There is an abundance of great listening in today’s DISClaimer.
That’s because this edition explores what’s new in Americana. Which as a genre is so much more interesting than most of what Nashville generates.
And it doesn’t get much more “interesting” than our Disc of the Day winners. The Male prize goes to Lyle Lovett. The Female winner is Brandi Carlile. The duo/group honor belongs to Fancy Hagood & Kacey Musgraves.
This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Jake Blount. Explore his work, because he is really tapping into something cool.
JIM LAUDERDALE / “That Kind of Life”
Writer: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Sky Crunch
–The longtime host of the Americana Music Awards, Lauderdale is also impressively prolific. He has 34 albums under his belt and is announcing Game Changer as his next with this romping, lead-off track. As always, he respects country tradition by drenching the tune in Telecaster and steel, not to mention his Dixie drawl. The mood is upbeat, peppy and ultimately hopeful. Somewhere, Buck Owens is smiling.
ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS / “Go Your Way”
Writer: Anne Briggs; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Label: Rounder
–The team’s current Raise the Roof collection was No. 1 on the Americana charts for months. This brilliantly produced single from it grows from a stately guitar strum to an epic, throbbing ballad of farewell. It’s beyond gorgeous, although I yearned for more from Krauss than soft backup harmonies.
MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY & RYAN MURPHEY / “El Dorado”
Writers: Michael Martin Murphey/Ryan Murphey; Producer: Michael Martin Murphey; Label: Wild Fire
–The title tune of a duet album by Michael Martin Murphey and his son Ryan is the wafting Road Beyond the View. On this new track from it, the pastoral western imagery we associate with this artist remains in place, but on this outing it’s a spiritual, space-cowboy thang in a burbling, guitar-jazz setting. Plucked notes ripple and ring throughout the gentle production. Captivating.
BRANDI CARLILE / “You and Me on the Rock”
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth; Producers: Dave Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Label: Low Country Sound/Elektra
–Here’s a new single/video from Carlile’s chart-topping In These Silent Days album. I hear the influence of Joni Mitchell in the rapid-fire soprano lilts of the tune. The choppy tempo and stacked vocal harmonies are a delight. This lively, sweet ode to domesticity and steadfastness just might be her strongest performance to date.
LYLE LOVETT / “12th of June”
Writers: Lyle Lovett; Producers: Chuck Ainlay/Lyle Lovett; Label: Verve
–This is the title tune of Lovett’s first new album in 10 years. Part wistful folkie, part heartfelt country and all magnetic meditation, it unspools as an acoustic watercolor of nostalgia, family and love. The eclectic collection also includes jazzbo oldie faves like “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You.” He’s an essential artist, and this is an essential record.
MARCUS KING / “Hard Working Man”
Writers: Marcus King/Angelo Petraglia/Dan Auerbach; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: American Recordings/Republic
–This Nashville guitar-slingin’ hotshot has a new album, Young Blood, coming next month (Aug. 26). This advance single is a barn burner showcasing his bluesy, Southern-rock vocal phrasing as well as his fiery, searing, sensational string licks. Get on board.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Used to Be a Mountain”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Trey Hensley; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–Drawn from its ninth bluegrass-chart topping LP, Paint This Town, the Opry-star band ventures into social commentary with this cautionary environmental song. The tempo rocks furiously and the percussive sound is far removed from the act’s old-timey, string-band roots. Group vocal chanting, frothing fiddle licks and drums abound.
RISSI PALMER / “Best Day Ever”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: Boldilocks
–Palmer is doing such important work with her Color Me Country podcasts. She also remains an outstanding artist. How outstanding? I hate children’s music, but fell totally in love with her new kiddie ditty. It’s irresistibly sunny without being saccharine. It sings to children without pandering. Its language is simple without being simplistic. The acoustic production is lilting and lovely. The video is adorable, too.
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES / “Wheel”
Writers: Jerry Jeff Walker; Producer: Steve Earle; Label: New West
–Earle’s new album, Jerry Jeff, is a salute to Jerry Jeff Walker, one of his main musical mentors. He aims to remind us that the late Walker was more than just “Mr. Bojangles.” This stark, dusty, drawled, existential ballad is an example.
MARGO PRICE, MAVIS STAPLES & ADIA VICTORIA / “Fight to Make It”
Writers: Margo Price/Jeremy Ivey; Producer: none listed; Label: MP
–It’s girl-group heaven, summoning the spirit of Martha & The Vandellas at their most rocking. It’s also a hand-clapping, joyous female anthem with these three Americana queens taking turns in the verses and joining voices on the choruses. Proceeds from the single benefit Noise For Now, an organization supporting reproductive rights. “
JAKE BLOUNT / “Didn’t It Rain”
Writers: Brian Francis Slattery/Jake Meserve Blount; Producers: Jake Blount/Brian Slattery; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This classic gospel song was popularized by Sister Rosetta Tharp and Mahalia Jackson. Blount’s version is part of his Afro-futurist new concept album The New Faith. It’s also a shoulder-shaking, rhythm-happy audio pleasure, bopping with clinking/thumping/snappy percussion, hand claps, group call-and-response and artsy electric-guitar interludes. Blount is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who specializes in the banjo and other African American folk traditions. The New Englander is also a published scholar and music journalist.
FANCY HAGOOD & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Blue Dream Baby”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Karen Fairchild/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: FH
–Hagood’s latest is a dreamy pop confection with built-in dancefloor potential. Musgraves’ verses underscore the spacey, ethereal, romantic mood. The animated video imagines him being abducted by stud “gayliens.”
Carrie Underwood Rises To MusicRow Chart Peak
/by Alex ParryCarrie Underwood is crowned this week’s No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for her single, “Ghost Story.” David Garcia, Josh Kear, and Hillary Lindsey co-wrote the single which appears on Underwood’s latest album, Denim & Rhinestones.
To commemorate her ninth studio album, Underwood hosted a pop-up experience in Nashville during this year’s CMA Fest, which included interactive photo installations, wardrobe displays, and a retail boutique.
Following the wrap of the 2022 dates of her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” in May, Underwood has announced she’ll return to the road this fall on the “Denim & Rhinestones Tour.” She will be joined on the tour by special guest Jimmie Allen.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Lauren Alaina, Chris Janson, Scotty McCreery Among Opry Country Christmas Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie McCoy and The Gatlin Brothers perform alongside Santa Claus during the inaugural Opry Country Christmas season in 2021. Photo: Chris Hollp
Opry Country Christmas is returning to the Grand Ole Opry House for the second year in a row this year, beginning Nov. 27 and running through Dec. 22. This year’s shows will feature special performances by Spotlight Artists and Opry members Lauren Alaina (Dec. 1) and Chris Janson (Dec. 11), as well as Scotty McCreery (Dec. 18).
Hosted by Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the season in nine shows, each one featuring Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows, which are made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites.
The inaugural season of Opry Country Christmas in 2021 featured performances of popular holiday favorites such as “’Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Silent Night” and more.
All Opry Country Christmas shows will air on WSM Radio, as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. Tickets are on sale now at opry.com.
Country Music Hall Of Fame Taps Trisha Yearwood For New Membership Campaign
/by LB CantrellTrisha Yearwood visits the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s galleries, which include her own artifacts on display. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Trisha Yearwood recently paid a visit to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to kick off its new membership campaign.
The country icon will lead the multi-media campaign, which aims to double the number of museum memberships by the end of the year and return membership participation to pre-pandemic levels.
This is a cause that is close to Yearwood’s heart, as she worked as a tour guide at the museum before she became a Grammy-winning artist. She has remained an avid supporter throughout her career, performing at museum fundraisers and events, and donating personally to the museum’s collection and its membership program.
“This institution is a treasure for the world—a beacon—and it is also a treasure awaiting you, your family and your friends,” Yearwood shares.
Membership to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum provides foundational philanthropic support and sustains its educational mission. Members receive free admission to the museum’s galleries, family programs, special events and more, as well as discounts to its retail stores. Learn more here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lyle Lovett Sparks Nostalgia With ’12th Of June’
/by Robert K OermannThere is an abundance of great listening in today’s DISClaimer.
That’s because this edition explores what’s new in Americana. Which as a genre is so much more interesting than most of what Nashville generates.
And it doesn’t get much more “interesting” than our Disc of the Day winners. The Male prize goes to Lyle Lovett. The Female winner is Brandi Carlile. The duo/group honor belongs to Fancy Hagood & Kacey Musgraves.
This week’s DISCovery Award goes to Jake Blount. Explore his work, because he is really tapping into something cool.
JIM LAUDERDALE / “That Kind of Life”
Writer: Jim Lauderdale; Producers: Jim Lauderdale/Jay Weaver; Label: Sky Crunch
–The longtime host of the Americana Music Awards, Lauderdale is also impressively prolific. He has 34 albums under his belt and is announcing Game Changer as his next with this romping, lead-off track. As always, he respects country tradition by drenching the tune in Telecaster and steel, not to mention his Dixie drawl. The mood is upbeat, peppy and ultimately hopeful. Somewhere, Buck Owens is smiling.
ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS / “Go Your Way”
Writer: Anne Briggs; Producer: T Bone Burnett; Label: Rounder
–The team’s current Raise the Roof collection was No. 1 on the Americana charts for months. This brilliantly produced single from it grows from a stately guitar strum to an epic, throbbing ballad of farewell. It’s beyond gorgeous, although I yearned for more from Krauss than soft backup harmonies.
MICHAEL MARTIN MURPHEY & RYAN MURPHEY / “El Dorado”
Writers: Michael Martin Murphey/Ryan Murphey; Producer: Michael Martin Murphey; Label: Wild Fire
–The title tune of a duet album by Michael Martin Murphey and his son Ryan is the wafting Road Beyond the View. On this new track from it, the pastoral western imagery we associate with this artist remains in place, but on this outing it’s a spiritual, space-cowboy thang in a burbling, guitar-jazz setting. Plucked notes ripple and ring throughout the gentle production. Captivating.
BRANDI CARLILE / “You and Me on the Rock”
Writers: Brandi Carlile/Phil Hanseroth/Tim Hanseroth; Producers: Dave Cobb/Shooter Jennings; Label: Low Country Sound/Elektra
–Here’s a new single/video from Carlile’s chart-topping In These Silent Days album. I hear the influence of Joni Mitchell in the rapid-fire soprano lilts of the tune. The choppy tempo and stacked vocal harmonies are a delight. This lively, sweet ode to domesticity and steadfastness just might be her strongest performance to date.
LYLE LOVETT / “12th of June”
Writers: Lyle Lovett; Producers: Chuck Ainlay/Lyle Lovett; Label: Verve
–This is the title tune of Lovett’s first new album in 10 years. Part wistful folkie, part heartfelt country and all magnetic meditation, it unspools as an acoustic watercolor of nostalgia, family and love. The eclectic collection also includes jazzbo oldie faves like “Straighten Up and Fly Right” and “Gee Baby Ain’t I Good to You.” He’s an essential artist, and this is an essential record.
MARCUS KING / “Hard Working Man”
Writers: Marcus King/Angelo Petraglia/Dan Auerbach; Producer: Dan Auerbach; Label: American Recordings/Republic
–This Nashville guitar-slingin’ hotshot has a new album, Young Blood, coming next month (Aug. 26). This advance single is a barn burner showcasing his bluesy, Southern-rock vocal phrasing as well as his fiery, searing, sensational string licks. Get on board.
OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW / “Used to Be a Mountain”
Writers: Ketch Secor/Trey Hensley; Producers: Matt Ross-Spang/Old Crow Medicine Show; Label: ATO
–Drawn from its ninth bluegrass-chart topping LP, Paint This Town, the Opry-star band ventures into social commentary with this cautionary environmental song. The tempo rocks furiously and the percussive sound is far removed from the act’s old-timey, string-band roots. Group vocal chanting, frothing fiddle licks and drums abound.
RISSI PALMER / “Best Day Ever”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: Boldilocks
–Palmer is doing such important work with her Color Me Country podcasts. She also remains an outstanding artist. How outstanding? I hate children’s music, but fell totally in love with her new kiddie ditty. It’s irresistibly sunny without being saccharine. It sings to children without pandering. Its language is simple without being simplistic. The acoustic production is lilting and lovely. The video is adorable, too.
STEVE EARLE & THE DUKES / “Wheel”
Writers: Jerry Jeff Walker; Producer: Steve Earle; Label: New West
–Earle’s new album, Jerry Jeff, is a salute to Jerry Jeff Walker, one of his main musical mentors. He aims to remind us that the late Walker was more than just “Mr. Bojangles.” This stark, dusty, drawled, existential ballad is an example.
MARGO PRICE, MAVIS STAPLES & ADIA VICTORIA / “Fight to Make It”
Writers: Margo Price/Jeremy Ivey; Producer: none listed; Label: MP
–It’s girl-group heaven, summoning the spirit of Martha & The Vandellas at their most rocking. It’s also a hand-clapping, joyous female anthem with these three Americana queens taking turns in the verses and joining voices on the choruses. Proceeds from the single benefit Noise For Now, an organization supporting reproductive rights. “
JAKE BLOUNT / “Didn’t It Rain”
Writers: Brian Francis Slattery/Jake Meserve Blount; Producers: Jake Blount/Brian Slattery; Label: Smithsonian Folkways
–This classic gospel song was popularized by Sister Rosetta Tharp and Mahalia Jackson. Blount’s version is part of his Afro-futurist new concept album The New Faith. It’s also a shoulder-shaking, rhythm-happy audio pleasure, bopping with clinking/thumping/snappy percussion, hand claps, group call-and-response and artsy electric-guitar interludes. Blount is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist who specializes in the banjo and other African American folk traditions. The New Englander is also a published scholar and music journalist.
FANCY HAGOOD & KACEY MUSGRAVES / “Blue Dream Baby”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Karen Fairchild/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: FH
–Hagood’s latest is a dreamy pop confection with built-in dancefloor potential. Musgraves’ verses underscore the spacey, ethereal, romantic mood. The animated video imagines him being abducted by stud “gayliens.”
Industry Ink: CMHOF, Big Loud Publishing, Milestone Publicity
/by Lydia FarthingCMHOF Hosts Songwriters Round With Martina McBride, Extends Exhibition
Pictured (L-R): Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Martina McBride, Brett Warren, Leslie Satcher and the museum’s Senior Manager of Public Programs Kayleigh Shoemaker. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a songwriter round on Tuesday (July 12) with Martina McBride and songwriters associated with her career.
The showcase was in support of the current exhibition “Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice,” which shows the singer’s journey from performing in her family’s band as a child to becoming an award-winning country music artist. It was also announced that the exhibit will be extended until July 2023.
During the round, McBride discussed her creative process and shared stories behind her music with songwriters and collaborators Chris Lindsey, Aimee Mayo, Leslie Satcher and Brett Warren in the museum’s Ford Theater. The performance will premiere on Oct. 25, as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s social channels.
Husband-and-wife songwriters Chris Lindsey and Aimee Mayo were co-writers on McBride’s singles “Cry, Cry (’Til the Sun Shines)” and “This One’s for the Girls.” As one half of the Warren Brothers, Brett Warren co-wrote McBride’s “Wrong Baby Wrong,” “Anyway,” and “Teenage Daughters.” Together, Lindsey, Mayo and the Warren Brothers co-wrote “How I Feel” with McBride. Leslie Satcher wrote McBride’s “For These Times” and “When God-Fearin’ Women Get the Blues.”
Big Loud Publishing Takes Over Nashville’s Listening Room Cafe
Pictured (L-R): John Byron, Madison Kozak, Lauren Watkins, and Jordan Dozzi. Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Publishing
Big Loud Publishing took over Nashville’s The Listening Room Cafe on Tuesday (July 12) for a writers round showcasing rising young writers Jordan Dozzi (Nelly, Chris Lane, Seaforth, Jordan Davis) and John Byron (Morgan Wallen, Chris Lane, LOCASH, Lily Rose), and country artists Madison Kozak and Lauren Watkins.
“It was such a treat seeing some of our writers take the stage and showcase their talents together,” says Big Loud Publishing’s Kimberly Gleason. “They are all so creative and talented, and it makes it that much more special that they are also friends. You could really feel the support they have for each other and from the writing community in the room last night. We are so proud!”
Milestone Publicity Elevates Taran Smith To Account Manager
Taran Smith
Milestone Publicity has promoted Belmont University graduate Taran Smith to Account Manager. Since graduating from Belmont University with a BBA in Music Business, Smith joined Milestone in April of 2022 as an Associate Publicist.
“Taran surpassed my expectations from day one of joining the team as an associate publicist,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Mike Gowen. “She dove into the deep end, took initiative and executed. Taran is a core part of our team, and her skill set has grown expeditiously. I have absolutely no doubt she will succeed in this role, and the Milestone team and I are thrilled to see her career further flourish in the Account Manager seat.”
Milestone Publicity collectively has over 25 years of experience executing campaigns. Since the company’s inception, the firm’s roster has included Kiefer Sutherland, Dave Stewart, Gaby Moreno, John Dolmayan of System of a Down, The Dryes, Creature Canyon, Noah Hicks, Theo Kandel, The Americans and Bryan Martin, in addition to music-focused businesses such as Ghostwriter Music Group and Songbird City.
Four-Night Stadium Passes For 50th CMA Fest On Sale Aug. 3
/by Lorie HollabaughFour-night stadium passes for next year’s 50th CMA Fest will be available for purchase through Ticketmaster beginning Aug. 3 at 10 a.m. CT. Next year’s festival is set for June 8-11 2023.
CMA Country Connection email subscribers will gain presale access on Aug. 2. Passes include four nights of live concerts at Nissan Stadium featuring the biggest stars in country. Four-day parking will also be available for purchase via Ticketmaster.
CMA Fest returned in 2022 and took over downtown Nashville in June for four days of sold-out shows, along with surprise performances and unique collaborations. The festival featured more than 260 acts and hosted more than 80,000 estimated visitors from all 50 states and 39 countries.
The festival was filmed for a three-hour special, CMA Fest, hosted by Dierks Bentley and Elle King which will air on Aug. 3 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
Zach Bryan Embraces The Season With New EP ‘Summertime Blues’
/by Lorie HollabaughZach Bryan. Photo: Louie Nice
Zach Bryan is releasing a new 9-track EP, Summertime Blues, on the heels of his record-breaking, Warner Records debut American Heartbreak. The project is slated for release tomorrow (July 15).
On Summertime Blues, Bryan sings about the working class lifestyle on songs like the dark “Quittin’ Time;” tells a longing story about the one who got away on “Oklahoma Smoke Show;” and dives deep into the frustrations of a relationship gone sour on “All The Time.”
American Heartbreak, the Navy veteran’s third album and first for Warner Records, made the second-highest streaming country album debut in history, breaking the 2022 record for single album streams in a 24-hour period and pushing Bryan well past 1 billion streams globally.
His single “Something in the Orange” peaked at No. 11 on the Billboard Hot Country charts and was the No. 18 global streaming track overall. “From Austin” claimed the No. 1 Country Song on Apple Music, debuted at No. 4 on Spotify’s Global Country chart and has garnered over 37 million global streams.
Bryan has also announced some new concert dates, including his first headlining gig in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on Oct.18. Ticket pre-sale for the new dates begins today (July 14) and general on-sale begins tomorrow (July 15). For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.
Jenny Tolman Curates All-Female Country Festival, Taps Carly Pearce As Headliner
/by LB CantrellJenny Tolman. Photo: Hunter Berry
Acclaimed country singer-songwriter Jenny Tolman has announced a new festival in Jackson Hole, Wyoming called Cowgirls at The Cowboy. The festival will take place at the iconic Million Dollar Cowboy Bar on Oct. 7-9, and will feature an all-female lineup.
Reigning ACM and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce will serve as the headliner for the inaugural Cowgirls at The Cowboy event. The three nights of concerts will also feature performances from Tolman and rising singer-songwriter Carter Faith, as well as a writers’ round with beloved singer-songwriters Natalie Hemby, Caitlyn Smith, and RaeLynn.
“I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to showcase these amazing women of country music at my favorite place in the world, Jackson Hole!” shares Tolman. “The impact each of them has had on the genre so far is historic—especially as we are so proud and excited to bring an all-female country music festival to Jackson! Saddle up and get ready for Cowgirls at the Cowboy!”
Tolman, who is based in Nashville, is quite taken by Jackson Hole and the west. Her most recent album, Married in a Honky Tonk, includes several songs inspired by her travels out west.
Tolman’s sophomore album is true to her style, complete with vibrant characters and deep storylines placed in clever songwriting, and is crafted for a rowdy live show. “We really wanted to make a live-show facing album [with Married in a Honky Tonk], so we put that thought into each song we selected,” Tolman told MusicRow prior to the album’s release. “I wanted to stick with the ‘Jennyville’ theme because that is who I am. What I love to do as a performer is to get to role play different characters, but I also wanted to integrate more real life on the album. It’s 50% ‘Jennyville’ and 50% Jenny Tolman.”
Tickets for Tolman’s Cowgirls at The Cowboy festival will range from $50 – $500, and will be sold for each night. They will also be available to purchase at cowboybarjh.com starting Friday, July 29 at 11 a.m. CT.
Rachel Mangan & Don Clarkin Join Dirickson Law Staff
/by Lorie HollabaughRachel Mangan & Don Clarkin
R. Landon Dirickson, managing partner of Dirickson Law, has hired Rachel Mangan, Esq., and Don Clarkin, Esq., as associate attorneys at the Nashville-based entertainment law firm.
“I’m genuinely excited to expand the team here at Dirickson Law,” Dirickson notes. “Rachel and Don are extremely smart, driven, and passionate, and will most certainly add high value for our clients.”
A native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Mangan graduated summa cum laude from Kent State University with a degree in Business Management. She received her J.D. with a concentration in Entertainment and Music Business from Belmont University College of Law. While there, she was on the Dean’s List, acquired best performance awards in Legal Information and Communication Practicum II and Federal Income Taxation, and served as managing editor of the Belmont Law Review. Prior to joining Dirickson, Mangan interned with Taylor, Pique, Marchetti and Blair, PLLC; Gordon Law Group; and the Nashville Predators legal department.
While at Belmont University College of Law, Clarkin served as President of the Entertainment Law Society and earned a certificate in Entertainment and Music Business Law. Upon graduation, the Laguna Beach, California native built a boutique practice catering to the creative side of the music industry. Prior to law school, Clarkin spent five years working in other business capacities within the music industry.
Country Music Hall Of Famer Charlie McCoy Inducted Into Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Gatlin presenting Charlie McCoy with Opry member award. Photo: Chris Hollo
Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy was welcomed as an official Grand Ole Opry member on Wednesday night (July 13) by Opry member Larry Gatlin, one of several Opry members on whose recordings McCoy has appeared.
“The musicians on this stage are some of the best to have ever made their way to Nashville. You have their love and their utmost respect,” Gatlin shared as the Opry band surprised McCoy with a medley of some of the country classics on which he played in the studio, including favorites by Lynn Anderson, Bobby Bare, Waylon Jennings, George Jones, Barbara Mandrell, and Tanya Tucker.
Charlie backstage hanging his Opry member plaque. Photo: Chris Hollo
“We are welcoming you into our home,” Gatlin continued. “I am humbled and honored to welcome into our family a friend of 50 years who I think is the greatest musician in the world and the Dean of the Nashville Cats, Charlie McCoy.”
Before concluding his set with his signature tune “Orange Blossom Special,” McCoy said, “I’ve been so blessed in my career, and this is icing on the cake… And by the way, I ain’t through playin’ yet!”
McCoy has been a mainstay in recording studios in Nashville for nearly 50 years as one of Music City’s most in-demand musicians. Predominately known as a harmonica player, he also plays guitar, bass, mallet percussions, keyboards and more.
Over the years, he’s played on dozens of hits for Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, George Jones, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Elvis Presley, Simon and Garfunkel, and more. Among the monumental recordings McCoy has played on are “The Boxer,” “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” “Orange Blossom Special,” and “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” McCoy was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
McCoy’s Opry invitation was delivered by Vince Gill last month on the same night Gill invited Hall of Fame songwriter Don Schlitz to become an Opry member. Schlitz will be officially inducted later this year.