Reba McEntire announced via Facebook Live that the multi-talented entertainer will release a gospel album with BMLG/Cumulus’ Nash Icon and Capitol Christian Music Group on February 3, 2017.
Pairing with the release will be McEntire’s first complete show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, held on Feb. 15. The program is set to feature some of the new gospel music, as well as her greatest hits and attendees will receive a copy of the new album with ticket purchases.
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope will be the title of the double album, featuring 10 hymns, 10 brand new songs and a hidden track. The announcement was made at East Nashville’s Tulip Street United Methodist Church, where McEntire was shooting the video for the project’s new single, “Back To God.”
“Softly and Tenderly,” a song recorded with Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, will be released on iTunes on Friday, Feb 16. McEntire co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and her band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.
Writers on various tracks on the project include Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler, Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher. “I Got The Lord On My Side” is a song written by McEntire and her mother Jackie McEntire.
“I’ve been wanting to do a gospel album forever,” said McEntire. “Sing It Now was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times.
“Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires,” she continued. “Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church.”
Fans who pre-order the album can download a new track from the project on iTunes every Friday now through Feb. 3. Tickets for McEntire’s Ryman show will be available Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. CT at ryman.com.
Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Jesus Loves Me | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus* | Written by Frederick Whitfield | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder | Written by James Milton Black | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Catherine Marx, Doug Sisemore
4. Oh Happy Day* | Written by Edward Francis Rimbault | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
5. Amazing Grace | Written by John Newton | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
6. I’ll Fly Away | Written by Albert E. Brumley | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Medley) (featuring The Isaacs)* | “In The Garden” written by Austin C. Miles | “Wonderful Peace” written by Warren D. Cornell | Medley Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
8. Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot (Medley) | Written by Wallace Willis | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
9. How Great Thou Art | Written by Stuart K. Hine | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
10. Softly And Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood) | Written by Will Lamartine Thompson | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
CD 2
1. Sing It Now* | Written by Michael Farren, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood
2. Angels Singin’ | Written by Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler
3. God And My Girlfriends | Written by Patricia Conroy, Lisa Hentrich, Marcia Ramirez
4. Hallelujah, Amen | Written by Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman
5. There Is A God* | Written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley
6. I Got The Lord On My Side | Written by Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
7. Back To God | Written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser
8. Angel On My Shoulder* | Written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White
9. From The Inside Out | Written by Amy Fletcher
10. Say A Prayer* | Written by Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers, Neil Thrasher
11. HIDDEN TRACK (physical only): Jesus Loves Me (Reprise) | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
*McEntire co-produced with DeMarcus
Library Of Congress Seeks Public Input On Register Of Copyright Role
/by Jessica NicholsonInput will be reviewed and will inform development of knowledge, skills and abilities requirements for the position.
Beginning today, Dec. 16, an online survey is open to the public. The survey will be posted through Jan. 31, 2017.
In October, Maria Pallante exited her role as Register of Copyrights; officially, she was later appointed as a senior adviser for the digital strategy for the Library of Congress.
Last week, the first in a series of expected reforms came as the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee proposed autonomy of the Copyright Office from the Library of Congress. The proposal retains the Copyright Office as part of the Legislative Branch and led by a Registrar, nominated by the president and confirmed by the Senate.
DisClaimer: John Oates & The Time Jumpers Are Swingin’ The Season
/by Robert K OermannLast week, we explored the raft of new Nashville holiday albums, so this week we’re listening to some of the shorter gifts.
So thank you, again, to Chris Young, Amy Grant, Jennifer Nettles and Kacey Musgraves for the finest Christmas collections of 2016. Only two of today’s discs are full albums, the ones by Neil Diamond and Jenny & Tyler. The second one was a completely unexpected delight and wins this week’s DisCovery Award.
As for the singles, I am giving the Disc of the Day prize to John Oates & The Time Jumpers. They are swingin’ the season.
NEWSONG/The Christmas Shoes
Writer: Leonard Ahlstrom/Eddie Carswell; Producer: Leondard Ahlstrom; Publisher: WB/Jerry’s Haven/Sony-ATV, BMI; HHM (CDX) (newsongonline.com)
—This CCM group will melt your heart with this outing. A little boy is trying to buy his dying mom a pair of shoes so she can meet Jesus in them when she passes away on Christmas eve. Written in teardrops and sung with soul.
ROBBIE ROBINSON/Carolina Christmas
Writer: Robbie Robertson; Producer: Mark Prentice, Doug Wayne Holmquist & Robbie Robinson; Publisher: Greater Influence, BMI; GIM (CDX)
—The song is okay, but this guy sounds as vocally weak as a newborn reindeer.
OLIVIA LANE/Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: Ilya Toshinsky; Publisher: St. Nicholas, no performance rights listed; Big Spark (CDX) (olivialane.com)
—This doesn’t rock with as much verve and personality as Brenda Lee’s original, but Lane is a strong vocalist with plenty of confidence, and Toshinsky’s production is flawless. Recommended.
NEIL DIAMOND/Christmas Prayers
Writer: Neil Diamond; Producer: Don Was & Jacknife Lee; Publisher: Diamondsongs/Universal Tunes, SESAC; Capitol (track)
—Diamond’s yuletide offering is titled Acoustic Christmas. Among the musicians are such longtime Nashville favorites as Richard Bennett and Matt Rollings. Seven of the tunes are public-domain standards given new arrangements by the star. Four are lesser-known holiday tunes written by others (including Leadbelly and The Weavers). And then there are his own two newly-penned numbers, “#1 Record for Christmas” and this ballad for loved ones who have passed away, but left cherished memories behind. Tender and sentimental.
The DisCovery Award goes to Jenny & Tyler.
JENNY & TYLER/Christmastime
Writer: Tyler Somers/Trent Monk/Jenny Somers; Producer: Ben Shive; Publisher: Residence/One Eyed Cat/Trent Monk Wholelotaracket, BMI/ASCAP; Residence (track) (jennyandtyler.com)
—This Nashville Americana duo’s CD is titled Christmas Stories. It leads off with this gently swaying ditty that’s infused with nostalgic holiday images. His slightly raspy voice has fireside warmth, and her wafting soprano is as soft as a snowflake. This collection is definitely the discovery of the season. Whether taking on standards like “Winter Wonderland” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” or offering originals like this and the piano instrumental “Gloria Immanuel” they are a sonic delight. And you have probably never heard more inventive arrangements of “O Holy Night” and “Handel’s Messiah” in your life.
JOHN OATES & THE TIME JUMPERS/Santa Be Good to Me
Writer: John Oates/Josh Charles/Steven Davis/Alissa Moreno; Producer: John Oates & David Kalmusky; Publisher: Oates Shul/Painted Desert/Nolanyc/Streams of Gold/First Second, BMI/ASCAP; Elektra
—This gets major bonus points for coming to us via a green-vinyl 45 r.p.m. single. With The Time Jumpers on board, you know it has to have the most delightful swing groove. The jazziest yule tune of the year.
RAY STEVENS/Mary and Joseph and the Baby and Me
Writer: Jeff Bates/John Ritter; Producer: Ray Stevens; Publisher: Melrose Nashville/Landa/Lutz, BMI; CabaRay (CDX) (raystevens.com)
—With a light Bo Diddley beat, groovy retro backup singers and synth strings backing him, Ray offers a very cute new Christmas tune, sung from the point of view of the donkey. Stay tuned for the mid-song braying and bop right along. Super enjoyable.
THE RICK CAVENDER BAND/Christmas Time Again
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; RCB
—Melodic and eminently listenable, with a confident, pop lead vocal, solid acoustic guitar work and a piano solo.
CYNDI LAUPER & ALISON KRAUSS/Hard Candy Christmas
Writer: Carol Hall; Producer: Tony Brown & Cyndi Lauper; Publisher: Daniel/Otay/Universal, ASCAP; Sire (track)
—I love the sad holiday songs, and this one’s one of the saddest. It has that smiling- through-tears quality that is so heart tugging. Krauss takes the second verse with a breathy whisper and shadows Lauper in perfect soprano harmony elsewhere. A lovely job on a lovely tune.
ROBBY JOHNSON/Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer
Writer: Johnny Marks; Producer: James Stroud; Publisher: none listed; Contrast Music (track) (robby-johnson.com)
—This is a lively, rocked-up version of this standard. Johnson has a solidly country delivery and the chorus folks shouting along sound like they’re really excited.
Nashville Tourism Ends Record-Setting Streak
/by Sarah SkatesPhoto provided by Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp
Nashville experienced 70 straight months of tourism growth (based on room night bookings), the longest in U.S. history, reports The Tennessean. According to data the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. shared with the newspaper, the streak ended in October. There were 7.2 million room nights sold in fiscal year 2015-16, and $147.5 million in hotel tax collections in 2015.
Despite the leveling off, the CVC says the city remains one of the nation’s Top 10 most desirable destinations for business, convention and leisure tourists.
About 12,000 new hotel rooms will open in Nashville in the coming years, adding to the 27,000 already here. With the increased competition, room rates are expected to fall. In the article, CVC President and CEO Butch Spyridon cautioned that the city should not over-build, noting that Nashville doesn’t have a theme park, gaming option, or as many business travelers as bigger cities.
In news from the Nashville Business Journal, Bridgestone Arena reports total revenue of $12.6 million and total operating expenses of $18.2 million for 2016. The operating loss is subsidized by Metro government. And Nashville is in the running for a Major League Soccer franchise. Nine cities are competing for four franchises.
BMG Promotes Sara Knabe To VP Creative
/by Sarah SkatesSara Knabe
Sara Knabe has been promoted to VP of Creative, BMG Nashville.
Since joining the company in 2011, she has been on a steady ascent in the Nashville music community, working with an impressive list of songwriters and artists including Gordie Sampson, Tony Lane, Wynn Varble, Jay DeMarcus, Lucie Silvas, Ruston Kelly, James LeBlanc and many others.
Knabe and the team in Nashville have secured an abundance of placements for BMG writers, including Florida Georgia Line’s “H.O.L.Y.,” and cuts by Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum and Rascal Flatts.
“BMG has been on an incredible run with Sara contributing to a great deal of the company’s success,” said Kos Weaver, head of BMG Nashville. “She is recognized as one of the best song people in Nashville and has proved it by securing huge hits for us.”
“The last five years with BMG have been an incredible learning experience,” said Knabe. “Everyone should have the opportunity to have a boss like Kos Weaver. His leadership allows all of us to be creative, explore our interests and get our hands dirty in so many facets of the industry. I feel 100 percent supported and that’s a great feeling. I’m excited about this new position and the opportunity to continue to work with our songwriters and a creative team that feels like family.”
Industry Ink: Suit Music, Casting Crowns, William Michael Morgan Visits CMA
/by Jessica NicholsonSuit Music Relocates
Andrew Cohen and Jarrod Holley launched Suit Music management in 2015.
Casting Crowns Earns RIAA Platinum Certification
CCM band Casting Crowns has earned RIAA Platinum certification for the Christmas project Peace On Earth. The certification marks their fifth career Platinum certification, in addition to a 2x multi-Platinum album, two Platinum DVDs, seven Gold albums, one Platinum single, and five Gold digital singles.
“We are so thankful our songs are being heard and that we can be a small part of keeping Christ in Christmas around the world through our music,” said Casting Crowns frontman Mark Hall.
William Michael Morgan Stops By CMA
Pictured (L-R): Angela Roland, Awards & Industry Relations Assistant,CMA; Brandi Simms, Sr. Director of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA; William Michael Morgan; John Esposito, Chairman & CEO, WMN; Brenden Oliver, Manager of Awards & Industry Relations, CMA. Photo: Caitlin Harris/CMA
William Michael Morgan stopped by to perform for the staff at CMA earlier this week. His “Live @ CMA” acoustic set included his No. 1 hit “I Met A Girl,” the title track to his critically acclaimed debut album Vinyl, current single “Missing,” and holiday favorite “White Christmas.”
Cole Swindell Celebrates A Year Filled With Musical Milestones
/by Jessica NicholsonCole Swindell and Ashley Gorley celebrate the success of “You Should Be Here.” Photo: Steve Lowry
As Cole Swindell prepares to wrap his third annual sold-out headlining Down Home Tour this weekend, he also looks back on a year of accomplishments including his sixth consecutive No. 1 single (“Middle of a Memory”), being named the NSAI Songwriter/Artist of the Year and celebrating the biggest song of his career so far with the title track of his sophomore album released in May, “You Should Be Here.” The track was certified Platinum and has more than 70 million streams, 1.3 million tracks sold, and nearly 35 million YouTube views.
He toured with Florida Georgia Line’s Dig Your Roots tour, and will tour with Dierks Bentley’s What The Hell tour in 2017.
Pictured (L-R): WMN’s Justin Luffman, Peter Strickland, KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards, Swindell, WMN’s John Esposito, WMN’s Cris Lacy, producer Michael Carter. Photo: Steve Lowry
“I look back on this year and am just overwhelmed with emotion,” said Swindell. “I knew that music was powerful but I never ever could have imagined what impact my music could truly have on other people and more importantly in turn what it has done for me. I wrote a song as a way to help myself through the grief of losing my Dad. But it quickly became bigger than me as people began writing to me with the most incredible stories about how the song helped them through extraordinary life events. I knew then it wasn’t about me anymore. I hope my fans know they have helped ME with every story, every ticket they have bought this year, every call to radio, and just showing up at my shows. ‘You Should Be Here’ has truly changed my life. I am truly truly blessed with a great team around me, great friends, great songwriting buddies, encouraging support from my friends at radio and media and most importantly blessed with the greatest fans in the world. 2016 was pretty amazing and it’s going to be really hard to top … but I’m up for the challenge!”
CMT On Tour Presents the Cole Swindell Down Home Tour was a sold-out success in 2016.
BOTS Act Becomes Law
/by Sarah SkatesThe BOTS Act states:
This bill prohibits the circumvention of a security measure, access control system, or other technological measure on an Internet website or online service of a ticket issuer that is used to enforce posted event ticket purchasing limits or to maintain the integrity of posted online ticket purchasing order rules for a public event with an attendance capacity exceeding 200 persons.
The bill also prohibits the sale of or offers to sell an event ticket in interstate commerce obtained through such a circumvention violation if the seller participated in, had the ability to control, or should have known about the violation.
Billboard reports that the bill was introduced in February 2015 by U.S. Representatives Paul D. Tonko (D-N.Y.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.).
Weekly Chart Report (12/16/16)
/by Troy_StephensonClick here or above to access MusicRow‘s weekly CountryBreakout Report.
Reba To Release 2-Disc Gospel Album Before First Complete Ryman Concert
/by Eric T. ParkerReba McEntire announced via Facebook Live that the multi-talented entertainer will release a gospel album with BMLG/Cumulus’ Nash Icon and Capitol Christian Music Group on February 3, 2017.
Pairing with the release will be McEntire’s first complete show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, held on Feb. 15. The program is set to feature some of the new gospel music, as well as her greatest hits and attendees will receive a copy of the new album with ticket purchases.
Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope will be the title of the double album, featuring 10 hymns, 10 brand new songs and a hidden track. The announcement was made at East Nashville’s Tulip Street United Methodist Church, where McEntire was shooting the video for the project’s new single, “Back To God.”
“Softly and Tenderly,” a song recorded with Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson, will be released on iTunes on Friday, Feb 16. McEntire co-produced the album with Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts in his home studio and her band leader/musical director Doug Sisemore.
Writers on various tracks on the project include Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler, Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman, Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley, Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers and Neil Thrasher. “I Got The Lord On My Side” is a song written by McEntire and her mother Jackie McEntire.
“I’ve been wanting to do a gospel album forever,” said McEntire. “Sing It Now was the perfect title for this album because the message and melody throughout the song connects the dots between the traditional hymns I grew up on and new music that has been uplifting for me in challenging times.
“Music conjures up great memories and goes hand and hand with us McEntires,” she continued. “Mama, Susie and Alice even came into the studio with me to record ‘I’ll Fly Away,’ all of us gathered around an old hymnal straight from the Chockie church.”
Fans who pre-order the album can download a new track from the project on iTunes every Friday now through Feb. 3. Tickets for McEntire’s Ryman show will be available Dec. 15 at 6 p.m. CT at ryman.com.
Sing It Now: Songs Of Faith & Hope Track Listing:
CD 1
1. Jesus Loves Me | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
2. Oh, How I Love Jesus* | Written by Frederick Whitfield | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
3. When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder | Written by James Milton Black | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Catherine Marx, Doug Sisemore
4. Oh Happy Day* | Written by Edward Francis Rimbault | Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
5. Amazing Grace | Written by John Newton | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
6. I’ll Fly Away | Written by Albert E. Brumley | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
7. In The Garden / Wonderful Peace (Medley) (featuring The Isaacs)* | “In The Garden” written by Austin C. Miles | “Wonderful Peace” written by Warren D. Cornell | Medley Arrangement by Jay DeMarcus, Tim Akers
8. Swing Low Sweet Chariot / Swing Down Chariot (Medley) | Written by Wallace Willis | Arrangement by Reba McEntire, Doug Sisemore
9. How Great Thou Art | Written by Stuart K. Hine | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
10. Softly And Tenderly (feat. Kelly Clarkson and Trisha Yearwood) | Written by Will Lamartine Thompson | Arrangement by Doug Sisemore
CD 2
1. Sing It Now* | Written by Michael Farren, Joseph Habedank, Tony Wood
2. Angels Singin’ | Written by Jessi Alexander, Sarah Buxton, Steve Moakler
3. God And My Girlfriends | Written by Patricia Conroy, Lisa Hentrich, Marcia Ramirez
4. Hallelujah, Amen | Written by Dave Barnes, Lucie Silvas, Jeremy Spillman
5. There Is A God* | Written by Chris DuBois, Ashley Gorley
6. I Got The Lord On My Side | Written by Reba McEntire, Jackie McEntire
7. Back To God | Written by Dallas Davidson, Randy Houser
8. Angel On My Shoulder* | Written by Leigh Reynolds, Amber White, Philip White
9. From The Inside Out | Written by Amy Fletcher
10. Say A Prayer* | Written by Michael Dulaney, Jason Sellers, Neil Thrasher
11. HIDDEN TRACK (physical only): Jesus Loves Me (Reprise) | Written by William Batchelder Bradbury | Arrangement by Reba McEntire
*McEntire co-produced with DeMarcus
Jenny Gill To Release ‘The House Sessions’ On Feb. 17
/by Jessica NicholsonSinger-songwriter Jenny Gill is set to release her debut EP, The House Sessions, on Feb. 17, and she will welcome several top-notch musicians for the project, including Sheryl Crow, Willie Weeks, Jack Pearson and Jon Randall.
Gill had a hand in writing five of the six tracks on the project, which incorporates a range of influences, from blues, Americana and country.
“Every song on this project takes me to somewhere in my past,” she says. “My favorite songs to write are those that reflect personal experiences instead of just telling a story.”
Gill is the daughter of Country Music Hall of Fame member Vince Gill and Sweethearts of the Rodeo’s Janis Oliver. Gill has spent the past six years touring as a backup singer for her step-mother, Christian artist Amy Grant.
“People have a preconceived perception of me because of my name, that I am country or that my talent should be at a certain place because of my parents’ accomplishments,” she says. “It’s hard to get people to notice you on your own and not for being a plus-one. So that is what The House Sessions is attempting to do. I am done waiting in the wings wondering what could happen. I’m ready to try and build something all on my own.”
The House Sessions Track Listing