Jesse McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Jesse McReynolds, the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, has died at age 93.
Jesse & Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
He was noted for his revolutionary, complex “crosspicking” style of mandolin playing as well as for his years of recording and performing in the star brother duo Jim & Jesse. His guitarist-singer older brother Jim McReynolds was born in 1927 and died on New Year’s Eve in 2002.
Jesse McReynolds was born July 9, 1929 near Coburn, Virginia. Jim & Jesse’s grandfather was fiddler Charlie McReynolds, who recorded as a member of The Bull Mountain Moonshiners at the famed 1927 Bristol Sessions where Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family were discovered. Their coal-miner father, Claude, was also a fiddler. Mother Savannah played guitar, banjo and harmonica and taught them to sing gospel songs in harmony.
The brothers established their performing partnership in 1947, following Jim’s hitch in the Army. They began their broadcasting career on WNVA in Norton, Virginia. During the next few years, they held radio jobs in Johnson City, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Charleston, West Virginia; Augusta, Georgia; Waterloo, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas and other towns. During their first dozen years as professionals, Jim & Jesse performed on 14 radio stations in 10 different states. They had their first recording session in 1951.
Jesse & Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Following radio stints in Asheville, North Carolina and Versailles, Kentucky, Jim & Jesse were signed by Capitol Records and brought to Nashville to record in 1952. The fiddler on the sessions was James Loden, later to become Country Music Hall of Fame member Sonny James. The standout tune of these recordings was one of their trademark songs, “Are You Missing Me,” penned by The Louvin Brothers.
Jesse was drafted and entered the Army to serve in the Korean War. While he was home on leave in 1953, the brothers recorded “Air Mail Special,” “A Memory of You” and other tunes for Capitol.
With Jesse’s military service completed, the duo joined the cast of WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree in 1955. But the team truly began to prosper the following year when the brothers moved to Florida. They broadcast for several years on WNER’s Swanee River Jamboree in Live Oak and became television stars with their own shows in Tallahassee and Pensacola. By the late 1950s, their programs were also being broadcast on TV in Montgomery, Alabama; Albany, Georgia; Dothan, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.
Jesse McReynolds, Ricky Skaggs, Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Jim & Jesse recorded for Starday Records in 1958, then signed with Columbia’s Epic Records division on Music Row in 1962. This is the label where their biggest hits occurred.
Bluegrass music gained popularity on the folk circuit during this era. Jim & Jesse performed at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963 and 1966.
On the strength of such high-profile engagements and the major-label contract, the Grand Ole Opry invited Jim & Jesse to become members of the show’s cast on March 2, 1964. Throughout their Opry tenure—and indeed, throughout their career—the McReynolds brothers were widely respected for their courtly manners and gentlemanly ways.
Four months after their Opry induction, Jim & Jesse’s first charted single was 1964’s “Cotton Mill Man,” which also became a signature song. “Better Times A-Comin’” followed it onto the charts as a top 40 hit in 1965. Their eyebrow-raising LP Berry Pickin’ in the Country was also released in 1965. It contained their bluegrass arrangements of Chuck Berry’s rock ’n’ roll classics.
This record typified their willingness to experiment. Jim & Jesse also dabbled in Latin, electric country, gospel, cowboy and other genres. In 1969, Jesse McReynolds played mandolin on The Doors rock LP The Soft Parade.
The brothers scored their biggest country hit with 1967’s “Diesel on My Tail.” Other memorable Epic recordings included versions of Robert Mitchum’s “Ballad of Thunder Road” (1967), Tom T. Hall’s “Greenwich Village Folk Song Salesman” (1968), Ray Pennington’s “Yonder Comes a Freight Train” (1968) and Hank Snow’s “Golden Rocket” (1970). They returned to Capitol and charted with Elizabeth Cotton’s folk classic “Freight Train” in 1971.
Jesse McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Jim & Jesse veered into a harder-edged bluegrass sound in the 1970s. Their Virginia Boys band included such stellar alumni as Vassar Clements, Allen Shelton, Bobby Thompson, Carl Jackson, Vic Jordan, Glen Duncan, Randall Franks, Chick Stripling and Jimmy Buchanan. The group was wildly popular on the bluegrass-festival circuit for three decades.
The brothers launched their own syndicated TV series, The Jim & Jesse Show, in the early 1970s, They formed their own Old Dominion and Double J record labels and released a number of LPs, cassettes and CDs on these in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. In 1977, they created their own annual bluegrass festival and maintained it well into the 1980s.
They were nominated for a Grammy Award for the 1992 CD Music Among Friends. They were inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 1993. They received a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.
The death of Jim McReynolds in 2002 marked the end of the 55-year run of the longest lasting brother duo in country history. Jim & Jesse were also notable for having the longest running fan club in the annals of country music.
Following his brother’s passing, Jesse McReynolds continued to tour, record and appear on the Opry. In 1990, he had been part of a recording and touring “supergroup” called The Masters that also included Josh Graves, Kenny Baker and Eddie Adcock. He created a new instrument called the mandolobro, which was tuned like a mandola and had a resonator-guitar body. It was featured on his CD Jesse McReynolds Introduces the Mandolobro.
His other solo albums included New Horizons (2004), Bending the Rules (2004), A Tribute to Brother Duets (with Charles Whitstein, 2005) and Dixie Road (2007). In 2010, he released a tribute album to the songs of The Grateful Dead.
He was variously dubbed “Mr. Mandolin” (for his innovative, virtuoso playing) and “The Ironman of Bluegrass” (for the 65+ years of his career). Solo and with his brother, Jesse McReynolds recorded more than 50 albums.
Jesse McReynolds was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Matthew McReynolds and Prudence Savannah Robinette McReynolds; loving first wife of 41 years, Darlene McReynolds; son, Keith McReynolds, brother, Jim McReynolds, sisters, Stella McReynolds and Virginia Greear and great grandson, Andrew Keith McReynolds.
He is survived by his loving second wife of 27 years, Joy Tipton McReynolds; daughter, Gwen McReynolds; sons, Michael K. McReynolds and Randy Q. McReynolds; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 28 from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother James Bell and Randy McReynolds officiating. Entombment will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation will be Monday, June 26 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 28 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Bluegrass Great Jesse McReynolds Passes Away
/by Robert K OermannJesse McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Bluegrass Hall of Fame inductee Jesse McReynolds, the oldest cast member of the Grand Ole Opry, has died at age 93.
Jesse & Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
He was noted for his revolutionary, complex “crosspicking” style of mandolin playing as well as for his years of recording and performing in the star brother duo Jim & Jesse. His guitarist-singer older brother Jim McReynolds was born in 1927 and died on New Year’s Eve in 2002.
Jesse McReynolds was born July 9, 1929 near Coburn, Virginia. Jim & Jesse’s grandfather was fiddler Charlie McReynolds, who recorded as a member of The Bull Mountain Moonshiners at the famed 1927 Bristol Sessions where Jimmie Rodgers and The Carter Family were discovered. Their coal-miner father, Claude, was also a fiddler. Mother Savannah played guitar, banjo and harmonica and taught them to sing gospel songs in harmony.
The brothers established their performing partnership in 1947, following Jim’s hitch in the Army. They began their broadcasting career on WNVA in Norton, Virginia. During the next few years, they held radio jobs in Johnson City, Tennessee; Lexington, Kentucky; Charleston, West Virginia; Augusta, Georgia; Waterloo, Iowa; Wichita, Kansas and other towns. During their first dozen years as professionals, Jim & Jesse performed on 14 radio stations in 10 different states. They had their first recording session in 1951.
Jesse & Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Following radio stints in Asheville, North Carolina and Versailles, Kentucky, Jim & Jesse were signed by Capitol Records and brought to Nashville to record in 1952. The fiddler on the sessions was James Loden, later to become Country Music Hall of Fame member Sonny James. The standout tune of these recordings was one of their trademark songs, “Are You Missing Me,” penned by The Louvin Brothers.
Jesse was drafted and entered the Army to serve in the Korean War. While he was home on leave in 1953, the brothers recorded “Air Mail Special,” “A Memory of You” and other tunes for Capitol.
With Jesse’s military service completed, the duo joined the cast of WWVA’s Wheeling Jamboree in 1955. But the team truly began to prosper the following year when the brothers moved to Florida. They broadcast for several years on WNER’s Swanee River Jamboree in Live Oak and became television stars with their own shows in Tallahassee and Pensacola. By the late 1950s, their programs were also being broadcast on TV in Montgomery, Alabama; Albany, Georgia; Dothan, Alabama and Jackson, Mississippi.
Jesse McReynolds, Ricky Skaggs, Jim McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Jim & Jesse recorded for Starday Records in 1958, then signed with Columbia’s Epic Records division on Music Row in 1962. This is the label where their biggest hits occurred.
Bluegrass music gained popularity on the folk circuit during this era. Jim & Jesse performed at the Newport Folk Festival in 1963 and 1966.
On the strength of such high-profile engagements and the major-label contract, the Grand Ole Opry invited Jim & Jesse to become members of the show’s cast on March 2, 1964. Throughout their Opry tenure—and indeed, throughout their career—the McReynolds brothers were widely respected for their courtly manners and gentlemanly ways.
Four months after their Opry induction, Jim & Jesse’s first charted single was 1964’s “Cotton Mill Man,” which also became a signature song. “Better Times A-Comin’” followed it onto the charts as a top 40 hit in 1965. Their eyebrow-raising LP Berry Pickin’ in the Country was also released in 1965. It contained their bluegrass arrangements of Chuck Berry’s rock ’n’ roll classics.
This record typified their willingness to experiment. Jim & Jesse also dabbled in Latin, electric country, gospel, cowboy and other genres. In 1969, Jesse McReynolds played mandolin on The Doors rock LP The Soft Parade.
The brothers scored their biggest country hit with 1967’s “Diesel on My Tail.” Other memorable Epic recordings included versions of Robert Mitchum’s “Ballad of Thunder Road” (1967), Tom T. Hall’s “Greenwich Village Folk Song Salesman” (1968), Ray Pennington’s “Yonder Comes a Freight Train” (1968) and Hank Snow’s “Golden Rocket” (1970). They returned to Capitol and charted with Elizabeth Cotton’s folk classic “Freight Train” in 1971.
Jesse McReynolds. Photo: Courtesy of the Grand Ole Opry archives
Jim & Jesse veered into a harder-edged bluegrass sound in the 1970s. Their Virginia Boys band included such stellar alumni as Vassar Clements, Allen Shelton, Bobby Thompson, Carl Jackson, Vic Jordan, Glen Duncan, Randall Franks, Chick Stripling and Jimmy Buchanan. The group was wildly popular on the bluegrass-festival circuit for three decades.
The brothers launched their own syndicated TV series, The Jim & Jesse Show, in the early 1970s, They formed their own Old Dominion and Double J record labels and released a number of LPs, cassettes and CDs on these in the 1970s, ‘80s and ‘90s. In 1977, they created their own annual bluegrass festival and maintained it well into the 1980s.
They were nominated for a Grammy Award for the 1992 CD Music Among Friends. They were inducted into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame in 1993. They received a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.
The death of Jim McReynolds in 2002 marked the end of the 55-year run of the longest lasting brother duo in country history. Jim & Jesse were also notable for having the longest running fan club in the annals of country music.
Following his brother’s passing, Jesse McReynolds continued to tour, record and appear on the Opry. In 1990, he had been part of a recording and touring “supergroup” called The Masters that also included Josh Graves, Kenny Baker and Eddie Adcock. He created a new instrument called the mandolobro, which was tuned like a mandola and had a resonator-guitar body. It was featured on his CD Jesse McReynolds Introduces the Mandolobro.
His other solo albums included New Horizons (2004), Bending the Rules (2004), A Tribute to Brother Duets (with Charles Whitstein, 2005) and Dixie Road (2007). In 2010, he released a tribute album to the songs of The Grateful Dead.
He was variously dubbed “Mr. Mandolin” (for his innovative, virtuoso playing) and “The Ironman of Bluegrass” (for the 65+ years of his career). Solo and with his brother, Jesse McReynolds recorded more than 50 albums.
Jesse McReynolds was preceded in death by his parents, Claude Matthew McReynolds and Prudence Savannah Robinette McReynolds; loving first wife of 41 years, Darlene McReynolds; son, Keith McReynolds, brother, Jim McReynolds, sisters, Stella McReynolds and Virginia Greear and great grandson, Andrew Keith McReynolds.
He is survived by his loving second wife of 27 years, Joy Tipton McReynolds; daughter, Gwen McReynolds; sons, Michael K. McReynolds and Randy Q. McReynolds; eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Funeral Service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 28 from the chapel of Alexander Funeral Home & Cremation Center with Brother James Bell and Randy McReynolds officiating. Entombment will follow in Sumner Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Visitation will be Monday, June 26 from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 27 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, June 28 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
Morgan Wallen Returns To The Stage, Breaks A Record At Wrigley Field
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen performs at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Photo: Matthew Paskert
After injuring his vocal cords and being put on mandatory vocal rest for six weeks, Morgan Wallen is back. He continued his “One Night At A Time World Tour” Thursday night (June 22) at Chicago’s Wrigley Field, bringing out 41,538 fans.
Morgan Wallen performs at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Photo: Matthew Paskert
The ACM Male Artist of the Year will play Wrigley Field again tonight (June 23), making him the first country artist to sell out back-to-back nights at the iconic baseball stadium, home to the Chicago Cubs.
Two songs into his set, Wallen addressed the crowd. He said, “Thank you for the kind welcome, that means a lot to me. About six weeks ago, I wasn’t really sure when I was gonna be able to sing again.” He paused before exclaiming, “but WE BACK!”
Wallen said, “I see more of y’all’s support, so I could not make it through without everything y’all do for me, so thank you. I’m really, really happy to be here. Thank you so much for showing up.”
The juggernaut entertainer thrilled fans with much of March’s 36-track album, One Thing At A Time, including the title track, “I Wrote The Book,” “Thought You Should Know,” “Everything I Love” and “98 Braves.” Before playing the latter, he said, “I don’t have any songs about the Cubs… I’ll work on that. This is my best shot at a baseball song.”
Morgan Wallen performs with friend and “Stand By Me” collaborator Lil Durk during night one of his “One Night At A Time World Tour”at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Photo: Matthew Paskert
Wallen brought touring and writing mate Ernest out as the first collaboration of the evening. Together they played their hit “Flower Shops.”
He then brought out Chicago native Lil Durk, who Wallen has now collaborated on two songs, “Broadway Girls” and the new “Stand By Me.”
After performing 24 songs for nearly two hours on stage, Wallen closed out night one with his 11-week Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 “Last Night” and three-week No. 1 “Whiskey Glasses” while fireworks erupted above.
He said, “Thank you so much Chicago! Make some noise for Bailey Zimmerman, Ernest, Hardy… One more time, make some noise for my band! I truly appreciate every single one of y’all, thank you, thank you and God Bless y’all!”
Shania Twain Releases ‘Queen Of Me: Royal Edition Extended Version’
/by Caela GriffinFive-time Grammy Award-winning Shania Twain has released Queen of Me: Royal Edition Extended Version, out now via Republic Nashville. With 19 tracks, it encompasses her complete vision for this musical chapter.
Twain includes fresh additions “Done & Dusted” and “On Three,” which features Billy Ray Cyrus counting her in, and originals “Bone Dry” and “Wanted Man.” She completed the collection with a striking and spirited acoustic rendition of “Queen of Me” and the buzzing “Giddy Up! (Malibu Babie Remix).”
“I was in the studio recording ‘On Three’ and I thought: this needs the voice of a sexy man with a southern accent counting the song in, and the first person that came to mind was Billy Ray Cyrus,” Twain says. “Since our friendship goes way way back, I just called him up and had him record and count me in from my phone! He was really fun and it worked out exactly how I imagined it.”
Bringing the music to life on the road, the “Queen of Me Tour” is underway now. Following sold out gigs at legendary venues such as The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, it makes stops across North America and Europe in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on Nov. 14 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC.
Queen Of Me: Royal Edition Extended Version Track Listing:
1. Giddy Up!
2. Brand New
3. Waking Up Dreaming
4. Best Friend
5. Pretty Liar
6. Inhale/Exhale AIR
7. Last Day of Summer
8. Queen of Me
9. Got It Good
10. Number One
11. Not Just a Girl
13. On Three
14. Done & Dusted
15. Bone Dry
16. Wanted Man
17. Inhale/Exhale AIR (feat. BRELAND)
18. Queen Of Me (Acoustic Version)
19. Giddy Up! (Malibu Babie Remix)
Karissa Ella Gets ‘Personal’ On New Six-Song EP, Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughKarissa Ella is releasing her new EP, It’s Personal, today (June 23).
The new project showcases the Ohio native’s vocals on material that offers listeners an inside glimpse into who she is as both an artist and an individual. Produced by Casey Wood, It’s Personal features tracks including “White Dress Worthy,” the collaboration she crafted alongside her mother, Lori Haasz, and the good-time anthem, “Well Tequila.”
“I like to look at every project as a milestone and I’m really proud of the growth, maturity and vulnerability I’ve discovered over the past few years that led to and shaped this one,” says Ella. “There were a lot of songs to choose from but I wanted each one on this EP to be a genuine and personal reflection of where I’m at in my life right now. My heart is happy these days and I think that’s apparent throughout Its Personal. As far as milestones go, this is a big one and it’s only the start of the reflective and expressive singing, songwriting and storytelling that is to come!”
Ella was recently selected as PickleJar and Cumulus Media’s first-ever Spotlight Artist on their new syndicated overnight show PickleJar Up All Night, which is currently playing the EP’s focus track, “I Hope Heavens Like” in 47 markets. She also made her debut CMA Fest performance earlier this month.
It’s Personal Track Listing:
Well Tequila (Karissa Ella, Joshua Gleave)
I Hope Heaven’s Like (Karissa Ella, Cassidy Best, Claire Carruthers)
Tecovas (Karissa Ella)
White Dress Worthy (Karissa Ella, Lori Haasz)
Hometown Bar (Karissa Ella, Aubrey Toone, Cassidy Best, Regan Rousseau)
Vintage (Karissa Ella, Alex Seier, Chris Buck)
Holly Gleason Announces ‘Prine On Prine,’ Celebrates Southern California Media Awards Nominations
/by LB CantrellHolly Gleason
Award-winning author and music critic, Holly Gleason, has announced her next book, a look into the life of the late American songwriting legend John Prine.
Out Sept. 12, the book is part of the Chicago Review Press’ Writers in Their Own Words series. Titled Prine On Prine: Interviews & Encounters, the book follows Prine via appearances in the media and other places, collecting work from media titans Studs Terkel, Roger Ebert, Cameron Crowe, Robert Hilburn, then poet Laureate Ted Kooser, Robert Christgau, Dave Hoekstra, Ronni Lundy and Grammy-winner Bob Mehr. The collection of pieces has been traced and edited by Gleason.
Some highlights in Prine On Prine include the songwriter running away with a writer from Hot Rod, gracing the cover of No Depression, taking a bespoke role in Billy Bob Thornton’s Daddy & Them and receiving the Pen Literary Award for Lyrical Achievement from John Mellencamp. Readers will see Prine profiled in People and twice on NBC’s Today by Emmy winner Mike Leonard
Gleason pulls some of Prine’s favorite recipes and stories from Shuck Bean, Stack Cake & Honest Fried Chicken for the book, as well as record company bios, Chicago folk history, stories around starting labels and cooking dinner, publications long gone and a throwdown with Bobby Bare.
Gleason has a vast understanding of her subject. She met Prine when she was 20, forming a life-long friendship with the Songwriter and Grammy Hall of Famer.
“John was many things,” she shares. “It is so easy to see him as this elder Americana legend, writing songs that transcend time and place to touch your heart or soul or life. But he was also a fun guy, with a clear vision, a deep love of home and all it stands for and an absolute sense of self that allowed the tenderness of how he saw the world to remain pretty consistent throughout the book.”
Gleason was once engaged to Prine’s co-manager, the late Dan Einstein, who also co-founded Oh Boy, Red Pajamas and Blue Plate Music. She spent many of her formative years as a nationally recognized music critic in Prine’s world, and later provided media strategy and services for his albums In Spite of Ourselves and Fair & Square.
Prine On Prine is the latest edition from Gleason’s portfolio. She created, edited and contributed to Woman, Walk The Line, the 2018 Belmont Book Award-winning collection of essays about how female country artists profoundly impact individual lives. She is also a co-author of Miranda Lambert’s recent New York Times best-seller Y’All Eat Yet: Welcome to the Pretty B*tchin Kitchen.
“It has been the craziest year! It felt like the Miranda book debuting at No. 3 on The New York Times Best Seller list was as good as it could get, but seeing the cover of Prine On Prine took my breath away. That book was a labor of love with my dear friend Dan Einstein, who’s now up in heaven with John, looking down and laughing at me most likely… and it suddenly feels very real,” Gleason says.
Gleason’s work has recently been recognized by the Los Angeles Press Club. She is nominated for five of their Southern California Media Awards at this weekend’s awards, including Entertainment Journalist of the Year and Music Criticism. Gleason’s Library of Congress essay on Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man” is up for Entertainment Commentary and her Pollstar cover story on Dolly Parton is competing for Entertainment News Feature.
“To have Prine On Prine announced on the brink of the Southern California Media Awards is a full circle moment,” Gleason says. “I grew up and into a music critic in LA, writing for Tower Pulse, Bam, Musician, Creem, Mix and Rolling Stone when it was once every two weeks. John used to get such a kick either asking me what I was chasing, or telling me about something I’d written he read, and now I’m nominated for some major awards from the LA Press Club. He’d probably love that as much as this book.”
Gleason adds, “At a time when publications are evaporating, changing their dynamics and just not making music a priority, these nominations make me feel like less of a fool for reporting as hard as I do. I know sometimes the subjects find me tedious, but I’ve grateful they’re tolerant. The Dolly and Miranda nominations for Feature and Breaking News feature speak to my mission to call attention, but also real meaning to women in the country space; but seeing Tammy Wynette and “Stand By Your Man” honored for Arts Commentary for the Library of Congress essay thrills me for Tammy.”
Parker McCollum Partners With Beverage Brand Loud Lemon
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum. Photo: Chase Lauer
Parker McCollum has partnered with fast-growing adult beverage brand Loud Lemon.
What began as an investment at the brand’s inception during COVID has now blossomed into a collaboration that includes a co-created flavor for the brand’s new line of vodka-based Lemonade Cocktails: Cranberry Sunrise.
“COVID-19 was an obstacle in many ways, but it gave us and Parker the time to understand each other better and create work that makes sense,” says Jeff Outlaw, Founder and CEO of Loud Lemon. “Collaborating with Parker to create the new Cranberry Sunrise flavor showcases the truest kind of partnership. We’re lucky and proud to have Parker on our team.”
“Their motto is to ‘Live Out Loud,’ and that means celebrating life, being authentic and working hard. When Jeff approached me and [my wife] Hallie Ray to create the new flavor, we jumped at the chance. Cranberry Sunrise turned out delicious and I’m excited to be part of such a fun, innovative company with such a passionate Founder,” says McCollum.
McCollum just celebrated his third No. 1 hit since signing with UMG Nashville. His new album, Never Enough, released in May.
Brett Young Announces Fourth Studio Album ‘Across The Sheets’
/by Caela GriffinArt Courtesy of BMLG Records
Multi-Platinum country artist Brett Young has uncovered plans for Across the Sheets, his upcoming fourth studio album, out Aug. 4 via BMLG Records. Young says the title of the eight-track album is a recurring theme throughout the lyrics of the new songs. In celebration of the announcement, Young released “Back To Jesus,” an up-tempo tune about faith, forgiveness and answered prayers.
Across The Sheets is a compilation of new and old, kicking off with Young’s “Dance With You” which is set to impact country radio on Monday, June 26. The song earned Young his biggest week one streaming numbers to date and has garnered more than 23 million streams. In keeping with the album’s theme, “Dance With You” honors Young’s wife, Taylor.
The album also includes a fresh take on some familiar favorites, including a cover of the heartbreaking 1994 classic that inspired Young to pursue a career in country music, Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take The Girl,” and a re-record of one of the most beloved songs, “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me,” from his self-titled debut album.
“I really dug deep with my writing over the pandemic. Across The Sheets is by far the most adventurous I’ve ever gotten thematically and lyrically. I hope people hear my evolution as a songwriter and artist because I’m really proud of how much I allowed myself to pull back the curtain and let people see more of my life through my music,” says Young. “We’ve been playing the new songs on tour and to see how fans have already connected with them is truly special.”
Additionally, tickets are on sale to the public today for Young’s “Dance With You Tour,” which kicks off Sept. 14 in Pennsylvania with special guests Jake Scott and Griffen Palmer. On July 6, he will hit the road again for Sam Hunt’s “Summer on the Outskirts Tour” with Lily Rose.
Across the Sheets Track List:
1. “Dance With You” (Written by Brett Young, Jordan Minton, Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Let Go Too Soon” (Written by Brett Young, Chris LaCorte, Jon Nite)
3. “Back To Jesus” (Written by Brett Young, Justin Ebach, Jon Nite)
4. “Uncomfortable” (Written by Brett Young, Ryan Marrone, Jon Nite)
5. “Love Goes On” (Written by Brett Young, Sam Ellis, Julia Michaels)
6. “I Did This To Me” (Written by Brett Young, Ross Copperman, Gabe Simon)
7. “You Ain’t Here to Kiss Me (2022)” (Written by Brett Young, Matt Alderman, Tiffany Goss)
8. “Don’t Take the Girl” (Written by Larry Johnson, Craig Martin)
Gary LeVox Launches New Wine Collection
/by LB CantrellGary LeVox & Russ Hayworth. Photo: Patrick Carroll
Country star Gary LeVox has partnered with Hayworth Estate Wines to launch a new wine collection, LEVOX WINES.
LeVox has a long-time friendship with Russ Hayworth, the founder of Oregon winery Hayworth Estate Wines. Their collaboration, LEVOX WINES, includes a pinot noir and pinot gris, available now exclusively via Hayworth Estate Wines.
LeVox shares, “Russ Hayworth and I have known each other for over 20 years. His beautiful vineyard, Hayworth Estate Wines, in Oregon is a staple in the community and I’m so excited to see this wine collection finally come to life. We’ve been working on this collaboration for quite some time now and have prepared an amazing Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris that are out of this world—aged and prepared just right. I can’t wait for everyone to get a hold of them and try some!”
“All of us at Hayworth Estate Wines are honored and excited to be working with Gary to launch LEVOX Wines,” adds Hayworth. “It’s the perfect blend, because good wine and good music are the product of artist passions coming together.”
The LEVOX 2021 Pinot Noir is a signature red wine grown in Oregon’s world-renowned Willamette Valley. It is aged in French oak for a rich and smooth body, and has subtle floral notes of dark cherry and strawberry, combined with a warm balance of earthy truffle and mushroom.
The LEVOX 2022 Pinot Gris is a very popular Oregon varietal, delivering very distinct notes of a floral bouquet on the nose followed by crisp notes of apple, pear, and citrus with a smooth clean finish.
Luke Bryan’s 9th Annual Crash My Playa Set For January
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan is heading back to the beach in 2024 with the return of his annual concert vacation Crash My Playa, set for Jan. 17-20, 2024.
The 2024 event weekend takes place at the Moon Palace Cancún, featuring four nights of country music on a private stretch of white sand beach from headliners Bryan (two nights), Jelly Roll (one night) and Jon Pardi (one night), a performance by Bailey Zimmerman and the return of Dustin Lynch’s all-day pool party. The full lineup of artists, pool parties, activities and adventures will be announced soon.
“The lineup this year has me fired up,” says Bryan. “Everyone knows I love to have a good time and I know these artists feel the same. There is nothing I love more than seeing all my friends in front of the stage as well as on the stage having the time of their lives and that is what Crash My Playa brings.”
All-inclusive Crash My Playa 2024 event packages will go on sale to the public on June 29 via crashmyplaya.com. Previous Crash My Playa guests as well as Luke and Jelly Roll’s fan club members will be invited to return to the beach via special Pre-Sales, which begin on June 28. Citi is the official card of Bryan’s Crash My Playa and Citi cardmembers will have access to Pre-Sale packages beginning June 28 through the Citi Entertainment program.
Tim McGraw Slates New Album ‘Standing Room Only’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughTim McGraw. Photo: Robby Klein
Tim McGraw has announced his new album Standing Room Only is set for release on Aug. 25 via Big Machine Records. He’s giving fans a taste of the new project with the new song “Hey Whiskey,” out now.
Standing Room Only features 13 brand new tracks and was produced by McGraw and longtime producer Byron Gallimore. Among the writers contributing to the new album are Craig Wiseman, Jaren Johnston, Lori McKenna, Chase McGill and Kameron Marlowe.
The new album, his 17th studio project, marks McGraw’s first new record since 2020’s Here On Earth, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Chart. In tandem with the pre-save going live today, fans can purchase a collectors bundle with their vinyl or CD, featuring a new t-shirt, collectible trading card and poster.
“As an artist, I always want to dig deeper and get better every time I make a new record – it’s a big part of what drives me, and I really believe this is one of the best projects we’ve made. I’ve been working on this album since 2020, and this collection of songs are some of the most emotional, thought-provoking, and life-affirming music I’ve ever recorded,” McGraw shares. “I’m excited to have ‘Hey Whiskey’ out so fans can start hearing more of what we’re working on – and maybe even more before August…”
Today’s release of “Hey Whiskey” and its lyric video follows the album’s first single/title track “Standing Room Only,” which was released in March and is climbing through the Top 20 on the charts. “Standing Room Only” marks McGraw’s 92nd entrance into Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart. Throughout his career, McGraw has amassed 68 Top 10s and holds the Mediabase record for the most weeks at No. 1 with all titles, totaling 73 weeks, and also holds the record for second-most No. 1 albums in the U.S. just behind George Strait.
Standing Room Only Track List:
“Hold On To It” (Written by Ryan Larkins, Seth Mosley, Jimmy Yeary)
“Standing Room Only” (Written by Tommy Cecil, Patrick Murphy, Craig Wiseman)
“Paper Umbrellas” (Written by Monty Criswell, Drake Milligan)
“Remember Me Well” (Written by Heather Morgan, Jimmy Robbins)
“Hey Whiskey” (Written by Brad Hutsell, Joel Hutsell, Brad Warren, Brett Warren)
“Her” (Written by Jason Gantt, Tim Nichols, Jimmy Yeary)
“Fool Me Again” (Written by Kameron Marlowe, Brad Warren, Brett Warren, Rob Williford)
“Small Town King” (Written by Jaren Johnston, Jenn Schott, Jeremy Stover)
“Beautiful Hurricane” (Written by Mike Lane, Tony Lane)
“Cowboy Junkie” (Written by Bill Luther, Lance Miller, Justin Weaver)
“Nashville CA/L.A. Tennessee (Featuring Lori McKenna)” (Written by Tim McGraw, Lori McKenna, Bob Minner)
“Some Songs Change Your World” (Written by Mark Irwin, Josh Kear, Lance Miller)
“Letter From Heaven” (Written by Chase McGill, Lori McKenna, Parker Welling)