Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com-- Google “Preshias”  (TN/USA)
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH:  Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. - Psalm 98:4
 
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: "Think of music as the whipped cream on the hot chocolate of Life." – Wolfman Jack.
  
ALBUM NEWS: Jason Aldean’s hard-charging eighth studio album REARVIEW TOWN (Broken Bow Records) has earned the No. One position on Billboard’s all-genre Top 200 Album chart. Becoming only the second Country act to score four consecutive chart-toppers in history, Aldean drew 183,000 equivalent album units in its first week of release making it the biggest Country debut of 2018. Aldean has been racking up TV and radio appearances following the April 13 release of the new album, including stops at the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night With Stephen Colbert, iHeartCountry’s YouTube channel and Sirius XM’s The Highway. Aldean’s new single, ‘You Make It Easy,’ from the album is already at Country radio and impacting charts. He has scored 19 No. One hits, more than 15 million total album sales and dozens of sold-out stadium shows. Check out upcoming tour dates at jasonaldean.com. … In celebration of his 25th anniversary as a recording artist, Collin Raye will release a new legacy album titled ‘Collin Raye — 25 Years, 25 Hits’ on Tuesday, May 15.  The ACM Award-winning artist has recut 25 of his hit songs, including all 16 No. 1s, along with 3 bonus tracks, to celebrate his silver anniversary. "For years, people have asked me, 'Why don't you have a collection of all of your hits on one record, instead of several greatest hits albums each with different songs?' Well, now I do — all 25 hits on one album." Raye will celebrate the release at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, May 15.  Album pre-sale orders will available starting May 1, at collinraye.com.
 
 
ARTIST NEWS: Thomas Rhett has announced his autobiographical anthem “Life Changes,” the title-track from his Billboard 200 chart-topping album (The Valory Music Co.), as his next single. The song co-written by Thomas Rhett is now at Country radio, following all three of LIFE CHANGES’ singles – PLATINUM-certified “Craving You” and “Marry Me” as well as GOLD-certified “Unforgettable" – which all earned chart-topping success. "This song is basically my autobiography in three minutes,” Thomas Rhett said. “It covers my college years, marrying Lauren, becoming a dad and the evolution of my music career. It’s definitely the most personal song I’ve ever written, but we all go through a lot in life whatever the story is, so I think the sentiment is something a lot of people can relate to." Rhett’s latest album, LEAVE RIGHT NOW: THE REMIXES, dropped in mid-April delivering fresh takes on the track from his Billboard 200 chart-topper LIFE CHANGES. The collection features a reimagined version of the song from PLATINUM-selling DJ Martin Jensen, who brings a new dimension to “Leave Right Now" by combining Rhett’s soulful vocals with his own trademark sound. Rhett’s versatility shines through on each track that takes on a life of its own, from Jensen’s energetic, synth-driven remix to the more raw, acoustic Nashville Remix.  More info at ThomasRhett.com.
 
AWARD NEWS: Kenny Chesney has received a nomination in the 2018 Innovation in Music Awards.  His nomination comes in the Creative/Artist category.  Chesney joins rocker/producer Dan Auerbach, producer Dave Cobb (Chris Stapleton, Jason Isbell), Kacey Musgraves and Midland in the Creative/Artist category. Chesney is being recognized at an event that also includes music business, broadcasting and touring innovators like SiriusXM’s Steve Blatter, Music Healthcare Alliance founder Tatum Allsep, Opry Entertainment’s Sally Williams and AEG’s Louis Messina among the nominees. “I work hard at trying to stay cutting edge, trying to figure out how to make the music better and take the fan experience to new places,” Chesney said. “I don’t know whether I’m innovative or not, I just try to give the music everything we can think of that makes sense.” Ticket info for Chesney’s ‘Trip Around the Sun Tour’ and more kennychesney.com.
 
BENEFIT NEWS: For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert. The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4 returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com.  “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.” Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office andDariusRucker.com.
 
BIOGRAPHY NEWS: There have been many books written about Johnny Cash, but ‘The Man in Song: A Discographic Biography of Johnny Cash’ (University of Arkansas Press), is the first to examine Cash's incredible life through the lens of the songs he wrote and recorded.  Music journalist and historian John Alexander has drawn on decades of studying Cash's music and life, from his difficult depression-era Arkansas childhood through his death in 2003, to tell a life story through songs familiar and obscure. In discovering why Cash wrote a given song or chose to record it, Alexander introduces readers anew to a man whose primary consideration of any song was the difference music makes in people's lives, and not whether the song would become a hit. The book is now available wherever books are sold and online at UAPress.com. 
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS: FRONT AND CENTER, Sideline's first outing for the Mountain Home Music label, is available for purchase now. Produced by Tim Surrett, the project has already landed a #1 Bluegrass Today chart single with the compelling ‘Thunder Dan.’ Fans can learn more about Sideline and FRONT AND CENTER from interviews and features at bluegrasstoday.com and watch the ‘Thunder Dan’ companion video on The Country Network (TCN), Bluegrass Ridge, The Alternate Root and America's Country Connection.  More info at sidelinebg.com.
 
BOOK RELEASES: Naomi Judd is on top again with the No. 1 spot on Amazon's Best Sellers in Country Music. Following national television appearances on CBS' The Talk and Hallmark Channel's Home & Family, "River of Time: My Descent Into Depression and How I Emerged With Hope" ascended to the top of Amazon's Best Sellers. Naomi was also featured on the cover of the April issue of ‘First for Women’ magazine.  This summer the country music icon will return to the ball field for the City of Hope 28th Annual Celebrity Softball Game in Nashville, Tenn. Naomi participated in the game in the late 80s and early 90s and is dusting off her glove to return as a play-by-play Guest Announcer Saturday, June 9 (tickets available via Ticketmaster). More at NaomiJudd.com … (SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION NEWS) My educational book “College of Songology” is a comprehensive handbook about protecting your intellectual property and making money with your music as a singer and/or songwriter. It is available in a print version and for download as an e-book on all devices. Check out www.collegeofsongology.com.  
                                                                                                                                                                             
CD NEWS: ‘Better Together’ is the second single from Craig Wayne Boyd's October 2017 release TOP SHELF, the Texan's debut album since winning the highest ever rated season of NBC's The Voice. The romantic ballad was written by Boyd, Brett James and Will Edwards, and tells the story of Boyd and his wife. Confessing that although he's seen and been to all of these places before, it's an entirely different experience with her by his side. "'Better Together' is a song we wrote about an experience on top of a hotel in Santa Monica with my then girlfriend now wife, Taylor," says Boyd during an interview on the nationally syndicated Ty, Kelly & Chuck show. "It was an experience that will forever be with me and am glad that I get to share it with the world."  It follows the album's lead single, "Stuck in My Head," that was released in late 2017. More at crsaigwayneboyd.com.
 
CD RELEASES: Dierks Bentley will release his ninth studio album, THE MOUNTAIN (Capitol Records Nashville), June 8th. Bentley co-wrote 10 of the 13 new tracks that are unified by themes of presence and positivity, and range in style from textured rock to acoustic folk, feeling both rooted and expansive at the same time.  THE MOUNTAIN's story begins in the Rocky Mountain resort town of Telluride, Colorado, which every summer plays host to a celebrated bluegrass festival. Bentley has attended the festival multiple times over the years, but after performing on the festival’s main stage in 2017, the idyllic surroundings became more than a much-needed getaway. “I found myself there, constantly reaching for my guitar,” Bentley said. “It was like a gravitational pull. That town and those people just make you want to be creative, I couldn’t describe it. I was like ‘How do I tell everyone in Nashville this is what I want to write about?’ I realized I couldn’t bring it back, so I had to take everyone out there.” Tour info & videos at Dierks.com.
 
CHARITY NEWS: Bobby Marquez is an award-winning songwriter known for moving boots across a dance floor, but on April 28, his upbeat honk tonk tunes set the pace for thousands of sneakers hitting the pavement for the annual St. Jude Rock N Roll Marathon. Marquez and legendary fiddle player, Ernie Reed of Mel Tillis's Statesiders fame, motivated runners in the final stretch at mile 19 in East Nashville.  The Marathon is one of three annual events Marquez participates in to raise funds for a charity very close to his heart, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Bobby Marquez and Workout Anytime 24/7 present their annual Country With Heart Benefit on June 9th this year at The Nashville Nightlife Theatre with an all-star lineup. And Marquez will entertain alongside Mark Chesnutt in September at the annual Buck Creek Trailride benefiting St. Jude. Tour info, music and more at bobbymarquez.com.
 
CMA FEST NEWS: Nashville is getting ready for the 2018 CMA Music Festival, set for June 7 through June 10. Taking the CMA Fest stages are Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, and Chris Young, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Neal McCoy, William Michael Morgan, Michael Ray and many more.  Even more acts can be seen and heard at the Chevrolet Park Stage in Walk of Fame Park. Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium may still be available at CMAFest.com or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Outdoor daytime stages including Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, as well as the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, are free and open to the public.
                                     
DUO NEWS: Maddie & Tae are back with their highly-anticipated new single ‘Friends Don’t,’ the duo’s first song since signing with Mercury Nashville. The song matches the pair’s celebrated harmonies with an intimate take on the anticipation and excitement around a friendship’s developing possibilities. ‘Friends Don’t,’ written by Maddie Marlow and Taylor (Tae) Dye along with Justin Ebach and Jon Nite, is the first single from the Platinum-selling duo’s forthcoming sophomore album. Set to impact country radio May 14, fans can listen to and download ‘Friends Don’t’ now at strm.to/FriendsDont and view the lyric video at vevo.com. The new album will follow Maddie & Tae’s critically-acclaimed debut, ‘Start Here.’  News, music and tour dates at MaddieandTae.com.
 
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: The second season of the TV show ‘Songs and Stories with John Berry’ is now airing.  The live audience tapings took place in the Natchez Hills Winery, located at The Fontanel Nashville. Tickets sold out before the artist line-up was made public, reflecting on the impact season one had on fans of the show. The televised show airs weekly on Heartland Television, The Family Channel, The Country Network, Roku (via Heartland), AMG TV, Country TV (New Zealand), Keep It Country TV (UK) and more. Upcoming shows include Radney Foster (week of May 7), Terri Clark (May 14), Tracy Lawrence (May 21) and Darryl Worley (May 28), with more scheduled to air in June. More info at songsandstories.com.
 
FESTIVAL NEWS: David Frizzell has announced the inaugural LeftyFest Music Festival to be held in Corsicana, Texas on Saturday, June 16, 2018. The festival, in cooperation with the city of Corsicana, honors the enduring musical legacy of Lefty Frizzell, one of American music’s most iconic and influential singer/stylists of any genre. Lefty, who would’ve turned 90 this year, was a member of the Grand Ole Opry, and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1982. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame honors his contributions to entertainment. David Frizzell is the younger brother of Lefty. He toured with Lefty in his youth, before being signed to a record deal of his own.  The free festival will be held in Corsicana’s Jester Park, home to the Lefty Frizzell Museum and statue. LeftyFest performers include David Frizzell, Lacy J. Dalton, Paulette Carlson, Marty Haggard, Allen Frizzell, Sarah Patrick, Aaron Copeland and other popular Texas regional artists. Details at davidfrizzell.com/leftyfest.
 
GRAND OLE OPRY NEWS: The Grand Ole Opry welcomed home Bobby Bare as an official Opry member on April 7, on the Country Music Hall of Famer’s 83rd birthday. Bare had been a member of the Opry cast in the 1960s and 70s, after which his official Opry membership lapsed. Garth Brooks took the stage and said, “I gotta tell you, this might be one of the coolest honors I have ever had bestowed on me. I don’t know if you know, but it was less than a month ago I was standing right here when I inducted the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, a kid named Chris Janson. Sweet guy. He sat in this circle of wood and he cried like a baby. And you know why he cried; because he gets it. He gets what it’s like to be a member of the family of the Grand Ole Opry.” Brooks continued, “The Grand Ole Opry is family. Family is forever. So Mr. Bare, young man -- as my dad would say -- it is my honor, it is the Grand Ole Opry’s honor, to officially welcome you back, the great Bobby Bare, to the Grand Ole Opry.”  More at bobbybare.com.
 
INDIE NEWS: Rhonda Vincent, joined by Dolly Parton, is featured on the new tribute album that honors Elton John and his co-writing partner Bernie Taupin. Restoration features some of the biggest stars in music, from Willie Nelson to Vince Gill, all singing songs written by one of music history's most famous songwriting teams.  Bernie, a fan and friend, personally asked Rhonda to be on the album.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS:  The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) partnered with Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) to equip DuPont Tyler Middle School with the ability to provide clean clothes for its students by donating a new washer and dryer. Children in metro Nashville schools often miss school due to lack of clean clothes, therefore NATD hopes to help increase classroom attendance with this donation.  The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate over $300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists. More about NATD at n-a-t-d.com.
 
LABEL NEWS: (Big Machine Records) Long before they were playing their hits like ‘Drinkin’ Problem’ and ‘Burn Out’ for thousands of people every night, Midland paid their dues in a lot of bars and clubs, some a little more questionable than others.  According to Mark Wystrach, “We’ve seen it all. We’ve showed up, we’ve had to fight with bar owners to get our money. We’ve damn near had to fight our way in and out of venues. We have fought inside of venues, we’ve helped break up fights, we’ve had things thrown at us.” Mark recalls one particular set of gigs they played just after they signed their record deal. He says, “We played a residency here in Nashville and it’s infamously called ‘Three Nights, Three Fights,’ cause people get fired up and it is drinking music. So we’ve seen it all. It’s been wild.” Midland will be playing the festival circuit this summer and opening for Thomas Rhett this fall, hopefully with a  few less fists flying. Tour info at midlandofficial.com. …
(Cold River Records) Country fans have come to know and love Drew Baldridge for his upbeat, dance-worthy and “functry” tunes, but the rising country star has now shared a softer side to his music with the release of his latest single, ‘Gentle Man.’  The new song, co-penned by Baldridge, Chris Yarber and Robert Arthur, is the second release from his forthcoming sophomore album due out later in the year.  The ballad is a love song, but its inspiration surprisingly came from the country newcomer’s role models. Baldridge explains, “I was raised to always take care of the people around you and to always help someone in need.  All of my life I have seen great examples of love and kindness, and it has made me want to be a better man; a gentle man.” Music and tour info at DrewBaldridgeMusic.com.
 
MEDIA NEWS: ‘Nashville Insider,’ a syndicated country music and entertainment news series, is now airing on WTVF-NC5+ on Saturdays at 7:00pm. WTVF NC5+ is available in Nashville on Comcast/Xfinity and Charter/Spectrum. Beginning in September 2018, Nashville Insider will air on WTVF (CBS). Other current nationwide airings include Heartland TV (Roku), The Country Network (Roku), The Family Channel, AMG TV, Ride TV (Dish) and a growing network of broadcast TV stations across the country. Details at nashvilleinsider.tv.
 
MUSIC BIZ 2018 NEWS: Bart Herbison Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association said it best, “Music Biz 2018 is one the top Music Conferences around the globe.” Around 1,500 music pros attend the event that annually brings together the influential decision makers from the world of music. It takes place at the Omni Hotel Nashville, May 14th to the 17th. More at musicbiz.org
 
MUSIC NEWS: Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has released a sentimental new single, ‘Until The Light Comes On Again,’ with all proceeds being donated to Sarah Cannon Fund at the Community Foundation. The video for the single exclusively premiered on Parade.com. Anderson was inspired to pen the single after watching his longtime girlfriend, Vickie, bravely face a cancer diagnosis. The poignant, beautiful tune brings a message of hope and is a testament to anyone who’s facing a challenge in their life. Anderson and Vickie are featured in the video which comes fresh off the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame announcing Anderson’s induction this June.  More details at billanderson.com. 
 
MUSICARES NEWS: Henry Paul and Dave Robbins, members of country group BlackHawk, as well as southern rock band The Outlaws, paid visits to the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center and MusiCares to deliver donations raised for each organization.  Paul and Robbins presented a $40,000 check to Vanderbilt (on behalf of BlackHawk's Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund) and a $20,000 check to MusiCares (on behalf of The Outlaws' Fallen Outlaw Fund). "The [two funds] were both formed to help give back to two very worthwhile causes in the name of BlackHawk and Outlaw fans, respectively," says Paul. "Raising money for cancer research at the Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center and also for MusiCares, an organization that helps fund healthcare costs for uninsured musicians, is the cause. Honoring former founding BlackHawk member Van Stephenson and former founding Outlaws members Hughie Thomasson, Billy Jones and Frank O'Keefe, by perpetuating their memory in the name of these two charities, is our goal." Since 2006, BlackHawk's Van Stephenson Memorial Cancer Research Fund has generated $200,000 for the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center. Over the past three years, The Outlaws' Fallen Outlaw Fund has donated nearly $50,000 to MusiCares. 
 
NAMM NEWS: It’s almost Summer NAMM time again! On Saturday June 30 at Music City Center, Summer NAMM will host the inaugural Make Music Experience, an all-day, all-access pass for consumer and prosumer audiences who want to demo the latest music and pro audio gear, meet with top music manufacturers, and explore career-enhancing education and networking opportunities with the music industry’s top insiders. The Make Music Experience day is an invitation to musicians, songwriters, music educators and students, as well as sound and studio professionals to experience the members-only Summer NAMM show, the annual mid-year gathering of the music products and pro audio industry, June 28-30 in Nashville. Emerging and established music pros seeking a jump-start to their careers can participate in a robust lineup of NAMM Idea Center educational sessions and panels carefully curated to enhance the careers of artists, musicians, songwriters and producers. Industry experts, thought leaders and Nashville personalities will cover topics ranging from cutting-edge social media and DIY marketing strategies to an insider’s look at growing a loyal fan base to insights from top artists on how to get songwriting “cuts.” Attendees will also have the rare chance to interact with the world’s most established and successful brands and demo new products from companies that include Antelope Audio, BOSS, C.F. Martin, Casio, D’Addario, D’Angelico, Fender Musical Instrument Corporation, Fishman Gretsch, Korg, PreSonus, Remo, Rupert Neve Designs, Yamaha, and many more. Music City Center’s NAMM Terrace Stage will provide live music all day from the region’s hottest talent representing multiple genres. Expanded lounges and food areas enhance the Summer NAMM experience and make it easy to grab a drink and connect with old friends or create new business contacts. Tickets to the Make Music Experience are now available for $10 online at namm.org/summer/2018/make-music-experience and will be available at the door for $20 on Saturday, June 30. Hours are 10:00 – 5:00 p.m. A full line up of sessions, speakers, artist performances and more will be announced in the coming weeks.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) held their Spring #1 Party on April 23, recognizing 75 songwriters (23 songs) for their #1 achievements during the period of August 2017-December 2017.  At the brunch event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and held at The Listening Room Cafe, the songwriters were presented plaques for topping the Billboard Country or Christian, Airplay, Digital, and Hot Charts and/or Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.  For a list of songs and award-winning songwriters, visit nashvillesongwriters.com.
 
SINGLE NEWS: ‘That's Where I Grew Up’ is the second single to be released from Reloaded — Shenandoah’s  first new album in 20 years that dropped in March 2018 — which blends live versions of their No. 1 hits with three brand-new tunes produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. A career milestone, Reloaded is Shenandoah's highest debuting album ever on the Billboard charts.  Shenandoah partnered with Cumulus/Nash Icon to exclusively premiere to radio the new single. CUMULUS/NASH Icon has also invited Shenandoah to headline its monthly Rhythm and Boots event, along with Collin Raye, on Thursday, June 21, at 3rd & Lindsley in Nashville. The band will perform a 45-minute set for fans with all of the tickets proceeds going towards Musicians on Call.  30th Anniversary Tour info at shenandoahband.com.
 
TOUR NEWS: In celebration of his albums, From A Room: Volume 1 and Volume 2, Chris Stapleton will hit the road again this year for his All-American Road Show tour. Dates include New York’s Madison Square Garden The Forum in LA, and Chicago’s Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre among many others. The tour will feature Marty Stuart and Brent Cobb as special guests and tickets are on sale now. The Eagles are scheduled on a few of the dates as well.   
Recently Chris and his wife, Morgane, became parents of twins. On the same day...he won three ACM awards. FAST FACTS by GoGo Show Prep. ** Earlier this year, Chris won Grammy's for Best Country Album (From A Room: Volume 1), Best Country Song (‘Broken Halos’) and Best Country Solo Performance (‘Either Way’) ** Chris is also featured on Restoration, the tribute album to Elton John & Bernie Taupin.
 
TV NEWS: Ronnie McDowell is on an exciting new adventure, Painting America. It is the name of his new television show which sends the multi-talented star touring the country to find amazing stories to create his next great masterpiece. Each episode ends with a concert to unveil the paintings Ronnie creates from his journeys with proceeds going to local charities.  On May 19, 2018, fans are invited to take part in a special taping of Painting America in McDowell's hometown of Portland, Tennessee. The next big unveil will be held at the Days Gone By Museum at 122 Davis Street in Portland, Tennessee. The beneficiary of this episode will be Christmas For Kids. For tickets, fans can call 615-325-4783.  McDowell will appear on Ray Steven's national television show, CabaRay in June, and is also hosting his own cruise this year. Info at ronniemcdowell.com.
 
VIDEO NEWS: Michael Ray has released emotional music video for his current Top-20 single, ‘Get To You,’ a track from his sophomore album, ‘Amos,’ named after his late grandfather. "'Get To You' is such a special song not only because it's the first single off of Amos, but also because I feel that it's something everyone can relate to on some level. I feel like we've all been on at least one side of this storyline,” said Ray. “In my case, I've been on both sides." Ray is set for a June 1 release of his true introductory album, AMOS (Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville). Promising his most personal to date. Ray’s grandfather, Amos, was a huge influence on him, fueling his love for country music. In fact, Ray first began singing and performing in his grandfather’s band when he was only nine years old. To this day he still plays Amos’ hand-me-down guitar, a 1978 Les Paul, as a reminder of the time they spent together sharing stories, learning songs and making memories.  AMOS features 11 tracks including ‘Get To You.’ More at MichaelRayMusic.com. 
 
VINYL NEWS: Eric Church released a limited edition LP, 61 DAYS IN CHURCH, to mark Record Store day, April 21, 2018. The vinyl album, with only 2,500 copies pressed, was available only at participating record stores and includes Church’s covers of eight songs by Soundgarden, Billy Joel, Little Feat, Bob Seger and more.  All the songs were recorded at live events during Church’s 61-date ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour. More info at ericchurch.com.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:  www.nashvillesongwriters.com  / www.cmaworld.com  / www.cdxcd.com / www.namm.org 
  
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:   Luke Bryan and Kelsea Ballerini.
 
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Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
 
 

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google “Preshias”

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “If I am chasing your dream faster than you, then I am in the wrong dream.” – Preshias © (TM)
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ALBUM NEWS: WAY To Go -- in December for Capitol's Luke Bryan who debuted at number one on the country albums chart and on the Top 200 chart with ‘What Makes You Country.’ The album sold more than 99,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan, and Mercury's Chris Stapleton debuted at number one on the country albums chart (Americana/Folk)  and No. 2 on the Top 200 chart with ‘From A Room: Volume 2’. The album sold more than 115,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan.
 
ASCAP NEWS: ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, and sEVENTeen Event Management have announced the headliner for the inaugural Snowmass Celebrity Ski Fest charity event. Charles Kelley of critically acclaimed, seven-time Grammy Award-winning trio Lady Antebellum will headline the exclusive event, to be held in the Colorado Rockies on February 21-22, 2018. Singers, songwriters and celebrities will come together for the annual event to raise money for LadyAID, a philanthropic effort founded by the members of Lady Antebellum - Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott. Created in 2012, the multi-level organization garners awareness and support for children in need locally, nationally and globally, as it is a component fund of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Additional musicians and celebrities will be announced in the coming days. Learn more and stay in touch on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @SnowmassSkiFest.
 
ARTIST NEWS: Brett Young has landed on multiple Billboard Year End charts, as 2017 came to a close, including Top New Artists, the only Country artist to do so. He also landed at No. Two on the Year End Hot Country Songs, Country Digital Songs and Country Streaming Songs charts. ASCAP recognized his “quintessential breakout year,” honoring Young for one of the Most Played Songs of the Year with “Sleep Without You.” Young was named a TicketMaster New Favorite Artist of 2017 and was Shazam’s only Country act included on their Emerging Artists of 2017 list. He also drew prestigious CMA, ACM, Teen Choice Award, CMT Music Awards and AIMP Award nominations. 2018 is already shaping up to be another big year for Young, who is working on new music. He will perform at the College Football Playoff concert in Atlanta January 8 before joining ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett on his LIFE CHANGES Tour.  More info at brettyoungmusic.com.
 
BABY NEWS: ALL I can say is WOW/WOW! In November: Brantley Gilbert and his wife Amber welcomed their first child, son Barrett Hardy-Clay Gilbert, on Saturday, November 11th at 1:37pm. Baby Barrett weighs in at 6 lbs., 7 oz. and measures 20 inches in length. Name includes both sides of grandparents.
December 1st: Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany welcomed a son. Born in Nashville at 1:29 p.m., son Memphis Aldean Williams weighed in at 9 lbs., 5 oz.
December 12th: Dylan Scott and his wife Blair welcomed their first baby, a son named Beckett Scott Robinson. The little boy was born in Nashville, and weighed in at 8 lbs. and measured 21 inches long. His middle name is actually his father's middle name (as well as his grandfather's, too).
December 14th: Rodney Atkins and his wife, songwriter Rose Falcon, recently welcomed their first child together, a son Ryder Falcon Atkins, weighing 8 lbs, 13 oz. and measuring 20 inches at birth.
December 17th: American Idol alum Casey James posted a photo of his new little boy on social media, and announced his name, Maverick Pierce.
December 22nd: It's a girl for Lady Antebellum's Dave Haywood and his wife Kelli delivered the couple's first daughter. Baby Lillie Renee Haywood joins older brother Cash, born in September 2014. Lillie Renee weighed 7 lbs., 6 oz., and measured 19 inches long at birth. She's named after both of her grandmothers.
December 23rd: Tyler Hubbard from Florida Georgia Line and his wife Hayley welcomed their first child, a baby girl. Olivia Rose was born in Nashville on Dec. 23 at 4:56PM. She weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz. at birth.
 
*Morgane and Chris Stapleton are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their “Twins” in 2018.
 
BLUEBIRD CAFÉ NEWS: The 25th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series kicks off 2018 with a month of shows benefitting Alive Hospice at The Bluebird Cafe. More than 130 artists and songwriters are scheduled to perform at least 27 shows beginning Tuesday, January 2 and running through February 1, 2018. Presenting sponsors for the event include Bass, Berry & Sims, Cigna, HCA, Hub International, Jackson National and Tennessee Oncology. SouthComm and WSM-AM return as media sponsors. Perennial favorites Amy Grant and Vince Gill are scheduled to perform on January 3, 2018, and such luminaries as Kim Carnes, Phil Vassar, Styx lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Shaw, John Oates, Beth Nielsen Chapman, Keb' Mo', Gordon Kennedy, Dave Barnes, Hunter Hayes, Kathy Mattea, Jon Vezner and Don Henry are already booked to appear. Additional writers and artists will be announced in the coming weeks. Updates at bluebird.com
 
BOOKING NEWS: Lee Roy Parnell has signed exclusively with New Frontier Touring for worldwide booking representation. The ace guitarist and hit singer/songwriter’s latest project, ‘Midnight Believer,’ was released earlier this year by Vector Recordings/BFD and is available on all digital platforms. Midnight Believer is full of the soulful, guitar-driven, from the heart music Parnell is best known for. Releasing an album after 11 years gives proof to his mantra that “lifers don’t quit.” Details at leeroyparnell.com
 
CABLE NEWS: Larry’s Country Diner has a new PR partner. Gabriel Communications has signed with the Music Row-based public relations firm, ProMO Image, for exclusive representation. The firm will handle all publicity needs for Gabriel and their various brands, including the online, subscription-based country music service, "Country Road TV," and the extremely popular DVD franchise/TV series "Larry's Country Diner," and "Country's Family Reunion." Both TV shows are available in nearly 100 million homes via RFD-TV, Roku, Apple TV and Amazon Fire and collectively draw well over two million viewers per month on RFD-TV alone. The DVD franchise has generated additional millions in retail. "Gabriel Communications has tapped a HUGE, global fan base--those who want wholesome, family-friendly programming, but even bigger still, the millions of music fans who love traditional country music," says Shelly Mullins, President and founder of ProMO Image. "When it comes to nostalgic programming and providing a platform for celebrating our legends, nobody does it better." Show schedules and more at larryscountrydiner.com or gabrielcommunications.com.
 
CD NEWS: Danielle Bradbery’s big break came on set of the ‘VOICE’ when she was 16 years old. The VOICE’s season 4 winner Danielle's new tune “Sway” is a laid back modern day groove song with melodies taking you to her new style, it fits her like a hand to a glove. It’s the title track to her first single off of her December 1st, 2017, BMLG’s release “I Don't Believe We've Met.” This is her first album in five years, now 21, she has been working very hard to develop her songwriting skills over the last four years, and she co-wrote seven of the 10 songs on “I Don't Believe We've Met”, working with top writers including Thomas Rhett, Josh Kerr and Jeff Pardo to create songs that are a more honest reflection of herself. and if this single is an indication, the dove has landed. NOTE: Kentucky’s own Hannah Ellis co-wrote track number 6 “Messy” with Danielle and Josh Kerr. Just to think a few years back I was set to judge her on Country Showdown.
 
CD (Soundtrack) RELEASES: The new 2018 movie "Forever My Girl" debuts in select theaters. The music soundtrack includes music by Lauren Alaina, Phillip Sweet (Little Big Town), Canaan Smith, Dan Tyminski, Josh Turner and Travis Tritt.
 
CDX NEWS: Joe Kelly, VP/GM of CDX Nashville, is one of Nashville’s executive with a vast insider knowledge about the radio industry, including airplay reports, station manager and listener behavior, and how artists can leverage monitored radio airplay to maximize concert profits. Joe and CDX have the industry talking about CDX’s technology system called “TrAction.” It is a revolutionary airplay monitoring system. More on CDX and TrAction at cdxnashville.com.
 
CHARITY NEWS: Last month in this column, I announced Tracy Lawrence’s Turkey Fry and concert. I thought you’d like to know the results of that fundraiser. Tracy has presented Nashville Rescue Mission with a check for $148,233.00, which was raised through his 12th Annual MISSION: POSSIBLE Turkey Fry and 3rd Annual Concert. "We are so thankful to our sponsors and the citizens of Nashville for their continued support of this event and we are already making plans for next year, says Lawrence. The MISSON: POSSIBLE blueprint is spreading to other cities, as Dallas Life Mission in Texas celebrated their second turkey fry and Louisville Rescue Mission in Kentucky held their first turkey fry and concert this year. Both cities reported successful and safe events. Additional cities are slated to come on board in 2018, as the new 501-C3 gains momentum across the U.S. Details and music at tracylawrence.com.
 
CONCERT NEWS: As the curtain closed on a sold-out show at New York City’s Town Hall in December, multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore took a bow to 2017, for what can only be described as a benchmark career year. Moore is wrapping up an overwhelming year on multiple “Best Of 2017” lists by Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, UpRoxx, Bobby Bones Show, Taste Of Country, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot, PopMatters and Whiskey Riff for his revered third studio album SLOWHEART, while reflecting on his 4th career No. One for his single “More Girls Like You,” sold-out headlining shows, national TV appearances and more. 2018 tour dates etc at kipmoore.net.
 
CRB NEWS: (Country Radio Broadcasters) The Country Radio Seminar will be held in Music City, February 5th through 7th at Nashville’s Omni Hotel. Billed as the largest annual gathering of country radio executives, programmers and air personalities in the world, CRS is where established and aspiring country artists get to mingle with the decision makers who play their songs on the radio. This year’s Welcome Reception will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame, will include museum tours and, after seven years, there will be no Opry-sponsored event the first night. The evening’s music will have a new sponsor, soon to be announced. A highlight of CRS is always the New Faces Show, this year featuring performances by Michael Ray, Lauren Alaina, Luke Combs, Midland and Carly Pearce. The event is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music (ACM) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the annual new artist showcase. Performances will be powered by Live Nation and take place in the CRS Performance Hall. Additionally, this year’s Seminar will include an artist interview session, a Grand Ole Opry Show, the ever-popular Bob Kingsley’s Acoustic Alley (featuring performances by Nashville’s top hit songwriters) and numerous break-out educational sessions for the radio industry attendees. CRS is a production of the Nashville-based non-profit organization, Country Radio Broadcasters. More info on the SOLD OUT event at countryradioseminar.com. 
 
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME: American Currents (The Music of 2016), in the museum’s ACM Gallery, chronicles country music’s ever-evolving story through a behind-the-scenes look at some of last year’s most significant moments in country, Americana, and bluegrass music. The display will end on February 11, 2018.The big stories of the year just past are represented by artifacts from the Americana Music Association, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Earls of Leicester, Brett Eldredge, Natalie Hemby, Sierra Hull, Jason Isbell, Jim Lauderdale, Shane McAnally, Lori McKenna, William Michael Morgan, Maren Morris, Jon Pardi, Dolly Parton, Margo Price, John Prine, Chris and Morgane Stapleton, Randy Travis and others. Among the artifacts, are Jason Aldean’s Baldwin denim jacket and Gap shirt worn on the cover of his 2016 album, “They Don't Know”, Natalie Hemby’s handwritten lyrics to “Keeper of The Flame.” Cowritten by Hemby, Miranda Lambert, and Liz Rose, the song appeared on Lambert’s 2016 album, “Weight of These Wings”, William Michael Morgan’s 2006 Washburn D160N guitar, signed by some of his songwriting partners and heroes, including Dean Dillon, Gary Nicholson, and Jeff Silvey, Maren Morris’s Zhivago gown worn by Morris for her performance of “My Church” at the 2016 CMA Awards and Dolly Parton’s gown with lace and rhinestone overlays and matching Christian Louboutin pumps, worn during her acceptance of the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2016 CMA Awards and the lists goes one. See full details, photos and videos relating to the upcoming Exhibits at countrymusichalloffame.org.
 
GARTH NEWS: Garth Brooks will likely remember Saturday, December 9, 2017 for a number of reasons. When he and wife Trisha Yearwood picked up their mics at the afternoon press conference, he told us it was something of a homecoming for them: the first time they had played Nashville since the fundraiser following the ‘great Nashville flood’ of 2010. As Trisha said, after three years and four months on the world tour, it was pleasant to realize they didn’t have to pack a suitcase. After each of their Nashville shows, they could simply drive to their home in Goodlettsville. Garth smiled at said, “Welcome to the end of the journey.” December 9 also marked the official announcement that Garth’s latest single, ‘Ask Me How I Know,’ reached Number One on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. It was his first Number One since 2007’s ‘More Than A Memory.’  To add poignancy, December 9, 1989, was the date that Garth reached the Number One spot for the first time with ‘If Tomorrow Never Comes.’ Oh, and Saturday the 9th was the eve of Garth and Trisha’s wedding anniversary: they were married December 10, 2005. A memorable weekend in so many ways!
 
GRAMMY NEWS: The 60th GRAMMY Awards will take place at Madison Square Garden in New York on Jan. 28, 2018, airing live on CBS from 7:30pm–11pm Eastern Time. Two of Nashville’s mainstays, Chris Stapleton and Kenny Chesney, come full circle with this year's triple nominee Stapleton (a Kentucky Boy!) who shot a song up the charts in 2007 as a co-writer on Kenny Chesney's "Never Wanted Nothing More." Flash forward 10 years, and the duo have each earned their own GRAMMY nomination in the same category. Both Stapleton and Chesney are up for Best Country Album - Stapleton for his “From A Room: Volume 1” and Chesney for “Cosmic Hallelujah.” Award–winning songwriters, best friends and business partners have double nominations for Best Country Song nominations. They are Songwriters Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne. The theme is "two" when it comes to Midland's "Drinkin' Problem" and Sam Hunt's "Body Like A Back Road." Behind the scenes, "two" singer/songwriter masters of country are among the co-writers for each hit tune: Shane McAnally and Josh Osborne, both with previous GRAMMY wins. As a result, they'll be competing head-to-head against themselves in the category. Little Big Town are nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance for their hit "Better Man," and the album it sprang from, “The Breaker,” is up for Best Country Album. "Better Man" is in the running for Best Country Song as well, which notches a Country Field nomination for its songwriter, Taylor Swift. AS a FYI: The band told Billboard that as they were finishing their album in the studio, an email from Swift arrived with "Better Man" attached and the message: "I love this song. It means a lot to me. What do you think?" The rest is history. (Reprinted from www.Grammy.com) – Author Philip Merrill.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: Blackbird Presents and Charlie Daniels have announced “Volunteer Jam XX: A Tribute To Charlie,” an all-star concert event at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee on Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at 7 PM CT.  Since its inception in 1974, Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s greatest legends. This unforgettable concert event will feature performances by Charlie Daniels and The Charlie Daniels Band, Alison Krauss, Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, Bobby Bare, Chris Janson, Chuck Leavell, Eddie Montgomery of Montgomery Gentry, Jamey Johnson, Justin Moore, The Oak Ridge Boys, and Ricky Skaggs with many more special guests to be announced in the coming weeks. Storme Warren will be returning as host. For the first time ever, rock great Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top will honor Daniels at the Jam. See official website: VolunteerJammXX.com.
 
LABEL NEWS: (Capitol Records) On Christmas, via Instagram, Capitol’s ‘Golden Boy’ Luke Bryan surprised his wife Caroline with two baby kangaroos! Yeah, you read that right, two baby kangaroos. The baby roos are the latest additions to Brett’s Barn, a farm of rescue animals honoring their late niece. Country superstar Bryan took to Instagram to share a video of himself surprising his wife Caroline with the most unexpected Christmas gift ever. In the video clip, Bryan approaches Caroline, who is blindfolded, with the two kangaroos in bags. The family named the babies Todd and Margo after two characters from the iconic Christmas film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Todd and Margo will join the family of animals living on the Bryan Family property at Brett’s Barn. The barn is Caroline’s passion project and is dedicated to her late niece who passed away at just 7 months old in early 2017. Brett’s Barn is also home to a pig, goats, and miniature horses. Caroline plans to keep adding to Brett’s Farm and I am sure we will be hearing more about it in the Spring.
 
MEDIA NEWS: On January 18th, Eddie of Montgomery Gentry headlines the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as he launches his first tour since the September death of long time musical partner and best friend Troy Gentry.  February 2nd sees the release of “Here’s To You,” Montgomery Gentry’s long-awaited eighth studio album. “Here’s To You,” is a stellar collection of new standout songs from the multi-platinum duo. Fans who pre-order the new album will instantly receive three tracks; “Get Down South,” “King of the World” and “Better Me.” The Nashville music community has surrounded Eddie with FULL ON support for him to continue their legacy, as Troy would have wanted.
 
MUSIC NEWS: Country’s high profile star Blake Shelton latest single “I’ll Name The Dogs” is another “PURE BS Tune!” His latest radio ready smash is a funky uptempo tune, all about being in love. The lyrics are a mirror of the happy-go-lucky theme in “Honey Bee.” It has already peaked at Number One on the Billboard Country Airplay chart I look for this to be a crowd favorite on his 2018 tour dates. I‘ll faint if it isn’t! See the music video for “I’ll Name The Dogs” at blakeshelton.com.
 
 
RADIO NEWS: Radio giant iHeartMedia has raised more than $5.6 million with their national Country Cares for St. Jude radiothons for December. Twenty-six stations participated along with The Bobby Bones Show. The company says more than $90 million has been raised for Country Cares over the last 10 years.
 
SINGLE NEWS: My favorite artist Elvis Presley’s birthday (January 8th) brings my new favorite artist LUKE COMBS’ first single release of 2018 on Elvis’ birthday! “One Number Away” on River House/Columbia.
 
SOUTHERN ROCK NEWS: Legendary southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) has announced the first round of concert dates for its 2018 "Juke Jammin" Tour. The group's national road show kicks-off on January 20 aboard the sold out Southern Rock Cruise with more than 20 dates to follow including stops in Raleigh and Charlotte, NC, Lexington, KY, Akron, OH, Beverly, MA, Augusta, GA, and Stratton, VT. "As we continue our journey down the road, I just look back and marvel," says MTB lead singer Doug Gray. "It doesn't seem like so long ago that we were just a bunch of kids playing music to make beer money for the weekend.” Tour updates at marshalltucker.com
 
TOUR NEWS: On Feb 15, 2018 One of Warner Brother’s “Golden Boys,” Cole Swindell, will launch his first arena-headlining tour at the PPL Center in Allentown, Pennsylvania, joined by opening acts label mate Chris Janson and CRS New Faces Nominee Lauren Alaina.
 
TV NEWS: Country stars Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Maren Morris and Keith Urban are among those paying tribute to Elton John at ‘Elton John: I'm Still Standing –A Grammy Salute,’ taping January 30th (Two days after the Grammys) at Madison Square Garden and airing later in 2018 on CBS-TV.
 
VIDEO NEWS: GRAMMY-nominee Thomas Rhett has unveiled the official music video for his new single “Marry Me,” bringing the song’s unpredictable and poignant lyrics to life. Shot by Director TK McKamy in both Nashville and Birmingham, AL, the video weaves a stripped-down performance by Thomas Rhett through a storyline, which takes fans through the progression of a relationship - from childhood, to a high school crush, all the way up to a wedding day which ends unexpectedly. “If I had never told Lauren how I felt about her, I probably would have been at her wedding watching her marry someone else,” Thomas Rhett said. “So, I wanted to capture that feeling of heartbreak in this video - and this really hits me in the gut." See the official video for the song at http://smart.it/TR_MarryMe. Tour sates and more at ThomasRhett.com
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.ascap.com / www.sesac.com / www.globalsongwriters.com / www.bmi.com.
 
WHO'S LOOKING * WHO'S CUTTING: Gary Allan, Brooke Eden, Chelsie Love, Dierks Bentley, Jess Taylor, Runaway June and Tyler Farr.
 
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
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Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA.  Google “Preshias”
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be - Saint Theresa.
 
ALBUM NEWS: John Conlee shows no sign of slowing down. At age 71, the Grand Ole Opry member is set to release a new album, CLASSICS 3, that includes some of his signature hits as well as a few new cuts. The album is set for release on Friday, January 26 on his own Rose Colored Records and is now available for presale via his website johnconlee.com and iTunes. The album includes hits such as “working Man,” “The Carpenter” and the No. 1 single “Got My Heart Set On You.”  Two new tracks, “Learning How To Love” and “Unborn Voice” are from the pen of Songwriters Hall of Fame member Hugh Prestwood. This album is the third and final installment of Conlee’s ‘Classics CD’ set. More info at johnconlee.com and on Facebook.
 
ANNIVERSARY TOUR: Shenandoah has announced an extension of its 30th Anniversary Tour into 2018. The band unveiled its first round of live concert dates scheduled to take place next year as a continued celebration of Shenandoah's three decades of music. A total of 21 extended tour concerts were announced with stops in Green Bay, WI, Bremen, GA, Hinton, OK, Lubbock, TX, Pigeon Forge, TN, Greenville, AL, and more. In November, Shenandoah premiered a new song, "Noise," on SiriusXM Prime Country, marking the group's first single released to radio in 20 years. The track, available through BMG, and produced by Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts fame serves as a preview to an upcoming full-length album, currently scheduled for an early 2018 commercial release. "Noise" is available for digital download now at iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon and Google Play. Tour dates and more at shenandoahband.com
 
ARTIST NEWS: Thomas Rhett's newest single "Marry Me" is now at country radio, following a hot streak as “Craving You” and “Unforgettable” - the first two singles from his Billboard 200 Chart-Topper LIFE CHANGES (The Valory Music Co.) - soared to No. One, each faster than the one before and with RIAA GOLD certification. Rhett often draws from personal experience when it comes to penning a new song, but for “Marry Me," he flips the tables alongside hit co-writers Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and Shane McAnally, presenting a non-autobiographical twist to the track. Rhett’s third album LIFE CHANGES debuted at No. One on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, marking the first Country release to take the top spot in 2017. His LIFE CHANGES TOUR 2018 is set to kick off in April. Tour info and more at ThomasRhett.com
 
BENEFIT NEWS: Legendary country music singer, songwriter and animal advocate, David Frizzell, is supporting animal rescue with his new 10-song CD and storybook, Barnyard Christmas. This original project presents the story of the birth of Christ as told by animal characters that were present at the manger. Pre-orders for the CD and storybook are available now. Visit www.davidfrizzell.com for more information. During the month of December, those who adopt an animal through Music City Animal Rescue, or make a minimum donation of $20, will receive an autographed copy of David's CD/storybook (while supplies last). There are other perks for those purchasing the CD with information available on the organization’s website, musiccityanimalrescue.com. For Nashville area fans, Music City Animal Rescue will join Frizzell for his performance at the Midnight Jamboree on Saturday, December 9th for a special adoption and animal rescue awareness night. The free show begins at 10pm at the Texas Troubadour Theatre, 2416 Music Valley Drive in Nashville.
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS: The December schedule for Reno’s Old Time Music Hall includes a new show, WELCOME BACK TO THE VALLEY (with new performances taped at the world-renowned Renfro Valley), and all new episodes of BEST OF BLUEGRASS and FRONT PORCH GOSPEL (a compilation of some of the best Bluegrass and Gospel performances from the show's nearly 25-year history). Rhonda Vincent, will join host Ronnie Reno to celebrate Christmas with a ROTM "Christmas Time" special. Finally, Grammy-nominated, IBMA "Mandolin Player of the Year," Sierra Hull will return to host another episode of HATS OFF TO BLUEGRASS to usher in the year.   ROTM airs weekly on Saturday night at 7:00 P.M. Eastern and Thursday morning at 6:30 A.M. Eastern on RFD-TV. Details at ronniereno.com.
 
CD RELEASES: Singer/songwriter Tucker Beathard released his debut studio album, DEAR SOMEONE, November 17 on Big Machine Records.  A prolific songwriter, Beathard has writing, as well as drums, electric and acoustic guitar credits on the album that captures the friction and fuel that fires an artist coming into his own on his own terms. Having spent three years crisscrossing America, often in a van, Beathard knows what his music is worth. He says he’s not trying to tell other people what to do, he just knows what he can’t be. Album and tour info at tuckerbeathard.com
 
CHARITY NEWS: Nashville’s biggest stars united for COUNTRY RISING, presented by Hilton and Dollar General, raising more than four million dollars to support charitable initiatives for those affected by the September 2017 hurricanes as well as victims of the recent shooting in Las Vegas. From top to bottom, the production was as big as the talent that took the stage at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, including host Bobby Bones and performers Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Keith Urban and surprise guest Jon Pardi. Additionally, Garth Brooks sent in a special video from Spokane, WA where he donated proceeds from the night’s two shows. Donations to the fund can be made at countryrising.org.
 
CONCERT NEWS: Some advance notice about a special evening with CMA and Grammy Award-winning country artist, Travis Tritt at the CMA Theater, Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, March 3, 2018. Experience this rare opportunity featuring the multi-platinum artist in an intimate solo-acoustic setting where his powerful voice and his guitar are the subject of the spotlight. An up-close and personal event punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about his life and musical influences. Performing some of his biggest hits, including “T-R-O-U-B-L-E,” “It’s A Great Day to Be Alive” and “Best of Intentions;” the Grand Ole Opry member will bring his award-winning songs to life and leave the audience with a truly memorable experience. Tickets start at $49.50. Tickets to this and all upcoming on sale now at cmatheater.com
 
GARTH NEWS: Garth Brooks is on his 2017 World Tour Sponsored by Amazon Music Unlimited with Trisha Yearwood and plays concerts at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN Saturday, December 9, Sunday, December 10, Friday, December 15, Saturday, December 16, Sunday, December 17 & Friday, December 22, 2017. Garth’s fans can get tickets for the shows before they sell out (if they haven’t already) with no busy signals or waiting rooms, by going to garthconcerts.com No password, offer code or fan club membership required.
 
GOSPEL NEWS: Dove Award winning songwriter Kenna West and rising bluegrass group High Road are set join the Talleys, Tribute Quartet, pianists Jeff Stice and Sandra Payton as well as other gospel artists to start the holiday season with "Bells, Boots, and BBQ,” a dinner and music event benefiting The Veranda. The event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at The Depot Square in Gallatin, Tenn. A silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner and concert at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $40 per person, and tables of eight are available for $300. Seating is limited to 300, and although reservations are requested before November 24, it could still be worth checking on availability if you hurry!  Proceeds from the dinner and music event benefit The Veranda, the flagship program of Veranda Ministries. Contact the Veranda staff at 615-838-1207 or 615-337- 3674 or online at verandaministeries.org
 
INDIE NEWS: “Christmas Before You” is the title of the new EP from emerging artist Amanda Winter.  The title song depicts the yearnings of a young child and those of a childless couple during the Holidays. The six-song project was produced by Grammy-nominated producer Kent Wells and includes five seasonal Christmas favorites.  Proceeds from the sale of the music will be donated to a local foster care organization. Foster care is close to Amanda’s heart: Before she was two years old, she was removed from her birth mother who was a drug addict and alcoholic. She was in eight different foster homes before the age of five. An album release party is set for 6:00 pm, Monday December 4, at The Studio, 3315 Charlotte Ave, Nashville. Admittance is free with donation. Details at amandawintermusic.com. … An episode on ‘Cowboy Boots’ is coming to the TV show Social Fabric, where clothing, culture, and style weave a fascinating story about who we are. In the new episode, airing Tuesday, December 5, designer Kyle Ng visits a rodeo in Texas, flies to Rome to line-dance, and then moseys down to Botswana to bang heads with some death-metal heads obsessed with the cowboy boot. The episode airs 12:00a.m. ET/PT on FUSE. 
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: Craig Wayne Boyd, season 7 winner of NBC's The Voice, has signed on with Nashville-based Absolute Publicity for exclusive public relations representation. "Craig Wayne Boyd is a phenomenal talent, as proven on NBC's The Voice," said Absolute Publicity company president Don Murry Grubbs. "He's a welcome addition to our roster.”  Boyd recently released his new album, TOP SHELF.  More info at craigwayneboyd.com.
 
INT’L NEWS: The Bellamy Brothers are performing in South Africa, Namibia and Sri Lanka as the international icons add dates to their current world “Let Your Love Flow” tour. They returned to South Africa and Sri Lanka for the second visit during their 40+ year career. The Bellamy Brothers added five stops which included their first concerts for the fans in Windhoek, Namibia as well as a visit to South Africa for a show in Cape Town and two performances in Johannesburg. They return to the USA for a packed tour schedule beginning in Corsicana, Texas. In 2018, the duo is also gearing up for the release of their autobiography "Let Your Love Flow - The Life and Times of The Bellamy Brothers." More at bellamybrothers.com
 
LABEL NEWS: (Broken Bow Nashville) Chase Rice’s new album, LIONS & LAMBS (Broken Bow Records), dropped November 17 and he has been steadfast in his desire to bring his new music directly to his fans, throwing ‘Lambs & Lions’ listening parties for fans across the country and unveiling the “We Are Lions” contest, which calls on students to show their school spirit by entering for a chance to win a free Chase Rice concert at their school. Rice has partnered with the CMA Foundation, the charitable arm of the Country Music Association, to help fund music education programs across the U.S. To that end, Rice will be donating the profits from album sales at listening parties in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, New York City, and Phoenix to the Foundation, along with the proceeds to his sold-out shows at the celebrated Grizzly Rose in Denver.  Produced by Ross Copperman, Chris DeStefano, Mac MacAnally and Jacquire King, ‘Lambs & Lions’ reflects the unconventional path that led Rice to make music in the first place. Music, tour info and more at chaserice.com.
(Warner Bros. Nashville) In just six weeks on the road, Michael Ray and his fans have collected 109,325 meals to donate to animals in need, based on one cup of food as an average per food meal size. As noted in last month’s column, life-long animal supporter, Platinum-selling recording artist Michael Ray launched ‘Wrigley Cares: Helping Animals In Need’ earlier this year as a philanthropic component to his 15-city ‘Get To You’ Tour. Named after his rescue dog, Wrigley, the chart-topping singer/songwriter teamed up with Zappos For Good and local animal shelters to set up donation stations at each of his ‘Get To You’ Tour stops. “We set out to see how we can help animals in need and we are blown away by the huge response,” shared Ray. “When we’re on the road, we stop in each town and become a part of the community for a night while on stage. It’s inspiring to see the ‘Get To You’ Tour can leave a lasting impression and feed so many shelter animals. Wrigley’s stoked too.” Tour & ticket info and more about donating to ‘Wrigley Cares’ at michaelraymusic.com
NOTE: Michael Ray has also partnered with GIVN Water as a brand ambassador. Michael’s sophomore album is due for release in 2018 through a collaboration with GIVN to help provide clean water to communities around the globe.
 
MEDIA NEWS: The Oak Ridge Boys have joined forces with American companies to place a new emphasis on buying products made in the United States. The Liberty Legends USA program debuted in 2015 and have now announced the launch of their second Legends Series, the “American Made Collection” by The Oak Ridge Boys. The collection will debut with a line of high quality suits, Made in the USA. The Liberty Legends USA Series is a collaboration of Made in America businesses and leaders promoting a movement to buy American, bringing jobs and profits back to American soil. The American Made Collection is now available through the link provided at oakeidgeboys.com
 
MUSIC NEWS: The hard-charging quartet, A Thousand Horses, is hitting the trail with a defiant, genre-busting icon in the new year. They’ve been selected by the "American Badass" himself – KID ROCK – as direct support for his ‘Greatest Show on Earth Tour 2018. Set to take the stage for massive arena concerts, A Thousand Horses can’t wait to showcase their “hard, Southern-rock edge” (Entertainment Weekly) to the rowdy fans of their provocative host. Huge crowds will be looking to turn loose, and the band is more than happy to oblige with fist-pumping hits like their GOLD-certified #1 debut, “Smoke,” and good-timing latest single, “Preachin’ To the Choir.” Tickets are on sale now with the tour kicking off in Nashville on January 19 and includes dates from New York to Nevada, culminating with a show at Las Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Events Center on March 24. Info, tour dates, etc, at AThousandHorses.com
 
NATD NEWS: The Nashville Association of Talent Directors’ (NATD) 7th Annual Honors Gala recognized some of the best in their respective fields for their accomplishments and service to the Nashville entertainment industry. The event was presented by the Grand Ole Opry and Springer Mountain Farms. Awards were presented to Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry, David Corlew, president and co-owner of Blue Hat Records, Barbara Hubbard, Executive Director of the American Collegiate Showcase, United Talent Agency’s Bobby Roberts, country legend Charley Pride and ‘Miss Country Soul’ Jeannie Seely.  Celebrity presenters and performers at the Gala included Charlie Daniels, Foc McGhee, John Anderson, Bobby Bare, Robert K. Oermann, Bill Anderson and Lorrie Morgan. Full details at n-a-t-d.com
 
OPRY NEWS: Lorrie Morgan and Pam Tillis are joining forces on a new album, COME SEE ME AND COME LONELY (Goldenlane Records). Both members of the Grand Ole Opry, Morgan and Tillis have been on the road with their Grits & Glamour Tour. Now, the two singers deliver an album that combines their expressive voices with timeless songs and creative vision - plus special guest appearances by Joe Diffie and Darryl Worley.  They sing country classics including the title track, originally made famous by Dottie West, Dwight Yoakam’s “Guitars, Cadillacs,” and Billie Joe Spears’ “Blanket On The Ground.” The ladies bring it home with early rock favorites such as Roy Orbison’s “It’s Over,” and the Everly Brothers’ “Walk Right Back.” Fans can catch the Grits & Glamour Tour as Lorrie and Pam continue to perform dates throughout December, and into 2018.
 
PERFORMANCE NEWS: Following the overwhelming success of his two-year ‘Strait to Vegas’ concert series, the King of Country George Strait has announced two additional performances over Big Game Weekend, February 2-3, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Opening the February shows for Strait will be special guests Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen. Strait previously announced two 2018 shows including June 3 at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, and June 1 and 2 at BOK Center in Tulsa, OK. Tickets for all shows at GeorgeStrait.com. Strait has an unmatched 60 singles hitting the top of the charts – more than any other artist in any genre – and has collected 33 Platinum or multi-Platinum-selling albums.
 
STOCKING STUFFERS:  Chase Rice “Lambs & Lions” / Tucker Beathard “Dear Someone”/ John Fogerty “Blue Moon Swamp” [20th anniversary digital/physical release, 180g black vinyl, limited-edition 180g blue vinyl] / Chris Stapleton “From A Room: Volume 2” / Luke Bryan “What Makes You Country” / Cole Swindell “Down Home Sessions IV” / Steve Earle “El Corazón” [Reissue] / Walker Hayes “Boom” / Danielle Bradbery “I Don’t Believe We’ve Met” / Tim McGraw and Faith Hill “The Rest Of Our Life” / Various Artists: ”A Tribute to Dan Fogelberg”
 
SONGWRITER NEWS: A host of industry insiders and country music stars including Brandy Clark, Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Kenny Chesney, Lee Ann Womack, Mac Davis, Mo Pitney, Robert Earl Keen, Rory Feek and others, filled the Franklin Theatre for the premiere of "Tennessee Whiskey -  The Dean Dillon Story."  The new film directed by Cole Claassen is about the life of prolific country music songwriter Dean Dillon.  The documentary takes viewers on a journey through the life of a songwriting genius, showing his quick-witted sense of humor and big heart, but most of all his integrity, both creatively and personally. BMI Icon songwriter Dillon has written more than 26 #1 songs, with the majority of those recorded by his longtime friend and "king of country," the great George Strait.  Dillon has also written more than 53 Top 10 songs in his storied career thus far. The movie is available at iTunes. More at deandillon.com
 
THANKSGIVING THANKS: My buddy Tracy Lawrence does it again for the Nashville Rescue Mission. Tracy Lawrence's 12th Annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry and 3rd Annual Concert raised more than $148,000 for the Nashville Rescue Mission. If you like to help feed the homeless please visit nashvillemission.org to see how you can help/give.
 
TOUR NEWS:  Murfreesboro TN’s own Chris Young has extended his headlining ‘Losing Sleep’ World Tour with twelve additional dates added in April and May. Joining him are RCA label mate Kane Brown, Warner Bros./WEA's Morgan Evans and Dee Jay Silver. Updates are: Arista's LanCo and Kane Brown will open the dates in January and February. Full lists of dates at www.chrisyoungcountry.com/events
 
WESTERN MUSIC NEWS: Rex Allen Jr. was named Male Vocalist of the Year and awarded Song of the Year (for ‘Call of the Canyon’) by the Western Music Association at the annual convention. He is also a member of the Western Music Association's Hall of Fame. The Song of the Year honor holds special significance. The song, Call of the Canyon, has received over six million requests worldwide since its release a year ago. The song was co-written with Rex Allen Jr.'s hero, Johnny Western and disc jockey O.J. Sikes, along with Dick Goodman who at the age of 85 won his first honor as a songwriter. Rex Allen Jr. continues to record, most recently releasing Garage Songs XI: Chico. Details at rexallenjr.com
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING: Jason Aldean, Brooke Eden, Gyth Rigdon, Jon Pardi, Canaan Smith, LoCash and Justin Moore.
 
Have a Blessed & Merry Christmas and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!
 
** Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
 
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Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA.  Google “Preshias”
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be - Saint Theresa.
 
ALBUM NEWS: Halfway to Hazard is back with new material for the first time in nearly a decade. The country duo’s album, appropriately titled, REDemptiOn, is available for purchase now. Since 2007, Halfway to Hazard has opened for superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill and made major label records with big time producers and engineers in famous studios. Following a hiatus since 2009, the duo (David Tolliver and Chad Warrix) are back with new music.  The new album's first single, "Heaven on Down The Highway" is especially important to the duo because of its message of redemption. "It's about looking forward to the future and not dwelling on a past that you can't change. This life is short and we need to 'rip off that rearview' and enjoy what is in front of us," Tolliver says. REDemptiOn is available for download now at Amazon, iTunes and all digital retailers.
 
ARTIST NEWS: Much has happened for William Michael Morgan since the release of his first single, “I Met A Girl,” and the 24-year-old returns to country radio as “Vinyl” – the title track from his debut album – arrives among the most added on the airplay charts. The 2017 CRS New Faces honoree made his national television debut on NBC’s TODAY, garnered Gold certification for his No. 1 single “I Met A Girl” and celebrated his daughter’s first birthday. “‘Vinyl’ is my favorite cut on the album and I think it tells a great love story,” shared Morgan. “During a time where I am focusing on personal growth, it felt right to choose something so honest as my next single. Vinyl has always been a timeless classic and that’s the kind of music I want to put out into the world.” ‘Vinyl’ is written by Carson Chamberlain, Ashley Gorley and Wade Kirby. More at WilliamMichaelMorgan.com and on social media.
 
BENEFIT NEWS: A life-long animal supporter, Platinum-selling recording artist Michael Ray launched Wrigley Cares: Helping Animals In Need earlier this year as a philanthropic component to his 15-city “Get To You” Tour and is continuing into the second half of the tour. Named after his rescue dog, Wrigley, the chart-topping singer/songwriter teamed up with Zappos For Good and local animal shelters to set up donation stations at each of his “Get To You” Tour stops. In just four weeks on the road, Ray and his fans have collected 100,320 meals to donate to animals in need, based on one cup of food as an average per food meal size. “We set out to see how we can help animals in need and we are blown away by the huge response,” shared Michael Ray. “When we’re on the road, we stop in each town and become a part of the community for a night while on stage. It’s inspiring to see the ‘Get To You’ Tour can leave a lasting impression and feed so many shelter animals. Wrigley’s stoked too.” “Zappos For Good is humbled once again to have partners like Michael Ray and his fans, who’ve helped us make a difference in the lives of so many pets around the country,” said Steven Bautista, Head of Charity at Zappos.com. “Get To You,” the lead single off Ray’s forthcoming sophomore album, has amassed over six million on-demand streams as the single climbs the country charts. The “passionate, inked-up country rocker” (Tampa Bay Times) impresses audiences across the country on his second headline tour. With staples in his set like Platinum-certified No. 1’s “Think A Little less” and “Kiss You In The Morning.” Concert attendees can drop supplies at the donation stations and receive a special discount code redeemable on Ray merchandise. All donations are welcome and each local shelter is specifically looking for: dry/wet dog and cat food in addition to new/slightly used towels and blankets which will be used to line shelter crates. You can find out more about Michael Ray (and Wrigley!) and check out his full tour schedule at michaelraymusic.com
 
BOOKING NEWS: Mickey Gilley has signed an exclusive representation deal with Third Coast Talent. Gilley is recognized as both a successful performer and businessman.  He has achieved thirty-nine top ten country hits with seventeen of those songs reaching the number one spot on the Country charts.  In 1971, he helped create Gilley’s Club, known as the ‘world’s largest honky-tonk.’ It was a launching pad for some of country music's biggest stars and the dominating force behind the "Urban Cowboy" craze that swept the country in the early '80s, following the release of the John Travolta movie filmed in the Pasadena, Texas nightclub.  In 1976, he swept the ACM Awards, hauling home trophies for Entertainer of the Year, Top Male Vocalist, Song of the Year, Single of the Year and Album of the Year.   More at thirdcoasttalent.com
 
CD NEWS: Grammy-winning music icon Charlie Daniels has released a new album titled ‘Memories, Memoirs and Miles - Songs of a Lifetime’ available exclusively at Walmart. The album is the musical companion to his memoir 'Never Look At The Empty Seats' which is now available everywhere books are sold. The 12-track project features two bonus tracks, “Long Haired Country Boy” and “Still In Saigon,” and is dedicated to the man and friend who taught him his first guitar chord, Russell Palmer. Info at charliedaniels.com.
 
CD RELEASES: Music industry insiders gathered at The Steps At WME in Music City for a full band performance from country music superstar Tracy Lawrence.  After an introduction from legendary songsmith Bobby Braddock, who penned several of the singer’s iconic hits, Lawrence took the stage and launched into a full set showcasing every song that appears on his forthcoming album and a few more.  GOOD OLE DAYS releases on November 10th and can be pre-ordered at iTunes. Because fans just don’t want to wait, Lawrence is offering “Instant Grat Tracks” prior to the release of the new album when consumers pre-order the record. More info at tracylawrence.com
 
CHARITY NEWS: After raising more than $135,000.00 with the music event last year, Tracy Lawrence is back with his 3rd Annual Tracy Lawrence & Friends Mission: Possible Turkey Fry Concert on November 21st, with doors opening at 6pm, following his 12th Annual Turkey Fry, all benefiting Nashville Rescue Mission.  Scheduled to appear: Luke Combs, Clay Cormier, Ben Gallaher, Halfway to Hazard, William Michael Morgan, Jamie O’Neal and host/headliner, Tracy Lawrence.  Ticket & show info at turkeyfry.org. Lawrence is gearing up for the release of his new album GOOD OLE DAYS on November 10th featuring collaborations with Jason Aldean, Brad Arnold, Big & Rich, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Easton Corbin, Craig Morgan, Dustin Lynch, Tim McGraw, Justin Moore, Kellie Pickler and Chris Young. Music and tour info at tracylawrence.com.
 
CMT NEWS: Blackbird Presents Records has released ‘The Life & Songs of Kris Kristofferson’ as a full-length concert recording as a CD/DVD combo package. The project features a collection of legendary singers, songwriters, and rising superstars who came together for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event taping in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena to celebrate the songs of music icon Kris Kristofferson. The show had a broadcast premiere October 27 on CMT. The package is available now via blackbirdpresents.com. Among the show’s guests: Lady Antebellum, Dierks Bentley, Rosanne Cash, Eric Church, Jessi Colter, Rodney Crowell, Larry Gatlin, Emmylou Harris, Willie Nelson, Jennifer Nettles, Darius Rucker, Hank Williams Jr. and Lee Ann Womack. Full details at songsofkriskristofferson.com.
 
CONCERT NEWS: The concert that made world headlines has Jason Aldean continuing to help the victims. Jason Aldean’s message of unity and a powerful cover of Tom Petty’s "I Won't Back Town" on Saturday Night Live from Oct. 7 is available across many digital retailers and streaming services. All proceeds raised will go towards the Direct Impact Fund to benefit victims of the Las Vegas shooting. “This week, we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history,” said Aldean during his cold open of Saturday Night Live on Oct. 7. "Like everyone, I’m struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal. So many people are hurting. There are children, parents, brothers, sisters, friends — they’re all part of our family. So I want to say to them: We hurt for you and we hurt with you. But you can be sure we’re going to walk through these tough times together, every step of the way, because when America is at its best, our bond and our spirit, it’s unbreakable.” To re-listen to Aldean’s heartfelt version of Tom Petty's iconic hit “I Won’t Back Down,” go to jasonaldean.lnk.to/wontbackdown. Fans can also help support the victims of the Las Vegas shooting by purchasing a custom printed “We Won’t Back Down” t-shirt or by texting VEGAS to 91999 to donate.
 
CRACKER BARREL NEWS: The Oak Ridge Boys new Holiday album, CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS from Gaither Music Group, is now available at the 600+ locations of Cracker Barrel® Old Country Store. No stranger to Yuletide musical offerings over their career, this being their seventh, the disc features many timeless holiday classics such as “Away In A Manger” and “Joy To The World,” with a few new songs thrown in for good measure. New songs include “Come To The Manger” and “Rest In You Tonight.” A perennial road favorite, the Oaks remain on tour through the end of the year, kicking off their 28th annual holiday tour on November 14 in Branson, MO. The 2017 Christmas Celebration tour, which features several songs from the new album, will take the group to 25 cities and 18 states.  Music and tour dates at oakridgeboys.com.
 
DVD NEWS: It’s like Country music history on DVD: Time Life and the Country Music Association will release ‘CMA Awards Live: Greatest Moments 1968-2015,’ an extensive 10-DVD set of many of Country’s musical moments that have made history over the years. Pre-orders are available now, with a 30-minute infomercial promoting the package airing throughout the fourth quarter of 2017. CMA Awards Live will be officially released to retail early next year. The yearly CMA Awards telecast is famous for historic performances and collaborations – many of which are the first time that legendary songs were featured on television. Outside of their original airings, these performances have never been commercially available. The set includes 127 performances from five decades of the nationally-televised ceremony, with performances from many of the premiere artists in the genre – Glen Campbell, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, Barbara Mandrell, Buck Owens and Kenny Rogers – all of which helped define the sound that brought popular appeal to Country Music. Go to TimeLife.com/CMADVDs.
 
GARTH NEWS: ‘The Anthology from Garth Brooks Part 1: The First Five Years’ is now available for pre-order.  Garth has launched a new website for the book: anthology.garthbrooks.com. The Anthology can also be pre-ordered at amazon.com.  Promising to be a massive 5-part anthology, Part 1 is a detailed look at the first 5 years of his career. It is told by Garth himself and those involved with the creating, recording, and promotion of the first five albums. Not only that but Garth has packaged 5 CDs inside the first book he has ever written. The 5 CDs contain music that has never been heard, songs written long before the debut album, outtakes, first takes, demos, over 150 never before seen photos, sessions charts, tracking sheets, all in a 240 page hardcover complete package written by Garth Brooks. It will be on sale November 14. Follow Garth at facebook.com/GarthBrooks and on Twitter and Instagram.
 
GARTH NEWS EXTRA: With records breaking across North America, the iconic couple made up of Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood are counting on up past the six million tickets already sold. They have set a new North American record one of the biggest American tours in the world and still selling. #onlygarth. #onlytrisha.. More at: garthbrooks.com.
 
GOSPEL NEWS: Gene Watson continues to stay true to his traditional country style with the release of his new record with New Day Christian Distribution, “My Gospel Roots”, available December 8. At the recent R.O.P.E. Awards, Watson celebrated his win for the 2017 Entertainer of the Year, an honor he shared with one of his best friends in the music business, Jeannie Seely. Watson has dedicated his new album to his parents, Ted and Thelma Watson, whom he credits for raising him in the church and sharing their love for Gospel music. The 13-track record brings the pure, organic country sound that Watson is famous for to Gospel songs that he grew up with. “This record really goes back to my roots of being in that little church and singin’ hymns. We had nothing but love, family and prayer back then, so I wanted to honor those traditions with this album,” Watson said. Details at GeneWatsonMusic.com
 
IEBA NEWS: IEBA, the leading trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals, concluded its 47th Annual Conference with a spectacular awards ceremony honoring those who work tirelessly behind the scenes. The ceremony also featured the IEBA Hall of Fame induction of iconic artist Kenny Rogers and his tour manager Keith Bugos, storied booking agent Tony Conway, and historic venue Ryman Auditorium.  During the ceremony, IEBA presented industry linchpin Barbara Hubbard a Career Achievement Award in celebration of her 90th birthday year and gifted a $10,000 donation to the Barbara Hubbard Scholarship at New Mexico State University from the newly-established IEBA Educational Outreach Fund, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
 
INDIE NEWS: Billy Burnette has spent a lifetime living and breathing rock 'n' roll. He had a storied nine-year run slinging the six-string for Fleetwood Mac, penning pivotal anthems for everyone from Ray Charles to Greg Allman to George Strait, and calls the "Fathers of Rockabilly"--The Rock 'N Roll Trio's Dorsey and Johnny Burnette--"dad" and "uncle," respectively. All of this comes together on his new solo album CRAZY LIKE ME, available now, and in his just-released memoir. Billy Burnette shares each step of his fascinating five-decade career via his memoir, ‘Crazy Like Me: From Memphis and the Rock 'N Roll Trio To Fleetwood Mac.’ The book is available in print and Kindle editions at amazon.com. The album CRAZY LIKE ME tells the musician's journey through the songs that bookmarked his most seminal moments. A love letter to rock 'n' roll with the right amount of blues swagger and Americana perspective, it represents an inspiring life in music. Much more at billyburnette.net
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: Blake Shelton has partnered with Ryman Hospitalities Properties to open OIe Red Tishomingo, a restaurant, bar and live music venue, inspired by his hit song “Ol’ Red,” in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.  Shelton presented a check for $32,000, raised during a private performance to celebrate the opening, to J.C. Reaching Out that provides financial assistance to family members of people battling cancer.  A second location, Ole Red Nashville, a multi-level, 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, is set to open in the spring of 2018. More at olered.com.
 
LABEL NEWS: (Curb) Lee Brice was surprised with a career sales milestone while on stage at the sold-out Playstation Theater in New York City. CBS Radio’s “Tiki + Tierney” joined the RIAA’s Cara Duckworth on stage with a custom-made plaque that showcased his career Gold and Platinum highlights, including eight singles that are Gold or higher plus two brand new GOLD album awards for ‘Love Like Crazy’ and his most recent album, ‘I Don’t Dance.’ This means that every one of Lee’s albums is now officially certified Gold or higher, and he has reached the rare milestone of more than 10 million Gold and Platinum career awards. Brice’s new self-titled album was released Nov. 3rd. The album’s first single, “Boy” — a tribute to his sons, who also appear in its music video — is one of the album’s 15 striking tracks that take the listener on journeys to church, school, home and out on a Saturday night. Brice, a Grammy nominee and CMA and ACM award winner, has racked up 11 million in RIAA certified sales, with albums that spawned five platinum and double-platinum Number 1 singles on country radio. “So, this album I wanted to be a real organic thing: I play 99% of the lead guitar, my band’s on it – and there’s even a Theremin, which I had to learn to play,” said Brice. “When I started, I wanted this record to be groovy, stripped down to the message and the feel." Album details and tour dates at leebrice.com.
 
MEDIA NEWS: John McEuen, one of the founding members of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band (NGDB), has announced his immediate departure from the iconic group. Stating “enough is enough,” McEuen exited upon the conclusion of the NGDB 2017 tour in Fargo, ND, October 22, marking the end of the band’s 50th year anniversary. McEuen’s decision to exit NGDB comes upon careful considerations and contemplation. “In assessing the situation surrounding our performances, business disagreements and ongoing difference of opinions, the timing is appropriate for my departure. As a catalyst to my decision, in December 2015, I received confirmation from Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, Inc. that I was an ‘employee’-- no longer a member of the corporation that I helped to build,” stated McEuen. He has enjoyed a successful solo career with six albums to his credit; his most recent, MADE IN BROOKLYN, received rave reviews from fans and music critics alike. More at johnmceuen.com
 
MOVIE SOUNDTRACK NEWS: Mariah Carey, Kelsea Ballerini, Zara Larsson and Kirk Franklin are among the artists whose voices can be heard on ‘The Star: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack.’  The album is available now, in advance of the movie, ‘The Star,’ arriving in theaters November 17. The animated feature, released by Sony Pictures is subtitled ‘The Story of the First Christmas.’  The soundtrack can be purchased at major online retailers or via smarturl.it/TheStar
 
MUSIC NEWS: Mark Chesnutt, has been presented with the first ever Trailblazer Award along with a Thank You Plaque for serving as a Spokesperson for the Texas Country Music Association (TCMA) at their 2017 awards ceremony. Though Texas native Chesnutt was unable to attend due to an unexpected illness, his good friend and co-writer Roger Springer accepted the award in his honor. The TCMA is an organization dedicated to the promotion and support of both established and new artists, songwriters and musicians from Texas, as well as those who perform in the state. Chesnutt doubles as spokesperson for Texas Country Cares, the TCMA’s charity, which will show the support of the music community in times of need throughout the state. More at markchesnutt.com and texascountrymusic.org.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore celebrated his 4th career No. One with his single “More Girls Like You” landing the top spot on the Country Aircheck / Mediabase Country Airplay chart. Co-written by Moore, alongside Steven Olsen, Josh Miller and David Garcia, the anthemic is the lead track taken from his recently-released and critically-acclaimed third studio album SLOWHEART. Moore will also hit the road with Randy Rogers and Wade Bowen for a limited run this December as part of a special solo acoustic stint dubbed TALL TALES AND THE TRUTH TOUR. The singer/songwriters will take the stage together each night, performing and sharing the intimate stories behind their songs. Tour info and more at kipmoore.net.
 
OPRY NEWS: Emerging Sony Music Nashville band LANCO made their Grand Ole Opry debut during the ninth annual “Opry Goes Pink.” The five-man band received a standing ovation after offering up a performance of “Trouble Maker” off their self-titled EP, a medley of Alabama’s iconic hits “Dixieland Delight” and “Song of the South” along with their Top 10 single, "Greatest Love Story.” Adding to the band’s night of career firsts, LANCO was surprised with the news that “Greatest Love Story" has been certified GOLD by the RIAA for selling over 500,000 units, and it immediately shot to the No. One spot on the iTunes Country Chart as they walked offstage. More at LANCOMusic.com.
 
RADIO NEWS: Radio is in for a treat. When David Lee Murphy decided to go into the studio with his pal Kenny Chesney, he thought it would be fun to cut some tracks and drill down on a sound he created that was long on roadhouse, big on fun and built on solid songwriting. A few tracks led to a few more, and the good friends – along with co-producer Buddy Cannon -- realized they had a really good album on their hands. People can get their first taste of ‘NO ZIP CODE’, an album two years and a couple upgrades in the making. “I knew when I heard the song [‘Alright’] how good it was,” Chesney marvels. “And I knew David Lee had to cut it. I’m just lucky he let me sing on it.” Chesney is – and always has been -- a big fan of Murphy. Murphy has written No. 1s for Kenny Chesney, Gary Allan, Blake Shelton, Jason Aldean and others. More at davidlee.com
 
RED DIRT NEWS: Oklahoma Red Dirt artist, Jake Flint, has released his debut single, "Cowtown" to TX/Red Dirt radio. "Cowtown" was written by Flint and co-produced by Flint and renowned Oklahoma artist/producer, Mike McClure. Fans can purchase the single at iTunes.  Flint, originally hails from Holdenville and is now based in Tulsa. Details at jakeflintmusic.com.
 
ROW NEWS: Lee Roy Parnell has joined the 117 Publicity roster for exclusive PR representation. The world-renowned guitarist and country hit maker has had several top Billboard hits throughout his career including “What Kind of Fool Do You Think I Am,” “Tender Moment” and “A Little Bit of You,” to name a few. He is known for his prodigious slide guitar skills, distinctive voice and hit songwriting chops. More at 117group.com.  Also added at 117: Music Icon and Country Music Hall of Famer Randy Travis. With multiple high-profile projects on the horizon, including an autobiography and a full-length documentary, the 117 team will represent him exclusively throughout the media landscape. With lifetime sales in excess of 25 million, Randy Travis is one of the biggest multi-genre record sellers of all time and a recent inductee into the Country Music Hall of Fame class of 2016. NOTE: Lee Roy Parnell, ace guitarist and hit singer/songwriter, has released MIDNIGHT BELIEVER, his first album in 11 years. The 10-track project has been released by Vector Recordings/BFD and is available for purchase at iTunes, Amazon, other digital music outlets, and where music is purchased. “Midnight Believer is a natural progression for me,” said Parnell. “It's honest and it's authentic. We had the creative freedom to pull out all the stops. The grooves are deep." Parnell produced the album and co-wrote all 10 songs with award-winning songwriter Greg Barnhill. More at leeroyparnell.com
 
SINGLE NEWS: Big Machine’s Carly Pearce’s debut single, “Every Little Thing,“ is the title track from her debut album. Other popular tracks include “Color,” “Dare Ya”, “If My Name Was Whiskey,” and “Everybody’s Gonna Talk.” She takes writer’s credits on eight of the thirteen tracks. The album was produced by busbee. More at CarlyPearce.com.
 
SIRIUSXM NEWS: Shenandoah’s new single, “Noise,” marks a historic moment for Shenandoah. It's been 20 years since the group has released new music to country radio. The group released the single with an exclusive event on SiriusXM’s Prime Country channel. An interview with radio personality Mike Terry and a live performance of the band's biggest hits followed the debut. Shenandoah recently inked a recording contract with BMG for the new single and forthcoming album. Rascal Flatts' Jay DeMarcus, a longtime friend of the band, produced the new song.  "Noise" is available for digital download now at iTunes, Apple Music, Amazon and Google Play. Shenandoah fans can catch the group performing live on their 30th Anniversary Tour throughout the remainder of the year. More at Shenandoahband.com.
 
SONGWRITER NEWS: Songwriter/lead singer Brandon Lancaster of Sony Music Nashville's breakout band LANCO is earning his stripes in Music City songwriter circles as the sole lyricist behind the band's hit, "Greatest Love Story.” It has been 10 years since a country artist/writer has penned a chart topping hit alone. A look back in time to the early 2000’s reveals that the last artists able to make that claim are Taylor Swift (“Our Song”), Zac Brown (“Free”) and Jennifer Nettles’ (“Stay”).  That success has propelled Lancaster to the No. One spot on the Top 60 Country Songwriters Chart this week, based on streams, sales and airplay. “I wrote a song alone in my bedroom one night about the girl I wanted to marry, and then she actually said yes,” said Lancaster. “Now our story is resonating with people all over the country… it all feels too good to be true.”  More information on LANCO and upcoming Fall tour dates, visit LANCOMusic.com.
 
TV NEWS: In the midst of celebrating its 35th anniversary, Nashville's iconic Bluebird Cafe is kicking off an ambitious Indiegogo campaign to fund ‘Bluebird: The Movie,’ an in-depth documentary about the influence the tiny 90-seat venue has had on singers, songwriters and popular music in general. The campaign began October 17, 2017 at Indiegogo.com and will run through November 20. Known for originating the songwriter "In The Round" concept, the careers of numerous artists and songwriters have been launched from the small stage. Talent confirmed to appear in the documentary includes Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Steve Earle, Vince Gill, Jason Isbell, Kathy Mattea, Brothers Osborne, Hunter Hayes, Maren Morris, Pam Tillis, the cast of "Nashville" and almost every hit songwriter imaginable. See how to contribute to the fund at bluebirdcafe.com.
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING: Jess Taylor, Dustin Lynch, William Michael Morgan, Runaway June, Gary Allan, Brooke Eden, Justin Moore.
 
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!!
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
 
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Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com  TN/USA.  Google “Preshias”
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing, I will sing praises, even with my soul. - Psalm 108:1
 
ALBUM NEWS: The Oak Ridge Boys, announced they will release a project with acclaimed producer Dave Cobb in the first quarter of 2018. At a listening event during Americana Music Association’s AmericanaFest at Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, where the album was recorded, the Oaks performed songs from the yet-untitled project. This is the group’s second project with Cobb, who produced the Oaks’ acclaimed ‘The Boys Are Back’ album released in 2009.  For the new project, Cobb’s vision for the Oaks was to dig way back into their roots of gospel music. But a different kind of gospel; one that took a hard look at the early days of rock and roll, which was influenced by spiritual, or black gospel. Music & tour news at oakridgeboys.com.
 
ARTIST NEWS: BMG has announced it will release legendary rockabilly and country music pioneer Wanda Jackson’s autobiography ‘Every Night Is Saturday Night: A Country Girl’s Journey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’ on November 14, 2017. The iconic performer known as the “Queen of Rockabilly” and the “First Lady of Rock & Roll” landed more than thirty singles on the country and pop charts between 1954 and 1974. The book features over eighty photographs from her personal collection and a foreword by Elvis Costello.  Jackson's debut single, "You Can't Have My Love," reached the Top 10 while she was still a sixteen-year-old high school student. She hit the road after graduation, playing package shows with Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Elvis Presley. Wanda will launch the book with several public events and book signings around its release, including Tuesday, November 14 at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles and Saturday, December 2 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville. More at wandajackson.com.
 
BAND NEWS: Dugger Band released its debut single, titled “East Tennessee Son,” to country radio in mid-September. A Dugger Band/Paul David co-production, the track comes as a preview to the pair’s sophomore album by the same name, EAST TENNESSEE SON (anticipated in early December 2017).  Jordan and Seth Dugger, natives of Greeneville, TN. The reflective hometown ode warmly-paints a storyline spotlights a majestic panoramic view of the Smoky Mountains sheltering the streets below and captures the embracing welcome and comfortable familiarity of the place they call “home.” Showcasing the magic of family harmonies, the brothers share lead vocals taking a turn in each verse. Dugger Band is actively involved with organizations lending assistance to those who have suffered from the tragic Gatlinburg fires. The duo is donating a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the single to assist charities in rebuilding homes. The track is available via all major digital retail and streaming outlets. More at duggerband.com.
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS: Donna Ulisse and her band celebrated the release of Donna's 11th album, BREAKIN' EASY is Donna's first release on the Mountain Home Music Company label, with which she signed earlier this year. The album was produced by label mate and bluegrass music legend Doyle Lawson. Country music fans remember Donna Ulisse from her days when she was signed to Atlantic Records in the early 1990s where she released a critically acclaimed album, Trouble at The Door, with three singles and two videos. These days Donna Ulisse is a key figure in the bluegrass, folk and acoustic music scene as a singer and songwriter. Her single “It Could Have Been The Mandolin” topped the Bluegrass Unlimited chart at #1 for two months in a row in 2016.  She also won the award for 2016 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Songwriter of the Year. Music and more at donnaulisse.com.
 
BOOK NEWS: Naomi Judd is set to release the paperback version of her new book, “River of Time: My Descent Into Depression and How I Emerged With Hope” on Dec. 5. Judd, a Grammy-winning country icon, best-selling author, actress, and in-demand speaker, will be promoting the paperback release with multiple television, radio and online interviews, including an appearance on the TODAY Show Dec. 5.  In the book, Judd shares her harrowing personal experience with the severe depression that almost killed her. Pre-order the book at naomijudd.com.  Judd first captured the attention of the entire world as half of The Judds, which she formed with her daughter Wynonna. The Judds sold 20 million records, scored fifteen No. 1 hits, and received more than 60 industry awards… MORE BOOK NEWS:  ‘Woman Walk The Line: How The Women of Country Music Changed Our Lives’ has made the ‘Best of Fall 2017’s Music Books’ list put out by No Depression’s Reading Room. It also became Amazon’s #1 Country Book, also rising to #15 on their ALL Music Genre List. The anthology finds 27 women writers reflecting on the female country artist whose life and music impacted their own life.  The eclectic collection that enlists women of all ages, races, orientations and occupations is already generating buzz among journalists, musicians and academics. ‘Woman Walk The Line’ represents as many perspectives as there are “kinds” of country music. At a time when women are still vying for a meaningful place on country radio stations across the nation, these essays demonstrate both why and how the girl singers, as well as songwriters and musicians, carved out some of the genre’s most enduring recordings and empowering personas. It is now available at Amazon and wherever books are sold.
 
CD NEWS: Big & Rich have released their sixth studio album DID IT FOR THE PARTY, guesting on several national TV shows and a major media blitz. They will also be the musical guest on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" October 2.  The new project features 13 new songs, all produced by Big Kenny and John Rich. Fans, who are dubbed the “Freak Parade,” can order the album now on Apple Music / iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, as well as pick up a CD at major retailers nationwide through a partnership with TWIX®. In addition to the lead single "California," the album is classic Big & Rich, featuring a combination of upbeat anthems like the “Congratulations (You’re A Rockstar)” and “No Sleep,” while also showing their softer side with the heartfelt tribute to their sons, "My Son" featuring The Isaacs. Thirty Tigers and The Orchard are handling marketing and distribution for the album. Tour dates and more at bigandrich.com
           
CD RELEASES: The highly-anticipated follow-up album to Nathan Stanley’s award-winning EVERY MILE album, CONTROVERSIAL MAN, is a diverse collection of songs old and new. The 12-track country-roots project includes both original offerings as well as renditions of Stanley's favorite Country classics. CONTROVERSIAL MAN celebrates Nathan Stanley’s biggest influences, both personally and professionally. To honor his Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, the 2014 Dove award-winning artist includes several Gospel songs, including his original current single, “Why Do We Walk So Blind.” Stanley also pays tribute to his legendary grandfather, Dr. Ralph Stanley, with the notable track “He’ll Always be Papaw to Me." Stanley rounds out the album by performing signature songs of a few artists he most admired.  The album is available via iTunes or by calling 615-491-2074. Stanley remains President/Owner of Stanley Music Group, LLC, based in Nashville, Tenn., specializing in single radio releases, music videos, recordings, and artist management. More at nathanstanleymusic.com.
 
CHARITY NEWS: Blue Chair/Columbia Records artist Kenny Chesney has launched his only official charity, Love For Love City, to benefit US and British Virgin Islands victims of Hurricanes Irma and Maria. "Getting supplies in is hard," says Chesney. “Food, water, medical care are all in an emergency state. "Finding places for workers to stay is even harder now that Hurricane Maria has done so much damage to St. Croix. Because it’s so hard to get even the basic supplies in, let alone the news media, people really aren’t seeing how devastating these hurricanes have been." Chesney personally has sent planeloads of food, water, medical supplies, generators, tools, clothes, tarps and camping equipment. He has also taken many people and their pets off the islands to the mainland in an attempt to lessen the strain on supplies across the various islands. Chesney cautions people who wish to help to be careful of all charities claiming to be affiliated with or through his name, or any of the entities he is affiliated with. Love for Love City is the sole charity Chesney is working through – and all resources collected will be distributed through Love for Love City after proper evaluation. Love for Love City: The fund will support and give to local and national 501(c)3 charities aligned with our mission of getting relief where it's needed, immediately and ongoing in the Virgin Islands. Love for Love City Foundation is a fund of Renaissance Charitable Foundation Inc., a 501(c)3 publicly supported charity registered with the IRS. Contributions can be made at http://bit.ly/LoveforLoveCity.
 
CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS: RISE UP, the highly anticipated project from Cody McCarver, is finally available. Packed with inspirational tunes, McCarver's brand of music - he calls it 'Outlaw Gospel' - encourages and challenges the listener. The release marks a new chapter in the musician's life and Cody, well-known for his over 10-year career with country music supergroup, Confederate Railroad, is excited. "I've poured my heart and soul into this project," states McCarver. "This is truly from the heart and I hope it's a blessing to all who hear it." Audiences are already connecting with McCarver - the video for the single "Rise Up" has gone viral with over 330K views and the single is being played on radio across America. Rise Up, on 8:14 Records, is available on iTunes, Amazon and at CodyMcCarver.com.
 
CRACKER BARREL NEWS: Bradley Walker has just completed an all-new, studio recording and live concert DVD of gospel songs and hymns that will be released on October 6. Produced by Ben Isaacs (The Oak Ridge Boys, The Isaacs), BLESSED: HYMNS AND SONGS OF FAITH (Gaither Music Group) captures many of the songs that inspired Bradley to become a singer.  GMA DOVE Award nominee Walker asked several of his favorite singers to be on this album with him, including Vince Gill, Allison Krauss, Rhonda Vincent, Jimmy Fortune and The Oak Ridge Boys. Blessed: Hymns and Songs of Faith is exclusively distributed by Capitol Christian Distribution and Universal Music and is available throughout general market stores and the Christian marketplace in addition to online retailers including iTunes, Amazon and www.gaither.com. The recording will also be available this fall at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store®.
 
DEEPEST SYMPATHY:  We at Nashville Music Line are still sadden by the loss of CMA and ACM winner Don Williams and Troy Gentry of Montgomery Gentry both died on September 8. Williams passed away at the age of 78 after a battle with emphysema. Gentry was tragically killed in a New Jersey helicopter crash headed to a concert on the East Coast for later that night. Gentry was 50 years old.
 
DOLLY NEWS: Dolly Parton has announced her debut children’s album called I Believe In You. “The Pickup” was on hand when Parton performed some of the tracks for a group of children, and got to catch up with her backstage where she talked about the music on the album. The album was available digitally on September 29 and physical copies will be available October 13.
 
FAN NEWS: Fans who pre-order Craig Wayne Boyd's new album, TOP SHELF, will receive an instant download of Boyd's never-before-heard new single, "Stuck In My Head." The album will be released everywhere Oct. 27 by Copperline Music Group and is available for pre-order at iTunes. Those who pre-order can also receive Boyd's "We Sweat" through instant download from September 29, and will receive the track “Better Together," which Boyd co-penned, on October 13. TOP SHELF has been described as ‘a musical kaleidoscope - a whirl of celebration, heartbreak, the sweet pain of love, and the comfort of faith’s embrace.’ During his rise to fame after winning Season 7 of NBC’s “The Voice,” Boyd’s “My Baby’s Got a Smile on Her Face” debuted at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart, becoming the second song (following Garth Brooks’ “More Than a Memory”) to achieve that level of chart success. More at craigwayneboyd.com.
 
FAN NEWS 2: EXILE, will stage a fan appreciation concert at the Wildhorse Saloon October 17. Soon-to- be announced special guests will help the band kick off the road to their 55th anniversary "No Limit Tour" in 2018. Partnering with WSM-AM for the free show, Exile is set to perform at 6 p.m. CT with special guests starting at 4 p.m. CT. Concert details at WildhorseSaloon.com. 2018 will be the 55th anniversary for the band, which formed in Richmond, KY. Since beginning in 1963 the band has had No. 1 hits on both the pop and country charts, achieving ten No. 1 hits on the country chart. Today, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame members continue to tour performing their greatest hits and fan-favorite on-the-road songs from over the years. More at Exile.biz and Facebook/Twitter. A personal note: Growing up in Kentucky, in the late 70's to the mid 80's a day didn't go by without hearing Exile on the radio. So to be able to celebrate their 55 years in the business kick off concert is like one marked off my bucket list!
 
 
GARTH NEWS: Garth Brooks is set to release part 1 of what is going to be a massive 5 part anthology. Part 1, ‘The First Five Years,’ is a detailed look at the first 5 years of his career. Told by Garth himself and those involved with the creating, recording, and promotion of the first five albums. Garth has also packaged 5 CDs inside the first book he has ever written, giving readers the experience the beginning of Garth's career and modern country music right there in Garth's inner circle. The 5 CDs contain music that has never been heard, songs written long before the debut album, outtakes, first takes, demos, over 150 never before seen photos, sessions charts, tracking sheets, all in a 240 page hardcover complete package written by Garth Brooks, available November 14. Garth will air a special Inside Studio G on facebook.com/GarthBrooks Monday, October 2nd at 7:00 PM EDT and will share very personal details from the first five years of his career. You can follow him on all social media and at garthbrooks.com.
 
GRAMMY NEWS: The PBS show, Great Performances, in collaboration with the Recording Academy™, will broadcast “GRAMMY Salute To Music Legends™”, the second annual all-star concert offering a primetime spotlight for the Academy’s 2017 Special Merit Awards recipients. The celebration and tribute concert feature rare performances by honorees and renditions by those they’ve inspired. The show will air Friday, Oct. 13 from 9–11 p.m. on PBS. (Check local listings.) Historically held during GRAMMY® Week, this is the second time the Recording Academy has celebrated the Special Merit Awards with a stand-alone event and musical tribute. This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award honorees are Charley Pride, Shirley Caesar, Ahmad Jamal, Jimmie Rodgers, Nina Simone, Sly Stone, and the Velvet Underground. The celebration, led by GRAMMY®-winning industry icon Paul Shaffer as musical director, was recorded in July at New York’s Beacon Theatre. Visit pbs.org/gperf for additional information.
 
GRAND OLE OPRY: Country legend, Grand Ole Opry Member and Kentucky native John Conlee was recently awarded the first ever Legends Award by the Kentucky Country Music Association during his performance at the Kentucky Opry. The award was created to honor an artist who is not only from Kentucky, but has also promoted Kentucky throughout their career in both music and interviews. “It is always gratifying to be recognized by those from my home state of Kentucky. My profound thanks to the Kentucky Country Music Association and Kentucky Governor Matt Bevin for their very kind honors,” said Conlee. “John Conlee is a perfect fit for our first Legend Award," said Kenneth Reynold, President and Founder of the Kentucky Country Music Association. "He has never forgotten where he came from and has been a great promoter of not only country music but of Kentucky.” Tour dates and more at johnconlee.com.
 
IEBA NEWS: (Int’l Entertainment Buyer’s Assoc) Oct 15th to the 17th will be IEBA’s Annual Conference in Nashville TN. The host hotel will be the Omni. IEBA stands alone in the entertainment industry. The conference schedule includes live music from the most current artists, providing diverse entertainment options for buyers. Providing unparalleled networking opportunities, IEBA’s Agents Alley is a two-part affair that includes a tailgate party and the long-standing traditional set-up. IEBA constantly strives to grow the industry through providing information and offering educational opportunities throughout the conference. IEBA is the leading not-for-profit trade organization for live entertainment industry professionals who buy, book, and sell talent. Founded in 1970, IEBA provides an unparalleled forum for professional development. As a resource and a network representing billions of dollars in buying power, IEBA is an intimate organization that makes a huge impact. To register or for more info visit ieba.org.
 
INDIE NEWS: Logan Mize released ‘Come Back Road’ amid positive reviews, a debut at No. 2 on iTunes Country, No. 20 on iTunes All-Genre, and grew his Spotify loyalists by 84 percent in just 4 days. The independent Big Yellow Dog Music release even debuted in the Top 20 on the Billboard Country Album Sales chart.  The debut single from COME BACK ROAD, “Ain’t Always Pretty,” was pushed out early this year and has already exceeded 22 million streams on Spotify and has been selected for inclusion on popular playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music. With early support from The Bobby Bones Show, “Ain’t Always Pretty” has quickly become the most popular single ever released by Mize. Fall tour dates continue to be announced. Check out loganmize.com.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: John Pisciotta of Jetpack Artist Ventures and Wade Sutton of Rocket to the Stars Artist Development have announced the upcoming release of a new music industry textbook aimed at igniting the careers of the next generation of music artists. "Hacking Music: The Music Business Model Canvas" is a collection of strategic frameworks and business models for the new music marketplace. The book provides knowledge and insights from proven industry insiders as well as strategic frameworks examining the vital areas of label and publishing business models, team-building, branding, revenue cycles, project management, and more. "Hacking Music" is scheduled for release on November 4, corresponding with its presentation at the Harvard University Music Entrepreneur Conference. Aspiring music professionals may pre-order the book via Amazon.
 
LABEL NEWS:  (BMLG) Danielle Bradbery is gearing up for her sophomore studio album, I DON’T BELIEVE WE’VE MET, due December 1 on BMLG Records, and has released “Hello Summer” as the album’s lead-off single. The accompanying music video, starring Bradbery, debuted on Entertainment Tonight Online and is featured on ET’s “Certified Country.” Fans will receive “Hello Summer” when they pre-order the album. See details at daniellebradbery.com.  Written by Rhett Akins, One Direction producer Julian Bunetta, The Cadillac Three’s Jaren Johnston and country superstar Thomas Rhett, “Hello Summer” is about a summer love that takes the singer’s heart as her crush leaves at the end of the season.  As the title suggests, I DON’T BELIEVE WE’VE MET is a reintroduction of Bradbery after taking four years to begin the songwriting journey and hone her sound, co-writing seven out of 10 songs on the album… (RCA Records) Congrats to the Opry’s newest member. Chris Young was surprised by Vince Gill last month at the Grand Ole Opry with an invitation to become its newest member. Young’s induction will be on Oct. 17. “As a friend and someone that’s been out here for 30 years, you will not believe the friendships, the relationships, and the heart that you will gain from being out here for the rest of your life,” says Gill. “It’s going to be really powerful to you, so congratulations.” Young responded, "I love you guys. I love everybody here. I love this place.” "Chris has an incredible passion and love for the Opry. and he continues to make significant contributions to country music and to his community. We could not be more excited to officially welcome Chris to his musical home with his Opry induction,” said Opry GM Sally Williams. NOTE:  Chris’ album ‘Neon’ has been certified platinum (Over 1,000,000 in sales) by the RIAA. This IS his FIRST Platinum Album and recently celebrated his 9th number one record. Chris was also presented with a RIAA certified Platinum for his radio single “Think Of You” and then he received a RIAA Gold certification (500,000)  for “Sober Saturday Night” radio single which was his 9th number one single. Young celebrates a grand total of 16 gold and platinum certifications!
 
MEDIA NEWS: Lee Brice raised more than $100,000.00 for Folds of Honor, an organization that provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or have been disabled while on active duty in the United States armed forces. He raised the cash at the “Lee Brice & Friends Guitar Pull” and “Record Rack Celebrity Clays Shoot” in September. Lee gathered friends Charles Esten, Jerrod Niemann, Tyler Farr, Tim Montana, Lucas Hoge, Nick Norman along with Folds of Honor representatives, Major Ed Pulido and Ginger Gilbert Ravella for the Guitar Pull at Nashville’s City Winery. The event — sponsored by Diamond Coach and American Born Whiskey — was sold out. The Clays Shoot, held at the Nashville Gun Club, included members of 3 Doors Down, Lewis Brice, Charles Esten, Lucas Hoge, ‘Hacksaw’ Jim Duggan, Storme Warren and other celebs. For more info, or to donate in support of a Folds of Honor scholarship, visit foldsofhonor.org.
 
MOVIE NEWS: “Hold The Light,” is Dierks Bentley’s first-ever song written and recorded for a motion picture. Also featuring Bon Iver’s S. Carey, “Hold the Light” is featured in Columbia Pictures and Black Label Media’s ‘Only The Brave,’ in theaters nationwide October 20. The song was written by Bentley, Carey, Joe Trapanese and Jon Randall. Bentley first took action in 2013 when he organized and hosted the Country Cares Concert in Arizona, which raised more than half a million dollars for the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. The new song honors and embodies the spirit of the true heroism depicted in the film and is available now at all digital retailers and streaming partners. Bentley and Carey worked closely with Only the Brave composer Joe Trapanese.  In the collaboration, the songwriters worked Trapanese’s film theme into the music of the song, resulting in a song that is integral to the film itself.  To learn more about Only the Brave, see a testimonial video in which Bentley, Carey and survivor Brendan McDonough describe honoring the sacrifice of the Granite Mountain Hotshots, and find out how you can support the wildland firefighter communities through The Granite Mountain Fund, go to OnlyTheBrave-Movie.com and dierks.com.
 
MUSIC NEWS: PROFILES IN COURAGE, FRAILTY AND DISCOMFORT is the title of the debut record from the trio of Eric Brace, Peter Cooper & Thomm Jutz, out now on Eric’s East Nashville label Red Beet Records. All you'll hear on this mighty collection are their three voices and three acoustic guitars as they render the 14 songs written by these three tall fellows. In these tunes, they ponder such weighty topics as Dollar Stores and dollar slots, steamboat whistles and Hernando hotel rooms, Johnny Cash’s gravesite and Willie Nelson’s notions of eternity, evaporated whiskey and Neil Armstrong's silence, the everlasting downside of Parkersburg, West Virginia, and a Tennessee town flooded for the sake of electricity. The album is available now at redbeetrecords.com and iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, etc.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS:  Darius Rucker toasted hit songwriters Ross Copperman (BMI), Shane McAnally (GMR) and Jon Nite (ASCAP) at the No. 1 party celebrating “If I Told You” at the newly unveiled Topgolf complex in Nashville, Tenn. “If I Told You” is Rucker’s eighth No. 1 single since his debut in country music in 2008 and the first single from his upcoming fifth studio album on Capitol Records Nashville, WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME, that will be released nationwide Friday, October 20. Rucker expressed his gratitude to songwriters Copperman, Nite and McAnally, and described hearing himself on the track for the first time, "I came into the studio, and when we played it back I instantly thought this is exactly what I want to sound like. I was immediately so happy we chose this song." The three-time GRAMMY Award winner performed on the Topgolf’s brand new Nashville stage with his band, The Carolina Grey Boys, to share an exclusive live preview of his new music. Rucker performed five new tracks from WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME, including crowd-favorite “Don’t.” For more info about new music, appearances and tour dates, visit dariusrucker.com.
 
PERFORMANCE NEWS: Country stars Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt joined hit songwriters Zach Crowell, Matt Jenkins and Bryan Simpson to help raise over $630,000 for Mission Lazarus at the inaugural "Songs On A Mission" event at The Mansion at Fontanel in September. The star-studded affair was created with the idea of drawing a parallel between how songwriters work in the background crafting hit songs for artists in the same way Mission Lazarus works in the background to serve the indigenous people of Honduras and Haiti. Following a tour of the Mansion and dinner, there were performances by the songwriters who told fascinating stories behind their hit songs. Carrie Underwood and Sam Hunt closed out the evening performing songs that have been especially meaningful in their lives, both as songwriters themselves and as a tribute of gratitude to the songwriters whose songs they sing. More about the charity at missionlazarus.com.
 
ROAD NEWS:  Valory recording artist Justin Moore has announced his “Hell on a Highway Tour.” The tour is scheduled to kick off October 13 in Louisiana and will run through Spring 2018. (Opening for Moore will be Dylan Scott.)  The Arkansas native spent three years putting together his fourth studio album, KINDA DON’T CARE. The project is chock-full of new music and earned the singer his third consecutive No. 1 album debut. The platinum-selling entertainer kickstarted the album with his sixth chart-topping single “You Look Like I Need A Drink” and follow-up single “Somebody Else Will.” With 16 tracks on the deluxe version, KINDA DON’T CARE provides a stellar set list for Moore’s live shows which also feature No. 1 hits like “Point At You” and “Lettin’ The Night Roll.”
 
SINGLE NEWS: Kid Rock has unveiled his latest song “Tennessee Mountain Top” on streaming and sales platforms. “Tennessee Mountain Top” is impacting at Country Radio October 2. The track brings out a Country infused southern rock spirit that has drawn Country fans to Kid Rock for almost two decades since he released the CMA, ACM nominated “Picture.” Both “Picture” and his massive summer anthem “All Summer Long” continue to be fan favorites at Country Radio. He has been busy touring and preparing for an epic series of concerts opening Detroit’s new Little Caesars Arena. He recently announced that the venue will play host to his own ‘Made in Detroit restaurant to open on the Woodward Avenue side of Little Caesars Arena. This October 6th and 7th he will host Kid Rock’s Third Annual Fish Fry in Nashville, yet another sign of his close ties to Nashville and Country Music. Music & tour info at kidrock.com.
 
SONGWRITER NEWS: “The Boys Who Make the Noise on 16th Avenue” are to be inducted in to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. Award-winning songwriters Jim McBride, Walt Aldridge, Tim Nichols and the late Vern Gosdin will be inducted into the NSHoF during the 47th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala Oct. 23 at Nashville's Music City Center. “The quality of the songs that emanate from the legendary Nashville Songwriting community is most often the standard by which most songwriters measure their success,” says Pat Alger of the Nashville Songwriters Foundation. “Iconic songs from its eminent songwriters help make this town the musical sanctuary it has become and in turn, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates the illustrious careers of those songwriters each year by inducting four new members, the highest honor that any Nashville songwriter can hope for. This year we are extremely proud to welcome the class of 2017: Walt Aldridge and Tim Nichols in the songwriter category; Jim McBride in the veteran songwriter category and the late Vern Gosdin as our songwriter/artist.” Tickets for the Hall of Fame Gala are $250 each and benefit the nonprofit Nashville Songwriters Foundation. Select seating is available to the public and may be purchased as available by contacting Executive Director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com or 615-460-6556. More info about this wonderful organization at nashvillesongwritersfoundiation.com.
 
TOUR DATES:  Imagine throwing a party and 750,000 of your closest fans show up.  That’s pretty much what Dierks Bentley has done so far this year.  His 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR recently wrapped after consistently ushering crowds of 25,000+, the biggest of his career, while notching more than 60 shows at arenas and amphitheaters across the country since January. Memorable shows included his first headlining night at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena with a sold-out crowd, a first-ever arena play and capacity hometown show at Phoenix's Talking Stick Resort Arena and two sold out nights at Red Rocks. More at dierks.com
 
TV NEWS: Nashville Access, the internationally-syndicated country radio show has taken on the world of "on-demand radio" with the release of their Nashville Access podcast. Since launching a few weeks ago, the podcast has featured interviews with major country artists including Sara Evans, Casey Donahew, Joe Diffie, and Colt Ford. Episode 5 of the Nashville Access Podcast will have something a little different to offer: an interview with Steve Murphy and Javier Peña. If those two names aren’t readily familiar to you, you probably haven’t watched the hit Netflix series, “Narcos.” These series was inspired by Steve and Javier—who were responsible for taking down Colombian drug kingpin, Pabo Escobar.
 
VIDEO NEWS: In the midst of the career-defining release of his new album COME BACK ROAD, Logan Mize has partnered with Budweiser on a monthly video series based around his song, ‘Somebody To Thank.’ "It is so important that we always remember and give thanks to those who helped us get to where we are. Even the smallest gesture of gratitude can make a big difference in someone's life,” said Mize. A new video will be released monthly via Logan’s YouTube channel and Facebook spotlighting the relationships built around the struggles, gratitude and opportunities that have helped shape Mize into who he is as a person, artist, husband and father and to remind everyone to always say thank you to those who were a part of the journey. Tour info and more at loganmize.com and on social media.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:  www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.renegaderadio.com  www.cmaworld.com / www.nashvillesongwriters.com / www.globalsongwriters.com
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING: Dustin Lynch, Darius Rucker, Chelsie Love,
LoCash, Runaway June and Jake Owens

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com  TN/USA.  Google “Preshias”
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: ‘Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymms and spiritual songs. -  Colossians (3:16)
 
ALBUM NEWS: Lindsay Ell released her debut album THE PROJECT via Stoney Creek Records on August 11. Upon release, the album catapulted to No. 1 on the iTunes Country albums chart and No. 2 on the iTunes All Genres albums chart. The album also debuted at No. 1 on the Nielsen Soundscan Current Country Albums chart. The 12-song collection is Ell’s first full-length album and has already solidified national appearances on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and NBC’s The Today Show. The album — produced by celebrated GRAMMY-winner Kristian Bush (Sugarland) — follows their acclaimed collaboration on Ell’s debut EP 'Worth The Wait' and features current single “Waiting On You.” Music and tour updates at lindsayell.com.
 
AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS: The AMA’s 18th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 12-17, 2017 gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. With planning already underway, 2017 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana's influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST℠ brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education. AMA receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Epiphone, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Music City Networks, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. AMERICANAFEST℠ will feature 230+ live performances at almost 40 of Nashville's most prominent venues and much, much, more. This year’s Conference will offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear from artists who have shaped musical history and from those currently making history. AMA Music highlights Include Buddy Miller, Lee Roy Parnell, Brandy Clark, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, John Paul White, Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna, John Hiatt & The Goners, Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, Jim Lauderdale and the list goes on! The Americana Honors & Awards Show will take place September 13th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It will once again be hosted by the iconic Jim Lauderdale, with the All Star Band led by the phenomenal Buddy Miller. Festival Wristbands Only $75 and Conference Registrations 2017 Conf. Registration Rates are: July 22 - September 4: $349 for Members/$449 for Non-Members – From: September 5 - September 17 (Walk-Up Rate): $499. For more info on the Americana Music Association℠ and to become a member, visit the official website: americanamusic.org or  Facebook: facebook.com/americanamusicassociation, Twitter: twitter.com/americanafest,   Instagram: instagram.com/americanafest
 
ARTIST NEWS: The dream came true for Country's newest trio. Way to go Midland! The band's Jess Carson, Cameron Duddy and Mark Wystrach were so excited as was Big Machine's radio promo staff. Midland secured this week’s No. 1 with “Drinkin’ Problem.” The song is the band’s first chart-topper. Songwriters are Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Carson, Duddy and Wystrach. Chart was reported by Country Aircheck.
 
BABY BABY NEWS: Lots of babies on the way! Dylan (“My Girl”) Scott and wife Blair held a reveal party to announce they first baby will be a boy… FGL’s Tyler and Hayley Hubbard will also have a baby boy, due in December… Brantley and Amber Gilbert are expecting their happy event in November, after two years of trying… Jason Aldean and wife Brittany Kerr announced, “Surprise! We are pregnant!” Their first child will be a boy… LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and wife Kaitlyn are expecting their third child any day now… Meanwhile, Lady Antebellum is staging a one-band baby boom of their own. Hillary Scott and husband Chris Tyrrell are expecting baby number two in February next year. And Lady A’s Dave Haywood and wife Kelli will welcome their second child (a girl) in December. Congrats and best wishes to all those proud parents to be and their babies.
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS: Just a reminder to Bluegrass and traditional country fans: check out RFD-TV on Saturday evenings at 7:00pm Eastern/ 8:00 Central for “Reno’s Old Time Music,” presented by Bluegrass legend Ronnie Reno. Each show features Ronnie, his guests and co-hosts pay homage to the many outstanding artists and performances throughout the show’s 25-year history. For updated show info and channel availability in your area, visit ronniereno.com
 
BUSINESS BUZZ: Brickshore Media, Inc, has added some new names to their client roster. The publicity firm that launched less than a year ago took another big step with the addition of country artist Kayla Calabrese, powerhouse vocalist Crystal Day, hot country artist Travis Rice, and southern country group Jagertown. They join Brickshore’s other clients including renowned singer/songwriter Brady Seals (Little Texas), Hope Nation Radio, Nick Hickman, Renegade Radio Nashville, Williams Honor, among others. More about Brickshore’s roster at brickshoremedia.com.
 
CD NEWS: Billy Ray Cyrus celebrated his birthday with the announcement of his new album SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT, available for pre-order now and available everywhere November 10. The album features collaborations with Joe Perry, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Bryan Adams, Glenn Hughes, Jencarlos Canela, Ronnie Milsap and his daughter, Miley Cyrus. Fans who pre-order a physical copy will receive an autographed CD when it’s released November 10. iTunes pre-orders will get 3 instant gratis tracks, including “I Wanna Be Your Joe,” “Achy Break Heart 25th (Muscle Shoals Mix)” and “Tulsa Time (Rokman Remix).”  Tour dates and music news at billyraycyrus.com.
 
CD RELEASES:
Sept 1
•                The Grascals/Before Breakfast/Mountain Home
•                Erin Enderlin/Whiskey Town Crier
•                Cash Creek/The Hard Way Chapter 2/Heartland Records Nashville
 
September 8
•                Gregg Allman/Southern Blood/Rounder Records
•                Kip Moore/Slowheart/MCA Nashville
•                Sean McConnell/Undone[acoustic]/Rounder Records
•                Scooter Brown Band/American Son/Red River-BFD-Sony Orchard
•                Thomas Rhett/Life Changes/The Valory Music Company
 
September 15
•                Big & Rich, ‘Did It For The Party’ (B$R)
•                Radney Foster ‘For You To See The Stars’ (Devil’s River)
•                Various A Tribute To John D. Loudermilk (Vector)
 
September 22
•                Chris Janson Everybody (Warner Bros./WAR)
•                Mac McAnally Southbound (Mailboat) Home Free Timeless (Columbia)
•                Midland On The Rocks (Big Machine)
•            Steve Earle/Sidetracks [Reissue]/Warner Bros.
 
September 29
•                Shania Twain ‘Now’ (Mercury)
•                Chase Rice ‘Lambs & Lions’ (Broken Bow)                
 
CHARITY NEWS: Jason Aldean returned to his hometown of Macon, GA, to a sold out crowd for his second Concert For The Kids on Friday August 11 with special guest Luke Combs, local emerging talent Maggie Renfroe and radio station WDEN-FM winner Trey Teem, The event raised $702,209.43 for Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health. After garnering more than half a million dollars at last year’s intimate stripped-down performance, Aldean has now raised over $1.2 million to benefit the development of Macon's new Children's Hospital, the region’s only dedicated pediatric facility serving central and south Georgia.  Beforehand, Aldean spent the afternoon with patients and families at the current facility, reviewed plans for the new addition and was honored with the reveal of "Jason Aldean Way,” the renaming of a portion of the street that runs alongside the Children’s Hospital. More at Jason Aldean.com. NOTE: Aldean has had 18 #1 singles and sold 14 million albums.
 
DIGITAL NEWS: Emerging Sony Music Nashville band LANCO has been building a groundswell since the release of their self-titled debut EP, which can now count more than 50 million streams. The single "Greatest Love Story” is impacting fans across the country and has pushed its way into the Top 15 of the Country iTunes chart and Top 25 of the radio charts. The band wrapped recording on their debut album with award-winning producer Jay Joyce (Eric Church, Cage The Elephant, Little Big Town) in August. "Greatest Love Story" was penned by LANCO lead singer/guitarist Brandon Lancaster. Music and tour updates at LANCOMusic.com
 
ICON NEWS: Dolly Parton has announced the release date of I BELIEVE IN YOU, her first album written and recorded for kids and those young at heart. A digital release of the new album on Dolly Records/RCA Nashville will be available September 29, whereas the physical album will street worldwide on October 13. All 14 tracks were written and performed by Dolly Parton. “My first album was released 50 years ago and it's been an amazing 50 years since then. I am very excited that now I'm coming out with my first children's album in all of those 50 years. I'm proudest of all that all of the proceeds from this CD will go to the Imagination Library,” Dolly said. “It's been 20 years since the Imagination Library was launched. We've seen 100million books get into the hands of children and hopefully there will be many more.” Album details and more at dollyparton.com.
 
INDIE ARTIST NEWS: Smith & Wesley are proving their staying power as they cracked the Top 25 for the first time with their latest single, "The Little Things." The corresponding music video premiered on The Heartland Network and has received well over 1,000,000 views on the Smith & Wesley Facebook page.  It is the Smith brothers' debut single from their upcoming second album and follows Top 30 singles "Sweet Life" and "You're the One" from their Choices & Chances album. More at SmithAndWesley.com and on social media.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: John Pisciotta, president & CEO of Jetpack Artist Ventures, has renewed their management agreement with country recording artist Zach Stone. The Nashville firm has expanded its management team. Jeff McMahon [2001 ACM “Musician of the Year” nominee and long-time keyboardist with Tim McGraw] will serve as band manager. Scott Welch (Scott Welch Management, Inc.) will handle Stone’s tour management. John Pisciotta will continue to oversee day-to-day operations and sponsor/endorsement ventures. Zach Stone, a Texas native and former Team USA all-star who gave up his baseball dreams to pursue a music career, graduated with a Music Degree from Belmont University.  More at zachstonecountry.com 
 
INT’L NEWS: The Bellamy Brothers continue “letting the love flow” all over the globe as the iconic duo prepares for the second leg of their 2017 world tour, which includes multiple stops in Norway, as well as Germany, Austria and Switzerland. In early 2017, they made history as the first country music duo to perform in Dubai. The Bellamys have also collaborated with a diverse list of artists. Most recently, they recorded duets with rising acts Yasmine Van Wilt ("If You Want"), Andrew Pope ("Granny Panties") and Jesse & Noah (soon to be released "Gambler's Heart"). Those new artists join an elite list of collaborators over the years that has included Dolly Parton, Neil Diamond, George Jones, Blake Shelton and more. For US and European tour info and tickets, visit bellamybrothers.com
 
KENTUCKY MUSIC HALL of FAME NEWS: In my homestate of KY, The Kentucky Music Hall of Fame has announced their ‘Class of 2018’ inductees. They are: Grand Ole Opry Star David "Stringbean" Akeman; 5-time IBMA Female Bluegrass artist of the Year Dale Ann Bradley; Grammy & Dove Award winner Jason Crabb; superstar recording artist Billy Ray Cyrus, hit songwriter and recording artist Jackie DeShannon; and “Boy with the Lute” Opry member Bobby Lewis. The induction ceremony will be held May 11, 2018, at the Center For Rural Development in Somerset, KY. The KMHoF honors Kentucky-born performers, songwriters, publishers, promoters, managers and other music professionals who have made significant contributions to the music industry locally and around the world. Former inductees include Loretta Lynn, Bill Monroe, Florence Henderson, Clarence Spalding, Rosemary Clooney, and many more.
 
LABEL NEWS:  (Curb)  Curb’s ‘Golden Boy’ Lee Brice has become a proud partner of American Born Whiskey, a new line of Tennessee-produced and bottled whiskeys that honor the spirit and tradition of America. Joined by fellow partners Milestone Brands LLC, a premium spirits company based in Austin, TX, Brice is now an investor in the 83-proof whiskey blend of corn and rye grains. A true product of the South, American Born Whiskey is bottled in the Nations neighborhood of Nashville, not far from the family farm that serves as Brice's home and workspace. Brice's new, self-titled album is due out November 3rd on Curb Records. "Boy," the record's lead single has already become a Top 20 hit.  More at leebrice.com and on social media.
 
MEDIA NEWS: Gibson has appointed guitar superstar Slash (Guns N’ Roses) as Global Brand Ambassador, the first such designation in the company’s history. As part of the new role with Gibson, Slash is developing new products with three of its celebrated guitar brands, Gibson Custom, Gibson and Epiphone. In an announcement, Gibson stated that Slash has embodied Gibson’s values of quality, prestige and innovation and has brought the indelible sound and style of Gibson guitars to new heights of popularity and recognition over the last 30 years. New product updates and more at Gibson.com.
 
MUSIC NEWS: Chase Rice has inked a new label deal with Broken Bow Records, is putting the finishing touches on his forthcoming album, LAMBS AND LIONS, and has now announced its release date: September 29. Following the success of his debut album, Ignite the Night, Rice brought in producers Jacquire King (Kings of Leon, James Bay, Modest Mouse, Norah Jones), Ross Copperman (Dierks Bentley, Brett Eldredge, Keith Urban) and Mac McAnally (Jimmy Buffett, Sawyer Brown) to join Ignite the Night collaborator Chris DeStefano, Rice is expanding upon the reflective nuances found in his crowd-favorite "Carolina Can" with his sophomore 10-song collection. “Three Chords and the Truth,” the first single from the album is available now as a ‘grat track’ with pre-orders of the album at chaserice.com, and will be at Country radio August 14.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Justin Moore is on a hot streak with a lucky seventh career No. 1 hit as “Somebody Else Will” rolled into the top spot on Mediabase and Billboard Country Airplays Charts. Written by Kelly Archer, Adam Hambrick and Tebey Ottoh and produced by Jeremy Stover and Scott Borchetta, the single marks a second board leader from his fourth studio album KINDA DON’T CARE released on The Valory Music Co., following an ascend in 2016 with “You Look Like I Need a Drink.” Moore’s next single will be “Kinda Don’t Care,” which impacts radio on September 18. Tour dates and more at JustinMooreMusic.com.
 
RADIO NEWS: Danielle Bradbery’s "Sway," the lead single off her forthcoming 12/1/17 album, I DON’T BELIEVE WE’VE MET (BMLG Records), is now officially spinning on Country radio.  After taking four years to hone her writing skills and find her approach to making music since the whirlwind of winning NBC’s The Voice Season 4, Bradbery steps out with “Sway” as the first introduction to her story. Written by Bradbery along with Johan Fransson as well as her good friend and GRAMMY® Award-winning Emily Weisband, “Sway” shows the unique style that was produced when Bradbery played a hand in the creative process this time around.  Read more at DanielleBradbery.com and on social media.
ROAD NEWS: Dierks Bentley’s 2017 WHAT THE HELL WORLD TOUR has proven to be a force to be reckoned with as crowds of 25,000+, the biggest of his career, continue to flood arenas and amphitheaters across the country. He claimed the top spot on Billboard's "Hot Tours" list selling more than half a million tickets before summer concert season even began.  From impromptu bluegrass sets in disguise to dancing in aisles with security guards, to touching salutes for military members to backstage antics with Jon Pardi, Bentley once again proves it's the spontaneous moments that count. I don’t want security, I don’t want anyone pushing people around. I’d rather risk bodily harm than have anyone be pushed or shoved,” said Bentley. "I’m dancing with girls in the aisles; I’m giving massages to the security people, like chop sueys on their backs.” Tour details at dierks.com.
 
R.O.P.E  AWARD NEWS: Rex Allen Jr., noted as “the Golden Voice of Country and Western Music,” is among some of the most legendary names in music on the 2017 R.O.P.E. Award Show Ballot.  Allen is nominated for Entertainer of the Year, as well as Songwriter of the Year.  Allen is nominated alongside a long list of legends, including Leona Williams, Jeannie Seely, Gene Watson, The Osborne Brothers, Bill Anderson, Dallas Frazier and Willie Nelson. Voting is underway now.  Winners will be announced October 5th at R.O.P.E.'S 30th Annual Golden Banquet at the Al Menah Shrine Temple in Nashville, Tennessee.  The event will include a special tribute for Country Music Hall of Fame Member Mac Wiseman. Rex Allen Jr. is currently on his farewell tour, Sunrise to Sunset, but continues to record.  Tour info and more at rexallenjr.com
 
SINGLE NEWS: Tanya Tucker has recently been quietly writing and recording new music while coping with a wave of emotions surrounding Glen Campbell’s battle with Alzheimer's disease. While their relationship and breakup made headlines years ago, Tucker channeled her heartfelt feelings for Campbell in a new single song titled “Forever Loving You.” A portion of the proceeds from “Forever Loving You” will benefit Alzheimer's Foundation of America, a non-profit organization which provides programs and services for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers, as well as funds research towards a cure for Alzheimer’s.  It’s been so hard these past several years knowing what he’s been going through,” said Tucker. “My heart just breaks. Glen and I shared some incredible, precious memories together for a long time. Tucker co-wrote “Forever Loving You” with Michael Lynn Rogers and Tennessee State Senator Rusty Crowe. More at tanyatucker.com.
 
SiriusXM NEWS: Following his debut eponymous release in July, Lewis Brice has been named as one of the ‘10 New Country Artists You Need to Know’ by Rolling Stone Country. The breakout vocalist has also seen major streaming success with over one million streams on Spotify and is featured on various playlists across digital platforms. Brice’s song “Outta My Head” has been spotlighted on SiriusXM The Highway’s #OnTheHorizon as their YouTube Spotlight racking up positive feedback from the radio giant’s North American listener base. Lewis Brice can be found at listeners’ digital retailer of choice and at lewisbrice.com. BTW, Lewis took on the lead acting role in the 2014 ACM Song of the Year music video for “I Drive Your Truck,” performed by his brother Lee Brice.
 
SPECIAL MUSIC EVENT NEWS: August 24, 2017 was officially dubbed ‘Jerry Lee Lewis Day’ by both The City of Nashville and Berry Hill. 2017 marks the 60th Anniversary of mega-hits “Whole Lotta Shakin’” and “Great Balls of Fire,” both of which were recorded at Sam Phillips’ Memphis-based Sun Records. To mark the occasion, SkyvilleLive.com honored Lewis with a tribute show featuring George Strait, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Stapleton, Lee Ann Womack, Waylon Payne and Jerry Lee himself.  The show was streamed live on AOL, Yahoo Music and Rated Red.
 
SYMPATHY NEWS: Condolences to the family of Country Music Hall of Fame member Jo Walker-Meador who has passed. She was Executive Director of the CMA from 1962 to 1991. Walker-Meador was at the CMA from its creation in 1958, hired as office manager. In 1959 she organized a banquet that later became the CMA Awards. After former CMA Exec. Dir. Harry Stone departed, Walker-Meador assumed his role. She retired in 1991 and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995. (Information courtesy of Country Aircheck.) – Preshias NOTE: She was one of the “Two” ladies who encouraged me early on. The other was Maggie Cavender (the former Nashville Songwriter’s Executive Director)
 
TEXAS NEWS: Texas artist and Indie country recording artist Cody Joe Hodges (CJH Music Group), a former Army Musician and power lineman, rolled out his new single, “Roll That Way," to country radio In August. The current release follows his third career single (titled “Hellbent On Loving You”) which charted on the MusicRow Country Breakout Chart in August 2016. Written by hit songcrafters Rick Huckaby and Bernie Nelson and produced by Bobby Randall (Sawyer Brown), the new track is a playful, mid-tempo expression of adoring admiration and a confession to a hard-working, independent woman who’s every man’s dream.  It’s available at all major digital retail and streaming outlets. More at codyjoehodges.com and on Facebook.
 
TOUR NEWS: Kip Moore will hit the road this fall for his headlining PLEAD THE FIFTH TOUR, kicking off on Oct. 19 in Bowling Green, OH.  Moore, who has trail-blazed his own path with his reputation-making live show, also revealed a stacked lineup announcing that Drake White and Jordan Davis will join him on the dates. Tickets for the tour are on sale via kipmoore.net. Moore’s third studio album SLOWHEART drops September 8 and his concept-driven music video for “The Bull” is now available on Billboard’s video channel. … Michael Ray (Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville) will launch into the second half of 2017 with his second headlining tour, the aptly-named “Get To You Tour.” “Get To You” is the first single from Ray’s forthcoming sophomore album. Ray will make 15 stops across the country, starting on Thursday, October 5 at Tuscaloosa’s Druid City Music Hall and wrapping on December 9 in the northeast. The chart-topping star has tapped Devin Dawson to join him on select dates. Tour dates and more at michaelraymusic.com
 
VINYL NEWS: George Strait will take center stage at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on September 1 and 2, knowing countless fans of his 6x Platinum-selling ‘Pure Country’ will be in the crowd as they celebrate its silver anniversary alongside the King of Country. In honor of the anniversary, the ‘Pure Country’ soundtrack will appear for the first time on vinyl with a limited-edition pressing made available in conjunction with September shows. Strait will pay special tribute to the film’s impact on his music for a not-to-be missed set of shows. In an interview in The New Yorker, Strait divulged that he was initially reluctant to star as the lead in the feature film. Strait revealed he “was persuaded by the producer Jerry Weintraub, and by Colonel Tom Parker, the former manager of Elvis Presley…” After a concert in Las Vegas, Parker told Strait how important Hollywood had been to Presley, transforming him from a pop star to an icon. Album & ticket info at georgestrait.com.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:  www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.renegaderadio.com / www.cmaworld.com / www.nashvillesongwriters.com./  www.collegeofsongology.com
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:  Luke Bryan, Jess Taylor,
 
Have a great day!!!!

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com  TN/USA.  Google “Preshias”
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: ‘Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. -  Colossians (3:16)
 
ALBUM NEWS: Big & Rich are set to release their upcoming album, DID IT FOR THE PARTY, September 15. The project features 13 brand-new songs, all produced by Big Kenny and John Rich. Big & Rich fans, who are dubbed the “Freak Parade,” can pre-order the album now on Apple Music / iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, where they will receive an instant download of the new single “California,” along with the title track, “Did It For The Party.” The album will also be promoted at Walmart® stores nationwide through a newly announced partnership with TWIX®. “California” is off to a rocking start, currently inside country radio’s Top 40.  Tour updates and more at bigandrich.com
 
ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Can it really be 35 years since Sylvia’s No. 1 smash crossover hit “Nobody,” dominated the country music charts, leading the acclaimed singer to win the ACM award for “Female Vocalist of the Year.” She shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon, continuing to tour, including an upcoming appearance at the Smoky Mountain Songwriters Festival, August 19 in Gatlinburg, TN. Sylvia is detailing her full career journey on her web series “Sylvia: The View From Here,” produced by The Nashville Soundbite. In the latest episode, she opens up about her early career when she auditioned for the part of Daisy Duke in the hit series “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Fans can watch the latest episodes and past videos and get tickets for upcoming shows at sylviamusic.com where you can also check out her latest album, ‘It’s All In The family.’
 
 AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS: The AMA has its 18th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference, will take place September 12-17, 2017 gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. With planning already underway, 2017 promises to once again be the must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana's influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST℠ brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education. AMA receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, Epiphone, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Music City Networks, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC. AMERICANAFEST℠ will feature 230+ live performances at almost 40 of Nashville's most prominent venues and much, much, more. This year’s Conference will offer once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to hear from artists who have shaped musical history and from those currently making history. AMA Music highlights Include Buddy Miller, Lee Roy Parnell, Brandy Clark, Robert Cray & Hi Rhythm, John Paul White, Wade Bowen, Lori McKenna, John Hiatt & The Goners, Rodney Crowell, The Secret Sisters, Jim Lauderdale and the list goes on! The Americana Honors & Awards Show will take place September 13th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. It will once again be hosted by the iconic Jim Lauderdale, with the All Star Band led by the phenomenal Buddy Miller. Festival Wristbands Only $75 and Conference Registrations 2017 Conf. Registration Rates are: July 22 - September 4: $349 for Members/$449 for Non-Members – From: September 5 - September 17 (Walk-Up Rate): $499. For more info on the Americana Music Association℠ and to become a member, visit the official website: americanamusic.org or  Facebook: facebook.com/americanamusicassociation, Twitter: twitter.com/americanafest,   Instagram: instagram.com/americanafest
 
ARTIST NEWS:  It’s been just over a year since critically-acclaimed touring artist Brandy Clark released her sophomore album ‘Big Day in a Small Town,’ which garnered two 2017 GRAMMY nominations for Best Country Album and Best Country Solo Performance (“Love Can Go To Hell”). Clark returns with new music in a digital release of the sharply witty “You’re Drunk,” available now. She co-wrote the song with her longtime collaborators Josh Osborne and Shane McAnally while in a West Hollywood hotel room. “It's funny, I never took this song seriously if that makes sense,” said Clark. “However, when we went in to cut it, it immediately became a favorite - it just came to life. I remember thinking even then we’d have to find a way to get it out.”  Tour news and more at brandyclarkmusic.com
 
BABY NEWS: Craig Wayne Boyd announced he’s adding another ‘voice’ to his family with the addition of a baby boy on the way and a new album TOP SHELF (available Oct. 27). Boyd told People.com, "Taylor and I are thrilled about the arrival of our new #BabyBoyd! We're so blessed. I think my son is more excited that it's not another sister! It'll be a busy fall/winter as we're also preparing to release new music!" Boyd’s new son, due in January, will join big sister Dakota Lynne, 18 months, and Jaxon, who is 5-years-old. Album and tour updates at CraigWayneBoyd.com and on social media.
 
BLUEGRASS NEWS: Rhonda Vincent and Daryle Singletary show that Traditional Country Music hasn’t gone anywhere as their new project ‘American Grandstand’ landed its first week on Billboard’s Top Current Country Albums chart at No. 10. It also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Bluegrass Chart, and No.1 on Billboard’s Heatseekers Album Chart for the week of July 29, 2017. Not since George & Tammy and Conway & Loretta has there been a vocal duet performance like Rhonda Vincent & Daryle Singletary. Their chart success marks yet another indication that buyers love the authentic, unaltered voices of two great singers in this generation of country music. The album is available at AmeicanGrandstand.com and wherever music is sold.
 
CD NEWS: Lindsay Ell releases her 12-song CD debut, THE PROJECT, August 11 on Stoney Creek Records. Produced by GRAMMY-winner Kristian Bush (Sugarland), it follows their acclaimed collaboration on Ell’s debut EP ‘Worth The Wait.’ The album features current single “Waiting On You,” which Rolling Stone Country calls “a showcase not only for the Canadian's gifts as a singer but also as a guitarist.” Eli co-wrote 9 of the 12 songs and played all lead guitar on the album. She is currently on tour with Brad Paisley and is scheduled for an August 8, 2017 appearance on NBC’s The Today Show. Lindsay Ell is an accomplished musician, vocalist, and songwriter. The Calgary native learned to play guitar while traveling with her father to country-bluegrass camps as a young girl. More at LindsayEli.com.
                 
CHARITY NEWS: My dear friend Lisa Wysocki reminded me about Colby's Army, an organization that supports children and adults with disabilities, special needs, and life challenges through education, the teaching of life skills, and job training. Participants also gain physical strength by learning to ride a horse and through organic gardening, and our homeless friends are supported through the gifts of nutritious food from the garden, and first aid and street supplies. There are two new opportunities for you to support their programs: 1. Gift and organic products sold through EllisJaxonFarms.com on a "name your own price" model now benefit Colby's Army! Please take time to check out this wonderful site. Anything paid over wholesale cost comes to Colby's Army. Please also take time to thank this very generous company for their support! 2. Memory/honor sponsorships in the organic garden, on their trails, and along the beautiful creek. Your sponsorship in memory of a loved one includes a bench with your loved one's name on it. Signage to read similar to: "Donated by _______ in memory (or honor) of ______" These sponsorships are only $400 and include the cost of a bench. You also receive a beautiful photo of your bench and signage. To participate, just click on the yellow donate button at colby’sarmy.org.  Colby's Army is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and financial gifts are tax deductible according to applicable laws.
 
DEEPEST SYMPATHY:  To family, friends and fans of musician, songwriter and artist Michael Johnson. Johnson died at his home on July 25th in Minneapolis after a long illness. He was 72. Johnson topped the charts in the ‘70s with hits “Almost Like Being In Love" "Bluer Than Blue," and "This Night Won't Last Forever," In the 80s Johnson also topped the country charts with "Give Me Wings" and "The Moon Is Still Over Her Shoulder.” Michael, launched his hit career in the Twin Cities in the 1970s.
 
DIGITAL MUSIC NEWS: Logan Mize is an artist who has already yielded a single demonstrating the power of his songwriting and voice. Now comes Logan’s 12-track album, produced by Dan Agee. The full-length Big Yellow Dog Music release is titled COME BACK ROAD. The debut single from the album is “Ain’t Always Pretty.” It was pushed out earlier this year and has already exceeded 22 million streams on Spotify, and has been selected for inclusion on popular playlists on both Spotify and Apple Music. “‘Come Back Road,’ was written by award winning songwriters Josh Kear, Ross Copperman and Rodney Clawson. More at loganmize.com.
 
INDIE ARTIST NEWS: EmiSunshine, the extraordinary talent who burst into stardom four short years ago as a nine-year-old via viral video, is set to release her new album, RAGGED DREAMS (her fourth studio recording), on August 25, 2017. The little girl with a big voice, who recently celebrated her 13th birthday, has made her mark shattering preconceived notions of youthful imagery that embraces gleeful innocence and optimism. The 15 tracks on the album (written/co-written by Sunshine) touch on Autism, close-to-home tragedies (the Gatlinburg fires and TN floods) and tell tall tales that portray colorful stories illuminating murder, deceit, vengeful spirits and incarceration. Produced by Sunshine and backed by her family-band, The Rain (father, Randall Hamilton-bass; brother, John Hamilton-mandolin; uncle, Bobby Hill-drums), the album spotlights cameo performances by notables Randy Kohrs (resonator guitar), Tim Crouch (Mandolin/Fiddle/Guitar), Justin Moses (Fiddle/Guitar/Dobro/Banjo), Hitoshi Yamaguchi (cello), Ben Probus (fiddle) and others. Her social stats are: 14 million digital views, 500,000 Facebook followers, hitting close to 25,000 Instagram followers, 13 Grand Ole Opry performances, and appearences on THE TODAY SHOW, Stagecoach, and WOODSONGS. Details at emisunshine.com.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: After securing much success in radio promotion, industry veteran Randy Barber jumps into his newest venture creating an independent label services firm, Bar Frog Music. This full-service promotion and consulting label, based in Nashville TN, features a full slate of offerings including artist development, management, production services, booking inquiries, radio promotion and tours, publicity and social media execution. The firm has hired Sheena Dickey, a former 10-year radio programmer to serve as Artist Representative and Michael Vorhees, a recent intern with Skyline Artist Agency, will serve as Booking Coordinator. They have also partnered with Brickshore Media, a full-service PR/Marketing firm to represent them as well as their artists and Daredevil Productions, an innovative social media marketing company to help increase their artist fan base on social platforms.  More at BarFrogMusic.com
 
INT’L NEWS: Known as “southern rock royalty,” The Kentucky Headhunters are gearing up to take their rowdy, high-energy live show across the pond, as they return to the U.K. for a string of performances this fall. Supporting the American band will be U.K. rockers Bad Touch, who will join the Headhunters on all 8 shows this October. “We first met Bad Touch when they were chosen as our support act after my son John Fred Young’s band, Black Stone Cherry, convinced us to do our first-ever U.K. tour in 2016. In a mere week of touring, the Headhunter's and Bad Touch became like a band of brothers,” said Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters. The Kentucky Headhunters have been crisscrossing North America fresh off the 2016 release of On Safari, the band’s 12th studio album. U.S. and U.K. tour updates at kentuckyheadhunters.com
 
LABEL NEWS: (CAPITOL/Nashville) Darius Rucker will release WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME, nationwide on October 20. It will be his fifth studio country album on Capitol Records Nashville. Rucker released the album’s second single, a song he wrote with Derek George and Travis Hill, “For The First Time” to Country radio on July 24. It is the follow-up to his most recent No. 1 single, “If I Told You,” marking eight country No. 1 singles for Rucker since his country music debut in 2008. Tour dates and album pre-order info at dariusrucker.com…. (MCA RECORDS) Kip Moore’s upcoming third studio album on MCA Nashville, SLOWHEART, will be released on Sept. 8.  Having navigated the path from the success of his smash-hit debut album UP ALL NIGHT, to the resounding critical acclaim that followed with his sophomore offering, WILD ONES, he has hit his stride with the upcoming release of SLOWHEART.  Moore co-wrote 11 out of 13 tracks, and was the sole producer on seven of the tracks, as well as co-producing five more on the collection. He also played guitar throughout the recording, while singing the majority of the harmonies, giving him a new found respect for the talented background vocalists within the Nashville community and resulting in the impactful authenticity of this record. "This is the record I've been waiting to make,” said Moore. “You can't go wrong if you can lay your head on your pillow with no regrets."  Updates at kipmoore.net
 
MEDIA NEWS: Charles Esten celebrated his #EverySingleFriday music milestone with a concert in July at the Country Music Hall of Fame's CMA Theater. The two-hour musical experience, called "One Single Year," was attended by industry and fans alike. Introduced by CMT's Cody Alan, Charles and his band Sixwire were welcomed to the stage with a rousing standing ovation after which they played "This Town Is Ours." The concert ended with an encore that kept fans on their feet. You can download Charles’ #EverySingleFriday tracks at Apple Music and follow him on all social media or charlesesten.com
 
MILITARY NEWS: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member, the legendary GRAMMY-winning ‘Soul Man’, Sam Moore will release a new album titled AN AMERICAN PATRIOT later this year. The album will pay tribute to those who have served our country. On An American Patriot, Moore delivers inspiring renditions of iconic classics including Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the U.S.A.” Moore catapulted to international fame as the lead voice of the 1960s duo “Sam & Dave,” a musical collaboration with long-time partner and fellow Georgia native Dave Prater. As Sam & Dave, the duo recorded and performed together for 20 years and produced a string of hit albums and singles. Follow Moore’s tour schedule on Facebook and Twitter. 
 
MUSIC NEWS: Country Superstar Shania Twain’s last record was UP!, and was released in 2002. Her then husband Robert John “Mutt” Lange produced the record with Shania. In 2008, the couple split and divorced following Lange’s affair with Twain’s best friend, Marie-Anne Thiébaud. In an ironic twist, Twain fell in love with Frédéric Thiébaud, who was Marie-Anne’s former husband. He and Shania tied the knot in 2011. Fast forward to 2015, Fans are informed NEW ALBUM IS ON THE WAY! Finally in 2017, Shania’s first single "Life's About to Get Good," Twain sings all about moving on from the relationship with Robert John Lange that left her "broken and shattered" years ago. Her new video shows the message loud and clear. BEST BIT? Shania at 51 LOOKS AMAZING! Twain also uses her newest video to pay tribute to one of her most iconic clips, "Man! I Feel Like a Woman." Whoo hoo…She rocks it! On September 29th her fifth studio album ‘NOW’ (UMG) will be released for the whole world! On the Black & White album cover, to me, she looks a little like Sophia Loren. Check out Twain's fun video for the song at shaniatwain.com.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: ACM Awards Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett’s single "Craving You” feat. Maren Morris hit No. One on both the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts, sky-rocketing to the top in just 15 weeks as the fastest-rising song of his career so far. The single marks Thomas Rhett’s second number # 1 this year and the eighth of his career. “Craving You" is the lead single from his upcoming third album due in September. Rhett continues his HOME TEAM TOUR. After drawing capacity crowds overseas last year, he returns with plans to return to Europe while also making his debut headlining run in Canada in addition to US dates. For more information on new music and for a full list of upcoming tour dates, visit www.thomasrhett.com. NOTE: LIFE CHANGES is his third release with The Valory Music Co., available everywhere Sept. 8, and fans can pre-order exclusive autographed bundles. Keep up with the album news and tour dates at www.thomasrhett.com.
 
NATD NEWS: The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) will recognize four Nashville leaders at the 7th Annual NATD Honors Gala, scheduled for November 14, 2017, at the Hermitage Hotel. Honorees include David Corlew, long-time personal manager for Charlie Daniels and co-founder of Blue Hat Records, Barbara Hubbard, Executive Director of American Collegiate Showcase (ACTS), Jeannie Seely, GRAMMY®-Award-Winning country artist and Butch Spyridon, President/CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation. The Gala will begin with a reception at 6:00 PM, followed by dinner and the awards ceremony. For tickets and sponsorship information visit www.n-a-t-d.com.
 
OPRY NEWS: Lorrie Morgan will join her brother, acclaimed songwriter Marty Morgan for a very special evening of music at the world-famous Bluebird Café on Wednesday, August 2. Children of Grand Ole Opry® Star, George Morgan, the next generation will come together and share the heartfelt songs and stories they love the most.  The in-the-round performance will begin at 9:00pm with doors opening at 8:30. The night will also feature several special guests who will join in and celebrate the iconic music that the Morgan family have shared with the world for the past several decades. Tickets available at thebluebirdcafe.tunestub.com
 
SINGLE NEWS: It’s been two years since singer/songwriter Michael Ray has released new music. His new single, “Get To You,” is a powerful ballad about a woman who keeps running away, afraid to take a risk. “I think everyone has been in a relationship that, at some point, causes them to question their ability to love full-heartedly,” said Michael. “This song is about tearing down those walls to help someone unconditionally love again, even if it is with someone else.” The song was penned by Abe Stoklasa and Pavel Dovgalyuk and is the first single from Michael’s forthcoming sophomore album. Music and tour info at michaelraymusic.com. NOTE: Michael Ray, Brett Eldredge, Chris Janson and Devin Dawson will be performing at Ascend Amphitheater on August 23rd as part of iHeartRadio's Guitar-B-Que. This concert will be presented by The Big 98 and St. Jude. The Amphitheater is located at 301 1st Ave South, Nashville, right by the Cumberland River. Ticket info at michaelraymusic.com
 
SONGWRITER NEWS: ASCAP and BMI have joined forces to create a single, comprehensive database of musical works from their combined repertories that will deliver an authoritative view of ownership shares in the vast majority of music licensed in the United States.  Expected to launch in the fourth quarter of 2018, the first-of-its-kind database will feature aggregated song ownership data from ASCAP and BMI and offer greater transparency to music users and the industry.  The announcement was made by Elizabeth Matthews, CEO, ASCAP and Mike O’Neill, President and CEO, BMI. (Read full details at ascap.com and bmi.com.) The database, which will be publicly available initially via ASCAP’s and BMI’s websites, will feature aggregated information from BMI’s and ASCAP’s repertories and will indicate where other performing rights organizations may have an interest in a musical work.
TOUR NEWS: Aaron Lewis and Blackberry Smoke will team up for the “Sinners and Sanctified Tour” this fall. The extensive co-headlining tour will kick-off on October 12 at Shreveport’s Municipal Auditorium and includes stops at Houston’s Ziegenbock Festival, Charlotte’s Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre, Little Rock’s Verizon Arena, New York’s Terminal 5 and Philadelphia’s Tower Theatre among many others. Tickets are on sale now. Tickets, tour itinerary and more at blackberrysmoke.com and aaronlewismusic.com
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:  www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.renegaderadio.com / www.cmaworld.com / www.nashvillesongwriters.com.
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:  Walker Montgomery, Brooke Eden, Trent Harmon, Brett Eldredge and Walker County.

​Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com -- Google “Preshias”  (TN/USA)
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH:  Shout joyfully to the LORD, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. - Psalm 98:4
 
ALBUM NEWS: Lee Brice is gearing up for the release of his fourth career album, a self-titled effort he co-produced with Jon Stone, Kyle Jacobs and Dan Friszell. The project is due out November 3 on Curb Records. The first single from the album, “Boy” (written by Nicolle Galyon and Jon Nite) is already digitally available and impacts radio June 19. Of the forthcoming album, Lee says, “Writing this record was a personal and vulnerable experience. Every song is a snapshot of who I am right now. I’ve labored over every word and every note, and I can’t wait to share it.”  The title track of Brice’s previous album, ”I Don’t Dance,”  earned him his first RIAA double-platinum certification, marking his seventh consecutive certification since “Love Like Crazy” certified Gold in 2010. More about “Boy” and the upcoming album at leebrice.com.

AWARD NEWS: The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association awarded Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee with a plaque for supporting law enforcement at the country hitmaker’s live show in Putnam County, Ga. The award was presented to commemorate Conlee’s dedication to the "men and women in the state of Georgia who walk behind the star."  Sheriff Sills presented the plaque to Conlee in-person as the “Common Man” singer returned to Georgia for two shows. Upon first hearing the song, Sills stated, "I cannot adequately express my thanks to you, the Opry, WSM, and all those who were responsible for the recognition during the program and of course the song itself."  Over the years, Conlee has raised money for various charities including the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Fisher House, Show of Support and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  Tour dates and more at johnconlee.com
 
AMERICANA NEWS: Van Morrison will be the recipient of the 2017 Americana Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting at the Americana Honors and Awards program to be held at the historic Ryman Auditorium. Wednesday, September 13.  Morrison will also headline the Ascend Amphitheater on Thursday, September 14 with special guest his daughter Shana Morrison, during the 18th annual Americanafest in Nashville, September 12 – 17. It will be his first Nashville appearance in eight years. The show will be a separate ticketed event and tickets are now available at ascendamphitheater.com.  Americanafest will once again bring together fans and music industry professionals alike with six days of celebration through seminars, panels and networking opportunities by day and raw artist showcases by night.  Info, registration, tickets and more at americanamusic.com.
 
ARTIST NEWS: When Brad Paisley calls to see if you’d like to duet on a new album, you don’t say no. At least, Mick Jagger (“Drive of Shame”), Bill Anderson (“Dying to See Her”), John Fogerty (“Love and War”) and Timberland (“Grey Goose Chase”) certainly didn’t say no, and all can be found on Paisley’s new album, LOVE AND WAR, his followup to 2014’s MOONSHINE IN THE TRUNK.  The stars came out to record their duets at Paisley’s yellow studio house in Williamson County, Tennessee. Paisley’s Weekend Warrior Tour is underway with coast to coast dates plus overseas stops in Norway and Sweden. Tour dates and more about the album at bradpaisley.com
 
AWARD NEWS: The Georgia Sheriffs’ Association awarded Grand Ole Opry star John Conlee with a plaque for supporting law enforcement at the country hitmaker’s live show in Putnam County, Ga. The award was presented to commemorate Conlee’s dedication to the "men and women in the state of Georgia who walk behind the star."  Sheriff Sills presented the plaque to Conlee in-person as the “Common Man” singer returned to Georgia for two shows. Upon first hearing the song, Sills stated, "I cannot adequately express my thanks to you, the Opry, WSM, and all those who were responsible for the recognition during the program and of course the song itself."  Over the years, Conlee has raised money for various charities including the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund, Fisher House, Show of Support and Special Operations Warrior Foundation.  Tour dates and more at johnconlee.com.
 
BABY NEWS: Thomas Rhett and his wife Lauren just brought their adopted daughter, Willa Gray, home from Uganda in May.  In less than three months, Lauren will give birth to their second daughter in August, and they’ve been trying to figure out a name for baby girl Akins #2.  We’re certain whatever name Thomas and Lauren choose, it will be perfect. Even with his growing family Thomas is continuing to work hard promoting his latest single, “Craving You,” and out on his Home Team Tour.  In fact, he took Willa Gray on her first tour bus trip recently for his show in Mississippi … Brantley Gilbert and wife Amber announced they are expecting their first child in mid-November. Wonderful blessings since their struggle with fertility. They join Jason Aldean and his wife Brittany on their joyful news of a baby boy in their future.
 
BENEFIT NEWS: Here the info for the 2017 Warren Peace Ride - Storme Warren with Montgomery Gentry and Friends Motorcycle Ride and Parking Lot Party, to benefit the TJ Martel Foundation;
Date & Time: June 10, 2017 at 10:00am; Where: Music City Indian Motorcycle at 1003 8th Ave S - Nashville, TN 37203.  Contact: rfermin@tjmartell.org or get tickets at: https://donate.tjmartell.org/nashville/events/2017-storme-warren-montgomery-gentry-friends-ride/e126334 . For more about Montgomery Gentry, visit www.montgomerygentry.com, engage with Troy and Eddie on Facebook, @mgunderground on twitter, and check out their YouTube channel. FYI: Storme is a proud member of the Nashville Community. Storme serves on the board of directors for the T.J. Martell Foundation for Cancer research. He is also a proud Eagle Scout. He and his wife Allison have two teenage boys and live in Franklin, Tennessee.
 
BOOK RELEASES: (SHAMELESS SELF-PROMOTION NEWS) My new book “College of Songology” has launched and I am so excited!  It's a comprehensive handbook about protecting your intellectual property and making money with your music as a singer and/or songwriter. It is available in a print version and for download as an e-book on all devices. Check out www.collegeofsongology.com. 
                                                                                                                                                                              
CD NEWS: The number 1 on the country albums chart is Southern Ground/Elektra/WAR's Zac Brown Band with “Welcome Home”. The album sold more than 138,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan. It also debuted at No. 2 on the Top 200 chart. More at www.zacbrownband.com.
 
CMA FEST NEWS: Nashville is getting ready for the 20127 CMA Music Festival, set for June 8 through June 11. Taking the big stage are Trace Adkins, John Anderson, Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Brett Eldredge, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tracy Lawrence, Little Big Town, Maren Morris, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, and Chris Young.  The Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is back in 2017 with a packed lineup that will include A Thousand Horses, LOCASH, Maddie & Tae, Neal McCoy, William Michael Morgan, Michael Ray and many more.  Even more acts can be seen and heard at the Chevrolet Park Stage in Walk of Fame Park, with many newer artists performing at the Gildan Broadway Stage by the Hard Rock Café. Tickets for the Nightly Concerts at Nissan Stadium may still be available at CMAFest.com or through the CMA Box Office at 1-800-CMA-FEST. Outdoor daytime stages including Chevrolet Riverfront and Park Stages, as well as the Gildan Broadway Stage at Hard Rock Cafe, are free and open to the public.
 
CMT AWARDS NEWS: The CMT Music Awards are moving to a new venue, thanks to the success of the Nashville Predators in their bid for the Stanley Cup. The award show is normally held every year at the Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators. However, this year the CMT Music Awards will be moving across the street to the Music City Center. The show is scheduled for June 7. The move is precautionary as the Predators’ playoff schedule has not yet been set. The show will air live on CMT-TV beginning at 8:00pm (ET/PT). Charles Esten, star of the TV Show ‘Nashville,’ will host.
                                                       
ENTERTAINMENT NEWS: Miss EmiSunshine, the 12-year-old prodigy from East Tennessee who captured the nation’s attention as a viral phenomenon, has formed an alliance with industry veteran, Steven Pritchard (Pro Tour Events) for artist management. Pritchard will oversee and assist with day-to-day artist management including A&R, booking initiatives, PR and social media campaigns.  Pritchard has represented some of the biggest names in the music recording and live entertainment sectors.  He has assembled an all-star team of industry professionals to support the young stylist’s career ambitions. Music City Media and ProMO Image have jointly boarded the EmiSunshine team as national PR representatives, bringing more than 40 years of collective field experience to the impassioned group. Charlie Ray (Music City Artists) will serve as exclusive booking agent; Stephanie Orr (Country Wired) will elevate Emi’s digital footprint, while Ed Gertler (Digital Delivery Services) will spearhead the global digital retail campaign. EmiSunshine became a global sensation when a video of her singing in a music store went viral.  She is set to release RAGGED DREAMS, featuring 14 self-penned tracks and co-writes, in late August 2017.
 
GARTH NEWS: Garth Brooks has now almost quadrupled his Lafayette, LA ticket sales record with 47,000 ticket sold for the Cajundome and tickets were still selling for all 5 shows as of late May. His previous record was set November, 14, 1992, at the Cajundome with 12,409 tickets sold. This is the last show on the world tour for Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. The concerts will be: June 23, 24, 25, 30 and July 01. There is an eight ticket limit per purchase. Tickets can only be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or ticketmaster.com. Tickets cost $60.78 plus a $3.95 tax, a $4.00 facility fee and a $6.25 service charge for a total of $74.98. All seats sold are best available.
 
INDIE NEWS:  Zach Stone is set to headline the early morning “finish line festivities” at the 5th Annual Hillbilly Half Marathon and Little Billy 5K in Leiper's Fork, Tenn. on Saturday, June 3. Originated as the Franklin Half Marathon, the 2017 race marks its fifth running this June; the Hillbilly Half has become a special, must-attend community event for avid runners and enthusiastic family members, friends and neighbors.  Local residents customarily dress up to sing and cheer on (even antagonize in good-hearted fun) the runners along the route. Stone will perform a live concert (featuring songs from his newly released EP, ASHES) at the conclusion of the race. See zachstonecountry.com
 
INDUSTRY NEWS:  WMN CEO John Esposito was happily smiling for a phot opp recently. The have signed Singer/songwriter Morgan Evans to Warner Music Nashville. Evans has a power team around him. Morgan is managed by Fitzgerald Hartley in Nashville and Rob Potts Entertainment Edge in Australia. He's currently in the studio working on new music with songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano.
 
LABEL NEWS: (MCA  Records) Following on the boot heels of his wildly successful “2 Nights of Number 1’s” at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in May, the King of Country George Strait announced that due to the overwhelming fan reaction, he will continue the concept of playing his record-setting collection of 60 No. 1 hits again in July.  Strait debuted the unprecedented two nights of No. 1’s during his recent T-Mobile Arena shows on April 7-8. With an unmatched Number Ones and more than 280,000 fans streaming Strait's 60 #1 Hits playlist on Spotify every month, Strait wanted to showcase these radio hits plus several fan-favorites such as “Troubadour” that never reached No. 1. Show dates and ticket info at StraitToVegas.com.
(Reviver Records) Kudos to my friends LOCASH (Preston Brust and Chris Lucas) who received the prestigious BMI Million-Air Award from David Preston, BMI’s Senior Director, Writer-Publisher Relations. The Award recognizes the achievement of one million-plus spins on the radio.  They received the award in a laid-back ceremony on the BMI rooftop patio, Tuesday May 23.  Although they are successful recording artists in their own right, in this case Preston and Chris received the award as songwriters (along with ASCAP writer Jaren Johnston) for writing the song “You Gonna Fly” recorded by Keith Urban. The BMI “Million-Air” Award is given to songwriters, composers, and publishers whose songs accumulate to over one million U.S. broadcast performances. George Dickel and Sam Adams provided beverages at the party and Texas Road Hose catered. More at locashmusic.com.
 
MEDIA NEWS: Amanda Colleen Williams, a Grammy-nominated song co-writer and a dear friend of mine, has overcome extraordinary hurdles after her breast cancer diagnosis in 2015. Now cancer free, she is emerging with a new Nashville music venue, named 7695, and a groundbreaking concert series. ‘A Story of Love’ is a one woman show performed monthly at the 7695 venue.  Shows are typically the last Saturday of the month, at 7695 River Road Pike in Nashville. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concert begins promptly at 7PM. Parking is free with attendants on site. Tickets, $20.00 each, can be purchased in advance at https://www.7695.us.  7695 is available for private events (wedding bells, anyone?). Info about the monthly shows and the venue at 7695.us
 
MUSIC BIZ 2017 NEWS: Bart Herbison Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association said it best, “Music Biz 2017 is one the top Music Conferences around the globe.” Around 1,500 music pros attended the event that annually brings together the influential decision makers from the world of music. More at musicbiz.org
 
MUSIC NEWS: Before the show even started, Kenny Chesney picked up two of the three Billboard Music Awards he’s nominated for: Top Country Tour and Top Country Collaboration “Setting The World On Fire,” the multiple week No. 1 duet with P!nk. However, on the night of the show the Chesney/Pink song lost out to Florida Georgia Line’s ‘H.O.L.Y.’ for Top Country Song. “Winning Best Country Tour makes me happy for my entire road family, from the band, the riggers, the caterers, the people selling the tickets and t-shirts, and for everyone who’s worked one of our shows last year who made their town feel like another hometown,” said Chesney. He will headline Myrtle Beach’s Carolina Country Music Fest on June 10 and Columbus, Ohio’s Buckeye Country Superfest June 11. See Kenny Chesney’s ‘Rich and Miserable’ video at kennychesney.com.
 
MUTT NATION NEWS: Over the top animal lover and activist Miranda Lambert will host the inaugural MuttNation March June 8, where Lambert and her rescue dogs will walk from Nissan Stadium, over the Nashville Pedestrian Bridge, and end in downtown Nashville. "So many shelter pets need a home, so we are going to march to raise awareness," says Lambert. "Country music has the best fans in the world and together we can help so many animals find amazing homes." Fans and their mutts are encouraged to join the walk. Details and registration info at  https://www.crowdrise.com/donate/project/march-tickets/mirandalambert/. Additional related events include the MuttNation Foundation Adoption Drive inside CMA Fan Fair X and the MuttNation Shelter Day Sweepstakes, which gives one winner and a guest the chance to win a day with Lambert making over an animal shelter in need.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Congrats to newcomer Luke Combs, for his No. 1 for “Hurricane.” According to www.countryaircheck.com --- The last time an artist held their debut at the chart pinnacle for more than a week was December 2012. That song was Florida Georgia Line’s “Cruise.” Sam Hunt’s “Body Like a Back Road” is number one at Billboard the first week in June!
 
SOCIAL MEDIA NEWS: My music buddy Tyler Barham has released his fourth EP, HISTORY, available now at all online retailers. Fans who pre-order the album now instantly get two tracks from the EP including ‘No End Weekend’ and ‘History,’ a duet with YouTube star Megan Davies. Barham said that the songs on the EP are ones that he’s been playing at shows and are the ones that people seem to request the most. “I’m already getting tweets and Facebook messages from fans who love the two tracks they get when they pre-order,” he said. One of Billboard’s Country Artists to Watch, this Montana native has built a foundation of more than 70,000 dedicated online fans with over 9.5 million YouTube views.  He currently has over 1 million streams on Spotify and has over 20K monthly listeners. Download the EP from iTunes; more info at tylerbarham.com and on social media.
 
SINGLE NEWS:  As of this week, Brett Young’s HOT SINGLE -- ‘In Case You Didn’t Know’ (BMLG) retains the Number One spot on the CDX TRACtion chart. The ‘Monitored Radio Airplay’ chart uniquely tracks spins and adds on Country radio.  Young is a singer-songwriter from Orange County, CA, who took up songwriting after an injury sidelined him from a promising future as a pitcher in college baseball. Tour news and more at brettyoungmusic.com and www.cdxcd.com.
 
SONGWRITER NIGHTS NEWS: A monthly writer’s night, “Story and a Song,” will be held the last Monday of every month and will feature some of the best new talent in Nashville. It will be presented by Nashville PR/Marketing firm Brickshore Media and online media outlet Pop Blitz Magazine. The venue is The Country, 110 - 28th Ave, Nashville. It is a free event and open to the public. See the calendar at thecountrynashville.com for upcoming shows.
 
TOUR NEWS: When Eric Church’s 2017 Holdin’ My Own Tour launched in January, the 62-stop tour encompassing 40+ states and provinces in less than five months promised to give fans everything in Church’s arsenal. Church has been delivering on that vow with over 35 songs and three hours of music every night. Church is now adding 8 remaining plays to his 2017 calendar. For the eight new performances, Church will retire his two-set model (for now), and bring special guests to join him. The first to be announced for his Alabama dates Sept. 15-16 are CMA and ACM Duo of the Year winners, Brothers Osborne, and singer/songwriter Ashley McBryde. Updated tour info at ericchurch.com/events.
 
WEB NEWS: Check out my new blog, Nashville Music Line, that has gone live. I plan to feature news, information, helpful ideas and inspiration for singers and songwriters.  If you are an aspiring artist or songwriter just starting out on your career path, or if you are already on your way, I hope you’ll find it both useful and enjoyable.  It has only just gone ‘live’ so the content is quite small right now, but I intend to start adding to it on a regular basis. Let me know if there are any topics you would like me to address there. Please bookmark the URL and visit frequently. I’d love to read your comments. You can find it at www.nashvillemusicline.com.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:  www.nashvillesongwriters.com  / www.cmaworld.com  / www.cdxcd.com / www.namm.org
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:   Kayla Adams, Dustin Lynch, Luke Bryan and Kelsea Ballerini.
 
# # #

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com   Google “Preshias”  (TN/USA)
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered. - Psalm 71:23.
 
ALBUM NEWS: Lady Antebellum has revealed the cover art and track listing behind their sixth studio album HEART BREAK (Capitol Records Nashville), out June 9th. Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley and Hillary Scott had a new mission — setting aside time to put themselves in new surroundings, and concentrate on writing and exploring musical endeavors with no distractions. They rented a house in Florida, living and working under the same roof, and when the creative process proved successful, the trio set up a second retreat in southern California. Pre-orders are available now at ladyantebellum.com. The trio had a hand in writing eleven songs on HEART BREAK. “This record is really our story,” said Kelley. “They have a universal feel to them, but there’s a lot of our personal stories here.”
 
AMERICANA MUSIC NEWS: Chris Stapleton’s sophomore album FROM A ROOM: VOLUME 1 is set for national release May 5, but the album’s first single is already at country radio. Titled “Broken Halos,” it is a co-write by Stapleton and former SteelDrivers bandmate Mike Henderson. Stapleton told Rolling Stone that, although he has written more songs with Henderson than with anyone else, none of their co-writes appeared on Stapleton’s Grammy-winning album, Traveller. “Broken Halos” has a redemptive message even if some angels have fallen.  A second set, appropriately titled FROM A ROOM: VOLUME 2, is scheduled for release later this year. Stapleton is currently on his All-American Road Show Tour. Album pre-orders and tour dates at chrisstapleton.com
 
ARTIST NEWS: Lorrie Morgan became the first female in the history of country music to achieve three platinum albums in a row. In that short time, she became not just a country superstar but a household name, thanks to such blockbuster radio-friendly singles as “Five Minutes,” “Something In Red,” and “A Picture Of Me (Without You).”
WATCH ME, released in 1992, (The album celebrates its 25 anniversary this year) included the singles "Watch Me" (#2) "What Part of No" (#1), "I Guess You Had to Be There" (#14), and "Half Enough" (#8). Also included on this album is a cover of "It's a Heartache", a pop standard previously recorded by Bonnie Tyler and Juice Newton.
 
BENEFIT NEWS: Darius Rucker’s eighth annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert, sponsored by State Water Heaters, will take place Monday, June 5 and will be held for the first time at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. The event, which leads into CMA Music Festival week, has received an overwhelming response in past years, with sellouts year-after-year and more than $800,000 raised for St. Jude’ Children’s Research Hospital. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks. “This concert is a real highlight for me every year,” Rucker said. “And I couldn’t do it without the support of my friends who turn out to perform, tell stories and make this a memorable night for the fans, who are here from around the world.”  Tickets for “Darius and Friends” are now available via Ticketmaster.
 
CD RELEASE NEWS: Angaleena Presley’s latest album WRANGLED has already garnered plenty of kudos from reviewers since its release in late April. Unlike her Pistol Annies cohorts Miranda Lambert and Ashley Monroe, Presley does not have a major record label deal and Wrangled is an indie release via Thirty Tigers.  The new album has been seen as Presley’s take on what she sees as Music Row’s ‘petty attitude’ and the rejection she has felt both as a female artist and a writer of songs that don’t fit the current country radio parameters. Tracks include “Dreams Don’t Come True” (co-written with Lambert and Monroe) and “Only Blood,” a co-write with another fellow Kentuckian, Chris Stapleton. The album cover has a deliberately ‘weathered’ and dated look and features a photo of Presley with a gag defiantly clenched between her teeth. More at angaleenapresley.com
 
COUNTRY MUSIC HoF NEWS: The Class of 2017 inductees into the Country Music Hall of Fame are: Jerry Reed (Veteran Era Artist category), Randy Travis (Modern Era Artist category) and Don Schlitz (Non-Performer category). The honorees will be celebrated at the annual invitation-only Medallion Ceremony later this year.
 
GOSPEL NEWS: MightyCord Records recording artist Larry Cordle has released his new Gospel CD “Give Me Jesus.”  This new, insightful and “soul-baring” Gospel record is available to global radio exclusively via AirPlay Direct. "My faith in Jesus Christ is the most important thing in my life.  I pray you can hear that in these recordings," says Cordle.  AirPlay Direct currently has over 10,000 radio station members in 92 countries and serves over 40,000 artist / label members globally on a daily basis.  Details at AirPlayDirect.com
 
INDIE NEWS: One of Nashville’s hottest independent record labels is celebrating its fifth year in business. Plowboy Records, led by President Shannon Pollard and General Manager Ben Ewing, commemorated the occasion with an anniversary party at 3rd & Lindsley last month. Celebrating with Plowboy were The Kentucky Headhunters, Blackfoot Gypsies, Bobby Bare, Fuel Injected Legends, Sylvain Sylvain, Eric Heatherly and Buzz Cason. Plowboy Records, LLC was established in 2012 to promote and further the legacy of the late singer Eddy Arnold as well as to provide a platform for additional recorded projects that focus on the creation of authentic music regardless of genre. Details at plowboyrecords.com.
 
INDUSTRY NEWS: Craig Morgan has been named Operation Finally Home Ambassador 2017, American Stories Tour Announced. After teaming up in 2016 to surprise a military family with a mortgage-free home, Craig has been named the organization’s Ambassador for a second year. Operation FINALLY HOME, a national non-profit that provides mortgage-free homes to veterans and their families, will partner with Craig this year to provide homes from select dates during his 2017 tour. More info at craigmorgan.com… Epic Records' new artist Renee Blair has signed a worldwide publishing and production deal with Shane McAnally's SmackSongs company and is currently in the studio, with McAnally producing.
 
LABEL NEWS: (Broken Bow Nashville) Trace Adkins’ newest album, SOMETHING’S GOING ON, debuted in the Top 3 on the Nielsen Soundscan Current Country Albums Chart for the 3x GRAMMY-nominated 6’6” vocalist. The album includes ‘Watered Down,’ the current single that showcases Adkins’ more “enlightened” side, according to Rolling Stone magazine. The video for the single is available at YouTube and features Adkins enjoying a simpler life and slower pace on a Nashville farm, where he does much of the heavy lifting himself. “Watered Down” was penned by Shane McAnally, Trevor Rosen and Matt Jenkins. Adkins, whose trademark baritone has powered countless hits to the top of the charts, has a packed tour schedule underway. Tour dates and VIP package info at traceadkins.com and social media @TraceAdkins
 
(HYPERMEDIA/Nashville) Bobby Bare will release THINGS CHANGE May 26, which features a collaboration with Chris Stapleton on Bare’s iconic hit, “Detroit City.” The album is Bare’s first studio project in five years and is available for pre-sale now at BobbyBare.com. It features 10 tracks written by the Country Music Hall of Famer and GRAMMY® award-winning Bare, Mary Gauthier, Guy Clark and the producer of the project, hit singer/songwriter Max T. Barnes. THINGS CHANGE will be released by HYPERMEDIA Nashville and BFD through RED Distribution.
 
MEDIA NEWS: Jimmy Wayne is an award-winning recording artist, New York Times bestselling author (Walk To Beautiful) and sought-after keynote speaker, but it was his work on behalf of kids that took center stage when he was chosen to keynote Verizon’s national conference in Las Vegas. He received a standing ovation and was presented with its new “Community Maker” award - an honor created specifically for Jimmy in recognition of his tireless work on behalf of homeless teens and children in foster care.  In 2010, Jimmy walked halfway across America (from Nashville to Phoenix) to raise awareness for kids aging out of the foster-care system, and in 2012, helped get legislative bills passed extending the age of foster care to 21 in California and Tennessee, North Carolina and Ohio. Jimmy's ultimate goal is to build transitional homes for youth who age out of foster care without a place to go. Visit projectmmh.org for ways to get involved in your local community today.
 
MUSIC BUSINESS NEWS: The Music Business Association (Music Biz) will present Country Music’s Gone Global on Wednesday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. as part of the Music Biz 2017 convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel. Emceed by the Country Music Association (CMA), the event will feature invaluable data and research on the global spread of Country music. The session will also highlight three case studies detailing global success in the genre and discussing creative collaborations, social marketing, and touring. Country Music’s Gone Global will begin with a presentation from the CMA, in which they will reveal international Country statistics and discuss their efforts to spread the genre throughout the world. CMA will then share their strategy for developing the ‘Forever Country’ campaign, with Universal Music Group Nashville sharing how the campaign impacted the participating artists on a global level. A case study featuring representatives from Tim McGraw’s management company, EM.Co, will then detail the non-traditional release and marketing campaign behind McGraw’s hit single “Humble & Kind” and the multicultural movement that followed. Finally, Virginia Davis, Founder and Managing Partner of G Major Management and manager of breakout star Thomas Rhett, will be joined by representatives from Big Machine Label Group, Live Nation UK, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment (WME) and moderator Phyllis Stark of Billboard to discuss the challenges and opportunities of going global and breaking Thomas Rhett on an international level. The full agenda for Country Music’s Gone Global can be found below or by visiting musicbiz2017.sched.com. Admission is included in the price of a full Music Biz 2017 badge, which can be purchased at musicbiz2017.com.
 
MUSIC NEWS: The RIAA has issued platinum certification for Keith Urban's Ripcord. This is Keith’s ninth consecutive RIAA-certified platinum (1,000,000 + sales) album. Ripcord was also certified platinum in Australia and gold in Canada. NOTE: 4 consecutive number one singles from RIPCORD  and 42 consecutive weeks in the top 10 album charts. RIAA has also issued gold certification (500,000 + Sales) for Brett Young's first two singles, "Sleep Without You" and "In Case You Didn't Know."
 
MUSICIAN NEWS: Fans of virtuoso guitarists can now treat themselves to great show four times a year, thanks to the quarterly Nashville Guitar Club shows.  The first was held April 19 at 12th & Porter and featured Chris Rodriguez, Mitch Malloy, Larry Mitchell, Denny Jiosa, Lance Allen, Dan Hagen, Jerry Navarro and Bob Bob Harsen. The special guest was Peter Cetera, an original member of the rock group Chicago, who has gone on to a successful solo career. The quarterly shows feature globally renowned guitar players, axe-wizards who have contributed their signature chops to countless notable and award-winning recordings. The next Nashville Guitar Club show is scheduled for July 14, 2017, also at 12th & Porter.  Details at nashvilleguitarclub.com.
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: MCA Records are celebrating Josh Turner’s new number one record “Hometown Girl.” The song was written by Marc Beeson and Daniel Tashian.  It is the second single from Turner’s album DEEP SOUTH. 
 
ROAD NEWS: Tanya Tucker continues to dazzle audiences across the U.S. and Canada as she returns to the States after 15 shows in 21 days, completing her longest North American run in decades. During Tucker’s concert in Calgary, local officials presented her a ‘Key to the City’ as a show of appreciation for the country music legend visiting the city. Tanya has a new management with Jerilyn Sawyer and James Garner of Sawyer & Garner, LLC and new booking agents Nick Meinema and Lance Roberts with United Talent. Webster PR’s Kirt Webster and Scott Adkins continue Tucker’s public relations and publicity. Tucker is preparing for the launch of a new album.
 
SINGLE NEWS: Multi-Platinum artist Thomas Rhett has partnered up with GRAMMY award-winner Maren Morris for his new single, "Craving You." The lead track from his upcoming third studio album dips into the eighties with an infectious groove and twangy backbone that proves Rhett doesn't see boundaries – and if he does, he just dances right over them. "I'm so incredibly proud of 'Craving You.' It transports me right back to the eighties," says Rhett. "There's that Phil Collins-sounding drum, the stuttered bass notes. I'm a huge lover of the music from that genre and I think this song taps right into that vibe. And my fans know that I thrive on being unpredictable." New music info and tour dates at thomasrhett.com
 
TV NEWS: ‘Reno’s Old Time Music’ continues to entertain viewers who enjoy Bluegrass and acoustic music. The show airs weekly in prime time on Saturday night at 7:00 P.M. Eastern and Thursday morning at 6:30 A.M. Eastern on RFD-TV. Airing between April 29-May 4, a special edition of ‘Hat’s Off To Bluegrass’ will be co-Hosted by Sierra Hull who was nominated for a GRAMMY for her landmark album Weighted Mind and named Mandolin Player of the Year at the 2016 IBMA Awards (the first woman in history to receive this honor). Hull will help introduce another round of top-notch performance videos, share stories and give Ronnie a guaranteed run for his money on the mandolin. Check out schedules and artists appearing on Reno’s Old Time Music at ronniereno.com. Country Star John Berry will launch his TV show, “Songs And Stories with John Berry,” in July on Heartland TV, The Family Channel, The Country Network, the Angel Two Network, AMG TV and the VTN Network. Check more info at www.johnberry.com.
 
TOUR NEWS: Lorrie Morgan has announced a new round of tour dates on her Grits & Glamour Tourwith Pam Tillis as well as select dates with Joe Diffie, Mark Chesnutt and her son Jesse Keith Whitley.…BMLGR's Florida Georgia Line's Smooth Tour 2017 kicks off June 15 in Wantagh, NY. They have added newcomer RCA's Ryan Hurd.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:  www.collegeofsongology.com  / www.namm.org  / 
www.cdxcd.com /  www.proverbs1210rescue.org.
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:  Chelsie Love, Dustin Lynch, Montgomery Gentry, LoCash and Randy Houser. 
 
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Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com.  Google “Preshias”  (TN/USA)
 
VERSE OF THE MONTH: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered. - Psalm 71:23.
 
ALBUM NEWS: Country traditionalist Gene Watson is extending his nationwide tour in support of his 33rd studio album ‘Real.Country.Music.’ The current single off the album, “Help Me,” reached No. 1 on Christian Servant Magazine and Cashbox Magazine Charts; the single also is currently at No. 2 and climbing on the Christian Voice Magazine chart. “Help Me” was written by renowned country and gospel singer/songwriter, Larry Gatlin of The Gatlin Brothers, with Canyon Creek Records working promotion on the record. Watson is currently finishing his gospel album that is planned for a late Spring 2017 release. More at genewatsonmusic.com
 
ACM AWARDS: The 52nd Annual ACM Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, April 2nd at 8 p.m. ET. Some performers scheduled are: FGL and the Backstreet Boys will perform their new single, "God, Your Mama and Me," also Faith Hill, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban and Contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle.
 
ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Country music legend John Anderson is hitting the road in 2017, for a North American tour that will see the ACM and CMA award winner making stops at venues nationwide. The tour has included sell-out shows in 15 of Anderson’s last 17 appearances. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the album Wild & Blue, which featured the signature hit, “Swingin'.” At upcoming shows, fans can expect to hear even more of the country singer’s catalog of hits, which includes other anthems like “Seminole Wind,” “Straight Tequila Night,” “Black Sheep” and more. Anderson will appear at Sing Me Back Home: The Music of Merle Haggard, which will pay tribute to the country outlaw on April 6 in Nashville. Anderson will join an all-star lineup, which also includes performances from Willie Nelson, Kenny Chesney, Miranda Lambert, John Mellencamp, Hank Williams Jr., Bobby Bare and more. Tour dates and more at johnanderson.com.
 
ARTIST NEWS:  George Strait’s record-setting final tour stop sell-out at AT&T Stadium on his ‘The Cowboy Rides Away’ Tour helped bring one chapter of his inimitable career to a close, but the book is far from over for the iconic artist who continues to rank among country music's most-streamed artists, logging more than four billion audio streams and counting. In a Facebook Live session with Kacey Musgrave, Strait has announced that he will shake things up with an unprecedented two nights of No. 1’s beginning with his April 7-8 shows in Las Vegas. During his upcoming 2 Nights of Number 1’s, he will play 30 No. 1 hits Friday, April 7 and 30 No. 1 hits Saturday, April 8, in addition to some “can’t miss” classics. Ticket information at StraitToVegas.com.
 
BOOK NEWS: Country Icon Merle Kilgore’s grandson, Mark Rickert, has written a book to give readers an insider’s look at Merle’s larger-than-life world, “These Are My People” (WriteLife Publishing) available for purchase now at Amazon and Barnes & Noble and local bookstores across the country. The book is filled with details that only Merle or those closest to him would know. Kilgore died in 2005 and his funeral service was held at the Mother Church of Country Music: The Ryman Auditorium. “These Are My People” also includes a selection of more than 20 unique black and white photos. NOTE: There’s a special place in my heart for Merle Kilgore. Back in 2002, one of my knee replacement surgeries did not go as well as planned and it was almost impossible for me to get in and out of my home.  Friends in Nashville’s bighearted music community put together a Benefit to raise money for the installation of a wheelchair ramp.  Merle generously donated two front row seats at a Hank Williams Jr concert plus a limo ride to the show. It was a very popular auction item! Merle’s son Steve and his wife Silver hold special place in my heart, too. They are true friends.
 
BOOKING NEWS: Live Arts and Attractions, Nashville’s boutique booking agency, has signed multi-platinum recording artist, Steve Wariner, to its roster. Agency General Manager Dan Mann said, “I know Steve to be one of the finest guitar players in the world and a legendary songwriter. Now I get to represent his show that puts all those talents and more on display.” Wariner’s new multi-media show will feature photos and videos of his four decades in Nashville showing friends, legends, and mentors along the way. It will also feature his virtuosic guitar work along with intimate arrangements of some of his biggest hits and new material from his recent release of All Over The Map. More at livearts.biz.
 
COUNTRY MUSIC HoF NEWS: Easter brunch and music. What could be better! The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum will hold its second annual Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 16, with two seatings at 9:00 am and 12 noon.  You can enjoy family-style seating and a performance by great R&B Gospel group the McCrary Sisters, plus a special visit from the Easter Bunny. Advance ticket purchase required. Ticket prices are $65.00 for adults, $25.00 for ages 6-12, and the price includes both Museum admission and the brunch.  Details and ticket info at countrymusichalloffame.org (search: Easter Brunch)
 
DUO NEWS: Power couple Tim & Faith will kick off their Soul2Soul World Tour on April 7. Faith tells us, there's an important message in their new single “Speak to a Girl.” “The first time I heard it…First of all, it was simply just a great song. I connected to it lyrically, melodically, everything,” said Faith. Tim chimes in “It’s important that young women hear that message from the men in their lives and from the other women in their lives. It’s important that the young men hear this message so they know how to speak to a girl.” Chris Janson (“Buy Me A Boat”) will join them on selected dates.
 
FYI NEWS: Cole Swindell is the first artist ever to have six consecutive singles reach No. 1. His seventh single, “Flatliner” featuring Dierks Bentley, looks as it may continue that streak with it already doing well. Kudos to Cole – Way To Go! Congratulations to Cole’s label mate Michael Ray on scoring his second number one with "Think a Little Less.” The song is Michael’s second chart topper off of his debut album. (Songwriters are Barry Dean, John Knight, Jimmy Robbins, and Thomas Rhett.)
 
GARTH NEWS: Five-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Garth Brooks resumed his World Tour with Trisha Yearwood in another four-show, three-day stop in Lubbock, Texas. You might think, with a heavy tour schedule like that, he'd take time off when he could, but not Garth. Last weekend in Texas, he surprised a small honky-tonk crowd by jumping on stage and doing a free concert. Garth's new single, “Ask Me How I Know,” is from his album, Gunslinger. NOTE: Garth is the #1-selling solo artist in U.S. history certified by the RIAA with over 149 million album sales. For ticket info: www.axs.com/garth or 1-844-634-2784 (844-63GARTH.)
 
GLOBAL MUSIC NEWS: Two of music’s most acclaimed artists and powerhouse live performers will tour together this summer when Rod Stewart is joined by special guest Cyndi Lauper for an 18-city tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour begins Thursday, July 6 in Florida and includes stops in New York, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, Texas and more. Stewart and Lauper have been awarded nearly every industry award and honor for their incomparable catalog of hits and activism, among them Grammy and American Music Awards, two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the ASCAP Founders Award for songwriting and a knighthood for Stewart; and an Emmy and Tony Award for Lauper. For more info on the tour, visit LiveNation.com. Check out Cyndi’s Country Album too!
 
INDIE NEWS: Apple Row Records has released the debut single from its flagship artist Parker Willingham. The single, “You Get Me Every Time,” is from Willingham’s newest album by the same name (YOU GET ME EVERY TIME) and makes evident the artist’s talent for stylistic yet simplistic lyrical phrasing complemented by modern country music composition infused with Southern Rock nuance. It was written by Willingham (alongside Kate Hart and Paula Hallmark, and produced by Hart) and was released in March. Since his arrival in Nashville (2011), Parker has performed as a regular at every notable and renowned nightclub (and dive) in town. He has sat in at writer’s rounds, had two callbacks to “The Voice” and performs each year in the Swiss Alps. He signed with the indie label Apple Row Music Group in 2014. Details at parkerwillinghammusic.com.
 
LABEL NEWS: (BBR/Wheelhouse Records) Trace Adkins delivers his honest observations on life on the “other side of 40” in “Watered Down” the first single from his BBR Music Group/Wheelhouse Records LP, Something’s Going On. In the slow-burning rumination on achieving insight with age, Adkins is fully aware of the adjustments and boundaries, but still maintains his edge, grit and power as an artist. It is the cut Adkins points to as the truest reflection of his career and life to date. “That’s one of those songs where I smacked myself on the forehead and went, ‘Wow, I should’ve written that!’” Adkins says of hearing the song for the first time. Adkins is in the midst of his 2017 tour where he is on track to play more than 75 dates this year. VIP packages are available for select tour dates. Details at traceadkins.com….
(Warner Bros Nashville) ACM Top New Male Vocalist nominee Chris Janson, who once lived in his car in between performances on Nashville’s historic Broadway, has become one of the most respected singer-songwriters in the format today. His debut Warner Brothers single, “Buy Me A Boat,” hit the top of the Mediabase charts and has since been certified Platinum for sales of over one million copies. Janson scored again in 2016 with “Holdin’ Her,” currently in the Top 20. He has penned top-ten hits for Tim McGraw and LOCASH, and three cuts on It’s About Time, the latest album from Hank Williams, Jr.  But, where Janson’s star perhaps shines the brightest is on the stage. As a road warrior, he played 275+ dates in 2016, and he looks to kick things up a notch in 2017, as he joins the Sam Hunt tour, as well as his own solo sets. Tour updates at chrisjanson.com
 
LEGEND NEWS: Few artists have left a more indelible mark on America’s musical landscape than Charlie Daniels. In his official memoir, “Never Look at the Empty Seats” (W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson), fans will learn about his rise from a post-Depression era childhood to becoming a Grammy award winner and Country Music Hall of Fame inductee by focusing on the positives in life. Spanning a career of nearly 60 years, Charlie will share inside stories, reflections, rare personal photographs plus make available lessons learned and sage advice to those seeking a career in the music business. The book releases October 24 in hardcover, eBook and audiobook and is available for pre-order now. For available retailers and more info, go to CharlieDaniels.com.
 
MEDIA NEWS: Chris Young (Nashville Star's 4th season Winner in May 2006) is still absorbing the fact that "Sober Saturday Night" is his 9th #1 song. Never taking it for granted, he remembers vividly what it was like having only one song the audience recognized. “I remember when I first released ‘Drinkin’ Me Lonely’ that was at the beginning, the middle and the end and I was alluding to that song as much as I could. I was like here is that song that’s a single that you don’t know. I hope you like it. So, being able to be in the situation now when sometimes there is number ones left out of a show. Um, I don’t know if you came up to me when I was 20 and I signed my record deal and told me that one day it would be like that, that I would have believed you. It’s wild,” recalled Chris. NOTE: Chris will be on tour with Jason Aldean starting April 27 in Toledo, Ohio.
 
MUSIC BIZ NEWS: The Music Business Association teamed with the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) to host the NSAI Songwriters in the Round live performance event on May 18 as part of the Music Biz 2017 convention at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel in Nashville. The event celebrates the NSAI’s 50th anniversary, and features singer/songwriters Rhett Akins and Rivers Rutherford, who have written 34 chart-topping songs between them. “Rhett Akins and Rivers Rutherford could not be better songwriter representatives for the NSAI at Music Biz 2017,” said Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the NSAI. “We want to show off a little bit during NSAI’s 50th Anniversary year!” See nashvillesongwriters.com.
 
MUSIC NEWS: Multi-Platinum-selling country star MCA's Josh Turner and his umbrella label (UMG/Nashville) are celebrating Josh’s number one country debut of his 6th studio album “Deep South”, at No. 1 on this week’s Billboard Top Country Albums chart. The album has sold more than 18,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. Josh wrote five of the 11 tracks on the well-crafted album. More at www.joshturner.com
 
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Jon Pardi spends a third week at Number One on the Billboard country chart and enjoys his first week at Mediabase with his hit, “Dirt on My Boots.” The song, which was written by Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure and Ashley Gorley, actually started out with quite a different sound until Jon made it his own in the studio.  As announced last week he is ACM's New Male Vocalist of the Year.
 
OPRY NEWS: The State of Tennessee recognized GRAMMY® award-winning songstress Jeannie Seely with a House Joint Resolution as the country music legend celebrates her 50th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Seely was joined by her husband Gene Ward, Rep. Bill Black, Rep. Beth Harwell and Gus Arrendale, president of Springer Mountain Farms®. Seely recently released her new album WRITTEN IN SONG, which topped the list of CMT’s ‘New Albums in the New Year’ and The Boot’s ‘Most Anticipated Albums.’ Info at jeannieseely.com…
Carrie Underwood celebrated her 100th performance on the Grand Ole Opry with four sold-out shows. The superstar made her Opry debut on June 10, 2005, less than two weeks after winning American Idol, and became an official Opry member in 2008. Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame member Connie Smith introduced Carrie on Saturday’s (March 25th) first show and presented her with a commemorative print and a rose bouquet in celebration of 100 Opry appearances. Carrie said, “I grew up dreaming of one day performing here and maybe even becoming a member. That dream comes true over and over each time I take the Opry stage. Here’s to the next 100!” Backstage, Carrie marked the show milestone with a specially-decorated cake and 100 pink roses in her dressing room, which was a surprise gift from the Opry.
 
RADIO NEWS: Young energetic country sibling group, The Runaway Hamsters, are winning over radio stations, critics and fans across the country with their latest single “A Little Country.” Within the past month, they have over 600K views on their YouTube page and have surpassed over 300 new likes on Facebook, bringing them to over 23k followers. Twelve-year-old Isabella and her triplet eleven-year-old siblings — Abby, Gabby and brother Riley combine touching lyrics with a dose of honesty and humor, connecting both new and classic country listeners to their sound. Their talent and charm is striking a chord with listeners, as well as critics. Follow them on Facebook @TheRunawayHamsters.
 
ROW NEWS: Copperline Music Group has signed Craig Wayne Boyd (Winner of Season 7 on the VOICE) and they have enlisted Reviver Entertainment Group for radio promotion and distribution (BDG/RED). Craig’s new music is set to be released this summer. Boyd previously released one single under Dot Records, "My Baby’s Got A Smile On Her Face," which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs. His second single "I'm Still Here" was released to iTunes under his own imprint - Long Haul Records.
 
RIAA NEWS: RIAA-Certified digital platinum singles in February include Florida Georgia Line's "This Is How We Roll" (4X platinum), Lee Brice's "I Don't Dance" (2X platinum) and Thomas Rhett's "Die A Happy Man" (3X platinum). Platinum singles include Brantley Gilbert's "One Hell Of An Amen," Keith Urban's "John Cougar, John Deere, John 3:16" and "Blue Ain't Your Color." Gold singles include Big & Rich's "Look At You," Brett Young's "Sleep Without You," FGL's "May We All," Jon Pardi's "Dirt On My Boots," Urban's "Break On Me" and "Wasted Time," and Rhett's "Vacation." Platinum album certifications include Kenny Chesney's Lucky Old Sun and Welcome To The Fishbowl, and Little Big Town's Pain Killer. Gold album certifications include Cole Swindell's You Should Be Here, Dierks Bentley's Black and Chesney's Life On A Rock and The Big Revival.
 
SINGLE NEWS: Valory’s golden boy and getting ready to become a new father times two -- Thomas Rhett, has a brand new single called “Craving You,” featuring Maren Morris. It is the lead track from his upcoming third studio album. NOTE: Thomas is nominated for ACM Male Vocalist and Song of the Year for "Die a Happy Man” and Maren is the ACM New Female Vocalist (It was announced prior to Awards Show).
 
TIN PAN SOUTH NEWS: SEE my blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com for the full story.
 
TENNESSEE NEWS: In celebration of the 40th anniversary of his prolific career in country music, Ronnie McDowell is renovating and reopening Portland’s Strawberry Manor, which was originally constructed by McDowell’s father in 1977. The extravagant building will serve as a museum for McDowell’s memorabilia, a store where fans can purchase McDowell’s music and paintings, and a new entertainment venue that will host some of Nashville’s best-known country artists. McDowell plans to open doors this spring with a homecoming celebration. The name Strawberry Manor refers to a larger-than-life wall painting done by McDowell and his late brother when the building was constructed.  Updates on McDowell’s 40th anniversary tour and new album, Songs I Love, at ronniemcdowell.com.
 
TOUR NEWS: Florida Georgia Line's star continues to rise with news that the guys have sold out their first-ever stadium headline concerts as part of The Smooth Tour 2017. The in-demand dates include Boston’s Fenway Park on July 7th, Minneapolis’ Target Field on July 29th, and Chicago’s Wrigley Field on August 12th. Tickets went on sale on Friday (March 24th) and every seat in Boston and Chicago was gone in mere hours with Minneapolis tickets nearly gone. The Smooth Tour 2017 kicks off on June 2nd in Austin, Texas. In the meantime, FGL’s Dig Your Roots tour is on the road now through May 6th featuring Dustin Lynch and Chris Lane, plus Seth Ennis, Ryan Follese and Morgan Wallen on select dates. Special guests are to include: Backstreet Boys and Nelly. “These shows will make history! We're still so blown away” quoted Tyler Hubbard.
 
VIDEO NEWS: My friends the The Kentucky Headhunters’ music video for “God Loves A Rolling Stone” can now be seen on TasteOfCountry.com. It is the first single from the Headhunters’ new album, ON SAFARI. "The video for 'God Loves A Rolling Stone' is a film for all of humanity. It depicts the struggles that many Americans have endured to keep our country's spirit great and, in the end, shining. I wrote the song for those who are less fortunate, and the part that God plays in all our lives. In his eyes, we're all the same. Enough said," stated Richard Young of The Kentucky Headhunters. See kentuckyheadhunters.net.
 
VINYL NEWS: Plowboy Record’s recording artists and vibrant rock/Americana up-and-comers, Blackfoot Gypsies, will release their new album To The Top, on April 14. The vinyl edition of the project will be available on “Vinyl Tuesday,” April 11. To The Top features the energetic lead single “I Had A Vision,” which recently premiered exclusively with Blurt Magazine. Widely acclaimed country queen Margo Price lends her voice on “Potatoes And Whiskey,” a standout track sure to dance in the heads of listeners for weeks on end. Thirteen additional tracks adorn the band’s “most diverse record to date,” which perfectly blends influences of down-home-country-blues and rock and roll to create the Gypsies’ distinct version of true, American music. Blackfoot Gypsies are currently on tour in support of To The Top and "I Had A Vision." The To The Top Tour officially kicks off  in Nashville on April 14 at Little Harpeth Brewing.
 
WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:  www.globalsongwriters.com  / www.namm.org  /
www.cdxcd.com / www.proverbs1210rescue.org /  www.cmaworld.com
 
WHO'S LOOKING  *  WHO'S CUTTING:  Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Chelsie Love,