“Forever Ain’t Long Enough” features tribute photo album
by Preshias Harris
The 1990 album, Reality Check, from The Bellamy Brothers featured the song “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” written by David Bellamy, one half of the country duo.
Now, David and Howard Bellamy have poured new life into the fan-favorite track, releasing a new version of “Forever Ain’t Long Enough” with fellow country icon Gene Watson joining the Brothers on vocals. Read my full story about the song and the video at Center Stage Mag here.
David Bellamy said that having Gene duet with him and Howard on the song was a dream come true. “He’s one of the few real classic country singers that understands songs like this,” he noted.
In addition to a live performance of the song, the accompanying video showcases a unique “photo album” of many of country’s most revered artists, from Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard and Chris LeDoux to Ferlin Husky, Charlie Daniels and George Jones… plus many more. Watch the unique video at YouTube here.
Gene Watson, center, sings with The Bellamy Brothers
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a 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 @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris
Longest continuously-running country music column in the USA, ready to read now!
by Preshias Harris
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “You always have to work to become a better singer, songwriter and performer.” – Luke Bryan
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” – Colossians 3:16
There is SO much news to catch up on in this month’s column! New singles from Caylee Hammack, Dylan Scott, Megan Moroney, Zach Top and Jeremy Parsons, long-awaited Ryman debut for Terri Clark, the latest music video from Chris Stapleton, albums from Thomas Rhett, Joe Nichols, Wyatt Flores and the Cactus Blossoms, Russell Dickerson drops a new EP, Jake Worthington brings Texas to The Cannery, plus much more including a really cute baby! Scroll down to catch it all…
ADVANCE ALBUM NEWS: Rising country artist Wyatt Flores released his new single, “Don’t Wanna Say Goodnight,” on August 30, alongside an official music video. Listen to the song here and watch the video here. The single is the first unveiled from Flores’ highly anticipated full-length debut album, Welcome To The Plains, which will be released October 18 via Island Records and is now available to pre-save/pre-order here.
The album takes listeners to the corner of the world that this 23-year-old country-folk singer-songwriter knows best – Oklahoma. “Welcome To The Plains is all about my fight to come home,” said Flores. “The struggle of coming from home – the little towns – and going out in the real world. Just being lost in it all.”
A 14-song trek through tales of fiery love, small-town truths and lighthearted mortality, Welcome To The Plains captures the grounded, sincere storytelling forged by Flores in-part during formative years in his hometown, Stillwater, Oklahoma. He was raised on time-tested rock ‘n’ roll, like the Eagles and John Mellencamp. At age 12, his sister passed him a copy of Turnpike Troubadours’ sophomore album, Diamonds & Gasoline, unlocking a love for roots music that later extended to artists like Jason Isbell, 49 Winchester and Sturgill Simpson.
The record will also be available on special limited-edition vinyl, which includes photos from the studio, exclusive original art and much more. More about Flores on Facebook. #WyattFlores
ADVANCE ALBUM NEWS PART 2: Three-time Grammy-nominated, multi-Platinum selling artist Joe Nichols’ 11th career studio album, Honky Tonks and Country Songs, will be released on Friday, October 25. The official pre-save/pre-add for Nichols’ Honky Tonks and Country Songs will be live on Thursday, September 6, across all digital streaming and retailer partners.
Produced by Mickey Jack Cones (Jason Aldean, Thomas Rhett) and Derek George (Randy Houser), the album highlights Nichols’ steadfast commitment to country music that has made him one of Nashville’s most honest and versatile voices, regarded for his warm and distinctly country tone by everyone from Dolly Parton to Post Malone — he’s sung with both.
“Blonde is a state of mind – and anyone can join the blonde party!”
by Preshias Harris
TigirlilyGold has released their debut album,Blonde, a project several years in the creation. The album, released July 26 on the Monument Records label, comes as the latest achievement in Tigirlily Gold’s ten-year journey from their early gigs around their hometown in North Dakota to increasingly larger venues across the USA.
Read Tigirlily Gold’s revealing Q&A about the new album at Center Stage Mag.
In May 2024, they received the New Duo or Group of the Year award at the 59th Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and made their national award show performance debut during the live show. Watch Tigirlily Gold’s ACM performance here.
Tigirlily (Kendra & Krista Slaubaugh) at the album launch party. Photo: Preshias Harris
Sisters Kendra and Krista Slaubaugh – who together are known as the duo Tigirlily Gold – released two EPs and a pair of hot singles (“Shoot Tequila” and “I Tried a Ring On”) leading up to the release of Blonde. The album was produced by Alex Kline and Pete Good and executive produced by Monument Records’ co-founder, the legendary songwriter Shane McAnally.
I was with the media who met up with Krista and Kendra at Monument Records’ Nashville offices the day before the album’s official release date to listen to the tracks and to talk with the sisters about the new project and their musical journey. You can read my full report on that event and Tigirlily Gold’s in-depth comments and thoughts about their music in my story poster at Center Stage Mag here. They even explain how one of the tracks on the album was inspired by songs by Faith Hill and Aerosmith. Really!
As Kendra and Krista assured us at album launch party: “Blonde is a state of mind – and anyone can join the blonde party!” Sounds like a pretty cool party to join. Listen to Blonde here.
Tigirlily Gold is on tour this summer with Walker Hayes, Parker McCollum, Gabby Barrett and Brad Paisley.
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a 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. @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris
Scroll down to read a LOT of news about HARDY, Reba McEntire, Megan Moroney, Jake Owen, Opry Country Christmas, Chris Tomlin, Nu-Blu, Lauren Watkins, Bobby Marquez, Ashley McBride, Alex Miller, Morgan Wallen, Allie Colleen, Justin Moore and much more!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I’ve ended up as a songwriter. This is my job. How did I get this lucky? What a great job!” – Paul McCartney, in an interview with Annie Clark (St. Vincent) on Instagram Live. [reported in American Songwriter, April 16, 2021]
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Serve the LORD with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! – Psalm 100: 1-2
ALBUM NEWS: Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amos Lee will release his eagerly awaited new album, Transmissions, available Friday, August 9 on his own Hoagiemouth Records via Thirty Tigers. Lee’s 11th studio album and first new collection of original songs in more than two years, Transmissions is heralded by the premiere of the graceful first single, “Hold On Tight,” available everywhere now. Listen now at Play MPE and watch the official video here.
Transmissions sees Amos Lee continuing to expand his sonic range while sharpening his closely observed lyrics that squarely address death, aging, and love. Self-produced by Lee for only the second time in his chart-topping, RIAA Gold-certified career (following 2013’s Spirit), the Philadelphia, PA-based artist returned to an old-school style of recording, working with his longtime band in a studio in rural Marlboro, NY, built by drummer Lee Falco and his dad out of reclaimed wood from an old church. Playing live on the floor for long hours in close quarters, Lee and his fellow musicians were able to capture the album’s twelve songs in less than a week. Lee augmented his band’s soulful, folk-funk sound with arrangements that extend the scope of songs, from autobiographical to upbeat and jam-powered. Music, tour dates and more at Amos Lee’s website. Pre-order Amos Lee’s Transmissions here. #AmosLee
Megan Moroney
ALBUM NEWS Part Two: Megan Moroney’s Am I Okay? debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 — the definitive all-genre chart for U.S. album sales. Released on July 12 to widespread acclaim, the Sony Music Nashville/Columbia Records singer/songwriter’s sophomore LP also shot to the No. 3 spot on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart — a feat that makes Am I Okay? the fifth-biggest Country debut of 2024 and the year’s third-biggest debut from a female Country artist (after Beyoncé and Kacey Musgraves). Go here to stream/downloadAm I Okay? now. With nearly 43K in consumption units in its first week — including 37.6 million streams — Am I Okay? has earned massive praise from many of the music world’s leading publications, including Rolling Stone, Variety, The Tennessean and the print editions of American Songwriterand The New York Times.
Also lauded by Billboard, MusicRow, and more, Am I Okay? turned up on coveted lists like “New Music Friday: The best albums out July 12” from NPR’s All Songs Considered. In addition, Associated Press declared that “[y]ou’d be hard-pressed to find a more relatable voice in contemporary country music for young women” and hailed Am I Okay? as “a heartbreak-filled rollercoaster ride of a sophomore album, filled with quotable kiss-offs and evolved compositions.” Moroney has earned nearly 1.5 billion total global streams to date. More at Megan Moroney’s website and on social media. #MeganMoroney
AMERICANA NEWS: The Americana Music Association has announced its performers for the 23rd annual Americana Honors & Awards, taking place in Nashville on Sept. 18 at the famed Ryman Auditorium. This year’s Honors & Awards will deliver performances from award-winning legends, buzzworthy new artists, and longtime fan favorites including Blind Boys of Alabama, Brandy Clark with SistaStrings, Charles Wesley Godwin, Dave Alvin, Dwight Yoakam, Fantastic Negrito, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Jobi Riccio, Kaitlin Butts, Larkin Poe, The Milk Carton Kids, Noah Kahan, Sarah Jarosz, Shelby Lynne, Sierra Ferrell, Turnpike Troubadours, The War And Treaty, Waxahatchee with MJ Lenderman, and Wyatt Flores.
In addition to the annual “Of the Year” awards presented during the program (view the nominees here), the 2024 Honors & Awards will include this year’s Lifetime Achievement Honorees: Blind Boys of Alabama, Dave Alvin, Don Was, Dwight Yoakam, Rev. Gary Davis, and Shelby Lynne. Rev. Gary Davis (honored posthumously) will receive the Legacy Award in partnership with the National Museum of African American Music and will be recognized with a performance by Fantastic Negrito. Additionally, the program will be filmed for broadcast on PBS in the Austin City Limits time slot in November. Tickets to the Americana Honors & Awards are on sale now here. For more information on the association or to purchase passes to AMERICANAFEST, visit www.americanamusic.org.
Inside Track on Music Row July 2024… right here and ready to read!
Due to a technical glitch, Nashville Music Guide was unable to publish my column this month. So… here it is in full! Apologies to my readers and to the labels and artists’ representatives who share their news with me so I can bring it to you in this, the longest continuously running country music column in America!
Scroll down for news about George Strait, Morgan Waller, Luke Bryan, Dierks Bentley, Luke Combs, HARDY, Brantley Gilbert, Phil Vassar, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Jelly Roll and many more!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “I didn’t know if it would be a successful one, or what the stages would be, but I always saw myself as a lifetime musician and songwriter.” – Bruce Springsteen
BIBLE VERSE OF THE MONTH: I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly, I will sing your praises. – Psalm 22:22
Chris Lane
ACOUSTIC VERSION NEWS: After putting fans first with the social media-driven Find Another Bar Tour: College Edition, multi-Platinum artist Chris Lane delivers another surprise with the release of From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe) (Red Street Records/Voyager Records). Listen to From Where I’m Sippin’ (Deluxe)here. Watch Chris Lane’s performance video for “Mistake (Acoustic)” here. “I’ve always been a big fan of stripped-down versions of songs, and how the track can take on a new life while also giving me a new connection to it,” shares Lane. “I’m excited to add three acoustic versions to the From Where I’m Sippin’ EP, and hope y’all enjoy them.”
Lauded by Billboard as “veering slightly from hip-hop infused, polished pop-country to a sound with a ragged rock edge, while still residing squarely in his musical wheelhouse” with his new music, From Where I’m Sippin’ poured five fresh-Country concoctions – four of which were co-written by the top-shelf hitmaker – produced by Derek Wells with additional production from Michael Lotten. Now serving up three brand-new acoustic versions with the 2023 EP release, Lane adds an intimate element to stripped-down renditions of fan-favorites “Mistake,” “Way to Go Girl,” and current chart-rising single “Find Another Bar” – that’s nearing Top 35 at Country radio. Music and tour info at Chris Lane’s website. #ChrisLane
ALBUM NEWS: Country superstar Luke Combs’ new full-length album, Fathers & Sons, is out now on Columbia Nashville. Stream/purchase here. A collection of 12 poignant tracks, Fathers & Sons was recorded entirely live and features Combs most personal songwriting to date, as he reflects on his own experiences being a dad to his two sons and the unique bond between parents and their children. Ahead of the release, Combs unveiled new song, “The Man He Sees In Me,” which The Tennessean says is “redefining his level of superstardom.”
The album adds to yet another landmark year for Combs, who recently released his new radio single, “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma,” which will be featured on the soundtrack for the new Twisters movie (out July 19) and is the subject of a new exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opening July 11. The exhibit, entitled Luke Combs: The Man I Am, will feature a variety of photographs, childhood memorabilia, instruments, set lists and more from throughout Combs’ life and career. Combs has also partnered with Opry Entertainment Group to open a massive multi-level entertainment complex in downtown Nashville later this summer. Music and tour updates at Luke’s websiteand socials. #LukeCombs
Alan Jackson, Buddy Cannon and ’10 Songs I Wish I’d Written’
By Preshias Harris
Superstar singer-songwriter Alan Jackson and songwriter-producer Buddy Cannon have been revealed as honorees at the upcoming 7th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards. The announcement was made by the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), alongside presenting partner City National Bank, who will again bring the music industry and fans together at the Ryman Auditorium on September 24, 2024.
Read my full article about the 7th annual Nashville Songwriter Awards at the Preshias On The Row page at Center Stage Magazinehere.
June is bustin’ out all over with a bumper bundle of new singles. Lend an ear to these new tracks from Abby Anderson, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dustin Lynch, Midland, Will Moseley, Chris Stapleton & Duo Lipa, Cyndi Thomson and Oliver Wood:
ABBY ANDERSON: Abby Anderson released her latest single, “If You Killed Somebody,” via Walk Off/ Virgin Records, following a packed week of performances including Bridgestone Arena and Stagecoach Festival. Listen to “If You Killed Somebody” here and watch the music video here. Fueled by clever lyrics and rich melodies, “If You Killed Somebody” showcases a unique side of Abby’s artistry. The song’s playful tone and hypotheticals inspires listeners to imagine the depth of love it creates as the fiery ballad of devotion builds. The track is a dedicated anthem about loyalty in even the most extreme of circumstances. Backed by effortless guitar plucking, Abby’s vocals are at the forefront as she declares to her lover, “If you killed somebody. I’d hide the body.” “If You Killed Somebody” continues what has already been a successful start to the year for Anderson. The single follows on the heels of her first release of 2024, the stormy “Bright Side of Blue.” Additionally, Abby is featured on global-renowned DJ Diplo’s new mixtape, Diplo Presents Thomas Wesley: The Mixtape – listen here. Find Abby Anderson’s upcoming tour and ticket info here. #AbbyAnderson
BILLY RAY CYRUS: Multi-hyphenate global entertainer Billy Ray Cyrus has released his newest single, “You Came Along,” available everywhere now. Reflecting his roots and diverse influences, the song is a heartfelt and honest expression of his life and soul, free from rules and limitations. Stream/download “You Came Along” here. Written and produced by Billy Ray Cyrus, Sean Kelly and Burleigh Clyde Johnson, “You Came Along” describes a true representation of Cyrus’ journey, inspired by a “no box” mindset, resonating with his commitment to authenticity and emotional openness in his music. “This song is everything I am as a singer / songwriter / producer / musician,” said Cyrus. “All my roots, all my influences encompassed in this song. Lyrically and musically, I’ve always worn my emotions wide open on my sleeve. No rules. No limits. No preconceived notions. Just music that I enjoy making that is true and honest to my life and my soul. That’s what ‘You Came Along’ is – a guy from Kentucky that loves all styles of music just being real. Like Carl Perkins said to me, and what I try to express to others in my field that ask for advice: ‘Don’t try and think inside the box. Don’t try and think outside the box. Think like there is no box.” More about Billy Ray at his website and on Instagram and X (@billyraycyrus).
DUSTIN LYNCH: Providing a timeless soundtrack for an underdog love story, multi-Platinum star Dustin Lynch has released the Mason Dixon-directed music video for current single “Chevrolet” (watch here). “It’s a storyline that everybody can relate to, especially us kids from small towns,” shares Lynch. “There always seems to be some kind of divide in friend groups as kids grow up, and there’s inevitably an underdog. I’d like to think everyone pulls for the underdog, and this video shows that.” Turning the ignition on a forever-young kind of freedom, the Jelly Roll collaboration – written by Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, Hunter Phelps, and Mentor Williams – is nearing Top 15 at Country radio via Broken Bow Records. Delivered on Lynch’s statement-making sixth studio album, Killed The Cowboy, the nostalgic track co-produced by Zach Crowell and Ben Phillips is proof of Country music’s unique ability to summon a picture, a mood, and especially a memory via the instantly recognizable throwback melody of the 1973 Dobie Gray hit “Drift Away.” Listen here. He’ll make another splash with the Dustin Lynch Pool Situation: Nashville 2024 during CMA Fest weekend. Diving headfirst into the rooftop pool of Margaritaville Hotel Nashville for the second year, the wildest of all Country music-themed pool parties returns on June 7. Music and show dates at Lynch’s website. #DustinLynch
ICYMI: The May ’24 edition of my monthly music column, Inside Track on Music Row, is now posted and ready to read. The longest continuously-running country music column in America is posted at Nashville Music Guidehere.
Among the news items in this month’s column:
Elvie Shane took a test-drive in a hybrid Corvette E-Ray and talked to Rolling Stone magazine about his widely-praised new 13-track album Damascus…
Sturgill Simpson’s landmark 2014 album, Metamodern Sounds In Country Music, will be reissued May 10 celebrating its 10th anniversary ahead of his headlining slot at Outside Lands fest Aug 9-11…
Johnny Cash‘s album, Songwriter, will be released June 28, consisting of previously-unreleased, newly rediscovered tracks from some 30 years ago…
Terri Clark: Take Two is the title of an 8-song project from Country icon Terri Clark, arriving May 31, featuring duets with Lauren Alaina, Lainey Wilson, Ashley McBride and more…
ERNEST has released Nashville, Tennessee, a 26-track tribute to his hometown, following his 2021 debut Flower Shops (The Album) building on his billion+ on-demand streams…
T. Graham Brown will release a new studio album August 2 titled From Memphis to Muscle Shoals, featuring duets with icons such as Eddie Floyd, Bettye Layette, Little Anthony, Tanya Tucker, Dwight Yoakam and more…
Lacy J Dalton has released “What Don’t Kill Ya,” from her album, For the Black Sheep, set to drop June 21. Outlaw country icon Dalton will join the Country Music Cruise Jan 19-25, 2025…
Clay Walker is now a Pandora Billionaire: in addition to 11 No. 1 singles, 6 Platinum and Gold albums, Clay received the award marking his music being streamed over 1 billion times on Pandora…
“Hometown Home,” the new single from LOCASH on their new label, Galaxy Label Group, will impact Country radio May 13 as they announce a bunch of new tour dates, a mix of festivals and standalone dates…
Brantley Gilbert is extending his Off the Rails Tour into the fall, announcing 15+ additional dates where he will be joined by Adam Calhoun and Demun Jones…
Moe Bandy is celebrating the 45th anniversary of “Just Good Ol’ Boys,” his hit single with Joe Stampley as he talks about his current album, Thank You Lord, featuring special guests…
Plus many more news items including: Chris Stapleton‘s track on the the new Tom Petty tribute album… “The World’s Most Notorious Rock Band,” Mötley Crüe signs with Big Machine Records… Chart Toppers is an album of No. 1 songs recorded live at The Wildhorse Saloon… shows celebrating the late John Prine set for October… K-Love Fan Awards weekend set for May 24-26… news about Rick Monroe & The Hitmen, Molly Lovette, Chris Lane, Maddie Tree, Ashley Cooke, Colton Dixon, Randall King, Sam Grow and more.
Find the entire May 2024 edition (and previous editions) of my monthly column Inside Track on Music Row at Nashville Music Guide here.
Preshias Harris is an advocate for songwriters and a 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. @PreshiasHarris #PreshiasHarris
One more round of top Indie talent before the Grand finale
by Preshias Harris
The competition is heating up! It’s time for Week Three of the Indie Country Showdown. Round Three is set for March 7, 2024 at 7:00 pm at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom, Nashville, Tenn.
Presented by O’Reilly’s Amish Furniture and Center Stage Magazine, the Indie Country Showdown is unlike any live performance shows ever presented in this area: Nashville’s finest undiscovered independent artists will perform for industry judges, and three finalists will make it into the Grand Finale on Thursday, March 14th.
Congratulations to Kayla Wass, Week One Winner and CJ Garton, the winner of the Week Two competition. They will join the winner of Week Three in the Grand Finale.
The artists competing in Week Three are: Allie Lamb, Brooke Spencer, Lexi Lew, Seth Alexander, Andy Pursell, John Haywood and Charlie McNeal. There will also be guest performances by Abby Leigh Anderson, Boomtown Saints and Keith Burns.
Congratulations to Kayla Wass, winner of Week One of the Indie Country Showdown presented by O’Reilly’s Amish Furniture! Kayla will go on to compete against the winners of the Week 2 and 3 rounds in the Grand Finale to be held March 14 at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom.
But now, get ready for Week Two, set for Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m. at Ray Stevens CabaRay Showroom, located at 5724 River Road Nashville, TN 37209, just 14 minutes (8.5 miles) from downtown Nashville via I-40. Find tickets for all Indie Country Showdown shows here.
Competing in the Week Two show on Feb 22: Doug Miolen, Kendra Neece, Mia Brown, Ethan Vincil, Jon Statham, CJ Garton and Chad Wilson. There will be guest star performances by Rick Monroe & the Hitmen, Keith Burns and Abby Leigh Anderson.
Standard tickets with reserved seating are $25.00. VIP tickets at $65.00 are also available with reserved seating closer to the stage. VIP tickets also include Meet & Greet with the performers plus a surprise goodie bag of items from the Showdown artists. Tickets and details here.
