Deana Carter
Beloved entertainer Deana Carter is commemorating the 25th anniversary of her 5x Platinum debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, containing country No. 1s “We Danced Anyway,” “How Do I Get There,” and her titanic “Strawberry Wine.”
To celebrate, Carter released 25th anniversary edition of the album, which included unreleased tracks and a version of “Strawberry Wine” with Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, Kylie Morgan, and Vince Gill. A new version of the title track is also included with guest vocals from McBryde, Gill, Sara Evans and Terri Clark.
Carter is also headlining the Ryman tonight (Nov. 18) for the very first time to celebrate the release. Special guests Charles Esten, Breland and more are set to appear.
In an interview with MusicRow, Carter spoke about the staying power of her debut album, ’90s country, and her Ryman show tonight.
MusicRow: You and Lainey Wilson were a smash as presenters at the CMA Awards last week, even getting the whole audience to sing “Strawberry Wine” along with you. How fun was that?
I was absolutely blown away by the whole arena singing “Strawberry Wine” with us, all of the artists singing & being so supportive…and the standing ovation just blew me away! The writer for the show, David Wild, told me the CMA’s have never had a standing ovation during a presenter spot. What an unforgettable moment!
I will never be able to thank Robert Deaton enough for giving me the opportunity to have another iconic CMA moment with my new best friend Laney Wilson. When we were rehearsing on Tuesday night, we realized we have family in Louisiana in the same area. It was so great spending time with her and I think that authentic connection made our few minutes presenting the award to Chris Stapleton for Single of the Year really special.
You welcomed a slew of guest artists on the re-release of Did I Shave My Legs for This? What did these voices bring to the project?
It was really important to me to have guest artists on this 25th anniversary re-release and to have ones that I connected with at some point or another.
I have written with Lauren Alaina and she and Ashley McBryde did a special appearance at the ACM Honors show, so that was a great segue to have them join me again. Martina McBride came out a little before me and I always looked up to her. I have also written with her in the past…so I really wanted her to be a part of it.
Terri Clark and Sara Evans and I have worked together over the years and I truly love their unique artistry and senses of humor, so they had to be with me on Shave.
Kylie Morgan is a new artist with such a distinct voice that really stands out, so that was important to include a brand new unique artist in the mix.
And having Vince Gill play guitar on the new collab tracks meant everything to me because he supported the Shave album when it came out in 1996 by stopping by my in-store at Tower Records on West End and had so many great things to say about me as a new artist from the very beginning. That was a HUGE deal in the community embracing my record, I believe. Also, I lost my daddy in 2010 (Fred Carter, Jr.) who was one the amazing A-team Nashville guys on the Row, so I just had to have Vince featured in his absence. That was super special to me.
What songs were you most excited to re-release with this project?
I am so excited for the world to hear our new versions of “Strawberry Wine” and “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” with the collaborations. I so hope that radio will play the new versions so the other artists get their moment in the spotlight on these songs. They are just so special.
I want them to climb the charts, I want them to get nominated for awards. I am just so happy to share these!
Some Spotify data recently came out that showed a resurgence of popularity of ’90s country with Gen-Z. “Strawberry Wine” was one of the most-discovered ’90s country songs in the U.S. in the past 3 months. Why do you think that song has been so evergreen?
Thanks to outlets like Spotify and recurrent radio airplay, artists have had the good fortune of being heard through changes in the marketplace. That is not lost on me and I am very grateful to have one of the most recurrently played albums in the genre.
I also believe that the truth in the songs, “Strawberry Wine” in particular, strike such a chord with people is because it either takes them back to a place and time if they’re older, or it connects them to a place and time, like their parents, or good memories, or their friends and family if they’re younger. That song has grown to mean more to more people because it speaks truth about the sweetness of youth and that even when life doesn’t pan out like you thought, it is still okay to hope that it will always pan out for the best.
I will never tire of singing that song and loving all of the fans in groups singing it together, whether families or friends or couples or kids or grandparents or whatever.
You’re headlining the Ryman tonight for the first time ever. How does it feel to get to do that?
I am so excited to be doing my first headline show at the Ryman! Being a Nashville native and a ‘Row kid’, I truly treasure the historical and cultural significance of that beautiful place. I have definitely sung at the Ryman, but never had my own show there. Having Charles Esten, Breland, and some other special guests is going to be even sweeter.
Justin Townes Earle Estate Partners With Exceleration Music
/by Lydia FarthingJustin Townes Earle. Photo: Joshua Black Wilkins
Exceleration Music has partnered with the estate of the late celebrated singer and songwriter Justin Townes Earle. The company, which invests in independent labels and artists to develop their legacies, has acquired the rights to Justin’s recordings between 2008 and 2012, including “Harlem River Blues,” “The Good Life,” and “Nothing’s Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.”
Justin tragically passed away from an accidental overdose in August of 2020. He is the son of acclaimed singer-songwriter Steve Earle.
Drawing on a range of genres throughout his career, Justin wrote songs that explored the darker side of the human experience, such as his complicated relationship with his family and problems with addiction. His songs of frailty, courage and redemption thrust him into the limelight as an emerging artist of the Americana movement during the 2000s and 2010s.
Exceleration partner Charles Caldas says: “I believe, as many of his fans do, that Justin Townes’ songs and recordings deserve much wider acclaim and recognition than he achieved in his lifetime. It is humbling to have this opportunity to work alongside his estate to ensure that his music continues to be discovered and celebrated, and most importantly to work to make sure that his extraordinary legacy as a songwriter and recording artist brings him the recognition he deserves.”
Founded by Caldas, Glen Barros, John Burk, Amy Dietz, and Dave Hansen, Exceleration’s deal with Justin’s estate joins a growing roster of investments and partnerships. The company recently announced its acquisition of Bloodshot Records and has also partnered with Alligator Records in Chicago which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Exceleration has also acquired Candid Records and partnered with the Ray Charles Foundation.
“We are very excited to take on the next chapter with the great team at Exceleration Music,” shares Laurens Kusters, representative of the Justin Townes Earle estate. “After we lost Justin, we crafted a plan of how his legacy will be immortalized. Exceleration Music is a crucial addition to the team to make that happen.”
“I am truly touched by the appreciation that Exceleration Music has for Justin and am very much excited about combining forces with our collective visions to honor his legacy as a songwriter, husband and father to Etta,” adds Justin’s wife, Jennifer Earles.
Tickets will go on sale Friday, Nov. 19. This celebration will require proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of the show.
Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, Mickey Guyton To Play Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest
/by Lorie HollabaughBlake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Mickey Guyton will be a part of the three-night lineup of performers for the upcoming 3rd annual Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest. The event will take place from Feb. 10-12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Thursday night kicks off with performances from both Halsey and Machine Gun Kelly as headliners, while Friday night will feature Shelton, Stefani, and Guyton. Saturday’s Super Bowl eve concert brings the power lineup of Green Day and Miley Cyrus to the stage.
“We’re absolutely thrilled that our Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest is returning to bring passionate music and football fans’ never seen before performances,” says Lane Joyce, director of Experiential Marketing for Bud Light. “With this year’s festival taking place in the iconic Staples Center, we’re excited about the lineup of musicians we have brought together across various genres, and can’t wait to bring people in Los Angeles even more fun to what is already set to be a big weekend.”
“Bud Light Super Bowl Music Fest has quickly become one of the most anticipated fan events of the week. Three nights of incredible talent at an amazing venue in Los Angeles as the Super Bowl returns to the city for the first time in nearly 30 years will make this year’s music fest the most exciting ever,” adds NFL EVP of Club Business & Events, Peter O’Reilly.
Elvie Shane Plots ‘My Kinda Trouble Tour’ For 2022
/by Lorie HollabaughElvie Shane is launching his first-ever headlining run–the “My Kinda Trouble Tour”–on Feb. 17 in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Frank Ray will join him on the dates.
The multi-city tour will visit Chicago, Charlotte, Indianapolis, Cincinnati, Little Rock and more with a stop in Nashville on April 21 at the Basement East. Tickets will go on sale beginning this Friday, Nov. 19, at 10 a.m. local time at elvieshane.com.
“I’ve never been more ready to break the chains!” shares Shane. “Getting to go out on the road for my first headlining tour is something we’ve been plotting for a while, and feels like just the kinda trouble I could get into. I can’t wait to get out there and play this record live.”
The tour announcement follows the recent celebration of Shane’s hit single “My Boy” topping the charts at country radio and being certified Gold by the RIAA. The track is featured on Shane’s just-released debut full length album Backslider.
“My Kinda Trouble Tour” Dates:
2/17/2022 Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
2/18/2022 Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
2/19/2022 Greenville, SC – The Blind Horse
3/11/2022 Indianapolis, IN – 8 Seconds Saloon*
3/12/2022 Louisville, KY – Mercury Ballroom
3/24/2022 Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
3/25/2022 Lexington, KY – Manchester Music Hall
3/26/2022 Warrendale, PA – Jergels
3/31/2022 Chicago, IL – Joe’s Bar
4/1/2022 Springfield, IL – Boondocks
4/14/2022 Little Rock, AR – Little Rock Music Hall
4/15/2022 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
4/16/2022 Macon, GA – The Crazy Bull
4/21/2022 Nashville, TN – The Basement East
*On sale starts on 11/23
Joe Fisher Relaunches Boom, Adds Shaina Botwin As Sr. Director, A&R [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellPictured: Shaina Botwin
Joe Fisher is relaunching Boom, the publishing company he, Keith Urban and hitmaker Ross Copperman started in 2017.
Fisher is expanding on the success Boom has had with writers Jimmy Robbins (“Half Of My Hometown,” “The Bones,” “Sure Be Cool If You Did”), Boom’s first signee, and Jordan Minton (“Good Time,” “Best Thing Since Backroads”). Now the roster includes Minton as well as hit writer Rodney Clawson (“Amarillo Sky,” “I Saw God Today,” “American Kids”), and writer-artists James Barker and Erin Kinsey.
“Being fortunate enough to add a legend like Rodney Clawson to the team is invaluable. He just raises the bar on so many levels. Jordan Minton is on the fast track to being a superstar songwriter. He just puts in the work and gets the job done,” Fisher tells MusicRow. “I am really excited to announce we’ve signed a couple of really talented singer/songwriters in Erin Kinsey and James Barker who fronts the James Barker Band. They are both making great music and just getting started.”
Fisher has also expanded the Boom staff, adding Shaina Botwin as Sr. Director, A&R. Botwin began her career at age 18 as Digital Marketing Manager at Broken Bow/BMG. Most recently she worked at Creative Nation for almost four years before joining Fisher to relaunch Boom.
“From my very first meeting with Joe, we both felt very excited about what was to come with Boom,” Botwin shares. “Being a part of this new vision and new era of Boom is very exciting to me. There is an opportunity to really grow something from ground zero with a new roster and new team.”
Now the two are building upwards, with visions of a familial atmosphere to develop writers at Boom.
“My goals start at wanting to help the songwriter first,” Fisher says. “I want to build a tight-knit publishing house at Boom with a great atmosphere that people want to write for.”
Botwin adds, “We’re all here because we’re fans of music and to get to be a publisher is pretty much the closest you can be to that creative process. That’s what drives me and has always been my passion, getting to surround myself with the insanely talented songwriters that we get to work with.”
Deana Carter On ‘Strawberry Wine’: ‘I Will Never Tire Of Singing That Song’ [Interview]
/by LB CantrellDeana Carter
Beloved entertainer Deana Carter is commemorating the 25th anniversary of her 5x Platinum debut album Did I Shave My Legs for This?, containing country No. 1s “We Danced Anyway,” “How Do I Get There,” and her titanic “Strawberry Wine.”
To celebrate, Carter released 25th anniversary edition of the album, which included unreleased tracks and a version of “Strawberry Wine” with Ashley McBryde, Lauren Alaina, Martina McBride, Kylie Morgan, and Vince Gill. A new version of the title track is also included with guest vocals from McBryde, Gill, Sara Evans and Terri Clark.
Carter is also headlining the Ryman tonight (Nov. 18) for the very first time to celebrate the release. Special guests Charles Esten, Breland and more are set to appear.
In an interview with MusicRow, Carter spoke about the staying power of her debut album, ’90s country, and her Ryman show tonight.
MusicRow: You and Lainey Wilson were a smash as presenters at the CMA Awards last week, even getting the whole audience to sing “Strawberry Wine” along with you. How fun was that?
I was absolutely blown away by the whole arena singing “Strawberry Wine” with us, all of the artists singing & being so supportive…and the standing ovation just blew me away! The writer for the show, David Wild, told me the CMA’s have never had a standing ovation during a presenter spot. What an unforgettable moment!
I will never be able to thank Robert Deaton enough for giving me the opportunity to have another iconic CMA moment with my new best friend Laney Wilson. When we were rehearsing on Tuesday night, we realized we have family in Louisiana in the same area. It was so great spending time with her and I think that authentic connection made our few minutes presenting the award to Chris Stapleton for Single of the Year really special.
You welcomed a slew of guest artists on the re-release of Did I Shave My Legs for This? What did these voices bring to the project?
It was really important to me to have guest artists on this 25th anniversary re-release and to have ones that I connected with at some point or another.
I have written with Lauren Alaina and she and Ashley McBryde did a special appearance at the ACM Honors show, so that was a great segue to have them join me again. Martina McBride came out a little before me and I always looked up to her. I have also written with her in the past…so I really wanted her to be a part of it.
Terri Clark and Sara Evans and I have worked together over the years and I truly love their unique artistry and senses of humor, so they had to be with me on Shave.
Kylie Morgan is a new artist with such a distinct voice that really stands out, so that was important to include a brand new unique artist in the mix.
And having Vince Gill play guitar on the new collab tracks meant everything to me because he supported the Shave album when it came out in 1996 by stopping by my in-store at Tower Records on West End and had so many great things to say about me as a new artist from the very beginning. That was a HUGE deal in the community embracing my record, I believe. Also, I lost my daddy in 2010 (Fred Carter, Jr.) who was one the amazing A-team Nashville guys on the Row, so I just had to have Vince featured in his absence. That was super special to me.
What songs were you most excited to re-release with this project?
I am so excited for the world to hear our new versions of “Strawberry Wine” and “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” with the collaborations. I so hope that radio will play the new versions so the other artists get their moment in the spotlight on these songs. They are just so special.
I want them to climb the charts, I want them to get nominated for awards. I am just so happy to share these!
Some Spotify data recently came out that showed a resurgence of popularity of ’90s country with Gen-Z. “Strawberry Wine” was one of the most-discovered ’90s country songs in the U.S. in the past 3 months. Why do you think that song has been so evergreen?
Thanks to outlets like Spotify and recurrent radio airplay, artists have had the good fortune of being heard through changes in the marketplace. That is not lost on me and I am very grateful to have one of the most recurrently played albums in the genre.
I also believe that the truth in the songs, “Strawberry Wine” in particular, strike such a chord with people is because it either takes them back to a place and time if they’re older, or it connects them to a place and time, like their parents, or good memories, or their friends and family if they’re younger. That song has grown to mean more to more people because it speaks truth about the sweetness of youth and that even when life doesn’t pan out like you thought, it is still okay to hope that it will always pan out for the best.
I will never tire of singing that song and loving all of the fans in groups singing it together, whether families or friends or couples or kids or grandparents or whatever.
You’re headlining the Ryman tonight for the first time ever. How does it feel to get to do that?
I am so excited to be doing my first headline show at the Ryman! Being a Nashville native and a ‘Row kid’, I truly treasure the historical and cultural significance of that beautiful place. I have definitely sung at the Ryman, but never had my own show there. Having Charles Esten, Breland, and some other special guests is going to be even sweeter.
Bobby Tomberlin Extends Songwriting Contract With Curb | Word
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Sara Schumacher, Creative Director, Curb | Word Music; Bobby Tomberlin; and Ciara Shortridge, VP Country Publishing/A&R
CMA, ACM and Grammy-nominated songwriter Bobby Tomberlin has extended his contract with Curb | Word Music, marking his 27th year with the company.
Tomberlin has had over 100 of his songs recorded by the likes of Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Josh Turner, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, Joe Nichols and the Oak Ridge Boys. He was also a co-writer on the Willie Nelson and Barbra Streisand single, “I’d Want It To Be You.”
Tomberlin was recently presented with a BMI Five Million Airplay Award for his song “One More Day,” recorded by Diamond Rio, and a One Million Airplay Award for “A Good Day To Run,” recorded by Darryl Worley.
“I’m so thankful to Mike Curb for giving me a chance to make my dreams come true. He has been so loyal, and it’s such a blessing to have a team like Ciara, Colt and Jonathan to work with,” says Tomberlin.
“Bobby Tomberlin is such a rare true talent, a wonderful human, and a pure joy to work with. He has created such a rich and diverse legacy of music in our catalog across these 27 years,” adds Ciara Shortridge, VP Country Publishing/A&R, Curb | Word. “With a deep connection to traditional country, his lyrical prowess brings a distinct timeless quality to every writing room he walks into, and his talents continue to evolve to fit the modern soundscape while staying true to those roots. I am proud to work with him, and can’t wait for what he will surprise us with next!”
BREAKING: Date & Location Announced For 57th ACM Awards
/by LB CantrellThe Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, where the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards will be held.
After having held its last two awards ceremonies in Nashville, the Academy of Country Music will return to Las Vegas for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards on Monday, March 7, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium.
In August the Academy announced that its 2022 awards would be livestreamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, marking the first time a major awards show has done so exclusively. The event will livesteam on Prime Video in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK. Information regarding tickets will be announced in the coming weeks.
“We are thrilled to return to Las Vegas to celebrate country music’s party of the year in this incredible brand-new stadium and on the Prime Video streaming service for the first time ever,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “We can’t thank the city of Las Vegas and Allegiant Stadium enough for welcoming us for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards—a party so big only a stadium can hold it!”
R.A. Clark is executive producer of the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards. Whiteside is executive producer for the Academy of Country Music.
Ryan Dokke Exits Play It Again Music
/by LB CantrellRyan Dokke
Ryan Dokke has exited his role of CEO at Dallas Davidson‘s Play It Again Music. Dokke joined the publishing company in the summer of 2020 to help expand it to include label and artist management divisions.
“After an awesome year and a half, I am ready to get after a new challenge,” Dokke tells MusicRow. “I have loved working with Dallas Davidson and the entire PIA team, artists, songwriters, and partners! It is all love and respect.”
Prior to working at PIA, Dokke spent time at Curb Records where he rose to Curb|Word Entertainment Senior Vice President and General Manager in 2018. His career also includes a stop at Sony Music Entertainment (Arista Records).
Hit songwriter Davidson launched PIA Music in 2015. The company’s publishing roster includes Davidson, Kyle Fishman, Trea Landon, Justin Wilson, and Tommy Cecil. Play It Again Entertainment is home to artists Walker Montgomery and Dylan Marlowe.
Reach Dokke at redokke@gmail.com.
Bobby Bones, Rachel Smith To Host ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’
/by Lorie HollabaughBobby Bones & Rachel Smith
New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, CBS’ five-hour special to ring in the New Year, will be hosted by radio and TV personality Bobby Bones and Entertainment Tonight‘s Rachel Smith. The celebration will air live from Music City on Friday, Dec. 31 on CBS and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
“I’m so excited to celebrate and host New Year’s Eve this year right down the street from my house, with so many of my friends who have great performances planned,” says Bones. “I can’t wait to show America how special Nashville is.”
“I am over the moon to co-host New Year’s Eve Live from Nashville,” Smith adds. “I get to hang with the hottest acts in country music, some I’m lucky enough to call friends, on New Year’s Eve in my hometown! Sign me up!”
As previously announced, the special will feature nearly 50 performances by country’s hottest stars, including Jason Aldean, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Gabby Barrett, Dierks Bentley, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Bryan, Elle King, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Cole Swindell and Zac Brown Band. The broadcast will cross multiple time zones, with the traditional countdown at midnight ET, culminating with the renowned Nashville music note drop and fireworks at midnight CT.
Lon Helton & Bill Mayne Recognized With St. Jude Angels Among Us Award
/by Lorie HollabaughLon Helton, Bill Mayne
Lon Helton and Bill Mayne are the recipients of this year’s St. Jude Angels Among Us Award.
The award is presented by Randy Owen, Alabama lead-singer and co-founder of Country Cares. Owen kick-started the beloved tradition of giving the award to others who have shown his spirit and exceptional dedication to the lifesaving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Helton, who began his radio career in 1971, has utilized his industry platforms to support St. Jude since the start of the Country Cares for St. Jude Kids program. He was one of the earliest St. Jude supporters during his time as Country Editor for Radio & Records magazine, penning multiple stories imploring country radio to increase its involvement in St. Jude radiothons. As the host of Country Countdown USA, Helton has participated in radio fundraisers and industry events, urging his nationwide audience to get more involved. Since establishing Country Aircheck in 2006, he has sustained his advocacy for patients at St. Jude with regular editorial content spotlighting important medical breakthroughs and radiothon success stories.
Mayne used his clout as head of Warner Bros Nashville to draw support when Country Cares for St. Jude Kids first launched, and to grow interest and participation from labels on Music Row. Mayne secured the first artist to attend the annual St. Jude event in the early 90s, the late Holly Dunn, and later Faith Hill and many other stars, which inspired the tradition and culture of artist participation at this event. Mayne then continued his involvement with St. Jude while serving as Executive Director for Country Radio Broadcasters/Country Radio Seminar from 2009-2019, incorporating St. Jude directly into the annual curriculum and urging involvement in the radiothon program.
This recognition places Helton and Mayne among the ranks of nine past recipients, including namesake Owen, in addition to Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, John Rich, former ALSAC Chief Operating Officer David McKee (posthumously) and St. Jude Country Cares Advisory Board member, Sharon Eaves (posthumously). Both Helton and Mayne also received the 20-Year St. Jude Pioneers Award for their long-time support of St. Jude kids.