Mandy Barnett Invited To Become Newest Opry Member

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Mandy Barnet. Photo: Chris Hollo

Mandy Barnett received the ultimate birthday present last night (Sept. 28), when she was invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Barnett, who has appeared on the Opry more than 500 times over the course of nearly 30 years, will be formally inducted into the Opry family later this fall. She is also slated to appear in four Opry Country Christmas shows debuting this coming holiday season at the Opry House.

Connie Smith and Mandy Barnett. Photo: Chris Hollo

Opry member Connie Smith joined Barnett on stage to lead the Opry audience in singing “Happy Birthday,” before reading a birthday card which included Barnett’s invitation. “You’ve felt like family since we first met, and on this, your special day, we’re honored to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry!” Smith read.

Mandy replied, “This is the happiest day of my life! I came here back in the 80’s and met so many of the greats that came before me like Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Jean Shepard, Billy Walker- and you Connie. I made my Opry debut in 1994 and I’ve had so many supporters who have rooted for me and been nice to me all these years.”

“Night after night, year after year, we’ve been astounded by Mandy’s magnificent performances. She loves the Opry and the Opry loves her right back. It’s a great match now and will be for years to come,” said Dan Rogers, Opry vice president and executive producer.

She has built a reputation for her devotion to classic country, R&B, and popular standards. A Tennessee Music Pathways historical marker in Barnett’s Tennessee hometown honors her contributions in making Tennessee the “Soundtrack of America.”

Barnett’s latest album, 2021’s Every Star Above, acts as a celebration of Billie Holiday’s Lady in Satin with arrangements by the late jazz maestro Sammy Nestico.

In Pictures: ‘The Jesus Music’ Film Gets Star-Studded Premiere At Nashville’s CMHOF

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Pictured (L-R): Michael W. Smith, Russ Taff, CeCe Winans, John Schlitt, and Rebecca St. James perform on stage during the afterparty for the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

The premiere of The Jesus Music film was hosted at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame on Monday, Sept. 27, and some of Christian music’s biggest players took to the red carpet.

Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, CeCe Winans, Bart Millard from MercyMe, Joel Smallbone from For King & Country, Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips, Rebecca St. James, John Schlitt, Russ Taff and more were in attendance.

Newsboys’ Michael Tait and Duncan Phillips assist in a marriage proposal between Otto Price and Sami Cone during red carpet arrivals for the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

In addition to a surprise proposal on the red carpet with the help of Tait and Phillips, the night was also filled with an all-star performance capping off the evening’s after-party from Taff, Smith, Winans, St. James, Schlitt and backup band Sixwire.

The documentary, which Lionsgate is releasing to theaters nationwide on Oct. 1, reveals Christian music’s story—from its beginnings at the Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa, California through its transformation into the multibillion-dollar industry of Christian Contemporary Music today.

Directed by the Erwin Brothers, The Jesus Music features interviews with the genre’s biggest stars including Grant, Smith, TobyMac, Kirk Franklin, and Lauren Daigle.

To watch the official preview for The Jesus Music, click here.

Pictured (L-R): Moriah Smallbone; Joel Smallbone; Jason Constantine, Lionsgate; Rebecca St. James; Jon Erwin, Writer/Director; Russ Taff; Eda Kowan, Lionsgate; Michael W. Smith; Josh Walsh, Producer; Amy Grant; Kevin Downes, Executive Producer; TobyMac; Jason Crabb; Michael Tait; Brandon Gregory, Producer; Bart Millard. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Pictured (L-R): Amy Grant, CeCe Winans, Michael W. Smith, and Jason Crabb arrive at the premiere of The Jesus Music. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images

Chris York Receives 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award 

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Pictured (L-R): Kara McCabe, Head of PR, SJM Concerts, Alex Simmonds, Promoter, SJM Concerts, York and Caroline Hamer, Head of Digital, SJM Concerts. Photo: Matt Woolliscroft

U.K. concert promoter Chris York received the 2021 CMA Jo Walker Meador International Award on Monday (Sept. 20). He received the honor through a special video message from artists and industry members in Nashville and the United Kingdom.

The video included messages from Little Big Town; CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern; CMA Vice President, International Relations and Development Milly Olykan; President and Chief Strategy Officer, Live Nation Women Ali Harnell; CAA Agent Nigel Hassler; and WME Nashville Partner/Co-Head and Chair of the CMA International Committee Jay Williams.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Chris on this honor,” says Trahern. “Chris’ impact on country music has enabled artists in every stage of their career to begin building their platforms in the U.K. and beyond. His commitment to introducing U.K. audiences to fresh and new talent each year has helped drive the profile and consumption of country music in the U.K. at an incredible rate. We are so grateful for Chris’ work across our country music community.”

The Jo Walker Meador International Award recognizes outstanding achievement by an individual in advocating and supporting country’s marketing development in territories outside the United States.

York is the Director of SJM Concerts and is also one of the founding co-promoters of the U.K.’s largest country event, Country to Country (C2C). Since its launch in 2013, the festival has paved the way for artists to regularly tour and develop their fan base across the U.K. and Europe. York also co-developed the C2C Presents brand and co-promoted acts including CMA’s Introducing Nashville during the U.K.’s annual Country Music Week.

York is also a member of the CMA U.K. Task Force, which works to increase the profile and opportunities for country in the United Kingdon. York is also known for his key role in the careers of Drake, Foo Fighters, Green Day, Lorde, Massive Attack, Oasis, Swedish House Mafia, The Chemical Brothers, and many more.

“While we have thoroughly missed not seeing Chris and being able to travel to the U.K. over the last two years, we are so pleased to now recognize him for his incredible work in our industry, growing and furthering country music on both sides of the Atlantic,” adds Olykan. “We send our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to him on this well-deserved honor and for his valuable work on behalf of our genre.”

Industry Ink: Old Dominion, Big Machine, Laura Orshaw, East Music Row

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Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” Earns 4x Platinum Certification

Old Dominion

Old Dominion’s hit single “One Man Band” has been certified 4x platinum by the RIAA.

The band was awarded plaques for RIAA Platinum certification commemorating 4 million units certified.

These certifications come just ahead of the release of the band’s new album Time, Tequila and Therapy on Oct. 8.

The band recently took home the award for Vocal Group of the Year at the 2021 Academy of Country Music Awards for the fourth consecutive year. The Grammy-winning group was also nominated for Vocal Group of the Year for the 2021 CMA Awards.

 

 

Big Machine Label Group Adds 2, Ups 1

Pictured (L-R): Kaylan Moody, Josie Hardin, Flo Myerscough-Harris

Big Machine Label Group has added Kaylan Moody and Josie Hardin to the marketing team as Start Team Lead and Digital Marketing Manager, respectively. The company has also promoted Flo Myerscough-Harris to Label Assistant, UK.

A graduate of the University of Florida, Moody started her career at the university-owned radio stations. She now joins BMLG following stops at WHHZ/Gainesville, Florida, and most recently as Associate Editor at All Access.

In her role, Hardin brings her marketing expertise from previous roles at Sophie Shear Vocal Studios and William Morris Endeavor following internships with Universal Music Group and Thirty Tigers.

Myerscough-Harris rises from Label Intern with the Big Machine UK team after gaining prior experience with Under The Apple Tree as a Production Assistant and NBCUniversal International as a Central PR & Communications Intern.

“We are excited to see the immediate impact that Kaylan and Josie are having with our artists,” says BMLG’s Executive Vice President Mike Rittberg. “Their work ethic and creativity has already been such an asset to our team. I am also thrilled to have Flo move into a full-time position with our UK team. There is really nothing better than seeing one of our interns grow within the company.”

 

 

Dark Shadow Recording Signs Laura Orshaw

Pictured (L-R): Laura Orshaw, Stephen Mougin

Dark Shadow Recording has signed Grammy nominated fiddler and vocalist, Laura Orshaw. A two-time IBMA award-winning artist, and the first female to win SPBGMA Fiddle Player of the Year, Orshaw is currently working on her debut label project, due out in 2022.

Orshaw has toured throughout the world opening and sharing the stage with artists such as Del McCoury, Ricky Skaggs, John Scofield, Jim Lauderdale, Old Crow Medicine Show, Sarah Jarosz, Tony Trischka, Becky Buller, and Darol Anger among others.

“I’m beyond thrilled to be joining the Dark Shadow Recording family,” says Orshaw. “Although I’ve known Stephen and Jana (DSR Owners) for many years, my first chance to work with Stephen in the studio was in 2017 when my then fiancé, Tony Watt, and I recorded a duet version of Guy Clark and Shawn Camp’s ‘Magnolia Wind’… Stephen’s skills as a producer and engineer are truly awe-inspiring, but I am most impressed with his work coaching artists and creating an environment where they can do their best work. It’s an honor to join Stephen, Jana, and the rest of the DSR family!”

“Anyone who has heard Laura Orshaw play and sing knows she’s a powerhouse,” adds Dark Shadow recording owner Stephen Mougin. “In studio sessions, I’ve watched her inspire fellow musicians to ‘up their game’ because of her offerings to a tune, one of the many reasons I asked her to play on my own album. She has toured with a variety of bluegrass bands from modern to traditional and manages to sound perfectly at-home in every scenario. Beyond being a great human, Laura is a determined, hard-working, talented artist and I’m thrilled that she is joining the Dark Shadow Recording family.”

 

 

Emily Dryburgh Shifts To Director of Management, A&R At East Music Row

Emily Dryburgh

With the recent launch of East Music Row, a joint venture created by Deluge Music in support of Johnny Gates and the associated businesses, Emily Dryburgh has shifted her role from Creative Director of Publishing to Director of Management, A&R at East Music Row.

Her duties will include overseeing operations at the label and its ancillary platforms and also managing Gates’ career.

Trisha Yearwood Releases Fourth Cookbook ‘Trisha’s Kitchen’

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Trisha Yearwood

Global country music star, Food Network host, and New York Times best-selling author Trisha Yearwood has released her fourth cookbook. Trisha’s Kitchen: Easy Comfort Food for Friends and Family is available everywhere now.

Yearwood used her unplanned time at home during the pandemic to focus on the recipes and stories that fill her kitchen, including a breakfast lasagna, double-stuffed brownies, and many more. “You really have to sit down and think about, ‘What’s the most important thing about the ‘why’ of this recipe?’ and ‘Why do I love it?’” Yearwood says of the new book. “I really enjoy that! I really love the process of telling the stories.”

Written with longtime collaborator and sister, Beth, the new cookbook features a foreword by Yearwood’s in-house taste-tester, Garth Brooks.

“I think there’s part of her heart and soul in this one,” Brooks says. “You treat all these books like a novel,” he told her. “You’re in there working… typing, typing… working, working… typing. And I’m thinking, ‘Well, you’re just throwing recipes together.’ But not at all. Not a Trisha Yearwood cookbook.”

Yearwood will host a virtual event in partnership with Williams Sonoma to promote the book, featuring special guests including Lauren Alaina and others. Throughout the week, she will also hold a variety of virtual book signings hosted by bookstores all around the country, including one with Brooks and another where she’ll be joined by Reba McEntire.

Jessie James Decker Announces New EP, ‘The Woman I’ve Become’

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Jessie James Decker

Jessie James Decker‘s latest project, The Woman I’ve Become, will be released Oct. 22 via Big Yellow Dog / Atlantic Records / Warner Music Nashville. Along with the EP announcement, Decker has released a teaser from the upcoming collection, “Not In Love With You.”

The Woman I’ve Become features seven songs that are both a reflection and celebration of personal growth, including her self-assured anthem “Should Have Known Better” which reached No. 2 on the iTunes country chart and No. 3 all-genre upon its release.

“The Woman I’ve Become is unlike any record I’ve ever created,” Decker says. “It’s a true transition from the young girl I was to the woman I have become. I’ve never been this vulnerable before. I think life changes and growth have made me confident enough to show that vulnerable side.”

Decker has accumulated more than 100 million on-demand streams and has achieved success in multiple arenas as a singer, TV personality, designer, beauty and lifestyle influencer, and New York Times best-selling author.

The Woman I Am Track List:
1. Not In Love With You (Sam Ellis/Jordyn Shellhart)
2. Tell You Enough (Jordan Reynolds/Jordan Minton/Emily Weisband/Jon Hume)
3. Should Have Known Better (Tom Barnes/Pete Kelleher/Benjamin Kohn/Madi Yanofsky)
4. Dance With Someone Else (Tenille Townes/Tina Parol Gemza/Dave Pittenger)
5. The Woman I’ve Become (Jessie James Decker/Jonathan Quarmby)
6. Girls Like To Dance (Maren Morris/Julian Bunetta/John Ryan)
7. I Need A Man (Jessie James Decker/Alyssa Bonagura/Matt McVaney/Shane Stevens)

Thirty Tigers, American Root Records Partner With Jacob Bryant For Upcoming Album

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Pictured (L-R): David Macias (President, Thirty Tigers), Jacob Bryant, Jeff Catton (CEO, American Roots Records)

Country rocker Jacob Bryant has partnered with Thirty Tigers and American Roots Records as he prepares for his forthcoming album, Bar Stool Preacher, set for release on Jan. 14.

Bryant has traveled hundreds of thousands of miles on the road playing in honkytonks, fairs and Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. After losing his mother in 2010, he fought depression and anxiety while self-medicating with alcohol and cocaine, ultimately suffering a heart attack at the age of 19, Since then, he has turned his pain into passion.

“The first time I heard Jacob’s music, I couldn’t believe how great it was. I was immediately taken with his strong vocals and incredible songwriting. It’s not often that I hear something where the song is stuck in my head after one listen, and that happened with several of his songs. I think Jacob has it in him to be a major star, and I’m proud that he and his team picked us to help him realize his promise,” says President of Thirty Tigers David Macias.

“David Macias is a titan in this industry and I’m stoked to have him and his team behind this project. This album means the world to me and I can’t wait to get it out to the masses!” Bryant shares.

Alan Jackson Reveals Hereditary Degenerative Nerve Condition

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Alan Jackson. Photo: Russ Harrington

Alan Jackson revealed he has a degenerative nerve condition known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) Disorder which impacts his ability to tour and perform.

The condition, which is inherited, was passed down from Jackson’s father and grandmother. The country artist has been living with CMT since being diagnosed over a decade ago.

The condition causes abnormalities in the nerves that supply the feet, legs, hands, and arms, thereby affecting his motor and sensory nerves. Though relatively rare, the disorder is progressive and there is no known cure.

“I’ve been reluctant to talk about this publicly and to my fans, but I have this neuropathy–a neurological disease that’s genetic that I inherited from my daddy,” Jackson shared with Jenna Bush Hager on NBC’s Today. “There’s no cure for it, but it’s been affecting me for years. And it’s getting more and more obvious. It’s not going to kill me–it’s not deadly. I know I’m stumbling around onstage, and now I’m having a little trouble balancing even in front of a microphone.” He continued, “I’m just very uncomfortable. I was starting to get so self-conscious up there… so if anybody’s curious why I don’t walk right, that’s why. I just wanted the fans and the public to know. I don’t want ’em to think I’m drunk onstage because I’m having problems with mobility and balance.”

For Jackson, CMT often manifests in muscle weakness, discomfort and pain, especially when standing for lengthy periods to entertain crowds from a concert stage. Though he’s been living with his diagnosis for ten years, the Country Music Hall of Famer has continued to tour annually. 

“I never wanted to do the retirement tour like people do and then take a year off and then come back,” he explained. “I don’t know how much I’ll continue to tour. I’m not saying I won’t be able to tour. I’ll try to do as much as I can. I don’t want people to be sad for me; it’s just part of life. I’ve had a wonderful, beautiful life. I’ve been so blessed. It’s just good to put it out there in the open. In some ways, it’s a relief.”

Jackson, who released another chart-topping album, Where Have You Gone, earlier this year, will be onstage next week in Nashville as he plays a hometown show at Bridgestone Arena. The show was postponed from its original 2020 date due to the pandemic.

Zac Brown Contracts COVID, Postpones Upcoming Stops On “The Comeback Tour”

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Zac Brown Band has cancelled their upcoming stops on “The Comeback Tour” after frontman Zac Brown shared on social media that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The shows effected by this news include Clarkston, Michigan (Sept. 30); Burgettstown, Pennsylvania (Oct. 1); Syracuse, New York (Oct. 2); and Saratoga Springs, New York (Oct. 3). Refund for these shows can be issued at the original point of purchase.

“Despite taking precautions, I’ve tested positive for COVID-19. I am deeply disappointed this has happened, as touring is our life and performing live for our fans is the best part of our job,” Brown shared. “The bottom line is that I want to take every precaution to put the health and safety of our fans and crew first.

“We will resume the tour as soon as I have finished the CDC-mandated quarantine and it is safe for our band members and crew to do so,” he continues. “I am grateful to our fans for understanding this decision, as well as everyone on the front lines who can’t stay at home because their work is essential. I believe we can all overcome this together. As soon as we can, we’ll see you back out on the road again. Nothing’s better than the comeback.”

The tour kicked off on Aug. 5 in New Jersey, traveling around the country before planning to end at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Oct. 17.

Chase Wright Announces Debut Album ‘Intertwined,’ Tin Roof Tour

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Chase Wright. Photo: Jason Myers

Chase Wright will release his 10-song debut album, Intertwined, on Nov. 5.

Produced by Jared Keim and Zach Abend, the album features tracks like “Drive,” Wright’s debut single “My Kind of Morning,” as well as fan favorites “Why Should We,” “Missing You” and “Lying With You,” in addition to never-before-heard tracks like “What She Sees In Me” and “Hangin On.” It also contains Wright’s forthcoming single, the title track, featuring Canadian singer-songwriter Delaney Jane.

“I’m so excited to share Intertwined with the world. I write a lot about love… new love… old love… the ups and downs of relationships,” says Wright. “I wrote these songs from a personal place and it has been so fun to see the music already connect with fans. Knowing that they can relate and that it might help them get through a break-up, celebrate love or just enjoy a night in… it is why I made this album.”

A limited edition release day vinyl is also available for pre-order, featuring an alternate cover created by over 250 images showcasing pivotal people and moments in Wright’s life that all led to the creation of Intertwined.

Wright is also set to headline Tin Roof’s seven-city “Nashville Hits the Roof” series kicking off in St. Louis the day Intertwined is released. The seven-city, headlining trek wraps Dec. 3 in Birmingham, Alabama, and all shows are free.

Chase Wright Intertwined Track List:
1. Drive (Will Bundy, Hunter Phelps, Chase Wright)*
2. My Kinda Morning (Josh Jenkins, Matt Jenkins, Chase Wright)*
3. What She Sees In Me (Levi Hummon, Jason Massey, Chase Wright)
4. Hangin On (Jerry Flowers, Jared Keim, Chase Wright)
5. Why Should We (Gary Garris, Levi Hummon, Chase Wright)*
6. Wish You’d Miss Me (Robyn Collins, Jared Keim, Chase Wright)
7. Why Can’t It Be Over (Jerry Flowers, Jared Keim, Chase Wright)
8. Missing You (Chris DeStefano, Chase Fouraker, Taylor Phillips)
9. Lying With You (Will Bundy, Zack Dyer, Chase Wright)
10.  Intertwined featuring Delaney Jane (Alyssa Bonagura, Jared Keim, Chase Wright)

Produced by Jared Keim
*Produced by Zach Abend