Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
This is an all-male edition of DISClaimer.
Every other contender here is a Black country stylist. One of them, Scoot Teasley, is our DISCovery Award winner. I don’t know much about him. I think he’s from Georgia, and he looks very young. I do know I’d sign him in a heartbeat.
As for our White guys, there’s no question but that Dan + Shay are this week’s Disc of the Day prize winners.
KEITH URBAN/ “Straight Line”
Writers: Keith Urban/Chase McGill/Jerry Flowers/Greg Wells; Producers: Keith Urban/Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This zippy rocker puts pedal to the metal on an open-highway “road” song. Packed with positivity and frothing energy. It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is fun.
BLANCO BROWN/ “Sunshine Shine”
Writer: Bennie Amey III; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records/BMG
– Brown is probably the best at fusing hip-hop with country. Probably because he can actually sing. This dancefloor ditty in praise of moonshine has cool hand claps, sampled bass loops, electronic blips and a pleasant, repeated, mellow hook. I remain a fan.
DAN + SHAY/ “Bigger Houses”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Andy Albert/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title to the duo’s new album has a classic-country sentiment: Money can’t buy happiness. The delicate, pristine production laced with acoustic guitar supports a softly sincere Shay Mooney lead vocal with a gentle Dan Smyers baritone harmony. A gorgeous little record.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN/ “Leave Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Producers: JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Label: KG
– These twin brothers normally inhabit the dance floor, but on their new single they adopt a slow, sensuous groove. The production starts off kind of spare and cheeesy sounding, then adds layers of percussion and vocal harmonies to achieve a romantic, dim-the-lights jam. Seductive.
CHRIS YOUNG/ “Double Down”
Writers: Derek George/Monty Criswell/Tyler Reeve; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– It’s a barroom stomper with twang guitar and thumping percussion in praise of getting it on by drinking doubles and painting the town neon-red.
WILLIE JONES/ “Omg”
Writers: Will Adams; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: The Penthouse
– The single remains “Dive Bar,” but just in time for Super Bowl LVIII Jones drops his relaxed version of halftime-show performer Usher’s 2010 oldie “Omg.” Jones is in his third year hosting his Apple Music series “The Cross Road Radio Show.” These programs illustrate how country and hip-hop intertwine.
LUKE GRIMES/ “God And A Girl”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dillon James/Jason Nix; Producers: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury/Range/UMG Nashville
– The Yellowstone star has repeatedly proved that he’s a for-real country artist. This new track throws a spotlight on his resonant baritone voice. It’s a slo-o-o-o-ow romantic ballad that could use a little more waltz-time lilt and a little less plodding.
CARLOS WASHINGTON’S STEEL HORSE SWING/ “Party On Piedra Lumbre’
Writers: Carlos A Washington; Producer: Ernie Martinez; Label: CW
– Not to be confused with the Atlanta Falcons running back, this Carlos Washington is a western-swing cowboy revivalist, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Asleep at the Wheel. This track has a solid groove, punctuated by horn blasts, sizzling steel and jazzy fiddle. Washington’s confident vocal delivery is totally in the pocket. The rancher and former rodeo bull rider has recently signed with Nashville’s Flaming Tortuga label and is preparing new sounds for the second quarter of ‘24.
WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/ “Not Letting Go”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Dan Huston/Sam Banks; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This neo-traditionalist has a honky-tonk delivery to die for. The ballad is also bolstered by a flawless, tasteful, eloquent, steel-embellished production by Stegall. This is country music the way it was meant to be performed.
SCOOT TEASLEY/ “This Truck Still Misses You”
Writers: Scoot Teasley/Mason Thornley/Jon Stark; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: STM/Hollow Point Music Group
– This pulses with throbbing heartache energy. It also announces the birth of a major new country stylist. Teasley’s throaty, range-y vocal is stunning. The rocking production brims with excitement. Who is this guy, and where has he been all of our lives?
TYLER BRADEN/ “Devil You Know”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Graham Barham/Zack Dyer/Jon Robert Hall; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This fiery country rocker advises us to stand up for ourselves. Don’t back down, and don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The rock track screams with guitars and chanted backing vocals.
CRS Reveals 2024 ‘Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat’ Lineup
/by Liza AndersonThe “Amazon Music Presents: Country Heat” showcase lineup for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 has been revealed.
Lady A will headline the event, which will also include performances by Chayce Beckham, Ella Langley, Dylan Marlowe and Josh Ross.
The trio is bringing their request line to CRS, as song requests will be gathered in advance to build their setlist. Detailed information on how this will be conducted will be announced.
Country Heat is Amazon Music’s global playlist for country music fans. Updated weekly, the playlist features a mix of chart-topping hits and breaking singles from both established and emerging acts.
“The Amazon Music global marquee playlist, Country Heat, connects fans with a range of artists, from influential icons to artists on the brink of stardom,” says Michelle Tigard Kammerer, Head of Country Music, Amazon Music. “This year at CRS, we’re bringing Country Heat to life with an incredible showcase helmed by superstar trio, Lady A, and an exciting slate of performances from artists selected as part of the Amazon Music 2024 Breakthrough Artists to Watch program.”
Set to close out the first day of CRS 2024, the showcase will take place on Feb. 28 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Broadway Performance Hall at the Omni Nashville Hotel.
Song Suffragettes To Celebrate 10th Anniversary With Special Show
/by Lorie HollabaughSong Suffragettes, Nashville’s weekly all-female, singer-songwriter show, will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a one-night-only show honoring Wynonna Judd on March 27 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Judd will participate in an on-stage Q&A and perform some of her favorites songs from her career. She will also receive the Song Suffragettes’ 2024 Yellow Rose of Inspiration Award, which is presented annually to a woman who has been a musical inspiration to the Song Suffragettes collective of creators. Past recipients include Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, Laura Veltz, Liz Rose and Natale Hemby.
Additionally, Song Suffragettes alumnae Tenille Arts and America’s Got Talent finalists Chapel Hart as well as songwriting stars Rose and Matraca Berg will perform. More performers will be announced in coming weeks.
For a decade, Song Suffragettes has showcased over 400 women with over 60 alumnae going on to receive publishing deals and 40 landing recording contracts, including Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Carly Pearce, Brittney Spencer, Megan Moroney and Gayle.
“Hitting the 10-year milestone was never something we knew would happen,” says Todd Cassetty, Songs Suffragettes’ Founder. “Song Suffragettes was started simply to provide the best women singer-songwriters a place to be heard and seen with the hope that more opportunities would come from that exposure. After 10 years, we’re humbled by our front row seat watching the evolution of some of the most successful women in music today, and are reinvigorated to keep fighting for the underserved female talent that permeates the Nashville music community. We’re thrilled to celebrate the amazing talent that has graced our Song Suffragettes stage. And to have the iconic Wynonna Judd join us is not just a surprise and an honor, it’s a testament to what we see time and time again in this town: women supporting women.”
Tickets are available now. For more information, click here.
Luke Combs’ ‘Where The Wild Things Are’ Notches Sixth Week Atop MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellLuke Combs extends his run at No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, as “Where The Wild Things Are” notches its sixth consecutive week at the top.
The song, written by Randy Montana and Dave Turnbull, appears on Combs’ Gettin’ Old album.
Combs recently had the performance of the night at the 66th annual Grammy Awards when he and Tracy Chapman performed her hit “Fast Car.” The collaboration was lauded by fans and critics alike.
“Where The Wild Things Are” currently sits at No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 5 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Big Machine Label Group & W!zard Radio Media Partner To Launch New Podcasts
/by Lorie HollabaughBig Machine Label Group (BMLG) and W!zard Radio Media have partnered to develop and launch a slate of new podcasts.
As part of the partnership, the two entities will handle the production, distribution, marketing, promotion and ad sales functions of their podcast slate and provide creators with an array of knowledge.
The partnership launched with A Game of No Halves, a sports-comedy podcast hosted by British broadcasting veteran “Whispering” Bob Harris, who served as manager of the North London FC football club for 35 years, and his son Miles Myerscough-Harris. The podcast follows the history of North London FC as well as their own family stories. The first episode dropped on Jan. 3 and shot into the top 30 of Apple Podcast’s U.K. Sports charts. New episodes are released every Wednesday.
The new partnership also includes the re-launch of Songwriter Soup, the podcast hosted by songwriter Laura Veltz, financial advisor Tracy Hackney and producer Kevin Sokolnicki. The trio speaks with a selection of songwriters and artists such as Ashley Gorley, Lori McKenna, Luke Dick, Jordan Schmidt, Luke Laird, Emily Weisband and more during frank discussions about finding success in the industry. The first episode of Songwriter Soup season two was released on Jan. 8 and shot into the charts internationally, including the top 100 of Apple Podcast’s Music charts in the U.S., U.K. and Australia. New episodes are released every Monday.
“We are excited to be partnering with Big Machine Label Group to push podcasting forward with incredible storytellers, including Bob Harris, Miles Myerscough-Harris, Laura Veltz, Tracy Hackney and Kevin Sokolnicki,” says James Gilmore, Founder & Managing Director, W!zard Radio Media. “To work with a group of people who are looking towards innovation and disruption as much as we do is a delight; working together has been a seamless and perfect fit and we cannot wait to launch even more projects as a team.”
“I’ve always been inspired by W!zard’s commitment to creating high-level, meaningful content and their industry-leading approach to business. James’ determination and passion for business inspires our entire team to push the boundaries of innovation every day,” says Alexandra Hannaby, Head of U.K., Big Machine Label Group. “I’m looking forward to us collaborating on further projects and excited to see where this partnership takes us.”
Matthew West Announces New Book ‘My Story, Your Glory’
/by Madison HahnenMatthew West
Award-winning artist and author Matthew West will release his sixth book My Story, Your Glory on March 19.
The novel serves as a 30-day guide that West hopes will help readers reflect on the less-than-perfect parts of their lives and to point them to examples in scripture of how God redeemed their stories, while encouraging them to give God the glory in both the best days and worst days. Throughout the book, West shares his own experiences and how God can bring hope into all situations and will make everything come together for those who love him. The title of the book is also the name of West’ hit song and No. 1 album.
“There is nothing more inspiring and uplifting than witnessing stories of God at work in people’s lives,” West shares. “Our testimonies of God’s faithfulness have the power to embolden each other, carry each other through hard times, and change the world. This is a devotional about your story…a guide to help you remember that your story is being written by the Master Storyteller and that you are here on this earth for a very important reason: to give God glory.
“Each day challenges you to consider a new truth of what God is currently doing or has done in your life, and to turn the focus of your life toward the glory of the One who loves you. When you complete this devotional, my hope is that you will have a journal that documents God’s enduring presence in every chapter of your story – a written testimony that you can go back to again and again whenever you need encouragement. I’m excited to spend 30 days with you learning how to craft, share, and live a more meaningful and fulfilling story with the one life we get to live. It’s your story for His Glory.”
The book will be published by K-Love Books and is now available for pre-order. Readers who place a pre-order will receive exclusive perks, including an exclusive virtual launch party.
CMHOF Names 2024 Troubadour Advisory Council Members & Leadership Team
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum has named its 2024 Troubadour Advisory Council Members and Leadership Team.
The Troubadour Advisory Council consists young professionals in Nashville music community. Members attend quarterly networking events at the museum to connect with other like-minded professionals, ages 21-45, and play a part in supporting the museum’s educational mission. Troubadour membership directly supports the museum’s Community Counts program, which provides free admission to youth from Davidson County and bordering counties.
This year’s leadership team includes Chair Patrick Thomas (Senior Vice President of Broadcasting & Host, PickleJar Up All Night), Vice Chair Zach Farnum (Owner, 117 Entertainment), Vice Chair Nina Jenkins Fisher(Senior Director, Creative, Jody Williams Songs) and Vice Chair Elizabeth Lombardi (Executive, Business Affairs Music Touring, CAA).
The 2024 Troubadour Advisory Council is made up of Scott Adkins (President/CEO, Adkins Publicity), Karli Berman (Teacher, Metro Nashville Public Schools), Christopher Beverly (Business & Entertainment Attorney, Shields Construction Law, PLLC), Kasey Cleckler (Executive + Performance Coach, Cape + Anchor), Katie Cline Moore (Business Manager, Cline Co Business & Financial Management), Emily Dryburgh (Co-Founder, Young Music City, RNBW Queer Music Collective, Country Proud), Alex Hall (Recording Artist, Monument Records), Betsy Lee (Business Manager, FBMM), Brenden Oliver (Director of Awards Stewardship, CMA), Carter Robinson (SVP Financial Advisor, Music Entertainment & Sports Group, Pinnacle Bank), Karen Schillinger (Agent, CAA), Molly Shehan (Partner, Milom Crow Kelley Beckett Shehan PLC), Casey Thomas (Director, Publicity & Creative, Monument Records), Josh Tomlinson (Director, Creative, BMI) and Max Vanberg (Country Music Agent Trainee, WME).
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Dan + Shay Deliver ‘Delicate, Pristine Production’
/by Robert K OermannDan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
This is an all-male edition of DISClaimer.
Every other contender here is a Black country stylist. One of them, Scoot Teasley, is our DISCovery Award winner. I don’t know much about him. I think he’s from Georgia, and he looks very young. I do know I’d sign him in a heartbeat.
As for our White guys, there’s no question but that Dan + Shay are this week’s Disc of the Day prize winners.
KEITH URBAN/ “Straight Line”
Writers: Keith Urban/Chase McGill/Jerry Flowers/Greg Wells; Producers: Keith Urban/Greg Wells; Label: Capitol Records Nashville
– This zippy rocker puts pedal to the metal on an open-highway “road” song. Packed with positivity and frothing energy. It ain’t all that “country,” but it sure is fun.
BLANCO BROWN/ “Sunshine Shine”
Writer: Bennie Amey III; Producer: Blanco Brown; Label: Wheelhouse Records/BMG
– Brown is probably the best at fusing hip-hop with country. Probably because he can actually sing. This dancefloor ditty in praise of moonshine has cool hand claps, sampled bass loops, electronic blips and a pleasant, repeated, mellow hook. I remain a fan.
DAN + SHAY/ “Bigger Houses”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Andy Albert/Jordan Minton/Jordan Reynolds; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– The title to the duo’s new album has a classic-country sentiment: Money can’t buy happiness. The delicate, pristine production laced with acoustic guitar supports a softly sincere Shay Mooney lead vocal with a gentle Dan Smyers baritone harmony. A gorgeous little record.
THE KENTUCKY GENTLEMEN/ “Leave Right Now”
Writers: Brandon Campbell/Derek Campbell/JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Producers: JD Walker/Nicholas Autry; Label: KG
– These twin brothers normally inhabit the dance floor, but on their new single they adopt a slow, sensuous groove. The production starts off kind of spare and cheeesy sounding, then adds layers of percussion and vocal harmonies to achieve a romantic, dim-the-lights jam. Seductive.
CHRIS YOUNG/ “Double Down”
Writers: Derek George/Monty Criswell/Tyler Reeve; Producer: Chris Young; Label: RCA Records Label Nashville
– It’s a barroom stomper with twang guitar and thumping percussion in praise of getting it on by drinking doubles and painting the town neon-red.
WILLIE JONES/ “Omg”
Writers: Will Adams; Producer: Willie Jones; Label: The Penthouse
– The single remains “Dive Bar,” but just in time for Super Bowl LVIII Jones drops his relaxed version of halftime-show performer Usher’s 2010 oldie “Omg.” Jones is in his third year hosting his Apple Music series “The Cross Road Radio Show.” These programs illustrate how country and hip-hop intertwine.
LUKE GRIMES/ “God And A Girl”
Writers: Tucker Beathard/Dillon James/Jason Nix; Producers: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury/Range/UMG Nashville
– The Yellowstone star has repeatedly proved that he’s a for-real country artist. This new track throws a spotlight on his resonant baritone voice. It’s a slo-o-o-o-ow romantic ballad that could use a little more waltz-time lilt and a little less plodding.
CARLOS WASHINGTON’S STEEL HORSE SWING/ “Party On Piedra Lumbre’
Writers: Carlos A Washington; Producer: Ernie Martinez; Label: CW
– Not to be confused with the Atlanta Falcons running back, this Carlos Washington is a western-swing cowboy revivalist, following in the footsteps of Bob Wills, Hank Thompson and Asleep at the Wheel. This track has a solid groove, punctuated by horn blasts, sizzling steel and jazzy fiddle. Washington’s confident vocal delivery is totally in the pocket. The rancher and former rodeo bull rider has recently signed with Nashville’s Flaming Tortuga label and is preparing new sounds for the second quarter of ‘24.
WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/ “Not Letting Go”
Writers: William Michael Morgan/Dan Huston/Sam Banks; Producer: Keith Stegall; Label: ONErpm
– This neo-traditionalist has a honky-tonk delivery to die for. The ballad is also bolstered by a flawless, tasteful, eloquent, steel-embellished production by Stegall. This is country music the way it was meant to be performed.
SCOOT TEASLEY/ “This Truck Still Misses You”
Writers: Scoot Teasley/Mason Thornley/Jon Stark; Producer: Chris Utley; Label: STM/Hollow Point Music Group
– This pulses with throbbing heartache energy. It also announces the birth of a major new country stylist. Teasley’s throaty, range-y vocal is stunning. The rocking production brims with excitement. Who is this guy, and where has he been all of our lives?
TYLER BRADEN/ “Devil You Know”
Writers: Sam Martinez/Graham Barham/Zack Dyer/Jon Robert Hall; Producer: Sam Martinez; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– This fiery country rocker advises us to stand up for ourselves. Don’t back down, and don’t mistake kindness for weakness. The rock track screams with guitars and chanted backing vocals.
Kacey Musgraves Finds A ‘Deeper Well’ For Fifth Studio Album Out In March
/by Liza AndersonGrammy-winning songstress Kacey Musgraves will release her fifth studio album, Deeper Well, on March 15 via Interscope/MCA Nashville. Both the title track and its accompanying video are available now.
Musgraves co-produced all 14 tracks and co-penned most of them with longtime collaborators Daniel Tashian and Ian Fitchuk, while reuniting with Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne for the contemplative tune “The Architect.” Inspired by the energy of New York City’s Greenwich Village and its rich musical history, she recorded a large part of the album at the legendary Electric Lady Studios.
“I was seeking some different environmental energy, and Electric Lady has the best mojo. Great ghosts,” notes Musgraves.
With a perceptive eye for life’s subtle nuances, she turns often unnoticed moments into songs that resonate with listeners. On the recently released, almost folky title track, the artist surveys her life and priorities—distinguishing what feeds her, what drains her and examining what’s left behind on the way to empowerment.
Additionally, Musgraves achieved her first No. 1 entry on the Billboard Hot 100 chart with her and Zach Bryan‘s duet “I Remember Everything.” The track marks the first country music duet to reach this feat since Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers‘ “Islands In The Stream.” “I Remember Everything” also just won Best Country Duo/Group Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards on Sunday (Feb. 4), making Musgraves the only artist in history to receive a Grammy for Best Country Album, Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Deeper Well Track Listing:
1. “Cardinal”
2. “Deeper Well
3. “Too Good to be True”
4. “Moving Out”
5. “Giver / Taker”
6. “Sway”
7. “Dinner with Friends”
8. “Heart of the Woods”
9. “Jade Green”
10. “The Architect”
11. “Lonely Millionaire”
12. “Heaven Is”
13. “Anime Eyes”
14. “Nothing to be Scared Of”
Leo33 Signs Country Riser Jenna Paulette
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, front row): Wildrose Projects’ Helena Capps, Leo33’s Katie Dean, Jenna Paulette and Leo33’s Daniel Lee; (L-R, back row): Leo33’s Chris Fabiani, Meg Goggins, Natalie Osborne, Tracy Gibson and Dusty Cantrell. Photo: Katie Kauss
New independent record label Leo33 has signed up-and-comer Jenna Paulette to its artist roster. She joins Zach Top as the label’s second signing.
Paulette is a native of Lewisville, Texas, whose roots run deep in the agricultural industry. In addition to being a working cowgirl, Paulette is a member of the CMT Next Women of Country Class of 2022 and an Apple Music’s Country Riser of the Month selectee.
She released her debut album, The Girl I Was, in early 2023, and has amassed over 30 million on-demand streams. Alongside Leo33, Paulette is set to release her first taste of new music on March 1 with “Darlin’,” a tune she co-wrote with Jess Cayne and Matthew Morrisey.
“I’m thrilled to be part of the Leo33 family and collaborate with a label that values authenticity in addition to creativity. This partnership marks a new chapter in my career and I can’t wait to share more music and stories with my fans,” Paulette shares of the signing.
Katie Dean, the Head of Leo33, shares, “Jenna’s authenticity and commitment to storytelling aligns perfectly with Leo33’s vision of fostering innovative music. We’re excited to support Jenna in her artistic endeavors and provide a platform for her unique voice to reach a broader audience.”
Paulette is currently on the road with Aaron Watson as part of his “The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour,” and just played to a packed crowd at the Mercury Lounge in New York City. Additional upcoming stops include Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Tampa, Atlanta and more.
Wyatt Ellis Inks With WME
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, front row): Bobby Cudd (WME), Jay Williams (WME), Wyatt Ellis, Neil Mason (Red Light Management), Tom Lord (Red Light Management); (L-R, back row): Moira McCravey (WME), Carter Green (WME), Alison Auerbach (Alison Auerbach Public Relations), Erin Morris Huttlinger (Morris Public Relations)
Bluegrass artist Wyatt Ellis has signed with WME for global representation.
In his two short years on the scene, Ellis has been invited to perform on stage with artists such as Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Peter Rowan, Sam Bush, Bryan Sutton, Dailey & Vincent and Marty Stuart.
Ellis’ debut album Happy Valley was released last Friday (Feb. 2). On release day, Happy Valley was the cover of Spotify’s New Grass Playlist with the track “Blue Smoke” featuring Stuart in the No. 1 spot on the same playlist. Other tracks receiving prominent playlisting include “Get Lost,” “Blue Smoke” and “Grassy Cove.”
Ellis is also represented by Red Light Management’s Neil Mason and Tom Lord, as well as Morris Public Relations and Alison Auerbach P.R. for public relations and artist development. Andrea Roberts with the Andrea Roberts Agency is handling radio promotion.
“Wyatt is an extraordinary talent. He embraces tradition with his artistry while captivating a new generation of bluegrass fans,” share his representatives from WME. “His future is very bright, and we’re excited to have him at WME and be a part of his journey.”
“Wyatt is a breath of fresh air, and we are thrilled to be working with him,” comments Mason. “He is traditional and progressive, young, but seasoned well beyond his years. Wyatt has quickly made a ton of noise in the bluegrass and country scene, jamming with the likes of Billy Strings, Dierks Bentley, Del McCoury and many more, as well as performing at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Fest, MerleFest, and the Grand Ole Opry, all in recent months.”