Dustin Lynch. Photo: The Dwyers
Broken Bow Records entertainer Dustin Lynch announced he will release his fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky, on Feb. 11.
The 12-track collection, which includes five songs Lynch co-wrote, addresses the bright side of life with optimism mixed with the country artist’s signature sound. The project also features a handful of collaborations with artists such as Riley Green and Chris Lane, as well as MacKenzie Porter, who appears on the label’s longest-reigning single at country radio: the six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
Produced by Zach Crowell, Lynch has already released five tracks to give fans a sneak peek at what’s to come, including “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane),” “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green),” “Pasadena,” and “Not Every Cowboy.”
“This has been a fun secret to keep! Get ready for a collection of songs that are going to make you feel good and want to mix a drink and party with your friends,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited for everyone to hear Blue In The Sky.”
Blue In The Sky follows up Lynch’s Tullahoma, which delivered Platinum chart-toppers including “Ridin’ Roads” and “Good Girl,” in addition to a Top 5 hit “Momma’s House.”
Blue In The Sky Track List:
1. “Party Mode” (Jerry Flowers, Ryan Beaver, Roman Alexander, Jared Keim, Matt McGinn)
2. “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
3. “Stars Like Confetti” (Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell)
4. “Somethin’ That Makes You Smile” (Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan, Wyatt McCubbin)
5. “Break It On A Beach” (Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell)
6. “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane)” (Hillary Lindsey, Justin Ebach, Matt Alderman)
7. “Tennessee Trouble” (Dustin Lynch, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Minton)
8. “Summer Never Ended” (Cole Taylor, Ben Hayslip, Paul DiGiovanni)
9. “Back Road TN” (Ben Hayslip, Brock Berryhill, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Anderson)
10. “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
11. “Pasadena” (Dustin Lynch, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
12. “Not Every Cowboy” (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Conner Smith, Heather Morgan)
Shenandoah Hits The Road To Celebrate 35th Anniversary
/by Lorie HollabaughShenandoah. Photo: Courtesy of Absolute Publicity
Shenandoah is celebrating 35 years as a band with a brand new “35th Anniversary Tour,” kicking off Feb. 11 in Sulphur Springs, Texas.
The 35-date tour, with more shows to announced soon, includes stops in Fort Worth, Albuquerque, Corpus Christi, Ft. Myers, and more, with a Nashville date on March 24.
Attendees can expect the band’s classic tunes, such as “The Church on Cumberland Road,” “Sunday in the South,” “Two Dozen Roses,” “Next to You, Next to Me,” and many more.
“To believe we’d still be in the music business, as ever changing as it is, would only come to me in one form: the country music fan base,” says frontman Marty Raybon. “It’s a wonderful thing to experience while looking out over an audience where the age span is so wide. It is most humbling.”
He continues, “We have been blessed for the last 35 years with songs that have that spoken power to move people. So we say thank you to the Lord for His strength, the fans for their loyalty, the songwriters for great songs and the producers that helped them come to life. It’s made this 35 years a road trip I would have hated to miss.”
For more information on dates, venues and tickets, click here.
Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy Extend Publishing Deals With BMG
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby (BMG, VP Creative), Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Katie Kerkhover (BMG, Senior Creative Director, A&R)
Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy have extended their publishing deals with BMG. The songwriters have also been longtime band members to Jason Aldean, recording and touring with him over the past 20 years.
Most recently celebrating a three-week No. 1 with Aldean and Carrie Underwood’s “If I Didn’t Love You,” Allison and Kennedy also wrote Aldean’s newest single, “Trouble With A Heartbreak” alongside Brett Beavers and John Morgan.
Originally signed in 2011, their catalog includes Dustin Lynch’s “Seein’ Red” and Aldean’s “Blame It On You,” “Like You Were Mine,” “Talk About Georgia,” “This Bar Don’t Work Anymore,” “Over You Again,” and “That’s What Tequila Does.” In addition to their writing success, the duo produced BBR Music Group artist Alexander Ludwig’s just released self-titled debut EP.
“We couldn’t be more excited to continue our partnership with BMG,” says Kennedy. “We have a lot of history here and feel like we are just getting started. The people here are first class and the best in the business.”
“Working along side Kurt and Tully has been amazing,” adds Chris Oglesby, BMG VP Creative. “Their skills as both producers and writers are second to none. I know I speak for all of BMG when I say we are honored to have them continue to be a part of our BMG family.”
TJ Martell Foundation Former Exec. VP/GM Charged With Wire Fraud Of $4 Million
/by LB CantrellMelissa Ann Goodwin, the former Exec. VP/General Manager for the TJ Martell Foundation, has been charged with wire fraud for allegedly embezzling nearly $4 million from the charity, according to a report from Billboard.
The TJ Martell Foundation for Cancer Research was founded by music executive Tony Martell in 1975 after his son TJ died from leukemia. The organization has been heavily supported by the music industry, having held multiple charity events in Nashville, Los Angeles, New York, and Miami. The organization has raised more than $280 million in support of medical research grants, and helped secure more than $1 billion in additional research funding.
Nashville-based Goodwin joined TJ Martell in 2005 as Special Events Manager, and rose to Exec. VP and GM in 2018. According to a federal charging document obtained by Billboard and filed by acting U.S. attorney Mark Wildasin in Tennessee federal court, from July 2018 to April 2020 Goodwin allegedly abused her power of overseeing all finance operations to make fraudulent charges and allegedly embezzled nearly $4 million from the foundation.
The alleged fraud was initially discovered in 2020, when TJ Martell’s then-CEO Laura Heatherly asked the organization’s accountants to copy her on all correspondence with Goodwin, after the long-term employee had become delinquent in filing financial statements and expense reports. Lynn-Anne Huck, who has been acting as TJ Martell’s interim CEO since late 2020, oversaw the review that unearthed the extent Goodwin’s activities.
Goodwin allegedly turned some items over to the founder/owner an auction company, listed in the filing as Individual One, to resell for profit for themselves, misappropriating more than $4.2 million of foundation funds. TJ Martell, which makes a portion of its money from auctioning items, had previously legitimately used Individual One’s business to provide items to auction. Individual One has since been named as Darran Brown, the founder/owner of auction companies Executive Sports Group (ESG) and Go Charity.
According to Billboard‘s report, Goodwin, Brown and the auction companies are all accused of fraud, conspiracy and conversion. Goodwin is also accused of breach of contract and breach of fiduciary duty.
TJ Martell has since brought a $5 million civil suit against the Nashville-based Kraft CPAs firm and the New Jersey-based Dorfman Abrams Music firm for breach of contract and professional negligence.
Goodwin faces up to 20 years in prison, a forfeiture of $3.7 million, and a fine of up to $250,000, if convicted.
Charly Salvatore Launches Underscore Works, Signs Priscilla Block & More
/by Lorie HollabaughCharly Salvatore
Charly Salvatore, whose industry experience covers publishing, touring, A&R, artist management, development, and marketing, has launched Underscore Works. The new Nashville-based agency specializes in developing and championing rising digital music talent.
The new music management, development and marketing agency represents artists who live a balance in both traditional music models and a TikTok-driven era. One of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing artists of 2022, Priscilla Block; and up-and-coming artists Dalton Dover and Warren Zeiders, are all signed to Underscore Works, along with Logan Mize, who has been managed by Salvatore since 2009.
Bobby Bones’ First Children’s Picture Book To Be Released In June
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bones. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom
Bobby Bones is releasing his first-ever children’s picture book, Stanley the Dog: the First Day of School, via HarperCollins Publishers on June 14.
“I’m pumped to finally share more about my upcoming children’s book,” says Bones. “It follows our bulldog Stanley as he navigates his first day of school jitters and being himself in a brand-new situation. True to real-life Stanley, there are plenty of antics along the way! My hope through writing this book is that it will serve as reminder to kids that it’s okay to not fit in with the crowd; your differences are what make you so special.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to have had the opportunity to work with Bobby and Stanley on their first-ever children’s picture book,” adds David Linker, Executive Editor at HarperCollins Publishers. “I think kids will find Stanley’s story about surviving and thriving during his first day of school both heartwarmingly hilarious and doggedly reassuring. I can’t wait to share their story with the world.”
Bones is a two-time No. 1 New York Times bestselling author of Bare Bones: I’m Not Lonely If You’re Reading This Book and Fail Until You Don’t: Fight Grind Repeat. The radio and TV personality is also a two-time CMA Award winner, four-time ACM Award winner, and winner of the 27th season of Dancing with the Stars.
Jamey Johnson, Randy Houser Return To Road For ‘Country Cadillac Tour Part 2’
/by Lorie HollabaughJamey Johnson and Randy Houser are reprising their successful 2021 tour on their upcoming co-headlining “Country Cadillac Tour Part 2,” kicking off in March.
The two longtime friends will once again share the stage while performing acoustically and swapping stories, jokes and songs. The tour will visit 12 cities through April 16, including Green Bay, Evansville, Springfield, Cedar Rapids, and more. Additional dates are expected to be added in the coming months. Public on sale begins Friday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. CT.
Johnson’s tour was ranked in the Top 10 of all music tours in the third quarter of 2021 and was also the top ranked music tour worldwide during July 2021. Meanwhile, Houser was in the studio during the second half of 2021 to finish his soon-to-be released album while acting in two feature films.
“Country Cadillac Tour Part 2” Dates:
March 24 – Epic Event Center in Green Bay, WI
March 25 – Michigan Theatre in Jackson, MI
March 26 – Blue Gate Performing Arts Center in Shipshewana, IN
March 27 – The Rust Belt in East Moline, IL
March 31 – Palace Theater in Lorain, OH
April 1 – Brown County Music Center in Nashville, IN
April 2 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Mount Vernon, KY
April 3 – Victory Theatre in Evansville, IN
April 13 – Gillioz Theatre in Springfield, MO
April 14 – Stiefel Theatre for the Performing Arts in Salina, KS
April 15 – Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City, IA
April 16 – Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids, IA
Dustin Lynch Announces Fifth Studio Album, ‘Blue In The Sky’
/by Lydia FarthingDustin Lynch. Photo: The Dwyers
Broken Bow Records entertainer Dustin Lynch announced he will release his fifth studio album, Blue In The Sky, on Feb. 11.
The 12-track collection, which includes five songs Lynch co-wrote, addresses the bright side of life with optimism mixed with the country artist’s signature sound. The project also features a handful of collaborations with artists such as Riley Green and Chris Lane, as well as MacKenzie Porter, who appears on the label’s longest-reigning single at country radio: the six-week No. 1 “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
Produced by Zach Crowell, Lynch has already released five tracks to give fans a sneak peek at what’s to come, including “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter),” “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane),” “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green),” “Pasadena,” and “Not Every Cowboy.”
“This has been a fun secret to keep! Get ready for a collection of songs that are going to make you feel good and want to mix a drink and party with your friends,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited for everyone to hear Blue In The Sky.”
Blue In The Sky follows up Lynch’s Tullahoma, which delivered Platinum chart-toppers including “Ridin’ Roads” and “Good Girl,” in addition to a Top 5 hit “Momma’s House.”
Blue In The Sky Track List:
1. “Party Mode” (Jerry Flowers, Ryan Beaver, Roman Alexander, Jared Keim, Matt McGinn)
2. “Thinking ‘Bout You (feat. MacKenzie Porter)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
3. “Stars Like Confetti” (Josh Thompson, Thomas Rhett, Zach Crowell)
4. “Somethin’ That Makes You Smile” (Erik Dylan, Andy Sheridan, Wyatt McCubbin)
5. “Break It On A Beach” (Dustin Lynch, Ashley Gorley, Hunter Phelps, Zach Crowell)
6. “Tequila On A Boat (feat. Chris Lane)” (Hillary Lindsey, Justin Ebach, Matt Alderman)
7. “Tennessee Trouble” (Dustin Lynch, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Minton)
8. “Summer Never Ended” (Cole Taylor, Ben Hayslip, Paul DiGiovanni)
9. “Back Road TN” (Ben Hayslip, Brock Berryhill, Jameson Rodgers, Brent Anderson)
10. “Huntin’ Land (feat. Riley Green)” (Dustin Lynch, Andy Albert, Hunter Phelps, Will Weatherly)
11. “Pasadena” (Dustin Lynch, Jeff Hyde, Ryan Tyndell)
12. “Not Every Cowboy” (Casey Brown, Parker Welling, Conner Smith, Heather Morgan)
Monument Records Promotes Casey Thomas
/by Lydia FarthingCasey Thomas
Monument Records has promoted Casey Thomas to Director of Publicity and Creative.
In her new role, Thomas will oversee publicity and media marketing, international media strategy and creative services for the labels’ roster, including artists Alex Hall, Brandon Ratcliff, Caitlyn Smith, Teddy Robb, Tigirlily, Walker Hayes, and music from Fox’s Monarch.
Since joining the label in 2018, Thomas has overseen the launches of many projects across the roster, while also being instrumental in the soundtrack set-up of Fox’s upcoming 2022 drama, Monarch. In her former role of Publicist, she also worked on behalf of the label to help manage communications and press strategy for Monument artists.
The Boston native’s previous stops include time at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, where she was responsible for press operations.
“We are so proud of Casey’s leadership within our organization and her ability to think long-term while also maximizing momentum,” says Monument’s GM, Katie McCartney. “Her integrity, passion, and work ethic are invaluable.”
“I’m so grateful to work at Monument Records and support this incredible leadership team,” shares Thomas. “It’s a privilege to represent and work alongside such a compelling roster of artists and creators, and I am looking forward to this next exciting chapter.”
Formed under the leadership of Jason Owen and Shane McAnally, Monument Records is a joint venture with Sony Music Entertainment. Since the label’s launch, the artist roster has accumulated over a billion streams, released multi-Platinum singles—including Walker Hayes’ No. 1 smash hit “Fancy Like”—and more.
Congratulate Thomas at casey.thomas@sonymusic.com.
Big Future Music Group, Truss Records Sign I AM THEY In New Joint Venture
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Big Future Music Group President Ryan Wesley Smith, Justin Shinn, Nicole Hickman, Matt Hein, Abbie Parker, and Brandon Chase of I AM THEY, and Tyrus Morgan. Photo: Daniel Boczarski
Nashville-based Big Future Music Group has entered into a joint venture with Truss Records led by Tyrus Morgan.
I AM THEY will be the debut act as well as the first release for the co-venture. The group just kicked off their 2022 tour as part of the popular “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular” traveling across the US.
Since coming on to the scene, the band has racked up unprecedented numbers on streaming platforms; numerous award nominations, including the GMA Dove Award for Best New Artist; and several major tour billings.
Big Future Music Group President Ryan Wesley Smith comments, “We are honored and thrilled to bring the talents of I AM THEY into our universe, along with the launch of Truss Records with our dear friend Tyrus Morgan.” He continues, “To have I AM THEY as our debut signing is exciting. Their hearts, professionalism and unbelievable presence is paramount in developing key components of a burgeoning entertainment company. Couple that with a unique and viable message of hope in their well-written songs–this is exactly our mission for Big Future.”
“What an honor to be able to support I AM THEY through our new label imprint with Big Future Music Group,” Morgan adds. “This band has always been able to write songs that speak straight to the heart, and we are excited to dream with them and bring even more of their signature sound and heart for God to the world.”
I AM THEY is managed by Co-Lab Management, booked by Jeff Roberts & Associates and is on Big Future Entertainment Group/Truss Records. The group plans to release a new single this quarter along with a new worship project.
Lauren Alaina Named Maurices First-Ever Celebrity Brand Ambassador
/by Lorie HollabaughLauren Alaina. Photo: Katie Kauss
Lauren Alaina has been named the first-ever celebrity brand ambassador for the Maurices retail brand.
The year-long partnership will feature opportunities around her upcoming “Top of the World Tour” presented by Maurices, the “Hometown Heroes” program and more, including a CMA Fest sweepstakes prize package and an exclusive Maurices t-shirt design collaboration which will highlight Alaina’s love of puns and sassy phrases.
“Partnering with Lauren is the perfect match for Maurices,” says Laura Sieger, Chief Marketing Officer of Maurices. “She encompasses the DNA of our brand, and our core customer shares similar values of style, service, and community. As a small-town Georgia native, Lauren is the right fit to support our core purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of women who are the heart of our hometowns.”
Throughout her 2022 headlining tour, Alaina will be styled in some of her favorite Maurices looks. As part of the upcoming tour and brand partnership, Maurices and Alaina will also shed light on and support deserving women with unique moments during the tour through the Maurices “Hometown Heroes” sweepstakes.
Lauren Alaina. Photo: Katie Kauss
The “Hometown Heroes” program will spotlight female healthcare workers, educators, first responders, and military members and their families who give back to their communities. Winners will receive tickets to Alaina’s headlining concert in their hometown and the ultimate Maurices shopping spree. The program will be offered in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Rosemont, Illinois; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Columbus, Ohio; Indianapolis, Indiana; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Cedar Park, Texas; Little Rock, Arkansas; and Nashville, Tennessee.
“Lauren Alaina represents the essence of feel good fashion for real life,” shares David Kornberg, CEO of Maurices. “Through this partnership, we are excited to build brand awareness and recognition with existing customers while introducing Lauren’s strong fanbase who aren’t aware of Maurices to their new favorite clothing brand. We are thrilled to partner with Lauren, who uses country music, faith, family, community and resilience to inspire women–all of which embody the Maurices customer.”
“I am beyond excited and honored to be able to partner with Maurices as I kick off my 2022 ‘Top of the World’ tour presented by Maurices and inspire a new generation of women to look and feel their best in everything they do while shining a light on deserving women through the Hometown Heroes sweepstakes,” adds Alaina.
For more information on the partnership and the “Hometown Heroes” program, click here.