MaRynn Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment.
Rising singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor recently stopped by the MusicRow office to play a few tunes and discuss her debut EP, Get To Know Me.
Taylor moved to Nashville in 2019 from her home state of Michigan to pursue music. During CMA Fest that year, she was handed a flyer for Black River’s 60-Second Spotlight. She went to the event to play for the Black River team, and they knew they found something special in Taylor that day. Later that evening, she watched the Fest from Black River’s suite at Nissan Stadium. On the day of the CMA Awards that year, she signed her recording and publishing deals with Black River during an on-air interview with Bill Cody on the iconic WSM Coffee, Country and Cody radio show.
Since then, Taylor has amassed nearly 34 million cumulative streams, 14 Telly Awards, was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and earned her place as an artist to watch from several media outlets. Her sassy “Make You Mine” marked her first top 50 hit on country radio. Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut last June and has returned to the coveted stage several times since.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen & LB Cantrell; MaRynn Taylor, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Liza Anderson and John Nix Arledge
Taylor performed several tracks from her Get To Know Me EP for the MusicRow team, including “Running Away With You” which she co-wrote with Barry Dean and Josh Kerr. She also performed “Small Town Spinnin’,” penned with Kerr and Erin Kinsey, whom Taylor considers her closest artist friend.
“We talk a lot about this crazy life together,” shared Taylor. “We finally decided to get in a writers room together, and she brought this idea in. We’re both from small towns, and I could definitely relate to the story she was telling about how a small town can just talk sometimes.”
Before going into the title track of the EP, Taylor shared, “I wanted to call the EP Get To Know Me because I’ve released EPs and music before, but I’ve grown up a little bit and I’ve found what I want to sound like. This is a really good introduction of me.” With the signature Nashville hook-focused writing style, the track actually embodies a different meaning than the title suggests, with the tune being about how her ex does not get to know her anymore know that they’ve broken up.
MaRynn Taylor and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson.
Taylor also treated the MusicRow crew to a preview of her new song “Season 2 Of Friends,” releasing Sept. 6. The tune was inspired by a phone conversation she had with her older cousin about being in your 20s and feeling the pressure to get married and settle down. During the call, Taylor advised her cousin that they are only on “season 2 of Friends,” in reference to the famous sitcom detailing the ups and downs in young adulthood. Taylor will also release a Friends-inspired music video for the track.
Taylor will hit the road with Dylan Schneider on his “Bad Decisions” tour this fall, and will be releasing more new music throughout the fall.
Cowgirls At The Cowboy Returns To Jackson, Wyoming In October
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, top row): Jenny Tolman, Avery Anna and Lori McKenna; (L-R, bottom row): Ashley McBryde and Tenille Townes
The third annual Cowgirls At The Cowboy, the all-female country festival at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyoming, will take place Oct. 3-5.
The festival will kick off on Thursday night (Oct. 3) with a Songwriter Showcase featuring the festival’s founder Jenny Tolman as well as Tenille Townes and Lori McKenna. The women will perform their biggest songs and sharing the stories behind them. Friday night (Oct. 4) will feature Tolman and her band along with Avery Anna. Saturday night (Oct. 5) will be headlined by Ashley McBryde, marking a Jackson debut for McBryde and her band.
Tickets can be purchased for each night and are on sale now at milliondollarcowboybar.com.
The Road to Cowgirls at The Cowboy Podcast will also kick off its second season, including a short series featuring the ladies of Cowgirls at The Cowboy. The first episode of season two featuring McKenna releases on Sept. 4. New episodes come out each Wednesday in September leading up to the festival and are available on all podcast streaming platforms.
On The Row: MaRynn Taylor Explores Debut EP & Teases New Music
/by Madison HahnenMaRynn Taylor. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment.
Rising singer-songwriter MaRynn Taylor recently stopped by the MusicRow office to play a few tunes and discuss her debut EP, Get To Know Me.
Taylor moved to Nashville in 2019 from her home state of Michigan to pursue music. During CMA Fest that year, she was handed a flyer for Black River’s 60-Second Spotlight. She went to the event to play for the Black River team, and they knew they found something special in Taylor that day. Later that evening, she watched the Fest from Black River’s suite at Nissan Stadium. On the day of the CMA Awards that year, she signed her recording and publishing deals with Black River during an on-air interview with Bill Cody on the iconic WSM Coffee, Country and Cody radio show.
Since then, Taylor has amassed nearly 34 million cumulative streams, 14 Telly Awards, was named one of CMT’s Next Women of Country and earned her place as an artist to watch from several media outlets. Her sassy “Make You Mine” marked her first top 50 hit on country radio. Taylor made her Grand Ole Opry debut last June and has returned to the coveted stage several times since.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Madison Hahnen & LB Cantrell; MaRynn Taylor, MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Liza Anderson and John Nix Arledge
Taylor performed several tracks from her Get To Know Me EP for the MusicRow team, including “Running Away With You” which she co-wrote with Barry Dean and Josh Kerr. She also performed “Small Town Spinnin’,” penned with Kerr and Erin Kinsey, whom Taylor considers her closest artist friend.
“We talk a lot about this crazy life together,” shared Taylor. “We finally decided to get in a writers room together, and she brought this idea in. We’re both from small towns, and I could definitely relate to the story she was telling about how a small town can just talk sometimes.”
Before going into the title track of the EP, Taylor shared, “I wanted to call the EP Get To Know Me because I’ve released EPs and music before, but I’ve grown up a little bit and I’ve found what I want to sound like. This is a really good introduction of me.” With the signature Nashville hook-focused writing style, the track actually embodies a different meaning than the title suggests, with the tune being about how her ex does not get to know her anymore know that they’ve broken up.
MaRynn Taylor and MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson.
Taylor also treated the MusicRow crew to a preview of her new song “Season 2 Of Friends,” releasing Sept. 6. The tune was inspired by a phone conversation she had with her older cousin about being in your 20s and feeling the pressure to get married and settle down. During the call, Taylor advised her cousin that they are only on “season 2 of Friends,” in reference to the famous sitcom detailing the ups and downs in young adulthood. Taylor will also release a Friends-inspired music video for the track.
Taylor will hit the road with Dylan Schneider on his “Bad Decisions” tour this fall, and will be releasing more new music throughout the fall.
Indie Record Stores To Host Listening Parties For George Strait’s New Album
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Strait. Photo: Peggy Sirota
George Strait’s Cowboys and Dreamers album is heading to 87 indie record stores before its release for listening parties nationwide on Sept. 4, including Grimey’s Records and The Groove in Nashville.
Indie record stores nationwide are celebrating Strait’s 31st studio album by hosting the listening events two days before its release on Sept. 6. Full store, city and state details can be found at recordstoreday.com.
Produced by Chuck Ainlay, Tony Brown and Strait, the album’s title comes from a song penned by Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait. “I thought I should name the whole album Cowboys And Dreamers as I feel like the last of a dying breed, trying to find where I fit,” Strait offers of the track.
The follow-up to Honky Tonk Time Machine, Strait’s 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers features 13 new songs, including three already released tracks—“Three Drinks Behind,” “MIA Down in MIA” and “The Little Things”—as well as “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame” featuring Chris Stapleton and Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”
Strait has one final show in 2024, supersizing his long-standing “Strait to Vegas” show at Las Vegas’ Allegiant Stadium to mark the 37th installment of the tour with Stapleton and special guests Little Big Town.
Industry Ink: Lainey Wilson, CMHOFM, Big Spring Entertainment
/by Lorie HollabaughLainey Wilson Celebrates ‘Whirlwind’ At Audacy Release Party
Pictured (L–R): BMG’s Dan Gill, Regan Donato, Shelley Hargis, JoJamie Hahr, Lainey Wilson, BMG’s Jon Loba, Layna Bunt, Lee Adams, Brian Meiler and Celine Joshua. Photo: Kelly Hammond
Lainey Wilson celebrated her new album, Whirlwind, with her BBR Music Group/BMG team at an Audacy release party in San Diego, California last week. She arrived via helicopter to the event, which was hosted by 103.7 KSON (KSON-FM).
CMHOFM Hosts Honor Society Event
Pictured (L–R): Ken Levitan, Gloria Dumas, Kyle Young, Molly Tuttle, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Jody Williams. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a special event for its Honor Society members last week at the home of Board member Ken Levitan and Gloria Dumas. The evening featured a performance by Grammy-winning artist Molly Tuttle, who was accompanied by fiddle player Bronwyn Keith-Hynes. Ketch Secor of Old Crow Medicine Show also made an appearance.
Honor Society members are donors who give $1,000 or more annually to the museum to support its exhibitions, education programs and the preservation of its collection.
Big Spring Entertainment Adds Vickie Gordon & Promotes Cameron Moss
Vickie Gordon & Cameron Moss
Big Spring Entertainment has added Vickie Gordon to its Talent Buying team and promoted Cameron Moss to Vice President of Talent Buying & Business Development. Gordon will spearhead the company’s club department, programming Druid City Music Hall along with other college markets, while cultivating strategic national partnerships with venues and promoters. Since joining Big Spring Entertainment in 2019, Moss has helped to exponentially grow both the events and number of venues in new markets both regionally and nationally.
“We are so excited to welcome Vickie to the team. She has an impressive background in the live entertainment industry with over a decade of experience working for venues, agencies and talent buyers,” says Jason Oschwald, Big Spring Entertainment Co-Owner. “Additionally, Cameron Moss has had a significant impact on the overall business during his tenure and this is a well-deserved recognition to lead the department.”
Joe Nichols To Celebrate ‘Honky Tonks & Country Songs’ On New Album
/by Madison HahnenJoe Nichols will release his 11th studio album, Honky Tonks & Country Songs, on Oct. 25 via Quartz Hill Records.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones and Derek George, the 11-track project showcases Nichols’ commitment to country music that has made him one of Nashville’s most honest voices. Writers featured on the track listing include Tyler Hubbard, Josh Kear, Jared Keim and more. It also features collaborations with Stevie Woodward and Annie Bosko.
“I’ve been in a lot of honky tonks,” shares Nichols. “They’re the only places I could play for a long time, and you learn a lot about being an entertainer there, because people come wanting to hear a good song and have a good time. Country songs speak not just to those people, but to all people.
“My job is to make people feel good,” he continues. “And sometimes that means with fun and happy songs, and other times with sad and sorrowful truths. But the goal is always to make them feel good. This album is meant to do exactly that. Everyone can find a good time in a honky tonk and a country song.”
Following the lead singe “Bottle It Up,” Nichols will release another taste of the album on Sept. 6 with “Doin’ Life With You.” Solo-penned by Jimmy Yeary, the love song is sung through a father and husband’s lens and is a vow to one’s partner that you’ll be by their side through thick and thin.
Honky Tonks & Country Songs Track Listing:
1. “Honky Tonks and Country Songs” (Tyler Hubbard/Matt Jenkins/Travis Wood/Casey Brown)
2. “Bottle It Up” (Josh Kear/Dan Isbell/Paul Sikes)
3. “People Still Doin’ That” (Justin Lantz/Clint Daniels)
4. “Helpless in a Honky Tonk” (Jared Keim/Ryan Beaver/Neil Medley/Dan Alley)
5. “Country Boy Can Survive” (Hank Williams Jr)
6. “Hard Fires (featuring Stevie Woodward)” (Michael Carter/Adam Craig/Matt Rogers)
7. “Doin’ Life with You” (Jimmy Yeary)
8. “Y’all Do” (Jake Mitchell/Michael Hardy/Mike Walker)
9. “On and On” (Jason Sellers Terri Jo Box/Dan Smalley)
10. “Better Than You (Joe Nichols & Annie Bosko)” (Derek George/John Pierce)
11. “Amazing Ways” (Dan Isbell/Jordan Minton/Jonathan Smith)
CRB Unveils 2024-2025 Board Of Directors
/by Liza AndersonCountry Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled its 2024-2025 Board of Directors, which is comprised of industry professionals who will work together ensure the success of Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Kurt Johnson (Townsquare Media) will return as President alongside John Shomby (Country’s Radio Coach), who will once again serve as Vice President, and Beverlee Brannigan (Beverlee Brannigan, LLC), who plans to return as Secretary.
The Board of Directors features both elected and appointed members. Others set to serve include Emily Cohen Belote (Amazon Music), Justin Chase (Beasley Media Group), Mike Harris (UMG Nashville), Debra Herman (Apple/Shazam), Jennifer Johnson (Riser House Records), Ashley Morrison (iHeartMedia/WFUS), Jordan Pettit (Opry Entertainment Group), Greg Strassell (Hubbard), Allison Warren (Cumulus Nashville) and Kristen Williams (Warner Music Nashville).
In addition to Shomby and Brannigan, those continuing their terms this year are Chuck Aly (Country Aircheck), George Couri (Triple 8 Management), Gator Harrison (iHeart Country), Steve Hodges (Sony Music Nashville), Clay Hunnicut (BMLG), Kenny Jay (Albright & O’Malley & Brenner), Jon Loba (BMG North America), Mike McVay (McVay Media), RJ Meacham (Curb Records), Brent Michaels (KUZZ), Charlie Morgan (Apple Music), Rod Phillips (iHeart Country), Joel Raab (Joel Raab Country Radio & Media), Royce Risser (The Familie), Tim Roberts (Audacy/WYCD) and Matt Sunshine (The Center for Sales Strategy).
CRS 2025 will take place Feb. 19–21.
Toby Keith’s Legacy To Be Honored With NBC Special & Forthcoming Albums
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith
Toby Keith: American Icon will air tomorrow (Aug. 28) at 8 p.m. CT on NBC. The celebration of the country star’s life and legacy will continue with the forthcoming release of a new album containing his hits along with an expanded version of Christmas to Christmas.
The star-studded special features Luke Bryan, Tyler Hubbard, Jelly Roll, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson and more performing Keith’s classic before a sold-out crowd at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Other performers and special guests include Trace Adkins, Priscilla Block, Eric Church, Jordan Davis, Scotty Emerick, Brett Favre, Brantley Gilbert, Riley Green, Hardy, Jamey Johnson, Ella Langley, Leanne Morgan, Mac McAnally, Ashley McBryde and Clay Walker.
On Oct. 4, the new 13 Number Ones album will be available on CD and vinyl. It features some of Keith’s most iconic songs released between 1993–2005, almost all of which were performed during the television celebration. The remastered Christmas to Christmas collection will be available on CD, digital and vinyl for the first time on the same day. The vinyl version includes the bonus track of Roger Miller’s “Old Toy Trains,” which Keith previously recorded in 2000.
William Beckmann Signs With Warner Music Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L–R): Triple 8 Management’s Matthew Miller, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, William Beckmann, Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy, Stephanie Wright and Triple 8 Management’s George Couri. Photo: Maddie Ormond
Singer-songwriter William Beckmann has signed with Warner Music Nashville. The 28-year-old will release his new track, “Not That Strong,” this Friday (Aug. 30).
The Del Rio, Texas native sings in both English and Spanish and was raised on classic country as well as the mariachi and Norteño sounds of northern Mexico. Beckmann is drawn to things that have a story to tell, such as historic buildings, old guitars and the vintage typewriter on which he writes all of his lyrics.
In 2023, he released his album Here’s To You, Here’s To Me, which included “Tennessee Drinkin,'” his fifth consecutive song to hit top 20 on the Texas Regional Radio chart. Additionally, Beckmann has spent the last year touring with Parker McCollum, Hank Williams Jr., Charley Crockett and the Randy Rogers Band. He also sold out five of his own shows at the famous Gruene Hall and headlined Billy Bob’s Texas.
“William has a swagger that is both retro and youthful. Combine that with his rich, timeless vocal and the result is a modern-vintage sound that is quite unique not just to the country format, but to all genres of music,” says Stephanie Wright, SVP of A&R, Warner Music Nashville. “Whether he is serenading in English or in Spanish, you immediately recognize that William Beckmann is in the one of one category of artists.”
“I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity to be a part of the Warner family,” adds Beckmann. “From the very beginning they’ve had such a holistic understanding of both my journey to this point and vision for the future, I can’t wait to begin releasing music together.”
Tanya Tucker Presented With 2024 Susan G. Komen Promise Award
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Ryan Davis, Joshua Daniel, Tanya Tucker, Shirley Burns, Amy Fish and Marcus Frisch. Photo: Derrek Kupish
Tanya Tucker was presented with the 2024 Susan G. Komen Promise Award on Saturday (Aug. 24) during Orville Peck‘s Sixth Annual Rodeo in Nashville.
The Promise Award recognizes those who have gone above and beyond in the fight to help end breast cancer through their philanthropy, advocacy and commitment to reaching those impacted by the disease. It was created in honor of the promise Susan G. Komen Founder Nancy Brinker made to end breast cancer forever.
A longtime supporter of the organization, Tucker headlined the annual “Kiss Breast Cancer Goodbye” concert last year and raised over $30,000 for breast cancer research and patient services. She has also been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, speaking out and dyeing her hair pink in support of her friend Shirley Burns‘ journey as well as actively supporting others impacted by the disease.
“Tanya Tucker not only captivates audiences with her extraordinary star power and compassion on stage, but she has also used her talents and platform to raise awareness for those affected by breast cancer,” said Paula Schneider, President & CEO, Susan G. Komen. “We are so grateful for Tanya lending her voice to several Komen initiatives over the years, and it is with great honor that we present her with the 2024 Promise Award as she continues to help us save lives.”
“Tanya is a prominent voice in the fight against breast cancer and we are excited to present her with the 2024 Promise Award,” added Joshua Daniel, Tennessee Executive Director, Susan G. Komen. “In presenting her with this award, we wanted to acknowledge her advocacy for this cause and express our appreciation for her ongoing support.”
Weekly Register: Post Malone Pulls Into Multiple Top-Five Spots With ‘F-1 Trillion’
/by Liza AndersonPost Malone‘s F-1 Trillion debuts at the top of both the country albums and all-genre chart this week with 250K in total consumption (80K album only/207 million song streams), and parks three tracks in the top five on the country streaming songs chart, according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time tumbles to No. 2 with 60K (1.5K album only/76 million song streams), and Zach Bryan‘s The Great American Bar Scene shifts down to No. 3 with 44K (478 album only/56 million song streams). Wallen’s Dangerous: The Double Album drops to No. 4 with 36K (464 album only/46 million song streams), moving Bryan’s self-titled collection to No. 5 with 33K (3.3K album only/39 million song streams).
On the country streaming songs chart, Post Malone and Wallen’s “I Had Some Help” rises to No. 1 with 30 million new streams, adding to 564 million ATD. Shaboozey‘s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” shuffles down to No. 2 with 26 million streams, adding to 629 million ATD, while Bryan’s “Pink Skies” remains at No. 3 with 16 million new streams, adding to 273 million ATD. Post Malone and Luke Combs‘ “Guy For That” takes No. 4 with 15.5 million streams, adding to 51 million ATD, and Post Malone and Blake Shelton‘s “Pour Me A Drink” secures No. 5 with 15 million new streams, adding to 107 million ATD.
Additionally, Post Malone’s “Wrong Ones” claims the title of top debut at No. 10 with 12 million streams.