The House has voted to pass the $2 trillion stimulus package, the CARES Act, which would offer assistance to those who have lost jobs, as well as aid to businesses and industries that have been affected by income losses in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 novel coronavirus. The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for a final approval.
To date, COVID-19 has killed nearly 1,300 people in the United States. As many in the United States stay at home to help stem the spread of the virus, and as many states have banned large gatherings, restaurants and entertainment venues have been among the hardest-hit industries.
Yesterday, it was announced that more than 3 million people had filed for unemployment benefits in a single week, marking the largest number since the Department of Labor began tracking those numbers in 1967.
Key provisions in the stimulus package include: Individuals who earn $75,000 in adjusted gross income or less would get direct payments of $1,200 each, with married couples who earn up to $150,000 receiving $2,400. The act also gives $500 per each child in the household. Those provisions phase out at $99,000 for individuals and $198,000 for couples without children. The act also provides for an additional $600 weekly in unemployment benefits for four months. Small businesses, independent contractors and sole proprietors would be eligible for various grants and loans.
Many music industry organizations have already begun weighing in on the House vote.
“Now more than ever, it is our collective responsibility to protect our music creators. They have not only remained committed to their craft of making music during this unprecedented time but have also provided a sense of unity, connection and passion, which will only strengthen our nation in the days to come. To that end, today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic stimulus package and we’re grateful to all Members of Congress and their relentless efforts on getting this Bill passed. The “CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act),” is critical to recharge the economy while providing relief to so many American businesses and workers, and we’re thrilled that certain provisions will include relief for many music professionals who are independent contractors, small business owners or self-employed.” said SESAC’s John Josephson.
BMI’s Mike O’Neill said, “We are extremely pleased that the federal stimulus package will offer relief to America’s songwriters and composers, who are, in many cases, our nation’s ultimate small businesses. Thanks to the CARES Act, music creators who are independent contractors, sole proprietors or self-employed, will be eligible for small business loans, emergency grants, unemployment insurance, payroll tax deferrals and more, which will all help protect their livelihoods during this challenging time. We would like to thank Senator Blackburn, Representative Deutch, Representative Roby, Majority Leader Hoyer and the many music organizations involved in this effort, for their steadfast dedication to ensuring the needs of America’s music creators were addressed in this critical Act. We applaud Congress for swift action on this important legislation and look forward to President Trump signing so that this assistance can begin flowing to all those in the music industry, and beyond, who desperately need it.”
Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “The Recording Academy thanks the Congressional leaders who worked with the music community to craft a bill that allows the music to play on. In navigating this unprecedented crisis, all music industry professionals across the U.S., many of whom rely on multiple gigs for their livelihood, can be grateful that they are included in this extraordinary effort to help Americans. We will now turn our attention to helping music makers and others who make a living in our industry navigate the process of getting the financial assistance they need while anticipating the day when they can return to providing the soundtrack to our nation, which we’ll all need when this crisis is over.”
RIAA’s Mitch Glazier said, “We applaud Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Senate leaders and the Administration for their hard work to pass this legislation, which includes direct financial aid to Americans in need, including musicians who face unique circumstances during this national emergency. We are grateful that this bill contains access to expanded unemployment insurance and small business loans, both of which will ensure that hundreds of thousands of musicians’ families across the country can continue to pay their bills, put food on the table, and care for their children during this public health and economic crisis. We applaud the federal government in taking this step to care for the millions of people in our country who are in such desperate need.”
“We are reminded in difficult times like these how music unites us, and we are thankful that all sides have joined in solidarity to help everyone affected by this crisis, particularly our community of songwriters and composers who bring so much joy to the world. ASCAP will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that American music creators can weather this storm and continue sharing their incredible talents with the world.” said ASCAP President/Chairman Paul Williams.
“We are grateful that support is coming for millions of American songwriters and music creators whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by this crisis. In particular, music creators who are self-employed and those who own or work for small businesses will now receive emergency assistance, thanks to the music community rallying together to draw attention to their needs. As the entire music industry faces an uncertain future, ASCAP stands ready to do our part to help music creators endure these difficult times.” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.
Joe Diffie Tests Positive For Coronavirus
/by Jessica NicholsonCountry artist Joe Diffie, 61, has tested positive for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, he said via a statement.
“I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic,” Diffie said.
Diffie has released 13 albums and earned over 20 Top 10 hits during his career, including radio favorites “If The Devil Danced (In Empty Pockets),” “John Deere Green,” and “Third Rock From The Sun.” He recently released his first vinyl LP, titled Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie! (the title pays homage to Jason Aldean’s tribute track “1994”) and celebrated 25 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
The United States now leads the world in the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus, with more than 93,000 cases in the U.S. and more than 1,400 people in the U.S. have died from the virus.
CMA Pledges $100,000 To Music Health Alliance
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“The CMA called us the morning of the tornadoes and have been in constant contact throughout the unfolding of the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on our industry,” says Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder/Chief Executive Officer. “The CMA truly recognizes that we have all been tasked with finding solutions to face these challenges and navigate this uncharted territory. Music Health Alliance is immeasurably grateful for our CMA partnership because together we are stronger. The CMA’s support today ensures that our team of advocates can continue to provide direct, free services as well as immediate financial relief to the most vulnerable in our industry at this critical time.”
Founded by Tatum Allsep and based in Nashville, MHA has provided free healthcare advocacy and support to more than 11,000 music industry members in the non-profit’s first seven years by providing access to lifesaving transplants, medicine, mental health resources, end of life care and many other necessary services.
“Music Health Alliance’s critical work and advocacy is essential to supporting those within our entire music industry,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “While we planned this pledge well before the current COVID-19 pandemic, today it is even more important that we aid MHA and all that they do. In Middle Tennessee, our community is still recovering from the devastating tornadoes that ripped through the region just three weeks ago. From lifesaving medical services and mental health assistance to offering resources and advice to those who have recently lost or do not have healthcare coverage, the support MHA provides is enormous and I personally thank Tatum and her devoted team for their crucial work.”
BREAKING: House Approves Coronavirus Stimulus Package
/by Jessica NicholsonThe House has voted to pass the $2 trillion stimulus package, the CARES Act, which would offer assistance to those who have lost jobs, as well as aid to businesses and industries that have been affected by income losses in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 novel coronavirus. The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act) now heads to President Donald Trump’s desk for a final approval.
To date, COVID-19 has killed nearly 1,300 people in the United States. As many in the United States stay at home to help stem the spread of the virus, and as many states have banned large gatherings, restaurants and entertainment venues have been among the hardest-hit industries.
Yesterday, it was announced that more than 3 million people had filed for unemployment benefits in a single week, marking the largest number since the Department of Labor began tracking those numbers in 1967.
Many music industry organizations have already begun weighing in on the House vote.
“Now more than ever, it is our collective responsibility to protect our music creators. They have not only remained committed to their craft of making music during this unprecedented time but have also provided a sense of unity, connection and passion, which will only strengthen our nation in the days to come. To that end, today the U.S. House of Representatives passed the historic stimulus package and we’re grateful to all Members of Congress and their relentless efforts on getting this Bill passed. The “CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act),” is critical to recharge the economy while providing relief to so many American businesses and workers, and we’re thrilled that certain provisions will include relief for many music professionals who are independent contractors, small business owners or self-employed.” said SESAC’s John Josephson.
BMI’s Mike O’Neill said, “We are extremely pleased that the federal stimulus package will offer relief to America’s songwriters and composers, who are, in many cases, our nation’s ultimate small businesses. Thanks to the CARES Act, music creators who are independent contractors, sole proprietors or self-employed, will be eligible for small business loans, emergency grants, unemployment insurance, payroll tax deferrals and more, which will all help protect their livelihoods during this challenging time. We would like to thank Senator Blackburn, Representative Deutch, Representative Roby, Majority Leader Hoyer and the many music organizations involved in this effort, for their steadfast dedication to ensuring the needs of America’s music creators were addressed in this critical Act. We applaud Congress for swift action on this important legislation and look forward to President Trump signing so that this assistance can begin flowing to all those in the music industry, and beyond, who desperately need it.”
Recording Academy Interim CEO Harvey Mason Jr. said, “The Recording Academy thanks the Congressional leaders who worked with the music community to craft a bill that allows the music to play on. In navigating this unprecedented crisis, all music industry professionals across the U.S., many of whom rely on multiple gigs for their livelihood, can be grateful that they are included in this extraordinary effort to help Americans. We will now turn our attention to helping music makers and others who make a living in our industry navigate the process of getting the financial assistance they need while anticipating the day when they can return to providing the soundtrack to our nation, which we’ll all need when this crisis is over.”
RIAA’s Mitch Glazier said, “We applaud Speaker Pelosi, Leader McCarthy, Senate leaders and the Administration for their hard work to pass this legislation, which includes direct financial aid to Americans in need, including musicians who face unique circumstances during this national emergency. We are grateful that this bill contains access to expanded unemployment insurance and small business loans, both of which will ensure that hundreds of thousands of musicians’ families across the country can continue to pay their bills, put food on the table, and care for their children during this public health and economic crisis. We applaud the federal government in taking this step to care for the millions of people in our country who are in such desperate need.”
“We are reminded in difficult times like these how music unites us, and we are thankful that all sides have joined in solidarity to help everyone affected by this crisis, particularly our community of songwriters and composers who bring so much joy to the world. ASCAP will continue to do everything in our power to ensure that American music creators can weather this storm and continue sharing their incredible talents with the world.” said ASCAP President/Chairman Paul Williams.
“We are grateful that support is coming for millions of American songwriters and music creators whose lives and livelihoods have been upended by this crisis. In particular, music creators who are self-employed and those who own or work for small businesses will now receive emergency assistance, thanks to the music community rallying together to draw attention to their needs. As the entire music industry faces an uncertain future, ASCAP stands ready to do our part to help music creators endure these difficult times.” said ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews.
Craig Morgan To Preview New Album ‘God, Family, Country’ Today On Facebook Live
/by Lorie HollabaughCraig Morgan pays tribute to his past and his future on his upcoming latest album, God, Family, Country, set for release May 22 on Broken Bow. The album includes five new tracks and remastered versions of some songs recorded over the past six years along with his faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.”
Starting today, fans can immediately receive two songs from God, Family, Country, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost” and “Going Out Like This,” when they pre-order the record on all major platforms. And today at 4 p.m. CT Morgan hosts a Facebook Live performance and Q&A from The Gallery at Morgan Farms in Dickson, TN, where he’ll share songs and stories from his upcoming project.
Among the songs on the new album is Morgan’s take on Gavin DeGraw’s smash, “Soldier,” and he teamed up with active duty Army Airborne Rangers Justin Wright and Andrew Yacovone to offer up the summery “Sippin’ On The Simple Life.”
“This album is based on everything that’s happened in my life and my career,” Craig says. “I feel like I have some of the most quality songs I’ve ever recorded, and there is a new energy here. After all I’ve been through, I’m at one of the most inspired places I’ve ever been.”
In addition to new music, Morgan premiered his new docu-series, Craig’s World, on Circle Network earlier this month, with new episodes airing every Thursday at 8 p.m./7 p.m. central.
God, Family, Country Track List:
Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, Chris Janson Lead Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonPhoto by Nate Shuppert
Charlie Daniels‘ annual Volunteer Jam will return Sept. 15 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, headlined by The Charlie Daniels Band.
This year’s lineup will include Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, The Marshall Tucker Band, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, Delbert McClinton, Keb’ Mo’, The Outlaws, Jenny Tolman, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Devon Allman & Duane Betts, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Scooter Brown Band, The SteelDrivers, Rhett Akins, Pure Prairie League and comedian Dusty Slay.
“With so many kinds of music and so many artists from different fields and different eras, this is shaping up to be the most unique Jam yet,” says Daniels. “We’ve been adding acts at a dizzying pace, and we ain’t even near bout done. Just the end of the Jam will feature enough top-line guitar pickers to shake the walls. Gonna make some special memories with this one.”
This year, in appreciation of the work being done by emergency relief workers in recent weeks as Nashville continues to recover from tornadoes that damaged parts of Middle Tennessee earlier this month, as well as workers helping in the fight against COVID-19 novel coronavirus, the Charlie Daniels Band and the event’s organizers are donating 500 concert tickets to volunteers who have helped in recent relief efforts across Middle Tennessee. The tickets will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
“My career with Charlie Daniels has spanned over 46 years, and I have been blessed to have been a part of every Volunteer Jam since its inception in 1974,” notes Daniels’ manager David Corlew. “This concert will offer musical diversity at its finest. As we continue to face the devastation of tornadoes, flooding, and COVID-19, we will honor our citizens of the great Volunteer State. We will be offering a limited amount of free tickets for those who have served during what is the worst series of tragic events in our state’s and nation’s history. The ‘Volunteer Spirit’ will truly shine on September 15.”
The 2020 Volunteer Jam is produced by Outback Presents in association with David Corlew and Associates and Conway Entertainment Group. Tickets are on sale now via Ticketmaster.com and the Bridgestone Arena box office. Emergency relief volunteers may contact taylor.freeman@outbackpresents.com for ticket requests.
Kip Moore’s Latest Project ‘Wild World’ Set For May
/by Lorie HollabaughKip Moore announced today that his fourth album Wild World will be released on May 29 and is available for pre-order now. Fans can also tune in to a special livestream on Moore’s Facebook and Instagram
Moore co-wrote all but one of the 13 songs on the new collection and even self-produced the set with help from David Garcia, Luke Dick and Blair Daly on respective tracks. In the title track he calls upon and recalls advice his mother and father imparted on him as a boy about keeping things simple and putting your happiness not in things but in the people around you.
“We wanted this project to be more in-your-face,” Moore explained. “More earthy, more analog. “I know it’s an unsettling time for a lot of people right now, and so my hope is that this music can bring even just one person some peace,” shared Moore. “I try to make music that reaches people in a pure sense – something that’s light and easy to carry with you, but 1000 pounds of weight at the same time, and I think Wild World is just a depiction of what I see. Life is one crazy, wild ride. But it can be so simple if we look for the right things, and I think that is more important than ever right now.”
WILD WORLD Official Track List:
1. “Janie Blu” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
2. “Southpaw” (Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
3. “Fire And Flame” (Cary Barlowe, Brett James, Kip Moore, Will Weatherly)
4. “Wild World” (Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
5. “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” (Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds)
6. “She’s Mine” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Scott Stepakoff)
7. “Hey Old Lover” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
8. “Grow On You” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
9. “More Than Enough” (David Garcia, Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
10. “Sweet Virginia” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Erich Wigdahl)
11. “South” (Adam Browder, Dan Couch, Manny Medina, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl)
12. “Crazy For You Tonight” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
13. “Payin’ Hard” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
Eagles Push Hotel California Tour 2020 Dates To September
/by Lorie HollabaughLegendary band Eagles, (Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit, with Deacon Frey and Vince Gill) have announced they are rescheduling their “Hotel California” concerts in Dallas, Denver, Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Francisco, and St. Paul due to COVID-19 concerns.
Tickets to the re-scheduled shows will be honored for the new dates. Each night’s concert will feature a “Hotel California” set, with an accompanying orchestra and choir, followed by an additional set of the band’s greatest hits. The shows are scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. each evening, with a brief intermission.
The new “Hotel California” 2020 Tour dates:
Fri, Sept. 18-Denver, CO-Pepsi Center
Sat, Sept. 19-Denver, CO-Pepsi Center
Fri, Sept. 25-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Sat, Sept. 26-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Tue, Sept. 29-Los Angeles, CA-Forum
Fri, Oct. 2-San Francisco, CA-Chase Center
Sat, Oct. 3-San Francisco, CA-Chase Center
Fri, Oct. 16-St. Paul, MN-Xcel Energy Center
Sat, Oct. 17-St. Paul, MN-Xcel Energy Center
Wed, Oct. 21-Dallas, TX-American Airlines Center
Sat, Oct. 24-Phoenix, AZ-Talking Stick Resort Arena
Sun, Oct. 25-Phoenix, AZ-Talking Stick Resort Arena
Weekly Radio Report (3/27/20)
/by Alex ParryClick here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Radio Report.
Kenny Chesney Releases Track List For ‘Here And Now’
/by Jessica NicholsonKenny Chesney has released the track list for his upcoming Warner Music Nashville album Here and Now, which will release on May 1.
“I’d say it’s weird, the way people hear songs, and say, ‘That’s me!’” he says, “except I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, ‘That’s me.’ When it started happening, I was honored… and as it went on, I started to realize how important music is in all of our lives. It’s a life raft, a coach cheering for you, a shoulder to cry on, a reason to take stock. When I’m listening to songs in the studio, actually putting a record together, I’m thinking about that. I’m thinking about Vibe Room conversations, people I meet moving around, the stories I’m told… the reasons people connect with the songs. I don’t take it lightly, even when the song is supposed to be fun.
“It’s funny how you cut a song because you believe in what it says, or think it captures what No Shoes Nation teaches me every day,” Chesney adds. “But then the world turns, and suddenly, it truly is right now. And when I looked at these songs, this dozen recorded over the last two or three years, they were Polaroids from the parking lots, back home, the islands, my friends’ lives. Every single one is someone I know, you know or may even be—and right now, our friends are absolutely the most precious thing we have.”
Here And Now Track Listing
We Do
Here And Now
Everyone She Knows
Wasted
Knowing You
Heartbreakers
Someone To Fix
Happy Does
Tip of My Tongue
You Don’t Get To
Beautiful World
Guys Named Captain
Nashville Studio Singer Community Presents "It Is Well With My Soul" With Virtual Cell Phone Choir
/by LB CantrellThirty-one of Nashville’s studio singers came together using their cell phones during Nashville’s ‘Safer at Home’ order to record and lift their collective voices to share a message of hope and encouragement with “It Is Well With My Soul.”
Presented by TenTwoSix Music Group, the recorded performance was produced and arranged by David Wise, and featured vocalists: Laura Cooksey, Shane McConnell, Debi Selby, Phil Nitz, Carlos Santiago, Shelley Jennings, Shelly Justice, David Wise, Melodie Kirkpatrick, Rod Fletcher, Alyssa Oliver Cone, Kirk Kirkland, Armand Hutton, Jason Barton, Janice Gaines, Terry White, Kala Balch, Terrell Hunt, Jason Eskridge, Nickie Conley, Lici Brown, Jenn Crider, Kylie Phillips, Jennifer Holm, Katie Peslis, Jaimee Paul, Julianne Kirkland, Zach Fisher, Raleigh delos Reyes, Chris Chavez, and Chris Barker.
The recording was mixed by Garth Justice and mastered by Mike Haynes; while the video was edited by Carlos Santiago.