The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Donates $25,000 To UTK’s Veterans Success Center
Pictured (L-R, front row): Brian Goad, Thomas Cruise, Jayetta Rogers; (L-R, back row): Maj. Gen. Max Haston (Ret.), Brig. General Geoff Freeman (Ret.), David Corlew, Zane Tilley, Smokey, Vicki Clark, Trevor Vickery, Sami Devault, Mark Coffey, Katie Thompson, Diana Goad, Leonard Clemons, Lt. Col. Logan Hickman (Ret.). Photo: Courtesy of UT Knoxville
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) recently presented the Veterans Success Center at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a $25,000 donation.
The $25,000 donation will go to the creation of a Veterans Success Institute, student veteran transformational grants, a veteran emergency fund, and technology upgrades. The donation is the third and largest gift UT has received from The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project.
“Continuing education has and continues to be an important step in the reintegration of many returning veterans,” explains TCDJHP board members David Corlew, co-founder of the organization and manager for the late Daniels. “Charlie had a close relationship with the University of Tennessee, so it’s our mission to support our veterans that are pursuing their educational needs. The Veterans Success Center is growing daily with Jayetta [Rogers] and the team, and we are proud to be of assistance in any way possible.”
“Charlie Daniels was a tremendous supporter of the University of Tennessee, and we are beyond grateful to receive this gift that will enhance the academic, professional, and personal success of our student veterans while at UT,” notes Rogers, Director of the Veterans Success Center.
Big Yellow Dog Music Elevates Two
Nicole Rhodes & Claire Karliak
Big Yellow Dog Music has announced the promotion of Nicole Rhodes to Manager, Sync and Claire Karliak to Manager, Label Services. Rhodes joined BYDM in 2019 and was previously Senior Coordinator in the Sync department, while Karliak joined in 2020 and previously worked as Senior Coordinator, Label Services.
Rhodes’ new responsibilities include a greater focus on communicating with music supervisors in film, TV and trailers, as well as overseeing the development of the company’s sync writers, artist and producers. A native of Illinois, Rhodes graduated as an Entertainment Industry Studies and Music Business major from Belmont University in 2020, where she interned at BYDM.
“Nicole has been such an important asset to our Sync department over the last few years. She has an amazing ear for music and has been successful in placing songs in spots ranging from HBO promos to IKEA to Hulu’s How I Met Your Father. I can’t wait to see her continue to find sync success for our writers,” says Alex Stefano, VP, Sync.
In Karliak’s new role, she will work directly with Big Yellow Dog Music’s DSP and Distribution partners with responsibility for developing and implementing their artist project planning and digital advertising. Originally from Ohio, she graduated from Belmont University as a Music Business major in 2019.
“Claire has shown continued growth in all areas of our label business. She is willing to tackle anything that comes her way and is a real asset to our team,” shares co-owner and CEO, Carla Wallace.
Randy Rogers Serves As Honorary Grand Marshal At Annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Randy Rogers speaks to the crowd and performs at the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Photo: Robert Shaw
Randy Rogers served as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday (April 4).
The Randy Rogers Band frontman delivered remarks and an acoustic performance of the group’s song “San Antone” before joining his family on the Art Contest Winner float, which traveled down San Antonio’s River Walk.
The band is getting ready to kick off a slate of shows through this summer, including a two-night stint in Austin alongside George Strait and Willie Nelson to celebrate the grand opening of the Moody Center on April 29 and 30. For full tour details, click here.
Milestone Publicity Ups Jessica Bonner To Account Executive
Jessica Bonner
Milestone Publicity, the Nashville-based full-service public relations firm, has promoted Jessica Bonner to Account Executive. Since joining Milestone in August 2021 as an Associate Publicist, Bonner was quickly elevated to an Account Manager role. In her new role, she will assume more leadership scenarios pertaining to client campaigns and internal company communications.
After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Bonner had a previous recording contract with Rounder Records. She decided to transition into the business side of music, securing a desk within the public relations field and built her resume with national and regional publicity campaigns for festivals, tours, artists such as Heart and Ozzy Osbourne, and more.
“Jessica has an unparalleled work ethic and passion for what she does,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Mike Gowen. “Her career really began when she was a young artist on Rounder Records, so she has deep empathy and a drive to deliver results for the artists she represents day-to-day. Jessica is a major component to the expansion of Milestone and I couldn’t be more excited about her career growth. She is taking on this new role at Milestone with my complete confidence.”
Bonner’s promotion comes as Milestone expands its team with the appointment of Taran Smith as an Associate Publicist.
Red Door Music Group, Warner Chappell Music Announce Two New Signings
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Kenton Bryant; Shawn McSpadden, Manager at Red Light Management; Abbey Adams, GM/SVP of Red Door Music Group; Gina Venier; Rian Ball; and Mike Walker. Photo: Jordan Walker.
Red Door Music Group has celebrated a great deal of achievements since its founding in 2020. Now they’re adding the announcement of two new signings.
In partnership with its joint-venture partner, Warner Chappell Music, the publishing house has inked a new deal with ASCAP songwriter Mike Walker. A Belmont graduate, he has had releases with such artists as Luke Bryan, Chase Rice, Morgan Wallen, Ryan Hurd, Lee Brice and more.
Abbey Adams, GM and Senior Vice President of Red Door Music Group, says, “I have been a fan of Mike’s writing for years. I always loved his voice, but I have especially come to appreciate his craft in writing lyrics. I am super excited to be working with him. I think Mike will be a writer we’ll still be talking about generations from now.”
Also joining the Red Door Music Group/Warner Chappell Music family is BMI songwriter Kenton Bryant. A Kentucky native, he came to Nashville eager to learn the craft of songwriting from the best Music City has to offer.
“I was blessed to have the best mentor a young songwriter in Nashville could ask for: Jonathan Singleton. I learned the value of a great song, what it takes to be a studio musician, and most importantly, how working hard pays off,” Bryant shares. “I’m forever grateful for those lessons and proud to be able to call him one of my best friends and someone I’ll always be excited to share my music with.”
Rian Ball, RDMG’s first signing, is celebrating two of his penned songs being released by K-Pop artists in 2021, including “Amnesia” by Kai and “Supplier” by Super Junior D&E. Additionally, Jimmie Allen‘s newest single, “Down Home,” is Ball’s first country radio single. Co-written with Allen, Tate Howell and Cameron Bedell, this song is a heart-felt tribute to Allen’s late father. Ball is also one of the three songwriters in The Boat Boys, along with Holden James and Zack Dyer, who are on tour this spring with Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line.
Additionally, RDMG’s Gina Venier recently released her eighth single through Red Door Music Group/Warner Chappell Music. The song “Nora Jane” tells the true story of Venier’s journey of coming out to her family.
“I feel like people can relate to me when I feel nervous about bringing a girl home to my family. I’ve had people come up to me after I sing it live and say things like, ‘I have a Nora Jane’–and they have a story of their own to tell,” Venier explains. “It feels good knowing that people feel like I am telling their own story too.”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Willie Nelson Gives Breathtaking Performance On Newest Release
/by Robert K OermannDiversity is the name of the game today at DISClaimer.
You’ll find soul singing, gospel energy, country ballads and pop boppers on the menu. Four Black performers and four women are here to defy country music’s white-male dominance.
Stars like Brett Young, Miranda Lambert and Thomas Rhett are mixed with the newer sounds of Karley Scott Collins, Fancy Hagood and our DISCovery Award winner, Jelly Roll.
The Disc of the Day goes to living legend Willie Nelson. If you’d rather give the honor to a different, authentically country Texan, you couldn’t do any better than Wade Bowen.
JELLY ROLL / “Son of a Sinner”
Writers: Ernest Keith Smith/David Ray Stevens/Jason Deford; Producers: Ilya Toshinskiy/Ernest Keith Smith; Label: Stony Creek/BBR
–Very compelling. He’s gripped by substance abuse, but still has a grasp on righteousness. The vocalist’s hoarse, urgent delivery grips you by the throat while the echoey, suppressed boil in the production creates an emotional undertow. This is magnetic, star-making stuff.
MIRANDA LAMBERT / “Actin’ Up”
Writers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Producers: Jon Randall/Luke Dick/Miranda Lambert; Label: Sony
–This new track finds our female superstar indulging in some real audio creativity. The spare, loopy track wobbles in echo and twang while she drawls the artfully crafted lyric of rebellion. If this is any indication, her upcoming Palomino album is shaping up to be a monster. Anticipation builds.
FANCY HAGOOD / “Bored”
Writers: Fancy Hagood/Alysa Vanderheym; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Concord
–Don’t be put off by the acoustic, underproduced beginning. As the band kicks in, he muses about all the things we do to keep from facing our realities. We might lose our way, but there’s always a way to come back. Nashville has a large recovery community, and this could be its anthem.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN / “Alcohol”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Chris Sligh/Derek Campbell/Paul Wrock; Producer: none listed; Label: TKG
–Finger snaps and bluesy accompaniment are the underpinnings of this groove-soaked, semi-humorous heartbreak tune about numbing your pain with you-know-what. This twin-brother duo from the Blue Grass State continues to impress. Keep it coming, guys, I’ve loved all three tracks I’ve heard so far.
WILLIE NELSON / “Tower of Song”
Writer: Leonard Cohen; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Label: Legacy
–Beautiful and haunting. Cannon’s production is exquisite: A bass thumps softly, an electric guitar twangs gently and Mickey Raphael’s harmonica blows mournfully as the master vocalist unspools this stunning Leonard Cohen ballad. This poetic, breathtaking performance will stop you in your tracks. The album it is drawn from, A Beautiful Time, will be out on April 30, the date of Willie’s 89th birthday.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Tattoos”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Brock Berryhill/Brett James; Producer: Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony
–Her burlap-and-velvet voice has a deliciously husky quality. This power ballad is punctuated by a searing electric-guitar solo, but it’s her riveting delivery of the scarred-by-love lyric that you’ll remember.
BRELAND & THOMAS RHETT / “Praise the Lord”
Writers: Daniel Breland/David Garcia/Jacob Durrett/Jessie Jo Dillon/Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Michael Hardy/Rocky Block/Thomas Rhett; Producers: Julian Bunetta/Kyle Fishman/Jacob Durrett; Label: Bad Realm/Atlantic/Warner
–Gospel energy abounds here. The burbling, hand-clapping track is a joyous banger, and Breland’s performance bursts with youthful exuberance. Rhett comes in with just as much enthusiasm.
CARL RAY / “Moments Like This”
Writers: Jacky Jack White/Carl Ray; Producer: Greg Cole; Label: Sucarnochee
–Previously noted for his “I Can See Clearly Now” tribute to his Houston mentor Johnny Nash and for his album Play That Country Music Black Boy in 2021, Carl Ray (Williams) offers a poignant ballad here. Steeped in steel guitar, it has a traditional country vibe, yet his performance has an unmistakably modern edge. The sweet, super-positive lyric is about savoring love, family and serenity.
ASHLEY COOKE & BRETT YOUNG / “Never Til Now”
Writers: Ashley Cooke/Matt Roy; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Big Loud
–Wonderfully romantic. This was previously an Ashley solo track, but the addition of Young lifts it into the stratosphere. Their vocal blend is extraordinary. The swirling song could easily find its way into wedding celebrations.
VALERIE JUNE / “Use Me”
Writers: Valerie June/Jennifer Decilveo; Producer: Jennifer Decilveo; Label: Fantasy
–The dreadlocked, genre-defying Valerie June mixes Memphis soul, jaunty pop, New Orleans brass and “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” country quotes on this dazzling outing. She earned an Americana Grammy nomination last year, and this sounds like it could be on the same path. Marvelously eclectic.
WADE BOWEN / “Phones Don’t Work”
Writers: Wade Bowen/Aaron Raitiere/Rhett Akins; Producer: Paul Moak; Label: Thirty Tigers
–Here is a steadfast, real-country Texan I’ve always admired. This rolling, yearning track finds him on a quest to find someplace in the great outdoors where she can’t get to him. I got lost in its many pleasures. A perfect performance. Wade’s sold-out showcase last month in Nashville’s Exit/In featured guests Miranda Lambert, Leroy Parnell, Rhett Akins and Charlie Worsham. The rest of you need to get on board, too.
JAMESON RODGERS / “Porch With a View”
Writers: Jake Mitchell/Brent Anderson/Hunter Phelps/Jameson Rodgers; Producers: Jake Mitchell/Chris Farren; Label: Sony
–This track from Jameson’s album Bet You’re From a Small Town is a country boy’s dream of buying a place in the country. As always, he’s as country as grits.
Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Bryan Adams, More Added To CMT Music Awards Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughThe CMT Music Awards has revealed a new round of performers and presenters for the upcoming show on April 11 in Nashville, with Jason Aldean, Bryan Adams, Thomas Rhett, Little Big Town and more set to perform.
Aldean, nominated for Video of the Year and Collaborative Video of the Year, will perform with Bryan Adams; Jimmie Allen, nominated for Collaborative Video of the Year, will team up with Monica and Little Big Town; Thomas Rhett, nominated for Male Video of the Year, will take the stage with Riley Green; and Walker Hayes, who is up for Male Video Of The Year, will also perform.
Additional presenters for the show have been announced as well, including Jimmie Allen, Gabby Barrett, Rob Corddry, Jordan Davis, Billy F. Gibbons, Gayle King, Taylor Lautner, Dustin Lynch, Martina McBride, Joel McHale, Kacey Musgraves, Queer Eye’s Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France + Antoni Porowski, LeAnn Rimes, Dylan Scott and Dennis Quaid.
Fan voting for the six Video of the Year finalists remains open at vote.cmt.com. The top three videos will be announced on April 11, with the winner revealed live in-show.
Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini and Anthony Mackie, country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show will broadcast live from Nashville on Monday, April 11 at 7 p.m. CT on CBS. The show will also be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Stevie Woodward Joins Runaway June As Lead Singer
/by Lydia FarthingRunaway June. Photo: Gregg Rothe
Country trio Runaway June has added a new face to the group. Stevie Woodward will take over as the lead vocalist and front-woman for the all-female band.
At just 5 years old, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Woodward wrote her first song, and taught herself how to play the guitar by age 10. She began sharpening her live performance skills by playing solo-acoustic shows along the coast of South Carolina as a teenager before moving to Nashville to further pursue a career as an artist. She attended MTSU to study songwriting and has shared stages with the likes of Kip Moore, Scotty McCreery, and more.
The trio shared the news via social media on April 7, saying: “Y’all welcome Stevie… we can’t wait until y’all fall in love with her as much as we have!! It’s been so hard to keep it a secret, but we can’t wait to share the music we’ve been working on!!! Get ready for some harmonies and dueling solos!!! We’ll see you on the road soon!!!!”
This announcement comes after the recent news that former front-woman and original band member Naomi Cooke would be leaving the group to pursue her own solo career after seven years with Runaway June. Former original member, Hannah Mulholland, also left the group in May of 2020, after which current member Natalie Stovall joined.
Now comprised of Woodward (lead vocals/guitar/harmonica/piano), Stovall (vocals/fiddle/guitar), and Jennifer Wayne (vocals/guitar), the band has been nominated for ACM Awards and CMT Awards, as well as performed at Stagecoach, C2C Country To Country, and opened for superstars such as Garth Brooks, Luke Bryan, Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood. Honored as a coveted New Face at the 2020 Country Radio Seminar, the trio’s top 5 single “Buy My Own Drinks” was the highest charting song by a female group since The Chicks in 2003.
Opry Celebrates Merle Haggard During Special Wednesday Night Tribute
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Hollo
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated legend Merle Haggard on a special Wednesday night Opry on April 6, which was the anniversary of both Haggard’s birth and his death. Born on April 6, 1937, Haggard passed away on April 6, 2016.
The special Wednesday Night “Opry Salutes Merle Haggard” show featured performances by some of the countless artists who have been influenced by Haggard. Among the performers were Suzy Bogguss, Haggard’s son Marty Haggard, Cody Johnson, Joe Nichols, Eli Paperboy Reed, and Lainey Wilson, among others.
Artists performed Haggard classics as well as their own hits inspired by the Country Music Hall of Famer during the special tribute show, which was filmed to air as a future Saturday night Opry Live on the Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Marty Haggard. Photo: Chris Hollo
Lainey Wilson. Photo: Chris Hollo
Joe Nichols. Photo: Chris Hollo
Industry Ink: Charlie Daniels, Big Yellow Dog, Randy Rogers, Milestone Publicity
/by Lydia FarthingThe Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project Donates $25,000 To UTK’s Veterans Success Center
Pictured (L-R, front row): Brian Goad, Thomas Cruise, Jayetta Rogers; (L-R, back row): Maj. Gen. Max Haston (Ret.), Brig. General Geoff Freeman (Ret.), David Corlew, Zane Tilley, Smokey, Vicki Clark, Trevor Vickery, Sami Devault, Mark Coffey, Katie Thompson, Diana Goad, Leonard Clemons, Lt. Col. Logan Hickman (Ret.). Photo: Courtesy of UT Knoxville
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) recently presented the Veterans Success Center at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville with a $25,000 donation.
The $25,000 donation will go to the creation of a Veterans Success Institute, student veteran transformational grants, a veteran emergency fund, and technology upgrades. The donation is the third and largest gift UT has received from The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project.
“Continuing education has and continues to be an important step in the reintegration of many returning veterans,” explains TCDJHP board members David Corlew, co-founder of the organization and manager for the late Daniels. “Charlie had a close relationship with the University of Tennessee, so it’s our mission to support our veterans that are pursuing their educational needs. The Veterans Success Center is growing daily with Jayetta [Rogers] and the team, and we are proud to be of assistance in any way possible.”
“Charlie Daniels was a tremendous supporter of the University of Tennessee, and we are beyond grateful to receive this gift that will enhance the academic, professional, and personal success of our student veterans while at UT,” notes Rogers, Director of the Veterans Success Center.
Big Yellow Dog Music Elevates Two
Nicole Rhodes & Claire Karliak
Big Yellow Dog Music has announced the promotion of Nicole Rhodes to Manager, Sync and Claire Karliak to Manager, Label Services. Rhodes joined BYDM in 2019 and was previously Senior Coordinator in the Sync department, while Karliak joined in 2020 and previously worked as Senior Coordinator, Label Services.
Rhodes’ new responsibilities include a greater focus on communicating with music supervisors in film, TV and trailers, as well as overseeing the development of the company’s sync writers, artist and producers. A native of Illinois, Rhodes graduated as an Entertainment Industry Studies and Music Business major from Belmont University in 2020, where she interned at BYDM.
“Nicole has been such an important asset to our Sync department over the last few years. She has an amazing ear for music and has been successful in placing songs in spots ranging from HBO promos to IKEA to Hulu’s How I Met Your Father. I can’t wait to see her continue to find sync success for our writers,” says Alex Stefano, VP, Sync.
In Karliak’s new role, she will work directly with Big Yellow Dog Music’s DSP and Distribution partners with responsibility for developing and implementing their artist project planning and digital advertising. Originally from Ohio, she graduated from Belmont University as a Music Business major in 2019.
“Claire has shown continued growth in all areas of our label business. She is willing to tackle anything that comes her way and is a real asset to our team,” shares co-owner and CEO, Carla Wallace.
Randy Rogers Serves As Honorary Grand Marshal At Annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade
Randy Rogers speaks to the crowd and performs at the Texas Cavaliers River Parade. Photo: Robert Shaw
Randy Rogers served as the Honorary Grand Marshal of the annual Texas Cavaliers River Parade on Monday (April 4).
The Randy Rogers Band frontman delivered remarks and an acoustic performance of the group’s song “San Antone” before joining his family on the Art Contest Winner float, which traveled down San Antonio’s River Walk.
The band is getting ready to kick off a slate of shows through this summer, including a two-night stint in Austin alongside George Strait and Willie Nelson to celebrate the grand opening of the Moody Center on April 29 and 30. For full tour details, click here.
Milestone Publicity Ups Jessica Bonner To Account Executive
Jessica Bonner
Milestone Publicity, the Nashville-based full-service public relations firm, has promoted Jessica Bonner to Account Executive. Since joining Milestone in August 2021 as an Associate Publicist, Bonner was quickly elevated to an Account Manager role. In her new role, she will assume more leadership scenarios pertaining to client campaigns and internal company communications.
After graduating from the University of New Hampshire, Bonner had a previous recording contract with Rounder Records. She decided to transition into the business side of music, securing a desk within the public relations field and built her resume with national and regional publicity campaigns for festivals, tours, artists such as Heart and Ozzy Osbourne, and more.
“Jessica has an unparalleled work ethic and passion for what she does,” says the company’s founder and CEO, Mike Gowen. “Her career really began when she was a young artist on Rounder Records, so she has deep empathy and a drive to deliver results for the artists she represents day-to-day. Jessica is a major component to the expansion of Milestone and I couldn’t be more excited about her career growth. She is taking on this new role at Milestone with my complete confidence.”
Bonner’s promotion comes as Milestone expands its team with the appointment of Taran Smith as an Associate Publicist.
Beth Brinker & Harper Smith Launch Creative Agency, Patchwork
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Harper Smith, Beth Brinker. Photo: Claire Schaper
Former ASCAP Creative Director Beth Brinker and award-winning photographer and director Harper Smith have launched Patchwork, a boutique creative agency specializing in creative direction, brand identity and content strategy for the music, entertainment and fashion industries.
Patchwork combines in-house analytics with creative strategy to construct global campaigns and brand identities, while crafting a cohesive narrative through photography, motion, key art and merchandising. The name is a nod to both Brinker and Smith’s extensive background in all aspects of the entertainment industry, from artist development, music publishing and A&R to photography, motion and creative direction. Each partner believes in celebrating and connecting the many unique and colorful pieces of a creator’s life to tell a story—like a patchwork quilt.
“With streaming and social platforms being such a big part of the industry, content is more valuable than ever. Our mission is to make sure that represents the creator,” Brinker says.
“Keeping up with the needs of all the different media possibilities has become quite overwhelming for artists and their teams. We are able to onboard the needs and generate a streamlined schedule of work that takes the pressure off and keeps the creative consistent and well executed,” Smith adds.
At ASCAP, Brinker worked closely with Carly Pearce, Brothers Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Dan + Shay and Midland. Smith’s recent roster of clients include Olivia Rodrigo (key art and commercial for Disney+ documentary Coming Home to You), John Mayer (won the 2021 VMA for Best Rock Video for “Last Train Home”), Bruno Mars (key art for Doo-Wops & Hooligans and Unorthodox Jukebox), Silk Sonic (key art and video for An Evening with Silk Sonic), Ewan McGregor (cover story for The Hollywood Reporter), Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.
Some of the clients Patchwork has recently worked with include Midland, Maren Morris, and Hailey Whitters. The company created Morris’ Humble Quest album artwork, and the video for “Circles Around This Town,” as well as all artwork, imaging and videos for Whitters’ recent third studio album Raised.
Reach them at beth@patchworkagency.com and harper@patchworkagency.com, or go to patchworkagency.com.
Dierks Bentley & Lily Rose Join ‘Breland & Friends’ Oasis Center Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley and Lily Rose have joined the lineup for the upcoming “Breland & Friends” concert for the Oasis Center, taking place on April 12 at the Ryman.
Benefiting one of Middle Tennessee’s most comprehensive youth development agencies, the show will also feature previously announced guests Tyler Braden, Kane Brown, Russell Dickerson, Mickey Guyton, Charles Kelley, RaeLynn, Restless Road, Seaforth, Brittney Spencer, and more. Tickets for the special evening sponsored by Amazon Music are available here.
Before the benefit, Breland is set to perform this Sunday (April 10) at 8 p.m. CT on the CMT Music Awards Nomination Special, a half-hour celebration of the CMT Music Awards nominees. He’ll also perform his new single “Praise The Lord” on the CMT Music Awards on Monday night (April 11), where he is nominated for three fan-voted trophies.
Oasis Center is at the forefront of helping young people and their families navigate the complex challenges of today, with over 20 programs and services to respond to the area’s diverse needs. Donations to Oasis Center can also be made here, or by texting “Oasis” to 26989.
Dierks Bentley, Bobby Bare, Keb’ Mo’, Connie Smith Get Their Stars On Music City Walk Of Fame
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Keb’ Mo’, Connie Smith, Dierks Bentley, Bobby Bare. Photo: Terry Wyatt, NCVC
Some of Nashville’s finest musicians, Bobby Bare, Keb’ Mo’, Connie Smith and Dierks Bentley, were inducted into the Music City Walk of Fame on Tuesday (April 5). Each artist was presented their own star in Walk of Fame park in SoBro between the Hilton and the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Bare was presented his star by longtime friend, legendary producer and Nashville Songwriter’s Hall of Fame member Buddy Cannon, and Smith by her husband and fellow Walk of Fame inductee Marty Stuart. Keb’ Mo’ was inducted by fellow Walk of Fame inductee Clint Black, and Bentley also by Stuart.
The Walk of Fame recognizes artists for their outstanding contributions to the musical history of Nashville. The artists inducted this year received the 90th, 91st, 92nd and 93rd stars on the Walk of Fame during the first ceremony in more than two years due to the pandemic.
“We are proud to bring back a Music City Walk of Fame ceremony with such a distinguished and diverse group of inductees who span various genres and eras of music,” says Ed Hardy, chairman of Music City Inc., the NCVC foundation that oversees the Music City Walk of Fame. “The individuals in the Walk of Fame remind us of Nashville’s rich history as Music City, and we congratulate the newest four members.”
This induction class joined fellow iconic musicians such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, Jimi Hendrix and Garth Brooks. The Music City Walk of Fame originated in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile where the permanent sidewalk medallions with the names of inductees are displayed in a star design.
Bentley is a Grand Ole Opry member with 20 No. 1 hits who has earned multiple awards from the ACMs, CMAs and more while also collecting 14 Grammy nominations.
Keb’ Mo’ has won five Grammy Awards, including for Best Americana Album for his 2019 release, Oklahoma. He has also appeared in films and TV, as well as Visit Music City’s recent commercial: While You’ve Been Away, We’ve Been Creating.
Bare has scored nearly five dozen top 40 hits from 1962 to 1983. He won a Grammy in 1964 for “Detroit City,” and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013.
Smith, also a Country Music Hall of Famer, was dubbed by Roy Acuff as the “Sweetheart of the Grand Ole Opry.” Her “Once a Day” became the first-ever debut single by a female country act to reach No. 1, and she has been nominated for 11 Grammy Awards.
Morgan Wallen Donates $25,000 Towards Wildfire Relief In East Tennessee
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Country music artist and East Tennessee native Morgan Wallen has donated $25,000 through his More Than My Hometown Foundation to the Greater Good Music organization. The donation will go towards wildfire disaster relief efforts in the form of hot meals for relief workers, mobile food pantries, clothing, and supplies for the communities in the fire zone near his hometown of Sneedville, Tennessee.
Two wildfires near Great Smokey Mountains National Park and Sevier County, Tennessee, have burned more than 3,000 acres in the last week and caused the evacuation of 11,000 homes in the area. The fires destroyed three hundred structures before being 95% contained on Monday (April 4).
“We are so grateful to Morgan for helping us provide hot meals to firefighters and first responders in the fire zone, as well as assist families that have been displaced and in need of food, clothing, and supplies in the coming days,” says Sheila Jones, executive director of Greater Good Music.
Greater Good Music unites music artists and volunteers working on the ground to help communities in need on concert tours and in disaster zones around the United States. The organization turns a concert day into a day of giving by working with artists and food banks to organize mobile food distributions before showtime on tours around the nation. It also partners with the music industry to deliver food and supplies to disaster areas.
Those wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to help ongoing fire relief may do so by visiting GreaterGoodMusic.org.
Wallen was recently awarded the ACM Album of the Year Award for his Dangerous: The Double Album. The album broke a 58-year-old country music chart record for the most weeks at No. 1, surpassing Shania Twain and Taylor Swift. His 58-show “The Dangerous Tour” kicked off in February with $3 from every ticket sold benefitting the More Than My Hometown Foundation.