Clay Walker Joins The Pandora Billionaire Club
Clay Walker
Country star Clay Walker was honored as a Pandora Billionaire earlier this week, recognizing his career achievements with 11 No. 1 hits, 40 charted singles and six Platinum or Gold records.
During a SiriusXM Prime Country music event at the new Nashville studios, Walker was presented with a plaque from SiriusXM Pandora’s Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations Bekah Digby. The plaque commemorates Walker’s music having been streamed over one billion times on Pandora.
Walker recently released his new song, “I Know She Hung The Moon,” which was written by his close friends, the late Toby Keith, and Scotty Emerick. He recorded the ballad in December and hopes to honor Keith’s legacy by bringing the song to life.
Justin Moore’s Golf Classic Raises Over $500,000 for St. Jude
Pictured (L-R): Cody Villalobos, Todd Conklin, Justin Moore, Peter Hartung, Win Rockefeller Jr. Photo: Nelson Chenault
Justin Moore hosted his fourth annual “Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic” presented by Winrock Automotive at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The tournament raised $534,294 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, contributing to the organization’s mission. Joining Moore were fellow country artists and guests including Emerson Drive, Collin Raye, Austin Michael and Tyler Kinch. The event was complete with a pre-party for donors and players, which included a private dinner and an intimate acoustic performance from Moore.
Carnival Music, Little Louder Music & Porch Light Music Host UMG Nashville A&R For Guitar Pull
Pictured (L-R): Jefferson Brown, Tim Medlin, Jake Gear, Dustin Christensen, Emily McMannis, Dale Dodson, Kylie Frey, Tim James, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Clint Daniels, Frank Liddell, Ronnie Bowman, Jaida Dreyer, Mando Saenz, Brandon Bostic, Adam Wright, Chelsea Blythe, Belle Frantz, Renee Bell, Jenny Hall, Arturo Buenahora Photo: Austyn Jablonski
Carnival Music, Little Louder Music and Porch Light Music hosted a guitar pull featuring UMG Nashville’s Chelsea Blythe and Jake Gear. Blythe, Gear and the entire A&R team at the label group are committed to supporting Nashville’s publishing community and are actively seeking material for UMG Nashville’s rising stars and superstars alike.
Mike Gossin Performs For Patients With Musicians On Call
Mike Gossin
Singer-songwriter Mike Gossin took part in Musicians On Call’s live music program at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville on Wednesday (April 24).
Gossin, formerly of hit group Gloriana, performed an acoustic set of original songs from his debut solo album Coming Home in the hospital’s Garden Court before going room-to-room to perform at the bedside of patients. Musicians on Call is a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.
Julia Minichiello Signs With Odyssey Entertainment
Julia Minichiello
Artist Julia Minichiello has signed with Nashville-based Odyssey Entertainment Group for management representation.
Nicole Kasper, Co-Founder of Odyssey Entertainment Group, says, “There’s a soul-stirring quality and an undeniable grit to her vocals that is simply captivating. Julia brings something special to the music scene—a blend of raw emotion and powerful storytelling through song. We are proud to represent her at Odyssey and see no limits to what she can accomplish.”
“I felt the passion from everybody on the team from the first time I spoke with them,” says Minichiello. “A genuine energy is really important to me, and they have been nothing short of that since I met them.”
Industry Ink: Clay Walker, Justin Moore, UMG Nashville, Mike Gossin, Julia Minichiello
/by John Nix ArledgeClay Walker Joins The Pandora Billionaire Club
Clay Walker
Country star Clay Walker was honored as a Pandora Billionaire earlier this week, recognizing his career achievements with 11 No. 1 hits, 40 charted singles and six Platinum or Gold records.
During a SiriusXM Prime Country music event at the new Nashville studios, Walker was presented with a plaque from SiriusXM Pandora’s Associate Director of Talent & Industry Relations Bekah Digby. The plaque commemorates Walker’s music having been streamed over one billion times on Pandora.
Walker recently released his new song, “I Know She Hung The Moon,” which was written by his close friends, the late Toby Keith, and Scotty Emerick. He recorded the ballad in December and hopes to honor Keith’s legacy by bringing the song to life.
Justin Moore’s Golf Classic Raises Over $500,000 for St. Jude
Pictured (L-R): Cody Villalobos, Todd Conklin, Justin Moore, Peter Hartung, Win Rockefeller Jr. Photo: Nelson Chenault
Justin Moore hosted his fourth annual “Justin Moore St. Jude Golf Classic” presented by Winrock Automotive at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock, Arkansas.
The tournament raised $534,294 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, contributing to the organization’s mission. Joining Moore were fellow country artists and guests including Emerson Drive, Collin Raye, Austin Michael and Tyler Kinch. The event was complete with a pre-party for donors and players, which included a private dinner and an intimate acoustic performance from Moore.
Carnival Music, Little Louder Music & Porch Light Music Host UMG Nashville A&R For Guitar Pull
Pictured (L-R): Jefferson Brown, Tim Medlin, Jake Gear, Dustin Christensen, Emily McMannis, Dale Dodson, Kylie Frey, Tim James, Marla Cannon-Goodman, Clint Daniels, Frank Liddell, Ronnie Bowman, Jaida Dreyer, Mando Saenz, Brandon Bostic, Adam Wright, Chelsea Blythe, Belle Frantz, Renee Bell, Jenny Hall, Arturo Buenahora Photo: Austyn Jablonski
Carnival Music, Little Louder Music and Porch Light Music hosted a guitar pull featuring UMG Nashville’s Chelsea Blythe and Jake Gear. Blythe, Gear and the entire A&R team at the label group are committed to supporting Nashville’s publishing community and are actively seeking material for UMG Nashville’s rising stars and superstars alike.
Mike Gossin Performs For Patients With Musicians On Call
Mike Gossin
Singer-songwriter Mike Gossin took part in Musicians On Call’s live music program at TriStar Centennial Medical Center in Nashville on Wednesday (April 24).
Gossin, formerly of hit group Gloriana, performed an acoustic set of original songs from his debut solo album Coming Home in the hospital’s Garden Court before going room-to-room to perform at the bedside of patients. Musicians on Call is a nonprofit that brings live and recorded music to the bedsides of patients, families and caregivers in healthcare environments.
Julia Minichiello Signs With Odyssey Entertainment
Julia Minichiello
Artist Julia Minichiello has signed with Nashville-based Odyssey Entertainment Group for management representation.
Nicole Kasper, Co-Founder of Odyssey Entertainment Group, says, “There’s a soul-stirring quality and an undeniable grit to her vocals that is simply captivating. Julia brings something special to the music scene—a blend of raw emotion and powerful storytelling through song. We are proud to represent her at Odyssey and see no limits to what she can accomplish.”
“I felt the passion from everybody on the team from the first time I spoke with them,” says Minichiello. “A genuine energy is really important to me, and they have been nothing short of that since I met them.”
Black Music Action Coalition Hosts Act II Of ‘Three Chords & The Actual Truth’
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Shawn Gee, Mickey Guyton, Caron Veazey and Willie “Prophet” Stiggers. Photo: Getty Images for Black Music Action Coalition
The Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and Billboard partnered to kick off Stagecoach weekend with “Act II: A Conversation Around Three Chords & The Actual Truth” at Live Nation in Los Angeles.
Mickey Guyton, Ink, Shawn Holiday, Damien Smith, Caron Veazey, Shawn Gee, David Zedeck, BMAC CEO & President Willie “Prophet” Stiggers and more came together for a discussion about Black origins in country music and the exclusion of Black artists in the genre.
The event featured a one-on-one conversation between Guyton and Stiggers, followed by an all-female panel discussion featuring Ink, Grammy-winning artist and songwriter, and Dr. Jada Watson, Director of Musicology at the University of Ottawa, co-moderated by Billboard‘s Gail Mitchell and Melinda Newman.
Highlights from the event included Ink speaking on her transformative experience working as a songwriter on Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter, OnRamp Program Awardee Carmen Dianne performing Guyton’s “Black Like Me” and her original song “Sober,” BMAC Co-Founder Caron Veazey shedding light on BMAC’s mission and their call to action for the music industry and more.
BMAC’s Act II builds on Act I, which took place in New York City in March and was BMAC’s first iteration of this truthful conversation. BMAC will host its upcoming conversation around “Three Chords and the Actual Truth” with Act III, taking place in Nashville in May.
Grand Ole Opry Celebrates Bill Cody On His 30th WSM Radio Anniversary
/by Liza AndersonCharlie Mattos presenting Bill Cody with a custom Hatch Show Print celebrating his 30th WSM Radio anniversary. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry celebrated Opry announcer Bill Cody on his 30th anniversary as a WSM Radio host during “Opry Country Classics” yesterday evening (April 25).
The Country Music Disc Jockey Hall of Famer’s voice has been heard over national and international airwaves for more than 50 years. Over the past three decades at WSM Radio, he has served as a regular host at the Grand Ole Opry with radio syndication, television, voice over and movie credits including American Saturday Night: Live from the Grand Ole Opry, GAC TV’s Master Series, Tennessee’s Wild Side, The Nashville Network (TNN), Bill Cody’s Classic Country Weekend, Nashville Record Review, Country’s Most Wanted, Country Music Hall of Fame, Music City Walk of Fame, Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (NaSHOF), Ryman Auditorium, Willie’s Roadhouse on SiriusXM Satellite Radio and United Airlines In-Flight country programming also heard aboard Air Force 1 & 2.
“What a momentous milestone to celebrate Bill Cody’s 30th anniversary at WSM Radio,” said Eric Marcum, General Manager, WSM Radio. “His passion, integrity and dedication to uplifting the legacy of WSM and the Grand Ole Opry shines through every time he turns on the microphone. He is among the pinnacle ranks of legendary announcers who have graced the WSM airwaves for nearly a century.”
Ashley Cooke’s ‘Your Place’ Reaches No. 1 On The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by John Nix ArledgeAshley Cooke’s “Your Place” rises to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week, jumping from No. 6 to the top spot and marking her first No. 1.
The track appears on Cooke’s Shot In The Dark album and was written by Cooke, Jordan Minton and Mark Trussell.
Cooke is currently on the road supporting Jordan Davis in his extended, sold-out “Damn Good Time” tour along with Mitchell Tenpenny. The tour is set to close on Oct. 20, 2024 at the Abbotsford Center in Abbotsford, British Columbia.
“Your Place” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart. It marks Duncan Music Group’s 100th No. 1 single.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Mickey Guyton Announces Fall Tour & Shares New Single
/by Lorie HollabaughMickey Guyton. Photo: Joseph Llanes
Mickey Guyton is kicking off her 22-city headlining tour, “CMT On Tour Presents Mickey Guyton,” on Sept. 18.
Tickets will be available starting with an artist presale beginning this Tuesday (April 30). Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of general ticket sales starting this coming Friday (May 3). For more information, click here.
In addition to the tour news, Guyton is sharing her new song, “Scary Love.” Written by Guyton, Emma-Lee, Karen Kosowski and Victoria Banks, the tune dedicated to the artist’s three-year-old son Grayson, and showcases the artist’s undying appreciation for motherhood.
“There’s so many types of love, but for parents who truly love their kids, there’s nothing we won’t do for them,” Guyton says. “That kind of love is so scary because your heart is literally outside of your body and you’re seeing your heart grow up and become somebody. All you want to do is protect this person—that’s the scariest love that you’ll ever experience.”
Alli Walker & Manager Brad Turcotte Join Vector Management
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Vector Management’s Brad Turcotte, Alli Walker, Jason Murray (President, Vector Management). Photo: Courtesy of Vector Management
RECORDS Nashville artist Alli Walker has signed with Vector Management as her manager Brad Turcotte joins the company.
In conjunction with the announcement, Walker is releasing her latest single, “Creek,” today (April 26). Co-written by Walker along with April Rose Gabrielli, Jacob Kulick and Gigi Rich, and produced by David Fanning, “Creek” captures the essence of Walker’s dynamic rock/country style, offering listeners an infectious anthem about embracing the country lifestyle. Walker is currently working on new music.
“We are excited to have Brad and Alli join our Vector family,” says Jason Murray, President of Vector Management. “We are looking forward to doing some great things together!”
“Joining forces with Vector is the fifth gear that Alli needs, and the team that Ken [Levitan] and Jason have assembled are second to none,” says Turcotte.
“Signing with Vector Management is an incredible milestone for my career,” shares Walker. “I’m thrilled to join their esteemed roster and work alongside Brad and the entire team. This partnership marks an exciting new chapter, and I’m looking forward to what lies ahead.”
Laci Kaye Booth’s Debut Album Set To Release In May
/by John Nix ArledgePictured: Laci Kaye Booth Photo: Natalie Sakstrup
Rising artist Laci Kaye Booth is set to launch her debut album, The Loneliest Girl In The World, on May 17 via Geffen Records. The title track was released today (April 26), with the project marking her first release with the label.
Produced by Ben West, known for his work with Stephen Wilson Jr. and Patrick Droney, the album promises a unique blend of emotional realism and romanticism. Booth’s style shines through the 15-track project, offering a candid look into her personal triumphs and tribulations.
In anticipation of the release, Booth has shared three songs from the album including “Sometimes,” “True Love” and “Cigarettes,” garnering over 1.3 million streams on Spotify.
“This album has been two years in the making, but has taken a whole life of heartache, loneliness, failure and big dreaming to create,” reflects Booth. “I’m so happy to finally share what is truly a piece of my heart with the world.”
Originally from Livingston, Texas, Booth began writing songs at the age of nine and has since toured across the country earning recognition as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country. In celebration of her new project, Booth will be performing at various festivals, including the Golden Road Mango Cart Brunch at Stagecoach on April 27, Hangout Music Festival on May 17 and CMA Fest on June 7.
The Loneliest Girl In The World Track List
1. Intro
2. Cigarettes
3. The Loneliest Girl In The World
4. Neon & Off
5. Sometimes
6. Since 1995
7. True Love
8. Nightmare
9. I Let Him Love Me
10. Bill
11. Can’t Cowboy
12. South
13. Get Out Of My Dreams
14. Damn Good In A Dive Bar
15. Hang On, Houston
Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent, More To Play Benefit Show For Glen Duncan
/by LB CantrellSome of Nashville’s finest musicians will gather at 3rd & Lindsley on May 15 for Nashville Fiddle Fest, a benefit concert for renowned fiddler, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Glen Duncan, who has been recovering from a stroke and car accident he had in December.
Those confirmed to perform include Vince Gill, Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Sister Sadie, Larry Cordle, Lonesome Standard Time, The Traveling McCourys, Darol Anger, Hawktail, Michael Cleveland, Jason Carter, Bronwyn Keith-Hynes and Stuart Duncan.
The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will also be live streamed on Volume.com. Tickets are available now and there will also be several unique silent auction items to be bid on during the event.
“Glen Duncan has been a role model, friend and mentor to countless musicians during his long career,” shares Dave Pomeroy, President of Local 257. “He suffered a major stroke and car accident in December and was hospitalized for more than a month. He has returned home and being cared for by his devoted wife Marsha. This tragedy has been devastating for the Duncan family on many levels, and Glen needs 24/7 care, which has created a major financial burden.
“Music City takes care of its own, and this will be a wonderful opportunity to help one of our iconic musicians as he continues to recover from this dreadful series of events,” Pomeroy adds. “Thanks in advance for your help!”
Those who cannot attend the show can donate to Duncan’s family on his Go Fund Me page.
The Chainsmokers & Marshmello Added To Diplo’s HonkyTonk Lineup For Stagecoach 2024
/by Liza AndersonThe Chainsmokers and Marshmello have been added to Diplo’s HonkyTonk lineup for this year’s Stagecoach, one of country music’s largest festivals, taking place this weekend (April 26–28).
Curated by longtime Stagecoach collaborator and DJ Diplo, this year’s HonkyTonk will also feature previously announced acts Dillon Francis, Cloonee, Ship Wrek, Brandi Cyrus, Cheat Codes, Honky Tonkin’ in Queens, James Kennedy, Vavo, Y.O.G.A., Alana Grace, Backwoods Barbie, Famous Dave, Keahi, Kermie J Rock, Kevin Bold, Lauren, Rick Dominguez and Slim McGraw. In addition to headlining, Diplo plans contribute to back-to-back sets with Marshmello and Cloonee.
With Amazon Music serving as Stagecoach’s exclusive streaming destination, fans across the globe will be able to experience the sold-out festival from their own homes through a livestream on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch as well as Prime Video. For more information, click here.
Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings, Morgan Wade To Headline Houston’s Big As Texas Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Big As Texas Festival, taking place May 10-12 at the Montgomery County Fairgrounds near Houston, will feature performances from headliners Dierks Bentley, Billy Strings and Morgan Wade.
Others on the festival lineup include Dwight Yoakam, Los Lobos, Tracy Byrd, Clay Walker, Warren Zeiders, Maddie & Tae, Anne Wilson and Drake Milligan. The Lone Star state will also be well-represented with acts like Midland, Jamestown Revival, Amanda Shires, Buffalo Nichols, Braxton Keith, Trent Cowie Band and Kate Watson, among others.
Big As Texas has also announced a full slate of family-friendly activities, brand sponsors and local artists that will be activating onsite at the inaugural three-day music festival. From car shows to equestrian exhibitions, carnival games to immersive art installations, and silent auctions to chainsaw carvings, the inaugural Big As Texas Festival promises an entertainment-packed experience for guests of all ages.
“As a father-to-be, I wanted to ensure Big As Texas offers something for festival-goers of all ages. I’m personally excited to go out and explore the festival grounds with my family because this team has really packed out the space with so many different activities and activations to make the most of this three-day experience,” says festival Co-Founder Trey Diller.