The Frontmen To Release Self-Titled Debut Album

The Frontmen, comprised of Lonestar’s Richie McDonald, Little Texas’ Tim Rushlow and Restless Heart’s Larry Stewart, are set to release their self-titled debut album on March 22 via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville.

Produced by two-time Grammy nominee Mickey Jack Cones, The Frontmen will feature nine original tracks along with three, re-recorded No. 1 hits from the artists’ previous bands, such as “Amazed,” “God Blessed Texas” and “I’ll Still Be Loving You,” respectively.

“I am so excited about this music, these songs and how this project represents the three of us so perfectly,” explains Stewart. “Mickey Jack Cones did a magical job capturing Richie, Tim and myself from top to bottom. I can’t wait for the world to hear it, and I couldn’t be more proud!”

“I am more proud of this record with Larry and Richie than any music I have ever been involved in making. We are so grateful to Jon Loba and his team at BMG Nashville for this opportunity,” echoes Rushlow.

McDonald likens his excitement to Christmas morning, “We’ve been anxiously waiting to unwrap this new Frontmen music and share it with the world for a while now. Thanks to everyone involved for helping make this dream a reality.”

Stewart, Rushlow and McDonald have collectively sold over 30 million records and had over 30 major hits between them.

The Frontmen Track Listing:
1. “It Was Always You”
2. “The Radio Played”
3. “I Need You”
4. “Beatles and Eagles”
5. “Left Their Mark”
6. “Should’ve Run Out of Angels”
7. “Rattlesnake”
8. “Layin’ Low in Mexico”
9. “I’ll Still Be Loving You (The Frontmen Edition)”
10. “Amazed (The Frontmen Edition)”
11. “God Blessed Texas (The Frontmen Edition)”
12. “Goodbye Beautiful Goodbye”

Dolly Parton’s ‘Rockstar’ Glitters Gold Four Months After Release

Dolly Parton with her Rockstar plaques. Photo: Courtesy of Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton‘s Rockstar album has been certified Gold just four months after its release.

The 30-song project on Butterfly Records/Big Machine Label Group accumulated six No. 1s on the Billboard charts during its debut week, and was ranked the No. 5 top-selling country album of 2023. Additionally, Rockstar was expanded with the release of a deluxe edition featuring 39 tracks, five bonus tracks and four previously unheard songs.

“When I set out to make my rock album, I always hoped it would be embraced by my fans as well as people who may not listen to my music,” states Parton. “I am thrilled to receive this Gold record! Thank you to everyone who was a part of this project. I guess I can now officially say I am a rockstar!

Her run of No. 1 albums on the Billboard charts dates back to 1977, the longest span for any country artist, marking 46 years between her first No. 1 album, New Harvest…First Gathering, and her most recent.

“I am so proud of Dolly’s hard work in making an incredible album. She set the standard for us all on this project with her work ethic. I also must send appreciation to my entire team for their laser focus on this achievement,” says Parton’s manager Danny Nozell. “We had the best partners in Scott Borchetta and the Big Machine Label Group, making this a true global effort. This is a history-making launch that none of us take for granted.”

Photographer Anthony Scarlati Passes

Anthony Scarlati

Photographer Anthony Scarlati passed away on Friday, March 8, after a brief illness. He was 63.

Born in Paw Paw, Michigan, Scarlati spent most of his early life in Clarendon Hills, Illinois. He attended Western Michigan University before meeting wife, Therese, and starting a family. His career ranged from his early days as a sports photographer to his equine photography, capturing cowboys on a cattle ranch in North Dakota.

Moving to Tennessee 20 years ago, Scarlati landed in Leiper’s Fork and quickly became part of the Nashville music scene through his friendships and photography. As the house photographer for Music City Roots, Franklin Theatre and Fox & Locke, he provided the defining images for the Americana Music Triangle and Nashville’s Big Back Yard.

He has photographed many well known artists including Dolly Parton, The Doobie Brothers, BB King, Billy Gibbons, Tom Petty, Marty Stuart, Keb Mo and Billy Bob Thornton. Scarlati was Hall of Fame Songwriter Jeffrey Steele and family’s personal photographer and dear friend for the last 16 years. His love of culture and community was apparent in his photo work as well as his recent project “The Soul of America,” which chronicled his travels to small towns around America.

His publication credits include BMI Music World, Jazz Times, Bass Player Magazine, Country Music Weekly, Nashville Arts Magazine, Living Blues Magazine, Guitar Player Magazine, MusicRow and People. A lifelong lover of cuisine and culture, good books and music, he was also a woodworker in his early career.

Scarlati is survived by his wife Therese; children Sarah Hull (Jon), Katie Duda (Kevin) and Joe Scarlati (Amanda); grandchildren Tara, Ethan, Evan, Vinnie, Samantha, Maddux, Max and Layla; brothers Stephen (Debbie) and Michael (Kelly); his parents Steven and Marjorie Scarlati and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life for Scarlati will be held on May 26 at 3-5 p.m. CT at Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial gifts be donated to the Alex LeVasseur Advised Fund.

Carole-Ann Mobley Celebrates 10 Years Of CAM Creative

Carole-Ann Mobley with Ryan Larkins

Music industry veteran Carole-Ann Mobley is commemorating the 10th anniversary of her company, CAM Creative.

To mark the milestone, Mobley is also celebrating her first No. 1 song as a publisher of “The Painter,” co-written by Ryan Larkins and recorded by Cody Johnson, and her first Association for Independent Music Publishers (AIMP) award nomination for Larkins as AIMP Rising Songwriter of the Year.

Mobley started CAM Creative in 2014 to fill a need she saw for full A&R services to help further the artistry and careers of independent artists. Since starting her company, she has worked with Larkins, BMG, Erin Kirby, LoCash, Tenille Arts, Callista Clark, Olivia Lane, Drew Baldridge, Roman Alexander, Cassadee Pope, writer/producer Alex Kline and many more.

“I never dreamed I’d be celebrating 10 years of owning my own company,” she shares. “I get to do what I love on my own terms and hopefully help people reach their goals.”

After graduating from The University of Texas with a Bachelors in Radio, Television and Film, Mobley started her career as an assistant sound engineer at Austin City Limits. She soon moved to Nashville to work for legendary Muscle Shoals producer Barry Beckett, and was later hired by Starstruck Entertainment to oversee A&R for the management roster including Reba McEntire, Jo Dee Messina, Rhett Akins and others. Mobley then formed Starstruck Productions with Starstruck staff writer and producer David Malloy, where they developed and produced multi-Platinum artists for BNA, RCA and others.

Her talent then landed her a job as Senior Director of A&R at BMG Nashville, where she worked with Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Martina McBride, Carrie Underwood, Brooks & Dunn, Alan Jackson, Chris Young, Jake Owen, Sara Evans and more.

In 2008, she joined Warner Music Nashville as VP of A&R. There she signed Brett Eldredge and Frankie Ballard, and worked with other chart-topping artists before stepping out on her own in 2014.

Bobby Hamrick Renews Publishing Deal With Spirit Music Nashville

Pictured (L-R, back row): Gray Schubert (Manager of Creative Administration, Spirit Music Nashville), Mike Fiorentino (Director of A&R/Production, Spirit Music Nashville), Bobby Hamrick, Brian Bradford (GM/VP of Admin., Spirit Music Nashville) and Kennedy Murphy (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville); (L-R, front row): Derek Wells (VP of A&R & Production, Spirit Music Nashville), Kara Jackson (Senior Creative Director, Spirit Music Nashville), Frank Rogers (Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville) and Andy Hodges (Creative Coordinator, Spirit Music Nashville). Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group

Singer-songwriter, producer and musician Bobby Hamrick has renewed his publishing deal with Spirit Music Nashville.

Throughout his career, Hamrick has had cuts with Kenny Chesney, Darius Rucker, Scotty McCreery, Elle King, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Brett Young and more. He has also appeared as a session musician on Grammy-winning albums and sung backing vocals on records for Rucker, McCreery, Cody Johnson and Carly Pearce, among others, in addition to being the voice of Pixar’s Cars on the Road theme song.

“Bobby Hamrick is a freak of nature—in the best way,” says Frank Rogers, Chief Creative Office, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville. “He is a brilliant songwriter, producer, musician, singer and about anything else he sets his mind to. It has been an honor to work with him for the last four years and myself and the entire Spirit team couldn’t be more excited about the future. Let’s go!”

“I’m beyond excited to continue working with Frank Rogers and the team at Spirit Music Nashville,” says Hamrick. “I consider myself so lucky to be surrounded by such creative and forward-thinking people and can’t wait to see what we’ll do together.”

CRS 2024 Session Videos, Panel Handouts & Photos Now Available

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 attendees can now view session videos, panel handouts and a photo gallery from this year’s event.

Session videos highlight the panel programming across the three days, including the CRS Research Presentation, “Your Brain Is A Liar,” Cycle Of A Song, “Personal Branding,” “Data Defining Hits,” “Grand Theft Promo,” “Passing The Torch” and more.

Viewers can also watch the CRS Honors, which includes the 2024 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductee reveal, Kane Brown and Tim Leary receiving humanitarian awards and a performance by The War And Treaty.

A downloadable photo gallery is also available. All session videos and photos can be found here.

CAA Promotes Matthew Rutledge To Agent

Matthew Rutledge

Matthew Rutledge has been promoted to Agent in Creative Artist Agency (CAA)’s Music Touring department.

Based in Nashville, Rutledge formerly held positions at The Agency Coalition and Agency for the Performing Arts before joining CAA as an assistant to Brian Waymire in 2021. He was promoted to Booking for the agency’s Country Fairs and Festivals division within the Music Touring department in 2023. Rutledge is a graduate of Ferris State University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business – Music Industry Management.

CAA has also promoted Lola Castillo Murphy and Hugh Parsons to Music Touring Agents in their London office as well. Murphy began her career as an intern in The Agency Group (UTA) in 2014 before joining CAA in 2015 as a general department assistant. She was promoted to Coordinator in 2022, before being accepted to CAA Elevate in 2023.

Parsons began his career at Island Records in 2016, where he worked in Marketing. In 2017, he joined CAA as an assistant to Laura Newton, and subsequently to Ben Kouijzer and Jen Hammel. He was accepted into CAA Elevate in 2022 and promoted to Coordinator in 2023.

CAA Elevate is the agency’s next-generation training and practical development curriculum with an emphasis on entrepreneurialism, inclusion, curiosity, collaboration, service and a growth mindset. CAA Elevate is designed to cultivate best practices, encourage innovation, foster global strategic-thinking, and nurture the talents of CAA’s agents and executives in training.

BREAKING: Nominees Revealed For 2024 CMT Music Awards

CMT has revealed the nominees for the 2024 CMT Music Awards.

Hosted once again by Kelsea Ballerini, the fan-voted award shows will air live from Moody Center in Austin, Texas on Sunday, April 7 at 7 p.m. CT on CBS, and will be available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+. Performers, presenters and additional details about the show will be announced soon.

Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney lead the nominations with three nods a piece. Across all categories, there are 14 first-time nominees, including Amber Riley, Ashley Cooke, Bret Michaels, Chayce Beckham, Hozier, Koe Wetzel, Stephen Wilson Jr., Tyler Childers, Warren ZeidersZach Bryan and 2024 CMT Next Women of Country members Anne Wilson, Ella Langley, The Castellows and Tigirlily Gold.

16 acts are nominated for the coveted Video of the Year award in the first round of voting, including Jelly Roll, Jordan Davis and Parmalee who all make first-time appearances in the category as well as Kane Brown, who will vie for back-to-back titles this year with Mickey Guyton.

Voting for nine categories is open now at through April 1 at vote.cmt.com. Voting for Video of the Year will remain active into the live show.

2024 CMT Music Awards Nominees:

VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration). Top six nominees from the first round of voting, will be announced on April 1. The final three nominees, from the second round of voting, will be announced on show day (April 7). Final voting will be determined via social media and announced as the final category during the live show.
– Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
– Brandy Clark feat. Brandi Carlile – “Dear Insecurity”
– Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
– Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
– Darius Rucker – “Fires Don’t Start Themselves”
– Hardy – “Truck Bed”
– Jason Aldean – “Let Your Boys Be Country”
– Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
– Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
– Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
– Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)”
– Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
– Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
– Parmalee – “Gonna Love You”
– Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
– Zach Bryan – “Nine Ball”

FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist.
– Ashley McBryde – “Light On In The Kitchen”
– Gabby Barrett – “Glory Days”
– Kacey Musgraves – “Deeper Well”
– Kelsea Ballerini – “Penthouse”
– Lainey Wilson – “Watermelon Moonshine”
– Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty”
– Reba McEntire – “Seven Minutes In Heaven”

MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist.
– Bailey Zimmerman – “Religiously”
– Cody Johnson – “The Painter”
– Hardy – “Truck Bed”
– Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor”
– Jordan Davis – “Next Thing You Know”
– Luke Combs – “Fast Car (Official Live Video)”
– Morgan Wallen “Last Night (One Record At A Time Sessions)”

DUO/GROUP VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video by a duo or group; awarded to the artists.
– Brothers Osborne – “Nobody’s Nobody”
– Dan + Shay – “Save Me The Trouble”
– Old Dominion – “Memory Lane”
– Parmalee – “Girl In Mine”
– The War And Treaty – “Have You A Heart”
– Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

COLLABORATIVE VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists.
– Carly Pearce feat. Chris Stapleton – “We Don’t Fight Anymore”
– Ella Langley feat. Koe Wetzel – “That’s Why We Fight”
– Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan – “Cowboys and Plowboys”
– Justin Moore & Priscilla Block – “You, Me, And Whiskey”
– Lukas Nelson + Promise of the Real (POTR) feat. Lainey Wilson – “More Than Friends”
– Mickey Guyton feat. Kane Brown – “Nothing Compares To You”
– Old Dominion & Megan Moroney – “Can’t Break Up Now”

BREAKTHROUGH FEMALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR, presented by Walt Disney World
Best video from a female artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.
– Anne Wilson – “Rain In The Rearview”
– Ashley Cooke – “Your Place”
– Brittney Spencer – “Bigger Than The Song”
– Tigirlily Gold – “Shoot Tequila”

BREAKTHROUGH MALE VIDEO OF THE YEAR, presented by Walt Disney World
Best video from a male artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist.
– Chayce Beckham – “23”
– Tyler Childers – “In Your Love”
– Warren Zeiders – “Pretty Little Poison”
– Zach Bryan – “Oklahoma Smokeshow”

CMT PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).
– Amber Riley – “R.E.S.P.E.C.T.” (from CMT Smashing Glass)
– Bret Michaels & Chris Janson – “Nothing But A Good Time” (from CMT Crossroads)
– Carrie Underwood – “Hate My Heart” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
– Cody Johnson – “Human” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
– Dierks Bentley – “Drunk On A Plane” (from CMT Storytellers)
– Dustin Lynch feat. MacKenzie Porter – “Thinking ‘Bout You” (from CMT Campfire Sessions)
– Hozier & Maren Morris – “Take Me To Church” (from CMT Crossroads)
– Jelly Roll – “Need A Favor” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
– Kelsea Ballerini – “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
– The War And Treaty – “On My Own” (from CMT Smashing Glass)

CMT DIGITAL-FIRST PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR
Musical performance from a production, series or livestream created for CMT digital / social channels; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo).
– Chase Rice – “Goodnight Nancy” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
– Dylan Scott – “Don’t Close Your Eyes (Keith Whitley Cover)” (from “CMT Digital Campfire Sessions”)
– Megan Moroney – “I’m Not Pretty” (from “CMT Digital Campfire Sessions”)
– Nate Smith – “Whiskey On You” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
– Scotty McCreery – “It Matters To Her” (from CMT Stages)
– Stephen Wilson Jr. – “Year to Be Young 1994” (from CMT Studio Sessions)
– The Castellows – “I Know It Will Never End” (from CMT Studio Sessions)

Former ACM Executive Director Fran Boyd Passes Away

Fran Boyd

Former Academy of Country Music (ACM) Executive Director Fran Boyd has passed away.

Boyd became the organization’s first paid employee when she was hired as an executive secretary in 1968. Over the years, she rose through the ranks, overseeing daily operations, serving as Talent Producer of the ACM Awards and maintaining oversight of virtually every aspect of the annual presentation. In 1995, following the passing of her husband Bill, who himself led the organization, Boyd was named Executive Director.

The ACM’s signature hat trophy was created the same year she joined, and throughout her tenure, Boyd saw the organization open its first office in Hollywood as well as refresh its name from the Academy of Country and Western Music to the Academy of Country Music in the early 1970s, and move the awards show to multiple famous California venues such as Disneyland, Universal Amphitheatre and Knott’s Berry Farm.

At the time of her retirement in 2002, she said, “I continue to be proud of all the Academy of Country Music has accomplished in my time. It has given me great joy to see so many young country artists rise from newcomers to having great careers. The Academy has helped music fans acknowledge country music as the enduring genre it deserves to be.”

ACM CEO Damon Whiteside shares, “Her tireless work and years of dedication to this organization, the country music industry and its artists cannot be overstated, and her legacy with the Academy will forever live on.”

“Fran Boyd played an essential part in the Academy’s history, stretching way back to the earliest days in the 1960s and steering the ship through decades of change, innovation and growth, all while fostering an incredible passion for country music,” says ACM Board Sergeant-At-Arms Gayle Holcomb. “Fran will always be remembered as a champion for our industry, its artists and this organization. On behalf of the ACM Officers and Board of Directors, I send our gratitude, prayers and condolences to the Boyd family.”

The organization shares that donations to Alive Hospice Nashville or the Alzheimer’s Association in Boyd’s honor are appreciated in lieu of flowers.

Diplo’s HonkyTonk Lineup Released For Stagecoach 2024

Stagecoach, country music’s highly anticipated festival, has released the lineup for HonkyTonk. Curated by festival act Diplo, this year’s roster features an eclectic blend of country and dance music.

Headlining the event alongside Diplo are electronic artists Dillon Francis, Cloonee and Ship Wrek. Other performers include Brandi Cyrus, Cheat Codes, Honky Tonkin’ in Queens, James Kennedy, Vavo, Y.O.G.A., Alana Grace, Backwoods Barbie, Famous Dave, Keahi, Kermie J Rock, Kevin Bold, Lauren, Rick Dominguez and Slim McGraw.

The HonkyTonk lineup adds to the diverse offerings at this year’s festival, which will take place Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. Stagecoach will also feature “Late Night in Palomino” performances by Diplo, Nickelback and Wiz Khalifa.

For more information, click here.