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Inside Track on Music Row July 2024

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

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

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.

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.

Michael Ray thrills fans with ‘Dive Bars & Broken Hearts’

Debuts entire 6-song EP at live show for fans

By Preshias Harris

What better place than a dive bar to launch a project titled Dive Bars & Broken Hearts? That’s exactly what Michael Ray and his Warner Music Nashville team did at The 5 Spot during the 50^th CMA Fest in Nashville.

To be fair, The 5 Spot is more of a casual live music hangout than a true grungy dive bar, but it provided the ideal atmosphere to match the event. The venue was packed to capacity (and then some) with fans, some of whom had been lining up outside since before daybreak.

*Michael Ray walks up the steps to take the stage at The 5 Spot. Photo: Preshias Harris*

The six-song EP, Dive Bars & Broken Hearts, is available everywhere June 23 (pre-add / pre-save here) with the title track released June 9.

In the nearly two years since the release of his 2021 EP, titled Higher Education, Michael spent much of the time since then reflecting on the kind of music that he wants to make moving forward. He began talking with renowned producer Michael Knox, a CMA Album of the Year-winning producer. Knox best known for producing all of Jason Aldean’s albums as well as projects for Montgomery Gentry and Trace Adkins, among others.

Jeff Carson’s final album: ‘448’

Album features Craig Morgan, Michael Ray, Darryl Worley

By Preshias Harris

When Jeff Carson passed away suddenly from a heart attack on March 26, he was working on a new project alongside producer (and former Toto member) Buddy Hyatt. Jeff is known for ‘90s hits such as “The Car” and “Not On Your Love” among the fourteen singles on the Billboard country charts.

Prior to that success, he had paid his dues, playing guitar with bands in Branson, Missouri and – after moving to Nashville – at the Opryland Hotel before signing with Curb Records in 1994. And now comes a bittersweet moment in Jeff Carson’s story: the posthumous release (on May 12, 2023) of his final album, 448, originally intended to be the next chapter in his musical life. Read my article about the album at Center Stage Mag here.

Disenchanted with the music industry, he withdrew from the business and changed direction, joining the Franklin, Tennessee, police department as a full-time officer in 2009. But he could not entirely distance himself from the music and he signed with Encore Music Group in 2021.

The album is poignantly titled 448 which was Jeff’s badge number as a serving police officer. 448 includes nine re-recordings of Jeff’s favorite songs and features friends Darryl Worley, Michael Ray and Craig Morgan. Find 448 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

Michael Ray joins songwriters, publishers to celebrate No. 1 for “Whiskey and Rain”

62-week climb to the top for writers Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure

By Preshias Harris

It was ‘party time’ on April 21 in Nashville: specifically, the Number One party celebrating the chart-topping success of “Whiskey and Rain,” recorded by Michael Ray. The event was held at the popular music venue The Local and hosted by BMI Senior Director David Preston.

Ray was there to share his appreciation for Jesse Frasure and Josh Thompson, the writers of “Whiskey and Rain.” The song represented Frasure’s twentieth No. 1 and the seventh for Thompson. The song was produced by Ross Copperman and is the lead single from Ray’s next album.

Pictured (L-R, back row): Big Machine’s Mike Molinar, MV2’s Tony Harrell, Warner Music Nashville’s Ben Kline, BMI’s David Preston, Rhythm House’s Vanna Moua, Rhythm House’s Stevie Frasure; (L-R, front row): Josh Thompson, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure. Photo: Steve Lowry / BMI

During the presentations, it was noted several times that “Whiskey and Rain” was an ‘outside’ song (a song not written by or with the artist or producer or someone closely tied to the project). Outside songs have become more infrequent in recent years – as have songs with only two songwriters.

Shenandoah ‘keep the music playing’ live tonight

AMID NATIONAL UNCERTAINTY, SHENANDOAH VOWS TO
“KEEP THE MUSIC PLAYING” WITH SPECIAL FACEBOOK LIVE CONCERT

Live Broadcast Featuring Special Guests Michael Ray, Aaron Tippin, Austin Merrill, T. Graham Brown and Katie Austin Set for Tonight, Wednesday, March 18, at 7 PM CT

Concert to be Hosted by Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander;
Sponsored by Foundry Records

During a time of national uncertainty, GRAMMY® Award-winning country music group Shenandoah is looking to brighten spirits with a special Facebook Live performance event that will bring music to the masses. Today the legendary country band announced “Keep the Music Playing,” a free live-streamed concert set for tonight, Wednesday, March 18, at 7 PM / CT. Amid concert postponements nationwide, the event will provide a unique opportunity for fans to enjoy live performances from the comfort of their living rooms.

Stars join Shenandoah for live web show

Shenandoah has enlisted Michael Ray, Aaron Tippin, Austin Merrill, T. Graham Brown, and Katie Austin to join them during the live web broadcast. The event, sponsored by Foundry Records and hosted by Inside Edition’s Megan Alexander, will take place at Nashville’s SIR Rehearsal Studios with no live audience and minimal staff.

“The main mission here is to hopefully, with music as only music can, bring some sunshine to the gloom,” says Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon. “We’ll be taking all of the recommended precautions to ensure everyone’s safety.”

Butch Spyridon, president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, is thrilled about the event. “We are happy to see artists doing everything they can to ‘Keep the Music Playing’ during these challenging times as we try to keep the virus from spreading,” he says. “Seeing all the ways that live music is still being shared is part of the creative spirit in Music City.”

Though the event is free to view online, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp Foundation / Music City, Inc will be accepting donations throughout the live broadcast. All donations will aid Middle Tennesseans who have been affected by COVID-19 and the recent tornadoes that ravaged the area.

“It has taken an army of people to put this event together in less than 24 hours,” notes Foundry Records/Johnstone Entertainment’s Cole Johnstone. “I want to give special thanks to SIR Nashville, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp, 2911 Media, TNDV and Nic Dugger, Mama Sue, Absolute Publicity, Shenandoah’s band and crew, all of our guest artists, and the Foundry Records staff for making this possible.”

“Keep the Music Playing” will be live streamed on each artist’s Facebook page and can also be viewed at www.smarturl.it/KeepTheMusicPlaying

How to donate:

Donate online at visitmusiccity.com/nashvillestrong/donate
Text NASHSTRONG to 615-551-5122
Check: payable to Music City Inc. at 150 4th Avenue North, Ste. G-250, Nashville, TN 37219

*Music City Inc. is a 501c3 non-profit organization

Michael Ray celebrates at Grand Ole Opry

His third No. 1: “One That Got Away”

By Preshias Harris

It was party time backstage at the Grand Ole Opry as Warner Music Nashville recording artist Michael Ray celebrated his Number One song, “One That Got Way.” The party, co-hosted by ASCAP and BMI, honored the song’s writers Matthew Ramsey, Trevor Rosen Jesse Frasure and Josh Osborne. “One That Got Away” is Michael’s third No. 1.

L to R: Josh Osborne, Michael Ray, Jesse Frasure, WMN’s Adrian Michaels and Cris Lacy. Photo: Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Osborne and Frasure joined in the celebration, but Ramsey and Rosen (both members of Old Dominion) were unavailable as they were on tour.

“Treated me like a brother”

“It ain’t a party without a cake!” Photo: Shannon McCombs

My BFF and fellow Kentuckian, Shannon McCombs, was at the event, reporting on behalf of her weekly syndicated CDX Country News feature. Shannon asked Michael about the artists he looks up to, like Mark Wills and Travis Tritt and what its like to have them as outspoken fans of his.

“Mark Wills, Travis, Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Dailey and Vincent… I could go on and on about the artists that have treated me like a brother from day one,” replied Michael. “These are the guys that are the reason I started playing guitar. I was learning their songs when they would come on the radio, with my acoustic guitar. I would listen to them with my dad and now I’m able to introduce them to my dad. It’s like this beautiful circle.”

About the writers…

Continue reading “Michael Ray celebrates at Grand Ole Opry”

CMA Fest 2019 brings Country artists up close and personal with fans

Day One of CMA Fest in review

When the 2019 CMA Fest got under way on Thursday, June 06, country music fans were fired up and ready for almost 100 performances on eleven stages across downtown Nashville.

Jimmie Allen performs at CMA Fest. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Now in its 48th year, the annual CMA Fest began as Fan Fair in 1972, initially staged at the Municipal Auditorium. the festival moved to the Tennessee State Fairgrounds in 1982. Fan Fair became the extravaganza we know it today when it was officially renamed the CMA Music Festival in 2004 and by then it was expanding to more venues including Bridgestone Arena, Riverfront Park and what is now Nissan Stadium. The name was later shortened to CMA Fest, attracting fans from 40+ countries every year.

Trisha Yearwood show featured songwriters

On Day One of the festival, fans were treated to performances from many of their favorite artists with music from morning to night. Trisha Yearwood opened the CMA Close Up Stage for Thursday’s special Artist of the Day session at Xfinity Fan Fair X (an event named to honor the festival’s original title) with songwriters featured on her forthcoming album including Ashley McBryde, Karyn Rochelle and Lucie Silvas. The venue also featured ‘meet and greets’ and prize giveaways.

Michael Ray on stage during Day One of CMA Fest. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Randy Houser and Chase Rice headlined the Firestone Country Roads Stage at Ascend Amphitheater Presented by BBR Music Group. Also on stage were Warner Brothers artist Michael Ray and BBR Music Group’s Jimmie Allen and super guitarist and talent Lindsey Ell.

Lindsay Ell shreds during CMA Fest. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Miranda’s MuttNation finds homes for 61 dogs

Continue reading “CMA Fest 2019 brings Country artists up close and personal with fans”

Tracy Lawrence, country stars, give back at Christmas

Country artists generous with time and talent

Tracy Lawrence ‘Mission: Possible Turkey Fry’
Christmas 4 Kids helps children in need
Michael Ray’s Wrigley Cares helps shelter animals
Charlie Daniels reaches out to veterans

scroll down to read all these stories

Country artists are among the most generous members of show business when it comes to giving their time and talent to help others or to support a charity. As we approach the Holiday season, many country stars are finding ways to help those in need.

Tracy Lawrence ‘Mission: Possible Turkey Fry’

Case in point: Tracy Lawrence. He is already warming up the fryers and calling up his friends in music. The reason is Tracy’s 13th annual Mission: Possible Turkey Fry at Nashville Rescue Mission. Now a long-standing Holiday tradition, the event takes place Tuesday, November 20. It will provide hundreds of tasty and nutritious meals for ‘underserved’ people in Metro Nashville and Middle Tennessee.

Tracy will be up and out early in the morning to get the turkey fryers fired up. The day will wrap up at the Wildhorse Saloon at 7:00 pm with live performances by Tracy and some of his friends. Proceeds will benefit Nashville Rescue Mission. Scheduled to appear: EMI recording artist Eric Paslay, BMG/Chrysalis singer/songwriter Doug McCormick, Outlaw Country duo Halfway To Hazard, newcomer Bristyn Camp and some special surprise guests. A live auction to benefit the Rescue Mission takes place during the show. Continue reading “Tracy Lawrence, country stars, give back at Christmas”