The AIMP’s Nashville Chapter has announced its 7th Annual AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021, which includes Rocky Block, Ben Chapman, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jenna LaMaster, Jared Scott, and Dan Wilson.
The new class will perform in a live songwriters’ round at The Listening Room Café on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. CT, which will be free for AIMP members and $5 for non-members. Members can register for the event at the AIMP website, and non-members can purchase tickets at The Listening Room Café website.
“While our 2020 Songwriter Series performances were delayed until March 2021, they will always hold a special place in our hearts as the first in-person event we were able to safely hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and President of the Nashville Chapter. “We are thankful to be able to host our Class of 2021 at the Listening Room Café as well. These songwriters represent the very best of the Nashville independent songwriting community, and we can’t wait to see where their careers take them.”
“Huge congratulations to the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021, a snapshot of the names to remember as you scan the credits of future chart-topping tracks,” adds Ree Guyer, Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter. “We were blown away by the sheer talent on display this year, and as always, had a difficult time narrowing the Class down to these final artists. We know they will put on an amazing show!”
All members of the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021 were selected by a special committee made up of industry professionals, based on submissions from current AIMP Nashville members. Each writer must not have had a song charting higher than a Top 20 on the Billboard or Mediabase charts.
The Class of 2020 included Ryan Beaver, Dillon Carmichael, Ian Christian, Colin Elmore, Jeff Garrison, LJ, and Tiera. Other former honorees include Brinley Addington, Luke Dick, Jameson Rodgers, Hailey Whitters, Ash Bowers, Hannah Ellis, Ross Ellis, Hardy, Ashley McBryde, Kassi Ashton, Nicolette Hayford, Kylie Morgan, Ben Goldsmith, and more.
Past performers at the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series have gone on to score chart-topping hits both as performers and as writers for prominent artists like Maren Morris, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Jimmie Allen, and Matt Stell, as well as win prestigious awards and reach No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Weekly Register: Nelly Takes Top Country Debut With Country-Inspired Album, ‘Heartland’
/by Lydia FarthingNelly
Nelly takes the top country debut this week with his country-inspired album Heartland. The album debuted at No. 7 country and No. 47 overall with 13,000 (2,900 album only/12 million song streams), according to Nielsen.
Niko Moon‘s debut album, Good Times, reached No. 12 on the country album streaming charts this week. The RCA Nashville recording artist earned 8,000 first week streams.
Dangerous: The Double Album (Morgan Wallen) remains at No. 1, adding 40,000 to its 49 million RTD. Luke Combs follows at No. 2 with What You See Is What You Get, and at No. 3 with This One’s For You earning 24,000 and 15,000 streams, respectively. Country Stuff (Walker Hayes) rises to the fourth spot with 14,500 streams while Good Things (Dan + Shay) rounds out the top five with 14,000 streams.
Hayes continues his reign in the top spot as “Fancy Like” racks up another 12 million streams, adding to his 111 million streams RTD, according to Nielsen. Nelly & Florida Georgia Line continue at No. 2 with 7.8 million streams this week, and “Chasing After You” (Ryan Hurd & Maren Morris) stays at No. 3 with 7 million streams. “Forever After All” (Combs) takes the fourth spot, earning 6.3 million streams this week. Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood close out the top five with “If I Didn’t Love You” receiving 5.3 million streams.
Chart Action: Morgan Wallen Makes Radio Comeback
/by MusicRow StaffMorgan Wallen returns to country radio with latest single “Sand In My Boots.” He gained 16 new radio station on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart which makes him the most-added this week. He also is this week’s highest spin gainer adding +240 for a total of 536 spins and 39 reporters. He rose to No. 39 in two weeks on the MusicRow Radio Chart and No. 32 in nine weeks on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart.
“Sand In My Boots” was written by Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne and labelmate Hardy. It appears on his sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album, released via Big Loud/Republic Records. MusicRow sat down with Wallen to discuss the making of his album. Click here to read the full interview.
For more chart data, view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
AIMP Unveils Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughThe AIMP’s Nashville Chapter has announced its 7th Annual AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021, which includes Rocky Block, Ben Chapman, Jonathan Hutcherson, Jenna LaMaster, Jared Scott, and Dan Wilson.
The new class will perform in a live songwriters’ round at The Listening Room Café on Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. CT, which will be free for AIMP members and $5 for non-members. Members can register for the event at the AIMP website, and non-members can purchase tickets at The Listening Room Café website.
“While our 2020 Songwriter Series performances were delayed until March 2021, they will always hold a special place in our hearts as the first in-person event we were able to safely hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says John Ozier, AIMP National Chair and President of the Nashville Chapter. “We are thankful to be able to host our Class of 2021 at the Listening Room Café as well. These songwriters represent the very best of the Nashville independent songwriting community, and we can’t wait to see where their careers take them.”
“Huge congratulations to the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021, a snapshot of the names to remember as you scan the credits of future chart-topping tracks,” adds Ree Guyer, Vice President of the AIMP Nashville Chapter. “We were blown away by the sheer talent on display this year, and as always, had a difficult time narrowing the Class down to these final artists. We know they will put on an amazing show!”
All members of the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series Class of 2021 were selected by a special committee made up of industry professionals, based on submissions from current AIMP Nashville members. Each writer must not have had a song charting higher than a Top 20 on the Billboard or Mediabase charts.
The Class of 2020 included Ryan Beaver, Dillon Carmichael, Ian Christian, Colin Elmore, Jeff Garrison, LJ, and Tiera. Other former honorees include Brinley Addington, Luke Dick, Jameson Rodgers, Hailey Whitters, Ash Bowers, Hannah Ellis, Ross Ellis, Hardy, Ashley McBryde, Kassi Ashton, Nicolette Hayford, Kylie Morgan, Ben Goldsmith, and more.
Past performers at the AIMP Nashville Songwriter Series have gone on to score chart-topping hits both as performers and as writers for prominent artists like Maren Morris, Florida Georgia Line, Little Big Town, Jimmie Allen, and Matt Stell, as well as win prestigious awards and reach No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
Darryl Worley Partners With Leatherwood Distillery For 20th Anniversary Of 9/11
/by Steven BoeroDarryl Worley
Country artist Darryl Worley has partnered with veteran-owned and operated Leatherwood Distillery to launch a limited-edition spirits line to help raise money and awareness for veteran and military organizations ahead of the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The distillery was founded by retired Army Green Beret and Afghanistan combat veteran Master Sergeant Andrew Lang.
MSGT (RET) Andrew Lang (Leatherwood Distillery owner & operator, Army Green Beret & Special Operations veteran), Darryl Worley
Through the partnership, Leatherwood Distillery has created special 2021 bottles of Darryl Worley Bourbon, Darryl Worley Rye Whiskey, and Darryl Worley Sweet Feed Whiskey as well as 2021 bottles of Have You Forgotten Darryl Worley Moonshine in Peach, Apple Pie, and Elderberry flavors.
“Darryl is the perfect promotional partner for this endeavor as we are coming upon the 20th anniversary of the horrific tragedy of 9/11 and his song ‘Have You Forgotten’ really makes us think of how many have forgotten what took place that day,” says Lang, President of Leatherwood Distillery. “September 11 is nothing to celebrate, it’s a time to remember how all our lives changed and those who lost their lives for no reason.”
Lang joined the Army in 1993 as an infantryman and spent three years in Italy in the 3/325 Airborne. After graduating from Special Forces training in 2001, Andrew was Assigned to 5th Special Forces Group at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. During his time at 5th Group, he deployed to Iraq six times between 2003-2009. He retired in 2017.
Worley debuted on the country charts with a trio of top-15 hits in 2000-01. His breakthrough year, though, was 2002 when Worley’s touching ballad “I Miss My Friend” became his first No. 1 hit. After spending Christmas 2002 entertaining America’s troops overseas, he wrote the patriotic anthem “Have You Forgotten?,” which became his second No. 1 song and remained at the top of the charts for six weeks.
Loretta Lynn To Host Hometown Rising Benefit With Garth Brooks, Luke Combs, More
/by Lorie HollabaughLoretta Lynn and a handful of her country music friends will be hosting “Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising Flood Relief Benefit Concert” in response to the devastating flooding that took place in Dickson and Lynn’s hometown of Humphreys Counties.
Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan and Luke Combs have all jumped in to perform with more artists to be announced in the coming days. Slated for Sept.13 at the Grand Ole Opry House, tickets are on sale now. The special event will also be broadcast live on Circle Network at 7 p.m. CT in addition to live streaming on Circle All Access via social media. All proceeds will directly support United Way of Humphreys County.
“I am so honored that so many of our friends are coming together to show so much love for our neighbors and community after such a devastating loss,” shares Lynn. “You know, we’ve all needed help from time-to-time, and that’s why when we can give back, we do.”
The devastating floods rushed through rural Tennessee on Aug. 17 after the area received more than 15 inches of rain over a six-hour period, leading to flash flooding that took the lives of 20 people–including the Lynn family’s own longtime ranch hand Wayne Spears.
“United Way of Humphreys County has been dedicated to our communities for years, and we established the Humphreys County Flood Relief Fund to get immediate and long-term needs met for all the flood victims,” notes Executive Director Nioka Curtis. “We had no idea this would be one of the worst floods in our history, but our community will be whole again. It’s UWHC’s goal to help make that happen as quickly as possible with the help of our generous donors. From the rental deposits and down payments necessary for people to get re-housed, to remodeling, replacing clothing and rebuilding their lives, we want to make sure their needs are met and we will continue our fight to make that happen.”
Those wanting to donate can click here or text TNFLOODRELIEF to 44321
Nominees For 55th Annual CMA Awards To Be Announced Sept. 9
/by Steven BoeroThe final nominees for The 55th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed Thursday, Sept. 9 at
Hosts, performers and presenters for this year’s CMA Awards will be announced in the coming weeks. The program will air in November on ABC.
At the 54th Annual CMA Awards in 2020, Eric Church took home the biggest honor of the night for Entertainer of the Year, while Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get won Album of the Year and Maren Morris‘ “The Bones” won both Song of the Year and Single of the Year. For a full recap of last year’s award winners, click here.
The 55th Annual CMA Awards is a production of the Country Music Association. Robert Deaton is the Executive Producer, Alan Carter is the Director, and David Wild is the Head Writer.
Cody Johnson Returns In October With ‘Human The Double Album’
/by Lorie HollabaughCody Johnson. Credit Chris Douglas
Cody Johnson has announced his sophomore album from COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville, Human The Double Album, will be released Oct. 8. Johnson has also released brand new tracks “Treasure” and “Son of a Ramblin’ Man,” both of which appear on the 18-track project.
The upcoming double album is packed with songs originally rejected by other Nashville artists for what Johnson considers being “too country for country,” containing songs penned by Willie Nelson, Travis Meadows, Trent Willmon, Harlan Howard, Eric Paslay, Matt Stell, and others.
“It’s so hard to watch the fight to get the cowboy back on the radio, so I told them to bring those songs to me because that’s who I am and the lifestyle I live,” Johnson shares. “There was too much good out there to let go of, so I just said, ‘We’re going to cut all of them.’ There are ones I wrote on, there are ones I didn’t write on, and there are ones that I wish I’d written.” He continues, “I addressed things personally with this music and when people listen to Human, they are going to hear a lot more of me being me. I am finally comfortable with myself and able to share that with my fans.”
Johnson’s recently released feature-length documentary, Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story, is also available to rent or purchased exclusively via the Apple TV app through Oct. 8. The documentary was first released to select cinemas nationwide for a limited time, with multiple showings added due to popular demand, totaling 239 theaters. Throughout the film, Johnson opens up about how his years on the rodeo circuit prepared him for being a country artist.
Cody Johnson. Credit Chris Douglas
Part 1
1. Human – Tony Lane, Travis Meadows
2. Honky Tonk Hardwood Floors – Carson Chamberlain, Wyatt McCubbin, Michael White
3. Sad Songs and Waltzes – Willie Nelson
4. ’Til You Can’t – Matt Rogers, Ben Stennis
5. God Bless the Boy (Cori’s Song) – Barrett Baber, Terri Jo Box, Scott Sean White
6. Known for Loving You – Cody Johnson, Ben Hayslip, Trent Willmon
7. Driveway – Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers
8. Son of a Ramblin’ Man – Vince Gill
9. I Always Wanted To – Tom Douglas, Allen Shamblin, Jordyn Shellhart
Part 2
10. I Don’t Know a Thing About Love – Harlan Howard
11. Longer Than She Did – Eric Paslay, Paul Sikes, Matt Stell
12. Made a Home – Cody Johnson, Jesse Raub, Scott Sean White
13. Let’s Build a Fire – Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby
14. When It Comes to You – Jeremy Bussey, Tony Lane
15. Treasure – Matt Rogers
16. Stronger – Jared Elledge, Dustin Miller, Trent Willmon
17. Cowboy Scale of 1 to 10 – Cody Johnson, David Frasier, Trent Willmon
18. By Your Grace – Cody Johnson
Nashville Symphony Announces New Health & Safety Protocols
/by Steven BoeroThe Nashville Symphony has announced new health and safety protocols for patrons attending events at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
Beginning Sept. 13, proof of vaccination or proof of a negative test within 48 hours of the performance will be required for all audience members. For patrons who cannot provide either, on-site rapid tests will be available for no charge through Nov. 28. Face masks will also be required indoors at the Schermerhorn at all times, with no exceptions for age, medical or religious reasons, or vaccination status.
Additionally, MERV-14 filters have also been installed in all air-handling units throughout the venue. These filters are considered to be hospital-grade and are extremely effective at filtering out pathogens.
“Everyone’s safety–our audiences, musicians, staff, and volunteers–is our top priority. With heightened concerns around the spread of COVID-19 because of the Delta variant, this updated policy puts patrons’ health first and allows us to get back to fulfilling our mission: making music for the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee,” says Alan D. Valentine, President & CEO.
Details about the new policy along with frequently asked questions can be found here. Health and safety measures may be updated as conditions of the pandemic warrant.
Morgan Wallen To Host Benefit Concert For Waverly Flood Victims
/by Lydia FarthingBig Loud/Republic Records’ multi-Platinum recording artist Morgan Wallen will host “Morgan Wallen and Friends” on Wednesday, Sept. 8 at Marathon Music Works in response to the recent catastrophic flooding in Middle Tennessee.
The singer-songwriter announced the event via social media last night (Sept. 2) saying, “I have been touched and heartbroken by the stories I’ve heard from the recent flooding and it’s impact in Middle Tennessee. Wanted to do my part to help.” He continues, “Proud that this is my first official show in such a long time. Hope you guys can make it on such short notice.”
The writers round style show will feature performances from Hardy, Dierks Bentley, Cole Swindell, Lainey Wilson, Josh Thompson, Ernest, Ben Burgess, Lathan Warlick, and Jared Mullins. Tickets for the event sold out instantly after the “Whiskey Glasses” singer made the announcement.
Proceeds from the acoustic concert will benefit The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee and the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund, assisting victims of the recent storms and flooding in Humphreys County and Middle Tennessee. To make a direct donation, click here.
Aldean, Underwood Rocket To No. 1 On MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“If I Didn’t Love You” by Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood bolts to the top of the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Gaining an additional 5 stations and a +175 spins this week. This single the quickest to reach No. 1 in 2021, doing so in a record six weeks.
“If I Didn’t Love You” was written by Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan and Lydia Vaughan, and produced by Michael Knox.
Aldean shares, “We were pretty close to finishing up this album, but this song came in and we knew we had to record it. I went ahead and put my vocals down while we asked Carrie in the meantime. Luckily she loved the song and it was kind of like a rocket from there. She did her thing like only Carrie can… and I don’t know how, but she made it sound even better than what we expected. It’s a really special song to start this album.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.