Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late country singer and actor, Mickey Gilley, who passed away on Saturday (May 7).
Known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, Gilley celebrated 39 top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, including the enduring “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “Lonely Nights,” “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again.”
Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music. He earned numerous accolades including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of a select few artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
“I heard Mickey Gilley’s hit version of my song, ‘City Lights,’ on the radio Friday, and marveled for the ump-teenth time at what an incredible record it was. I never dreamed that one day later I would be mourning his passing. He was a great artist, a good friend, and like the rest of our country community, I sure will miss him.” – Bill Anderson
“I am so very saddened by the death of my cousin Mickey Gilley. He and Jimmy Swaggert are like brothers to me. We are asking for prayers for his wife, Cindy and his entire family. I’m sad and praying. I loved him very much.” – Jerry Lee Lewis, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
“With the passing of Mickey, the music world has lost a giant. I don’t think there is any argument about that. Mickey, Jerry Lee and myself were raised together. We learned to play piano together. I remember the day that he came to me and said, ‘Jimmy, I want to learn to play the piano.’ We were only about 10 years old. He had already taught himself to play guitar and had done very well. I remember showing him several chords on the piano, and he took it from there. I might quickly say that he took it very well–as everyone has seen for themselves for over a half-century. But alongside all of his achievements in music, the thing that thrilled me the most was that some time ago he called me and said, ‘Jimmy, I’ve made things right with the Lord.’ I saw an immediate change in his life in these last few days and that is the thing that’s far more important to me. The music world will miss him. And the work of God will miss him as well. I will miss him. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” – Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Pentecostal televangelist
“Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.” – Irving Azoff, music executive and producer of Urban Cowboy
“Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.” – Jim Ed Norman, music executive and Mickey Gilley’s longtime producer
“Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones–I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.” – Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame member
“The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on country music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.” – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.” – Gene Watson
“I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backup singer, with the great Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big concerts I played was Gilleys in Pasadena, TX and was amazed at the bucking bull machine! Mickey’s image and memory will be forever.” – Janie Fricke
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.” – Crystal Gayle
“My heart will forever break over the loss of my dear friend Mickey Gilley. He believed in me when no one else did. Losing Gilley feels like a bad dream and sadly it’s not. He loved his fans more than anything in the world and taught me everything I needed to know about country music. He always told me if I thought it was going to rain, to always grab my umbrella. My prayers are with Cindy during this very difficult time.” – Johnny Lee
“Every loss to our country music community is a great loss, but this one hits close to home for me. It breaks my heart! Mickey Gilley was one of my musical heroes. No one could play a honky tonk piano better than Gilley, and no one had a better time on stage than Gilley. After his accident took away his ability to play, he often called me to play piano for him when he was in Nashville. He said I sounded more like Mickey Gilley than he did. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever had or will ever have. Not long ago, Jeannie Seely and I opened for Mickey at a festival in Illinois. He invited me on his bus where we visited for over an hour. I don’t know if he even realized how special that time was for me. My prayers go out to Cindy and the rest of his family and friends. Tonight I’m playing a show in Kentucky, and you can bet I’ll be singing “The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” in honor of Mickey Gilley and the honky tonk sound he loved.” – Tim Atwood
“My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.” – Jeannie Seely
“I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!“ – Heidi Newfield
“When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.” – Linda Davis
Carly Pearce Celebrates Third Chart-Topper With ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce has racked up her third No. 1 with “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” featuring Ashley McBryde.
The song officially took the number one spot this week, making it only the second time in nearly 30 years that a female duet has achieved the feat.
Written by Pearce, McBryde and Shane McAnally, the emotionally driven track from Pearce’s 29: Written In Stone album won the trophy for ACM Musical Event of the Year earlier this year. The single joins her previous chart-toppers “Every Little Thing” and “I Hope You’re Happy Now” featuring Lee Brice.
“When Ashley McBryde and I were writing ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’ with Shane McAnally, we were just in the moment, thinking about the women we want to be and the way that’s not always how life and love turn out,” Pearce shares. “But nobody ever paused long enough to think about having a No. 1 record or winning an Academy of Country Music Award. We wanted to shake off an honest mistake, and now here we are with the No. 1 song at country radio and the ACM trophy for Music Event of the Year. Sometimes out of something bad comes something good.”
“Writing this song strengthened all our friendships and taught us more about one another and ourselves. Nobody wants to be the other one,” McBryde adds.
Nashville Music Community Remembers Mickey Gilley
/by Lydia FarthingMickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
Numerous artists and music industry members have offered tributes and memories of the late country singer and actor, Mickey Gilley, who passed away on Saturday (May 7).
Known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, Gilley celebrated 39 top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, including the enduring “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “Lonely Nights,” “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again.”
Mickey GIlley. Photo: Courtesy of Mickey Gilley Enterprises
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music. He earned numerous accolades including six ACM Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of a select few artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
“I heard Mickey Gilley’s hit version of my song, ‘City Lights,’ on the radio Friday, and marveled for the ump-teenth time at what an incredible record it was. I never dreamed that one day later I would be mourning his passing. He was a great artist, a good friend, and like the rest of our country community, I sure will miss him.” – Bill Anderson
“I am so very saddened by the death of my cousin Mickey Gilley. He and Jimmy Swaggert are like brothers to me. We are asking for prayers for his wife, Cindy and his entire family. I’m sad and praying. I loved him very much.” – Jerry Lee Lewis, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member
“With the passing of Mickey, the music world has lost a giant. I don’t think there is any argument about that. Mickey, Jerry Lee and myself were raised together. We learned to play piano together. I remember the day that he came to me and said, ‘Jimmy, I want to learn to play the piano.’ We were only about 10 years old. He had already taught himself to play guitar and had done very well. I remember showing him several chords on the piano, and he took it from there. I might quickly say that he took it very well–as everyone has seen for themselves for over a half-century. But alongside all of his achievements in music, the thing that thrilled me the most was that some time ago he called me and said, ‘Jimmy, I’ve made things right with the Lord.’ I saw an immediate change in his life in these last few days and that is the thing that’s far more important to me. The music world will miss him. And the work of God will miss him as well. I will miss him. Our prayers are with his family and friends during this time.” – Reverend Jimmy Swaggart, cousin of Mickey Gilley and Pentecostal televangelist
“Working with Mickey Gilley was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of bringing the Urban Cowboy story to both record and film audiences. Mickey was the real deal and a key component of the ‘Urban Cowboy’ story. He will be missed greatly.” – Irving Azoff, music executive and producer of Urban Cowboy
“Mickey Gilley was more than just a legend to me. I loved him like a brother. We enjoyed a closeness that came from working towards goals that many suggested were unachievable. He was a kind, thoughtful fun-loving friend and partner through the process of making music and his generosity of spirit pulled the best from everyone with whom he worked. I’m overcome with a sadness that only the memory of his mischievous smile, beautiful soul and our special time together can erase.” – Jim Ed Norman, music executive and Mickey Gilley’s longtime producer
“Been a friend of Gilley’s for 50 years. He was one of the good ones–I loved playing Gilley’s in Texas, we played it many, many times. The fact is, that’s where I first met Mickey and Johnny Lee and ol’ Sherwood Cryer. I’m sure going to miss my old friend.” – Bobby Bare, Country Music Hall of Fame member
“The Academy is saddened to lose one of our greats today. He is a seven-time ACM Awards winner including our Entertainer of the Year in 1976 and prestigious Triple Crown award in 2005, which few artists have achieved. His impact on country music, film, and television, can never be understated and will never be forgotten. We’ll always keep this urban cowboy in our hearts, and we send our deepest sympathies to his family and fans around the world.” – Damon Whiteside, CEO, Academy of Country Music
“I’m so very sorry to learn that our good friend and incredible legend in country music, Mickey Gilley has passed. A great singer and a great showman–and always a great friend. Please send your prayers out for his family.” – Gene Watson
“I enjoyed working on Mickey Gilley records as a backup singer, with the great Eddie Kilroy as producer. One of the first big concerts I played was Gilleys in Pasadena, TX and was amazed at the bucking bull machine! Mickey’s image and memory will be forever.” – Janie Fricke
“I am heartbroken by the passing of Mickey Gilley. I started out my career opening for Mickey. He was such a great person and entertainer. I have loved him ever since.” – Crystal Gayle
“My heart will forever break over the loss of my dear friend Mickey Gilley. He believed in me when no one else did. Losing Gilley feels like a bad dream and sadly it’s not. He loved his fans more than anything in the world and taught me everything I needed to know about country music. He always told me if I thought it was going to rain, to always grab my umbrella. My prayers are with Cindy during this very difficult time.” – Johnny Lee
“Every loss to our country music community is a great loss, but this one hits close to home for me. It breaks my heart! Mickey Gilley was one of my musical heroes. No one could play a honky tonk piano better than Gilley, and no one had a better time on stage than Gilley. After his accident took away his ability to play, he often called me to play piano for him when he was in Nashville. He said I sounded more like Mickey Gilley than he did. That’s one of the greatest compliments I’ve ever had or will ever have. Not long ago, Jeannie Seely and I opened for Mickey at a festival in Illinois. He invited me on his bus where we visited for over an hour. I don’t know if he even realized how special that time was for me. My prayers go out to Cindy and the rest of his family and friends. Tonight I’m playing a show in Kentucky, and you can bet I’ll be singing “The Girls All Get Prettier At Closing Time” in honor of Mickey Gilley and the honky tonk sound he loved.” – Tim Atwood
“My heart is broken at the loss of Mickey. I treasure all the times we got to work together and there were never enough. He and Johnny Lee brought a new dimension to country music with the urban Cowboy trend and brought new fans to the genre. Whether it was a boogie or a ballad, Mickey made it his own, no matter how many times it had been done before, and it would become my favorite version. He was loved and respected and he will be so greatly missed.” – Jeannie Seely
“I grew up on Mickey Gilley music! What a great loss. He was a true stylist! Seeing him live in concert as a kid, and the way he owned the stage…helped me realize that being an entertainer was often as important as the music itself. My deepest sympathies go out to his family. He will forever be a legend and rightfully so!“ – Heidi Newfield
“When I learned of the passing of Gilley my heart just sank! What a trailblazer he was his entire career!! Being a fellow Texan of course, his music blared on my radio and record player and 8 track player!! And then, Urban Cowboy, Gilley’s in Pasadena, he is a member of the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame I am just getting started with all of his accolades. He used to sit and listen to me sing at the piano bar where I played for several years at the Sheraton Music City. He was an encourager to me and he was my friend. RIP Gilley.” – Linda Davis
Craig Morgan Plots ‘God, Family, Country Tour 2022’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Monarch Publicity
Craig Morgan will launch his headlining Operation Finally Home Welcomes “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” this fall. Kicking off Oct. 19 in Green Bay, Wisconsin, special guest Ray Fulcher will open the tour’s dates.
The 11-date run in October and November will visit Iowa, Florida, South Carolina, Ohio, and more. The trek will also include a special Veterans Day Show on Nov. 11 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, which will mark Morgan’s first headlining date at the famed venue.
Tickets are on sale beginning Friday, May 13 at CraigMorgan.com.
“I feel like this tour has been a lifetime in the making,” shares Craig. “Musically and personally, God, family and country are the most important things to me and I’m excited to share this in my upcoming memoir and in my tour as me and the band play some fan favorite songs, some album cuts and some new songs you’ve not even heard yet.”
Morgan’s “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” will follow on the heels of his personal memoir of the same name, releasing Sept. 27 in partnership with Blackstone Publishing.
Carrie Underwood, Jon Pardi, More To Help Kick Off CMA Fest Week At The Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughGrand Ole Opry members Carrie Underwood and the Oak Ridge Boys, along with Jon Pardi, Henry Cho and June Opry NextStage artist Morgan Wade will kick off the Opry’s CMA Fest week with two shows on Tuesday, June 7 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
Highlights of the special Tuesday Night Opry show will air on Saturday, June 11 as the Saturday night Opry Live on the Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
A free Opry Plaza Party will also return with the “Opry Loves the 90s” Plaza Party, set to begin earlier in the afternoon on June 7 as well as on June 10-11 with music and activities. The Plaza Party will include food trucks, vendors, and feature performances by Hannah Ellis (June 7), Ray Fulcher (June 11) and more to be announced in the coming weeks.
Among others scheduled for upcoming Opry and Opry Country Classics shows are Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Del McCoury Band, The Isaacs, Craig Morgan, Lorrie Morgan, Carly Pearce, Maggie Rose, Jeannie Seely, Elvie Shane, Rhonda Vincent, The War and Treaty, Charlie Worsham, and more.
Tickets for 2022 Opry performances are on sale now.
Anne Wilson Nabs First Gold Certification For ‘My Jesus’ [Exclusive]
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Hudson Plachy, CCMG Co-President, Anne Wilson, Brad O’Donnell, CCMG Co-President. Photo: Anna Moos
Capitol CMG recording artist Anne Wilson has landed her first career RIAA Gold certification for her hit single, “My Jesus.”
The track, which also earned a 2022 Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Christian Song, was the longest running No. 1 song on the Billboard Christian Airplay Chart of 2021 at seven weeks. It made her the first female artist to top the Christian chart with a debut single.
“The moment that Hudson [Plachy] and Brad [O’Donnell] surprised me with the news that ‘My Jesus’ had officially been certified Gold is a moment I’ll never forget for the rest of my life!” says Wilson. “I’m so unbelievably thankful that Jesus is using this song to touch so many lives. All Glory to God!”
Pictured (L-R): Jackie Jones, RIAA VP of Artist and Industry Relations and Anne Wilson. Photo: Anna Moos.
“It’s so exciting to be able to be present when an artist receives their first Gold record,” notes Jackie Jones, RIAA VP of Artist and Industry Relations. “Welcoming Anne into the Gold & Platinum program was a true honor and I know we will celebrate many more in the future.”
Wilson’s debut album, My Jesus, made history upon its release in April for having the biggest debut week in over 15 years by a Capitol Christian Music Group-signed new artist. Since then, the album has toppe the Billboard Top Christian & Gospel Albums, Billboard‘s Top 200 Christian & Gospel, and Top 10 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart.
Country Singer & Actor Mickey Gilley Dead At 86
/by LB CantrellMickey Gilley
Country singer and actor Mickey Gilley, known for launching the Urban Cowboy movement in country music, died Saturday in Branson, Missouri. He was 86 and had just come off of the road after playing 10 shows in April.
Gilley celebrated 39 top 10 hits and 17 No. 1 songs throughout his career, including the enduring “Stand By Me,” “Room Full of Roses,” “Lonely Nights,” “Chains of Love,” “Honky Tonk Memories,” “She’s Pulling Me Back Again,” and “Here Comes the Hurt Again.”
A native of Natchez, Mississippi, Gilley was known for his signature blend of Louisiana rhythm and blues with country-pop. His two famous cousins, Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart, also influenced his music.
Mickey Gilley
In 1971, Gilley opened his world-famous honky-tonk Gilley’s in Pasadena, Texas, which sparked a chain of the famous nightclubs. In 1980, he appeared in the hit movie Urban Cowboy alongside John Travolta, Debra Winger and Johnny Lee. Gilley’s served as the backdrop for the film. After appearing on the hit movie, Gilley went on to star in popular television series including Murder She Wrote, The Fall Guy, Fantasy Island and Dukes of Hazzard.
Throughout his career, Gilley was honored with numerous accolades as a musician, actor and venue owner. He earned six Academy of Country Music Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame in 2011. He was one of only a handful of artists to receive the Academy of Country Music’s Triple Crown Awards.
Gilley was preceded in death by his wife, Vivian. He is survived by his wife Cindy Loeb Gilley, his children Kathy, Michael, Gregory and Keith Ray, four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis and Jimmy Swaggart.
The family respectfully requests privacy at this time.
Family, friends and invited guests will gather on Friday, May 27, 2022, at 1 P.M. CST for Gilley’s Celebration of Life at the Mickey Gilley Grand Shanghai Theatre in Branson, Missouri. A live stream of the event will also be available and more details will be posted on the Mickey Gilley Facebook page.
There will be a public memorial later this summer in Nashville with more details to follow soon.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary at bestfriends.org or the Animal Shelter of your choice.
Chris Janson Talks New Album, Working With Eric Church, & Investing In Talent [Interview]
/by LB CantrellChris Janson
Warner Music Nashville artist Chris Janson recently released his fourth studio album, All In, a project he co-produced.
All In features the poignant “Bye Mom,” collaborations with Eric Church and Travis Tritt, and Janson’s newly announced radio single, “Keys to the Country.” In typical Janson style, the album’s 16 tunes are unpretentious, wholesome, sometimes rowdy, and very country.
Prior to All In’s release, Janson spoke with MusicRow about the new music, working with Church and Tritt, and investing early in young talent.
MusicRow: How long have you been working on this project?
About a year and a half, through the pandemic. It felt like forever but hindsight is 2020—it was one of the greatest times of my life in terms of being creative and writing a new album. I had a thoroughly great time doing it. Without the time I had to make this album, the cool things that I’ve gotten to do and put together with it maybe wouldn’t have happened. I’ve got a duet with Eric Church on this album, which is something I’m super excited about. I also have an incredible collaboration and duet with Travis Tritt, who is a good friend. The rest of the album is awesome too, those are just some standouts that have been really fun.
Your duet with Eric Church, “You, Me & The River,” is the first outside song you’ve ever cut. How did it find you?
I got a text message when I landed from [a trip in] White Fish, Montana. I was playing in Montana and also did some fishing there, ironically. I landed in the wee hours of the morning back in Nashville and I got a ping on my phone. It was the work tape of “You, Me & The River.” Not even a demo, just a guitar vocal of Church singing it. It was really eerie sounding and dark and ominous. He texted me and said, “This is a little dark, but see what you think about it.” It was like 3:30 in the morning and I listened to it and I’m like, “Dang, this is kind of scary, in a good way.”
I texted him back—I didn’t think he would be up that time—and said, “I love this.” I just threw [the idea of doing a duet] out there. If you don’t dream big, how are you going to win big? What’s the worst that could happen? So I hit him back and I was like, “I love this. Why don’t we do a duet?” He hit me right back and said, ‘”I’m in.”
It was a really incredible moment. I’ll never forget it. Eric came into the studio. We co-produced it together and we recorded it live together with the band. It was really an organic process and really cool. He could not be a greater friend and even mentor in a lot of ways.
You also have Travis Tritt on this project. What was working with him like?
Travis is a legendary, iconic figure in the fabric of country music. He always will be, always has been. He has totally kick-ass music that I have always loved. The greatest thing I took away from [working with him] is we have a mutual respect for one another. That is just something that is so validating to me.
Someone asked me a few days ago when I felt like I made it. I said when I got inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. I’ve kind of rekindled that feeling again working with Eric and Travis. We’re not doing this for business, we’re doing this because there’s a mutual love and respect for each other and for the music. It is just the right thing and fun thing to do.
I love the references that are pointed out in the bio for this project. You’ve got Ronnie Milsap, Alabama, George Strait, and Vern Gosdin. You seem to have a lot of respect for the greats of the format. Do you feel pressure to keep your music more traditional out of respect for the greats?
I’m a traditionalist at heart, but I also love to rock and roll. I don’t mind pop music either. I’m all about the song, the best song wins no matter what it sounds like. “Bye Mom” is a very traditional country song. It’s a steel guitar driven, very country song. Other songs of mine are not, but they all have a traditional flavor. That’s just part of who I am and I’m proud of that. It keeps me in a good space.
Speaking of Ronnie Milsap and Alabama, “Love Don’t Sleep” is such a ’80s country vibe.
That’s exactly what we were going for. I love that song, it just sounds like Urban Cowboy to me. I wanted it to be Urban Cowboy meets late seventies-early eighties, disco country. And boy, that’s exactly what we did. It’s something that you could just close your eyes and picture a disco ball spinning, high waisted Levis, buttoned down Pearl snaps and cowboy hats.
Burgeoning songwriter Shane Profitt is a co-writer on one of these songs. You recently partnered with Anthem Entertainment to sign him and The Davisson Brothers. Why is it important for you to start these artist development deals this early in your career?
I never really had aspirations of doing [a venture with Anthem], but these moments came along and it was the right thing to do. I opened the publishing company with Anthem. I signed Shane. Shane wrote “The Reel Bass Pro” with me and “American World” with me and Kelly [Janson] for this album. He is just an amazing songwriter, an amazing artist, an amazing friend and a really good human. He deserves it. He works harder than anybody that I know. I wanted to be a part of that. I was able to structure that deal with Anthem, I was grateful that they signed him with me, and we have some really big things in the works for Shane Profitt.
Most people [get into the business side of things] in their retiree years where they want to dabble here and there. I’m so active and current in today’s country music, which I’m grateful for, so I want do these things now. I want to do them while I’m active and right in the midst of the business myself, because this is the best way that I can help Shane.
Were there any artists who mentored you early on that you’re channeling when you help guide Shane?
I’ve had a lot of people that have lent helping hands in my career from so many different areas of the business. But the only thing I’ve ever told Shane was the same thing my wife told me, “Just be you. Just be Shane. Don’t change a thing about you.”
Janson’s new album, All In, is available everywhere now.
Steve Earle Slates Jerry Jeff Walker Tribute Album For May
/by Lydia FarthingSteve Earle. Photo: Danny Clinch
Steve Earle will release a new album titled Jerry Jeff on May 27 via New West Records.
The project pays tribute to the late Texas music legend Jerry Jeff Walker, who passed away on Oct. 23, 2020. Ahead of the 10-song project’s release, Earle’s rendition of Walker’s classic “Mr. Bojangles” is available everywhere now.
Earle was 14 when he first heard Walker. His high school drama teacher gave him a copy of “Mr. Bojangles,” a ballad about an unforgettable character Walker met in a New Orleans jail. After Earle moved to Nashville in the 1970s, he had the opportunity to get to know Walker, who enlisted him as his designated driver.
“There’s a tendency to think of Jerry Jeff around a relationship to one song,” Earle says. “He was also such a great interpreter of other people’s songs. But my main purpose in recording this album was to remind people that he wrote a lot of great songs.”
Jerry Jeff marks Earle’s 22nd album after releasing nearly an album a year since the mid 1990s, ranging from bluegrass to blues, folk and country. He’s currently writing two books, his second play, and hosts his long-running Sirius XM show, The Steve Earle Show: Hardcore Troubadour Radio.
Earle and The Dukes will hit the road this summer, kicking off June 1 at the Princess Theatre in Decatur, Alabama. For a full list of tour dates, click here.
Aaron Raitiere Delivers Debut Album ‘Single Wide Dreamer’
/by Lydia FarthingAaron Raitiere. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen.
Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Aaron Raitiere has released his debut album, Single Wide Dreamer, via Dinner Time Records/Thirty Tigers.
Produced by Miranda Lambert and Anderson East, the record initially started four years ago when Raitiere gave Lambert and East a collection of songs and complete creative control. The resulting 12-song project, which features friends and collaborators Bob Weir, Dave Cobb, Natalie Hemby, Ashley Monroe, Robert Randolph, Foy Vance and Waylon Payne, exemplifies Raitiere’s observational writing that is always inspired by his own experiences.
“I think the record kind of made itself, and that was the vibe I was going with. It was just a bunch of friends getting together trying to help me create something, because they thought I needed a record,” Raitiere shares. “I don’t think there was an intended theme, but it came out to be representative of this time in my life where I was falling in and out of love and learning how to deal with it.”
“I had so much fun working on this project with Aaron. He is truly one of the most amazing artists and humans I’ve ever known. He is legendary and I’m honored to be a part of this record and to call him a friend,” Lambert notes. “I can’t wait to see what happens with this music.”
“It’s a rare thing that a human be able to find and express themselves through songwriting. I’ve been fortunate enough to see it a few times but in the case of Aaron Raitiere, he’s solely himself. Funny, thoughtful, realistic and honest (even when he’s a full of shit),” East adds. “I’m proud to have had the ability to watch his gifts develop into what they’ve become and even more excited to see where they go and who it touches along the way.”
In celebration of the release, Raitiere will make his Grand Ole Opry debut tonight (May 6).
1. Single Wide Dreamer
2. Everybody Else
3. For The Birds
4. Cold Soup
5. At Least We Don’t Have Any Kids
6. Dear Darlin’
7. Your Daddy Hates Me
8. Worst I Ever Had
9. Can’t Rain All The Time
10. Tell Me Something True
11. You’re Crazy
12. Time Will Fly
Jake Owen Adds Fall Leg To ‘Up There Down Here Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen. Photo: Matt Paskert
Jake Owen has extended his recently announced headlining “Up There Down Here Tour,” adding 12 fall dates to the run. Travis Denning and newcomer Mackenzie Carpenter will join the dates as support.
The trek adds stops in Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado, and a closer-to-home date at The Caverns in Pelham, Tennessee. Tickets for the fall leg of the “Up There Down Here Tour” are on sale next Friday, May 13 here.
Last night (May 6), the tour launched to a packed crowd at Troy, Ohio’s Hobart Arena. Tonight (May 7) he’ll take the stage at Louisville’s Old Forester’s Paristown Hall to help ring in the Kentucky Derby.
Owen’s windows-down anthem “Best Thing Since Backroads” is currently climbing inside the top 15 at country radio. Last week, the Florida native added to his arsenal of new music with “1×1.”