Corey Kent Celebrates First No. 1 ‘Wild As Her’
Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Chris Farren, Triple 8 Management’s George Couri, Corey Kent, Combustion Music’s Falcon, Keithan Melton and Kelly Lyons
Combustion Music/RCA Nashville artist Corey Kent celebrated his first No. 1 single, “Wild As Her,” with his team this week. The Platinum-certified smash, produced by Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, has garnered over 275 million streams worldwide. “Wild As Her” also marks the second No. 1 for Combustion writer Brett Tyler, who wrote the song alongside Kelly Archer and Morgan Wallen.
Additionally, Kent’s major label debut, Blacktop, is set to premiere on June 2, with an album release show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl that evening. He will also be hitting the road this summer, opening for Jason Aldean on his “Highway Desperado Tour.”
NMAAM To Honor Missy Elliot & Atlantic Records At Celebration Of Legends Event
Missy Elliot
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will kick off Black Music Month by honoring Grammy-winning artist Missy Elliott and Atlantic Records during its annual Celebration of Legends on June 2.
Elliot and Atlantic Records will receive this year’s Rhapsody & Rhythm Award, which recognizes music industry professionals and pioneers for their impactful, multi-generational contributions to African American music and American culture. Past recipients include Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, George Clinton, Kirk Franklin and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
“We are excited to honor Missy Elliott and Atlantic Records at our Annual Legends Gala,” says H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM President & CEO. “Their contributions to the music industry have been tremendous, and we are proud to recognize them for their artistry, innovation and impact.”
NMAAM’s month-long celebration of Black music will also be filled with events ranging from an album release event to comedy shows as well as a Free Community Day, which takes place each year on Juneteenth. For more information, click here.
CMHOF Hosts 44th Annual Words & Music Celebration
Tenille Townes with Words & Music Night student and songwriter participants. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its 44th annual celebration in honor of its flagship educational program, Words & Music, earlier this week. Students and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater, along with the evening’s host, Sony Music Nashville recording artist Tenille Townes, to hear a selection of 13 songs written by participants in Nashville and surrounding areas.
Ranging from third graders to high school seniors, Words & Music allows students to share their stories by writing original song lyrics, while developing language-arts skills, as they interact with a professional songwriter, paired with their class, in an engaging performance workshop that transforms lyrics into finished songs.
Big Yellow Dog Music Signs BSamz
BSamz signs with Big Yellow Dog Music.
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed songwriter and producer BSamz, aka Brandon Sammons.
The Missouri native started in the industry as lead singer and guitar player for the band Sunset Black. After moving to Los Angeles, he transitioned into songwriting and producing, and moved to Nashville during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has collaborated with Lady Gaga, Kygo, Bryce Vine, Adam Lambert, Culture Club, Sam Feldt and more, and written multiple chart-topping hits such as Girls’ Generation’s “You Think” and Bad Wolves‘ “Hear Me Now.”
“Brandon’s boundless energy for writing great music, along with such a diversity, has me pumped about what we can accomplish in Nashville and abroad,” says Jacee Badeaux, Big Yellow Dog Music Senior Creative Director, A&R.
Taylor Austin Dye Inks With UTA
Pictured (L-R): UTA Nashville’s Lauren Holland, Mackenzie Coberley, Taylor Austin Dye, LEX Music Group/LMG Records’ Lex Lipsitz, Ben Williamson (Tour Manager), UTA Nashville’s Curt Motley and Brian Hill. Photo: Kyrie Bassette/UTA Nashville
Country singer-songwriter Taylor Austin Dye has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas.
Originally from Kentucky, the Nashville-based artist has created a sound that comes straight from her rowdy country roots. Her fans described her music as confident and real.
The Malpass Brothers Sign With Battle Artist Agency
The Malpass Brothers. Photo: Kimberly Manning
The Malpass Brothers have signed with the Battle Artist Agency for exclusive booking representation.
Made up of Chris and Taylor Malpass, the country duo creates music spanning from Americana to vintage country. They served as Merle Haggard‘s opening act from 2007 to 2014, and have performed at many well-known festivals and venues, including MerleFest, Dollywood and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
The Malpass Brothers made their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2018, and took home Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Country Duo of the Year at the Independent Artists Josie Awards in 2022.
“We are really excited to team up with Rob Battle,” says Chris Malpass. “We have been blessed to work with some great buyers over the years, that have become friends, and making this move only allows us to further expand our music base and grow the audience.”
Additionally, the pair has released their new album Lonely Street, and will perform on the 2024 Country Music Cruise with Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence, Neal McCoy, Shenandoah, Billy Dean and more.
‘Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90’ Coming To Cinemas June 11
/by Lorie HollabaughWillie Nelson and Keith Richards perform at Nelson’s 90th birthday concert. Photo: Randall Michelson/Hewitt Silva-Live Nation
Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, the two-day concert extravaganza celebrating Nelson’s milestone 90th birthday, is coming to cinemas. The new film will premiere in theaters on June 11, with a special encore presentation on June 13-14.
The limited theatrical release from Blackbird Presents, Mark Rothbaum, and Joe Hand Promotions will feature a selection of the most memorable moments and unforgettable collaborations from the celebration, held on April 29-30 before a sold-out crowd at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in L.A. The two-hour-plus film will give fans the opportunity to re-live or experience the star-studded show for the first time, and includes performances by Nelson, Keith Richards, Snoop Dogg, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, The Lumineers, Gary Clark Jr., Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Billy Strings and many more.
The concert will include highlights from across the two nights of shows with full performances and special guest presentations, and fans in the cinemas will be treated to an immersive experience, with a state-of-the-art cinematic presentation and pristine 5.1 stereo surround sound. Tickets for this exclusive concert event are available for purchase at willienelson90experience.com.
“Demand to attend this historic concert event was unprecedented. Willie wanted to make sure his 90th birthday party included and was accessible to all of his fans. This concert film release will allow everyone to join in and celebrate with Willie and an amazing line-up of superstar artists. We are thrilled to share this concert event with fans around the globe in such a unique and powerful way,” says Nelson’s manager Rothbaum and Keith Wortman, CEO of Blackbird Presents.
Morgan Wallen Takes ‘Last Night’ To No. 1 On MusicRow Radio Chart
/by LB CantrellMorgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
In just 11 weeks since entering the chart, Morgan Wallen‘s “Last Night” is the No. 1 song on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
The tune was written by John Byron, Ashley Gorley, Jacob Kasher Hindlin and Ryan Vojtesak, and appears on Wallen’s third studio album One Thing At A Time.
Wallen is currently on doctor-ordered vocal rest after suffering vocal fold trauma, forcing him to reschedule six weeks of shows. Although he was unable to attend, the country superstar was awarded the Male Artist of the Year trophy at last week’s ACM Awards.
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.
Bailey Zimmerman Shatters Global Amazon Music Record [Exclusive]
/by LB CantrellBailey Zimmerman
Bailey Zimmerman continues his record-breaking streak following the release of his debut album Religiously. The Album. on Friday (May 12). The album’s first-day streams exceeded any other debut country album ever on Amazon Music globally. The project also earned the most first-week streams of any debut country album on Amazon Music globally.
Zimmerman is the 2023 country Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, which means he receives support platform wide. As part of the Breakthrough program, Zimmerman and his team get to work alongside Amazon Music to develop a long-term, customized global plan tailored to their specific needs. This includes video and audio content, global marketing support, custom merch stores on the Amazon website and increased visibility across Amazon Music’s playlists and programming.
For Zimmerman, the Breakthrough Artist program allowed him to participate in Stagecoach opportunities including a backstage livestream interview on the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, meet-and-greet and merch giveaways with fans at the Amazon Music Live lounge, along with a dedicated Breakthrough billboard placement in Palm Springs. He was also a featured guest on Country Heat Weekly podcast, performed at the 58th annual ACM Awards as a part of the annual Breakthrough performance and came together with Amazon Music to celebrate his new album with an album release event in Austin.
In June, Zimmerman will participate in a CMA Fest activation, make a special guest appearance on Country Grammar Radio on Amazon Music, participate in Country Music Month initiatives and will receive campaign support from Amazon Live.
Zimmerman’s record-breaking success with Religiously. The Album. marks the third consecutive time that a country Breakthrough Artist has broken this record. Amazon Music Breakthrough Artist, Gabby Barrett, broke the record in 2020, as did Breland in 2022, exemplifying the strength of the program.
“Amazon Music is dedicated to championing artists in all facets of their career and our Breakthrough Program allows us to work alongside artists in a special way,” Amazon Music’s Artist Relations Co-Lead, Chris Graham, tells MusicRow. “Breakthrough includes increased visibility across our stations and playlists, such as Amazon Country Music’s global playlist Country Heat, but it also extends to livestream performances (including Festivals), bespoke marketing activations and events, social promotion, merch offerings, Amazon Original songs, editorial content and more.”
He adds, “Breakthrough is intentionally a long-term program that allows us to get behind an artist for several months. That long-game perspective is key to finding and growing a fanbase for our Breakthrough Artists on Amazon Music and executing on their behalf throughout the campaign and beyond. It really allows us to take the time to build with them and take our customers and their fans along for the ride; and in turn, breaking some records along the way!”
Vintage Willie Nelson Albums To Get The Vinyl Treatment
/by Lorie HollabaughThe releases will kick off June 23 with his 2002 collaborative album, The Great Divide, followed by 1998’s Daniel Lanois-produced Teatro on Aug. 4 in honor of its 25th anniversary.
The Great Divide saw Nelson duet with a roster of artists across the musical spectrum on a rousing collection of originals and covers for his 50th studio album. Joined by a diverse group including Alison Kraus, Bonnie Raitt, Brian McKnight, Kid Rock and Lee Ann Womack, the collection features highlights such as the Rob Thomas-penned duet, “Maria (Shut Up And Kiss Me)” as well as “Mendocino County Line,” co-written by Bernie Taupin, who also co-wrote “This Face.” Other standouts include covers of Mickey Newbury’s “Just Dropped In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In),” Cyndi Lauper’s signature tune, “Time After Time,” and the title track which sees Nelson taking the lead for a Spanish-tinged original.
Nelson’s 2000 ode to the blues, Milk Cow Blues, will arrive Sept. 15 as a double LP, while 1996’s stripped-back Spirit will bow on Oct. 20, ahead his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 3. The Great Divide and Milk Cow Blues will be making their vinyl debuts while Teatro and Spirit return to vinyl due to popular demand.
All albums will be available on 180-gram black vinyl as well as a limited edition color variant on 140-gram vinyl, exclusively available through uDiscover Music and Nelson’s website. The Great Divide and Spirit will be pressed on clear vinyl while Teatro and Milk Cow Blues will be on translucent red vinyl and orange vinyl. The LPs are available for pre-order now. For more information, click here.
Industry Ink: Corey Kent, NMAAM, Words & Music, BSamz, More
/by Liza AndersonCorey Kent Celebrates First No. 1 ‘Wild As Her’
Pictured (L-R): Combustion Music’s Blake Duncan, Chris Farren, Triple 8 Management’s George Couri, Corey Kent, Combustion Music’s Falcon, Keithan Melton and Kelly Lyons
Combustion Music/RCA Nashville artist Corey Kent celebrated his first No. 1 single, “Wild As Her,” with his team this week. The Platinum-certified smash, produced by Combustion Music’s Chris Farren, has garnered over 275 million streams worldwide. “Wild As Her” also marks the second No. 1 for Combustion writer Brett Tyler, who wrote the song alongside Kelly Archer and Morgan Wallen.
Additionally, Kent’s major label debut, Blacktop, is set to premiere on June 2, with an album release show at Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl that evening. He will also be hitting the road this summer, opening for Jason Aldean on his “Highway Desperado Tour.”
NMAAM To Honor Missy Elliot & Atlantic Records At Celebration Of Legends Event
Missy Elliot
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) will kick off Black Music Month by honoring Grammy-winning artist Missy Elliott and Atlantic Records during its annual Celebration of Legends on June 2.
Elliot and Atlantic Records will receive this year’s Rhapsody & Rhythm Award, which recognizes music industry professionals and pioneers for their impactful, multi-generational contributions to African American music and American culture. Past recipients include Lionel Richie, Chaka Khan, Quincy Jones, Smokey Robinson, George Clinton, Kirk Franklin and the Fisk Jubilee Singers.
“We are excited to honor Missy Elliott and Atlantic Records at our Annual Legends Gala,” says H. Beecher Hicks III, NMAAM President & CEO. “Their contributions to the music industry have been tremendous, and we are proud to recognize them for their artistry, innovation and impact.”
NMAAM’s month-long celebration of Black music will also be filled with events ranging from an album release event to comedy shows as well as a Free Community Day, which takes place each year on Juneteenth. For more information, click here.
CMHOF Hosts 44th Annual Words & Music Celebration
Tenille Townes with Words & Music Night student and songwriter participants. Photo: Courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum hosted its 44th annual celebration in honor of its flagship educational program, Words & Music, earlier this week. Students and their families gathered in the museum’s Ford Theater, along with the evening’s host, Sony Music Nashville recording artist Tenille Townes, to hear a selection of 13 songs written by participants in Nashville and surrounding areas.
Ranging from third graders to high school seniors, Words & Music allows students to share their stories by writing original song lyrics, while developing language-arts skills, as they interact with a professional songwriter, paired with their class, in an engaging performance workshop that transforms lyrics into finished songs.
Big Yellow Dog Music Signs BSamz
BSamz signs with Big Yellow Dog Music.
Big Yellow Dog Music has signed songwriter and producer BSamz, aka Brandon Sammons.
The Missouri native started in the industry as lead singer and guitar player for the band Sunset Black. After moving to Los Angeles, he transitioned into songwriting and producing, and moved to Nashville during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He has collaborated with Lady Gaga, Kygo, Bryce Vine, Adam Lambert, Culture Club, Sam Feldt and more, and written multiple chart-topping hits such as Girls’ Generation’s “You Think” and Bad Wolves‘ “Hear Me Now.”
“Brandon’s boundless energy for writing great music, along with such a diversity, has me pumped about what we can accomplish in Nashville and abroad,” says Jacee Badeaux, Big Yellow Dog Music Senior Creative Director, A&R.
Taylor Austin Dye Inks With UTA
Pictured (L-R): UTA Nashville’s Lauren Holland, Mackenzie Coberley, Taylor Austin Dye, LEX Music Group/LMG Records’ Lex Lipsitz, Ben Williamson (Tour Manager), UTA Nashville’s Curt Motley and Brian Hill. Photo: Kyrie Bassette/UTA Nashville
Country singer-songwriter Taylor Austin Dye has signed with UTA for worldwide representation in all areas.
Originally from Kentucky, the Nashville-based artist has created a sound that comes straight from her rowdy country roots. Her fans described her music as confident and real.
The Malpass Brothers Sign With Battle Artist Agency
The Malpass Brothers. Photo: Kimberly Manning
The Malpass Brothers have signed with the Battle Artist Agency for exclusive booking representation.
Made up of Chris and Taylor Malpass, the country duo creates music spanning from Americana to vintage country. They served as Merle Haggard‘s opening act from 2007 to 2014, and have performed at many well-known festivals and venues, including MerleFest, Dollywood and Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.
The Malpass Brothers made their Grand Ole Opry debut in 2018, and took home Entertainer of the Year and Vocal Country Duo of the Year at the Independent Artists Josie Awards in 2022.
“We are really excited to team up with Rob Battle,” says Chris Malpass. “We have been blessed to work with some great buyers over the years, that have become friends, and making this move only allows us to further expand our music base and grow the audience.”
Additionally, the pair has released their new album Lonely Street, and will perform on the 2024 Country Music Cruise with Clint Black, Tracy Lawrence, Neal McCoy, Shenandoah, Billy Dean and more.
BMI Hosts Priscilla Block & Chayce Beckham For ‘Rooftop On The Row’ Series
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): BMI’s David Preston, BMI’s Nina Carter, BMI’s Clay Bradley, Chayce Beckham, Priscilla Block, BMI’s MaryAnn Keen, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, BMI’s Mason Hunter, BMI’s Josh Tomlinson. Photo: Erika Rock for BMI
Summer is near, which means BMI’s signature “Rooftop On The Row” series is back. Earlier this week, the PRO hosted rising singer-songwriters Priscilla Block and Chayce Beckham, who performed for industry professionals at BMI’a Music Row office.
The inclement weather didn’t stop the party, which was presented by George Dickel Bourbon. Industry members listened to sets from Block and Beckham while enjoying free food and drinks, provided by the event’s sponsors ONErpm, Cumulus 103.3 Country, Daou Vineyards, Liquid Death, Red Bull, Texas Roadhouse, Topo Chico, White Claw and Studio Bank.
As DJ Smoke set the tone for this year’s second installment of “BMI’s Rooftop On The Row,” BMI’s Josh Tomlinson and Cumulus’ Elaina Smith introduced Beckham to the stage where he performed songs such as “I’ll Take the Bar” and “Doin’ It Right” off his debut EP. He followed that with his RIAA Gold certified new single, “23” that has garnered 145 million streams to date, as well as the most recent release “Till The Day I Die,” which recently made its television debut on American Idol.
Block continued the momentum as she opened with “My Bar” and kept the crowd engaged with her 11-song set. Highlights included fan-favorites such as “Thick Thighs” and “Like A Boy,” along with a special rendition of her new single “You, Me and Whiskey” featuring Justin Moore.
In its fifth season, BMI’s “Rooftop On The Row” series returns July 18 with headliners Mackenzie Carpenter and Dylan Marlowe, followed by a 50th Anniversary celebration for hip-hop on Aug. 15. The final event on Sept. 19 will serve as the official kickoff to Americanafest, with performers for the final two shows to be announced soon.
CMT To Premiere ‘Carly Pearce – 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City)’
/by Lorie HollabaughCarly Pearce performing with Ashley McBryde. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Carly Pearce – 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) is set to premiere Saturday, May 20 at 11 a.m. CT on CMT, with subsequent re-airs on CMT Music and MTV Live.
Recorded live in front of a packed audience in the heart of Music City, Carly Pearce – 29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) closes the chapter on Pearce’s pivotal album 29, marking her journey through heartbreak, loss and growth as a female artist sharing her story. The 60-minute special event features nine performances from Pearce, including songs with special guests Ashley McBryde, Lee Brice and Jenee Fleenor.
Throughout the month of May, the special will encore back-to-back with CMT Defining: Carly Pearce, the all-new series Pearce kicked off last month to celebrate the 10th anniversary of CMT’s Next Women of Country franchise. For more information, click here.
DISClaimer Single Reviews: Lee Brice Honors Late Collaborator, Kyle Jacobs
/by Robert K OermannKyle Jacobs and Lee Brice
We’re mixing it up with hard country, pop country, blues, rock and folk-pop in this edition of DISClaimer.
For real meat-and-potatoes country music, I prescribe Brennen Leigh, Thompson Square, Chase Matthew and Colby Acuff.
We have two excellent entries by Black country stylists this week. One is from a previous favorite, O.N.E. The Duo. The other comes from our DISCovery Award winner, Tae Lewis.
Towering above everybody else is the sublime single by Lee Brice, which earns the Disc of the Day prize.
TAE LEWIS / “Summer of 21”
Writers: Brian Alexander/Mary Kutter/Chris Sligh/Heath Warren/Tae Lewis; Producers: Taylor Bias/Lukas Scott Klingensmith; Label: Tae Lewis Music
– Nostalgia for that summertime beach romance with oomphy production to match his sterling, range-y, tenor-vocal performance. Best debut disc I’ve heard in ages. Lewis is one of the Black Opry talents.
JD DARLING / “1995”
Writer: Jonathan Darling; Producers: John Kennedy/JD Darling; Label: JD Darling
– He has an honest, slightly pitchy baritone, and the spare production is attractive. His song is kinda simplistic, sing-songy and overly wordy, but the overall listening experience goes down smoothly. He’s still on the amateur side of things. But keep him writing. He’s on the path.
LEE BRICE / “Save the Roses”
Writers: Lee Brice/Joe Leathers/Kyle Jacobs; Producers: Ben Glover/Kyle Jacobs; Label: Curb Records
– I love this man. He’s a song magnet who gets to me every time. Brice is a superb country singer who delivers a lyric like no one else in this business. In this case, it is a powerful, chesty elegy to the late songwriter Kyle Jacobs, and I promise it will hit you in your heart.
BRENNEN LEIGH / “I Ain’t Through Honky Tonkin Yet”
Writers: Brennen Leigh/John Scott Sherrill; Producer: Chris Scruggs; Label: Signature Sounds
– I’ve been a fan of this talented Texan for years. She is unashamedly country down to her fingertips, unafraid to bask in fiddles and steel while delivering songs of beers & tears. This is the title tune of her Nashville album, which drops June 16. On board in the CD’s cast are Rodney Crowell, Chris Scruggs and Marty Stuart. This exquisitely retro tune will make you want to grab a partner and two-step across that dance floor. To coin a phrase—This is music to my ears.
CHASE MATTHEW / “Where There’s Smoke”
Writers: Rodney Clawson/Alysa Vanderheym/Josh Miller/Jordan Reynolds; Producer: Alysa Vanderheym; Label: Warner Music Nashville/Chase Matthew Music
– Matthew’s new 25-song album arrives on June 9, but there’s already a lot to preview. Its single is “Love You Again.” The collection’s title tune is “Come Get Your Memory.” There’s a video of “County Line.” Yet another advance is this track marrying heartache and doubt with driving, top-down energy. Modern country with a twang.
DOLLY PARTON / “World on Fire”
Writer: Dolly Parton; Producer: Kent Wells; Label: Big Machine Records, LLC
– Dolly premiered this stomping, apocalyptic, thunderous call for love and unity on last week’s ACM awards show. She’s channeling Queen, U2 and Springsteen as she introduces us to her new rock personna. The chanted barn burner will be found on Rockstar, her 30-track, star-studded rock collection coming this fall. An audio revelation.
O.N.E. The Duo / “Hearts Like Mine”
Writers: Tekitha Washington/Prana Supreme Diggs/Rebecca Lynn Howard/Elisha Hoffman/Lincoln Morris; Producer: Dann Huff; Label: Visionary Media Group
– The mother-daughter team displays a glossy, melodic, pop-ish sound on this outing. Their wafting, gently harmonized, feminine bopper is simply lovely. It joins the video of “Feels Good” and last year’s “Stuck in the Middle” as advance tracks. All three songs are drawn from Blood Harmony, O.N.E. The Duo’s debut album, which drops Aug. 11.
RILEY GREEN & LUKE COMBS / “Different ‘Round Here”
Writers: Randy Montana/Jonathan David Singleton/Riley Green; Producer: Dan Huff, Jimmy Harnen; Label: BMLG Records
– Let’s see: So far, Mr. Green has released duets with Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett and Dustin Lynch. Now here’s another. This redneck anthem features country king Combs. It pre-supposes that their hometown is “different” because it can tell “right is right and wrong is wrong.” Unlike the rest of us?
THOMPSON SQUARE / “Without You”
Writers: Tim Nichols/Anthony Olympia/Brent Rupard; Producers: Derek George, Mickey Jack Cones; Label: Quartz Hill Records
– Rippling banjo notes set the merry mood as the husband-wife duo rolls out of the driveway and out onto the open road with this zesty, made-for-summer ditty. Keifer sings lead and Shawna shadows him in perfect harmony. The electric guitars soar as the track hits its stride. Highly recommended.
LINDSAY ELL / “Sweet Spot”
Writers: Lindsay Ell/Mark Campbell/Pete Groenwald; Producers: Mark Campbell/Peter Groenwald; Label: WM Canada
– The Canadian guitar-slinging country troubadour unleashes a punchy, pop production that motors along steadily with relentless beats in an echoey atmosphere. Breezy and pleasant. North of the border, she’s the host of Canada’s Got Talent. In a recent People magazine story, she revealed that she has been battling an eating disorder.
GRIFFEN PALMER / “Put Me Through Hello”
Writers: Griffen Palmer/Geoff Warburton; Producer: Joey Moi; Label: Big Loud Records
– He lets her put him through “Hell-oh” every time his ex calls him and reels him back in. The rapid-fire delivery is expertly done, and the production has just the right touches of electric instrumentation, thumping rhythm and swirling atmosphere. This is drawn from Palmer’s debut album, the recently released Unlearn. Nicely done, bro.
TRACY NELSON & WILLIE NELSON / “Honky Tonkin’”
Writer: Hank Williams; Producers: Roger Alan Nichols/Tracy Nelson; Label: BMG
– On her new Life Don’t Miss Nobody album, timeless Nashville blues diva Tracy Nelson dips into the catalogs of Ma Rainey, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry, Sonny Boy Williamson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Gene McDaniels, the Nevilles and Stephen Foster. Among the highlights is her reunion with Willie. The two last scored a blazing duet success with “After the Fire Is Gone” in 1974. On this upbeat. loosey-goosey rendition of the Hank Williams classic, the two are equally charming. The hot harmonica licks by Mickey Raphael don’t hurt a bit. Throughout the collection, producer Roger Nichols’ tracks are brilliantly imaginative.
COLBY ACUFF / “Playing God Again”
Writers: Colby Acuff/Dwight Baker; Producer: Eddie Spear; Label: Sony Music Nashville
– This Idaho singer-songwriter has issued three self-penned indie albums. For his Sony debut, he trots out a fiddle-led romper that tells us to “sit back and let the future unfold” and don’t try to control what you can’t. His energy and his reedy, heartfelt voice are infectious. Also check out the lilting folkie ballad that is his album’s title tune, “Western White Pines.”
Variety Attractions Founder George Moffett Passes
/by Lorie HollabaughGeorge Moffett
Variety Attractions Founder and veteran industry talent buyer, George Moffett, passed away on May 14 in Zanesville, Ohio.
Moffett made his first foray into booking while in college. Playing trumpet with a dance band in school, he started to book local bands on the side at fraternity parties and social clubs. Following graduation and realizing the need for a booking agency, he founded Variety Attractions in 1961.
At Variety Moffett booked Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Alabama, Garth Brooks, Toby Keith, Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney and more at the beginning of their careers and throughout. To date, Variety Attractions has booked over $1.2 billion in contracts since its inception and now operates in 24 states.
As the company grew, Moffett received the Country Music Association’s SRO Promoter/Talent Buyer of the Year award four times. He was also the Academy of Country Music’s Talent Buyer of the Year three times, and received honors from many state fair associations, including being inducted into the Ohio Fair Managers Hall of Fame. He served three terms on the CMA Board of Directors, and visited the White House under President Jimmy Carter.
Moffett was also one of the founding members of the International Country Music Buyers Association in Nashville, along with his colleagues Don Romeo and Hap Peebles. Today the organization is known as the International Entertainment Buyers Association and is recognized as the premier organization for talent buyers of all genres. He served on the IEBA Board of Directors for 30 years, received the Founders Award in 2010 and was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2018.
Moffett is survived is his wife Shirley (Williams) Moffett; daughter Amy (Rob) Gray; and granddaughters Megan (Gray) Van-Dyke and Elaine Gray.
Visitation is set for Friday, May 19 from 5-8 p.m. at the Snouffer Funeral Home (1150 West Military Road, Zanesville, Ohio 43701). The funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 20 in the Snouffer Chapel, with burial to follow in Zanesville Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the George Moffett Scholarship Fund, which is endowed at Belmont University in Nashville and awarded annually to a deserving student majoring in an accredited music business class. Donations can be made here or by contacting Pam Matthews at 615-679-9601.
Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, More To Headline Friday Concert At Big Machine Music City Grand Prix
/by Steven BoeroChris Janson, Brian Kelley
The third annual Big Machine Music City Grand Prix has revealed its lineup for the Freedom Friday Tribute Concert, presented by Wesley Mortgage. Artists slated to perform include Chris Janson, Brian Kelley, Vince Neil of Motley Crue, Gavin DeGraw and other special guests, along with Sixwire.
The show will take place on Friday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. on the Zyn Main Stage on the Nissan Stadium campus. Local media personality Kelly Sutton will serve as the event emcee.
The Freedom Friday concert will honor members of the military, police, fire, first responders and frontline heroes on the opening day of the Big Machine Music City Grand Prix’s three-day festival of motorsports and music in downtown Nashville. The 160th Special Ops Aviation Regiment will perform a helicopter aerial demonstration and a pre-concert flyover by the 101st Airborne Division. In addition, Wesley Mortgage will be providing free rides on the Ferris Wheel all weekend.
“We are proud to partner with Wesley Mortgage to honor the heroes who serve and protect us on a daily basis—and excited to announce our Freedom Friday line-up,” says Jason Rittenberry, President & COO, Big Machine Music City Grand Prix. “This is a small token of appreciation to those in the service that allow us to live lives of safety and freedom—and enjoy events like this year’s Big Machine Music City Grand Prix.”
Other artists slated to perform during the day are American Blonde, Jillian Cardarelli, Connor McCutcheon, Ryan Griffin and Zoee on the iHeart Music Stage, located in the Fan Zone.
All active and retired military members as well as first responders (law enforcement, fire fighters, EMTs and frontline medical workers) are eligible to receive free admission for up to four (4) general admission tickets for a full day of racing from the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Indy Lights, GT America, Trans Am Series and Stadium SUPER Trucks along with the tribute concert. Those eligible, can use a Wesley Mortgage Freedom Friday link to receive tickets.