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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