The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is bringing two of its most popular programs, including the weekly Songwriter Sessions and its education program Words & Music, to Instagram Live. Beginning April 14, the museum will host its weekly Songwriter Sessions, with viewers encouraged to pose questions to the featured songwriters via Instagram. The Songwriter Sessions will begin at 8:00 p.m. CT and will be hosted by the CMHOF’s director of public programs Abi Tapia.
Among the upcoming featured songwriters are Laura Veltz, Luke Laird, Caitlyn Smith, Eric Paslay, Brandy Clark and Charlie Worsham.
Words & Music At Home will be an extension of the Words & Music program and will begin Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tenille Townes will perform and will participate in an interview about songwriting, led by CMHoF outreach and music programs manager Adam Ollendorff.
“Music is a powerful gift that unites us, stimulates creativity and provides relief while we stay home and implement social distancing,” said Lisa Purcell, the museum’s senior vice president, education, development and community engagement. “This is why the museum will take our most popular songwriting programs live online and invite the world to participate with us.”
Upcoming Songwriter Sessions:
April 14
Laura Veltz, whose compositions include “Bones” (Maren Morris), “Speechless” (Dan + Shay) and “What If I Never Get Over You” (Lady Antebellum).
April 21
Luke Laird, whose compositions include “Hard to Forget” (Sam Hunt), “American Kids” (Kenny Chesney) and “Space Cowboy” (Kacey Musgraves).
April 28
Caitlyn Smith, whose compositions include “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” (Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend), “You Can’t Make Old Friends” (Country Music Hall of Fame members Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers) and her own single “Long Time Coming.”
May 5
Eric Paslay, whose compositions include “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band) and his own hit “Friday Night.”
May 12
Brandy Clark, whose compositions include her singles “Bigger Boat,” which features Randy Newman, “Hold My Hand” and “Who You Thought I Was.”
May 19
Charlie Worsham, whose compositions include “Love You To The Moon” (Kip Moore) and his own singles “Mississippi In July” and “Old Time’s Sake.”
MV2 Entertainment Launches Label Imprint
/by Jessica NicholsonMV2 Entertainment has launched the label imprint New Lost City Records, with the flagship artists Nora Collins and Blake Henderson.
Collins has been an artist-writer with MV2 Entertainment since 2016. She recently extended her publishing deal with MV2 and is set to release her new single “Neon Healing” on May 15 under the new label imprint.
Oklahoma native Henderson currently works in the oilfield as a wireline operator. His first single, “Tomorrow’s Problem,” will release April 24.
“New Lost City Records is a bold, exciting step for us to release new music with forward-thinking strategies relevant to today’s market,” said MV2 General Manager Tony Harrell. “We have strong releases on the horizon and an incredible support team behind them.”
“I couldn’t be more excited and grateful to have the opportunity to continue my journey with the amazing MV2 team,” said Collins. “I’m so proud of my upcoming project and can’t wait to release it under New Lost City Records!”
“I’m so excited and blessed to have the opportunity to sign with New Lost City Records,” said Henderson. “I’m looking forward to working with such a driven, professional, and accomplished team. My family and I are thankful beyond measure.”
Ross Copperman Maintains No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart For Six Weeks
/by LB CantrellRoss Copperman is spending his sixth week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. The credits that are holding him in the pinnacle spot are Brett Young’s recent No. 1, “Catch,” as well as Luke Bryan’s “What She Wants Tonight,” Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey’s “The Other Girl,” and Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s duet “Nobody But You.”
Craig Wiseman (No. 2), Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Shane McAnally (No. 4) and Jonathan Singleton (No. 5) round out the top five.
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.
Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Launches Interactive Songwriting Programs
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is bringing two of its most popular programs, including the weekly Songwriter Sessions and its education program Words & Music, to Instagram Live. Beginning April 14, the museum will host its weekly Songwriter Sessions, with viewers encouraged to pose questions to the featured songwriters via Instagram. The Songwriter Sessions will begin at 8:00 p.m. CT and will be hosted by the CMHOF’s director of public programs Abi Tapia.
Among the upcoming featured songwriters are Laura Veltz, Luke Laird, Caitlyn Smith, Eric Paslay, Brandy Clark and Charlie Worsham.
Words & Music At Home will be an extension of the Words & Music program and will begin Thursday, April 16 at 2 p.m. Tenille Townes will perform and will participate in an interview about songwriting, led by CMHoF outreach and music programs manager Adam Ollendorff.
“Music is a powerful gift that unites us, stimulates creativity and provides relief while we stay home and implement social distancing,” said Lisa Purcell, the museum’s senior vice president, education, development and community engagement. “This is why the museum will take our most popular songwriting programs live online and invite the world to participate with us.”
Upcoming Songwriter Sessions:
April 14
Laura Veltz, whose compositions include “Bones” (Maren Morris), “Speechless” (Dan + Shay) and “What If I Never Get Over You” (Lady Antebellum).
April 21
Luke Laird, whose compositions include “Hard to Forget” (Sam Hunt), “American Kids” (Kenny Chesney) and “Space Cowboy” (Kacey Musgraves).
April 28
Caitlyn Smith, whose compositions include “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” (Meghan Trainor featuring John Legend), “You Can’t Make Old Friends” (Country Music Hall of Fame members Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers) and her own single “Long Time Coming.”
May 5
Eric Paslay, whose compositions include “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” (Jake Owen), “Even If It Breaks Your Heart” (Eli Young Band) and his own hit “Friday Night.”
May 12
Brandy Clark, whose compositions include her singles “Bigger Boat,” which features Randy Newman, “Hold My Hand” and “Who You Thought I Was.”
May 19
Charlie Worsham, whose compositions include “Love You To The Moon” (Kip Moore) and his own singles “Mississippi In July” and “Old Time’s Sake.”
Billy Ray Cyrus Joins Higher Together Concert Set For April 20
/by Jessica NicholsonBilly Ray Cyrus. Photo: Tish Cyrus
Billy Ray Cyrus will join Ari Lennox, Wiz Khalifa, Joey “CoCo” Diaz and more will take part in the virtual concert Higher Together: Sessions From Home, a 4/20 virtual celebration set for Monday, April 20 beginning at noon PST. Hosted by Weedmaps a tech and software provider for the cannabis industry, the concert will bring together artists, comedians and entertainers to perform exclusive sets from their homes.
Cyrus will debut his new single “Hillbilly Ray,” along with an accompanying music video, as part of his 4/20 set. The track is an update on the 1970s theme song of The Beverly Hillbillies.
“Be a Bogart. If you care, don’t share. Don’t pass your joint or pipe around, it’s just not safe to do right now. Let’s all take a breather, chill out on 4/20 and jam to some new music. We’re gonna have a good time,” Cyrus shared.
The free Weedmaps’ Higher Together: Sessions From Home event can be viewed at weedmaps.com/420 beginning at 12 p.m. (PST) / 3 p.m. (EST) on Monday, April 20.
Weekly Register: Sam Hunt’s ‘Southside’ Debuts At No. 1
/by Jessica NicholsonSam Hunt‘s long-awaited sophomore album, Southside, debuts at No. 1 on the Billboard country albums chart, according to Nielsen Soundscan. Southside, released on MCA Nashville, moved 46K in total consumption, marking Hunt’s second No. 1 debut on the country albums chart and his second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart.
Luke Combs‘ What You See Is What You Get shifts down to No. 2 this week (22.5K) followed by Combs’ debut album from 2016, This One’s For You at No. 3 (19K). Morgan Wallen‘s If I Know Me is at No. 4 (17K), followed by Ashley McBryde‘s sophomore album Never Will, which rounds out the Top 5 with 12K in its debut week.
The late John Prine‘s 1999 album In Spite of Ourselves re-enters the country albums chart this week at No. 55.
On the Country On-Demand Streaming Songs chart, Gabby Barrett‘s “I Hope” retains the No. 1 position for a second week, with 8.4 million streams.
Diplo & Julia Michaels with Morgan Wallen’s “Heartless” is at No. 2 with 7.5 million steams. Sam Hunt’s “Hard To Forget” is at No. 3 this week, with 6.9 million streams. Maren Morris‘ “The Bones” is at No. 4 with 6.9 million streams. Old Dominion‘s “One Man Band” rounds out the Top 5 with 6.5 million streams this week.
This week’s top debut on the Country On-Demand Streaming Songs chart also comes from Hunt’s new album, with the track “2016.”
ACM Lifting Lives Encourages Continued Support For COVID-19 Response Fund
/by Lorie HollabaughThe ACM Lifting Lives COVID-19 Response Fund has already raised over $1 million dollars to help individuals in the country music community who are experiencing financial hardship due to the pandemic, and as of April 10, ACM Lifting Lives has already granted $970,000 of the fund, which was only launched last week, giving an average of $138,000 per day.
The fund is helping to alleviate the burden that many behind-the-scenes professionals such as touring personnel and musicians, songwriters and developing artists are facing as the industry has been hit hard with canceled tours, shows, job losses and reduced work opportunities, venue closures, and corporate furloughs. ACM Lifting Lives is currently getting back to people with approvals and checks mailed out within a matter of days.
To continue providing critical support to the country music community, the ACM is asking for help to raise awareness and additional funds for the COVID-19 Response Fund and as a sign of their commitment to the cause, ACM Lifting Lives will match up to an additional $250,000 of incoming gifts. ACM and ACM Lifting Lives will recognize those gifts on its website, its social platforms, and via e-mail communication to members and fans. For more information or to make a contribution visit ACMLiftingLives.org.
Brett Young Earns Sixth Consecutive Chart-Topper With "Catch"
/by Lorie HollabaughBrett Young has achieved his sixth consecutive No. 1 song with his latest single, “Catch.” The track, which he co-wrote with Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman, landed at the top spot on both the Mediabase/Country Airplay and Billboard country charts.
The song has also received Gold RIAA certifications in the U.S. and Canada, and has over 141 million streams worldwide. Young’s previous No. 1 hits include “In Case You Didn’t Know” (5X Platinum), “Mercy” (2X Platinum), “Sleep Without You” (Platinum), “Like I Loved You” (Platinum), and “Here Tonight” (Platinum).
“I can’t believe we are celebrating another No. 1 with ‘Catch,’” Young shared. “I’m overwhelmed by the continued support I’ve received from my fans and country radio. These always feel good, but in our current situation this one feels extra special to celebrate with my family. Thank y’all SO MUCH!”
Young’s duet with
Ashley McBryde Joins #SingforStJude
/by Jessica NicholsonAshley McBryde and St. Jude patient Alexander
Ashley McBryde is joining the many artists teaming up for #SingforStJude to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. On Monday (April 13) at 2:30 p.m. CT, the reigning ACM New Female Artist and CMA New Artist of the Year McBryde will join in for a live performance on her Facebook page, which will be simulcast from St. Jude’s official account as well.
The Warner Music Nashville artist recently released her sophomore full-length album, Never Will.
Sturgill Simpson Tests Positive For COVID-19
/by Lorie HollabaughSturgill Simpson. Photo: Courtesy: Full Coverage Communications
Sturgill Simpson has tested positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus, he has reported in an instagram post.
According to Simpson’s post on April 12, following a Western European tour in late January/early February and days after a South Carolina date in mid-March, Simpson ended up in a Nashville emergency room with chest pains and a fever, but was told he did not meet criteria for the COVID-19 test at that time. He and his wife drove to a drive-thru test center a few weeks later and received the results a few days ago. His wife tested negative for the virus.
He is currently in quarantine at his dojo, and his tour is tentatively slated to resume later this month.
Tennessee’s COVID-19 Deaths Top 100
/by Jessica NicholsonDavidson County has the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in Tennessee, with 1,178 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and has the third-highest number of deaths in the state, with 13 deaths, according to data from the Tennessee Department of Health. Shelby County leads the state in the number of cases with 1,215, while Sumner County has had the greatest number of deaths, with 22.
Approximately 71,000 tests have been processed and reported by the state. The average age of Tennesseans affected by COVID-19 is 45, while individuals aged 21-30 make up the age group with the largest percentage of cases in the state, with 21% of all cases in the state (1,112 active cases).
1,504 individuals across the state have recovered from COVID-19, which the Tennessee Department of Health defines as persons defined to be asymptomatic and have completed the required isolation period and who are at least 21 days beyond the first test confirming their illness.