Weekly Register: Walker Hayes Stays Atop Songs Chart With ‘Fancy Like’

/by

Walker Hayes. Photo: Robert Chavers

Monument Records’ Walker Hayes builds on his blockbuster success as his “Fancy Like” keeps the top spot on the country streaming songs chart this week with 12 million streams, according to Nielsen. Hayes also earned the top country song debut this week as his newest single, “U Girl,” receives 1.4 million first-week streams.

“If I Didn’t Love You” (Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood) jumps back up to No. 2 with 7.1 million streams, “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) drops to third with 7 million streams, and “Buy Dirt” (Jordan Davis & Luke Bryan) falls to fourth with 6.6 millions streams this week. “You Should Probably Leave” (Chris Stapleton) continues to anchor the top five, adding 5.6 million streams.

Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album maintains its chart-topping position with 42,000 streams this week, contributing to 50 million streams RTD according to Nielsen. Wallen also grabs the fourth spot with If I Know Me gaining 14,000 streams. Luke Combs takes No. 2 with What You See Is What You Get adding 22,000 streams, and he also moves into third as This One’s For You earns 15,000 streams this week. Stapleton’s Starting Over also seals the top five on the country streaming albums chart, gaining 13,000 streams.

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 5000th Saturday Night On Air With Star-Studded Show

/by

Pictured (L-R): Connie Smith, The Gatlin Brothers, Bill Anderson, Darius Rucker, Terri Clark, Chris Janson. Photo: Rachael Black

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated a giant milestone Saturday night with its historic 5,000th Saturday night broadcast featuring a star-studded lineup of performances from Bill Anderson, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Darius Rucker, Terri Clark, John Conlee, The Gatlin Brothers, Vince Gill, The Isaacs, Jeannie Seely, Connie Smith, and Chris Young.

The first musical number of the night celebrated Opry pioneers who heard the Opry on the radio then brought the musical styles from their regions of the country to the Opry stage. Anderson, Smith, The Gatlin Brothers, Rucker, Clark, and Janson performed “Wabash Cannonball,” “Jambalaya,” “San Antonio Rose,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky,” “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” and “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” during the geographical tribute, respectively.

Trisha Yearwood & Garth Brooks. Photo: Rachael Black

The two-hour extravaganza featured a mix of styles celebrating the past, present, and future of country music, and led to show closers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who offered several of their hits and a duet on “In Another’s Eyes.”

Last night’s milestone show concluded a month of celebrations that included a limited-time tour exhibit “Opry Memories: Celebrating 5,000 Saturday Night Broadcasts,” special programming on BBC Radio 2 in the United Kingdom, and more.

The Opry has been on the air longer than any other broadcast program of any medium anywhere in the world, and has continued to produce original shows for 5,000 Saturday nights through the Great Depression, World War II, two Nashville floods and, most recently, a global pandemic.

Pictured (L-R): Dustin Lynch, Connie Smith, John Conlee, Jeannie Seely, Chris Young. Photo: Chris Hollo

Jeannie Seely & Bill Anderson. Photo: Rachael Black

Darius Rucker. Photo: Rachael Black

Vince Gill. Photo: Rachael Black

Chris Young. Photo: Rachael Black

Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, Carly Pearce To Join Kenny Chesney On ‘Here And Now 2022’ Tour

/by

Kenny Chesney. Photo: Allister Ann

Kenny Chesney has announced the lineup for his upcoming “Here And Now 2022” stadium tour, which kicks off April 23 at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium. He’ll be joined by featured guests Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, and Carly Pearce for next year’s slate of stadium shows.

“Putting this line-up together has been awesome,” Chesney says. “We’ve got Dan + Shay, who continue to set records with their music and have been burning it up on their own headlining tour this year. We have an old favorite, who just keep getting better, Old Dominion – it’s almost like it wouldn’t be a stadium show without them! – and one of my newest friends in Carly Pearce, whose songwriting is so personal to her own life, yet so many people find themselves in her songs.”

Presented by Blue Chair Bay Rum and fueled by Marathon, two new dates have been added to the 21-date tour in Charlotte, North Carolina and Columbus, Ohio. The tour will wrap with what has almost become a No Shoes Nation tradition: a double-play at New England’s Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts on Aug. 26 and 27. All current ticketholders remain in their original seats at each stadium.

“When we realized we weren’t getting to spend 2020 with No Shoes Nation, I never thought it would be three years until I would see my most favorite people in the world,” adds Chesney. ““My favorite place in the world is anywhere we all come together. They come strong. They get loud. They love the music. But most importantly, they live life – every second – for all its worth! They inspire me, and I want to get out there and get going, creating the greatest night of the summer every time we hit the stage.”

To celebrate the news of the “Here And Now 2022” lineup, the 19 stadium shows that were previously announced are getting “Five Day Party Pricing,” to honor those fans who normally attend multiple shows each summer with limited discounted tickets at multiple price points. To make it super-easy, there will be no codes, clubs, or special sign-ups required, and prices will already reflect any discounts: just look for the price that fits your party now through Nov. 5.

Kenny Chesney Here And Now 2022 Tour Dates:
April 23 – Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, Fla.
April 30* – Bank of America Stadium – Charlotte, N.C.
May 7 – Busch Stadium – St. Louis, Mo.
May 14 – American Family Field – Milwaukee, Wis.
May 21 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta, Ga.
May 28 – Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tenn.
June 4 – AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas
June 11 – Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, Pa.
June 18 – Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pa.
June 25 – Soldier Field – Chicago, Ill.
July 2 – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Mo.
July 9*** – Bobcat Stadium – Bozeman, Mont.
July 16 – Lumen Field – Seattle, Wash.
July 23 – SoFi Stadium – Los Angeles, Calif.
July 30 – Empower Field at Mile High – Denver, Colo.
Aug. 6 – U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, Minn.
Aug. 13 – MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, N.J.
Aug. 18** – Historic Crew Stadium – Columbus, Ohio
Aug. 20 – Ford Field – Detroit, Mich.
Aug. 26 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.
Aug. 27 – Gillette Stadium – Foxborough, Mass.

* American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, Nov 3 at 10 a.m. ET before tickets go on sale to the general public Friday, Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. ET.
**  On sale information TBA; Old Dominion will not be on this date.
***  Dan + Shay will not be on this date.

Reservoir Acquires Hit Songs By Country Songwriter Stephony Smith [Exclusive]

/by

Stephony Smith

Reservoir Media has announced the acquisition of hit songs by country songwriter Stephony Smith. The deal includes blockbuster country No. 1 “It’s Your Love” by Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

Smith first began her career writing commercial jingles for a major advertising agency in Memphis, Tennessee. She moved to Nashville in 1989 and signed her first publishing deal with Polygram, now Universal. Smith has written songs for artists such as Shania Twain, Barbara Streisand, Kenny Chesney, Montgomery Gentry, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, and Wynonna Judd, and collaborated with The Chicks to pen “Sin Wagon,” which is among the songs Reservoir acquired.

In addition to “It’s Your Love,” which held the top spot on the charts for six straight weeks, Smith has written four additional No. 1 singles, including “How Was I To Know” by Reba McEntire, “Perfect Love” by Trisha Yearwood, “Yes” by Chad Brock, and “Back When” by Tim McGraw. She was awarded the prestigious titles of BMI Country Song and Songwriter of the Year for “It’s Your Love” and garnered a BMI Pop Award in 1998. Smith also co-wrote “Johnny and June” by Heidi Newfield, formerly of Trick Pony, which stormed the Billboard Charts in 2008 and was nominated for The Academy of Country Music’s Song of the Year.

Reservoir Executive Vice President of Creative John Ozier, who led the deal alongside Vice President of Creative, Greg Gallo, says, “Stephony’s songs are true country hits, and it’s a privilege to be the publishing home for this impressive collection of works.”

Smith adds, “I’m so proud to have these songs in the capable hands of Reservoir, and I am sure that John Ozier, Greg Gallo, and the whole team there will do great things with ‘my babies.’”

Scott Clayton Exits WME

/by

Scott Clayton

Agent Scott Clayton has left WME, MusicRow has confirmed.

Clayton was Partner at WME and Co-Head of the agency’s Music Division, responsible for leading the team of agents representing the biggest names across all genres of music. He also served as co-head of WME’s Nashville office, overseeing daily operations and guiding a diverse team of agents who work across divisions including music, books, TV, film, digital, endorsements and more.

Clayton has guided the touring careers for clients such as Zac Brown Band, John Mayer, Dead & Company, Train, My Morning Jacket, Kings of Leon, Michael Franti, Rodrigo y Gabriela and many others. Based in Nashville, Clayton previously served as the Co-Chair of the city’s prestigious Music City Music Council.

“We appreciate all of Scott’s contributions to the agency over the past four years and wish him all the best,” WME said in a statement.

It is reported that Clayton has joined UTA. The agency did not respond to request for comment.

Charley Crockett Signs With CAA

/by

Charley Crockett. Photo: Taylor Grace

Rising Americana recording artist Charley Crockett has signed with CAA for representation in all areas.

A guitarist and songwriter, Crockett has released 10 albums over the last six years, and his latest, Music City, USA, has topped the Americana Music Album Chart since its release on Sept. 17 through Thirty Tigers. He was named Emerging Artist of the Year this year at the Americana Music Awards and boasts 90 million lifetime streams.

Crockett most recently signed a publishing deal with Rick Rubin of American Songs. He is managed by Bruce Robison and Mandy Chase at The Next Waltz, his attorney is Trip Aldredge from Aldredge Law, and his publicist is Rob Krauser from REK Room Media.

Tenille Townes Announces First U.S. Touring Trek For 2022

/by

Award winning singer-songwriter Tenille Townes is set to embark on the “Villain In Me Tour” in 2022, marking the Canadian-born’s first solo trek in the United States.

The run, named after Townes’ new song releasing Nov. 5, includes stops at New York City’s Gramercy Theatre, Nashville’s Basement East, and Chicago’s Joe’s on Weed St. Tickets for the 10-city outing will be on sale Nov. 5 with pre-sales beginning Nov. 2.

“I am so excited to be doing my first headlining tour in the U.S.! After the past year and a half, it feels so good to be back doing shows and I cannot wait to come to these cities and see everyone in person!” shares Townes.

Townes was named New Female Artist of the Year at The 55th ACM Awards; won three awards at the 2020 Canadian Country Music Awards, making her an eight-time CCMA winner; and received her first Juno Award for Country Album of the Year (The Lemonade Stand) at the 50th Annual Juno Awards.

She is also the first female in Mediabase Canada history to achieve two No. 1 singles with album tracks like “Jersey On The Wall (I’m Just Asking)” and “Somebody’s Daughter.” Townes was named MusicRow‘s Discovery Artist in 2019, part of MusicRow‘s Next Big Thing Class of 2020 and an iHeartCountry’s On The Verge artist.

“Villain In Me Tour” Dates:
Jan. 19, 2022 – Cambridge MA – The Sinclair
Jan. 20, 2022 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre
Jan. 21, 2022 – Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
Jan. 27, 2022 – Nashville, TN – Basement East
Jan. 28, 2022 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Feb. 2, 2022 – Chicago, IL – Joe’s on Weed St.
Feb. 3, 2022 – Indianapolis, IN – HI-FI Indy
Feb. 4, 2022 – Detroit, MI – El Club
Feb. 10, 2022 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom

Amazon Music To Launch New ‘Country Heat Weekly’ Podcast

/by

Amazon Music is rolling out Country Heat Weekly, a brand new original podcast co-hosted by Kelly Sutton, who also hosts Amazon Music’s Country Heat Radio in DJ Mode, and Amber Anderson. The first episode will debut on Nov. 9 with country superstar Eric Church.

Every week Sutton and Anderson will break down the most popular songs, bring listeners the latest news in country music, and connect with some of the music’s most beloved artists. New episodes will drop every Thursday on Amazon Music and all podcast providers.

“Amber and I are bringing a fresh approach to covering all things country! Amber has an insider’s knowledge of the industry and my passion has always been connecting with the artists–we’re excited to give fans a backstage pass to all things country music!” says Sutton.

“Words can’t express how thrilled I am to have the opportunity to share everything that makes country music great with fans on Amazon Music! It truly is a dream come true to bring exclusive artist content, news, stories, and all of the things that made me fall in love with Nashville to people all over the world,” adds Anderson.

Country Heat Weekly is the latest offering from Amazon Music’s Country Heat brand, which includes a global playlist, station, and more, and recently surpassed 13 billion streams in the U.S. since its launch in October 2016.

Chart Action: Scotty McCreery Impacts Country Radio

/by

This week, “Damn Strait” by Scotty McCreery impacts country radio and lands the highest debut designation on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart sitting at No. 74. He is also most-added on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart and debuted at No. 55.

“Damn Strait” appears on McCreery’s 12-song collection Same Truck, which released in September via Triple Tigers. Written by Trent Tomlinson and Jim Collins, “Damn Strait” cleverly honors country music icon George Strait, even as the singer bemoans the loss of his lover, associating Strait’s songs with her since they were the couple’s favorites.

YouTube video

“Every now and then you hear a song that sounds so much like you,” recalls McCreery. “I grew up as a huge George Strait fan, and when I heard this song, I raised my hand to say, ‘I want this one.’ Every country fan has a George Strait story, and everyone has a memory attached to their favorite songs.”

For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Randi Lesnick Shares Lessons From Grief In New Memoir

/by

Randi Lesnick

Randi Lesnick, former Nashville event planner to the stars and head of Randi Events, is releasing a new memoir, The Me I Never Knew I Could Be, detailing the highs and lows of the past three decades including the loss of her husband Allen.

In The Me I Never Knew I Could Be, Randi bravely documents many of her low points over the years, including her struggles with infertility and breast cancer, the death of her mother, and, of course, the moment when she realized that her husband was gone forever.

“I wanted to write the book because I never wanted to forget,” Lesnick said. “Sometimes we think the solution to getting past hard things is to forget about them, but I didn’t want to do that. I wanted to remember everything—the good and the bad. If this book can help even one person see that there is light at the end of the tunnel, then my husband did not die in vain. The grief doesn’t ever go away, but it does change. And slowly but surely you find that it is possible to live again.”

In addition to publishing her book, Randi will be launching a podcast, The Burden of Grief, and has plans to begin speaking publicly about the silence of mental illness, grief, and her lifelong journey of overcoming adversity.