Quick look at this month’s column
Here’s a quick look at some of the stories from the April 2020 edition of my column Inside Track on Music Row, the longest continually-running country music column in the USA. I’ve been writing this column for more than a quarter of a century (Phew!) and you can catch the full column (and archived previous columns) when it is published at Nashville Music Guide.
- ACM Awards to clash with Americana Awards
- New album from Craig Morgan
- Maddie & Tae know The Way it Feels
- CDB set Volunteer Jam date
- Opry icon Jan Howard passes
Scroll down to read these stories…
ACM news: ACM Awards set for same date as Americana Awards
The ACM announced the new date for the 55th ACM Awards. It has always been held the first week in April following a full week of charity events, golfing tourneys, etc. The new Awards date is going to be Wednesday, Sept. 16 (live 8:00-11:00 PM ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network, and will stream live and on demand on CBS All Access. As previously announced, the 55th ACM Awards® will be hosted by reigning ACM® Entertainer of the Year and 15-time ACM Award® winner Keith Urban for the first time.
Additional details surrounding the 55th ACM Awards will be available soon, including the venue, performers and more. For more information, visit ACMcountry.com. You can also like Academy of Country Music on Facebook or follow on Twitter at @ACMawards, follow on Instagram at @ACMawards and sign up for the FREE ACM A-List for more immediate updates. For a full list of nominations and early awards given, go to www.acmcountry.com
- Due to an unavoidable scheduling conflict, the ACM Awards will now take place on the same night as the Americana Music Awards, set for September 16 at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville.
Album news: new music & favorites from Craig Morgan
Craig Morgan pays tribute to his past and his future with his newest album, God, Family, Country, releasing May 22, on Broken Bow Records. The album combines five new songs with remastered versions of some of the most powerful tracks he recorded for Broken Bow from 2002 to 2008, combining his past hits mixed with future signatures, including his faith-filled tribute to his son Jerry, “The Father, My Son, and the Holy Ghost.”
In time for Memorial Day, Craig offers his take on Gavin DeGraw’s smash, “Soldier.” He also teamed up with active duty Army Airborne Rangers Justin Wright and Andrew Yocovone to offer up the summery “Sippin’ On The Simple Life.” “This album is based on everything that’s happened in my life and my career,” Craig says. “I feel like I have some of the most quality songs I’ve ever recorded, and there is a new energy here. After all I’ve been through, I’m at one of the most inspired places I’ve ever been.” Pre-order info and music at https://www.craigmorgan.com/gfc-splash
Artist news: Madie & Tae know The Way it Feels
Maddie & Tae continue to fill-in pages of their expansive journey with the release of their full-length sophomore album The Way It Feels (Mercury Nashville), set to be released on April 10. Produced by Jimmy Robbins and Derek Wells, the album is available for pre-save now. Featuring songs and stories from their previous two EPs shared last year, which helped propel the pair as the Best Streaming Female Country Duo of All Time with over 812 MILLION streams, The Way It Feels is rounded out with five brand new tracks all co-written by Maddie & Tae, culminating in the duo’s winding journey of love, loss… and most importantly redemption.
“It has been four years since we’ve released an album. For us, this is a lot more than just an album release,” Maddie Marlow shared. “This sophomore album will always be a reminder that no matter the setbacks and struggles, we will come out stronger and better. In March, the duo released a video, currently at CMT, for “Bathroom Floor,” a track on the new album. Pre-save info, videos, music and more at https://thewayitfeels.maddieandtae.com/
Concert news: Volunteer Jam set for September
During a tumultuous time in our nation, country and southern rock icon Charlie Daniels is giving fans something to look forward to. Late last year, the Country Music Hall of Fame singer announced the return of his legendary Volunteer Jam. Headlined by The Charlie Daniels Band (CDB), the concert is scheduled for Tuesday, September 15 at 7:00 p.m./CT at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. Joining the CDB on the big night are Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, The Marshall Tucker Band, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, Delbert McClinton, Keb’ Mo’, The Outlaws, Jenny Tolman, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Devon Allman & Duane Betts, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Scooter Brown Band, The SteelDrivers, Rhett Akins, Pure Prairie League and comedian Dusty Slay.
“With so many kinds of music and so many artists from different fields and different eras, this is shaping up to be the most unique Jam yet,” said Daniels. Tickets available at Ticketmaster. Updates at https://www.charliedaniels.com/
Opry icon news: Jan Howard dies at 91
Jan Howard passed away March 28. The Grand Ole Opry icon was 91. Jan was painfully shy and never imagined herself as a performer despite having such a great voice. It was her third husband, songwriter Harlan Howard, who heard her singing and realized her talent. It was the first time she’d ever let anyone hear her sing. Jan sang a demo of Harlan’s song, “Mommy For a Day” which was a hit for Kitty Wells in 1958. She recorded many more demos that became hits for other artists, particularly Patsy Cline, until she was signed to a recording deal by Decca Records’ Owen Bradley.
Jan was plagued by anxiety, many phobias and stage fright. After her divorce from Harlan Howard, Jan became a songwriter herself and also recorded numerous duets with Bill Anderson and found emotional support from fellow Opry members Jean Shepard, Skeeter Davis and Patsy Cline. Her big solo hits included “The One You Slip Around With” (1960), “Bad Seed” (1966) and the Grammy-nominated singles “Evil On Your Mind” (1966) and “My Son” (1968). See many tributes from fellow artists at http://www.janhoward.com/
The full column will be published in the April 2020 edition of Nashville Music Guide. I will post more excerpts from the column in the weeks to come.
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