Apple Music Live To Present Exclusive Luke Combs Hometown Performance

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Apple Music Live is presenting an exclusive Luke Combs hometown performance in Charlotte, North Carolina on Aug. 24. The show will be available to stream exclusively on Apple Music in over 165 countries.

“Apple Music has been a big part of helping me get my music out to my fans, so I jumped at the idea of being able to play a special live show for them to enjoy,” Combs explains. “I also couldn’t think of a better place to do it than back home in North Carolina at Coyote Joe’s–a venue that I have lots of great memories at. I’m really looking forward to playing the full album live for the fans and everyone being able to watch it on August 24!”

Combs has broken all-time country records on Apple Music numerous times. Two of his albums and one EP have broken the record for biggest country album of all time by first day streams upon release. He also holds the record for the biggest country song of all time on Apple Music by first-day streams worldwide with his hit “Forever After All.” His recent single “The Kind of Love We Make” recently became his third hit to reach the top 10 of the Global Daily Top 100.

Combs will be the latest artist to take the stage for Apple Music Live, the live performance series giving artists a global platform to connect with audiences around the world. Launched this spring, Apple Music Live has previously featured exclusive live streamed performances from Harry Styles and Lil Durk.

Little Big Town’s ‘Mr. Sun’ Set To Shine In September

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Little Big Town. Photo: Blair Getz Mezibov

Little Big Town is set to release their 10th studio album, Mr. Sun, on Sept. 16. The band is releasing a new track and lyric video from the album, “Rich Man,” written by the band’s Jimi Westbrook, this Friday (July 22).

The genesis of Mr. Sun came out of time spent apart for the first time ever throughout LBT’s 20-year journey during the pandemic. During those months, the members experienced a new appreciation for one another and the privilege of making music, inspiring the self-produced album.

A member of the band wrote or co-wrote 13 of the record’s 16 tracks. Previously released tunes from Mr. Sun include “All Summer” and lead single “Hell Yeah” which has amassed more than 21 million global streams since its release.

“Mr. Sun is intentionally an emotional record that holds hands well with our last album Nightfall,” LBT’s Karen Fairchild shares. “Mr. Sun is focused on better days ahead, the value of friendships and family; it touches on heartbreak and letting go, but it’s full of sunshine and joy.”

“This album has a special feeling to it. We have collectively been through an unprecedented period making this album,” adds LBT’s Phillip Sweet. “Life is short; we are here to live it with the ones around us, loving them and ourselves the best we can. All the while, thankful for another turn around the sun.”

Little Big Town will kick off the brand-new series CMT Summer Camp with the premiere episode airing Aug. 12 at 8 p.m. CT on CMT. The one-hour special will include performances of new music and some of LBT’s greatest hits.

Mr. Sun Track List:
All Summer (Karen Fairchild, Sara Buxton, Madi Diaz, Ashley Ray, Savana Santos, Alysa Vanderheym)
Better Love (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Tofer Brown, Audra Mae)
Hell Yeah (Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Corey Crowder, Tyler Hubbard)
Mr. Sun (Sarah Buxton, Daniel Tashian)
Three Whiskeys and the Truth (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
One More Song (Tofer Brown, Sean McConnell)
Heaven Had a Dance Floor (Karen Fairchild, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure)
Gold (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Trent Dabbs, Luke Dick)
Rich Man (Jimi Westbrook)
God Fearing Gypsies (Karen Fairchild, Nicolette Hayford, Ashley Ray)
Different Without You (Corey Crowder, Jared Mullins, Steven Lee Olsen, Jordan Schmidt)
Whiskey Colored Eyes (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne)
Song Back (Karen Fairchild, Jimi Westbrook, Todd Clark, Sara Haze, Jason Saenz)
Something Strong (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose)
Last Day On Earth (Karen Fairchild, Trent Dabbs, Tommy English)
Friends of Mine (Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, Jimi Westbrook, Foy Vance)

Date & Venue Announced For 2023 ACM Awards

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The 58th annual Academy of Country Music Awards will take place on Thursday, May 11, 2023 at Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. Returning to Prime Video in collaboration with the Academy of Country Music and MRC, the show will livestream exclusively for a global audience in 2023.

The 58th ACM Awards will mark a return to Texas for the first time since the landmark 50th ACM Awards, which took place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington in 2015. Ford Center at The Star in Frisco opened in 2016 and serves as the state-of-the-art practice facility for the Dallas Cowboys, as well as the home for many major sporting events throughout the year. The 2023 ACM Awards will be the first awards show to take place at Ford Center.

“The Academy is proud to extend our relationship with Amazon to once again deliver the ACM Awards live to a global audience on Prime Video,” said Academy of Country Music CEO Damon Whiteside. “The March 2022 show was a defining moment for the ACM and a huge step forward for country music, allowing audiences around the world to see their favorite artists perform live and be recognized for their excellence. We can’t wait to take the show to a new level for fans with an exciting new venue and integrated partnership with the Dallas Cowboys.”

The 58th Academy of Country Music Awards is produced by MRC Live & Alternative. It was also announced that Raj Kapoor will serve as executive producer for next year’s ACM Awards, replacing R.A. Clark who served as executive producer of the show for more than two decades.

Whiteside adds, “We want to acknowledge and thank R.A. Clark who is stepping down as Executive Producer after more than two decades of steering the show to excellence as Executive Producer and for being instrumental in launching its new home on Prime Video, as well as serving on the ACM Board of Directors for over twenty years and as interim Executive Director of the Academy in 2019. It’s impossible to look at countless iconic moments in country music history on the ACM Awards stage, from Las Vegas to Dallas to Nashville and back, and not see RAC’s influence, his vision, and his mastery at work. His legacy lives on as our Executive Producer, Raj Kapoor, and the Emmy-nominated production team that RAC led for so many years, continue to revolutionize the show toward an exciting future. The Academy, our industry, and all of country music is infinitely better for his tireless dedication, his inspiring passion, and his creative innovation. He will be missed but remains a close friend and supporter of the Academy”

Kapoor has worked on previous ACM Awards, as well as the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, numerous Vegas music residencies including for Shania Twain, and large-scale concert tours including for Jason Aldean, Jonas Brothers, Tim McGraw & Faith Hill, and Carrie Underwood. Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.

The 2022 ACM Awards, hosted by Dolly Parton with co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett, was the first major awards show to stream live exclusively for a global audience. The show was spotlighted across Prime Video, Amazon Music, Amazon Fashion, Amazon Freevee, Amazon Live, and more.

Additional details regarding the 2022 ACM Awards, including award submissions timeline, hosts and performers, and ticket sale details, will be confirmed in the months ahead.

Grand Ole Opry, Circle Celebrate ’90s Country With Special ‘Opry Live’ Premiere

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Cody Johnson. Photo: Chris Hollo

Circle Network and the Grand Ole Opry are presenting a special Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s honoring one of the most celebrated decades in country. Hosted by Natalie Stovall, Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s will premiere on Circle Network on Saturday, July 23 at 8 p.m. CT.

Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Midland, Michael Ray, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson and Chris Young will appear on the show, performing popular ‘90s country favorites from artists such as Garth Brooks, Patty Loveless, The Chicks, Toby Keith, Vince Gill and more.

Deana Carter & Breland. Photo: Chris Hollo

The one-hour program will also feature an exclusive collaboration of the 1996 No. 1 hit “Strawberry Wine” between Deana Carter and Opry NextStage artist Breland.

Opry Live: Opry Loves the ’90s Performances:
Jimmie Allen, “Should’ve Been a Cowboy” (Toby Keith, 1993)
Kelsea Ballerini, “Cowboy Take Me Away” (The Chicks, 1999)
BRELAND/Deana Carter, “Strawberry Wine” (Deana Carter, 1996)
Cody Johnson, “When I Call Your Name” (Vince Gill, 1990)
Midland, “Seminole Wind” (John Anderson, 1992)
Michael Ray “Small Town Saturday Night” (Hal Ketchum, 1992)
Carrie Underwood, “Blame It On Your Heart” (Patty Loveless, 1993)
Keith Urban “Sold (Grundy County Auction)” (John Michael Montgomery, 1995)
Lainey Wilson “T-R-O-U-B-L-E” (Travis Tritt, 1992)
Chris Young “Papa Loves Mama” (Garth Brooks, 1991)

In May, the Opry launched a limited-time “Opry Loves the ’90s” experience at the Grand Ole Opry House with a new interactive tour exhibit, special in-show Opry programming, ‘90s-themed Opry Plaza Parties and surprise artist collaborations celebrating ’90s country.

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Chris Hollo

Carrie Underwood. Photo: Chris Hollo

CMA Unveils Inaugural Class For Women’s Leadership Academy

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Amanda Mitchell (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Kara Jackson (Spirit Music Publishing), Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music), Lauren Funk (Endurance Media Group), Stevie Escoto (Girlilla Marketing); (L-R, back row): Tiffany Kerns (CMA), Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb LLP), Chrissy Hall (Ryman Hospitality Properties), Meredith Jones (CAA), Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME), Callie Cunningham Nobel (Red Light Management), Samantha Thornton (G Major Management), Kortney Toney (Naxos of America), Sarah Trahern (CMA). Photo: Drew Noble/CMA

The Country Music Association has launched its very own Women’s Leadership Academy, a group coaching experience for 12 of country musics high-performing female leaders.

The 16-week program will include an initial one-on-on coaching session to establish individual goals and set success measures, eight educational sessions as a group, and group coaching sessions twice a month throughout the entirety of the program. The inaugural professional development program officially began last week.

“We feel strongly that as our industry’s top trade organization, we need to be thinking critically and intentionally about leadership pathways of all kinds, but especially in support of our talented women leaders,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Vice President, Industry Relations & Philanthropy. “We know that women make up half of our talent pipeline. Through conversations we’ve had, especially those throughout the pandemic, we know it’s more complicated for women to reach leadership positions, whether because of double standards, the second shift, or glass ceilings. Even more, as a result of the pandemic, women are now leaving the workforce at much higher rates than men. Our business as a whole is actively focused on creating a more inclusive future, and this program is our first of several professional development initiatives to do just that.”

The program kicked off last week with a welcome reception hosted at CMA’s Nashville headquarters. Over the course of the next few months, participants will be coached by expert executive coaches, Diane Watson, PCC, and Cory Colton, PCC, BCC. They will also receive further insight surrounding increased self-awareness and how to use it strategically, confidence building and communicating effectively, managing inner criticism to unleash further potential, building a personal brand and networking successfully, as well as creating a better work-life integration by setting boundaries.

While in its inaugural year, the program intends to welcome future classes, allowing for the creation of an alumni network to provide ongoing mentorship and community.

CMA’s Women’s Leadership Academy Inaugural Class:
Callie Cunningham Nobel (Red Light Management)
Stevie Escoto (Girlilla Marketing)
Lauren Funk (Endurance Music Group)
Chrissy Hall (Ryman Hospitality Properties)
Kara Jackson (Spirit Music Publishing)
Meredith Jones (CAA)
Sloane Cavitt Logue (WME)
Amanda Mitchell (Farris, Self & Moore, LLC)
Megan Pekar (Loeb & Loeb LLP)
Jessi Vaughn Stevenson (Warner Chappell Music)
Samantha Thornton (G Major Management)
Kortney Toney (Naxos of America)

Opry Entertainment Group & Mid-South Ford Dealers Form Multi-Year Partnership

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Opry Entertainment Group has entered a multi-year partnership with Mid-South Ford Dealers, who will serve as the exclusive automotive partner of the Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium.

The partnership will add a new Ford Lounge experience at both venues, providing more amenities and exclusive offerings for visitors to enjoy. A brand-new outdoor lounge space will be constructed at the Opry House to give guests a new space to enjoy prior to live events that is steps away from the main entrance.

The sponsorship will also create the first-ever Opry Community Day, inspired by the annual Ryman Community Day, which will give Tennessee residents the opportunity to experience the Opry’s backstage tour free of charge in September. Mid-South Ford Dealers will also support the current “Opry Loves the 90s” campaign, Opry CMA Fest Plaza Party, and Ryman Community Day.

“We know there is a large affinity for live music experiences, and especially country music, among Ford owners,” notes Mark Fioravanti, President of Ryman Hospitality Properties. “This partnership is a natural fit that will continue elevating the guest experience at our iconic Nashville venues. We look forward to creating even more moments for fans to experience the Opry and the Ryman in different ways through this new partnership.”

“As an automaker focused on building legends, Ford is excited to partner with Opry Entertainment Group,” adds Greg Houston, Regional Manager of the Memphis Region, Ford Motor Company. “We’re invested in Tennessee, which is why we feel a natural connection to the values and spirit of these two institutions of music. The Mid-South Ford Dealers are ready to show music fans what it means to be Built Ford Proud.”

Nominees Announced For 34th Annual MusicRow Awards

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MusicRow Magazine is proud to reveal the nominees for the 2022 MusicRow Awards, presented by City National Bank. The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30.

Subscribed members of MusicRow will receive their ballots via email on Wednesday, July 20.

Click here to view the digital “Nominator” newsletter for a complete list of all nominees.

There are 11 member-voted categories, including:
1. Producer of the Year
2. Label Group of the Year
3. Talent Agency of the Year
4. Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year
5. Breakthrough Artist-Writer of the Year
6. Male Songwriter of the Year
7. Female Songwriter of the Year
8. Song of the Year
9. Discovery Artist of the Year
10. Breakthrough Artist of the Year
11. Artist of the Year

Now in its 34th year, the MusicRow Awards are Nashville’s longest running music industry trade publication honors and celebrate the achievements of songwriters, artists, producers, and more.

The final nominees revealed in this announcement are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2022.

MusicRow‘s August/September print magazine, which is produced and mailed out prior to the MusicRow Awards winners announcement on Aug. 30, features all of the nominees for the 34th annual awards. This print edition also includes exclusive industry-related editorial features.

Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Thursday, Aug. 30, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.

MusicRow subscribers will vote to determine award winners. The Ballot Voting Period runs Wednesday, July 20 at 11 a.m. through Friday, July 29 at 5 p.m. To become a subscribed member and become eligible to vote, sign up here.

Leah Marie Mason Rounds Out Team With Warner Chappell, Numbers Don’t Lie, Sony’s The Orchard

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Pictured (L-R): BJ Hill, VP A&R Warner Chappell Music Nashville; Josh Windt, The 13th;
Leah Marie Mason; Andrew “Dru Brett” Harr, The 13th. Photo: The 13th

Leah Marie Mason has signed a global, joint publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Numbers Don’t Lie.

Additionally, Mason and independent Nashville label The 13th have signed a global distribution deal with Sony’s The Orchard, providing Mason with exclusive access to The Orchard’s full suite of artist and label services, including marketing, promotion, rights management, sync licensing, advertising, and more.

Mason has been featured as the cover of Spotify’s Fresh Finds: Country playlist for her popular crossover single “Habit.” She is a featured performer around many of Nashville’s storied stages, such as The Listening Room’s Song Suffragettes showcases and Whiskey Jam.

“The Orchard is a home for creators. Our partnership with The 13th will empower Leah and other artists to nurture their talent while arming them with the tools and support to build a sustainable community and surpass their career goals,” explains Brad Navin, CEO, The Orchard.

The 13th and Numbers Don’t Lie Publishing are co-owned by Andrew “Dru Brett” Harr and Jermaine “Mayne” Jackson. Professionally known as The Runners, the Grammy-nominated duo have worked with Rihanna, John Legend, and DJ Khaled, among others.

“Leah Marie Mason is breaking in this market by embracing non-traditional marketing strategies. Brad Navin and his team at The Orchard are fully supporting our vision,” says Harr.

“Storytelling is always what drew me to country music, and Leah is so great at making you feel the emotions. We’re lucky to be working with her and the Numbers Don’t Lie team,” says B.J.Hill, VP of A&R, Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Old Crow Medicine Show To Return To Ryman Auditorium For 15th New Year’s Eve Show

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In what has become an annual tradition, Old Crow Medicine Show will return to the Ryman Auditorium stage for their 15th annual New Year’s Eve show on December 31.

“I’m over the moon about this year’s New Year’s bash at the Ryman,” shares the band’s Ketch Secor. “After 14 consecutive seasons of ringing in the new year from the stage of the world-renowned mother church of country music, our band has figured out a few secrets to throwing a great party in downtown Nashville. Every year proves to be something bigger and better and even as we close in on our second decade of year-end Ryman performances, we’re still humbled every time we set foot in the place. It’s just plain holy ground. What better place to start anew at the stroke of midnight, January 1?”

Tickets for the show go on sale this Friday, July 22, with an artist pre-sale beginning on Tuesday, July 19 at 10:00 am.

Old Crow Medicine Show’s recent album Paint This Town just hit No. 1 on the Americana Radio Albums Chart, marking the band’s 10th career trip to the top. The album also debuted at the top of Billboard’s Bluegrass Albums Chart, passing Steep Canyon Rangers for the most No. 1s in the chart’s history.

Ernest Keith Smith Spends Fifth Week Atop MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Ernest. Photo: Delaney Royer

Ernest Keith Smith has remained in the No. 1 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for five weeks. The singer-songwriter has co-writer credit on four charting songs, including Morgan Wallen’s “Wasted On You” and “You Proof,” Jelly Roll’s “Son Of A Sinner,” and his own “Flower Shops.”

Ashley Gorley remains in the No. 2 position with the songs “What He Didn’t Do” (Carly Pearce), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “She Had Me At Heads Carolina” (Cole Swindell), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “You Proof” (Morgan Wallen), and “Holy Water” (Michael Ray).

Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ben Johnson (No. 4) and Matt McGinn (No. 5) complete the top five this week.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.