Alabama’s Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. Photo: Rick Diamond
Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama are celebrating 50 years with their anniversary tour that kicked off with two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this weekend. It was the band’s first arena performance in Nashville in nearly two decades, and was the first full-capacity concerts held at Bridgestone Arena since the start of the pandemic in early March of 2020.
Alabama’s set was lively and homespun, like a comforting welcome back to live music at Bridgestone Arena after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. They got things started with “Pass It Down,” and transitioned into “Can’t Keep A Good Man Down.” Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry thrilled the crowd when they went into “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band).” Iconic country bands and fiddle players flashed up on the screens behind the 10-piece ensemble. The audience roared when the great fiddle player Charlie Daniels’ picture appeared on the screen. “If I said that we were thankful to see you,” Owen said, trailing off, looking into the crowd with awe.
Wasting no time, the band went into their 1983 hit “The Closer You Get” and 1989’s “High Cotton,” with Owen dancing along with the crowd. While the musicianship was top-notch with virtuoso players like Gordon Mote on keys and Megan Mullins on fiddle, the show’s production was simple and served as a great way to remind Nashville of its roots for its first full-capacity arena show back.
Before the band launched into their monster hit “Dixieland Delight,” Gentry said, “Every time I drive downtown, I hear it in one of [those] clubs, so they still like it.” “Thank the Lord,” Owen responded. The electrifying tune had all of Bridgestone Arena on their feet, dancing a jig. Alabama then seamlessly transitioned into “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
Bringing out a string section and a choir, the band played the song that has become somewhat of a theme song for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, “Angels Among Us.” Cell phone lighters waved in the air.
“This is an emotional night,” Owen said mid-way through Alabama’s set. “A few years ago we didn’t know if anyone cared about us anymore. Thank you for letting us share 50 years of our lives.”
“The only thing that would make this the perfect night is if our cousin Jeff Cook was here,” Gentry added. They then played a song written about Cook, whose 2017 diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease left him unable to tour with the band.
After turning on the romance for “Love In The First Degree” and “Feels So Right,” Alabama welcomed their “long lost cousin” Jake Owen on stage for “Lady Down On Love.” Owen was clad in an Alabama jacket, and stood back in awe of the iconic country band in action.
Randy Owen, Jake Owen. Photo: Rick Diamond
Keeping the energy alive, Alabama invited the crowd to shag to “Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard,” and the whole arena sang along to another staple, “Mountain Music,” before the band walked offstage and the lights turned down. A relentless roar from the audience sent Alabama back out to the Bridgestone Arena stage, this time in Nashville Predators jerseys, to encore to “My Home’s In Alabama.” Beautiful photos of the bands sacred home state flashed behind the country music icons. Owen and Gentry took an emotional bow, and ended the heart-warming evening.
Martina McBride. Photo: Rick Diamond
Another country great Martina McBride opened the show with her many hits and stellar voice on including “This One’s For The Girls,” “Wild Angels,” and the appropriate “Independence Day.” Alabama brought McBride back out during their set just to recognize her and tell her they loved her. It was just announced that the Country Music Hall of Fame will highlight McBride’s three-decade career with an exhibit opening at the end of July.
Alabama will continue their 50th Anniversary tour on July 23 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania with Tracy Lawrence. Click here to see all the upcoming dates.
Drake Milligan Signs With BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records, Debut EP Due July 23
/by Lorie HollabaughDrake Milligan. Photo: Jay Blakesberg
Country newcomer Drake Milligan has signed with BBR Music Group/Stoney Creek Records, and is set to release his debut self-titled EP on July 23.
Milligan co-wrote every song on the new EP, which was co-produced by Tony Brown and Brandon Hood. In the trouble-drowning, alcohol-soaked track “Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin,’” the Texas native layers fiddle and steel, while on the upbeat, rebellious “Sounds Like Somethin’ I’d Do,” he shows off his fast talking ability. In the ballad, “Don’t Look Down,” he paints a picture of falling in love on a dance floor, while “She” is a simple but emotive depiction of a lovesick boy listing off everything he adores about a girl.
“The greatest pleasure of creating this EP was getting a masterclass in country music from the best songwriters, musicians, producers and engineers that Nashville has to offer,” says Milligan. “I hope y’all will have as much fun listening to these songs as I had making them!”
Drake Milligan Track List:
1. Over Drinkin’ Under Thinkin’ (Drake Milligan, Brice Long, Brett Beavers)
2. Don’t Look Down (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, John Pierce)
3. Kiss Goodbye All Night (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, Phil O’Donnell, Josh Jenkins)
4. She (Drake Milligan, Brandon Hood, John Pierce)
5. Sounds Like Somethin’ I’d Do (Drake Milligan, Terry McBride, Brett Beavers)
Alabama Brings Live Music Back To Bridgestone Arena, Kicks Off 50th Anniversary Tour
/by LB CantrellAlabama’s Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry. Photo: Rick Diamond
Country Music Hall of Fame members Alabama are celebrating 50 years with their anniversary tour that kicked off with two nights at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this weekend. It was the band’s first arena performance in Nashville in nearly two decades, and was the first full-capacity concerts held at Bridgestone Arena since the start of the pandemic in early March of 2020.
Alabama’s set was lively and homespun, like a comforting welcome back to live music at Bridgestone Arena after a long hiatus due to the pandemic. They got things started with “Pass It Down,” and transitioned into “Can’t Keep A Good Man Down.” Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry thrilled the crowd when they went into “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band).” Iconic country bands and fiddle players flashed up on the screens behind the 10-piece ensemble. The audience roared when the great fiddle player Charlie Daniels’ picture appeared on the screen. “If I said that we were thankful to see you,” Owen said, trailing off, looking into the crowd with awe.
Wasting no time, the band went into their 1983 hit “The Closer You Get” and 1989’s “High Cotton,” with Owen dancing along with the crowd. While the musicianship was top-notch with virtuoso players like Gordon Mote on keys and Megan Mullins on fiddle, the show’s production was simple and served as a great way to remind Nashville of its roots for its first full-capacity arena show back.
Before the band launched into their monster hit “Dixieland Delight,” Gentry said, “Every time I drive downtown, I hear it in one of [those] clubs, so they still like it.” “Thank the Lord,” Owen responded. The electrifying tune had all of Bridgestone Arena on their feet, dancing a jig. Alabama then seamlessly transitioned into “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?”
Bringing out a string section and a choir, the band played the song that has become somewhat of a theme song for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, “Angels Among Us.” Cell phone lighters waved in the air.
“This is an emotional night,” Owen said mid-way through Alabama’s set. “A few years ago we didn’t know if anyone cared about us anymore. Thank you for letting us share 50 years of our lives.”
“The only thing that would make this the perfect night is if our cousin Jeff Cook was here,” Gentry added. They then played a song written about Cook, whose 2017 diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease left him unable to tour with the band.
After turning on the romance for “Love In The First Degree” and “Feels So Right,” Alabama welcomed their “long lost cousin” Jake Owen on stage for “Lady Down On Love.” Owen was clad in an Alabama jacket, and stood back in awe of the iconic country band in action.
Randy Owen, Jake Owen. Photo: Rick Diamond
Keeping the energy alive, Alabama invited the crowd to shag to “Dancin’, Shaggin’ On The Boulevard,” and the whole arena sang along to another staple, “Mountain Music,” before the band walked offstage and the lights turned down. A relentless roar from the audience sent Alabama back out to the Bridgestone Arena stage, this time in Nashville Predators jerseys, to encore to “My Home’s In Alabama.” Beautiful photos of the bands sacred home state flashed behind the country music icons. Owen and Gentry took an emotional bow, and ended the heart-warming evening.
Martina McBride. Photo: Rick Diamond
Another country great Martina McBride opened the show with her many hits and stellar voice on including “This One’s For The Girls,” “Wild Angels,” and the appropriate “Independence Day.” Alabama brought McBride back out during their set just to recognize her and tell her they loved her. It was just announced that the Country Music Hall of Fame will highlight McBride’s three-decade career with an exhibit opening at the end of July.
Alabama will continue their 50th Anniversary tour on July 23 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania with Tracy Lawrence. Click here to see all the upcoming dates.
FGL, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris To Play Inaugural Feeding Nashville Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughFlorida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and wife Hayley along with the Tennessee Titans’ Taylor Lewan and wife Taylin are hosting a live benefit concert in support of their joint non-profit, Feeding Nashville. The concert will take place on Aug. 3 at the brand new FirstBank Amphitheater and will mark the inaugural event of the Thompson’s Station venue.
Together: Feeding Nashville will feature a powerful night of music and positivity featuring Florida Georgia Line, Thomas Rhett, Maren Morris, Russell Dickerson, Lauren Alaina, Lily Rose, and more special guests to be revealed.
Founded in April 2020 by the Hubbards and Lewans, Feeding Nashville is focused on providing healthy meals for at-risk students, low-income patients, and the homeless in Nashville, while also supporting a network of local chefs. Since launching, Feeding Nashville has prepared and delivered meals to 70,858 individuals in the region.
Pictured (L-R): Rick McEachern (FirstBank Amphitheater), Nancy McEachern (FirstBank Amphitheater), Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line), Hayley Hubbard, Ryan Reisdorf (Placemat), Taylin Lewan, Taylor Lewan (Tennessee Titans), Lenai Augustine (FirstBank), Janie Rittenberry (FirstBank), R. Wade Peery (FirstBank), Ali Harnell (Live Nation Women), Holli Mattison (Live Nation), Emily Mayer (Live Nation). Photo: Laura Moll Photo
Last Thursday (July 1), the Hubbards and Lewans held a press conference to share details on the benefit event. FirstBank’s Wade Peery, Jeanie Rittenberry, and Lenai Augustine were also in attendance and surprised the couples with a $5K check to jumpstart their charity efforts.
“There’s such a need in our community, whether there’s a pandemic, or a tornado, even without those things, we need to be feeding people and so we just realized that need within our own backyard. It’s been so cool to watch the community come together,” said Hayley Hubbard of the event. “Gosh, I’m pinching myself that this is actually going to happen because this vision of having a concert together – live together – was just such a dream last year, and so I’m just grateful to be here.”
Together: Feeding Nashville is produced by Live Nation and Executive Producer Ali Harnell, President and Chief Strategy Officer at Live Nation Women. Presented by Barstool Sports’ Bussin’ With The Boys, tickets for the event will go on sale Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. CST, with net ticket proceeds directly supporting Feeding Nashville.
John Marks Launches New Consulting Company
/by Lydia FarthingJohn Marks
John Marks, former Global Director of Country Music at Spotify, has started his own company with a focus on artist consulting, development, and being a liaison to the music industry. Through this new consulting endeavor, Marks will help artists in a variety of areas, including developing individual streaming strategies, A&R, and release strategies.
“I’m excited to begin this next new chapter in my life,” Marks shares with MusicRow. “I have a deep affection for artists and music creators of every kind. I look forward to doing whatever I am able to help everyone I work with to achieve their dreams.”
Marks has spent most of his career in programming and operations in terrestrial radio. He started at SiriusXM in 2010 where he became Head of Country Music Programming. He then joined Spotify in 2015 as one of only two Nashville Spotify employees covering the country market. While at the company, Marks was instrumental in growing the music streaming platform’s Hot Country brand, championing new artists, and establishing Spotify’s footprint in Nashville.
For more information, click here or email info@johnmarks.me.
Brad Paisley Celebrates July 4th With 350,000 In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughBrad Paisley performs on Broadway for the 4th of July in Nashville, TN. Photo: Tim Gerst
Brad Paisley‘s new song, “City Of Music,” rang true Sunday night as the streets of downtown Nashville were packed with a massive crowd of 350,000, all celebrating the return of Music City’s 4th of July celebration. Paisley headlined the annual event, which was cancelled last year due to COVID-19, and brought in the holiday weekend in spectacular fashion.
He opened the show with his new single, which acts as his love letter to Nashville and a tribute to its dream seekers, and filled his 90-minute set with No. 1’s, fan favorites, and old standards. Special guests during the evening included blues rock guitar master Joe Bonamassa and Kelsea Ballerini who joined Paisley to perform her hit song, “Hole In The Bottle.” CNN’s Fourth In America aired four of Paisley’s songs live before and during its broadcast of the country’s largest fireworks display.
On tap for Paisley during his busy summer include an appearance on the Grand Ole Opry tonight (July 6) along with a slate of shows this weekend and beyond as he continues his 2021 tour running coast-to-coast through October 9.
Additionally, on Aug. 13, Brad Paisley’s Shark Country will air on Discovery Channel during the network’s famed Shark Week. For the special, Paisley and comedian JB Smoove travel to the Bahamas where Dr. Austin Gallagher helps them put Paisley’s musical talents to the test in shark-infested waters as they see how sound can attract or repel sharks.
Laine Hardy Hits The Road On Monster Outbreak Tour
/by Lydia FarthingLaine Hardy. Photo: Dustin Haney
Rising country artist and American Idol winner Laine Hardy is hitting the road with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. Kicking off on July 22, Hardy will plays shows coast to coast, joined on select dates by Chris Bandi, Kylie Frey, Wyatt McCubbin, and Nick Walsh.
“I can’t wait to head out on tour in the fall and play some brand new music for everyone,” says Hardy. “Really excited to be hitting the road with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour. It’s going to be a blast!”
To celebrate the news, Hardy also released an acoustic version of his brand-new single, “Memorize You.” The feel-good track was written by Michael Tyler, Eric Arjes, and Steven Dale Jones, and produced by Michael Knox.
Hardy joins previous headlining alumni of the tastemaker concert series, including Lindsay Ell, Bones UK, Post Malone, Kendrick Lamar, Macklemore, The Chainsmokers, Mike Shinoda, Cole Swindell, Larkin Poe and many others. Since its inception in 2011, the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour has grown into the largest national touring brand in the club and theater space, showcasing the hottest breakthrough artists on groundbreaking nationwide tours.
Tickets for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour featuring Laine Hardy are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Monster Energy Outbreak Tour Presents: Laine Hardy Dates
07.22.21 – Dewey Beach, DE – Bottle & Cork
07.23.21 – Harrisburg, PA – HMAC
09.16.21 – Fort Wayne, IN – Piere’s *%
09.22.21 – Alexandria, VA – The Birchmere +
09.24.21 – Morgantown, WV – Metropolitan Theatre*#
09.25.21 – Warrendale, PA – Jergel’s *%
09.30.21 – Kearney, NE – Joe’s Honky Tonk *+
10.01.21 – Denver, CO – Grizzly Rose *+
10.02.21 – Cheyenne, WY – Outlaw Saloon *#
10.03.21 – Billings, MT – Pub Station *#
10.07.21 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall +
10.08.21 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal +
10.21.21 – Cedar Park, TX – The Haute Spot *+
10.28.21 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue *%+
10.29.21 – Medina, OH – Thirsty Cowboys *%+
10.30.21 – Grand Rapids, MI – Elevation *%+
11.04.21 – Athens, GA – Georgia Theatre *+
11.05.21 – Sanford, FL – The Barn *+
11.06.21 – Middleburg, FL – Southern Social
11.09.21 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theatre *+
11.11.21 – Foxborough, MA – Six Strings Grill & Stage *+
11.12.21 – New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place *+
11.13.21 – Rutland, VT – The Paramount Theatre *+
11.14.21 – Portland, ME – Aura +
11.20.21 – Biloxi, MS – IP Casino Resort & Spa
* w/ Chris Bandi
+ w/ Kylie Frey
% w/ Wyatt McCubbin
# w/ Nick Walsh
Danny Gokey Crosses Genre Borders On Upcoming Album, ‘Jesus People’
/by Lorie HollabaughDanny Gokey has announced that is new full-length studio album, Jesus People, will be released on Aug. 20 via Capitol Christian Music Group. Today (July 2), the 3x Grammy nominee dropped the powerful ballad, “He Believes In You,” from the upcoming project, along with an accompanying video.
Jesus People features unique songs and collaborations with the likes of Koryn Hawthorne (“We All Need Jesus”), Christine D’Clario (“Cristo Es Necesario”), and Angie Rose (“Do For Love”), as well as the album’s flagship song, “Stand In Faith,” which became the most-added single in the genre. Throughout the project Gokey’s songs touch on love, gratitude, and truth.
“I believe there is something musically and inspirationally for everyone on this album–it’s full of hope and encouragement that I think we can all use right now,” Gokey shares. “In the writing process and also in choosing the title, I was inspired by the life of Jesus and how His presence has been a staple throughout history. He was a figure that brought the broken, the hurting, and those that had lost their dreams together in a unifying way, and that’s something I inspire to do. Musically, I got to explore some new things and cross some genre borders. I’m excited for listeners to hear the collaborations with the special guests featured on the project, including Gospel, Latin, and even a little rap. It’s something I love doing and hope to do more of in the future.”
Gary Allan Celebrates Album Release, Earns RIAA Heavy Metal
/by LB CantrellGary Allan. Photo: Eric Adkins
To commemorate releasing his much anticipated album, Ruthless, Gary Allan marked his return to the country music spotlight with an exclusive album release concert at the newly opened Fifth + Broadway complex.
Allan celebrated Ruthless—his first album in eight years—and his prior hits with collaborators he’s worked with over the last 25 years. The show was also Allan’s first show in Nashville in eight years, and was packed to the brim.
The show kicked off with an invigorating performance of “A Feelin’ Like That.” Allan took fans back with his foot-stomping heartbreakers “Songs About Rain” and “Best I Ever Had.” He also thrilled the crowd with “Nothing On but the Radio” and “Get Off On The Pain.”
Pictured (L-R): Brice Long, Odie Blackmon, Gary Allan, Jim Lauderdale and Matt Warren. Photo: Eric Adkins
From the new album Allan played the title track, a fast fan-favorite “Temptation,” and his newest single, “Waste Of A Whiskey Drink.” The crowd sang back the words of the songs that had only been released hours prior. A grateful Allan closed his set with Platinum-certified smash “Watching Airplanes,” which thrilled the audience even more.
Collaborators from Allan’s many hits and new songs were in attendance for the balmy open-air show. At the end of the night, Allan was presented with a multitude of RIAA plaques for many of his hits earning Gold and Platinum status.
Photo: Eric Adkins
450 Items From Tanya Tucker’s Personal Collection Up For Auction
/by Lorie HollabaughTanya Tucker. Photo: Derrek Kupish
An auction of Tanya Tucker memorabilia is set to take place on July 24 beginning at 12 p.m. CST. The event is being held by Kruse GWS Auctions, the auction house specializing in Hollywood memorabilia, fine jewelry, royal artifacts, luxury vehicles, antiques, and collectibles. To register in advance to bid, visit gwsauctions.com.
Items up for bid at the auction include Tanya Tucker’s Book of Mormon, gifted from her father, Jesse “Beau” Tucker on her birthday in 1994 and inscribed on the front in gold; Tanya’s The Love Boat original shoot schedule; a printed tour itinerary documenting shows in 1980; her SAG Membership Card; a David Green Fur Coat from her personal collection; a printed Zang Toi top, pant, and bralette set; a Navajo turquoise and sterling silver squash blossom necklace; a Navajo carved semi-precious stone animal fetish necklace: a Federico Jimenez sterling silver and spiny oyster inlay cuff; and a The White House vintage leather coat.
“Country music icon Tanya Tucker is a woman after my own heart! She has never bowed to the norm and made her own way in the music industry as a trailblazing woman who set standards for those who came after her. Her talent is unmatched and her style extraordinary. I am personally so thrilled to be hosting The Collection of Music Icon Tanya Tucker auction July 24. The collection is what country music hit songs are made of,” says Dame Brigitte Kruse, founder and lead auctioneer, Kruse GWS Auctions.
Tucker is one of the most recognized country music singers in the world and became a star at the age of 13 with her timeless hit “Delta Dawn” in 1972. Her career has included three Grammy Awards, two ACM Awards, two CMA Awards, several other nominations. Her hit songs include “What’s Your Mama’s Name?,” “Strong Enough to Bend,” “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” and “Bring My Flowers Now” from her 2019 Grammy Award winning album, While I’m Livin‘.
Chart Action: Toby Keith, Shelley Lynch Debut
/by Alex ParryCanadian singer-songwriter, Shelley Lynch has the highest debut this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart landing at No. 74. Her single, “Make it to Memphis,” was penned by Travis Pickering and produced by Dean Miller. Shelley says, “‘Make it to Memphis’ is essentially about the struggle between keeping the faith and fighting doubt and uncertainty while chasing your passion. Happiness isn’t the destination, it’s the journey.”
Toby Keith‘s “Old School” also debuted this week, landing at No. 80 on the MusicRow Chart. He earned the most added distinction on both the Billboard Country Airplay chart and the Mediabase chart earning a total of 91 new station adds, and debuted at No. 25 and No. 41, respectively. “Old School” was written by Maren Morris, Ryan Hurd, and Brett Tyler and produced By Keith and Kenny Greenberg.