Friday, June 25 will be a big day for hit songwriter and rising artist Ray Fulcher, who is set to release three new songs that day and make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
“I grew up on old country and watching YouTube videos of the Opry dreaming of one day standing there in the circle,” said Fulcher. “To have it actually happening is both surreal and the highest honor. In my opinion, there’s not a more special place in all of music.”
Fulcher teased his new music on Instagram earlier this week. The songs “Girl In It,” “Way Out” and “Bucket List Beers” will be his first tracks as an artist on Black River and are available to pre-save. He tapped talented songwriter Jonathan Singleton to produce the tracks, resulting in a Memphis-meets-’90s country sound.
Fulcher has 30-plus million artist streams and three billion streams as a songwriter, including the Luke Combs’ No. 1s ”When It Rains It Pours,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Lovin’ on You” and “Does to Me.”
This fall, Fulcher will join Combs’ What You See Is What You Get tour and also support Ashley McBryde on select dates.
On June 23, Fulcher, Singleton, Devin Dawson, and Faren Rachels will perform at the Listening Room in Nashville for a charity show benefitting the Pretty Good Ball Fund in partnership with the Music Health Alliance.
2021 Tour Dates
09/02/21 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
09/21/21 – Billings, MT – MetraPark Arena
09/22/21 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma
09/23/21 – Spokane, WA – Fox Theatre
09/25/21 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
09/26/21 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
09/28/21 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena
09/29/21 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
10/01/21 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
10/02/21 – Bakersfield, CA – Rabobank Arena
10/13/21 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
11/04/21 – Chicago, IL – United Center
11/05/21 – Chicago, IL – United Center
11/06/21 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
11/16/21 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
11/18/21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
11/19/21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
11/20/21 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
11/29/21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
11/30/21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
12/02/21 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Arena
12/03/21 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Arena
12/15/21 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
12/16/21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Ray Fulcher Plans Opry Debut, New Music
/by Sarah SkatesFriday, June 25 will be a big day for hit songwriter and rising artist Ray Fulcher, who is set to release three new songs that day and make his debut on the Grand Ole Opry.
“I grew up on old country and watching YouTube videos of the Opry dreaming of one day standing there in the circle,” said Fulcher. “To have it actually happening is both surreal and the highest honor. In my opinion, there’s not a more special place in all of music.”
Fulcher teased his new music on Instagram earlier this week. The songs “Girl In It,” “Way Out” and “Bucket List Beers” will be his first tracks as an artist on Black River and are available to pre-save. He tapped talented songwriter Jonathan Singleton to produce the tracks, resulting in a Memphis-meets-’90s country sound.
Fulcher has 30-plus million artist streams and three billion streams as a songwriter, including the Luke Combs’ No. 1s ”When It Rains It Pours,” “Even Though I’m Leaving,” “Lovin’ on You” and “Does to Me.”
This fall, Fulcher will join Combs’ What You See Is What You Get tour and also support Ashley McBryde on select dates.
On June 23, Fulcher, Singleton, Devin Dawson, and Faren Rachels will perform at the Listening Room in Nashville for a charity show benefitting the Pretty Good Ball Fund in partnership with the Music Health Alliance.
2021 Tour Dates
09/02/21 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
09/21/21 – Billings, MT – MetraPark Arena
09/22/21 – Missoula, MT – The Wilma
09/23/21 – Spokane, WA – Fox Theatre
09/25/21 – Seattle, WA – The Showbox
09/26/21 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
09/28/21 – Eugene, OR – Matthew Knight Arena
09/29/21 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
10/01/21 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center
10/02/21 – Bakersfield, CA – Rabobank Arena
10/13/21 – Denver, CO – Ogden Theatre
11/04/21 – Chicago, IL – United Center
11/05/21 – Chicago, IL – United Center
11/06/21 – St. Louis, MO – Enterprise Center
11/16/21 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
11/18/21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
11/19/21 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
11/20/21 – Memphis, TN – FedEx Forum
11/29/21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
11/30/21 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
12/02/21 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Arena
12/03/21 – Boston, MA – TD Garden Arena
12/15/21 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena
12/16/21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Smart Home Arena
Chart Action: Old Dominion, Dallas Remington
/by Alex ParryOld Dominion continues to top the most added list this week for “I Was On A Boat That Day.” The single adds 66 new stations for a total of 314 adds across the Billboard, Mediabase, and the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart, in two weeks. Band members Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen, Brad Tursi, Whit Sellers, and Geoff Sprung co-wrote the single alongside Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne.
In just two weeks since its release, “Princess” by Dallas Remington debuts at No. 79 on the MusicRow Chart. This is her sixth single to country radio following “Uncommon Man” which peaked at No. 24 on MusicRow.
“Everyone knows a girl who thinks she is a princess, even though she is not. This song is about a girl just like that, a girl who wants to be something she is not instead of embracing the life she already has. “If there is anything I’d want my fans to take away from it is to love who you are, where you come from, and know that no matter what someone loves you for YOU,” Remington says of the song she co-penned with Bridgette Tatum and Nancy Deckant.
For more chart data, read the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.
Circle Network Announces New Series Showcasing Landmark Country Music Venues
/by Sarah SkatesLindsay Ell discusses the historic Ryman Auditorium on the new show Landmarks. Photo courtesy of Circle Network.
Circle Network will debut the series Landmarks: The Stages of Country Music on Wednesday, June 9 at 8 p.m. ET. The new primetime show celebrates some of the most famed country music stages in the U.S. and artists’ relationships with those venues. Each half-hour episode highlights a new location, and shares its unique story.
Fans will get an inside look at The Station Inn, Tootsie’s, The Tennessee Theatre, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman, Billy Bob’s, Stubb’s BBQ and Gruene Hall, and other renowned venues.
Country stars also share why these are some of their favorite places to play, with special guest appearances by Sara Evans, Brothers Osborne, Lindsay Ell, Charlie Worsham, Emmylou Harris, Carly Pearce, Robert Earl Keen, Jon Randall, and more.
Charlie Worsham enters The Station Inn. Photo courtesy of Circle Network.
Landmarks hopes to shed light on the thousands of hometown music venues across the country and highlight where bands get their start, players become artists, and patrons become lifelong fans. The series, produced by Z Media Ventures, will also draw attention to the Save Our Stages movement that aims to preserve and support the ecosystem of independent live music venues and promoters.
For more information on how to watch Circle, click here.
Dylan Scott Celebrates Second No. 1 ‘Nobody’
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Scott‘s single “Nobody” is making big waves this week, as the song achieves Gold status and reaches the top of the charts. “Nobody” is Scott’s second No. 1 at country radio.
The video for the song is also nominated for the 2021 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video Of The Year, and Scott will perform it on the show. This summer he will join Luke Bryan on his 2021 Proud To Be Right Here tour.
“We are extremely excited and proud to have another number one record with Dylan Scott,” said Curb Records Chairman Mike Curb. “Dylan is an amazing artist with a great, identifiable voice that is positively impacting all aspects of the music industry.”
“It’s a crazy time right now,” said Scott. “I’m very thankful and blessed to have the number one song in the country, performing on my very first award show, and the icing on top is going out with Luke Bryan this summer on the ‘Proud To Be Right Here’ tour.”
Cameo Goes Country To Support ACM Lifting Lives
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Cameo Goes Country” charitable campaign is live now through June 30, and fans can view participating talent, book personalized messages, and purchase virtual meet-and-greet tickets in support of the initiative by visiting cameo.com/tags/
“Cameo Goes Country” participants include Adam Hambrick, Boy Named Banjo, Brandon Lay, Carrie Underwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack, CB30, Chrissy Metz, Deana Carter, Dillon James, Jon Pardi, Jordan Davis, Josh Turner, Kassi Ashton, Kip Moore, Kylie Morgan, Lauren Alaina, Levi Hummon, Maddie & Tae, Mickey Guyton, Pebe Sebert, Priscilla Block, Runaway June, Trace Adkins, Travis Denning, Tyler Hubbard, and Walker Hayes.
The charitable campaign will continue adding exclusive offers from artists, celebrities and supporters throughout June to help raise more funds for ACM Lifting Lives.
Created in April 2020, the COVID-19 Response Fund has distributed over $3.5 million to assist individuals working in the industry who have suffered financial crisis as a result of the pandemic.
Barry Dean Earns Eight BMI Million-Air Awards
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Rachel Burleson, Abby Holcomb, Emily Furman, Christina Wighton, Shaina Botwin, Luke Laird, Barry Dean, Jennifer Dean, Beth Laird, Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kelsey Granda. Photo: Steve Lowry
Creative Nation songwriter Barry Dean was recently honored by BMI for receiving eight coveted Million-Air awards, recognizing songs that accumulate over one million U.S. radio broadcast performances.
The songs awarded include “Think A Little Less” (Michael Ray), “Pontoon” (Little Big Town), “Day Drinking” (Little Big Town), “Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” (Tim McGraw), and “Heartache Medication” (Jon Pardi). The songs “Think A Little Less,” “Pontoon,” and “Day Drinking” all earned Dean two awards each, meaning these songs have garnered over two million broadcast performances since their release.
“It was such an honor to present one of the greatest storytellers of this generation with his BMI Million-Air certificates,” says BMI’s Leslie Roberts, AVP, Creative, Nashville. “Barry is a master craftsman, and also one of the greatest guys you will ever meet. He is so humble and always praising others, so it was incredible to take the time to celebrate Barry’s success!”
“We have been working with Barry Dean since the beginning of Creative Nation almost ten years ago. He is one of the most genuine and talented people I know and I couldn’t be happier to celebrate him and his success!” says Creative Nation CEO, Beth Laird.
Ray Wylie Hubbard Shakin’ The Rust Off On Summer Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: @barbaraFGphoto
Ray Wylie Hubbard is returning to the road for a 22-date headlining run that kicks off in his home state Friday (June 4) in Buda, Texas. The new tour runs through August 28 and will visit Lubbock, Salt Lake City, Tulsa, Chattanooga, Atlanta, and more, with 11 shows scheduled in the Lone Star state alone.
The Shakin’ The Rust Off Tour will feature the ‘70s cosmic-country legend performing some of the signature tracks and music from his latest album Co-Starring, which brought together the likes of Ringo Starr, Don Was, Joe Walsh, Chris Robinson, Aaron Lee Tasjan, The Cadillac Three, Paula Nelson, Elizabeth Cook, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Ashley McBryde, Larkin Poe, Peter Rowan, Ronnie Dunn and Pam Tillis.
Hubbard said he is excited to be “Shaking off the rust, kickin’ up the dust, roarin’ down the road to be with you again and make some rock!”
Shakin’ The Rust Off Tour Dates:
6/4: Buda, TX | Buda Ampitheater
6/5: McKinney, TX | KHYI Texas Music Revolution
6/11: Crockett, TX | Lightnin’ Hopkins Summer Series
6/18: Roswell, TX | The Liberty
6/19: Lubbock, TX | Cactus Theater
6/24: Filer, ID | Gordy’s Hwy 30 Music Fest
6/25: Salt Lake City, UT | Soundwell
7/3: Red River, NM | The Motherlode
7/9: The Woodlands, TX | Dosey Doe
7/10: Waco, TX | The Backyard
7/16: Galveston, TX | The Old Quarter
7/17: Galveston, TX | The Old Quarter
7/24: Hawkins, TX | The Red Rooster Icehouse
7/25: Plano, TX | Love & War
8/12: Tulsa, OK | Cain’s Ballroom
8/13: Oklahoma City, OK | The Tower Theater
8/14: Durant, OK | Gilley’s Choctaw Casino
8/19: Chattanooga, TN | The Signal
8/20: Athens, GA | The Georgia Theater
8/21: Atlanta, GA | Variety Theater
8/27: Ft. Smith, AR | The Majestic
8/28: Fayetteville, AR | Fayetteville Roots Fest
Dollywood Announces New Resort Property, Half-Billion Dollar Investment Strategy
/by Sarah SkatesDollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort offers guests a one-of-a-kind getaway with themed suites, epic indoor and outdoor pools, an outdoor cove with family gathering spaces and more. The resort is located adjacent to Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park.
The Dollywood Company has announced a 10-year, $500 million plan to invest in its growing suite of properties in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. First on the docket is Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort which is set to open in 2023.
The 302-room lodge will be located adjacent to the popular DreamMore Resort and Spa. The new resort will offer lodging options for multi-generational families and couples, including spacious family suites and bunk rooms. The five-story resort will feature themed suites and loft rooms tucked into the dormers. There will be indoor and outdoor pools, and an outdoor cove with family gathering spaces, communal firepit and screened-in porch. With 26,000 sq. ft. of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting space, the property can accommodate gatherings for several hundred guests.
Dollywood’s Dreamer-in-Chief Dolly Parton said, “I’m so proud of this place that we’ve been able to build here in the Smokies. I always dreamed of accomplishing two things with Dollywood. I wanted to give jobs to the folks who live here and I wanted to give visitors another reason to come and experience the beauty of the Smoky Mountains. We celebrated our 35th season last year, so I think it is fair to say we’ve been able to do that. I’m so happy with what we are doing to make sure our guests have a great season this year, and being able to announce the new HeartSong Lodge & Resort is just one more way we’re going to be able to help families reconnect, explore and discover together. I truly believe the natural beauty of the Smokies and the warmth of this special place will inspire every guest to nurture the ‘heartsong’ within them.”
Pictured: Dolly Parton and Eugene Naughton, President of the Dollywood Company, announce Dollywood’s Heartsong Lodge & Resort taken at the Celebrity Theater at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. . Photo: Curtis Hilbun / Dollywood
“From the time we announced Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort in 2015, we have seen the entire region emerge as one of the nation’s leading family vacation destinations,” said Eugene Naughton, President of The Dollywood Company. “We’ve been able to help Dolly achieve the dreams she had more than 35 years ago, and with this announcement today, we’re going to be able to put wings on even more of her dreams.”
With more than three million visitors annually at Dollywood theme park and Dollywood’s Splash Country water park, the Pigeon Forge parks comprise Tennessee’s most-visited ticketed attraction.
Since 2010, The Dollywood Company has invested more than $220 million into its properties as part of its ongoing investment plan. Expansions undertaken since 2010 include Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort and Spa, roller coasters Lightning Rod and FireChaser Express, as well as TailSpin Racer at Dollywood’s Splash Country. In 2019, the park opened the $37 million Wildwood Grove.
Dollywood’s HeartSong Lodge & Resort welcomes the outdoors inside with high ceilings, exposed beams and natural layered textures. These lovely touches are inspired by the beauty of the Smokies.
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix Adds Partnership & Sponsor
/by Steven BoeroPictured (clockwise): Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Vince Neil, Tyler Farr
The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix adds Wesley Financial Group as presenting sponsor for the Grand Prix’ opening day Friday, Aug. 6. The announcement comes days after the Grand Prix joined three other Nashville institutions in support of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
The Wesley Financial Group Freedom Friday concert will honor members of the military, police, fire, first responders, and frontline heroes. That night’s Freedom Friday Tribute Concert: Music City’s Best Honor All Those Who Serve and Protect will feature special guest appearances by several of Nashville’s top artists, including Brooks & Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Tyler Farr and Vince Neil. Aside from providing thousands of tickets to members of those groups, that night’s concert will bring awareness to military charities, including the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at MTSU.
“Wesley Financial Group is proud to be a part of one of Nashville’s first big events since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Chuck McDowell, founder and CEO. “We are especially excited to be able to honor our military and first responders and provide tickets to those who protect us every day. The Big Machine Music City Grand Prix is a landmark event for our city and we look forward to being a part of it.”
On Saturday, Grand Prix CEO Matt Crews, a MTSU alumnus, joined retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, MTSU’s senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives, for the announcement from the stage of the Grand Ole Opry during the sold-out Opry Salute the Troops show.
The Grand Prix joins the Opry, the Nashville Predators and the Nashville Sounds to help the approximately 1,100 military connected students at MTSU who are “seeking academic success and quality employment.”
“We are incredibly proud to partner with Wesley Financial Group to honor the frontline heroes who serve and protect us on a daily basis – and excited to announce our Freedom Friday line-up,” says Crews. “Our hope is this performance shows a small token of appreciation to those in the service that work so hard to allow us to live lives of freedom– and enjoy events like this year’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.”
Big Machine Music City Grand Prix, a three-day international festival of speed and sound, will be staged on a temporary 2.17-mile grand prix circuit in Nashville and around the Nissan Stadium campus. The course will cross the Cumberland River via the Korean Veterans Memorial Bridge, making it the only current event in motorsports to cross over a major body of water.
CMA Foundation To Host Session With Trisha Yearwood Discussing Music Education
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto Credit: Russ Harrington
Trisha Yearwood will join CMA CEO/CMA Foundation President Sarah Trahern for a special online conversation on June 8 during the annual National School Boards Association’s Advocacy Institute to discuss the importance of music education.
The NSBA’s Advocacy Institute features key policy makers and advocates working to improve educational outcomes and ensure that every student has access to a quality education. In addition to Trahern and Yearwood, this year’s Advocacy Institute will feature U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Federal Communications Commission Acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel, U.S. House Education and Labor Committee Chairman Bobby Scott and U.S. Senators Charles Grassley and Susan Collins.
“My mom was a third-grade teacher, so I’ve always understood the importance of a good education,” said Yearwood. “She and my dad also encouraged me to participate in talent shows and music events held by my school, church, and community. It was that early exposure to music, along with support from my parents and friends, that made me into who I am. I’m an advocate for music education today because I want every child in our country to have the same opportunities I did.”
Through its partnership with NSBA, CMA and the CMA Foundation continue to strategically raise awareness and shine a light on advocacy efforts in support of music educators, students and parents.
“The CMA Foundation was birthed from the passion our artists and industry professionals felt when they first fell in love with music within the four walls of a classroom,” said Trahern. “Working with an artist like Trisha and incredible partners like NSBA, the CMA Foundation works to ensure that music is a part of every student’s education. For us, it’s not just about lifting up the next generation of musicians, but leveraging the impact that music has on students’ lives.”