Luke Combs Becomes First Country Artist With Two Songs In The Spotify Billions Club

Luke Combs has become the first country artist to have two songs reach one billion streams on Spotify, marking his entrance into the Spotify Billions Club. Combs was presented plaques honoring the accomplishments of “When It Rains It Pours” and “Beautiful Crazy” at his Bonnaroo set last Thursday (June 12).

 

Dierks Bentley Releases Limited Edition Whiskey

Dierks Bentley is releasing his limited edition Row 94 Broken Branches whiskey later this month in partnership with Lofted Custom Spirits at the Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, Kentucky. Bottled at 100 proof and aged five years, the bourbon also underwent “Branch Aging,” where time-worn, fire-toasted Oak staves seasoned for up to 24 months rested in the barrels to deepen the whiskey’s complexity.

“The new album Broken Branches is all about the cracks and scars that make us who we are, and I wanted this bourbon to carry that same spirit,” says Bentley. “We added seasoned oak staves to deepen the flavor and give it a little more character… kind of like the stuff life throws at you.”

Register for a chance to purchase one of the 1500 bottles produced here.

 

Marcus King Partners With Gibson To Launch Custom Guitar

Marcus King and Gibson have teamed up to launch the Gibson Marcus King ES-345 electric guitar in sixties cherry, based upon a family heirloom guitar King has played on stages across the world.

“Big Red has always been a grounding instrument and comforting reminder of where I come from,” says King. “This guitar always brings me back home to the joy, curiosity and obsession I had for guitar from the beginning. I’m always tremendously honored and humbled when I take Big Red out of the case. It still feels like my grandfather’s guitar, and I approach it with the same respect as I did when he first let me play the guitar when I was a young boy. I know he’d be very proud to know that Gibson and I were delivering this feeling to a new audience of players, and I am so excited for another generation of players to feel what I feel; seeing and playing this guitar always feels like taking your dad’s car out for a Sunday drive. A hot red Coupe Deville with the top down, baby.”

 

ASCAP Hosts Songwriter Showcase At The Basement

ASCAP hosted a songwriter showcase on Monday (June 16) at Nashville’s The Basement. The event featured performances from Denitia, Cheyenna, JB Somers, Nell Maynard and Gina Venier.

 

Country For A Cause Raises $90,000 For Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital

This year’s annual Country For A Cause concert celebrated its 11th anniversary and raised $90,000 for the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Hosted by T.G. Sheppard and Kelly Lang, the event featured The Oak Ridge Boys, Moe Bandy, Mandy Barnett, John Berry, T. Graham Brown, Tim Atwood, Trey Calloway, Lacy J. Dalton, Billie Jo Jones, Jimmy Fortune, The Malpass Brothers, The Kody Norris Show, Mark Wills, Michelle Wright and Billy Yates, along with surprise appearances by Grayson Russell, Ruby Leigh and John Schneider.

“The entire team at Country for A Cause remains a dedicated supporter of Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt,” said Meg Rush, MD, MMHC, President of Monroe Carell. “We are so grateful for their incredible gifts of time, talent and music industry connections to raise necessary funds to support our mission. It is community support like this that make possible everything we do to care for our young patients and their families. This dedication helps to advance our mission of compassionate care, game-changing research and innovative clinical training.”

Chris Janson is set to release his fifth album, Wild Horses, on Aug. 1 via Harpeth 60 Records/Warner Music Nashville.

Alongside the announcement, Janson released his newest track, “The Bride,” which he co-wrote with Mitch Oglesby, Adam Wood and Michael Wayne Wilkes. The song follows previously released tracks “This Flag” and “Me & A Beer,” his current radio single.

“I’ve always referred to my wife, Kelly, as ‘the bride,’” says Janson. “This is the perfect love song and perfect for wedding season – actually, any time of the year. This song is very true to life and tells our story.”

The 15 track project features writing credits from Ashley Gorley, Thomas Archer, Kelley Lovelace and more. The album will also include a collaboration with Jamey Johnson, “Hardest Huntin’ Season.”

Janson is currently on the road, headlining dates throughout the summer.

Wild Horses Track List:
1. “Wild Horses” (Chris Janson, Kelly Roland, Pat Bunch)
2. “What You’re Missing” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Brad Clawson)
3. “Me & A Beer” (Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley, Taylor Phillips, Andy Sheridan)
4. “Fight For A Girl” (Chris Janson, Blake Bollinger, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler)
5. “Up To You” (Chris Janson, Ashley Gorley, Zach Crowell)
6. “Want To With You” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Ashley Gorley, Brad Claws)
7. “The Bride” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Michael Wayne Wilkes, Adam Wood)
8. “What I’m For” (Chris Janson, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson)
9. “This Flag” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Josh Phillips, Michael Wayne Wilkes)
10. “Father Figure” (Chris Janson, Blake Bollinger, Phil Barton)
11. “Hung Up On” (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Josh Phillips, Micheal Wayne Wilkes)
12. “I Don’t Give A Damn” (Chris Janson, Blake Bollinger, Ben Hayslip, Drew Parker)
13. “Hardest Huntin’ Season” (feat. Jamey Johnson) (Chris Janson, Mitch Oglesby, Josh Phillips, Michael Wayne Wilkes)
14. “You Ain’t Seen It All” (Chris Janson, Dallas Davidson)
15. “The Broken” (Chris Janson, Kelly Roland, Kelley Lovelace)

Curb Records artist Hannah Ellis has signed with the Kinkead Entertainment Agency for booking.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Hannah Ellis to the Kinkead Entertainment Agency!” shares Kinkead Entertainment Agency CEO Bob Kinkead. “Her exceptional vocal talent, impressive songwriting abilities, and genuine passion for music truly stand out. Coupled with her incredibly captivating live performances, we are all looking forward to playing a key role in elevating her career to new heights by introducing and booking her to key events that make a difference in an artist’s career.”

“I am so excited to be joining the Kinkead roster! From the first meeting they have been extremely hands-on and have already made me feel like such a priority. I can’t wait to see what we accomplish together,” adds Ellis.

Ellis recently released “Love Of My Night,” following a pair of duets, “The Women I Am” featuring Martina McBride and “Waiting to Die” with her husband, fellow singer-songwriter Nick Wayne.

Last month, in honor of National Police Week, Ellis performed her ballad, “Officer Down,” at the C.O.P.S. Gala in Washington, D.C., as well as at the Tennessee FOP Memorial Service in Nashville. In between tributes, the Kentucky native took to social media to announce the Hannah Ellis Officer Down Golf Classic, set to take place this October to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the passing of her cousin, Daniel, a police officer killed in the line of duty.

Earlier this week, Ellis also launched the pilot for her brand new YouTube series, “Hannah’s Gotta Eat,” built around the idea that food fosters a unique sense of community. Each episode will follow her as she goes behind the scenes and into local kitchens to speak to chefs and sample cuisine in restaurants across the country.

The McCrary Sisters are set to release their latest album, Love Is the Only Key, on July 15.

Produced by Steve Crawford and co-produced by Church on the Rock, the new collection features eight tracks, including “What Good Am I,” written by Bob Dylan. “Run On” features their brother Allen McCrary, and is a testament to the family’s trailblazing legacy as the celebrated vocals of their late sister and group member Deborah are also captured on the track, as well as “Amazing Grace” and “Shake It Off.” The album release marks the 15-year anniversary of their debut album, Our Journey.

“What the world needs now is love. Love is the only key to make a better place for you and me,” says Regina McCrary. “Love can set us free and bring us unity. Listen, if we ain’t got love, we ain’t got nothing. I thank God that I have enough love in me that I can say I’ll make a change today. I’ll show love today. Our entire album is about LOVE TOGETHERNESS. We can do this together, but it starts with you and me.”

“We’re so grateful, because God’s timing is everything! Now is the time for Love Is the Only Key and we pray that you are blessed,” adds Alfreda McCrary.

Daughters of the late Rev. Samuel McCrary, a founding member of the legendary gospel quartet The Fairfield Four, Ann, Regina, Alfreda and the late Deborah grew up in Nashville surrounded by music, artists, community and faith. The daughters were raised singing at home and at their father’s church and in their formative years, had many accomplishments individually and together, sharing in their family legacy performing with artists including Bob Dylan, Elvis, Isaac Hayes and Stevie Wonder.

In 2011, the Sisters officially formed their own group and have since recorded or performed with artists including Delbert McClinton, Black Keys, Eric Church, Patty Griffin, Jonny Lang, Robert Randolph, The Winans, Carrie Underwood, Dr. John, Widespread Panic, Sheryl Crow, Maren Morris and many more.

Love Is the Only Key Track List:
1. “Love Is the Only Key” (The McCrary Sisters)
2. “Let’s Come Together” (The McCrary Sisters)
3. “Run On” (public domain)
4. “What Good Am I” (Bob Dylan)
5. “Your Amazing Love” (The McCrary Sisters)
6. “What He’s Done For Me” (The McCrary Sisters)
7. “Shake It Off” (The McCrary Sisters)
8. “Amazing Grace” (public domain)