Ingrid Andress & Sam Hunt’s “Wishful Drinking” Goes Platinum
Sam Hunt and Ingrid Andress.
Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt recently celebrated their Grammy-nominated No. 1 song “Wishful Drinking” earning Platinum certification from the RIAA. The track hit the top of the country radio charts on Nov. 7.
Ernest’s “Flower Shops” Earns Platinum Distinction
Pictured (L-R): Stacy Blythe (SVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (GM/SVP, Big Loud Records), Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/President of A&R, Big Loud), ERNEST, Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), and Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records).
Big Loud recording artist Ernest has nabbed a Platinum certification for his debut single, “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen.
With seven No. 1 hits under his belt, the rising singer-songwriter is a 2022 CMA Triple Play Award winner. He will release the deluxe edition of Flower Shops (The Album) on Feb. 10, doubling its track list with 13 fresh cuts.
Ernest wrapped his first-ever sold out headlining “Sucker For Small Towns Tour” this past fall, and will hit the road next year as direct support on Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour.”
Randy Rogers Band Raises $350K At RRB Golf Jam
Randy Rogers (center) with supporters and friends of the Randy Rogers Family Foundation and the Crisis Center of Comal County. Photo: Courtesy of Randy Rogers
After a two year hiatus, Randy Rogers Band welcomed the return of RRB Golf Jam this fall. Over the last week, the band began distributing the money raised through the Randy Rogers Family Foundation (RRFF).
Supporting their hometown of New Braunfels, Texas, Rogers and his wife Chelsea made a donation of $100,000 to the Crisis Center of Comal County. Additional money will be donated to the Kent Finlay Legacy Endowment.
Held Oct. 23-24 at River Crossing Golf Club in Spring Branch, Texas, the 2022 RRB Golf Jam presented by Shiner featured a golf tournament, silent auction, and concert performances by Randy Rogers, Randy Montana, and Jim Beavers, raising over $350,000.
Big Yellow Dog Holds Writers Round At Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R, front row): Cecelia Castleman, Carla Wallace, and Eloise Alterman; (L-R, back row): Dave Pittenger, Grayson Lane, Daniel Tashian, and Garrett Lane.
Big Yellow Dog Music’s roster turned out for a sold-out writer’s round on Dec. 13 at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.
The lineup featured Grammy-winner Daniel Tashian, Grammy-nominated writer Dave Pittenger, Atlantic Records’ Eloise Alterman, recent BYDM signees Grayson Lane and Garrett Lane, and Cecilia Castleman, who is currently collaborating with legendary producer Don Was on new music.
Ryan Vojtesak Leaps Into Top Five On The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingRyan Vojtesak
Ryan Vojtesak shoots into the top 5 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week.
Rising from No. 12 up to No. 5, Vojtesak has writing credits on three songs currently on the charts, including “Wasted On You,” “One Thing At A Time” and “You Proof,” all of which are recorded by Morgan Wallen.
Zach Bryan remains in the No. 1 spot for the 13th week in a row. Six of his own songs are currently on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “Fifth Of May,” “The Good I’ll Do” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Since he’s the sole writer on each of the tracks, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Filling out the remainder of the top 5 are Morgan Wallen (No. 2), Ashley Gorley (No. 3) and Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4).
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.
Academy Of Country Music & Legends Announce Multi-Year Partnership
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Academy of Country Music and Legends, a data-fueled global premium experiences company, have joined forces in an exclusive, multi-year partnership focused on driving 360º sponsorship portfolio growth for the Academy.
The new partnership will include developing and launching opportunities tied to the organization’s annual live events, as well as new programs and initiatives celebrating and honoring country music.
Through the agreement, Legends will lead a data-driven approach to brand partnerships for the Academy, ranging from on-site activations, original content commissions and digital activations around ACM signature events, including the ACM Awards and surrounding events, ACM Honors, ACM Party for a Cause and other events benefiting ACM Lifting Lives.
Legends will also work with the Academy to develop new brand opportunities incorporating the Academy’s new headquarters in Nashville, as well as branded content franchises, social media campaigns, and dynamic new activations.
“Legends has a proven track record of championing the largest and most successful brands in the world, and we’re thrilled to be able to collaborate with them, at this potent moment for the ACM, to bring new and exciting opportunities to the Academy, our industry, and our partners,” explains Jen Heaton, ACM Vice President of Strategic Partnerships. “Coming off a triumphant 2022 for the Academy, we are eager to continue blazing a bright new path, particularly with the 58th ACM Awards’ return to Texas this spring, and working hand-in-hand with Legends will deliver the vigorous, multi-faceted, and mutually beneficial programs to maintain our exceptional momentum forward.”
“Legends is excited to work alongside the great team at the Academy of Country Music to execute a brand partnership strategy that will celebrate and help grow their unique, year-round country music lifestyle platform that reaches fans around the world,” adds Chris Hibbs, President, Legends Global Partnerships.
Legends partners with many sports, entertainment, and attractions brands, including The New York Yankees, Dallas Cowboys, One World Observatory, and Real Madrid. The company is helping lead partnerships for the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Properties through the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.
Bobby Bones 6th Annual Million Dollar Show Set To Take Over The Ryman In February
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bones. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots are hosting their sixth annual Million Dollar Show on Feb. 21 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
The lineup for this year’s benefit also includes Michelle Branch, Deana Carter, Randy Houser, Tracy Lawrence and Parker McCollum, as well as appearances from several special guests. Tickets are on sale now.
In addition to the upcoming Million Dollar Show, Bobby Bones & The Raging Idiots recently released “Opening Act,” a song poking fun at being the opening band at a concert, alongside Lainey Wilson and Jordan Davis. Bones also recently performed his “Bobby Bones: Comedically Inspirational” show at the Encore Theatre at Wynn Las Vegas to a packed crowd.
February 2023 marks 20 years of The Bobby Bones Show and 10 years since its relocation to Nashville, becoming the biggest nationally syndicated country radio show. The iHeartRadio show broadcasts to millions of listeners around the country and has landed three CMA awards and four ACM awards.
Logan Wall Inks Publishing Deal With BMG
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, Logan Wall, Kelsey Worley, Michelle Szeto
Songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Logan Wall has signed a new global publishing deal with BMG.
Wall grew up in Jackson, Tennessee, and began writing songs at the age of 12 and producing by 14. By the time he graduated from the Audio Production program at MTSU, he had already opened his own studio and was generating steady work developing and producing up-and-coming bands.
Wall’s talents led him to opportunities with Ross Copperman, Joe Fisher and Keith Urban, prompting him to spend a few years behind the mic as an artist himself. Now back to writing songs and helping other artists achieve their vision, Wall writes and produces across all genres.
He has had cuts with Augustana, Anderson East, Larry Fleet, Brantley Gilbert, William Clark Green, John Paul White, Zachary Williams and Donovan Woods, among others. His growing circle of regular collaborators includes Tyler Chambers, Tom Douglas, Preston James, Drew Kennedy, Madison Kozak, Emily Landis, Austin Nivarel, James Slater, Joybeth Taylor, Brett Tyler and more.
“Logan Wall is bad to the bone,” notes Chris Oglesby, BMG VP, Creative, in Nashville. “I have been a fan for a longtime. He is a great producer, singer, and songwriter with a fresh approach to everything he does. Logan and BMG have a writer/publisher relationship to pay attention to.”
“BMG has felt like family from day one. I can’t tell you how excited I am to walk into a write knowing I’m turning songs into BMG. They truly have their ears tuned to something special, and they make me want to write the best songs of my career,” Wall adds. That creative backbone is what every songwriter in Nashville dreams about. I can’t wait to see what the future holds with this team at BMG.”
Wynonna Judd Reveals Special Guests For ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ 2023
/by Liza AndersonWynonna Judd. Photo: Nick Stewart
Wynonna Judd recently revealed to fans that “The Judds: The Final Tour,” in honor of the life and legacy of Naomi Judd, will continue into the new year due to their overwhelming love and support.
Martina McBride will join her on all upcoming tour dates. Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, and Tanya Tucker will serve as support on select dates.
“What I can think of to say is that I am looking so forward to being out on the road again, and that I am absolutely thrilled to have my friends joining me for this next tour,” says Judd. “I’m so grateful to the fans that they want more and I’m anxious to be with everybody again.”
Tickets for “The Judds: The Final Tour” are available now at TheJudds.com.
Industry Ink: Sam Hunt & Ingrid Andress, Ernest, Randy Rogers Band, Big Yellow Dog
/by Lydia FarthingIngrid Andress & Sam Hunt’s “Wishful Drinking” Goes Platinum
Sam Hunt and Ingrid Andress.
Ingrid Andress and Sam Hunt recently celebrated their Grammy-nominated No. 1 song “Wishful Drinking” earning Platinum certification from the RIAA. The track hit the top of the country radio charts on Nov. 7.
Ernest’s “Flower Shops” Earns Platinum Distinction
Pictured (L-R): Stacy Blythe (SVP of Promotion, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (GM/SVP, Big Loud Records), Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/President of A&R, Big Loud), ERNEST, Seth England (Partner/CEO, Big Loud), Austen Adams (COO, Big Loud), and Candice Watkins (SVP of Marketing, Big Loud Records).
Big Loud recording artist Ernest has nabbed a Platinum certification for his debut single, “Flower Shops” feat. Morgan Wallen.
With seven No. 1 hits under his belt, the rising singer-songwriter is a 2022 CMA Triple Play Award winner. He will release the deluxe edition of Flower Shops (The Album) on Feb. 10, doubling its track list with 13 fresh cuts.
Ernest wrapped his first-ever sold out headlining “Sucker For Small Towns Tour” this past fall, and will hit the road next year as direct support on Morgan Wallen’s “One Night At A Time World Tour.”
Randy Rogers Band Raises $350K At RRB Golf Jam
Randy Rogers (center) with supporters and friends of the Randy Rogers Family Foundation and the Crisis Center of Comal County. Photo: Courtesy of Randy Rogers
After a two year hiatus, Randy Rogers Band welcomed the return of RRB Golf Jam this fall. Over the last week, the band began distributing the money raised through the Randy Rogers Family Foundation (RRFF).
Supporting their hometown of New Braunfels, Texas, Rogers and his wife Chelsea made a donation of $100,000 to the Crisis Center of Comal County. Additional money will be donated to the Kent Finlay Legacy Endowment.
Held Oct. 23-24 at River Crossing Golf Club in Spring Branch, Texas, the 2022 RRB Golf Jam presented by Shiner featured a golf tournament, silent auction, and concert performances by Randy Rogers, Randy Montana, and Jim Beavers, raising over $350,000.
Big Yellow Dog Holds Writers Round At Bluebird Cafe
Pictured (L-R, front row): Cecelia Castleman, Carla Wallace, and Eloise Alterman; (L-R, back row): Dave Pittenger, Grayson Lane, Daniel Tashian, and Garrett Lane.
Big Yellow Dog Music’s roster turned out for a sold-out writer’s round on Dec. 13 at Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe.
The lineup featured Grammy-winner Daniel Tashian, Grammy-nominated writer Dave Pittenger, Atlantic Records’ Eloise Alterman, recent BYDM signees Grayson Lane and Garrett Lane, and Cecilia Castleman, who is currently collaborating with legendary producer Don Was on new music.
Alabama Honored With Pandora Billionaire Plaque
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Scotty McCreery, Randy Owen, and Teddy Gentry
Alabama was recently surprised with the Pandora Billionaire plaque, commemorating over two billion streams on the streaming service.
On Dec. 9 at the Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke, Virginia, Alabama’s founding members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry were interrupted mid-show by opener Scotty McCreery, who presented them with the Pandora Billionaire plaque.
“The Pandora plaque was a nice surprise,” says Gentry. “We thought a million plays was a very big deal but two billion plays of our songs puts it over the top. We appreciate Pandora and thanks for the award.”
“We are so thankful to our fans and listeners for playing our music for over 50 years,” adds Owen. “Two billion is a big number. That means they like our music and want to hear it again and again. Thank you Pandora for the award.”
As a previous recipient of the Pandora Billionaire plaque himself, McCreery was thrilled to make the presentation. “I’ve been a fan of Alabama all my life,” he explains. “It was an honor to open for them in Roanoke and then present the Pandora Billionaire plaque to Randy and Teddy later that night. It doesn’t get better than Alabama.”
Following the honor, the music of Alabama will now be played on Pandora’s Country Billionaires station.
Jason Isbell, Amythyst Kiah, More Among ‘Hello From The Hills’ Benefit Lineup
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Hello From The Hills,” a special benefit concert co-presented by Oh Boy Records and WhizzbangBAM to benefit the Prine Family’s The Hello in There Foundation and Tyler Childers’ Hope in the Hills, will take place at Nashville’s City Winery on Jan. 7.
The first annual event will feature performances from Childers, Jason Isbell, Sierra Ferrell, Amythyst Kiah, Arlo McKinley, Kelsey Waldon, Buffalo Wabs & the Price Hill Hustle, William Matheny, Tommy Prine, Tré Burt and Darrin Hacquard. Tickets are on sale now.
The Hello in There Foundation and Hope in the Hills have each selected two organizations to receive $10,000 grants. The Hello In There Foundation will support Healing Housing, a residential recovery program serving women throughout Middle Tennessee healing from addiction, and the Raphah Institute, which is committed to the healing and support of those affected by societal harm and systemic failures.
Hope in the Hills will support the Keith Dixon Foundation, an organization providing education and resources to help those struggling with substance abuse in Tennessee, and Recovery Community Inc, a transitional living facility in Nashville that provides safe and affordable housing for those with alcohol and drug dependency issues.
“Everyone in the Prine and Oh Boy Records family has long admired the incredible work that Healing Appalachia and Hope in the Hills have supported,” shares The Hello in There Foundation’s Jody Whelan. “We’re really excited to partner with them for this event; the organizations we’re granting have such important missions, and the show is going to be a lot of fun!”
Additionally, Hope in the Hills’ Tracey Levine adds, “It has long been our vision to expand our reach to assist Nashville based organizations who are working incredibly hard to make recovery accessible to all. This is an exciting time for Hope In the Hills and this event will be the first of many!”
Luke Bryan Announces Final Lineup For Crash My Playa 2023
/by Liza AndersonLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Klein
Luke Bryan has announced the final talent lineup for Crash My Playa, his annual concert vacation in Mexico.
Following seven consecutive sold-out events, Crash My Playa 2023 will take place Jan. 19 – Jan. 22 at the Moon Palace Cancún and feature four nights of country music on a private stretch of white sand beach.
Chayce Beckham and Alana Springsteen will join headliners Bryan (two nights), Chris Stapleton, and Cole Swindell as well as previously announced artists Ashley McBryde, Brian Kelley, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott, and DJ Rock. During Bryan’s final show of the weekend, Lionel Richie will make his debut appearance at the event as a guest performer.
Additionally, Kendell Marvel will return with his special “Honky Tonk Experience” late-night performance, and Dustin Lynch will host an all-day edition of his infamous pool party.
For more information, click here.
Dates Announced For 31st Annual Tin Pan South
/by LB CantrellNSAI’s 31st annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will take place March 28 – April 1, 2023.
The festival includes five nights of stories and songs from nearly 400 songwriters who will take the stage throughout the week. The lineup will be announced on March 3.
Also on March 3, fast access passes will go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. CT. Fast access pass pricing is $145 for NSAI members and $175 for the general public.
For those interested in submitting a round for consideration, visit tinpansouth.com/submit-play for additional information and to submit. The submission period ends Jan. 6, and all potential rounds will be reviewed by a committee to determine the festival lineup.