Natalie Grant & Dolly Parton Join Forces For New Duet Of ‘Step By Step’

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Natalie Grant has teamed up with the inimitable Dolly Parton for a reimagined duet of “Step By Step” from her upcoming new album, Seasons.

Made popular by Whitney Houston, the iconic song appeared on the soundtrack for The Preacher’s Wife. The new duet marks the first time Grant and Parton have recorded together, having shared the stage earlier this year at Dollywood.

“In 1996, ‘Step By Step’ is a song I would blast on cassette in my beat up Volkswagen Golf as I drove to my job at Medicare,” shares Grant. “The dream when I moved to Nashville was music, not Medicare, but I had to do what was necessary to keep going. This song was my reminder to keep putting one foot in front of the other. If you would’ve told me then that one day, I would not only be recording this song, but doing it with an international icon, I never ever would’ve believed it. I still can’t believe it.”

The release of ‘Step By Step’ follows the announcement of Grant’s new album, Seasons, which will be available on Oct. 6. The 10-track album features Grant’s own takes on songs that have made a lasting impression on both her life and her career. She invited some of the top artists in their genres to join her on the project, including Mary Mary with their first re-recorded version of the smash hit “Shackles (Praise You),” Tasha Cobbs Leonard on Paul Simon’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and her mother and daughters on Bob Dylan’s “Make You Feel My Love.”

The first single from Seasons, “You Will Be Found” with Cory Asbury, has resonated with audiences around the globe with over 20 million global on-demand streams and is currently No. 3 on the Mediabase Audience Chart, matching Grant’s highest-charting Billboard Airplay career single, “King of the World.”

This Sunday (Aug. 6), Grant will perform during the 54th annual Stellar Awards, honoring Cece Winans. Winans also appears on Seasons, performing “My Tribute (To God Be The Glory).” The Stellar Awards air on BET Network at 7 p.m. CT.

Bailey Zimmerman Releases ‘Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions.’ Live Videos

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Bailey Zimmerman released his five-track Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions. to streaming services today (Aug 4). Filmed in Nashville, performance videos of the stripped-down tracks from his full length debut project are available on YouTube.

To commemorate the release of Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions., Zimmerman will perform on NBC’s Today on Tuesday, Aug. 8

Zimmerman’s Religiously. The Album. arrived in May as the biggest streaming debut album of the year across all genres, as well as the biggest streaming country debut of all time. With two 2x Platinum singles, “Fall In Love” and Rock And a Hard Place” already, Zimmerman already has 2.6 billion global streams. He continues to support Morgan Wallen on the “One Night At A Time Tour” before hitting the road for his own sold out headlining “Religiously. The Tour” in February 2024.

Religiously. The Acoustic Sessions. Track List:
1. Religiously (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Alex Palmer, Frank Romano, Marty James)
2. You Don’t Want That Smoke (Jimi Bell, Tucker Beathard)
3. Warzone (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas, Michael Hobby)
4. Chase Her (Heath Warren, Matthew Schuster, Andrew Stoelzing, Jared Scott, Nate Miles)
5. Fadeaway (Bailey Zimmerman, Austin Shawn, Gavin Lucas, Heath Warren)

Darius Rucker To Release ‘Carolyn’s Boy’ In October

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Photo: Courtesy of UMG Nashville

Darius Rucker has announced that his first solo album in six years, Carolyn’s Boy, will be released on Oct. 6. The track “Have A Good Time” is available now, along with his current chart-climbing single “Fires Don’t Start Themselves.”

The Diamond-certified star previously shared news of the project on NBC’s Today during an interview with Craig Melvin back in November.

“I wanted to name the record Carolyn’s Boy because Mom never got to see any of my success,” explained Rucker during the interview. “She died before any of this happened, so it’s just another homage to the greatest woman I’ve ever known.”

When asked why now is the right time to honor her, Rucker was reflective, conceding, “Years ago, I wasn’t really sure what my place in country music was and I was trying to find it. Now I have found it–I know–and I think it’s time to give that record.”

He will return to Today on Sept. 1 to perform songs from the album as well as fan-favorite hits as part of the Citi Concert Series.

Rucker is currently on his “Starting Fires Tour,” and will travel to his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina for the return of his personally-curated Riverfront Revival Music Festival on Oct. 7-8, following the album’s release.

In celebration of the Carolyn’s Boy announcement, Riverfront Revival is offering a limited number of Six-Pack GA Weekend Ticket Bundles, allowing fans to bundle and save $15 per pass while supplies last. For more information, click here.

Carolyn’s Boy Track Listing:
1. “Beers And Sunshine” (Darius Rucker, JT Harding, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman)
2. “In This Together” (Darius Rucker, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, Joy Williams)
3. “Never Been Over” (Darius Rucker, Lee Thomas Miller, John Osborne)
4. “Fires Don’t Start Themselves” (Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice, Dan Isbell)
5. “Ol’ Church Hymn (feat. Chapel Hart)” (Darius Rucker, Greylan James, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller)
6. “7 Days” (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley, Charles Kelley)
7. “Same Beer Different Problem” (Darius Rucker, Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Brad Tursi)
8. “Sara” (Darius Rucker, Joel Crouse, Kyle Rife, Ed Sheeran)
9. “Have A Good Time” (Darius Rucker, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick)
10. “Sure Would Have Loved Her” (Darius Rucker, Wyatt Durrette, Levi Lowrey)
11. “Southern Comfort” (Chris LaCorte, Matt Rogers, Josh Osborne)
12. “3am in Carolina” (Darius Rucker, Ross Copperman, Michael Hardy)
13. “Lift Me Up” (Temilade Openiyi, Robyn Fenty, Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Goransson)
14. “Stargazing” (Darius Rucker, Brinley Addington, Jess Cayne, Matt Morrisey)

Jason Aldean Opens Second Kitchen & Rooftop Bar Location In Gatlinburg

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Jason Aldean

Jason Aldean surprised fans at the grand opening of the second location of his Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar last night (Aug. 3) in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Aldean’s first iteration of the restaurant is located on Nashville’s lower Broadway.

The country star thrilled fans at the venue’s official opening, performing a 35-minute set of his hits. The Mayor of Gatlinburg, the honorable Mike Werner, was on hand along with Aldean and his family for the official ribbon cutting to commemorate the grand opening.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

The three-level venue includes a restaurant that features the now-famous John Deere 4020 Tractor Bar—an homage to Aldean’s song “Big Green Tractor,” as well as a rooftop with a large deck overlooking scenic views of the smoky mountains. Each level will contain photos and memorabilia from Aldean’s notable performances and videos as well as a breakfast diner and a boutique gift shop. The venue is expected to bring 125 new jobs to the area.

The menu was curated by Aldean in partnership with Chef Tomasz Wosiak, Vice President of Culinary Development for TC Restaurant Group, and features family favorites from Aldean’s childhood including “Mama Aldean’s Peach Cobbler” and “Grandma’s Pot Roast.” Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar is the bar’s second location to open, with additional yet-to-be-announced locations expected in late 2023.

Bailey Zimmerman Earns Third MusicRow No. 1 Hit

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith

Bailey Zimmerman has topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for the third time with “Religiously.”

Appearing on Zimmerman’s full-length debut LP, Religiously. The Album., Zimmerman co-wrote the tune with Austin Shawn, Alex Palmer, Frank Romano and Marty James. Its success continues a streak of hits for the young entertainer, who has topped the MusicRow chart now three times since October of 2022, first with his debut single “Fall In Love” and then with its follow-up, “Rock And A Hard Place,” which stayed atop the MusicRow chart for three weeks.

“Religiously” currently sits at No. 11 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Exile Impresses With First Radio Single In More Than 30 Years

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This is a day for legends, comebacks and new beginnings.

In this country edition of DISClaimer, you’ll find old friends T.G. Sheppard, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Exile, Beth Nielsen Chapman and Cindy (now Cidny) Bullens. They fit in just fine among tunes by Mitchell Tenpenny, William Michael Morgan, Cooper Alan, Megan Moroney and Darrell Scott.

The Disc of the Day prize goes to the Exile comeback single, “Rough Around the Edges.” This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Emily Ann Roberts.

EMILY ANN ROBERTS / “Infinity”
Writers: Emily Ann Roberts/Stephanie Chapman; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: EAR
– She has a helluva voice and isn’t shy about pushing it into the stratosphere on this shimmering ballad. It’s a melodic vow of devotion that has definite wedding-song potential. Highly recommended.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “Bigger Mistakes”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Chris DeStefano/Josh Kear/Michael Whitworth/Jeff Braun; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia Records
– Very clever. He’s not wallowing in heartbreak, because she really wasn’t The One, anyhow. “I’ve made bigger mistakes than you,” he sings defiantly to her. There’s a fine vocal performance here, and it’s wrapped up in a beautifully layered production. Nicely done, bro.

TRAVIS TRITT / “When God Dips His Love In My Heart”
Writer: Cleavant Derricks; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Gaither Music Group
– Country Chapel, Tritt’s debut gospel album, drops next month. Its lead track is also its advance single. The soulful stylist takes this 80-year-old chestnut out for a country-rock spin, cranking the tempo, adding a snappy electric guitar solo and featuring unmistakable quartet harmonies by The Oak Ridge Boys.

JON LANGSTON / “Heart On Ice”
Writers: Hunter Phelps/Jake Mitchell/Jordan Gray/Nick Columbia; Producers: Jody Stevens/Brad Wagner; Label: EMI Nashville
– You will seek in vain for a melody or any kind of lyric beyond the title phrase.

HARPER GRACE / “Down In My Hometown”
Writers: Alex Kline/Harper Gruzins/Kyle Jacobs/Michael Farren; Producers: Alex Kline/Cooper Bascom; Label: Curb
– This touches on most of the cliches—bonfire, open field, hometown, beer, party. She missed pickup truck, patriotism and swimming hole.

T.G. SHEPPARD WITH LORRAINE JORDAN & CAROLINA ROAD / “I Loved ‘Em Every One”
Writer: Bill Sampson; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle Records
– Sheppard’s 1981 hit gets a pleasing bluegrass makeover. The two acts previously teamed up on a far better song of his, “Do You Wanna Go to Heaven.”

MEGAN MORONEY / “I’m Not Pretty (Acoustic)”
Writers: Megan Moroney/Ben Williams/Mackenzie Carpenter/Micah Carpenter; Producer: Kristian Bush; Label: Columbia Records
– I reviewed this dandy song a few months back. Now the fan favorite has a new, stripped-down version that brings out the mean-girl lyric even more. One of the first country songs to mention Instagram will be released to radio next week.

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN / “In Walked You”
Writers: Shane McAnally/Josh Osborne/Ross Copperman; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This stellar neo-traditionalist returns with another solidly country outing. Due on Aug. 11, this performance confirms him as a leading artist of this style. Check out the songwriting and production credits. Count me in, for sure.

REYNA ROBERTS / “One Way Street”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/Natalie Stovall/Aaron Wagner; Producer: Aaron Wagner; Label: ReynaRed Records/Empire
– The fiery stylist blazes brightly on this scorching number of romantic confusion. It is pitched slightly too high for her range.

COOPER ALAN / “Never Not Remember You”
Writers: Cooper Alan/Seth Mosley/Victoria Shaw; Producer: Victoria Shaw; Label: Cooped Up Records
– This man has over 10 million social media followers. They embraced this long before its official release date this week. The song manages to find uplift even in the midst of painful grief. We all go through loss at some point in our lives, and like all great country music, this helps you understand and accept it.

CIDNY BULLENS & BETH NIELSEN CHAPMAN / “Not With You”
Writers: Cidny Bullens/Beth Nielsen Chapman; Producer: Ray Kennedy; Label: Kill Rock Stars
– Bullens is known as a rocker, and Chapman is a pop artist. But together they found twang and a newfound country/Americana direction with this scintillating, romantic duet performance. Well worth your spins. It is a track from Little Pieces, the album coming-out for Bullens as a trans man. He’ll be showcasing at the Americana convention next month.

EXILE / “Rough Around the Edges”
Writers: Les Taylor/Larry Cordle/J.P. Pennington; Producers: J.P. Pennington/Sonny LeMaire; Label: Clearwater Records
– The band’s first new radio single in more than 30 years is a frothing rocker that shows the veteran act’s spit and fire are undimmed by time. The tempo is in overdrive, the guitars stutter mightily, keyboards sizzle and the vocals wail. And if you listen closely, the lyric is as cute as all get out. I love this.

THE DARRELL SCOTT STRING BAND / “Kentucky Morning”
Writer: Darrell Scott; Producer: Darrell Scott; Label: Full Light/The Orchard
– This is the story of the many who left the Bluegrass State in search of factory work in Detroit and Chicago, only to yearn for home. One of them leaves the assembly line in the middle of the graveyard shift to hop on a train headed south. It’s a soulful, bluegrassy ballad with gorgeous fiddle and mandolin work by Scott’s bandmates. Scott is a gifted songwriter with “You’ll Never Leave Harlan Alive,” “Born to Fly,” “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive,” “Long Time Gone” and more under his belt. And now this. The song teases Old Cane Back Rocker, his first album since 2016. It drops on Aug. 11. I can’t wait.

CMHOF To Host ‘Opry Memories’ With Bill Anderson In September

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Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will host member “Whisperin’ Bill” Anderson for an “Opry Memories” conversation on Sept. 16 in support of the exhibition “Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See.”

Joining Anderson for an intimate conversation about his long, storied association with the Opry will be longtime Grand Ole Opry colleagues Jeannie Seely, Country Music Hall of Fame member E. W. “Bud” Wendell and Mark Wills, with the museum’s Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation, Paul Kingsbury as host.

As of July 2023, Anderson has the longest tenure of any cast member in the Grand Ole Opry’s history — 62 years. A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame since 2001, he has had more than 80 hit singles on the country charts as a recording artist and has written hits for a wide range of artists, including James Brown, Aretha Franklin and Country Music Hall of Fame members the Louvin Brothers, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride, Connie Smith and George Strait.

Seely, who has been with the Opry for 56 years, is a Grammy-winning artist with more than two dozen chart hits and hosts Sundays with Seely on SiriusXM radio. Wendell, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame since 1998, served as the Grand Ole Opry’s Manager from 1968 to 1974 and later as CEO of the radio station WSM and then Gaylord Entertainment. Wills earned his first No. 1 hit in 1999 with Anderson’s song “Wish You Were Here” and has been an Opry cast member since 2019.

Visitors to the museum will have until Sunday, Sept. 24, to see “Bill Anderson: As Far as I Can See.” The exhibit traces Anderson’s story from childhood to his days in Georgia, where he excelled as a baseball pitcher and sportswriter while in high school and a disc jockey in college, through his contributions as one of the most decorated recording artists, songwriters and entertainers in history. Items featured in the exhibit include historic photographs, treasured keepsakes, instruments, manuscripts and more.

Industry Ink: Charlie Worsham, Music Row Build, Chris Martin

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Charlie Worsham Shares Preview Of New Project ‘Compadres’

Pictured (L-R): Warner Music Nashville’s Tim Foisset, Shane Tarleton, Cris Lacy, Charlie Worsham, Warner Music Nashville’s Jamie Younger and Ben Kline. Photo: Alan Poizner

Charlie Worsham was celebrated by Warner Music Nashville Tuesday evening (Aug. 1), as they treated industry guests to an advance listen of his forthcoming album, Compadres, at the label headquarters on Music Row.

Joined by Warner Music Nashville Co-Chair & Co-President Cris Lacy and producer Jaren Johnston, Worsham shared five songs from the new collection, each featuring a superstar collaborator. More details about the project will be revealed soon.

Music Row Build Hosts Porch Party Series

Pictured (L-R): Liz Rose Music’s Dave Pacula; Anthem Entertainment’s Courtney Crist; Habitat Music Row Build Ambassador, Eclipse Music’s Penny Gattis; Habitat for Humanity Nashville’s Sherry Stinson; and Chef Johnny Haffner

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build has continued its Porch Party Series, bringing guests together for an intimate porch dining experience. Proceeds benefit the Music Row Build, whose mission is to bring the music community together to support Nashville’s affordable housing crisis through education, advocacy and experiencing hope in action at the Habitat build site.

July’s dinner was hosted by veteran publishers Courtney Crist and Dave Pacula. Upcoming dates for the rest of the Porch Party Series are Aug. 24, Sept. 21, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.

For more information, contact Sherry Stinson at sstinson@habitatnashville.org.

Chris Martin Leads Presentation At Frist Art Museum 

Pictured (L-R): Robert Goetzl, C.F. (Chris) Martin, IV and Craig Thatcher. Photo: Kate Richardson

The Frist Art Museum in Nashville recently invited C.F. (Chris) Martin, IV. to share the history of Martin Guitar in conjunction with their exhibit “Stringed Stories: The Guitar in American Art.”

To the delight of the standing-room-only crowd of 300 guests, Martin displayed and discussed priceless guitars and prototypes from the Martin Museum in Nazareth, Pennsylvania. He was joined on stage by visual artist Robert Goetzl, who has designed and hand-painted several Martin guitar models over the years, and Martin Clinician and singer-songwriter Craig Thatcher, who played the instruments.

Afterward, Martin held a meet and greet where he autographed wooden sound hole souvenirs and took photos with attendees. The Stringed Stories exhibit is open through Aug. 13.

LoCash Signs With Edgehill Music Publishing

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LoCash. Photo: Katie Larson

LoCash, the country duo made up of Preston Brust and Chris Lucas, has signed a global deal with Edgehill Music Publishing.

The BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records pair is known for their Platinum hit “I Love This Life” and Gold-certified single “I Know Somebody,” among others. They are also chart-topping songwriters, having earned cuts with Keith Urban, Tim McGraw, Chris Janson and more.

“Preston and Chris are some of the hardest working guys we know, and are beyond talented,” says Tara Joseph, Co-Founder of Edgehill Music Publishing. “We are so excited to have the opportunity to work together and to have them a part of the Edgehill family.”

“We’re excited to team up and sign with Edgehill Music Publishing. From the second we walked through the door, we knew Edgehill felt like home to us and all our songs,” shares Brust. “The team feels more like family and in the ever-changing world of music, the Edgehill atmosphere feels successful, limitless and creative!”

Lucas adds, “We’re pumped to be a part of this new venture with Edgehill Music Publishing. There are so many songs to write and stories to live! It’s a positive energy over there, which is what LoCash is all about.”

Rachael Hession Named VP Of National Promotion At TRIBL Records

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Rachael Hession

Rachael Hession has joined TRIBL Records as VP of National Promotion.

Hession studied marketing at Taylor University in Indiana, and prior to joining TRIBL, served as Manager of National Promotion at Capitol Christian Music Group. She helped launch the careers for award-winning artists Anne Wilson and We The Kingdom, and promoted over 25 No. 1 singles. Recently, she founded The Springboard Music Podcast.

In Hession’s new role, she will oversee the radio promotion, marketing and brand development for TRIBL and its partnering company’s roster. Founded in 2020 by Tony Brown, Jonathan Jay, Norman Gyamfi, Stephanie Valcarcel and Mary Sirois, the company is home to Grammy-winning Maverick City Music as well as JJ Hairston, TRIBL (artist collective), Naomi Raine, JWLKRS Worship, Maverick City Musica, ReFRESH Worship, Travis Greene, Forward City Music, Tim Bowman, One Voice, Jimmy Levy, Sons The Band and Family Music.

“We are excited and honored to have the gift and talents of Rachael Hession join our family. We all knew instantly she understood the vision and assignment of our label. TRIBL is more than a group of individuals or space, it’s the point of genesis of a new worship sound, and Rachael will help further this mission,” says Gyamfi.

“Rachael Hession is an excellent executive who embodies our company’s mission,” adds Jay.

“I found TRIBL during the pandemic,” says Hession. “Their music gave me a sense of community and togetherness that I desperately needed. It’s an honor to be joining a team that has personally affected me so deeply. I am excited to be partnering with them in building memories and lasting relationships with radio personnel and listeners across the globe.”