Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, More Added To Ronnie Milsap Tribute Concert

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More artists have been added to the lineup for Ronnie Milsap‘s final Nashville concert. The special tribute event will take place Oct. 3 at Bridgestone Arena.

Newly-announced guest entertainers are Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, The Gatlin Brothers, Hunter Hayes, Mark Wills, The McCrary Sisters, The Los Lonely Boys and Elizabeth Cook.

Previously announced artists that will tribute the Country Music Hall of Fame member include Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Lorrie Morgan, Neal McCoy, Breland, Phil Vassar, Terri Clark, The Band of Heathens and Charlie McCoy. Sixwire will serve as the house band.

The evening will honor Milsap’s more than 50-year career, his celebrated catalog and his impact on country music.

“I’m so excited about my last show in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena and the amazing lineup of artists,” says Milsap. “I love Nashville and the amazing career my fans have given me. ‘I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!’ Please join me. It will be a very special night.”

Tickets are on-sale now via ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted and produced by Outback Presents and Conway Entertainment Group.

Nancy Jones Shares Story Of Life With George Jones In New Book

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Playin’ Possum: My Memories of George Jones, a new book due out in September, offers readers an intimate look at country legend George Jones through the eyes of Nancy, his wife of thirty years.

The book explores the force behind the country legend—a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism and other self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul. Married for more than thirty years to the country star, Nancy knew George better than anyone else on earth—the good and the bad, the horrendous and the hilarious.

For the first time, in Playin’ Possum, Nancy reveals the true insider perspectives and little-known poignant as well as humorous stories about the country music legend, his battles with cocaine, alcohol, abusive behavior toward her and others, and his battles against the demons that sought to control him and ultimately destroy him. Nancy knew there was a good man inside George, and she felt strongly that God had given her the assignment to help him, even if he hurt her.

The new book will be published by Forefront Books on Sept. 12, which is George’s birthday.

Music Industry Honored At 16th Academy Of Country Music Honors

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CEO, Academy of Country Music, Damon Whiteside; Chair, Board of Directors, Academy of Country Music, Ebie McFarland; and VP, Board of Directors, Academy of Country Music, Randy Bernard at the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo: Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for ACM

Industry members and musicians were celebrated at the 16th annual ACM Honors on Wednesday night (Aug. 23) at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Hosted by Carly Pearce, the Academy of Country Music lauded the winners of the ACM Industry Awards and Studio Recording Awards from the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards.

In the Special Awards group, Chris Stapleton received recognition for winning the prestigious ACM Triple Crown Award following his first win for ACM Entertainer of the Year at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. Stapleton qualified for the Triple Crown Award after winning ACM New Male Vocalist of the Year, ACM Male Vocalist of the Year and ACM Entertainer of the Year throughout his career, an honor only eight other artists have been awarded.

Mike Dungan, winner of the ACM Icon Award, at the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors. Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for ACM

Mike Dungan and Tim McGraw were bestowed with the ACM Icon Award, honoring the contributions of Cliffie Stone, who was known for his producing work along with his country music career. This award is presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader who, throughout their career, has advanced the popularity of the genre through their contributions in multiple facets of the industry, such as songwriting, recording, production, touring, film, television, literary works, philanthropic contributions and other goodwill efforts.

The ACM International Award went to Kane Brown. Inspired by Jim Reeves, the award goes to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world.

Breland received the ACM Lift Every Voice Award, which is presented to a country music artist, duo/group, industry leader or affiliate/partner who plays a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented voices throughout the country music genre, transcending demographics and geography.

The ACM Lifting Lives Award went to Troy Vollhoffer. This award honors the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past President of ACM Lifting Lives, and is given to a country music artist, duo/group, or industry professional who is devoted to improving lives through the power of music, has a generosity of spirit and is committed to serving others.

Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and the late K.T. Oslin were each honored with the ACM Poet’s Award. This award is presented to a country music songwriter for outstanding and longstanding musical and/or lyrical contributions throughout their career, with special consideration given to a song or songs’ impact on the culture of country music.

The ACM Service Award went to Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne. Honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy, the award is presented to an outstanding country music artist, duo/group, or industry leader in recognition of years of dedication and service to the Academy of Country Music.

Finally, the ACM Spirit Award went to the late Charlie Daniels. This award honors the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career. It is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing Haggard’s legacy by following their own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling.

In addition to the Special Awards, trophies were also given out to the Studio Recording Awards winners from this year’s ACM Awards. Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year winner Hailey Whitters presented the honors during the pre-show ceremony.

The winners of the 58th ACM Industry and Studio Recording Awards are listed below.

2023 ACM Industry Award Winners:
Casino of the Year – Theater: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Hollywood, Florida
Casino of the Year – Arena: Harveys Lake Tahoe – Stateline, Nevada
Festival of the Year: Country Thunder – Bristol, Tennessee
Fair/Rodeo of the Year: Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo – Houston, Texas
Club of the Year: Joe’s on Weed St. – Chicago, Illinois
Theater of the Year: Grand Ole Opry House – Nashville, Tennessee
Outdoor Venue of the Year: Bank of NH Pavilion – Gilford, New Hampshire
Arena of the Year: Moody Center – Austin, Texas
Don Romeo Talent Buyer of the Year: Troy Vollhoffer – Premier Global Production
Promoter of the Year: Ed Warm – Joe’s Live

2023 ACM Studio Recording Award Winners:
Bass Player of the Year: Mark Hill
Drummer of the Year: Aaron Sterling
Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year: Tim Galloway
Electric Guitar Player of the Year: Derek Wells
Piano/Keyboards Player of the Year: Dave Cohen
Specialty Instrument(s) Player of the Year: Jenee Fleenor
Audio Engineer of the Year: Justin Niebank
Producer of the Year: Jay Joyce

Reba McEntire Unveils New Tune From Forthcoming Album ‘Not That Fancy’

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Reba McEntire has released the acoustic version of her hit “Till You Love Me” from her forthcoming album Not That Fancy. The project, due out Oct. 6, is now available for digital preorder.

McEntire joined forces with Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her most celebrated songs. The 14-track collection will also feature new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven.”

The album will be released in conjunction with her upcoming book Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots. On sale Oct. 10, the book is filled with funny, poignant and personal stories, never-before-seen photos, lifestyle tips and over 50 family recipes from McEntire.

Fans can order a limited edition Not That Fancy box set that includes a copy of both the book and album, a special apron and stationary in a custom-made box. A limited edition Not That Fancy vinyl is also available for purchase at Barnes & Noble.

Not That Fancy Track Listing:
1. “The Fear of Being Alone (Acoustic Version)”
2. “Consider Me Gone (Acoustic Version)”
3. “Somebody Should Leave (Acoustic Version)”
4. “How Blue (Acoustic Version)”
5. “If You See Him, If You See Her (with Brooks & Dunn) (Acoustic Version)”
6. “Till You Love Me (Acoustic Version)”
7. “Seven Minutes In Heaven”
8. “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia (Acoustic Version)”
9. “Does He Love You (with Dolly Parton) (Acoustic Version)”
10. “One Promise Too Late (Acoustic Version)”
11. “The Last One To Know (Acoustic Version)”
12. “New Fool At An Old Game (Acoustic Version)”
13. “I’m A Survivor (Acoustic Version)”
14. “Fancy (Acoustic Version)”

Robyn Ottolini Delves Into Growing Pains On New EP

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Robyn Ottolini is gearing up for the release of her new EP, Growing Up To Do, Oct. 27 via Empire.

The six-track EP includes the playful single, “All My Friends Are Hot,” available for streaming now. Growing Up To Do was produced by Cameron Jaymes, and encapsulates the rollercoaster of emotions that come with navigating life and growing up.

YouTube video

“Even though I’m technically an adult now and I have my own place, a dog, a career — I still feel like I have a lot of growing up to do,” says Ottolini. “I’m still in therapy and I’m still trying to figure out who the heck I am. So even though I go through so many emotions and experiences in this EP, at the end of it, I still have growing up to do.”

Growing Up To Do Tracklist:
1. “Heartless” (Robyn Ottolini, Emily Reid)
2. “All My Friends Are Hot” (Robyn Ottolini, Emily Reid)
3. “Midas” (Robyn Ottolini, Claire Douglas, Jarrod Ingram, Blake Hubbard)
4. “I Kissed Your Boyfriend” (Emily Reid, Jacob Durrett)
5. “Sick Of Sex” (Robyn Ottolini, Emily Reid)
6. “House I Grew Up In” (Robyn Ottolini, Jimmy Robbins, Nicole Galyon)

Blackberry Smoke Releases New Track ‘Dig A Hole’ From Upcoming LP

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Blackberry Smoke will release their new album, Be Right Here, Feb. 16 via 3 Legged Records/Thirty Tigers. Ahead of the release, they have unveiled the lead single, “Dig A Hole,” today (Aug. 25).

The new track, written by lead singer Charlie Starr and keyboardist Brandon Still, reminds us that life is short, so we better enjoy the ride.

“We each have a finite amount of time on this earth, so you probably want to make the most of it,” says Starr. “Eventually for all of us, they are going to dig a hole, so make it count.”

Produced by Dave Cobb, Be Right Here is filled with Blackberry Smoke’s signature rock anthems, Americana-leaning ballads and country rock jams, and celebrates the simple joys of life, the fleeting moments and little bits of luck found along the way. The project was recorded at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A and Cobb’s Georgia Mae in Savannah, and includes special guest vocals from The Black Bettys.

“We always track live together, but this time we had all our amps and drums and everything in the same room,” says Starr. “It’s just as natural and as real as possible. The last album was very raw too, but with this one I remember different times I would say, ‘I think we should redo that,’ and Dave was like, ‘No, leave it that way. That way it’s magical.'”

In addition to their studio albums, Blackberry Smoke has released several other projects including the EPs Stoned, The Southern Ground Sessions and Live From Capricorn Studios as well as Homecoming: Live In Atlanta, a live album and concert film, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Album Sales chart.

Be Right Here Track Listing:
1. “Dig A Hole”
2. “Hammer And The Nail”
3. “Like It Was Yesterday”
4. “Be So Lucky”
5. “Azalea”
6. “Don’t Mind If I Do”
7. “Whatcha Know Good”
8. “Other Side of the Light”
9. “Little Bit Crazy”
10. “Barefoot Angel”

Trace Adkins Celebrates Two-Decade Anniversary As Opry Member

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Trace Adkins celebrates 20 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

Trace Adkins marked another career milestone Wednesday night (Aug. 23), celebrating his 20th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member.

Invited in 2003 by the late Little Jimmy Dickens, who stood on a stepladder to ask the towering star face-to-face, Adkins was officially inducted on August 23 that year by his personal hero, Ronnie Milsap, and has gone on to represent the Opry family with numerous performances since.

Trace Adkins celebrates 20 years as a Grand Ole Opry member. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry

During the show, Adkins delivered performances of “Kiss You All Over” with Exile, plus a special four-song set to close the show featuring hits “Songs About Me” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Surprising Adkins in between songs, the Opry rolled a congratulatory video message from Blake Shelton, where he joked, “I’m so happy that I could not be there.”

“For me, it means that I’m a better man than I would have been had I not been a member of the Grand Ole Opry because I take it very seriously,” said Adkins. “And I try to conduct myself every day, keeping in mind that I’m a member of the Grand Ole Opry and I represent this institution, and I don’t want to do anything that might disrespect my family at the Grand Ole Opry. It probably kept me out of jail more times than I would have gone.”

Adkins wrapped the night with the title track from his latest album, The Way I Wanna Go, while a montage of photos from the past 20 years of Opry moments lit up the signature barn. A cake-cutting ceremony also marked the momentous occasion.

Adkins’ latest single, the value-centric red-white-and-blue anthem, “Somewhere In America,” inspired him to host a free benefit concert called “Somewhere In America: A Concert For Mayfield” presented by KIOTI Tractor in May, which raised funds and support for the western Kentucky area after it was devastated by tornadoes last December. A video for “Somewhere In America” was also filmed during the show, and premiered on CMT in July.

Prine Family Unveils Schedule For ‘You Got Gold: Celebrating The Songs Of John Prine’

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The John Prine Family is presenting the second annual “You Got Gold: Celebrating the Songs of John Prine” event, Oct. 7-10 in Nashville.

In addition to previously announced shows at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater (Oct. 8), The Basement East (Oct. 9) and the Ryman Auditorium (Oct. 10, Prine’s birthday), the four-day gathering will also include pop-ups, film screenings, song circles and more.

Proceeds from the event benefit The Hello in There Foundation. The CMA Theater and Basement East shows are sold-out, while just a limited number of tickets remain for the Ryman Auditorium event. Each show will feature performances by an array of surprise artists, celebrating not only Prine’s esteemed career, but also the beloved community he built over the past 50 years.

“The time I spent with John on the road made one thing very clear—the community he helped create was always, and remains, at the heart of the music and the work we continue to do every day,” says Fiona Prine. “I’m so happy that ‘You Got Gold’ will now become an annual event to ensure that we maintain that connection and grow our beloved community. I look forward to seeing everyone back in Nashville this October, to celebrate John’s songs and help further the work of the Hello in There Foundation.”

October 7:
  • 11 a.m. -3 p.m., Rochester Dam (Rochester, KY): Prine Park Day – celebrating John Prine month in Muhlenberg County with an open jam session for anyone who wants to come and play John’s music, along with food trucks and other festivities.
  • 7-10 p.m., imogene + willie: “You Got Gold” kickoff party – Nashville apparel brand imogene + willie will host songwriters singing the John Prine songs that have influenced them and their music. All ages backyard event, 2601 12th Ave S.
October 8:
  • 3 p.m., Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Ford Theater: “Conversation and Performance: Prine Time Chicago” – a conversation with journalist Mark Guarino and singer-songwriter Bonnie Koloc as well as brief performances. Additional guests to be announced. Tickets for this event go on-sale this Friday, August 25 – details here.
  • 6:30pm doors/7:30 p.m. show, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater: “You Got Gold” show (sold out)
October 9:
  • 10:30 a.m., Trolley Tour of Prine’s favorite places in Nashville
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Official Pop Up
  • 11:30 a.m., Trolley Tour of Prine’s favorite places in Nashville
  • 12 p.m., Brown’s Diner: John Prine song circle
  • 3-5 p.m., Gibson Garage: Gibson-hosted event
  • 6:30 p.m. doors/7:30 p.m. show, The Basement East: “You Got Gold” show (sold out)
October 10:
  • 10:30 a.m., Trolley Tour of Prine’s favorite places in Nashville
  • 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Arnold’s Country Kitchen: Official Pop Up
  • 11:30 a.m., Trolley Tour of Prine’s favorite places in Nashville
  • 12:45 p.m. doors/1:00pm show, Belcourt Theatre: Daddy and Them screening, followed by a Q&A with surprise special guests
  • 4 p.m., White Castle: White Castle pre-show party
  • 6:30 p.m. doors/7:30pm show, The Ryman: “You Got Gold” show (purchase tickets here)

Last year’s “You Got Gold” tribute raised nearly $500,000 for the Hello in There Foundation and featured performances by Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, Jason Isbell, Margo Price, Bonnie Raitt, Nathaniel Rateliff, Emmylou Harris, Lyle Lovett, and more.

Jason Aldean To Drop ‘Highway Desperado’ In November

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Photo: Brian Higbee

Jason Aldean will release his 11th studio album, Highway Desperado, on Nov. 3.

The new project features 14 songs, including the newly-released track “Let Your Boys Be Country” as well as three songs co-written by Aldean. “Let Your Boys Be Country” was written by Jaron Boyer, Allison Veltz Cruz and Micah Wilshire. Other writers contributing to the album include David Lee Murphy, Neil Thrasher, Kelley Lovelace, Lydia Vaughn and more.

Aldean first introduced new music from the album in May with the release of the fan-appreciation anthem, “Tough Crowd,” at this year’s ACM Awards. The project also includes Aldean’s current chart-climber, “Try That In A Small Town,” which has racked up more than 120 million global streams to date.

Since making his chart debut in 2005, the Georgia native has earned the most top 10 songs for an artist on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart.

Highway Desperado Track Listing:
1. “Tough Crowd” – Kurt Allison, Marv Green, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
2. “Let Your Boys Be Country” – Jaron Boyer, Allison Veltz Cruz, Micah Wilshire
3. “Knew You’d Come Around” – Kurt Allison, Ben Hayslip, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
4. “Hungover In A Hotel” – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, David Lee Murphy, Neil Thrasher
5. “Try That In A Small Town” – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
6. “Whiskey Drink” – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
7. “Whose Rearview” – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn
8. “I’m Over You” – Josh Phillips, Michael Tyler, Micah Wilshire
9. “Rather Watch You” – Jessi Alexander, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, Kelley Lovelace, Neil Thrasher
10. “Breakup Breakdown” – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughan
11. “Get Away From You” – Kurt Allison, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan, Lydia Vaughn
12. “Changing Bars” – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
13. “From This Beer On” – Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan
14. “Highway Desperado” – Jason Aldean, Kurt Allison, Jonathan Edwards, Tully Kennedy, John Morgan

Luke Bryan Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘But I Got A Beer In My Hand’

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Jumping from its position at No. 4, Luke Bryan‘s “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” tops the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week.

The song was written by Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem and Geoff Warburton, and was produced by Jeff Stevens and co-produced by Jody Stevens. This single comes on the heels of Bryan’s 30th career No. 1 “Country On.”

During his career, Bryan has spent 56 total weeks at the top of the country radio charts, sold more than 15 million albums and garnered 20 billion worldwide streams. Before his recent concert in Nashville, he was awarded the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award as one of the most streamed artists in SoundExchange’s 20-year history.

“But I Got A Beer In My Hand” currently sits at No. 15 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 12 on the Mediabase chart.

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