Pictured (L-R, top row): Dave Alvin and The Rev. Gary Davis; (L-R, middle row): Don Was, Shelby Lynne and Dwight Yoakam; (L-R, bottom row): The Blind Boys of Alabama
At the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards show on Sept. 18 at the Ryman Auditorium, the Americana Music Association will present Dave Alvin, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Rev. Gary Davis, Shelby Lynne, Don Was and Dwight Yoakam with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent multiple facets of American roots music. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the incredible careers of these artists. We look forward to another exceptional night at the Ryman Auditorium,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement awards, the AMA will honor members of the music community with six member-voted awards. The Americana Honors & Awards ceremony serves as the hallmark event of the association’s annual AmericanaFest, taking place Sept. 17-21 in Nashville.
Lifetime Achievement honoree Dave Alvin was part of The Blasters with his brother Phil before embarking on his decades-long solo career. As a songwriter, poet and producer, Alvin was an integral part of the west coast roots and country music scene of the ’80s and ’90s. So much so that his leather jacket and famous red neck bandana are included in the Western Edge exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Downey, California, native won a Grammy for his 2000 traditional folk album, Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land.
The Blind Boys of Alabama revolutionized Black gospel music in the 1940s and 1950s with their infusion of a nontraditional, grooving rhythm section. Established in Talladega, Alabama, the group has included several generations of singers and leaders inspired and preserved by their approach, chiefly Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Sam Butler and Jimmy Carter. The five-time Grammy winners were signed by Peter Gabriel, produced by Booker T. Jones, toured with Tom Petty and recorded with Lou Reed, highlighting their versatile acclaim.
Rev. Gary Davis was a pioneer of the Piedmont blues tradition, impacting the world with both sacred and secular music before he died in 1972. He left his South Carolina home to entertain working people in the tobacco markets of Durham, North Carolina. In the ’60s, Davis became a fixture of the folk revival in New York, later influencing the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, John Sebastian, Jorma Kaukonen and plenty more. Davis is the recipient of the AMA’s Legacy Award presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).
With her version of country soul music, Shelby Lynne has inspired legions with her fiercely independent path to acclaim. At just 21, she was working with producer Billy Sherrill and recording for Epic Records. The Alabama native breakthrough with her album I Am Shelby Lynne, which helped secure her a Best New Artist Grammy in 2001. Lynne’s Dusty Springfield homage “Just A Little Lovin’” is regarded as a classic. Her many collaborations have included timeless recordings and performances with her younger sister, Allison Moorer.
Don Was’ career stretches the bounds of eclectic into new territory. The Detroit native grew up on blues, rock and jazz, and established the pop/rock band Was (Not Was) in the ’80s. As a producer, he has collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Brian Wilson and more. Since 2012 he’s been president of the historic jazz label Blue Note Records, and he has earned five Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year. Was has been the longstanding bass player in the Americana Honors and Awards house band.
One of the most influential country recording artists of all time, Dwight Yoakam’s music is rooted in eastern Kentucky bluegrass and old-time music. After moving to Los Angeles in the early ’70s, he released a string of historic albums in the ’80s and ’90s that revitalized and expanded the Bakersfield and honky-tonk country traditions, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. Yoakam’s broad appeal transcended the core country audience, paving the way for the alt-country movement that would later evolve into Americana.
Apple Music Releases ‘Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Beyoncé Covered’
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Tanner Adell, Breland, Brittney Spencer, Joy Oladokun, Madeline Edwards and Tiera Kennedy. Photo: Courtesy of Apple Music.
Apple Music has released a new collection of songs, the Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Beyoncé Covered. The collection includes six live recordings of original Beyoncé songs covered by Black rising country artists Breland, Brittney Spencer, Joy Oladokun, Madeline Edwards, Tanner Adell and Tiera Kennedy.
The collection celebrates Beyoncé’s global impact on music.
The session includes Breland singing “Sandcastles” off of Beyoncé’s Lemonade album, Spencer covering “Irreplacable” off B’Day, Oladokun taking on “II Most Wanted” off Cowboy Carter, Edwards singing the iconic “Halo” off I Am… Sasha Fierce, Adell taking on “Drunk In Love” off the self-title album and Kennedy rounding out the collection with “1 + 1” off of 4.
“I get to add to the tapestry of beautiful American stories that make up the South,” says Edwards of her inclusion on the project.
“Audiences of country music are bigger than we thought,” Oladokun adds, “and they don’t look like we thought.”
Apple Music Nashville Sessions: Beyoncé Covered is available in Spatial Audio on Apple Music.
Weekly Register: Luke Combs ‘Fathers’ Top Country Album Debut
/by Liza AndersonLuke Combs‘ Fathers & Sons takes the top debut on the country albums chart this week, ranking No. 2 with 60K in total consumption (14K album only/57 million song streams) according to Luminate data.
Morgan Wallen‘s One Thing At A Time resides at No. 1 with 73K (1.4K album only/93 million song streams), as his Dangerous: The Double Album descends to No. 3 with 44K (443 album only/57 million song streams). Shaboozey‘s Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going shifts down to No. 4 with 40K (856 album only/47 million song streams), while Zach Bryan‘s self-titled collection falls to No. 5 with 36K (3.4K album only/43 million song streams).
Based on audio streams, Wallen and Post Malone‘s “I Had Some Help” continues at No. 1 on the country streaming songs chart with 34 million new streams, adding to 291 million ATD. Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” sits at No. 2 with with 33 million streams, adding to 328 million ATD, followed by Bryan’s “Pink Skies” at No. 3 with 23 million new streams, adding to 108 million ATD. Bryan and Kacey Musgaves‘ “I Remember Everything” remains at No. 4 with 15 million new streams, adding to 817 million ATD, while Wallen and Moneybagg Yo‘s “Whiskey Whiskey” debuts at No. 5 with 14 million streams.
Post Malone Announces New Tour & One-Night-Only Nashville Event
/by Liza AndersonPost Malone. Photo: Adam DeGross
Global superstar Post Malone has announced his “F-1 Trillion Tour,” in addition to teaming up with Bud Light for an exclusive, one-night-only event in Nashville.
Kicking off Sept. 8 in Salt Lake City, the 21-show journey will see him visit multiple stadiums, festivals and amphitheaters across the nation before wrapping at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium on Oct. 19. This news follows the release of his latest tune, “Pour Me A Drink,” with Blake Shelton as well as the announcement that his debut country album, F-1 Trillion, will be out on Aug. 16.
“I love y’all so very much and I’m so excited to get out and play new music for you,” shares Post Malone.
Citi is the official card of the “F-1 Trillion Tour”. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning tomorrow (June 26) at 10 a.m. local time until Sunday (June 30) at 11:59 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general sales, which start on Monday (July 1) at 10 a.m. local time. A variety of different VIP packages and experiences will also be available. Packages include premium tickets, pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP gift item and more. Contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, click here.
Before he hits the road, Post Malone will host “A Night in Nashville” with Bud Light on July 16. The exclusive evening of live music will feature tracks from his forthcoming album as well as his classics. Fans ages 21 and over can direct message Bud Light’s Instagram or Facebook “A Night In Nashville” for information on how to enter for a chance to win tickets to the special event.
“Bud Light has rocked with me for a while now, and I really can’t thank them enough for all the love and support they’ve shown through the years,” notes the artist. “July 16 is going to be a kick-ass night, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on with everybody.”
Ashley Cooke Takes ‘Your Place’ To No. 1
/by Lorie HollabaughAshley Cooke. Photo: Robby Klein
Ashley Cooke has achieved her first-ever No. 1 with her breakup anthem “Your Place.”
Penned by Cooke, Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell, the song is the first single from a breakout Big Loud female artist to claim the top spot and only the second to reach No.1 from a female artist at country radio in 2024. Cooke is also currently the highest-charted solo female on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in 2024, reaching No. 2 this week.
“It is truly an honor to join the legacy of country radio No. 1s,” she shares. “Reaching the top of the chart has been a goal of mine since the first time I picked up a microphone, and getting to ring the bell with the greatest team at Big Loud and the radio champions I now call friends is all the more rewarding.”
After first impacting radio on Dec. 11, the trajectory of “Your Place” took a short 26 weeks from debut to peak, tying as the second-fastest growing solo female debut single on Country Aircheck/MediaBase chart in the last 10 years. The song also earned Cooke a four-week No. 1 on the U.K. Country Radio Airplay chart, making her the first artist to do so since the chart launched earlier this year. Additionally, “Your Place” has already secured the top spot on SiriusXM’s The Highway Hot 30 Countdown and has amassed over 62 million global on-demand streams.
This career milestone comes just days after Cooke’s feature on Brantley Gilbert‘s “Over When We’re Sober” hit the country radio airwaves. The duet impacted yesterday (June 24) at No. 31 and No. 41 on the Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck/MediaBase charts, respectively, making it the most-added single of the week. She plans to continue sharing her music on the U.S. leg of Jordan Davis‘ “Damn Good Time Tour” throughout the summer, with a headlining tour to be announced soon.
Anthem Entertainment & Audio Up Establish New Publishing Joint Venture [Exclusive]
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L–R): Jason Klein, Jared Gutstadt, Randy Savvy and Gilles Godard. Photo: Emma E. Arsenault
Anthem Entertainment has established a new publishing joint venture with Jared Gutstadt, Founder & CEO of audio-based entertainment company Audio Up.
This puts Gutstadt back in business with Anthem after his departure in 2019 from their subsidiary company, Jingle Punks, where he also served as Founder & CEO. Through this joint venture, Audio Up now has the opportunity to refresh and accelerate some of the former publishing and intellectual property assets that he created at Jingle Punks, including the Bear And A Banjo scripted podcast series, which features original music from Gutstadt, T-Bone Burnett, Poo Bear and Bob Dylan.
The alignment also allows the company to work with new and existing Anthem music catalogues, creating new IP lanes for Anthem’s frontline artists. Additionally, Anthem and Audio Up will have access to each other’s premiere studio spaces in Toronto, Nashville and Los Angeles. Audio Up’s studio spaces in Los Angeles and Nashville, dubbed Audio Chateau West and South, have hosted a wide array of talent, including Miranda Lambert, Elle King, Ty Dolla $ign, Lil Wayne, Machine Gun Kelly, Trippie Redd, 24KGldn, Snow Tha Product and more.
Pictured (L–R): Gilles Godard, Kayslee Don Collins and Jared Gutstadt. Photo: Courtesy of Anthem Entertainment
The first two signings under the joint venture include Randy Savvy of the Compton Cowboys and alternative pop-folk singer-songwriter Kayslee Don Collins. With his own blend of cowboy and street culture, Savvy has already garnered attention and made appearances at notable events such as Stagecoach and CMA Fest. Collins most recently received acclaim for co-writing “The River” for the Grammy-nominated Daisy Jones & The Six soundtrack. She has also penned songs for artists under the Audio Up banner while contributing to branded content and ad work. Collins is currently gearing up to release new music through the summer and fall.
“Randy and Kayslee embody a wide range of diverse, disruptive and innovative voices across different genres that Audio Up has been exploring,” says Gutstadt. “Whether we’re creating a pop-country, Americana or street-country vibe, or the perfect hit for the next Sabrina Carpenter, we’re crafting a versatile tool kit with writers that are unparalleled across the genre spectrum.”
“Randy Savvy is a trailblazer in the industry, and Kayslee Don Collins is part of the new breed of powerhouse music creators on the scene. We are thrilled to welcome them both to the Anthem family,” states Gilles Godard, President of Anthem Music Publishing Nashville. “Their unique sound and commitment to their craft perfectly align with our mission to support innovative creators. We look forward to the incredible opportunities that lie ahead for Randy, Kayslee and all of us at Anthem with this amazing new JV with Jared and Audio Up.”
Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment Signs Shaylen
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta, Shaylen, Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s Jimmy Harnen. Photo: Eden Gerlock for Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment
Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment has signed rising singer-songwriter Shaylen. She joins the Big Machine Label Group imprint’s roster of artists including Riley Green, Chris Janson, Brett Young, Lady A, Greylan James and Noah Hicks.
“Shaylen has all the right stuff… great voice, great songs, quite a bit of life experience to draw on, amazing confidence and incredible determination. She’s ready NOW,” says BMLG’s Chairman and CEO Scott Borchetta of the signing.
Shaylen, who was born in Chattanooga and raised in Dallas, grew up on music from Elvis Presley to Ella Fitzgerald and Willie Nelson to Janis Joplin. She spent a decade making pop music in Los Angeles before returning to her southern roots and moving back to Tennessee a few years ago. Since then, she has impressed with her debut single “What If I Don’t,” a viral hit that has garnered over 28 million steams on Spotify, as well as subsequent releases “Roots,” “Cowboys Never Cry,” “Do It Right The First Time,” “Closest Thing to Closure,” “Been There Before” and latest track “Let Me Let You.”
“Shaylen is writing and recording some of the most powerful songs that speak to a generation that I’ve heard in a long time,” adds Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment’s President Jimmy Harnen. “From Stagecoach to CMA Fest, she wows everyone from backstage interviews to her onstage performances!”
“Signing with Nashville Harbor Records & Entertainment feels like a dream,” shares Shaylen. “I’ve looked up to Scott Borchetta, Jimmy Harnen and Julian Raymond for years and it feels surreal to be joining a roster alongside some of my favorite artists. It’s not every day you get the best of the best in this industry to hear your music and truly believe in it enough to build something bigger with you. I’m forever honored and grateful.”
Shaylen is managed by Two Hats Music Group in Nashville.
Jenna Johnson Signs Publishing Deal With Liz Rose Music
/by John Nix ArledgePictured (L to R): Scott Ponce, Christian Barker (Attorney), Dave Pacula, Jenna Johnson, Liz Rose, Kate Shirley and Gracie Glass.
Songwriter Jenna Johnson has signed an exclusive publishing deal with Liz Rose Music. One of Nashville Briefing’s “25 Songwriters You Need To Know,” the Meridian, Mississippi native has seen cuts with artists such as Nate Smith, BigXThaPlug, David Guetta, Bebe Rexha, Ty Dolla $ign, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, The Band Camino, Jared Benjamin and more.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jenna into the Liz Rose Music family,” says Kate Shirley, Creative Director at Liz Rose Music. “She is a phenomenal songwriter, an incredible person, and such a valuable addition to our roster. Jenna has a very bright future in this industry and we are honored to work with her.”
“I’ve admired Liz Rose as a writer and as a human for a long time, and her team at Liz Rose Music are the best people and top of their game,” says Johnson. “It’s my dream team, and I’m so grateful to be joining the fam.”
Johnson brings a unique voice to Liz Rose Music as her songwriting spans across multiple genres, including country, pop, rock, R&B and alternative. She is currently part of a country trio, Track45, along with her siblings Ben and KK and recently opened for Tim McGraw on his “Standing Room Only Tour.”
Sam Banks Inks With Porchlight Music
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Dale Dodson (consultant), Tim Medlin (Porchlight), Sam Banks, Jenny Hall (Porchlight) and Mary Ann Keen (BMI). Photo: Austyn Jablonski
Singer-songwriter Sam Banks has signed a publishing deal with Porchlight Music.
“I am so excited to be joining the Porchlight team,” says Banks. “As an independent songwriter for many years, I found myself in and out of Porchlight writing with many of their writers. After meeting with their team, I quickly felt at home and knew that Tim [Medlin], Jenny [Hall] and Dale [Dodson] were great people that I wanted to associate myself with. Having the opportunity to work alongside them makes me very excited to see what the future has in store and what we will achieve. I’m proud to be a part of the great team of people at Porchlight Music!”
The Kansas City native was immersed in country music from the start by driving with his dad to gigs across the midwest. His songwriting was influenced by the likes of Dean Dillon and Tony Lane, and his artistry and music took inspiration from Merle Haggard.
After moving to Nashville, Banks landed a gig selling merchandise for Craig Morgan. He also played the Grand Ole Opry stage with Morgan. Since then, he has shared the stage with Gary Levox, Jimmy Fortune, John Rich, Trace Adkins and more. He has also co-written with Lane, Ray Fulcher, Bobby Tomberlin, Brice Long, Rob Williford and Clint Daniels, among others.
Banks received his first major label cut in 2020 with Morgan’s “Going Out Like This.” He has had several cuts from Morgan since then along with William Michael Morgan and Josh Ward. He released his first single “Who’s Teachin’ Who” this month.
“When I first started talking to Sam it was evident how passionate and dedicated he is to his craft. Sam is not only unbelievably talented on the stage and in the writing room, but he is one of the most humble and genuine people I’ve met which makes it a no-brainer signing for a publisher,” shares Hall, Senior Creative Director, Porchlight Music. “We are so excited to have him join the Porchlight team.”
Luke Combs Enters Top 10 On Top Songwriter Chart
/by Madison HahnenLuke Combs. Photo: Zack Massey
Luke Combs has moved into the top 10 on this week’s MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, landing at No. 7 with “Ain’t No Love In Oklahoma” and “The Man He Sees In Me.”
With “Dirt Cheap” and “The Man He Sees In Me,” Josh Phillips returns to the No. 1 spot. Ashley Gorley remains at No. 2 this week with “Bulletproof,” “Cowgirls, “Hell Or High Water,” “I Am Not Okay,” “I Had Some Help,” “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us” and “Young Love & Saturday Nights.”
Zach Bryan (No. 3), Hunter Phelps (No. 4) and Chris Stapleton (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.
Americana Music Association Reveals 2024 Lifetime Achievement Honorees
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, top row): Dave Alvin and The Rev. Gary Davis; (L-R, middle row): Don Was, Shelby Lynne and Dwight Yoakam; (L-R, bottom row): The Blind Boys of Alabama
At the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards show on Sept. 18 at the Ryman Auditorium, the Americana Music Association will present Dave Alvin, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Rev. Gary Davis, Shelby Lynne, Don Was and Dwight Yoakam with their 2024 Lifetime Achievement Awards.
“This year’s Lifetime Achievement honorees represent multiple facets of American roots music. It is a privilege to recognize and celebrate the incredible careers of these artists. We look forward to another exceptional night at the Ryman Auditorium,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association and Foundation.
In addition to the Lifetime Achievement awards, the AMA will honor members of the music community with six member-voted awards. The Americana Honors & Awards ceremony serves as the hallmark event of the association’s annual AmericanaFest, taking place Sept. 17-21 in Nashville.
Lifetime Achievement honoree Dave Alvin was part of The Blasters with his brother Phil before embarking on his decades-long solo career. As a songwriter, poet and producer, Alvin was an integral part of the west coast roots and country music scene of the ’80s and ’90s. So much so that his leather jacket and famous red neck bandana are included in the Western Edge exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The Downey, California, native won a Grammy for his 2000 traditional folk album, Public Domain: Songs From the Wild Land.
The Blind Boys of Alabama revolutionized Black gospel music in the 1940s and 1950s with their infusion of a nontraditional, grooving rhythm section. Established in Talladega, Alabama, the group has included several generations of singers and leaders inspired and preserved by their approach, chiefly Clarence Fountain, George Scott, Sam Butler and Jimmy Carter. The five-time Grammy winners were signed by Peter Gabriel, produced by Booker T. Jones, toured with Tom Petty and recorded with Lou Reed, highlighting their versatile acclaim.
Rev. Gary Davis was a pioneer of the Piedmont blues tradition, impacting the world with both sacred and secular music before he died in 1972. He left his South Carolina home to entertain working people in the tobacco markets of Durham, North Carolina. In the ’60s, Davis became a fixture of the folk revival in New York, later influencing the Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, John Sebastian, Jorma Kaukonen and plenty more. Davis is the recipient of the AMA’s Legacy Award presented in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM).
With her version of country soul music, Shelby Lynne has inspired legions with her fiercely independent path to acclaim. At just 21, she was working with producer Billy Sherrill and recording for Epic Records. The Alabama native breakthrough with her album I Am Shelby Lynne, which helped secure her a Best New Artist Grammy in 2001. Lynne’s Dusty Springfield homage “Just A Little Lovin’” is regarded as a classic. Her many collaborations have included timeless recordings and performances with her younger sister, Allison Moorer.
Don Was’ career stretches the bounds of eclectic into new territory. The Detroit native grew up on blues, rock and jazz, and established the pop/rock band Was (Not Was) in the ’80s. As a producer, he has collaborated with Bonnie Raitt, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Brian Wilson and more. Since 2012 he’s been president of the historic jazz label Blue Note Records, and he has earned five Grammy Awards, including Producer of the Year. Was has been the longstanding bass player in the Americana Honors and Awards house band.
One of the most influential country recording artists of all time, Dwight Yoakam’s music is rooted in eastern Kentucky bluegrass and old-time music. After moving to Los Angeles in the early ’70s, he released a string of historic albums in the ’80s and ’90s that revitalized and expanded the Bakersfield and honky-tonk country traditions, earning him multiple Grammy Awards. Yoakam’s broad appeal transcended the core country audience, paving the way for the alt-country movement that would later evolve into Americana.