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!!!!