Marty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo
Chapter 660
It was quite a week for Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart, capped by his anniversary celebration at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Nov. 26).
Last Tuesday (Nov. 22), Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives—Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson and Chris Scruggs–were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Marty first arrived in Music City as a teenage prodigy 50 years ago, so that was worth a celebration, too. He marked the release of a new record last week. And he was saluted at the Opry for his 30 years as a member of the show’s cast.
Backstage in the Green Room, an anniversary sheet cake with striking aqua-blue and black icing was presented. Marty personally cut and served 30 pieces of the confection to guests.
Storme Warren, George Gruhn, Dan Rogers, Don Schlitz, Riders in the Sky, Desi Smith, Jason Crabb, Connie Smith, Mike Terry and the Opry Square Dancers mingled, not to mention Hilda Stuart. Marty’s Mississippi mom had celebrated her 89th birthday the day before.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. Photo: Chris Hollo
On stage, Marty greeted a wildly enthusiastic Opry crowd. “Our job is to take the roof off this place,” he promised the throng. “We’re gonna fill it up with people I love.”
He showcased The Fabulous Superlatives on a rocking version of his 1991 smash “Tempted.” Fiddler Kenny Lovelace has been with the late Jerry Lee Lewis since 1967. Marty brought him out to play on the honky honking “Rough Around the Edges.”
Next, Marty introduced young Georgia bluesman Jontavious Willis. This was the artist’s debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and he made the most of it. After performing with Marty and the Superlatives, Willis confidently entertained solo.
The music of Jontavious Willis recalls the sounds of rural Black Southern performers of the 1920s through the 1950s. His feature at his Opry debut was “The World’s In a Tangle,” his reworking of a blues song recorded in 1951 by Atlanta’s Jimmy Rogers and in 1961 by Houston’s Lightnin’ Hopkins. It is also associated with Muddy Waters, whom Willis cites as a major influence. The 26-year-old Willis has been previously endorsed by Taj Mahal and Keb Mo. On Saturday, he got the ultimate country-music endorsement, a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry.
Show emcee Natalie Stovall squealed with delight at this Opry newcomer’s reception. When she interviewed Willis, he reminded her how close the blues and country music have always been.
Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry, and Marty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo
With his sky-high hairdo, comedian Gary Mule Deer looks like a Marty Stuart relative. And that’s the way Marty introduced him. Again, he shared the stage with his guest, before turning him loose as a stand-up comic.
Marty also joined The Del McCoury Band after he announced the band as his next guests. Del dedicated “Nashville Cats” to Marty, calling the man of the hour “The Original Nashville Cat.” Marty first came to the Opry as a 13-year-old in Lester Flatt’s band in 1972, so he joined The Del McCoury Band in a spirited Flatt & Scruggs salute, “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
The evening’s finale belonged to the show honoree. Marty cited Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison as his favorite country album. He performed that record’s gospel song “Greystone Chapel.” Then he created an ovation by introducing his new single, the Bakersfield-tinged rockabilly romp “Country Star.”
Singer-Songwriter George Birge Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
/by Liza AndersonGeorge Birge. Photo: Chris Hollo.
George Birge made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Nov. 22. After Opry member Jamey Johnson introduced the Records Nashville artist to the crowd, he performed “That Drink,” a new take on Neal McCoy’s “Wink,” as well his recent country radio No. 1 “Mind On You.”
“Mind On You,” from Birge’s self-titled debut EP, has already amassed over eight million streams. However, he almost didn’t record the hit. Produced by Ash Bowers and co-written by Birge, Jaron Boyer, Michael Tyler and Colt Ford, the song was originally on hold for Jason Aldean. After Birge was offered a deal with Records Nashville, though, he decided to release it himself.
Opry/WSM’s Charlie Mattos & George Birge. Photo: Chris Holo.
“This past year has been pretty wild for me. In 2020 I had basically given up the idea of playing live music. I thought I was going to write songs for other people. ‘Mind On You’ has changed my life,” shared Birge. “I still can’t believe I made my Opry debut tonight—it’s such a special place with so much history. I am truly humbled by this opportunity and can’t wait to be back.”
The Austin native has more than 30 million streams across his catalog to date. He is currently on the road with labelmate Matt Stell on his “Man Made Tour,” which will run through December. Birge will also appear as a special guest during Bobby Bones’ Comedically Inspirational show in Las Vegas on Dec. 4.
Luke Dick Inches Higher On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart
/by Lydia FarthingLuke Dick. Photo: Adam Murphy
Singer, songwriter and producer Luke Dick has re-entered the top five on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, pushing Luke Combs to No. 6.
Dick is a writer on three songs that are currently at play on the country charts, including “Strange” (Miranda Lambert), “Don’t Come Lookin'” (Jackson Dean), and “Gold” (Dierks Bentley).
Zach Bryan notches a tenth consecutive week at No. 1, growing his chart entries to six. Among them are his own “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Sun To Me,” “Fifth Of May,” “The Greatest Day Of My Life” and “Burn, Burn, Burn.” Because he is the only writer on each of the tracks, Bryan earns all of the points earned from airplay, digital download track sales and streams on the Songwriter Chart.
Filling out the remainder of the top five are Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3) and Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4).
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.
Tracy Lawrence Raises Over $250K At 17th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Travis Denning, Alexandra Kay, Gary Allan, Tracy Lawrence, David Tolliver, Chad Warrix, and Shawn Parr. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Tracy Lawrence‘s 17th annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert was a huge success, frying a record-breaking 1,200 turkeys that were distributed throughout Middle Tennessee. Overall, the event provided 9,600 meals to those in need during the Thanksgiving holiday.
Tracy Lawrence’s Turkey Fry. Photo: Caylee Robillard
The day kicked off at the Nashville Fairgrounds with over 250 volunteers who helped fry the turkeys. Lawrence was joined by Tennessee Senator Marsha Blackburn, along with helping hands from Tennessee Senator Bill Hagerty, Nashville Mayor John Cooper, Phil Vassar, Deana Carter, Clint Black, and Lee Greenwood.
Following the mass turkey fry, Lawrence was joined by Gary Allan, Travis Denning, Alexandra Kay and Halfway to Hazard for a sold-out benefit at Wildhorse Saloon that raised another record-breaking $250,000 towards the Nashville Rescue Mission.
“This was an incredible day from start to finish,” Lawrence shares. “To step back and think about how this started as just a few friends and a dozen fryers in a parking lot—to what it is now—is truly incredible. There are so many people that go into this event and I’m just so grateful we can all come together and support this cause.”
The yearly event has now provided more than 73,000 meals to the homeless across Middle Tennessee and raised over $850,000 for Nashville Rescue Mission.
Pictured (L-R): Shawn Parr, Rev. Glenn Cranfield, and Tracy Lawrence. Photo: Caylee Robillard
Jesse Murphy Signs With Peermusic Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughJesse Murphy. Photo: Courtesy of peermusic
Jesse Murphy has signed an exclusive worldwide publishing deal with peermusic Nashville.
Murphy is a Nashville native and the son of hit songwriter David Lee Murphy. He started writing and playing guitar at the age of 14.
His first recording project as a member of country-rock band House Whiskey was produced by Brett Beavers and received more than a million streams in less than 12 months. The band has performed at CMA Fest, the Houston Livestock Rodeo, and opened for the Charlie Daniels Band, Tracy Byrd, Frank Foster, and more.
“I love me some Jesse Murphy—I’ve been a big fan for a long time and I’m excited to be a part of his future. Being the son of one of my favorite singer-songwriters of all time is just icing on the cake,” notes peermusic Nashville President Michael Knox.
“I’m very excited and grateful to be part of the peermusic team,” adds Murphy. “It feels like family already and I’m really looking forward to what the future holds.”
The signing of Murphy marks the first under Knox’s new role as President of peermusic Nashville, a position he took on in October of this year. In recent years, peermusic has published the 2016 SESAC Country Song of the Year with Dierks Bentley’s “Somewhere on a Beach” and the 2013 ASCAP Song of the Year with Randy Houser’s “How Country Feels.”
‘Brett Young: 5 Tour 3 2 1’ Set For Spring 2023
/by Liza AndersonMulti-Platinum artist Brett Young is set to hit the road this spring for “Brett Young: 5 Tour 3 2 1.” Following his sold-out European tour, Young will travel stateside with Ashley Cooke and Morgan Evans starting Mar. 30 in Columbus, Ohio.
Tickets for “Brett Young: 5 Tour 3 2 1” will go on sale this Friday (Dec. 2) at 10 a.m. CT. For more information, click here.
Additionally, he plans to release a new version of his song “You Ain’t Here To Kiss Me,” which he wrote alongside Tiffany Goss and Matt Alderman, this Friday (Dec. 2). With Dan Huff once again serving as producer on the track, the upcoming version offers a new take on the song, with stripped-down production that puts Young’s vocals on full display.
“I can be a very emotional songwriter and, for some reason, the sad, reflective songs, often come naturally for me,” Young shares. “The song is a true story about a situation my now wife and I had many years back–it just describes the feeling of missing someone and seeing everyone else around you in happy relationships. Dann Huff has been wanting to cut a new version of it for a while so we thought the timing was right to give it a bit of a new life around this coming New Year.”
“Brett Young: 5 Tour 3 2 1” Dates:
Mar. 30 – Columbus, OH – KEMBA Live!
Mar. 31 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
April 1 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
April 6 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
April 7 – Rosemont, IL – Rosemont Theatre
April 8 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory
April 20 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
April 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia
April 22 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore Silver Spring
April 27 – Asheville, NC – Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
April 28 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Company
April 29 – Chattanooga, TN – Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Auditorium
May 12 – Wenatchee, WA – Town Toyota Center
May 13 – Bonner, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater *
May 18 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Live Sacramento
May 19 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl
May 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre
*Ashley Cooke not on this date
Shania Twain Adds New Dates To Upcoming ‘Queen Of Me Tour’
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain. Photo: Louie Banks
Shania Twain has added five new dates to her upcoming “Queen of Me Tour.”
The newly-announced dates include second nights added in Moncton, New Brunswick, and Glasgow, along with new shows in Bethel, New York; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Leeds, UK. The tour will now visit 48 cities across 54 dates within North America and Europe throughout 2023.
Kelsea Ballerini, Lindsay Ell, Hailey Whitters, Breland, Robyn Ottolini, Priscilla Block, and Mickey Guyton will join Twain on select dates throughout the global tour.
“The Queen of Me Tour” marks the first time fans will get to see Twain in nearly five years, following her Las Vegas residency. Kicking off April 28 in Spokane, Washington, the trek will make stops in Vancouver, Denver, Toronto, LA, New York, London, Dublin and more before wrapping up on Sept. 29 at Leeds Arena in Leeds.
Tickets for the newly-added dates go on sale Friday, Dec. 2 at LiveNation.com. A dollar of every ticket purchased will be donated to Twain’s SKC organization, which provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship.
Eric Church & Longtime Manager John Peets Launch Solid Entertainment
/by Lydia FarthingEric Church
Eric Church and longtime manager John Peets have partnered to form Solid Entertainment.
The new endeavor centralizes all things Church, while also doubling down on infrastructure behind investments in his professional footprint, including his new SiriusXM Channel, Outsiders Radio; his Lower Broadway venue, bar and restaurant, Chief’s; in-house merchandise operation; and his fan club, the Church Choir.
Pictured (L-R, top row): Shane Allen, Brandon Schneeberger, and Hayley Harris; (L-R, bottom row): Kimsey Kerr, Marshall Alexander, and Matt Wheeler
Marshall Alexander will take on the role of President, also serving as Church’s representative for Chief’s. Brandon Schneeberger will oversee day-to-day management for Church.
Meanwhile, industry vets Shane Allen and Kimsey Kerr have been tapped to launch and run Outsiders Radio, which officially launched on Nov. 4. Bryan Chisholm joins the team to lead Digital Marketing, and Hayley Harris has been appointed to manage Church’s fan club. Matt Wheeler will continue to oversee Chief Merchandise.
“I’m incredibly proud of the path we’ve taken to get to this point in all our careers and to have experienced so much of it together,” Church shares. “As our business continues to expand in different areas, it was important to me to establish a team of people that is focused on this growth. None of us got into music for the business of it, yet it’s part of how we are our most creative selves: through finding those other avenues for connection. It’s humbling to be in a position where such incredibly talented people want to focus on the future together.”
Peets adds, “I am very proud to take our professional relationship to the next level. We have been working creatively together since 2004, and Solid Entertainment represents a fresh look and a continued commitment to all that we have built. I look forward to adding to this foundation with an eye towards all that is to come with the ongoing expansion of Eric’s empire.”
Flat River Band Inks With The Kinkead Entertainment Agency
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R, back row): Kinkead Entertainment Agency Sr. Vice President/Head of Live Performance Greg Scott, President Julie Devereux and CEO Bob Kinkead; (L-R, front row): Flat River Band Dennijo, Chad and Andy Sitze. Photo: Courtesy of Kinkead Entertainment Agency
Flat River Band has signed with The Kinkead Entertainment Agency (TKEA) for booking.
The trio of brothers–Andy, Chad and Dennijo Sitze–grew up performing alongside their parents and grandparents, and have held residencies in Branson, Missouri and at Dollywood. The Missouri natives have charted No. 1 hits on the bluegrass gospel charts and opened for Natalie Maines, Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, and more.
Flat River has charted several singles over the last couple of years, including “Ain’t a Woman Like a River,” “Shining Through My Window,” and “I Just Wish You Were Someone I Love,” from their Sights and Sounds EP.
“What an incredible sound and true to country, Flat River Band has something magical to add to the genre and will soon be added to the list of great country groups. We at TKEA are excited to be part of the ride,” states TKEA’s Greg Scott and Bob Kinkead.
“We are super excited to be a part of The Kinkead Entertainment Agency and looking forward to the new adventures with them,” the band adds.
Bobby Karl Works The Room: Marty Stuart Marks Milestones
/by Bobby KarlMarty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo
Chapter 660
It was quite a week for Country Music Hall of Fame member Marty Stuart, capped by his anniversary celebration at the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night (Nov. 26).
Last Tuesday (Nov. 22), Marty and his Fabulous Superlatives—Kenny Vaughan, Harry Stinson and Chris Scruggs–were inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. Marty first arrived in Music City as a teenage prodigy 50 years ago, so that was worth a celebration, too. He marked the release of a new record last week. And he was saluted at the Opry for his 30 years as a member of the show’s cast.
Backstage in the Green Room, an anniversary sheet cake with striking aqua-blue and black icing was presented. Marty personally cut and served 30 pieces of the confection to guests.
Storme Warren, George Gruhn, Dan Rogers, Don Schlitz, Riders in the Sky, Desi Smith, Jason Crabb, Connie Smith, Mike Terry and the Opry Square Dancers mingled, not to mention Hilda Stuart. Marty’s Mississippi mom had celebrated her 89th birthday the day before.
Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives. Photo: Chris Hollo
On stage, Marty greeted a wildly enthusiastic Opry crowd. “Our job is to take the roof off this place,” he promised the throng. “We’re gonna fill it up with people I love.”
He showcased The Fabulous Superlatives on a rocking version of his 1991 smash “Tempted.” Fiddler Kenny Lovelace has been with the late Jerry Lee Lewis since 1967. Marty brought him out to play on the honky honking “Rough Around the Edges.”
Next, Marty introduced young Georgia bluesman Jontavious Willis. This was the artist’s debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage, and he made the most of it. After performing with Marty and the Superlatives, Willis confidently entertained solo.
The music of Jontavious Willis recalls the sounds of rural Black Southern performers of the 1920s through the 1950s. His feature at his Opry debut was “The World’s In a Tangle,” his reworking of a blues song recorded in 1951 by Atlanta’s Jimmy Rogers and in 1961 by Houston’s Lightnin’ Hopkins. It is also associated with Muddy Waters, whom Willis cites as a major influence. The 26-year-old Willis has been previously endorsed by Taj Mahal and Keb Mo. On Saturday, he got the ultimate country-music endorsement, a standing ovation at the Grand Ole Opry.
Show emcee Natalie Stovall squealed with delight at this Opry newcomer’s reception. When she interviewed Willis, he reminded her how close the blues and country music have always been.
Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry, and Marty Stuart. Photo: Chris Hollo
With his sky-high hairdo, comedian Gary Mule Deer looks like a Marty Stuart relative. And that’s the way Marty introduced him. Again, he shared the stage with his guest, before turning him loose as a stand-up comic.
Marty also joined The Del McCoury Band after he announced the band as his next guests. Del dedicated “Nashville Cats” to Marty, calling the man of the hour “The Original Nashville Cat.” Marty first came to the Opry as a 13-year-old in Lester Flatt’s band in 1972, so he joined The Del McCoury Band in a spirited Flatt & Scruggs salute, “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
The evening’s finale belonged to the show honoree. Marty cited Johnny Cash’s At Folsom Prison as his favorite country album. He performed that record’s gospel song “Greystone Chapel.” Then he created an ovation by introducing his new single, the Bakersfield-tinged rockabilly romp “Country Star.”
Dierks Bentley Sits Atop The MusicRow Radio Chart
/by Alex Parry“Gold” by Dierks Bentley takes the No. 1 position on the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart this week. Bentley co-wrote the single with Ross Copperman, Luke Dick, and Ashley Gorley and it is the lead single from his tenth studio album, set for release in 2023.
“2020 was a chance for me to give my guitar and the road a little rest. It gave me the chance to spend a lot more time adventuring outdoors with family and friends, but also alone. It also gave me time to reset and rekindle my love of country music and a lot of the types of songs and sounds that I fell in love with when I first got to Nashville,” explains Bentley. “I think you’ll hear that in this first track, but it carries across the whole album.”
Click here to view the latest edition of The MusicRow Weekly containing the MusicRow CountryBreakout Radio Chart.