Joe Melson
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Joe Melson has died at age 91.
Melson is best known for his 1960s collaborations with Nashville pop star Roy Orbison (1936-1988), including standards such as “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Only the Lonely” and “Running Scared.”
Claudie Joe Melson was raised in Bonham, Texas, northeast of Fort Worth. By the time of his teen years in the early 1950s, he was singing professionally and writing songs. He went to work in the mailroom at Standard Oil while studying accounting at Odessa Junior College. In the evenings, he entertained youngsters at dances and nightclubs with his rockabilly band, The Cavaliers. The group’s crowd-pleasing “Raindrops” became Melson’s debut single.
In 1957, he met fellow Texan Orbison, and the two began cowriting songs. They first came out with “Only the Lonely.” This 1960 smash launched Orbison’s hit-making career and is regarded as the first operatic rock song. It was also recorded by Kitty Wells, Floyd Cramer and Jack Greene. In 1969, Sonny James had a No. 1 country hit with “Only the Lonely.” It has since been revived by Glen Campbell (1973) and Chris Isaac (1996), among others.
The Orbison/Melson team followed that song with the 1960 singles “Blue Angel” and “I’m Hurtin.’” In early 1961, the throbbing-crescendo ballad “Running Scared” became their first No. 1 pop smash. Over the years, “Running Scared” has also been recorded by Del Shannon, The Lettermen, Glen Campbell and Jeff Lynne.
The 1961 Orbison/Melson hit “Crying” became an even more familiar tune. More than a dozen other stars have had success with this song, including Bobby Vinton, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, B.J. Thomas, Pat Benatar, Lynn Anderson, Deana Carter and Clay Aiken. Jay & The Americans revived “Crying” on the pop charts in 1966, while Arlene Harden (1970), Ronnie Milsap (1976) and Stephanie Winslow (1980) brought it onto the country hit parade. In 1981, Don McLean’s version of “Crying” became a substantial hit on the pop, A/C, country and British charts. Orbison and K.D. lang performed it as a duet in 1987 and won a Grammy Award.
Melson and Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” was a top 30 pop hit in 1963. Linda Ronstadt revived it as a massive international pop smash in 1977. The Cox Family, Wayne Newton, Ed Bruce, Raul Malo, Billie Jo Spears, Norah Jones and Harry Dean Stanton are among the many others who have recorded “Blue Bayou.”
Other Orbison/Melson collaborations included “The Crowd,” “Up Town,” “Barbara,” “I’m in a Blue Blue Mood,” “Lookin’ for Love,” “(I Get So) Sentimental,” “The Actress” and “Come Back to Me (My Love).” Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Another of Joe Melson’s songwriting collaborators was Don Gant. They co-wrote “Run, Baby, Run (Back Into My Arms),” which was a big pop hit in 1965 for The Newbeats. The Gant/Melson team also co-wrote Orbison’s 1967 single “Cry Softly Lonely One.”
Melson and Glenn Barber co-wrote the latter’s 1972 country hit “I’m the Man on Susie’s Mind.” Melson was also behind Barber’s 1979 favorite “Love Songs Just for You,” plus Barber’s 1972 hit “Unexpected Goodbye.”
Don Gibson scored a top 30 country hit with Melson’s cowritten “Ever Changing Mind” in 1969. Others who have recorded Melson’s songs include Del Reeves, Bob Luman, Bobby Vee, The Crickets, Conway Twitty, The Velvets, and Danny Davis.
The songwriter also maintained a recording career. Melson issued singles on Hickory Records in 1960-63. The best known of these is “Hey Mr. Cupid.” He continued to record for other labels in 1964, 1965, 1971, 1979, and beyond. Melson sang and/or arranged the inventive background vocals on all of the hits he wrote with Orbison The two also recorded vocal duets.
He and Orbison resumed their songwriting partnership in 1971-75.
Melson remained engaged in music throughout the succeeding decades. He issued singles as recently as 2014. He also continued to perform. Over the years, he entertained at rockabilly-revival and nostalgia festivals. He was a familiar figure on the music scene in Hendersonville.
“Only the Lonely” went into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and “Crying” joined it in 2002. Also in 2002, Melson was inducted into the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, located in Jackson, Tennessee. He was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Melson reportedly wrote songs right up to the weeks before his passing on July 1 in Music City.
He is survived by his sister, Katie Bethel, his children, Michael Melson, Michelle Byerly, Melodie Garner, and Serena Aaker; grandchildren, Sabrina Molina and Aden Aaker; great-grandchildren, Heidi Mollinary and Bianca Molina and many extended family members and friends. Melson’s final arrangements were entrusted to the Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
The Melson family honored Joe’s wishes by not holding a memorial service. However, Joe asked that the following message be shared: “Dad loves you all. Don’t cry for me. Remember me when I was alive.”
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites those who wish to honor his memory to make a donation at donate.jw.org.
Thomas Rhett & Niall Horan Deliver Cross-Genre Showcase In Nashville [Recap]
/by Madison HahnenNiall Horan & Thomas Rhett. Photo: Nick Bastoky
Thomas Rhett and Niall Horan brought two worlds together Thursday night (July 9), launching their co-headlining two stadium run with a hit-filled performance at Nashville’s GEODIS Park. The longtime friends traded individual sets before joining forces for a collaborative finale.
After opening sets from Emily Ann Roberts and Kashus Culpepper, Horan opened his set with “Heartbreak Weather” before moving into the swagger of “Nice to Meet Ya” and “Meltdown.” He introduced newer material with “Dinner Party” and “Tastes So Good,” while longtime favorites “This Town” and “Seeing Blind” offered quieter moments that allowed the audience to sing nearly every word.
Thomas Rhett. Photo: Nick Bastoky
The Irish singer continued with “She Gets It From Her Mother,” “Cross Your Mind,” and “If You Leave Me,” before working through “Flowers,” “Little More Time,” “Black and White,” “Save My Life” and “Fighting Over Nothing.” He wrapped his solo performance with the crowd favorite “Slow Hands,” bringing the stadium to its feet.
Rhett wasted little time matching the energy, kicking off his headlining set with “Make Me Wanna” before rolling through “Look What God Gave Her,” “Gone Country,” and “T-Shirt.” He kept the pace moving with “Ain’t A Bad Life” and “Sixteen,” then surprised fans with the live debut of unreleased track “Sky Falls.”
Returning to familiar territory, Rhett performed “Beautiful as You,” “Half of Me” and “Marry Me,” followed by “Life Changes” and “Craving You.” The back half of his set featured “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Woman,” “What’s Your Country Song,” “It Goes Like This,” “After All the Bars Are Closed” and a celebratory rendition of “Crash and Burn.”
The night’s final chapter belonged to both artists. Horan returned to the stage for a collaborative encore that opened with his hit “Heaven,” before the pair performed their duet “Old Tricks.” They continued with a spirited cover of Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas,” followed by one of Rhett’s signature ballads, “Die A Happy Man.”
The evening closed with a nod to Horan’s One Direction roots as the duo led the crowd through “Steal My Girl,” making the stadium erupt into a roaring send off.
The two will perform at Hersheypark Stadium in Pennsylvania this Saturday (July 18).
Photo: Nick Bastoky
Niall Horan & Thomas Rhett. Photo: Nick Bastoky
Photo: Corey Miller
Thomas Rhett. Photo: Corey Miller
Pictured (L-R): Harry Lyons (G Major), Tara Traub (Live Nation), Joey Lee (WME), Thomas Rhett, Virginia Bunetta (G Major), Duane Clark (FBMM) and Samantha Thornton (G Major). Photo: Corey Miller
Songwriter Joe Melson Passes
/by Robert K OermannJoe Melson
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Joe Melson has died at age 91.
Melson is best known for his 1960s collaborations with Nashville pop star Roy Orbison (1936-1988), including standards such as “Blue Bayou,” “Crying,” “Only the Lonely” and “Running Scared.”
Claudie Joe Melson was raised in Bonham, Texas, northeast of Fort Worth. By the time of his teen years in the early 1950s, he was singing professionally and writing songs. He went to work in the mailroom at Standard Oil while studying accounting at Odessa Junior College. In the evenings, he entertained youngsters at dances and nightclubs with his rockabilly band, The Cavaliers. The group’s crowd-pleasing “Raindrops” became Melson’s debut single.
In 1957, he met fellow Texan Orbison, and the two began cowriting songs. They first came out with “Only the Lonely.” This 1960 smash launched Orbison’s hit-making career and is regarded as the first operatic rock song. It was also recorded by Kitty Wells, Floyd Cramer and Jack Greene. In 1969, Sonny James had a No. 1 country hit with “Only the Lonely.” It has since been revived by Glen Campbell (1973) and Chris Isaac (1996), among others.
The Orbison/Melson team followed that song with the 1960 singles “Blue Angel” and “I’m Hurtin.’” In early 1961, the throbbing-crescendo ballad “Running Scared” became their first No. 1 pop smash. Over the years, “Running Scared” has also been recorded by Del Shannon, The Lettermen, Glen Campbell and Jeff Lynne.
The 1961 Orbison/Melson hit “Crying” became an even more familiar tune. More than a dozen other stars have had success with this song, including Bobby Vinton, Waylon Jennings, Dottie West, B.J. Thomas, Pat Benatar, Lynn Anderson, Deana Carter and Clay Aiken. Jay & The Americans revived “Crying” on the pop charts in 1966, while Arlene Harden (1970), Ronnie Milsap (1976) and Stephanie Winslow (1980) brought it onto the country hit parade. In 1981, Don McLean’s version of “Crying” became a substantial hit on the pop, A/C, country and British charts. Orbison and K.D. lang performed it as a duet in 1987 and won a Grammy Award.
Melson and Orbison’s “Blue Bayou” was a top 30 pop hit in 1963. Linda Ronstadt revived it as a massive international pop smash in 1977. The Cox Family, Wayne Newton, Ed Bruce, Raul Malo, Billie Jo Spears, Norah Jones and Harry Dean Stanton are among the many others who have recorded “Blue Bayou.”
Other Orbison/Melson collaborations included “The Crowd,” “Up Town,” “Barbara,” “I’m in a Blue Blue Mood,” “Lookin’ for Love,” “(I Get So) Sentimental,” “The Actress” and “Come Back to Me (My Love).” Roy Orbison was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1987.
Another of Joe Melson’s songwriting collaborators was Don Gant. They co-wrote “Run, Baby, Run (Back Into My Arms),” which was a big pop hit in 1965 for The Newbeats. The Gant/Melson team also co-wrote Orbison’s 1967 single “Cry Softly Lonely One.”
Melson and Glenn Barber co-wrote the latter’s 1972 country hit “I’m the Man on Susie’s Mind.” Melson was also behind Barber’s 1979 favorite “Love Songs Just for You,” plus Barber’s 1972 hit “Unexpected Goodbye.”
Don Gibson scored a top 30 country hit with Melson’s cowritten “Ever Changing Mind” in 1969. Others who have recorded Melson’s songs include Del Reeves, Bob Luman, Bobby Vee, The Crickets, Conway Twitty, The Velvets, and Danny Davis.
The songwriter also maintained a recording career. Melson issued singles on Hickory Records in 1960-63. The best known of these is “Hey Mr. Cupid.” He continued to record for other labels in 1964, 1965, 1971, 1979, and beyond. Melson sang and/or arranged the inventive background vocals on all of the hits he wrote with Orbison The two also recorded vocal duets.
He and Orbison resumed their songwriting partnership in 1971-75.
Melson remained engaged in music throughout the succeeding decades. He issued singles as recently as 2014. He also continued to perform. Over the years, he entertained at rockabilly-revival and nostalgia festivals. He was a familiar figure on the music scene in Hendersonville.
“Only the Lonely” went into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999, and “Crying” joined it in 2002. Also in 2002, Melson was inducted into the International Rock-A-Billy Hall of Fame, located in Jackson, Tennessee. He was elected to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2018.
Melson reportedly wrote songs right up to the weeks before his passing on July 1 in Music City.
He is survived by his sister, Katie Bethel, his children, Michael Melson, Michelle Byerly, Melodie Garner, and Serena Aaker; grandchildren, Sabrina Molina and Aden Aaker; great-grandchildren, Heidi Mollinary and Bianca Molina and many extended family members and friends. Melson’s final arrangements were entrusted to the Hendersonville Memory Gardens, Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
The Melson family honored Joe’s wishes by not holding a memorial service. However, Joe asked that the following message be shared: “Dad loves you all. Don’t cry for me. Remember me when I was alive.”
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites those who wish to honor his memory to make a donation at donate.jw.org.
Rhiannon Giddens Slates New Album ‘Hope Is The Thing With Feathers’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughRhiannon Giddens will release her new album Hope is the Thing with Feathers on Sept. 18 on Nonesuch Records.
The 10-song collection was inspired by the beauty of people coming together and drawing strength from each other, and was recorded live at The Cypress House in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. From exploring the lineages that make American music to the community-oriented spirit in which it was conceived and recorded, in many ways the album tells the story of the last 20 years of Giddens’ life. The project features four original songs written by Giddens and longtime collaborator/bandmate Dirk Powell, including leadoff single “Carolina Rain,” in which Giddens sings about love and money. Another track “Wish in Vain” was written about the refugee crisis around the globe.
The album also features interpretations of pieces by North Carolinians Ola Belle Reed (“High on a Mountain”) and Elizabeth Cotton (“Freight Train”), Indigenous activist, singer-songwriter and storyteller Pura Fé (“Going Home”), and traditionals including “Cluck Old Hen” and “Walk with Me” (a duet with Giddens’ sister). The title track was inspired by the poem by Emily Dickinson.
“Louisiana, the Congo, Italy, the Carolinas – all of these influences and people coming together to make something: that is American music,” says Giddens. “It’s how American music came to be, and that was the original thought of creating a band with the musicians that I’ve been playing with for years, and featured on this album.”
Giddens has a full slate of performances throughout the summer, including a special five-night slate of concerts with Mavis Staples, Mary Chapin Carpenter and Hurray for the Riff Raff under open skies for a joyful celebration of American songs that connect generations.
Hope is the Thing with Feathers Track List:
1. “Angel Fire Rise”
2. “Hope Is the Thing with Feathers”
3. “Step Away Blues”
4. “Wish in Vain”
5. “Carolina Rain”
6. “High on a Mountain”
7. “Freight Train”
8. “Walk with Me”
9. “Cluck Old Hen”
10. “Going Home”
MusicRow Weekly (Brittany Schaffer, News, Charts, More…)
/by Madison HahnenThis week’s edition of The MusicRow Weekly is packed with major executive moves, artist signings and industry milestones that signal continued momentum across Nashville. Click here to see the full edition.
Leading the headlines, the Country Music Association has named Brittany Schaffer as its next Chief Executive Officer. Schaffer will join the organization on Sept. 8 as part of a strategic leadership transition before officially succeeding current CEO Sarah Trahern on Jan. 1, 2027.
Triple Tigers Records also announced significant leadership changes. Kevin Herring is stepping back from his role as Co-President, while Raffaella Braun has been elevated to Co-President, serving alongside Annie Ortmeier as the label continues its next chapter.
Country Radio Broadcasters unveiled one of next year’s most notable honors, revealing that legendary broadcaster and longtime industry leader Lon Helton will receive the 2026 CRB President’s Award in recognition of his lasting impact on country radio.
On the management front, Morris Higham Management has welcomed Clark Mims Tedesco as Vice President of Marketing.
Several artists celebrated major career milestones this week as well. Niall Horan officially made his Grand Ole Opry debut on July 7. Meanwhile, Morgan Wade has signed with Warner Records Nashville, Ty Herndon has signed exclusively with Universal Attractions Agency, Charlie Worsham has partnered with ONErpm, and Abbey Cone has joined the roster at Endurance Music Group.
Publishing activity remained strong across Music City. Dallas Wilson signed a new publishing agreement with Warner Chappell Music Nashville in partnership with The Core Entertainment, while Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville and ONE4 Music announced the launch of a new joint publishing venture. The partnership has already made its first signing, welcoming Hunter Flynn as the flagship songwriter for the new venture.
In addition, the latest MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart is included. Morgan Wallen remains in the No. 1 spot with “Don’t We.” Explore more chart data here.
The MusicRow Weekly is delivered every Friday, featuring Nashville’s top music industry news, exclusive interviews, song reviews, radio and songwriter charts and more. Sign up for free here.
Robert Earl Keen Unveils Additional Acts For Homecoming Weekend Lineup
/by Lorie HollabaughRobert Earl Keen. Photo: Patrick Dunn
Robert Earl Keen has revealed the supporting acts for his Homecoming Weekend at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas Sept. 5-7.
On Sept. 5, Coleman Jennings and Gary P. Nunn will open up the evening for the outdoor show at Floore’s, followed by a performance of Keen’s 2004 fan-favorite, #2 Live Dinner. Backed by his band, Keen will perform the album front to back for a special 30th anniversary tribute.
Andrew Duhon will kick off the evening on Sept. 6 before Keen’s “Songs & Stories” guitar pull indoors at Floore’s, featuring Ray Wylie Hubbard, Steve Poltz, Suzy Bogguss and Keen swapping songs and stories. The weekend caps off with Fan Appreciation Day on Sept. 7. For the fifth year in a row, this free event is Keen’s way of giving back to the fans who have given so much to him over the last 40+ years.
The all-day Labor Day event will be free, featuring yet-to-be-announced guests and a Robert Earl Keen Band performance. The Fan Appreciation Day ticket lottery for the Sept. 7 can be found here. All other tickets are on sale now here for Saturday and here for Sunday.
‘Christmas With CeCe Winans Tour’ Returns In December
/by Lorie HollabaughCeCe Winans
CeCe Winans has revealed her “Christmas with CeCe Winans Tour” is returning for the 2026 holiday season with a West Coast run for the first time in over a decade.
Joined by special guests and her sisters Angie Winans and Debbie Winans, “Christmas with CeCe Winans” will visit six cities in December for an evening of beloved Christmas classics, worship favorites, and songs from throughout Winans’ celebrated career.
An exclusive pre-sale begins Monday, (July 13), with tickets available to the public starting July 15.
“I’m truly thankful for the opportunity to bring this Christmas tour to so many cities,” says Winans. “There’s nothing like the joy and peace that this season brings, and being able to share that through music is a blessing. I’m especially excited to be doing this with my sisters; it’s going to be a beautiful time of worship, celebration, and togetherness.”
In addition to her West Coast Christmas tour, Winans will also co-headline the “Christmas Together Tour” alongside Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith.
Throughout her career Winans has racked up 18 Grammys, 31 Dove Awards and 19 Stellar Awards. She’s sold millions of albums in the U.S., and touched millions more with inspirational performances everywhere from churches around the world to The White House. Her recent albums, Believe For It and More Than This have resonated with fans, leading to over 1 billion streams and downloads, multiple award wins, and a tour resurgence garnering over 100 shows across the globe over the last two years.
“Christmas with CeCe Winans Tour” Dates:
Thursday, December 10, 2026 – Seattle, WA – WAMU Theater
Friday, December 11, 2026 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
Tuesday, December 15, 2026 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Wednesday, December 16, 2026 – Bakersfield, CA – Dignity Health Theater
Thursday, December 17, 2026 – Los Angeles, CA – Peacock Theater
Friday, December 18, 2026 – Sacramento, CA – Sacramento Memorial Auditorium
Music Community Introduces New Labeling Program To Distinguish Generative AI In Sound Recordings
/by Lauryn SinkIFPI, RIAA, A2IM, WIN, IMPALA, The Grammys, SAG-AFTRA and Human Artistry Campaign have announced a unified approach to voluntary track labeling to give fans clearer information about the use of generative AI in sound recordings.
Distinguishing between “AI-Generated” and “AI-Assisted,” the labels are conceived with broad, global adoption in mind, across digital music services and other partners. The labeling is designed to evolve as technology and requirements change.
“Fans want to know whether and how generative AI has been used in the music to which they listen. Given how important human artistry and authenticity is to music lovers all over the world, these labels will provide an immediately understandable and easily scalable approach to transparency. We acknowledge the many ways AI is being used creatively, so we expect to offer fans additional information as adoption of generative AI labeling grows and technology evolves,” says Vikki Oakley, IFPI CEO and Mitch Glazier, RIAA Chairman & CEO in a joint statement.
In April, the music streaming service Deezer reported that AI-generated tracks comprised 44% of all new music delivered to its platform while Apple Music has said that more than one-third of the tracks uploaded to its platform are “100% AI.”
The AI-Generated will be given to songs if “generative AI was used to generate the entirety or the primary portion of the creative elements of the recording.” An AI-Assisted label will be used if “the recording was created substantially by humans and expresses human creativity; however, generative AI was used for some expressive elements. Humans performed the lead vocal and primary instruments.”
These labels apply to the use of generative AI in sound recordings and will be available for use in the near future. The system does not cover the use of generative AI in lyrics, composition, music videos or cover art at this point.
First Round Of Performers Unveiled For 2026 CCMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughCelebrating artists from coast to coast, the 2026 CCMA Awards will also shine the spotlight on the long-standing contributions Saskatchewan has made to the genre. Country music’s biggest night in Canada will feature Dean Brody, James Barker Band, The Reklaws and Owen Riegling.
Also on tap for the show are homegrown Saskatchewan stars including Tenille Arts, Hunter Brothers, Kalsey Kulyk and Jess Moskaluke.
“Unveiling the first wave of performers for the CCMA Awards is always a special moment, offering an exciting glimpse into what promises to be an incredibly memorable night for country music in Canada,” says Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “This remarkable group of artists each bring something different to the stage, and we’re thrilled that fans across the country get to experience this extraordinary, one-night-only evening live from Sasktel Centre.”<
The 2026 CCMA Awards is returning to Saskatoon for the first time in nine years, the third time the City of Bridges has hosted and welcomed the CCMA, and will deliver an evening of live performances and country music’s biggest moments, marking a highlight of Country Music Week 2026. Available exclusively on CTV and streaming on Crave through the live CTV channel, the 2026 CCMA Awards bring the artistry, identity and creative spirit of Canadian country music to a national stage for an unforgettable night.
Lauren Watkins Readies ‘If I’m Being Honest’ For September
/by Lauryn SinkLauren Watkins will release her forthcoming album, If I’m Being Honest, on Sept. 25 via Big Loud Records/Songs & Daughters.
Written alongside Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Nicolle Galyon, Caroline Watkins, Chase McGill, Lydia Vaughan and more, the album explores life’s hard truths across its 12 tracks. Produced by Will Bundy with co-production on select tracks from Joey Moi, the album follows her 2025 In A Perfect World and 2024 debut, The Heartbroken Record.
Watkins previewed the album today with the release of “Better Love Next Time,” which she wrote with Bundy, Hungate and Mark Trussell.
“I’ve always thought that if you look past the heartbreak, there’s something so hopeful about a goodbye,” shares Watkins. “It almost always means there’s something better out there that you just can’t see yet. That’s what I wanted ‘Better Love Next Time’ to feel like. There’s a time and a place to be sad and cry about it, but this is the moment to get back in the saddle and do all the fun, healthy things that come with moving on. It genuinely makes me smile every time I sing it, and I hope it does that for people too. I needed this when I was going through breakups, so I just wrote one myself!”
Tickets are on sale now for Watkins’ first-ever hometown headline show at Nashville’s Exit/In on Oct. 8. The newly announced show follows recent dates with Dylan Scott and upcoming dates with Luke Bryan.
If I’m Being Honest Tracklist:
1. “Pulling Weeds” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Caroline Watkins)
2. “Heartbreakaholic” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon)
3. “Convenient” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Emily Landis, Mark Trussell)
4. “Main Street” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Josh Miller)
5. “Daydreams” (Lauren Watkins)
6. “Better Love Next Time” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Mark Trussell)
7. “Sunshine & Daisies” (Lauren Watkins, Lauren Hungate, Luke Laird, Caroline Watkins)
8. “KOA” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Mark Trussell, Lydia Vaughan)
9. “How’s Your Mama ‘N Them” (Lauren Watkins, Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Minton, Mark Trussell)
10. “What I Think About You” (Lauren Watkins, Will Bundy, Lauren Hungate, Mark Trussell)
11. “Prayer List” (Lauren Watkins, Mia Mantia, Chase McGill)
12. “Curtains” (Lauren Watkins, Rodney Clawson, Nicolle Galyon, Kat Higgins)
Ashland Craft Drops ‘Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe)’
/by Lorie HollabaughAshland Craft has released Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe), an expanded edition of her sophomore album featuring collaborations with some of her country friends.
The project adds several collabs to the original collection, including “Yard Sale” featuring Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes, “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” with Chase Rice and “Hangin’ Up the Honkytonk” alongside Dillon Carmichael. The deluxe edition also includes the new focus track, “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way,” a duet with Tyce Delk that showcases Craft’s ability to capture life’s complicated emotions. The additional tracks deepen the album’s themes of resilience, heartbreak, humor, and hard-earned wisdom while further highlighting the unfiltered storytelling that has become Craft’s trademark.
“Some things are even better the second go round,” shares Craft. “Dive Bar Beauty Queen Deluxe is finally here, featuring some of my favorite folks on the country scene! It was so much fun to think about who we wanted on these tracks, and watch them bring these songs to life even more. I hope y’all will crank these songs with your friends, make some good memories, and find a piece of your story in each tune!”
One of the standout tracks on Dive Bar Beauty Queen, “Kick Rocks Cowboy,” serves as a bold tribute to the real American cowboy and spent weeks in the top 40 on the MusicRow Chart. The video for the track featured viral sensation Orry “Cornbread Cowboi” Lee, reality star/country artist Logan Crosby, and country artist (and real-life saddle bronc rider) Chancey Williams – all co-starring as they vie for the top cowboy crown.
Dive Bar Beauty Queen (Deluxe) Track List:
1. “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” (feat. Tyce Delk) (Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Marv Green)
2. “Hangin Up The Honkytonk” (feat. Dillon Carmichael) (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Erik Dylan)
3. “Yard Sale” (feat. Ashley McBryde and Mae Estes) (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Starr)
4. “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” (feat. Chase Rice) (Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison, Corey Elizabeth Grogan)
5. “Dive Bar Beauty Queen” (Ashland Craft)
6. “Hangin’ Up The Honkytonk” (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Erik Dylan)
7. “Lie A Little” (Kelly Archer, Bryan Simpson, Mark Irwin)
8. “Wasn’t The Chevy” (Ashland Craft, Trannie Anderson, Marla Cannon)
9. “Yard Sale” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Lee Starr)
10. “Kick Rocks Cowboy” (Ashland Craft, Ben Stennis, Shane Minor)
11. “Happy Drunk” (Ashland Craft, Kasey Tyndall, Tori Allen)
12. “Right Damn Now” (Ashland Craft, Wyatt McCubbin, Erik Dylan)
13. “Doesn’t Have To Be That Way” (Ashland Craft, Lee Starr, Marv Green)
14. “Momma Don’t Pray Like She Used To” (Ashland Craft, Jess Grommet, Willie Morrison, Corey Elizabeth Grogan)
15. “Morning Person” (Ashland Craft, Faren Rachels, Trannie Anderson, Dallas Wilson)