Thomas “Lynn” Baker. Photo: Kevin Schlatt Photography
Art director, image consultant and jewelry designer Thomas “Lynn” Baker passed away peacefully at his home in Tijeras, New Mexico on Dec. 3 of Huntington’s Disease. He was 71.
Baker exhibited a talent and passion for art at an early age. A Frankfurt, Kentucky native, he studied at Western Kentucky University where he received Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees with emphasis in weaving and art education. He continued with postgraduate study in Mexico and Venezuela, where he was greatly influenced by indigenous design.
During his two decades in the entertainment industry in Nashville, Baker wore many hats including in wardrobe design, video production, event planning, image consulting, interior design, set design and art direction. He was also an award-winning jewelry and costume designer who specialized in unique creations for entertainers and celebrities. Baker’s jewelry was featured on the red carpet at countless award shows, in music videos, on album covers and in magazines. His clients included Rosanne Cash, Clint Black, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dixie Chicks, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Lee Roy Parnell, Doug Stone, Shania Twain, Lee Ann Womack, Tammy Wynette, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Diamond Rio.
Baker won nine Country Music Association/Grand Ole Opry awards for art direction and his costumes are in the Country Music Hall of Fame collection. He designed glamorous country parties, including the CMA’s post-award party. He worked as a video art director, styled and made wardrobe for various artists, and built custom artist booths for CMA Music Fest. In addition, Baker designed exhibitions for the Tennessee State Museum and the T. J. Martell Foundation. He was also an avid balloonist who served as event coordinator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Baker is survived by his stepmother Mary Baker of Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
MacKenzie Porter & Jake Etheridge Announce New Project
/by Liza AndersonMacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge at the 58th CMA Awards. Photo: CMA
MacKenzie Porter and Jake Etheridge have announced their new project, Thelma & James.
The venture is titled after the couple’s full names, with Porter’s being MacKenzie Lea Thelma Porter and Etheridge’s being James Calvin Etheridge. It’s unclear whether Thelma & James serves as the name of their duo or a forthcoming album.
The first Thelma & James release, “Happy Ever After You,” which the two teased in December, will be available this Friday (Jan. 10).
Grand Ole Opry Kicks Off ‘Opry 100’ At Ryman Auditorium
/by Madison HahnenBill Anderson performs newly-written lyrics to “Will The Circle Be Unbroken” with all Opry performers. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry kicked off its 100th year with two sold-out shows at the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 3–4.
On Friday night (Jan. 3), Bill Anderson, the Opry’s longest-tenured member, started off the “Opry 100” celebrations by singing “Will The Circle Be Unbroken,” featuring newly-written lyrics. Anderson was joined by the evening’s other performers for the new tune.
Saturday (Jan. 4)’s show was dedicated to the late President Jimmy Carter, who had visited the Opry before, during and after his presidency. Charlie McCoy performed “Georgia On My Mind”, the official song of Carter’s home state in his honor.
Throughout the year, the Opry will honor the artists, fans and songs that have established the Opry as a historical home of country music since its debut on WSM Radio in 1925. In celebration of the milestone anniversary, the Ryman has unveiled a new “Opry 100” exhibition that traces the Opry’s journey over the past century.
Additional “Opry at the Ryman” shows are scheduled for Jan. 10, 11 and 17, and will feature performances from Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley McBryde, Old Crow Medicine Show, Steve Wariner, Lainey Wilson and more. The Opry will return to the Grand Ole Opry House on Jan. 18 for “Opry Goes Dolly” with performances from Ashley Cooke, Chapel Hart, Don Schlitz, Shaboozey, Rhonda Vincent and more. Tickets to all shows can be purchased here.
Pinnacle Debuts New Music Lover Checking Accounts, Debit Cards
/by Lorie HollabaughPinnacle Financial Partners has launched new bank accounts and debit cards to coincide with the opening of the new Pinnacle music venue at Nashville Yards.
The Pinnacle Spotlight accounts offer three tiers of checking accounts designed for music lovers of all kinds. They come with a host of year-round benefits tied to live music and other events at The Pinnacle; card designs including “The Mixtape” and “Groovy” and the opportunity to receive two tickets to one of the first shows at The Pinnacle with early access to the rooftop bar.
The first 50 clients who open Pinnacle Spotlight accounts and meet the qualifications will receive two tickets to the first show at The Pinnacle, early access to the rooftop bar and a pair of JBL Tune Flex Earbuds. All others who open The Pinnacle Spotlight accounts and meet the qualifications will receive two tickets and early access to the rooftop bar for any non-sold-out show of their choice in 2025.
Year-round, Pinnacle Spotlight clients will also enjoy pre-sale access to select shows, access to two-for-one ticket sales, Quickpass Entrance access at all events to skip entry lines, invitations to VIP events, automatic enrollment in The Pinnacle’s loyalty program when launched and more.
“The opportunity to partner with AEG Presents for The Pinnacle has been a dream come true, and we can’t wait for Nashville to see what’s behind those doors,” says Andy Moats, Pinnacle’s Director of Music, Entertainment and Sports banking. “Just like the venue, Pinnacle Spotlight is made for everyone who holds music as part of their lives. It’ll get them closer to the artists they love at The Pinnacle. It gives them a tangible symbol of their passion with our unbelievable new debit card designs. And it comes with the unmatched service and advice of Music City’s hometown and No. 1 bank.”
Art Director & Jewelry Designer Thomas ‘Lynn’ Baker Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughThomas “Lynn” Baker. Photo: Kevin Schlatt Photography
Art director, image consultant and jewelry designer Thomas “Lynn” Baker passed away peacefully at his home in Tijeras, New Mexico on Dec. 3 of Huntington’s Disease. He was 71.
Baker exhibited a talent and passion for art at an early age. A Frankfurt, Kentucky native, he studied at Western Kentucky University where he received Bachelor and Master of Arts Degrees with emphasis in weaving and art education. He continued with postgraduate study in Mexico and Venezuela, where he was greatly influenced by indigenous design.
During his two decades in the entertainment industry in Nashville, Baker wore many hats including in wardrobe design, video production, event planning, image consulting, interior design, set design and art direction. He was also an award-winning jewelry and costume designer who specialized in unique creations for entertainers and celebrities. Baker’s jewelry was featured on the red carpet at countless award shows, in music videos, on album covers and in magazines. His clients included Rosanne Cash, Clint Black, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dixie Chicks, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Lee Roy Parnell, Doug Stone, Shania Twain, Lee Ann Womack, Tammy Wynette, Trace Adkins, Alan Jackson, Brooks & Dunn and Diamond Rio.
Baker won nine Country Music Association/Grand Ole Opry awards for art direction and his costumes are in the Country Music Hall of Fame collection. He designed glamorous country parties, including the CMA’s post-award party. He worked as a video art director, styled and made wardrobe for various artists, and built custom artist booths for CMA Music Fest. In addition, Baker designed exhibitions for the Tennessee State Museum and the T. J. Martell Foundation. He was also an avid balloonist who served as event coordinator for the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta.
Baker is survived by his stepmother Mary Baker of Harrodsburg, Kentucky.
Lee Greenwood Announces ‘American Spirit Tour’
/by Liza AndersonLee Greenwood has announced his 2025 “American Spirit Tour.”
Kicking off on Jan. 22 at the Seminole Casino in Immokalee, Florida, the journey will span 17 cities, including stops in Michigan, Arkansas and Pennsylvania, with more dates to be added. Audiences can expect to hear a mix of the Grammy winner’s tunes, such as “I.O.U.” and “Dixie Road,” among others.
“The ‘American Spirit Tour’ is a celebration of the values and pride that make this country great,” says Greenwood. “I can’t wait to hit the road and share these special moments with fans from coast to coast.”
Tickets are on sale now. VIP packages and meet-and-greet opportunities will also be available. For more information, click here.
“American Spirit Tour” Dates:
Jan. 22 – Seminole Casino – Immokalee, Florida
Jan. 23 – Flagler Auditorium – Palm Coast, Florida
Jan. 24 – South Florida State College – Avon Park, Florida
Jan. 25 – Orange Blossom Opry – Weirsdale, Florida
Jan. 31 – Five Points Washington – Washington, Illinois
Feb. 1 – Crystal Grand Music Theatre – Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin
April 1 – Whatley Center for the Performing Arts – Mt. Pleasant, Texas
May 2 – Savannah, Georgia
May 3 – Falany Performing Arts Center — Waleska, Georgia
May 16 – Honeywell Center – Wabash, Indiana
June 21 – Rock The Country Festival – Little Rock, Arkansas
June 23 – Mt. Pleasant, Michigan
June 28 – Charlotte, Arkansas
July 26 – Marion Center, Pennsylvania
July 27 – Dunbar, Pennsylvania
Sept. 20 – Cherokee, North Carolina
Oct. 18 – Sugar Creek Casino – Hinton, Oklahoma
Nov. 8 – Brown County Music Center – Nashville, Indiana
Sierra Ferrell To Drop ‘Trail Of Flowers: Deluxe Edition’
/by Lorie HollabaughSierra Ferrell. Photo: Bobbi Rich
Sierra Ferrell is releasing a new deluxe edition of her album Trail of Flowers via Rounder Records on Jan. 31.
Along with its original 12 tracks, produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa, Trail of Flowers: Deluxe Edition features two new songs. She added her take on the classic bluegrass barnburner, “Don’t Let Your Deal Go Down,” to the deluxe project, as well as an expanded arrangement of “The Garden,” which first appeared on the soundtrack for The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes and has now been amplified with pedal steel, piano, percussion, strings and more. “The Garden” is out now.
In addition to the deluxe album’s digital release, a very limited number of physical deluxe albums are also available on honeydew vinyl.
Ferrell is currently nominated for her first four Grammys, including Best Americana Album, Best Americana Performance (“American Dreaming”), Best American Roots Song (“American Dreaming”) and Best American Roots Performance (“Lighthouse”). She is also gearing up for plenty of dates in the New Year, including a sold-out headline debut at Red Rocks Amphitheatre, as well as “The Big Ass Stadium Tour” with Post Malone and Jelly Roll.
Haley Gallery To Present New Art Exhibit ‘Snapshots’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Haley contemporary art gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is presenting a new exhibit, “Snapshots,” featuring paintings and mixed media pieces by artist Mark Mulroney.
Opening Jan. 16, “Snapshots” is a series inspired by the life experiences of pioneering civil rights leaders such as Rep. John Lewis. These artworks depict sadness, loss and fear in American life.
Born in Dutton, Pennsylvania, Mulroney received his Master of Fine Arts in Studio Arts from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He currently lives and works in North Haven, Connecticut, and his work has been exhibited at the Ampersand Gallery (Portland), CG2 Gallery (Nashville), Ever Gold [Projects] (San Francisco), Joshua Liner Gallery (New York), Left Field (San Luis Obispo), Mixed Greens (New York) and more. His work is included in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, as well as the Progressive Art Collection and the West Family Collection.
“Snapshots” is free and open to the public through Friday, March 14. On Jan. 16, the gallery will host a reception with the artist to celebrate the exhibition’s opening from 5-8 p.m. that is free and open to the public.
Nashville Symphony To Host ‘MLK: A Celebration In Song’ With Mickey Guyton
/by Madison HahnenThe Nashville Symphony is will host its 31st annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day concert, “MLK: A Celebration in Song,” on Jan. 19 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center in Nashville.
Led by conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush, the event will feature the Nashville Symphony, Mickey Guyton, Celebration Chorus, Celebration Youth Chorus and W. Crimm Singers. The concert will offer a mix of classical, contemporary and spiritual music that honors Dr. King’s lasting message of hope, equality and justice.
Due to a new sponsorship from Spencer Fane, the show will be free and open to the public this year. Reservations to attend the event are required, and can be made here. Spencer Fane will also host a complimentary pre-show reception for all ticket holders from 6:15 p.m–7:15 p.m.
“This concert embodies our mission to inspire and engage the diverse and growing Nashville community with live orchestral music experiences,” says Nashville Symphony President & CEO Alan D. Valentine. “We are deeply grateful to Spencer Fane for making it possible to open our doors and welcome the community to this meaningful celebration of Dr. King’s legacy.”
“Partnering with the Nashville Symphony to ensure that this powerful tribute to Dr. King is accessible to everyone is important to us and aligns with our mission to positively impact the communities we serve,” adds Stacey Garrett Koju, Spencer Fane Partner. “We are honored to continue our tradition of supporting an event that amplifies Dr. King’s timeless message for equality.”
VIP Experience tickets with Guyton are also available, offering an exclusive Q&A session and a photo opportunity. Proceeds from these tickets directly benefit the Nashville Symphony’s more than 300 annual music education and community programs throughout Middle Tennessee. VIP tickets are priced at $100.
Looking For A New Job In 2025? Check Out MusicRow’s Job Board
/by MusicRow StaffWith another year upon us, new job opportunities are opening up.
MusicRow wants to encourage its readers who are either looking for a music industry job or have an open position to fill to check out its Job Listings Board, located in the top menu bar on the MusicRow website.
Those who have full-time, part-time or temporary job opportunities can submit a form to list a job on the Job Listings Board. All job listings are free-to-list and will be posted for 60 days. Listings are accepted and published at the discretion of MusicRow.
Weekly Register: Country Albums Chart Closes 2024 With Christmas-Filled Top Five
/by Liza AndersonThe top five on the country albums chart consisted of Christmas collections as 2024 came to a close.
Brenda Lee‘s Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree ascended to No. 1 with 53K in total consumption (1.5K album only/66 million song streams), as Bobby Helms‘ A Bobby Helms Christmas took No. 2 with 44K (5 album only/57 million song streams). Gene Autry‘s Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer and other Christmas Classics rose to No. 3 with 43K (185 album only/54 million song streams), while Elvis Presley‘s The Classic Christmas Album claimed No. 4 with 40K (2.7K album only/48 million song streams). Burl Ives‘ Rudolph, The Red Nosed Reindeer ranked No. 5 with 39K (656 album only/49 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” stayed at No. 1 with 12 million new streams, adding to 993 million ATD. Post Malone and Morgan Wallen‘s “I Had Some Help” held No. 2 with 10 million streams, adding to 869 million ATD, followed by Wallen’s “Love Somebody” at No. 3 with 9.1 million new streams, adding to 155 million ATD. Based on audio streams, Zach Bryan and Kacey Musgraves‘ “I Remember Everything” sat at No. 4 with 7.3 million streams, adding to 1.1 billion ATD. Bryan’s “Something In The Orange” remained at No. 5 with 7.1 million new streams, adding to 1.7 billion ATD.