Inside Track on Music Row for August 2024
by Preshias Harris
Scroll down to read a LOT of news about HARDY, Reba McEntire, Megan Moroney, Jake Owen, Opry Country Christmas, Chris Tomlin, Nu-Blu, Lauren Watkins, Bobby Marquez, Ashley McBride, Alex Miller, Morgan Wallen, Allie Colleen, Justin Moore and much more!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I’ve ended up as a songwriter. This is my job. How did I get this lucky? What a great job!” – Paul McCartney, in an interview with Annie Clark (St. Vincent) on Instagram Live. [reported in American Songwriter, April 16, 2021]
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! – Psalm 100: 1-2
ALBUM NEWS: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amos Lee will release his eagerly awaited new album, Transmissions, available Friday, August 9 on his own Hoagiemouth Records via Thirty Tigers. Lee’s 11th studio album and first new collection of original songs in more than two years, Transmissions is heralded by the premiere of the graceful first single, “Hold On Tight,” available everywhere now. Listen now at Play MPE and watch the official video here.
Transmissions sees Amos Lee continuing to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. Self-produced by Lee for only the second time in his chart-topping, RIAA Gold-certified career (following 2013’s Spirit), the Philadelphia, PA-based artist returned to an old-school style of recording, working with his longtime band in a studio in rural Marlboro, NY, built by drummer Lee Falco and his dad out of reclaimed wood from an old church. Playing live on the floor for long hours in close quarters, Lee and his fellow musicians were able to capture the album’s twelve songs in less than a week. Lee augmented his band’s soulful, folk-funk sound with arrangements that extend the scope of songs, from autobiographical to upbeat and jam-powered. Music, tour dates and more at Amos Lee’s website. Pre-order Amos Lee’s Transmissions here. #AmosLee
ALBUM NEWS Part Two: Megan Moroney’s Am I Okay? debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — the definitive all-genre chart for U.S. album sales. Released on July 12 to widespread acclaim, the Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter’s sophomore LP also shot to the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart — a feat that makes Am I Okay? the fifth-biggest Country debut of 2024 and the year’s third-biggest debut from a female Country artist (after Beyoncé and Kacey Musgraves). Go here to stream/download Am I Okay? now. With nearly 43K in consumption units in its first week — including 37.6 million streams — Am I Okay? has earned massive praise from many of the music world’s leading publications, including Rolling Stone, Variety, The Tennessean and the print editions of American Songwriterand The New York Times.
Also lauded by Billboard, MusicRow, and more, Am I Okay? turned up on coveted lists like “New Music Friday: The best albums out July 12” from NPR’s All Songs Considered. In addition, Associated Press declared that “[y]ou’d be hard-pressed to find a more relatable voice in contemporary country music for young women” and hailed Am I Okay? as “a heartbreak-filled rollercoaster ride of a sophomore album, filled with quotable kiss-offs and evolved compositions.” Moroney has earned nearly 1.5 billion total global streams to date. More at Megan Moroney’s website and on social media. #MeganMoroney
AMERICANA NEWS: The Americana Music Association has announced its performers for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place in Nashville on Sept. 18 at the famed Ryman Auditorium. This year’s Honors & Awards will deliver performances from award-winning legends, buzzworthy new artists, and longtime fan favorites including Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandy Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War And Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman, and Wyatt Flores.
In addition to the annual “Of the Year” awards presented during the program (view the nominees here), the 2024 Honors & Awards will include this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honorees: Blind Boys of Alabama, Dave Alvin, Don Was, Dwight Yoakam, Rev. Gary Davis, and Shelby Lynne. Rev. Gary Davis (honored posthumously) will receive the Legacy Award in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music and will be recognized with a performance by Fantastic Negrito. Additionally, the program will be filmed for broadcast on PBS in the Austin City Limits time slot in November. Tickets to the Americana Honors & Awards are on sale now here. For more information on the association or to purchase passes to AMERICANAFEST, visit www.americanamusic.org.
BLUEGRASS NEWS: This September will kick off the 20th anniversary of the top 10 Billboard charting band Nu-Blu. With the upcoming summer release of their new album Where You’ve Been, Nu-Blu brings you the lead single, “The Will” available here. It sets the scene of a Carolina farmer, recently passed away, and the reading of his will points his children to the things most important in life. Written by Rockie Lynne and Dennis Morgan (The Dance-Garth Brooks, Smoky Mountain Rain-Ronnie Millsap, I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool, Barbara Mandrell and George Jones) and tracked at Red Squared Audio with additional tracks recorded at Ben’s Den (Ben Isaacs and Mark Capps) in Nashville, Tenn. Nu-Blu is joined by Sharon White of The Whites and Ricky Skaggs on this emotional song…”Even the demo made us cry the first time we heard it,” says Nu-Blu’s Carolyn Routh. “We listened and almost at the same time said, this would be perfect to ask Sharon to do with us. We sent it to her, and she called us back and said that Ricky would like to sing on it as well! We were blow away! At some point during the tracking of Sharon and Ricky’s vocals, I think everyone teared up a little…this is a song you can’t listen to without getting emotional.” More at Nu-Blu’s website.
CELEB GOLF NEWS: Country music superstar Jake Owen placed in the Top 10 at the 35th Annual American Century Championship Celebrity Golf Tournament (ACC) held July 12-14 at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course, South Lake Tahoe, Nevada. Welcoming a return invitation, teeing up alongside 100 celebrity golfers encompassing an elite group of sports stars (including NFL, NBA and MLB Hall of Famers active and retired players), Hollywood actors, comedians and renowned music entertainers, the 10-time, No. 1 Hitmaker played like a pro wowing onlookers to claim his third consecutive ACC Top 10 ranking. Competitors in the three-day, 54-hole event included Josh Allen, Ray Allen, Charles Barkley, Brian Baumgartner, John Elway, Jason Kelce, Travis Kelce, Kyle Lowry, Baker Mayfield, Jerry Rice, Aaron Rodgers, Tony Romo, Jerry Rice, Brian Urlacher, DeMarcus Ware, Charles Woodson, Steve Young; entertainers Nate Bargatze, Don Cheadle, Carson Daly, Colin Jost, Larry the Cable Guy, Ray Romano, Rob Riggle and Miles Teller.
Owen continues his 2024 hot streak. In March, Owen introduced his first live album (a three-set series) Palm Trees and Palm Readers: Jake Owen Live In Los Angeles; he celebrated more than two billion Pandora streams (June 2024) and has embarked on a 30-date summer tour as a member of The Heartbreak On The Map Tour (with Dan + Shay). Tour and ticket info at Jake Owen’s website. #JakeOwen
‘CHRISTMAS IS COMING’ NEWS: Opry Country Christmas, known as “Nashville’s best holiday show”, will return to the Grand Ole Opry House for the fourth year. Presented by Humana, the series will feature special performances by Spotlight Artists including Opry members Jon Pardi (Dec. 1), The Oak Ridge Boys (Dec. 4), Scotty McCreery (Dec. 5), Chris Young (Dec. 8), Chris Janson (Dec. 11), Trace Adkins (Dec. 16) as well as multi-Grammy® and GMA Award winning Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 22), with more to be announced soon. Tickets are on-sale now at opry.com.
Hosted by Grammy-winning Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the holiday season beginning Dec. 1 and running through Dec. 23 for a total of ten shows. Each show features Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, Spotlight Artists and special guests including Kathy Mattea (12/2), Priscilla Block (12/8), Chapel Hart(12/11), Mickey Guyton (12/16), John Berry (12/22) and more will round out the shows made up of artists’ original songs and timeless Christmas favorites. All Opry Country Christmas shows air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. For Opry Country Christmas tickets and more information on the full Opry schedule, visit opry.com.
CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN NEWS: Danny Gokey‘s fifth studio album, Sound Of Heaven (Capitol Christian Music Group) is now available here. The project follows the three-time Grammy nominee, three-time K-LOVE Fan Award Male Vocalist of the Year winner and eight-time Dove Award winner’s last album Jesus People, which peaked at #1 on Billboard‘s Top Christian Albums chart and has since accumulated 300M global streams, contributing to his 1 billion global career streams. Featuring eleven brand new songs, Sound Of Heaven captures a wide variety of sounds and messages that convey Gokey’s heart for encouraging and uplifting people through music.
Momentum for the new music is going strong with “wannabe” garnering 1.2M YTD streams to-date, while his most recent radio track, “I Got You” is currently at Top 20 across all Christian radio, and he is also unveiling a brand new music video for the title track. The song has earned over 6.5M global streams, recently going viral on TikTok, collecting 3M views in just one post. The latin-influenced “Todo El Mundo” is also seeing great traction at Monitor Latinoradio, as it sits at No. 4. With contributions from numerous producers including Ben Glover, Jordan Sapp, Jeff Sojka and Colby Wedgeworth, the project is as diverse sonically as it is thematically. Tour info, music and more at Gokey’s website. #DannyGokey
COUNTRY ANTHEM NEWS: Country duo LAN LAW has released their rockin’ new single, “Country To The Bone.” Crafted by the duo’s Lance Curtis and produced by Nashville- based record producer, mix engineer, songwriter, and film composer, Ben Reno (Lady A, Loretta Lynn, Blake Shelton, Lauren Reno, The Voice, NBC, HBO, & Netflix), this song is creating a buzz among industry professionals and fans alike. It has been added into rotation at KWCK 99.9, it will be featured on Radio SoBro, it is a Pop Blitz Magazine New Music Friday pick, and it appears on Center Stage Magazine’s Fresh Indie Country playlist. Listen here.
The duo say that the upbeat country anthem will resonate with anyone who loves the southern way of life. An infectious and electrifying foot-stomper, this song will have you crankin’ up the volume and singing along. Whether you’re cruisin’ down the back roads or casting a line in your favorite fishing hole, “Country To The Bone” will take you “home.” While searching from within for an idea of a new country song, Lance recalls, “I was reflecting back on who I am, and how I was raised, and ‘Country To The Bone’ just came to me. It was very fitting.” The brothers add, “The song is about being hard-working, making time for your loved ones, having strong morals, and living the good ole country way of life!” Updates on their Facebook page. #LANLAW
DEBUT ALBUM NEWS: When Lauren Watkins released her full-length debut album The Heartbroken Record in June, she knew that having it pressed on vinyl would be a critical part of telling its full story. “This is a record that calls out being a ‘record;’ we knew we had to make the official vinyl a moment,” Watkins says. “My granddad used to love playing records,” the rising country star remembers. “I have a memory of him playing albums on his record player around Christmas time and those underscoring the soundtrack to so many good times. Then, my dad bought me my own record player when I was a teenager, and I just fell in love – listening to an artist’s project how they intended for you to, hearing the little imperfections and scratches that give each record its own character. Vinyl feels like the purest form of listening to me; I just love how real it makes an album feel.”
Bringing the 17-track set to fans the way she’s always wanted to, Watkins will release the official vinyl for The Heartbroken Record on Aug. 23. Pre-order here. Celebrating the moment, she doubles down two-fold with both a performance and signing at Nashville’s The Groove record store on vinyl release day and a crop of new live audio videos shot at The Groove to pair. Watch the first one here. More about Lauren Watkins here.
DOVE AWARDS NEWS: The 29-time Dove Award winner, Chris Tomlin has received three nominations for the upcoming 2024 awards – Song of the Year and Spanish Language Worship Recorded Song of the Year – both for record setting “Holy Forever.” Additionally, he received a nomination for Children’s Recorded Song of the Year as a writer for Yancy’s recording of “Holy Forever.” Chris co-wrote the RIAA gold-certified song “Holy Forever” with Brian Johnson and Jenn Johnson, Phil Wickham, and Jason Ingram. Since its release, it has received numerous award nominations at the Grammys, Billboard Music Awards, and K-LOVE Awards, reigned at #1 on the radio charts for six weeks and became Tomlin’s 21st career radio #1 single.
“I have always said there are good songs, great songs, and God songs and no doubt “Holy Forever” falls into the God songs category,” shared Chris. “Congratulations to every other songwriter and artist that has been nominated this year, it is an honor to be listed alongside you all.” The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards event will be held in Nashville on October 1, 2024 and will air exclusively on TBN and TBN+ Friday, October 4th, 2024 at 8pm and 10pm ET and simulcast on SiriusXM The Message. In August, Chris kicks off the third leg of his “Holy Forever World Tour” in Canada next with Pat Barrett and a second leg of U.S. shows planned this fall.
EP NEWS: Young Country entertainer Alex Miller’s latest offering is his five-song EP, My Daddy’s Dad (Billy Jam Records). Produced by Jerry Salley, the collection has been called “a solid set full of hits” by Country Music People Magazine. The set, dedicated to Alex’s late grandfather GB Miller, closes with the title track, a touching tribute to the man who helped Alex find his path. “He’d have this record blaring from his tractor’s stereo – I hope it finds its way to yours,” Alex says. Listen to My Daddy’s Dad here and watch the official music video for the song here.
Young Country traditionalist Alex Miller’s world expanded following his American Idol experience in 2021. Shortly after exiting the show, Miller secured a manager, a booking agent, and a record label. Alex’s well-received debut album, Miller Time, was released in April of 2022 and generated three high-impact singles: “I’m Over You, So Get Over Me,” “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” and “Through With You.” Alex’s second release for Billy Jam Records, COUNTRY (October 2023), featured his more recent hits, “When God Made The South,” “Girl, I Know A Guy,” and his current smash single, “Puttin’ Up Hay.” The 6’ 6” singer/songwriter from rural Lancaster, Kentucky is a natural fan favorite whose career has moved at warp speed. Find more music and tour info at Alex Miller’s website.
GLOBAL COUNTRY NEWS: “The Cowboy Way” is the most-personal album and song to date from country/western artist Bobby Marquez. And now, the multi-awarded track list is getting new life from fans globally downloading the album and title track, placing both on worldwide charts this month. Six years after the original release, the single, “The Cowboy Way,” debuts at number 25 on the New Zealand/Australia ITunes Top 100 Country Songs Chart alongside hits from Faith Hill, Brad Paisley and Jordan Davis. AndThe Cowboy Way album made a strong showing at 100 on the Apple Music Top 100 Country Albums Chart following superstars Waylon Jennings, Brothers Osborne and Midland.
Marquez wrote the song and shared these thoughts: “I cannot even express how much this means to me, to see music lovers embrace this song. ‘The Cowboy Way’ is the real-life story of my father-in-law. It was written before his passing when he was very sick with cancer. One of my idols, Rex Allen Jr. stepped up and produced it in his studio. This meant the world to my family. And we still get emotional when I sing it or we hear the record. I am so grateful to everyone that downloaded my very first cowboy song.” Bobby Marquez has announced the fall leg of his 2024 “Kick-Up Some Dust” Tour. For a full schedule and ticket information, visit www.bobbymarquez.com.
HOMECOMING NEWS: I’m coming home,” Morgan Wallen posted, announcing his East Tennessee homecoming concert at Knoxville’s Neyland Stadium on Sunday, September 22. In a video set to “Rocky Top,” millions of fans had viewed it by lunch, snatching up hotel rooms across the city in anticipation of tickets going on sale. Find updated tour and ticket info at MorganWallen.com. VIP package details for all Wallen tour stops here. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. With over 150,000 fans expected to attend across both nights, Wallen becomes the first artist in the venue’s nearly-100-years’ history to ever play two nights as the One Night At A Time 2024 tour stop marks the first time the country singer has returned to Knoxville on tour since headlining the Tennessee Valley Fair in 2019.
A portion of every ticket purchased to his live shows benefiting The Morgan Wallen Foundation (MWF). Wallen stated, “I’ve had the honor of playing in a lot of college, MLB and NFL stadiums the past two years, but getting to play to my hometown at Neyland Stadium, nothing tops this for a boy from East Tennessee.” Wallen will kick-off his first-ever European tour on Aug. 28 in Stockholm, Sweden. The seven-show run will include additional stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Glasgow, U.K., and more before concluding with two back-to-back nights in Dublin, Ireland. #MorganWallen
HONKY TONK NEWS: Multi award winning singer/songwriter/entertainer, Dallas Moore, has fittingly earned a reputation as “the hardest working man in honky tonk.” Performing an astounding 300 plus dates a year, every single year without fail, this hardcore troubadour has been applauded by significant outlets like Saving Country Music, No Depression, Holler Country, Glide Magazine, Americana UK and Country Music People Magazine. With a career spanning over 25 years and plenty of gas still in the tank, Dallas Moore returns with his 18th full length album Gems & Jams (Sol Records) on August 9th. Pre-order/pre-save here.
Stripped down to the bare bones with only Moore’s vocals and acoustic guitar to keep you company, Gems & Jams features a unique mix of newly written originals along with newly arranged acoustic versions of deep catalog cuts which have been out of print for many years. This collection of 15 songs are in their most raw, pure and authentic forms, perfect in their imperfections cultivated from minimalistic production and without overdubs. Over 600k Spotify listeners, over 6 million streams, and one of the most heavily played artists on Sirius/XM’s “Outlaw Country” channel, this iconic artist has garnered the reverence of multiple generations who consider him to be the torchbearer for the outlaw country flame. More at www.dallasmoore.com. #DallasMoore
IBMA NEWS: Grand Ole Opry member Ashley McBryde earns a nomination from the International Bluegrass Music Association for Song of the Year with “Willow,” marking her first nomination as a sole writer, and performed by eight-time 2024 IBMA nominees Sister Sadie (Deanie Richardson, Gena Britt, Jaelee Roberts, Dani Flowers and Maddie Dalton). Watch the official “Willow” video here. “About a decade ago, I had just bought a little Recording King parlor guitar, and I couldn’t wait to write on it,” McBryde explains. “I sat down and out popped ‘Willow.’ It sure felt good to stay connected to my bluegrass roots. Sister Sadie has given this song the best life it could live. Congratulations, ladies!”
As longtime friends and co-writers, Flowers reached out to McBryde for any hidden gems she had available, immediately sharing “Willow.” “We’re so thrilled to have been given the opportunity to bring this song to life and to the world,” shares the bluegrass supergroup. “We were extra excited to learn about its nomination for Song of the Year at this year’s IBMA awards and to share the nomination with our honorary ‘sister’ Ashley!” McBryde has headlining dates across the U.S. through the summer before joining Cody Johnson on The Leather Tour this fall. For additional dates and tickets, visit AshleyMcBryde.com. #AshleyMcBryde #SisterSadie
ICON NEWS: Reba McEntire has unveiled the official music video for her “driving, dramatic, soulful” (NBC Insider) new single “I Can’t.” Watch it here. Directed by Dano Cerny, the epic landscape-driven video showcases stunning visuals and dancers whose movements are inspired by the song’s lyrics. In classic Reba fashion, the video features the iconic entertainer in striking outfits artfully reinforcing the narrative of a resilient soul rising above the turmoil of a tumultuous relationship’s end, seeking higher ground and new beginnings. Touted as “anthemic” (American Songwriter), “I Can’t” drew praise after premiering on NBC’s The Voice, followed by an unforgettable performance on the Academy of Country Music Awards.
This fall, Reba will return to television sets across the country as she continues as a coach on Season 26 of NBC’s The Voice, which debuts Monday, Sept. 23. Reba also stars in and executive produces on the forthcoming sitcom Happy’s Place, which will premiere Friday, Oct. 18 on NBC. McEntire has become a household name through a successful career that includes music, television, film, theater, retail and hospitality. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Hollywood Bowl member has more than 50 award wins under her belt, earning honors from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, CMA Awards, GRAMMY® Awards and GMA Dove Awards. Updates on Reba at her website.
MUSIC MASHUP NEWS: Three-time Grammy-nominated Quartz Hill Records artist Joe Nichols has released “Rooster/ Country Boy Can Survive (Mashup),” across all streaming and digital retail partners. Listen to “Rooster/ Country Boy Can Survive (Mashup)” here, and watch the official Visualizer here. With his signature rich baritone vocals, Nichols delivers an intense and moody mashup of two genres: rock and country. Produced by Mickey Jack Cones (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett) and Derek George (Randy Houser), the commonalities between the two characters in each of these seemingly different songs, marries them together for a driving, anthemic piece of art.
“It dawned on me that ‘A Country Boy Can Survive ‘is the same dude, the same kind of guy as in ‘Rooster.’ The two characters in those songs are kind of married, in my opinion. That’s a no brainer and we kind of matched them musically. We brought the key down to D, took a little bit of Hank Jr. and a little bit of Layne Staley of Alice in Chains and mashed it into a six to seven-minute story. It’s unlike anything I have ever done,” says Nichols of the track. The mashup of the 1993 rock hit, “Rooster,” by Alice in Chains and the 1982 country smash, “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams, Jr. has become a fan favorite at his live shows as Nichols continues touring across the U.S. and beyond. To view a full list of dates and to purchase tickets, visit: joenichols.com/tour. #JoeNichols
NEXT GENERATION NEWS: Billy Ray Cyrus recently invited his son Braison Cyrus to join him at the Grand Ole Opry for powerful performances of “Storm in the Heartland” and “Trail of Tears”. “It was an honor performing with my dad at such a legendary venue. I love hanging out with my dad, riding dirt bikes and going on walks, but every now and again it’s great to hop on stage with him and do what we are both most passionate about and best at, which is playing music. Playing on the Opry stage is surreal, especially getting to do it with my dad,” Braison Cyrus shared.
“Talk about a full circle moment. Literally standing in the sacred Circle with my son Braison Chance Cyrus by my side,” said Billy Ray. “I have never been more proud. We went back 30 years with the band. Eddie Bayers played the drums on the record that came out in ’94, ‘Storm In The Heartland.’ Eddie tragically lost his son in a motorcycle accident while we were making all that music. The fact that we opened with ‘Storm In The Heartland,’ and there I stood with my son, was a full circle moment. I felt Eddie’s boy was in the band, in the Circle too.” Cyrus’ most recent single, “You Came Along,” is a heartfelt and honest expression of his life and soul, free from rules and limitations. Stream/download “You Came Along” here.
OPRY DEBUT NEWS: Big Machine Records’ singer/songwriter Chase McDaniel brought the Grand Ole Opry to its feet in July while he made his long-awaited debut. The Greensburg, KY, native had been dreaming of stepping into the hallowed circle since he was roughly five years old after being introduced to the world-famous stage by his Great Papaw. An emotional night for all was made even more special, as it happened to fall on the anniversary of his late Great Papaw and Great Mamaw’s anniversary.
“My Great Papaw was always my biggest supporter of this crazy dream and the only thing he loved more than Country music was my Great Mamaw, so the fact that my debut fell on their wedding anniversary makes me feel like he is right there with me, still cheering me on,” shared Chase McDaniel. McDaniel kicked off his set with his current song “Heart Still Works” before sharing a bit of his story with the crowd, explaining just what a feat like his debut meant to the young talent and inspiring hope that for anybody struggling with something, it gets better—he is proof. In the crowd sat the two that raised him, his Mamaw and Papaw, who made their very first trek to Nashville to be a part of the momentous occasion, making the night even more special. Listen/play his EP Blame It All On Country Music here. #ChaseMcDaniel
OPRY INDUCTION NEWS: Multi-Grammy® and GMA Award winning Steven Curtis Chapman was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by Opry member and longtime friend Ricky Skaggs. With 50 No. 1 hits, Chapman is the most awarded artist in Christian music history. The beloved singer made his Opry debut 42 years ago at age 19 when he was a performer at Opryland Theme Park singing the songs of Opry greats including George Jones, Ricky Skaggs and more. After Chapman’s set, Skaggs approached his friend with a framed photo of a young Chapman from around the time of his Opry debut.
“[The archives] have found a picture of [you]. We need to have a picture of this. Where’s Chris [Hollo, Opry photographer]? Get a good picture because this is going to go great beside that picture right there that he’s taking because you are going to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry, if you want to!? Only if you want to!?” Chapman dropped to his knees excited and in disbelief. Skaggs said, “I think you want to.” Skaggs continued, “I’m so proud for you bud. You deserve to be here. There’s been greats that have been on this stage and been members of the Opry and we are glad you’re joining the Grand Ole Opry and doing what you do best.” Listen to Chapman’s new single “Do It Again” here.
PODCAST NEWS: Nashville-based singer-songwriter HARDY, known for his genre-breaking chart-busting anthems, has launched The Fire With HARDY, a new radio series airing exclusively on Apple Music’s global live-streaming radio station Apple Music Country. On the new biweekly show, HARDY will invite guests to share stories and musical influences, all while revealing his own personal journey. “Some of the best conversations I’ve ever had have been around a fire,” HARDY tells Apple Music. “I’ve always been intrigued at how people develop their musical tastes,” he says. “Do they credit it to fond memories of their childhood? Did they discover it on their own? I wanna dig into some of my favorite musicians’, songwriters’, and producers’ brains to see what and how music influenced them to become the successful people they are today. So let’s bring that fire, to this show.”
The episodes will air biweekly on Fridays at 9am PT / 12pm PT. The Fire With HARDY will also be available on-demand for Apple Music subscribers on Apple Music and Apple Podcasts, after airing on Apple Music Country. Find it at apple.co/_TheFire. Meanwhile, listen to HARDY’s album Quit!! now on Apple Music and via HARDY’s website here. (Also, checkout info on HARDY’s “SOUL4SALE” in Visualizer News, below.)
SINGLE NEWS: Yes! Some great summer singles spinning right now. A few to check out:
ALLIE COLLEEN: Known for her iconic voice and prowess as a songwriter, Allie Colleen collaborated with Hasting and Drake Plantz to craft a catchy and exciting tune that will get stuck in your head, “Boys Like You.” The new music is available now on all digital music platforms here. Allie Colleen exclaimed, “This song is a banger!” Boys… can’t live with them, can’t… well. This song is a play on the stereotypical downtown cowboy. Verses are laced with satire about the not-so-amazing things about said stereotypical boys, followed by a chorus of unfortunate truths.
“Boys Like You” was produced by Drake Plantz and Josh Sudduth mixed and mastered at Sudds Studios in Nashville. Colleen’s music is available on all digital platforms Apple Music, iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, YouTube Music and Amazon Music. Singer-songwriter Allie Colleen is currently releasing new singles in advance of her upcoming EP and continues to tour in support of her well-received debut album, Stones, released in 2020. With more than 750K followers on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and TikTok combined, she is one of the most powerful and popular female independent label acts on a trajectory to stardom. More at Colleen’s website, her YouTube channel and on social media. #AllieColleen
GREYLAN JAMES: Dubbed “a superstar just beginning to hit his stride” with his “impeccable songwriting and artistry” by SiriusXM, newcomer Greylan James is shooting his shot with his new track release “Who Broke Up With You,” out now and available here. Written by James alongside heavy-hitters Brad Clawsonand Ashley Gorley, the upbeat, made-for-summer song finds James breaking modern-day barriers of inauthentically flirting online, to instead, roll the dice and talk to a girl in person. Made for the 20-somethings who dare to put themselves out there and make the moment count when the opportunity arrives, “Who Broke Up With You” marks James’ first song release since his Song of the Year win at the 2024 ACM Awards.
“I’ve been counting down the days to this song dropping, and I couldn’t be more through the roof with excitement about it finally being out there,” said James. “This song is for anyone who is better off without the person that didn’t know what they had when they had it. Y’all crank it up loud for me.” James first came onto the artist scene with his acoustic-anchored debut single “Young Man,” released last October. Already established as a “celebrated songwriter” (Country Now), James has earned cuts from some of Country music’s most notable artists. Find tour dates at GreylanJames.com.
RAY LaMONTAGNE: celebrated Grammy award winner Ray La Montagne has shared a new single, “I Wouldn’t Change A Thing”—listen/share here. A new video for the previous single, “Long Way Home”, is out now and features visuals by LaMontagne’s son Tobias and collage art by his daughter-in-law Bella—watch here. The track sees LaMontagne reflect on his journey traveled, accepting the downs with the ups. “If I had the chance to turn back time // I could tell you this my friend // I’d do it all over again // I’d get right back in the ring,” he sings. The track’s jangly guitar strums sit alongside slide guitar and an easy drumbeat.
“I Wouldn’t Change A Thing” is the third single from LaMontagne’s forthcoming, highly anticipated ninth studio album Long Way Home set for release August 16. Pre-save, pre-order here. In his return from a four-year LP hiatus, LaMontagne steps slightly into the spotlight—a rarity in his two decades long career, throughout which he’s opted out of celebrity in the remote hills of Western Massachusetts. The first single “Step Into Your Power” released early June and is the fastest moving track of LaMontagne’s in the last ten years. More info here. #RayLaMontagne
McBRIDE & THE RIDE: Celebrating their 35th Anniversary, ACM and CMA nominees McBride & The Ridehave released their new track “No More Cryin’” from their upcoming live EP due out October 18. For the first time, the legendary ‘90s group that soared to the top of the charts with hits like “Love On The Loose, Heart On The Run,” “Sacred Ground,” and “Going Out of My Mind” is releasing live recordings of their hottest singles and most requested songs. Featuring all three original members—Terry McBride (vocals/bass), Ray Herndon (vocals/guitar), and Billy Thomas (vocals/drums)—the group makes it easier than ever to enjoy their live performances anytime you want. Premiered by Cowboys & Indians, “No More Cryin’” is available now. Purchase/stream here.
“We got to do a lot of cool stuff back in the ‘90s and getting to be in the movie “8 Seconds” is still a highlight,” says McBride. “Being asked to write and record the first single for the soundtrack was also a big thrill and three decades later we still enjoy performing “No More Cryin’” each night at our shows.” They continue their Cool To Be Country tour with several shows throughout the country including Chief’s on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. They will also be traveling to Georgia and Texas while continuing to add dates to their schedule. Videos, music and more at their website.
JUSTIN MOORE: Multi-Platinum-selling Country artist Justin Moore shares a statement on the current state of Country music with his new song “Put A Boot In It,” out now via The Valory Music Co. This track follows the release of Moore’s current Top 15 and climbing single “This Is My Dirt,” which will be featured on his forthcoming album, due this fall. Listen to “Put A Boot In It” here.
“It’s a song that was just an attitude. It’s a Honky Tonk, kind of fun tune that’s basically about keeping Country music… well, you know, twangy, and REAL Country,” says Moore. “It’s definitely tongue-in-cheek and isn’t meant to be offensive by any stretch to any other artist out there who does the other stuff. It really came to life in the studio because we did something completely different than when we originally wrote it. The verse sounds completely different than the chorus when it comes to instruments and speed, which is pretty neat. It’s really nothing like I’ve ever recorded.” “Put A Boot In It” was written by the 12x No. 1 hitmaker alongside Will Bundy, Randy Montanaand Jeremy Stover. Moore is currently on tour headlining fairs and festivals across the US, and he’ll head out on his co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour with Randy Houser in September. For tickets and more information, visit justinmooremusic.com. #JustinMoore
DERRYL PERRY: With his newest single release, “90sVille,” this marks Derryl Perry’s 11th single to Country radio. Listen to “90sVille” here. Perry has performed with numerous touring acts such as Gary Allan, Diamond Rio, Tracy Byrd, Joe Diffie, Chris Ledoux, Montgomery Gentry, Joe Nichols, Sara Evans, Darius Rucker, and many more. He has shared the stage with Texas-honed artists such as Aaron Watson, the Randy Rogers Band, Casey Donahew, and the Josh Abbott Band. Perry is currently collaborating in producing, distributing and promoting “90sVille” and others with Synapse Publishing & Entertainment, LLC.
He was recently awarded the Texas Country Music Association Song of the Year for his previous single “Some Horses”. Additionally, he was awarded Music Row Small Label Artist of the Year and Small Label Breakout Artist of the Year while with the Music City Records label. These awards were based on the national radio airplay received for two singles released from his Music City records CD All Just to Get to You. He has racked up 4.9k monthly listeners on Spotify, 390 subscribers on his YouTube channel with over 1.2k streams last month, and 178k views on his YouTube Channel videos. His previous release “Some Horses,” reached the #23 spot on Texas Regional Radio. Find tour dates, music and more at Derryl Perry’s website here. #DerrylPerry
ST. JUDE NEWS: Six-time ACM Award Group of Year Old Dominion will receive the 2024 Angels Among Us award this October for outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®: Finding cures. Saving children®. To get involved visit musicgives.org. Old Dominion joins an illustrious group of past recipients including Randy Owen, Brothers Osborne, Scotty McCreery, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A, Jake Owen, Brad Paisley and Darius Rucker. “It’s truly humbling to be awarded the Angels Among Us honor by St. Jude,” said Old Dominion’s Matthew Ramsey.
“The patients and families of St. Jude inspire us deeply. By uniting with fellow artists and Country radio fans, we want to help make sure that no family receives a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food so they can focus on helping their child live. Supporting such a remarkable mission is a privilege, and we are thankful to be part of it.” The band will receive its award at the 35th annual Country Cares Seminar that takes place Oct. 21 – 22 at the historic Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tenn. Four-time ACM Award nominee Jon Pardi will kick off the two-day event with a performance at the famed Graceland. Megan Moroney will help close out the event with a performance at the Angels Among Us dinner, followed by Old Dominion’s set. Find Old Dominion news, tour info and more at their website. #OldDominionMusic
TEXAS COUNTRY NEWS: Texas Country Music Association Award-winning singer-songwriter Trey Calloway has released his latest single “I Miss Country Music”. Encompassing his love for the traditional sounds of the 80s and 90s while incorporating a modern flair, Calloway highlights the lack of airplay for his heroes who paved the way. Written by Trey Calloway and Dalton Elliot and premiered by Center Stage Magazine, “I Miss Country Music” is the latest example of Calloway’s ability to blend nostalgic elements with contemporary styles. This track not only pays homage to the iconic country artists of past decades but also showcases Calloway’s unique talent for reviving classic country vibes in today’s music scene. Purchase/stream “I Miss Country Music” here and listen/watch the video here.
“’I Miss Country Music’ pays homage to the heartfelt storytelling of timeless country music that I grew up on,” smiles Calloway. “The song longs for simple lyrics that move listeners like Waylon, Jones, Haggard, and Hank did. I hope the song resonates with listeners of all generations with its modern take on the decades-old tradition that is country music.” Calloway has consistently been paving the way for his album release on September 27 with singles released including “Wanted Man,” “You Don’t Need A Woman,” “Miss Gone By Morning,” “Neon Lies,” “Forgotten Man,” and “Horses In Heaven.” Tour updates, music and videos at Trey’s website.#TreyCallowayMusic
TIK TOK BREAKOUT NEWS: ‘Most Followed Country Music Artist’ on TikTok (@itstaylerholder) singer-songwriter Tayler Holder has followed up his successful appearances at CMAFest with a new song about the devastation of a breakup. Holder states, “When we sat down to write ‘Sittin’ on Empty’ we wanted to tell the story of how people do everything you’re not supposed to do to get over someone. Being in the room with Adam Craig and Michael Lotten was such a blessing and I feel like we really painted the picture of getting over a breakup by doing anything and everything you can even though it’s definitely not the healthiest way to do it. I hope people can listen to this song and use it as a way to get over that person without having to do all the unhealthy things mentioned in the song.”
Holder has amassed over 30 million plus fans across all his social media platforms on his country music journey. Holder has transitioned as an influencer seamlessly to a budding country music star. “I am very thankful that I have been welcomed by the Nashville Community and industry alike. I am humbled everyday for the continued support, and I want to keep on bringing the best I have for the people that have championed me. Outside of music, many may know Holder from his viral success on TikTok where he has nearly 20 million followers. #TaylerHolder
TRIBUTE NEWS: Grammy Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys pay tribute to their beloved Joe Bonsall with the new music video for “Promised Land,” from their album ‘Front Porch Singin’’ released by Lightning Rod Records in 2021. Watch the moving video here. “Promised Land,” written by Ashley Monroe resonated with fans originally, and with the sudden news of Bonsall’s passing, the Oaks’ legions of fans quickly began posting the song in Joe’s memory. While also mourning the loss of their friend and fifty-year bandmate, the Oaks discussed creating the perfect tribute to their brother, and William Lee Golden suggested a music video for “Promised Land.” The video, directed by Brandon Wood / IndieBling was premiered by People.com.
“I called Ashley Monroe and asked her to write a song for our ‘Front Porch Singin’’ album,” shares Duane Allen. “We spoke about what we were looking for. Within a few days, Ashley sent “Promised Land.” I loved it immediately and sent it to David Cobb. He wrote back “home run”! When we got into the studio, the magic happened. David voiced Joe in a lower key than normal so he could almost talk this message. I feel that David captured Joe’s heart and soul. Our “OOO’s“ are only heard at the end of this masterpiece.” Find The Oaks’ American Made Farewell Tour info at their website here. #OakRidgeBoys
VIDEO NEWS: Country music singer-songwriter Makenzie Phipps’ music video for her latest single “Pick Your Poison” had its broadcast premiere Friday, July 26 on The Heartland Network. Watch the video here or stream at the Heartland Network. Makenzie Phipps offers fans a modern sound infused with attitude, guts, and sheer determination, making her the perfect voice for the single “Pick Your Poison.” This track reveals a bolder side of Phipps that fans have yet to see. Her fearless approach to music showcases her growth as an artist and songwriter and stands as an anthem signaling an exciting new direction in her evolving sound. With a packed summer and fall tour schedule, new merchandise, and more music on the way, Makenzie Phipps is just getting started. To purchase/stream “Pick Your Poison” visit here.
“I am beyond excited for my new “Pick Your Poison” music video coming out! Nate and Josh from ProMotions LLC did a fantastic job bringing this song to life through video and I can’t wait to see what everyone thinks,” smiles Phipps. “I appreciate everyone who was involved in the process of making this video. If ya haven’t already, go stream “Pick Your Poison” today!!!” In June, Makenzie participated in her second CMA Music Festival with performances throughout the week and autograph signings inside at Fan Fair X. Tour dates and more at Phipps’ website. #MakenziePhipps
VISUALIZER NEWS: Hit singer-songwriter HARDY has unveiled a visualizer for “SOUL4SALE” featuring Fred Durst—watch here. The track is taken from his new album Quit!!, released in July to widespread acclaim via Big Loud Rock. HARDY has unveiled a live deluxe edition of Quit!! with eight new versions recorded on the first weekend of the Quit!! tour earlier this year, and dropped a live video for “PSYCHO” recorded in Ohio — watch here. On July 24, he performed “PSYCHO” on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Quit!! is already receiving critical acclaim, with HARDY gracing the cover of Revolver plus praise from Billboard, where critics call the album “visceral and raw” and praise HARDY’s “intense, defiant delivery,” Holler, who declare that “with heavy, swampy electric guitar riffs and in-your-face bursts of HARDY’s guttural growl, Quit!! is a 13-song rollercoaster,” and many more.
The new album, recorded with Big Loud hitmaker Joey Moi (Morgan Wallen, Florida Georgia Line, Nickelback), is currently climbing at rock radio. HARDY is currently touring the U.S. on his headline Quit!! Tour in addition to a slew of summer festival appearances, finishing with a return to his home state of Mississippi for his first ever stadium show and two back-to-back nights at Red Rocks this fall. Find update tour and ticket details at HARDY’s website.
Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / preshiaswriter@hotmail.com TN/USA. Google: “Preshias” #PreshiasHarris #nashvillemusicline
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. #PreshiasHarris