Jameson Rodgers & Co-Writers Share A ‘Cold Beer’ At The Commodore Grille

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Pictured (L-R, front row): Brett Tyler, Jameson Rodgers, Alysa Vanderheym, Hunter Phelps; (L-R, back row): Lauren Thomas, Columbia Nashville; MaryAnn Keen, BMI; Evyn Mustoe, ASCAP; Lydia Schultz Cahill, SESAC. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

Jameson Rodgers celebrated his second No. 1 single, “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” at the Commodore Grille on Wednesday (Nov. 16).

Rodgers wrote the single with Hunter Phelps, Brett Tyler, and Alysa Vanderheym. The track features Rogers’ River House Artists/Sony Music Nashville label-mate Luke Combs.

The party was hosted by ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. The Commodore Grille was chosen as its location because Rodgers met Phelps at a writer’s round there many years ago.

ASCAP’s Evyn Mustoe Johnston served as emcee for the celebration. “It’s awesome that we’re at The Commodore Grille where Hunter and Jameson met and used to play rounds. That’s pretty full circle,” she said. “I’ve know these guys for a long time and couldn’t be happier or more proud. They’re two very deserving people.”

Pictured: Jameson Rodgers speaks to the crowd. Photo: Larry McCormack for ASCAP

SESAC’s Lydia Schultz Cahill was on hand to speak about affiliate Vanderheym, who was celebrating her first No. 1 song.

“It’s no secret how hard it is to have a No. 1 song in this business or how hard it is to even get a cut or a single,” she said. “Something that I really admire about Alysa is no matter the room, no matter the day, no matter the moment, she’s always bringing the vibes. Always bringing great energy.”

BMI’s MaryAnn Keen spoke on behalf of Brett Tyler, who was also celebrating his first No. 1.

“Brett is an incredible person. He’s not only hilarious, but an incredible friend, he’s a sweet husband and he’s very smart on the business side as well. With all of that, combined with his insane talent as a writer, we will be celebrating many more No. 1 songs,” Keen said.

Combustion’s Chris Farren was the first publisher to speak about and present plaques to writers Rodgers and Tyler.

“This is so satisfying,” Farren said. “To see their talent, focus, and perseverance—them not taking no for an answer and just doing great work—[the fact that it] took eight years to get a No. 1 is unbelievable. Now the doors are open for both of you guys.”

Tape Room’s Blain Rhodes and Kelly Bolton presented the writers with coozies for their “cold beers”—and Tape Room writer Phelps got a Yeti cooler.

“We get to work with Hunter every day. He literally turns in a smash hit every day. This crew is so fun to watch win,” Rhodes said.

Warner Chappell’s Ryan Beuschel presented plaques to the crew and talked about the journey of “Cold Beer Calling My Name,” noting that it had been pitched around a lot but landed right where it needed to be: back in Rodgers’ hands.

“This was one of those songs that was not about ‘if’ but ‘when’,” he said. “It just needed to land where it started, with Jameson.”

Castle bound’s Andy Friday spoke about Vanderheym, who was nominated for a Grammy this week, too.

Columbia Nashville’s Lauren Thomas was on hand to talk about Rodgers’ accomplishments. “Jameson, you are one of 10 artists since 2015 to have their first singles go back-to-back No. 1,” she said.

When it was time for the writers to speak, Vanderheym went first. She thanked her publishers, mentors, co-writers, Rodgers and Combs, and producers. She made sure to call out Tina Crawford and Chandler Thurston for their early influence in her career.

“They set up my calendar as a young writer, helped make my brand, and dealt with me. I love them so much and I share this with them,” she said.

Phelps was up next. “It means a lot to get to celebrate a No. 1 spot in this spot. I met Jameson here literally 10 years ago back there at the bar,” Phelps said. He called out all of his publishers for their hard work–as well as the village who helped get “Cold Beer Calling My Name” to No. 1.

Tyler gave a funny and heartfelt speech when he got up to speak. He gave special attention to each person he thanked. “It’s always great to write songs with friends. It’s even more meaningful to have your first No. 1 song with them,” he said.

Rodgers took the same approach as Tyler—keeping things funny and sweet when thanking his village.

“There’s a lot of people in this room that I love,” he said. “This is nothing but a full-circle moment for me.”

Rodgers thanked his co-writers, publishers, label team, managers, and family—telling anecdotes about each one.

Allie Colleen Inks With APA Nashville

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Pictured (L-R): APA Nashville’s Casey Brosten, Jennifer Hludzik, Allie Colleen, APA Nashville’s Jeff Hill, and B! Noticed PR & Management’s Bev Moser. Photo: Moments By Moser.

Rising singer-songwriter Allie Colleen has signed an exclusive booking deal with APA Agency.

No stranger to the music industry, Colleen is a Belmont University graduate from Owasso, Oklahoma. Her debut single, “Work In Progress,” is a sweet sentiment regarding her introduction to the music industry co-written with hit songwriter Marcus Hummon and studio engineer Greg Beick. Her debut album Stones was released in November 2021, and her empowering single, “Halos and Horns,” produced by country stars Lee Brice and Jerrod Niemann, made its debut in May of 2022. Her most recent single, “Feels Like,” was released in August.

With over 35 festival and theater performance dates across the country and internationally in 2022, Colleen has been building her following. The burgeoning entertainer starts off 2023 with shows in Tennessee (Jan. 21), California (Feb. 15-16), Las Vegas (Feb. 17), and more.

“My team and I are very excited about this new road season with APA. We are so grateful to have spent the time we did at our previous agency regardless of the decision for change. We cannot wait to return to previous venues as well as see some new places and faces along the way,” Colleen notes. “Come see me on the road everyone!! APA will assist on all booking inquiries going forward and I cannot wait for the opportunities ahead.”

“APA is excited to welcome Allie Colleen to our expanding roster. Allie’s undeniable talent, rising star power, and work ethic are a great fit for our team and new culture at APA,” shares Jeff Hill of APA. “We are all looking forward to getting her and the band out on the road to new audiences.”

DISClaimer Single Reviews: Jordan Davis Gives ‘The Sound Of A Superstar In Training’

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Do you feel it? There’s enormous warmth in today’s DISClaimer releases.

Leading the way for the women are newcomer Rachel Wammack, veteran Kelly Lang and feisty Elle King. The men march arm-in-arm with equal emotion, paced by Mitchell Tenpenny, Brantley Gilbert, Brandon Ratcliff, Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart and our Disc of the Day winner, Jordan Davis.

What all these folks have in common is the genuine warmth that only great country music can bring to the table.

WARREN ZEIDERS & SUECO / “Ride It Hard”
Writers: Colin Brittain/Sueco/Warren Zeiders; Producer: Colin Brittain; Label: Warner
–This wild, frothing country rocker polishes Warren’s punk/outlaw image to a sheen. The NASCAR-spoofing video is worth some grins.

ELLE KING / “Jersey Giant”
Writer: Tyler Childers; Producers: Elle King/Charlie Worsham; Label: RCA
–Her twang is fully unfurled on this jaunty bopper. She’s turned down her brassy schtick in favor of a straightforward, hillbilly-acoustic approach, and the result is a refreshing delight.

MATT STELL / “One of Us”
Writers: Gavin Slate/James Barker/Jim McCormick/Travis Wood; Producers: Matt Stell/Ash Bowers; Label: Records
–Here we go again. The pick-up truck, the beer, the dirt road, the small town “keepin’ it country” thang.

MORGAN WADE / “The Night”
Writer: Morgan Wade; Producer: Sadler Vaden; Label: Sony
–This cuts close to the bone, touching on her mental-health and substance issues. The quasi-spoken verses are starkly accompanied by solo percussion, and the choruses are fleshed out with electric guitars while she wails about resisting the temptation to drink. A little scary and a lot effective.

MARTY STUART & HIS FABULOUS SUPERLATIVES / “Country Star”
Writer: Marty Stuart; Producers: Marty Stuart/Mick Conley/Harry Stinson/Kenny Vaughan/Chris Scruggs; Label: Spinefarm
–This is a boatload of fun, packed with guitar twang and merry rhythm. The band rocks righteously as Marty drawls of hitting the road as a hillbilly minstrel. Get on board. Marty will be inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame next Tuesday and will celebrate his 30th anniversary as an Opry member on Nov. 26.

MARGO PRICE / “Lydia”
Writer: Margo Price; Producers: Jonathan Wilson/Margo Price; Label: Loma Vista
–Delivered in an echo-laden alto, this is a character study of a woman in crisis. Strings shimmer in the background as she sings of gritty street reality, forlorn pregnancy, loneliness, self-doubt, substance abuse and more. It doesn’t have a traditional song structure; more like a stream-of-conscience meandering. Decidedly downbeat and radio resistant.

BRANDON RATCLIFF / “Someone Who Believes In You”
Writers: Brandon Ratcliff/Pete Good/Josh Jenkins/AJ Babcock; Producers: Pete Good/AJ Babcock; Label: Monument
–The power of love, set to an R&B groove, a sunny attitude and a lively beat. As usual, his tenor singing is splendid.

RACHEL WAMMACK / “Girl’s Gotta Know”
Writers: Rachel Wammack/Jim McCormick; Producer: Andy Skib; Label: RCA
–Enchanting. She sings like a country angel, and the wistful lyric about seeking The One is completely heartfelt. A simply lovely performance.

MITCHELL TENPENNY / “We Got History”
Writers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Andy Albert/Devin Dawson/Jordan Schmidt; Producers: Mitchell Tenpenny/Jordan Schmidt; Label: Riser House/Columbia
–Tenpenny is on a roll. With twin chart toppers under his belt (”Truth About You” and “At the End of a Bar”), he’s swinging for the fences again with this terrific rumbler. The extraordinary warmth in his singing infuses this ode to lost love. Play it again.

KELLY LANG / “Life Sentence”
Writers: Kelly Lang/Bruce Burch; Producer: none listed; Label: KL
–Lang possesses one of those lustrous alto singing voices that wraps you in intimacy. She has never been more involving than she is on this extraordinary, throbbing, heartfelt song. Instead of seeing cancer as a death sentence, this breast cancer survivor treats it as a “Life Sentence” to live and love and embrace the world with gusto. Essential listening, and the video featuring her fellow breast-cancer ladies is quite moving.

BRANTLEY GILBERT, BLAKE SHELTON & VINCE GILL / “Heaven By Then”
Writers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill/Michael Hardy/Jake Mitchell/Randy Montana/Hunter Phelps/Taylor Phillips; Producers: Brantley Gilbert/Brock Berryhill; Label: Valory
–A smash, if I’ve ever heard one. Brantley on his own has vocal charisma to spare. The “extras” on this track make it utterly unforgettable. Blake trades verses and Vince overlays both men’s performances with awesome tenor harmony singing. “Heaven,” indeed.

JORDAN DAVIS / “Part of It”
Writers: Jordan Davis/Jacob Davis/Jordan Walker/Matt McKinney; Producer: Paul DiGiovanni; Label: MCA
–The “Buy Dirt” CMA Award winner returns with a dynamite, sweet/sad bit of philosophical wisdom. This is the sound of a superstar in training.

Cameo Carlson Appointed CEO Of Mtheory As Company Confirms Multiple Promotions

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Pictured (clockwise): Cameo Carlson, Michael Corcoran, Kaitlyn Moore, and Ed Rivadavia. Photos: Courtesy of Sacks & Co.

Cameo Carlson has been named CEO of Mtheory, the respected artist development and management services company with offices in Los Angeles, Nashville, New Orleans, and New York.

Mtheory works alongside artist managers and their teams to provide the necessary knowledge, resources, and additional personnel to build their clients’ careers, all while organically growing the size and engagement of artists’ fanbases. Their growing offerings of services and realms of expertise include strategic marketing, DSP relations, product management, tour strategy and marketing, live operations and production expertise, business affairs, digital and social marketing and strategy, creative services, and CRM and analytics. Mtheory also holds key relationships in distribution as well as project management capabilities enabling artists and managers to operate in an independent environment.

The company currently works with over 25 managers representing over 100 artists across multiple genres, including Galantis, Jelly Roll, Masego, Twenty Øne Pilots, Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band, and many others.

Carlson opened Mtheory’s Nashville office in 2017 after spending time as Head of Digital Business Development for Borman Entertainment and Executive Vice President of Universal Motown and Republic Records. She began her career in terrestrial radio before venturing into the online music space in 2000. Carlson is part of the Academy of Country Music Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, a Board Member of the Music Business Association, NIVA, and the Women’s Music Business Association. She is also co-creator of the Nashville Music Equality group and mentoring group Digital Divas.

In addition to her promotion, Carlson also announced the promotions of multiple team members as well as a key executive hiring, including some in Nashville.

Michael Corcoran, who joined Mtheory in 2017 after spending time as a tour and production manager and in artist management, has been named General Manager of Mtheory. He works with management teams for artists including Tyler Childers, Zac Brown Band, and Jelly Roll.

Ed Rivadavia has joined the Mtheory team as Senior Vice President, Head of Digital. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, he began his career as an intern at Polygram Group Distribution and a Midwest radio promotion regional for A&M Records. He most recently held positions as VP of Digital Strategy at Sony Music Nashville, Chief Marketing Officer for comedy label 800 Pound Gorilla and Head of Music with leading influencer marketing agency Songfluencer.

Kaitlyn Moore has been named Vice President of Marketing at Mtheory, overseeing teams in the Nashville office and working closely with artist managers and their rosters. She has been part of the team for five years and previously held positions at Maverick and Monkeyville on Vine.

Additional promotions outside of Nashville include: Carmela Frangella to CFO; Amy Davidson to Executive Vice President; Vince Amoroso to Senior Vice President, Head of Marketing; and Jonah Berry to Vice President of Marketing.

CMA Presents Industry Honors To Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan, Leslie Fram, Michael Strickland

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Pictured (L-R): Valerie Ponzio, Riveter Management’s Charlene Bryant, Miko Marks, CMA’s Mia McNeal, Leslie Fram, Madeline Edwards, Mtheory’s Tiffany Provenzano, Chantrel Reynolds, and Cameo Carlson. Photo: Jamie Schramm/CMA.

The Country Music Association recently presented its annual industry honors to four of the industry’s finest.

Renowned documentary filmmakers Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan are the 2022 recipients of CMA’s Joe Talbot Award; CMT Senior Vice President, Music Strategy Leslie Fram has received the 2022 CMA Media Achievement Award; and Bandit Lites Founder/Chair Michael Strickland is the 2022 recipient of the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award.

Filmmaker Dayton Duncan receives the 2022 CMA Joe Talbot Award from CMA CEO Sarah Trahern. Photo: Courtesy of CMA.

The CMA Joe Talbot Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of country music’s values and tradition. Burns and Duncan were surprised with news of their awards via Zoom by CMA CEO, Sarah Trahern. Duncan was able to accept his trophy in person during a visit to Nashville for the Country Music Hall of Fame Medallion Ceremony in October. The two men are the visionaries behind the recent PBS documentary Country Music, which explores the history of the uniquely American art form, from its roots in small settings to its worldwide popularity over the course of the 20th century.

The CMA Media Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievements in the media as they relate to country music. During the recent CMT Next Women of Country concert at Nashville’s City Winery, Fram was surprised by CMA Senior Director, Industry Relations & Inclusion, Mia McNeal. The pair were joined on stage by participants of CMT and Mtheory’s Equal Access Development Program, including Charlene Bryant, Madeline Edwards, Miko Marks, and Valerie Ponzio as well as Mtheory’s Cameo Carlson, Tiffany Provenzano, and Chantrel Reynolds. Fram is at the forefront of a number of equity initiatives within country music, including CMT Next Women of Country and Equal Access.

Michael Strickland. Photo: Donn Jones/CMA.

The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award honors an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy, supporting worthwhile causes important to the country music community. Strickland was recognized at the Pre-Telecast Ceremony during the 56th Annual CMA Awards at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Strickland has advocated on behalf of the live events industry facet, testifying before the U.S. Senate on the pandemic’s effects on the music industry and ensuring live events professionals and organizations received federal funding through various legislative bills.

Jordan Davis To Drop New ‘Bluebird Days’ Album In February

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Jordan Davis will release his new full-length album Bluebird Days on Feb. 17 through MCA Nashville.

The project includes Davis’ multi-week, double Platinum No. 1 single, “Buy Dirt,” which earned Davis his first Song of the Year win at the 2022 CMA Awards.  One of the most-streamed songs of the year in 2021 and 2022, “Buy Dirt” was co-written by Davis and his brother Jacob, along with Matt and Josh Jenkins. The track is currently nominated for Favorite Country Song at the 2022 American Music Awards, airing Nov. 20 on ABC.

Bluebird Days will also feature several recently-released tracks “Next Thing You Know,” “Midnight Crisis” featuring Danielle Bradbery, “Part of It,” and his current hit single “What My World Spins Around.” The latter tune, which has amassed more than 145 million streams since its release, was written by Davis, Matt Dragstrem and Ryan Hurd, and produced by Paul DiGiovanni.

Exclusive Bluebird Days packages are available now for Davis’ fan club, The Parish. General pre-order opens Nov. 18 via JordanDavisOfficial.com, along with upgrade packages and autographed memorabilia.

Davis will join Thomas Rhett early next year for the international leg of his “Bring the Bar To You Tour.”

Country Music Hall of Fame, University of Illinois Press Partner To Release Country & Roots-Based Books

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum and the University of Illinois Press are joining forces to co-publish new works, as well as distribute titles released under the museum’s longstanding publishing arm, CMF Press, including reissuing significant out-of-print historical works.

The first release in the partnership is Western Edge: The Roots and Reverberations of Los Angeles Country-Rock, the museum’s new companion book to its major multi-year exhibition of the same name. Now available in bookstores nationwide and online outlets, the illustrated book traces the impact of the Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, The Eagles, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt and many more, along with the next wave of L.A. roots music ushered in by the Blasters, Lone Justice, Los Lobos, Dwight Yoakam and others.

The book includes more than 160 artifact and archival photos and features a foreword by Ronstadt and main essay by longtime LA music journalist Randy Lewis, among other essays from artists, musicians and historians.

University of Illinois Press and CMF Press have each released some of the most authoritative works exploring traditional country and roots music topics. Collectively, these books have been honored with a variety of awards, including the Ralph J. Gleason Music Book Award, the ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Award, the Belmont Book Award, the Irving Lowens Book Award and others.

“The University of Illinois Press has an impressive track record of releasing important books examining the broad spectrum of music and documenting American culture,” explains Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “The collaboration is a perfect fit to continue our museum’s longstanding commitment of reaching beyond our gallery walls via book publishing and other media platforms to explore the rich heritage of country music and its important contributions to history.”

“The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is a national treasure that shares our vital mission to document and celebrate roots music culture and its makers,” adds Laurie Matheson, Director of the University of Illinois Press. “We are excited to build on the synergies of this partnership in extending the reach and impact of country music publications.”

The next release from the partnership will come in spring 2023 with the reissue of the long out-of-print title DeFord Bailey: A Black Star in Early Country Music by David C. Morton with Charles K. Wolfe. Bailey (1899-1982) was a founding member of the Grand Ole Opry and among its most popular early performers, touring with well-known Opry acts like Roy Acuff, the Delmore Brothers and Bill Monroe. The reissued book will include a new chapter on Bailey’s thoughts about race relations, more than 40 photographs and a complete session discography.

Randall King Renews With BMG, Signs Songwriter To His Publishing Venture

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Pictured (L-R): Chris Oglesby, Randall King, Jake Jacobson

Rising country singer-songwriter Randall King has renewed his publishing deal with BMG.

King, who has become known for his neo-traditional sound, recently released his new 11-track album Shot Glass, of which he co-wrote seven of its 11 tracks.

In addition to announcing his extension with BMG, King also announced the signing of the first songwriter, Jake Jacobson, to his Tonk On Publishing, a publishing partnership with BMG to develop up-and-coming songwriters.

Jacobson, like King, is country traditionalist who released his debut EP Lovin’ and Leavin’ in June. The up-and-coming singer-songwriter has opened for Clay Walker, Kip Moore, Ben Haggard, Morgan Evans, Randall King, Travis Denning, Ian Munsick, and Logan Mize.

“I’m beyond excited to announce this new partnership with BMG and the signing of one of my favorite young guns out there,” King shares. “His work ethic alone makes me excited to see what this young man can do. A very unique traditional country writer with a clean smooth voice, he has a lot of promise. I’m ready to watch Jake Jacobson fly!”

“I am beyond thrill to extend our relationship with Randall,” says Chris Oglesby, VP, BMG Publishing Nashville. “His work ethic is inspirational. His talent level is exceptional, and he knows who he is. We are excited about being part of Tonk On. Randall’s eye for spotting emerging talent like Jake Jacobson is a growth opportunity for everyone. Jake is a brilliant young writer artist that we are proud to welcome into our BMG / Tonk On family.”

Industry Ink: Dolly Parton & Zac Brown, Lee Greenwood, Avery Anna, More

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Zac Brown Band Serves As Dolly Parton’s House Band During Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Induction

Dolly Parton and Zac Brown pose backstage during the 2022 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Photo: JB Rowland.

Zac Brown Band served as Dolly Parton’s band throughout her recent induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

The award-winning group backed Parton for a performance of her signature song, “Jolene,” and also lent their talents to Sheryl Crow’s rendition of “9 to 5,” as well as to a duet of “Coat of Many Colors” from Brandi Carlile and P!nk.

Highlights from the ceremony, held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, will air this Saturday (Nov. 19) on HBO and HBO Max.

 

 

Lee Greenwood Rings In 80th Birthday By Celebrating 25 Million In Music Sales

Pictured (L-R): Dan Rogers, Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, Kim Greenwood, Lee Greenwood, and Dustin Lynch. Photo: Jeremy Westby / 2911 Media.

Grammy-winning vocalist Lee Greenwood was recently honored for surpassing more than 25 million worldwide music sales while playing at the Grand Ole Opry. Ahead of his 80th birthday, Vice President and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry Dan Rogers, along with Ryman Hospitality Properties CEO Colin Reed, and country artist Dustin Lynch were there to surprise him.

An American patriot and national ambassador for the wounded warrior support organization Helping A Hero, Greenwood partnered with Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris to give away specially-adapted homes to six wounded veterans and their families from the heart of the Opry stage.

“I knew playing the Grand Ole Opry was going to be a birthday week highlight, but then to discover my recordings have surpassed 25 million sales worldwide—well, that has to be one of the greatest birthday gifts of all time; and yet, I wasn’t at the Opry to receive gifts, I was there to entertain and give gifts,” Greenwood shares. ““Our military families put their lives on the line for this country. These new homes are designed to make what can be impossible, everyday tasks, possible again for our wounded. Building these homes for our heroes is a labor of love,” he confided.

In honor of his 80th birthday, Greenwood is preparing for his 80-show “American Spirit Tour…Once and For All” in 2023.

 

 

Avery Anna’s “Narcissist” Notches Gold Distinction

Pictured (L-R): Tim Foisset (WMN), David Fanning (33 Creative), Cris Lacy (WMN), Patrick Worstell (WMN), Avery Anna, Rohan Kohli (WMN), Tina Crawford (33 Creative), Ben Kline (WMN), Shane Tarleton (WMN), Alex Ciasnocha (WMN), Jody Mazer (WMN), and Ashley Petro (WMN). Photo: Evan De Stefano.

Warner Music Nashville’s breakout starlet Avery Anna marked a career milestone on Tuesday night (Nov. 15) as she performed at Nashville’s Exit/In as support on Spencer Crandall’s “The Western Tour.” On top of the performance, Warner Music Nashville Co-Presidents Ben Kline and Cris Lacy joined Anna on stage to commemorate her viral smash “Narcissist” being certified Gold by the RIAA.

The 18-year-old Arizona native has accumulated more than 150 million streams in 2022, and made her Grand Ole Opry debut in September. Following the recent launch of her Mood Swings EP, she will release her first original holiday song, “Miss You At Christmas,” on Friday (Nov. 18).

 

 

Fifth Annual Dance Party To End ALZ Raises $525K

Pictured (L-R, front row): Jay Allen (The Voice), Melinda Doolittle, Charles Esten, Kelleigh Bannen, Jay Williams, Ashley Williams, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Brad Paisley surrounded by dancers. Photo: Jason Davis/Getty Images for Alzheimer’s Association.

Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Ashley Williams, and Jay Williams hosted their fifth annual Dance Party to End ALZ on Sunday (Nov. 13) at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Apple Music’s Kelleigh Bannen emceed the event, which raised $525,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association research grant program.

Dressed in ‘90s fashion, country artists took to the stage performing throwback hits from the era. Artists in attendance included Brad Paisley, Hot Country Knights, Tracy Lawrence, Jay Allen, Bannen with special guest NSYNC’s Chris Kirkpatrick, Melinda Doolittle, Lindsay Ell, Charles Esten, and more.

“For our fifth Dance Party to End ALZ, we raised $525,000, making it our most successful year to date!” notes Williams-Paisley. “After losing our mom to Alzheimer’s six years ago, my siblings and I became relentless in our pursuit to advance Alzheimer’s research toward methods of treatment, prevention, and ultimately, a cure. With the Alzheimer Association’s help, and the continued support of our generous sponsors, attendees, and performers, I know one day we will achieve our goal of a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia.”

To date, Dance Party to End ALZ has raised $1.8 million to fund diverse and exciting Alzheimer’s research.

 

Mike Ryan Marks Decade-Long Career With Grand Ole Opry Debut

Mike Ryan. Photo: Chris Hollo.

Singer-songwriter Mike Ryan made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Nov. 8, performing “Dear Country Music” and “Damn Good Goodbye.” Ryan’s Opry debut follows the release of his new album, Longcut, and marks a decade of building his career independently as a singer-songwriter.

“This is an incredible night. So many of my friends came out to support me. My family and my two sons are in the audience and it’s hard not to get emotional,” Ryan shared following the performance. “I’m honored to be on this stage where so many country music legends and artists have performed. I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and to be a part of this tradition.”

The San Antonio native has landed nine No. 1 songs on the Texas charts, and his previously-released Blink You’ll Miss It landed at No. 15 on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart. Collaborating with major label artists, Ryan has earned a top 20 hit as a co-writer on Brad Paisley’s “Last Time For Everything,” and Paisley reciprocated with a guitar solo on Ryan’s song, “The Rewrite.”

Average Joes Entertainment Hires Four New Staffers

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Pictured (L-R): McKennan Henninger, Ryan Bell, Madison Smith, Mike Wadsworth

Average Joes Entertainment has added four new staffers in the A&R and Marketing departments. Mike Wadsworth has joined the team as a Coordinator in the A&R department, Ryan Bell has been hired as the Publicity Manager, and Madison Smith and McKennan Henninger have joined as Account Managers in the Marketing department.

“As the company continues to expand into various media verticals, it’s important that we keep adding quality staff to support Average Joes and its creators, whether in music or film, to fulfill their individual visions,” notes Average Joes VP of Marketing, Andrew Davis.

Average Joes Entertainment launched in 2008 with flagship artist Colt Ford. Since its inception, the company has expanded to multiple labels, a management company, and a publishing entity. The company has also expanded into film and TV, housing film production company Hideout Pictures and distribution company Strike Back Studios. Average Joes has also produced and distributed films such as Old Henry, Spirit Halloween: The Movie, Howard’s Mill, and more.

Average Joes Entertainment’s roster includes Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, Bryan Martin, Josh  Mirenda, Charlie Farley, Sarah Ross, Sam Grow, Austin Tolliver, Lenny Cooper, and Cypress Spring.