(L to R): Mark Hudson, Garth Brooks, Victoria Shaw on the Musicnotes Stage, Analog/Hutton Hotel. Photo credit: NSAI
If you were able to attend the history-making 2023 Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, then you were a lucky human. From hearing the stories behind the songs that included: ‘The Dance”, “Amazed”, ‘Check Yes or No”, “The Most Beautiful Girl”, “Ships That Don’t Come In”, “The River”, “Beer With Jesus”, “Daddy Wasn’t The Cadillac Kind”, “She Had Me At Heads Carolina”, “All About That Bass” “Whiskey Glasses” and I could go on for days… :D. If there was a place where GOOSEBUMPS came from, it might be a Tin Pan South show…
Garth Brooks tells the story behind the song at CRS
by Preshias Harris
Garth Brooks became the inaugural recipient of the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Garth Brooks No Fences Award, named after Brooks’ ground-breaking No Fences album. It recognizes an individual in the country music industry who boldly demonstrates innovation, creativity and tenacity.
During this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in March, Brooks was interviewed by CRB’s RJ Curtis. Read my full report of the in-depth interview at Center Stage Mag here.
Garth Brooks talks with Country Radio Broadcasters at CRS 2023. Photo: Preshias Harris
At one point, Curtis put up a screenshot showing a string of Garth Brooks hit songs in a thirteen-month period across 1989 and 1990. The songs were: “Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)”, “If Tomorrow Never Comes”, “Not Counting You” and “The Dance”.
However, Brooks was not among the rising artists selected to appear at the New Faces of Country Music show at the 1990 CRS. To the amazement of the ‘standing room only’ audience, Brooks never played the New Faces show.
In the interview, Brooks frankly described how his monumental hit “Friends in Low Places” very nearly became Mark Chesnutt‘s hit single, rather than his. Brooks had actually cut the demo for the songwriters while he was a shoe salesman in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, moonlighting as a demo singer.
He went on to explain his prolonged absence from music to be with his family and how: “it was probably the most selfish move I ever made in my life.”
Read my full report of the in-depth Garth Brooks interview in the ‘Preshias On The Row’ section of Center Stage Mag here. #CenterStageMag
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 #PreshiasHarris
Taylor Swift and Ashley Gorley on the Red Carpet. Photo: Catrina Engelby
Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift and Ashley Gorley were among the recipients at the fifth annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. The gala event was presented by Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) along with City National Bank on September 20 at the Ryman Auditorium.
It was an occasion to shine the spotlight on the
songwriters but many recording artists took the opportunity to show their
appreciation during the evening. These included Sam Hunt, Chris LaCorte, Josh
Osborne, Kelsea Ballerini, Nicolle Galyon, Parmalee, HARDY, Alana Springsteen,
Walker Hayes, Tigirlily, Thomas Rhett, Babyface and more.
The honorees included Garth Brooks (receiving the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award), Ashley Gorley (Songwriter of the Decade) and Taylor Swift (Songwriter-Artist of the Decade). The Song of the Year Award was presented to Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Josh Jenkins and Matt Jenkins for “Buy Dirt” (recorded by Jordan Davis feat. Luke Bryan).
Read my full report on the Awards at Center Stage Mag here.
“Buy Dirt” – 2022 Song of the Year Pictured L-R: Josh Jenkins, Bart Herbison (Executive Director, NSAI), Jacob Davis, Jordan Davis, Steve Bogard (Board President, NSAI), Matt Jenkins, Lindsay Glover (NSAI).Photo credit: NSAIContinue reading “Nashville Songwriter Awards at a sold-out Ryman”
No foolin’! The April edition is posted and ready to read now!
It’s full of the latest news from Music Row and beyond… info about emerging artists and songwriters as well as the stars and icons of country music, plus photos and links to songs, music videos and more. My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is the longest continuously-running monthly country music column in the USA and you can find it here at Nashville Music Guide.
Here are the headlines of just a few of the featured news items…
Multi-Platinum hitmakers Eli Young Band have revealed plans for a full-length album of the same name as the current single: Love Talking (The Valory Music Co.) is set for release Friday, June 3…
Garth Brooks is adding a brand new opening night in Nashville. The new opening night concert will be Friday, April 15th, 7:00 PM at Nissan Stadium. The second night show will be Saturday, April 16th, 7:00 PM…
The Les Paul Foundation, whose mission includes honoring and sharing the life, spirit and legacy of Les Paul has launched “Les Paul Thru the Lens,” an exclusive traveling gallery of photos highlighting the life and career of Les Paul, the inventor, musician and icon…
As more dates are added to Riley Green’s We Out Here Tour, including a stop at Nashville’s Ascend Amphitheater on July 3 to kick off one of the largest Independence Day weekends in the country, the Alabama-raised singer/songwriter is set to deliver those same concert vibes to playlists…
Singer songwriter Jenny Tolman has released a new video for the title track of her sophomore album “Married in a Honky Tonk.” The Tennessean exclusively premiered the video, which was shot at the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar in Jackson, Wyo…
COJO Music / Warner Music Nashville Platinum recording artist Cody Johnson landed the first No. 1 of his career in March as “’Til You Can’t” topped the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase charts…
The Grand Ole Opry is celebrating one of country music’s most influential artists, Merle Haggard, on the anniversary of both his birth and his death, Wednesday, April 6…
Dierks Bentley has announced details behind the Live Nation produced summer leg of his Beers On Me Tour. Bentley will host over 31-cities to an “all-night sing-along party”…
The best-selling duo of all time, Brooks & Dunn are returning to arenas, with their Reboot 2022 Tour, kicking off in Evansville, IN on 5/5…
And that’s just scratching the surface of this month’s column. Read the full stories teased above as well as many more news items along with the accompanying photos, videos, links and more in Inside Track at Music Row posted now here at Nashville Music Guide.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and 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
Classes of 2020 and 2021 honored at double gala event
by Preshias Harris
It was a scintillating evening of songs, stars, special memories and – above all – some of the worlds finest songwriters being honored by their peers when The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame welcomed ten new members to its ranks.
Garth Brooks paying tribute to Kent Blazy during his induction into the NaSHOF. Photo: Preshias Harris
It was a unique gala: because of the pandemic, the 2020 gala was postponed so it was double the pleasure, double the fun as the Classes of both 2020 and 2021 were inducted at the same ceremony as part of the NaSHOF’s supersized 50th and 51st Anniversary Hall of Fame Gala. The musical contributions of the newest inductees were celebrated through star-studded performances of some of their biggest songs for the capacity crowd at Nashville’s Music City Center.
The Class Of 2020:Kent Blazy and Brett James in the songwriter category; Spooner Oldham in the veteran songwriter category, Steve Earle in the songwriter/artist category and Bobbie Gentry in the veteran songwriter/artist category.
Class of 2020 Pictured (l-r) are: NaSHOF Board Chair Sarah Cates, inductees Brett James, Kent Blazy, Steve Earle, Spooner Oldham and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser
The Class of 2021: Rhett Akins and Buddy Cannon in the songwriter category; John Scott Sherrill in the veteran songwriter category; Toby Keith in the songwriter/artist category and Amy Grant in the veteran songwriter/artist category.
Class of 2021 Pictured (l-r) are: NaSHOF Board Chair Sarah Cates, Inductees Rhett Akins, Toby Keith, Buddy Cannon, Amy Grant and John Scott Sherrill and NaSHOF Executive Director Mark Ford. Photo: Bev Moser
The inductees and the musical guests who honored them shared so many fascinating stories and insights about how they reached the pinnacle of their artistry.
This week’s livestream of the Y’all Show With Preshias
was just one day after we heard the sad news about the passing of Charlie
Daniels at the age of 83. Ya’ll Show
host Jon Rawl and I had many memories to share. But we also caught up on some
more of this week’s news from Music City.
Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood postpone Facebook Live show
Glen Campbell remembered: new memoir from Glen’s widow Kim
New music from Opry veteran Jeannie Seely
Carly Pearce surprised with Gold and Platinum Awards
Jimmie Allen’s new EP features all-star collaborations
Luke Bryan takes “One Margarita” to Airplay No. 1
An I Know Country Q&A for July 7
… plus more from this week’s Y’all Show With Preshias. Scroll down to read more
It’s
hard to believe that we have lost one of music’s most iconic figures – Charlie
Daniels. Even though he was 83, he
still seemed so full of life and energy, right up to the end. Just a few weeks
ago, he appeared in a “together-but-separate” type of video with Larry
Gatlin, Ray Stevens, TG Sheppard and others, singing Willie Nelson’s
“On the Road Again.” In the video, Charlie even mentions how his tour bus is
itchin’ to get back on the road when the virus has subsided.
I
have known Charlie, his lovely wife “Miss Hazel” and son Charlie Jr for many
years. Charlie always treated me with kindness and respect, as he did with
everyone he met. I have so many memories of Charlie…
My monthly column, ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ is now posted at Nashville Music Guide’s website. It is the longest continually-running monthly country music column in the USA.
As always, my thanks to Amanda and the NMG staff for making ‘Inside Track’ the best looking (and most read) country music feature on the Web!
Among this month’s 30+ music news items in the column…
Exile to celebrate new double album with fans & industry, July 13
Brett Young’s Acoustic Sessions EP set for September release
Blake Shelton joins Garth Brooks in ‘Fun’ Dive Bar duet
NAMM Music Industry Day set for July 20
Scroll down for brief summaries and links
ALBUM NEWS
A little over forty years have passed and over 8 million records have been sold, including three Gold records and eleven number one hit songs since Exile began making music in a small garage in Lexington, Kentucky making demos of their songs. Exile will now share their most current CD project, Exile – The Garage Tapes. The 30 song, two CD compilation is set for release in the upcoming weeks. Industry and fans are invited to celebrate at a VIP CD release event to take place in the cave at The Caverns in Pelham, TN on July 13. … Read the full story here.Continue reading “July ‘Inside Track on Music Row’”
‘Inside Track on Music Row,’ my monthly music news column appears in Nashville Music Guide. The February edition will drop any day soon – a special edition for Country Radio Seminar (CRS) 2019. Here are some Country news items that just missed the NMG print deadline. Check back here later for an excerpt from the February column and a link to it at NMG.
Garth Brooks’ new album: a FUN project
Ray Stevens: 60 years in music
John Berry asks for prayers, God’s healing
Maxine Brown passes
Scroll down to read these news items
Garth Brooks’ new album: a FUN project
Garth Brooks Inside Studio G
Garth Brooks revealed the title of his upcoming studio album is FUN. Garth divulged the information during “Inside Studio G,” a weekly Facebook Live series airing every Monday on Garth’s Facebook page at 7:00 PM EST. Garth fans have been given a teaser of what to expect from his anticipated studio album, with Garth releasing “All Day Long.” The much-awaited record is available to preorder now.
“The title of the album was sparked because making it has been such a fun process to go through,” explained Garth. “Being able to go in and out of the studio while being on the tour, working with the same guys, it’s been amazing. The album will be available this spring and I want the fans to just have fun with this, because that’s what this has been.” More at Garth’s website and Facebook page.
Here is a link to my ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ column for December 2018. It appears in Nashville Music Guide and is the longest-running continuously-published country music column in the USA.
As always, thanks to NMG editor Amanda for making the column look so great. And a reminder that the January edition of ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ will be published soon.
Meanwhile here are a few excepts from the December column…
Thomas Rhett 2019 tour dates announced
ARTIST NEWS:Thomas Rhett announced details for his VERY HOT SUMMER TOUR with special guests Dustin Lynch, Russell Dickerson and Rhett Akins. Thomas Rhett is set to kick off the summer on May 17 in Spokane, WA. Initial public on-sales are available via thomasrhett.com.
Fans can also purchase tickets for additional select cities beginning Friday, January 25 as part of Live Nation’s Country Megaticket at www.Megaticket.com. Additional dates will continue to roll out over the coming weeks. Live Nation is the national tour promoter. “We just closed out our 2018 tour in the U.K. last week and I’m already thinking about next year’s tour,” said Rhett. “I’m glad we have the winter to plan and come up with some crazy stuff for next year because I can’t think of a better way to spend the summer than out on the road with my fans. And, I get to bring my dad and two of my favorite artists in country music along for the ride.”
Last minute gift hint for Garth fans
GARTH NEWS: Garth’s The Anthology Part III, LIVE, is now available. It’s a detailed, insider look at Brooks’ electrifying concerts, with behind-the-scenes stories, insider secrets, and interviews with band and crew. It contains 5 CDs with 52 live recordings, never before seen photographs and 10 augmented reality experiences that can be seen on the Garth Live app.
It also includes the new live album, TRIPLE LIVE. It’s the soundtrack of the record breaking, number one tour in North American history. Additionally, The Garth Brooks Stadium Tour is coming to Gainesville, FL, on Saturday, April 20th, 7:00 PM at University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. It’s the first Ben Hill Griffin Stadium Concert in 25 years. Tickets can only be purchased at ticketmaster.com/garthbrooks or either Ticketmaster Express 1-866-448-7849 or 1-800-745-3000.
Jay Leno, Jeff Foxworthy set for Opry House show
PERFORMANCE NEWS: A special performance will take place during next year’s 2019 Nashville Comedy Festival, iconic American comics Jay Leno and Jeff Foxworthy are set to take the stage for a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ event on the historic stage of The Opry House.
This special event is exclusive to Nashville, as it will be the first time and only place to see both artists share the stage. The legendary “clean comedy” entertainers will perform at The Opry House on Sunday, April 14. Tickets are now available at Ticketmaster.com, the Opry House box office, the Ryman Auditorium box office, all Ticketmaster outlets or by phone at 1-800-745-3000.
Much more to see here at ‘Inside Track on Music Row’ at Nashville Music Guide.
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and 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
An amazing night at the 52nd annual CMA Awards! Security was (understandably) tight at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, but we were safely seated and treated to one of the best shows in years.
Too many high spots to mention them all. But Keith Urban‘s emotional acceptance of the Entertainer of the Year Award and Garth Brooks debut of ‘Stronger Than Me’ (dedicated to wife Trisha Yearwood) were lump-in-the-throat moments.
More than thirty-five live performances were featured and Executive Producer Robert Deaton and his crew kept it flowing seamlessly.
‘Ten Year Town’
For anyone who doubts that Nashville is known as a ‘ten year town,’ Kacey Musgraves won Album of the Year for ‘Golden Hour.’ It was the tenth anniversary of her move to Nashville.
All the winners
In case you missed any of the results, Here is a list of all the nominees with winners’ name in bold.
Entertainer of the Year
Jason Aldean
Luke Bryan
Kenny Chesney
Chris Stapleton Keith Urban – WINNER
Single of the Year
“Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drinkin’ Problem,” Midland
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Dierks Bentley
Luke Combs
Thomas Rhett Chris Stapleton – WINNER
Keith Urban
Vocal Duo of the Year
Brothers Osborne – WINNER
Dan + Shay
Florida Georgia Line
Maddie & Tae
Sugarland
New Artist of the Year
Lauren Alaina Luke Combs – WINNER
Chris Janson
Midland
Brett Young
Vocal Group of the Year
Lady Antebellum
LANCO
Little Big Town
Midland Old Dominion – WINNER
Album of the Year
From A Room: Volume 2, Chris Stapleton Golden Hour, Kacey Musgraves – WINNER Graffiti U, Keith Urban Life Changes, Thomas Rhett The Mountain, Dierks Bentley
Song of the Year
“Body Like A Back Road,” Sam Hunt “Broken Halos,” Chris Stapleton – WINNER
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musical Event of the Year
“Burning Man,” Dierks Bentley feat. Brothers Osborne
“Dear Hate,” Maren Morris feat. Vince Gill
“Drowns the Whiskey,” Jason Aldean feat. Miranda Lambert “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright,” David Lee Murphy & Kenny Chesney – WINNER
“Meant to Be,” Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line
Music Video of the Year
“Babe,” Sugarland feat. Taylor Swift
“Cry Pretty,” Carrie Underwood
“Drunk Girl,” Chris Janson “Marry Me,” Thomas Rhett – WINNER
“Tequila,” Dan + Shay
Musician of the Year
Jerry Douglas, Dobro
Paul Franklin, Steel Guitar
Dann Huff, Guitar Mac McAnally, Guitar – WINNER
Derek Wells, Guitar
Preshias Harris is a music journalist and 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
My monthly column, 
A little over forty years have passed and over 8 million records have been sold, including three Gold records and eleven number one hit songs since Exile began making music in a small garage in Lexington, Kentucky making demos of their songs. Exile will now share their most current CD project, Exile – The Garage Tapes. The 30 song, two CD compilation is set for release in the upcoming weeks. Industry and fans are invited to celebrate at a VIP CD release event to take place in the cave at The Caverns in Pelham, TN on July 13. … Read the full story 
