Kyle Jacobs
Award-winning songwriter and producer Kyle Jacobs died Friday (Feb. 17) at age 49. Metro Nashville police says Jacobs’ death is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Jacobs was the husband of country singer Kellie Pickler and starred alongside her in the CMT reality series I Love Kellie Pickler. They married in 2011.
Born in Bloomington, Minnesota, Jacobs moved to Nashville in 2000. After years of hard work–including time painting houses and sleeping in his car–Jacobs notched his first No. 1 as a songwriter in 2003 with “8th World Wonder.” He was a co-writer on one of the fasting-rising singles in country music history at the time, Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory.” Jacobs also co-wrote top 10 singles “Still” by Tim McGraw, and “Dust” by Eli Young Band.
Jacobs, who was a staff writer at Curb|Word Publishing, celebrated multiple No. 1 hits alongside Lee Brice as as songwriter or producer, including “Hard To Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class,” “Rumor,” “One Of Them Girls,” “Memory I Don’t Mess With” and “Soul.” The day before his death, Jacobs made a social media post celebrating the Platinum certification of Brice’s Hey World album.
Jacobs is an ACM winner, having taken home the trophy in 2013 for Song of the Year with “I Drive Your Truck.”
After Jacobs’ passing, Lee Brice offered, “These past few days have truly been some of the hardest of my life. At times, I feel lost and buried under this deep sadness. Other times, I sit and remember all the times with Kyle that bring me comfort and make me smile. He was, without a doubt, one of the best people anyone could ever hope to have in their corner…I am eternally grateful for having him in mine. I’ll keep Kellie, his family and everyone who was touched by him close to my heart. I’ll miss you til we meet again..I love you, brother.”
Curb | Word Chairman, Mike Curb, shared, “Kyle Jacobs was one of those amazing creative talents who understood all genres of music. He came into Curb’s life when he wrote “8th World Wonder,” which was the first Pop single by Kimberly Locke after her amazing performance on American Idol. He proceeded to create the only Country record to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard chart, “More Than A Memory” by Garth Brooks, which he composed with Billy Montana and Lee Brice. Among his many other successes, he composed Tim McGraw’s hit “Still” and Lee Brice’s #1 Billboard single “Rumor,” and he co-produced with Ben Glover Lee Brice’s current and most successful album, which has just been certified Platinum. The album includes “Save The Roses” and “Do Not Disturb,” some of the most poignant songs ever written, which are a major tribute to Kyle’s legacy that we will always cherish. Most importantly, Kyle was part of our Curb | Word family and an inspiration to all of us.”
Curb | Word VP, Country Publishing & Creative, Colt Murski, shared, “Kyle was such an amazing person. He was my best friend, my best man, and my champion. I had the honor of working with him for over 18 years and cherished every moment. He was an amazing musician, songwriter, and producer. He was a part of so many amazing songs. He was a friend to so many people and he touched so many lives around the world. He was the kind of guy you could go to for advice, guidance, or a good laugh. I’m going to miss him forever.”
Tripp Howell Signs Joint Pub Deal With Jimmie Allen, Endurance Music Group
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Endurance Music Group Senior Vice President Mark Ahlberg, Tripp Howell with son James, Jimmie Allen, Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin
Founding Lanco band member/songwriter Tripp Howell has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Endurance Music Group and multi-Platinum artist/EMG songwriter Jimmie Allen.
A Dalton, Georgia native, Howell moved to Nashville in 2012 and formed Lanco shortly after. He has writing credit on numerous Lanco cuts, including the band’s singles “Rival” and “What I See.” A longtime collaborator with Allen, Howell co-wrote “Deserve to Be” from Allen’s debut record, Mercury Lane, Allen’s single “Big in a Small Town,” (which also serves as the theme song of the Netflix series Titletown High,) and “Settle On Back,” from Allen’s 2022 album, Tulip Drive.
“I met Tripp in 2016. We started writing together, and I knew he had a gift for songwriting,” shares Allen. “The way he approaches songs is a style all his own. Over the last few years, he has become a brother to me. Tripp is always in grind mode, always finding ways to deliver greatness, and that is the type of person I want to be around. I’m honored to be a part of his journey and have him as a part of mine. Tripp cares about people, and he cares about the song—those are two great qualities in a songwriter.”
Endurance Music Group President Michael Martin adds, “From day one, we could tell that not only is Tripp an incredible musician and artist, but also an immensely talented songwriter. Together, Tripp and Jimmie are a dream team, and we’re thrilled to have these two incredible co-writers in the EMG family. We can’t wait for the world to hear what they’ve been working on!”
Chris Tomlin’s ‘Good Friday Nashville’ Celebration To Return April 7
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Tomlin
Chris Tomlin is bringing back his massive annual “Good Friday Nashville” concert to Bridgestone Arena on Friday, April 7. Best-selling author and pastor Max Lucado will return to deliver a special message during the evening.
Since its inception in 2017, “Good Friday Nashville” has continued to be a record setting night, smashing attendance records by becoming the largest ticketed Christian concert in the history of the venue, and delivering an exclusive livestream in partnership with Facebook. During each of the past shows, Chris has surprised attendees by inviting special guests including Rascal Flatts, Lady A, We The Kingdom, Lauren Daigle, Hillsong United, among others, and this year will be no exception.
In 2020 and 2021 the concert became a virtual event, allowing worldwide distribution through television and radio partners reaching 32 countries around the globe.
“There is a passage in Hebrews 13 that I return to when I think about this night,” says Tomlin. “It says, ‘Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.’ That truly is the heart of ‘Good Friday Nashville,’ for all streams of the church to come together, celebrate what God has done and is continuing to do in our city, and then give back to those most vulnerable in the community.”
“Good Friday Nashville” benefits the foster care and adoption crisis through For Others, a nonprofit foundation created by Tomlin and his wife Lauren. For Others aims to close the gap between children-in-need and capable care providers through raising awareness, maximizing resources and mobilizing communities.
Tomlin’s “Stories Of Worship Tour” launches Thursday, Feb. 23 in his home state of Texas, and is centered around reminding people through worship and storytelling, that no matter where you are in your journey, God is faithful, present and here for you.
Tickets for “Good Friday Nashville” are available now. For more information, click here.
Songwriter & Producer Kyle Jacobs Dies At 49
/by LB CantrellKyle Jacobs
Award-winning songwriter and producer Kyle Jacobs died Friday (Feb. 17) at age 49. Metro Nashville police says Jacobs’ death is being investigated as an apparent suicide.
Jacobs was the husband of country singer Kellie Pickler and starred alongside her in the CMT reality series I Love Kellie Pickler. They married in 2011.
Born in Bloomington, Minnesota, Jacobs moved to Nashville in 2000. After years of hard work–including time painting houses and sleeping in his car–Jacobs notched his first No. 1 as a songwriter in 2003 with “8th World Wonder.” He was a co-writer on one of the fasting-rising singles in country music history at the time, Garth Brooks’ “More Than A Memory.” Jacobs also co-wrote top 10 singles “Still” by Tim McGraw, and “Dust” by Eli Young Band.
Jacobs, who was a staff writer at Curb|Word Publishing, celebrated multiple No. 1 hits alongside Lee Brice as as songwriter or producer, including “Hard To Love,” “I Drive Your Truck,” “Drinking Class,” “Rumor,” “One Of Them Girls,” “Memory I Don’t Mess With” and “Soul.” The day before his death, Jacobs made a social media post celebrating the Platinum certification of Brice’s Hey World album.
Jacobs is an ACM winner, having taken home the trophy in 2013 for Song of the Year with “I Drive Your Truck.”
After Jacobs’ passing, Lee Brice offered, “These past few days have truly been some of the hardest of my life. At times, I feel lost and buried under this deep sadness. Other times, I sit and remember all the times with Kyle that bring me comfort and make me smile. He was, without a doubt, one of the best people anyone could ever hope to have in their corner…I am eternally grateful for having him in mine. I’ll keep Kellie, his family and everyone who was touched by him close to my heart. I’ll miss you til we meet again..I love you, brother.”
Curb | Word Chairman, Mike Curb, shared, “Kyle Jacobs was one of those amazing creative talents who understood all genres of music. He came into Curb’s life when he wrote “8th World Wonder,” which was the first Pop single by Kimberly Locke after her amazing performance on American Idol. He proceeded to create the only Country record to ever debut at #1 on the Billboard chart, “More Than A Memory” by Garth Brooks, which he composed with Billy Montana and Lee Brice. Among his many other successes, he composed Tim McGraw’s hit “Still” and Lee Brice’s #1 Billboard single “Rumor,” and he co-produced with Ben Glover Lee Brice’s current and most successful album, which has just been certified Platinum. The album includes “Save The Roses” and “Do Not Disturb,” some of the most poignant songs ever written, which are a major tribute to Kyle’s legacy that we will always cherish. Most importantly, Kyle was part of our Curb | Word family and an inspiration to all of us.”
Curb | Word VP, Country Publishing & Creative, Colt Murski, shared, “Kyle was such an amazing person. He was my best friend, my best man, and my champion. I had the honor of working with him for over 18 years and cherished every moment. He was an amazing musician, songwriter, and producer. He was a part of so many amazing songs. He was a friend to so many people and he touched so many lives around the world. He was the kind of guy you could go to for advice, guidance, or a good laugh. I’m going to miss him forever.”
Opry To Celebrate Ronnie Milsap’s 80th Birthday With Special Tribute
/by Lorie HollabaughMilsap will be among the night’s performers along with fellow Opry members Trace Adkins, Mandy Barnett, Little Big Town and Mark Wills. The country legend was inducted into the Opry family on Feb. 6, 1976.
Portions of the show will air as a Saturday night Opry Live later this year on the Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. The Opry show will be available on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, and the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio.
Tickets are on sale now for all shows through summer 2023, with a special offer for Tennessee residents, at (615) 871-OPRY and on the Opry website. Artists scheduled to appear in the coming weeks include Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Henry Cho, Ashley Cooke, Crystal Gayle, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Jamey Johnson, Locash, Dustin Lynch, Ashley McBryde, Scotty McCreery, Craig Morgan, Wendy Moten, Darius Rucker, Ricky Skaggs, Nate Smith and more.
CTM Outlander & Young Guns Publishing Partner To Sign Michael Tyler
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R, back row): Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem PLLC’s Jason Turner, CTM Outlander’s Thomas Deelder and Young Guns’ Will Hamrick. (L-R, front row): CTM Outlander’s André de Raaff, Michael Tyler and Young Guns’ Laura Alexander. Photo: Betsy Phillips
Independent music publishing and entertainment company CTM Outlander and Young Guns Publishing have formed strategic creative partnership with the signing of hit songwriter Michael Tyler.
A self-taught singer-songwriter from Missouri, Tyler began working with award-winning producer Michael Knox at the age of 13. He has since collected cuts with Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Jon Pardi, Tyler Farr, Laine Hardy, Clay Walker, LoCash and more. Tyler earned his first Platinum-certified, multi-week No. 1 with Bentley’s “Somewhere On A Beach,” which was named SESAC Song of the Year in 2016. His credits also consist of six songs on Aldean’s record 9, including singles “Got What I Got” and “Blame It On You.”
CTM Outlander recently acquired Tyler’s catalog, including an exclusive worldwide publishing deal for his new compositions. The signing marks the beginning of their collaborative publishing and creative services relationship with Young Guns Publishing.
In addition to a successful history in television and film, Young Guns Publishing has been a part of the music world for over a decade now, hitting their stride in the country music space as they continue to grow with staff songwriters including Grammy Country Song of the Year winner Ben Stennis and chart-topping writer Jared Mullins.
“We are beyond excited to start this relationship with CTM and to welcome Michael Tyler into the Young Guns family,” shares Laura Wright Alexander, Young Guns SVP, Creative. “As we’ve gotten to know Michael personally, there’s just that something about him—the songs continue to impress us and it’s clear that he’s ready to put in the continued work. He is intentional about his growth as a songwriter while still focusing on his family, and he is an all-around great human being. We are so grateful to be on this ride with him.”
André de Raaff, CTM Outlander CEO says, “We are very pleased and proud that we have been able to secure this new relationship with such a talented and successful songwriter like Michael Tyler, who has an extensive catalogue full of great songs and big hits. We are excited about his future and happy with the partnership of such a dedicated and successful company as Young Guns; they are one of a kind! Laura Alexander and Will Hamrick are great, we are convinced that they will bring exactly what Michael needs to become an even more successful songwriter in the country music scene.”
Kelsea Ballerini To Make Debut On ‘Saturday Night Live’
/by LB CantrellKelsea Ballerini
Kelsea Ballerini will make her debut on Saturday Night Live on March 4 as the musical guest. Kansas City Chiefs player Travis Kelce will serve as the night’s host.
Ballerini surprise-dropped a six-song EP earlier this week on Valentine’s Day. The project, titled Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, finds Ballerini grappling with her divorce and the recent transitions in her life.
“I was writing by myself for most of the project, and it was nice to trust myself again,” Ballerini says of the EP. “The only way I’ve been able to handle my life since I was 12 was to write about it. Ironically, I started writing music because my parents got divorced; that was my therapy. Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was how I processed everything. It’s the way I got my feelings out of my body and heart and put them to music, which is the purest way I could’ve handled it.”
Rolling Up The Welcome Mat was set to visuals with a short film that also released on Valentine’s Day. Ballerini wrote and directed the film alongside co-director Patrick Tracy.
The intimate collection follows Ballerini’s 2022 album Subject To Change. The country star will launch the second US leg of her exclusive “Heartfirst Tour” in March.
Tractor Supply Co. Launches Emerging Artists Program With Lainey Wilson, Jimmie Allen, More
/by Lorie HollabaughTractor Supply Company has launched its inaugural “Emerging Artists Program” in partnership with the Opry Entertainment Group and artists Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBryde, Jimmie Allen, Dustin Lynch and Kat & Alex.
The program will discover and support up-and-coming country artists who live and love what Tractor Supply calls “Life Out Here.” Now through March 15, emerging artists can submit an original song inspired by the “Out Here” lifestyle to tractorsupply.com/emergingartists. Tractor Supply will name the final five emerging artists in May and pair each one with an established mentor. Tractor Supply Brand Ambassador Lainey Wilson will curate the program, along with Allen, Lynch, McBryde, and Kat & Alex.
“Our Emerging Artists Program will offer emerging artists unparalleled access to Lainey and these other chart-topping artists, while opening the door for them to share their music with the world,” shares Kimberley Gardiner, Chief Marketing Officer at Tractor Supply. “This program is a wonderful way for us to engage with people across the country—many of them our customers—and support the communities we serve through music. We are excited to see how these up-and-coming artists will translate the spirit of the Out Here lifestyle into song.”
The five selected emerging artists will travel to Nashville to collaborate with their mentors, record their songs, meet with industry execs, and open for Wilson at an exclusive event during country’s biggest week in Nashville in June. The selected artists will also earn a spot on “Ole Red on the Rise Presented by Tractor Supply,” an Opry Entertainment Group series kicking off June 7 at Ole Red on Broadway. Each artist will also have the opportunity to perform alongside Wilson on the Grand Ole Opry stage and appear in an upcoming Circle Network 30-minute special set to premiere this fall.
“It really hits home that I get to help an aspiring artist through this program,” says Wilson. “I’m so excited to guide my mentee through this complex music industry as best I can, and I hope we get to build a relationship that lasts a long time. I always say I only take advice from people around me who are where I want to be, so I’m hopeful I can be that person for somebody else through Tractor Supply’s program.”
“Knowing that Lainey personally wanted our Opry family to be involved in this program is such an honor. Since making her Opry debut in 2020, Lainey was part of our Opry NextStage class in 2021 while on her way to becoming one of the most electrifying superstars in country music! We are thrilled to continue to support her, our participating Opry members and other emerging artists through this exciting new partnership,” adds Jordan Pettit, Director of Artist Relations at Opry Entertainment Group.
Sara Evans To Celebrate 20th Anniversary Of ‘Restless’ With Special Ryman Show
/by Lorie HollabaughIn addition to Evans performing the Restless album plus other career hits, fans can look forward to special surprise guests appearing throughout the evening. Restless included three top 20 singles including “Backseat of a Greyhound Bus,” “Perfect,” which peaked at No. 2, and the smash single “Suds In The Bucket.”
“I’ve never performed the full album from start to finish before, so this will be a special treat to sing these songs that I love so much on the Ryman stage, along with many of my other hits,” says Evans. “I love all of my albums and each one has a special place in my heart, but I’ve always said that Restless is my favorite. There was magic in the studio when we were making the record that brought life into these songs, some of which I wrote and some that were written by many of the best songwriters in the world.”
Ticket pre-sale for the celebration will begin Tuesday, Feb. 21, with public on sale starting Friday, Feb. 24. To sign up for pre-sale, visit saraevans.com/tour.
Evans appeared on season nine of The Masked Singer on Fox this week. Her character “The Mustang” was revealed on the first episode and performed “Here I Go Again.” With enduring hits such as “Born To Fly,” “A Real Fine Place to Start,” “Perfect” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” Evans has earned recognition as the fifth most played female artist at country radio.
Parker McCollum Shares Title, Cover Of Upcoming Album ‘Never Enough’
/by Lorie HollabaughParker McCollum. Photo: Jim Wright
Parker McCollum has revealed the title and cover of his upcoming new album, Never Enough, due out May 12 via MCA Nashville.
The project will include McCollum’s new single, “I Ain’t Going Nowhere,” out everywhere today. Penned by McCollum, Lori McKenna, Lee Miller, Jon Randall and Liz Rose, the up-tempo track is written from the perspective of a restless dreamer who is caught between the enticing pull of wanderlust and that special person who makes staying in one place so worth it.
“’I Ain’t Going Nowhere’ really is kind of a testament to where I’m at in my life right now,” shares McCollum. “I’ve spent so much time on the road and touring and living on a tour bus and in a van since I was basically a kid and never thought I would settle down or slow down at all. And not to say I’m really slowing down, but, certainly have settled down and found that person that makes it worth it when you have a place to come home to that is not a tour bus or a highway. That was kind of the idea we were going with behind ‘I Ain’t Going Nowhere’.”
“I Ain’t Going Nowhere” follows the lead single from Never Enough, “Handle On You,” which is currently Top 10 on country radio and has surpassed 90 million global streams. The project also includes McCollum’s recent release “Stoned,” which marked the fast-rising star’s highest streaming debut to date.
This month McCollum kicked off a packed 2023 touring schedule selling out shows in Columbus, Detroit and Cincinnati.
Chrissy Metz, Bradley Collins Release Inspirational New Children’s Book
/by Lorie HollabaughChrissy Metz and Bradley Collins. Photo: Dean Foreman
Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Chrissy Metz and songwriter Bradley Collins have teamed to create a new children’s picture book about faith, prayer, and the loving bond between parent and child in When I Talk to God, I Talk About You, out now from Flamingo Books.
The rhyming book features illustrations by Lisa Fields and introduces families to the power of faith, love, and confidence from the perspective of animals. From bears and otters to rabbits and raccoons, each animal family describes the many things they pray to God for as their little ones grow before their eyes.
Inspired by the love and faith shared by Metz’s late grandmother, as well as her experiences as a preschool teacher, the authors create a meaningful opportunity for young readers to learn how to have a conscious connection with God.
“My grandmother instilled my conscious contact with God,” says Metz. “She really bolstered my self-confidence and was always so encouraging and loving.When I Talk To God, I Talk About You is this journey through the dream of raising a child and watching them grow right before your eyes all while supporting their unique path with love and guidance through a tender introduction to prayer.
“I taught preschool and have nine nieces and nephews,” she continues. “I have always understood the value of being heard and loved. That starts early with fostering confidence and self-love. It creates the foundation in which children walk through this world. My partner, Bradley, and I wanted to connect the dots in our book between the foundation of self and a relationship with a higher power. And what Lisa Fields captured in the eyes of these beautiful woodland creatures – it’s so sweet and so tender.”
A companion album inspired by the book, Prayed For This Day, was released Feb. 10.