Pictured (L-R): CMHOF’s Kyle Young, Barbara Musgraves, Kacey Musgraves, Darrell Gene, Jason Owen and Samantha Borenstein attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
A fabulous artist deserves a fabulous museum exhibit and a fabulous party in her honor at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Multiple Grammy honoree Kacey Musgraves was in the spotlight on Monday (July 1) at the Hall. She is the subject of an extensive overview of her young career titled “Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors.”
“There’s a lot to be celebrated and a lot to be remembered,” Kacey said, with tears brimming in her eyes. Seeing her life’s mementos in the hallowed Hall moved her immensely.
We began the eve with a cocktail supper. Guests schmoozed and noshed on delish mini spring rolls, mushroom caps stuffed with herbed cream cheese, roast beef sandwiches, pork dumplings, roasted veggies and more. Then the program began.
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves speaks onstage for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
“I’m pleased and proud to welcome you to the opening of our new exhibit,” said HoF CEO Kyle Young. “Artistry doesn’t recognize format,” he added, referring to Kacey’s genre-leaping music. “And yet, each of the plaques in the Hall of Fame represents artistry and not replication…..which bring us to Kacey Musgraves.”
“This is crazy, this is absolutely insane,” responded Kacey. “I admit that when the Country Music Hall of Fame approached me about this, I went, ‘Whatever….’ But I feel unworthy. They assured me that it was the right moment [for this].
“I’m very proud of my story and where I am right now…..To see everything laid out is a really healthy and beautiful thing for me. There are a lot of really happy memories that I am really happy to share.”
Normally the picture of cool, calm and collected, Kacey became verklempt several times during her remarks. She then shared with us the story that the one artifact the museum turned down was a joint she’d saved that Willie Nelson had given her.
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves speaks onstage for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Kacey was quick to credit her family for much of what was on exhibit. Seated at a stage-front table were her grandmother, whom Kacey said was her first booking agent; her mom, who saved everything; and her grandfather, whose record collection was her inspiration.
She thanked the Hall of Fame’s staff, who were, “so patient with me with all the details.” Her thanks also extended to, “The Nashville community – I’ve learned so much from all of my friends, all of my songwriter friends. I love all of you here.”
That would include such A-Listers as star-to-be Mickey Guyton, plus Scott Borchetta, Royce Risser, Susan Stewart, Leslie Fram, Jason Owen, Joanna Carter, the Frist museum’s Susan Edwards, Jerry Douglas, Jon Freeman, Hunter Kelly, Bob Delevante, Seab Tuck, the Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, Lisa Sutton, Donna Hughes, Bill Denny, Barry Mazor, ace drummer Fred Eltringham, Karen Hayes of Parnassus Books, Ben Vaughn, Charlie Monk, Phil Ryan & Meredith Libby, Lori Ann Mauney of Servis 1st Bank, Jim Sherradin, Earle Simmons, Marion Williams and Nancy Kruh.
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
The exhibit is one of the museum’s most visually delightful in recent memory. While making her mark as a brilliant singer-songwriter, Kacey has also turned heads with her imaginative stage wear.
The long, sweeping, glass-cases promenade begins with childhood-performer memorabilia and carries Kacey’s career through the CDs Same Trailer, Different Park; Pageant Material and Golden Hour. All these changes are illustrated by brilliantly inventive costumes. Including, by the way, a “rhinestone cowgirl” jacket with flashing pin lights and light-up boots to match.
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Barbara Musgraves, Kacey Musgraves and Darrell Gene attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves views the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Merle Haggard, Buck Owens Spotlighted On ‘The Bakersfield Sound’ 10-CD Set
/by Jessica NicholsonBear Family Records will delve deep into the legacy of the Bakersfield Sound on a new 10-CD box set, The Bakersfield Sound, 1940-1974, out Aug. 9. The project, which includes 307 tracks, is a collection of deep cuts, radio hits, live recordings, demos, and previously unreleased studio recordings.
Among the tracks are previously unheard work tapes of a recently-paroled Merle Haggard recording demos backed by only his acoustic guitar. The set also includes a newly-discovered Haggard session for Tally Records and previously unheard live recordings from Red Simpson, Billy Mize, Bonnie Owens and Johnny Bond. The collection includes songwriting legend Harlan Howard‘s first recording for Bakersfield’s Tally Records, as well as Harlan’s then-wife Jan Howard‘s first known demo recording, and Barbara Mandrell‘s first solo recording on Mosrite Records.
The set is accompanied by a 220-page book featuring rare and unseen photos and in-depth liner notes by Grammy-nominated Bakersfield Sound historian (and Nashville native) Scott B. Bomar. Bomar also curated and produced the project.
The full track listing for the 10-CD project is below:
CD 1:
1. Lloyd Stalcup – The Cotton Picker’s Song
2. Homer Pierce – Darlin’ Baby
3. Jack Bryant – Sunny Cal
4. Mary Sullivan – Sunny California
5. Wayne ‘Gene’ Dinwiddle – Home In The Government Camp
6. King Family – Get Along Down To Town
7. Lloyd Reading – Home In San Antone
8. Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys – Opening Theme / Seven Come Eleven
9. Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys – Get Along Home Cindy
10. Elwin Cross and his Arizona Wranglers – Back In Dear Old Oklahoma
11. The Maddox Brothers and Rose – Okie Boogie
12. Bob Manning (vocal: Billy Gray) – Reading Your Letter With Tears In My Eyes
13. Leon Payne – Lost Highway
14. Tex Marshall & Bill Woods – Hittin’ The Trail
15. Leo ‘Tex’ Butler – When The Leaves Come Tumbling Down
16. Bill Woods / Cliff Crofford – Have I Got A Chance With You
17. The Maddox Brothers and Rose – Water Baby Blues (Boogie)
18. Terry Preston – (A Pretty Woman Is A) Deadly Weapon
19. Terry Preston – I Want You So
20. Herb Henson – Funny Book
21. Jimmy Thomason – Honey Baby
22. Jimmy Thomason – Your Love Was Like The Weater
23. Hillbilly Barton – You Made Me Love You
24. Ebb Pilling and his Ozark Squirrel Shooters – Ozark Polka
25. Bill Woods and his Orange Blossom Playboys with Hillbilly Barton – A Heart Break Ago
26. Fuzzy & Bonnie Owens – A Dear John Letter
27. Bill Woods & Rita Goodwin – Dear John
28. Billy Mize with Bill Woods and his Orange Blossom Playboys – Pusan
29. Ferlin Husky – Hank’s Song
30. Joe Maphis & Rose Lee – Dim Lights, Thick Smoke (And Loud, Loud Music)
CD 2:
1. Tommy Collins – You Better Not Do That
2. Dallas Frazier – Ain’t You Had No Bringin’ Up At All
3. Bud Hobbs – Louisiana Swing
4. Forest Lee & Clete Stewart – When I Hold You
5. Buck Owens – Down On The Corner Of Love
6. Dave Stogner with Al Brumley – Stepping Stones
7. Herb Henson & Joyce Yours – Out Of Line
8. Semie Moseley – When The Saints Go Marching In
9. Jean Shepard – Take Possession
10. The Farmer Boys – It Pays To Advertise
11. Wynn Stewart – Why Do I Love You So
12. Tommy Duncan – Crazy Mixed Up Kid
13. Johnny Taylor – Sad Sad Saturday Night
14. Wanda Jackson – I Gotta Know
15. Billy Mize – Who Will Buy The Wine
16. Al Coker with the Coker Family – Baby I Like Your Style
17. Louise Duncan – Wherever You Are
18. Sid Silver – Bumble Rumble
19. Andy Morris – I Need Her Love
20. Dusty Payne – I Want You
21. Fuzzy Owen – Your Every Thing (I Wish That She Could Be)
22. Bonnie Blue Bell – I Never Thought
23. Jan Howard – What Time Tomorrow
24. George Rich – Drivin’ Away My Blues
25. Bill Woods – Ask Me No Questions
26. Fuzzy Owen – Beware Of A Stranger
27. Skeets McDonald – Keep Her Off Your Mind
28. Dave Stogner – Yes Sir
29. Harlan Howard – Fun On The Freeway
30. Cliff Crofford – A Night For Love
31. The Farmer Boys – Someone To Love
32. Buck Owens – Come Back To Me
CD 3:
1. Reuben Chapman with Coy Baker & His Band – I’m Sorry Too
2. Don Thompson with Coy Baker & His Band – Empty Days And Lonely Nights
3. Phil Brown – You’re A Luxury
4. unknown – Steady Lovin’
5. Johnny Bond – I Like That Kind
6. Henry Sharp – Crazy Moon
7. Gene Martin with the Desert Stars – Pair Of Empty Arms
8. Herb Henson – You’al Come
9. Lewis Talley – Letters Have No Arms
10. Buck Owens – Second Fiddle
11. Billy and Cliff – When
12. Billy Mize – You Can’t Take Your Love Outta This Boy
13. Billy Kaundart – I Removed Your Ring
14. Larry Bryant – Keep Right On Tryin
15. Buck Owens – Tired Of Livin’
16. Joe Hall – Cold Hearted Woman
17. Owen Charles – Stage Coach
18. Rip Goodman and Marcia – If I Could Only Tell You
19. George Latta – Our Hearts
20. Buck Owens – Til These Dreams Come True
21. Billy and Cliff – Living Up To My Name
22. Don Markham & The Marksmen – Goose, Pt. 1
23. Bonnie Owens – Just For The Children’s Sake
24. Wally Lewis – My Baby Walks All Over Me
25. Wynn Stewart – Playboy
26. Al Brumley – Someone’s Gonna Get Hurt
27. Jackie Kelley – Door Of Temptation
28. Jelly Sanders – Fiddlin’ Country Style
29. Buck Owens & Rose Maddox – Loose Talk
30. Jimmy Patton – What Will I Do (With All These Memories)
31. Tommy Dee – Loving You (On Someone Elses’ Time)
32. Custer Bottoms & Jack and Jerry – Why Tell Me
CD 4:
1. Buck Owens – King Of Fools
2. The Marksmen – Scratch
3. Jerry Cornelius and the Golden Eagles – It’s My Turn To Cry
4. Wayne Morris – I Can’t Stop Lovin’
5. Wayne Morris – I Pretend
6. Bill Woods – Truck Drivin’ Man
7. Billy Bledsoe – My Last Night In Town
8. Leon Hart – New Home Sweet Home
9. Kenny Hays – Crossing My Fingers
10. Kenny Hays – Foolish Notions
11. Georgia Lynn – On Your Wedding Day
12. Tommy Lewis – Go Where You Wanta Go
13. Vancie Flowers – Private Party
14. Buck Owens – There’s Gonna Come A Day
15. Anita Cross – Why Should I Cry Again
16. Bonnie Owens – Waggin’ Tongues
17. Rollie Weber – Painting The Town
18. Johnny Barnett – Too Old To Hurt
19. Merle Haggard – Skid Row
20. Bill Meyers – Good-Bye Mr. Blues
21. Buck Owens – If You Ain’t Lovin’ You Ain’t Livin’
22. Bill Bledsoe – Tell Me Why
23. Bob Morris – Put Your Arms Around Him
24. Roy Nichols – Silver Bells
25. Buck Owens – Act Naturally (live)
26. Merle Haggard – Life In Prison
27. Bobby Durham – My Past Is Present
28. Bobby Durham – Queen Of Snob Hill
29. Vancie and Rita – Tears In My Beer
30. Rose Stassi – Out Of My Mind
CD 5:
1. Buck Owens – Close Up The Honky Tonks
2. Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens – Slowly But Surely
3. Bob Hortter – Working Overtime
4. Jim Witlock – S.O.S.
5. Buck Owens – Fallin’ For You
6. Merle Haggard – If I Had Left It Up To You
7. Merle Haggard – I’m Gonna Break Every Heart I Can (Tally)
8. Merle Haggard – I’m Gonna Break Every Heart I Can (Capitol)
9. Tommy Duncan – I Wish I Hadn’t Called You
10. Jim Ward – Red Wine
11. Lewis Talley – More Wine, More Women, More Song
12. Merle Haggard & Bonnie Owens – I’ll Take A Chance
13. Don Rich & The Buckaroos – I’m Layin’ It On The Line
14. Buck Owens – There Never Was A Fool
15. Doyle Holly & The Buckaroos – After You Leave Me
16. Dee Mize (aka Buddy Mize) – Just Leave My World Alone
17. Billy Mize – Walking My Fool
18. Liz Anderson – (My Friends Are Gonna Be) Strangers
19. Tommy Collins – If You Can’t Bite Don’t Growl
20. Jeanie O’Neal – Alcohol And Tears
21. Bobby Durham – Home Is Where I Hang My Head
22. Red Simpson – Jeannie With The Light Brown Cadillac
23. Merle Haggard – Swinging Doors (alternate take)
24. Kay Adams – Roll Out The Red Carpet
25. Dick Curless & Kay Adams – Old Standby
26. Buck Owens – House Of Memories
27. Buck Owens – Tiger By the Tail (live at Carnegie Hall)
28. Vicki Lester – Fool Me Again
29. Ray Salter – The Bad Guy Gets The Girl
30. Billy Mize – Pappy Was A Clever Man
31. Jeanie O’Neal – Correspondence Course In Love
CD 6:
1. Bobby Austin – Apartment #9
2. Buck Owens – Open Up Your Heart
3. Dick Curless – A Good Job Huntin’ And Fishin’
4. Gary Paxton – Goin’ Thru The Motions
5. Red Simpson – I’m Actin’ Like My Old Self Again
6. Kay Adams – Little Pink Mack
7. Doyle Holly – The Dumb Thing
8. Merle Haggard – Someone Told My Story
9. Red Simpson – Diesel Smoke, Dangerous Curves
10. Barbara Mandrell – Queen For A Day
11. Ronnie Sessions – I Guess You’re Finally Satisfied
12. Merle Haggard – Mixed Up Mess Of A Heart
13. Joe and Rose Lee Maphis – A Lifetime Of Love
14. Del and Sue Smart – I’m So Mad At Me
15. Merle Haggard – Drink Up And Be Somebody
16. Wayne Wilson & Don Rich with The Buckaroos – You’ll Never Miss The Water (Til The Well Runs Dry)
17. Bob Morris – The First Thing I Think Of
18. Faye Hardin – Only The Strong Can Survive
19. Merle Haggard – You Don’t Have Very Far To Go
20. Bobby Austin – I’m Not Looking For An Angel
21. The Buckaroos – Chicken Pickin’
22. Doyle Holly & The Buckaroos – A Foolish Notion
23. Merle Haggard – I Made The Prison Band
24. Oscar Whittington – 50 Year Waltz
25. Del and Sue Smart – Love That Just Won’t Stop
26. The Gosdin Brothers – Hangin’ On
27. Suzi Arden – Who Do You Go To
28. Merle Haggard – Where Does The Good Times Go
29. Joe Maphis – Pickin’ And Guitin’
30. Rose Lee Maphis – Country Girl Courtship
31. Wayne Wilson – I’d Rather Be Hurt By You
CD 7:
1. Buck Owens – The Heartaches Have Just Started
2. Gene Moles – Fingerlickin’
3. Al Brumley – I’m Goin’ Crazy
4. Bill Handy with Jelly Sanders Combo – Don’t Leave Me Cryin’
5. Leo Stephens – Walking In My Sleep Crying Over You
6. Tom Rose – It’s Over
7. Buck Owens and Buddy Alan – Let The World Keep On A Turnin’
8. Merle Haggard – Too Many Bridges To Cross Over
9. Dean Sanford – Too Young To Grow Old Over You
10. Tommy Wiggins – Calling All Lovers
11. Larry Daniels & The Buckshots – Buckshot
12. Bonnie Owens – Lead Me On
13. Leon Copeland – I’m Out Of My Mind
14. Clarence White – Buckaroo
15. The Sanland Brothers – Vaccination For The Blues
16. Red Simpson – You Put My World Back Together
17. The Strangers (Merle Haggrad) – Hammin’ It Up
18. Bob Ross – Lucy Clowers
19. Ronnie Sessions – (I Used To Live) The Life Of Riley
20. Barbara Cheatwood – Married Man
21. Billy Mize – Make It Rain
22. Cliff Crofford – Mention My Name
23. Buck Owens – Sam’s Place (live in London)
24. Merle Haggard – California Cottonfields
25. Rodney Lay – Not Going Back To Jackson
26. Glenda Blackwell – I Want To Live In Your House
27. Tom Tall – Pitty Pitty Patter
28. Judy Hall – My Old Used To Be
29. Ira Allen – Love Is Me
30. Faye Hardin – Mistakes I’ve Made
31. Harold Cox & The Sooners – Pumpkin Center
32. Jerry Dallas – Tears Of Joy (Are A-Croppin’ Out On Me)
33. Stan Farlow – Devil River
CD 8:
1. Merle Haggard – Mama Tried (live in Muskogee)
2. The Strangers – Stealin’ Corn
3. Truitt Cunningham – Forgive And Forget
4. Buck Owens & Susan Raye – Cryin’ Time
5. Buck Owens – Bring Back My Peace Of Mind
6. The Sanland Brothers – Cowboy Convention
7. Don Rich & The Buckaroos – Guitar Pickin’ Man
8. Don Rich – Your Heart Turned Left (And I Was On The Right)
9. Buddy Alan (Sohn von Buck & Bonnie Owens) – A Whole Lot Of Somethin’
10. Merle Haggard – I’m A Good Loser
11. Bobby Wayne – California On My Mind
12. Buck Owens – Reno Lament
13. The Hagers – Your Tender Loving Care
14. Henry Sharpe – There Is No Easy Way
15. Lewis Talley – Because You Can’t Be Mine
16. Mike Beagles – She Don’t Care Now
17. Dave Price – Night Life Is My Weakness
18. Merle Haggard – Daddy Frank (The Guitar Man)
19. Sharon Haley – Heartbreak Mountain
20. Mayf Nutter – Never Ending Song Of Love
21. Tony Booth – Cinderella
22. Red Simpson – I’m A Truck
23. Johnny Campbell – Mr. Conscience
24. Vancie Flowers – How Dark Is My Journey
25. Merle Haggard – Bring It On Down To My House
26. Kenni Huskey – Number One Heel
27. Sonny Anglin – Today’s Tomorrow’s Yesterday
28. Merle Haggard – I’m Tired Of Your Understanding Ways
29. Kenny Vernon – I Bought The Shoes (That Just Walked Out On Me)
CD 9:
1. Buck Owens – Arms Full Of Empty
2. Susan Raye – Love Sure Feels Good In My Heart
3. Homer Joy – Streets Of Bakersfield
4. Merle Haggard – I Know An Ending When It Comes
5. Buck Owens – Something’s Wrong
6. Doyle Singer & The Buckaroos – Young Widow Brown
7. Tide Cartwright – Cheater’s Ground
8. Blackjack Duran – I Laid Back Down
9. Arlo Guthrie – This Troubled Mind Of Mine
10. Merle Haggard – The Emptiest Arms In The World
11. Kenny Johnson with the Country Mile – Beer Drinkers Of America Unite
12. Buck Owens & Susan Raye – Sweethearts In Heaven
13. Laurel Lee – Mountain Of Fortune And Fame
14. Red Simpson – Bill Woods From Bakersfield
15. Thad Tillotson – Good Ole Country Sound
16. Freddie Hart – If You Can’t Feel It (It Ain’t There)
17. Carlyle Graham – Foolish Man
18. Kay Austin – The Lord Rested On Sunday
19. Cliff Crofford – Every Time I Hear The Fiddle Play
20. Merle Haggard – Holding Things Together
21. David Frizzell – I’m The Bartender’s Best Friend
22. Lawanda Lindsey – I Ain’t Hangin’ Round
23. Toby Keeney – Going Back To Oklahoma
24. Walt Pascoe – That Little Glass Of Milk
25. Roger Spanke – Betty Jane
26. Sandy Thomas – Antique In My Closet
27. Dennis Payne – Do You Believe In Me
28. Debi Hawkins – Teach Me How To Love
29. Merle Haggard – Mirrors Don’t Lie
30. T ony Booth – A Different Kind Of Sad
CD 10:
1. Buck Owens – Y’all Come / Tall Dark Stranger (live at Toys for Tots)
2. Tony Booth – Lonesome 7-7203 (live at Toys for Tots show)
3. Buddy Alan – Fishin’ on the Mississippi (live at Toys for Tots show)
4. Susan Raye – L.A. International Airport (live at Toys for Tots)
5. Buck Owens, the Buckaoors and OMAC artists – Johnny B. Goode (live at Toys for Tots)
6. Bonnie Owens – Number One Heel (take 14)
7. Merle Haggard – If I Had Left It Up To You (take 4 with false starts)
8. Merle Haggard – If I Had Left It Up To You (false starts)
9. Vancie & Rita – Strange
10. Billy Mize – Misery
11. Billy Mize – The Name Of The Game Is Heartaches
12. Red Simpson – I’d Be A Good Time Charlie
13. Red Simpson – Fit For A King
14. Johnny Barnett – Which One Is To Blame
15. Junior Stonebarger with Jelly Sanders Band – Release Me
16. Fuzzy Owen, Bill Woods, Red Simpson & Band – My Ears Should Burn (When Fools Are Talked About)
17. Bill Woods, Don Rich, Don Markham & Band – Truck Driving Man
18. Tommy Collins – Be Serious Ann
19. Joe & Rose Lee Maphis – Christmas Time’s A Comin’
20. Lewis Talley – Blue Christmas
21. Louise Lovett – Lonely Christmas Call
22. Merle Haggard – I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus
Multimedia Personality And Host Bobby Bones Joins Chris Country UK Lineup
/by LB CantrellBobby Bones and Amy Brown
iHeartRadio’s multi-media personality Bobby Bones will bring his top-rated weekly Country Top 30 with Bobby Bones program to the UK-based radio station Chris Country in July.
Every weekend on the Premiere Networks-syndicated program, Bones and his co-hosts Amy Brown and Lunchbox share conversations with country music’s hottest artists, while playing America’s biggest songs. The show is heard on more than 200 stations across the U.S. and Canada, and Chris Country will now be the first station outside North America to add the weekly show to its lineup.
Also joining Chris Country is Women of iHeartCountry, an hour-long weekend program hosted by Bones and Brown. Each week on the show, they spotlight music from both established female country music artists and promising up-and-comers. Also syndicated by Premiere Networks, the program airs on nearly 140 iHeartRadio stations in the U.S., in addition to stations in Canada.
Bones said, “Country music has never been more in demand, and we’re excited to help share the music and stories coming out of Nashville with the UK fans every week.”
Brown said, “I couldn’t be happier that Chris Country will be sharing Women of iHeartCountry with UK listeners—it’s so important that stations support female artists and voices.”
Chris Country’s new weekend schedule begins on Saturday (July 6) and also includes new UK additions, including Scott Phillips, Mikey Faulkner and Liam Scott. Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 will continue to be broadcast on Saturday mornings, and the station, which launched in 2013, can be heard on DAB+ across much of the UK.
Luke Combs Accepts His MusicRow Award Via Instagram
/by LB CantrellAfter winning the inaugural Artist of the Year award at last week‘s 2019 MusicRow Awards, Luke Combs took to Instagram to accept his trophy. Manager Chris Kappy accepted the award in Combs’ place last week who regrettably was unable to attend in person, and had some touching words to say about the chart-dominating artist.
“Luke couldn’t be here tonight, so first to clear up something, I’m not his father or his grandfather,” quipped Kappy from the MusicRow Awards stage. “I want to thank everybody who has been supporting Luke and what he does. He’s a great artist and I just want to say thank you to everybody and thank you for him.”
Photo: Luke Combs/Instagram
Mitchell Tenpenny Sets Nashville Shows For July
/by Jessica NicholsonMitchell Tenpenny is set to play two notable Nashville listening rooms, and welcome a string of guests, on July 8-10.
On July 8, Tenpenny will host a writers round at the Listening Room Café featuring Jameson Rodgers, Seaforth, and The Sisterhood Band. He will take the stage at City Winery on July 9, hosting NSAI’s “Artists & the Songwriters They Love” series with songwriters from his debut album Telling All My Secrets, including Devin Dawson, Andy Albert, Dallas Wilson, and Jordan Schmidt. On July 10, Tenpenny will return to Listening Room Café for a night of songs and stories featuring special surprise guests.
Tickets for all shows are available now at listeningroomcafe.com and citywinery.com.
Billy Blue Records Signs Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver
/by LB CantrellDoyle Lawson & Quicksilver
Billy Blue Records is celebrating one year in business with the signing of legendary acoustic artist, Bluegrass Hall of Fame member, Doyle Lawson.
Billy Blue Records was launched in June 2018, the brainchild of award-winning songwriter and producer Jerry Salley, who serves as A&R and Creative Director for Billy Blue. The label was founded in partnership with Nashville’s Daywind Music Group.
“I am so grateful to Ed Leonard, [President of Daywind Music Group], for sharing in this vision and to our entire team for a year of support, optimism and enthusiasm” Salley says, who also leads Billy Jam Records, an Americana imprint of Daywind.
The first Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver recording on the burgeoning label is Live in Prague, Czech Republic, recorded at Dlabacov Hall in downtown Prague. It will release on Aug. 30.
“I have known and respected Doyle for almost 3 decades. He is an icon in Bluegrass and Gospel music and it’s my honor to call him a friend,” says Salley, who himself just received a nomination for the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. “He is an uncompromising professional as a singer, musician, producer and band leader, but the bonus is working with someone who also happens to be a truly incredible person.”
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver joins a roster that already boasts Appalachian Road Show (headed up by bluegrass veterans Barry Abernathy and Darrell Webb, with Jim VanCleve); Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, one of America’s premier Bluegrass bands; International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Songwriter of the Year winner, Donna Ulisse; and Jason Barie, fiddler for Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. The young label is living up to its own motto, “We’re here to play.”
Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver had previously been signed to Mountain Home Music for nearly 15 years.
“I just felt that it may be time to move on,” Lawson says. “It was a good run and there’s no ill will, but when the opportunity came for a live recording, I decided to ask Jerry if he’d be interested in that record.”
Bobby Karl Works The Room: The Opening Of CMHoF’s Kacey Musgraves: All Of The Colors
/by Bobby KarlPictured (L-R): CMHOF’s Kyle Young, Barbara Musgraves, Kacey Musgraves, Darrell Gene, Jason Owen and Samantha Borenstein attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
A fabulous artist deserves a fabulous museum exhibit and a fabulous party in her honor at the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Multiple Grammy honoree Kacey Musgraves was in the spotlight on Monday (July 1) at the Hall. She is the subject of an extensive overview of her young career titled “Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors.”
“There’s a lot to be celebrated and a lot to be remembered,” Kacey said, with tears brimming in her eyes. Seeing her life’s mementos in the hallowed Hall moved her immensely.
We began the eve with a cocktail supper. Guests schmoozed and noshed on delish mini spring rolls, mushroom caps stuffed with herbed cream cheese, roast beef sandwiches, pork dumplings, roasted veggies and more. Then the program began.
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves speaks onstage for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
“I’m pleased and proud to welcome you to the opening of our new exhibit,” said HoF CEO Kyle Young. “Artistry doesn’t recognize format,” he added, referring to Kacey’s genre-leaping music. “And yet, each of the plaques in the Hall of Fame represents artistry and not replication…..which bring us to Kacey Musgraves.”
“This is crazy, this is absolutely insane,” responded Kacey. “I admit that when the Country Music Hall of Fame approached me about this, I went, ‘Whatever….’ But I feel unworthy. They assured me that it was the right moment [for this].
“I’m very proud of my story and where I am right now…..To see everything laid out is a really healthy and beautiful thing for me. There are a lot of really happy memories that I am really happy to share.”
Normally the picture of cool, calm and collected, Kacey became verklempt several times during her remarks. She then shared with us the story that the one artifact the museum turned down was a joint she’d saved that Willie Nelson had given her.
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves speaks onstage for the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Kacey was quick to credit her family for much of what was on exhibit. Seated at a stage-front table were her grandmother, whom Kacey said was her first booking agent; her mom, who saved everything; and her grandfather, whose record collection was her inspiration.
She thanked the Hall of Fame’s staff, who were, “so patient with me with all the details.” Her thanks also extended to, “The Nashville community – I’ve learned so much from all of my friends, all of my songwriter friends. I love all of you here.”
That would include such A-Listers as star-to-be Mickey Guyton, plus Scott Borchetta, Royce Risser, Susan Stewart, Leslie Fram, Jason Owen, Joanna Carter, the Frist museum’s Susan Edwards, Jerry Douglas, Jon Freeman, Hunter Kelly, Bob Delevante, Seab Tuck, the Nashville Public Library’s Kent Oliver, Lisa Sutton, Donna Hughes, Bill Denny, Barry Mazor, ace drummer Fred Eltringham, Karen Hayes of Parnassus Books, Ben Vaughn, Charlie Monk, Phil Ryan & Meredith Libby, Lori Ann Mauney of Servis 1st Bank, Jim Sherradin, Earle Simmons, Marion Williams and Nancy Kruh.
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
The exhibit is one of the museum’s most visually delightful in recent memory. While making her mark as a brilliant singer-songwriter, Kacey has also turned heads with her imaginative stage wear.
The long, sweeping, glass-cases promenade begins with childhood-performer memorabilia and carries Kacey’s career through the CDs Same Trailer, Different Park; Pageant Material and Golden Hour. All these changes are illustrated by brilliantly inventive costumes. Including, by the way, a “rhinestone cowgirl” jacket with flashing pin lights and light-up boots to match.
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Barbara Musgraves, Kacey Musgraves and Darrell Gene attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Kacey Musgraves views the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Artifacts seen during the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Pictured: Ruston Kelly and Kacey Musgraves attend the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening of new exhibition, Kacey Musgraves: All of the Colors, at Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum on July 01, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum)
Second Annual Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert Set For October
/by Lorie HollabaughThe second annual Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert has been set for Oct. 1 at City Winery and will celebrate the amazing songs of Dorff, an acclaimed songwriter who had over 70 songs cut with 5 No. 1 hits.
Confirmed to perform during the special evening are Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Devin Dawson, Rachel Wammack, and Jeffrey Steele, with additional performers to be announced. Tickets will go on sale soon.
“The evening will feature incredible performances by some of Andrew’s dear friends and co-writers. We will be raising money for pediatric oncology initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a cause dear to my son. My family and I look forward to celebrating and honoring Andrew’s memory with our Nashville music family,” said Andrew’s father and lauded music composer Steve Dorff.
Contributions from the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund will play a key role in enabling more young people to find expert, specialty cancer care. All proceeds from the benefit concert will help advance Children’s Hospital’s ongoing mission of compassionate patient care, discovery research, and clinical training.
Jedd Hughes To Head ‘West’ In August
/by Jessica NicholsonIn-demand session musician and songwriter Jedd Hughes returns with his latest album, West, to be released Aug. 30.
The album, self-produced and mixed by Hughes, features 10 tracks. While Hughes penned many of the album’s songs solo, he does welcome co-writers including Rodney Crowell, Parker Milsap, Sarah Buxton and the late Guy Clark.
The first track released from the album, “Animal Eyes,” was inspired by and written with Crowell. “I hope these stories in these songs resonate with people,” Hughes says. “I hope people listen to it as a record and can see some of the things I saw.”
Hughes will be on tour with Vince Gill this fall, playing as part of Gill’s band and opening each show with his own set.
Hughes released his first major label album, Transcontinental, in 2004 on MCA Nashville.
In 2011, Hughes was part of a short-lived duo with fellow singer-songwriter Sarah Buxton, dubbed Buxton Hughes. Since then he has played and written with numerous artists including Patty Loveless, Rodney Crowell, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, Gill, Ryan Bingham, Sarah Jarosz, the late Guy Clark, Jim Lauderdale, Brandy Clark, and more.
In addition to co-writing Jarosz’s “House of Mercy,” which earned the 2017 Grammy for Best Americana Roots Performance, Hughes has penned and co-penned hits including Keith Urban’s “Put You in a Song.” Last year he renewed his deal with Carnival Music and aligned with ASCAP.
MCA Nashville Southeast Regional Louie Newman To Retire
/by Jessica NicholsonMCA Nashville Southeast regional Louie Newman, who has been with the label imprint for more than 25 years, will retire effective Aug. 1. Current MCA coordinator Briana Galluccio has been promoted to Manager/Promotion and will spend this month transitioning into the southeast region. Assuming the role of MCA coordinator/promotion is current UMG coordinator/promotion Kaileen Mangan.
“I feel very blessed to have been given the opportunity to call MCA Nashville my home for 25+ years. When I started my career in 1966 at the age of 21, I never could have imagined the road ahead and the view looking back at all the wonderful artists, managers and friends that I have grown to love like family. Some of my most treasured memories have been with my family at Universal Music Group. I love working with Mike Dungan, Katie Dean and my MCA team. Royce Risser and I go back from Day 1 when I first started, and he has always been by my side. It was through MCA that I met my beloved wife Judy, and I will always be grateful for that. I am very proud to pass the baton to Briana Galluccio. Briana will be the third southeast regional in the history of MCA Nashville to carry the torch. Thank you to all my radio people who have supported me through thick and thin. Will always love you, Uncle Lou.”
TIDAL Launches Interactive Credits Pages
/by Jessica NicholsonStreaming platform TIDAL has launched interactive streaming pages, which allows TIDAL members to explore the producers, background vocalists, musicians and engineers that help create their favorite tracks.
The TIDAL platform aims to create an in-depth database of credits, allowing users to filter the roles on each track list to display songs on which that artist has contributed in a similar capacity. Users can also sort the contributor’s track list by release date, popularity, title, or artist.
“This is a milestone for TIDAL which, at the heart of the platform, is a space for music lovers to connect with their favorite artists in unique ways,” said Tony Gervino, TIDAL SVP, Culture & Content. “As a music streaming service and culture hub, it is important to acknowledge that music is a team sport–it takes a talented crew of sound engineers, lyricists, and band members to make a song stick. We recognize the challenges ahead in creating a thorough and extensive catalogue, but we are excited to take this important step.”