Pictured (L-R): Producer Josh Osborne, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Industry members gathered at the Virgin Hotel on Music Row this week to celebrate another No. 1 hit for the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Carly Pearce.
Hosted by ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, the party commemorated the success of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” a duet between Pearce and Ashley McBryde that the two co-wrote with Shane McAnally. McBryde and McAnally were not able to attend, but McAnally’s co-producer on the track, Josh Osborne, filled in for them.
Sistad got things started by listing off some of Pearce’s hard-won accomplishments that she’s celebrated over the last two years. On top of being the reigning CMA Female Vocalist, she also holds the equivalent honor at the ACM. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” was her third No. 1 song.
“We are so proud to have you as part of the ASCAP family, you know that. We’re so happy for all the good things that are happening for you. We love you,” Sistad said.
Altadena’s Daniel Lee was the first of the publishers to say a few words. Lee recognized the song’s co-writers, co-producers, the musicians and the engineers on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” He thanked Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group and the promotion staff, as well as BMG, SMACK, Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell.
Lee made sure to speak about Altadena founder and one of Pearce’s first champions, the late busbee.
“I have to acknowledge busbee. He’s missed, he’s loved, he will never be forgotten,” Lee said, before turning his attention to Pearce. “You are the gold standard for artists. You spoil all of us and you actually are cut from the same cloth as Loretta Lynn.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb and Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Erik Powell; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Chris Oglesby, SMACK Songs’ Jeremy Groves, Producer Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe, Jody Williams Songs’ Jody Williams. Photo: Alexa Campbell
BMG’s Chris Oglesby was next up to speak. He said that when Carly Pearce comes to mind, he thinks of three things: work ethic, her reverence for the history of the country music community, and her gift of songwriting.
“She writes what she knows and she writes from the heart,” Oglesby said. “She surrounds herself with creatives who do that same thing and help her paint the pictures that help us all deal with the emotions that we have.”
Label head Borchetta said a few words about his superstar artist, as well. He also had three points he wanted to make: team, song and elite.
Borchetta recognized his team members on getting the song up the charts, as well as his entire staff on Pearce’s stellar 29 project. When speaking about the song, Borchetta highlighted the magic of the demo of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
When he turned his attention to Pearce, he equated her to the elite of the genre.
“I’ve had the amazing great fortune to work with what I think is more female vocalists of the year than anyone else,” Borchetta said, listing off the female greats he’s worked with, such as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, and more. “I’ve gotten to work with the elite. Now I’m getting to work with one of the members of the next elite in Carly Pearce.”
The Big Machine team then presented Pearce with a Gold plaque for both “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “What He Didn’t Do.”
Next up to speak was co-producer Josh Osborne.
“Writing is something I’ve done most of my life. Production is something I’m not as confident in, but when you hear songs like this, they just make sense instantly,” Osborne said.
“Shane and I are getting a lot of kudos for the production but I can just tell you that Carly is just as much a part of that if not more than we are. She is the driving force behind this. When you hear a great Carly Pearce record, she is the reason it is a great Carly Pearce record.”
Next it was time to hear from the star of the hour. She made sure to thank her whole team, from Sistad, the person who first believed in her, to Borchetta, Oglesby, Lee, her co-creators, her band and crew, and her new manager Narvel Blackstock.
“It takes people in the beginning to say yes,” she said. “It’s been a magical two years for me. I’ve grown up in this town with a lot of you. I moved here at 19 only thinking about one day being someone who mattered in country music. I understand that you have to support the other people around you and I feel so held and so supported. I’m so grateful for that.”
Hardy Slates Sophomore LP, ‘The Mockingbird & The Crow,’ For January
/by Lorie HollabaughHardy. Photo: Ryan Smith
Hardy is gearing up to release his second full-length Big Loud Records LP, The Mockingbird & The Crow, on Jan. 20.
The country rocker surprised fans with a miniature album preview available immediately, releasing three brand new songs–“Here Lies Country Music,” “The Mockingbird & The Crow,” and “Truck Bed.” The trio of new releases join current top 35 single “Wait In The Truck” featuring Lainey Wilson and the recently-dropped rock single “Jack” across all platforms.
The two-part, 17 track collection marries country and rock, mining the influences Hardy grew up listening to. The double-edged project was completely co-written by Hardy with a rolodex of top writers, including Ashley Gorley, Rhett Akins, Hillary Lindsey, Jessie Jo Dillon, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt, and more.
“The Mockingbird & The Crow is, in my opinion, the best thing I’ve made so far,” Hardy explains. “I had a lot of time to get in the weeds making this record with some of my favorite people in Nashville, and it truly captures every part of who I am as an artist. I’m honored that I get to share it with you next year; can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”
The new project follows Hardy’s 2020 debut album A Rock, which earned a billion on-demand album streams, spent over 106 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with a top five debut, and was certified Gold by the RIAA.
1. Beer (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps)
2. Red Feat. Morgan Wallen (Michael Hardy, Rhett Akins, Ben Hayslip, Jacob Rice)
3. Wait In The Truck Feat. Lainey Wilson (Michael Hardy, Renee Blair, Hunter Phelps, Jordan Schmidt) ^
4. Drink One for Me (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps)
5. I In Country (Michael Hardy, Smith Ahnquist, Nick Donley, Jake Mitchell, Hunter Phelps)
6. Screen (Michael Hardy, Jessie Jo Dillon, Matt Dragstrem, Hunter Phelps)
7. Happy (Michael Hardy)
8. Here Lies Country Music (Michael Hardy, Cole Taylor, Brett Tyler, Will Weatherly)
9. The Mockingbird & The Crow (Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Brett Tyler) ^
10. Sold Out (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps) *
11. Jack (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey) *
12. Truck Bed (Michael Hardy, Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps) +
13. .30-06 (Michael Hardy, Cameron Montgomery, Hunter Phelps)
14. I Ain’t In The Country No More (Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hillary Lindsey) *
15. Radio Song Feat. Jeremy McKinnon (Michael Hardy, Zach Abend, Nick Donley, Jeremy McKinnon, Cody Quistad)~
16. Kill Sh!t Till I Die(Michael Hardy, David Garcia, Hunter Phelps) *
17. The Redneck Song (Michael Hardy, Andy Albert, Nick Donley)
All songs produced by Joey Moi
All songs co-produced by Derek Wells and HARDY
* co-produced by David Garcia
^ co-produced by Jordan Schmidt
+ co-produced by Ben Johnson
~ co-produced by Andrew Wade, Jeremy McKinnon, and Cody Quistad
Nashville Joins In The Recording Academy’s District Advocate Day To Champion Creators
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Chris Woods, Ben Glover, Representative Mark Green, Gramps Morgan and Cory Asbury. Photo: Photo: Terry Wyatt for Getty Images
The Recording Academy’s District Advocate Day recently made its return with the first in-person event since the pandemic. The event aims to bring awareness to several key music-related issues and the artists/representatives advocating for the music community.
Serving as music’s largest grassroots advocacy movement championing creators, the event rallied nearly 2,000 Academy members across 45 states and reached over 75 percent of Congress. Organization members visited their elected Congressional representative’s offices in 12 cities across the country.
Members of the Recording Academy Nashville Chapter at District Advocate Day. Photo: Terry Wyatt for Getty Images
Among these cities was Nashville where music creators, such as Gramps Morgan, Cory Asbury and Ben Glover, met with Representative Mark Green to discuss four key pieces of pending legislation that focus on providing fair compensation and protecting free expression for music creators.
Some of the key policy items that were covered include the Restoring Artistic Protections (RAP) Act, which protects every creator’s right to free expression by limiting the use of lyrics and other creative works as evidence in federal court, and the American Music Fairness Act, which ensures artists and music creators receive payment for the use of their songs on AM/FM radio. Additionally, participants discussed the Help Independent Tracks Succeed (HITS) Act, which amends the tax code so independent artists can fully deduct the cost of new recordings on their taxes, as well as the Peace Through Music Diplomacy Act, which directs the state department to leverage partnerships with the private sector when designing and implementing its music-related exchange programs.
Carly Pearce Celebrates Third No. 1 ‘Never Wanted To Be That Girl’
/by LB CantrellPictured (L-R): Producer Josh Osborne, Big Machine Records’ Clay Hunnicutt, Carly Pearce, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb, ASCAP’s Mike Sistad. Photo: Alexa Campbell
Industry members gathered at the Virgin Hotel on Music Row this week to celebrate another No. 1 hit for the reigning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Carly Pearce.
Hosted by ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, the party commemorated the success of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl,” a duet between Pearce and Ashley McBryde that the two co-wrote with Shane McAnally. McBryde and McAnally were not able to attend, but McAnally’s co-producer on the track, Josh Osborne, filled in for them.
Sistad got things started by listing off some of Pearce’s hard-won accomplishments that she’s celebrated over the last two years. On top of being the reigning CMA Female Vocalist, she also holds the equivalent honor at the ACM. “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” was her third No. 1 song.
“We are so proud to have you as part of the ASCAP family, you know that. We’re so happy for all the good things that are happening for you. We love you,” Sistad said.
Altadena’s Daniel Lee was the first of the publishers to say a few words. Lee recognized the song’s co-writers, co-producers, the musicians and the engineers on “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” He thanked Scott Borchetta, Big Machine Label Group and the promotion staff, as well as BMG, SMACK, Jody Williams Songs and Warner Chappell.
Lee made sure to speak about Altadena founder and one of Pearce’s first champions, the late busbee.
“I have to acknowledge busbee. He’s missed, he’s loved, he will never be forgotten,” Lee said, before turning his attention to Pearce. “You are the gold standard for artists. You spoil all of us and you actually are cut from the same cloth as Loretta Lynn.”
Pictured (L-R, back row): ASCAP’s Mike Sistad, Big Machine Records’ Kris Lamb and Clay Hunnicutt, Big Machine Label Group’s Scott Borchetta and Allison Jones, Big Machine Records’ Erik Powell; (L-R, front row): BMG’s Chris Oglesby, SMACK Songs’ Jeremy Groves, Producer Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce, Altadena’s Daniel Lee, Warner Chappell Music’s Ben Vaughn and Spencer Nohe, Jody Williams Songs’ Jody Williams. Photo: Alexa Campbell
BMG’s Chris Oglesby was next up to speak. He said that when Carly Pearce comes to mind, he thinks of three things: work ethic, her reverence for the history of the country music community, and her gift of songwriting.
“She writes what she knows and she writes from the heart,” Oglesby said. “She surrounds herself with creatives who do that same thing and help her paint the pictures that help us all deal with the emotions that we have.”
Label head Borchetta said a few words about his superstar artist, as well. He also had three points he wanted to make: team, song and elite.
Borchetta recognized his team members on getting the song up the charts, as well as his entire staff on Pearce’s stellar 29 project. When speaking about the song, Borchetta highlighted the magic of the demo of “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.”
When he turned his attention to Pearce, he equated her to the elite of the genre.
“I’ve had the amazing great fortune to work with what I think is more female vocalists of the year than anyone else,” Borchetta said, listing off the female greats he’s worked with, such as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Reba McEntire, Patty Loveless, Martina McBride, and more. “I’ve gotten to work with the elite. Now I’m getting to work with one of the members of the next elite in Carly Pearce.”
The Big Machine team then presented Pearce with a Gold plaque for both “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” and “What He Didn’t Do.”
Next up to speak was co-producer Josh Osborne.
“Writing is something I’ve done most of my life. Production is something I’m not as confident in, but when you hear songs like this, they just make sense instantly,” Osborne said.
“Shane and I are getting a lot of kudos for the production but I can just tell you that Carly is just as much a part of that if not more than we are. She is the driving force behind this. When you hear a great Carly Pearce record, she is the reason it is a great Carly Pearce record.”
Next it was time to hear from the star of the hour. She made sure to thank her whole team, from Sistad, the person who first believed in her, to Borchetta, Oglesby, Lee, her co-creators, her band and crew, and her new manager Narvel Blackstock.
“It takes people in the beginning to say yes,” she said. “It’s been a magical two years for me. I’ve grown up in this town with a lot of you. I moved here at 19 only thinking about one day being someone who mattered in country music. I understand that you have to support the other people around you and I feel so held and so supported. I’m so grateful for that.”
Red Street Records Launches New Publishing Division, Signs Kelley Lovelace
/by Lydia FarthingPictured (L-R): Red Street Records Co-Owner/Chairman Dan Crockett, Kelley Lovelace, Kelly King, Jay DeMarcus
Red Street Records has launched its new publishing division, Red Street Publishing, with Kelley Lovelace as its flagship writer. The new publishing arm will be helmed by Kelly King, Senior Director of A&R, and Harrison Sokoloff, Director of Publishing and A&R.
Through its new go-forward deal with Lovelace, Red Street Publishing has also acquired songs from his hit-packed catalog. The Grammy-nominated writer has 17 No. 1s with cuts from Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Sheryl Crow and more.
“As Red Street announces the launch of our new publishing division, I can’t imagine a better songwriter than Kelley Lovelace to help us get things started,” adds King. “Kelley is one of the most talented and respected songwriters in country music, and we could not be more excited about this partnership.”
“I couldn’t be more excited to enter into this creative journey with Red Street,” Lovelace shares. “Jay DeMarcus is a great leader with such a positive energy, and he has put together an incredible creative staff with the ever so talented Kelly King and Harrison Sokoloff. I’m more motivated than ever to create and see what we can build together.”
Earlier this year, MusicRow caught up with DeMarcus and Red Street Records Country flagship artist Ryan Griffin to talk about its new country division and look ahead at the future of Red Street Records. Click here to read the full interview.
Julie Roberts Returns With Triumphant New Album ‘Ain’t In No Hurry’
/by Lorie HollabaughJulie Roberts. Photo: Brian Williams Creative
Julie Roberts is back with a new album, Ain’t in No Hurry, produced by Shooter Jennings and singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin.
Due out Oct. 28 via ONErpm, Ain’t in No Hurry features 14 songs about love, loss, roots and redemption, fit with bluesy ballads and heart-rending love songs. The project includes duets with Randy Houser, as well as Jamey Johnson on the lead single, “Music City’s Killing Me,” written by Ray LaMontagne.
The album also features a revamped cover of K.T. Oslin’s chart-topping “Do Ya,” the women’s empowerment anthem “All By My Damn Self,” the Houser duet “A Little Crazy’s Kinda Nice,” “Don’t Call Me, Baby,” and “Ain’t in No Hurry,” which captures the range of Roberts’ vocals.
“It’s a record of strength,” Roberts says. “I’m reinventing myself here, both musically and lyrically, while still paying tribute to the traditional elements people know me for.” She adds, “I never imagined I could feel this much joy. It puts life into such clear perspective and makes me even more excited about sharing my life journey through new music.”
In 2010, after tallying over a million units sold from her first two albums, Roberts took a step back from the business to regroup and heal after the loss of her home to that year’s historic flood, alongside a life-changing medical diagnosis and the end of her record deal. A decade later, she’s married, fully in remission from multiple sclerosis and back with new music, while also welcoming her first child, a baby boy born via IVF.
Ain’t in No Hurry (Erin Enderlin, Brent Cobb and Ben Chapman)
Don’t Call Me Baby (Erin Enderlin, Waylon Payne and Mae Estes)
Devil’s Pool (Julie Roberts, Waylon Jennings, Shooter Jennings and Richard Jason Collum)
Music City’s Killing Me with Jamey Johnson (New York City’s Killing Me) (Ray LaMontagne)
All By My Damn Self (Julie Roberts and Richard Jason Collum)
Do Ya (K.T. Oslin)
(When You Wake Up) In the Bed You Made (Erin Enderlin, Buddy Lee Owen and Galen Griffin)
Easy Street (Bobby Emmons and Chips Moman)
A Little Crazy’s Kinda Nice with Randy Houser (Jason Matthews and Rebecca Lynn Howard)
Big Moon (John Doe)
The Concept of You (Michael James Farmer)
The King and His Crown (Julie Roberts, Arlis Albritton and Cliff Cody)
The Song Goes with Me (Julie Roberts, Darrell Clark and Marcus Hummon)
I Think You Know (Jessi Colter)
Madeline Edwards Signs With Warner Music Nashville, Unveils Debut Album For November
/by Lydia FarthingMadeline Edwards and the Warner Music Nashville team. Photo: Courtesy of WMN
Singer-songwriter Madeline Edwards has signed with Warner Music Nashville. Her 12-track debut album, Crashlanded, will be released through the label on Nov. 4.
In celebration of the news, Edwards has released a new track, “Too Much Of A Good Thing,” along with a companion video featuring behind-the-scenes footage of her friends, family, band and crew from the last few months. Written alongside Ian Christian and Trannie Anderson, Edwards was inspired to write the song the evening she was tapped to go on tour with Chris Stapleton this past summer.
Blending jazz, soul, gospel and country, Edwards has garnered nearly 15 million collective streams. Her initial five song EP was released in June 2022 and featured lead single “Port City,” as well as “Hold My Horses,” “Why I’m Calling,” “Heart You Can’t Break,” and “The Road.”
In addition to opening on Stapleton’s “All American Road Show,” Edwards has graced the stage at SXSW and performed at the Long Road Festival, Moon River Festival and Americana Fest. She will also be playing at Stagecoach 2023.
Edwards is represented by Samantha Borenstein at Sam I Am Entertainment, Wasserman and Sony Music Publishing.
Daywind Music Group Relaunches Thoroughbred Records, Taps Chosen Road As Flagship Artist
/by Lorie HollabaughDaywind Music Group is relaunching Thoroughbred Records, a bluegrass gospel label with historic ties to the genre. Thoroughbred’s first signing is Chosen Road who will debut with a brand-new album, Appalachian Christmas, featuring several friends, including Selah, Point of Grace, and more.
“Christian Hearts with a Musicians’ Mind–that’s what I’m reminded of when I think of Chosen Road,” notes A&R and Creative Director of Thoroughbred Records/Billy Blue Records Jerry Salley. “Over the years of getting to know this band and its founder, Jonathan Buckner, I have been impressed not only with their musical ability, but also their hearts for the God they serve and sing about. I am very excited to launch Thoroughbred Records, our new, all-bluegrass-gospel label with such a sincere and exciting group.”
Chosen Road
“As a band, we couldn’t be more excited about the re-launch of Thoroughbred Records, and the opportunity to be a part of the Daywind family,” adds Buckner. “Thoroughbred Records has a rich history in bluegrass and roots gospel music. We grew up listening to the legendary artists that once called Thoroughbred home. We’re honored to become a part of that legacy. Daywind has made such a positive impact on the world through gospel music, and that is why Chosen Road exists. We look forward to bringing hope through some exciting new music to audiences and listeners very soon.”
Thoroughbred Records emerged in 1995 and was home to the Lewis Family, Hall of Famers in both the bluegrass and Gospel genres, until shortly before their retirement in 2009. The Easter Brothers followed, as well as the Chigger Hill Boys and Terri, who joined the label in 2003.
The label directed attention to the gospel side of bluegrass through its two-volume collection of bluegrass gospel music, O Lord How Great Thou Art, which featured Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Bluegrass Cardinals, Alison Kraus, Ricky Skaggs, and many more. Thoroughbred culminated its successful initial run with an audio/video collaboration featuring Jeff and Sheri Easter, the Lewis Family, and the Easter Brothers aptly titled We are Family.
Thoroughbred Records will be distributed to Christian retail through New Day Christian Distributors.
Hootie & The Blowfish Announce New Dates For HootieFest 2023
/by Liza AndersonHootie & the Blowfish perform at the inaugural HootieFest: The Big Splash in 2022. Photo: Courtesy of HootieFest: The Big Splash
After holding its inaugural beach bash last January, Hootie & the Blowfish have announced rescheduled dates for the return of their destination concert vacation – HootieFest: The Big Splash. Set for April 26-29, 2023 in Moon Palace Cancún, the four day celebration of rock will feature three complete sets by the Grammy Award-winning group as well as two headlining performances and a special set at sunset.
The Goo Goo Dolls and Barenaked Ladies will also hit the beach and the stage, along with Collective Soul, Gin Blossoms, Everclear, Edwin McCain, Lit and Cowboy Mouth, as well as Occasional Milkshake and Voice of Harold, both featuring Mark Bryan of Hootie & the Blowfish. Other details, including pool party performances and off-site adventures are still to come.
The celebration’s continuous commitment to a comprehensive greening program remains in partnership with Moon Palace, which has been designated as a low carbon tourism provider. In addition to a single-use plastic-free concert area, all waste discarded throughout the resort will be sorted during the event and diverted from landfills. These efforts result in more responsible and sustainable event production while directly contributing to the fight against climate change.
HootieFest: The Big Splash will continue to closely monitor relevant recommendations and guidelines from the CDC, the WHO and local authorities in order to prioritize the health and safety of all guests, artists and staff.
Current 2023 HootieFest package holders should receive an email regarding options for the new dates. Revamped ticket packages for the April 2023 event will be available to the public next week, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m. ET. Packages will include all-inclusive resort accommodations, concert access, roundtrip airport transportation and more.
For more information and package options, click here.
Industry Ink: Kix Brooks & Chris Janson, Cole Swindell, Maddie & Tae, More
/by Lydia FarthingChris Janson Performs At CMHOF In Honor Of Kix Brooks
Chris Janson and Industry Impact Award recipient Kix Brooks. Photo: Courtesy of BMLG
Chris Janson performed at the Country Music Hall of Fame earlier this week to honor Kix Brooks for receiving the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters’ Impact Award. Brooks was recognized for his long-running syndicated radio program, American Country Countdown. The country star’s broadcasting career has earned him multiple CMA National Broadcast Personality of the Year Awards, making Brooks the first person to ever win a CMA Award in both the Artist and Broadcast categories.
Janson performed “Rock My World (Little Country Girl)” to honor Brooks, while playing guitar, drums, and harp simultaneously.
Cole Swindell Rings In New RIAA Certifications & 12th No. 1 Single
Cole Swindell and the Warner Music Nasville team. Photo: Alan Poizner
One plaque was in honor of his multi-week No. 1 single, “Never Say Never” with Lainey Wilson, earning a Platinum distinction. Another celebrated his newest single, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina,” being certified Gold. The four-week No. 1 has already surpassed one million track equivalents. Finally, the third plaque commemorated Swindell’s 12 chart-topping hits.
Swindell is nominated for Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year at the 56th annual CMA Awards, and is currently on the road on his headlining “Back Down To The Bar Tour” with Ashley Cooke and Dylan Marlowe.
Maddie & Tae Play Hometown Show, Celebrate Some New Gold Accessories
Pictured (L-R): Haley McLemore (Otter Creek Entertainment), Royce Risser (EVP Promotion, UMG Nashville), Taylor Kerr, Cindy Mabe (President, UMG Nashville), Damon Moberly (SVP Promotion, Mercury Nashville), Maddie Font, JT Pratt (Otter Creek Entertainment). Photo: Timothy Hiehle
Mercury Nashville duo Maddie & Tae brought their headlining “CMT Next Women of Country Tour Presents: All Song No Static Tour” to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl on Wednesday night (Oct. 5).
The pair delivered a set filled with No. 1 hits and fan favorites, including “Die From A Broken Heart,” “Girl In A Country Song,” “Bathroom Floor,” and “Woman You Got.” They also shared new music from their recently released Through The Madness Vol. 2 collection.
Before the show, the pair were also surprised by UMG Nashville President Cindy Mabe with a plaque for their sophomore album, The Way It Feels, officially earning Gold certification.
Drew Baldridge Hosts Inaugural “Big Baldridge And Bonfire Music Festival,” Rings In Album Release
Drew Baldridge presents the final check at “The Big Baldridge And Bonfire Music Festival.” Photo: Courtesy of Drew Baldridge
Drew Baldridge‘s inaugural “The Big Baldridge and Bonfire Music Festival” was held on Oct. 1 in his hometown of Patoka, Illinois. One dollar to every ticket sold was donated to the Southern, Illinois chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, marking nearly $3,000 raised.
The festival was headlined by Baldridge and featured Craig Campbell, Dylan Wolfe, Murphy500 and Katie Hatch. Additionally, the mayor of Patoka surprised Baldridge with an honorary hometown plaque, which will accompany the town’s entry sign.
On Tuesday (Oct. 4), Baldridge also rang in the release of his sophomore album, Country Born, with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. Released on Sept. 30, the record broke into the top 10 on iTunes.
Randy Houser, James Otto, More Play The Bluebird To Benefit Habitat For Humanity
Pictured (L-R): Keith Gattis, Brice Long, Randy Houser, James Otto, Sherry Stinson (Habitat for Humanity), Kurt Denny (Habitat for Humanity), Mark Brown (Habitat for Humanity Music Row Ambassador)
Randy Houser, James Otto, Brice Long and Keith Gattis performed a sold out show at the Bluebird Cafe on Wednesday (Sept. 28). The evening helped to raise money for the Habitat for Humanity Music Row build.
The Music Row build began in 2003 and helped eight local families purchase affordable homes before it ended in 2012. Habitat’s Music Row build reignited in 2020 as industry veteran Mark Brown decided to help Nashville residents have equal opportunities to live in the city in which they work.
Pop/Country Hitmaker Jody Miller Passes Away At 80
/by Lorie HollabaughGrammy award-winning artist Jody Miller passed away on Thursday (Oct. 6) in Blanchard, Oklahoma from complications related to Parkinson’s Disease. She was 80.
Miller first signed to Capitol Records as a folk artist in 1962, landing her first single, “He Walks Like a Man,” on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964. Best known for her 1965 Grammy-winning hit, “Queen of the House,” Miller became an overnight sensation when the single crossed over from the pop to country charts. In 1966, she went on to win a Grammy for the song, becoming the second woman to pick up the trophy for Best Country Performance—Female.
Throughout the ’60s, Miller recorded for Capitol Records, releasing singles such as the hit teen pop anthem “Home of the Brave,” as well as the fan favorite “Long Black Limousine,” while making multiple appearances on teen shows such as Shindig and American Bandstand. In the ’70s, she began recording for Epic Records in Nashville and notched several hits including the top 5 singles “Baby I’m Yours,” There’s a Party Goin’ On,” “Darling, You Can Always Come Back Home,” and the Grammy-nominated crossover hit “He’s So Fine.” Miller also became a frequent guest on shows such as Hee Haw and Pop! Goes the Country.
In the early ’80s, Miller retired from touring to spend time with her daughter, Robin Brooks Sullivan, and husband, Monty Brooks, helping to manage his quarter horse business at their farm in Blanchard. In the early ’90s, Miller began a gospel music ministry, recording half a dozen gospel albums and eventually being inducted into the International Country Music Hall of Fame.
In recent years, Miller began performing with her daughter and grandchildren, Montana and Layla Sullivan, as Jody Miller and Three Generations, releasing a single in 2018 called “Where My Picture Hangs On the Wall.”
Dealing with the symptoms of Parkinson’s in the past few years, Miller entered the studio one last time in 2020 for an upcoming project, Wayfaring Stranger, on Heart of Texas Records. The title spiritual song was part of the artist’s folk repertoire back in the ’60s.
Funeral arrangements are currently pending.