Eddie Montgomery. Photo: Michael Gomez
Four years have passed since Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo Montgomery Gentry, tragically died in a helicopter crash. Countless fans and industry members mourned Gentry’s shocking death, but few were as impacted as his partner and best friend, Eddie Montgomery.
Together the Kentucky natives had built a loyal fan-base with their songs about the everyman, patriotism, and having a good time. In their nearly 20 years together, Montgomery Gentry celebrated multiple CMA and ACM award wins, became members of the Grand Ole Opry and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and had 20+ hit singles such as “My Town,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” and many more.
Kentucky natives Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry at their induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Photo: Kim Owens
A few weeks back, Montgomery took a step out on his own and released his fist album as a solo artist, called Ain’t No Closing Me Down, via Average Joes Entertainment.
“I’m so used to looking to my left and seeing T-Roy,” Montgomery shares of his partner whom he affectionately called “T-Roy.”
“Me and T-Roy made a pact a long time ago over some Jim Beam, back when we were a little bit younger. We made a pact that if either one of us went down, the other one would keep the MG name going. I’m gonna keep my promise.”
And he has.
Montgomery’s debut solo effort includes 12 tracks produced by Grammy award-winning producer Noah Gordon and award-winning producer Shannon Houchins.
Montgomery wrote on eight of the project’s songs, along with co-writers Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin, David Lee Murphy, and nephew Walker Montgomery.
Pictured (L-R): Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; Eddie Montgomery; Troy Gentry; Doug Kaye, V.P. Sales/Finance, Average Joes Entertainment, celebrate RIAA certifications at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy Average Joes
The title track, “Ain’t No Closing Me Down,” is in true Montgomery Gentry form with its unapologetic lyrics and southern rock sound. It was inspired by Montgomery’s feelings about lockdown over the past two years.
“They locked everything down. You couldn’t go to a restaurant or go to a bar, and I’m a bar fly. Me and T-Roy have always been bar flies, we grew up that way,” Montgomery says. “I was sitting at home and [I got an idea.] I have a pretty good size garage, so I backed my truck out and put it in the yard. The next thing I know, I’m hanging TVs on the wall, and a dart board and a disco ball.
“I went and bought this big commercial refrigerator. The restaurants were closing down, so they were selling equipment and I got a hell of a deal on it,” he continues. “And I’ve got all these grills, smokers, and flat tops. The next thing I know, hell, everybody was starting to stop by bringing beer, Jim Beam, steaks, hot dogs and hamburgers.”
The DIY-garage bar inspired the song, which Montgomery wrote with Wallin and Dean. “Ain’t nobody going to close America down. That’s just the way it is. I thought, ‘I’m not going to stop, I love playing music. I’m keeping my promise and I’m gonna keep on rocking.'”
A gorgeous track on the album, “My Son,” taps into more loss that Montgomery has been through, the loss of two of his sons. The song was featured in the new American western film starring Tim Blake Nelson, Old Henry.
“I can’t thank Noah Gordon enough. He produced my record and we wrote that song together,” Montgomery says. “I was thinking about my boys writing that. It came from my soul.”
Another great track, “Alive and Well,” highlights Montgomery’s gratitude for life, even in the face of intense grief and pain. “It’s hard to get back up again / When you lose two sons and your best friend,” Montgomery sings. “I know deep down, that’s what they’d want / So I’ll just keep breathin’ until I don’t / ‘Cause they’re still around just as long as I’m alive and well.”
“I wanted to write about Troy, my sons, and some feelings I had locked up inside me. And I tell you what, it actually helped me,” Montgomery shares. “I felt like the whole time I was in the studio and writing, T-Roy was right there, man.”
Not all tracks features Montgomery’s sole voice, however. The singer is joined by Tanya Tucker on the track “Higher.” “I’ll put Tanya against any new female artist right now. Her voice is that damn stout. It’s unreal how strong of a singer she is.”
Ultimately, Montgomery evokes the spirit of Montgomery Gentry in all twelve tracks on Ain’t No Closing Me Down. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him,” Montgomery shares.
Ain’t No Closing Me Down is available everywhere now.
Renee Blair Shares Debut Album Years In The Making
/by Lydia FarthingRenee Blair. Photo: Ford Fairchild
Rising country artist Renee Blair‘s debut album, Seventeen, is available everywhere now.
The personal body of work has been a work in progress over the last serveral years as Blair teamed up with some of Nashville’s hottest writers and producers for the project, such as Shane McAnally, Kane Brown, Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Walker Hayes and many more. The 17-song album includes fan-favorites like “Heart’s In Your Head,” “Turn Up the Night,” and “You Did.”
Blair, who moved to Nashville at age 17 after being discovered by LA Reid, Diane Warren and McAnally, aptly named her debut collection after major milestones throughout her career. The now recently engaged singer fell in love with her husband-to-be and producer Schmidt in 2017, with seventeen always being her lucky number.
“I would describe this album as a peek under the hood of my life, there isn’t one song I haven’t lived. I share the good and the bad, my fears, mistakes and all the love I’ve experienced,” shares Blair. “I grew up in St. Louis, obsessed with Nelly and Shania Twain at the same time, so I hope people can hear my influences on both ends of the musical spectrum.”
Blair has earned previous spots on Spotify’s Hot Country and Apple Music’s Today’s Country and was inducted into CMT’s Next Women of Country. She has racked up over 20 million global artist streams; earned opening slots with artists including Chase Rice, Mitchell Tenpenny, Kane Brown, Carly Pearce and Hardy; and hosted a daily radio show on Nashville’s “YoCo” radio station.
1. “Gotta Quit Drinkin’” (Matt McGinn, Kylie Sackley, Renee Blair) **
2. “Hearts In Your Head” (Joe Ragosta, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
3. “Heatin’ Up My Summer” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
4. “Soon As I’m Happy” (Trannie Stevens, Zach Abend, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
5. “Turn Up The Night” (Corey Crowder, Matt McGinn, Kane Brown, Jordan Schmidt) *
6. “Girlfriend” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
7. “Handsome” (Jake Davis, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
8. “You Did” (Brian Bunn, Renee Blair, Jeffery East) *
9. Downtowned Up” (Joe Ragosta, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
10. “Better Off” (Jordan Schmidt, Walker Hayes, Matt McGinn, Shane McAnally, Renee Blair) +
11. “Stronger Than Me” (Matt Alderman, Kyle Schelinger, Renee Blair) ^
12. “Wearin’ It Well” (Jordan Schmidt, Sara Buxton, Renee Blair) *
13. “Me Tonight” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Shane McAnally, Renee Blair) +
14. “Get The Girl” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
15. “Here I Am” (Jamie Paulin, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
16. “Heatin’ Up My Summer (Acoustic)” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
17. “Girlfriend (Acoustic)” (Matt McGinn, Jordan Schmidt, Renee Blair) *
* produced by Jordan Schmidt
+ produced by Shane McAnally and Jordan Schmidt
^ produced by Matt Alderman and Jordan Schmidt
** produced by Jordan Schmidt, Shane McAnally and Matt McGinn
Eddie Montgomery Carries The Torch For Montgomery Gentry With Debut Solo Album [Interview]
/by LB CantrellEddie Montgomery. Photo: Michael Gomez
Four years have passed since Troy Gentry, half of the popular country duo Montgomery Gentry, tragically died in a helicopter crash. Countless fans and industry members mourned Gentry’s shocking death, but few were as impacted as his partner and best friend, Eddie Montgomery.
Together the Kentucky natives had built a loyal fan-base with their songs about the everyman, patriotism, and having a good time. In their nearly 20 years together, Montgomery Gentry celebrated multiple CMA and ACM award wins, became members of the Grand Ole Opry and the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame, and had 20+ hit singles such as “My Town,” “Something To Be Proud Of,” “Lucky Man,” and many more.
Kentucky natives Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry at their induction into the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame in 2015. Photo: Kim Owens
A few weeks back, Montgomery took a step out on his own and released his fist album as a solo artist, called Ain’t No Closing Me Down, via Average Joes Entertainment.
“I’m so used to looking to my left and seeing T-Roy,” Montgomery shares of his partner whom he affectionately called “T-Roy.”
“Me and T-Roy made a pact a long time ago over some Jim Beam, back when we were a little bit younger. We made a pact that if either one of us went down, the other one would keep the MG name going. I’m gonna keep my promise.”
And he has.
Montgomery’s debut solo effort includes 12 tracks produced by Grammy award-winning producer Noah Gordon and award-winning producer Shannon Houchins.
Montgomery wrote on eight of the project’s songs, along with co-writers Ira Dean, Jeffrey Steele, Chris Wallin, David Lee Murphy, and nephew Walker Montgomery.
Pictured (L-R): Shannon Houchins, CEO/President, Average Joes Entertainment; Eddie Montgomery; Troy Gentry; Doug Kaye, V.P. Sales/Finance, Average Joes Entertainment, celebrate RIAA certifications at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Courtesy Average Joes
The title track, “Ain’t No Closing Me Down,” is in true Montgomery Gentry form with its unapologetic lyrics and southern rock sound. It was inspired by Montgomery’s feelings about lockdown over the past two years.
“They locked everything down. You couldn’t go to a restaurant or go to a bar, and I’m a bar fly. Me and T-Roy have always been bar flies, we grew up that way,” Montgomery says. “I was sitting at home and [I got an idea.] I have a pretty good size garage, so I backed my truck out and put it in the yard. The next thing I know, I’m hanging TVs on the wall, and a dart board and a disco ball.
“I went and bought this big commercial refrigerator. The restaurants were closing down, so they were selling equipment and I got a hell of a deal on it,” he continues. “And I’ve got all these grills, smokers, and flat tops. The next thing I know, hell, everybody was starting to stop by bringing beer, Jim Beam, steaks, hot dogs and hamburgers.”
The DIY-garage bar inspired the song, which Montgomery wrote with Wallin and Dean. “Ain’t nobody going to close America down. That’s just the way it is. I thought, ‘I’m not going to stop, I love playing music. I’m keeping my promise and I’m gonna keep on rocking.'”
A gorgeous track on the album, “My Son,” taps into more loss that Montgomery has been through, the loss of two of his sons. The song was featured in the new American western film starring Tim Blake Nelson, Old Henry.
“I can’t thank Noah Gordon enough. He produced my record and we wrote that song together,” Montgomery says. “I was thinking about my boys writing that. It came from my soul.”
Another great track, “Alive and Well,” highlights Montgomery’s gratitude for life, even in the face of intense grief and pain. “It’s hard to get back up again / When you lose two sons and your best friend,” Montgomery sings. “I know deep down, that’s what they’d want / So I’ll just keep breathin’ until I don’t / ‘Cause they’re still around just as long as I’m alive and well.”
“I wanted to write about Troy, my sons, and some feelings I had locked up inside me. And I tell you what, it actually helped me,” Montgomery shares. “I felt like the whole time I was in the studio and writing, T-Roy was right there, man.”
Not all tracks features Montgomery’s sole voice, however. The singer is joined by Tanya Tucker on the track “Higher.” “I’ll put Tanya against any new female artist right now. Her voice is that damn stout. It’s unreal how strong of a singer she is.”
Ultimately, Montgomery evokes the spirit of Montgomery Gentry in all twelve tracks on Ain’t No Closing Me Down. “There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t miss him,” Montgomery shares.
Ain’t No Closing Me Down is available everywhere now.
Darius Rucker, Michael Ray, More Perform In Musicians On Call Concert For Veterans
/by Lorie HollabaughMusicians On Call and Wrangler are hosting the Concert For Veterans Presented by Wrangler, a virtual concert for Veterans in all VA facilities nationwide for Veterans Day.
This week’s concert, featuring Wynonna, Peter Frampton, Darius Rucker, Sara Evans, Lainey Wilson, Michael Ray, Striking Matches, Jameson Rodgers, Caylee Hammack, Sarahbeth Taite, Catie Offerman and more, is being shared through MOC’s Virtual Bedside Performance Program. Hosted by Big Sky Music Group artist Stephanie Quayle from the Bluebird Cafe, the artists will offer songs of encouragement and messages of thanks to all Veterans for their service to our country.
“This year has been especially hard on hospitalized Veterans and their caregivers who have had to go without the regular support of their loved ones and volunteers in the hospital due to the pandemic. Musicians On Call’s live music programs have always meant a lot to our VA partners and, while we’ve missed visiting with the Veterans in person, we are glad to have remained connected during this hard time through our virtual programs,” says Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “We are grateful to Wrangler for partnering with us for a second year in a row to ensure the Veterans and staff in all VA facilities feel especially appreciated this Veterans Day through the joys of great music.”
“Wrangler is proud to team up with Musicians On Call to honor our nation’s Veterans by harnessing the power of music, a facet that the Wrangler brand has always channeled in our designs and collaborations throughout the years,” adds Holly Wheeler, vice president of global brand marketing at Wrangler. “We’re grateful that Musicians On Call has given us the opportunity to show our appreciation for servicemen and servicewomen this Veteran’s Day by providing a unique experience they’ll never forget.”
For over 20 years Musicians On Call has used music to promote and complement the healing process through programs like the Bedside Performance Program, Virtual Bedside Performance Program and Music Pharmacy. MOC’s Bedside Performance Program and Virtual Program have reached nearly one million people in healthcare facilities nationwide.
Spotify Launches Expanded Charts Website
/by Lorie HollabaughAvailable to all Spotify for Artists creators and Spotify listeners around the world, the new destination allows artists and fans to go deep on all the data and see what music is moving listeners.
The new Genre charts generate the top 200 songs across 17 genres, categorizing songs based on context from user playlists and editorial feedback, while the Artist charts reflect who is at the top of their game based on streams across their entire catalog. Every Friday, the top 200 artists are updated globally and across the top 65 markets, giving fans a chance to track their favorites as they rise.
The City & Local Pulse charts highlight how artists and fans around the world set the soundtrack to their cities. Spotify’s City charts tap into the music that is popular among listeners in over 200 top cities, while the Local pulse charts examine each track’s popularity among listeners in each city compared to its popularity around the world to show off the distinct taste of local listeners.
Along with the new charts comes the ability to view new data, including chart entry dates, peak positions, and streaks from the expanded view. Credits for each song are also visible when you click “more.” Additionally, Spotify has created new shareable Promo Cards to accompany any chart position on the site that are available to artists or fans.
Read more about Spotify’s expansion here.
Industry Ink: Lee Brice, Tenille Arts, Lauren Daigle
/by Lydia FarthingLee Brice Celebrates ASCAP Country Song Of The Year, RIAA Certifications
Pictured (L-R): Curb Records’ John Clore; Curb Records’ RJ Meacham; Red Light Management’s Anthony DeVincenzo; Curb Records’ Blair McDermott; Curb Records’ Benson Curb; Lee Brice; Curb Records’ Jeff Tuerff; Curb | Word Music Publishing’s Ciara Shortridge; Curb Records’ John Chapman; Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo
Curb Records artist Lee Brice is celebrating the ASCAP Country Song Of The Year award win for “One Of Them Girls” songwriter and ASCAP affiliate, Ashley Gorley. Brice, a SESAC writer, also recently received various RIAA certifications, with his recent No. 1 hit “Memory I Don’t Mess With” being certified Gold, “Hard To Love” going 4x Platinum, Hey World going Gold, “I Hope You’re Happy Now” with Carly Pearce being certified 2x Platinum, and “One Of Them Girls” being certified 2x Platinum.
“Man, ASCAP Song Of The Year… whew, what an incredible honor. From the very first night writing it, to the next morning recording it, and singing it every night since then, has been surreal,” shares Brice. “Ashley is such a crazy talent, anytime the moment strikes he’s one you can never go wrong calling! It’s so crazy to see how my music, the new stuff and the old stuff, is resonating so much with my fans. It truly fills my heart… it’s what I strive for every day. To have these new RIAA certifications is such an honor. I’m extremely grateful to make music that people love to listen to. That’s all a music man can hope for.”
Brice also recently received a nod for his first American Music Award with Hey World‘s nomination for Favorite Country Album. The nomination follows his fourth consecutive No. 1 at country radio with “Memory I Don’t Mess With.”
Tenille Arts’ “Somebody Like That” Earns Platinum Status
Pictured (L-R): Ghazi Shami, EMPIRE CEO; Sarah Beth Gerlecz, EMPIRE Counsel; William Dyer, EMPIRE Product Manager; Heather Vassar, EMPIRE VP Marketing; Tenille Arts; Gator Michaels, Gator Michaels Consulting. Photo: Will Bucquoy
19th & Grand Records artist Tenille Arts has notched a Platinum certification for her smash single “Somebody Like That.” Representatives from her label and distribution company surprised her with a commemorative plaque during her performance at CMT Live In The Vineyard Goes Country on Nov. 5.
“I had no idea what was going on when all of these people from my music family started coming on stage, but what a surprise! Thank you to this amazing team, and thank you country radio, DSPs and the fans for embracing my music,” Arts shares.
The Canadian-born entertainer made history in April when the track became the first single written, produced and performed by all females to hit No. 1 on the national country chart. Written alongside Alex Kline and Allison Veltz Cruz, Kline also produced the single, making her the first solo female producer to have a top 10 single at country radio by a female artist. Arts also became the first Canadian artist and the first Canadian female artist to have a No. 1 single on U.S. country radio charts since 2007 and 2004, respectively.
Lauren Daigle’s The Price Fund Gives Back To New Orleans Charities
Pictured (L-R): KidSmart’s Elise Gallinot Goldman, NOCCA’s Gregory Agid, Lauren Daigle, Ellis Marsalis Center’s Lisa Dabney, Roots Music’s Morgan Steward, Young Audiences of Louisiana’s Richard Bates
Two-time Grammy award-winner and multi-Platinum recording artist Lauren Daigle recently gave $375,000 to five New Orleans organizations. The non-profits–KidSmart, NOCCA, Ellis Marsalis Center, Roots Music, and Young Audiences of Louisiana–work to provide at-risk youth with resources to succeed through music/art education, food support, and literacy.
“Thanks to everyone’s generosity, through The Price Fund we were able to give back to New Orleans in a way that will truly make an impact,” the Louisiana native shares. “All these organizations are doing so much for the community and it’s an honor to be able to help in any way possible. Knowing that the next generation of kids are able to find hope through these programs puts wind in my sails.”
The Price Fund, established by Daigle in 2019, is designed to provide care for both children and the elderly, as well as those in need. Through donations made via ticket sales alone, Daigle has donated over $1 million to various charities and continues to raise funds through merchandise sales and streaming.
Since the release of her Grammy award-winning, Platinum-certified album Look Up Child, Daigle has reigned on the Billboard Charts. The album debuted at No. 3 on the Top 200 Albums chart, making Daigle the first female artist to simultaneously hit the Top 10 on both Billboard’s Pop and Christian Album Charts. With 100 weeks at No. 1, Look Up Child also holds the record for the greatest number of weeks at the top of any individual album chart. Additionally, the Grammy award-winning crossover hit, “You Say,” became the longest-running No. 1 song of any genre on the weekly Billboard Hot charts with 132 weeks and was recently certified 4x-platinum by the RIAA.
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country Wraps Star-Studded 2021 Event
/by Lorie HollabaughSony Music Nashville artist Tenille Townes performs at Nickel & Nickel Winery during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021.
Photo: Ryan Waneka
Live In The Vineyard Goes Country and CMT wrapped up another successful event in Napa Valley, California last week (Nov. 2-4) that featured performances by Zac Brown Band, Darius Rucker, Old Dominion, Cole Swindell, Chris Janson, Tenille Arts, Lainey Wilson, Priscilla Block, Parker McCollum, Matt Stell, Tenille Townes, Mackenzie Porter, Tiera, and more.
Warner Music Nashville’s Cole Swindell performs at the Mainstage Concert, held at Regusci Winery, during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021. Photo: Ryan Waneka
CMT filmed the upcoming episode of CMT Hot 20 during the event, which will air at 8 a.m. CT on Saturday, Nov. 13 and Sunday, Nov. 14. Fans can tune into CMT this weekend to get their backstage look at the event that will feature interviews led by Rissi Palmer and Carissa Culiner with performers from the star-packed event.
Plenty of special moments occurred throughout the event, including plaque presentations honoring Elvie Shane and Arts, who were individually recognized for their streaming success. In addition Live In The Vineyard Goes Country kicked off with a live on-air appearance by nutrition expert Joy Bauer on NBC’s TODAY show doing a cooking segment directly from the kitchen of Hall Winery in St. Helena, California.
Sony Music Nashville’s Old Dominion performs at Nickel & Nickel Winery during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021. Photo Credit: LITVGC
Warner Music Nashville’s Zac Brown Band performs at the Mainstage Concert, held at Regusci Winery, during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021. Photo: Ryan Waneka
Universal Group Nashville artist Priscilla Block performs during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021 at Round Pond Estate Winery. Photo: Ryan Waneka
Sony Music Nashville artist Matt Stell performs at Nickel & Nickel Winery during Live In The Vineyard Goes Country 2021. Photo: Ryan Waneka
Trisha Yearwood Cooks Up Some Thanksgiving Fun At The White House
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden. Photo: Courtesy The Food Network
Trisha Yearwood is teaming up with First Lady Jill Biden on Nov. 20 in a new Food Network special to usher in the holiday season. A White House Thanksgiving finds Yearwood in Washington, D.C. where she and the First Lady provide viewers with a rare glimpse at holiday entertaining at the White House.
In the special, Yearwood and Dr. Biden create a tablescape using flowers from the White House Kitchen Garden, make Yearwood’s favorite turkey gravy and Dr. Biden’s grandmother’s savory stuffing, enjoy an apple crisp created by the White House pastry chef (topped with the President’s favorite ice cream) and more. The two are joined by White House Executive Chef Cristeta Comerford, Chief Floral Designer Hedieh Ghaffarian, and Executive Pastry Chef Susan Morrison on the special.
“Food brings us together,” Yearwood notes. “I hope this special is a reminder to all of us about what we all have in common. Love one another.”
“Food is love – and gathering together this year for Thanksgiving is healing for our hearts,” adds Dr. Biden. “The family recipes passed down through the generations, the fun traditions that continue, and the meaningful blessings shared, all keep me filled with gratitude. It was fun opening up the White House to Food Network and learning cooking tips from Trisha and the White House chefs and florist, while sharing my own family recipes. I hope everyone watching comes away feeling that cooking a Thanksgiving meal is something anyone can do, but if you’re still nervous about making the gravy, like I am, you’re in good company!”
A White House Thanksgiving premieres Saturday, Nov. 20 at noon ET – the time Trisha’s Southern Kitchen cooking show normally airs.
Yearwood released her fourth cookbook, Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family, in September.
Sam Hunt & Friends To Head To Cancun In March For Casa Fiesta Experience
/by Lorie HollabaughSam Hunt is heading to Cancun, Mexico for spring break next March along with Parker McCollum, Nelly, The Band Camino, Surfaces, Tai Verdes, Lily Rose, Shy Carter and Connor Smith for “Casa Fiesta Featuring Sam Hunt and Friends.”
Set for March 14-18, 2022, the five-day experience, presented by tech company Pollen, will include performances on the beach near Cancun’s hottest clubs, activities, pool parties, add-on excursions and much more.
“We’re excited to work with Sam to curate such a unique and intimate experience for his fans, especially with a line up of contrasting genres that brings everyone together for a fun party on the beach,” says Dan Merker, Head of Country & Rock Content for Pollen.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, Nov. 12. Local COVID protocols and guidelines will be observed. More info can be found here..
Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney Earn Early 2021 CMA Award Wins
/by Lydia FarthingKelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney
Early winners for The 55th Annual CMA Awards have been revealed in two categories. First-time CMA Awards winner Kelsea Ballerini and nine-time CMA Awards winner Kenny Chesney take home two trophies for their collaboration, “Half Of My Hometown.”
Produced by Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, “Half Of My Hometown” has won the award for CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year. The video was directed by Patrick Tracy.
Since its release, the Gold-certified track, written by Ballerini, Copperman, Robbins, Nicolle Galyon and Shane McAnally, has garnered over 90 million streams and is currently in the top 20 at country radio. “Half Of My Hometown” is currently at No. 14 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 19 on the Hot Country Songs Chart.
Ballerini says: “I’m so proud that my first two CMAs are for a song that represents my roots and also celebrates the dream that made me leave to chase it down. I remember growing up in Knoxville watching the CMAs… So this feels surreal and special to share this with so many of my songwriting friends, and my hometown hero Kenny Chesney. I can’t think of a better moment to keep on my shelf forever.”
“Growing up in East Tennessee, it’s a deeper kind of home. You have to have lived it to really understand,” adds Chesney. “Kelsea knows that, knows how hard it is to leave to chase a dream like music. It’s what made being part of “half of my hometown” so special! I know that feeling of everyone having an opinion, hating leaving all that love and needing to go out and find your place in the songs.”
This year’s CMA Awards will feature 20 performances from some of the biggest names in music, including Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood, Gabby Barrett, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Mickey Guyton feat. Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards, Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde, and more.
Also on tap is a star-studded list of presenters such as Trace Adkins, Ingrid Andress, Deana Carter, Lauren Daigle, Russell Dickerson, Amy Grant, Alan Jackson, Elle King, Lady A, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, Darius Rucker, Lainey Wilson, and Trisha Yearwood, among others. The night will be hosted by Luke Bryan.
The 55th Annual CMA Awards will air live tonight (Nov. 10) on ABC from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta Wraps Undefeated Sportscar Season
/by Steven BoeroScott Borchetta. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group
Big Machine Label Group President and CEO Scott Borchetta finished off a stellar Sportscar Vintage Racing Association (SVRA) season by winning the Group 6 championship at Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas.
The label head and racing enthusiast won the Gold Helmet National Championship Race in his red and white 1969 Chevrolet Corvette on Sunday, Nov. 7. It was the team’s fourth consecutive Gold Helmet win. He won an unprecedented 22 races in the SVRA season.
“It’s not a cliche to say this is a team win,” says Borchetta. “The work that crew chief Dylan Hellman and the team do week in and week out on our #98 1969 Corvette race car is proven to be second to none. The car is so fast and is a joy to race. To go undefeated this year is just incredible.”
Pictured (L-R, front row): Liam Callaway, Charlie Legeman, Sandi Borchetta, Liz Allison, Steve Steinhauer; (L-R, back row): Ryan Crew, Matt Crews, Scott Borchetta, Jason Rittenberry. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group
Borchetta and the Scott Borchetta Racing team also wrapped up their Trans Am 2 season, ending the year with a team-best of two top-five finishes and six top-ten finishes. Borchetta finished 14th in his No. 48 Big Machine Vodka Spiked Coolers Camaro in Sunday’s season finale at the Circuit of the Americas track, earning an eighth-place finish in the championship point standings in a highly competitive class of cars. He was also awarded Trans Am’s Breakthrough Driver of the Year at Sunday night’s award ceremony.
“For a first-year team, we came a very long way in our Big Machine Vodka SPIKED Coolers Camaro,” says Borchetta. “This is a big-league professional series with drivers from all over the world competing. This year’s champion, Rafa Matos from Brazil, is a former Indy Lights champion who has multiple starts in the Indy 500, which highlights the very high bar we’ve set to be able to compete at this level. Congrats, again, to the team for stepping up at every race to make us competitive in this fast-growing national series.”
Along with racing himself, Borchetta owns the Big Machine Racing team in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series with driver and Brentwood native Jade Buford.