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Alecia Davis Tapped To Co-Host 2019 MusicRow Awards

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Alecia Davis

Alecia Davis, the respected television host, entertainment journalist, writer and producer, will co-host this year’s MusicRow Awards at War Memorial Auditorium on June 26. She will join MusicRow Magazine’s Owner/Publisher Sherod Robertson for the annual event held to honor the Nashville music industry’s top talents.

“I’m really looking forward to sharing the hosting duties with such a bad-ass talent as Nashville’s Alecia Davis,” says Robertson. “She’s the consummate professional and I am truly blown away by her incredible expertise and infectious personality. While the goal for these awards is to honor the musical talent in our industry, it will be our goal that evening to make sure everyone attending has a ridiculously fun time doing so.”

Alecia Davis currently interviews today’s biggest celebrities on the Emmy award-winning entertainment news show, EXTRA. She joined the internationally syndicated program in 2007, and has garnered exclusive interviews with Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Blake Shelton, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Kevin Costner, Keith Urban, Miley Cyrus, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, and more.

In addition to her work at EXTRA, in 2008 Davis gained notoriety as she returned to her hometown of Nashville and her country music roots to serve as co-host of CMT’s Hot 20 Countdown and #1 Music and a Movie, as well as other specials, and Countdown to Country Music’s Top 100 Songs. Davis credits CMT for launching her career as a television host in 2000, on the popular series, Hit Trip.

The 31st Annual MusicRow Awards, set for an invitation-only gala at Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium on June 26. Nominees and ticket information can be viewed at MusicRow.com. Supporting Sponsors of the event are Vaden Group | Elliott Davis, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and Keller Turner Andrews & Ghanem, PLLC. Partner level sponsors include Ram Trucks and City National Bank.

Having almost 20 years experience, Davis is a go-to anchor on the red carpet and backstage at the CMA Awards, ACM Awards, the Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards and Emmy Awards, as well as live specials like TV Guide’s Live at The Grammys, CMT’s Live from the Red Carpet at the CMT Awards, the Live from the ACM Awards Red Carpet, and CMA Nominations Live.

Davis worked at TV Guide Network (2008-2011) as a correspondent interviewing Hollywood’s top celebrities at award shows, red-carpet movie premieres, set-visits, movie junkets and events. She served as guest host, alongside Chris Harrison, on the daily entertainment news program Hollywood 411. Davis also hosted many specials for the network, and with her background in country music, she was a natural choice to host the biography focused Close Up, featuring artists Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, and Blake Shelton, and The Sexy Stars of Country Music; as well as, What’s on DVD and Big Movie Premiere.

Davis then joined Reelz Channel (2011-2012), where she utilized her fashion background and served as co-host on Fashion Fanatics and a correspondent on the daily entertainment news program, Hollywood Dailies.

Previously, Davis gained recognition as host of TLC’s hit wedding show, For Better or For Worse. Some of her other hosting and broadcasting credits include, her work as a correspondent on E! News Live, co-host of ABC Family’s XYZ at the Movies, CoverGirl’s The Look (13 looks of Taylor Swift) and Time-Life’s Country USA, with Larry Gatlin.

Apart from being a television host, Davis co-hosted the national weekly radio call-in show, Give and Take on WLAC (2006-2008); and she served as a contributing editor at Country Weekly Magazine. Davis also started her own business, Gemini Media, producing content for media platforms and providing media training.

 

Big Machine Records Signs Noah Schnacky

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Pictured (L-R): BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta, Noah Schnacky, Sandbox President/CEO Jason Owen

Singer-songwriter Noah Schnacky has signed with Big Machine Records, joining a label roster that includes Reba McEntire, Rascal Flatts, Carly Pearce, Midland, The Cadillac Three, and Lauren Jenkins. Schnacky is managed by Jason Owen at Sandbox Entertainment.

“Being a part of a team that believes in my music and vision like Scott and the Big Machine Records family does is an artist’s dream,” shares Schnacky. “This is the beginning of an incredible story and I’m extremely excited to see it unfold.”

“Noah brings a wealth of great songs, huge streaming numbers, incredible social engagement and a great work ethic to Big Machine” says BMLG President/CEO Scott Borchetta. “So proud to have him on board…it…begins…NOW!”

As a teen, Schnacky began uploading cover songs on Instagram and built a grassroots fanbase of more than 500,000 followers. He released the track “Hello Beautiful,” which earned more than one million streams in eight days. The follow up, “Maybe We Will,” as earned more than 50 million streams. He is currently prepping his Big Machine Records debut album, alongside producer Dann Huff.

Weekly Chart Report (5/31/19)

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Click here or above to access MusicRow’s weekly CountryBreakout Report.

DISClaimer: Randy Travis Is “Country Greatness” On Previously Unreleased Ballad

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Randy Travis. Photo: Robert Tractenberg

Politics and comebacks are in the DisClaimer mix today.

Both John Rich and J.D. & The Straight Shot are commenting on the state of our political discourse. J.D.’s song is better.

As for comebacks, can it get any better than our Disc of the Day winner, Randy Travis? Also: It’s a good day to be Buddy Jewell. He not only cowrote Randy’s single, but has a new comeback CD of his own.

Both of today’s female entries are super efforts. Clare Bowen has the stronger song, and newcomer Emily Rose goes home with a DisCovery Award.

CLARE BOWEN/Let It Rain
Writers: none listed; Producer: Josh Kaufman; Publishers: none listed; BMG
– The deep-twang production is uber cool, and the rhythmic drive is irresistible. Bowen rides atop it all with an uplifting, empowering ode for all survivors. Loved it. Can’t wait for the album.

BRETT YOUNG/Catch
Writers: Brett Young/Ross Copperman/Ashley Gorley; Producer: Dann Huff; Publishers: Super Big/Caliville/Big Machine/EMI Blackwood/Plain Jane/Rezolant/Sony-ATV/Round Hill Songs II/Combustion Engine/WB, ASCAP; BMLG (track)
– Very much in his breathy, dizzy-in-love personna that we’ve liked before.

RYAN HURD/To a T
Writers: Ryan Hurd/Laura Veltz/Nathan Spicer; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; RCA
– Choppy and poppy, with a warmly sincere vocal presence. It ain’t very “country,” but it goes down smooth and easy. That’s wife Maren Morris on the harmony vocal.

EMILY ROSE/My Way Home
Writers: none listed; Producer: Donnie Skaggs; Publishers: none listed; The Growing Rose
– Very promising. The sonic bed sighs with steel guitar, and her winsome delivery of the lost-my-way lyric has loads of heart. Send more.

THOMAS RHETT & JON PARDI/Beer Can’t Fix
Writers: Thomas Rhett/Julian Bunetta/Zach Skelton/Ryan Tedder; Producers: Dann Huff/Julian Bunetta/Thomas Rhett; Publishers: EMI Blackwood/Crickets on the Line/Sony-ATV/Music of Big Family/Dragon Bunny/Words & Music/Patriot Games/Write Me a Song/Downtown, BMI/ASCAP; Valory (track)
– Pleasantly disposable, breezy and jaunty, with a “beach” vibe. Your problems will all evaporate when you down a cold one, they say. “Turn your frown into a smile real quick/Ain’t nothin’ that a beer can’t fix.”

J.D. & THE STRAIGHT SHOT/The Great Divide
Writers: none listed; Producers: Marc Copley; Publishers: none listed; JD
– An acoustic, bluesy meditation on our troubled political times, embellished with hearty group harmonies on the refrains. Intriguing and atmospheric.

RANDY TRAVIS/One In A Row
Writers: Buddy Jewell/Thom McHugh; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner
– From the first note from his throat, you know you’re in the presence of country greatness. This previously unreleased ballad drips with honky-tonk pathos and drawls with authenticity as this magnificent singer is joined by poetic fiddle, steel and piano comments. An awesome listening experience.

CALE DODDS/I Like Where This Is Going
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Warner
– Young love, complete with dancing, hugging, kissing and shacking up. Wafting and warmly winning.

BUDDY JEWELL/Taylor Went Pop
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; BAM
-This is a riot. It name drops Minnie, Roy, Hank, Elvis, Cash and Roger Miller, all in the first 45 seconds. “The one thing you can count on/Is things are gonna change/Taylor went pop/Pop went country/And we’re still feeling the twang.” You’ll find it on Jewell’s long overdue new CD, Shine On.

JOHN RICH & THE FIVE/Shut Up About Politics
Writers: John Rich/Greg Gutfeld; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Redneck Riviera
– The rocking song has basically two lines, so it wears out its welcome pretty quickly. Instead of talking, he wants you to take a shot of his Redneck Riviera whiskey.

Beloved Music Row Ambassador Ralph Murphy Passes

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Ralph Murphy. Photo: Canadian Country Music Association

Songwriter, publisher, artist, producer and Music Row ambassador Ralph Murphy died Tuesday (May 28) following a brief illness.

Murphy, 75, is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. He was a longtime ASCAP Nashville executive. At various times, he was also a president at NSAI, the head of the Nashville chapter of the Recording Academy and a national NARAS trustee.

As a songwriter, he has had major hits with Ronnie Milsap, Jeannie C. Riley, Crystal Gayle and a number of pop and rock acts. Others who have recorded his songs include Randy Travis, Shania Twain, Don Williams, Ray Price and Lynn Anderson.

Ralph Murphy was born in England and educated in Canada from the age of 6. He began performing and writing songs at age 14. After experiencing the music business in Los Angeles and New York, he moved to London at age 19. He became a recording artist and signed as a songwriter with Mills Music in 1965.

He began having British pop hits as a songwriter in 1966 via such artists as Billy Fury, Vanity Fare and James Royal. He also continued to record as a member of various pop groups.

Murphy migrated to New York in 1969 and then began producing million-selling records for such top Canadian rock groups as April Wine and Mashmakhan in Toronto.

In 1971, Jeannie C. Riley scored a top-10 country hit with Murphy’s song “Good Enough to Be Your Wife.” Charmed by Nashville during his subsequent visits, Murphy moved to Music City in 1978. He formed Picalic Publishing with British-born hit songwriter Roger Cook.

Among the company’s many successful songs were Cook’s “Talking in Your Sleep” and Murphy’s “Half the Way,” both chart-topping hits by Crystal Gayle in 1978-79. Murphy also co-wrote the No. 1 Ronnie Milsap 1982 smash “He Got You.”

Another of his best-remembered songs is “Seeds.” Co-written with Pat Alger, it appeared on Kathy Mattea’s 1992 CD. In 2006, Cliff Richard had a British hit with “A 21st Century Christmas,” co-written by Murphy with Paul Brady.

Ralph Murphy joined the executive team in ASCAP’s Nashville office 25 years ago. He was the organization’s Vice President of International Membership. As such, he became not only one of Music Row’s most visible and liked denizens, but also an ambassador of Nashville’s scene all over the world.

Generous with his time and advice, Murphy was known for his “open door” attitude, making him a welcoming figure of encouragement and support for fledgling songwriters. He became a mentor to many. As another assist to aspiring writers, he wrote Murphy’s Laws of Songwriting: How To Write Hit Songs. The book remains available online.

Ralph Murphy and Lyle Lovett attend the 50th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel on October 29, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee. Photo: Rick Diamond/Getty Images for ASCAP

International music businessman John Lomax III commented that it was poignant that Murphy died just prior to the annual international MIDEM convention in Cannes, France. “So few here could move adroitly amid U.S., Canadian and all the major European music industries,” Lomax recalled. “He’d always say when you asked how he was, ‘all the better for seeing you.’”

Canadian music journalist Richard Flohil eulogized Murphy as “the songwriter’s heart and soul. “He leaves behind hundreds of friends who trusted his advice, laughed at his jokes, relished his company,” Flohil wrote yesterday. “He was, for songwriters, a beacon of hope, a fount of inspiration, a source of encouragement, a connector of people. “Songwriters everywhere have lost a hero, a friendly giant, and a friend.”

Ralph Murphy was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. Last month, SOCAN presented him with its Special Achievement Award. He won the CMA’s Jo Walker-Meador International Achievement Award in 2011.

In recent years, Ralph Murphy has had health problems. But he continued his good-will visits to Sydney, London, Dublin, Toronto, Berlin and other international music centers. Following a visit to Toronto earlier this month, he contracted pneumonia. This led to his death.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

ASCAP President and Chairman Paul Williams said, “Ralph Murphy was a giant in music. For more than five decades and across several continents, his bountiful gifts as a songwriter, performer, musician, producer, author, educator and music advocate touched millions of people around the world. As a longtime member of the ASCAP family, he was a relentless champion of ASCAP’s mission to nurture each new generation of music creators to master their craft and fulfill their potential. He would often ask songwriters: “Have you told the whole story?” We’ll never know what stories Ralph had left to tell. But we do know that his legacy will enrich the lives of music creators for years to come. To some of us he was simply ‘Da Murph,’ a title that seems to best describe a true gentleman, world traveler and remarkable friend.”

ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews said,  “Ralph always fought for what was best for all songwriters and I will miss his unique perspective and incredibly valuable insights. Ralph was a loyal ambassador for songwriters whose heart was always in the right place. All of us at ASCAP have lost a great friend and one of our best advocates.  We will miss his story telling, his humor and the warmth and love he shared with so many.”

 

Shane McAnally, Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey Talk “Giving Away Magic Tricks” On NBC’s ‘Songland’

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Old Dominion with Songland’s Ester Dean, Ryan Tedder and Shane McAnally. Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC

With 40 No. 1 singles and three Grammy Awards to his credit, songwriter and producer Shane McAnally knows quite a bit about crafting songs that not only impact the country radio charts, but songs that help change culture while helping artists reveal more of themselves, both creatively and personally.

McAnally is sharing some of those secrets beginning tonight (May 28) as part of NBC’s Songland, a music competition that pulls back the curtain on the often private world of songwriting that provides so many artists with the essential hit songs that create superstars.

“We always joke that we are giving away magic tricks,” McAnally told MusicRow. “For the every day lover of music who has no idea where hit songs come from, or how it happens, it shows what it really means to us. You get to see the effort and heart that these writers have put on the line for this. That part is so important because songwriters really have been put on the back burner.”

Each week, four unknown songwriters pitch and perform their songs before a major recording artist, as well as a panel of songwriters and producers, which includes McAnally alongside OneRepublic lead singer Ryan Tedder (also known for his production work with Taylor Swift, Adele and Beyonce), and Ester Dean (who has written and produced for Nikki Minaj, Katy Perry and Rihanna).

“We go down the line and start to tell them what we would have done differently. If we have the Jonas Brothers for that episode, they are there and we discuss how to make each song a better fit for them. And these contestants are songwriters, not performers. We’re not judging your voice or what you look like. We are listening to your song and trying to find the gold in that.”

After hearing each song possibility and commenting on ways to improve the track, the artist pairs each songwriter contestant up with either Tedder, Dean or McAnally, to tweak and record the song using the artist’s suggestions. The artist listens to each reconstructed song and selects one entry to record as their next single release.

As part of a recording and publishing deal with Songland, BMG will release the music written and recorded immediately following each episode. Under the agreement, BMG serves as worldwide distributor of Songland Records and the administrator of the show’s publishing company, Eligible Music, for the songwriter contestants’ original music created and recorded during the show.

Old Dominion and Kelsea Ballerini join fellow artists the Jonas Brothers, Charlie Puth, Meghan Trainor, will.i.am, OneRepublic, John Legend, Macklemore, Leona Lewis and Aloe Blacc on the show. Ballerini has co-written and performed chart-topping hits including “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan.” Meanwhile, the members of Old Dominion have penned hit songs for Kenny Chesney, Sam Hunt, Dierks Bentley, and William Michael Morgan, in addition to their own hits including “Break Up With Him,” “Written In The Sand,” and the band’s current single “Make It Sweet.”

“It’s a look at songwriting that most people don’t get,” Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey tells MusicRow. “I haven’t seen a full episode yet, so I don’t know how much they show, but it’s very much like a co-writing session. I’m excited for people to see how we work. It was refreshing to feel like we had something to contribute to them that could help.”

“It’s an instant connection that an artist like Old Dominion can sit there and go, ‘I’ve been where you are,’” McAnally adds. “At that moment when they play their song we start instantly giving feedback, instantly co-writing with them. Ryan might chime in about a chorus or a melody, and the artist is on the spot co-writing and recreating the song to fit them.”

Shane McAnally. Photo: Trae Patton, courtesy NBC

Sometimes the contestants get thrown a curveball, as in Old Dominion’s upcoming episode.

“Ours is a little different than some of the other episodes as we are working on a song for an ad campaign,” Ramsey says. “It was a two-fold challenge for the songwriters in our episode. They had to write a song that would work for Old Dominion, but also would work for a brand.”

McAnally notes that several of the contestants are from Nashville or have written songs in Nashville; some contestants have had publishing deals.

“It always made us lean in a little closer when a contestant said they were from Nashville or had written in Nashville because we know how high that bar is,” he says. “Some contestants that have deals might be in their first deal, some might be in their fifth, but there are so many signed writers that have as little of a leg up as an unsigned writer, so it’s still writers who are in that part of their career that they need a way to break through.”

As exciting as Songland may be for the contestants, and aspiring songwriters watching at home, McAnally says its the personalities that will draw in average television watchers and music lovers.

“People always say, ‘Who would watch a show about songwriting?’ McAnally says. “Well, I love cooking shows and home improvement shows. I don’t do either of those things, and those shows don’t make me want to do them. That doesn’t come naturally to me. But I love the people on those shows and their passion for what they do. And this show does the same. It’s songwriting in place of those things, but you fall in love with these songwriters that come forward and put their hearts on the line and I think that’s what will make people watch.”

In addition to being a hit songwriter and producer, McAnally is a co-founder of the Nashville-based publishing powerhouse SMACKSongs and is co-president of the relaunched Monument Records, alongside Jason Owen.

“There are options there for these songwriters,” McAnally says, noting that he, Tedder and Dean each own publishing companies. “I’m working with and writing with some of these writers and talking about publishing opportunities.”

Though Songland represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance for the contestants, McAnally cautions that the show is still only one step in a long-term career, even for those whose songs are not chosen by an artist.

“I know what it feels like to hear the word ‘no’ over and over again. I’ve been where they are. Even on this show, where you are leapfrogging over managers, publishers, A&R, and you are right in front of the artist with these songs—something I’ve never even gotten to do—I still remind them that this is just one part of it. One song is going to win, but there are so many paths forward for these songwriters.”

Songland premieres tonight (May 28) at 9 p.m. CT on NBC.

Warner Bros. Records Rebrands As Warner Records

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After 61 years, music label Warner Bros. Records is being rebranded as Warner Records across the globe, complete with a new logo.

The new branded name will have minimum impact on the Nashville office as the majority of their artists are signed to Warner Music Nashville.

This rebranding is the latest step in the company’s evolution, following Aaron Bay-Schuck joining as U.S. Co-Chairman & CEO in October 2018, Tom Corson being appointed U.S. Co-Chairman & COO in January 2018, and Phil Christie being named President of the UK label in 2016. The name change also follows the U.S. company’s recent move to a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown LA’s Arts District.

The news follows the recent rebranding of Warner’s publishing arm, Warner Chappell Music.

Warner Bros. Records was founded in March 1958 as an arm of Warner Bros. Pictures, whose “shield” logo was adopted by the fledgling label and has been used by the company ever since. In 2004, when Warner Music Group was sold by Time Warner and became the world’s largest independent major music company, it was agreed that Warner Bros. Records would continue to use the Warner Bros. name and logo for 15 years.

“For the first time in the label’s history, we’ve had the opportunity to create a distinct, modern identity entirely of our own,” said Corson and Bay-Schuck. “The timing couldn’t be better, since we all feel the label is at a moment of reinvention that builds on our legacy, while moving into a future driven by fearlessness and creativity. We have a growing roster of world-class artists, a rejuvenated team, and an incredible new location. It’s a new day for Warner Records, an iconic label that was born in the California sun, and is at home everywhere on earth.”

“We’re signing and developing the next generation of British artists to move global culture, so we wanted the Warner Records brand to have the power and freedom to mean different things to different people around the world,” said Christie. “A new logo isn’t meaningful on its own, and our label will always be defined by the originality of our artists, our music, and our people.”

The new Warner Records brand identity and logo were developed in partnership with Emily Oberman and her team at Pentagram, the world’s largest independently owned design studio. Pentagram has worked with many prestigious companies and events such as Rolls Royce, London Fashion Week, Rotten Tomatoes, and Sundance Institute, and Sotheby’s, as well as music projects for the likes of The Rolling Stones and The National, among many others.

DISClaimer: New Chris Stapleton, P!nk Collab Is “Essential Listening”

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P!nk and Chris Stapleton perform onstage during the P!nk Beautiful Trauma 2019 Tour at Madison Square Garden on May 21, 2019 in New York City. Photo: Zachary Mazur/WireImage

The year of unusual collaborations continues.

Today, it’s pop queen P!nk and country king Chris Stapleton. Their track on P!nk’s album is essential listening and was a highlight of her recent TV special.

In more familiar terrain, the chest-out, proudly country new track by Jon Pardi wins the Disc of the Day award, and the rockin’ country of James Wesley earns him a DisCovery honor.

LOVE AND THEFT/Gimme Tonight
Writers: Jaren Johnston/Andrew Dorff; Producers: Josh Leo/Jim Ed Norman; Publisher: none listed; Curb
-I have always liked this duo. This pop confection sports their twin-like harmony voices amid a choppy, electronic and sophisticated production. Airplay ready.

SARA EVANS & THE BARKER FAMILY BAND/Dreams
Writer: Stevie Nicks; Producers: Sara Evans/Ben Fowler; Publisher: none listed; Born to Fly
– It sounds almost exactly like the Fleetwood Mac 1977 mega hit, so why not listen to the original version? That said, it is a splendid showcase for how gifted Sara’s teen children are.

JAMES WESLEY/Running
Writers: Marcum Stewart/Zack Wrixon/James Wesely Prosser; Producers: none listed; JWM
– Nicely done. He has a tough, confident, traditional-country vocal delivery, and the band cooks with gas on the rocking track. This has a driving “open road” tone that is perfect for summer.

JOHN BERRY/The Richest Man
Writers: John Berry/Liz Hengber/Will Robinson; Producer: Chuck Howard/Barry Weeks; Publishers: JB/Modern Music Works/Give It All/More Coco/Notting Hill/Will Chill, SESAC/ASCAP/BMI; JB Music
– I never tire of hearing this most fundamental message of country music — happiness doesn’t lie in wealth, but in love. Few have the heart and soul to deliver it as effectively as this guy. Brilliantly crafted, wonderfully melodic, exquisitely poetic and flawlessly produced.

JON PARDI/Heartache Medication
Writers: none listed; Producers: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Capitol
– Just when you thought country music was dead and buried, along comes an artist and a single like this. So righteous and hillbilly, I practically shouted hallelujah. The fiddles-and-steel production, the peppy-two-step rhythm and his drawling delivery are beamed straight from Hillbilly Heaven. Turn it on, turn it up, turn it loose.

P!NK & CHRIS STAPLETON/Love Me Anyway
Writers: James Allen Shamblin II/Tom Douglas/Alecia B. Moore; Producers: Pink/Sal Oliveri/Simon Gooding; Publishers: Sony/ATV, no performance rights listed; RCA
– Gorgeous. It’s a stunning, vulnerable Nashville love ballad that P!nk delivers with seething passion. Stapleton provides occasional harmony and then answers her phrase-for-phrase as the song moves into its luscious finale. I’d have used his vocal talent a little more, but they sound great together.

 

NOE PALMA/This Summer
Writers: Brian Kolb, Brian McElyea, Noe Palma; Producer: Brian Kolb, Brian McElyea, Noe Palma; Publishers: none listed; Mae Capital
– From the “woah-oh” shouted interjections to the generic country-party lyrics, this doesn’t break any new ground. However, the relentless tempo is irresistible and the youthful, “this summer’s gonna last forever” hook is completely captivating. This definitely belongs on your June/July/August playlist.

WALKER HAYES/Don’t Let Her
Writers: Walker Hayes/Shane McAnally/Andrew DeRoberts; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Arista/Monument
– His delivery remains more spoken than sung. I remain confused about how and why this is a “country” artist.

MONTGOMERY GENTRY/King of the World
Writers: Troy Jones; Producer: none listed; Publishers: none listed; Average Joes
– Hale and hearty. It’s a delightful, cute and clever little ditty about the simple pleasures of being a country boy. Your toes will tap and your lips will smile. I’m a little unclear about the billing. It’s an Eddie Montgomery solo performance, but still seems to have the “Montgomery Gentry” imprimatur.

LEE ANN WOMACK/Hollywood
Writers: Waylon Payne/Mando Saenz/Lee Ann Womack/Adam Wright; Producer: Frank Liddell; Publishers: Drip Rock Creek/Words & Music/Scrambler/Tiltawhirl/Casa de Casa/Carnival, ASCAP/BMI; ATO
– The second single drawn from her acclaimed The Lonely The Lonesome & The Gone collection is a hypnotic, sultry, shimmering heartache ballad. She is an absolutely magical vocalist. To listen is to fall in love.

Lil Nas X, Midland, Old Dominion To Highlight Spotify House Performances During CMA Fest

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Spotify has revealed the performer lineup for its Spotify House series during CMA Fest in Nashville, from June 6-9 at Blake Shelton’s and Opry Entertainment Group’s Ole Red venue.

Arguably one of the biggest draws for the event’s nighttime rooftop series will be Lil Nas X, the rapper behind the runaway hit “Old Town Road,” which sits atop the Billboard Hot 100 for a seventh week, and even fended off Taylor Swift’s new single “Me!” from the top spot.

Midland, Old Dominion, Tanya Tucker, Hunter Hayes, Lauren Alaina, and Maddie & Tae are also slated to perform, in addition to some surprise guest performers during the week. Others on the bill include Morgan Evans, Tenille Townes, Emily Ann Roberts, Mitchell Tenpenny, Filmore, James Barker Band, and Cassadee Pope. 

The Spotify House daytime schedule will run from 11:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Nightly headlining shows and late-night jam sessions will be scheduled from 7:30 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. All shows will be open to the public and space will be limited to first-come, first-served.

ACM’s Pete Fisher Steps Down, RAC Clark Named Interim Executive Director

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The Academy of Country Music has announced that Pete Fisher is stepping down after almost two and a half years as the head of the organization, which includes his duties with the Academy of Country Music Awards™ show and ACM Lifting Lives®, the charitable arm of the Academy. Fisher plans to pursue new opportunities. R.A. (RAC) Clark, Executive Producer of the Academy of Country Music Awards, has been appointed the interim Executive Director of the Academy, effective immediately.

“Following many years on the ACM Board, it’s been an honor to serve the Academy in the role of CEO,” said Fisher. “I’ve greatly enjoyed working with the Academy staff, Officers and Boards, and I look forward to continuing to support the good work of the ACM and ACM Lifting Lives. Proud of what we have accomplished, I look forward to what the future holds.”

Clark has been associated with the Academy – and with country music – throughout his 38 year producing career. In addition to producing the Academy of Country Music Awards live on the CBS Television Network since 1999, he has executive produced many Academy TV specials, TNN’s Prime Time Country, and much more. He is the son of one of the founding members of the ACM Awards telecast, Dick Clark, the late television and broadcasting pioneer.

“My work with the ACM over the years has included some of my most professionally-fulfilling projects. I look forward to stepping into this interim role and supporting the legacy of the Academy,” said RAC Clark.