Hank Williams Jr. Delves Into ‘Rich White Honky Blues’ On Upcoming Project

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Hank Williams Jr. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Second-generation Country Music Hall of Famer Hank Williams Jr. is releasing a new album, Rich White Honky Blues, on June 17.

Grammy-winning producer Dan Auerbach recorded the set live, which features a dozen classics from legends such as Robert Johnson, Lightnin’ Hopkins, R.L. Burnside, Muddy Waters, Big Joe Turner, and a few from Bocephus himself.

“The blues is where it all comes from,” concedes Williams. “It’s the start of everything musical in my family; everything starts with Tee-Tot and flows from there. I’ve always flirted with this stripped back blues – all the way back to the ‘80s. But I finally made an album that’s just that, and I like it.”

News of the project comes on the heels of the sudden passing of Williams’ wife Mary Jane Thomas earlier this week. According to a release, Williams considered delaying the project’s announcement, but decided to forge ahead with the comfort that music offers solace in difficult times.

Rich White Honky Blues Track List:
.44 Special Blues
Georgia Women
My Starter Won’t Start
Take Out Some Insurance
Rich White Honky Blues
Short Haired Woman
Fireman Ring the Bell
Rock Me Baby
I Like It When It’s Stormy
Call Me Thunderhead
TV Mama
Jesus Will You Come By Here

Matt Stell Launches Debut NFT Through Fanpage

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Matt Stell. Photo: Matthew Berinato

RECORDS Nashville Platinum-selling artist Matt Stell has launched his debut, limited-edition NFT, “Sex, Drugs, & Country Music,” in partnership with Fanpage LLC, proprietor of the polygon driven NFT platform.

Offering exclusive content to purchasers, the animated design is the first in a series. Four limited edition NFTs, with varying levels of exclusivity, are now available for purchase. However, Stell is giving away 500 free collectible NFTs to the first fans to claim with the promo code: msdrop.

“This was one of our favorite pieces to work on yet,” shares Scott Berman, Fanpage Chief Creative Officer. “It reminds me of some of my favorite old concert t-shirts, but with the NFT the graphic comes to life and never fades.”

In only three years, Stell has accumulated more than 560 million streams across his catalog, including back-to-back No. 1s “Prayed For You” and “Everywhere But On.” The Arkansas native was also named a member of MusicRow’s Next Big Thing Class of 2020. In 2020 he released his EP, Better Than That, the follow up to 2019’s Everywhere But On, and is prepping a new project for 2022.

Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean Represent At 2022 iHeart Radio Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Lainey Wilson. Photo: JC Olivera; Jason Aldean. Photo: Ashley Osborne.

The iHeart Radio Awards took over LA’s Shrine Auditorium earlier this week to celebrate this year’s most-played artists and songs on iHeartRadio stations and the iHeartRadio app.

Hosted by LL Cool J, the show’s ninth installment included wins from a handful of Nashville’s finest artists. Superstar Luke Combs was awarded with Country Artist of the Year, while multi-Platinum entertainer Jason Aldean and multi–ACM Award winner Lainey Wilson also took home trophies. Wilson earned the award for Best New Country Artist before presenting her label and 2021 tour-mate Aldean with the Country Song of the Year Award for his multi-week No. 1, “If I Didn’t Love You” featuring Carrie Underwood.

Aldean also performed a string of his hits on the live broadcast, including “Dirt Road Anthem,” his ACM Single of the Year and Grammy nominated track “If I Didn’t Love You,” and his current top 25 single “Trouble With A Heartbreak.”

Other notable winners from the 2022 iHeart Radio Awards include Taylor Swift‘s win for Best Lyrics (“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)”). Pop newcomer Olivia Rodrigo also took home an impressive three trophies for Best New Pop Artist presented by Stifel, TikTok Bop of the Year, and Female Artist of the Year. The Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber‘s multi-week No. 1 “Stay” also nabbed two awards this year for Best Collaboration and Song of the Year.

For a full list of winners, click here.

Partial List of 2022 iHeart Radio Award Winners:
Country Artist of the Year:
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Thomas Rhett

Country Song of the Year:
“Famous Friends” – Chris Young & Kane Brown
“Forever After All” – Luke Combs
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Just The Way” – Parmalee featuring Blanco Brown
“The Good Ones” – Gabby Barrett

Best Lyrics:
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” – Taylor Swift
“Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran
“deja vu” – Olivia Rodrigo
“drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Easy On Me” – Adele
“Happier Than Ever” – Billie Eilish
“Heat Waves” – Glass Animals
“Leave The Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Your Power” – Billie Eilish

Best New Pop Artist presented by Stifel:
Giveon
Måneskin
Olivia Rodrigo
Tate McRae
The Kid LAROI

Best New Country Artist presented by Stifel:
Lainey Wilson
Niko Moon
Parker McCollum
Ryan Hurd
Tenille Arts

TikTok Bop of the Year:
“Beggin’” – Måneskin
“good 4 u” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Just For Me” – PinkPantheress
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
“Thot Sh*t” – Megan Thee Stallion
“TWINNEM” – Coi Leray
“Up” – Cardi B
“Woman” – Doja Cat

Female Artist of the Year:
Ariana Grande
Doja Cat
Dua Lipa
Olivia Rodrigo 
Taylor Swift

Best Collaboration:
“Best Friend” – Saweetie featuring Doja Cat
“If I Didn’t Love You” – Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“Peaches” – Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber

Song of the Year:
“Bad Habits” – Ed Sheeran
“drivers license” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Easy On Me” – Adele
“Kiss Me More” – Doja Cat featuring SZA
“Leave The Door Open” – Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak, Silk Sonic
“Levitating” – Dua Lipa – WINNER
“MONTERO (Call Me By Your Name)” – Lil Nas X
“Peaches” – Justin Bieber featuring Daniel Caesar & Giveon
“positions” – Ariana Grande
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber
iHeartRadio Chart Ruler Award:
“Stay” – The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber

Jason Saenz Signs With Sheltered Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Stephanie Greene (Gravity Gone Music), Jason Saenz, Jenny Hall (Sheltered Music’s Creative Director) & Darrell Franklin (Sheltered Music’s SVP)

Jason Saenz has signed with Sheltered Music Publishing in a creative alliance with Saenz’s longtime partner Gravity Gone Music.

A Texas native, Saenz has enjoyed success in Nashville’s songwriting circles for a decade, penning songs for acts such as Gavin DeGraw (“She Sets The City On Fire”), Little Big Town, Brandy Clark, Banners, Lee Ann Womack, and over 30 other artists. Saenz’s latest cut is “Missing You,” co-written with artist Lauren Weintraub, Sara Haze, and Todd Clark.

“We’re very happy to be adding Jason to our roster in Nashville,” says Darrell Franklin, Senior Vice President of Sheltered Music. “Jason is someone who is a proven force in many genres. Stephanie and Jason have a long history of over a decade of success together and we are excited to build upon that in this new partnership.”

Gravity Gone Music’s Stephanie Greene adds: “Joining forces with Sheltered Music, who share a similar philosophy, ensures that our efforts will produce winning results for everyone.”

“This felt right from our first coffee hang,” shares Saenz. “Having my champion, Steph, join up with Lance [Freed], Darrell, and Jenny [Hall] was the right move for everyone. We’re going to do some great things together.”

Austin Tolliver’s Debut Album ‘Ride 4 Me’ Slated For April

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Austin Tolliver. Photo: Michael Gomez

Austin Tolliver is set to release his debut full-length album, Ride 4 Me, on April 22 via Average Joes Entertainment.

The 12-track collection explores the range of emotions Tolliver has trekked through over the past year and taps into his wide-ranging influences from Tupac and Nelly to George Strait and Tim McGraw.

“With this album, I hope people take the journey into my mindset through each and every song,” shares Tolliver. “The entire body of work tells a story from a progressional standpoint of each mood I have been in for the last year. It’s a deep dive into the fun side of me, the dark side of me, the painful side of me, and the kick ass side of me. I feel that it is important to allow my fans to see all my emotions and this project does that.”

Tolliver eyed a career as a professional athlete early on, and the Louisiana native was headed towards that goal as he started playing football at New Mexico State University. His path changed, though, when he moved to Nashville and fell in love with music.

Average Joes Entertainment signed Tolliver and released his debut single, “Tip My Hat,” in late 2020. He enjoyed success with subsequent 2021 singles “Yodelay You Down” and title track “Ride 4 Me.”

Ride 4 Me Track List:
“Dip Low” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Ride 4 Me” (Austin Tolliver and Aaron Lamont)
“Pain Pill ft. Bezz Believe” (Bobby Shifteh, Austin Tolliver, Bezz Believe)
“Little Bit Of Me” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Tip My Hat” (Austin Tolliver and Aaron Lamont)
“Crash Course” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Can’t Get Away From Me” (Bobby Shifteh, Austin Tolliver, Wesley David Breit)
“Amnesia” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Louisiana Lullaby” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Yodelay You Down” (Austin Tolliver, Cotrell Jermaine Qualls)
“Tailgate Party” (Bobby Shifteh)
“Lifestyle ft. Colt Ford” (Austin Tolliver, Aaron Lamont, Colt Ford)

Ronnie Milsap, Mavis Staples, More Among Memphis Music Hall Of Fame Inductees

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Ronnie Milsap, Mavis Staples

The Memphis Music Hall Of Fame announced its new class of inductees for 2022.

The eight individuals selected to be inducted include Country Music Hall of Famer Ronnie Milsap, soul and gospel icon Mavis Staples, rockabilly musician and songwriter Billy Lee Riley, Grammy-winning producer and engineer Jim Gaines, musician and educator Fred Ford, Grammy-winning musician and producer Booker T. Jones, drummer and producer J.M. Van Eaton, and former chair of Elvis Presley Enterprises Priscilla Presley.

The Memphis Music Hall Of Fame inductees are chosen by a local and national nominating committee composed of nationally recognized authors, producers, historians and leaders in the music industry. The number of annual inductees, both performing and non-performing, may vary each year. The class of 2022 will be celebrated in a concert and induction ceremony this fall.

Of his nomination, Milsap shared, “When you look at the history, this year’s inductees represent so many facets of what makes Memphis music so mighty, it’s an honor to be included. So many of them make music I listen to today, and Priscilla Presley has carried Elvis’ legacy forward with such style, it reminds you what was created there will endure and shape music long after we’re gone. To be seen as part of that humbles me.”

Mary Jane Thomas, Wife To Hank Williams Jr., Suddenly Passes

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Mary Jane Thomas and 2020 inductee Hank Williams Jr. seen during the 2021 Medallion Ceremony, celebrating the Induction of the Class of 2020 at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on November 21, 2021. Photo: Jason Kempin

Mary Jane Thomas, wife to country icon Hank Williams Jr., has passed away at the age of 58.

MusicRow has confirmed that Thomas passed away Tuesday (March 22) in Jupiter, Florida from what appears to be a complication following a recent medical procedure. At this time, her death does not appear to be suspicious.

Thomas, a former model for Hawaiian Tropic suntan lotion, has been married to Williams since 1990. The couple separated in 2007, but fully reconciled in 2011 as they celebrated their 21st anniversary.

The pair had 2 children together, daughter Katie Williams-Dunning and son Samuel Williams. In 2020, Katie tragically died in a car accident in Tennessee.

Sam Williams & Mary Jane Thomas. Photo: Courtesy of BB Gun Press

“My dear Mama Mary Jane was a beautiful soul who forever affected everyone who knew her,” Sam, who is also a rising country artist, shares in a statement. “She had a smile and presence that lit up every room and she never met a stranger she didn’t befriend. Her spirit was gentle and giving. She could take down a ten-point buck and fix dinner for her grandchildren at the same time! Now she gets to radiate from above with my sister Katherine Diana right by her side.

“She grew up competing in baton and cheerleading and was one of Hawaiian Tropic’s top models. My father fell in love with the Daytona Beach beauty the minute he set eyes on her in the early 80s. They went on to live the most powerful love story of travel and hunting and raising a family,” he continues. “Rest in peace Mama, I will always be the son of Mary Jane.”

Thomas is survived by Hank; parents Ramona and Bill; brother Andy; sister Angelason; son Sam Williams; and 3 grandchildren, Beau Weston, Tennyson Hiram and Audrey Jane.

Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, More Added To MusiCares: Music On A Mission Virtual Concert

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The MusiCares: Music on a Mission Presented by Gibson virtual concert is set to take place during Grammy Week on March 30 at 7 p.m. CT, fit with a stacked lineup of performers.

Joining the celebration will be Brandi Carlile, Jason Isbell, Amythyst Kiah, Shawn Colvin, Jesse & Joy, k.d. lang, Fantastic Negrito, Gian Marco, Dante Spinetta, Cage The Elephant, morgxn, Zach Person, and Emily Wolfe. The evening will also feature a never-before-seen performance from Grammy award-winning artist Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

The virtual concert will celebrate both the power of music and Joni Mitchell as the 2022 MusiCares Person of the Year honoree. Tickets are on sale now with every dollar of tickets purchased to be distributed to those in need in the music community. The show will also air on Mandolin.

“Music on a Mission started as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic and we were blown away by the support from the music community, industry professionals and of course music fans,” says Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares. “We’re so thankful that Gibson recognizes the importance of this event to both fans and professional musicians and that they’ve signed on to help us make Music on a Mission a reality again this year.”

“MusiCares does so much for our music community, the critical care and aid they provide is needed now more than ever in recent years,” adds Elizabeth Heidt, VP of Global Cultural Influence at Gibson Brands. “As a key partner of Gibson Gives, it is not only our honor, but also our duty to help bring Music on a Mission back, and to continue to raise awareness and funds for MusiCares.”

Combustion Music Adds Keithan Melton As General Manager

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Keithan Melton

Combustion Music has announced the hiring of Keithan Melton as General Manager.

Throughout Melton’s 20-year career in the Nashville creative community, he has worked alongside top songwriters and celebrated multiple No. 1 hits. He began his career at Sea Gayle Music, and joins Combustion from his most recent post as GM of Mojo Music & Media, where he led the creative team for over six years.

Of the hiring, Combustion President Chris Farren shares, “As our musical landscape continues to change daily, we feel it is essential to continue to recreate and adapt our roles. Bringing in a talent like Keithan allows us to bolster everything we do while each playing to our strengths. I couldn’t be more excited to see what comes next with Keithan’s help!”

Melton adds, “Farren and Falcon [Chris Van Belkom] have long established Combustion as one of the most successful independent publishers over the last 20 years. I could not be more humbled by the opportunity to join this team and look forward to many more years of success together.”

Melton can be reached at keithan@combustionent.com.

Maren Morris Unveils ‘Humble Quest Radio’ On Apple Music

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Maren Morris is unveiling a new weekly radio series, Humble Quest Radio, airing on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio stations Apple Music 1 and Apple Music Country.

On Humble Quest Radio, Morris serves as disc jockey, therapist, confidante, shoulder, and best friend as she responds to questions, queries, and comments from fans submitted via her Humble Quest HQ Hotline. The series also includes themed playlists tailored to each episode.

On the first episode, the Grammy winning vocalist shares stories and experiences with fans about navigating challenging life changes, her personal journey, and how it led to her new album, Humble Quest, and accompanying radio show.

“It’s crazy to think that my humble quest has led me to hosting my own radio show, but that’s what happens when you’re willing to embrace what life throws at you,” Morris shares. “Throughout this series I cannot wait to see how our journeys are the same, where they’re different, what I could learn from you and what I could share with you.”

Humble Quest Radio premieres on Apple Music 1 on Tuesday, March 29 at 12 p.m. CT with an encore broadcast on March 30 at 1 p.m. CT on Apple Music Country.