Chris Janson Headlines ‘Concert For Cumberland Heights’ At The Ryman
Pictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke, Wayne D, Gator Harrison, Jimmy Harnen, Chris Janson, Charlie Cook, Andrew Thoen and Sam Featherstone
Chris Janson headlined ‘Concert For Cumberland Heights,’ the annual fundraiser that supports Cumberland Heights’ John Hiatt Fund at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Guests in attendance included BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke, iHeartMedia’s Wayne D, iHeartMedia’s Gator Harrison, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Cumulus Media’s Charlie Cook, BMLG Records’ Andrew Thoen and Sam Featherstone.
BMI Hosts ‘Rooftop On The Row’ For 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Leslie Roberts, Willie Jones, Reyna Roberts, RVSHVD and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI hosted its signature “Rooftop On The Row” series in Nashville on Tuesday (Aug. 15) presented by George Dickel Bourbon. Industry professionals and fans gathered to witness three prominent emerging artsts: Reyna Roberts, Willie Jones and RVSHVD.
The night commemorated 50 years of hip-hop as the genre’s influence on country music was on full display. The free entertainment, music and drinks were provided by the event’s sponsors.
As DJ Smoke set the tone for this year’s third installment of the BMI series, BMI’s Shannon Sanders welcomed the audience of more than 400 people. The evening treated fans to non-stop music for three hours. BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row” event will be held on Sept. 19 as the official kick-off party to AmericanaFest. The acts will be revealed in the coming weeks.
CMHOF Hires New Writer-Editor & Promotes Creative Team Staff Member
RJ Smith & Sam Farahmand
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently welcomed RJ Smith as Museum Writer-Editor and promoted Sam Farahmand to Director of Creative Content.
In his new role, Smith will contribute to exhibitions, museum publications, public programs, online offerings and other educational initiatives. His work will help illuminate the country music genre and explore the broad narratives of its history and contributions to American culture.
Smith is the author of Chuck Berry: An American Life, and has also written books about James Brown, photographer Robert Frank and Black Los Angeles in the 1940s. Prior to joining the museum, he was an editor at Los Angeles Magazine and The Village Voice, and has written for GQ, Rolling Stone, The New York Times and LA Weekly. Smith holds a general studies degree from the University of Michigan.
As Director of Creative Content, Farahmand will oversee a team that is responsible for producing photography, video and copy for the museum and its initiatives. Since joining the museum in 2018, he has contributed to projects that have been recognized with multiple Telly Awards, American Advertising Awards and an American Alliance of Museum MUSE Award.
Prior to his promotion, Farahmand held the position of Associate Director of Creative Content. He holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing from The New School and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Celebrate First Americana No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Will Sayles, Buckley Miller, Cason Cooley, Nathan Dugger, Elly and Nora Roller, Jeff Colvin, Ian Miller, Jesse Willoughby, All Moss, Falcon Sayles, K.S. Rhoads, Drew Holcomb, Paul Steele, Samantha Steele, Chris Fairbank, Morgan Combs, Alena Moran and Karrie Tatum
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors celebrated their No. 1 Americana Song, “Find Your People,” at Nashville’s Never Never with the folks that helped them achieve their success.
The track spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Americana charts. The song was co-written the band’s frontman Holcomb and K.S. Rhoads, and was produced by Cason Cooley.
“Kevin and I wrote this song and knew it was pretty special,” says Holcomb. “I think a lot of us in music can feel without-a-home on the radio, and it’s been really sweet to find a home on Americana radio, after all these years working hard to make music that we love. This is one of those songs the band and I will play on-stage every night for the rest of our lives.”
“Life is hard. It’s a helluva lot harder when you go it alone. ‘Find Your People’ is a folk anthem about how we need each other,” continues Holcomb. “Part of the river of this record is about how to navigate the chaos of economic uncertainty, family drama, political division and the general untethering that so many of us feel. It’s about finding who you trust, who know you, who are there for you in times of trouble, who can call your bluff and tell you the truth, who will stand with you no matter what. I have been lucky enough to have a lot of those people in my life and I know I couldn’t live without them.”
Scotty Inman Signs Recording Agreement With Daywind Records
Scott Inman signs with Daywind Records
Daywind Records has signed four-time BMI award-winning singer-songwriter Scotty Inman to a recording agreement.
After more than two decades as part of the the quartet Triumphant, Inman recently announced his intentions to move into a solo career.
Inman released his debut solo project, Anywhere Jesus Is, last year, and received an enthusiastic reception from long-time fans and new listeners alike. The album, produced by Josh Swift, blends southern gospel roots with a country flair, and features strong themes of faith, family and life. The latest radio release, “Anywhere Jesus Is,” has climbed the southern gospel radio charts and currently sits in the top 10.
The new partnership with Daywind Records has Inman excited about producing new music very soon.
“With any huge life change such as this, it gives you a moment to step back and evaluate how you want to continue forward, and who is best suited to partner with you along the way,” shares Inman. “When I looked at my options for a record label partner, Daywind was a front-runner from the beginning. After meeting with their team and sharing my heart on where I feel the Lord is leading me as I step into this new venture full-time, they were immediately supportive of my vision. I’m excited about what we can achieve together!
“I’m currently writing new music for a follow up project, and I’m eager to begin working alongside the knowledgeable and experienced team at Daywind to make this project the best yet!”
“We are so excited to be walking alongside Scotty Inman on this part of the journey of his illustrious career and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome him into our Daywind Family of artists,” shares Daywind Records A&R Director Dusty Wells. “Scotty is no stranger to Daywind, so when our team sat down and listened to his heart and music, we all walked away and said to one another, ‘we want to walk alongside of him and get his music out there.'”
Charlie Worsham Gathers ‘Compadres’ Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, More For New Project
/by Lorie HollabaughCharlie Worsham. Photo: Jess Williams
Charlie Worsham has shared some details from his upcoming new collaborative project Compadres. The first track from the new collection, “How I Learned To Pray” featuring Luke Combs, is out now.
The five-track album, due out Oct. 13, features a handful of Worsham’s friends and fiercest champions, including Combs, Dierks Bentley, Elle King, Kip Moore and Lainey Wilson.
Produced by The Cadillac Three frontman Jaren Johnston, the album is a versatile introduction to the next chapter of a decade-long story. The first track, “How I Learned To Pray,” has connected with fans already, with more than 14,000 people on TikTok using the audio to create their own clips. The song’s video premiered today across all CMT platforms and the Paramount billboards in New York City’s Times Square.
In addition to creating his own music, the Mississippi native has recently contributed his talents as a vocalist and instrumentalist to projects from Wilson, Eric Church, Brandy Clark, Vince Gill, Hailey Whitters, Corey Kent, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban, among others. He continues to tour as part of Bentley’s band, and he was honored with the 2022 ACM Award for Acoustic Guitar Player of the Year. He also continues to uplift his fellow “liner note legends” as host of Pickers Radio on Apple Music Country.
Compadres Track Listing:
1. Creekwater Clear feat. Elle King (Charlie Worsham, Brent Cobb, Jaren Johnston)
2. Handful of Dust feat. Lainey Wilson (Tony Arata)
3. How I Learned To Pray feat. Luke Combs (Charlie Worsham, Jeremy Spillman, Ryan Tyndell)
4. Kiss Like You Dance feat. Kip Moore (Jon Nite, Andrew DeRoberts, Andy Albert)
5. Things I Can’t Control feat. Dierks Bentley (Ross Copperman, David Lee Murphy, Ashley Gorley)
Lanco Plots ‘Run, Run, Baby Tour’ For Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughLanco will hit the road this fall on their new headlining “Run, Run, Baby Tour.”
The trek will kick off with a hometown show in Nashville on Oct. 2, and crisscross the nation through Nov. 18, making stops in Omaha, Des Moines, Atlanta, Fort Worth and more.
The tour announcement arrives on the heels of the group’s latest tune, “Lasso,” a two-stepping rowdy ode to a lovers’ night out, and their first release under Riser House Records, “Sound of a Saturday Night,” both of which the group are sure to perform live on the upcoming journey.
Made up of singer Brandon Lancaster, drummer Tripp Howell, keyboardist/auxiliary Jared Hampton and bassist Chandler Baldwin, Lanco has earned CMT, CMA and iHeartRadio Music Awards nominations as well as praise from Billboard, Rolling Stone and more throughout their career. They plan to release more new music in the coming months.
Industry Ink: Chris Janson, BMI, CMHOF, More
/by Caela GriffinChris Janson Headlines ‘Concert For Cumberland Heights’ At The Ryman
Pictured (L-R): Ryan Dokke, Wayne D, Gator Harrison, Jimmy Harnen, Chris Janson, Charlie Cook, Andrew Thoen and Sam Featherstone
Chris Janson headlined ‘Concert For Cumberland Heights,’ the annual fundraiser that supports Cumberland Heights’ John Hiatt Fund at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium.
Guests in attendance included BMLG Records’ Ryan Dokke, iHeartMedia’s Wayne D, iHeartMedia’s Gator Harrison, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen, Cumulus Media’s Charlie Cook, BMLG Records’ Andrew Thoen and Sam Featherstone.
BMI Hosts ‘Rooftop On The Row’ For 50th Anniversary Of Hip-Hop
Pictured (L-R): BMI’s Josh Tomlinson, Leslie Roberts, Willie Jones, Reyna Roberts, RVSHVD and BMI’s Shannon Sanders. Photo: Nathan Zucker for BMI
BMI hosted its signature “Rooftop On The Row” series in Nashville on Tuesday (Aug. 15) presented by George Dickel Bourbon. Industry professionals and fans gathered to witness three prominent emerging artsts: Reyna Roberts, Willie Jones and RVSHVD.
The night commemorated 50 years of hip-hop as the genre’s influence on country music was on full display. The free entertainment, music and drinks were provided by the event’s sponsors.
As DJ Smoke set the tone for this year’s third installment of the BMI series, BMI’s Shannon Sanders welcomed the audience of more than 400 people. The evening treated fans to non-stop music for three hours. BMI’s final “Rooftop On The Row” event will be held on Sept. 19 as the official kick-off party to AmericanaFest. The acts will be revealed in the coming weeks.
CMHOF Hires New Writer-Editor & Promotes Creative Team Staff Member
RJ Smith & Sam Farahmand
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum recently welcomed RJ Smith as Museum Writer-Editor and promoted Sam Farahmand to Director of Creative Content.
In his new role, Smith will contribute to exhibitions, museum publications, public programs, online offerings and other educational initiatives. His work will help illuminate the country music genre and explore the broad narratives of its history and contributions to American culture.
Smith is the author of Chuck Berry: An American Life, and has also written books about James Brown, photographer Robert Frank and Black Los Angeles in the 1940s. Prior to joining the museum, he was an editor at Los Angeles Magazine and The Village Voice, and has written for GQ, Rolling Stone, The New York Times and LA Weekly. Smith holds a general studies degree from the University of Michigan.
As Director of Creative Content, Farahmand will oversee a team that is responsible for producing photography, video and copy for the museum and its initiatives. Since joining the museum in 2018, he has contributed to projects that have been recognized with multiple Telly Awards, American Advertising Awards and an American Alliance of Museum MUSE Award.
Prior to his promotion, Farahmand held the position of Associate Director of Creative Content. He holds a Master’s of Fine Arts in creative writing from The New School and a Bachelor’s degree in English from the University of California, Berkeley.
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors Celebrate First Americana No. 1
Pictured (L-R): Will Sayles, Buckley Miller, Cason Cooley, Nathan Dugger, Elly and Nora Roller, Jeff Colvin, Ian Miller, Jesse Willoughby, All Moss, Falcon Sayles, K.S. Rhoads, Drew Holcomb, Paul Steele, Samantha Steele, Chris Fairbank, Morgan Combs, Alena Moran and Karrie Tatum
Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors celebrated their No. 1 Americana Song, “Find Your People,” at Nashville’s Never Never with the folks that helped them achieve their success.
The track spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Americana charts. The song was co-written the band’s frontman Holcomb and K.S. Rhoads, and was produced by Cason Cooley.
“Kevin and I wrote this song and knew it was pretty special,” says Holcomb. “I think a lot of us in music can feel without-a-home on the radio, and it’s been really sweet to find a home on Americana radio, after all these years working hard to make music that we love. This is one of those songs the band and I will play on-stage every night for the rest of our lives.”
“Life is hard. It’s a helluva lot harder when you go it alone. ‘Find Your People’ is a folk anthem about how we need each other,” continues Holcomb. “Part of the river of this record is about how to navigate the chaos of economic uncertainty, family drama, political division and the general untethering that so many of us feel. It’s about finding who you trust, who know you, who are there for you in times of trouble, who can call your bluff and tell you the truth, who will stand with you no matter what. I have been lucky enough to have a lot of those people in my life and I know I couldn’t live without them.”
Scotty Inman Signs Recording Agreement With Daywind Records
Scott Inman signs with Daywind Records
Daywind Records has signed four-time BMI award-winning singer-songwriter Scotty Inman to a recording agreement.
After more than two decades as part of the the quartet Triumphant, Inman recently announced his intentions to move into a solo career.
Inman released his debut solo project, Anywhere Jesus Is, last year, and received an enthusiastic reception from long-time fans and new listeners alike. The album, produced by Josh Swift, blends southern gospel roots with a country flair, and features strong themes of faith, family and life. The latest radio release, “Anywhere Jesus Is,” has climbed the southern gospel radio charts and currently sits in the top 10.
The new partnership with Daywind Records has Inman excited about producing new music very soon.
“With any huge life change such as this, it gives you a moment to step back and evaluate how you want to continue forward, and who is best suited to partner with you along the way,” shares Inman. “When I looked at my options for a record label partner, Daywind was a front-runner from the beginning. After meeting with their team and sharing my heart on where I feel the Lord is leading me as I step into this new venture full-time, they were immediately supportive of my vision. I’m excited about what we can achieve together!
“I’m currently writing new music for a follow up project, and I’m eager to begin working alongside the knowledgeable and experienced team at Daywind to make this project the best yet!”
“We are so excited to be walking alongside Scotty Inman on this part of the journey of his illustrious career and we are absolutely thrilled to welcome him into our Daywind Family of artists,” shares Daywind Records A&R Director Dusty Wells. “Scotty is no stranger to Daywind, so when our team sat down and listened to his heart and music, we all walked away and said to one another, ‘we want to walk alongside of him and get his music out there.'”
Jordan Davis & Crew Celebrate Latest Chart-Topper ‘Next Thing You Know’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R, back row): Evyn Mustoe (ASCAP), Mike Harris (UMG), Miranda McDonald (UMG), Josh Tomlinson (BMI). (L-R, front row): Paul DiGiovanni, Josh Osborne, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Greylan James. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Music industry members gathered at The Electric Jane earlier this week for a ASCAP and BMI-hosted No. 1 party for Jordan Davis‘ sixth No. 1 song, “Next Thing You Know,” as well as the Gold certification of his Bluebird Days album.
“Next Thing You Know” is Davis’ third consecutive No. 1 single from Bluebird Days. He co-wrote the meaningful tune with Josh Osborne, Chase McGill and Greylan James, and it was produced by longtime collaborator Paul DiGiovanni.
ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston got things kicked off by congratulating affiliates Davis and Osborne, who was celebrating his 29th No. 1. BMI’s Josh Tomlinson spoke on 11-time-chart-topper McGill and artist-writer James, who was celebrating his first No. 1 hit.
UMG Nashville’s VP of Promotion, Miranda McDonald, was on hand to present Davis and his crew with plaques. She let the crowd know that every single that Davis has released has been certified Gold or better, and that “Next Thing You Know” was certified Platinum.
Pictured (L-R): MusicRow’s LB Cantrell; Josh Osborne, Jordan Davis, Chase McGill and Greylan James with their MusicRow No. 1 Challenge Coins; MusicRow’s Sherod Robertson. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
Davis’ publisher, Anthem Music Publishing, was represented when Senior Director of Creative Noah Dewey spoke. He thanked Davis’ entire village for their hard work.
Sony Music Publishing Nashville’s Executive VP of A&R, Josh Van Valkenburg, was on hand to say a few words about Osborne. He pointed out that the Music Row hitmaker was just as nice of a person as he is a successful songwriter.
Ron Stuve, UMPG Nashville’s VP of A&R, spoke on the publishing company’s McGill, who received multiple compliments on his integrity and work ethic. Stuve also shared his stories about James, and congratulated the young writer on his first No. 1. Everyone was glad to see UMPG’s Terry Wakefield in the crowd, as he has been undergoing health issues. Stuve pointed him out to a big applause.
Osborne was the first songwriter to speak. He talked about each of his collaborators, paying special compliments to each one. Osborne also highlighted that “Next Thing You Know” could not have been an easy song to push at radio, as it never repeats the same chorus.
“We had a lot of conversations about that,” he said. “The four os us sat in that room and wrote what was on our hearts that day. Luckily it was this song.”
James and McGill later added that when the writers joined Davis in the room that day, they had been given instructions to write an uptempo song, and specifically “no life songs.”
“As soon we started writing this song, I started looking around the room like, ‘Are we sure we’re supposed to be doing this?'” James said.
James also thanked his family, team, co-writers and Davis for his first No. 1. He told a bit of his story, sharing that he came to Nashville after graduating from high school, signed a publishing deal and eventually got dropped. When he thought that he should pack it up and go back to east Tennessee, he met Stuve and Wakefield.
When McGill spoke, he thanked God, his family, his collaborators, publishers and the Davis team, and spoke more about the risk of writing the non-traditional structure of the song. “At the risk of sounding smarter than I am, I’m going to quote Picasso,” he said.
“Not that I actually know any of Picasso’s work… he was a great singer,” McGill quipped. “There’s this quote that says, ‘Learn the rules like a professional so you can break them like an artist.’ That quote stood out to me with this song.”
When Davis spoke, he recognized several champions that have been in his corner since the beginning. He thanked everyone from his family, band and crew, co-writers, management team, UMG Nashville and MCA, Anthem Music Publishing, ASCAP and more.
UMG Nashville EVP & COO Mike Harris helped to close the event by focusing on the success of Bluebird Days as a whole, letting the crowd in on the nitty gritty of Davis’ impressive data.
Davis then took a moment to thank every writer on his Bluebird Days album by name, sharing, “You guys are what make Nashville special. It’s a great feeling to be able to write in rooms with you and cut these songs.”
Jordan Davis poses with many of the songwriters featured on his Bluebird Days album. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP
He added a specific mention to the writers who have album cuts aside from the current single. “I know you don’t always get to see what happens with people at the shows in a meet and greet line or hear them singing every word to songs like ‘What I Wouldn’t Do’ or ‘Fishing Spot,’ or have fans come up and say how much a song helped them. I wish that you could every time. Because these songs really matter to people. Thank you. Thank you for making Bluebird Days what it is. Thank you for making it the first Gold album I’ve ever had. And please keep writing with me.”
Before we left the songwriters and team members to do a little celebrating, attendees were also treated to a live performance of “Next Thing You Know,” “Tucson Too Late” and “Damn Good Time” at the First Horizon Bank and Studio Bank sponsored event.
Tauren Wells ‘Takes It All Back’ With New EP Out Today
/by Caela GriffinTauren Wells‘ new EP Take It All Back is out today via Capitol Records/CCMG. The four-song EP includes a powerful new version of “Crazy About You” which impacts radio today, plus three brand new songs.
The title track “Take It All Back” with We The Kingdom and Davies is a bold battle cry, an anthem for escaping despair and reclaiming joy. Wells teamed up with Grammy winner Fred Hammond on “Breath Away” and contemplates the wonder of unconditional love on “Seen,” a duet with Katie Torwalt.
Wells will perform on Fox & Friends on Sunday, Aug. 20, and recently wrapped a 40-city U.S. headline tour in support of his new album, Joy In The Morning. The four tracks on the Take It All Back EP are included on the deluxe edition of the album, Joy In The Morning (Horizon Edition), released today by Capitol Records/CCMG.
Wells has amassed over 1.1 billion combined global streams in his career to date, including 130 million streams worldwide for Joy In The Morning.
Take It All Back Track List
Take It All Back (with We The Kingdom + Davies)
Breath Away (with Fred Hammond)
Seen (with Katie Torwalt)
Crazy About You (Radio Version)
Fifth Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Set For September
/by Lorie HollabaughThe fifth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner is set for Sept. 13 at Nashville’s City Winery.
This year’s Patriot Award recipients are Lee Greenwood, Hunt Brothers Pizza and Operation Song founders Bob Regan, Don Goodman (also Freedom Sings co-founder) and John Taylor (entertainment director at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge).
Chris Young and Darryl Worley, both previous recipients of the Patriot Award, will perform live. Special guest speakers will include former New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik and decorated military veterans Major General (Ret.) Max Haston, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Joel Pruitt (a previous Patriot Award recipient), Master Sergeant (Ret.) Steven Nisbet (co-founder of Shields & Stripes) and Sergeant Major (Ret.) Jesse R. Horsley.
Storme Warren of The Big 615 Radio will co-host with Young, and the dinner ceremony will also include a silent and live auction.
“This is a very special time of the year for the The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project,” says TCDJHP co-founder and Daniels’ longtime manager David Corlew. “It’s a time to join our community as we recognize those who have gone above and beyond in supporting the return, rehabilitation, and the reintegration of our returning veterans. It is an ongoing mission and we believe it to be and honor and obligation as Americans to help our vets.”
The Patriot 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 men, women and families who have served our nation. Previous recipients include Young, Worley, Gary Sinise, Mike Huckabee, Jude Seale, William Horton, Donnie Mingus, The Shepherd’s Center and more.
All proceeds from the evening will benefit the late Country Music Hall of Fame member’s veterans non-profit, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project.
Mitch Rossell Signs With Dreamcatcher Artists
/by Lorie HollabaughMitch Rossell has signed a record deal with Dreamcatcher Artists.
The signing news comes just before Rossell’s live performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent this Tuesday, Aug. 22. In advance of his upcoming performance, Dreamcatcher Artists has digitally released the radio edit of his most-streamed song to date, “All I Need To See.” The track has already racked up over 30 million global streams, and resonated with audiences worldwide.
During Rossell’s audition that aired on the June 6 episode of America’s Got Talent, his heartfelt delivery and the emotionally charged lyrics of his song “Son” resonated deeply, earning him an emphatic “yes” from all four judges and propelling him to the next round of the competition. “Son” rapidly climbed the iTunes charts just days after his televised performance, and rose to the No. 1 position across all genres.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mitch Rossell to the Dreamcatcher Artists family. His talent and dedication are truly exceptional, and we are committed to providing him with a platform to share his music with the world. As Mitch’s journey on America’s Got Talent continues and his music resonates with an expanding audience, we look forward to the remarkable moments that lie ahead,” says Powell Hedley, CEO of Dreamcatcher Artists.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to join the Dreamcatcher Artists family. The journey so far has been incredible, and I am beyond excited to work alongside this amazing team. The belief they have in me and my music gives me full confidence that we can accomplish some incredible things,” says Rossell.
Lainey Wilson Tops MusicRow Radio Chart With ‘Watermelon Moonshine’
/by LB CantrellLainey Wilson jumps from No. 5 to No. 1 this week on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart with “Watermelon Moonshine.” This is Wilson’s fifth MusicRow No. 1.
Wilson wrote the summer-love tune with Jordan Schmidt and Josh Kear. It appears on her ACM Album of the Year Bell Bottom Country.
“Watermelon Moonshine” currently sits at No. 17 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and No. 9 on the Mediabase chart.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Sara Evans Invited To Become Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Charles Kelley, Carly Pearce, Sara, Bill Anderson, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Sara Evans was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry last night (Aug. 17) during her sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium. She was asked the special question by the Opry’s longest-serving member, Country Music Hall of Famer Bill Anderson.
The pair was joined by Opry members Lady A and Carly Pearce for the special moment. Evans was surprised onstage during the show that celebrated the release of Sara Evans Still Restless – The 20 Year Celebration, which commemorates the 20th anniversary of her Platinum album Restless.
Following a collaboration between Evans and Pearce on “Suds In The Bucket,” Pearce introduced Lady A to present a Platinum plaque for the song. Immediately after that surprise presentation, Lady A’s Hillary Scott welcomed Anderson to the stage. He recalled how he had gone to see Evans perform in a small warehouse showcase before her first album was released because she had included his song “Walk Out Backwards” in her project.
After being asked to become a member of the Opry by Anderson, Evans acknowledged she’d hoped for Opry membership for many years and tearfully accepted. Thanking her mom in the audience for pushing her and her siblings to perform as they were all growing up, Evans said to the crowd, “God is so good.” Evans will be inducted into the Opry on Oct. 7 as part of the Opry’s 98th Birthday Weekend.
“I remember clearly watching Sara’s Opry debut live on television before I ever made the move to Nashville,” says Opry Executive Producer Dan Rogers. “Like nearly anyone about to take that stage for the first time, she was both thankful and overwhelmed, and she said in an interview minutes before her performance that to help with her jitters, she was going to pretend to be Patsy Cline. Watching as a fan at home, I thought that was a pretty incredible approach. More than 25 years later, I think she was once again tonight both thankful and overwhelmed. All of us at the Opry have appreciated her great performances every time she’s visited us and look forward to celebrating official Opry membership with her during what is going to be a great October Opry Birthday Weekend.”
LAST DAY: Voting For 35th Annual MusicRow Awards Ends TODAY
/by LB CantrellToday is the last day to vote for the 35th annual MusicRow Awards. Ballots can be cast until 5:00 p.m. CT on Friday, Aug. 18.
This year’s winners will be announced online on all MusicRow platforms on Tuesday, Sept. 12. Presenting Sponsor of the 2023 MusicRow Awards is City National Bank.
To receive a ballot to vote in the MusicRow Awards, become a MusicRow subscriber here.
Click here to view the full list of MusicRow Awards nominees.
Nominees for the MusicRow Awards are determined by a committee. For the categories of Breakthrough Songwriter and Breakthrough Artist-Writer, outside nominations are also considered. For the Male and Female Songwriter of the Year categories, nominees are based on data from MusicRow’s Top Songwriter Chart. All nominations are based on projects that were active between the period of June 1, 2022 through May 31, 2023.
Top 10 Album All-Star Musician Awards for Bass, Drums, Engineer, Fiddle, Guitar, Keyboards, Steel, and Vocals will also be announced on Tuesday, Sept. 12, recognizing the studio players who performed on the most albums reaching the Top 10 of Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart during the eligibility period.