Backroad Anthem. Photo: Liza Hippler
Little more than two months after Backroad Anthem member Craig Strickland died during an intense storm on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma, his fellow band members Toby Freeman, Eric Dysart, Josh Bryant, Brandon Robold, and Isaac Senty are paying tribute to their fallen partner by continuing on with the group’s shared vision.
Though the unexpected, tragic loss of a fellow band member would derail most groups, this tight-knit, Arkansas-based band is determined to keep making music.
“I don’t think any of us ever thought about quitting,” says Freeman, who shared lead vocal duties with Strickland. “This was Craig’s brainchild and he was the one who started the band. Obviously, we will never be able to replace Craig, but we don’t plan on adding another member. Going forward, we’ve all just collectively agreed to help each other and really pull together. It’s a tough spot to fill, but I feel we have the talent and ability to fill that spot and keep continuing to bring an exciting show to our fans.”
“I think our sound will stay like it has been,” adds Bryant. “We were talking earlier about how we really focus on telling stories with our lyrics, and going forward we will pick up the slack on stage presence. As far as the sound, we all sing, and we are all influenced by bands like the Eagles that all do harmonies. There’s not a lot of bands like that anymore, so I think where we are going is really cool.”
Freeman recalls the band’s return to the stage following Strickland’s death as a “pretty surreal experience,” as they played two sold-out hometown shows filled with friends and fans on Jan. 16-17 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas. “When we walked out onstage it was a pretty crazy feeling not seeing him walk out with you,” says Freeman. “So it took us a few songs to get those emotions out, but once we did, I think it was more just all of us banding together and doing the show for him and making sure we paid a good honor to him.”
Tragedy And Healing
Craig Strickland
While the band members were each visiting with family during the holiday break in December 2015, they received a message from Strickland’s father, saying that 29-year-old Strickland and 22-year-old friend Chase Morland could not be reached. The pair had gone on a duck-hunting trip on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma on the day after Christmas, despite the inclement weather involving high winds and freezing temperatures.
Freeman says Strickland was mentoring Morland. “He did that with younger people, and was just being friends with him, like he was with everybody. When we first heard he was missing, his dad just said they hadn’t heard from him,” recalls Freeman. “We were like, well, Craig’s phone has died so many times before. We just thought he and Chase were somewhere or at a buddy’s house, or maybe Craig dropped his phone in the water. He’s done that before. It was when the search party went out and they hadn’t heard from Chase, that’s when we knew something was up.”
The band members balanced their own worry, and later grief, with interest and speculation from media, and the need to keep fans updated with information as the situation unfolded.
“That was the worst…the waiting,” recalls Freeman. “I remember getting a phone call from FOX news at 3 or 4 a.m., maybe a day or two after they issued a search party. They were like, ‘We want to do a story at 6 and we need you to be ready in 15 minutes and we will put you on the air.’ I’m like, ‘Holy crap.’ Just things like that…phone calls and news stories. When it set in we just stopped doing any of that stuff. It felt so weird to us. And then trying to keep fans updated. One day we split it up and each took like 15 or 16 messages on Facebook and just replied to them, just to keep them up to date.”
The band’s worst fears were realized when Morland’s body was found on Dec. 28, and Strickland’s remains were discovered on Jan. 4, the same day the other Backroad Anthem members had planned to reunite. “We had already planned to meet up, and just talk and see each other,” says Freeman. Then we got the phone call that they found him. We met like a couple of hours after getting that call. I feel like that was a God moment for us. He knew we would need each other to get through that day.”
Artists including Parmalee, LOCASH, and Justin Moore all offered their support. “All those artists have really gotten behind us and wished us the best and told us to move forward. I really feel like the fans have just banded around us,” says Freeman.
The Road Ahead
Since Backroad Anthem’s inception, the band has performed approximately 150 shows per year, and aims to continue the steady touring schedule. That schedule includes a full concert on St. Patrick’s Day (Thursday, March 17) at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.
As they move forward, they are mindful of the impact Strickland brought to Backroad Anthem, and have found a way to honor their fallen bandmate at each show.
“We want to pay tribute to Craig and he was a huge part of the success,” says Robold. “One thing we do is set up his microphone stand and acoustic guitar he used to play and have that onstage for every show at least through the end of the year, to pay tribute to him.”
The band also has the blessing of Strickland’s family as they move forward. “They were part of every show,” says Freeman. “Craig’s dad ran merch. His dad still wants to be involved and we still want them to be involved. They will always be part of this.”
Prior to Strickland’s death, the band had been working on new music with producer Jody Stevens. The band penned their current single, “Torn,” with Strickland, Stevens, Tommy Cecil, Jay Brunswick, and Thomas Archer. The video for “Torn,” which was also filmed before Strickland’s passing, highlights the energy that Strickland brought to the band.
The band is still pursuing its shared dream of a recording deal. “We’re definitely still looking for the right deal,” says Freeman. “We feel like we are pretty close.”
Backroad Anthem will perform at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday, March 17 at 8 p.m. For more information, visit wildhorsesaloon.com.
Nashville School Named To Grammy Foundation Signature Schools List
/by Troy_StephensonIncluded this year is Pearl-Cohn Entertainment Magnet High School of Nashville, which is awarded the Grammy Signature Schools Enterprise Awards and will receive $5,500.
“We created the GRAMMY Foundation’s GRAMMY Signature Schools initiative to highlight the excellent work being done through music programs at public high schools across the country, and since 1999, we have provided more than $1.3 million to close to 300 schools,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation. “We are proud to offer these financial resources to augment what are often limited budgets, so that teachers may continue to provide the enriching and lasting benefits of a musical education to their students.”
For more information about the Foundation, please visit www.grammyfoundation.org.
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum Opening In Nashville In 2017
/by Jessica NicholsonNashville’s Opry Mills will be the home of a new Madame Tussauds wax museum in spring 2017.
The museum will boast Madame Tussaud’s first music-themed attraction, “Soundtrack Of America,” and will celebrate iconic musicians past and present. Included in those waxworks are Carrie Underwood, Stevie Wonder, and Johnny Cash, along with 45 other figures.
This attraction will provide a historical walk through America’s musical past and present with vivid scenes supporting the colorful cast of figures. Madame Tussauds is owned and operated by global leisure giant Merlin Entertainments plc (Merlin).
“We couldn’t be more excited to open the first Madame Tussauds in Tennessee in a little over a year,” Ben Thompson, Merlin’s senior marketing director of new openings and acquisitions, said in a statement. “This fun and unique attraction will highlight milestone moments from historical to contemporary music — both from around the country and in Nashville.”
”Opry Mills has always been a top tourist destination in Music City,” said Gregg Goodman, president of The Mills, a Simon Company. “We are beyond excited to be the home of the first-ever music-themed Madame Tussauds. The team at Merlin is sure to deliver a project that will exceed even the wildest of expectations.”
Madame Tussauds has U.S. locations in Hollywood, Las Vegas, New York, San Francisco, Washington and Orlando, Fla.
Backroad Anthem: The Road Ahead
/by Jessica NicholsonBackroad Anthem. Photo: Liza Hippler
Little more than two months after Backroad Anthem member Craig Strickland died during an intense storm on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma, his fellow band members Toby Freeman, Eric Dysart, Josh Bryant, Brandon Robold, and Isaac Senty are paying tribute to their fallen partner by continuing on with the group’s shared vision.
Though the unexpected, tragic loss of a fellow band member would derail most groups, this tight-knit, Arkansas-based band is determined to keep making music.
“I don’t think any of us ever thought about quitting,” says Freeman, who shared lead vocal duties with Strickland. “This was Craig’s brainchild and he was the one who started the band. Obviously, we will never be able to replace Craig, but we don’t plan on adding another member. Going forward, we’ve all just collectively agreed to help each other and really pull together. It’s a tough spot to fill, but I feel we have the talent and ability to fill that spot and keep continuing to bring an exciting show to our fans.”
“I think our sound will stay like it has been,” adds Bryant. “We were talking earlier about how we really focus on telling stories with our lyrics, and going forward we will pick up the slack on stage presence. As far as the sound, we all sing, and we are all influenced by bands like the Eagles that all do harmonies. There’s not a lot of bands like that anymore, so I think where we are going is really cool.”
Freeman recalls the band’s return to the stage following Strickland’s death as a “pretty surreal experience,” as they played two sold-out hometown shows filled with friends and fans on Jan. 16-17 at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville, Arkansas. “When we walked out onstage it was a pretty crazy feeling not seeing him walk out with you,” says Freeman. “So it took us a few songs to get those emotions out, but once we did, I think it was more just all of us banding together and doing the show for him and making sure we paid a good honor to him.”
Tragedy And Healing
Craig Strickland
While the band members were each visiting with family during the holiday break in December 2015, they received a message from Strickland’s father, saying that 29-year-old Strickland and 22-year-old friend Chase Morland could not be reached. The pair had gone on a duck-hunting trip on Kaw Lake in Oklahoma on the day after Christmas, despite the inclement weather involving high winds and freezing temperatures.
Freeman says Strickland was mentoring Morland. “He did that with younger people, and was just being friends with him, like he was with everybody. When we first heard he was missing, his dad just said they hadn’t heard from him,” recalls Freeman. “We were like, well, Craig’s phone has died so many times before. We just thought he and Chase were somewhere or at a buddy’s house, or maybe Craig dropped his phone in the water. He’s done that before. It was when the search party went out and they hadn’t heard from Chase, that’s when we knew something was up.”
The band members balanced their own worry, and later grief, with interest and speculation from media, and the need to keep fans updated with information as the situation unfolded.
“That was the worst…the waiting,” recalls Freeman. “I remember getting a phone call from FOX news at 3 or 4 a.m., maybe a day or two after they issued a search party. They were like, ‘We want to do a story at 6 and we need you to be ready in 15 minutes and we will put you on the air.’ I’m like, ‘Holy crap.’ Just things like that…phone calls and news stories. When it set in we just stopped doing any of that stuff. It felt so weird to us. And then trying to keep fans updated. One day we split it up and each took like 15 or 16 messages on Facebook and just replied to them, just to keep them up to date.”
The band’s worst fears were realized when Morland’s body was found on Dec. 28, and Strickland’s remains were discovered on Jan. 4, the same day the other Backroad Anthem members had planned to reunite. “We had already planned to meet up, and just talk and see each other,” says Freeman. Then we got the phone call that they found him. We met like a couple of hours after getting that call. I feel like that was a God moment for us. He knew we would need each other to get through that day.”
Artists including Parmalee, LOCASH, and Justin Moore all offered their support. “All those artists have really gotten behind us and wished us the best and told us to move forward. I really feel like the fans have just banded around us,” says Freeman.
The Road Ahead
Since Backroad Anthem’s inception, the band has performed approximately 150 shows per year, and aims to continue the steady touring schedule. That schedule includes a full concert on St. Patrick’s Day (Thursday, March 17) at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon.
As they move forward, they are mindful of the impact Strickland brought to Backroad Anthem, and have found a way to honor their fallen bandmate at each show.
“We want to pay tribute to Craig and he was a huge part of the success,” says Robold. “One thing we do is set up his microphone stand and acoustic guitar he used to play and have that onstage for every show at least through the end of the year, to pay tribute to him.”
The band also has the blessing of Strickland’s family as they move forward. “They were part of every show,” says Freeman. “Craig’s dad ran merch. His dad still wants to be involved and we still want them to be involved. They will always be part of this.”
Prior to Strickland’s death, the band had been working on new music with producer Jody Stevens. The band penned their current single, “Torn,” with Strickland, Stevens, Tommy Cecil, Jay Brunswick, and Thomas Archer. The video for “Torn,” which was also filmed before Strickland’s passing, highlights the energy that Strickland brought to the band.
The band is still pursuing its shared dream of a recording deal. “We’re definitely still looking for the right deal,” says Freeman. “We feel like we are pretty close.”
Backroad Anthem will perform at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Thursday, March 17 at 8 p.m. For more information, visit wildhorsesaloon.com.
Montgomery Gentry’s “Where I Come From” Goes Gold
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Shannon Houchins, CEO/President-Average Joes Entertainment; Eddie Montgomery, Troy Gentry, Doug Kaye, V.P. Sales/Finance, Average Joes Entertainment
“Where I Come From,” the hit single performed by country duo Montgomery Gentry, and released on the Average Joes Entertainment album, Rebels on the Run, has been certified gold by the RIAA. Released in October 2011, this gold certification marks the second career gold single for Montgomery Gentry.
Written by Rodney Clawson and Dallas Davidson, Troy Gentry explained to Billboard Magazine the song’s meaning: “It’s just a song that’s about our fans. Regardless of where you end up in life, you always remember your hometown. There are special things you remember in life, and your childhood days and high school years. I think anyone who hears this song will be able to listen to and reflect on their earlier years in life, and the place they grew up, and appreciate the lyrics of the song.”
Eddie Montgomery added: “I love the song. It doesn’t matter where you go in this world, you always take a little piece of your home with you. This song continues to resonate with our fans years after its release.”
They are also set to headline the benefit concert Hits For The Homeless, set to take place Monday, May 9 at The Factory at Franklin/Jamison Hall, beginning at 5 p.m. The event will include dinner, a silent auction, and an intimate acoustic performance. Tickets are available at plamedia.com.
Kelly Lang Releases New Album ‘Throwback’
/by Sarah SkatesGuests on the album include Olivia Newton John on “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart,” Letterman show band leader Paul Shaffer on “Last Date,” and Lee Greenwood on the ballad “It Turns Me Inside Out.” Fans can step inside the studio with Newton John and Lang in a behind-the-scenes video.
The project’s inspiration comes from a series of “Throwback Thursday” videos on Lang’s Facebook page, where she sings some of her favorite tunes. “In recording these, it was strictly out of honor for the artists who recorded it before. I’m trying to pass along my appreciation for these artists to future generations,” says Lang, who is married to fellow artist T.G. Sheppard. “I heard a very interesting quote, which pretty much sums it up: ‘singing an old song is like visiting an old friend.’”
Throwback Track Listing:
1. By The Time I Get To Phoenix
2. It Turns Me Inside Out (duet with Lee Greenwood)
3. Baby Don’t Get Hooked On Me
4. Till I Can make It On My Own
5. Crying
6. How Can You Mend a Broken Heart (duet with Olivia Newton-John)
7. Neither One of Us Wants To Be The First To Say Goodbye
8. Morning Desire
9. Something
10. Last Date (featuring Paul Shaffer on piano)
11. I Can’t Help Falling In Love With You
12. Kiss You All Over
Available now on iTunes, Amazon and kellylang.net.
Artist News: Jimmy Webb, Glen Campbell, Carrie Underwood, Kelsea Ballerini, Hank Jr.
/by Sarah SkatesJimmy Webb To Celebrate Glen Campbell At City Winery
(L-R): Glen Campbell, Jimmy Webb. Photo: ©2000 Sandra Gillard/Lightkeepers
On Tuesday, May 3, songwriter Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman,” “Galveston,” “By the Time I Get to Phoenix”) brings his national touring show Jimmy Webb: The Glen Campbell Years to City Winery Nashville. The multi-media concert will celebrate Campbell’s 80th birthday and the legacy of music they created together, including virtual duets and stories behind those iconic songs. Webb will be joined by three of Glen’s children – Ashley, Shannon, and Cal – to perform a song commemorating their dad’s birthday (April 22, 1936). Tickets go on sale Thurs., March 17.
Carrie Underwood Wraps C2C Run
Click to see highlights from the trip. Photos: Jeff Johnson
After selling out all her American dates on The Storyteller Tour, Carrie Underwood took her tour to Europe this month. Last weekend she headlined sold out shows at Glasgow’s Clyde Auditorium, London’s O2 Arena, and Dublin’s 3 Arena. The weekend prior she played for the first time in Stockholm, Sweden, and Oslo, Norway. All five dates were a part of Country to Country (C2C), Europe’s biggest country music festival. Next up, she will vie for ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the April 3 ceremony.
Hank Jr. Adds Tour Dates
Hank Williams Jr. has been selling out concerts across the country and continues to add dates. He will co-headline a limited run tour with Chris Stapleton this summer. Tonight (March 16) Williams joins the all-star lineup for the Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson tribute show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
Williams will entertain his rowdy friends during CMA Music Festival when he plays the Stadium Friday, June 10, alongside Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church and Sam Hunt.
Kelsea Ballerini Teams With Mary Kay
Kelsea Ballerini will join Mary Kay’s Global Day of Beauty event in the spring, lending her voice to raise awareness about dating violence. The event will educate teens and young adults on healthy relationships, signs of dating abuse and knowledge of support services. The Black River Entertainment recording artist is nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Female Vocalist of the Year at the ACM Awards.
Brett Eldredge, Chris Young, Cassadee Pope Added As ACM Awards Performers
/by Troy_StephensonThe Academy of Country Music® and dick clark productions announced Brett Eldredge and Chris Young with Cassadee Pope have been added to the lineup of artists scheduled to perform at the 51ST Academy Of Country Music Awards. The ceremony, co-hosted by Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley, is produced for television by dick clark productions and will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 3 at 8:00PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
They join previously announced performers Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line, Cam and others. Dierks Bentley and Bryan will co-host the event.
The ceremony, will be broadcast live from MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 3 at 8:00PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.
Brett Eldredge
Cassadee Pope and Chris Young
GMA’s IMMERSE Conference Relocates To Lipscomb University, Announces 2016 Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonPictured (L-R): Seth Mosley, Lauren Daigle, and VaShawn Mitchell
The Gospel Music Association has announced its artist lineup, as well as a new location, for IMMERSE 2016. Dove Awards New Artist of the Year Lauren Daigle, Dove Awards Producer and Songwriter of the Year Seth Mosley, and award-winning producer VaShawn Mitchell will join the eighth annual IMMERSE Conference, which is set for June 13-15, 2016.
This year, IMMERSE will relocate to a new home at Lipscomb University, which will offer attendees opportunities to stay in the dorms, have meals on campus, and further immerse themselves in the three-day conference. LifeWay will continue to present the event with the GMA as well as programming the worship leader track.
GMA Executive Director Jackie Patillo says, “We are honored that Lipscomb has opened its campus to allow us to expand our event and better serve our attendees. We’re also grateful that LifeWay will continue to partnership and I’m personally thrilled to have Lauren, VaShawn and Seth investing in our future creatives and executives.”
As in years past, programming for the 2016 event will include classes and seminars focused on music business, worship leading, songwriting and artist development taught by industry leaders. The successful reVIEWyou program that combines mentoring with a songwriting and performance competition to scout emerging talent. More conference speakers, competition judges and live guest performers will be announced in the upcoming weeks.
Tickets are now available at a reduced rate through March 31 at experienceIMMERSE.com.
Eric Church, Sam Hunt, Carrie Underwood Set For CMA Music Festival Friday Night Lineup
/by Jessica NicholsonThey join previously announced Country Music superstars Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Rascal Flatts, who will perform during the Festival’s opening night. Artists and schedules are subject to change.
Each Wednesday in March CMA will announce the lineup for a different Nightly Concert at Nissan Stadium. Fans who download the CMA Music Festival app learn of the new performers a full 24 hours before the announcements are made to the public.
The 2016 CMA Music Festival runs Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12 in downtown Nashville.
Britney Spears Introduces Sister Jamie Lynn At Grand Ole Opry
/by Troy_StephensonPhoto: Opry/Twitter
While on hiatus from her Las Vegas Residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, pop star Britney Spears made a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry last night (March 15) to introduce her little sister (and rising country artist) Jamie Lynn Spears.
“Not only is she beautiful and extremely talented, she’s my little sister…Jamie Lynn Spears!” Britney excitedly told the crowd.
Jamie Lynn Spears’ brother Bryan, parents James and Lynne, and husband James were also there to support her Opry performance.
A songwriter as well as a performer, Jamie Lynn co-wrote Jana Kramer’s “I Got The Boy.”
Jamie Lynn Spears backstage at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Instagram/Grand Ole Opry
Photo: Britney Spears/Twitter