Diplo. Photo: Aidan Cullen
When Diplo, or Thomas Wesley Pentz, released his first collection of collaborations with country artists—dubbed Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil—heads in Nashville turned.
The mega-hit DJ/producer behind the multi-Platinum hits “Where Are U Now” (with Skrillex and Justin Bieber), “Close To Me” (with Ellie Goulding and Swae Lee) and many others had dug into the country community, creating songs with Thomas Rhett, Zac Brown, Cam, Orville Peck and more, puzzling some on Music Row.
No one was prepared for Diplo’s collaboration with a then-rising new artist, Morgan Wallen, to became the six-time-Platinum smash hit “Heartless.” The trappy, dance-pop beat of the track mixed with the grit and ache of Wallen’s voice was a perfect mix, driving “Heartless” to become one of the biggest songs of 2019 and 2020.
Now, Diplo is back at it again, scratching his itch to create refreshing country sounds. His newest project, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 — Swamp Savant is out today (April 28) via Columbia, featuring collaborations with Sturgill Simpson, Dove Cameron, Morgan Wade, Parker McCollum, Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen and more.
While it is quite unique for a pop music headliner to take such an interest in Nashville, it makes sense for Diplo, as he spent a lot of formative years in the Middle Tennessee area. He even graduated from Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
“I delivered Chinese food to Reba McEntire‘s house in high school,” Diplo tells MusicRow. “I was always a country fan. I loved country and hip-hop growing up. Some of my favorite artists were Alan Jackson and Wu-Tang Clan. That’s kind of normal if you live in the South and [are] exposed to both things.”
Diplo
After spending time near Nashville, Diplo moved out to the swamplands of Florida, where his dad lived. “We had both worlds [in Florida]. We had a really big hip-hop scene and a lot of people just loved country. My dad would drive me every day to the Indian reservation and buy cigarettes—we would listen to country records.”
As he got older, Diplo dug in to Americana music as well as classic country and rock. His attention turned to modern country music, as the genre has grown over the last few years, and discovered different sub-genres such as Texas country, Americana/folk country and straight-ahead Nashville country.
“I’ve learned about modern country in the last five years out of necessity, because it was getting bigger. I was meeting some of these artists who were asking to work with me. I was learning about them and I thought it was exciting.”
Diplo’s first Thomas Wesley Presents project got him in the room with Nashville songwriters for the first time, which he says was a welcomed new method of making music.
“[When I first started writing that album], I was like, ‘Damn, these country songwriters are really good.’ They’re really fast. They have great voices. They don’t take any bullshit and they’re diplomatic in the studio—they have their opinion but they listen to you,” he says. “It was just a different way [of writing] than I’m used to. I’m used to either having to fully control the session and do everything myself, or [having to navigate] when an artist has such an ego that it’s hard to get anything great.
“The country guys, they really have respect for me and I have a mutual respect for each of them. There’s a level of trust too, because they’re really going out on limb.”
He shares that even though plenty of country artists are interested in working with him, they and their teams get nervous about what a collaboration with a pop-hitmaker could look like in their catalogs.
“That was something I had to navigate. It was hard to find the guys who would give me a chance. Thomas Rhett and Young Thug is something I never thought I would ever see, and I think that was my favorite record from the [first] project,” Diplo says, adding that he also looked to rising stars and those on the periphery of country music who could take a bigger risk and be on a track with him.
“We had people who were on the periphery of country because they were giving me a chance and we were doing something different, pushing the boundaries,” he says. “For this next one, I just leaned into the genres I loved and the songs that I thought would really tie together as a strong set of songs that push country in different directions.”
Earlier in the year, Diplo released a taste of the Thomas Wesley Presents project’s second portion when he dropped “Wasted” with Kodak Black and Koe Wetzel. The track combines Wetzel’s country grunge sound with Black’s signature flows, culminating to Diplo’s vision of artists that work perfectly together who wouldn’t normally collaborate.
“With Koe, we made a heavy rock record with a country attitude with Kodak Black. It was very confusing for people, but a lot of people like Kodak and Koe. They have a similar fan base, but you wouldn’t think about it that way.”
On another track, Diplo captures the glitz of Urban Cowboy. He enlisted Sturgill Simpson, Dove Cameron and Johnny Blue Skies for the track “Use Me (Brutal Hearts).”
“Something I was really inspired by was the Urban Cowboy movie, with the nightclubs and the idea of dancing to disco and country music, which really had this little affair in the ’70s. That’s where ‘Use Me’ came from. I really wanted to do something that felt like country and disco,” Diplo says. “I really felt like Sturgill could do it because he’s such a huge Bee Gees and Tom Jones fan.”
As for the next chapter, Diplo is still itching to make more creative country sounds with other Music City hitmakers.
“I’d love to do more. I’d love to get more artists on with me. I want other artists to say, ‘This guy is successful and he’s doing it in our world, too.’ I think I proved that with ‘Heartless,'” he shares. “We’re not getting country radio [on board yet] and we’re not getting on pop radio, but we really crushed on streaming. We really do a good job with some SiriusXM stations like The Highway, who really don’t have the rules that Nashville has. We just find where we can get in and then we push it that way.”
When asked if there’s someone specific he’d like to collaborate with, Diplo says definitely Luke Combs.
“I love Luke Combs. He’s so awesome and I think there’ll be something that we could find that could be a mix for both of us and would make sense,” he says. “Doing a collaboration is not a dirty word. It’s not so crazy. I think guys take it way too serious in Nashville, but what’s the worst that could happen? You have a weird song? The greatest records come to those people who take chances. So anybody who’s willing to take a chance with me, let me know. I just love that Nashville has so many great voices.”
Diplo will take over Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon for a special Thomas Wesley show on May 10. Tickets are available here.
Kimberly Perry Releases Sequel To ‘If I Die Young’ From New Album ‘Bloom’
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto: Claire Schaper
Kimberly Perry is revisiting one of her biggest hits as part of The Band Perry with “If I Die Young Pt. 2,” the sequel to the seven-time Platinum “If I Die Young.” The new single is set for release this Friday, May 5, and will be part of Perry’s upcoming album Bloom, out June 9 on Records/Columbia Nashville.
Perry returns to her songwriting roots on the record, which builds on the original storytelling with new verses and a nostalgic sound. “I felt like the story wasn’t finished,” admits Perry. “There needed to be a sequel that talked about where my head is these days now that I’ve experienced so much life–I’m having a baby, I’m married, I’ve moved to Nashville; I’ve seen all of these dreams come true since writing the original version.”
Produced by Jimmy Robbins, Bloom paints the picture of a woman who has experienced all of life’s highs and lows and has finally found her own voice. Perry co-penned the entire record herself with writers including Robbins, Nicolle Galyon, Jesse Frasure, Sasha Sloan, Casey Brown and Parker Welling.
While gearing up for the new album, Perry is set to make her solo artist debut at the Grand Ole Opry this weekend on Saturday, May 6.
Bloom Track Listing:
1. “If I Die Young Pt. 2” (Kimberly Perry, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins)
2. “Burn The House Down” (Kimberly Perry, Jimmy Robbins, Sasha Sloan)
3. “Cry At Your Funeral” (Kimberly Perry, Jesse Frasure)
4. “Ghosts” (Kimberly Perry, Nicolle Galyon, Jimmy Robbins)
5. “Smoke ‘Em Too” (Kimberly Perry, Casey Brown, Parker Welling)
Carrie Underwood To Launch Exclusive SiriusXM Channel
/by LB CantrellCarrie Underwood will launch an exclusive, year-round SiriusXM channel, Carrie’s Country, in June.
The station will be curated and presented by Underwood, and will be available to subscribers across North America in their cars or with the SXM App. Carrie’s Country joins SiriusXM’s artist channel lineup which includes Kenny Chesney’s No Shoes Radio, The Beatles Channel, Drake’s Sound 42 and more.
Underwood is expected to highlight her peers, favorite artists and influences on Carrie’s Country, with genres ranging from new and classic country, workout hits, gospel and beyond. She will also share stories behind her music, record-breaking career and life on the road.
“I’m thrilled to partner with SiriusXM on my new channel,” says Underwood. “I can’t wait to welcome listeners into my personal musical universe, sharing my favorite music across all of the genres I love, from classic rock to the latest in country.”
“Carrie Underwood is one of country music’s biggest and most multi-faceted artists today, and to collaborate with her on her very own SiriusXM channel is truly special,” says Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “Carrie’s Country will give listeners and fans the opportunity to connect with her on a new level, beyond her musical choices and influences, as she curates the channel’s programming. We welcome her to the SiriusXM family as we continue to expand our country music offerings to our subscribers.”
Programming that listeners can expect from Carrie’s Country includes monthly themed shows, morning workout and late-night hard-rock blocks, as well as Savior Sunday—a full day of inspirational music including Underwood’s own gospel catalog, country titles and more.
Inspired by her Las Vegas “Reflection” residency, Underwood will look back at career milestones and memories, all set to the songs that make up the soundtrack to her life. She will introduce listeners to her band members and touring crew, and will share her passions for fitness and wellness, gardening and more. Underwood will also invite friends, peers and fans to “Take the Wheel” as special guest DJs.
Jon Pardi Invited To Become Member Of The Grand Ole Opry
/by LB CantrellJon Pardi performs at Stagecoach. Photo: Alexa Campbell
During his performance at Stagecoach Friday night (April 28) in Indo, California, Jon Pardi was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Pictured (L-R): Grand Ole Opry’s Dan Rogers, Jon Pardi, Guy Fieri. Photo: Jody Domingue
While on stage, Pardi was surprised when his friend and Emmy-winning famed restaurateur Guy Fieri directed him and the attention of his thousands of fans to a video where Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson appeared officially inviting the California native to became a member.
“That mic stand represents the future of country music as well as its incredible history,” Dan Rogers, Opry Executive Producer, told the crowd after he sat the Opry mic stand down in front of a surprised Pardi. “This night will go down in history, too, both because Jon is the first artist invited to join the Opry on this stage and because he’s the first native Californian to get that call. What a great night!”
“I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22 years old and now I’m here. I love you guys and I love country music. Thank you, everybody. This is an amazing night. I’ll never forget it,” said an emotional Pardi from stage before later in the night noting, “I always wondered how this might happen if it was going to. I never imagined anything this great. That was incredible.”
“There is no better representation of Northern California than you, man,” said Fieri backstage after the moment.
Pictured: Grand Ole Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson invites Jon Pardi to become the newest member of the Opry.
Rogers added backstage, “For nearly a decade now, Jon Pardi has been adding something great to the show every single time he plays the Opry. For me personally, I’ll never forget the big sounds he brought to the Opry stage during the pandemic and the way he connected with audiences around the world via our livestream even when he was playing to an empty Opry House. I have no doubt there are good times ahead for all of us with Jon as a future Opry member.”
The news of Pardi’s invitation comes on the heels of his third consecutive ACM Album of the Year nomination for Mr. Saturday Night, both as the artist and producer of the project.
When he is inducted, Pardi will become the first native Californian to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. An official induction date will be announced soon.
Diplo Doubles Down With Second Country Collection, Calls For More Nashville Collaborators [Interview]
/by LB CantrellDiplo. Photo: Aidan Cullen
When Diplo, or Thomas Wesley Pentz, released his first collection of collaborations with country artists—dubbed Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley, Chapter 1: Snake Oil—heads in Nashville turned.
The mega-hit DJ/producer behind the multi-Platinum hits “Where Are U Now” (with Skrillex and Justin Bieber), “Close To Me” (with Ellie Goulding and Swae Lee) and many others had dug into the country community, creating songs with Thomas Rhett, Zac Brown, Cam, Orville Peck and more, puzzling some on Music Row.
No one was prepared for Diplo’s collaboration with a then-rising new artist, Morgan Wallen, to became the six-time-Platinum smash hit “Heartless.” The trappy, dance-pop beat of the track mixed with the grit and ache of Wallen’s voice was a perfect mix, driving “Heartless” to become one of the biggest songs of 2019 and 2020.
Now, Diplo is back at it again, scratching his itch to create refreshing country sounds. His newest project, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: Chapter 2 — Swamp Savant is out today (April 28) via Columbia, featuring collaborations with Sturgill Simpson, Dove Cameron, Morgan Wade, Parker McCollum, Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen and more.
While it is quite unique for a pop music headliner to take such an interest in Nashville, it makes sense for Diplo, as he spent a lot of formative years in the Middle Tennessee area. He even graduated from Hendersonville High School in Hendersonville, Tennessee.
“I delivered Chinese food to Reba McEntire‘s house in high school,” Diplo tells MusicRow. “I was always a country fan. I loved country and hip-hop growing up. Some of my favorite artists were Alan Jackson and Wu-Tang Clan. That’s kind of normal if you live in the South and [are] exposed to both things.”
Diplo
After spending time near Nashville, Diplo moved out to the swamplands of Florida, where his dad lived. “We had both worlds [in Florida]. We had a really big hip-hop scene and a lot of people just loved country. My dad would drive me every day to the Indian reservation and buy cigarettes—we would listen to country records.”
As he got older, Diplo dug in to Americana music as well as classic country and rock. His attention turned to modern country music, as the genre has grown over the last few years, and discovered different sub-genres such as Texas country, Americana/folk country and straight-ahead Nashville country.
“I’ve learned about modern country in the last five years out of necessity, because it was getting bigger. I was meeting some of these artists who were asking to work with me. I was learning about them and I thought it was exciting.”
Diplo’s first Thomas Wesley Presents project got him in the room with Nashville songwriters for the first time, which he says was a welcomed new method of making music.
“[When I first started writing that album], I was like, ‘Damn, these country songwriters are really good.’ They’re really fast. They have great voices. They don’t take any bullshit and they’re diplomatic in the studio—they have their opinion but they listen to you,” he says. “It was just a different way [of writing] than I’m used to. I’m used to either having to fully control the session and do everything myself, or [having to navigate] when an artist has such an ego that it’s hard to get anything great.
“The country guys, they really have respect for me and I have a mutual respect for each of them. There’s a level of trust too, because they’re really going out on limb.”
He shares that even though plenty of country artists are interested in working with him, they and their teams get nervous about what a collaboration with a pop-hitmaker could look like in their catalogs.
“That was something I had to navigate. It was hard to find the guys who would give me a chance. Thomas Rhett and Young Thug is something I never thought I would ever see, and I think that was my favorite record from the [first] project,” Diplo says, adding that he also looked to rising stars and those on the periphery of country music who could take a bigger risk and be on a track with him.
“We had people who were on the periphery of country because they were giving me a chance and we were doing something different, pushing the boundaries,” he says. “For this next one, I just leaned into the genres I loved and the songs that I thought would really tie together as a strong set of songs that push country in different directions.”
Earlier in the year, Diplo released a taste of the Thomas Wesley Presents project’s second portion when he dropped “Wasted” with Kodak Black and Koe Wetzel. The track combines Wetzel’s country grunge sound with Black’s signature flows, culminating to Diplo’s vision of artists that work perfectly together who wouldn’t normally collaborate.
“With Koe, we made a heavy rock record with a country attitude with Kodak Black. It was very confusing for people, but a lot of people like Kodak and Koe. They have a similar fan base, but you wouldn’t think about it that way.”
On another track, Diplo captures the glitz of Urban Cowboy. He enlisted Sturgill Simpson, Dove Cameron and Johnny Blue Skies for the track “Use Me (Brutal Hearts).”
“Something I was really inspired by was the Urban Cowboy movie, with the nightclubs and the idea of dancing to disco and country music, which really had this little affair in the ’70s. That’s where ‘Use Me’ came from. I really wanted to do something that felt like country and disco,” Diplo says. “I really felt like Sturgill could do it because he’s such a huge Bee Gees and Tom Jones fan.”
As for the next chapter, Diplo is still itching to make more creative country sounds with other Music City hitmakers.
“I’d love to do more. I’d love to get more artists on with me. I want other artists to say, ‘This guy is successful and he’s doing it in our world, too.’ I think I proved that with ‘Heartless,'” he shares. “We’re not getting country radio [on board yet] and we’re not getting on pop radio, but we really crushed on streaming. We really do a good job with some SiriusXM stations like The Highway, who really don’t have the rules that Nashville has. We just find where we can get in and then we push it that way.”
When asked if there’s someone specific he’d like to collaborate with, Diplo says definitely Luke Combs.
“I love Luke Combs. He’s so awesome and I think there’ll be something that we could find that could be a mix for both of us and would make sense,” he says. “Doing a collaboration is not a dirty word. It’s not so crazy. I think guys take it way too serious in Nashville, but what’s the worst that could happen? You have a weird song? The greatest records come to those people who take chances. So anybody who’s willing to take a chance with me, let me know. I just love that Nashville has so many great voices.”
Diplo will take over Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon for a special Thomas Wesley show on May 10. Tickets are available here.
Alana Springsteen Is ‘Figuring It Out’ In New ‘Twenty Something’ Chapter
/by Liza AndersonPhoto: Lily Nelson
Alana Springsteen has slated Twenty Something: Figuring It Out, the honest second portion of her three-part debut album, for July 14. An up-close look at her journey toward the empowerment of true self-discovery, Figuring It Out features tell-all title track, “Twenty Something,” out now.
This new six-track chapter follows Twenty Something: Messing It Up, through which the 22-year-old opens up about all the mistakes and misadventures of early adulthood.
Now with the songs of Twenty Something: Figuring It Out, all of which she co-penned, Springsteen shines a light on the steps she’s taken to shake off her insecurities, lean into life’s endless contradictions and learn what she truly needs to be happy and healthy.
“Figuring It Out explores a lot of the work I’ve been doing on myself over the past few years – I really call myself out in these songs,” shares Springsteen. “Finding my true self has meant giving up on seeing things in black-and-white and getting comfortable with the gray. What does it mean to live with integrity? To have a strong moral compass? Defining these concepts for myself has been a process, but one that’s given me the beginnings of a blueprint to help me live life on my own terms. The journey of writing, recording and singing these songs live has helped me do that. Through them, I’ve gotten to know myself and so many people who are in various stages of doing the same work. Also, there’s a really unique collaboration on this project with a song called ‘Ghost in My Guitar’ that I’m insanely excited about and proud of. It still feels a little surreal. I can’t wait to tell that story.”
The second installment exemplifies the dynamic “Twenty Something” brings of both diary-like detail and whip-smart humor to an intimate account of the emotional roller coaster of life in your 20s. Co-written by Springteen, Liz Rose, AJ Pruis and Trannie Anderson, the track—sparked by a voice memo Springsteen recorded alone on piano—finds the singer-songwriter owning up to minor bad habits like letting her car run on fumes to more deep-rooted problems like imposter syndrome, ultimately speaking to the power and peace of mind that comes with fully embracing your imperfections.
“Liz looked at me and asked, ‘If there was one song that you could play for people that could tell them exactly where you are in your life right now, what would it be?’ [and] ‘Twenty Something’ was the only answer,” recalls Springsteen.
Additionally, the Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville artist will continue her run on Adam Doleac‘s “Barstool Whiskey Wonderland” and serve as support for Luke Bryan during his “Country On Tour” this summer.
Twenty Something: Figuring It Out Track Listing:
* Produced by Chris LaCorte and Alana Springsteen
+ Produced by Paul DiGiovanni and Alana Springsteen
^ Produced by Will Weatherly and Alana Springsteen
# Produced by Pete Good and Alana Springsteen
** Produced by Ido Zmishlany and Alana Springsteen
1. “Twenty Something” (Alana Springsteen, Liz Rose, AJ Pruis, Trannie Anderson)*
2. “Chameleon” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, King Henry)+
3. “Here’s To All My Exes” (Alana Springsteen, Will Weatherly, Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins)^
4. “Hypocrite” (Alana Springsteen, Mitchell Tenpenny, Will Weatherly, Ryan Beaver)*
5. “When We Were Friends” (Alana Springsteen, Sasha Alex Sloan, Pete Good)#
6. “Ghost In My Guitar” (Alana Springsteen, Ido Zmishlany, Delacey, Sarah Solovay)**
Alex Lambert Signs With Make Wake Artists & Deep Roots Management
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Tanner Calonge, Dylan Wright, Alex Lambert and Chris Kappy. Photo: Mackenzie Ryan Photography
Alex Lambert has signed with Make Wake Artists and Deep Roots Management, working with Make Wake’s Chris Kappy and Tanner Calonge as well as Deep Roots’ Dylan Wright. He has also inked with CAA for booking, working with Chris Burrus and Jacob Lapidus, and just released his new EP Rebel Ways.
“We are thrilled to announce the signing of Alex, an incredibly talented artist and an even better person,” says Wright. “His remarkable talent and exceptional character make him a rising star and an inspiring role model in the music industry.”
Now in Music City, the Texas native has created a new era of music with Rebel Ways, reaching more than 400K streams and amassing nearly 47K monthly listeners. Written and produced by Lambert and Grant Thompson, the project consists of six soulful ballads, including previously released singles “Rebel Ways” and “Cryin In The Rain.”
“This EP is about growing up,” says Lambert. “It seems like I’ve learned everything the hard way in my life and it shows in these songs. From ‘Riverbank,’ that is a coming-to-God moment after a life filled with fightin’, stealin’, lyin’ and cheatin’, to a love lesson like ‘Rebel Ways,’ that’s about losing the woman I loved because I was still breaking the chain of living a hostile and crazy lifestyle. Every song represents growth in me as a man and as an artist.”
Industry Ink: Dolly Parton, CAA, Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series
/by Caela GriffinDolly! All Access Pop-Up Store To Launch During ACM Awards Week
Dolly Parton will have an exclusive, limited-run pop-up store, Dolly! All Access, up during ACM Awards Week (May 9-14, 2023) at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The global superstar is bringing her brand partners together for a custom, curated shopping experience. Parton will also join Garth Brooks as they host the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11 from The Ford Center in Frisco, Texas.
Open May 9-14, Dolly! All Access will feature products including pre-order opportunities for her Rockstar album and Behind The Seams: My Life In Rhinestones book along with new fragrance collections, pet toys and accessories, and Patron’s children’s book, Dolly Parton’s Billy The Kid Makes It Big.
The limited-run pop-up will also feature virtual card experiences, a themed baking collection, vinyl subscription options, and line of eco-friendly disposable party supplies. Parton’s signature classic merchandise will also be available for purchase.
CAA, PENCIL Present 19th Annual ‘Little Night of Music’ For Charity
Pictured: CAA Members and Kristin Chenoweth. Photo: Tommy Lawson
PENCIL, in collaboration with Creative Artists Agency (CAA), presented its 19th annual “A Little Night of Music” on Wednesday, April 16, at the Grand Ole Opry House. Kristin Chenoweth and Adia Victoria performed to an audience of business, civic, and community leaders.
“A Little Night of Music” is a unique collaboration with CAA that builds a bridge between the music industry and support for public education in Nashville. With more than 400 attendees, the event raised over $365,000 for PENCIL, an organization that links community resources to Nashville Public Schools to help young people achieve academic success and prepare for life.
In 18 years, the event has raised more than $2.4 million for PENCIL and the business engagement that supports Metro Nashville Public School students. These critical resources include career mentors, reading and math tutors, school supplies, and even access to support services for vulnerable families.
Runaway June, Sara Evans Support Rock ‘N’ Roll Running Series
Pictured (L-R): Kymberly Johnson, Sarah Bucciero, Sue Ellen Henderson, Susy Meade, Ed Meade, Sara Evans, Jude Elliott, Samantha Elliott, Jamie Elliott. Photo: Meg Oliphant.
As the Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series celebrates 25 Years of Running, nearly 24,000 runners took part in the running tour through Music City last weekend. Runaway June headlined the St. Jude Rock ‘n’ Roll Nashville weekend on Saturday, April 22. Sara Evans performed at the Woolworth Theatre at the St. Jude Heroes Brunch on Sunday, April 23, exclusively for top fundraisers of the 2023 Running Series.
Pictured (L-R): Natalie Stovall (Runaway June), Jamie Elliott, Jude Elliott, Stevie Woodward (Runaway June), Jennifer Wayne (Runaway June), Samantha Elliott, and Lynn Page (ALSAC’s VP of Program Strategy & Development). Photo: Caroline Gonzalez.
Kymberly Johnson fundraised $18,536, while Sarah Bucciero fundraised $11,781 in honor of her late son and St. Jude patient, Carter. Sue Ellen Henderson raised $81,520 for the 2023 Running Series and just surpassed the $500,000 fundraising milestone after 12 years of participation in this race as a St. Jude Hero. Susy and Ed Meade have raised over $50,000 for St. Jude.
The Elliot family, including Jude Elliott, St. Jude Survivor Samantha Elliott and Team Samster team caption Jamie Elliott, raised nearly $40,000 along with Team Samster.
Runners and walkers hailed from all 50 States and 37 countries, regions, and territories for this year’s events. Several local bands, including the Less Kerr and the Bayou Band, U.S. Airforce Band, Hype Creek, and many more performed live on band stages along the route all before Greg Pratt, Angie Rey and Runaway June took the stage at the Finish Line Stage outside Nissan Stadium as the Encore Entertainment.
Willie Jones Offers ‘Something To Dance To’ This June
/by Lorie HollabaughThe project’s title track is a joyful declaration of unity, reminding listeners that music is what brings us together. It sets the tone for the new album, which explores emotional facets that Jones says “represent every part of [him],” and is a celebration of the highs and lows, the loves and losses, and the starts and ends of life’s experiences. Lacing traditional country sounds of steel guitar, banjo and harmonica with his signature Louisiana hip-hop gumbo, the collection reflects Jones’ ability to uniquely bridge the Block Party and the Barn Dance.
“The album dissects all of me: the turnt up Willie Jones, broken hearted, being a little irresponsible, bringing the party, or just realizing that all of this is a temporary moment in time and I’m growing and hopefully learning,” says Jones.
He recently wrapped his “Sticks And Swamp Tour” with co-headliner RVSHVD, playing the trek’s final night at Nashville’s Exit/In. This summer, Jones will appear at festivals including CMA Fest, GoldenSky and Bourbon & Beyond.
Something To Dance To Track Listing:
1. “Down by the Riverside” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Josh Logan)
2. “Something To Dance To” (Willie Jones/Eric Arjes/Cary Barlowe)
3. “I Can’t Complain” (Willie Jones/Curt Chambers/Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards/Jared Sciullo)
4. “Lil Vibe” (Willie Jones/Jesse B. Thomas/Aaron Zuckerman)
5. “Slow Cookin'” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Phillip Fender/Zak Waters/Hank Williams)
6. “Easy” (Willie Jones/Nick Autry/Eric Olson)
7. “Them Girls Do” (Willie Jones/Nick Autry/Justin Ebach)
8. “Soul Food” (Willie Jones/Jason Afable/Josh Logan)
9. “No Tellin'” (Willie Jones/James McNair/Chris Stevens/Lamar “MyGuyMars” Edwards)
10. “Let’s Be a Love Song” (Willie Jones/Jeffrey Joseph East/JD Walker/Zak Waters)
11. “Get Low, Get High” (Willie Jones/Cary Barlowe/Brandon Day)
Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic To Return In June
/by Lorie HollabaughToby Keith is hosting his annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic again this year in Norman, Oklahoma June 2-3. The golf classic is in its 19th year, and supports the OK Kids Korral, the cost-free home for families of children battling cancer.
Sawyer Brown will headline the denim and diamonds-themed dinner and auction Friday night, June 2 at Riverwind Casino with support from local favorites Drive. Silent auction items up for grabs include signed memorabilia from NFL quarterback Joe Burrow, NBA star Steph Curry, golf icon Tiger Woods and stars Taylor Swift, Carrie Underwood, Luke Combs, Thomas Rhett, Dolly Parton, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum, Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn. Live auction offerings include trips to Australia and Croatia, a hunting excursion, membership to the private national golf Dormie Network and one-of-a-kind items from Keith.
Shotgun start golf begins Saturday morning, June 3 at Norman’s Belmar Golf Club, concluding with a $10,000 closest-to-the-pin shootout. The silent auction bidding opens to the public May 12. For more information, click here.
The 18th annual Toby Keith & Friends Golf Classic raised more than $1.3 million in May of 2022 – the third highest total ever. To date, the event has raised more than $15 million for OK Kids Korral. The Korral helps make life a little easier for children with cancer by providing a safe, convenient and hopeful place for families to connect with each other and focus on the well-being of their child with both daytime and overnight lodging for pediatric patients and their families.
Justin Levenson Joins OpenPlay As Professional Services Product Lead
/by Lorie HollabaughJustin Levenson
Nashville-based Justin Levenson has been named Professional Services Product Lead at OpenPlay, one of the music industry’s leading asset management platforms.
In his new role, Levenson will work with OpenPlay’s engineering team, clients, and other stakeholders to ensure the platform is operating properly and meeting client needs, help design new features to improve functionality, and more.
A 20-plus-year music and entertainment industry veteran, Levenson joined SESAC in 2001, spending 15 years working in both the Licensing and Writer/Publisher Relations departments and helping engineers build and launch a predictive analytics project that streamlined the company’s licensing process. After rising to Sr. Director, Licensing Operations at SESAC, Levenson joined Big Machine Label Group in 2019, where he built and led the company’s Label Resources team, focusing on process improvement, technology implementations, and harnessing the power of the label group’s global consumption and finance data. He later joined Utopia Music as Commercial Director, Financial Services/Sr. Product Manager, where he led a team developing an industry-leading advance and artist platform, automating statement ingestion and simplifying revenue tracking.
Levenson got his start as a music educator and freelance musician, teaching percussion at the high school level while working with artists and songwriters, including Luke Bryan, Gary Burr, Marcus Hummon, Lionel Richie, Victoria Shaw, and Don Schlitz. He also performed on several award-winning recordings, including the Grammy-winning Songs From The Neighborhood: The Music of Mr. Rogers featuring Donna Summers. In addition, Levenson is the author of the book You Are Stronger Than You THINK: How to Awaken the Superhero Within.
“Justin is an incredible addition to the OpenPlay family, and his experience leading teams across every facet of the industry will be a major asset as we continue to bring our products and services to more customers,” says Edward Ginis, Co-Founder and Chief Client Officer at OpenPlay. “He’s one of the most passionate and outspoken product evangelists in our space when it comes to empowering artists and rightsholders with the tools they need today to prepare for what the industry brings tomorrow.”
“Being a part of the OpenPlay family is a professional dream come true, and I am excited and grateful to have the opportunity to build on our continued success, developing impactful products and services that empower everyone in the global entertainment and music industries with the power of OpenPlay,” shares Levenson.