Josh Turner performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Following the cancellation of the afternoon shows due to severe weather warnings, thousands of country music fans flooded into Nissan Stadium under cloudy skies for the final night of CMA Fest on Sunday night (June 11). The energy was electric for the closing performances of the legendary 50th anniversary year.
Throughout the night, those on stage regaled the early days of CMA Fest and thanked the fans for their continuous support through the years.
“There is nothing in the world like a country music fan, and we got a lot of them here tonight,” said Josh Turner, his voice booming as he opened the night.
Fans didn’t miss a beat as they sang along to his classics like “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Would You Go With Me” and “Your Man.” Turner also celebrated the newly 4x Platinum-certified “Long Black Train” with a rousing performance to close his set.
With over 40 total No. 1 country hits, more than 75 million records sold and over 200 awards from a variety of organizations, Alabama is one of the most successful bands in country music history. As they took the stage next for a surprise performance, the stadium was full of fans on their feet, jamming along to “Tennessee River,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” and “Mountain Music.” Blending “Dixieland Delight” with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” the entertainers celebrated over 50 years of music and honored their late bandmate, Jeff Cook.
Alabama performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
The Country Music Association presented Alabama with the Pinnacle Award to honor their career and accomplishments. The Pinnacle Award recognizes an artist or group who has undeniably redefined the pinnacle of success in the genre by achieving prominence through concert performances, consumption numbers, record sales and/or other significant industry achievements at levels unique for country music.
Following the legends, country newcomer Megan Moroney took the Platform Stage in Nissan Stadium. Donning Georgia red for her home state, she sang her rising hits “I’m Not Pretty” and “Tennessee Orange.” She thanked the fans for helping her grow her career over the last year to heights she had only dreamed.
Ashley McBryde performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville..
With an electric set, Ashley McBryde and her band kept the energy high after sundown. She thrilled fans with “Made for This” and her spunky hit “Brenda Put Your Bra On” before performing “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Everyone was singing along at the top of their lungs to her closing song, “One Night Standards.”
Nate Smith then took the Platform Stage for a heartfelt performance of “World On Fire,” reminiscing on how far music has brought him over the last year. Fans were sticking it out through the rain to hear him play “Whiskey On You” as he closed his set.
Dierks Bentley performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
The rain did not hold Dierks Bentley back as he doubled as a co-host and performer for CMA Fest’s final night. From the main stage, he had the fans on fire with “Burning Man,” “Gone,” “Gold” and “Up On The Ridge.” Joined by Charlie Worsham, his stellar set included a cover of Garth Brooks‘ “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” with both Worsham and Bentley on the mics.
Bentley wowed the crowd with an energetic lineup of “Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go)” and “5-1-5-0” before closing with a his hits “I Hold On” and fan-favorite “Drunk On A Plane.”
Tim McGraw performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Award-winning country superstar Tim McGraw packed punch after punch in his set, starting with his charged performance of “How Bad Do You Want It.” The crowd was keeping up with the energy, singing along to “Something Like That,” “Just To See You Smile,” “Southern Girl” and McGraw’s current single “Standing Room Only.”
He had the fans swooning as he sang “Real Good Man” and roaring to “Truck Yeah.” McGraw closed his set with some special guests—fifth and sixth grade students from the Metro Nashville Public Schools joined him onstage to sing and sign along to “Humble and Kind.” Ticket proceeds from CMA Fest go to the CMA Foundation’s work to provide students around the country with quality music education.
Luke Bryan performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Luke Bryan had the fans’ full attention as he took the stage for the last set of the 50th anniversary weekend. He opened with “That’s My Kind of Night” and had fans cheering to “Rain Is A Good Thing,” despite the afternoon’s weather.
Bryan’s newest single “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” helped fans forget their troubles as they raised their hands high to “Country On” and “What Makes You Country.” Early into the morning hours, Bryan hyped the crowd with the “Drunk On You,” “Down To One” and “Play It Again.”
Everyone was on their feet for Bryan’s finales, kicking it back with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and dancing it out to “I Don’t Want This Night To End”—a sentiment shared by all in attendance.
Margaret Jacobi Lee Joins The Orchard’s Nashville Office
/by Lorie HollabaughMargaret Jacobi Lee
Margaret Jacobi Lee has joined The Orchard as Senior Director of Marketing of the Nashville office. Lee joins the growing team and will report directly to Katie Studley, VP, Nashville.
Lee recently served as the Head of Marketing at AMFM, an artist management company representing Greta Van Fleet, Marcus King, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and more. She managed the digital team and developed comprehensive marketing campaigns at the company. Through previous experience at AWAL and Kobalt Label Services in New York, she has built artist resources, led brand initiatives and developed impactful release campaigns for acts such as The Strokes and Joss Stone.
“I’ve long admired The Orchard’s global footprint and their innovative data strategies. I’m excited to provide growth opportunities for artists in Nashville’s creative community with Katie Studley and a growing office,” shares Lee.
Luke Combs’ ‘Beautiful Crazy’ Earns Diamond Status
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Caryl Atwood (SVP, Commercial Partnerships, SMN), Ken Robold (EVP & COO, SMN), Luke Combs, Steve Hodges (EVP, Promotion & Artist Development, SMN), Rob Williford), Taylor Lindsey (SVP, A&R, SMN), Randy Goodman (Chairman & CEO, SMN) & Liz Cost, (VP, Marketing, SMN). Photo: David Bergman
Luke Combs‘ titanic hit “Beautiful Crazy” is officially Diamond-certified by the RIAA, meaning it has sold 10 million copies. The tune is only the sixth country song in RIAA history to achieve the feat.
Combs co-wrote “Beautiful Crazy” with Rob Williford and Wyatt Durrette as a bonus track to his 2017 debut album This One’s for You. Combs and Williford joined the Sony Music Nashville team to celebrate its Diamond certification at Comb’s CMA Fest Bootleggers Fan Club Party.
Combs performed “Beautiful Crazy” as part of his set at Nissan Stadium during Thursday night (June 8) of CMA Fest.
Chase McGill Enters The Top 5 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellChase McGill at ACM Songs & Stories, Powered by The Bluebird Cafe + NSAI held at the Omni PGA Frisco Resort on May 10, 2023 in Frisco, Texas.
Chase McGill moves from No. 7 to No. 5 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
McGill is a co-writer on Russell Dickerson’s “God Gave Me A Girl,” Jordan Davis’ “Next Thing You Know,” Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Luke Combs’ “5 Leaf Clover,” Luke Bryan’s “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” and Conner Smith’s “Creek Will Rise.”
Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Tracy Chapman (No. 2), Zach Bryan (No. 3) and Ryan Vojtesak (No. 4) complete the top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
The ‘Concert For Love & Acceptance’ Celebrates Powerful Night Of Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shelly Fairchild, Jamie Floyd, and Ty Herndon perform together onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance hosted by GLAAD at Wildhorse Saloon. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
Ty Herndon and GLAAD’s “Concert for Love & Acceptance” presented an evening of music and unity on June 7 at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville, showcasing a coalition of artists and celebrities dedicated to accelerating acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community.
Maddie & Tae perform onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
The concert featured performances from Herndon, Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Terri Clark, Pam Tillis, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron and Matt Bloyd.
Wendy Moten performs onstage during The Concert for Love & Acceptance. Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for GLAAD
“With all that’s going on in the world, this event has gained a new level of significance. I’m so grateful to the artists and fans who came together to send a message of love and acceptance from here at CMA Fest to LGBTQ people all around the globe,” said Herndon.
Daily Lineups Announced For Born & Raised Music Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Born & Raised Music Festival in Pryor, Oklahoma has announced the daily lineups for its third annual festival set for Sept. 14-16.
The country and camping experience at the Pryor Creek Music Festival Grounds will feature headliner Gary Allan on Thursday, Sept. 14 as well as sets from Wade Bowen, Reckless Kelly, Kaitlin Butts and the newest lineup addition Lance Roark, among others. Friday, Sept. 15 will include Texas band Whiskey Myers‘ headlining set and a late night set featuring The Texas Gentlemen in addition to performances from Ryan Bingham, Lukas Nelson + POTR, Flatland Cavalry and more. Oklahoma’s own Turnpike Troubadours to close out the festivities on Saturday, Sept. 16 along with Randy Rogers Band, Randy Houser, William Clark Green, The Red Clay Strays and more.
Additionally, Nicky James, Cliff Cody, Lucas Jagneaux & The Roadshow and John Goolsby will perform acoustic sets throughout the weekend.
The festival will also feature a kick-off celebration on Wednesday, Sept. 13 with a campground barbecue party featuring performances from 49 Winchester, The Damn Quails, Kat Hasty and Wyatt Flores. All three-day weekend passes include free access to the pre-party, along with a meal voucher to use during the kick-off celebration. Single day, weekend and camping passes are all on sale now. The campgrounds for Born & Raised will open on Sunday, Sept. 10 with General Admission and VIP camping options still available for purchase. For more information, click here.
Shane McAnally, Brandy Clark-Penned Musical ‘Shucked’ Wins Historic Tony Award
/by Caela GriffinAlex Newell as Lulu in Shucked at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City. Photo: Emilio Madrid
Shucked, the musical written by Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and produced by Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen alongside Broadway producer Mike Bosner, earned nine Tony nominations, and won one last night (June 11) at this year’s 76th annual awards ceremony.
Alex Newell made history as the first openly non-binary actor to win the Tony for Best Actor in a Featured Role In a Musical for their role as Lulu.
“To my entire building and cast and crew of Shucked, you are my rock. I love you all. Thank you for seeing me,” said Newell in their acceptance speech. “Broadway, I should not be up here as a queer, nonbinary, fat, Black little baby from Massachusetts. And to anyone that thinks that they can’t do it, I’m going to look you dead in your face and tell you that you can do anything you put your mind to.”
On the musical’s opening night (April 4), Newell’s powerhouse performance of the now-hit “Independently Owned” garnered the first of many standing ovations for the night.
Staged at New York City’s Nederlander Theater, Shucked is a tale from the heart of the heartlands helmed by prior Tony winners—featuring a book written by Robert Horn and direction by Jack O’Brien. The show is also nominated for 12 Drama Desk Awards, seven Outer Critics Circle Awards and three Drama League Awards.
The Shucked – Original Broadway Cast Recording is available on all streaming platforms and on CD. The album is produced by Jason Howland, Billy Jay Stein, and the show’s composers McAnally and Clark.
Bethany Mako Rejoins Warner Chappell Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBethany Mako has rejoined Warner Chappell Music as A&R Manager.
Mako comes to Warner Chappell from Songs & Daughters, where she was a Creative Manager on the team, working closely with Nicolle Galyon, Lauren Watkins and Tiera Kennedy. Prior to joining Songs & Daughters, Mako started her career at Warner Chappell, rising through the ranks from intern to assistant and then A&R Coordinator.
“We’re so happy to welcome Bethany Mako back to Warner Chappell,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO of Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “She literally brightens up every room that she’s in and her passion for music and songwriters has always shined through in her work. We’re incredibly excited to have her back on the team, and I’m really looking forward to working with her during this new chapter of her career.”
“I started at Warner Chappell as a 19-year-old intern, so it feels surreal to be back in this role,” says Mako. “I’m so grateful to Ben Vaughn, Phil May, and the rest of the team for being so supportive and welcoming me back with open arms. Warner Chappell is home to the best songwriters in the world, and it is an honor to be a part of their careers!”
Naomi Cooke Johnson Signs Solo Deal With BMG/BBR Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughNaomi Cooke Johnson. Photo: P Tracy
Naomi Cooke Johnson, former lead vocalist of Runaway June, has signed with BMG/BBR Music Group. The upbeat “Girls of Summer” is the first taste of new music from Cooke Johnson as a solo artist, and is set for release June 23.
Raised in rural Virginia, Cooke Johnson was given her first guitar at age seven. By 15, she was helping support her family by waiting tables in a Florida restaurant until the seas of Alaska came calling, and she took a job as a deckhand on a salmon fishing boat.
She later moved to Nashville and began playing late night gigs at the legendary Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge as a staff musician. Leaning on influences like Bonnie Raitt and Shania Twain, Cooke Johnson began crafting songs about her life’s struggles and determination to overcome them. During her time as part of Runaway June, she helped craft many of the group’s hits, including the Gold-certified top 5 hit “Buy My Own Drinks.”
“Naomi’s evolution as an artist inspired us to write this next chapter together. Her spirited approach to songwriting, unbridled creativity and dogged persistence of her singular vision offers something unique to the world of music,” says BMG/ BBR Music Group GM Peter Strickland.
“I could not be more excited to be back with BMG/BBR Music Group,” says Cooke Johnson. “The teams in Nashville and around the world are unparalleled. They have fully embraced my vision, identity and the music I am creating…this time as Naomi Cooke Johnson.”
Cooke Johnson has also signed with artist management team Fusion Music/Red Light Management and inked a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music.
CMA Fest Night 4: Alabama, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan & More Close Out The Weekend
/by Caela GriffinJosh Turner performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Following the cancellation of the afternoon shows due to severe weather warnings, thousands of country music fans flooded into Nissan Stadium under cloudy skies for the final night of CMA Fest on Sunday night (June 11). The energy was electric for the closing performances of the legendary 50th anniversary year.
Throughout the night, those on stage regaled the early days of CMA Fest and thanked the fans for their continuous support through the years.
“There is nothing in the world like a country music fan, and we got a lot of them here tonight,” said Josh Turner, his voice booming as he opened the night.
Fans didn’t miss a beat as they sang along to his classics like “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” “Would You Go With Me” and “Your Man.” Turner also celebrated the newly 4x Platinum-certified “Long Black Train” with a rousing performance to close his set.
With over 40 total No. 1 country hits, more than 75 million records sold and over 200 awards from a variety of organizations, Alabama is one of the most successful bands in country music history. As they took the stage next for a surprise performance, the stadium was full of fans on their feet, jamming along to “Tennessee River,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)” and “Mountain Music.” Blending “Dixieland Delight” with “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” the entertainers celebrated over 50 years of music and honored their late bandmate, Jeff Cook.
Alabama performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
The Country Music Association presented Alabama with the Pinnacle Award to honor their career and accomplishments. The Pinnacle Award recognizes an artist or group who has undeniably redefined the pinnacle of success in the genre by achieving prominence through concert performances, consumption numbers, record sales and/or other significant industry achievements at levels unique for country music.
Following the legends, country newcomer Megan Moroney took the Platform Stage in Nissan Stadium. Donning Georgia red for her home state, she sang her rising hits “I’m Not Pretty” and “Tennessee Orange.” She thanked the fans for helping her grow her career over the last year to heights she had only dreamed.
Ashley McBryde performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville..
With an electric set, Ashley McBryde and her band kept the energy high after sundown. She thrilled fans with “Made for This” and her spunky hit “Brenda Put Your Bra On” before performing “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Everyone was singing along at the top of their lungs to her closing song, “One Night Standards.”
Nate Smith then took the Platform Stage for a heartfelt performance of “World On Fire,” reminiscing on how far music has brought him over the last year. Fans were sticking it out through the rain to hear him play “Whiskey On You” as he closed his set.
Dierks Bentley performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
The rain did not hold Dierks Bentley back as he doubled as a co-host and performer for CMA Fest’s final night. From the main stage, he had the fans on fire with “Burning Man,” “Gone,” “Gold” and “Up On The Ridge.” Joined by Charlie Worsham, his stellar set included a cover of Garth Brooks‘ “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” with both Worsham and Bentley on the mics.
Bentley wowed the crowd with an energetic lineup of “Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go)” and “5-1-5-0” before closing with a his hits “I Hold On” and fan-favorite “Drunk On A Plane.”
Tim McGraw performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Award-winning country superstar Tim McGraw packed punch after punch in his set, starting with his charged performance of “How Bad Do You Want It.” The crowd was keeping up with the energy, singing along to “Something Like That,” “Just To See You Smile,” “Southern Girl” and McGraw’s current single “Standing Room Only.”
He had the fans swooning as he sang “Real Good Man” and roaring to “Truck Yeah.” McGraw closed his set with some special guests—fifth and sixth grade students from the Metro Nashville Public Schools joined him onstage to sing and sign along to “Humble and Kind.” Ticket proceeds from CMA Fest go to the CMA Foundation’s work to provide students around the country with quality music education.
Luke Bryan performs at Nissan Stadium on Sunday, June 11 during CMA Fest 2023 in downtown Nashville.
Luke Bryan had the fans’ full attention as he took the stage for the last set of the 50th anniversary weekend. He opened with “That’s My Kind of Night” and had fans cheering to “Rain Is A Good Thing,” despite the afternoon’s weather.
Bryan’s newest single “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” helped fans forget their troubles as they raised their hands high to “Country On” and “What Makes You Country.” Early into the morning hours, Bryan hyped the crowd with the “Drunk On You,” “Down To One” and “Play It Again.”
Everyone was on their feet for Bryan’s finales, kicking it back with “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” and dancing it out to “I Don’t Want This Night To End”—a sentiment shared by all in attendance.
Chris Lane Signs With Red Street Records
/by LB CantrellChris Lane. Photo: Sean O’Halloran
Multi-Platinum country artist Chris Lane has signed a new record deal with Jay DeMarcus’ Red Street Records, in partnership with Lane’s new endeavor, Voyager Records.
Pictured: Chris Lane, Red Street Records and Red Light Management team members. Photo: Xander Calhoun
Lane celebrated his new record deal at CMA Fest over the weekend. The team at Red Street Records and Lane’s representatives at Red Light Management took over SiriusXM The Highway’s Music Row Happy House at Margaritaville to share the news.
Lane brings 1.7 billion on-demand streams, three career No. 1 hits, three Platinum and two multi-Platinum singles to Red Street Records. He has been nominated for iHeart Radio Music Awards, Radio Disney Music Awards and ACM Awards, and has made major television appearances on shows such as The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Bachelor, Seth Meyers, Conan, Today Show and more.
“I was looking for the right partner for my new music and venture Voyager Records and found it in Red Street Records,” Lane says. “Not only is Red Street an artist-driven label that supports my vision for music but Jay DeMarcus has been and continues to be a great friend. I have been spending the time needed to write and record new music and can’t wait to share what I have been working on real soon.”
Red Street’s DeMarcus shares, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Chris join our family here at Red Street. We’ve been friends since he opened for [Rascal Flatts] in the summer of 2016. It has been so much fun for me to watch him turn into the star that he has become over the last few years, and now we have the privilege of being his label home.
“I have been so impressed with his growth musically both as a singer and a songwriter,” DeMarcus continues. “I cannot wait for everyone to hear what he’s been up to in the studio. He’s gonna surprise a lot of folks. I am even more impressed with the man Chris is, and he defines the kind of artist that we want to be in business with. This a big day for Red Street Records!”