Nashville Archives - Nashville Music Line

Country Singles! Albums! Tours! In June’s ‘Inside Track on Music Row’

Riley Green, Josh Turner, Dan + Shay, Luke Bryan, Zach Top, Walker Montgomery and more

By Preshias Harris

Preshias Personal Note: This column is a little shorter (and later) than usual. It’s been a challenging few weeks with doctor visits, CT scans and MRIs ending with a biopsy of my liver, two urgent Emergency Room visits and hospital admission for severe abdominal pain requiring an emergency procedure. The good news: no evidence of liver or pancreatic cancer, but a LOT of pain. Despite my many health issues over the years, I’ve always managed to publish/post Inside Track on Music Row, America’s longest continuously-running monthly Country music column, and I wasn’t going to let this latest challenge break that 30+ year run! Thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers. Publicists: please send your media releases to me at this address: nashhvillemusicline@gmail.com

Scroll down for news about new music, tour updates and more from Luke Bryan, Zach Top, Walker Montgomery, T. Graham Brown, Dan + Shay, Riley Green, Josh Turner and more!

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “The greatest award in the music business is to be called a songwriter.” – Garth Brooks

BIBLE VERS OF THE MONTH: My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you— I whom you have delivered. – Psalms 71:23

ALBUM & EP NEWS

KYLE CLARK

KYLE CLARK: Just ahead of Memorial Day weekend Kyle Clark has released your summer soundtrack. The Platinum-certified songwriter, producer, and rising artist’s new 10-track album Better On A Boat is a laid-back, coastal-inspired country record made for long weekends on the water. Stream Better On A Boat here.

Alongside the album release, Kyle spotlights the project’s title track, “Better On A Boat” — a breezy coastal country anthem built around freedom, connection, and soaking up life’s simple moments. With vivid scenes of sunlit water, cold drinks, good company, and summer stretching endlessly overhead, the track pairs relaxed island-inspired production with heartfelt storytelling and romance. Easygoing yet deeply nostalgic, “Better On A Boat” captures the feeling of leaving the noise behind, embracing the moment, and finding peace somewhere out on the water.

Clark blends island ease with Southern grit — a duality that shapes both his sound and Better On A Boat. Produced and mixed by Clark and mastered by Sam Moses, the project leans deeper into his beach-forward lane within the genre.

Previously released singles from Better On A Boat — “Checking Out,” “Me, God And The Ocean,” “Blame It On The Sun,” “Dock And A Hard Place,” “Fake Dead In Fiji,” and “Florida On My Mind” — reflect Clark’s coastal-country perspective, capturing the easygoing rhythms and playful spirit of life by the water throughout the record. More at KyleClarkMusic.com; follow Clark on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

THOMAS CSORBA

THOMAS CSORBA has released his new album Tender Country via the newly-launched Turtlebox Records. (Pre-order / pre-save album here.) His third studio album, Tender Country, is country music uninterested in posturing, guided instead by tenderness, humor, and an acceptance of impermanence. That mentality comes across acutely in his new single, “The Big Time” (stream here), a gorgeous country ballad that poignantly illustrates the hardships of a life on the road and the family milestones you can miss along the way.

Csorba on the new single: “This song is the most honest song on the record. It’s a song that sits right there on the edge of the cliff of giving up. I figured there’s no other way to start but by addressing the elephant in the room. How does someone who values his stable home life and family reconcile that with his life as a travelling musician?”

Born in Houston, Texas and now rooted in Dallas, Thomas Csorba writes country music that feels less like performance and more like witness. The songs on Tender Country are deeply invested in the emotional architecture of family life. Marriage, routine, fatigue, joy, and discovery are all treated with equal seriousness. In Csorba’s hands, washing dishes and falling in love again become similar acts of quiet devotion. Tender Country follows Csorba’s 2024 release Windchimes. More at ThomasCsorba.com; follow Csorba on Instagram, Facebook and X.

Tin Pan South Songwriters Fest goes virtual Oct 20-24

Tin Pan South 2020: a free-to-access virtual experience

By Preshias Harris

Tin Pan South is still on – but with a new twist, thanks to the pandemic. For 2020, Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival will be virtual with five evenings of amazing music and more from the cream of today’s songwriters. Put the dates in your calendar: October 20 – 24, 2020.

Tin Pan South, billed as ‘the world’s largest songwriter festival, was launched in 1993 by the members of Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI). An announcement at the Tin Pan South website states:

Make plans for a Tin Pan South Festival like no other! In partnership with NSAI, Regions Bank is presenting a virtual version of the festival and it’s happening October 20-24, 2020! Check out the line-up and plan to watch some of your favorite songwriters from the comfort of your own home right here at tinpansouth.com. Did we mention all events are FREE to watch?! Clear your calendars and tune in!

Initially planned for March 2020, the now-virtual Festival, again presented by Regions Bank, will be free of charge to enjoy.

Among the songwriters already on the schedule:

CHRIS DESTEFANO – JIMMIE ALLEN – SHANE MCANALLY – CARLY PEARCE – ALLISON VELTZ CRUZ – SHAED – JOHN PAUL WHITE – TROUBADOR 77 – RITA WILSON – CAROLINE WATKINS – LIZ ROSE – MATTHEW RAMSEY – HARLOE – WADE BOWEN – LORI MCKENNA ROB SNYDER – JAKE MITCHELL – JOSH LONDON – EMILY WEISBAND – ROB HATCH – CHANNING WILSON – JOSH MIRENDA – EMILY SHACKELTON – UNCLE KRACKER – VICTORIA SHAW – WYATT DURRETTE – DYLAN LEBLANC – JEFF COHEN – MEGHAN KABIR – GEM AND EYE – ERIKA ENDER – AARON BARKER – J.T. HARDING – ERIC BAZILIAN – VICTORIA BANKS – BRANDON STANSELL – MIGNON – DERIC RUTTAN – NAT DUNN – KELLY ARCHER – SAMMY BRUE – JIM COLLINS – MARK ERELLI – KRISTAL TYTEWRITER – CHRIS BARRON – JENNA ANDREWS – DESMOND CHILD – ROB ALDRIDGE – JUSTIN OSBORNE – LEE ROY PARNELL – JIM PETERIK – DEAVID LEE MURPHY – KRIS DELMHORST – DR. DANNY – MEL WASHINGTON – JAMES LEBLANC – COYLE GIRELLI – CHRIS BARRON – SOUTHERLAND – ASHLAND CRAFT – SETH ENNIS – ROBYN COLLINS – TREVOR ROSEN – PHIL BARTON – JOSH OSBORNE – ERNEST

Inside Track on Music Row

November 2019 ‘Inside Track’ posted at Nashville Music Guide

My column, ‘Inside Track on Music Row,’ is the longest-running country music column in the USA. The November 2019 edition is now posted at Nashville Music Guide. You can read the full column here.

Among the many news items in this month’s column…

Jason Aldean’s new album, 9, set for release November 22. Jason says, “Early on I always thought if we ever got to make nine albums, I’m going to call it 9. It was my baseball number growing up, and it’s just kind of always been my lucky number”…

Chris Young made his directorial debut with the music video for his newest hit, “Drowning.” Co-directed with Native 31 Films Producer and Director Jeff Johnson, the video opens with Young holding a photo of Adam Carnes, his longtime friend whose loss is memorialized in the song’s lyrics…

Steven Curtis Chapman, Gospel music’s most awarded artist, continued bringing home the hardware with his 59th Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Bluegrass / Country / Roots Album of the Year, Deeper Roots: Where the Bluegrass Grows…

Clint Black has released Still Killin’ Time featuring eight live recordings of Clint’s hits and two studio recordings of songs that nearly made it onto his debut album Killin’ Time…

Tracy Lawrence’s Mission: Possible Charity Concert will be held on Tuesday November 26 at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon. This year marks the 14th year that Tracy has hosted his Mission: Possible event that assists feeding homeless men, women and children…

2019 Christmas 4 Kids concert headliner is “Just Another Day in Paradise” hitmaker Phil Vassar. He is the face of the nonprofit fundraising event, with Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion, Lonestar, Eddie Montgomery, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and more set to appear…

Read the full versions of the news items listed above and many more. Click here to go to the full column at Nashville Music Guide.

Inside Track on Music Row October

October column ready to read now!

The October edition of 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.

Thanks as always to Amanda and her crew for making ‘Inside Track’ the best looking (and most read) country music feature on the Web!

Among this month’s music news items in the column…

Singer-songwriter, Phil Vassar, is bringing his 20 years of hits to venues across the country with Stripped Down, an intimate, acoustic show in 14 cities from coast to coast with more dates to be added… Read the full story here.
Jason Aldean has revealed more details behind his next effort 9 (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records), to be released Nov. 22. ACM “Artist of the Decade” Aldean offers 16 interwoven tracks in an era of stand-alone singles… Read the full story here.
Lady Antebellum’s forthcoming album Ocean, set for release Nov. 15 on BMLG Records, marks a new beginning that brings the multi-Platinum trio back to their roots… Read the full story here.
The late Ralph Murphy will be honored with the Frances Williams Preston Mentor Award during the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Monday, Oct. 14. Ralph Murphy lived his life in service to songwriters… Read the full story here.
Christmas 4 Kids, a non-profit organization that benefits hundreds of underprivileged children in Middle Tennessee, announced its all-star concert lineup. They including Phil Vassar, Matt Ramsey of Old Dominion, Lonestar, Eddie Montgomery, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and more. The show is set for Monday, November 25 at the Ryman Auditorium… Read the full story here.

Plus so many more music news items. See them all in the October Nashville Music Line.

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

Eric Church, co-writers hailed for two No. 1 hits

“Some Of It,” “Round Here Buzz” topped radio airplay charts

By Preshias Harris

Eric Church likes to be original and his latest Number One party was definitely original. Instead of being held at a bar or the office of a Performing Rights Organization, it took place in an airplane hangar and was hosted by BMI. The location was inspired by the airplane theme of Church’s Desperate Man album cover. The party celebrated two songs recorded by Church, both of which topped the Billboard Country Airplay charts.

Number One parties honor the writers of a song, and Church was a co-writer on both songs being recognized at the event.

“Some Of It” was written by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson and Clint Daniels. “Round Here Buzz” was penned by Eric Church, Jeff Hyde and Luke Dick.

“All songs come from God and we’re just down here trying to catch them” – Bobby Pinson

(L to R) Jeff Hyde, Bobby Pinson, Eric Church, Clint Daniels, Luke Dick. Photo Catrina Engelby

Artists share video tributes

Continue reading “Eric Church, co-writers hailed for two No. 1 hits”

‘Song of the Year’ named, songwriters honored

George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Luke Combs, Josh Osborne receive Awards

By Preshias Harris

Country music ‘royalty’ came to the Ryman Auditorium on 17 September, but the real stars were songwriters. The occasion was the 2019 Nashville Songwriter Awards presented by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI) and City National Bank.

Kid Rock escorts Loretta Lynn to podium. Photo: Catrina Engelby

The audience came to their feet to give a standing ovation to the real Coalminer’s Daughter, Loretta Lynn who was escorted by Kid Rock to the podium where she received the Kris Kristofferson Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award is given in recognition to a songwriter whose works have made a significant contribution to the American songbook and who has inspired the careers of others. “Hello everybody. I’m Loretta,” she said, as if she needed any introduction.

Reba, Kellie Pickler, Tayla Lynn sing to Loretta

The presentation was preceded by a performance of “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta’s granddaughter, Tayla Lynn. Also on hand to honor Loretta were Kellie Pickler who sang “I’m A Honky Tonk Girl” and Reba McEntire who sang “You Ain’t Woman Enough.”

George Strait took the stage to accept the President’s Keystone Award. Acknowledging the debt he owes to the songwriters who wrote so many of his chart-topping hits, Strait said, “I want to thank you for sharing your talent with me over the years and I want to thank NSAI for giving me this great honor tonight.” Continue reading “‘Song of the Year’ named, songwriters honored”

Country stars come out to honor Earl Thomas Conley

Today’s top artists remember ‘the shy genius’

By Preshias Harris

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”

SOURCE Awards honor 2019 inductees

Recognizing seven outstanding women in music industry

Nashville’s music and entertainment communities celebrated the careers of seven Hall of Fame inductees at the 2019 SOURCE Awards held at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum at the Historic Municipal Auditorium. August 27, 2019, presented by Springer Mountain Farms.

All of the inductees have extensive and impressive resumes and lists of achievements that have positively impacted the music business industry.

Pictured (L to R, back row): SOURCE Award honorees Grace Reinbold, Beverly Keel, Erika Wollam-Nichols, Sarah Brosmer; (L to R, front row): Gayle Hill, Judi Turner, Trisha Walker-Cunningham. Photo: Moser Photography

The 2019 SOURCE HALL OF FAME inductees are: Continue reading “SOURCE Awards honor 2019 inductees”

Eli Young Band celebrates “Love Ain’t” at No. 1 party

4th Number One for multi-platinum band

by Preshias Harris

It was celebration time on Monday, July 15, for the Eli Young Band and three of America’s hottest songwriters. They were joined by record label executives, music publishers and other music industry bigwigs at the Sutler in Nashville. The reason? A Number One party for Eli Young Band’s fourth career chart-topper, “Love Ain’t.”

L to R; Jon Jones, James Young, Mike Eli, Chris Thompson, Ashley Gorley. Photo credit: Preshias Harris

The guys in the Eli Young Band are some of Nashville’s most respected musicians with a career together stretching back more than twenty years. “Love Ain’t” is their first No. 1 song in six years.

“How do you keep your band cool for twenty years? Well, you never veer from your artistic vision or the integrity of every note that you play.” – Scott Borchetta, CEO, Big Machine Label Group

“Love Ain’t” was written by three songwriting superstars: Shane McAnally, Ashley Gorley and Ross Copperman. It was the 42nd No. 1 for Gorley and the 19th No. 1 for Copperman, a two-time BMI Country Songwriter of the Year. With numerous No. 1 credits, McAnally is also one of the on-screen talent producers for the NBC-TV reality series ‘Songland.’

How “Love Ain’t” got to Eli Young

Continue reading “Eli Young Band celebrates “Love Ain’t” at No. 1 party”

Musicians Hall of Fame announces 2019 inductees

Alabama, Steve Wariner, Don Everly and more to be honored

Joe Bonamassa at the Musicians Hall of Fame. Photo credit: Mike Harris

Some famous names – and some not-so-well-known names—were announced this afternoon, Tuesday, July 16, at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum. A group of musicians, media and fans gathered to hear guitar wizard Joe Bonamassa announce the 2019 inductees to the Musicians Hall of Fame. The inductees will be honored with a concert on October 22, 2019 at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

Noting that he had recently moved to Nashville, Bonamassa wryly said, “I guess I’m part of the problem, not the solution.” He then announced the 2019 inductees.

This year’s inductees at the October ceremony will be:

Felix Cavaliere – keyboardist with the (Young) Rascals
Steve Wariner – guitarist and singer-songwriter
The Surfaris – for the song “Wipe Out”
Don Everly – of the Everly Brothers, who will receive the Iconic Riff Award
ALABAMA – the band will receive the first ever Life Time Achievement Award
The Original Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section – who started it all at Fame Studios
The Nashville A-Team – the iconic session musicians
The Muscle Shoals Horn Section
Owen Bradley – this year’s Musicians Hall of Fame Producer
Billy Sherrill – recipient of this year’s Engineer Award
Bob Taylor – Taylor Guitars founder will receive the Industry Icon Award

(Scroll down for more details on all of the 2019 Musicians Hall of Fame honorees)

Pre-sale tickets will be available August 2, 2019 for Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum members (to become a member click here ). Tickets will be on sale to the public on August 5, 2019 through the Schermerhorn Symphony Center box office.

More Information on the inductees: Continue reading “Musicians Hall of Fame announces 2019 inductees”