Brandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Tanya Tucker and Brittany Howard are among the leading nominees at the upcoming 19th annual Americana Honors & Awards, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Carlile leads this year’s nominations with five, including a solo nomination for Artist of the Year, as well as four others for her work as a producer and writer on Tanya Tucker’s While I’m Livin’ album, and for her work as part of the group The Highwomen.
Tucker is nominated for Album of the Year (While I’m Livin’), Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year (“Bring My Flowers Now”).
The Highwomen are nominated for Album of the Year, for their self-titled project, produced by Dave Cobb. They are also up for Duo/Group of the Year, as well as Song of the Year (“Crowded Table”).
Howard is nominated for Artist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for both artist and producer for her project Jaime. Her song “Stay High” is also nominated for Song of the Year.
The late songwriting legend John Prine earns a nomination in the Artist of the Year category, while newcomers Black Pumas earned two nominations for Duo/Group and Emerging Act of the Year. Aubrie Sellers earns two nominations, for Emerging Act of the Year and Song of the Year, for “My Love Will Not Change.” Nathaniel Rateliff earns two nominations, for Album of the Year (And It’s Still Alright), as well as Song of the Year for the album’s title track. Drive-By Truckers also earn two nods, for Duo/Group of the Year, as well as Song of the Year (“Thoughts and Prayers”).
This year’s awards expand the number of nominees in each category from four to five nominees, with the exception of Song of the Year, which totals six nominees this year due to nomination tie.
The awards ceremony typically serves as the highlight of AmericanaFest week. This year, due to COVID-19, in lieu of hosting the annual conference, the Americana Music Association Foundation will launch its first initiative, with details to be revealed in the coming days. Next year’s AmericanaFest dates have been set for Sept. 21-26, 2021.
See the full list of this year’s Americana Honors & Awards nominations below:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
And It’s Still Alright, Nathaniel Rateliff, Produced by James Barone, Patrick Meese and Nathaniel Rateliff
Country Squire, Tyler Childers, Produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson
The Highwomen, The Highwomen, Produced by Dave Cobb
Jaime, Brittany Howard, Produced by Brittany Howard
While I’m Livin’, Tanya Tucker, Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Brandi Carlile
Brittany Howard
John Prine
Tanya Tucker
Yola
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Drive-By Truckers
The Highwomen
Buddy & Julie Miller
Our Native Daughters
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Katie Pruitt
Aubrie Sellers
Billy Strings
Kelsey Waldon
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Ellen Angelico
Annie Clements
Brittany Haas
Zachariah Hickman
Rich Hinman
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“And It’s Still Alright,” Nathaniel Rateliff, Written by Nathaniel Rateliff
“Bring My Flowers Now,” Tanya Tucker, Written by Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth and Tanya Tucker
“Crowded Table,” The Highwomen, Written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna
“My Love Will Not Change,” Aubrie Sellers featuring Steve Earle, Written by Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp
“Stay High,” Brittany Howard, Written by Brittany Howard
“Thoughts and Prayers,” Drive-By Truckers, Written by Patterson Hood
Lauren Alaina, Rita Wilson, Dennis Quaid Join 2020 Concert For Love And Acceptance
/by Lorie HollabaughThe show already includes Tanya Tucker, who is set to open the show, and Mickey Guyton will make a special appearance, as well as actor, producer, and director Matt Bomer, who will introduce Wilson.
“This show just gets better and better each year, and while we would rather be doing it as a live event in Nashville, we know that we have the opportunity to reach so many more people with our message of love and acceptance through this one-time online format. And, of course, our message takes on an especially elevated meaning this year in light of all that is happening around us. Our hope is that on this night we can all stand together in unity as one,” said host Ty Herndon.
ACM Lifting Lives is a first-time partner in the event this year and will be allocating proceeds to its initiatives. “ACM Lifting Lives is honored to join forces with Ty and the Concert for Love and Acceptance,” said Lyndsay Cruz, Executive Director of ACM Lifting Lives. “We’re honored to support the message of creating a more accepting environment and jumped at the opportunity to help inspire awareness, and healing, through the power of music.”
For the third consecutive year, CMT also returns as Presenting Partner of the event, with Cody Alan serving as co-host, a role he’s held for the past four years. Kristin Chenowith also serves as host of the event as well.
“GLAAD is proud to have been Ty Herndon’s partner in this groundbreaking endeavor since 2015, and as we press on through this very difficult moment in the health and safety of our nation, LGBTQ Americans are especially vulnerable – including LGBTQ youth who may be isolating in homes that are not accepting of them. Many of them – and their families – are country music fans, and this event will send affirming messages of support and encouragement around the globe,” said Sarah Kate Ellis, President & CEO of GLAAD.
Buddy Jewell Travels Down ‘Bluebonnet Highway’ On New Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughBuddy Jewell is releasing a new 15-song album, Bluebonnet Highway, on June 26. The Diamond Dust Records collection includes several originals, as well as remakes of some of Jewell’s hits and covers of some of his favorite songs. The first single from the album will be the heart-tugging “Teardrop in the Gulf of Mexico,” which Jewell wrote with Jerry Salley.
The new album pays tribute to Buddy’s heroes and influences including Waylon Jennings, Ed Bruce, The Band, Tom T. Hall, Buck Owens and Billy Joe Shaver. The project features some lighter moments including the track “Willie Gave Up Weed,” as well as more earthy takes of Jewell’s Top 5 hits “Sweet Southern Comfort” and “Help Pour Out The Rain (Lacey’s Song)” and also “Hillbilly Water” which he co-wrote with Steve Williams and Thom Shepherd.
Jewell began recording vocals on the new album just last month, though most of the songs were tracked prior to the COVID-19 lockdown. Finally wrapping the new project was a great release for the singer following the intensity of the last few months.
“It’s like getting to take that first big breath of fresh air after you been waiting to exhale for so long,” explained Jewell. “Getting to release Bluebonnet Highway has felt like breaking out of a dark, dreary dungeon into bright, beautiful sunlight. The catharsis has been amazing. If I could choose one thing for people to feel when they listen to it, I would want them to feel the joy that I felt during the entire process and the freedom of getting to make this project.”
Bluebonnet Highway Track Listing:
1. “I’m A Ramblin’ Man”
2. “Help Pour Out The Rain (Lacey’s Song)”
3. “Teardrop in the Gulf of Mexico”
4. “The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down”
5. “Truck Driving Man”
6. “Hero In Harlan”
7. “Georgia On A Fast Train”
8. “Sweet Southern Comfort”
9. “Bluebonnet Highway”
10. “Willie Gave Up Weed”
11. “My First Taste of Texas”
12. “Life Don’t Have To Mean Nothing At All”
13. “Hillbilly Water”
14. “You’re The Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had”
15. “Can’t Stop Now”
Brandi Carlile, Tanya Tucker, The Highwomen, Brittany Howard Lead Americana Honors & Awards Nominations
/by Jessica NicholsonBrandi Carlile, The Highwomen, Tanya Tucker and Brittany Howard are among the leading nominees at the upcoming 19th annual Americana Honors & Awards, set for Wednesday, Sept. 16 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Carlile leads this year’s nominations with five, including a solo nomination for Artist of the Year, as well as four others for her work as a producer and writer on Tanya Tucker’s While I’m Livin’ album, and for her work as part of the group The Highwomen.
Tucker is nominated for Album of the Year (While I’m Livin’), Artist of the Year, and Song of the Year (“Bring My Flowers Now”).
The Highwomen are nominated for Album of the Year, for their self-titled project, produced by Dave Cobb. They are also up for Duo/Group of the Year, as well as Song of the Year (“Crowded Table”).
Howard is nominated for Artist of the Year, as well as Album of the Year for both artist and producer for her project Jaime. Her song “Stay High” is also nominated for Song of the Year.
The late songwriting legend John Prine earns a nomination in the Artist of the Year category, while newcomers Black Pumas earned two nominations for Duo/Group and Emerging Act of the Year. Aubrie Sellers earns two nominations, for Emerging Act of the Year and Song of the Year, for “My Love Will Not Change.” Nathaniel Rateliff earns two nominations, for Album of the Year (And It’s Still Alright), as well as Song of the Year for the album’s title track. Drive-By Truckers also earn two nods, for Duo/Group of the Year, as well as Song of the Year (“Thoughts and Prayers”).
This year’s awards expand the number of nominees in each category from four to five nominees, with the exception of Song of the Year, which totals six nominees this year due to nomination tie.
The awards ceremony typically serves as the highlight of AmericanaFest week. This year, due to COVID-19, in lieu of hosting the annual conference, the Americana Music Association Foundation will launch its first initiative, with details to be revealed in the coming days. Next year’s AmericanaFest dates have been set for Sept. 21-26, 2021.
See the full list of this year’s Americana Honors & Awards nominations below:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
And It’s Still Alright, Nathaniel Rateliff, Produced by James Barone, Patrick Meese and Nathaniel Rateliff
Country Squire, Tyler Childers, Produced by David Ferguson and Sturgill Simpson
The Highwomen, The Highwomen, Produced by Dave Cobb
Jaime, Brittany Howard, Produced by Brittany Howard
While I’m Livin’, Tanya Tucker, Produced by Brandi Carlile and Shooter Jennings
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Brandi Carlile
Brittany Howard
John Prine
Tanya Tucker
Yola
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Drive-By Truckers
The Highwomen
Buddy & Julie Miller
Our Native Daughters
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Katie Pruitt
Aubrie Sellers
Billy Strings
Kelsey Waldon
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Ellen Angelico
Annie Clements
Brittany Haas
Zachariah Hickman
Rich Hinman
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“And It’s Still Alright,” Nathaniel Rateliff, Written by Nathaniel Rateliff
“Bring My Flowers Now,” Tanya Tucker, Written by Brandi Carlile, Phil Hanseroth, Tim Hanseroth and Tanya Tucker
“Crowded Table,” The Highwomen, Written by Brandi Carlile, Natalie Hemby and Lori McKenna
“My Love Will Not Change,” Aubrie Sellers featuring Steve Earle, Written by Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp
“Stay High,” Brittany Howard, Written by Brittany Howard
“Thoughts and Prayers,” Drive-By Truckers, Written by Patterson Hood
Nashville Symphony Suspends All Activity Through July 2021
/by Lorie HollabaughThe symphony has already been forced to cancel or reschedule more than 65 concerts and events since early March, with losses directly caused by the pandemic projected to total $8 million, or nearly 30% of the Symphony’s annual income. Based on extensive financial scenario planning, as well as epidemiological projections for how the pandemic may continue to unfold, the Symphony’s board/management team have determined that suspending concert activity for the next year will provide a sufficient foundation for the Symphony to conserve its resources until the orchestra and its concert hall, Schermerhorn Symphony Center, are able to resume activity.
The Symphony is currently working to reschedule concerts originally planned for the 2020/21 concert season to 2021/22. Current season ticket holders will be able to keep their existing seats for the postponed season, and the Symphony will be contacting all ticket holders about their options within the next few weeks.
“This was an extremely difficult and painful decision to make,” said Board Chair Mark Peacock. “The Nashville Symphony’s management and board of directors have been exploring every available option to ensure the long-term sustainability of the institution. In light of our current challenges, we firmly believe that today’s decision is the best course of action to ensure that the Nashville Symphony can continue serving our community in the long run. First and foremost, we are dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of our patrons, along with our musicians, staff and volunteers. That means doing everything we can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With operational costs totaling $2.3 million every month, we also face an enormous financial risk due to the continuing uncertainty caused by this pandemic. Therefore, we felt it necessary to take decisive action now to ensure that the Nashville Symphony is able to reemerge from the current crisis.”
As new epidemiological information becomes available, along with timely data from the Symphony’s revenue studies and audience surveys, the Symphony’s management team will assess whether the orchestra and the Schermerhorn may be able to resume activity sooner.
“If we are to resume concert activity any earlier than expected,” said President & CEO Alan D. Valentine, “we are going to need enormous flexibility to experiment with new concert formats, social distancing in the hall and other safety measures, as we find our way into the ‘new normal.’ The season we originally planned for 2020/21 is not the right season of concerts for that kind of experimentation, nor does it allow for the flexibility we will need.”
Daughter Of Hank Williams Jr. Dies In Car Crash
/by Jessica NicholsonHank Williams Jr. Photo: David McClister
Hank Williams Jr.‘s daughter, 27-year-old Katherine Williams-Dunning, was killed in a one-car crash on Saturday (June 13) in Henry County, Tennessee.
The Tennessean reported that Williams-Dunning was driving the 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe on Highway 79 near Antioch Road when an SUV, which was towing a boat, crossed the median and crashed around 7:45 p.m. CT Saturday evening. Williams-Dunning was killed, while her 29-year-old husband, Tyler Dunning, who was also in the vehicle, was flown to Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
Katherine and Tyler were married on Oct. 15, 2015, and share two children, son Beau Weston (5) and daughter Audrey Jane (2). Katherine owned the clothing company Weston Jane.
Williams-Dunning is the daughter of Hank Williams Jr. and Mary Jane Thomas and the sister of Sam Williams. Williams-Dunning is the half-sister of Holly Williams and Hilary Williams (mother: Becky White), and Shelton Hank Williams, also known as Hank Williams III (mother: Gwen Yeargain).
Holly Williams shared a family photo taken with Katherine one day before the crash.
“I have no words,” Williams said via the Instagram post. “On Friday morning I talked the family into taking this picture and had no idea it would be our last together with my precious little sister Katie. We all went to my great aunts funeral on Thursday whom we all loved dearly, and now are faced with another one. ALL we need is prayers. My daddy. My little brother. Katie’s husband (he is awake and responding don’t know injury extent yet). My niece and nephew. Her Mama. The Dunning family. All of us. So. Many. Prayers. Jesus is close. Thank you all ??❤️ Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and my body with grief. Psalm 31:9”
Daniel Tashian, Burt Bacharach Collaborate On ‘Blue Umbrella’ EP
/by Jessica NicholsonBurt Bacharach and Daniel Tashian have collaborated on a Blue Umbrella EP, out July 31 on Big Yellow Dog Music. The project marks Bacharach’s first album in 15 years.
The album was recorded in Nashville and features Tashian on vocals and Bacharach on piano, along with musicians Dennis Crouch, Fred Eltringham, Tom Bukovac, and Jim Hoke.
“Daniel’s instincts are always right on target,” says Bacharach. “Musically, he’s got the chord before I’ve got the chord, when I can’t find the chord. I appreciate it so much. He hears impeccably. He brings to the table a great lyric sense. He tells a great story. He also brings some valuable music stuff. It’s a really collaborative thing.”
“There’s nothing I’d rather do than make music with Burt Bacharach,” adds Tashian. “They say you shouldn’t meet your heroes because they’ll disappoint you. But I haven’t found that about Burt.”
Bacharach is a recipient of three Academy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and eight Grammy Awards (including the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award and 1997 Trustees Award). Tashian has written songs for Kacey Musgraves, Little Big Town, Lady A, Lee Ann Womack, Josh Turner, Maisie Peters, NeedtoBreathe and Brett Eldredge. As a producer, he’s recently made albums with Eldredge, Lily & Madeleine, Jessie James Decker and A Girl Called Eddy. His songs have appeared in such TV shows as Breaking Bad, Pretty Little Liars and Nashville. Aside from his two Grammy Awards for Kacey Musgraves’ Golden Hour, he has been nominated for another for his children’s music album I Love Rainy Days and just released his second children’s music album Mr. Moonlight (Big Yellow Dog Music).
BLUE UMBRELLA TRACKLIST
Bells of St. Augustine
Whistling in the Dark
Blue Umbrella
Midnight Watch
We Go Way Back
IBMA Elects New Board of Directors Members
/by Jessica NicholsonThe following members were elected or reelected to serve a three-year term commencing on Wednesday, June 10, 2020:
Darin Aldridge – Artists, Composers, and Music Publishers (member elected)
Christine Funk – Merchandisers & Luthiers (member elected)
Carolyn Hotte – Bluegrass Music Associations (member elected)
Christopher Howard-Williams – International At Large (board appointed)
Andrea Roberts – At Large (member elected)
Mike Simpson – At Large (board appointed and reelected)
The Board of Directors elected the following as officers on its Executive Committee:
Board Chair – Ben Surratt
Board Vice-Chair – Daniel Boner
Treasurer – Mike Simpson
Secretary – Michelle Conceison
Additional Officer – Ashley Moyer
“I’d like everyone to know how honored I am to have the opportunity to serve IBMA as the Board Chair,” Surratt says. “I am grateful for the service of our outgoing chair, Joe Mullins, for the steadfast leadership he has provided us the last three years. While I’ve learned a lot looking over his shoulder, I know I have a big pair of shoes to fill, and I will be working hard to do just that. I look forward to working with our Executive Director, Paul Schiminger, and the IBMA staff – Eddie Huffman, Amy Beth Hale, Casey Campbell, and Ethan Charles – to serve our membership and create opportunities for our bluegrass industry.”
EmiSunshine, Bootsy Collins Team For New Track "Stars"
/by Jessica NicholsonEmiSunshine
Teen country singer EmiSunshine has collaborated with Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame member Bootsy Collins on the new single, “Stars.” Proceeds from streams and downloads of the song will benefit the MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund, which offers aid to help musicians and music industry members who have lost work due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also collaborating on the song are Béla Fleck, Steve Jordan, Victor Wooten, Olvido Ruiz, Uché, Manou Gallou, Brian Culbertson, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Dr. Cornel West, the philosopher, professor and political activist.
Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame member Collins invited EmiSunshine, who has appeared on the Grand Ole Opry 14 times, to collaborate on the song after both artists were scheduled to appear in the Cincinnati Reds Opening Day Parade, which was later canceled due to COVID-19.
“I was very impressed by this young lady’s depth in the world around her,” Collins said. “It is my pleasure to support EmiSunshine in her musical career. She has all the real qualities of a real person and a true star.”
“I am excited and honored to be working with Bootsy Collins,” Emi said. “We come from different musical worlds, but I have always loved exploring and incorporating other styles in my own songs. The fact that ‘Stars’ will be used to help other struggling artists makes this project even more meaningful.”
Luke Bryan’s Latest Single, "Build Me A Daddy," Out Today
/by Lorie HollabaughLuke Bryan. Photo: Jim Wright
Luke Bryan is releasing a brand new song, “Build Me A Daddy,” digitally today. He’s set to perform the new song on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon next Thursday (June 18).
The single is the latest offering from his upcoming seventh studio album, Born Here Live Here Die Here, due out Aug. 7, and was penned by Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson and Brett Tyler. A video for the song, shot earlier this year south of Nashville, is being released today as well.
The album has already yielded two No. 1 hits “Knockin’ Boots,” and “What She Wants Tonight,” plus his current smash single “One Margarita.” “One Margarita” is the No. 1 most downloaded country song for two weeks in a row, and the three tracks have racked up nearly 600 million streams.
Born Here Live Here Die Here Track listing:
1. Knockin’ Boots (Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite, Gordie Sampson)
2. What She Wants Tonight (Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Hillary Lindsey, Jon Nite)
3. Born Here Live Here Die Here (Jake Mitchell, Jameson Rodgers, Josh Thompson)
4. One Margarita (Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem, Josh Thompson)
5. Too Drunk To Drive (Luke Bryan, Michael Carter, Brandon Kinney)
6. Build Me A Daddy (Jake Mitchell, Josh Thompson, Brett Tyler)
7. Little Less Broken (Michael Carter, Lindsay Rimes, Matt Rogers)
8. For A Boat (Randy Montana, Josh Thompson, Mike Walker)
9. Where Are We Goin’ (Luke Bryan, Brent Cobb)
10. Down To One (Dallas Davidson, Justin Ebach, Kyle Fishman)
Whiskey Myers Reveals Firewater Music Festival Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughWhiskey Myers has weathered the pandemic in creative ways, continuing to push boundaries on what a concert can look like by streaming live from Billy Bob’s Texas to 20,000+, and performing to a sea of vehicles at the recent Texas Rangers “Concert In Your Car” series. Today, the band announces the lineup of their personally-curated Firewater Music Festival this Fall in Kansas City.
Set to perform on Oct. 2-3 at the Firewater fest in addition to Whiskey Myers are Drive-By Truckers, Whitey Morgan, Ray Wylie Hubbard, The Steel Woods, Shane Smith & the Saints, Chris Knight, Bones Owens, Tennessee Jet, Jamie Wyatt and Rob Leines.
Event organizers are taking extra precautions based on guidance from health authorities including the CDC and are working in tandem with state and local government officials to ensure that the three-day event will be safe for attendees.
The festival will take place on 150 acres of meadows, ponds and wooded hills just south of Kansas City offering the ultimate outdoor lifestyle experience. In addition to the live concerts, on-site activities will include canoeing, zip-lining, rock climbing, archery and a swimming pool.
All tickets are on sale now with layaway payment plans available, and the GA and VIP tickets have discounted rates available when purchased as four-packs. For more information about the event and to purchase passes, visit FirewaterMusicFestival.com.