Lainey Wilson to join Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning
By Preshias Harris
The Country Music Association (CMA) has announced the nominations for the upcoming CMA Awards. The 58th CMA Awards presented by the Country Music Association will take place Wednesday, November 20 and will be broadcast 8/7CT on ABC-TV from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The show will stream on Hulu the next day.
Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning will reprise their hosting duties for the show, this time joined by co-host Lainey Wilson, as announced in this video directed by George Flanigan.
Read my full story about the upcoming CMA Awards at Center Stage Mag here, where you can also link to a list of the entire roster of nominations, in case you want to follow along as you watch the show.
Those with the most nominations include Morgan Wallen (seven nods; four as collabs with Post Malone), while Cody Johnson and Chris Stapleton are both nominated for five awards. Find the details at Center Stage Mag here where you can also catch up on previous stories posted under the Preshias On The Row header.
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
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I still have my first paycheck. It was just, I think, a dollar or two that I got when I started as a songwriter with BMI, and I had some songs there that I had through the company, and in the mail I got this big old check for, like, a dollar and a half or something. Somebody had recorded one of my songs.” – Dolly Parton
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”. – Romans 15:13
SO much to get to this month! A heapin’ helpin’ of new albums from Luke Bryan, Amy Grant, Midland, Miranda Lambert, Mitchell Tenpenny and Drake White… a stack of new singles from Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Bryce Leatherwood, Dave Lenahan, Joe Nichols, Sofia Scott and Billy Strings… plus all the People’s Choice Awards winners, NSAI Song Contest News, tour updates and more. Scroll down to catch up…
ALBUM NEWS:
LUKE BRYAN: Five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan released his newest album, Mind Of A Country Boy, September 27, 2024. (Listen/Add the album here.) Bryan invited industry peers and songwriters who have cuts on the album to a launch party held at the Green Door Gourmet in Nashville, September 10. The bash featured country themed elements as tips to Luke’s upbringing and lifestyle including boiled peanuts and farm vegetables as take away party favors, Luke-themed cocktails and his performance held in the barn on the property.
Luke Bryan
During the launch party, Bryan performed some news songs from Mind Of A Country Boy. Before the party Luke spoke to media and expressed this album, “reflects the more mature me with song selections that best represent where I am in life.”
Now, Luke is launching his fifteenth Farm Tour as he sets up stages in the fields of local farms and a creates a mini city for the day. Special guests this year include Conner Smith, Tucker Wetmore, the Peach Pickers (songwriters Dallas Davidson, Ben Hayslip and Rhett Akins with guest Rodney Clawson), and DJ Rock. Find all tour dates here. #LukeBryan
AMY GRANT: Six-time Grammy-winner Amy Grant released the House Of Love Expanded Anniversary Edition on September 27. Listen here. Previously released is the digital single “Politics Of Kissing,” which, like several selections on this edition, has never been available digitally and was originally only released on the UK version of House Of Love in 1994.
“Gathering the materials for this Expanded Anniversary Edition of House Of Love brought a flood of memories back to me,” recalls Grant. “Those days were full of dreams coming true and lots of irons in the fire. A circle of extended family and friends helped us share the load of caring for our young family, planning a big tour and creating music that would be the follow-up to the magical time of Heart In Motion. We were managing the joyful chaos of life; riding a big wave and hoping not to wipe out. I love the songs on House Of Love and am excited to release all the music made in that time…the B-sides, all the remixes and the newly re-imagined versions of select songs.”
Inside Track on Music Row July 2024… right here and ready to read!
Due to a technical glitch, Nashville Music Guide was unable to publish my column this month. So… here it is in full! Apologies to my readers and to the labels and artists’ representatives who share their news with me so I can bring it to you in this, the longest continuously running country music column in America!
Scroll down for news about George Strait, Morgan Waller, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, HARDY, Brantley Gilbert, Phil Vassar, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Jelly Roll and many more!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I didn’t know if it would be a successful one, or what the stages would be, but I always saw myself as a lifetime musician and songwriter.” – Bruce Springsteen
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your praises. – Psalm 22:22
Chris Lane
ACOUSTIC VERSION NEWS: After putting fans first with the social media-driven Find Another Bar Tour: College Edition, multi-Platinum artist Chris Lane delivers another surprise with the release of From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe) (Red Street Records/Voyager Records). Listen to From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe)here. Watch Chris Lane’s performance video for “Mistake (Acoustic)” here. “I’ve always been a big fan of stripped-down versions of songs, and how the track can take on a new life while also giving me a new connection to it,” shares Lane. “I’m excited to add three acoustic versions to the From Where I’m Sippin’ EP, and hope y’all enjoy them.”
Lauded by Billboard as “veering slightly from hip-hop infused, polished pop-country to a sound with a ragged rock edge, while still residing squarely in his musical wheelhouse” with his new music, From Where I’m Sippin’ poured five fresh-Country concoctions – four of which were co-written by the top-shelf hitmaker – produced by Derek Wells with additional production from Michael Lotten. Now serving up three brand-new acoustic versions with the 2023 EP release, Lane adds an intimate element to stripped-down renditions of fan-favorites “Mistake,” “Way to Go Girl,” and current chart-rising single “Find Another Bar” – that’s nearing Top 35 at Country radio. Music and tour info at Chris Lane’s website. #ChrisLane
ALBUM NEWS: Country superstar Luke Combs’ new full-length album, Fathers & Sons, is out now on Columbia Nashville. Stream/purchase here. A collection of 12 poignant tracks, Fathers & Sons was recorded entirely live and features Combs most personal songwriting to date, as he reflects on his own experiences being a dad to his two sons and the unique bond between parents and their children. Ahead of the release, Combs unveiled new song, “The Man He Sees In Me,” which The Tennessean says is “redefining his level of superstardom.”
The album adds to yet another landmark year for Combs, who recently released his new radio single, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” which will be featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters movie (out July 19) and is the subject of a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening July 11. The exhibit, entitled Luke Combs: The Man I Am, will feature a variety of photographs, childhood memorabilia, instruments, set lists and more from throughout Combs’ life and career. Combs has also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open a massive multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville later this summer. Music and tour updates at Luke’s websiteand socials. #LukeCombs
My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is the longest running monthly country music column in America. Catch the January edition at Nashville Music Guide here, along with photos, videos, links and more. Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at just a few of the items I am working on for the upcoming column for February 2022. Scroll down to read them now…
Lady A’s new single is ‘a love letter to fans’
Lady A launches into the new year with their next single “What A Song Can Do” (BMLG Records), available now and impacting Country radio on January 31. The title track from their eighth studio album serves as a love letter to fans that is steeped in music’s power to get us through and has already garnered nearly 4 million on-demand streams.
Written by the group’s Charles Kelley with Ryan Hurd, Sam Ellis and Laura Veltz, “What A Song Can Do” also illustrates the patience and optimism the trio has taken from their years together and is available at all digital retailers here. “We have been overfilled with gratitude after releasing this album and we don’t take it lightly that after eight albums our music still resonates with so many people,” Kelley said. “This song is the summation of where our hearts are right now and how much music can really pull us through in times of need. We love writing songs about lost love and things like that, but I feel like our favorite material comes with a strong positive message.” More information here.
Elvie Shane at No. 1, Chris Young and Kane Brown celebrate… and more
By Preshias Harris
Here’s a quick round-up of some of the stories that will be in my column in November. Scroll down for news about Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kane Brown, this year’s NSAI Annual Song Contest, the 2021 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame … and “My Boy” Elvie Shane’s long climb to No. 1!
“My Boy” tops Billboard
Airplay chart
Elvie Shane is No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated Oct. 23, 2021! Elvie’s debut single, “My Boy” (Wheelhouse), leaps from No. 5 to No. 1 for its 54th week on the chart, according to MRC Data. That’s right: a nail-biting fifty-four week climb!
On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (blending airplay, streaming and sales data), “My Boy” rose from No. 7 to No. 4. Written by Elvie along with Nick Columbia, Lee Starr and Russell Sutton, “My Boy” is a track from Elvie’s upcoming album Backslider, set for release Oct. 29.
Earlier on Instagram, I proudly posted:
Sharing a plaque of memorable photos with Elvie Shane
So excited for @elvieshanemusic. He has the #1 #countrymusic song for #Myboy. I gave him this 2021 music milestone plaque when he, Mandy and their baby stopped by the office a couple of weeks ago. Photos are of his first tour bus, his first Grand Ole Opry appearance, Bonnaroo stage, and Elvie, Mandy and Caleb in a People Magazine exclusive. I watched him work hard all these years and wanted to give him something to remind him how truly special 2021 has been for his career and his family. I was blessed to be there at the journey’s start. Love y’all Elvie.
“My Boy” was written from Elvie’s perspective as a stepfather. “We’ve been told for five years that this song was a No.1,” Shane told Billboard. “I always found it hard to believe that I could be part of something like that.”
Summer is on the way and the Nashville music scene is heating up!
Acts are already planning tours that had been put on hold and new albums are getting set for release. Here is a quick roundup of some of the stories that will be part of the June 2021 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running monthly country music column in the USA. Scroll down to catch up on these news items:
Steve Wariner celebrates his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry
Justin Moore receives the Pandora Billionaire plaque in recognition of 3 billion streams on the platform
Carrie and Luke are heading to Vegas for residencies at Resorts World
Chris LeDoux Estate set to release Wyoming Cowboy – A Collection in July
Rhonda Towns releases “Walking In Your Wonderful Light,” title track from upcoming EP
Allie Colleen says “Don’t Give Your Heart To A Cowboy” on second single from Stones album
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s new album, A Few Stars Apart, will be released June 11
Natalie Madigan signs with ASCAP for PRO representation
I’ll Fly Away Foundation uses the power of music to engage children and improve their lives through songwriting
Sturgill Simpson has recorded his own version of “Paradise,” one of John Prine’s best-loved songs
David Frizzell’s fan-favorite album, Frizzell & Friends: Roundup Live in Concert, reissued by Time-Life
Scroll down to read all these news items…
Steve Wariner
Few have attained the achievements of multi-GRAMMY®, CMA and ACM Award-winning performer Steve Wariner. The singer-songwriter-instrumentalist recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member with appearance on the Opry stage May 8 and May 11. Wariner’s lifelong dream came true when he was inducted May 11, 1996 and performed “A Woman Loves,” as well as a duet with Bill Anderson of “Tips Of My Fingers” and then joined Chet Atkins on “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?”
Talks about each track on new album, Born Here Live Here Die Here
By Preshias Harris
Recording artists are always looking for ways to promote their music, and emerging artists usually have an additional challenge: a limited promotion budget.
Read on to learn more about an innovative option and how one of country music’s biggest stars is making it work for him.
The worldwide pandemic has created major problems for musicians who need to get in front of their fans. With a total halt put on touring, country artists have now had to go for months without that all-important fan interaction.
Fan reaction to new songs
Most artists try out one or two new song at a concert to
judge the fans’ reaction. Then they and
their marketing teams can use that reaction to decide which new music to
release. But no concerts mean no fan reaction.
Now many artists are using social media and the internet to reach out to their fans. One online destination – https://music.com/ – seems the ideal place to link artists with their fans, and Luke Bryan is one of country music’s biggest stars to take full advantage of the opportunity the site offers.
Music.com is focused on artist-forward, first-person storytelling. At the site, artists share personal thoughts and ideas about their music in a deeply personal way. Now Luke is doing just that, sharing personal details about each track on his new album, Born Here Live Here Die Here (Capitol Nashville). Released August 7, 2020, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Album charts. Here’s Luke’s page at music.com.
George Strait takes advantage of the quarantine to rehab from knee replacement surgery.
Buddy Jewell sets June 26 for release of his most ambitious project yet: the 15 song Bluebonnet Highway.
A star on Hollwood’s Walk of Fame for the Judds, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and more.
Willie Nelson’s ‘new’ release is a 40-year-old song from his upcoming album First Rose of Spring.
CMA Summer Stay-Cay set for July 1, and CMA Best of Fest airs July 9.
Randy Travis No. 1… on the country book charts with his memoir, Forever and Ever, Amen.
A quick look at why Copyright is so important for singer-songwriters.
Billboard’s Country Airplay Top 5 for June 27, 2020
A country music Q&A from my book, I Know Country
…and more on this week’s Y’all Show with Preshias. Scroll down to read more
George Strait
Having to cancel tours and stay home was a pain in the neck for most singers and bands. But in one way, the timing kinda worked out for the “King of Country” George Strait, who had a pain in the… knee!
So George recently underwent successful knee replacement surgery. He told Billboard, “I had a knee replaced right before the quarantine. I had been planning that for a while. It went very well, but I had to rehab on my own due to the obvious conditions. I’m ready to go again now though. All good.”
You can find info about tickets to George’s scheduled Strait to
Texas shows in Las Vegas, and Honky Tonk Time Machine, George’s 30th
studio album at http://www.georgestrait.com/
It was an afternoon of memories. Earl Thomas Conley was adamant about one thing: he did not want a funeral. But Nashville’s music community could not let Conley’s death prevent a celebration of his life.
The result: The Earl Thomas Conley Memorial on September 10 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.
Performers, ETC band members and family gather onstage
Some of Country music’s biggest stars were there to share memories of “ETC” and how his music had affected their own careers. My own memories of Earl Thomas Conley are connected to a different Hall of Fame. The first time I met him was in the 1980s when we both attended an induction ceremony at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame. The last time I ever saw him was when my friend Walt Aldridge was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2017. That night, Earl sang his mega-hit “Holding Her and Loving You” that had been written by Aldridge with Tom Brasfield.
“I mean if you played honky tonks and didn’t do an Earl Thomas Conley slow song you were a fool.” – Luke Bryan
Four straight days of sold-out shows and capacity crowds
The fourth and final night at the 48th annual CMA Fest came to a close with a crowd-pleasing performance by Luke Bryan as he cranked up the fans in Nissan Stadium with his cover version of Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Keith Urban, Chris Janson and Maren Morris were also on hand to make sure thousands of country music fans went home happy with four days of musical memories.
RaeLynn on stage on Day 4. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
Many fans went home wet, too, as the 2019 CMA Fest was memorable for several sudden rainstorms.
Walker Hayes performs during Day 4 at CMA Fest. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby
“Despite some weather challenges, this year’s CMA Fest was truly one to remember,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, who noted that the annual festival is a great event for fans to see their favorites and discover new artists. “The feedback I received from artists is how much they enjoy the more intimate interactions with fans that CMA Fest offers,” Trahern added.
“We managed to integrate the CMA Foundation and our music education efforts throughout the festival, which culminated with the Eagle Honor Choir belting out Carrie Underwood’s ‘The Champion’ to a packed house at Nissan Stadium Sunday night. It was certainly one of the highlights of the festival.”
