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.
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.
Wynonna Judd Extends ‘The Judds: The Final Tour’ Into 2023
/by Lorie HollabaughWynonna Judd has extended “The Judds: The Final Tour” into 2023, due to the overwhelming support of fans.
Judd and musical friends, including Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride, will all be returning for the second run. Fans can also expect more special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
“I have never felt so overwhelmed by this much love and support!” shares Wynonna. “The emotions that flow while listening to the different generations of fans sing back to me each night has been other-worldly. I am so humbled by every artist that has come to sing with me on this tour. They’ve all managed to bring something so unique to The Judds music and I can say that no two shows are the same. It has been so life-giving!
“The decision to add 15 more shows was a no-brainer for me,” she adds. “The fans have been such a gift during my time of grieving and honoring my mother in song. What an amazing season this is. I look so forward to continuing the celebration of the music that has changed my life forever. In my 39 years of performing, these shows have truly been some of my absolute favorite experiences ever and I look forward to making new memories with the fans and guest artists in 2023.”
Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Friday (Oct. 28) at TheJudds.com.
Ben Goldsmith Inks With Kobalt Music
/by Liza AndersonPictured (L-R): Kobalt Music’s Stephanie Cox, Ben Goldsmith, Kobalt Music’s Kevin Lane and Morgan Brasfield. Photo: Courtesy of Kobalt Music.
Songwriter and producer Ben Goldsmith has joined the Kobalt Music roster, signing a worldwide publishing agreement.
The southwest Virginia native grew up surrounded by country music and dreamed of becoming a songwriter. Following his graduation from the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, Goldsmith immediately moved to Nashville.
Since arriving in Music City, he has had multiple songs at country radio, such as “Blue Bandana” by Jerrod Niemann, “Neon Church” by Tim McGraw and the No. 1 hit “Homemade” by Jake Owen. Goldsmith has also had cuts by Russell Dickerson, Tenille Townes, Tenille Arts, Temecula Road and more.
“Having known Ben for as long as I have, I’ve seen first hand how hard he works and how devoted he is to the craft of songwriting. I am thrilled to be working with him and to welcome him to the Kobalt family,” says Kobalt Music’s Senior Director, Creative Kevin Lane.
“Kevin has been a friend and champion of mine since I moved to Nashville. I’m really grateful to be working with him and the entire Kobalt team. I am looking forward to creating new music and new opportunities with Kobalt,” shares Goldsmith.
Elle King Slates ‘A-Freakin-Men Tour’ For February
/by Lorie HollabaughElle King. Photo: Pooneh Ghana
Elle King is launching her “A-Freakin-Men Tour Presented by Slow & Low” on Feb. 14. The Red Clay Strays will join her as special guests on the dates.
Kicking off on Valentine’s Day in New Orleans, the tour will visit Atlanta, Asheville, Boston, Indianapolis, Chicago, Austin and more through March 25. The trek comes on the heels of the release of King’s upcoming project Come Get Your Wife on Jan. 27.
“I am so excited to be going back out on tour, not just because I love to perform, but because I’m finally putting out a new record,” says King. “I have put all of my energy and love into this album and I cannot wait to share it live for everyone.”
Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Oct. 25 through the Citi Entertainment program. King is offering tickets as well as VIP meet & greet packages at every show at ElleKing.com.
2022 ASCAP Country Music Awards Set For Virtual Celebration On November 7
/by Lydia FarthingThe winners of the 60th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards will be unveiled on Monday, Nov. 7 across all ASCAP social media platforms starting at 9 a.m. CT.
Recognizing and celebrating the writers and publishers of some of the most performed country songs of the past year, the awards will honor the Song of the Year, Songwriter of the Year and Publisher of the Year. Previous winners include Ashley Gorley, Brothers Osborne, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Garth Brooks, Josh Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson and Old Dominion.
ASCAP will celebrate with its award-winning songwriters at an intimate, invitation-only event at Nashville’s Soho House on Monday, Nov. 7.
Kenny Chesney Surprises Mentor Jack Tottle At ETSU, Earns Honory Doctorate
/by Lorie HollabaughKenny Chesney joins ETSU President Brian Noland (R) to honor Dr. Jack Tottle (L). Photo: Courtesy of ETSU
Kenny Chesney returned to his roots at his alma mater of East Tennessee State University to help honor the founder of the school’s Bluegrass, Old-Time and Roots Music Studies Program, Jack Tottle.
A well-known historian, player and journalist, Tottle created a program that has inspired young musicians, such as Amythyst Kiah, Tim Stafford, Adam Steffey, Ron Block, Becky Buller and the program’s current director Dan Boner, to use music as a way to bring people together, respect the roots, and create music’s future. The internationally acclaimed program, which has graduated Grammy, IBMA, CMA, and ACM awards winners, celebrated its 40th anniversary as part of the school’s Homecoming weekend.
“Jack Tottle taught me how to dream, or inspired me to have the ability to dream enough to believe I could do this,” Chesney notes. “He showed me that music could make connections beyond what we see, that it could communicate beyond language or location. When I was just beginning to really get serious, Jack Tottle was 10 years into this incredible program that focused on the region’s musical roots. He welcomed me, taught me a lot about songs, being in bands and what this music is made of.” He adds, “It was my honor to honor Jack this way. He showed an East Tennessee kid the power of what music can do; and for me, it sure did.”
Kenny Chesney presented with an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by ETSU Provost Kimberly McCorkle and President Brian Noland. Photo: Courtesy of ETSU
A surprise guest at the celebration, Chesney was welcomed to the stage by President Brian Noland midway through the evening. Noland and Provost Kimberly McCorkle awarded Chesney an honorary doctorate of letters during the special evening.
“He is a paradigm-shifting artist who helped define country music in the 21st century, selling out stadiums across the world… He is an inspiration, reminding the world—through his art and the example he sets—to live life with joy, humor, passion, and soul,” shares Noland. “Here at ETSU, we have issued a challenge to our faculty, staff and students to ‘go beyond.’ Mr. Chesney, soon to be Dr. Chesney, you exemplify that ideal. You have gone beyond genres, unifying people through your art and your work. You have gone beyond borders, sharing your amazing talent all over the world. And you have gone beyond yourself, using your voice to uplift others and give back to communities.”
“To say I wouldn’t dream this is an understatement,” Chesney explains. “I was spending most of my time at Chucky’s Trading Post, the Downhome, Quarterback’s BBQ and in the rooms at the music building, practicing my guitar. All I wanted was to get a song on the radio, write some things I could be proud of and get out on the road and have some fun. My tour manager and a couple of my friends from back here are still out there with me, but I don’t think any of us would’ve seen this coming. But that’s why no matter what you dream, you have to just keep dreaming and believing.”
Kenny Chesney. Photo: ETSU
Lance Houston Joins River House Artists As VP, Promotion & Artist Development
/by Lydia FarthingLance Houston
River House Artists has added Lance Houston as VP of Promotion & Artist Development. He will spearhead the company’s promotions department.
In this position, Houston will help strengthen the company’s Artist Development department and work hand-in-hand with streaming and radio partners to grow artists’ and songwriters’ careers.
A Tuscaloosa, Alabama native, Houston brings nearly three decades of experience in country radio, including recent programming experience in major markets such as Chicago, Boston and Baltimore. The seasoned programmer also worked on iHeartMedia’s national programming team where he worked with 11 brands to build and elevate their music programming strategies.
“It’s an extremely exciting time for River House Artists! Zebb [Luster] and I are honored to have Lance join our team,” shares Lynn Oliver-Cline, Founder of River House Artists. “His reputation precedes him as an absolute tastemaker and his talents are going to be invaluable to our established and developing artists. I have admired Lance for years and we are thrilled to be working with him.”
“I feel like Nashville has been quietly calling me over the past few years, and as soon as I had the opportunity to go work for Lynn & Zebb, there was no holding me back,” adds Houston. “I’m super fortunate that I get to continue to be a part of the country music industry—plus learn a whole other side of the business after a really terrific run in radio!”
Houston can be reached at lance@riverhouseartists.com.
Founded in 2016, River House boasts a roster consisting of superstar act Luke Combs, Jameson Rodgers, Billy Strings, Ray Fulcher and Drew Parker, as well as newcomers Georgia Webster, Austin Snell, Zach Seabaugh, Kasey Tyndall, Grant Gilbert and more.