Randy Travis’ More Life Documentary Earns Six Telly Awards
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Justin Luffman and Shane Tarleton, Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Tony Conway, Zach Farnum and WMN’s Mike Du. Photo: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville
Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis was recently presented six Telly Awards for his documentary, More Life. Travis received the honors for Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Editing, Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Biography, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Directing, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Use of Archival Footage, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Documentary: Individual, and Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Music/Concert.
In 2011, More Life started as a concert special honoring the 25th anniversary of Travis’ iconic album Storms of Life. As the film was being finalized in 2013, Travis unexpectedly became ill and suffered a massive stroke, making him unable to perform and severely limiting his speech. Since then, the film has become a celebration of his legacy.
“Producing More Life has been a labor of love for the past eleven years. Having the documentary released to the world, and received with such accolades, feels so right. Randy Travis is the cornerstone of Warner Music Nashville and we are honored and thrilled to help tell his story with More Life,” shares Shane Tarleton, EVP, Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville.
Lauren Alaina Performs At CMHOF’s 10th Annual Nightfall At The Hall
Pictured (L-R, back row): Ben Hall, senior director of development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; Lauren Alaina; Patrick Thomas, chair of the Troubadour Advisory Council; Mary Lauren Teague, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; (L-R, front row): Katherine Smith, senior manager of advancement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ella Choi; Katie Cline Moore, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; and Lisa Purcell, senior vice president of external affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lauren Alaina took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 10th annual Nightfall at the Hall concert on Wednesday (Sept. 7). The night serves as an after-hours celebration exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members.
Prior to Alaina’s performance, student artist Ella Choi performed “Blueberry Love,” a song that she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music.
For more information or to become a Troubadour member, click here.
Addie Morton Joins Big Machine Records, Samantha Kane Moves To BMLG
Addie Morton & Samantha Kane
Addie Morton has been named Promotion Coordinator for Big Machine Records.
Morton fills the position previously held by Samantha Kane, who moved into the newly created role of Marketing & Event Manager for all of Big Machine Label Group.
Catie Offerman Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Catie Offerman. Photo: Chris Hollo
MCA Nashville singer-songwriter Catie Offerman made her Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this month (Sept. 2). Offerman showed off her talent as a multi-instrumentalist by playing her fiddle and guitar on songs such as “Happyland Trailer Park” and “Don’t Do It In Texas.”
“I just finished playing my Opry debut and honestly, I can’t believe it’s over because I feel like I’ve prepared for this my whole life, and it was over just like that. It’s just so surreal to be part of this country music family, something that I’ve dreamed about for years, and even talked to my grandparents about. And here I am, I did it and I can’t wait to do it again!” says Offerman.
“It is so special to have my family here, they came all the way from Texas, 15 hours in the car with their chihuahuas, just to be here,” she continues. “It’s just really sweet because it’s a long haul and it was amazing knowing that they were out there supporting me, though they’ve supported me my whole life. Whether it’s been me playing in smokey bars in Austin or God knows where in Texas, pizza restaurants, polka gigs, all the way to the Opry they’ve been there for me. So, this is really special to share this moment with them,” she adds.
Cooper Alan To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Cooper Alan will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 21, joining a lineup of Opry members The Isaacs and the Del McCoury Band, along with Priscilla Block, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
With over 100 million streams on his music and 10 million followers across social platforms, Alan has built a fanbase through his writing and performing sold-out shows across the country.
“Making my Opry debut is something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. My heroes have all sung on that stage and I’m incredibly honored, humbled, and grateful that it is my turn to step into that circle. A huge thank you to the Opry staff for believing in me and my amazing team for working so hard to help me get here!” Alan shares.
“We have lots of respect for artists who go from playing bars to headlining their own tours, all while growing such an engaged & dedicated fan base. Because of that, we’re thrilled to welcome Cooper onto the Grand Ole Opry stage to make his debut,” notes Grand Ole Opry Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit.
Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, Tyler Childers To Perform At ‘Kentucky Rising’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughChris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam and Tyler Childers are among the artists set to perform at the upcoming “Kentucky Rising” benefit, a special one-night-only concert at Lexington’s Rupp Arena on Oct. 11.
Organized in response to the devastating flooding in the area earlier this summer, tickets go on sale this Friday (Sept. 16). Details can be found at KentuckyRising.com.
One hundred percent of net proceeds from the concert will benefit the “Kentucky Rising Fund” to support flood relief work and recovery efforts in Eastern Kentucky, including support for the victims, their families and first responders. Under guidance from the Blue Grass Community Foundation, the “Kentucky Rising Fund” will strategically support both immediate needs and long-term recovery projects as they emerge.
LeAnn Phelan To Host Free, Five-Day Songwriting Workshop This Week
/by Lydia FarthingMusic industry veteran LeAnn Phelan will lead a free, five day LP Creative Therapy Workshop for Songwriters. These one-hour Zoom Workshops will take place at 5:30 p.m. from Sept. 12–16, with replays available.
Phelan has had a passion for developing songwriters over the last 25 years, serving in A&R at Sony Records, as Co-Head of Creative at ASCAP, and as owner of LP Creative MGMT. However, during the COVID pandemic, she launched an additional endeavor called LP Creative Therapy Workshops.
“Besides being live and individually curated to each group, LP Creative Therapy Workshop provides education to songwriters relating to the business around their creativity. We learn from publishers, managers, attorneys, hit songwriters, and newly signed songwriters,” Phelan notes. “I get to know the people that show up and curate the experience based on where their interests lie. Basically, I give them what they want, and I add in what I know they need.”
The upcoming workshops are open to all, including songwriters all across the globe, and are not genre-specific. To register for the LP Creative Therapy Workshop, click here.
BMI Reveals Stage Lineup For Austin City Limits Festival In October
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI is returning to Zilker Park for the 2022 Austin City Limits Music Festival on Oct. 7-9 & 14-16, bringing its curated, musically diverse lineup to ACL for the 18th year.
The festival kicks off on Oct. 7 with indie-pop group Girlhouse, followed by Lilyisthatyou, and Austin-based indie-rock band Sarah and the Sundays, along with several others. Additional Weekend One performers include sibling duo Aly & AJ, Darkbird, and Isaac Dunbar.
Weekend Two will include the trailblazing Lily Rose, psych-rock and indie-folk band The Brummies, and post-punk rockers Urban Heat. Other acts include R&B songwriter Siena Liggins and storytellers Sloppy Jane.
“BMI is always excited to return to Zilker Park for Austin City Limits, and this year is no exception,” says Mason Hunter, AVP Creative, Nashville. “We love working with C3 and are thrilled to be partnering with them for another four years, so that we can continue to invest in the Austin community and highlight our best and brightest talent on the BMI stage.”
For well over a decade, the BMI stage at ACL has had a hand in launching some of music’s biggest stars, including Miranda Lambert (‘03), Alessia Cara (‘15), Luke Combs (‘16), City and Colour (‘08), Jon Pardi (‘11, ‘14), and Maren Morris (‘16), who went on to win a Grammy within a year of appearing on the BMI ACL stage.
BMI Stage Lineup:
Weekend One – Friday, October 7
Girlhouse
Lilyisthatyou
Sarah and the Sundays
Saturday, October 8
Katzu Oso
Jessia
Charlotte Sands
Aly & AJ
Sunday, October 9
Chicocurlyhead
Darkbird
Isaac Dunbar
Weekend Two – Friday, October 14
Early James
Dro Kenji
Lily Rose
Saturday, October 15
Izzy Heltai
Ben Reilly
Sloppy Jane
The Brummies
Sunday, October 16
Siena Liggins
Joshua Ray Walker
Urban Heat
Jackson Dean
CMA Announces 2022 International Awards Nominees
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMA has revealed the nominees for the 2022 CMA International Awards, honoring artists and industry executives who have supported and impacted the growth and promotion of country music internationally.
Nominees are recognized in multiple categories and voted on by international CMA members along with a select panel of U.S.-based professionals with extensive knowledge in the international country music industry. These nominees from Australia, Canada, Germany, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Sweden, the U.K. and the U.S. are honored for their continued efforts in expanding country’s reach around the globe.
Lindsay Ell, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne, and Tenille Townes are among the nominees for International Artist Achievement Award. Voting for the 2022 CMA International Awards is open now through Sept. 26 with winners to be announced later this year.
“I am thrilled to be honoring these deserving international partners as we continue to see sustained country music growth globally,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “At our core, we exist to expand country music across the world, and each of these nominees has been an instrumental force in helping us further that mission by elevating and celebrating country music around the globe in their own territories. I can’t wait to celebrate each of them in the coming months!”
“All of our international award nominees have worked passionately and diligently in international markets for years,” says Milly Olykan, Vice President, International Relations and Development. “Country music has an amazing community of industry executives around the world, and each of these individuals have played a major part in building and continuing those relationships. They are all ambassadors and representatives for our genre, and we are grateful for their knowledge, expertise and friendship.”
2022 CMA International Awards Nominees:
Jo Walker Meador International Award:
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country music’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by an individual who has made important contributions to the live music industry by extending performance opportunities and building live audiences for country music outside of the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music outside of the United States.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a United States-based artist who has demonstrated the most significant creative growth, development and promotion of the country music industry outside of the United States during the eligibility period.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions for the development of country music in his/her country.
This award recognizes outstanding achievements by a country music artist signed outside of the United States. The artist must have furthered the popularity of country music as well as brought attention to the country music format in their foreign based territory.
Frank Rogers Elevated To Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughFrank Rogers. Photo: Courtesy of Spirit Music Group
Frank Rogers has been promoted to Chief Creative Officer, Spirit Music Group/CEO, Spirit Music Nashville.
In his new role, Rogers will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Spirit Music Group’s global roster and creative activities, as well as continuing to oversee Spirit Music Nashville’s operational activities.
In addition to being a publishing executive, Rogers is a multi-Platinum producer and songwriter who has produced 44 No. 1 singles, more than 80 top 20 singles and over 60 RIAA certified albums or singles for artists such as Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Josh Turner, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Allison Krauss, Frank Ray, and Scotty McCreery.
Rogers has 18 CMA nominations, with one win, and 27 ACM nominations, with five wins. He has produced 17 Grammy-nominated songs or albums, including four winners. He has been named Billboard‘s No. 1 Hot Country Producer Award five times, MusicRow’s Producer of the Year four times, and was included on Billboard’s Country Power Players list in 2020 and 2022.
As a songwriter he’s co-written many chart toppers, including “I’m Gonna Miss Her” (Brad Paisley); “Alright” and “This” (Darius Rucker); “Five More Minutes,” “This Is It,” “In Between,” and “You Time” (Scotty McCreery); and “Backroad Song” (Granger Smith). His songs have been recorded by Chris Stapleton, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Kenny Rogers, Clint Black, Hootie And The Blowfish, Lee Brice, Kidd Rock, Billy Gibbons, Matthew West, and many more.
In 2016, Spirit Music Group inked a multi-facted deal with Rogers and his company, Fluid Music Revolution, forming the Spirit/Fluid joint venture. The deal empowered Rogers to bring new artists, producers and writers to the company, and he also joined Spirit’s roster as a songwriter, with the company administering all of his new compositions worldwide. Rogers was appointed CEO of Spirit Music Group Nashville in 2019.
“I’m confident Frank is the right person to lead Spirit Music Group’s global creative team in this next exciting chapter. Frank brings a wealth of experience to our business, both as a multi-Platinum songwriter/music producer in his own right and as a highly accomplished music publishing executive with a proven history of delivering hit after hit with our roster,” notes Jon Singer, Chairman, Spirit Music Group. “We are thrilled to provide Spirit Music Group’s global roster of artists, songwriters and producers of every genre the very best in executive talent and a creative executive at the helm who knows how to build business and careers for our writers. What Frank has accomplished with Spirit Music Nashville is a great example of what a music publishing community firing on all cylinders can accomplish and we look forward to seeing him apply his creative strategy throughout our global offices.”
“I am honored to continue and to expand my relationship with Spirit Music Group,” Rogers adds. “Jon Singer, Ross Cameron and Joe Borrino have been great partners over the last several years and I look forward to continuing to build on Spirit’s impressive foundation. I am excited to work with all of Spirit’s songwriters and staff with the goal of expanding our global presence while making Spirit Music Group the preeminent independent music publisher in the world.”
Fisk Leader Dr. Paul Kwami Passes
/by Robert K OermannDr. Paul T. Kwami (center) with The Fisk Jubilee Singers. Photo: Jason Davis, Getty Images for Fisk Jubilee Singers
Dr. Paul T. Kwami, the director of The Fisk Jubilee Singers died Saturday (Sept. 10) at age 70.
Kwami took the 151-year-old Nashville musical institution into the modern era. During his 28-year tenure as the group’s leader, The Fisk Jubilee Singers won its first Grammy Award, undertook its first African tour, was honored with a National Medal of Arts and entered the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, among other accomplishments.
The Fisk Jubilee Singers were Nashville’s first stars. Founded in 1871, the group popularized slave spirituals. They were the first act to circumnavigate the globe on tour and performed before all the crowned heads of Europe. The group has been recording since 1909.
Paul Theophilus Kwami was born and raised in the West African nation of Ghana. He became a pianist and music teacher before emigrating to the U.S. in 1982 to pursue graduate studies at Fisk University.
While a student in Nashville, he was a member of the Fisk Jubilee Singers in 1983-85. He earned his master’s degree at Western Michigan University, then returned to Fisk to become the Jubilee Singers director in 1994.
In 1999, the singers portrayed their 19th-century musical ancestors for reenactment segments of a PBS documentary in the American Experience series. They were signed to Curb Records and released the CD In Bright Mansions in 2003. One of the CD’s tracks, “Poor Man Lazarus” won a Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association.
The following year, Kwami began updating the ensemble’s repertoire and outreach. The group was soon collaborating on stages and in the studio with pop, folk, gospel and country stars, from Neil Young to Shania Twain. Among the group’s collaborators since have been Hank Williams Jr., Danny Glover, Faith Hill, the Nashville Chamber Orchestra, Keb’ Mo’, The Fairfield Four, Lee Ann Womack, CeCe Winans and Natalie Cole.
In 2000, the Jubilees became the subjects of the book Dark Midnight When I Rise. This evolved into an acclaimed PBS documentary film, Jubilee Singers: Sacrifice and Glory. A second book about the group was 2010’s Tell Them We Are Singing for Jesus.
In 2006, The Fisk Jubilee Singers were honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. The group was celebrated at the Recording Academy Honors ceremony in Nashville, along with Loretta Lynn and others in 2007. This is also when the singers were honored with a Tennessee Governors Award in the Arts. Later that year, the choir toured Kwami’s homeland, Ghana.
The ensemble was chosen to receive a National Medal of Arts in 2008. Paul Kwami earned a doctorate of music degree from Chicago’s American Conservatory of Music in 2009.
Under Kwami’s directorship, the Fisk Jubilee Singers performed at venues including the Apollo Theatre, Kennedy Center, Smithsonian Institute, Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum, White House and several Spanish and Italian halls.
Kwami also stepped up the group’s recording activities. Its new-millennium collections have included Sacred Journey (2007), The Fisk Jubilee Singers (2011), Roll Jordan Roll (2015) and I Want to Be Ready (2021).
Its 2021 recording Celebrating Fisk! The 150th Anniversary Album won a Grammy Award in the Best Roots Gospel Album category. Also in that year, The Fisk Jubilee Singers were honored by the Americana Music Association with the AMA’s Legacy of Americana award.
The Grammy-winning album was produced by Shannon Sanders. He reported that the current members of The Fisk Jubilee Singers gathered last week at the hospital where Kwami was ill. They sang “The Lord Bless You and Keep You” outside his room.
Paul Kwami served as a board member for the W.O. Smith Community Music School, the Nashville Advisory Council, the Gospel Music Association Foundation and the Schermerhorn Symphony Committee.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., Notes Progress In Annual Address
/by Liza AndersonRecording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., delivered the annual address to the organization on Friday (Sept. 9), emphasizing the significance of Academy membership and each affiliate’s unique opportunity to create a lasting impact on the music community. In the address, he also highlighted key initiatives and milestones for the Academy and welcomed the organization’s 2022 New Member Class.
Comprised of nearly 2,000 diverse music creators and professionals, the Academy’s 2022 New Member Class displays the organization’s continued progress toward cultivating a community that encompasses the ethnicities, genres and crafts that power the music industry.
“After years of listening, learning and putting in the work, we’re beginning to see results of our efforts to diversify the Academy’s membership come to life,” Mason shared. “Our members are the lifeblood of this organization, powering everything we do from the inside out. When we have diverse people representing all corners of the industry contributing unique perspectives, progress is achieved at a rapid pace. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to work alongside our new and existing members to build on the Academy’s commitment to effecting real, meaningful change.”
Full statistics surrounding the demographics of the new class can be found here, and click here to read quotes from new members.
This marks the fourth year the Academy has administered a community-driven and peer-reviewed annual cycle to create a more diverse and engaged membership base representative of the evolving musical landscape. Since implementing the new model in 2019, the number of women has increased by 19 percent, and membership among traditionally underrepresented communities has increased by 38 percent, now accounting for 31 percent and 33 percent of the Academy’s current membership, respectively.
Mason also noted the five new Grammy Awards categories as well as the new Special Merit Award, Best Song For Social Change.
Additional Academy milestones and initiatives featured in the annual member address included the Academy’s efforts leading the fight for the Decriminalizing Artistic Expression Act in California and the RAP Act on the federal level that would restrict the use of rap lyrics and other creative works in court, and the deadline for Academy members to register for District Advocate Day, taking place on Oct. 6.
Luke Bryan Announces Eighth Annual Crash My Playa For January
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Robby Kline
Luke Bryan is heading back to the beach for the eighth annual Crash My Playa concert vacation from Jan. 19-22 at the Moon Palace Cancún.
The event will feature four nights of music on a private stretch of white sand beach, with Bryan headlining two of the four nights with fellow American Idol judge Lionel Richie, who is making his debut appearance at the event.
Chris Stapleton and Cole Swindell will return this year as headliners, and Dustin Lynch will once again host and perform at a special poolside party. Additional performers during the four-day event include Ashley McBryde, Brian Kelley, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott and DJ Rock. Kendell Marvel will also return with his special Honky Tonk Experience late-night performance. Additional performers will be announced later this fall.
“Oh my gosh this line up! Some dear friends and new friends but regardless, what an amazing treat for the fans,” Bryan notes. “Everybody rest up and get ready for these four beachside hangs.”
A limited amount of all-inclusive Crash My Playa 2023 event packages will be available to the public on Sept. 13 at 12 p.m. CT at crashmyplaya.com.
Lineup Announced For Dottie West Birthday Bash Hosted By Jeannie Seely
/by Lorie HollabaughPerformers have been announced for the Fourth Annual Dottie West Birthday Bash set for Oct. 11 at Nashville’s 3rd & Lindsley.
Hosted by Grand Ole Opry Member Jeannie Seely, the 90th birthday celebration for West will include performances by Country Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry Member Charlie McCoy, who will be honored for his impact on country music.
Country Music Hall of Fame members Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee, as well as Grand Ole Opry members Rhonda Vincent and Mandy Barnett, John Schneider, Heidi Newfield, Dallas Wayne, Tim Atwood, Kenna West, Tess Frizzell, Bobby Tomberlin and other surprise guests will also take the stage.
Tickets for the annual event are available now for purchase here.
Industry Ink: Randy Travis, Lauren Alaina, Big Machine, Catie Offerman, Cooper Alan
/by Lydia FarthingRandy Travis’ More Life Documentary Earns Six Telly Awards
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Justin Luffman and Shane Tarleton, Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Tony Conway, Zach Farnum and WMN’s Mike Du. Photo: Courtesy Warner Music Nashville
Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis was recently presented six Telly Awards for his documentary, More Life. Travis received the honors for Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Editing, Gold Winner in Non-Broadcast – Biography, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Directing, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Use of Archival Footage, Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Documentary: Individual, and Silver Winner in Non-Broadcast – Music/Concert.
In 2011, More Life started as a concert special honoring the 25th anniversary of Travis’ iconic album Storms of Life. As the film was being finalized in 2013, Travis unexpectedly became ill and suffered a massive stroke, making him unable to perform and severely limiting his speech. Since then, the film has become a celebration of his legacy.
“Producing More Life has been a labor of love for the past eleven years. Having the documentary released to the world, and received with such accolades, feels so right. Randy Travis is the cornerstone of Warner Music Nashville and we are honored and thrilled to help tell his story with More Life,” shares Shane Tarleton, EVP, Artist Development, Warner Music Nashville.
Lauren Alaina Performs At CMHOF’s 10th Annual Nightfall At The Hall
Pictured (L-R, back row): Ben Hall, senior director of development at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Zach Farnum, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; Lauren Alaina; Patrick Thomas, chair of the Troubadour Advisory Council; Mary Lauren Teague, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; (L-R, front row): Katherine Smith, senior manager of advancement at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Ella Choi; Katie Cline Moore, Troubadour Advisory Council leadership team member; and Lisa Purcell, senior vice president of external affairs at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Lauren Alaina took the stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s 10th annual Nightfall at the Hall concert on Wednesday (Sept. 7). The night serves as an after-hours celebration exclusively for the museum’s Troubadour members.
Prior to Alaina’s performance, student artist Ella Choi performed “Blueberry Love,” a song that she wrote with guidance from museum staff as part of the museum’s flagship educational program, Words & Music.
For more information or to become a Troubadour member, click here.
Addie Morton Joins Big Machine Records, Samantha Kane Moves To BMLG
Addie Morton & Samantha Kane
Addie Morton has been named Promotion Coordinator for Big Machine Records.
Morton fills the position previously held by Samantha Kane, who moved into the newly created role of Marketing & Event Manager for all of Big Machine Label Group.
Catie Offerman Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Catie Offerman. Photo: Chris Hollo
MCA Nashville singer-songwriter Catie Offerman made her Grand Ole Opry debut earlier this month (Sept. 2). Offerman showed off her talent as a multi-instrumentalist by playing her fiddle and guitar on songs such as “Happyland Trailer Park” and “Don’t Do It In Texas.”
“I just finished playing my Opry debut and honestly, I can’t believe it’s over because I feel like I’ve prepared for this my whole life, and it was over just like that. It’s just so surreal to be part of this country music family, something that I’ve dreamed about for years, and even talked to my grandparents about. And here I am, I did it and I can’t wait to do it again!” says Offerman.
“It is so special to have my family here, they came all the way from Texas, 15 hours in the car with their chihuahuas, just to be here,” she continues. “It’s just really sweet because it’s a long haul and it was amazing knowing that they were out there supporting me, though they’ve supported me my whole life. Whether it’s been me playing in smokey bars in Austin or God knows where in Texas, pizza restaurants, polka gigs, all the way to the Opry they’ve been there for me. So, this is really special to share this moment with them,” she adds.
Cooper Alan To Make Grand Ole Opry Debut
Cooper Alan will make his Grand Ole Opry debut on Sept. 21, joining a lineup of Opry members The Isaacs and the Del McCoury Band, along with Priscilla Block, Steven Curtis Chapman and more.
With over 100 million streams on his music and 10 million followers across social platforms, Alan has built a fanbase through his writing and performing sold-out shows across the country.
“Making my Opry debut is something I’ve dreamed of my entire life. My heroes have all sung on that stage and I’m incredibly honored, humbled, and grateful that it is my turn to step into that circle. A huge thank you to the Opry staff for believing in me and my amazing team for working so hard to help me get here!” Alan shares.
“We have lots of respect for artists who go from playing bars to headlining their own tours, all while growing such an engaged & dedicated fan base. Because of that, we’re thrilled to welcome Cooper onto the Grand Ole Opry stage to make his debut,” notes Grand Ole Opry Director of Artist Relations & Programming Strategy Jordan Pettit.