MUSIC NEWS:
Brothers of the Heart —featuring award-winning artists Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers, and Ben Isaacs — returns with its sophomore album Listen to the Music (Gaither Music Group), releasing January 20, 2023. On the 12-track record, produced by group member Ben Isaacs (producer for Oak Ridge Boys, Rory Feek and more), the Brothers reimagine country, gospel and pop classics, including “Ring of Fire,” “Desperado,” “Bye Bye Love” and more. Showcasing the supergroup’s signature seamless harmonies and impeccable arrangements, the anticipated album illuminates the joy of listening to great music. Following Brothers of the Heart’s acclaimed debut album Brotherly Love (more than 31 million streams worldwide), the Listen to the Music record will be accompanied by a DVD and TV special. Filmed at the iconic Studio A at The Grand Ole Opry and hosted by The Statler Brothers’ Don Reid, the TV special will debut on Thursday, January 19, at 6:30PM EST on RFD-TV with an additional airing on Saturday, January 21, at 6:00PM EST. The special will also air on PBS, TBN, and other outlets. Pre-save/order Listen To The Music here https://gaithermusic.lnk.to/ListenToTheMusic.
OPRY MUSIC NEWS:
On the heels of multiple nominations from the Recording Academy, including her third consecutive nod for Best Country Album for Ashley McBryde Presents: Lindeville, recent 2022 CMA Award winner Ashley McBryde was officially inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry in December by fellow member Terri Clark. The induction moment came after Clark and McBryde collaborated on tune “Girl Goin’ Nowhere,” the song that had earned McBryde a standing ovation on the night of her Opry debut, June 16, 2017. Clark commented that McBryde knelt to kiss the Opry circle on that debut evening. “Right then we all knew you belonged here,” Clark said. “The Opry is a family and my sister, you have earned your spot at the table.” McBryde then began to speak about the magnitude of the evening and the many ‘how is this real life?’ moments including Wynonna Judd surprising her before the show. “This moment is the biggest of my life. And if it’s your first time to be at the Opry, this is what it feels like every time you are here. And God Bless country music.” More about Ashley McBryde here https://www.ashleymcbryde.com.
MORE OPRY NEWS:
Emotions were running high for Mitch Rossell as he made his debut on the prestigious stage of the Grand Ole Opry in December. While supported by many family and friends who were in attendance for the momentous occasion, and even getting some Opry advice from “Whispering” Bill Anderson, Rossell was not prepared, nor aware, that his friend and mentor, Garth Brooks, was waiting in the shadowed wings of the Opry stage for a surprise introduction. Before Rossell stepped into the coveted circle for the first time, Garth Brooks appeared from stage left, surprising him (and the audience), as Opry Announcer Mike Terry handed over the introduction to Brooks. “Tonight, I’m getting to do something I’ve never got to do,” said Brooks. “I am getting to introduce a guy for the first time ever on this stage.” Brooks points out the significance of the Grand Ole Opry to the audience concluding with, “It is my honor to introduce a great talent and even greater friend, please make welcome Mitch Rossell.“ View the Opry introduction on Instagram (@mitch_rossell). https://www.mitchrossell.com
PERFORMANCE NEWS:
After seven consecutive sold-out events, five-time Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan has announced the final line up of talent for his annual concert vacation in Mexico, Crash My Playa. The event will take place January 19 – 22, 2023 at the incredible AAA Four Diamond Awarded Moon Palace Cancún, featuring four nights of country music on a private stretch of white sand beach. For more information go to www.crashmyplaya.com. New to the final round up of talent are Chayce Beckham and Alana Springsteen. They will join headliners Luke (2 nights), Chris Stapleton and Cole Swindell as well as previously announced artists Ashley McBryde, Brian Kelley, Carly Pearce, Chase Rice, Dylan Scott and DJ Rock. Kendell Marvel will return with his special “Honky Tonk Experience” late-night performance. American Idol judge Lionel Richie will make his debut appearance at the event as a guest performer during Luke’s final show of the weekend. Dustin Lynch will also host a very special all-day edition of his infamous pool party.
SINGLE NEWS:
Thinking about dessert? Drake White’s got you covered with his newest single, “Pound Cake,” everywhere now. The latest entry into White’s catalogue, “Pound Cake” evokes a seasonal bent along with plenty of year-round fun. In December, “Pound Cake” premiered on UK radio on The Country Show with Bob Harris on BBC Radio 2. Listen to “Pound Cake” here https://sndo.ffm.to/a778lab. Written by White with Ben Chapman and produced by Jonathan Singleton, “Pound Cake” is a soulful and syrupy groove featuring a baking-heavy metaphor. The lighthearted song shows off White’s fun-loving side and sees White spin a story about taking a quick break from doing some baking in the kitchen with a significant other. “Gimme some of that pound cake / So thick and sweet,” he sings. “Some of that pound cake / Bring a man to his knees / There ain’t much more that I can take / Gimme some of that pound cake.” White and Chapman penned “Pound Cake” during White’s weekly “Wednesday Night Therapy” social media series, coming up with the song on the spot after a guest on the show brought in a pound cake. More here https://www.drakewhite.com on Instagram (@drakewhitestomp) and Twitter (@Drake White).
SONGWRITER NEWS:
In one of the most profound and personal moments of his career, Lady A’s Charles Kelley has released his goodbye letter to alcohol, sharing the confessional “As Far As You Could.” Aided by the gift of desperation, Kelley co-wrote the redemptive ballad after a public decision to stop drinking and begin addiction treatment. After an outpouring of support, the next months were filled with reflection, accountability and songwriting, with the powerful “As Far As You Could” marking a turning point in Kelley’s recovery. The Country star shared the track with fans before Thanksgiving, posting an unfinished demo and, just before Christmas, the fully-produced single available here https://charleskelley.lnk.to/AFAYC. “For me, the biggest word I’ve been holding on to is gratitude, not pride,” Kelley says of his journey so far. “I’m grateful. I finally see the light and am connecting with what life is all about. Some days are hard, but the good so outweighs those bad moments. There’s some beauty in all this and I’ve had time to reflect, time to get healthy, time to write. I’ve probably written 50 songs this fall, and I feel like all of it was leading to this one song.” For more information visit www.ladyamusic.com.
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