Exile is celebrating the holiday season with a brand new Christmas album, Joyful Noise, featuring eight new original songs. The project, distributed through Clearwater Records and Vere/ADA, includes songs co-written by band members J.P. Pennington and Sonny LeMaire, Sharon Vaughn, and John Bizzack.

“I am very excited to sign Exile to a New Christmas Album,” says Robert Gomes, Clearwater Records CEO. “I have grown up listening to and loving their music. I now have the honor to work with a legendary group of great artists.”

“Joyful Noise was created out of a turbulent time. These brand-new original Christmas-themed songs, penned throughout 2020, are some of the best we have ever written!” says LeMaire. “I’m so very proud to be able to share these eight songs with our fans and, hopefully, new fans as well. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and Joyful Noise.”

Exile was formed in 1963 and has topped both the pop and country charts during their over 58 year-long career. Their most successful hit, “Kiss You All Over,” spent four weeks at the top of Billboard’s pop chart in 1978. During their run on the country charts, Exile has had ten No. 1 singles, including “I Don’t Want To Be A Memory” and “Give Me One More Chance.” The 5 original Exile members re-formed in 2008 and continue to tour today. Current members of the band include Pennington, Les Taylor, LeMaire, Marlon Hargis and Steve Goetzman.

Joyful Noise Track List:
1.  Kid At Heart – J.P. Pennington / John Bizzack
2.  Mistletoe Boogie – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
3.  Santa’s Gonna Bring It To You – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
4.  My Christmas Souvenirs – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
5.  Big Rig Santa – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
6.  I Would Give You Peace – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
7.  Ho Ho Home For Christmas – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn
8.  Joyful Noise – J.P. Pennington / Sonny LeMaire / Sharon Vaughn

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will explore Florida Georgia Line‘s music and career with a new exhibit, Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong, opening Friday, Jan. 21, 2022 and running through Jan. 1, 2023. The exhibit will trace FGL’s  Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley‘s collaboration and friendship, from their meeting in college to their becoming a multiple-award-winning country duo.

Florida Georgia Line burst onto the country music charts in 2012 with their first single, “Cruise,” a song that would become a record-breaking No. 1 country hit. “Cruise” earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, becoming the first country single to attain sales and streams equivalent to 10 million units. They went on to earn a second Diamond-certified single with “Meant to Be,” a 2017 collaboration with pop singer Bebe Rexha.

“Florida Georgia Line expanded the country music audience and created some of the most popular recordings in the genre’s history by embracing hip-hop and rock influences,” says museum CEO Kyle Young. “In less than a decade, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard have had twenty-five singles reach gold, platinum or multi-platinum status, with two of those singles–‘Cruise’ and ‘Meant to Be’–reaching the elite plateau of Diamond sales certification. Very few artists in any genre accomplish that feat even once. The museum looks forward to exploring the duo’s distinctive music and career in this special exhibit.”

Hubbard (a Georgia native) and Kelley (from Florida) met on campus at Belmont University in Nashville, and began a friendship with their shared an interest in music. In 2011, Big Loud began handling their artist development, publishing, management and record production. Producer Joey Moi, a partner at the company, helped to develop the FGL sound, incorporating elements similar to the popular recordings he produced for rock band Nickelback.

The following year, the duo signed a record deal with Republic Nashville/Big Machine Records and released the album Here’s To The Good Times. Since then, the duo has received multiple honors from ACM, AMA, Billboard, CMA, MusicRow and CMT Music Awards, among many other career achievements.

The duo’s success extends to songwriting and music business ventures, as well. Hubbard and Kelley wrote many of FGL’s best-known songs and have also penned hits for other artists, including Jason Aldean’s “Burnin’ It Down” and Cole Swindell’s “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight.” They also launched their own label (Round Here Records) and song publishing firm (Tree Vibez Music), signing Corey Crowder, RaeLynn and Canaan Smith, among others.

The Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit will include instruments, awards, stage and screen costumes and personal artifacts. Some highlights include:

• A serape Kelley wore in Florida Georgia Line’s 2016 music video for “H.O.L.Y.”
• The Selmer Bundy II saxophone Hubbard played as a child
• Hubbard’s Alvarez AD-60SC guitar, which he customized and played early in the duo’s career
• A diamond certification award from the Record Industry Association of America (RIAA) for “Cruise”
• A note from Hubbard’s high school classmates and teachers wishing him luck with his music career in Nashville
• A ball cap Kelley wore when playing on his high school baseball team, the Seabreeze Fighting Sandcrabs
• Kelley’s Takamine GB7C Garth Brooks Signature acoustic guitar, which Kelley used when writing “Cruise” and other hits
• Racing suits and helmets Hubbard and Kelley wore in the 2016 music video for “May We All” (feat. Tim McGraw)
• Ensembles worn by the duo on the cover of their 2019 album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country
• Hubbard’s first guitar, a Sigma DM-3 acoustic guitar, which he acquired in fourth grade

“I still remember being at the Country Q studio with BK recording ‘Cruise,’ and having this feeling like we had created something special,” shares Hubbard. “And I’ll never forget when BK said, ‘We’re gonna sell a million copies of this song.’ I thought he was shooting for the stars then! Neither of us had any idea what would happen next. To be chosen for an exhibit is the ultimate honor as an artist, and we can’t thank the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum enough. I can’t wait for opening day, when we can stand back and take in this blessing with everyone that’s supported us along the way.”

“When Tyler and I decided to go all-in and see where FGL would take us, we lived by two mottos,” adds Kelley. “The first being, ‘Anywhere that would let us play our songs–didn’t matter if it was a bar, coffee shop, club or if the crowd was 10 people or 50 people–we would go just to be able to perform.’ And, the second, ‘Shake a million hands, to make a million fans.’ Fast-forward to today, and all that has happened over the past 11 years. It’s truly mind-blowing. We are both dreamers and always striving to go big. To have the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum now feature our wild ride is surreal and humbling. I couldn’t be more excited about this exhibit and to be able to relive each step of our journey. Here’s to the good times!”

In support of the exhibition’s opening, Hubbard and Kelley will participate in a conversation and performance in the museum’s CMA Theater on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022, at 2 p.m., discussing their career and sharing personal stories and memories associated with the artifacts included in Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong. Tickets will be available at CountryMusicHallofFame.org on Friday, Dec. 10.

Grammy-winning artist Rodney Crowell has once again partnered with Music Health Alliance with the special, limited edition release of Songs From Quarantine Vol. 2. Proceeds will benefit Music Health Alliance and its continued work to provide free healthcare advocacy and support to the music community nationwide.

This collection features fan-favorite songs in their raw form, performed by the artists who wrote and/or recorded them. Crowell enlisted a number of his all-star friends on the 14-tracks, including William Bell, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Cory Chisel, Guy Clark, Sheryl Crow, Willie Nelson & John Daly, Mary Gauthier, Vince Gill, Shelby Lynne, Allison Moorer, Ringo Starr, Molly Tuttle, and John Paul White. He is also joined by Wendy Moten, John Oates and Chely Wright for the project’s bookend track, “Heavenly Day.” The digital compilation will be available for only two weeks exclusively on Bandcamp.

“Songs From Quarantine Volume 1 was a sweet success and we have equally high hopes for Volume 2. Once again all proceeds go to the not-for-profit Music Health Alliance, whose ever-ready staff continues to serve our nationwide music community’s health related needs,” says Crowell.

Rodney Crowell and Friends’ Songs From Quarantine Vol. 2 Track List:
1. Guy Clark – “Step Inside This House”
2. Sheryl Crow – “Home”
3. Willie Nelson & John Daly – “Whiskey and Water”
4. Ringo Starr – “See You Later Alligator”
5. Shelby Lynne – “Is There Any Love Left”
6. Allison Moorer – “St. Jude Lives in the Garden Now”
7. Cory Chisel – “Wicked Game”
8. William Bell – “Check Out My Karma”
9. John Paul White – “Until I Get My Feet Back On The Ground”
10. Mary Gauthier – “About Time”
11. Beth Nielsen Chapman – “That’s When I Find You”
12. Vince Gill – “Old Texas Moon”
13. Molly Tuttle – “Tsunami”
14. Rodney Crowell w/Wendy Moten, John Oates and Chely Wright – “Heavenly Day”

Tracy Lawrence Raises $175,000 At 16th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert

Tracy Lawrence recently held his 16th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert, raising a record $175,000 for Nashville Rescue Mission. Cumulatively, with last year’s turkey fry and this year’s annual golf tournament, $325,000 has been raised in a single calendar year.

Altogether, 500 turkeys were fried, providing approximately 5,000 meals to those in need. During the Turkey Fry, Lawrence was presented with the honorary title of Tennessee Colonel in recognition of his years of philanthropic service to Nashville and greater Tennessee.

“It is a rare privilege to stand alongside someone with such an earnest heart for service, and so I consider it an honor to present Tracy with the prestigious title of Tennessee Colonel,” said Senator Blackburn. “Last year alone, his work with the Nashville Rescue Mission fed thousands of people and raised more than $100,000 in donations for the homeless and hungry. This is what love looks like and I thank Tracy from the bottom of my heart for giving that love so freely to the people of Nashville.”

Lawrence and a few friends also took the stage at SkyDeck at Assembly Hall for the benefit concert later with David Tolliver opening the show. Lawrence was joined on-stage by country music artists Dustin Lynch, Michael Ray and Lainey Wilson who took turns playing acoustic versions of some of their hit songs.

 

Midland Returns To Ryman Auditorium, Receives RIAA 3x Platinum Certification

Country trio Midland returned to Nashville last week (Dec. 1-2) with back-to-back sold-out shows at the historic Ryman Auditorium on their “The Last Resort Tour.”

Before the second night, they celebrated the RIAA certification of their chart-topping debut “Drinkin’ Problem” going three-times Platinum. Midland co-wrote the song alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, which previously earned a Grammy nomination.

Sharing crowd favorites such as “Mr. Lonely,” “Cheatin’ Songs,” “Burn Out”, and their newest single “Sunrise Tells The Story,” Midland brought in special guest John Osborne of Brothers Osborne on Wednesday night for a surprise performance of the unreleased “Paycheck to Paycheck” from their forthcoming album.

 

Jon Pardi’s ‘Write You A Song’ Earns Gold Certification

Jon Pardi‘s debut album, Write You A Song, has been certified Gold by the RIAA.

Featuring early hits such as “Missin’ You Crazy,” “Up All Night,” “What I Can’t Put Down,” and “When I’ve Been Drinkin’,” the 2014 project was co-produced by Bart Butler and engineered by Ryan Gore. The album, which put Pardi on the country music map, was followed by his 2016 breakout project California Sunrise, which spawned three No. 1s at country radio.

As a singer, songwriter, and producer of his 2020 Heartache Medication, Pardi debuted on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and was named on Rolling Stone’s “Best Albums of the Year.”

 

Indie Pop Duo Sawyer Sign Publishing Deal With Sheltered Music, Cameron Jaymes

Nashville-based pop duo Sawyer, comprised of Emma Harvery and Kel Taylor, have signed a publishing deal with Sheltered Music Publishing and producer Cameron Jaymes. The partnership with Jaymes is focused on the development of artists with an emphasis on production and songwriting. Jaymes is known for producing acts like Rachel Platten, Daya, Spencer Southerland, and Nightly.

Sawyer’s catalog has garnered over 10.4 million streams. The duo, currently on tour, has grown their fanbase with recent singles like “Taste” and “The Way My Friends Feel About You.” While on the road, they’ve supported contemporary acts like The Aces, Nightly and Joan.

“Emma and Kel are two of the most unique creatives and they’re wonderful humans,” shares Jaymes. “They’re incredibly gifted songwriters and on a completely different wavelength as performers. I believe great artists first and foremost have an undeniable, unshakable sense of self, and Sawyer has that in spades.”

Sheltered Music’s SVP, Darrell Franklin comments: “There are very few times in my career that I have been taken back by someone’s performance in the way that these girls are capable of delivering. I’m excited to see the world react to what we all agree is so unique and compelling. They are first class songwriters and extraordinary performers.”

“This feels like a dream!” says Harvey. “I’ve never felt more empowered and believed in than by this team. Here’s to perpetually writing my new favorite songs we’ve ever written!”

Taylor adds: “Lots of love, respect and lightning bolt inspiration we feel with our team of Cameron, Darrell, Lance [Freed] and Jenny at Sheltered Music Publishing. I remember leaving our first write with Cam and thinking ‘If we’re not careful, we might win a Grammy with him.’ That kind of belief in self continues to grow as we work with him. It’s a dream come true.”

Multi-Platinum selling artist Lauren Alaina has announced her 2022 headlining “Top of the World Tour Presented by Maurices” will launch on Feb. 24 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Special guest Spencer Crandall will join Alaina. Tickets go on sale this Friday (Dec. 10).

The tour is named after her No. 1 album, Sitting Pretty on Top of the World, which includes her current hit single “Getting Over Him” featuring Jon Pardi, as well as the RIAA Gold-certified “Getting Good” featuring her friend and mentor Trisha Yearwood.

“After two long years, I am so excited to get back on the road for my second headlining tour,” says Alaina. “My fans have continued to support me even when we weren’t able to be in the same room together. I’m on Top Of The World thinking about being back on stage, face to face, with the people who got me here.”

“We are proud to be the presenting sponsor of Lauren Alaina’s tour, with Lauren styled in her favorite Maurices outfits,” adds David Kornberg, Maurices CEO. “Our customers love country music. Lauren’s tour locations and her mission align strongly with our core purpose of making a positive difference in the lives of women who are the heart of our hometowns.”

Alaina is also gearing up for the release of her new inspirational book, Getting Good At Being You, due out tomorrow (Dec. 7).

“Top Of The World Tour Presented by Maurices” Dates:
Feb 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
Feb 25 – New York, NY – Webster Hall
Feb 26 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
Mar 2 – Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club – Music Hall
Mar 3 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony
Mar 4 – Bethlehem, PA – Steelstacks – Musikfest Café
Mar 10 – Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theater
Mar 11 – Columbia, MO – The Blue Note
Mar 12 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live
Mar 17 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave / Eagles Club
Mar 18 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theater
Mar 19 – Council Bluffs, IA – Horseshoe Council Bluffs | Whiskey Roadhouse
Mar 24 – Hobart, IN – Art Theater
Mar 25 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone
Mar 26 – Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon
April 7 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom
April 8 – Cedar Park, TX – The Haute Spot
April 9 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
April 13 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre
April 14 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
April 15 – Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall