It’s an all-female country roundup in this edition of DISClaimer.
Tanya Tucker, Brandy Clark and Joydyn Shellhart have the best songs. There are memories of Tina Turner and Olivia Newton John lingering in the air. Hannah Dasher, Harper Grace and Morgan Wade sound like stars in training.
If there’s a downside to all of this, it’s that this stack of releases is way ballad heavy. The two ear catching tempo tunes belong to Runaway June and to Carrie Underwood, who wins the Disc of the Day award.
To our list of DisCovery winners, add the name of the HuneyFire duo. They have all the spark needed to start a fire.
HARPER GRACE / “Oh Say Can You See”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Alex Kline/Tedd T; Label: Curb Records
– I am wild about her “Sparkle” debut single. This autobiographical ballad track is promise fulfilled. It’s an anti-bullying lyric addressed to her hurting, 11-year-old self. She tells herself that she’ll get off her knees and sing to crowds one day.
BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE / “Dear Insecurity”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Michael Pollack; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– Clark is firing on all cylinders this year. She is Tony nominated for the Shucked Broadway musical, and she has a new album produced by Americana superstar Brandi Carlile, who is her duet partner on this lilting ballad. Strings soar while the brilliant song craftswoman weaves her magic spell. Have I mentioned I also think that she is an awesome singer?
HUNEYFIRE / “Too Late for Sorry”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– This is an Afro-Latina mother-daughter country act. Both women sing the fire outta this torrid heartache ballad. They swap verses powerfully, but don’t actually harmonize, which is a disappointment. Mom Cheaza Figueroa is the daughter of former Ikette Barbara Cook, who danced and sang backing the late, great Tina Turner. Daughter Marriana Nevarez’s father Alfred Nevarez is a founding member of the hit pop group All-4-One (”I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That”).
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.
HANNAH DASHER / “Ugly Houses”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Robert Arthur; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Label: HD
– Delightful. I dig everything about this bodacious artist. What’s not to like? She has wit and charm and is as country as grits. She even has her own YouTube channel.
TANYA TUCKER / “When the Rodeo Is Over”
Writers: Billy Don Burns/Craig Dillingham/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Shooter Jennings/Brandi Carlile; Label: Fantasy
– Sad and wistful. Tucker pushes emotional buttons as she unspools the tale of a broken-down, wino cowboy who used to be a rodeo champ. This downbeat narrative ballad is what country music does best. Bless her for always having her heart in the right place. The new album is titled Sweet Western Sound. And it is.
MORGAN WADE / “Psychopath”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– The title tune of Wade’s sophomore album doesn’t sound like you might expect, given that it is such a emotionally charged word. Rather, it’s a lilting love song. Listen for yourself. I think you’ll dig it.
KELLY LANG & OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN / “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Primary Wave Music
– The late Olivia’s swan song was this duet with the lustrous Nashville vocalist Kelly Lang. The ultra melodic 1971 Bee Gees oldie sounds shimmering when they harmonize.
JORDYN SHELLHART / “Maybe Someday You’ll Have a Daughter”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Courtney Dashe; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– When people ask me who I’m excited about these days, I tell them, “Jordyn Shellhart.” This extraordinary song is one reason why. In the lyric, she gives herself to a no-good guy who breaks her heart. Her loss of innocence, her abandonment and her pain spill out eloquently as she muses about his future. Her debut album is titled Primrose. I urge you to experience it.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Hands on the Wheel”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of her debut EP is a moody, bluesy and utterly compelling mid-tempo rush. Her gravely, aching voice grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She’s drivin’ and cryin,’ trying to keep it between the lines as she speeds to heal a broken heart.
LORI McKENNA & HILLARY LINDSEY / “Killing Me”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label CN Records
– This has a charming, jingle-jangle quality. The track rumbles along merrily, but the lyric is anything but merry. “Would it kill you to be happy?/Because trying to make you happy is killing me.” She’s pretty miserable, folks, no matter what the rhythm section says.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “Make Me Wanna Smoke”
Writers: Jason Sellers/Ella Langley/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward romp their way through this thumping urban rocker with sass to spare. The relationship might be wrong, but she’s going for it anyway.
Cooper Alan Announces Fall Canadian Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughCooper Alan has announced he’s heading back north this fall for his first Canadian tour.
The rising country star will perform in six cities on the country’s west coast, including Winnipeg, Edmonton and Vancouver, starting on Oct. 25. The new tour comes after Alan connected with thousands of Canadian fans this spring. In March, he played three sold-out shows during his debut performance in the Great White North, selling over 3,000 tickets.
“I loved going to Canada in the spring and it felt like a second home,” says Alan. “After receiving lots of messages about coming back, I’m excited to head to Western Canada this October!”
A viral TikTok sensation, the indie artist has built a fanbase of more than 10 million followers and earned over 200 million streams with his music. He’s enjoyed chart success with singles including “New Normal,” “Tough Ones,” “Colt 45 (Country Remix)” and “Can’t Dance.”
Avery King Opens New PR Firm, King Publicity
/by LB CantrellAvery King. Photo: Alex Sharp
Avery King has formed her own public relations firm: King Publicity.
Prior to starting her own firm, King served as Director of Publicity at Elicity PR. With the company for seven years, King worked with Elicity clients Easton Corbin, Ben Rector, Carter Faith, Austin Burke and more.
At her new firm, King will continue to represent clients Faith and Burke, as well as Aaron Watson and Anna Rose.
“Since I moved to Nashville seven years ago, I’ve been lucky enough to work with countless incredibly talented people. Along the way, I’ve made it my mission to encourage many artists to chase their dreams fearlessly, while providing them the best support I can,” shares King. “Now, it’s my turn to follow my own advice. I can’t even express how honored and grateful I am to have such an amazing group of people in my corner cheering me on every step of the way. I look forward to continuing this journey and finding new ways to better serve my clients and meet their needs.”
King has been included on multiple executives-to-watch lists. She spent many years leading the board of SOLID, a local non-profit, where she coordinated efforts to raise over $400,000 for the organization. King was a driving force behind the group’s launch of their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion task force, a coordinated effort to increase representation in the industry.
Reach King at avery@kingpublicity.com.
Kelsea Ballerini’s Short Film ‘Rolling Up The Welcome Mat’ Wins Multiple Telly Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini has earned three Telly awards for her self-directed short film, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat.
Ballerini was honored with two Gold statues for her work as a director and creator of the short film in their General Music category, as well as a Silver Award in the Social Video Category. She created Rolling Up The Welcome Mat as a deeper tableau to capture and convey the emotions that went into writing and recording her Rolling Up The Welcome Mat EP. Filmed in a minimalist environment, the 20-minute video struck a nerve with fans and music critics alike.
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies including Adobe, BBC World Service, Netflix, Dow Jones, Complex Networks, Jennifer Garner, A&E Networks, Hearst Media, Nickelodeon, National Geographic Society, ESPN Films, RYOT, Partizan and Vimeo.
“Music and songwriting are what I feel most compelled in life to create, but for this EP, I was intrigued to take it one step further by writing and directing this short film,” says Ballerini. “The songs are so autobiographical to my life, and it was scary to put those songs in focus visually, but the reaction from viewers and today’s recognition from The Telly Awards really assures me that it’s okay to make bold moves musically and creatively.”
“The caliber of the work this season coming from creators such as Kelsea Ballerini truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” says Tellys Executive Director Sabrina Dridje. “Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, crafting truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and companies big and small are turning to more sustainable practices to break the cycle of past production processes.”
Ricochet Signs With Encore Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Josh Bleidt, Spinning Plates Management; Heath Wright, Ricochet; Justin Ward, Encore Music Group. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media
Award-winning ’90s country group Ricochet has signed with Encore Music Group.
Best known for their chart-topping, Gold-selling single, “Daddy’s Money,” and Top 10 hits, “What Do I Know” and “Love Is Stronger Than Pride,” the group is preparing their first new album in over a decade, Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More. Distributed by Smith Music Group, the project is slated for release on August 18 and will mark the 30th anniversary of the band’s formation in 1993.
With various tracks being produced by Robert Wright, Justin Spears, Pat McMakin and Eric Silver, the 16-track album reflects Ricochet’s past success with new renditions of their classic hits, and introduces eight new songs as well.
Ricochet original lead vocalist Heath Wright has maintained the group’s legacy and fan base through the years and is joined by current band members Chris Hempfling (vocals, drums), Rick Toops (vocals, keys), Bruce Bennett (vocals, bass) and Larry Hight (vocals, rhythm/lead guitar, steel, dobro, and saxophone) on the new project.
“This is an exciting time for Ricochet. The ’90s era of country music is hotter than ever and people are able to find our music quicker than ever, so to release our hits and new music for the first time in over 20 years is exciting,” says Wright. “I hope everyone enjoys hearing these new recordings as much as we loved recording them. We went in and gave our old hits a new shine and then recorded some long-overdue new material for the fans. It is, in my opinion, the very best of Ricochet… Then and Now!”
“We are really excited about this forthcoming recording project from the award-winning band Ricochet,” says Justin Ward, President of Encore Music Group. “They are one of the most beloved vocal groups in country music history and Heath Wright’s vocals are as strong as ever! We can’t wait to get this music out to their fans and watch a new legion of fans discover them for the first time!”
Ricochet Then & Now… The Hits & More is the second album released by Encore Music Group this year to meet the current mainstream demand for the resurgence of ’90s country—one that Spotify indicates has grown 150% since 2018 (70% among Gen Z users). The streaming service cites an estimated 89 million playlists from Gen Z users containing ’90s country tracks with as many fans between 19-24 who listen to ’90s country playlists as fans over 45.
Ricochet Then & Now…The Hits & More Track Listing:
Then:
What Do I Know
Daddy’s Money
Love Is Stronger Than Pride
He Left A Lot To Be Desired
What You Leave Behind
That’s Love
Now:
Keep You Lovin’ Me
No Wrong Way
It’s Gonna Be Something
The Beauty of Who You Are
Feel Like Fallin’
I Knew
I Had To Be
Sweet Tea
Freedom Isn’t Free
Black River Publishing Signs McCall Chapin
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Black River’s Gordon Kerr, Shackelford, Bowen, McKinley & Norton’s Lauren Kilgore, McCall Chapin; Black River’s Sarah Hudspeth, Rebekah Gordon and Preston Berger. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment
Black River Publishing has signed songwriter McCall Chapin.
The Tallahassee, Florida native moved to Nashville in 2018 to study songwriting at Belmont University. During her time at Belmont, she had the opportunity to work for Warner Chappell Music as a songwriting intern, putting her in the room with notable hitmakers and opening many doors. Chapin’s powerful lyrics and melodies have already garnered her several major cuts and indie releases.
“McCall was a stand-out, no brainer writer to pursue as a partner with Black River,” says Rebekah Gordon, VP of Publishing, Black River Entertainment. “I’m beyond excited for the rest of the music community to get to know her amazing ability to craft a song that is impactful to audiences from all genres. She is an exceptional human being, and I’m so proud to be a part of her career as a future hit songwriter.”
“I am so excited that I get to call Black River home,” says Chapin. “From the moment I met the team, I was so drawn to their passion for well-crafted songs and loved the way they champion their writers. I feel that they share my vision for the future, and I just can’t wait to see what we do together.”
Romeo Entertainment Group Launches New Division For Brand Partnerships & Sponsorship
/by Lorie HollabaughR.J. Romeo, Trent Michales
Romeo Entertainment Group has launched the new Colossal Events Group, a strategic partnership, sponsorship and brand activation company based in Nashville.
Colossal Events Group has already amassed a roster of clients including Circa Resort & Casino Las Vegas, Afterburner Music Festival, The Pacific Airshow, Hell’s Kitchen Season 21 Winner Alex Belew, Mississippi Valley Fair, Tailgate N Tallboys and Country Jam USA, among others. The company has also established brand partnerships with Diageo, Kwik Trip, Anheuser Busch, Great Clips and Mark Anthony Brands.
With its data-driven approach, the new division is set to provide strategic partnerships, brand activations and customized growth strategies to both existing REG clientele across the county and events not yet on the agency’s roster.
“As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, we are thrilled to introduce Colossal Events Group, our latest venture specializing in strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and brand activations,” says R.J. Romeo, President & CEO of Romeo Entertainment Group. “At its core, this division’s main focus is to bridge the gap between brands and the live events industry, unlocking the full potential of strategic brand partnerships at fairs and festivals throughout the country. This significant expansion solidifies our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers and partners. For almost 70 years our family has strived to deliver exceptional value and drive sustainable growth for our roster. We are now poised, and eager, to launch the next phase of REG’s growth and provide an unprecedented level of expertise across the entire live entertainment sector.”
Trent Michaels, Director of Brand Partnerships at REG and Partner in Colossal Events Group, adds, “The establishment of Colossal Events Group within Romeo Entertainment Group brings two powerful developments. Firstly, we’re now in a position to amplify the voices of significant, privately-held festivals that previously operated independently. Secondly, our expanded capacity enables us to undertake larger projects for top-tier venues nationwide. Our mission at Colossal Events Group centers around simplifying the brand engagement process and facilitating mutually beneficial partnerships in the entertainment landscape.”
The move marks the third significant expansion in the past three years for Romeo Entertainment Group. In January 2020, Beckon Entertainment and Romeo Entertainment Group joined forces to create BERO Entertainment Group, a full-service operations and logistics company offering production and talent buying solutions for corporate events and festivals. In May 2021, Romeo Entertainment Group acquired a majority stake in event marketing company Grayscale Marketing.
Jordan Davis Takes ‘Next Thing You Know’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellJordan Davis returns to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Next Thing You Know.”
Co-written with Greylan James, Chase McGill and Josh Osborne, the tune appears on Davis’ Bluebird Days album, which also includes his multi-week No. 1 “What My World Spins Around” and award-winning collaboration with Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt.”
Davis will hit the road on his “Damn Good Time Tour” starting in August and running through October, bringing with him a myriad of openers, including James, Avery Anna, Gabby Barrett, Danielle Bradbery, Flatland Calvary, Dylan Marlowe, Kameron Marlowe, Mike Ryan, Connor Smith and Georgia Webster.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carrie Underwood ‘Rocks Out On This Defiant Stomper’
/by Robert K OermannIt’s an all-female country roundup in this edition of DISClaimer.
Tanya Tucker, Brandy Clark and Joydyn Shellhart have the best songs. There are memories of Tina Turner and Olivia Newton John lingering in the air. Hannah Dasher, Harper Grace and Morgan Wade sound like stars in training.
If there’s a downside to all of this, it’s that this stack of releases is way ballad heavy. The two ear catching tempo tunes belong to Runaway June and to Carrie Underwood, who wins the Disc of the Day award.
To our list of DisCovery winners, add the name of the HuneyFire duo. They have all the spark needed to start a fire.
HARPER GRACE / “Oh Say Can You See”
Writers: Harper Grace/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Alex Kline/Tedd T; Label: Curb Records
– I am wild about her “Sparkle” debut single. This autobiographical ballad track is promise fulfilled. It’s an anti-bullying lyric addressed to her hurting, 11-year-old self. She tells herself that she’ll get off her knees and sing to crowds one day.
BRANDY CLARK & BRANDI CARLILE / “Dear Insecurity”
Writers: Brandy Clark/Michael Pollack; Producer: Brandi Carlile; Label: Warner Records
– Clark is firing on all cylinders this year. She is Tony nominated for the Shucked Broadway musical, and she has a new album produced by Americana superstar Brandi Carlile, who is her duet partner on this lilting ballad. Strings soar while the brilliant song craftswoman weaves her magic spell. Have I mentioned I also think that she is an awesome singer?
HUNEYFIRE / “Too Late for Sorry”
Writers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Producers: Cheaza Figueroa/Jason Pennock; Label: Double Decades Entertainment
– This is an Afro-Latina mother-daughter country act. Both women sing the fire outta this torrid heartache ballad. They swap verses powerfully, but don’t actually harmonize, which is a disappointment. Mom Cheaza Figueroa is the daughter of former Ikette Barbara Cook, who danced and sang backing the late, great Tina Turner. Daughter Marriana Nevarez’s father Alfred Nevarez is a founding member of the hit pop group All-4-One (”I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That”).
CARRIE UNDERWOOD / “Out of That Truck”
Writers: Carrie Underwood/David Garcia/Lydia Vaughan; Producers: David Garcia/Carrie Underwood; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Carrie rocks out on this defiant stomper addressed to her ex. She vows that no matter how hard he tries, he’ll never erase her memory from his truck, because they shared so much in it. A winner.
HANNAH DASHER / “Ugly Houses”
Writers: Hannah Dasher/Robert Arthur; Producer: Ilya Toshinskiy; Label: HD
– Delightful. I dig everything about this bodacious artist. What’s not to like? She has wit and charm and is as country as grits. She even has her own YouTube channel.
TANYA TUCKER / “When the Rodeo Is Over”
Writers: Billy Don Burns/Craig Dillingham/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Shooter Jennings/Brandi Carlile; Label: Fantasy
– Sad and wistful. Tucker pushes emotional buttons as she unspools the tale of a broken-down, wino cowboy who used to be a rodeo champ. This downbeat narrative ballad is what country music does best. Bless her for always having her heart in the right place. The new album is titled Sweet Western Sound. And it is.
MORGAN WADE / “Psychopath”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Ladylike Records/RCA Nashville
– The title tune of Wade’s sophomore album doesn’t sound like you might expect, given that it is such a emotionally charged word. Rather, it’s a lilting love song. Listen for yourself. I think you’ll dig it.
KELLY LANG & OLIVIA NEWTON JOHN / “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”
Writers: Barry Gibb/Robin Gibb; Producer: Kelly Lang; Label: Primary Wave Music
– The late Olivia’s swan song was this duet with the lustrous Nashville vocalist Kelly Lang. The ultra melodic 1971 Bee Gees oldie sounds shimmering when they harmonize.
JORDYN SHELLHART / “Maybe Someday You’ll Have a Daughter”
Writers: Jordyn Shellhart/Courtney Dashe; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– When people ask me who I’m excited about these days, I tell them, “Jordyn Shellhart.” This extraordinary song is one reason why. In the lyric, she gives herself to a no-good guy who breaks her heart. Her loss of innocence, her abandonment and her pain spill out eloquently as she muses about his future. Her debut album is titled Primrose. I urge you to experience it.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Hands on the Wheel”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman/Natalie Hemby; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– The title tune of her debut EP is a moody, bluesy and utterly compelling mid-tempo rush. Her gravely, aching voice grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. She’s drivin’ and cryin,’ trying to keep it between the lines as she speeds to heal a broken heart.
LORI McKENNA & HILLARY LINDSEY / “Killing Me”
Writers: Lori McKenna/Hillary Lindsey/Luke Laird; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label CN Records
– This has a charming, jingle-jangle quality. The track rumbles along merrily, but the lyric is anything but merry. “Would it kill you to be happy?/Because trying to make you happy is killing me.” She’s pretty miserable, folks, no matter what the rhythm section says.
RUNAWAY JUNE / “Make Me Wanna Smoke”
Writers: Jason Sellers/Ella Langley/Bobby Hamrick; Producer: Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward romp their way through this thumping urban rocker with sass to spare. The relationship might be wrong, but she’s going for it anyway.
Blake Shelton & Lee Metzger Launch Lucky Horseshoe Productions
/by Liza AndersonLee Metzger & Blake Shelton. Photo: Steve Lopez
Blake Shelton and acclaimed showrunner Lee Metzger have launched their new production company, Lucky Horseshoe Productions.
This announcement follows Shelton’s departure from NBC’s The Voice, after serving as a coach for 23 seasons. Shelton and Metzger, who executive produced the singing competition show’s first 13 seasons, met on set of The Voice and have since developed a successful business relationship.
Shelton has 28 No. 1 country radio singles and has received numerous awards, including six ACMs, three AMAs, ten CMAs, 11 CMTs, six People’s Choice Awards and more. Metzger previously worked as Executive Producer on HBO Max’s Legendary in addition to writing, directing and producing the podcast adaptation of Stephen King’s short story Strawberry Spring, which he is currently adapting as a feature film.
Their last collaboration, hit competition series Barmageddon, was recently nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and just wrapped its second season.
Lucky Horseshoe Productions now marks a new chapter in Shelton and Metzger’s partnership. Represented by Verve, the company plans to produce captivating, genre-spanning content across various platforms using the founders’ expertise and strength as a driving force.
“I’m excited to partner with my longtime friend and creative rainmaker, Lee Metzger,” says Shelton. “He was one of the first people I met at The Voice and we’re enjoying working together currently on Barmageddon. We’ve always been in sync on ideas and projects that interest and excite us. So long as Lee doesn’t screw this up, it’s going to be great,” he laughs.
“Over the years of working with Blake, we’ve created some incredible T.V. moments, now with the success of Barmageddon, we’ve realized we have a creative point of view that an audience loves to watch,” says Metzger. Laughing, he adds, “I’m looking forward to producing our own brand of entertainment and years of success with Blake. Besides, now that he’s left The Voice, it’s not like he has anything better to do.”
Toby Keith Acquires Fishing Brand Luck E Strike
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith
Toby Keith has acquired bait and tackle brand Luck E Strike.
Endorsed by National Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer Jimmy Houston and operated by sporting goods industry vets Jeff Williams (General Manager) and Todd Hempen (Operations Manager), the company is relaunching this summer with a new focus on its traditional American made division in Greenwood, Arkansas, while maintaining the current assortments sold nationwide, as well as a new slogan: “An American Original Since 1970.”
“They’ve got a lot of history,” Keith says. “It’s actually one of the earliest fishing brands that is universally stocked in national retailers. This team is so good and the brand and product speak for themselves. Through the years Luck E Strike has sold hundreds of SKUs nationally at major retailers. Unfortunately, that business has dwindled some but we’re going to build that back up, add some rod-and-reel combos, apparel, fishing tools, and tackle systems. We will put this brand back at the level it deserves.”
In the bass fishing world Luck E Strike is well known for tackle kits, hand-crafted crank baits and its Redman Spinner Bait. The latter was designed by Houston, who used it successfully for decades and led to his two 1st Place Finishes at the Bassmaster Classic. Trading in its prior yellow and black packaging, the Redman Spinner will be the first lure to lead the company’s new red, white and blue packaged product line in the coming months.
Houston, the host of the 46-year running Jimmy Houston Outdoors television show, is the company’s biggest brand ambassador.
“In addition to being one of the best singers and songwriters, Toby Keith is an incredible patriot,” Houston said. “Tying those two together in an American lure company known for making outstanding bass and crappie lures at great prices is so exciting. As his friend, I’m happy seeing the fire in his eyes over this company. It’s a big deal for the fishing industry as a whole to have him involved and bringing this brand back to where it ought to be.”