Randy Travis Honored For 35 Years As Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Don Schlitz. Photo: Chris Hollo
Randy Travis celebrated his 35th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Dec. 11).
Warner Music’s Cris Lacy, Executive Vice President, A&R, and Brette Moseley, Catalog Manager, presented Travis with a plaque to commemorate the RIAA Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications of more than 21 million combined copies of his Warner Music catalog, along with recognizing his 1.6 billion global streams. Included in the night’s lineup were Jon Pardi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce and longtime Travis collaborator, Don Schlitz.
Travis was first introduced on the Grand Ole Opry stage by Little Jimmy Dickens in March of 1986. After releasing his debut record, Storms of Life, to major success, he was officially inducted as a member on Dec. 20, 1986 at the age of 27.
This year, Travis has been named Artist of a Lifetime by CMT and celebrated the 35th anniversary of his debut album with a remastered release featuring brand new songs from the vault. Travis recently spoke with MusicRow about his over three decades-long career. To read about it, click here.
Rod + Rose Perform New Christmas Song On Fox & Friends
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ Jessie Lowe, Hill Entertainment Group’s Grace Jones, FOX & Friends’ Will Cain, FOX & Friends’ Johnny Jones, Rodney Atkins, Rose Falcon, FOX & Friends’ Ainsley Earnhardt, FOX & Friends’ Janice Dean, and Hill Entertainment Group’s Greg Hill.
Curb Records’ Rod + Rose performed their new original Christmas song, “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” on FOX & Friends last Friday (Dec. 10).
After the performance, the track shot to the top of the iTunes Holiday Top Songs Chart and the iTunes Video Chart. The duo, comprised of Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon, were also the only country artist within the Top 30 on the iTunes Video Chart. “Mary Had A Little Lamb” was within the Top 10 on the All Genre Holiday Chart, with the music video hitting No. 2 on the All Genre Video Chart.
After its release, MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann said of the song: “Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.”
Red 11 Music Signs Tanner Usrey, Them Dirty Roses
Tanner Usrey, Them Dirty Roses
Red 11 Music has signed emerging Texas artist Tanner Usrey and southern rock band Them Dirty Roses. They will be represented by agents Geoff Turner and Josh Green handling RA duties, respectively.
A Texas native, Usrey has shared the stage with notable artists in the Texas music scene such as Stoney Larue, Lucero, Randall King and Read Southall. He recently earned Peacemaker Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Award in 2021 and released his SOL Sessions EP in August 2021.
Nashville-based band Them Dirty Roses have toured internationally and shared the stage with the likes of Koe Wetzel, Shooter Jennings, The Steel Woods, and Whiskey Myers, among others. Their single, “Cocaine and Whiskey,” has amassed over 10 million streams.
Red 11 Music is home to artists in the Americana, indie rock, red dirt and alternative country scenes. In just over a decade, the boutique booking agency’s roster has grown to include artists such as Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Johnson, Koe Wetzel, Old 97’s and Shooter Jennings.
Singer-Songwriter Onoleigh Inks With PLA Media
Onoleigh
PLA Media has added singer-songwriter Onoleigh to its artist roster.
The Illinois native has frequented notable venues since coming to Nashville, including The Bluebird Cafe, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and The Bobby Hotel. Working closely with producer and hit songwriter Brandon Hood (Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Jimmie Allen), she also hosts Land Of Onoleigh, an original songwriter’s showcase every Friday at The Virgin Hotels Nashville.
Onoleigh is set to release her highly anticipated single “Beautifully Broken,” the title track from her upcoming EP, in early 2022.
“PLA Media is honored to represent such a bold and talented performer. Onoleigh’s music is as unforgettable and impactful as her name and we’re thrilled to be part of her journey,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.
“I am honestly so beyond excited to continue my journey with PLA Media! From our very first introductions, I found solace in their professionalism, kindness, and like-minded tactics in promoting my artistry. In a city full of many options, there was no doubt in my mind to jump in with this specific group for a gut feeling I can’t fully explain,” shares Onoleigh. “I am a very hungry artist, and finding a team that was just as, if not more, is comforting and unique on so many levels. In the short time, we have already been together, I can feel myself growing as not only an artist but as a competent woman in this industry.”
Country Music Hall Of Fame To Hold 13th Ford Community Day
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in partnership with the Ford Motor Company Fund, will host the 13th Ford Community Day on Sunday, Dec. 19. From 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Museum admission will be free as a way to say thank you to the Middle Tennessee community. Tours of Hatch Show Print and the Historic RCA Studio B will also be free and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Big Machine Label Group recording artists Callista Clark, Abbey Cone, and Tiera will headline a full day of activities, which include a Songwriter Session with Georgia Middleman, a performance with 2021 International Bluegrass Music Association Vocal Group of the Year Sister Sadie, and more. Visitors will also be able to print a holiday card with Hatch Show Print between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Other family programs that will be available for visitors include Learn to Line Dance: Country Crossover, Musical Instrument Petting Zoo, Ukulele Workshop and Blues Jam with Harmonica Player Carlos DeFord Bailey, and City Lights Skyline Painting, among others.
Reservations for tickets to the performances are available here. A limited number of tickets will also be available at the museum on Ford Community Day. For more information and for a full itinerary of the days festivities, click here.
Jack White Plots Expansive ‘Supply Chain Issues Tour’ For 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughJack White. Photo: David James Swanson
Jack White has announced the initial dates of his upcoming “Supply Chain Issues Tour” in 2022, which will include shows in North America, Europe, and the UK.
The tour will celebrate the upcoming release of two brand new albums: Fear Of The Dawn, which arrives everywhere via Third Man Records on April 8, and Entering Heaven Alive on July 22.
The tour includes White’s first headline shows in four years, and will kick off with two special Fear Of The Dawn album release shows on April 8-9 at Detroit’s Masonic Temple Theatre. The run will continue through August in Kansas City. Along the way, he’ll play two shows in Nashville on April 30 and May 1 at Ascend Amphitheater. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 10 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 17.
April 09 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre
April 10 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
April 12 – Chicago, IL – Credit Union 1 Arena
April 13 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center
April 14 – Pittsburgh, PA – Petersen Events Center
April 16 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
April 17 – Boston, MA – Agganis Arena
April 19 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
April 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
April 23 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion
April 24 – North Charleston, SC – High Water Festival *
April 26 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
April 27 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
April 28 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
April 30 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
May 01 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater
May 23 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
May 24 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
May 25 – Austin, TX – Moody Center
May 27 – El Paso, TX – El Paso County Coliseum
May 28 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre
May 29 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan
May 31 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
June 01 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
June 03 – Reno, NV – Reno Events Center
June 04 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
June 06 – Portland, OR – Moda Center
June 07 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum
June 08 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
June 10 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
June 11 – Broomfield, CO – 1STBANK Center
June 27 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
June 28 – London, UK – Eventim Apollo
June 30 – Cologne, Germany – Palladium
July 01 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – AFAS Live
July 02 – Leipzig, Germany – Haus Auensee
July 04 – Berlin, Germany – Verti Music Hall
July 07 – Lyon, France – Le Radiant
July 10 – Madrid, Spain – Mad Cool Festival *
July 14 – Zurich, Switzerland – Samsung Hall
July 15 – Frankfurt, Germany – Jahrhunderthalle
July 16 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
July 18 – Paris, France – L’Olympia
July 19 – Paris, France – L’Olympia
July 20 – Paris, France – L’Olympia
August 13 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
August 16 – Milwaukee, WI – UWM Panther Arena
August 17 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
August 19 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
August 21 – Lewiston, NY – Artpark
August 23 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
August 24 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion
August 25 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 27 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater
August 28 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
August 29 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
*Festival Performance
Nick Walsh Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Duckman Music
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: (L-R): Jessi Stevenson (WCM), Riley Green (Duckman), Nick Walsh, Erik Dylan, Ben Vaughn (WCM)
Singer-songwriter Nick Walsh has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville and Riley Green‘s Duckman Music.
Before writing songs, Walsh was a punter on the Kansas State University football team. After college, he signed with an NFL agent but an injury landed him on the sidelines while participating in his pro-day where he was training for the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Lyndon, Kansas native has upcoming cuts for Green, Jake Worthington, William Clark Green, Logan Mize, and more, and frequently collaborates with singer-songwriter Erik Dylan.
Maddie & Tae Push ‘Through The Madness’ Into 2022 With New Tunes
/by Lorie HollabaughMaddie & Tae
Maddie & Tae are heading into the new year with some brand new music on Through The Madness Vol. 1, due out everywhere Jan. 28 via Mercury Nashville.
The new project includes their recent single, “Woman You Got,” and their latest release “Madness.” Maddie & Tae co-penned each song on the collection, leading with their hearts on standout collaborations with Morgane Stapleton (“Don’t Make Her Look Dumb”) and Lori McKenna (“The Other Side”).
“These eight songs are the start of a new chapter for us,” the duo shares. “We couldn’t be more excited for them to be out in the world!”
In celebration of Through The Madness Vol. 1, Maddie & Tae are launching their fan club today, with a select number of signed CDs and digital downloads available.
The duo will crisscross the country beginning in January as they headline the “CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour,” bringing their hits and new music to 16 major markets including New York, Los Angeles, Nashville, and more. Tickets are on sale now.
Through The Madness Vol. 1 Track List:
1. What It’s Like Loving You (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Jordan Minton)
2. Woman You Got (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Mark Holman, Laura Veltz)
3. Don’t Make Her Look Dumb (Feat. Morgane Stapleton) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Barry Dean, Luke Laird)
4. Grown Man Cry (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Eric Arjes, Jordan Minton)
5. Madness (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Jessie Jo Dillon, Zach Kale)
6. The Other Side (Feat. Lori McKenna) (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Josh Kerr, Lori McKenna)
7. Wish You The Best (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)*
8. Strangers (Maddie Font, Taylor Kerr, Adam Hambrick, Jimmy Robbins)
Big Loud Records Promotes Camille Kenny To Sr. Director, A&R
/by LB CantrellCamille Kenny. Photo: Chris Hornbuckle
Big Loud Records announced the promotion of Camille Kenny to Sr. Director, A&R, effective immediately.
After time at WME and THiS Music, Kenny joined Big Loud as as A&R Coordinator in 2018, and quickly rose to A&R Manager. At Big Loud, she has been part of the team that has accounted for more than 15 billion global streams with 11 No. 1 U.S. airplay hits and 15 No. 1 Canadian airplay hits. Over the last three years, Kenny has stewarded artist and songwriter development, provided actionable intelligence through A&R research, and delivered key releases from Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Chris Lane, Jake Owen, MacKenzie Porter, and more.
“As an integral member of our A&R team, Camille [Kenny] continues to lead with an unwavering passion for identifying hit songs and talent,” says Patch Culbertson, the newly promoted Senior Vice President & General Manager of Big Loud Records. “Her devotion to artist development is tangible across every project she touches. In addition to her creative prowess, she is instrumental in measuring and disseminating actionable intel across our company.”
In her newly created role, Kenny will be responsible for scouting, signing, and leading A&R on behalf of designated Big Loud Records artists.
“I’m so grateful to be a part of the Big Loud family. The camaraderie and innovation within this company are unparalleled,” shares Kenny. “I am lucky to support our amazing artists and to collaborate with some of the best creative minds in the business each day. Thank you so much to Patch Culbertson and the Partners – Seth England, Joey Moi, and Craig Wiseman – for your mentorship and belief in me. I am excited to take on this new role and continue to dig in with our hardworking team.”
Kenny can be reached at camille@bigloud.com.
Weekly Register: Morgan Wallen’s ‘Wasted On You’ Enters Top Five Country Songs
/by Lydia FarthingMorgan Wallen. Photo: David Lehr
Morgan Wallen has entered the top five country streaming songs as “Wasted On You” rises to the No. 4 spot. The track racked up 5 million streams this week, contributing to its 285 million total streams RTD. Wallen maintains his spot at No. 2 on the top country albums chart with Dangerous: The Double Album. The record, which came in as the top Billboard 200 album of 2021, received 48K in total consumption (2K album only/57 million song streams).
Making up the rest of this week’s top country streaming songs top five are Taylor Swift‘s “All Too Well (Taylor’s Version)” gaining 12 million, Walker Hayes‘ “Fancy Like” adding 7.5 million, and Jordan Davis and Luke Bryan‘s “Buy Dirt” earning 5.3 million streams. In the fifth position is Dustin Lynch and Mackenzie Porter‘s “Thinking ‘Bout You,” which added 4.9 million streams.
On the top country albums side, Swift also remains at the No. 1 spot as Red (Taylor’s Version) received 80K in total consumption (39K album only/52 million song streams). Carrie Underwood‘s My Gift rises to third with 25K, while Burl Ives‘ Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer shoots to fourth with 23K. Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get falls to fifth at 22K.
Sarah Allison Turner Inks With Ebach Entertainment & Kobalt Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured: (L-R, top row): Scott Safford (Safford-Motley), Sarah Allison Turner, Sabrina Butera (Agent, CAA); (L-R, bottom row): Stephanie Cox (GM/SVP Creative, Kobalt Nashville), Janine Ebach (GM-Owner of Ebach Entertainment)
Sarah Allison Turner has signed an exclusive songwriting deal with Ebach Entertainment and Kobalt Music Nashville.
The West Virginia native began writing songs at 15 and interned for Seagayle Music Publishing during her time at MTSU. She signed her first publishing deal in 2015 with Horipro Music Publishing (now Mojo Music).
Since then she has had songs recorded by Alan Jackson, Randall King, Tyler Farr, Walker County and others, including a placement in Grey’s Anatomy with her song “Hope.” Her latest release, “Bad For Me,” was co-written with Emily Falvey and Hayley McLean.
“I am thrilled about this partnership with Kobalt and Sarah Allison Turner,” says Janine Ebach, GM/Owner of Ebach Entertainment. “Her songwriting talent, work ethic and hustle along with her unique artistry set her apart from so many in this industry. I’m excited to see what we’re able to do together.”
“I have wanted to work with Sarah for a very long time,” adds Stephanie Cox, GM/SVP Creative of Kobalt Nashville. “When the opportunity arose as a partnership with Janine, I could not have imagined a better team!”
Industry Ink: Randy Travis, Rod + Rose, Red 11 Music, Onoleigh
/by Lydia FarthingRandy Travis Honored For 35 Years As Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
Pictured (L-R): Randy Travis, Mary Travis, Don Schlitz. Photo: Chris Hollo
Randy Travis celebrated his 35th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Dec. 11).
Warner Music’s Cris Lacy, Executive Vice President, A&R, and Brette Moseley, Catalog Manager, presented Travis with a plaque to commemorate the RIAA Gold, Platinum and multi-Platinum certifications of more than 21 million combined copies of his Warner Music catalog, along with recognizing his 1.6 billion global streams. Included in the night’s lineup were Jon Pardi, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carly Pearce and longtime Travis collaborator, Don Schlitz.
Travis was first introduced on the Grand Ole Opry stage by Little Jimmy Dickens in March of 1986. After releasing his debut record, Storms of Life, to major success, he was officially inducted as a member on Dec. 20, 1986 at the age of 27.
This year, Travis has been named Artist of a Lifetime by CMT and celebrated the 35th anniversary of his debut album with a remastered release featuring brand new songs from the vault. Travis recently spoke with MusicRow about his over three decades-long career. To read about it, click here.
Rod + Rose Perform New Christmas Song On Fox & Friends
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ Jessie Lowe, Hill Entertainment Group’s Grace Jones, FOX & Friends’ Will Cain, FOX & Friends’ Johnny Jones, Rodney Atkins, Rose Falcon, FOX & Friends’ Ainsley Earnhardt, FOX & Friends’ Janice Dean, and Hill Entertainment Group’s Greg Hill.
Curb Records’ Rod + Rose performed their new original Christmas song, “Mary Had A Little Lamb,” on FOX & Friends last Friday (Dec. 10).
After the performance, the track shot to the top of the iTunes Holiday Top Songs Chart and the iTunes Video Chart. The duo, comprised of Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon, were also the only country artist within the Top 30 on the iTunes Video Chart. “Mary Had A Little Lamb” was within the Top 10 on the All Genre Holiday Chart, with the music video hitting No. 2 on the All Genre Video Chart.
After its release, MusicRow‘s Robert K. Oermann said of the song: “Rodney Atkins and Rose Falcon offer this beautifully sung, heartfelt ballad that sums up The Reason for the Season. Rod sings lead while Rose shadows him in perfect vocal harmony. Hang on for when they are joined by the angels-we-have-heard-on-high echoey chorus. Definitely your religious musical choice.”
Red 11 Music Signs Tanner Usrey, Them Dirty Roses
Tanner Usrey, Them Dirty Roses
Red 11 Music has signed emerging Texas artist Tanner Usrey and southern rock band Them Dirty Roses. They will be represented by agents Geoff Turner and Josh Green handling RA duties, respectively.
A Texas native, Usrey has shared the stage with notable artists in the Texas music scene such as Stoney Larue, Lucero, Randall King and Read Southall. He recently earned Peacemaker Music Festival’s Emerging Artist Award in 2021 and released his SOL Sessions EP in August 2021.
Nashville-based band Them Dirty Roses have toured internationally and shared the stage with the likes of Koe Wetzel, Shooter Jennings, The Steel Woods, and Whiskey Myers, among others. Their single, “Cocaine and Whiskey,” has amassed over 10 million streams.
Red 11 Music is home to artists in the Americana, indie rock, red dirt and alternative country scenes. In just over a decade, the boutique booking agency’s roster has grown to include artists such as Turnpike Troubadours, Cody Johnson, Koe Wetzel, Old 97’s and Shooter Jennings.
Singer-Songwriter Onoleigh Inks With PLA Media
Onoleigh
PLA Media has added singer-songwriter Onoleigh to its artist roster.
The Illinois native has frequented notable venues since coming to Nashville, including The Bluebird Cafe, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, and The Bobby Hotel. Working closely with producer and hit songwriter Brandon Hood (Sam Hunt, Rascal Flatts, Jimmie Allen), she also hosts Land Of Onoleigh, an original songwriter’s showcase every Friday at The Virgin Hotels Nashville.
Onoleigh is set to release her highly anticipated single “Beautifully Broken,” the title track from her upcoming EP, in early 2022.
“PLA Media is honored to represent such a bold and talented performer. Onoleigh’s music is as unforgettable and impactful as her name and we’re thrilled to be part of her journey,” says PLA Media Founder Pam Lewis.
“I am honestly so beyond excited to continue my journey with PLA Media! From our very first introductions, I found solace in their professionalism, kindness, and like-minded tactics in promoting my artistry. In a city full of many options, there was no doubt in my mind to jump in with this specific group for a gut feeling I can’t fully explain,” shares Onoleigh. “I am a very hungry artist, and finding a team that was just as, if not more, is comforting and unique on so many levels. In the short time, we have already been together, I can feel myself growing as not only an artist but as a competent woman in this industry.”
Midland’s ‘Last Resort Tour’ To Extend Into 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughMidland. Photo: Harper Smith
Midland will continue their “Last Resort Tour” into 2022, with additional dates starting in February and extending through April.
The trio kicked off the headline trek in October with multiple sold out stops, including two nights at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. They are touring in support of their latest album, The Last Resort, which includes their current single “Sunrise Tells The Story.”
Pre-sale for the extended dates is available now. Public on-sale begins Friday (Dec. 17) at 10 a.m. local time.
Ashley Gorley Returns To The Top Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellAshley Gorley. Photo: Josh Ulmer
After Taylor Swift held the throne for two weeks with the success of her re-recorded version of her 2012 album Red, Ashley Gorley has returned to the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Gorley is a co-writer on “Steal My Love” (Dan + Shay), “Take My Name” (Parmalee), “New Truck” (Dylan Scott), “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton), “Sand In My Boots” (Morgan Wallen), “Beers On Me” (Dierks Bentley, Hardy & Breland), “Give Heaven Some Hell” (Hardy) and “Slow Down Summer” (Thomas Rhett).
Swift doesn’t go far, through, only falling to No. 2. Her songs “All Too Well,” “I Bet You Think About Me,” “Nothing New,” “Red,” “The Very First Night,” “Better Man,” and “Treacherous” continue to chart on the country charts.
The rest of the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart hold their positions, with Jesse Frasure at No. 3, Michael Hardy at No. 4, and Rhett Akins at No. 5.
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.