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Your Inside Track on Music Row, November 2024

Hot new Country singles and albums tour updates and more

By Preshias Harris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Undeniably, I’m a country singer; I’m a country songwriter. But I feel like I make country music for people who like country music and for people who don’t.” – Kasey Musgraves

BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. – Psalms 57:7

Can it be November already? With Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas just around the corner?! SO much to get to in this edition of ‘Inside Track on Music Row,’ the longest continuously-running monthly country music column in the USA. Scroll down to check out a whole bunch of new albums and singles to listen to, plus tour updates, Opry news, songwriter pub deals, Christmas music and a lot more. As always, my heartfelt thanks to the artists and songwriters and their reps who keep me in the loop about what’s new with you! So let’s kick off with a roundup of some albums you need to know about…

ALBUM NEWS

KELSEA BALLERINI: When you write songs from your own life, it takes a lot of living to come up with something special. Thankfully, for multiple Grammy nominee and Country Music Association award winner Kelsea Ballerini, a 30-something who never stops, inspiration is never hard to come by. Having created a deep dialogue with her fans, a lot has happened since the Grammy-nominated Rolling Up The Welcome Matand Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).

Teaming with producer and longtime collaborator Alysa Vanderheym, Ballerini opted for an all-girl approach to PATTERNS. Crystalizing after a songwriting retreat with Vanderheym, Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee Hillary Lindsey, GRAMMY Songwriter of the Year nominee Jessie Jo Dillon and Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild, the honey blond superstar decided to create an album that focused on female friendship, being vulnerable and honest, owning one’s jagged spaces and the way relationships really are, not the way they look on Instagram.

“There was an unpresumed feeling of knowingness that happened on that retreat,” Ballerini reports. “I felt safe, so then I was able to feel honest, and then more so, creative. We were all, as songwriters, in tandem but more so as women just in a real heart flow of it all. Having these heroes and friends champion the process and the guts of it all has been one of the joys of my career.” Pre-order exclusive PATTERNS on vinyl and CD here via Black River Entertainment. Listen/download the single “First Rodeo” here, and watch the evocative music video here. #KelseaBallerini

MEGAN MORONEY: The much-anticipated release of Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) — the deluxe edition of Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter Megan Moroney’s widely acclaimed sophomore album – dropped in early October. Featuring three brand-new tracks, the newly expanded version of Am I Okay? arrives just months after Moroney scored the year’s third-biggest Billboard 200 debut from a female Country artist. Listen to Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) here.

Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) includes a selection of songs she’s recently teased during her must-see live show and on social media. Both written by Moroney, David “Messy” Mescon, Rob Hatch, and Ben Williams, “Break It Right Back” and “I’ll Be Fine” offer the latest evidence of her enormous talent for penning truly unforgettable heartbreak ballads. To that end, “Break It Right Back” takes the form of a piano-laced stunner about the shattered hopes of falling for someone too good to be true (inspiring over 22k creates after Moroney teased it on TikTok), while “I’ll Be Fine” serves as a heavy-hearted response to the album’s wildly hopeful and Country radio-dominating title track.

Moroney will soon release Am I Okay? (I’ll Be Fine) on vinyl on December 13. Pre-order the vinyl here. Tour/ticket updates at Megan’s website and more on social media. #MeganMoroney

GEORGE JONES: Fans of George Jones are in for a treat with the announcement of the new album, George Jones: The Lost Nashville Sessions set to release on November 15 on Country Rewind Records. Preorder / stream the album here. Originally recorded for radio airplay in the 1970s, these tracks have been enhanced, capturing Jones’ signature sound by bringing the audio quality up to twenty-first-century standards. This was achieved by subtly adding instrumentation and background vocals beneath Jones’ voice where needed.

Inside Track on Music Row

Your music news roundup for July 2023

by Preshias Harris

Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com Google “Preshias” (TN/USA)

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: With a little more love and a lot less hatin,’ be who you want to be, ’cause everybody else is taken.” – Lainey Wilson, ACM Awards 2023.

Scroll down to read about new projects, tour updates and music from Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Bailey Zimmerman, Gabby Barrett, Michael Ray, Chris Janson, Elvie Shane, Scotty McCreery, Alabama, Lauren Alaina, Craig Campbell, RaeLynn and much more!

ALBUM NEWS: Multi-Platinum recording artist Jake Owen delivered his seventh studio album, Loose Cannon, June 23. Owen brings his fan-trusted sound to the 16-song collection just in time for the official summer season. Produced by Joey Moi, Loose Cannon is available everywhere now. Listen here. “Loose Cannon has been a long time coming and I’m so excited my fans can finally experience it with me,” shares Owen. “I hope the album makes it into your summertime memories and I can’t wait to see y’all on the road this fall.” Loose Cannon is a collection of summertime staples with sunshine-soaked lyrics that tip their hat to feel-good classic Country sounds and nostalgia a little over four years since his last full-length album, Greetings From…Jake. The album boasts tracks from songwriters Ashley Gorley, Brent Cobb, Rodney Clawson, Jessie Jo Dillon and Luke Laird, to name a few. Additionally, Owen enlisted reputed artist-writers including ACM Male Artist of the Year nominee Jordan Davis, Devin Dawson, Walker Hayes, Jordan Fletcher and Hunter Phelps. Owen kicks off his nationwide Loose Cannon Tour Sept. 7. Tour info, music and more at Jake’s website and on Facebook. #JakeOwen

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Platinum-selling singer/songwriter Darryl Worley recognizes the power of a song. It’s been two decades since his biggest hit “Have You Forgotten?” took Country Music and the nation by storm. Penned alongside Wynn Varble, the pair poured their hearts into the lyrics and created a post-9/11 anthem ensuring people would never forget those lost. Its message quickly resonated with millions, topping Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in only its fifth week – marking the fastest rise to the top in more than five years – and reigned for seven weeks. Now, 20 years later, Worley revisited his career-defining song with a fresh modern-day perspective on its original themes for a reimagined version titled “Have We Forgotten,” available now via The Valory Music Co. here. “We recently decided to sit down and write a new lyric for the song that’s appropriate for this day and time with what’s happening in our country today. For the new version ‘Have We Forgotten,’ we wanted to be certain we said what we were truly feeling in our hearts and didn’t compromise what we believe in, which is exactly how it went down with the original. I’m very proud of the message of the song.” More at Darryl’s website. #DarrylWorley.

Dolly Parton set to release ‘Rockstar’ album

Interprets rock classics plus originals in 30-track project

By Preshias Harris

Nobody can deny that Dolly Parton has conquered Country. Co-hosting the 58^th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, May 11 with Garth Brooks, Dolly even poked a little fun at being call a GOAT – Greatest Of All Time – pulling a pink wagon onto the stage with a live goat sitting in it!

So yeah, Dolly’s a Country GOAT… but Rock? You might remember that when her name was put forward as a nominee for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she initially declined the nomination saying, “I don’t feel that I have earned that right.” However, Dolly was persuaded to accept the nomination and was inducted into the Rock Hall in November 2022.

So, what’s a country girl to do when she is officially recognized as a rock star? Well… record an album titled Rockstar, of course. The 30-track project will be available November 17, 2023 in effectively all media from vinyl to streaming via Butterfly Records. (Find links and more details in my article posted here at Center Stage Mag.)

See what’s new at Center Stage Mag

Center Stage Mag features ‘Preshias On The Row’

Have you seen my new feature titled Preshias On The Row? You can find the feature at CenterStageMag, along with a whole lot more such as ‘Track by Track’ music reviews, info on artists and live shows, and video conversations with the amazing Missy Wolf!

Here’s a quick digest on some recent Preshias On The Row stories posted at #centerstagemag …

Here’s an opportunity to see some historical artifacts from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame without going to Cleveland. Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium announced its newest major exhibition Rock Hall at the Ryman will open on Wednesday, Nov. 2 as part of a multi-year partnership with Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The interactive exhibit will be housed in the venue’s newly transformed 5th Avenue vestibule … Find the full story here.

Tracy Lawrence is gearing up for his 17th annual Mission Possible: Turkey Fry & Concert, set for Tuesday, November 22. Multi-Platinum artist Gary Allan and rising star Travis Denning will join Tracy onstage at Wildhorse Saloon in Nashville. Prior to the concert, Tracy and volunteers aim to fry 1,200 turkeys, providing meals for the homeless… Here’s the link to the story at Center Stage Mag.

Tears the Size of Texas, the new album from Ben Burgess, features eight classic cowboy songs as well as two murder ballads, all co-written by Ben alongside some of Nashville’s finest writers such as Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Brandy Clark. Josh Kerr, Randy Montana, Kevin Kadish and more. The collection has been described as “songs that were too risky, too original for anyone else to sing.” The full story is here.

And there’s more: An auction of unique handwritten song lyrics auctioned to benefit Music Health Alliance … My red carpet interviews at the 5th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards … Dolly Parton‘s Mountain Magic Christmas set for Holiday season TV … News about albums from Randy Huston and Wade Bowen … Chris Young and Kane Brown celibate Double Platinum … and more!

So hop on over to #centerstagemag to find out what’s going on in the world of music and entertainment! I will be posting more stories as they happen under the Preshias On The Row tab.

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 #preshiasharris

BMI unveils Dolly Parton Music Fund

Dolly Parton Songwriter Award also launched

By Preshias Harris

There’s good news for both aspiring songwriters and students in public school music programs. BMI recently announced the two newly-revised associated programs, both of which have a common connection: the music industry’s most beloved entrepreneur and benefactor, Dolly Parton.

Clay Bradley, BMI Foundation Board Member and BMI’s VP, Creative, has announced that the Foundation’s annual Nashville Songwriting Scholarship will be revised and renamed The Dolly Parton Songwriters Award in honor of the legendary artist. Additionally, the new program will establish The Dolly Parton Music Fund, which will underwrite the annual awards to emerging songwriters as well as initiatives to provide or supplement music programs in public schools, ensuring a new generation of music creators, and a well-rounded education for all.

The awards can be used as a career grant for study, instrument purchase, recording costs, or other professional expenses and are not restricted to tuition costs. Founding endowments include a lead gift from Sony Music Publishing’s Rusty Gaston as well as a contribution from country superstar Luke Combs, who donated proceeds from the recent BMI Parking Lot Party, celebrating his nine #1 hit songs.

Dolly Parton’s Run, Rose, Run reveals dark side of music industry

New novel, co-written with James Patterson, drops March 7

by Preshias Harris

Dolly Parton has seen the music industry from both sides – the good and the bad – during her many decades as a performer, recording artist, hit songwriter and business entrepreneur. Now Dolly has joined forces with bestselling author James Patterson to write a novel, Run, Rose, Run, published March 7, 2022.

*Dolly Parton and James Patterson appearing CBS Sunday Morning*

The book is about a young singer-songwriter named Rose with her eyes set on fame and fortune in Nashville. However, she finds there is a darker side to the journey towards success in the world of entertainment and must guard a secret that could derail her blossoming career.

Interviewed on CBS Sunday Morning on March 6, Dolly revealed that she has experienced this ‘dark side’ in her own career, stating that there are: “people that will rip you off, they try to steal your songs, they’ll con you, they’ll do whatever. I have seen it all.”

Dolly will also be releasing an album of songs inspired by Run, Rose, Run, and (joined by Kelsea Ballerini) sings one of the songs from the album while hosting the 57^th Annual Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, streaming live on Amazon Prime Video, Monday, March 7 at 7:00 pm CST. Dolly hosts the ACM Awards with co-hosts Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett.

Find Run, Rose, Run at Amazon here and other book retailers. More about Dolly Parton at her official website here. @DollyParton #RunRoseRun

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 here. Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com

Dolly sings “Pink”; Jake makes a mini-movie

Preshias talks Nashville music with Y’all Show host Jon Rawl

*Preshias and Jon talk about the new single “Pink”*

Another packed livestream as Preshias Harris and Jon Rawl talk about what’s happening right now in Country music. Among the topics up for discussion on this week’s Y’all Show…

Jake Owen makes a ‘mini movie’ as the music video for “Homemade”
The new single “Pink” brings together Dolly Parton, Sara Evans and more to benefit breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen
BIG NIGHT at the Museum makes country music history ‘sing again’ in the hands of modern masters
A preview of the 51st annual GMA Dove Awards, putting the focus on Contemporary Christian and Gospel artists
Plus an “I Know Country” Q&A and more.

Watch this week’s episode of the Y’all Show at the Y’all website or on YouTube.

*Jon Rawl and Preshias Harris on this week’s Y’all Show*

Read the story behind the making of “Pink”, the new single featuring Dolly Parton, Sara Evans, Monica, Jordin Sparks and Rita Wilson, produced by Victoria Shaw at the Susan G. Komen blog here.

Preshias talks about this week’s Nashville news

Mac Davis passes, new albums from Chris Stapleton, Shenandoah and Dolly, the Opry at 95 and more

Watch the show on YouTube here.

Among the topics they discussed:

The sad loss of singer-songwriter Mac Davis at age 78
“Cold,” the new song from Chris Stapleton’s upcoming album, Starting Over
Every Road is the title of the new album from Shenandoah – their first album of all-new music in 26 years
The Grand Ole Opry celebrates its 95th year with a lot of stars but not much of a ‘live’ audience
Carrie Underwood is set to perform songs from her Christmas album, My Gift, on an HBO Max Special
Time-Life is releasing a 19-DVD deluxe set titled Dolly: The Ultimate Collection, and Dolly Parton’s Holly Dolly Christmas album arrives October 2nd
An “I Know Country” Q&A from Preshias’ book of the same name, and more!

Find this week’s Y’all Show on YouTube here or see the show and read the program notes at the Y’all website here.

Preshias talks ACM Awards and more on Y’all Show

See Preshias talking with host John Rawl on this week’s Y’all Show, September 23, 2020

Nashville Music Line: Maddie & Tae Christmas CD, Keith Urban

Click on link above to watch the video

Among other topics, Preshias and Jon discuss:

The results of the 2020 ACM Awards, the first time the show has been held (without an audience) in Nashville
A new 16-track album from Keith Urban
Christmas albums from Maddie & Tae, Carrie Underwood, Runaway June Terri Clark and Dolly Parton
Alabama’s only gig in 2020
A biopic miniseries about George Jones and Tammy Wynette
A new outdoor stage at the Ryman Auditorium
This week’s I Know Country Q&A and more

See this week’s Y’all Show here.

Dolly Parton, Jeannie C. Riley, Brenda Lee songs enter Grammy HoF

Among 25 new Hall of Fame inductees

The songs of three of country music’s best-known artists are among the twenty-five works to be inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year.

Dolly Parton‘s “Coat of Many Colors,” Brenda Lee‘s “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree,” and Jeannie C. Riley‘s “Harper Valley P.T.A.” are among the 2019 class. Some of the other recordings to be inducted are: “I’m Walking” (Fats Domino), “Full Moon Fever” (Tom Petty), “Walk This Way” (Aerosmith), “Wild Thing” (The Troggs), “Move On Up” (Curtis Mayfield) and “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes” (The Platters).

Dolly Parton

“Coat of Many Colors,” originally released in 1971, has been a fan favorite for decades. The song also inspired the TV movie, “Dolly Parton’s Coat of Many Colors” that aired in December 2015.

Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee’s 1958 holiday song, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” can be heard on radio and in shopping malls every Christmas. In December 2018, the song racked up more than 32 million on-demand streams.

Jeannie C. Riley

Jeannie C. Riley achieved a ‘first’ with her recording of “Harper Valley P.T.A.” The song made her the first female artist to reach No. 1 on both the country and all-genre pop charts with the same song.

1,088 recordings in Grammy Hall of Fame

The selections in the Class of 2019 include singles and albums that are at least 25 years old, and show “qualitative or historical significance.” A total of 1,088 recordings (including the new inductees) are now part of the Grammy Hall of Fame.

“The GRAMMY Hall Of Fame is proud to be a pillar of musical excellence and diversity year after year, honoring some of the most iconic recordings of all time,” said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of the Recording Academy. “We are proud to acknowledge the ever-changing landscape and evolution of musical expression for which the Academy has become known. We’re honored to add these masterpieces to our growing catalog and are delighted to celebrate the impact they’ve had on our musical, social, and cultural history.”

See a full list of all 1,088 recordings here.

The sixty-first Grammy Awards show airs Friday February 10 on CBS at 8:00 pm ET / 5:00 pm PT.