Zach Williams
CCM artist Zach Williams will launch the second leg of his headlining The Rescue Story tour on March 5, 2020. The tour will feature openers We The Kingdom and Cain.
The Fall 2019 leg of the tour, which featured Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin, brought his show to 26,000 fans in 20 U.S. markets, and included sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Williams’ hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The Grammy-winning artist has earned three Gold-certified singles from the RIAA, including “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” and “Fear Is A Liar.” Last week, Williams performed alongside Dolly Parton for a performance of “There Was Jesus,” which is featured on Williams’ album Rescue Story, which released in October.
Tickets for the 2020 The Rescue Story Tour dates go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. CT.
The Rescue Story 2020 Tour Dates:
3/5 Clearwater, FL – Countryside Christian Center
3/6 Lakeland, FL – Victory Church
3/7 Oviedo, FL – Crosslife Church
3/8 Sarasota, FL – Robarts Arena
3/12 Amarillo, TX – The Church At Quail Creek
3/13 Dallas, TX- Cross City First – Euless Campus
3/15 San Antonio, Tx – Oak Hills Church
3/19 Columbus, Oh – Genoa Church
3/20 Green Bay, Wi – Celebration Church
3/21 Milwaukee, Wi – Wisconsin Lutheran College
3/22 Ft. Wayne, In – Grand Wayne Convention Center
3/26 Madison, Ms – First Baptist Church Madison
3/27 Woodstock, Ga – First Baptist Church Of Woodstock
3/28 Johnson City, Tn – Grace Fellowship
4/2 Aiken, Sc – Millbrook Baptist Church
4/3 Durham, Nc – Catch The Fire Church
4/4 Greenville, Sc – Taylors First Baptist Church
4/16 Denver, Co – Foundations Church
4/17 Albuquerque, Nm – Hoffmantown Church
4/19 San Diego, Ca – Calvary Chapel Oceanside
4/23 San Bernardino, Ca – Immanuel Baptist Church
4/24 Visalia, Ca – Visalia First Assembly Of God
4/25 Modesto, Ca – Calvary Chapel Modesto
4/26 San Francisco, Ca – Cornerstone Church – Riordan Campus
4/28 Sacramento, Ca – Arcade Church
4/30 Portland, Or – East Hill Church
5/4 Billings, Mt – Faith E Church
5/5 Casper, Wy – Highland Park Community Church
5/7 St. Peters, Mo – Church On The Rock
Third Annual “Heal The Music Day” Raises Over $400,000
/by Lorie HollabaughDierks Bentley, Reba McEntire, Lauren Alaina, Gary Allan, Luke Bryan, Rodney Crowell and dozens more songwriters, musicians, performers, artist managers, publishers, business managers, record labels, and trade organizations pledged their support for their fellow musicians and peers in the industry in times of medical crisis during the annual fund drive.
Every dollar donated equals $30 in life-saving healthcare resources. Music Health Alliance’s free services range from access to doctors and hospitals, medicine, health insurance and finding financial assistance during times of illness. Support from “Heal The Music Day” helps to fund Music Health Alliance’s free programs and services in addition to The Ben Eyestone Fund, which assists un-insured or under-insured music industry professionals in Davidson and surrounding counties within Middle Tennessee receive life-saving diagnostics and treatment.
Contributions can still be made to Music Health Alliance and “Heal The Music Day” at MusicHealthAlliance.com/
Zach Williams To Continue The Rescue Story Tour In March
/by Jessica NicholsonZach Williams
CCM artist Zach Williams will launch the second leg of his headlining The Rescue Story tour on March 5, 2020. The tour will feature openers We The Kingdom and Cain.
The Fall 2019 leg of the tour, which featured Bethel Music’s Josh Baldwin, brought his show to 26,000 fans in 20 U.S. markets, and included sold-out shows at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium and Williams’ hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The Grammy-winning artist has earned three Gold-certified singles from the RIAA, including “Chain Breaker,” “Old Church Choir,” and “Fear Is A Liar.” Last week, Williams performed alongside Dolly Parton for a performance of “There Was Jesus,” which is featured on Williams’ album Rescue Story, which released in October.
Tickets for the 2020 The Rescue Story Tour dates go on sale Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. CT.
The Rescue Story 2020 Tour Dates:
3/5 Clearwater, FL – Countryside Christian Center
3/6 Lakeland, FL – Victory Church
3/7 Oviedo, FL – Crosslife Church
3/8 Sarasota, FL – Robarts Arena
3/12 Amarillo, TX – The Church At Quail Creek
3/13 Dallas, TX- Cross City First – Euless Campus
3/15 San Antonio, Tx – Oak Hills Church
3/19 Columbus, Oh – Genoa Church
3/20 Green Bay, Wi – Celebration Church
3/21 Milwaukee, Wi – Wisconsin Lutheran College
3/22 Ft. Wayne, In – Grand Wayne Convention Center
3/26 Madison, Ms – First Baptist Church Madison
3/27 Woodstock, Ga – First Baptist Church Of Woodstock
3/28 Johnson City, Tn – Grace Fellowship
4/2 Aiken, Sc – Millbrook Baptist Church
4/3 Durham, Nc – Catch The Fire Church
4/4 Greenville, Sc – Taylors First Baptist Church
4/16 Denver, Co – Foundations Church
4/17 Albuquerque, Nm – Hoffmantown Church
4/19 San Diego, Ca – Calvary Chapel Oceanside
4/23 San Bernardino, Ca – Immanuel Baptist Church
4/24 Visalia, Ca – Visalia First Assembly Of God
4/25 Modesto, Ca – Calvary Chapel Modesto
4/26 San Francisco, Ca – Cornerstone Church – Riordan Campus
4/28 Sacramento, Ca – Arcade Church
4/30 Portland, Or – East Hill Church
5/4 Billings, Mt – Faith E Church
5/5 Casper, Wy – Highland Park Community Church
5/7 St. Peters, Mo – Church On The Rock
Industry Ink: Music For Kids, Stephanie Quayle, Rumble On The Row, WME
/by Lorie Hollabaugh650 WSM Hosts Second Annual Music For Kids Event
Photo Credit: Haley Hall
650 AM WSM hosted its second annual “Music for Kids” event on Saturday, Nov. 2, at Studio A in the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The event provided day-long family fun packed with activities designed to make music accessible and fun for youth from all over Middle Tennessee. It offered children ages 5-16 free, age-appropriate music lessons from local professionals and opportunities to engage, learn, and get inspired. Over the course of the day, the station donated over 1000 lessons to young musicians with an overall value of $25,000. Over 300 children and teens were on hand for the free event.
Stephanie Quayle Named Brand Ambassador For Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops
Photo Credit: John Shearer
Stephanie Quayle is partnering with Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s as an ambassador for the outdoor brands. As an ambassador, Quayle will showcase products, create original content and perform at outdoor and conservation-related events. Quayle, who kicked off the partnership last month with a performance at the outdoor retailers’ Flocktoberfest event in Memphis, also filmed the music video for her latest single “Whatcha Drinkin’ ‘Bout” at Big Cypress Lodge inside Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid. The clip, which will premiere Nov. 20, also features an exclusive making-of-the-video sneak peek available now on Bass Pro Shops social channels.
Rumble On The Row Bouts Announced
The action-
WME Clients Party Post-CMAs
WME clients Morgan Wallen, Ingrid Andress and Cole Swindell attend the agency’s CMA Awards Party after the show on Nov. 13.
Anthem Entertainment Names Noah Dewey As Sr. Director, Creative [Exclusive]
/by Jessica NicholsonNoah Dewey
Anthem Entertainment has named Noah Dewey as Senior Director of Creative. Noah will report directly to Tim Wipperman, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville, and work with Anthem’s key songwriters and catalogs in growing their creative activities in Nashville. Prior to Anthem, Noah was the Sr. Creative Director at BMG.
“Noah is the perfect addition to our creative staff. He’ll work alongside our creative head, Tim Hunze, and brings a tremendously valuable skill set to service our writers,” commented Wipperman. “His deep relationships with artists, producers, and record company people are exactly what we want, to become a great home for our writers.”
Industry veteran Noah Dewey grew up on Music Row in Nashville – after elementary school every day, he would head directly to the Tree Publishing Company (SONY/ATV) studio, where his mother worked. Noah got his first official start in the industry as an assistant engineer/ Studio Manager at Warner Brothers Records recording studio “The Loft”. He then worked for Barbara Orbison at Still Working Music before moving to Los Angeles to work with Disney Music Publishing. While at Disney, Noah was instrumental in promoting his writers by casting their songs for High School Musical and The Cheetah Girls. Longing to get back to Nashville and the songwriting community he loved, Noah returned and signed songwriter Matt Ramsey (Old Dominion) to a publishing deal at his new company, Sonic Ark. After three years of work, the relationship paid off with five #1 singles, including cuts from artists such as Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Steve Holy, Craig Morgan, Scotty McCreery and Old Dominion. Noah then joined Magic Mustang Publishing, a division of Broken Bow Records, as Senior Creative Director. While there he helped develop hit writers and cast songs for major artists on the label. When BMG bought Broken Bow Records/Magic Mustang Publishing, Noah was the only one retained from Magic Mustang. In his tenure at Magic Mustang/BMG he garnered over 40 cuts and two #1 singles for the company, while developing and directing the careers of his writers.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs’ New Album Sets Record With No. 1 All-Genre Debut
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs. Photo: (c) 2019 David Bergman for Sony Records Nashville
Luke Combs debuts at No. 1 on the all-genre album chart, as well as the country albums chart, as his latest album What You See Is What You Get (River House/Columbia Nashville) moves 172K in total consumption in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
Those numbers mark Combs’ first time debuting atop the all-genre albums chart, and the largest streaming week in history for a country album. This marks quite a week for Combs, who earned his first Country Music Association trophy for Male Vocalist of the Year during Wednesday evening’s ceremony.
Combs’ debut album, This One’s For You, is at No. 2 this week on the country albums chart with 21K. Miranda Lambert‘s Wildcard drops from No. 1 last week to No. 3, with 17K. Old Dominion‘s self-titled project is at No. 4 with 15K, as Dan+Shay‘s self-titled album moves 12K this week.
On the On-Demand Country Streaming Songs rankings, Dan+Shay’s collaboration with Justin Bieber, “10,000 Hours,” continues at No. 1 with 12 million streams this week. Combs’ “Even Though I’m Leaving” has 8.4 million streams this week, to land at No. 2. Old Dominion’s “One Man Band” has 7.2 million streams, landing at No. 3. Combs also has the No. 4 and No. 5 spots, with “Beer Never Broke My Heart” (7 million) and “Better Together” (6.6 million), respectively.
Black River Entertainment Signs MaRynn Taylor
/by Jessica NicholsonBlack River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, MaRynn Taylor, and Bill Cody
Black River Entertainment’s President & CEO Gordon Kerr recently announced the signing of MaRynn Taylor to Black River’s publishing and artist roster.
On Wednesday (Nov. 13) Black River signed the Rockford, Michigan native as their newest and youngest recording artist and songwriter during a live broadcast interview and performance on the legendary 650 AM WSM radio’s Coffee, Country and Cody.
“I’m always honored to be in the presence of the legendary Hall of Fame radio host, Bill Cody,” said Kerr. “650 AM WSM continues to play an integral part in the history of country music. I couldn’t think of a better way to begin MaRynn’s journey than to share this experience with Bill, Charlie, and the Coffee, Country and Cody audience.”
“There I was in my first radio interview, feeling nervous yet humbled to know that Bill Cody would have me on the show,” MaRynn recalls. “The next thing I knew, I’m in the middle of a great conversation with him, live on the air, and he said something like, ‘What if I told you, you were going to get your record deal right now?’ Of course, I started to cry when Gordon handed me the contract.”
Bill Cody and Charlie Mattos met Taylor for the first time the morning of the interview in the 650 AM WSM studios at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
“MaRynn’s sweet, endearing shyness and soft-spoken nature belies the God-given gift that becomes immediately apparent when she opens her mouth to sing!” said Cody. “18 years old and only in Nashville for a few months, she effortlessly and naturally sings with the comfort and ease of a seasoned studio and stage performer. I was truly honored to be asked to share in her very emotional surprise BRE record deal signing. She’s destined for much greater things! I look forward with anticipation and excitement to see her stardom realized in the years ahead.”
Earlier this summer during CMA Fest, Black River held its first-ever 60-Second Spotlight, a performance opportunity for aspiring musicians, songwriters and music lovers to perform for 60 seconds in front of Black River’s executive staff. At the end of the first day, MaRynn Taylor and her mom made their way to the booth just as it had closed. Only a few days shy of 18, MaRynn visited with the staff of Black River for a few minutes and ultimately played a song for them on the guitar, while sitting on the stage. That initial conversation led to her label signing only five months later.
“I left my life in Michigan to chase my dream in Nashville and never would have thought that I’d find my Nashville family so perfectly in Black River,” shared Taylor.
TobyMac’s Hits Deep Tour To Go On As Scheduled
/by Lorie Hollabaugh“Recently we’ve received a fair amount of questions, and have noticed some social media chatter about Hits Deep next year. We want to be clear so that no fans are confused. Hits Deep 2020 is on as scheduled, and we can’t wait to join you for another year of your favorite artists delivering the songs that hit you deep!” said Awakening Events Director of Marketing Curtis Pinkerton.
The tour kicks off Jan. 30 in Beaumont, and will run through March 29 in New Orleans, visiting 32 cities including Charlotte, San Diego, Salt Lake City, Seattle, Pensacola, Little Rock, and more.
Kane Brown Breaks Top 10 On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by LB CantrellKane Brown is back in the Top 10 at No. 9 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week, up from No. 28. The songs that propel him are his own “For My Daughter,” “Homesick,” “Like A Rodeo,” and “One Thing Right.”
The top five remains the same this week, with Ashley Gorley at No. 1, Zach Crowell at No. 2, Laura Veltz at No. 3, Ross Copperman at No. 4 and Josh Osborne at No. 5.
The MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, published every week, uses algorithms based upon song activity garnered from airplay, digital downloaded track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the first songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
SMACKSongs Signs Publishing Deal With ‘Songland’ Finalist Jack Newsome
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): SMACKSongs’ Shane McAnally, Jack Newsome, Robin Palmer and Robert Carlton. Photo: Kaiser Cunningham
Jack Newsome, a finalist on NBC’s Songland, has signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Shane McAnally‘s SMACKSongs. McAnally is a producer and judge on the NBC series.
During his time on Songland, Los Angeles-based pop singer, songwriter and producer Newsome pitched an original song to Kelsea Ballerini, and co-wrote the winning song, “Hurt Me,” on another episode. “Hurt Me” was recorded by Meghan Trainor. Newsome has also penned songs for artists including PLATINUM, Matt Sato, Sean Kingston, and more.
“I’ve never met anyone as true to their word as Shane McAnally. When we met on Songland I immediately felt seen, heard and understood on every level. When I met the team at SMACK, it was the same thing. I felt an instant connection with everyone,” said Newsome. “I’ve never been more excited for the future. I hope this new music will blur some genre lines and last a really long time.”
“Jack lights up every room he walks into with his energy and his talent. He really makes you want to be your best because he is always his,” said McAnally. “It’s such a gift to get to write with him, even better to get to be a part of his journey to superstardom.”
Alabama Reschedules Nashville Concert, Adds Second Bridgestone Arena Show
/by Jessica NicholsonBand members Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen have recruited Charlie Daniels to join them at both events.
“We know fans will be thrilled that Alabama and the Charlie Daniels Band were able to add this second night at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena,” says Outback Presents company President Mike Smardak. “It’s an honor for Outback Presents to be the promoter of this magical weekend.”
In August, Alabama announced it would reschedule its 50th Anniversary Tour, due to lead singer Randy Owen’s complications with migraines and vertigo. At the time, the group released the following statement:
“The 50th Anniversary Tour has been very special to us. The support of the fans and their energy at all of our shows has led to some of the most fun we’ve ever had on stage. As disappointed as myself, Randy, and Jeff are to have to postpone this tour for all of our incredible fans, we know that Randy’s recovery is what is most important for everyone at this time. We would like to thank our fans, promoters, and venues and we look forward to seeing you all soon.”
Tickets for the newly-added Nashville concert on July 18 will go on sale this Friday, Nov. 22 at 10 a.m. CT and will be available for purchase via ticketmaster.com, by phone at 800-745-3000, all Ticketmaster locations and the Bridgestone Arena box office.
Alabama will announce all rescheduled 50th Anniversary Tour 2020 live concert dates in the coming weeks.