NSA HALL OF FAME NEWS:
After much deliberation, the board of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame has decided to reschedule the 2020 Gala to 2021. In a release they stated, “First, we had high hopes for another stellar event to celebrate our 50th Anniversary this fall; unfortunately, the current health climate prevents us, like so many others, from being able to safely pursue our usual physical gathering this year. Second, despite not hosting our Gala this year, we WILL elect a Class of 2020. We will announce a new group of future inductees in the next few weeks and will work to shine a special spotlight on them as this year progresses. Third, we hope that you will make plans to join us when we honor the Class of 2020 alongside the Class of 2021 in a special double-sized event next fall as we celebrate ‘Nashville Songwriting’s Most Legendary Night.’” There will be more information in the weeks to come. See also http://www.nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com/
RADIO NEWS:
CDX proprietor and industry veteran, Joe Kelly, has great news for radio stations. It is a FREE offering of CDX Country News featuring Shannon McCombs (My BFF from High School) to all country radio stations. Each Wednesday, a quick, 90 second, music news segment is offered, complete with sound bites. It is written with the option to intro Shannon to sound live and part of radio staff, or it can stand alone in a commercial break or between songs to give each station flexible programming. No additional commercials are required of the stations. “We are pleased that Shannon McCombs has joined our team in providing news to country radio stations,” says Joe Kelly. “Stations are loving it so we decided to offer it up to all stations as a bonus for all their support over the years.” Radio execs can find details at https://www.cdxcd.com/
SINGLE NEWS:
Grammy award winning, country music songwriter and producer, Frank Myers (FJM Productions) released his new original song, “God’s Got This,” August 28. Co-written with Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and produced alongside Jimmy Nichols (Reba/Faith Hill/Andy Griggs/Mindy McCready/Love Lives On), the track is available via all major digital retail and streaming outlets. Check out the song at https://digital-delivery-services.lnk.to/X09Y8BEYPR While Myers is most widely recognized as a hit songwriter with a list of industry accolades deep and wide and as an award-winning producer, he stepped behind the microphone in faith to record and deliver the timely and pensive single “God’s Got This.” “I was going through some personal things in my life and I realized I was powerless in the situation. I just sat back, closed my eyes, and the words ‘God’s Got This’ came to me,” said Myers. “…and now, in listening to the media, reading posts with frantic reactions to current events, my heart felt burdened. I wanted to share this message of faith.” Myers recently re-released the album Scrapbook (The Acoustic Sessions) featuring acoustic recordings of 11 original hits. More at https://www.frankmyersmusic.com/
SONG NEWS:
2020 marks the 40th Anniversary of Gene Watson’s hit “Farewell Party.” The track, recorded in one take and released as the second single off Watson’s album Reflections in 1979, soon became the country legend’s signature song. Before the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Watson kept a busy touring schedule, performing his ample catalogue of hits, proving once again that he hasn’t lost a note in his incredible multi-octave range. Watson’s latest release, My Gospel Roots, earned the singer four consecutive No. 1 singles on the Gospel charts. “Fit For A King” is the latest single to reach No. 1, topping the Cross Country USA magazine and currently at No. 3 on the Cashbox Country Christian Chart and climbing. is available on Watson’s website, https://www.genewatsonmusic.com/ iTunes and Amazon. As the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Watson has been thrilling audiences for more than 50 years. This masterful country stylist from Houston, Texas, known as “The Singer’s Singer,” has more than 75 charted titles, 23 Top 10 hits, six No. 1 country singles and three No. 1 gospel hits.
SONGWRITER NEWS:
The Waterhole Bunch premiered on ROKU TV Worldwide channels SPYDAR TV and Kartoon Funtime TV on Aug 24, 2020. The show was created by Nashville hit songwriter Dave Gibson and award-winning songwriter Cheryl DaVeiga, and is produced by Mark Dreyer. Waterhole Productions will be distributed by MorcaMan Productions. Gibson calls his latest venture “puppets and humans making music and mayhem. It’s like a puppet Laugh In meets Jimmy Fallon meets Saturday Night Live meets Mystery Science Theatre. There are musical performances on the Waterhole stage, interviews with musical artists, puppet skits and a cartoon night. And, of course, there’s music throughout.” Find Waterhole Bunch videos and a sizzle reel at https://www.youtube.com/c/TheWaterholeBunch The Waterhole Bunch will air on ROKU’s SPYDAR TV and Kartoon Funtime TV (Mon through Sun) at 3PM EST and thereafter weekly on Fri evenings, beginning Fri, Sept 11, 2020 at 7:30PM EST. Check local listings. Gibson, a Nashville hit songwriter wrote hits for Alabama, Confederate Railroad, Montgomery Gentry, the late Joe Diffie, Tanya Tucker, including six #1 hits.
TRACK NEWS:
Country-pop newcomer Macy Martin celebrated her 2020 quarantine graduation with the double release of her two new singles “Stupid” and “Enough”. Exclusively premiering with CM Chat Live and Music Mayhem Magazine respectively, the tracks follow-up Martin’s first No. 1 radio hit “I Miss You” which reached the top of the charts on Radio Disney Country this summer, All three songs serve as an introduction to the Nashville-based emerging artist. “‘Stupid’ is about letting go of all the ideas of what ‘love’ is supposed to be and just following your own rabbit hole into the wonderland of it all.” she explains. “Even if it means you go a little mad, falling in love makes us all a little stupid! I hope ‘Stupid’ reminds people that it’s okay to be dumb and blind in love.” ‘Enough’ is like an open love letter to yourself. This song became my passion project! No matter what is happening, there is no one else in the world that can be a better you and you are enough in every way!” Music and updates at https://www.macymartinmusic.com/
TRIO NEWS:
Newly formed supergroup Texas Hill will release their debut self-titled EP September 25. In addition to the new EP, the band dropped a new single, “Easy On The Eyes” on August 28 on all digital streaming platforms. “Easy On The Eyes” is one of five tracks on the upcoming EP, along with previously released singles “Four Roses” and “Darkest Sky.” Pre-Order the Debut EP at https://ffm.to/texashillep “Easy on the Eyes” is available at https://ffm.to/easyontheeyes The group first tested the Texas Hill concept (then unnamed) with a series of co-headlining shows in late 2019. In June, Billboard officially announced the trio, comprised of Craig Wayne Boyd, Casey James and Adam Wakefield—all former reality show contestants (Boyd and Wakefield placed 1st and 2nd on separate seasons of NBC’s The Voice, while James placed 3rd on ABC’s American Idol) and solo acts. Texas Hill is a gritty amalgam of overlapping tastes and distinct voices that meet in the middle as a bold harmony trio. Music, news and updates at https://www.texashillofficial.com/
VIDEO NEWS:
The official music video for Brandy Clark’s new song, “Bigger Boat” featuring special guest Randy Newman, and written and directed by Pete Carter is now available. “Bigger Boat” is from the Grammy-nominated and CMA Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician’s critically acclaimed new album, Your Life is a Record, which was released in March. Created after the dissolution of a long-term relationship, the album features Clark’s most personal songwriting to date and was recorded largely as an intimate acoustic four-piece —featuring Clark, Joyce, Giles Reaves and Jedd Hughes — with subsequent Memphis strings and horns layered in with arrangements by Lester Snell. In celebration of the new album, Clark recently launched a new online series, “You Can’t Come Over (But You Can Come In),” on her YouTube channel as a way to stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Music, tour updates and more at https://www.brandyclarkmusic.com
WWWEBSITES TO CHECKOUT:
www.christmas4kids.org | www.cmaworld.com | www.cdxcd.com www.namm.org
WHO’S LOOKING * WHO’S CUTTING:
Chris Young, Heath Coleman, Rodney Atkins, Rascal Flatts, Gary Allan, Meghan Patrick, Rachel Wammack
Inside Track on Music Row is a monthly column By Preshias Harris
Send me music stuff, I love to get it! / Preshiaswriter@hotmail.com — Google “Preshias” (TN/USA)
Check out my music blog, Nashville Music Line. The music blog features news, information, helpful ideas and inspiration for singers and songwriters. If you are an aspiring artist or songwriter just starting out on your career path, or if you are already on your way, I hope you’ll find it both useful and enjoyable. I add ‘Music bits and extras’ to it on a regular basis. Let me know if there are any topics you would like me to address there. Please bookmark the URL and visit frequently. I’d love to read your comments. You can find it at www.nashvillemusicline.com
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