Aaron Watson. Photo: Scott Delony
After being sidelined by a vocal cord injury for three months, independent country artist Aaron Watson put on a high-energy, fan-engaging show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night (Aug. 26).
“I took a little three month vacation and had vocal cord surgery,” Watson said early on in the show. “So I’m happy to be here. I can’t wipe the smile from my face.”
Watson hadn’t performed in Nashville in over two years and was welcomed to a packed and lively crowd. Though needing to take a few breaks in between songs to rest his voice, Watson delivered an array of fan-favorites, including “Freight Train,” “July in Cheyenne,” and “Outta Style,” along with a handful of covers.
The night kicked off with opening act and up-and-coming Texas artist Erin Kinsey who wowed fans with her impressive guitar skills and performances of her popular songs “Just Drive” and “Vegas.” She played a handful of unreleased tunes for the Nashville crowd, which received warm reactions.
Watson later praised Kinsey for her talent and her TikTok rendition of “Outta Style.” “I’ll probably be opening up for you one day,” Watson noted. “Just remember us, girl. Y’all check her out, she’s awesome. I’m excited to have shared the stage with her tonight.”
Watson hit the stage, opening with his single and current blue collar anthem “Cheap Seats” from his 2022 record Unwanted Man. The song emphasizes his journey as an independent artist, having always been a fan-first entertainer.
Erin Kinsey. Photo: Robert Chavers
Despite his recent surgery, Watson sounded great with his band of many years backing his huge repertoire of songs.
He got the Nashville crowd into the show immediately by playing fan-favorites “Boots,” “Wild Fire,” and “Silverado Saturday Night.” In between breaks to rest his voice, Watson acknowledged that his doctor, who performed surgery on his vocal cords, was at the show.
“If you’ve been to my shows, you know I’m usually one song after the other, but I have to take time to hydrate my vocal cords,” he explained. “I got the doc here tonight watching me and I’m [telling myself], ‘You better stop in between these songs and take a drink of water or he’s going to get pissed.'”
Watson made the show even more intimate, talking to fans on the floor, especially those hailing from the Lone Star state. He even took some deep cut requests such as “Shut Up And Dance” from his 2003 record of the same name, and thanked Friday night’s audience for being a real ‘honky tonk’ crowd.
“A lot of times playing in Nashville isn’t my favorite because it’s stressful. [When you’re here], you have meetings and a lot people show up in suits,” Watson said. “A true honky tonk crowd showed up tonight and that makes me so happy.”
Later in the night, he slowed things down to honor the veterans with his song “Dog Tags,” which he wrote for his father who is a wounded war veteran. He asked every fan to shine their phone lights to show the veterans in the crowd support and bring attention to the mental illness struggle in the veteran community.
“My dad is my hero. This was a song that was easy for me to write because it was something that came from the heart,” he shared. “I spent a lot of time at the VA hospital in Amarillo where I grew up, so at a very early age I developed a great amount of love and respect for the men and women that serve this great nation.”
Watson continued the theme of honoring those he loved and looked up to with “Amazing Grace” followed by “Barbed Wire Halo.”
He finished with his song about legendary bull rider Lane Frost on “July in Cheyenne.” He wrote the song about Frost while he and his wife were struggling with the loss of their newborn daughter. He emphasized his Christian faith leading him through this dark time as it had for Frost’s mother.
“Lane’s mom said something that hit me right here,” Watson said while pointing to his heart. “It got me refocused on the bigger picture… I wrote this song as a thank you, but I think God inspired me to write this song and share my story with y’all.”
After his tribute to the late rodeo cowboy, Watson let his band go off and play a medley of country, pop and rock songs, which included Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee,” Alabama’s “Dixie Land Delight,” George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” The White Stripe’s “Seven Nation Army” and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
He ended his show with his monster top 10 hit “Outta Style,” where he thanked his fans for making it a country radio hit without the help of a major label. Watson capped off the night by staying late and giving out hugs and selfies at his merch table.
Watson hits the road again on Sept. 2 when he plays Bellvue, Colorado and will be back on track to finish his 2022 tour throughout the south and west.
Dolly Launches New Pet Apparel & Accessories Line, Doggy Parton
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton & her goddog Billy The Kid. Photo: Sebastian Smith
Dolly Parton has branched out into the pet world with her growing merchandise line as she launches her latest brand, Doggy Parton–a line of dog apparel, accessories, toys and more, in partnership with SportPet Designs.
Dolly Parton. Photo: Sebastian Smith
The line features gingham, blue jean and cowgirl pet clothes; sequined collars and leashes; a rhinestone harness; and guitar, microphone, high heel squeaky toys, among other items. A “pet” project that is near and dear to Parton’s heart, part of the proceeds from Doggy Parton will go to Willa B. Farms, a rescue that provides a loving home to displaced animals of all kinds.
“Puppy Love was my very first record and 6 decades later, my love for pets is stronger than ever. This inspired me to start my own line of Doggy Parton apparel, accessories, toys and more with a little ‘Dolly’ flair,” says Parton. “Part of the proceeds will support Willa B Farms, a rescue where animals in need find never-ending love. Don’t we all need that?’”
Initially, Doggy Parton products will be available via DoggyParton.com and Amazon
‘Nashville’s Big Bash’ Returns To CBS To Ring In The New Year
/by Lydia FarthingNew Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash will return to ring in the new year. Slated for Saturday, Dec. 31 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. and then 9:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m. CT, the festivities will be aired on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Taking over from downtown Nashville, the star-studded special will be packed with performances, with the first round of entertainers including Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Zac Brown Band. Additional artists and information will be announced at a later date.
The inaugural broadcast in 2021 peaked with 5.51 million viewers in the midnight hour. Similar to last year, the five-hour celebration will feature nearly 50 performances from locations across the city, including the main stage in Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. The broadcast will include the traditional countdown at midnight ET, culminating with the Nashville Music Note Drop and fireworks at midnight CT.
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash executive producers, Robert Deaton and Mary Hilliard Harrington, work in partnership with the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. The special will be directed by Sandra Restrepo.
Aaron Watson Plays Brooklyn Bowl After Three-Month Medical Hiatus
/by Steven BoeroAaron Watson. Photo: Scott Delony
After being sidelined by a vocal cord injury for three months, independent country artist Aaron Watson put on a high-energy, fan-engaging show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Friday night (Aug. 26).
“I took a little three month vacation and had vocal cord surgery,” Watson said early on in the show. “So I’m happy to be here. I can’t wipe the smile from my face.”
Watson hadn’t performed in Nashville in over two years and was welcomed to a packed and lively crowd. Though needing to take a few breaks in between songs to rest his voice, Watson delivered an array of fan-favorites, including “Freight Train,” “July in Cheyenne,” and “Outta Style,” along with a handful of covers.
The night kicked off with opening act and up-and-coming Texas artist Erin Kinsey who wowed fans with her impressive guitar skills and performances of her popular songs “Just Drive” and “Vegas.” She played a handful of unreleased tunes for the Nashville crowd, which received warm reactions.
Watson later praised Kinsey for her talent and her TikTok rendition of “Outta Style.” “I’ll probably be opening up for you one day,” Watson noted. “Just remember us, girl. Y’all check her out, she’s awesome. I’m excited to have shared the stage with her tonight.”
Watson hit the stage, opening with his single and current blue collar anthem “Cheap Seats” from his 2022 record Unwanted Man. The song emphasizes his journey as an independent artist, having always been a fan-first entertainer.
Erin Kinsey. Photo: Robert Chavers
Despite his recent surgery, Watson sounded great with his band of many years backing his huge repertoire of songs.
He got the Nashville crowd into the show immediately by playing fan-favorites “Boots,” “Wild Fire,” and “Silverado Saturday Night.” In between breaks to rest his voice, Watson acknowledged that his doctor, who performed surgery on his vocal cords, was at the show.
“If you’ve been to my shows, you know I’m usually one song after the other, but I have to take time to hydrate my vocal cords,” he explained. “I got the doc here tonight watching me and I’m [telling myself], ‘You better stop in between these songs and take a drink of water or he’s going to get pissed.'”
Watson made the show even more intimate, talking to fans on the floor, especially those hailing from the Lone Star state. He even took some deep cut requests such as “Shut Up And Dance” from his 2003 record of the same name, and thanked Friday night’s audience for being a real ‘honky tonk’ crowd.
“A lot of times playing in Nashville isn’t my favorite because it’s stressful. [When you’re here], you have meetings and a lot people show up in suits,” Watson said. “A true honky tonk crowd showed up tonight and that makes me so happy.”
Later in the night, he slowed things down to honor the veterans with his song “Dog Tags,” which he wrote for his father who is a wounded war veteran. He asked every fan to shine their phone lights to show the veterans in the crowd support and bring attention to the mental illness struggle in the veteran community.
“My dad is my hero. This was a song that was easy for me to write because it was something that came from the heart,” he shared. “I spent a lot of time at the VA hospital in Amarillo where I grew up, so at a very early age I developed a great amount of love and respect for the men and women that serve this great nation.”
Watson continued the theme of honoring those he loved and looked up to with “Amazing Grace” followed by “Barbed Wire Halo.”
He finished with his song about legendary bull rider Lane Frost on “July in Cheyenne.” He wrote the song about Frost while he and his wife were struggling with the loss of their newborn daughter. He emphasized his Christian faith leading him through this dark time as it had for Frost’s mother.
“Lane’s mom said something that hit me right here,” Watson said while pointing to his heart. “It got me refocused on the bigger picture… I wrote this song as a thank you, but I think God inspired me to write this song and share my story with y’all.”
After his tribute to the late rodeo cowboy, Watson let his band go off and play a medley of country, pop and rock songs, which included Alan Jackson’s “Chattahoochee,” Alabama’s “Dixie Land Delight,” George Strait’s “Amarillo By Morning,” AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” The White Stripe’s “Seven Nation Army” and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk.”
He ended his show with his monster top 10 hit “Outta Style,” where he thanked his fans for making it a country radio hit without the help of a major label. Watson capped off the night by staying late and giving out hugs and selfies at his merch table.
Watson hits the road again on Sept. 2 when he plays Bellvue, Colorado and will be back on track to finish his 2022 tour throughout the south and west.
Giovannie And The Hired Guns Sign With Warner Music Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Jerrod Flusche, Alex Trejo, Giovannie Yanez, Milton Toles, Carlos Villa. Photo: Brass Knuckle Vision
Giovannie and The Hired Guns have signed with Warner Music Nashville and will release their anticipated album, Tejano Punk Boyz, on Oct. 28.
In the last year, the Texas band has been named one of Amazon Music’s 2022 Artists to Watch, and their breakout single, “Ramon Ayala,” has garnered 18 million digital streams since independently releasing last summer. Following its No. 1 on the Active Rock Radio Chart, the track claimed the No. 1 slot on the Alternative Radio Chart this week, and has notched five weeks at No. 1 on Billboard’s Rock & Alternative Airplay Chart. This is the first time since 2006 that an artist’s first career-charting radio single reached No. 1 at both Alternative and Active Rock.
Fronted by Mexican-American lead singer and guitarist Giovannie Yanez, the group also includes Carlos Villa (guitar), Jerrod Flusche (guitar), Alex Trejo (bass guitar) and Milton Toles (drums).
“This year has felt like a dream that never ends. The No. 1s are so cool because we are reaching so many new fans. We can’t wait to share the full album soon,” says Yanez.
Griff Morris of Crush South Management adds: “This band is on a mission to take over the world. They have the talent, work ethic and vision to do exactly that. Bet on it.”
“This partnership is a perfect example of Warner Music Nashville’s philosophy to let the music lead. Giovannie and The Hired Guns are pure adrenaline and one of a kind,” notes Co-President of Warner Music Nashville, Cris Lacy. “Their broad musical reach has inspired an exciting ’first’ for us, a collaboration with one of our US rock sister labels and Warner Music Latina to make sure Gio’s ascension to superstardom is multilateral.”
Kendell Marvel Plots Headlining Tour For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughKendell Marvel. Photo: Laura E. Partain
Kendell Marvel has announced his “Don’t Tell Me How To Drink” headlining tour this fall beginning Oct. 7.
Newly-confirmed shows include Joe’s on Weed St. in Chicago, Nashville’s Exit/In, Memphis’ Growlers, The Basement in Columbus, St. Louis’ The Golden Record, Chattanooga’s Songbirds, and Pittsburgh’s Spirit Hall, among others. Tickets for the tour go on-sale this Friday (Sept. 2) , and details can be found at kendellmarvel.com.
The upcoming performances celebrate Marvel’s new album, Come On Sunshine, due out Sept. 23 via CmdShft. Ahead of the release, Marvel has unveiled three tracks: “Put It In The Plate,” “Hell Bent On Hard Times,” and “Don’t Tell Me How To Drink” featuring Marvel’s longtime friend and collaborator, Chris Stapleton.
Produced by Beau Bedford, Come On Sunshine features tracks penned by Stapleton, Dean Alexander, Al Anderson, Dan Auerbach, Kolby Cooper, Devon Gilfillian, Waylon Payne and more.
“I’m 51 years old, which means I’m long past the point of catering to anybody,” Marvel explains. “I’m just telling the stories I want to tell. I like to work with people who are different than me. Working with Beau Bedford in Dallas meant that I was playing with guys I’d never met before. Guys who had different ideas, different tones, and different ways of playing than my friends back home. We recorded the album live, finishing the whole thing in four days. That’s how you capture magic.”
Kendell Marvel Confirmed Tour Dates:
September 2—Dove Valley, CO—Seven Peaks Festival 2022
September 16—Pyror, OK—Born & Raised 2022
September 23—Nashville, TN—Grand Ole Opry
October 7—Chicago, IL—Joe’s on Weed St.
October 8—Columbus, OH—The Basement
October 9—Grand Rapids, MI—The Stache
October 18—Nashville, TN—Exit/In
November 3—Chattanooga, TN—Songbirds
November 4—Greenville, SC—The Radio Room
November 5—Maryville, TN—The Shed
November 10—Memphis, TN—Growlers*
November 11—Fort Smith, AR—The Majestic*
November 13—St. Louis, MO—The Golden Record
November 17—Vienna, VA—Jammin Java
November 18—Cleveland, OH—The Winchester Tavern & Music Hall
November 19—Pittsburgh, PA—Spirit Hall
*with 49 Winchester
Neotraditional Country Artist Wynn Williams Signs With ONErpm
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): ONErpm’s Ryan Cunningham, Wynn Williams, ONErpm’s Tim Wipperman, John Lytle (Wynn’s Manager). Photo: Stephanie Orr
Country neotraditionalist Wynn Williams has signed with global music provider ONErpm, who will provide marketing and distribution for Williams’ new music.
A Weatherford, Texas rodeo cowboy, who comes from a long line of singers, Williams combines the honky-tonk attitude of Brooks & Dunn with the crooning style of fellow Texan George Strait.
“Wynn is a dynamic new talent,” states Tim Wipperman, managing director for ONErpm’s Nashville headquarters. “With the pendulum swinging back toward traditional country, we believe Wynn is uniquely positioned for immediate industry success. Thanks to A&R Executive Ryan Cunningham for bringing Wynn into the family.”
With the announcement, Williams also released his newest single, “I Love Her for Leaving.” Co-written with Brice Long, the new track is a memorable mid-tempo ballad with a clever twist.
“[Wynn] has all the elements a country artist needs to break through. He’s got the look, the talent, the willingness to learn and a great attitude,” says his producer, country music artist-songwriter Trent Willmon.
“We’ve put a lot of time and effort into cultivating a record that possesses all the elements of what country music is to me,” Williams notes.
Jon Pardi Takes Fifth Trip To The Top Of The Charts With ‘Last Night Lonely’
/by Lorie HollabaughJon Pardi has reached the top of the country airplay charts this week with his latest hit, “Last Night Lonely.” Penned by Jimi Bell, Joe Fox and Dylan Marlowe, “Last Night Lonely” marks each of the writers first No. 1s, as well as Pardi’s fifth career chart-topper to date.
The track is the leadoff single from Pardi’s fourth studio project, Mr. Saturday Night, set for release this Friday (Sept. 2). Mr. Saturday Night reunites producers Bart Butler, Ryan Gore and Pardi, the same team behind the boards of his third studio album, Heartache Medication, which nabbed Album of the Year nominations by both the CMA and ACM.
Pardi is currently headlining arenas across the country with his “Ain’t Always The Cowboy Tour,” which extends through his Oct. 1 headlining date at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater.
‘A Holly Dolly Christmas Ultimate Deluxe Edition’ Coming This October
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton‘s A Holly Dolly Christmas is being released as an expanded edition with eight new tracks on Oct. 14. Parton’s classic track “A Smoky Mountain Christmas,” one of the rarities from the the Ultimate Deluxe Edition, is available everywhere digitally now.
Upon its release in October 2020, the album received a Grammy nomination and debuted at No. 1 on both the Billboard Country and Holiday albums charts. Guests on the album include Michael Bublé, Billy Ray Cyrus, Miley Cyrus, Jimmy Fallon, Willie Nelson, and her late brother, Randy.
Four singles were released from the album: “Mary, Did You Know?” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Christmas On The Square,” and the top 10 AC hit “Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” with Bublé. “Three Candles” and “The Wish Book,” originally released as digital-only bonus tracks, will make their CD and LP debuts on the Ultimate Deluxe Edition.
A Holly Dolly Christmas: Ultimate Deluxe Edition also features the digital debut of “Something Bigger Than Me” and “Silent Night,” songs Parton contributed to the 1997 animated holiday film Anabelle’s Wish. The final bonus track on the Ultimate Deluxe Edition is “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” Parton’s top 5 AC duet with Rod Stewart from his Grammy-winning 2004 album, Stardust…the Great American Songbook, Volume III.
The new album will be available on digital and streaming services, as well as on CD and two-LP white vinyl with pre-orders available now.
A Holly Dolly Christmas: Ultimate Deluxe Edition Track List:
“Holly Jolly Christmas”
“Christmas Is” – featuring Miley Cyrus
“Cuddle Up, Cozy Down Christmas” – Dolly Parton & Michael Bublé
“Christmas On The Square”
“Circle of Love”
“All I Want For Christmas Is You” – featuring Jimmy Fallon
“Comin’ Home For Christmas”
“Christmas Where We Are” – featuring Billy Ray Cyrus
“Pretty Paper” – featuring Willie Nelson
“I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”
“You Are My Christmas” – featuring Randy Parton
“Mary, Did You Know”
Bonus Tracks
“Three Candles”*
“The Wish Book”*
“Baby It’s Cold Outside” – Duet with Rod Stewart
“A Smoky Mountain Christmas” #
“(I’d Like To Spend) Christmas With Santa” #
“Wrapped Up In You”#
“Something Bigger Than Me” +
“Silent Night”+
*Previously Unreleased on CD & Vinyl
#Previously Unreleased
+Previously Unreleased Digitally
2022 ASCAP Christian Music Awards To Be Held Virtually On September 21
/by Liza AndersonThe American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) has announced its 44th Annual ASCAP Christian Music Awards will take place Wednesday, Sept. 21 across all ASCAP social media platforms. The awards recognize and celebrate the writers and publishers of some of the most performed Christian songs of the past year.
Programming will include performances and other surprises from some of Christian music’s top stars and songwriters. Friends, fans, and peers can join the one-day celebration via @ASCAP on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, using the hashtag #ASCAPAwards.
A complete list of winners will be available on the ASCAP website the morning of Sept. 21.
Last year’s winners include Matthew West, marking his fourth time as ASCAP Christian Songwriter of the Year, and Cory Asbury, who was recognized as ASCAP Christian Songwriter-Artist of the Year. ASCAP’s Christian Song of the Year went to the Tauren Wells and Jenn Johnson hit, “Famous For (I Believe),”c o-written by ASCAP member Alexis Slifer.
LeAnn Rimes Celebrates The Season With New ‘Joy: The Holiday Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughLeAnn Rimes is getting into the holiday spirit early by announcing her upcoming “Joy: The Holiday Tour,” which will kick off Dec. 2 and run through Dec. 18.
The tour will visit New York, Washington, Iowa, Oregon, and includes a Ryman Auditorium show on Dec. 10. Tickets for the Music City show are already on sale, and the rest of the shows go on sale beginning Sept. 1.
The concerts will bring fans together for festive songs mixed with some of Rimes’ greatest hits and new songs from her upcoming new record God’s Work, which will be available on Sept. 16. The project features Mickey Guyton, Ziggy Marley, Aloe Blacc, Ben Harper, Ledisi, Sheila E. The 12-track record includes a mix of songs that are nearly three years in the making.
She has also remains busy with her iHeartRadio mental health and wholeness podcast, Wholly Human, that brings her lifestyle blog, Soul of EverLe, to life. Now in its third season, Wholly Human placed in the top 35 overall for podcasts worldwide and was recently named as one of the 15 best mental health podcasts that educate and empower listeners by Good Housekeeping.