Brett Eldredge Announces Headlining ‘Songs About You Tour’

Brett 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

Kane 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.

Raelynn Returns With New Management, Music

Photo Credit: Acacia Evans

Raelynn has signed with Jonas Group Entertainment for management, marking a new chapter in her career. She’s releasing two new songs, “I Love My Hometown” and “If God Took Days Off,” on Friday.

“I’ve been blessed to know and work with RaeLynn for a number of years while at Disney before reuniting as part of the Jonas Group Entertainment family,” said Jonas Group Entertainment CEO Phil Guerini. “Her captivating spirit is unlike any other, and she commands attention onstage with her dynamic talent. We are so excited for all that’s ahead with RaeLynn!”

A loud and proud down-home celebration, “I Love My Hometown” was written by RaeLynn with Corey Crowder, Brian Kelley and Canaan Smith and produced by Crowder. “If God Took Days Off” showcases another side of her sound, with the poignant track finding the Texas native wondering what her life would be like if God had taken a few days away from arranging things just as they should be. It was penned by RaeLynn, Taylor Phillips, Ben Stennis and Cole Taylor, and produced by Stennis and Crowder.

“This music is a continuation of where my heart is,” RaeLynn says. “I will always love singing about my hometown and good ole Jesus! These songs are super special and only the beginning of what’s to come.”

RaeLynn is gearing up to take the new music on the road as support for Kane Brown’s “Blessed & Free Tour,” which will visit Alabama, Georgia, Florida and New Hampshire beginning with a stop in Birmingham on May 19.

Ryman, BMI To Host CMA Fest Block Party

The Ryman Auditorium is throwing a Block Party during CMA Fest June 9-11 featuring music from Nashville’s best and brightest rising stars.

Powered by BMI on PNC Plaza at the Ryman and presented by White Claw, the special event will feature performances from Connor Smith, Kenton Bryant, Camille Parker, Madeline Edwards, Preston James, Boy Named Banjo, Grace Leer, Julia Cole, Alex Hall, Track 45, HomeGrown Trio, Alexandra Kay, Restless Road, and Justin Champagne.

From 1 p.m.– 6 p.m. CT daily, music lovers can kick off their CMA Fest experience with photo opportunities, giveaways, food trucks, and more at the Block Party, which will give CMA Fest attendees an exciting taste of what’s to come in country.

CMT Reveals Host, Performers For ‘Naomi Judd: A River Of Time Celebration’

Naomi Judd

Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Emmylou Harris and Allison Russell, Little Big Town and The Gaithers will honor the legacy of Naomi Judd with performances on CMT’s Naomi Judd: A River Of Time Celebration, taking place Sunday, May 15 at the Ryman Auditorium.

The celebration of life, which will be hosted by co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America and close family friend Robin Roberts, will also include special messages from Judd’s friends and fans, including Bono, Morgan Freeman, Oprah Winfrey and Salma Hayek.

Wynonna and Ashley Judd, Martina McBride and others will make special appearances on the show, and Carly Pearce and Cody Alan will serve as hosts for CMT. Devoted husband and ‘Pop’ to the girls, Larry Strickland, will be in attendance in loving memory of his wife Naomi. The event is presented by CMT and Sandbox Live, in partnership with The Judd family.

A limited number of tickets are available to the general public, with more information here.

Scotty McCreery Heads ‘Strait’ To No. 1

Country radio takes “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with a total of 1,738 spins. The song was written by written by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins. 

“Every now and then you hear a song that sounds so much like you,” recalls McCreery. “I grew up as a huge George Strait fan, and when I heard this song, I raised my hand to say, ‘I want this one.’ Every country fan has a George Strait story, and everyone has a memory attached to their favorite songs.”

McCreery started the year on the “Same Truck Tour” which shares the name of his latest album released last year via Triple Tigers. 

Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

Mark Bright, Adair Holdings Launch Adair Publishing

Pictured (L-R, front row): Luke Gage, Mark Bright, Garrett Adair. (L-R, back row): Clay Bradley (BMI), Shannon Sanders (BMI), Jennifer Rai. Photo: Shae Defty

Multi-platinum producer/publisher Mark Bright and Adair Holdings have teamed up to form a new venture, Adair Publishing, with Bright serving as CEO of the company.

Their first two signings are up-and-coming singer-songwriters Garrett Adair and Luke Gage.

Jennifer Rai, who has worked with Bright since 2015, has been named Creative Director. She served as general manager of Mark Bright productions/Delbert’s Boy Music Publishing, working on projects for Sara Evans, Brandon Heath, and more.

Dallas native Adair is a pop singer-songwriter who is set to release his debut single, “See The World,” on May 20. He is finishing up his EP with Grammy-winning producer Chuck Butler (Tauren Wells), Bart Busch (Easton Corbin, Billy Currington), and Gage.

Orlando, Florida native Gage is a multi-genre songwriter, producer, and programmer who began writing and producing songs in high school and recently moved to Nashville. He has written with Bright, Kyle Jacobs, Tommy Karlas, and Tiffany Goss, and penned the track he is producing on new country artist Queeva.

Since launching his career in 1985, Bright has tallied production credits with superstars Sting, Steven Tyler, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Reba McEntire and more. He is the producer of Carrie Underwood’s first five albums, which yielded 21 No.1s. He has served as Pres./CEO of Word Entertainment, VP of EMI Publishing, and co-founded Teracel Music, signing writers Brett James, Rascal Flatts, and Danny Wells. A songwriter himself, Bright’s credits include George Strait’s 60th No. 1 hit “Give it All We Got Tonight” and songs recorded by Shakira, Whitney Duncan and others.

Contact Adair Publishing at jen@adairpublishing.com.

Industry Ink: Banner Music, BMI Mermaid Stage, Lacy J. Dalton, SOURCE

Banner Music Adds Staff Members

Pictured (L-R): Leah Binkerd, Jaclyn Torrento

Banner Music has added Leah Hudson Binkerd and Jaclyn Torrento as Operations Manager and Digital Content Manager, respectively.

A Troy University graduate, Binkerd began her career at Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) as Director of Membership & Songwriter Events. As Operations Manager, Binkerd oversees projects in management, publishing, and client services at Banner Music alongside CEO & Owner Camilla Kleindienst.

Torrento is a Nashville native and a 2014 Belmont University graduate who previously worked at NSAI, Stadium and Cromwell Radio Group. She also has a Master of Arts in Journalism from Columbia College in Chicago.

“I love surrounding myself with talented and motivated people! I can’t wait to witness how Banner Music will benefit from Leah Binkerd and Jaclyn Torrento’s talents! We continue to be blessed,” says Kleindienst.

 

BMI Mermaid Stage Returns To Hangout Fest

The BMI Mermaid Stage is returning to Hangout Fest on May 20-22 in Gulf Shores, Alabama. A go-to hot spot for music discovery at the festival, the Mermaid Stage will include up-and-comers like Breland, Bren Joy, Joy Oladokun, Hastings, Koffee, Briston Maroney, Audrey Nuna, beabadoobee, Renforshort, Blu DeTiger, Paul Cauthen and Tre’ Amani.

The BMI Stage at Hangout has previously hosted performances by St. Paul + the Broken Bones, Shakey Graves (2014); Elle King, Halsey, The Lone Bellow (2015); Greta Van Fleet, Anderson East (2018); and Morgxn and Jade Bird (2019). This year’s headliners include Kane Brown, Maren Morris, Halsey and Elle King.

 

Lacy J. Dalton Receives Platinum Nod For Duet With Willie

Lacy J. Dalton

Lacy J. Dalton recently received a Platinum award for her duet with Willie Nelson, “Slow Movin’ Outlaw,” from Nelson’s album Half Nelson. The album contains duets performed by Nelson along with other legendary artists and resulted in multiple hits including “Pancho and Lefty” with Merle Haggard, “Seven Spanish Angels” with Ray Charles, “To All The Girls I’ve Loved Before” with Julio Iglesias, as well as duets with George Jones, Hank Williams, Leon Russell and more.

“To be the only woman in the company of such greats as Ray Charles, Carlos Santana, Neil Young, and Willie himself was a high point for me and an important milestone in my career, and I believe for women in country music in general,” shares Dalton.

 

SOURCE Luncheon Explores TikTok

Pictured (L-R): Source’s Ciara Shortridge, Sophia Scott, Nathan Pyle, and Source President Mallory Pascal

SOURCE, the longest running organization for women in the Nashville music business, celebrated the return of in-person luncheons on April 28. The group gathered at H.O.M.E. (Helping Our Music Evolve) and enjoyed a discussion about TikTok, featuring guests Nathan Pyle (GM, Songfluencer) and viral artist Sophia Scott.

Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland Celebrate ‘Beers On Me’

Pictured (L-R): Ross Copperman, Breland, Dierks Bentley, Hardy, Luke Dick, Ashley Gorley. Photo: Zach Belcher

Multi-Platinum country hitmaker Dierks Bentley gathered with collaborators Hardy and Breland recently to celebrate his 21st career No. 1, “Beers On Me.”

The tune was Hardy’s second No. 1 as an artist and Breland’s first. Co-writers Ross Copperman, Luke Dick and Ashley Gorley also joined the singers at a dinner party at The Optimist in Nashville to commemorate the feat.

At the party, Bentley surprised the men with something he calls “The Bidude,” and a hand written note saying “the beers on me…but the sprays on you!”

Pictured (L-R): Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Luke Dick, Dierks Bentley, Breland, and Ross Copperman pose with their Bidudes. Photo: Zach Belcher

Bentley will hit the road on the “Beers On Me Tour” with Ashley McBryde and Travis Denning later this month. The beloved vocalist will bring his show to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Aug. 26.

Ty Herndon Chronicles Journey From Struggles To Triumph On New Project ‘Jacob’

Photo Credit: Jeremy Ryan

Ty Herndon is set to release his latest album Jacob on July 15, in partnership with Pivotal Records.

The project is the culmination of a life of struggles and triumphs, and is his most personal album to date. He chronicles parts of his life never before shared, and the music plots a path to where Herndon finds himself today—a spot marked by recovery, inner strength and peace.

The 11-track album’s title was derived from the Biblical Old Testament figure, Jacob, who dealt with severe challenges and mistakes before rising to become a leader of his tribe. Herndon recruited Wendy Moten, Terri Clark, Jamie Floyd, Shelly Fairchild, and Emily West to sing with him on the project.

“This album is about the power we all have to change our endings. The last two years have been a journey like none other for me, and I’m looking forward to sharing some new truths with listeners and reminding them that we have it within us to turn our greatest challenges into our greatest triumphs,” said Herndon. “Besides that, it’s just some damn good music.”

Jacob will be accompanied by the release of a ten-episode podcast hosted by Herndon in partnership with Pivotal Moments Media featuring conversations with other artists discussing their mental fitness journeys. The series is designed to mirror the themes of Jacob, and will launch in June.

Jacob Track List:
“’Til You Get There” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Jimmy Thow)
“God or the Gun” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Hector Montenegro)
“Fighting With Me” feat. Emily West (Erik Halbig and Emily West)
“Standing in the Whiskey” (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, and Erik Halbig)
“Lean In” duet with Jamie Floyd (Ty Herndon, Jamie Floyd, Erik Halbig, and Hector Montenegro)
“Sleeping With a Stranger” (Ty Herndon and Hector Montenegro)
“Landslide” duet with Shelly Fairchild (Ty Herndon, Erik Halbig, and Morgan Myles)
“Say It For You” feat. Wendy Moten (Ty Herndon, Hector Montenegro, and Khiana Noel Meyer)
“Hallelujah” (Ty Herndon, Hector Montenegro, Joshua Nichols, Christina Elizabeth Tripp)
“Damn Good Feeling” (Ty Herndon, Shelly Fairchild, and Hector Montenegro)
“Dents On a Chevy” duet with Terri Clark (Ty Herndon, Starner Jones, Leslie Satcher, and Will Robinson)