Runaway June’s Natalie Stovall Honored For Hosting 50th Opry Live
Pictured (L-R): Natalie Stovall and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Chris Hollo
This past Saturday (Jan. 22), Circle Network aired a special episode of Opry Live where two-time CMA award winner and Opry member Kelsea Ballerini surprised country artist Natalie Stovall with a milestone print honoring her 50th time hosting the livestream.
A vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Stovall has been performing professionally since she was ten. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 12 and has performed everywhere from the White House to The Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition to a solo career where she was named as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Stovall is also a member of the country band Runaway June.
“When we began the Opry livestream during the pandemic in 2020, we had no idea how important Natalie would be to it and in keeping the Opry tradition of live Saturday nights going, doing so with a vibrancy that has endeared her to Circle fans,” says Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network’s General Manager.
Recording Academy And GLAAD Form New Partnership For LGBTQ+ Inclusion In Music
The Recording Academy has donated $150,000 to GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization. This donation will go towards supporting its work to diversify the music industry and champion musicians in the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, the pair announced a partnership for 2022 to further promote inclusion in this space through various initiatives, including: editorial content spotlighting LGBTQ+ music artists on Grammy.com and GLAAD.org, as well as each organization’s social media channels; support from the Recording Academy for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 2, 2022 and New York City on May 6; LGBTQ+-focused DEI training sessions hosted by the GLAAD Media Institute for Recording Academy elected leaders and staff to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and issues; and participation from key GLAAD executives in the Recording Academy’s DEI speakers series throughout the upcoming year.
“We’re thrilled to double-down on our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in partnership with GLAAD to inspire a culture of belonging and respect within the music industry,” says Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt. “This partnership embodies our joint commitment to accelerate progress for LGBTQ+ voices and ensure that the music community is representative of the many diverse artists who contribute to and call this industry home.”
“The music industry is one of the most powerful avenues for bringing cultural conversations around diversity and inclusion to the forefront,” adds GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Our new partnership with the Recording Academy will shape the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in music and uplift underrepresented voices within the industry who have been overlooked for far too long.”
YellowHeart Teams Up With Daniel Donato For Cosmic Country Club NFT Collection
YellowHeart, the NFT marketplace for music, ticketing and community tokens, has teamed up with Nashville’s indie music artist Daniel Donato to create the Cosmic Country Club NFT Collection. Donato is the first of many upcoming partnerships with emerging indie artists as YellowHeart expands their music family in 2022.
The collection features a limited edition of 66 Members Only digital tour laminates, which includes a hand numbered and hand signed Cosmic Country Club laminate by Donato, a pair of tickets to any show of choice in 2022 with access to sound check, and first priority access to all other NFT releases such as music releases, digital hangout sessions, and more.
“Daniel Donato is one of my favorite artists coming out of the bustling Nashville music scene,” says Josh Katz, CEO and Founder of YellowHeart. “He is a phenomenal guitar player, singer and songwriter and we are thrilled to be welcoming him into the YellowHeart family and to offer music fans new ways to enjoy Daniel’s unique musical sound and style.”
Founded in 2017 by music blockchain innovator Josh Katz, YellowHeart has worked with artists such as Kings of Leon, Maroon 5, XXXTentacion, Brandi Carlile, The Disco Biscuits, ZHU, Burnley F.C., and more.
Dustin Collins Taps Buddy Cannon, Bill McDermott For Upcoming Album
Pictured (L-R): Buddy Cannon, Dustin Collins, Bill McDermott. Photo: Derrek Kupish,
Singer-songwriter Dustin Collins has enlisted industry veterans Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire) and Bill McDermott (Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley) to produce his upcoming album, Working Man. The 11-track project is slated for release this summer from DCDL Entertainment.
“Working with Buddy Cannon and my longtime producer, Bill McDermott, is a dream come true. For a kid from Kentucky who grew up playing a lot of the songs that Buddy has written or produced, this was truly a humbling and life making experience. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to have gotten to make a record with such wonderfully talented people,” shares Collins.
A portion of proceeds from the project will benefit GUMI (Glad You Made It) Camp USA, which provides U.S. veterans with the tools they need to help them heal after deployment overseas and enable them to re-enter society.
Working Man follows Collins’ latest album, It’s Been Awhile, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers South Central Albums chart. His independent single, “Cold Dead Hands,” ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard Singles Sales chart. The Kentucky native also earned a slot on Aaron Watson’s “Vaquero Tour” and has opened for Tanya Tucker, Clay Walker, Chris Janson, Granger Smith, Kane Brown and more.
Dolly Parton & Duncan Hines Team Up On New Line Of Southern-Style Desserts
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton
Some of Dolly Parton‘s favorite family recipes are now available in a new line of Southern-inspired desserts thanks to a new partnership between Dolly and Duncan Hines.
Dolly-inspired products in the new line include cake mixes and frostings such as Coconut Cake and Banana Puddin’ Cake, and beginning in March they can be found in the baking section of grocery stores and mass retailers across the country.
“I have always loved to cook and, growing up in the South, I especially love that authentic Mom and Pop kind of cooking,” shares Parton. “I am excited to launch my own line of cake mixes and frostings with Duncan Hines, bringing that sweet, Southern-style baking experience I enjoy to others.”
To introduce the partnership, Duncan Hines is offering the limited-edition Dolly Parton’s Baking Collection, while supplies last. The collection gives Dolly fans the chance to be the first to try her new line of cake mixes and frostings before they hit shelves this spring.
“Duncan Hines is beyond thrilled to partner with Dolly Parton, one of the most revered and beloved women in the world, on a new line of products that are steeped in Southern comfort and inspired by Dolly’s family recipes,” says Audrey Ingersoll, Duncan Hines brand director. “We are excited to see this partnership–facilitated by Dolly’s licensing agency, IMG–evolve for years to come.”
Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, More To Perform At 2022 iHeartCountry Festival
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Maren Morris, Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood
The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One will make its triumphant return this year on Saturday, May 7 at Austin’s new Moody Center.
Now in its ninth year, the 2022 lineup will feature Thomas Rhett, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch, Jimmie Allen, Scotty McCreery, Cody Johnson, and more. The festival will once again be hosted by on-air personality Bobby Bones.
“Country music fans across the country look forward to the iHeartCountry Festival each and every year,” says Rod Phillips, Executive Vice President of Programming for iHeartCountry. “We are thrilled to have such an incredible lineup perform at this year’s show and are especially excited to bring our nationally recognized event to the new Moody Center in Austin for the first-time.”
Capital One Cardholders have access to special pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 10 a.m. CT through Thursday, Feb. 3. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, Feb. 4 at 12 p.m. CT.
iHeartMedia’s more than 150 country stations across the U.S. will also broadcast the event live in their local markets and online on Saturday, May 7 at 7 p.m. CT.
The iHeartCountry Festival Presented by Capital One is a part of iHeartMedia’s roster of events, including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, iHeartRadio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Fiesta Latina, iHeartRadio ALTer Ego Presented by Capital One, iHeartRadio Wango Tango and iHeartRadio Podcast Awards.
John Berry Inks Distribution Deal With Gaither Music Group For New Album, ‘Find My Joy’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Gaither Music Group President Paul Sizelove, John Berry, and Leadership Artists President Brian Smith. Photo: Moments By Moser Photography
Grammy award-winning country artist John Berry has signed an exclusive distribution deal with Gaither Music Group for his upcoming 10-song, faith-based project, Find My Joy.
“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.”
Along with Gaither Music Group, Berry’s extended team also includes Leadership Artists for management, B! Noticed Public Relations and The Press House for publicity, and Atomic Music Group for booking.
Berry is currently booking his upcoming 2022 tour in support of the new album, which will kick off Feb. 11 in Greensboro, Georgia and visit Milwaukee, Panama City, and more through June with additional dates soon to be added. For a full list of dates, click here.
Former CMA Leader Janice Wendell Dies
/by Robert K OermannJanice Wendell
Nashville entertainment executive Janice Wendell, a 15-year member of the Country Music Association board, has died at age 79.
Wendell worked in television, in advertising and in marketing. She became a prominent community volunteer and philanthropist. In 2011, she was honored with a SOURCE award as an exceptional female music-business contributor.
She was born Janice Walker in East Tennessee in 1942 and spent her childhood in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Her family moved to Nashville in 1957. After graduating as class president from Donelson High, she attended Nashville Business College.
She began her professional career in 1964 with Showbiz, marketing syndicated television series such as The Porter Wagoner Show, Gospel Jubilee and The Beat!!! In 1969, she co-founded the advertising agency Creative House, Inc. This became Eric Ericson & Associates.
Pictured (L-R): Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Kyle Young, Bud Wendell, the late Janice Wendell, the late Frances Preston, and UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson at the 2011 SOURCE Awards. Photo: Alan Mayor
She married Ericson, and they built the firm into the largest privately held advertising and marketing firm in the Southeast. Clients included Third National Bank (later SunTrust), Martha White Foods, Kentucky Fried Chicken, the State of Tennessee and National Life & Accident Insurance Company with its Opryland USA theme park.
Ericson created the Opry jingle “Come Hear American Singing” and helped to popularize “Music City USA” as Nashville’s brand name. The firm was the training ground for dozens of Nashville advertising and marketing professionals.
The couple divorced, and she phased out her involvement with the agency in the early 1980s. Through her work with National Life, she met its executive E.W. “Bud” Wendell, whom she married in 1984. After Ericson’s death in 1987, she returned as chair and CEO of their agency. She sold it and retired from her advertising career in 1992.
Throughout their marriage, the Wendells took part in many charitable, civic and philanthropic interests. Janice Wendell joined the Country Music Association board in 1982 and remained there until 1996. She also served on the boards of The Nashville Symphony, the Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation, The Tennessee Performing Arts Center, The Nashville Tourism Commission, Cheekwood, The Country Music Foundation and other worthy causes.
She was on the Symphony’s executive committee and chaired the Symphony Ball. She helped raise the funds that enabled the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to move from Music Row to downtown Nashville.
Janice Wendell received awards from United Way, Savvy magazine, the Nashville Advertising Federation and Advantage magazine, as well as SOURCE.
She passed away peacefully on Jan. 13, surrounded by family and friends. Janice Wendell is survived by her husband, E.W. “Bud” Wendell and children Eric Ericson Jr., Lindy Reece, Beth Cosgrove, Danny Wendell and Andrew Wendell. She is also survived by three sisters, a brother and 11 grandchildren.
Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, February 2 at 10 A.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, to Alive Hospice or to a charity of your choosing.
In observance of Wendell’s passing, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern commented: “I worked with Janice significantly in the mid to late 90s on TNN’s Evening of Country Greats television specials. Her passion and unwavering dedication to our artists, our industry and our history was displayed through everything she did, including her service on CMA’s Board of Directors. My heart goes out to Bud during this difficult time.”
Hardy, Lainey Wilson, More Among Headliners For Inaugural Hangover Fest 2022
/by Lydia FarthingCountry news and entertainment outlet, The Morning Hangover, has announced the headlining acts for its first digital initiative, Hangover Fest 2022.
Jordan Davis, Hardy, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery and Lainey Wilson will headline the event, taking place at House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on Sunday, March 6 during ACM Awards weekend.
Additionally, the first round of supporting artists includes Tenille Townes and Conner Smith, with additional artists to be announced in the coming weeks.
“After spending the last two years supporting our country music community through this COVID pandemic, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the important work of ACM Lifting Lives than reuniting for a show in Las Vegas with fans, industry, and The Morning Hangover,” says ACM Lifting Lives Executive Director, Lyndsay Cruz.
Tickets for Hangover Fest 2022 go on sale Friday, Jan. 28 at noon CT. Artist pre-sales begin Wednesday, Jan. 26. Proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives.
Jason Aldean Named Country Radio Broadcasters 2022 Artist Humanitarian Award Recipient
/by LB CantrellJason Aldean
Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has named Jason Aldean the 2022 Artist Humanitarian Award recipient. The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board to honor those country music artists who have exhibited exceptional humanitarian efforts during their career.
Of the numerous organizations Aldean has supported over the course of his career, those close to him are Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olsen Children’s Hospital, GA’s Children’s Hospital, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, ACM Lifting Lives, Red Cross, and more.
In his hometown of Macon, Georgia, Aldean has raised over $2 million for Atrium Health Navicent Beverly Knight Olsen Children’s Hospital, GA’s Children’s Hospital. This facility is the region’s only dedicated pediatric hospital, serving Central and South Georgia.
He is also an avid supporter toward the fight against breast cancer, putting the spotlight on Susan G. Komen chapters across the country. For over a decade he has supported the foundation, raising more than $4.1 million through ticket sales and events.
After the tragic shooting that took place at Las Vegas’s Route 91 Festival, where he was headlining, Aldean funded the six-day triumph over tragedy workshop, led by the onsite foundation at their emotional wellness retreat center in Tennessee. It is the first of its kind, specifically designated for those who were at Route 91 Harvest music festival.
“Jason Aldean doesn’t have to brag about his songs or his concert tours. They speak for themselves,” CRS/CRB Board President Kurt Johnson shares. “He also doesn’t call attention to his massive philanthropic work. So we will. Join us at CRS as we shine a light on all the good that Jason does and the good people he supports.”
The multi-Platinum entertainer will be recognized with the Artist Humanitarian Award during CRS Honors on Wednesday, Feb. 23 at 2 p.m. Following his award presentation, Aldean will reveal the Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of 2022 inductees, who will be honored during the annual Country Radio Hall of Fame Ceremony on June 30, 2022, at the Virgin Hotel.
Kathy Mattea, Suzy Bogguss Kick Off Acoustic ‘Together At Last Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughKathy Mattea & Suzy Bogguss
Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss are joining forces for the “Together At Last Tour,” which kicks off Jan. 28 in Decatur, Alabama.
The special shows will feature both artists on stage together for the entire performance, swapping songs, singing harmonies, and playing guitar on each other’s biggest hits. The pair will perform new material during the shows along with plenty of humorous stories from their careers.
“Kathy and I always have a lot of irons in the fire,” says Bogguss, “but we’ve had some time to think about priorities lately and we realized, this was a big one.”
“We know each other’s music so well,” adds Mattea. “It’s been fun to really dig in and learn these songs!”
Mattea’s recently released album, Pretty Bird, was produced by her old friend Tim O’Brien. She also played a role in consulting and contributed to Ken Burns’ 2019 documentary Country Music, and recently replaced founder Larry Groce as the host of the long-running NPR show Mountain Stage.
Bogguss’ shows her folk roots in her frequent appearances on public radio’s A Prairie Home Companion, in the Grammy she earned for her work on Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs of Stephen Foster, and in her album and book project, American Folk Songbook. In addition to her busy touring schedule, Bogguss hosts a weekly livestream, Wine Down Wednesday, that’s currently closing in on 100 episodes.
Besides guesting on each other’s recordings, the two have performed together in the past on the Women of Country showcase and a PBS White House special, as well as the Grammy-nominated collaboration with Alison Krauss and Graham Nash on his classic “Teach Your Children,” from the Red, Hot, and Country compilation.
A second round of dates for the fall of 2022 will be announced in the coming months.
2/5/22 Hopkins, MN – Hopkins Center For The Arts
2/25/22 Frederick, MD – Weinberg Center for the Arts
4/15/22 Franklin, TN – The Franklin Theatre
4/16/22 Franklin, TN – The Franklin Theatre
5/11/22 Menomonie, WI – The Mable Tainter
5/12/22 Stoughton, WI – Stoughton Opera House
5/20/22 Phoenixville, PA – Colonial Theatre
5/21/22 Alexandria, VA – Birchmere Music Hall
6/2/22 Buffalo, NY – Kleinhans Music Hall
6/3/22 Arlington, MA – Regent Theatre
6/4/22 Rahway, NJ – Union County Performing Arts Center
Ben Folds Announces Dates For ‘In Actual Person Live For Real Tour’
/by LB CantrellRenowned musician Ben Folds has added dates to his “In Actual Person Live For Real Tour.”
Folds, who spent much of 2020 and early 2021 in isolation in Australia because of COVID-19 lockdowns, returned to U.S. stages in the fall of 2021 to numerous sold-out performances.
Kicking off April 1 with a symphony concert at Powell Hall in St. Louis, Missouri, Folds will travel throughout the U.S. giving solo piano and orchestral performances. He will visit Nashville’s Shermerhorn Symphony Center on June 30, July 1 and July 2.
Folds is also working on a new album, continues to produce his podcast series Lightning Bugs: Conversations with Ben Folds, and is scheduled to begin taping a new TV series.
For over a decade Folds has performed with some of the world’s greatest symphony orchestras, and in 2017 was named as the first ever Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center. In 2018 the Nashville-based artist was honored with a star on the Music City Walk of Fame.
Tickets for the “In Actual Person Live For Real Tour” are available here.
Jordan Davis Earns Fourth Chart-Topper With ‘Buy Dirt’
/by Lorie HollabaughJordan Davis
Jordan Davis has racked up his fourth No. 1 at radio with his latest hit, “Buy Dirt.”
The Platinum-certified song, featuring Luke Bryan, topped both the Billboard and Mediabase airplay charts this week. The track is an international success as well, continuing its multi-week chart-topping run at country radio in Canada (three weeks) and Australia (two weeks).
Amassing more than 250 million streams worldwide, “Buy Dirt” has been inside the Top 200 country streaming chart all 33 weeks since its release and inside the Top 5 for 15 weeks. The collaboration has also spent 24 consecutive weeks on the all-genre Billboard Top 200 chart. Davis released an alternate version and solo version of the hit last week.
“This is the most special song I have released,” says Davis. “From writing it with my brother and two of my best friends, to having Luke want to be a part of it… it’s going to be hard to top. To me this song is about faith, family, and friends. It’s a reminder to myself to always keep those top priority and in that order. It has been awesome to see so many people connect with that message.”
Davis recently announced the second leg of his headlining “Buy Dirt Tour,” with special guest Tenille Arts. The tour will make a stop at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 27, marking Davis’ first time headlining the historic Nashville venue. Tickets for both the “Buy Dirt Tour” and the Ryman date go on sale Jan. 28.
Industry Ink: Natalie Stovall, Recording Academy, YellowHeart, Dustin Collins
/by Lydia FarthingRunaway June’s Natalie Stovall Honored For Hosting 50th Opry Live
Pictured (L-R): Natalie Stovall and Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Chris Hollo
This past Saturday (Jan. 22), Circle Network aired a special episode of Opry Live where two-time CMA award winner and Opry member Kelsea Ballerini surprised country artist Natalie Stovall with a milestone print honoring her 50th time hosting the livestream.
A vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, Stovall has been performing professionally since she was ten. She made her Grand Ole Opry debut at the age of 12 and has performed everywhere from the White House to The Oprah Winfrey Show. In addition to a solo career where she was named as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Stovall is also a member of the country band Runaway June.
“When we began the Opry livestream during the pandemic in 2020, we had no idea how important Natalie would be to it and in keeping the Opry tradition of live Saturday nights going, doing so with a vibrancy that has endeared her to Circle fans,” says Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network’s General Manager.
Recording Academy And GLAAD Form New Partnership For LGBTQ+ Inclusion In Music
The Recording Academy has donated $150,000 to GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization. This donation will go towards supporting its work to diversify the music industry and champion musicians in the LGBTQ+ community.
Additionally, the pair announced a partnership for 2022 to further promote inclusion in this space through various initiatives, including: editorial content spotlighting LGBTQ+ music artists on Grammy.com and GLAAD.org, as well as each organization’s social media channels; support from the Recording Academy for the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in Los Angeles on April 2, 2022 and New York City on May 6; LGBTQ+-focused DEI training sessions hosted by the GLAAD Media Institute for Recording Academy elected leaders and staff to learn more about LGBTQ+ people and issues; and participation from key GLAAD executives in the Recording Academy’s DEI speakers series throughout the upcoming year.
“We’re thrilled to double-down on our commitment to LGBTQ+ inclusion in partnership with GLAAD to inspire a culture of belonging and respect within the music industry,” says Recording Academy Board of Trustees Chair Tammy Hurt. “This partnership embodies our joint commitment to accelerate progress for LGBTQ+ voices and ensure that the music community is representative of the many diverse artists who contribute to and call this industry home.”
“The music industry is one of the most powerful avenues for bringing cultural conversations around diversity and inclusion to the forefront,” adds GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis. “Our new partnership with the Recording Academy will shape the future of LGBTQ+ inclusion in music and uplift underrepresented voices within the industry who have been overlooked for far too long.”
YellowHeart Teams Up With Daniel Donato For Cosmic Country Club NFT Collection
YellowHeart, the NFT marketplace for music, ticketing and community tokens, has teamed up with Nashville’s indie music artist Daniel Donato to create the Cosmic Country Club NFT Collection. Donato is the first of many upcoming partnerships with emerging indie artists as YellowHeart expands their music family in 2022.
The collection features a limited edition of 66 Members Only digital tour laminates, which includes a hand numbered and hand signed Cosmic Country Club laminate by Donato, a pair of tickets to any show of choice in 2022 with access to sound check, and first priority access to all other NFT releases such as music releases, digital hangout sessions, and more.
“Daniel Donato is one of my favorite artists coming out of the bustling Nashville music scene,” says Josh Katz, CEO and Founder of YellowHeart. “He is a phenomenal guitar player, singer and songwriter and we are thrilled to be welcoming him into the YellowHeart family and to offer music fans new ways to enjoy Daniel’s unique musical sound and style.”
Founded in 2017 by music blockchain innovator Josh Katz, YellowHeart has worked with artists such as Kings of Leon, Maroon 5, XXXTentacion, Brandi Carlile, The Disco Biscuits, ZHU, Burnley F.C., and more.
Dustin Collins Taps Buddy Cannon, Bill McDermott For Upcoming Album
Pictured (L-R): Buddy Cannon, Dustin Collins, Bill McDermott. Photo: Derrek Kupish,
Singer-songwriter Dustin Collins has enlisted industry veterans Buddy Cannon (Kenny Chesney, Willie Nelson, Reba McEntire) and Bill McDermott (Tim McGraw, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley) to produce his upcoming album, Working Man. The 11-track project is slated for release this summer from DCDL Entertainment.
“Working with Buddy Cannon and my longtime producer, Bill McDermott, is a dream come true. For a kid from Kentucky who grew up playing a lot of the songs that Buddy has written or produced, this was truly a humbling and life making experience. I can’t say enough about how grateful I am to have gotten to make a record with such wonderfully talented people,” shares Collins.
A portion of proceeds from the project will benefit GUMI (Glad You Made It) Camp USA, which provides U.S. veterans with the tools they need to help them heal after deployment overseas and enable them to re-enter society.
Working Man follows Collins’ latest album, It’s Been Awhile, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Heatseekers South Central Albums chart. His independent single, “Cold Dead Hands,” ascended to No. 1 on the Billboard Singles Sales chart. The Kentucky native also earned a slot on Aaron Watson’s “Vaquero Tour” and has opened for Tanya Tucker, Clay Walker, Chris Janson, Granger Smith, Kane Brown and more.