Lady A, Luke Bryan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Gene Watson, CJ Solar in the news

Sneak peek at my February country music column!

My column, Inside Track on Music Row, is the longest running monthly country music column in America. Catch the January edition at Nashville Music Guide here, along with photos, videos, links and more.  Meanwhile, here is a sneak peek at just a few of the items I am working on for the upcoming column for February 2022.  Scroll down to read them now…

Lady A’s new single is ‘a love letter to fans’

Lady A launches into the new year with their next single “What A Song Can Do” (BMLG Records), available now and impacting Country radio on January 31. The title track from their eighth studio album serves as a love letter to fans that is steeped in music’s power to get us through and has already garnered nearly 4 million on-demand streams.

Written by the group’s Charles Kelley with Ryan Hurd, Sam Ellis and Laura Veltz, “What A Song Can Do” also illustrates the patience and optimism the trio has taken from their years together and is available at all digital retailers here.  “We have been overfilled with gratitude after releasing this album and we don’t take it lightly that after eight albums our music still resonates with so many people,” Kelley said. “This song is the summation of where our hearts are right now and how much music can really pull us through in times of need. We love writing songs about lost love and things like that, but I feel like our favorite material comes with a strong positive message.” More information here.

Luke Bryan gets personal with new video for “Up”

Continue reading “Lady A, Luke Bryan, Mitchell Tenpenny, Gene Watson, CJ Solar in the news”

‘Inside Track’ mid-month update

Elvie Shane at No. 1, Chris Young and Kane Brown celebrate… and more

By Preshias Harris

Here’s a quick round-up of some of the stories that will be in my column in November. Scroll down for news about Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Chris Young, Kane Brown, this year’s NSAI Annual Song Contest, the 2021 inductees into the Songwriters Hall of Fame … and “My Boy” Elvie Shane’s long climb to No. 1!

“My Boy” tops Billboard Airplay chart

Elvie Shane is No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart dated Oct. 23, 2021!  Elvie’s debut single, “My Boy” (Wheelhouse), leaps from No. 5 to No. 1 for its 54th week on the chart, according to MRC Data. That’s right: a nail-biting fifty-four week climb!

On Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart (blending airplay, streaming and sales data), “My Boy” rose from No. 7 to No. 4.  Written by Elvie along with Nick Columbia, Lee Starr and Russell Sutton, “My Boy” is a track from Elvie’s upcoming album Backslider, set for release Oct. 29.

Earlier on Instagram, I proudly posted:

Sharing a plaque of memorable photos with Elvie Shane

So excited for @elvieshanemusic. He has the #1 #countrymusic song for #Myboy. I gave him this 2021 music milestone plaque when he, Mandy and their baby stopped by the office a couple of weeks ago.  Photos are of his first tour bus, his first Grand Ole Opry appearance, Bonnaroo stage, and Elvie, Mandy and Caleb in a People Magazine exclusive. I watched him work hard all these years and wanted to give him something to remind him how truly special 2021 has been for his career and his family.  I was blessed to be there at the journey’s start. Love y’all Elvie.

“My Boy” was written from Elvie’s perspective as a stepfather. “We’ve been told for five years that this song was a No.1,” Shane told Billboard. “I always found it hard to believe that I could be part of something like that.”

Preorder/presave Backslider here.

NSAI’s Song Contest open for entries

Continue reading “‘Inside Track’ mid-month update”

Music news update: Mid-May 2021

Summer is on the way and the Nashville music scene is heating up! 

Acts are already planning tours that had been put on hold and new albums are getting set for release. Here is a quick roundup of some of the stories that will be part of the June 2021 edition of my column, Inside Track on Music Row, the longest-running monthly country music column in the USA. Scroll down to catch up on these news items:

  • Steve Wariner celebrates his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry
  • Justin Moore receives the Pandora Billionaire plaque in recognition of 3 billion streams on the platform
  • Carrie and Luke are heading to Vegas for residencies at Resorts World
  • Chris LeDoux Estate set to release Wyoming Cowboy – A Collection in July
  • Rhonda Towns releases “Walking In Your Wonderful Light,” title track from upcoming EP
  • Allie Colleen says “Don’t Give Your Heart To A Cowboy” on second single from Stones album
  • Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real’s new album, A Few Stars Apart, will be released June 11
  • Natalie Madigan signs with ASCAP for PRO representation
  • I’ll Fly Away Foundation uses the power of music to engage children and improve their lives through songwriting
  • Sturgill Simpson has recorded his own version of “Paradise,” one of John Prine’s best-loved songs
  • David Frizzell’s fan-favorite album, Frizzell & Friends: Roundup Live in Concert, reissued by Time-Life

Scroll down to read all these news items…

Steve Wariner

Few have attained the achievements of multi-GRAMMY®, CMA and ACM Award-winning performer Steve Wariner. The singer-songwriter-instrumentalist recently celebrated his 25th anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member with appearance on the Opry stage May 8 and May 11.  Wariner’s lifelong dream came true when he was inducted May 11, 1996 and performed “A Woman Loves,” as well as a duet with Bill Anderson of “Tips Of My Fingers” and then joined Chet Atkins on “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You?”

Continue reading “Music news update: Mid-May 2021”

Luke Bryan reaches out to fans on music.com

Talks about each track on new album, Born Here Live Here Die Here

By Preshias Harris

Recording artists are always looking for ways to promote their music, and emerging artists usually have an additional challenge: a limited promotion budget.

Read on to learn more about an innovative option and how one of country music’s biggest stars is making it work for him.

The worldwide pandemic has created major problems for musicians who need to get in front of their fans. With a total halt put on touring, country artists have now had to go for months without that all-important fan interaction.

Fan reaction to new songs

Most artists try out one or two new song at a concert to judge the fans’ reaction.  Then they and their marketing teams can use that reaction to decide which new music to release. But no concerts mean no fan reaction.

Now many artists are using social media and the internet to reach out to their fans. One online destination – https://music.com/ – seems the ideal place to link artists with their fans, and Luke Bryan is one of country music’s biggest stars to take full advantage of the opportunity the site offers.

Music.com is focused on artist-forward, first-person storytelling. At the site, artists share personal thoughts and ideas about their music in a deeply personal way.  Now Luke is doing just that, sharing personal details about each track on his new album, Born Here Live Here Die Here (Capitol Nashville). Released August 7, 2020, the album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Album charts. Here’s Luke’s page at music.com.

Continue reading “Luke Bryan reaches out to fans on music.com”

Preshias on The Y’all Show, June 23, 2020

George Strait, Buddy Jewell, The Judds, Willie Nelson… so much to talk about this week!

Livestreamed on The Y’all Show

Our weekly livestream on the Y’all show with Jon Rawl. Here’s this week’s episode on the Y’all Show channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAEPlF3UCIw

  • George Strait takes advantage of the quarantine to rehab from knee replacement surgery.
  • Buddy Jewell sets June 26 for release of his most ambitious project yet: the 15 song Bluebonnet Highway.
  • A star on Hollwood’s Walk of Fame for the Judds, Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood and more.
  • Willie Nelson’s ‘new’ release is a 40-year-old song from his upcoming album First Rose of Spring.
  • CMA Summer Stay-Cay set for July 1, and CMA Best of Fest airs July 9.
  • Randy Travis No. 1… on the country book charts with his memoir, Forever and Ever, Amen.
  • A quick look at why Copyright is so important for singer-songwriters.
  • Billboard’s Country Airplay Top 5 for June 27, 2020
  • A country music Q&A from my book, I Know Country
  • …and more on this week’s Y’all Show with Preshias. Scroll down to read more
George Strait

Having to cancel tours and stay home was a pain in the neck for most singers and bands.  But in one way, the timing kinda worked out for the “King of Country” George Strait, who had a pain in the… knee!  

So George recently underwent successful knee replacement surgery. He told Billboard, “I had a knee replaced right before the quarantine. I had been planning that for a while. It went very well, but I had to rehab on my own due to the obvious conditions. I’m ready to go again now though. All good.”

You can find info about tickets to George’s scheduled Strait to Texas shows in Las Vegas, and Honky Tonk Time Machine, George’s 30th studio album at http://www.georgestrait.com/

Continue reading “Preshias on The Y’all Show, June 23, 2020”

Country stars come out to honor Earl Thomas Conley

 Today’s top artists remember ‘the shy genius’

By Preshias Harris

Earl Thomas Conley. Photo: Facebook

It was an afternoon of memories.  Earl Thomas Conley was adamant about one thing: he did not want a funeral.  But Nashville’s music community could not let Conley’s death prevent a celebration of his life.

The result: The Earl Thomas Conley Memorial on September 10 at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s CMA Theater.

 

Performers, ETC band members and family gather onstage

Some of Country music’s biggest stars were there to share memories of “ETC” and how his music had affected their own careers. My own memories of Earl Thomas Conley are connected to a different Hall of Fame. The first time I met him was in the 1980s when we both attended an induction ceremony at the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.  The last time I ever saw him was when my friend Walt Aldridge was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2017. That night, Earl sang his mega-hit “Holding Her and Loving You” that had been written by Aldridge with Tom Brasfield.

 “I mean if you played honky tonks and didn’t do an Earl Thomas Conley slow song you were a fool.” – Luke Bryan

More than thirty years of memories

Continue reading “Country stars come out to honor Earl Thomas Conley”

CMA Fest 2019 wrapped up with a great Day Four

Four straight days of sold-out shows and capacity crowds

The fourth and final night at the 48th annual CMA Fest came to a close with a crowd-pleasing performance by Luke Bryan as he cranked up the fans in Nissan Stadium with his cover version of Jon Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.”

Keith Urban, Chris Janson and Maren Morris were also on hand to make sure thousands of country music fans went home happy with four days of musical memories.

RaeLynn on stage on Day 4. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

Many fans went home wet, too, as the 2019 CMA Fest was memorable for several sudden rainstorms.

Walker Hayes performs during Day 4 at CMA Fest. Photo credit: Catrina Engelby

“Despite some weather challenges, this year’s CMA Fest was truly one to remember,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer, who noted that the annual festival is a great event for fans to see their favorites and discover new artists. “The feedback I received from artists is how much they enjoy the more intimate interactions with fans that CMA Fest offers,” Trahern added.

“We managed to integrate the CMA Foundation and our music education efforts throughout the festival, which culminated with the Eagle Honor Choir belting out Carrie Underwood’s ‘The Champion’ to a packed house at Nissan Stadium Sunday night. It was certainly one of the highlights of the festival.”

Among this year’s memorable highlights:

Continue reading “CMA Fest 2019 wrapped up with a great Day Four”

Luke Bryan, co-writers, celebrate three Number Ones

‘Move,’ ‘Fast,’ ‘Light It Up’ all chart-toppers

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.

# # #

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

“Inside Track on Music Row” ready to read

Here’s a teaser of the January 2018 edition

The January 2018 version of my monthly column, ‘Inside Track on Music Row,’ is now posted at Nashville Music Guide, complete with some great graphics and photos.

Here are a few few teasers, but click the link above to read the full column of news about songwriters, artists and the country music industry.

Artist News

Brett Young has landed on multiple Billboard Year End charts, as 2017 came to a close, including Top New Artists, the only Country artist to do so. He also landed at No. Two on the Year End Hot Country Songs, Country Digital Songs and Country Streaming Songs charts. ASCAP recognized his “quintessential breakout year,” honoring Young for one of the Most Played Songs of the Year with “Sleep Without You.” Young was named a TicketMaster New Favorite Artist of 2017 and was Shazam’s only Country act included on their Emerging Artists of 2017 list. He also drew prestigious CMA, ACM, Teen Choice Award, CMT Music Awards and AIMP Award nominations. 2018 is already shaping up to be another big year for Young, who is working on new music. He will perform at the College Football Playoff concert in Atlanta January 8 before joining ACM Male Vocalist of the Year Thomas Rhett on his LIFE CHANGES Tour.  More info at brettyoungmusic.com.

Concert News

As the curtain closed on a sold-out show at New York City’s Town Hall in December, multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore took a bow to 2017, for what can only be described as a benchmark career year. Moore is wrapping up an overwhelming year on multiple “Best Of 2017” lists by Entertainment Weekly, Rolling Stone, UpRoxx, Bobby Bones Show, Taste Of Country, Sounds Like Nashville, The Boot, PopMatters and Whiskey Riff for his revered third studio album SLOWHEART, while reflecting on his 4th career No. One for his single “More Girls Like You,” sold-out headlining shows, national TV appearances and more. 2018 tour dates etc at kipmoore.net.

Label News

Luke & Caroline Bryan. Photo: Getty/Frederick Breedon IV

(Capitol Records) On Christmas, via Instagram, Capitol’s ‘Golden Boy’ Luke Bryan surprised his wife Caroline with two baby kangaroos! Yeah, you read that right, two baby kangaroos. The baby roos are the latest additions to Brett’s Barn, a farm of rescue animals honoring their late niece. Country superstar Bryan took to Instagram to share a video of himself surprising his wife Caroline with the most unexpected Christmas gift ever. In the video clip, Bryan approaches Caroline, who is blindfolded, with the two kangaroos in bags. The family named the babies Todd and Margo after two characters from the iconic Christmas film, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Todd and Margo will join the family of animals living on the Bryan Family property at Brett’s Barn. The barn is Caroline’s passion project and is dedicated to her late niece who passed away at just 7 months old in early 2017. Brett’s Barn is also home to a pig, goats, and miniature horses. Caroline plans to keep adding to Brett’s Farm and I am sure we will be hearing more about it in the Spring.

And there’s a whole lot more!  Check out the entire column online at Nashville Music Guide.

 

ACM Awards set for April 2nd

The 52nd Annual ACM Awards will air live on CBS on Sunday, April 2nd at 8 p.m. ET, from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Luke Bryan and Dierks Bentley will once again serve as hosts.

Scheduled performances include FGL and the Backstreet Boys who will perform their new single, “God, Your Mama and Me.” Also performing: Faith Hill, Sam Hunt, Tim McGraw, Reba McEntire, Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Cole Swindell, Jon Pardi, Kelsea Ballerini, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban (who has SEVEN nominations in five categories!) and Contemporary Christian artist Lauren Daigle.

Luke Bryan & Dierks Bentley. Photo: Ethan Miller, Getty Images

 

Here is a list of all the 2017 ACM nominees, so you can keep score during the show.

2017 Academy of Country Music Awards Nominees

 

Entertainer of the Year

Jason Aldean

Luke Bryan

Florida Georgia Line

Carrie Underwood

Keith Urban

Continue reading “ACM Awards set for April 2nd”