The Isaacs Receive Hometown Honors In Hendersonville
The Isaacs with Hendersonville, Tennessee. Mayor Jamie Clary
Multi-award-winning family group The Isaacs have been commemorated in their hometown of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Mayor Jamie Clary deemed Tuesday, Sept. 14, “The Isaacs Day” in honor of their induction into The Grand Ole Opry.
“Congratulations to The Isaacs! As the home to many musicians, Hendersonville continues to be the place where artists write songs and rest between performances. As mayor, I am extremely proud to see our own residents performing on the world’s stage,” states Clary.
“We are beyond honored and humbled to receive this proclamation by Mayor Clary. Hendersonville is a great place to live. We all are raising our families here and wouldn’t want it any other way,” says The Isaacs.
The group is currently on tour in support of their recently released The American Face project. For a full list of tour dates, click here.
Whiskey Myers Makes Ryman Debut With Two Sold Out Shows
Pictured (L-R): Meredith Jones (CAA), Cody Tate (guitar), Tony Kent (percussion/keys), Eddie Kloesel (Why&How Management), John Jeffers (guitar), Cody Cannon (vocals), Jeff Hogg (drums), Jamey Gleaves (bass). Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers made their Ryman debut last weekend with two sold-out, back-to-back shows on Sept. 10 and 11.
Since their emergence in 2007, the band has played over 2,500 live shows, selling out 95% of their headlining shows during the most recent touring year.
Their self-produced fifth studio album, Whiskey Myers, released on the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, debuted at No. 1 on both the country and Americana/folk sales charts, at No. 2 on the rock chart and No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. In total, Whiskey Myers have sold more than 1.1 million albums and amassed over 1.3 billion streams.
Tommy Townsend Joins BDF/Audium Nashville, Announces New Music In The Works
Tommy Townsend & GM Chuck Rhodes
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Tommy Townsend has signed with BFD/Audium Nashville.
Townsend will release his first 10-track album, Southern Man, from the label in early 2022. The project was produced by Waylon Jennings and Jerry “Jigger” Bridges over 20 years ago but was never officially released.
“Tommy Townsend is country soul personified!” says GM Chuck Rhodes. “From standing next to Waylon Jennings on stage, to carrying on the Waylon tradition with Waymore’s Outlaws, he does his mentor proud with the previously unreleased gem called Southern Man.”
“Watching what Chuck and Bob Frank were doing with Audium, I knew that could be the perfect home for me and especially the Southern Man album,” shares Townsend. “Their excitement for the album and for my music is exactly what an artist thrives on, and I look forward to this being a long and prosperous relationship.”
Unsigned Only Music Competition Announces Sophie Pecora As Grand Prize Winner
Sophie Pecora
The Unsigned Only Music Competition has announced that its 2021 Grand Prize winner is 17-year-old singer-songwriter, rap-poet Sophie Pecora for the song “Anxiety.”
Hailing from California, Pecora’s debut EP Raise the Bar was released at the end of 2020, and her recent Wildflower EP was released in August 2021. She was a performer on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent, winning the Golden Buzzer. She is currently working on new material in the studio with the acclaimed will.i.am who discovered her on TikTok.
“The word ‘authentic’ is too often thrown around, but in the case of this year’s Grand Prize winner, Sophie Pecora, there is no denying that she is truly an authentic artist,” say Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, the founders of Unsigned Only. “She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, express her emotions, and dig deep-and she is only 17 years old. She has such a bright future ahead of her.”
“I am so amazed! I wrote the song ‘Anxiety’ because I know a lot of people go through it, and hopefully, when they’re listening to the song they’ll feel like someone understands them,” says Pecora. “Thank you to all the judges and to Unsigned Only for believing in me and my music. I’m so grateful, and I have many more songs to come.”
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only honors international artists who are not signed to a major record label and has become a source for discovering new talent and act. The Grand Prize winner is awarded a prize package totaling $50,000, including $20,000 in cash and more in merchandise and services geared toward helping an artist’s career.
Industry Ink: The Isaacs, Whiskey Myers, Tommy Townsend, Unsigned Only Music Competition
/by Lydia FarthingThe Isaacs Receive Hometown Honors In Hendersonville
The Isaacs with Hendersonville, Tennessee. Mayor Jamie Clary
Multi-award-winning family group The Isaacs have been commemorated in their hometown of Hendersonville, Tennessee. Mayor Jamie Clary deemed Tuesday, Sept. 14, “The Isaacs Day” in honor of their induction into The Grand Ole Opry.
“Congratulations to The Isaacs! As the home to many musicians, Hendersonville continues to be the place where artists write songs and rest between performances. As mayor, I am extremely proud to see our own residents performing on the world’s stage,” states Clary.
“We are beyond honored and humbled to receive this proclamation by Mayor Clary. Hendersonville is a great place to live. We all are raising our families here and wouldn’t want it any other way,” says The Isaacs.
The group is currently on tour in support of their recently released The American Face project. For a full list of tour dates, click here.
Whiskey Myers Makes Ryman Debut With Two Sold Out Shows
Pictured (L-R): Meredith Jones (CAA), Cody Tate (guitar), Tony Kent (percussion/keys), Eddie Kloesel (Why&How Management), John Jeffers (guitar), Cody Cannon (vocals), Jeff Hogg (drums), Jamey Gleaves (bass). Photo: Khris Poage
Whiskey Myers made their Ryman debut last weekend with two sold-out, back-to-back shows on Sept. 10 and 11.
Since their emergence in 2007, the band has played over 2,500 live shows, selling out 95% of their headlining shows during the most recent touring year.
Their self-produced fifth studio album, Whiskey Myers, released on the band’s own Wiggy Thump Records, debuted at No. 1 on both the country and Americana/folk sales charts, at No. 2 on the rock chart and No. 6 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. In total, Whiskey Myers have sold more than 1.1 million albums and amassed over 1.3 billion streams.
Tommy Townsend Joins BDF/Audium Nashville, Announces New Music In The Works
Tommy Townsend & GM Chuck Rhodes
Singer, songwriter and guitarist Tommy Townsend has signed with BFD/Audium Nashville.
Townsend will release his first 10-track album, Southern Man, from the label in early 2022. The project was produced by Waylon Jennings and Jerry “Jigger” Bridges over 20 years ago but was never officially released.
“Tommy Townsend is country soul personified!” says GM Chuck Rhodes. “From standing next to Waylon Jennings on stage, to carrying on the Waylon tradition with Waymore’s Outlaws, he does his mentor proud with the previously unreleased gem called Southern Man.”
“Watching what Chuck and Bob Frank were doing with Audium, I knew that could be the perfect home for me and especially the Southern Man album,” shares Townsend. “Their excitement for the album and for my music is exactly what an artist thrives on, and I look forward to this being a long and prosperous relationship.”
Unsigned Only Music Competition Announces Sophie Pecora As Grand Prize Winner
Sophie Pecora
The Unsigned Only Music Competition has announced that its 2021 Grand Prize winner is 17-year-old singer-songwriter, rap-poet Sophie Pecora for the song “Anxiety.”
Hailing from California, Pecora’s debut EP Raise the Bar was released at the end of 2020, and her recent Wildflower EP was released in August 2021. She was a performer on Season 14 of America’s Got Talent, winning the Golden Buzzer. She is currently working on new material in the studio with the acclaimed will.i.am who discovered her on TikTok.
“The word ‘authentic’ is too often thrown around, but in the case of this year’s Grand Prize winner, Sophie Pecora, there is no denying that she is truly an authentic artist,” say Candace Avery and Jim Morgan, the founders of Unsigned Only. “She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, express her emotions, and dig deep-and she is only 17 years old. She has such a bright future ahead of her.”
“I am so amazed! I wrote the song ‘Anxiety’ because I know a lot of people go through it, and hopefully, when they’re listening to the song they’ll feel like someone understands them,” says Pecora. “Thank you to all the judges and to Unsigned Only for believing in me and my music. I’m so grateful, and I have many more songs to come.”
Established in 2012, Unsigned Only honors international artists who are not signed to a major record label and has become a source for discovering new talent and act. The Grand Prize winner is awarded a prize package totaling $50,000, including $20,000 in cash and more in merchandise and services geared toward helping an artist’s career.
CMHOF Releases Third Season of ‘Voices In The Hall’ Podcast
/by Lydia FarthingThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has released season three of its Voices in the Hall podcast. All episodes are available to stream on Spotify and the museum’s website.
Voices in the Hall features some of music’s intriguing and notable performers examining how artists recognize, embrace, and develop their own creative voice as they navigate their careers. The podcast’s third installment includes interviews with the Cactus Blossoms, Steve Dorff, Duane Eddy, Mark Knopfler, Ashley McBryde, Delbert McClinton, Molly Tuttle, and Aaron Watson.
Hosted by the museum’s Senior Director, producer and writer Peter Cooper, the series supplements the conversations with musical recordings to enrich the stories and bring each episode to life.
“Voices in the Hall is a window into the hearts and minds of some of the world’s most interesting and creative people,” says Cooper. “This podcast is about the ways in which people reveal themselves through music. You’ll hear master musicians at their most honest and their most vulnerable, explaining what was thought to be unexplainable.”
All episodes from the first two seasons have also been re-released on Spotify, including conversations with Dierks Bentley, Kane Brown, Rosanne Cash, Emmylou Harris, Nick Lowe, Linda Ronstadt and many more.
Riley Green Announces “We Out Here” Tour Kicking Off In November
/by Lorie HollabaughRiley Green will play 15 dates this winter on his new “We Out Here” tour, kicking off Nov. 3 in Athens, Ga. and running through February 2022. He’ll be joined by special guests Corey Smith, Kameron Marlowe and Mike Ryan on select dates.
Green will showcase fan favorites such as the Platinum-certified “I Wish Grandpas Never Died,” the No. 1 Gold hit “There Was This Girl,” and the latest music from his new album, Behind The Bar.
“It’s been a great summer gettin’ back to playing to shows and being in front of fans again,” says Green. “Now I’m lookin forward to going into arenas this fall with Corey Smith, Mike Ryan and Kameron Marlowe. It’s gonna be an awesome tour.”
Tickets will be available beginning this Friday (Sept. 17) at 10 a.m. local time. For more information, click here.
Green is currently on the road with Dierks Bentley’s “Beers On Me” tour.
“We Out Here” Tour Dates:
Nov 3 – Athens, GA
Nov 4 – Huntsville, AL
Nov 5 – Pikeville, KY
Nov 6 – Augusta, GA
Jan 6 – Columbia, SC
Jan 7 – Atlanta, GA
Jan 13 – Knoxville, TN
Jan 14 – Savannah, GA
Jan 15 – Albany, GA
Jan 27 – Columbus, GA
Jan 28 – Biloxi, MS
Jan 29 – Birmingham, AL
Feb 3 – Southhaven, MS
Feb 4 – Tupelo, MS
Feb 5 – Chattanooga, TN
Thomas Rhett Continues Chart-Topping Streak With “Country Again”
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas Rhett. Photo: Spencer Combs
Multi-Platinum recording artist Thomas Rhett has taken his 18th trip to the top of the charts with his latest No. 1 song, “Country Again.” The song acts as the defining title track for his fifth studio double album Country Again: Side A which was released in April.
The single has topped both the Billboard Country and Mediabase/Country Aircheck Charts, while previously earning the top spot at Canadian country radio for two consecutive weeks. It also marks Rhett’s 12th consecutive No. 1, which is the longest current active streak in the format and topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart for two consecutive weeks.
“This song is so special to me, because every line really is autobiographical,” Rhett says. “But it’s also a song about centering yourself and reconnecting with the things that are truly important to you; which is different for all of us. Being able to share this song with fans each night on the road finally and seeing how it’s resonating with them is something I will never take for granted.”
Rhett’s five studio albums have rendered 18 multi-Platinum and Gold chart-toppers and 10 billion global streams. The 8x ACM Award winner has also earned two CMA Awards, four Grammy nominations, and trophies from the CMT Music Awards, Billboard Awards and iHeartRadio Awards.
Rhett’s headlining “Center Point Road Tour” continues in Syracuse, New York; Holmdel, New Jersey; Mansfield, Massachusetts; and Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio this weekend.
Bridgestone Arena To Enforce COVID-19 Entry Protocols
/by Steven BoeroDierks Bentley at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Zach Belcher
Effective Oct. 2, all guests age 12 and older will be required to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours prior to all Bridgestone events, the venue announced yesterday (Sept. 13). The new policy is scheduled to remain in place through at least Nov. 15.
Guests under the age of 12 will be required to wear a mask at all times while inside the venue or must present a printed or digital negative COVID-19 test administered within 72 hours prior to the event.
“Throughout the pandemic we have been consistent in stating that the health and wellness of all arena guests, Predators fans, our employees, players and performers is our number one priority,” says Sean Henry, President and CEO of Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Predators. “Just two months ago, we believed that we were returning to a sense of normalcy, but unfortunately, with the impact of the delta variant, that has not been the case. We are united with health care professionals in our belief that the only way to end this pandemic is to get more people vaccinated.”
“The Metro Public Health Department appreciates Bridgestone Arena consulting with us to develop their enhanced COVID Entrance Protocol,” says Hugh Atkins, Director, Bureau of Environmental Health Services. “Bridgestone Arena’s protocol not only helps protect event attendees, but also encourages vaccination, which is our best tool for ending the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In addition to these newly announced policies, Bridgestone Arena will continue to recommend that all guests wear masks except while actively eating and drinking in the venue. Arena management also acknowledges that some specific tours may impose additional requirements to those being announced today; such additional requirements will be communicated and enforced if and when necessary.
An announcement will be made at the beginning of each month reaffirming or altering procedures and protocols for the next 75 days, but could be modified in the interim as all policies and procedures remain subject to change. Arena officials will continue to work with local, state, and federal governments and health agencies to monitor all pertinent COVID-19 activity to make the most prudent decisions during these evolving times.
For more information on the specific protocols, click here.
Luke Combs Jumps Into Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs jumps from No. 15 to No. 6 this week on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The country hitmaker is a co-writer on three of his charting songs, including “Forever After All,” “Cold as You,” and “South On Ya.”
Combs’ “Cold As You” and “South On Ya” co-writer Jonathan Singleton rises one spot to No. 2. In addition to his Combs co-writes, Singleton is credited on Lainey Wilson’s “Things A Man Oughta Know” and Zac Brown Band’s “Same Boat.”
Ashley Gorley maintains his position at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart for the ninth consecutive week.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Blake Shelton & Gwen Stefani Celebrate Back-To-Back No. 1 Hits
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): “Nobody But You” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne. (Not pictured: co-writer Shane McAnally). Photo: Steve Lowry
Blake Shelton recently celebrated his 27th and 28th Country Airplay No. 1 singles, “Nobody But You” and “Happy Anywhere,” with his wife and featured artist, Gwen Stefani.
Both Platinum-certified singles have racked up over 200 million streams a piece and mark Stefani’s first and second No. 1 country singles.
“Nobody But You” was co-written by Ross Copperman (BMI), Tommy Lee James (BMI), Josh Osborne (ASCAP), and Shane McAnally (ASCAP/GMR). Osborne, Copperman and Matt Jenkins (ASCAP) co-wrote “Happy Anywhere.” All songwriters were honored by the songs’ performing artists and their respective publishers on the BMI Creative Patio in one of the first celebrations of its kind since the start of the pandemic.
“Happy Anywhere” co-writers and artists Ross Copperman (BMI), Matt Jenkins (ASCAP), Gwen Stefani, Blake Shelton, and Josh Osborne (ASCAP. Photo: Steve Lowry
The outdoor party featured presentations from BMI’s Clay Bradley, Warner Music Nashville’s John Esposito, and executives from Combustion Music, SMACKSongs, Sony Music Publishing, Still Working Music Group, Tape Room Music, and Warner Chappell Music.
Later that evening, The Voice coach performed for a packed house at Bridgestone Arena for his “Friends and Heroes 2021” Tour.
Weekly Register: Lauren Alaina Is ‘Sitting Pretty’ With Top Country Song & Album Debut
/by Lydia FarthingLauren Alaina
Mercury Records’ Lauren Alaina nabs the top country song and album streaming debut this week. Her third full-length album, Sitting Pretty On Top Of The World, debuts at No. 21 on the country charts, earning 7,200 first-week streams (3,400 album only, 4.4 million song streams). Her single “Getting Over Him,” featuring Jon Pardi, is the top country songs debut at No. 84 with 2.1 million first-week streams, according to Nielsen.
The multi-Platinum artist recently spoke with MusicRow about the album as well as her busy upcoming fall season. To read the interview, click here.
Walker Hayes keeps his spot at the top of the country streaming songs chart with “Fancy Like,” which gained another 12 million streams for a total of 123 million RTD. Ryan Hurd and Maren Morris rise to second as “Chasing After You” adds 7.3 million streams, while Nelly & Florida Georgia Line fall to third with “Lil Bit” earning 6.9 million streams this week. Luke Combs‘ “Forever After All” stays at No. 4 with 6.3 million streams.
Jason Aldean & Carrie Underwood seal the top five on the country streaming songs chart with “If I Didn’t Love You” adding 5.9 million streams. For two consecutive weeks, the superstar duet has topped the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Morgan Wallen‘s Dangerous: The Double Album continues its reign at No. 1 on the country streaming albums chart, earning 40,000 streams this week. Wallen’s 2016 album, If I Know Me, also re-enters the top five at the No. 5 spot with 14,000 streams. Combs remains in second with What You See Is What You Get and third with This One’s For You earning 24,000 and 16,000 streams, respectively. Hayes’ keeps his spot at forth with Country Stuff garnering 14,000 streams.
Tune In: ‘Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising’ Benefit Airs Tonight
/by Lorie HollabaughIn response to the Humphreys County and Middle Tennessee flood relief, Loretta Lynn‘s ‘Friends: Hometown Rising’ benefit is set to air live from the sold-out Grand Ole Opry tonight (Sept. 13).
Fellow artists and friends Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Chris Janson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Breland, Brittney Spencer and Keith Urban are set to perform from the famed venue. The live concert, hosted by SiriusXM’s Storme Warren and Apple Music’s Nada, will air on Circle Network at 7 p.m. CT and will be live streamed on Circle All Access.
“It’s so heartwarming to see everyone in our hometown to step up to help those in need,” shares Lynn. “I’m honored that some of my best friends in Nashville have been so eager to help, too, and I can’t wait to watch the great show they put on. I hope you’ll tune in with me!”
All proceeds from the show will benefit United Way of Humphreys County. Those wanting to help can click here or text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321.
Kelly Sutton Joins WSM Radio ‘Coffee, Country & Cody’ Show
/by LB CantrellKelly Sutton. Photo: Cameron Powell
Kelly Sutton will join WSM’s radio and television show Coffee, Country & Cody alongside Bill Cody and Charlie Mattos. Sutton is set to join the team as the show’s Co-Host and Entertainment Reporter beginning Tuesday, Sept. 14, from 7 to 10 a.m.
Sutton is an Emmy-winning TV anchor with two decades of experience, interviewing a myriad of country artists for outlets including ABC.com, TuneIn Radio, and OneCountry.com. She has also co-anchored local television programs Today in Nashville (WSMV) and Tennessee Mornings (WZTV).
“I am over the moon to be joining my friends Bill, Charlie and Eric on Coffee, Country & Cody,” shares Sutton. “Bill and I have known each other for years and this feels like such a natural fit. I get to wake up and drink coffee and talk about country music with my friends!”
In 2021 Sutton launched Connected with Kelly, a weekly YouTube series with guests that have included Carrie Underwood, Little Big Town, Kane Brown and more. Sutton also hosts Y’all Access With Kelly Sutton on radio and is the voice of Country Heat on Amazon Music.
“Not only am I excited about the talent that Kelly brings to Coffee, Country & Cody, I am thrilled that we are adding someone so ingrained in the country music community and recognizable to country music fans,” says WSM Radio Director of Content and Programming, J. Patrick Tinnell. “I know Kelly to be warm, fun and entertaining; and I’m certain the WSM Radio and Circle TV audience will love her as much as the WSM family already does.”