Global superstar Dolly Parton has landed her biggest album debut of her seven-decade career with her 30-track Rockstar album, with 127,778 units sold in its inaugural week.
The star-studded project debuted at No. 1 on six different Billboard charts, including the Top Rock Albums, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Country Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and Independent Albums charts. It also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Vinyl Albums Tastemaker Albums chart.
“Wow, this is a big thrill!” says Parton. “I owe a thank you to the fans who have always been there for me. Their support made this achievement possible. I’d also like to thank my producer Kent Wells, all the wonderful artists, musicians, and engineers who brought their talents to this project.”
Released via Parton’s own Butterfly Records with worldwide distribution from Big Machine Label Group, Rockstar joins Drake’s For All The Dogs – Scary Hours Edition album and Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in the overall top three, marking Parton’s career-best rank on the all-genre list.
Rockstar also marks Parton’s biggest debut week ever and biggest sales week in 30 years, since 1993’s Platinum-selling Slow Dancing With The Moon logged 50,000 units in its second chart week. With its No. 1 debut on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the album becomes Parton’s 48th top 10 entry on the chart, extending her record for most top 10 albums by a female artist. It also extends her run of No. 1 albums on the chart to 46 years—starting with 1977’s Here You Come Again to present.
The Rock & Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer captured the world’s attention once more during her halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys Red Kettle Kickoff game on Thanksgiving Day. Her appearance in the game helped it become the third most-viewed regular-season game in NFL history with a 44 million viewership peak.
Prior to her performance, Parton surprised Dallas Cowboys’ Charlotte Jones with a donation of one million dollars to the Salvation Army.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am that Dolly trusted us to deliver her Rockstar vision,” says Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager and CEO/CTK Enterprises & NOZ Entertainment Soundstages. “I want to thank my Butterfly Records global marketing team of Kyle McClain, Steve Ross, John Zarling, Kelly Ridgway, Olly Rowland, global publicist Marcel Pariseau, and the teams at Marbaloo and TDS. I also want to recognize my entire CTK Enterprises staff for the sleepless nights bringing this vision to life. Additionally, a thank you to the best partners in the world—Scott Borchetta, Mike Rittberg, Julian Raymond and the Big Machine family for their hard work and team effort.”
Alabama’s June Jam XVIII Set For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughAlabama is set to hold June Jam XVIII in Fort Payne, Alabama at the VFW Fairgrounds on June 1. The lineup of talent for the 2024 festival will be announced in the coming months.
The June Jam was resurrected last summer following a 16-year hiatus by Alabama co-founders Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry, and drew nearly 11,000 fans to Fort Payne and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Tickets for the festival, which benefits charities throughout the state of Alabama, go on sale this Friday, Dec. 1 via Ticketmaster. Pre-sales are available tomorrow, (Nov. 28) at 10 a.m. CT.
“What a great way to help raise money for many charities and those in need and at the same time, having a great party in a field with our guest artists and fans,” says Gentry. “Come join us.”
The first June Jam benefit concert took place in 1982 and continued annually for 16 years, making it one of the biggest country events in the nation. Previous performers include Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Alan Jackson, The Judds, Tim McGraw, Toby Keith, Wayne Newton, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson and many more. Collectively, the past 17 June Jam events have raised over $20 million for the state of Alabama and the June Jam Foundation, which donates to those in need across the state, including disaster relief.
Tracy Lawrence’s Annual Turkey Fry & Concert Raises Over $250K For Nashville Rescue Mission
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Priscilla Block, Lee Brice, Tracy Lawrence, Cheryl Chunn, Shawn Parr and Halfway to Hazard. Photo: Annie Loughead
Tracy Lawrence hosted his 18th annual “Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert” in Nashville last week (Nov. 21), frying up over 1,200 turkeys that were distributed throughout Middle Tennessee, providing over 10,000 meals to those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.
The day kicked off at the Nashville Fairgrounds with over 250 volunteers. Lawrence was joined by Lee Brice, Priscilla Block and Halfway to Hazard for a packed benefit concert that night at the Wildhorse Saloon, and donated another $250,000 towards Mission:Possible’s longtime partner, the Nashville Rescue Mission. The yearly event has now provided more than 86,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee and raised over one million dollars for Nashville Rescue Mission.
“I’m very proud of what Mission:Possible has grown into over the last 18 years,” Lawrence shares. “To see hundreds of volunteers frying turkeys for hours is nothing short of incredible. I want to thank Lee, Priscilla and Halfway to Hazard for being a part of this memorable and giving event.”
The event kicked off bright and early at the Nashville Fairgrounds—the second year at the upgraded location, with Lawrence kicking off the daytime event by dropping the first turkey into the fryer. Star-studded helping hands joining Lawrence included Gary Allan, Chris Young, Jamey Johnson, Ian Munsick, Travis Denning, Phil Vassar, Spencer Crandall, Frank Ray, David Lee Murphy, Trey Lewis, Kasey Tyndall, Noah Thompson and the evening’s performers. The charity function brought in dozens of industry members and the greater Nashville community to lend a hand in the massive undertaking.
Dolly Parton Scores The Biggest Album Debut Sales Week Of Her Career With ‘Rockstar’
/by LB CantrellGlobal superstar Dolly Parton has landed her biggest album debut of her seven-decade career with her 30-track Rockstar album, with 127,778 units sold in its inaugural week.
The star-studded project debuted at No. 1 on six different Billboard charts, including the Top Rock Albums, Top Rock & Alternative Albums, Top Country Albums, Top Album Sales, Top Current Album Sales and Independent Albums charts. It also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard‘s Vinyl Albums Tastemaker Albums chart.
“Wow, this is a big thrill!” says Parton. “I owe a thank you to the fans who have always been there for me. Their support made this achievement possible. I’d also like to thank my producer Kent Wells, all the wonderful artists, musicians, and engineers who brought their talents to this project.”
Released via Parton’s own Butterfly Records with worldwide distribution from Big Machine Label Group, Rockstar joins Drake’s For All The Dogs – Scary Hours Edition album and Taylor Swift’s 1989 (Taylor’s Version) in the overall top three, marking Parton’s career-best rank on the all-genre list.
Rockstar also marks Parton’s biggest debut week ever and biggest sales week in 30 years, since 1993’s Platinum-selling Slow Dancing With The Moon logged 50,000 units in its second chart week. With its No. 1 debut on the Billboard Country Albums chart, the album becomes Parton’s 48th top 10 entry on the chart, extending her record for most top 10 albums by a female artist. It also extends her run of No. 1 albums on the chart to 46 years—starting with 1977’s Here You Come Again to present.
The Rock & Roll and Country Music Hall of Famer captured the world’s attention once more during her halftime performance at the Dallas Cowboys Red Kettle Kickoff game on Thanksgiving Day. Her appearance in the game helped it become the third most-viewed regular-season game in NFL history with a 44 million viewership peak.
Prior to her performance, Parton surprised Dallas Cowboys’ Charlotte Jones with a donation of one million dollars to the Salvation Army.
“Words can’t describe how proud I am that Dolly trusted us to deliver her Rockstar vision,” says Danny Nozell, Parton’s longtime manager and CEO/CTK Enterprises & NOZ Entertainment Soundstages. “I want to thank my Butterfly Records global marketing team of Kyle McClain, Steve Ross, John Zarling, Kelly Ridgway, Olly Rowland, global publicist Marcel Pariseau, and the teams at Marbaloo and TDS. I also want to recognize my entire CTK Enterprises staff for the sleepless nights bringing this vision to life. Additionally, a thank you to the best partners in the world—Scott Borchetta, Mike Rittberg, Julian Raymond and the Big Machine family for their hard work and team effort.”
The BIG 98 Wraps Successful Friendsgiving Benefit At The Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughJelly Roll performs. Photo: Keith Griner
iHeartMedia Nashville’s The BIG 98 hosted its Friendsgiving celebration at the Grand Ole Opry House on Monday night (Nov. 20) benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jelly Roll, Chris Janson, Riley Green and Anne Wilson were headliners for the benefit, and comedian John Crist opened the show with a surprise performance. Rapper Nelly also performed, and brought the audience to their feet to sing along with his hits. The evening centered around the importance of the St. Jude mission with St. Jude cancer survivor Addie Pratt, who also took the stage to share her story and shine a light on the important cause.
The BIG 98’s Friendsgiving kicked off Thanksgiving week, serving as a night of inspiration and music for St. Jude, which is currently holding their annual This Shirt Saves Lives Campaign, encouraging the public to become a supporter of the hospital and its patients alongside the biggest celebrities and artists in country and beyond. The BIG 98 plans to further support St. Jude with their two-day annual St. Jude event on Dec. 7-8.
Jason Aldean Extends ‘Highway Desperado Tour’ Into 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Aldean has announced he’ll hit the road again in 2024, extending his “Highway Desperado Tour” with 24 new dates beginning in mid-May.
The tour will stop in Savannah, Philadelphia, Buffalo, Virginia Beach and more before wrapping in his hometown of Macon, Georgia on Oct. 5. Special guests Hailey Whitters and Lauren Alaina will join in select cities alongside Chase Matthew, Austin Snell and Dee Jay Silver across all dates.
Tickets will be available starting this Friday (Dec. 1), with select markets on sale at a later date. For more information, click here.
Aldean recently released the video for his latest single, “Let Your Boys Be Country,” which features special guest appearances by his young son and daughter. Written by Allison Veltz Cruz, Jaron Boyer and Micah Wilshire, “Let Your Boys Be Country” is from Aldean’s new album Highway Desperado, and highlights the simplicity and innocence of childhood and rural life.
“Highway Desperado Tour” 2024 Dates:
*Not A Live Nation Date
& with Hailey Whitters
^ with Lauren Alaina
May 18 – Thackerville, OK – WinStar World Casino and Resort*
July 11 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater at Lakeview&
July 12 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater& –ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
July 13 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center – ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
July 25 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena^
July 26 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach^
Aug. 1 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater^
Aug. 2 – Philadelphia, PA – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion^ –ON SALE FRI, DEC 15
Aug. 3 – Scranton, PA – The Pavilion at Montage Mountain^
Aug. 8 – Evansville, IN – Ford Center^
Aug. 10 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake^
Aug. 16 – Mt. Pleasant, MI – Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort*
Aug. 17 – East Troy, WI – Alpine Valley Music Theatre
Aug. 24 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion&
Aug. 25 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion&
Aug. 29 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum
Aug. 30 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live&
Sept. 5 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater&
Sept. 6 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater&
Sept. 7 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre&
Sept. 12 – Lincoln, CA – Thunder Valley Casino Resort*
Sept. 20 – Sparks, NV – Nugget Event Center*
Sept. 21 – Laughlin, NV – Laughlin Event Center*
Oct. 5 – Macon, GA – Macon Amphitheater&
Sonos Radio HD Launches New Subscriber-Only Christmas Channel In Partnership With CMA
/by LB CantrellSonos Radio HD has partnered with the Country Music Association to launch a new subscription-only channel, A Very Special Country Christmas.
Launched Friday (Nov. 24), the channel features over 500 songs along with exclusive stories behind holiday hits from some of today’s most beloved country artists. This addition complements Sonos’ Country Christmas channel, available to all customers.
Spotlight artists on A Very Special Country Christmas include Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Chrissy Metz, Chris Janson, Elvie Shane, HunterGirl, Ingrid Andress, Jon Pardi, Lady A, Madeline Edwards, Morgan Evans, Shy Carter, Tenille Arts, Zach Williams and more. Along with the channel launch, Sonos Radio will promote the ABC airing of CMA Country Christmas—premiering on Dec. 14—as well as subsequent streaming on Hulu and Disney+ across multiple stations.
Riley Green & Luke Combs Top MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellRiley Green and Luke Combs earn the No. 1 spot on the the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Different ‘Round Here.”
Since it was originally released in 2019, the original version of Green’s “Different ‘Round Here” has remained a fan-favorite. Recognizing something special in the song, Green teamed up with Combs to deliver a fresh version to country radio.
Written by Green, Randy Montana and Jonathan Singleton, the collaboration appears on Green’s Ain’t My Last Rodeo album, which released in October.
“Different ‘Round Here” currently sits at No. 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Operation Song To Hold Second Annual Nashville Showcase In December
/by Lorie HollabaughOperation Song, the nonprofit that pairs veterans with songwriters to help them tell their stories through music, will hold its second annual Nashville Showcase at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts on Dec. 4.
Emceed by Storme Warren, the night will feature heartwarming songs of service, camaraderie and bravery. The veterans whose stories they tell will be joined by country artist and Purple Heart recipient Scotty Hasting and songwriters David Lee, Pete Sallis, Jamie Floyd, Jimmy Thow and Tom McElvain. Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
The audience will also enjoy a social hour with hors d’oeuvres and drinks as well as entertainment and live and silent auctions, including a military-themed Bourbon raffle, which can also be bid on from home.
“After a successful year of incredible events in New York, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Washington State and Nashville, we have written close to two hundred songs in 2023,” says Mike Byer, Operation Song’s Executive Director and retired Army First Sergeant. “Our December showcase allows us to highlight those songs and honor the veterans and family members who wrote them.”
Last year’s inaugural Nashville show celebrated the 10th anniversary of Operation Song, which was founded in 2012 by Grammy and Dove Award-nominated songwriter Bob Regan. The anniversary show was headlined by Nashville Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee Jeffrey Steele and Grammy-winning songwriter and artist Scott Stapp.
Proceeds from all Operation Song events benefit their year-round work, which comes at no cost to veterans. The nonprofit has over 1,600 original tracks that can be streamed on BandCamp.
Gene Watson Slates ‘All The Hits & More Tour’ For 2024
/by Lorie HollabaughGene Watson will embark on his “All the Hits & More Tour” in early 2024.
The 26-date tour will kick off Feb. 3 in Rome, Georgia and visit cities in Florida, Texas, Alabama, North Carolina, Kentucky and more through Nov. 23. The trek follows Watson’s “Celebration Tour,” which found him celebrating with fans across the country this year on 80 dates for his 80th birthday.
In October, Watson’s birthday festivities were celebrated at the Grand Ole Opry with Rhonda Vincent, The Bellamy Brothers, The Gatlin Brothers and more.
2024 All The Hits & More Tour Dates:
Feb. 3 Rome City Auditorium – Rome, Ga.
Feb. 4 Orange Blossom Opry- Weirsdale, Fla.
Feb. 5 Orange Blossom Opry- Weirsdale, Fla.
Feb. 24 Walhalla Civic Auditorium- Walhalla, S.C.
Feb. 28 Arlington Music Hall- Arlington, Texas
March 1 Round-Up Beer Garden- Borne, Texas
March 2 Post OG- Orange Grove, Texas
March 7- Strawberry Festival- Plant City, Fla.
April 14 Dosey Doe- The Woodlands, Texas
April 20 Conference Center- Manchester, Tenn.
May 3 Little Roy & Lizzy fest- Lincolnton, Ga.
May 4 The Pickin’ Post- Fort Payne, Ala.
May 10 Jette Baker Center- Clintwood, Va.
May 11 Malpass Brothers Festival- Denton, N.C.
June 8 The Farm Jam- Bagdad, Ky.
Aug. 3 Williams Auditorium- Henderson, Tenn.
Aug. 9 Reidsville Showcase Theatre- Reidsville, N.C.
Aug. 10 Liberty Showcase Theatre- Liberty, N.C.
Sept. 1 Coyote Country Store- Gail, Texas
Sept. 28 Mule days Festival- Benson, N.C.
Oct. 11 Mansion Theatre- Branson, Mo.
Oct. 12 Kentucky Opry- Benton, Ky.
Oct. 19 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Oct. 20 Lincoln Theater- Marion, Va.
Nov. 9 Mansion Theater- Branson, Mo.
Nov. 23 Mansion Theatre- Branson, Mo.
RVSHVD Signs With CAA
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): The Penthouse’s Jonnie Forster, RVSHVD, CAA’s Kara Enos, John Huie and The Penthouse’s Jamie Forster
Singer-songwriter RVSHVD (pronounced Ra-Shad) has signed with CAA.
The Willacoochee, Georgia native was forever changed after he heard “Sweet Thing” by Keith Urban 10 years ago. He then found Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, George Strait, Alan Jackson and Brooks & Dunn, all of who he credits as ultimate musical influences. Since launching his own career, RVSHVD has played major festivals, including CMA Fest, and he made his Grand Ole Opry debut in September.
“I can be myself in country music, talking about the real things I do and feel without trying to be a persona you need to be successful in hip-hop or other genres,” he says. RVSHVD’s country-infused version of Roddy Ricch’s “Ballin'” went viral on multiple platforms, amassing over 25 million streams and lifting his catalog of songs to over 100 million streams.
“RVSHVD has built one of the most exceptional and excited teams in the industry to support his career,” says Kara Enos, CAA Agent. “He has already exceeded many of our expectations and doesn’t show any sign of stopping.” John Huie, CAA Agent, adds, “RVSHVD is making Charley Pride smile in heaven!”
RVSHVD is managed by Jonnie Forster and Eric Hurt. In a joint statement the two note, “CAA is home and as the saying goes, there’s no place like it. Finding passionate team members are the holy grail. When you find them, hold on tight. John and Kara have seen the growth in RVSVHD and recognize the opportunity is now. We’re confident they’re not going to be waiting around for the phone to ring.”
“It’s funny, when I’m on stage, I usually can’t see most of the audience but I can always make out John Huie standing there watching and smiling. He and Kara see things in me that a lot other people don’t. I’m ready to take the next step in my career with those two and the entire CAA Family,” shares the artist.