Inside Track on Music Row: November 2022

Music News with Preshias Harris

ICON NEWS:

The diverse worlds of rock & roll, country and gospel music were saddened at the passing of the seemingly immortal and music icon Jerry Lee Lewis in October at the age of 87. Dennis Quaid – who played Jerry Lee in the movie Great Balls of Fire – said, “Jerry Lee was a Christian, an American icon and the greatest piano player in the world. People will be listening to ‘Great Balls of Fire’ and ‘Whole Lot of Shakin” 500 years from now. I will miss him. God bless you Jerry Lee.”  Captured in an iconic photo, taken December 4, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis, Jerry Lee was the last surviving member of what became known as the Million Dollar Quartet that consisted of Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash as well as Jerry Lee. In addition to Memphis, he had a long connection to Nashville, recording numerous albums in Music City, including a 2011 ‘live’ album recorded at (actually, in the street just outside) Third Man Records. See a video clip of that Record Day concert, with Steve Cropper on guitar above.

INDUSTRY NEWS:

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 and will celebrate the Ryman’s mark on rock & roll history. While the Ryman is known as the Mother Church of Country Music, Rock Hall at the Ryman honors the 100+ Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Inductees who have performed on the Ryman’s hallowed stage throughout its 130-year history. Featured in the exhibit is a selection of Inductees including James Brown, The Byrds, Eric Clapton, Foo Fighters, Joan Jett and Dolly Parton in addition to country music icons like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley and Hank Williams, who were early practitioners of what would become rock & roll music. Some of the exhibit’s unique items include Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” model Fender Stratocaster, Joan Jett’s red latex halter bra top and Elvis Presley’s full-length belted suede coat worn c. 1970. Tour and upcoming show info at www.ryman.com.   

INSPIRATIONAL ARTIST NEWS:

Rising star Anne Wilson has received her first-ever American Music Award nomination for Favorite Inspirational Artist. The 2022 American Music Awards will air live from Microsoft Theater at L.A. LIVE in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 8pm ET/5pm PT on ABC. The nomination follows an astounding six Dove Award nominations for Wilson, including Song of the Year, New Artist of the Year, Songwriter of the Year- Artist, Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, Bluegrass/Country/Roots Recorded Song of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year. “So incredibly blown away that I’m nominated for Favorite Inspirational Artist. God is doing so much through ‘My Jesus’ and I’m just so thankful,” shares Wilson. “I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the AMAs and everything else HE is doing!”  Wilson’s new single “Hey Girl” is an uplifting, energetic anthem that connects with fans. Since its release, “Hey Girl” hit No. 1 on the TikTok Country playlist with 8.2M views. The hashtag, #HeyGirl, has surpassed 190M views and stemming from this, Wilson has launched Hey Girl Nation as a community for her fans to connect. See also https://www.annewilsonofficial.com/#/  (@annewilsonmusic) 

INT’L MUSIC NEWS:

Brad Paisley just wrapped his first-ever tour in Australia performing in seven different cities over two weeks. Multi-platform news service Newshub exclaimed, “Paisley’s stage presence is undeniable, and his sense of humor shone almost as much as his musical showmanship.” The Australian leg of his World Tour 2022 followed his highly successful ninth tour of Europe this summer where media touted, “Paisley delivered a masterclass in how to keep an audience’s attention” and “Paisley delivered a polished show that ran like a well-oiled machine and showed that he’s got the charisma, showmanship, vocal chops and incredible musical skills to keep delivering.” Morgan Evans served as opening guest in Australia.  A few U.S. tour dates remain in his Paisley’s World Tour 2022 schedule. Go to www.bradpaisley.com for details.  Over the past 22 years, Paisley has won numerous awards, including three Grammys, two American Music Awards, 15 Academy of Country Music Awards, and 14 Country Music Association Awards and recognition as the most successful CMA Award co-host in history, alongside Carrie Underwood, for 11 consecutive years. More about Brad at https://www.facebook.com/bradpaisley/,  on Instagram (@bradpaisley) and Twitter (@BradPaisley)

LABEL NEWS:

(Big Loud Nashville)

HARDY’s 2020 debut album A Rock proved a declarative introduction, earning a billion on-demand album streams, spending over 106 weeks on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart including a top five debut, certified gold by the RIAA, and scoring a chart-winning single or two, fans and critics alike quickly took notice of a wave of momentum as strong and singular as the artist it was lifting. Now, just over two years later, HARDY is introducing his second full-length LP, the mockingbird & THE CROW out January 20 via Big Loud Records where he soars into uncharted territory, marrying country and rock in a two-part, 17-track duality showcase. “the mockingbird & THE CROW is, in my opinion, the best thing I’ve made so far,” HARDY shares. “I had a lot of time to get in the weeds making this record with some of my favorite people in Nashville, and it truly captures every part of who I am as an artist. I’m honored that I get to share it with you next year; can’t wait to hear what you think about it.”  Pre-order / pre-save the mockingbird & THE CROW at https://hardy.lnk.to/themockingbirdandTHECROWPR.    

MEDIA NEWS:

Reigning ACM Entertainer of the Year and current CMA Entertainer, Album and Female Vocalist of the Year nominee Miranda Lambert is further embracing the “Velvet Rodeo” with the release of a new fragrance available as part of her Idyllwind line at Boot Barn stores nationwide and at Idyllwind.com.  Lambert’s new Velvet Rodeo perfume takes its name from the chorus of her emboldened anthem “Actin’ Up,” featured on her critically acclaimed album Palomino released earlier this year. The warm and sultry fragrance features notes of rich jasmine, spicy violet iris and vanilla suede. It is packaged in a vintage-inspired, diamond-cut glass bottle with a tassle atomizer in a reusable keepsake bottle. Like her Las Vegas residency, currently underway through April 2023 at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater, Lambert’s Velvet Rodeo perfume takes on “a sunset ride, a velvet rodeo / A Colorado high, a California glow / I want to see the desert from a painted palomino / Senorita need to have a little fun / I’m actin’ up.” More info at https://idyllwind.com  and at your local Boot Barn store. More about Miranda and her Velvet Rodeo residency at https://www.mirandalambert.com.   

MOVIE NEWS:

This fall will usher in new music and a big screen role for global entertainment icon Billy Ray Cyrus, 61, who will release a new single with Australian-born singer/songwriter FIREROSE, 34, titled “Time,” available everywhere in November.  Cyrus and FIREROSE co-wrote and recorded “Time” in the midst of the success of their chart-topping hit “New Day”.  “Time” is featured in Christmas In Paradise, Cyrus co-stars in the film with Kelsey Grammer and Elizabeth Hurley which will be in select theaters Nov 11; On Demand, Digital and Blu-ray and DVD Nov. 15. Throughout his nearly three-decade career of Billboard chart success, Billy Ray Cyrus has achieved global success as a singer, songwriter, actor, producer and philanthropist. Most recently, he celebrated the highest RIAA® 14x Diamond-certified song in recorded music history with Lil Nas X on the worldwide smash, “Old Town Road (Remix ft. Billy Ray Cyrus).” More at https://billyraycyrus.com.   The Sydney-born and raised, Nashville-based FIREROSE has always written songs to process her deepest emotions. “I always believed that my purpose on earth was fulfilled by music,” she says. More about her on Instagram at (@firerose) and Twitter (firerosemusic).

MUSIC ROW NEWS:

Multi-Platinum-selling, chart-topping Country artist Scotty McCreery has received the Randy Owen Angels Among Us Award, which singles out a Country artist each year for outstanding commitment and service to the mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Finding cures. Saving children. Alabama lead singer Randy Owen presented McCreery with the award at the Country Cares Seminar, an annual gathering of music artists and industry professionals who come together to learn how to help raise funds and awareness for St. Jude. The event precedes the launch of the #ThisShirtSavesLives promotion in support of the #MusicGives to St. Jude Kids initiative. McCreery has released five consecutive No. 1 hits including “Five More Minutes” and “This Is It.” Since 2014, Scotty and his wife, Gabi have been champions of the St. Jude mission. From visiting the St. Jude campus to appearing on “Celebrity Family Feud” and donating his $25,000 winnings to the institution, the Triple Tigers recording artist has supported several St. Jude campaigns over nearly a decade of partnership. More about St. Jude’s at https://www.stjude.org;  and about McCreery and his Same Truck Deluxe Album at https://www.scottymccreery.com.  (@ScottyMcCreery)

NAMM NEWS:

The NAMM Oral History Program celebrated a milestone in October: the release of the program’s 5,000th interview. In this special edition, the program features Kevin McGinty, famed audio engineer, and Front of House for the Grand Ole Opry.  In the interview, McGinty shares stories, wit, and wisdom working in live sound. He covers his early history, which began with mixing live sound in high school, later attending Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University for a degree in Music Business. From there, he worked as front of house at Nashville’s famed Exit/In and installed many audio systems in the city’s clubs and concert halls. In 2003, McGinty joined the Grand Ole Opry as an audio engineer and has never looked back.  View the interview here: https://www.namm.org/library/oral-history/kevin-mcginty.   Since its inception in 2000, the NAMM Oral History Program has sought to preserve the rich history of the industry through first-person accounts from professionals in music products, pro audio, live sound, entertainment technology, artists, and more.  Oral History participants have come from 84 different countries and all U.S. states and were born in the years between 1903 and 2001.

NUMBER ONE NEWS:

Three-time Grammy winner Darius Rucker was joined by friends and peers at The Electric Jane in Nashville Oct. 26, to celebrate significant multiple career milestones: 10 No. 1 singles, including his latest “Beers And Sunshine” written together with Ross Copperman, J.T. Harding and Josh Osborne, plus the RIAA Diamond certification of “Wagon Wheel.” Only the fourth country song to achieve that feat, the 11x Platinum song already surpassed the 10x Platinum threshold for Diamond certification before the celebration took place. “Thank you guys so much for the life you’ve given me,” Rucker shared when thanking the Country music community. “My life is so much better because I came to Nashville.”  NBC’s “Today” anchor Craig Melvin was also on hand to celebrate and present Darius with the RIAA Diamond trophy in honor of his “Wagon Wheel” achievement, noting that he knew he had to fly into town to honor such a great friend. In his remarks, Melvin highlighted not only Rucker’s accomplishments but also his heart and support for countless philanthropic organizations, noting “he doesn’t just donate to these causes, Darius Rucker shows up.” Music, news and more at https://www.dariusrucker.com  and on Instagram and Twitter (@dariusrucker).

OPRY MUSIC NEWS:

Nashville’s newest holiday tradition, Opry Country Christmas, will return to the Grand Ole Opry House for the second year in a row and feature special performances by Spotlight Artists and Opry members Lauren Alaina (Dec. 1) and Chris Janson (Dec. 11) as well as multi-platinum selling Country artist Scotty McCreery (Dec. 18). Tickets are on-sale now with special presale savings starting at $55.00 at https://www.opry.com/specials/opry-country-christmas.    Hosted by Grammy®-winning Opry member Larry Gatlin, Opry Country Christmas will showcase songs of the holiday season beginning Nov. 27 and running through Dec. 22 for a total of nine shows. Each show features Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows. All Opry Country Christmas shows air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. For Opry Country Christmas tickets and more information on the full Opry schedule including Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night performances as well as the popular Opry Country Classics series running Thursdays through October 27, visit www.opry.com.  

PERFORMANCE NEWS:

Introducing his “Beach Cowboy” way of life to the Grand Ole Opry, Diamond-selling superstar Brian Kelley brought the beach to Nashville, TN, during his solo debut in October.  “I’m on cloud nine. Those three songs flew by in the blink of an eye, and I wish I could stay here all night and play,” shared Kelley backstage. “It was a dream come true standing in that circle and extra special to have my parents in the audience tonight. I’m definitely humbled by this huge honor and already can’t wait to come back. I’ll be here whenever the Opry will have me.” The Ormond Beach, FL-native performed three songs from the breakout project to the packed house. Kelley included “Boat Names,” which was written in honor of his wife Brittney, and had hands raised in the air for a spirited “Sunday Service In The Sand.” Kelley wrapped his 20-date tour run in costume with a Halloween bash on October 31. The Florida Georgia Line: Mix It Up Strong exhibit is open through 2023 at Nashville’s Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. More at https://www.officialbriankelley.com/#!  (@PlayBkPlay)

PLATINIUM NEWS:

Triple Tigers artist Russell Dickerson has added a fifth Platinum single to his growing collection with “She Likes It,” featuring Jake Scott.  Dickerson co-wrote the song along with Scott and Josh Kerr.  This new RIAA-certification comes on the heels of Dickerson’s previous chart success including “Yours” (3x Platinum), “Blue Tacoma” (2x Platinum), “Every Little Thing” (Platinum), and “Love You Like I Used To” (Platinum). With just a week left before the release of his third studio album, Russell Dickerson, available Nov. 4, another song, “Blame It On Being Young,” is available now. Produced by Josh Kerr and Dickerson, the pair wrote the song alongside Parker Welling. “‘Blame It On Being Young’ is all about the dumb things I did with my friends as a kid,” Dickerson stated. “When we were writing the song, it was fun to think about those crazy memories. I think the song really sums up that feeling of being young and on top of the world that we all experienced growing up.” Dickerson’s 15-track album, Russell Dickerson, will be available Nov. 4th. Details at www.russelldickerson.com,  Twitter and Instagram (@russelled).

PUBLISHING NEWS:

New Nashville-based publishing company, SoNash, has announced its formation and its team members, headed by President, Travis Chaney, Bridgette Tatum serving as Vice President, Abigail Wate Ayala as Creative Director and Juli Newton-Griffith as Creative Consultant. “I have a passion for business and a passion for music. I’ve started several businesses from the ground up, but the key to success has always been the people directly involved in the companies. Bridgette Tatum and I have built a strong working relationship over the past five years. She is an amazingly gifted songwriter and also brings a high business acumen which, coupled with her creative talents, represents all the ingredients I was looking for in a great business partner. I’m ecstatic to be working with her alongside an extremely talented team of music minds,” said Travis Chaney.  For more info about SoNash, visit https://www.sonashpublishing.com/.   

RISING STAR NEWS:

Off the heels of being named SiriusXM’s newest “Highway Find” early last month, rising singer-songwriter and Indiana native Chase Wright continues the momentum of a breakthrough year with the release of his latest track “Hurt No More.” Written by Kane Brown, Jeremy Bussey, Ben Johnson, Taylor Philips and Wright, “Hurt No More” details the inner turmoil of longing for a past love, while simultaneously acknowledging its toxic effects. Wright, dubbed a 2022 Artist to Watch by Spotify, takes listeners on an emotional rollercoaster, toggling the line between self-destruction and self-preservation.  “Getting out of toxic relationships has always been hard for me, so I wanted to write a song that shows the other side of that goodbye. In “Hurt No More” the subject of the song is finally calling it quits to their toxic back and forth. I hope this song empowers and inspires listeners to do the same.” After being discovered posting covers on Instagram, then ASCAP executive Robert Filhart invited Wright to Music City for an ASCAP songwriters’ workshop where he met many of his future collaborators. Music, merch, videos, tour news and more at https://chasewright.komi.io.    

ROCKIN’ COUNTRY NEWS:

Country rocker Joey Green delivers his music video for “This House Ain’t Big Enough”.  In support of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Green partnered with One Safe Place of Fort Worth to bring us an authentic and heartbreaking look at domestic violence through the eyes of a six-year-old. From the “Puttin It Out There” EP (May 2022) featured on Spotify’s New Music Nashville’, ‘Fresh Finds Country’, and ‘LA Pop Tunes playlists, the EP is his fastest streaming album to date. Green shares, “I know many people who have been affected by domestic violence – and the collateral damage can be extensive. It affects the kids and family. It affects everybody that cares about them and loves them. It even affects the perpetrator.  How do you live with the guilt that comes with harming someone you’re supposed to love? My hope for this song is that it brings hope – that it brings awareness to victims and those who love them. I want people to know that there are resources out there like One Safe Place. I want them to know they’re not alone.” More information: www.listentojoeygreen.com.   

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