A roundup of music news you can use for Labor Day and beyond
by Preshias Harris
As summer draws to a close, there’s still plenty of music and shows plus a lot of upcoming Fall tours! Scroll down to read a digest of music news you can use about Michael Ray‘s live duet video, Trace Adkins‘ 20th year as an Opry member, Drake White‘s single and tour update, a new book about George Jones, the new Craig Campbell album, a Mariachi twist on “Rhinestone Cowgirl,” news items about BRELAND, Alana Springsteen, Matt Stell, Sam Grow, Kendall Tucker, Brent Cobb, the Grand Ole Opry‘s 98th birthday bash and so much more! A big ‘Thank You’ to all the artists’ reps and publicists who keep me in the loop with what’s happening!
Michael Ray releases ‘live’ video of “Spirits and Demons” video with Meghan Patrick
During CMA Fest, Michael Ray treated fans to an “upclose and personal” performance of all the tracks on his new EP, Dive Bars & Broken Hearts. The highly-anticipated event was held at the “off Broadway” location, The 5 Spot. Now Michael has sent out this message to fans who wanted to relive the moment, or for those who were unable to attend:
“Back in June I took the stage with my friend Meghan Patrick to perform our new song ‘Spirits And Demons’ for the first time. Since y’all continue to show this song so much love, we wanted to release the original performance video!” – Michael Ray
Watch the “Spirits And Demons” video here and listen to Michael Ray’s Dive Bars & Broken Hearts EP here. Tour and ticket info and more about Michael at his website. #MichaelRay
Trace Adkins marks his Opry 20th anniversary; releases “Somewhere in America” video
Multi-Platinum entertainer and TV/film actor Trace Adkins has marked another career milestone, appearing on the iconic Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 20th anniversary as an Opry member. Invited in 2003 by the late Little Jimmy Dickens – who stood on a stepladder to ask the towering star face-to-face – Adkins was officially inducted on August 23 that year by his personal hero, Ronnie Milsap, and has gone on to proudly represent the Opry family with countless performances since.
Needless to say, his latest appearance was a special one. During the show, Adkins delivered two separate performances to a roaring crowd and nationwide audience – including “Kiss You All Over” with Exile, plus a special four-song set to close the show featuring mega hits “Songs About Me” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Surprising Adkins in between songs, the Opry rolled a congratulatory video message from Blake Shelton, where he joked “I’m so happy that I could not be there.” Adkins shared onstage what being an Opry member for 20 years meant to him. “For me, it means that I’m a better man than I would have been had I not been a member of the Grand Ole Opry because I take it very seriously.” See Adkins’ tour details here. #TraceAdkins
Adkins recently released the video for “Somewhere In America,” filmed on location at Adkins’ Somewhere In America: A Concert For Mayfield presented by KIOTI Tractor, which took place on May 20, helping lift up this Western Kentucky region after a deadly 2021 tornado claimed more than 50 lives and displaced thousands from their homes. Watch the video here. #TraceAdkins
Drake White’s tour follows single release, “Benefit for the Brain” Ryman show
Country-Soul singer Drake White’s inspiring “Benefit for the Brain,” a one-night-only charity concert took the stage Monday, August 28 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Featuring performances by White, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson and more, the event served as an encouraging night raising funds and awareness for mental and brain health – a deeply personal cause for White, who survived an onstage stroke in 2019.
Before the show, White spoke with Nashville’s FOX 17 about the big-hearted show, saying he hopes to make “Benefit for the Brain” a yearly event with a global impact. “I’m looking forward to bringing the spiritual kind of awakening of people helping people and showing how we can battle this mental health crisis in this country and in this world,” White explained.
In related news, White released the straight-from-the-heart single, “Ladder To The Sky,” August 25 (stream/listen here) and announced his co-headlining Blow Up Your TV Tour with Texas Country hitmaker William Clark Green. Starting October 20 in Fort Worth, Texas, the run will feature 15 dates spread out across the Western half of the U.S. Dates and ticket info and more about Drake White, his music and tour dates here. Stream/play his album The Optimystic here.
Playing Possum: My Memories of George Jones, new book by Nancy Jones
“Stand By Your Man” may have been written by Tammy Wynette, but it was Nancy Jones who stood by George Jones for more than 30 years and helped save his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism, and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors.
In Playin’ Possum: My Memories of George Jones, readers get an intimate look at country music legend George Jones through the eyes of his wife of thirty years.
Millions of people know the name of the iconic country music artist, George Jones, but few people know that behind the man and his golden voice was a strong, feisty woman who not only saved his life from cocaine addiction, alcoholism, and other abusive and self-destructive behaviors, but also was instrumental in saving his soul.
Legends, half-truths, and downright lies abound about the iconic singer, but what secrets do people not know about him? What was it like to live with him through the darkest shadows and in the brightest of lights? Married for more than thirty years to the greatest country music singer who ever lived, Nancy Jones knew George Jones better than anyone else on earth—the good George and the bad George, the horrendous, and the hilarious.
Playing Possum: My Memories of George Jones will be published on September 12, 2023, George’s birthday. Pre-order here.
Craig Campbell launches The Lost Files: Exhibit B album
Craig Campbell packed his Grindstone Cowboy coffee house, restaurant and music venue with fans and music industry Aug 23 to play his new album, The Lost Files: Exhibit B, and reveal stories behind all 17 cuts. The new album is available now here.
“And God said ‘Let there be Exhibit B!’ And it was good,” said an elated Craig. “Here it is! The final LOST FILES chapter. Heart…soul…patience…. all were poured into this album. I hope you can tell.”
In keeping with the “lost” theme, the songs on Exhibit B comprise tracks he recorded during two previous label deals but were never released. Also included are songs he recorded since launching his own Grindstone Recordings in 2020 like “All My Friends Drink Beer” and his current single “Summer Soundtrack.” Fan favorite “It’s About Time” receives an updated modern mix on the new album.
Craig co-wrote 12 of the tracks with the likes of Blake Bollinger, Kenton Bryant, Rodney Clawson, Josh Dunn, Styles Haury, James Kelly, Wyatt McCubbin, James McNair, Lance Miller, Phil O’Donnell, Houston Phillips, Taylor Phillips, Dave Turnbull, Brad and Brett Warren. Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Andrew Dorff, Ben Hayslip, Brice Long, Jamie Paulin, Jonathan Singleton, Michael White, Justin Wilson contributed four cuts, and Craig’s wife Mindy Ellis Campbell wrote the beautiful “You” with AJ Kross and Mike Sprinkle.
Tour updates and more news at Craig’s website and his social channels. #CraigCampbell
“Rhinestone Cowgirl” gets a Honky Tonk Mariachi twist
Stephanie Urbina Jones & The Honky Tonk Mariachi bring an exciting new meaning, sound, and lyrical twist to a classic country song with “Rhinestone Cowgirl.” Listen here. Built on a near-symphonic arrangement of soaring violins, exultant trumpets, vihuela, and heavenly harp, “Rhinestone Cowgirl” emerges as a powerful account of overcoming the odds on the way to unfettered glory.
A triumphant update of Glen Campbell’s iconic “Rhinestone Cowboy” (with a blessing from songwriter Larry Weiss on the cover’s gender flip), the first single is on her upcoming album, Manuel’s Destiny, to be released this fall. Produced by Urbina Jones and Preston Sullivan, the song is a duet with the powerful vocalist, a member of the Grammy-winning group The Time Jumpers, and runner-up on The Voice, Wendy Moten, on an inspired track and video that encourages everyone to pursue their dreams.
The song inspired the 1984 movie, Rhinestone, which starred Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton, and included Parton’s version of the song. Having two women of color now record this country classic represents the growing diversity in Americana and country music.
Urbina Jones, a San Antonio native, has received international acclaim for her unique musical fusion she calls Honky Tonk Mariachi, which blends the sounds and culture of her Hispanic and American heritage with country and Americana music.
Music and upcoming show info here. #HonkyTonkMariachi
Tyler Childers releases ‘live’ version of “In Your Love” from new album
A new live version of Tyler Childers’ breakthrough current single, “In Your Love,” recorded during his sold-out show at Radio City Music Hall in August, is now available. Watch the performance here and listen the live audio here.
“In Your Love” is the lead single from Childers’ anticipated new album, Rustin’ In The Rain, which will be released September 8 on Hickman Holler Records/RCA Records (pre-order/pre-save here). In addition to “In Your Love,” the record features new renditions of Kris Kristofferson’s “Help Me Make It Through the Night” and S.G. Goodman’s “Space and Time” as well as special guest vocals from Goodman, Margo Price and Erin Rae (“Luke 2:8-10”) and Ronnie McCoury, Jason Carter and Alan Bartram of the Travelin’ McCourys (“Percheron Mules”).
Since debuting as YouTube’s #1 trending music video last month, “In Your Love” has garnered over 5.5 million video views and 30 million on-demand streams along with widespread critical attention.
Of the new album, Childers shares, “This is a collection of songs I playfully pieced together as if I was pitching a group of songs to Elvis. Some covers, one co-write, and some I even wrote in my best (terrible) Elvis impersonation, as I worked around the farm and kicked around the house. I hope you enjoy listening to this album as much as I enjoyed creating it. Thank you. Thank you very much.” More at Tyler’s website and his social pages. #TylerChilders
Jason Coleman continues legacy of grandad Floyd Cramer
Pianist Jason Coleman proudly carries-on the legacy of his grandad, Country Music Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame star Floyd Cramer. Now Jason shares his big fall 2023 plans for a Hall of Fame tribute show like no other and a new broadcast partnership for his own TV show, featuring that signature slip-note piano style Cramer made famous. All of this comes on the horizon of a milestone anniversary for The Jason Coleman Show.
Jason Coleman announced that he would share the Musician Spotlight stage at the Country Music Hall of Fame on September 3rd with Meagan Taylor who is the great niece of the legendary Chet Atkins. It will be a salute like no other as two of the all-time greatest musicians are honored by family sharing personal and professional glimpses in this special performance, which may include some surprise guests. Tickets are available here.
Coleman continues to bring a new generation to this beloved music and its history. Cramer’s recordings span various genres and eras and artists, not to mention his solo instrumental career. Jason Coleman showcases all of this music on The Jason Coleman Show, which is celebrating its 100th episode on September 17th.
Jason also broke the news that The Jason Coleman Show will be broadcast on Country Road TV. #CountryRoadTV Details and tour info here. #JasonColemanMusic
BRELAND releases “Cowboy Don’t” ahead of UK & Euro tour
Ahead of his headlining UK and European headlining The Extra Mile Tour, singer-songwriter and Country superstar BRELAND (Bad Realm Records/Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville) has a little fun on the new track “Cowboy Don’t.” An up-tempo anthem full of playful flirtation and ‘90s-throwback style, the live-show favorite was released Aug 25, as BRELAND promises to treat a girl with the rowdy fun-love no “cowboy” can.
Co-written by BRELAND with Zachary Manno and Haley Mae Campbell, the feel-good track features a shuffling Country back beat, smooth vocals and slippery mix of steel guitar and dobro, courtesy of producers Sam Sumser, Sean Small and Zachary Manno.
Teasing of a cowboy’s “manly” reputation for loving and leaving, the song puts BRELAND’s outside-the-box charisma on full display and has been a major part of the live success he’s seen throughout the year. “If you want a different kind of rodeo / I like doing things that a cowboy don’t.” Watch the visualizer here.
“I’ve been waiting to put this song out for what feels like a long time and I’m so excited the day is here,” explains BRELAND. “I’ve been playing this at my live shows for the past six months or so and watching the crowd go absolutely wild just pumps me up! I love the energy in the room I get from this song, and I’m stoked to have it officially out now.”
Stream/download “Cowboy Don’t” here. Check out BRELAND’s US, UK and European tour dates here. #Breland
Alana Springsteen heading out on Twenty Something Tour
Columbia Records NY/Sony Music Nashville artist-songwriter Alana Springsteen has announced The Twenty Something Tour. Marking her premiere U.S. headlining run in support of her newly released three-part debut album, Twenty Something, tickets are on sale now here.
“The most fulfilling part of releasing this music is the connection I feel with people of all ages and backgrounds all over the world when they reach out because they feel less alone after hearing these songs,” shares Springsteen. “Being able to see them face-to-face on my own headline tour is everything I’ve ever dreamt of. Each of these shows are going to be special in their own way. I can’t wait to give them everything I have.”
Cementing her in-demand status with her first headline show in Nashville, TN, at Exit/In on October 25, Springsteen will make major city appearances in Dallas, Charlotte, Chicago, New York, Boston, and more, during the 15-date run. Wrapping The Twenty Something Tour on December 10 at Hard Rock Café in Pittsburgh, PA, fans can find full tour details here. #AlanaSpringsteen
Brent Cobb releases new song and video ahead of Southern Star album
Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and musician Brent Cobb’s new song, “When Country Came Back to Town,” has debuted alongside an official music video. A journey through Cobb’s own career, the song reflects on the recent evolution of country music and pays respect to many of Cobb’s peers and collaborators. Watch/share the music video, directed by Jace Kartye, here.
“When Country Came Back to Town” is the latest song unveiled from Cobb’s anticipated new album, Southern Star, which will be released September 22 via Ol’ Buddy Records/Thirty Tigers (pre-order/pre-save here).
Produced by Cobb (his first self-produced album) and recorded at Macon’s famed Capricorn Sound Studios, Southern Star is a love-letter to Cobb’s southern roots, filled with the sounds and stories of his home state of Georgia. Across these ten tracks, featuring local Georgia musicians, Cobb finds beauty in the small moments, as he explores seemingly simple themes with his signature southern electric sound and lyrical depth.
Reflecting on the song, Cobb shares, “I’ve made a lot of music and met a bunch of friends along the way. ‘When Country Came Back To Town’ is about that first wave of people in my time. My people.” Music and tour info at Cobb’s website and on social media channels. #BrentCobb
Mitch Rossell signs with Dreamcatcher Artists
Dreamcatcher Artists has signed country newcomer Mitch Rossell. This signing comes on the heels of Rossell’s live performance on NBC’s America’s Got Talent. In advance of his performance, Dreamcatcher Artists digitally released the radio edit of his most-streamed song to date, “All I Need To See.” Listen here.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mitch Rossell to the Dreamcatcher Artists family. His talent and dedication are truly exceptional, and we are committed to providing him with a platform to share his music with the world,” said Powell Hedley, CEO of Dreamcatcher Artists.
“I am so grateful for this opportunity to join the Dreamcatcher Artists family. The journey so far has been incredible, and I am beyond excited to work alongside this amazing team. The belief they have in me and my music gives me full confidence that we can accomplish some incredible things,” said Mitch Rossell.
Rossell’s extraordinary talent and undeniable stage presence have taken the world by storm. During the mesmerizing audition that aired on the June 6 episode of America’s Got Talent, Rossell’s heartfelt delivery and the emotionally charged lyrics of “Son” resonated deeply, earning him an emphatic “yes” from all four judges and propelling him to the next round of the competition. More about Rossell here. #MitchRossell
Kendall Tucker single features Jelly Roll and State of Mine
Country/Rap artist Kendall Tucker has released his new single “Dragging Me Down” featuring Jelly Roll and State Of Mine following an audio premiere with Holler and video premiere with Mayhem Music Magazine. Watch here. This new single follows the success of Kendall’s previous single “Stickup” featuring MYXED and Three Six Mafia co-founder Project Pat which has seen a positive response from fans as they get ready for Tucker’s forthcoming project set for release later this year.
The new single “Dragging Me Down” is a motivational track that’s perfect for anyone battling their own struggles in life. For this new single Kendall has connected with the hottest Country/Rap artists today Jelly Roll alongside Billboard Chart topping rockers State of Mine.
When asked about his new single “Dragging Me Down,” Kendall Tucker says, “There’s a lot of people in this world hurting. Everyone has their own demons they battle. Some people show it while others try to cover it up with a smile. I couldn’t think of a better artist than Jelly Roll to have on this song. Jelly continues to bring hope to hurting people. With this collaboration of myself, Jelly Roll & State of Mine we just want the people to know that they are not alone. You may feel like you’re getting dragged down but don’t give up, you’ll get through this.” More at Tucker’s website and on Facebook here. #KendallTucker
Peyton Aldridge wants “One More Night With You” on new single
Rising country music crooner Peyton Aldridge has released his new single, “One More Night With You,” available everywhere now. The track was exclusively premiered by Countrypolitan. Stream/download “One More Night With You” here.
“One More Night With You” is Aldridge’s sixth release since launching his solo career on the heels of his appearance with Coach John Legend on Season 22 of The Voice. His music is described as a blend of gospel, southern rock, country and Delta blues as evidenced by his uniquely soulful, blues-styled country sound. Aldridge has spent the past several months focused on creating new music and is slated to deliver his debut EP in early 2024.
“Man, I just love the feel of this song. It’s one of my earlier co-writes with my friends Sherrie Austin, Will Rambeaux and my long-time ride-or-die, Bubba (George) Cole. To me, this is just an honest, simple, no muss or fuss, love song. I especially love the nod of the hat to one of my long time fav’s, Roy Orbison; it’s got a little bit of him in there, too.” exclaimed Aldridge.
More on Peyton Aldridge at his website and on Facebook here. #PeytonAldridge
Matt Stell reimagines “One of Us” with Chase Matthew
Multi-Platinum hitmaker Matt Stell introduced a new version of the anthemic title track off his 2023 One Of Us EP, on Aug 25, reimagining the chest-thumping “One Of Us” as a collaboration featuring Country riser Chase Matthew. Delivered across all streaming platforms and digital retailers via RECORDS Nashville, listen to “One Of Us (feat. Chase Matthew)” here and watch the visualizer here.
“‘One Of Us’ is about all the people I’m proud to know. I wanted to feature someone on this song who could really add to it and take the song and the idea behind it to the next level. I can’t think of anyone who fits that bill better than Chase [Matthew],” shares Stell. “I’m a big fan of what he does. He’s definitely one of us.”
A hard-rocking power ballad for those who wear small-town roots like a badge of honor, “One Of Us” was written by Gavin Slate, James Barker, Jim McCormick and Travis Wood. Produced by Stell and Ash Bowers, it features a thick modern-Country sound complete with digital beats, pounding drums, blaring distortion, and searing-hot guitar solos – plus a message both artists know by heart.
Stell scored back-to-back #1s: the 2X Platinum smash “Prayed For You” and Platinum “Everywhere But On.” Tour and ticket info here. #MattStell
Pryor Baird is “Chasin’ Shadows” on new track
Black River’s Pryor Baird turns up the heat and the heartbreak in his newest offering, “Chasin’ Shadows.” Available on streaming platforms now, “Chasin’ Shadows” gives listeners another taste of what’s to come from the “soulfully fueled” skilled guitarist, songwriter, and artist as his summer stint alongside David Nail comes to a close.
Written by Baird alongside Jason Gantt and Scott Stepakoff, “Chasin’ Shadows” was produced by Doug Johnson and Bobby Terry. Baird’s signature raspy vocals, paired with a haunting, irresistible melody, pull listeners in as Baird lays out a love gone wrong. Watch the accompanying lyric video for “Chasin’ Shadows” here.
Baird’s first piece of new music as a solo artist on Black River was the soulful confession of true love and admiration in his ballad “You Are To Me.” Produced by Doug Johnson and Jonathan Smith, it has garnered almost 150,000 streams since its June 2 release. The debut song came just in time for the California native’s debut performance at CMA Fest, on their “CMA Spotlight Stage.” Both tracks have received strong DSP support, earning spots on top playlists, solidifying Baird as a country riser to watch. More Pryor Baird news on his website here and on social media. #PryorBaird
Sam Grow dives deep into heartbreak with “You”
Country music songsmith Sam Grow returns with another heartfelt single, “You,” now available on all digital platforms via Average Joes Entertainment. Listen here.
“You” takes a deep dive into the painful emotions of heartbreak and the struggle to move on after a relationship’s end. Grow reflects on the remains of a love that once thrived, fighting with the memories and feelings that still linger. With touching lyrics and a moving melody, the single speaks to anyone who has experienced the agonizing feeling of heartbreak. As Grow continues to gear up for his upcoming album coming in 2024, “You” is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats and ready for more.
After the breakout success of his first studio album, 2019’s Love and Whiskey, a lot has changed for Average Joes Entertainment star Sam Grow. That milestone project followed years of grinding work, writing his own tunes, booking his own shows, and recording his own EPs … but it was all rewarded. Love and Whiskey hit number one on iTunes’ Country Albums chart – doing so with zero radio airplay – and since then he’s only poured more gas on the fire.
Music, tour dates and more on Sam Grow at his website and his social media channels. #SamGrow
Opry celebrates 98 years with 4-day ‘Women of Country Music’ fest
The Grand Ole Opry, country music’s most famous show, is set to celebrate its 98th birthday with four nights of shows celebrating Women of Country Music October 4 – 7.
Opry member Lauren Alaina and CMA/ACM reigning female vocalist winner and Opry NextStage alum Lainey Wilson are among those set to kick off the week at the Wednesday Night Opry Oct. 4. Opry star Crystal Gayle will serve as spotlight artist as Opry Country Classics celebrates Queens of Country Thurs., Oct. 5. The Opry’s birthday weekend is set to include a special performance and fan Q&A event in the Opry House’s Studio A featuring fan favorites Chapel Hart saluting their female country music heroes Saturday at 1pm. The Birthday Week will conclude with CMA/ACM award-winner Sara Evans’ official Opry induction and two shows Saturday evening. For information click here.
Fans are also invited to the Opry Plaza for free live music and family-friendly activities to celebrate the Opry’s birthday on Friday evening, Oct. 6, and all-day Saturday, Oct. 7.
98th birthday packages for Saturday, Oct.7 are on sale now and include:
- Opry show ticket
- Matinee Studio A Event: Acoustic Performance and Interview with Chapel Hart
- Grand Ole Opry House Daytime Tour
- Opry Picnic Lunch
- Exclusive Opry Celebrates 98 poster
More about the Grand Ole Opry here.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend!
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 #PreshiasHarris