Jenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Country singer-songwriter and working cowgirl Jenna Paulette had a lot to celebrate last week, as she released her sophomore album Horseback and a brand new clothing line on Friday (Sept. 6). Her team and fellow peers gathered last week at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville to toast to both of her exceptional projects.
Following up her 2023 debut album The Girl I Was, Paulette’s 13-track Horseback arrives via Leo33 as a reflection of all the experiences and values that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
CowboyGirl collection samples. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
“The Horseback album is a culmination of perspectives I have of myself—to the things my family instilled in me, the men and women I grew up with and the one’s I am blessed to be surrounded by where we live in a small town in West Texas,” she shares. “A window into the way so many of us feel and the things we value.”
Kicking off with the effervescent “Wild Is Her Favorite Color,” the album finds the songstress tipping her hat to the three kings that have influenced her lifestyle, “King George, King Ranch, King James,” on “3 Kings,” and sharing her gratitude for new love on “Darlin’.” She celebrates the great outdoors on the previously-released “Outside” and shares her down-home gospel on “Run The Damn Ball.”
A co-writer on eight of its 13 songs, Horseback also features songs by Tony Lane, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard and more prolific Music Row hitmakers.
“So much has happened, so much good, since The Girl I Was. All I’ve got to say is the girl I was pretending to be before I got back to me…you ain’t getting that Horseback. The woman I am is here to stay. This album is a picture of who she was always meant to be.”
Jenna Paulette previewed her new CowboyGirl collection for friends and industry members. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
To coincide with the album’s release, and in a partnership with Ely & Walker apparel company—the home of Ely Cattleman shirts—Paulette has created a functional working female cowboy collection called CowboyGirl. The collection addresses the need for functionality in the saddle, designed to offer all the same benefits that men need working cattle, but with a style that is vintage and feminine.
CowboyGirl highlights two new ideologies: the State Flowers of Texas, where Paulette grew up, and Oklahoma, where her family ranch was. It will be available exclusively at over 200 Boot Barn locations beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
Horseback Track List:
1. Wild Is Her Favorite Color (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
2. 3 Kings (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
3. The Devil’s An Angel (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
4. Run The Damn Ball (Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard, Hunter Phelps)
5. The Dirt (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Hillary Lindsey)
6. Chasin’ Whiskey (Joe Fox, Tony Lane)
7. The Prophet (Granddaddy’s Song) (Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna)
8. Outside (Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson)
9. Prairie Primrose (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
10. Darlin’ (Jenna Paulette, Jess Cayne, Matthew Morrisey)
11. Horseback (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Hang Your Hat (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jim Beavers, Rhett Akins)
13. A Hill To Die On (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Lynn Hutton)
MV2 Entertainment & New Lost City Records Sign True Youngblood
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Olivia McCormick (MV2 Digital Marketing Manager), Tony Harrell (MV2 General Manager), True Youngblood, Duane Hobson (ASCAP) and Ben Strain (MV2 Sr. Creative Director). Photo: Courtesy of MV2
MV2 Entertainment and New Lost City Records have signed True Youngblood, a 21-year-old Belmont University student from Hiawassee, Georgia.
Youngblood draws his musical influence from country legends like Randy Travis and Don Williams alongside modern acts like Turnpike Troubadours and Chris Stapleton. He will release his debut single “If I Were A Cowboy” this Friday (Sept. 13).
“I’m so excited to have found a team that believes in my artistry as well as me as a person. It is truly something special. I can’t wait to release new music with them and for everyone to hear it,” he shares.
At MV2, the ASCAP-affiliated songwriter joins a roster of writers, including Josh Thompson, Forrest Finn, Grant Vogel, Johnny McGuire and Blake Henderson.
“In a world where art and commerce often clash, True has found a way to harmonize the two. His music is a breath of fresh air,” says Ben Strain, MV2 Senior Creative Director.
Tony Harrell, MV2 General Manager, adds, “True is a one-of-a-kind artist. His dedication to his craft and his fearless approach to making music should inspire all of us to be better, to push harder and to aim higher. He’s setting a new standard in today’s music industry.”
Jim McCormick Extends Publishing Agreement With Eclipse Music Group
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Anna Thiel, Penny Gattis, Jim McCormick and Courtney Crist
Grammy-nominated songwriter Jim McCormick has extended his exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Eclipse Music Group.
McCormick boasts three No. 1 hits with Gabby Barrett’s “The Good Ones,” which won an American Music Award for Favorite Country Song and received a CMA Award nomination for Song of the Year, as well as Jason Aldean’s “Take A Little Ride” and Brantley Gilbert’s “You Don’t Know Her Like I Do.” His credits also include songs recorded by Luke Bryan, Cody Johnson, Jon Pardi, Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr., Randy Travis, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Ronnie Milsap, Trace Adkins, Smash Mouth, Kelly Clarkson, Jamey Johnson, George Birge, Chase Matthew, Matt Stell and Samantha Fish, among others.
“We are thrilled to continue building upon our success with Jim. It’s been an honor to partner with him over the past few years, and the future looks incredibly bright,” says Penny Gattis, Partner, Eclipse Music Group. “Jim elevates every room he’s in with his carefully-crafted lyrics, experience and insight. He inspires everyone to invest the time needed to perfect a lyric, demo or song until it’s truly great.”
Courtney Crist, VP of Publishing, Eclipse Music Group, adds, “Jim is a true professional. His expertise and mentorship are invaluable. He is a tremendous asset to Eclipse. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to work with someone so collaborative and talented.”
“I’m privileged to have Penny Gattis, Courtney Crist and Anna Thiel in my corner,” shares McCormick. “Their dedication to songwriters and determination to succeed are an inspiration to me every day and allow me to focus on this crazy and wonderous job of writing songs.”
Jenna Paulette Celebrates Launch Of Sophomore Album & CowboyGirl Rangewear Line
/by LB CantrellJenna Paulette. Photo: Wes Walker
Country singer-songwriter and working cowgirl Jenna Paulette had a lot to celebrate last week, as she released her sophomore album Horseback and a brand new clothing line on Friday (Sept. 6). Her team and fellow peers gathered last week at Acme Feed & Seed in Nashville to toast to both of her exceptional projects.
Following up her 2023 debut album The Girl I Was, Paulette’s 13-track Horseback arrives via Leo33 as a reflection of all the experiences and values that have shaped her into the woman she is today.
CowboyGirl collection samples. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
“The Horseback album is a culmination of perspectives I have of myself—to the things my family instilled in me, the men and women I grew up with and the one’s I am blessed to be surrounded by where we live in a small town in West Texas,” she shares. “A window into the way so many of us feel and the things we value.”
Kicking off with the effervescent “Wild Is Her Favorite Color,” the album finds the songstress tipping her hat to the three kings that have influenced her lifestyle, “King George, King Ranch, King James,” on “3 Kings,” and sharing her gratitude for new love on “Darlin’.” She celebrates the great outdoors on the previously-released “Outside” and shares her down-home gospel on “Run The Damn Ball.”
A co-writer on eight of its 13 songs, Horseback also features songs by Tony Lane, Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey, Ashley Gorley, Casey Beathard and more prolific Music Row hitmakers.
“So much has happened, so much good, since The Girl I Was. All I’ve got to say is the girl I was pretending to be before I got back to me…you ain’t getting that Horseback. The woman I am is here to stay. This album is a picture of who she was always meant to be.”
Jenna Paulette previewed her new CowboyGirl collection for friends and industry members. Photo: Chelsea Rochelle
To coincide with the album’s release, and in a partnership with Ely & Walker apparel company—the home of Ely Cattleman shirts—Paulette has created a functional working female cowboy collection called CowboyGirl. The collection addresses the need for functionality in the saddle, designed to offer all the same benefits that men need working cattle, but with a style that is vintage and feminine.
CowboyGirl highlights two new ideologies: the State Flowers of Texas, where Paulette grew up, and Oklahoma, where her family ranch was. It will be available exclusively at over 200 Boot Barn locations beginning Nov. 1, 2024.
Horseback Track List:
1. Wild Is Her Favorite Color (Lori McKenna, Liz Rose, Hillary Lindsey)
2. 3 Kings (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
3. The Devil’s An Angel (Jenna Paulette, Parker Welling, Casey Brown)
4. Run The Damn Ball (Rodney Clawson, Casey Beathard, Hunter Phelps)
5. The Dirt (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Hillary Lindsey)
6. Chasin’ Whiskey (Joe Fox, Tony Lane)
7. The Prophet (Granddaddy’s Song) (Ashley McBryde, Matraca Berg, Lori McKenna)
8. Outside (Kelley Lovelace, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson)
9. Prairie Primrose (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
10. Darlin’ (Jenna Paulette, Jess Cayne, Matthew Morrisey)
11. Horseback (Jenna Paulette, Will Bundy, Lydia Vaughan)
12. Hang Your Hat (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Jim Beavers, Rhett Akins)
13. A Hill To Die On (Jenna Paulette, Smith Ahnquist, Lynn Hutton)
Tucker Wetmore To Make ‘Waves On A Sunset’ With Debut EP In October
/by Liza AndersonTucker Wetmore will release his debut EP, Waves On A Sunset, on Oct. 4 via UMG Nashville in partnership with Back Blocks Music. Fans will get a taste of the eight-track project this Friday (Sept. 13) with the unveiling of “Silverado Blue.”
Wetmore has earned over 400 million streams since his back-to-back debut on Billboard‘s Hot 100 chart with “Wine Into Whiskey” and “Wind Up Missin’ You,” both of which are featured on the new collection. “Wind Up Missin’ You” marks his first single at country radio, currently sitting among the top 20. In conjunction with Waves On A Sunset‘s release, Wetmore will kick off his first-ever headlining run of the same name.
“In a lot of ways, this feels like my introduction to the world, so I wanted to share some sides of me y’all haven’t seen yet. I’ll be giving you eight songs with five brand-new ones,” he shares. “The first one, ‘Silverado Blue,’ is dropping on Friday, and the rest are following on Oct. 4. This will also include ‘Wind Up Missin’ You,’ which has changed my life, so I thought it was only fitting to name both my first project and first tour after my favorite line, ‘waves on a sunset.’ These songs have been mine for a while, but I can’t wait to make them ours. Thank you all for everything, love you guys.”
Additionally, Wetmore is set to make his Grand Ole Opry debut tomorrow (Sept. 10).
Waves On A Sunset Track Listing:
1. “Silverado Blue” (Tucker Wetmore, Brett Sheroky, Dan Wilson)
2. “Wine Into Whiskey” (Tucker Wetmore, Jacob Hackworth, Justin Ebach)
3. “You, Honey” (Tucker Wetmore, Josh Thompson, Michael Lotten)
4. “Wind Up Missin’ You” ( Tucker Wetmore, Thomas Archer, Chris LaCorte)
5. “Break First” (Michael Tyler, Matt Roy, Lauren Hungate, Matt Dragstrem)
6. “When I Ain’t Lookin’” (Austin Goodloe, Thomas Archer, Michael Tyler, Tucker Beathard)
7. “What Would You Do?” (Tucker Wetmore, Gabe Foust, Jacob Hackworth, Jaxson Free)
8. “Mister Miss Her” (Blake Pendergrass, Jaxson Free, Chris LaCorte)
‘Toby Keith: American Icon’ Dubbed A Ratings Success For NBC
/by Lorie HollabaughStar-studded finale for Toby Keith: American Icon. Photo: Chris Hollo for Universal Music Group
Toby Keith: American Icon was a primetime ratings success when it aired on NBC a few weeks back.
The two-hour special drew 4.7 million viewers from its telecast on Aug. 28 and an additional airing on Peacock the next day. It was NBC’s most-watched primetime entertainment special in 2024, and places in the top 10 across all of broadcast.
The show was also the top-rated program on Aug. 28 among all broadcast competition in total viewers, and grew 10% from its America’s Got Talent lead-in.
Filmed at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, the show included performances by Trace Adkins, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Tyler Hubbard, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and more, plus a special performance by Keith’s daughter, Krystal.
The show and special were packaged by UTA, Keith’s longtime agency partner.
Kelsea Ballerini To Celebrate New Album With Madison Square Garden Show
/by Lorie HollabaughKelsea Ballerini will celebrate the release of her new album, Patterns, on Oct. 29 with a special one-night-only concert at Madison Square Garden. Aly & AJ and Tigirlily Gold will open the show.
“The whole time I was making this album, I was visualizing and dreamscaping ways to bring it to life for our live show, and it was something I couldn’t wait more than five days after its release to do,” shares Ballerini. “When good things happen, when new chapters begin, you want to share them with your people. This time around, it just so happens to be in a bucket-list venue in the heart of a city that is landmarked heavily in the music and visuals of Patterns. I’m so giddy to be celebrating this album release at Madison Square Garden…see you in New York City!”
Ballerini shared news of the big show in a fun way in an announcement video on her socials. In the clip, a helicopter gives a tour of New York to an unknown passenger. The camera then pulls back to reveal Ballerini’s dog, Dibs, in the passenger seat. Upon landing, the pooch hops in a cab, spins by a few of the locations that appear on Patterns and is dropped off near the historic arena where his mom is awaiting his arrival.
An exclusive ticket presale for Chase cardholders starts today (Sept. 9), with general sales starting this Thursday (Sept. 12), Ballerina’s birthday. For more information, click here.
Chris Young Notches 14th No. 1 At Country Radio With ‘Young Love & Saturday Nights’
/by Liza AndersonChris Young. Photo: John Shearer
Chris Young has notched his 14th No. 1 at country radio with “Young Love & Saturday Nights,” an interpolation of David Bowie‘s hit “Rebel Rebel” that serves as the title track of his ninth studio album.
The chart-topper was co-written by Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Josh Thompson and posthumously Bowie, marking his first country No. 1, and co-produced by Young, Corey Crowder and Chris DeStefano.
“Every number one is special, but this one—my 14th—really hits differently,” the artist shares. “To be part of Bowie finding success in country music eight years after his passing is truly an honor, and it’s been wild to watch audiences at my live shows reacting to this song that has its roots in a rock staple from 50 years ago. Just wow.”
Christian Hayes Inks With Capitol Records & Readies Debut EP
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Tom March (Chairman & CEO, Capitol Music Group), Christian Hayes and Lillia Parsa (President, Capitol Music Group). Photo: Lester Cohen
Singer-songwriter Christian Hayes has signed with Capitol Records ahead of the release of his debut EP, Last I Love You, on Sept. 20. The five-track EP will feature Hayes’ singles “Leaving,” “LILY,” “Cheyenne” and two new songs.
“Last I Love You is the prequel to who I am now,” says Hayes. “It’s a group of songs that tell a story about who I was and where I come from. I’m excited for this to be my first release with Capitol—this is just the beginning and I am so grateful.”
The Rome, Georgia native grew up in a family of storytellers, including his poet grandfather who gave Hayes his first journal. He took up guitar at the age of eight and, after high school, enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and attended the University of Alabama. Hayes had written over 900 songs by the time he moved to Nashville and released his first single “Leaving” in February of 2024. Shortly after, the artist released “LILY” (short for “last I love you”) which captured listeners who quickly turned it into a viral hit, passing three million streams cross-platform. His most recent track, “Cheyenne,” was released in July.
Hayes will play his inaugural festival next week at AmericanaFest.
Along with his recent singing to Capitol Records, Hayes inked with WME for booking, Universal Music Publishing Group for publishing, Wildrose Projects for management and Flood Bumstead McCready & McCarthy for business management.
‘Homes For Hope’ Dinner Raises Over $75K Habitat For Humanity’s Music Row Build
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Mark Brown, Penny Gattis and Randall Foster
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville’s Music Row Build (MRB) raised over $75,000 to support this year’s build on Oct. 12 and the MRB’s ongoing fund with its inaugural “Homes for Hope” dinner at Mangia in Berry Hill on Aug. 27.
Pictured (L-R): Kimberly Gleason, Phillip Lammonds and Leslie DiPiero
“This is what the MRB is all about—bringing the music community together to do more for affordable housing and to improve the lives of those we live and work with right here in Nashville,” says Penny Gattis, MRB Chair. “I’m truly grateful to all our industry friends who came out and made our first ‘Homes for Hope’ event such a huge success.”
The MRB aims to establish a fund that contributes annually to a future Habitat homeowner as well as broader initiatives and goals, such as building an entire neighborhood that provides affordable housing to those who work in the music industry.
For more information, click here.
Zach Bryan Reclaims No. 1 Spot On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenZach Bryan. Photo: Trevor Pavlik
Zach Bryan has moved back into the No. 1 spot on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. The singer-songwriter claimed the top position as the sole writer on his charting tunes “28,” “American Nights” and “Pink Skies.”
Josh Phillips sits at No. 2 this week with the recently-crowned MusicRow Awards Song Of The Year “Dirt Cheap.” Charlie Handsome is in the No. 3 spot this week with 14 credits from Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album, along with “Cowgirls,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Whiskey Whiskey.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 4) and Louis Bell (No. 5) round out this week’s top five.
The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.
Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.