Country Music Archives - Page 5 of 15

Brett Young, Sean McConnell honored for ‘Mercy’

Brett Young’s 4th Number One

It was party time at Nashville Underground Wednesday afternoon. A mix of friends, family and Nashville music biz execs were on hand to mark Brett Young’s Number One hit, ‘Mercy.’ The song, co-written by Young and Sean McConnell, was the fourth consecutive Number One from Young’s debut self-titled album.

Chalking up four Number Ones is an achievement for any artist. When those four are also consecutive chart-toppers AND all from an artist’s debut studio album, that achievement puts Young up there where the air is rare. Additionally, all four have been certified Platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

It says so on the shirt!

(L-R): BMLG Records’ Madeline Farr, Michelle Kammerer, Jimmy Harnen, Andrew Thoen, Brett Young, Matthew Hargis, Cherylynne Nader, Producer Dann Huff

To mark that remarkable feat, Brett Young’s label team at BMLG (Big Machine Label Group) and producer Dann Huff surprised Young with a special ‘uniform.’ They came onstage wearing tee-shirts with the number ‘4’ across the front. Young put on his own ‘4’ shirt and posed for photos as he was presented with a unique ‘4 #1s’ plaque.

Those ‘uniforms’ might have reminded Young of what could have been a different career path. A stand-out high school pitcher, he was scouted by both the Tampa Bay Rays and the Minnesota Twins. But following an elbow injury, he focused on a career in music. Baseball’s loss is country music’s gain.

Sean McConnell (left) and Brett Young field media questions. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Before the presentation of the awards, Young and co-writer McConnell took questions from music industry media. Young was asked if having a Platinum-certified album and four Platinum singles added to the pressure or took the pressure off. Young said, “It makes me feel responsible now to achieve growth.”

Success with ‘relatable’ songs

Responding to a question about ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ Young said that the song wasn’t meant to be about any specific relationship. Rather, he saw it as reflecting the way that everybody feels when they are in a relationship, and so they can relate to the song. Similarly, he said that ‘Mercy’ was a song he knew he could sing with feeling. “It’s so relatable,” he added.

Sean McConnell has numerous cuts including songs recorded by Tim McGraw, Meat Loaf, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Brothers Osborne, Brad Paisley and more. His songs have also been heard on the TV show Nashville.

New album due December 7

(L-R): Big Machine Music’s Mike Molinar, BMLG’s Laurel Kittleson, BMI’s Leslie Roberts, Producer Dann Huff, Sean McConnell, Warner Chappell’s BJ Hill, Brett Young, ASCAP’s Michael Martin, BMLG Records’ Jimmy Harnen. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

Young’s four consecutive Number Ones are: ‘Sleep Without You,’ ‘In Case You Didn’t Know,’ ‘Like I loved You’ and ‘Mercy.’ His next album, ‘Ticket to L.A.,’ is scheduled for release by BMLG on December 7, 2018. Young has said that the album’s title was inspired by his frequent trips back to his home in California before he moved to Nashville four years ago.

Once again, Dann Huff was tapped to produce. The first single from the album, ‘Here Tonight,’ dropped September 14.

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

Loretta Lynn, Skynyrd, more on Inside Track

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

‘Wonderful Women Who Write’ at The Bluebird
Martina McBride’s new Christmas album
Loretta Lynn: CMT’s ‘Artist of a Lifetime’
Lynyrd Skynyrd bid farewell
and much more

Catch up on more than thirty music news items in the October 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 October column.

Bluebird to host ‘Women Who Write’

Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Carlene Carter will host an October residency at Nashville’s famed Bluebird Cafe. Aptly titled ‘Wonderful World of Women Who Write,’ the series will feature some of her favorite female songwriters and collaborators. Lilly Hiatt and Elizabeth Cook will be featured at the October 2 show. Lauren Morrow and Pam Tillis are scheduled for October 16, and Gretchen Peters and Matraca Berg will join Carter on October 30. All shows are 9 p.m. Central. Reservations will be available on a pre-paid basis for $25.00 one week ahead of each show date at The Bluebird Cafe website. bluebirdcafe.com.

It’s Christmas in October for Martina McBride

Martina McBride did not let the Nashville summer heat ruin her Christmas spirit, and begins her gift giving with the release of ‘It’s The Holiday Season.’ The 9-song holiday set will be released on October 19, the first with her new record label partner, BMG. McBride also continues her ‘The Joy of Christmas Tour’ tradition, this time bringing to life the harmonic, orchestral sounds on the album by using local symphonies on each stop. For this album, McBride collaborated with the late Patrick ‘Pat’ Williams to arrange a set of classic Christmas songs with accompaniment from more than 40 world-class musicians at the famed Capitol Studio in Los Angeles and Blackbird Studio in Nashville. Details here.

CMT honors Loretta Lynn

Continue reading “Loretta Lynn, Skynyrd, more on Inside Track”

SOURCE Awards honor women in music

Six of Nashville’s ‘Leading Ladies’

It was a busy week in Music City. Just one day before the CMA celebrated its 60th anniversary, Nashville’s music and entertainment communities were celebrating the careers of six Hall of Fame inductees at the 2018 SOURCE Awards. SOURCE Nashville is the longest-running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville. The celebration was held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium, August 25, 2018, and was sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms.

The 2018 SOURCE Hall Of Fame inductees are:

(Left to Right) Front row: Tammy Genovese, Jo Ann Berry, Holly Gleason. Back Row: Barbara Baker, Cathy Gurley, Anita Hogin, Ronna Rubin. Photo Credit: Bev Moser

Barbara Baker, Blue Crest Music Publishing, Tree Publishing, Ray Baker Productions, Frank Mull Promotions, Baray Music.
JoAnn Berry, KHOO Radio, Jim Halsey Co., Dick Blake Int., World Class Talent, CBN.
Tammy Genovese, Country Music Association, The Country Network, Music City Sports and Entertainment Group, Crossroads Arena.
Holly Gleason, Miami Herald, Rolling Stone, L.A. Times, HITS, Sony Nashville, Joe’s Garage, Midwest Midnight Music, Kenny Chesney.
Cathy Gurley, WWVA Wheeling Jamboree, Country Music Association, Capitol Nashville, Gurley and Co., You Have The Power.
Anita Hogin, Shelby Singleton Inc., Jack Clement, Inc., Picalic Group of Companies, International Artist Management, H Three Events.
Ronna Rubin, Warner Bros. Records, Rubin Media.

SOURCE Hall of Fame inductees are nominated and inducted based upon peer recommendations, biographies, accomplishments, reputation, the number of years each individual has worked within the entertainment industry, and level of community involvement.

About SOURCE Nashville

Founded in 1991 by Shelia Shipley Biddy, Judy Harris and Pat Rolfe, SOURCE is the longest running organization for females in the music industry in Nashville, and is dedicated to fostering relationships and opportunities for its members through continuous education, networking, and community service initiatives.

SOURCE is a nonprofit organization supporting an exclusive community of accomplished women professionals who work in all facets of Nashville’s entertainment industry. For more information, please go to the organization’s website.

CMA celebrates 60th anniversary in Nashville

20 special performances honor six decades

Time flies when you’re having fun. Sixty years? Really? It was party time in Nashville Wednesday as the Country Music Association (CMA) celebrated its 60th anniversary at an invitation-only music industry party at the Wildhorse Saloon.

I came to Nashville in 1990 and quickly realized that the CMA was country music’s biggest supporter, promoter and resource. The CMA started out with just 160 members and has grown to more than 7,400 (including, proudly, yours truly.)

To mark the occasion the United States Senate, House of Representatives, and the City of Nashville, officially proclaimed September 25, 2018 Country Music Association Day.

Country artists and Joe Denim and the All-Star Band join CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern and CMA Senior Director of Awards and Industry Relations Brandi Simms to toast CMA’s 60th Anniversary. Photo credit: Tammie Arroyo / Shutterstock

It was a gala evening, celebrating the CMA’s growth and success as well as the artists that have been part of that success. Everybody was there. Michael Ray, Craig Wayne Boyd, Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely, the Gatlin Brothers, Lee Greenwood, Lee Brice, Julie Roberts and the list goes on. More than 20 acts performed 60 years of country hits, backed by my friend Joe Denim and his All-Star Band.

From Jeannie Seely to Lee Brice

After welcoming remarks from CMA Chief Executive Officer Sarah Trahern, Jeannie Seely kicked off the evening with a stunning performance of “Who Needs You.” Michael Ray and Craig Wayne Boyd performed back-to-back Merle Haggard classics, with Ray singing “Okie from Muskogee” and Boyd singing “The Fighting Side of Me.”

Halfway to Hazard performed a tribute to Troy Gentry. Photo credit: Jamie Schramm / CMA

My favorite performance of the event was Halfway to Hazard performing Montgomery Gentry’s “My Town” in a wonderful heartfelt tribute to their own Kentucky boy, Troy Gentry.

Backstage, Lee Greenwood and Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers, sang an impromptu version of Greenwood’s hit “God Bless The U.S.A.,” which the Gatlin Brothers provided background vocals for on the original 1984 recording.

Artists joined Trahern and CMA staff on stage for a birthday toast and sing-a-long rendition of “Happy Birthday.” Lee Brice closed the evening with a stellar performance of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition.” (See below for the full setlist.)

CMA: the first music genre trade group

Founded in 1958, the Country Music Association is the first trade organization formed to promote a type of music. The organization, which started with 160 members, has grown to more than 7,400 industry professionals around the world representing every aspect of the business. The organization’s objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry and advance the growth of Country Music around the world. Find more about the CMA at their website.

The full setlist:

Jeannie Seely – “Who Needs You” (1960)
Larry, Steve & Rudy, The Gatlin Brothers – “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You)” (1983) & “All The Gold In California” (1979)
Michael Ray – “Okie From Muskogee” (1968)
Craig Wayne Boyd – “The Fighting Side of Me” (1970)
Joe Denim & Danielle Peck – “You’re the Reason Our Kids are Ugly” (1978)
Mark Wills – “The Gambler” (1979)
Hilary Williams – “Old Habits” (1980)
TG Sheppard & Kelly Lang – “Islands in the Stream” (1983)
Lee Greenwood – “God Bless The U.S.A.” (1984)
Ty Herndon – “Living In A Moment” (1996)
Mark Collie – “Even The Man In The Moon Is Crying” (1997)
Jamie O’Neal – “There Is No Arizona” (2001)
Halfway to Hazard – “My Town” (2002)
Mark Wills – “19 Somethin’” (2002)
Darryl Worley – “Have You Forgotten?” (2003)
Julie Roberts – “Break Down Here” (2004)
Chuck Wicks – “Stealing Cinderella” (2008)
Michael Ray – “One That Got Away” (2018)
RaeLynn – “Tailgate” (2018)
Lee Brice – “Songs In The Kitchen” (2017), “I Drive Your Truck” (2013), and “Family Tradition” (1979)

Inside Track on Music Row September 2018

Tour updates, album releases, awards, music industry news and more

Scroll down for news on Thomas Rhett, Brett Young, Scotty McCreery, Dan+Shay, Bill Anderson, Kenny Chesney, Charlie Daniels, LANCO, plus plenty more.

This is the September 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running country music column in the USA. It is published in Nashville Music Guide and on websites around the world. Check out previous columns at Nashville Music Guide’s website and at my ‘I Know Country’ website.

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com

VERSE OF THE MONTH: ‘Let the word of God dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. – Colossians (3:16)

Album News

Thomas Rhett’s latest album LIFE CHANGES has earned RIAA Platinum Certification, hitting the noteworthy sales mark less than a year from its release. An instant hit out of the gate, LIFE CHANGES debuted at No. One on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart, marking the first Country release to take the top spot in 2017, also drawing a 2018 Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.

Resonating with fans, each of the album’s three singles have soared to the top of the charts, bringing Thomas Rhett’s No. One tally to 10. His latest Gold-certified hit ‘Life Changes’ is Top-5-and-climbing at radio, becoming his 12th song to earn an RIAA sales certification. “I found out LIFE CHANGES went PLATINUM and the single was GOLD the same day I got to play Nissan Stadium at home in Nashville, so that was a really special moment for me,” Rhett said. More info at ThomasRhett.com.

Americana Music News

The AMA’s 18th annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will take place September 11-16, 2018 gathering thousands of artists, fans, and industry professionals from all over the world in Nashville, TN. It is a must-attend event for anyone who loves the melting pot of Americana’s influences including roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Each year, AMERICANAFEST℠ brings together legendary artists, the next generation of rising stars, fans, and industry professionals for six days of music and education.

AMA receives enormous support from the Tennessee Department of Tourism, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC among others. AMERICANAFEST℠ will feature 500+ live performances at almost 60 of Nashville’s most prominent venues and much, much, more. The Americana Honors & Awards Show will take place September 12th at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. For more info on the Americana Music Association℠ and to become a member, visit the official website Facebook Twitter and Instagram.

Artist News

Continue reading “Inside Track on Music Row September 2018”

Music Row One Sheet October 1, 2018

Nashville Music News Roundup

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Music Modernization Act inches closer
Irish artist Mags launches ‘Strong Enough’ radio tour
Garth goes ‘Triple Live’ with free album downloads
Randy Houser launches ‘Magnolia’ tour, new album
Kenny Chesney surprises one millionth fan
Listen to Preshias on Y’All Radio

Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items

Music Modernization Act inches closer

Some encouraging news for songwriters and publishers emerged a few days ago. The Music Modernization Act (MMA) had passed the House unopposed but appeared to hit a potential roadblock as it moved toward a Senate vote.

In May, Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) introduced an alternative bill that conflicted with key parts of the MMA bill. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), with the backing of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and National Music Publishers Association (NMPA) has been negotiating with Sen. Wyden to reach a compromise. The RIAA stated that they have reached a ‘handshake’ deal with Sen. Wyden, according to an article in Billboard magazine posted August 28.

However, SiriusXM is still lobbying against the bill that would not require terrestrial radio stations to pay royalties on pre-1972 recordings. Earlier, proponents of the MMA – a bill that is seen as beneficial to songwriters and music publishers – overcame objections to the bill lodged by Blackstone, owners of SESAC and the Harry Fox Agency.

See the full report on Billboard’s website, here.

Irish artist Mags launches ‘Strong Enough’ radio tour

Mags McCarthy

Irish-born, singer-songwriter and international recording artist, Mags recently celebrated her debut at country radio here in the USA with the original tune ‘Strong Enough.’ Last week, Mags kicked off the first leg of her radio promotion tour making her way through the Midwest visiting radio stations in Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin. Continue reading “Music Row One Sheet October 1, 2018”

Luke Combs, co-writers, celebrate No. 1

‘One Number Away’ goes Platinum

Tuesday was a celebration of music milestones for Luke Brian and co-writers Sammy Mitchell, Steven Battey and Robert Williford. ‘One Number Away’ was the reason for the celebrations, and for the standing-room-only crowd at the Number One party at the Sutler Basement in Nashville. ‘One Number Away’ is Luke’s third Number One and the third cut from his debut full-length album, ‘This One’s For You.’ The party was hosted jointly by ASCAP, BMI and SESAC.

Pictured (L-R): Sony Music Nashville’s Steve Hodges, Sony Music Nashville’s Shane Allen, MakeWake’s Zebb Luster, Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, River House’s Lynn Oliver-Cline, BMI songwriter Robert Williford, 50 Egg’s Jonathan Singleton, Luke Combs, ASCAP’s Beth Brinker, ASCAP songwriter/producer Steven Battey, SESAC songwriter Sammy Mitchell, SESAC’s ET Brown, Concord Music Publishing’s Brad Kennard, and BMI’s Leslie Roberts. Photo: Peyton Hoge

In a previous interview Luke said, “We aren’t supposed to be here yet.” Hmmmm… let’s check out the stats. In the last 30 days: Recognized the success of Luke’s three number one singles. Debut single ‘Hurricane’ has been certified 3x Platinum while the next follow-up, ‘When It Rains It Pours’ was certified 2x Platinum. Meanwhile, ‘One Number Away’ was certified Platinum and album track ‘Beautiful Crazy’ was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

First No. 1 for Robert Williford

Continue reading “Luke Combs, co-writers, celebrate No. 1”

Iconic record label finds new life

Combines with history of Muscle Shoals Sound

Noel Webster knows what it takes to upkick a recording from just sounding good to sounding great. He did it for thirteen years as owner and producer of Muscle Shoals Sound Studios. Today, he continues to do that with the reincarnation of another iconic musical brand that today’s artists can be a part of.

Chess Records – along with Motown and Stax – has a special place in the history of popular music. These were studios where dedicated people found a way to bring the sound of R&B to the ears of America and the world. Noel has saved the iconic Chess name from oblivion and is set to create recordings again under the Chess logo.

The original Chess Records logo

Noel found that all the copyrights relating to Chess Records, its name and its logos had been abandoned and allowed to lapse. He formed a corporation under the name Chess Records LLC and copyrighted the name and the original logo.

Noel now provides artists with an all-in-one studio recording experience that combines tracking, mixing and mastering in one place. (More about that later.)

‘Music history’ in every piece

Noel Webster and I have been friends for many years and we got together to catch up and talk about his latest ventures. We met at his studio in Huntsville, Alabama, that is unlike any studio I have ever seen. Set in a craggy hillside and surrounded by trees and vegetation, it is private without being remote. As Noel told me, artists can sit out on the wraparound porch to work out a few licks without worrying about annoying the neighbors. However, some curious deer sometimes stop by to listen as they drink from the water trickling over the rocks out back.

Inside, it has an ultra-modern vibe with an open plan and hardwood floors. But then you see all the gear and realize this is ‘old school.’ As we walked through the studio, it seemed that every piece of equipment had its own story.

The refurbished and fully functioning console from 1960s Capitol Records; mic from Abbey Road studios. Photo: Preshias Harris

“All the music stands and all the speakers in the main room and the control room came from Capitol Records, said Noel. “The console’s parts came from Capitol Records. Capitol had ‘mirrored’ consoles, identical consoles, in both Los Angeles and New York.”

The Capitol console dates from the early 1960s and Noel devoted a lot of time to refurbishing and rewiring it. We also looked at some of the musical instruments in the studio.

Hammond organ signed with a screwdriver

Bobby Whitlock’s autograph on the Hammond organ’s lid. Photo: Preshias Harris

“Bobby Whitlock from Derek and the Dominoes donated his Hammond organ,” said Noel. Whitlock had signed it and dedicated it to Noel, not with a pen but by scratching the scrawl into to the organ’s cover with a screwdriver!

“The drum set came from Mark Herndon [who played with the band Alabama]. I think that was his ’85 tour kit. The Ampeg Fliptop amp over there came from Bob Babbitt of Motown. Different speakers and microphones have a lot of historical significance. The mastering room came from the Hit Factory in New York City. A lot of the processing pieces are from Bill Putnam of Universal Audio. There’s Les Paul’s test equipment. Everything here had done famous things prior to us getting them.”

Back then, the labels gave [artists] the ability to make two, three, four, five albums. They let them develop on their own, to come into themselves, basically, instead of ‘we’re gonna chase what’s on the radio now and try to do the Nashville thing.’ Artists now need the same ability to develop. If we can get them on the right path and get them their sound and get them some cool stuff to make them original audio-wise, that’s what I see. – Noel Webster

But these aren’t simply museum pieces. Noel has no interest in just putting them behind silk ropes for people to look at. Every piece is fully working and is used as part of his recording process. Artists who come to Noel’s studio discover a sound that is impossible to replicate using only modern, all-digital, equipment. Even when played back over digital devices, the difference in audio quality is noticeable.

Six semi-trailers of music history

Continue reading “Iconic record label finds new life”

Jordan Davis, co-writers, talk about their No. 1 hit

‘Singles You Up’ goes Platinum; tops 200 million streams

Jordan Davis and his co-writers got together with music industry colleagues and friends to celebrate a Number One. But it was a unique celebration in more ways than one. ‘Singles You Up’ topped Billboard’s Country Airplay charts in April, triggering the Number One party. The bash, co-hosted by ASCAP and SESAC, was held Monday, July 30, at Nashville’s Fat Bottom Brewery.

[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Additionally, Davis was presented with a plaque marking RIAA’s certification of the song’s Platinum status. During the ceremony, it was also noted that ‘Singles You Up’ has already chalked up more than 200 million streams. Adding a cherry to that sundae, Country Aircheck stated that ‘Singles You Up’ was the ‘most played’ track on country radio for the first half of 2018.

Remarkably, this was his first single release, making all the song’s achievements even more unique.

Davis was joined by his co-writers, Justin Ebach and Steven Dale Jones, during a press session prior to the presentation. I asked all three of them if they had left the writers’ room knowing they had a hit with ‘Singles You Up.’ And could they have imagined scoring 200 million streams?

‘You know you’ve got something’

“When I had my first hit, they didn’t have streams,” said Steven. “I remember loving it [‘Singles You Up’]. I remember getting the demo and playing it for my wife, and that’s usually the key. I play her five songs a year and I write a hundred and fifty. So that’s when you know you’ve got something.”

Justin had a similar story. “I think I was telling my wife last week,” he said. “I wrote ‘Sleep Without You’ for Brett Young which was a big hit and, once again, a first single on a new artist. And I literally told her last week – I was playing a [writers’] round – and I was like, ‘Singles You Up’ is bigger than ‘Sleep Without You.’ I mean both are great, I’m grateful for both of them. But this song has just taken on a crazy life. The speed of it and just how much people are holding on to it… So, no, I don’t think I imagined this! [laughs] You asked if it had happened before and I’m like, kinda, but not like this.”

“I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song.” – Jordan Davis

‘I didn’t want to screw it up’

[L to R]: Steven Dale Jones, Jordan Davis, Justin Ebach. Photo credit: Peyton Hoge

Jordan had vivid memories of the writing session. “That day, that write was, A., getting to see Justin again, because we’ve written before. And B., trying not to have [Steven] not write with me again. I didn’t want to screw it up,” he recalled.

“I knew the name Steven Dale jones and I was nervous. I was up early. I was trying to come up with something to bring to the room and show that I’m not just in there for him to write me a song. I’ve never told him this, but that was the goal of that write. And what came out of it was ten times more than me just walking in and being, like, ‘all right dude, show Steven Dale Jones that you can write a song. Please, just do that.’ So definitely, it exceeded my expectations.”

Justin noted that he writes with a lot of artists but it’s great to work with artists who know their phrasing, they know their lyrics they want to say. “Not every artist can do that, and that’s just a testament to him,” said Justin. “As much as ‘Singles You Up’ was a collective and a group thing and may not be totally always the lyric he would say, it’s definitely come out that, looking across the album, his phrasing is in there. His melodies are in there, his lyric is in there. That doesn’t happen for a lot of artists.”

‘Take It From Me’ climbing charts

The follow-up single, ‘Take It From Me,’ is already charting. (#38 for the week of August 4, Billboard Country Airplay chart.) Jordan recalled that there was a lot of discussion about which song would be his first single: ‘Singles You Up’ or ‘Take It From Me.’

“I’ve said this from day one, I fought pretty hard for ‘Take It From Me,’” said Jordan. “That’s why we have people that we trust in our corner. I’ve got people that I trust like crazy and they were a hundred percent right. I think ‘Take It From Me’ is a little bit more ‘me’ lyrically, and I think you can see a few more of my influences on some of those lyrics.”

“The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal.” – Jordan Davis

Songwriter first, then artist

This may be Jordan’s first Number One, but it is no overnight success. He came to Nashville to be a songwriter and spent several years co-writing and honing his craft. “The artist thing was something that came along, I think, after struggling to get a publishing deal to be honest with you,” he admitted. “I felt that I had a specific way that I wrote songs and a unique way that I delivered them. It just so happens that I found some people that wanted to take a chance on me and make a record.”

Both ‘Singles You Up’ and ‘Take It From Me’ are taken from Jordan Davis’ debut album, ‘Home State (MCA Nashville). The album, produced by Paul DiGiovanni, was released in March 2018. Jordan co-wrote all twelve tracks. Music and more at Jordan’s website. See the official ‘Singles You Up’ video at YouTube here.

Scotty McCreery, Cledus T Judd

Sneak peek at August’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’

Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’
Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody
Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans
Michael Ray’s shoes helping animals in need

You’ll read more than forty music news items in the August 2018 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, when it is posted at Nashville Music Guide. 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 August column.

Meanwhile here is a link to my July 2018 ‘Inside track’ column posted at Nashville Music Guide, complete with photos and graphics. Thank you NMG editor Amanda Andrews! You always make the column look SO good.

Zach Stone to host ‘Country Fix’

Jetpack Artist Ventures’ flagship recording artist, Zach Stone, will host ‘Country Fix‘ on Heartland-TV in late July and again in early August. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 208 and Episode 209 slated to air the weeks of July 30, 2018 and August 6, 2018. Stone makes a guest appearance in Episode 209 slated to air the week of August 6, 2018. (Check listings for air dates/times here.)

The ‘Country Fix’ audience, country music fans and the media have applauded Stone’s work time and time again. His ‘Four Letter Word’ music video aired as a ‘Country Fix’ exclusive premiere earlier this year. Hosted by up-and-coming and established country music artists, ‘Country Fix’ is a half-hour program that airs on Heartland-TV. The segments feature new music video releases, interviews, news segments and in-depth coverage of happenings in the country music scene. In addition to Heartland-TV, “Country Fix” airs internationally on Keep It Country (UK), Country TV (NZ) and Cayman 27 (Cayman Islands). More about Zach at his website at Facebook and Instagram.

Cledus T. Judd is back with new song parody

Six years after hanging up his overalls, Cledus T. Judd is “strate outta retarment” and funnier than ever with ‘My Weight’s Goin’ Up Down.’ It’s a parody of Morgan Wallen’s #1 Country single ‘Up Down’ featuring Florida Georgia Line. In the music video, Cledus scarfs down fried chicken, hot dogs, burgers, ice cream, sweet tea and more, while the kids are forced to eat mystery health food. He saved on casting enlisting the same kids – including his daughter – to star in several scenes.

The song is currently available at iTunes, Spotify, Amazon and all download and streaming services. Cledus walked away from writing, touring and releasing music in 2012. The life of stardom had a downside for him, as constant partying led to drug addiction. He credits the birth of his daughter, now 14, for leading him to a clean life and a dedication to spending more time with his family. More at Facebook.

Scotty McCreery shares wedding video with fans

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