Keb’ Mo’, Darius Rucker
Country newcomers shine brightly today in DisClaimer.
Vying for our attention are Rod + Rose, Dalton Dover and our DisCovery Award winner, Abbey Cone.
Mind you, there are plenty of old friends to greet as well, notably William Lee Golden, Reba, Dolly, Maria Muldaur and the enduringly brilliant Lyle Lovett. Listen right now to Lyle’s “Teach Me About Love.” You can thank me later.
The Disc of the Day belongs to the duo of Keb’ Mo’ and Darius Rucker, with Vince Gill behind the board. It’s a pure delight.
ROD + ROSE / “Put Me Back Together”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Trevor Dahl/Brenton Duvall/Johnny Price/Kiara Saulters; Producer: Rodney Atkins/Seth Mosley; Label: Curb
— Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins and his bride, pop princess Rose Falcon, shimmer as a duo on this dreamy love ballad. It’s a seductive swirl of vocal harmonies, electronic loops, echoey percussion and electric guitar. Yes, it’s pop. But it sure is pretty.
REBA McENTIRE & DOLLY PARTON / “Does He Love You”
Writers: Sandy Knox/Billy Stritch; Producer: Dave Cobb/Reba McEntire; Label: MCA
— This revisitation of the 1993 Reba & Linda Davis Grammy and CMA winning duet works. The new arrangement is more acoustic and less bombastic. Both Reba and new partner Dolly breathe new life into the lyric, each adding fresh vocal embellishments and emotional nuances. In a word, classy.
WILLIE JONES / “Get Low, Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producer: Willie Jones/Brandon Day; Label: Sony/Penthouse
— Jones applies a low baritone vocal to ride atop the beats on this rousing, uplifting outing about overcoming. The track builds to a catchy, quasi-shouted anthem, complete with massed male & female gang sings and a bright touch of brass. The song is pretty much a continually repeated snippet that wears out its welcome about 2/3 of the way through.
JAKE OWEN/ “Best Thing Since Backroads”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— This jolly thumper is churning up the charts for this perennial favorite. He’s so smitten with her that he thinks she’s prettier than a summer day or a country landscape. Everything about this smiles.
MARIA MULDAUR/ “I’m Vaccinated and I’m Ready for Love”
Writers: Maria Mudaur/Craig Caffal; Producer: none listed; Label: Stony Plain
— The “Midnight at the Oasis” charmer is back with a pandemic ditty. Musically, it’s a straightforward blues bopper with plenty of vintage ambiance and a back-alley guitar solo. Lyrically, it’s as cute as the dickens.
BLANCO BROWN / “Nobody’s More Country”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/Jordan Schmidt/Quintin Amey/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Blanco Brown/ Jordan Schmidt; Label: BBR
— Delightful. Sung to a chirping, electro-embellished, banjo-and-handclaps track, Brown’s ode to the pleasures of country living is marvelously catchy. “The Git Up” star has reemerged, rehabbed from a near-fatal motorcycle crash and sounds as hearty as ever.
WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN & THE GOLDENS / “Jambalaya”
Writers: Hank Williams; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Michael Sykes/Chris Golden/Rusty Golden; Label: Copperline
— The “mountain man” of the Oak Ridge Boys kept his family’s spirits up during the pandemic by having recording sessions. The Country Hall of Famer and his three sons (Rusty, Chris & Craig) give this Hank Williams classic a Louisiana backbeat and some zippy guitar and piano work to make it a contemporary dance tune. Lotsa fun. Also check out their exquisite family harmonies on the Jim Reeves standard “Four Walls.”
KEB’ MO’ & DARIUS RUCKER / “Good Strong Woman”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Jason Nix/Jason Gantt; Producer: Vince Gill/Keb’ Mo’; Label: Rounder
— Nashville’s Grammy-winning bluesman goes all-the-way country on this toe-tapping ditty duet with Darius Rucker, coproduced by Hall of Famer Vince Gill. Crisp, clear and totally joyous.
DALTON DOVER / “You Got a Small Town”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jamie Paulin/John Pierce; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptine
— Blake turned his chair around for this youngster on The Voice a few years back and here’s why. Dover is a forceful, confident singer with plenty of grit and swagger in his delivery. The small-town Georgian displays impressive range and volume on this salute to rural roots. The production is needlessly busy and rock electrified, but he rises above it. An impressive debut, reminiscent of the titanic Luke Combs.
LYLE LOVETT / “Teach Me About Love”
Writers: Walter Hyatt; Producer: none listed; Label: Omnivore
— Drawn from an Austin City Limits tribute show to the late singer-songwriter Walter Hyatt, this sensational little acoustic swinger slides into that sweet spot between country and jazz. And nobody has the vocal “cool” to bring this off better than Lyle Lovett. Stay tuned for the finale yodel. “Groovy” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
MATT STELL / “Boyfriend Season”
Writers: Matt Stell/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista
— The single continues to be “That Ain’t Me No More,” but this newly released track is almost as hooky. Advice for a broken hearted lady from her former lover.
ABBEY CONE / “Rhinestone Ring”
Writers: Abbey Cone/Heather Morgan/Nathan Spicer; Producer: Nathan Spicer/Abbey Cone; Label: Valory
— This youngster debuts with a sweet tune about wedding dreams. You don’t need all the fancy trimmings to make nuptials perfect, just true love. She doesn’t miss church bells, a veil, a white dress and all that: A jukebox dance in his arms wearing a little black dress in a neon-let barroom is just fine.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Keb’ Mo’ & Darius Rucker, Abbey Cone, Rod + Rose
/by Robert K OermannKeb’ Mo’, Darius Rucker
Country newcomers shine brightly today in DisClaimer.
Vying for our attention are Rod + Rose, Dalton Dover and our DisCovery Award winner, Abbey Cone.
Mind you, there are plenty of old friends to greet as well, notably William Lee Golden, Reba, Dolly, Maria Muldaur and the enduringly brilliant Lyle Lovett. Listen right now to Lyle’s “Teach Me About Love.” You can thank me later.
The Disc of the Day belongs to the duo of Keb’ Mo’ and Darius Rucker, with Vince Gill behind the board. It’s a pure delight.
ROD + ROSE / “Put Me Back Together”
Writers: Caitlyn Smith/Trevor Dahl/Brenton Duvall/Johnny Price/Kiara Saulters; Producer: Rodney Atkins/Seth Mosley; Label: Curb
— Country hitmaker Rodney Atkins and his bride, pop princess Rose Falcon, shimmer as a duo on this dreamy love ballad. It’s a seductive swirl of vocal harmonies, electronic loops, echoey percussion and electric guitar. Yes, it’s pop. But it sure is pretty.
REBA McENTIRE & DOLLY PARTON / “Does He Love You”
Writers: Sandy Knox/Billy Stritch; Producer: Dave Cobb/Reba McEntire; Label: MCA
— This revisitation of the 1993 Reba & Linda Davis Grammy and CMA winning duet works. The new arrangement is more acoustic and less bombastic. Both Reba and new partner Dolly breathe new life into the lyric, each adding fresh vocal embellishments and emotional nuances. In a word, classy.
WILLIE JONES / “Get Low, Get High”
Writers: Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day; Producer: Willie Jones/Brandon Day; Label: Sony/Penthouse
— Jones applies a low baritone vocal to ride atop the beats on this rousing, uplifting outing about overcoming. The track builds to a catchy, quasi-shouted anthem, complete with massed male & female gang sings and a bright touch of brass. The song is pretty much a continually repeated snippet that wears out its welcome about 2/3 of the way through.
JAKE OWEN/ “Best Thing Since Backroads”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Geoff Warburton/Hunter Phelps/Jordan Minton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud
— This jolly thumper is churning up the charts for this perennial favorite. He’s so smitten with her that he thinks she’s prettier than a summer day or a country landscape. Everything about this smiles.
MARIA MULDAUR/ “I’m Vaccinated and I’m Ready for Love”
Writers: Maria Mudaur/Craig Caffal; Producer: none listed; Label: Stony Plain
— The “Midnight at the Oasis” charmer is back with a pandemic ditty. Musically, it’s a straightforward blues bopper with plenty of vintage ambiance and a back-alley guitar solo. Lyrically, it’s as cute as the dickens.
BLANCO BROWN / “Nobody’s More Country”
Writers: Bennie Amey III/Jordan Schmidt/Quintin Amey/Tyler Hubbard; Producer: Blanco Brown/ Jordan Schmidt; Label: BBR
— Delightful. Sung to a chirping, electro-embellished, banjo-and-handclaps track, Brown’s ode to the pleasures of country living is marvelously catchy. “The Git Up” star has reemerged, rehabbed from a near-fatal motorcycle crash and sounds as hearty as ever.
WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN & THE GOLDENS / “Jambalaya”
Writers: Hank Williams; Producer: Ben Isaacs/Michael Sykes/Chris Golden/Rusty Golden; Label: Copperline
— The “mountain man” of the Oak Ridge Boys kept his family’s spirits up during the pandemic by having recording sessions. The Country Hall of Famer and his three sons (Rusty, Chris & Craig) give this Hank Williams classic a Louisiana backbeat and some zippy guitar and piano work to make it a contemporary dance tune. Lotsa fun. Also check out their exquisite family harmonies on the Jim Reeves standard “Four Walls.”
KEB’ MO’ & DARIUS RUCKER / “Good Strong Woman”
Writers: Kevin Moore/Jason Nix/Jason Gantt; Producer: Vince Gill/Keb’ Mo’; Label: Rounder
— Nashville’s Grammy-winning bluesman goes all-the-way country on this toe-tapping ditty duet with Darius Rucker, coproduced by Hall of Famer Vince Gill. Crisp, clear and totally joyous.
DALTON DOVER / “You Got a Small Town”
Writers: Adam Craig/Jamie Paulin/John Pierce; Producer: Matt McVaney; Label: Droptine
— Blake turned his chair around for this youngster on The Voice a few years back and here’s why. Dover is a forceful, confident singer with plenty of grit and swagger in his delivery. The small-town Georgian displays impressive range and volume on this salute to rural roots. The production is needlessly busy and rock electrified, but he rises above it. An impressive debut, reminiscent of the titanic Luke Combs.
LYLE LOVETT / “Teach Me About Love”
Writers: Walter Hyatt; Producer: none listed; Label: Omnivore
— Drawn from an Austin City Limits tribute show to the late singer-songwriter Walter Hyatt, this sensational little acoustic swinger slides into that sweet spot between country and jazz. And nobody has the vocal “cool” to bring this off better than Lyle Lovett. Stay tuned for the finale yodel. “Groovy” doesn’t even begin to describe it.
MATT STELL / “Boyfriend Season”
Writers: Matt Stell/Zach Abend/Seth Ennis/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: RECORDS/Arista
— The single continues to be “That Ain’t Me No More,” but this newly released track is almost as hooky. Advice for a broken hearted lady from her former lover.
ABBEY CONE / “Rhinestone Ring”
Writers: Abbey Cone/Heather Morgan/Nathan Spicer; Producer: Nathan Spicer/Abbey Cone; Label: Valory
— This youngster debuts with a sweet tune about wedding dreams. You don’t need all the fancy trimmings to make nuptials perfect, just true love. She doesn’t miss church bells, a veil, a white dress and all that: A jukebox dance in his arms wearing a little black dress in a neon-let barroom is just fine.
Blessing Offor Releases Music On Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow Label Imprint
/by LB CantrellMulti-talented singer songwriter Blessing Offor has partnered with Chris Tomlin’s Bowyer & Bow imprint on Universal/Capitol Christian Music Group to release new music. His double single debut “Brighter Days / Tin Roof,” is available on all digital streaming platforms.
The youngest of six siblings, the Nigerian-born singer-songwriter immigrated to the United States with his uncle at the age of six. Blessing was born blind in one eye, so his parents sent him to the United States in an effort to restore his vision, though unfortunately he lost his complete eyesight by age 10.
Gravitating towards the piano before losing his vision, Blessing’s teachers helped nurture his talent, and he soon found himself at Belmont University. Now Blessing is a go-to songwriter in Nashville, accruing writing credits with top talents Chris Tomlin, Natalie Hemby, Breland, and others.
Known for his powerful voice and very melodic sound, Blessing juxtaposes the driving rhythms of “Brighter Days” with the softer tones of “Tin Roof” on the release.
“I’ve really been looking forward to sharing my songs with everyone,” Blessing says. “Every one of them feels like I’m sharing a part of myself for people to relate to. That’s what ‘Brighter Days’ is about. The idea that we all experience dark days, but it’s those days that lead us to, and that makes the brighter ones worth waiting for.”
CRB Inducts Class Of 2021 Into Country Radio Hall Of Fame, Honors Keith Urban & Beverlee Brannigan
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Country Radio Hall of Fame Inductees Bill Hagy, Bob Pickett, Angie Ward, Buzz Jackson, RJ Curtis, Heather Froglear. Photo: Andrea Schollnick
The Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. held its 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame dinner and awards ceremony at The Westin in Nashville last night (Oct. 13) to induct four off-air radio broadcasters and four on-air radio personalities who have made a significant impact on the radio industry during their careers.
The 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame Class of inductees recognized were off-air honorees Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, and Norm Schrutt. On-air honorees were Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, and Angie Ward. Due to last-minute unforeseen circumstances, Call was unable to attend and appear at this year’s event. His induction will be held at the 2022 Hall of Fame event.
Pictured (L-R):2021 CRB President’s Award recipient Beverlee Brannigan and CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson. Photo: Andrea Schollnick
CRB/CRS Board President, Kurt Johnson, also presented long-time music industry veteran and member of the CRB board and executive committee, Beverlee Brannigan, with the organization’s 2021 President’s Award.
Country music superstar Garth Brooks was on hand to present another country music giant, Keith Urban, with the 2021 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award. Brooks capped off the award presentation with a special performance of Urban’s 2004-hit song, “You’ll Think of Me,” and was later joined by Urban and Trisha Yearwood for a special performance of “Fishin’ in The Dark.”
Nominations for the 2022 Country Radio Hall of Fame are being accepted through Oct. 29. The Class of 2022 will be revealed at CRS 2022, to be held Feb. 23-25, 2022.
Pictured (L-R): Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, CRB/CRS Board President Kurt Johnson, Garth Brooks. Photo: Andrea Schollnick
Tim Kelly Shares Lifelong Musical Passion On Debut, Ruston Kelly-Produced Album
/by Lorie HollabaughTim Kelly. Photo: John Chong
Tim Kelly is fulfilling a lifelong ambition with his debut album, Ride Through the Rain, which was produced by son, Ruston Kelly. The project is set for release on Nov. 5, and the album’s first single, “Leave This Town,” along with a live performance of the song featuring Ruston, is available now.
Ride Through the Rain includes nine original songs spanning from his teen years to the present day, drawing on modern sounds as well as the ‘70’s songwriters he admires. Telling his story in songs like “Leave This Town,” Kelly fulfills the promise he showed before he traded his musical ambitions for a manufacturing career to provide for his family. After touring with Ruston as his pedal steel guitarist and playing on his last two albums, Kelly was prodded by his son to finally make a record that captured his voice.
“’Leave This Town’ goes from contemplating a decision to walk away from the familiar, from roots and relationships, to actually doing it, making a major life change with all the uncertainty that goes with it,” explains Kelly. “I’m incredibly fortunate and grateful to be able to make a record at this point in my life, and I don’t think it’s the last thing that I’ll do.”
“Seeing this album come to life is a dream come true for both of us. I’ve tried to get him to record these songs for years, over many breakfasts and many conversations on tour,” shares Ruston. “His songs are the reason I write songs. They are masterfully written and beautifully performed by a man who has really seen it all. It’s pretty rare for a father’s album to be produced by his son and I definitely don’t take it for granted how special that is. I’m just so proud of him as my dad, as a person, and as an artist fulfilling a lifelong dream.”
Keb’ Mo’ Bridges Nashville & Compton On New Album, ‘Good To Be’
/by Lorie HollabaughKeb’ Mo’. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Keb’ Mo’ is reaching back to his roots on his new album, Good To Be, set for release on Jan. 21 via Rounder Records. The artist collaborated with Darius Rucker for the first single from the new collection, “Good Strong Woman,” available everywhere now.
“I co-wrote [‘Good Strong Woman’] with two of Nashville’s best country writers, Jason Nix and Jason Gantt. It’s a song that I didn’t think I’d be recording, but it was just too much fun, and I had to give it a shot. When Darius got involved, it went from fun to stun,” explains Kevin Moore, who is known by his stage name Keb’ Mo’.
Written between Nashville and his childhood home in Compton, California, Good To Be is a celebration of roots and resilience, drawing on a mesh of country, soul, and blues for its sound. The project was co-produced by Keb’ Mo’ alongside Vince Gill and Grammy winner Tom Hambridge. Kristin Chenoweth and Old Crow Medicine Show also make guest appearances on the project.
Earlier this year, two tracks were released from the collection–“Sunny and Warm” and “The Medicine Man” (feat. Old Crow Medicine Show. Some of the album’s songs, like “Quiet Moments,” were written as far back as the early ’70s, while others were penned just months ago in the midst of the pandemic.
“You can’t bring an attitude to Compton,” says Keb’. “You can’t pose. You can’t be anything but real when you’re walking down the same streets you used to ride your bike on as a kid. In a lot of ways, coming back there felt like it completed me.”
Last month, Keb’ Mo’ received the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Performance Award at the organization’s 20th annual Honors and Awards show in Nashville. He will also be on tour throughout the rest of the year, with additional dates to be announced in the coming months.
1. Good To Be (Home Again)
2. So Easy
3. Sunny and Warm
4. Good Strong Woman (feat. Darius Rucker)
5. The Medicine Man (feat. Old Crow Medicine Show)
6. Marvelous to Me
7. Lean on Me
8. Like Love
9. Dressed Up in Blue
10. ‘62 Chevy
11. Louder
12. So Good to Me
13. Quiet Moments (feat. Kristin Chenoweth)
CMT Celebrates Top Country Entertainers At ‘Artists Of The Year’ Ceremony Live In Nashville
/by Lydia FarthingMary and Randy Travis speak onstage the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Last night (Oct. 13), CMT recognized some of this year’s biggest acts live from Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center at the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony.
Honorees included Chris Stapleton, Gabby Barrett, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini and Luke Combs, alongside Breakout Artist of the Year Mickey Guyton and Artist of a Lifetime Randy Travis. Together these artists have produced some 200 career top 10 singles, won 130 awards and have been streamed over 25 billion times.
Luke Combs accepts an award onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
The evening kicked off with Combs performing “Forever After All,” and accepting his award from friend Eric Church. He thanked the fans and his wife, and gave a special call out to Randy Travis for his enduring influence on country music.
Next, Barrett was lauded by Grammy award-winning Christian artist Michael W. Smith who introduced a performance of her No. 1 hit song, “The Good Ones.”
Mickey Guyton and Yola perform onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Guyton, alongside friend and musician Yola, garnered the night’s first standing ovation with the world premiere version of “Remember Her Name.” The performance moved Guyton to tears, noting in her acceptance speech that “country music is really everyone’s music.”
The second standing ovation came when Garth Brooks awarded friend and country legend Randy Travis with the Artist of a Lifetime Award. Randy and his wife, Mary Davis Travis, accepted the honor as Mary thanked the fans on Randy’s behalf noting, “Randy’s stroke may have taken his voice, but didn’t take the man or the heart, and it didn’t take the music.”
Brown was introduced by friend Nelly before taking the stage to honor Randy with one of his biggest hits, “Three Wooden Crosses.” Brown accepted his own 2021 honor, thanking the fans and remembering his bandmate and drummer who passed away in 2019.
Chris Stapleton accepts an award onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Next, Grammy Award-winning artists Boys II Men, joined by Pentatonix’s Kevin Olusola, honored Stapleton with a first-ever performance of his song, “Cold.” Stapleton acknowledged being moved by all the “love in the room” as he accepted his award from friend and actress Connie Britton.
The final honoree celebrated was Kelsea Ballerini. Her husband, Morgan Evans, introduced her performance with tour-mates Jonas Brothers. Performing “With a Little Help From My Friends,” Ballerini accepted her award, thanking fans for their support.
The evening concluded with Walker Hayes who performed his smash viral hit, “Fancy Like.”
Gabby Barrett accepts an award onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Kane Brown performs onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
Kelsea Ballerini accepts the 2021 CMT Artists of the Year award from her tour stop in Franklin, Tennessee, with the Jonas Brothers.
Walker Hayes performs onstage during the 2021 CMT Artist of the Year on Oct. 13, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Jason Kempin
2021 Charlie Daniels Patriot Award Recipients Announced, Ceremony Set For Oct. 27
/by Steven BoeroThe third annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner is set to be held on Oct. 27 at Nashville’s City Winery. This year’s Patriot Award recipients include country singer Darryl Worley; decorated military veteran and co-author of 13 Hours, Mark “Oz” Geist; The Daniels Center at Middle Tennessee State University; and firearms manufacturers Marty and Cindy Daniel of Daniel Defense.
“Winning the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award is one of the greatest honors that could ever come my way,” says Worley. “It is total confirmation that my service to the men and women of the U.S. military is righteous and good. I pray that I can always enjoy the freedom that they afford us all and live a life worthy of their sacrifices.”
SiriusXM’s Storme Warren will co-host the event along with former U.S. Navy SEAL David Rutherford. Multi-Platinum entertainer Chris Young, a previous recipient of the Patriot Award, is set to perform live. Special guest speakers will include former New York City Police Commissioner, Bernie Kerik; former U.S. Navy SEAL, Eddie Gallagher; and decorated military veterans Chris Spence and Mario Vigil, two of the “Real Horse Soldiers” portrayed in the 2018 critically-acclaimed film, 12 Strong.
The dinner ceremony will also include a silent and live auction. All proceeds from the evening will benefit the late Country Music Hall of Fame member’s non-profit, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP).
“Charlie and I had many conversations regarding how we could pay respect and honor to those that crossed our paths, that go above and beyond in supporting our active military, as well as our returning veterans,” says Daniels’ longtime manager and TCDJHP co-founder, David Corlew. “The Charlie Daniels Patriot Award personifies the extraordinary acts of respect and care for those that have served this great nation. The award is a thank you from Charlie himself.”
Prior to his passing last year, Daniels and Corlew handpicked this year’s Patriot Award recipients. The criteria for the award is based on the mission of the organization: to support veterans in their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration back into civilian life. The award honors a person, persons, or group that fulfills and exemplifies the efforts and dedication of TCDJHP’s purpose to continuously care, support and encourage the men, women, and families who have served our great nation.
A limited number of tables remain available for purchase. For seating inquiries, contact Paige Dixon: 615-496-6556 / paige@
Grammy Museum, National Museum Of African American Music To Host 1st Annual Rosedale Summit
/by Steven BoeroThe Grammy Museum and the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) are partnering with Rosedale Collective and Propper Daley to present the 1st Annual Rosedale Summit: Country’s Reclamation & Promising Future in Nashville on Nov. 8.
The event will feature a series of performances and conversations that celebrate and recognize the art of BIPOC country musicians of the past, as well as spark conversation around country’s future. The Summit’s Host Committee is led by the Board of Nashville Music Equality.
Conversations will take place in both Los Angeles at the Grammy Museum and in Nashville at NMAAM, providing attendees the opportunity to explore the history of country music with Frankie Staton and historians as they focus on the major contributions of people of color in the genre.
In a panel with Rissi Palmer, Valerie Ponzio, and others, the event will also feature dialogue about how country can lead in the racial and social justice conversation. The summit will also highlight the work of upcoming BIPOC country music artists such as Tony Evans Jr., Gabe Lee, and Autumn Nicholas.
Additionally, country music singer, founder of the Black Country Music Association, and cardiologist Dr. Cleve Francis will receive the 2021 Hazelhurst Award which celebrates an unsung influence on BIPOC country music’s past.
The Summit will begin at 6:30 p.m. CT on Nov. 8. For more information, click here.
Kelly Lang Releases Autobiography In Honor Of Breast Cancer Awareness Month
/by Lorie HollabaughCountry singer-songwriter Kelly Lang is sharing her story through her new autobiography, I’m Not Going Anywhere, which is available now through Amazon.
A 17-year breast cancer survivor, Lang describes her journey of healing that brought her through the ups and downs of life and includes the unfolding of her love story with T.G. Sheppard. The book’s foreword was penned by Lang’s friend and fellow breast cancer survivor Olivia Newton-John, and the story provides life lessons and showcases Lang’s positive attitude during some of her most trying times. Exclusive QR codes are placed throughout the chapters, giving readers a closer look at unique videos from throughout Lang’s career.
Lang’s single, “I’m Not Going Anywhere,” continues to resonate with thousands nationwide as part of Ascension Hospital’s national campaign.
“Writing my memoir has been a roller coaster of emotions,” shares Lang. “I was able to revisit my early years starting out in the music business, learning valuable lessons along life’s highway. I really went deep into how it felt to hit a brick wall with a diagnosis of cancer and what I did to overcome and rise above since that terrible experience. I hope that my journey will be helpful to anyone who may face any battle in their life and perhaps be a ray of light as they fight their way through any crisis. It was so cathartic to be able to tell my truth and share my story in such a bold way. It was important to have this book completed to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month which was made possible thanks to Springer Mountain Farms Chicken.”
Lang is hosting a live virtual book signing and discussion on Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. CT on Facebook.
Industry Ink: BMI, Grayscale Marketing, Gilda’s Club
/by Lydia FarthingBMI Stage Makes Return To Austin City Limits Music Festival
2021 Austin City Limits Festival takes place at Zilker Park with Tenille Arts on October 3, 2021, in Austin, Texas. Photo: Erika Goldring
BMI made its return to the Austin City Limits Music Festival for back-to-back weekends of live music on Oct. 1-3 & 8-10 with its own BMI stage.
The lineup of BMI affiliates showcased acts from a variety of genres, including country, rock, Latin, R&B, hip-hop, indie, and more. Throughout the festival, many Nashville-based artists took the stage, including Hardy, Tenille Arts, Katie Pruitt, and Leah Blevins.
For nearly two decades, the Austin City Limits’ BMI stage has helped launch many staple artists, including Miranda Lambert, Luke Combs, Jon Pardi, and Maren Morris, among others
Grayscale Marketing Elevates Matt Alese to Operations Coordinator
Matt Alese
Grayscale Marketing has promoted Matt Alese to Operations Coordinator from his previous title of Lead Project Manager where he oversaw the agency’s day-to-day brand & entertainment projects.
In his new role, Alese will be responsible for working with department leads across the agency for all client projects. He will oversee delivering reports to department heads, management teams and boards of directors to provide insight into the overall efficiency of the organization while coordinating with leadership and executives to set and track departmental and organization-wide goals.
Tim Gray, Grayscale Marketing CEO, states: “Matt began at the agency as an intern and has worked his way up the ladder consistently taking on more responsibility, developing as a leader, and sharpening skill sets. I’m excited to see how he uses his experience thus far to help us with a variety of resource management needs and leverage his strategic planning strengths. I can’t imagine a better fit for this newly created role.”
“It’s been a pleasure working with Tim and the rest of our talented staff over the last 5 years,” Alese adds. “Looking forward to helping our clients bring the finest entertainment experiences to millions more across the globe.”
Gilda’s Club Red Door Bash Raises Over $230,000 For Cancer Support
Dave Brainard and Jenny Tolman. Photo: Chip Sprague Photography
The Red Door Bash, benefiting Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee, was held Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
The virtual event included a silent auction with more than 100 items, an awards program, and performances by Jenny Tolman and Dave Brainard.
This year’s Red Door Bash raised more than $230,000 for Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee’s cancer support program.