Wasserman Music Celebrates AmericanaFest
Wasserman Music staff. Photo: Jeremy Harris
Wasserman Music hosted staff, friends and clients at their second annual AmericanaFest party last week.
Wasserman Music artists showed out during the week-long festival, which included the Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday evening (Sept. 27). The event featured performances by Allison Russell, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Margo Price, The Milk Carton Kids, Nickel Creek and Noah Kahan, and Wasserman Music walked away with four award wins: Russell for Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award, Billy Strings for Artist of the Year, Nickel Creek for Trailblazer Award and Tyler Childers for Album of the Year (Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?).
CMHOF Honors Merle Travis With Special Conversation & Performance
Pictured (L-R): Eddie Pennington, Cindy Travis, Tommy Emmanuel, Merlene Travis-Maggini, Dave Paulson and Deke Dickerson. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored Merle Travis with a special conversation and performance this past weekend.
Presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association and hosted by the museum’s Writer-Editor Dave Paulson, the event explored the musician’s life, work and legacy with Deke Dickerson, co-author of the 2022 book Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story, master guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Eddie Pennington as well as Travis’s daughters Cindy Travis and Merlene Travis-Maggini.
Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story paints a vivid portrait of the guitar innovator and hit songwriter. Using a trove of unearthed autobiographical writings left by Travis, Dickerson traces his journey from Kentucky coal country to his high standing among country music’s most influential guitarists.
In addition to being an author, Dickerson is a guitarist and historian who has released over twenty albums, both on his own and with projects such as Deke Dickerson & The Ecco-Fonics.
Emmanuel is one of the world’s premier acoustic guitarists and one of only five people to be named a “Certified Guitar Player (CGP)” by his musical hero Chet Atkins, and often plays Travis’ work in concert. Pennington is a lifelong disciple of “Travis Picking” and other thumbpicking styles and has called Travis his greatest hero.
Cindy, Travis’ youngest daughter, was a production assistant for a PBS series and is now an interior decorator living on the east coast. Merlene, Travis’ middle daughter, recently retired from Sony Pictures Entertainment after a 39-year career in music publishing and currently resides in California. Both daughters maintain their dedication to keeping their father’s legacy alive.
Equal Access Program Takes The Stage At City Winery Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Angie K, Adam Mac, Denitia, Chely Wright, Valerie Ponzio, Nick Tabron, Camille Parker, Fancy Hagood, Sam Williams and Dalton Dover. Photo: Collette Badora
The Equal Access Development Program, the artist and management training initiative helmed by CMT and management services company Mtheory, held a showcase featuring program participants and special guests on Tuesday night (Sept. 26) at City Winery Nashville.
Equal Access offers funding and training, and provides the rising artists and management professionals with access to industry leaders, helping to ensure a multi-faceted pipeline of diverse, creative talent in country music.
Hosted by Chely Wright, the evening featured performances by Angie K, Camille Parker, Dalton Dover, Denitia, Fancy Hagood, Nick Tabron, Sam Williams, Adam Mac and Valerie Ponzio.
Riley Clemmons Scores First RIAA Certification
Riley Clemmons with Capitol Christian Music Group team members
Capitol Christian Music Group recently presented artist Riley Clemmons with her first RIAA plaque, recognizing the Gold certification of her single, “Fighting For Me” alongside co-writers Jordan Sapp, who also produced the tune, and Ethan Hulse at an intimate release party for her new album, Church Pew.
“Fighting For Me” was released as the lead single for her sophomore album, Godsend, and quickly became her top performing song with over 160 million worldwide streams.
“Truly, I’m just so excited and completely overwhelmed with gratitude,” shares Clemmons. “‘Fighting For Me’ was written from such a deeply personal place, so watching it resonate with so many people has been surreal. My entire team surprised me with the Gold Record plaque, and I cried like a baby. It was such a special moment. I’m so grateful for every single person on the team that worked to make this milestone possible.”
Alexandra Kay Previews Her Debut Album With TuneCore
Pictured (L-R): Hayley Roets, John Graffo, Kaitlyn O’Donnell, Alexandra Kay, Maria Ho-Burge and Kevin Cornell.
Alexandra Kay provided a sneak peak of her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, on Monday night (Sept. 25) with TuneCore.
Kay co-wrote all of the songs on the 11-track collection, set for release on Oct. 26.
In Pictures: Coastal Country Jam Closes Summer With Star-Studded Lineup
/by Liza AndersonCoastal Country Jam 2023
Coastal Country Jam, the beachside music festival, returned to Marina Green Park in Long Beach, California Sept. 16-17 to close out summer with a bang.
Tim McGraw performing at Coastal Country Jam 2023
This year’s event featured headliners Tim McGraw and Blake Shelton, who surprised fans on night one by bringing his wife, award-winning artist Gwen Stefani, on stage to perform No Doubt’s “Don’t Speak.”
The star-studded roster also consisted of Brooks & Dunn, Maren Morris, Dustin Lynch, Tyler Hubbard, Scotty McCreery, MacKenzie Porter, Jameson Rodgers and more.
The fan-favorite tunes performed included Shelton’s “God’s Country,” “God Gave Me You” and “I’ll Name The Dogs”; Lynch’s “Cowboys and Angels,” “Stars Like Confetti” and “Small Town Boy” plus covers of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time,” Vanessa Carlton’s “Thousand Miles” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”; and Brooks & Dunn’s “Boot Scootin’ Boogie” and “Neon Moon.”
Additionally, attendees enjoyed an array of other activities, such as mechanical bull riding, cornhole matches and Honky-Tonk dance classes.
Blake Shelton performing at Coastal Country Jam 2023
Maren Morris performing at Coastal Country Jam 2023
Brooks & Dunn performing at Coastal Country Jam 2023
MacKenzie Porter performing at Coastal Country Jam 2023
First-Ever ‘People’s Choice Country Awards’ Airs Live From Nashville [Recap]
/by LB CantrellCo-hosts Jimi Westbrook, Kimberly Schlapman, Karen Fairchild and Phillip Sweet of Little Big Town speak on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
The energy was electric at the first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards at the Grand Ole Opry house last night (Sept. 28).
The show, which aired live on NBC and Peacock, was expertly hosted by Little Big Town. The quartet kicked off the show with an exciting rendition of their 2005 hit “Boondocks,” which got the entire Opry house on their feet.
Wynonna Judd accepts the Country Champion award from John Osborne and T.J. Osborne on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Allen Clark/NBC
Throughout the night, stylish, cylindrical awards were presented to the night’s winners, which were determined by fan voting.
Jelly Roll led the winners list, nabbing New Artist of the Year, Male Artist and Song (“Need A Favor”), and Collaboration Song (“Save Me” with Lainey Wilson). Jelly couldn’t be there, as he was out on his “Backroad Baptism Tour,” but he joined live from Cincinnati to accept Male Artist of the Year—presented by tour-mate Elle King. Closing out the awards, he perform his winning-song “Save Me” via video feed from his live concert.
Kane Brown performs on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Allen Clark/NBC
Wilson was at the podium multiple times, her shimmery jumpsuit shining like the star she is. In addition to her win with Jelly Roll, Wilson took home Female Artist of the Year and Music Video of the Year with Hardy‘s “Wait In The Truck.”
Hardy made his first-ever appearance on the Grand Ole Opry stage during the broadcast, performing an exciting rendition of “Truck Bed.” Dan + Shay, who took home the award for best Group/Duo of 2023, performed “Bigger Houses” off their new album of the same name.
In some of the highlights of the evening, Toby Keith was honored with the Country Icon Award and Wynonna Judd was presented with the Country Champion Award.
Toby Keith accepts the Country Icon award on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
Blake Shelton honored Keith with a fun performance of “Who’s Your Daddy” and then presented the award. He shared that Keith is “the man who taught [him] more about performing than anyone else.” After accepting the award, Keith performed his song “Don’t Let the Old Man In,” sounding better than ever on the poignant tune.
Brothers Osborne presented Judd with her award. After taking the stage to perform her iconic hits “I Saw the Light” and “No One Else on Earth,” she accepted the award. Judd spoke about her Country Music Hall of Fame induction the day after her mother’s death, saying, “That’s how much we love music—regardless of what has happened to me and who, I show up and I show out.”
Jelly Roll accepts The Male Artist of 2023 award via video on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Allen Clark/NBC
In a funny moment during the show, Shelton was awarded with the fan-voted Social Country Star of 2023, for his antics on social media. Shelton admitted that he didn’t know what that meant, but if the fans wanted him to have it, he was grateful.
Other winners of the night included Chris Stapleton and P!nk (Crossover Song of the Year) and Morgan Wallen (The People’s Artist, Album of 2023, Concert Tour of 2023), though they were not announced during the program. See the full list here.
Other standout moments included Kane Brown‘s electric performance of “Bury Me In Georgia,” Carly Pearce‘s heart-warming tribute to country music “Country Music Made Me Do It” and Kelsea Ballerini‘s vibey performance of “Mountain with a View.”
Lainey Wilson accepts The Female Artist of 2023 award on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Allen Clark/NBC
Dan + Shay perform on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
Kelsea Ballerini performs on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Mickey Bernal/NBC
Hardy performs on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Mickey Bernal/NBC
Carly Pearce performs on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
Fifth Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Raises $400K For U.S. Military Vets
/by Steven BoeroPictured (L-R): Lee Greenwood, Major General (Ret.) Max Haston and David Corlew
Photo: Courtesy of Erick Anderson/Eafoto
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) raised over $400,000 for U.S. military veterans at the fifth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards held at the City Winery in Nashville on Wednesday, Sept. 13.
This year’s Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards were presented to country star Lee Greenwood, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Operation Song staffers Bob Regan, John Taylor and Don Goodman. Additionally, the nonprofit’s first-ever Giving Heart Award was presented to Nashville businessman Donnie Mingus. The evening featured live performances by previous Patriot Award recipients Chris Young and Darryl Worley as well as the War Hippies (combat warriors Scooter Brown and Donnie Reis).
Some of the funds that were raised came via a live auction, which included a piece of original artwork painted by the late Daniels. The painting went for $50,000.
“Sold out and what a night,” says David Corlew, Daniels’ Manager and TCDJHP Co-Founder. “We are overwhelmed by the support that we received from all of our guests who attended this year. We raised over $400,000 and couldn’t be any happier. Chris Young, Darryl Worley and the War Hippies were as outstanding as ever, and our attendees couldn’t have been more generous.”
Pictured (L-R): John Taylor, Bob Regan, Don Goodman and David Corlew.
Photo: Courtesy of Erick Anderson/Eafoto
Greenwood was honored for his decades of giving back to the U.S. military. Over the years, he’s made numerous trips overseas to entertain the troops and dedicated much of his time giving back through pro-military initiatives, including the Adopt A Vet campaign. After receiving his award, Greenwood treated the audience to an a cappella performance of his biggest hit, “God Bless The USA.”
Hunt Brothers Pizza received the Patriot Award for its unwavering support to our men and women in uniform. Over the years, the company has donated thousands to TCDJHP.
Regan, Taylor and Goodman were honored for their efforts to help heal through song. Operation Song empowers veterans, active-duty military members and their families to tell their stories through the process of songwriting. The trio originally introduced Daniels and Corlew to the nonprofit’s work, which ultimately led to saving the life of a personal friend of the Country Music Hall of Famer.
Special guest speakers included former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik and decorated military veterans Major General (Ret.) Max Haston, Green Beret Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joel Pruitt (a previous Patriot Award recipient), Special Forces Master Sergeant (Ret.) Steven Nisbet and Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jesse R. Horsley.
Storme Warren of The Big 615 Radio co-hosted the event with Young. This year’s dinner was sponsored by Lipman Brothers, Team Construction, Fiserv and SuperTalk 99.7.
Chris Young performing at the fifth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards. Photo: Courtesy of Erick Anderson/Eafoto
The criteria for the Patriot Award is based on the mission of the organization, which is to support veterans in their return, rehabilitation and reintegration back into civilian life. The award honors a person, persons, or group that fulfills and exemplifies the efforts and dedication of TCDJHP’s purpose to continuously care, support and encourage the people and families who have served our great nation. Previous recipients include Young, Worley, Mike Huckabee, Mark “Oz” Geist, Jude Seale, William Horton, Donnie Mingus, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)’s Daniels Center, the Shepherd Center and more.
Since its inception, TCDJHP has raised over $2.5 million for veterans.
Morgan Wallen Adds Multiple Nights In Several Markets For 2024 Tour
/by Lorie HollabaughMorgan Wallen has added back-to-back nights to his “One Night At A Time 2024 Tour” due to an overwhelming demand, including two additional shows in May at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium.
Wallen’s coast-to-coast run will include additional stops in Tampa, Kansas City, Las Vegas and more. A rotating lineup of guests including Bailey Zimmerman, Jelly Roll, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Nate Smith, Bryan Martin, Lauren Watkins and Ella Langley will join for support. A special Texas guest will appear during Arlington show on July 26, while direct support for the new Nashville stops will be announced soon.
Tickets will be using advance registration to ensure more get into the hands of fans directly by helping to filter out bots. Fans can register now this Sunday (Oct. 1 )at 11:59 p.m. PT. Once registration closes, fans will be randomly selected to receive a day and time of the presale along with a code that grants them access. Fans who previously registered for the presale now have the option to update their show preference to one of the newly announced dates. For more information, click here.
Brittney Spencer Slates Debut Album ‘My Stupid Life’ For January
/by Lorie HollabaughBrittney Spencer is set to release her debut album, My Stupid Life, on Jan. 19 via Elektra. She is sharing the first track from the project, “Bigger Than The Song,” today (Sept. 29).
Written by Spencer, Jennifer Wayne and Tofer Brown, “Bigger Than The Song” is Spencer’s tribute to artists who curated the soundtrack to her life – Reba McEntire, Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morissette, Janet Jackson, Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Britney Spears and more. It was penned as a celebration of the simple joys of good music, and the impact a great song can have on someone’s life. CMT and BET will air the song’s video, which is also out today, on the Viacom Times Square Billboard.
My Stupid Life’s 13 tracks are a culmination of Spencer’s experience during her time trying to “make it” in Music City, discovering herself in the process. The Baltimore native moved to Nashville ten years ago, and this album is her commitment to be unapologetically herself.
“This feels like a long time coming,” says Spencer. “It took me three years from the time I released my first EP Compassion to now to release my first album. These songs serve as my introduction to country music and I wanted to give them all the time and care that they (and my fans) deserve. I wrote a lot of songs from the back corners of my mind because I wanted to take a good, deeper look at myself and create something true to who and where I am at this time in my life. The more I put the pen to my feelings and thoughts, the more I realize I’ve heard similar sentiments throughout my life. Through making this album, I’ve learned we’re not alone in our heads, and I hope this album hugs the tiny, loud parts of our overthinking brains that sometimes need it most.”
The project features award-winning collaborators including Grace Potter, Maren Morris, Abbey Cone and Sarah Buxton, plus guitar contributions by Jason Isbell.
Next month, Spencer will make her Austin City Limits television debut as well as her debut at ACL Fest.
My Stupid Life Track Listing:
1. “New To This Town” (Brittney Spencer)
2. “I Got Time” (Spencer, Jessica Cayne, Nate Campany, Emily Reid)
3. “Night In (Phone Call)”
4. “Night In” (Spencer, Cayne, Summer Overstreet)
5. “Bigger Than The Song” (Spencer, Jennifer Anne Wayne, Tofer Brown)
6. “My First Rodeo” (Spencer, Cayne, Sean Douglas, Zach Skelton)
7. “The Last Time” (Spencer, Sean McConnell, Sarah Buxton)
8. “Deeper” (Spencer, Tayla Parx, Gustav Landell)
9. “First Car Feeling” (Spencer, Cayne, Kat Higgins)
10. “Desperate” (Spencer, Emily Falvey, Mikey Reeves)
11. “If You Say So” (Spencer)
12. “My Stupid Life” (Spencer, James Brock Human, McConnell)
13. “Reaching Out” (Spencer, Joe Kirkland)
Dylan Scott Earns MusicRow No. 1 With ‘Can’t Have Mine’
/by LB CantrellDylan Scott tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Can’t Have Mine,” jumping from No. 4 to No. 1.
Scott co-wrote the tune with Matt Alderman, Josh Melton and Dallas Wilson. The romantic ballad written for Scott’s wife is the second single from his latest LP, Livin’ My Best Life.
With career streams exceeding 2 billion, Scott recently earned a nomination for ACM’s New Male Artist of the Year. He will hit the road this fall for his headlining “This Town’s Been Too Good To Us Tour,” named after his latest release, which pays homage to his hometown of Bastrop, Louisiana.
“Can’t Have Mine” currently sits at No. 15 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 10 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Billy Strings, Molly Tuttle Among Winners At 34th Annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Strings took home the title of Entertainer of the Year for the third time in a row at the 34th annual IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards last night (Sept. 28) at Martin Marietta Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Other big winners at the show, hosted by Ketch Secor and Molly Tuttle, included The Travelin’ McCourys, who were named Instrumental Group of the Year, Authentic Unlimited, who won Vocal Group of the Year and New Artist of the Year, and Tuttle herself, who received Female Vocalist of the Year, Song of the Year and Album of the Year honors for Crooked Tree.
Previously announced Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame honorees Sam Bush, Wilma Lee Cooper, and David Grisman were also honored during the show, which aired on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction channel and was livestreamed on IBMA’s Facebook Live.
2023 IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards Winners:
ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: Billy Strings
VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: Authentic Unlimited
INSTRUMENTAL GROUP OF THE YEAR: The Travelin’ McCourys
SONG OF THE YEAR: “Crooked Tree” – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
Written by Molly Tuttle/ Melody Walker
ALBUM OF THE YEAR: Crooked Tree – Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway
GOSPEL RECORDING OF THE YEAR: “The Scarlet Red Lines” – Larry Sparks
INSTRUMENTAL RECORDING OF THE YEAR: “Kissimmee Kid” – Jason Carter
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR: Authentic Unlimited
COLLABORATIVE RECORDING OF THE YEAR: “Alberta Bound” – Special Consensus with Patrick Sauber, Ray Legere, John Reischman, Trisha Gagnon, Claire Lynch, Pharis & Jason Romero
FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Molly Tuttle
MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR: Greg Blake
BANJO PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kristin Scott Benson
BASS PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Vickie Vaughn
RESOPHONIC GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Justin Moses
FIDDLE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jason Carter
GUITAR PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Trey Hensley
MANDOLIN PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Sierra Hull
2023 People’s Choice Country Awards Winners – Complete List
/by LB CantrellToby Keith accepts the Country Icon award on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Mickey Bernal/NBC
The inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards took over the Grand Ole Opry last night (Sept. 28) and aired live on NBC and Peacock.
Lainey Wilson accepts The Female Artist of 2023 award on stage during the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards. Photo: Katherine Bomboy/NBC
The telecast honored country music legend Toby Keith with the Country Icon award for his decades-long career as a groundbreaking musician, humanitarian and entrepreneur. Fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton presented the award and honored him with a heartfelt performance of Keith’s hit “Who’s Your Daddy.” After he accepted the award, Keith performed “Don’t Let the Old Man In.”
Wynonna was presented with the Country Champion Award for her lasting career and heroic efforts around philanthropy and activism. Brothers Osborne presented the award to her, and she took the stage to perform her iconic hits, “I Saw the Light” and “No One Else on Earth.”
The show also featured performances from country superstars Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini. Click here for MusicRow‘s full recap.
Below are the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards winners:
THE PEOPLE’S ARTIST OF 2023
Morgan Wallen
THE MALE ARTIST OF 2023
Jelly Roll
THE FEMALE ARTIST OF 2023
Lainey Wilson
THE GROUP/DUO OF 2023
Dan + Shay
THE NEW ARTIST OF 2023
Jelly Roll
THE SOCIAL COUNTRY STAR OF 2023
Blake Shelton
THE SONG OF 2023
“Need A Favor”
Jelly Roll
Songwriters: Austin Nivarel, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll, Joe Ragosta, Rob Ragosta
THE COLLABORATION SONG OF 2023
“Save Me”
Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson
Songwriters: David Stevens, Jason DeFord/Jelly Roll
THE CROSSOVER SONG OF 2023
“Just Say I’m Sorry”
P!nk, Chris Stapleton
Songwriters: Alecia Moore, Chris Stapleton
THE ALBUM OF 2023
One Thing At A Time
Morgan Wallen
THE MUSIC VIDEO OF 2023
“Wait In The Truck”
HARDY feat. Lainey Wilson
THE CONCERT TOUR OF 2023
Morgan Wallen: “One Night At A Time World Tour”
DISClaimer Single Reviews: The Late Jimmy Buffett ‘Encourages Optimism & Hope’
/by Robert K OermannJimmy Buffett. Photo: Julie Skarratt
It’s wall-to-wall country stars in this edition of DISClaimer.
For your listening pleasure, we present Dan + Shay, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Charlie Worsham and Kip Moore, Kane Brown, Lauren Alaina and Cody Johnson. And the biggest star of them all gets the Disc of the Day award. It’s Jimmy Buffett singing the most touching and uplifting song of his career. Released posthumously, it demonstrates that this troubadour was making powerful music right up until the end of his life.
Our DISCovery Award goes to Matt Schuster, whose sound is the one of the most innovative I’ve heard these days.
LARRY FLEET / “Earned It”
Writers: Larry Fleet/Connie Rae Harrington; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– The title tune of Fleet’s album is a toe-tapping blue-collar anthem about being proud to be a member of the working class. Fiddles saw, guitars twang and his voice drawls with honesty. I love it that this guy is so by-gawd country. Make him the star he deserves to be.
LADY A / “Love You Back”
Writers: James McNair/Lindsay Rhimes/Emily Weisband; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: BMLG Records
– It’s kind of a snooze until the three kick in with those amazing three-part harmonies. Then it’s katy-bar-the-door. A sterling, stirring audio ride.
MASON RAMSEY / “Next Right Thing”
Writers: Mason Ramsey/Kendall Goodman/Brandon Day; Producer: Brandon Day; Label: Atlantic Records
– This 16-year-old country phenom wails with fire on this country rocker. The sound is wonderfully relentless, and he bends notes in all the right places.
KANE BROWN / “I Can Feel It”
Writers: Kane Brown/Phil Collins/Gabe Foust/Jaxson Free; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: RCA Nashville
– I love his baritone vocal dips in the verses, and he definitely communicates lust in the soaring choruses. This one’s an upbeat banger that is going places.
CHARLIE WORSHAM & KIP MOORE / “Kiss Like You Dance”
Writers: Jon Nite/Andrew DeRoberts/Andy Albert; Producer: Jaren Johnston; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– Talk about a good time. This joyous, flirtatious bopper rumbles with an outlaw beat, and both men sound like they are having big, big fun. Turn it up and stomp along.
JIMMY BUFFETT / “Bubbles Up”
Writers: Jimmy Buffett/Will Kimbrough; Producers: Michael Utley/Mac McAnally; Label: Sun Records
– Warmly philosophical and contemplative. Acoustic guitar strumming and a subtle bass heartbeat underlie Buffett’s relaxed, friendly delivery. Co-written with Nashville guitar treasure Will Kimbrough (a longtime Coral Reefer), the ballad reflects on your life’s journey and encourages optimism and hope. What a eulogy. What a gift.
LAUREN ALAINA / “Thicc As Thieves”
Writers: Lauren Alaina/Rocky Block/Jacob Durrett/Parker Welling/Luke Bryan/Dallas Davidson; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– Snappy and sassy. This sprightly rocker has cute lyrics as well as beats to spare and a catchy, layered-vocals production.
CODY JOHNSON / “Work Boots”
Writers: Jason Afable/Brett Beavers/Canaan Smith; Producer: Trent Willmon; Label: COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville
– The superb “The Painter” remains the single, but here’s another preview of CoJo’s Leather album, due Nov. 3. It’s a jaunty ditty that urges, “feet don’t fail me now.” Get up off your barstool and make your work boots dance with her. Crispy twanging and slurred slide notes abound.
KIMBERLY PERRY / “Fools Gold”
Writers: Kimberly Perry/Nicolle Galyon/Jimmy Robbins; Producer: Jimmy Robbins; Label: Records Nashville/Columbia
– Our story so far: She had country hits with her two brothers in a trio act, then decided she was going to be a pop star. That didn’t work out, so now she wants back into country music, this time as a solo. With its processed vocals and dance club beats, this doesn’t sound all that “country” to me.
DAN + SHAY / “Then Again”
Writers: Dan Smyers/Shay Mooney/Andy Albert/Jordan Reynolds/Lori McKenna; Producers: Dan Smyers/Scott Hendricks; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– A heavenly listening experience—lilting, sweet, romantic, wafting and gentle. They harmonize beautifully as the reflective lyric unspools. A complete audio pleasure. The song also inspired a music video, one of eight (!) the duo has made to promote songs on their new Bigger Houses album.
DARIUS RUCKER / “Southern Comfort”
Writers: Chris LaCorte/Matt Rogers/Josh Osborne; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Capitol Nashville
– Uptempo and breezy, it’s an ode to the South with Allman-esque guitars and Dixie name-dropping galore. Rucker sings at the top of his range, and is extra-effective doing so. He should do it more often.
SAWYER BROWN / “Under This Old Hat”
Writer: none listed; Producer: Blake Shelton; Label: SB
– This veteran country band stars in Get Me to the Stage on Time, a documentary film that premieres this week. Produced by Blake Shelton, their comeback album features this zippy, rapid-fire-vocal rocker about living on the road. Sounding as good as ever, fellas.
MATT SCHUSTER / “Tell Me Tennessee”
Writers: Matt Schuster/Josh Dorr/Andy Albert/Lalo Guzman; Producer: Chris LaCorte; Label: Warner Music Nashville
– I dig this guy’s refreshing sound. His plaintive, heartfelt tenor is backed by a jingle-jangle, pop-ish track with irresistible rhythm. The hooky bopper’s lyric calls out to a missing lover to join him in the Volunteer State. I’m definitely intrigued. Send more.
Industry Ink: Wasserman Music, Merle Travis, Equal Access, More
/by Liza AndersonWasserman Music Celebrates AmericanaFest
Wasserman Music staff. Photo: Jeremy Harris
Wasserman Music hosted staff, friends and clients at their second annual AmericanaFest party last week.
Wasserman Music artists showed out during the week-long festival, which included the Americana Honors & Awards on Wednesday evening (Sept. 27). The event featured performances by Allison Russell, Brandi Carlile, Brandy Clark, Margo Price, The Milk Carton Kids, Nickel Creek and Noah Kahan, and Wasserman Music walked away with four award wins: Russell for Spirit of Americana/Free Speech in Music Award, Billy Strings for Artist of the Year, Nickel Creek for Trailblazer Award and Tyler Childers for Album of the Year (Can I Take My Hounds to Heaven?).
CMHOF Honors Merle Travis With Special Conversation & Performance
Pictured (L-R): Eddie Pennington, Cindy Travis, Tommy Emmanuel, Merlene Travis-Maggini, Dave Paulson and Deke Dickerson. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum honored Merle Travis with a special conversation and performance this past weekend.
Presented in partnership with the Americana Music Association and hosted by the museum’s Writer-Editor Dave Paulson, the event explored the musician’s life, work and legacy with Deke Dickerson, co-author of the 2022 book Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story, master guitarists Tommy Emmanuel and Eddie Pennington as well as Travis’s daughters Cindy Travis and Merlene Travis-Maggini.
Sixteen Tons: The Merle Travis Story paints a vivid portrait of the guitar innovator and hit songwriter. Using a trove of unearthed autobiographical writings left by Travis, Dickerson traces his journey from Kentucky coal country to his high standing among country music’s most influential guitarists.
In addition to being an author, Dickerson is a guitarist and historian who has released over twenty albums, both on his own and with projects such as Deke Dickerson & The Ecco-Fonics.
Emmanuel is one of the world’s premier acoustic guitarists and one of only five people to be named a “Certified Guitar Player (CGP)” by his musical hero Chet Atkins, and often plays Travis’ work in concert. Pennington is a lifelong disciple of “Travis Picking” and other thumbpicking styles and has called Travis his greatest hero.
Cindy, Travis’ youngest daughter, was a production assistant for a PBS series and is now an interior decorator living on the east coast. Merlene, Travis’ middle daughter, recently retired from Sony Pictures Entertainment after a 39-year career in music publishing and currently resides in California. Both daughters maintain their dedication to keeping their father’s legacy alive.
Equal Access Program Takes The Stage At City Winery Nashville
Pictured (L-R): Angie K, Adam Mac, Denitia, Chely Wright, Valerie Ponzio, Nick Tabron, Camille Parker, Fancy Hagood, Sam Williams and Dalton Dover. Photo: Collette Badora
The Equal Access Development Program, the artist and management training initiative helmed by CMT and management services company Mtheory, held a showcase featuring program participants and special guests on Tuesday night (Sept. 26) at City Winery Nashville.
Equal Access offers funding and training, and provides the rising artists and management professionals with access to industry leaders, helping to ensure a multi-faceted pipeline of diverse, creative talent in country music.
Hosted by Chely Wright, the evening featured performances by Angie K, Camille Parker, Dalton Dover, Denitia, Fancy Hagood, Nick Tabron, Sam Williams, Adam Mac and Valerie Ponzio.
Riley Clemmons Scores First RIAA Certification
Riley Clemmons with Capitol Christian Music Group team members
Capitol Christian Music Group recently presented artist Riley Clemmons with her first RIAA plaque, recognizing the Gold certification of her single, “Fighting For Me” alongside co-writers Jordan Sapp, who also produced the tune, and Ethan Hulse at an intimate release party for her new album, Church Pew.
“Fighting For Me” was released as the lead single for her sophomore album, Godsend, and quickly became her top performing song with over 160 million worldwide streams.
“Truly, I’m just so excited and completely overwhelmed with gratitude,” shares Clemmons. “‘Fighting For Me’ was written from such a deeply personal place, so watching it resonate with so many people has been surreal. My entire team surprised me with the Gold Record plaque, and I cried like a baby. It was such a special moment. I’m so grateful for every single person on the team that worked to make this milestone possible.”
Alexandra Kay Previews Her Debut Album With TuneCore
Pictured (L-R): Hayley Roets, John Graffo, Kaitlyn O’Donnell, Alexandra Kay, Maria Ho-Burge and Kevin Cornell.
Alexandra Kay provided a sneak peak of her debut album, All I’ve Ever Known, on Monday night (Sept. 25) with TuneCore.
Kay co-wrote all of the songs on the 11-track collection, set for release on Oct. 26.