sign in sign up
<<
Home , Adult hits, Any Which Way, BBR Music Group, Brent Maher, Caitlyn Smith, Chase Rice

2021 AUGUST 16 CountryInsider.com | Sign Up For Daily Email Here Headed For The Hall: Inside The Hall Of Fame’s Class Of 2021. This year, the Country Music Hall of Fame will induct its first multi-generational act, an artist who redefined what country could sound like before he ever appeared on a country chart, and, due to a tie in the voting for the Recording and/or Touring Artist category, its first pedal-steel player and its first drummer. Almost anyone who has a history in country music will recognize the names announced this morning via livestream — , , Pete Drake and . But we’re going to tell you some things you probably don’t know. (Continued on page 4)

COUNTRY INSIDER TOP 5: More Than 160 Cases Of COVID-19 Tied To Washington’s Watershed Festival Attendees. George Birge’s ‘Beer Beer, Truck Truck’ Goes Into Four Wheel Drive At Country Radio. When Coaches Coach Coaches: Mike O’Malley Recalls Two Inspirational CRS Moments. Benztown West Coast Commercial Production Director Jeff Kelly Dies At 50. Happy Birthday, Dan Smyers! Dan + Shay Have Both No. 1 Single And Top Debut.

1 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com

Tay Hamilton Shaun Andrews Co-host/Producer, Mornings Top 5 All-Time The Wayne D Show Top 5 Faves On “Bug Country 99.7 & 101.1” Country Ballads: “The Big 98” WSIX, Nashville The Charts Now: WBUG, Utica, NY 1. The Worst Country Song 1. It’s Your Love - of All Time - Tim McGraw/ f. & HARDY 2. Neon Moon - Brooks & Dunn 2. Fancy Like - Walker Hayes 3. Butterflies - 3. Glad You Exist - Dan + Shay 4. Blue Ain’t Your Color - 4. - 5. From the Ground Up - 5. Knowing You - Dan + Shay

More Than 160 COVID-19 Cases Confirmed Among Watershed Festival Attendees. The Times reports that more than 160 cases of COVID-19 have been traced to attendees of the Watershed Festival. More than 25,000 people attended the outdoor festival, held July 30-Aug. 1 at the Gorge Amphitheatre in George, WA, and headlined by Tim McGraw, and . “The outbreak is the first one traced to an outdoor entertainment event since the lifting of statewide COVID-19 prevention measures at the end of June,” Grant County Health District Communicable Disease Coordinator Laina Mitchell said in a news release.

Benztown West Coast Commercial Production Director Jeff Kelly Dies At 50. Jeff Kelly, the West Coast commercial production director for Benztown, died Friday night in at the age of 50. Cause of death was not revealed. Kelly joined Benztown in January and had just recently moved to L.A. to work with the Benztown team in the company’s Glendale, CA, studios. Jeff started his radio career in 1994 at K-MIX/KHJ in Lancaster, CA. He moved across town to then-No. 1 “Country FM 103.1” KTPI in 1995. In 1996, Kelly headed to Cheyenne, WY, where he helped launch 97.9 KING FM/100.7 KOLT FM, where he later became program director. He joined iHeartMedia in Albuquerque, NM, in 2016, then Benztown in January.

Mark Chesnutt Tests Positive For COVID-19 While Recuperating From Back Surgery. and his wife, Tracie, both have been diagnosed with COVID-19. The singer revealed the diagnoses Saturday on social media, saying, “I am currently on the mend from my back surgery. But, while doing so my wife Tracie and I have tested positive for COVID-19! Thank you all for the continuous prayers!” Severe back pain caused Chesnutt to cancel approximately two months’ worth of dates and have surgery in early July.

Jeremy Robinson Added For Nights “Hank FM” Ft. Worth/Wichita Falls. Jeremy Robinson joins LKCM Media Group “92.1 Hank FM” KTFW Ft. Worth, TX, which simulcasts on KTWF Wichita Falls (95.5), for nights beginning today. “Jeremy is a proven major market personality, and we couldn’t be more excited to have him join the Hank FM Family!” PD Mark Phillips said in a release. Robinson previously had spent three years at iHeartMedia AC “Star 102.1” KDGE , exiting in January to focus on his company, JPR Multimedia. 3 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021. (Continued from page 1) RAY CHARLES • Wynonna was the first artist born in the 1960s to have a No. 1 Billboard country hit. 20 when • “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music” The Judds’ “Mama He’s Crazy” topped the charts in spent 14 weeks atop Billboard’s charts August 1984. in 1962. Nashville country albums didn’t match that run • In 1983, about six months before “Had a Dream (For until 1992 with ’ the )” debuted on the charts, Naomi appeared “Ropin’ the Wind” and Billy Ray on the cover of ’s “Lost in the Feeling” Cyrus’ “Some Gave All.” , her head tilted seductively towards the singer’s ear. • Despite all his success with country songs, Charles didn’t • When The Judds received their first of three CMA appear on the country singles nominations for Entertainer of the Year in 1986, charts until 1980 when he Wynonna was 22 years old — the youngest artist to and Clint Eastwood recorded ever be nominated in that category. She would hold “Beers to You” for the film “Any Which Way You Can.” the distinction until 2009, when a 19-year-old Taylor However, Jerry Lee Lewis hit the country Top 30 in Swift won the award. 1961 with a cover of “What’d I Say,” which Charles PETE DRAKE wrote. • The Hall’s first pedal-steel session , • Charles and , his “Seven Spanish native Pete Drake was in such Angels” duet partner, bonded over chess. “The first demand during the 1960s that time we played chess,” Nelson wrote in his book he claimed to have once seen “The Tao of Willie,” “Ray sat me down in the dark at a Billboard Singles a Braille chessboard and he just kicked my ass. After chart where he had played on that, I said when we played chess, we had to have 59 of the 75 charting records. some lights on.” He also was among the first of • The chart-topping success of “Seven Spanish country’s pedal-steel players to Angels” led to Charles’ nomination for the CMA’s appear on pop and rock albums, Horizon Award in 1985, the year after The Judds won working with artists including , Bob the category. At 54, Charles was by far the oldest Dylan, , Leon Russell and Tommy James. artist ever nominated for the award, which, while • In June 1970, Drake traveled to London to often considered a new-artist honor, was technically participate in recording sessions for what would for career advancement. He lost to . become ’s “” THE JUDDS album. Before the month was over, Drake had in a Nashville studio recording Starr’s second • Both Judds credit Asleep at the Wheel’s Ray Benson solo album, “Beacoups of Blues.” with coming up with Wynonna’s stage name (she was born Christina Ciminella) based on the Arizona • During the “All Things Must Pass” sessions, a town of Winona. But in Benson’s autobiography 20-year-old became enamored with “Comin’ Right at Ya,” the singer a contraption Drake had that connected his pedal says the name also has roots steel to a plastic tube that he put into his mouth, in a discussion he and Naomi creating an effect that allowed him to “talk” his solos. had about ‘50s blues shouter Frampton eventually developed his own version of Wynonie Harris. “Christina’s the “” and used it on such ‘70s rock staples as mom … said that if you “Show Me the Way” and “Do You Feel Like We Do.” changed the ending from ‘ie’ to • Drake played on Ray Charles’ most successful ‘a,’ then ‘Wynona’ could be a girl’s name. ‘Well,’ I said, Nashville album, 1984’s “Friendship,” including on ‘don’t forget Winona’ — just me trying to be funny, the chart-topping “Seven Spanish Angels.” quoting the song ‘Route 66.’” (Continued on page 8)

4 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com

‘Beer Beer, Truck Truck’ in Four Wheel Drive at Country Radio. What began as a fun defense of country music that validates all of the hard work I have put in.” spread like wildfire on TikTok has become one of the Top 10 most-added songs on country radio. He says having his name on a list of most-added songs with and Tim McGraw is surreal. “Seeing George Birge’s “Beer Beer, Truck Truck,” released by my little name up there with them was incredible,” he RECORDS Nashville on August 9, has been added by says. “It’s a pinch-me moment.” stations including Steel City Media “Q104” KBEQ, MO; Empire Broadcasting KRTY San Jose, CA (95.3); and It also shows the challenges that face the promo team both outlets. as they try to build the single’s momentum.

“The response to the live performance was huge, and “We are going up against 35 current artists that have yes, it has been a monster online,” says KRTY’s Nate four-plus No. 1 records coming on the charts,” Jennings Deaton. says. “We are going to fight the good fight with everyone else. We feel like this song is going to stand “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” has a great backstory. out on its own, and it’s going to catch on.” After Birge’s mentor, , encouraged him to start a TikTok Birge, who has opened for Jimmie account, he saw a viral video made Allen, and , by music educator Erynn Chambers. will spend the rest of this year on Chambers joked that country music the road and on a radio tour. He co- men only sing about, “Beer beer, wrote four of the five songs on the truck truck, girls in tight jeans.” EP he plans to release by the end of 2021, and is featured on “Someone Birge decided to respond by posting Somewhere,” a song on ’s a twist on her words, turning it into country-inspired project that drops an irresistible chorus that disproves Aug. 27. her facetious theory. It earned 3 million views in just a few days. “It has been unbelievable,” he says Viewers encouraged him to finish the of working with Nelly. “His team song, which he did, giving Chambers reached out to me about featuring a co-writing credit. on his new ‘Heartland’ album, and obviously I jumped at the opportunity. When I got the master back, it was “Yes, the back story is interesting,” Deaton says. “But, goosebumps head-to-toe for me. Nelly was a superstar I there are lots of backstories on songs that suck. This grew up listening to. I can’t wait for the world to hear it. one sounds good on the radio.” “I am a country guy at my roots,” Birge continues. Jamice Jennings, RECORDS Nashville’s co-head of “Nelly obviously made a career in the hip-hop world, promotion, says she is getting positive feedback from but he has done some incredible things capturing that radio. country sound on a country-influenced record. He made me a believer.” “The radio stations think it is super fun, catchy and short,” she says. “It is a little over two-and-a-half Meanwhile, “Beer Beer, Truck Truck” is converting an minutes. You can squeeze it in before a break. It’s a impressive number of listeners into believers of Birge’s fun song for summer through fall. think if given a talent. chance, this song will take off.” “I was at a place in my career where I wasn’t sure Of course, Birge hopes that the song becomes a if I was going to play live music anymore,” he says. hit. Right now, he is grateful for the support he has “I found some success writing songs for other received at radio. people and had found peace of mind about being a for others. “It means everything,” he says of his debut single being played on country radio. “It is what you dream about “This song has really changed my life,” he adds. “It got your entire life. It is something you are a little bashful me a record deal and a publishing deal. It got me on to tell people about because it’s a giant dream. I’ve the Nelly album. The song will always be very special played a bunch of dive bars and nowhere stages. It to me. I hope it’s a big ol’ hit!” — Beverly Keel 6 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com Clockwise from top: Reba McEntire and Cody Johnson attend the Nashville premiere of Johnson’s documentary, “Dear Rodeo: The Cody Johnson Story.” L-R: Warner Music Nashville’s Cris Lacy and Ben Kline, McEntire, Johnson, WMN’s John Esposito, Durango Artist Management’s Howie Edelman, director Shaun Silva, WMN’s Shane Tarleton and Mike Dupree. is joined by city officials as he receives a key to Perryville, MO, during a hometown concert.

KDKD-FM’s Steve Stevens and Radford Media Group Owner/CEO Clay Radford show off their Broadcasters Assn. awards. Walker Hayes hangs with WUSY staff at a Chattanooga show. L-R: WUSY’s Cowboy Kyle, Hayes and WUSY’s Tyler Stansell and Michael Hailey. The Isaacs — (L-R) Lily Isaacs, Becky Isaacs Bowman, Sonya Isaacs Yeary and Ben Isaacs — will join the cast Sept. 14.

8 Track Entertainment’s Noah Gordon and Jeff Goodwin, Ira Dean, and 8 Track Entertainment’s Daryl Price celebrate the success of Aaron Lewis’ “Am I the Only One,” which Dean co-wrote and which recently topped Billboard’s chart.

Jameson Rodgers (c) visits with WQMX Akron’s Jeff Lynn and Sarah Kay during a concert at the Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown, OH. Caitlyn Smith recently played a 103-3 Country Pickin’ Party for WKDF Nashville. L-R: WKDF’s Marissa Petrillo and Paul Williams, Smith, and WKDF’s Paul Koffy, Ro Stevens and Marie Mischia.

7 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2021. (Continued from page 4) EDDIE BAYERS • Bayers, whose mother and sister were killed in a car wreck when he was a teenager, suffered a • Bayers may be the first drummer to go into potentially career-ending hand and wrist injury in a the Hall, but he’s no stranger to its induction 1985 accident that left him unable to play for several ceremonies. His drumming months. His first sessions following the wreck has been the backbone of became part of The Judds’ 1987 “Heartland” album. the ceremony’s Medallion All-Star for years. • In 1984, Bayers and producer opened a studio called The Money Pit. Among the hits • Bayers spent his recorded there: Martina McBride’s “Independence adolescent years in Day” and “A Broken Wing,” ’ “” Nashville, where he and “,” and ’s befriended future Judds “What I Really Meant to Say.” producers . Bayers and Maher later Bayers, Charles, Drake and The Judds will be formally reconnected in inducted during a ceremony in the Country Music and again when Maher returned to Nashville. He Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater on a ended up playing on all of the Judds hits, as well as date yet to be announced, likely in early 2022. The on most of Wynonna’s solo recordings (along with Medallion Ceremony for the Hall’s 2020 class — hundreds of other gold and platinum records). Dean Dillon, and Jr. — is scheduled for this November, pending public health • Before moving to Nashville , Bayers guidance and the state of the pandemic. Since 2007, spent time in California’s Bay Area. While there, the Museum’s Medallion Ceremony, a reunion of the he appeared on albums by Creedence Clearwater Hall of Fame membership, has served as the official Revival’s Tom Fogerty and Doug Clifford, Jefferson rite of induction for new members. Airplane members Paul Kantner and Grace Slick, and gospel’s Edwin and Walter Hawkins.

8 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com When Coaches Coach Coaches. Start a conversation about the Country Radio performing, Coach Switzer revealed that one of his star Seminar, one of the greatest of all the radio learning players stood up and, in the presence not only of the conventions, and it won’t be long before someone offending player but the entire team shouted, “Cut him, brings up a particular panel, keynote or take-away Coach! He’s going to cost us wins!” that had a positive and personal impact on their job Immediately, I imagined a weekly aircheck meeting performance — or even life experience. where everyone in the building was summoned to hear With registration for CRS 2022 opening next week, breaks from each talent’s week of shows and voice their I flashed back to two of the most memorable and opinions about the effort the talent was putting forth. meaningful sessions I’ve attended. Both involved Knowing your work is going to be laid bare and famous football coaches (I know, ironic for someone evaluated by your teammates – not only for its in-the- who’s batty over baseball), but when coaches coach moment impact but for its positive or negative reflection coaches, the information can be priceless. on the brand and everyone associated with it now and The Importance of Doing What’s Important in the future – would indeed be one heck of a motivator!

My biggest “convention retention” is Lou Holtz’s 1997 While we don’t generally put our on-air talent through riveting keynote, “What’s Important something like this (though it does give you pause), Now.” Whether you’re pursuing a listeners do. Only their version of “Cut him, Coach!” personal (improving your life) or goes something like: “I’m tuning out now because there professional goal (like meeting a must be something more entertaining than this.” deadline, coaching talent or working to deliver the highest possible quality And Now a Word From the Present product), basing your decisions on Hopefully, we all aspire to be exceptional every break “What’s Important Now” is a simple (or sales call or in responding to a listener touch-point) yet powerful action that keeps you focused on every day. achievement. Ideally, we’re challenging ourselves daily by asking and Lou’s question can easily morph into “What’s more acting on “what’s important now” and “what’s more important?” Asking this is another powerful way to important.” choose between alternatives. I’ve used both regularly and can attest to the way they can help you become When coaches coach coaches, everybody wins. unstuck and move forward. I’ve been inspired by Lou’s Mike’s note: While these two sessions continue to speech since I first heard it 24 years ago. stand out for me, I’ve never come away from CRS short Peer Pressure on ideas. I hope you don’t miss CRS 2022, February 23-25. In the meantime, feel free to share your most My second most memorable takeaway involved memorable moments: [email protected] former Dallas Cowboys and Oklahoma Sooners Coach Barry Switzer, who was Mike O’Malley is co-founder of Albright & O’Malley & part of a 2016 panel on talent coaching. Brenner and has consulted country radio stations in the US and Canada since 1992. Mike’s programming “Peer pressure is one of the greatest background includes launching WYNY motivators in professional football,” he as a country station and said. To make his point, Coach Switzer programming it for five went on to tell the story of a particular years. His other PD positions Wednesday morning team meeting when the entire include country stations Cowboys team gathered to watch videos of the in Washington, DC, and previous week’s kicking game. Jacksonville, FL. Mike is a 2018 inductee into the The coach recalled that as the video rolled, it quickly Country Radio Hall of Fame. became obvious who was or was not giving their all. As one player was seen to be repeatedly under- [email protected] 9 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com POWER TITLE AIRPLAY RETENTION CALL OUT AUDIO POWER SALES COMPOSITE # ARTIST - LABEL Single Saturday Night 7 1 4 12 15 1 1 - Warner/WMN Things A Man Oughta Know 6 13 5 8 11 2 2 LAINEY WILSON - Broken Bow If I Didn't Love You 21 x 16 6 2 3 3 JASON ALDEAN/ - Macon/Broken Bo Drinkin' Beer Talkin' God Amen 1 7 3 7 10 4 4 CHASE RICE F/F.G.L. - Dack Janiels/BBR-BMLG Glad You Exist 2 12 1 4 16 5 5 DAN + SHAY - Warner/WAR Fancy Like 35 x 12 1 1 6 6 WALKER HAYES - Monument Waves 4 5 8 9 13 7 7 - Capitol Nashville Chasing After You 17 8 20 3 8 8 8 W/ - Arista Nashville My Boy 10 6 6 25 14 9 9 ELVIE SHANE - Wheelhouse Country Again 5 4 14 10 17 10 10 THOMAS RHETT - Valory NATIONAL CALLOUT TITLE N`EAST MID WEST WEST SOUTH # ARTIST Glad You Exist 1 6 1 2 1 Dan + Shay You Time 3 12 3 1 2 McCreery, Scotty Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen. 5 4 2 7 3 Rice, Chase Feat. Single Saturday Night 10 3 4 3 4 Swindell, Cole Things A Man Oughta Know 4 10 12 4 5 Wilson, Lainey My Boy 9 2 7 10 6 Shane, Elvie We Didn't Have Much 2 11 11 13 7 Moore, Justin Waves 17 1 8 5 8 Bryan, Luke Blame It On You 12 14 6 6 9 Aldean, Jason Memory I Don't Mess With 8 8 10 15 10 Brice, Lee ACTION - UNDEREXPOSED TITLE AIRPLAY COMPOSITE # ARTIST - LABEL WALKER HAYES 35 6 1 29 - Fancy Like NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE 42 15 2 27 - Lil Bit 47 25 3 22 - Sand In My Boots & 34 13 4 21 - Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go..) AARON LEWIS 50 32 5 18 - Am I The Only One JASON ALDEAN/CARRIE UNDERWOOD 21 3 6 18 - If I Didn't Love You DIERKS BENTLEY, BRELAND, HARDY 46 31 7 15 - Beers On Me MIRANDA LAMBERT 31 17 8 14 - Settling Down JORDAN DAVIS 36 23 9 13 - Buy Dirt f/Luke Bryan LILY ROSE 49 40 10 9 - Villain iHeartMedia St. Louis, where she deal also includes a centralized RADIO has been serving as VP of Sales NewsHub in Little Rock, AR, and the Ray Michaels joins Eagle Radio since February of last year. Nulogic Digital Marketing Agency. Great Bend, KS, as Operations Manager for the cluster, which Libby Nolan joins iHeartMedia as Educational Media Foundation includes country KAAQ (105.9) and Senior VP of Sales for its St. Louis has filed a $334,000 deal to buy KQSK (97.5). Michaels, who most cluster, which includes country “95.9 The Legend” recently served as OM “93.7 The Bull” KSD. Nolan, who WVIG Terre for began her career as Haute, IN, from Grand Junction, will also morning show producer David Crooks’ serve as PD of classic at KSD, reports to DLC Media. EMF rock “The Point” KVGB- iHeartMedia St. Louis currently does not own any stations FM (104.3). “I’m thrilled Market President John in the Terre Haute market and is Ray will be joining our team,” GM R. Beck Jr. Nolan joins expected to put its contemporary Matt Althouse said in a release. “He from Zimmer Radio in Springfield, Christian “K-Love” brings some legendary experience MO, where she served as VP and format on WVIG. to our market and will help uphold director of sales. Once the sale closes, DLC Media will still own our high standards for broadcast Joseph Amado is named Director excellence.” rock “92.7 The Rock” WFNB, adult of Promotions for hits “105.5 Jack FM” WZJK, Jess Poxson joins “The Kicks Wake , which includes “Super Hits 104.9” WAXI, and adult Up Krew” on Beasley “Kicks 99” country “97.3 The standards “Timeless Classics” WAMB WKXC Augusta, GA, succeeding Eagle” WGH. Amado (1130) in the market. former co-host Jenny Bender, who was most recently exited in March. Poxson serving in a similar Next year’s Country Radio had been outside radio role for SummitMedia Seminar will begin and end since leaving then- Richmond. “We each day with one-on-one Entercom WYCD launched a nationwide search to conversations with the heads (99.5) in 2019. Poxson’s find a promotions warrior that of country music’s biggest radio previous stops include would help us win and found companies and record labels. The Cumulus WDRQ Detroit (93.1) and him right in our backyard,” VP of “CRS Heads of “America’s Morning Show with Blair Operations and Programming State” series will Garner.” Eddie Haskell said in a release. feature Beasley Media Group CEO Caroline Brenda Franco is named GM for Mike Reed and Bill Christian’s Beasley, Hubbard Broadcasting JVC Media Fort Walton Beach, FL, Coastal Television Broadcasting CEO Ginny Morris, which includes country “Highway Group has filed a $36.9 million CEO Bob Profitt, Townsquare 98.1” WHWY. A 35-year industry deal to buy country “Y-95” WYCM, Media CEO Bill Wilson, Big veteran, Franco most “95.3 Bob- Machine Label Group President/ recently served in the FM” WBPE, CHR “Z- CEO Scott Borchetta, Universal market as Account 96.5” WAZY and talk Music Group Nashville Chairman/ Manager and Senior “The Patriot” WSHY CEO Mike Dungan, Warner Music Marketing Consultant (1410) from Star Nashville Chairman/CEO John for . “I City Broadcasting in Esposito, am thrilled to have someone of Lafayette, IN. The deal also includes Chairman/CEO Randy Goodman her caliber on board with the JVC the Lafayette, IN-licensed translator and BBR Music Group/BMG family,” Executive VP Shane Reeve W282CJ at 104.3, which simulcasts Nashville President Jon Loba. All said in a release. WSHY. The radio deal is part of Access Media Group’s Joel , a larger deal that also includes RAB’s Erica Farber, “Country Lisa Ballance is named Senior seven low-power television stations Countdown USA” and Country VP of Sales at iHeartMedia including WBPI-LD and WPBY- Aircheck’s Lon Helton, and McVay Huntsville, which LD in Lafayette, IN; WNBJ-LD in Media’s Mike McVay will moderate includes country Jackson, TN: and KJNB-LD and the discussions. WDRM (102.1). KJNE-LD in Jonesboro, AR – along Ballance transfers to with construction permits for two her new position from additional LPTVs in Jonesboro. The

11 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com We connect music industry professionals with healthcare resources. For mental health services, medicine, doctors, clinics, hospitals, and financial assistance—we are your free, non-profit resource for all things healthcare.

TOGETHER WE ARE STRONGER MusicHealthAlliance.com 615.200.6896

THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT Music Health Alliance is a 501(c)3 public charity Runaway June are coming to truly honor my ARTISTS gears up to join career and songs really means a co-authored “Run, Luke Bryan’s great deal to me. “Proud to Be Rose, Run,” her first novel, with Charlie Worsham is the Artist best-selling author James Patter- Right Here Tour” this weekend Ambassador for the CMA Founda- son. The book will be published tion, the CMA’s philanthropic arm, by Little, Brown with the unveil- ing of three- for August. He and Company will participate and available track EP “back- story,” available Friday, Aug. 20. in a virtual panel March 7, 2022. A to discuss the 12-track album Dann Huff and Mark Trussell pro- duced the project with members life-changing im- will accompany pact of music on the novel. “I’ve of the trio co-writing each of the three songs. young people in combined my rural communi- love of storytell- Chase Rice partners with head- ties. “It is critical ing and books wear retailer Lids to create exclu- that we offer the next generation with the release of #RunRose- sive hats under his Head Down a chance to discover themselves Run,” Parton wrote on social Eyes Up brand. The first design is through the power of music,” media. The book is described as available now Worsham said in a release. “a thriller about a young singer- via Lids retail songwriter on the rise and on the stores and Lids. BEXAR will release its major-label run, and determined to do what- com. Rice wrote debut EP, “Pronounced BEAR,” via ever it takes to survive.” “Head Down Warner Music Nashville on Friday, Eyes Up” on Sept. 3. Ross The RIAA cer- Copperman tifiesCarrie his hats while in college as and Underwood’s produced the “Southbound” motivation to not give in to outside pressures. six-track project. platinum. “These songs Walker “I never set out to launch a cloth- ing brand,” Rice said in a release. mean the world Hayes’ viral to us,” the band hit “Fancy “I realized just how universal this message is. We can all use the re- said in a release. Like” is certified gold as isLainey “We feel like they are a true repre- Wilson’s debut single, “Things minder to keep your head down, eyes up… keep going.” sentation of who we are as musi- a Man Oughta Know,” currently cians and more importantly as in the Top 10 on the Mediabase , , people.” country chart. The Gatlin Brothers, , , John Berry, Neal recording artist and Robert Plant Hannah Ellis will make her Grand will release “Raise the Roof” on McCoy, T. Graham Ole Opry debut on Tuesday, Sept. Friday, Nov. 19, via Rounder Re- 28. “Every country music artist cords. The T Bone Burnett-pro- Brown, Tracy Law- that I grew up duced project listening to has follows the pair’s rence and The Issacs stood in that 2007 GRAMMY circle and sang Award-winning have been added to on that stage,” album “Raising Ellis said in a Sand.” The new the “All-Star Salute to Lee Green- wood” concert event. The show, release. “To be album includes able to stand covers made which celebrates Greenwood’s 40-year career, is set for Tuesday, up there, where famous by Merle they stood, at the Grand Ole Opry, Haggard and . Oct. 12, at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL. “I am so looking and sing the songs that I wrote According to Billboard, the duo is will truly be a full-circle moment expected to tour together in 2022. forward to this night,” Greenwood said in a release. “To know they that I almost can’t believe is hap- pening.”

13 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com President of its Board of Directors. from his first co-write, and after INDUSTRY “I’m honored to step into the role of getting to know him as a person, Digital music royalty collections Board President, and I look forward he continues to wow us with his agency SoundExchange names to continuing and expanding on graciousness and work ethic,” Stephanie Werner VP, Brand the lifesaving and life-giving work Verse 2 Music Partner Kent Earls Marketing of The Onsite said in a release. “We’re excited to and Industry Foundation,” help achieve all of his hopes and Engagement, Hutfless said in dreams.” and Barry a release. New LeVine VP, members to the Marketing and board of directors Entertainment include Drybar Partnerships. Werner and LeVine Founder Alli Webb; Big Loud report to Chief Marketing and Records VP of Marketing Candice Communications Officer Esther- Watkins; author/speaker Crystal Mireya Tejada. Werner most Woodman Miller; Cracker recently served as VP, Head Barrel CMO Jennifer Tate; and of Global Marketing at Global Vector Management founder Nashville-based independent Citizen, while LeVine transitions Ken Levitan. The nonprofit also and management from his current post as VP, has announced its Triumph Over company Eclipse Music Group Industry Relations. Tragedy workshop, available exclusively for survivors of 2017’s signs Reyna Roberts to an Safford Motley PLChires Lexie Route 91 Harvest Music Festival exclusive publishing deal. “We Rigler as an Associate Attorney. mass shooting. Applications for the are thrilled to welcome Reyna to She joins the firm from Yamaha workshop are now open. the Eclipse Music family,’’ Eclipse Corporations of Publishing Head Penny Gattis said America, where Universal Music Publishing in a release. “It’s been amazing to she worked in the Nashville signs Lily Rose to a watch Reyna’s artistic vision come company’s Artist worldwide publishing agreement. to life through her songwriting, Relations division “Lily knows exactly who she is as powerhouse vocals and electric as Business Affairs an artist,” UMPG live performances. She’s the Manager. “Lexie Nashville SVP A&R definition of an entertainer and is an incredibly bright young Cyndi Forman told her dedication to her artistry is attorney with an exceptional work MusicRow. “Her inspiring. We are honored to be ethic,” Safford Motley PLC Owner work ethic and her publishing home.” Scott Safford said in a release. her passion for River House Artists and Sony “[Partner] Jonathan [Motley] and songwriting was Music Publishing sign Kasey I are thrilled to have someone of evident to our team the first time Tyndall to a global publishing her caliber join our team.” we met with her.” Rose is signed to Big Loud Records, Back Blocks deal. “We have been big fans of Nashville Music and Republic Records. Kasey for a couple years now and Association International (NSAI) knew that if the opportunity ever has shifted the 2021 Nashville presented itself, we Songwriter would love to work Awards to with her,” River a virtual House Artists VP/ format due GM Zebb Luster to the COVID-19 surge. Initially said in a release. scheduled as a private event at “Her determination the Country Music Hall of Fame’s and confidence in who she is as CMA Theater, it will now take Verse 2 Music, ’s an artist has really grown since place virtually on Tuesday, 9/14. joint venture with Sony Music moving to Nashville and we are Publishing, signs Levon Gray. stoked to help her cultivate a The Onsite Foundation, a 501(c)3 The singer-songwriter co-wrote long-term career in this business.” nonprofit public charity, has named Brown’s upcoming release “One FlyteVu Co-Founder Laura Hutfless Mississippi.” “Levon wowed us

14 | AUGUST 16, 2021 CountryInsider.com AUGUST 16, 2021 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p % 2 1 DAN + SHAY / Glad You Exist (Warner/WAR) 29967 1939 8261 595 36.108 1.509 4150 50

3 2 / We Didn't Have Much (Valory) 28175 1900 7781 482 35.858 1.706 3995 51

1 3 CHASE RICE F/F.G.L. / Drinkin' Beer Talkin' God Amen 27453 -4302 7353 -1323 35.17 -5.7 3902 53 (Dack Janiels/BBR-BMLG) 4 4 LUKE BRYAN / Waves (Capitol Nashville) 27431 1293 7490 336 36.432 1.715 3851 51

7 5 LAINEY WILSON / Things A Man Oughta Know (Broken Bow) 22737 1107 6306 368 26.289 0.762 2953 47

6 6 THOMAS RHETT / Country Again (Valory) 22355 659 6214 176 29.934 1.823 3214 52

8 7 SCOTTY MCCREERY / You Time (Triple Tigers) 20650 2371 5784 721 24.68 1.758 2823 49

10 8 JAMESON RODGERS / Cold Beer Calling...f/L. Combs (River 19704 2051 5452 581 23.256 2.119 2617 48 House/Columbia ) 11 9 ELVIE SHANE / My Boy (Wheelhouse) 16874 943 4760 202 20.277 1.699 2327 49

13 10 / Memory I Don't Mess With (Curb) 16576 1361 4408 280 20.523 2.138 2047 46

12 11 OLD DOMINION / I Was On A Boat That Day (Arista Nashville) 15540 174 4268 46 17.941 -0.096 2051 48

14 12 / Next Girl (Big Machine) 14568 81 4115 50 16.55 -0.142 1737 42

15 13 RYAN HURD W/MAREN MORRIS / Chasing After You 13469 908 3718 290 13.808 1.271 1531 41 (Arista Nashville) 16 14 KENNY CHESNEY / Knowing You (Blue Chair/Warner/WEA) 13330 932 3755 223 15.748 1.032 1639 44

17 15 / Like A Lady (BMLG) 13257 1091 3567 291 14.372 1.22 1406 39

18 16 & / Freedom Was A 12914 794 3549 215 14.689 0.813 1383 39 Highway (Stoney Creek) 19 17 JON PARDI / Tequila Little Time (Capitol Nashville) 12683 1601 3516 473 13.99 1.56 1502 43

22 18 JASON ALDEAN/CARRIE UNDERWOOD / If I Didn't Love 11549 2391 3114 703 14.492 2.781 1535 49 You (Macon/Broken Bow/Capitol) 23 19 / Cold As You (River House/Columbia Nash) 11233 2113 2988 559 13.53 2.143 1289 43

20 20 MICHAEL RAY / Whiskey And Rain (Warner/WEA) 11103 1015 2972 308 11.279 0.885 1126 38

21 21 PRISCILLA BLOCK / Just About Over You (Mercury 10546 728 2807 229 10.308 0.124 853 30 Nashville/InDent) 9 22 KEITH URBAN WITH P!NK / One Too Many (RCA/Capitol 9393 -8813 2727 -2436 11.624 -8.303 1310 48 Nashville) 25 23 / Same Boat (Home Grown/Warner/ 9249 769 2554 212 10.607 0.964 1071 42 WAR) 24 24 CALLISTA CLARK / It's 'Cause I Am (Big Machine) 9120 549 2544 129 9.791 0.834 1088 43

26 25 / Home Sweet (Triple Tigers) 8675 436 2274 112 9.139 1.054 690 30 AUGUST 16, 2021 LW TW Artist/Title (Label) Total Points +/- Points Total Plays +/- Plays Audience +/- Aud 6a-7p %

27 26 DUSTIN LYNCH / Thinking 'Bout You f/M. Porter (Broken Bow) 8573 607 2204 136 8.995 0.933 664 30

28 27 / You Should Probably Leave (Mercury 7953 342 2159 75 8.623 0.298 728 34 Nashville) 29 28 / Half Of My Hometown f/KChesney 7266 630 2108 195 7.354 0.52 660 31 (Black River Entertainment) 30 29 PARKER MCCOLLUM / (MCA Nashville) 6790 435 1739 103 7.404 0.83 534 31

34 30 WALKER HAYES / Fancy Like (Monument) 6552 1407 1810 361 6.908 1.612 702 39

37 31 JORDAN DAVIS / Buy Dirt f/Luke Bryan (MCA Nashville) 5456 1005 1426 276 4.556 0.508 409 29

32 32 HARDY / Give Heaven Some Hell (Big Loud) 5375 23 1533 27 4.65 0.011 362 24

35 33 / Heart On Fire (EMI Nashville) 5086 605 1413 172 4.88 0.405 494 35

38 34 ELLE KING & MIRANDA LAMBERT / Drunk (And I Don't 4416 160 1247 55 4.2 0.248 461 37 Wanna Go..) (RCA/Columbia Nashville) 39 35 GARTH BROOKS / That's What Cowboys Do (Pearl) 4394 480 1175 124 3.651 0.52 372 32

36 36 MATT STELL / That Ain't Me No More (Arista Nashville/ 4309 -167 1193 -42 4.04 -0.322 295 25 RECORDS) 40 37 / w/Jon Pardi 3907 32 1109 9 3.207 -0.068 210 19 (Mercury Nashville) 42 38 RILEY GREEN / If It Wasn't For Trucks (BMLG) 3506 119 1078 51 2.04 -0.101 238 22

41 39 BRETT YOUNG / Not Yet (BMLG) 3409 -27 934 -1 3.324 0.23 200 21 43 40 CAITLYN SMITH / I Can't f/Old Dominion (Monument) 3302 65 997 26 1.958 -0.025 199 20

44 41 TOBY KEITH / Old School (Show Dog Nashville) 3059 -19 965 16 1.553 -0.191 144 15

42 DAN + SHAY / Steal My Love (Warner/WAR) 2787 2787 762 762 3.852 3.852 511 67

46 43 / I'm Not For Everyone (EMI Nashville) 2739 39 794 16 1.907 0.056 182 23

45 44 LARRY FLEET / Where I Find God (Big Loud) 2680 -53 815 1 2.053 -0.01 236 29

48 45 / My Masterpiece (Capitol Nashville) 2346 42 674 9 2.34 0.001 111 16

49 46 DIERKS BENTLEY, BRELAND, HARDY / Beers On Me 2286 65 601 3 2.233 -0.121 223 37 (Atlantic/Big Loud/Capitol) 50 47 CHRIS BANDI / Would Have Loved Her (RECORDS Nashville) 2181 14 680 -5 1.241 -0.005 122 18

47 48 BRANTLEY GILBERT / The Worst Country Song Of... (Valory) 2128 -392 529 -100 3.333 -0.112 112 21 64 49 TIM MCGRAW / 7500 OBO (Big Machine) 2080 808 572 226 1.739 0.886 221 39

51 50 NELLY & FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE / Lil Bit (BMLGR/ 2074 -64 637 -14 1.866 0 210 33 RECORDS/Columbia)