Surprised on stage by Vince Gill
Plus… scroll down for a sneak peek at items from the January edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row.
- Mark Wills ‘reduced to tears’ by Vince Gill
- Bryan Wayne’s very special album
- Tour news from Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Kip Moore
Mark Wills to be inducted into Opry
Congrats to my friend Mark Wills who will be the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. Vince Gill surprised Mark with the invitation on stage at the Opry on December 21. Mark was speechless with emotion, falling to his knees and covering his face with his hands. “I always liked him,” said Vince. “Now I like him even more. He’s a crybaby like me!”
I am so happy for Mark. We have known each other since the 1990s and he has always been a big supporter of the Opry (as Vince mentioned during his invitation). Mark released his first single – “Jacob’s Ladder” – way back in 1996, and chalked up two No. 1 hits, “19 Something” and “She’s in Love.” Other chart hits include “I Do (Cherish You),” “Back at One,” “She’s In Love” and “Places I’ve Never Been.” The formal induction ceremony is set for January 11, 2019, at the Grand Ole Opry. Find tour info and more here.
Bryan Wayne, fighting ALS, releases special album
The release of Bryan Wayne’s ‘While You Wait’ album was celebrated at SESAC’s Nashville office recently. Diagnosed with terminal ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) last year, Bryan recorded the album for his wife, two boys and an industry that continues to support his dreams. The 14-song collection is available here.
“I made this record, because I knew I’d lose my voice and I wanted my boys, friends and family to hear me singing my songs forever no matter what,” said Bryan. “So many friends and family over the years had asked me when was I ever going to make a record of my own too, so here it is!” At the celebration, Wayne was joined by friends that included Ashley Gorley (who performed the title cut), Neil Thrasher, Bonnie Baker, Jason Blaine, Joanna Janet and Big & Rich. Donations may be made to Bryan Wayne Galentine and Family by sending a check (made payable to Bryan Wayne Galentine) to: Bryan Wayne Galentine c/o Chris Burch, 1012 16th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37212. A Gofundme account has also been set up at https://www.gofundme.com/thebwaynetrain
Tour news: Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Kip Moore
Jimmie Allen has new tour dates lined up for 2019. Allen made history as the first black artist to launch their career with a No. 1 at Country radio. Fans will have a chance to see Allen on the road this winter playing direct support to Scotty McCreery on his Seasons Change Tour and playing select dates on Kane Brown’s Live Forever Tour. The epitome of the phrase “persistence pays off,” Jimmie Allen laid it all on the line to make his dreams a reality. Now signed to BBR Music Group’s Stoney Creek Records, Allen’s debut single “Best Shot” is a certified hit, claiming the spot as the No. 1 Most Shazamed song in the format for eight consecutive weeks, and also claimed the No. 1 on Country radio for two weeks. Jimmie’s tour updates here.
Arista’s LANCO have extended their headlining ‘Hallelujah Nights Tour’ into May 2019 with UK shows and added Caylee Hammack and Bailey Bryan as support. 2019 stops include Vancouver, Calgary and Edmonton in Canada; London, Manchester Birmingham, Bristol and Glasgow in the UK, in addition to a full roster of US dates. Tour info here.
Kip Moore is extending his ROOM TO SPARE: ACOUSTIC TOUR. The stacked run will kick off in Chicago, IL on 3/7/19 and will wrap with international shows in The U.K. and Canada. The newly revealed dates follow a limited fall run, which saw Moore playing all sold-out dates. Charlie Worsham and vocal duo, Muscadine Bloodline are set to join Moore on select dates next year. Tickets now available via Kip’s website.
The full January column, Inside Track on Music Row, will soon be posted at NashvilleMusicGuide.com. Meanwhile, I wish you a safe, peaceful and very happy Christmas!
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 101: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www.collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com