Category: Inside Track in Music Row

‘Bad Boy’ Dakota Poorman shakes up country music scene

Single, “American Made,” cracks MusicRow chart; “Hippie @ Heart” set to follow

By Preshias Harris

A few decades ago, ‘Outlaw Country’ shook up the country music scene as personified by Waylon, Wille, Kris Kristofferson and David Allan Coe. Now along comes a new ‘bad boy’ of country music: Dakota Poorman who is happy to step outside the boundaries that surround many country artists.

‘New’ isn’t really the word to describe Dakota Poorman who has been earning his chops the hard way: playing gigs in bars and venues throughout the Northwest, surrounding his hometown of Maple Valley, Washington, and fronting the Dakota Poorman Band since 2010. However, he might be a ‘new’ name and a breath of fresh air in Music City.

  • This is one of a series of interviews conducted during the 2022 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.

Cranking up the excitement – and audiences – with what he describes as “Red, White and Blue Collar Country,” Dakota delivers his unique blend of country rock highlighted with banjo and fiddle that build on his influences as diverse as Travis Tritt, Bob Seger and The Marshall Tucker Band.

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Elvie Shane, Cole Swindell, Scotty McCreery, Bobby Marquez, ACM Awards updates

Sneak peek at March edition of Inside Track on Music Row

Catch up with what’s happening with my monthly column, Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running country music column in the USA. You can read the entire column when it is posted at Nashville Music Guide. Meanwhile, click here to read the full February 2022 column, complete with photos, graphics, music links and more, at NMG.

Scroll down for a sneak peek at some news items set for the March column, featuring Elvie Shane, Cole Swindell, western artist Bobby Marquez, songwriter Steve Dorff, Scotty McCreery, The upcoming ACM Awards, and the launch of Country Rebel Records…

Elvie Shane’s “County Roads” a ‘most added’ song at Country radio

On the heels of his No. 1 smash hit “My Boy,” Wheelhouse Records singer/songwriter Elvie Shane’s new single “County Roads” launched at country radio, and immediately became one of the ‘most added’ songs of the week. Co-written by Shane with Dan Couch and Oscar Charles, his new single is full of untamed energy, flying like an unguided missile of passion down “County Roads” and paints a picture of Shane’s early days in Grayson County, KY. Listen to “County Roads” here.  

“The story in ‘County Roads’ is the American graffiti that painted my coming-of-age years,” shared Shane. “Knowing where you came from is important to understand where you are and where you could go. All the full throttle mistakes made, lessons learned, and good times had are equally important. The choice for next single was a no-brainer after showing my better sides with ‘My Boy.’”

The Gold-certified “My Boy” is taken from Shane’s just-released debut full length album, Backslider. Shane is currently on his first-ever headlining My Kinda Trouble Tour. Dates, tickets, music and more here.

Cole Swindell’s Stereotype set for April release

Grammy-nominated multi-Platinum superstar Cole Swindell will release his fourth album, Stereotype, on April 8. Stereotype includes Swindell’s milestone, 10th career, multi-week No. 1 “Single Saturday Night,” as well as his current fast-rising single, “Never Say Never,” with Lainey Wilson. Produced by Zach Crowell, Chris La Corte, Jordan Schmidt and Michael Carter, Stereotype highlights Swindell as a hit-making songwriter across the project.

Continue reading “Elvie Shane, Cole Swindell, Scotty McCreery, Bobby Marquez, ACM Awards updates”

Kenny Chesney and songwriters celebrate “Knowing You” at No. 1 party

34th Number One for Kenny Chesney

By Preshias Harris

Kenny Chesney joined with friends and members of Nashville’s music business community to honor the writers of his 34th Number One hit, “Knowing You.”

It seems like forever ago, but Number One parties were a regular occurrence in Music City – sometimes several in a month – but concerns for the coronavirus put an end to the festivities.  For those gathered at The Sutler in Nashville on January 25, it felt like a chance to reconnect and celebrate together.

(L to R) Kat Higgins, Kenny Chesney, Brett James, Adam James. Photo credit: Alister Ann

Clay Bradley, Vice President of Creative at BMI Nashville, opened the proceedings saying that Number One parties celebrate the milestones in the lives of songwriters and there would be more such celebrations as the music industry returns to normal.

Released in March 2021 on Blue Chair/Warner Nashville, “Knowing You” was written by Adam James, Brett James and Kat Higgins, and produced by Chesney and Buddy Cannon.  It was the fourth single release from his 2020 album, Here and Now. The song marks the 26th Number One country hit for Brett and a first chart-topper for both Adam and Kat.

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Lady A, Luke Bryan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Gene Watson, CJ Solar in the news

Sneak peek at my February country music column!

My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is the longest running monthly country music column in America. Catch the January edition at Nashville Music Guide here, along with photos, videos, links and more.  Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at just a few of the items I am working on for the upcoming column for February 2022.  Scroll down to read them now…

Lady A’s new single is ‘a love letter to fans’

Lady A launches into the new year with their next single “What A Song Can Do” (BMLG Records), available now and impacting Country radio on January 31. The title track from their eighth studio album serves as a love letter to fans that is steeped in music’s power to get us through and has already garnered nearly 4 million on-demand streams.

Written by the group’s Charles Kelley with Ryan Hurd, Sam Ellis and Laura Veltz, “What A Song Can Do” also illustrates the patience and optimism the trio has taken from their years together and is available at all digital retailers here.  “We have been overfilled with gratitude after releasing this album and we don’t take it lightly that after eight albums our music still resonates with so many people,” Kelley said. “This song is the summation of where our hearts are right now and how much music can really pull us through in times of need. We love writing songs about lost love and things like that, but I feel like our favorite material comes with a strong positive message.” More information here.

Luke Bryan gets personal with new video for “Up”

Continue reading “Lady A, Luke Bryan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Gene Watson, CJ Solar in the news”

Kentucky Headhunters make Grand Ole Opry debut

Thirty years later…

By Preshias Harris

Grammy Award-winning southern rock, blues and country group The Kentucky Headhunters have officially made their debut on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry.

Wait, what?!

That has to be a misprint, surely. Three decades at the top of their game and it wasn’t until December 2021 that the Headhunters made it to the Opry? Well, it might be hard to believe but yes, it’s true.

However, they almost played the Opry way back at the beginning of the band’s climb to stardom. Apparently, bluegrass icon Bill Monroe was impressed with their debut album, Pickin’ on Nashville, and suggested that the Opry invite them to appear. In an interview with the Nashville Tennessean, Headhunters co-founder Richard Young said, “I wasn’t there, [but] it was said that Roy Acuff said, ‘They’re probably pretty good boys. They’ll do a fine job, but let’s get ’em a haircut first.”

Much as they would have loved to appear at the Opry, those long-haired country boys weren’t about to get a haircut, even for Mr. Acuff.  They weren’t asked again – at least, not for thirty years.  They finally stepped onto the Opry stage as 2021 drew to a close, long hair still uncut but a little greyer than it used to be.

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The Oak Ridge Boys bring Christmas Cheer and their greatest hits to Opryland

‘Christmas in Tennessee’ Dinner Show runs through December 25

By Preshias Harris

Right now, The Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville is proudly hosting The Oak Ridge Boys, in residence through December 25. Boasting one of the longest backstories in the entertainment industry, the Oaks can trace their history back to the 1940s when they were known as the Oak Ridge Quartet. They became popular in Southern gospel genre, changing their name to The Oakridge Boys in the mid 1960s and more than twenty-five ‘Boys’ have been part of the group over the past seventy-five years. Enough of the backstory!

I attended the opening night of what will be a thirty-one-show residency, and, like all the other enthusiastic members of the capacity audience, I wish everyone could see the Oaks’ Christmas show, aptly titled ‘Christmas in Tennessee’ that marks the resort’s 38th annual ‘A Country Christmas’ event.

The Oak Ridge Boys ‘ Christmas in Tennessee.’ Photo credit: John Mir

The ‘Christmas in Tennessee’ Dinner Show continues through Christmas Day and features a delicious holiday meal prepared by the resort’s culinary team followed by The Oak Ridge Boys and their band performing Christmas classics, new favorites, and a few of the timeless hits that have shaped their legendary career. Scroll down for ticket info.

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Hit writers inducted into Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame

Classes of 2020 and 2021 honored at double gala event

by Preshias Harris

It was a scintillating evening of songs, stars, special memories and – above all – some of the worlds finest songwriters being honored by their peers when The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed ten new members to its ranks.

Garth Brooks paying tribute to Kent Blazy during his induction into the NaSHOF. Photo: Preshias Harris

It was a unique gala: because of the pandemic, the 2020 gala was postponed so it was double the pleasure, double the fun as the Classes of both 2020 and 2021 were inducted at the same ceremony as part of the NaSHOF’s supersized 50th and 51st Anniversary Hall of Fame Gala. The musical contributions of the newest inductees were celebrated through star-studded performances of some of their biggest songs for the capacity crowd at Nashville’s Music City Center.

The Class Of 2020: Kent Blazy and Brett James in the songwriter category; Spooner Oldham in the veteran songwriter category, Steve Earle in the songwriter/artist category and Bobbie Gentry in the veteran songwriter/artist category.

Class of 2020 Pictured (l-r) are: NaSHOF Board Chair Sarah Cates, inductees Brett James, Kent Blazy, Steve Earle, Spooner Oldham and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser

The Class of 2021:  Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon in the songwriter category; John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category; Toby Keith in the songwriter/artist category and Amy Grant in the veteran songwriter/artist category.

Class of 2021 Pictured (l-r) are:  NaSHOF Board Chair Sarah Cates, Inductees Rhett Akins, Toby Keith, Buddy Cannon, Amy Grant and John Scott Sherrill and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser

The inductees and the musical guests who honored them shared so many fascinating stories and insights about how they reached the pinnacle of their artistry.

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‘Inside Track’ mid-month update

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

By Preshias Harris

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

“My Boy” tops Billboard Airplay chart

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

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

Earlier on Instagram, I proudly posted:

Sharing a plaque of memorable photos with Elvie Shane

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

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

Preorder/presave Backslider here.

NSAI’s Song Contest open for entries

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

Love From Music City Gala raises $35,000

Crystal Gayle honoured with Bill Anderson Icon Award

By Preshias Harris

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

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

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

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

Crystal Gayle on the red carpet. Photo: Preshias Harris

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

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

On the red carpet…

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Sneak peek at October ‘Inside Track’ column

Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Dallas Remington, Riley Green, Brett Young, Graciela and more

By Preshias Harris

My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is posted every month at Nashville Music Guide with dozens of news items about the recording artists, songwriters, record labels and the industry ‘movers and shakers’ that are the heart and soul of Music City.

Here is a quick ‘sneak peek’ at just a few of the items you’ll find in the October column.  Meanwhile, you can read the entire September column, complete with audio and video links, here at Nashville Music Guide.

Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde join voices on cheating song

Two powerful songstresses – Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde – have combined forces, and the ravaged country tradition of the ‘hard truth cheating song’ is reignited with the brand-new single “Never Wanted To Be That Girl.” Watch the lyric video here. 

Written by Pearce, McBryde and co-producer Shane McAnally, the clarity bomb is sung from the perspective of two women – the single girl thanking the guy who helped change her flat tire and the wife at home – discovering the man they’re involved with has someone else. The shattering truth in a text – for McBryde – and the reality of where he’s been when he gets home – for Pearce – finds the two women reeling as they consider their own blind spots in a painfully sobering moment.

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