Pictured (L-R): Today anchor Craig Melvin, who presented Darius Rucker with the RIAA Diamond certification honor; “Wagon Wheel” Producer Frank Rogers; Rucker; UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Steve Lowry
There are now four country songs that are certified Diamond by the RIAA, signaling 10,000,000 units consumed. They are “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line, “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, and now, “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker.
The multi-Platinum artist released “Wagon Wheel” in 2013 for his True Believers album. It was originally recorded by Old Crow Medicine Show and written by the band’s Ketch Secor after he discovered an unfinished Bob Dylan demo of him singing what is now the “Wagon Wheel” chorus. While it has been an instant classic since OCMS first released it in 2004, Rucker’s recording has taken on a life of its own, transcending country radio into the cultural zeitgeist.
To celebrate this accomplishment, UMG Nashville held a ceremony to present Rucker with a plaque. The party also celebrated Rucker’s tenth No. 1, “Beers And Sunshine,” which hit the top of the charts in early 2021.
Kelly Sutton served as emcee for the event, first recognizing the co-writers of “Beers And Sunshine,” Rucker, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman and JT Harding. The writers shared their thanks to all the responsible parties for “Beers And Sunshine” going No. 1, such as UMG Nashville, their respective publishers, and PROs. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson were also there to represent their writers.
Pictured (L-R): “Beers And Sunshine” co-writers Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman, Darius Rucker, JT Harding. Photo: Steve Lowry
In each of their speeches, the writers talked about the Zoom meeting that the tune was written on, guessing that “Beers And Sunshine” might have been the first country No. 1 written on Zoom.
“There’s no nonsense on Zoom. In the [writer] room, you sit around and talk about your kids. You tell them what’s going on and it takes 20 minutes to get started. Not on Zoom!” Rucker said. “When we finished it, I thought it was something special. Ross went out of his way to record this whole record on Zoom. Nobody was ever in the same room together ever.
“I want to say thank you to Universal, ASCAP, and Sony,” Rucker added.
Next, it was time to shift gears to celebrate “Wagon Wheel.” Sutton welcomed UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan to the stage to say a few words about his partnership with Rucker.
“The truth is, it was a big leap of faith on everybody’s part,” Dungan said of UMG signing on to usher in Rucker’s country career. The label head pointed out that not only was Rucker in limited company as a person of color in country music, but he had also fronted the ’90s hit band Hootie & The Blowfish, who became so popular that they became a punch line. Forging a new path into country music stardom did not sound easy to Dungan, but with 10 No. 1 hits and a Diamond-certified single, it paid off to take a risk.
“To be here all these years later celebrating all these hits is amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder, my friend. I love you like a brother.”
The Today show’s Craig Melvin also joined in the presentations. He made sure to recognize Rucker’s philanthropic contributions, specifically to South Carolina where both Melvin and Rucker are from.
Frank Rogers, who produced “Wagon Wheel” and a myriad of other Rucker hits, joined the country star on stage to take a photo with the Diamond certified plaque.
When it was time to hear from the man of the hour, Rucker was full of gratitude for his team.
“I came here just to make a record. I came here because I wanted to make the music,” the country star said. “I can’t thank you guys enough for the life that you’ve given me. My life is so much better because I came to Nashville. Thank you.”
Jimmie Allen Earns MusicRow No. 1
/by Alex ParryJimmie Allen’s “Down Home” jumps three positions into the No. 1 slot this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Allen co-wrote the song with Rian Ball, Cameron Bedell, and Tate Howell and it appears on his impressive 17-track album, Tulip Drive.
“Down Home” serves as a letter to Allen’s late father James, who passed away in 2019, and showcases their special, enduring connection. The music video features several locations vital to him and his father’s relationship like Allen’s childhood home, the baseball field his father taught him how to play on, and his father’s favorite restaurant. Watch the video here.
In August, Allen successfully sold-out his second annual Bettie James Fest. He is currently on tour supporting Carrie Underwood’s “Denim & Rhinestones Tour.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Ashley Cooke Has Full Circle Moment During Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke & Gary LeVox. Photo: Chris Hollo
Big Loud/Back Blocks music artist Ashley Cooke stepped into the historic circle and made her Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday night (Oct. 26).
During the special evening, Cooke was invited by Rascal Flatts‘ lead singer Gary LeVox to join him on a duet of the group’s smash hit, “What Hurts The Most.”
Ashley Cooke. Photo: Chris Hollo
“Making my Opry debut was one of the most surreal moments I’ve ever experienced. I got into country music because I fell in love with and found comfort in the storytelling of Rascal Flatts,” Cooke shares. “Having Gary LeVox invite me into the circle and ask me to sing one of the songs that got me into music in the first place was completely full circle. I’m so thankful to have stood where every country great has before me and I couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the tradition.”
The bucket list Opry moment comes just a week before Cooke will make her Ryman Auditorium debut on Nov. 2-3, as she continues as direct support on Cole Swindell‘s 19-stop “Back Down To The Bar Tour.”
In August, Cooke ushered in a new chapter of music following her 2021 debut project Already Drank That Beer, dropping back-to-back releases “Getting Into” and the anthemic “Back In The Saddle” in September. She is readying more new music for fans by year’s end, while her single “Never Til Now” featuring Brett Young enters the top 50 on this week’s Country Aircheck/Mediabase Chart.
Darius Rucker Honored For Diamond Certification Of ‘Wagon Wheel’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Today anchor Craig Melvin, who presented Darius Rucker with the RIAA Diamond certification honor; “Wagon Wheel” Producer Frank Rogers; Rucker; UMG Nashville Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan. Photo: Steve Lowry
There are now four country songs that are certified Diamond by the RIAA, signaling 10,000,000 units consumed. They are “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line, “Tennessee Whiskey” by Chris Stapleton, “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus, and now, “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker.
The multi-Platinum artist released “Wagon Wheel” in 2013 for his True Believers album. It was originally recorded by Old Crow Medicine Show and written by the band’s Ketch Secor after he discovered an unfinished Bob Dylan demo of him singing what is now the “Wagon Wheel” chorus. While it has been an instant classic since OCMS first released it in 2004, Rucker’s recording has taken on a life of its own, transcending country radio into the cultural zeitgeist.
To celebrate this accomplishment, UMG Nashville held a ceremony to present Rucker with a plaque. The party also celebrated Rucker’s tenth No. 1, “Beers And Sunshine,” which hit the top of the charts in early 2021.
Kelly Sutton served as emcee for the event, first recognizing the co-writers of “Beers And Sunshine,” Rucker, Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman and JT Harding. The writers shared their thanks to all the responsible parties for “Beers And Sunshine” going No. 1, such as UMG Nashville, their respective publishers, and PROs. ASCAP’s Mike Sistad and BMI’s Josh Tomlinson were also there to represent their writers.
Pictured (L-R): “Beers And Sunshine” co-writers Josh Osborne, Ross Copperman, Darius Rucker, JT Harding. Photo: Steve Lowry
In each of their speeches, the writers talked about the Zoom meeting that the tune was written on, guessing that “Beers And Sunshine” might have been the first country No. 1 written on Zoom.
“There’s no nonsense on Zoom. In the [writer] room, you sit around and talk about your kids. You tell them what’s going on and it takes 20 minutes to get started. Not on Zoom!” Rucker said. “When we finished it, I thought it was something special. Ross went out of his way to record this whole record on Zoom. Nobody was ever in the same room together ever.
“I want to say thank you to Universal, ASCAP, and Sony,” Rucker added.
Next, it was time to shift gears to celebrate “Wagon Wheel.” Sutton welcomed UMG Nashville Chairman and CEO Mike Dungan to the stage to say a few words about his partnership with Rucker.
“The truth is, it was a big leap of faith on everybody’s part,” Dungan said of UMG signing on to usher in Rucker’s country career. The label head pointed out that not only was Rucker in limited company as a person of color in country music, but he had also fronted the ’90s hit band Hootie & The Blowfish, who became so popular that they became a punch line. Forging a new path into country music stardom did not sound easy to Dungan, but with 10 No. 1 hits and a Diamond-certified single, it paid off to take a risk.
“To be here all these years later celebrating all these hits is amazing,” he said. “I couldn’t be prouder, my friend. I love you like a brother.”
The Today show’s Craig Melvin also joined in the presentations. He made sure to recognize Rucker’s philanthropic contributions, specifically to South Carolina where both Melvin and Rucker are from.
Frank Rogers, who produced “Wagon Wheel” and a myriad of other Rucker hits, joined the country star on stage to take a photo with the Diamond certified plaque.
When it was time to hear from the man of the hour, Rucker was full of gratitude for his team.
“I came here just to make a record. I came here because I wanted to make the music,” the country star said. “I can’t thank you guys enough for the life that you’ve given me. My life is so much better because I came to Nashville. Thank you.”
BBR Music Group Announces Hirings, Promotion
/by LB CantrellAllan Geiger, Taylor Scheese, Kennedy Nickerson
BBR Music Group has announced the hiring of Allan Geiger to Director of Content Creation and Taylor Scheese to Manager of Partnerships. The company also announced the promotion of Kennedy Nickerson to Sr. Coordinator of A&R.
In his role, Geiger will handle the creation of creative assets and graphic design for the label group’s roster of artists. He joins BBR from Artistnoize, a creative agency he founded that offers web and design services to clients, including Koe Wetzel, Leah Kate, Lee Brice, David Morris, Dashboard Confessional and more.
Geiger reports to Jen Morgan, VP of Creative & Imaging, and can be reached at allan@bbrmusicgroup.com.
Scheese will work on revenue driving brand partnership deals for BMG’s recorded and publishing roster, with a focus on BBR Music Group’s award-winning and chart-topping artist roster. She comes to BMG from Thinkswell, a digital marketing agency specializing in content strategy and execution for brands and artists, where she served as its Digital Marketing Manager.
Scheese reports to Daron Moore, Director of Brand Partnerships, and can be reached at taylor.scheese@bmg.com.
Nickerson’s new role at the company moves her from BMG’s publishing arm to the A&R department of its recorded side. A Belmont graduate, Nickerson’s previous experience includes internships with Cornman Music and Big Yellow Dog Music.
Nickerson reports to Katie Kerkhover, VP of A&R, and can be reached at kennedy.nickerson@bmg.com.
Industry Ink: Chris Young, Billy Ray Cyrus, PickleJar, Tyler Braden, Tigirlily Gold
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Young Headlines Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers Event
Pictured (L-R): Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation; Savannah Guthrie; Tom Hanks; Senator Elizabeth Dole; Jocko Sims and Chris Young. Photo: Courtesy of Elizabeth Dole Foundation
Chris Young was the musical headliner at the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Heroes & History Makers celebration on Oct. 19 at The Anthem in Washington D.C.
The special evening paid tribute to the 5.5 million hidden heroes caring for wounded, ill and injured service members at home, and celebrated the Foundation’s first 10 years supporting military and veteran caregivers.
During the event, Tom Hanks presented Today co-anchor and Hidden Heroes Ambassador Savannah Guthrie with the Tom Hanks Caregiver Champion Award.
Billy Ray Cyrus & Firerose Collab On New Track For Upcoming Holiday Movie
Firerose & Billy Ray Cyrus. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Billy Ray Cyrus is releasing a new single with Australian-born singer-songwriter Firerose titled “Time,” available next month. Cyrus and Firerose co-wrote and recorded “Time” in the midst of the success of their chart-topping hit “New Day.”
The new track is featured in the holiday movie Christmas In Paradise, which features Cyrus, Kelsey Grammer, and Elizabeth Hurley. The film will be in select theaters Nov. 11, as well as on demand, and on Blu-ray and DVD beginning Nov. 15.
PickleJar Tuesday Tributes Honors Miranda Lambert & Her MuttNation Foundation
Pictured (L-R): Kaitlyn Kilian, Roz, Karissa Ella, PickleJar’s Kristian Barowsky, Big D and Bubba’s Patrick Thomas, Sophia Scott, and Abby Anderson
PickleJar held its “Tuesday Tribute” variety show for a cause on Oct. 25, honoring Miranda Lambert.
Kaitlyn Kilian, Karissa Ella, Abby Anderson, Roz and Sophia Scott performed songs from Lambert’s extensive catalog at Live Oak in Nashville, with proceeds and 100% of donations going to benefit MuttNation, Lambert’s non-profit aiding animal shelters and rescue animals.
PickleJar committed $5,000 to be given directly to MuttNation in a special presentation at the end of the night.
Tyler Braden Hosts Second Annual Engine Co. 18 Golf Outing
Pictured (L-R): Tom Martens (Warner Music Nashville); Jay Cruze (iHeartMedia); Tyler Braden; Rod Phillips (iHeartMedia); Buzz Brainard (SiriusXM)
Tyler Braden hosted his second annual Engine Co. 18 Golf Outing on Oct. 24 at The Governors Club in Brentwood, Tennessee. The former first responder created the event last year as a way to support his brothers and sisters on the front lines.
This year’s outing welcomed 120 golfers and raised more than $20,000 for National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and Hungry Heroes, doubling last year’s total. The event concluded with a special writers round of music from Braden, Jonathan Singleton, Shane Minor and Trannie Anderson.
Braden performed songs from his Warner Music Nashville debut EP, What Do They Know, including his current single “Try Losing One.”
Tigirlily Gold Plays The Local Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Luke Jensen, VP Radio Promotion, Monument Records; Risha Rogers, WME, Partner; Krista, Kendra, Katie McCartney, GM, Monument Records; Greg McCarn, Roadhouse Entertainment. Photo: Robert Chavers
Monument Records duo Tigirlily Gold debuted new music to a packed room at The Local in Nashville on Oct. 26.
Sisters Kendra and Krista moved from their native North Dakota to Nashville five years ago and honed their live show playing three to four nights a week in bars on lower Broadway.
NSAI Announces Music Industry Career Camp At MTSU For Summer 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughNashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) is offering a brand-new, five-day Music Industry Career Camp from June 19-23, 2023 at Middle Tennessee State University.
Presented by Ronald Blue Trust, the first-of-its-kind camp will offer a look at many careers in the music industry, and each day will focus on a select group of career options within the industry. Attendees can expect panels featuring expert speakers, Q&A sessions with industry professionals, on-site visits to live music facilities, recording studios, records labels and more.
Daily themes that will be explored during the camp include Audio/Video Production Careers, Live Music Touring Careers, Songwriting/Publishing Careers, Artist/Record Label Careers, and Media and Marketing Careers.
“We are excited to hold this camp covering so many potential careers available within the American music industry. Featuring experts in dozens of jobs, field trips to Nashville for on-site learning, and the ability to see how many of these roles operate in real life, this is going to be such a unique experience,” notes NSAI Executive Director Bart Herbison.
“The idea was initially born from conversations with parents whose children are planning college degrees in the industry, but we’ve expanded to include anyone sixteen years or older as we know entering the music industry can happen at any point in someone’s professional journey,” he continues. ” It only makes sense to help anyone interested explore the myriad of creative and non-creative jobs available in the industry before changing careers or potentially committing tens of thousands of dollars or more to education.”
Registration is now open. An on-campus housing option will be available to purchase for those that opt to stay on-site in an MTSU dormitory. The camp is open to ages sixteen and up. For more information or to register, click here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tanya Tucker’s Vocals Soar On ‘Ready As I’ll Never Be’
/by Robert K OermannCountry music is in the midst of one of its periodic artist shakeups.
There’s a new generation of record makers vying for stardom, and they’re a very diverse lot. Just take a listen to Sam Williams, Pillbox Patti, Brandon Ratcliff, Ian Munsick, Elle King and Lily Rose.
But let’s not forget to dance with the ones who brung us. I refer to the enduringly great Tanya Tucker, who towers above all these would-be stars with “Ready As I’ll Never Be” as the Disc of the Day.
The DISCovery award goes to Michael Warren. He’s a Birmingham native who’s written pop tunes for the likes of Toni Braxton, Jennifer Lopez and Akon. But his southern roots shine through on “What’s Country to You.”
LILY ROSE / “Whatcha Know About That”
Writers: Dave Pittenger/Jonathan Hutcherson/Sydney Cubit/Miranda Glory; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic
–A chiming, echoey production backs her husky come-on to a potential lover. It has a certain “rush” that’s very inviting.
IAN MUNSICK / “Horses & Weed”
Writers: Ian Munsick/Josh Thompson; Producers: Ian Munsick/Jared Conrad; Label: Warner
–The Colorado cowboy praises products of his home state. Tennesseans might have their pick-up trucks and beer, but he’s floating languidly on a ballad with wafting smoke in his hair and a palomino for propulsion.
ELLE KING / “Try Jesus”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Ben Johnson/Casey Smith/Elle King/Geoffrey Warburton; Producers: Elle King/Ross Copperman; Label: Sony
–This manages to be hilarious, devout, wacky, uplifting, kookie and delightfully strange all at the same time. The song is out there. Her performance is charming. The video is a hoot.
SHABOOZEY / “Gas!”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Shaboozey; Producer: Sam Martinez/Junwaa/Ben Mironer/Shaboozey; Label: Empire
–The Virginia rapper thinks this is some new kinda country music. I don’t.
TANYA TUCKER / “Ready As I’ll Never Be”
Writers: Tanya Tucker/Brandi Carlile; Producers: Brandi Carlile/Shooter Jennings; Label: Fantasy
–This is the end title tune of the new Tanya Tucker documentary. It’s also a dynamite ballad that dips into the legendary entertainer’s deepest alto before soaring into a stirring, melodic chorus. An awesome performance by one of our most charismatic greats.
BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Grow Apart”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Lori McKenna/Pete Good; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–This guy is batting a thousand with me: I believe I’ve loved everything he’s released so far. He comes by his extraordinary singing voice doubtless via his inheritance, since his mom is the great Suzanne Cox of The Cox Family. Here, he applies it to a meditation on youth and aging that echoes with truth. Brandon’s debut album is due in January, and I can’t wait.
PILLBOX PATTI / “Eat Pray Drugs”
Writers: Nicolette Hayford/Aaron Raitiere/Benjy Davis/Connie Harrington/Park Chilsolm; Producer: Park Chisolm; Label: Monument
–The sound of a steamy southern summer. She drawls in an atmospheric dream in this super-creative production. “There’s only three things to do around here,” the small-town gal whispers. They’re listed in the sez-it-all title.
TYLER HUBBARD / “I’m the Only One”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Chris Locke/Rhett Akins; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI
–Positively joyous. Being in love has seldom sounded so downright fun. Hubbard is currently going from strength to strength en route to a debut album in January.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Better Strangers”
Writers: Liz Rose/Karley Scott Collins; Producer: Brock Berryhill; Label: Sony
–The relationship went bust, and she’s totally depressed about it. Promising, if somewhat overproduced.
REYNA ROBERTS / “Pretty Little Devils”
Writers: Reyna Roberts/Kendall Brower/David Mescon; Producer: David Mescon; Label: Empire
–Minor-key, moody and edgy. Hip-hop fused with country-rock, which is her usual jam.
SAM WILLIAMS / “Tilted Crown”
Writers: Luke Dick/Sam Williams/Scooter Carusoe; Producer: Luke Dick; Label: Mercury
–In a voice cracked with heartache, Williams muses about the legacy of his legendary lineage. The evocative ballad is produced with exquisite precision, and his performance glows with honesty.
MICHAEL WARREN / “What’s Country to You”
Writers: Dylan Schneider/Zac Kale/Jake Rose; Producer: none listed; Label: Workplay
–Jaunty and charming. He bops through the countryfied lyric with verve and smiles while the guitars ring and chime. Add this.
Primary Wave Music, Gibson Celebrate 70 Years Of Sun Records At Nashville’s Gibson Garage
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Primary Wave’s Donna Grecco, Adam Lowenberg, Ramon Villa, Catie Monck, Jeff Straughn, Dominic Pandiscia, Robert Dippold, Wendell Moore, Marty Silverstone, Justin Shukat, Sam Sklovar. Photo: Kyler Clark.
Independent publishing house Primary Wave Music celebrated the 70th Anniversary of Sun Records at the Gibson Garage in Nashville on Tuesday night (Oct. 25) in partnership with Gibson.
The evening was filled with performances of hits from Sun Record artists throughout the label’s history. Tash Neal began the all-star event with a performance of “Iko Iko” and “Mystery Train,” Hannah Dasher performed “Hey Good Lookin’,” and Meghan Linsey took the stage for “That’s Alright (Mama).”
Chris Isaak and Emmylou Harris performing at the 70th Anniversary of Sun Records Event. Photo: Kyler Clark.
Kristian Bush followed with a performance of “King of the Road” and “Boppin’ the Blues” with Benji Shanks of Blackberry Smoke, and the legendary Emmylou Harris performed a duet of “Love Hurts” with Chris Isaak. Finally, Isaak sealed the evening with a performance of “Great Balls of Fire” and “I Forgot to Remember.”
“Sun Records will forever be the birthplace of rock and roll,” notes Dominic Pandiscia, Chief Strategy Officer Sun Label Group. “To celebrate its’ 70th birthday with so many who have contributed to its’ legacy, past and future, is truly an honor.”
“From Elvis to B.B. King, Roy Orbison and more, it’s an honor, and so fitting, for Gibson to host the Sun Records 70th anniversary,” adds Elizabeth Heidt, Vice President of Cultural Influence, Gibson Brands-Global. “Gibson and Sun Records have been partners in shaping sound with music icons for decades and are aligned in the preservation, restoration and celebration of this rich music history. It’s so exciting to see new fans discovering these incredible artists and their stories.”
RIAA presented a plaque to Primary Wave and Sun Records in honor of the impact the label has had on the music industry over the past 70 years.
Established in 1952 by Sam Phillips, Sun Records is the home of music legends Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Roy Orbison, and was instrumental in launching the careers of pioneers Linda Martell, Jeannie C Riley, The Dixie Cups, Howlin’ Wolf, Rosco Gordon and more.
‘Captain Jack’ Aponte Announces Retirement
/by Alex Parry“Captain Jack” Aponte
“Captain Jack” Aponte has announced his retirement from radio after more than 50 years in the industry.
“The last few months have been very difficult due to various health issues that have included a cancer scare, two major surgeries, and weeks of recuperation,” Aponte shares with MusicRow. “I have had to put our important business on hold while working on getting well. Thank God no cancer was found. All that time, while I sat in the hospital bed and at home, I looked at my 50 years in this business. I realized I had accomplished a lot. In many cases I dared go where others had not.”
In 2011, Aponte launched internet radio station, Renegade Radio Nashville, and within 6 months RRN became the first and only internet radio station in music history to be given legitimate “reporting” status on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The veteran’s passion has always revolved around the Nashville scene and country music. Throughout his career, Aponte strongly believed in exposing new country songs and breaking new country artists to his audiences. As a contemporary country music programmer, he always went the extra mile to find a sound unique to his format.
In 2019, he moved back to his home state and settled in Seaside Heights, New Jersey where he set up a new online station covering the tristate areas of NJ, NY, and PA which also broadcasted live from the beach. Named Jersey Shore Country, this became the primary reporting station on the MusicRow Radio Chart.
“This wonderful experience that Music Row has afforded me and the opportunity to work with the best professionals in the music business will be something I will cherish forever,” he continues. “I don’t know what the future holds, as none of us do, however these are decisions I will make with my family in mind. I wish you all the best life has to offer and I will never forget our amazing relationships.”
He sums, “I hope growth and success is in all our futures.”
MusicRow wishes Aponte all the best in his retirement.
George Strait Adds Second Nissan Stadium Date Due To Overwhelming Demand
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait has added a second Nissan Stadium date in Nashville due to overwhelming demand. Slated for July 28, the second show will also feature Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town as special guests. The second Nissan Stadium show joins the initial Music City date on July 29.
News of the show follows the announcement earlier this week of Strait’s six one-off stadium dates in Phoenix, Seattle, Denver, Milwaukee, Nashville and Tampa. Tickets to all shows go on sale next Friday, Nov. 4 at GeorgeStrait.com. American Express cardmembers can purchase tickets to the newly-added date through Thursday, Nov. 3.
Strait will also perform in his home state of Texas at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Friday, Nov. 18-19. Additionally, he’ll once again return to Las Vegas for his “Strait to Vegas” series, gracing the stage at his T-Mobile Arena home away from home for the 35th and 36th time on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3.
George Strait 2023 Stadium Show Dates:
May 6 – Glendale, Ariz. || State Farm Stadium
June 3 – Milwaukee, Wisc. || American Family Field
June 17 – Seattle, Wash. || Lumen Field
June 24 – Denver, Colo. || Empower Field at Mile High Stadium
July 28 – Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
July 29 – Nashville, Tenn. || Nissan Stadium
Aug. 5 – Tampa, Fla. || Raymond James Stadium