Ruston Kelly’s Third Project, ‘The Weakness,’ Slated For April

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Ruston Kelly. Photo: Alysse Gafkjen

Ruston Kelly will release his third album, The Weakness, on April 7 via Rounder Records. The project’s first single, its title track, is out now.

The new project was created following a period of solitude where Kelly spent time processing the life-altering changes he’d endured over the past few years, including a very public divorce, as well as major upheaval in his immediate family. He moved into an old Victorian bungalow Portland, Tennessee to carve out the songs that would make up the candid album.

Kelly openly detailed his struggle with drug addiction on his 2018 full-length debut, Dying Star.

On The Weakness, Kelly collaborated for the first time with producer and songwriter Nate Mercereau, who welcomed the artist into his Los Angeles-based Studio, Tujunga.

“I felt a real need to understand myself a little better, and to rediscover the true foundation of who I am. The way I’d always worked in the past is that the song comes first, and the production helps to lift its meaning and intent,” Kelly explains. “But this time there was a much greater focus on creating a sonic atmosphere that speaks just as loudly and feels just as emotional as the lyrics and voice.”

He continues, “The overall narrative of the record is that there’s a variety of weaknesses that I need to deal with, and a variety of strengths that I need to bolster. I truly do believe that acknowledging your weaknesses and digging deeper to understand yourself goes hand-in-hand with becoming a greater human being.”

Kelly is currently on tour with Noah Kahan, and will support The Weakness with new tour dates to be announced soon.

Walker County Unveil Debut EP, ‘No Smoke And Mirrors,’ Due In February

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Nearly a decade after signing their major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville, sister duo Walker County will release their debut EP on Feb. 10.

With Sophie sitting in on the drums and Ivy showcasing her soulful vocals, No Smoke And Mirrors creates a blend of country music inspired by the sounds of their native middle America.

Made up of five tracks, the EP includes the recently released “You and Jesus” featuring Greylan James. The pair also shared “Mirror Mirror,” another of the project’s tunes, last week along with its official music video that sees the pair embracing their natural beauty. The sisters penned the empowering ballad alongside Autumn McEntire and Jennifer Schott.

“It’s so important to us to be good examples for the next generation,” Sophie shared on social media. “Even though we love getting glam and wearing fun makeup looks, we realize that in today’s world there is an immense pressure on women and young girls. Our society’s beauty standards are impossible to keep up with, and we never want to contribute to that. We believe that each and every one of us are divinely created. YOU are beautiful and you are one of a kind. We hope anyone who watches this video, man or woman, knows that this is true. Please be kind to yourself, you are the only you there is, and you are loved just the way you are!”

The CMT Listen Up and Next Women of Country artists have spent much time on the road opening for the likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Martina McBride, Old Dominion and more. They’ve already earned millions of streams with fan-favorite tracks like “Bits & Pieces” and “Drag It Out.”

No Smoke And Mirrors Track List:
1. Stoned
2. Mirror Mirror
3. Between Boyfriends
4. Yours Tonight
5. You and Jesus

20th Anniversary SOURCE Hall Of Fame Awards Set For The End Of August

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The SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards have celebrated women in the music industry for two decades now. This year’s select group of honorees will be inducted into the SOURCE Hall of Fame during the 20th Anniversary SOURCE Hall of Fame Awards ceremony on Tuesday, Aug. 29.

The ceremony will take place at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The event will once again be presented by Springer Mountain Farms. Names of the 2023 inductees and ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks.

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the Nashville music industry, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through education, networking and community service initiatives.

In 2003, Kay Smith established the SOURCE Awards to honor the women who have helped to shape and build upon Nashville’s entertainment industry. Honorees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years they have worked within the industry and their level of community involvement.

For more information, click here.

Industry Ink: Randy Travis, Larry Gatlin, Annie Brooks, More

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PickleJar To Celebrate Randy Travis Tonight At Tribute Tuesday

PickleJar will host its newest installment of Tribute Tuesday tonight (Jan. 17) at Live Oak Nashville to celebrate Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis. Featuring a lineup of Thompson Square, Shawna Thompson, Timmy Brown, Dave’s Highway and Landon Wall, artists will perform one original song in addition to a cover of their favorite Travis track.

Fans can tune in live to watch the show on the PickleJar app. All donations on the PickleJar app will go directly to the Randy Travis Foundation, which raises awareness for viral cardiomyopathy and provides arts and music enrichment for children.

Larry Gatlin To Teach Master Class At University Of Texas Permian Basin

Larry Gatlin and UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley (left of Gatlin) gather with University faculty, staff and students.

The University of Texas Permian Basin will debut its latest faculty member, Grammy-winning recording artist Larry Gatlin, on Jan. 23 as he begins his own eight-week songwriting master class.

Gatlin was born in Seminole in 1948 and graduated from Odessa High School. He attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship where he majored in English, which later served him well in his songwriting. Along with brothers Steve and Rudy, collectively known as the Gatlin Brothers, Gatlin racked up hits and banked prestigious awards in the industry. He penned every Gatlin Brothers hit and has written songs that were later recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Rich, Johnny Mathis, Dottie West and more. In 2019, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

“Grammy Award-winning musician Larry Gatlin will be sharing his art of creative writing and storytelling with students this spring—all the skills that made him a Hall of Fame singer-songwriter,” explains UT Permian Basin President, Dr. Sandra Woodley. “As UTPB’s new Professor of Practice, he will lead an exciting new master class to share his experiences and encourage people from all walks of life to explore their own creativity and passion. We are thrilled about this partnership.”

“I believe there are only two kinds of people in the world … rocks and sponges,” quips Gatlin. “I am a sponge, and I am going to squeeze myself out on those kids at UTPB in the hopes that some of them are sponges too.”

Annie Brooks Joins Dreamcatcher Artists As Promotion Manager

Annie Brooks

Dreamcatcher Artists has added Annie Brooks as Promotion Manager. She can be reached at annie@dreamcatcherartists.com.

Dreamcatcher Artists is the full-service record company division of Dreamcatcher Entertainment Group, which also encompasses Dreamcatcher Management. Tenille Arts is the debut artist signed to the record company arm.

The Crew Raises Over $22K For Musicians On Call At Annual CMA Awards Viewing Party

Pictured (L-R): Brendan Lewis, Morgan Brasfield, Jeremy Groves, Camille Kenney, Courtney Allen, Jason McColl, Synnovea Halsel, Tarah Duarte, Jaede Brereton, Mandy Mullins, Kendall Warren, Kara Jackson, Kelly Lyons and Lexie Rigler. Photo: Audrey Spillman

The Crew hosted their 12th annual CMA Awards Viewing Party in November, which raised over $22,000 for Musicians On Call. The benefit event hosted more than 600 guests to watch the award show alongside fellow industry executives, artists and songwriters at Tin Roof Nashville Downtown.

The Crew is a group of music executives from all aspects of the industry. Current crew members include Jason McColl (Sony Music), Lexie Rigler (Safford Motley PLC), Kelly Lyons (Combustion Music), Camille Kenny (Big Loud Records), Kendall Warren (Plaid Flag Music), Courtney Allen (Concord Music Publishing), Kara Jackson (Spirit Music), Synnovea Cleveland (Sony Music Publishing), Jeremy Groves (SMACKSongs) and Morgan Brasfield (Kobalt Music).

Larry Fleet’s Debut Single Goes Gold

Larry Fleet and his team at Big Loud Records + Good Company Entertainment.

Big Loud Records’ Larry Fleet recently gathered with his label and management teams to celebrate his debut single, “Where I Find God,” earning RIAA Gold certification. The track has amassed over 28 million official music video views.

Fleet just wrapped his first-ever headlining “One For The Road Tour,” following stints on the road opening for Darius Rucker, Jon Pardi, Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen and more. He will headline the stage again this year on his 11-date spring run, “Larry Fleet Live,” and will open tours for Pardi and Parker McCollum nationwide.

Zach Bryan Leads The Way On First MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart Of 2023

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Zach Bryan

It’s a clean slate this week as we mark the first MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart of 2023. However, this week’s top five includes a familiar crop of hitmakers.

Leading the way, and continuing steam from sitting atop the chart for the last 13 weeks of 2022, is Zach Bryan. The Oklahoma native has five of his own songs currently at play on the chart, including “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “The Good I’ll Do” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” As the only writer on each of the tracks, he receives all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.

Following at No. 2 is Morgan Wallen with seven entries this week, including his own “One Thing At A Time,” “Tennessee Fan,” “Thought You Should Know,” “Wasted On You” and “You Proof.” The Big Loud singer-songwriter also has a co-writing credit on Keith Urban’s “Brown Eyes Baby” and Corey Kent’s “Wild As Her.”

Filling out the remainder of the top five are Ashley Gorley (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Luke Combs (No. 5).

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

Click here to view the full MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.

Willie Nelson Puts New Spin On Harlan Howard Classics On Upcoming Project

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Willie Nelson. Photo: Pamela Springsteen

Willie Nelson is reimagining some Harlan Howard classics on his upcoming album, I Don’t Know A Thing About Love, set for release March 3.

Nelson and his band recorded fresh interpretations of 10 songs penned by Howard, who famously defined a great country song as “three chords and the truth.” The project was produced by Nelson’s longtime musical collaborator Buddy Cannon.

In a career spanning six decades, Howard wrote enduring standards for a variety of artists, and in 1961 alone had 15 songs on the country charts, earning him 10 BMI awards. He was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1973, and in 1997, was inducted into both the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

I Don’t Know A Thing About Love includes the album’s first single, “Busted,” out now. Written in 1962 about a poor farmer bemoaning his while maintaining hope for the future, the song first became a hit in 1963 initially for Johnny Cash with the Carter Family on Billboard‘s Hot Country Singles chart and then a top 10 smash for Ray Charles on the Billboard Hot 100.

This year should be another big one for Nelson, who turns 90 in April. Willie Nelson & Family, a new five-part film documentary series, is premiering later this week at Sundance Film Festival 2023.

He is also nominated for four Grammys from three separate projects: Best Country Solo Performance (“Live Forever” from Live Forever: A Tribute to Billy Joe Shaver); Best Country Song (“I’ll Love You Till The Day I Die,” songwriting award, from A Beautiful Time); Best Country Album (A Beautiful Time); and Best Roots Gospel Album (The Willie Nelson Family).

I Don’t Know A Thing About Love Track List:
1. Tiger By The Tail
2. The Chokin’ Kind
3. Excuse Me (I Think I’ve Got A Heartache)
4. Life Turned Her That Way
5. I Don’t Know A Thing About Love
6. Streets Of Baltimore
7. Busted
8. She Called Me Baby
9. Too Many Rivers
10. Beautiful Annab

Meghan Patrick Signs With Make Wake Artists & WME

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Pictured (L-R): Make Wake’s Sayre Baker, Meghan Patrick, and Make Wake’s Randi McFadden. Photo: Kurt Ozan

Meghan Patrick has signed with Make Wake Artists for management, working with Chris Kappy and Randi McFadden. She has also inked with WME for global agency representation.

“I could not be more excited to be a part of the Make Wake and WME families,” says Patrick. “They are both the kinds of teams any artist would be lucky to work with… creative, hardworking, authentic people who care deeply about their artists and hold the same values as I do when it comes to business. I know I have finally found my home, and we are going to do big things!”

“[Patrick] is the true definition of a rockstar,” says McFadden. “You can’t watch her live show and not want to bet on her. Add in the incredible connection she has with her fans, and her ‘watch me do it’ mentality, and she’s a dream artist to work with.”

“Meghan is a force to be reckoned with,” adds WME Nashville Partner Nate Towne. “Her powerful performances and bold songwriting captivates audiences everywhere. We’re thrilled to have her at WME and to continue building on her proven success.”

Additionally, Patrick will continue her longstanding label partnership with Riser House Records. Her new song, “She’s No Good For Me,” will be released Friday (Jan. 20), unveiling a new era of the Canadian country star’s music.

“Meghan Patrick has a rich culture and a strong, definable brand,” says Riser House Entertainment President & Co-Founder Jennifer Johnson. “She is the voice of strength, ferocity, independence and empowerment. She is wild and untamable, and her music embodies this. We are honored to present Meghan and her message to the world in 2023.”

Bobby Karl Works The Room: Gospel Great Dr. Bobby Jones Honored At NMAAM

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Dr. Bobby Jones speaks at the National Museum of African American Music

Chapter 663

Nashville’s Dr. Bobby Jones is internationally known for his gospel-music leadership, which is reason enough to celebrate him, and now there’s another.

On Sunday evening (Jan. 15), the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) unveiled a new exhibit that underscores his legendary status. Four curated cases salute his educational accomplishments, entertainment awards, TV stardom and remarkable life.

Dr. Bobby Jones tours his new exhibit at the National Museum of African American Music

An invitation-only crowd filled the museum’s lobby, where a sequin jacketed Jones mingled with the elegantly attired attendees. Howard Gentry, Jackie Patillo, Marcus K. Dowling, Porsha Green, Metro council rep and mayoral candidate Sharon Hurt and George W. Stewart, the head of the Alabama-based American Gospel Quartet Convention, topped a list of dignitaries that also included former New Life singers Francine Belcher, Angela Wright Primm and Nuana Dunlap.

We proceeded to the museum’s auditorium. “You look good: Give yourselves a hand,” said H. Beecher Hicks III in welcoming the capacity crowd. The museum’s CEO added, “Tonight we celebrate someone who opened the door for so many artists.

“Dr. Bobby Jones helped to create this place. He was on the board when no one thought this would ever happen.”

The event’s emcee was Darrell Drumwright, Jones’s pastor at Temple Church. He introduced video greetings from Robert L. Johnson of BET and from gospel star Hezekiah Walker. Next up were the 28 mighty voices of The Nashville Super Choir, who electrified the audience with “The Lord’s Prayer,” “(When We Get) Over There” and “O Happy Day.”

The White House sent a huge framed plaque to honor Jones with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for 2023. “Dr. Jones brought gospel music into its own,” wrote President Joe Biden.

“I am extremely pleased to be honored in this manner in my hometown of Nashville,” said Jones. “I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful museum.”

He recalled his rural upbringing in Henry County. Jones came to Nashville at age 15 to attend Tennessee State University. He taught school in St. Louis before returning to Music City to earn a master’s degree at TSU, then a PhD at Vanderbilt. Attending First Street Baptist Church in North Nashville opened his eyes to gospel music.

In 1976, he launched a local gospel-music TV show on WSMV-TV. He parlayed this into national syndication on PBS. In 1980, he took Bobby Jones Gospel to BET, where it remained until 2015. This made him the longest lasting personality in the history of cable television, as well as the host of America’a only nationally telecast black-gospel program.

He earned a 1983 Grammy Award, four honors from the NAACP and a 1984 Dove Award from the Gospel Music Association. Jones and his group have recorded more than a dozen albums. All of this is reflected in his new museum exhibit.

Jones taught at TSU from 1972 to 1980, when he left to devote his full energies to BET. His top-rated, weekly show became the economic driver for the entire channel. He took his New Life singers on international tours and led them in collaborations with Barbara Mandrell, New Kids on the Block, Dolly Parton, Al Green, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Skaggs and other stars. He formed The Nashville Super Choir in 1997.

He shared with the audience that he underwent open-heart surgery two weeks ago at age 83. “I didn’t know if I was gonna make it here tonight, but look at God,” he said. “One thing we need to learn to do is respect and love one another.”

The Bobby Jones exhibit at NMAAM opens to the public on Tuesday (Jan. 17) and will remain on display until April 15. Next up at the museum is “This Is Hip-Hop,” a photography exhibit celebrating the 50th anniversary of the style. It will open on Jan. 20.

Warner Chappell Music Inks New Deal With Truth Or Dare Publishing

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Pictured (L-R, back row): Spencer Nohe (WCM), Christian Barker (Lawyer) and Ben Vaughn (WCM); (L-R, front row): Missi Gallimore (Truth), Sam Williams and Sophia Gallimore (Truth)

Warner Chappell Music and Truth or Dare Publishing have joined forces in a new deal to work together on select artists from the Truth or Dare Management Projects roster.

Led by Missi Gallimore, Truth or Dare Publishing’s roster includes KK Johnson of Track 45, Ben Roberts of Carolina Story, Mary Gauthier, Abbey Cone and Sam Williams. 

“Extremely excited to be joining my longtime friend, Ben Vaughn, and the Warner Chappell team to promote progressive talents that are driving the new front of this industry,” Gallimore shares. “I have worked with Ben in many capacities of country music and know the combining of forces will serve our music community with eagerness to grow. We are the New Nashville”.

“Missi has helped shape the country music songbook though her legendary A&R work, and now she’s shepherding a whole new generation of talent with her management and publishing businesses,” adds Vaughn, President & CEO, Warner Chappell Music, Nashville. “With the roster she’s building, Missi is charting a new path forward and we couldn’t be more excited to be in business with her and the whole team at Truth.”

Grandson of country pioneer Hank Williams and the son of outlaw legend Hank Jr., Sam Williams released his debut, Glasshouse Children, in late 2022, and also unveiled a deluxe edition of the record shortly after. Williams is currently gearing up for more music this year.

Jake Basden To Exit Big Machine Label Group

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Jake Basden

Jake Basden, the Senior Vice President of Communications at Big Machine Label Group, will exit the company after a nearly 12-year tenure. The only music business executive named to PR Week’s coveted 40 Under 40 list will be seeking new opportunities.

The University of Oklahoma graduate joined BMLG from the New York offices of Edelman, the world’s largest public relations firm, where he served as a Director in their Sports and Entertainment division.

A CMA Publicist of the Year, he had a hand in a variety of media campaigns, including the Grammy-nominated trio Midland re-opening the legendary Palomino, the Academy Award-nominated Glen Campbell… I’ll Be Me documentary, Jennifer Nettles’ “I Can Do Hard Things” video, Carly Pearce’s CMA and ACM Female Artist of the Year campaigns, and more.

“Jake came to us right when I needed him most-right as Big Machine was exploding. He has been my communications foil and strategist and we’ve had an incredible run together”, says BMLG Chairman Scott Borchetta. “Jake always presented me and the label group in very creative ways that caught the attention and landed very important pieces in Fortune, Fast Company, Rolling Stone, the Wall Street Journal and so many more. I’m very proud of all that he’s accomplished here and I’m sure he will continue to reach new heights in his next adventure. He will always be part of the fabric of Big Machine.”

“The trouble with working with Scott Borchetta and a company as dynamic as the Big Machine Label Group is, honestly, there is no reason to leave,” Basden shares. “There comes a moment when you realize you must seek new horizons. You can get very comfortable working with incredible acts, these teams, and Scott’s many endeavors. Something I learned during my years in New York is don’t ever stop growing and reaching for new challenges. The culture at Big Machine always encouraged me to aggressively go in new directions.”

He continues, “With over 30 artists and multiple label imprints spanning country, Americana, hip-hop, rock and pop, every day was a fresh set of prospects to explore. I’ve gone places I once only dreamed of and worked with some of the best media, marketing, and brand people in not just America, but the world. I’m forever grateful for Scott, the BMLG family, artists, managers, agents, and media people who’ve made this decade one that flew by. It inspires me, knowing wherever I’m going, it’s going to be a foundation unlike any other to build from.”