Charley Crockett To Paint Raw, Real Portraits Of America With New Project

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Charley Crockett. Photo: Ryan Vestil

Charley Crockett is gearing up for the release of his new album, $10 Cowboy, due out April 26 via Son of Davy/Thirty Tigers.

On the new project, Crockett identifies a universal thread running through the troubled streets of America today as people battle to just exist in a country that has always promised more. The album was produced by Crockett and his longtime collaborator Billy Horton. Penned over a two-month period as the artist wound his way across the United States on the back of a tour bus, the tracks offer raw, personal, vivid portraits of a country in transition.

“This material is written at truck stops, it’s written at casinos, it’s written in the alleys behind the venues, it’s written in my truck parked up on South Congress in Austin,” explains Crockett. “A ramblin’ man like me, a genuine transient, is in a pretty damn good position to have something to say about America.”

“A $10 Cowboy is a country singer who made himself on a street corner in America,” he continues. “But the cowboy way, the cowboy mindset, that applies to anyone who doesn’t feel free, who feels fenced in and bound to something. Being out on the road gives you a first-hand experience of how different kinds of Americans see themselves as going through some kind of great struggle. The roughneck working the oil and gas fields in West Texas. The single mother raising kids by herself. The young man working a street corner because he thinks it’s his only option. I would be dishonest if I said I couldn’t see the thread. Each of ’em feel invisible. I am struck by the battles they are fighting internally, and the ways they have been entrapped by what America says they are.”

Luke Combs & More To Perform At 66th Annual Grammy Awards

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

Luke Combs has been added to the lineup of performers for the 66th annual Grammy Awards along with Burna Boy and Travis Scott.

They join previously announced acts Billie Eilish, Dua Lipa and Olivia Rodrigo, and more will be announced in the coming days and weeks.

Combs, Burna Boy and Scott are all up for awards this year. Combs’ “Fast Car” cover is up for Best Country Solo Performance. Burna Boy’s I Told Them… is nominated Best Global Music Album along with “City Boys” for Best African Music Performance, “Alone” for Best Global Music Performance and “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” for Best Melodic Rap Performance. Scott’s Utopia has scored a nomination for Best Rap Album.

The 66th annual Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Billy Currington & Kip Moore To Hit The Road Together On Spring Tour

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Country stars Billy Currington and Kip Moore have announced a spring 2024 amphitheater tour. Larry Fleet and Redferrin will be support for the tour.

Currington has accumulated 12 No. 1 hits in his career, including “People Are Crazy” and “Good Directions.” The singer is known for his energetic live shows as well as being able to connect with the audience through his emotion laden lyrics. Currington recently released two new songs “City Don’t” and “Anchor Man,” and has more music on the way.

Moore has toured the world earning acclaim and a rabid fanbase, consistently selling out headlining shows internationally with huge followings. He recently released his fifth studio album Damn Love, and went out on his “Damn Love World Tour” in 2023. Moore will also be on the road with Hardy this year for the “Quit!! Tour.”

Tickets go on sale this Friday (Jan. 26) at 10 a.m. local time.

Tour Dates:
April 26 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park #
April 27 – Orange Beach, AL – The Wharf Amphitheater #*
May 3 – Portsmouth, VA – Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion #*
May 4 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park #*
May 11 – Youngstown, OH – Youngstown Foundation Amphitheatre #*
May 17 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater #+
May 18 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater #+
June 14 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre *+
June 21 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater *+
June 22 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17 *+

# = with Kip Moore
* = with Larry Fleet
+ = with Redferrin

The Red Clay Strays Sell Out Three-Night Headline Debut At The Ryman

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The Red Clay Strays. Photo: Macie Coleman

The Red Clay Strays will make their debut at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with three sold-out shows on Sept. 4, 5 and 6.

The second and third shows were added due to overwhelming demand after the first night immediately sold-out, leading all three shows to sell out. With this achievement, The Red Clay Strays are now among a very select group who have made their Ryman debut with a three-night stand, joining artists such as Mumford & Sons, Chris Stapleton, Tedeschi Trucks Band and Turnpike Troubadours.

The Ryman shows add to a breakout year for The Red Clay Strays, who are having a huge moment with their viral single “Wondering Why.” With over 47 million streams to date, the track spent a week at No. 1 on Spotify’s Viral 50 U.S. Playlist and has achieved success at radio, as it’s currently No. 1 on the Americana Singles chart, No. 7 on Billboard’s Hot Rock Songs chart, No. 19 on the Billboard AAA chart and No. 22 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart. “Wondering Why” is from the band’s album, Moment of Truth, which is currently No. 9 on the Americana Albums Chart.

Additional upcoming sold-out headline shows include Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theater, Charleston’s Riviera Theater (two nights), Tuscaloosa’s Druid City Music Hall, Athens’ Georgia Theatre and St. Louis’ The Hawthorn, among others. The band will also join Turnpike Troubadours and Whiskey Myers for select dates this spring and perform at several key festivals this year.

The band recently returned to the studio with producer Dave Cobb to record a new album, which will be released this year.

ACM Taps Gil Beverly As Executive Vice President/Chief Business Officer

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Gil Beverly

The Academy of Country Music has added to its leadership team with the hiring of celebrated sports and entertainment executive Gil Beverly. He joins the team as Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer.

“Gil Beverly is a proven leader who has ushered in new levels of success for numerous category-leading organizations, and we can’t wait to tap his exceptional expertise, passion, and drive at the Academy of Country Music to help us continue to innovate, grow and succeed, particularly as we look ahead to our landmark 60th anniversary awards show celebration in 2025,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. “In his role, he will play an integral part in shaping the future of the Academy from financial, strategic and organizational standpoints, and Gil exemplifies all the traits that power the ACM to reach new heights and support our industry. On behalf of our Board of Directors and Officers, as well as our Members and staff, I couldn’t be more excited to welcome him to team ACM!”

Beverly joins ACM after spending more than four years with the Tennessee Titans, serving as Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer. In his role with the Titans, he led the organization to four successive years of record revenues across corporate partnerships and ticket sales while revitalizing the Titans brand through lifestyle marketing and activations tied to music, fashion, art and fitness, along with effective advertising and social media campaigns. Beverly also served as Executive Project Lead for the preliminary stages of the new Titans stadium plan.

Prior to joining the Titans, Beverly served as Vice President of Partnership Solutions at Learfield Sports in Plano, Texas, after a 13-year stint at ESPN. The Evanston, Illinois native graduated from the undergraduate division of the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania before securing his MBA at the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the University of Oregon.

At the ACM, Beverly will supervise and manage the Academy’s business operations and manage all revenue streams, play a key role in shaping the Academy’s growth strategy by identifying and evaluating business opportunities and will work with Whiteside to oversee and manage staff.

“I am extremely honored and excited to join Damon Whiteside and his team at the Academy of Country Music. The Academy has proven to be a visionary organization through its premium content and events and groundbreaking partnerships with Amazon and the Dallas Cowboys, among others,” shares Beverly. “I believe the organization is poised for significant growth and will continue to be a powerful leader in the music industry in the future. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play a role in that going forward.”

Brooks & Dunn To Embark On ‘Reboot 2024 Tour’

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Brooks & Dunn

Brooks & Dunn will kick off their “Reboot 2024 Tour” in May. David Lee Murphy and Ernest will join as special guests on the new tour.

The Country Music Hall of Famers will hit the road on over 20 dates across the U.S. and Canada, visiting New Orleans, Denver, Salt Lake City, Virginia Beach, Charleston and more through Aug. 10.

Tickets will be available starting Jan. 26 at brooks-dunn.com. The tour will also offer a variety of VIP packages for fans to take their concert experience to the next level that will include premium tickets, invitation to the Neon Lounge, an exclusive signed poster, VIP merchandise gift and more.

The duo’s collaboration album Reboot debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, marking the first time the duo has topped the album charts since 2009 while simultaneously earning the duo their 10th Billboard 200 Top 10 album, the most of any country duo or group in the chart’s history.

“Reboot 2024 Tour” Dates:
5/3 West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
5/4 Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
5/10 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP                           
5/11 Thackerville, OK — Lucas Oil Live at WinStar World Casino and Resort                      
5/16 New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
5/17 Houston, TX – Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion Presented by Huntsman
5/30 Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
5/31 Denver, CO – Ball Arena
6/1 Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
6/6 Fresno, CA – Save Mart Center at Fresno State
6/7 Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
6/8 Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre
6/13 Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post
6/14 Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
6/15 Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium
6/20 Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
6/21 Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
6/22 London, ON – Budweiser Gardens
6/27 Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC
​​6/28 Allentown, PA – PPL Center
6/29 Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion                      
8/10 Welch, MN — Treasure Island Amphitheater

 

NMPA Appoints Chris Barkley As SVP, Government Affairs

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Chris Barkley

The National Music Publishers’ Association (NMPA) has appointed seasoned political strategist Chris Barkley as Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

Barkley has spent over two decades working in high-ranking positions on Capitol Hill beginning in the House of Representatives and spending the majority of his career in the United States Senate. He most recently spent time as Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy for Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT), advising on all policy and legislation as well as supporting his role on the Whip Team. He helped negotiate several of the biggest bipartisan legislative deals in recent years. He previously was Policy Director for the Senate Republican Policy Committee under Senator John Barrasso (R-WY).

“Chris joins NMPA with invaluable expertise from years of insight aiding policymakers and finding consensus to move critical legislation. Having him lead NMPA’s lobbying strategy across all facets of government will be hugely valuable to music creators,” says NMPA President & CEO David Israelite. “As AI and other evolving technologies threaten the value of music, it is more important than ever to have a strong voice in government on behalf of songwriters. As a critical advisor on influential committees and for senior lawmakers, his knowledge is virtually unmatched when it comes to understanding what it takes to make big things happen.”

“Songwriters face more government regulation than anyone else in the music industry. There is much work to be done to allow publishers and creators to achieve the full value of their work. My experience across Capitol Hill has primed me for this opportunity and I’m thrilled to advocate for people whose work I respect and admire,” shares Barkley.

Barkley’s career also includes time serving as Senior Policy Advisor to Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), as well as Deputy Staff Director of the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. He also previously worked in Senator Tom Coburn’s (R-OK) office as well as the U.S. House Committee on Government Reform. Since 2022, Barkley has been an adjunct professor at the University of Pennsylvania Carey School of Law.

Redferrin Ferments Debut EP ‘Old No. 7’ For February

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Warner Music Nashville artist Redferrin is prepping his debut EP Old No. 7 for release on Feb. 16.

Made in Tennessee just like the famous Jack Daniels Old No. 7 blend, the edgy country singer-songwriter co-wrote and co-produced each of the seven tracks on the whiskey-inspired collection.

“It feels good to finally be releasing a project rather than singles,” says Redferrin. “I got to be super hands-on and craft the stories the way I wanted them to be told, and it’s very special to me. I’m excited for people to really get a feel for who I am and what kind of music I make.”

He has unveiled the personal track “Doin’ Life,” which he wrote alongside Jarrod Ingram and Blake Hubbard.

“‘Doin’ Life’ is one of the most vulnerable songs I have released,” shares the artist. “I’ve battled with depression in the past and have lost friends to suicide, so it was really important to me to tell this story and put this song out into the world. Music kept me going through the hard times and I hope that someone comes across this song right when they need it too.”

Additionally, Redferrin will join Niko Moon on tour this year with more dates to be announced. He will also play his first-ever headlining hometown show at Nashville’s Exit/In just before the EP drop on Feb. 15.

Old No. 7 Track Listing:
1. “Jack and Diet Coke” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi, Kevin Bard)
2. “Lose Her For Nothin'” (Blake Redferrin, Cooper Bascom, Rose Falcon)
3. “Miss Summer” (Blake Redferrin, Chris Loocke, Michael Tyler)
4. “Just Like Johnny” (Blake Redferrin, Micah Wilshire)
5. “Doin’ Life” (Blake Redferrin, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
6. “She’s Like Whiskey” (Blake Redferrin, Jake Saghi)
7. “Champagne In The Morning” (Blake Redferrin, Tawgs Selter, Jacob Hackworth)

Barbara Mandrell To Release ‘Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics’ Digitally

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Barbara Mandrell is releasing her album Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics digitally for the first time in celebration of the album’s 35th anniversary, on March 15.

She has released the first digital track, “Where Could I Go (But to the Lord),” from the timeless album of heartfelt renditions of gospel classics. Produced by Tom Collins, Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics returns Mandrell to her roots, highlighting her deep connection with gospel music. The digital release of this collection includes the standards “The Old Rugged Cross,” “Blessed Assurance” and “In the Garden,” among others.

“When I recorded this album in 1989, I chose a group of songs that I grew up listening to and singing,” says Mandrell. “They are songs that I still cherish to this day. It’s an honor and thrill to think that 35 years later, this music will have the opportunity to touch a new generation of fans. I’m so thankful the folks at Gaither believe in this record as much today as I did back then.”

The first single will be featured on Gaither Radio on Pandora and Amazon, as well as Apple Music’s Front Porch Country Gospel collections, in addition to a number of label playlists on online platforms. It will be featured on the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel and highlighted on the Gaither Facebook page.

Track List for Precious Memories: 20 Hymns & Gospel Classics:
1. I Love To Tell The Story
2. Old Rugged Cross
3. Farther Along
4. Power In The Blood
5. Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior
6. Just A Little Talk With Jesus
7. I Need Thee Every Hour
8. Peace In The Valley
9. Just A Closer Walk With Thee
10. He Keeps Me Singing
11. Have Thine Own Way Lord
12. It Is No Secret (What God Can Do)
13. Softly And Tenderly
14. When We All Get To Heaven
15. Sweet Hour Of Prayer
16. In The Garden
17. Where Could I Go (But To The Lord)
18. Let Me Live
19. Blessed Assurance
20. Precious Memories

Colbie Caillat Signs Global Deal With Downtown Music Publishing

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Colbie Caillat. Photo: David “Doc” Abbott

Colbie Caillat has signed a global music publishing deal with Downtown Music Publishing.

The deal will cover Caillat’s full catalog and all future releases, including debut album, Coco, multi-Platinum singles,”Bubbly,” “Realize” and “Lucky” and her country solo album Along The Way, featuring collaboration “I’ll Be Here” with Sheryl Crow.

Caillat shot to fame in 2007 with her three-time Platinum debut album Coco, which hit No. 5 on the Billboard Top 200 Albums chart upon release and included the six-time Platinum single “Bubbly” and double Platinum “Realize.”  She has won two Grammys and received five Grammy nominations, boasts over 15 billion streams worldwide and has eight No. 1 and top 10 singles across her catalog.

Throughout her career Caillat has collaborated with Crow, Taylor Swift, Jason Mraz, Brad Paisley and Gavin DeGraw, among others. Following her Grammy-winning duet with Mraz, the four-time Platinum “Lucky” in 2008, Caillat released her second studio album, the Platinum-selling Breakthrough, which became the singer’s first album to debut at No. 1 on the Billboard album chart. The album features two double Platinum hits, “I Never Told You” and “Fallin’ For You.” Other Platinum hits include “Brighter Than the Sun” and “Try.”

“Downtown Music Publishing takes great pride in being able to represent some of the world’s most talented songwriters, with Colbie Caillat one such exceptional talent,” says Jedd Katrancha, CCO of Downtown Music Publishing. “It is an honor to be working alongside Colbie and her team to maximize publishing opportunities across her highly respected and in-demand catalog.”

Caillat’s latest album Along The Way, released in October 2023 via her own imprint Blue Jean Baby Records, was distributed via Downtown Artist & Label Services who, alongside Downtown Music Publishing, will continue to work with Caillat and her team across distribution on future releases.

“My experience working with Downtown over the past year has been amazing and I’m grateful it will now also include their publishing team,” says Caillat. ‘Their creativity and passion for artists and songwriters goes above and beyond. I look forward to this exciting new chapter of working alongside the best in the business.”