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Jameson Rodgers Signs With River House/Columbia Nashville As They Announce Long-Term Joint Venture

Pictured (L-R): Front – Sony Music Nashville SVP Legal & Business Affairs Angie Magill and Chairman & CEO Randy Goodman; Jameson Rodgers; and River House Artists Founder & Owner Lynn Oliver-Cline; Back –SMN COO & EVP Ken Robold; and Combustion Music President Chris Farren

Jameson Rodgers has signed a recording deal with River House Artists/Columbia Nashville. In conjunction with the signing, Sony Music Nashville and River House Artists have officially announced an exclusive, long-term joint-venture agreement, effective immediately. The first collaboration between the two actually began in 2016, when multi-Platinum artist Luke Combs inked a deal with the River House Artists and Columbia Nashville imprints.

A Mississippi native, Rodgers moved to Nashville in 2010 to pursue his music career and signed with Combustion Music in 2014. He has since had cuts including Florida Georgia Line’s “Wish You Were On It” and their latest single “Talk You Out of It,” as well as Chris Lane’s new single “I Don’t Know About You.” He has independently released two EPs, the latest featuring streaming hits, “Some Girls” and “Missing One,” which have been featured on Spotify’s New Boots and Wild Country Playlists along with SiriusXM’s On The Horizon. A new single is expected later this year from Rodgers, who is slated to open Luke Combs’ Beer Never Broke My Heart Tour beginning Jan. 31 and is also one of three artists chosen for the CMA Kixstart Artist Scholarship inaugural class.

“The entire Sony Music Nashville team is thrilled to be furthering our partnership with River House Artists. Lynn Oliver-Cline’s A&R instincts and passion to nurture and develop artists make her an incredible partner,” said Ken Robold, SMN COO and EVP. “We are very excited to have Jameson Rodgers as our first signing. His combination of incredible songs, work ethic and desire to be on the road growing his audience is inspiring. We can’t wait to embark on what will be an amazing partnership together.”

“I am ecstatic to be extending my River House partnership with Sony Music Nashville. We work really well together and I have never felt anything less than 100% support and commitment to my vision and the artists we develop together,” added River House Artists Founder/Owner Oliver-Cline. “Jameson is the perfect fit for our next launch together. Everything about him is genuine, and his passion for writing great songs and playing great shows is highly contagious. His record is going to be very special and there is no better team to bring it to the masses. I can’t thank Randy, Ken and the SMN team enough for being the best partners to me and RHA.”

“Today is a dream come true finally getting to sign this record deal. It’s been such a journey getting to this point. Since I moved to Nashville I’ve dreamed of not only signing a record deal but specifically with a Sony label,” said Rodgers. “It’s an honor to get to work with River House and Sony together. I look forward to seeing what the rest of this year and beyond brings!”

Rodgers is managed by Red Light Management’s Shawn McSpadden and JP Durant, and booked by Darin Murphy and Sam Forbert at CAA.

Nashville Industry Celebrates Jason Aldean’s 21st Chart-Topper “Drowns The Whiskey”

Pictured (L-R): Josh Thompson (BMI/Big Machine), Michael Knox (producer), Jason Aldean, Brandon Kinney (BMI/Tom Leis Music-Sony/ATV), Jeff Middleton (BMI/Liz Rose Music). Photo: Steve Lowry

Jason Aldean says he has Tyler Farr to thank for his 21st No. 1 single, “Drowns The Whiskey,” featuring Miranda Lambert.

“I was recording a few songs on Tyler for his album and I found ‘Drowns The Whiskey’ and played it for him,” Aldean told a crowd of industry well-wishers as they gathered Tuesday (Jan. 8) at Nashville’s Cambria Hotel to celebrate the chart-topper.

“Tyler said, ‘Man, all my songs are about drinking and I don’t think I need any more.’ I said, ‘If you don’t cut this thing, I’m going to.’ It is just an amazing song.”

The track was penned by Josh Thompson (Big Machine Music), Brandon Kinney (Tom Leis Music-Sony/ATV) and Jeff Middleton (Liz Rose Music). Aldean’s vocal cohort on the song, Lambert, was not in attendance.

BMI’s David Preston and Leslie Roberts were on hand to celebrate the artists and writers on the song, as was Pinnacle Bank. Pinnacle made a donation to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Others heralding the song’s success included BBR Music Group’s Jon Loba, Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Sony/ATV’s Troy Tomlinson, Broken Bow’s Carson James, and CMA’s Brandi Simms.

Molinar noted the song marks Thompson’s third No. 1 hit in 18 months, with two of those tracks being songs Aldean recorded (the other Aldean hit being “Any Ol’ Barstool”).

“I think everyone recognizes that ‘Drowns The Whiskey’ is going to be one of those songs that lasts, and not just as a radio recurrent or in Jason’s arena tours, but wherever there is a bar and a jukebox and a guy or girl with a broken heart, they are probably going to play this song. This is real country music that is moving real people.”

Liz Rose Music’s Liz Rose said, “I started out as a publisher and a song plugger, so this is awesome. Why I’m in this business is to sign songwriters like Jeff Middleton and see their dreams come true.”

Leslie DiPiero, who is General Manager at Tree Vibez Music, but is still involved in Tom-Leis Music, praised Kinney, who was celebrating his very first No. 1 song. “I’m supposed to be a silent partner at Tom-Leis now, but anyone who knows me knows that’s not going to be the case. I’ve worked with Brandon for about a decade and every day I’ve watched him show up and give his best.”

Thompson thanked the artists and his co-writers, using his signature wit. “This song has been a hell of a ride from the time we wrote it til the time it actually got cut. Knox, Jason you crushed the song and Miranda just sprinkled the magic on it,” Thompson said. “Brandon and Jeff, thanks for being in the room while I wrote the song,” he quipped.

“This is a story about when someone sticks to something,” Middleton offered. “Jason [Aldean] stuck with this song for a long time and Liz has stuck with me as a writer for a long time. I’ve stuck around this town for a long time. The day this song was cut, I took a job in accounting, so I do a lot of math these days,” says Middleton, who also works for Waitr & Associates. “So it’s been a weird road and I’m grateful to be here with a No. 1. Josh, Brandon, thank you for you know drinking the whiskey while I wrote the song,” he joked. “But seriously, thank you to everyone for coming.”

“Yes, we drank a lot of whiskey when we wrote this song. If that’s all we did, we did our part, I guarantee you,” Kinney said. “First I want to thank my family for always standing beside me—my mom and dad. The DiPieros and Sony and Knox, thanks for believing in me enough tot sign me. Aldean, you killed it. I’ve been trying to get a cut on you for a long time. I almost had a No. 1 one time and you kicked me out of that,” he quipped. “We had Randy Houser’s ‘Boots On’ at No. 2 and I said, ‘I think we’re going for No. 1 this week,’ and what does ‘Big Green Tractor’ do? Plows right over our asses. But I didn’t not know the same [person] was going to give me my first No. 1.

“I love country music y’all. Ever since I was little, I dreamed of it. And here I am with my friends and family,” Kinney concluded.

Knox said that the song is intensely personal. “I got to be part of Josh Thompson’s first record, Brandon writes for me and Sony doesn’t hold a grudge on me, that’s awesome. Me and Jason forever, Broken Bow is a family to me, and Jeff works for the company that watches my money, so trying to weigh out which one’s more important—I think Jeff wins that,” he quipped.

“Thanks to radio for playing a song that has a little bit of a traditional feel to it,” Aldean summed. “I feel like songs like this don’t come on the radio a lot, so thanks for still playing something that’s actually country, a little bit. Miranda is not here, but I thought this was a good song but once she got on it, it became a phenomenal song. It was one of the biggest songs of the year, and that was because it was well-written, well-produced, and I tried to sing it as best as I could.”

Breaking: Josh Osborne Signs With Sony/ATV Nashville

Pictured (L-R): Josh Van Valkenburg, SVP, Nashville A&R, Sony/ATV; Josh Osborne; Troy Tomlinson, President/CEO, Sony/ATV.

Hit songwriter Josh Osborne has signed a worldwide publishing deal with Sony/ATV Nashville.

“Seldom does a publisher get the opportunity to acquire such a hit-driven catalog and futures deal with a songwriter of Josh’s stature,” said Troy Tomlinson, Sony/ATV Nashville President/CEO. “An added bonus is that Josh will maintain the successful relationship that he has had for years with his partners at SMACKSongs. Shane, Michael, Josh and the entire SMACK team have built an impressive company. We are grateful to work with SMACKSongs on Josh’s behalf.”

Osborne has had more than 40 singles as a songwriter, 14 of which were Billboard No. 1 hits. He has had four songs nominated for Grammy honors, with “Merry Go Round” winning Best Country Song.

“Body Like A Backroad,” recorded by Sam Hunt, made history as the longest reigning No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart by a solo artist, spending 34 weeks atop the chart. Osborne’s other hits include “Come Over,” “Get Along,” and “All The Pretty Girls” (Kenny Chesney); “Wild Child” (Kenny Chesney feat. Grace Potter); “Setting The World On Fire” (Kenny Chesney feat. P!nk); “My Eyes” and “Sangria” (Blake Shelton); “Leave The Night On,” Take Your Time,” and “Make You Miss Me” (Sam Hunt); “We Are Tonight” (Billy Currington); “Hotel Key” (Old Dominion); and “Drunk Last Night” (Eli Young Band).

Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, Childish Gambino, Post Malone, John Prine Set For 2019 Bonnaroo

Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival revealed the performer lineup for its 2019 event Tuesday morning (Jan. 8). This year’s diverse lineup will include Childish Gambino, Phish, Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Maren Morris, Brandi Carlile, John Prine, All Them Witches, Trampled By Turtles, The Lumineers, The Record Company, Ruston Kelly, Post Malone, The National and many others.

The 18th annual four-day, multi-stage camping festival from Superfly and A.C. Entertainment, will take place June 13 – 16 at Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee.

Tickets — including General Admission (4-day), VIP (4-day), Platinum (4-day) and more — will go on sale Thursday, Jan. 10, at 12 noon ET/11 am CT, exclusively via bonnaroo.com/tickets. General admission ticket layaway plans available for just $47.

THURSDAY, JUNE 13
Grand Ole Opry Featuring Special Guests
Saba
Space Jesus b2b Eprom b2b Shlump
12th Planet
Sunsquabi
All Them Witches
Magic City Hippies
The Nude Party
Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever
The Comet Is Coming
Jack Harlow
Eprom
Caroline Rose
Donna Missal
Peach Pit
Hekler
Dorfex Bos

*****

FRIDAY, JUNE 14
Phish (Late Evening Set)
Childish Gambino
Solange
The Avett Brothers
Brockhampton
GRiZ
RL Grime
Beach House
GRiZ SuperJam
NGHTMRE
Gojira
Courtney Barnett
Girl Talk
AJR
Catfish And The Bottlemen
K.Flay
Anoushka Shankar
Nahko & Medicine For The People
Liquid Stranger
Deafheaven
Parquet Courts
Rival Sons
Ibeyi
Jade Cicada
Las Cafeteras
Cherry Glazerr
The Teskey Brothers
Medasin
Tyla Yaweh
Ducky
Monsieur Periné
Mersiv
Crooked Colours

*****

SATURDAY, JUNE 15
Post Malone
Odesza
Hozier
Kacey Musgraves
The National
The Lonely Island
ZHU
Juice WRLD
Joe Russo’s Almost Dead
Gucci Mane
John Prine
Jim James (Full Band)
Maren Morris
Gramatik
Shovels & Rope
Unknown Mortal Orchestra
Quinn XCII
Clairo
Bishop Briggs
Hippo Campus
Space Jesus
Tokimonsta
Chelsea Cutler
The Record Company
SNBRN
Ruston Kelly
Whipped Cream
Rubblebucket
Little Simz
Memba
Deva Mahal
DJ Mel

*****

SUNDAY, JUNE 16
Phish (2 Sets)
The Lumineers
Cardi B
Brandi Carlile
Illenium
Walk The Moon
Mac DeMarco
King Princess
Lil Dicky
G Jones
Trampled By Turtles
The Wood Brothers
Hobo Johnson & The Lovemakers
Princess (Featuring Maya Rudolph & Gretchen Lieberum)
The Soul Rebels
The Lemon Twigs
Two Feet
AC Slater
CID
Dombresky
Bombino
Faye Webster
Ripe
Kikagaku Moyo
Igloohost

King Calaway Signs With BMG/BBR Music Group

King Calaway. Photo Credit: Alex Ferrari

BMG/BBR Music Group has signed the band King Calaway to its roster. The group’s self-titled debut EP will be released Jan. 25 via BBR’s Stoney Creek Records imprint.

Members Caleb Miller, Chris Deaton, Simon Dumas, Jordan Harvey, Chad Michael Jervis, and Austin Luther each made their own way to Nashville chasing their dreams from across the globe, hailing from towns in the American Midwest and the Atlantic seaboard to the small coastal country of Gibraltar and the Central Belt of Scotland. They came together as King Calaway in early 2018, and offer a fresh new take on country with a sound reminiscent of the Eagles. The band is guided by a co-production team that includes Robert Deaton and Ross Copperman.

“King Calaway is that rare combination of incredible individual talent combined with amazing group chemistry,” says Jon Loba, EVP/BBR Music Group. “Their skill as musicians, vocalists and entertainers, along with Robert Deaton and Ross Copperman’s creative vision has very quickly fueled the passions and excitement of not only those of us in the BBR Music Group but also BMG and Bertelsmann globally.  We can’t wait to introduce them to partners and audiences around the world!”

“The six musicians who make up King Calaway are a fresh take on contemporary country music,” adds Robert Deaton. “These young men hail from all corners of the globe, but when put together on a stage, they are one and magic happens.”

“The six of us are beyond excited to be working with the great teams at BMG and BBR. They’ve already dedicated so much time and effort into this project, and we’re incredibly grateful,” noted King Calaway’s Chad Michael Jervis. “We’re ready for the world to hear all the songs we’ve worked so hard on.”

Already firmly laying roots in Nashville, King Calaway will make its debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage on March 1. The band is booked by United Talent Agency and managed by 24 Entertainment.

DISClaimer: Florida Georgia Line, Anna Vaus, Brantley Gilbert, Lindsay Ell Offer Sparkling New Tracks

Wait a minute: You mean the winter break won’t go on forever, and I have deadlines again? That’s right, bub. It’s 2019, and we’re back on the job.

In the debut listening session of the year, duos ruled the roost. The new single by Florida Georgia Line and the first collaboration by Brantley Gilbert and Lindsay Ell are today’s winning tunes. In a tight race, FGL claims Disc of the Day.

We have Dave Pacula at Black River to thank for bringing Anna Vaus to our attention. She wins today’s DisCovery Award.

LYNN EASTERLY/I Listen To My Bad Girl
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Summit (CDX)
– Loud rock guitars. Compressed audio. Somehow, this sounds woefully dated, like maybe it was recorded 10 years ago when rocked-up country was the thing.

KANE BROWN/Good As You
Writers: Kane Brown/Brock Berryhill/Shy Carter/Taylor Phillips/Will Weatherly; Producer: Dann Huff; Publisher: none listed; RCA
– Soaked in an r&b groove, this languid ode to undying love goes down smooth and easy. Intensely romantic.

ROB BAIRD/Burning Blue
Writers: Rob Baird/Burleson Smith; Producer: Rick Brantley; Publisher: Boots Baird/Ticonderoga, BMI; Hard Luck
– With an able harmony vocal by the talented Lucie Silvas, this is a stately ballad that reflects on a relationship’s rise and fall. The electric guitar solo at the coda is pure poetry, and Baird’s plaintive, aching delivery is wonderfully gripping. The album, After All, chronicles the seven stage of grief in the wake of a breakup. Lend this man your ears.

FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE/People Are Different
Writers: Mark Molman/Hillary Lindsey/Michael Hardy; Producer: Joey Moi; Publisher: 2019 Relative Music Group (BMI), administered by Songs Of Kobalt Music Publishing./ Songs of Universal, Inc. / Art in the Fodder Music. All rights o/b/o Art in the Fodder Music controlled and administered by Songs of Universal, Inc./ BMG Platinum Songs (BMI) / BIRB Music (ASCAP); Big Machine
– Terrific in every way. The track rings and chimes. The layered vocals swirl in your head. Best of all is the “love-thy-neighbor” lyric urging acceptance and tolerance. These boys have it all going on here.

E

 

QUEEVA/Live Like A Song
Writers: none listed; Producer: Jamie O’Neal; Publisher: none listed; Queeva (track)
– She’s a teen, and her pert, youthful and somewhat thin vocal shows it. The spare, choppy production creates a lively groove for her to emote in. She needs to put some years on her talent, but this is promising.

JOHN SCHNEIDER/Walk A Mile In My Shoes
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Odyssey
– He still sings splendidly, and the song is a total country winner. The demo-sounding production does nothing for me.

ANNA VAUS/Day Job
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Espola Road
– The track burns rubber from the opening notes. A smokin’-hot country rocker with a saucy, personable vocal. Hang on for a wild ride.

 

WILLIAM MICHAEL MORGAN/Workin’
Writers: Bart Butler/Aaron Goodvin/Driver Williams/Brett Tyler; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Warner Bros.
– It’s about time we had a new blue-collar, working-man’s anthem. This kinda thing should always be country music’s bread and butter. The track is rather “busy” sounding, but his voice and the lyric overcome that.

WHEELER WALKER JR./Save Some Titty Milk For Me
Writer: Wheeler Walker Jr.; Producer: Dave Cobb; Publisher: none listed; Pepperhill/Thirty Tigers
– Okay, let’s face it: This guy is never going to make mainstream radio with a title like this. It bops along attractively, but the lyric is way beyond outlaw country. Tracks like “I Sucked Another D*** Last Night,” “F**k You With the Lights On,” “All the P**** You Will Slay” and “I Like Smoking Pot” are not for the faint of heart. He glories in obscenity, but is also undeniably funny. The CD is titled WW III. Let the buyer beware.

BRANTLEY GILBERT & LINDSAY ELL/What Happens In A Small Town
Writers: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Valory
– I am a huge fan of Brantley’s brushed-velvet singing. Lindsay has never sounded better, trading verses and soaring above him in harmony. The beautifully intricate production revels in froth and foam as it crests and ebbs. The whole thing is sprinkled with stardust.

 

Mitch Glazier Formally Takes On RIAA Chairman/CEO Role, Michele Ballantyne Promoted To COO

Pictured: Mitch Glazier, Michele Ballantyne

Mitch Glazier has been named Chairman and CEO of the RIAA and has formally taken office at the recording industry trade group. Michele Ballantyne has also been promoted to the role of Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately.

In 2017, following the announcement of former RIAA Chairman/CEO Cary Sherman‘s retirement, Glazier was promoted to President of the RIAA.

Before joining the RIAA in 2000, Glazier served as Chief Counsel for intellectual property to the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives.

“Music matters. It shapes our culture. It inspires generations young and young at heart. It makes us who we are and binds diverse communities together. I am honored to lead the RIAA during these exciting times as we fight for a music ecosystem that works for everybody – from artists and fans to labels and publishers and songwriters and music services alike. That will require that we both embrace digital music innovations, and protect what has always made music great – keeping the dream alive for the next generation of artists and music creators,” said Glazier.

Ballantyne has worked in the highest reaches of government, including as Special Assistant to President Bill Clinton, Special Counsel to then-White House Chief of Staff John Podesta, and as General Counsel for Senator Tom Daschle. A driving force for updating intellectual property laws for the digital age, she has played an instrumental role in advocating for congressional reforms including the MMA, the PRO-IP Act that established the nation’s first Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator in the Executive Office of the President, and the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 that provided colleges and universities with meaningful tools to reduce the illegal downloading of copyrighted works on campuses.

“I’m excited to be part of this new leadership team at such an incredibly dynamic and important time,” said Ballantyne.  “By staying true to music and its creators even as we embrace change, we can help the men and women of the music industry achieve great things. I look forward to advocating on behalf of our great community.”

Brett Eldredge Joins Q Prime South For Management

Brett Eldredge

Country crooner and Warner Music Nashville artist Brett Eldredge has joined Q Prime South’s Nashville management roster, led by artist manager John Peets, MusicRow has confirmed.

Q Prime South also represents artists including Eric Church, Brothers Osborne, The Black Keys, The Wild Feathers, Ashley McBryde, Marty Stuart, Dan Auerbach and more.

Eldredge was previously with Robert L. Baker’s Longshot Management.

Eldredge, known for hits including “Wanna Be That Song,” “Drunk On Your Love,” and “The Long Way,” has the new single “Love Someone” at country radio, and has been making the TV rounds for the holiday season, including appearances on Today, CMA Country Christmas, and the upcoming Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade (Dec. 25). In October, he released the 18-song Glow Deluxe package, filled with classic holiday tracks including “Silver Bells” and “A Holly Jolly Christmas.”

Inaugural Reviver Fest 2018 Wraps Up Year On High Note

Pictured: David Lee Murphy headlines inaugural Reviver Fest 2018 at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live outdoor concert venue on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.

Reviver Entertainment Group invited radio industry members and special guests last weekend (Dec. 14 – 16) for a trip of gratitude and relaxation in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Appropriately named Reviver Fest 2018, the outing offered attendees exclusive hotel amenities as the label commandeered the entire Hotel Zamora for its guests for the waterfront excursion. Led by President/CEO David Ross and Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, Reviver created this trip to thank industry reps for their support by offering a fun getaway as the year comes to a close. The gathering also gave attendees the change to hang with Reviver’s artists and songwriters and hear their music.

Pictured (L-R): Singer-songwriter David DeVaul, Reviver Executive VP/GM Gator Michaels, singer-songwriters Alex Kline, Aaron Goodvin and Michael Tyler, Reviver President/CEO David Ross.

Courtesy of Reviver’s record label and related publishing and label services companies, guests were welcomed with cocktails and dinner on Friday evening, followed by an acoustic show at the hotel featuring Reviver Records artist singer-songwriter Michael Tyler and songwriters Alex Kline, David DeVaul and Aaron Goodvin.

1608 Regional Promotion Manager Roger Fregoso and fishing guide “Roy” in Tampa Bay.

On Saturday, guests enjoyed a variety of offerings including spending time relaxing by the hotel pool, golf at The Mainland Golf Course, fishing in Tampa Bay, spa treatments at Spa Oceana, yoga on the hotel rooftop and kayaking in the hotel’s intra-coastal waterway.

Saturday night had plenty to offer as well with Reviver’s veteran hit-maker and No.1 singer-songwriter David Lee Murphy headlining the popular St. Petersburg’s outdoor venue, Jannus Live.

The free show also featured Reviver artists Tenille Arts, Josh Gracin, and Haley & Michaels. After the show, Reviver’s Regional Promotion Manager Dave Collins shared his gaming skills by offering a poker tournament for guests back at the hotel which lasted long into the night.

Pictured (L-R): Program and music director Mike Thomas (KFAV/Warrenton, MO), singer-songwriter Aaron Goodvin, Mike Thomas’ wife Donna, MusicRow Publisher/Owner Sherod Robertson.

Other Reviver executives and management that were in attendance, among all of the company’s staff, included Bob Reeves (Senior VP of Promotion), Jim Malito (VP of Promotion), Paul Williams (VP of Marketing & Artist Development), Hayley Cowoski (Manager of Marketing & Artist Development), Clay Myers and Carole Ann Mobley (Reviver Publishing) and Mark Ziegenfuss (Partner).

Singer-songwriter Tenille Arts demonstrates impressive rowing technique kayaking down the McPherson Bayou behind Hotel Zamora.

Attendees came home with gift bags which included elevated swag items including audio gear from Kicker Performance Audio. Other sponsors of the three-day weekend gathering included MySky, Eskimo Joe’s and Vineyard Vines.

Haley & Michaels perform at inaugural Reviver Fest 2018 at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live outdoor concert venue on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.

Josh Gracin performs at inaugural Reviver Fest 2018 at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live outdoor concert venue on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.

Tenille Arts performs at inaugural Reviver Fest 2018 at St. Petersburg’s Jannus Live outdoor concert venue on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018.

Aaron Watson’s Night Of Texas At Ryman To Feature Rodney Clawson, Liz Rose, Tom Douglas

Aaron Watson is set to return to the Ryman Auditorium on Jan. 24, and he’s invited some of the Lonestar state’s hitmakers to open the show for him. The opening songwriter in-the-round lineup for “A Night Of Texas At The Ryman” will include stories and songs by Rodney Clawson, Liz Rose, and Tom Douglas.

Hailing from Gruver, Texas, Clawson’s 24 No. 1 hits include “I Saw God Today” (George Strait), “Amarillo Sky” (Jason Aldean) and “American Kids” (Kenny Chesney). Rose, born in Dallas, had her first hit with Gary Allan’s “Songs About Rain” and went on to co-write 16 songs with Taylor Swift, including “Teardrops on My Guitar,” “You Belong With Me,” andTim McGraw,” plus Little Big Town’s mega-hit “Girl Crush.”  Douglas, who previously called Texas home before moving to Nashville, has penned numerous hits, including “The House That Built Me” (Miranda Lambert), “I Got A Car” (George Strait), and “Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” (Tim McGraw).

Tickets to “A Night of Texas” at the Ryman start at $25 and may be purchased here.