Mac Gayden. Photo: Jim McGuire, courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville pop/rock pioneer Mac Gayden died on Wednesday (April 16) at age 83.
Gayden left his mark on Music City as a songwriter, a guitarist and a performer. He co-wrote such soul classics as “Everlasting Love” and “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” co-founded the Southern rock bands Barefoot Jerry and Area Code 615, recorded a number of solo LPs and played lead guitar on albums by Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Linda Ronstadt and many others.
Born McGavock Dickinson Gayden and raised in a prominent Nashville family, Gayden pursued music as a career despite his family’s wish that he become a doctor. As a teenager, his guitar skills earned him membership in the pioneering Nashville rock & roll band The Escorts, featuring future Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. In the early 1960s, The Escorts toured regionally and played local gigs, including many fraternity parties at Vanderbilt University.
At one of those Vanderbilt gigs, he met local soul singer Robert Knight. Gayden and Buzz Cason co-wrote “Everlasting Love” for Knight and produced his 1967 hit record of the song. “Everlasting Love” went on to become a pop standard. It has been a hit in various countries 12 times, including U.S. versions by Carl Carlton (1974), Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet (1981) and Gloria Estefan (1995). Superstar rockers U2 issued their rendition of the song in 1994.
Robert Knight introduced Gayden & Cason’s “Love on a Mountain Top” in 1968. The song was a favorite in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but failed to catch on nationally. But in 1974, Knight’s single became a top-10 in Finland, Ireland and the U.K. The songwriting team also crafted Knight’s 1968 single “My Rainbow Valley,” which became a top-10 U.K. hit via a version by The Love Affair.
Gayden and Chuck Neese co-wrote the beach-music mainstay “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” which was originated by Clifford Curry in 1967. The song was subsequently recorded by The Box Tops, John Fred & His Playboy Band, Huey Lewis & The News and others.
By the late 1960s, Mac Gayden’s prowess as a guitarist had attracted the attention of Nashville’s top session musicians and producers. With Wayne Moss, Kenny Buttrey, McCoy and others, he formed Area Code 615 in 1969. The group members all maintained their Music Row studio work and split up after two albums. Gayden and Moss formed Barefoot Jerry, which was active in 1971-72 with Gayden in its lineup. The widely admired Barefoot Jerry was mentioned in the Charlie Daniels Band 1975 rock hit “The South’s Gonna Do It Again.”
Like most of the other members of his early bands, Mac Gayden became a popular session musician. Already an accomplished slide guitarist, he fed his playing through a wah-wah pedal to create the ear-catching sound on the 1972 J.J. Cale pop hit “Crazy Mama.” Gayden’s innovative playing was also heard on records by Simon & Garfunkel, Charlie Rich,Leonard Cohen, John Hiatt, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette and Loudon Wainwright, as well as the superstars cited above.
Gayden’s style was deeply influenced by R&B. In addition to Knight and Curry, he played on soul records by Roscoe Shelton, Arthur Alexander, The Pointer Sisters, Ivory Joe Hunter, Gene Allison and Joe Simon, plus The Valentines, whom he produced (notably on his song “Gotta Get Yourself Together”). Out-of-town visitors Connie Francis, Bobby Vinton, Patti Page, Ian & Sylvia, Robert Mitchum, The Alarm, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey and Karen Black had Gayden’s guitar on their sessions, too.
He also continued to record his own music. Mac Gayden issued McGavock as his debut solo LP in 1972. ABC Records signed him for Skyboat (1975) and Hymn to the Seeker (1976). His 1996 collection Nirvana Blues was the most critically praised of his albums.
As a record producer, Gayden created albums with Dianne Davidson and Steve Young. His songs were recorded by Bobby Bare, Porter Wagoner, The Crickets, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, James & Bobby Purify, Carol Chase and The Crickets, among others.
In later years, Mac Gayden worked with a number of independent recording artists. He also operated his label, Wild Child Records. Gayden chronicled his life, music, and search for inner harmony in a 2013 memoir, Missing String Theory: A Musician’s Uncommon Spiritual Journey.
That same year, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum featured him in its “Nashville Cats” interview series. Gayden was also a key figure in two of the museum’s major exhibitions, “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues” and “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats.” The “Night Train” commemorative album won a Grammy Award and included Gayden’s tunes “Everlasting Love,” “She Shot a Hole in My Soul” and “Gotta Get Yourself Together.”
Mac Gayden’s brother Joseph Gayden (1947-2004) managed Quadraphonic Sound Studios in the 1980s and was a sculptor. Brother Hamilton Gayden is a retired Davidson County Judge.
His death was announced by The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.
Rotundo’s Debut Album ‘We Were Desperados’ Due In May
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Rotundo has revealed he’ll release his debut album, We Were Desperados, on May 23. The second single from the project, “Heart Attack,” released today (April 18).
Growing up on his grandparents’ farm in Ohio, Rotundo spent his early years singing and playing piano. After graduating high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving four years on active duty. It was during his final year, while stationed in Georgia, that he rekindled his passion for country music and storytelling. Teaching himself to play guitar, he began writing songs, eventually making the move to Nashville to pursue a career in music.
We Were Desperados is a culmination of Rotundo’s wide musical influences, and features collaborations with artists Michael Ray, Tayler Holder and Jacob Hackworth.
“I’m someone that gets beautifully lost in the art of songwriting,” says Rotundo. “I love writing songs that make you feel something. I grew up on my grandparents’ farm, and at my family’s house in a smalltown suburb. I feel like you can truly hear both of those influences in my music. I relate to the storytelling of country music, and at the same time, very modern and atmospheric production.”
Fans can hear a sample of tunes from the new album when Rotundo plays at the Listening Room on May 17 with Josh Phillips and Michael Ray.
We Were Desperados Track List:
1. “All Over the Place” (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon)
2. “I’d Love To” (feat. Tayler Holder) (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Jacob Hackworth, Garrett Nichols)
3. “Heart Attack” (Michael Rotundo, Beau Bailey, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Gabe Foust, Dylan Schneider)
4. “Nothing Against You” (Michael Rotundo, Justin F. Johnson, Delaney Ramsdell)
5. “Same Old Number” (feat. Michael Ray) (Michael Rotundo, Brian Bunn, Rose Falcon, Nate Kenyon)
6. “Memory Lane” (Michael Rotundo, Jon Decious, Justin F. Johnson)
7. “Had Me At Goodbye” (Michael Rotundo, Tony Ferrari, Jake Saghi)
8. “Drink Sometime” (feat. Jacob Hackworth) (Presley Free, Jacob Hackworth, Heath Warren)
9. “We Were Desperados” (Michael Rotundo, Rufio Hooks, Garrett Nichols, Lachlan West)
Kane Brown Rises To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeKane Brown; Photo: Dennis Leupold
Kane Brown sits atop the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with his track “Backseat Driver.”
The song is off of his recent, fourth studio album The High Road and was written by Jacob Davis and Jordan Walker.
Brown performed at Bridgestone Arena last weekend (April 11 & 12) as a part of his “The High Road Tour.” Guests such as Ashley Cook, Mitchell Tenpenny, Lauren Alaina and his wife, Katelyn, all took the stage during the show. Brown will continue “The High Road Tour” on April 24 in Columbia, South Carolina, before heading to Grand Rapids, Albany, Atlantic City and more.
“Backseat Driver” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Stellar Guitarist & Songwriter Mac Gayden Passes
/by Robert K OermannMac Gayden. Photo: Jim McGuire, courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Nashville pop/rock pioneer Mac Gayden died on Wednesday (April 16) at age 83.
Gayden left his mark on Music City as a songwriter, a guitarist and a performer. He co-wrote such soul classics as “Everlasting Love” and “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” co-founded the Southern rock bands Barefoot Jerry and Area Code 615, recorded a number of solo LPs and played lead guitar on albums by Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Linda Ronstadt and many others.
Born McGavock Dickinson Gayden and raised in a prominent Nashville family, Gayden pursued music as a career despite his family’s wish that he become a doctor. As a teenager, his guitar skills earned him membership in the pioneering Nashville rock & roll band The Escorts, featuring future Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie McCoy. In the early 1960s, The Escorts toured regionally and played local gigs, including many fraternity parties at Vanderbilt University.
At one of those Vanderbilt gigs, he met local soul singer Robert Knight. Gayden and Buzz Cason co-wrote “Everlasting Love” for Knight and produced his 1967 hit record of the song. “Everlasting Love” went on to become a pop standard. It has been a hit in various countries 12 times, including U.S. versions by Carl Carlton (1974), Rex Smith & Rachel Sweet (1981) and Gloria Estefan (1995). Superstar rockers U2 issued their rendition of the song in 1994.
Robert Knight introduced Gayden & Cason’s “Love on a Mountain Top” in 1968. The song was a favorite in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, but failed to catch on nationally. But in 1974, Knight’s single became a top-10 in Finland, Ireland and the U.K. The songwriting team also crafted Knight’s 1968 single “My Rainbow Valley,” which became a top-10 U.K. hit via a version by The Love Affair.
Gayden and Chuck Neese co-wrote the beach-music mainstay “She Shot a Hole in My Soul,” which was originated by Clifford Curry in 1967. The song was subsequently recorded by The Box Tops, John Fred & His Playboy Band, Huey Lewis & The News and others.
By the late 1960s, Mac Gayden’s prowess as a guitarist had attracted the attention of Nashville’s top session musicians and producers. With Wayne Moss, Kenny Buttrey, McCoy and others, he formed Area Code 615 in 1969. The group members all maintained their Music Row studio work and split up after two albums. Gayden and Moss formed Barefoot Jerry, which was active in 1971-72 with Gayden in its lineup. The widely admired Barefoot Jerry was mentioned in the Charlie Daniels Band 1975 rock hit “The South’s Gonna Do It Again.”
Like most of the other members of his early bands, Mac Gayden became a popular session musician. Already an accomplished slide guitarist, he fed his playing through a wah-wah pedal to create the ear-catching sound on the 1972 J.J. Cale pop hit “Crazy Mama.” Gayden’s innovative playing was also heard on records by Simon & Garfunkel, Charlie Rich,Leonard Cohen, John Hiatt, Charley Pride, Tammy Wynette and Loudon Wainwright, as well as the superstars cited above.
Gayden’s style was deeply influenced by R&B. In addition to Knight and Curry, he played on soul records by Roscoe Shelton, Arthur Alexander, The Pointer Sisters, Ivory Joe Hunter, Gene Allison and Joe Simon, plus The Valentines, whom he produced (notably on his song “Gotta Get Yourself Together”). Out-of-town visitors Connie Francis, Bobby Vinton, Patti Page, Ian & Sylvia, Robert Mitchum, The Alarm, Jerry Jeff Walker, Michael Martin Murphey and Karen Black had Gayden’s guitar on their sessions, too.
He also continued to record his own music. Mac Gayden issued McGavock as his debut solo LP in 1972. ABC Records signed him for Skyboat (1975) and Hymn to the Seeker (1976). His 1996 collection Nirvana Blues was the most critically praised of his albums.
As a record producer, Gayden created albums with Dianne Davidson and Steve Young. His songs were recorded by Bobby Bare, Porter Wagoner, The Crickets, Gary Lewis & The Playboys, James & Bobby Purify, Carol Chase and The Crickets, among others.
In later years, Mac Gayden worked with a number of independent recording artists. He also operated his label, Wild Child Records. Gayden chronicled his life, music, and search for inner harmony in a 2013 memoir, Missing String Theory: A Musician’s Uncommon Spiritual Journey.
That same year, the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum featured him in its “Nashville Cats” interview series. Gayden was also a key figure in two of the museum’s major exhibitions, “Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues” and “Dylan, Cash, and the Nashville Cats.” The “Night Train” commemorative album won a Grammy Award and included Gayden’s tunes “Everlasting Love,” “She Shot a Hole in My Soul” and “Gotta Get Yourself Together.”
Mac Gayden’s brother Joseph Gayden (1947-2004) managed Quadraphonic Sound Studios in the 1980s and was a sculptor. Brother Hamilton Gayden is a retired Davidson County Judge.
His death was announced by The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum. Funeral arrangements have not been posted.
Dolly’s Life On Stage Chronicled In New Photo Book Due In November
/by Lorie HollabaughDolly Parton has revealed she’ll release her upcoming book, Star Of The Show: My Life on Stage on Nov. 11 via Ten Speed Press.
Star Of The Show: My Life on Stage is the last in Parton’s photographic trilogy following Songteller (
“I’m so proud that I’ve been able to spend the last 70 plus years doing what I feel I was born to do…singing, writing, and performing,” says Parton. “Even prouder that I’ve been able to do it with and for my fans. God bless you everyone.”
A deluxe edition of the book will also be published simultaneously by Ten Speed Press featuring the 350 images and eight-page gatefold list of performances from the original edition, as well as exclusive features, including gilded edges, a redesigned cover with upgraded special effects, a satin ribbon marker, and three 8″ x 10″ Star of the Show–themed full-color prints. An audio version, read by Dolly, will also be published by Penguin Random House Audio.
Musicians Corner Announces 2025 Artist Lineup
/by Lauryn SinkMusicians Corner
Musicians Corner will return to Nashville’s Centennial Park beginning on May 16. The free multi-genre concert series, presented by Centennial Park Conservancy, will showcase a variety of performers at 11 concerts over the course of five weeks. The event will take place every Friday from 5 – 9 p.m. and Saturday from 12 – 6 p.m. from May 16 to June 14, with a special Sunday performance over Memorial Day Weekend (May 25).
The 2025 Spring Series kicks off on May 16 and May 17 with performances from SUSTO Stringband, Jonny Fritz featuring Joshua Hedley, LadyCouch and more. The three-day Memorial Day Weekend event will feature performances by Brittney Spencer, Sixpence None The Richer, North Mississippi Allstars and more.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the community back to Centennial Park for another season of Musicians Corner,” says Justin Branam, Executive Producer of Musicians Corner. “For over 15 years, Musicians Corner has remained a free, family-friendly event that celebrates Nashville’s vibrant and eclectic music scene. It’s an honor to provide a platform that not only showcases legendary and up-and-coming talent but also supports local artists with meaningful paid performance opportunities. Whether you’re coming to see a favorite band or hoping to discover a new sound, Musicians Corner is the perfect way to spend a weekend in the park with friends and family.”
More artists are slated to be announced later this month, including the Lightning 100 Stage lineup, which will feature 24 local emerging artists of varying genres. In addition to live music, each event will feature artisan vendors, craft beer, wine, and cocktails, a variety of local food trucks, Kidsville activities and featured community partners.
Musicians Corner will also return August 29 for its annual Fall Series with events each Friday evening through September 26, including the return of Free Fest, in partnership with Lightning 100, over Labor Day Weekend (Aug. 29-31) and a special event in conjunction with Americanafest on Sept. 12.
Musicians Corner Spring Artist Lineup:
Friday, May 16
Jonny Fritz Featuring Joshua Hedley, Ladycouch, Autumn Nicholas, Joelton Mayfield, Ava Swan
Saturday, May 17
Susto Stringband, Sugadaisy, Riley Whittaker, Chesle, Teddy At Night
Friday, May 23 – Memorial Day Weekend
Brittney Spencer, Lamont Landers, Alicia Blue, Styrofoam Winos, Maya Manuela
Saturday, May 24 – Memorial Day Weekend
Sixpence None The Richer, Josh Rouse, Chrysalis, Rico Del Oro, The Erly
Sunday, May 25 – Memorial Day Weekend
North Mississippi Allstars, TBA, Karina Daza, Tabitha Meeks, Camille Parker
Friday, May 30
The Arcadian Wild, Striking Matches, Laney Jones & The Spirits, Pomegranate, Kadmon Love
Saturday, May 31
Cut Worms, Eric Slick, Abigail Rose, Taylor Noelle, Love Montage
Friday, June 6
Nashville Symphony, Gabe Lee, Abigail Osborn, Baerd, Carmen Dianne
Saturday, June 7
Valerie June, Kenny Sharp, The Sewing Club, Bean., Amber Ais
Friday, June 13
Noah Gundersen & His Band, Matthew Perryman Jones, The Band Light, Isadora Petra Hothead Wave
Saturday, June 14
TBA, Eddie 9v, Sean Thompson’s Weird Ears, Ping Rose, Safari Room
Scotty McCreery Expands ‘Seasons Change’ With New Platinum Edition
/by Lorie HollabaughScotty McCreery will release a new expanded version of his album, Seasons Change with the new Seasons Change: Platinum Edition, on June 20 via Triple Tigers Records.
Originally released in 2018, the album included McCreery’s first three No. 1s “Five More Minutes” (3x Platinum), “This Is It” (Platinum) and “In Between” (Gold). The new Seasons Change: Platinum Edition will add four additional tracks not on the original album, acoustic versions of the album’s three No.1 singles, plus the fan favorite “Still.”
Seasons Change was a pivotal project for McCreery that shot him into star status. The personal album gave fans an authenitc look into the rising artist’s life during a five-year break between projects. During this time McCreery moved out on his own, went to college, released a book, switched record labels and proposed to his high school sweetheart. Through all of life’s changes he grew up and learned who he was, and what it is he wants to say with his music. Seasons Change was produced by Frank Rogers, Derek Well and Aaron Eshuis, and the four new acoustic tracks were produced by Nathan Thomas.
The new Platinum Edition features a new cover and updated artwork, as well as new liner notes and thank you remarks. It will be available for a limited time on platinum-colored double vinyl exclusively through Amazon, and also available on CD here.
“The Seasons Change album was truly life-changing for me,” says McCreery. “After experiencing both some career highs and lows, I was starting over. For the first time, I co-wrote all the songs and felt like the project was truly me. It has been both gratifying and confidence-building to see how the fans, radio and streaming have embraced the music from this album and me. I’m a guy who loves to look back, and I celebrate the release of this new expanded edition and all the accomplishments we’ve made since the original album came out, while also looking ahead to making new dreams come true.”
Seasons Change: Platinum Edition Track List:
1. “Seasons Change” (Scotty McCreery, James McNair, Tommy Cecil)
2. “Wherever You Are” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Dan Isbell)
3. “Boys From Back Home” (Scotty McCreery, Dan Isbell, Jason Gantt)
4. “Five More Minutes” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Monty Criswell)
5. “In Between” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Jessi Alexander, Jonathan Singleton)
6. “This Is It” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Aaron Eshuis)
7. “Wrong Again” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, Phillip White)
8. “Move It On Out” (Scotty McCreery, Dan Isbell, Aaron Eshuis)
9. “Barefootin’” (Scotty McCreery, Frank Rogers, David Lee Murphy)
10. “Still” (Scotty McCreery, Aaron Eshuis)
11. “Home In My Mind” (Scotty McCreery, James McNair, Tommy Cecil)
12. “In Between” (acoustic)
13. “Five More Minutes” (acoustic)
14. “This Is It” (acoustic)
15. “Still” (acoustic)
Jelly Roll Wins Country Tour Of The Year At 36th Annual Pollstar Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll accepts the honor for Country Tour of the Year at the 2025 Pollstar Awards
Jelly Roll took home the Country Tour of the Year award for his “Beautifully Broken Tour” at the 36th Annual Pollstar Awards on April 16 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The Ryman Auditorium also received recognition, being inducted into the Pollstar Hall of Fame along with Barrie Marshall, Louis Messina and Stevie Nicks.
iHeartRadio personality Valentine hosted the 36th Annual Pollstar Awards. This year’s ceremony honored the most innovative and successful artists, tours, companies, venues and executives, with other award winners including Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Missy Elliott, Taylor Swift, who notably won Major Tour of the Year for the second consecutive year for her ongoing “Eras Tour” (having also won at the previous 35th Annual Pollstar Awards), Usher, and more.
Major highlights include Dead & Company‘s Residency of the Year award, accepted by John Mayer and Bob Weir. Eddie Vedder spoke for The Music Festival of the Year award win for the Ohana Festival, and Missy Elliott took the stage to receive her Hip-Hop Tour of the Year award.
The evening celebrated industry icons with Pollstar Live! Hall of Fame inductions and prestigious award recognitions, honoring those who have made a lasting impact on live entertainment. Nicks was inducted by presenter Jimmy Iovine, and fellow inductees including Messina, Marshall (introduced by Brian Ray and Rusty Anderson of Paul McCartney’s band) and the Ryman Auditorium (presented by Bob Weir) were also honored.
The Personal Manager of the Year award was a tie between Irving Azoff (presented by his first client, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon/the Kevin Cronin Band) and Coran Capshaw (presented by The Strokes’ Albert Hammond, Jr.). The Lifetime Achievement award was presented posthumously to Gary Kurfirst by Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Carter Faith Rules Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannCarter Faith. Photo: Bree Fish
It is a week of surprises in DISClaimer.
Who knew that Brett Young could deliver a tempo tune so handily? What a pleasure to hear Post Malone and Morgan Wallen singing so gently and melodically. Pop diva Lana Del Ray checks in with a swoon-y, Nashville-tinged ballad.
The biggest surprise is this. In a star-studded column featuring Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum and Martina McBride, as well as Wallen, Malone and Young, it’s a baby act who goes home with this week’s Disc of the Day award. You ruled the listening session, Carter Faith
The DISCovery Award goes to Chase McDaniel. I can’t wait to hear what else he has up his sleeve.
CHASE McDANIEL / “Burned Down Heaven”
Writers: Chase McDaniel/Jon Nite/Lindsay Rimes; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Big Machine Records
– This is a stunning disc debut. McDaniel lays it all on the line with this pillar-of-fire performance. His heartache-on-steroids delivery ranges from an intimate, beautifully phrased baritone in the verses to an anguished, head-to-the-skies tenor shout in the choruses. A monumental musical moment.
BLAKE SHELTON / “Stay Country or Die Tryin”
Writers: Beau Bailey/Drew Parker/Graham Barham/Sam Ellis; Producer: Scott Hendricks; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– The proud-to-be-country imagery is fairly routine, but Shelton’s charismatic delivery of the lyric makes it sound mighty and profound. That’s the hallmark of a star.
THE BAND LOULA / “Running Off the Angels”
Writers: Logan Simmons/Malachi Mills/Peytan Porter; Producer: John Osborne; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Bluesy, swampy and cool, this conjures a spell with its mysterious, haunting, Biblical images of damnation and redemption. Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons are a male-female duo whose vocal harmonies are stitched up tight. Highly engaging.
MORGAN WALLEN & POST MALONE / “I Ain’t Comin’ Back”
Writers: Austin Post/Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Louis Bell/Michael Hardy/Morgan Wallen; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– Surprisingly jaunty and breezy. Both men sing splendidly as the track wooshes along. Best line: “There’s a lot of reasons I ain’t Jesus/But the main one is that I ain’t comin’ back.”
HANNAH ELLIS & MARTINA McBRIDE / “All the Women I Am”
Writers: Ava Suppelsa/Eric Arjes/Hannah Ellis/Nick Wayne; Producer: Jason Massey; Label: Curb Records
– On this delightful bopper, Ellis offers a female-country tribute to Reba, Faith and her vocal guest Martina. “If you’re gonna love me, you gotta love them,” because her musical sisters forged her character.
BRETT YOUNG / “Drink With You”
Writers: Brett Young/Emily Weisband/Jesse Frasure/Tony Lucca; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– In this toe-tapper, he realizes he can’t drink with her because she’s way too tempting. Meeting in the bar will only mean he’ll wake up next to her the morning after. A dandy little disc.
JENNA PAULETTE / “The Dirt”
Writers: Hillary Lindsey/Jenna Paulette/Will Bundy; Producer: Will Bundy; Label: Leo33
– Totally country. She’s in this for the long haul: Her love will last until she’s pushing up daisies. Her strong delivery is supported by a chugging track with ringing guitars and punchy percussion. This artist has been putting out quality country sounds all along, and this single is her finest yet.
JOHN MORGAN & JASON ALDEAN / “Friends Like That”
Writers: Brent Anderson/John Morgan/Lydia Vaughan/Will Bundy; Producers: Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy; Label: Broken Bow Records
– He doesn’t miss her a bit, because he has his buddies Willie and Jack alongside him by the fire, blowin’ smoke and sippin’ whiskey with Waylon turned up on the stereo. Sprightly and super catchy. Hit bound.
ADAM DOLEAC & THOMAS RHETT / “Bar Named Jesus”
Writers: Adam Doleac/Chris LaCorte/Josh Jenkins; Producers: Adam Doleac, Chris LaCorte; Label: Mommy and Daddy’s Money
– This song is about redemption. No matter how far down you have fallen, there is mercy and forgiveness. The quiet, acoustic opening passages are followed by an echoey, epic production that lifts and inspires. Well done.
DONNA FARGO / “You Can Count on Me”
Writer: Yvonne Silver; Producer: Stan Silver; Label: Primadonna Records
– Upbeat and utterly positive, somewhat in the bopping manner of her 1974 hit ‘You Can’t Be a Beacon.” It has been 53 years since Fargo lit up the country world with “Funny Face” and “The Happiest Girl in the Whole USA,” and she still sounds terrific.
PARKER McCOLLUM / “Hope That I’m Enough”
Writers: Jessi Alexander/Matt Jenkins/Parker McCollum; Producers: Eric Masse, Frank Liddell; Label: MCA Nashville
– Yearning and plaintive, nicely embellished with steel, organ, acoustic strings, twanged tremelo electric guitar and brushed drumming. Gently persuasive.
CARTER FAITH / “Grudge”
Writers: Carter Faith/Steph Jones/Tofer Brown; Producer: Tofer Brown; Label: UMG Nashville
– Witty and delightfully bitchy toward a back-stabbing former friend. The uptempo romp has a cute phrase around every corner. She needs to somebody to hold her beer, but she sure can hold one hell of a grudge.
LANA DEL RAY / “Henry, Come On”
Writers: Lana Del Rey/Luke Laird; Producers: Drew Erickson, Lana Del Rey, Luke Laird; Label: Polydor Records
– I realize she’s not a country act, but I just had to hear what this pop queen has been up to with Nashville’s Luke Laird. It’s a very pretty, melancholy, echo-swathed ballad with a full orchestral string section and piano accompaniment. Dreamy sounding.
Brad Paisley To Headline NFL Draft Concert Series
/by Lauryn SinkBrad Paisley. Photo: Jim Shea
Brad Paisley will headline the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bud Light on Saturday, April 26, closing out the 2025 NFL Draft in Green Bay. The free event will take place at the Draft Theater near Lambeau Field.
“There’s nothing like football to bring people together and the NFL Draft is where it all begins,” said Paisley. “As a lifelong fan, I can’t wait to help close out an unforgettable weekend — with a little music and one heck of a party.”
Paisley is a three-time Grammy winner with nearly five-billion career streams. He is set to kick off his “Truck Still Works World Tour” on May 21.
“We’re excited to welcome one of country music’s biggest stars to the Draft,” said Tim Tubito, NFL Senior Director of Global Event Presentation & Entertainment. “Brad understands how football brings people together. His performance is our way of saying thank you to the fans, the prospects, and the city of Green Bay — and the perfect way to close out an unforgettable weekend.”
Paisley joins an elite list of performers who have helped bring the Draft to life through music through the years, including Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley, Weezer, Motely Cru, Ice Cube, Marshmello, Kings of Leon, Fall Out Boy, Big Sean and more.
Milwaukee-based choir members from the James Weldon Johnson Foundation’s National Hymn Choir will sing “Lift Every Voice,” directed by Ben Bedroske, and singer-songwriter Stephen Wilson Jr., will sing the national anthem from the Draft Theater stage on the first day. As part of the weekend’s entertainment lineup, a drone show is set for Friday, April 25, following Rounds 2–3 of the Draft. In addition to the live performances, Titletown will host Draft Experience presented by Jersey Mike’s from April 24-26; this event invites fans to participate in a 40-yard dash, take on football drills, meet NFL Legends, grab photos with the Lombardi Trophy and more.
General fan viewing for the Draft Concert Series is free and standing room will be on a first-come first-served basis. The area will remain open throughout Draft programming. Fans can register now for free access through the NFL OnePass app or here. Registration is required and entry is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Ryan Necci Signs With Warner Chappell Music Nashville & Southern Pacific Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Scott Safford (Safford Motley PLC), Rod Hare (Southern Pacific Music), Ryan Necci, Erland Wanberg (Southern Pacific Music) and Christina Wiltshire (WCM).
Americana singer-songwriter Ryan Necci has inked a worldwide publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music (WCM) Nashville & Southern Pacific Music.
A Wisconsin native, Necci was introduced to music by his parents’ country and folk records. Shortly after graduating from UW—Eau Claire, he founded Ryan Necci and The Buffalo Gospel, an alt-country group where he serves as lead vocalist. In 2013, they released their debut album We Can Be Horses and have released a collection of more records and EPs since.
In 2022, the band released “If I Was The Last Man,” penned by Necci, and has since garnered over 600k Spotify streams. This past March, the group released The Letting Go: Part 1, a six-track EP that will precede a new full length album later this year. In addition to his band, Necci has also worked with Lori McKenna, Jim Lauderdale, Stephen Wilson Jr., Flatland Cavalry, Ashley Monroe and Luke Grimes.
“The first time I heard Ryan Necci’s music I was stopped in my tracks, and he quickly became one of my favorite songwriters in Nashville,” shared Erland Wanberg, Co-Founder & CEO, Southern Pacific Music. “Ryan’s voice and lyricism are one of a kind; he’s a true artist and masterful storyteller. I’m so grateful to join his team alongside Christina Wiltshire and the Warner Chappell family.”
“I am beyond honored to be joining the Warner Chappell family,” adds Necci. “As a songwriter, you dream of finding a team that truly believes in what you do, and from day one, they’ve championed my work. It’s humbling and inspiring to be surrounded by such a passionate group. I couldn’t be more excited to start this new chapter and see where the songs take us.”