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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.

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 38^th 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.

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 50^th and 51^st 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.

‘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 54^th 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

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 5^th 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…

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.

CMA Awards nominees announced

Eric Church, Chris Stapleton lead with 5 noms apiece

By Preshias Harris

Mark your calendar and set your DVR for the 55^th Annual CMA Awards set to air live from Nashville, Wednesday, November 10, 8:00 pm EST (7:00 CST) on ABC.

Chris Stapleton and Eric Church lead the pack with five nominations each; Gabby Barrett, Jason Hall (mix engineer) and Jay Joyce (producer) each have four nominations. With three noms each: Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Maren Morris and Chris Young.

Among the first-time CMA nominees: Kane Brown, Mickey Guyton, Ryan Hurd, Jordan Davis and more.

Eric Church

Here are the nominations in each category. Make your predictions now and keep this list handy during the broadcast on November 10 to see how often your picks match the votes of the eligible CMA members! If you are like most country fans, you’ll have some ideas about who should win and who probably will win!

Entertainer of the Year

Eric Church
Luke Combs
Miranda Lambert
Chris Stapleton
Carrie Underwood

Mid-August Music News Roundup

Catch up on what’s happening in and around Nashville

By Preshias Harris

Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival features hit writers and rising stars
Mikayla Lane showcases new project, Miles From Nowhere
David Adam Byrnes signs with Reviver Publishing
Mechanical Licensing Collective offers Educators Toolkit
Songwriter, producer Jim Femino passes
The Isaacs to join Grand Ole Opry
Midland launches Set It Straight podcast
Music industry ‘alive and well’ in 2021
New inductees set for Hall of Fame
Western artists honored at Will Rogers Awards
Gibson TV show premieres on Circle Network
Inside Track on Music Row for August
Scroll down to read all these stories…

Nashville Music Line Showcase at Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival

Chasity Bailey (accompanied by Heath Coleman), Andrew Hopson, Mikayla Lane and Ethan Wynn will be performing a Showcase at the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival on Friday, August 20 from 12 noon to 2:00 pm EST at the Gatlinburg Inn. The Showcase is presented by Nashville Music Line and Magic Hills Artists. Appearing for Magic Hills Artists are: Presley Aaron, Jake Bleu and Hunter Taylor.

The Gatlinburg Songwriters’ Festival takes place Aug 19 – 22, 2021 at the Gatlinburg Stages – Gatlinburg Inn, Ole Red, Ole Smoky, Park Vista and Skylift Park – and at the Pigeon Forge Stages – Listening Room and Dollywood. More info about the Gatlinburg Songwriters Festival here. Among those appearing: Lee Roy Parnell, Tony Arata, Brady Seals and many more.

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Mikayla Lane showcases new EP

Rising star Mikayla Lane will present a full band showcase to celebrate the release of her new EP, Miles From Nowhere, at 6:00 pm, CST, Wednesday September 8, at The Local in Nashville. The Local is located at 110 28^th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203.

The sixteen-year-old singer from the Tulsa, OK, area is already making her mark in country music with her dynamic vocals and songwriting chops. Mikayla’s remarkable stage presence has made her a regular performer at Ole Red, Tishomingo, OK, Blake Shelton’s popular restaurant and music venue. Mikayla initially appeared there at the tender age of 13 and has since made several memorable appearances at the Nashville Ole Red.

On Friday, August 20, Mikayla makes her Ole Red Gatlinburg debut, bringing her music to the Smoky Mountain venue. Mikayla co-wrote the four-song collection on Miles From Nowhere with friend and producer John Conrad, including her current single, “Wild Like the Wind.” More about Mikayla at her website here and on Facebook here.

Elvie Shane’s “My Boy” continues chart climb

Opry debut, hot EP… and a new baby!

By Preshias Harris

Elvie Shane continues his steady rise up the country charts with his debut single, “My Boy,” released on Wheelhouse Records, a BBR Music Group imprint. For the survey dated Aug 14, 2021, “My Boy” climbs 15 to 13 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart in its forty-fourth consecutive week charting there.

For the same week, “My Boy” jumps 22 to 19 after sixteen weeks on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart that combines sales, airplay and streaming data compiled by MRC Data.

Elvie’s success means a great deal to me personally. I first heard “My Boy” when he sang and played it to me in my office in Nashville, where he and I were working on developing his music career. His star quality and – equally important – his strength of character and vision were undeniable even in those early days.

One day, Elvie invited me to lunch. But when we were in the car, he had a surprise for me. “We’re not going to lunch,” he said. “I’m taking you with me when I sign my record deal at Broken Bow.”

*Preshias Harris with Elvie Shane as he prepares to sign with Broken Bow Records. Photo credit: Cody Heckber*

I shed tears of joy that day, and the photo commemorating that special event takes pride of place in my office today. He is an inspiration to my current roster of emerging songwriters and artists who can see that a successful career in music is attainable despite the many challenges.

Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame to induct five of Music City’s finest

Class of 2021 and Class of 2020 to be honored at November Gala

By Preshias Harris

Country music fans think of Nashville as a city built on the success that many Country recording artists found in the studios of Music City. But the artists themselves will readily tell you that the real stars are the songwriters. When Number One parties are held in Nashville, they celebrate the songwriters who wrote the chart-toppers, rather than the singers and bands on the recording. The 1982 hit song “16^th Avenue” (written by Thom Schuyler and recorded by Lacy J. Dalton) summed it up this way: “God bless the boys who make the noise on 16^th Avenue,” referring to one of the streets than comprise Nashville’s fabled Music Row.

For many years, the songwriting community mainly consisted of “boys” (and old boys) and while more females are now seeing their names on songwriting credits, only one female writer will be among the inductees into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Class of 2021.

Amy Grant, Toby Keith, Rhett Akins, Buddy Cannon and John Scott Sherrill will be inducted into the Hall this November, according to an announcement made July 13 by Sarah Cates, chair of the Nashville Songwriters Hall off Fame Foundation board of directors, and Mark Ford, its executive director.