One of the most original acts in country music has to be Uncle Si and the Sicotics. Si Robertson and his daughter-in-law Marsha Robertson came to fame as part of the hit television series, ‘Duck Dynasty,’ setting the record for the most-watched show on the A&E Network. The show depicted the Robertson family who became successful selling duck calls for hunters.
When the TV series ended, Si and Marsha decided to combine their love of music and their sense of humor into a new direction: making music. They teamed up with hit singer/songwriter Bridgette Tatum and became Uncle Si and the Sicotics, playing to crowds of fun-loving fans. Si, known for his ever-present Tupperware cup of iced tea, and the two young ladies have released a six-song EP titled ‘Uncle Si and the Sicotics,’ available at all digital outlets and via their website.
[L to R]: Marsha, Si and Bridgette, Uncle Si and the Sicotics. Photo: Preshias HarrisI met up with the trio when they were in Nashville preparing for appearances during CMA Fest. I began by asking Si what has been happening in his life since the Duck Dynasty TV series ended in 2017.
“Well, we went into the music business, me and my daughter-in-law,” said Si. “And then we met this young lady right here, Bridgette Tatum, at a charity event which Jesus worked out or we would have never met. Then we got together and we wrote six songs and recorded them. And we all actually think it’s pretty good music, all six of ‘em. We’ve got a record label deal and we’re going out on the road doing our thing!”
What about that Tupperware cup?
So, I had to ask Si: What’s the story behind the famous green Tupperware cup?
“I’ve got it here with me,” he said. “My mother sent it to me in a ’care’ package [while I was in Vietnam], tucked inside my cowboy boots, because I’d asked her to send me a pair of cowboy boots and a pair of blue jeans so that while I’m not on duty I’d have civilian clothes. So she sent [the cup] and the clothes and some food. That was in 1968.” Continue reading “Uncle Si and the Sicotics bring humor to CMA Fest”
Luke Bryan thanks his fellow songwriters. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
Luke Bryan is a songwriter at heart. Admittedly, a songwriter who can really sing, with a string of hits and awards to prove it. But it’s clear that Luke truly values songwriting and loves the amazing songwriters that he gets to work with.
He celebrated his 17th, 18th and 19th Number One singles at a party held at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. Note that those are all Number Ones as a recording artist, but his songwriting career goes back a little further. I attended the party for his first Number One as a writer back in July 2007, honoring ‘Good Directions’ that Luke co-wrote with Rachel Thibodeau for Billy Currington.
The three songs being recognized as Luke’s latest chart toppers were:
‘Move’ written by Luke Bryan, Michael Carter and Jay Clementi
‘Fast’ written by Luke Bryan, Rodney Clawson and Luke Laird
‘Light It Up’ written by Luke Bryan and Brad Tursi
One billion streams
As Luke stepped up to receive his awards, he was introduced as a two-time ACM Entertainer of the Year and a three-time CMA Entertainer of the Year. In 2017, it was noted, Luke played live shows for more than 1.5 million fans and chalked up over one billion streams.
Songwriters celebrate three Number Ones. Photo credit: Ethan Helms
Each of Luke’s co-writers shared some memories about the songs. Jay Clementi said that this was his first No. 1 Award, drawing appreciative applause from the attendees.
“Cathy Gurley brought me to town and hooked me up to write with [hit writer] Radney Foster who mentored me,” said Jay, who added that Foster “must have seen something in me.”
Writing with best friend
Speaking about co-writing ‘Move,’ Michael Carter said, “I was very fortunate to work with one of my best friends, Luke.” Michael recalled writing for the first time with Luke. “The very first place Luke and I stayed was Motel 6 off Harding place [in Nashville]. I know that’s where we started writing.”
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
Brad Tursi told the story of ‘Light It Up,’ his first co-write with Luke at Luke’s new house.
“It was the first write in my new writer’s room at my house,” added Luke. “When these genius songwriters give the demo to genius musicians to record,” said Luke, the result is “genius songs” for fans to hear.
Rodney Clawson’s 24th Number One
When Rodney Clawson talked about co-writing ‘Fast,’ he took a moment to say, “Thank you, Luke, for letting me fish in your pond.” After the presentation, Rodney reminded me that ‘Fast’ was his twenty-fourth No. 1 as a songwriter.
Luke Laird recalled an earlier writing session that was his first ‘big’ co-write. “I suddenly realized that my co-writer thought I was Luke Bryan,” said Laird with a smile.
Making the achievement even more remarkable, all nineteen of these songs were consecutive Number Ones for Luke Bryan. He will soon be celebrating again. In May, ‘Most People Are Good’ became his 20th career chart-topping single.
Visit Luke Bryan’s website for music and tour updates, including info on the Luke Bryan Farm Tour 2018.
The party at the Hutton Hotel was presented by ASCAP, BMI, Global Music Rights and KPEntertainment.
Note: I originally posted this story here on the European website for Country Music News International magazine and radio show.
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Preshias Harrisis 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
Singer, dancer, multi-instrumentalist plays her first CMA Fest
MAGS, performing live
Mags McCarthy, known professionally simply as MAGS, grew up on a farm like many country artists. However, this farm wasn’t in Alabama, Georgia or Tennessee. Her family farm is in County Cork, Ireland.
Recognized at a young age as an accomplished dancer, singer and instrumentalist (primarily the violin) she joined the world-famous Irish dance troupe, Rhythm of the Dance, touring with them all over the world.
Branching out to become a solo performer, she has continued to tour worldwide and has performed before members of the British Royal Family, the President of Ireland and at the White House for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. She has racked up more than 600 tour dates in the past two years, often breaking into a dance as she sings and plays her fiddle, passed down to her by her grandfather.
She played to enthusiastic audiences during CMA Fest in Nashville where she now makes her home since moving here in January 2018. We met on Music Row to talk about her new single, ‘Strong Enough,’ and what brought her to Nashville.
Need to be in Nashville
Preshias Harris: You’ve toured the world as a principal dancer with Rhythm Of The Dance and as a solo performer. What drew you to Nashville?
MAGS, with her grandfather’s fiddle. Photo credit: Preshias Harris
MAGS: I always wanted to come to Nashville. I grew up listening to Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline all my life. I was always a singer and songwriter and I always felt that I need to come to Nashville for the songs. As a singer, it is the place that everyone wants to go to – Nashville. I lived in Los Angeles for a few years but I’ve always felt that I wanted to be in Nashville because of the music I grew up with. So I made the big move in January and I haven’t looked back since. I absolutely love it here.
PH: So you think it was meant to be, for you to be here?
MAGS: I do. One hundred percent.
PH: Do you feel a connection between the traditional folk music of Ireland and the Country and Bluegrass music in the States?
MAGS: Oh, it’s massive. Even my style of playing [the fiddle] I have that connection, a sort of Bluegrass playing. I was born and raised playing Irish music but I feel that connection of where Bluegrass originated from. I think that’s one of the reasons why Ireland is so big into country music. It’s that connection to Bluegrass music.
PH: What can the audience expect to see and hear when they come to a MAGS show?
MAGS: When you come to my show, you can expect fun, energy, dancing. I love for an audience to leave feeling they’ve been fully entertained by my show, from my singing, my songwriting, my fiddle playing. I am a bit of a ’live wire’ on stage! People have said that to me. I want them to go home having seen an artist they haven’t seen before. And that’s what I’ve always tried to portray with my talents, whether it’s my Irish dancing and playing my fiddle at the same time, or singing my own songs. I love the audience to get energized, to be happy, to feel they’ve had a night’s entertainment and I made them feel welcome.
Audience energy feedback
PH: Do you get an ‘energy feedback’ from the audience?
MAGS: Oh, one hundred percent! When I see the audience happy, it makes me want to entertain more and more and more and get them involved! The audience can ‘feed’ you and it gives you confidence. When you go out on stage at first, you are hoping they’re going to like you. You’re praying, oh my God, I’ll do my best here, but I’ve always tried to make them feel welcome to me and make that connection.
PH: You have a wide range of musical influences from traditional to pop to Country. Can you tell us about how some of those influences have defined your music?
MAGS: I grew up listening to traditional Irish music and pop music as well as country. Over the years I have incorporated [the influence of] Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Presley, one of my favorite artists of all time. People have said to me ‘you have your own sound,’ but it’s because I’ve incorporated all of what I’ve listened to growing up all my life into my music today. That’s created my own sound from listening to Springsteen, Shania Twain, Dolly, Elvis, even to the Doobie Brothers. I listened to all that music, and to pop music today from Katy Perry to all the music kids listen to today. A huge range of genres of music. While I was performing during CMA Fest, one of the crew guys came over and was very complimentary and said, ‘you sound like Linda Ronstadt,’ and I thought that was a huge compliment. They said I was different. I said, ‘I hope I’m not too different!’
‘Make it to the Opry’
‘Strong Enough’
PH: Tell us about your new single, ‘Strong Enough.’
MAGS: I’m delighted with the response I’m getting from it. People have been very supportive. I’m very, very grateful to the people who support me and follow me on social media.
PH: What is one of your favorite songs you’ve recorded?
MAGS: One of my favorite songs that’s precious to me is ‘Opry.’ It’s a song about my whole life story. I grew up on a farm back home and the first verse is about me growing up and wanting to go to Nashville. The chorus is:
No, nothing’s going to stop me, til I make it to the Opry
Because I know there’s always room for one more song
On stage with Garth and Dolly, I’ll be there with everybody
Please won’t somebody listen to my song
The Grand Ole Opry’s the place where I belong
And the second verse goes on about how I played in bars for tips and meals, and got taken in by crooked deals, and so on! So it pretty much tells my life story of where I am today. It’s the dream of every artist to be at the Grand ole Opry. It’s definitely my dream.
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MAGS is one of the most dynamic new personalities to enter Nashville’s music scene and is set to make a major impact on country music fans in the USA and overseas. Listen to MAGS singing her new single, ‘Strong Enough,’ at her website.
Follow MAGS on Twitter here, on Instagram here, and on Facebook here. Catch her pro reel at YouTube here.
Note: I originally posted this story here on the European website for Country Music News International magazine and radio show.
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Preshias Harrisis 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
Raises hundreds of thousands of dollars with celebrity friends
It was Craig Campbell‘s Celebrity Cornhole Challenge time in Nashville on Tuesday, June 5. The celebrities – and hundreds of fans – turned out at the City Winery to enjoy a warm, pre-CMA-Fest afternoon of fun for a good cause: to raise aware and funds for Fight Colorectal Cancer (Fight CRC). This is a cause very close to my own heart. My brother Shannon died from colorectal cancer at the age of 39 and his death could have been prevented simply by a colonoscopy.
Craig Campbell gets the Cornhole Challenge under way. Photo: Preshias Harris
In case you are not familiar with cornhole, it is a game in which small bags filled with dried corn or beans are tossed at a target consisting of an inclined wooden platform with a hole at one end. Points are scored when a contestant tosses his or her corn bag into the hole (3 points) or onto the board (1 point). The game was said to originate in Germany in the 14thcentury and was revived by settlers in Kentucky in the 19thcentury.
Craig’s new single: ‘See You Try’
The annual Celebrity Cornhole Challenge is organized by Craig Campbell who is recognized for his ‘new-school’ take on classic Country. On June 8, Craig released his first new collection in five years, an EP titled SEE YOU TRY (Broken Bow Records). The title song, ‘See You Try,’ is also Craig’s new single, written by Tyler Hubbard (Florida Georgia Line), Bart Butler, James McNair and Jordan Schmidt.
Craig was joined by LOCASH, Walker Hayes, Brett Kissel, Russell Dickerson, Jerrod Niemann, Brett Young, Lindsay Eli, Tegan Marie,Morgan Mills, Taylor Phillips, Dee Jay Silver, The Cadillac Three and other celebrities who tried their cornhole skill (or lack of it) to entertain the fans who cheered them on.
During a break in the action, I asked Craig, how did this event come about?
Craig Campbell
“Six years ago, I wanted an event that honored my dad,” said Craig. “He was 36 years old when he died of colon cancer, so I thought, what can I do to honor him? And to have fun and do something different, you know? A lot of people are having free concerts, golf tournaments, fishing tournaments. But no-one is having a cornhole tournament. So then, I thought it was a pretty cool play on the whole corn hole / colon, that sort of thing! So that’s how it all started. Now we’re at year number six and I feel it’s just getting bigger and better.”
Brett Kissel talks about Garth and Brad
Brett Kissel
As Brett Kissel took a break to grab a bottle of cold water, I asked him how it felt when he opened for Garth Brooks, the dream of every singer and songwriter.
“It was the best thing I’ve ever been able to do in my career,” he said. “I’ll tell you, every night that I got to step out on stage to perform and open the show, and then a few times when I got to be on stage and sing with Garth in front of his crowd, I’m telling you Preshias, that was exactly what Cloud Nine feels like! I believe that there are moments that are similar to what heaven could feel like, and that was like a heavenly moment.” Continue reading “Craig Campbell fights colorectal cancer with Cornhole Challenge”
Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charley Pride, David Ball, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Stevens, Ricky Skaggs, TG Sheppard, Tracy Lawrence… In my previous post, I spotlighted ‘Ten to Watch,’ new and emerging artists appearing at CMA Fest. In this post, let’s look at ten enduring talents who continue to entertain fans after many decades at the top of their game. Here’s where and when you can catch up with them at CMA Fest 2018. For tickets and everything you need to know about this year’s Fest, go here.
Bill Anderson & Bobby Bare
Sunday, June 10, 12:15 pm – 12:45 pm
CMA Close Up Stage
Bill Anderson (left) & Bobby Bare
‘Whisperin’ Bill’ Anderson has released more than 40 studio albums, seven No. 1 singles and 29 Top 10 singles, and is a six-time Songwriter Of the Year award-winner. As a Grand Ole Opry member for more than 50 years and a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame since 2001, Anderson is one of the most decorated songwriters and performers in country music history. He has the distinction of having an entry on the Country charts for seven consecutive decades – a record held by no other songwriter in history. He is the author (with Peter Cooper) of ‘Whispering Bill Anderson: An Unprecedented Life in Country Music.’ Info about Bill Anderson here.
Bobby Bare’s music career seemed to be stalling until he signed with RCA where Chet Atkins was willing to listen to his ideas. The result was Bare’s breakout hit ‘Shame On Me,’ followed by ‘Detroit City.’ Bare’s music became increasingly country with such hits as ‘Miller’s Cave’ and ‘Four Strong Winds.’ Bare was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013, among many other awards and accolades. In 2017, Rolling Stone named him one of the ’50 Greatest Country Artists of All Time.’ 2018 marks his 60th anniversary in the music business and the release of his studio album, ‘Things Change’ with two new accompanying music videos. More about Bobby here.
Charley Pride
Friday, June 08, 7:55 pm – 8:25 pm
Nissan Stadium
Charley Pride
Charley Pride is celebrating his 25thanniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. The Country Music Hall of Fame member and Recording Academy ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ recipient made his Opry debut in 1967. Charley will take the Nissan Stadium stage on Friday, June 08 and will be sharing the stage that evening with a host of other modern country staples like Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, and Old Dominion. Tour updates and music here.
CMA Fest 2018 once again brings together the cream of the crop in Country music. From Thursday, June 07 through Sunday, June 10, fans from across the country and around the world will descend on Nashville. Described by the Country Music Association (CMA) as ‘the ultimate country music fan experience,’ hundreds of artists will be performing on eleven stages.
One of the unique aspects of CMA Fest is the opportunity to see new and emerging artists in addition to current superstars and legendary performers – all in one music festival.
If you’re heading to CMA Fest to see Blake Shelton, Carrie Underwood, Chris Stapleton, FGL and Keith Urban, keep in mind there is SO much more talent to be seen and heard – even if some of the names are not familiar to you… yet!
Here are some quick pen-portraits of just a few of the acts appearing at Music Fest that you might want to check out…
Clare Dunn
Friday, June 08, 7:00 pm – 7:25 pm
Cracker Barrel Country Roads Stage, Ascend Amphitheater
Saturday, June 09, 4:30 pm – 4:55 pm
Chevy Breakout Stage
Clare Dunn
Growing up in tiny Two Buttes, Colorado (population: 43),Clare Dunn spent days at a time in a tractor cab helping plow and plant the family farm, sharpening her ears with uninterrupted music-listening in the driver’s seat, even as she strengthened her work ethic. “That’s where a lot of my creativity came from and where a lot of my vision was forged, was just having nothing else to do other than listen to music and dream all day long in the vast wide open of those plains,” she reflects.
Recording for MCA Nashville, she is the only female country artist in recent memory to have a hand in all of the writing, arranging and producing for her debut release, the Clare Dunn EP. The project was recorded in the Cave at Nashville’s House of Blues studios.
An accomplished musician, every lick of guitar on the EP is hers, from agile melodic figures to aggressive shredding. “I think there’s, like, one song where I didn’t play a mandolin part or something like that,” she says. “But other than that, every lead part is my playing—acoustic, electric, everything.”
Catch Clare singing (and shredding) on two stages during CMA Fest. More about Clare here.
EmiSunshine
Sunday, June 10, 2:30 pm – 2:45 pm
CMA Music Fest Spotlight Stage
EmiSunshine
EmiSunshine is a dynamic young singer/songwriter who initially captured the nation’s attention via her presence on social media, racking up 1,000,000+ views on YouTube. Releasing her first full-length CD at the age of 9 in 2014, she released her fourth studio recording, RAGGED DREAMS, in August 2017. She plays about 150 shows a year, and has included appearances at the Grand Ole Opry and on Marty Stuart’s Late Night Jam at the Ryman Auditorium.
EmiSunshine is a multi-instrumentalist with a unique vocal style that draws on her influences from early Country and Appalachian music. She cites artists as varied as Loretta Lynn, The Louvin Brothers, Bessie Smith, June Carter and Hank Williams as being music creators that have affected her own musical journey. Continue reading “CMA Fest spotlights new talent alongside megastars”
Congratulations to Zach Farnum, the founder and president of 117 Entertainment Group. Launched in May 2017, in only one year Zach has built the company into a multi-faceted entertainment firm specializing in publicity and marketing campaigns for musicians, brands and events.
I received the following photo and email from Zach and I thought you would like to read it too.
[L to R]: 117’s Max Dacosta and Heather Scarlett Trotter, Bobby Bare, Lee Roy Parnell, Cherish Lee, John Berry, Exile Band Official’s Marlon Hargis, Jeannie Seely, Tim Rushlow, Kendall Gary, Shane Owens Country, Exile’s Sonny Lemaire, 117’s Bev J Moser, Scott Brown of the Scooter Brown Band, Exile’s Steve Goetzman and J.P. Pennington. Kneeling front center: Zach Farnum. (Not featured but present: Jerry Lee Lewis III, Exile’s Les Taylor Music, Lewis Brice)“A year ago yesterday I announced a new endeavor… all on my own with one client, Chuck Negron Formerly Of Three Dog Night. From there, thanks to many friends, one by one, 117 Entertainment Group picked up more and more amazing artists. Paige Hamilton, Karl Braun and Pepper Meiler were there from the beginning supporting me professionally — but we were blessed with Bev J Moser in late June which started a rapid up-hill climb.
“It’s been a rollercoaster with ups and downs but now we’ve got over 20 incredible acts on our roster, a management and a live division and two more great team members – Heather Scarlett Trotter and Max Dacosta. Seeing this seed grow has been the biggest joy of my life and I truly can’t believe this picture.
“From the bottom of my heart, thank you — to all who believed in me from the beginning, to all who support us now and to all who came last night — especially our clients who gave their time for our celebration! My heart is full.” – Zach Farnum
Again, kudos to Zach and all at 117 Entertainment. More information at their website, here.
The Nashville Songwriter’s Association International (NSAI) held their Spring #1 Party on Monday April 23, 2018, recognizing 75 songwriters (23 songs) for their #1 achievements during the period of August 2017-December 2017.
At the brunch event, sponsored by SunTrust Bank and held at The Listening Room Cafe, the songwriters were presented plaques for topping the Billboard Country or Christian, Airplay, Digital, and Hot Charts and/or Mediabase Country Airplay Chart.
Back row (L-R): Earle Simmons (SunTrust), Dusty Miller (SunTrust), Ashleigh Overly (SunTrust), Jaron Boyer, Ray Fulcher, Adam Hambrick, Brock Berryhill, Tom Douglas, Steve Bogard (NSAI President), David Hodges, Ben Hayslip, Josh Miller, Matt Dragstrem, Tim Timmons, AJ Pruis, Bart Millard Front row (L-R): Lindsay Gum (NSAI Director of Events and Pro Membership), Kelly Archer, Emily Shackelton, Jordan Schmidt, Tebey Ottoh, Bart Herbison (NSAI Executive Director), Zach Crowell, Ashley Gorley, Ben Glover, Matt McGinn, Matthew West
These are the Number One songs and songwriters honored at the event:
NATD donates washer & dryer to DuPont Tyler Middle School
Darius Rucker & Friends set for Ryman Auditorium, June 4
Bobby Marquez fires up St Jude Rock n’ Roll Marathon
‘cleaner clothes’ gift to help boost class attendance
(L to R): CISTN CEO Hank Clay, NATD’s Zach Farnum, Blake McDaniel of CAA, DuPont Tyler Principal Dr. Bianca Jefferson, CISTN’s Brittany Grega, NATD President Steve Tolman and NATD’s Randi Perkins.
The Nashville Association of Talent Directors (NATD) partnered with Communities In Schools of Tennessee (CISTN) to equip DuPont Tyler Middle School with the ability to provide clean clothes for its students by donating a new washer and dryer. Children in metro Nashville schools often miss school due to lack of clean clothes, therefore NATD hopes to help increase classroom attendance with this donation.
“Thanks to the generous donation of NATD, the students whom Communities In Schools of Tennessee serves at DuPont Tyler Middle Prep will be proud to have clean clothes every day,” said CISTN CEO Hank Clay. “We know that students are much more likely to miss school when they do not have enough clean clothes, and many families do not have the resources to own a washer and dryer.”
NATD was founded in 1958 and professionally represents, directs, and promotes the entertainment industry through its members. Today those members generate over $300 million dollars annually for Nashville-based artists. To find out more about Communities In Schools of Tennessee visit their website here, and read about NATD at www.n-a-t-d.com
‘Darius & Friends’ set for June 4
For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.
The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4 returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com. “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”
Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.
And speaking of St. Jude…
Bobby Marquez sets pace for runners
Bobby Marquez
Bobby Marquez is an award-winning singer/songwriter known for moving boots across a dance floor, but on April 28, his upbeat honky tonk tunes set the pace for thousands of sneakers hitting the pavement for the annual St. Jude Rock N Roll Marathon. Marquez and legendary fiddle player, Ernie Reed of Mel Tillis’s Statesiders fame, motivated runners in the final stretch at mile 19 in East Nashville.
The Marathon is one of three annual events Marquez participates in to raise funds for a charity very close to his heart, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Bobby Marquez and Workout Anytime 24/7 present their annual Country With Heart Benefit on June 9th this year at The Nashville Nightlife Theatre with an all-star lineup. And Marquez will entertain alongside Mark Chesnutt in September at the annual Buck Creek Trailride benefiting St. Jude. Tour info, music and more at bobbymarquez.com.
Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items
Bill Anderson’s new song is a ‘message of hope’
Eric Church releases ‘covers’ LP for Record Store Day
‘Darius & Friends,’ June 4, to benefit St Jude
‘Amos’ inspired by Michael Ray’s grandfather
Thomas Rhett: ‘My 3-minute autobiography’
Scroll down to read these Music Row One Sheet news items
Whisperin’ Bill Anderson has released a sentimental new single, “Until The Light Comes On Again,” with all proceeds being donated to Sarah Cannon Fund at the Community Foundation. The video for the single exclusively premiered on Parade.com. Click HERE to purchase “Until The Light Comes On Again.”
Anderson was inspired to pen the single after watching his longtime girlfriend, Vickie, bravely face a cancer diagnosis. The poignant, beautiful tune brings a message of hope and is a testament to anyone who’s facing a challenge in their life. Anderson and Vickie are featured in the video which comes fresh off the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame announcing Anderson’s induction this June. More details at billanderson.com.
Eric Church is releasing a limited edition LP, 61 DAYS IN CHURCH, to mark Record Store day, Saturday, April 21, 2018.
The vinyl album, with only 2,500 copies pressed, is available only at participating record stores and includes Church’s covers of eight songs by Soundgarden, Billy Joel, Little Feat, Bob Seger and more.
All the songs were recorded at live events during Church’s 61-date ‘Holdin’ My Own’ tour. The tour was presented in two sets with an intermission. It reached nearly a million fans culminating with two sold-out shows at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville with Church performing nearly 40 songs a night. More info at ericchurch.com.
For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.
The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4, returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Tickets are now available at ticketmaster.com. “When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”
Tickets start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets are also available through the Ryman box office and DariusRucker.com.
Michael Ray is set for a June 1 release of his true introductory album, AMOS (Atlantic Records/Warner Music Nashville), and digital pre-orders are available here from today, April 20.
Promising his most personal to date, the album is named after Ray’s grandfather, Amos, who was a huge influence on him, fueling his love for country music. In fact, Ray first began singing and performing in his grandfather’s band when he was only nine years old. To this day he still plays Amos’ hand-me-down guitar, a 1978 Les Paul, as a reminder of the time they spent together sharing stories, learning songs and making memories.
AMOS features 11 tracks including Ray’s current top 20 and climbing single, “Get To You.” More at MichaelRayMusic.com.
Thomas Rhett’s autobiographical anthem “Life Changes,” the title-track from his Billboard 200 chart-topping album (The Valory Music Co.), is his new single. The song co-written by Rhett is now at Country radio. It follows all three of LIFE CHANGES’ singles – PLATINUM-certified “Craving You” and “Marry Me” as well as GOLD-certified “Unforgettable” – that earned chart-topping success.
“This song is basically my autobiography in three minutes,” Thomas Rhett said. “It covers my college years, marrying Lauren, becoming a dad and the evolution of my music career. It’s definitely the most personal song I’ve ever written, but we all go through a lot in life whatever the story is, so I think the sentiment is something a lot of people can relate to.”
Rhett has also released LEAVE RIGHT NOW: THE REMIXES, delivering fresh takes on the EDM-flavored track from his LIFE CHANGES album. The collection features a reimagined version of the song from PLATINUM-selling DJ Martin Jensen, who brings a new dimension to “Leave Right Now” by combining Thomas Rhett’s soulful vocals with his own trademark sound. Find tour dates at ThomasRhett.com.
Music Row One Sheet copyright (c) 2018 Preshias Harris and Nashville Music Line LLC
Luke said that he was in Europe when he first heard the finished demo of ‘Move’ that his co-writers e-mailed to him. “I can’t believe I got a chance to put a great song like this out,” said Luke, adding, “and I co-wrote it!”
Bill Anderson, Bobby Bare, Charley Pride, David Ball, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan, Ray Stevens, Ricky Skaggs, TG Sheppard, Tracy Lawrence… In my previous post, I spotlighted ‘Ten to Watch,’ new and emerging artists appearing at CMA Fest. In this post, let’s look at ten enduring talents who continue to entertain fans after many decades at the top of their game. Here’s where and when you can catch up with them at CMA Fest 2018. For tickets and everything you need to know about this year’s Fest, go 
For nearly a decade, Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert.
The vinyl album, with only 2,500 copies pressed, is available only at participating record stores and includes Church’s covers of eight songs by Soundgarden, Billy Joel, Little Feat, Bob Seger and more.
Thomas Rhett’s autobiographical anthem “