The Charlie Daniels family and Blue Hat Records are breathing new life into the Songs in the Key of E collection by rebranding the project as Charlie Daniels & the Beau Weevils.

In 2018, Country Music Hall of Famer Daniels formed a new band at 81. The project grew out of the desire for Daniels and producer James Stroud to work together again, and Daniels had an idea for something that wasn’t a solo record but wasn’t the CDB either, something stripped down, raw, gritty and swampy. CDB bass player Charlie Hayward was recruited, as was Billy Crain, brother of CDB’s guitar player from 1975-1988, Tommy Crain. Wanting to distance the side project from the CDB, Daniels eventually settled on calling the band Beau Weevils and they recorded Songs in the Key of E. 

The rebranding into the new name will allow fans to more easily find it on streaming platforms. New pressings of the rebranded CD have been available since April, but the new digital and streaming packages dropped on June 27, and contain a short but fun exclusive recording of Daniels’ a cappella arrangement of “The Boll Weevil Song,” a very old blues number which now serves as a brief intro to this new/old sound.

This release also marks the first since Blue Hat President and co-founder David Corlew exited the label earlier this year.

“Mom and I want to thank David for all he has done since being at the helm of Blue Hat Records since its inception,” says Charlie Daniels Jr. “When Dad wanted to step away from the Music Row establishment and do the projects he was passionate about, David was there to help pave the way for some outstanding and diverse music from cover songs from some of the best southern bands of all times to a bluegrass gospel album featuring some of the best who ever played in either genre to Dad’s tribute to Bob Dylan, the acoustic Off the Grid-Doin’ it Dylan. David enabled Dad to outstretch his creative wings, and we will always be grateful to David and Carolyn Corlew for helping him do that.”

“Blue Hat was one of the earliest independent labels in the beginning, following the lead of industry forward thinkers like Al Bunetta,” explains Corlew. “I believe we accomplished everything we wanted to do in our 30-plus years as partners. I wish the Daniels family much success as they move forward with a strong catalog of the past works of Charlie Daniels and the CDB.”

For the time being, Hazel Daniels is overseeing operations which will be handled day to day by Daniels Jr. and Randy Owen. The label continues their relationship with Bob Frank Distribution, and Bob Frank remains a partner in Blue Hat.

The Marcus King Band will hit the road this fall on the “Darling Blue Tour Pt. 1.”

The 13-date run kicks off Sept. 11 in Davenport, Iowa and includes stops in Memphis, Tennessee, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Little Rock, Arkansas and more. Angel White, Laci Kaye Booth and Carter Faith will join as support across select dates.

Tickets will be on sale beginning tomorrow (July 18). More information is available here.

The tour celebrates the band’s newest record, Darling Blue, set for release on Sept. 26 via American Records/Republic Records.

“Darling Blue Tour Pt. 1” Dates:
September 11—Davenport, IA—Capitol Theater*
October 12—Peoria, IL—Civic Center Theater*
October 14—Lawrence, KS—Liberty Hall*
October 17—Stephenville, TX—Twisted J Live
October 19—Fayetteville, AR—JJ’s††
October 21—Starkville, MS—Rick’s Cafe††
October 23—Memphis, TN—Graceland*
October 24—Fairhope, AL—Live at Five*
October 30—Catoosa, OK—Hard Rock Live
October 31—Little Rock, AR—The Hall‡‡
November 2—Corpus Christi, TX—Concrete Street Pavilion‡‡
November 5—Lubbock, TX—Cook’s Garage (indoors)‡‡
November 6—Albuquerque, NM—Revel‡‡
*with Angel White
††Laci Kaye Booth
‡‡Carter Faith

Curb | Word Music Publishing has signed Garrett Nichols, a member of the country trio Restless Road.

“I’m incredibly honored to be joining the team at Curb | Word Music Publishing,” shares Nichols. “It’s a dream to work with such passionate and talented people, and I’m excited to keep growing as a songwriter alongside them.”

Senior Creative Director, Country Publishing, Sarah Shumacher, adds, “We are thrilled to have Garrett join the Curb | Word Music Publishing family. He contributes remarkable energy, work ethic, and passion for his craft, and we are excited to continue watching him achieve his songwriting goals!”

A native of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Nichols’ passion for country music started as a child. He picked up the guitar at 12 years old and auditioned for American Idol at 16, which helped him learn more about songwriting. Videos of covers and originals Nichols posted on YouTube caught the eyes of Zach Beeken and Colton Pack, both competitors on the third season of The X Factor. Together, the trio formed Restless Road in 2015.

As a songwriter, Nichols has co-written songs for Restless Road, including “And Then Some” and “I’d Love To.” He also co-wrote Sacha’s recent release “Shooting Star (ft. Restless Road)” with Pack, Beeken, Sacha Visagie, Cole Miracle and Sam Martinez.

Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson was surprised on the Opry Tuesday night (July 15) in honor of his 64th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member.

To commemorate his historic influence and position as longest-serving member, Opry Vice President and Executive Producer Dan Rogers presented Anderson with a custom scarf designed by world-renowned designer Manuel Cuevas. Anderson was also recognized on stage by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Committee with the Music and Entertainment Ambassador Award.

“Bill Anderson has made an indelible mark,” says Rogers. “We could take a full Opry show and talk about Bill and his impact. He has continued to be a bridge between new and legacy artists for 64 years now, and now we thank him.”

“More than anything, it’s just a blessing to be up here for more than 64 years,” says Anderson. “Thank you to the fans and the Opry for supporting me all this time.”

Anderson was inducted into the Opry family July 15, 1961 at the age of 23. Since then, he has become a pillar of the Opry and a living link between generations of country music tradition. From classic hits like “Still,” “Po’ Folks” and “Mama Sang a Song” to chart toppers for artists like George Strait and Brad Paisley, Anderson’s influence reaches every corner of the genre, and he remains one of the most awarded and respected songwriters in country music history.

For King + Country, the Christian band composed of Australian-born brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, is set to return to the Grand Ole Opry House for a holiday residency, marking the longest artist residency held at the venue.

The shows, titled “A Drummer Boy Christmas: The Live Experiences,” will return to the Opry House Dec. 15-19, blending renditions of Christmas classics like “Little Drummer Boy” with the duo’s originals, such as hit songs include “God Only Knows,” “Relate” and “Joy.”

Tickets for all shows will go on sale July 25.