Following the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category. The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year is voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.
The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Brinley Addington scored his first No. 1 with the Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris duet, “Chasing After You,” which he co-wrote with Jerry Flowers. Addington has also had songs recorded by artists Tyler Farr, Parmalee, Kameron Marlowe, and more.
Cameron “Cambo” Bartolini hit it big with his first country hit when he co-wrote “Fancy Like” with Artist of the Year nominee Walker Hayes. Prior to becoming a hit country songwriter, Bartolini had a hand in writing songs with Doja Cat, including “Candy” and “Freak.” He also co-wrote BRELAND’s new single, “Natural.”
Nick Columbia co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Lee Starr and Russell Sutton, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Columbia also co-wrote Conner Smith’s viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” as well as songs recorded by Drew Green.
Cale Dodds scored his first No. 1 with the Chase Rice and Florida Georgia Line hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” A former Warner Music Nashville artist, Dodds is currently focused on songwriting. He’s had songs recorded by A Thousand Horses, Cassadee Pope, Filmore, Lit and more.
Levon Gray hit the top of the charts with his first-ever cut: Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi.” After finding him on social media, Artist of the Year nominee Brown invited Gray to co-write with him, ERNEST and Jesse Frasure. What resulted was a No. 1 song and publishing deal with Brown’s Verse 2 Music.
Kat Higgins lived a songwriter’s dream when Kenny Chesney decided to cut “Knowing You,” a song she co-wrote with hitmaker Brett James and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Adam James. The massive song also landed Higgins in the Female Songwriter of the Year nominees. Other Higgins cuts include songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Peytan Porter, The Lone Bellow and more.
Adam James scored his first hit with a dream-cut from Kenny Chesney on a song he wrote with Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Kat Higgins, “Knowing You.” James has co-written songs recorded by Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Worsham and Filmore.
Josh Jenkins hit a double this year with his first two hit songs: “Fancy Like” recorded by Walker Hayes and “Buy Dirt” recorded by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan. Jenkins has landed cuts with Adam Doleac and Teddy Robb, and fronts the rock band Green River Ordinance.
Jason Nix co-wrote “Things A Man Oughta Know” with Jonathan Singleton and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Lainey Wilson. The tune took home Song Of The Year at the 2022 ACM Awards. Nix has also had song recorded by Tyler Braden, Eli Young Band and scored a hit on the Texas country charts with Flatland Cavalry’s “Gettin’ By.”
Brandon Paddock translated success in the pop world into country music, scoring his first No. 1 with Lady A’s “Like A Lady.” He has also had songs recorded by Dan + Shay and Warren Zeiders. As a producer, Paddock’s pop credits include Platinum singles for Avril Lavigne and Christina Perri, and his country credits include Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.)”
Jennifer Schott co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “7500 OBO” with Matt McGinn and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Nathan Spicer. Schott co-wrote Mickey Guyton’s debut single, “Better Than You Left Me,” as well as songs recorded by Rascal Flatts and Natalie Hemby. She is also nominated for Female Songwriter of the Year this year.
Nathan Spicer co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “7500 OBO” with Matt McGinn and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Jennifer Schott. Spicer also co-wrote Ryan Hurd’s “To A T,” as well as songs recorded by Jake Owen, ERNEST, and Travis Denning.
Lee Starr co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Nick Columbia and Russell Sutton, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Starr also co-wrote Conner Smith’s viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” as well as songs for Drew Green and Ashland Craft.
Russell Sutton co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Nick Columbia and Lee Starr, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Sutton also co-wrote Discovery Artist of the Year nominee Nate Smith’s “Whiskey On You.”
Brett Tyler celebrated his first No. 1 this year with the Jameson Rodgers and Luke Combs-recorded “Cold Beer Calling My Name.” His other cuts include Blake Shelton’s “Hell Right,” Luke Bryan’s “Build Me A Daddy,” and Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her.”
Lydia Vaughan hit the top of the charts for the first time with a dream collaboration, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s “If I Didn’t Love You.” Co-written with Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee John Morgan, the duet won Single of the Year at the ACM Awards, and landed Vaughan in MusicRow‘s Female Songwriter of the Year category.
2022 MusicRow Awards Category Profile: Breakthrough Songwriter Of The Year
/by LB CantrellFollowing the announcement of this year’s nominees for the 34th MusicRow Awards, we take a closer look at the MusicRow Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year category. The Breakthrough Songwriter of the Year is voted by MusicRow’s subscribed members to honor a Nashville songwriter who wrote or co-wrote a Top 10 song for the first time during the eligibility period of June 1, 2021 to May 31, 2022.
The winners of this year’s honors will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, August 30. Presenting Sponsor of the 2022 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
Click here to see the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Winners are determined solely by MusicRow Magazine subscribed members. Voting is now open and closes on July 29 at 5:00 p.m.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow member here.
Brinley Addington scored his first No. 1 with the Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris duet, “Chasing After You,” which he co-wrote with Jerry Flowers. Addington has also had songs recorded by artists Tyler Farr, Parmalee, Kameron Marlowe, and more.
Cameron “Cambo” Bartolini hit it big with his first country hit when he co-wrote “Fancy Like” with Artist of the Year nominee Walker Hayes. Prior to becoming a hit country songwriter, Bartolini had a hand in writing songs with Doja Cat, including “Candy” and “Freak.” He also co-wrote BRELAND’s new single, “Natural.”
Nick Columbia co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Lee Starr and Russell Sutton, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Columbia also co-wrote Conner Smith’s viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” as well as songs recorded by Drew Green.
Cale Dodds scored his first No. 1 with the Chase Rice and Florida Georgia Line hit, “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” A former Warner Music Nashville artist, Dodds is currently focused on songwriting. He’s had songs recorded by A Thousand Horses, Cassadee Pope, Filmore, Lit and more.
Levon Gray hit the top of the charts with his first-ever cut: Kane Brown’s “One Mississippi.” After finding him on social media, Artist of the Year nominee Brown invited Gray to co-write with him, ERNEST and Jesse Frasure. What resulted was a No. 1 song and publishing deal with Brown’s Verse 2 Music.
Kat Higgins lived a songwriter’s dream when Kenny Chesney decided to cut “Knowing You,” a song she co-wrote with hitmaker Brett James and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Adam James. The massive song also landed Higgins in the Female Songwriter of the Year nominees. Other Higgins cuts include songs recorded by Carrie Underwood, Peytan Porter, The Lone Bellow and more.
Adam James scored his first hit with a dream-cut from Kenny Chesney on a song he wrote with Songwriters Hall of Famer Brett James and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Kat Higgins, “Knowing You.” James has co-written songs recorded by Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band, The Cadillac Three, Charlie Worsham and Filmore.
Josh Jenkins hit a double this year with his first two hit songs: “Fancy Like” recorded by Walker Hayes and “Buy Dirt” recorded by Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan. Jenkins has landed cuts with Adam Doleac and Teddy Robb, and fronts the rock band Green River Ordinance.
Jason Nix co-wrote “Things A Man Oughta Know” with Jonathan Singleton and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Lainey Wilson. The tune took home Song Of The Year at the 2022 ACM Awards. Nix has also had song recorded by Tyler Braden, Eli Young Band and scored a hit on the Texas country charts with Flatland Cavalry’s “Gettin’ By.”
Brandon Paddock translated success in the pop world into country music, scoring his first No. 1 with Lady A’s “Like A Lady.” He has also had songs recorded by Dan + Shay and Warren Zeiders. As a producer, Paddock’s pop credits include Platinum singles for Avril Lavigne and Christina Perri, and his country credits include Elle King and Miranda Lambert’s “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home.)”
Jennifer Schott co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “7500 OBO” with Matt McGinn and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Nathan Spicer. Schott co-wrote Mickey Guyton’s debut single, “Better Than You Left Me,” as well as songs recorded by Rascal Flatts and Natalie Hemby. She is also nominated for Female Songwriter of the Year this year.
Nathan Spicer co-wrote Tim McGraw’s “7500 OBO” with Matt McGinn and fellow Breakthrough Songwriter nominee Jennifer Schott. Spicer also co-wrote Ryan Hurd’s “To A T,” as well as songs recorded by Jake Owen, ERNEST, and Travis Denning.
Lee Starr co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Nick Columbia and Russell Sutton, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Starr also co-wrote Conner Smith’s viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” as well as songs for Drew Green and Ashland Craft.
Russell Sutton co-wrote “My Boy” alongside Breakthrough Writer of the Year nominees Nick Columbia and Lee Starr, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee Elvie Shane. Sutton also co-wrote Discovery Artist of the Year nominee Nate Smith’s “Whiskey On You.”
Brett Tyler celebrated his first No. 1 this year with the Jameson Rodgers and Luke Combs-recorded “Cold Beer Calling My Name.” His other cuts include Blake Shelton’s “Hell Right,” Luke Bryan’s “Build Me A Daddy,” and Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her.”
Lydia Vaughan hit the top of the charts for the first time with a dream collaboration, Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s “If I Didn’t Love You.” Co-written with Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, and Breakthrough Artist-Writer nominee John Morgan, the duet won Single of the Year at the ACM Awards, and landed Vaughan in MusicRow‘s Female Songwriter of the Year category.
Garth Brooks Unveils Cover For ‘Anthology, Part II: The Next Five Years’
/by Lorie HollabaughGarth Brooks has revealed the cover for The Anthology, Part II: The Next Five Years. The Limited Edition Anthology is available exclusively on TalkShopLive and is on sale now.
The Next Five Years takes an in-depth look at the stories behind the songs and recording sessions for Fresh Horses, Sevens, The Limited Series, Double Live, and Scarecrow.
Brooks, the G-Men, Allen Reynolds, and Mark Miller reveal what was it like to record “Beer Run” with George Jones; Keith Urban describes his first time recording with Brooks, and listeners can discover which of Brooks’ songs was released as a rough mix among other facts on the new anthology.
In addition to the music, The Next Five Years chronicles Garth’s 24-hour signing session at Fan Fair in 1996 that demonstrated his powerful connection to his fans. It also explains the reason for the delay in the release of Sevens and his decision to announce his retirement.
On Aug. 1, fans can join Brooks live in his studio on TalkShopLive to hear some of the stories that are included in the Anthology, ask questions, and hear some new music. He picks up where he left off in The Anthology, Part I: The First Five Years, telling his story in his own words and offering fascinating insights to his career and personal life from 1996-2001.
“I learned a lot!” Brooks says, laughing. “The interviews (Bob Dylan, Keith Urban, Steve Wariner and more) just floored me! Miss [Trisha] Yearwood claimed there was a duet version of ‘To Make You Feel My Love’ that only she remembered. But when we found it buried deep in the vault, I was amazed how raw and beautiful it was!”
Completing the Anthology, Part II is a 6-disc set of musical highlights from albums released during that time along with two previously unreleased recordings.
Industry Ink: Drew Parker, Alana Springsteen, Kenny Lovelace, More
/by Lydia FarthingDrew Parker Headlines BMI’s Rooftop On The Row
Pictured (L-R): Jarrod Holley (Make Wake Artists); Stephanie Davenport (WMN, Sr. Director, A&R); Mason Hunter (BMI); Drew Parker; Mike Dupree (WMN, VP, Creative Director); Justin Luffman (WMN, VP, Artist Development)
Warner Music Nashville’s Drew Parker headlined BMI’s Rooftop on the Row earlier this week (July 19) for a packed crowd.
The singer-songwriter played tracks from his growing catalog, a medley of ’90s country classics, and his three No. 1 hits as a songwriter. His latest No. 1, Luke Combs’ “Doin’ This,” recently landed Parker a MusicRow Awards nomination for Song of the Year.
The Georgia native will open for labelmate Cody Johnson on select dates through August, as well as his own headlining shows. For a full list of upcoming shows, click here.
Alana Springsteen Showcases New Music At BMI’s Rooftop On The Row
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Music Nashville’s Drew Parker, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Alana Springsteen, BMI’s Mason Hunter. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
Rising singer-songwriter Alana Springsteen also served as one of the night’s featured artists at BMI’s Rooftop on the Row, performing some of her latest singles.
Springsteen kicked off the show with tunes from Part One and Part Two of her History of Breaking Up projects, the second of which was released last Friday (July 15).
Upcoming performers for Rooftop on the Row include Ashland Craft and Ray Fulcher (Aug. 16); Elvie Shane and Tenille Arts (Sept. 27); and Reyna Roberts, Tiera Kennedy and Callista Clark (Oct. 18).
Kenny Lovelace Featured As Part Of CMHOF’s Nashville Cats Program
Pictured (L-R): The museum’s Executive Senior Director of Editorial and Interpretation, Michael Gray, and Kenny Lovelace at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured fiddler and guitarist Kenny Lovelace for its in-depth interview series Nashville Cats. The ongoing series showcases musicians and session singers who have played important roles in support of artists in either the recording studio or on concert tours.
For more than 50 years, Lovelace has served as guitarist, fiddler, bandleader and right-hand man for Jerry Lee Lewis. He can be heard on Lewis’ Nashville recordings, including “Another Place Another Time,” “What’s Made Milwaukee Famous (Has Made a Loser Out of Me),” “She Still Comes Around (To Love What’s Left of Me),” “She Even Woke Me Up to Say Goodbye” and “Thirty Nine and Holding.”
Lovelace has toured the world with Lewis, played fiddle on the Oak Ridge Boys’ 1983 hit “Ozark Mountain Jubilee,” and performed with Chuck Berry, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, the Rolling Stones and others.
The performance and conversation were filmed and will premiere on Aug. 30 as part of the museum’s Live at the Hall digital programs series—available to stream on the museum’s social channels.
Wortman Works Adds Two Account Managers
Jayne Hamblin & Ava Evans
Wortman Works Media & Marketing has added two new account managers, Jayne Hamblin and Ava Evans, to the Nashville-based public relations, management and publicity firm.
“These two ladies exemplify hard work and understanding of the ever-evolving role and approach to public relations and publicity. I am thrilled to have them join the team at Wortman Works,” states Wortman Works President, Jules Wortman.
Hamblin received her undergraduate degree in Music Business and her MBA from Belmont University. The Kentucky native most recently worked as Director of Label Operations at SSM Nashville Records with prior stops at MV2 Entertainment and Smallbone Entertainment.
Evans received her undergraduate degree in Creative & Entertainment Industries at Belmont University, and just completed her MBA at Lipscomb University. The Nashville native has most recently worked as a Sales and Marketing Intern at Compass East with prior stops at Bold Soul Studios, Shelter Music Group, and ROAR Entertainment Media Group. Evans also interned at Wortman Works over the past year.
Kimberly Kelly Takes Over Bobby’s Idle Hour To Celebrate Album Release
Pictured (L-R): Show Dog Nashville’s TK Kimbrell, Kimberly Kelly, Cumulus’ Charlie Cook
Kimberly Kelly recently took over Bobby’s Idle Hour on Tuesday night (July 19) to celebrate the release of her Show Dog Nashville debut album, I’ll Tell You What’s Gonna Happen.
The night featured stories about Billy Joe Shaver, as well as the creation of the new album. CMT’s Leslie Fram moderated the listening event with Kelly, which also included live performances of album tracks.
Veteran Music Educator Franklin Willis Joins The CMA Foundation
/by LB CantrellFranklin Willis. Photo: Nora Canfield
Franklin Willis, a veteran Nashville music educator, has been hired as Community Impact Director for The CMA Foundation, effective Aug. 8.
In the newly created role, Willis will help further the CMA Foundation’s commitment to fostering high quality and sustainable music education programs across the U.S. He will play a crucial role in the creation and execution of all the CMA Foundation’s events, initiatives and programs, and work closely with teachers, students, policymakers, nonprofit partners and other key stakeholders to expand outreach, increase involvement and foster connection.
Carrie Underwood surprises Franklin Willis’ Andrew Jackson Elementary School class ahead of the group’s performance of Underwood’s “The Champion” on the Nissan Stadium stage during CMA Fest 2019. Photo: Electric Machine/CMA
“Franklin has been a key voice and valuable partner to the CMA Foundation for many years,” says Tiffany Kerns, Executive Director, CMA Foundation. “He not only shares our passion for furthering and fostering quality music education programs for students, but as a former music educator and past Music Teacher of Excellence himself, he offers invaluable insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the arts. We are thrilled to welcome Franklin to our team and are excited to maximize his creativity and robust knowledge to create impactful and sustainable change across music and arts education.”
Prior to joining CMA, Willis spent a more than a decade as a music educator, most recently as an Elementary Music Coach for Metro Nashville Public Schools. While there, he developed strategies to increase student music achievement and music teachers’ capacity by cultivating professional development communities, implementing curriculum, articulating district initiatives and training teachers and other instructional staff.
Beginning Aug. 8, Willis can be reached at fwillis@cmaworld.com.
FBMM Expands Tax Services With New Partnership
/by LB CantrellPremier entertainment business management firm FBMM has announced a partnership with Withum to expand the company’s tax service offerings.
Withum, one of the top 25 public accounting and advisory firms in the country, will work in conjunction with the tax team at FBMM’s Nashville headquarters to enhance and oversee the tax offerings and counsel provided to FBMM’s clients across the globe. The partnership will go into effect on August 1.
“As a company, our focus has always been making sure our clients receive tax services that are ahead of the curve,” shares FBMM president Duane Clark. “A collaboration of this magnitude is a first for our industry and ensures that our clients will continue to benefit from the gold standard in tax expertise and resources for decades to come.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Tyler Hubbard Continues To Impress With Solo Releases
/by Robert K OermannThere is a lot of disposable pop in today’s listening stack.
Take it from me, you can skip the new offerings by Walker Hayes, Kane Brown and LeAnn Rimes. Dan + Shay are pop too, but at least they are gorgeous pop.
If it’s real country music you crave, allow me to direct your attention to the new music by Tyler Hubbard and/or the Zac Brown Band with Cody Johnson. They finished in a neck-and-neck race for the Disc of the Day, with Tyler Hubbard getting the win.
This week’s DISCovery Award is also solidly country. Tim Dugger, take a bow.
TIM DUGGER / “Heart of a Small Town”
Writers: Brandon Hood/Tim Dugger/Tim Nichols; Producer: Brandon Hood; Label: Curb
–His heartfelt-hillbilly voice is perfect for this stirring ode to the American heartland. The pounding drums and strumming guitars accent a cleverly written lyric and the catchy melody. I’m in.
DAN + SHAY / “You”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Dave Barnes/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner
–Glossy pop with a paint-by-numbers love lyric. Pretty as all get out.
TEBEY / “Sink With the Sun”
Writers: Kelly Archer/Tebey Ottoh/Danick Dupelle; Producers: Tebey Ottoh/Danick Dupelle; Label: Jayward Artist Group
–Tebey briefly charted on RCA/BNA back in 2003. He returned to his native Ontario and wrote a clutch of million-selling international pop hits. His return to Nashville demonstrates that he hasn’t lost his feel for country music. He dreams of getting out on tropical water on a boat to drown his heartache with the sunset. Nicely done.
WALKER HAYES / “Y’all Life”
Writers: Walker Hayes/Pete Good/Josh Jenkins/Cornell Haynes Jr. (Nelly)/Jason Epperson; Producers: Walker Hayes/Joe Thibodeau/Shane McAnally; Label: Monument
–It’s awfully difficult to follow a giant novelty hit like “Fancy Like.” Hayes tries his best by doubling down on the hick-hop delivery and offering another chant-like chorus. Head bobbin’ stuff. Can lightning strike twice in the same place?
LILY ROSE / “In My Drinks”
Writers: Jamie Davis/Jordan Gray/Rob Pennington; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud/Back Blocks/Mercury/Republic
–She has such a cool voice, full of soulful drawl and swallowed pain. The mid-tempo heartache lament has loads of barroom authenticity and is super listenable. It also breaks ground as a country performance by a woman yearning for another woman.
KANE BROWN / “Grand”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: RCA
–He has a current country hit with “Like I Love Country Music.” This single is his pop release. It has no tune.
HANNAH ELLIS / “Country Can”
Writers: Hannah Ellis/Parker Welling/Nick Wayne/Jason Massey; Producers: none listed; Label: Curb
–I believe this song. At its best, nothing can speak to your heart like country-music can. Ellis delivers the sentiment in a soaring, anthemic melody that begs to be turned up loud. Applause, please.
ZAC BROWN BAND & CODY JOHNSON / “Wild Palomino”
Writers: Ben Simonetti/Jonathan Singleton/Wyatt Beasley Durrette, III; Producers: none listed; Label: Warner
–Johnson’s burnished-baritone charisma totally steals the show here. The trademark ZBB harmonies are in place, but this is the Texas cowboy’s show. It’s also a super-cool and beautiful heartache song.
TYLER HUBBARD / “Way Home”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Corey Crowder/Canaan Smith; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI
–Hubbard’s solo career continues to gain ground with this new track. It also reclaims his country bona fides, because it pairs his delightful drawl with a down-home, spiritual lyric about redemption. Full of hillbilly heart.
BRIAN KELLEY / “American Spirit”
Writers: Brian Kelley/Jake Rose/Blake Redferrin/Canaan Smith; Producers: Brian Kelley/Jake Rose; Label: Big Machine
–This isn’t very promising. His debut post-FGL solo single is a fairly generic patriotic ditty. “The red, white and blue…is flying for me and for you.”
JASON ALDEAN / “That’s What Tequila Does”
Writers: Kurt Allison/John Edwards/Tully Kennedy/John Morgan; Producers: Michael Knox; Label: Macon Music/ Broken Bow
–The shouted choruses try to stir up excitement, but the verses just kinda lay there.
LEANN RIMES, MICKEY GUYTON & SHEILA E / “The Wild”
Writers: Darrell Brown/LeAnn Rimes; Producers: Darrell Brown/LeAnn Rimes; Label: EverLe/Thirty Tigers
–Vaguely tribal sounding pop music with wordless “woa-woa’s,” many repeated phases and thumping percussion. A collection of sounds in search of a song.
Frank Ray Slates New EP ‘Getcha Some’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughFrank Ray. Photo: Joseph Llanes
BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records’ artist Frank Ray will release his debut EP Getcha Some on Aug. 12.
The six-song project features his top 20-and-climbing single, “Country’d Look Good On You,” and tracks Ray penned with Frank Rogers, Derek George, Monty Criswell, and others.
The EP’s title, Getcha Some, is from a phrase Ray often uses, which originated during his time spent at the police academy when he was in need of a little pick me up. He and his fellow officers would use it to motivate each other, and it became a mainstay in his life.
“Getcha Some kind of feels like my introduction to the world so when putting this project together, I really wanted it to be representative of all of the facets of who I am—a family man, proud Hispanic, high-energy entertainer and a bit of a good time Charlie,” Ray shares. “Most importantly, I wanted to create something that would make people smile. I can’t wait to share these songs with the world and soak in those moments with the crowd.”
As part of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2022, Ray participated in a CMT Twitter Spaces Wednesday night (July 20) alongside Tiera Kennedy where he revealed details of the project.
Getcha Some Track List:
1. “Streetlights” – Frank Ray, Bobby Hamrick and Frank Rogers
2. “Country’d Look Good On You” – Frank Ray
3. “Y’all Showed Up” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick, and Frank Rogers
4. “Somebody Else’s Whiskey”—Frank Ray, Derek George, Frank Rogers
5. “Late” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George, Bobby Hamrick and Frank Rogers.
6. “Out On Me” – Frank Ray, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, Derek George and Frank Rogers
Country Trio Chapel Hart Earns Golden Buzzer On ‘America’s Got Talent’
/by Lydia FarthingChapel Hart
Rising country trio Chapel Hart earned the coveted Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent earlier this week (July 19) with a stunning performance of their breakthrough tune, “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
A clever, updated version of Dolly Parton‘s iconic 1973 smash hit “Jolene,” the tune twists the lyrics to depict the idea that no one should have to fight over a man.
The live performance, drenched in rich three-part harmonies, won over the show’s judges—Simon Cowell, Sofía Vergara, Heidi Klum and Howie Mandel—who gave the girls a standing ovation, and had the in-person audience on their feet and chanting “golden buzzer.”
After asking the women if they had been looking for a record deal, the group’s frontwoman, Danica Hart, explained to the judges that they’ve been trying to break into the Nashville scene for a number of years with no luck yet.
“It’s been kinda hard when country music doesn’t always look like us,” Danica shared tearfully before all four judges, plus host Terry Crews, rang the golden buzzer and sent them straight to the final, live performance stage. Chapel Hart will now go straight to the live finals in mid-September.
Following the performance, Parton took to social media to share her reaction saying, “What a fun new take on my song, @ChapelHartBand! Carl’s birthday is today so I think I’ll hang on to him, and I’m not notifying Jolene that today is his birthday.”
The trio, comprised of Danica and Devynn Hart, along with their cousin Trea Swindle, were named part of CMT’s Next Women of Country Class of 2021. The Mississippi natives will head back to their home state this weekend to play at the Neshoba County Fair on Saturday (July 23).
CMA Hosts First-Ever Tour & Production Manager Forums
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Touring Career Workshop Executive Director Chris Lisle and CMA Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy Tiffany Kerns. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
CMA hosted its first-ever Tour and Production Manager Forums in collaboration with the Touring Career Workshop July 18-19 at CMA’s headquarters in Nashville.
The back-to-back events featured comprehensive panels and presentations as well as networking opportunities for attendees. With touring professionals making up the second largest category of CMA membership, Monday’s event was tailored to tour managers, while Tuesday targeted production managers.
Pictured (L-R): Touring Career Workshop Executive Director Chris Lisle moderates the “Transportation and the Current State of Live Entertainment” discussion with Adam Schick (StageCall), Sharon Kendrew (High Road Touring) and Neville Shende (Pioneer Coach) during the Tour Manager and Production Manager Forums. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The forums featured in-depth discussions and candid conversations around topics relevant to each career path, while also highlighting universal trends in the live entertainment industry, including tactics for growing with artist clients, mentorship for the next generation, and the importance of mental health awareness.
“At our core, CMA exists to provide resources, information and support for those in the music business,” says Tiffany Kerns, CMA Vice President, Industry Relations and Philanthropy. “This type of programming allows us to not only champion and equip industry professionals, but also remain at the forefront of an ever-evolving industry through continued learning, education and engagement. We say it often, but to keep our business strong, it is so important to support each and every person who makes this business possible.”
Amy Grant Among This Year’s Kennedy Center Honors Recipients
/by Lorie HollabaughAmy Grant. Photo: Catherine Powell
Amy Grant is one of the five honorees set to receive the 45th Kennedy Center Honors for lifetime artistic achievement on Dec. 4 in a star-studded celebration on the Kennedy Center Opera House stage.
Other honorees include actor/filmmaker George Clooney; legendary soul, gospel, R&B, and pop artist Gladys Knight; Cuban-born American composer, conductor, and educator Tania León; and iconic Irish rock band U2 (Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen Jr.).
“Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine ever receiving this prestigious Kennedy Center Honors,” Grant shares. “Through the years, I’ve watched so many of my heroes serenaded by colleagues and fellow artists, always moved by the ability of music and film to bring us together and to see the best in each other. I cannot wait to celebrate with my fellow honorees, friends, and family. Thank you for widening the circle to include all of us.”
Deborah F. Rutter, Kennedy Center President, notes: “For nearly a half-century, the Kennedy Center Honors has represented the very best of America’s creative culture. The Honors is often referred to by past recipients as the pinnacle of awards because it recognizes not just one performance, album, or film, but esteems an artist’s cumulative body of work and influence over many decades. This level of distinction is important. Through this holistic viewpoint, each year’s Honorees add another layer to the complex and inspiring collage of artists that together tell the story of our collective contribution to global culture. Now, as the Center completes its yearlong 50th Anniversary celebration, I cannot help but think that the Kennedy Center’s namesake would surely smile at this celebration that brings us closer to his vision of ‘an America which will reward achievement in the arts as we reward achievement in business or statecraft.’”
The Honors Gala will be broadcast on CBS at a later date as a two-hour primetime special, and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.