Nashville Music Line - Page 24 of 48 - for singers and songwriters

Songwriters honored for Jimmie Allen, Morgan Evans hits

Two ‘Number One’ parties in Nashville

Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek) celebrated his debut No. 1 single “Best Shot” at The Local in Nashville, Tuesday January 21. Pictured (back, L-R) are Major Bob’s Tina Crawford, SESAC’s Shannan Hatch, Wide Open Music’s Ash Bowers, Major Bob’s Chandler Thurston, BMI’s David Preston, the label’s Jon Loba and producer Eric Torres; (front, L-R) songwriter Josh London, Allen and songwriter J.P. Williams.

Morgan Evans (Warner Bros./WEA), celebrated his first chart topper, “Kiss Somebody,” at No. 1 party held at Soundcheck in Nashville. Pictured (front, L-R) are songwriter/producer Chris DeStefano, Evans and songwriter Josh Osborne; (back, L-R) the label’s Adrian Michaels, Matt Signore, John Esposito, Scott Hendricks, Tom Martens and Justin Luffman.

Morgan Evans celebrates first No. 1 ‘Kiss Somebody’

Number One party toasts Evans, DeStefano, Osbourne

“Kiss Somebody” is the first No. 1 in the USA for Morgan Evans, both as a songwriter and as an artist.

(L to R): Josh Osbourne, Evans, Morgan Evans, Chris DeStefano. Photo: Preshias Harris

Australian-born Morgan and his label Warner Brothers along with ASCAP, BMI and APRA AMCOS (Australia’s PRO) came together to celebrate for the three songwriters. Morgan, his producer Chris DeStefano (also a co-writer) and Josh Osbourne were at Sound Check January 17 to receive awards, kudos and plaques.

The single is off of his Top 10 US debut album, “Things That We Drink To.” Morgan’s artistic vision came full circle with his producer and hit songwriter Chris DeStefano. The eclectic country album arrived at #1 on the ARIA Top Country Albums Chart and scored a Top 5 debut on the all-genre ARIA Top Albums Chart in Australia. Evans’ current single “Day Drunk” has held the #1 spot on Australia’s Music Network Country Airplay Chart for 21 consecutive weeks. That track also topped the all-genre TMN Hot 100 Airplay chart for two weeks in Australia, almost unheard of for a Country act. The album has garnered critical acclaim and it looks like 2019 is not even going to slow down.

From 2007 talent show to 2018 No. 1

Morgan Evans. Photo: Joseph Llanes

Back Story: Morgan Evans moved to Nashville two years ago from his native Australia, where his career was already flourishing. He won a talent show in 2007 where the prize was a trip to Nashville to record a single. He is married to Black River’s Country star Kelsea Ballerini. He signed with Warner Bros in 2017 and released his U.S. debut “Kiss Somebody.”
Evans is supporting Old Dominion on the MAKE IT SWEET TOUR to kick off 2019, before joining the first leg of Dan + Shay THE TOUR beginning in February. At a NSAI fundraiser with Evans and his album’s co-writers and friends, they revealed that Evans and DeStefano had both co-written each of the album’s 11 songs (including the duet song with wife Kelsea)!

“Whenever I see the city skyline, I remember the first time I came to Nashville and I looked at that skyline and I imagined being a part of that community. And every time I have that thought, I get that rush of memories, especially on a day like today when we get to stop and look back and celebrate things. These guys have sat up here a lot of times, but for me, it’s the first I’ve experienced this. And I guess, more than anything, it means that I get to keep doing this for a long time.” – Morgan Evans

Continue reading “Morgan Evans celebrates first No. 1 ‘Kiss Somebody’”

CMA names recipients of Triple Play Awards

Tickets on sale now for Feb 19 show

The Country Music Association has revealed the recipients of the 10th annual CMA Triple Play Awards, an honor presented to songwriters who pen three No. 1 songs within a 12-month period based on the Country Aircheck, Billboard Country Airplay and Billboard Hot Country Songs charts.

In total, 10 songwriters will receive trophies this year: Luke Combs, Jesse Frasure, Nicolle Galyon, Ashley Gorley, Tyler Hubbard, Josh Kear, Shane McAnally, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne and Thomas Rhett.

Galyon will host a very special CMA Songwriters Series Presented by U.S. Bank performance, taking place Tuesday, Feb. 19 at Marathon Music Works in Nashville at 7:00 PM (doors 6:00 PM) and also featuring Combs, Gorley, Kear, McGill and Osborne.

(L to R) Nicolle Galyon, Luke Combs, Ashley Gorley, Josh Kier, Chase McGill, Josh Osborne set to appear at CMA Songwriters Series, Feb 19. Photo: CMA

Continue reading “CMA names recipients of Triple Play Awards”

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

‘New Faces of Country Music’ set for CRS

Stars on the rise at Country Radio show

Jimmie Allen, Russell Dickerson, Lindsay Ell, LANCO, Dylan Scott will strut their stuff for radio honchos

The 2019 Country Radio Seminar (CRS) is just around the corner, set for Feb. 13-15, 2019 at the Omni Hotel in Nashville. CRS is an annual convention that brings together thousands of Country radio air personalities, program directors and consultants. They are joined by record label executives, A&R staff and artist management teams, eager to expose their acts to radio’s decision makers.

A highlight at every CRS is the New Faces of Country Music® show. The ‘Class of 2019’ will consist of: Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek), Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), Lindsay Ell (Stoney Creek), LANCO (Arista), and Dylan Scott (Curb). The annual new artist showcase event officially closes out the seminar and remains one of the most anticipated events each year at CRS.

I have attended CRS for many years and always look forward with excitement to the New Faces show. Here is an overview of the artists that will be part of the ‘Class of 2019.’

Jimmie Allen

With such an amazingly successful 2018 in his rearview mirror, we have to keep reminding ourselves that Jimmie Allen is still technically a newcomer. But he’s definitely not new to Nashville. Reinforcing the maxim that ‘Nashville is a ten-year town,’ Jimmie arrived in Music City in 2007 at the age of 22 with a bank balance of $21.00. Virtually broke, Jimmie was reduced to sleeping in his car at first, so he could send money from paychecks back to his mom in Delaware.

Working a variety of jobs over the years, he was determined to follow his dream in music. Developing his skill as a songwriter, he signed a publishing deal with Wide Open Music in 2016. Then, in 2017, he was signed to Stoney Creek Records by Jon Loba, Executive VP of BBR Music Group. Jimmie’s debut album, ‘Mercury Lane,’ was named after the street he grew up on in Delaware. The album’s lead-off single, “Best Shot,” topped Billboard’s Country Airplay chart. With that song, Jimmie made history as the first black artist to launch their career with a No. 1 at Country radio.

In an interview with The Tennessean in December, Jimmie said he always carries $2.00 in his pocket every day with the promise that he must have given it away before bedtime. The reason: back when he first came to Nashville, someone gave him a dollar. He bought a chicken sandwich at McDonalds that he tore in half to make it last for two days.

“It made every sacrifice worth it. I got to look my son in the eyes and tell him, ‘If you work hard and are good to people, eventually you’ll get an opportunity to make your dreams happen.” – Jimmie Allen, speaking of his success in an interview with the Tennessean, December 28, 2018

Music and tour dates at Jimmie Allen’s website and on Facebook.

Russell Dickerson

It’s also been a good year (or two) for Russell Dickerson. A fan favorite, he currently has over 200 million streams on Spotify and approximately 30 million YouTube views. He graduated from Belmont University with a degree in music and signed with Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in 2010, releasing an EP, “Die to Live Again,” the following year. Continue reading “‘New Faces of Country Music’ set for CRS”

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

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.

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.

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.

CRS ‘New Faces’ 2019 revealed

Jimmie Allen, LANCO, Lindsay Eli and more slated

Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2019 is only weeks away, and now we know which artists will be featured in the New Faces show. CRS, billed as ‘the Only Country Industry Convention,’ is organized annually by Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB).

The acts scheduled for New Faces of Country Music® Class of 2019 are: Jimmie Allen (Stoney Creek), Russell Dickerson (Triple Tigers), Lindsay Ell (Stoney Creek), LANCO (Arista), and Dylan Scott (Curb). The acts were chosen from a slate of 13 nominees by radio station employees. The New Faces show, staged for music industry decision makers, has proved to be a major career boost for featured artists in previous years. The audience consists of radio programmers, air personalities, station executives, music media and label bigwigs. The February 15 show is an ‘industry only’ event, not open to the public.

The other nominees were: Jordan Davis, Morgan Evans, Riley Green, Walker Hayes, Chris Lane, Mitchell Tenpenny, Morgan Wallen and Aaron Watson. Lindsay Eli was the only female act on the slate of nominees.

CRB is a non-profit organization based in Nashville, Tennessee, created to promote the growth of country radio and the country music industry through educational programs. The New Faces of Country Music® Dinner and Show is co-sponsored by the Academy of Country Music and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Performances powered by Live Nation. More about CRS here. https://www.countryradioseminar.com