Reba McEntire performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Caitlin McNaney.
Astonishingly, Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire played her first-ever show as a solo headliner at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (Oct. 21).
Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Reba McEntire, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe. Photo: Tony Matula
The Grammy-winner kept the Music City crowd entertained during her 90-minute show, as part of the “Reba: Live In Concert” tour, presented by Live Nation. Just before the show, McEntire was honored for more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe and Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan presented McEntire with a plaque to commemorate the accomplishment.
Before the country legend graced the stage, ’90s country hitmaker Terri Clark warmed things up. Clark had a ball performing her hits “Better Things To Do,” “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Girls Lie Too.” By the time she was done with us, the arena was pumped for McEntire.
When McEntire appeared onstage, she kicked things off with her first No. 1 hit, the 1982 “Can’t Even Get The Blues,” and followed it with her most recent, 2011’s “Turn On The Radio.”
“We’re tickled to pieces you came out to see us tonight,” McEntire said when greeting her guests. “In between those two songs has been a lot of life, love and a whole lot of hairspray. We want to take you on a little musical journey and see how many places we can go.”
The 30-song set that ensued included more of McEntire’s biggest hits, such as “Little Rock,” “Whoever’s In New England,” “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia,” “Somebody,” “Is There Life Out There” and many more.
McEntire led the crowd in sing-along after sing-along, often smiling out to her adoring fans and waving. Her signature wit shined in moments where she spoke to the crowd.
Reba McEntire performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Elisabeth Garcia
At other times, McEntire was stoic. In a section of her show she dedicated to sad, “wallering” songs, she played a medley of “You Lie,” “Tammy Wynette Kind Of Pain,” “Somebody Should Leave,” “What Am I Gonna Do About You” and “The Last One To Know.”
“I love singing sad songs,” she said, adding that she thought sad songs were “the glue of country music.”
A standout section of the show came when Clark re-emerged again to perform a Linda Ronstadt medley alongside McEntire. The two traded verses of “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved” and “Heat Wave”–and the crowd danced along without missing a beat.
The night also included virtual collaborations. McEntire introduced a digitally dancing Brooks & Dunn for “Oklahoma Swing” and a few virtual verses from Vince Gill on “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
Towards the end of the show, McEntire kept the energy high. Following a medley of some gospel songs, she blitzed us with “Is There Life Out There,” “Take it Back” and “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
She left her blockbuster hit “Fancy” for the encore. After disappearing into darkness, the crowd roared for her return to sing the captivating hit. In a chill-bump inducing performance, McEntire put the cherry on top of an evening of fun, good music and country music communion.
McEntire will play 11 more dates this year before picking the “Reba: Live In Concert” tour back up again in the spring. For dates, click here.
We The Kingdom & Jeremy Camp To Headline Winter Jam 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughWinter Jam, Christian music’s biggest tour, will return in 2023 with headliners We the Kingdom and Jeremy Camp. Kicking off Jan. 13 in Tampa, the 40-city tour will also feature Andy Mineo, Disciple, Austin French, NewSong, and Dove award-winning New Artist of the Year Anne Wilson.
The trek will visit Columbus, Nashville, Oklahoma City, St. Louis, Atlanta, Charlotte, and more before heading to the northwest for the first time in five years with stops in Boise, Tacoma, Portland, and Spokane. Admission for the shows is $15 at the door.
“I can’t wait for Winter Jam 2023,” notes Eddie Carswell, Co-Founder of NewSong Ministries &
Winter Jam. “I’m so excited about the lineup this year. I think it’s one of my all time favorites. I’m
excited to have some people we haven’t toured with as much like We The Kingdom, Anne Wilson, and Disciple. Also, it’s always great to be back with long time friends like Jeremy Camp, Austin French and my ping pong buddy Andy Mineo. Bring your youth group, your family, your friends; these will be nights you don’t want to miss!”
We The Kingdom will join Winter Jam following their fall 2022 tour and the release of their new,
self-titled album. The band received awards for Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Holy Water at the 2021 Dove Awards, and is known for No. 1 songs like “Holy Water” and “God So Loved.”
“We are so incredibly excited to announce that we are going to be a part of Winter Jam 2023,” notes We the Kingdom. “Several of us grew up going to Winter Jam–what a powerful time to unify together and let the love and hope of God be poured out in the room over every heart each night. We are so looking forward to getting to play some new songs off our new record as well as some familiar ones. Every single artist or band on this roster is incredible and we are so excited to get to partner together with them. Thank you, Winter Jam, for having us–we could not be more grateful. We’ll see you out there this winter! Let the party begin!”
A chart-topping, Grammy-nominated artist with 40 No. 1s, Camp is known for songs like “I Still Believe,” “Walk By Faith” and current hit “Keep Me In The Moment.” He is the subject of the 2020 inspirational biopic I Still Believe, and joins the tour following the release of his 2021 album When You Speak and his fall 2022 tour.
“I always look forward to touring with many of my favorite bands on Winter Jam,” Camp adds. “The community that Winter Jam provides and cultivates is always encouraging to my group and I love
that their heart for the Gospel and reaching people are always front and center of what they do!”
For a full list of stops on the 2023 Winter Jam tour, click here.
Industry Ink: Jo Dee Messina, Old Dominion, Craig Morgan, More
/by Lydia FarthingJo Dee Messina Pops Up At Bobby Bones’ “Comedically Inspirational” Show In Nashville
Bobby Bones & Jo Dee Messina. Photo: Courtesy of 117 Entertainment
On the heels of announcing her new partnership with 117 Entertainment, Jo Dee Messina surprised the audience at Bobby Bones‘ “Comedically Inspirational” stand-up show on Saturday night (Oct. 22) at the CMA Theater in Nashville.
Messina did a live interview on stage where she shared thoughts and insights about her decades-long career. The country hitmaker also performed acoustic versions of her smash hits “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “Lesson in Leavin’.”
Old Dominion’s “I Was On A Boat That Day” Goes Platinum
Old Dominion celebrates “I Was On A Boat That Day” going Platinum with their team. Photo: Mason Allen
Old Dominion‘s top 10 single “I Was On A Boat That Day” has achieved RIAA Platinum certification. The song is Old Dominion’s eighth Platinum-certified song.
“I Was On A Boat That Day,” written by the band’s Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi, Geoff Sprung, Trevor Rosen and Whit Sellers, alongside award-winning songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, was the lead single from their fourth full-length project, Time, Tequila and Therapy, which recently earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2022 CMA Awards.
The plaque presentation was made ahead of the band’s Whiskey Jam performance on Oct. 17. Having spent this summer on the stadium portion of Kenny Chesney’s “Here and Now 2022 Tour,” they recently collaborated with Chesney on “Beer With My Friends,” which is currently climbing the country charts.
Craig Morgan Honored With Tennessee Music Pathways Marker
Craig Morgan. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Tourism
On Oct. 18, Tennessee Tourism and the Dickson County Chamber of Commerce honored celebrated country artist Craig Morgan with a Tennessee Music Pathways marker in downtown Dickson, Tennessee. The pathway serves to celebrate his contributions to the state’s rich musical legacy.
Morgan recently kicked off his “God, Family, Country Tour 2022” in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He will continue the trek through November with an upcoming stop at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium on Veteran’s Day, coinciding with the release of his God, Family, Country (Deluxe Edition) album.
Danielle Bradbery’s “Worth It” Earns Gold Distinction
Pictured (L-R): Big Machine Label Group’s Darielle Schroeder, Why&How’s Halie Hampton Mosley, Why&How’s Allie Petko, Big Machine Label Group’s Allison Jones, Danielle Bradbery, Big Machine Label Group’s Carly Strickland, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt
Danielle Bradbery‘s 2017 hit “Worth It” has officially been certified Gold by the RIAA. Included on her sophomore album I Don’t Believe We’ve Met, the track was written by Bradbery along with Molly Reed and Grammy-nominated and SESAC award-winning writer Jeff Pardo.
Bradbery received the news after her recent show at the Grand Ole Opry.
SESAC Honors Malibu Babie’s First No. 1 Hit With Special Celebration
Pictured (L-R): Katie Fagan (Nashville Head of A&R, Prescription Songs), ET Brown (Senior Director Creative Services, SESAC), and Malibu Babie
SESAC recently celebrated affiliate Malibu Babie, who co-wrote and co-produced Nicki Minaj’s hit song “Super Freaky Girl,” with a No. 1 celebration at Greenhouse Bar along with her publishing partner Prescription Songs.
The song debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 this August and garnered over three million streams upon release, breaking the Spotify record for the biggest debut for a solo female rap song. “Super Freaky Girl” marks Malibu Babie’s first No. 1 hit.
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit Celebrate Eight-Night Stand At Ryman Auditorium
/by Lorie HollabaughJason Isbell. Photo: Catherine Powell
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit wrapped their eight-night residency at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium on Sunday night (Oct. 23).
The run of shows on Oct. 14-16, 18-19 and 21-23 marked the group’s seventh residency at the Ryman, which has become an October tradition. Each night of the residency featured a variety of openers, and special guests included Ruby Amanfu, Cimafunk, Grace Group Gospel Choir, Hermanos Gutiérrez, Leyla McCalla, Peter One, Amanda Shires and Vagabon.
Isbell heads overseas in early November with shows in Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Ireland and more through Nov. 19.
Pictured (L-R): Ryman Auditorium’s Director of Concerts Chrissy Hall, Jason Isbell, TT Management’s Traci Thomas, WME’s Andrew Colvin. Photo: Catherine Powell
Shania Twain To Headline Inaugural Concert At Nashville’s Geodis Park
/by Lorie HollabaughShania Twain is returning to Nashville for her first concert in five years on June 7, 2023. The one-night only show will feature an all-star lineup including Kelsea Ballerini and Breland, and will be the first concert to take place at GEODIS Park since the soccer stadium opened in May.
“I’m going out to Nashville! I’m feelin’ alright, gonna let it all hang out. Wanna make some noise, really raise my voice. Yeah, I wanna scream and shout. No inhibitions, make no conditions, get a little outta line. I ain’t gonna act politically correct, I only wanna have a good time!” Twain says.
“We are truly excited to bring our first concert to GEODIS Park,” shares Ian Ayre, CEO of Nashville Soccer Club. “Hosting top artists for concerts was one of the key focuses for our stadium design and it is fantastic to see this come to fruition. So many people have worked so hard to get to this point for soccer and for music and we could not be happier than to have Shania Twain be our first announced artist to perform at GEODIS Park.”
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, Oct. 28 at LiveNation.com, with $1 of every ticket purchased being donated to SKC. Established in 2010 by Twain, SKC provides services that promote positive change in children’s lives in times of crises and economic hardship, including one-on-one consultations, academic support and group activities, as well as nutritious snacks and meal programs in the Shania Kids Can Clubhouse.
Twain recently released her career-spanning documentary Not Just A Girl on Netflix, and joins the star-studded cast of Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration in the role of Mrs. Potts, premiering on ABC Dec. 15 and streaming on Disney+ Dec. 16.
Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, More Set To Perform On 56th Annual CMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughThe initial lineup of performers for the upcoming 56th Annual CMA Awards on Nov. 9 has been revealed and includes Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Jimmie Allen, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen Zac Brown Band, Kelsea Ballerini, Hardy, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Carly Pearce, and Lainey Wilson.
Hosted by Bryan and Peyton Manning, the show will open with a star-studded tribute to Country Music Hall of Fame legend Loretta Lynn. Bryan will deliver a performance of his latest single “Country On,” and most nominated female artist of all time Lambert–with three nominations this year including Entertainer of the Year–will perform “Geraldene” from her Album of the Year-nominated project Palomino.
With three nominations this year, including Entertainer of the Year, Underwood will perform her newest single “Hate My Heart.” Receiving his first Entertainer of the Year nod, two-time nominee this year Wallen will offer up his latest single “You Proof.” Reigning Female Vocalist and five-time nominee Pearce will deliver a special song from her most recent album.
Additional performers and presenters for The 56th Annual CMA Awards, which will air live from Nashville on ABC, will be announced in the coming weeks.
Anne Wilson Joins Matthew West’s Story House Collective Management Roster
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Story House Collective’s Jimmy Wheeler, Matthew West, Anne Wilson, Crowd Surf’s Jade Driver. Photo: Laney Oaks
Story House Collective, Christian artist Matthew West‘s multifaceted company, has signed Anne Wilson to a management deal. Additionally, the company has brought in Crowd Surf as a strategic management partner led by company co-founder, Jade Driver.
Wilson made the announcement Friday night (Oct. 21) during her GMA Dove Awards acceptance speech for New Artist of the Year. Her breakout hit “My Jesus” was also named Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year at this year’s awards.
West has served as a mentor and co-writer to Wilson over the last few years. In addition to writing “My Jesus” together, they also collaborated on West’s latest No. 1 song, “Me On Your Mind,” and released a duet version of the track this summer.
“Our Story House team is thrilled for the opportunity to partner with an artist as remarkable as Anne,” shares West. “I’ve been a believer in her since our very first writing session a few years ago. She’s the real deal. Her talent is undeniable, her story is powerful, and her mission is clear. We are honored to serve her artistic vision and beyond excited to help plot the course for even bigger and better things ahead for her.”
“I’m so excited to announce that I’ve signed with Story House Collective,” adds Wilson. “I’ve been blown away by their expertise but also their love for Jesus. So grateful for their hard work and all that’s to come! God is good!”
Story House Collective was born out of West’s desire to incubate and champion the next generation of creatives with the mission of bringing hope through music, books, film and other creative outlets.
Multi-Hyphenate Actor & Comedian Leslie Jordan Dies At 67
/by Lydia FarthingLeslie Jordan. Photo: Miller Mobley
Actor, writer, comedian, and singer Leslie Jordan passed away on Monday (Oct. 24) in a car accident. It is reported that Jordan may have suffered a medical emergency that caused him to crash into a building. He was 67.
The Emmy award-winning actor grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended the University of Tennessee – Chattanooga, where he stumbled into the drama department, leading him to Los Angeles and a three-and-a-half decade long career on stage and screen. Jordan is best known for his breakout role as Beverley Leslie on the sitcom Will and Grace. Jordan appeared everywhere from American Horror Story and Desperate Housewives to The Help and RuPaul’s Drag Race.
However, much of his recent popularity came from social media, particularly during the pandemic as his slice-of-life videos helped him rack up more than five million followers in a matter of months. As the pandemic stretched on, Jordan returned to the southern hymnals of his youth and he began sharing his performances via social media.
Jordan made his Grand Ole Opry debut in May 2021 where he was joined on stage by TJ Osborne, Vince Gill, and Charlie Worsham for the Opry standard “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.” In 2021, he also launched his Apple Music Country radio show Hunker Down Radio with Leslie Jordan, and landed on The New York Times Best Seller list with his book How Y’all Doin’.
To cap off 2021, Jordan brought Company’s Comin’ to life with a one-night-only show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, featuring special guests Brothers Osborne, Jimmie Allen, Teddy Swims, The War and Treaty and more. He also participated in the 56th Annual ACM Awards, where he cheekily called himself “portable wagoner” as he presented Dan + Shay with the Duo of the Year award.
In a statement, a representative for Jordan shared, “The world is definitely a much darker place today without the love and light of Leslie Jordan. Not only was he a mega talent and joy to work with, but he provided an emotional sanctuary to the nation at one of its most difficult times. What he lacked in height he made up for in generosity and greatness as a son, brother, artist, comedian, partner and human being. Knowing that he has left the world at the height of both his professional and personal life is the only solace one can have today.”
Reba Commemorates First Solo Headlining Show At Bridgestone Arena With Sold-Out Crowd
/by LB CantrellReba McEntire performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Caitlin McNaney.
Astonishingly, Country Music Hall of Fame member Reba McEntire played her first-ever show as a solo headliner at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Friday (Oct. 21).
Pictured (L-R): UMG Nashville’s Mike Dungan, Reba McEntire, UMG Nashville’s Cindy Mabe. Photo: Tony Matula
The Grammy-winner kept the Music City crowd entertained during her 90-minute show, as part of the “Reba: Live In Concert” tour, presented by Live Nation. Just before the show, McEntire was honored for more than 58 million albums sold worldwide. UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe and Chairman/CEO Mike Dungan presented McEntire with a plaque to commemorate the accomplishment.
Before the country legend graced the stage, ’90s country hitmaker Terri Clark warmed things up. Clark had a ball performing her hits “Better Things To Do,” “Poor, Poor Pitiful Me” and “Girls Lie Too.” By the time she was done with us, the arena was pumped for McEntire.
When McEntire appeared onstage, she kicked things off with her first No. 1 hit, the 1982 “Can’t Even Get The Blues,” and followed it with her most recent, 2011’s “Turn On The Radio.”
“We’re tickled to pieces you came out to see us tonight,” McEntire said when greeting her guests. “In between those two songs has been a lot of life, love and a whole lot of hairspray. We want to take you on a little musical journey and see how many places we can go.”
The 30-song set that ensued included more of McEntire’s biggest hits, such as “Little Rock,” “Whoever’s In New England,” “The Night The Lights Went Out In Georgia,” “Somebody,” “Is There Life Out There” and many more.
McEntire led the crowd in sing-along after sing-along, often smiling out to her adoring fans and waving. Her signature wit shined in moments where she spoke to the crowd.
Reba McEntire performs at Bridgestone Arena. Photo: Elisabeth Garcia
At other times, McEntire was stoic. In a section of her show she dedicated to sad, “wallering” songs, she played a medley of “You Lie,” “Tammy Wynette Kind Of Pain,” “Somebody Should Leave,” “What Am I Gonna Do About You” and “The Last One To Know.”
“I love singing sad songs,” she said, adding that she thought sad songs were “the glue of country music.”
A standout section of the show came when Clark re-emerged again to perform a Linda Ronstadt medley alongside McEntire. The two traded verses of “You’re No Good,” “When Will I Be Loved” and “Heat Wave”–and the crowd danced along without missing a beat.
The night also included virtual collaborations. McEntire introduced a digitally dancing Brooks & Dunn for “Oklahoma Swing” and a few virtual verses from Vince Gill on “The Heart Won’t Lie.”
Towards the end of the show, McEntire kept the energy high. Following a medley of some gospel songs, she blitzed us with “Is There Life Out There,” “Take it Back” and “Why Haven’t I Heard From You.”
She left her blockbuster hit “Fancy” for the encore. After disappearing into darkness, the crowd roared for her return to sing the captivating hit. In a chill-bump inducing performance, McEntire put the cherry on top of an evening of fun, good music and country music communion.
McEntire will play 11 more dates this year before picking the “Reba: Live In Concert” tour back up again in the spring. For dates, click here.
Weekly Register: Bailey Zimmerman Scores Top 5 Album Debut With First Major Label Release
/by Lydia FarthingWarner Music Nashville and Elektra Music Group newcomer Bailey Zimmerman explodes onto the top country album charts. His debut project, Leave The Light On, arrives at No. 2 on the country charts and No. 9 overall, racking up 32K in first-week consumption (4.1K album only/34 million song streams).
Zimmerman also rises to No. 2 on the top country streaming songs chart as “Rock And A Hard Place” adds 11 million streams this week, according to Luminate data.
Zach Bryan‘s “Something In The Orange” notches a fifth week atop the country streaming songs chart, gaining 16 million streams. Morgan Wallen‘s “You Proof” drops one spot to No. 3, earning 10 million streams. Luke Combs‘ “The Kind Of Love We Make” also drops one spot to No. 4 with 8.6 million streams, while Kane and Katelyn Brown maintain their spot at No. 5 with “Thank God” nabbing 8 million streams.
On the album front, Dangerous: The Double Album (Morgan Wallen) keeps the top spot with 45K in total consumption (1.5K album only/55 million song streams). Wallen also claims the fifth spot as If I Know Me creeps up with 16K in total consumption. American Heartbreak (Zach Bryan) falls to third with 28K, and Red (Taylor’s Version) (Taylor Swift) rises one spot to No. 4 with 18K in total consumption.
Top Five Hold Steady On MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart, Zach Bryan Lands Fifth Week At No. 1
/by Lydia FarthingZach Bryan
This week, the top seven on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart remain the same with Zach Bryan notching another week at No. 1, brining his total up to five consecutive weeks.
Bryan is the sole writer on all four of his chart entries, which include “Something In The Orange,” “Oklahoma Smokeshow,” “Burn, Burn, Burn” and his newest release “Starved.”
Ashley Gorley (No. 2), Morgan Wallen (No. 3), Ernest Keith Smith (No. 4) and Luke Dick (No. 5) all maintain their respective spots on the MusicRow Top Songwriter Chart.
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.