Tanya ‘Mother’ Tucker Returns To Mother Church

Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Living legend Tanya Tucker returned to the historic Ryman Auditorium for a special performance on Sunday (April 10) to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her country music classic, “Delta Dawn.”

The two-time Grammy winner, affectionately referred to as “Tanya Mother Tucker” by her diehard fans for her independent and rule-breaking spirit, delivered a stellar performance that will be remembered for a lifetime by the lucky fans and friends that procured a seat to the sold-out show.

Tucker began the show with a somber performance of the David Allan Coe cover, “Would You Lay with Me (In a Field of Stone)” that garnered her first of many standing ovations.

The show was advertised as an evening that would “welcome a few surprise guests,” but this show continuously over delivered, creating a series of non-stop, jaw-dropping moments as each “surprise” guest appeared from the shadows.

When you bring out the legendary Brenda Lee as a surprise guest on the third song of the night, you know you’re in for a special experience. It may have only been April, but the crowd easily got into the spirit when these two country rockers sang Lee’s holiday standard, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.”

Jeannie Seely and Tanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Next up was the incomparable Opry star Jeannie Seely, who joined Tucker for their rendition of “Don’t Touch Me” that earned a Grammy for Seely back in 1967.

A master in showmanship, Tucker delivered hit after hit and moment after moment.

Tanya Tucker and LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Derrek Kupish

After performing “Strong Enough to Bend” and then bringing out LeAnn Rimes to sing “Love Me Like You Used To,” Tucker admitted, “Tonight’s full of surprises. The first one was me getting into these pants!” Her sassy wit continued throughout the night taking the captivated audience through interwoven stories between her songs and guest performers.

Delbert McClinton joined Tucker on “Tell Me About It,” followed by Jessi Colter performing “Storms Never Last.”

Legendary country songwriter Sonny Throckmorton performed “The Cowboy Rides Away” which created one of George Strait’s early hits in 1985. Tucker’s daughter, Layla Tucker, wowed the crowd with her upcoming single, “The Way I Am,” which was also written by Throckmorton. And it was apparent Mama Tucker hadn’t wandered too far off stage when we heard the proud, supportive mom shout, “Get it, girl!”

Tanya Tucker and Ty Herndon. Photo: Derrek Kupish

Ty Herndon sauntered to the stage to perform “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” with Tucker, a song she dedicated to her late parents for their enduring love for each other.

Performances continued during the night with guests T. Graham Brown, Leigh Nash, Paul Overstreet, Jason D. Williams, and more.

Session musician great Charlie McCoy, who played on the original one-take recording in 1972 of “Delta Dawn” by a 13-year-old Tucker, came out on stage for the crescendo of the evening.

Tucker flawlessly began performing “Delta Dawn” with both heart and gratitude after acknowledging its significant impact on her career. One by one, all the previous guest performers joined her on stage, escalating the spirit in the Ryman that night until we had all finished singing those poignant lyrics, “To take you to His mansion in the sky.”

Jordana Bryant Inks With Riser House Entertainment [Exclusive]

Pictured (L-R, top row): Tiffany Dunn, Alex Goodman, Brandon Purdue, Lexi Stringer, Megan Schultz, Seth Mosley; (L-R, bottom row): Jordana Bryant (Singer/Songwriter), Jennifer Johnson (President of Riser House Entertainment)

Breakout country/pop artist Jordana Bryant has signed a record deal with Riser House Entertainment, the home of Mitchell Tenpenny, Ronnie Milsap, and Dillon Carmichael.

Written alongside Zack Kale, Seth Mosley and Allison Veltz, the emerging singer-songwriter will release “Guilty,” her debut single via Riser House, on April 22. Following the single release, Bryant will unveil her full length collection of original songs later this year.

The Pennsylvania native has garnered over 15 million views and counting across her social platforms. Her most popular covers include renditions of music from Reba McEntire, Dolly Parton and Gabby Barrett, as well as Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s hit single, “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring guest vocals from Dawson Anderson of Temecula Road. Bryant will finish high school a year early this June to pursue her passion of writing and performing music.

“Working with Riser House has been so amazing,” Bryant explains, “I am so honored to have such a fantastic team supporting me and believing in me every step of the way, and I couldn’t be happier to share my new music with the world.”

“Jordana is one of the most prolific singer-songwriters I’ve encountered,” shares Jennifer Johnson, President of Riser House Entertainment. “Her melodies and lyrics are energetic, fresh, and original. I know she will be wildly successful between her impeccable work ethic, originality, and talent. I am absolutely honored to have the opportunity to partner with such a remarkable young woman.”

Eric Church Moves Up On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

Eric Church. Photo: Joe Pugliese

Eric Church moves closer to the top spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, taking the No. 2 spot this week.

Church’s journey with his soulful track “Heart On Fire” exemplifies the power of a solo write on the MusicRow chart. Because he is the only writer on “Heart On Fire,” all of the points earned from the song’s airplay, digital download track sales, and streams go entirely to Church on the Songwriter Chart.

Shane McAnally remains at No. 1 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the third week. He has five currently charting songs, including Old Dominion’s “No Hard Feelings,” Kenny Chesney’s “Everyone She Knows,” Walker Hayes’ “AA,” Sam Hunt’s “23,” and Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde’s “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”

Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Michael Hardy (No. 4) and Ben Johnson (No. 5) round out the top five this week.

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.

Weekly Register: Thomas Rhett’s ‘Where We Started’ Makes Strong Debut

Thomas Rhett earns the top country album debut this week as Where We Started comes in at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 12 overall. The Valory Music Co. release earned 29K in total first-week consumption (14K album only/17 million song streams), according to Luminate data.

Morgan Wallen stays at the top spot on the country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album gaining 45K in total consumption (1.3K album only/54 million song streams). Luke Combs keeps the third spot as What You See Is What You Get adds 18K in total consumption. Chris Stapleton‘s Starting Over rises up to No. 4, gaining 18K in total consumption. Taylor’s Swift‘s Red (Taylor’s Version) seals the top five with 18K in total consumption.

“Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) remains at No. 1 on the top country streaming songs chart for a sixth consecutive week, according to Luminate data. The track added an additional 6 million streams this week, contributing to 232 million streams RTD. “Wasted On You” (Wallen) jumps up to No. 2 with 5.9 million streams, while “Doin’ This” (Combs) rises one spot to No. 3 with 5.9 million streams. “AA” by Walker Hayes drops down one spot to fourth with 5.9 million streams. “Til You Can’t” (Cody Johnson) rounds out the top five with 5.8 million streams.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival To Return This September

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival will return to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 24 and 25. Full lineup and ticketing information will be released in the coming weeks.

Last year’s two-day event welcomed a crowd of 25,000 to The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. Led by back-to-back headliners both nights, Maren Morris and The Black Keys kicked things off on Saturday, and Cage The Elephant and Dave Matthews Band capped the event on Sunday.

Over 50 acts in total appeared across five stages: the Midnight Sun Stage, Gold Record Road Stage, Simple Truth X Shady Grove Stage, Lil’ Pilgrims Family Stage, and Americana Music Triangle Experience.

Pilgrimage Music & Cultural Festival aims to boost tourism in Williamson County while also supporting the local community. Last year, a portion of every ticket sold was donated to members of the music industry in need through the Recording Academy’s nonprofit MusiCares, in addition to Friends of Franklin Parks for capital projects at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm.

Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Corey Crowder, More Among ASCAP Pop Award Winners

Corey Crowder, Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne

There were plenty of Nashville songwriters among the honorees at the 2022 ASCAP Pop Music Awards. The winners will be celebrated on social media across ASCAP’s Instagram, Facebook and Twitter April 11 through 14.

Nashville hitmakers Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne, Corey Crowder, Zach Crowell, J.T. Harding, Darius Rucker, Matt Jenkins, Brett Young, Anna Moon, Chris Stapleton, Neil Medley, Dylan Scott and more co-penned some of ASCAP’s most performed songs of the past year in popular music.

19-year-old Olivia Rodrigo was named Songwriter of the Year this year. The pop superstar takes home the top ASCAP honor—her first ASCAP Award ever—recognizing her bit hits, “Deja Vu,” “Drivers License” and “Good 4 U.” Sony Music Publishing took home the ASCAP Pop Music Awards Publisher of the Year trophy.

As one of the longest-charting Billboard Hot 100 hits of all time, the Dua Lipa-recorded “Levitating” receives ASCAP Pop Music Awards Song of the Year. The multi-Platinum hit was written by ASCAP songwriters Lipa, Clarence Coffee Jr., Sarah Hudson, DaBaby, and Stephen “Koz” Kozmeniuk.

For a complete list of winners, visit ASCAP’s website. Below is a list of ASCAP Pop Award-winning songs written by Nashville writers:

“Beers And Sunshine” (recorded by Darius Rucker) – ASCAP Writers: J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, Darius Rucker; ASCAP Publishers: Detroit Records and Tapes, Growing Music Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music

“Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s” (recorded by Sam Hunt) – ASCAP Writers: Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne; ASCAP Publishers: Kyler’s Kinda Night, Round Hill Songs , Between the Pines, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, Universal Music Publishing Group

“Famous Friends” (recorded by Chris Young and Kane Brown) – ASCAP Writer: Corey Crowder; ASCAP Publishers: Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Warner Chappell Music

“Good Time” (recorded by Niko Moon) – ASCAP Writers: Anna Moon, Joshua Murty, Mark Trussell; ASCAP Publishers: Anna Moon Publishing, Future Heartbeat Publishing, Joshua Murty Publishing, Mark Trussell Music, Warner Chappell Music

“Happy Anywhere” (recorded by Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani) – ASCAP Writers: Matt Jenkins, Josh Osborne; ASCAP Publishers: Combustion Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Seeker Music, Kobalt Music Publishing, SMACKsongs, Sony Music Publishing, Tape Room Music, Warner Chappell Music, Who Wants to Buy My Publishing

“Just The Way” (recorded by Parmalee feat. Blanco Brown) – ASCAP Writers: Kevin Bard, Nolan Sipe; ASCAP Publishers: Kevin Bard Music, Margetts Road Music, Nolan W Sipe Music, Sony Music Publishing

“Lady” (recorded by Brett Young) – ASCAP Writer: Brett Young; ASCAP Publishers: Caliville Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Big Machine Music

“Long Live” (recorded by Florida Georgia Line) – ASCAP Writers: Corey Crowder, David Garcia; ASCAP Publishers: 4Thekidz Music, Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Spirit Music Nashville, the Vault Music, Warner Chappell Music

“Made For You” (recorded by Jake Owen) – ASCAP Writer: Neil Medley; ASCAP Publishers: Mojo Music and Media, Son of a Carl Music

“Nobody” (recorded by Dylan Scott) – ASCAP Writer: Dylan Scott; ASCAP Publisher: Curb Songs

“Single Saturday Night” (recorded by Cole Swindell) – ASCAP Writer: Ashley Gorley; ASCAP Publishers: Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs

“Starting Over” (recorded by Chris Stapleton) – ASCAP Writer: Chris Stapleton; ASCAP Publishers: I Wrote These Songs, Warner Chappell Music

“What’s Your Country Song” (recorded by Thomas Rhett) – ASCAP Writer: Ashley Gorley; ASCAP Publishers: Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs

The Judds To Embark On ‘The Final Tour’ This Fall

The Judds. Photo: Kristin Barlowe

The Judds will hit the road again for the first time in over a decade on “The Final Tour.” Martina McBride will join as a special guest on select dates.

The 10-date arena tour, produced by Sandbox Live and Live Nation, will kick off on Sept. 30 in Grand Rapids, Mich. at Van Andel Arena. The mother-daughter duo will also make stops in Toledo, Green Bay, Fort Worth, and more before wrapping at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 28. Tickets go on-sale to the general public beginning April 15. Fans can sign up for pre-sale ticket access at TheJudds.com.

“The fans have always been my family of choice. I love them dearly, so I’m chompin’ at the bit to belt out our hits and reconnect with them once again,” Naomi shares. “The cherry on top is singing with my beloved, wild and extremely talented daughter… the best singer of any genre, Wynonna! She asked me if I was still going to twist, twirl and crack jokes. I answered, ‘Heck yeah! I’m too old to grow up now!’”

“What I’m looking forward to most is celebrating Judd music with the fans. Mom and I have had quite the journey over the last 38 years, and the fans have been with us through it all. This tour is a celebration for them!” Wynonna adds.

“The Judds were my very first concert and this is a full circle moment for us. Launching Sandbox Live with The Judds ‘The Final Tour’ makes perfect sense,” says Jason Owen, President and CEO of Sandbox. “We are so proud to produce their epic return to live concerts with our partners at Live Nation and Leslie Cohea and the incredible team at Sandbox.”

The Judds will make a triumphant return to the CMT Music Awards stage tonight (April 11), to perform their international hit and chart-topping single, “Love Can Build A Bridge.” The performance kicks off a soon-to-be momentous year for the pair as they’re officially enshrined in the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum in May.

Erin D. D. Burr Rises To VP, Communications At Big Machine Label Group

Erin D.D. Burr. Photo: Katie Kauss

Big Machine Label Group has announced the advancement of Erin D.D. Burr to Vice President, Communications.

Since joining Big Machine nearly twelve years ago, some of Burr’s achievements include helping to revitalize Reba McEntire’s presence in pop culture and earn the icon a Grammy Award for her first gospel album in 2018, and positioning ACM & CMA Awards Female Artist/Vocalist of the Year Carly Pearce as one of the format’s leading women. She was key in the development of Florida Georgia Line‘s initial press strategy, and has contributed to opportunities for highly acclaimed artists Sheryl Crow and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Burr eagerly seeks out placements for Tyler Rich, Eli Young Band, The Cadillac Three and Riley Green, as well as helps to introduce newcomers Laci Kaye Booth and Heath Sanders.

“Erin Burr’s commitment to creating and executing media campaigns is unmatched,” shares BMLG’s Senior Vice President of Communications, Jake Basden. “Her tireless work ethic and love for the music has greatly impacted Big Machine Label Group and its roster of artists for over a decade. This incredibly deserving promotion to Vice President is a nod to the past and a celebration of a bright future.”

“I am grateful for the opportunity to have learned from some of the most charismatic and talented creators throughout my time at Big Machine,” says Burr. “Thank you to Scott Borchetta for the space to discover career-defining moments with iconic artists, those leading a new generation and all who dream beyond genre boundaries. Let the adventures continue!”

Now based in Washington, D.C., Burr graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and previously worked at Special Promotions Inc. and NSAI before joining BMLG in 2010.

Reach Burr at erin.burr@bmlg.net.

Essential Broadcast Media Promotes Four

Pictured (clockwise): Joseph Conner, Janet Buck, Rachel Heatherly, Ashley Gaskin. Photos: Jon-Paul Bruno

Essential Broadcast Media (EBM) has announced the elevations of four staff members.

Of the promotions, Joseph Conner transitions from Senior Publicist to Senior Director, Janet Buck moves from Publicist to Public Relations Director, Ashley Gaskin goes from Jr. Publicist to Publicist, and Rachel Heatherly transitions from Coordinator to Publicist.

“The care and precision this team takes when executing our individual clients’ media strategies is so thoughtful and intentional, they impress every single day,” shares EBM founder and publicist, Ebie McFarland. “It’s an honor to represent the talent on our roster and to get to do so alongside a group of professionals this passionate is truly the dream.”

Among the award-winning artists on EBM’s roster are George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Eric Church, Darius Rucker, Ashley McBryde, Caitlyn Smith, Whiskey Myers, Ryman Hospitality, and Hootie & the Blowfish. Recently, EBM has expanded its roster to include reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year Miranda Lambert and Billboard’s Top Country Artist of 2021, Morgan Wallen.

Additionally, EBM represents comedians Sebastian Maniscalco, Taylor Tomlinson and Dusty Slay, as well as rock/pop acts KALEO and Michael Franti. The firm also oversees PR efforts for non-profit Diversify The Stage, founded in the spring of 2020 by Noelle Scaggs, co-lead vocalist of alt-pop band Fitz And The Tantrums, with a focus on transforming the concert, events and touring industries to increase more diverse representation.

McFarland adds, “We are humbled by the opportunity to work with some of the greatest storytellers of our generation. After two years of reimagining how our business can work more efficiently, it’s important to recognize the talented individuals who fuel the PR machine behind the execution of our client’s visions. To Joseph, Janet, Ashley and Rachel: thank you for believing in the work, the music and the power of PR.”

Congratulate Conner at joseph@ebmediapr.com, Buck at janet@ebmediapr.com, Gaskin at ashley@ebmediapr.com, and Heatherly at rachel@ebmediapr.com.

LeAnn Rimes Announces New Album, ‘God’s Work,’ Out This September

LeAnn Rimes. Photo: Norman Seeff

Grammy Award-winning vocalist LeAnn Rimes will release her new album, God’s Work, through EverLe Records via Thirty Tigers/The Orchard on Sept. 16. Upon purchase, fans will be granted access to “Throw My Arms Around the World” and “I Do,” a duet by Rimes and Aloe Blacc, as well as new track “How Much a Heart Can Hold.”

The 12-track record features a genre-bending group of fellow artists, including Blacc, Mickey Guyton, Ziggy Marley, Ben Harper, Ledisi, Sheila E., Robert Randolph, and more. Written and produced by Rimes and her longtime collaborator and close friend Darrell Brown, God’s Work has been nearly three years in the making and takes listeners on their own unique journey, exploring the duality of life and recognizing its light and darkness.

“For me, God’s Work was all about a journey of reclamation, where humanity meets spirit,” Rimes shares. “The idea was to really dig into the duality of life, and I needed to be at the place I am in my life now in order to release this record whole-heartedly. It’s so empowering that I am finally there.”

Rimes intentionally chose to stylize the album title and track listing in an all-lowercase font, explaining, “If we’re arguing about why the ‘g’ is or isn’t capitalized, we’re missing the whole point. It’s so important for us to focus on the messages, rather than the nuances.”

To celebrate the album announcement and Rimes’ 25th career anniversary, she will headline a special installment of CMT Crossroads, airing on April 14 at 7 p.m. CT on CMT. CMT Crossroads: LeAnn Rimes & Friends will feature an all-female lineup, including Guyton, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, and Brandy Clark, who help commemorate Rimes’ career.

Rimes will also kick off her upcoming tour “The Story…So Far” in support of God’s Work and her 25th anniversary on May 13. For a full list of upcoming dates, click here.

God’s Work Track List:
Spaceship
The Only (Ft. Ziggy Marley, Ledisi, and Ben Harper)
Awakening
How Much a Heart Can Hold
Throw My Arms Around the World
The Wild (Ft. Sheila E. And Mickey Guyton)
Innocent
God’s Work (Ft. Robert Randolph, Mickey Guyton, and Tata Vega)
Something Better’s Coming
Imagined With Love
There Will Be a Better Day
I Do (Duet by Aloe Blacc and LeAnn Rimes)