Jackson Dean Gives Nod To The Untamed On New Project ‘Greenbroke’

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Jackson Dean is set to release his Big Machine Records debut, Greenbroke, on March 11. “Don’t Come Lookin’” is the driving first single from the project.

Working with songwriter and producer Luke Dick, Dean crafted the new album filled with tracks like the courageous “Fearless,” the hushed benediction “Wings,” and the breezy “Don’t Take Much.” Writers contributing to the project include Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure, JT Harding, Jeff Hyde, and more.

“Never lose your wild. You can be tame enough to be in the room, but never let go of that untamed sense of who you are. That’s where your truest self lives,” Dean explains. “We were raised to live without fear, to look what you had to do in the eye–and get on with it. There’s a freedom that comes with living that way. You know whatever happens, you’re gonna find a way. It goes back to the idea of being greenbroke; you can go anywhere, but that doesn’t mean you have to surrender your untamed self.”

YouTube video

Greenbroke Track List:
1. Don’t Come Lookin’ | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick
2. Trailer Park | Jackson Dean, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure
3. Fearless | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jonathan Scott Sherwood
4. Don’t Take Much | Jackson Dean, Marv Green, JT Harding
5. Superstitions | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Dan Tyminski
6. Love You Anymore | Jackson Dean, Brian Bunn, Phillip Lammonds
7. Red Light | Jackson Dean, Jonathan Scott Sherwood, Ryan Tyndell
8. Other Than Me | Jackson Dean, Bryan Simpson, Ryan Tyndell
9. Wings | Jackson Dean, Park Chisolm
10. Greenbroke | Jackson Dean, Jeff Hyde

Trey Lewis Joins Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Writer Roster

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Rusty Gaston, Trey Lewis, Tom Luteran; (L-R, back row): Mya Hansen, Anna Weisband, Josh Van Valkenburg, Dale Bobo, Dane Schmidt

Sony Music Publishing Nashville has added rising country singer-songwriter Trey Lewis to its publishing roster.

Lewis first caught attention in 2020 with his viral, Platinum-certified hit, “Dicked Down in Dallas.” The track saw TikTok success and chart-topping positions, breaking into the Billboard Hot 100 and reaching No. 12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

An Alabama native, Lewis most recently released his first EP, the five-track Shut the Door. His single, “Single Again,” released on Jan. 14 and has already climbed to No. 1 on the U.S. iTunes Song Sales charts. Lewis is currently touring with his band and will join Kid Rock’s U.S. tour starting in April.

“I appreciate Rusty Gaston, Tom Luteran and the whole Sony Music Publishing team for supporting me and being champions for my career and believing in me as both an artist and a writer. I’m looking forward to working with them and for them,” shares Lewis.

Gaston, CEO, Sony Music Publishing Nashville comments: “Trey Lewis is cut from the same cloth as the legends who have paved the way before him. His songs are real, genuine, and full of country swagger. We are proud to welcome him to the SMP Nashville family.”

“The talent and unstoppable work ethic Trey possesses is what separates him from the pack,” adds Luteran, Vice President, Creative, Sony Music Publishing Nashville. “This is just the beginning for Trey, and I couldn’t be happier to be on this rocket ship ride with him.”

Sandbox Productions, Sony Music Entertainment Enter Multi-Year Production & Development Deal

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Jason Owen

President & CEO of Sandbox Entertainment Jason Owen and Sony Music Entertainment’s Premium Content Division have struck a development deal. Through the agreement, Sandbox Productions will produce a slate of original long-form projects across multiple platforms and distributors.

Under the new multi-year agreement, Sandbox Productions and SME will collaborate on the creation, production and distribution of scripted and unscripted content across TV, film and digital formats, including the development of a June Carter Cash documentary which will trace Carter’s roots and showcase her journey to country stardom.

The companies have also partnered on the premiere of Love, Tom, a letter of hope narrated over the course of a single night in Nashville by Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe-nominated songwriter Tom Douglas.

“I’m thrilled to announce Sandbox Production’s partnership with SME’s Premium Content Division,” says Owen. “Tom Mackay and his team at SME share the same enthusiasm and passion for thinking big picture and value the importance of creating content that is engaging for all audiences. We have a lot more film and TV projects currently in development and I can’t wait for everyone to see these incredible works come to fruition.”

Through the partnership, Sandbox Productions will consult and collaborate with writers, directors, on-screen talent, artists, and visual creators to provide creative direction on new and developing projects. A producer and acclaimed manager, Owen will tap into his expertise and connections within the industry to create projects that tell the stories of music, history, and culture set in the south.

Owen currently serves as executive producer on several country-music scripted films and two TV series with Fox including Monarch, an original country dynasty drama,  and Icon, a limited anthology series spotlighting The Judds. Owen is also co-producing My Kind Of Country, a non-scripted music competition series with Apple TV+, alongside Reese Witherspoon/Hello Sunshine.

Owen recently served as an executive producer on the Amazon Holiday Special The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show. In 2017, he teamed up with Faith Hill & Oprah’s Lisa Erspamer to executive produce Nashville’s first-ever national daytime syndicated talk show, Pickler & Ben. He has also been an executive producer for Showtime’s music documentary Tim & Faith: Soul2Soul, The Cooking Channel’s Kimberly’s Simply Southern starring Little Big Town‘s Kimberly Schlapman, and Shania Twain’s ABC concert special Shania: Still The One Live from Vegas.

“Jason is at the forefront of storytelling in Nashville and his relationships across the entire entertainment industry make him an incredible partner to work with,” adds Mackay, President, Premium Content, Sony Music Entertainment. “We are inspired by his vision to bring new life to beloved stories and look forward to continuing our relationship with Sandbox Productions to reach new audiences across all formats.”

Five Breakthrough Country Acts Make Their Mark On CRS New Faces

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Pictured: The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2020, Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett, and Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

On Friday night (Feb. 25), five breakthrough country artists graced the prestigious New Faces stage to close out another Country Radio Seminar.

Formed in 1970, the annual New Faces of Country Music Show is one of the most anticipated events at CRS, and has featured some of the format’s biggest acts in their early days. Each of the 2021 New Faces have had some traction at country radio, and were voted on by the industry to perform.

The evening was hosted by radio professionals Elaina Smith, Kelly Ford and Ania Hammar.

Parker McCollum. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

First to perform was MCA Nashville’s Parker McCollum. The Texas-born singer-songwriter kept things simple, kicking things off with a sizzle reel of his many career achievements. McCollum started his set with “To Be Loved By You” and seamlessly transitioned into his first No. 1 at country radio, “Pretty Heart.”

McCollum thanked the radio personnel in the crowd for their part in his success before launching into a piercing rendition of “Hell Of A Year.” The breakout star exuded quiet confidence as he smiled out to the crowd, sounding great with his unique country voice. He closed with his “I Can’t Breathe,” and promptly received the night’s first standing ovation.

Gabby Barrett. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

Next up was Warner Music Nashville star Gabby Barrett. Like McCollum, she got things started with a sizzle reel listing off her stunning achievements, including her 5X Platinum debut, “I Hope,” being the most-streamed country song of 2020. The powerful singer came out rocking with “Jesus & My Mama.”

She followed that up with her second No. 1 hit, “The Good Ones,” before playing her newest single, “Pick Me Up.” Barrett took an opportunity to share her Christian roots with a beautiful, acoustic rendition of “How Great Thou Art.”

Barrett closed her set with the song that kicked off her meteoric rise, “I Hope.” “This song completely flipped my world around,” she said, thanking country radio for their support.

Jameson Rodgers. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

Columbia Nashville/River House Artists breakout, Jameson Rodgers, was up next. After a funny video skit about turning in his two weeks and his 9-to-5 to focus on music, the singer-songwriter oozed charisma with a four-song set.

Rodgers got things started with his second No. 1, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” and followed it with his first chart-topper, “Some Girls.” The singer was all smiles during his set, saying: “It’s a damn honor to be a part of this show tonight.”

After playing a hit he had as a songwriter for Chris Lane, “I Don’t Know About You,” Rodgers closed with a standout track from his debut album Bet You’re From A Small Town–”Missin’ One.” The track starts with a line about the Eagles, so Rodgers and his band thrilled the crowd with a bit of “Seven Bridges Road” to start the song.

Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

Broken Bow’s Lainey Wilson kept the charisma going for her set, starting off with the best video of the night: a hilarious skit that featured country artists Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Jimmie Allen, and Tracy Lawrence in Wilson’s signature bell bottom britches.

After a big laugh from the crowd, Wilson was ready to rock, kicking off her set with her party anthem, “Straight Up Sideways,” with a verse of Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls” to introduce the track.

“I’m so honored to be here,” she said before playing her first No. 1 hit, “Things A Man Oughta Know.” “Everyone in this room changed my life,” Wilson added.

To close her set, Wilson gave the room a sneak peek of her new single that could be called “Heart Like a Truck.”

Walker Hayes. Photo: Courtesy of CRB/CRS | Kayla Schoen

Monument Records’ Walker Hayes was the last performer of the night. His video recounted the seismic boom that “Fancy Like” had on the world over the last year. The entertainer started his set with “Drinking Songs,” before launching into his newest fan-favorite, “AA.” When it came time for Hayes to play the song of the year, industry members in the audience joined him in the dance.

Hayes stunned the audience with his last song: “Briefcase,” a song about his father’s struggle with working too much and being away from family. The hook of the song reveals that although Hayes doesn’t have a briefcase, he’s begun to understand why his dad’s work took him away from their family so often. “I guess a guitar doesn’t fall too far from a briefcase,” he sang.

Before he sang the touching song, Hayes’ briefed the crowd, saying this song probably wouldn’t be on the radio. The rousing applause and big standing ovation that Hayes received for the track, though, might make him reconsider.

Hit Country Songwriter Mike Dekle Passes

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Georgia-based songwriter Mike Dekle died Thursday (Feb. 24) at age 77 after a battle with lung disease.

His biggest songwriting hits included “Scarlet Fever” by Kenny Rogers (1983), “Don’t Love Make a Diamond Shine” by Tracy Byrd (1997), “Size Matters (Someday)” by Joe Nichols (2006) and “Country Must Be Country Wide” by Brantley Gilbert (2011). Gilbert’s version of their co-written “One Hell of an Amen” topped the country charts in 2014.

Pictured (L-R): Co-writers Mike Dekle, Brantley Gilbert, and Brian Davis at the No. 1 party for “One Hell of An Amen.” Photo: Valory Music Co.

Noted as a hard-core country tunesmith, Dekle had his songs recorded by Ricky Skaggs, Hank Thompson, Moe Bandy, The Whites. T.G. Sheppard, Scooter Lee, Colt Ford and Rhonda Vincent, among others.

He was born in Panama City, Florida, and the family moved to Athens, Georgia when he was five. Dekle began his career as a folk singer in coffeehouses in the 1960s. He moved to Nashville in the 1970s, hoping to make a life as either a singer or a songwriter.

Neither career panned out. So Mike Dekle spent most of the next three decades in Athens, Georgia as a State Farm insurance agent while pursuing country songwriting on the side.

He met songwriter/publisher Byron Hill in 1982. Hill produced Dekle’s record of “Scarlet Fever.” Kenny Rogers picked up the tune and signed Dekle to his publishing company. The superstar subsequently recorded the Dekle tunes “Two Hearts One Love,” “People in Love,” “Someone Must Feel Like a Fool Tonight” and “Some Prisons Don’t Have Walls.”

As a singer, Mike Dekle made the bottom rungs of the country charts in 1984 with his self-composed “Hanky-Panky” and “The Minstrel.”

Following his stint writing for Rogers, Dekle signed with Byron Hill’s publishing company, Song Source. He also continued to co-write with Hill, securing a number of recordings during the next few years. Keith Whitley recorded the songwriting team’s “A Day in the Life of a Fool.” Gene Watson sang their collaboration “No Trash in My Trailer.” Dekle and Hill remained lifelong friends.

In 1990, Dekle launched his own song-publishing company, Square D Music. He signed with Almo Irving Music in 1994.

He continued to sing, as well. Mike Dekle released six albums, Wood and Wire (1982), Fine Tuned (1999), Sketches (2003), Tunesmith (2005), Tributes (2009) and That Kinda Guy (2019).

Mike Dekle is survived by his wife Crystie and by their children and grandchildren. His death was announced by Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East Chapel in Athens, Georgia. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, American Diabetes Association, Athens First Baptist Church Athens Building Fund or a charity of choice.

Jillian Jacqueline Gives Sneak Peek Of Upcoming New Music

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Jillian Jacqueline

Jillian Jacqueline has given her first taste of new music in more than two years with the release of “Magic.”

The first official release through her new worldwide distribution deal with Virgin Music, “Magic” was penned by Jacqueline alongside producer Tofer Brown and Shane McAnally. The track, something Jacqueline refers to as a sister song to her earlier recordings such as “Overdue” and “Sad Girls,” is the first song off of her forthcoming debut full-length album.

“I had the privilege of working with Jillian in 2017 and have been a fan of her work ever since,” shares Jacqueline Saturn, President of Virgin Music Label & Artist Services. “When I heard there was an opportunity to work together again I jumped at the chance without even hearing the music, but then once we did we were completely blown away and you will be too. We are proud to welcome her to the virgin music family.”

Throughout her musical career, Jacqueline has garnered over 54 million streams on Spotify with her initial EPs and singles, including tracks “Reasons;” “God Bless This Mess,” which she co-wrote with Lori McKenna; and “If I Were You” featuring Keith Urban.

Brooks & Dunn To Head Back To Arenas On ‘Reboot 2022 Tour’

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Brooks & Dunn are heading back to arenas for the first time in over a decade on their new “Reboot 2022 Tour.”

Kicking off on May 5 in Evansville, Indiana, the nationwide trek will feature the duo hitting some cities and venues for the first time in over 20 years. The country icons will visit Tulsa, Jacksonville, San Antonio, Savannah, and more, with a Nashville date set for June 18 at Bridgestone Arena.

A stacked lineup of openers will accompany the duo, including Gabby Barrett, Jordan Davis, Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Jon Pardi and more. Tickets go on sale March 4 at brooks-dunn.com and livenation.com.

“Last year we fired up the buses and ‘let it roll’ again,” shares Kix Brooks. “Thanks for reminding us how you guys can shake every stage we walk on to…damn, it feels good to be back with ya! Bring it! We’ll meet you there!”

“It is our full intent to step onto the stage each night and throw down like the wildest honky tonk you’ve never been to…yet,” add Ronnie Dunn. “Don’t be concerned about the mess left afterwards, y’all just enjoy yourselves and we’ll worry about that later.”

Brooks & Dunn’s collaboration project, Reboot, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, marking the first time the duo has topped the album charts since 2009. The pair simultaneously earned their 10th Billboard 200 Top 10 album, the most of any country duo or group in the chart’s history.

Last year, Brooks & Dunn undertook their first nationwide tour in ten years with their “The Reboot 2021 Tour,” as well as wrapped their longest-running country residency in Las Vegas, “Reba, Brooks & Dunn: Together in Vegas.”

“Reboot 2022 Tour” Dates:
5/5/22 Evansville, IN – w/ Jon Pardi, Tyler Booth @ Ford Center
5/6/22 Grand Rapids, MI – w/ Jon Pardi, Tyler Booth @ Van Andel Arena
5/12/22 Brandon, MS – w/ Walker Hayes, Morgan Wade @ Brandon Amphitheater
5/13/22 Huntsville, AL – w/ Walker Hayes, Morgan Wade@ Propst Arena at the Von Braun Center
5/14/22 Knoxville, TN – w/ Walker Hayes, Morgan Wade @ Thompson Boling Arena
5/20/22 Wichita, KS – w/ Jordan Davis, Jackson Dean @ INTRUST Bank Arena
5/21/22 Tulsa, OK – w/ Riley Green, Jackson Dean @ BOK Center
5/22/22 Springfield, MO – w/ Jordan Davis, Jackson Dean @ JQH Arena
6/3/22 Estero, FL – w/ Gabby Barrett, King Calaway @ Hertz Arena
6/4/22 Jacksonville, FL – w/ Gabby Barrett, King Calaway @ VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
6/9/22 Lafayette, LA – w/ Jordan Davis, Dillon Carmichael @ CAJUNDOME
6/10/22 Bossier City, LA – w/ Jordan Davis, Dillon Carmichael @ Brookshire Grocery Arena
6/11/22 San Antonio, TX – w/ Jordan Davis, Dillon Carmichael @ AT&T Center
6/16/22 Savannah, GA – w/ Jordan Davis, Tyler Braden @ Enmarket Arena
6/17/22 Greenville, SC – w/ Jordan Davis, Tyler Braden @ Bon Secours Wellness Arena
6/18/22 Nashville, TN – w/ TBD, Tyler Braden @ Bridgestone Arena*
6/23/22 Charleston, WV – w/ TBD, Tenille Townes @ Charleston Coliseum
6/24/22 Toledo, OH – w/ TBD, Tenille Townes @ Huntington Center
6/25/22 Detroit, MI – w/ TBD, Tenille Townes @ Pine Knob Music Theatre – WYCD Hoedown
*On Sale date is March 18

Zach Bryan’s New Album ‘American Heartbreak’ Slated For May

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Zach Bryan

Rising country artist Zach Bryan is releasing his new Warner Records album, American Heartbreak, on May 20. Fans are getting an early taste of the project with the release of the album’s debut single, “From Austin.”

A deeply personal track, “From Austin” blends stories of heartbreak with cathartic admissions. The new single and album follows the Oklahoma native’s 2021 EP, Studio A Recordings (Live), which Bryan collaborated on with producer Dave Cobb. Together, they re-recorded and recharged fan favorites “Condemned” and “Hell or Highwater” at Nashville’s legendary Studio A.

With his days as an active-duty member of the Navy behind him, Bryan’s musical career is in full swing. His 2019 debut album, DeAnn, which was dedicated to his late mother, and his 2020 follow-up, Elisabeth, an ode to those he loves, both resonated with fans.

Bryan recently sold out the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in under an hour, and his breakthrough hit “Heading South” has already racked up over 15 million global streams to date.

Winners Revealed For 2022 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards

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The winners of the 2022 CRS/Country Aircheck Awards were announced on Friday night (Feb. 25) at the annual New Faces of Country Music dinner.

Capitol Records was named Platinum Label of the Year, and Triple Tigers was named Gold Label of the Year. Big Machine Label Group’s Label Streaming Specialist Dave Kelly and Regional Promoter Brooke Diaz were recognized. Elsewhere, Triple Tigers’ Director of National Promotion Raffaella Braun was honored.

Read the full list of 2022 CRS/Country Aircheck Award Winners below:

Station:
WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
WSM-FM/Nashville (Medium Market)
KUZZ/Bakersfield (Small Market)

Platinum Label: Capitol

Gold Label: Triple Tigers

Operations Manager/Programming Director:
Marci Braun, WUSN/Chicago (Large Market)
Gator Harrison, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Justin Cole, WUSY/Chattanooga (Small Market)

Assistant Program Director/Music Director:
Angie Ward, WUBL/Atlanta (Large Market)
Ryan McKiddy, WSIX/Nashville (Medium Market)
Brook Stephens, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN (Small Market)

SVP/VP Promotion: Lauren Thomas, Sony

Label Streaming Specialist: Dave Kelly, BMLG

Dir./Nat’l. Promotion: Raffaella Braun, Triple Tigers

Market Manager/GM: Nate Deaton, KRTY/San Jose

Personality/Show:
Lois Lewis, Double L, KNIX/Phoenix (Large Market)
Tim Leary & Chelsea Taylor, Tim & Chelsea In The Morning, WIRK/West Palm (Medium Market)
Kelly Jordan & Matt Wood, Kelly & Wood, KZPK/St. Cloud, MN (Small Market)

National Daily Personality/Show: Angie Ward, iHeartMedia

National Weekly Personality/Show: Bryan “B Dub” Washington, B-Dub Radio, Skyview

National Programmer/Curator: Rod Phillips, iHeartCountry

Regional Promotion: Brooke Diaz, Big Machine

Independent Promotion: Jody Van-Alin, JVA Promotion

New Face of Country Music: Alek Halverson, KAJA/San Antonio

Luke Combs, Elle King, More Take Over CMHOF For ‘In Harmony: Music & Mission’

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Pictured (L-R): Steve Hodges and Randy Goodman, Sony Music Nashville; Simon Tikhman, The CORE Entertainment; Lisa Purcell, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum; Chief Zaruk, The CORE Entertainment; Luke Combs; Chris Kappy, Make Wake Artists; Nate Smith; Jen Way, Sony Music Nashville; Annie McNamara, Words & Music Student; Ken Robold, Sony Music Nashville; Elle King; Megan Boardman, Red Light Management; Sophia Sansone, Make Wake Artists; Shane Allen, Columbia Nashville. Photo: Alan Poizner

Sony Music Nashville and the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum came together Thursday night (Feb. 24) to present “In Harmony: Music and Mission” to an invite-only crowd.

The night celebrated a range of the label’s artists, including CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs, genre-bending songstress Elle King, and country newcomer Nate Smith. The museum also showcased a performance from Annie McNamara, a budding young songwriter from its award-winning flagship education program Words & Music.

Lisa Purcell, SVP, External Affairs for the Hall of Fame welcomed the crowd, saying: “It’s been quite a two-year spread since our last CRS gathering for all of us. [Through it all], country music, country radio, and DSPs have been our constant companion, sharing the joy, beauty, comfort, and perspective of this music that we love and honor in this house. Thanks for all you do.”

McNamara opened up the showcase, performing an original song entitled “Fatherless Daughter.” Based on a true story of a friend whose father was tragically lost in an accident, the 14 year-old singer-songwriter displayed some of the skills she’s been able to hone through the museum’s songwriting program.

“The museum has had the pleasure of helping Annie on her musical journey since she signed up for our summer songwriting camp three years ago. Annie’s love for country music led her from her home in Wilmington, North Carolina, to our camp in 2019,” explained Museum Sr. Director of Education and Community Engagement, Ali Tonn. “Over the past 40 years, Words & Music has helped over 150,000 students share their stories through song. Encouraging young writers like Annie through the country music songbook leads us to more country music listeners and maybe to the next generation of hit writers and top-selling recording artists.”

Chairman and CEO of Sony Music Nashville, Randy Goodman, was on hand to introduce the label’s first artist of the night, Nate Smith, who first gained attention on TikTok for his song “I Don’t Wanna Go To Heaven.” Goodman teased that the track would soon be making its way to radio.

Pictured (L-R): Nate Smith, Luke Combs, Annie McNamara, Elle King. Photo: Alan Poizner

Smith took the stage, immediately jumping in to his unreleased track “You Shouldn’t Have To.” Delivering a handful of masterfully written originals, including the previously released “Sleeve,” “Under My Skin,” and “Raised Up,” Smith couldn’t contain his excitement about getting to open the room.

“It’s an honor to be here. [I just want to give] a huge thanks to Randy and the Sony team. It’s a great thing to be here,” Smith gushed. “I moved to Nashville for the second time in July of 2020 during the pandemic. Sometimes I miss home a lot. I miss my mom and dad, and when life gets busy I have to remind myself of the things that I was raised up on. Sometimes it’s the words they said, sometimes it’s church, so this song is called ‘Raised Up.'”

Later, Smith closed his set with his upcoming single to country radio.

Columbia Nashville’s SVP, Promotion, Shane Allen came on to set the stage for King who has already achieved quite an impressive list of accolades, including No. 1s in four different formats, over 1.7 billion worldwide streams, CMA and ACM wins, and a Grammy nomination for her top ten song “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” featuring Miranda Lambert.

“What’s interesting about my career, and I don’t know if you guys know much about me because I still don’t know much about me, but I will say that I’ve been given an incredible opportunity that no one in my life or my career has ever tried to put me in a box. I’d like to see them try and make me fit, it would be very difficult,” King quipped with the audience. “I’m very excited for the new music and that you guys are giving me the chance to play these.”

King went on to deliver two originals that are expected on her upcoming country record—”Out Yonder” and “Worth A Shot”—as well her own version of Charlie Daniels‘ “Long Haired Country Boy.” She also showcased her 2014 breakout hit “Ex’s & Oh’s” as well as “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home).”

Combs, the winner of MusicRow‘s 2022 CountryBreakout Male Artist of the Year award, took the stage, giving the audience hit after hit from his decorated discography. Telling the stories behind many of his No. 1 songs, the multi-Platinum songwriter had the crowd singing along to “When It Rains It Pours,” “She Got The Best Of Me,” “Beautiful Crazy,” “Lovin’ On You,” “Hurricane,” and “Forever After All.”

“I appreciate you guys playing this next one. I know it’s slow, but people seem to like it. This is one of my favorite songs, personally, that I’ve ever written,” Combs shared. “I wrote it with Rob and a guy named Drew Parker in the garage at my house. To be candid, we didn’t really have shit to write about and it had been over a year since we had played a show. We ended up just hanging out and talking for a while about all kinds of stuff.” He continued, “We started talking about the things we do in this job, like interviews, and a question I always get asked is what I would be doing if I wasn’t doing this. The light bulb went off in all of our collective heads at that time, or at least it did for me.

“Thank you all so much for playing this song. I know it’s not the up-tempo thing that we all would love to have, but people seem to love it. I hope you guys like it,” he summed before breaking out into his current single, “Doin’ This.”

Combs closed the night with his rock-infused “Beer Never Broke My Heart” with the audience singing along to every word.