Darryl Worley plans to launch a new bi-weekly podcast, Sounds Like Life with Darryl Worley, alongside Travis McLeese on Tuesday, Aug. 27.

Available on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, YouTube and more, the podcast will consist of Worley and McLeese going behind-the-scenes with entertainment personalities as well as championing some of America’s most notable heroes. Guests featured in the hour-long episodes include Rhonda Vincent, T.Graham Brown and RaeLynn. A 9/11 special is also in the works.

“For me, the podcast is a way to bring all of my stories and experiences to life. It will also reinforce the messages in my music by allowing us to talk through so many different creative moments down through the years,” explains Worley. “Most of all, it’s another great opportunity to make someone laugh and to get closer to the fan base that has made my life an amazing vacation.”

McLeese says, “Having known Darryl for a few years, I can attest to his unparalleled generosity, authenticity and work ethic. Our goal with this podcast is to bring those compelling stories to life, much like Darryl’s songs have done.”

For guest inquiries, reach out to creekhouseent@earthlink.net.

Rising neo-traditional country trio The Castellows, comprised of sisters Eleanor, Lily and Powell Balkcom, made their Grand Ole Debut on Tuesday night (Aug. 2o).

Hailing from Georgetown, Georgia, the three have been playing together since childhood. Their traditional yet modern sound is paired with their head-turning three-part harmonies that mix together to create one voice. The trio started to make waves in Nashville in 2023, and went full speed ahead from there, signing a record deal with Warner Music Nashville and Warner Records, while also being signed to Make Wake Artists for management and WME for agent representation.

Their debut EP, A Little Goes A Long Way, showcases the sisters’ songwriting, having co-penned six of the seven tracks. Since then, The Castellows have garnered a CMT Music Award nomination for CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year, and have been named an Artist to Watch by SiriusXM, CMT, Pandora, Country Now, Nashville Lifestyles and more.

The trio completed their first headline tour earlier this year, and will hit the road with Little Big Town and Sugarland on the “Take Me Home” tour. They will also make appearances at Bourbon and Beyond, Redwest Fest, Peacemaker Fest and more throughout the year, as well as various opening slots with Jon Pardi, The Red Clay Strays and Mitchell Tenpenny.

Dolly Parton has launched a new cosmetic line, Dolly Beauty, with a special preview of the collection. An extension of her fragrances with Scent Beauty, the products are available exclusively on a newly-launched site, with in-store rollout beginning in 2025.

The Heaven’s Kiss Lipstick is the first product to be unveiled from the line. Encased in rhinestone packaging, it is available in four shades: Jolene Red, Honey Plum, Rosebud and Birthday Suit. The shades range from bright red to pale pink, with additional neutral tones that aim to be suitable for all skin types.

“All of my life I’ve wanted to be pretty, and my new cosmetic line is going to allow me and you to be our very best,” says Parton. “So, fly pretty, up, up and away. Enjoy!”

“We are thrilled to introduce Dolly Beauty, as we believe Dolly Parton embodies many generations of women who are excited to experience this connection to one of the world’s most beloved people. Cosmetics is an obvious category for Dolly which has been long awaited by her millions of loyal fans,” shares Steve Mormoris, Founder & CEO of Scent Beauty.

Monday Night Brewing hosted a crowd of industry insiders earlier this week to celebrate Jordan Davis‘ seventh No. 1 hit “Tucson Too Late.”

Appearing on his 2023 album Bluebird Days, the tune was written by the country star alongside his brother Jacob Davis and another set of hit-making brothers, Matt and Josh Jenkins. It’s not the first time the band of brothers has celebrated together, as they wrote Jordan’s “Buy Dirt” which earned the CMA’s Song of the Year trophy in 2022.

Both sets of brothers gathered their respective team members, peers and family for the party, hosted by ASCAP. The company’s Kele Currier served as emcee and spoke about affiliates Jordan, Jacob, Matt and producer Paul DiGiovanni. SESAC’s ET Brown was also on hand to congratulate affiliate Josh, the 2022 SESAC Country Songwriter of the Year.

Publishers spoke about the brothers, all sharing their word of thanks to Jordan’s label MCA Nashville; his managers Zach Sutton, Callie Bartz and Allie Bartone; and the songwriters.

“Jordan is writing and recording some of the most well-written songs in town today,” said UMPG’s Troy Tomlinson. “So far, you have done that from top to bottom with all seven No. 1s. You have gotten in the room with writers and written three minute vignettes of life. I think that’s why they resonate.”

Anthem Music Publishing’s Noah Dewey shared words about Jordan’s growth as a songwriter, with the company having been his publisher for his entire career. “Jordan, I have seen your career grow to new heights,” Noah said. “Winning CMA and ACM Song of the Year with different songs on the same record is pretty damn cool. That speaks to your commitment and talent.”

Other executives there to share sentiments were Warner Chappell’s Spencer Nohe, SMACKSongs’ Lee Krabel and MCA Nashville’s Miranda McDonald.

All five collaborators had their children in attendance, with a lot of them sitting in the front row, hearing their dads speak. The familial spirit was touching as each writer shared how special it was to share milestone moments with their friends and family.

“This is all about the people who make up this journey,” Josh said. “These guys have been such an instrumental part of my life. They’re my brothers. There’s no greater gift than to have songs work and to do it with people you love.”

Brother Matt added to the sentiment. “I was thinking about [this party] earlier today and gratitude filled my heart because of the friendships I have with these guys but also the community of people that are here.”

When Jacob got the mic, he pointed out his and Jordan’s father who was in attendance and he spoke about his gratitude. “To be up here with four of my best friends in the world is such a blessing,” he said. “Thank y’all for getting behind my brother and working your tail off.”

Jordan spent time speaking about each of his team members and what they bring to his career.

“Everybody that I just mentioned wakes up every day and puts me and my career first on their list before I even do. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the people in this town,” Davis said.

“I want to thank these guys on stage,” he added, speaking about the day “Tucson Too Late” was written and sharing that he was worn out from being on the road when he showed up to write with Jacob, Matt and Josh.

Predicting that he would be worn down, the men had started a handful of songs to get the ball rolling. “They knew I was going to be beat but didn’t want to leave without a song. That is Nashville in a nutshell,” Jordan said. “I can’t say thank you enough.”

Belmont Board Of Trust Adds Members

The Belmont University Board of Trust recently added six new members for the 2024-2025 academic year, including Principal of BLVD Capital and Belmont alumnus Jim Darter; Staff, Executive Services at LBMC and Belmont alumna Mackenzie Gimbel; Founding CEO of SwitchPoint Ventures Ray Guzman; Richard J. and Barbara Naclerio Endowed Chair in Business, Professor of Marketing and Belmont alumnus Jeremy Kees; community member Anna Thornton and President & CEO for Warner Chappell Nashville and Belmont alumnus Ben Vaughn.

“The addition of these exceptional leaders to our Board of Trust reflects Belmont’s commitment to excellence and innovation,” says Belmont President Dr. Greg Jones. “Their expertise and dedication to service align with our mission to develop purpose-driven leaders who can make a positive impact on the world. I’m particularly excited that three of our new members are Belmont alumni, showcasing the caliber of leaders our University produces. With their guidance, Belmont is well-positioned to continue its trajectory as a leading Christ-centered university.”

 

Bill Anderson Honored At Hero’s Salute To Lee Greenwood

Bill Anderson was honored last night (Aug. 20) at the Hero’s Salute to Lee Greenwood concert and Awards show at the Opry House. The legendary singer-songwriter received the Lifetime Achievement Award during the special show.

 

Luke Bryan Helps ‘Country Heat Weekly’ Celebrate 100th

Amazon Music’s flagship country podcast Country Heat Weekly celebrated its 100th episode last week with Luke Bryan. It was Bryan’s second visit to the podcast.

 

Bobby Wood Interviewed In Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum’s Nashville Cats Program

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently featured keyboardist Bobby Wood in its interview series Nashville Cats. Moderated by museum writer-editor RJ Smith, the series interviews highlight musicians and session singers who have played important roles in either the recording studio or on concert tours.

Wood has worked with artists including Garth Brooks, George Jones, Willie Nelson, Sam Phillips and Elvis Presley. He became a member of the studio crew the Memphis Boys, who played on records by Presley, Neil Diamond, Wilson Pickett and Dusty Springfield. After moving to Nashville in 1972, Wood recorded with Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, Kenny Rogers, Tammy Wynette and many others. He has played in Brooks’ studio band since the beginning of Brooks’ career.

 

Flat River Band Joins Exile At 2024 Wilson County Fair

The Flat River Band recently performed with Exile during the Wilson County Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee. The trio recently released a new five-song EP, Sights and Sounds.