Martina McBride To Judge Magnolia Network/Max Talent Competition Show This Fall

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Martina McBride. Photo: Joseph Llanes

A new talent competition series from the Magnolia Network, Second Chance Stage, is in development to air on Max this fall and will include Martina McBride as one of the judges.

Filmed in Kansas City, the eight-episode series, produced by Sony Pictures Television’s The Intellectual Property Corporation, offers contestants who have pushed their dreams aside for years a second chance at their big break. With performances ranging from dancing to singing, stand-up comedy and more, one winner will receive a $100,000 cash prize in front of an audience of talent scouts, agents and producers looking for the next big star.

Other judges include actor Taye Diggs and Saturday Night Live cast member, comedian and actress Heidi Gardner, with sports broadcaster and New York Times bestselling author Emmanuel Acho tapped to host.

Magnolia Network is a joint venture between Chip and Joanna Gaines and Warner Bros. Discovery, featuring a family-friendly library of Emmy-winning, unscripted original content streaming on Max and discovery+ and the cable network.

George Strait Reveals More Details On Upcoming Album ‘Cowboys And Dreamers’

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Country Music Hall of Fame member George Strait has debuted the first track of his upcoming album Cowboys And Dreamers, “MIA Down in MIA.” The new album was announced during his sold-out performance at Indianapolis’ Lucas Oil Stadium earlier this month.

Written by Adam Craig and Dean Dillon, and produced by Strait and Chuck Ainlay, the track features Strait’s Ace in the Hole Band along with fiddle player Gene Elders.

“I’m dedicating this record to my longtime manager and friend Erv Woolsey and my longtime fiddle player and friend Gene Elders, who we lost on the same day, March 20, 2024, as well as my longtime friend and road manager Tom Foote, who we lost on April 29, 2024,” explains Strait. “I will never forget all of the good times we had together. May they rest in peace with our Lord Jesus Christ.”

YouTube video

Following the success of Honky Tonk Time Machine, his 27th No. 1 Billboard Country album, Cowboys And Dreamers is set to feature 13 new tracks, including “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame,” a collaboration with Chris Stapleton that he debuted during the Lucas Oil Stadium performance, as well as Strait’s rendition of Waylon Jennings’ “Waymore’s Blues.”

Strait will continue his tour on Saturday, May 25 at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa, followed by dates in Charlotte, North Carolina, East Rutherford, New Jersey, College Station, Texas, Salt Lake City, Utah, Detroit, Michigan and Chicago. The tour will conclude with Strait’s 37th installment of his longtime show “Strait to Vegas” on Dec. 7 at Allegiant Stadium.

Cowboys And Dreamers Track Listing:
1. “Three Drinks Behind” (Benjamin Gaither, Jeff Silvey and Kim Williams)
2. “Cowboys And Dreamers” (Jessie Jo Dillon, Keith Gattis and Bubba Strait)
3. “To The Moon” (Marty Brown and Steve Clark)
4. “MIA Down in MIA” (Adam Craig and Dean Dillon)
5. “Wish I Could Say” (Keith Gattis)
6. “Calling From The Car” (Bobby Braddock)
7. “People Get Hurt Sometimes” (Jim Lauderdale, Kendell Marvel and Jimmy Ritchey)
8. “Honky Tonk Hall Of Fame ft. Chris Stapleton” (Chris Stapleton, Jameson Clark and Timothy James)
9. “The Little Things” (George Strait, Monty Criswell and Bubba Strait)
10. “The Book” (George Strait, Dean Dillon, Jessie Jo Dillon and Bubba Strait)
11. “Rent” (Guy Clark and Keith Gattis)
12. “Waymore’s Blues”(Curtis Buck and Waylon Jennings)
13. “The Journey Of Your Life” (Ronnie Bowman and Troy Jones)

Austin Snell’s ‘Still Bleeding’ Set For June 28

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Austin Snell‘s debut album, Still Bleeding, is set to drop June 28 via River House Artists and Warner Music Nashville.

Still Bleeding features 13 tracks produced by Andrew Baylis, blending the rich narratives of country music with a gritty sensibility to create what Snell aptly terms ‘grunge-country.’ The release features Snell’s breakout hit, “Pray All The Way Home,” which is now impacting at country radio, and traverses the emotional landscapes of mental health, fast-paced living, and much-needed compassion, amplified by dark-energy guitars.

“I’ve never been prouder of a piece of work in my life. This album gets fun, it gets deep, it gets happy, and it gets sad, a lot like life itself,” says Snell. “I truly found my purpose in writing this album and telling stories about the good, the bad, and the ugly. So that’s what I’m gonna do… As long as I’m ‘Still Bleeding.'”

In celebration of the album announcement, Snell debuted the video for “So Can I,” a new track that offers an emotional look at the raw vulnerability of asking someone not to give up on you.

YouTube video

Still Bleeding follows Snell’s 2022 EP, Muddy Water Rockstar, which cemented his status as a rising country star to watch. His debut singles, “Excuse the Mess” and “Wasting All These Tears” have racked up 235+ million global career streams and he was named the first country artist in SiriusXM/Pandora’s artist accelerator program.

Still Bleeding Track List:
1.   Some Things Just Stick (Austin Snell, Christian Yancey, Kenny Whitmire, Sam Johnson)
2.   Pray All The Way Home (Austin Snell, Cameron Walker, Michael Whitworth, Andrew Baylis)
3.   Wildfire (Jared Conrad, Codey Lohden, Clayton Mullen)
4.   Double Barrel (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Tucker Beathard)
5.   Whiskey Me (Austin Snell, Sydney Cubit, Gabe Foust)
6.   Other Girl (Austin Snell, Matt Dragstrem, Matt Roy, Driver Williams)
7.   Wasting Mine (Austin Snell)
8.   Don’t Pick Up (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Cody Lohden, Conor Matthews, Riley Thomas, Christian Yancey)
9.   More Alcohol (Austin Snell, Matt McGinn, Blake Pendergrass, Michael Lotten)
10. Let Me Burn (Austin Snell, Andrew Baylis, Jacob Hackworth, Bones Owens)
11. So Can I (Austin Snell, Lukas Scott, Joybeth Taylor)
12. Everybody’s Friend (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)
13. We Weren’t Meant To Be (Austin Snell, Driver Williams, Justin Ebach)

Country Producer Bud Logan Passes

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Noted Nashville record producer Bud Logan has died at age 83.

Logan is best known for producing 23 top 10 hits for Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee between 1978 and 1988, including such signature songs as “Rose Colored Glasses” and “Friday Night Blues.” He also produced “I Tell It Like It Used to Be” and “Hell and High Water,” which launched the career of Opry star T. Graham Brown.

Born Ira Robert Logan, he was a Tennessee native who first came to prominence as the bass player for The Blue Boys, the backing band of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jim Reeves. After Reeves died in a 1964 plane crash, Logan became the band’s lead singer. The Blue Boys Featuring Bud Logan charted with two RCA singles, 1967’s “My Cup Runneth Over” and 1968’s “I’m Not Ready Yet.”

Logan also recorded as a solo artist, both for RCA (1968-69) and Mercury (1970-71). He formed a successful duo with Wilma Burgess, and the pair had hits with “Wake Me Into Love” and “The Best Day of the Rest of Our Love” in 1974.

He was also a songwriter. Logan’s songs were recorded by Jean Shepard, Billy Large and Charlie Rich, among others. Ernest Tubb released Logan’s “Till My Getup Has Has Gotup and Gone” as a Decca Records single in 1966.

But it was as a record producer that Logan became best known. In addition to the hits of Conlee and Brown, he produced such country artists as Roy Head, Dana McVicker, Johnny Lee, Shane Barnby, B.J. Thomas and Jeff Knight. He was noted as a mentor to many young singers and songwriters in Music City.

Bud Logan passed away in Nashville on May 13. No funeral services have been scheduled. Arrangements are being handled by Forest Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens.

Jon Pardi Extends ‘Mr. Saturday Night Tour’

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Jon Pardi. Photo: Courtesy of Red Light Management

Jon Pardi has extended his “Mr. Saturday Night Tour” with 16 additional dates. Priscilla Block, Larry Fleet and Meghan Patrick will serve as support for the fall run.

The tour will kick off on Sept. 5 in Baltimore and will make stops in Toronto, San Diego, Huntsville and more before wrapping up in Corpus Christi on Oct. 12. Pardi’s tour also includes a hometown show in Bakersfield, California on Sept. 28.

A portion of every ticket sold will benefit the Starlight Fund. Founded by Pardi and his wife Summer, the foundation supports organizations dedicated to giving opportunities and resources to young people in need that are pursuing a path in the trades, agriculture and construction.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday (May 24) at 10 a.m. local time.

“Mr. Saturday Night Tour” Dates:
9/5/2024 – Baltimore, MD – Pier Six Pavilion*
9/6/2024 – Wilmington, NC – Live Oak Bank Pavilion*
9/7/2024 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium*
9/12/2024 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre*
9/13/2024 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre*
9/14/2024 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*
9/20/2024 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheater^
9/21/2024 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre^
9/27/2024 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre^
9/28/2024 – Bakersfield, CA – Mechanics Bank Arena^
10/3/2024 – Huntsville, AL – Orion Amphitheater#
10/4/2024 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre#
10/5/2024 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater#
10/10/2024 – Brandon, MS – Brandon Amphitheater^
10/11/2024 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^
10/12/2024 – Corpus Christi, TX – AmericanBank Center^

*  Priscilla Block and Meghan Patrick as support
^  Priscilla Block (direct) and Larry Fleet (opener) as support
# Larry Fleet (direct) and Priscilla Block (opener) as support

YNOT Wednesdays Songwriters Series Announces New Location

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Zebb Luster

The YNOT Wednesdays songwriter series has moved to a new location at Tin Roof on Demonbreun in Nashville. The first round in its new venue will take place on May 29.

Launched in January of 2017 by River House Artists VP/GM Zebb Luster, the series was conceived as a platform for songwriters and artists to showcase their talents and build relationships with other creatives before having traction in the music industry. Over its eight-year run at Demobreun’s Live Oak, the monthly showcase has hosted more than 250 shows featuring performances by notable songwriters and artists such as Ashley McBryde, Luke Combs, Lainey Wilson, Ashley Gorley, Jordan Davis, Austin Snell, Randy Montana and more.

“When I first arrived in Nashville, the very first songwriter event I experienced was Revival at Tin Roof. I vividly recall witnessing the Nashville community come together to support one another, and I knew instantly that I wanted to be a part of this vibrant community,” shares Luster. “The sense of support and belonging that I felt then is the exact vision I’ve always held for this event. It was a full-circle moment for me when we found our new home at Tin Roof. We are deeply grateful for the years of support and success with our friends at Live Oak, who welcomed me with open arms.”

WSM Radio Adds Two New Shows

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Eryn Cooper & Lexi Carter

WSM Radio has added two new shows to its lineup, On Air with Eryn, hosted by Eryn Cooper, and Late Nights with Lexi, hosted by Lexi Carter. Both begin Monday (May 20).

On Air with Eryn will take the afternoon drive slot from 3 to 7 p.m. and keep listeners up to date with all things Nashville while serving up the best in country music, exclusive interviews and the latest entertainment from Music City. Cooper, who has spent the last six months as the producer for the WSM Radio flagship show, Coffee, Country & Cody, will also host The Opry Warm Up Show where WSM sets the stage for an unforgettable evening of history-making performances at the Opry, previewing the artists set to perform and honoring Opry Members past and present.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to take this next step with WSM,” says Cooper. “This is an opportunity to carry on the prestigious history of country music’s most famed platform and combine it with the stories of the genre’s newest faces. Country music is meant to make folks feel at home, and I intend to make you feel that way every day during On Air with Eryn.”

Cooper is succeeded on Coffee Country and Cody by Annie Ney, a recent addition to WSM Radio as a Digital Content Coordinator. Ney will assist in the day-to-day production of the morning show simulcast on Circle Country and content distribution across various digital platforms.

Late Nights With Lexi will keep listeners company overnight  from 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. with a nostalgic mix of classic country from the ’80s, ’90s and 2000s. Carter started at WSM Radio as a producer for Nashville Today, and quickly rose to host the afternoon drive show before serving as Music Director for WSM Radio, Opry Nashville and Route 650 in her current role.

“I’m thrilled to embark on this new chapter with WSM Radio,” shares Carter. “Late Nights with Lexi is not just a radio show; it is a platform for celebrating the rich tapestry of country music and the Grand Ole Opry while connecting with a new audience in the overnight hours.”

Listeners can tune in to both shows on WSM Radio starting May 20 both on-air at 650 AM and online via the WSM Radio website, the WSM Radio mobile app, iHeartRadio, TuneIn and more.

“It is an honor to oversee the expansion of the WSM On-Air team as more exciting announcements are on the horizon, coinciding with the 100-year celebration in 2025,” says WSM Radio General Manager Eric Marcum. “In a short time, Eryn has proven she can shine with the brightest stars in Nashville. Her talents, skills and work ethic are already proving successful both on air and in our digital outlets. Lexi is such a valued member of the WSM family, not only curating a music catalog synonymous with the sound of WSM but also providing a familiar and friendly voice on the air, with more programming opportunities on the way.”

Ryman Auditorium’s Annual Community Day Set For May 26

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The Ryman Auditorium will host its annual Community Day on May 26. Tennessee residents are invited to enjoy the Ryman’s daytime tour experience free of charge from 9 a.m.–4 p.m. with a valid Tennessee state ID.

Guests will have the opportunity to experience the Ryman’s newest exhibit, “From Memphis to the Ryman,” which highlights the story of Elvis Presley’s one and only Grand Ole Opry performance through a series of recollections, photographs and artifact displays.

“This year’s Community Day is exciting because it will be the first time Tennesseans can see our new ‘From Memphis to the Ryman’ exhibit for free,” says Gary Levy, General Manager, Ryman Auditorium. “The Ryman is full of unique stories, and Elvis Presley’s Opry debut is one of the most talked-about moments in Ryman history. We are pleased to showcase this new experience to locals.”

As part of the Community Day festivities, the Ryman’s PNC Plaza will include on-site printmaking from Hatch Show Print, free live music, food trucks and games and activities for children like face painting, balloon animals and caricatures. Once visitors enter the Ryman, they will have access to the full daytime tour experience, which includes other exhibits like “Rock Hall at the Ryman” and the “Soul of Nashville” immersive theater as well as a souvenir photo on the stage. Guests will also have access to a new video experience, “Show Day at the Ryman,” which provides a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into putting on a show at the historic venue.

Other items unique to the Ryman’s daytime tour include a striped jumpsuit owned and worn by Diana Ross, an outfit worn by Luke Combs during his 2018 Ryman debut performance and a designer dress and shoes worn by Taylor Swift during the 2022 NSAI Awards.

Tickets can be reserved in advance. For more information, click here.

Amazon Music Names Nate Smith As Next Breakthrough Artist During ACM Awards

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Amazon Music announced that Nate Smith would be the platform’s newest Breakthrough artist during the 59th Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday night (May 16). Fellow Breakthrough alum Breland presented Smith with the honor.

Following the announcement, Smith and Avril Lavigne gave a performance of Smith’s single “Bulletproof.”

Amazon Music’s Breakthrough program aims to amplifying the best new talent and champion them at key moments early in their careers. As a part of this program, the platform will support Smith with a global marketing campaign, increased visibility across playlists and stations, an Amazon Music Original track and more.

“When it came time to select our next Breakthrough country artist, Nate Smith was the obvious choice. A generational voice and a true Nashville success story, it’s been a joy watching his rise and seeing country music fans discover his music over the last few years,” says Jenni Tay, artist relations for Amazon Music. “We’ve long championed his music, and with Nate joining the Breakthrough family, we’re excited to pull every lever and support Nate as he rises even further in country music and beyond.”

“Man, what a week it’s been and now this,” shares Smith. “I’m honestly so grateful to Amazon and the support they have always given me. Love getting to kick off this campaign with a performance with my friend Avril Lavigne. If this is just the start, I’m excited to see where it goes!”

Industry Ink: Musicians Hall Of Fame, MuttNation, PLA, More

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Musicians Hall Of Fame Launches Music Icons Exhibit

Pictured (L-R): Frank Allridge (Head of Special Projects Group, Geller & Head of Finance, Julien’s Auctions), David Goodman (CEO, Julien’s Auctions), Darren Julien (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Linda Chambers (CEO and Co-Founder, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Britt Chambers Hawker (Director of Museum & Artist Relations, Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum), Martin Nolan (Co-Founder and Executive Director, Julien’s Auctions), Martin Geller (Founder and Chairman, Geller) and Cristy Barber (VP of Pop Culture & Business Development, Julien’s Auctions). Photo: Courtesy of Marushka Media

The Musicians Hall Of Fame has launched their new Music Icons guitar exhibit. The exhibit features Prince‘s Yellow Cloud 3 guitar, Bob Dylan and Robbie Robertson‘s stage-played 1965 Fender Telecaster, John Lennon’s lost 1965 Help! Framus 12-string Hootenanny, Steve Jones’ original Sex Pistols Gibson Les Paul, Randy Bachman’s 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard and Mark Knopfler’s 1987 Gibson Custom Shop Edition Chet Atkins Country Gentleman guitar.

The exhibit opened with a preview event on Tuesday (May 14) hosted by the hall of fame and Julien’s Auctions. The limited run exhibit will be open to the public until tomorrow (May 18).

 

MuttNation Foundation Awards $130,000 In Grants

Miranda Lambert. Photo: Courtesy of Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert‘s MuttNation Foundation has awarded $130,000 in “It Takes Balls” spay & neuter grants. The grants were given to 34 organizations in east Texas, north Texas and the Texas Panhandle. The grant program was launched in 2023 to spread awareness for the importance of spay and neuter and offers grants to qualifying low-cost programs.

“I’m so happy to announce that our ‘It Takes Balls’ program has just awarded the first grants in my home state of Texas, to 34 organizations in the East, North and Panhandle regions, and we expect to open the application process up to other parts of Texas soon, too,” shares Lambert. “Please remember to spay or neuter your pets—it’s the best way to help reduce pet homelessness and keep animals out of the overcrowded shelters.”

 

Ben McKee Joins PLA Media

Ben McKee. Photo: Courtesy of PLA Media

Ben McKee has joined PLA Media as a Publicist. Prior to the new role, McKee held stints at 117 Entertainment and Big Machine Label Group. McKee has worked on campaigns for Clay Walker, Emily Ann Roberts, Jackson Dean, Shane Proffitt and more. He graduated from Trevecca Nazarene University with a bachelors degree in Music Business.

“Ben brings an intelligence and fresh enthusiasm to PLA,” says PLA Media President Pamela L. Lewis. “I am delighted to welcome him to our firm.”

 

North American Contingency Association (NACA) Holds Conference

Gallagher Global Entertainment celebration. Photo: John Fiorentino

Industry guests gathered on the BMI rooftop to celebrate Gallagher Global Entertainment during the North American Contingency Conference. BMI’s Mason Hunter and Gallagher Global Entertainment’s Brent Daughrity welcomed the guests before The Warren Brothers gave a special performance of covers including “Highway Don’t Care,” “Red Solo Cup” and more.

Liv Greene Signs With Free Dirt Records

Liv Greene. Photo: Joseph Ross Smith

Nashville artist Liv Greene has signed a record deal with Washington D.C. label Free Dirt Records. To celebrate the deal, she has released her latest single “Wild Geese.” Greene will also be supporting Sarah Jarosz on tour this month.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Liv,” shares Free Dirt’s Jonathan Newton. “We’ve been fans since her 2020 debut, Every Bright Penny, which we heard about from our friend Isa Burke who also produced the record. We were drawn in by its laid back melancholy, effortless singing, and old-soul songwriting. Liv’s also a hometown hero originally from the DC area, where Free Dirt is based. She’s a perfect fit for the Free Dirt family of artists and we can’t wait to share new music from this impressive talent!”