Chris King
The “My Music Row Story” weekly column features notable members of the Nashville music industry selected by the MusicRow editorial team. These individuals serve in key roles that help advance and promote the success of our industry. This column spotlights the invaluable people that keep the wheels rolling and the music playing.
Chris King is the Founder and Partner of King Business Financial Management (KBFM), a business management firm in Nashville. With over 10 years as a business and financial manager, King founded the firm in 2019 and has grown it to be the home to over 40 clients spanning genres across the music industry.
King was born in raised in Memphis, Tennessee, which informed his love for all different genres of music from a young age. During his college years at the University of Tennessee at Martin, he quickly realized that he had an affinity for numbers, but more importantly, he had a passion for interacting with people. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and shortly after graduating, King moved to Nashville.
His dedication and motivation helped him quickly rise through the ranks at the business management firm FBMM, where he worked for six years. After leaving FBMM, King became a Partner at Blue Sky Group Business Management where he spent four years as the head of their entertainment business management division before departing in 2019 to launch KBFM.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. I went to the University of Tennessee at Martin for college.
Lucy Hughes Mckelvey, Marcus King, Chris King
Were you into music growing up?
Definitely. My mom was an R&B fan and my dad was into Earth, Wind & Fire. I really got introduced to country music by riding in the car with my sister my freshman year. Jason Adlean‘s first album was really the first album that introduced me to country music.
What did you study in college?
I studied accounting. I didn’t know anything about the music industry and I certainly didn’t know that you could be an accountant within the music industry. I had taken an accounting class in high school and that’s what made me fall in love with it.
I didn’t want to do taxes all day, so I was trying to find some sort of accounting work that didn’t mean being a CPA and dealing with tax returns on a consistent basis.
How did you figure out how to make that happen?
I just moved to Nashville. I was engaged at the ripe age of 20. I met my wife at UT Martin and she is is originally from Nashville. She moved back so I moved here and [started looking for a job]. I got married on a Saturday and on that Monday, I went in for an interview at FBMM.
I was simply searching for a job in some type of money management. A lot of the stuff I had studied in college was about helping small businesses with their accounting needs, so I was trying to find something where I could help somebody, whether that was with a business or personal finances. I lucked out getting a job at FBMM, where I was able to be in the best of both worlds, dealing with personal stuff and with business things.
Drew Parker, Chris King, Ray Fulcher
What was your first impression of the music business?
It was crazy. At the interview, they asked me if I knew what a royalty was. I have no idea. The first day I walked in, they said, “You’re going to work on [a big band’s] touring and their personal stuff.” For a year and a half, I got to see all of that.
It got me a ton of experience that I just couldn’t have learned anywhere else. I got to work on a few baby bands as well during that time. After that, I got to work on [one of the world’s biggest pop stars] for a year and a half.
How long were you at FBMM?
I was there for seven years. The last four years I was there, I got to work all over the place. That’s where I really fell in love with what I was doing even more. I got to work on a rock band from Athens, Alabama and a rapper from Pittsburgh. Forming personal relationships with them was what made me want to go out on my own.
KBFM staffers
Stephanie Mundy Self was my boss on some clients, so I was learning from her for a year and a half. She is such a hard worker—she eats, sleeps and breathes what she does. She really made me understand kind of that type of work ethic. Duane Clark was great—he always had an open door policy. I worked with Jen Conger for the last four years I was there. They were always open to talk with people and help people learn.
What was the next step for you?
I partnered with Harlan Hallett for a new company called Blue Sky Group. I was there for about four years. John Strohm connected us when I left FBMM. For somebody that had as big a clients and experiences as John did, to take a chance on a 28 year old kid starting his own thing, was so cool.
My years at Blue Sky were great. I learned a ton. Harlan’s background was more on the royalty side, so being there, I really got to learn a ton about catalog sales. Whenever I started at Blue Sky, it was me, Harlan and one other. We built it up and when I left, we had maybe seven or eight people in the office.
I left in February of 2019. Two employees came with me that I hired right out of college, Lucy Hughes Mckelvey and Erin Barry. We started building our team. I started looking around for other people, somebody I could bring in that could bring in to grow our network. I met Mallory Mason Pascal through Mandy Morrison over at City National Bank. We met in November of 2019 and started talking a lot. I basically felt like I was trying to court someone to date them. [Laughs] I was just trying to tell her why she should trust me. Then COVID hit and we cut the brakes for a while.
Chris King, Jordan Walker, Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Lucy Hughes Mckelvey
By the end of November of 2020, I was able to persuade her to come over. She was number five in the office including me, and now we’re up to 16 people on a day-to-day basis. We’ve also really grown our client roster. During COVID, I think a lot of artists realized they may be a company with a huge name, but not necessarily getting the service they thought they were and the one-on-one attention. We’ve got clients from The Basement to Bridgestone, so even though we’re smaller, we have all the knowledge and we can also give you more of that one-on-one feel.
That’s awesome. What are your goals for KBFM?
Just to keep growing. As long as we can offer the same service that we are now, I would love to get as big as we can possibly get knowing that we’re giving the same service out to everybody.
What would you tell young accountants wanting to do what you do?
Always be willing to learn. Try to research it yourself. With my kids and with my employees, I always encourage them to research [the answers they are looking for] and figure out the why behind it.
I would also say money is not everything. No one got in the music industry for money, at least not on the business side of things. It’s going to come with time. Find something that you’re passionate about and do it—the money will come if it’s supposed to come. If not, you’re still going to live a happy life to where it doesn’t matter.
KBFM Parnters Mallory Mason Pascal (second to left) and Chris King (far right) with their spouses
What is something people may not know about you?
I’m a big Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson fan. Lucy likes to ask people what concert they would want to go to, dead of alive. Mine is definitely Michael Jackson.
I got to take my eight-year-old to the Justin Bieber concert here in Nashville last year. That was a pretty special moment. I basically forced him into becoming a huge Justin Bieber fan like me, so he was standing up singing the whole time. That was a really cool experience.
What is a moment that you’ve had that your little kid self would be impressed with?
I got to go to Madison Square Garden two years ago to see [my client] Marcus King play a show at Madison Square Garden. There’s a lot of moments like that. When I was in college, my mom passed away from cancer. There are so many moments like that where I wish I could call her and tell her about.
I grew up in Memphis and got an accounting degree—I just hoped to work at some accounting firm. Now I’m working with Grammy winners and CMA winners. I have to pinch myself a lot. I hope the butterflies never go away.
Morgan Wade Unveils ‘Psychopath’ Tracklist
/by Liza AndersonMorgan Wade has unveiled the tracklist for her forthcoming album, Psychopath, set for release on Aug. 25.
Produced by Sadler Vaden, the project’s tracks touch on growing up, loves lost and found and meeting idols, among other concepts.
Psychopath shows Wade’s vulnerable side throughout the 13 tracks, all of which she either wrote or co-wrote alongside Vaden as well as songwriters Ashley Monroe, Julia Michaels, Angaleena Presley, The Love Junkies (Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna and Liz Rose), Butch Walker and more.
Both the title track and “80’s Movie,” a track Wade and Vaden wrote together, are out now.
Psychopath Track Listing:
1. “Domino” (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Sadler Vaden/Butch Walker)
2. “80’s Movie” (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
3. “Losers Look Like Me” (Morgan Wade)
4. “Roman Candle” (Morgan Wade)
5. “Guns and Roses” (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
6. “Alanis” (Morgan Wade/Natalie Hemby/Sadler Vaden)
7. “Phantom Feelings” (Morgan Wade/Julia Michaels/Ben Rice)
8. “Psychopath” (Morgan Wade)
9. “Outrun Me” (Morgan Wade/Hillary Lindsey/Lori McKenna/Liz Rose/Sadler Vaden)
10. “Want” (Morgan Wade/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. “Fall In Love With Me” (Morgan Wade)
12. “Meet Somebody” (Morgan Wade/Sadler Vaden)
13. “27 Club” (Morgan Wade)
Chris Tomlin Maps ‘An Evening Of Worship’ Tour For Fall
/by Caela GriffinChris Tomlin. Photo: Robby Klein.
Grammy Award-winner Chris Tomlin will head out on his new tour, “An Evening of Worship,” this fall.
Fans are invited to join the distinctive 12-city tour from Oct. 26 to Nov. 19 for a night of worship and stories behind his songs. Singer-songwriter Pat Barrett, signed to Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow record label, will open the tour.
The concert will include songs on his Billboard Christian Chart-topping album, Always, such as “Holy Forever” and the album’s title track, alongside favorites including “Good Good Father,” “Our God,” “How Great is Our God” and more.
“An Evening Of Worship” is nationally promoted by Transparent Productions and will benefit “Food for the Hungry.”
Travis Tritt’s First-Ever Gospel Project Due In September
/by Lorie HollabaughTravis Tritt is taking a nostalgic journey back to his roots on a new gospel project, Country Chapel, due out Sept. 15 from Gaither Music Group.
The heartfelt album pays homage to Tritt’s formative years through 10 soul-stirring songs including “Wayfaring Stranger,” the Kris Kristofferson classic “Why Me” and more. The album’s pre-sale begins July 21, with the release of the first track “When God Dips His Love in My Heart.”
Another track, “Like the Father Loves His Son,” will be released on Aug. 18, followed up by “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” on Sept. 15. Produced by Dave Cobb at Georgia May Studio in Savannah, Country Chapel blends traditional church harmonies with Tritt’s signature vocal style. The album is being distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.
Country Chapel Track Listing:
“When God Dips His Love In My Heart” (Cleavant Derricks)
“Like The Father Loves His Son” (Travis Tritt)
“Mama Used To Pray For Me” (Travis Tritt and Aaron Raitiere)
“In the Valley (He Restoreth My Soul)” (Dottie Rambo)
“Uncloudy Day” (J.K. Alwood)
“Wayfaring Stranger” (Public Domain)
“Nobody’s Fault But Mine” (Blind Willie Johnson)
“The Baptism Of Jesse Taylor” (Dallas Frazier and Sanger D. Shafer)
“Why Me” (Kris Kristofferson)
“Little Country Chapel” (Travis Tritt and Aaron Raitiere)
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Chris Young Channels Summer Vibes On New Track
/by Robert K OermannHot enough for you?
The country stars are fully in tune with summertime this week.
Efforts by Dan + Shay, Hardy, Mickey Guyton & Kane Brown, Lionel Cartwright, Uncle Kracker and Travis Denning sound custom made for warm weather.
The most summer-sounding of all is Chris Young, who wins the Disc of the Day award.
Newcomers? We’ve got ‘em, with Christian Parker, Whitney Miller and our DISCovery Award winner Cassandra Davis all lending their voices to the vacation season.
O.N.E. THE DUO / “Superpower”
Writers: Shane Stevens/Nash Overstreet; Producer: Nash Overstreet; Label: Visionary Media Group
– Being a woman is a superpower sez the mother-daughter duo. It’s a charming single, but it would sound a lot more “country” if it had some actual musical instruments in the production instead of just electronic loops.
HARDY / “Truck Bed”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Michael Hardy/Hunter Phelps/Ben Johnson; Producers: Joey Moi/Derek Wells/Hardy/Ben Johnson; Label: Big Loud Records/Big Loud Rock
– She’s kicked him out, so now he wakes up “on the wrong side of the truck bed” in the front yard. Now he has to go to work with a hangover. Instruments twang merrily, the gang sings along and a goofball vibe reigns supreme.
CAYLEE HAMMACK / “That Dog”
Writers: Caylee Hammack/Jake Mitchell/Aaron Raitiere; Producers: Caylee Hammack/Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– The fiery redhead is totally over him, but she misses the dog. Sassy and spirited.
CHRIS YOUNG / “Young Love & Saturday Nights”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jesse Frasure/Josh Thompson/David Bowie; Producers: Chris Young/Corey Crowder/Chris DeStafano; Label: RCA
– The melody quotes “Rebel Rebel” by David Bowie, but this uptempo romp is country all the way. It’s a joyous celebration of old trucks, small towns, radio tunes and necking in the parking lot. Roll down the windows and crank it up on a carefree weekend.
CASSANDRA LEWIS / “Too Much”
Writers: none listed; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Elektra/Low Country Sounds
– My ears perked right up. This Portland, Oregan singer-songwriter will kick off her new album with this soul ballad. It’s a stately heartbreak outing with a spare arrangement that frames an extraordinary vibrato-vocal performance. She aims for the stratosphere and then soars above it. A remarkable, singular talent.
DAN + SHAY / “Save Me the Trouble”
Writers: Jordan Reynolds/Ashley Gorley/Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Jordan Minton; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– She’s a heartbreak waiting to happen, so this power ballad throws down a warning. As we have come to expect, the singing here is simply excellent. The layered harmonies and understated production both work splendidly. Hit bound.
WHITNEY MILLER / “Nobody”
Writers: Hailey Nicole Verhaalen/Kelly Anne Seidel/Makena Hartlin; Producer: none listed; Label: Whitney Miller Music
– Smoldering and sensuous. She’s in a fever dream that he’s being unfaithful, so electric guitars echo and swirl around her steamy, smoky vocal. Miller is a former Miss United States (2012) who is also a mixed martial arts fighter and kickboxing commentator. Her singing is a tough as she is.
MICKEY GUYTON & KANE BROWN / “Nothing Compares to You”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Bebe Rexha/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– They sound pretty good together, his plaintive, roughshod delivery contrasting nicely with her sunny, scintillating soprano. The slow-burn, bluesy tune gives Mickey, in particular, plenty of room to vamp and improvise. Smooth listening.
BRANDON DAVIS / “Still Gonna Be”
Writers: Brandon Davis/Daniel Agee/Joe Ragosta; Producers: Daniel Agee; Label: Big Yellow Dog Music
– He sings with passion, but the song isn’t worth the effort.
UNCLE KRACKER / “Reason to Drink”
Writers: Matthew Shafer/Blair Daly/Troy Verges; Producer: none listed; Label: UK
– A summertime party song. You’ll feel like you’re heard it before.
TRAVIS DENNING / “Things I’m Going Through”
Writers: Matt Mulhare/Jordan Dozzi; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Paul DiGiovanni; Label: Mercury Nashville
– He’s so relatable. He delivers this heartbroken meditation in a conversational, everyman voice that worms its way right into ya. The little details in the lyric are really cool. I remain a big fan.
LIONEL CARTWRIGHT / “Sleepwalking”
Writer: Lionel Cartwright; Producer: Lionel Cartwright; Label: Soul Mine Recordings
– Totally groovy. The gentle, mellow track is embellished with his tasty guitar licks, and the tune sways like a hammock on a summer afternoon. The creamy, dreamy, romantic mood is pure pleasure. This veteran hit maker still has the goods. Seek this ultimately enjoyable single out now. You can thank me later.
CHRISTIAN PARKER / “Hickory Wind”
Writers: Gram Parsons/Bob Buchanan; Producer: none listed; Label: CP
– Parker’s album Sweethearts drops on August 18. It is his tribute to the seminal 1968 Byrds country-rock masterpiece Sweethearts of the Rodeo. This single from it comes out tomorrow (July 21), and it’s a dandy remake of Gram Parsons’ timelessly eloquent waltz. Lilting and lovely. In addition to all the songs on the original album, the collection contains versions of “I Still Miss Someone,” “Satisfied Mind” and “Truck Store Truck Drivin’ Man.” Highly recommended.
My Music Row Story: KBFM’s Chris King
/by LB CantrellChris King
Chris King is the Founder and Partner of King Business Financial Management (KBFM), a business management firm in Nashville. With over 10 years as a business and financial manager, King founded the firm in 2019 and has grown it to be the home to over 40 clients spanning genres across the music industry.
King was born in raised in Memphis, Tennessee, which informed his love for all different genres of music from a young age. During his college years at the University of Tennessee at Martin, he quickly realized that he had an affinity for numbers, but more importantly, he had a passion for interacting with people. He earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and shortly after graduating, King moved to Nashville.
His dedication and motivation helped him quickly rise through the ranks at the business management firm FBMM, where he worked for six years. After leaving FBMM, King became a Partner at Blue Sky Group Business Management where he spent four years as the head of their entertainment business management division before departing in 2019 to launch KBFM.
MusicRow: Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. I went to the University of Tennessee at Martin for college.
Lucy Hughes Mckelvey, Marcus King, Chris King
Were you into music growing up?
Definitely. My mom was an R&B fan and my dad was into Earth, Wind & Fire. I really got introduced to country music by riding in the car with my sister my freshman year. Jason Adlean‘s first album was really the first album that introduced me to country music.
What did you study in college?
I studied accounting. I didn’t know anything about the music industry and I certainly didn’t know that you could be an accountant within the music industry. I had taken an accounting class in high school and that’s what made me fall in love with it.
I didn’t want to do taxes all day, so I was trying to find some sort of accounting work that didn’t mean being a CPA and dealing with tax returns on a consistent basis.
How did you figure out how to make that happen?
I just moved to Nashville. I was engaged at the ripe age of 20. I met my wife at UT Martin and she is is originally from Nashville. She moved back so I moved here and [started looking for a job]. I got married on a Saturday and on that Monday, I went in for an interview at FBMM.
I was simply searching for a job in some type of money management. A lot of the stuff I had studied in college was about helping small businesses with their accounting needs, so I was trying to find something where I could help somebody, whether that was with a business or personal finances. I lucked out getting a job at FBMM, where I was able to be in the best of both worlds, dealing with personal stuff and with business things.
Drew Parker, Chris King, Ray Fulcher
What was your first impression of the music business?
It was crazy. At the interview, they asked me if I knew what a royalty was. I have no idea. The first day I walked in, they said, “You’re going to work on [a big band’s] touring and their personal stuff.” For a year and a half, I got to see all of that.
It got me a ton of experience that I just couldn’t have learned anywhere else. I got to work on a few baby bands as well during that time. After that, I got to work on [one of the world’s biggest pop stars] for a year and a half.
How long were you at FBMM?
I was there for seven years. The last four years I was there, I got to work all over the place. That’s where I really fell in love with what I was doing even more. I got to work on a rock band from Athens, Alabama and a rapper from Pittsburgh. Forming personal relationships with them was what made me want to go out on my own.
KBFM staffers
Stephanie Mundy Self was my boss on some clients, so I was learning from her for a year and a half. She is such a hard worker—she eats, sleeps and breathes what she does. She really made me understand kind of that type of work ethic. Duane Clark was great—he always had an open door policy. I worked with Jen Conger for the last four years I was there. They were always open to talk with people and help people learn.
What was the next step for you?
I partnered with Harlan Hallett for a new company called Blue Sky Group. I was there for about four years. John Strohm connected us when I left FBMM. For somebody that had as big a clients and experiences as John did, to take a chance on a 28 year old kid starting his own thing, was so cool.
My years at Blue Sky were great. I learned a ton. Harlan’s background was more on the royalty side, so being there, I really got to learn a ton about catalog sales. Whenever I started at Blue Sky, it was me, Harlan and one other. We built it up and when I left, we had maybe seven or eight people in the office.
I left in February of 2019. Two employees came with me that I hired right out of college, Lucy Hughes Mckelvey and Erin Barry. We started building our team. I started looking around for other people, somebody I could bring in that could bring in to grow our network. I met Mallory Mason Pascal through Mandy Morrison over at City National Bank. We met in November of 2019 and started talking a lot. I basically felt like I was trying to court someone to date them. [Laughs] I was just trying to tell her why she should trust me. Then COVID hit and we cut the brakes for a while.
Chris King, Jordan Walker, Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, Lucy Hughes Mckelvey
By the end of November of 2020, I was able to persuade her to come over. She was number five in the office including me, and now we’re up to 16 people on a day-to-day basis. We’ve also really grown our client roster. During COVID, I think a lot of artists realized they may be a company with a huge name, but not necessarily getting the service they thought they were and the one-on-one attention. We’ve got clients from The Basement to Bridgestone, so even though we’re smaller, we have all the knowledge and we can also give you more of that one-on-one feel.
That’s awesome. What are your goals for KBFM?
Just to keep growing. As long as we can offer the same service that we are now, I would love to get as big as we can possibly get knowing that we’re giving the same service out to everybody.
What would you tell young accountants wanting to do what you do?
Always be willing to learn. Try to research it yourself. With my kids and with my employees, I always encourage them to research [the answers they are looking for] and figure out the why behind it.
I would also say money is not everything. No one got in the music industry for money, at least not on the business side of things. It’s going to come with time. Find something that you’re passionate about and do it—the money will come if it’s supposed to come. If not, you’re still going to live a happy life to where it doesn’t matter.
KBFM Parnters Mallory Mason Pascal (second to left) and Chris King (far right) with their spouses
What is something people may not know about you?
I’m a big Justin Bieber and Michael Jackson fan. Lucy likes to ask people what concert they would want to go to, dead of alive. Mine is definitely Michael Jackson.
I got to take my eight-year-old to the Justin Bieber concert here in Nashville last year. That was a pretty special moment. I basically forced him into becoming a huge Justin Bieber fan like me, so he was standing up singing the whole time. That was a really cool experience.
What is a moment that you’ve had that your little kid self would be impressed with?
I got to go to Madison Square Garden two years ago to see [my client] Marcus King play a show at Madison Square Garden. There’s a lot of moments like that. When I was in college, my mom passed away from cancer. There are so many moments like that where I wish I could call her and tell her about.
I grew up in Memphis and got an accounting degree—I just hoped to work at some accounting firm. Now I’m working with Grammy winners and CMA winners. I have to pinch myself a lot. I hope the butterflies never go away.
Billy Strings, Del McCoury Band Among IBMA Awards Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings. Photo: Christopher Morley
The 34th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards nominees were announced this week in a live event at the SiriusXM studios in Nashville.
IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Entertainer of the Year nominees include first-time nominees Appalachian Road Show, reigning recipient Billy Strings, Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame member and nine-time Entertainer of the Year Del McCoury Band, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys.
Mandolinist Sam Bush, bluegrass and country artist Wilma Lee Cooper and genre-bending mandolin player David Grisman were announced as the 2023 inductees into the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame.
Five organizations and individuals who have made significant contributions to bluegrass were named as 2023 recipients of the IBMA Distinguished Achievement Award, including the online media source The Bluegrass Situation, musician and “The Duke of Drive” Terry Baucom, musician and writer Tom Ewing, longtime presenter and festival director Carl Goldstein and the Italy-based international pioneering group Red Wine.
Winners will be revealed at the IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards on Sept. 28 at the Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina. Awards are voted on by the professional membership of the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA), the professional nonprofit association for the bluegrass industry.
Full list of nominees:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
Appalachian Road Show
Billy Strings
Del McCoury Band
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Authentic Unlimited
Balsam Range
Blue Highway
Del McCoury Band
Sister Sadie
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR
Billy Strings
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
The Infamous Stringdusters
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
The Travelin’ McCourys
SONG OF THE YEAR
“Blue Ridge Mountain Baby”
Artist: Appalachian Road Show
Songwriters: Barry Abernathy/Jim VanCleve
Label: Billy Blue Records
Producer: Appalachian Road Show
“Crooked Tree”
Artist: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Songwriters: Molly Tuttle/Melody Walker
Label: Nonesuch Records
Producers: Jerry Douglas and Molly Tuttle
“Diane”
Artist: Sister Sadie
Songwriters: Jeffrey Nath Bhasker/Samuel Tyler Johnson/Cameron Marvel Ochs
Label: Mountain Home
Producer: Sister Sadie
“Heyday”
Artist: Lonesome River Band
Songwriters: Barry Huchens/Will Huchens
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
Producer: Lonesome River Band
“Power of Love”
Artist: Rick Faris
Songwriters: Johnny Colla/Huey Lewis/Christopher Hayes
Label: Dark Shadow Recording
Producer: Stephen Mougin
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Crooked Tree
Artist: Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Label: Nonesuch Records
Producer: Jerry Douglas and Molly Tuttle
Lovin’ of the Game
Artist: Michael Cleveland
Label: Compass Records
Producers: Jeff White, Michael Cleveland, and Sean Sullivan
Lowdown Hoedown
Artist: Jason Carter
Label: Fiddle Man Records
Producers: Jason Carter and Brent Truitt
Me/And/Dad
Artist: Billy Strings and Terry Barber
Label: Rounder Records
Producers: Billy Strings and Gary Paczosa
Radio John: The Songs of John Hartford
Artist: Sam Bush
Label: Smithsonian Folkways
Producer: Sam Bush
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“The Glory Road”
Artist: Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Songwriters: Paul Martin/Harry Stinson/Marty Stuart
Label: Billy Blue Records
Producers: Joe Mullins and Adam McIntosh
“Jordan”
Artist: Darin & Brooke Aldridge with Ricky Skaggs, Mo Pitney and Mark Fain
Songwriter: Fred Rich
Label: Billy Blue Records
Producer: Darin Aldridge and Mark Fain
“The Scarlet Red Lines”
Artist: Larry Sparks
Songwriter: Daniel Crabtree
Label: Rebel Records
Producer: Larry Sparks
“Take a Little Time for Jesus”
Artist: Junior Sisk
Songwriter: David Marshall
Label: Mountain Fever Records
Producers: Junior Sisk and Aaron Ramsey
“Tell Me the Story of Jesus”
Artist: Becky Buller with Vince Gill and Ricky Skaggs
Songwriter: Fanny Crosby, arrangement by Becky Buller
Label: Dark Shadow Recording
Producer: Stephen Mougin
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Contact”
Artist: Michael Cleveland with Cody Kilby, Barry Bales, and Béla Fleck
Songwriter: Michael Cleveland
Label: Compass Records
Producer: Jeff White, Michael Cleveland, and Sean Sullivan
“Foggy Morning Breaking”
Artist: Alison Brown with Steve Martin
Songwriters: Alison Brown/Steve Martin
Label: Compass Records
Producers: Alison Brown and Garry West
“Gold Rush”
Artist: Scott Vestal’s Bluegrass 2022
Songwriter: Bill Monroe
Label: Pinecastle Records
Producer: Scott Vestal
“Kissimmee Kid”
Artist: Jason Carter
Songwriter: Vassar Clements
Label: Fiddle Man Records
Producers: Jason Carter and Brent Truitt
“Scorchin’ the Gravy”
Artist: Frank Solivan & Dirty Kitchen
Songwriter: Frank Solivan
Label: Compass Records
Producer: Frank Solivan
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Authentic Unlimited
East Nash Grass
Henhouse Prowlers
The Tennessee Bluegrass Band
Tray Wellington
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
“Alberta Bound”
Artist: Special Consensus with Ray Legere, John Reischman, Tisha Gagnon, Claire Lynch, Pharis & Jason Romero
Songwriter: Gordon Lightfoot
Label: Compass Records
Producer: Alison Brown
“Big Mon”
Artist: Andy Leftwich with Sierra Hull
Songwriter: Bill Monroe
Label: Mountain Home Music Company
Producer: Andy Leftwich
“Foggy Morning Breaking”
Artist: Alison Brown with Steve Martin
Songwriter: Alison Brown/Steve Martin
Label: Compass Records
Producer: Alison Brown and Garry West
“For Your Love”
Artist: Michael Cleveland with Billy Strings and Jeff White
Songwriter: Joe Ely
Label: Compass Records
Producer: Jeff White, Michael Cleveland, and Sean Sullivan
“From My Mountain (Calling You)”
Artist: Peter Rowan with Molly Tuttle and Lindsay Lou
Songwriter: Peter Rowan
Label: Rebel Records
Producer: Peter Rowan
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Greg Blake
Del McCoury
Danny Paisley
Larry Sparks
Dan Tyminski
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
Brooke Aldridge
Dale Ann Bradley
Jaelee Roberts
Molly Tuttle
Rhonda Vincent
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kristin Scott Benson
Alison Brown
Béla Fleck
Ned Luberecki
Scott Vestal
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Mike Bub
Todd Phillips
Missy Raines
Mark Schatz
Vickie Vaughn
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jason Carter
Michael Cleveland
Stuart Duncan
Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Deanie Richardson
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jerry Douglas
Andy Hall
Rob Ickes
Matt Leadbetter
Justin Moses
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Chris Eldridge
Trey Hensley
Billy Strings
Bryan Sutton
Molly Tuttle
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Alan Bibey
Jesse Brock
Sam Bush
Sierra Hull
Ronnie McCoury
Kasey Tyndall Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Liza AndersonKasey Tyndall during her Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Emma Kate Golden
Country artist Kasey Tyndall celebrated her 28th birthday by making her Grand Ole Opry debut last night (July 19).
Tyndall exhibited her strong vocals and stage presence performing two of her self-penned singles, “Nothing Wrong With Being Country” and “Middle Man,” as she stood in the circle for the first time.
“I’ve always dreamed of making my Opry debut. When I moved to Nashville, I hit the ground running to make that dream a reality,” says Tyndall. “I’m getting to stand in the same circle as my heroes and my friends while playing for my fans and family. It’s an unexplainable feeling. And to do it on my birthday is something that will be hard to top!”
Additionally, her new single “Dirt Road to Hell” will be released on Friday, Aug. 4.
Thomas Rhett Launches Limited-Edition Tecovas Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett
Thomas Rhett has teamed up with Tecovas boots on a new, limited-edition product line.
The brand’s first-ever celebrity collaboration, The Thomas Rhett Collection is available for purchase exclusively on the Tecovas website and in select Tecovas retail stores now.
Rhett’s personal sense of style was an integral part of the designs, and the boots were inspired by vintage cowboy boot designs and leathers, refined into his casual yet classic personal aesthetic. The limited-edition collection features six designs — three men’s and three women’s, each named after a member of his family, along with two hats and a signature T-shirt.
“I remember when Tecovas first came on the scene and I saw some of my friends wearing the boots – I immediately wanted to know all about them,” he shares. “Ever since I got my first pair, it’s been my dream to work with the brand. Getting to be their first artist collaborator and being involved in the design process from start to finish has been a blast for me. The collection is also named after my family members which has made it even more special to me!”
The collaboration came together after the artist and Tecovas’ Founder Paul Hedrick met in 2019. What started out as boot-sizing advice from Hedrick evolved into a conversation about shared passions for country music, boots and a deep-rooted love of western culture.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Thomas Rhett on this collection, which perfectly embodies our mission to share the true spirit of the West with more people. TR has become a true friend of our brand, and it’s been amazing to see how TR lives his life by example — fostering a sense of community, giving a nod to his time-honored past and by living life to the fullest. We believe this collaboration will ignite a deeper appreciation for western wear’s timelessness among our loyal customers and those new to the Tecovas brand,” says Hedrick.
The Thomas Rhett Collection includes:
The Akins ($495): Named after Thomas Rhett’s namesake
The Gregory ($295): Named after Thomas Rhett’s father-in-law
The Lankford ($395): Named after Thomas Rhett’s stepfather
The Macy ($395): Named after Lauren Akins’ younger sister
The Kasey ($315): Named after Thomas Rhett’s sister
The Lauren ($295): Named after Lauren Akins, Thomas Rhett’s wife
Romeo Entertainment Group Adds Three New Members To Finance Department
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Christian Rodich, Haley Taylor and Navjot “Navi” Singh
Christian Rodich joins Romeo Entertainment Group as Vice President of Finance & Administration. Rodich has over two decades of experience in financial management, accounting and operations across multiple industries, and previously served as the CFO of Envirotech Vehicles Inc. He also held senior positions at companies including Masterbrand Cabinets, Smith & Nephew, Mueller Industries and Pfizer. Rodich holds a Master of Accountancy from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the state of Tennessee.
Navjot “Navi” Singh has been appointed Senior Accountant at Romeo Entertainment Group. Singh earned his accounting & finance degree from the University of Mississippi and fulfilled his dream of living in Music City, where he began his career.
Haley Taylor joins the company as Staff Accountant. Taylor is a recent graduate from Arkansas State University with a Bachelor’s degree in global supply chain management. She is also actively involved with organizations such as Make-A-Wish and the Arkansas State Food Pantry.
“We are thrilled to announce the latest additions to our REG family. With our expanding operations and strategic partnerships, it is crucial to attract individuals who share our vision and values,” states R.J. Romeo, President & CEO of Romeo Entertainment Group. “We are proud to have onboarded some very accomplished performers, who bring a wealth of experience across various business sectors. These team additions will undoubtedly contribute significantly to our growth and success. We are confident that their expertise and dedication will benefit our clients and further solidify our position as a leader in the entertainment industry.”
Simultaneously, the organization honors Harlan Burggraaf’s distinguished service as he retires from the company after a dedicated 25-year tenure.
“Bob, Michelle and I are so grateful for Harlan’s dedication and loyalty to the company these past 25 years. His contributions and guidance have been integral in our growth and our future success,” shares Romeo.
Kelsea Ballerini ‘Leaves The Key’ For Fans At Exclusive Events
/by Caela GriffinKelsea Ballerini will host three intimate conversations and screenings of her Rolling Up The Welcome Mat short film. Tickets for the three “Under The Welcome Mat” events become available July 20.
The multiple Grammy nominee wrote and recorded the very personal Rolling Up The Welcome Mat EP (Black River Entertainment) with producer Alysa Vanderheym as a way to share her heart with the friends and fans who know her best.
“There’s never been a moment to stop and talk about what the response to Welcome Mat has meant to me,” Ballerini says of the events. “Everything moved so fast after the release and took on a life much bigger than I ever anticipated. After feeling and hearing the response on tour every night these last few months, I wanted to make sure to honor this musical chapter more fully. So, while Subject to Change was out there doing everything it’s supposed to do, you supported me with this project that I needed to make for myself and my heart loudly. I can’t thank you enough, but these three events are me trying.”
Kicking off at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles on Aug. 1, Ballerini will screen the short film she wrote and directed, taking fans behind-the-scenes of the process and her vision. She will also talk about the inspiration, writing and recording of making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, giving fans a glimpse into this season of her life, as well as answering questions.
From Los Angeles, Ballerini heads to the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in her adopted hometown of Nashville on Aug. 8 followed by a final screening and conversation at the intimate Whitby Theater in New York City on Aug. 10.
The three events culminate with an NBC Today Show Citi Concert Series performance on Aug. 11 on the plaza at Rockefeller Center. Ballerini perform her current Top 20 and climbing country radio hit “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too),” and treat viewers across America to selections from Rolling Up The Welcome Mat.
“Sometimes I write songs to figure out where I am, how I feel,” says Ballerini. “I write to honor my feelings and get them out because that’s the purest way I know how. The purpose of this EP and short film was to release those very naked, honest feelings in hopes anyone feeling similar highs and lows would have a few songs to feel not alone to. Every step of this Rolling Up The Welcome Mat chapter has been a new experience, which you helped make feel not scary by being alongside me every step.
“Now, I need to move on now—and maybe you do, too—but before we do, these three events are all about being in one space, together, sharing all of it. I want to bring you deeper into how it all came to be and why you’re such an important piece of all of this. I want to say ‘thank you’ so, if you’re in Los Angeles, New York, or Nashville, please come join me.”