Song Suffragettes 10th Anniversary Show Performers, Song Suffragettes Alumni, and Song Suffragettes Founder Todd Cassetty. Photo: Catherine Powell
Song Suffragettes, Nashville’s iconic all-female collective of singer-songwriters, celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this week with a show slammed with talent at Belmont University’s Fisher Center.
Every Monday night, an ever-changing cast of female singer-songwriters play at The Listening Room Cafe as part of the Song Suffragettes round. To date, over 400 talented women have played the gig out of over 4,000 who have submitted to play.
Of the organization’s milestone, Song Suffragettes’ Founder Todd Cassetty shares, “I never dreamed that 10 years after starting Song Suffragettes in 3rd & Lindsley’s tiny Backstage room, we would be packing the house of a venue like The Fisher Center. It is beyond comprehension that 450 of the most talented women I have ever met have now played our show performing more than 8,041 original songs. Last night was show #536, and I genuinely look forward to the next 536.”
Cassetty co-hosted the celebration alongside Kelleigh Bannen, host of Apple Music’s The Kelleigh Bannen Show.
In addition to commemorating the 10-year milestone, the show also paid tribute to country icon Wynonna Judd, who was being presented with the Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award. The honor recognizes a woman who has inspired the hundreds of next-generation singer-songwriters who have performed on the Song Suffragettes’ stage. Judd’s legacy was celebrated all night, with several artists covering her songs. She also also participated in an intimate on-stage interview with Bannen, and performed herself.
Wynonna Judd and Kelleigh Bannen. Photo: Catherine Powell
CMT and ACM Award winners Maddie & Tae kicked off the evening. They performed two of their No. 1 hits, “Girl In A Country Song” and “Die From A Broken Heart,” before taking on a Judds hit, “Have Mercy.”
Songwriting royalty Laura Veltz and Liz Rose did a songwriter round, with Veltz performing the Dan + Shay record she wrote, “Speechless,” and Rose singing one of her many hits with Taylor Swift, “All Too Well.” The two also sang a tid-bit of “Strawberry Wine” to honor its author, Matraca Berg, who wasn’t able to join them as scheduled due to illness.
CMT’s Senior Vice President of Music Strategy, Leslie Fram, took the stage to introduce the fan-favorite trio Chapel Hart. The ladies performed an “Perfect For Me” before singing a perfect cover of The Judds’ “Grandpa,” which received an immediate standing ovation.
Long-time Song Suffragettes percussionist Mia Morris performed, showing off her multi-instrumentalism and looping skills on “What The Hello.” Then came another writers’ round that featured Trannie Anderson, Hannah Ellis and Stevie Woodword. The Song Suffragettes alumna sang Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck,” Ellis’ own “Too Much And Not Enough” and a Woodward-penned unreleased song called “Stars On The Ceiling,” respectively.
Rachel Whitney, Spotify’s Head of Editorial, Nashville, joined pop sensation and Song Suffragettes alumna Gayle to introduce another alumna, Tenille Arts. Arts performed The Judds’ classic “Mama He’s Crazy” along with two unreleased tracks, “Call Me When You Get Home Friends” and “So Do I.”
Wynonna Judd and Todd Cassetty. Photo: Catherine Powell
Later in the night, the ladies of the bluegrass and gospel group The Isaacs joined the female members of the Belmont Bluegrass Ensemble to perform an all-women bluegrass version of The Judds’ “Why Not Me.”
When Judd took the stage to perform, the crowd was electric. She and her band delivered with a stripped-down performances that included “What It Takes,“ “Love Is Alive” and “Flying High.”
To end the night, Cassetty and Bannen invited all the night’s performers and any other Song Suffragettes in the house to join Judd onstage for an emotional performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Andrews McMeel Publishing To Release Six Dolly Parton Calendars For 2025
/by Lorie HollabaughAndrews McMeel Publishing plans to release six new Dolly Parton calendars for the 2025 calendar year.
Those six include the Dolly Parton 2025 Wall Calendar, Mini Wall Calendar, Monthly Pocket Planner, Weekly Desk Pad Calendar, Hardcover Monthly/Weekly Planner Calendar and the Dollyisms 2025 Softcover Monthly/Weekly Planner Calendar.
“We are thrilled to share Dolly Parton positivity throughout 2025 with these calendars,” says Marti Petty, Executive Editor/Calendar Licensing, Andrews McMeel Publishing. “With the variety of formats offered, fans have the opportunity to enjoy a daily dose of Dolly sunshine every day of the year.”
The Dolly Parton 2025 Wall Calendar features a collection of Parton’s album and single covers with full-color images and QR codes that link to her music. The 2025 Mini Wall Calendar pairs black and white photos of the country star taken throughout her career with her song lyrics, and includes grid space for notes, appointments and reminders. The 2025 Monthly Pocket Planner consists of Parton-themed artwork on each page and planning grids for notes, appointments and reminders in addition to a perforated notes section.
Doubling as a mouse pad, the 2025 Weekly Desk Pad Calendar provides space for recording tasks, appointments, reminders and notes as well as a month-at-a-glance on each tear-off weekly page. With foil accents on the cover, the 2025 Hardcover Monthly/Weekly Planner Calendar features monthly tabs, two pockets for storage, pages for notes and quotes from Parton’s songs. The Dollyisms 2025 Softcover Monthly/Weekly Planner Calendar offers space to make note of appointments, meetings and activities alongside 12 “Dollyisms.”
The calendars are available for preorder now. For more information, click here.
Song Suffragettes Celebrate 10th Anniversary, Honor Wynonna Judd
/by LB CantrellSong Suffragettes 10th Anniversary Show Performers, Song Suffragettes Alumni, and Song Suffragettes Founder Todd Cassetty. Photo: Catherine Powell
Song Suffragettes, Nashville’s iconic all-female collective of singer-songwriters, celebrated its 10th anniversary earlier this week with a show slammed with talent at Belmont University’s Fisher Center.
Every Monday night, an ever-changing cast of female singer-songwriters play at The Listening Room Cafe as part of the Song Suffragettes round. To date, over 400 talented women have played the gig out of over 4,000 who have submitted to play.
Of the organization’s milestone, Song Suffragettes’ Founder Todd Cassetty shares, “I never dreamed that 10 years after starting Song Suffragettes in 3rd & Lindsley’s tiny Backstage room, we would be packing the house of a venue like The Fisher Center. It is beyond comprehension that 450 of the most talented women I have ever met have now played our show performing more than 8,041 original songs. Last night was show #536, and I genuinely look forward to the next 536.”
Cassetty co-hosted the celebration alongside Kelleigh Bannen, host of Apple Music’s The Kelleigh Bannen Show.
In addition to commemorating the 10-year milestone, the show also paid tribute to country icon Wynonna Judd, who was being presented with the Song Suffragettes Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award. The honor recognizes a woman who has inspired the hundreds of next-generation singer-songwriters who have performed on the Song Suffragettes’ stage. Judd’s legacy was celebrated all night, with several artists covering her songs. She also also participated in an intimate on-stage interview with Bannen, and performed herself.
Wynonna Judd and Kelleigh Bannen. Photo: Catherine Powell
CMT and ACM Award winners Maddie & Tae kicked off the evening. They performed two of their No. 1 hits, “Girl In A Country Song” and “Die From A Broken Heart,” before taking on a Judds hit, “Have Mercy.”
Songwriting royalty Laura Veltz and Liz Rose did a songwriter round, with Veltz performing the Dan + Shay record she wrote, “Speechless,” and Rose singing one of her many hits with Taylor Swift, “All Too Well.” The two also sang a tid-bit of “Strawberry Wine” to honor its author, Matraca Berg, who wasn’t able to join them as scheduled due to illness.
CMT’s Senior Vice President of Music Strategy, Leslie Fram, took the stage to introduce the fan-favorite trio Chapel Hart. The ladies performed an “Perfect For Me” before singing a perfect cover of The Judds’ “Grandpa,” which received an immediate standing ovation.
Long-time Song Suffragettes percussionist Mia Morris performed, showing off her multi-instrumentalism and looping skills on “What The Hello.” Then came another writers’ round that featured Trannie Anderson, Hannah Ellis and Stevie Woodword. The Song Suffragettes alumna sang Lainey Wilson’s “Heart Like A Truck,” Ellis’ own “Too Much And Not Enough” and a Woodward-penned unreleased song called “Stars On The Ceiling,” respectively.
Rachel Whitney, Spotify’s Head of Editorial, Nashville, joined pop sensation and Song Suffragettes alumna Gayle to introduce another alumna, Tenille Arts. Arts performed The Judds’ classic “Mama He’s Crazy” along with two unreleased tracks, “Call Me When You Get Home Friends” and “So Do I.”
Wynonna Judd and Todd Cassetty. Photo: Catherine Powell
Later in the night, the ladies of the bluegrass and gospel group The Isaacs joined the female members of the Belmont Bluegrass Ensemble to perform an all-women bluegrass version of The Judds’ “Why Not Me.”
When Judd took the stage to perform, the crowd was electric. She and her band delivered with a stripped-down performances that included “What It Takes,“ “Love Is Alive” and “Flying High.”
To end the night, Cassetty and Bannen invited all the night’s performers and any other Song Suffragettes in the house to join Judd onstage for an emotional performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge.” There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Little Big Town & Sugarland To Team Up At CMT Music Awards
/by Madison HahnenLittle Big Town and Sugarland are slated to collaborate for a performance at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, taking place at Moody Center in Austin, Texas on April 7. Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the awards will air live on CBS and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.
CMT shared the news during the Arizona vs. Clemson March Madness game last night (March 28).
The two bands are no strangers to performing at the award show together, as they, along with Jake Owen, gave a rousing performance of “Life In A Northern Town” on the CMT Music Award stage in 2013.
Little Big Town is celebrating 25 years as one of country music’s most successful groups. The four time CMT Music Award winners have been nominated 25 times for Group Video of the Year, the current record. This will also be the group’s 13th time performing at the awards. Past iconic performances from the group include “Macon” with Jamey Johnson (2010), the premiere of “Pontoon” (2012), covering Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain” with Keith Urban (2013), their premiere of “Day Drinking” (2014), a performance of “One Dance” with Pharrell Williams (2016) and the global debut of “Hell Yeah” (2022). Their episode of CMT Storytellers will premiere on April 5.
Grammy winners Sugarland have a total of 19 CMT Music Award nominations, and have taken home four wins. They won their first CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Video of the Year in 2005 for “Baby Girl.” Sugarland has had a number of memorable performances from the CMT Music Award stage, including a collaboration with the B-52s for a rendition of “Love Shack” (2009), a performance of “Stand Up” that promoted American Red Cross Tornado Relief efforts (2011) and their return as a duo with a performance of their hit single “Babe” (2018).
The groups join previously announced performers Bailey Zimmerman, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Urban, Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Needtobreathe + Jordan Davis, Old Dominion, Sam Hunt and Trisha Yearwood. More performers and presenters will be announced soon.
Terri Clark Teams With Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, More On Reimagined Hits Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughTerri Clark. Photo: Phil Crozier
Terri Clark is returning to the spotlight with the help of a few good buddies on Terri Clark: Take Two, an eight-song collection of her greatest hits reimagined. The Mercury Nashville/UMe album will arrive May 31.
The duets album features Lauren Alaina, Paul Brandt, Kelly Clarkson, Cody Johnson, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Ben Rector and Lainey Wilson. The country chart-topper re-recorded her biggest hits collaborating alongside new voices on each track.
The first track is out today (March 29) with a fresh version of “Better Things To Do” (featuring Ashley McBryde), with the powerhouse duo teaming up to re-imagine the 1995 breakthrough hit. Clark rewinds the clock to visit the iconic eight tracks that all reached top 10 status on the country charts at the time of their release on the new collaborative project.
“These songs very literally changed my life,” shares Clark. “To now have the chance to say thank you by giving them a new life with some of the hottest artists in music has been one of the most soul-fulfilling experiences of my career.”
She adds, “We began working on these duet versions over a year ago and the time has come when I finally get to share them with all of you. The overwhelming feelings of nostalgia this project has brought up for me all came while standing beside some of the greatest acts in the business. Hearing them sing these songs that I’ve been singing night after night for so many years has been inspiring, humbling and surreal. The bonuses were the conversations in between recordings and getting to hear them tell me they grew up listening to my music with posters of me on their walls. They knew my songs even better than I did….it was a full-circle moment I’ll never forget.”
Terri Clark: Take Two Track List:
1. “I Just Wanna Be Mad” (featuring Cody Johnson)
2. “Poor Poor Pitiful Me” (featuring Lainey Wilson)
3. “Better Things to Do” (featuring Ashley McBryde)
4. “Now That I Found You” (featuring Ben Rector)
5. “I Wanna Do It All” (featuring Lauren Alaina)
6. “If I Were You” (featuring Kelly Clarkson)
7. “Girls Lie Too” (featuring Carly Pearce)
8. “You’re Easy On the Eyes (live)” (featuring Paul Brandt)
Oliver Anthony To Unveil First Studio Album ‘Hymnal Of A Troubled Man’s Mind’
/by Lorie HollabaughOliver Anthony will release his first studio album, Hymnal Of A Troubled Man’s Mind, independently this Sunday (March 31).
The native Virginian who first came onto the scene last fall is returning now with entirely self-penned stories from a different side of the American experience. Produced by Dave Cobb, the 10-song collection includes spoken-word gospel and the previously unreleased “Momma’s Been Hurting.” Anthony and Cobb recorded the songs on the new collection in an empty church in Savannah, Georgia to capture the stark imagery and sense of loss at the project’s core.
“Hymnal Of A Troubled Man’s Mind is the story of my life, from 2013 until 2023,” shares Chris Lunsford, the man and voice behind Anthony. “It is intended for the listener to sit down in a quiet place, undistracted and just listen beginning to end. Every lyric, every note—every everything—is intentionally placed. This album represents the most pure and transparent view inside my heart and soul that I could offer. While [“Rich Men North of Richmond”] was the song that got my name out in the public, this release represents the true foundation of the music that got me through life up until now.”
On Sunday, he will celebrate Easter as well as the release of the new album with a special concert at Hopewell, Virginia’s Beacon Theatre, about 70 miles from his hometown of Farmville. All ticket sales from the show will go to the local Beacon Hill Church’s food outreach program, which has served free meals to the community every Friday since 2020, and typically feeds around 400 people in need. Recently, the church extended the program to provide 30 elementary school-aged children with weekend meals.
Fans unable to attend the sold-out show can livestream it for free on Anthony’s social media platforms, with donations to Beacon Hill Church’s food outreach program encouraged via PayPal with the notation “Unsheltered.” For more information, click here.
Hymnal Of A Troubled Man’s Mind Track Listing:
1. “Rich Man’s Gold”
2. “Doggonit”
3. “I’ve Got to Get Sober”
4. “Cobwebs and Cocaine”
5. “Hell on Earth”
6. “I Want to Go Home”
7. “Feeling Purdy Good”
8. “Always Love You Like a Good Old Dog”
9. “VCR Kid”
10. “Momma’s Been Hurting”
Brenda Lee’s Foreign Language Recordings Now Available Digitally
/by John Nix ArledgeFor the first time, fans of Brenda Lee can digitally access a unique collection of international recordings of her hits. Titled The International Brenda Lee (Brenda Lee Sings in German, French and Italian), the compilation features 16 songs sung in foreign languages including 12 German, two French and two Italian.
Released via UMG Nashville/UMe, the project was originally launched on CD on Bear Family Records in 1992 and contains tracks recorded over a period of two years in Nashville, Tennessee and Hamburg, Germany. Songs on the album include Lee’s No. 1 “Anybody But Me,” “Fool #1” and “Kansas City,” with the former two recorded in all three languages.
“I was so lucky to not only travel many times overseas, but also to record and perform in the native languages of my international fans. It was a challenge, but something so fun and different. It’s amazing to me that six decades later, these very special songs can be heard in a new way,” shares Lee.
Track List:
1. Wiedersehn Ist Wunderschön
2. Kansas City
3. Ohne Dich (Even Tho’)
4. Drei Rote Rosen Blüh’n
5. Ich Will Immer Auf Dich Warten
6. No My Boy
7. Geh Am Glück Nicht Vorbei (“Fool #1” / German)
8. Am Strand Von Hawaii
9. Darling Bye Bye (“Anybody But Me” / German)
10. In Meinen Träumen
11. Wo Und Wann Fängt Die Liebe An
12. Darling Was Ist Los Mit Dir
13. La Premiere Fool (“Fool #1″ / French)
14. Pourquoi Jamais Moi (“Anybody But Me” / French)
15. Sono Sciocca (“Fool #1” / Italian)
16. Nulla Di Me (“Anybody But Me” / Italian)
‘Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape’ Reimagines Joe Diffie Classics With Special Collaborations
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Big Loud Records
Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape, a tribute to country legend Joe Diffie led by genre fusionist Hardy, is out now via Big Loud Records. The project is being released in conjunction with the Diffie Estate on the fourth anniversary of his passing.
Among the album’s 17 reimagined Diffie classics are never-before-heard recordings captured in 2006, and one previously unreleased original, “Life Had Plans For Me,” featuring Diffie’s son Parker. Additional members of Diffie’s family contributed backing vocals on the rendition of “Prop Me Up Beside The Jukebox (If I Die),” as part of The Difftones—a one-track-only supergroup comprised of the Diffies and vocals from a variety of featured artists on the project.
“As someone who had the profound privilege of performing alongside my father, it fills my heart with immense joy to witness his enduring legacy continued with the same passion and fervor that he embodied,” shares Parker. “The release of Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape is an opportunity to not only celebrate the past but also to embrace the future with reverence and enthusiasm.”
The track “Ships That Don’t Come In” finds Diffie’s vocals intermingled with Luke Combs and late country giant Toby Keith–marking Keith’s final recorded vocal before his passing in February. The collection includes “If The Devil Danced In Empty Pockets,” “Bigger Than The Beatles” and “Third Rock From The Sun,” among others.
Hardy, Morgan Wallen and Post Malone led collaborations with Hixtape Vol. 3: Difftape (Small Batch) in November. The sampling consisted of “John Deere Green,” which was released just in time for the tune’s 30th anniversary, and the 1994 No. 1 “Pickup Man,” which the three artists debuted during their performance at the 57th CMA Awards.
More special guests appearing on the tribute include Aaron Tippin, Blake Shelton, Chris Young, Clint Black, Darius Rucker, Hailey Whitters, Jack Ingram, Kameron Marlowe, Koe Wetzel, Lauren Watkins, Luke Bryan, Mark Wills, Nate Smith, Old Dominion, Post Malone, Randall King, Reba McEntire and Sammy Kershaw, who join returning cast Brooks & Dunn, Ernest, Hardy, Jake Worthington, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Larry Fleet, Randy Houser, Morgan Wallen and Tracy Lawrence.
“I’m honored that we get to be a small part of the legacy of Joe Diffie with Difftape,” says Hardy. “The thing I’ve always admired about Joe’s catalog is the quality of the songs. He had an unbelievable ear for hits, and I love that we got this cast together to celebrate them.”
Beyoncé Shares ‘Cowboy Carter’ Album, Featuring A Bevy Of Country Artists
/by LB CantrellBeyoncé‘s highly-anticipated country album is here at last. The 27-track Cowboy Carter was released today (March 29), and it highlights the talents of multiple country artists.
Country legend Willie Nelson makes an appearance on “Smoke Hour,” and he contributes spoken word on “Smoke Hour II.” Another icon Dolly Parton is also prominently featured, including with a cover of her iconic “Jolene.” Beyoncè’s version twists the narrative—instead of begging Jolene not to take her man, she sings “I’m warnin’ you, don’t come for my man,” making for an exciting new take on the beloved track. Prior to “Jolene,” Dolly’s voice is heard on an interlude called “Dolly P,” where she says “You know that hussy ‘with the good hair’ you sing about? It reminded me of someone I knew back when.'”
The great Linda Martell, who is well regarded as the first commercially successful Black female artist in the country music, is also prominently featured on Cowboy Carter. She sings with Beyoncé alongside country-fusionist Shaboozey on the track “Spaghettii,” titled “Spaghettii” with two I’s to signify second installment of the Renaissance project. She also contributes spoke word to the interlude “The Linda Martell Show.”
On track two, the brilliant talent of four rising Black female country artists is highlighted with a cover of the Beatles‘ “Blackbird.” The new recording features Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer, Tiera Kennedy and Reyna Roberts.
Country riser Willie Jones appears on “Just for Fun.” In addition to “Spaghettii,” Shaboozey is featured on “Sweet Honey Buckiin’,” which also includes lyrics from Patsy Cline‘s “I Fall To Pieces.”
Country-adjacent artists are also featured on Cowboy Carter, fueling the pop culture moment that has country music in the spotlight. Post Malone, who is working on his country album, sings with Beyoncé on “Levii’s Jeans.” Miley Cyrus joins her on “II Most Wanted.”
The album’s lead single “Texas Hold ‘Em” continues to rise at country radio. Its success on streaming platforms made Beyoncé both the first Black woman to top Hot Country Songs and the first Black woman to send a country song to the top of the Billboard Hot 100.
Cowboy Carter Track Listing:
1. “Ameriican Requiem”
2. “Blackbiird” (with Brittney Spencer, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy)
3. “16 Carriages”
4. “Protector” (with Rumi Carter)
5. “My Rose”
6. “Smoke Hour Willie Nelson” (with Willie Nelson)
7. “Texas Hold ‘Em”
8. “Bodyguard”
9. “Dolly P”
10. “Jolene”
11. “Daughter”
12. “Spaghettii” (with Linda Martell and Shaboozey)
13. “Alliigator Tears”
14. “Smoke Hour II” (with Willie Nelson)
15. “Just for Fun” (featuring Willie Jones)
16. “II Most Wanted” (with Miley Cyrus)
17. “Levii’s Jeans” (with Post Malone)
18. “Flamenco”
19. “The Linda Martell Show” (with Linda Martell)
20. “Ya Ya”
21. “Oh Louisiana”
22. “Desert Eagle”
23. “Riiverdance”
24. “II Hands II Heaven”
25. “Tyrant”
26. “Sweet Honey Buckiin'” (with Shaboozey)
27. “Amen”
Morgan Wallen & Eric Church Reclaim Top Spot On MusicRow Chart With ‘Man Made A Bar’
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen reaches the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart again this week with “Man Made A Bar” featuring Eric Church. The tune reached the top of the MusicRow chart in early March.
“Man Made A Bar” appears on Wallen’s One Thing At A Time album and is written by Rocky Block, Jordan Dozzi, Larry Fleet and Brett Tyler.
Wallen is currently headlining his “One Night At A Time” tour supported by a rotating lineup of guests. Meanwhile, both Wallen and Church are hard at work preparing their bars on Nashville’s lower Broadway. Wallen’s six-story establishment, named after his song, “This Bar,” will open later this year, and Church is set to open his new restaurant and live music venue, Chief’s, on April 5.
“Man Made A Bar” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Jordan Fletcher To Share His ‘Cuts & Covers’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Fletcher. Photo: Jeff Ray
Singer-songwriter Jordan Fletcher plans to release his latest EP, Cuts & Covers, on April 12.
Fletcher’s version of “When She Comes Home Tonight,” which he co-wrote with Green and Ryan Nelson, is featured on the EP and will be available on April 5. The Gold-certified track was originally recorded by Green for his 2018 album, Outlaws Like Us.
Cuts & Covers Track Listing:
1. “Where You Left It”
2. “Circles”
3. “Sad Songs For Sad People”
4. “When She Comes Home Tonight”