Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Chris Stapleton, More To Perform On 2022 ACM Awards

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The first round of performers for the upcoming 57th Academy of Country Music Awards has been announced.

Slated to perform are Kelsea Ballerini, Walker Hayes, Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Parmalee and Blanco Brown featuring Brooke Eden, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and Breland. Additional details on the show’s more than 20 performances will be announced in the coming weeks.

As previously announced, the two-hour show will be hosted by Dolly Parton and co-hosted by reigning ACM New Male Artist of the Year Jimmie Allen and reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Gabby Barrett.

The show, airing live from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on March 7, will livestream exclusively on Amazon Prime without commercial interruption. The broadcast will begin at 7 p.m. CT.

Making their ACM Awards performance debuts, Parmalee and Blanco Brown will be joined by Brooke Eden for a version of their Platinum-certified No. 1 “Just the Way.” McBryde and Pearce will also take the stage for a performance of their Music Event and Video of the Year-nominated hit “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” Breland will perform his new song “Praise The Lord.”

Performance details for Ballerini, Hayes, Morris, Rhett, and Stapleton will be announced in the coming weeks.

Morris Higham Management Promotes Five Across Marketing Department

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Pictured (L-R, top row): James Deaton, Emily Galloway, Lily Smith; (L-R, bottom row): Dustin Stout, Matt Zahn. Photos: Anna Clary

Morris Higham Management has promoted five staff members across the marketing department.

Staffers Dustin Stout, Emily Galloway, Matt Zahn, Lily Smith and James Deaton each earn elevated titles as they continue to serve the company’s full roster, which includes Kenny Chesney, Brantley Gilbert, Barbara Mandrell, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce, Michael Ray and more.

“The greatest strength of our company is the team working tirelessly for our roster behind the scenes,” notes Morris Higham President, Clint Higham. “I’m so proud of our marketing team and the value they bring to each artist on a daily basis.”

Stout rises from Director of Digital & Tour Marketing to VP of Marketing. He can be reached at dustin@morrishigham.com.

Galloway rises from Marketing Coordinator to Director of Interactive Marketing. She can be reached at emily@morrishigham.com.

Zahn, who formerly served as Director of Marketing for Morris Light and Sound, rises to Director of Digital Marketing at Morris Higham Management. He can be reached at matt@morrishigham.com.

Smith rises from Office Manager to Marketing Manager. She can be reached at lily@morrishigham.com.

Deaton rises from intern to Marketing Coordinator following his recent graduation from Belmont University. He can be reached at james@morrishigham.com.

“We have one of the strongest marketing teams in the business,” adds General Manager, Kyle Quigley. “Their vision and strategy, alongside their ability to adapt to an ever-changing marketplace, positions our roster for continued success.”

Reba Set To Release Collection Of Hymns, ‘My Chains Are Gone’

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Reba McEntire is set to release a special new CD and DVD set, My Chains Are Gone: Hymns and Gospel Favorites, featuring the superstar performing some of the most beloved hymns of all time.

Due out March 25, the 12-track CD includes standards like “Amazing Grace/My Chains Are Gone,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “Because He Lives,” and more, and includes special guest appearances by Lauren Daigle, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and The Isaacs.

Hosted by Gospel music legend Bill Gaither, the companion DVD offers fans a long-requested recording of McEntire’s 2017 first-ever solo headlining show at the Ryman in Nashville, now being released with Gaither Music Group. Featuring Yearwood, Clarkson and The Isaacs, the special combines footage from that historic show along with newly-captured 2021 performances recorded at Clementine in Nashville. Fans will also be able to watch a special broadcast premiere of the performance on UPtv on March 25 at 8 p.m. ET, with an encore on April 4 at 2 a.m. ET. 

Fans can also tune in for a special talkshoplive with McEntire on March 1 at 5 p.m. CT, where she’ll share stories behind the album as well as a special sneak peek at one of the performances from the DVD.

McEntire is currently out on the road as part of her “Reba: Live In Concert Tour” which features newcomers across various dates including Caylee Hammack, Brandy Clark, Hannah Dasher, Reyna Roberts, Caitlyn Smith, Brittney Spencer and Tenille Townes.

My Chains Are Gone: Hymns and Gospel Favorites Track List: 
1. Jesus Loves Me
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
4. Amazing Grace / My Chains Are Gone
5. I’ll Fly Away
6. Because He Lives
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Featuring The Isaacs)
8. How Great Thou Art
9. Softly & Tenderly (Featuring Kelly Clarkson & Trisha Yearwood)
10. I’d Rather Have Jesus
11. The Lord’s Prayer
12. Back To God (Acoustic Version) (Featuring Lauren Daigle)

Jordan Reynolds, Nick Burnett Launch Hit Ranch

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Pictured (L-R): Jordan Reynolds and Nick Burnett

Grammy-winning songwriter Jordan Reynolds has launched Hit Ranch, a brokerage firm founded to help songwriters sell their catalogs. Alongside business partner and co-founder Nick Burnett, the pair aim to provide a simple, lower fee option to songwriters interested in selling.

The company’s first sale was Reynolds’ own catalog, which includes massive hits such as Dan + Shay‘s “Tequila,” “10,000 Hours,” and “Speechless,” to Warner Chappell.

“I was interested in possibly selling my catalog but realized I really didn’t know where to start. There’s still a lot of ambiguity around the process,” Reynolds shares. “In talking to my songwriter friends, I realized many of them felt the same way. I wanted to figure out a way to change that and offer a simple solution to anyone considering selling their catalog.”

“Jordan understands the songwriting community better than just about anybody and brings such important perspective to the world of catalog sales. I’m excited to work with him on Hit Ranch to offer a transparent and low-fee option to songwriters,” adds Burnett, a Vanderbilt MBA with a background in management, operations and strategy. “We’ve found the community of publishers and song funds to be exceptional and fair people who genuinely care about the songs they are purchasing and the future deals for the songwriters. We are looking forward to continuing to work closely with them on many future deals.”

For more information contact info@TheHitRanch.com.

Jimmie Allen, Brad Paisley Notch The Top Spot With ‘Freedom Was A Highway’

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Multi-Platinum recording artist Jimmie Allen has landed his third career chart-topping single as “Freedom Was A Highway” hits No. 1 on both the Billboard and Mediabase charts. The track, which features country music icon Brad Paisley, also marks Paisley’s 25th trip to the top.

Co-written by Allen, Ash Bowers & Matt Rogers, the song features a signature Paisley guitar solo. The duo’s vocals pair to reminisce about the nostalgia and simplicity of carefree, youthful days.

Allen has had two other trips to the top of the charts with “Make Me Want To” in March 2020 and “Best Shot” in November 2018, both of which were from his debut album Mercury Lane.

This newest milestone adds to a growing list of Allen’s achievements over the last year, including a Best New Artist nomination at the 64th Annual Grammy awards, an Outstanding New Artist nomination at the 53rd NAACP Image Awards, and a nod for Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming 57th ACM Awards–where he will co-host alongside Dolly Parton & Gabby Barrett. He has also celebrated inclusion in The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s upcoming American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, and a sold-out start to his “Down Home Tour.”

John Berry Finds His Joy On New Faith-Inspired Project

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John Berry. Photo: Wyatt Culler

John Berry has recorded a new album of Gospel classics that have inspired him throughout his life. Find My Joy is due out on March 25 via Gaither Music Group’s Gaither Gospel Series.

His rendition of the classic “I Surrender All” is available now, and a second track, “How Great Thou Art,” will be released March 4.

Berry delivers timeless standards, such as “How Great Thou Art,” “Great Is Thy Faithfulness,” and “I Surrender All,” as well as several new songs on the project. His performance of “Something Bigger Than Me” includes the 60-piece Utah Symphony Orchestra, arranged by Larry Herbstritt and conducted by producer Steve Dorff, with piano from award-winning studio musician and artist Gordon Mote.

The project’s title track was written in September 2020 by Dorff and Jack Cassidy. When Dorff played the song for Berry, he immediately connected with the message. He had been through a hard season physically, emotionally and mentally–battling throat cancer and navigating the touring impacts of the pandemic. Hearing and recording the song was part of his journey to find joy again. 

“I love the opportunity I have had to create new music, and it is awesome to look back here at the beginning of a new year and see that for 10, 20, 25 years I have had new music to share. Amazing!” shares Berry.

“Gaither Music Group is honored to partner with John and his team for this special recording,” says Paul Sizelove, president of Gaither Music Group. “John has impacted countless people with his songwriting, performances and radio hits. He has developed a brand of faith and family that brings uplifting entertainment as well as encouragement to listeners, and we are excited to introduce his renditions of these timeless songs on the Gaither platforms.”

Find My Joy Track List:
1. Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
2. I Surrender All – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
3. Find My Joy – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy
4. Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
5. It Is Well With My Soul – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
6. Something Bigger Than Me – Steve Dorff / Marty Panzer
7. How Great Thou Art – Stuart K. Hine
8. Blessings – Laura Story
9. Blessed Assurance – Traditional arrangement by Steve Dorff / John Berry
10. Live Like You – Steve Dorff / Jack Cassidy

Steve Markland Joins Utopia Music As VP For Nashville Office

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Steve Markland

Music publishing veteran Steve Markland has joined Utopia Music, a Swiss Music fintech company. As Vice President for the company’s Nashville presence, Markland will help Utopia Music expand into the United States.

Markland has nearly three decades of experience working with songwriters, most recently in his role as Executive Vice President, Creative in the Nashville office of Downtown Music Publishing. Prior to joining Downtown, Markland served as VP of A&R at Warner Chappell Music. From 1996 to 2006, he was Vice President, Creative Affairs at Windswept Music Publishing. Markland began his publishing career learning from veteran Pat Higdon at Patrick Joseph Music

In his new role, Markland will be responsible for setting up and rolling out Utopia’s activities in Nashville. He will report directly to Utopia Music COO, Roberto Neri, who leads the company’s operations and is responsible for expanding its international office footprint.

“I’m delighted to join Utopia on its mission towards ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ and ultimately create new income streams for creators,” shares Markland. “Utopia’s vision is to focus on all sides of the music industry in a way that will immensely benefit writers and artists. As the number one growth partner worldwide, Utopia will leave a lasting positive impact on the wider music ecosystem.”

Working alongside Markland is Natalie Osborne, who is also joining the Utopia Music team. Osborne was fundamental in helping sign and develop artists at Downtown Nashville such as Yola Carter, Madi Diaz, Fancy Hagood, Sarah Buxton, Lucie Silvas, the Brummies and more. She also was a key part of developing the successful international writer travel program, Writer’s Across Borders.

“We are so pleased to welcome Steve and Natalie to Utopia Music,” adds Neri. “I have known Steve for many years and throughout his career he has worked passionately for Nashville’s songwriter and artist community, championing local talent and growing the city’s global profile as a music destination. Steve’s commitment to creators chimes perfectly with Utopia’s mission to deliver ‘Fair Pay for Every Play’ on a global scale and we are so excited to start this journey with him.”

Kacey Musgraves Brings Her Awe-Inspiring Artistry To Bridgestone Arena

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Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment

When Kacey Musgraves brought her “Star-Crossed: Unveiled Tour” to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (Feb. 11), a wide-ranging demographic of fans came out to see the Texas native’s highly anticipated show.

After releasing her 2018 album Golden Hour to worldwide commercial and critical acclaim, Musgraves has found her music and her fame expanding far past any genre lines. With messages of acceptance in her lyrics that have been present since the beginning, and a sound that incorporates elements of country and pop, Musgraves reaches a wide-base of listeners.

Musgraves put it best during the show when she thanked the fans for allowing her to make music that isn’t bound by genre lines. “Thanks to the day-ones for embracing all these chapters: the ones that sound country and the ones that don’t sound country. They all come from me,” she said.

Kacey Musgraves performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Courtesy Sandbox Entertainment

In keeping with the tragic aesthetic of Star-Crossed, Musgraves entertained from a heart-shaped stage with royal red curtains, white columns, and a golden arch behind her. Concert-goers donned their light up cowboy hats, feathers and rhinestones, and red Star-Crossed inspired attire.

She opened the show with a goosebump-inducing rendition of her cinematic title track “Star-Crossed.” To deafening screams, Musgraves emerged from behind the curtains wearing a red, leather ensemble. A flaming heart outlined a smoldering Musgraves as she set the scene for the rest of the evening.

After getting things started with “Star-Crossed,” a crew member with white angel wings brought the singer her guitar. She went into “Good Wife,” changing the last lyric from “I just wanna be a good wife” to “I know I was a good wife.”

Kacey Musgraves performs. Photo: Lydia Farthing

Confetti in “every shade of pink” fell from the rafters during “Cherry Blossom.” Later in the night, Musgraves would break out her leaf blower to blow off some confetti that landed on the stage. “This isn’t part of the show,” she joked.

As expected, the visuals for the “Star-Crossed” tour were striking. A pair of converse hung on a telephone wire for “Simple Times,” and multi-colored laser beams shot across the arena during “There Is A Light.”

She dedicated a portion of her set to the beloved Golden Hour, playing “Golden Hour,” “Butterflies,” “Lonely Weekend,” “Space Cowboy,” and “High Horse.” While the audience was thrilled to hear songs from Musgraves famed project, her performance had a melancholy feel.

Before launching into another Star-Crossed favorite, the Grammy-nominated “Camera Roll,” Musgraves stopped to address her home-town crowd. She basked in the screaming of her adoring fans before saying, “I moved here at the end of 2008, I was 19. Holy shit, now you’re selling out Bridgestone with me! It’s pretty nuts.

“My general practitioner is here,” Musgraves quipped. “My therapist is in the house!”

At one point in the night Musgraves broke out the karaoke mic. One lucky show-goer got to pick the song she sang. She chose wisely, picking Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5.”

Another special moment came when Musgraves performed her very first single “Merry Go ‘Round” with just her and a guitar.

When it came time for Musgraves to end the show, she went out the way she came in: with drama. The singer sang a perfect rendition of “Gracias A La Vida,” not missing a beat with her Spanish. With a dozen roses in her hand, Musgraves serenaded us goodnight with a haunting vocoder occasionally distorting her vocal. She slowly walked up some stairs before falling backwards, arms crossed, off the stage as the curtain closed.

After a booming crowd demanded her return, Musgraves re-emerged for an encore of “Slow Burn” and “Rainbow,” before bidding the Nashville crowd adieu.

Shane McAnally Enters Top 3 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

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Shane McAnally rises to No. 3 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. He is a co-writer on “23” (Sam Hunt), “Half Of My Hometown” (Kelsea Ballerini feat. Kenny Chesney), “AA” (Walker Hayes) and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (Carly Pearce & Ashley McBryde).

Ashley Gorley remains in the top spot again this week, with nine songs currently on the charts. Gorley is a co-writer on “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Didn’t” (Brett Young), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bently, Hardy & Breland), “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy), “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), and “Take My Name” (Parmalee).

Michael Hardy remains at No. 2 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

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.

Publisher, Producer & Songwriter Blake Mevis Passes Away At 73

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Producer and songwriter Blake Mevis passed away on Feb. 9 at the age of 73 following complications from COVID.

A native of Plymouth, Indiana, Mevis moved to Nashville in 1971 before landing a job with Loretta Lynn’s Coal Miner’s Music. He later worked for ABC and MCA Records and served as President of Pride Music Group, Charley Pride’s publishing company, during the 1980s.

Co-writers Blake Mevis (left) and Byron Hill (right) celebrate the 30th anniversary of George Strait’s “Fool Hearted Memory.” Photo: Courtesy of ASCAP

Mevis, who produced hit albums for George Strait and Keith Whitley, co-wrote Strait’s first No. 1 hit, “Fool Hearted Memory.” At one point in 1983, Mevis had four records in the Billboard country Top 20 that he had either written or produced. He was also responsible for pairing Strait with songwriter Dean Dillon who penned “Unwound,” which became Strait’s breakthrough hit.

Mevis’ other chart-topping songs include Pride’s 1983 “Night Games” and Joe Nichols’ “Brokenheartsville” in 2003. Mevis also had tracks recorded by the likes of Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, England Dan, John Ford Coley, Dave and Sugar, Charlie Rich, and Don Williams. He produced records for Pride, Vern Gosdin, The Kendalls, Clay Walker, and Moe Bandy and Joe Stampley.

Memorial arrangements have not yet been announced.