Ray Wylie Hubbard Collaborates With Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh, Don Was, Chris Robinson On New Single

Ray Wylie Hubbard. Photo: Alan Messer

Ray Wylie Hubbard has released the single “Bad Trick” featuring an all-star guest lineup of Ringo Starr, Don Was, Joe Walsh and Chris Robinson. The tune establishes the tone of his gritty upcoming new 10-track collection CO-STARRING, due out July 10 on Big Machine Records.

Hubbard conceptualized and produced CO-STARRING, his 17th studio album, which includes bluegrass/folk legend Peter Rowan on the tender “Hummingbird,” Ashley McBryde on the tough girl homage “Outlaw Blood,” Paula Nelson and Elizabeth Cook on “Drink ‘Til I See Double” and Aaron Lee Tasjan on “Rock Gods.”

“I have believed in the rule that one should not sing their own praises, but with my new record on Big Machine Records, well I’m going to have to break that rule,” said Hubbard. “Co-Starring has got grit, groove, tone and taste and is so righteously cool that small demons will drool, and little angels will want to line dance.”

Average Joes Entertainment Launches Texas/Americana Label Imprint With Rich O’Toole

Average Joes Entertainment has launched a new Texas/Americana imprint, Buffalo Roam Records, with artist/writer Rich O’Toole as both the first artist signed to the label, as well as the leader for the new venture.

The imprint’s first album release is O’Toole’s New York City, which will release June 26. Texas native O’Toole has topped the Texas Music Chart three times, has had 23 Top 10 singles at Texas radio, and sold more than 100,000 albums. The signing marks a return to Average Joes for O’Toole, who released the album Kiss Of A Liar on the label in 2011.

“As we began to consider re-approaching the Texas music scene, Rich was a natural pick for a partner. Having worked with him in the past when he was an artist on Average Joes, we knew his drive and determination, as well as his Texas roots, would align well with the core spirit of Average Joes. We’re excited to have him back, and look forward to a bright future,” said Forrest Latta, Average Joes Entertainment A&R.

“I’m excited to bring a Texas/Americana sound with the new AJE imprint, Buffalo Roam Records. We will be delivering some of the best up-and-coming artists out of the southwest,” said O’Toole.

O’Toole can be reached at rich@buffaloroamrecords.com.

Industry Ink: Grand Ole Opry, Third Man, Nashville Musicians Association, James Robert Webb

Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent Usher In 4920th Opry Saturday Night

Ricky Skaggs, Dailey & Vincent. Photo: Grand Ole Opry


Grand Ole Opry members and bluegrass legends Ricky Skaggs and Dailey & Vincent performed on the  Opry’s 4,920th consecutive Saturday night last Saturday night (April 18). Their performance could also be seen on Circle Television. For the past six weeks, amidst the current COVID-19 crisis the Opry has continued without an audience in attendance.

 

Third Man Records Relaunches Public Access Show

Third Man Records has re-launched Third Man Public Access, which will now consist of long-form broadcasts of exclusive content, intimate at-home performances, readings, music videos and more from Third Man artists and friends in lieu of live-streamed performances. In this new episode, Olivia Jean and J Mascis perform songs from home, and elsewhere artists like Kelley Stoltz, Redd Kross, Dale Crover, Luke Schneider and many more showcase both live and studio versions of their songs. Additionally, Third Man Books author Ben Myers reads from his novel “The Gallows Pole,” and Shadow Show walk us through the recording of a demo. Third Man Public Access Episode 3 – From Home premieres on YouTube today (April 21).

 

Nashville Musicians Association Crisis Assistance Fund Opens

The Nashville Musicians Association has re-launched its 501c3 charitable fund to accept donations which will be distributed to help Nashville area musicians who have been adversely affected by the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic. The fund was originally created to provide financial assistance for musicians who suffered losses in the 2010 Nashville Flood. Donations will be tax-deductible, and all funds raised will be distributed equitably to musicians in need through the NMA Crisis Assistance Fund. Application details will be forthcoming, and donations can be made at the nashvillemusicians.org COVID resources page or at the Nashville Musicians Association Facebook page. All SunTrust branches (and drive throughs) can accept donations made out to the“NMA Crisis Assistance Fund,” and donation checks or money orders may be mailed directly to AFM Local 257, 11 Music Circle North, Nashville, TN. 37203.

 

James Robert Webb Sets Self-Titled Release For May

James Robert Webb‘s upcoming self-titled release is set for May 1. The project includes songs penned by Wynn Varble, Bob McDill, Casey Beathard, as well as Webb himself. The album was produced by Buddy Cannon, and is available for pre-order.

Old Dominion Releases Documentary Behind Music Video For "Some People Do"

Old Dominion with Jason Schneidman

Old Dominion has released a mini-documentary in support of the music video for their single “Some People Do.” The documentary looks at the story of celebrity men’s groomer Jason Schneidman and shows members of Old Dominion working with him in Los Angeles.

Schneidman, who also works with Old Dominion, was previously homeless and overcame drug addiction. In his spare time, he helps out the homeless of Los Angeles, providing free haircuts as a means to connect with those who may be battling addiction issues, and funds scholarships to rehab centers. In February 2020, the band joined him on the ground to help out.

Jason Schneidman’s Men’s Groomer Foundation is inspired by more than just a calling but the ability to help people get off the street and back on their feet.  The foundation is working with rehabs in California providing funding through the sales of Schneidman’s products.

“Some People Do” is Old Dominion’s newest single with currently over 26.2 million streams. The song is the latest track off Old Dominion’s self-titled third studio album, which was released in the fall of 2019.

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Sony Music Nashville Teams With Cracker Barrel Old Country Store To Help Healthcare Workers

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is set to launch a new program, ‘There’s Comfort in Giving,’ which will donate meals and pay-it-forward to healthcare professionals in the HCA Healthcare system fighting on the frontlines of COVID-19.

Over the next few weeks, Cracker Barrel will donate 5,000 meals to healthcare workers at select hospitals in partnership with Sony Music Nashville. Chris Young will kick off the program with a live stream performance on the Cracker Barrel Facebook page on Sunday, April 26.

“I am glad to be teaming up with Cracker Barrel to give back to the doctors, nurses, and first responders who are pushed to the limit day in and day out fighting COVID-19,” said multi-platinum selling Sony Music Nashville recording artist, Chris Young. “My Dad is in the high risk category as a cancer survivor and missing part of his lung and I’m immensely grateful for everything our healthcare workers are doing to keep everyone safe.”

Others on the Sony Music Nashville roster are also set to participate, including Adam Doleac, Jameson Rodgers, Matt Stell, Mitchell Tenpenny, Niko Moon, Rachel Wammack, Robert Counts, Seaforth, and The Sisterhood Band. Many artists will host performances both on their own social channels as well as on Cracker Barrel channels. Each Sony Music Nashville act has chosen specific hospitals that hold special meaning to them to receive meal donations. Among the hospitals that will receive meals are: Medical City Healthcare (Dallas, Texas); HCA Houston Healthcare (Houston, Texas); HCA Healthcare affiliated hospitals (Orlando, Florida); HCA Healthcare affiliated hospitals (Tampa, Florida) and TriStar Health (Nashville, Tennessee).

“We’re humbled and honored to provide meals to those on the frontlines working so hard to protect us,” said Jeff Sigel, Vice President of Marketing for Cracker Barrel. “Thanks to a great partnership with Sony Music Nashville, we’re pleased to invite guests and fans to pay it forward.”

“We are deeply grateful to Cracker Barrel and Sony Music Nashville for generously honoring our healthcare heroes,” said Heather J. Rohan, President of TriStar Health. “Thank you for recognizing our dedicated caregivers who are giving their all everyday on the frontlines.”

When Cracker Barrel guests give the virtual gift of a meal to someone they love, Cracker Barrel will give a meal to a frontline worker. With the purchase of every $10 in Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® e-gift cards via crackerbarrel.com now through May 12, Cracker Barrel will donate one additional meal (up to 5,000 meals) to healthcare workers.

Apple Music, Other Services Expand To More Countries Worldwide

Apple has announced that starting today, the App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts, and iCloud are now available in 20 more countries, and Apple Music is available in 52 additional countries.

The App Store, Apple Arcade, Apple Music, Apple Podcasts and iCloud are now available in the following countries and regions: Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania, and Apple Music is also expanding to Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Middle East, and Oceania.

“We’re delighted to bring many of Apple’s most beloved Services to users in more countries than ever before,” said Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and International Content. “We hope our customers can discover their new favorite apps, games, music, and podcasts as we continue to celebrate the world’s best creators, artists, and developers.”

Apple Music is now available in 167 countries and regions and offers 60 million songs. New Apple Music subscribers in the 52 additional countries can enjoy a six-month free trial of the service, with locally curated playlists including Africa Now, Afrobeats Hits, Ghana Bounce, and more. In addition, users have access to programs from globally celebrated creators including Virgil Abloh, Billie Eilish, Elton John, Pharrell, and more.

KB Inks Joint Deal With Sony’s Essential Sound/Provident Label Group

Hip-hop artist KB has launched a joint partnership with Sony Music, partnering his own HGA Music imprint with Sony’s Essential Sound/Provident Label Group.

KB has released four studio albums, and has had projects reach the Top 5 on Billboard‘s Top Rap Album chart, including 2012’s Weight & Glory and 2015’s Tomorrow We Live. He has just released his first single under the new Sony deal, titled “Armies,” along with a lyric video for the track.

“It feels as if God has been preparing me for the music that I’m making right now,” said KB. “I’m profoundly grateful for all the possibilities that it brings and I hope that it will make a positive impact on our culture and the world. I’m excited to see what this new partnership has in store.”

“KB’s deep connection with his fans is obvious,” said Jason McArthur, Vice President of Artists & Repertoire for Sony Music Entertainment’s faith-based division Provident Label Group. “KB is one of those rare talents whose creativity, charisma and masterful hip-hop lyric writing are surpassed only by his depth and passion for his mission. I knew right away he was someone we wanted to partner with.”

Phil Thornton, SVP/General Manager of Essential Sound/Provident Label Group says, “We are thrilled to welcome KB to our Essential Sound/Provident family. I’ve been a longtime fan of KB’s incredible artistry. His skilled lyricism and candid performances continue to break boundaries and command attention with all his fans worldwide. We are excited about this partnership and look forward to releasing new music soon!”

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Sam Hunt Leaps To Top 20 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart


Fresh off the release of his highly anticipated sophomore album, SOUTHSIDE, Sam Hunt finds himself up 38 slots to No. 14 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, with co-writer credit on his tunes “2016,” “Breaking Up Was Easy In The 90’s,” “Hard To Forget,” “Kinfolks,” “Sinning With You,” “That Ain’t Beautiful” and “Young Once.”

Josh Thompson (No. 15) and Zach Crowell (No. 30) also see big jumps from co-writer credits on Hunt’s new album, as well, while Ross Copperman retains his lead at No. 1 this week.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

2020 SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards Canceled

SOURCE Nashville has announced the cancellation of the 18th Annual Source Hall of Fame Awards scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2020. The rescheduled date for the annual awards show will be announced in January 2021.

SOURCE Nashville will continue to help and honor the women behind the music and all of those affected by COVID-19 in the music and entertainment industry by making contributions to various organizations that are assisting those in need.

This year’s class of inductees previously announced will be honored at the 2021 Awards. They include Margie Hunt, (Waylon Jennings/Jessi Colter, AWMG Entertainment, Hunt Music Services, CBS Records, Sony Music), Aleene Jackson (Monument Records, Showbud Guitars, Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum, Conway Twitty Enterprises, Tree International, Cowboy Jack Clement Productions), Suzanne Lee (ASCAP), Dottie Oelhafen (Erv Woolsey Company), Norma Jean Owen (CBS Records, Columbia Records, Capitol Records, The Entertainment Group), Betty Sanders (The Pride Music Group, Blake Mevis, The Hyland Company, Chuck Flood & Associates/Flood, Bumstead, McCready & McCarthy, Inc.), and Ima Withers (Chips Moman & Don Crews American Recording Studios, Warner Brothers, RCA Records, Merit Music, BMI).

The following inductees will be honored posthumously at SOURCE’s May 2021 luncheon: Mary Reeves Davis, (Manager/Jim Reeves, CMA Board), Dale Franklin (Nashville Music Association, Leadership Music) and Ann Tant, (Ann’s Promotion Service, Mercury Records, Joe Taylor Booking Agency, GRC Records, Warner Bros., John A. Hobbs, Music City Motorplex, ROPE, Donelson RedHat Honey’s).

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

High Valley Details New EP ‘Grew Up On That’

High Valley. Photo: Mike Stahl

High Valley has shared some details of their upcoming EP, Grew Up On That, set for release May 22.

The new six-song project shares some universal themes of childhood, family, and love from their unique upbringing, and the duo is previewing the EP with the release of new song “River’s Still Running” that finds them looking on the bright side of things. The up-tempo tune, penned by High Valley’s Brad Rempel with Randy Montana and Corey Crowder, offers an uplifting message during difficult times.

“When we wrote this song, we had no idea about the predicament we’d be in right now,” said Brad. “But it’s pretty true that if you can look outside and see the sun still shining, see the river still running… then you know it’s going to be ok. We just have to focus on little pieces of positivity every single day.”

Also available from the EP is “Your Mama,” a message from parent to child, that pays tribute to the duo’s better halves. Written by Ben West, Josh Miller, Troy Verges and Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard, the song is highlighted in a new video which stars the brothers as well as their wives and children and was shot at Brad’s home outside of Nashville.

Grew Up On That EP Track Listing:
1.  Grew Up On That (Brad Rempel, Ben Stennis, Jaron Boyer)
2.  Your Mama (Ben West, Tyler Hubbard, Josh Miller, Troy Verges)
3.  River’s Still Running (Brad Rempel, Randy Montana, Corey Crowder)
4.  Northern Star (Brad Rempel, Matt Rogers, Ben Stennis)
5.  One Day You’ll Get It (Brad Rempel, Derrick Southerland, Ben West)
6.  Show Me The Way (feat. Jillian Edwards) (Brad Rempel, Daniel Tashian, Tenille Nadkrynechny)