Pete Wade. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Guitarist Pete Wade, who played on hundreds of Nashville hits, has died at age 89.
He can be heard on such all-time classics as Ray Price’s “Crazy Arms,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Loretta Lynn’s “Fist City,” Sonny James’ “Young Love” and Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn.” Wade was a first-call session musician for more than 60 years. He was also a former member of the Opry house band.
Pete Wade was born Herman Bland Wade in Norfolk, Virginia. He moved to Nashville at age 19 to join Price’s band The Cherokee Cowboys in 1954. He also toured and recorded with Kitty Wells. In his early Nashville days, he toured with such other future Country Music Hall of Fame members as Roger Miller, Jean Shepard, Ferlin Husky and Faron Young.
After playing on hits by both Price and Wells, he moved into steady recording-session work. In addition to Price, Wells, Tucker, Jones, Pride, James and Lynn, he played guitar on the recordings of such Hall of Fame members as Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, Dottie West, Johnny Cash, Charlie Louvin, The Statler Brothers, Willie Nelson, Porter Wagoner, Charlie McCoy, Roy Clark, Conway Twitty, The Everly Brothers, Bill Anderson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Robbins, Brenda Lee, Waylon Jennings, Ernest Tubb, Connie Smith, Jerry Reed, Eddy Arnold, Bobby Bare, Reba McEntire and Patsy Cline.
His deft touch on the strings embellished such hits as “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (Crystal Gayle), “Satin Sheets” (Jeanne Pruett), “Rose Garden” (Lynn Anderson), “Swingin’” (John Anderson) and “Harper Valley PTA” (Jeannie C. Riley).
He was also a member of the musician supergroup Area Code 615, which released a self-titled album in 1969. Though Wade was best known as a lead electric and acoustic guitarist, he could also play bass, steel guitar and many other instruments.
Affable and widely liked, Wade played on the records of many visitors to Music Row. They included Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan, Manhattan Transfer, Joan Baez, Ian & Sylvia, Leon Russell, Wayne Newton, Chubby Checker, k.d. lang, Henry Mancini and George Burns.
His main jobs were sessions with such top country stars as Donna Fargo, Keith Whitley, Johnny Rodriguez, Janie Fricke, B.J. Thomas, Moe Bandy, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Dave Dudley, Charlie Rich, Johnny Paycheck, Earl Thomas Conley, Lee Greenwood, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Eddie Rabbitt, Lacy J. Dalton, Moe Bandy, Billie Jo Spears and Vern Gosdin.
A who’s-who of Grand Ole Opry stars also recorded with Wade. They included Mandy Barnett, Charlie Walker, The Whites, Justin Tubb, the Gatlins, Billy Walker, Lonzo & Oscar, Hank Locklin, Jan Howard, Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson and Boxcar Willie.
His tenure as a session stylist stretched from vintage artists such as Carl Perkins and Bobby Helms to such contemporary stars as Kenny Chesney and Dailey & Vincent. The breadth of his abilities enabled him to back everyone from Junior Brown to Jerry Jeff Walker, from Dale Watson to The Highwaymen.
Pete Wade was honored with a Nashville Cats program at the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He penned an autobiography with Scot England in 2021 titled My Life, My Guitar, My God’s Plan. Willie Nelson wrote its forward.
Pete Wade passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 27. He is survived by his wife, three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His funeral service will be private.
BREAKING: Blake Shelton & Warner Music Nashville Part Ways
/by LB CantrellBlake Shelton. Photo: Andrew Eccles
After two decades together, Blake Shelton and Warner Music Nashville have amicably parted ways.
“I moved to Nashville when I was 17 to sing country music and get a record deal,” says Shelton. “Along with the support from Warner, my dreams came true, and then some. It’s impossible to name everyone who has had a hand in all the success we enjoyed, but a huge and heartfelt thank you to the Giant Records, Warner Bros. Records and Warner Music Nashville staff and family.”
“Working alongside Blake these past 23 years has been an honor and a privilege,” the label shares in a statement. “Together, we’ve celebrated a record number of hit songs, sold-out tours and award wins. Blake’s talent is undeniable, but that wit of his, and the countless moments of laughter he’s given us remind us how fun this business of music can be. While our time together has come to an end, we count ourselves amongst his biggest fans and are grateful for the ride with this true gentleman and icon.”
Shelton burst onto the scene in 2001 with his No. 1 debut single, “Austin,” which began a string of 28 No. 1 singles, 11 billion global streams, 13 million albums, and 52 million singles sold. He has won 10 CMA Awards, including Entertainer of the Year and five consecutive Male Vocalist of the Year Awards, multiple ACM, AMA, CMT, People’s Choice Awards and more.
For business inquiries, email blakeshelton@starstruck.net.
Troy Cartwright Releases Full-Length Studio Album ‘Bygones’
/by Madison HahnenTroy Cartwright has released his full length studio album Bygones today (Aug. 30).
Cartwright has built a community of fans with his talent and his strength of bringing listeners in for a story. Bygones is an emotional and honest musical diary, allowing fans to see him for who he is. Up to this point, he has successfully released parts of his life experiences and thoughts through single songs, and now this project brings them into one cohesive snapshot.
“For me, Bygones is a celebration and a trail marker for the journey so far, and more specifically, for everything that’s happened in my life over the last 18 months,” shares Cartwright. “When I reflect back on where I was when this started, I wasn’t so sure where I was headed. I just knew I wanted to build something that was all my own, and that I wanted to chart my own course into the unknowable future and see what kind of adventure awaited me.
“This is a collection of 9 of my favorite songs that I’ve released over that time period, and a little something new as an ode to where I am going,” he continues. “With gratitude, I look forward to celebrating this chapter with all of you and to letting bygones be bygones. Thank you for listening”
Last year, Cartwright gained over a million streams each week. He also hosts his podcast, Ten Year Town, where he has been joined by lauded Nashville community members such as Hardy, John “Trapper” Morris from SiriusXM The Highway, Luke Laird, Jessi Alexander and more.
Bygones Tracklist:
1. “Bygones” (Brandon Paddock, Troy Cartwright)
2. “Same” (Derek George, Monty Criswell, Troy Cartwright)
3. “Over You By Now “(Devin Dawson, Kyle Fishman, Troy Cartwright)
4. “One That You Want” (Brock Berryhill, Josh Osborne, Troy Cartwright)
5. “Wild One” (Emily Landis, Jason Massey, Troy Cartwright)
6. “Unlove You” (Kevin Bard, Nolan Snipe, Troy Cartwright)
7. “How Smart I Am” (Matt Rogers, Troy Cartwright, Zach Abend)
8. “Lincoln Continental” (Bobby Campbell, Parker Welling, Troy Cartwright)
9. “Married Now” (Billy Montana, Justin Morgan, Troy Cartwright)
10. “Deathbed” (Justin Ebach, Troy Cartwright)
Virgin Music Releases New Project Honoring Jimmy Carter
/by Lorie HollabaughVirgin Music has released Last Sundays in Plains: A Centennial Celebration, a new project featuring recordings from former President Jimmy Carter’s final Sunday School lessons delivered at Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.
The collection’s unveiling comes one month before Carter’s 100th birthday and also includes soulful songs from Jon Batiste, Keb’ Mo’, LeAnn Rimes, Darius Rucker and Nicole Zuraitis.
“My hope is this project shines a light on his incredible legacy and unites families together to relish in the beauty of life together,” says Rucker.
“Jimmy Carter’s legacy of kindness and dedication to humanity will endure, reminding us all of the impact one person’s love can have on the world,” notes Rimes.
“I would like our presidential candidates to keep our country at peace, and to be champions of human rights, of environmental quality and of equality,” Carter explains on the recording. “Aren’t those things you would like to have? It puts the responsibility on us as Americans to make our country better by helping to give somebody else a better life.”
Industry Ink: Joakim Richardson, Charlie Peacock, Josh Abbott Band, Cochren & Co.
/by Liza AndersonJoakim Richardson Receives 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award
Joakim Richardson with his 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award. Photo: Courtesy of Go Country Sweden
Viaplay Radio CEO Christer Modig and artists Lauren Watkins and Larry Fleet presented Go Country Sweden Station Manager Joakim Richardson with the 2024 CMA International Country Broadcaster Award on Wednesday (Aug. 28) just before Morgan Wallen’s show at Stockholm’s Strawberry Arena, making him the first Swedish broadcaster to receive the honor.
This award recognizes outstanding achievement by a radio broadcaster or syndicated radio reporter outside the United States who has made important contributions to the development of country music. Richardson is responsible for developing new opportunities for both international and domestic country acts in Sweden. Two of his recent initiatives, “Go Country Live” and “Welcome to Sweden” have expanded engagement resources for U.S. country artists by providing promotional support, showcase opportunities and meet-and-greets.
Charlie Peacock Hosts Listening Event For New Album At RCA Studio A
Pictured (L–R): Troy Tomlinson, Charlie Peacock and Clay Bradley. Photo: Betsy Phillips
Grammy-winning artist, musician and producer Charlie Peacock hosted a listening event for his new album Every Kind Of Uh-Oh, out now, at the historic RCA Studio A in Nashville on Wednesday night (Aug. 28).
A bevy of industry members were present for the event, which was emceed by BMI’s Clay Bradley. Among those in attendance were CMT’s Leslie Fram, artist manager Fletcher Foster, People’s Nancy Kruh, Country Insider’s Brian Mansfield, Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, vocalist Vicki Hampton and musician Scott Mulvahill as well as acclaimed producers Brown Bannister, Tommy Sims, Mike Elizondo and Kyle Lehning, attorney Jim Zumwalt, UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson, CCMG’s Brad O’Donnell, GMA’s Jackie Patillo, and award-winning engineers Chuck Ainlay, Craig Alvin and Brandon Bell along with the Recording Academy’s Susan Stewart.
Josh Abbott Band Earn Third RIAA Gold Certification With ‘Settle Me Down’
Pictured (L–R): SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel, Deep Roots Management’s Dylan Wright, Josh Jenkins, Josh Abbott, Ryan Beaver, Make Wake Artists’s Eric Berger, Nettwerk Music’s Marshall Altman, WME’s Henry Glascock and Wiatr & Associates’ Jonathan Regan. Photo: Aubrey Wise
Josh Abbott Band‘s single “Settle Me Down” has been Gold-certified by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), marking their third RIAA Gold certification. “Settle Me Down” follows the band’s previous Gold-certified hits, “She’s Like Texas” and “Oh, Tonight (feat. Kacey Musgraves).”
“This is our third gold single, yet this one means even more! To have this success 12 to 15 years into our journey is a true testament to maturing as a writer/artist/musician, building relationships with fans, touring and utilizing streaming as an asset,” says Josh Abbot. “I co-wrote this song along with friends of mine [Ryan Beaver and Josh Jenkins] that I’ve known since I first started my career. I wrote it with my wife and my faith as inspiration. I’m proud of my bandmates on this album as well as our producer and engineer and the magic we created that session out at Sonic Ranch in West Texas. Also honored to have Catie Offerman singing harmonies. It’s simply a phenomenal song that resonates with people and to have this success a decade and a half into touring as a band, it just truly means more.”
Cochren & Co. Strikes Gold With ‘Church (Take Me Back)’ & Releases New Single
Cochren & Co.’s Michael Cochren and Leah Cochren with their plaque for first Gold-certified single “Church (Take Me Back).” Photo: Anthony Sweeton
Multi-genre act Cochren & Co. recently scored their first Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) Gold certification with “Church (Take Me Back),” and released new single “Money Can’t Buy.”
“Our new song came from a season of fighting hard for gratitude and contentment,” shares Micahel Cochren of Cochren & Co. “It doesn’t come easy in this world, but when you really stop and look around at everything God has given you, you begin to see the truly good stuff. The stuff money can’t buy.”
MARB MKTG Elevates Caitlin Blackford & Welcomes Three To Team
/by Madison HahnenMARB MKTG has promoted Caitlin Blackford to Head of PR. Additionally, the company has added Stephen Ossola, Webb Bankemper and Courtney Firth to their team.
Blackford has been with the company since 2020. Over the past four years, she had been instrumental in many campaign launches, including Dolly Parton’s Pinterest page in 2023 and TikTok profile. The latter campaign was one of the most successful celebrity launches on TikTok to date and won a Clio Music Award in the Public Relations category, the 2023 PR News Award for Viral Campaign of the Year and a Webby Awards Honoree in the category Best Viral PR Campaign.
Ossola has joined as Account Director for AVE WEST PR, a subsidiary of the company. He brings over a decade of experience, specializing in social marketing, brand strategy and partnerships. Stephen has previously held stints with TikTok, X and TIDAL. His previous campaigns include work with the Grammy Awards, Taylor Swift’s Midnights Mayhem on TikTok, the film Don’t Worry Darling and more. In his new role, he will oversee a varied portfolio of clients, including public figure endorsed/owned pet products, paper products and party supplies, alcohol and CBD beverages, cosmetics, apparel, restaurants and more.
Bankemper has landed at AVE EAST MKTG, another subsidiary of MARB MKTG. He brings over five years of experience as a Marketing and Live Events Manager working primarily in the nonprofit sector. He has expertise on Marketing and Creative Event Production for theater companies, symphonies and other charitable organizations, such as Studio Tenn Theatre Company, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and Matt Logan Productions. Webb is returning to his Nashville roots after a one and half year stint working in the New York Theatre and Live Events scene.
Firth will work directly under Blackford as Sr. Publicity Manager. Firth is a six year New York City publicity veteran who is bringing her talents to Music City.
Blackford can be reached at caitlin@MarbMKTG.com, Ossola can be reached at stephen@AveWestPR.com, Bankemper can be reached at webb@AveEastMKTG.com and Firth can be reached at courtney@MarbMKTG.com.
Nashville Guitar Great Pete Wade Passes
/by Robert K OermannPete Wade. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
Guitarist Pete Wade, who played on hundreds of Nashville hits, has died at age 89.
He can be heard on such all-time classics as Ray Price’s “Crazy Arms,” George Jones’ “He Stopped Loving Her Today,” Loretta Lynn’s “Fist City,” Sonny James’ “Young Love” and Tanya Tucker’s “Delta Dawn.” Wade was a first-call session musician for more than 60 years. He was also a former member of the Opry house band.
Pete Wade was born Herman Bland Wade in Norfolk, Virginia. He moved to Nashville at age 19 to join Price’s band The Cherokee Cowboys in 1954. He also toured and recorded with Kitty Wells. In his early Nashville days, he toured with such other future Country Music Hall of Fame members as Roger Miller, Jean Shepard, Ferlin Husky and Faron Young.
After playing on hits by both Price and Wells, he moved into steady recording-session work. In addition to Price, Wells, Tucker, Jones, Pride, James and Lynn, he played guitar on the recordings of such Hall of Fame members as Kenny Rogers, The Oak Ridge Boys, Merle Haggard, Dottie West, Johnny Cash, Charlie Louvin, The Statler Brothers, Willie Nelson, Porter Wagoner, Charlie McCoy, Roy Clark, Conway Twitty, The Everly Brothers, Bill Anderson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Marty Robbins, Brenda Lee, Waylon Jennings, Ernest Tubb, Connie Smith, Jerry Reed, Eddy Arnold, Bobby Bare, Reba McEntire and Patsy Cline.
His deft touch on the strings embellished such hits as “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (Crystal Gayle), “Satin Sheets” (Jeanne Pruett), “Rose Garden” (Lynn Anderson), “Swingin’” (John Anderson) and “Harper Valley PTA” (Jeannie C. Riley).
He was also a member of the musician supergroup Area Code 615, which released a self-titled album in 1969. Though Wade was best known as a lead electric and acoustic guitarist, he could also play bass, steel guitar and many other instruments.
Affable and widely liked, Wade played on the records of many visitors to Music Row. They included Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan, Manhattan Transfer, Joan Baez, Ian & Sylvia, Leon Russell, Wayne Newton, Chubby Checker, k.d. lang, Henry Mancini and George Burns.
His main jobs were sessions with such top country stars as Donna Fargo, Keith Whitley, Johnny Rodriguez, Janie Fricke, B.J. Thomas, Moe Bandy, Billy “Crash” Craddock, Dave Dudley, Charlie Rich, Johnny Paycheck, Earl Thomas Conley, Lee Greenwood, Gene Watson, Sammy Kershaw, Eddie Rabbitt, Lacy J. Dalton, Moe Bandy, Billie Jo Spears and Vern Gosdin.
A who’s-who of Grand Ole Opry stars also recorded with Wade. They included Mandy Barnett, Charlie Walker, The Whites, Justin Tubb, the Gatlins, Billy Walker, Lonzo & Oscar, Hank Locklin, Jan Howard, Ray Pillow, Stonewall Jackson and Boxcar Willie.
His tenure as a session stylist stretched from vintage artists such as Carl Perkins and Bobby Helms to such contemporary stars as Kenny Chesney and Dailey & Vincent. The breadth of his abilities enabled him to back everyone from Junior Brown to Jerry Jeff Walker, from Dale Watson to The Highwaymen.
Pete Wade was honored with a Nashville Cats program at the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2016. He penned an autobiography with Scot England in 2021 titled My Life, My Guitar, My God’s Plan. Willie Nelson wrote its forward.
Pete Wade passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 27. He is survived by his wife, three children, two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His funeral service will be private.
Hixtape Releases Moving Toby Keith/Luke Combs Clip Of ‘Ships That Don’t Come In’
/by Lorie HollabaughThe “Ships That Don’t Come In” video, featuring behind-the-scenes moments of late country giant Toby Keith and Luke Combs recording vocals for the Joe Diffie classic, has been released by Big Loud Records’ Hixtape project.
The powerhouse pair’s rendition of the 1992 tune marks Keith’s final recorded vocal, and the clip shows Keith’s last recording session in Nashville before his passing in February. The release of the special, once-in-a-lifetime moment caught on tape comes just five months since the release of Hixtape: Vol. 3: Difftape, the 17-song collaborations project honoring the life and works of Diffie.
“To be on a song with Toby was a no-brainer when it got presented to me. That was something I had always hoped to do but never knew if it would happen or not,” Combs shares. “It being one of Joe’s songs, especially this one, made it even better; he was there the night I got inducted into the Opry and actually gave me my Opry member award. I grew up listening to both of those guys’ music, so to be a part of this version of the song and it now be Toby’s last recording is kind of hard to put into words. Country music misses them greatly, but I hope we’re doing justice to continue what they started.”
The two-hour concert special honoring the life and music of Keith, Toby Keith: American Icon, on NBC that aired earlier this week featured a portion of the footage from the now-treasured studio session.
Chayce Beckham & Crew Celebrate First No. 1 Hit ’23’
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, JoJamie Hahr, Kerri Edwards, Chayce Beckham, Ross Copperman, Ken Tucker, Leslie Roberts, Ron Cox and Jon Loba. Photo: Larry McCormack for BMI
Industry members gathered together on Wednesday afternoon (Aug. 28) to celebrate Chayce Beckham’s first No. 1 hit, “23.”
The BMI lobby was abuzz with friends, family, band members and more eager to celebrate the American Idol winner’s achievement. To make the occasion even more special, the crowd gathered around only two seats atop the BMI stage. Joined by the track’s producer, Ross Copperman, Beckham took his seat as the song’s sole writer.
The celebration was hosted by BMI’s Leslie Roberts, who kicked off the event by thanking the attendees for their hard work and showcasing Beckham’s impressive feat saying, “I have worked at BMI for 16 years and never hosted a No. 1 party with a single writer. I am so excited to be able to do that today!”
She continued, “Chayce has become the only artist to ever win [American Idol] by using his own songs. Fast forward to 2024, and ’23’ has amassed over 391 million streams and counting. This song has had an incredible life and it’s still going.”
Stepping onto the stage next was BMG’s Chris Oglesby to tout the artist’s uncanny ability to connect with fans. “Anyone going from working heavy machinery to what he just did is an unbelievable thing,” he said of Beckham’s former occupation. “During Season 19, he connected with viewers because he was one of them. He shared his story unapologetically and he let us in. It was all heart, it was all honesty and it was then that America fell in love with him.”
KP Entertainment’s Kerri Edwards was next in line to speak about Beckham. “This guy has a heart like no other. He got thrown into this town in a whirlwind, and he got a fast lesson on how we do things. Even though it was overwhelming to walk into these meetings not knowing a soul in the room, he still did it every time because he trusted the process and the team. I want to stand up here, with my team, and declare that you are our mission. We are going to keep working hard to make good music.”
Other speakers included Wheelhouse Records’ Ken Tucker, Country Aircheck’s Chuck Aly and Studio Bank’s Ron Cox. Cox shared that Studio Bank had made a special donation to the American Cancer Society in honor of the artist.
Lastly, it was time for Copperman and Beckham to speak. “This guy is a brother from another time in my life, and I love him so very much. Thank you guys for letting me be a part of this song,” Copperman said.
“I can’t thank you guys enough. This changed my life. I am trying really hard to say this without breaking down into tears, but when I moved to town I had nothing but a contract and a little money that I had already spent,” Beckham shared with a laugh. “I was just a blue collar worker from a blue collar family. All of you guys in this room, because of all that you have done, have changed my life. Thank you so much.”
Jelly Roll Kicks Off ‘Beautifully Broken Tour’ With Sold-Out Shows
/by Liza AndersonJelly Roll kicking off his “Beautifully Broken Tour” in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Melissa Majchrzak
Jelly Roll kicked off the “Beautifully Broken Tour,” his largest headlining run to date, with sold-out shows in Salt Lake City, Utah and Nampa, Idaho earlier this week.
Following the opening performances from special guests Warren Zeiders and Alexandra Kay, the entertainer took the stage and treated fans to his top-15 and climbing radio single “I Am Not Okay,” newly-released tune “Get By” and more, accompanied by a few special effects.
This weekend, he’ll make his way to Washington for shows in Spokane and Seattle before stopping in Oregon, Louisiana, South Carolina and North Carolina, among others.
Recently-added markets include Cincinnati, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky; Kansas City, Missouri; and Houston and Austin, Texas. The coast-to-coast journey will also visit Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Center and New York City’s Madison Square Garden before concluding in Jacksonville, Florida in November.
In addition to traveling the nation, Jelly Roll will release his new album, Beautifully Broken, on Oct. 11. The collection features both “I Am Not Okay” and “Get By” as well as “Liar.”
Dylan Schneider Slates Debut Project ‘Puzzled’ For September
/by Lorie HollabaughDylan Schneider is gearing up for the release his debut album, Puzzled, on Sept. 27.
He’s giving fans a taste of the new record by unveiling his version of Dustin Lynch‘s Gold-certified hit “Momma’s House” that co-wrote alongside Michael Lotten, Rodney Clawson and Justin Wilson.
Schneider had a hand in penning all 16 of the album’s tracks, including “Carhartt,” “Next Big Thing” and viral TikTok viral tunes “Ain’t Missin’ You,” which has amassed 68 million streams, and “Bad Decisions,” which has accumulated 16 millions streams, as well as “Daddy Drinks Whiskey.”
“I’ve been working towards this debut album for my entire career,” he shares. “I can’t believe it’s finally here! I have worked so hard on these songs and believe this album truly shows who I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to it out on the road.”
Schneider plans to share the new music on his “Bad Decisions Tour” this fall, which has already sold out shows in numerous cities.