Anderson Benson Acquired By Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

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Brent Daughrity

Nashville-based insurance broker and risk management firm Anderson Benson was recently acquired by Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.

A global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm headquartered in Illinois, Gallagher offers services in approximately 130 countries through their operations as well as a network of correspondent brokers and consultants.

Anderson Benson’s Entertainment Specialty Practice leader Brent Daughrity has joined Gallagher as Head of the National Music & Entertainment Practice Group alongside Co-Founder & President George Anderson, who now serves as Gallagher’s Area Chairman. They will remain in their current location under the direction of Bumpy Triche, Head of Gallagher’s Mid-South Retail Property/Casualty Brokerage Operations, along with Anderson Benson Co-Founder Reno Benson, Steve Buzzell, Will Wright and the rest of their team.

With entertainment niche expertise, Anderson Benson has provided insurance, risk management and loss control services to a variety of commercial industries and private clients across the nation. For over a decade, the company has built client relationships that have allowed them to fully understand risk exposure, provide expert consultation and offer effective customer service.

“Anderson Benson’s entertainment market expertise offers us significant opportunities for growth,” says J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., Chairman, President & CEO. “I am delighted to welcome George, Reno, Brent, Steve, Will and their associates to Gallagher.”

Industry Ink: WMBA, Major Bob, CMHOF, Gary Sinise, More

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WMBA Host ‘Mindset Matters’ Mental Health Workshop & Panel

Pictured (L-R): WMBA’s Mackenzie Adkins, Taylor Baird and Aura Guadagno; Founder and CEO Of The Music Health Alliance Tatum Allsep; Co-Founders Of The Mental Health Initiative Jessie Louverture and Lauren Conklin; Founder Of Tina Marie Manifestation Tina Marie Sanders; WMBA’s Katharine Poole, Virginia P. Brick and Alyssa Hoffman

The Women’s Music Business Association (WMBA) held a public event for the Nashville community focused on empowering mental wellness last month at the Hilton Green Hills.

Katharine Poole from MRow Network moderated the “Mindset Matters” mental health workshop and panel that featured Tatum Allsep, Founder and CEO of Music Health Alliance; Lauren Conklin and Jessie Louverture, co-founders of the Mental Health Initiative; and Tina Marie Sanders, founder of Tina Marie Manifestation. These wellness ambassadors shared personal stories with their medical and mental health experiences, which led to creating organizations that provide awareness, access to financial resources, tools to manage mental health and communities that support that journey.

“Mental Wellness is extremely important for me as I have been on my own mental health journey for decades. It’s my responsibility as a leader to create safe spaces like this so that conversations can happen,” shares WMBA’s President Virginia P. Brick. “For me, I got to witness people just showing up for themselves. But hearing them express the event made them feel seen and heard while leaving with tangible resources of hope. That’s impact. It was an incredible event.”

Expanding on WMBA’s wellness vision, the “Mindset Matters” mental health panel will be featured on MRow Network Salutary Row podcast. This special edition episode will be available July 1, 2023, and highlights Salutary Row Host KW Poole’s interviews with empowering women of mental health advocacy at the inaugural event.

 

Major Bob Celebrates Ben Williams As ‘Tennessee Orange’ Hits No. 1

Pictured (L-R): Graham Kothman (Creative Director), Ben Williams, Andy Friday (Head of Creative), Bob Doyle (Owner/President)

Major Bob Music is celebrating songwriter Ben Williams as the fan-favorite “Tennessee Orange” tops the charts. Williams co-wrote the track with Megan Moroney, Paul Jenkins and David Fanning.

Bob Doyle, Owner and President of Major Bob Music, presented Williams with a plaque commemorating the success with Graham Kothman and Andy Friday, Major Bob’s Creative Director and Head of Creative, respectively.

 

CMHOF & Nashville Public Library Honor 10 Years of ‘String City’

Pictured (L-R): Terri Luke, NPL’s Interim Dir., Asst. Dir. for Branch Services; Linda Harrison, NPL’s Asst. Dir. for Education and Literacy; Lisa Purcell, the museum’s EVP of External Affairs; Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus; Donna Nicely, former Dir. of NPL and former Chair of the Education Council at the museum; Jay Turner, Board Member at the museum; and Bret Wilson, Wishing Chair Productions Program Manager

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the Nashville Public Library (NPL) celebrated the 10th anniversary of String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry with the debut of several new additions to the performance.

String City is an exciting story of country music’s evolving history told through nearly 100 puppets ranging from DeFord Bailey to Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton and Taylor Swift. Marionettes, rod puppetry, animation and an ever-changing set tell the story of the genre as it relates to Nashville’s transformation into Music City.

New additions to the family friendly program include representations Kane Brown, Miranda Lambert, Darius Rucker and Chris Stapleton. The museum’s Executive Vice President of External Affairs Lisa Purcell and the library’s Assistant Director for Education and Literacy Linda Harrison spoke at the performance in the museum’s Ford Theater, unveiling the new additions and acknowledging the anniversary of the long-running show and collaboration.

String City: Nashville’s Tradition of Music and Puppetry is created and presented by the Library’s Wishing Chair Productions in collaboration with the museum. The production was made possible in part by a special gift from Steve Turner, the museum’s Chairman Emeritus, and his wife Judy to the Nashville Public Library Foundation.

 

Gary Sinise Accepts Charlie Daniels Patriot Award

Pictured (L-R): David Corlew, Gary Sinise, Joel Pruitt. Photo Credit: Erick Anderson / eafoto

Famed actor Gary Sinise, best known for his acclaimed role as Lt. Dan alongside Tom Hanks in Forrest Gump, has formally accepted the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award. Longtime manager of the late Daniels, David Corlew, co-founded The Charlie Daniels Journey Hone Project (TCDJHP) and presented Sinise the award with Joel Pruitt, a Green Beret combat veteran and recipient of last year’s honor.

“I am honored to receive this award from Charlie Daniels, in his name,” says Sinise. “To receive an award in his name is a blessing, a privilege, an honor. Why did I get so lucky?”

“Gary Sinise has set the ‘high water mark’ in support for our vets,” explains Corlew. “Foundations and support groups can learn so much from this guy. Besides creating an incredible bed of work in the film and entertainment industry, he has utilized it to broaden the reach for all of us, a wonderful example of selfless service. Simply put, he cares, and so do we. Charlie would be very proud that we made this happen.”

In 2022, TCDJHP raised over one million dollars for our nation’s veterans, marking the organization’s most successful year to date. Today the non-profit continues Daniels’ patriotic mission with multiple yearly events, including the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards, TCDJHP’s biggest fundraiser. This fall, the special dinner event will enter its fifth year with formal details to be announced in the coming weeks.

 

Touring Career Workshop Brought Free Counseling To Bonnaroo

TCW’s registration tent in Bonnaroo’s Artist Village. Counseling sessions were held in the trailer on the right.

Touring Career Workshop (TCW), a Nashville-based nonprofit designed to serve the touring music industry, provided confidential mental health counseling sessions free of charge to all artists, bands, crews and staffs at this year’s Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee.

As part of their All Access program, counselors were available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for each of the festival’s four show days, allowing folks to check in on topics including work, relationships and family issues.

“Festival sites can be busy, chaotic places and we wanted to have a resource like this available for anyone in need,” says Chris Lisle, TCW Co-Founder. “We are grateful to C3 Presents and, especially, Brandon Sossamon, their Director of Production—and a TCW board member—for his support in pulling this all together.”

Since its inception, TCW’s All Access program has paid for over 250 counseling sessions for those in need, offering four sessions with one of several pre-approved therapists and life coaches that are handled in total confidentiality.

 

MTSU Students Help Produce 30 Bonnaroo Concerts For Hulu

About 50 students and faculty from MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment worked this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Photo: James Cessna.

At this year’s Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, about 50 students and faculty from Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Media and Entertainment worked in live television production and content creation for 30 performances that will be featured on Hulu.

MTSU’s long-time partnership with the iconic four-day music event began in 2014. The partnership allowed students to capture images and sound from more than 35% of the concerts at this year’s Bonnaroo. Over the first two days of the festival, Hulu streamed 30 stage performances that MTSU produced, 27 of which were student-directed.

“Our production efforts at Bonnaroo are as ‘real world’ as it can get,” says Bob Gordon, an Associate Professor of Media Arts and the college’s Live Production Degree Coordinator.

Students from MTSU’s School of Journalism and Strategic Media filed daily stories and photos for Sidelines, the university’s student news operation; Seigenthaler News Service; and the MTSU Student Voice. Also, photography students roamed the festival grounds for visual stories.

“We are doing more with Bonnaroo this year than ever,” says Beverly Keel, Dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment. “The work they create will be the highlight of their collegiate portfolios and the memories they create will last a lifetime.”

Ashley Cooke Takes Her ‘Shot In The Dark’ On The Road In August

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Ashley Cooke. Photo: Robby Klein

Ashley Cooke is launching her new 24-date “Shot In The Dark Tour” beginning Aug. 23 in Panama City, Florida. Rising artists Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason will join Cooke on the dates as support.

The tour will visit Philadelphia, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Chicago, Atlanta and more through Nov. 10, with a Nashville stop at Basement East on Oct. 19. Tickets go on sale beginning June 30 at 10 a.m. local time at ashleycooke.com.

“Putting out my debut album is already a dream in itself, but to experience the roller coaster journey of this album together, in person each night, is why I do what I do and I’ll cherish every moment,” shares Cooke. “It’s an incredible opportunity to have talented artists like Matt Schuster and Vincent Mason joining me on this tour, and I’m counting down the days til I can see y’all out there!”

The show announcement comes just days after Cooke unveiled that her debut album will arrive July 21. Prior to embarking on her headlining tour, Cooke will join Luke Bryan‘s “Country On Tour” this summer, kicking off on July 13 in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Shot In The Dark Tour” Dates:
Aug. 23 in Panama City, Fla. at Holiday Inn Resort *
Aug. 24 in Dothan, Ala. at Rain Dothan *
Aug. 25 in Montgomery, Ala. at Range 231 N *
Sept. 2 in Macon, Ga. at The Hummingbird Stage & Taproom **
Sept. 6 in Philadelphia, Pa. at Milkboy **
Sept. 7 in Allston, Mass. at Brighton Music Hall **
Sept. 8 in New York, N.Y. at Mercury Lounge **
Sept. 14 in Santa Cruz, Calif. at The Catalyst- Atrium **
Sept. 15 in San Francisco, Calif. at Café du Nord **
Sept. 16 in Sacramento, Calif. at Goldfield Trading Post **
Sept. 19 in Morro Bay, Calif. at The Siren **
Sept. 21 in San Diego, Calif. at Moonshine Beach **
Sept. 22 in Las Vegas, Nev. at Stoney’s Rockin’ Country
Sept. 23 in Pioche, Nev. at Thompson’s Opera House **
Sept. 25 in Los Angeles, Calif. at The Roxy **
Oct. 11 in Wyandotte, Mich. at District 142 **
Oct. 12 in Chicago, Ill. at Joe’s on Weed St. **
Oct. 19 in Nashville, Tenn. at Basement East *
Oct. 20 in Athens, Ga. at 40 Watt Club *
Oct. 21 in Birmingham, Ala. at Zydeco *
Nov. 2 in Columbus, Ohio at The Basement **
Nov. 4 in Rootstown, Ohio at Dusty Armadillo **
Nov. 9 in Atlanta, Ga. at Terminal West **
Nov. 10 in Rome, Ga. at Peaches **
*Matt Schuster
**Vincent Mason

LoCash Opens Up On New ‘I Love This Life Podcast’

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LoCash‘s Preston Brust and Chris Lucas have launched a new podcast, the I Love This Life Podcast, across all streaming platforms and on the duo’s YouTube channel.

Hosted by Brust and Lucas, alongside their friend J.R. Jaus of 99.5 QYK, “Episode 1: If You’re Happy And You Know It, Clap Your Hand” sets the tone for revealing all the backstage secrets that they’ve kept throughout their 21-year friendship. Taking it back to their wild days at the Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville where they performed and taught line dancing, Brust and Lucas turn the mics on each other as they expose behind-the-scenes stories of grinding off-and-on the road. From getting to gigs in a stolen van to bizarre crowd interactions that they’ll never forget, LoCash share some laugh-out-loud stories fans will enjoy.

The duo promises a no-holds-barred approach to the new podcast, rolling with no planned topics, the raw and real conversations, and one main message—LoCash “loves this life.” Special guests from all walks of life will also pop up for an added perspective.

The busy Wheelhouse Records/BMG artists return to the Grand Ole Opry on Friday (June 30) for a red-white-and-blue tribute of their latest release “Three Favorite Colors” ahead of Independence Day, and will go full-throttle Saturday (July 1), playing the first-ever Monster Jam World Finals halftime performance, as the marquee event races into Nashville for the first time for the Monster Jam World Finals XXII at Nissan Stadium.

LoCash will also join a lineup of talent on July 4 performing with the Boston Pops and conductor Keith Lockhart at the annual Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Hatch Shell on the Charles River Esplanade in Boston.

Bluegrass Superstar Bobby Osborne Dies At Age 91

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Bobby Osborne. Photo: Stacie Huckeba

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member Bobby Osborne died today (June 27) at age 91.

The Opry confirmed his death. Opry VP/Executive Producer, Dan Rogers, shared, “Bobby Osborne was among the last of his generation of bluegrass pioneers. What a profound loss for the Opry family and bluegrass music fans around the world. Mr. Osborne’s legacy will live forever on this stage we love and wherever his style is emulated. Thank you to Bobby Osborne for more than 70 years of music and memories.”

Bobby Osborne. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives

Even into his 90s, the tenor singer and mandolin player performed regularly on the Grand Ole Opry with his band The Rocky Top X-Press.

Robert Van Osborne Jr. was born in Kentucky in 1931 and grew up in the Dayton, Ohio area. He was inspired to become a bluegrass singer after seeing a show by Bill Monroe & The Blue Grass Boys in 1947. He began performing on WPFB in Middletown, Ohio two years later.

He spent several seasons with The Lonesome Pine Fiddlers, then graduated to Jimmy Martin’s band. Following a brief stint with The Stanley Brothers, Bobby Osborne joined the Marines for combat duty in Korea. He was wounded and was discharged in 1953.

At this point, he joined forces with younger brother Sonny Osborne (1937-2021). They honed their skills working for Jimmy Martin, Charlie Bailey and Red Allen. The bluegrass classic “Once More” was recorded by Allen with the Osbornes in 1958.

The Osborne Brothers recorded on their own for RCA and MGM during this period. From the start, the act’s calling card was Bobby’s sky-high tenor lead singing. In fact, Monroe once said that there were only three great tenors in country music — himself, Ira Louvin and Bobby Osborne.

Brother Sonny soon garnered industry recognition for his cutting-edge approach to banjo playing and for arranging the group’s complex harmony vocals. Around 1963, Sonny made contact with Doyle Wilburn of Nashville’s hit-making Wilburn Brothers. Wilburn got the brothers a contract with Decca Records, arranged for them to join the Grand Ole Opry (1964) and signed them for publishing and booking.

The Osborne Brothers. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives

This coincided with the modernization of the band. Sonny electrified his banjo, and the act added drums and electric bass to The Osborne Brothers sound. As a result, the group scored hits on the country hit parade and toured with mainstream pop and country acts.

Their charted favorites included “Roll Muddy River” (1967), “Rocky Top” (1968), “Tennessee Hound Dog” (1969), “Ruby Are You Mad” (1970), “Midnight Flyer” (1973), “Blue Heartache” (1973) and “I Can Hear Kentucky Calling Me” (1980).

“Rocky Top” was named one of the state songs of Tennessee in 1982. It is performed in Knoxville every time the University of Tennessee Vols score a football touchdown. In 1992, the Osbornes’ rendition of the Karl & Harty classic “Kentucky” led to a similar honor from the Blue Grass State.

By then, the Osbornes had ditched electrified instruments and reverted to acoustic bluegrass. They recorded for labels such as CMH, Sugar Hill and Pinecastle.

The Osbornes were also recruited to play on records by others. They have backed Conway Twitty, Carl Smith, Charley Pride, Wade Ray, Jethro Burns and Mac Wiseman. They also collaborated with jazz vibraphonist Gary Burton.

Bobby Osborne. Photo: Chris Hollo, Courtesy of Grand Ole Opry Archives

The brothers mentored such future stars as The Grascals and Dale Ann Bradley. They also performed with the 1997 bluegrass/hip-hop fusion act The GrooveGrass Boyz.

Bobby’s mandolin performance of “Ashokan Farewell” appeared on the all-star Bluegrass Mandolin Extravaganza album, which won the IBMA Instrumental Album and Recorded Event awards in 2000.

The Osborne Brothers are believed to be the first bluegrass act to play on a college campus (1960) and to be invited to perform at The White House (1973). They were elected to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame in 1994 and were presented with a National Heritage award by the National Endowment for the Arts in 1997.

Brother Sonny Osborne underwent rotator-cuff surgery, which caused him to quit playing and to retire from the road in 2004. This is when Bobby formed The Rocky Top X-Press and became a solo Opry star. He was joined in the new group by his guitarist son Bobby Osborne III.

The new band recorded for Rounder and Compass. In 2021, Osborne had a late-career bluegrass hit with a version of Merle Haggard’s “White Line Fever.”

Sonny Osborne passed away in October of 2021 at age 83.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic Sets New Record, Raising More Than $1.8 Million

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Toby with OK Kids Korral alumni parent Travis at 19th Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic

The 19th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic in Oklahoma June 2 and 3 raised a record $1.8 million for Keith’s OK Kids Korral.

Toby Keith with $10,000 shootout winner Pete Penner

This year’s successful event brings its all-in total to almost $18 million in support of the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children battling cancer.

The Saturday golf tournament (June 3) featured 55 teams and celebrated the morning winners Isa Camall, Joe Lemeux, Lane Wallace, Mark Moore and Ben Hayes. Afternoon tournament winners were Ryan Sparkman, Harvey Sparkman, Drew Goodman, Carson Sparkman and Evan Sparkman. The $10,000 shootout winner was Pete Penner.

The event’s high-water mark was driven by record-setting auction items from the Sawyer Brown-headlined, denim and diamonds-themed dinner Friday (June 2) that was attended by more than 750 people.

Among the top bids were:

– Guitar signed by Taylor Swift: $120,000
– Fishing trip with Toby Keith and Jimmy Houston: $80,000
– Dinner with Toby Keith: $70,000
– Game of Thrones trip to Croatia & Spain: $20,000 (11 were sold)
– Guitar donated by Country Countdown USA’s Lon Helton: $44,000
– Signatures from Tim McGraw, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown, Parker McCollum, Cole Swindell, Jordan Davis, Brantley Gilbert, Russell Dickerson, Brett Young, Ingrid Andress, Maren Morris, Luke Bryan and Jelly Roll.

 

Ryan Beuschel Joins The Neal Agency

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Ryan Beuschel. Photo: Nathan Chapman

Music industry veteran Ryan Beuschel has joined The Neal Agency (TNA) as Head of Business Development.

He brings more than 20 years of experience to his role, most recently serving as VP of A&R / Strategy at Warner Chappell Music Nashville. While at WCM, Beuschel was named to Billboard’s 40 under 40 list for signing some of country music’s fastest rising stars, including 2022’s most-streamed all-genre debut artist Bailey Zimmerman. In addition to up-and-coming talent, he directly supported established artists and writers including TNA client Riley Green.

At TNA, Beuschel will aid in artist development across all of The Neal Agency roster, including Green, Zimmerman, Morgan Wallen, Chase Rice, Hardy, Nate Smith, Ernest, John Morgan, Josh Ross, Seaforth, Ella Langley, Anne Wilson, Palmer Anthony, Cameron Sacky Band, Aidan Canfield, Ashland Craft, mike., Lauren Watkins and Jake Worthington, along with lifestyle brands Stevenson Ranch and Whiskey Jam.

“Ryan has been a close friend of mine for many years. He carries the same entrepreneurial spirit and artist first mentality that aligns with the core values of our company,” shares Austin Neal, Co-head and Founder of TNA. “We are very fortunate to add another great leadership team member to the company.”

“We are thrilled to add Ryan Beuschel to our team and his reputation in this town is unmatched,” added Adi Sharma, Co-Head/Agent. “In Ryan, we cannot have a better person to help spearhead the new initiatives and business verticals we plan on being involved with moving forward.”

Beuschel is a Michigan native and a graduate of Hope College. He began his career as an intern at Universal Music Publishing Group before taking a job as A&R Manager at Universal Music Group. Beuschel’s experience also includes time at ASCAP as Associate Director of Membership. He resides in Nashville with his wife, Liz, and daughter, Reese.

Of his addition to the team, Beuschel says, “It’s truly incredible to see what Austin, Adi and the entire TNA team has built in such a short period of time. Their approach and vision of supporting artists and executives alike is one I am completely aligned with. I couldn’t be more excited to join this super star company and its impeccable client roster.”

Congratulate Beuschel at Ryan@TheNealAgency.net.

Needtobreathe To Launch New Album & Tour This Fall

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Needtobreathe

Needtobreathe is embarking on a new musical chapter, with their ninth studio album out this fall and the announcement of a new tour.

“The Caves World Tour” is set to kick off Oct. 13 in Savannah, and will feature alternative rockers Judah & The Lion as special guests. The band will visit Lexington, Fort Worth, Tulsa, Reno, Albuquerque, Boston and more through Nov. 18, with a Nashville Bridgestone arena show set for Nov. 15.

The tour will support Needtobreathe’s new studio album Caves, which is set to release this fall.

“Caves is the most ambitious album we’ve made so far, and it really feels like a new chapter for us as a band,” says Needtobreathe frontman, Nashville-based Bear Rinehart. “We can’t wait to take this new energy to our fans on the road and perform these songs live. It’s going to be special.”

The band has released a taste of the album with new track “Everknown,”as well as its music video.

“‘Everknown’ is a song inspired by those in our lives that have helped shape us into the people we are today,” the band shares. “It’s dedicated to the humble heroes that don’t get enough credit for the good they have brought to the world.”

“The Caves World Tour” Dates:
10/13/2023 – Savannah, GA – Enmarket Arena
10/14/2023 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena
10/15/2023 – Southaven, MS – Landers Center
10/17/2023 – Lexington, KY – Rupp Arena
10/19/2023 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial Centre
10/20/2023 – Fort Worth, TX – Dickies Arena
10/21/2023 – Tulsa, OK – BOK Center
10/23/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel Entertainment Center
10/24/2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/26/2023 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
10/27/2023 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino
10/28/2023 – Los Angeles, CA – YouTube Theater
10/30/2023 – Orem, UT – UCCU Center
11/2/2023 – Independence, MO – Cable Dahmer Arena
11/3/2023 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
11/4/2023 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
11/5/2023 – Waukee, IA – TBD
11/7/2023 – Grand Rapids, MI – Van Andel Arena
11/10/2023 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
11/11/2023 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
11/13/2023 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
11/15/2023 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
11/16/2023 – Birmingham, AL – Legacy Arena at the BJCC
11/17/2023 – Greensboro, NC – Greensboro Coliseum Complex
11/18/2023 – Atlanta, GA – Gas South Arena

Tyler Farr To Release New EP ‘Rednecks Like Me’ In July

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Tyler Farr‘s new EP, Rednecks Like Me, is slated for release across all streaming platforms on Friday, July 14.

The BBR Music Group/Night Train Records artist announced news of the project and performed the title track and some other hits while headlining the 15th Annual Fox & Friends All American Summer Concert Series this past Friday, including his No. 1 hits “Redneck Crazy,” “Whiskey In My Water” and “A Guy Walks Into a Bar.” He was also surprised live on Fox & Friends with a double Platinum plaque for “Redneck Crazy” and a Platinum plaque for “Guy Walks Into a Bar.”

Rednecks Like Me marks the first time Farr has co-written every song on a project. Other writers contributing to the EP include Michael Tyler, George Birge, Andy Sheridan and more. Produced by Jason Aldean with his long-time band-members Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy, the EP also features a collaboration with Jelly Roll, “Country As Shit.”

“This is the first project I’ve co-wrote all the songs on, so this is a big step in my career for me,” says Farr. “I’m so proud of this album and hope fans will really get a chance to hear what I’m all about.”

Rednecks Like Me Track Listing:
1. Rednecks Like Me — Tyler Farr, Brian Davis, Vicky McGehee, Andy Sheridan
2. Tell You ‘Bout That — Tyler Farr, Thomas Archer, Lalo Guzman, Michael Tyler
3. Questions — Tyler Farr, Vicky McGehee, Josh Mirenda, Andy Sheridan
4. Silverado Gold — Tyler Farr, Blake Bollinger, Nate Kenyon, Katie Noel
5. First Rodeo — Tyler Farr, George Birge, Lalo Guzman, Michael Tyler
6. Country As Shit (feat. Jelly Roll) — Tyler Farr, Jason DeFord, Vicky Mcgehee, Josh Mirenda, Andy Sheridan

JUST IN: Tim McGraw, Mike Dungan, Chris Stapleton, More To Receive ACM Special Awards

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The recipients of the Academy of Country Music’s Special Awards have been revealed. These winners will be celebrated during the 16th annual Academy of Country Music Honors on Wednesday, Aug. 23 at the Ryman Auditorium. The night will once again be hosted by Carly Pearce, a four-time ACM Award winner.

ACM Special Award honorees for 2023 include Clint Black, Breland, Kane Brown, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Charlie Cook, Charlie Daniels, Mike Dungan, Ashley Gorley, Hardy, Bill Mayne, Tim McGraw, K.T. Oslin, Chris Stapleton and Troy Vollhoffer. Each winner will be given a specific award for their achievements, as outlined below.

Additionally, previously announced Artist-Songwriter of the Year winner Hardy, Songwriter of the Year Ashley Gorley as well as Studio Recording Award and Industry Award winners, will be feted at the ACM Honors ceremony. Reigning ACM New Female Artist of the Year Hailey Whitters will present the ACM Studio Recording and Industry Awards portion of ACM Honors.

Tickets for ACM Honors will be available to ACM A-List email newsletter subscribers and Academy members through an exclusive pre-sale beginning Thursday (June 29), with general on-sale beginning Friday (June 30) through AXS. Performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

“The Academy of Country Music has played such a crucial role in the rise of my career in the last several years, giving me opportunities to expand my artistry with hosting,” Pearce says. “To be able to come back as the host of the ACM Honors for the third year in a row, I feel so grateful and excited for what I know will be such a special night!”

“This year’s ACM Special Award honorees have made a tremendous impact on the music we know and love, from icons and veteran executives who have shaped and steered the industry for years, to newer artists making a splash and welcoming fresh audiences into the community, and I am so excited about celebrating them in August at what is always one of the best nights of the year,” says Kerri Edwards, Chair of the ACM Special Awards Committee. “I’d like to thank our committee members for their invaluable participation and contributions in selecting this year’s exceptionally worthy class of honorees and offer my congratulations to all of the recipients.”

Special Award Honorees:

ACM Triple Crown Award – Chris Stapleton will receive 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. Previous recipients of the ACM Triple Crown Award include Jason Aldean, Brooks & Dunn, Kenny Chesney, Mickey Gilley, Merle Haggard, Miranda Lambert, Barbara Mandrell and Carrie Underwood.

ACM Icon Award – Mike Dungan and Tim McGraw have both been chosen to receive 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. Past recipients of the ACM Icon Award include Alabama, Connie Bradley, Brooks & Dunn, Garth Brooks, Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash, Charlie Daniels, Joe Galante, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, George Jones, The Judds, Loretta Lynn, Martina McBride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, George Strait, Conway Twitty, Hank Williams, Hank Williams Jr. and Dwight Yoakam, among others.

ACM International Award – Kane Brown has been chosen to receive the International Award, inspired by Jim Reeves and presented to a country music artist, duo/group or industry leader for outstanding contributions to the growth of country music throughout the world. Past recipients of the ACM International Award include Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Dick Clark, Roy Clark, Dan + Shay, Alan Jackson, Lady A, Kacey Musgraves, Buck Owens, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flatts, Roy Rogers, Taylor Swift and Keith Urban.

ACM Lift Every Voice Award – Breland has been chosen to receive the first-ever ACM Lift Every Voice Award. This award 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 nominee for this category is proposed by the rising leaders in the Academy’s LEVel UP: Lift Every Voice professional development and enrichment program, a two-year curriculum designed to empower participants to play a pivotal role in expanding the horizons of country music into new audiences that transcend demographics and geography.

ACM Lifting Lives Award – Troy Vollhoffer has been chosen to receive the Lifting Lives Award, honoring the contributions of Gary Haber, known as a business manager and past president of ACM Lifting Lives. This award is presented 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. It is voted on by the ACM Lifting Lives Board of Directors. Past recipients of the ACM Lifting Lives Award include Paul Barnabee, Ross Copperman, Gayle Holcomb, Lady A, Dolly Parton, Darius Rucker, Carrie Underwood and Dwight Wiles.

ACM Poet’s Award – Clint Black, Mary Chapin Carpenter and K.T. Oslin have each been chosen as recipients of 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. Previous recipients of the ACM Poet’s Award include Bill Anderson, Rodney Crowell, Dean Dillon, Kye Fleming, Merle Haggard, Tom T. Hall, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson, Buck Owens, Eddie Rabbitt, Fred Rose, Don Schlitz, Billy Joe Shaver, Shel Silverstein, Sonny Throckmorton, Shania Twain, Cindy Walker and Hank Williams, among others.

ACM Service Award – Charlie Cook and Bill Mayne have both been chosen as the recipients of the ACM Service Award, honoring the contributions of songwriter Mae Boren Axton and her service to the Academy. This 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. Previous recipients of the ACM Service Award include Barry Adelman, Duane Clark, RAC Clark, Bob Kingsley, Reba McEntire, Gayle Holcomb, Keith Urban and Gene Weed, among others.

ACM Spirit Award – Charlie Daniels has been chosen for the ACM Spirit Award, honoring the contributions of Merle Haggard, who received 20 ACM Awards in his career, including the Triple Crown Award. This award is presented to a singer-songwriter who is continuing the legacy of country music legend Merle Haggard by following his/her own path, crafting great songs and epitomizing Haggard’s spirit through genuine performances and great storytelling. Previous recipients of the ACM Spirit Award include Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton.