Keb’ Mo’ Bridges Nashville & Compton On New Album, ‘Good To Be’

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Keb’ 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.

Good To Be Track List:
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

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Mary 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

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The 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@leavinglegaciesfoundation.org. To donate or for more information, visit thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org.

Grammy Museum, National Museum Of African American Music To Host 1st Annual Rosedale Summit

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The 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

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Country 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.

YouTube video

“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

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BMI 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.

Country Music Hall Of Fame Highlights Free Online Exhibit On Country Music Fashion

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Pictured (L-R): Moderator Brenda Colladay with panelists Holly George-Warren, Jerry Lee Atwood and Chris Scruggs at the panel discussion for Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, in partnership with Nashville Fashion Week, hosted a program last night (Oct. 12) highlighting the museum’s free-to-access online exhibition Suiting the Sound: The Rodeo Tailors Who Made Country Stars Shine Brighter.

The online exhibit draws from the museum’s galleries and collection of stage costumes and archival materials to present the dazzling artistry of Western-wear designers whose work helped to create an indelible image for country music. The program examined the emergence of the unique “rhinestone cowboy” look in the 1940s and 1950s, largely from the tailor shops of Eastern European Jewish immigrants, and explored how the style has inspired fashion far beyond the stages of barn dances and honky-tonks.

Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The panel was moderated by Brenda Colladay, vice president of museum services at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, and included acclaimed author, historian and filmmaker Holly George-Warren (How the West Was Worn, Public Cowboy #1: The Life and Times of Gene Autry, Janis: Her Life and Music); modern-day “rodeo tailor” Jerry Lee Atwood, whose bespoke designs for his Union Western label have been featured in Vogue and commissioned by performers such as Nikki Lane, Post Malone and Lil Nas X; and singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Chris Scruggs, who currently plays bass in Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives band and fronts his own group, the Stone Fox Five. The panel is available to watch now on the museum’s website.

As part of the partnership, the museum and Nashville Fashion Week offered Middle Tennessee designers and creators an opportunity to participate in a design competition by submitting their personal interpretation of country music stage wear inspired by the museum’s online exhibition. The public was invited to vote for their favorite designs based on quality, creativity and originality from the eight finalists selected by Nashville Fashion Week. The three designs with the most votes were displayed during the program.

Shy Carter’s Debut EP ‘The Rest Of Us’ Set For October 29

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Shy Carter

Multi-talent Shy Carter is gearing up for the release of his debut EP, The Rest Of Us, due out Oct. 29.

The eight song project showcases his soul-infused country, and includes the rowdy anthem, “Beer With My Friends” featuring Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy. The track was penned by Carter, Murphy, and Bryan Simpson, and is currently impacting country radio. The project also includes his 2020 breakout single “Good Love.”

“I am so excited to announce this project,” Carter shares. “The Rest Of Us has songs you can play in the club, at a barbecue, on a boat. Sexy songs, inspirational songs and songs that may make you cry–in a good way! It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also got a lot of heart.

“The title track in particular is really important to me,” Carter continues. “It’s about how some people seem to have their lives in order and everything seems to be going well for them, and then there’s the rest of us. There’s the people who struggle, who have pain, who have messed up and have made it this far only by the awesome grace of God. I am one of the rest of us, and I’m so grateful for everything I’ve been through–because now it can all be used to make this amazing music.”

With credits that span Kane Brown’s “Heaven” to Charlie Puth’s “One Call Away,” Carter is one of Nashville’s up-and-coming talents. His writing credits include Billy Currington’s “It Don’t Hurt Like it Used To,” Sugarland’s smash “Stuck Like Glue” and Rob Thomas’ single “Someday.” Carter has also worked with Jason Derulo, Meghan Trainor, Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Lopez, Nelly and more.

He is currently sharing a sneak peek of The Rest Of Us at shows across the west coast on Tyler Rich’s “Two Thousand Miles Tour,” which included a recent stop in Los Angeles at the world-famous Troubadour.

The Rest Of Us Track List:
1. Beer With My Friends (feat. Cole Swindell and David Lee Murphy) (Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson, David Lee Murphy)
2. Wild (Shy Carter, David Garcia, Jessi Alexander)
3. Hurry (Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson, Tommy Cecil)
4. Lay You Down (Shy Carter, Nate Cyphert, David Garcia)
5. Hard (Shy Carter, Nathan Chapman, Bryan Simpson)
6. Good Love (Shy Carter, James Slater, Micah Carter, Carlo Colasacco)
7. The Rest Of Us (Shy Carter, Bryan Simpson, Josh Kerr)
8. Rhythm And Blue Jeans (Shy Carter, James Slater, Bobby Hamrick)

How To Watch: Country Radio Hall Of Fame Induction Dinner And Awards Tonight

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The sold-out 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame Induction Dinner and Awards will be streamed live tonight (Oct. 13) for the first time ever.

Due to high demand for attendance, PickleJar, the live entertainment and cashless tipping platform, will stream the ceremony on its website, the PickleJar mobile app and PickleJar+, available on Roku TV, AppleTV+, and Amazon Fire TV. The event will also be available to watch through the Country Radio Seminar’s Facebook page starting at 7 p.m. CT.

As previously announced, the Class of 2021 Country Radio Hall of Fame inductees include Bob Call, RJ Curtis, Bill Hagy, Norm Schrutt, Heather Froglear, Buzz Jackson, Bob Pickett, and Angie Ward. Radio executive Beverlee Brannigan will also be recognized with the 2021 CRB President’s Award.

Award-winning artist Keith Urban will also be honored with the 2021 CRB Artist Career Achievement Award, however, the presentation will not be included in the livestream event.

For more information, click here.

Gary Allan’s ‘Ruthless’ To Be Released On Vinyl

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Gary Allan. Photo: Eric Adkins

Gary Allan‘s latest album, Ruthless, on is being released on vinyl beginning Oct. 22. Upon its release in June, the album earned Allan his 9th Top Ten album over his 25-year career.

The 13-track project will be available in pearlized purple, peacock green, and standard black.

“I grew up listening to my dad’s vinyl records and then started my own collection. There is just something different about the sound from a vinyl LP,” said Allan. “When the album starts spinning and you drop the needle, it is an experience. I’m excited my fans will now be able to have that experience with some of my music.”

The album was produced by Allan along with veteran producers Mark Wright, Tony Brown, Greg Droman and Jay Joyce, and features collaborations with some of Nashville’s top songwriters including Hillary Lindsey, Busbee, Shane McAnally, Nicolle Galyon, Ross Ellis, Ryan Hurd, Jim Beavers, Blair Daly, The Warren Brothers and more.

Gary Allan is currently on “The Ruthless Tour: 25 Years The Hard Way,” through the end of 2021, with upcoming stops in Dallas, Tucson, Kansas City, Detroit, Tulsa and more.