
Hank Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Archives
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hank Williams‘ birth, his extraordinary career and remarkable legacy will be honored throughout the next year around the world with a host of events, new releases, tribute shows, induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, and much more.
On Friday (Sept. 15), Mercury Nashville/UMe released a new digital collection entitled Hank Williams 100 that pairs 19 of Williams’ most popular songs and greatest hits across the musical and emotional spectrum.
“Hank Williams was a force of nature who left an incredible catalog of songs that are still seen as the highest standard of the craft of songwriting. UMe remains honored to be the stewards of his timeless songs and to help further his legacy by continuing to introduce new generations to his music,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group.
Additionally, UMG Nashville recording artist and William’s grandson, Sam Williams, is celebrating his grandfather’s legacy and 100th birthday with a soothing rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
“This song is special to me in many ways. I have always been hesitant to touch recording my grandfather’s songs, as there’s a sacredness to them. I wouldn’t want to do them injustice. ‘ISLICC’ has always been one of my favorites of his catalog,” Williams shares.
“Hank Williams is one of the crucial cornerstones upon which the American artform of country music is built. He was able to fuse country with the blues and gospel in a way that stripped popular music to its essence with an appeal beyond genre and culture. His songs are performed every day in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, but also by artists all over the world. We are proud to represent the evergreen catalog of Hank Williams and introduce new generations to one of the finest purveyors of three chords and the truth,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.
Later this week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating Williams’ 100th birthday with “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams,” presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association. A diverse representation of the Americana community will be coming together during the AmericanaFest in Nashville at the CMA Theater on Thursday, Sept. 21 to perform interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk to bluegrass to rock and R&B. The event will feature Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead and Wendy Moten, as well as Williams’ grandchildren Sam, Hilary Williams and Holly Williams, and Country Music Hall of Fame members Charlie McCoy and Connie Smith.
Hank Williams 100 Tracklist:
1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
2. Hey, Good Lookin’
3. Kaw-Liga
4. I Saw The Light
5. Move It On Over
6. Honky Tonkin’
7. Settin’ The Woods On Fire
8. Baby We’re Really In Love
9. Lost Highway
10. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
11. Your Cheatin’ Heart
12. Cold Cold Heart
13. Alone And Forsaken
14. Lovesick Blues
15. Honky Tonk Blues
16. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
17. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
18. You Win Again
19. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
Luke Grimes’ ‘Pain Pills Or Pews’ EP Slated For October
/by Lorie HollabaughMercury Nashville / Range Music artist Luke Grimes is gearing up for the release of his new eight-song EP, Pain Pills Or Pews, on Oct. 20.
Grimes penned six of the songs on the new Dave Cobb-produced project, which fans can now pre-save. Fans can get a new taste of the EP with the track “Burn,” which will be released Sept. 22.
Known for his role as Kayce Dutton on the hit television series, Yellowstone, Grimes has been making music for years and is prepping his first major label project. After the release of his debut EP, he’ll be heading out on the road to perform the songs this fall. He is also set to perform for the first time at the Pilgrimage Music & Cultural festival this weekend in Franklin, Tennessee and will be returning to Stagecoach in April 2024 as well.
Pain Pills Or Pews Track Listing:
1. No Horse To Ride (Luke Grimes, Tony Lane, Jonathan Singleton)
2. Hold On (Foy Vance & Ilsey Juber)
3. Ghost Of Who We Were (Luke Grimes, Nicolle Gaylon, Rodney Clawson)
4. Where It’s Blue (Colton Venner)
5. Burn (Luke Grimes, Randy Montana, Josh Thompson)
6. Playing On The Tracks (Luke Grimes & Brent Cobb)
7. Oh Ohio (Luke Grimes, Jessi Alexander, Jon Randall)
8. Ain’t Dead Yet (Luke Grimes & Aaron Raitiere)
Parker McCollum Announced As Headliner For 2024 Gulf Coast Jam
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum
Parker McCollum has been announced as the fourth headliner for the 12th annual Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam in 2024.
As the final headliner on the Country On The Coast festival stage, the CMA New Artist of the Year nominee will join Jelly Roll (May 31), Cody Johnson (June 1) and Morgan Wallen (June 2) at the Panama City Beach festival May 30 – June 2.
“Parker has exploded onto the scene with hit music, sold-out shows and incredible industry recognition,” says Rendy Lovelady, Gulf Coast Jam Executive Producer. “Our Jammers will be in for a real treat when he hits the stage on night one next year.”
This year’s Gulf Coast Jam Presented by Jim Beam drew 30,000 fans from all 50 states and 13 countries to the Florida Panhandle. For more information, click here.
Grand Ole Opry To Celebrate Keith Whitley With Special Tribute Show
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is honoring Keith Whitley on Oct. 14 with a special show, “I Wonder Do You Think Of Me: The Opry Remembers Keith Whitley.”
The show will feature performances and remembrances from Whitley’s widow Lorrie Morgan and his son Jesse Keith Whitley as well as Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Garth Brooks, who officially inducted Whitley into the Country Music Hall of Fame last year. Terri Clark and Ashley McBryde will perform as well, with additional artists to be announced soon.
Whitley was enjoying tremendous success and would’ve been surprised in the spring of 1989 with his dream of becoming an official Opry member. He passed away just three weeks before learning that he was to have reached that goal.
“Keith Whitley made an indelible mark on country music and our Opry family,” says Dan Rogers, Grand Ole Opry Vice President & Executive Producer. “Week after week, those who knew him still talk about him in our backstage hallways and many of those who have come along in the 34 years since his passing cite him as a key influence on their own musical styles. It’s going to be a great night of music as we bring several of those artists together to recall one of the greatest voices to have taken the Opry stage.”
The night will feature two shows and tickets are on sale now at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com. Portions of the show will air as a Saturday night Opry Live later this year on the Circle Network as well as Circle All Access’ Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The show can be heard on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse and the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio.
NOW OPEN: Applications For MusicRow’s 2024 N.B.T. Music Industry Directory
/by LB CantrellApplications are now open for MusicRow’s N.B.T. (Next Big Thing) Music Industry Directory. The final list will be featured in MusicRow‘s Touring/Next Big Thing print issue, which releases on Nov. 28.
MusicRow‘s N.B.T. Music Industry Directory showcases Nashville music business professionals who are rising through the ranks. This class of industry members occupy mid-level roles at their respective companies, and are on a trajectory of excellence to become future leaders in the Nashville music industry. Applicants should ideally have a minimum of 5 or more years experience in the music industry.
The Touring/Next Big Thing print edition also includes the annual Next Big Thing artists listing, with editorial features focused on the touring segment of our industry.
To apply for inclusion in this year’s edition of the N.B.T. Music Industry Directory, please click here to access the application form.
Please note that not all submissions are guaranteed to be listed in the directory. If you are submitting multiple candidates, you will need to click on SUBMIT at the bottom of the form before entering another candidate. Head shots can be sent to art@musicrow.com.
New submissions for the directory close on Wednesday, Sept. 27. For questions, email lbcantrell@musicrow.com.
To reserve ad space in the 2023/2024 Touring/Next Big Thing issue, contact srobertson@musicrow.com. Rate card information is available here.
Jade Eagleson Leads Winners, Tenille Townes Makes History At 2023 CCMAs
/by Lorie HollabaughJade Eagleson. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
Jade Eagleson was crowned the top winner of the evening at this year’s 41st annual Canadian Country Music Association Awards on Sept. 15, taking home both the coveted Entertainer of the Year award and Male Artist of the Year award during the ceremony.
Tenille Towns. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
Tenille Townes became the first artist to earn a fifth consecutive Female Artist of the Year nod, while James Barker Band notched their first win in Group or Duo of the Year and earned the TD Aeroplan Visa Fans’ Choice Award. Album of the Year went to Tim & The Glory Boys for their self-titled album, and Lindsay Ell scooped up the award for Single of the Year for “Right On Time.” Rising star Josh Ross rounded out the evening winning his first CCMA Award for Breakthrough Artist or Group of the Year.
Dean Brody was recognized during the evening as the Gary Slaight Music Humanitarian Award recipient and Brian Edwards and Jason McCoy were inducted into the 2023 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. The show also featured memorable performances from Eagleson, Hunter Brothers, Kyle McKearney, Madeline Merlo, Jess Moskaluke, Griffen Palmer and Meghan Patrick.
A full list of 2023 CCMA Award winners can be found at ccma.org.
Josh Ross. Photo: Courtesy of the Canadian Country Music Association
The Canadian Country Music Association also announced that Country Music Week 2024 and the 2024 CCMA Awards presented by TD will return to Edmonton next September for the first time in 10 years. Commemorating their eighth time in Edmonton, and the first return since 2014, the 2024 CCMA Awards will broadcast live from Rogers Place in the heart of downtown Edmonton. The CCMA and Bell Media have extended their broadcast and content partnership through Country Music Week 2024, with CTV remaining as the exclusive broadcaster of the 42nd Annual CCMA Awards presented by TD.
Telemitry Taps Into Retro Vibe On New Project ‘Return To Calm Springs’
/by Lorie HollabaughProducer, songwriter, publisher and DJ Telemitry (Jesse Frasure) has released a new instrumental album, Return To Calm Springs, available now.
The 12-track album from Frasure transports listeners to a balmy, martini-soaked Palm Springs night. Return To Calm Springs is a soundtrack that would have been perfect for a dinner party hosted by Marilyn Monroe or Frank Sinatra, taking the listener back decades to another classic era.
The album serves as the perfect way to romanticize daily moments, elevate social gatherings and the final aesthetic touch to any social media post. Whether “Shaken Not Stirred,” “Dinner with Dean” or “French 75,” each track has a way of transcending without distracting.
As Telemitry, Grammy-nominated Frasure spins at some of the hottest clubs and most exclusive parties for artists such as Drake, Lil Wayne and Nicki Minaj. He has toured internationally and has been the go-to call for artists like Thomas Rhett and Florida Georgia Line when they’ve needed to keep the party going on the road. In addition to remixing songs for artists like Miranda Lambert and Kidd G, Frasure has penned songs for internationally renowned DJ’s Marshmello and Steve Aoki as well. Over the course of his career, he has also amassed 20 No. 1s, countless singles and numerous cuts in the country, pop and Christian markets.
Brandi Carlile, Margo Price, More To Perform On Americana Honors & Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe performers and presenters have been announced for the 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards, set for Wednesday, Sept. 20 at the Ryman Auditorium.
49 Winchester, Adeem the Artist, Allison Russell, Angel Olsen, The Avett Brothers, Bettye LaVette, Bonnie Raitt, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Logan Ledger, Margo Price, Marty Stuart, The Milk Carton Kids, Nickel Creek, Noah Kahan, Patty Griffin, Rufus Wainwright, S.G. Goodman, Sunny War, The War And Treaty and William Prince are all set to perform on the awards ceremony.
Buddy Miller will again serve as musical director for the Americana All-Star Band, featuring Brady Blade, Catherine Popper, Fred Eltringham, Jen Gunderman, Jim Hoke, Larry Campbell and The McCrary Sisters.
Presenters on the show include Anthony Mason, Dom Flemons, Jessi Colter, Jim Lauderdale, Jonathan Taplin, Lyle Lovett, Pete Muller, Sarah Silverman, Shovels & Rope, Silas House, Steve Jordan, Teddy Thompson, Warren Zanes and William Bell.
The 2023 Honors & Awards will also include this year’s Lifetime, Trailblazer and Legacy Award Honorees; The Avett Brothers, George Fontaine Sr., Bettye LaVette, Patty Griffin and Nickel Creek.
Breland Goes ‘The Extra Mile’ With Expanded Version Of Debut Album
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Jimmy Fontaine. Album Art: Nada Taha
Breland has released an expanded version of his Cross Country album, Cross Country: The Extra Mile.
The collection features six fresh tracks to the original project, including collaborations with Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer, Ingrid Andress, Lady A, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett. The bonus version also includes fan-favorite tune, “Cowboy Don’t.” His name is on every song alongside renowned songwriters including Hunt, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Caitlyn Smith, Ernest, Sasha Sloan, Ryan Hurd and more.
Following his international headlining debut, “The Extra Mile Tour,” across the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Breland has reunited with Shania Twain for the United Kingdom leg of her “Queen Of Me Tour.”
Breland was also recently honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award in recognition of his role in “elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.” He and Urban will perform their Gold-certified hit “Throw It Back” during the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors, airing tonight (Sept. 18) at 7 p.m. CT on Fox.
1. “Cowboy Don’t”
2. “Thirsty”
3. “Anniversary”
4. “Cracks”
5. “Guilty Pleasure (feat. Brittney Spencer)”
6. “The Extra Mile”
1. “Here For It (feat. Ingrid Andress)”
2. “County Line”
3. “Praise The Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett)”
4. “Natural”
5. “Told You I Could Drink (feat. Lady A)”
6. “For What It’s Worth”
7. “Happy Song”
8. “Growing Pains”
9. “Throw It Back (feat. Keith Urban)”
10. “Thick”
11. “Cross Country (feat. Mickey Guyton)”
12. “Good For You”
13. “Don’t Look At Me”
14. “Alone At The Ranch”
15. “My Truck”
16. “Cross Country”
17. “For What It’s Worth (feat. Alana Springsteen)”
18. “My Truck (feat. Sam Hunt)”
Country Icon Hank Williams Honored With ‘Hank 100’ Centennial Celebration
/by Steven BoeroHank Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Archives
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hank Williams‘ birth, his extraordinary career and remarkable legacy will be honored throughout the next year around the world with a host of events, new releases, tribute shows, induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, and much more.
On Friday (Sept. 15), Mercury Nashville/UMe released a new digital collection entitled Hank Williams 100 that pairs 19 of Williams’ most popular songs and greatest hits across the musical and emotional spectrum.
“Hank Williams was a force of nature who left an incredible catalog of songs that are still seen as the highest standard of the craft of songwriting. UMe remains honored to be the stewards of his timeless songs and to help further his legacy by continuing to introduce new generations to his music,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group.
Additionally, UMG Nashville recording artist and William’s grandson, Sam Williams, is celebrating his grandfather’s legacy and 100th birthday with a soothing rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”
“This song is special to me in many ways. I have always been hesitant to touch recording my grandfather’s songs, as there’s a sacredness to them. I wouldn’t want to do them injustice. ‘ISLICC’ has always been one of my favorites of his catalog,” Williams shares.
“Hank Williams is one of the crucial cornerstones upon which the American artform of country music is built. He was able to fuse country with the blues and gospel in a way that stripped popular music to its essence with an appeal beyond genre and culture. His songs are performed every day in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, but also by artists all over the world. We are proud to represent the evergreen catalog of Hank Williams and introduce new generations to one of the finest purveyors of three chords and the truth,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.
Later this week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating Williams’ 100th birthday with “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams,” presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association. A diverse representation of the Americana community will be coming together during the AmericanaFest in Nashville at the CMA Theater on Thursday, Sept. 21 to perform interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk to bluegrass to rock and R&B. The event will feature Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead and Wendy Moten, as well as Williams’ grandchildren Sam, Hilary Williams and Holly Williams, and Country Music Hall of Fame members Charlie McCoy and Connie Smith.
Hank Williams 100 Tracklist:
1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
2. Hey, Good Lookin’
3. Kaw-Liga
4. I Saw The Light
5. Move It On Over
6. Honky Tonkin’
7. Settin’ The Woods On Fire
8. Baby We’re Really In Love
9. Lost Highway
10. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
11. Your Cheatin’ Heart
12. Cold Cold Heart
13. Alone And Forsaken
14. Lovesick Blues
15. Honky Tonk Blues
16. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
17. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
18. You Win Again
19. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive
Rosanne Cash To Release 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Of ‘The Wheel’
/by Lorie HollabaughRosanne Cash is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album The Wheel with the release of an expanded, remastered deluxe edition on Nov. 17.
The Wheel 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition includes the original, remastered album, along with a second live LP, featuring Cash’s 1993 Austin City Limits appearance and a rare broadcast of the Columbia Records Radio Hour. This is the first-ever vinyl release for The Wheel, and the inaugural release for RumbleStrip Records, the label founded by Cash and husband John Leventhal. RumbleStrip Records works in partnership with Thirty Tigers for distribution.
Recorded in the early ’90s when Cash first moved to New York City, The Wheel sparked a reinvention of her sound and career. The Wheel sessions included Benmont Tench, Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Marc Cohn and Steuart Smith, among others.
Co-produced by Cash and Leventhal, the album was the beginning of a lifelong creative partnership, and together, they have made seven albums including The River & the Thread, Black Cadillac, The List, 10 Song Demo, Rules of Travel and She Remembers Everything, alongside dozens of side projects and thousands of live performances. Cash and Leventhal have also written the music and lyrics for the upcoming Broadway musical Norma Rae.
“John and I grew closer with every session, and by the end of the record we were a couple. The music was both a revelation and the revelator. It’s satisfying and sweet to reintroduce The Wheel in this 30th anniversary year. I can’t look back at that time and separate the music from love. What was true then has become more true and more alive every day since,” recalls Cash.
Cash and Leventhal will continue to revisit the music and stories behind The Wheel on a special run of shows in November. For more information, click here.