Otto Price Joins WME As Christian Music Agent

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Otto Price. Photo: Robert Chavers

WME has added Otto Price to their Christian Music Department in the Nashville office.

With almost three decades of experience, Price brings expertise and a strong network of relationships to the agency as he joins a team that represents many established Christian and Gospel artists. He comes to WME from Square One Creative Group, where he served as a producer, arranger, composer and musician for Jimmie Allen, For King & Country, Kelly Clarkson and more.

Price actively toured with the well-known Christian group DC Talk, playing bass with them for nine years before moving into an A&R position at Warner Music Nashville, where he worked with artists including Amy Grant and Randy Travis, among others.

“Otto brings a wealth of industry knowledge and experience to WME,” shares WME Nashville Co-Heads Becky Gardenhire, Joey Lee and Jay Williams in a joint statement. “He has a deep understanding of the Christian market and will be influential in building upon the Christian Music team’s success.”

In his new role, Price will oversee the daily touring, television, literary and sponsorship opportunities as well as bookings in international territories for artists such as Israel Houghton, Maverick City, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Kierra Sheard-Kelly and more.

New Jelly Roll Documentary Explores His Addiction Challenges, Rise To Fame

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Photo: Courtesy of ABC News Studios

Jelly Roll: Save Me, a documentary chronicling the singer-songwriter’s journey of redemption and confronting his struggles with mental health and addiction as he rises to stardom, will begin streaming on May 30 only on Hulu. 

The ABC News Studio documentary gives viewers an unfettered inside look as Jelly Roll prepares and performs for his devoted fans on the biggest tour date of his career, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena in his hometown. Featuring exclusive access, never-before-seen tour footage, and interviews with the musician and those closest to him, the documentary reveals a raw and unflinching artist, incarcerated as a teen and adult, now using the power of his platform to raise awareness and funds for at-risk youth across the country.

Jelly Roll shares a behind-the-scenes look at how he balances life on tour with his philanthropic work, including visiting the juvenile detention facility where he was incarcerated multiple times to share his story and inspire positive change. 

The 38-year-old Nashville native became the story of the night at this year’s CMT Music Awards in April, beating out the biggest names in country to sweep the awards as a first-time nominee. Enjoying a meteoric rise to fame with his first country radio No. 1, two weeks at No. 1 on rock radio, and 25 consecutive weeks topping Billboard’s Emerging Artist chart—the most of any artist in the chart’s history—his debut country album Whitsitt Chapel drops on June 2.

Zach Bryan, Hailey Whitters Earn Early ACM Wins

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Zach Bryan, Hailey Whitters

Ahead of the Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday (May 11), winners have been announced for New Male and New Female Artist of the Year, with Zach Bryan and Hailey Whitters taking home the titles.

Bryan and Whitters’ wins were announced via social media.

An Oklahoma-native and Navy veteran, Bryan rose to prominence in 2019 when a video of him singing his soulful song “Heading South” by a campfire went viral. The track, which is now RIAA Platinum-certified, has amassed more than 19 million views. Later that year, Bryan released his debut album DeAnn, followed by his second album, Elisabeth in 2020. He went on to sign to Warner Records in 2021 and was honorably discharged from the Navy to focus on his music career full-time.

In May 2022, Bryan released his major-label debut, American Heartbreak, and embarked on a massive U.S. tour with multiple sold-out shows. Following his record-breaking debut, Bryan released the nine-track EP Summertime Blues, which debuted in the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart. He closed out 2022 by dropping a surprise 24-track live album, All My Homies Hate Ticketmaster on Christmas Day, which was recorded just seven weeks earlier at his sold-out show at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheater and topped the Apple Music Country chart.

Whitters, the Iowa-born, Nashville-based rising country star scored her breakthrough moment in 2020 with the release of her self-funded debut album The Dream, which went on to appear on more than 15 year-end best of lists. The subsequent deluxe album Living The Dream found Whitters’ self-fulfilling The Dream’s prophecy and enlisting her friends and collaborators Brent Cobb, Jordan Davis, Hillary Lindsey, Lori McKenna, Little Big Town, and Trisha Yearwood to appear on five new songs. In 2021 alone, Whitters toured with Luke Combs and Midland, was named the inaugural Opry NextStage Artist of the year, scored her first CMT Music Award nomination for Breakthrough Video of the Year and received her first Grammy nomination for Song of the Year for “A Beautiful Noise,” which was performed by Alicia Keys and Brandi Carlile.

On March 18, 2022, Whitters released her third studio album Raised via Pigasus / Songs & Daughters / Big Loud, followed by her debut headline “Heartland Tour,” performances at Tortuga Music Festival and Stagecoach Festival, and a national tour with Jon Pardi and Lainey Wilson. Now boasting over 150 million streams across her catalog, Whitters’ breakout single “Everything She Ain’t” is currently climbing multiple charts and has inspired multiple viral TikTok trends.

‘CMT Crossroads: The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker’ To Premiere May 16

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CMT Crossroads: The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker is slated to premiere on Tuesday, May 16 at 9 p.m. CT.

The episode has the longtime friends swapping stories and performing each other’s most-celebrated songs, including can’t-miss renditions of The Black Crowes’ “Hard To Handle,” “She Talks to Angels” and “Remedy,” Rucker’s “Wagon Wheel” and “Let Her Cry,” along with a rousing delivery of Drivin N Cryin’s quintessential Southern rock anthem “Straight To Hell.” 

The show was filmed outdoors in front of a live audience in the heart of downtown Austin as part of CMT Music Awards Week, and Chuck Leavell (The Allman Brothers and The Rolling Stones) performed alongside The Black Crowes and Rucker on keyboards during the special.

“It was really cool getting to do Crossroads with Darius,” says Rich Robinson of The Black Crowes. “We both come from similar music scenes in the south and we have a shared admiration for a lot of the same music. Darius has such a powerful voice and has written some great songs. I’m glad we finally got to share the stage with our friend!”

“I’ve been a fan of The Black Crowes for decades, and I’m grateful that we’ve also become good friends over the years,” says Rucker. “The first time I heard ‘She Talks to Angels,’ I remember being so moved by the lyrics that I went around Columbia, South Carolina asking every single bar to play it. I went home that night and put on Bonnie Raitt’s Home Plate, and decided I was going to try to write ‘She Talks to Angels’ for her. ‘Let Her Cry’ was what poured out of me. These guys have been so impactful on my career and sharing the stage with them was a blast.”

CMT Crossroads:The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker will also have an encore airing May 16 at 10 p.m. CT, and on Friday, May 19 at 11 p.m. CT. It will also go live on Wednesday, May 17 on CMT.com, CMT VOD and the MTV app (CMT Crossroads), with subsequent premieres on CMT Music and MTV Live.

Nominees Revealed For 2023 Americana Honors & Awards

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Pictured (L-R): Henry Hicks (President & CEO of NMAAM); S.G. Goodman; Ann, Regina, Alfreda (The McCrary Sisters); Gina Miller (SVP/GM of MNRK Music Group); Margo Price; Jed Hilly (Executive Director of Americana Music Association). Photo: Terry Wyatt (Getty for Americana Music Association)

The Americana Music Association has revealed the nominees for its 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards. Gina Miller, SVP and GM of MNRK Music Group and member of the Americana Music Association’s Board of Directors, served as the host for today’s (May 9) announcement event, which was held at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) and featured performances from S.G. Goodman, The McCrary Sisters and Margo Price.

The Americana Music Association honors distinguished members of the music community with six member-voted annual awards and Lifetime Achievement Awards including the NMAAM co-presented Legacy of Americana Award, which will all be announced leading up to the awards ceremony.

“We’re excited to collaborate once again with the National Museum of African American Music to unveil our nominees for this year’s Americana Honors & Awards,” says Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Thanks to our performers, S.G. Goodman, The McCrary Sisters and Margo Price for a wonderful afternoon of music. Congratulations to all the member-selected nominees!”

The winners will be announced during the awards ceremony on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at the historic Ryman Auditorium. The celebrated program is the hallmark event of Americanafest, which returns for its 23rd year on Sept. 19-23, 2023.

A full list of categories and nominees for the Americana Music Association’s 22nd annual Americana Honors & Awards is below:

ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Big Time | Angel Olsen; Produced by Angel Olsen and Jonathan Wilson
Can I Take My Hounds To Heaven? | Tyler Childers; Produced by Tyler Childers
El Bueno y el Malo | Hermanos Gutiérrez; Produced by Dan Auerbach
The Man from Waco | Charley Crockett; Produced by Bruce Robison
Strays | Margo Price; Produced by Margo Price and Jonathan Wilson

ARTIST OF THE YEAR:
Charley Crockett
Sierra Ferrell
Margo Price
Allison Russell
Billy Strings

DUO/GROUP OF THE YEAR:
49 Winchester
Caamp
Nickel Creek
Plains
The War and Treaty

EMERGING ACT OF THE YEAR:
Adeem the Artist
S.G. Goodman
William Prince
Thee Sacred Souls
Sunny War

INSTRUMENTALIST OF THE YEAR:
Isa Burke
Allison de Groot
Jeff Picker
SistaStrings (Chauntee and Monique Ross)
Kyle Tuttle

SONG OF THE YEAR:
“Change of Heart,” Margo Price; Written by Jeremy Ivey, Margo Price
“I’m Just a Clown,” Charley Crockett; Written by Charley Crockett
“Just Like That,” Bonnie Raitt; Written by Bonnie Raitt
“Something in the Orange,” Zach Bryan; Written by Zach Bryan
“You’re Not Alone,” Allison Russell featuring Brandi Carlile; Written by Allison Russell

Peter Strickland Joins BMG/BBR Music Group As General Manager

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Peter Strickland. Photo: James Isaac Jones Photography

BMG/BBR Music Group has hired Peter Strickland as its new General Manager, effective immediately.

Strickland, who has been working with BMG/BBR Music Group in a consultancy role for almost two years, brings with him decades worth of music industry experience and knowledge. As GM, he will oversee the financial and daily operations of BMG/BBR Music Group, streamline distribution channels and physical-product sales as well as spearhead the label’s comedy initiatives. He reports to Jon Loba, President of BMG Nashville.

Strickland spent several years in upper management at Warner Music Nashville, including time as VP of Sales, VP of Sales & Marketing, SVP of Brand Management & Sales, Executive Vice President/General Manager and Chief Marketing Officer. Additionally, he created two successful comedy imprints and executive produced Jimmy Fallon’s 2013 Grammy Award-winning comedy album, Blow Your Pants Off, before opening his management company, Marathon Talent, in 2018.

“Peter and I worked together early in our career, where I had the chance to see his creativity, passion and energy up close,” says Loba. “Working with him again over the last year as a consultant, it is evident those same qualities burn hotter than ever. Beyond that, he is the consummate team player and was the obvious choice to step into the GM role upon Rick Shedd’s retirement. We couldn’t be more excited to officially bring him into the BMG family!”

“It’s an honor to be asked to join this incredible team,” says Strickland. “Jon Loba has built a great culture at BMG, and in reuniting with Jon, I look forward to contributing to the next chapter.”

Reach Strickland at peter.strickland@bmg.com.

Dan Pellarin Signs With Warner Chappell Music, Matchless Publishing & Artist Development

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Pictured (L-R, top row): Gus Chancy (Victory Ent.), Chris Perkins (Victory Ent.), Ben Vaughn (WCM), Benji Amaefule (WCM), Alexa Morris (WCM); (L-R, bottom): Matt Wallace (Matchless Pub.), Dan Pellarin, BJ Hill (WCM)

Singer-songwriter and producer Dan Pellarin has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music and Matchless Publishing and Artist Development.

Hailing from Long Island, New York, Pellarin has written with artists including Teddy Swims, Kolby Cooper, Pecos & The Rooftops, Lydia Vaughan, David Ray Stevens, Michael Whitworth, Justin Ebach, YX, Brad Rempel, Sam Bergeson, Saliva, Attack Attack!, Roan Ash, Shane Stevens, Karley Scott Collins, Zack Dyer, Brandon Lancaster, Andrew Baylis, Filmore, Atlus and Savage Hands, among many others.

“The ability to play any roll that’s needed in the writing room, and be good at all of them, is very rare,” says BJ Hill, WCM Nashville, VP, A&R. “Dan is really impressive at all facets and does it with a warm yet intense passion for creating great music.”

Matt Wallace of Matchless Publishing and Artist Development, adds, “Danny Pellarin defines multi-faceted in a way no other songwriter or musician I’ve worked with could. No matter the genre, the instrument, or the emotion, he delivers music with a meaning every day he enters the room. Time and time again his ability to mix unapologetic tenacity and unfiltered authenticity with his words, melodies and higher-level knowledge of music theory makes him the next talent to lock your eyes on.”

Morgan Wallen Suffering Vocal Fold Trauma, Rescheduling Six Weeks Of Shows

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Morgan Wallen. Photo: Ryan Smith

Morgan Wallen has re-injured his vocal cords following three shows this week and is now under mandatory vocal rest, which has forced him to cancel the next six weeks of shows as well as his appearance at the ACM Awards on Thursday (May 11) and the ACM Lifting Lives fundraiser event (May 10).

Wallen shared the message with his fans via social media on Tuesday (May 9).

“I got some bad news from my doctors at the Vanderbilt Voice Center yesterday. After taking ten days of vocal rest, I performed three shows last weekend in Florida and by the third one I felt terrible. So I went in and got scoped yesterday, and they told me that I re-injured my vocal cords and that I have vocal fold trauma. Their advice is that I go on vocal rest for six weeks, so that’s what I’m going to do,” Wallen shared, adding that he also healing after tearing his LAT (latissimus dorsi) in Australia.

“[The doctors] told me that if I do this the right way, I’ll get back to 100% and they also said that if I don’t listen and I keep singing, then I’ll permanently damage my voice,” he said. “So for the longevity of my career, this is just a choice I had to make. I hate it. But I love you guys, and I appreciate all the support that you always give me. I’ll see you soon and I’ll be back better than ever. God bless you.”

Tickets for Wallen’s original dates will be honored for all rescheduled performances. A 30-day refund window will open at point of purchase when new dates are announced imminently. His team is working to reschedule any missed festival appearances to 2024.

Wallen is nominated for four awards at Thursday’s ACM Awards, including Entertainer of the Year.

Dolly Parton Reveals Title, Release Date & Track List For First-Ever Rock Album

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Photo: Vijat Mohindra

Country Music and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dolly Parton has revealed details regarding her first-ever rock album.

Parton’s album will be called Rockstar and will release Nov. 17 via Butterfly Records with distribution by Big Machine Label Group. The 30-song collection includes 9 original tracks and 21 iconic rock anthems. Rockstar will be available as a 4 LP set and a 2 CD set, as well as via digital download and on all streaming services. It is available for pre-order now.

Parton will be joined by a slew of musical guests across genres on Rockstar, including Stevie Nicks, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Peter Frampton, Sting, John Fogerty, Steven Tyler, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Chris Stapleton, Miley Cyrus, Elton John, Lizzo, Linda Perry and many more.

“World On Fire” single artwork. Photo: Vijat Mohindra

Parton shares, “I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album Rockstar! I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure. I hope everybody enjoys the album as much as I’ve enjoyed putting it together!”

On Thursday (May 11), Parton will join Garth Brooks to host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. She will also close out the night by delivering the world premiere of the debut single from Rockstar, “World on Fire.” The track will be available on Thursday to coincide with the world premiere performance.

Of “World On Fire,” Parton shares, “This is a song I felt very inspired to write. I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.”

Rockstar Track List:
1. “Rockstar (with special guest Richie Sambora)”
2. “World on Fire”
3. “Every Breath You Take (feat. Sting)”
4. “Open Arms (feat. Steve Perry)”
5. “Magic Man (feat. Ann Wilson with special guest Howard Lee)”
6. “Long As I Can See The Light (feat. John Fogerty)”
7. “Either Or (feat. Kid Rock)”
8. “I Want You Back (feat. Steven Tyler & special guest Warren Haynes)”
9. “What Has Rock And Roll Ever Done For You (feat. Stevie Nicks & special guest Waddy Wachtel)”
10. “Purple Rain”
11. “Baby, I Love Your Way (feat. Peter Frampton)”
12. “I Hate Myself For Loving You (feat. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts)”
13. “Night Moves (feat. Chris Stapleton)”
14. “Wrecking Ball (feat. Miley Cyrus)”
15. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction (feat. P!nk & Brandi Carlile)”
16. “Keep On Loving You (feat. Kevin Cronin)”
17. “Heart Of Glass (feat. Debbie Harry)”
18. “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me (feat. Elton John)”
19. “Tried To Rock And Roll Me (feat. Melissa Etheridge)”
20. “Stairway To Heaven (feat. Lizzo & Sasha Flute)”
21. “We Are The Champions”
22. “Bygones (feat. Rob Halford with special guests Nikki Sixx & John 5)”
23. “My Blue Tears (feat. Simon Le Bon)”
24. “What’s Up? (feat. Linda Perry)”
25. “You’re No Good (feat. Emmylou Harris & Sheryl Crow)”
26. “Heartbreaker (feat. Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo)”
27. “Bittersweet (feat. Michael McDonald)”
28. “I Dreamed About Elvis (feat. Ronnie McDowell with special guest The Jordanaires)”
29. “Let It Be (feat. Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr with special guests Peter Frampton & Mick Fleetwood)”
30. “Free Bird (feat. Ronnie Van Zant with special guests Gary Rossington, Artimus Pyle and The Artimus Pyle Band)”

Dolly Parton Launches Partyware Line With Creative Converting

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Photo: Courtesy of Creative Converting

Dolly Parton has teamed with paper and party goods supplier Creative Converting on a new line of eco-friendly disposable party supplies.

The Dolly inaugural collection includes a series of floral and musically-inspired paper plates and single-use wooden cutlery, What Would Dolly Do?  plates and Be A Diamond in A Rhinestone World napkins, cake toppers, disposable tablecloths, special message banners, beverage kits featuring drink stirrers and coaster kits, wine bag options, treat bags and more.

With an initial rollout on Amazon, the Dolly-inspired collection will also hit retail locations across the U.S. and Canada over the coming weeks.

“I love to celebrate all the seasons of the year with my family and friends. Whether it’s birthdays or holidays, making memories with those you love is what matters most in life. I am excited to bring my new collection of party supplies to your homes and events, and even though I may not be there in person, I’ll be celebrating with you in spirit. Let’s party!” says Parton.

“Creative Converting is excited to partner with Dolly Parton on the launch of her first partyware collection,” says Andy Romjue, President of Hoffmaster.  “From celebratory disposable plate and napkin ensembles to reusable party decorations, consumers can now bring the spirit of Dolly Parton to at-home celebrations.”