Jordan Davis Launches Limited-Edition Boot and Apparel Collection With Wolverine
Jordan Davis and Wolverine have partnered to launch a limited-edition collection of boots and apparel. Available at Boot Barn and Work World, the collection features four boots and several apparel items including t-shirts, hoodies, a shirt jacket, hats and more.
“It was important to me to include clothes and boots in the line that were versatile,” shares Davis. “I wanted to have pieces that looked and felt good no matter where I was. The Bronc wedges are one of my favorite pieces in the collection – I can wear them on stage, working at the farm or dropping off my kids at school.”
“This partnership is so authentic to who we are and to who Jordan is, and the resulting product reflects our consumer and their lifestyle,” adds Lauren King, Senior Marketing Director for Wolverine. “We’re proud of the collection’s versatility and the blend of style and performance – something our consumer is constantly seeking. The design process with Jordan was both enjoyable and rewarding knowing his upbringing and lifestyle is so close to theirs.”
SESAC Celebrates Shawn Stockman & Billy Mann
Pictured (L-R): SESAC President & COO Scott Jungmichel, Billy Mann, Shawn Stockman, and Diana Akin Scarfo, SESAC VP, Creative Services & Operations
Tuesday night (Sept. 9), industry friends and family gathered on SESAC’s rooftop to celebrate SESAC affiliates Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and songwriter/producer Billy Mann and their latest collaboration, Chosen Family. They treated guests to an acoustic performance with songs from their recent album, Generation Us.
Shenandoah Visits White House
Shenandoah.
In celebration of Shenandoah’s 40th anniversary, lead singer Marty Raybon and drummer Mike McGuire were invited to Washington D.C. for a special visit to the White House, as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Raybon and McGuire were joined by fellow country stars Darryl Worley and Jesse Keith Whitley for a day of bowling at the White House’s Truman Bowling Alley, a private tour of the West Wing and a private midnight tour of the U.S. Capitol.
“We had a total blast in Washington D.C. bowling at the White House, touring the West Wing, and also getting a guided tour through the Capitol,” says Raybon. “It was a complete honor, and we are thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.”
“The opportunity to do the things that we did in Washington D.C. was a complete blessing,” adds McGuire. “We are so grateful we had the chance to visit the People’s House and the iconic places that make this country great. God Bless America!”
PLA Media Adds Lily Clayton Hansen As Public Relations Specialist
PlA Media has added Lily Clayton Hansen as a public relations specialist.
“Lily’s insight, strategic approach, and verve intrigued me,” says founder and CEO Pamela Lewis. “I am delighted to have her join our team and to learn from her broad and diverse experience.”
“Through the thousands of bios, magazine articles, and memoir projects I have worked on in my career, I have learned how to quickly analyze a subject’s story, trust my instincts, and summarize what I see into words,” explains Hansen. “For PLA Media, I hope to use this talent gleaned from working with corporations, celebrities, and extraordinary but everyday people, to take clients’ narratives to a whole new level.”
GrassRoots Promotion Launches New International Management Division
Grassroots Promotion Strategies has launched GPS Artist Management. The division represents a roster including Hailey Benedict, Aaron Goodvin, Tim and the Glory Boys, The Abrams and Due West. GPS Artist Management will be led by Tera Lee Flaman. Joining her is Jenna Robson and Nancy Tunick.
“This integration creates a single, world-class platform for our artists,” said Tunick. “Under Tera Lee Flaman’s leadership, and with Jenna Robson strengthening our management team, GPS Artist Management combines creative vision with international implementation.”
The Kentucky Headhunters Return to Grand Ole Opry for ‘Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe’
The Kentucky Headhunters will return to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry next week for “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe.” The Headhunters are set to perform live next Tuesday, Sept. 16 as the Opry salutes the late Bill Monroe, as part of the next “Opry 100 Honors” shows.
“Without a doubt, The Kentucky Headhunters’ version of the bluegrass song ‘Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine,’ written by Bill Monroe and Jake Landers and recorded for our indie album, Pickin’ on Nashville, had a huge bearing on Mercury Records president Harold Shedd signing us to the label after seeing us perform the song and several originals at Douglas Corner,” shares Richard Young, one of the band’s founding members.
In addition to The Kentucky Headhunters, next week’s “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe” includes performances by Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Riders in the Sky, Wyatt Ellis and The Brothers Comatose.
Bandit Lites Adds Mark Butler as Project Manager
Bandit Lites has added Mark Butler as Project Manager.
“I’m grateful to use my experience to make life on the road easier for the crew,” shares Butler. “What stands out most to me is Bandit’s professionalism and can-do attitude. My mission is simple: make the crew’s job easier and the client’s experience unforgettable.”
Bandit Lites Chair & Founder Michael T. Strickland adds, “Mark’s extensive background in both the technical and leadership aspects of entertainment production makes him an invaluable addition to our team. His experience, combined with his dedication to crew and client success, will strengthen Bandit’s ability to deliver the world-class service our clients expect.”
Jake Owen Teams With Shooter Jennings For New Album ‘Dreams To Dream’
/by Lorie HollabaughJake Owen will release his new album Dreams to Dream, produced by Shooter Jennings, on Nov. 7 via Good Company Entertainment. In conjunction with the album announcement, Owen has shared new track “Long Time Lovin’ You,” out now.
When Owen was a boy in Vero Beach, Florida, he used to pick out country tunes by Hank Williams Jr. and Merle Haggard on back porches for his parents, and he channels that kind of easy, familiar comfort throughout Dreams to Dream. The new project features guest appearances by Jamey Johnson on “The Jukebox Knows,” and Savannah Conley on “Them Old Love Songs” and writing credits on the new album include Owen’s longtime friends and songwriters Ben Chapman and Kendell Marvel.
“Sometimes you need to get outside what’s comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk. It really feels cathartic to be honest about a lot of stuff in my life—how I feel, where I see myself going, and how I see myself going there,” says Owen. “Where I feel most comfortable is grabbing my guitar and singing a song that fits my voice really smoothly. I feel like it’s more honest. I’ve just become a guy that wants to sing songs for people that have also matured with me in my life.”
The project was recorded at Snake Mountain (Sunset Sound Studio 3) in Los Angeles and was mixed by Trina Shoemake and mastered by Pete Lymanm, with additional production by Marvel and additional recording by Dan Ballard in Nashville with assistant engineers Nate Haessly in Los Angeles and Dannon Johnson in Nashville.
Ahead of the album release, Owen will join Darius Rucker for five shows in the UK from Sept. 29-Oct. 5. At the end of October, he’ll team with Dirty Heads for a small run of shows in Florida Oct. 23-26 before wrapping up the year with the annual “Flamingo Weekend, benefiting The Jake Owen Foundation.
Dreams to Dream Track List:
1. “Dreams to Dream” (Jake Owen, Ben Chapman, Kendell Marvel)
2. “Them Old Love Songs” (feat. Savannah Conley) (Donnie Fritts, Troy Seals)
3. “Long Time Lovin’ You” (Will Jones, Kendell Marvel)
4. “Wouldn’t Be Gone” (Troy Jones)
5. “The Jukebox Knows” (feat. Jamey Johnson) (William Beckmann, Jamey Johnson)
6. “Fool Like Me” (Kendell Marvel, Waylon Payne)
7. “Chill of December” (Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Channing Wilson)
8. “Middle Age Crazy” (Sonny Throckmorton)
9. “The One I Did it To” (Dean Dillon, Bob DiPiero, Scotty Emerick)
10. “You’d Think” (Chuck Cannon, Scotty Emerick)
11. “Wrinkle In The Road” (Scotty Emerick, Troy Jones, Paul Overstreet)
12. “So Long, LA” (Jake Owen, Kendell Marvel, Matt Pingel, Jimmy Ritchey, Channing Wilson)
13. “Voice Note to Shooter (Once And For All)” (Hank Williams, Jr.)
Jason Aldean Adds ‘Full Throttle’ Dates, Releases New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean. Photo: Matt Paskert
Jason Aldean has extended his “Full Throttle Tour” adding nine dates to the U.S. leg with support from Nate Smith, Lanie Gardner and Dee Jay Silver.
The tour will visit Little Rock, Tupelo, Columbus, Atlantic City and more through Jan. 31, and 2026 will also see Aldean returning to Australia for the first time since headlining there in 2016, as well as his first headlining run in New Zealand.
The tour announcement coincides with the launch of new music from Aldean, who today released “How Far Does A Goodbye Go,” the first new single from his upcoming new project. Written by longtime collaborators Kurt Allison, John Edwards, Tully Kennedy and John Morgan, “How Far Does A Goodbye Go” is the followup single to the Georgia native’s historic 30th career No. 1 at country radio, “Whiskey Drink.”
Currently on his “Full Throttle Tour,” Aldean recently partnered with 13-year-old Houston native DJ Daniel to raise more than $200,000 for Heroes For Children during his Houston tour stop.
Newly-Announced “Full Throttle Tour” Dates:
1/15/2026 – North Little Rock, AR – Simmons Bank Arena
1/16/2026 – Tupelo, MS – Cadence Bank Arena
1/17/2026 – Biloxi, MS – Mississippi Coast Coliseum
1/22/2026 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena
1/23/2026 – Columbus, OH – Nationwide Arena
1/24/2026 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum
1/29/2026 – University Park, PA – Bryce Jordan Center
1/30/2026 – Allentown, PA – PPL Center
1/31/2026 – Atlantic City, NJ – Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena
Old Dominion Extends ‘How Good Is That – World Tour’
/by Lauryn SinkOld Dominion. Photo: Dove Shore
Old Dominion will kick off a third leg of the “How Good Is That – World Tour” in the spring, bringing the band to Australia, New Zealand and Canada. Dasha and Alexandra Kay will join for select dates across Australia and New Zealand in March, while Phil Vassar and Sacha will join them on an extensive Canadian run in April and May.
“We have had the time of our lives playing the hits and introducing Barbara across America this year,” frontman Matthew Ramsey shares. “Now it’s time to visit our friends abroad again. We can’t wait to get back to Australia, New Zealand, and Canada to connect with the international Odies.”
Old Dominion recently released their 13-song project, Barbara, which the band sees as its most personal album to date. Old Dominion’s fall tour dates will run through October, before the band heads to Las Vegas for “BARBARA. HITS. VEGAS.,” at PH Live at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino on Dec. 5 and 6.
Old Dominion 2025/2026 Tour Dates:
September 12 & 13 – Durant, OK // Choctaw Casino*
September 18 – Ontario, CA // Toyota Arena=+
September 19 – Bakersfield, CA // Dignity Health Arena=+
September 20 – Fresno, CA // Save Mart Center at Fresno State=+
September 25 – Kennewick, WA // Toyota Center – Kennewick=+
September 26 – Everett, WA // Angel of the Winds Arena=+
September 27 – Airway Heights, WA // BECU Live at Northern Quest=+
October 19 – Copenhagen, Denmark // Vega
October 20 – Stockholm, Sweden // Cirkus
October 21 – Oslo, Norway // Sentrum Scene
October 23 – Hamburg, Germany // Docks
October 24 – Urecht, Netherlands // Tivolivredenburg
October 25 – Antwerp, Belgium // Trix
October 27 – Belfast, UK // Ulster Hall
October 29 – London, UK // Eventim Apollo
October 30 – Manchester, UK // O2 Apollo
October 31 – Glasgow, UK // SEC Armadillo
November 13 – 15 – Miramar Beach, FL // Odie’s Beach Vacation
March 14 – Perth, WA // Red Hill Auditorium&^
March 17 – Melbourne, VIC // Margaret Court Arena&^
March 18 – Sydney, NSW // ICC Sydney Theatre&^
March 21 – Ipswich, QLD // CMC Rocks QLD
March 24 – Auckland, NZ // Powerstation^
March 26 – Christchurch, NZ // Christchurch Town Hall^
April 23 – Hamilton, ON // TD Coliseum%#
April 24 – Ottawa, ON (Live Nation) // Hard Rock Live%#
April 25 – Quebec City, QC // Le Centre Videotron%#
May 1 – Winnipeg, MB // Canada Life Centre%#
May 2 – Saskatoon, SK // SaskTel Centre%#
May 4 – Kelowna, BC // Prospera Place%#
May 5 – Vancouver, BC // Pacific Coliseum at the PNE%#
May 6 – Victoria, BC // Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre%#
August 29 – Dieppe, NB // YQM Country Fest
= : ERNEST + : Redferrin * : Ty Myers ^ : Alexandra Kay # : Sacha % : Phil Vassar & : Dasha
Morgan Wallen Holds The Top Spot On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeMorgan Wallen; Photo: Spidey Smith
Morgan Wallen holds the top spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track, “I Got Better.”
The song comes off of Wallen’s recent, fourth studio album I’m The Problem, and was written by Wallen, Michael Hardy, Chase McGill, Blake Pendergrass, Ernest Smith, Charlie Handsome and Joe Reeves.
Wallen closes his 10-city, 19-date “I’m The Problem” stadium tour with his final two stops tonight (Sept. 12) and tomorrow night (Sept. 13) at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, AB. He will be joined by guests Ella Langley and Zach John King.
“I Got Better” currently sits at No. 9 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 7 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Canadian Country Streams Grow Globally On Spotify Over Past Five Years
/by Madison HahnenSpotify has revealed that Canadian and French-Canadian country music is gaining momentum across streaming around the world.
“Listening patterns on Spotify reveal sustained gains for Canadian country music, and a marked acceleration in French-Canadian country in the past five years,” says Elizabeth Phipps, Artist and Label Partnerships Lead, Spotify Canada. “We’re thrilled that streaming is playing a key role in helping Canadian artists export their music and connect with new fans globally.”
Canadian country streams have increased 64% globally in five years and 35% in Canada, while French-Canadian Country has seen a 280% global increase and a 286% increase in Canada in the last five years.
The highest per-capita streaming for Canadian country was found in Newfoundland and Labrador, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, while French-Canadian Country was most popular in Quebec, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island lead in highest per-capita streaming, with strong support in Ontario and the Northern Territories. Globally, Canadian country pulled the highest growth in Australia, Norway, the U.S., New Zealand and Ireland, while French-Canadian Country saw increases in France, Switzerland, Belgium, Norway and Sweden.
Canadian Country artists are streamed for the first time by new listeners 387 million times monthly globally, while French-language Canadian artists see 1.25M first-time streams monthly.
“At the heart of Canada’s country music story is discovery – and Quebec is a big part of that. By mixing tradition with a fresh, modern sound, French-Canadian artists aren’t just joining the genre, they’re playing a key role in bolstering its transformation around the world,” continues Phipps. “Their growth domestically and internationally really shows the power of the artists themselves, and it highlights how Spotify can help homegrown talent connect with fans everywhere.”
Industry Ink: Jordan Davis, SESAC, Shenandoah, PLA Media, GrassRoots, More
/by Lauryn SinkJordan Davis Launches Limited-Edition Boot and Apparel Collection With Wolverine
Jordan Davis and Wolverine have partnered to launch a limited-edition collection of boots and apparel. Available at Boot Barn and Work World, the collection features four boots and several apparel items including t-shirts, hoodies, a shirt jacket, hats and more.
“It was important to me to include clothes and boots in the line that were versatile,” shares Davis. “I wanted to have pieces that looked and felt good no matter where I was. The Bronc wedges are one of my favorite pieces in the collection – I can wear them on stage, working at the farm or dropping off my kids at school.”
“This partnership is so authentic to who we are and to who Jordan is, and the resulting product reflects our consumer and their lifestyle,” adds Lauren King, Senior Marketing Director for Wolverine. “We’re proud of the collection’s versatility and the blend of style and performance – something our consumer is constantly seeking. The design process with Jordan was both enjoyable and rewarding knowing his upbringing and lifestyle is so close to theirs.”
SESAC Celebrates Shawn Stockman & Billy Mann
Pictured (L-R): SESAC President & COO Scott Jungmichel, Billy Mann, Shawn Stockman, and Diana Akin Scarfo, SESAC VP, Creative Services & Operations
Tuesday night (Sept. 9), industry friends and family gathered on SESAC’s rooftop to celebrate SESAC affiliates Shawn Stockman of Boyz II Men and songwriter/producer Billy Mann and their latest collaboration, Chosen Family. They treated guests to an acoustic performance with songs from their recent album, Generation Us.
Shenandoah Visits White House
Shenandoah.
In celebration of Shenandoah’s 40th anniversary, lead singer Marty Raybon and drummer Mike McGuire were invited to Washington D.C. for a special visit to the White House, as well as a tour of the U.S. Capitol. Raybon and McGuire were joined by fellow country stars Darryl Worley and Jesse Keith Whitley for a day of bowling at the White House’s Truman Bowling Alley, a private tour of the West Wing and a private midnight tour of the U.S. Capitol.
“We had a total blast in Washington D.C. bowling at the White House, touring the West Wing, and also getting a guided tour through the Capitol,” says Raybon. “It was a complete honor, and we are thankful to live in the greatest country on earth.”
“The opportunity to do the things that we did in Washington D.C. was a complete blessing,” adds McGuire. “We are so grateful we had the chance to visit the People’s House and the iconic places that make this country great. God Bless America!”
PLA Media Adds Lily Clayton Hansen As Public Relations Specialist
PlA Media has added Lily Clayton Hansen as a public relations specialist.
“Lily’s insight, strategic approach, and verve intrigued me,” says founder and CEO Pamela Lewis. “I am delighted to have her join our team and to learn from her broad and diverse experience.”
“Through the thousands of bios, magazine articles, and memoir projects I have worked on in my career, I have learned how to quickly analyze a subject’s story, trust my instincts, and summarize what I see into words,” explains Hansen. “For PLA Media, I hope to use this talent gleaned from working with corporations, celebrities, and extraordinary but everyday people, to take clients’ narratives to a whole new level.”
GrassRoots Promotion Launches New International Management Division
Grassroots Promotion Strategies has launched GPS Artist Management. The division represents a roster including Hailey Benedict, Aaron Goodvin, Tim and the Glory Boys, The Abrams and Due West. GPS Artist Management will be led by Tera Lee Flaman. Joining her is Jenna Robson and Nancy Tunick.
“This integration creates a single, world-class platform for our artists,” said Tunick. “Under Tera Lee Flaman’s leadership, and with Jenna Robson strengthening our management team, GPS Artist Management combines creative vision with international implementation.”
The Kentucky Headhunters Return to Grand Ole Opry for ‘Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe’
The Kentucky Headhunters will return to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry next week for “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe.” The Headhunters are set to perform live next Tuesday, Sept. 16 as the Opry salutes the late Bill Monroe, as part of the next “Opry 100 Honors” shows.
“Without a doubt, The Kentucky Headhunters’ version of the bluegrass song ‘Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine,’ written by Bill Monroe and Jake Landers and recorded for our indie album, Pickin’ on Nashville, had a huge bearing on Mercury Records president Harold Shedd signing us to the label after seeing us perform the song and several originals at Douglas Corner,” shares Richard Young, one of the band’s founding members.
In addition to The Kentucky Headhunters, next week’s “Opry 100 Honors Bill Monroe” includes performances by Ricky Skaggs, the Del McCoury Band, Carly Pearce, Rhonda Vincent, Riders in the Sky, Wyatt Ellis and The Brothers Comatose.
Bandit Lites Adds Mark Butler as Project Manager
Bandit Lites has added Mark Butler as Project Manager.
“I’m grateful to use my experience to make life on the road easier for the crew,” shares Butler. “What stands out most to me is Bandit’s professionalism and can-do attitude. My mission is simple: make the crew’s job easier and the client’s experience unforgettable.”
Bandit Lites Chair & Founder Michael T. Strickland adds, “Mark’s extensive background in both the technical and leadership aspects of entertainment production makes him an invaluable addition to our team. His experience, combined with his dedication to crew and client success, will strengthen Bandit’s ability to deliver the world-class service our clients expect.”
Tour News: Jon Pardi, Lauren Daigle, Caylee Hammack, The Kentucky Gentlemen, Braden Hull
/by Lauryn SinkJon Pardi Slates 2025 ‘The Christmas Shows’
Jon Pardi.
Jon Pardi will return to the stage with his annual “The Christmas Shows” this December. The set will include Pardi’s hits, holiday classics and fan-favorite tracks from his 2023 Christmas album, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi.
Pardi will donate ticket proceeds collected throughout the year to local charities in each Christmas Show city he visits via his Starlight Fund, which is dedicated to supporting general youth enrichment, especially in trade, agriculture and construction.
The Christmas Show 2025 Dates:
12/12/2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
12/13/2025 – St. Augustine, FL – The St. Augustine Amphitheatre
12/18/2025 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood
12/19/2025 – Tampa, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hard Rock Event Center
Lauren Daigle Announces Annual ‘Behold Christmas Tour’ Dates
Lauren Daigle.
Lauren Daigle is set to bring “The Behold Christmas Tour” to select cities this fall. The annual tradition dates back 9 years and features some of Daigle’s seasonal favorites from her best-selling Christmas album, Behold: A Christmas Collection.
This year, she will host four performances in Atlanta, Georgia, Kansas City, Missouri, Lincoln, California and a final show in Los Angeles.
The Behold Christmas Tour 2025:
December 4 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre
December 9 – Kansas City, MO – The Midland Theatre
December 12 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino
December 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Orpheum Theatre
Caylee Hammack To Embark On ‘Bed Of Roses Acoustic Tour’
Caylee Hammack. Photo: Alexa King Stone
Caylee Hammack will hit the road this fall on a five-show solo acoustic run, kicking off at Carol’s Pub in Chicago, Illinois on Nov. 13. The tour will make stops in Davenport, Iowa, Decatur, Georgia and Carrboro, North Carolina before wrapping in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Hammack is also continuing her extracurricular role of radio host, hosting “Prime Country With Caylee Hammack” on Sirius XM on Prime Country (channel 58).
Bed of Roses Acoustic Tour Dates:
11/13 Chicago, IL – Carol’s Pub
11/14 Davenport, IA – The Raccoon Motel
11/20 Decatur, GA – Eddie’s Attic
11/21 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
11/22 Chattanooga, TN – Songbirds
Braden Hull Joins The Six Pack Coverage Fall Tour
Braden Hull.
Braden Hull will join The Six Pack Coverage college tour this fall for a run of college town dates.
Since signing with Melody Place in spring 2025, Hull has released four singles with all four earning editorial playlist placements. His next single will be released on Sept. 19.
‘The Six Pack Coverage Fall Tour’
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday August 22
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday September 6
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday September 12
University Of South Florida Saturday – September 13
Ole Miss, University Of Mississippi – Friday September 26
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Friday October Oct 10
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday Oct 11
University Of Tennessee Knoxville – Saturday November 1
University Of Kentucky Saturday – November 8
Long Lost Charley Pride Album Tributes Brook Benton
/by Lorie HollabaughA long lost album from Charley Pride, Endlessly: A Tribute To Brook Benton, is set for release Sept. 19. The album’s first single “Thank You Pretty Baby” is out now on all digital platforms.
In 2017, a couple of forgotten reels were found buried deep in a storage room in Pride’s production office in Dallas. After his death, it was confirmed that the multi-track reels contained the long-lost Brook Benton tribute recordings Pride recorded in the ’80s but never released. In 2021 the tapes were carefully transferred to multi-track digital audio files, and will now be released on Music City Records.
Brimming with vintage country, R&B and pop, the retro-sonic homage to singer/songwriter Benton was originally recorded in Dallas during a brief mid-1980s interlude between Pride’s RCA Records and 16th Avenue Records recording contracts. Endlessly features songs from Brook’s initial 1959-1961 flurry of hits including “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” “Endlessly,” “Thank You Pretty Baby,” “So Close,” “So Many Ways” and “Kiddio.”
The new project marks the 94th birthday of Benton, who exploded on the pop music scene in 1959 with “It’s Just a Matter of Time” and notched a string of 30 Top-40 R&B hits, including several major pop crossovers and Top 10 pop duets with Dinah Washington.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Zac Brown Band & Dolly Parton Team For Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannZac Brown & Dolly Parton
Today’s DISClaimer is awash in nostalgia for classic songs and artists.
David Frizzell, The Oak Ridge Boys, Dan Seals and Willie Nelson are here, reminding us of our illustrious country-music past with “Always Late,” “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight,” “Everything That Glitters” and “Workin’ Man Blues.” Jack Schneider chimes in with his revival of “Crying in the Rain” and earns a DISCovery Award for his effort.
The Disc of the Day also features a classic stylist as the Zac Brown Band recruits the enduring Dolly Parton for a dynamite duet.
ROSIE FLORES / “Lines”
Writer: Rosie Flores; Producer: Ed Stasium; Label: Mule Kick Records
– Flores is a founding mother of the Left Coast alt-country/Americana scene, and her new music shows that she’s lost none of her moxie. This debut single from her Impossible Frontiers album (due Sept. 26) is a spikey, frisky, tuneful, pop-country outing with layered vocal harmonies and lively guitar licks. Utterly charming.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Crucified Son”
Writers: Charley Crockett/Kyle Madrigal/Taylor Grace; Producer: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Texas “gulf and western” maverick Crockett has moved to a new label home and offers this loping, bluesy slow-jam from his Dollar a Day collection. Effortlessly cool.
ZAC BROWN BAND & DOLLY PARTON / “Butterfly”
Writers: Dan Auerbach/Sasha Sirota/Zac Brown; Producer: Zac Brown; Label: Master of None
– In a word, thrilling. Brown and Parton both sing their faces off on this inspirational duet that soars on wings of harmony. By the time they finish, you feel like you’re flying on the wind. Essential listening.
WARREN ZEIDERS / “Only Bible”
Writers: Daniel Ross/Joe Clemmons/Ryan Hurd/Warren Zeiders; Producers: Ross Copperman, Warren Zeiders; Label: Warner Records
– His vocal ranges from hushed intimacy to raw shouts of passion. The lyric explains that real spirituality can come from person-to-person contact rather than from the pages of a book. Zeiders sells this beautifully produced gem like a pro.
LUKE BRYAN & DAN SEALS / “Everything That Glitters (Is Not Gold)”
Writers: Bob McDill/Dan Seals; Producer: Kyle Lehning; Label: Melody Place
– The late, great Dan Seals placed 25 singles on the country charts and scored 11 No. 1 hits, including this 1986 chart topper. The tender, classic story song scores again in this new duet. It’s drawn from a collection of collaborations that aims to keep his memory alive. Amen to that.
CARTER FAITH / “Arrows (Die For That Man)”
Writers: Carter Faith/Steph Jones/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: MCA
– She swore she wouldn’t become a victim of love, but Cupid had other ideas. Faith’s sweet/tart soprano burbles along over a gently bopping production.
WILLIE NELSON / “Workin’ Man Blues”
Writers: Merle Haggard; Producers: Mickey Raphael, Willie Nelson; Label: Legacy Recordings
– Willie’s distinctive acoustic guitar, Bobbie Nelson’s piano, Paul Nelson’s brushed drumming and Mickey Raphael’s harmonica anchor this toe-tapping revival of Hag’s 1969 classic. Willie’s vocal is one of the jazziest of his long, storied career. The upcoming album is devoted to the music of the late Merle, and these performances were the last studio recordings by both Bobbie and Paul. Righteous work.
MARGO PRICE / “Don’t Let the Bastards Get You Down”
Writers: Jeremy Ivey/Kris Kristofferson/Margo Price/Rodney Crowell; Producer: Matt Ross-Spang; Label: Loma Vista Recordings
– This one’s a twang-soaked country rocker with an “outlaw” vibe. Price’s piercing soprano sasses in all the right places.
FLAT RIVER BAND & THE OAK RIDGE BOYS / “Leaving Louisiana in the Broad Daylight”
Writers: Donovan Cowart/Rodney Crowell; Producers: Flat River Band, Tre’ Corley; Label: FRB/Early Bird Records
– An unexpected delight. The band takes the 1980 oldie and gives it fresh percussion and acoustic picking. Their harmonies are spot-on and get even fuller when the Hall of Famer Oaks chime in with joyous quartet singing. Beautifully done. The video is a mini-movie with John Schneider appearing in his “Bo Duke” personna.
JACK SCHNEIDER / “Crying in the Rain”
Writers: Carole King/Gerry Goffin; Producer: Matt Andrews; Label: Jeffers Records
– Schneider gives this 1962 Everly Brothers jewel a gentle, acoustic, softly pleasing folkie spin. I have always loved this song, which was also a 1981 country single for Tammy Wynette. The harmony vocal is by the esteemed Wendy Moten, who should have been mixed louder. Schneider is a Nashville singer-songwriter who has played rhythm guitar for Vince Gill for years. His album, Streets of September, drops on the 19th.
DAVID, ALLEN & LEFTY FRIZZELL / “Always Late- With Your Kisses”
Writers: Lefty Frizzell; Producer: none listed; Label: StarVista
– David Frizzell’s forthcoming (Sept. 26) album is a tribute to his Hall of Fame brother Lefty with guests including Jimmy Fortune, Merle Haggard, Shelly West, Freddie Hart, Gene Watson, Ronnie Reno, Marty Haggard, Bill Anderson and Georgette Jones. The lead track and first single features David and baby brother Allen trading verses with their late, legendary sibling on a 1951 honky-tonk standard.
MJ LENDERMAN / “Wristwatch”
Writer: MJ Lenderman; Producer: Alex Farrar, MJ Lenderman; Label: Anti/Epitaph
– On Wednesday (Sept. 10), singer-songwriter Lenderman was named this year’s Americana Music Association’s Emerging Act. His latest single from his applauded Manning Fireworks collection is a folk-rock drawler with loads of his electric guitar, plus his plaintive vocalizing. Hearty sounding.
Sandbox Succession Signs The Roy Orbison Estate For Exclusive Management
/by LB CantrellRoy Orbison. Photo: Courtesy of Sandbox Succession/Roy Orbison Estate
Sandbox Succession, the legacy division of Sandbox Entertainment, has signed the Roy Orbison Estate for exclusive management. Led by the President of Sandbox Succession, Josh Matas, the team will manage the estate with Orbison’s sons Wesley, Alex and Roy Orbison, Jr.
“Roy Orbison is an American icon whose music and reflections of love and life are woven into the fabric of pop culture,” says Matas. “It is an honor to further that legacy for generations to come.”
“We the sons of Roy Orbison are very excited to work with Sandbox on continuing the legacy of our father. Sandbox, under the leadership of Jason Owen and Josh Matas, has developed into the world’s premiere management agency and a company that we trust. We feel Roy Orbison’s timeless body of work and Sandbox’s modern capabilities are a perfect match. We can’t wait to see ‘The Big O’ grow even bigger!” share Wesley, Alex and Roy Orbison, Jr.
Sandbox Succession will be responsible for handling all aspects of music, publishing, NIL licensing, hospitality and film & TV projects. A member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Musicians Hall of Fame Orbison’s influence spans across four decades. The five-time Grammy winner was recognized by the Recording Academy with the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998.
Orbison’s estate joins the estates of legendary musicians, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Loretta Lynn and Patsy Cline, as well as racing icon Richard Petty, in the care of Sandbox Succession.