Pictured (L-R): Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson
Bobby Karl Works The Room
Chapter 655
To put it in Biblical terms, a visit to the Opry always “restoreth my soul.”
Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry show (May 14) was both musically and spiritually uplifting, plus historically significant. Fittingly, the audience was packed to the rafters.
“It’s Jamey Johnson’s induction night,” Charlie Worsham told the cheering crowd. “It’s Ricky Skaggs’ 40th anniversary. I won my first ACM Award here last night [as Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year].” Worsham also pointed out that Opry bandleader/drummer Eddie Bayers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month. So it was, indeed, an epic night at the hallowed institution.
Bill Anderson did the honors inducting Jamey. He related the story of inviting Jamey to join the cast in March. By then, Jamey had been a guest on the show dozens of times. Bill told him he would never be back as a guest. “I’ve been thrown out of a lot of places,” Jamey responded.
“We’re not kicking you out,” said Bill on Saturday night. “We’re welcoming you in.” He gave Jamey the Opry Membership statuette, a model of the Opry microphone stand. Jamey is member #228 in the show’s 97-year history.
“I don’t have to tell y’all how much this means to me,” responded Jamey. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid. And I’m not a kid anymore, as you can tell by the gray in my beard. I prayed for it every day.”
Bill said, “This is one more example of our prayers getting answered.” Backstage, he added, “This is as important for the Opry as it is for Jamey.”
Jamey wore a new, custom jacket by Manuel for his big night. Congratulatory, welcoming gifts arrived from the Opry’s Dan Rogers, Carrie Underwood and Rhonda Vincent.
Pictured (L-R): Ricky Skaggs, Jamey Johnson
Meanwhile backstage, Ricky Skaggs was cutting into a massive sheet carrot cake slathered with vanilla icing (including an icing guitar) while Opry boss Dan Rogers and Opry talent manager Gina Keltner presented him with a beautiful framed poster commemorating his 40th anniversary with the show.
“I’m so proud to be associated with an organization that cares so much about music history — country music, bluegrass music, gospel,” Ricky said. During a pause in his onstage anniversary celebration, he and the audience watched video congratulations from Marty Stuart, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban.
The show began with The Opry Square Dancers, followed by Larry Gatlin, Deana Carter, Gary Mule Deer, Worsham and Anderson. Jamey’s set included “Between Jennings and Jones,” “In Color” and, with his cowriter Bill Anderson, “Give It Away.”
Ricky’s performance included “Heartbroke” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could.” Following the video tributes, Jamey joined him at center stage. With just their own mandolin and guitar accompaniment, the two honorees performed a stunning, brother-duet rendition of “Near the Cross,” which is the first song that Jamey ever learned to play on guitar. It earned the pair of celebrants a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation.
The halls and dressing rooms backstage were full of mingling friends — Kid Rock, Mark Wills, John Daly, Beverly Keel, Blake Harris, proud papa #1 Howard Johnson, proud papa #2 Gary Worsham, Jessie Schmidt, George Gruhn, Bret Wolcott, Melonie Cannon (papa Buddy cowrote “Give It Away” with Bill & Jamey), Regina Stuve, Bobby Cudd, Billy Paul, and The Whites. (Papa Buck White, 91, is now living with Ricky and Sharon White, reported Cheryl White).
George Jones Museum queen Nancy Jones arrived in a wheelchair, looking thin but still exhibiting her indomitable personality. I am told she has been so gravely ill with COVID that she died in the hospital twice and was revived. She said her recovery has taken seven months and demonstrated to Jamey that she can now walk again.
“I have to give my testimony,” she told him. “God spoke to me while I was in the hospital.”
“Did He sound like George Jones?” quipped Jamey.
“No, His voice wasn’t that deep,” Nancy replied.
Speaking of COVID, Ricky reported that his bout with the disease had led to the loss of his hair, which has now inexplicably grown back curly.
ACM honoree Charlie Worsham was playing a guitar that Vince Gill had given him. The Country Music Hall of Famer had played it when he taped Crossroads with Sting. Charlie was so moved by the generosity that he cried when Vince gave it to him.
Then there was the Deana Carter connection. It turns out that she was also on the show on March 19 when Jamey was invited to become an Opry member. We briefly mused about whether or not she should leap barefoot into honoree Ricky’s arms the way she so memorably did when he presented her with a CMA Award in 1997. I urged her not to repeat the exuberant stunt, for fear of injury to them both, now 25 years older.
Bill Anderson reported that he has recorded a new duet with Dolly Parton and that they are making a music video for it next week. He was recently taped for an upcoming PBS documentary about Minnie Pearl.
As for his feelings about his new fellow Opry cast member: “I knew he was one of us,” said Bill. “I knew he had a country heart and a country soul.”
Jamey Johnson’s induction into the Opry cast continues a recent string of artistically valuable additions to the venerable show’s lineup. These include Luke Combs (7/16/19), Gene Watson (2/7/20), Rhonda Vincent (2/6/21), Lady A (2/14/21), Carly Pearce (8/3/21), The Isaacs (9/14/21), Mandy Barnett (11/2/21) and Lauren Alaina (2/12/22).
I can’t close without saying how much I value the friendship and hospitality I always feel from Gina and “Opry Dan.” People like them really do restore your spirits.
Taylor Swift, Dan + Shay, Eric Church, More Win At 2022 Billboard Music Awards
/by Lydia FarthingThe 2022 Billboard Music Awards took place on Sunday night (May 15) at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Hosted by Sean “Diddy” Combs, the show aired on NBC and celebrated some of music’s biggest hits and artists from the last year.
Among the night’s winners, Nashville was well represented across the board.
Dan + Shay. Photo: Frazer Harrison / Getty Images for MRC
Taylor Swift took home four awards, including for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Female Artist, and Top Country Album (Red (Taylor’s Version)). Morgan Wallen walked away with Top Country Male Artist, while Dan + Shay won their third trophy for Top Country Duo/Group. The pair also performed “You” from their current album Good Things.
“Thank you Billboard Music Awards, this is truly an honor,” noted Dan + Shay’s Dan Smyers of the win. “Thank you to our team and our road crew, our band, and the fans. We love you so much!”
Ahead of closing out the U.S. leg of his 55-show “The Gather Again Tour” at New York City’s Madison Square Garden on May 20, Eric Church took home the award for Top Country Tour. Breakout country star Walker Hayes, who racked up six nominations leading up to the awards, earned the trophy for Top Country Song for his smash mega-hit “Fancy Like.”
BBMA winners are determined by Billboard chart performance, from album and song sales to radio airplay, streaming, touring and social engagement.
Partial List of 2022 Billboard Music Award Winners:
Top Billboard 200 Artist
Adele
Drake
Juice WRLD
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
Top Song Sales Artist
Adele
BTS
Dua Lipa
Ed Sheeran
Walker Hayes
Top Country Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Taylor Swift
Walker Hayes
Top Country Male Artist
Chris Stapleton
Luke Combs
Morgan Wallen
Top Country Female Artist
Carrie Underwood
Miranda Lambert
Taylor Swift
Top Country Duo/Group
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Zac Brown Band
Top Country Tour
Luke Bryan – “Proud to Be Right Here Tour”
Eric Church – “Gather Again Tour”
Chris Stapleton – “All-American Road Show Tour”
Top Billboard 200 Album
Adele, 30
Doja Cat, Planet Her
Drake, Certified Lover Boy
Morgan Wallen, Dangerous: The Double Album
Olivia Rodrigo, SOUR
Top Country Album
Florida Georgia Line, Life Rolls On
Lee Brice, Hey World
Taylor Swift, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)
Taylor Swift, Red (Taylor’s Version)
Walker Hayes, Country Stuff: The Album
Top Selling Song
BTS, “Butter”
BTS, “Permission to Dance”
Dua Lipa, “Levitating”
Ed Sheeran, “Bad Habits”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”
Top Viral Song
Doja Cat ft. SZA, “Kiss Me More”
Gayle, “abcdefu”
Glass Animals, “Heat Waves”
Masked Wolf, “Astronaut In The Ocean”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”
Top Country Song
Chris Stapleton, “You Should Probably Leave”
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood, “If I Didn’t Love You”
Jordan Davis ft. Luke Bryan, “Buy Dirt”
Luke Combs, “Forever After All”
Walker Hayes, “Fancy Like”
Top Rock Song
Coldplay X BTS, “My Universe”
Elle King & Miranda Lambert, “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)”
Imagine Dragons, “Follow You”
Måneskin, “Beggin’”
The Anxiety: Willow & Tyler Cole, “Meet Me at Our Spot”
Ben Johnson Maintains Top Three Positioning On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellBen Johnson
Hit songwriter Ben Johnson stays at No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Johnson is currently receiving co-writer credit for five charting songs, including “Best Thing Since Backroads” (Jake Owen), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Holy Water” (Michael Ray), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).
Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 this week and Shane McAnally continues his reign at the top.
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.
Winners Announced For 57th Annual ACM Industry & Studio Recording Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: Charlie Worsham with his first ACM Award on stage during Friday’s Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Academy of Country Music announced the Industry and Studio Recording Award winners from the 57th ACM Awards at the Grand Ole Opry House on Friday night (May 13).
Pictured (L-R): Executive Producer and Vice President of the Opry Dan Rogers, Charlie Worsham, ACM CEO Damon Whiteside, and ACM Manager of Awards & Membership Haley Montgomery. Photo: Chris Hollo
During Charlie Worsham’s performance, he was interrupted by a special announcement that surprised the guitarist-singer-songwriter
Other winner highlights include Basement East receiving their first-ever ACM Award for ACM Club of the Year following the venue’s destruction during the March 2020 Nashville tornadoes and subsequent rebuild. The Ryman, which is celebrating its 130th anniversary, received its 7th lifetime ACM Award.
Pedal steel guitar player Paul Franklin received his 17th career ACM Award, and first win for Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year. Promoter Brian O’Connell and producer Dann Huff each received their 10th career ACM Award.
In addition to Worsham and Basement East, other first-time ACM Award recipients include Chicago’s Windy City Smokeout Festival, San Antonio Rodeo, audio engineer Jim Cooley, drummer Evan Hutchings, and piano/keyboard player David Dorn.
All Industry Award, Studio Recording Award, and soon-to-be-announced Special Award recipients will be celebrated during the 15th Academy of Country Music Honors ceremony on Aug. 24 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Performers, host, and ticket on-sale information will be announced in the coming weeks.
Industry Award Winners:
Casino Of The Year – Theater: Choctaw Casino & Resort – Durant, Ok
Casino Of The Year – Arena: Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, Ct
Festival Of The Year: Windy City Smokeout Festival – Chicago, Il
Fair/Rodeo Of The Year: San Antonio Rodeo – San Antonio, Tx
Club Of The Year: Basement East – Nashville, Tn
Theater Of The Year: Ryman Auditorium – Nashville, Tn
Outdoor Venue Of The Year: Red Rocks Amphitheatre – Morrison, Co
Arena Of The Year: Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tn
Don Romeo Talent Buyer Of The Year: Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
Promoter Of The Year: Brian O’connell – Live Nation
Studio Recording Award Winners:
Bass Player Of The Year: Jimmie Lee Sloas
Drummer Of The Year: Evan Hutchings
Acoustic Guitar Player Of The Year: Charlie Worsham
Electric Guitar Player Of The Year: Tom Bukovac
Piano/Keyboards Player Of The Year: David Dorn
Specialty Instrument(S) Player Of The Year: Paul Franklin
Audio Engineer Of The Year: Jim Cooley
Producer Of The Year: Dann Huff
Brandi Carlile, Yola, Allison Russell Among Americana Awards Nominees
/by LB CantrellBrandi Carlile. Photo: Neil Krug
The nominees were revealed for the 21st Annual Americana Honors & Awards during a ceremony at Nashville’s National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM). This year’s nominations were revealed by hosts and Duo/Group of the Year nominee, The War and Treaty. The ceremony featured performances from the duo, as well as the Fisk Jubilee Singers and Adia Victoria.
Pictured (L-R): Henry Hicks (President & CEO of NMAAM), Allen Christian (Fisk Jubilee Singers), Dr. Paul Kwami (Musical Director of Fisk Jubilee Singers), Michael and Tanya Trotter (The War and Treaty), Adia Victoria, Jed Hilly (Executive Director of Americana Music Association). Photo: Erika Goldring
Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell and Yola lead the nominees this year with three each, including for Artist of the Year, Album of the Year and Song of the Year. Also nominated for Artist of the Year are Jason Isbell and Billy Strings.
The Emerging Act of the Year category includes some new faces, with Morgan Wade, Brittney Spencer, Sierra Ferrell, Neal Francis and Adia Victoria nominated.
The winners will be named at the Americana Honors & Awards on Sept. 14 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Taking place during AmericanaFest, tickets to the awards ceremony are available to conference registrants now. Americana Music Association members will receive access on July 21.
The full list of nominees is below:
Album of the Year:
In These Silent Days, Brandi Carlile, Produced by Dave Cobb and Shooter Jennings
Outside Child, Allison Russell, Produced by Dan Knobler
Raise The Roof, Robert Plant & Alison Krauss, Produced by T Bone Burnett
A Southern Gothic, Adia Victoria, Produced by Mason Hickman and Adia Victoria, Executive Produced by T Bone Burnett
Stand for Myself, Yola, Produced by Dan Auerbach
Artist of the Year:
Brandi Carlile
Jason Isbell
Allison Russell
Billy Strings
Yola
Duo/Group of the Year:
Big Thief
Los Lobos
The Mavericks
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss
The War and Treaty
Emerging Act of the Year:
Sierra Ferrell
Neal Francis
Brittney Spencer
Adia Victoria
Morgan Wade
Instrumentalist of the Year:
Ethan Ballinger
Brian Farrow
Larissa Maestro
Shelby Means
Justin Moses
Song of the Year:
“Canola Fields,” James McMurtry, Written by James McMurtry
“Diamond Studded Shoes,” Yola, Written by Dan Auerbach, Natalie Hemby, Aaron Lee Tasjan and Yola
“Juanita,” Sturgill Simpson featuring Willie Nelson, Written by Sturgill Simpson
“Persephone,” Allison Russell, Written by Jeremy Lindsay and Allison Russell
“Right On Time,” Brandi Carlile, Written by Brandi Carlile, Dave Cobb, Phil Hanseroth and Tim Hanseroth
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen Sweeps Top Country Songs, Albums Charts
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen takes the country charts by storm this week, taking up three of the top five spots on the country streaming songs chart, and two spots in the country albums top five.
Wallen’s newest release, “Thought You Should Know,” is at No. 1 on the country songs chart this week with 16 million first week streams, according to Luminate data. “Wasted On You,” his current radio single, drops down one spot to No. 3, gaining 7.4 million streams, while his other recent release, “Don’t Think Jesus,” adds 6.9 million streams and sits at No. 4. On the album front, Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album continues its run in the top spot, earning 53K in total consumption (1.4K album only/64 million song streams), and If I Know Me jumps up one spot to No. 4 with 17K in total consumption.
Elsewhere on the top country albums chart, Luke Combs takes the second spot as What You See Is What You Get racks up 19K in total consumption, as well as the third position with This One’s For You adding 18K in total consumption. Red (Taylor’s Version) places Taylor Swift at No. 5, earning 17K in total consumption, according to Luminate data.
Filling out the remaining spots on the top country streaming songs chart, Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” rises one spot to No. 2, adding 8.1 million streams. Walker Hayes seals the top five as “AA” earns 6.1 million streams.
Dr. Dan Barnard Named Executive Director Of Marty Stuart’s Congress Of Country Music
/by Lorie HollabaughDr. Dan Barnard has been named inaugural Executive Director of Marty Stuart’s Congress of Country Music and the Historic Ellis Theatre in Philadelphia, Mississippi.
Barnard is an award-winning composer, conductor, and arts presenter with a doctorate in music composition from the University of Kansas and other degrees from Northern Colorado and West Texas State. He directed collegiate choral music programs in Nebraska, South Dakota, and at Penn State Erie, where he first fell in love with the arts presenting industry. He went on to open a new $26 million performing arts center in Brownsville, Texas; managed an 1100-seat performance hall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and served for two years as Executive Director for the MSU Riley Center in Meridian, Mississippi.
Stuart announced the appointment at the recent opening of “The World of Marty Stuart” exhibit at Two Mississippi Museums in Jackson, Mississippi on May 6. The ceremony also included the unveiling of Texas sculptor Craig Campobella’s statue of Marty Stuart entitled “The Pilgrim,” which will take up permanent residence at MSCCM when the Two Museums exhibit closes.
The Mississippi Department of Archives and History has partnered with University of Mississippi to print a 256 page book to accompany the exhibit, The World of Marty Stuart, which provides an up-close look at important moments in country music and reaffirms Stuart’s dedication to preserving the genre’s rich history in addition to chronicling Stuart’s 50-year journey as a traveling musician.
“Having opened a brand-new venue once already, I know the immense satisfaction of seeing a new facility come to life and to be embraced by its community,” Barnard shares. “In serving as the Executive Director for Marty Stuart Congress of Country Music and the Historic Ellis Theatre, my goal is to attract visitors from across the US while at the same time making life better for all of the Philadelphia community.”
Marty Stuart’s 19th “Late Night Jam” will return to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Wednesday, June 8 at 9 p.m. CT.
Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival To Return This August With Larry Gatlin, Shane Stevens, More
/by Lydia FarthingThe Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival (GSF) will take over downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee and the surrounding area from Aug. 18-21. The three-day conference and live music event will feature nightly shows by hit songwriters and artists in venues such as Ole Red, SkyLift Park, Park Vista Hotel, The Historic Gatlinburg Inn, The Listening Room, Ole Smoky, Shine Shack, and more.
Headline shows will include performances from Larry Gatlin, Brady Seals, and a special Legends of Bluegrass show at Ole Smoky featuring Larry Cordle, Tim Stafford, Jerry Salley, Irene Kelley, Carl Jackson and Thom Jutz. The nights will also be filled with sets from No. 1 songwriters, including Shane Stevens, Tony Arata, Danny Wells, Steve Dean, Will Nance, and many more.
The GSF conference offers the opportunity to write with songwriters, book a Master Songwriting Lecture by Larry Gatlin, and acquire valuable information regarding TV and film licensing and wealth management help. Songwriters can be mentored by industry professionals such as Eddie Gore and Justyna Kelley, who specialize in artist production, songwriting, and development for up-and-coming talent at Music Row’s RCA Studio C.
Most performances are free and open to the public. Special events can be attended with a $30 membership, one-night show tickets, or special event tickets and passes. Tickets can be purchased here.
Danielle Bradbery Inks Multi-Year Agreement With Big Machine Label Group
/by Lorie HollabaughDanielle Bradbery & Scott Borchetta
Danielle Bradbery has signed a multi-year extension of her recording agreement with Big Machine Label Group.
Bradbery first partnered with Big Machine in 2013 following her win on Season 4 of NBC’s The Voice when she was just 16. She has spent the past decade growing as an artist, defining her sound and finding her voice with hits such as “Worth It,” “Potential” and the Gold-certified “Sway.”
“Danielle’s talent has been unmatched since day one,” notes BMLG Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta. “The Big Machine team and I have had the privilege of watching Danielle blossom into who she is today, growing from a teenager with a dream to an artist with a great sense of self and musical vision. We are incredibly proud to continue supporting her and her music.”
“Scott and the Big Machine team have been there since the very beginning of my career, watching me grow up and find who I am, not only an artist, but as a person too,” adds Bradbery. “I’m thankful to continue our partnership and can’t wait for what’s to come.”
Bradbery recently celebrated her musical journey with the release of In Between: The Collection, which features 10 tracks representing different musical chapters of her career, including “Look At The Mess I’m In,” “Break My Heart Again,” and “Stop Draggin’ Your Boots.”
Bradberry also has a busy road schedule coming up as she is slated to perform at the 2022 PBR World Finals on Thursday (May 19) and at CMA Fest’s Chevy Riverfront Stage next month (June 10). She will make a special appearance in the country-centric musical “May We All” at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center on June 16.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Opry Spotlight Shines On Jamey Johnson, Ricky Skaggs
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson
Bobby Karl Works The Room
Chapter 655
To put it in Biblical terms, a visit to the Opry always “restoreth my soul.”
Saturday’s Grand Ole Opry show (May 14) was both musically and spiritually uplifting, plus historically significant. Fittingly, the audience was packed to the rafters.
“It’s Jamey Johnson’s induction night,” Charlie Worsham told the cheering crowd. “It’s Ricky Skaggs’ 40th anniversary. I won my first ACM Award here last night [as Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year].” Worsham also pointed out that Opry bandleader/drummer Eddie Bayers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame this month. So it was, indeed, an epic night at the hallowed institution.
Bill Anderson did the honors inducting Jamey. He related the story of inviting Jamey to join the cast in March. By then, Jamey had been a guest on the show dozens of times. Bill told him he would never be back as a guest. “I’ve been thrown out of a lot of places,” Jamey responded.
“We’re not kicking you out,” said Bill on Saturday night. “We’re welcoming you in.” He gave Jamey the Opry Membership statuette, a model of the Opry microphone stand. Jamey is member #228 in the show’s 97-year history.
“I don’t have to tell y’all how much this means to me,” responded Jamey. “I’ve been dreaming about this since I was a kid. And I’m not a kid anymore, as you can tell by the gray in my beard. I prayed for it every day.”
Bill said, “This is one more example of our prayers getting answered.” Backstage, he added, “This is as important for the Opry as it is for Jamey.”
Jamey wore a new, custom jacket by Manuel for his big night. Congratulatory, welcoming gifts arrived from the Opry’s Dan Rogers, Carrie Underwood and Rhonda Vincent.
Pictured (L-R): Ricky Skaggs, Jamey Johnson
Meanwhile backstage, Ricky Skaggs was cutting into a massive sheet carrot cake slathered with vanilla icing (including an icing guitar) while Opry boss Dan Rogers and Opry talent manager Gina Keltner presented him with a beautiful framed poster commemorating his 40th anniversary with the show.
“I’m so proud to be associated with an organization that cares so much about music history — country music, bluegrass music, gospel,” Ricky said. During a pause in his onstage anniversary celebration, he and the audience watched video congratulations from Marty Stuart, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood and Keith Urban.
The show began with The Opry Square Dancers, followed by Larry Gatlin, Deana Carter, Gary Mule Deer, Worsham and Anderson. Jamey’s set included “Between Jennings and Jones,” “In Color” and, with his cowriter Bill Anderson, “Give It Away.”
Ricky’s performance included “Heartbroke” and “I Wouldn’t Change You If I Could.” Following the video tributes, Jamey joined him at center stage. With just their own mandolin and guitar accompaniment, the two honorees performed a stunning, brother-duet rendition of “Near the Cross,” which is the first song that Jamey ever learned to play on guitar. It earned the pair of celebrants a wildly enthusiastic standing ovation.
The halls and dressing rooms backstage were full of mingling friends — Kid Rock, Mark Wills, John Daly, Beverly Keel, Blake Harris, proud papa #1 Howard Johnson, proud papa #2 Gary Worsham, Jessie Schmidt, George Gruhn, Bret Wolcott, Melonie Cannon (papa Buddy cowrote “Give It Away” with Bill & Jamey), Regina Stuve, Bobby Cudd, Billy Paul, and The Whites. (Papa Buck White, 91, is now living with Ricky and Sharon White, reported Cheryl White).
George Jones Museum queen Nancy Jones arrived in a wheelchair, looking thin but still exhibiting her indomitable personality. I am told she has been so gravely ill with COVID that she died in the hospital twice and was revived. She said her recovery has taken seven months and demonstrated to Jamey that she can now walk again.
“I have to give my testimony,” she told him. “God spoke to me while I was in the hospital.”
“Did He sound like George Jones?” quipped Jamey.
“No, His voice wasn’t that deep,” Nancy replied.
Speaking of COVID, Ricky reported that his bout with the disease had led to the loss of his hair, which has now inexplicably grown back curly.
ACM honoree Charlie Worsham was playing a guitar that Vince Gill had given him. The Country Music Hall of Famer had played it when he taped Crossroads with Sting. Charlie was so moved by the generosity that he cried when Vince gave it to him.
Then there was the Deana Carter connection. It turns out that she was also on the show on March 19 when Jamey was invited to become an Opry member. We briefly mused about whether or not she should leap barefoot into honoree Ricky’s arms the way she so memorably did when he presented her with a CMA Award in 1997. I urged her not to repeat the exuberant stunt, for fear of injury to them both, now 25 years older.
Bill Anderson reported that he has recorded a new duet with Dolly Parton and that they are making a music video for it next week. He was recently taped for an upcoming PBS documentary about Minnie Pearl.
As for his feelings about his new fellow Opry cast member: “I knew he was one of us,” said Bill. “I knew he had a country heart and a country soul.”
Jamey Johnson’s induction into the Opry cast continues a recent string of artistically valuable additions to the venerable show’s lineup. These include Luke Combs (7/16/19), Gene Watson (2/7/20), Rhonda Vincent (2/6/21), Lady A (2/14/21), Carly Pearce (8/3/21), The Isaacs (9/14/21), Mandy Barnett (11/2/21) and Lauren Alaina (2/12/22).
I can’t close without saying how much I value the friendship and hospitality I always feel from Gina and “Opry Dan.” People like them really do restore your spirits.
Carrie Underwood To Embark On ‘Denim & Rhinestones Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughCarrie Underwood has announced she’ll return to the road this fall on her new “Denim & Rhinestones Tour,” kicking off in October. She will be joined on the tour by special guest Jimmie Allen.
The new 43-city arena tour launches Oct. 15 in Greenville, South Carolina, and includes stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, LA’s Crypto.com Arena, Rupp Arena in Lexington, Austin’s Moody Center, and more. She’ll also play a show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on March 1, 2023.
Tickets for the concerts go on sale to the general public beginning May 20 with a limited number of exclusive VIP Packages available.
“I’m thrilled to be hitting the road again with the ‘Denim & Rhinestones Tour,’” says Underwood. “I’m having such an amazing time with my Las Vegas residency and look forward to continuing that next year after the tour. I’m excited to bring the new music of Denim & Rhinestones to life on tour, as well as put new spins on familiar favorites. We’ve been working hard already preparing an amazing show, and I can’t wait to see everyone on the road!”
Underwood will release her upcoming album, Denim & Rhinestones, on June 10. The lead single from the new album, “Ghost Story,” is currently climbing the charts and has garnered over 30 milliion global streams.
October 17, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse
October 18, 2022 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
October 20, 2022 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
October 22, 2022 – Rosemont, IL – Allstate Arena
October 23, 2022 – Milwaukee, WI – Fiserv Forum
October 25, 2022 – Minneapolis, MN – Target Center
October 27, 2022 – Grand Forks, ND – Alerus Center
October 31, 2022 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
November 2, 2022 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
November 3, 2022 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
November 5, 2022 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
November 7, 2022 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
November 12, 2022 – Moline, IL – Tax Slayer Center
November 13, 2022 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center
November 15, 2022 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
November 17, 2022 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena
November 19, 2022 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
February 2, 2023 – Miami, FL – FTX Arena
February 4, 2023 – Tampa, FL – Amalie Arena
February 6, 2023 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena
February 7, 2023 – Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena
February 8, 2023 – Charlotte, NC – Spectrum Center
February 10, 2023 – State College, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
February 11, 2023 – Uncasville, CT – Mohegan Sun Arena
February 14, 2023 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
February 15, 2023 – Washington DC – Capital One Arena
February 17, 2023 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
February 18, 2023 – Newark, NJ – Prudential Center
February 21, 2023 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
February 22, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center
February 24, 2023 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena
February 25, 2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – PPG Paints Arena
February 26, 2023 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
March 1, 2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
March 2, 2023 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center
March 4, 2023 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
March 8, 2023 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
March 11, 2023 – Glendale, AZ – Gila River Arena
March 13, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
March 14, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
March 16, 2023 – Portland, OR – MODA Center
March 17, 2023 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena