VERSE OF THE MONTH: “I will sing of your love and justice; to you, O LORD, I will sing praise” – Psalm 101:1
ALBUM NEWS: Multi-CMA nominee Thomas Rhett heightens the success of his PLATINUM certified sophomore album with the upcoming release of TANGLED UP DELUXE (The Valory Music Co.), available on Oct. 28. The 18-track album is filled with party anthems, dance tunes, drinking songs, love ballads and five never-before-heard tracks including his new single "Star Of The Show” and a remix of his ACM and Billboard Music Award winning “Die A Happy Man” feat. Tori Kelly. “Star Of The Show” hit Country radio in late September and fans can now pre-order the new Deluxe collection. New music info and more at thomasrhett.com.
ALBUM RELEASES: For his 20th studio album, four-time GRAMMY Award winner Steve Wariner knew he had to do something really special. When ‘All Over The Map’ began coming together, it became clear just what that would be. The 12-track album evolved into a tribute to the Grand Ole Opry member’s influences, both living and deceased, in addition to a celebration of his lineage. While packed with acclaimed guest musicians, the set, released late October on SelecTone Records, showcases Wariner’s own musical talents. In addition to producing the album, he plays guitar, upright bass, drums and both pedal and lap steel, as well as singing on seven of the songs. (The other five are classic instrumentals.) Wariner also penned 10 of the tracks. For more info, visit SteveWariner.com (Note: You can read a lot more interesting info about my fellow KY buddy Steve and his great new album at my blog, www.nashvillemusicline.com )
ARTIST NEWS: A doubly exciting event for Kelsea Ballerini and her record label. The Number One party for her song “Peter Pan,” written by Ballerini with Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee was held, not at a restaurant or bar, but at the spacious Averitt Hangar close by Nashville International Airport. “Peter Pan” was her third consecutive Number One, making her the first solo female artist to top the charts with her first three singles since Wynonna Judd achieved that feat in 1992 (and the first ‘new’ female artist to ever achieve it). All three singles have been certified Gold by RIAA, making everyone very happy at Ballerini’s label, Black River Entertainment, who also celebrated the label’s first Gold album with Kelsea’s “The First Time.” Tour dates and more can be found at kelseaballerini.com.
BENEFIT NEWS: The Journey Home Project accepted a $5,000.00 check from country artist and veteran United States Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot, Ryan Weaver, at an event launching his new music and the video supporting his single, “Burn.” The Journey Home Project is a not-for profit organization that assists other not-for-profits in securing funds to help causes that benefit veterans of the United States Armed Forces. “Without a doubt, the board of this amazing organization has done amazing things in the lives of many veterans from all lines of duty,” said Weaver. More info at thejourneyhomeproject.org
BOOK NEWS: Yet more accolades for Jimmy Wayne who is featured in Good Housekeeping’s November issue with an inspiring four-page article. The accomplished singer, songwriter, author of three-time New York Times bestseller Walk To Beautiful and unrelenting child advocate, gives readers a gritty, first-hand account of his challenged childhood, the people who invested in him and what readers can do right now to help at-risk kids in need. Jimmy, abandoned multiple times as a child, was in and out of foster care and survived three years of teen homelessness armed with nothing but his work ethic and unmatched grit. Find out more about how you can help at-risk kids in foster care by visiting: projectmmh.org.
CD RELEASES: George Strait will release Strait Out of the Box: Part 2 exclusively with Walmart on Nov. 18. The three-disc, 56-track collection features 36 hit singles including 26 Number Ones plus two brand new songs, his latest radio single “Goin’ Goin’ Gone” and 18 choice album cuts, all personally selected by the King of Country Music. The set spans 20 years of Strait’s career from 1996 to 2016, following the highly successful, 8x Platinum-selling 1995 release, Strait Out of the Box. Billboard recently named him No. 1 on the Greatest of All Time: Country Artists list and he is the most-nominated artist in CMA Awards history. The set is available for pre-order only at Walmart.com.
CHARITY NEWS: Tracy Lawrence will hold his second annual Tracy Lawrence’s Mission: Possible Charity Concert on November 22 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. Guests so far include Big & Rich, Jerrod Niemann, Ben Rue and Halfway to Hazard. Tickets and more info here. Lawrence’s annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry is the same day at the Nashville Rescue Mission parking lot on 639 Lafayette St. PH: (615) 255-2475.
CHART NEWS: In a follow-up to an item in last month’s column, John McEuen’s MADE IN BROOKLYN debuted at No. 1 on Airplay Direct Americana/AAA Chart, No. 9 on Billboard’s Bluegrass Chart and No. 10 on Amazon’s Hot New Releases-Folk Chart. Grammy-winning “String Wizard” McEuen assembled a bevy of major-talent guest stars for the project that is reminiscent of his genre-breaking ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken’ sessions from almost 45 years ago. Each song on the new album was captured in its entirety, from first note to last--no overdubs, no multi-tracks, no auto-tune, using a binaural microphone. More news at johnmceuen.com.
CMA AWARD NEWS: The 50th CMA Awards has the talent line up fit for a king! Alabama, Brooks & Dunn, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Charley Pride, Reba and George Strait have been added to the performance lineup at the 50th CMA Awards. They will join Kelsea Ballerini, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks with Trisha Yearwood, Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Florida Georgia Line, Miranda Lambert, Little Big Town, Tim McGraw, Maren Morris, Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and Keith Urban. The show will air live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on November 2 on ABC-TV at 7 CST and 8 EST. I heard it will be the best show YET!!! J
COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME NEWS: Congratulations to the Country Music Hall of Fame’s ‘Class of 2016.’ At a gala Medallion ceremony in October, the CMHoF bestowed its highest tributes to three of the best. Country rock pioneer Charlie Daniels; music producer, publisher and Monument Records founder Fred Foster; and neo-traditional singer Randy Travis were feted with heartfelt testimonials, tearful speeches and memorable performances of songs they helped make famous. The artists paying tribute crossed generations and styles, underscoring the eclectic nature and groundbreaking stature of the three men being inducted. By coincidence, they all emerged from the state of North Carolina. Among the artists paying tribute to the new inductees were Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, Trisha Yearwood, Alan Jackson and more. Full report and more at countrymusichalloffame.org
CHRISTMAS CD NEWS: Fans of pop/country crossover group EXILE can start their Christmas shopping early this year, as the band’s Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas is available today on iTunes, Amazon and at www.exile.biz. EXILE puts their spin on holiday classics like “Little Drummer Boy,” “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town,” and “O Holy Night,” but perhaps the biggest gift of the album comes in the three original Christmas songs. A wish to spend the holiday in a warmer climate, “Merry Christmas from Cancun,” the title track “Wrapped Up In Your Arms For Christmas,” and an ode to celebrating the season at home in the arms of the one you love, “Bluegrass Kind Of Christmas,” were all penned by the band’s Sonny LeMaire and J.P. Pennington, among others. The “Kiss You All Over” hit makers have released 20 studio albums since forming in 1963, but the new project marks their first-ever Christmas collection. WRAPPED UP IN YOUR ARMS FOR CHRISTMAS, was released on October 21, 2016 … CMA "Vocal Group Of The Year" Nominee Rascal Flatts' have released their much-anticipated Christmas album, THE GREATEST GIFT OF ALL. The 10-track yuletide offering was produced by Rascal Flatts who also announced that they will perform an intimate "One Night Only” Concert, presented by Budweiser, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, on Nov. 14. The unique performance will offer fans the chance to enjoy, for the first time, highlights from the trio's festive collection, in an exclusive setting. Tickets are available to purchase at Ticketmaster. To date, Rascal Flatts has sold over 23.1 million albums and 32 million digital downloads worldwide.
EP NEWS: Kip Moore has released UNDERGROUND, a 5-track EP that draws inspiration from his unyielding time out on the road touring, and a personal response to the demand felt from his steadfast fans for new music. Moore co-wrote every track on the EP and audiences across the country will be able to experience the new tracks live this fall, as he continues on his Me And My Kind Tour. Underground follows the release of Moore's critically acclaimed sophomore album Wild Ones. For more information and a full list of tour dates visit kipmoore.net.
FAN NEWS: Eric Church’s latest music release is titled; ‘Mr. Misunderstood On the Rocks Live & (Mostly) Unplugged.’ The collection features seven songs, six from ‘Mr. Misunderstood’, recorded at the Red Rocks Amphitheater is Morrison, Colo. The seven-time GRAMMY nominee celebrates his second single off Mr. Misunderstood, “Record Year” hitting the top of the charts. Fans can enjoy the live recording of the three-time CMA Awards and five-time ACM Awards Winner’s recently-released, pertinent current single, “Kill a Word” that “unpacks a mighty image” [AXS] on ‘On the Rocks Live’ available exclusively at Walmart retailers country-wide November 4th.
GARTH NEWS: CMA "Entertainer of the Year" nominee Garth Brooks continues to heighten anticipation and set the pace for the release of his upcoming 11th studio album, revealing to fans the cover art and title: GUNSLINGER, during his weekly “Inside Studio G” Facebook series. A new edition of ‘Inside Studio G’ premieres at 7:00 pm EDT every Monday on Facebook. Garth also announced that “Baby, Let’s Lay Down And Dance” will be the first single from his upcoming 11th studio album set to be released later this year by Pearl Records, Inc. Seven is a lucky number for Garth Brooks: On October 24, Brooks drew thousands to Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater celebrating the amazing fact that he is the first recording artist ever to reach Diamond Award status seven times…doing so by selling more than 10-million copies of seven different albums, one of which is called SEVENS. A bevy of stars joined Garth on stage, including Reba McEntire, Jason Aldean, Kelly Clarkson and Steve Wariner. Trisha Yearwood, Brooks’ wife and tourmate, joined her hubby to sing their chart-topping hit, “In Another’s Eyes.” On the same day, Brooks revealed the track listing for ‘Garth Brooks: The Ultimate Collection,’ a 10-disc boxed set available at Target, featuring Brooks’ upcoming studio album GUNSLINGER and nine discs of curated music from his unrivaled catalog. “’Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance' was just a fun title that Kent Blazy has had in his book of titles forever, always threatening to write it,” said Brooks. "So one day Kim, Kent and I sat down and wrote it. We got a little help from Steve Dorff and then Victoria Shaw finished it. In the middle of this, Kim Williams passed away. I’ve got to tell you, I love, love, love this song, but probably my greatest joy is the fact that this is a Kim Williams song.” In other Garth news, he and wife Trisha Yearwood also shared that their first-ever collaborative album CHRISTMAS TOGETHER will be available to fans beginning Nov. 11. The collection features 18 previously unreleased tracks. More at garthbrooks.com.
ICM NEWS: The 22nd Annual Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® (presented by the Inspirational Country Music Association®) was hosted by Megan Alexander (actress, book author and correspondent for the national news magazine television show Inside Edition) and chart-topping country music entertainer Collin Raye (“Love Me,” “I Think About You,” “Not That Different”), the two-hour 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® program boasted special appearances by Dennis Agajanian, Jeff Bates, Tommy Brandt, Jayne Carter, Cash Creek, Lisa Daggs, Chuck & Selena Day, Corey Farlow, Chris Golden, Chuck Hancock, Adrienne Haupt, Mary James, Mikayla Lynn & Isaac Cole, Greg McDougal, Kali Rose, Johnny Rowlett, Shenandoah's Mike McGuire and Marty Raybon, Arkin Terrell, True Heart, The Wacaster Family and Mark Wills. The 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® winners’ list includes Tommy Brandt (“Entertainer of the Year”), Chuck Hancock (“Male Vocalist of the Year”), Joy Roberts (“Female Vocalist of the Year”) and Marty Raybon (“Mainstream Country Male Vocalist of the Year”). Mary James was recognized for “Fearfully, Wonderfully Made” as “Video of the Year.” A moving, loving and tearful highlight of the evening recalled the life and career of Joey Feek. Joey was named “Mainstream Country Female Vocalist” while Joey + Rory was recognized as the “Mainstream Duo/Group.” Their recording of “When I’m Gone” was named “Mainstream Inspirational Country Song of the Year.” For more information on the Inspirational Country Music Association®, visit inspirationalcountrymusic.com.
INDUSTRY NEWS: Nashville-based artist development and marketing company Thirty Tigers and Triple 8 Management have entered into a strategic partnership with Sony Music Entertainment to create Triple Tigers Records, a new label imprint focused on country music that will be led by veteran radio promotion executive Norbert Nix. The imprint’s first signing is Russell Dickerson. Nix will serve as general manager for Triple Tigers and oversee a dedicated promotion staff for the imprint. Previously he spent more than a decade with Sony Music Nashville driving airplay for numerous hits from the label group’s artist roster in a series of promotion roles. Most recently, he was VP of promotion for Columbia Nashville, where, as part of his responsibilities, he worked closely with Thirty Tigers and Triple 8 on the promotion campaign for Chase Rice. More about Russell Dickerson at russelldickerson.net
LABEL NEWS: (19/Arista Records) Carrie Underwood is seeing “Metal daze” as she celebrates her RIAA platinum certification of her album STORYTELLER and multi-platinum certification of BLOWN AWAY, CARNIVAL RIDE, PLAY ON and SOME HEARTS, which reached 8x multi-platinum …
(Reviver Records) hot country duo LOCASH scored a No. 1 on Billboard Country Airplay and Country Aircheck with “I Know Somebody.” LOCASH’s Chris Lucas and Preston Brust also delivered infectious energy when they performed the smash hit during "The Talk" on CBS recently. The nonstop duo continues their North American tour to promote THE FIGHTERS, including additional dates that are part of Live Nation’s ‘Ones To Watch’ Tour. More info and tour dates at locashmusic.com.
MEDIA NEWS: Thousands joined some of the hottest musicians to honor Tootsie Bess and celebrate the legendary Tootsies’ World Famous Orchid Lounge, October 11th in Downtown Nashville. The annual block party celebrating Tootsie’s 55th Birthday hosted a plethora of hit-makers including Montgomery Gentry, Darryl Worley, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Anthony Orio, Daryle Singletary, Joe Diffie, Trick Pony, Love and Theft, Tera Thompson, The Fiddle Man Tim Watson and surprise guests Kid Rock and Billy Ray Cyrus. The all-day concert event hosted by the most legendary honky-tonk in Music City included hours of live music from the featured artists alongside a singing competition. Nathan’s Hot Dogs’ held a hot dog eating competition and Tootsies provided fun for the whole family. See tootsies.net.
MUSIC NEWS: (3 Legged Records/Thirty Tigers Label) Congrats to Southern Rockers Blackberry Smoke, and their management Vector Management on the number one debut of the band's LIKE AN ARROW on the country albums chart. The release sold more than 18,000 copies in its first week, according to Nielsen Soundscan. The have been touring heavy this summer and this achievement shows hard work paid off!
NATD NEWS: Shawn Parr (Nash Nights Live) and Stephanie Langston (WKRN News 2) will host The Nashville Association of Talent Directors 6th Annual NATD Honors Gala, November 9, 2016, at the Hermitage Hotel. The ‘sold out’ event fete honorees that include Rod Essig, Agent and Co-Head of the Nashville office of Creative Artists Agency (CAA); Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold-medal figure skater, actor, and speaker; Doc McGhee, industry visionary and iconic artist manager who heads McGhee Entertainment; Leon Russell, veteran musician and member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame; Mike Smardak, award-winning promoter and President of Outback Concerts; P.K. Subban, Olympic Gold-medalist and one of the top defensemen in the NHL newly acquired by the Nashville Predators and Randy Travis, multi-platinum, award-winning country icon and the latest inductee to the Country Music Hall of Fame. NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. More at n-a-t-d.com.
NUMBER ONE NEWS: Luke Bryan celebrated SEVEN Number Ones at a “Beyond The stadium Lights” party at the Country Music Hall of Fame’ CMA Theater on October 24. Bryan emphasized it was all about the writers as he joined them to sing the hits. The seven Number Ones, (with writer credits) are: ‘Home Alone Tonight’ (Tommy Cecil, Jaida Dreyer, Jody Stevens, Cole Taylor); ‘Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day’ (Luke Bryan, Rhett Akins, Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip); ‘I See You’ (Luke Bryan, Ashley Gorley, Luke Laird); ‘Kick the Dust Up’ (Dallas Davidson, Chris DeStefano, Ashley Gorley); ‘Play It Again’ (Dallas Davidson, Ashley Gorley); ‘Roller Coaster’ (Michael Carter, Cole Swindell); ‘Strip It Down’ (Luke Bryan, Ross Copperman, Jon Nite). Tour news and more at lukebryan.com.
RIAA NEWS: Wall Bling: RIAA digital platinum single certifications issued in September include Florida Georgia Line's "Anything Goes," Jon Pardi's "Head Over Boots," Luke Bryan's "Strip It Down" and "Kick The Dust Up," Thomas Rhett's "T-Shirt" and Tim McGraw's "Humble And Kind." Gold single certifications include Dierks Bentley's "Different For Girls," FGL's "H.O.L.Y." and Rascal Flatts' "I Like The Sound Of That." Multi-platinum album certifications include Chris Stapleton's Traveller (2X platinum) and Garth Brooks' The Ultimate Hits (10X platinum). Platinum album certifications include Rhett's Tangled Up.
SIRIUS XM RADIO NEWS: The Kentucky Headhunters went “On Safari” with former WWE Superstar Hillbilly Jim, as they premiered tracks from their new album on SiriusXM Outlaw Country Channel 60’s “Hillbilly Jim’s Haunted Hayride.” The 12th studio album by the GRAMMY award winning group is available for pre-order on iTunes and Amazon now. Long considered “Southern Rock Royalty,” The Kentucky Headhunters continue to live up to the hype with On Safari, which serves as a nod to family and the Southern way of life. A perfect fit for their long-time friend and fellow Kentuckian, Hillbilly Jim, who serves up 200-proof down-home country and southern-fried rock & roll every weekend on SiriusXM Outlaw Country. Their album ‘On Safari’ hits stores and digital retailers November 4. For more info on my friends and Kentucky boys, visit KentuckyHeadhunters.net and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.
TELEVISION NEWS: The Country Network (TCN) is now available in nine new markets: Minneapolis, Indianapolis, Amarillo, Tyler/Longview, Lubbock, Waco/Temple/Bryan, Fort Smith/Fayetteville/Springfield/Rogers, Joplin/Pittsburg and Wichita. Additionally, TCN renewed it’s affiliate contracts with Cocola Broadcasting Companies, LLC., ensuring continued carriage in Sacramento/Stockton/Modesto, Monterey, Fresno and Bakersfield, California, as well as Boise, Idaho. As noted in last month’s column, TCN recently added eight new shows to its fall lineup. Details at tcncountry.com.
TOUR NEWS: Miranda Lambert will kick off her Highway Vagabond Tour starting in January . Her first date is January 26th in Evansville, IN. Joining her are Old Dominion and Aubrie Sellers. Upcoming artist Maren Morris will kick off her first headlining run, The Hero Tour, starting February 3rd in Boston. The Columbia artist has eleven shows already booked and more will be added. More at marenmorris.com. Eric Church will set out on his two-set, three-hour-show and 60+ city tour, ‘Holdin’ My Own’ Tour opening Jan. 13, 2017 in Lincoln, Neb. and will wrap in May with a two-night stint in Nashville, Tenn.
TRIBUTE NEWS: Country traditionalist Mark Chesnutt has posted a tribute to Merle Haggard’s life and music with an emotionally charged tribute video, available exclusively on Rolling Stone Country. The video features Chesnutt’s rendition of Haggard’s “There Won’t Be Another Now,” from the 1978 album I’m Always On A Mountain When I Fall. Featured as a bonus track on Chesnutt’s brand new project, Tradition Lives, the song also doubles as a nod to songwriter Red Lane, who passed away in 2015. Tradition Lives is Chesnutt’s first album of all-new material since 2008. New music and ‘Tradition Lives Tour’ info at MarkChesnutt.com.
WWWEBSITES TO CHECK OUT: www.bouldercreekguitars.com / www.lukebryan.com www.cmaworld.com / www.nashvillesongwriters.com / www.globalsongwriters.com
WHO'S LOOKING * WHO'S CUTTING: Kayla Adams, Luke Bryan, Dustin Lynch, Mike Short and Randy Houser.