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,