‘Inside Track’ mid-month update

Elvie Shane at No. 1, Chris Young and Kane Brown celebrate… and more

By Preshias Harris

Here’s a quick round-up of some of the stories that will be in my column in November. Scroll down for news about Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kane Brown, this year’s NSAI Annual Song Contest, the 2021 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame … and “My Boy” Elvie Shane’s long climb to No. 1!

“My Boy” tops Billboard Airplay chart

Elvie Shane is No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated Oct. 23, 2021!  Elvie’s debut single, “My Boy” (Wheelhouse), leaps from No. 5 to No. 1 for its 54th week on the chart, according to MRC Data. That’s right: a nail-biting fifty-four week climb!

On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (blending airplay, streaming and sales data), “My Boy” rose from No. 7 to No. 4.  Written by Elvie along with Nick Columbia, Lee Starr and Russell Sutton, “My Boy” is a track from Elvie’s upcoming album Backslider, set for release Oct. 29.

Earlier on Instagram, I proudly posted:

Sharing a plaque of memorable photos with Elvie Shane

So excited for @elvieshanemusic. He has the #1 #countrymusic song for #Myboy. I gave him this 2021 music milestone plaque when he, Mandy and their baby stopped by the office a couple of weeks ago.  Photos are of his first tour bus, his first Grand Ole Opry appearance, Bonnaroo stage, and Elvie, Mandy and Caleb in a People Magazine exclusive. I watched him work hard all these years and wanted to give him something to remind him how truly special 2021 has been for his career and his family.  I was blessed to be there at the journey’s start. Love y’all Elvie.

“My Boy” was written from Elvie’s perspective as a stepfather. “We’ve been told for five years that this song was a No.1,” Shane told Billboard. “I always found it hard to believe that I could be part of something like that.”

Preorder/presave Backslider here.

NSAI’s Song Contest open for entries

Continue reading “‘Inside Track’ mid-month update”

Love From Music City Gala raises $35,000

Crystal Gayle honoured with Bill Anderson Icon Award

By Preshias Harris

The elegant Estate at Cherokee Dock, former home of Reba McEntire, was the setting for Love From Music City’s 5th Annual Gala on October 5th with an evening of music, entertainment, surprises, and support for foster children throughout Middle Tennessee and orphans abroad.

The special event began with a VIP red carpet where I was able to talk to many of the artists and celebrities in attendance. You’ll find some of the comments they shared with me below.

Pictured L-R:
Stairs: JD Shelburne, Denny Strickland, Tim Atwood, Nathan & Suzanne Young,
Danica Hart, Trea Swindle, Devynn Hart (Chapel Hart),
Front row: Jeff Shannon, Cherish Lee, Makenzie Phipps, Charlene Tilton, Jonny and Crystal Brown, Crystal Gayle, Shanda and Robb Tripp, Devon O’Day, LaVerne and Edith Tripp, Buddy Jewell, Melissa Luman, NEDY.
(Photo by: Tanya Long /Reflections By Tanya)

The red carpet was followed by hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, and live musical performances.  Artists present at the gala included Pam Tillis, Buddy Jewell, Marty Raybon, Devon O’Day, Cherish Lee, Charlene Tilton, JD Shelburne, Tim Atwood, Chapel Hart, NEDY, Makenzie Phipps, Denny Strickland, Billy Mason, Chris Golden, Nathan & Suzanne Young, who joined Crystal Gayle, the recipient of this year’s Bill Anderson Icon Award. Gayle was recognized for her contributions made to the community and for her role as a trailblazer and legendary performer, epitomizing everything Love From Music City stands for. The organization has a 50 year legacy of feeding and clothing orphans across the globe, with 10 years including local, Middle Tennessee foster children.

Crystal Gayle on the red carpet. Photo: Preshias Harris

“It’s an honor to be given the Bill Anderson Icon Award by Love From Music City,” shared Crystal Gayle. “And it’s an honor to be associated with Love From Music City and the great work they do helping and loving orphans and foster children.”

Crystal Gayle’s reign in the music business includes 20 No. 1 country hits, six albums certified Gold by the RIAA, and the first female artist in country music history to reach platinum sales with her 1977 album, We Must Believe in Magic.

On the red carpet…

Continue reading “Love From Music City Gala raises $35,000”