Stephen Wilson Jr. Plots Fall Headlining Tour

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Stephen Wilson Jr. Photo: Brayln Kelly

Stephen Wilson Jr. will head out on his headlining “Søn Of Dad Tour” this fall.

The tour will include dates in Denver, Atlanta, New York City, Philadelphia and more as well as a show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Dec. 4. In between his U.S. stops, the singer-songwriter will travel to Europe for a run of dates supporting Joss Stone, including a show Royal Albert Hall on July 8. He also plans to support Miranda Lambert in Memphis on Sept. 28. For more information, click here.

Last year, Wilson Jr. released his debut double album, Søn Of Dad, via Big Loud Records. At its core, the collection is a tribute to his late father.

2024 Tour Dates: 
@ – “Søn Of Dad Tour”
Sept. 14: Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City @
Oct. 3: Denver, CO – Summit @
Oct. 4: Grand Junction, CO – Warehouse25 @
Oct. 10: St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall @
Oct. 11: Columbia, MO – Blue Note @
Oct. 18: Des Moines, IA – Wooly’s @
Oct. 19: Minneapolis, MN – Varsity @
Oct. 24: Birmingham, U.K. – O2 Institute
Oct. 25: Newcastle, U.K. – Think Tank
Oct. 26: Glasgow, U.K. – King Tut’s
Oct. 27: Manchester, U.K. – The Deaf Institute
Oct. 29: London, U.K. – Oslo
Oct. 30: Cardiff, U.K. – The Globe
Nov. 1: Amsterdam, NL – Melkweg Upstairs
Nov. 2: Groningen, NL – Take Root Festival
Nov. 4: Köln, DE – Club Volta
Nov. 5: Berlin, DE – Passionskirche
Nov. 21: Birmingham, AL – Saturn @
Nov. 22: Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theater @
Nov. 23: Charlotte, NC – Underground @
Dec. 4: Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl @
Dec. 5: Lexington, KY – Manchester @
Dec. 6: Louisville, KY – Mercury @
Dec. 8: Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall @
Dec. 10: New York City, NY – Gramercy Theatre @
Dec. 12 Charlottesville, VA – Jefferson Theatre
Dec. 13: Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl @
Dec. 14: Washington D.C. – Sixth & I @

Logan Crosby To Take Fans Back To ‘2019’ With Debut Album & Tour

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Photo: Drew DeSirey/Sean Roberts

Logan Crosby will drop his debut album, 2019, on Sept. 27. Ahead of the release, he plans to embark on his first-ever headlining journey, “The 2019 Tour,” starting Sept. 5 in Birmingham, Alabama.

Photo: Drew DeSirey/Sean Roberts

The collection will feature lead singles “You’re Still,” “Girl Next Door” and “2019” in addition to 10 new tunes. Additionally, the 12-date tour will visit Knoxville, Charlotte, Columbia, Nashville and more. Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.

“When you listen to me, I want to take you back to the first time you got your heart broken or fell in love. Other songs might make you want to party,” notes Crosby. “I’m the same guy who was holding a guitar at three-years-old. Whether I’m playing a dive bar or an arena, I’m going to share stories and maybe make you laugh too.”

He is currently supporting Megan Moroney on “The Lucky 2.0 Tour,” and is set to make upcoming appearances at Calgary Stampede and Voice of America (VOA) Country Music Fest.

2019 Track Listing:
1. “2019”
2. “You’re Still”
3. “Polaroid Picture”
4. “Love Like That Again”
5. “Girl Next Door”
6. “Please Don’t Say Atlanta”
7. “Look Who’s Lonely Now”
8. “But I Do”
9. “I’ll Write A Song”
10. “Ain’t No Georgia”
11. “Forever For A While”
12. “Roots”
13. “Seasons”

CMHOFM’s 16th Annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum To Honor Sally Williams

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will honor industry executive Sally Williams at its 16th annual Louise Scruggs Memorial Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 6:30 p.m. in its Ford Theater.

Since 2007, the forum has recognized music industry leaders who continue the legacy of Scruggs, who was known to be a trailblazing businesswoman that set new professional standards in artist management. During the discussion, led by the museum’s Angela Stefano Zimmer, the honoree will detail her 30+ years in music and entertainment.

Williams is currently President of Nashville Music & Business Strategy for Live Nation Entertainment and co-manager of Grammy-winning band Old Crow Medicine Show. She first began promoting concerts while attending the University of Missouri-Columbia. Prior to joining Live Nation, Williams spent nearly two decades with Ryman Hospitality Properties/Gaylord Entertainment. After serving as General Manager of the Ryman Auditorium, she became Opry Entertainment Group’s Senior Vice President of Programming & Artist relations as well as the Grand Ole Opry’s first female General Manager in 2017.

Williams has received multiple accolades from the ACM, International Entertainment Buyers Association (IEBA), Nashville Business Journal and Pollstar. In 2015, Williams was inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame, and was presented with the Frances Preston Outstanding Music Industry Achievement Award by the T. J. Martell Foundation in 2019. In recent years, she has worked with various business, civic and charitable organizations—assuming the roles of CMA Board of Directors Chair, Leadership Music President and Opry Trust Fund President.

The forum is free and open to the public. For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Kelsea Ballerini, Anne Wilson, ACM, Scotty Hasting, Lil’ Skinny

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Kelsea Ballerini Honored With RIAA Gold Plaque

Pictured (L-R): Bill Macky, Grace Watson, Rick Froio, Kelsea Ballerini, Gordon Kerr, Doug Johnson and Dawn Delvo

Earlier this month, Kelsea Ballerini was honored with a plaque for her RIAA Gold-certified single, “Mountain With A View.” The song appears on her Grammy-nominated album Rolling Up the Welcome Mat and was written solely by Ballerini.

 

 

Anne Wilson Garners One Billion Global Career Streams

Pictured (L-R): Aaron Stearns, Troy Scott, Becca Redl, Ashley Chiappetta, Maggie Laws, Hudson Plachy, Anne Wilson, Brad O’Donnell, Matthew West, Isabel Pesci, Karrie Dawley and Travis Laws. Photo: Laney Oakes Crosland

Singer-songwriter Anne Wilson has achieved a major milestone by passing the one billion career streams mark. This achievement comes just three years into her career after initially gaining attention for her single “My Jesus” and Grammy-nominated album of the same name.

Recently, Wilson and Lainey Wilson released a live recording of “Praying Woman” off of her Christian country album Rebel. The album, upon release, secured the No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 spots on the Christian, country and all-genre charts respectively—putting her in the company of Carrie Underwood, Chris Tomlin and Hillary Scott.

 

 

ACM Continues Celebrations At Nashville Pride Parade

Pictured: ACM staff, friends and family ahead of the Nashville Pride Parade. Photo: Courtesy of ACM

The Academy of Country Music continued Pride Month celebrations on Saturday (June 22) by joining in on the Nashville Pride Parade along with ACM members, friends and family.

This follows the organization’s inaugural “ACM Country For Y’all” showcase on Thursday (June 20) that featured performances from Adam Mac, Brooke Eden, Chris Housman and Denitia.

 

 

Scotty Hasting Honors WWII Veterans At The 80th Anniversary Of D-Day

Scotty Hasting. Photo: Courtesy of Black River Entertainment

Artist and combat-wounded former infantryman Scotty Hasting has returned from a 10-day trip to France, where he honored WWII Veterans on the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Normandy.

Hasting participated in events organized by Operation Democracy, taking steps to remember and preserve our freedom. “Afghanistan Veteran and rising Nashville star Scotty Hasting symbolizes the passing of the torch of Gratitude for our precious remaining WWII Veterans to the Next Generation so they understand the cost of our freedom and the imperative to be vigilant in defense of our Western Civilization,” says Operation Democracy’s Cathy Cyphers Soref. “Scotty’s penetrating rendition of the new classic ‘Red, White and Blue’ evokes the depth of sacrifice made by a few for all of us and a call for all to participate in some form of public service.”

“I was with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry out of Fort Riley,” shares Hasting. “I was there from 2010 – 2015. I deployed in 2011 to Afghanistan, where I was shot 10 times—five times in the shoulder, four times in the hip, and once in the thigh. Music has become a form of therapy for me and a way to fight the demons that knock on the door at night. It’s a way for me to get rid of PTSD, depression and anxiety…thank you for all that you do, have done, and continue to do.”

 

 

Lil’ Skinny Signs With Droptine Recordings

Pictured (L-R): Jimmy Ritchey, Lil’ Skinny and Jim Catino

Emerging artist Lil’ Skinny has signed with Droptine Recordings prior to releasing his new single, “Whiskey Pistol,” on July 5.

In a partnership with Jimmy Ritchey, Droptine’s Jim Catino welcomes Skinny to the roster, sharing, “I’m very excited about working with Lil Skinny. He is an amazing talent! Skinny is skilled as a singer-songwriter, musician and performer. I’m looking forward to watching him rise as a country music star. And it is an added bonus to be able to do it alongside my longtime friend Jimmy Ritchey.”

“Working with Jimmy Ritchey and Jim Catino has been a dream come true. The support from Droptine to be able to record the music that I’ve always dreamed of making has been such a blessing. I’m excited to see where the future will take us,” shares Lil’ Skinny.

R&CPMK Continues To Build Presence In Nashville

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Tracy Cole (top row), Jennifer Kelleher (bottom row)

Public relations firm R&CPMK is continuing to build its presence in Music City, with the company’s Jennifer Kelleher moving to Nashville. She joins VP of Entertainment Tracy Cole, who is also in town.

R&CPMK’s Nashville roster includes artists Nickelback, The Band Camino, Logan Crosby, For King & Country, Tauren Wells, Kevin Quinn, Haven Madison, Taya and Brooke Ligertwood as well as The Core Entertainment and executive Kristin Lee.

Cole has organized national and regional media campaigns, spearheaded tour press for authors and music artists and managed unit publicity for various films throughout her career. Kelleher is a seasoned music publicist who has managed album, tour and documentary campaigns over the course of her career. Her expertise also includes knowledge in all areas of the ever-evolving business with extensive music industry experience and relationships in radio, digital marketing and live events.

R&CPMK also has offices in New York, Los Angeles and London.

Jelly Roll Adds 15 Dates To ‘Beautifully Broken Tour 2024’

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Jelly Roll. Photo: Eric Ryan Anderson

Jelly Roll is extending his “Beautifully Broken Tour 2024” run with 15 new dates.

The tour will kick off on Aug. 27 in Salt Lake City and new markets added include Cincinnati, Lexington, Kansas City, Houston and Austin, in addition to previously announced shows in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New Orleans and more.

Tour openers for all dates through Oct. 27 include Warren Zeiders and Alexandra Kay, with Ernest, Shaboozey and Allie Colleen joining as support starting Oct. 30.

Jelly shared the news during his interview and Block Party outdoor performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday evening (June 25) where he performed a never-before-heard new track from his upcoming new album titled “Burning.” Written by Jelly, Zach Crowell, Ian Fitchuck and Ilsey Juber, “Burning” follows the release of his current radio hit “I Am Not Okay,” which premiered last week on country radio and is currently top 30 and climbing. “I Am Not Okay” follows Jelly’s fourth consecutive No. 1 at country radio and fifth career No. 1.

Tickets for the newly-added shows will be available starting with a Citi and Verizon presale beginning on Thursday, June 27, and additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Monday, July 1 at jellyroll615.com.

In addition to his upcoming “Beautifully Broken Tour,” Jelly will perform in Canada for the first time in July, marking his first ever international tour dates and the first time visiting the country. The dates in St. Catherines, Ontario (July 8) and Ottawa, Ontario (July 9) are currently on sale.

Added Dates:
10/16/2024 – Springfield, MO – Great Southern Bank Arena #
10/30/2024 – Charlottesville, VA – John Paul Jones Arena *
11/1/2024 – Charleston, WV – Charleston Coliseum *
11/4/2024 – Cincinnati, OH – Heritage Bank Center *
11/7/2024 – Indianapolis, IN – Gainbridge Fieldhouse *
11/8/2024 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena *
11/10/2024 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center *
11/12/2024 – Omaha, NE – CHI Health Center Arena *
11/13/2024 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center *
11/14/2024 – Oklahoma City, OK – Paycom Center *
11/17/2024 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center *
11/18/2024 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center *
11/19/2024 – Austin, TX – Moody Center *
11/22/2024 – Columbia, SC – Colonial Life Arena *
11/23/2024 – Jacksonville, FL – Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena *

#Warren Zeiders & Alexandra Kay
*Ernest, Shaboozey & Allie Colleen

Click here to see previously-announced dates.

Country Duo Lakeview Signs With Gravel Road

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Pictured (L to R): Jason Martin, Luke Healy, Jesse Denaro, Anthony Martini, Matt Woodson. Photo: Anna Schaeffer

Country rock duo Lakeview has signed with Gravel Road, the Nashville-based label and management firm launched by industry veteran Anthony Martini and entrepreneur Rich Barner.

The duo, Jesse Denaro and Luke Healy, are poised for a breakout year after amassing nearly 30 million streams on their single “Home Team.” The rural blue-collar country duo first connected through a bouncing job and bonded over their common interest in country music with a strong metal-core influence. They recently released a new single, “Money Where Your Mouth Is (featuring Gideon),” as well as a video for their song, “See Me In A Suit.”

“From the moment I stumbled across a Lakeview clip online I knew I had to work with them,” says Martini. “Their unique blend of country and rock, their background in hardcore and their blue-collar DIY ethos all resonated with me to the core. Jesse and Luke are fiercely independent, so I spent the next 8 months popping up at shows around the country showing them that I understood the mission. The business part is cool, but what’s even cooler is the friendship we’ve been able to develop getting here. I’m excited to help execute their vision and bring their music to the world.”

“Choosing to work with Gravel Road was a natural decision for us; Ant’s background working with independent artists in metal and hip hop brings a fresh perspective to our project but also an understanding of who we are as artists and what we’ve done in our past bands,” says Healy. “Gravel Road’s commitment to support the vision and authenticity of Lakeview is what makes me most excited about this partnership. Everyone on team Lakeview gives a shit about us, our music, and our fans, and that’s all we could ever ask for.”

Denaro adds, “Working with a label this year wasn’t exactly part of the plan, to be honest. Lakeview is built on core values that honor our fans and allow Luke and I to best express our version of country music. There’s a reason our music sounds different than standard country songs you may hear on the radio and it’s because we aren’t trying to fit into a specific sound or create the next viral TikTok, we’re just making music that has come from years of struggling to make ends meet and what we’ve found is a community of fans who can relate. Gravel Road shares that vision with us and we couldn’t be more stoked to partner with them for our debut album.”

K.D. Lang To Be Inducted Into Canadian Country Music Hall Of Fame

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K.D. Lang is set to be inducted into the 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame at an exclusive ceremony during Country Music Week in Edmonton, Alberta over Sept. 11 – 14.

Edmonton-born singer-songwriter Lang has enjoyed a career spanning over four decades, and has appeared alongside musical icons like Tony Bennett, Elton John, Loretta Lynn, Roy Orbison and Bonnie Raitt. In 2014 Lang made her Broadway debut in the Tony-nominated musical After Midnight. In 2016, she united with Neko Case and Laura Veirs to create Case/Lang/Veirs, a collaborative album, and in 2017 celebrated the 25th anniversary of her Platinum-selling breakthrough album, Ingénue, with tours in Australia, Canada, the U.S. and the United Kingdom/Ireland. In 2021, she released Makeover, a collection of classic dance remixes that reimagined some of her most-loved songs from 1992-2000, highlighting her ability to evolve while staying true to her artistic roots.

Lang was a fixture in country music in the ’80s. Two of her four Grammy wins are in country categories, included Best Country Vocal Collaboration in 1989 with her and Orbison’s “Crying” and Best Female Country Vocal Performance in 1990 with her “Absolute Torch and Twang.” She also garnered ACM nominations for Top New Female Vocalist and Top Female Vocalist.

In addition to her Grammy awards, Lang has amassed a collection of accolades including eight JUNO Awards, 10 CCMA Awards (including three consecutive wins for Album of the Year and two consecutive Entertainer of the Year Awards,) a BRIT Award, an AMA, a VMA and four GLAAD awards. She was recognized in 1996 with Canada’s highest civilian honor, the Order of Canada, was inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame in 2013 and received the Alberta Order of Excellence Award in 2021 and the Governor General’s Performing Arts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023.

“I am beyond thrilled, and frankly pleasantly surprised to be honored in this way,” says Lang. She adds, “My love for the prairies, the people and our culture underscore every ounce of my inspiration. Not without its complexities, I might add. Such is life. I am so stoked to be coming to Edmonton to bask in this celebration… with deepest gratitude.”

“We are excited to announce the incomparable K.D. Lang as our 2024 Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame Artist inductee,” shares Amy Jeninga, President, CCMA. “A true Canadian icon and trailblazer in country music and beyond, K.D. embraced the genre with unparalleled passion, and her extraordinary talents have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape of our nation. We proudly honor her incredible legacy and outstanding contributions, and can’t wait to celebrate her induction in Edmonton this September.”

JUST IN: NSAI’s Nashville Songwriter Awards To Honor Alan Jackson, Buddy Cannon

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Alan Jackson, Buddy Cannon

The Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) will present its seventh annual Nashville Songwriter Awards, alongside presenting partner City National Bank, at the Ryman Auditorium on Sept. 24.

The evening will bestow honors to the peer-voted “10 Songs I Wish I’d Written” winners and NSAI’s Song, Songwriter and Songwriter-Artist of the year honorees, as well as pivotal individuals who have had great influence in the world of songwriting.

Legendary songwriter and artist Alan Jackson will receive NSAI’s highest honor of the evening, the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jackson has earned an astounding list of awards throughout his career. The Country Music Hall of Fame member has amassed 26 No. 1 songs over the past 30 years, and his legacy has been etched into the history books with songs like “Don’t Rock the Jukebox,” “Chattahoochee,” “Gone Country,” “Remember When,” “Drive (for Daddy Gene),” “Chasin’ That Neon Rainbow,” “Where I Come From,” “Wanted,” “Little Man,” “Who’s Cheatin’ Who,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” with Jimmy Buffett, “Murder on Music Row” with George Strait, and “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).” Jackson received CMA’s Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

“When the NSAI Board of Directors chose Alan Jackson as this year’s recipient of the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award, I knew they had made a fantastic choice,” says NSAI Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Turnbow. “I was eager to craft a segment of our annual awards show around his work as a songwriter. But, it wasn’t until I really studied his body of work and recalled decades of his songs that I realized just how deserving he was of this recognition. Alan’s songs, many of which he wrote by himself, have marked significant moments in time and are etched into the memories of multiple generations. Choosing only a handful of his many hits to highlight in a celebration of his career will be incredibly challenging…that I’m looking forward to!”

“City National Bank has supported the music industry from the first day we opened our doors in 1954 and we are especially proud of our work in the beloved country music and local Nashville communities,” says Diane Pearson and Lori Badgett, Co-Managers of City National Entertainment in Nashville. “On behalf of City National, we congratulate the incomparable Alan Jackson for his Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award. For decades, Alan, as both an artist and a songwriter, has delivered the most inspirational, motivational and uplifting music and we applaud the recognition of his eloquent songwriting artistry.”

Additionally, NSAI will present the President’s Keystone Award during the Nashville Songwriter Awards. Presented by NSAI Board President Lee Thomas Miller, this year’s award will go to iconic producer and songwriter Buddy Cannon.

Perhaps best known for his work producing Kenny Chesney and Willie Nelson, Cannon has written enduring songs such as “Set ‘Em Up Joe,” “I’ve Come To Expect It From You,” “Dream Of Me” and “Give It Away.” As an A&R executive, he contributed to signing and developing Shania Twain and Billy Ray Cyrus. In the studio, he’s shepherded projects by Alison Krauss, George Jones, Reba McEntire, Joe Nichols, John Michael Montgomery and many others.

“Buddy Cannon has spent decades as an elite member of our Music Row community. He has written songs for some of country music’s most legendary superstars, has ridden busses playing in their bands and he is one of the most important record producers of the last 30 years,” says Miller. “It is impossible to calculate the impact Buddy Cannon has had on the songwriters in this town. He is famous for being tough on songs and helping build multi decade careers, like Kenny Chesney’s, is an example of how incredible his barometer is for a hit song. I’m proud to present Buddy Cannon with the 2024 NSAI President’s Award.”

Beginning this year, NSAI will also commemorate one song chosen by NSAI’s professional songwriting members as the Legendary Song of its time, beginning with songs from 1967-1983. The NSAI board of directors carefully selected 10 impactful songs in the given range, and the pro membership anonymously voted to determine the winning song. The first-ever Legendary Song Award recipient will be revealed and performed at the show.

Performer announcement and ticket information for the 2024 Nashville Songwriter Awards will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Drew Baldridge Signs With UTA

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Pictured (L–R): UTA’s Lance Roberts, Nick Barnes, Drew Baldridge, UTA’s Matthew Morgan and Zach Hartley

Singer-songwriter Drew Baldridge has signed with UTA for representation in all areas.

The signing follows the rise of Baldridge’s Gold-certified single “She’s Somebody’s Daughter” to the top 15 at country radio, which his self-funded Lyric Ridge Records is continuing to push up the charts. The song, which started as a personal tribute to his wife, has gone viral with nearly a billion social media impressions and global streams.

Baldridge has also penned tunes recorded by Bailey Zimmerman, LoCash, Chase Matthew and more. When he is not writing and recording, he hosts a weekly radio show on L.A.’s Go Country/KKGO every Saturday and Sunday.

Baldridge recently performed at CMA Fest and has more festival appearances as well as headlining dates slated for this year, such as his third annual Big Baldridge & Bonfire Festival. He has played more than 400 shows over the past four years, including his “Baldridge & Bonfires Tour,” which he created during the height of the pandemic in order to safely perform for fans in their hometowns and backyards.

“We are wildly impressed with how Baldridge has independently grown touring, radio and festival audiences and are thrilled to welcome him to the UTA family,” says Matthew Morgan, UTA Partner & Nashville Co-Head.

“I am thrilled to be working with UTA and their talented team,” shares Baldridge. “Their passion and expertise align perfectly with my vision for my music and creative ventures. I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together.”

His longtime team consists of Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Rusty Gaston, Huskin-Harris Business Management’s Becky Harris and Greenberg Traurig, LLP attorney Jeff Biederman.