“What’s Your Country Song” Tops ‘MusicRow’ CountryBreakout Radio Chart

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“What’s Your Country Song” by Thomas Rhett reigns at No. 1 on this week’s CountryBreakout Radio Chart. Rhett penned the single with Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Parker Welling.

At the 55th annual Academy of Country Music Awards Rhett tied with Carrie Underwood for the coveted Entertainer of the Year award. He also took home a win for Video of the Year for “Remember You Young.”

Rhett is set to headline “Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley,” on Wednesday, Feb. 17 during CRS 2021: The Virtual Experience.

Most recently, Rhett debuted his new tequila brand, Dos Primos, in collaboration with his cousin Jeff Worn and Third-generation Master Distiller Rodolfo González.

Click here or above to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly.

Little Big Town Extends Global Publishing Deal With Warner Chappell Music Nashville

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Little Big Town

Little Big Town has extended its global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music Nashville.

Members Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Phillip Sweet, and Jimi Westbrook have topped the charts numerous times with singles like “Pontoon,” “Girl Crush,” and “Better Man,” and scored Top 10 hits like “Boondocks,” “Bring It On Home,” “Little White Church,” “Tornado,” and “Day Drinking.” Their ninth studio album, Nightfall, debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and delivered last year’s Grammy-nominated “The Daughters,” and their current single, “Wine, Beer, Whiskey,” has racked up 75.3 million streams since its debut and is currently enjoying 3.3 million streams weekly.

Aside from writing much of their own material, Little Big Town also has credits on hits from Thomas Rhett, Carly Pearce, and others. The group is nominated for Best Country Album (Nightfall) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Sugar Coat”) at the upcoming 63rd Annual Grammy Awards.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Karen, Kimberly, Phillip, and Jimi for years and have watched them grow into the powerhouse group we all know and love,” said Ben Vaughn, President/CEO, WCM Nashville. “There’s no question they’re consistent hitmakers, but they’re also not afraid to take risks and make compelling creative choices with their sound. It’s always paid off, and this year is no different, with two major Grammy nominations and another hit single on their hands with ‘Wine, Beer, Whiskey.’ All of us at Warner Chappell are excited to continue this journey alongside them.”

“Warner Chappell has been our home since nearly the very beginning of our journey as Little Big Town. We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the team there, whom we have great respect for,” added Little Big Town.

Throughout their nearly 25-year career, Little Big Town has been nominated over 60 times across the Grammys, CMAs, and ACMs, taking home over 20 awards, including ten ACM and CMA Vocal Group of the Year wins. In 2016, the group was honored with the ACM’s Crystal Milestone Award to mark their outstanding achievements in the music industry, and in 2018, the CMA awarded Little Big Town with the International Artist Achievement Award for their contribution to promoting country music outside of the United States.

Little Big Town is managed by Sandbox Entertainment and represented by Jess Rosen at Greenberg Traurig LLP.

Red Street Records And Red Street Publishing Adds To Roster

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Christian music label Red Street Records (RSR) announced an extensive expansion to its roster, signing new artists and songwriters to its record label and publishing company.

“Since we launched Red Street Records, it has been an incredible journey,” shares Mark Lusk, President & General Manager of RSR. “We don’t take for granted how fortunate and blessed we are to be experiencing this rapid growth. We will continue to push the boundaries and keep creative ideas flowing from the artists and songwriters, to the teams behind the scenes.”

Red Street Records’ Don Koch, Mark Lusk, Iveth Luna, Jay DeMarcus

RSR signed female bilingual vocalist Iveth Luna, from Dallas, Texas. Luna is known for combining pop melodies with soulful cues with lyrics of faith. Also new to the label is vocal trio Jawbone Honey, composed of Jordan Guyton, Jake Hess, and Gregory Brunot. Jawbone Honey has vast musical influences ranging from worship, pop, R&B, and jazz. These breakout artists are joining fellow labelmates Cade Thompson, Jason Crabb, Lauren Camey and Avalon.

Jawbone Honey

Executive Vice President of Creative/A&R, Don Koch says, “In the past two years, we have not only launched our label, but our publishing house. We want Red Street Records to be a home for artists, songwriters and supply a home for all facets in the music industry, where talent can come to be seen, heard and supported to the fullest.”

Red Street Publishing (RSP) welcomes budding songwriters Kevin Rooney, Justin Unger and Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward. Rooney has programmed songs for Rascal Flatts, Matthew West, Zach Williams, Crowder, Passion, Cain, Avalon, Danny Gokey and many others. California based Justin Unger, known for writing the mega worship hit “In You Alone” and “This Is Freedom” featured in a film, has also been added to the songwriter lineup. Lastly, the brother trio formerly known as Consumed by Fire, Caleb, Jordan and Josh Ward, will be bringing the performing and writing talents from their Billboard charting hits “He Waits For Me” and “I Need You God” to RSP. All of these writers are actively working with RSR artists on their respective upcoming projects.

“I don’t know a single person that hasn’t been affected by this unprecedented 2020,” shares Jay DeMarcus, CEO & Owner of Red Street Records. “However, I am extremely grateful for this bright spot: while it’s been difficult, Red Street Records has continued its rapid growth. We have been so blessed to sign some amazing writers in Justin Unger and the Ward Brothers: Caleb Ward, Jordan Ward, and Josh Ward. As well as, writer/producer, Kevin Rooney. We are also very excited to add to our artist roster; female vocalist, Iveth Luna, and the vocal group, Jawbone Honey.”

DeMarcus continues, “I am personally grateful that these amazing talents have chosen RSR as their home, and I’m honored to join them on their journeys. I can’t wait for the world to hear them, and we are so excited about what God continues to do at Red Street!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rhonda Vincent, Sister Sadie, Carolina Blue, The Grascals

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Rhonda Vincent

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) airs its 2020 awards show on Circle TV on Monday (Jan. 18).

What better time to catch up with some of its winners, as well as other current hit makers in the genre?

The essential-listening tracks here belong to IBMA Entertainer of the Year winners Sister Sadie, as well as Donna Ulisse, Carolina Blue, Jerry Salley and our Disc of the Day winner, Rhonda Vincent.

The IBMA’s New Artist honorees Mile Twelve, also own this week’s DisCovery Award.

The award show is a pip, with performances by Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, Brooke Aldridge, Taj Mahal, the Del McCoury Band and dozens more. Garth Brooks, Vince Gill and Ronnie McCoury induct New Grass Revival, The Johnson Mountain Boys and The Station Inn’s J.T. Gray into the Bluegrass Hall of Fame.

SPECIAL CONSENSUS / “Chicago Barn Dance”
Writers: Becky Buller/Missy Raines/Alison Brown; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Alison Brown; Label: Compass
– This durable band is celebrating its 45th anniversary with a No. 1 bluegrass single and the IBMA’s Song of the Year winner. It’s a lyric celebrating the WLS National Barn Dance during the days of the Great Depression. The group members alternate lead vocals while the track dances with twin-fiddle work and lively mandolin and banjo breaks. A joy to hear.

CAROLINA BLUE / “Too Wet to Plow”
Writers: David Stewart; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This band is currently No. 1 on the Bluegrass Unlimited chart with its Take Me Back CD. Its motto is “Traditional Yet Original,” and you can hear the band’s freshness on this quickly rising single. Between the youthful, yearning lead vocals, twinkling instrumental finesse and flawless harmony singing, this band has the future of the genre in its hands.

RHONDA VINCENT / “I Ain’t Been Nowhere”
Writers: Chuck Mead; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Upper Management
– The Queen of Bluegrass returns with a sneak peak of her upcoming album, a riotously funny update of Hank Snow’s “I’ve Been Everywhere” explicitly written as a COVID ode to being quarantined. Previously popularized by its writer, Chuck Mead, this deserves massive airplay. Vincent will be inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry cast on Feb. 6.

MILE TWELVE / “Jericho”
Writers: Catherine Anne Bowness, David Shelton Benedict, Nathaniel Benjamin Sabat, Evan James Murphy, Browyn; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Bryan Sutton; Label: Delores the Taurus Records
– This young Boston band won the New Artist award at the IBMA honors. Its current City on a Hill CD is a jewel, balancing brilliant acoustic playing with meaningful songs such as this intensely emotional account of a homeless veteran suffering from PTSD. For flash, check out the whiplash track “Cold Wind.” For another ear-opener, listen to the band’s bluegrass take on Elton John’s “Rocket Man.”

TINA ADAIR / “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses”
Writers: Paul Nelson/Gene Nelson; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Adam Engelhardt/Glen Duncan; Label: Engelhardt Music Group
– New on the bluegrass chart this month is this gorgeous take on the 1988 Kathy Mattea goldie (a CMA Single of the Year winner then). Exemplary picking and the mountain-soprano vocal beauty we have come to expect from this artist.

SISTER SADIE / “900 Miles”
Writers: Dale Ann Bradley/Tina Adair/Deanie Richardson/Gena Britt; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Tina Adair, Dale Ann Bradley, Gena Britt and Deanie Richardson comprise Sister Sadie, the first female band to win the IBMA Entertainer of the Year trophy. In addition, Sister Sadie claimed the 2020 Vocal Group of the Year bluegrass award, an honor also won in 2019. Richardson’s mournful fiddle paves the way on this minor-key Appalachian folk chestnut. Adair moans the vocal lead. Bradley chimes in on soprano harmony, and then Britt adds her stunning deep-alto part. A thrilling listening experience.

MERLE MONROE / “Hello Sunshine”
Writers: Tim Raybon; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Pinecastle
– Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys. The single charges into the bluegrass top-10 this month.

VALERIE SMITH / “From a Distance”
Writers: Julie Gold; Publishers: none listed; Producer: Midnite Mike Pokalsky; Label: Bell Buckle
– First an international hit for Nanci Griffith (1988), then a pop giant by Bette Midler (1990), this awesome song now gets an acoustic bluegrass rendition with Claire Lynch and Irene Kelley in vocal support of Smith, the pride of Bell Buckle, TN. It’s as powerful and touching as ever.

THE GRASCALS / “Sleepy Little Town”
Writers: Jerry Salley/J.B. Rudd; Publishers: none listed; Producer: The Grascals; Label: Mountain Home
– This lilting lament for lost innocence makes its wistful debut on the charts this month. It’s a preview of this multiple award winning Nashville band’s next collection. The group is among the genre’s most dependable, and this does not disappoint.

DONNA ULISSE / “When I Go All Bluegrass On You”
Writers: Donna Ulisse/Rick Stanley; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Billy Blue
– This is the most charming celebration of the joys of bluegrass I’ve ever heard. Every line is a delight, and so is every instrumental note. I particularly like the way the pickers “answer” her when she gives them a shout-out. A total smile.

JUNIOR SISK / “Hooked on Bluegrass”
Writers: J.R. Satterwhite; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Mountain Home
– Bluegrass is “my drug of choice.” Because “I feel good when I hear it, so I use it as a crutch.” Addiction has never sounded merrier.

JERRY SALLEY / “Let Me Be the Bridge”
Writers: Jerry Salley/Jim Rushing; Publishers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Label: Very Jerry
– The man is so hillbilly-gifted he ought to be illegal. Not only one of the greatest hard-country writers still working today, he’s also a moving, natural singer. This barroom two-step will sway you across the dance floor while your heart rejoices that such a Country Music Great walks among us.

Have You Recovered From COVID-19? Help American Red Cross Meet Critical Need

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The American Red Cross is currently facing a shortage of convalescent plasma. They have listed several ways to help meet the need for lifesaving blood products this month.

1. If you’ve recovered from a verified case of COVID-19, fill out the eligibility form to donate convalescent plasma: RedCrossBlood.org/Plasma4COVID

2. Make a whole blood, Power Red or platelet appointment: RedCrossBlood.org

3. Talk to your friends and family about the need and encourage them to make an appointment to give.

4. Share information about the convalescent plasma shortage on your personal/business social networks.

During this critical time, the Red Cross and NFL are offering to all those who come to donate an opportunity to receive a special thank-you this month. Those who come to donate blood or platelets this January will be automatically entered to win two tickets to next year’s Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. In addition, those who come to give before Jan. 20, will also be automatically entered to win the Big Game at Home package for a viewing experience safely at home, with a 65-inch television and a $500 gift card.

Visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Willie Jones Partners With The National Museum of African American Music

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Willie Jones. Photo: Gordon Clark

Country singer-songwriter Willie Jones announced today (Jan. 14) his partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) for the #IHaveAnAmericanDream initiative, calling people to share their hopes for change in America. The initiative launches on Monday, Jan. 18 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) and finds Jones asking the question: “What is your dream for change in America?” He encourages fans to post a video answering that question to social media on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and tagging three friends.

#IHaveAnAmericanDream coincides with Jones’ upcoming single release “American Dream,” also out on MLK Day (Jan. 18). The song is a state-of-the-nation address that inspires a positive message of change and builds on the social conversation about race in America. It appears on Jones’ forthcoming Right Now album, due Jan. 22 via The Penthouse/EMPIRE.

“‘American Dream’ is a true patriotic anthem through my eyes,” says Jones. “It’s a story about my love for the country that my ancestors built. Honoring those who have come before me and having faith in those who stand with me in taking America forward. We cannot ignore the fact that so many of our Black leaders—whether they’re civil rights leaders, authors, musicians, athletes or artists—have propelled the evolution of not just Black people but the entire human race. We evolve and the process must continue. While ignorance and racism go hand-in-hand, they’re no match for intelligence and love. So let’s spread some damn love. All power to the people.”

Donations made through the #IHaveAnAmericanDream campaign will benefit the National Museum of African American Music. Text ‘AMERICANDREAM’ to 707070 or visit the NMAAM website to donate.

“We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Willie on his initiative and honored by his donation,” says Vice President of Brand and Partnerships for NMAAM, Tuwisha Rogers-Simpson. “This is the perfect moment for this song, this initiative, and for our museum to be supporting artists as they work to build better communities. Social justice and equity are key through-lines of the museum’s story and NMAAM is committed to supporting artists, like Willie, who are working towards a better future for America.”

The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will be officially opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Maren Morris And JP Saxe Debut New Track “Line By Line”

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Maren Morris and pop singer-songwriter JP Saxe debuted a new song, “Line By Line,” yesterday (Jan. 13).

“I have always loved being contemplative of the artist vs. muse relationship in songs,” Morris says. “‘Line by Line’ acts as a promise that I’ll never be done writing about my muse in this life because he can’t be summed up in one song. Writing that day with JP was the most fluid, inspiring session. He’s a lyrical faucet. He threw out the line ‘immortalizing my sincerity’ and it blew my mind. I think all in all, we wrote the whole song in an hour and immediately recorded it.”

“My first thought about this song is that it’s surreal I get to be sharing it with one of my favorite artists ever,” Saxe says.

YouTube video

Maren’s triple Platinum single “The Bones” from her 2019 album GIRL is nominated for Best Country Song at the upcoming 63rd Annual Grammy Awards and dominated 2020, topping the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for 19 consecutive weeks—the first solo female multi-week No. 1 since 2012.

Saxe is a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Toronto whose multi Platinum-selling collaboration with Julia Michaels, “If The World Was Ending,” is nominated for Song of the Year at the upcoming Grammy Awards and has accumulated more than one billion global streams.

Toby Keith, Ricky Skaggs Receive National Medal of Arts

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Toby Keith, Ricky Skaggs

Toby Keith and Ricky Skaggs were among a handful of recipients who were honored with a National Medal of Arts by President Trump yesterday (Jan. 13).

According to a statement from the Whitehouse, Keith was honored “for making extraordinary contributions to American music. Rising from humble beginnings in the oil fields of Oklahoma, Toby Keith has become one of the preeminent songwriters of his generation.”

Skaggs was honored “for his contributions to the American music industry. A virtuoso of the mandolin and fiddle, Ricky Skaggs creates and produces bluegrass music that preserves the musical legacy of the most talented artists of his generation,” according to the Whitehouse statement.

According to Skaggs publicist, Skaggs was originally slated to receive the award in early 2020, but the presentation was delayed due to COVID-19.

Photojournalist Nick Ut, art historian Earl “Rusty” Powell III, and opera singer and actress Mary Costa also received National Medal of Arts.

Trump also awarded American public official Kay Coles James, lawyer and politician O. James Lighthizer, and The National World War II Museum with National Humanities Medal yesterday (Jan. 13).

The National Medal of Arts is the highest award given to artists and arts patrons by the United States Government. The National Humanities Medal honors individuals or groups whose work has deepened the Nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy, and other humanities subjects.

Aaron Lee Tasjan Readies Fourth Album For February Release

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Aaron Lee Tasjan. Photo: Curtis Wayne Millard

Nashville-based pop artist Aaron Lee Tasjan will deliver his latest album Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! on Feb. 5 via New West Records.

Tasjan will be celebrating the release of the album with a virtual performance on Lightning 100 Nashville on Jan. 31 at 8 p.m. CT. The performance will be broadcast live on Lightning 100 and on Nugs.tv.

Tasjan’s self-titled fourth album includes touches of retro pop, vintage glam, 90s Anglophilia and psychedelic rock. Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! will be available across all digital platforms as well as on CD and standard black vinyl. A limited to 300 three-color “twister” vinyl edition will also be available exclusively via Vinyl Me, Please while a limited 1,400 four-color-splatter vinyl edition will be available at Independent Retailers and for pre-order now via New West Records.

Tasjan! Tasjan! Tasjan! Track List:
1. Sunday Women
2. Computer of Love
3. Up All Night
4. Another Lonely Day
5. Don’t Overthink It
6. Cartoon Music
7. Feminine Walk
8. Dada Bois
9. Now You Know
10. Not That Bad
11. Got What I Wanted

Circle Network Returns With New Season Of Debuts And Familiar Favorites

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The Circle TV network is kicking off 2021 with some new shows and some returning favorites as well. The network was recently named Pollstar’s #1 Livestreamer for 2020 and has a full slate of programming for the New Year.

Airing now through Feb. 11, Circle is debuting a new series, Opry Rewind, where host Nan Kelley shares stories with artists like Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, Jana Kramer and more about monumental life experiences and iconic Opry performances.

Runaway June’s Natalie Stovall returns to host her show Southern Weekend as she explores and celebrates the best that the South has to offer. Host Nan Kelley and her husband Charlie are also going to be back to reveal the best-kept secrets in America from their motorcycles with their traveling series Authentic America.

“In the second year of the Circle Network, we are thrilled to continue to work with a wide range of talent and deliver authentic, one-of-a-kind content to country music fans’ homes across the nation,” said Drew Reifenberger, Circle Network general manager. “We’re kicking 2021 off with a full slate, and we look forward to rolling out all of the exciting and never-before-seen programming in the weeks to come.”

As previously reported, the network is also adding the 31st Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards to its slate, bringing the biggest night in bluegrass music to their viewers. Airing on Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET, the show will celebrate 75 years of bluegrass with performances from the genre’s biggest stars and trailblazers including Del McCoury Band, Balsam Range and Taj Mahal, and guest appearances from Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Emmylou Harris and more.

Additionally, Circle is joining forces with Phil Vassar for his series Songs from the Cellar as well, with this season featuring guests Matt Ramsey, Lonestar and Tracy Lawrence. Renewed programming also sees the return of My Opry Debut where Chrissy Metz, Dennis Quaid, Niko Moon, Madison Kozack, Sam Williams and more share their experiences leading up to their first-ever performance on the Opry stage.