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.
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
Life & Legacy Of Naomi Judd Honored In Star-Studded CMT Tribute
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd & Brandi Carlile. Photo: Katie Kauss/Getty Images for CMT
A beautiful farewell was given to Naomi Judd on Sunday night (May 15) during CMT and Sandbox Live’s Naomi Judd: a River of Time Celebration live from the Ryman Auditorium.
Hosted by co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and close family friend, Robin Roberts, daughters Wynonna and Ashley Judd celebrated their mother’s legacy with fans and friends through warm remembrances and performances from a host of stars.
Carly Pearce. Photo: Katie Kauss/Getty Images for CMT
Among the highlights from the emotional evening were a performance from Ashley McBryde as she fought back tears while singing the legendary duo’s No. 1 “Love Is Alive.” Fellow Kentuckian Carly Pearce paid homage to Judd with her soulful rendition of “Why Not Me,” pulling double duty as CMT co-host for the evening alongside Cody Alan. Friend Bono recited a moving excerpt of The Judds’ “Guardian Angels,” and at Naomi’s special request, the Gaither Vocal Band brought show-stopping harmonies to The Mother Church with “How Beautiful Heaven Must Be.”
Emmylou Harris & Allison Russell joined forces to deliver a moving performance of “The Sweetest Gift,” bringing the crowd to tears. Bette Midler shared an emotional memory of performing “The Rose” with The Judds on stage in Nashville ahead of Brandi Carlile and Wynonna’s unforgettable performance of the hit.
Throughout the evening, Naomi’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared memories, including Reese Witherspoon, who celebrated Naomi’s legacy as a single mother and a woman breaking barriers, and Oprah Winfrey, who reflected on Naomi’s connection with her fans and the strong roots of the country music community.
Wynonna brought the Ryman to its feet for the final standing ovation of the night, closing out the show with an emotional sing along performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge,” after treating fans to the surprise announcement that the duo’s “The Final Tour” would continue later this year, honoring Naomi’s legacy.
Allison Russell & Emmylou Harris. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT
Little Big Town. Photo: Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT
Nate Smith Plots ‘Whiskey On You Tour’ Kicking Off In June
/by Lorie HollabaughNate Smith will embark on his 13-city “Whiskey On You Tour” this summer. “Whiskey On You” is the follow up to Smith’s viral hit “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven,” which has amassed nearly 30 million total streams to date.
The tour will visit Chicago, Las Vegas, Chattanooga, Memphis, St. Louis, and more, and marks the breakout artist’s first headlining tour. Tickets are on sale now at NateSmithOfficial.com.
Smith’s journey to Nashville has been peppered with both trials and adventures. In 2018, Smith lost everything he owned in the devastating Camp Fire which tore through his hometown of Paradise, Calif., now known as the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in the state’s history. Although his family was safe, he struggled to cope and turned to music, hoping that it would help comfort himself and others. The adversity inspired a month-long road trip to Music City, writing music and playing dive bars along the way.
Smith’s new bio series, “This Is Nate Smith,” is available now on his YouTube page.
Nate Smith “Whiskey On You Tour” Dates
June 16 – Chicago, IL (Carol’s Pub)
June 17 – Jackson, MI (Grande Golf Club)
June 18 – Pigeon Forge, TN (Hard Rock Café)
June 23 – Indianapolis, IN (Hi-Fi Indy)
June 24 – Columbus, OH (Rumba Café)
June 25 – Bloomington, IL (The Stables Music Hall)
July 1 – Las Vegas, NV (Stoney’s Rockin Country)
July 6 – Decatur, GA (Eddie’s Attic)
July 7 – Chattanooga, TN (Songbirds)
July 8 – Louisville, KY (PBR Bar)
July 9 – Memphis, TN (Hard Rock Café Memphis)
July 14 – St Louis, MO (Old Rock House)
July 15 – Omaha, NE (Barnato)
CMA Presents Triple Play Awards, Honors Bob DiPiero
/by Sarah SkatesPictured (L-R top row): Corey Crowder, Randy Montana, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern, Ashley Gorley, host Jim Beavers, Brock Berryhill, Jonathan Singleton (L-R bottom row:) Hunter Phelps, Ross Copperman, Ernest Keith Smith, Hillary Lindsey, CMA Songwriter Advocate Award recipient Bob DiPiero, Zach Crowell and Jesse Frasure. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
The Country Music Association hosted its 12th CMA Triple Play Awards on Thursday (May 12) at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. The industry ceremony marked the event’s official return following a two-year postponement due to the pandemic. In addition to honoring 19 CMA Triple Play Award recipients, CMA also awarded Bob DiPiero, Founder of Being Bob Music, with the inaugural CMA Songwriter Advocate Award.
The CMA Triple Play Award is presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period. Honored last night for this achievement were Brock Berryhill, Luke Combs, Ross Copperman, Corey Crowder, Zach Crowell, Jesse Frasure, Ray Fulcher, Ashley Gorley, Michael Hardy, Hillary Lindsey, Shane McAnally, Randy Montana, Josh Osborne, Hunter Phelps, Thomas Rhett, Jonathan Singleton, Ernest Keith Smith, Josh Thompson and Morgan Wallen.
The ceremony was hosted by CMA Board Chairman and composer, Jim Beavers. Throughout the evening, the Triple Play Award honorees were surprised by special guest presenters, all with a meaningful relationship to the songwriters. Special guest presenters included Brantley Gilbert for Berryhill, Randy Goodman for Combs, Josh Van Valkenburg for Copperman, Tyler Hubbard for Crowder, Madeline Merlo for Crowell, Stevie Frasure for Frasure, Dierks Bentley for Gorley, Kelsea Ballerini and Lindsey’s daughter Bennett for Hillary Lindsey, father Billy Montana for Randy Montana, Bart Herbison for Osborne, Gorley for Phelps, Combs for Singleton, Brad and Brett Warren for Smith, and Mark Wright for Thompson.
Triple Play Award honorees who could not be in attendance, including Fulcher, Hardy, McAnally, Thomas Rhett and Wallen, shared video acceptances.
DiPiero was presented the new CMA Songwriter Advocate Award, which was created to recognize an individual who has dedicated their life to supporting and advancing the art of songwriting and careers of songwriters. Throughout the evening, as an ode to DiPiero’s long list of memorable hit singles, he was surprised with performances by good friends Neal McCoy, who performed the classic “Wink!,” Marty Raybon and Mike McGuire of Shenandoah performing “The Church on Cumberland Road,” and Jeffrey Steele performing “Gone.”
For a list of songs that the honorees were recognized for click here.
Bob DiPiero pictured with Neal McCoy who performed “Wink!” in his honor. Photo: Hunter Berry/CMA
Jeffrey Steele performs “Gone” to honor Bob DiPiero. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA
Breakout Artist, Nashville Native Jelly Roll To Headline Bridgestone Arena
/by Sarah SkatesStoney Creek Records/BMG singer-songwriter Jelly Roll has announced his first headlining show at Bridgestone Arena. The event is set for Dec. 9, 2022 with proceeds going to Impact Youth Outreach. General on-sale tickets will be available May 20.
The news comes on the heels of a series of firsts for the entertainer. This week, Jelly Roll topped Billboard’s and Mediabases’ Rock chart with “Dead Man Walking,” his first No. 1 at radio. Simultaneously, Jelly Roll’s single “Son Of A Sinner” is Top 30 and climbing at country radio, making him the first artist to top the Active Rock charts while having a Top 30 single at country radio with his chart debut on each (Billboard). After independently building his fanbase, Jelly Roll has garnered more than a billion streams.
In addition to previously announced dates with Shinedown late this summer, Jelly Roll will be joining forces with Brantley Gilbert for the “Son of the Dirty South Summer Tour ” kicking off in Jacksonville, Florida on June 30.
Brett Eldredge Announces Headlining ‘Songs About You Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Eldredge has announced his upcoming “Songs About You Tour,” which kicks off June 19 in Wheaton, Ill. and runs through September. He’s also releasing the intimate new track, “Wait Up For Me” today.
The headlining tour will make stops in Bakersfield, San Diego, Las Vegas, Louisville, Charlotte, and more before wrapping in Saginaw, Mich. Sept. 24. Presale for The Locals fan club begins Tuesday, May 17, followed by general on sale Friday, May 20.
“Wait Up For Me” was co-written by Eldredge alongside Mark Trussell and Heather Morgan. The song will be included on his fifth studio album, Songs About You, due June 17.
“Mark [Trussell] and I started writing this song by the fireplace in Montana,” Eldredge explained. “He was playing around with some chords on the piano and I just started singing and putting a sexy feel to it. Heather [Morgan] was dealing with some altitude sickness that day and was resting at the time but suddenly she appeared out of nowhere with this amazing line – ‘I’m gonna keep you warm like a furnace in the winter // you can cool me off like a summertime breeze.’ She arose from her slumber and just jumped right in!”
Songs About You will feature 12 songs co-written by Eldredge including the previously released “Want That Back,” “Holy Water,” and the album’s title track/lead single, “Songs About You,” which was written by Eldredge, Jessie Jo Dillon and Ben West, and is climbing the country charts now.
“Songs About You Tour” Dates:
6/19 – Wheaton, IL – Dupage County Fairgrounds
7/22 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery^^
7/23 – Bakersfield, CA – Dignity Health Amphitheatre^
7/24 – Las Vegas, NV – The Venetian Theater^
7/28 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre*
7/29 – Costa Mesa, CA – Pacific Amphitheatre*
7/30 – Indio, CA – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino*
8/04 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Amphitheatre*
8/05 – Chautauqua, NY – Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater*
8/06 – Doswell, VA – SERVPRO Pavilion**
8/18 – Charlotte, NC – Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre+
8/19 – Roanoke, VA – Elmwood Park Amphitheater+
8/20 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amp*
9/02 – Portsmouth, NH – Music Hall++
9/03 – Cohasset, MA – South Shore Music Circus++
9/04 – Hyannis, MA – Cape Cod Melody Tent++
9/09 – Madison, WI – Overture Hall*
9/10 – Waite Park, MN – The Ledge Amphitheater*
9/15 – East Providence, RI – Bold Point Pavilion+
9/16 – Bensalem, PA – XCite Center+
9/17 – Bethlehem, PA – SteelStacks+
9/22 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre+
9/23 – Fort Wayne, IN – Foellinger Theater+
9/24 – Saginaw, MI – Huntington Park Amphitheater**
^ w/ special guest BRELAND
* w/ special guest Nate Smith
+ w/ special guest Lauren Alaina
^^ w/ special guest Shelby Darrall
** w/ special guest Caylee Hammack
++ special guest TBA
Chart Action: Kane Brown Most Added
/by Alex ParryKane Brown notches the most-added single of the week and a career-high add total of 154 combined Billboard, Mediabase, and MusicRow CountryBreakout stations for “Like I Love Country Music.” Brown cowrote the single with Matthew McGinn, Taylor Phillips, and Jordan Schmidt.
He also received RIAA Platinum certifications for his most recent country No. 1, “One Mississippi,” and the Top 40 hit, “Memory,” with blackbear. Brown celebrated his No. 1 on the BMI rooftop with his fellow co-writers on May 4.
Last week, Brown announced his international tour, “The Drunk or Dreaming Tour,” which starts in September in Melbourne, Australia.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.