Inside Track on Music Row with Preshias Harris: July 2020 Music News Column

SINGLE NEWS: 

It’s been more than 20 years since Stoney LaRue first hit the Red Dirt music scene in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and since then he has cemented his reputation among his peers and his influence on the generations that would follow. 

Now Red Dirt roads and gilded highways cross paths once again with the release of LaRue’s brand new single “Meet In The Middle,” a duet with the one, the only, two-time 2020 Grammy winner and original female outlaw, Tanya Tucker.  Stoney co-wrote the song with hit producer/songwriter Gary Nicholson as they worked on songs for LaRue’s latest album “Onward.”   “Meet In The Middle” had a certain duality to it, and both agreed that its perfect restless attitude could only be shared with the likes of Tanya Tucker.  Nicholson immediately picked up the phone and called her.  Days later she was in the studio laying down the kind of wicked vocals that only Tanya Tucker can. Listen to track and find the story behind the song at https://www.stoneylarue.com/   

SONGWRITERS NEWS: 

Brandy Clark has been making the most of pandemic isolation with her ongoing video series, “You Can’t Come Over (But You Can Come In).” Recently, Clark, a Grammy-nominated and CMA Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician, interviewed legendary country artist Reba McEntire as part of the series. Watch the full episode: 

  This interview marks the 11th installment of the series, which Clark started this past April as a way to stay connected throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.  Premiering Wednesdays at 7:00pm ET/4:00pm PT on Clark’s YouTube page, guests so far have included Ashley McBryde, Cam, Shane McAnally, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Tenille Townes and more with upcoming episodes featuring Lori McKenna, Maddie & Tae, Leslie Fram, Hailey Whitters and more. The series adds to a breakthrough year for Clark, who will embark on her extensive Who You Thought I Was Tour next year in support of her critically acclaimed new album, Your Life is a Record. The tour will kick off on March 25, 2021 at Birmingham’s Saturn. Tour dates and music at https://www.brandyclarkmusic.com/  

STAGE NEWS: 

Independent country artist Douglas Riley has released the powerful new single “Colorblind,” from his forthcoming album A Love Like That, slated for release later this summer. The song is available at all major digital outlets. “I wrote ‘Colorblind’ in early 2019,” states Riley. “I was seeing news reports about the issues of race and some crazy senseless things. And I recall thinking to myself ‘I so wish we could come to a day when we love can love each other more.’ And the idea for the song just came to me.”  He added, “I hope we can get to the point where we look at the heart of the person, and who they are on the inside as opposed to the color of their skin.”  

Riley originally hails from Goshen, Indiana and currently resides in Nashville where he performs regularly with his band in honky tonk venues on Broadway and in towns across Tennessee. More at https://www.douglasrileymusic.com/ 

SOUTHERN ROCK NEWS: 

Blackberry Smoke’s special new EP, Live From Capricorn Sound Studios, is out now with a portion of all proceeds going to the Recording Academy’s MusiCares COVID-19 Relief Fund. Stream/purchase at https://smarturl.it/BBS-Capricorn 

Recorded earlier this year at Capricorn Sound Studios in Macon, GA, the project consists of six new versions of songs that have special ties to the historic studio and town and was created as a lead up to the band’s anticipated Spirit of the South Tour: A Celebration of Southern Rock and Roll Music. See a ‘live’ video of “Keep On Smiling” featuring special guest vocals from Jimmy Hall—a member of Wet Willie during Capricorn’s peak years, at

The EP marks two significant moments in Capricorn Sound Studios’ history as it was the first time a major band has done a professional recording at the studio in over 40 years and was also recorded using entirely solar energy. By generating power through solar panels on their roof, the studio is making a push for a cleaner community. Tour info and music at https://www.blackberrysmoke.com/  

TIMELY VIDEO NEWS:

Just like all singers in the music business, country legends Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers are ready to hit the road again. To voice their message, and to pay tribute to a country icon, the brothers wrangled some of their famous pals for a socially distanced music video of the classic Willie Nelson tune, “On the Road Again.” “Willie’s likeness should be on Mount Rushmore,” says Larry.  The video features the Gatlins, Charlie Daniels, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, Aaron Tippin, TG Sheppard and Steve Wariner as well as bluegrass picker Carl Jackson, opera singer Mark Delavan and Gatlin Brothers guitarist Steve Smith. Sports icons Terry Bradshaw and Johnny Bench also join in on the fun. Watch the fun video at 

TOUR NEWS:

Thomas Rhett announced that his The Center Point Road Tour is being rescheduled to now begin in 2021.  The reigning ACM Male Vocalist of the Year and multi-platinum entertainer will launch the tour next year with Cole Swindell. More details including additional shows and support will be announced in the coming weeks.  “We have made the decision to reschedule my 2020 concert dates to 2021,” Rhett told his fans. “This decision was made with the health, safety and well-being of our fans, touring crew and venue staff as our priority. If you’re able to come out in 2021, your tickets will be honored and if you need a refund, you’ll be receiving an email soon from your point of purchase with instructions. I miss seeing y’all out on the road and can’t wait until we are back in your neck of the woods next summer. I’ll keep writing songs and making music, hoping to hear your voices singing back to me next year louder than ever.” New 2021 tour dates at https://centerpointroad.thomasrhett.com/  

TV NEWS:

Superstar vocal group Rascal Flatts will be releasing new music, with their forthcoming How They Remember You EP dropping July 31 via Big Machine Records and available for pre-order now at https://rascalflatts.lnk.to/RememberYou_EPPR   A seven-track project, Rascal Flatts’ EP will include six unreleased tracks as well as their recently-released heartfelt rendition of Kenny Rogers’ “Through The Years.” With the trio co-producing tracks throughout the collection, Rascal Flatts’ beloved harmonies and innate ability to share universal messages is palpable on each song. Known for cherry-picking songs that define so much for so many, the EP also boasts a notable caliber of songwriters with tracks co-written by Thomas Rhett, Rhett Akins, Josh Osborne, Jesse Frasure, Ashley Gorley and more.  “We are so excited about our new EP and single, ‘How They Remember You,’” shared Gary LeVox. “It’s a song about what kind of impact and legacy you want to leave in life. It’s a fantastic song to celebrate 20 years of making music together.  News updates and music at https://www.rascalflatts.com  

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