the biggest country music festivals in the nation, the event also was livestreamed via Amazon Music the entire weekend.
Eric Church. Photo: J Mulka, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Eric Church was the first of the weekend’s headliners. Church gave fans a soulful, intimate performance, complete with a 16-person choir. Jelly Roll also performed on the Mane Stage, where he brought out T-Pain for a special performance. Other Friday (April 26) performers on the Mane Stage included Elle King, Hailey Whitters, Josh Abbott Band, Josh Ross, Ben Burgess and Lauren Watkins.
Jelly Roll was not the only one to bring out a friend to the stage, as Paul Cauthen brought out Lana Del Rey during his Palomino stage set. Legendary rock band Nickelback performed the Late Night in Palomino set, after Dwight Yoakam, Carin León and more treated the crowd to daytime sets. Diplo’s HonkyTonk also saw appearances from Cheat Codes, Young Gravy, Dixie D’Amelio, Maddie & Tae and more.
On Saturday (April 27), Tanner Adell, Casey Barnes, Kylie Morgan, Tenille Townes, Maddie & Tae, Ernest and Willie Nelson & Family all took the stage before Post Malone gave his set of country covers. During the set, he brought out Brad Paisley, Sara Evans and Yoakam. Miranda Lambert then took the stage to close out the night, giving a taste of her upcoming single “Wranglers,” and bringing out icon Reba McEntire.
Over in the Palomino tent, Charley Crockett, Leon Bridges and more warmed up the crowd before the late net set from Diplo, where he brought out Elle King, Hardy and Shaboozey. The Chainsmokers made their Stagecoach debut in front of a packed crowd at Diplo’s HonkyTonk, before Brandi Cyrus, Backwoods Barbie and DJ Rick Dominguez closed out the night.
Morgan Wallen. Photo: Courtesy of Stagecoach
Sunday (April 28), the last day of the festival, wrapped up with headliner Morgan Wallen on the Mane Stage. During his set, Wallen brought out Post Malone for their new collaboration “I Had Some Help.” Before Wallen came on, the crowd saw a performance from Hardy, where he brought out special guest Renee Blair. Bailey Zimmerman, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, The War & Treaty, Ashley Cooke, Willie Jones and Dylan Schneider also all took the Mane Stage on Sunday.
Clint Black took on the Palomino tent during the day before The Beach Boys and Wiz Khalifa closed out the weekend. The Beach Boys brought out special guests John Stamos and Mark McGrath. Wiz Khalifa then brought out his friends Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte. In Diplo’s HonkyTonk, the DJ brought out Marshmello and Cloonee for back-to-back sets, before Vavo and DJ Slim McGraw closed out the night.
Celebrity chef Guy Fieri once again brought Flavortown to Stagecoach. He was joined for cooking demonstrations by Jelly Roll, Cauthen, Black, Diplo, Rashad Jones, Chris Conger, Hardy and Zimmerman throughout the weekend.
T-Pain and Jelly Roll. Photo: J. Bernstein, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Lana Del Rey and Paul Cauthen. Photo: J Mulka, Courtesy of StageCoach
Brad Paisley and Post Malone. Photo: D Becerra, Courtesy of Stagecoach
The Chainsmokers and Shaboozey. Photo: M McDonald. Courtesy of Stagecoach
Renee Blair and Hardy. Photo: M McDonald, Courtesy of Stagecoach
Megan Moroney. Photo: A Casiano. Photo: Courtesy of Stagecoach
Tim McGraw Takes Over Bridgestone Arena For ‘Standing Room Only Tour’ Stop
/by Liza AndersonTim McGraw with the NHL Stanley Cup during his show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Ben Dartnell
Country star Tim McGraw took over Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Thursday night (April 25). The show marked one of the many spring dates slated for his “Standing Room Only Tour,” which will run through June 29.
Rocking a red bedazzled crop top, a red fringe jacket and black plants, Abby Anderson graced the stage first to say hello and serenade the stands with songs such as “Where Did All The Cowboys Go,” which she mixed with a portion of The Chicks‘ “Cowboy Take Me Away,” and “Heart On Fire In Mexico,” which was inspired by the women in her family. Anderson then thanked everyone for coming as well as McGraw for choosing her to join him on the journey before making her exit.
Only one little light appeared to shine on stage as the sounds of a fiddle and guitar filled the venue. Multiple musicians soon made their way to the middle of the platform in a single file line to take their places alongside their instruments. Royal blue beams scanned the crowd and the lines encircling the elevated surface on stage flashed as Carly Pearce began her first-ever Bridgestone set with “Diamondback.” Dressed in a white fringe shorts and jacket set accented with an amber color and paired with blue boots, she jumped into Gold-certified “Next Girl.” Pearce then grabbed her acoustic guitar and confirmed that Nashville was ready for some country music while moving into “Easy Going.” She addressed the audience and expressed her gratitude for the milestone moment before performing the Grammy-winning tune “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” which she recorded with Ashley McBryde. Pearce then paid tribute to McGraw’s wife and fellow country sensation Faith Hill by covering “Let’s Go to Vegas.”
“What is so special about Nashville, and what all of you country music fans need to know is that we could not be the artists that we are without the songwriters in Nashville,” the songstress stated as she discussed her forthcoming album, Hummingbird.
She then introduced collaborators Lauren Hungate and Jordan Reynolds, with whom she wrote the recently-released Hummingbird track “My Place.” Pearce referred to Hungate as “[her] generation’s Hillary Lindsey” and reminisced on meeting Reynolds while making note of his various hits before the three sang the single together. She thanked them both for their presence as they left the stage. Pearce proceeded by sharing the story behind her first No. 1 “Every Little Thing.” Phone flashlights swayed as her vocals travelled through the chart-topper. She brought her guitar back out for “Country Music Made Me Do It” and asked concertgoers to insert their own story into the song.
The artist then switched to an electric guitar to share unreleased album track “Truck On Fire.” She gave a shoutout to her radio and streaming partners before transitioning to her and Chris Stapleton‘s duet “We Don’t Fight Anymore,” which is currently climbing the charts. Pearce took a moment to talk about how meaningful it is that her fourth No. 1 “What He Didn’t Do” has resonated with some many others before belting it for the crowd. She finished with “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which she recorded with Lee Brice, after giving thanks to her village and fans.
After a brief intermission, Bridgestone faded to black. Suddenly, red and white rays penetrated the arena as McGraw’s silhouette flashed on the screen in time with the beat of “Truck Yeah.” The platform then lit up to reveal the band, and smoke rose up from underneath along with the acclaimed entertainer. Wearing a black t-shirt, jeans and his signature cowboy hat, he picked up his guitar for “Southern Voice.” Vibrant backroad scenery was depicted with animations behind McGraw on the screen above as he sang. He put the guitar away for “All I Want Is A Life” as the screen separated into alternating red, black and white panels spotlighting him and the members of his band. The streaks of light shifted to blue and white and a ballerina twirled across the screen as McGraw began to cover Elton John‘s “Tiny Dancer.” The songsmith then welcomed fans and introduced himself, though he needed no introduction, as well as each bandmate and declared them “the best band you’re ever going hear.”
“Our job is to leave the outside world behind, so you guys can come in here, let loose and have a great time. We’re going to take you on a ride, and we hope you enjoy it,” said McGraw before sliding into “Just To See You Smile.”
Every seat was tinged with orange as his guitar made its return for his and Nelly‘s “Over And Over.” Clips of the collaborators from the number’s accompanying music video played above. McGraw held onto the instrument for his 2015 smash single “Shotgun Rider” and threw his pick into the sea of fans below.
“This is for my wife,” he said before starting “One Bad Habit.” Sweet moments captured of McGraw and Hill were shared on screen throughout the tune. A hypnotic blend of warm hues hid subtle images of Hill above the stage as the headliner poured his heart into “Watch The Wind Blow By.” He had the audience on their feet and singing along during “Something Like That.” The cameras flashed to show multiple members on screen still moving and grooving for “Where The Green Grass Grows.” A starry scene served as the backdrop for the tour’s namesake.
A bright white stream of light followed McGraw as he performed “Red Ragtop” before checking in with everyone. What could’ve been considered a mini laser light show of many colors occurred for his and Taylor Swift‘s “Highway Don’t Care.” Broken images of Swift were projected during her parts of the tune and at one point, McGraw knelt down to point to one of his guitarists for a solo.
At one point, McGraw paused to acknowledge the city’s sports community and showed his support for the Nashville Predators by displaying the actual NHL Stanley Cup, shouting, “Let’s bring that home to Nashville!” before diving into his Preds anthem “I Like It, I Love It.”
Heads bopped and hands clapped for the duration of “Felt Good On My Lips.” McGraw gripped an electric guitar for “Real Good Man,” which had every corner of the room jamming. Scenes from McGraw and Hill’s Yellowstone spinoff series, 1883, flashed before every pair of eyes as the artist rode into “The Cowboy In Me,” accompanied by the crowd’s vocals. Two other band members came centerstage to play the final strums beside him, making for a satisfying end to the tune.
Rows of blue and pink shining dots glowed behind McGraw as he touched hearts with the beautiful “Humble and Kind.” Aqua tones led him to the middle of the platform as the arena absorbed the reminder and took the mic for the last chorus. McGraw then closed with his megahit “Live Like You Were Dying,” which had the room roaring and every hand ending the night in the air.
The “Standing Room Only Tour” will visit Cananda with a Montreal show this Thursday (May 2) and an Ottawa show on Friday (May 3).
Cornman Music Hires Chris Owen
/by LB CantrellChris Owen
Cornman Music has hired Chris Owen as Creative Director.
A native of Buffalo, New York, Owen is a graduate of Buffalo State College. He has worked at WYRK-FM/Townsquare Media for the last six years, rising to Assistant Brand Manager and on-air talent for the station before his exit. He also has grown a following on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) with his country music content.
At Cornman Music, Owen will work with the roster that includes the company’s owner Brett James, as well as Will Bundy, Drew Green, Lydia Vaughan, Graham Barham, Chris August and Gabe Broussard.
“We are beyond excited to have Chris Owen join the Cornman family. His love of songs and country music is absolutely infectious,” shares James. “I haven’t met many people who know more or care more about songwriters than Chris and we are thrilled to have him in Nashville and working with Nate Lowery as the dream team.”
Jo Dee Messina Shares Retrospective On Her Life At Special Ryman Show
/by Lorie HollabaughJo Dee Messina performs at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Louie Waddle
Jo Dee Messina took fans on her journey to country stardom Saturday night (April 27) in front of a sold-out audience at the Ryman Auditorium.
She also celebrated some success backstage before the special show in a private reception, where she was presented with plaques commemorating five new RIAA certifications, including double Platinum status for her hit singles “I’m Alright” and “Bye Bye;” Gold and Platinum status for ’90s country anthem “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and Gold status for “Bring on the Rain” and “Lesson In Leavin.’”
Pictured (L-R): Wasserman Music’s Nate Ritches, Vanderbilt’s Stuart Dill, Red Light Management’s Bryan Frasher, Jo Dee Messina, Curb Records’ Benson Curb, Jen Swirsky, 117 Entertainment’s Zach Farnum. Photo: Louie Waddle
Messina’s Ryman debut offered a chance for her to spotlight her “Road to the Ryman” retrospective on her life. From songs she was raised on to music that encouraged her to move to Nashville from Massachusetts, fans heard snippets of “Baby, I Lied,” “Break It To Me Gently,” “Whoever’s In New England,” “Rumor Has It,” “Girl’s Night Out” and more. She credited her early success to her producers Tim McGraw and Byron Gallimore, while sharing massive hits like “Bye, Bye” and “Lesson In Leavin.’”
Some poignant and impactful moments of the night came when Messina shared her testimony and journey with God. She welcomed a Gospel choir from Three Oaks Church in Gallatin, Tennessee to join her on a medley of tunes including “My Jesus,” “Bigger Than This,” “Child of Love” and “Reckless Love.” She also shared a few new songs she’s written during the evening.
“I was blown away by the crowd and its enthusiasm. Industry, family, friends, fans—the room was filled with that mixture. It was a one-of-a-kind experience,” reminisced Messina.
Messina’s “Heads Carolina, Tails California (HCTC2) Tour” will run through the year around the country. The New England native will give a special performance of the National Anthem at the iconic Fenway Park for the Boston Red Sox game before heading to her show at the House of Blues on June 2.
Lipscomb University Launches New Artists & Entertainment Professionals Graduate Program
/by Madison Hahnen“As the entertainment and arts professions continue to evolve, there is a growing need to offer educational programs that meet the needs of today’s artists and prepare them for the opportunities of tomorrow,” says Lipscomb President Candice McQueen. “This program was created by artists for artists as we seek to innovate, inspire and elevate the next generation of creative minds. Lipscomb’s program provides flexibility and a pathway to expertise in focused components without requiring a full master’s degree.”
The program will offer and array of specialized classes that will help build artistic repertoire and cultivate an industry network. Students can choose from certificates in screenwriting, television writing, animation foundations and 2D advanced animation. Certificate participants will also be offered opportunities to attend guest lectures and workshops led by industry leaders, travel study opportunities and networking events. Courses will be offered online, available worldwide, and can be completed in as little as nine months. The courses will be flexible, being offered in a combination of video content and assignments with a once-a-week meeting for three hours, where students will be able to gain feedback from professors.
“The program’s online format, coupled with travel courses, ensures that students can benefit from a flexible learning environment while still having opportunities for collaboration and networking with professionals in the industry,” says Melissa Forte, Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts. “This approach fosters a supportive and dynamic learning community, preparing students to make meaningful contributions to the arts and entertainment sector.”
“As we look at the future of higher education and the future of work we are seeing a need for just-in-time, flexible and short-term upskilling. We are also seeing the industry return to the utilization of renaissance people who have several different skill sets and talents,” shares CEA Dean Mike Fernandez. “We are also helping artists expand their horizons by training them how to deploy their artistic intelligence in more than just the entertainment and arts industries.”
Students can complete one certificate at a time in a specific area of interest and then combine certificates for an MFA in entertainment, design and creative enterprise. An online information session will take place May 2 at 5 p.m. CST. Classes will be offered beginning this August.
Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, More To Perform At Upcoming ACM Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe first round of artists who are set to perform at the upcoming 59th Academy of Country Music Awards have been announced. The show will air live from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas on May 16.
Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Miranda Lambert, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson and Kane Brown will all take the stage during the star-studded show, which will be hosted by 16-time ACM Award-winner Reba McEntire, who will also share a special performance featuring brand new music.
The awards will be free to stream live exclusively for a global audience across 240+ countries and territories on Prime Video. Additional performers will be announced in the coming weeks. Fans can also tune into the official ACM Red Carpet on Prime Video, the Amazon Music Channel on Twitch and Amazon Live, starting at 6 p.m. CT. The full rebroadcast will be available directly following the stream on Prime Video and available the next day for free on Amazon Freevee and the Amazon Music app. Presenters and ACM Awards ancillary events will also be announced in the coming weeks.
Fans can also stream the official ACM Awards playlist, available now on Amazon Music in celebration of this year’s nominees.
Diana Garcia Joins Brown Sellers Brown As Director Of Streaming Relations & Marketing
/by John Nix ArledgeDiana Garcia
Brown Sellers Brown has hired Diana Garcia as Director of Streaming Relations and Director of Marketing. In her new role, Garcia will manage marketing campaigns and DSP relations for all artists on Brown Sellers Brown’s two label imprints, Quartz Hill Records and Stone Country Records, including Joe Nichols, Easton Corbin, Runaway June, Thompson Square, Nate Barnes, Ben Gallaher, Annie Bosko and Dusty Black.
With over two decades of experience building and executing marketing strategies for artists and brands, Garcia has worked with a wide array of clients, including Rascal Flatts, Madonna, Red Hot Chili Peppers, My Chemical Romance, Muse, Kanye West, Alicia Keys, Brooks & Dunn, Dolly Parton, Eric Church, Conagra Foods, Ram Trucks, Dodge Dart and Wrangler. Recently, Garcia has managed and launched viral acts with major DSP support, such as CNCO, Static & Benel, Payton Smith, Kat & Alex and Chase Matthew.
“It is an honor to welcome Diana Garcia to the Brown Sellers Brown family,” says firm partner Benny Brown. “In addition to her vast entertainment experience and her strong professional and personal relationships, Diana is bringing a very high level of passion, enthusiasm, and knowhow to our team. I expect that Diana will add a much-needed boost for each of our managed artists.”
“I’m thrilled and excited to be joining such an incredible team and diverse roster of artists,” explains Garcia. “It’s an exciting season to be not only in country music but to be a part of a team that embraces development, innovation and community.”
Garcia can be reached at diana@brownsellersbrown.com.
Tyler Hubbard To Hit The Road On ‘Strong World Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughTyler Hubbard. Photo: Jimmy Fontaine
Tyler Hubbard will launch his headlining “Strong World Tour” on Sept. 6 in Indianapolis, with Alana Springsteen serving as direct support.
The tour will stop in Houston, Boston, Birmingham, Philadelphia, Tallahassee and more before wrapping with a hometown show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 21. Tickets go on sale this Friday (May 3). For more information, click here.
On the dates, fans can expect to hear songs from Hubbard’s new album, Strong, including his current top five radio single “Back Then Right Now” as well as “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country,” which have been certified double-Platinum and Platinum, respectively. Additionally, the artist is currently supporting Kane Brown on his “In The Air Tour,” and is slated to make various festival and fair appearances.
CMHOFM Opens ‘Night Train To Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited’ Exhibit
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Museum Board Chair Mary Ann McCready, Jimmy Church, Misti Bragg, Frank Howard and Vice President of Museum Services Michael Gray. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum celebrated the opening of its latest exhibit, “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited,” last night (April 25).
The exhibit explores the significance of Nashville’s pioneering R&B scene and its important role in the city becoming a world-renowned music center. “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues Revisited” is a 20th anniversary edition of the museum’s award-winning original exhibit, which was featured in its galleries from 2004–2005. It includes many of the same items and themes, along with additional/newly-discovered artifacts and photographs. The exhibit is included with museum admission and runs through September 2025.
It is supported by a free-to-access “Night Train to Nashville” online exhibit, which launched last year, and was made possible by a major grant awarded from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH). A newly-published exhibit companion book is also available now and includes more than 100 photographs and descriptions of classic R&B records cut in Nashville.
To mark the opening of the exhibit, the museum will host a panel discussion tomorrow (April 27), about Nashville’s television series Night Train. Participants will include performers Jimmy Church and Frank Howard, who appeared regularly on the show along with Katie Blackwell, wife of late Night Train creator and host Noble Blackwell, and Tracye Blackwell, Katie and Noble Blackwell’s daughter. The discussion will be illustrated with video clips from the show. The program will take place at 2:30 p.m. in the museum’s Ford Theater and is included with museum admission.
On The Row: Honky-Tonker Randall King Makes Waves On Music Row
/by LB CantrellRandall King. Photo: Yve Assad
Warner Music Nashville artist Randall King recently came by the MusicRow offices to share some tunes.
A native of West Texas, King has garnered his fan-base with his country crooning that is decidedly traditional in sound. He has earned acclaim with projects such as his 2020 EP Leanna, his 2022 major label album debut Shot Glass and his 18-track sophomore album Into The Neon, which released in January of this year.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen and LB Cantrell; Randall King; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, John Nix Arledge and Liza Anderson
King has amassed over 300 million streams with singles like “You In A Honky Tonk,” “Hey Cowgirl,” “Mirror, Mirror,” “Burns Like Her” and “When My Baby’s in Boots,” and has continued to burn up the road, playing over 150 honky tonks a year.
King grew up in Hereford, a little cattle town in Texas. He went to college at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, where musical icons like Buddy Holly, Waylon Jennings, Mac Davis and more spent time, in addition to modern Texas music mavericks Pat Green, Josh Abbott, Wade Bowen and others. “I learned songwriting from that culture,” King said. “It’s really what got me into the music industry.”
As he began to play in the bars in the Lubbock scene, King started managing and booking himself. He even got a sound technician degree at Texas Tech so he could produce his own records. In 2014, King met industry veteran Scott Gunter, and the two have been working together ever since.
King stated coming to Nashville in 2016 to write songs. He signed a record deal with Warner Music Nashville in 2019.
After years spent focused on building his show on the road, King has country radio on the horizon. He has lots of good material to choose from for his debut single, including the moody “Burns Like Her” and romantic “I Could Be That Rain,” both of which have garnered millions of listens on Spotify.
“My dream has always been to be on stage,” King said. “I’ve never really doubted that I could be, if I work my ass off.”
King is currently headlining shows across the U.S. and has tour dates slated across Europe later in 2024. He is managed by Durango Artist Management, booked by CAA and recently signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing.