Dawn Delvo. Photo: Nadia Nuyens
Black River Entertainment has elevated Dawn Delvo to Vice President of Communications. The company has also hired Ally Roden as Publicity Coordinator.
Delvo joined the Black River team in 2011, and has been a part of the successful launch of Kelsea Ballerini’s career from the moment she signed with Black River as a songwriter and artist in 2013. The industry veteran previously spent a handful of years in between record labels and independent firms, where she developed skills in publicity, marketing and social media management as well as film and television licensing.
“Dawn has consistently proven her strong leadership skills and wonderful ability to articulate the vision and significant milestones celebrated by Black River Entertainment,” shares Gordon Kerr, President & CEO, Black River Entertainment.
In her new position, Delvo plays a direct role in the media and public relations strategies for the entertainment company’s studios, publishing, executive staff, label and artist roster, and works directly with independent publicity partners.
Roden graduated from Belmont University in 2021, where she majored in corporate communications with a minor in music business. She began her professional career as a contract Digital Media Producer and freelance writer for an entertainment publication. During her time in digital media, she had her work published in various online and print publications.
Prior joining Black River, Roden spent time at the Country Music Association, where she worked the seasonal position of Communications Assistant for the 50th CMA Fest. She reported to the Senior Manager of Talent Relations & Production, aiding in the collection of assets for the more than 300 acts performing over the four-day festival, coordinating festival events, booking stage hosts and more. Now as Black River’s Publicity Coordinator, she will provide direct support to Delvo.
“Thank you to Dawn Delvo for this incredible opportunity,” shares Roden. “Black River is truly a family, and I’m thrilled to grow with the company and to see where we can take Black River Records’ fantastic roster in the future!”
“Ally’s intuitive nature and work ethic are undeniable,” says Delvo. “Since our first meeting during the interview process to her having had several weeks under her belt at Black River, I am continually impressed. Ally is an excellent writer and communicator and is quickly becoming a highly valued team member.”
Dillon James Shares Major Label Debut Track
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): The Core’s Chief Zaruk and Tracy Martin, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe, Dillon James, The Core’s Taylor Manns and Simon Tikhman. Photo: Chris Hollo
California-born, singer-songwriter Dillon James has released his major label debut single, “Walking Man.”
The song, produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Paul Sikes, was penned by James with Sikes and Paul Wrock. An autobiographical introduction to James, the track is the first new music from the artist since his signing to Buena Vista Records/UMG Nashville/19 Recordings.
Born and raised in Bakersfield, California, James was influenced by the city’s blend of rock and country from an early age, picking up a guitar for the first time at age 10. He began writing songs as a teen, and with inspiration from local heroes Merle Haggard and Buck Owens, James developed the country-rock vocals and storytelling that would define his own sound.
After winning several competitions and a brief stint working as an actor in Los Angeles, James entered a turbulent period of substance abuse and homelessness. During this painful time, he realized that if he could heal himself and achieve his lifelong dream of becoming a singer-songwriter, he could become a living testament to others as well. He accomplished his goal and moved to Nashville to live out his dream.
“Dillon is going to leave an indelible fingerprint on country music,” shares UMG Nashville Chair & CEO, Cindy Mabe. “His purpose and vision is to share his fiery lyrics and his raw gritty sound infused with his life’s journey with the world, bringing in his story of loss, hope, faith and redemption to country music. I’m so proud to add Dillon to our UMGN family.”
James is managed by The Core Entertainment.
Red Street Publishing Signs Daymon Osborn
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R, back row): Rachel Mangan, Kelly Rich, Alex Valentine, Kelly King, Mike Craft, Harrison Sokoloff; (L-R, front row): Dan Crockett, Daymon Osborn, Jay DeMarcus. Photo: Courtesy of Red Street Publishing
Red Street Publishing has signed newcomer Daymon Osborn to its writer roster.
Originally hailing from Fort Wayne, Indiana, Osborn took a leap of faith after working the Texas oil fields and moved to Music City in 2019 to pursue his dream of being a songwriter. After nearly four years of playing writer rounds and pursuing every co-writing opportunity that came his way, he has earned his first-ever publishing deal at Red Street. Osborn joins the Red Street roster alongside writers Kelley Lovelace and Ryan Griffin.
“I’m grateful to the whole Red Street family for believing in me,” says Osborn. “I’m surrounded by a team that knows the industry well. As excited as I am to have signed my first publishing deal, this is only the beginning. I’m ready to get to work.”
Though fairly new to the music community, Osborn has worked with buzz-worthy songwriters such as Logan Wall, Jenna LaMaster and Troy Cartwright, and just landed his first cut with Tyler Chambers‘ “Loves Me Like A Small Town.”
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to have Daymon Osborn signed to Red Street Publishing,” shares Kelly King, Red Street’s Sr. Director of A&R. “Daymon brings a wealth of ideas, energy and great story telling to each and every song he writes. I can’t wait to see and hear the magic Daymon creates with us on the Street!”
Lineup Announced For Randy Travis Tribute
/by Lorie HollabaughThe lineup of performers has been announced for “A Heroes & Friends Tribute to Randy Travis – One Night, One Place, One Time” which is set to take place at Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena in Huntsville, Alabama on Oct. 24.
The special event honoring Travis will include performances from Aaron Lewis, Craig Campbell, Darryl Worley, David Nail, Dennis Quaid, Jerrod Niemann, John Berry, Lee Roy Parnell, Shenandoah, T. Graham Brown, Taylor Hicks, Tony Jackson, The Original Randy Travis Band and more, along with several surprise guests.
Tickets are on sale now at the Von Braun Center Box Office as well as ticketmaster.com and randytravis.com. A portion of the proceeds from the evening will be donated to the Randy Travis Foundation, which is focused on stroke and aphasia awareness in addition to supporting music education in schools.
Lainey Wilson Earns Fifth Consecutive Chart-Topper
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson. Photo: Alyssa Gafkjen
Lainey Wilson has notched her fifth consecutive No. 1 at country radio with “Watermelon Moonshine.”
The summer love anthem is the second single from Wilson’s critically acclaimed album, Bell Bottom Country, following another No. 1 hit, “Heart Like A Truck.” “Watermelon Moonshine” was written by Wilson, Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt.
Earlier this month, “Watermelon Moonshine” hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, making her the first solo female artist in two years to have a song reach No. 1 on that chart. The last solo female to top the Billboard Country airplay was Wilson with “Things a Man Oughta Know” hitting the top spot in September 2021.
“I’m so honored that ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ hit No. 1 on country radio this week! This song was co-written with two incredible songwriters, Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt, and I couldn’t be more proud listening to folks sing it back at shows,” Wilson shares. “This track represents the storytelling I grew up with and reflects on that young love we all like to reminisce on.”
Wilson continues to prove her staying power in the music industry, as she was recently named the most-nominated artist at the upcoming CMA Awards with a record-breaking nine nominations, including Album and Entertainer of The Year. She also previously broke the record for the shortest gap between No. 1 singles at country radio this year with “Heart Like a Truck” and her “Wait In The Truck” collaboration with Hardy.
Darius Rucker, Joe Galante Among Latest Inductees Into Music City Walk Of Fame
/by Lorie HollabaughVince Gill and Joe Galante. Photo: Alan Poizner, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Darius Rucker, Don McLean, Duane Eddy and former record label executive Joe Galante were the latest members to receive stars during their induction into the The Music City Walk of Fame last week in Nashville.
Darius Rucker and Ric Flair. Photo: Alan Poizner, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp
Professional wrestler Ric Flair inducted his buddy Rucker during the ceremony, while Connie Valens—the sister of the late Ritchie Valens whose death was immortalized in “American Pie”—presented McLean with the honor. Music City Walk of Fame member Steve Wariner inducted Eddy with his star, and Music City Walk of Fame member Vince Gill recognized Galante with his marker.
The ceremony added the 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th stars on the Music City Walk of Fame, which was created in 2006 on Nashville’s Music Mile, a one-mile stretch that connects downtown to Music Row. Inductees are recognized for preserving the musical heritage of Nashville and for contributing to the world through song.
Tracy Lawrence To Hold 18th Annual ‘Mission:Possible Turkey Fry & Benefit Concert’
/by Steven BoeroTracy Lawrence is hosting his 18th annual “Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert,” featuring Lee Brice, Priscilla Block and Halfway to Hazard at Wildhorse Saloon on Tuesday, Nov. 21.
The turkey fry will take place at the Nashville Fairgrounds on Tuesday morning, followed by the benefit concert at Wildhorse Saloon that night. Since its inception, Lawrence’s Mission:Possible has fried over 7,600 turkeys, provided more than 73,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee, donated over $850,000 to Nashville Rescue Mission and raised over $2.5 million, which helps to further its goals, advocate for those in need and expand their ability to support causes that align with their mission. The beloved kick off to the Thanksgiving holiday aims to match last year’s record-breaking 1,200 turkeys fried.
Tickets for next month’s event are on sale now.
“I’m very excited for this year’s ’18th annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert,’” shares Lawrence. “We have the opportunity to fry 1,200 turkeys again this year which allows us to continue to help feed those in Middle Tennessee and eight of our surrounding counties. It is really special to have the community come together to help those in need.”
In 2022, the star studded concert raised $250,000—the largest sum raised through the turkey fry event to date. The sold-out benefit concert featured Gary Allan, Travis Denning, Alexandra Kay and Halfway to Hazard. The event’s past performers have included country favorites such as Tim McGraw, Luke Combs, Chris Young, Lainey Wilson, Justin Moore, Cole Swindell and more.
Building on the impact of the turkey fry and benefit concert series, Mission:Possible launched an annual Celebrity Classic Golf Tournament in 2020. The springtime fundraiser has raised more than $1.1 million towards various Middle Tennessee homeless charities in only three years.
Sara Evans Officially Welcomed Into Opry Family
/by Lorie HollabaughSara Evans at her induction into the Grand Ole Opry
Sara Evans was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family Saturday night (Oct. 7) during the Opry’s 98th Birthday weekend by Opry member Crystal Gayle.
“I want to thank the Opry for asking me to become a member because this is a country artist’s dream come true,” said Evans. “And I have been dreaming about this my entire life.”
The Opry’s longest-serving member, Bill Anderson, surprised Evans with her Opry invitation at her sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert in August celebrating the release of her anniversary project Sara Evans Still Restless – The 20 Year Celebration.
Evans is one of the most-played female artist at country radio in nearly the last two decades. Her five No. 1 singles include “No Place That Far,” “Suds In The Bucket, “A Real Fine Place To Start,” “Born to Fly” and “A Little Bit Stronger,” which spent 2 weeks in the top spot and was certified Platinum by the RIAA.
In addition to her new status as an Opry member, Evans has been honored with the prestigious Academy of Country Music Top Female vocalist accolade as well as numerous American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association, CMT and Grammy Awards nominations.
The next artist scheduled to be inducted into the Opry is Jon Pardi, who was invited to join the Opry during this year’s Stagecoach Festival. He’ll be officially inducted on Tuesday, Oct. 24.
‘Christmas At The Opry’ Announces Star-Studded Performer Lineup
/by Caela GriffinNBC’s Christmas at the Opry has announced an all-star lineup of country stars set to take the Grand Ole Opry House stage on Dec. 7.
Grammy-winning country artist Wynonna will host the highly anticipated musical event that, following its airing, will stream the next day on Peacock.
The festive two-hour special will feature performances by many fan-favorite artists and country music icons, including Adam Doleac, Breland, Brenda Lee, Chris Janson, Chrissy Metz, Kelly Clarkson, Lauren Alaina, Meghan Patrick, Mickey Guyton, Mitchell Tenpenny and Trace Adkins.
Christmas at the Opry will treat viewers to an array of Christmas favorites, holiday classics and today’s biggest hits, including iconic duets and collaborations. The event will take place in front of a live audience of country music fans at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville.
Jesse Ignjatovic, Evan Prager and Barb Bialkowski for Den of Thieves along with RAC Clark and Jen Jones will serve as the Executive Production team. This project is an example of collaboration resulting from NBCUniversal’s equity investment in Opry Entertainment Group alongside Atairos, which was finalized last year.
Black River Entertainment Elevates Dawn Delvo To VP Of Communications
/by Liza AndersonDawn Delvo. Photo: Nadia Nuyens
Black River Entertainment has elevated Dawn Delvo to Vice President of Communications. The company has also hired Ally Roden as Publicity Coordinator.
Delvo joined the Black River team in 2011, and has been a part of the successful launch of Kelsea Ballerini’s career from the moment she signed with Black River as a songwriter and artist in 2013. The industry veteran previously spent a handful of years in between record labels and independent firms, where she developed skills in publicity, marketing and social media management as well as film and television licensing.
“Dawn has consistently proven her strong leadership skills and wonderful ability to articulate the vision and significant milestones celebrated by Black River Entertainment,” shares Gordon Kerr, President & CEO, Black River Entertainment.
In her new position, Delvo plays a direct role in the media and public relations strategies for the entertainment company’s studios, publishing, executive staff, label and artist roster, and works directly with independent publicity partners.
Roden graduated from Belmont University in 2021, where she majored in corporate communications with a minor in music business. She began her professional career as a contract Digital Media Producer and freelance writer for an entertainment publication. During her time in digital media, she had her work published in various online and print publications.
Prior joining Black River, Roden spent time at the Country Music Association, where she worked the seasonal position of Communications Assistant for the 50th CMA Fest. She reported to the Senior Manager of Talent Relations & Production, aiding in the collection of assets for the more than 300 acts performing over the four-day festival, coordinating festival events, booking stage hosts and more. Now as Black River’s Publicity Coordinator, she will provide direct support to Delvo.
“Thank you to Dawn Delvo for this incredible opportunity,” shares Roden. “Black River is truly a family, and I’m thrilled to grow with the company and to see where we can take Black River Records’ fantastic roster in the future!”
“Ally’s intuitive nature and work ethic are undeniable,” says Delvo. “Since our first meeting during the interview process to her having had several weeks under her belt at Black River, I am continually impressed. Ally is an excellent writer and communicator and is quickly becoming a highly valued team member.”
Mental Health Initiative To Host Inaugural ‘Healing Through Songs’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughThe Nashville-based nonprofit Mental Health Initiative (MHI) is hosting its inaugural “Healing Through Songs” benefit concert on Oct. 26 at Battle Ground Academy (BGA) in Franklin, Tennessee.
Lauren Alaina, Shy Carter, Conner Smith and John Byron will perform acoustically in a songwriters round during the show, which will also feature special guests and help raise funds for the organization committed to increasing accessibility to residential mental health treatment.
The lineup will take the stage at the Center for Arts and Entrepreneurship on BGA’s Glen Echo campus at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for a pre-show social hour featuring light food and beverages, information booths from participating sponsors and photo opportunities.
“As our first major event as a 501(c)(3), ‘Healing Through Songs’ is a turning point for our organization and the individuals we support,” says Jessie Louverture, MHI Executive Director. “We are excited to bring together a group of accomplished musicians who are passionate about mental healthcare for an uplifting night of songs, stories and surprises. Through the power of music and community, ‘Healing Through Songs’ will move MHI one step closer to making residential mental health treatment accessible for all.”
In tandem with the benefit concert, MHI is hosting an online auction with unique experiences and items. Bidding is open from now until Oct. 25. All net proceeds from “Healing Through Songs” will go toward MHI’s mission of ensuring that individuals experiencing severe and recurring mental health challenges have access to effective treatment regardless of income or insurance status.
Mental Health Initiative was founded to reduce the financial barrier preventing those in need from receiving residential treatment for severe mental illness through both grants to help cover the cost of treatment and partnerships with treatment centers across the country to create scholarship options. Additionally, MHI advocates for systemic changes that will increase access to as well as promote education about, effective treatment modalities for acute psychiatric illnesses.