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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.

Bellamy Brothers, Gene Watson honor classic country artists

“Forever Ain’t Long Enough” features tribute photo album

by Preshias Harris

The 1990 album, Reality Check, from The Bellamy Brothers featured the song “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” written by David Bellamy, one half of the country duo.

Now, David and Howard Bellamy have poured new life into the fan-favorite track, releasing a new version of “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” with fellow country icon Gene Watson joining the Brothers on vocals. Read my full story about the song and the video at Center Stage Mag here.

David Bellamy said that having Gene duet with him and Howard on the song was a dream come true. “He’s one of the few real classic country singers that understands songs like this,” he noted.

In addition to a live performance of the song, the accompanying video showcases a unique “photo album” of many of country’s most revered artists, from Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard and Chris LeDoux to Ferlin Husky, Charlie Daniels and George Jones… plus many more. Watch the unique video at YouTube here.

*Gene Watson, center, sings with The Bellamy Brothers*

Meanwhile, remember to check out the full story at Center Stage Mag, and find updated Bellamy Brothers tour and ticket info here.

Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 #PreshiasHarris

Labor Day music news update

A roundup of music news you can use for Labor Day and beyond

by Preshias Harris

As summer draws to a close, there’s still plenty of music and shows plus a lot of upcoming Fall tours! Scroll down to read a digest of music news you can use about Michael Ray‘s live duet video, Trace Adkins‘ 20th year as an Opry member, Drake White‘s single and tour update, a new book about George Jones, the new Craig Campbell album, a Mariachi twist on “Rhinestone Cowgirl,” news items about BRELAND, Alana Springsteen, Matt Stell, Sam Grow, Kendall Tucker, Brent Cobb, the Grand Ole Opry‘s 98th birthday bash and so much more! A big ‘Thank You’ to all the artists’ reps and publicists who keep me in the loop with what’s happening!

Michael Ray releases ‘live’ video of “Spirits and Demons” video with Meghan Patrick

During CMA Fest, Michael Ray treated fans to an “upclose and personal” performance of all the tracks on his new EP, Dive Bars & Broken Hearts. The highly-anticipated event was held at the “off Broadway” location, The 5 Spot. Now Michael has sent out this message to fans who wanted to relive the moment, or for those who were unable to attend:

“Back in June I took the stage with my friend Meghan Patrick to perform our new song ‘Spirits And Demons’ for the first time. Since y’all continue to show this song so much love, we wanted to release the original performance video!” – Michael Ray

Watch the “Spirits And Demons” video here and listen to Michael Ray’s Dive Bars & Broken Hearts EP here. Tour and ticket info and more about Michael at his website. #MichaelRay

Trace Adkins marks his Opry 20th anniversary; releases “Somewhere in America” video

*Trace Adkins celebrates his 20th anniversary as an Opry member*

Multi-Platinum entertainer and TV/film actor Trace Adkins has marked another career milestone, appearing on the iconic Grand Ole Opry to celebrate his 20th anniversary as an Opry member. Invited in 2003 by the late Little Jimmy Dickens – who stood on a stepladder to ask the towering star face-to-face – Adkins was officially inducted on August 23 that year by his personal hero, Ronnie Milsap, and has gone on to proudly represent the Opry family with countless performances since.

Needless to say, his latest appearance was a special one. During the show, Adkins delivered two separate performances to a roaring crowd and nationwide audience – including “Kiss You All Over” with Exile, plus a special four-song set to close the show featuring mega hits “Songs About Me” and “You’re Gonna Miss This.” Surprising Adkins in between songs, the Opry rolled a congratulatory video message from Blake Shelton, where he joked “I’m so happy that I could not be there.” Adkins shared onstage what being an Opry member for 20 years meant to him. “For me, it means that I’m a better man than I would have been had I not been a member of the Grand Ole Opry because I take it very seriously.” See Adkins’ tour details here. #TraceAdkins

*Trace Adkins. Photo credit: Sharia Pruitt Higgins*

Adkins recently released the video for “Somewhere In America,” filmed on location at Adkins’ Somewhere In America: A Concert For Mayfield presented by KIOTI Tractor, which took place on May 20, helping lift up this Western Kentucky region after a deadly 2021 tornado claimed more than 50 lives and displaced thousands from their homes. Watch the video here. #TraceAdkins

Drake White’s tour follows single release, “Benefit for the Brain” Ryman show

Country-Soul singer Drake White’s inspiring “Benefit for the Brain,” a one-night-only charity concert took the stage Monday, August 28 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium. Featuring performances by White, Riley Green, Randy Houser, Jamey Johnson and more, the event served as an encouraging night raising funds and awareness for mental and brain health – a deeply personal cause for White, who survived an onstage stroke in 2019.

Spring-into-Summer Music Roundup

Catch up with what’s happening on Music Row – and beyond

By Preshias Harris

Getting set for Summer ’23 with new and recent releases, upcoming tours, artist and songwriter news and – of course – CMA Fest. Scroll down to catch up with a ‘digest’ of Inside Track on Music Row… Jon Pardi, Luke Combs, Chapel Hart, Dustin Lynch. Lainey Wilson, Tracy Lawrence, Moe Bandy, David Adam Byrnes, Buddy Jewell and much more. Send me music stuff, I love to get it! preshiaswriter@hotmail.com #PreshiasHarris

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I think music in itself is healing. It’s an explosive expression of humanity. It’s something we are all touched by. No matter what culture we’re from, everyone loves music.” – Billy Joel

ALBUM NEWS: John Mellencamp’s new album Orpheus Descending was released June 2 via Republic Records. In anticipation of the release, Mellencamp shared the album track “Hey God.” Listen/share here, and pre-order the album here. This is his twenty-fifth album, produced by Mellencamp and recorded as his own Belmont Mall Studio. One of his most personal records to date, standout tracks “Hey God” and “The Eyes of Portland” focus on social issues Mellencamp continues to passionately advocate for. Mellencamp is currently in the midst of his massive Live and In Person 2023North American tour, with dates running through June 27 including stops in New York City, Nashville, Philadelphia, Boston and more. He’s currently performing songs from the new LP during his live set. Mellencamp is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a Grammy winner, a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, The Woody Guthrie Award and Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers and a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame. #JohnMellencamp

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: Award-winning country music legend, Moe Bandy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Top 10 duet with Becky Hobbs, “Let’s Get Over Them Together.” Written by Charlie Craig and Keith Stegall, “Let’s Get Over Them Together” became Bandy’s 16th Top 10 hit and continues to be a fan favorite. Bandy was recently inducted into the Class of 2023 of The Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame along with The Texas Ranger Division of the Department of Public Safety, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, Cleo Hearn, and Boots O’Neal. Bandy, was a proud competitor in bull riding prior to pursuing country music full-time. Bandy recently released his new album, Thank You Lord. Delivering a heartfelt project, Bandy recorded twelve heartfelt tracks and features special guests The Isaacs on “Family Bible” and The Oak Ridge Boys with Nora Lee Allen on “The Lord Is My Shepherd.” The title track, written by Mo Pitney, Bobby Tomberlin and Cheryl Riddle offers a true reflection of where Bandy is in his life today, of which he is thankful for another mile, another day, and a life many could have only dreamed of. Stream or purchase Thank You Lord here.

CELEBRATION NEWS: Buddy Jewell is celebrating the 20th anniversary of his hit song “Sweet Southern Comfort” teaming up with several of his country music buddies to create what could be the vocal collaboration of the year in a newly-recorded version. Strategically picked, each artist represents a different decade in country music. The Bellamy Brothers from the 70’s, Shenandoah and Marty Raybon from the 80’s, Clint Black from the 90’s and Buddy Jewell from the 2000’s. Asking Clint Black to participate in the new recording was a no-brainer for Jewell. At the urging of his wife Tené, Jewell entered Nashville Star, a talent contest set to be televised on the USA Network. Eventually he was voted the winner of the inaugural season – two million votes ahead of the second-placed contestant, a young Miranda Lambert. It was Black who produced Jewell’s first album that quickly earned Gold certification and included the original version of “Sweet Southern Comfort.” The Bellamy Brothers said, “Such a joy singing on the 20th anniversary version of Buddy Jewell’s big hit (‘Sweet Southern Comfort’) and to be joined by Clint Black and Marty Raybon well, what more could you ask for!” Details here.

January ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ posted now

Tour info, new releases, artist news and more

by Preshias Harris

New year… new music column! The January 2023 edition of my Inside Track on Music Row column is a mix of the good news from 2022 so we can reflect on happy times and also look ahead to some wonderful things coming up as we move into 2023.

You can read the entire column, along with photos, graphics and video links, at Nashville Music Guide here. The new year marks another milestone for Inside Track on Music Row... still the longest continuously-running country music column in the USA. My eternal thanks to you, the reader, for your support… and the artists, songwriters and publicists who alert me to music news that I can share with you!

Here is a taste of just some of the news items you can find in the January column…

ERNEST celebrated his fifth, sixth and seventh Number One as a songwriter in 2022 while his debut single (feat. Morgan Wallen) reached Platinum certification. Now his ‘Deluxe” album is due February 10…
Cole Swindell racked up two Platinum multi-week Number Ones and received a Pandora Billionaire plaque for surpassing 3 billion lifetime spins. He’ll be joining Thomas Rhett for his Home Team Tour 23…
The Cadillac Three have announced their upcoming Bandana Tour as they take their country-fuzz spirit on the road with Koe Wetzel joining TC3 on select dates…
Miranda Lambert was surprised with $5,000.00 from Tractor Supply Company, in honor of her MuttNation project, to donate to area animal shelters to help senior pets and pets with special needs…
Springer Mountain Farms Bluegrass Nights at the Ryman returns to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium starting on Thursday, June 22 and continuing each Thursday night through July 27…
Eddie Montgomery has released the deluxe edition of his debut solo album Ain’t No Closing Me Down via Average Joes Entertainment saluting his lost Montgomery Gentry bandmate, Troy Gentry, who was tragically killed in a helicopter crash in 2017…
George Jones will be remembered and celebrated – by fans and fellow artists – at a concert, titled Still Playin’ Possum, set to take place April 25 at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL, one day before the tenth anniversary of Jones’ passing…
Willie Nelson and Family, the first authorized work exploring the life and career of the Country outlaw icon, will debut at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival, taking place January 19–29, 2023, in Park City, Salt Lake City…
Plus so much more about The Oak Ridge Boys, Randy Rogers Band, The lineup for New Faces of Country Music at the 2023 Country Radio Seminar, Craig Campbell, Dustin Lynch, Craig Morgan, upcoming music festivals, Opry news and more.

Read the entire Inside Track on Music Row column at Nashville Music Guide here!

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 and read her regular ‘Preshias On The Row’ news stories at Center Stage Magazine.

Tin Pan South: stories behind the songs

Tuesday, April 2nd at Douglas Corner

Veteran songwriters Jeff Prince, Rafe Van Hoy, Dave Gibson and Earl Bud Lee were playing and sharing memories of the way the wheels turned on Music Row.

(L to R) Rafe Van Hoy, Jeff Prince, Earl Bud Lee, Dave Gibson. Photo Credit: Catrina Engelby

Jeff Prince – “Me and Jimmy Melton wrote ‘Django and Jimmie’ as a tribute to Willie Nelson’s music hero, Django. (Jean “Django” Reinhardt was a Belgian-born Romani French jazz guitarist and composer, regarded as one of the greatest musicians of the twentieth century.) Jimmie Rogers is known as the Father of Country and is Merle Haggard’s hero. So it was a perfect fit for them as a duo. When we wrote the silly song, we had no idea they [Willie and Merle] would be recording a duet album [titled ‘Django and Jimmie’]. Somebody heard the song and got it to their producer Buddy Cannon. It was the crappy work tape. When we heard the song, it was amazing.”

Rafe Van Hoy – “Bobby Braddock called me in to write, because Curley Putman didn’t show up. I was 20 and just wanted to write. So, Bobby and I wrote it in the morning, cut a demo in the afternoon, and George and Tammy recorded it the next week. The song was ‘Golden Wedding Ring.’”

Some of my favorite songs from the hands of Rafe are ‘Lady Lay Down,’ a song co-written with Don Cook, and recorded by John Conlee, oh yes, and ‘What’s Forever For,’ a solo write by Rafe and first recorded by England Dan and John Foley. – PH

Dave Gibson – “Greg Crow, Bill Gentry and I wrote ‘Corner of Lonely And Gone.’ It just was a great write. It went and made its way to the record and as a single.” Of course they knew they had a hit as it made it’s way up to the top of the charts in 1999. NOTE: It is one of my FAVORITE Montgomery Gentry songs! – PH

Earl Bud Lee- “Roger Cook, Eddie Kilgallon and I wrote it on Monday, demoed on a Tuesday, and it got cut the next week and ended up as the title track to George Strait’s ‘One Night At A Time.’ NOTE: This was in 1996, I thought Earl Bud couldn’t upstage his hit “Friends In Low Places” that Garth did in 1990. Then he comes along with one of my Blake Shelton’s favorite song “Who Are You When I’m Not Looking” co-written, by John Wiggins. – PH