Category: Nashville Music

Music Row’s ‘Inside Track’

January 2019 column now posted at Nashville Music Guide

My column “Inside Track on Music Row” is the longest continually-published monthly Country music column in the USA.  You can read the full column at Nashville Music Guide, here.  Meanwhile, here are a couple of excerpts…

  • Esquire’s 10 Best Country Albums of 2018
  • Alabama’s 5 Decades of Music
  • Chris Young’s Single & Tour News
  • Marshall Tucker Band’s 2019 Concert Dates

Esquire’s 10 Best Country Albums of 2018

ALBUM NEWS: Esquire Magazine announced their “10 Best Country Albums of 2018” in December. And the list doesn’t exactly match current Country Radio airplay, either. Esquire’s pick for No. 1 on their list: ‘Best Years of My Life’ by Pistol Annies ( Miranda Lambert, Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley). ‘Desperate Man’ from Eric Church is No. 2 and Brandi Carlile’s ‘By The way, I Forgive You’ takes third place.  Also in the magazine’s top ten: albums by Willie Nelson, Brothers Osborne, Dierks Bentley, and more. Read the full article here.

Alabama’s 5 Decades of Music

ICONIC MUSIC NEWS: Iconic Country Band, ALABAMA will celebrate five decades of music in 2019. Their “50th Anniversary Tour,” will sweep the United States with nearly 30 live concerts already on the books. “We never thought playing for tips at The Bowery in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, that 50 years later we would still playing arenas, stadiums and festivals,” says ALABAMA frontman Randy Owen. The Charlie Daniels Band, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Oak Ridge Boys, Restless Heart, Chris Janson, Tracy Lawrence and Exile will join ALABAMA on select dates during the tour. It kicks off on January 10 at the Fox Theatre in Detroit. Additional dates will be announced soon. Tour updates here.

Chris Young’s Single & Tour News

SINGLE NEWS: ‘Raised On Country’ is Chris Young’s newest single, and he’s getting fans amped up with a fun new contest online. “I reference a whole lot of artists that I grew up listening to in the song by name, so I’m going to post this link, you guys can go vote, and every week, whoever gets the highest number of votes, artist-wise, I will go record one of my favorite songs of theirs that I grew up on and really made me raised on country,”

In the promo video, Chris says the new single is coming “very, very soon, although I’m not going to say exactly when yet. Very soon!” Chris’ latest number one single from the “Losing Sleep” album is, “Hangin’ On.” Young also announced a limited series of concerts slated for the U.K. in 2019. Chris will take his headlining Losing Sleep World Tour overseas in May of 2019 for shows in Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, accompanied by support act Lindsay Ell. Tickets for the U.K. leg of the Losing Sleep World Tour on sale at Young’s official website.

Marshall Tucker Band’s 2019 Concert Dates

SOUTHERN ROCK NEWS: Legendary southern rock group The Marshall Tucker Band has revealed the first leg of live concert dates for its newly announced Through Hell & High Water… And Back Tour 2019. The first round of dates includes stops in Las Vegas, NV, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Verona, NY, Scottsdale, AZ, Glenside, PA, Mobile, AL, Charleston, SC, and the 2019 Southern Rock Cruise.  Entering their 48th year on the road with nearly 30 live concerts already on the books, the iconic band shows no signs of slowing down.

“When we started the band in the early 70s, we did it for beer money on the weekends,” reminisces Marshall Tucker Band lead singer Doug Gray. “Never in a million years would I have believed that we’d still be out here jammin’ for as long as we have. What a journey… onward we ride!” The tour kicks off on January 4 in Clearwater, FL at the Capitol Theatre. More dates will be announced soon at www.marshalltucker.com.

That’s just a small taste of the 25+ news items in my January column, “Inside Track on Music Row” now posted at Nashville Music Guide.

Catch up with my column and much more at the NMG website.

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

Mark Wills to join Opry

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

Photo credit: Grand Ole 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

Continue reading “Mark Wills to join Opry”

Inside Track on Music Row teaser

Garth, Thomas Rhett, Jay Leno and more

Here is a link to my ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ column for December 2018.  It appears in  Nashville Music Guide and is the longest-running continuously-published country music column in the USA.

As always, thanks to NMG editor Amanda for making the column look so great.  And a reminder that the January edition of ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ will be published soon.

Meanwhile here are a few excepts from the December column…

Thomas Rhett 2019 tour dates announced

ARTIST NEWS: Thomas Rhett announced details for his VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR with special guests Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson and Rhett Akins. Thomas Rhett is set to kick off the summer on May 17 in Spokane, WA.  Initial public on-sales are available via thomasrhett.com.

Fans can also purchase tickets for additional select cities beginning Friday, January 25 as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at www.Megaticket.com. Additional dates will continue to roll out over the coming weeks. Live Nation is the national tour promoter. “We just closed out our 2018 tour in the U.K. last week and I’m already thinking about next year’s tour,” said Rhett. “I’m glad we have the winter to plan and come up with some crazy stuff for next year because I can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than out on the road with my fans. And, I get to bring my dad and two of my favorite artists in country music along for the ride.”

Last minute gift hint for Garth fans

GARTH NEWS: Garth’s The Anthology Part III, LIVE, is now available. It’s a detailed, insider look at Brooks’ electrifying concerts, with behind-the-scenes stories, insider secrets, and interviews with band and crew. It contains 5 CDs with 52 live recordings, never before seen photographs and 10 augmented reality experiences that can be seen on the Garth Live app.

It also includes the new live album, TRIPLE LIVE. It’s the soundtrack of the record breaking, number one tour in North American history.  Additionally, The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour is coming to Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, April 20th, 7:00 PM at University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It’s the first Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Concert in 25 years.  Tickets can only be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000.

Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy set for Opry House show

PERFORMANCE NEWS: A special performance will take place during next year’s 2019 Nashville Comedy Festival, iconic American comics Jay Leno and Jeff Foxworthy are set to take the stage for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event on the historic stage of The Opry House.

This special event is exclusive to Nashville, as it will be the first time and only place to see both artists share the stage. The legendary “clean comedy” entertainers will perform at The Opry House on Sunday, April 14. Tickets are now available at Ticketmaster.com, the Opry House box office, the Ryman Auditorium box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.

Much more to see here at ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ at Nashville Music Guide.

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

Rory Feek’s Once Upon A Christmas

Free livestream broadcast, Saturday Dec 8th

Here’s a last minute ‘heads up’ about a must-see event that will definitely warm your heart and get you  in the Christmas mood!  CountryRoadTV.com will livestream “Rory Feek’s Once Upon A Christmas.” 

The FREE holiday-themed concert will air Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central. The online broadcast, streamed live from the Hardison Mill Farm concert barn in Columbia, Tenn. It will feature Grammy award-winning singer, songwriter, performer, filmmaker and bestselling author Rory Feek. Feek will be joined by special guest, multi-Grammy winning songwriter and artist, Paul Overstreet. The concert is FREE to watch exclusively on CountryRoadTV.com (no cost, no mandatory trial subscriptions).

“We are offering this concert FREE, outside of CountryRoadTV.com paywall, so that folks can get an idea of what kinds of programming are being offered through the network,” explained Ian Black, of Country Road Management.

A personal note: I have always loved Rory, both as a friend and as a performer. In 1998, I handled media relations for the book “Chicken Soup For The Country Soul.”  It became a NY Times bestseller and one of my favorite stories was a very touching one about paying forward a good deed.  It was by Rory Feek and Jonnie Barnett.   It was also featured in an issue of Country Weekly where it was voted as a favorite ‘Chicken Soup’ story by the magazine’s readers. By 2000, Rory and Jonnie had turned the moving story into a song. Titled “Chain of Love,” it was recorded by Clay Walker and released a single. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.  Take a moment to watch a video of Joey & Rory performing the song. 

Make a note to watch “Rory Feek’s Once Upon A Christmas” Saturday, December 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern/7 p.m. Central at  CountryRoadTV.com. Continue reading “Rory Feek’s Once Upon A Christmas”

Jake Owen, songwriters celebrate No. 1

“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” Jake’s 7th No.1

Pictured, Top Row (L-R): Round Hill’s Mark Brown, Big Loud’s Seth England, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, Sony ATV’s Tom Luteran, BMI’s David Preston, Big Loud Records’ Clay Hunnicutt and Joey Moi. Bottom Row (L-R): ASCAP songwriters David Ray and Craig Wiseman, BMI songwriters Jake Owen, Tommy Cecil and Jody Stevens, and Missi Gallimore. Photo: Ed Rode

Jake Owen’s Number One Party for “I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” had the CMA Special events room packed with music industry execs, songwriters, publishers, agents, radio promotion people, managers, special guests, family and friends. They were all celebrating Jake’s 7th number one song and his first single released on Big Loud Records. The songwriters being honored were David Ray, Tommy Cecil, Jody Stevens, Craig Wiseman, and John Mellencamp, along with producer Joey Moi. The party was co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI.

Kicking off the kudos was David Preston from Artist/Writer Relations at BMI. David is always very praising of BMI’s songwriters and their co-writers. This party was no exception.

{L to R): Beth Brinker (ASCAP) jody Stephens, Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, Jake Owen and David Lee. Photo: Preshias Harris

After giving his accolades for the BMI writers, David introduced his “co-host” Beth Brinker from ASCAP’s Artist/Writer’s relations. She is just a bubbly ray of sunshine beaming from the stage. She also had kind words for all the writers and bragged on David Lee as it was hit first cut and his first number one, since making Nashville his home in 2013.

Amazing 350 cuts for Craig Wiseman

Then it was Craig Wiseman’s turn.  I thought to myself, I knew he was an AMAZING WRITER and in the Nashville Songwriter’s Hall Of Fame (2015), but I didn’t realize he had 350 cuts, 125 singles and 27 Number one singles!!  Oh, I almost forgot… In 2009, he was named NSAI’s Songwriter of the Decade, then in 2014, he won the Heritage Award from ASCAP as the most performed country songwriter of the century. ASCAP named him Songwriter of the Year 2003, 2005 & 2007.

With all the songwriters on stage, (except John Mellencamp) it was ALL smiles across the stage with Jody Stevens, Craig Wiseman, Tommy Cecil, Jake Owen and David Ray and producer Joey Moi. The song echoes the feelings of John Mellencamp’s 1982 hit, “Jack and Diane.” Prior to release, Jake secured Mellencamp’s agreement to incorporate elements of the original song and Mellencamp receives a writer’s credit.

The best part was seeing everyone sincerely excited for Jake. He really is a super nice guy.

Jake has also been added to the lineup for Luke Bryan‘s “CRASH MY PLAYA – 5TH YEAR FIESTA,” that is set for Wednesday January 23rd through Saturday, January 26th, 2019 in Riviera Maya, Mexico.

Jake Owen, Erica Hartlein

FYI: Jake his girlfriend Erica Hartlein prepares to welcome another daughter in late spring/early summer 2019. More info on Jake Owen, including tour info, at his website and Facebook.

 

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

Jimmy Charles finds ‘Hard Way To Go’

Overcoming setbacks inspires listeners

Album review by Preshias Harris

This is an album that has a message that is very close to my heart and my own approach to coping with major issues such as cancer.

 

Jimmy Charles ‘Hard Way To Go’

Jimmy Charles first came to national attention when American Idol sent him to Hollywood.  Now comes a seven-song collection titled HARD WAY TO GO. Produced by Paul David (CeCe Winans, Andre Crouch, Jonny Lang), the EP is a showcase for Charles’ musical range from soulful ballads to guitar-shredding rockers.

Charles spirit on this album demonstrates  that he is more than just a strong and confident vocalist. The EP kicks off in high gear with the guitar-driven “Blue Spaces,” made for happy-go-lucky beach listening. Charles sings: Hey shotgun pilot / the coast is clear / let’s sail out of dodge / like two beach ballin’ buccaneers.  It’s a fun ear-worm that gets the listener in the mood for next summer’s sand-between-the-toes seashore fun.

Anthem of hope and strength

“I Am Not Alone” (also his current single) tells the story of dealing with cancer from the perspective of a teenager, a married man, a young mother and a senior citizen.  The song becomes an anthem of hope and strength as each person in turn finds the determination to carry on.  (On that subject, please read my personal note, at the foot of this review.) Continue reading “Jimmy Charles finds ‘Hard Way To Go’”

Country Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers

CDs and more for your Country gift list

Santa’s gone Country! Here’s a whole sleigh-full of Country stocking suffers for family, friends and you too. You deserve it! Scroll down for mini-reviews and handy links.

  • Top artists on ‘Country Faith Christmas 2’
  • A blue (grass) Christmas with Dailey & Vincent
  • Tracy Lawrence is ‘Frozen in Time’
  • Brett Eldredge: still GLOWing strong
  • Rodney Crowell finds ‘Christmas Everywhere’
  • Martina McBride swings into Christmas
  • A quirky Yuletide: from lullabies to kazoos
  • Celebrate with Ray Stevens
  • Scroll down for mini-reviews and links

 Top artists on ‘Country Faith Christmas 2’

If you’re headed to Cracker Barrel, here’s a CD you could find. ‘Country Faith Christmas Vol. 2’ is a new Christmas album from the faith-based brand, Country Faith. The CD features top Country Music artists including Carrie Underwood, Chris Young, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels, Hank Williams Jr, Darius Rucker, John Berry and more. Distributed through Curb/Word Entertainment, the album is available now through digital retailers, including Apple Music and Amazon.  The CD will be sold exclusively in Cracker Barrel stores and is one of only four featured Christmas releases at Cracker Barrel’s over 600 stores, which are located across the U.S.  More details here.

A blue (grass) Christmas with Dailey & Vincent

If someone you know is dreaming of a blue (grass) Christmas, here’s the perfect gift.  Multi-GRAMMY® nominated duo Dailey & Vincent have released of their first-ever Christmas record, ‘Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas,’ available now from BMG. The Sounds of Christmas experience is more than just an album release as momentum continues throughout the holiday season with a nationally broadcast television Christmas concert special, four all-new Christmas episodes of “The Dailey & Vincent Show” on RFD-TV and a 15-city Christmas tour. The album features Christmas classics like “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Carol of the Bells” and “Go Tell It On The Mountain” as well as never-before-heard holiday tunes such as “Road To Bethlehem” featuring Dolly Parton. Tour info and more here.

Tracy Lawrence is ‘Frozen in Time’

Here’s a new album from one of favorite people: Tracy Lawrence. ‘Frozen In Time’ offers a mix of classic holiday favorites plus four original tracks, including the album’s title track, co-written by Tracy and Rick Huckaby. Tracy describes that song as “a festive nod to family traditions served up Western Swing style, with a side of holiday cheer.” Your gift recipients can enjoy the album on CD, vinyl or digital (available here). Track listing and more info at Tracy’s website.

Brett Eldredge: still GLOWing strong

In 2016, Brett Eldredge released a Christmas album titled, ‘Glow.’ Now he has re-released the album in a ‘de-luxe edition’ that includes all the original tracks plus five new tracks. Brett has added his renditions of ‘Do You Hear What I Hear,’ ‘Silver Bells,’ ‘Sleigh Ride,’ ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’ and ‘Christmas Time Is Here.’ He has also added some pre-holiday dates to his tour schedule and no doubt he’ll be singing some of the tracks from the album. Gift idea: add a couple of tour show tix to the album for that special someone. Go to Brett’s webpage here. And check out the cool ‘snow globe’ graphic with Brett in a powder blue tux!

Rodney Crowell finds ‘Christmas Everywhere’

Singer/songwriter Rodney Crowell says that he’s read the poem “A Visit From St. Nicholas” (a.k.a. “Twas The Night Before Christmas”) on Christmas Eve to his children and grandkids for more than 40 years.  If he wants a break from tradition, he could play them his new Christmas album, “Christmas Everywhere” instead.  Unlike most other Xmas offerings, this album consists of twelve original Christmas-themed songs, and features guest stars (including Vince Gill) and his own kids. The album is available digitally, on CD and on vinyl (black or marbled red and green). Order your copy here. More info at Rodney’s website.

Martina McBride swings into Christmas

“It’s The Holiday Season” and that’s the title of Martina McBride’s 2018 yuletide album (her first since 1988’s “White Christmas”).  The new album features more of a Christmas-pop vibe than the previous album that focused more on Christmas hymns. Recorded at Nashville’s Blackbird Studios and Capitol Studios in Los Angeles, Martina is backed by orchestras with 40+ top musicians. Martina will also be taking that big band sound on the road for a number of pre-Christmas dates.  If someone on your gift list is more into cooking than listening to Holiday tunes, Martina has a book for that. Her second cookbook, ‘Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life,’ is out just in time for gift buying. All of Martina’s merch is available vis her website and the usual retail outlets.

A quirky Yuletide: from lullabies to kazoos

Do you know somebody who would enjoy something a little, er… different? The CMH Label Group is releasing more of its catalog to Global Radio for the Christmas season. This includes a brand-new 3 song EP, “Rockabye Baby,” featuring Yuletide hits “All I Want For Christmas is You,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Last Christmas.” Speaking of unique renditions of Christmas classics, it doesn’t get more unorthodox than a “Kazoo Christmas,” except for maybe a “Surfin’ Christmas.” And what would a CMH Christmas be without “Pickin’ On Christmas,” a collection of holiday hits done in our one-of-a-kind bluegrass style.  “Stars & Snow” is an album full of Texas Country covers of both modern and traditional Christmas classics. Then, it’s time for a Feliz Navidad, as the Red Hot Jalapenos take you on a trip to a “Christmas South of the Border.” You can find links to these and more here.

Celebrate with Ray Stevens

How about gifting Ray Stevens fans with some show tickets? The music legend is “decking the halls” at his new Nashville showroom, CabaRay.  Through Saturday, December 29, Stevens will perform multiple live “Christmas at CabaRay” dinner shows at the venue.  “It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at the CabaRay,” says Stevens. “The CabaRay is now fully decorated for the holidays and the shows take on a decided Christmas flavor right after Thanksgiving.”  At each show, dinner seating begins at 6:00 p.m. with the live concert following at 7:30 p.m. Ticket pricing: $99 seats include VIP seating, dinner and live show / $79 seats include dinner and show on the main dining floor / $59 seats are available in the balcony (does not include dinner).  Tickets are available now at Ray’s website or by calling 615-327-4630. CabaRay is located at 5724 River Road in West Nashville.

There you have it: my roundup of Country Christmas gift ideas for 2018.  Now go shopping, in-store or online. Merry 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

Tracy Lawrence, country stars, give back at Christmas

Country artists generous with time and talent

  • Tracy Lawrence ‘Mission: Possible Turkey Fry’
  • Christmas 4 Kids helps children in need
  • Michael Ray’s Wrigley Cares helps shelter animals
  • Charlie Daniels reaches out to veterans

scroll down to read all these stories

Country artists are among the most generous members of show business when it comes to giving their time and talent to help others or to support a charity.  As we approach the Holiday season, many country stars are finding ways to help those in need.

Tracy Lawrence ‘Mission: Possible Turkey Fry’

Tracy Lawrence

Case in point: Tracy Lawrence.  He is already warming up the fryers and calling up his friends in music.  The reason is Tracy’s 13th annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry at Nashville Rescue Mission. Now a long-standing Holiday tradition, the event takes place Tuesday, November 20. It will provide hundreds of tasty and nutritious meals for ‘underserved’ people in Metro Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Tracy will be up and out early in the morning to get the turkey fryers fired up. The day will wrap up at the Wildhorse Saloon at 7:00 pm with live performances by Tracy and some of his friends. Proceeds will benefit Nashville Rescue Mission. Scheduled to appear: EMI recording artist Eric Paslay, BMG/Chrysalis singer/songwriter Doug McCormick, Outlaw Country duo Halfway To Hazard, newcomer Bristyn Camp and some special surprise guests. A live auction to benefit the Rescue Mission takes place during the show. Continue reading “Tracy Lawrence, country stars, give back at Christmas”

CMA Awards: The Winners

Paisley and Underwood co-host

Photo credit: CMA/ABC

An amazing night at the 52nd annual CMA Awards!   Security was (understandably) tight at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but we were safely seated and treated to one of the best shows in years.

Too many high spots to mention them all. But Keith Urban‘s emotional acceptance of the Entertainer of the Year Award and Garth Brooks debut of ‘Stronger Than Me’ (dedicated to wife Trisha Yearwood) were lump-in-the-throat moments.

More than thirty-five live performances were featured and Executive Producer Robert Deaton and his crew kept it flowing seamlessly.

‘Ten Year Town’

For anyone who doubts that Nashville is known as a ‘ten year town,’ Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year for ‘Golden Hour.’ It was the tenth anniversary of her move to Nashville.

All the winners

In case you missed any of the results, Here is a list of all the nominees with winners’ name in bold.

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
​Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton
Keith Urban – WINNER

Single of the Year

“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay

Female Vocalist of the Year

Kelsea Ballerini
Miranda Lambert
Maren Morris
Kacey Musgraves
​Carrie Underwood – WINNER

Male Vocalist of the Year

Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett
Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Keith Urban

Vocal Duo of the Year

Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland

New Artist of the Year

Lauren Alaina
Luke Combs – WINNER
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young

 Vocal Group of the Year

Lady Antebellum
LANCO​
Little Big Town
Midland
Old Dominion – WINNER

Album of the Year

From A Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton
Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves​ – WINNER
Graffiti U, Keith Urban
Life Changes, Thomas Rhett
The Mountain, Dierks Bentley

 Song of the Year

“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson​
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay

Musical Event of the Year

“Burning Man,” Dierks Bentley feat. Brothers Osborne
“Dear Hate,” Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney – WINNER
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line

Music Video of the Year

“Babe,” Sugarland feat. Taylor Swift
“Cry Pretty,” Carrie Underwood
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson​
“Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett – WINNER
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay

Musician of the Year

Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar
Mac McAnally, Guitar – WINNER
Derek Wells, Guitar

For news, video and more info, visit the CMA Awards official website.

 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

Country, Bluegrass, Americana news and more

November’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ sneak peek

  • ‘Hannah’ new single from Tom Mackell EP
  • Dailey & Vincent’s ‘first ever’ Xmas album
  • 77 million streams for Tenpenny’s ‘Drunk Me’
  • Kip Moore has acoustic ‘Room To Spare’
  • And much more

Catch up on more than thirty music news items in the November 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row. The entire column (and a whole lot more) is now posted here at Nashville Music Guide, complete with photos, videos and graphics. Thank you NMG editor Amanda Andrews! You always make the column look SO good.

The column is the longest-running Country music column in America.  Scroll down for a sneak peek at just a few of the items in the November column.

‘Hannah’ new single from Tom Mackell EP

AMERICANA NEWS: Tom Mackell hails from Philadelphia and debuts a unique sound resembling a cross between outlaw country and Americana. The Nashville based singer/songwriter has released his latest single ‘Hannah’ – the first single from a forthcoming E.P. slated for early 2019.

Fusing elements of classic Americana and outlaw country revival with youthful sincerity, ‘Hannah’ explores an old country adage through the lens of a millennial songwriter.  Despite the challenges that inspired the song, Mackell has managed to turn 2018 into a banner year musically, crafting a new album on which ‘Hannah’ will appear, in addition to touring with 90’s stalwart Sister Hazel and securing forthcoming dates with ‘The Voice’ alum Tony Lucca. Music, tour dates and more at tommackell.com.

Dailey & Vincent’s ‘first ever’ Xmas album

BLUEGRASS NEWS: Heading into the holiday season, multi-GRAMMY® nominated duo Dailey & Vincent are gifting fans their first-ever Christmas record, ‘Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas,’ available from BMG. The collection of Christmas classics and never-before-heard holiday tunes ranked No. 2 on the Amazon’s Holiday Hot New Releases.

To order ‘Dailey & Vincent: The Sounds of Christmas,’ click here. Country music icon Dolly Parton collaborated with Dailey & Vincent on the Jimmy Fortune and Jeff Bates penned “Road To Bethlehem.  The bluegrass veterans were also joined by 2018 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Ricky Skaggs, on a cut of Alabama’s “Tonight It’s Christmas,” which is one of two bonus tracks available exclusively when fans purchase the Christmas record at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations and online at CrackerBarrel.com.  Tour dates and album info at daileyandvincent.com.

77 million streams for Tenpenny’s ‘Drunk Me’

Mitchell Tenpenny. Photo credit: Alan Poizner

CD RELEASES: Nashville native Mitchell Tenpenny burst onto the scene earlier this year when his RIAA-certified Gold single, ‘Drunk Me’ hit airwaves across the country. The breakthrough song has earned more than 77 million on-demand streams tracking 3 million a week, and has surpassed 500,000 units of downloads in the U.S.

Tenpenny’s debut album, ‘Telling All My Secrets,’ will be available everywhere Friday, Dec. 14, 2018, on the Riser House/Columbia Nashville. The title track is available now with pre-order.  Tenpenny wrote 56 songs in preparation for the album narrowing it down to 11 strong tracks that tell his story including Top 15 single ‘Drunk Me,’ and fan favorite ‘Alcohol You Later.’ His total career streams exceed 104 million, across various platforms. Music and tour info here.

Kip Moore has acoustic ‘Room To Spare’

EP NEWS: Kip Moore announced he will release ROOM TO SPARE: THE ACOUSTIC SESSIONS EP on November 16. Driven by a promise to fans to share an acoustic EP, Moore shared further insight into the project exclusively with American Songwriter, including the creative process that went in to the seven-song collection and co-writing five of the tracks.

Audiences across the country will also be able to experience the new tracks live this fall as Moore also revealed a limited Room To Spare: Acoustic Tour kicking off in Milwaukee, WI on 11/29. The new EP showcases multi-Platinum singer/songwriter Moore’s signature sound in a stripped-down setting. Music, merch, tour updates  and more here.

Read the entire column and much more at Nashville Music Guide!

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