Nate Smith Slates Self-Titled Debut For February

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Nate Smith. Photo: Matthew Berinato

Breakout singer-songwriter Nate Smith is gearing up for the release of his self-titled, debut album on Arista Nashville on Feb. 17.

The album includes his current Gold-certified single “Whiskey On You,” which is top 15 and climbing at country radio, as well as recent releases “I Found You” and “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.”

“It has been so much fun making this album, and I really believe in every one of these songs,” Smith notes. “Releasing an album has always been a goal of mine, but at the end of the day it’s really not about me. It’s about being able to reach other people with music that means something. I’m not trying to be cool, or reinvent the wheel, or chase musical trends…I’m going after the heart of the matter.”

Smith’s journey to Nashville and the challenges he endured along the way inspired the new music, including losing his hometown of Paradise, California to the deadliest and most destructive fire in the state’s history. Following the fire, he turned to music to cope, eventually taking a cross-country road trip to Nashville to pursue music full-time.

Smith is ready for a busy 2023, as he’ll be joining Thomas Rhett on his “Home Team Tour 23,” which kicks off May 4 in Des Moines and will visit 40 cities next summer. He was also recently named part of the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. He’ll take the stage on Nov. 20 for Opry NextStage Live In Concert alongside other 2022 NextStage artists.

Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Cody Johnson Celebrate Early CMA Award Wins

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Pictured (L-R): Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce & Cody Johnson

With only a few hours before the 56th Annual CMA Awards airs live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, a handful of early winners have already been announced. Among them are Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce‘s “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” earning trophies for CMA Musical Event of the Year, and Cody Johnson taking home the win for CMA Music Video of the Year for “‘Til You Can’t,” directed by Dustin Haney.

The announcement took place live on ABC’s Good Morning America from Bridgestone Plaza in downtown Nashville. Two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban took the stage to perform a medley of his hit songs, including “Better Life,” “Long Hot Summer,” “Raise ‘Em Up” and “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” along with additional performances of “Brown Eyes Baby” and “Wasted Time.”

The 56th Annual CMA Awards begins at 7 p.m. CT on ABC. Artists taking the CMA Awards stage include Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Brothers Osborne, host Luke Bryan, Brandy Clark, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Johnson, Elle King, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Patty Loveless, McBryde, Reba McEntire, John Osborne, Jon Pardi, Pearce, Katy Perry, Pillbox Patti, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, The Black Keys, The War and Treaty, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson and Zac Brown Band.

Presenters for the night’s festivities include Mookie Betts, Breland, Jessica Chastain, Jordan Davis, Sarah Drew, Cole Hauser, Tyler Hubbard, Wynonna Judd, Lady A, Rex Linn, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Ben and Erin Napier, Jeannie Seely, Michael Shannon and Wilson.

Chris Tomlin Announces ‘Stories Of Worship Tour’ For Spring 2023

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Christian artist Chris Tomlin has announced his 2023 headline “Stories of Worship Tour,” beginning this spring. As he travels across the nation, Tomlin will lead attendees through worship while sharing stories about some of his most influential songs around the world.

Premier Productions will serve as the national tour promoter. For Others, a Tennessee-based Christian nonprofit founded by Tomlin and his wife Lauren that seeks to help those impacted by the foster care system, will serve as the tour sponsor.

The 28x Dove Award winner and 2022 show co-host embarked on the final leg of the “Tomlin United Tour” on Thursday (Nov. 4), which will continue through November. The decorated entertainer is also set to co-headline the “Chris Tomlin X MercyMe: A Winter Tour” in December alongside MercyMe.

He is currently sitting in the top 10 on the Christian chart with radio single, “Always.” The hit tune is featured on his recently released worship album of the same name. The collection consists of 13 tracks, 12 of which Tomlin co-wrote.

“As a young man I can remember the moment I felt God place a calling on my life… to help give people a voice to worship Him… it was like lightning ran through my body and that is when everything changed for me,” shares Tomlin. “The songs that came after that moment have traveled to so many places, touched so many people and are a part of so many stories that only God can get credit. I have dreamt about a tour focused on the stories surrounding those songs where I could share these God moments, share some funny human moments, and worship together… and I am so excited for the opportunity to do exactly that! I hope you will join me this Spring for a night unlike any other.”

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Nov. 11 at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.

*Tickets on sale Nov. 18.

2023 “Stories Of Worship Tour” Dates:
Thu, Feb. 23 – San Antonio, TX
Fri, Feb. 24 – College Station, TX
Sat, Feb. 25 – Monroe, LA
Sun, Feb. 26 – Hattiesburg, MS
Thu, Mar. 2 – Detroit, MI
Fri, Mar. 3 – South Barrington, IL
Sat, Mar. 4 – Michigan City, IN
Sun, Mar. 5 – Fort Wayne, IN
Wed, Mar. 8 – Valdosta, GA
Thu, Mar. 9 – Pensacola, FL
Fri, Mar. 10 – Alexandria, LA
Thu, Mar. 23 – Ft. Myers, FL
Fri, Mar. 24 – Melbourne, FL
Sat, Mar. 25 – Montgomery, AL
Sun, Mar. 26 – Ocala, FL
Thu, Mar. 30 – Texarkana, TX
Fri, Mar. 31 – Austin, TX
Sat, Apr. 1 – Amarillo, TX
Sun, Apr. 2 – Colorado Springs, CO
Thu, Apr. 13 – Hixson, TN (Chattanooga)
Fri, Apr. 14 – Lexington, SC
Sat, Apr. 15 – Greenville, SC
Sun, Apr. 16 – Grove City, OH (Columbus)
Thu, Apr. 20 – Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Fri, Apr. 21 – Mason, OH (Cincinnati)*
Sat, Apr. 22 – Anderson, IN
Sun, Apr. 23 – Grand Rapids, MI

In Pictures: ASCAP Celebrates Country Music Awards Winners

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Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Paul Williams, Ashley Gorley, Corey Crowder, ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

ASCAP celebrated the winners of the 60th annual Country Music Awards Monday night (Nov. 7) at an invitation-only event at Soho House Nashville.

As previously announced, Ashley Gorley walked away with the trophy for ASCAP’s Country Music Songwriter of the Year for the ninth time. “Famous Friends” won Country Music Song of the Year and Warner Chappell Music was ASCAP Country Music Publisher of the Year.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP’s Paul Williams, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn, ASCAP’s Elizabeth Matthews, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Songwriters of many of the most-performed country songs of the past year were in attendance along with many of the artists who performed them. Among the ASCAP executives attending were songwriter, Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, CEO Elizabeth Matthews, Nashville VP of Membership Mike Sistad, Nashville AVP Kele Currier and Senior Director Evyn Mustoe, as well as new Nashville membership representatives Duane Hobson and Travis Carter, who visited with honorees, catching up after a two-year pandemic-mandated break from live events.

On the menu was beef tenderloin, roasted salmon, mini crab cakes, tuna tartare, charcuterie and an assortment of appetizers. There were specialty cocktails such as “No. 9,” named after Gorley’s ninth win, and “Famous Friends” in addition to a Tennessee whiskey flight.

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP honorees John Martin and Garth Brooks. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

ASCAP honoree Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Ed Rode for ASCAP

Pictured (L-R): ASCAP honoree TJ Osborne, ASCAP’s Paul Williams, ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP honoree John Osborne. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Ashley McBryde To Host ‘Homes For The Holidays’ TV Special Presented By Tunnel To Towers

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Homes for the Holidays, a TV special hosted by Ashley McBryde, is set to air from Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day across multiple network affiliates, including Fox, Scripps, and Gray stations.

Presented by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, the organization invited a variety of country music artists to present Gold Star and fallen first responder families with mortgage-free homes during the event. The TV special will feature Cole Hauser from Yellowstone, Travis Tritt, Bret Michaels, Ian Munsick, Runaway June, and Robert Randolph.

“What better way to celebrate the meaning of the holiday season than by helping Tunnel to Towers showcase the love, resilience and hope of these military and first responder families,” McBryde shares.

Throughout the special, families will share their stories and discuss how the organization impacted their lives. The show was filmed all over the U.S., including at The Mulehouse in Columbia, Tennessee; Santa’s Pub in Nashville’; and more.

“For our Gold Star families and fallen first responder families, every day without their hero is painful, but the holiday season can bring about its own particular wave of grief. At the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, our hope is that the security of a mortgage-free home, the guarantee that they will never have to leave the place where they created so many holiday memories, eases that burden of grief just a little bit,” explains Tunnel to Towers Chairman and CEO Frank Siller. “We have a very special relationship with the country music community, and it means the world to us that Ashley, Cole, Travis, Bret, Ian, the members of Runaway June, and Robert Randolph & The Family Band are supporting us in our mission.”

Since Sept. 11, 2001, Tunnel to Towers has been helping America’s heroes by providing mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and fallen first responder families with young children, and by building custom-designed smart homes for injured veterans and first responders.

Alabama’s Jeff Cook Dies At 73

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Jeff Cook. Photo: Alan Messer

Jeff Cook, a founding member and guitarist of the country supergroup Alabama, passed away peacefully on Monday (Nov. 7) at his home in Destin, Florida. Cook was a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Gibson’s Guitarist of the Year.

Jeff Cook

Born Jeffrey Alan Cook in Fort Payne, Alabama on August 27, 1949, he began playing guitar and keyboards in bands by the age of 13. After securing a broadcast license at age 14, Cook went to work as a disc jockey at a local Fort Payne radio station. He eventually went on to own radio and TV stations. Cook graduated from Fort Payne High School and went to college at Gadsden State Community College, earning a degree in Electronic Technology.

Cook formed Alabama along with cousins Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen. After six years of hard work, the band earned a record deal and the rest was history. Alabama became one of the most successful acts in country music history, selling more than 80 million albums and charting 43 No. 1 hits. Their iconic hits include “Song of the South,” “Dixieland Delight,” “I’m in a Hurry (And Don’t Know Why),” “Mountain Music,” “Take Me Down,” “Feels So Right,” “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band),” and many more.

Alabama’s Jeff Cook, Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry. Photo: Rick Diamond

Alabama was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. Cook’s technical skill was an integral part of their success. The accomplished musician could play piano, guitar, fiddle, bass guitar, banjo, mandolin, and more. He is credited for introducing the electric double neck guitar to country music.

Jeff Cook married the love of his life, Lisa Williams, on June 9, 1995. The Cooks resided in “Cook Castle” atop Lookout Mountain in Fort Payne, Alabama, as well as in Guntersville, Alabama and Destin/Miramar Beach, Florida. Cook also built Cook Sound Studios in Fort Payne, which allowed him to help musicians share their music with others.

The award-winning guitarist was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2012. He stopped touring with Alabama in 2018 due to his diagnosis. He was known for his positive attitude despite his physical challenges.

Cook is survived by his wife of 27 years Lisa Cook, beloved puppies Blazer and Blakely, his mother Betty Cook, his brother David Cook, Crystal Cook, his father-in-law Jerrial Williams, his brother-in-law Randy Williams and many nieces and nephews. Cook was preceded in death by his father James Cook and his mother-in-law, JoAnn Williams.

With his profound desire to help others, The Jeff and Lisa Cook Foundation was formed along with The Jeff and Lisa Cook Children’s Home to house orphaned children worldwide, starting in the Philippines. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the foundation.

Arrangements for Cook’s Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

Caroline Jones Joins Zac Brown Band As First Full-Time Female Band Member

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Zac Brown Band. Photo: Tyler Lord

Caroline Jones is adding a little female power to the Zac Brown Band, officially joining as a full-time band member. This makes her the first and only female in the eight-piece group.

Jones will join the band for tours, performances, appearances, and in the studio, in addition to maintaining her solo career. She will also join the group for the 2022 CMA Awards tomorrow night (Nov. 9).

Caroline Jones. Photo: Tracy Alison

Jones first opened for Zac Brown Band on their 2017 tour and was asked back for the following two tours. The band asked her to join 2021’s “The Comeback Tour” as a special guest band member, and then extended the invitation again for their current “Out In The Middle Tour.”

The band also invited the singer-songwriter to perform with them at this year’s CMA Fest, 2021 CMA Awards, and to open for the Rolling Stones at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium, among other performances and appearances.

Musically, Zac Brown has become a close mentor to Jones and is a co-producer on her hit track “So Many Skies” featuring Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey, which is featured on her sophomore album, Antipodes. The 13-track project debuted at No. 4 on the iTunes Country charts, and features her first top 30 hit, “Come In (But Don’t Make Yourself Comfortable).”

Industry Ink: Bailey Zimmerman, Alabama, SmackSongs, ‘She Believed She Could’

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Bailey Zimmerman Rings In Opry Debut With RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Rohan Kohli (Sr. Dir. A&R, Warner Music Nashville), Jacob Fain (SVP A&R/Head of Research & Analytics, Elektra Entertainment), Ben Kline (Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Bailey Zimmerman, Cris Lacy (Co-President, Warner Music Nashville), Mike Easterlin (Co-President, Elektra Entertainment), Kevin Liles (Chairman & CEO, 300 Elektra Entertainment).

Following the release of his debut EP, Leave The Light On, Bailey Zimmerman made his Grand Ole Opry debut last Friday (Nov. 4).

He celebrated afterward with family and friends, as well as members of his label and management teams, who presented him with Gold and Platinum plaques for both his current Top 5 single “Fall In Love” and fan-favorite track “Rock And A Hard Place.”

 

 

Alabama Notches Two Sold Out Shows In St. Augustine

Pictured (L-R): Alabama’s Randy Owen, Ontourage Management’s Tony Conway, and AEG Presents’ John Valentino.

Legendary country band Alabama celebrated a pair of sold out shows at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre in Florida last weekend.

They will continue their 2022 touring run with upcoming shows in Durant, Oklahoma (Nov. 26); Tulsa, Oklahoma (Nov. 27); Roanoke, Virginia (Dec. 9); and Fayetteville, North Carolina (Dec. 11).

 

 

SmackSongs Wins Big At 2022 SESAC Awards

SESAC Celebrates Song of the Year, “Fancy Like,” at the 2022 SESAC Nashville Music Awards. Photo: Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for SESAC.

SmackSongs showed up at the SESAC Awards on Sunday night (Nov. 6), taking home Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year, and Publisher of the Year, along with four performance awards.

Song of the Year went to Walker Hayes’ smash hit “Fancy Like,” written by Smack writers Hayes and Josh Jenkins, along with Cameron Bartolini and Shane Stevens. The song collected a Grammy Nomination, five ACM nominations, a CMT Award, and six Billboard Music Awards in 2021. Jenkins was also named SESAC Songwriter of the Year for penning hits such as “Fancy Like” and “Buy Dirt”–both of which topped the country music charts.

Smack was named Publisher of the Year, marking the second time in three years that the company has earned the title. The full-service publishing, management and digital company had over 20 songs on the chart in 2021 and 2022, as well as managed breakthrough artist Kylie Morgan and Hayes. The performance awards went to “Fancy Like” and “Buy Dirt” from Jenkins, and “7500 OBO” and “Like I Love Country Music” from Smack writer Matt McGinn.

“It’s been amazing to work with SESAC Award winners Josh Jenkins and Matt McGinn for so many years and watch them grow into their success thanks to their incredible talent and work ethic,” says Robin Palmer, Chief Creative Office at SMACK. “I couldn’t be more proud of Josh for this moment—he truly is one of the most deserving, humble, talented, and kind humans I’ve ever known!”

 

 

She Believed She Could Makes Stage Debut At Nashville’s Woolworth Theatre

Pictured (L-R): Kaylin Roberson, Regan Stewart, Layna, Maddie Walker, Belles, and Jillian Dawn

She Believed She Could, a new stage production celebrating the stories and songs of chart-topping women in country music, recently made its opening debut at Nashville’s newly opened Woolworth Theatre.

The cast of She Believed She Could is comprised of Song Suffragettes singer-songwriters, including Belles, Jillian Dawn, Kaylin Roberson, Layna, Maddie Walker, and Regan Stewart. The show runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights with 6 p.m. showtimes through February. The show is open to all ages.

BBR Music Group Expands Digital Department With Three New Hires

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Pictured (L-R): Britt Epley, Ainsley Barry and Aaron Wilder. Photos: Jessica Crans

BBR Music Group has expanded its digital department with the additions of Britt Epley to Sr. Manager of Digital Advertising, Ainsley Barry to Manager of Digital Marketing and Aaron Wilder to YouTube Manager.

In her new role, Epley is responsible for executing paid digital campaigns while collaborating with the digital marketing teams on digital advertising solutions. She comes to the label from UMG Nashville, where she directed digital campaigns for Kacey Musgraves, Carrie Underwood and more. Prior to that, Epley was a Digital Channel Manager at Weller Media Agency, overseeing digital strategy and social media management for artists like Kate Yeager, Donovan Woods and Republic Records. Reporting to Elise Stawarz, Sr. Director of Digital Marketing, Epley can be reached at britt.epley@bmg.com.

Barry will handle the strategic digital initiatives for BBR’s roster in her new role. Coming to the label from Black River Entertainment, she gained experience in the Copyright and Licensing department before being promoted to Social Media Coordinator. She reports to Marissa Messer, Director of Digital Marketing, and can be reached at ainsley.barry@bmg.com.

Wilder will work directly with the YouTube Nashville office in his new position to lead and advise the label’s roster of artists in utilizing YouTube to its fullest potential, advising on video strategy, YouTube Shorts and more. He comes to BBR from the Integrity Music label, where he managed streaming efforts and the day-to-day relationship between the label, artists and DSP staff, as well as curating their playlist brand. Prior to that, he worked at Sony Music Publishing with their Global Copyright Admin department. Reporting to Kailyn Arcury, Senior Manager, YouTube, Wilder can be reached at aaron.wilder@bmg.com.

Weekly Register: Lainey Wilson’s ‘Bell Bottom Country’ Notches Top Country Album Debut

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Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Lainey Wilson makes the top country album debut this week with the release of her sophomore album, Bell Bottom Country. Coming in at No. 12, the record racks up 10K in total first-week consumption (4.3K album only/6.6 million song streams), according to Luminate data.

Higher up on the country albums chart are some familiar faces. At No. 1, Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album adds 41K in total consumption (1K album only/51 million song streams) this week, while Zach Bryan‘s American Heartbreak remains at No. 2 with 25K. Bailey Zimmerman‘s debut project, Leave The Light On, stays at No. 3 with 21K, Taylor Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) keeps the fourth position with 15K, and Luke Combs‘ Growin’ Up seals the top five with 14K.

“Something In The Orange” (Zach Bryan) holds at No. 1 on the top country streaming song for a seventh week in a row. The song adds another 14 million streams, contributing to a cumulative 300 million streams RTD. “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen) follows at No. 2 with 9.6 million streams, and “Rock And A Hard Place” (Bailey Zimmerman) keeps its spot at N0. 3 with 9.1 million streams. “Thank God” (Kane Brown & Katelyn Brown) rises back up to No. 4 with 7.7 million streams, while “The Kind Of Love We Make” (Luke Combs) keeps its spot at No. 5 with 7.5 million streams.