The country-music wing of Americana flexes its muscles in this week’s DISClaimer.
Frankly, it’s a little nuts that such solidly country folks as Charley Crockett, Willow Avalon and Sierra Ferrell are called “Americana” while pop acts rule the so-called “country” charts. In any case, Willow Avalon wins the DISCovery Award. Make a beeline for The Exit/In tomorrow to catch her in person.
Despite strong competition from Brett Young, Old Dominion and Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts wins the Disc of the Day award, with an assist from the mighty Jonas Brothers.
ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “You Don’t Deserve A Country Song (Live From The Ryman)”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Geoff Warburton/Michael Whitworth/Mitchell Tenpenny/Will Weatherly; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Pulse-quickening percussion leads you into searing vocal of accusation and defiance. Recorded live at the Ryman, this performance brims with confidence and style. Blazing guitars add fuel to the fire.
RASCAL FLATTS & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “I Dare You”
Writers: Dewain Whitmore/Nick Jonas/Shay Mooney/Tommy English; Producers: Dann Huff, Jay DeMarcus, Jeremy Hatcher, Tommy English; Label: Big Machine Records
– This snazzy little country rocker has a built-in spring breeze. Lyrics fly by like highway scenery as the band kicks up dust. Gary carries the lead with the Jonas boys adding vocal embellishments, holding back until the bridge. After that, everybody sings to the sky. A winner, even though one yearns for more Jonas.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lonesome Drifter”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Nervous, moody, restless rhythm and stuttering guitar back this dark meditation of a solitary wanderer. The ever-prolific Crockett marks new label and producer affiliations here, but he’s still his own, individualistic country-music man.
KANE BROWN / “Says I Can”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown/Matt Roy; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Mitchell Tenpenny and Scotty McCreery drop by for some chorus harmonizing, verse swapping and vocal interjections. The rousing, slow- stomper song is made for hearty barroom drinking with pals. Somebody yell, “Yee haw.”
SIERRA FERRELL / “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”
Writers: Gladys Stacey Flatt/Jerry Organ/Louise Certain/Wayne Walker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– This country evergreen was originated by Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers in 1925. Ferrell gives it a drawling, bluesy, vivacious delivery. Snappy fiddle, mandolin and guitar picking scamper along. Sierra Ferrell deservedly swept this week’s Grammy Awards in the Americana field. No right-thinking country fan should be without this woman’s music.
MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m the Problem”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Jamie McLaughlin/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– With five writers, you’d think somebody would have come up with a melody.
WILLOW AVALON / “Homewrecker”
Writers: JR Atkins/Tofer Brown/Willow Avalon; Producers: JR Atkins, Tofer Brown, Willow Avalon; Label: Assemble Sound/Atlantic Records
– Any woman named Willow Avalon with an album titled Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell has my attention. She bops along brightly on this sassy, double-time, country rocker. The track boasts echo chamber and band-member shouts supporting her pert, tart soprano delivery. Avalon has racked up 15 million streams in the past two months. She plays The Exit/In tomorrow night (Feb. 7). Sounds good to me.
OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– As tuneful and listenable as ever. This is a band that knows how to really write and really sing. The single chugs along with irresistible energy.
HUESTON / “Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston/Joshua Kimbowa; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings Records
– I hear hip-hop and electro pop, with boring audio loops and generic sampled beats.
MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: none listed; Label: UMG Nashville
– Guyton lit the Internet on fire with her performance of the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl. Since then, she has made the song her own by singing it at the World Series, the NBA Cup, the women’s U.S. Open and other high-profile events. If you ever had any doubts about her power and range as a vocalist, this will erase them forever. As of this week, it’s now available on all streaming platforms.
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Mine Tomorrow”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Ryan Beaver; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists
– Gently persuasive. Acoustic picking and a laid-back vocal create a relaxed mood as a hopeful lyric unspools. Engaging and promising.
BRETT YOUNG / “Tastes Like You”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Noah Needleman/Jon Nite; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Young turns up the tempo for this splendidly rocking, steaming-hot ode to lust. Get up and shake it.
VINNY TOVAR & AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Pass Me By”
Writer: Hillman Hill; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Aubry is the daughter of Johnny Rodriguez, who immortalized this country classic in 1972. Vinny is a golden-voiced, Mexican-American leading light of the Latin country community. They swap lines on the twin-fiddled two stepper with aplomb. Azteca Ranch is a San Antonio label devoted to this kind of Texican excellence.
BREAKING: UMG Nashville Reorganizes, Appoints Mike Harris & Dave Cobb As Leaders
/by LB CantrellMike Harris, Dave Cobb
Universal Music Group has announced a reorganization of its Nashville-based operations, appointing Mike Harris to CEO and Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb to Chief Creative Officer.
“We see an incredible opportunity to expand our presence in Nashville and build upon our industry leading track record,” shares Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman and CEO of UMG. “The worldwide success of our country artists demonstrate that the genre truly has no boundaries and I’m excited for what lies ahead creatively and commercially.”
As revealed earlier today, Cindy Mabe, Chair and CEO of UMG Nashville, is leaving the company to pursue new opportunities.
Grainge adds, “I want to thank Cindy Mabe for all her contributions to our Nashville company. She leaves UMG with our gratitude and respect.”
Harris formerly served as COO, EVP of UMG Nashville before announcing his departure last year. He held that role since joining the company in 2016. Prior to that, he spent 15 years at EMI, where he held various positions including, most recently, EVP GM for Caroline, a division of the Capitol Music Group/EMI.
“I am humbled to have been asked by Sir Lucian to lead UMG Nashville at such an important and exciting time in country music. I also look forward to work closely with Dave Cobb, the amazing roster of artists and my friends at UMG Nashville,” Harris shares.
Cobb adds, “I am incredibly excited to work with Mike Harris, I’m here to honor the past, and look to the future.”
Cobb is one of Music City’s most in-demand collaborators, regardless of genre, and has worked with and produced countless acclaimed artists and albums including Chris Stapleton’s six times-Platinum Traveller, Jason Isbell’s Southeastern and Brandi Carlile’s By The Way I Forgive You. His recent works include albums for Mumford & Sons, Red Clay Strays, Zayn, Greta Van Fleet, Jamey Johnson, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire and music for Deliver Me From Nowhere, the forthcoming Bruce Springsteen biopic, adding to his illustrious and diverse discography featuring Barry Gibb, The Highwomen, Slash, Marcus King, Teddy Swims, Stevie Nicks, Whiskey Myers, Zach Bryan, Colter Wall and many more.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Rascal Flatts & The Jonas Brothers Collab On Disc Of The Day
/by Robert K OermannThe country-music wing of Americana flexes its muscles in this week’s DISClaimer.
Frankly, it’s a little nuts that such solidly country folks as Charley Crockett, Willow Avalon and Sierra Ferrell are called “Americana” while pop acts rule the so-called “country” charts. In any case, Willow Avalon wins the DISCovery Award. Make a beeline for The Exit/In tomorrow to catch her in person.
Despite strong competition from Brett Young, Old Dominion and Kane Brown, Rascal Flatts wins the Disc of the Day award, with an assist from the mighty Jonas Brothers.
ALANA SPRINGSTEEN / “You Don’t Deserve A Country Song (Live From The Ryman)”
Writers: Alana Springsteen/Geoff Warburton/Michael Whitworth/Mitchell Tenpenny/Will Weatherly; Label: Columbia Records/Sony Music Nashville
– Pulse-quickening percussion leads you into searing vocal of accusation and defiance. Recorded live at the Ryman, this performance brims with confidence and style. Blazing guitars add fuel to the fire.
RASCAL FLATTS & THE JONAS BROTHERS / “I Dare You”
Writers: Dewain Whitmore/Nick Jonas/Shay Mooney/Tommy English; Producers: Dann Huff, Jay DeMarcus, Jeremy Hatcher, Tommy English; Label: Big Machine Records
– This snazzy little country rocker has a built-in spring breeze. Lyrics fly by like highway scenery as the band kicks up dust. Gary carries the lead with the Jonas boys adding vocal embellishments, holding back until the bridge. After that, everybody sings to the sky. A winner, even though one yearns for more Jonas.
CHARLEY CROCKETT / “Lonesome Drifter”
Writer: Charley Crockett; Producers: Charley Crockett, Shooter Jennings; Label: Island Records
– Nervous, moody, restless rhythm and stuttering guitar back this dark meditation of a solitary wanderer. The ever-prolific Crockett marks new label and producer affiliations here, but he’s still his own, individualistic country-music man.
KANE BROWN / “Says I Can”
Writers: Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free/Kane Brown/Matt Roy; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Records Nashville
– Dasha, Ashley Cooke, Mitchell Tenpenny and Scotty McCreery drop by for some chorus harmonizing, verse swapping and vocal interjections. The rousing, slow- stomper song is made for hearty barroom drinking with pals. Somebody yell, “Yee haw.”
SIERRA FERRELL / “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down”
Writers: Gladys Stacey Flatt/Jerry Organ/Louise Certain/Wayne Walker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– This country evergreen was originated by Charlie Poole & The North Carolina Ramblers in 1925. Ferrell gives it a drawling, bluesy, vivacious delivery. Snappy fiddle, mandolin and guitar picking scamper along. Sierra Ferrell deservedly swept this week’s Grammy Awards in the Americana field. No right-thinking country fan should be without this woman’s music.
MORGAN WALLEN / “I’m the Problem”
Writers: Charlie Handsome/Ernest Keith Smith/Grady Block/Jamie McLaughlin/Morgan Wallen; Producers: Charlie Handsome, Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/Mercury Records/Republic Records
– With five writers, you’d think somebody would have come up with a melody.
WILLOW AVALON / “Homewrecker”
Writers: JR Atkins/Tofer Brown/Willow Avalon; Producers: JR Atkins, Tofer Brown, Willow Avalon; Label: Assemble Sound/Atlantic Records
– Any woman named Willow Avalon with an album titled Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell has my attention. She bops along brightly on this sassy, double-time, country rocker. The track boasts echo chamber and band-member shouts supporting her pert, tart soprano delivery. Avalon has racked up 15 million streams in the past two months. She plays The Exit/In tomorrow night (Feb. 7). Sounds good to me.
OLD DOMINION / “Making Good Time”
Writers: Brad Tursi/Matthew Ramsey/Ross Copperman/Ross Ellis/Trevor Rosen; Producers: Old Dominion, Shane McAnally; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– As tuneful and listenable as ever. This is a band that knows how to really write and really sing. The single chugs along with irresistible energy.
HUESTON / “Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Sammons/Cory Hueston/Joshua Kimbowa; Producer: BSAMZ; Label: Silver Wings Records
– I hear hip-hop and electro pop, with boring audio loops and generic sampled beats.
MICKEY GUYTON / “The Star Spangled Banner”
Writer: Francis Scott Key; Producer: none listed; Label: UMG Nashville
– Guyton lit the Internet on fire with her performance of the national anthem at the 2022 Super Bowl. Since then, she has made the song her own by singing it at the World Series, the NBA Cup, the women’s U.S. Open and other high-profile events. If you ever had any doubts about her power and range as a vocalist, this will erase them forever. As of this week, it’s now available on all streaming platforms.
HUDSON WESTBROOK / “Mine Tomorrow”
Writers: Dan Alley/Hudson Westbrook/Ryan Beaver; Producers: Lukas Scott, Ryan Youmans; Label: River House Artists
– Gently persuasive. Acoustic picking and a laid-back vocal create a relaxed mood as a hopeful lyric unspools. Engaging and promising.
BRETT YOUNG / “Tastes Like You”
Writers: Brett Young/Justin Ebach/Noah Needleman/Jon Nite; Producer: Justin Ebach; Label: Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
– Young turns up the tempo for this splendidly rocking, steaming-hot ode to lust. Get up and shake it.
VINNY TOVAR & AUBRY RODRIGUEZ / “Pass Me By”
Writer: Hillman Hill; Producers: Stormy Cooper, Will Braun; Label: Azteca Ranch Music
– Aubry is the daughter of Johnny Rodriguez, who immortalized this country classic in 1972. Vinny is a golden-voiced, Mexican-American leading light of the Latin country community. They swap lines on the twin-fiddled two stepper with aplomb. Azteca Ranch is a San Antonio label devoted to this kind of Texican excellence.
Elton John & Brandi Carlile Team For New Album ‘Who Believes In Angels?’
/by Lorie HollabaughElton John and Brandi Carlile have joined forces on a collaborative new album project Who Believes In Angels?, set for release on April 4 via Interscope Records. The title track from the album is out today (Feb. 6).
The concept for Who Believes In Angels? was created by close friends and regular collaborators John, Carlile and producer and songwriter Andrew Watt. The album mixes Elton-led songs and Carlile-led songs, with Bernie Taupin and Carlile both penning songs with Watt as producer, mediator and creative conduit. They wrote and recorded the album completely from scratch in just 20 days, backed by a band of musicians that included Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Pino Palladino (Nine Inch Nails, Gary Numan and David Gilmour) and Josh Klinghoffer (Pearl Jam, Beck).
Ballads co-exist with raw rock and roll, and pop tracks and country-hued Americana rub shoulders with synth-heavy psychedelia on the unexpected album, which also features the 2025 Oscar-nominated song “Never Too Late,” created especially for the Disney+ documentary of the same name and unveiled last year to critical acclaim.
“This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” John says. “It has given me a place where I know I can move forward. Who Believes In Angels? feels like going into another era and I’m pushing the door open to come into the future. I have everything I’ve done behind me and it’s been brilliant, amazing. But this is the new start for me. As far as I’m concerned, this is the start of my career Mark 2.”
“I’m still reeling from the fact that I got to do it,” Carlile adds. “I think all ships rise with Elton John’s standards for songwriting, and it was an incredibly challenging and inspiring environment to work in, everybody throwing in ideas, everybody listening to everybody else’s ideas. It felt like a family. The world is a wild place to live in right now. It’s hard to find peace and triumph. It’s a radical act to seek out joyful and euphoric happenings. And that is what this album represents to me.”
A short film about the making of Who Believes In Angels? can be viewed here. The film marks the first time John has allowed cameras to film his writing and recording sessions. Cameras positioned around the studio captured thousands of hours of raw footage, and documented the entire creative process – breakdowns, breakthroughs, tears, torn-up lyric sheets and all. The candid footage offers fans an unprecedented, searingly honest insight into the emotionally turbulent creative process for Elton, Brandi and the rest of the team.
Fans can pre-order Who Believes In Angels? to gain exclusive access for the chance to buy tickets to “An Evening With Elton John & Brandi Carlile’”at The London Palladium on March 26. This one-night-only event will feature John and Carlile gracing the stage of one of London’s most iconic venues for a unique evening of performance and storytelling.
Who Believes In Angels? Track List:
1. “The Rose Of Laura Nyro”
2. “Little Richard’s Bible”
3. “Swing For The Fences”
4. “Never Too Late”
5. “You Without Me”
6. “Who Believes In Angels?”
7. “The River Man”
8. “A Little Light”
9. “Someone To Belong To”
10. “When This Old World Is Done With Me”
BREAKING: Cindy Mabe Exits Post At UMG Nashville
/by LB CantrellCindy Mabe. Photo: Kevin Wimpy
Cindy Mabe has exited her position as Chair & CEO of Universal Music Group Nashville after two years in the role and more than 18 with the company, according to reports by Country Aircheck and Billboard. UMG Nashville representatives did not respond to requests for comment.
During her tenure at UMG, Mabe has helped guide and grow the careers of some of country music’s biggest stars, including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Mickey Guyton, Sam Hunt, Alan Jackson, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire, Kacey Musgraves, Jon Pardi, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne and Little Big Town, among countless others. She has earned multiple honors, including the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum Award and the SOURCE Hall of Fame Award.
Mabe succeeded Mike Dungan, who retired from the company after more than a decade in the role in 2023.
A North Carolina native, Mabe attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated from Belmont University in Nashville with a B.S. in Business Administration. She bagan her career as promotions coordinator at RCA Nashville, before shifting to sales and then artist marketing and development. She later served as Senior Director of Marketing and Artist Development at Arista Records Nashville from 1999-2007 before joining Capitol Records.
Mabe spent five years at Capitol Records Nashville, where she held the position of SVP of Marketing and played an integral role in the long-term creative and commercial success of the label. She joined UMG Nashville in 2012 as Senior Vice President of Marketing, where she was responsible for leading marketing across UMG’s expanded suite of country labels following its acquisition of EMI.
Mabe is one of Music Row’s most esteemed executives. She became Nashville’s highest-ranking woman label executive in 2014 when she was appointed as UMG Nashville President, and she made history again by becoming the first woman to serve as Chair and CEO of a Nashville-based major label group.
SOURCE Nashville Announces Hall Of Fame Award Inductees
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Lori Badgett, Cheryl Harris and Gina Keltner; (L-R, bottom row): Pam Russell, Mary Self and Kay West
SOURCE Nashville has announced this year’s SOURCE Hall of Fame Award inductees.
The 22nd anniversary event, co-hosted by country legends Brenda Lee and Jeannie Seely and Grand Ole Opry star Mandy Barnett, will be held on Aug. 26 at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Municipal Auditorium. Ticket information on the event will be announced in the coming weeks.
This year’s Nashville Hall of Fame inductees include Lori Badgett (SunTrust, City National Bank), Cheryl Harris (O’Neil Hagaman), Gina Keltner (Marv Dennis & Associates, Dick Clark Productions, Grand Ole Opry), Pam Russell (Larry McFadden Management, MCA Records, Mercury Records, Universal Music Group), Mary Self (ASCAP) and Kay West (RCA Nashville, MCA Records, George Strait, People, The Nashville Scene, Independent Journalist.)
In 2003, the annual SOURCE Awards were established by founder Kay Smith to honor and pay respect to the “Women Behind The Music” who helped shape and build upon Nashville’s music industry. SOURCE was founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, and is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking and community service initiatives.
BREAKING: Clay Hunnicutt Exits BMLG
/by Madison HahnenClay Hunnicutt. Photo: Delaney Royer
Big Machine Label Group’s Clay Hunnicutt has exited his role as EVP/Label Operations after a five year stint with the label.
Hunnicutt first joined BMLG as GM in 2019, and was promoted to EVP/Label Operations in January 2024. As EVP/Label Operations, he focused on business development, expanding the label group’s ventures, cultivating partnerships and prioritizing catalog initiatives. Before joining BMLG, he served as President and Partner for Big Loud. While there, he headed a team responsible for developing and promoting chart-topping artists like Jake Owen and Morgan Wallen.
With 27 years of experience in radio, he has also worked as a Program Director across the Southeast, including Nashville and Atlanta, before taking charge of Clear Channel’s national programming efforts. In 2014, iHeartMedia appointed Hunnicutt as Executive Vice President and General Manager of National Programming Platforms, as well as Vice President and Brand Manager of Country Programming.
“Moving on is always bittersweet,” he tells Country Aircheck. “While I’m so very proud of everything we accomplished at Big Machine, I’m equally as excited about what the future could hold for me. My destination is unknown for now, but the next steps of the journey start here.”
Hunnicutt’s next opportunity has not been revealed. You can reach him here.
Mickey Guyton & The War And Treaty To Headline Nashville Ballet Ball
/by Madison HahnenMickey Guyton & The War And Treaty.
Mickey Guyton and The War And Treaty will headline Nashville Ballet’s 36th annual Ballet Ball on March 1 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.
The Ballet Ball is Nashville Ballet’s signature fundraising event, attracting over 600 of the city’s leading philanthropists and art supporters for a black-tie celebration. The evening generates funds to support the Nashville Ballet’s Community Engagement and Education Initiatives, which deliver over 55,000 arts experiences each year to children and adults through both virtual and live performances, as well as community outreach programs. It also helps bring dance education to young people across Middle Tennessee.
In addition to the musical performances, Nashville Ballet company dancers will showcase a specially choreographed piece created by CEO and Artistic Director Nick Mullikin, alongside Rehearsal Director Travis Bradley, for the event’s guests.
“We are excited to have exceptional talents like Mickey Guyton and The War And Treaty be part of this year’s Ballet Ball,” shares Mullikin. “We know that their remarkable vocals and incredible harmonies will be the perfect pairing with our company dancers for a performance that will undoubtedly captivate our guests. This event is truly special to all of us as it raises much needed funds for the Nashville Ballet’s artistic and educational programs that directly impacts the city’s vibrant arts and cultural landscape. It’s going to be another amazing year.”
Guests can look forward to an evening curated by Amos Gott, featuring an Italian Renaissance theme. The night will include fine wine and cocktails from local distributor Lipman Brothers, LLC, cuisine by Flavor and outstanding performances. Late Party attendees will join the ball’s guests on the dance floor to continue the celebration into the night.
The Ballet Ball is an invitation-only event, but the public can purchase tickets to the Ballet Ball Late Party here. Over 250 of Nashville’s young professionals will gather for an evening featuring cocktails, light bites and a spectacular performance. The 2025 Late Party is chaired by Mary Elizabeth Colton, Jeremy Hunziker, Sara Puryear and Ben Shankle.
Dwight Yoakam, Corey Kent, More Set For ‘L.A. Revival’ Benefit At Bridgestone
/by Lorie HollabaughDwight Yoakam, Turnpike Troubadours, Corey Kent and more are among the lineup for “LA Revival,” a special benefit concert for L.A. on Feb. 19 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
The show, presented by Thirty Tigers and Triple Tigers, will also feature performances from
All proceeds from the event will go to the MusiCares L.A. Fire Relief Effort to help support those impacted by the devastating wildfires in the Los Angeles area last month. Tickets for the show are on sale now here.
Kenny Chesney Shares A Love Letter To The Faithful In His First Book ‘Heart*Life*Music’
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney. Photo: Danny Clinch
Kenny Chesney is sharing glimpses from his journey in his first book, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC, with William Morrow, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers, due out Nov. 4.
The story follows the superstar’s path from small town East Tennessee dreamer to commanding huge stages across the country as he captures the sparks of creativity, ventures to places long gone, makes music in Jamaica, the Kremlin, New England and Cabo San Lucas, drifts across the waters of the Caribbean, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and encounters and collaborates with heroes.
“This is not my memoir,” cautions Chesney, “but something far better. It is almost a love letter to people who shaped and inspired me, the fans who’ve been there from tiny bars, radio stations who believed when nobody else did, a team who just kept coming back, legends who gave me wisdom and opportunities and all the friends who’ve been there along the way. To me, that’s where the music came from – and this is the story of how it turned into the soundtrack for the way No Shoes Nation lives their lives, too.
“I always said I’d never write a book,” he adds. “Too many things happened almost to be believed, let alone lived, but I realized with the world moving in such fast forward motion, too much of what made Nashville, the music business and our lives great would be lost to the churn of the next click. To have been in a room as a kid writing with Dean Dillon, have Sean Payton call an NFL press conference to announce he’s drafting me to the Saints, be in Tuff Gong Studios with Aston “Family Man” Barrett and Alvin “Seeco” Patterson or on a private plane with George Jones after opening for him defies logic. So, for everyone in No Shoes Nation, I realized: you deserved to share the magic.”
Written with longtime friend and collaborator Holly Gleason, HEART*LIFE*MUSIC celebrates the life and rise of a man whose songs have set the tone and whose shows have anchored a world without borders for the last quarter century.
Warner Music Group & Spotify Ink New Multi-Year Deal
/by John Nix ArledgeWarner Music Group and Spotify unveiled a new, multi-year agreement today (Feb. 6). Through the deal, which covers both Recorded Music and Music Publishing, the companies hope to strengthen their commitment to artists, songwriters, fans and to growth in the industry.
The agreement will help deliver new fan experiences, a more expansive music catalog, more paid subscription tiers and differentiated content bundles. The deal builds upon the companies’ alignment around artist centric royalty models that protect artists as they attract new audiences. Additionally, the publishing agreement introduces a direct licensing model with Warner Chappell Music in several additional countries, including the U.S.
“This major agreement delivers new benefits for artists, songwriters, and fans, while unlocking further collaboration that expands the music ecosystem,” explains Robert Kyncl, CEO, WMG. “It’s a big step forward in our vision for greater alignment between rights holders and streaming services. Together with Spotify, we look forward to increasing the value of music, as we drive growth, impact, and innovation.”
Daniel Ek, Spotify’s Founder and CEO, adds, “For Spotify, 2025 is a year of accelerated execution, and our partners at Warner Music Group share our commitment to rapid innovation and sustained investment in our leading music offerings. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible for audiences worldwide—making paid music subscriptions more appealing while supporting artists and songwriters alike.”