Morgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
We have fresh faces and fresh sounds in DISClaimer today.
Vying for the DISCovery Award were first-timers Kashus Culpepper, Karley Scott Collins and Lizzie No. Right alongside them are new tunes from such marvelous “baby acts” as Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top, Sierra Ferrell, and Jordyn Shellhart. Give ‘em all a hand, and hand the prize to Lizzie No.
There’s not much competition for the Disc of the Day award. Not when you have a titan like Morgan Wallen in the mix. He wins, hands down.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Marlboro Reds”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cool, minor-key and moody sounding. The bluesy outing is a recollection of hanging out with grandma when she steps outside for her smoke breaks. Very ear-catching and kinda haunting.
MORGAN WALLEN / “Spin You Around”
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Paul Trust/Sergio Sanchez; Producers: Joey Moi/Morgan Wallen/Bryan Sutton/Paul Trust; Label: Big Loud
– I just love the warmth in his singing voice. While Bryan Sutton’s acoustic guitar strums beautiful filigrees, Wallen pleads for favors from the one who stole his heart away. Supremely excellent work.
SIERRA FERRELL / “Dollar Bill Bar”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– She has the greatest stone-country voice, is a brilliant writer and packs a wallop as a show-woman. Put simply, this is one of the most creative artists in this genre today. Her jaunty kiss-off single is delightfully innocent and saucy at the same time. Also, check out the YouTube video of Ferrell making her national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live with her barn-burning “Fox Hunt.” The new album isn’t due until March. Put me on the waiting list.
TYLER HUBBARD / “Turn”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Casey Brown/Josh Miller; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– She’s so special that she can turn bad to good in a heartbeat. Romantic hillbilly sincerity in every note. A thumping backbeat and some dandy guitar don’t hurt a bit. This dude never disappoints.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Who Hurt You”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: KC
– The grit in his voice stopped me in my tracks. With just his acoustic guitar for accompaniment, he is thoroughly gripping. The well-written song has a philosophical bent in its description of a man with inner wounds. Somebody sign this guy pronto.
BRADY SEALS/ “My Love”
Writers: Brady Seals/Porter C. Howell/Thomas D. Barnes; Producers: Brady Seals/Christy Dinapoli; Label: Hillbilly
– This ultra-romantic charmer is being released in time for Valentine’s Day. It was previously a No.1 hit for Brady’s old band Little Texas in 1994. This new version, complete with stacked chorus vocal harmonies, is a welcome reminder of what a lovely song it is. Play it.
LIZZIE NO/ “Halfsies”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– This is the title tune of Lizzie No’s debut album, which dropped last week. I love the way it builds from stark snare-and-guitar accompaniment to a full production soaked in steel and cascading strings and voices. What is equally cool is the way her dry soprano delivery remains on top of it all, delivering an intricate, poetic lyric of surviving pain. Wildly promising.
JORDYN SHELLHART & CHARLIE WORSHAM/ “A Nice Thing To Do”
Writers: Cameron Jaymes/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Languid and dreamy, with both voices sounding intimate and comforting. The echoey track is gorgeously produced. A sublime listening experience. Need I add that I am a huge fan of both of these talents?
ZACH TOP/ “Sounds Like The Radio”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Top’s new radio single and video are a revelation. As if it wasn’t enough that he’s a hunk who sings like a honky-tonk hero, he also plays stinging lead guitar. The song is a hooky throwback to ‘90s country that is as refreshing as ice water on a summer day. This man is everything you could want in a country superstar.
LOGAN MIZE & JESSIE JAMES DECKER/ “If You’re Up”
Writers: Abe Stoklasa/Daniel Tashian/Sarah Buxton; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– They’ve broken up, but not really because they still want to hook up. It might be late, late, late at night, but how about it, babe? Chiming, ringing guitars and oomphy percussion percolate behind their equally strong vocals. A righteous little record.
TIGIRLILY GOLD/ “I Tried A Ring On”
Writers: Josh Jenkins/Pete Good/Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Monument
– She jumped the gun and married the guy too soon. Now it’s over and she regrets it all. The churning, multi-textured, mid-tempo production is awesome and the two sisters have never sounded more vocally expressive. By far their best effort yet.
CHARLES ESTEN/ “Love Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Charles Esten/Marshall Altman/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Marshall Altman Label: CE
– His years on the Nashville TV show and multiple Opry appearances have made him familiar to millions. So it comes of something as a shock to learn that the collection that Esten released last week is his debut album. Its title tune is a troubadour gem that melds his soft vocal delivery with a beautifully mixed ballad track. “Love ain’t pretty,” he sings, “but it’s beautiful.” Amen.
Pryor Baird Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Lorie HollabaughPryor Baird receiving a standing ovation during his Grand Ole Opry debut. Photo: Starstruck Entertainment
Pryor Baird stepped into the legendary circle for the very first time and made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Friday night (Jan. 26).
Pictured (L-R): Black River’s Rick Froio, Doug Johnson, Starstruck Entertainment’s Berkley Kriz, Pryor Baird, Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers and Black River’s Gordon Kerr. Photo: Patrick Sheehan
Friday also marked the release of his latest single, “Mighta Met A Girl.” Baird performed the new tune on the sacred stage along with unreleased ballad “Beauty In The Broken,” which he dedicated to his father who recently passed unexpectedly. Afterwards, he was joined by his family, friends and team in the Opry’s Circle Room for an intimate post-debut celebration.
Hosted by Baird’s label and publishing home, Black River Entertainment, as well as his management team, Starstruck Entertainment, the evening included remarks from the artist and a commemorative cake donning the image of a five-year-old Baird with his first guitar in addition to the Grand Ole Opry stage.
“I want to say thank you to every single person that has ever reached into what I’m doing and said, ‘We believe in it. We want to be a part of it.’ That just speaks volumes, and I’m so thankful,” he said during the reception. “I truly have the greatest team, family and fans—thank you so much for letting this be a reality. Work hard, and dream big.”
Additionally, Baird will perform as a part of the “Nashville Hits The Roof ” series tonight (Feb. 1) at Tin Roof in Nashville before hitting the road for shows in South Carolina and North Carolina.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Morgan Wallen Shows Off The ‘Warmth In His Singing Voice’
/by Robert K OermannMorgan Wallen. Photo: Matt Paskert
We have fresh faces and fresh sounds in DISClaimer today.
Vying for the DISCovery Award were first-timers Kashus Culpepper, Karley Scott Collins and Lizzie No. Right alongside them are new tunes from such marvelous “baby acts” as Tigirlily Gold, Zach Top, Sierra Ferrell, and Jordyn Shellhart. Give ‘em all a hand, and hand the prize to Lizzie No.
There’s not much competition for the Disc of the Day award. Not when you have a titan like Morgan Wallen in the mix. He wins, hands down.
KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Marlboro Reds”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/Alex Kline/Scott Stepakoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Cool, minor-key and moody sounding. The bluesy outing is a recollection of hanging out with grandma when she steps outside for her smoke breaks. Very ear-catching and kinda haunting.
MORGAN WALLEN / “Spin You Around”
Writers: Morgan Wallen/Paul Trust/Sergio Sanchez; Producers: Joey Moi/Morgan Wallen/Bryan Sutton/Paul Trust; Label: Big Loud
– I just love the warmth in his singing voice. While Bryan Sutton’s acoustic guitar strums beautiful filigrees, Wallen pleads for favors from the one who stole his heart away. Supremely excellent work.
SIERRA FERRELL / “Dollar Bill Bar”
Writers: Melody Walker/Sierra Ferrell; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Rounder Records
– She has the greatest stone-country voice, is a brilliant writer and packs a wallop as a show-woman. Put simply, this is one of the most creative artists in this genre today. Her jaunty kiss-off single is delightfully innocent and saucy at the same time. Also, check out the YouTube video of Ferrell making her national TV debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live with her barn-burning “Fox Hunt.” The new album isn’t due until March. Put me on the waiting list.
TYLER HUBBARD / “Turn”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Casey Brown/Josh Miller; Producers: Jordan Schmidt/Tyler Hubbard; Label: EMI Nashville
– She’s so special that she can turn bad to good in a heartbeat. Romantic hillbilly sincerity in every note. A thumping backbeat and some dandy guitar don’t hurt a bit. This dude never disappoints.
KASHUS CULPEPPER / “Who Hurt You”
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Label: KC
– The grit in his voice stopped me in my tracks. With just his acoustic guitar for accompaniment, he is thoroughly gripping. The well-written song has a philosophical bent in its description of a man with inner wounds. Somebody sign this guy pronto.
BRADY SEALS/ “My Love”
Writers: Brady Seals/Porter C. Howell/Thomas D. Barnes; Producers: Brady Seals/Christy Dinapoli; Label: Hillbilly
– This ultra-romantic charmer is being released in time for Valentine’s Day. It was previously a No.1 hit for Brady’s old band Little Texas in 1994. This new version, complete with stacked chorus vocal harmonies, is a welcome reminder of what a lovely song it is. Play it.
LIZZIE NO/ “Halfsies”
Writer: Lizzie No; Producers: Lizzie No/Graham Richman/Patrick Dillett; Label: Thirty Tigers/Miss Freedomland
– This is the title tune of Lizzie No’s debut album, which dropped last week. I love the way it builds from stark snare-and-guitar accompaniment to a full production soaked in steel and cascading strings and voices. What is equally cool is the way her dry soprano delivery remains on top of it all, delivering an intricate, poetic lyric of surviving pain. Wildly promising.
JORDYN SHELLHART & CHARLIE WORSHAM/ “A Nice Thing To Do”
Writers: Cameron Jaymes/Jordyn Shellhart; Producer: Cameron Jaymes; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Languid and dreamy, with both voices sounding intimate and comforting. The echoey track is gorgeously produced. A sublime listening experience. Need I add that I am a huge fan of both of these talents?
ZACH TOP/ “Sounds Like The Radio”
Writers: Carson Chamberlain/Wyatt McCubbin/Zach Top; Producer: Carson Chamberlain; Label: Leo33
– Top’s new radio single and video are a revelation. As if it wasn’t enough that he’s a hunk who sings like a honky-tonk hero, he also plays stinging lead guitar. The song is a hooky throwback to ‘90s country that is as refreshing as ice water on a summer day. This man is everything you could want in a country superstar.
LOGAN MIZE & JESSIE JAMES DECKER/ “If You’re Up”
Writers: Abe Stoklasa/Daniel Tashian/Sarah Buxton; Producer: Daniel Tashian; Label: Big Yellow Dog
– They’ve broken up, but not really because they still want to hook up. It might be late, late, late at night, but how about it, babe? Chiming, ringing guitars and oomphy percussion percolate behind their equally strong vocals. A righteous little record.
TIGIRLILY GOLD/ “I Tried A Ring On”
Writers: Josh Jenkins/Pete Good/Kendra Slaubaugh/Krista Slaubaugh; Producer: Pete Good; Label: Monument
– She jumped the gun and married the guy too soon. Now it’s over and she regrets it all. The churning, multi-textured, mid-tempo production is awesome and the two sisters have never sounded more vocally expressive. By far their best effort yet.
CHARLES ESTEN/ “Love Ain’t Pretty”
Writers: Charles Esten/Marshall Altman/Jimmy Yeary; Producer: Marshall Altman Label: CE
– His years on the Nashville TV show and multiple Opry appearances have made him familiar to millions. So it comes of something as a shock to learn that the collection that Esten released last week is his debut album. Its title tune is a troubadour gem that melds his soft vocal delivery with a beautifully mixed ballad track. “Love ain’t pretty,” he sings, “but it’s beautiful.” Amen.
Leadership Music Now Accepting Applications For Class Of 2025
/by Liza AndersonLeadership Music has started accepting applications from established music industry leaders for the Class of 2025, which will be the organization’s 35th class. Applications must be submitted by midnight on Feb. 29.
Based in Nashville, the national program is designed to educate participants in various music industry facets as well as support dialogue and understanding among leaders while exploring the challenges facing the business.
Leadership Music takes place in-person over the course of eight months. Class participants attend the Opening Retreat in October, followed by six all-day sessions, meeting once a month, which focus on key areas including Songwriting & Publishing, Artist, Live Music, Production, Record Company and Media. The program then ends with graduation at the Closing Retreat in May 2025.
“Members of the class are leaders in their field, and the program exposes them to all segments of the music industry, expanding their knowledge beyond their area of expertise,” says Leadership Music Executive Director Debbie Linn. “But Leadership Music is so much more than an educational program—it’s a transformative experience. One of the most gratifying aspects is witnessing the genuine relationships forged by the class during the eight-month program.”
To apply and for more information, click here.
UMG Says It Will Pull Catalog From TikTok Following Contract Expiration
/by Liza AndersonThe catalog of major label Universal Music Group (UMG) will potentially be removed from TikTok, one of the world’s largest social platforms, due to their inability to come to an agreement during the negotiation of their contract, which expired yesterday (Jan. 31). This measure would not only include the work of UMG artists such as global sensations Taylor Swift, BTS, Drake, Ariana Grande and many more, but any song that any Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriter contributed to as well.
According to an open letter from UMG to its artists and songwriters shared on Tuesday (Jan. 30), TikTok and UMG disagreed on three key factors in the negotiation, including compensation for artists and songwriters, appropriate protection measures in regards to artificial intelligence, and online safety for TikTok’s users.
In the letter, UMG stated that it had been working with the platform to address its concerns, but that the platform “responded first with indifference, and then with intimidation.”
The letter proceeded: “As our negotiations continued, TikTok attempted to bully us into accepting a deal worth less than the previous deal, far less than fair market value and not reflective of their exponential growth. How did it try to intimidate us? By selectively removing the music of certain of our developing artists, while keeping on the platform our audience-driving global stars.
“TikTok’s tactics are obvious: use its platform power to hurt vulnerable artists and try to intimidate us into conceding to a bad deal that undervalues music and shortchanges artists and songwriters as well as their fans. We will never do that. We will always fight for our artists and songwriters and stand up for the creative and commercial value of music.”
UMG shared that while it recognized the challenges that the measures would cause for artists and their fans, the company has “an overriding responsibility to our artists to fight for a new agreement under which they are appropriately compensated for their work.”
TikTok responded to UMG’s open letter on Tuesday (Jan. 30), sharing that it is “sad and disappointing that Universal Music Group has put their own greed above the interests of their artists and songwriters.
“Despite Universal’s false narrative and rhetoric, the fact is they have chosen to walk away from the powerful support of a platform with well over a billion users that serves as a free promotional and discovery vehicle for their talent. TikTok has been able to reach ‘artist-first’ agreements with every other label and publisher. Clearly, Universal’s self-serving actions are not in the best interests of artists, songwriters and fans.”
If is unclear when or if the parties will come to new agreement. This is a developing story.
Peytan Porter Steps Into Her Own On New EP ‘Grown’
/by Lorie HollabaughSinger-songwriter Peytan Porter is gearing up for the release of her brand new project Grown, on March 1. A new video for the track “Lemonade” from the project is out today (Feb. 1).
The gritty, six-song EP—all co-penned by Porter—features a collection of thought-provoking lyrics that illuminate the places where she stands apart as she comes into her own as an artist.
“I’m not apologizing for or watering down the colors of who I am anymore,” Porter shares. “I’m getting in tune with a sound and style that’s all mine and stepping into being more transparent with the way I think and see the world and it really feels like I’m setting myself free. It’s definitely a coming of age for me.”
The silky slink of “God’s Hotel,” co-written with Faren Rachels and Jeff Garrison, offers a first glimpse of both the project’s sound and headspace, showcasing a weathered sunburst of Americana and a theme of making room for oneself. Likewise, the title track “Grown” is all about finding peace and pride in the lives we build, even when they’re not what we expected, and finding beauty in the silver linings. “High Road” features a swampy Delta-blues swagger, and the wistful “Speaking of Georgia” finds Porter musing on what might have been. “Run the Radio,” written alongside Greg Bates and Trent Dabbs, is filled with nostalgia and pride, drawing listeners into Porter’s story.
Fresh off the heels of her acclaimed debut project In My Head earning 10 million streams across her platforms, Porter has garnered a substantial following in recent years, with 330,000 followers across all platforms and 50 million views on TikTok. The emerging artist has already earned a number of accolades including being a TikTok Songwriter of the Year Nominee at the 2022 iHeart Radio Awards, and she was named a CMT’s Next Up Now Artist.
Porter is managed by Red Light Management and published by Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell Music.
Grown Track List:
1. Lemonade – Written by Peytan Porter, Ian Christian, Matt Willis
2. God’s Hotel – Written by Peytan Porter, Faren Rachels, Jeff Garrison
3. High Road – Written by Peytan Porter, Brinley Addington, Matt Morrisey
4. Speaking of Georgia – Written by Peytan Porter, Billy Montana, Mark Trussell
5. Grown – Written by Peytan Porter, Steve Moakler, Mark Trussell
6. Run The Radio – Written by Peytan Porter, Greg Bates, Trent Dabbs
Mark Your Calendar—February 2024
/by Madison HahnenSingle/Track Release Dates:
Dan + Shay. Photo: Robby Klein
February 2
Scoot Teasley/This Truck Still Misses You/Hollow Point Music
Justin Holmes/Drink You Down/Country Rebel Records
February 4
McKenna Faith Winters/One Girl To Another/MC1 Nashville
Brandon Lee/Hurricane/MC1 Nashville
February 5
Dan + Shay/Bigger Houses/Warner Music Nashville
Darci Lynne/Push Our Luck
February 9
Spencer Crandall/Worth The Wait
Orlando Mendez/Miami or Me
Kalaan White/Backroads/MC1 Nashville
February 12
Dylan Scott/This Town’s Been Too Good To Us/Curb Records
Cooper Stephenson/Hey Mister/Southern Records
Flat River Band/Home Sweet Home/Early Bird Records
Maggie Baugh/’24
February 14
Tammy/God And A Job/MC1 Nashville
February 16
Breland/Heartbreak & Alcohol/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville
Andy Pursell/I Need You Bad/Southern Dreams Entertainment
Macy Tabor/Match Made In Hell/MC1 Nashville
February 19
Jessie G/Like My Whiskey (feat. Gretchen Wilson)/Jessie G Music
February 22
Paula Slow/Hell Don’t Stand A Chance/MC1 Nashville
February 26
Pryor Baird/Mighta Met A Girl/Black River Entertainment
Dawn Rix/Painkiller/Emanant Music
Album/EP Release Dates:
Photo: Robby Klein
February 2
Gabby Barrett/Chapter & Verse/Warner Music Nashville
Brit Taylor/Kentucky Bluegrassed
Dugger Band/Goin’ Places
February 9
The Castellows/A Little Goes A Long Way/Warner Music Nashville/Warner Records
Dalton Dover/Take Me Home: Covers/Mercury Records
February 14
Drew & Ellie Holcomb/Brick By Brick/Magnolia Music/Tone Tree Music
February 16
Chase Matthew/We All Grow Up/Warner Music Nashville
Drake Milligan/Jukebox Songs/Stoney Creek Records
Redferrin/Old No. 7/Warner Music Nashville
Blackberry Smoke/Be Right Here/3 Legged Records/Thirty Tigers
February 23
Scoot Teasley/Scoot Teasley/Hollow Point Music
Matt Jordan/Low Lights/ONEprm
Industry Events:
66th Annual Grammy Awards
February 28 – March 1
CRS
Gabby Barrett Celebrates New Album With Fan Experience Today & Tomorrow
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Robby Klein
Gabby Barrett is inviting fans to “Gabby Barrett: The Chapter & Verse Experience” at Nashville’s Fifth + Broadway and the Plaza at the Grand Ole Opry House today (Feb. 1) and tomorrow (Feb. 2).
The new, free, immersive event will offer fans a backstage look into Barrett’s life on the road and into her new album, Chapter & Verse, with memorabilia and a tour bus on-site in both locations. In addition, fans will be able to listen to Chapter & Verse during the event with an album listening party on Feb. 2, the day of the album’s release.
“It’s album release week! We have so many fun things to show y’all, giving an exclusive peek behind the curtain of the album and my life the past few years. I won’t be able to be there in person because my baby will be here any second now,” Barrett shared on Instagram. “Tag me in your pictures and videos so I can share them and feel like I’m right there with y’all! Enjoy!”
Bryan Adams Aligns With Songbox As Company Focuses On Nashville
/by Madison HahnenPictured (L-R): Co-founder Ciaran O’Toole, Founder Michael Coll, Co-founder Bryan Adams. Photo: Courtesy of Songbox
Multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Bryan Adams has joined Songbox, a music-sharing tech startup, as a Co-founder.
Using Songbox, creators can track when a file has been delivered, whether it’s been listened to and how long songs have been played. Additionally, the platform allows for creators to upload and share music video content. After enjoying the platform’s secure music-sharing capabilities, Adams decided to join in.
He says, “Songbox allows me to share new music that I’m working on in a way that I couldn’t before. I don’t need to send out MP3 files or physical products, so it keeps my ideas and early versions safe and secure until I’m ready to officially release the songs.”
Songbox was founded in Scotland by Michael Coll, a former musician, songwriter and industry insider. Seasoned industry veteran Ciaran O’Toole is also a Co-founder. The platform now has 50,000 tracks uploaded with over three million streams. They are already serving globally-renowned artists, independent creators and record labels, and are working to bring their focus to Music City.
“I had the opportunity to visit Nashville, and I instantly fell in love with the city,” shares Coll. “Nashville is music and it’s the perfect place for us to bring Songbox, which is where 80% of our customers currently are.”
Adams was one of the first famous names to sign up on the platform, and instantly began sharing ideas with Coll and O’Toole. “Almost immediately after signing up, Bryan was contributing feature ideas and design suggestions. His insight and experience for this has been invaluable,” says Coll.
“More recently, we have added the ability for creators to not only share their audio, but also house and share music videos on the platform,” sums Coll. “Creators can house all of their assets under one roof—photos, cover artwork, lyrics, music videos and tracks, and use the platform to collaborate with other creators or pitch media, publishers, industry executives, radio programmers and more. There are so many possibilities.”
Kane Brown To Receive CRS 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award
/by Liza AndersonSuperstar Kane Brown has been named the recipient of the Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2024 Artist Humanitarian Award.
The Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the Country Radio Broadcasters’ (CRB) Board to honor a country artist whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. This individual not only lends their name and influence but also dedicates their time, talent and resources.
Brown’s philanthropic endeavors have focused on improving the lives of underprivileged youth. His contributions include supporting the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). Brown has personally funded opportunities for 16 youth and four adults from the local BGCA chapter, providing backstage access, sharing his story, arranging dinner and gifting tickets to his shows. He even continued these efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic by offering a safe suite experience for the children and their chaperones.
Brown also donated a dollar from each ticket sold on his NBA arena tour to the renovation of a BGCA gym in Cleveland, Ohio, and collaborated with Lowe’s for the rebuilding of a BGCA in his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee. Additionally, the proceeds from his single “Worldwide Beautiful” and his Kane Krunch cereal were also donated to the BGCA.
In October 2022, Brown was awarded the BGCA’s Champion of Youth accolade in recognition of his significant contributions.
“CRS is proud to recognize Kane Brown with our highest Artist Humanitarian honor. Kane ‘walks the walk’ in supporting underprivileged youth in the U.S. through a deep commitment to the Boys & Girls Club national organization. We are inspired by his year-round generosity of time, effort and resources. Kane continues to be a daily difference-maker in the lives of youths,” says Beverlee Brannigan, CRS/CRB Awards Committee Chair.
He will be recognized during CRS Honors on Thursday, Feb. 29 at 3 p.m. during CRS 2024.
Industry Ink: SOURCE, Conner Smith, Clint Black, Ray Charles
/by Lorie HollabaughSOURCE Holds Town Hall Luncheon To Ring In 2024
Pictured (L-R, front row): Treasurer Amanda Mitchell (Farris, Self & Moore), Erica Rosa (FBMM), Brittni Talley (NSAI), Tiffany Bearden (Evolution PR), Vice President Tamar Rand, Tracie Hitz (Hitz & Branding); (L-R, back row): President Kari Barnhart (Studio Bank), Beth Tyson (FBMM), Mary Lauren Teague (Dotted i Entertainment), Mallory Mason Pascal (KBFM Entertainment & Financial Management), Ashley Hertzog Embry (Hearts Bluff Music), Secretary Kasey Cleckler (Cape + Anchor)
SOURCE, the longest-running organization for women in the music industry in Nashville, announced its new board members and members at a Town Hall Luncheon at CMA on Jan. 25. The new members joining this year are Jenni Tackett, Leigh McCorkle, Torianne Valdez, Rhonda Forlaw Adkins, Shelley Grayson, Juanita Copeland, Emily Olson, Emily Walker, Annie Reuter, Eileen Tilson, Alyssa Augello, Aubrey Daniels and Tera Healy.
Conner Smith Celebrates New Album At Sold-Out Brooklyn Bowl Show
Pictured (L-R): WME’s Aaron Tannenbaum, Homestead Music’s Brad Hersh, Producer Zach Crowell, Homestead Music’s Brad Belanger, Big Machine Label Group’s Sandi Spika Borchetta and Scott Borchetta, Conner Smith, The Valory Music Co.’s George Briner, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Homestead Music’s Chelsey Block and Pat Pekala. Photo: Cooper Smith
Conner Smith celebrated his new Smoky Mountains album release at a sold-out Brooklyn Bowl show in Nashville on Jan. 26. The new project features the Gold-certified “Take It Slow,” the viral hit “I Hate Alabama” and the Top-11-and-climbing single “Creek Will Rise,” along with a duet with Hailey Whitters, “Roulette On The Heart.”
Clint Black Performs On Star Vista’s Country Music Cruise
Pictured (L-R): Country Music Cruise Executive Producer Mike Robertson, Country Music Cruise Host Nan Kelley, Clint Black and StarVista LIVE President Mike Jason.
Clint Black performed for fans onboard StarVista LIVE’s sold out Country Music Cruise on the World Stage of Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam ship last week. The 10th anniversary cruise sold out in record time last year, and bookings for the 2025 cruise will open to the public on Feb. 8.
Grammy Museum Christens New Ray Charles Terrace
Pictured (L-R): Rita George, John Burk, Yakub Hazzard, Clarence Daniels, Wes Coleman, Michael Sticka, Valerie Erviin, Jimmy Jam, Tammy Hurt, Harvey Mason Jr, and Tim Bucher attend The Ray Charles Terrace ribbon cutting at Grammy Museum L.A. Live in Los Angeles. Photo: Timothy Norris/Getty Images for The Recording Academy
The Grammy Museum celebrated the ribbon-cutting of The Ray Charles Terrace on Jan. 29 in L.A.. The event was hosted by producer Jimmy Jam, with music curation by DJ Khalil and performances by Jac Ross and Grammy nominee Aloe Blacc, who performed some of Charles’ biggest hits.