Hardy Receives Plaque For First Rock Radio No. 1 ‘Jack’
Pictured (L-R): Caleigh Hardy, Hardy, Big Loud’s Austen Adams, Big Loud Management’s Troy “Tracker” Johnson, Big Loud Rock’s Delaine Halpin, RGR Promotion’s Ray Gmeiner, Big Loud Rock’s Colleen Kennedy, Lloyd Aur Norman, Big Loud Records’ Patch Culbertson, Big Loud Management & Big Loud Rock’s Greg Thompson and Big Loud’s Paul Logan.
The Big Loud Records and Big Loud Rock teams surprised Hardy backstage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California this past weekend with a No. 1 plaque for his first rock radio hit “Jack.”
The genre blender will continue his travels this fall, as he plans to kick off “The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour” in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 31.
JD Souther Featured In CMHOF’s Poets & Prophets Interview Series
Senior Museum Writer & Editor Michael McCall with JD Souther at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Singer-songwriter and producer JD Souther was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Poets and Prophets interview series this past weekend. The series spotlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.
Souther formed the duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey and released a self-titled album in 1969. The Grammy-nominated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has written hits for Brooks & Dunn, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood and more.
He recorded and performed with Richie Furay and Chris Hillman as the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and has released several solo albums over the last 20 years, including his most recent project, Tenderness (2015). Souther has sinced reissued expanded editions of past solo albums John David Souther (1972), Black Rose (1976), Home By Dawn (1984) and his project with Frey, Longbranch/Pennywhistle (1969).
The program—which included vintage photos, audio and film clips—was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Live at the Hall digital program series, which is available to stream on the museum’s website.
Nancy Jones Presents Huntsville Police Department With Fundraising Check
Pictured (L-R): Von Braun Center’s Mike Vojticek, Chief Kirk Giles, Concerts 4 A Cause’s Josh Bleidt, Nancy Jones, The Wounded Blue’s Randy Sutton, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Von Braun Center’s Steve Maples. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media
Nancy Jones, widow of the late George Jones, presented a fundraising check in partnership with Concerts 4 A Cause, The Wounded Blue and the Von Braun Center (VBC) to the Huntsville Police Department on Wednesday (July 19) to benefit the family of Officer Garrett Crumby following his death and Officer Albert Morin, who was critically injured in a shooting on March 28.
When Jones became aware of the shooting, she immediately wanted to use the high-profile tribute concert, “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” to raise money in support of both officers and their families.
Guitars autographed by Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd, Dierks Bentley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll and more were sold during the fundraiser. Additionally, a pair of front-row tickets to the concert were auctioned off with support from 93.3 Nash Icon.
“I am beyond thankful for the friendships I have with so many artists who agreed to sign guitars to help raise this money,” said Jones. “Everyone did their part and we did the right thing here. I hope this money will help these families not have to worry about some of the day-to-day bills that put a burden on you when you are dealing with health and tragic situations.”
Police Chief Kirk Giles accepted the fundraiser proceeds of more than $80,000 on behalf of Officer Morin and Officer Crumby’s families.
“The outpouring of love from our community was overwhelming following the death of Officer Garrett Crumby and the critical wounding of Officer Albert Morin,” said Chief Giles. “Thank you to Nancy Jones, the artists, these organizations and everyone who donated to support Officer Crumby’s family and Officer Morin following this tragic shooting.”
Industry Ink: Hardy, JD Souther, Nancy Jones
/by Liza AndersonHardy Receives Plaque For First Rock Radio No. 1 ‘Jack’
Pictured (L-R): Caleigh Hardy, Hardy, Big Loud’s Austen Adams, Big Loud Management’s Troy “Tracker” Johnson, Big Loud Rock’s Delaine Halpin, RGR Promotion’s Ray Gmeiner, Big Loud Rock’s Colleen Kennedy, Lloyd Aur Norman, Big Loud Records’ Patch Culbertson, Big Loud Management & Big Loud Rock’s Greg Thompson and Big Loud’s Paul Logan.
The Big Loud Records and Big Loud Rock teams surprised Hardy backstage at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California this past weekend with a No. 1 plaque for his first rock radio hit “Jack.”
The genre blender will continue his travels this fall, as he plans to kick off “The Mockingbird & The Crow Fall Tour” in Knoxville, Tennessee on Aug. 31.
JD Souther Featured In CMHOF’s Poets & Prophets Interview Series
Senior Museum Writer & Editor Michael McCall with JD Souther at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
Singer-songwriter and producer JD Souther was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Poets and Prophets interview series this past weekend. The series spotlights songwriters who have made significant contributions to country music.
Souther formed the duo Longbranch/Pennywhistle with Glenn Frey and released a self-titled album in 1969. The Grammy-nominated Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee has written hits for Brooks & Dunn, The Eagles, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, Trisha Yearwood and more.
He recorded and performed with Richie Furay and Chris Hillman as the Souther-Hillman-Furay Band, and has released several solo albums over the last 20 years, including his most recent project, Tenderness (2015). Souther has sinced reissued expanded editions of past solo albums John David Souther (1972), Black Rose (1976), Home By Dawn (1984) and his project with Frey, Longbranch/Pennywhistle (1969).
The program—which included vintage photos, audio and film clips—was filmed and will premiere at a later date as part of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Live at the Hall digital program series, which is available to stream on the museum’s website.
Nancy Jones Presents Huntsville Police Department With Fundraising Check
Pictured (L-R): Von Braun Center’s Mike Vojticek, Chief Kirk Giles, Concerts 4 A Cause’s Josh Bleidt, Nancy Jones, The Wounded Blue’s Randy Sutton, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle and Von Braun Center’s Steve Maples. Photo: Jeremy Westby/2911 Media
Nancy Jones, widow of the late George Jones, presented a fundraising check in partnership with Concerts 4 A Cause, The Wounded Blue and the Von Braun Center (VBC) to the Huntsville Police Department on Wednesday (July 19) to benefit the family of Officer Garrett Crumby following his death and Officer Albert Morin, who was critically injured in a shooting on March 28.
When Jones became aware of the shooting, she immediately wanted to use the high-profile tribute concert, “Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones,” to raise money in support of both officers and their families.
Guitars autographed by Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, Wynonna Judd, Dierks Bentley, The Oak Ridge Boys, Travis Tritt, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll and more were sold during the fundraiser. Additionally, a pair of front-row tickets to the concert were auctioned off with support from 93.3 Nash Icon.
“I am beyond thankful for the friendships I have with so many artists who agreed to sign guitars to help raise this money,” said Jones. “Everyone did their part and we did the right thing here. I hope this money will help these families not have to worry about some of the day-to-day bills that put a burden on you when you are dealing with health and tragic situations.”
Police Chief Kirk Giles accepted the fundraiser proceeds of more than $80,000 on behalf of Officer Morin and Officer Crumby’s families.
“The outpouring of love from our community was overwhelming following the death of Officer Garrett Crumby and the critical wounding of Officer Albert Morin,” said Chief Giles. “Thank you to Nancy Jones, the artists, these organizations and everyone who donated to support Officer Crumby’s family and Officer Morin following this tragic shooting.”
Robert Earl Keen’s Fan Appreciation Day To Return In September
/by Lorie HollabaughRobert Earl Keen will host his second annual Fan Appreciation Day this Labor Day (Sept. 4) at Floore’s Country Store in Helotes, Texas.
Keen, his band and his rowdy musician friends will take to the stage for, as Keen says, “a laid-back party with great food, cold beer and a bunch of fellow artists.”
He adds, “I love my fans and I want to be proactive in showing my appreciation for them which is why I came up with Fan Appreciation Day. I want to return the love. This is one big free party with 2,000 or so of the fans who have been with me for decades. Newcomers are welcome, too.”
“We are extremely excited to be hosting Robert Earl Keen’s Fan Appreciation Day party again this year,” says Mark McKinney, Floore’s Country Store. “All of those lucky enough to have attended last year know what a memorable day of music and celebration it was. Robert Earl Keen and his music are such a unique and special part of the history of Floore’s Country Store. It’s an honor for us to help bring back this one-of-a-kind event in 2023.”
Tickets are given away via a lottery system, which began at 12 p.m. CT on July 17 via liveatfloores.com.
Earlier this year, Keen and his band released a brand new LP, Western Chill, and copies of the project will be available at the party.
Sac Song & Wine Series Adds Nicolle Galyon, Rodney Clawson, More To Upcoming Lineups
/by Caela GriffinSac Song & Wine Series 2023. Photo: Aydan Perez Media
The inaugural Sac Song & Wine Series will continue to bring more of Nashville’s hit songwriters to Miner’s Leap Winery in Clarksburg, California to share the stories behind some of country music’s biggest songs.
The Sac Song & Wine Series takes place on one Wednesday night each month through October. The next event is Aug. 16 with hitmakers Eric Paslay and Trent Tomilson. The Sept. 13 event features Charles Esten (ABC series Nashville, Netflix Series Outer Banks, newly released single “In A Bar Somewhere) and Jon Nite (“I Hope” by Gabby Barrett, “Lady” by Brett Young, “Break Up in the End” by Cole Swindell and “Living” by Dierks Bentley). The series will conclude on Oct. 4 with Nicolle Galyon (“Thought You Should Know” by Morgan Wallen, “Tequila” by Dan & Shay, “All The Pretty Girls” by Kenny Chesney and “We Were Us” by Keith Urban) and Rodney Clawson (“I Saw God Today” by George Strait, “Lucky” by Megan Moroney, “Crash My Party” by Luke Bryan and “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney).
Each event features a live DJ set by Louis Giovanni, line dancing lessons, food trucks and pourings by Miner’s Leap.
Following the launch on May 17 with two successful shows that featured songwriters Lee Thomas Miller, Wendell Mobley, Tim Nichols and D. Vincent Williams, the Sac Song & Wine Series has become a sought-after ticket in the area. Created by Randi Moody, the series brings together her expertises in music and food and wine events to her community while spotlighting songwriters who have written the soundtrack to her and her family’s life.
For more information, click here.
Matthew West’s ‘Come Home For Christmas The Concert’ Set For Dec. 2
/by Lorie HollabaughMatthew West is inviting fans to “Come Home For Christmas” with the announcement of his holiday show on Dec. 2 at The Fisher Center in Nashville.
West will kick off the Christmas season in style with holiday classics, his original tune “Come Home For Christmas,” surprises and more at the special concert event. The show is in conjunction with his second annual “Come Home For Christmas Weekend,” primarily taking place in Franklin and including events such as a Christmas dinner with the West family, the Franklin tree lighting, a meet and greet, worship time and more. Tickets are on sale now here.
“I can hardly wait to bring our Christmas show to this amazingly beautiful theater in my hometown,” says West. “Christmas in Tennessee is such a magical time, and I hope this special night will help all who attend get a jumpstart on getting in the Christmas spirit.”
West’s current single “You Changed My Name” is impacting Christian radio now. The song is from his double-album, My Story Your Glory, which is composed of 22 tracks. The first part of the double album, My Story, embodies the countless stories fans have shared with the songwriter over the years as well as personal experiences. The second part, Your Glory, marks his first official Gospel worship album. The accompanying video for “You Changed My Name” was released earlier this year.
Niko Moon To Launch ‘Better With You Tour’ This Fall
/by Lorie HollabaughNiko Moon. Photo: Matthew Berinato.
Niko Moon has announced his “Better With You Tour,” which is set to kick off this fall. Jordan Harvey will support on all dates.
Named after Moon’s latest release “Better With You,” the trek will visit more than a dozen cities across the country, including Cleveland, Louisville, Detroit, Dallas, Charlotte and more through Nov. 10. Ticket presales begin tomorrow (July 25), with general sales starting this Friday (July 28).
A songwriter with a proven track record, Moon has written six No. 1s for artists including Zac Brown Band and Dierks Bentley. His new track “Heaven Has A Bar” reunites him with friend and collaborator Zac Brown. He has currently racked up more than 870 million on-demand career streams thus far and earned triple-Platinum status for his No. 1 debut single, “Good Time.”
Big Machine Names Liz Meade Senior Manager, Communications
/by LB CantrellLiz Meade
Big Machine Label Group has appointed Liz Meade to Senior Manager, Communications for the label’s in-house PR team.
While leading press efforts for the label group’s Big Machine/John Varvatos Records and The Hard Working Record Company imprints, Meade has been key in the press campaigns for The Struts, Starcrawler, Ayron Jones’ highly-anticipated sophomore album Chronicles Of The Kid and Daughtry’s rock collaboration with Lzzy Hale on “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” She also contributes to media opportunities for Kidd G, Shane Profitt, The Cadillac Three and Chris Janson as well as the launch of pop artists Dylan Matthew and Savana Santos.
Meade is a Belmont University graduate. She began her career working as a junior publicist at Holly Gleason’s 3 Ring Circus. Meade founded the independent marketing and PR firm Threebrand Media in 2011, where she worked with clients such as David Nail, Joey + Rory, Daniella Mason, Leland, Peter Manos and Sam Ryder.
Meade reports directly to Senior Director, Communications, Quinn Kaemmer. She can be reached at liz.meade@bmlg.net.
The company is also looking to add another publicist to the team. To learn more about the role, click here.
Longtime MCA Records Exec. Walt Wilson Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughWalt Wilson
Longtime industry executive Walt Wilson passed away on July 3 in Gallatin, Tennessee. He was 68.
Walter George Wilson was born in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania and attended the University of Pittsburgh. Upon graduation in 1976, he worked his way from a “rack jobber” for a record distribution company in Pittsburgh to sales clerk in a record store, then became field sales manager for Inner City Records out of New York.
He eventually moved to Nashville into a position as Senior VP at MCA Nashville. At the label he was instrumental in breaking the careers of Reba McEntire, George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Trisha Yearwood and many other artists. Throughout his career, he also worked for Capitol Records, Compendium, had his own consulting company and taught at Belmont University.
Wilson is survived by his four children, Ben Wilson (Los Angeles), Sophie Wilson (Chicago), Gaby Wilson (Nashville) and Dan Sherman (Slippery Rock, Pennsylvania); two sisters, Rosemarie Shratter (Elliot) (Albuquerque, New Mexico) and Christine Duclos (Denver); former wife Robyn Allgeyer (Cincinnati), and grandson, Hendrix Wilson (Nashville).
In lieu of a service, the family has encouraged friends to reach out with condolences, memories and stories of Wilson at waltwilsonfamily@gmail.com.
Neon Union Releases Debut EP ‘Double Wide Castle Sessions’
/by Lorie HollabaughNeon Union has released their debut EP Double Wide Castle Sessions via Red Street Records.
The five-track EP produced by Dann Huff comes after their debut single, “Bout Damn Time,” broke onto the charts. Fans can hear three previously-released tracks on the new EP, “Redneck Rich,” “This Thing” and “American Dirt,” along with two new songs, “Country Radio Song” and “How You Don’t.”
“We have been creating so much music, and we’re so excited to share it with the world,” says Neon Union’s Andrew Milsaps. “This music represents who we are and who our fans are! We hope y’all enjoy listening to these songs as much as we enjoy playing them!”
Duo member Leo Brooks adds, “Y’all get ready to turn up these summer jams because there’s something here for everyone!”
“I couldn’t be more proud of these boys and the music they’ve been making,” says Red Street Records CEO Jay DeMarcus. “The versatility in this music only scratches the surface of what they’re capable of. Andrew and Leo are gonna be around for a long, long time!”
To celebrate the release of Double Wide Castle Sessions, Neon Union will be playing a free show at Nashville’s Ole Red from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CT on Monday, July 24. The performance will also be livestreamed on Circle Network’s Facebook, YouTube channel and Circle Now app.
In Pictures: Under The Big Sky Festival Returns To Big Mountain Ranch
/by Liza AndersonUnder The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia
The Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival returned to Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana for it’s fourth annual event last weekend (July 14-16). Guests gathered at the 350-acre working ranch to take in picturesque mountains, green pastures and railroads, all while wading stage-side in winding streams, enjoying live music and a rodeo.
Luke Grimes performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia
The festival showcased a mix of alternative, outlaw country, folk, bluegrass, Americana and rock acts.
Archertown, Drayton Farley, Colter Wall and Caamp graced the Great Northern Stage along with Under The Big Sky’s special guest Luke Grimes on Friday (July 14), while the rodeo took place on the Big Mountain Stage.
On Saturday (July 15), War Pony, Izaak Opatz, The Local Honeys, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Hogslop String Band, 49 Winchester and Elle King entertained on the Big Mountain Stage. Simultaneously, Radio Ranch, Kat Hasty, Hayes Carll, LeAnn Rimes, Ryan Bingham with The Texas Gentlemen, Whiskey Myers and Hank Williams Jr. took the Great Northern Stage.
Under The Big Sky Rodeo 2023. Photo: Javier Luna
Jamie Wyman, The Helnore Highwater Band, The Red Clay Strays, Vincent Neil Emerson, Kitchen Dwellers, Shane Smith & The Saints and The Dead South serenaded festival goers on the Big Mountain Stage, while Colby Acuff, Cristina Vane, Bella White, Nikki Lane, Charley Crockett, Marcus King and Zach Bryan took the Great Northern Stage on Sunday (July 16).
Additionally, the daily roughstock rodeo highlighted the Montana culinary scene with hand-picked food and beverage vendors. Attendees also had the option to shop in the vendor village, indulging in local craft beer and artisans, along with other family attractions for children including a petting zoo and trail rides.
LeAnn Rimes performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia
Hank Williams Jr. performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Felicia Garcia
Elle King performing at Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival 2023. Photo: Javier Luna
Industry Ink: Ashley Cooke, Anne Wilson, AIMP, Lisa Brokop
/by Caela GriffinAshley Cooke Celebrates New Shot In The Dark Album With iHeartCountry
Colbie Caillat and Ashley Cooke. Photo: Seth Herald
Ashley Cooke celebrated her brand new album at the official “iHeartCountry Album Preview Party: Featuring Shot In The Dark” yesterday (July 20). iHeartMedia gave listeners early access to Cooke’s new album. Cooke and Colbie Caillat made surprise appearances for an acoustic performance of their song “Mean Girl” before Cooke did a Q&A with guests.
Hosted by iHeartMedia’s Brooke Taylor at iHeartMedia’s Big 98 office in Nashville, winners from the radio promotions received an exclusive invite to the album preview party, and tickets to Cooke’s “Shot In The Dark Tour” coming to Nashville on Oct. 19.
Anne Wilson, Dunkin’ Team Supports Childhood Cancer Awareness
Anne Wilson. Photo: Laney Oakes
Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter and 2023 Dunkin’ Ambassador Anne Wilson teamed up with Dunkin to spread joy at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt on July 19. The event featured Wilson’s visit to Seacrest Studios for an intimate performance and patient-led interview followed by a donut decorating party. All celebrated the return of Dunkin’s “Gold Joy Donut” aimed at bringing happiness and support to children fighting cancer at Monroe Carell and beyond.
“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to spend a morning with the amazing kids at Monroe Carell,” shares Wilson. “It warms my heart to bring a moment of joy to their day while we shared music, played games and had a blast decorating donuts from Dunkin’. The resilience and strength these children possess is truly inspiring and I feel blessed to have shared this experience with them. Thank you to Monroe Carrell and Dunkin’ for allowing us to create unforgettable memories.”
Now through Aug. 5, Dunkin’ is inviting its customer to “shine gold” in a joint effort to bolster the mission of the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation: bring joy to children affected with illness. The Shine Gold initiative allows guests at participating Dunkin’ locations throughout Nashville to make $2 donation to the foundation, and receive a free Gold Joy Donut as an expression of gratitude.
The Gold Joy Donut pays homage to the childhood cancer awareness ribbon. Throughout Nashville, 100% of funds raised from the Dunkin’ Gold Joy Donut will be donated to local children’s hospitals like Monroe Carell.
AIMP Nashville Chapter Hosts Panel On Catalog Sales
Leslie Roberts (BMI), Kella Farris (Farris, Self and Moore), Duff Berschback (Concord), T.D. Ruth (Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), Courtney Crist (Anthem Entertainment), Brad Peterson (Banker), Trina Smith – Dort (MeGusta Music), John Ozier (Reservoir Media), ET Brown (SESAC), and Emily Boardman (River House Artists).
On July 19, the AIMP Nashville Chapter hosted a panel titled “I Want To Buy Or Sell A Catalog… Now What?” at the CMA offices in Nashville.
Moderated by John Ozier (Executive Vice President, Creative, Reservoir Media) and featuring panelists Kella Farris (Partner, Farris, Self & Moore, LLC), Brad Peterson (Music & Entertainment Banker) and T.D. Ruth (Partner, Serling Rooks Hunter McKoy Worob & Averill LLP), the panel discussed why there has been such a boom in catalog acquisitions over the last 3 years, what you need to consider when selling your catalog, where to begin if you want to buy a catalog, and more.
Lisa Brokop Joins PLA Media
Lisa Brokop. Photo: Jessica Frazier.
PLA Media has added CCMA-winning singer-songwriter Lisa Brokop to its roster. Brokop will be premiering two singles and full album this fall via BFD/Audium Nashville.
“We are psyched to work with this Canadian powerhouse collaborating on her eighth studio project,” says PLA Media President Pamela L. Lewis FRSA.
“I’m so excited to partner with PLA Media for this next chapter in my career! Can’t wait to share this new record,” says Brokop.
“Working with Lisa Brokop has been an absolute thrill and pleasure. I have always been a fan. Her voice, her writing and her performance is just absolutely mind blowing as we enter this new phase of her career,” says BFD/Audium Nashville General Manager Chuck Rhodes.
Brokop’s new single “Come Back, Bobby Gentry ” will be available July 21. The track serves as the first preview of her forthcoming 10-track album on BFD/Audium Nashville titled Who’s Gonna Fill Their Heels coming in September.