I’ve got yer country summer playlist right here.
This week’s listening stack is brimming with breezy, uptempo, smile-a-minute singles that are just right for sunny weather. High Valley, Old Dominion, Canaan Smith, Charlie Worsham, Randy Moore and The Railers all popped up with summertime sounds at exactly the same time.
Old Dominion and Charlie Worsham finished in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day prize.
The Railers rule as the DisCovery Award winners. I know, I know: They’re not brand new. But it has been three long years since they were first in “DISClaimer,” so they might as well be.
RANDY MOORE/Sunshine State Of Mind
Writer:R. Moore; Producer: R.C. Moore; Publisher: Undead, SESAC; Highway 59 (track)
– Jaunty, catchy and tropical sounding. Very much in the island/Buffett/Parrothead groove. His vocal delivery is loaded with warmth.
WILLIAMS HONOR/No Umbrella
Writers: Gordon Brown/Reagan Richards/Cyndi Thomson; Producer: Gordon Brown; Publishers: All Hour G1B/Lady Rae Gun/Bella Love, ASCAP/BMI; All Hour (track)
– This is a male-female country duo from Asbury Park, NJ. She sings lead in a throaty, emotive tone on this plea to end heartbreak. His production is atmospheric and airy.
GARTH BROOKS/Ask Me How I Know
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed;Pearl (ERG)
– The verses are cast in a moody, lower-register voice. Then the choruses explode with much more intensity. The lyric addresses a rounder who is going to get his comeuppance from a gal one of these days.
A THOUSAND HORSES/Preachin’ To The Choir
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMLG (ERG)
– Like much of their music, this is fairly rocked up. Lots of electric guitar in the mix and an overall rowdy vibe.
THE RAILERS/11:59 (Central Standard Time)
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Irresistibly infectious. This bopping party ditty is a perfect summertime sound. Stay up all night with these happy kids.
CHARLIE WORSHAM/Cut Your Groove
Writers: none listed; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– I remain a fan. His earnest tenor vocal performance is matched with a breezy track that pushes the tempo onward and upward. Luscious, lustrous, lilting listening.
JERROD NIEMANN/God Made A Woman
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (ERG)
– Pensive and powerful. He finds himself loved and cherished beyond anything he deserves. The ballad swells with strings and steel as he caresses each line.
OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken Heart
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (ERG)
– I love the burbling, bubbling rhythm track. The sunny, upbeat, chin-up lyric is packed with supercool advice, notably, “You gotta love like there’s no such thing as a broken heart.” Not to mention, “Chase after the dream, don’t chase after the money.” I guarantee that this little record is going to make you feel good, good, good.
HIGH VALLEY/She’s With Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– The handclaps are delightful, and the tempo is undeniably compelling. This toe tapper is an instant add, and ya gotta love that.
CANAAN SMITH/Like You That Way
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (ERG)
– Romance in a sunny, super-positive light. It’s not the deepest thing I’ve ever heard, but it is effortlessly appealing.
Artist Updates: Bristol Rhythm & Roots, Isom Innis, Jimmy Wayne
/by Lorie HollabaughBristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion Festival Announces Lineup
Dwight Yoakam, Judah & The Lion, Rodney Crowell, The SteelDrivers, Amanda Shires, Son Volt, and more will perform at the festival, which hosts an estimated 40,000 attendees across 20 outdoor stages and indoor venues with more than 120 acts of live music over the course of the three-day weekend. The entire 2017 Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion artist lineup, as well as weekend wristbands, are available at bristolrhythm.com
Restless Heart’s Dave Innis Performs With Son Isom At His Wedding
Pictured (L-R): Sean Cimino (FTP), Marshall Young Sr., Marshall Young Jr., Isom Innis (FTP), Mark Foster (FTP), Dave Innis (Restless Heart), Mark Pontius (FTP). Photo: Kim DeVilbiss
Restless Heart member Dave Innis performed at his son Isom‘s wedding last weekend in Fort Worth, Texas. Innis’ son, a member of the Platinum-selling pop band, Foster The People, married actress Carlson Young, best known for her role on the MTV series, Scream. Innis surprised his son and new daughter-in-law with a song, accompanying Carlson’s friend Whitney Davis as she serenaded the couple with the classic Etta James tune, “At Last.” He also joined his son and his bandmates onstage to perform several tunes.
The evening ended with both father of the bride, Texas oilman Marshall Young Sr., and father of the groom, Innis, sharing the stage with Foster the People and Los Angeles-based Beatles tribute band Abbey Road to perform “Hey Jude.”
Jimmy Wayne Hosts UJA Publishing Dinner
Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Wayne with Dennis Abboud, Chairman of the Board, President & CEO of Readerlink
Jimmy Wayne recently hosted the UJA – Federation of New York’s Publishing Division Dinner at the Grand Hyatt in New York, at the request of this year’s honoree, Dennis Abboud. More than 500 attended the prestigious event, including Ellie Berger, President, Trade Publishing, Scholastic Inc.
“Dennis and I met during the release of my second book, Walk To Beautiful, a title he helped get into 7,000 grocery stores, in partnership with Coca-Cola,” said Wayne. “He is a hard worker, humble and someone I have great respect for. It was an honor to be here tonight to show my support of this leader and the great work UJA – Federation of New York has done for 100 years.”
Country Radio Seminar Appoints 12 New Agenda Committee Members
/by Lorie HollabaughThe new Agenda Committee members include Josh Bennett (Nielsen Music), EJ Bernas (Social Pulse Media), Bill Macky (Black River Entertainment), Brent Michaels (KUZZ/KRJK/Buck Owens Prod.), Lou Ramirez (Warner Music Nashville), Larry Rosin (Edison Research), Toby Tucker (Neuhoff Media), Monta Vaden (All Access), Lisa Wall (WLHK/Emmis), Robin Ward (KFRG), Erich West (iHeartMedia/WDRM), and Sue Wilson (Rubber City Radio Group/WQMX).
Returning Agenda Committee members are: Lee Adams (Broken Bow Records), Sam Alex (Townsquare Media), Andrew Curran (DMR/Interactive), Tim Gerst (Thinkswell), Carolyn Gilbert (NuVoodoo Media), Jeff James (Signet Interactive), Bruce Logan (CBS Radio), Billy McKim (Texas A&M University), Eric Michaels (WTHI-Midwest Communications), Terry Phillips (CBS/WYCD), J.R. Schumann (SiriusXM), Jenny Shields (Premiere Radio Networks), and Brook Stephens (Leighton Broadcasting).
Weekly Chart Report (5/5/17)
/by Dan_StrassbergClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Ricky Skaggs, Johnny Cash To Be Featured In CMHoF Sessions
/by Jessica NicholsonRicky Skaggs
Ricky Skaggs and Johnny Cash will be spotlighted in upcoming events at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Skaggs will be the subject of a museum program on Saturday, May 13 at 2 p.m. CT, highlighting his 50+ years in entertainment.
The 75-minute event will be hosted by the museum’s Peter Cooper. Skaggs will talk with Cooper about his remarkable life in music and perform briefly. It will be illustrated with vintage photos, film footage, and recordings. Following the event, Skaggs will sign copies of his autobiography Kentucky Traveler: My Life in Music and the album Honoring the Fathers of Bluegrass – Tribute to 1946 and 1947, available for purchase in the Museum Store.
On Saturday, May 27, the CMHoF will host an afternoon with Cindy, Kathy, Rosanne and Tara Cash, daughters of Johnny Cash, for Becoming Our Father: Johnny Cash’s Daughters In Conversation. The program will take place at 2 p.m. in the CMA Theater.
In this in-depth interview—also hosted by Cooper—the daughters will share their stories, remembrances, and perspectives on Johnny Cash, while discussing and sharing photographs never seen outside the family.
Both programs will also be streamed live at countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming.
MusicRowPics: The Railers Catch A New Groove With “11:59 (Central Standard Time)”
/by Jessica NicholsonThe Railers. Photo: Haley Crow
It’s rare to hear a concertina in modern country music, but new Atlantic/WMN trio The Railers incorporates a variety of such instrumentation into their engaging stage show.
“This was the very first instrument I got,” said The Railers member Cassandra Lawson of her heavily used instrument. “It’s more gaffe tape than squeezebox. It’s kind of like Willie’s guitar, you just want it to keep going.”
The trio of singer-songwriters includes brothers Jordan and Jonathan Lawson, and Jonathan’s wife Cassandra. The brothers met Cassandra in college, and they discovered they all had similar musical ambitions. After moving to Nashville, Jordan became a sideman playing with Josh Turner, while Jonathan got a similar gig playing with Sara Evans. In 2010, the trio quit their full-time jobs to wholeheartedly pursue their own aspirations of becoming recording artists. In 2012, they signed with Warner Music Nashville.
In 2014, they released the EP The Railers: The Geraldine Session, as well as the single “Kinda Dig The Feeling,” which was featured on the television series Nashville.
Now they are back with the groovy, infectious new single “11:59 (Central Standard Time),” and have been on the road for the past two months performing the track for radio station programmers around the country.
The track’s feel-good, breezy melody further elevates party-ready lyrics that include Spin the records round, if we blow the speakers out/We’ll just rock this mother a cappella.
“We looked for a long time to find something that felt infectious and catchy and felt like us,” said Jonathan.
The Railers with MusicRow staff.
During a recent visit to the MusicRow office, The Railers offered acoustic renditions of tracks including “11:59 (Central Standard Time)”, along with “These Hands,” “Just Friends,” which Jonathan says is “about when you are in that stage of the relationship where you are just friends with somebody, but you are both kind of hoping it becomes something more.”
See the trio’s retro-themed video for “11:59 (CST)” below:
Americana Honors & Awards Nomination Ceremony To Stream Live
/by Eric T. ParkerThe event will feature an intimate musical celebration featuring hosts The Milk Carton Kids, with special guests to be announced.
Visit countrymusichalloffame.org/streaming starting at 2 p.m. CT to share this special afternoon.
The Americana Honors & Awards will be held Sept. 13 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Warner/Chappell Production Music Names Director Of Licensing
/by Jessica NicholsonSteve Swenson
Warner/Chappell Production Music has appointed Steve Swenson as Director of Licensing. In this role, Swenson will focus on developing the company’s licensing reach in sports, broadcast and corporate markets, and he will be based in Tampa, Florida.
Swenson joins Warner/Chappell Production Music from HSN, where he oversaw audio strategy.
He can be reached at steve.swenson@warnerchappellpm.com.
GMA Honors Celebration To Recognize Amy Grant, Yolanda Adams, Natalie Grant And More
/by Lorie HollabaughThe 4th Annual GMA Honors Celebration is set for May 9 at Lipscomb University’s Allen Arena in Nashville. This year’s celebration inductees include Steve Green, Yolanda Adams, Gold City Quartet, and Reunion Records founders Michael Blanton and Dan Harrell. The 2017 honorees include Amy Grant for Helping Hands, Dr. Shirley Caesar for Shirley Caesar Outreach Ministries, Compassion International, and Natalie Grant for Hope for Justice.
Tye Tribbett and Jekalyn Carr will join Donnie McClurkin in a tribute to Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inductee Yolanda Adams at the Honors Celebration.
“The Gospel Music Association is proud to celebrate this year’s Hall of Fame inductees and to recognize the philanthropy of our worthy honorees,” said GMA president Jackie Patillo. “GMA Honors is a great opportunity for our music community to come together and commemorate our trailblazers as well as those who are giving back to help make life better for others.”
Tables and individual tickets are available for purchase to the event, which include dinner and admission to the honors ceremony. Sponsorships are also available. Ticket and table sponsor information is available at gospelmusichalloffame.org.
DISClaimer: Old Dominion, Charlie Worsham, The Railers Offer Summer-Ready Tracks
/by Robert K OermannThis week’s listening stack is brimming with breezy, uptempo, smile-a-minute singles that are just right for sunny weather. High Valley, Old Dominion, Canaan Smith, Charlie Worsham, Randy Moore and The Railers all popped up with summertime sounds at exactly the same time.
Old Dominion and Charlie Worsham finished in a dead heat for the Disc of the Day prize.
The Railers rule as the DisCovery Award winners. I know, I know: They’re not brand new. But it has been three long years since they were first in “DISClaimer,” so they might as well be.
RANDY MOORE/Sunshine State Of Mind
Writer:R. Moore; Producer: R.C. Moore; Publisher: Undead, SESAC; Highway 59 (track)
– Jaunty, catchy and tropical sounding. Very much in the island/Buffett/Parrothead groove. His vocal delivery is loaded with warmth.
WILLIAMS HONOR/No Umbrella
Writers: Gordon Brown/Reagan Richards/Cyndi Thomson; Producer: Gordon Brown; Publishers: All Hour G1B/Lady Rae Gun/Bella Love, ASCAP/BMI; All Hour (track)
– This is a male-female country duo from Asbury Park, NJ. She sings lead in a throaty, emotive tone on this plea to end heartbreak. His production is atmospheric and airy.
GARTH BROOKS/Ask Me How I Know
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed;Pearl (ERG)
– The verses are cast in a moody, lower-register voice. Then the choruses explode with much more intensity. The lyric addresses a rounder who is going to get his comeuppance from a gal one of these days.
A THOUSAND HORSES/Preachin’ To The Choir
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BMLG (ERG)
– Like much of their music, this is fairly rocked up. Lots of electric guitar in the mix and an overall rowdy vibe.
THE RAILERS/11:59 (Central Standard Time)
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– Irresistibly infectious. This bopping party ditty is a perfect summertime sound. Stay up all night with these happy kids.
CHARLIE WORSHAM/Cut Your Groove
Writers: none listed; Producers: Frank Liddell/Eric Masse; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– I remain a fan. His earnest tenor vocal performance is matched with a breezy track that pushes the tempo onward and upward. Luscious, lustrous, lilting listening.
JERROD NIEMANN/God Made A Woman
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Curb (ERG)
– Pensive and powerful. He finds himself loved and cherished beyond anything he deserves. The ballad swells with strings and steel as he caresses each line.
OLD DOMINION/No Such Thing As A Broken Heart
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA (ERG)
– I love the burbling, bubbling rhythm track. The sunny, upbeat, chin-up lyric is packed with supercool advice, notably, “You gotta love like there’s no such thing as a broken heart.” Not to mention, “Chase after the dream, don’t chase after the money.” I guarantee that this little record is going to make you feel good, good, good.
HIGH VALLEY/She’s With Me
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner Bros.
– The handclaps are delightful, and the tempo is undeniably compelling. This toe tapper is an instant add, and ya gotta love that.
CANAAN SMITH/Like You That Way
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Mercury (ERG)
– Romance in a sunny, super-positive light. It’s not the deepest thing I’ve ever heard, but it is effortlessly appealing.
Third Man History Explored In 4-Part Apple Music Series
/by Lorie HollabaughIn the series’ first episode, Ben Blackwell and Ben Swank (employees No. 1 and 2 of Third Man Records) set up a studio deep inside Third Man headquarters in Nashville to give a first account history of the label’s inception and their roles. They’ll also take listeners through some of their favorite releases from the past eight years of Third Man, including reissues, unique vinyl editions, and live performances.
Takeover: Third Man Soundsystem will premiere its first of four episodes on Apple Music tonight (May 4) at 9 p.m. CT, with an encore airing May 7 at 11 a.m. CT. Additional episodes air throughout May on Thursday evenings, with a repeat on Fridays. After premiering, the show will be available on demand at Apple Music.