Play It Again Entertainment Promotes Alyssa Ramsey
Alyssa Ramsey
Play It Again Music Group’s label and management entity, Play It Again Entertainment, has promoted Alyssa Ramsey to Manager of Label Services/Day-to-Day. In this new role, Ramsey will oversee label projects and artist development, including A&R, marketing, branding, and release timelines. As part of Play It Again’s management team, Ramsey acts as Day-to-Day manager for Dylan Marlowe and reports to both Cade Price and Dallas Davidson.
“Alyssa Ramsey is always working. She loves our artists and spends every day making sure there are no stones unturned. I truly believe that she wants to make our artists’ dreams come true as much as they do! Alyssa has been instrumental in breaking Dylan Marlowe as an artist and is well on her way to do the same with Tyler Chambers. She’s been an exceptional addition to PIAMG and we are lucky to have her,” says Davidson.
Since first joining Play It Again Music Group in 2021, Ramsey has continued to take on responsibilities and has been an integral part of PIAE’s successes with her prior titles being Creative Assistant and Project Manager.
The Fort Worth, Texas native graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2019 with a B.S. in Advertising. Ramsey followed her passion for Texas country artists into the booking industry where she made stops at Red 11 Music in Nashville and Rodeo Austin. She made the official move to Nashville in the fall of 2020 and began as the Creative Intern at Anthem Entertainment while also completing an M.A. in Music Business from Berklee College Of Music.
Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley, More Perform at Got Your 6 VetFest
Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley. Photo: Danielle Del Valle / Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation hosted the second annual Got Your 6 VetFest, a family-friendly event for the local veteran and service member community, at the Loveless Cafe and Barn in Nashville on July 15.
The evening’s live programming included special musical performances by Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley, The War and Treaty, Briston Maroney and Ashley Cooke. Longtime WKRN News anchor Bob Mueller received a surprise award, the Generous Persson Award, onstage during the event. Mueller, the winner of 10 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, was recognized for his tireless contribution to journalism and commitment to helping his community. The event also included rides, games, and a raffle for guitars signed by musical legends including Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Reba and Amy Grant.
“The Bob Woodruff Foundation has spent years helping to educate people about the physical and hidden wounds of war. Today, most veterans and their families are thriving, and it’s great to see the progress we’ve made,” says Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “But some veterans still face real challenges—loss of income, food, housing insecurity, or social isolation. They need our help, and that’s why this Foundation exists: to support the men and women who made the commitment to stand for us. Our service members had our 6—our backs—as they say in the service. And we have theirs.”
The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the organization has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families face and invested over $120 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families have stable and successful futures.
Elle King Celebrates Latest Gold Certification On Summer Tour
Elle King, Dierks Bentley
With the summer tour season at full throttle, Elle King rides out of Calgary after her show at the Stampede Corral Arena and back into the U.S. for a string of sold-out shows out west.
After taking the stage as co-host and performer for the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest, King appears on the three-hour CMA Fest primetime special that airs on Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. central on ABC, and is available the next day on Hulu. While backstage at CMA Fest, King and co-host, duet partner and friend Dierks Bentley were surprised with a Gold plaque for their song “Worth A Shot,” which is featured on her critically acclaimed album Come Get Your Wife.
In addition to co-hosting with Bentley and Lainey Wilson, King performs two songs on the CMA Fest special, including her award-winning smash single “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home)” with Miranda Lambert, as well as a collaboration with Wilson and Tanya Tucker on “Texas (When I Die).”
Music Row Build Continues 2023 Porch Party Series
Pictured (L-R): Sherry Stinson (SVP Habitat Nashville), Penny Gattis (Music Row Build Ambassador/Eclipse Music GM), Beth Laird (NOW Founder/Creative Nation, Founder) Abbey Adams (NOW Founder/Red Door Music Group GM), Johnny Haffner (Chef)
Habitat for Humanity’s Music Row Build has continued its Porch Party Series, bringing guests together for an intimate porch dining experience. Proceeds benefit the Music Row Build, whose mission is to bring the music community together to support affordable housing Nashville through education, advocacy and experiencing hope in action at the Habitat build site.
June’s dinner was hosted by Nurturing Outstanding Women (NOW) founded by Abbey Adams and Beth Laird. NOW is a mentor program committed to creating room for women in business. Guests enjoyed a vibrant menu prepared by local chef Johnny Haffner.
The upcoming dates for the rest of the Porch Party Series are July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.
Christina Bosch Joins King Publicity
/by Lorie HollabaughChristina Bosch. Photo: Trisha Kram
Christina Bosch has joined King Publicity as a publicist.
Bosch’s prior stops include time at Country Swag, where she served as an On-Air Personality/Host as well as Managing Editor, helping to grow the brand for country fans in New York City. She most recently served as Vice President at The Nash News, where she built up the brand and community of growing fans.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome Christina to my team. Her media background adds an exciting dimension to our client endeavors, and I have no doubt that she brings a fresh perspective on how we can further enhance our services for our artists,” shares Avery King, President of King Publicity. “With Christina based in New York, we not only expand our outreach but also maintain our boutique and personalized approach, solidifying our commitment to delivering exceptional support to our clients.”
“I have known and respected Avery as a friend and colleague for almost a decade so when she came to me with this opportunity, I couldn’t say yes fast enough,” shares Bosch. “I am honored to be her first hire and to be trusted to learn from her and to help elevate her already successful approach to publicity in the country music space and beyond.”
Bosch can be reached at christina@kingpublicity.com effective immediately.
Jason Isbell, Devon Gilfillian To Perform At ‘Together In Action’ Benefit In August
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell, Devon Gilfillian and more are set to perform at “Together In Action,” a concert benefiting gun violence prevention efforts in Tennessee, on Aug. 15 at City Winery Nashville.
Chris Housman, Julie Williams, Autumn Nicholas and The Kentucky Gentlemen will also perform at the benefit, which is presented by Country Any Way and eQuality events and will aid organizations working to raise awareness about gun violence in the Volunteer State.
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, July 19. Moms Demand Action will be on site at the concert providing more information on how to get involved in the movement to end gun violence, and tickets can be purchased here.
“In my efforts to change the landscape of country music, I’m realizing that a huge part of that is taking a close look at where we live and being vocal about the changes we’d like to see,” says Holly G, creator of Country Any Way and event organizer. “Since becoming a resident in Tennessee, I’ve incorporated into my mission making sure that marginalized voices and the voices of people who want Tennessee to be an inclusive and safe space are heard. Music gives us such a beautiful platform for expression and creating community. I’m so excited that myself, eQuality events, and City Winery Nashville were able to pull together such an amazing group of artists to send a clear message that Tennesseans deserve a safe place to live.”
The Nashville community was shaken earlier this year when a shooter brutally took the lives of three adults and three children at The Covenant School. According to Everytown For Gun Safety, Tennessee has the 12th highest rate of gun deaths in the country, with 1,385 people killed by guns in an average year. A recent report suggests several key policies, including secure firearm storage laws and extreme risk laws as well as requiring background checks on all gun sales can help reduce gun violence in the U.S.
Kat & Alex To Go Their Separate Ways
/by Liza AndersonKat & Alex. Photo: Matthew Berinato
Kat & Alex, the husband-and-wife duo known for their country-latin fusion, announced via Instagram yesterday (July 17) that they are parting ways after four years together.
The pair—made up of Kat Luna and Alex Georgia—met after Luna witnessed Georgia singing at their church in Miami, leading them to collaborate. They appeared on American Idol in 2020 before returning home to focus on writing and recording original music as a duo.
That same year, Kat & Alex ventured to Music City, signed with The AMG for management, inked a publishing deal with Warner Chappell and released their debut single “How Many Times” and its accompanying Spanish version, earning nearly 20 million streams. They tied the knot, signed with Sony Music Nashville as well as WME, released several new tracks and made their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2021.
In the Instagram post, the two share that they will now pursue individual music careers and “hold nothing but love for each other” as they begin to navigate their next chapters.
Toby Keith To Receive The Country Icon Award At 2023 ‘People’s Choice Country Awards’
/by Caela GriffinToby Keith. Photo: Richard McLaren
Country music legend Toby Keith will receive the Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Awards with a heartfelt presenter tribute by fellow Oklahoman Blake Shelton. As a pioneer in country music and one of the most influential artists of all time, Keith will be recognized for his decades-long career as a musician, humanitarian and entrepreneur.
In addition to his many accomplishments and accolades, including the National Medal of Arts award in 2021, Keith is known for his charitable work with The Toby Keith Foundation, OK Kids Korral and his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic – all in support of children battling critical illnesses.
As the 2014 Spirit of the USO Award recipient, the beloved artist has also demonstrated his dedication to the troops with 11 USO tours, spanning 18 countries and more than 280 events.
The People’s Choice Country Awards, hosted by Little Big Town, will air live from the Grand Ole Opry on Sept. 28 at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock.
“We’re overjoyed to honor legendary artist Toby Keith with the first-ever Country Icon Award,” says Cassandra Tryon, Senior Vice President, Entertainment Live Events, NBCUniversal Television & Streaming. “As a talented songwriter and powerhouse performer, Keith has touched the hearts of fans across the globe. His illustrious career and passion for philanthropy has cemented his place as an icon in country music history.”
10th Annual Faster Horses Festival Closes Successful Decade Of Shows
/by Lorie HollabaughBilly Currington, Shania Twain at Faster Horses in Brooklyn, Michigan. Photo Courtesy of The GreenRoom PR / Faster Horses.
The 10th annual Faster Horses Music and Camping Festival wrapped its three-day anniversary event July 14–16 in Brooklyn, Michigan with fans returning in droves to enjoy the star-studded lineup including headliners Luke Bryan, Shania Twain and Zac Brown Band.
Dustin Lynch, Blanco Brown, Chris Cagle, and more helped kick off the three-day festival on Friday. The evening commenced with a drone show lighting up the night sky to mark the festival’s tenth anniversary, and capped off with a lively performance from Bryan.
The summer fun continued on Saturday, beginning with the annual “Faster Humans” fun run around the Michigan International Speedway, where fans raced around the track before heading to catch the day’s stacked lineup. Packed with memorable sets across both stages, fans sang along to Dwight Yoakam, Mike., Warren Zeiders and more before Zac Brown Band closed out the night.
Sunday wrapped the weekend with performances by Dylan Scott, Hailey Whitters, Billy Currington, Kameron Marlowe and Megan Moroney, followed by headliner Shania Twain who played fan-favorite hits, bringing Currington on stage for the first ever live performance of “Party for Two.” The tenth anniversary weekend closed with “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” and “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” as Twain danced under the stars in her original “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” music video outfit.
Over the weekend the crowds also gathered at the Next From Nashville Stage to catch performances from Ben Burgess, George Birge, Mackenzie Carpenter, John Morgan, Lauren Watkins and more.
Courtney Johanson Exits The GreenRoom PR, Joins Red Light Management
/by LB CantrellCourtney Johanson
Courtney Johanson has left her position at The GreenRoom PR after more than a decade with the company. She will now fulfill a management role for Kip Moore, Caylee Hammack and Tucker Beathard at Red Light Management.
As a Senior Publicist at The GreenRoom, Johanson was involved in press campaigns for clients including Moore, Beathard, Hammack, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Elvie Shane, Travis Denning, all of Live Nation’s Country Festivals and more.
She secured national television, print and online coverage and has had a hand in building critically-acclaimed album launches as well as gaining national press attention for Live Nation’s Country Festivals. Johanson has a BA in music industry management from Canterbury ChristChurch University in the United Kingdom.
“I’m saying a bittersweet goodbye to The GreenRoom PR. Having started at The GreenRoom as an intern for Mary Hilliard in 2012, I can honestly say there’s nowhere else I would have chosen to spend the last decade. I’m so thankful to Tyne [Parrish] and Kristie [Sloan] for not only being the best mentors and leaders, but also friends,” Johanson shares.
Congratulate Johanson at courtney.johanson@redlightmanagement.com.
Warner Chappell, The Core & Bailey Zimmerman Sign Brandon Wisham
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Bryce Sherlow (WCM), Tracy Martin (The Core), Bailey Zimmerman, Brandon Wisham, Ben Vaughn (WCM), Simon Tikhman (The Core), Chief Zaruk (The Core)
Singer-songwriter Brandon Wisham has signed a worldwide global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music, The Core Entertainment and Bailey Zimmerman.
A Savannah, Georgia native, Wisham spent his childhood in Williamston, South Carolina as the youngest of seven kids. Influenced by Luke Combs, Justin Bieber, Hardy and the Jonas Brothers, Wisham describes his sound as “country with an R&B kick.”
He recently started sharing his original songs on social media, and the posts caught the ear of rising country superstar Zimmerman. The pair quickly formed a friendship that led to Wisham moving to Nashville to begin his professional music journey. Upon arriving in Music City, he began collaborating with Zimmerman, who cut Wisham’s song “Pain Won’t Last” for his debut album Religiously. The Album.
“From the first listen of the songs that Brandon had written we knew he had a head-turning voice and we wanted to join his team,” says Ben Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music Nashville. “We’re extremely proud to be partnering with Bailey and the team at The Core as we welcome Brandon into the Warner Chappell family.”
Porter’s Call Announces Staff Additions & Forthcoming Leadership Changes
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Jared Farley, Chad Karger, Audrey Ragan, Al Andrews, Beth Barcus and Phil Shay
Porter’s Call, the nonprofit organization dedicated to providing counsel, support and encouragement to recording artists, has added Audrey Ragan as Office & Hospitality Manager and Jared Farley as a Porter. Additionally, Phil Shay, who joined Porter’s Call in 2022, has been named Director of Development. The organization has also announced forthcoming leadership changes, which are set to take effect in May of 2024.
Founder & Executive Director Al Andrews will step down from his role, and Beth Barcus and Chad Karger will take the helm as Co-Executive Directors come spring of next year. Barcus and Karger have been Porters within the organization for two decades combined. Andrews wholeheartedly supports the nonprofit he founded 22 years ago and plans to always be an enthusiastic ambassador for the organization.
“I cannot express how bright the future of Porter’s Call looks to me,” he shares. “Handing off the leadership into the capable hands of Beth and Chad was an easy decision. I believe in them and trust them to lead Porter’s Call, with the support of the entire team, for years to come.”
“This is an exciting and wonderful time to extend the mission of Porter’s Call that Al created and Beth and Chad will shepherd into the future. The addition of Phil, Jared and Audrey will expand their ability to serve the artist community,” adds Board President Matt Signore.
Porter’s Call is also hosting their 14th annual “Evening of Stories” on Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts.
Industry Ink: Play It Again Entertainment, Got Your 6 VetFest, Elle King, Music Row Build
/by Caela GriffinPlay It Again Entertainment Promotes Alyssa Ramsey
Alyssa Ramsey
Play It Again Music Group’s label and management entity, Play It Again Entertainment, has promoted Alyssa Ramsey to Manager of Label Services/Day-to-Day. In this new role, Ramsey will oversee label projects and artist development, including A&R, marketing, branding, and release timelines. As part of Play It Again’s management team, Ramsey acts as Day-to-Day manager for Dylan Marlowe and reports to both Cade Price and Dallas Davidson.
“Alyssa Ramsey is always working. She loves our artists and spends every day making sure there are no stones unturned. I truly believe that she wants to make our artists’ dreams come true as much as they do! Alyssa has been instrumental in breaking Dylan Marlowe as an artist and is well on her way to do the same with Tyler Chambers. She’s been an exceptional addition to PIAMG and we are lucky to have her,” says Davidson.
Since first joining Play It Again Music Group in 2021, Ramsey has continued to take on responsibilities and has been an integral part of PIAE’s successes with her prior titles being Creative Assistant and Project Manager.
The Fort Worth, Texas native graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2019 with a B.S. in Advertising. Ramsey followed her passion for Texas country artists into the booking industry where she made stops at Red 11 Music in Nashville and Rodeo Austin. She made the official move to Nashville in the fall of 2020 and began as the Creative Intern at Anthem Entertainment while also completing an M.A. in Music Business from Berklee College Of Music.
Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley, More Perform at Got Your 6 VetFest
Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley. Photo: Danielle Del Valle / Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation
The Bob Woodruff Foundation hosted the second annual Got Your 6 VetFest, a family-friendly event for the local veteran and service member community, at the Loveless Cafe and Barn in Nashville on July 15.
The evening’s live programming included special musical performances by Gretchen Wilson, Brian Kelley, The War and Treaty, Briston Maroney and Ashley Cooke. Longtime WKRN News anchor Bob Mueller received a surprise award, the Generous Persson Award, onstage during the event. Mueller, the winner of 10 Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award, was recognized for his tireless contribution to journalism and commitment to helping his community. The event also included rides, games, and a raffle for guitars signed by musical legends including Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Reba and Amy Grant.
“The Bob Woodruff Foundation has spent years helping to educate people about the physical and hidden wounds of war. Today, most veterans and their families are thriving, and it’s great to see the progress we’ve made,” says Anne Marie Dougherty, CEO of the Bob Woodruff Foundation. “But some veterans still face real challenges—loss of income, food, housing insecurity, or social isolation. They need our help, and that’s why this Foundation exists: to support the men and women who made the commitment to stand for us. Our service members had our 6—our backs—as they say in the service. And we have theirs.”
The Bob Woodruff Foundation was founded in 2006 after reporter Bob Woodruff was wounded by a roadside bomb while covering the war in Iraq. Since then, the organization has raised awareness about the tough challenges veterans and military families face and invested over $120 million to ensure that our nation’s veterans, service members and their families have stable and successful futures.
Elle King Celebrates Latest Gold Certification On Summer Tour
Elle King, Dierks Bentley
With the summer tour season at full throttle, Elle King rides out of Calgary after her show at the Stampede Corral Arena and back into the U.S. for a string of sold-out shows out west.
After taking the stage as co-host and performer for the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest, King appears on the three-hour CMA Fest primetime special that airs on Wednesday, July 19 at 7 p.m. central on ABC, and is available the next day on Hulu. While backstage at CMA Fest, King and co-host, duet partner and friend Dierks Bentley were surprised with a Gold plaque for their song “Worth A Shot,” which is featured on her critically acclaimed album Come Get Your Wife.
In addition to co-hosting with Bentley and Lainey Wilson, King performs two songs on the CMA Fest special, including her award-winning smash single “Drunk (And I Don’t Want To Go Home)” with Miranda Lambert, as well as a collaboration with Wilson and Tanya Tucker on “Texas (When I Die).”
Music Row Build Continues 2023 Porch Party Series
Pictured (L-R): Sherry Stinson (SVP Habitat Nashville), Penny Gattis (Music Row Build Ambassador/Eclipse Music GM), Beth Laird (NOW Founder/Creative Nation, Founder) Abbey Adams (NOW Founder/Red Door Music Group GM), Johnny Haffner (Chef)
Habitat for Humanity’s Music Row Build has continued its Porch Party Series, bringing guests together for an intimate porch dining experience. Proceeds benefit the Music Row Build, whose mission is to bring the music community together to support affordable housing Nashville through education, advocacy and experiencing hope in action at the Habitat build site.
June’s dinner was hosted by Nurturing Outstanding Women (NOW) founded by Abbey Adams and Beth Laird. NOW is a mentor program committed to creating room for women in business. Guests enjoyed a vibrant menu prepared by local chef Johnny Haffner.
The upcoming dates for the rest of the Porch Party Series are July 27, Aug. 24, Sept. 28 and Oct. 26.
Boy Named Banjo To Kick Off ‘Dusk Til Dawn Tour’ In September
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Willard Logan, William Reames, Barton Davies, Ford Garrard and Sam McCullough. Photo: Evan Harney
Boy Named Banjo will travel coast to coast this fall on their “Dusk Til Dawn Tour” starting in September. The band will be joined by Brother Elsey, Will Jones and Cassandra Lewis on select dates.
Kicking things off on Sept. 14 in Atlanta, they will make stops in Los Angeles, Houston, New York City, Birmingham, Washington D.C., Charleston and more through Dec. 2.
Formed in their teens, Boy Named Banjo includes Barton Davies (banjo), Ford Garrard (bass/standing bass), Sam McCullough (drums) Willard Logan (mandolin, acoustic/electric guitar) and William Reames (acoustic guitar/harmonica). The group recently released their uplifting anthem “What Keeps Me Going,” which arrived on the heels of their Grand Ole Opry debut.