WME Celebrates The 57th Annual CMA Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Abi Ventura, TJ Osborne (Brothers Osborne), Beth Hamilton (WME), Sina Hall (Semmel Concerts) and Natalie Osborne (Leo33). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

WME showcased its music roster at the 57th annual CMA  Awards Wednesday night (Nov. 8), with clients winning 8 of the 12 categories, including Lainey Wilson for the coveted Entertainer of the Year, Chris Stapleton for Male Vocalist of the Year, Brothers Osborne for Vocal Duo of the Year and Luke Combs for Single of the Year (“Fast Car.”)

The show also had WME clients playing central roles including hosts Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, director Alan Carter, executive producer Robert Deaton and head writer Jon Macks.

Following the ceremony, WME hosted its annual CMA Awards after party at Fifth + Broadway’s Sixty Vines and One More Cocktail Club in Nashville. The party included Crown Royal specialty cocktails, pizzas and wine country staples, as well as a tattoo studio with artists from Nashville’s Kustom Thrills Tattoo.

Pictured (L-R): Tom Lord (Red Light Management), Lauren Lane, Chris Lane, Mark Shapiro (Endeavor), Kevin Meads (WME). Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Chad Jensen (Jensen Artist Management), Hilary Thoemke (Jensen Artist Management), Colbie Caillat, Nate Towne (WME), Carter Green (WME). Photo: Erika Goldring/Getty Images for WME

Pictured (L-R): Hally Williams Cooper, Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh (Tigirlily Gold), Cooper Alan. Photo: Leah Puttkammer/Getty Images for WME

David Morris Drops New Album ‘Bored In The USA’

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David Morris has released his new album Bored In The USA.

The new project features his previously-released viral singles “Carrying Your Love” and “Dutton Ranch Freestyle,” which was certified Gold last month. In 2020, “Carrying Your Love,” which samples George Strait, went to the top of the charts peaking No. 3 on Trending Sounds within TikTok. The song reached No.12 on the Billboard Emerging Chart, No.3 on Digital Sales Country and No.12 on All-Genre Sales.

“This album is a collection of songs that represent who I am,” says Morris. “I’ve always had a very eclectic taste in music. I grew up burning CDs with my friends putting songs from all genres together in one place. As different as they all sounded individually—as a playlist there was cohesion. It became the soundtrack to my summer. Season. Life. That’s what I wanted this album to be. Rooted in my Appalachian roots and love for country music but daring to bring in different genres and sounds to give fans a wider scope of who I am and bring back some nostalgia at the same time.”

The country hip-hop artist has had a big year as he signed with Virgin Music Group, signed a publishing deal with Sony Music Publishing, and performed at CMA Fest 2023. Alongside that success, he’s toured nationwide on his “Hometown Heartbreak Tour,” and supported Russell Dickerson, Jelly Roll, Kidd G and several others on shows across the country.

Bored In The USA Track Listing:
  1. “Prettiest Thing” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  2. “Bored In The USA” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  3. “Someday You Will” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  4. “I Hate This Job” (David Morris, Noah West, Jared Griffin)
  5. “He Ain’t Me” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  6. “Dutton Ranch Freestyle” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  7. “She’s With Me Now” (David Morris, Jake Rose)
  8. “You Deserve Better” (David Morris, Robert Deahl)
  9. “Proud Of You” (David Morris, Brandon Manley)
  10. “Carrying Your Love” (David Morris, Jeff Stevens, Steve Bogard, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)
  11. “American Idle” (David Morris, Suli, Slimmy Beats)
  12. “Stupid” (David Morris, Seth Alley)
  13. “My Fault” (David Morris, Christian Delapena, Máté Gere, Danny Davanzo)
  14. “Hot Beer In Hell” (David Morris)
  15. “Stuck In My Hometown” (David Morris, Robert Deahl, Nikolas Grivellas)

Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, More Represent Music City In 2024 Grammy Nominees List

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Pictured (clockwise): Lainey Wilson, Jelly Roll, Brandy Clark and Chris Stapleton

When the nominees for the 66th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 10), many Nashville artists, songwriters, producers and engineers appeared on the list. Taking place on Sunday, Feb. 4 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, the 2024 Grammy Awards will invite plenty of Music City record-makers to vie for trophies.

Brandy Clark was one of the top nominees this year with six nods. She is joined by SZA (nine), Phoebe Bridgers (seven), Serban Ghenea (seven), Victoria Monét (seven), Jack Antonoff (six), Jon Batiste (six), Boygenius (six), Miley Cyrus (six), Billie Eilish (six), Olivia Rodrigo (six) and Taylor Swift (six) in the top nominees.

Despite country music having a huge moment during the 66th Grammy’s eligibility period of Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 15, 2023, the genre is not represented in three of the big four categories, including Song, Record and Album of the Year.

Jelly Roll accepts the award for New Artist of the Year at the 57th annual CMA Awards.

However, in the all-genre New Artist of the Year category, Jelly Roll and The War And Treaty are present alongside Gracie Abrams, Fred Again, Ice Spice, Coco Jones, Noah Kahan and Victoria Monét.

Jelly Roll is also nominated alongside the newly-crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration “Save Me,” while The War And Treaty also nabbed a second nomination for Best American Roots Song with “Blank Page.”

Wilson earned one more nomination in her first-ever Grammy recognition for Best Country Album (Bell Bottom Country).

Tyler Childers was nominated for Best Country Album (Rustin’ In The Rain); Best Country Song, Best Country Solo Performance and Best Music Video (“In Your Love”) and Best Americana Performance (“Help Me Make It Through The Night”) bringing his total to five. Zach Bryan garnered three nods, including Best Country Song and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“I Remember Everything”) and Best Country Album (Zach Bryan).

Chris Stapleton accepts the award for Male Vocalist of the Year at the 57th annual CMA Awards.

Chris Stapleton nabbed nominations for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (“White Horse”) as well as a nomination alongside Carly Pearce for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Brothers Osborne was nominated for Best Country Album (Brothers Osborne) and Best Country Duo/Group Performance (“Nobody’s Nobody.”)

Kelsea Ballerini was nominated for Best Country Album with Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, while Luke Combs garnered a nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for his CMA-winning “Fast Car.” Dolly Parton nabbed one for Best Country Solo Performance (“The Last Thing On My Mind”).

In the Best Country Duo/Group Performance, Vince Gill and Paul Franklin were recognized for “Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” and Dierks Bentley and Billy Strings were included for “High Note.”

Morgan Wallen‘s mega-hit “Last Night” was nominated for Best Country Song, which goes to the songwriters John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Ryan Vojtesak. Surprisingly, the country hitmaker was not represented anywhere else in the Grammy nominations list.

Shucked writers Shane McAnally & Brandy Clark. Photo: Emilio Madrid

Top nominee Brandy Clark is up for Best Country Song and Best Country Solo Performance (“Buried”), Best Americana Album (Brandy Clark), Best American Roots Song (“Dear Insecurity”) and Best Musical Theater Album (Shucked), alongside her co-writer Shane McAnally.

McAnally and Jessie Jo Dillon represent Nashville in the all-genre Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical category.

Click here to see more Grammy nominations with Nashville ties.

The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, take places Dec. 14, 2023 – Jan. 4, 2024.

The 66th Grammy Awards will return to Los Angeles’ Crypto.com Arena on Sun, Feb. 4, 2024, and will broadcast live on the CBS Television Network and stream live and on-demand on Paramount+ at 7-10:30 p.m. CT. Prior to the telecast, the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony will be held at Peacock Theater at 2:30 p.m. central and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com and the Recording Academy’s YouTube channel.

Charline Smith Wilhite Passes

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Charline Smith Wilhite

Charline Smith Wilhite, a longtime ASCAP employee, passed away on Oct. 22 following a cancer diagnosis. She was 87.

Wilhite was a native of Spring Hill, Tennessee and received her bachelor’s degree from MTSU in 1959. After a brief stint with the TBI, Charline began a 35-year career with ASCAP in Nashville as their Membership Services Administrator. She worked at ASCAP until she retired in 2010.

She married Tom Wilhite in 1978 and they were together for 33 years before his passing in 2011.

Wilhite is survived by her sons, Bart (Elizabeth) and Brad (Marna) Pemberton, and grandsons Jay and Will Pemberton, and her sister, Mary Ruth Mains.

A service was held at 11:30 am on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Clearview Baptist Church in Brentwood, officiated by John Gardner. In lieu of flowers, Wilhite’s family asks to consider a donation to Alive Hospice of Nashville.

Hannah Ellis Slates Her Full-Length Debut Album For January

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Hannah Ellis will kick off the New Year with the release her full-length debut album That Girl on Jan. 12 via Curb Records. She’s giving fans a taste of the new project with the track, “Too Much And Not Enough,” today (Nov. 10).

Ellis wrestles with perception on “Too Much And Not Enough,” which she wrote with Emily Weisband and Tofer Brown. Caught between a contradiction and fearing being one extreme or the other, she reveals her insecurities and expresses frustrations over the fine line women walk, never fully able to strike a balance between being themselves and living up to culture’s unrealistic expectations. The track is the closer on her upcoming LP.

The Kentucky native co-penned all 13 songs on her new album. From the clever wordplay of “Wine Country” and “Karma on the Rocks” to the raw vulnerability of “Someone Else’s Heartbreak” and the title-cut, Ellis’ first full-length record highlights an artist fully embracing her small-town roots, her real-life romance and her newfound artistic voice.

In celebration of the new album, Ellis has launched an exclusive Wine Country Weekend Giveaway in partnership with Visit Napa Valley in support of her new single, “Wine Country,” which is currently charting at country radio. From now through Dec. 18, fans can enter to win a flyaway to Napa Valley that includes airfare, accommodations, exclusive merch and more.

Ellis also recently partnered with Lucchese to create a custom pair of “Wine Country” boots, and tomorrow (Nov. 11), she’ll appear at the iconic brand’s Houston store for a special performance to celebrate the boot-maker’s 140th anniversary.

The fresh-faced songwriter has racked up 42 million career streams, and has written songs for and been featured as a vocalist on songs for artists including Russell Dickerson, Carly Pearce, For King + Country, Emily Weisband, Cassadee Pope, Filmore and Sidewalk Prophets. She is one of the CMT Listen Up artists-to-watch for 2023, and has toured with Pearce, Billy Currington, Gavin DeGraw, Dwight Yoakam, Devin Dawson and many others, as well as touring as part of the “CMT Next Women of Country Tour.”

That Girl Track List:
1. “Country Can”
2. “Us”
3. “That Girl”
4. “Wine Country”
5. “Someone Else’s Heartbreak”
6. “Karma on the Rocks”
7. “Still”
8. “Replaceable”
9. “Somebody Else”
10 “Plans”
11. “Home and a Hometown”
12. “One of These Days”
13. “Too Much and Not Enough”

Nominees Revealed For 66th Annual Grammy Awards

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The nominees for The 66th Grammy Awards were revealed this morning (Nov. 10) across all categories.

Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. was joined by Grammy winners Arooj Aftab, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jimmy Jam, Jon Bon Jovi, Samara Joy, Muni Long, Cheryl Pawelski, Kim Petras, Judith Sherman, St. Vincent, Jeff Tweedy and “Weird Al” Yankovic, along with CBS Mornings Co-Hosts Gayle King, Nate Burleson and Tony Dokoupil to reveal the nominees.

This year’s eligibility period includes recordings released between Oct. 1, 2022 – Sept. 15, 2023. The final round of Grammy voting, which will determine winners, will run from Dec. 14, 2023 through Jan. 4, 2024.

The show will take place on Sunday, Feb. 4, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

“We are thrilled to kick off Grammy season with this year’s diverse and genre-bending slate of nominees, representing the best of their craft and an incredible year of music,” shares Mason jr. “From breakthrough acts to legacy artists, we are amazed by all the musicians recognized for their outstanding contributions to music today. We can’t wait to spotlight these remarkable creators and celebrate another amazing year in music on Feb. 4.”

For a full list of this year’s finalists, visit grammy.com.

Select Grammy Nominees:

Record Of The Year
“Worship” — Jon Batiste
“Not Strong Enough” — Boygenius
“Flowers” — Miley Cyrus
“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie] — Billie Eilish
“On My Mama” — Victoria Monét
“Vampire” — Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero” — Taylor Swift
“Kill Bill” — SZA

Album Of The Year
World Music Radio — Jon Batiste
The Record — Boygenius
Endless Summer Vacation — Miley Cyrus
Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd — Lana Del Rey
The Age of Pleasure — Janelle Monáe
Guts — Olivia Rodrigo
Midnights — Taylor Swift
SOS — SZA

Song Of The Year
“A&W” — Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey & Sam Dew, songwriters (Lana Del Rey)
“Anti-Hero” — Jack Antonoff & Taylor Swift, songwriters (Taylor Swift)
“Butterfly” — Jon Batiste & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Jon Batiste)
“Dance The Night” (From Barbie The Album) — Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)
“Flowers” — Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein & Michael Pollack, songwriters (Miley Cyrus)
“Kill Bill” — Rob Bisel, Carter Lang & Solána Rowe, songwriters (SZA)
“Vampire” ­— Daniel Nigro & Olivia Rodrigo, songwriters (Oliva Rodrigo)
“What Was I Made For?” [From The Motion Picture Barbie] — Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

Best New Artist
Gracie Abrams
Fred Again
Ice Spice
Jelly Roll
Coco Jones
Noah Kahan
Victoria Monét
The War and Treaty

Producer Of The Year, Non-Classical
Jack Antonoff
Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II
Hit-Boy
Metro Boomin
Daniel Nigro

Songwriter Of The Year, Non-Classical
Edgar Barrera
Jessie Jo Dillon
Shane McAnally
Theron Thomas
Justin Tranter

Best Country Album
Rolling Up the Welcome Mat — Kelsea Ballerini
Brothers Osborne — Brothers Osborne
Zach Bryan — Zach Bryan
Rustin’ In The Rain — Tyler Childers
Bell Bottom Country — Lainey Wilson

Best Country Song
“Buried” – Brandy Clark & Jessie Jo Dillon, songwriters (Brandy Clark)
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves)
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers & Geno Seale, songwriters (Tyler Childers)
“Last Night” – John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin & Ryan Vojtesak, songwriters (Morgan Wallen)
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton & Dan Wilson, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Solo Performance
“In Your Love” – Tyler Childers
“Buried” – Brandy Clark
“Fast Car” – Luke Combs
“The Last Thing On My Mind” – Dolly Parton
“White Horse” – Chris Stapleton

Best Country Duo/Group Performance
“High Note” – Dierks Bentley Featuring Billy Strings
“Nobody’s Nobody” – Brothers Osborne
“I Remember Everything” – Zach Bryan Featuring Kacey Musgraves
“Kissing Your Picture (Is So Cold)” – Vince Gill & Paul Franklin
“Save Me” – Jelly Roll With Lainey Wilson
“We Don’t Fight Anymore” – Carly Pearce Featuring Chris Stapleton

Best Americana Album
Brandy Clark — Brandy Clark
The Chicago Sessions — Rodney Crowell
You’re the One — Rhiannon Giddens
Weathervanes — Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
The Returner — Allison Russell

Best Americana Performance
“Friendship” – The Blind Boys Of Alabama
“Help Me Make It Through The Night” – Tyler Childers
“Dear Insecurity” – Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile
“King Of Oklahoma” – Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit
“The Returner” – Allison Russell

Best American Roots Song
“Blank Page” – Michael Trotter Jr. & Tanya Trotter, songwriters (The War And Treaty)
“California Sober” – Aaron Allen, William Apostol & Jon Weisberger, songwriters (Billy Strings Featuring Willie Nelson)
“Cast Iron Skillet” – Jason Isbell, songwriter (Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit)
“Dear Insecurity” – Brandy Clark & Michael Pollack, songwriters (Brandy Clark Featuring Brandi Carlile)
“The Returner” – Drew Lindsay, JT Nero & Allison Russell, songwriters (Allison Russell)

Best American Roots Performance
“Butterfly” – Jon Batiste
“Heaven Help Us All” – The Blind Boys Of Alabama
“Inventing The Wheel” – Madison Cunningham
“You Louisiana Man” – Rhiannon Giddens
“Eve Was Black” – Allison Russell

Best Bluegrass Album
Radio John: Songs of John Hartford – Sam Bush
Lovin’ Of The Game – Michael Cleveland
Mighty Poplar – Mighty Poplar
Bluegrass – Willie Nelson
Me/And/Dad – Billy Strings
City Of Gold – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway

Best Folk Album
Traveling Wildfire – Dom Flemons
I Only See The Moon – The Milk Carton Kids
Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live] – Joni Mitchell
Celebrants – Nickel Creek
Jubilee – Old Crow Medicine Show
Seven Psalms – Paul Simon
Folkocracy – Rufus Wainwright

Best Traditional Blues Album
Ridin’ – Eric Bibb
The Soul Side Of Sipp – Mr. Sipp
Life Don’t Miss Nobody – Tracy Nelson
Teardrops For Magic Slim Live At Rosa’s Lounge – John Primer
All My Love For You – Bobby Rush

Best Gospel Album
I Love You – Erica Campbell
Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard
The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music
My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds
All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album
My Tribe – Blessing Offor
Emanuel – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.
Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle
Church Clothes 4 – Lecrae
I Believe – Phil Wickham

Best Pop Solo Performance
“Flowers” – Miley Cyrus
“Paint The Town Red” – Doja Cat
“What Was I Made For? [from the motion picture Barbie]” – Billie Eilish
“Vampire” – Olivia Rodrigo
“Anti-Hero” – Taylor Swift

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
“Thousand Miles” – Miley Cyrus Featuring Brandi Carlile
“Candy Necklace” – Lana Del Rey Featuring Jon Batiste
“Never Felt So Alone” – Labrinth Featuring Billie Eilish
“Karma” – Taylor Swift Featuring Ice Spice
“Ghost In The Machine” – SZA Featuring Phoebe Bridgers

Best Pop Vocal Album
Chemistry – Kelly Clarkson
Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus
GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo
– (Subtract) – Ed Sheeran
Midnights – Taylor Swift

Best Music Video
“I’m Only Sleeping” – Em Cooper, video director; Jonathan Clyde, Sophie Hilton, Sue Loughlin & Laura Thomas, video producers (The Beatles)
“In Your Love” – Bryan Schlam, video director; Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton & Whitney Wolanin, video producers (Tyler Childers)
“What Was I Made For” – Billie Eilish, video director; Michelle An, Chelsea Dodson & David Moore, video producers (Billie Eilish)
“Count Me Out” – Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jason Baum & Jamie Rabineau, video producers (Kendrick Lamar)
“Rush” – Gordon Von Steiner, video director; Kelly McGee, video producer (Troye Sivan)

Best Musical Theater Album
Kimberly Akimbo – John Clancy, David Stone & Jeanine Tesori, producers; Jeanine Tesori, composer; David Lindsay-Abaire, lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Parade – Micaela Diamond, Alex Joseph Grayson, Jake Pedersen & Ben Platt, principal vocalists; Jason Robert Brown & Jeffrey Lesser, producers; Jason Robert Brown, composer & lyricist (2023 Broadway Cast)
Shucked – Brandy Clark, Jason Howland, Shane McAnally & Billy Jay Stein, producers; Brandy Clark & Shane McAnally, composers/lyricists (Original Broadway Cast)
Some Like It Hot – Christian Borle, J. Harrison Ghee, Adrianna Hicks & NaTasha Yvette Williams, principal vocalists; Mary-Mitchell Campbell, Bryan Carter, Scott M. Riesett, Charlie Rosen & Marc Shaiman, producers; Scott Wittman, lyricist; Marc Shaiman, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street – Annaleigh Ashford & Josh Groban, principal vocalists; Thomas Kail & Alex Lacamoire, producers (Stephen Sondheim, composer & lyricist) (2023 Broadway Cast)

Chris Stapleton Rides His ‘White Horse’ To The Top Of The MusicRow Radio Chart

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After raising the roof with his performance of it on the 57th Annual CMA Awards this week, Chris Stapleton tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “White Horse.”

Co-written by Stapleton and Dan Wilson, “White Horse” appears on his new album Higher, which released today (Nov. 10). The album also includes previously-released tracks “Think I’m In Love With You” and “It Takes A Woman.”

YouTube video

Stapleton, a 16-time CMA Award-winner, took home the trophy for Male Vocalist of the Year for the seventh time this week, breaking his own record for most wins ever in the category.

“White Horse” currently sits at No. 16 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 15 on the Mediabase chart.

Click here to view the latest edition of the MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.

The Castellows Sign With Warner Chappell Music

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Pictured (L-R): Warner Chappell’s Ben Vaughn, Bryce Sherlow, Ellie, Lily, Powell, Make Wake Artists’ HB Riordan and Chris Kappy. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Chappell Music Nashville

Warner Chappell Music has signed a global publishing deal with country music trio The Castellows.

Comprised of three sisters, Ellie (lead guitar), Powell (banjo) and Lily (vocals), the band rose to prominence early this year and recently released their debut single “No. 7 Road.” They also recently signed a label deal with Warner Records and Warner Music Nashville.

The Castellows grew up singing and playing together in church and in shows around their hometown. In 2022, they started posting cover videos and quickly gained over 1.5 million followers on socials, and since releasing their debut single, have gained 57.6K monthly listeners on Spotify.

“Ellie, Powell and Lily pour their hearts and souls into their music, and it’s been inspiring to see their journey take them from Georgia to Nashville,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “They light up every room they walk into and everyone at Warner Chappell is thrilled to be working with them.”

“The heart of what we do all boils down to songwriting; we know that very well, even just doing this for a short time,” says The Castellows. “Not only is it the heart of what we do, in many ways, it is also the most personal. We knew that our publisher really had to resonate with who we are as writers, but also as people. It is an understatement to say that everyone at Warner Chappell does only that. We are so thankful for Ben Vaughn, Bryce Sherlow and the entire team for supporting us and helping us be the best writers we can be because, at the end of the day, it’s all about the songs!”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Luke Combs ‘Keeps You On The Edge Of Your Seat’ With New Single

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Luke Combs. Photo: Jeremy Cowart

I have never been prouder to be a country fan than I was when experiencing this week’s CMA Awards telecast.

The special brought out the best and brightest talents in the genre, delivering at the peak of their powers. Kelsea Ballerini, The War And Treaty, Chris Stapleton, Luke Combs, Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Morgan Wallen with Eric Church, Dan + Shay, K. Michelle with Jelly Roll, Tanya Tucker and Carly Pearce as well as Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Mac McAnally and the Zac Brown Band—these were performances for the ages. If you weren’t a country fan going into the show, surely these moments would make you one. My chest was bursting.

Several songs in today’s column were in the spotlight that night. The Disc of the Day is one of them—mega-talent Combs owns it.

The DISCovery Award goes to HunterGirl, whom I met at the ASCAP party. She is an American Idol alumnus, but she needs no TV set to help her on the triumphant “Ain’t About You.”

RVSHVD / “Small Town Talk”
Writers: Clintarius Johnson/Jason Afable/Josh Logan Tangney/Matty Gibbons; Producers: Jason Afable/Dream Addix; Label: Penthouse South/Sumerian Records
– In a word, wow. Stirring and anthemic, this heart-in-throat performance celebrates everyday life in tiny-town America. He sings with marvelous sincerity, and the song could not be more authentically country. I’m in. His name, by the way, is pronounced “Ra-shad” (just turn those V’s upside down.)

TYLER HUBBARD / “A Lot With A Little”
Writers: Tyler Hubbard/Parker Welling/Casey Brown; Producers: Tyler Hubbard/Jordan Schmidt; Label: EMI Nashville
– Hubbard’s warm delivery continues to enchant. Here, he praises the simple joys of poor-folks romance. Guitars blaze brightly and the beats keep a-comin.

HUNTERGIRL / “Ain’t About You”
Writer: Tristyn Hunter Wolkonowski; Producer: Lindsay Rimes; Label: Wheelhouse Records
– Empowering and loaded with character and charisma. The ballad swells with positive vibes, and her vocal delivery has immense depth. This is a major, major new talent.

LAINEY WILSON / “Wildflowers and Wild Horses”
Writers: Lainey Wilson/Paul Sikes/Trannie Anderson; Producer: Jay Joyce; Label: Broken Bow Records
– If you had any doubts about this woman, her performance of this burning country rocker on the CMA Awards telecast erased them. And I do mean “country.” A delicious listening experience. “I’m barefoot and bareback and born tough as nails/I’m four fifths of reckless and one fifth of Jack.” You said it, sister.

ALEX MILLER / “Puttin’ Up Hay”
Writers: Alex Miller/Larry Cordle/Jerry Salley; Producer: Jerry Salley; Label: Billy Jam Records
– This snappy hillbilly rocker sizzles with hot fiddle and electric guitar. Loved his low vocal dip at the finale. 

JESSIE MURPH & JELLY ROLL / “Wild Ones”
Writers: Jessie Murph/Jason DeFord/Feli Ferraro/Gregory “Aldae” Hein/Jeff Gitelman; Producer: Jeff Gitelman; Label: Columbia
– Murph’s saucy delivery leads the way as she sings about the dark side of Saturday night. Jelly Roll keeps pace with some strategically placed hillbilly hip-hop. The track loops back on itself throughout. Is there such a thing as “alternative outlaw” music?

TRACK 45 / “When I Grow Up”
Writers: Ben Johnson/Jenna Johnson/KK Johnson/Jaida Dreyer/Jonny Price; Producers: Track45/Jason Hall; Label: Stoney Creek Records
– The angst of youth aches from every note. Their trio family harmonies on the choruses are awesome. I remain a fan.

LUKE COMBS / “Where the Wild Things Are”
Writers: Dave Turnbull/Randy Montana; Producers: Luke Combs/Chip Matthews/Jonathan Singleton; Label: River House Artists/Columbia Nashville
– What a voice. This is a mighty, mighty country-music man. And perhaps never more so than on this punchy rocker about a man who follows his big brother to Hollywood. Right up to the death scene, his gripping delivery keeps you on the edge of your seat. A simply brilliant performance of a titanically well-written song. He justifiably stopped the show with this at the CMA Awards.

KEITH ANDERSON / “Pickup Truck”
Writers: Ben Hayslip/Dallas Davidson/Thomas Rhett Akins; Producer: none listed; Label: ONErpm
– This enduringly good fellow has plenty of gas in his tank as he takes this high-octane rocker out for a spin. “You don’t need a pickup line if you’ve got a pickup truck.” Rock on, bro. 

MORGAN WALLEN & ERIC CHURCH / “Man Made A Bar”
Writers: Brett Tyler/Larry Fleet/Rocky Block/Jordan Dozzi; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records/UMG Nashville
– Charisma on the hoof. Individually, they are two of the finest singers we have. Together on this splendidly written ode, they are undeniable. This, my friends, is real country music.

KARLEY SCOTT COLLINS / “Heavy Metal”
Writers: Karley Scott Collins/KK Johnson/Sam Backoff; Producers: Karley Scott Collins/Nathan Chapman; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– Her ear-catching, piercing, resonant voice is set in an echoey, stripped-down track. This gives extra punch to the lyric of a gal trapped in a dead-end marriage.

LUKE GRIMES / “Burn”
Writers: Luke Grimes/Randy Montana/Josh Thompson; Producer: Dave Cobb; Label: Mercury Nashville/Range Music
– If romance with her means pain, bring it on, says Grimes. As always, he sings with great conviction. The track has a faintly western-cowboy vibe.

Warner Music Nashville Commemorates 2023 CMA Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Ian Munsick and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President); Cody Johnson and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Warner Music Nashville artists and staff gathered at The Twelve Thirty Club following the 57th annual CMA Awards last night (Nov. 8) for their label after party.

During the telecast, Warner Music Nashville artist Ashley McBryde performed her current single “Light On In The Kitchen,” Cody Johnson performed “The Painter” from his just released album Leather and Dan + Shay performed top 10 and rising single “Save Me The Trouble.” Kenny Chesney and Zac Brown Band also joined Mac McAnally and Alan Jackson for a tribute to long-time friend Jimmy Buffett, performing “A Pirate Looks at Forty” and “Margaritaville” respectively.

Earlier in the day, the label hosted its ninth annual partner luncheon featuring Avery Anna, Chase Matthew and Matt Schuster. The three up-and-coming artists performed for a packed audience at Nashville’s Riverside Revival, where Bailey Zimmerman also made a surprise guest appearance.

Cole Swindell and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President), Ingrid Andress and Cris Lacy (Co-Chair & Co-President)

Pictured (L-R): Victoria Mason (SVP of Strategic Marketing & Analytics), Randall King, Chase Matthew and Ben Kline (Co-Chair & Co-President)