Breland Goes ‘The Extra Mile’ With Expanded Version Of Debut Album

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Photo: Jimmy Fontaine. Album Art: Nada Taha

Breland has released an expanded version of his Cross Country album, Cross Country: The Extra Mile.

The collection features six fresh tracks to the original project, including collaborations with Alana Springsteen, Brittney Spencer, Ingrid Andress, Lady A, Mickey Guyton, Keith Urban, Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett. The bonus version also includes fan-favorite tune, “Cowboy Don’t.” His name is on every song alongside renowned songwriters including Hunt, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Caitlyn Smith, Ernest, Sasha Sloan, Ryan Hurd and more.

Following his international headlining debut, “The Extra Mile Tour,” across the United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway, Breland has reunited with Shania Twain for the United Kingdom leg of her “Queen Of Me Tour.”

Breland was also recently honored with the ACM Lift Every Voice Award in recognition of his role in “elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.” He and Urban will perform their Gold-certified hit “Throw It Back” during the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors, airing tonight (Sept. 18) at 7 p.m. CT on Fox.

Cross Country: The Extra Mile Track Listing:
Disc 1
1. “Cowboy Don’t”
2. “Thirsty”
3. “Anniversary”
4. “Cracks”
5. “Guilty Pleasure (feat. Brittney Spencer)”
6. “The Extra Mile”
Disc 2
1. “Here For It (feat. Ingrid Andress)”
2. “County Line”
3. “Praise The Lord (feat. Thomas Rhett)”
4. “Natural”
5. “Told You I Could Drink (feat. Lady A)”
6. “For What It’s Worth”
7. “Happy Song”
8. “Growing Pains”
9. “Throw It Back (feat. Keith Urban)”
10. “Thick”
11. “Cross Country (feat. Mickey Guyton)”
12. “Good For You”
13. “Don’t Look At Me”
14. “Alone At The Ranch”
15. “My Truck”
16. “Cross Country”
17. “For What It’s Worth (feat. Alana Springsteen)”
18. “My Truck (feat. Sam Hunt)”

Country Icon Hank Williams Honored With ‘Hank 100’ Centennial Celebration

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Hank Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Universal Music Archives

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of Hank Williams‘ birth, his extraordinary career and remarkable legacy will be honored throughout the next year around the world with a host of events, new releases, tribute shows, induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame Museum, and much more.

On Friday (Sept. 15), Mercury Nashville/UMe released a new digital collection entitled Hank Williams 100 that pairs 19 of Williams’ most popular songs and greatest hits across the musical and emotional spectrum.

“Hank Williams was a force of nature who left an incredible catalog of songs that are still seen as the highest standard of the craft of songwriting. UMe remains honored to be the stewards of his timeless songs and to help further his legacy by continuing to introduce new generations to his music,” said Bruce Resnikoff, President & CEO of UMe, the global catalog division of Universal Music Group.

Additionally, UMG Nashville recording artist and William’s grandson, Sam Williams, is celebrating his grandfather’s legacy and 100th birthday with a soothing rendition of “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

“This song is special to me in many ways. I have always been hesitant to touch recording my grandfather’s songs, as there’s a sacredness to them. I wouldn’t want to do them injustice. ‘ISLICC’ has always been one of my favorites of his catalog,” Williams shares.

“Hank Williams is one of the crucial cornerstones upon which the American artform of country music is built. He was able to fuse country with the blues and gospel in a way that stripped popular music to its essence with an appeal beyond genre and culture. His songs are performed every day in the honky-tonks on Lower Broadway in Nashville, but also by artists all over the world. We are proud to represent the evergreen catalog of Hank Williams and introduce new generations to one of the finest purveyors of three chords and the truth,” says Cindy Mabe, Chair & CEO of UMG Nashville.

Later this week, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is celebrating Williams’ 100th birthday with “Hank’s 100th: A Concert in Celebration of Hank Williams,” presented by Spotify in partnership with the Americana Music Association. A diverse representation of the Americana community will be coming together during the AmericanaFest in Nashville at the CMA Theater on Thursday, Sept. 21 to perform interpretations of Williams’ classics in various styles, from honky-tonk to bluegrass to rock and R&B. The event will feature Suzy Bogguss, Laura Cantrell, Rodney Crowell, Della Mae, S.G. Goodman, Brennen Leigh, Delbert McClinton, Chuck Mead and Wendy Moten, as well as Williams’ grandchildren Sam, Hilary Williams and Holly Williams, and Country Music Hall of Fame members Charlie McCoy and Connie Smith.

Hank Williams 100 Tracklist:
1. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
2. Hey, Good Lookin’
3. Kaw-Liga
4. I Saw The Light
5. Move It On Over
6. Honky Tonkin’
7. Settin’ The Woods On Fire
8. Baby We’re Really In Love
9. Lost Highway
10. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
11. Your Cheatin’ Heart
12. Cold Cold Heart
13. Alone And Forsaken
14. Lovesick Blues
15. Honky Tonk Blues
16. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
17. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
18. You Win Again
19. I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive

Rosanne Cash To Release 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition Of ‘The Wheel’

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Rosanne Cash is celebrating the 30th anniversary of her album The Wheel with the release of an expanded, remastered deluxe edition on Nov. 17.

The Wheel 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition includes the original, remastered album, along with a second live LP, featuring Cash’s 1993 Austin City Limits appearance and a rare broadcast of the Columbia Records Radio Hour. This is the first-ever vinyl release for The Wheel, and the inaugural release for RumbleStrip Records, the label founded by Cash and husband John Leventhal. RumbleStrip Records works in partnership with Thirty Tigers for distribution.

Recorded in the early ’90s when Cash first moved to New York City, The Wheel sparked a reinvention of her sound and career. The Wheel sessions included Benmont Tench, Bruce Cockburn, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Marc Cohn and Steuart Smith, among others.

Co-produced by Cash and Leventhal, the album was the beginning of a lifelong creative partnership, and together, they have made seven albums including The River & the Thread, Black Cadillac, The List, 10 Song Demo, Rules of Travel and She Remembers Everything, alongside dozens of side projects and thousands of live performances. Cash and Leventhal have also written the music and lyrics for the upcoming Broadway musical Norma Rae.

“John and I grew closer with every session, and by the end of the record we were a couple. The music was both a revelation and the revelator. It’s satisfying and sweet to reintroduce The Wheel in this 30th anniversary year. I can’t look back at that time and separate the music from love. What was true then has become more true and more alive every day since,” recalls Cash.

Cash and Leventhal will continue to revisit the music and stories behind The Wheel on a special run of shows in November. For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Carrie Underwood, Colbie Caillat, Carnival Music, More

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Carrie Underwood & Fans Donate Over $420, 000 For Tunnels To Towers Foundation

Carrie Underwood and Frank Siller with Tunnels to Towers at the TODAY Show. Photo: Nathan Congleton

Carrie Underwood fans who attended the “Denim & Rhinestones Tour” helped raise $420,316 for the Tunnels to Towers Foundation in direct support of America’s heroes and their families through mortgage-free homes to Gold Star and responder families with young children

Since early in her career, Underwood has designated a portion of ticket sales from her tours to support worthwhile charities and organizations. She continued that tradition by arranging for a donation of $1 form each ticket sold on her recent tour to be donated to the Tunnel to Towers.

The foundation is committed to building speciailly adapted smart homes for catastrophically injured veterans and first responders, and is steadfast in its commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness and assisting victims of significant U.S. disasters.

Frank Siller, the CEO and Chairman of the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, says “We are overjoyed and profoundly grateful for this kind gesture. Carrie’s substantial donation, supported by her loving fans, will directly influence the lives of many of our nation’s heroes and their families. It will offer them not only financial assistance but a beacon of hope and a reminder that their sacrifices are recognized and honored.”

“I’m so proud of the fans that came out to the tour and making this donation possible,” says Underwood.  “They have always shown up to support great organizations like Tunnel To Towers, making the world a better place while coming out to see us.”

 

Colbie Caillat Debuts At The Top Of The Pandora Country Chart

Pictured (L-R): Colbie Caillat, Black Box’s Olivia Donnolo, Black Box’s Brian Popowitz, Jensen Artists’ Hilary Thoemke, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Kathleen Shea, SiriusXM/Pandora’s Johnny Chiang, Jensen Artists’ Chad Jensen (back row), Downtown Music’s Geoff Halliday (front row) and SiriusXM/Pandora’s Trapper John (far right)

Colbie Caillat landed at No. 1 on Pandora’ s country music station, Today’s Country, with her latest release, “I’ll Be Here” featuring Sheryl Crow.

A feat rarely accomplished by artists in their first week on the chart, fans are welcoming Caillat whole-heartedly. Her crossover success showcases her versatility as an artist and demonstrates her ability to connect with audiences across various musical styles. The song has amassed over 1 million streams on Pandora in just one week since its release adding to her total of nearly 4 billion total streams on the platform.

“I’ll Be Here” is featured on Caillat’s highly anticipated debut solo country album, Along the Way, available everywhere Oct. 6.

 

Carnival Music To Kick Off Americana Week With Show At Bobby’s Idle Hour

Carnival Music is kicking off the Americana week in Nashville with a writer showcase at Bobby’s Idle Hour on Wednesday, Sept. 20 at 4:30p.m.

Hit songwriters Aubrie Sellers, David Nail, Dustin Christensen, Jaida Dryer and Mando Saenz, will be joined by Santa’s Ice Cold Pickers for the performances that evening.

 

SOLID Opens New Member Applications

New membership applications for Society of Leaders in Development (SOLID) are currently open and are available through Sunday, Oct. 8.

One year experience working full-time in the entertainment industry and one reference letter are the only two requirements to be considered for eligibility. Interested candidates can find the application on the SOLID website.

 

Michael Lotten And Friends Raise $23,ooo For Maui Fire Victims

Photo: Libby Danforth

Songwriter Michael Lotten teamed up with some good friends last week for a benefit show raising money for the victims of the Maui wildfires, ultimately gathering $23,000 for those in need. Held on Friday, Sept. 8 at the Listening Room Cafe, the event was a writers round featuring Lotten, Jerry Flowers, Will Weatherly and Jamie Moore.

The sold-out evening featured the four writers trading off as they performed songs from their vast catalog of hits, which includes No 1 songs for artists like Florida Georgia Line, Morgan Wallen, Dustin Lynch, Sam Hunt and Kane Brown, and cuts by Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw and more.

The $23,000 raised will be shared with Hawaii Community Foundation’s Maui Strong Fund, which is providing financial resources to support the immediate and long-term recovery needs for the people and places affected by the devastating fires.

“Maui has a special place in my family’s heart,” Lotten shares. “Huge thanks to everyone that showed up and helped send love to Hawaii.”

Dallas Smith Announces Self-Titled Fifth Studio Album

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Loud Records

Country artist Dallas Smith has announced his self-titled fifth studio album, which is set for release on Oct. 27 and marks his first full-length project with Big Loud Records.

“I haven’t been this excited to release a big chunk of music in a long time,” Smith says. “Artists talk about discovering who they are, and really, I don’t think I’m there yet. But I really felt confident people would fall in love with my first Canadian country record (2012’s Jumped Right In). And I’m feeling the same thing with this.”

After getting his start with Platinum-selling rock band Default, Smith went on to become one of the most successful Canadian country artists in history, exemplified in his three-time consecutive CCMA Entertainer of the Year status. Now, he’s bringing the alt-rock meets country fusion that’s become his signature in the United States.

Smith enlisted acclaimed producer Joey Moi for his Big Loud Records debut–a project firmly rooted in Nashville for the first time in his career. This is Smith’s fifth collaboration with the award-winning producer, who produced all four of his previous albums. The pair has created an energetic sound that layers Smith’s lean, edgy vocals along with the calming confidence that comes with time. Other frequent collaborators and songwriting heavy-weights that have contributed to the project include Ashley Gorley, Morgan Wallen, Hardy, Hillary Lindsey, Ernest and Rodney Clawson.

The 12-song collection features previously-released songs like the flirtatious “Singing In A Beer” and “One Too,” which features label-mate MacKenzie Porter and cracked the top five on Canada’s country chart.

Later this month, Smith will unveil more details about the album, after a performance at the CCMA Awards in Toronto this Saturday (Sept. 16).

Maren Morris ‘Freely Moving Forward’ Beyond Country Music

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Maren Morris. Photo: Morgan Foitle

Maren Morris is entering her next era of music in a new phase, “honoring where [she’s] been and what [she’s] achieved in country music, but also freely moving forward.”

The Grammy winner expressed her feelings about the next step of her journey with the release of a two-track EP, The Bridge. The project’s new tracks include “The Tree,” produced by Greg Kurstin, and “Get the Hell Out of Here,” produced by Jack Antonoff with Morris and Jimmy Robbins. Morris co-wrote both songs with Robbins and Laura Veltz.

The new music is released via Columbia Records out of New York, migrating Morris from Sony Music Nashville to the mainstream imprint.

About The Bridge, Morris shares, “These two songs are incredibly key to my next step because they express a very righteously angry and liberating phase of my life these last couple of years but also how my navigation is finally pointing towards the future, whatever that may be or sound like. Honoring where I’ve been and what I’ve achieved in country music, but also freely moving forward.

“‘The Tree’ is about a toxic ‘family tree’ burning itself to the ground. Halfway through, I realize it’s burning itself down without any of my help. This song evokes the pain of exhausting all your love and time for this person or ‘entity’ but realizing it’s just a draining, transactional relationship that isn’t nourishing in any healthy way. By the end of the song, I give myself permission to face the sun, plant new seeds where it’s safer to grow and realize that sometimes there IS greener grass elsewhere.”

YouTube video

She adds, “‘Get the Hell Out of Here’ is the part two to the tree burning. Being quite literally burned out, this is a story of me feeling pulled in every direction, needing everyone else’s understanding and acceptance but my own and how self-destructive that ultimately became. I relinquish control of trying to change everyone’s mind or bad behavior and focus on my own power going forward. Doing the right thing can feel lonely at times, but there are more friends than foes, so I finally quit making myself one of them.’”

YouTube video

Since impacting country music in 2016 with her debut single “My Church,” Morris has released three critically acclaimed albums, 2016’s Hero, 2019’s Girl and 2022’s Humble Quest. In addition to a Grammy win and 17 nominations, Morris has won five ACM Awards, five CMA Awards and three Billboard Music Awards, with several additional wins and nominations. She’s broken streaming records and celebrated hits such as “80’s Mercedes”, “I Could Use a Love Song,” “Rich,” “Girl,” “The Bones,” “Circles Around This Town” and more, as well as her six-time Platinum collaboration with Zedd, “The Middle.”

Morris is about to wrap her arena tour with The Chicks in Canada, following a run of European dates and a sold-out headline show at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town earlier this summer.

Clayton Mullen Signs With Concord Music Publishing

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Pictured (L-R): Concord’s Melissa Spillman, Matt Turner, What’s Good Projects’ Ryan Kroon, Concord’s Brad Kennard, Clayton Mullen, Concord’s Courtney Allen, Garrett Stephenson and Claire Buchanan. Photo: Audrey Spillman

Country artist Clayton Mullen has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing agreement with Concord Music Publishing that includes his full catalog and all future work.

Originally from the Northeast, Mullen’s interest in writing and performing developed during his time at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth, Texas. He then began to grab the attention of local artists including the Josh Abbott Band, Corey Kent, Randall King, Carson Jeffrey and Jacob Stelly.

Mullen debuted his four-track EP South of Forever in June 2022, and followed with his first album release in April 2023 to celebrate his college graduation. The album included fan favorites such as “Like That,” “You Me + Country Song,” “Whiskey On It” and the album’s title track “Where The Time Goes,” amassing millions of streams to date.

His early success has made him one of country music’s newest artists to watch, and his graduation marks the beginning of his full-time dedication to music. Mullen hit the road on his tour earlier this week, which includes shows in Texas, Utah and more, and dropped his latest single “Stirring Memories” today (Sept. 15).

“Within minutes of meeting Clayton, I knew he was a star and that I had to work with him. He has a natural gift and the ‘it’ factor that can’t be taught,” says Courtney Allen, Senior Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing in Nashville. “Clayton has a deep appreciation for the songwriting community, and he’s grown so much as both a writer and an artist in a short amount of time. I am looking forward to the town getting to know him, and becoming fans of Clayton, like we all are at Concord.”

“I couldn’t deny Courtney’s passion for songs and her belief in me. With her charisma, matched with the backing of Concord, she was someone I wanted on my team,” says Mullen.

Omnivore Recordings Celebrates Hank Williams’ 100th Birthday With Two New Releases

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Hank Williams. Photo: Courtesy of Colin Escott

To celebrate what would have been Hank Williams’ 100th birthday, BMG has released Hank 100: Greatest Radio Hits 1923–2023, a brand new best-of collection.

The release is produced by the Omnivore Recordings team, who will also be releasing a blue vinyl reissue of The Garden Spot Programs, 1950, which was awarded Best Historical Album at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, out on Sept. 29.

Hank 100 is available as a double LP and CD, and features 25 of Williams’ greatest hits presented in unique live and radio performances, including a rare version of Williams’ No. 1 hit from 1952, “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” recorded live on July 13, 1952 at Sunset Park, West Grove, Pennsylvania. It also features legendary classics such as “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Moanin’ The Blues,”  “Cold, Cold Heart,” “Move It On Over,” “Lovesick Blues,” and many more. The collection was curated by Grammy award winner Cheryl Pawelski and mastered by Grammy award winner Michael Graves, with liner notes from Grammy-winning Williams Historian, Colin Escott.

Originally released in 2014, The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 uncovered 24 performances that were last heard, on the radio in Texas, over 64 years ago. In February of 1950, Williams hosted several Garden Spot radio shows for Naughton Farms, a plant nursery in Waxahachie, Texas.

From hits to standards to songs rarely, if ever, performed, this is pure Williams, including playful, between song banter. Fully restored to incredible quality, this album is more like being in the studio when they were recorded than actually listening to them on the radio. The special new edition of the record on blue vinyl also dons a unique album cover.

Hank 100: Greatest Radio Hits 1923–2023 Tracklist:
1. Move It On Over
2. I’m A Long Gone Daddy
3. A Mansion On The Hill
4. Lovesick Blues
5. Wedding Bells
6. Mind Your Own Business
7. You’re Gonna Change (Or I’m Gonna Leave)
8. Lost Highway
9. There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight
10. I Just Don’t Like This Kind Of Livin’
11. Long Gone Lonesome Blues
12. Why Don’t You Love Me?
13. They’ll Never Take Her Love From Me
14. Why Should We Try Anymore?
15. Moanin’ The Blues
16. Nobody’s Lonesome For Me
17. Cold, Cold Heart
18. Dear John
19. I Can’t Help It (If I’m Still In Love With You)
20. Hey Good Lookin’
21. (I Heard That) Lonesome Whistle
22. I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry
23. Jambalaya (On The Bayou)
24. I’ll Fly Away
25. I Saw The Light

The Garden Spot Programs, 1950 Tracklist:
1. The Garden Spot Jingle
2. Lovesick Blues
3. A Mansion On The Hill
4. Fiddle Tune
5. I’ve Just Told Mama Goodbye
6. Closing/Oh! Susanna
7. The Garden Spot Jingle
8. Mind Your Own Business
9. Lovesick Blues
10. Fiddle Tune
11. At The First Fall Of Snow
12. Closing/Oh! Susanna
13. The Garden Spot Jingle
14. I Can’t Get You Off My Mind
15. I Don’t Care (If Tomorrow Never Comes)
16. Fiddle Tune
17. Farther Along
18. Closing/Oh! Susanna
19. The Garden Spot Jingle
20. I’ll Be A Bachelor ’Til I Die
21. Wedding Bells
22. Fiddle Tune
23. Jesus Remembered Me
24. Closing/Oh! Susanna

Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll, More Among Lineup For ‘People’s Choice Country Awards’

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Blake Shelton, Kelsea Ballerini, Jelly Roll

The lineup has been announced for NBC’s first-ever People’s Choice Country Awards, which will be hosted by Little Big Town and airs Thursday, Sept. 28 at 7 p.m. CT on NBC and Peacock.

Blake Shelton, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Hardy, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town, Toby Keith and Wynonna will all take the stage at the Grand Ole Opry House to perform on the inaugural broadcast. A limited number of show tickets and VIP packages are available now at Opry.com.

As previously announced, this year Keith will be honored during the show with the Country Icon Award and Wynonna will be recognized with the Country Champion Award.

The show will extend across platforms with a livestream “Backstage Live: People’s Choice Country Awards,” which will air on Peacock, PCA Twitter, NBC Twitter/Facebook/YouTube, TODAY All Day/Twitter, E! News Twitter/Facebook/YouTube/E! Online, Access Twitter/YouTube, and Circle social platforms, bringing red carpet arrivals, backstage chats and everything behind-the-scenes to fans at home.

For MusicRow‘s recent print issue, NBC’s Cassandra Tryon gave a preview of what fans can expect at the inaugural show. Click here to purchase a copy.

Reba McEntire Partners With Farms For Themed Corn Mazes Ahead Of Book Release

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Reba McEntire Maze. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom

Country music icon Reba McEntire is partnering with over 40 farms across the country to host themed corn mazes in celebration of her upcoming lifestyle book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots.

While navigating the mazes, guests will look for clues and play an interactive game quizzing them on how much they know about the country music legend. Participants will enjoy photo opps, music and prizes along the way. The farms, which are designed by The Maize Inc. in 23 states, will reach more than a million visitors during the fall season.

“While l admit being in a corn maze is one of the more unique things I’ve ever been invited to be a part of, I couldn’t be more excited to be involved with some of the things that matter most to me – farming, family, and friends,” says McEntire. “Growing up on a ranch in Oklahoma, I know how important agriculture is and I love being involved with something that brings more people out to farms across the country for good wholesome fun!”

Guests also will have the opportunity to enter to win a trip to Nashville for the one-night-only special event, “Not That Fancy: An Evening with Reba & Friends,” set for Sunday, Nov. 5 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. The prize will include a two-night stay at Hotel Fraye.

Additionally, one winner from each farm will receive an autographed copy of Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. Set for release on Tuesday, Oct. 10, the book is a collection of funny, poignant and personal stories, photos, tips and recipes. On Friday, Oct. 6, McEntire will also release a corresponding album Not That Fancy with stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs as well as a brand-new track.

For more information, click here.