Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Preston Leatherman
Lee Ann Womack‘s years as a major label country music hitmaker still serve her well.
Her song preferences within those UMG albums is evident. Some of those titles she carries with her today include the obligatory “I Hope You Dance” crossover joined by other country top 40 singles from that album, specifically. Some include those written and/or recorded by heroes Rodney Crowell (“Ashes By Now”), Buddy/Julie Miller (“Does My Ring Burn Your Finger”) and Don Williams (“Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good”).
Perhaps some of that major label notoriety helped Womack sell out Friday and Saturday (April 6, 7) shows at the grungier east side Nashville club, The Basement East. But the more recent disestablishment image she’s developed these past two albums—more indulgent, critically acclaimed indie releases—have kept audiences coming back to cheer every lyric.
Traditional country fiddle and steel still never left Womack’s sights, what she called real country music while promoting her latest The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone (ATO Records). Her clinched, honky tonk howl is notably more apparent these days—finding her stride with the sounds in her soul.
That voice has attracted pitches to join tribute albums. Such was the case with Restoration: Reimagining The Songs Of Elton John and Bernie Taupin (released April 6). Womack offered a swampy “Honky Cat” while Taupin himself reciprocated, attending that Womack club show in Nashville the day after the album’s release.
Lee Ann Womack and Bernie Taupin visit Nashville’s SiriusXM studio. Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, Lee Ann Womack, Bernie Taupin. Photo: Facebook
Womack’s daringly steadfast reputation remains preserved, guided by the inner voice developed after years in a Texas radio booth with her DJ father. Obligatory homages to George Jones thus capped her show, which was also filled with original titles like “I May Hate Myself In The Morning,” “Last Call,” and “The Fool.” Womack welcomed new traditional titles too, including “The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone,” “All the Trouble,” “Chances Are” and “The Way I’m Livin’.”
Thus, as time moves forward—20 years and two husbands for Womack, to be exact—certain titles in her discography were absent from the stage show. “Twenty Years And Two Husbands Ago,” “Either Way,” “I Know Why The River Runs” and “The Healing Kind,” all of which pay homage to her more traditional country heritage, were left in her back pocket. Perhaps why Nashville diehards reached into theirs after the show for anything inscribed with “LAW” at the merch booth.
LAW, her initials, has become a synonym for the same, true-to-your-roots country music that Womack continues to relish in all these years later. Fans clearly want more.
Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Preston Leatherman
Lee Ann Womack’s Upcoming Shows:
April 13 – Harvester Performance Center – Rocky Mount, VA
Apirl 14 – The Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
April 19 – The Heights Theatre – Houston, TX
April 20 – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels, TX
April 22 – The Kessler Theater – Dallas, TX
May 4 – Cherokee Casino – West Siloam Springs, OK
May 5 – Prairie Brand Casino & Resort – Mayetta, KS
May 10 – The Imogene Theater – Milton, FL
May 11 – MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater – Tampa, FL*
May 12 – Coral Sky Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL*
May 25 – Camel Rock Casino – Santa Fe, NM
June 2 – Love In Bloom: A Tribute to Johnny and June – Franklin, KY
June 3 – Mountain Stage – Charleston, WV
June 9 – CMA Fest: Nissan Stadium – Nashville, TN
June 16 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center – Renfro Valley, KY
August 16 – Filene Center – Vienna, VA
August 17 – Bank of NH Pavilion – Gilford, NH*
Sept. 21 – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
*denotes shows with Alan Jackson
Music Biz To Honor Tower Records’ Russ Solomon
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Hall of Fame will have its official launch as part of the Music Biz 2018 Awards Luncheon on Thursday, May 17 at the Omni Nashville Hotel. Acclaimed actor and director Colin Hanks, who directed the 2015 Tower Records documentary All Things Must Pass, will pay tribute to Solomon.
“As we celebrate our 60th Anniversary, the timing was perfect to introduce the Music Business Hall of Fame, which will give us the opportunity to highlight those who have had a tremendous and lasting impact on the business, while providing an example to the next generation who will carry it forward,” said James Donio, President of Music Biz. “I had spoken with Russ to tell him he would be the first inductee, and he was humbled and excited to have been selected and planned to be in Nashville for the ceremony. While we were shocked and saddened to learn of his sudden passing, we feel this will be such a fitting tribute to a man who revolutionized music retail with Tower Records. We can think of no one better than Russ to be the first, and for all future Hall of Fame inductees to follow.”
“Russ was indeed one of a kind, and I’m incredibly grateful that I was not only able to help tell his story with All Things Must Pass, I also learned a great deal from him. But far more importantly I got to know Russ and am lucky to have been able to call him a friend,” said Colin Hanks. “Much like the members of the Tower Records family, I will miss Russ dearly but take comfort in seeing his legacy live on and am honored to induct him into the Music Business Hall of Fame.”
Additionally, Hanks will attend a screening of All Things Must Pass at the 2018 Nashville Film Festival that will be held at 7 p.m. CT on Thursday, May 17 at the Regal Hollywood 27.
Music Business Hall of Fame inductees will be selected annually by the Music Biz Board of Directors, which consists of top executives from a wide cross-section of the industry, including major and independent labels and distributors, digital music services, wholesalers, and independent record stores.
Third Day Adds Additional Dates To Farewell Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughStarting April 11, special pre-sale VIP fan experience packages will be available in Chicago and New York. General tickets will be available on April 13 in Kansas City, Chicago, New York, and Nashville, and Minneapolis will feature a pre-sale starting on May 2 with a general on-sale on May 4. Ticket information can be found at thirdday.com.
“We are overwhelmed by the initial response from our amazing fans, and are so grateful to be able to squeeze in a few more final shows,” said founding member and lead guitarist Mark Lee. “What an honor to be able to add extra nights to the Tour and give our fans one last chance to celebrate a great night of music,” adds lead vocalist Mac Powell.
The Farewell Tour will feature many of the band’s 31 No. 1 radio singles, as well as new material from Mac Powell and the Family Reunion as well as new music from Mark Lee featuring stories from his book Hurt Road. Special guests Matt Maher, Zach Williams, We Are Messengers, and CROWDER are scheduled to join the tour in select markets.
THIRD DAY – FAREWELL TOUR
* Dates, markets and venues subject to change without notice
May 30 – Seattle, WA at Moore Theater with special guest Matt Maher
May 31 – Seattle, WA at Moore Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 1 – Portland, OR at Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center with special guest Matt Maher
June 2 – Los Angeles, CA at Citizens Business Bank Arena with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 3 – Dallas, TX at Verizon Wireless Theater at Grand Prairie with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 6 – Kansas City, MO at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena at Independence with special guest Matt Maher
June 7 – Chicago, IL at Chicago Theater with special guest Matt Maher
June 8 – Houston, TX at Cynthia Woods Pavilion Amphitheater with special guest Matt Maher
June 9 – New York City, NY at Beacon Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 10 – New York City, NY at Beacon Theater with special guest Zach Williams
June 13 – Louisville, KY at Southeast Christian with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 14 – Indianapolis, IN at Murat Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 15 – Atlanta, GA at Fox Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 16 – Atlanta, GA at Fox Theater with special guest Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
June 18 – Nashville, TN at Ryman Auditorium with special guest Matt Maher
June 21 – Minneapolis, MN at Target Center with special guest Matt Maher (pre-sale May 2, on-sale May 4)
June 22 – Grand Rapids, MI at DeVos Performance Hall with special guest We Are Messengers (SOLD OUT)
June 23 – Nashville, TN at Ryman Auditorium with special guest We Are Messengers (SOLD OUT)
June 27 – Denver, CO at Red Rocks Amphitheater with special guest CROWDER and Matt Maher (SOLD OUT)
Live Nation’s Festival Passport Returns For 2018
/by Jessica NicholsonLive Nation has reinstated its Festival Passport for 2018, more than doubling the Festival Passports available to 2,500 passes and granting purchasers general admission access to the 100+ participating festivals around the world.
Among the participating festivals are Austin City Limits Music Festival, Country LakeShake Festival, Faster Horses Festival, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Governors Ball Music Festival and more.
Additionally, Live Nation is rolling out the first-ever VIP Festival Passport, granting 100 purchasers VIP entry. The general admission tier of the Festival Passport is $999 USD, while the VIP tier is $5,000 USD.
For a full map of participating festivals around the world, visit livenation.com.
“Music festivals are all about the experience and we created Festival Passport as an innovative way to amplify that for music fans across all of our 100+ festivals worldwide,” said Lisa Licht, CMO, Live Nation U.S. Concerts. “Festival Passport is Live Nation’s tribute to our incredible festival community, and we’re excited to continue to build on the program this year by increasing the number of Festival Passports available and adding a brand new VIP tier. Those who purchased the Festival Passport last year have become part of the Live Nation family. Their passion for Live Nation and our festivals is awesome!”
Live Nation will utilize Ticketmaster’s Verified Fan™ platform to assure all Festival Passports get into the hands of fans, rather than scalpers or bots. Verified Fan™ Registration closes Thursday, April 12 at 8 p.m. PDT.
Festival Passports are valid from April 2018 through April 2019.
Vince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter Set For CMA Songwriters Series Show
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Mac McAnally and Don Schlitz will appear on a special CMA Songwriters Series concert the night before CMA Fest kicks off on June 6 at the CMA Theater in Nashville.
Tickets for the show are on sale April 11 at 11:00 AM CT starting at $20 and can be purchased at CMAtheater.com.
Gill has won 18 CMA Awards, including Song of the Year four times, 21 Grammys, and eight ACM Awards. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2007, and is also a member of the Grand Ole Opry. In August 2012, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. He is also a member of the four-time Grammy-winning band The Time Jumpers.
McAnally is a nine-time CMA Awards Musician of the Year, and a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame, and a recent inductee into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. McAnally has spent decades recording countless sessions, releasing solo albums, and writing hits that include No. 1 singles for Kenny Chesney, Alabama, Sawyer Brown and Shenandoah. His 16th and most recent album, Southbound, features his songs arranged for a symphony orchestra, recorded with the FestivalSouth orchestra.
Carpenter has sold over 14 million records, won five Grammys (with 15 nominations), two CMA Awards, two ACM Awards, and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her latest release, Sometimes Just The Sky, celebrates her 30-year recording career with new versions of some of her most beloved songs plus one newly penned track.
Schlitz’s first recorded song, “The Gambler,” won a Grammy for Best Country Song in 1978 and the CMA Song of the Year in 1979. Since then he has scored more than 50 Top 10 singles and 24 No. 1’s. Schlitz was the ASCAP Country Songwriter of the Year for four consecutive years from 1988-91, he has won three CMA Song of the Year Awards, two Grammys, and two ACM awards. Schlitz was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Association Hall of Fame in 1993, and was presented with the ASCAP Creative Achievement Award in 2007. In 2010, after releasing his first studio album in 30 years, Schlitz received ACM’s Poet’s Award and was also inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In 2012, Schlitz was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2017.
New Biography Illuminates Life Of Johnny Cash Through His Songs
/by Lorie HollabaughMusic journalist and historian John Alexander has drawn on decades of studying Cash’s music and life for the new book, from his difficult depression-era Arkansas childhood through his death in 2003, to tell a life story through Cash songs that are both familiar and obscure. It rifles through Cash’s work with the Tennessee Two at Sam Phillips’ Sun Studios, the unique concept albums Cash recorded for Columbia Records, his spiritual songs, the albums recorded live at prisons, songs about the love of his life, June Carter Cash, tunes dealing with murder, death and addiction, songs about ramblers, and even some silly songs.
“This book is a totally different light on Cash than I have ever seen before,” says Larry Gatlin in the book’s foreword. “A masterpiece, written by a learned historian and renowned musicologist—and an expert on Johnny Cash and his music.”
The Man in Song will be available for purchase wherever books are sold, as well as online at UAPress.com.
Nicolle Galyon Extends Publishing Deal With Warner/Chappell
/by Jessica NicholsonFront Booth: Nicolle Galyon, BJ Hill (WC), Ben Vaughn (WC), Ryan Beuschel (WC). Back: Will Overton (WC), Alison Junker (WC), Jessi Vaughn (WC), Bethany Mako (WC), Katie Jelen (WC), Phil May (WC), Kella Stephenson-Farris (Farris, Self, & Moore), Jess Rosen (Greenberg Traurig). Photo: Jessica Steddom
Warner/Chappell Music, the music publishing arm of Warner Music Group, today announced that it has extended its worldwide publishing agreement with award-winning songwriter Nicolle Galyon. Galyon’s most recent work includes Keith Urban’s “Female” and “Coming Home,” Lady Antebellum’s “Heart Break,” Kenny Chesney’s “All the Pretty Girls,” Lee Brice’s “Boy,” and Dan + Shay’s “Tequila,” as well as pop venture “Consequences,” for Camila Cabello.
“Warner took the chance & championed me ten years ago when I connected with BJ Hill,” said Galyon. “They fought the good fight with me as I grew up as a songwriter. Now I feel like we’re in constant celebration and it is so much fun to share these successes together. I’m so glad we’ve continued to take the chance on each other all these years, and I’m excited to share both a wonderful history and shining future with the same company.”
Ben Vaughn, President of Warner/Chappell Nashville added, “Nicolle is one of the most talented individuals to grace Music Row. Her command of lyric and melody has propelled her to be recognized as someone that has true commerciality & depth in every writing session. There is no limit to the places she can continue to grow in this industry as a songwriter, vocalist, producer, mentor, & collaborator. Everyone in the Warner/Chappell family is proud to continue a relationship with a friend and partner like Nicolle.”
Galyon made a mark on the industry with Keith Urban’s No. 1 hit “We Were Us” featuring Miranda Lambert, and with Lambert’s lead single “Automatic,” having contributed to five songs on the country icon’s album Platinum, which won the Grammy for Best Country Album in 2015, and Album of the Year in 2014 via both the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and the Country Music Association (CMA). “Automatic” received a 2015 Grammy nomination for Best Country Song, and was awarded ACM’s 2014 Song of the Year (in both the Artist and Songwriter categories), and CMA’s 2014 Single of the Year. In 2017, Galyon broke barriers by co-writing and co-producing RaeLynn’s album Wild Horse, marking the first time in a decade that a female co-produced an album that debuted No. 1 on the Billboard Country Album chart.
Country Music Television (CMT) named Galyon a mentor for their 2018 Next Women of Country campaign, and the CMA Foundation recently selected the songwriter as an ambassador for their Music Education Matters program.
Luke Combs To Release Deluxe Album In June
/by Jessica NicholsonLuke Combs will release the deluxe version of his Gold-certified, debut major label album This One’s For You on June 1.
The deluxe album, dubbed This One’s For You Too, will include five new songs, all co-written by Combs. Tracks include “Must’ve Never Met You,” “Houston, We Got A Problem,” and a new recording of “She Got The Best Of Me,” a signature track from Combs’ early independently-released EPs.
“As a songwriter, I’m always writing and adding new songs to our set lists. Some songs I haven’t released have even become staples in our shows because the fans request them,” Combs shares. “As we’re working on the next record, the deluxe gives me the chance to say thank you to the fans for supporting my debut album and share with them some of the new music they’ve fallen in love with on the road with us.”
Fans can pre-order the album with newly launched Luke Combs merchandise starting today exclusively on LukeCombs.com. On May 4, This One’s For You Too will be available for pre-order and pre-save with all music services and fans will instantly receive “Beautiful Crazy.”
This One’s for You Too – Track Listing
*New Tracks
1. Out There
Luke Combs/Jacob Bryant/Ray Fulcher/James McNair
2. Memories Are Made Of
Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Cody Webb
3. Lonely One
Luke Combs/Erin Ashley O’Keefe/Drew Parker
4. Beer Can
Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/James McNair
5. Hurricane
Luke Combs/Thomas Archer/Taylor Phillips
6. One Number Away
Luke Combs/Steven Battey/Sammy Mitchell/Robert Williford
7. Don’t Tempt Me
Luke Combs/Joseph Costa/Robert Williford
8. When It Rains It Pours
Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Jordan Walker
9. This One’s for You
Luke Combs/Pat Cooper/Ray Fulcher
10. Be Careful What You Wish For
Luke Combs/Rob Crosby/Ray Fulcher
11. I Got Away with You
Luke Combs/Ray Fulcher/Tyler Reeve
12. Honky Tonk Highway
Luke Combs/Rob Crosby/Ray Fulcher
*13. Houston, We Got a Problem
Luke Combs/Randy Montana/Jonathan Singleton
*14. Must’ve Never Met You
Luke Combs/Jonathan Singleton/Robert Williford
*15. Beautiful Crazy
Luke Combs/Wyatt B. Durrette III/Robert Williford
*16. A Long Way
Luke Combs/Sam Grayson/Larry McCoy
*17. She Got the Best of Me
Luke Combs/Rob Snyder/Channing Wilson
In Pictures: Brad Paisley’s Weekend Warrior World Tour Storms Nashville
/by Jessica NicholsonBrad Paisley welcomed fellow guitar slayer Lindsay Ell, along with “Small Town Boy” hitmaker Dustin Lynch and Chase Bryant for his hometown show in Nashville on Friday (April 6) at Bridgestone Arena, as part of Paisley’s Weekend Warrior World Tour.
Among the show’s highlights were Paisley, Byrant and Ell collaborating on the show’s encore of “Alcohol,” and Lynch honoring Paisley as one of the “Greatest Of All Time (G.O.A.T.),” by gifting Paisley with a baby goat onstage.
Earlier in the day Paisley hosted approximately 200 Music Business students from his alma mater Belmont University at his pre-show sound check. He gave them some honest advice with humor, ran through a few songs for sound check and then took questions for a few minutes. The students also attended the show.
Photos: Derek Cressman
Weekly Register: Kacey Musgraves Earns ‘Golden’ Debut Week
/by Jessica NicholsonKacey Musgraves‘ transcendent new offering, Golden Hour, topped this week’s country albums, according to Nielsen Soundscan, with 49K in total consumption.
Kane Brown‘s self-titled album ranked at No. 2 with 18K, while Chris Stapleton‘s Traveller is at No. 3 with 13K. Thomas Rhett‘s Life Changes ranks at No. 4 with 13K, followed by Luke Combs‘ This One’s For You at No. 5 with 11K.
Newcomer Ashley McBryde also makes a Top 10 country album debut ranking at No. 7, with 11K.
On the country digital sales chart, Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line continue to reign, with “Meant To Be” moving 38K this week, and at 860K to date. Jason Aldean‘s “You Make It Easy” is at No. 2 with 26K, while Kane Brown’s “Heaven” moves 22K to rank at No. 3 this week. Luke Bryan‘s “Most People Are Good” is at No. 4 with 15K, while Thomas Rhett‘s “Marry Me” is at No. 5 with 14K.
Cassadee Pope’s “Take You Home” is this week’s top country debut at No. 13 , with 7.6K.
Lee Ann Womack Beams During Double Nashville Sell-Out
/by Eric T. ParkerLee Ann Womack. Photo: Preston Leatherman
Lee Ann Womack‘s years as a major label country music hitmaker still serve her well.
Her song preferences within those UMG albums is evident. Some of those titles she carries with her today include the obligatory “I Hope You Dance” crossover joined by other country top 40 singles from that album, specifically. Some include those written and/or recorded by heroes Rodney Crowell (“Ashes By Now”), Buddy/Julie Miller (“Does My Ring Burn Your Finger”) and Don Williams (“Lord, I Hope This Day Is Good”).
Perhaps some of that major label notoriety helped Womack sell out Friday and Saturday (April 6, 7) shows at the grungier east side Nashville club, The Basement East. But the more recent disestablishment image she’s developed these past two albums—more indulgent, critically acclaimed indie releases—have kept audiences coming back to cheer every lyric.
Traditional country fiddle and steel still never left Womack’s sights, what she called real country music while promoting her latest The Lonely, the Lonesome & the Gone (ATO Records). Her clinched, honky tonk howl is notably more apparent these days—finding her stride with the sounds in her soul.
That voice has attracted pitches to join tribute albums. Such was the case with Restoration: Reimagining The Songs Of Elton John and Bernie Taupin (released April 6). Womack offered a swampy “Honky Cat” while Taupin himself reciprocated, attending that Womack club show in Nashville the day after the album’s release.
Lee Ann Womack and Bernie Taupin visit Nashville’s SiriusXM studio. Pictured (L-R): SiriusXM’s J.R. Schumann, Lee Ann Womack, Bernie Taupin. Photo: Facebook
Womack’s daringly steadfast reputation remains preserved, guided by the inner voice developed after years in a Texas radio booth with her DJ father. Obligatory homages to George Jones thus capped her show, which was also filled with original titles like “I May Hate Myself In The Morning,” “Last Call,” and “The Fool.” Womack welcomed new traditional titles too, including “The Lonely, The Lonesome & The Gone,” “All the Trouble,” “Chances Are” and “The Way I’m Livin’.”
Thus, as time moves forward—20 years and two husbands for Womack, to be exact—certain titles in her discography were absent from the stage show. “Twenty Years And Two Husbands Ago,” “Either Way,” “I Know Why The River Runs” and “The Healing Kind,” all of which pay homage to her more traditional country heritage, were left in her back pocket. Perhaps why Nashville diehards reached into theirs after the show for anything inscribed with “LAW” at the merch booth.
LAW, her initials, has become a synonym for the same, true-to-your-roots country music that Womack continues to relish in all these years later. Fans clearly want more.
Lee Ann Womack. Photo: Preston Leatherman
Lee Ann Womack’s Upcoming Shows:
April 13 – Harvester Performance Center – Rocky Mount, VA
Apirl 14 – The Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
April 19 – The Heights Theatre – Houston, TX
April 20 – Gruene Hall – New Braunfels, TX
April 22 – The Kessler Theater – Dallas, TX
May 4 – Cherokee Casino – West Siloam Springs, OK
May 5 – Prairie Brand Casino & Resort – Mayetta, KS
May 10 – The Imogene Theater – Milton, FL
May 11 – MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater – Tampa, FL*
May 12 – Coral Sky Amphitheater – West Palm Beach, FL*
May 25 – Camel Rock Casino – Santa Fe, NM
June 2 – Love In Bloom: A Tribute to Johnny and June – Franklin, KY
June 3 – Mountain Stage – Charleston, WV
June 9 – CMA Fest: Nissan Stadium – Nashville, TN
June 16 – Renfro Valley Entertainment Center – Renfro Valley, KY
August 16 – Filene Center – Vienna, VA
August 17 – Bank of NH Pavilion – Gilford, NH*
Sept. 21 – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall – Ponte Vedra Beach, FL
*denotes shows with Alan Jackson