Rodney Atkins Inks JV With Curb | Word Music Publishing, Signs Daniel Ethridge

/by

Pictured (L-R): Rose Falcon, Rodney Atkins, Daniel Ethridge, Curb Records’ Sarah Schumacher

Multi-Platinum Curb Records artist Rodney Atkins has partnered with Curb | Word Music Publishing on a new joint venture. The first songwriter to join Atkins’ roster is Daniel Ethridge, a member of the trio Troubadour Blue.

Ethridge began playing guitar at 11, and after high school, attended Belmont and began pursuing songwriting. After winning the 2018 Texas Songwriter U program, judged by Jack Ingram and Liz Rose, Ethridge spent years post-graduation on the road playing for other artists while continuing to write for himself and others. In 2020, Ethridge reconnected with old friends and mentors from his college days to co-found Troubadour Blue. Atkins first met Ethridge through songwriter and Rod + Rose member Rose Falcon, who was writing with Ethridge.

“I am thrilled to see Curb | Word Music Publishing and Rodney Atkins come together in this exciting partnership,” shares Curb|Word Chairman Mike Curb. “Daniel Ethridge is a wonderful addition to our roster and we look forward to great things from him.”

“I’m excited to see what the future has in store for Daniel,” shares Atkins. “I’m so proud to have him as my first signed writer in my partnership with Curb | Word Music Publishing.”

Ethridge adds, “I feel incredibly fortunate to be one of the few who get to refer to themselves as a professional songwriter. Joining the talented team at Curb | Word Music Publishing while also being signed as part of this partnership with Rodney is nothing short of a dream come true.”

Fans can catch Ethridge playing with Troubadour Blue at CMA Fest this Saturday, June 10 at 3:35 p.m. CT at the Hard Rock Café stage.

Ronnie Milsap To Play Final Nashville Show This Fall

/by

Country Music Hall of Fame member, Ronnie Milsap, will play his final Nashville performance on Oct. 3, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena.

The show will also include a star-studded lineup coming together to pay tribute to the legend. Those slated to perform include Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Lorrie Morgan, Neal McCoy, Breland, Phil Vassar, Terri Clark, The Band of Heathens and Charlie McCoy, with more artists to be announced soon.

The evening will honor Milsap and his 50-plus year career, his celebrated catalog and his lasting influence on country music. More artists will be announced soon.

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

“We are thrilled to host the Ronnie Milsap Tribute concert,” adds Bridgestone Arena Chief Venues Officer David Kells. “With over 50 years of music and 40 #1 hits, this celebration is going to be something special. Thank you to the Outback Presents team for curating such an amazing event.”

Tickets go on sale Friday, June 9 at 10 a.m. CT via ticketmaster.com.

CMA Fest Events: UMG Nashville, Warner Music Nashville, WME, More

/by

UMG Nashville To Hold ‘Music Is Universal’ Event

 

UMG Nashville’s ‘Music Is Universal’ series at CMA Fest (June 8-11) will feature some of country’s biggest artists and rising stars for live performances, fan club parties, listening events and more at Skydeck on Broadway.

Spanning the rosters of UMG Nashville, UMPG and UMe, performers include Kassi Ashton, Priscilla Block, Jordan Davis, Travis Denning, Dalton Dover, Luke Grimes, Caylee Hammack, Dillon James, Jon Langston, Kylie Morgan, Catie Offerman, Josh Ross, Tanya Tucker, Sam Williams, Mark Wills, Anne Wilson, Boy Named Banjo, Brothers Osborne, Maddie & Tae, plus guest artists DJ Cassidy, David Morris, and VAVO, comedian Danae Hays, and songwriters Allison Veltz Cruz, Adam James, and more to come.

View the full schedule and event policies for ‘Music Is Universal,’ and RSVP to avoid lines here.

 

Warner Music Nashville Presents The ‘Summer Sounds Stage’

Warner Music Nashville is returning with its ‘Summer Sounds Stage’ for the second year with a stacked lineup of eight artists for a daytime concert on June 10 at 6th & Peabody.

Artists due to perform include Morgan Evans, Avery Anna, Jordyn Shellhart, Tyler Braden, Charlie Worsham, Drew Parker, Patrick Murphy and Michael Ray. The event is free for the public, with doors opening at 11:00 a.m. CT and performances running through 7:00 p.m. CT.

Warner Music Nashville artists will appear across CMA Fest stages next week from the Maui Jim Reverb Stage to the Dr. Pepper Amp Stage, Chevy Vibes Stage, Chevy Riverfront Stage and Nissan Stadium. Ashley McBryde, Ian Munsick, Michael Ray and Charlie Worsham will also host fan parties throughout the week.

 

WME Joins Forces With Whiskey Jam For Outdoor Concert Series

WME has joined forces with Nashville’s Whiskey Jam and Losers Bar & Grill for their free outdoor concert series. WME will curate multiple nights of agency-exclusive lineups throughout the 2023 season.

The series will kick off with three consecutive shows during the week of CMA Fest beginning June 5. Each night will feature a star-studded lineup of various WME clients including Nate Smith, Dylan Scott, Hot Country Knights, and more, along with surprise guest performances. 

The season’s first WME takeover will take place in the Losers Bar & Grill Midtown parking lot, with client performances continuing through Tuesday and Wednesday night that week. Doors will open at 5:00 PM CT nightly.

 

Grand Ole Opry Celebrates CMA Fest with Opry Plaza Summer Concert Series 

The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating the milestone 50th CMA Fest with a stellar week of shows with performances by members including Carrie Underwood, Trace Adkins, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, Jamey Johnson, Lukas Nelson, The Oak Ridge Boys, Jeannie Seely, Bill Anderson, Pam Tillis, and Josh Turner as well as Opry NextStage alum Lainey Wilson plus Sam Hunt, Chapel Hart, Brett Young and more.

“Opry Celebrates 50th CMA Fest” week kicks off with two shows on Tuesday, June 6 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m and continues with shows nightly through Saturday, June 10 at the Grand Ole Opry House and a special Saturday, June 10 matinee performance of “CMA Fest Opry Country Classics” at the Ryman Auditorium.

The Grand Ole Opry and Nashville’s ongoing popular concert series, Whiskey Jam, have partnered for the Opry Plaza summer concert series which continues with performances Tuesday, June 6 featuring Julia Cole, June 9 with Martin McDaniel and June 10 with Shaylen at the Opry House.

 

Cumulus Media Stations Partner for ‘Country Kick-Off’ Broadcast

Cumulus Media announces that its Nashville country radio stations 103.3 Country/WKDF-FM and 95.5 NASH Icon/WSM-FM have joined efforts again with AEG Presents to bring a stacked lineup of hitmakers for the annual “Country Kick-Off” live concert for CMA Fest in Nashville.

The live concert event will be held on Tuesday June 6, at downtown Nashville’s Skydeck on Broadway. Country superstars Brett Young, Scotty McCreery, Russell Dickerson and Morgan Evans will perform, with acoustic sets by Tenille Arts, Jordan Harvey, Erin Kinsey and HunterGirl.

For the first time in the history of Cumulus Country music, the live concert event will be recorded and broadcast across Cumulus Media’s 58 country radio stations across the U.S. as an exclusive Fourth of July concert special entitled, “Country Music Celebrates Our Country.” The special is scheduled to run on every Cumulus Media’s country station from coast to coast between Saturday, July 1, and Tuesday, July 4.

 

Gibson Garage To Celebrate Two-Year Anniversary During CMA Fest

Gibson will launch its “Gibson Garage Fest” on Wednesday, June 7 at the Gibson Garage in downtown Nashville. Falling on the two-year anniversary of the opening of Gibson Garage, the event will kick off with live performances and events with music superstars and emerging acts during CMA Fest Week.

“Gibson Garage Fest” is open to the public for fans to attend live shows, autograph signings, and participate in guitar lessons with renowned experts as they interact with the iconic brand and its philanthropic arm, Gibson Gives.

View the full “Gibson Garage Fest” event schedule here.

Anne Wilson & Capitol Christian Music Group Partner With UMG Nashville

/by

Pictured (L-R): Matthew West (Story House Collective), Cindy Mabe (Chair & CEO, UMG Nashville), Anne Wilson, Brad O’Donnell (Co-President, Capitol CMG) and Hudson Plachy (Co-President, Capitol CMG). Photo: Danielle Piazza

UMG Nashville and Capitol Christian Music Group have teamed up for the release of new music from award-winning artist Anne Wilson.

Wilson took the world by storm with her debut album My Jesus, which led her to tally more than 600 million global streams, win two Dove Awards and earn a Grammy nomination. With her new music, she plans to mix the heart of contemporary Christian with the sound of country music.

“From the moment we first met Anne, it was clear she had a special talent and an incredible story and message,” shares Capitol CMG’s Brad O’Donnell and Hudson Plachy. “It’s been so rewarding to be a part of the success she’s had with her debut project and we are thrilled to have UMG Nashville and Cindy Mabe as partners for this next chapter. We believe there’s no ceiling for what Anne can achieve.”

Pictured (L-R): Maggie Laws (Story House Collective), Matthew West (Story House Collective), Anne Wilson, Kolby Vetter (The Neal Agency) and Austin Neal (The Neal Agency). Photo: Danielle Piazza

“Anne Wilson is a boundary-pushing artist who belongs in both Christian and country music formats and cultures,” adds Mabe, UMG Nashville Chair & CEO. “She’s here to take her story and the power of her music to new audiences, while continuing to be an ambassador of faith in youth culture and beyond within the Christian music audience. She’s unique and dynamic in sound, purpose and spirit and getting to partner with her, her team at Story House Collective, and Hudson Plachy and Brad O’Donnell and their team at Capitol Christian Music Group is a great privilege.”

Additionally, Wilson has signed on with boutique talent agency The Neal Agency.

“I am so excited to partner with UMG Nashville, and with The Neal Agency,” says Wilson. “Over the last two years, I have watched God open doors for my music that I could never open for myself. I see these new partnerships as another open door to share the message of hope, faith and the love of my Jesus to an even broader audience. I can’t wait to see what happens next!”

Wilson will take the stage at RiseFest in Iowa on June 9, CMA Fest in Nashville June 10-11 and will perform at the Grand Ole Opry on June 16. She is set to release her personal track “Seventh Of June” on June 7.

Tracy Chapman Moves Into Top Three On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart

/by

Tracy Chapman & Luke Combs

Tracy Chapman moves into the No. 2 position on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart this week. As the sole writer of “Fast Car,” which is flying up the charts as a Luke Combs cover, Chapman receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.

Combs finds himself at No. 12 this week, with songwriter credit on his own “5 Leaf Clover,” “Growin’ Up and Gettin’ Old” and “Love You Anyway.”

Ashley Gorley marks another week at No. 1 on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart. Zach Bryan (No. 2), Ryan Vojtesak (No. 4) and Morgan Wallen (No. 5) complete the top five.

The weekly MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart uses algorithms based upon song activity according to airplay, digital download track sales and streams. This unique and exclusive addition to the MusicRow portfolio is the only songwriter chart of its kind.

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, More Join Luke Bryan’s ‘Farm Tour’ Lineup

/by

Luke Bryan has announced the guest lineup for this year’s “Farm Tour,” set for Sept. 14-23. Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, The Peach Pickers (Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson and Ben Hayslip) and DJ Rock will all join Bryan for the annual tour.

Since it began in 2009, Bryan’s “Farm Tour”  has granted 78 college scholarships to students from farming families to their local college or university near the tour stops. Tickets for the dates are on sale now at LukeBryan.com.

Over the years, event sponsors have donated money, food and resources to the local communities and also nationally. Last year alone, Bayer provided one million meals to Feeding America, Farmland® donated a truckload of protein to local food banks in each of the states that hosted the tour and donated $9,000 to each state’s FFA Association, and Fendt donated $25,000 to the national FFA organization.

Bryan wrapped his celebrity judging duties alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry on American Idol last month, performing his brand new single “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” on the show.

Brandon Lake Leads With Three Trophies At 10th Annual K-Love Fan Awards

/by

Brandon Lake with his 3 K-Love Fan Awards trophies. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Brandon Lake was the big winner at the 10th Annual K-Love Fan Awards, taped live at Nashville’s Opry House on May 28.

Lake led the trophy tally with triple wins for Male Artist, Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year wins during the TBN broadcast of the fan-fueled awards, which aired on June 2. Hosted by Cain, for King & Country was once again named Artist of the Year at the awards ceremony, while Lauren Daigle received the Female Artist of the Year Award.

MercyMe took home their first K-Love Fan Award for Group of the Year, and the award for Breakout Single of the Year went to Rachael Lampa for “Perfectly Loved” featuring TobyMac. Other winners included The Chosen‘s Season Three Finale for Film & Television Impact, Phil and Jase Robertson‘s Unashamed taking the Podcast of the Year Award, Phil Wickham‘s On Our Knees for Book Impact and Charlotte Smith for the Sports Impact Award.

The ceremony was preceded by the biggest weekend in Christian music, including annual events like the Friday night kick-off concert, Emerging Artist Showcase, Songwriter’s Showcase and Sunday morning worship service. A brand new event this year was added with Saturday morning’s Worship In The Round.

Full List Of 2023 K-Love Fan Awards Winners:
Artist Of The Year
For King & Country

Male Artist
Brandon Lake

Female Artist
Lauren Daigle

Group Of The Year
MercyMe

Worship Song Of The Year
Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”

Song Of The Year
Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”

Breakout Single
“Perfectly Loved” by Rachael Lampa Ft. TobyMac

Film & Television Impact
The Chosen Season Three Finale

Book Impact
On Our Knees by Phil Wickham

Podcast Impact
Unashamed by Phil & Jase Robertson

Opry Photographer Les Leverett Dies At Age 96

/by

Les Leverett. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

The most important photographer in the history of country music has passed away.

Les Leverett died in Nashville on Friday (June 2) at age 96. He was the staff photographer at the Grand Ole Opry for 32 years, archiving country music’s “golden age” on film. He was the man behind iconic images of Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Vince Gill and a myriad of their peers.

Roy Acuff and Les Leverett backstage in Acuff’s dressing room. Photo: Donnie Beauchamp, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

His work has earned him a Grammy Award, prestigious exhibitions and distinction as a major provider of photos for such documentaries as Ken Burns’ PBS opus Country Music. His images have appeared in American Heritage, Country Weekly and many other periodicals, not to mention in annual Opry souvenir books for decades.

Born in 1927, Leverett grew up in Alabama. He served aboard a troop ship during World War II. After the war, he went to photography school in San Antonio on the G.I. Bill. This is when he became infatuated with country music. His wife Dot Vandiver was a Nashville native, and the couple moved to her hometown in 1950.

He initially worked as an advertising and portrait photographer in Music City. Between 1960 and 1992, he was the official photographer for the National Life insurance company and its affiliates WSM Radio, WSMV-TV and the Opry. He also rescued and preserved the photographic record of WSM’s founding years, 1925-50, after he discovered the company was throwing those images away. In addition, Leverett did stars’ publicity portraits, created album covers and documented celebrities at home.

His album covers include the theatrical image of Porter Wagoner on the jacket of 1966’s Confessions of a Broken Man. It earned him a Grammy Award. His 1972 cover for Dolly Parton’s LP Bubbling Over won him Billboard magazine’s award as its Country Album Cover of the Year. Leverett’s vivid photographs appear on more than 200 albums.

Garth Brooks, Kitty Wells, Gene Autry, Roy Acuff, Merle Haggard, Ricky Skaggs, Alison Krauss, Ernest Tubb, Conway Twitty, Maybelle Carter, Emmylou Harris, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Waylon Jennings, k.d. lang, Marty Robbins, Hank Snow, Grandpa Jones, Minnie Pearl, Tex Ritter – it would be easier to name a country star he hasn’t photographed than those he has. Les Leverett was the official photographer for the TV series of both Johnny Cash and Marty Stuart.

A charming raconteur and lovably humble personality, Leverett was especially fond of bluegrass music. His archive includes many images of Flatt & Scruggs, The Whites, Jim & Jesse, Ralph Stanley and the like. In 2001, he was honored with a Distinguished Achievement Award from the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA).

George Jones and Tammy Wynette. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

Les Leverett’s work is preserved in two books, Blue Moon of Kentucky (1996) and American Music Legends (2005). Daughter Libby Leverett-Crew published her memoir Saturday Nights with Daddy at the Opry in 2003, which also featured many of his images.

He was a writer of limericks and a talented artist who had a knack for drawing caricatures. He also had the lesser-known gifts of being able to write backwards and upside down. Les Leverett’s photo archive now resides at the Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum.

He is survived by his son, Gary Leverett, his daughter, Libby Leverett-Crew, son-in-law, Larry Crew, nine grandchildren and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Pike South. Visitation will be on June 7 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Second Harvest Food Bank, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Nashville Union Rescue Mission or a charity of your choice.

Porter Wagoner’s Confessions of a Broken Man. Photo: Les Leverett

Loretta Lynn. Photo: Les Leverett

Pictured (L-R): Minnie Pearl, Wilma Lee Cooper, Jan Howard, Skeeter Davis, June Carter and Kitty Wells. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

Patsy Cline. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

Grand Ole Opry cast in 1965. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

June Carter Cash and Johnny Cash. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

Dolly Parton. Photo: Les Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

Jeannie Seely being photographed by Les Leverett. Photo: Dot Leverett, Courtesy of The Grand Ole Opry

The Neal Agency Signs Aidan Canfield

/by

Aidan Canfield. Photo: Macy Ray

The Neal Agency has signed Aidan Canfield, a country singer-songwriter hailing from Pleasantville, New York.

Canfield’s artistry combines rock and country influences from the sounds that he grew up on. He is inspired by rock greats Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen as well as country stars Kenny Chesney and Zach Bryan. Canfield released his debut album, We’re Young, Alright, earlier this year and has supported artists such as Riley Green and Cameron Sacky Band on the road.

“It’s extremely rare to find an artist like Aidan,” says Austin Neal, who initially introduced Canfield’s music to his team at The Neal Agency in an A&R meeting four months ago. “He has a distinctive sound, an entire album of one-way writes, and an honesty and dedication that comes across when you hear him. Our team immediately and unanimously agreed we had to pursue signing him. We’re honored to add him to our roster for representation at TNA.”

“The second I stepped into The Neal office, it felt like a family,” shares Canfield. “Everybody there sees it as more than a job and they are all truly passionate about each artist. I couldn’t be more excited to build my career with such great people around me at The Neal Agency!”

Canfield’s additional representation includes Justine Avila with The Moonshot Group for management, James Dail at Wiatr & Associates for business management and Elliot Groffman at Carroll, Guido, Groffman, Cohen, Bar & Karalian, LLP for legal.

He will play his first CMA Fest this week, performing on the Hard Rock Stage on Sunday, June 11.

Rachel Whitney Prepares For Spotify House At CMA Fest [Interview]

/by

Rachel Whitney, Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify

Spotify has revealed more details ahead of its highly anticipated Spotify House takeover at Blake Shelton and Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red for CMA Fest. The festivities will take place June 8-11.

“We are thrilled to be returning to CMA Fest for a fourth year with our marquee four-day country music showcase, Spotify House! We are once again taking over Ole Red in downtown Nashville,” Head of Editorial, Nashville at Spotify, Rachel Whitney, shares with MusicRow. “This year’s lineup is a stellar mix of emerging artists, country stars and surprise special performances throughout the weekend. We are so grateful to the incredible artists who grace our stages and for the enthusiasm of the country fans who make Spotify House one of the top destinations at CMA Fest each year. ”

Previously announced performers for Spotify House include Brad Paisley, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, Hailey Whitters, Ingrid Andress, Jordan Davis, Luke Grimes, Mickey Guyton, Old Dominion, Lady A, Ruston Kelly, Alana Springsteen, Ashley Cooke, Avery Anna, Brett Young, Brian Kelley, Chase Rice, Chayce Beckham, Chris Young, Colbie Caillat, Conner Smith, Dalton Dover, Danielle Bradbery, Dylan Marlowe, Dylan Schneider, Ella Langley, Ian Munsick, Jon Pardi, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Kylie Morgan, Lily Rose, Mackenzie Carpenter, Mitchell Tenpenny, Restless Road, Riley Green, Sam Hunt, Tanner Adell, Tenille Arts, Warren Zeiders and 49 Winchester.

Spotify House will also treat fans who want to show off their latest country dance moves to several exclusive late night DJ sets including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends.

Additionally, Spotify is bringing back the Fresh Finds Stage to the rooftop of Ole Red, presenting a nightly lineup of new and emerging country music artists that fans can also find on the Fresh Finds Country playlist.

Whitney shares, “We are bringing back the Fresh Finds Country Stage for a second year at Spotify House rooftop. We are dedicated to supporting emerging independent artists year-round and this lineup will give fans the opportunity to discover some of the incredible young talent we have our eye on. Spotify House will also treat fans to exclusive late night DJ sets, inspired by our Country Club playlist, including Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley and Cheat Codes + Friends, so there is sure to be something for every type of country music fan.”

Thursday’s Fresh Finds Stage will include sets from Mae Estes, Logan Crosby, Lauren Watkins, Sam Barber, Nolan Taylor and Wyatt Flores. Friday night will feature music from Graham Barham, Abbey Cone, Grant Gilbert, Halle Kearns, Harper Grace and Payton Smith. Saturday night will include Haley Mae Campbell, David Unlayao, Rodell Duff, Meg McRee, Griffen Palmer and Dipper. Sunday night’s lineup includes Matt Schuster, Shelby Darrall, Wyatt McCubbin, Angel White, Kasey Tyndall and Shaylen.

Whitney says that other surprise performances are bound to happen.

“We always like to treat fans to surprise performances during CMA Fest weekend and are delighted to be partnering with CMA this year to present four special surprise sets throughout the weekend at Ole Red to mark the 50th anniversary. It’s still a secret who the artists are but fans will not be disappointed and should stay tuned for our announcements later this week!”