Photo: Cam
Baby acts, established hit makers and living legends combine for a tasty musical stew in this week’s DisClaimer edition.
In the first category, you’ll find our DisCovery Award winner, Drew Green.
In the second category are fine new tracks by Cam and Keith Urban.
Both Willie Nelson and Dan Penn are here to remind us that great music doesn’t just belong to the young.
Don’t miss the track by Billy Valentine. He’s the most famous voice you’ve never heard of. Billy was the vocalist in Young-Holt Unlimited in the 1970s, then in his family’s Valentine Brothers during the 1980s (“Money’s Too Tight to Mention”). He toured in the musical The Wiz, then was the lead vocalist on the soundtracks of the movie The Five Heartbeats (1991) and the Muhammad Ali documentary Champions Forever (1989). He sings the theme songs of the TV shows Boston Legal and Sons of Anarchy. He’s written songs recorded by Ray Charles and The Neville Brothers and sung demos for Burt Bacharach and Gerry Goffin. Now he’s singing for our own Gary Nicholson.
He’s also a contender for Disc of the Day, alongside Cam, Kevin Costner and our winner, A Thousand Horses.
A THOUSAND HORSES/A Song to Remember
Writers: Michael Hobby/Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Christopher Stevens; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Hooky and very cool. The churning rhythm track locks you into the groove like a jailer. The tight-harmony vocals are loaded with heart. “I need a song to remember/And a drink to forget” in order get over her. Sing on, bros.
TUCKER BEATHARD/Faithful
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Marla Cannon-Goodman; Producer: Tucker Beathard; Publisher: none listed; Warner
-There’s a lot of production going on here. The electronic washes and beats somewhat overpower the lyric about fidelity, as well as his expressive vocal performance. Also, it ain’t all that “country.”
WILLIE NELSON/We Are The Cowboys
Writer: Billy Joe Shaver; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: BJ Shaver, BMI; Legacy (track)
– Willie’s 70th solo album is out. Titled First Rose of Spring, it includes this languid waltz with something to say. “We are the cowboys, the true sons of freedom….Cowboys are average American people, Texicans, Mexicans, Black men and Jews” who will cure this world of its wrongs. Other highlights on the collection include his versions of Roy Clark’s “Yesterday When I Was Young,” Johnny Paycheck’s “I’m the Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised” and Toby Keith’s “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” The 10-time Grammy winner, 87, remains an awesome musical presence.
BILLY VALENTINE/Thank You George Floyd
Writer: Gary Nicholson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; GN
-This is a super slab of Americana country-soul, with a slammin’ R&B groove and a passionate vocal by veteran Billy Valentine. Penned by stellar Nashville tunesmith Gary Nicholson, it thanks the late murder victim for making a difference in our society. It also name-checks several of the other victims of racial violence. The Black Live Matter movement couldn’t ask for a more stirring anthem and rallying cry.
KEITH URBAN/Superman
Writers: Craig Wiseman/Ben Berger/Ryan Rabin/Ryan McMahon/Keith Urban; Producer: Captain Cuts & Keith Urban; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
-It’s the familiar Urban summertime groove, spruced up with some dance beats and poppy electronics. Catchy, as usual.
HUDSON VALLEY/Right Place Now
Writers: Sarah Owens/Sherrie Austin/Will Rambeaux; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HV
-This female-fronted band is in a celebratory mood on this crashing rocker. Lead singer Sarah Owens shows plenty of confidence and moxie while the rhythm section and electric guitarist kick up dust. You can catch the act live around Music City at such venues as Ol Red, The Sutler Saloon, the Omni Hotel, The Listening Room and 3rd & Lindsley.
CAM/Classic
Writers: Camaron Ochs/Jack Antonoff; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers/RCA Records
-Indescribably zesty. This fizzes like just-opened champagne. Her bright vocal is matched by a bubbling, shuffling beat that is just deliriously fun. I remain a huge fan. Like the song says, “they don’t make ’em like this anymore.”
DREW GREEN/Little More Be Alright
Writers: Drew Green/Mark Trussell; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publisher: none listed; Villa 40/Sony
-It’s a terrific fusion of a just-folks vocal, a supremely country lyric and an echoey pop production. I dig this guy, and I absolutely love the song. Stupendous work all around.
KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST/Won’t Stop Loving You
Writers: Kevin Costner/Jack Williams/Scott Lindsey/Troy Johnson; Publisher: Orchard/Kevin’s Music/Anthem Entertainment, no performance right listed; Producer: none listed; KM
-Heartbreaking and romantic. Her memory will not leave, ever. Costner sings with warmth, and the gentle acoustic backing makes the ballad glow.
DAN PENN/Living on Mercy
Writers: Dan Penn/Wayne Carson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Last Music Company (track)
-This is the title tune of the songwriting legend’s forthcoming CD, which arrives Aug. 28. The part-time Nashvillian enlisted the best sidemen of Muscle Shoals and Music City to craft a record that seethes with slow-burn, blue-eyed soul. This 78-year-old’s first album in 26 years demonstrates breathtaking endurance, perseverance and timelessness.
Rodney Crowell, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris To Play Grand Ole Opry
/by Jessica NicholsonRodney Crowell, Vince Gill and Emmylou Harris will take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday, Aug. 1, for the Opry’s 4,935th consecutive Saturday night broadcast.
Over the years, the three superstars have toured together and collaborated on stage and in writing rooms.
“I met [Emmylou] and Rodney when I was 19,” Gill said. “I don’t have two better friends in the world.”
Crowell penned “Bluebird Wine,” which was included on Harris’ Pieces of the Sky album, and Crowell later joined Harris’ Hot Band in the 1970s. When Crowell left the group in 1977 to pursue a solo career, he put together the band the Cherry Bombs. Gill would leave his role at the time in Pure Prairie League to join the Cherry Bombs. In the mid-1980s, Gill joined Harris’ backing band for three albums, including The Ballad of Sally Rose, Thirteen and Angel Band. Crowell also worked with Harris and Gill on Thirteen. Crowell and Harris collaborated on 2013’s Old Yellow Moon and 2015’s The Traveling Kind. Crowell and Harris also contributed to tracks on Gill’s 2006 four-CD box set These Days.
“It’s still my favorite gig, is playing with Rodney,” Gill told No Depression last year. Gill added, “I can’t even fathom what my life would be like if I hadn’t met Emmy.”
“Emmy and Vince? Hmm…With those voices, maybe I’ll have a chance if we’re wearing masks,” mused Crowell.
“There’s nothing better than singing with old and dear friends, especially if those friends happen to be Rodney and Vince,” said Harris.
Though concerts with live audiences are currently paused at the Grand Ole Opry’s venue, the show continues to be broadcast live each week on Circle and Gray TV stations, DISH Studio Channel 102, Sling TV and other affiliates.
This Saturday (July 25) EMI Records Nashville artist and This Is Us star Chrissy Metz will perform, as will Gospel Music Hall of Fame member CeCe Winans, as well as Tracy Lawrence.
Collin Raye Signs With BFD/Audium Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): David “Fergie” Ferguson, Steve Cox (Raye’s manager), Collin Raye, Chuck Rhodes (BFD / Audium Nashville), Don Murry Grubbs (Absolute Publicity). Photo: Absolute Publicity
Collin Raye has signed with BFD (Bob Frank Distribution)/Audium Nashville. Raye is currently in the studio recording new material, which is set for release later this year. Studio veteran David “Fergie” Ferguson is producing the project.
Raye’s forthcoming project will mark his first studio album of all-new material since 2009’s Never Going Back. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
“The timing for this upcoming album is just right,” says Raye. “My producer David Ferguson gave me total freedom in the studio. I think it will be my most artistic album ever.”
Last month, Raye made headlines when he performed one of the first public concerts since COVID-19 forced national shutdowns earlier this year. On June 13, Raye journeyed to Cedar City, Utah to perform an outdoor concert for the Utah Business Revival. Over 100 small businesses setup booths at the event to sell their products and services in an open-air environment.
Warner Music Nashville Signs BEXAR
/by Jessica NicholsonBexar. Photo: Emily Dorio
Warner Music Nashville has signed country duo BEXAR, which takes its name from Bexar County, Texas, where lead vocalist and guitarist Chris Ryan spent time as a child. He is joined by Kentucky native and vocalist/guitarist/banjo player Logan Turner.
“When two worlds collide like this, you can start creating something special,” Ryan says of their emerging group.
“I want people to feel about our music the way I felt about music when I first fell in love with it,” adds Turner. “That it takes you somewhere—a place that nothing else in the world can take you to.”
BEXAR’s debut single, “Again,” was produced and co-written by Ross Copperman. The single is available now.
“It’s about being unapologetically you,” Ryan says of the song.
“At the end of the day, there’s always things that you wish you could go back and do differently,” Turner adds. “but even with mistakes, you learn from them and move forward.”
The duo released their eponymous debut EP in 2018 and have gained more than 25 million streams to date.
Media/Production Company Country Rebel Relocates To Tennessee
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Rebel media and production company, founded in 2014 by brothers Kevin and Darin Blue in San Diego, California, has relocated their business to Ashland City, Tennessee.
The scenic 30-acre “Country Rebel Ranch” now houses a multitude of businesses including full video production capabilities, order fulfillment, high-tech CO2 laser wood manufacturing as well as a menagerie of dogs, cats and farm animals.
“The country music community welcomed us with open arms from the moment we launched Country Rebel in 2014,” said CR’s Kevin Blue. “We love the culture, the music and especially the people, and we feel a great sense of responsibility being a part of helping launch and sustain careers.”
The Country Rebel brand has attracted over 18 million country music and lifestyle fans and receives over 24 million social engagements per month on its vast network of country sites and social fan pages. Driven by a strong passion for country music, Country Rebel initially created a clothing line that promoted the spirit of the country lifestyle, and in just over five years, their website morphed into a top-ranking country platform for both new and established artists to connect with country fans all over the world.
The brothers recently produced their inaugural “Fireside Sessions” featuring 138 acoustic performances by 33 artists. The videos began airing on Country Rebel’s YouTube channel and social media pages and are generating tens of thousands of views for artists like Ashley McBryde, Drake White, David Nail, and many more.
Brantley Gilbert Receives Pandora Billionaire Plaque
/by Lorie HollabaughBrantley Gilbert receives the Pandora Billionaire Plaque honoring his achievement of surpassing 3.5 billion streams on the platform.
Brantley Gilbert was honored as a Pandora Billionaire recently and received the plaque honoring his achievement during a Zoom of SiriusXM’s Music Row Happy Hour with Buzz Brainard on The Highway. He recently surpassed the 3.5 billion stream mark on the platform.
“I really do appreciate all of you,” Gilbert shared via Zoom. “All of ya’ll have been really, really good to me. I couldn’t ask for a better team or a better family. I’m floored. I had absolutely no idea. I don’t get surprised, so this is amazing. We’re surrounded by a bunch of awesome folks, and all of you that are watching here tonight as a part of this happy hour, I appreciate ya’ll letting me hang out and be a part of it to share in this.”
Last month, Gilbert released his new single “Hard Days,” which follows his recent No. 1 “What Happens In A Small Town” with Lindsay Ell, marking the Georgia native’s seventh chart-topper.
Big Loud Adds Drew Magid To Management Team
/by Jessica NicholsonDrew Magid
Big Loud has added Drew Magid to its management team, serving as day-to-day manager for Warner Records’ R&B artist Bren Joy. Bren Joy is signed to Big Loud for management and publishing.
“I couldn’t be happier to be a part of the Big Loud team,” shares Magid. “My goal in all of my years touring was to ultimately become an artist manager. Getting to work for an artist I believe in as much as Bren Joy is a dream come true.”
Magid graduated from Penn State University in 2011 and began touring with O.A.R., then working with rock artists including The War On Drugs, Walk the Moon, and Young the Giant. He concentrated on tour management full time, working with Grouplove, Charlie Puth, KT Tunstall and more, as well as an extensive role as tour manager for Imagine Dragons on their 140+ date Evolve World Tour in 2018. He served as tour manager for Florida Georgia Line before joining Big Loud Management. Magrid has also won Young Gun Tour Manager of the Year during the 2020 Pinnacle Awards at the Live Production Summit.
“We’ve already built a great working rapport with Drew, and I’m pumped to have him join our Management team,” adds Seth England, Partner/CEO of Big Loud. “He’s got a killer touring record and a special connection with his clients. His excitement and dedication to Bren Joy makes this pairing an ideal fit.”
Weekly Radio Report (7/24/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
BBR Music Group Signs DJ Duo RoadHouse
/by Jessica NicholsonRoadHouse
BBR Music Group has signed DJ duo RoadHouse, comprised of Dee Jay Silver and DJ Ikon.
In addition to remixing other artists’ songs, the duo will release original music that infuses country, pop, EDM, hip-hop and other genres. The duo has released its first remix, a new spin on LOCASH’s “One Big Country Song.”
DJ Silver was the first DJ to be signed to a Nashville record label, and has opened shows for artists including Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brad Paisley, and Chris Young. DJ Ikon a staple in Las Vegas clubs for years.
“Silver has unofficially been in our family for years. He and [Jason] Aldean revolutionized the country concert experience through his performances between sets at nearly every amphitheater and arena in the US, not to mention his electrifying club performances. Ikon is a force of nature in his own right with a proven track record,” said Jon Loba, EVP BBR Music Group. “When the guys laid out their vision for RoadHouse, we immediately recognized the opportunity for them to be revolutionaries in country music again, while bringing new listeners into the genre through their remixes and original work. Our world needs an escape and party more than ever and RoadHouse brings that in spades!”
“Our goal from day one as RoadHouse was to do something different—something that has never been done before! We knew for this project to work, we would need the right partner, one that wasn’t afraid to take chances and believes in us! It took one meeting with Jon Loba and we knew we were home,” said RoadHouse. “BBR has always looked outside the box and has never been afraid to take chances. We are excited to work with the whole team and create something truly amazing together! We are proud to be the newest members of the BBR family!”
RoadHouse is managed by Red Light Management.
DISClaimer Singles Reviews: Cam, Keith Urban, A Thousand Horses, And More
/by Robert K OermannPhoto: Cam
Baby acts, established hit makers and living legends combine for a tasty musical stew in this week’s DisClaimer edition.
In the first category, you’ll find our DisCovery Award winner, Drew Green.
In the second category are fine new tracks by Cam and Keith Urban.
Both Willie Nelson and Dan Penn are here to remind us that great music doesn’t just belong to the young.
Don’t miss the track by Billy Valentine. He’s the most famous voice you’ve never heard of. Billy was the vocalist in Young-Holt Unlimited in the 1970s, then in his family’s Valentine Brothers during the 1980s (“Money’s Too Tight to Mention”). He toured in the musical The Wiz, then was the lead vocalist on the soundtracks of the movie The Five Heartbeats (1991) and the Muhammad Ali documentary Champions Forever (1989). He sings the theme songs of the TV shows Boston Legal and Sons of Anarchy. He’s written songs recorded by Ray Charles and The Neville Brothers and sung demos for Burt Bacharach and Gerry Goffin. Now he’s singing for our own Gary Nicholson.
He’s also a contender for Disc of the Day, alongside Cam, Kevin Costner and our winner, A Thousand Horses.
A THOUSAND HORSES/A Song to Remember
Writers: Michael Hobby/Brad Warren/Brett Warren/Christopher Stevens; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Warner
– Hooky and very cool. The churning rhythm track locks you into the groove like a jailer. The tight-harmony vocals are loaded with heart. “I need a song to remember/And a drink to forget” in order get over her. Sing on, bros.
TUCKER BEATHARD/Faithful
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Marla Cannon-Goodman; Producer: Tucker Beathard; Publisher: none listed; Warner
-There’s a lot of production going on here. The electronic washes and beats somewhat overpower the lyric about fidelity, as well as his expressive vocal performance. Also, it ain’t all that “country.”
WILLIE NELSON/We Are The Cowboys
Writer: Billy Joe Shaver; Producer: Buddy Cannon; Publisher: BJ Shaver, BMI; Legacy (track)
– Willie’s 70th solo album is out. Titled First Rose of Spring, it includes this languid waltz with something to say. “We are the cowboys, the true sons of freedom….Cowboys are average American people, Texicans, Mexicans, Black men and Jews” who will cure this world of its wrongs. Other highlights on the collection include his versions of Roy Clark’s “Yesterday When I Was Young,” Johnny Paycheck’s “I’m the Only Hell My Mama Ever Raised” and Toby Keith’s “Don’t Let the Old Man In.” The 10-time Grammy winner, 87, remains an awesome musical presence.
BILLY VALENTINE/Thank You George Floyd
Writer: Gary Nicholson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; GN
-This is a super slab of Americana country-soul, with a slammin’ R&B groove and a passionate vocal by veteran Billy Valentine. Penned by stellar Nashville tunesmith Gary Nicholson, it thanks the late murder victim for making a difference in our society. It also name-checks several of the other victims of racial violence. The Black Live Matter movement couldn’t ask for a more stirring anthem and rallying cry.
KEITH URBAN/Superman
Writers: Craig Wiseman/Ben Berger/Ryan Rabin/Ryan McMahon/Keith Urban; Producer: Captain Cuts & Keith Urban; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville
-It’s the familiar Urban summertime groove, spruced up with some dance beats and poppy electronics. Catchy, as usual.
HUDSON VALLEY/Right Place Now
Writers: Sarah Owens/Sherrie Austin/Will Rambeaux; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; HV
-This female-fronted band is in a celebratory mood on this crashing rocker. Lead singer Sarah Owens shows plenty of confidence and moxie while the rhythm section and electric guitarist kick up dust. You can catch the act live around Music City at such venues as Ol Red, The Sutler Saloon, the Omni Hotel, The Listening Room and 3rd & Lindsley.
CAM/Classic
Writers: Camaron Ochs/Jack Antonoff; Producer: Jack Antonoff; Publisher: none listed; Triple Tigers/RCA Records
-Indescribably zesty. This fizzes like just-opened champagne. Her bright vocal is matched by a bubbling, shuffling beat that is just deliriously fun. I remain a huge fan. Like the song says, “they don’t make ’em like this anymore.”
DREW GREEN/Little More Be Alright
Writers: Drew Green/Mark Trussell; Producer: Mark Trussell; Publisher: none listed; Villa 40/Sony
-It’s a terrific fusion of a just-folks vocal, a supremely country lyric and an echoey pop production. I dig this guy, and I absolutely love the song. Stupendous work all around.
KEVIN COSTNER & MODERN WEST/Won’t Stop Loving You
Writers: Kevin Costner/Jack Williams/Scott Lindsey/Troy Johnson; Publisher: Orchard/Kevin’s Music/Anthem Entertainment, no performance right listed; Producer: none listed; KM
-Heartbreaking and romantic. Her memory will not leave, ever. Costner sings with warmth, and the gentle acoustic backing makes the ballad glow.
DAN PENN/Living on Mercy
Writers: Dan Penn/Wayne Carson; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Last Music Company (track)
-This is the title tune of the songwriting legend’s forthcoming CD, which arrives Aug. 28. The part-time Nashvillian enlisted the best sidemen of Muscle Shoals and Music City to craft a record that seethes with slow-burn, blue-eyed soul. This 78-year-old’s first album in 26 years demonstrates breathtaking endurance, perseverance and timelessness.
New Drive-In Theater Opens In Franklin, Tennessee Today
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Field at Franklin, a new drive-in theater sharing movies and events in Franklin, Tennessee, officially opens Thursday evening, located at 1810 Columbia Avenue behind Rolling Hills Community Church. The new drive-in theater will celebrate opening weekend with a screening of the 1993 movie The Sandlot, with screenings July 24-26.
The events will be hosted by Atema and his team at AP Live. Movies will be shown on a 22-by-42-foot LED screen which is similar to those used at concerts and festivals. The suggested rate per car for events is $35, but considering financial struggles from the pandemic, the company is offering a pay-what-you-can model for attendees.
To facilitate safe social distancing measures, the company will allow 175 cars in the field, which would normally fit approximately 600 cars. Audio will be transmitted through FM radio.
All payments must be made online with a confirmation sent to the user, and customers must show confirmation to an attendant at the theater. Viewers must remain in their cars during the show, but they can bring all the snacks and food they want per car, and alcohol is not allowed.