Pictured (L-R, back row): Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Spirit Music’s AJ Burton, MCA Nashville’s David Friedman, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Warner Chappell Music’s Jessi Stevenson; (L-R, front row): Randy Montana, Jon Randall, Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell, Rhett Akins. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Last week, music industry members gathered at Nashville’s Star Rover Sound to celebrate Parker McCollum‘s first-ever No. 1 party. Hosted by BMI, the evening recognized the MCA Nashville star’s three recent consecutive chart-toppers, “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You” and “Handle On You.”
With McCollum as a co-writer on each hit, Randy Montana was highlighted for the success behind the singer’s double-Platinum No. 1 debut single “Pretty Heart,” followed by Rhett Akins for his follow-up Platinum-certified No 1. single, “To Be Loved By You.” Monty Criswell was recognized for his contributions on the Platinum-certified chart topper, “Handle On You.”
In addition to celebrating the hits, MCA Nashville also surprised McCollum with certification plaques that encompassed all his recent accolades, including additional Gold certifications for “Young Man’s Blues” and Gold Chain Cowboy.
BMI’s Mason Hunter served as the emcee and brought all the writers and McCollum’s producer Jon Randall to the stage to be admired. All of the men on stage were BMI affiliates.
Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Nick Rhodes, UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris, Chelsea Blythe, Cindy Mabe and Lori Christian, producer Jon Randall, Parker McCollum, Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, UMG Nashville’s Rob Femia. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Those on hand to say a few words at the party included Warner Chappell’s Jessi Stevenson, Spirit/Fluid’s AJ Burton and MCA Nashville’s David Friedman, as well as Mitch Ballard from the BMI office in Austin, Texas. Sponsored by Studio Bank, the evening included a donation presentation made by Kari Barnart on behalf of McCollum and the songwriters in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When it came time for the songwriters to speak, Criswell kicked it off. He spoke about his journey with cancer over the past year.
“I spent the summer in chemo at the Ingram Cancer Center. It’s at the top of my list of things I never want to do again,” he said. “[‘Handle On You’] went No. 1 the week I started chemo, so they’re kind of intertwined together.”
He spoke about his battle, sharing that his care team would often ask about where “Handle On You” was on the charts. “At the end of four months, they scanned me again,” Criswell added. “It came back clear.”
Criswell shared that after an upcoming surgery, his doctors expect the cancer won’t return. He addressed the team behind the hit by saying, “Y’all [help us] keep food on the table and keep the lights on. If you worry if you’ve made a difference, this summer you paid deductibles and copays at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Cancer Center.”
Randall was next to speak about the songs.
“As a songwriter, I’m still amazed that we show up, have a couple cups of coffee and have nothing on this blank page. By the end of the day, there’s something there that didn’t exist yesterday,” Randall said. “Everybody in here is a part of it… It takes a village.”
Akins spoke about meeting McCollum, “Getting together in a room with a complete stranger is like going to therapy. You get in there and lay it out on the table,” he said. “Parker, thank you for giving me that day and sharing a piece of you life with me [for ‘To Be Loved By You’].”
When Montana spoke, he recognized the herculean effort it takes to get a No. 1, something he learned early in life as the son of another hit songwriter, Billy Montana.
“I grew up the son of a songwriter, so I’ve lived this life before I was the one doing it. I know hit songs are hard to come by,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful to be here today.”
McCollum thanked everyone in his support system, from his family, band and crew, publisher, label, management team, co-writers and more.
“Somehow—without really knowing what I was doing at any point in time and just faking it until I made it—I’ve got the best label (UMG and MCA), the best publishing company (Warner Chappell), the best management (Enzo DeVincenzo, Nick Rhodes and Red Light) and the best business managers,” he said. “I’ve got the best promotion team and the best agent. I don’t really understand how I fell into those hands.
“[I write with] the best songwriters and the best producer in country music, Jon Randall,” McCollum added. “I get way too much credit. Everybody else does all the hard work and I get to go out there and get all the glory. I enjoy absolutely every second of working with all of you.”
Parker McCollum Celebrates Three No. 1 Hits
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn, Studio Bank’s Kari Barnhart, Spirit Music’s AJ Burton, MCA Nashville’s David Friedman, BMI’s Mason Hunter, Warner Chappell Music’s Jessi Stevenson; (L-R, front row): Randy Montana, Jon Randall, Parker McCollum, Monty Criswell, Rhett Akins. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Last week, music industry members gathered at Nashville’s Star Rover Sound to celebrate Parker McCollum‘s first-ever No. 1 party. Hosted by BMI, the evening recognized the MCA Nashville star’s three recent consecutive chart-toppers, “Pretty Heart,” “To Be Loved By You” and “Handle On You.”
With McCollum as a co-writer on each hit, Randy Montana was highlighted for the success behind the singer’s double-Platinum No. 1 debut single “Pretty Heart,” followed by Rhett Akins for his follow-up Platinum-certified No 1. single, “To Be Loved By You.” Monty Criswell was recognized for his contributions on the Platinum-certified chart topper, “Handle On You.”
In addition to celebrating the hits, MCA Nashville also surprised McCollum with certification plaques that encompassed all his recent accolades, including additional Gold certifications for “Young Man’s Blues” and Gold Chain Cowboy.
BMI’s Mason Hunter served as the emcee and brought all the writers and McCollum’s producer Jon Randall to the stage to be admired. All of the men on stage were BMI affiliates.
Pictured (L-R): Red Light Management’s Nick Rhodes, UMG Nashville’s Mike Harris, Chelsea Blythe, Cindy Mabe and Lori Christian, producer Jon Randall, Parker McCollum, Red Light Management’s Enzo DeVincenzo, UMG Nashville’s Rob Femia. Photo: Steve Lowry for BMI
Those on hand to say a few words at the party included Warner Chappell’s Jessi Stevenson, Spirit/Fluid’s AJ Burton and MCA Nashville’s David Friedman, as well as Mitch Ballard from the BMI office in Austin, Texas. Sponsored by Studio Bank, the evening included a donation presentation made by Kari Barnart on behalf of McCollum and the songwriters in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
When it came time for the songwriters to speak, Criswell kicked it off. He spoke about his journey with cancer over the past year.
“I spent the summer in chemo at the Ingram Cancer Center. It’s at the top of my list of things I never want to do again,” he said. “[‘Handle On You’] went No. 1 the week I started chemo, so they’re kind of intertwined together.”
He spoke about his battle, sharing that his care team would often ask about where “Handle On You” was on the charts. “At the end of four months, they scanned me again,” Criswell added. “It came back clear.”
Criswell shared that after an upcoming surgery, his doctors expect the cancer won’t return. He addressed the team behind the hit by saying, “Y’all [help us] keep food on the table and keep the lights on. If you worry if you’ve made a difference, this summer you paid deductibles and copays at Vanderbilt’s Ingram Cancer Center.”
Randall was next to speak about the songs.
“As a songwriter, I’m still amazed that we show up, have a couple cups of coffee and have nothing on this blank page. By the end of the day, there’s something there that didn’t exist yesterday,” Randall said. “Everybody in here is a part of it… It takes a village.”
Akins spoke about meeting McCollum, “Getting together in a room with a complete stranger is like going to therapy. You get in there and lay it out on the table,” he said. “Parker, thank you for giving me that day and sharing a piece of you life with me [for ‘To Be Loved By You’].”
When Montana spoke, he recognized the herculean effort it takes to get a No. 1, something he learned early in life as the son of another hit songwriter, Billy Montana.
“I grew up the son of a songwriter, so I’ve lived this life before I was the one doing it. I know hit songs are hard to come by,” he said. “I’m extremely grateful to be here today.”
McCollum thanked everyone in his support system, from his family, band and crew, publisher, label, management team, co-writers and more.
“Somehow—without really knowing what I was doing at any point in time and just faking it until I made it—I’ve got the best label (UMG and MCA), the best publishing company (Warner Chappell), the best management (Enzo DeVincenzo, Nick Rhodes and Red Light) and the best business managers,” he said. “I’ve got the best promotion team and the best agent. I don’t really understand how I fell into those hands.
“[I write with] the best songwriters and the best producer in country music, Jon Randall,” McCollum added. “I get way too much credit. Everybody else does all the hard work and I get to go out there and get all the glory. I enjoy absolutely every second of working with all of you.”
Frank Ray Celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month With New Spanish EP
/by Lorie HollabaughFrank Ray is paying tribute to his Mexican roots on his latest EP, Raíces (Asi Se Hace), available now.
“Music is the best representation of who I am. The arrangements reflect the essence of Latin music, with constant changes, vibrant horns and rhythmic percussive elements. But it also encompasses everything I’m known for, whether it’s traditional country music, family tunes, party anthems, R&B rhythms, pop, soul or Latin flavor – there’s something for everyone,” says Ray.
On Oct. 6, Ray will give a free concert in Miami at the Vivo Dolphin Mall stage as part of the Country Bay Music Festival Pre-Party series.
Raíces (Asi Se Hace) Track Listing:
1. “Luces de la Calle” (Frank Ray, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Rogers)
2. “Country Te Va Muy Bien” (Derek George, Monty Criswell, Taylor Phillips, Cole Taylor)
3. “Malgastas Tu Aliento” (Monty Criswell, Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
4. “Whiskey De Alguien Más” (Derek George, Frank Ray, Frank Rogers)
5. “Quiébrame el Corazón” (Bobby Hamrick, Frank Ray)
Cody Johnson Announces Third Studio Album ‘Leather’
/by Steven BoeroCody Johnson. Photo: Chris Douglas
Cody Johnson is set to release his third studio album Leather on Nov. 3 via COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville.
To celebrate the announce, Johnson has released brand-new tracks “Work Boots” written by Jason Afable, Brett Beavers and Canaan Smith, and “Watching My Old Flame Go Out” by Kat Higgins, Wynn Varble and Clint Daniels. Both songs appear on Leather, which was produced by Trent Willmon.
“This round of songs, I have to say, is the best round of songs I have ever recorded and I feel like that’s the way it should be,” Johnson says. “Each album should outdo the last one.”
Johnson’s current single, “The Painter,” was the most-added song in the nation in its debut week on the charts, launching with the biggest add date of his career with 73 stations jumping to put the song on air. “The Painter” is the follow up to Johnson’s career-making, double Platinum-selling and Grammy-winning, two-week No. 1 hit “’Til You Can’t,” and the top-five smash “Human.”
Fans can pre-order the 12-track record now.
Leather Track List:
“Work Boots” (Jason Afable, Brett Beavers, Canaan Smith)
“Double Down” (Jeff Hyde, Adam James, Clint Daniels)
“Watching My Old Flame” (Kat Higgins, Wynn Varble, Clint Daniels)
“That’s Texas” (Andy Sheridan, Erik Dylan, Wyatt McCubbin)
“Dirt Cheap” (Josh Phillips)
“Jesus Loves You” (Mark Holman, Chase McGill, Michael Hardy)
“Whiskey Bent” (feat. Jelly Roll) (Adam James, Mikey Reaves, Rocky Block)
“Leather” (Ian Munsick, Rivers Rutherford, Jeremy Spillman)
“People In The Back” (Devin Dawson, Austin Taylor Smith, Mark Trussell)
“Long Live Country Music” (feat. Brooks & Dunn) (Phil O’Donnell, Wade Kirby, Trent Willmon)
“The Painter” (Kat Higgins, Benjy Davis, Ryan Larkins)
“Make Me A Mop” (Jessi Alexander, Connie Harrington, Alan Shamblin)
Dalton Dover Delivers New Project, ‘Never Giving Up On That’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Courtesy of Mercury Records/UMG Nashville
Dalton Dover has released his eight-song collection Never Giving Up On That via Mercury Records/UMG Nashville.
The new collection features two new songs, “Dirt Roads and Jesus” and an alluring cover of “If I Ain’t Got You,” a staple and fan-favorite in his live set. “Dirt Roads and Jesus” was penned by Dover with his producer Matt McVaney and Alex Maxwell, and expresses where Dalton feels closest to God. As he debuted the song during his first performance at the Grand Ole Opry, he explained he’d faced some tough times throughout his life, but his faith has always brought him out the other side to better days.
Dover’s first single “Giving Up On That” debuted as the most-added song at country radio and continues to climb the charts. The video for the tune, filmed near Dover’s hometown in Rome, Georgia, will premiere Sept. 27 on CMT, CMT Music, CMT.com and Paramount’s Times Square Billboard.
“This has been such an exciting time in my life, and it means so much to be able to share it with all of you,” says Dover. “So many milestones and memories have been made with these songs and what better way to celebrate that than putting them all together and adding some new ones. We can’t wait to bring more new music to you soon.”
Never Giving Up On That Track Listing:
Kane Brown Releases Phil Collins-Inspired Track ‘I Can Feel It’
/by Lorie HollabaughKane Brown has released a new single, “I Can Feel It,” a track that interpolates Phil Collins’ legendary drum solo and 1980’s single “In the Air Tonight,” as well as its accompanying video.
The high energy track was penned by Brown, Gabe Foust and Jaxson Free, with Collins also credited as a writer. “I Can Feel It” is the follow up to Brown’s 10th career No. 1, “Bury Me In Georgia,” which topped the charts last week, and his current CMA-nominated, double-Platinum, No. 1 hit, “Thank God” with wife Katelyn Brown.
On Wednesday, Brown announced his new “In The Air Tour,” which will kick off in March and hit 29 cities including Newark, Toronto, Las Vegas and Atlanta, before wrapping in Arlington, Texas at Globe Life Field on Sept. 14.
The busy entertainer recently received the ACM Honors International Award for his contributions to the country format on a global scale. He’ll perform tonight at iHeart Radio’s Music Festival, appear on Today Sept. 28 for a chat, and perform at the People’s Choice Country Awards the same day, which airs on NBC/Peacock.
Widely Admired Bass Player Dave Roe Passes
/by Robert K OermannDave Roe. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen, courtesy of Easy Eye Sound
Musician Dave Roe died last week at his home in Goodlettsville at age 71.
He is best known as the bass player for Johnny Cash in the iconic Tennessee Three during the 1990s. Roe also played on more than 500 albums as a studio professional.
Proficient on electric bass as well as slap-back, rockabilly stand-up bass, Dave Roe backed a who’s-who of music. Among those he played bass for are Faith Hill, John Mellencamp, Loretta Lynn, CeeLo Green, Chrissie Hynde, Dwight Yoakam, Kris Kristofferson, Yola, Rodney Crowell, Carrie Underwood, Marcus King, Ray LaMontagne, Jim Ed Brown, Dan Auerbach, Taj Mahal, Eddy Arnold, Iris DeMent, Billy Burnette, Sturgill Simpson, Ian Hunter, Merle Haggard, Brian Setzer, Kurt Vile, Tony Joe White, Rosie Flores, Malcolm Holcombe, Brandy Clark, Joe Ely, Richard Lloyd, David Olney, Bruce Robison, Allison Moorer, Jack Clement, Don Schlitz, Duane Eddy, Kathy Mattea, Shawn Camp and Gretchen Peters.
Dave Roe Rorick, his full name, was born in Louisiana and raised in Hawaii. After playing in island rock and funk bands, the musician moved to Nashville in the early 1980s. Within a week of arriving, he went to work in Jerry Reed’s band. He also gigged with Chet Atkins, Mel Tillis, Charlie Louvin, Dottie West, Vince Gill and Vern Gosdin during his early years in Music City.
During the late 1980s, June Carter Cash’s daughter Rosey Carter Nix had a local Nashville nightclub band that included Dave Roe. This is how he came to the attention of Johnny Cash, who hired him in 1992.
Following the years touring with The Man in Black, Dave Roe remained close to the superstar. He also often performed in the superb Don Kelley Band on Lower Broadway. In addition, Roe has gigged at Dee’s Country Lounge, the 12th South Taproom and other local venues.
He participated in the albums produced by Rick Rubin that resumed and revived Cash’s legendary career and earned him a “victory lap” of honors in 1994-2010. Roe also performed in a band with Kenny Vaughan and Pete Abbott called The SloBeats. Guitarist Vaughan is famed as a member of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives band and Abbott is the drummer in the soul-rock group The Average White Band.
Roe’s last known performance was on the Grand Ole Opry backing Cash’s grandson Thomas Gabriel on Sept. 12. He was a member of The Tennessee Four with Gabriel, Kerry Marks and Paul Leim, and it was the band’s Opry debut.
John Carter Cash memorialized Dave Roe on Facebook. Other who have written fond memorials include Peters, Dave Pomeroy, Guthrie Trapp and Ira Dean.
“He was a real cat, a master musician,” said Trapp in Bass Player magazine. “He really knew how to subdivide that beat and make it a funky, groovy thing.”
It is reported that Dave Roe passed away as a result of a heart attack on Sept. 15. He is survived by his wife Leslie Barr and son Jerry Roe, who is an in-demand Nashville drummer. Funeral arrangements are unknown.
Zach Bryan Releases Five-Track ‘Boys Of Faith’ EP
/by Steven BoeroPhoto: Courtesy of Bryan Family Archives
Singer-songwriter Zach Bryan has released a new five-song EP titled Boys Of Faith via Warner Records, featuring collaborations with Noah Kahan and Bon Iver.
Boys Of Faith arrives only a matter of weeks after the Grammy-nominated artist’s critically acclaimed self-titled, self-written and produced album, which entered the Billboard 200 chart at No. 1 ,and simultaneously topped Billboard’s Country, Rock & Alternative, Americana/Folk and Rock album charts. Additionally, the track “I Remember Everything” featuring Kacey Musgraves topped the Billboard Hot 100, Hot Country Songs, Hot Rock Songs and Hot Rock and Alternative Songs charts at once, making chart history by being the first song ever to do so.
Once again written and produced by Bryan, Boys Of Faith kicks off with “Nine Ball” followed by “Sarah’s Place” with Kahan.
Also included on the EP is the previously-unreleased “Deep Satin,” the only track co-produced along with Eddie Spear, with whom Bryan worked on American Heartbreak. The title track, a duet with Iver, is particularly notable due to the pair’s creative chemistry.
Boys Of Faith EP Track Listing:
1. “Nine Ball”
2. “Sarah’s Place (feat. Noah Kahan)”
3. “Boys Of Faith (feat. Bon Iver)”
4. “Deep Satin”
5. “Pain, Sweet, Pain”
Dustin Lynch To Kick Off His ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ In April
/by Lorie HollabaughDustin Lynch. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen
Dustin Lynch will launch his new “Killed The Cowboy Tour” in April, featuring special guest Skeez.
The tour kicks off April 2 with a Nashville show at the Ryman Auditorium before visiting Charlotte, Minneapolis, Boston, Indianapolis and more across the 18-date run. Tickets go on sale on Sept. 29 on the heels of the release of Lynch’s sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy (Broken Bow Records), at DustinLynchMusic.com. Beginning today (Sept. 22), Stay Country Club members will have the first opportunity to purchase tickets.
“I’m at a spot in life where I’m super focused on celebrating and living in the moment. The crew and I did a lot of that on the ‘Party Mode Tour’ and really found ourselves out there. The fans were coming out bigger, badder, and louder than ever,” shares Lynch. “I’m excited for them to dive into this album, find themselves in it, and then bring that energy with their friends to the ‘Killed The Cowboy Tour’ next spring.”
Two songs from the 12-track collection are available now, the brooding “Killed The Cowboy” and nostalgic dirt road rocker “Chevrolet,” featuring his BBR Music Group label-mate Jelly Roll.
Bill Anderson Named First Recipient Of Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award
/by Lorie HollabaughBill Anderson
Bill Anderson will receive yet another accolade in his storied career next year when he is honored with the 2024 Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member, Songwriters Hall of Fame member and award-winning entertainment titan was initially inducted by the organization in 1994, and will be the first Lifetime Achievement Award recipient honored at the event on April 25, 2024. Anderson was born in Columbia, South Carolina and lived there for the first eight years of his life until moving to Georgia.
“My Carolina roots run deep. The first country music I ever heard was broadcast over radio station WIS in Columbia, and the first time I ever saw a country band perform in person was in their studios,” recalls Anderson. “My first musical heroes were local entertainers named Byron Parker and Snuffy Jenkins. I am truly humbled to be the first artist to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame, and I thank the Board of Directors for their unanimous vote. This is a tremendous honor. I hope to be there to accept it in person.”
The Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award carries the name of the founder of the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame, and was created to recognize a previously-inducted artist who has achieved significant national success in the field of music and/or entertainment, and through their creative contributions of outstanding artistic significance shines a positive light on the state of South Carolina.
“The South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame voted unanimously to award Bill Anderson as the first artist recipient of the Dr. David Godbold Lifetime Achievement Award. We are thrilled to celebrate this award with Bill because of his lifetime contribution to the millions of country music fans around the world. He truly exemplifies the intent of this award through his work in country music as a singer, songwriter, television host and author. He is an extraordinary man with exceptional talent and has made a tremendous impact on South Carolina as well as so many people around the world,” says Roy Costner, Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Entertainment & Music Hall of Fame.
Morgan Wallen Takes ‘Everything I Love’ To Top Of MusicRow Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen performs at at Chicago’s Wrigley Field. Photo: Matthew Paskert
Morgan Wallen jumps from No. 4 to No. 1 on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week with “Everything I Love.”
Wallen co-wrote the tune with Ashley Gorley, Ernest Keith Smith and Ryan Vojtesak, and it interpolates the Allman Brothers Band‘s “Midnight Rider,” written by Gregg Allman and Robert Kim Payne. “Everything I Love” appears on Wallen’s record breaking third studio album One Thing At A Time.
“Everything I Love” currently sits at No. 12 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 11 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.