July Music Column 2020
VERSE OF THE MONTH:
I will sing to the LORD, for he has been good to me – Psalm 6 – 13.
ACOUSTIC NEWS:
When Cody Purvis’ plans to record and release new music this summer were thwarted due to COVID-19, he released a special, acoustic version of his successful EP, Boots On The Ground (available now on all digital outlets), with a portion of the proceeds to be donated a COVID-19 musicians’ relief fund. The derivative acoustic version of the successful five-song EP includes an acoustic performance of “Drinkin’ Terms” and shines a spotlight on Purvis’ rich vocals. The project has drawn attention from Cowboys & Indians magazine, The Country Note, Country Music Tattle Tale, New York Country Swag, Nashville Music Line and more. The single “Drinkin’ Terms” has already surpassed the 8 million mark. Cody is currently in the studio working on his upcoming project, details of which will be announced in the coming months. News and links to both versions of the EP at http://www.codypurvis.com/ or by following him via his socials.
AMERICANA NEWS:
Aubrie Sellers has earned two Americana Music Honors & Awards Nominations. “My Love Will Not Change” — featuring Steve Earle and written by Billy Burnette and Shawn Camp — received a nod in the Song of the Year category, while Aubrie was nominated in the Emerging Act of the Year category. These are Aubrie’s first career Americana Music Honors & Awards nominations. Aubrie released her 12-track, sophomore Far From Home (Soundly Music) on February 7, 2020, while simultaneously on the road with Tanya Tucker and Brandy Clark on the CMT Next Women of Country tour, and Robert Earl Keen. “This was such an incredible surprise, and an even greater honor,” Aubrie says of the nominations. “To be recognized by this special community made up of my peers and heroes; it means the world. I’m beyond grateful. Steve — thank you for sharing your voice on this track. And Billy and Shawn, thank you for this very special song.” The 19th Annual Americana Honors & Awards show is set for Sept. 16, 2020 at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. More at https://www.aubriesellers.com/
ARTIST NEWS:
“We Are The Cowboys”– the fourth single and latest video from Willie Nelson’s forthcoming studio album First Rose Of Spring —is now available online. The new video for “We Are The Cowboys,” was created and directed by Willie’s son Micah Nelson.
The song, originally recorded by Billy Joe Shaver on I’m Just an Old Chunk of Coal in 1981, was also recorded on Honky Tonk Heroes, by a collective of Shaver, Willie, Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson in 1999 (produced by Shaver’s late son, Eddy, at Nelson’s studio in Pedernales, Texas). In spotlighting this song, Willie makes it clear what the good guys or “cowboys” should be doing, for the sake of us all: “The world will breathe easy when we stop the bleeding/The fighting will end when all hunger is gone/There are those who are blind so we’ll all have to lead them/It’s everyone’s job till we get the work done.” First Rose Of Spring will be available on CD, vinyl and digital formats as well as part of exclusive merch bundles on Willie’s web store on Friday, July 3. Visit http://willienelson.com/
BENEFIT NEWS:
Despite the struggles independent musicians have been facing recently, twenty-five Texas artists have banded together to help raise money and awareness for a population of people with even greater struggles than their own. The group of singer-songwriters, along with notable band and orchestral musicians, have joined forces as the Fort Worth Musicians Choir, to support the area’s struggling refugee community, with the release of their grand version of the Willie Nelson classic “Living in the Promiseland,” written by David Lynn Jones and originally released by Nelson in 1986. All proceeds from the song and video, as well as an upcoming benefit concert scheduled for June 21st in Fort Worth, benefit the Refugee Services of Texas, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to finding homes and jobs for, educating, and acclimating the area’s refugee population. Donate at https://www.rstx.org/
BOOK NEWS:
Last year music icon Randy Travis released his memoir, 60 years in the making, Forever and Ever, Amen: A Memoir of Music, Faith, and Braving the Storms of Life. Last month, the memoir took over the No. 1 spot on Book Authority’s 82 Best Country Music Books of All Time list. Written with the help of New York Times Best-Selling Author, Ken Abraham, and Travis’ wife Mary, the memoir recounts his life including all the ups and downs. Travis has endured a lot over the course of his life and this book details his early childhood memories, recovering from a life-changing stroke and painful divorce all the way to learning to enjoy the life he was given and the Grace of God. Forever and Ever, Amen can be purchased at various retailers at www.foreverandeveramenbook.com In the book, Travis recounts never before told details about his troubled youth, his relationship with his father and his journey of more than 40 years in the music and acting industry. More about the book and Randy Travis at www.RandyTravis.com
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