Post Malone and Blake Shelton perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
CMA Fest 2024 is officially here. At Thursday night’s (June 6) opening show at Nissan Stadium, the four-night run kicked off with a loud bang, with sets from Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more, with plenty of surprise guests.
To get things started, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed everyone to the 51st annual festival, reminding the crowd that proceeds from CMA Fest benefit music education via the CMA Foundation. After Reyna Roberts sang the National Anthem, the race was on.
Craig Morgan performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Craig Morgan was the first to hit the stage. He kicked off his set with one of CMA Fest-attendees favorite things, nostalgia, singing his 2005 hits “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” Nissan Stadium was fully engaged by the time he played “Almost Home.”
Morgan spent a lot of his set recognizing members of the military and first responders. The army veteran, who reenlisted into the army reserve earlier this year, spoke about the sacrifice and brotherhood of those who serve, and roused the crowd with his cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Soldier.”
“This one’s for the farmers!” Morgan exclaimed before closing his set with “International Harvester.” He left the crowd excited and ready for more.
Jordan Davis performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Next up was Jordan Davis, who came out swinging with “Take It From Me.” Transitioning quickly into his first-ever No. 1 “Singles You Up,” Davis immediately took advantage of the stadium-sized stage’s real estate, running from end to end and down near the crowd.
Davis glided through his set with ease, grinning at fans through “Tucson Too Late” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.”
“I moved to town in 2012 to write songs. It’s a dream to be here in front of you guys. But the real dream is being a father to three beautiful girls and a husband to my beautiful wife,” he said before playing his award-winning “Next Thing You Know.”
Chapel Hart performs at the platform stage at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
It was then and when he played the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt” that became a highlight of the night. Fans were swaying, hugging each other and singing every word to both of the meaningful songs.
Davis closed his up with a electrifying performance of “What My World Spins Around,” making for a great, well-rounded set.
Soon after, fans turned towards the back of the stadium to tune into the Platform Stage. Country trio Chapel Hart were first to have the slot. They charmed fans, as they always do, with “This Girl Likes Fords” and “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
Ashley McBryde and Gretchen Wilson perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Turning back to the main stage, it was time for Ashley McBryde, who was serving double duty on Thursday night as she is also co-hosting the CMA Fest television special alongside Jelly Roll.
She set the stage ablaze with “Blackout Betty” before thrilling fans with her “One Night Standards.” McBryde gazed out at the crowd with a grateful smile on her face, and appeared to be having the time of her life.
“We wrote this next song with hopes that one day I’d get to play the Grand Ole Opry. Tonight I’m hosting CMA Fest with my friend Jelly Roll and I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” she said before playing “Girl Going Nowhere.” By that point, the crowd was in the palm of her hand.
Dylan Gossett performs at the VIP stage at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
She continued to impress with “Women Ain’t Whiskey” and “Light On In The Kitchen” before surprising fans by inviting Gretchen Wilson to join her. The two rocked out on “Redneck Woman,” creating a special moment for the two female trailblazers.
McBryde kept the rocking vibes rolling with “Martha Divine” and “The Devil I Know” before exiting the stage, leaving Nissan Stadium thoroughly entertained.
Next up, fans turned their attention once again to the Platform Stage where Dylan Gossett appeared. He sang his viral hit “Coal,” which got everybody singing along, as well as “If I Had a Lover.”
Speaking of viral hits, before the music resumed on the main stage, buzzy newcomer Shaboozey appeared on a small stage in the middle of the floor. He got the whole stadium on their feet with his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Shaboozey performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Building on the dance-floor energy, next up was Thomas Rhett. He came out hot with “Look What God Gave Her” and his 20th No. 1 hit “Half of Me.”
Rhett took the chance to try out some new music, opting for a song called “Gone Country” from his recently-announced upcoming album About A Woman. He then got back to the hits, blazing through “Make Me Wanna,” rising single “Beautiful As You,” Moran Wallen-duet “Mamaw’s House” and fan-favorite “Crash and Burn.”
Fans were dancing in the aisles during “What’s Your Country Song” and sang at the top of the lungs to the eight-times Platinum “Die a Happy Man.”
Thomas Rhett performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The surprise of the night came next, when Post Malone appeared on the small stage in the middle of the floor. If fans were sitting down, they sprang to their feet when the superstar’s name was announced. Everyone in Nissan Stadium was trying to get a better look.
He sang his history-making debut country single, “I Had Some Help,” before enlisting another star to help with his next song, Blake Shelton. The two had a ball singing their new collaboration “Somebody Pour Me a Drink.”
To close out the next, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd took the stage for a rowdy and exciting performance. The house stayed pretty packed for their set, which started around 11:30.
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The legendary band rocked out on “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell” and “The Ballad of Curtis Loew.” Everyone soaked in the moment for their performance of the iconic “Simple Man,” and after “Gimme Three Steps,” the fans were thrilled with another surprise with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons joined Skynyrd for “Call me the Breeze.”
Closing up CMA Fest night one was an incredible double-whammy of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” Needless to say, fans left Nissan Stadium thoroughly entertained.
Chase Rice Officially Announces Exit From BBR Music Group
/by Liza AndersonChase Rice. Photo: Evan De Stefano
Chase Rice shared with fans on Instagram yesterday (June 6) that he parted ways with his record label, Brown Bow Records/BBR Music Group, a few months ago. The official announcement follows his recent independent release, “Fireside.”
After signing with the label in 2017, Rice scored his first two No. 1 hits as an artist with double-Platinum single “Eyes On You” and Platinum track “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen. (feat. Florida Georgia Line).”
“I appreciate the love and songs Broken Bow and I did together. We had a lot of fun, and had two No. 1s. I made friends and met people that will always be a positive influence in my life. But now, it’s time for me to ride this crazy roller coaster we call the music industry by myself,” he stated.
Along with the news, Rice gave followers a taste of a new tune that he feels, “explains it all for [him],” sharing, “I’m thinkin’ this is gonna be the title track of my next album and I hope y’all love the truth in it.”
Additionally, the artist plans to hit the road with Dierks Bentley on his “Gravel & Gold Tour” and make several festival appearances this summer.
Rice is represented by Why&How for management and The Neal Agency for booking.
CMA Fest Day 1: Label Takeovers, Spotify House, Riverfront Stage, More
/by Madison HahnenPost Malone performs at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 6, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
CMA Fest 2024 officially kicked off yesterday (June 6) in downtown Nashville. Performances from the biggest names and rising newcomers in country music were present from 10 a.m- 2 a.m this morning.
Down by the Cumberland River, Dylan Scott opened up the beloved Chevy Riverfront Stage yesterday. Other performers included Jackson Dean, Dylan Marlowe, Chase Matthew, Matt Stell, Lauren Alaina, Runaway June, Corey Kent, Warren Zeiders and Bryan Martin.
Over at Ole Red, Spotify began its three day takeover for their annual Spotify House event. The day kicked off with Old Dominion and featured performances from Cole Swindell, Dylan Gossett, Ella Langley, Graham Barham, Jordan Davis, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan,Mackenzie Carpenter, Mitchell Tenpenny,Russell Dickerson, Tanner Adell and Tyler Hubbard. The evening came to an end with a surprise performance from Post Malone, who also brought up Blake Shelton for a special duet. The two also surprised Nissan Stadium attendees earlier in the night.
The Fresh Finds Rooftop was also buzzing with performances from country newcomers Aidan Canfield, Vincent Mason, Zach Top, Ashley Anne, Hannah McFarland and Max McNown.
Tyler Hubbard. Photo: Chris Hollo
UMG Nashville began their four day takeover of Skydeck. Attendees saw performances from Tyler Hubbard, Tucker Wetmore, Bryce Leatherwood, Catie Offerman, Caylee Hammack and Kylie Morgan. Hubbard also took some time to chat with TV personality Graham Bunn while on stage, while Hammack and Morgan held their own fan club parties.
Warner Music Nashville also kept the party going with their Heatwave House at Barstool Nashville. Festival-goers enjoyed performances from William Beckahm, Matt Schuster, The Castellows, Braxton Keith, Chase Matthew, Dasha, Cole Swindell, Tyler Braden and Drew Parker.
Pictured (L-R): BMI Foundation Trustee and BMI Vice President, Creative, Clay Bradley; Madi Hendry; BMI Assistant Vice President, Creative, Mason Hunter. photo: Erika Goldring
The BMI Foundation presented singer-songwriter Madi Hendry with the 2024 Dolly Parton Songwriters Award at the CMA Fest & Ryman Block Party. Hendry won the award for her song “Time Is A Thief,” which was submitted and chosen amongst 300 song submissions.
Catie Offerman. Photo: Chris Holo
Pictured (L-R): Justin Luffman (VP Artist Development, WMN), Anna Cage (VP Radio, WMN), Mike Dupree (SVP Creative Director, WMN), Cole Swindell, Ben Kline (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Commercial Partnerships, WMN), Tom Martens (VP Radio Accounts, WMN). Photo: Courtesy of WMN
Pictured (L-R): Standing: Alex Lund (Dasha Management), Victoria Mason (SVP Strategic Marketing & Analytics, WMN), Jamie Younger (VP Artist Development, WMN), Anna Cage (VP Radio, WMN), Kelly Bolton (VP A&R, Warner Records), Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Commercial Partnerships, WMN), James Marsh (Director of Radio Accounts, WMN), Tom Martens (VP Radio Accounts, WMN), Axel Hyge (SVP Streaming Strategy, Warner Records), Connor Hunt (Director Media & Strategic Development, Warner Records)
Kneeling: Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Jeremy Rubin (VP Adult Formats & Analytic, Warner Records), Dasha, Ben Farber (VP Streaming & Revenue, Warner Records), Katy Cooper (Dasha Management). Photo: Courtesy of WMN
Dylan Scott & his WME team. Photo: Courtesy of Press On Publicity
Max McNown & Hannah McFarland perform at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 6, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images
Pictured (L-R, front row): Kristen Williams (SVP Radio & Commercial Partnerships, WMN), Stephanie Wright (SVP A&R, WMN), The Castellows, Isaac Green (SVP A&R, Warner Records), Jamie Younger (VP Artist Development, WMN). (L-R, back row): James Marsh (Director of Radio Accounts, WMN), Tom Martens (VP Radio Accounts, WMN), Ben Kline (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Anna Cage (VP Radio, WMN).
Thomas Rhett performs at Spotify House during CMA Fest at Ole Red on June 6, 2024, in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Getty Images
Tucker Wetmore. Photo: Chris Hollo
Pictured: (L to R): Anna Pittman (VP Artist Development, WMN), Ben Kline (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN), Ashley McBryde, Cris Lacy (Co-Chair/Co-President, WMN)
Little Big Town To Celebrate 25th Anniversary With ‘Greatest Hits’ Collection
/by Lorie HollabaughLittle Big Town is mining the vault for their first-ever Greatest Hits album, out Aug. 9 via Capitol Records Nashville/UMG Nashville, to mark their 25th anniversary. In celebration of the forthcoming collection, they unveiled the new version of their 2011 hit “Shut Up Train” featuring Kelsea Ballerini today (June 7).
The project includes over two decades of hits on one definitive body of work, ranging from Grammy-winning “Pontoon,” “Boondocks” and “Better Man,” to “Girl Crush” and “Wine, Beer, Whiskey.”
Additionally, the foursome linked up with Miranda Lambert for a rendition of their 2010 Platinum tune “Little White Church.” They also recently released a cover of Phil Collins‘ “Take Me Home” with Sugarland, which has amassed over one million streams and counting.
“As we embark on the next 25 years of Little Big Town, we wanted to reflect back on our catalog and really honor the songs that have had the greatest impact throughout this incredible journey,” the group shares. “This Greatest Hits album was carefully curated by all four of us and is a love letter to our fans who have been there for every reason.”
Greatest Hits Track Listing:
Side A
“Boondocks”
“I’m With the Band”
“Little White Church (feat. Miranda Lambert)”
“Better Man”
“Pontoon”
“Bring It On Home”
Side B
“Shut Up Train (feat. Kelsea Ballerini)”
“Sober”
“Tornado”
“Wine, Beer, Whiskey”
“Girl Crush”
“Take Me Home (feat. Sugarland)”
Ella Langley Readies Debut Album, ‘Hungover’
/by LB CantrellRising country star Ella Langley will release her debut album, Hungover, on Aug. 2 via Sawgod Records/Columbia.
The 14-track album, which Langley describes as “raw, fun and emotional,” will feature previously released tracks “Paint the Town Blue” and “Nicotine.” Hungover follows her debut EP, Excuse The Mess, from May 2023.
To celebrate the news, Langley has released the album’s title track, written alongside Josh Kear and Chris Tompkins.
“This has been my dream for my whole entire life, so releasing my very first record is a really good feeling, and I’m so proud of it,” Langley says. “Before this record was even finished, I remember driving around in my car listening to ‘Hungover,’ and it hit me that it was the perfect title to encapsulate this era of my life and all the feelings I’ve poured into the songs. There’s a lot of different ways you can be hungover, but Lord knows every hangover hurts.”
Langley just finished supporting Riley Green’s “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour” and, following her CMA Fest performance today (June 7) on the Riverfront stage, she will head out on the road throughout the remainder of the year supporting Hardy, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley and Morgan Wallen.
She kicked off 2024 with her first CMT Music Awards nomination for “That’s Why We Fight” featuring Koe Wetzel, and the release of her duet with Kameron Marlowe, “Strangers,” which impacted country radio last week with 36 first-week station adds.
Hungover Track List:
1. Hungover (Ella Langley/Josh Kear/Chris Tompkins)
2. I Blame the Bar (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Chris LaCorte/Meg McCree)
3. You Look Like You Love Me Ft. Riley Green (Ella Langley/Aaron Ratiere/Riley Green)
4. Nicotine (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Zachary Kale/Jon Nite)
5. Love You Tonight (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Lydia Vaughan)
6. Better Be Tough (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Brett James/Erik Dylan)
7. Paint the Town Blue (Ella Langley/Will Bundy/Rhett Akins/Travis Wood)
8. Cowboy Friends (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Lydia Vaughan/Austin Goodloe)
9. Girl Who Drank Wine (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Johnny Clawson)
10. Monsters (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski)
11. People Change (Ella Langley/Joybeth Taylor/Laura Veltz/Austin Goodloe)
12. Closest to Heaven (Ella Langley/Smith Ahnquist/Johnny Clawson)
13. Cowgirl Don’t Cry (Acoustic) (Ella Langley/Jordan Fletcher)
14. Broken in (Acoustic) (Ella Langley/Ian Christian/Jordan Fletcher)
Avery Anna To ‘Breakup Over Breakfast’ On Debut Album
/by Liza AndersonEmerging artist Avery Anna plans to release her debut album, Breakup Over Breakfast, on July 19 via Warner Music Nashville.
Along with the newly-released title track, the 17-song project will feature “Make It Look Easy” as well as singles “Two Sides Of The Story” and “Blonde.”
“Breakup Over Breakfast as a whole conveys good intentions and bad outcomes. Throughout the process of writing these songs I’ve really kept my personal life in mind, especially the experiences I’ve had with my fans. We are all so desperate for love and connection but the journey to find those things can sometimes get messy and that’s just the harsh reality of life,” explains Anna. “This album means so much to me. It’s very personal and nerve-racking for me to release it into the world and show that side of myself but I’m ready to rock out, sob, sing and connect. It’s a little bit of everything that I love—rock, acoustic singer-songwriter, pop, country—all the kinds of music that have served as the soundtrack to my life over the past couple of years. I hope you love it!”
Since launching her music career a few years ago, the Arizona native has been named an Artist To Watch by Amazon Music, Apple Music, Pandora, Spotify and YouTube. Her 2022 debut EP, Mood Swings, featured the Gold-certified viral hit “Narcissist,” which Anna performed as a first-time nominee during the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Additionally, she is set to make multiple CMA Fest appearances this weekend. Anna will hit Spotify House tomorrow (June 8), before taking the Riverfront Stage Sunday morning (June 9).
Breakup Over Breakfast Track Listing:
1. “Breakup Over Breakfast” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
2. “Vanilla” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Steph Jones
3. “Blame It On My Broken Heart” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, KK Johnson, Ben Johnson
4. “It’s Just Rainin’” – Avery Anna, Jamie Collazo, Blake Pendergrass, Seth Ennis
5. “Lose You Again (feat. Parmalee)” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
6. “Party” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Jamie Collazo, Ben Williams
7. “If You Wanna Hurt Somebody” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
8. “Honey” – Avery Anna, Colin Healy, Emily Landis, Chris McKenna
9. “Don’t Be That Guy” – Avery Anna, Andy Sheridan, Jared Scott, Seth Ennis
10. “Grand Canyon” – Avery Anna, Emily Landis, Kat Higgins
11. “Make It Look Easy” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
12. “Blonde” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
13. “Know It All” – Avery Anna, Ben Williams, Mark Holman
14. “I Will (When You Do) (feat. Dylan Marlowe)” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Abram Dean, Dylan Marlowe, Joe Fox
15. “Two Sides Of The Story” – Avery Anna, David Fanning, Andy Sheridan, Ben Williams
16. “Girl Next Door” – Avery Anna
17. “The Rest (feat. The Love Junkies)” – Avery Anna, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, Hillary Lindsey
CMA Fest Night 1: Post Malone, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde & More Bring The Thrills
/by LB CantrellPost Malone and Blake Shelton perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
CMA Fest 2024 is officially here. At Thursday night’s (June 6) opening show at Nissan Stadium, the four-night run kicked off with a loud bang, with sets from Thomas Rhett, Ashley McBryde, Jordan Davis, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more, with plenty of surprise guests.
To get things started, CMA CEO Sarah Trahern welcomed everyone to the 51st annual festival, reminding the crowd that proceeds from CMA Fest benefit music education via the CMA Foundation. After Reyna Roberts sang the National Anthem, the race was on.
Craig Morgan performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Craig Morgan was the first to hit the stage. He kicked off his set with one of CMA Fest-attendees favorite things, nostalgia, singing his 2005 hits “Redneck Yacht Club” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” Nissan Stadium was fully engaged by the time he played “Almost Home.”
Morgan spent a lot of his set recognizing members of the military and first responders. The army veteran, who reenlisted into the army reserve earlier this year, spoke about the sacrifice and brotherhood of those who serve, and roused the crowd with his cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Soldier.”
“This one’s for the farmers!” Morgan exclaimed before closing his set with “International Harvester.” He left the crowd excited and ready for more.
Jordan Davis performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Next up was Jordan Davis, who came out swinging with “Take It From Me.” Transitioning quickly into his first-ever No. 1 “Singles You Up,” Davis immediately took advantage of the stadium-sized stage’s real estate, running from end to end and down near the crowd.
Davis glided through his set with ease, grinning at fans through “Tucson Too Late” and “Slow Dance In A Parking Lot.”
“I moved to town in 2012 to write songs. It’s a dream to be here in front of you guys. But the real dream is being a father to three beautiful girls and a husband to my beautiful wife,” he said before playing his award-winning “Next Thing You Know.”
Chapel Hart performs at the platform stage at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
It was then and when he played the 2022 CMA Song of the Year “Buy Dirt” that became a highlight of the night. Fans were swaying, hugging each other and singing every word to both of the meaningful songs.
Davis closed his up with a electrifying performance of “What My World Spins Around,” making for a great, well-rounded set.
Soon after, fans turned towards the back of the stadium to tune into the Platform Stage. Country trio Chapel Hart were first to have the slot. They charmed fans, as they always do, with “This Girl Likes Fords” and “You Can Have Him Jolene.”
Ashley McBryde and Gretchen Wilson perform at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Turning back to the main stage, it was time for Ashley McBryde, who was serving double duty on Thursday night as she is also co-hosting the CMA Fest television special alongside Jelly Roll.
She set the stage ablaze with “Blackout Betty” before thrilling fans with her “One Night Standards.” McBryde gazed out at the crowd with a grateful smile on her face, and appeared to be having the time of her life.
“We wrote this next song with hopes that one day I’d get to play the Grand Ole Opry. Tonight I’m hosting CMA Fest with my friend Jelly Roll and I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry,” she said before playing “Girl Going Nowhere.” By that point, the crowd was in the palm of her hand.
Dylan Gossett performs at the VIP stage at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
She continued to impress with “Women Ain’t Whiskey” and “Light On In The Kitchen” before surprising fans by inviting Gretchen Wilson to join her. The two rocked out on “Redneck Woman,” creating a special moment for the two female trailblazers.
McBryde kept the rocking vibes rolling with “Martha Divine” and “The Devil I Know” before exiting the stage, leaving Nissan Stadium thoroughly entertained.
Next up, fans turned their attention once again to the Platform Stage where Dylan Gossett appeared. He sang his viral hit “Coal,” which got everybody singing along, as well as “If I Had a Lover.”
Speaking of viral hits, before the music resumed on the main stage, buzzy newcomer Shaboozey appeared on a small stage in the middle of the floor. He got the whole stadium on their feet with his smash hit “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
Shaboozey performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
Building on the dance-floor energy, next up was Thomas Rhett. He came out hot with “Look What God Gave Her” and his 20th No. 1 hit “Half of Me.”
Rhett took the chance to try out some new music, opting for a song called “Gone Country” from his recently-announced upcoming album About A Woman. He then got back to the hits, blazing through “Make Me Wanna,” rising single “Beautiful As You,” Moran Wallen-duet “Mamaw’s House” and fan-favorite “Crash and Burn.”
Fans were dancing in the aisles during “What’s Your Country Song” and sang at the top of the lungs to the eight-times Platinum “Die a Happy Man.”
Thomas Rhett performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The surprise of the night came next, when Post Malone appeared on the small stage in the middle of the floor. If fans were sitting down, they sprang to their feet when the superstar’s name was announced. Everyone in Nissan Stadium was trying to get a better look.
He sang his history-making debut country single, “I Had Some Help,” before enlisting another star to help with his next song, Blake Shelton. The two had a ball singing their new collaboration “Somebody Pour Me a Drink.”
To close out the next, Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Lynyrd Skynyrd took the stage for a rowdy and exciting performance. The house stayed pretty packed for their set, which started around 11:30.
Lynyrd Skynyrd performs at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 6 during CMA Fest 2024 in downtown Nashville. Photo: Courtesy of CMA
The legendary band rocked out on “What’s Your Name,” “That Smell” and “The Ballad of Curtis Loew.” Everyone soaked in the moment for their performance of the iconic “Simple Man,” and after “Gimme Three Steps,” the fans were thrilled with another surprise with ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons joined Skynyrd for “Call me the Breeze.”
Closing up CMA Fest night one was an incredible double-whammy of “Sweet Home Alabama” and “Free Bird.” Needless to say, fans left Nissan Stadium thoroughly entertained.
Ernest & Friends Shine At 2024 ‘Stars For Second Harvest’ Benefit Concert
/by Lorie HollabaughErnest hosting the 2024 “Stars For Second Harvest” benefit concert at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Corey Miller
Ernest hosted the annual “Stars For Second Harvest” benefit concert, presented by Nissan, Tuesday night (June 4) at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
Pictured (L–R): Hardy, Darius Rucker, Chase Rice, Jamey Johnson and Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo: Corey Miller
Hardy, Jamey Johnson, Darius Rucker, Mitchell Tenpenny, Chase Rice, Lukas Nelson and more were also present for the special night of music, laughter and community, which supported a donation of more than 1.4 million meals to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and their efforts to provide food to those facing hunger and advance hunger solutions in the community.
The sold-out event marked the Nashville native and longtime Second Harvest supporter’s first official year taking over as host, succeeding his mentor and friend Craig Wiseman. He opened the night with a heartfelt message of thanks to Wiseman for seeing something in him early on, before officially introducing the songwriters round, and later taking the stage for a headlining set. The hitmaker rolled through “Flower Shops” and performed “Why Dallas” alongside Nelson as well as “Ain’t As Easy” and “Kiss of Death” from his latest album, Nashville, Tennessee.
Kickoff Jam Festival Canceled In Panama City Beach
/by John Nix Arledge“After the success of Gulf Coast Jam last week in Panama City Beach, we realized the weekend after Memorial Day is a much better time to host a festival,” says the producers of Kickoff Jam. “So, we are going to cancel Kickoff Jam and provide refunds.”
For those who have already purchased tickets, refunds will be available. Details can be found on the event’s official website, www.kickoffjampcb.com.
Muscadine Bloodline Slates New Album ‘The Coastal Plain’ For August
/by Lorie HollabaughMuscadine Bloodline. Photo: Jay Siske
Duo Muscadine Bloodline is gearing up for the summer release of their new album, The Coastal Plain, on Aug. 16 via Stancaster Music/Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, the new song “10-90” is debuting today (June 7).
Produced by the duo’s Charlie Muncaster and Gary Stanton and their close collaborator Ryan Youmans, The Coastal Plain finds the two mining their own histories to tell stories of the people and places that raised them. Across the 14 tracks, including previously-released songs, “Mary Riley,” “Earle Byrd From Mexia,” “Weyerhaeuser Land” and “Low Hangin’ Fruit,” the pair create a singular sound as they infuse their country foundation with the roots and gospel they grew up on in their hometown of Mobile, Alabama.
“In a way this record feels like an ode to ourselves and the fact that we’ve finally found our sound, which is hopefully something that will end up inspiring other artists down the road,” says Muscadine Bloodline. “Our motto for the last few years has been, ‘Make what we love, and everything else will take care of itself.’ We just want to stay adventurous and keep evolving and keep elevating our game, and because of that the music is the strongest it’s ever been.”
The duo will continue to tour throughout the summer including upcoming shows at Los Angeles’ Regent Theater, Charleston’s The Windjammer, Norfolk’s The NorVa and Richmond’s The National, among others.
2. Daffodils (Gary Stanton)
3. Earle Byrd From Mexia (Gary Stanton)
4. One Man War (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster, Ryan Youmans)
5. Pay Me No Mind (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster, Ryan Youmans)
6. Tickets to Turnpike (feat. Kyle Nix) (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
7. Airport & McGregor (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
8. High On The Ridge (Gary Stanton)
9. Rattlesnake Ridge (Gary Stanton, Jay Siske)
10. 10-90 (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster, Kendell Marvel)
11. Mary Riley (Gary Stanton, Ben Chapman)
12. Weyerhaeuser Land (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
13. Low Hangin’ Fruit (Gary Stanton, Charlie Muncaster)
14. Good In This World (Gary Stanton)
Jelly Roll’s ‘Halfway To Hell’ Reclaims Top Spot On MusicRow Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeJelly Roll’s track “Halfway To Hell” takes the No. 1 spot on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week for the second time, rising from No. 3 to No. 1.
The track appears on Jelly Roll’s Whitsitt Chapel album and was written by Jelly Roll, Jesse Frasure, Jessie Jo Dillon and Matt Jenkins.
This week, Jelly Roll, alongside Ashley McBryde, is hosting a three-hour primetime CMA Fest concert special. The special will film during the 51st CMA Fest, and air Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC.
“Halfway To Hell” currently sits at No. 2 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 2 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.