George Frayne, “Commander Cody.” Photo: Garry Regester
George Frayne, known to music lovers as Commander Cody, died Sunday (Sept. 26) at age 77.
As the leader of Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, he was noted for such 1970s hits as “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The country-rock mainstay released more than a dozen albums between 1972-1995.
Frayne was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in New York City. He pursued music and art as a youngster, becoming proficient on piano. His professional debut was in an all-lifeguard band at Jones Beach on Long Island. In college, he performed in the frat-house band The Fabulous Surfing Beavers.
After graduating from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he formed a band with Bruce Barlow, Bill Kirchen, Billy C. Farlowe and others in 1967. They dubbed themselves Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, borrowing the name from a 1950s science-fiction movie serial.
The group specialized in retro styles such as western swing, boogie-woogie, jump blues and rockabilly. The Airmen relocated to San Francisco in 1969 and soon attracted a following among the city’s hippies.
Paramount Records signed the band and issued Lost in the Ozone as its debut LP in 1972. The collection mixed original tunes such as “Seeds and Stems (Again)” with revivals of country oldies such as Willie Nelson’s “Family Bible” (1960) and Charlie Ryan’s “Hot Rod Lincoln” (1955). The latter rose on the country charts and became a top-10 pop-music smash.
Cody followed it with a remake of the 1940-41 Glenn Miller / Andrews Sisters favorite “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar.” Hot Steel, Cold Steel and Truckers Favorites appeared as the band’s second LP in 1973. Its country oldie remakes included “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Diggy Diggy Lo” and “Looking at the World Through a Windshield.”
The group came to the 1973 CMA convention in Nashville. But the members’ long hair and flagrant marijuana smoking scandalized the mainstream country community, and they were booed off the stage.
The 1974 LP Country Casanova included versions of Bob Wills’ “My Window Faces the South” (1946), Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” (1958) and the Tex Williams/Merle Travis 1947 favorite “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The last-named again appeared on both pop and country charts.
Recorded at Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, the 1975 LP Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas earned a four-star review in Rolling Stone. The band switched to Warner Bros. Records, which issued Tales From the Ozone. Produced by Hoyt Axton, it contained “Roll Your Own,” “Minnie the Moocher,” “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Cajun Baby.” Two more Warner LPs ensued, as well as the 1975 single “Don’t Let Go.” This revival of Roy Hamilton’s 1958 hit became the band’s final charted pop recording.
Cody’s tenure at Warners was profiled in the 1977 book Star Making Machinery. In its pages, he resisted the label’s pressure to become a commercial country-rock band like The Eagles.
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen appeared in the 1976 Roger Corman film Hollywood Boulevard and several times on the NBC TV series Police Woman. It also starred on The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert and other music series.
The Airmen became the opening act for everyone from Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Led Zeppelin and the Doors. As headliners, they were noted for their wildly entertaining, marathon concert performances. Following a 1976 European tour, the original band broke up.
By then, Asleep at the Wheel had emerged as country’s premier western-swing revivalists. That band’s leader, Ray Benson, eulogized Frayne/Cody on Facebook by saying, “He made Asleep at the Wheel possible in so many ways, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all the love and inspiration he gave us.”
Frayne continued his billing as Commander Cody, recording and touring with an ever-changing band lineup. Guitarist Kirchen often reunited with him. Cody signed with Arista Records for two albums in 1977-78. Later Commander Cody albums appeared on such labels as Blind Pig, Atlantic, Line, Relix and Woodstock.
As a sideman, he played piano on albums by Poco, Link Wray and New Riders of the Purple Sage. In 1980, his music video for “Two Triple Cheese (Side Order of Fries)” won an Emmy Award. Cody’s droll personality, easy-going quips, zany worldview and witty, talking-blues vocals made him a crowd-pleasing favorite on David Letterman’s TV talk show.
He also achieved notoriety as a painter. His works were exhibited in galleries worldwide and included in the 1979 book Star Art. He held a master’s degree in art and taught art at The University of Wisconsin.
George Frayne’s death was announced on Facebook by his wife, Sue Casanova. He died in Saratoga Springs, New York. No cause of death was revealed, and funeral arrangements are unknown.
Amazon Music Appoints Michelle Tigard Kammerer To Head Of Country Music
/by LB CantrellMichelle Tigard Kammerer
Michelle Tigard Kammerer has been named Head of Country Music for Amazon Music, effective Oct. 18. Kammerer fills the position left from Kelly Rich‘s exit on Aug. 30.
Kammerer started her career with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) where she helped sign and jump-start the careers of several leading country acts and worked hand-in-hand with the tour bookings and contract negotiations of Willie Nelson, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban and numerous others. Following her time at CAA, Kammerer served as the Sr. Director of Brand Marketing and Strategic Partnerships at Country Radio Broadcasters, Inc. (CRB) where she maintained and established relationships with country radio, country artists and nationwide brands in country music, including CRB’s main event, the Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
In April of 2014, Kammerer was recruited to re-launch the historical Dot Records Label under Big Machine Label Group as the National Director of Marketing & Promotion. In March of 2017, Kammerer moved to sister-label, BMLG Records, where was able to expand her role as the Sr. National Director of Marketing & Promotion, working with the label’s roster of Florida Georgia Line, Brett Young, Riley Green, Danielle Bradbery, Laci Kaye Booth as well as reuniting with Lady A. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA), Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID), Women Rock For The Cure and currently serves on CRS’ Agenda Committee. She is also a member of CMA, ACM, SOURCE Nashville and The Leadership Music Class of 2020. In 2021, Kammerer was named one of Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence.
“Music touches every part of our lives, and it is what drives us all. In my previous roles, we did incredible things for our roster of artists, creating meaningful partnerships along the way. At Amazon Music, I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to build upon the strong foundation created by Kelly Rich and Emily Cohen as the new Head of Country Music,” says Kammerer.
At Amazon Music Kammerer will lead all efforts to continue growing country music listening on the service, inclusive of marketing, and artist and label relations through new initiatives and collaborations with a wide range of artists. She will be based in Nashville and will report to Global Head/Artist & Label Relations Andre Stapleton.
Nashville Music Equality To Host “Black Women’s Voices In Music” Webinar
/by Lydia FarthingNashville Music Equality will host “Once & Future Sounds Black Women’s Voices in Music” on Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. via Zoom.
Nashville Music Equality President Shannon Sanders and NME Vice President Gina Miller will host the night, which will feature panelists Rissi Palmer, Allison Russell, Amythst Kiah, and Yola.
The conversation will center around the journeys of these artists, how they overcome obstacles as Black women in music, where they see the genre growing in the future, the importance of storytelling in their music, where they find inspiration, and more. To register for the webinar, click here.
Palmer was offered her first publishing and label deal at the age of 19. In 2007, she released her debut album, Rissi Palmer, charting singles, “Country Girl,” “Hold On To Me,” and “No Air.” She launched her own radio show, Color Me Country with Rissi Palmer, on Apple Music Country. Since making its debut in August 2020, listeners have been treated to in-depth and necessary conversations with artists such as Brittney Spencer, Chapel Hart, Crystal Shawanda, Darius Rucker, Mickey Guyton, Miko Marks, The War and Treaty and many more. Palmer also created the Color Me Country Artist Grant Fund designed to support new country artists of color to build their music careers.
Russell recently released her first solo project, Outside Child. The poet, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, activist, and co-founder of Our Native Daughters and Birds of Chicago reflects on a tough childhood and a powerful statement of hope from a place of healing, of motherhood, and of partnership.
Kiah recently celebrated her Rounder Records debut with Wary + Strange. The Chattanooga-bred singer-songwriter is a member of Our Native Daughters—an all-women-of-color supergroup whose Kiah-penned standout “Black Myself” earned a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song and won Song of the Year at the Folk Alliance International Awards. Kiah interlaces political commentary and personal revelation in her music, offering an examination of grief, alienation, and the hard-won triumph of total self-acceptance.
Yola released her critically acclaimed debut album Walk Through Fire in February 2019. Nine months later, she achieved breakout success, landing four Grammy nominations including Best New Artist. Her new album Stand for Myself was released on July 30 and produced by Dan Auerbach. Yola has performed at both Newport Folk and Newport Jazz in the same year, and will also be joining select dates with Chris Stapleton on his rescheduled 2021 tour.
Billy Strings Among Big Winners At 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
/by Steven BoeroThe winners for the 32nd Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards presented by Yamaha have been unveiled. The awards show, hosted by the Infamous Stringdusters was held Thursday, Sept. 30 at Raleigh’s Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts.
Guitar virtuoso Billy Strings walked away with Guitar Player of the Year and the coveted 2021 Entertainer of the Year.
Along with Strings, the other big winners of the night were Sister Sadie who took home Vocal Group of the Year, Appalachian Road Map who won Instrumental Group of the Year and New Group of the Year, and Balsam Range won Song of the Year for “Richest Man.” Album of the Year was given to Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southwestern Ohio’s Musical Legacy which was produced by Joe Mullins
Along with the award ceremony, the previously announced inductees into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame were honored which included one of the most acclaimed artists in the history of bluegrass Alison Krauss, trailblazing bandleader/banjoist Lynn Morris, and early bluegrass influencers the Stoneman Family.
2021 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards:
Entertainer of the Year: Billy Strings
Vocal Group of the Year: Sister Sadie
Instrumental Group of the Year: Appalachian Road Show
Song of the Year: “Richest Man” – Balsam Range (artist), Jim Beavers/Jimmy Yeary/Connie Harrington (songwriters), Balsam Range (producer), Mountain Home Records (label)
Album of the Year: Industrial Strength Bluegrass: Southwestern Ohio’s Musical Legacy – Various Artists, Joe Mullins (producers), Smithsonian Folkways Recordings (label)
Gospel Recording of the Year (Tie):
“After While” – Dale Ann Bradley (artist), Public Domain, Dale Ann Bradley (producer), Pinecastle Records (label)
“In the Resurrection Morning” – Sacred Reunion featuring Doyle Lawson, Vince Gill, Barry Abernathy, Tim Stafford, Mark Wheeler, Jim VanCleve, Phil Leadbetter, Jason Moore (artists), Mark Wheeler (songwriter), Barry Abernathy, Jim VanCleve (producers), Dottie Leonard Miller (Executive Producer), Billy Blue Records (label)
Instrumental Recording of the Year: “Ground Speed” – Kristin Scott Benson, Skip Cherryholmes, Jeremy Garrett, Kevin Kehrberg, Darren Nicholson (artists), Earl Scruggs (songwriter), Jon Weisberger (producer), Mountain Home Music (label)
New Artist of the Year: Appalachian Road Show
Collaborative Recording of the Year: “White Line Fever” – Bobby Osborne with Tim O’Brien, Trey Hensley, Sierra Hull, Stuart Duncan, Todd Phillips, Alison Brown (artists), Merle Haggard/Jeff Tweedy (songwriters) Alison Brown, Garry West (producers), Compass Records (label)
Female Vocalist of the Year: Dale Ann Bradley
Male Vocalist of the Year (Tie):
Danny Paisley
Del McCoury
Banjo Player of the Year: Scott Vestal
Bass Player of the Year: Missy Raines
Resophonic Guitar Player of the Year: Justin Moses
Fiddle Player of the Year: Bronwyn Keith-Hynes
Guitar Player of the Year: Billy Strings
Mandolin Player of the Year: Sierra Hull
Grand Ole Opry To Host Plaza Parties Every Weekend In October Ahead Of 5,000th Broadcast
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Grand Ole Opry is celebrating its upcoming 5,000th Saturday night broadcast with free parties on the Opry Plaza. The parties will take place very Friday and Saturday throughout the month of October, leading up to the 5,000th broadcast on Oct. 30.
The plaza parties will feature performances from artists like Payton Smith, Hannah Dasher, Callista Clark, Alex Smith, Southerland, Erin Enderlin and more.
The parties will take place every weekend in October from 5 to 7 p.m. On Oct. 2 and Oct. 30, the Opry will hold special parties that include food trucks, local vendors and family-friendly activities. These special nights will also feature multiple live music performances and run from 12 p.m.-9 p.m.
Participating vendors for the special weekend shows include Any Old Iron, Big Green Egg, Cousins Maine Lobster, GEICO, Gibson Guitars, Humana, Madam Tussauds, Yee-Haw Brewing, Moosehead Popcorn, Ole Smoky Moonshine, Opry BBQ Truck, Opry Belle, Tecovas and Truist Financial.
Oct. 1 – Payton Smith
Oct. 2 – Erin Enderlin, Song Suffragettes, Hudson Valley, James McNair, Ryan Griffin, Callista Clark
Oct. 8 & 9 – Kenzie Wheeler
Oct. 15 – Matt Rogers
Oct. 16 – Taryn Papa
Oct. 22 – Radio Romance
Oct. 23 – Cooper Alan
Oct. 29 – Rachel Horter
Oct. 30 – Scotty Mac, Alex Smith, Southerland, Lauren Mascitti, Jake Hoot and Hannah Dasher
Chart Action: Pearce, McBryde Gain More Support, Janson Most Added
/by Alex ParryCarly Pearce and Ashley McBryde continue to gain support on their single, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” On the Billboard Country Airplay Chart, the duo adds another 32 stations and, on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, they add 17 new stations with a +171 spins this week. They are ranked at No. 39 and No. 41 on the Billboard and MusicRow charts, respectively.
On the Mediabase Chart, Chris Janson‘s “Bye Mom” tops the most added list, earning 37 adds. This is Janson’s strongest first-week streaming numbers for a single upon its release in August. Janson wrote “Bye Mom” with Brandon Kinney who appears in the music video with Kinney’s children playing younger versions of himself and his wife starring as the titular mom. Watch the video here.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Country-Rocker Commander Cody Passes
/by Robert K OermannGeorge Frayne, “Commander Cody.” Photo: Garry Regester
George Frayne, known to music lovers as Commander Cody, died Sunday (Sept. 26) at age 77.
As the leader of Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, he was noted for such 1970s hits as “Hot Rod Lincoln” and “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The country-rock mainstay released more than a dozen albums between 1972-1995.
Frayne was born in Boise, Idaho and raised in New York City. He pursued music and art as a youngster, becoming proficient on piano. His professional debut was in an all-lifeguard band at Jones Beach on Long Island. In college, he performed in the frat-house band The Fabulous Surfing Beavers.
After graduating from The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, he formed a band with Bruce Barlow, Bill Kirchen, Billy C. Farlowe and others in 1967. They dubbed themselves Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, borrowing the name from a 1950s science-fiction movie serial.
The group specialized in retro styles such as western swing, boogie-woogie, jump blues and rockabilly. The Airmen relocated to San Francisco in 1969 and soon attracted a following among the city’s hippies.
Paramount Records signed the band and issued Lost in the Ozone as its debut LP in 1972. The collection mixed original tunes such as “Seeds and Stems (Again)” with revivals of country oldies such as Willie Nelson’s “Family Bible” (1960) and Charlie Ryan’s “Hot Rod Lincoln” (1955). The latter rose on the country charts and became a top-10 pop-music smash.
Cody followed it with a remake of the 1940-41 Glenn Miller / Andrews Sisters favorite “Beat Me Daddy Eight to the Bar.” Hot Steel, Cold Steel and Truckers Favorites appeared as the band’s second LP in 1973. Its country oldie remakes included “Truck Drivin’ Man,” “Diggy Diggy Lo” and “Looking at the World Through a Windshield.”
The group came to the 1973 CMA convention in Nashville. But the members’ long hair and flagrant marijuana smoking scandalized the mainstream country community, and they were booed off the stage.
The 1974 LP Country Casanova included versions of Bob Wills’ “My Window Faces the South” (1946), Buddy Holly’s “Rave On” (1958) and the Tex Williams/Merle Travis 1947 favorite “Smoke! Smoke! Smoke! (That Cigarette).” The last-named again appeared on both pop and country charts.
Recorded at Armadillo World Headquarters in Austin, the 1975 LP Live From Deep in the Heart of Texas earned a four-star review in Rolling Stone. The band switched to Warner Bros. Records, which issued Tales From the Ozone. Produced by Hoyt Axton, it contained “Roll Your Own,” “Minnie the Moocher,” “I Been to Georgia on a Fast Train” and “Cajun Baby.” Two more Warner LPs ensued, as well as the 1975 single “Don’t Let Go.” This revival of Roy Hamilton’s 1958 hit became the band’s final charted pop recording.
Cody’s tenure at Warners was profiled in the 1977 book Star Making Machinery. In its pages, he resisted the label’s pressure to become a commercial country-rock band like The Eagles.
Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen appeared in the 1976 Roger Corman film Hollywood Boulevard and several times on the NBC TV series Police Woman. It also starred on The Midnight Special, Don Kirchner’s Rock Concert and other music series.
The Airmen became the opening act for everyone from Waylon Jennings and Merle Haggard to Led Zeppelin and the Doors. As headliners, they were noted for their wildly entertaining, marathon concert performances. Following a 1976 European tour, the original band broke up.
By then, Asleep at the Wheel had emerged as country’s premier western-swing revivalists. That band’s leader, Ray Benson, eulogized Frayne/Cody on Facebook by saying, “He made Asleep at the Wheel possible in so many ways, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for all the love and inspiration he gave us.”
Frayne continued his billing as Commander Cody, recording and touring with an ever-changing band lineup. Guitarist Kirchen often reunited with him. Cody signed with Arista Records for two albums in 1977-78. Later Commander Cody albums appeared on such labels as Blind Pig, Atlantic, Line, Relix and Woodstock.
As a sideman, he played piano on albums by Poco, Link Wray and New Riders of the Purple Sage. In 1980, his music video for “Two Triple Cheese (Side Order of Fries)” won an Emmy Award. Cody’s droll personality, easy-going quips, zany worldview and witty, talking-blues vocals made him a crowd-pleasing favorite on David Letterman’s TV talk show.
He also achieved notoriety as a painter. His works were exhibited in galleries worldwide and included in the 1979 book Star Art. He held a master’s degree in art and taught art at The University of Wisconsin.
George Frayne’s death was announced on Facebook by his wife, Sue Casanova. He died in Saratoga Springs, New York. No cause of death was revealed, and funeral arrangements are unknown.
Pistol Annies Plan ‘Hell Of A Holiday’ With New Christmas Album
/by Lorie HollabaughPistol Annies. Photo: Gina Binkley
The Pistol Annies are coming out guns blazing this holiday season with their first Christmas album, Hell of a Holiday, arriving Oct. 22. Fans can check out the project’s first release, “Snow Globe,” here.
Hell of a Holiday includes 10 original tracks written by the Annies with their signature humor. The title track describes the holiday whirlwind that arrives every year, while “Snow Globe” showcases a romantic winter wonderland. The project also features the Pistols’ take on standards, including “Sleigh Ride,” and Merle Haggard’s “If We Make it Through December,” plus a reimagined “Auld Lang Syne.”
“We couldn’t be happier we got to make a Christmas album. Once we finally surrendered and let the Christmas songwriting spirit take over, we were so inspired and felt that magic on every single one of these songs,” the trio of Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe, and Angaleena Presley shared. “We hope to be a part of so many people’s Christmas memories for years to come.”
The project marks the fourth studio album for the trio, following their Grammy-nominated 2018 project Interstate Gospel. They recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of their Platinum-certified debut single “Hell on Heels,” the title track of their first album.
Hell Of A Holiday Track List:
1. Hell of a Holiday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
2. Snow Globe (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
3. Harlan County Coal (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
4. Come On Christmas Time (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
5. If We Make it Through December (Merle Haggard)
6. Make You Blue (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
7. Leanin’ on Jesus (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
8. The Only Thing I Wanted (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
9. Believing (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
10. Happy Birthday (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
11. Sleigh Ride (Leroy Anderson/Mitchell Parish)
12. Joy (Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
13. Auld Lang Syne (Public Domain/Miranda Lambert/Ashley Monroe/Angaleena Presley)
Honoring A Legacy: Randy Travis Is Celebrated On 35th Anniversary [Interview]
/by LB CantrellRandy Travis. Photo: Marisa Taylor
In a genre that pays homage to an artist’s body of work, it is rare for an artist to reach the celebrated status of a country music great.
Country music icon and trailblazer Randy Travis has done just that and is being celebrated today.
Along with a slew of honors and ceremonies, a memoir, a re-issue of his iconic Storms of Life album, many retrospective interviews, and more, Randy is getting his flowers now, and deservingly so. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has received a long list of honors including seven Grammy Awards, 11 Academy of Country Music awards, 10 American Music Awards, two People’s Choice awards, eight Dove Awards from the Gospel Music Association and five Country Music Association honors. In addition, three of his performances earned CMA Song of the Year honors: “On the Other Hand” (1986), “Forever and Ever Amen” (1987) and “Three Wooden Crosses” (2002). To date, he has 23 No. 1 singles, 31 Top-10 hits and more than 40 appearances in feature films and television shows to his credit.
Randy and his wife Mary Travis are thankful to the team that has surrounded them and embraced Randy’s legacy.
“Warner, Cris Lacy and John Esposito have been there for a long time,” Mary Travis tells MusicRow. “Tony Conway came along after Randy’s stroke and has just been a Godsend. He’s like a brother to Randy. He took us on after Randy’s stoke, so he really didn’t know where he could go with it or what was going to happen with it, but just on the fact that he believed in him.
“It’s the same with Zach [Farnum],” Mary adds. “He was a natural fit. He was young so he brought a fresh breath and knew more about what was going on now. It’s a blessing. We went through something where a lot of the world walked out on us. Most of those are the people who you thought would be there. But what happened is a lot of people walked in that we had no idea would be such a blessing. They did re-create and bring back to life a career that deserved another sunrise.”
Of the many projects Randy’s team has executed is the re-issue of his Storms of Life album. The album, originally released in 1986, served as a turning point back towards more traditional sounding country music when the genre was experiencing a wave of more polished and pop material.
“That album was pivotal,” Mary says. “Good ole country music, that was Randy’s forté. Storms of Life changed lives; the listener’s and Randy’s. It was important to acknowledge it.”
Along with “Diggin’ Up Bones” and “On The Other Hand”, which originally catapulted to No. 1 on the charts in 1986, this remastering also includes three previously unreleased songs from The Vault. “Ain’t No Use,” “The Wall” and “Carryin’ Fire” were recorded 1985, but never found a place on the original 10-song album.
Randy and Mary worked with producer and engineers Kyle Lehning and Keith Stegall, who worked on the 1986 original album, for production on the remastering of the new released version. Lehning has worked with Randy on nearly every album the singer has released.
When asked what working with him again has meant to him, Randy says, “A lot,” with a grin.
“Kyle’s family,” Mary agrees. “Kyle and Randy since day one have had the best artist-producer relationship. I don’t think they’ve had an argument in 35 years. Working with Kyle is always nothing but pure joy.”
A big smile and a laugh came across Randy’s face when asked what he would tell himself if he could go back and talk to the 27 year old who was releasing Storms Of Life in 1986.
“Hold on tight!” Mary suggests. “I don’t think he had any idea it was going to do what it did. I don’t think anybody did.
“I think the older him would say it’s worth the trouble. Keep doing what you’re doing,” Mary sums. Randy smiles and nods in agreement.
And so do we.
Storms Of Life (35th Anniversary Deluxe Edition) is available everywhere now.
Kameron Marlowe Earns First RIAA Certification, Makes Opry Debut
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): The AMG’s Amanda Good; Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges and Shane Allen; The AMG’s Rob Beckham; SMN’s Randy Goodman; Kameron Marlowe; The AMG’s Kaitlin Madewell; SMN’s Houston Gaither; SMN’s Rusty Gaston; Opry Entertainment Group’s Dan Rogers. Photo: Chris Hollo
Breakthrough artist Kameron Marlowe made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Wednesday, Sept. 29, where he learned that his single, “Giving You Up,” had been certified Gold. This is Marlowe’s first RIAA certification.
Kameron Marlowe. Photo: Chris Hollo
Friends, family, staff, and executives from Sony Music Nashville, The AMG, Sony Music Publishing, and WME congratulated the singer-songwriter backstage with a commemorative plaque for the career milestone.
Marlowe’s first release, “Giving You Up” is an entirely self-penned track that has earned more than 108 million on-demand streams. The single recently received 25 station adds in its first week at country radio.
He is set to join Riley Green for the “We Out Here Tour,” beginning Nov. 3 in Athens, Georgia. Marlowe’s newest release, “Raise One Up,” was co-written with Kenton Bryant and is available everywhere now.
Elvie Shane’s Full-Length Debut ‘Backslider’ On Tap For October
/by Lorie HollabaughElvie Shane. Photo: Jeremy Cowart
Elvie Shane‘s debut full length album Backslider is slated for release on Oct. 29. He shared a new track from the record, “My Kind Of Trouble,” today as a preview for the upcoming project.
Shane co-wrote the entire 15-song collection, showcasing life in small-town America and his own life story. His current Top 5 and climbing single, “My Boy” sets the tone for the album, which offers classic rock hooks and the soul of Gospel and R&B.
“It’s about more than just me,” Shane says of Backslider. “Whether you’re from the United States or the other side of the world, we’ve probably experienced the same things: heartbreak, family trouble, love… the yearning for a better life. These songs are my personal stories written so they rhyme… but I think they are stories that happen to each and every one of us.”
Shane is currently out on the road with Brooks & Dunn on their “2021 Reboot Tour,” with stops in Charlotte, Raleigh, and Bristow this weekend.
Backslider Track Listing:
1. I Will Run (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
2. Love, Cold Beer, Cheap Smoke (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Drew Green)
3. Sundays In The South (Elvie Shane, Derrick Southerland, Albert E. Brumley)
4. Sundress (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
5. County Roads (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles)
6. Rocket Science (Elvie Shane, Joybeth Taylor, Jakob Miller, Oscar Charles)
7. My Kinda Trouble (Elvie Shane, Erik Dylan, Ray Fulcher)
8. Kickin’ Stones (with The Fletch) (Fred Eltringham, Steve Mackey, Rob McNelley, Tom Bukovac, Kris Donegan, Matt Nolen)
9. Saturday Night Me (Elvie Shane, Doug Johnson, Adam Wood)
10. My Boy (Elvie Shane, Russell Sutton, Nick Columbia, Lee Starr)
11. Heartbreaks & Headaches (Elvie Shane, Dakota Payton)
12. Nothin’ Lasts Forever (with Tenille Townes) (Elvie Shane, Luke Preston, Oscar Charles, Matt Willis)
13. Keep On Strummin’ (Elvie Shane, Dan Couch, Oscar Charles, Clinton Payton)
14. My Mississippi (Elvie Shane, Jakob Miller)
15. Miles (with My Mama) (Elvie Shane, Jonathan Sherwood, Luke Preston)