Wayland Holyfield
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Wayland Holyfield died Monday (May 6) at age 82.
During a five-decade career on Music Row, Holyfield created such classics as “Could I Have This Dance,” “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” and “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had.” He wrote more than 40 top 10 country hits, including 14 No. 1s. His songs were recorded by a who’s-who of country stars, including Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Randy Travis, The Judds, Barbara Mandrell, Shenandoah, Mac Davis and Tammy Wynette. He was particularly noted for hits he wrote for and/or with Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wayland Holyfield was raised in a musical family. He studied violin, played bass in the local band The Rebels and wrote songs as a hobby. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he worked at an ad agency.
Unhappy in his job, he decided to make music his profession. He toured with the singing trio The General Store, then moved to Nashville in 1972. A year later, he had his first hit when Johnny Russell recorded his cowritten “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” In 1975, Holyfield wrote his first No. 1 record, the Don Williams hit “You’re My Best Friend.”
Williams returned to Holyfield’s catalog in 1976 for “She Never Knew Me” and their co-written “Til the Rivers All Run Dry.” Also that year, Crystal Gayle had a major hit with “I’ll Do It All Over Again,” which Holyfield wrote with Bob McDill. In 1977, Charley Pride scored with “I’ll Be Leaving Alone,” co-written by Holyfield with Dickey Lee, his frequent collaborator and lifelong friend. Also in that year, Don Williams resumed his Holyfield association with the No. 1 smash “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.”
In 1978, Mel Street scored with “If I Had a Cheating Heart.” Next, Holyfield and McDill cowrote the 1979 Ronnie Milsap chart-topper “Nobody Likes Sad Songs.”
Holyfield’s success continued into the 1980s. Janie Fricke hit the top 10 with his “I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry),” again co-written with McDill. Then Anne Murray’s version of the Wayland Holyfield/Bob House song “Could I Have This Dance” was chosen as the love theme for the hit movie Urban Cowboy. Holyfield said that the Grammy-winning, No. 1 hit was his favorite of his many compositions. It remains a popular wedding anthem.
His parade of hits continued with “Never Been So Loved in My Life” (Charley Pride, 1981), “You’ll Be Back (Every Night)” (The Statler Brothers, 1981), “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” (Ed Bruce, 1981), “Put Your Dreams Away” (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Tears of the Lonely (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Don’t Count the Rainy Days” (Michael Martin Murphey, 1983) and “Your Love Shines Through” (Mickey Gilley, 1983).
Wayland Holyfield was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1982. A 1992 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he collaborated with such fellow Hall of Fame members as Gary Nicholson, Norro Wilson and Richard Leigh, as well as McDill, Williams, Russell and Lee.
Such 1985 Holyfield hits as “You’re Going Out of My Mind” (T.G. Sheppard) and “Break Away” (Gail Davies), plus 1989’s “(I Wish I Had) A Heart of Stone” (Baillie & The Boys) were followed by 1990’s “Only Here For a Little While” (Billy Dean) and “Down in Tennessee” (John Anderson).
Holyfield was passionate about his home state throughout his life. He wrote “Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)” for the state’s sesquicentennial in 1986. It was selected as the state song the following year, and he performed it at the presidential inauguration of native son Bill Clinton in 1993.
He was always a forceful advocate on behalf of the songwriting community. Wayland Holyfield was the first Music City tunesmith elected to the national ASCAP Board of Directors. He also served as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and as Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Foundation’s board. He served on the boards of the Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter and the Nashville Entertainment Association. His zeal for songwriters led him to testify before Congress on their behalf.
Wayland Holyfield suffered health problems in recent years, but remained active in the industry, including serving on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died at home in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Nancy and their children.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church (4815 Franklin Pike in Nashville). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Faith Family Medical Center Nashville, Vantage Point Foundation (Veterans Pushing Forward) or Nashville Rescue Mission.
ACM Country Kickoff To Feature Megan Moroney, Nate Smith & More
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup has been revealed for this year’s ACM Country Kickoff At The Star, set for May 14–15 ahead the 59th ACM Awards on May 16.
Taking the outdoor Carhartt Stage on Tuesday (May 14) will be Chayce Beckham, Annie Bosko, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney, Neon Union, Dylan Scott, Nate Smith and Tigirlily Gold. Wednesday (May 15) will feature performances by Kassi Ashton, Hannah Ellis, Tiera Kennedy, Kylie Morgan, Jenna Paulette, Restless Road, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, Matt Stell and Jake Worthington.
Special performances will also take place on Tuesday night starting at 8 p.m. CT for Live From the ACM Awards: ACM New Artist Winners Celebration, where the New Artists of the Year category winners will be revealed and celebrated. Country Heat Weekly podcast hosts Kelly Sutton and Amber Anderson will emcee the show, which will air live on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch.
The event is free to attendees. New this year is the Country Kickoff VIP ticket, which includes premium viewing access of the outdoor stage from the Lucas Oil VIP Area, a meal voucher redeemable at any of the onsite food trucks, two drink tickets, dedicated bar service, a Jack Daniel’s whiskey tasting and more. The ACM Country Kickoff will also feature a beer garden and dance floor presented by Coors Light and artist meet-and-greet sessions in the ACM Red Barrel Lounge, presented by Princess Cruise Lines, alongside food trucks, photo opps, awards show merchandise, and activations by a host of partners. For more information, click here.
Brian Fuller Inks With Sony Music Publishing Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R, back row): Kenley Flynn, Dale Bobo, Josh Van Valkenburg, Anna Weisband, Tom Luteran and Synnovea Cleveland; (L-R, front row): Aubrey Landon, Brian Fuller and Rusty Gaston. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Publishing Nashville
Songwriter Brian Fuller has signed a global publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing Nashville.
The Georgia native moved to Nashville in 2019, where he spent time writing and touring. He has released several tracks as an artist including “Blue Sky Beautiful” and “Tellin’ On You,” and recently received his first major label cut with “I Could Be That Rain” from Randall King‘s debut album Into The Neon.
“I give all the glory and credit to God for blessing me with the amazing team and people at Sony,” says Fuller. “The first time I sat down and talked with Rusty [Gaston] I felt like he truly cared to hear about who I was and my story. Aubrey [Landon] has the drive and work ethic of 10 people and I feel so lucky to have her in my corner. Every time I step foot within Sony, I’m welcomed by nothing but smiles and I feel right at home. Excited is an understatement for how I feel starting this next chapter with them.”
“Brian is a special talent—his song sense, unique melodies and ideas set him apart as one of the most promising young songwriter/artists,” shares Landon. “We are excited to join forces and be a part of his team! There’s no doubt in my mind he’ll be the talk of the town soon.”
Fuller is set to release his newest single “That Girl Can Drive,” co-penned with Joey Hyde and Justin Wilson, on May 24.
UMPG Nashville Signs John Hollier
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Cyndi Forman (UMPG Nashville), Don Glista (UMPG Nashville), Alex Brahl (7S Management) and John Hollier. Photo: Courtesy of UMPG Nashville
Universal Music Publishing Nashville has signed singer-songwriter John Hollier to an exclusive, global publishing agreement.
Hollier is a Louisiana native whose music combines gruff heartland rock with country soul. He recently signed to Thirty Tigers Records and opened for the Red Clay Strays. Hollier is managed by 7S Management.
“John’s lyrics are full of heart and soul. Combine that with one of the most incredible live shows I’ve seen in a long time, and I’m in! Let’s geaux, John!” says Cyndi Forman, Senior VP, A&R, UMPG Nashville.
“Cyndi and the entire UMPG team have made me feel at home and, more importantly, shown me that they are going to help foster my songs and style as passionately as I do,” says Hollier. “It’s a true honor to join an elite group of songwriters such as the Universal Music Publishing roster.”
Songwriting Great Wayland Holyfield Passes
/by Robert K OermannWayland Holyfield
Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame member Wayland Holyfield died Monday (May 6) at age 82.
During a five-decade career on Music Row, Holyfield created such classics as “Could I Have This Dance,” “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend” and “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had.” He wrote more than 40 top 10 country hits, including 14 No. 1s. His songs were recorded by a who’s-who of country stars, including Reba McEntire, Waylon Jennings, Mark Chesnutt, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Randy Travis, The Judds, Barbara Mandrell, Shenandoah, Mac Davis and Tammy Wynette. He was particularly noted for hits he wrote for and/or with Country Music Hall of Fame member Don Williams.
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, Wayland Holyfield was raised in a musical family. He studied violin, played bass in the local band The Rebels and wrote songs as a hobby. After graduating from the University of Arkansas, he worked at an ad agency.
Unhappy in his job, he decided to make music his profession. He toured with the singing trio The General Store, then moved to Nashville in 1972. A year later, he had his first hit when Johnny Russell recorded his cowritten “Rednecks, White Socks and Blue Ribbon Beer.” In 1975, Holyfield wrote his first No. 1 record, the Don Williams hit “You’re My Best Friend.”
Williams returned to Holyfield’s catalog in 1976 for “She Never Knew Me” and their co-written “Til the Rivers All Run Dry.” Also that year, Crystal Gayle had a major hit with “I’ll Do It All Over Again,” which Holyfield wrote with Bob McDill. In 1977, Charley Pride scored with “I’ll Be Leaving Alone,” co-written by Holyfield with Dickey Lee, his frequent collaborator and lifelong friend. Also in that year, Don Williams resumed his Holyfield association with the No. 1 smash “Some Broken Hearts Never Mend.”
In 1978, Mel Street scored with “If I Had a Cheating Heart.” Next, Holyfield and McDill cowrote the 1979 Ronnie Milsap chart-topper “Nobody Likes Sad Songs.”
Holyfield’s success continued into the 1980s. Janie Fricke hit the top 10 with his “I’ll Need Someone to Hold Me (When I Cry),” again co-written with McDill. Then Anne Murray’s version of the Wayland Holyfield/Bob House song “Could I Have This Dance” was chosen as the love theme for the hit movie Urban Cowboy. Holyfield said that the Grammy-winning, No. 1 hit was his favorite of his many compositions. It remains a popular wedding anthem.
His parade of hits continued with “Never Been So Loved in My Life” (Charley Pride, 1981), “You’ll Be Back (Every Night)” (The Statler Brothers, 1981), “You’re the Best Break This Old Heart Ever Had” (Ed Bruce, 1981), “Put Your Dreams Away” (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Tears of the Lonely (Mickey Gilley, 1982), “Don’t Count the Rainy Days” (Michael Martin Murphey, 1983) and “Your Love Shines Through” (Mickey Gilley, 1983).
Wayland Holyfield was named ASCAP’s Country Songwriter of the Year in 1982. A 1992 inductee into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, he collaborated with such fellow Hall of Fame members as Gary Nicholson, Norro Wilson and Richard Leigh, as well as McDill, Williams, Russell and Lee.
Such 1985 Holyfield hits as “You’re Going Out of My Mind” (T.G. Sheppard) and “Break Away” (Gail Davies), plus 1989’s “(I Wish I Had) A Heart of Stone” (Baillie & The Boys) were followed by 1990’s “Only Here For a Little While” (Billy Dean) and “Down in Tennessee” (John Anderson).
Holyfield was passionate about his home state throughout his life. He wrote “Arkansas (You Run Deep in Me)” for the state’s sesquicentennial in 1986. It was selected as the state song the following year, and he performed it at the presidential inauguration of native son Bill Clinton in 1993.
He was always a forceful advocate on behalf of the songwriting community. Wayland Holyfield was the first Music City tunesmith elected to the national ASCAP Board of Directors. He also served as President of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and as Chairman of the Nashville Songwriters Foundation’s board. He served on the boards of the Recording Academy’s Nashville chapter and the Nashville Entertainment Association. His zeal for songwriters led him to testify before Congress on their behalf.
Wayland Holyfield suffered health problems in recent years, but remained active in the industry, including serving on the board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. He died at home in his sleep. He is survived by his wife Nancy and their children.
A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church (4815 Franklin Pike in Nashville). Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. with the service following at 10:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be sent to Faith Family Medical Center Nashville, Vantage Point Foundation (Veterans Pushing Forward) or Nashville Rescue Mission.
Grace Bowers Announces Lineup For ‘An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music’
/by Lorie HollabaughRising singer-songwriter Grace Bowers is hosting her second annual benefit concert, “An Evening Supporting Love, Life & Music,” on June 10 at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville.
This year’s show will feature performances from Bowers, The Cadillac Three, Devon Gilfillian, Caroline Jones, Meg McRee, Jared James Nichols, John Osborne, Lucie Silvas, Brittney Spencer, Butch Walker and other special guests. Proceeds from the event will support Voices for a Safer Tennessee and MusiCares. For more information, click here.
The artist first organized the concert in response to the tragic Covenant School shooting in Nashville last year. She and friends such as Butch Walker, Hannah Wicklund, Devon Gilfillian and Daniel Donato took the stage to support Covenant Heals and MusiCares.
Additionally, Bowers released her debut single, “Tell Me Why U Do That,” with her band The Hodge Podge last month. Produced by John Osborne of Brothers Osborne, the track was written by Bowers, Osborne, Silvas, McRee and Ben Chapman. In celebration of the new music, she will make her Grand Ole Opry debut during her 18th birthday on July 30. Bowers also recently formed partnerships with WME, Crowd Surf and Sacks & Co, among others.
‘Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville’ To Return In June As Free Event
/by Liza AndersonCountry star Dustin Lynch is bringing his “Pool Situation: Nashville” back to the Margaritaville Hotel’s rooftop pool at 2 p.m. on June 7. This year, the event will be free and open to the public.
Inspired by Lynch’s Pool Party during Luke Bryan’s annual Crash My Playa, the CMA Fest weekend celebration has featured special guest appearances by Little Big Town, Jordan Davis, Hardy, MacKenzie Porter and more as well as mullet haircuts, Lynch’s famous spinning wheel and an abundance of shots.
“Riding that high is inspiring me to explore not just how well my career is going right now but also expanding into developing artists who see how [my career] is rising,” shared Lynch with The Tennessean. “My fanbase and events like the pool situation allow me to age into curating talents and hosting events with [multi-generational] appeal.”
Admittance will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The artist’s “Stay Country Club” members will get exclusive early access. For more information, click here.
Argentine Musician Noel Schajris Teams With Jennifer Nettles On New Bilingual Track
/by Lorie HollabaughNoel Scharis & Jennifer Nettles. Photo: María José Govea
Jennifer Nettles has teamed up with Argentine singer-songwriter and pianist Noel Schajris on a new duet, “Love’s Still Here,” which is sung in both English and Spanish.
The new track released by ONErpm’s Nashville and Latin offices premiered on the Latin Music Awards, and is part of the bilingual 10-song Spanish and English album Timeless that will be released in 2024. The duet is the first time Schajris and Nettles have joined forces on a collaboration. An accompanying video for “Love’s Still Here” was filmed in Atlanta under the direction of Sergio (Teco) Allard.
“The title of the first single ‘Love’s Still Here’ is very appropriate for today’s times to emphasize love and timeless music,” says Schajris. “What an honor to unveil this magical project on the Latin AMAs stage with my sister Jennifer Nettles! Thank you, Jennifer, for sharing your voice with me on this adventure.”
Nettles adds, “I’m absolutely thrilled to finally offer this very special project to the world! And to do it for the first time at the Latin American Music Awards is a dream. Collaborating with Noel, it was so organic; as if I had been singing and writing with him forever.”
Timeless Track List:
1. Love’s Still Here
2. Spark
3. Yeah Babe
4. Falling for You
5. Fue un Placer Conocerte
6. Que No Te Asuste El Amor
7. Time to Let It Go
8. Space Between the Words
9. Cada Día, Cada Vez
10. Timeless
Musicians On Call To Host 25th Anniversary Celebration
/by Madison HahnenKelsea Ballerini, Rondal Richardson
Musicians on Call (MOC) will host its “Anthems of Healing” 25th anniversary celebration on May 22 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville.
The evening will be hosted by Amber Anderson and Kelly Sutton from Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly. During the event, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Kelsea Ballerini will be presented with the Music Heals Golden Ukulele, for her decade as a volunteer musician for the organization.
Senior Entertainment and Donor Relations Liaison for the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee Rondal Richardson will also be honored. He will receive the Leadership in Music Golden Ukulele for his decade of support towards the organization. He has served on MOC’s Advisory Council and has led fundraising efforts.
Two longtime MOC volunteers will also be honored. Raffaella Braun will receive the Vivek J. Tiwary Volunteer Guide Golden Ukulele, and Sarah Harralson will be presented with the Michael Solomon Volunteer Musician Golden Ukulele.
“An idea that came about during a hospital concert in New York City 25 years ago has evolved into an organization that, while headquartered here in Nashville, has created remarkable moments of joy and healing for hospital patients all over the country. This night is about celebrating the people and songs that have made those moments possible,” shares Musicians On Call President & CEO Pete Griffin. “Kelsea and Rondal have significantly impacted our mission and the patients we serve. Having such legendary artists join us to honor them and our organization is the perfect way to mark this milestone.”
Performances and appearances from Trisha Yearwood, Wynonna Judd, Charles Esten, Tiera Kennedy, Tigirlily Gold and Ballerini are also scheduled.
“Anthems of Healing” Host Committee members include Hal Cato (Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee), Todd Cline, Jay and Christi DeGeare, Mitch Glazier (Recording Industry Association of America), HCA Healthcare, Milton & Denice Johnson, Pam & Rick Leet, Diane Pearson (City National Bank), Dan Rogers (Grand Ole Opry), Todd & Sarah Rubin, Catherine Cate Sullivan, Vanderbilt Health and Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.
Companies interested in purchasing a sponsorship table for the event can reach out to partnerships@musiciansoncall.
Americana Music Association Unveils Nominees For 2024 Americana Honors & Awards
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Kaitlin Butts, Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter of The War And Treaty, Sierra Ferrell, Monique Ross and Chauntee Ross of SistaStrings, NMAAM’s Dion Brown, MNRK Music Group’s Gina Miller, Americana Music Association’s Jed Hilly, Amanda Fields, Megan McCormick and Ethan Ballinger. Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for Americana Music Association
The Americana Music Association unveiled the nominees for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards today (May 7) at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) in Nashville.
Hosted by MNRK Music Group Senior Vice President & General Manager and Americana Music Association Board member Gina Miller, the event was streamed live on WMOT Roots Radio 89.5 and featured performances by SistaStrings, The War And Treaty, Megan McCormick with Amanda Fields and Ethan Ballinger as well as Kaitlin Butts and Sierra Ferrell.
The winners will be announced during the Americana Honors & Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 18 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The event is the hallmark event of AmericanaFest, which is set for Sept. 17-21. A full list of categories and nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards is below:
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Rustin’ In The Rain, Tyler Childers; produced by Tyler Childers and The Food Stamps
Brandy Clark, Brandy Clark; produced by Brandi Carlile
Trail of Flowers, Sierra Ferrell; produced by Eddie Spear and Gary Paczosa
The Past Is Still Alive, Hurray for the Riff Raff; produced by Brad Cook
Weathervanes, Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit; produced by Jason Isbell
ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Tyler Childers
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Noah Kahan
Allison Russell
DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
Black Pumas
Larkin Poe
The Milk Carton Kids
Turnpike Troubadours
The War And Treaty
EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Kaitlin Butts
Wyatt Flores
Charles Wesley Godwin
The Red Clay Strays
Jobi Riccio
INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Grace Bowers
Maddie Denton
Jamie Dick
Megan McCormick
Joshua Rilko
SONG OF THE YEAR:
“In Your Love,” Tyler Childers; written by Geno Seale and Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity,” Brandy Clark (feat. Brandi Carlile); written by Brandy Clark and Michael Pollack
“American Dreaming,” Sierra Ferrell; written by Melody Walker and Sierra Ferrell
“Jealous Moon,” Sarah Jarosz; written by Daniel Tashian and Sarah Jarosz
“Right Back To It,” Waxahatchee (feat. MJ Lenderman); written by Katie Crutchfield
11th Annual iHeartCountry Festival Brings Star-Studded Lineup To Austin
/by Liza AndersonJason Aldean performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
The 11th annual iHeartCountry Festival, presented by Capital One, took place on Saturday (May 4) at Moody Center in Austin, Texas with a star-studded lineup of Jason Aldean, Keith Urban, Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lady A, Riley Green, Ashley McBryde, Brothers Osborne and Walker Hayes.
Old Dominion performing with Ashley Cooke at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Todd Owyoung for iHeartRadio
Hulu served as the event’s official streaming destination and streamed performances live exclusively to all Hulu subscribers at no additional cost. iHeartCountry radio stations also broadcasted the event live in their local markets and on iHeartRadio’s website.
Old Dominion kicked off the festival by performing “Song For Another Time” and “Hotel Key,” among others. The group also brought out Ashley Cooke for “Can’t Break Up Now,” a duet they recorded with Megan Moroney.
McBryde had the crowd singing along to “Blackout Betty,” “One Night Standards,” “Light On In The Kitchen” and “The Devil I Know.” Brothers Osborne took the stage for a career-spanning set including “Stay A Little Longer,” “Ain’t My Fault” and “Break Mine.”
Hayes performed his hits “AA,” “Fancy Like” and more in addition to debuting his new limited time men’s collection with JCPenney. Urban stole the show with smashes such as “Somebody Like You,” “Blue Ain’t Your Color” and “Wasted Time” as he went out into the mass of Moody Center to sing with fans.
Green kept the party going with “Damn Good Day To Leave” and “Hell Of A Way To Go.” The artist sang “Worst Way,” released last month, and brought it back to 2018 with his first country radio No. 1, “There Was This Girl.” Sweet photos of Green and his grandpa flashed on the screen behind him as he concluded with “I Wish Grandpas Never Died.”
Lady A launched their set with hit “Hey Bartender.” The trio also performed fan favorites “American Honey,” “We Owned The Night” and “Need You Now.” Just when fans thought they were finished, the group came back out for an encore performance of “What If I Never Get Over You.” Jelly Roll stepped onstage to sing his first chart-topper “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor” and more. He ended by thanking his fans and iHeartRadio for changing his life and performing his hit single “Save Me,” which he recorded with Lainey Wilson.
Aldean closed out the event with “My Kind Of Party,” “Trouble With A Heartbreak” as well as “Let Your Boys Be Country,” and took it all the way back to 2005 with “Hicktown.” He even brought out John Morgan for their collaboration “Friends Like That,” before wrapping with “She’s Country.”
Additionally, the Daytime Village at the iHeartCountry Festival featured performances from Green, Hayes, Cooke, Chris Lane, Chase Matthew and Kelsey Hart. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was the benefiting charity partner of iHeartCountry Festival. At this year’s event, a patient was able to experience the festival backstage with performers.
Jelly Roll performing at iHeartCountry Festival 2024. Photo: Daniel Cavazos for iHeartRadio