Inside Track on Music Row: Sept 2021

GRAND OLE OPRY NEWS

The Isaacs will be inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, September 14. The multi-GRAMMY®-nominated Dove Award-winning group – and members of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame – were surprised on the Opry stage August 11 by Opry member Ricky Skaggs with an invitation to become official Opry members. The Isaacs recently released their new album The American Face. Isaacs members Becky, Ben, Lily, and Sonya were marking the release of their new album when Skaggs approached them on stage with framed artwork of the album and an invitation to become members of the Grand Ole Opry. “I’m crying my lashes off. I’m celebrating 50 years of singing and performing music. This is the American dream,” shared Mom Lily. For real-time updates on The Isaacs, visit https://www.theisaacs.com and follow The Isaacs on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

GOSPEL/CHRISTIAN MUSIC NEWS

GRAMMY®- nominated, DOVE Award-winning, and platinum selling Newsboys is back after a year off the road. As they ready their October 1st album release, Stand, which features the chart rising single “Magnetic,” that currently sits in the top 25 on the radio. The current Christian rock band Newsboys, (Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein, and Jody Davis) are excited to announce their new 2021 fall tour dates.  Preorder Stand at https://newsboys.lnk.to/standPR.  Newsboys start off headlining Franklin Graham’s God Loves You Tour visiting 8 cities along historic Route 66 in late September. From there, the tour will continue with the Step Into the Light Tour in October and November, which will include appearances from special guests Mandisa, We Are Messengers, Cade Thompson and Adam Agee. Presale of Stand is now open and includes the 2nd instant gratification track available from the album, “I Still Believe You’re Good.” Tour updates, music and more at https://www.newsboys.com. Download “Magnetic” at https://newsboys.lnk.to/magneticIB

ICON NEWS

Pictured (L-R): Hazel Daniels, Doug Gray (The Marshall Tucker Band), Charlie Daniels Jr. Photo: Kayla Schoen

Country and southern rock icon Charlie Daniels posthumously received Pandora’s Billionaire Award at the 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels, held at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The honor commemorates one billion streams on the national music platform. The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB), longtime friends of The Charlie Daniels Band (CDB), were on-hand to make the presentation. During the group’s set, MTB lead singer Doug Gray called Daniels’ wife of nearly 56 years, Hazel Daniels and his son, Charlie Daniels Jr., to the stage, surprising them with the special plaque from Pandora. “Let’s cry together,” Gray told Hazel and Daniels Jr., who were visibly emotional. “This special award and the entire night brought tears to my eyes, to see how much his fans loved him, because he loved them, too,” explains Daniels’ wife. “It was such an honor. I wish everyone had fans as loyal as Charlie’s.” The 2021 Volunteer Jam: A Musical Salute to Charlie Daniels was produced by Outback Presents in association with David Corlew and Associates and Conway Entertainment Group. More details at https://www.charliedaniels.com

INDIE MUSIC NEWS

Indie country singer/songwriter Justin Love just released his new single “Wilder.” The song, co-written with music industry veterans John Cirillo and Troy Castellano, and produced by Jason Wyatt (Jason Wyatt Productions) premiered on Radio SoBro’s NuMu (an all-streaming radio platform allowing listeners to enjoy Nashville’s amazing songwriters worldwide) and is now available through all streaming platforms and digital retailers. The infectious and unforgettable contemporary tune showcases Love’s unique sound with his signature vocals and soaring range. The track also boasts a haunting steel guitar, smokin’ electric guitar and dynamic production that builds throughout the song.

“Wilder” is about a woman who lives her life on the wilder side, ”’Wilder,’ to me, is about a girl who can’t be reined in or tamed down. She does her own thing with confidence and no need to look back,” commented Love. Tour dates and more at https://linktr.ee/justinlovemusic

INDUSTRY NEWS

The music industry is alive and well – despite a worldwide pandemic – according to a report at https://www.musicbusinessworldwide.com. Their editors “crunched the numbers” from the second quarter 2021 financials of the three major music companies, Universal Music Group, Sony Music Group and Warner Music Group.  Combined, the three groups generated $4.63 billion in the second quarter. This is an increase of $1.32 billion (+40.1%) versus the same quarter in 2020, according to MBW.  When global publishing revenues are included, UMG, SMG and WMG combined generated $5.60 billion.  To look at it another way, that equates to $61.5 million per day, or $2.56 million per hour. The Music Business Worldwide projects that ‘the big three’ music companies will generate more than $20 billion in 2021.

INT’L MUSIC NEWS

Omer Netzer, Israel’s biggest country music entertainer and the hottest ticket among mass audiences in his home country, has announced the release of his original tune, “Country Boy.”  Reigning from The Holy City, the twenty-eight-year old trendsetter is set to make his mark in the U.S. country music scene with his debut single set for a September 24, 2021 release via all digital retail outlets and streaming platforms. The Pre-sale/Pre-save event begins September 17; Ed Gertler, Digital Streaming Services will spearhead the digital release campaign. Having enjoyed overwhelming success with previous releases, Netzer’s career ambitions have moved him toward Music City, Nashville. His smokin’ hot guitar talents, combined with gritty vocals, soulful sound and a humble boyish charm set him apart as a country music heart throb to watch. Written and produced by Netzer, “Country Boy” is an autobiographical anthem that rocks with pride—in God and a country way of life as a common thread of core beliefs with a soundscape that combines a mix of blues and southern rock. More info at https://www.omernetzer.com.


Australia’s “Queen of Bluegrass,” Kristy Cox, has released her debut single on Billy Blue Records, and it’s a very special tribute to dedicated workers on the health care front line. “Person of the Year,” written by Jerry Salley and Bill Whyte, will appear on Kristy’s 7th album, (her first on Billy Blue Records), titled Shades of Blue, available January 2022. “I am so excited for my first single release on Billy Blue Records,” Cox says. “‘Person of the Year’ is such a special song that pays tribute to nurses and doctors who work tirelessly to save others. The last 18 months have been especially hard on them.” Kristy Cox has topped the Billboard charts and is a multiple winner of Australia’s CMAA Golden Guitar Awards. In 2014, she was named Australian Country Music Independent Artist of the Year. Born in Australia, Kristy and her family now reside in Nashville, and she will become a US citizen in October of 2021.  More info at https://www.kristycox.com