Jerry Lee Lewis at the 2022 Country Music Hall of Fame Inductee announcement press conference on May 17, 2022. Photo: John Russell/CMA

Legendary entertainer Jerry Lee Lewis passed away on Friday (Oct. 28) at the age of 87 at his home in Memphis, Tennessee.

Also known as “The Killer,” Lewis earned 28 top 10 Billboard Country singles across four decades, including hits “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lot of Shakin’ Going On,” both of which have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. He was also the first person inducted into the first class of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986. The Recording Academy honored Lewis with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2005, and earlier this month, he was formally inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Lewis is survived by his wife Judith and four surviving children, plus extended family. Services will be announced in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in Lewis’ honor to the Arthritis Foundation or MusiCares.

Over the past few days since the news broke, the Nashville music industry and beyond has shared their thoughts and condolences for the beloved vocalist and pianist.

“One of my most vivid memories of Jerry Lee was in 1997, when he was a guest on ‘Monday Night Concerts’ at the Ryman. Ricky Skaggs and Brian Setzer joined Jerry Lee for a set that started with the classic ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ended with a stirring rendition of ‘The Old Rugged Cross.’ A true force of nature, it was amazing to be able to witness Jerry perform in person that night. As one of the most talented musicians and entertainers of our time, it warms my heart to know that he got the chance to accept his rightful place in the hallowed hall as a member of the newest class of Country Music Hall of Fame inductees just a few weeks ago. My deepest condolences go out to Jerry Lee’s family and friends during this time.” – Sarah Trahern, Country Music Association CEO

“Jerry Lee’s indelible mark as a rock & roller in no way obscures his impact as one of the greatest country singers of all time. He was the ultimate stylist, taking songs to places they could never have gone without his unique voice and soul. Known as ‘The Killer,’ in reality he was a reviver, resurrecting music and emotions. The country records he made with producer Jerry Kennedy will never be replicated or surpassed, and we were honored to recently welcome him into the Country Music Hall of Fame. Among the greatest of artists, he was, as his friend Kris Kristofferson put it, ‘a table-thumpin’ smash.’” – Kyle Young, CEO of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

“Jerry Lee was a Christian, an American icon and the greatest piano player in the world. People will be listening to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lot of Shakin” 500 years from now. I will miss him. God bless you Jerry Lee.” – Dennis Quaid

“It’s so sad to hear that Jerry Lee Lewis has passed. I’ve loved him since I first met and worked with him in the early 1970s. He was definitely one of a kind as an artist and person.” – Crystal Gayle

“Jerry Lee at the beginning of a session put his gun on the piano. Silence. They do the session… The next day the musicians come to the session and all bring their guns. That was Jerry Lee.” – Don McLean

“The image and influence of Jerry Lee Lewis is an iconic memory we will always have. As a musician/singer I loved his energy and style. He was the greatest!” – Janie Fricke

“The first time I saw Jerry Lee Lewis play and literally light his piano on fire I thought, ‘That’s what I want to do!’ He proved that not all piano players are balladeers and that’s what I love and will always remember about him. He was a huge inspiration to me and so many musicians across genres. May he rest in peace.” – Phil Vassar

Dream 3 Publishing. Photo: Jason Myers

Greg Hill, Laurel Kittleson-Cobb and Emily Olson have joined forces to launch Dream 3 Publishing.

Hill owns Hill Entertainment Group, a company focused on brand building in the entertainment space. He currently overseas the management of Rodney Atkins, Mark Wills, The Naomi Judd Estate, Jennifer Hart and others.

Kittleson-Cobb is the founder of Rainier Entertainment, a music consulting company for A&R, publishing, management, and artist development. She consults for RECORDS Nashville, developing their artist roster, scouting new talent, and overseeing the song selection and recording process of the entire roster. Additionally, Kittleson-Cobb consults for 19 Recordings with their Nashville based artists, assisting in all publishing aspects as well as management, and independently does A&R for artists Caroline Jones and Drew Baldridge.

Olson, who has over 10 years of experience in publishing, has secured over 150 cuts in her career for artists, including Brett Young, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Mickey Guyton, Justin Moore, Trisha Yearwood, Trace Adkins, and more.

With over five decades of combined experience in different faucets of the industry, involvement with countless No. 1s and their instrumental roles in the careers of some of country’s biggest stars, the industry veterans aim to build a boutique publishing company that focuses on great writers, great songs and developing talent.

Olson will run the day-to-day publishing operations for Dream 3 Publishing, including setting up co-writes and pitching songs. Kittleson and Hill will continue running their businesses and will filter in talent with the writers of Dream 3.

“I couldn’t be more proud to partner with Laurel, an A&R person who has an extensive track record of successful signings, and Emily, a publisher who has been a part of some of the biggest hits of the last few years,” explains Hill. “I started out in publishing and transitioned to management but never lost the love of songs and songwriters. I’m excited to see what we create bringing together our different perspectives and experiences.”

“When Greg approached me with the notion to start a publishing company, I told him we had to bring in Emily Olson. I’ve always loved her genuine passion for songs and the songwriter,” shares Kittleson. “The three of us met to discuss what type of publishing company we’d like to create together. We each have different strengths from our varying experience in the industry and, together, we will be able to give our writers the best opportunity to succeed.”

“I met Laurel 17 years ago at Belmont in my Computer 101 class and she has been one of my most favorite people since then, she is the absolute best in town when it comes to artist development and A&R. Greg’s creative strategies and passion for people and songs inspire me and fire me up so much. I admire them and could not be more excited to get to partner with Laurel and Greg,” adds Olson. “This is my dream team and we are building something so special!”

To contact Dream 3, email emily@dream3publishing.com.

Carly Pearce during her headline debut at the Ryman Auditorium. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

Reigning CMA and ACM Female Artist/Vocalist of year Carly Pearce lit up Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium with her first-ever headlining show at the historic venue on Wednesday night (Oct. 26). It was the first of two back-to-back, sold-out Ryman shows.

Fellow Big Machine label-mate and country artist Jackson Dean kicked off the evening, firing up the crowd alongside his band with songs such as “Don’t Come Lookin'” and “Trailer Park.” Dean gave a moving performance of self-written song “Heavens to Betsy,” not only putting his incredible vocals on display, but those of his band members’ as well.

Bill Anderson and Carly Pearce. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

As Dean wrapped up his set, the Ryman faded to black and white lights flashed all around. Suddenly, the beginning of Pearce’s “Diamondback” covered the pews and rising from beneath the stage was the woman of the hour. Hand on her rhinestone-studded microphone, she poured heart and soul into her 90-minute set, featuring songs such as “Should’ve Known Better,” “Dear Miss. Loretta,” “Next Girl,” “29,” “Never Wanted To be That Girl” and more. Her sunny disposition radiated through each song and the congregation of  “the Mother Church of Country Music” couldn’t help but dance and sing along.

During the first half of her performance, Pearce introduced special guest Bill Anderson, the longest-tenured member of the Grand Ole Opry, and together they sang Anderson and Dolly Parton‘s “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.”

Ricky Skaggs and Carly Pearce. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

“I just want to say on behalf of all the Opry artists, the management and everyone who puts that wonderful show together, how honored and proud we are to have Carly Pearce as a part of our family,” said Anderson. Turning to Pearce, he continued, stating, “You are what the future of country music is, you are what it’s all about.”

The Kentucky-native fulfilled a childhood dream when she sang “Blue Moon of Kentucky” with second guest Ricky Skaggs. Pearce is set to be inducted into the Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame today (Oct. 28). “Someone check on my mother and make sure she’s okay after that,” Pearce joked to the audience after the performance.

She continued to bare her soul with “Every Little Thing” and a touching performance of “Show Me Around,” dedicated to her late producer Michael Busbee (“Busbee”). She also paid homage to him and producer and co-writer Shane McAnally with “If My Name Was Whiskey,” a track off of her debut album Every Little Thing that the three of them wrote together.

Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean. Photo: Alexa Campbell.

To wrap up the incredible show, Pearce belted “Hide The Wine” and surprised the audience with an appearance by Gary LeVox. Together the two performed a rendition of Rascal Flatts‘ “What Hurts The Most,” which received an electric reaction from the crowd. Dean then returned onstage to join Pearce in singing her and Lee Brice‘s duet “I Hope You’re Happy Now.”

“All of my country music dreams are coming true tonight. You only get to play the Ryman like this once and these shows represent all of my hard work coming to fruition. This moment is all I’ve dreamt of and from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for letting me live this life,” Pearce said with her hand on her heart, tears brimming her eyes and a smile glowing on her face.

To commemorate The Rolling Stones’ 60th anniversary, some of country music’s stars have come together for Stoned Cold Country, a tribute album of reimagined versions of the legendary rock band’s catalogue.

The first taste of the album will arrive Nov. 4 with the release of Brothers Osborne & The War And Treaty’s soulful rendition of “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It),” and the project will be released in its entirety in 2023 via BMG.

Produced by Robert Deaton, Stoned Cold Country pays homage to one of the most enduring, trailblazing and influential bands in the world. Participating artists on the record include Jimmie Allen, Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Eric Church, Steve Earle, Elle King, Marcus King, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris, Elvie Shane, Koe Wetzel, The War And Treaty, Lainey Wilson & Zac Brown Band, all of whom inject their trademark styles into the revered music of The Stones.

“This album is country music’s thank you to The Rolling Stones for 60 years of inspiration and providing the soundtrack of our lives. While recording the record, I was reminded that this is a showcase and spotlight on the best we have to offer as a genre,” Deaton says. “From our artists to all of the musicians that played on the record, we boldly state that country music is second to none when it comes to artists of integrity and creativity.”

Stoned Cold Country Track List:
1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” – Ashley McBryde
2. “Honky Tonk Women” – Brooks & Dunn
3. “Dead Flowers” – Maren Morris
4. “It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll (But I Like It)” – Brothers Osborne & The War And Treaty
5. “Miss You” – Jimmie Allen
6. “Tumbling Dice” – Elle King
7. “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” – Marcus King
8. “Wild Horses” – Little Big Town
9. “Paint It Black” – Zac Brown Band
10. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” – Lainey Wilson
11. “Sympathy for the Devil” – Elvie Shane
12. “Angie” – Steve Earle
13. “Gimme Shelter” – Eric Church
14. “Shine A Light” – Koe Wetzel