Russell Dickerson Scores Fifth Platinum Track With ‘She Likes It’
Pictured (L-R): Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis, Russell Dickerson, and Triple Tiger Records’ Norbert Nix. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom.
Russell Dickerson has notched his fifth Platinum single with “She Likes It,” featuring Jake Scott. The Triple Tigers recording artist wrote the hit alongside Scott and Josh Kerr.
This new RIAA-certification follows Dickerson’s previous chart success with “Yours” (3x Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2x Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), and “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum).
Dickerson’s latest song “Blame It On Being Young” is out now, and his new album Russell Dickerson will be released on Nov. 4.
Indie Publishing Companies Bring Back Horton Hears A Hit Publisher Crawl
Pictured (L-R): Sea Gayle Music’s Brandon Gregg, UMG’s Stephanie Wright, Sea Gayle Music’s Kim Wiggins, Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlow, Sea Gayle Music’s Kendra Smith, Emily Craig, Maddie & Tae’s Taylor Dye, and Sea Gayle Music’s JD Groover. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group.
Nashville’s top independent publishing companies came together to revive the Horton Hears A Hit publisher crawl last week. The round-robin style pitch meetings connected music publishers along Music Row’s 16th and Horton Avenues with country artists and their A&R representatives.
This year’s participants included Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Creative Nation, Jody Williams Songs, Sea Gayle Music, SMACK Songs, Big Loud and Tape Room Music along with recording artists Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, John Morgan, and more.
Jelly Roll Surprised With Gold Certification Plaque For ‘Son Of A Sinner’
Pictured (L-R): BBRMG’s JoJamie Hahr, Jelly Roll, and BBRMG’s Jon Loba. Photo: Courtesy of BBR Music Group.
Jelly Roll was surprised with a Gold certification plaque for his Top 10 and climbing country hit “Son of A Sinner,” at the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night (Oct. 26). The Stoney Creek Records artist has held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artist for 11 weeks.
His first headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, benefitting Impact Youth Outreach, will take place on Dec. 9.
Blessing Offor Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Blessing Offor at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Rising artist Blessing Offor made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
On the Opry stage, he performed a stripped-down version of his track “Tin Roof,” before bringing the full band on to play his Top 5 radio single “Brighter Days,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd.
His full-length debut album My Tribe will be available on all major music streaming platforms on Jan. 13.
Granville Automatic Joins Bonfire Music Group’s Touring Roster
Granville Automatic. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Sky Artist Management.
Bonfire Music Group has added Nashville duo Granville Automatic to their touring roster.
Granville Automatic is made up of singer-songwriter Vanessa Olivarez and songwriter-guitarist Elizabeth Elkins. They have toured extensively for over a decade, often logging more than 100 dates per year, including recent support for The SteelDrivers. Bonfire agent Joe Lekkas will handle the group’s U.S. and Canadian dates.
“Bonfire Touring is excited to add the talented Granville Automatic to our roster,” Lekkas says. “I am looking forward to working with Elizabeth and Vanessa and continuing to expand the foundation they’ve built.”
The duo plans to hit the road in 2023 in support of their recent album Tiny Televisions, a companion piece to the duo’s first book, Hidden History of Music Row.
Industry Ink: Russell Dickerson, Horton Hears A Hit, Jelly Roll, More
/by Liza AndersonRussell Dickerson Scores Fifth Platinum Track With ‘She Likes It’
Pictured (L-R): Dennis Entertainment’s John Dennis, Russell Dickerson, and Triple Tiger Records’ Norbert Nix. Photo: Courtesy of The GreenRoom.
Russell Dickerson has notched his fifth Platinum single with “She Likes It,” featuring Jake Scott. The Triple Tigers recording artist wrote the hit alongside Scott and Josh Kerr.
This new RIAA-certification follows Dickerson’s previous chart success with “Yours” (3x Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2x Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), and “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum).
Dickerson’s latest song “Blame It On Being Young” is out now, and his new album Russell Dickerson will be released on Nov. 4.
Indie Publishing Companies Bring Back Horton Hears A Hit Publisher Crawl
Pictured (L-R): Sea Gayle Music’s Brandon Gregg, UMG’s Stephanie Wright, Sea Gayle Music’s Kim Wiggins, Maddie & Tae’s Maddie Marlow, Sea Gayle Music’s Kendra Smith, Emily Craig, Maddie & Tae’s Taylor Dye, and Sea Gayle Music’s JD Groover. Photo: Courtesy of Big Machine Label Group.
Nashville’s top independent publishing companies came together to revive the Horton Hears A Hit publisher crawl last week. The round-robin style pitch meetings connected music publishers along Music Row’s 16th and Horton Avenues with country artists and their A&R representatives.
This year’s participants included Big Machine Music, Big Yellow Dog, Creative Nation, Jody Williams Songs, Sea Gayle Music, SMACK Songs, Big Loud and Tape Room Music along with recording artists Dustin Lynch, Maddie & Tae, Priscilla Block, John Morgan, and more.
Jelly Roll Surprised With Gold Certification Plaque For ‘Son Of A Sinner’
Pictured (L-R): BBRMG’s JoJamie Hahr, Jelly Roll, and BBRMG’s Jon Loba. Photo: Courtesy of BBR Music Group.
Jelly Roll was surprised with a Gold certification plaque for his Top 10 and climbing country hit “Son of A Sinner,” at the Grand Ole Opry on Wednesday night (Oct. 26). The Stoney Creek Records artist has held the No. 1 spot on Billboard’s Emerging Artist for 11 weeks.
His first headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, benefitting Impact Youth Outreach, will take place on Dec. 9.
Blessing Offor Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut
Blessing Offor at the Grand Ole Opry. Photo: Chris Hollo.
Rising artist Blessing Offor made his Grand Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Oct. 25.
On the Opry stage, he performed a stripped-down version of his track “Tin Roof,” before bringing the full band on to play his Top 5 radio single “Brighter Days,” which received a standing ovation from the crowd.
His full-length debut album My Tribe will be available on all major music streaming platforms on Jan. 13.
Granville Automatic Joins Bonfire Music Group’s Touring Roster
Granville Automatic. Photo: Courtesy of Blue Sky Artist Management.
Bonfire Music Group has added Nashville duo Granville Automatic to their touring roster.
Granville Automatic is made up of singer-songwriter Vanessa Olivarez and songwriter-guitarist Elizabeth Elkins. They have toured extensively for over a decade, often logging more than 100 dates per year, including recent support for The SteelDrivers. Bonfire agent Joe Lekkas will handle the group’s U.S. and Canadian dates.
“Bonfire Touring is excited to add the talented Granville Automatic to our roster,” Lekkas says. “I am looking forward to working with Elizabeth and Vanessa and continuing to expand the foundation they’ve built.”
The duo plans to hit the road in 2023 in support of their recent album Tiny Televisions, a companion piece to the duo’s first book, Hidden History of Music Row.
Eric Church, Brooks & Dunn To Headline 2023 Country Thunder Bristol Festival
/by Lorie HollabaughEric Church and Brooks & Dunn are set to headline Country Thunder Bristol at the iconic Bristol Motor Speedway Oct. 6 – 7, 2023.
“The fans in Bristol and, indeed, the entire Appalachian Highlands region, have spoken,” says Country Thunder Music Festivals CEO, Troy Vollhoffer. “Eric Church is the artist fans ask for the most in this market, and we are thrilled to make it happen. In addition to Brooks & Dunn, and Eric, we will have a number of major announcements in the weeks and months ahead. After two years of massive crowds and meeting some of the best fans in America, we can’t wait to get back to Bristol and do it all again.”
Two-day passes, Platinum Experience, Gold Circle, camping and all the extras are available now at CountryThunder.com or by phone at 1-866-388-0007.
The Country Thunder Music Festivals organization has grown throughout its 19-year history to include five other major multi-day events, including Arizona, Saskatchewan, Wisconsin, Alberta and Florida.
4th Annual Dottie West Birthday Bash Raises $30K For Music Health Alliance
/by Lorie HollabaughPictured (L-R): Roxane Atwood – Dottie Bash Committee, Tatum Allsep – Founder & CEO Music Health Alliance, Carla Denham – Chief External Relations Officer Music Health Alliance, Dottie Birthday Bash Commitee Members Jeannie Seely, Ron Harman, Bev Moser and Scott Sexton
The Fourth Annual Dottie West Birthday Bash presented Music Health Alliance with a check for $30,000 raised during the star-studded event Oct. 11 at 3rd & Lindsley.
Presented by Springer Mountain Farms, the show was hosted by Grand Ole Opry legend Jeannie Seely and included a live auction.
“Musicians have always been special to me and I feel like they don’t always get recognized for their efforts. When hard times hit, sometimes these are the folks who get hit the hardest since many of them are young with young families. We appreciate Music Health Alliance allowing us to partner with them, doing all we can to provide the resources needed to assist everyone, but especially this vitally important part of our business,” says Seely.
The event included performances by Seely along with honoree Country Music Hall of Fame member and Grand Ole Opry member Charlie McCoy, The War & Treaty, Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Don Schlitz, Vince Gill, John Schneider, Linda Davis and Lang Scott, and many more.
“We are so honored and thankful to once again be the charity partner for such a fabulous event honoring an icon in our industry. Through the generosity of those who attended and participated in the event, Music Health Alliance will be able to provide more than $900,000 in life-saving healthcare advocacy and resources to those who are facing healthcare challenges in the music industry. Thank you for helping us to heal the music,” shares Tatum Allsep, MHA Founder and CEO.
Emily Boardman Joins River House Publishing Team In Expansion
/by Lorie HollabaughPhoto credit: Kate Gallaher
Emily Boardman has joined River House Artists as Creative Manager/Publishing in an expansion of the company’s publishing division. She joins Kayla Adkins, Creative Manager/Publishing, in the department, effective immediately.
Boardman joins River House after a nearly eight-year run at Hipgnosis Songs Group (previously Big Deal Music Group). A University of Albany graduate by way of Orchard Park, New York, Boardman also serves as an AIMP board member and a member of the Women’s Music Business Association.
She will work in tandem with Adkins on the team, who rose from Publishing Manager/Assistant to Creative Manager/Publishing last fall. A graduate of MTSU, Adkins joined River House in 2019 after interning at Make Wake Artists. She has played a large role in the signing of acts Jordan Rowe, Kasey Tyndall, Reid Haughton, Neil Medley and Grant Gilbert and has had a hand in building out River House’s pop division with Knox Morris and Zach Seabaugh.
Together, Boardman and Adkins will spearhead the expansion of River House’s growing publishing arm, coordinating co-writes for staff songwriters, pitching songs, catalog management and assisting in finding new talent.
“Here at River House, everything revolves around a great song. As a company, we strive to over-serve our songwriters and support the growth of the publishing arm as much as we possibly can,” shares Zebb Luster, VP/GM of River House. “Emily is the perfect fit—she is a hustler who has jumped right in and is ready to get to work. She is smart, thoughtful, collaborative and has an exceptional song sense. Kayla and Emily handling all things publishing together is going to be an unstoppable team!”
Reach Boardman at emily@riverhouseartists.com and Adkins at kayla@riverhouseartists.com.
Olympian Scott Hamilton Announces Lineup For 6th Annual Benefit In Nashville
/by Lorie HollabaughScott Hamilton will host his annual “Scott Hamilton and Friends” skating event featuring superstar music performances and ice skating from world, Olympic and national figure skating champions, live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Nov. 20.
This year’s event marks 25 years of cancer survivorship for skating champion Hamilton, and will feature an evening of performances for the whole family. Musical guests for this year’s show include Colbie Caillat, Jason Derlatka from Journey, Natalie Grant, Joe King of The Fray, and Jason Scheff of Chicago, with House Band Sixwire.
Champion skaters performing one-time-only choreography will include 2x Olympic gold medalist Katia Gordeeva, Olympic gold medalist Ilia Kulik, Olympic team bronze medalist Jeremy Abbott, Olympic bronze team medalists Marissa Castelli and Simon Shnapir, double Olympic medalist and 4x World medalists Madison Hubbell and Zachary Donohue, Olympic team medalists Alexa Knierim and Brandon Frazier, Olympic team medalist and U.S. National Champion Karen Chen, 3x Canadian National Champions Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, 2x U.S. National Champion Alissa Czisny and U.S. National Champion Ryan Bradley. Social media sensation Elladj Baldé will also return for his second year.
Tickets for the 6th annual show benefiting the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation are available at ticketmaster.com. Proceeds will fund Glioblastoma research through the Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, dedicated to changing the future of cancer by funding advanced, innovation research that treats the cancer while sparing the patient.
Kristian Bush, Brooke Eden, More To Perform At ‘Songwriters For Southwest Florida’ Benefit
/by Lorie HollabaughBMI and iHeartMedia Fort Myers are presenting “Songwriters for Southwest Florida,” an Island Hopper Songwriter Fest relief concert at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville on Nov. 2.
Benefiting hospitality workers in Lee County after the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Ian, the concert will feature BMI writers who have performed at the annual 10-day Island Hopper Songwriter Fest since its inception. Aaron Barker, Kristian Bush, Sheena Brook, Brooke Eden, Tim James, Paul McDonald, Frank Myers, Danny Myrick, Maggie Rose, Stephanie Quayle, Maia Sharp and more will perform during the special evening, with all proceeds going to the fund. Tickets are available at 3rdandlindsley.com.
The benefit also features an online auction with items signed by Luke Bryan, Hardy, Leslie Jordan, Locash, Luke Combs, Jake Owen, Frank Myers, and more. To bid on the auction items, visit songwritersforswfl.com, and to make online donations to the fund, go to visitfortmyers.com.
“BMI has been a proud sponsor of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest since the beginning,” says Dan Spears, BMI’s VP of Industry Relations. “The festival has always given our songwriters amazing venues to showcase their music and connect with fans. In response to the hurricane, many BMI songwriters came forward, offering to do what they do best—bringing people together through music. We’re hoping to raise enough to give back to those hospitality workers in Lee County who have welcomed us over the last eight years.” Spears continued, “I’d also like to thank our longtime partners, iHeartMedia and Fort Myers—Islands, Beaches & Neighborhoods, and our BMI songwriters for making this concert a reality.”
“Hurricane Ian dealt a horrific blow to the coastline of Southwest Florida’s people and businesses, especially the hotel, hospitality and restaurant workers that we work so closely with each year in the planning and execution of the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest,” shares Louis Kaplan, Sr. VP Programming-Ft Myers, iHeartMedia. “We’re so grateful to all of the festival artists, past and present, who have stepped up on behalf of the people who were so damaged by the storm. I’m lifted by all the support.”
The event will be livestreamed at volume.com/3rdandlindsley. Click here to claim your free ticket.
Carly Pearce & Six Others Inducted Into Kentucky Music Hall Of Fame
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Jim Crawford (for Pete Goble), Micah and Marie Yandell (son and wife of Paul Yandell), Marty Brown, Carly Pearce, Tee Dee Young, Norah Lee Allen, and Tommy White. Photo: Sarah Cahill.
The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame inducted seven new members during its 20th anniversary ceremony at the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center New Barn in Renfro Valley, Kentucky on Friday (Oct. 28).
The 2022 inductee class included country star and Taylor Mill native Carly Pearce. Pearce was inducted by artist Ricky Skaggs, who she recently performed with during her headlining Ryman Auditorium debut. Other inductees consisted of Grand Ole Opry background vocalist Norah Lee Allen, Steel Guitar Hall of Famer Tommy White, blues guitarist and singer Tee Dee Young, “I’m From the Country” hit songwriter Marty Brown, bluegrass songwriting legend Pete Goble (posthumously), and Chet Atkins Certified Guitar Player Paul Yandell.
Pictured (L-R): Kentucky Music Hall of Fame’s Neal Sluder, Ricky Skaggs, Carly Pearce, and Kentucky Music Hall of Fame’s Jessica Blankenship. Photo: Alexa Campbell.
Additionally, the Karl Shannon Legacy Award was presented to radio legend Jack Pattie, and Friends of the Hall of Fame Awards were presented to Mr. & Mrs. Fred Gretsch of Gretsch Guitars, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Harris of Valley High Farms, Mayor Michael Bryant, Avery Bradshaw, Paul Martin, and Ann Henderson. The event also included special performances and appearances by Steve Wariner, Skaggs, Connie Smith, Rockland Road, Sydney Adams, and Parker Hastings.
After the ceremony, a case showcasing various artifacts donated by the inductees was unveiled. The case featured an over 100-year-old acoustic guitar that Paul Yandell learned to play on, the boots Carly Pearce wore as a child as well as the outfit her mother made for a talent show performance, a handwritten letter by Tommy White’s mom, and more unique items that represent each of their musical journeys.
For more information, click here.
Chris Stapleton, Reba, Ashley McBryde, More To Perform On Upcoming CMA Awards
/by Lorie HollabaughOther additional performers just announced for the awards show are Brothers Osborne, Brandy Clark, Luke Combs, Caylee Hammack, Cody Johnson, Elle King, Patty Loveless, John Osborne, Pillbox Patti, Cole Swindell, and The War and Treaty. Hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, the CMA Awards show broadcasts live from Bridgestone Arena in Nashville from 7-10 p.m CT on ABC, and will be available next day on Hulu.
Previously announced performers include Bryan, Jimmie Allen, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Kelly Clarkson, Hardy, Marcus King, Miranda Lambert, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Morgan Wallen, Lainey Wilson, and Zac Brown Band. Presenters for The 56th Annual CMA Awards will be revealed later this week.
The first CMA Awards Banquet and Show was held in 1967. The following year, the awards were broadcast for the first time, making it the longest-running, annual music awards program on network TV. The CMA Awards have aired on ABC since 2006.
Save The Date: MusicRow Announces Date For 10th Annual ‘Rising Women On The Row’
/by LB CantrellMusicRow is proud to announce the date for its 10th annual Rising Women on the Row breakfast, honoring female executives in the music industry. Once again at The Omni Nashville Hotel, Rising Women on the Row will take place the morning of Thursday, March 23, 2023.
MusicRow Owner & Publisher Sherod Robertson held the first-ever Rising Women on the Row in 2012. He was inspired to start the beloved event when thinking of his grandmother, and how she was never honored for her accomplishments and tenacious spirit. Since its inaugural year, MusicRow has named nearly 50 deserving executives as Rising Women on the Row.
Past honorees include—2020/2022: Jen Conger, JoJamie Hahr, Mandy Morrison, Missy Roberts, Jennie Smythe, Stephanie Wright; 2019: Janine Ebach, Kelly Janson, Meredith Jones, Lenore Kinder, Sandi Spika Borchetta, Jennifer Turnbow; 2018: Faithe Dillman, Leslie DiPiero, Becky Gardenhire, Lynn Oliver-Cline, Annie Ortmeier, Janet Weir; 2017: Tatum Allsep, Virginia Bunetta, Kerri Edwards, Kella Farris, Laura Hutfless, Juli Newton-Griffith; 2016: Abbey Adams, Amanda Cates, Cris Lacy, Leslie Roberts, Risha Rodgers; 2015: Kele Currier, Tiffany Dunn, Dawn Gates, Jensen Sussman, Lou Taylor; 2014: Julie Boos, Caryl Atwood, Ebie McFarland, Alicia Pruitt, Kelly Rich; 2013: Cyndi Forman, Cindy Hunt, Beth Laird, Cindy Mabe, Brandi Simms; 2012: Shannan Hatch, Mary Hilliard Harrington, Heather McBee, Denise Stevens, Carla Wallace.
Applications for 2023’s class will open in January 2023.
Larry Fleet Drops Brand New Collection ‘The Live Sessions: Vol. 1’
/by Lorie HollabaughLarry Fleet. Photo: Matt Paskert
Larry Fleet is offering fans a taste of his live show on his all-new Big Loud Records collection, The Live Sessions: Vol. 1.
The 11-track, acoustic project features hits from his Stack Of Records album as well as some Youtube exclusives, including his breakout hit “Where I Find God.” The album also includes two collaborations from duet partner Zach Williams and was recorded between the Ryman Auditorium and Welcome to 1979 Studios in Nashville.
“One of my favorite things to do is play live music, so to be able to put out a live record is really special. It’s got some old songs and some new ones, and a couple with my good buddy Zach Williams who I’m grateful to for collaborating with me,” Fleet shares. “Thank you to everyone who kept asking for something like this–it was a blast to put together. I sure hope y’all enjoy it.”
Fleet continues to hit the road on his debut, headlining “One For The Road Tour” with upcoming stops in Bristol, Tennessee (Nov. 4) and Macon, Georgia (Nov. 5).
Where I Find God (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Connie Rae Harrington
This Too Shall Pass (feat. Zach Williams) (Live) | writers: Dave Barnes, Zach Williams
Highway Feet (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Jamey Johnson
Church Parking Lot (Live) | writers: Lindsay Rimes, Michael Whitworth
Try Texas (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, James McNair, Jacob Mitchell
Layaway (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Joshua Miller, Mark Trussell
Three Chords and a Lie (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Brett Tyler
Heart On My Sleeve (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Will Bundy, Jeff Hyde
Muddy Water (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Jesse Frasure, Brett Tyler
Having a Girl (Live) | writers: Larry Fleet, Jesse Frasure, Connie Rae Harrington
Midnight Rider (feat. Zach Williams) | writers: Greg Allman, Robert Kim Payne