Kassi Ashton Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut

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Photo Credit: Grand Ole Opry, photo by Chris Hollo

MCA Nashville artist Kassi Ashton made her Grand Ole Opry debut on March 15, paying homage to those who have stood in the historic circle before her with a special opening song.

The Missouri native started her Opry set with a rendition of the Sammi Smith classic, “Help Me Make It Through the Night,” explaining to the audience the promise she made to herself when she was young that when she got the chance to stand in that spot, she would sing one of the tunes from her Queens of Country songbook. Ashton also performed her brand new single “Drive You Out of My Mind,” which is at radio now.

 “I tried to soak up as much of the history, talent and magic of the circle my boots could hold,” says Ashton. “It went straight to my heart. My roots are still singing with joy.”

The soulful singer is currently on the road with Old Dominion for the band’s “No Bad Vibes Tour” and will also play the 50th Annual CMA Fest in Nashville in June.

Industry Ink: Zac Brown Band, Brantley Gilbert, Tenille Townes

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Zac Brown Band Celebrates Sold-Out Show At RodeoHouston

Zac Brown Band performing for a sold-out crowd during RodeoHouston. Photo: Tyler Lord

Zac Brown Band brought a sold-out crowd of over 72,000 people to NRG Stadium on Sunday, March 5 during RodeoHouston.

The Grammy-winning group performed classics such as “Home Grown,” “Keep Me In Mind” and “Toes,” and also surprised fans with a rendition of The Allman Brothers‘ “Whipping Post” fueled by soothing guitar and drum solos. Their country ballad, “Colder Weather,” prompted attendees to put their phones up and illuminate the arena. They then concluded with a cover of “America, The Beautiful” and their smash hit “Chicken Fried.”

 

Brantley Gilbert Earns Multi-Platinum RIAA Certifications

Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Mike Rittberg and Scott Borchetta, Brantley Gilbert, The Valory Music Co.’s Ashley Sidoti, Chris Palmer and George Briner. Photo: Nick Rau

Brantley Gilbert recently celebrated multiple Platinum RIAA certifications for his six-time Platinum “Bottoms Up,” double Platinum “One Hell Of An Amen” and double Platinum “The Weekend.”

Gilbert is set to release an extended version of his album So Help Me God next month, and will hit the road with Nickelback on the “2023 Get Rollin’ Tour” this summer.

 

Tenille Townes Takes Home Country Album Of The Year At The 2023 JUNO Awards

Tenille Townes at the 2023 JUNO Awards. Photo: CARAS/iPhoto

Tenille Townes claimed her second Country Album of the Year win with her project Masquerades at the 2023 JUNO Awards on Monday, March 13. She previously won Country Album of the Year in 2021 for her debut album The Lemonade Stand.

During the ceremony, Townes performed an acoustic rendition of “Where You Are” as well as “The Sound of Being Alone” from her latest award-winning collection. She will continue her “Side A + B Tour,” an expansion of her successful Canadian run earlier this year, starting next month in Newport, Kentucky.

In Pictures: CRS 2023

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Pictured (L-R): CRB’s RJ Curtis and Garth Brooks. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2023 wrapped up on Wednesday, March 15, after three days of performances, panels and sessions.

Attendees enjoyed a full-day Streaming Summit, insightful panels, “Power Hour” sessions, mentoring breakfasts and featured interviews with Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney. Anchor CRS events such as the Amazon Music Presents: “Country Heat at CRS” showcase, Warner Music Nashville’s Luncheon, Bob Kingsley‘s Acoustic Alley, “Team UMG” at the Ryman, Big Machine Label Group’s Luncheon, Lainey Wilson‘s Bell Bottom Music Celebration, “Paddle Royale” Ping Pong Tournament, and the New Faces of Country Music showcase and dinner, were also big hits.

Next year’s CRS will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 28 through Friday, March 1. Registration for the event will open later this year.

Gabby Barrett and Colton Dixon perform a duet during the Warner Music Nashville Luncheon. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

The New Faces of Country Music Class of 2023. Pictured (L-R): Nate Smith, Priscilla Block, Jackson Dean, Jelly Roll and Frank Ray. Photo: CRB/CRS/Hunter Berry

Pictured (L-R): CRB’s RJ Curtis, CMT’s Cody Alan, Visionary Media Group’s Anastasia Brown, Julia Cole, O.N.E The Duo, Miko Marks, Ashley Cooke, CMT’s Leslie Fram and BMI’s Shannon Saunders. Photo: CRB/CRS/Kayla Schoen

Black River artists at the Black River cocktail party at The Palm during CRS. Pictured (L-R): Ray Fulcher, Kelsea Ballerini, MaRynn Taylor and Josiah Siska.

Sony Staff and The CORE Entertainment with New Faces honoree Nate Smith. Pictured (L-R): Lyndsay Church, Adam Davis, Suzanne Davis, Helena Akhtar, Houston Gaither, Amy Menz, Nate Smith, Ali O’Connell, Taylor Manns, Chief Zaruk, Paul Grosser and Simon Tikhman.

Kenny Chensey and BMI execs backstage at “The Artist Interview,” presented by BMI. Pictured (L-R): Jose Gonzalez, Leslie Roberts, Kenny Chesney, David Levin and Dan Spears.

Chris Lane, Champion of the “Paddle Royale” Ping Pong Tournament. Photo: CRB/CRS/Hunter Berry

Carly Pearce Unveils New Track From Upcoming Live Album

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Carly Pearce has released “Should’ve Known Better (Live From Music City),” the latest preview of her upcoming album 29: Written in Stone (Live from Music City), out March 24 on Big Machine Records.

Produced by Pearce alongside David Clauss, the album marks the country star’s first live album and serves as a retelling of her album 29, recorded during an intimate concert at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works. The performance featured appearances from special guests Ashley McBryde (“Never Wanted To Be That Girl”), Lee Brice (“I Hope You’re Happy Now”), The Isaacs (“Easy Going”), Matthew West (“Truth Be Told”) and Jenee Fleenor (“29”).

Previously released tracks from the project include “What He Didn’t Do (Live From Music City)” and “Never Wanted To Be That Girl (Live From Music City).”

Pearce will perform at this year’s CMT Music Awards on April 2, airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount +. She is up for two awards this year: Female Video of the Year (“What He Didn’t Do”) and CMT Performance of the Year (LeAnn Rimes with Ashley McBryde and Pearce – “One Way Ticket”). Ahead of the show, Pearce will kick off CMT’s all-new series of specials with CMT Defining: Carly Pearce on March 30.

29: Written In Stone (Live From Music City) Track Listing:
1. “Diamondback (Live From Music City)”
2. “What He Didn’t Do (Live From Music City)”
3. “Easy Going (Live From Music City)”
4. “Dear Miss Loretta (Live From Music City)”
5. “Next Girl (Live From Music City)”
6. “Should’ve Known Better (Live From Music City)”
7. “29 (Live From Music City)”
8. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
9. “Your Drinkin’, My Problem (Live From Music City)”
10. “Liability (Live From Music City)”
11. “Messy (Live From Music City)”
12. “Show Me Around (Live From Music City)”
13. “Day One (Live From Music City)”
14. “All The Whiskey In The World (Live From Music City)”
15. “Mean It This Time (Live From Music City)”
16. “Truth Be Told (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Matthew West
17. “Every Little Thing (Live From Music City)”
18. “Hide The Wine (Live From Music City)”
19. “I Hope You’re Happy Now (Live From Music City)” – Carly Pearce and Lee Brice

Bailey Zimmerman Slates Full Length Debut ‘Religiously. The Album.’ For May

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Bailey Zimmerman. Photo: Spidey Smith

Bailey Zimmerman has announced he’ll release his full-length debut, Religiously. The Album., on May 12 via Warner Music Nashville/Elektra.

Zimmerman co-wrote 11 of the 16 tracks on the new project, including the soaring title-track, “Religiously,” out today.

“The past two years of my life have been insane and the fact that I get to release my first ever album is so surreal,” Zimmerman shares. “Thank you to everyone that has had my back through thick and thin. I will never be able to repay y’all for the love and support, this album is for you.”

The rising singer-songwriter was also recently announced as a first-time 2023 CMT Music Awards nominee, receiving a nod in the Breakthrough Male Video of the Year category for his Platinum-selling, No 1. debut “Fall In Love,” as well as the Male Video of the Year category for current single “Rock And A Hard Place.” The Platinum-certified hit is No. 2 at country radio now, continues its reign as one of the Top 3 most-streamed country songs of the year in the U.S., has earned nearly 550 million global streams to date and is currently Top 20 on Billboard’s all-genre Hot 100 chart.

Zimmerman’s 2022 record-shattering debut EP, Leave The Light On, made history upon release as not only the most-streamed all-genre debut of 2022, but also the biggest streaming country debut of all time. He has earned more than 1.5 billion career streams to date, and was ranked as Billboard’s 2022 No. 2 Top New Country Artist and No. 4 Top New Artist across all genres.

Programming Revealed For 2nd Annual CMT Music Awards Week

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CMT has announced a slew of specials slated for the second annual CMT Music Awards Week March 27-April 2.

The stacked week of original programming includes the debut of a brand-new series CMT Defining, in celebration of the 10th anniversary of CMT Next Women of Country, on March 30. CMT Defining will highlight a featured female artist as they walk filmmakers through their personal and professional past, present and future with a goal of defining who they are as an artist. Next Women of Country alum Carly Pearce will kick off the series, sharing a one-of-a-kind look back at her career and the milestones that shaped it, from her arrival in Nashville over a decade ago, to her rise to stardom and latest critically-acclaimed album, 29: Written In Stone.

CMT’S Cody Alan and Carissa Culiner are set to host the CMT Music Awards Nominee Special, a half-hour celebration featuring the star-packed list of CMT Awards nominees, on March 27.

The week will also consist of two new CMT Storytellers spotlighting Kane Brown, on March 28, and Dierks Bentley, on March 29, as they share never-before-heard stories about how their hits came to be.

 The CMT Music Awards will then return to CMT on April 2 at 7 p.m. CT, followed by the inaugural CBS broadcast of the CMT Music Awards Extended Cut, featuring 30 extra minutes of bonus content and never-before-seen performances on April 6 at 7 p.m. CT.

Date Announced For 2023 Billboard Music Awards

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The 2023 Billboard Music Awards (BBMAs) will take place on Sunday, Nov. 19. Additional details regarding this year’s show will be announced soon by Billboard and Dick Clark Productions.

Winners for the BBMAs are determined by performance on the Billboard charts. This year’s awards are based on music consumption reflected on charts dated Nov. 19, 2022 through Oct. 21, 2023. Billboard Music Award winners are based on key fan interactions with music, including audio and video streaming, album and song sales, radio airplay and touring.

Last year, Taylor Swift took home four awards, including for Top Billboard 200 Artist, Top Country Artist, Top Country Female Artist and Top Country Album (Red (Taylor’s Version)). Morgan Wallen walked away with Top Country Male Artist, while Dan + Shay won their third trophy for Top Country Duo/Group. Eric Church took home the award for Top Country Tour and Walker Hayes earned the trophy for Top Country Song for his smash mega-hit “Fancy Like.”

Randy Travis, Joe Nichols, More Added To ‘Still Playin’ Possum’ Tribute Show

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“Still Playin’ Possum: Music & Memories of George Jones” has added Aaron Lewis, Charlie Starr of Blackberry Smoke, Dillon Carmichael, Gretchen Wilson, Joe Nichols, Randy Travis and Sara Evans to the growing list of performers for the tribute show on April 25.

Set to take place at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, Alabama, the event will be filmed for an upcoming television special, and features tributes to Jones and his enduring legend. Among the special moments on tap for the evening are Wynonna and Jamey Johnson paying tribute to George & Tammy Wynette in a special performance of “Golden Ring.”

With the recent configuration of the stage, the producers of the show are releasing around 300 extra tickets, which will go on sale today through TicketMaster and the Von Braun Box Office. In addition, the Nancy Jones VIP dinner, taking place the night before the concert at the Von Braun Center Ballroom, will include appearances by Travis, Jeannie Pruett, songwriter Billy Yates, Tony Jackson and others to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets are $200 and will include a sit-down meal as well as a photo opportunity with Nancy Jones.

“I am so thankful to the loyal fans of country music. George’s music still lives on and I am so honored that so many of George’s fellow artists and friends have agreed to come to celebrate him,” says Nancy Jones. “This special night would not be the same without so many people doing what they do best – from the producers of the show to the artists bringing their voices to the fans buying the tickets.”

Jackson Dean’s ‘Live At The Ryman’ Set For April

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Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Records

Jackson Dean is sharing his bucket list moment/debut on the hallowed stage of the Ryman Auditorium through his new album, Live At The Ryman, out April 14 on Big Machine Records.

The eight-song set, presented exactly as it was delivered during his Ryman debut in October of 2022, captures the unbridled energy of Dean’s live show, with a little extra magic. The collection marks the debut of the standout track “Heavens To Betsy” as well as the other unreleased show staple Dean wrote with his longtime band members, “1971.”

“The Ryman is hallowed ground; it had been a bucket list item for me to take that stage. It was a blessing not only playing there, but also capturing that moment in a way I can revisit again and again,” says Dean. “I love that I can share that memory and the energy of that crowd with the rest of the world. I hope the folks listening are transported to those pews and can feel the five of us giving it our all— no click, no tracks—just raw noise, running on pure adrenaline.”

Dean has released the first taste of the collection with “Fearless (Live At The Ryman),” the latest version of his sophomore single. The original version appeared on his debut album, Greenbroke, and quickly became a fan-favorite during live shows. Having recorded the initial version in his late teens, he and producer Luke Dick recently re-recorded the track to reflect his vocal maturity and his high-energy live performances. The re-recorded “Fearless (The Echo)” is currently climbing the charts.

The burgeoning artist made a splash earlier this week at the Country Radio Seminar on the New Faces stage, where he received a standing ovation for his performance.

Live At The Ryman Track Listing:
1. “Greenbroke (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Jeff Hyde
2. “Trailer Park (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Cary Barlowe, Jesse Frasure
3. “Fearless (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick, Jonathan Scott Sherwood
4. “Wings (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Park Chisolm
5. “Heavens To Betsy (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Benjy Davis, Driver Williams
6. “1971 (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Brandon Aksteter, Rich Kolm, Sean Mercer
7. “Don’t Come Lookin’ (Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Luke Dick
8. “Red Light (Metal Version / Live At The Ryman)” | Jackson Dean, Jonathan Scott Sherwood, Ryan Tyndell

Parker McCollum To Headline Concert At Nashville Superspeedway

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Parker McCollum

Parker McCollum will be this year’s official pre-race performer at the Nashville Superspeedway ahead of the Ally 400 on Sunday, June 25.

McCollum will perform at approximately 5 p.m. from the pre-race concert stage located on pit road. Fans attending the race have the opportunity to enhance their experience by purchasing a Pre-Race Track Pass for $75 (plus tax) that provides stage-front access for the concert and driver introductions, views down pit road, and the opportunity to view the race from within the infield. The Pre-Race Track Pass must be accompanied by a race day ticket.

“It’s really an honor to play the Ally 400 at Nashville Superspeedway,” says McCollum. “I’ve always been a big fan of NASCAR and am excited to bring my show to the track in June. See y’all there.”

McCollum is expected to sing many of his popular songs including his No. 1 Platinum-selling hits “Pretty Heart” and “To Be Loved By You” from his critically-acclaimed debut album Gold Chain Cowboy.

“We are thrilled to showcase Parker McCollum, one of country music’s fastest rising superstars, at Nashville Superspeedway prior to the green flag for the Ally 400,” says Matt Greci, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Nashville Superspeedway. “As the home for NASCAR Cup Series racing here in Music City, we always want to make sure we provide an amazing music performance before America’s best drivers hit the track for the Ally 400.”

McCollum’s next album, Never Enough, is set for release on May 12 and features the chart-climbing lead single “Handle on You,” plus recent releases “Stoned,” “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” and “Speed.”

This article also appears in MusicRow‘s sister publication, The Sports Credential.