Wynonna Judd Extends ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ Into 2023

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Wynonna Judd has extended “The Judds: The Final Tour” into 2023, due to the overwhelming support of fans.

Judd and musical friends, including Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride, will all be returning for the second run. Fans can also expect more special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.

“I have never felt so overwhelmed by this much love and support!” shares Wynonna. “The emotions that flow while listening to the different generations of fans sing back to me each night has been other-worldly. I am so humbled by every artist that has come to sing with me on this tour. They’ve all managed to bring something so unique to The Judds music and I can say that no two shows are the same. It has been so life-giving!

“The decision to add 15 more shows was a no-brainer for me,” she adds. “The fans have been such a gift during my time of grieving and honoring my mother in song. What an amazing season this is. I look so forward to continuing the celebration of the music that has changed my life forever. In my 39 years of performing, these shows have truly been some of my absolute favorite experiences ever and I look forward to making new memories with the fans and guest artists in 2023.”  

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday (Oct. 28) at TheJudds.com.

Ben Goldsmith Inks With Kobalt Music

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Pictured (L-R): Kobalt Music’s Stephanie Cox, Ben Goldsmith, Kobalt Music’s Kevin Lane and Morgan Brasfield. Photo: Courtesy of Kobalt Music.

Songwriter and producer Ben Goldsmith has joined the Kobalt Music roster, signing a worldwide publishing agreement.

The southwest Virginia native grew up surrounded by country music and dreamed of becoming a songwriter. Following his graduation from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Goldsmith immediately moved to Nashville.

Since arriving in Music City, he has had multiple songs at country radio, such as “Blue Bandana” by Jerrod Niemann, “Neon Church” by Tim McGraw and the No. 1 hit “Homemade” by Jake Owen. Goldsmith has also had cuts by Russell Dickerson, Tenille Townes, Tenille Arts, Temecula Road and more.

“Having known Ben for as long as I have, I’ve seen first hand how hard he works and how devoted he is to the craft of songwriting. I am thrilled to be working with him and to welcome him to the Kobalt family,” says Kobalt Music’s Senior Director, Creative Kevin Lane.

“Kevin has been a friend and champion of mine since I moved to Nashville. I’m really grateful to be working with him and the entire Kobalt team. I am looking forward to creating new music and new opportunities with Kobalt,” shares Goldsmith.

Elle King Slates ‘A-Freakin-Men Tour’ For February

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Elle King. Photo: Pooneh Ghana

Elle King is launching her “A-Freakin-Men Tour Presented by Slow & Low” on Feb. 14. The Red Clay Strays will join her as special guests on the dates.

Kicking off on Valentine’s Day in New Orleans, the tour will visit Atlanta, Asheville, Boston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Austin and more through March 25. The trek comes on the heels of the release of King’s upcoming project Come Get Your Wife on Jan. 27.

“I am so excited to be going back out on tour, not just because I love to perform, but because I’m finally putting out a new record,” says King. “I have put all of my energy and love into this album and I cannot wait to share it live for everyone.”

Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Oct. 25 through the Citi Entertainment program. King is offering tickets as well as VIP meet & greet packages at every show at ElleKing.com.

2022 ASCAP Country Music Awards Set For Virtual Celebration On November 7

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The winners of the 60th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards will be unveiled on Monday, Nov. 7 across all ASCAP social media platforms starting at 9 a.m. CT.

Recognizing and celebrating the writers and publishers of some of the most performed country songs of the past year, the awards will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year. Previous winners include Ashley Gorley, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, Josh Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Old Dominion.

ASCAP will celebrate with its award-winning songwriters at an intimate, invitation-only event at Nashville’s Soho House on Monday, Nov. 7.

Kenny Chesney Surprises Mentor Jack Tottle At ETSU, Earns Honory Doctorate

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Kenny Chesney joins ETSU President Brian Noland (R) to honor Dr. Jack Tottle (L). Photo: Courtesy of ETSU

Kenny Chesney returned to his roots at his alma mater of East Tennessee State University to help honor the founder of the school’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies Program, Jack Tottle.

A well-known historian, player and journalist, Tottle created a program that has inspired young musicians, such as Amythyst Kiah, Tim Stafford, Adam Steffey, Ron Block, Becky Buller and the program’s current director Dan Boner, to use music as a way to bring people together, respect the roots, and create music’s future. The internationally acclaimed program, which has graduated Grammy, IBMA, CMA, and ACM awards winners, celebrated its 40th anniversary as part of the school’s Homecoming weekend.

“Jack Tottle taught me how to dream, or inspired me to have the ability to dream enough to believe I could do this,” Chesney notes. “He showed me that music could make connections beyond what we see, that it could communicate beyond language or location. When I was just beginning to really get serious, Jack Tottle was 10 years into this incredible program that focused on the region’s musical roots. He welcomed me, taught me a lot about songs, being in bands and what this music is made of.” He adds, “It was my honor to honor Jack this way. He showed an East Tennessee kid the power of what music can do; and for me, it sure did.”

Kenny Chesney presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by ETSU Provost Kimberly McCorkle and President Brian Noland. Photo: Courtesy of ETSU

A surprise guest at the celebration, Chesney was welcomed to the stage by President Brian Noland midway through the evening. Noland and Provost Kimberly McCorkle awarded Chesney an honorary doctorate of letters during the special evening.

“He is a paradigm-shifting artist who helped define country music in the 21st century, selling out stadiums across the world… He is an inspiration, reminding the world—through his art and the example he sets—to live life with joy, humor, passion, and soul,” shares Noland. “Here at ETSU, we have issued a challenge to our faculty, staff and students to ‘go beyond.’ Mr. Chesney, soon to be Dr. Chesney, you exemplify that ideal. You have gone beyond genres, unifying people through your art and your work. You have gone beyond borders, sharing your amazing talent all over the world. And you have gone beyond yourself, using your voice to uplift others and give back to communities.”

“To say I wouldn’t dream this is an understatement,” Chesney explains. “I was spending most of my time at Chucky’s Trading Post, the Downhome, Quarterback’s BBQ and in the rooms at the music building, practicing my guitar. All I wanted was to get a song on the radio, write some things I could be proud of and get out on the road and have some fun. My tour manager and a couple of my friends from back here are still out there with me, but I don’t think any of us would’ve seen this coming. But that’s why no matter what you dream, you have to just keep dreaming and believing.”

Kenny Chesney. Photo: ETSU

Lance Houston Joins River House Artists As VP, Promotion & Artist Development

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Lance Houston

River House Artists has added Lance Houston as VP of Promotion & Artist Development. He will spearhead the company’s promotions department.

In this position, Houston will help strengthen the company’s Artist Development department and work hand-in-hand with streaming and radio partners to grow artists’ and songwriters’ careers.

A Tuscaloosa, Alabama native, Houston brings nearly three decades of experience in country radio, including recent programming experience in major markets such as Chicago, Boston and Baltimore. The seasoned programmer also worked on iHeartMedia’s national programming team where he worked with 11 brands to build and elevate their music programming strategies.

“It’s an extremely exciting time for River House Artists! Zebb [Luster] and I are honored to have Lance join our team,” shares Lynn Oliver-Cline, Founder of River House Artists. “His reputation precedes him as an absolute tastemaker and his talents are going to be invaluable to our established and developing artists. I have admired Lance for years and we are thrilled to be working with him.”

“I feel like Nashville has been quietly calling me over the past few years, and as soon as I had the opportunity to go work for Lynn & Zebb, there was no holding me back,” adds Houston. “I’m super fortunate that I get to continue to be a part of the country music industry—plus learn a whole other side of the business after a really terrific run in radio!”

Houston can be reached at lance@riverhouseartists.com.

Founded in 2016, River House boasts a roster consisting of superstar act Luke Combs, Jameson Rodgers, Billy Strings, Ray Fulcher and Drew Parker, as well as newcomers Georgia Webster, Austin Snell, Zach Seabaugh, Kasey Tyndall, Grant Gilbert and more.

George Strait & Chris Stapleton Saddle Up For Six Stadium Run In 2023

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George Strait. Photo: Jill Trunnell

George Strait has announced six major one-off stadium dates around the country for next summer, including a Nashville date at Nissan Stadium on July 29. Chris Stapleton will join the “King of Country” for the run of shows along with Little Big Town.

Tickets to all shows go on sale Friday (Nov. 4) at GeorgeStrait.com. American Express card members can purchase tickets before the general public beginning this Wednesday (Oct. 26) through Nov. 3.

Since his record-breaking “Cowboy Rides Away Tour” wrapped in 2014, Strait has performed limited engagements in 2021, including headlining the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Minneapolis’ U.S. Bank Stadium. He also extended his “Strait to Vegas” series at T-Mobile Arena this year along with a handful of headlining shows in Little Rock and Kansas City. Additionally, the country icon returned to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo for his 31st performance, and headlined back-to-back nights in Austin for the Moody Center’s grand opening celebration.

Strait will also perform in his home state of Texas this fall for a two-night stand at Fort Worth’s Dickies Arena on Nov. 18-19, and will return to Las Vegas for his “Strait to Vegas” series on Dec. 2-3.

George Strait 2023 Stadium Shows:
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 29 – Nashville, Tenn. – Nissan Stadium
Aug. 5 – Tampa, Fla. – Raymond James Stadium

CeCe Winans, Anne Wilson, For King & Country Honored At 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards

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CeCe Winans at the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Wortman Works

The 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards were handed out Tuesday night (Oct. 18) in Nashville. The show aired Friday night (Oct. 21) exclusively on TBN with co-hosts Erica Campbell and Chris Tomlin leading the night of performances from across the community, including gospel, Latin, hip hop and southern gospel.

CeCe Winans made Dove Awards history as the first Black, female solo artist to win Artist of the Year. She and co-writers for “Believe For It” were also awarded Song of the Year. Throughout her incredible career, Winans has won 25 Dove awards, including the first New Artist of the Year award in 1988 with her brother BeBe Winans.

“It’s amazing when we come together and we love each other and we stand for righteousness, it’s amazing what God will do. It’s amazing what he’s already done. But he wants to do so much more. I’m believing for God to move in this industry greater than he ever has before,” Winans noted. “The God we serve responds to faithfulness and the testimonies I’ve heard through this song have blessed my life. I want us to understand that the God of miracles is still working miracles. So keep believing.”

Anne Wilson at the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Wortman Works

For King & Country and writer/producer Jeff Pardo led the night with three awards, including Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year and Producer of the Year, respectively. Anne Wilson took home two awards, including New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year for “My Jesus.”

“I’m so grateful for the power of songs and specifically ‘My Jesus.’ This song has impacted so many lives,” Wilson shared. “A woman recently shared with me that she was struggling to continue with life. She heard ‘My Jesus’ come on the radio and decided to give her life to Jesus. That’s the power that songs have, especially songs that glorify the Lord.”

TobyMac at the 53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Wortman Works

The night was packed with performances, moments of worship and celebration. A few standout moments were TobyMac with Blessing Offor; a southern gospel tribute with an all-female band, including Karen Peck, Kim Hopper, The Nelons and High Road; Gateway Worship Español featuring Christine D’Clario, Josh Morales, Daniel Calveti, Becky Collazos and Travy Joe; and Steven Curtis Chapman looking back on his 35-year career with a mash-up of “The Great Adventure,” “Lord Of The Dance,” and “Dive.”

53rd Annual GMA Dove Awards Winners:

Artist of the Year – CeCe Winans
New Artist of the Year – Anne Wilson
Songwriter of the Year (Non-Artist) – Jason Ingram
Songwriter of the Year (Artist) – Phil Wickham
Song of the Year – “Believe For It”
Producer of the Year – Jeff Pardo
Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year – “King Jesus” – KB, Nobigdyl.
Worship Album of the Year – Hymn of Heaven – Phil Wickham
Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year – “God Is Good” – Francesca Battistelli
Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year – “My Feet Are on the Rock” – Gaither Vocal Band
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year – “In the Sweet By and By” – Dolly Parton, Ft. Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley, Bradley Walker
Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year – “My Portion” – Jekalyn Carr
Spanish Language Recorded Song of the Year – “Danzando” – Gateway Worship Español, Ft. Daniel Calveti, Becky Collazos, Christine D’Clario, Travy Joe, Josh Morales
Bluegrass/Country/Roots Album of the Year – God Is Real – the Sound
Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year – “Higher Power” – CROWDER, Ft. Hulvey
Gospel Worship Recorded Song of the Year – “Breathe” – Maverick City Music, Ft. DOE, Jonathan McReynolds, Chandler Moore
Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year – “My Jesus” – Anne Wilson
Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year – “Gotta Believe” – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
Worship Recorded Song of the Year – “Hymn of Heavens” – Phil Wickham
Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year – No Church in a While – Lecrae, 1K Phew
Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year – Into the Mystery – Needtobreathe
Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year – What Are We Waiting For? – For King & Country
Inspirational Album of the Year – Be Still & Know – Jordan Smith
Southern Gospel Album of the Year – Keeping On – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year – Clarity – DOE
Traditional Gospel Album of the Year – Breakthrough: The Exodus (Live) – Ricky Dillard
Gospel Worship Album of the Year – Tribl Nights Atlanta – Tribl, Maverick City Music
Spanish Language Album of the Year – Viviré – Marcos Witt
Children’s Album of the Year – Getty Kids Hymnal – Hymns From Home – Keith & Kristyn Getty, Ft. The Getty Girls
Christmas/Special Event Album of the Year – Emmanuel: Christmas Songs of Worship (Live) – Chris Tomlin
Musical/Choral Collection of the Year – Give Me Jesus
Recorded Music Packaging of the Year – Canyon – Ellie Holcomb
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Concept) – “Relate” – For King & Country
Short Form Music Video of the Year (Performance) – “Fake It” – Tauren Wells, Ft. Aaron Cole
Long Form Video of the Year – What Are We Waiting For? | The Worldwide Special – For King & Country
Inspirational Film/Series of the Year – The Chosen

Nate Yetton Joins Big Loud Records As VP Of A&R

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Pictured (L-R): Seth England (CEO/Partner, Big Loud), Nate Yetton (VP of A&R, Big Loud Records), Patch Culbertson (SVP/GM, Big Loud Records), Joey Moi (Partner/Producer/President of A&R)

Music innovator Nate Yetton has been tapped by Big Loud Records as VP of A&R.

Yetton joins Big Loud after a notable career in the alternative space, piloting the path of 4x Grammy winning Americana duo The Civil Wars alongside clients Braison Cyrus, Birdtalker, and the solo career of Joy Williams at his self-founded Sensibility Music. He also has previous stops at EMI CMG (now Capitol Christian Music Group), Fairtrade Services, and InPop Records.

“I’ve admired Nate Yetton and looked up to him as a leader in independent music for years,” CEO/Partner, Big Loud Seth England shares. “We were honored to get the call that Nate was jumping back into the A&R space, and immediately knew we wanted to work together. He will be an invaluable asset to the growth of Big Loud and is the perfect person to bring our process to genres that we haven’t yet explored.”

“I’m thrilled to be joining the passionate, kind and innovative team of people at Big Loud Records,” Yetton adds. “The culture, vision, and execution that Seth, Patch [Culbertson] and Joey [Moi] have cultivated over the past seven years has been unparalleled in our industry, and I’ve been cheering them on from the sidelines along the way. Now, it’s a true pleasure and honor to be tasked with expanding Big Loud’s already stellar roster of artists by partnering with even more world class talent.”

Yetton can be reached at nate@bigloud.com.

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Justin Moore & Priscilla Block Deliver ‘Outstanding’ Harmonies

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Justin Moore & Priscilla Block. Photo: Courtesy of The Valory Music Co.

It’s a day for some real country singing in this edition of DISClaimer.

We’re truly in the presence of some vocal greatness in the offerings by David Nail, Tiera Kennedy, Morgan Evans, Sunny Sweeney and the duet by Becky Isaacs Bowman and Dolly Parton.

There’s no arguing with a guy who has 11 No. 1 singles under his belt. Justin Moore does not disappoint in his outstanding duet with Priscilla Block. The new team nails down this week’s Disc of the Day.

The DISCovery Award goes to War Hippies. They also sing great, and have a story to tell as well.

JON LANGSTON / “Give You My All”
Writers: Jon Langston/Brad Wagner/Jordan Gray; Producers: Jacob Rice/Jody Stevens; Label: EMI/32 Bridge Entertainment
–Very cool. It’s has a bluesy ballad groove that floats on a sea of romance. The fundamental simplicity of the tune and message of devotion are the secrets of its effectiveness.

JUSTIN MOORE & PRISCILLA BLOCK / “You, Me and Whiskey”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Brock Berryhill/Cole Taylor; Producers: Jeremy Stover/Scott Borchetta; Label: Big Machine
–Their vocal harmony work is outstanding. They swap verses with equal measures of personality, then turn the thing up a few notches with their entwined verses on the choruses. In the lyric, they’ve been working too hard, so they need a night together to relax with some beverages. Amen to that. Block brings her “Block Party” show to the Nashville Palace on Nov. 3.

WAR HIPPIES / “Make It Out Alive”
Writers: Scott Brown; Producers: Donnie Reis/Scott Brown; Label: WarHippies
–Donnie Reis and Scott Brown are former U.S. combat soldiers whose War Hippies album deals with veterans’ issues. The suicide rate among vets is heartbreaking, which the living-strong lyric of this ballad pushes against. Both men sing with great heart, and the synth-and-strings accompaniment is perfect.

THOMAS RHETT & KATY PERRY / “Where We Started”
Writers: Ashley Gorley/Jon Bellion/Thomas Rhett/Jesse Frasure; Producers: Dann Huff/Jesse Frasure; Label: Valory
–Dreamy. Romantic. Awash in melody, with both voices at the top of their game. Pop queen Perry began her career in Music City as a teen CCM artist.

615 COLLECTIVE / “Coastin’”
Writers: Sarah Darling/Michael Logen/NicoleWitt; Producer: none listed; Label: 615
–Comprised of top tunesmiths Sarah Darling, Michael Logen, Shelly Fairchild and Nicole Witt, this combo strikes it rich with this breezy, groovy, relaxing beach-y tune. Darling takes the lead with her wafting soprano above a smooth-as-glass track.

BECKY ISAACS BOWMAN & DOLLY PARTON / “Early Morning Breeze”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: none listed; Label: Isaacs
–Becky is a cornerstone of the Opry group The Isaacs, but she has always been somewhat overshadowed by the superbly gifted vocals of her sister Sonya Isaacs. Now she is getting her own solo album. This advance track pairs her with the legendary Dolly, and the result is Heaven in Appalachia. Their lilting voices match like mountaineer twins.

MORGAN EVANS / “Over For You”
Writers: Morgan Evans/Madison Love/Geoff Warburton/Tim Sommers; Producer: Tim Sommers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–A penultimate heartbreak ballad. He aches with wondering how long she didn’t love him while he kept on deluding himself. I like the ghostly voices softly asking “How long? How Long?” in between his musings.

FLO RIDA & WALKER HAYES / “High Heels”
Writers: Bryan Isaac/Danny Majic/Dre Davidson/Fraser Churchill/Meron Mengist/Sean Davidson/Walker Hayes; Producer: The Monarch/Danny Majic; Label: Monument
–Flo Rida babbles about whatever. Walker Hayes references “Fancy Like,” Applebees, the Grammys and whatnot. I suppose it’s harmless.

TIERA KENNEDY / “Alabama Nights”
Writers: Cameron Bedell/Emily Falvey/Jared Scott/Tiera Kennedy/Emily Flakey; Producers: Dann Huff/Cameron Bedel; Label: Valory
–“Found It In You” remains the lovely single. This fresh track from her upcoming album shows a livelier side. In fact, it is a stone boppin’ delight. The picturesque, rapid-fire lyrics are a blast as are the skipping, merry track and her pert, sunny soprano vocal. Definitely check this ditty out…..pronto.

DAVID NAIL / “Wherever You Are Tonight”
Writers: David Nail/Robyn Collins/Grant Vogel; Producer: none listed; Label: DN
–He always draws me in with every note he sings. This master communicator aches with authenticity on this beautifully melodic track. Shut your eyes and get lost in his performance.

SUNNY SWEENEY / “Married Alone”
Writers: Hannah Blaylock/Josh Morningstar/Autumn McEntire; Producers: Paul Cauthen/Beau Bedford; Label: Aunt Daddy/Thirty Tigers
–The always-great Sunny has just released a new album. Its title track ballad features Vince Gill on vocal harmony and a steel-soaked, deeply twangin’ track that is Country, with a capital “C.” I adore this woman.

RANDY ROGERS BAND / “Fast Car”
Writers: Randy Montana/Wendell Mobley/Lee Miller; Producer: Radney Foster; Label: RR
–Now celebrating its 20th anniversary, this band is always a welcome playlist addition. On this mid-tempo meditation, a guy wonders about the gal he meets in a bar, speculating about her present, past and future. The cleanly mixed track keeps things admirably close to the earth.