Pictured (L-R, top row): Hunter Phelps, Troy Tomlinson, Jelly Roll and Chase McGill; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley Gorley and Jordan Schmidt at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Not pictured: Charlie Handsome and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA
The Country Music Association held its 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony on Monday night (April 15). The evening honored seven CMA Triple Play Award recipients for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period, as well as awarded publishing veteran Troy Tomlinson with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.
The evening took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and was hosted by songwriter and CMA Board member Jim Beavers. His humor and familiarity with those in the room highlighted the spirit of togetherness the Nashville publishing community has always had.
Kenny Chesney performs “Old Blue Chair,” to honor Troy Tomlinson at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo” John Russell/CMA
Throughout the night, each of the Triple Play recipients were celebrated, with a collaborator or friend doing the honor of inviting the winners to the stage.
Hitmaker Jesse Frasure was on hand to present for honoree Jelly Roll, who notched three No. 1 hits in the period with his own “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and “Save Me.” Jelly Roll shared that at the end of the day, he was a songwriter first, and that the honor was very special to him.
Mitchell Tenpenny shared words about his friend and collaborator Jordan Schmidt, who clinched the Triple Play trophy with “Wait In The Truck,” “Bury Me in Georgia” and “Watermelon Moonshine.” Schmidt, who brought his eight-month-old son with him to the podium, thanked his village of supporters. His son kept the room grinning as he grabbed at his dad’s award.
Hardy took to the mic to present the Triple Play award to Hunter Phelps, who co-wrote the No. 1 hits “Best Thing Since Backroads,” “New Truck” and “Wait In The Truck.” Phelps shared his appreciation for the CMA for putting the event together each year, as songwriters can have a hard time slowing down and appreciating the wins since their careers often feel like an up-hill battle.
Troy Tomlinson receives the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Jordan Davis presented honoree Chase McGill with his Triple Play award. He earned the trophy with “5 Foot 9,” “With A Woman You Love” and “Next Thing You Know.” McGill talked about the balancing act of career and family, and spoke of his gratitude for his co-writers.
Chris DuBois presented a historic CMA Triple Play honor to Ashley Gorley, who took home four trophies for garnering three No 1 songs in a 12-month period four different times. The feat makes the iconic hitmaker the first to take home that many trophies in the 14-year history of CMA Triple Play. Gorley was as humble as usual when he spoke, making sure to thank everyone in his village and encouraging the songwriters in the room with his wisdom.
Charlie Handsome (“Wasted On You,” “You Proof” and “Last Night”) and Thomas Rhett (“Half Of Me,” “Angels” and “Stars Like Confetti”) were also 2024 Triple Play honorees, but were not able to attend. Both shared video acceptances for their awards.
Halfway through the night, the focus turned on CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honoree Troy Tomlinson. A video played honoring the UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO, where clips of interviews and congratulatory messages were shared with the room. Kelsea Ballerini, Dean Dillon, Tom Douglas, Mike Dungan, Ronnie Dunn, Joe Galante, Jody Gerson, Josh Tomlinson, Sylvia Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ben Vaughn, Jody Williams, Lainey Wilson and narrator Cliff Williamson all spoke about Tomlinson’s legacy in the songwriting community. Each of them commented on his passion for songwriters, but also his commitment to the people in his life at a personal level.
Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, Jim Beavers and Tom Douglas perform at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Kenny Chesney emerged to pay tribute to the Music Row icon. He spoke about Tomlinson’s impact on his life and career. He then sang “Old Blue Chair,” and shared an anecdote about the publisher’s role in the song.
Tomlinson tried to keep his emotions at bay when he gave his speech, but the room went from teary-eyed admiration to relatable laughter throughout his remarks. He spoke about all of the people who poured into his life—like Williamson, Donna Hilley, Jerry Bradley, Gerson and many more—and thanked his family for their sacrifices in sharing him with the community.
He pointed out that his success was in large part due to exceptional songwriters and A&R teams, and he encouraged everyone in the room to show their writers—or collaborators—that they care.
To end the night, McGill returned to the stage alongside Beavers and Douglas to do a surprise writer’s round featuring songs that Tomlinson helped pioneer. McGill performed “Next Thing You Know,” Beavers sang “Drink A Beer” Douglas performed “The House That Built Me,” ending the night with a joyful standing ovation.
John Berry Celebrates 30th Anniversary Of ‘Your Love Amazes Me’
/by Lorie HollabaughJohn Berry is celebrating the 30th anniversary of his No. 1 hit, “Your Love Amazes Me.”
Penned by Amanda Hunt-Taylor and Chuck Jones, Berry recorded and released the song in January 1994 as the third single from his self-titled album. It went No. 1 on May 21, 1994 and became known as Berry’s “signature song” throughout his career.
“Amanda got the idea when her boyfriend proposed to her on the beach at sunset,” recalls Jones. “She had some melody and the hook, and we were off and running! John heard the song, and the rest is history. It was my first No. 1 and the song that brought me to the dance. It was the beginning of not only a rewarding musical relationship with John but a decades-long friendship with him and the whole family. Definitely the most consequential song of my career! Thank you, John, and happy 30th Anniversary!”
‘”Your Love Amazes Me’ was inspired by true love and written from the heart, which is why it continues to move so many,” says Hunt-Taylor. “John Berry was the perfect match for this song. His heartfelt performance is absolutely magical.”
Berry also recently re-released some albums in partnership with StarVista Music, including Thomas Road, Christmas Hits, I Give My Heart and What I Love The Most. He was recently awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the ninth annual Carolina Country Music Awards and was inducted into the North American Country Music Hall of Fame International.
Berry’s career has spanned over three decades and includes 25 albums and 20 charting singles including “A Mind Of Her Own,” “You And Only You,” “Standing On The Edge Of Goodbye,” “I Think About It All The Time,” “She’s Taken A Shine” and his Grammy-nominated hit, “Your Love Amazes Me.”
Recording Academy & Coursera Launch Grammy Go
/by Madison HahnenThe Recording Academy has partnered with Coursera to launch Grammy Go, an online initiative to offer classes geared towards music creators and industry professionals.
As part of the Academy’s ongoing goal to serve all music people, this program empowers the next generation of the music community with content that provides wisdom for both emerging and established members of the industry. It will offer a plethora of topics tailored to creative and professional growth, and will include courses taught by Recording Academy members, as well as Grammy winners and nominees offering real-life lessons learners can put to work right away.
“Whether it be through a Grammy Museum program, Grammy Camp or Grammy U, the Grammy organization is committed to helping music creators flourish, and the Recording Academy is proud to introduce our newest learning platform Grammy Go in partnership with Coursera,” says Panos A. Panay, President of the Recording Academy. “A creator’s growth path is ongoing, and these courses have been crafted to provide learners with the essential tools to grow in their professional and creative journeys.”
Enrollment is already open for the first Grammy Go course, “Building Your Audience for Music Professionals.” The course will be taught by international music/marketing executive Joey Harris, and will also feature Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Jimmy Jam, 10-time Grammy nominee Janelle Monáe and three-time Grammy winner Victoria Monét. Participants in the course will gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a strong brand presence and gain a devoted audience.
The second Grammy Go course, “Music Production: Crafting An Award-Worthy Song,” will be offered later this summer. This course will be taught by Howard University professor Carolyn Malachi. Grammy winner Cirkut, three time grammy winner Hit-Boy, celebrity vocal coach Stevie Mackey, Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. and 15-time Grammy winner Judith Sherman will all also be featured in the course. Pre-enrollment is open now.
“We are honored to welcome Grammy Go, our first entertainment partner, to the Coursera community,” says Marni Baker Stein, Chief Content Officer at Coursera. “With these self-paced online Specializations, aspiring music professionals all over the world have an incredible opportunity to learn directly from iconic artists and industry experts. Together with Grammy Go, we can empower tomorrow’s pioneers of the music industry to explore their passion today.”
Big Loud Records Elevates Tyler Waugh To VP, Radio Promotion
/by Liza AndersonTyler Waugh. Photo: Brayln Kelly Smith
Big Loud Records has elevated Tyler Waugh to VP, Radio Promotion, effective May 1.
Current VP, Radio Promotion Ali Matkosky will exit the company for a new role with Relative Music Group starting this summer. Her last day with Big Loud will be May 14.
“Ali has been an integral part of this team and her contribution over the past six years has been nothing less than significant,” says Stacy Blythe, SVP, Radio Promotion, Big Loud Records. “Tyler’s unwavering passion and dedication have propelled him to the role of VP of Radio Promotion, where his leadership will continue to inspire and drive success.”
“I hope everyone gets to experience firsthand the kind of belief that Big Loud has had in me,” Matkosky shares. “I’m forever grateful to [Big Loud Partners] Craig [Wiseman], Seth [England] and Joey [Moi] for putting their trust in me, and to my girl Stacy for kicking down every door just to grab my hand and walk me through it with her. It’s been an honor. I am immensely excited about my next chapter with Relative Music Group and all that is to come.”
The label is not looking to fill any other positions within the Radio Promotion department at this time.
BMI Kicks Off Sixth Season Of ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Series
/by Liza AndersonColbie Caillat kicking off the sixth season BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI kicked off the sixth season of its “Rooftop On The Row” series, presented by George Dickel, last night (April 16) with Grammy winner Colbie Caillat and Red Street Records artist Ryan Larkins.
Ryan Larkins kicking off the sixth season BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
Hundreds of attendees congregated on top of BMI’s Nashville office for live music and drinks provided by the night’s sponsors Delta Air Lines, ONErpm, Texas Roadhouse, Topo Chico, White Claw and Gallagher Insurance.
DJ Smoke set the tone for the evening as BMI’s Mason Hunter introduced Larkins to the stage, where he sang “Man That Holds the Beer” and his recent single “King of Country Music” from his debut EP, Meet Ryan Larkins, among others. Larkins also spotlighted his first No. 1 with a special rendition of Cody Johnson’s chart-topper “The Painter.”
Caillat then started her headlining set with her double-Platinum hit “Fallin’ For You,” and expressed her gratitude for BMI as she has been affiliated with the PRO since the beginning of her career. She continued with multi-Platinum tunes “Bubbly,” “Realize” and “Try,” and welcomed a few special guests on stage. Gavin DeGraw joined the artist for “I Never Told You,” and Brett Young accompanied her for “Worth It.” Caillat also performed “Mean Girl” with Ashley Cooke. The two co-wrote the track, which is featured on Cooke’s debut album, with Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins.
The series will resume on May 14 with Jackson Dean and Mae Estes, followed by Ella Langley and Redferrin on July 16 as well as Josh Ross and Lauren Watkins on Aug. 13. The final show on Sept. 17 will officially kick off AmericanaFest. Those slated to perform will be announced soon.
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Nina Carter, Leslie Roberts, Clay Bradley, Colbie Caillat, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, Mason Hunter, Claire Dodelin and Shannon Sanders. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
CMA Celebrates Triple Play Award Recipients, Honors Troy Tomlinson
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Hunter Phelps, Troy Tomlinson, Jelly Roll and Chase McGill; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley Gorley and Jordan Schmidt at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Not pictured: Charlie Handsome and Thomas Rhett. Photo: Ford Fairchild/CMA
The Country Music Association held its 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards ceremony on Monday night (April 15). The evening honored seven CMA Triple Play Award recipients for penning three No. 1 songs in a 12-month period, as well as awarded publishing veteran Troy Tomlinson with the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.
The evening took place at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, and was hosted by songwriter and CMA Board member Jim Beavers. His humor and familiarity with those in the room highlighted the spirit of togetherness the Nashville publishing community has always had.
Kenny Chesney performs “Old Blue Chair,” to honor Troy Tomlinson at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo” John Russell/CMA
Throughout the night, each of the Triple Play recipients were celebrated, with a collaborator or friend doing the honor of inviting the winners to the stage.
Hitmaker Jesse Frasure was on hand to present for honoree Jelly Roll, who notched three No. 1 hits in the period with his own “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and “Save Me.” Jelly Roll shared that at the end of the day, he was a songwriter first, and that the honor was very special to him.
Mitchell Tenpenny shared words about his friend and collaborator Jordan Schmidt, who clinched the Triple Play trophy with “Wait In The Truck,” “Bury Me in Georgia” and “Watermelon Moonshine.” Schmidt, who brought his eight-month-old son with him to the podium, thanked his village of supporters. His son kept the room grinning as he grabbed at his dad’s award.
Hardy took to the mic to present the Triple Play award to Hunter Phelps, who co-wrote the No. 1 hits “Best Thing Since Backroads,” “New Truck” and “Wait In The Truck.” Phelps shared his appreciation for the CMA for putting the event together each year, as songwriters can have a hard time slowing down and appreciating the wins since their careers often feel like an up-hill battle.
Troy Tomlinson receives the CMA Songwriter Advocate Award at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Jordan Davis presented honoree Chase McGill with his Triple Play award. He earned the trophy with “5 Foot 9,” “With A Woman You Love” and “Next Thing You Know.” McGill talked about the balancing act of career and family, and spoke of his gratitude for his co-writers.
Chris DuBois presented a historic CMA Triple Play honor to Ashley Gorley, who took home four trophies for garnering three No 1 songs in a 12-month period four different times. The feat makes the iconic hitmaker the first to take home that many trophies in the 14-year history of CMA Triple Play. Gorley was as humble as usual when he spoke, making sure to thank everyone in his village and encouraging the songwriters in the room with his wisdom.
Charlie Handsome (“Wasted On You,” “You Proof” and “Last Night”) and Thomas Rhett (“Half Of Me,” “Angels” and “Stars Like Confetti”) were also 2024 Triple Play honorees, but were not able to attend. Both shared video acceptances for their awards.
Halfway through the night, the focus turned on CMA Songwriter Advocate Award honoree Troy Tomlinson. A video played honoring the UMPG Nashville Chairman and CEO, where clips of interviews and congratulatory messages were shared with the room. Kelsea Ballerini, Dean Dillon, Tom Douglas, Mike Dungan, Ronnie Dunn, Joe Galante, Jody Gerson, Josh Tomlinson, Sylvia Tomlinson, Sarah Trahern, Ben Vaughn, Jody Williams, Lainey Wilson and narrator Cliff Williamson all spoke about Tomlinson’s legacy in the songwriting community. Each of them commented on his passion for songwriters, but also his commitment to the people in his life at a personal level.
Pictured (L-R): Chase McGill, Jim Beavers and Tom Douglas perform at the 2024 CMA Triple Play Awards. Photo: John Russell/CMA
Kenny Chesney emerged to pay tribute to the Music Row icon. He spoke about Tomlinson’s impact on his life and career. He then sang “Old Blue Chair,” and shared an anecdote about the publisher’s role in the song.
Tomlinson tried to keep his emotions at bay when he gave his speech, but the room went from teary-eyed admiration to relatable laughter throughout his remarks. He spoke about all of the people who poured into his life—like Williamson, Donna Hilley, Jerry Bradley, Gerson and many more—and thanked his family for their sacrifices in sharing him with the community.
He pointed out that his success was in large part due to exceptional songwriters and A&R teams, and he encouraged everyone in the room to show their writers—or collaborators—that they care.
To end the night, McGill returned to the stage alongside Beavers and Douglas to do a surprise writer’s round featuring songs that Tomlinson helped pioneer. McGill performed “Next Thing You Know,” Beavers sang “Drink A Beer” Douglas performed “The House That Built Me,” ending the night with a joyful standing ovation.
Industry Ink: Nate Smith, ACM, Bay Turner, Trey Allen
/by Madison HahnenNate Smith Celebrates Over 1 Billion Streams & RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Jen Way (SVP, Marketing, SMN), Taylor Lindsey (SVP, A&R, SMN) Steve Hodges (EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, SMN) Chief Zaruk (The Core Entertainment), Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, Sony SMN) Nate Smith, Simon Tikhman (The Core Entertainment) Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, SMN) Margaret Tomlin (VP, A&R, SMN) Ken Robold, (EVP & COO, SMN). Photo: Brenton Giesey.
Nate Smith celebrated career-defining achievements on Monday (April 15) at The Twelve Thirty Club Rooftop in Nashville. Sony Music Nashville and The Core Entertainment presented Smith with plaques for garnering over one billion career streams and his record breaking 10-week No. 1 “World On Fire.”
Smith also received two new RIAA certifications. His debut breakout single “Whiskey On You” is now double-Platinum, and his self-titled debut album received a Gold certification.
ACM & Whiskey Jam Celebrate Record-Breaking Show
Pictured (L-R): Haley Montgomery (ACM), Damon Whiteside (ACM), Ward Guenther (Whiskey Jam), Ryan O’Nan (Whiskey Jam). Photo: Courtesy of ACM
The Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Whiskey Jam partnered for a live show this past Monday night (April 15). The show, part of Whiskey Jam’s outdoor concert series, took place at Skydeck on Broadway, and featured performances from Tyler Braden, Benjamin Joseph, Tiera Kennedy, Matt Koziol, LANCO, Meghan Patrick and Chase Rice. Gavin DeGraw and Colbie Caillat also gave surprise performances. The show broke an attendance record for the venue.
Bay Turner Inks With Centricity Music/Centricity Publishing
Bay Turner with his Centricity Music and Publishing team.
Singer-songwriter Bay Turner has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Centricity Music/Centricity Publishing. The America’s Got Talent alum is set to release new music soon.
“In our typical work, we don’t hear a lot of voices that literally stop us in our tracks, but when I first heard Bay’s, I had to find out who this guy was,” says Centricity Music’s A&R Manager, Stephen Floyd. “As we began the process of building a friendship, I really wanted him to be a part of the future that Centricity is building. It was a joy to discover not only is he a genuine artist with a world-class voice, he’s a world-class person as well.”
Trey Allen Joins Wealth Strategies Partners
Trey Allen.
Total wealth management firm Wealth Strategies Partners has hired Trey Allen to lead business development. In this role, Allen will drive growth and foster innovation while developing strategic relationships across the music industry. The Belmont graduate has previously held roles at Bill Graham Presents and Shoreline Amphitheater, and has tour managed The Strokes, Kings of Leon, Widespread Panic, MGMT, My Morning Jacket and Leon Bridges. He most recently founded artist and producer management and label firm Sunday Supper Group.
“Trey is a well-known, well-respected force in the music and entertainment industry, and his expertise and relationships will be invaluable as we continue to grow,” says WSP President & CEO, Paul Allen, CFP, MS. “Our practice has been fortunate to represent an increasing number of musicians and entertainers in Nashville and beyond, and Trey expands our capabilities and expertise in this area.”
Belmont University Receives Grant From National Endowment For The Humanities
/by Lorie HollabaughBelmont University’s Janet Ayers Academic Center
Belmont University has received a grant of nearly $150,000 from the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to fund an interdisciplinary project titled “A Model for Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Humanities Research: Redefining the Sacred in Americana Music.”
The project explores the shifting notions of the sacred within Americana music over the past several decades, and will pilot collaborative, project-based undergraduate research in the Belmont Global Honors program. Relevant courses will focus on the intersections of roots music genres including folk, country, rock and blues, and investigate how Americana musicians have engaged rhetoric, argument, spiritual themes and social context with the shifting religious identities of Americans. The effort will be spearheaded by Dr. Sarah Blomeley and Dr. Donovan McAbee.
A two-course sequence will be taught throughout the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 academic years as part of the school’s Honors Scholars’ Collaborative program. The first course will center around students using rhetorical theory to analyze Americana song lyrics, conducting archival research at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum as well as interviewing key figures in the genre. In the second course, students will create a public-facing podcast with accompanying web resources. Each sequence will feature 15 students, resulting in a 30-episode podcast series by the conclusion of the two-year program.
“Through a blend of rhetoric, religion, melody and history, our project seeks to explore the often overlooked yet profound inquires of Americana music,” says Blomeley. “What does it reveal about American identity and religious beliefs? Where lies the boundary between sacred and profane in Americana’s narrative? Ultimately, our aim is to delve into Americana music’s role as a conduit for American religious discourse.”
In addition to utilizing resources, such as the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s archives, students will receive instruction from the likes of Grammy winner Tammy Rogers King and folk artist Mary Gauthier, Relationary Marketing’s Clark Buckner and other Belmont faculty members. The resulting podcast and web guides seek to serve as accessible, educational resources while modeling revolutionary experiential learning at the university.
The findings of “A Model for Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Humanities Research: Redefining the Sacred in Americana Music” will be shared through a podcast series available to the public as well as archival interviews, academic presentations by the faculty leaders and research articles.
ACM & BMAC To Close Inaugural OnRamp Program With Showcase
/by Liza AndersonThe Academy of Country Music and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) will close out their inaugural OnRamp program with a a celebratory showcase at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley on Wednesday, May 29.
Launched last year, the program focuses on improving inclusivity and equity within Music City while empowering the next generation of leaders in the early stages of their careers by granting access to professional development opportunities, community mentorship, industry exposure and more. Each participant is provided with a $1,000 monthly stipend, and matched with mentors in the music business who specialize in the specific field of the industry they aspire to pursue. Throughout the year, members performed at venues across Nashville, such as The Basement, The Bluebird Cafe and more, while also participating in industry-led workshops on marketing, songwriting/publishing, agency, live events and networking.
Hosted by artist Wendy Moten, the showcase will feature performances by the artist members of the inaugural OnRamp class including NBC’s The Voice season 25 contestant Tae Lewis as well as Daisha McBride, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Larysa Jaye, Carmen Dianne, Qualls, Nick Tabron, Roz Malone and Jasmine Bavaro. Class members Nina Owens, Kim Albritton, DeDe West, Chasidy Lauderdale and Amari Young will work behind-the-scenes on the event’s production.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., with the showcase starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
The Red Clay Strays Sign With Warner Chappell Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): The Red Clay Strays’ Brandon Coleman, Drew Nix, Andrew Bishop, John Hall and Zach Rishel. Photo: Macie B Coleman
Warner Chappell Music has signed country-rock band The Red Clay Strays to a global publishing deal.
Lead singer Brandon Coleman, electric guitarist Zach Rishel, guitarist/vocalist Drew Nix, bassist Andrew Bishop and drummer John Hall, as well as the band’s main songwriting partner and videographer Matthew Coleman, have been making music together since 2016. They spent years performing in the Gulf Coast music scene before reaching new audiences on TikTok. They independently released their album Moment of Truth in 2022 featuring the breakout song “Wondering Why,” which landed on the Billboard Hot 100 and has garnered more than 100 million streams.
After “Wondering Why” went viral last year, The Red Clay Strays made festival appearances at HWY 30 Fest, Bonnaroo, Peacemaker Festival, Under the Big Sky, Mile-0 Fest, Lollapalooza and CMA Fest. They also opened for Kip Moore, Old Crow Medicine Show, Brothers Osborne, Elle King, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church and more.
The band recently signed with RCA Records and is currently working on their next album with producer Dave Cobb. In August they will launch their first-ever European tour, including five shows across the U.K.
“The Red Clay Strays are owning their moment in what’s sure to be their biggest year yet,” says WCM President, North America Ryan Press. “Their music is pure power and precision, with a sound unlike anything we’ve heard before. They’ve been consistently locked in with their fans and now they have the whole world tuned into their unique style.”
“We’re looking forward to partnering with Warner Chappell to expand our songwriting careers and continue putting good music into the world,” says Matthew Coleman.
Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Alabama To Headline Kickoff Jam
/by Madison HahnenKickoff Jam has set their 2024 lineup. The festival will take place Aug. 30-Sept. 1 in Panama City Beach, Florida. The event will celebrate five decades of country music on the beach.
Friday will feature headliners Alabama with a special appearance by Randy Travis, as well as Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr, Gavin Adcock, Pam Tillis and Catie Offerman also taking the stage. Needtobreathe, Lauren Alaina, Restless Road, Carter Faith and Kayley Green will take the stage on Saturday before Carrie Underwood closes out the night. Garth Brooks serves as the final headliner appearing Sunday, preceded by Allie Colleen, Mackenzie Carpenter, Rhett Akins, The Oak Ridge Boys and Randy Houser.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and without question, this is the biggest show we’ve ever put on,” says Executive Producer Rendy Lovelady. “We’re excited to celebrate five decades of Country music in Panama City Beach!”
“It’s such a great honor to be a part of bringing the biggest names in Country music right here to our beautiful beaches,” said Kickoff Jam COO Mark Sheldon. “It’s our vision to not only support the local community, but to show the country how proud we are of our heritage and Country music in Panama City Beach.”
Passes for Kickoff Jam will be available starting April 24 at 10 a.m. CST.