Jackson Dean at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
If you weren’t at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl Wednesday night (Feb. 14), then you missed out on a sold-out, electric live show from Jackson Dean. The Maryland native proved why he has been named an artist to watch by MusicRow, Pandora, Spotify CMT, and more.
Mae Estes started off the night and quickly warmed up the crowd. Sporting a pair of red sparkly cowboy boots, she showed off her genuine country twang with tracks like “Twang,” “Getting’ Back Up To Heaven” and “Thinkin’ Bout Cheatin’.” Estes also showed off her vocals in the slow acoustic track “Your Hands,” which was perfect for the Valentine’s Day show.
Hailing from Arkansas, the singer shared that she has been in Nashville chasing the “neon dream for nine years.” She thanked Dean for having her out on the tour and shared that this is the first tour she has been a part of. Estes ended her set with honky-tonk track “What I Shoulda Done,” and was sent off by the crowd with a roaring applause.
Next up was Alabama native Dee White. From the first note, White showed off his pure-country sound. He started off the set with “Million Miles,” “Tools Over Toys” and “Quick Sand.” With the crowd in the palm of his hand, he dialed up the energy with fast-paced “Sent Me Up The Creek Again” before going into “A Little At A Time,” “Ain’t The First Snake” and “Whiskey Please.” During the set, White showed off his vocals while harmonizing with his band members, and the stage was lit up with jam sessions from himself and his band. He then took the time to dedicate the next song, “Heart Talking,” to his girlfriend before closing out his night with “One More Time,” a song he wrote with one of his band members.
It was then time for Dean to hit the stage. Even from the house warm-up music, you could tell the crowd was ready. Walking out under a yellow rustic lighting, Dean came out in his signature black homburg hat and guitar in hand. He immediately fired up the crowd with “Greenbroke,” and then started off the next track “Trailer Park,” with a thundering guitar entrance. In the middle of this performance, Dean went quiet and you could hear every single person in Brooklyn Bowl singing along.
Jackson Dean at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
“I’m gonna tell you a few stories tonight about some of these songs,” Dean shared. He then set up the scene for “Don’t Take Much,” which was inspired by a room his dad and uncle had set up in their Maryland home. The singer continued to light up the crowd with “Heavens To Betsy,” a track he wrote right here on Music Row. His smooth harmonies with fellow band members and the bright lights shining down on the stage gave a bone-chilling moment to the crowd.
After the roaring applause from the crowd, Dean started the stomp-like production for “Wings,” and his band member showed off his skills in a guitar solo. He then took the time to explain the next song, which he came up with while traveling in his van to play a show with Hardy. The unreleased track “Big Blue Sky” was an instant crowd pleaser.
Dean asked if everyone was still feeling good and then showed off his incredible vocal runs in “Train.” It was then time for some cover songs, starting with “49 Tons” by Fred Eaglesmith. He then had the crowd warm up their vocal cords with saying “yeah yeah yeah yeah” for the next cover, “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes. The crowd was singing along to every word, and Dean had everyone in the palm of his hand.
“I gotta say a thank you to country radio for getting this one [up] the charts. I want to say thank you to all of you for playing this song,” Dean said before launching into his current single “Fearless.” After lighting up the crowd yet again, he played another unreleased track, “Talking In Backroads,” and then a crowd favorite “Superstitions.”
For the next section, Dean’s bandmate brought out a mandolin. They played two more unreleased tracks, “Cumberland Gap” and “Raised,” and shared that new music is coming soon, which excited the already enthused crowd.
To encapsulate his outlaw style of country, Dean proceeded to sing “1971.” After getting the crowed hyped up, he brought out singer-songwriter Luke Dick to help him with the next track. Sharing that the next song changed his life, Dean started the opening beats to his first No. 1 hit on country radio, “Don’t Come Lookin,” which Dick co-wrote and produced with Dean. It was a special moment for both singers, as they thanked the fans for making it happen.
Pictured (L-R): Luke Dick, Mae Estes, Mac McAnally, Jackson Dean and Dee White at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
After the crowd roared for more from Dean after he exited the stage, he came back out for an encore performance. For the first song, he brought out singer/songwriter/musician Mac McAnally. With just the two of them on stage and no band tracking, they dove into a beautiful cover of “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton. Dean just released his own studio version of the track last Friday (Feb. 9).
Before going into the last song of the night, Dean shared that the first time he saw a performance of the next song, he was at the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. He said he remembered the feeling of how impactful it was, and how it is “one of the best songs ever written.” He then welcomed his full band on stage, and welcomed back out Estes, White, Dick and McAnally. All lined up together, the group sang “The Weight” by The Band. The inspiring performance left the crowd in awe as Dean wrapped up the night.
Live Nation & Music Forward Foundation Launch 2024 Scholarship Programs
/by Lorie HollabaughLive Nation and Music Forward Foundation’s 2024 scholarship application period for college students pursuing careers in the music and live entertainment industry is now open.
Five $10,000 scholarships will be awarded to outstanding college students in either their junior or senior year majoring in music, music business, production and/or related fields at an accredited college or university in the U.S. The opportunity is specifically designed to support students interested in the core aspects of the concert business, including concert promotion, venue operation, ticketing, sponsorship, hospitality, artist management and more. Applications must be submitted online by March 31. For more information, click here.
“We are happy to once again work with the Music Forward scholarship program as we continue to invest in talented, driven, and dedicated young people pursuing careers in live entertainment,” says Jordan Zachary, Co-President of U.S. Concerts, Live Nation.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Music Forward Foundation reinforces our commitment to champion and empower the next generation of leaders in our industry,” adds Omar Al-joulani, Co-President of U.S. Concerts, Live Nation.
“Scholarships remain a pivotal part of our community outreach and recruitment programming,” says Nurit Smith, Executive Director, Music Forward Foundation. “Music Forward’s mission is to support young people hoping to enter the music and live entertainment industry and this program expands our reach to a wide range of students who may not otherwise be afforded the opportunity to pursue dream careers.”
Scholarship recipients will be selected by a panel of industry executives and thought leaders across academic, entertainment, civic and corporate sectors. Criteria for selection include academic achievement, essay responses and recommendations. Scholarships will be announced in June 2024, and awards will be given for the fall 2024 semester.
Major Bob Music & Dreamlined Entertainment Sign Jen Stegall
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Emily Hasty, Graham Kothman, Andy Friday, Jen Stegall, Bob Doyle and Keith Stegall
Major Bob Music and Dreamlined Entertainment have signed songwriter and producer Jen Stegall.
Jen has helped various acts develop their own sounds and styles, including Carter Faith, HunterGirl, Sam Hatmaker, Makayla Lynn, Smith & Wesley, Reverie Lane, The Abrams, Ryan Kinder and Janelle Arthur.
Her father, Keith Stegall, founded Dreamlined Entertainment, and has over 55 No. 1 credits as a producer and/or songwriter. He is the longtime producer of Alan Jackson, and has penned hits for George Strait and laid tracks with George Jones, Zac Brown Band, Clay Walker and more.
Major Bob Music is an independent Nashville-based publishing company owned and founded by Garth Brooks‘ longtime publisher and manager, Bob Doyle. Its roster has notched over 70 No. 1 singles, two ASCAP Songwriter of the Year and a SESAC Songwriter of the Year awards over the course of its 38 years in business.
“This is a bucket list collaboration/partnership for Dreamlined and my incredibly gifted daughter,” says Keith. “I’m thrilled to be working alongside Bob and Major Bob’s super crew. Let’s do it!”
“We’re thrilled to have this opportunity to work alongside Jen and with Keith. Jen is the real deal; she gets it honest, and our Major Bob team is honored to work with her,” says Andy Friday, Head of Publishing, Major Bob Music.
Sony Music Nashville Launches New Pop Imprint, Free Flight Records
/by LB CantrellDarren Kiely, Free Flight Records
Sony Music Nashville has launched a new imprint for non-country music called Free Flight Records. Pop/folk singer-songwriter Darren Kiely has joined the imprint’s roster.
“Nashville has always been known as a song first community and as such attracts writers from all over the world to come to practice their craft. As we’ve seen that talent pool become a deep well, we decided to build a home to partner with and support those singer/songwriters that aren’t categorically ‘country.’ Darren Kiely is symbolic of this global new wave,” says Sony Music Nashville’s Chairman and CEO Randy Goodman of the news.
Kiely hails from a quaint town in Co. Cork, Ireland. With influences such as Mumford & Sons, The Lumineers and Noah Kahan, Kiely has mastered his own distinctive sound while drawing in fans worldwide.
He released his debut EP Lost last fall, in which he solo-wrote four of the seven tracks on the project and co-wrote the other three. Kiely has now reached No. 1 on the Irish Homegrown Chart with hit hit “Sunrise” from the project. Lost also features “Mom & Dad,” which debuted in the top 40 on the Irish Singles Chart and also landed him in the top 5 on the Irish Homegrown chart.
Kiely went out on the road last fall, stopping for sold-out headlining shows in Boston and New York before bringing his “The Road Home Tour” to Ireland in November. With stops in Cork, Dublin, Galway and Limerick, the Irish leg of the tour sold out the same day it went on sale. Now he is on “The Lost Tour,” where he’ll stop in major cities across North America including Dallas, Denver, Nashville, Seattle, Vancouver and others.
Briana Galluccio Joins One Country As Director Of Promotion & Partnerships
/by Madison HahnenBriana Galluccio
Briana Galluccio has joined country and southern lifestyle platform One Country as Director of Promotion & Partnerships. In her new role, Galluccio will help shape and execute promotional initiatives with the goal of growing One Country’s audience and brand presence.
“I am honored to be part of the One Country team and help grow this dynamic platform,” says Galluccio. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to enhance the promotional initiatives and contribute to the overall success of One Country by continuing to deliver top-notch experiences and content to its passionate audience.”
Galluccio brings an abundance of promotion experience to One Country. She most recently held the role of Director, Regional Promotion at MCA Nashville.
“We are delighted to welcome Briana to the One Country family as our new Director of Promotion & Partnerships,” shares Chase Locke, CEO of One Country. “Her extensive experience and proven track record in promotion make her a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that Briana’s expertise will contribute significantly to the continued growth and success of One Country.”
Galluccio can be reached at bgalluccio@onecountry.com
Tracy Lawrence Gears Up For New Summer EP ‘Out Here In It’
/by Lorie HollabaughTracy Lawrence has released the title track from his upcoming new EP, Out Here In It, set for release on June 7.
The new project features cuts penned by Rodney Clawson, Wyatt McCubbin, Devin Dawson, Ernest Keith Smith, Lee Thomas Miller and more, and follows the artist’s 2022 Hindsight 2020 Vol 3. album.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been in the studio,” shares Lawrence. “I always have a blast working up new songs so it felt so good to cut new music. My last project, the 30th anniversary album Hindsight 2020, was the closing of a chapter of my life. With this new project, I really wanted to freshen things up a bit. A little bit more contemporary but still very country. I’m very proud of it and hope you all really enjoy it.”
Lawrence will take his new music on the road as he joins Riley Green for his “Ain’t My Last Rodeo Tour,” beginning Feb. 22 in Pikeville, Kentucky. The 33-stop tour will visit amphitheaters and arenas throughout spring, with stops in Houston, Lexington, Tuscaloosa, Knoxville, San Jose and Phoenix. Later on May 4, Lawrence will headline the Ryman Auditorium for the very first time.
On The Row: MacKenzie Porter Shares New Music From Upcoming Album
/by LB CantrellMacKenzie Porter. Photo: Bree Marie Fish
Big Loud Records artist MacKenzie Porter recently dropped by the MusicRow office to share some new music from her upcoming debut album. The 16-track project, titled Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart, is due out April 26.
After having plenty of success in her homeland of Canada, Porter made her way to Nashville in 2014 and connected with Big Loud Partner and hit producer Joey Moi. Once signed to the label, Porter had success with hits such as “These Days” and “Seeing Other People,” but broke out in a big way in 2021 when she joined Dustin Lynch on his duet “Thinking ‘Bout You.”
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell and Liza Anderson; MacKenzie Porter; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson, Madison Hahnen and John Nix Arledge
The six-week No. 1 at U.S. country radio built on her momentum from up north, where she’s already notched six No. 1 songs. Porter has earned 873 million global on-demand streams, just wrapped her first headlining tour and won the 2022 subscriber-voted MusicRow Discovery Artist of the Year award. She has also nabbed nominations from the American Music Awards and CCMA Awards.
Now she is gearing up to release her debut album, six years in the making. She is also pregnant with her first child, and is due in just a few weeks.
Porter shared a few songs off the new album with the MusicRow staff, including the reflective title track, the wistful “Easy To Miss,” the romantic “Coming Home To You” and the stoic “Pay Me Back In Change.” All were outstanding.
She talked about how her album has come together over the last six years, sharing that she was grateful for the time she spent on it, as it allowed her to find her tribe of co-collaborators who truly knew her, such as Parker Welling, Lydia Vaughn and Emily Weisband.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson & MacKenzie Porter
“You get to the point after being in town for a while where you want to write with friends. They know you—they know how you feel and your situations,” Porter said. “They knew what was missing on the project because they had heard it all. There’s some amazing women in this town.”
Nobody’s Born With A Broken Heart also includes fan favorite “Pickup,” which earned Porter a 2023 CMT Music Awards nomination for Breakthrough Female Video of the Year, as well as the already-released “Bet You Break My Heart.”
Porter is managed by Big Loud, published by Sony Music Publishing and booked by CAA.
Country Music Hall Of Fame & Museum Promotes Five Staffers
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Grace Cavanaugh, Elek Horvath, Daniel Lonow, Michael McCall and Kelsey Reiner
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has promoted five staff members to associate director or director roles within the museum’s events, Haley Gallery and museum services teams, including Grace Cavanaugh, Kelsey Reiner, Daniel Lonow, Elek Horvath and Michael McCall.
Cavanaugh has been promoted to Director of Event Services and Catering. She oversees the event services team, which manages more than 1,400 private and internal events annually. Cavanaugh’s responsibilities include event planning for up to 3,000 guests, menu creation, décor and design, as well as leading a team of service and catering managers. She also oversees the guest hospitality experience for the museum’s offsite fundraising events, as well as the premier events hosted by the museum. Since joining the museum in 2015, she has served many positions, most recently as associate director of event services and catering manager. With more than 15 years of experience in the event industry, Cavanaugh previously worked with Sodexo. She holds a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Widener University in Pennsylvania.
Reiner has been named Associate Director of Event Sales. She helps oversee the team responsible for booking more than 400 private events at the museum annually. Reiner contributes to the growth of the events and catering annual gross revenue. She also works closely with city organizations to continually promote the museum as a premier events facility in the Nashville community. Prior to joining the museum, Reiner held the position of event sales manager at the Loveless Cafe/Loveless Events for five years, where she was responsible for booking and servicing events. She holds a bachelor’s degree in sports, entertainment and event management from Johnson & Wales University.
Lonow has been promoted to Haley Gallery Director. In this role, he manages the gallery and curates a variety of exhibits in the museum’s commercial art gallery each year that feature nationally recognized visual artists. A portion of proceeds from artwork purchased in the gallery supports the nonprofit museum’s educational mission, while fostering creative growth within the local arts community and beyond. He has been with the museum for nine years. Prior to joining the museum’s Haley Gallery, Lonow worked with TAG Art Gallery and the Ruby Green Contemporary Arts Center.
Horvath has been promoted to Associate Director of Collection Access. In this role he oversees a team responsible for the administration and management of artifacts moving to and from the museum, artifact processing and data management, internal and external communications and logistics with respect to artifacts and exhibits, collection inventory and environmental monitoring and control of archive and exhibit spaces. He joined the museum in 2000 to work on the Journal of Country Music. He also co-authored the book Hatch Show Print: The History of a Great American Poster Shop, published in 2001. In 2003, he became Special Projects Production Coordinator and helped license music used in the Grammy-winning CMF Records compilation, Night Train to Nashville: Music City Rhythm & Blues. In 2004, he was appointed Collections Registrar, a position he held until 2019, when he was appointed Senior Registrar. He is curator of the museum’s recently opened exhibit “An American Masterwork: Thomas Hart Benton’s ‘Sources of Country Music at 50.'” He holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Maryland. Before that, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
McCall has been promoted to Associate Director of Editorial. In this role he will assist in managing the development of written content for the museum’s exhibitions, books, public programs, website, social media and educational materials. A 17-year museum veteran, McCall previously served as senior museum writer-editor and has curated more than 20 museum exhibitions and hosted many programs including interviews with Kenny Chesney, Los Lobos, Blake Shelton, Country Music Hall of Fame members Brooks & Dunn, Patty Loveless, Reba McEntire and Hank Williams Jr. He has co-edited the second edition of “The Encyclopedia of Country Music,” and has written museum catalogs on Loretta Lynn, Reba McEntire and the archival collection of the museum. Prior to joining the museum, he spent four decades as a music journalist writing and editing for publications including the Associated Press, Country Music magazine, Los Angeles Times, Nashville Banner, Nashville Scene, USA Today and others. In 2007, McCall received the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism from Belmont University.
Industry Ink: Chris Janson, Redferrin, Kellie LaJack, Steinza
/by Madison HahnenChris Janson Receives NWTF Conservation Award
Pictured (L-R): Rob Keck (NWTF), Richard Childress (NASCAR driver), John Paul Morris (Bass Pro Shops), Johnny Morris (Bass Pro Shops), Chris Janson, Heath Davis (Chairman, NWTF)
Country music star Chris Janson was presented with The Conservation Aid Award on Wednesday night (Feb. 14) while at the Grand Ole Opry. Presented by the National Wild Turkey Federation, this award was presented to Janson for his dedication to land preservation and responsible recreational hunting. NASCAR driver Richard Childress and Bass Pro Shops Founder & CEO Johnny Morris presented the honor.
“I love America and the great outdoors! Hunting and fishing have been a big part of my life since the very beginning. Conservation, and the practices thereof, is something that I have learned and has become a very important part of my life. Being a good steward of the land and the wildlife is important, and I’m proud to play a small role. To be honored on behalf of the NWTF means the world to me. Long live the Wild Turkey!” shares Janson.
Redferrin Plays First Sold-Out Show In Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Josh Schachter (Business Manager), Will Dzombak (Manager, The William Gerard Group), Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President, WMN), Redferrin, Rohan Kohli (VP of A&R, WMN)
Rising artist Redferrin played a sold-out show at Nashville’s Exit/In last night (Feb. 15). This was the White House, Tennessee native’s first ever headline show in Music City.
Redferrin co-wrote and co-produced all seven tracks on his debut EP Old No.7, which dropped today (Feb. 16). Named as a 2024 Amazon Breakthrough Artist to Watch, he has gained over 70 million global streams,. He is currently on the road with Niko Moon and will join Billy Currington later in the year.
Kellie LaJack Joins 16Camino As Sr. Director, Promotion and Marketing
Kellie LaJack has joined Nashville-based promoter and marketer 16Camino as Sr. Director, Promotion and Marketing. LaJack joins the company after her previous role with Dreamcatcher Entertainment. 16Camino has current partnerships with ONErpm, 30a Life Records and Matt Cosgrove.
“Kellie’s diligence and passion is unmatched,” shares 16camino Partner Ryan Barnstead. “We’ve worked with her on various projects through the years, and she’s an A level asset to every effort. We’re excited to have her on the team.”
LaJack can be reached at kellie@16camino.com.
Steinza Inks Publishing Deal With BMG
Pictured (L-R): Dillon Goldberg (Fngrprnt), Steinza and Dimitri Farougias, Director of A&R (BMG)
Rising singer-songwriter Steinza has signed a global publishing deal with BMG.
The signing also comes with his first release of the year, “Visions Of You.” Steinza wrote and produced the track alone. The Virginia Beach native has toured with Matt Maeson, Joe P and Sam Nelson, and also played numerous headline dates.
“Zach is a blunt poet. He has the ability to send you up to the clouds with his melodies while sharing his raw emotions and experiences in a most honest way. He not only possesses the necessary talent and faith in his craft but he also has an impeccable work ethic which renders him unstoppable in any creative endeavor he chooses to pursue. We at BMG couldn’t be happier to be part of his journey to support him in this next chapter of his career,” shares Dimitri Farougias, Director of A&R.
The Outlaws & BlackHawk’s Seventh Annual Freeborn Jam Set For June 1
/by Lorie HollabaughRock group The Outlaws and country band BlackHawk will hold their seventh annual Freeborn Jam on June 1 at City Winery Nashville.
Henry Paul, a founding member of both The Outlaws and BlackHawk, has continued Freeborn Jam as a tradition that helps a cause near and dear to his heart. In 2001, Van Stephenson, Paul’s friend and a fellow founding member of BlackHawk, passed away from melanoma. After his passing, BlackHawk established the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund.
“The survival rate for people who contract melanoma, the cancer that took Van’s life, has gone from no chance of survival to an 80 percent survival rate in the last ten years,” explains Paul. “That is why we do what we can to help.”
To date, the Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund has donated over $500,000 to Vanderbilt for cancer research and nearly $150,000 to MusiCares.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
Jackson Dean Brings Electric ‘Head Full Of Noise Tour’ To Brooklyn Bowl
/by Madison HahnenJackson Dean at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
If you weren’t at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl Wednesday night (Feb. 14), then you missed out on a sold-out, electric live show from Jackson Dean. The Maryland native proved why he has been named an artist to watch by MusicRow, Pandora, Spotify CMT, and more.
Mae Estes started off the night and quickly warmed up the crowd. Sporting a pair of red sparkly cowboy boots, she showed off her genuine country twang with tracks like “Twang,” “Getting’ Back Up To Heaven” and “Thinkin’ Bout Cheatin’.” Estes also showed off her vocals in the slow acoustic track “Your Hands,” which was perfect for the Valentine’s Day show.
Hailing from Arkansas, the singer shared that she has been in Nashville chasing the “neon dream for nine years.” She thanked Dean for having her out on the tour and shared that this is the first tour she has been a part of. Estes ended her set with honky-tonk track “What I Shoulda Done,” and was sent off by the crowd with a roaring applause.
Next up was Alabama native Dee White. From the first note, White showed off his pure-country sound. He started off the set with “Million Miles,” “Tools Over Toys” and “Quick Sand.” With the crowd in the palm of his hand, he dialed up the energy with fast-paced “Sent Me Up The Creek Again” before going into “A Little At A Time,” “Ain’t The First Snake” and “Whiskey Please.” During the set, White showed off his vocals while harmonizing with his band members, and the stage was lit up with jam sessions from himself and his band. He then took the time to dedicate the next song, “Heart Talking,” to his girlfriend before closing out his night with “One More Time,” a song he wrote with one of his band members.
It was then time for Dean to hit the stage. Even from the house warm-up music, you could tell the crowd was ready. Walking out under a yellow rustic lighting, Dean came out in his signature black homburg hat and guitar in hand. He immediately fired up the crowd with “Greenbroke,” and then started off the next track “Trailer Park,” with a thundering guitar entrance. In the middle of this performance, Dean went quiet and you could hear every single person in Brooklyn Bowl singing along.
Jackson Dean at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
“I’m gonna tell you a few stories tonight about some of these songs,” Dean shared. He then set up the scene for “Don’t Take Much,” which was inspired by a room his dad and uncle had set up in their Maryland home. The singer continued to light up the crowd with “Heavens To Betsy,” a track he wrote right here on Music Row. His smooth harmonies with fellow band members and the bright lights shining down on the stage gave a bone-chilling moment to the crowd.
After the roaring applause from the crowd, Dean started the stomp-like production for “Wings,” and his band member showed off his skills in a guitar solo. He then took the time to explain the next song, which he came up with while traveling in his van to play a show with Hardy. The unreleased track “Big Blue Sky” was an instant crowd pleaser.
Dean asked if everyone was still feeling good and then showed off his incredible vocal runs in “Train.” It was then time for some cover songs, starting with “49 Tons” by Fred Eaglesmith. He then had the crowd warm up their vocal cords with saying “yeah yeah yeah yeah” for the next cover, “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes. The crowd was singing along to every word, and Dean had everyone in the palm of his hand.
“I gotta say a thank you to country radio for getting this one [up] the charts. I want to say thank you to all of you for playing this song,” Dean said before launching into his current single “Fearless.” After lighting up the crowd yet again, he played another unreleased track, “Talking In Backroads,” and then a crowd favorite “Superstitions.”
For the next section, Dean’s bandmate brought out a mandolin. They played two more unreleased tracks, “Cumberland Gap” and “Raised,” and shared that new music is coming soon, which excited the already enthused crowd.
To encapsulate his outlaw style of country, Dean proceeded to sing “1971.” After getting the crowed hyped up, he brought out singer-songwriter Luke Dick to help him with the next track. Sharing that the next song changed his life, Dean started the opening beats to his first No. 1 hit on country radio, “Don’t Come Lookin,” which Dick co-wrote and produced with Dean. It was a special moment for both singers, as they thanked the fans for making it happen.
Pictured (L-R): Luke Dick, Mae Estes, Mac McAnally, Jackson Dean and Dee White at Brooklyn Bowl. Photo: Robby Stevens
After the crowd roared for more from Dean after he exited the stage, he came back out for an encore performance. For the first song, he brought out singer/songwriter/musician Mac McAnally. With just the two of them on stage and no band tracking, they dove into a beautiful cover of “When A Man Loves A Woman” by Michael Bolton. Dean just released his own studio version of the track last Friday (Feb. 9).
Before going into the last song of the night, Dean shared that the first time he saw a performance of the next song, he was at the Grand Ole Opry in 2008. He said he remembered the feeling of how impactful it was, and how it is “one of the best songs ever written.” He then welcomed his full band on stage, and welcomed back out Estes, White, Dick and McAnally. All lined up together, the group sang “The Weight” by The Band. The inspiring performance left the crowd in awe as Dean wrapped up the night.