Monday 25 December 2023

Patio Records Releases The Kelley Family Christmas Holiday Album

Singing For Childhood Christmas Tree Unexpectedly Grows into Kelley Family Holiday Album



NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – Nashville-based singer and hit songwriter Irene Kelley is using her voice combined with those of her two successful artist daughters to bring holiday cheer and help raise funds for the Healing Gardens project created by Patio Records founder and philanthropist, Terry Eagan.

The Kelley Family Christmas album will be the 14th album released on Patio Records and was available November 24th on CD and digitally on all platforms.

Growing up in Latrobe, PA, Irene learned early on that her voice could bring people together, especially at Christmastime. “I sang [‘O Come, O Come, Emmanuel’] over the phone on a radio show in my hometown and won a Christmas tree when I was about 9 years old,” recalled Irene.

Patio Records was born out of another very personal experience. 

When lifelong music fan and supporter Terry Eagan’s spouse fell ill with cancer, he found a way to merge his passion for music and love of family, launching Patio 

Records with a mission of “sponsoring live and recorded music to create garden patios at cancer treatment centers.” 

Since 1997, the record label has built 53 of these Healing Gardens in the United States and Canada, including the recent completion of a $1.5 million garden in Cambridge, MA.

The Kelley Family Christmas album is familiar yet fresh, including 12 tracks with each Kelley singing four songs featuring very different and identifiable leads, while the other two provide beautifully woven harmony vocals. “We all had our list of maybe 30 songs. We pared them down to the 12 making sure each of us appeared on an equal amount of songs,” explained Irene.



Silver Bells was at the top of my list. Most people wouldn’t guess it, but jazz standards are my favourite genre of music to sing, and most classic Christmas songs are jazz standards,” said Sara Jean.

“It's really cool to work as a family. We all have different strengths and styles, but I think they blend together seamlessly on this project,” says Justyna.

The ladies also blend seamlessly together on the album cover and in the liner notes, wearing celebrity designer and “Project Runway” All-Star Johnathan Kayne’s beautiful one-of-a-kind dresses. 

The “Red Carpet Designer of the South” had them visit his Nashville warehouse and select whatever they wanted. “We had a blast trying on those dresses,” said Irene.

Kayne also styled the Kelley’s for their album release concert on November 29th at The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville.

Swipe for jams from their “Bluebird on 3rd” Christmas Brunch show! - INSTAGRAM


Believing the record should be non-genre specific, the trio of ladies chose a piano-based approach to instrumentation. “Our musical arranger, Will Barrow, was a no-brainer for us,” Justyna said. “He has played music with us since my sister and I were kids… his musicianship and musical sensibilities are beyond compare. He and mom helped cast the right assortment of players, and it worked out magically.”

Executive Producer Eagan first learned of Irene in 2000 after hearing her critically acclaimed “Simple Path" record on WUMB-Radio in Boston. Soon after, he invited her to play his Healing Garden concert series. “Terry went on to learn of my daughters, Justyna and Sara Jean's talents, and booked them each individually and us as a trio on several occasions,” says Irene.

“[The Kelley Family Christmas album] was Terry's idea,” continues Irene, “and Terry and I both agreed this would be a meaningful and truly special project for all involved.”

“Every purchase of The Kelley Family Christmas album will include a contribution towards funding the creation and caring of Healing Gardens.” said Eagan, a timeless way to continue to generate support for gardens that help heal.

The Kelley Family Christmas Album
·         Angels We Have Heard On High – Irene Kelley
·         Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas – Justyna Kelley
·         The Christmas Song – Sara Jean Kelley
·         Do You Hear What I Hear? – Irene Kelley
·         Joy To The World – Justyna Kelley
·         I’ll Be Home For Christmas – Sara Jean Kelley
·         Silent Night – Irene Kelley
·         Hark The Herald Angels Sing – Justyna Kelley
·         Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree – Sara Jean Kelley
·         O Come, O Come Emmanuel – Irene Kelley
·         O Holy Night / Minuit Chrétien – Justyna Kelley
·         Silver Bells – Sara Jean Kelley  

About Patio Records: https://www.patiorecords.com

About the Kelley Family Members

























Irene Kelley

Irene Kelley’s signature mix of Bluegrass, Country and Americana appeals to music lovers across all genres. Irene’s songwriting has drawn much deserved attention, and her pure and lonesome vocal prowess has tugged at the heartstrings of music lovers for years, making her one of traditional music’s most beloved music story-tellers. Her newly released Snow White Memories full-length album currently occupies the Bluegrass Unlimited radio charts with her fourth single, and her previous album, Benny’s TV Repair, garnered five #1 songs on the BU charts and continues to receive coast-to-coast 24/7 airplay on Sirius/XM. As seen and heard at the IBMA,SPBGMA, Grand Ole Opry, the CMA Music Festival, the 30A Songwriter Festival, Folk Alliance International, the Americana Music Festival, COUNTRY festival (Belgium), Disneyland Paris, the Equi Blues Music Fest (France), Avila Beach Music Fest (CA), Bay Fest (AL) and many other venues. Syndicated on-air appearances include Sirius/XM, Acoustic Cafe, NPR’s Live at Mountain Stage, CMT, GAC, Larry’s Country Diner, as well as airplay on Country, Bluegrass, Folk and Americana radio stations worldwide.

Noted Music Historian Robert K. Oermann sums up her great gifts this way: “As a vocalist, IreneKelley glows with beauty and expressiveness. As a songwriter, she shines with a lustre that few of her peers can match. This is music to cleanse the soul. This is music to raise you up. This is music to touch your heart.”

Justyna Kelley


Justyna Kelley
is an accomplished singer, songwriter, producer and actress from Nashville, Tennessee. Growing up and touring the world with her mother sparked an early passion for travel that would eventually lead her to Paris, France, where she signed a record deal with Warner Francein 2012. 

While signed to publishing with Universal France, she was nominated for a Mark Award for her album Nashville TN and wrote songs for many international artists, films and tv shows. 

In 2019, she reached #1 songwriter status with “Anything To Help You Say Goodbye,” co-written with Irene Kelley and Steve Cropper.

 Her album Canon recorded in both English and French, is signed to E.K.P. in France and set to release worldwide on October 6, 2023.

Sara Jean Kelley

A lover of wild things – plants, animals, people and music – Nashville native Sara Jean Kelley crafts songs that combine upbeat, pop-inspired country hooks with thoughtful, often philosophical lyrical themes that explore our human connection to the natural world. Due to her dark sensibility and slightly melancholic sense of humour, Kelley’s particular brand of alternative country is multi-dimensional, with one foot firmly rooted in her Nashville Country / Americana background, another foot exploring the realms of alternative rock, rock and roll, pop, and even hip-hop influences. Her voice, at times husky, dark and sultry, at times floating light-as-a-feather, has been compared to celebrated female country stars Brandi Carlisle, Patti Griffin and Lucinda Williams. She’s opened for icons Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell and her songwriting reveals a clear, intuitive understanding of what makes a song work.

Sunday 24 December 2023

Kip Moore caps off impressive International Touring Year with sold-out shows spanning 9 countries

KIP MOORE CAPS OFF IMPRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL TOURING YEAR WITH

SOLD-OUT SHOWS SPANNING NINE COUNTRIES 



 

NASHVILLE, TN - December 20, 2023 - Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore wrapped his DAMN LOVE WORLD TOUR notching breakthrough achievements this year, with sold-out headlining stadium shows in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, The U.K., Europe, Canada, and the U.S. Earning himself a CMA International Artist Achievement Award nomination, the 53-stop tour spanning over nine countries served as “a testament to his talent as a musician,” garnering international attention for his rapidly growing cult following and impressive performances that continuously sell out each headlining venue, leaving “no doubt—Kip Moore knows how to put on a show” (Static Noise).

Moore hit a milestone returning to Australia in March, doubling the capacity size of the venues he has previously played with sold-out arenas and an entrancing headline festival slot, as his “growling vocals captivated the audience as they shouted along to each word,” (Milky). He then kicked off his sold out South Africa run with an electrifying stadium show in Pretoria playing to over 25,000 fans, followed by two full capacity arena shows in Cape Town. “The effortlessly cool Kip,” (Express) had his first-ever stops in Germany and the Netherlands, followed by a string of sold-out shows in the U.K., including Royal Albert Hall’s iconic stage in London, where he headlined the inaugural Highways Festival with “fantastic stage presence and energy” (Entertainment Focus 4.1/2 STARS). After his 33-stop stateside stint, Moore gave his first-ever performance in Japan at the Kadena Air Force Base, marking the end of an impressive international touring year for the Georgia native. 



With each song “tailor-made for his much-acclaimed live shows,” (Billboard) the entertainer released his fifth studio album, DAMN LOVE, this past spring to much praise, as “the best album of Kip Moore’s career” (Holler). Co-produced by Moore, along with Jaren Johnston (The Cadillac Three), the 13 tracks served as “the most interesting and diverse body of work he has released thus far” (Express), exploring an internal tug of war and putting it simply enough: Damn Love. Listen to the project HERE.

About Kip Moore:
Multi-PLATINUM singer/songwriter Kip Moore recently released his fifth studio album DAMN LOVE, out now. Praised by Holler as “the best album of Kip Moore’s career.” Moore kicked off his DAMN LOVE WORLD TOUR with sold-out headlining stadium shows in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, The U.K., Europe, and the U.S. Known as “one of country’s more thoughtful artists” (Billboard), Moore has toured the world earning acclaim and a rabid fanbase as an all-in performer in each setting, consistently selling out headlining shows internationally with huge followings. Praised by Noisey as “an uncompromising, genre-defying artist firing on all cylinders” Moore has blazed his trail, with “a bit more Southern rock than traditional country… to be a Kip Moore fan suddenly became a marker of your having a certain refinement in your country-music taste” (Chicago Tribune). Moore first splashed into the mainstream with the double-PLATINUM “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” in 2012, then followed up with three more best-selling No. Ones (“Hey Pretty Girl,” “Beer Money” and “More Girls Like You”).

CONNECT with Kip Moore:
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Saturday 23 December 2023

Country News snippets December 11 – December 23, 2023

UK News, UK Chart News, Billboard Country Charts, Album & Single Releases, US News, Music News, Gossip, Press Releases, TV, Interviews, Videos, Birthdays



BREAKING NEWS

Country News – December 15, 2023 with Shannon McCombs
Country Music and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member, Brenda Lee tells the back story of her #1 song “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree.” The song celebrates its 65th anniversary this year and it’s Brenda Lee’s first #1 in 63 years!!! 

Country News – December 20, 2023 with Shannon McCombs
It’s ALL about CHRISTMAS! Reba talks about her Christmas tree tradition… Brenda Lee talks about Christmas as a little girl. PLUS.. you’ll hear Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, and Garth Brooks as they read, Twas The Night Before Christmas!


UK NEWS
On the BBC Radio 2 Playlist 16 December 2023
B List:
Taylor Swift - Is It Over Now? (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault) [B-B-B]
C List:
Sheryl Crow - Alarm Clock [C-C-C]
OUT
Foy Vance feat. Ed Sheeran, Elton John & Keith Urban - Guiding Light (Anniversary Edition) [C-C-C] removed from the “C” playlist

HOTDISC TOP 40 (Sunday 17th December 2023 chart)
The Hotdisc monthly promotional album is digitally distributed to a massive list of DJs, journalists, promoters, agents and other key people in the business. Every act on Hotdisc receives feedback on how their track is performing in the Hotdisc Top 40, which is compiled by the DJs themselves (songs are scored 1 – 10; with or without comment or airplay).
This week Denny Strickland with “Merry Christmas (Real World)” enjoyed a second week at No.1 on the Hotdisc Top 40.

TW LW WOC Title Artist
1 2 3 Merry Christmas (Real World) Denny Strickland ** No.1 (2 weeks) **
2 2 7 Teach Me, Pa (Live) Raymond Froggatt (UK)
3 3 7 Puttin' Up Hay Alex Miller
4 4 3 Closing Your Eyes (Falling Apart) HMB Players
5 5 3 Silent Night Frank Jennings
6 6 3 My Favourite Things Lorrie Morgan
7 7 3 Kiss Me This Christmas American Blonde
9 12 7 I'm Sorry Nicola Harris (UK)
10 17 3 Do You Hear What I Hear Donna Frost

ICYMI: (Dec 2023) Learning To Live Big Ben: TuneIn is partnering with CountryLine Radio to distribute Garth BrooksThe Big 615 to the UK. CountryLine Co-Founder Nathalie Cox was recently added to the station's lineup alongside Storme Warren and Sinead Burgess. Burgess shared on social media. Listen here.

(13 Dec 2023) CMA is bringing the C2C: Country to Country Festival, including its acclaimed CMA Songwriters Series (As previously announced SEE BLOG POST) in London, as well as the CMA Presents Introducing Nashville lineup back overseas in March.
CMA’s international touring series, Introducing Nashville, returns to the main stage of C2C for the third year in a row. The 2024 lineups will include performances by Karley Scott Collins, Greylan James, Conner Smith and Lauren Watkins at The O2 in London March 8, SSE Arena in Belfast March 9, and Ovo Hydro in Glasgow on March 10, 2024.


(15 Dec 2023) JUST THE TWO OF US: The Shires (Ben Earle & Crissie Rhodes) announced UK Tour dates from 20 April -  23 June 2024. The Tour is titled “the Two of Us”. "It will be just us two on stage, like our first ever tour. We are so, so excited to strip it all back musically and sing our songs in their purest form, and to see you all again"! shared Ben & Crissie.

Shows at Chelmsford (21 April) Norwich (4 May), Coventry (17 May) & Milton Keynes (26 May) have already sold out. Limited and low availability apply to most other shows Tickets are available on Ticketmaster UK (12 dates), wegottickets, venue websites and theshiresmusic.com | Follow The Shires on Instagram, FacebookTwitter and TikTok

(21 Dec 2023) CHRISTMAS NOTE: Country/Americana singer-songwriter Chloë Chadwick shared: “It's been a special year for me in 2023. First and foremost, it was the year that I decided to throw it all back on the line and make a comeback to the original music scene after taking quite a bit of time out. I was extremely apprehensive being honest, and I wasn't sure what to expect at all. However, this time last year when I was in the studio working on new material to release in 2023, I never really expected that I would be sat here now looking back on all the achievements that have happened in the last 12 months. A year on and I am so very proud to have released 4 singles, an EP, supports in both London and Manchester to both extremely credible UK country artists Emilia Quinn and Jade Helliwell, and over 80,000 people have streamed my music on Spotify alone within this period! I played my own headline show in my birthplace of Stoke-on-Trent to a packed out crowd! And so…it's not been a bad year has it”!!

In other news Chloë will be releasing new music early in 2024. She will be performing at West Coast Folk Fest at Blackpool Winter Gardens on Sunday 14th January headlining the Acoustic Stage and will support Morganway at Stage4 Beverley Winter Festival on Sunday 18th February at East Riding Theatre (10 Lord Roberts Road, Beverley HU17 9BE) Ticket Link Here

UK CHART NEWS 

UK Albums
Congratulations are in order for The Killers, who secured their eighth Official Number 1 album with REBEL DIAMONDS.
The Las Vegas-formed rock outfit, comprising Brandon Flowers, Dave Keuning, Ronnie Vannucci Jr. and Mark Stoermer, reach the summit with their second hits compilation. In doing so, they surpass the peak of their first greatest hits release; 2013’s Direct Hits which reached Number 5.
Rebel Diamonds joins Hot Fuss (2004), Sam’s Town (2006), Day & Age (2008), Battle Born (2012), Wonderful Wonderful (2017), Imploding the Mirage (2020) and Pressure Machine (2021) in the group’s tally of chart-topping albums.
Nicki Minaj secured her highest-charting LP in over a decade with Pink Friday 2 this week (3). Her third Top 10 record to date, which includes collaborations with the likes of Drake, Lil Uzi Vert and J. Cole, earns Nicki her highest peak since 2012, when Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded topped the chart.

UK Singles
For the second week in a row, and the fifth time in chart history, Last Christmas is No.1 for Wham!
This time last year, it was still gaining support at No.1, with consumption up 11.10% at 48,535. This year, it dipped 9.03%, week-on-week albeit to a slightly higher level than this week last year, at 48,643 units (754 digital downloads, 47,889 sales-equivalent streams | Total sales to date: 3,802,266). Its chances of staying No.1 next week – and therefore being the Christmas No.1 – should receive a boost from its release, for the first time, on 7-inch green vinyl today (December15).

WHAM! have pulled ahead in the race for 2023's Official Christmas Number 1 - but with The Pogues ft. Kirsty MacColl issuing a brand-new Fairytale of New York vinyl release and hype building around fellow contenders Sam Ryder and Mariah Carey, it's still too early to count anyone out.
As of December 20th WHAM! were caught in a tight scuffle with the UK's 2022 Eurovision entrant Sam Ryder in the last Official Christmas Number 1 single First Look update, where just UK 42 chart units stood between Last Christmas at Number 1 and Sam's Amazon Music Original You're Christmas to Me at Number 2. Ryder is really pulling out the big guns of promo for one last push. With a special appearance on BBC Radio 1's Breakfast show with Greg James he revealed he's played 26 shows in the last 6 days across the country.


The Christmas Number 1, was revealed live on 
BBC Radio 1's Official Chart with Jack Saunders Friday 22 December from 4pm. See officialcharts/christmas-number-1/
Christmas No1 2023: WHAM! After landing the Christmas No.1 for five years in a row, LadBaby graciously stepped aside this year. Their decision not to compete resulted in a more keenly-fought yet lower key competition with Last Christmas by Wham! emerging to fill the void, taking the Christmas title for the first time, while spending its third straight week and sixth week in total at No.1.

The Christmas No.2 behind Band Aid’s Do They Know It’s Christmas when first released in 1984, Last Christmas finally gets to wear the yule crown after increasing consumption 27.02% week-on-week to 61,784 units, with a newly-released green vinyl 7-inch contributing 2,436 sales, a CD reissue 1,963 sales, and digital downloads 2,346 sales alongside sales-equivalent streams of 55,039.

In the whole of chart history, Last Christmas is only the fourth oldie to be No.1 at Christmas, emulating Reet Petite by Jackie Wilson (a 1957 track that was No.1 in 1986); Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen (No.1 at Christmas in 1975 in its original incarnation, and No.1 again as a double A-side with These Are The Days Of Our Lives in 1991); and Killing In The Name by Rage Against The Machine, a 1992 track that became the unlikely Christmas No.1 in 2009 ending a successful campaign to prevent The X Factor from providing the Christmas No.1 for the fifth year in a row.
Speaking to Official Charts, WHAM!’s Andrew Ridgeley said: “Last Christmas has finally ascended to the much-cherished and sought-after Official Christmas Number 1, which was always the main goal. “George would be beside himself [that] after all of these years, [we’ve] finally obtained Christmas Number 1. Yog [George] said that he wrote Last Christmas with the intention of writing a Christmas Number 1. It’s mission accomplished!”

Last Christmas was streamed a staggering 13.3 million times over the past seven days, according to Official Charts Company data - the most-streamed Christmas Number 1 ever during Christmas week. It’s now the UK’s third biggest song of all time with a combined lifetime total of 5.34m chart units, comprising 1.93m sales and nearly 413 million streams.

Last Christmas’ tenacity was enough to ward off a challenge from Sam Ryder, whose You’re Christmas To Me single exploded 10-2 with consumption up 92.91% week-on-week to 55.858 units, the highest for a No.2 for 27 weeks. That total includes 2,623 copies on CD – in which format’s chart it debuts at No.1 – and 9,002 digital downloads.. Ryder played more than 30 live shows in the week and may get another chance to reach No.1 next week, but for the moment You’re Christmas To Me matches his previous peak, as set by his 2022 debut hit and Eurovision entry, Space Man.

Meanwhile The Rolling Stones claimed 2023’s Official Christmas Number 1 album with Hackney Diamonds (13,204 CDs, 2,536 vinyl, 43 blu-ray, 252 downloads, 425 streaming). Overall consumption of the album of 16,460 units was the lowest on record for a Christmas No.1 album. With guitarist Keith Richards having turned 80 years old this week, he and bandmates Mick Jagger and Ronnie Wood see their latest album return to the summit once again. Hackney Diamonds topped the Official Albums Chart upon its release in October.

Official UK Top 100 Albums Chart (Week Ending 21 December 2023)
15 December 2023 - 21 December 2023
TW LW WOC Artist Title
1 NE 1 The Killers ~ Rebel Diamonds
2 3 110 Michael Bublé ~ Christmas
3 NE 1 Nicki Minaj ~ Pink Friday 2
4 4 7 Taylor Swift ~ 1989 (Taylor's Version)
5 NE 1 Tate McRae ~ Think Later
6 5 8 The Rolling Stones ~ Hackney Diamonds
7 11 149 The Weeknd ~ The Highlights
8 10 14 Olivia Rodrigo ~ Guts
9 6 3 Take That ~ This Life
10 12 27 Noah Kahan ~ Stick Season
39 37 23 Taylor Swift ~ Speak Now (Taylor's Version)
45 42 96 Taylor Swift ~ Red (Taylor's Version)

Official Singles Chart Top 100 (Week Ending 21 December 2023)
15 December 2023 - 21 December 2023
TW LW WOC Artist Title
1 1 119 Wham! ~ Last Christmas
2 5 11 Noah Kahan ~ Stick Season
3 2 129 Mariah Carey ~ All I Want For Christmas Is You
4 3 5 Jack Harlow ~ Lovin On Me
5 4 129 The Pogues ft Kirsty MacColl ~ Fairytale Of New York
6 7 13 Ed Sheeran and Elton John ~ Merry Christmas
7 6 71 Brenda Lee ~ Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree
8 8 58 Michael Bublé ~ It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas
9 14 13 Tate McRae ~ Greedy
10 12 5 Sam Ryder ~ You're Christmas To Me
51 47 16 Zach Bryan ft Kacey Musgraves ~ I Remember Everything (Peak: 19, 16 weeks - 07/09/2023 to 15/12/2023)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 21 December 2023)
15 December 2023 - 21 December 2023
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) held at No.1 (140 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with HIGHER was a non-mover at No.2 (5 weeks; #1 peak)
Nathan Carter with MUSIC MAN made a debut at No.3
Luke Combs with GETTING’ OLD slipped 3-4 (38 weeks; #1 peak)
Zach Bryan with ZACH BRYAN held at No.5 (12 weeks; #3 peak)
Lisa McHugh with WATCH ME fell 11-18 (7 weeks; #3 peak)

Official UK Country Album Top 20 Chart (Week Ending 28 December 2023)
22 December 2023 - 28 December 2023
Nathan Carter with MUSIC MAN lifted 3-1 (2 weeks; #1 peak)
Taylor Swift with FEARLESS (Taylor’s Version) slipped 1-2 (141 weeks; #1 peak)
Luke Combs with GETTING’ OLD rose 4-3 (39 weeks; #1 peak)
Chris Stapleton with HIGHER fell 2-4 (6 weeks; #1 peak)
Zach Bryan with ZACH BRYAN was a non-mover No.5 (13 weeks; #3 peak)

COUNTRY ALBUM RELEASES (Major)
(15 Dec 2023) Willie Nelson & Various Artists - Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 (Live at the Hollywood Bowl) (Sony Music Entertainment,) 53 songs, about 3 hr 15 min

BILLBOARD/ MEDIABASE Charts

Big Loud, Wallen, Zimmerman Top ’23
To the surprise of exactly no one who listened to any radio at all this year, Morgan Wallen is 2023’s Country Aircheck/ Mediabase top airplay artist. His six top 15 singles, three No. 1s, six weeks at the chart pinnacle and three of the top 10 songs of the year powered Big Loud to the Label of the Year crown.
A deeper look at the airplay totals, however, reveals a less obvious but no less momentous story. The No. 1 song of 2023 – Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock And A Hard Place” – begins to tell the tale. Only his second single to date, that song joined “Religiously” (No. 35) and “Fall In Love” (No. 47) in putting Zimmerman at No. 4 on the top airplay performers list. Above him at No. 3, Lainey Wilson. Her “Heart Like A Truck” (No. 9), “Watermelon Moonshine” (No. 39) and Hardy collab “Wait In The Truck” (No. 23) put her in the top 10 performers for the first time. In fact, Zimmerman and Wilson are joined by Jordan Davis, Tyler Hubbard and Jelly Roll in breaking into the top 10.

Beyond the five artists making their top 10 debut, Wallen only cracked the top 10 for the first time in 2020, while Kane Brown (2018) and Luke Combs (2017) are also relatively new airplay stalwarts. For 2023, it’s only Thomas Rhett and Jason Aldean checking in as long-tenured radio staples. 

In Brief: Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of December 16, 2023) Starts Sun Dec 17, Ends Sat Dec 23, 2023
Billboard Country Charts (Chart issue week of December 16, 2023)
Country Album Chart ** No.1 (32 non-consecutive weeks) ** ONE THING AT A TIME Morgan Wallen
Hot Country Songs ** No.1 (12 weeks) ** “I Remember Everything” Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves
Country Airplay ** No.1 (1 week) ** “World On Fire” Nate Smith
Country Digital Songs ** No.1 ** “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” Brenda Lee

Billboard 200
Nicki Minaj’s PINK FRIDAY 2 debuted atop the Billboard 200 albums chart (dated Dec. 23), marking her third leader — and the most No. 1s among female rappers. She previously led the tally with Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded in 2012 and her debut studio set Pink Friday in 2011.
Pink Friday 2 launches with 228,000 equivalent album units earned in the U.S. in the week ending Dec. 14, according to Luminate. That sum marks the largest week for a rap album by a woman in the 2020s decade, and the biggest for an R&B/hip-hop album by a woman this year.
The set also sold 25,000 copies sold on vinyl — the largest week for a rap album by a woman since Luminate began electronically tracking sales in 1991.

Of Pink Friday 2’s 228,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending Dec. 14, SEA units comprise 129,000 (equaling 169.87 million on-demand official streams of the 22 songs on the streaming edition of the album), album sales comprise 92,000 and TEA units comprise 7,000.
With 169.87 million on-demand official streams generated by Pink Friday 2’s songs, the set garners Minaj’s largest streaming week ever, the 2020s decade’s biggest streaming week for a rap album by a woman, and 2023’s largest streaming week for any R&B/hip-hop album by a woman.
As Pink Friday 2 sold 92,000 copies, the album registers the biggest sales week for any rap album by a woman in the 2020s decade and the largest sales week for an R&B/hip-hop album by a woman in 2023.

Morgan Wallen’s ONE THING AT A TIME fell 4-6 (63,000; down 3%)

Billboard Hot 100
Mariah Carey‘sAll I Want for Christmas Is You” returned to No.1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as it adds a 13th total week at the chart’s highest bough.
The carol reigns in a record-extending fifth holiday season. It was originally released on Carey’s album Merry Christmas in November 1994 and, as streaming has grown and holiday music has become more prominent on streaming services’ playlists, it hit the Hot 100’s top 10 for the first time in December 2017 and the top five for the first time in the 2018 holiday season. It led at last, prior to this week, over the holidays in 2019 (for three weeks), 2020 (two), 2021 (three) and 2022 (four).

No. 1 in a fifth season: Carey’s “Christmas” is the first song to top the Hot 100 in five distinct runs on the chart, its latest coronation following its commands in the 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 holiday seasons. (Just one other song has led in each of even two stays: Chubby Checker’s “The Twist,” in in 1960 and 1962.)

The song tops the Hot 100 after Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” spent the last two weeks at No. 1, having led for the first time 65 years after its release.

Billboard the Year-End Charts: Billboard first launched the annual year-end charts back in the 1940s, and they have been published every year since. What exactly are these charts? They represent aggregated metrics for each artist, title, label and music contributor on the weekly charts dated Nov. 19, 2022, to Oct. 21, 2023. Visit Billboard‘s 2023 year-end charts here .

Country Year-End Review
Country music was hotter in 2023 than it has been in decades, and that current popularity came alongside a revival of the genre’s past.
Nothing illustrated country’s heat more this last year than its unprecedented chart performance during the summer. Jason Aldean’s “Try That in a Small Town,” Morgan Wallen’s “Last Night” and Luke Combs’ “Fast Car” gave country the top three titles on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 dated Aug. 5 for the first time in history.
Oliver Anthony Music’s “Rich Men North of Richmond” joined Wallen and Combs to repeat the feat on the Aug. 26 chart.

Country was exceedingly hot during 2023. Wallen, Combs, Strait and Kenny Chesney were all out filling stadiums, as was Time magazine’s person of the year, Taylor Swift, whose journey to cultural influence started in country music. If the genre could fully turn the corner in its outreach to listeners of ethnic backgrounds, on top of its existing base, there’s no telling how much further it could soar. But it’ll be tough to outdo its 2023 performance.

There were upticks in these 3 measures. After a continued decline in Album sales (pure) since 2011 this year saw it’s first year on year increase by 15.5% to 7,478,000 total country album sales for 2023 as of Dec 11, 2023. This years increase was helped enormously by 3 factors:
a) Morgan Wallen’s 41 week No.1 ONE THING AT A TIME b) Luke Combs’s set GETTIN' OLD and c) Taylor Swift’s versions of  SPEAK NOW (Taylor's Version) , RED (Taylor's Version) & FEARLESS (Taylor's Version) which were a constant on the Billboard Country Albums top 25 chart.
However, compared to 10 years ago country album sales are 80% down and 85% down compared to 2008.
Digital song sales have not been available for several years now probably due to the huge drop off whilst on-demand streaming progressively rose.
                                
                                     2022                    2023 
Album Consumption  69,980,000          85,571,000 +22.3% 

Album Sales               6,457,000            7,478,000   +15.8%

Audio On-Demand     81,866,507,000   101,378,018,000  +23.8%

Year On Year comparison of US Country Album Sales based on data 3rd week in September (Digital album sales are also counted within album sales)
2022: 4,985,000 -22% year-on-year
2021: 6,395,000
2020: 6,259,000
2019: 7,087,000
2018: 11,401,000 (9,986,000 pure sales) | Albums Total for the year = 14,549,000 -26.5%
2017: 14,343,000 | Albums Total for the year = 19,786,000
2016: 17,359,000
2015: 19,612,000 | Albums Total for the year = 26,441,000 (Physical sales 17,002,000 (down 9%) + Digital sales 9,438,000 (down -0.4%))
2014: 20,715,000  | Albums Total for the year = 30,616,000 (Physical sales 20,964,000 (down 9%) + Digital sales 9,652,000 (down -8.2%)) which was 17.0% down on 2013
2013: no Sept data | Albums Total for the year = 36,901,000 total sales (Physical sales 26,384,000 + Digital sales 10,518,000)
2012: 28 million  | Total for year sales (44.6 million) were up 4.3% (25.3% percent of total country album sales were digital, far lower than the 37% all-genre average) . Top Selling Billboard Artists: Taylor Swift (No. 2; 4.062 million), Jason Aldean (No. 6; 1.855 million), Carrie Underwood (No. 9; 1.497 million) and Luke Bryan (No. 10; 1.432 million) placed inside the year’s Top Ten Artists by total album sales.
2011: 29 million | Albums Total for the year = 42.92 million

Country Music album sales (millions) in the United States from 2008 to 2013
Year                  2008     2009     2010     2011     2012     2013 
Country              47.66    46.13    43.72    42.92    44.6      36.46                          

Nate Smith earned his second consecutive career-opening No.1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart (dated Dec. 23) with “World on Fire” (Arista Nashville/RCA Nashville). The song increased by 9% to 29.8 million audience impressions Dec. 8-14, according to Luminate.

Smith first led the list with “Whiskey on You” for two weeks in February.

“If you would’ve told me in 2018 that right now I’d be celebrating not my first but my second No. 1 at country radio, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Smith told Billboard. “In December 2018, I was absolutely devastated from the fact that my hometown of Paradise, Calif., had just been destroyed by a fire. I had nothing left to my name, but friends and family came around and helped push me forward.”

“World on Fire” is the 19th song to notch its first week at No.1 on Country Airplay during 2023. Smith is the seventh artist to score multiple leaders this year, joining Luke Combs, Jelly Roll and Morgan Wallen, with three apiece, and Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman, each with two.

DOING ‘ALL’ RIGHT IN THE TOP 10 Chris Janson netted his sixth Country Airplay top10 as “All I Need Is You” (BMLG) rose to No.9, up 6% to 17.2 million in audience. He last visited the tier with “Done,” which reigned for two weeks in August 2020, marking his second chart-topper.

Meanwhile, Luke Combs earndc his 20th straight career-opening top 10 on the list (counting only singles promoted to radio) as “Where the Wild Things Are” (River House/Columbia Nashville) pushed to No.10 (16.6 million, up 16%). Carrie Underwood boasts the longest career-starting streak of Country Airplay top 10s, with 27 in 2005-18. After Combs’ 20, Tracy Lawrence now ranks third with 19 consecutive career-launching top 10s in 1992-97. Overall, Keith Urban has linked the longest such run: 38 straight top 10s in 2000-17.

Country Airplay
** No.1 (1 week) ** “World on Fire” Nate Smith 29.784 million audience (+2.557 million gain) / 7346 radio plays (+550)
** Most Increased Audience ** No.3 “Everything I Love” Morgan Wallen
** Hot Shot Debut ** No.58 “Ain't About You” HunterGirl
Debut No.60 “Chevrolet”  Dustin Lynch Featuring Jelly Roll

NEWS
(11 Dec 2023) Lineup Announced for New Faces of Country Music Show at CRS 2024
(Nashville, Tenn. – Dec 11, 2023) The Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has unveiled the lineup for the New Faces of Country Music® Show at CRS 2024 (WEBSITE). This year's showcase will feature performances by George Birge (Records Nashville), Dillon Carmichael (Riser House), Corey Kent (SMN/RCA), Megan Moroney (SMN/Columbia), and Conner Smith (Valory Music).

Chuck Aly, CRS New Faces Committee Chairman, states, "With five of 2023’s top 10 airplay artists earning that distinction for the first time, there’s no doubt country music is surging at every level. The 2024 New Faces class is another prime example, and yet one more reason to look forward to the country industry’s most important B2B event – CRS.”
The New Faces of Country Music Show serves as a platform to showcase five emerging artists who have achieved notable success on Country Radio during the qualification period, which spans from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, for the 2024 show. The New Faces of Country Music Show will take place on Friday, March 1, during CRS 2024.

(12 Dec 2023) Roster Update: Pop artist Gavin DeGraw has joined the Sony Music Nashville artist roster, while recent departures from the label group's country roster include Drew Green, Ryan Hurd, Andrew Jannakos, Jameson Rodgers and Rachel Wammack.

(12 Dec 2023) TV Winner: The 2024 CMT Listen Up artists are Alana SpringsteenAngie KAnne WilsonCarter FaithCharles Wesley GodwinChayce BeckhamDylan MarloweElla LangleyFancy HagoodJake WorthingtonJordyn ShellhartRvshvd, The Castellows and Wyatt Flores. The year-long initiative offers cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and the Paramount Media Network.

(12 Dec 2023) The Grand Ole Opry and Opry NextStage hosted “Opry NextStage Live” on Dec. 6, which served as a year-end celebration for this year’s Opry NextStage Class.

The show included performances by 2023 members Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent and Kameron MarloweLainey Wilson was the evening’s emcee and headliner. The festivities wrapped a busy year for this class of eight acts, as they collectively scored two No. 1s, released 10 albums, earned 17 major award nominations and took the Opry stage 23 times.
 

(12 Dec 2023) Carrie Underwood has extended her “Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency” with six new dates in October 2024. The announcement comes on the heels of last week’s sold-out performances at the Resorts World Theatre.

Following her run of sold-out “Reflection” performances this past September, Underwood returned to the Resorts World Theatre stage on Nov. 29 to kick off her final run of residency shows for this year. Playing now through Saturday (Dec. 16), the run of remaining 2023 performances includes various Christmas songs from her album, My Gift (Special Edition), and other holiday favorites, which she has added nightly to the show as a special treat to celebrate the season.

(13 Dec 2023) American Idol season 21 contestant Haven Madison has signed with 19 Recordings/BMG.


“I had the privilege of working at companies where Faith Hill and Taylor Swift began their careers,” says BMG Nashville President Jon Loba. “While Haven Madison is not a country artist, she has the same spirit and clarity Faith and Taylor had about what their vision was for their careers, along with a razor sharpness about who they were and what they wanted to say to the world. We can’t wait for everyone to hear Haven’s music and see her evolution over the last year.”

Having released music independently since 2020, Madison’s discography includes tracks “Already Gone” and “Therapy” as well as an EP, All The Things I Didn’t Say.


Competing on Season 21 of ABC’s American Idol last year and making it to the final Top 8, Haven proved her incomparable vocal and songwriting chops early on in the competition. Performing her own original songs like the wistful “Fifteen” and heartfelt “Still Need You” that she wrote about her brother’s fight against depression and suicide, Haven earned instant and ample praise from all the judges - Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie - and even guest judge Ed Sheeran throughout her run on the show. Keep Up With Haven Madison WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK |


(14 Dec 2023) Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally‘s Shucked is coming to Nashville, making its debut at Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s Jackson Hall Nov. 5 – 10, 2024. The Music City dates will be the start of the Tony Award-winning musical comedy’s North American tour.

Shucked is currently playing on Broadway at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City. It has received limitless praise from critics and theater fans alike, is currently nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.


(14 Dec 2023) CRS 2024 Panel To Feature Nashville Label Heads: In a panel titled “Leadership, Strategy, And Optimizing Country’s Surge In 2024” at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar (CRS), prominent label heads will come together to offer a comprehensive exploration of the current state and the burgeoning moment in the country music industry.

Scheduled for Friday, March 1, the panelists include Randy Goodman (Sony Music Nashville), Ben Kline (Warner Music Nashville), Cris Lacy (Warner Music Nashville), Jon Loba (BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville) and Cindy Mabe (Universal Music Group Nashville). It will be moderated by Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association (CMA).


(14 Dec 2023) Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, More Added To ‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’: More performers have been added to New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash, the special hosted by Elle King and Entertainment Tonight’s Rachel Smith.
Trace Adkins, Grace Bowers, Kane Brown, Jackson Dean, Hardy, Cody Johnson, Parker McCollum, Megan Moroney, Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Trombone Shorty, Morgan Wallen and Bailey Zimmerman have been added to the star-studded list of performers set to help ring in the New Year on the Music City special.
 

(15 Dec 2023) One Man Brand: Old Dominion has partnered with Good Time Design on a new bar concept, Odie's, opening next summer at the former location of ReBar (1919 Division) in Nashville. “We wanted it to be a place where a group of songwriters who might have a band could play,” says the group's Trevor Rosen, “or someone starting out might be able to be part of a writers thing and get heard. You know, pay it forward because all these years later, we know it works. That’s much better than just a temple to who we think we are.” Watch the announcement HERE.

 

(15 Dec 2023) Tornado Relief: Hardy, Nate Smith, Alana Springsteen, Dylan Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, Abby Anderson, Trey Lewis, Graham Barham, Payton Smith and Jay Allen are among the artists performing a Dec. 17 Nashville tornado relief benefit concert, Unplugged For Tennessee, at Exit/In. Proceeds benefit Hands On Nashville and the American Red Cross – Tennessee Region to help out in the aftermath of the Dec. 9 tornadoes that claimed six lives.

“Nashville always seems to find a way to heal and come together after a tragedy,” said Matt Wilson, Founder of Media Farm Agency. “And music is a universal part of the healing process in our city. This benefit came together extremely fast, thanks to the help of our team and our great friends that wanted to make a difference in the lives of those impacted by the storm. We are so thankful for the artists who volunteered so quickly to help and donate their time and talent for such a worthy cause.”


(18 Dec 2023) Town & Country: Songwriter Bridgette Tatum has departed SoNash Publishing, which she co-created and where she served as VP . She plans to focus on her own production and artist creative/mentoring services venture, Tatum Town. As a songwriter, Tatum has had more than 100 cuts, including Jason Aldean's "She's Country."

 

(18 Dec 2023) All Things At A Time: Beyond the obvious – Morgan Wallen and Big Loud atop airplay rankings – 2023 has been a sea change in country music, and the details are in Country Aircheck's December print issue. Five of the top 10 airplay artists make their debut on the list this year. The genre's recorded music market share, and the format's ratings share, are both up. In The Interview, Jason Aldean gives insight into his career. CMA radio winners share their stories. And labels preview their 2024 music priorities. Get the issue here.

(19 Dec 2023) Reba McEntire Reveals Her Secret to Feeling Joyful and Reflects on Her First-Ever Season on The Voice (PEOPLE Exclusive). McEntire had two contestants heading into Tuesday night's finale: Jacquie Roar and Ruby Leigh.

 

GOSSIP

Christmas will be a whole lot quieter this year in Luke Bryan's household: His family has decided to skip Pranksmas this year.For those not in the know, Pranksmas is the Bryan family's annual tradition of pulling pranks on each other. Gags, jump scares, spooky masks and good old fashioned air horns are just a few favorite tools of Pranksmas, which usually lasts all December long. Spearheaded by the singer's prank-loving wife Caroline, Pranksmas takes aim at all members of the family: Nobody is safe, not even Bryan's kids or his 76-year-old mother, LeClair… Read More 


AMERICANA NEWS
(13 Dec 2023) Americana On Your Screens: Molly Tuttle - Where Did All the Wild Things Go? (Live)

(17 Dec 2023) Americana Duo The Glass Hours share new single from their debut LP
The Glass Hours are American songwriters Brad Armstrong and Megan Barbera. Their music blurs between Sunday afternoon country-folk and the golden age of the 1970s. Their self-titled nine-song debut album will be released by Cornelius Chapel Records on March 1, 2024. With the exception of Sue Westcott on fiddle (Chet Atkins, Tom Jones), the album was written, performed, recorded and produced by Brad and Megan in Brad’s home studio in Red Hook, New York.

Americana UK premiered their new single "Scarlet Tongues"


Combining influences from Megan’s mountain roots and Brad’s southern roots, The Glass Hours (WEBSITE) is currently based in New York's Hudson Valley. Prior to forming The Glass Hours, Megan and Brad have written, performed and recorded for various independent projects. Megan’s songs have been licensed worldwide to brands such as Naturalizer Shoes and San Miguel Beverage Co. Brad was a member of Alabama’s Dexateens, 13ghosts and Maria Taylor’s touring band, and has supported artists like Jason Isbell, Alabama Shakes, Drive-By Truckers, John Moreland, Meat Puppets, Azure Ray and Magnolia Electric Company, among many others. 


(18 Dec 2023) Americana act The Steel Wheels have shared new single “Yes I Know” (tagged Folk )from forthcoming album SIDEWAYS, out February 9, 2024 (Pre-order/pre-save Sideways)

Speaking about the song, The Steel Wheels’ Trent Wagler said: ““Yes I Know” dips into that feeling when you can see the moment you’re in with someone else as a beautiful moment, while simultaneously seeing the future-that no relationship is static. Is “forever” a useful idea to comfort our fears? Maybe, or maybe it can be inspiring to remember all relationships will eventually end. For me, there are times of year when forever feels more real than others: The heat of the summer, when the days last 16 hours feel full of forever energy, while the month or so of leaves changing in the fall always confronts me with change and the passage of time. 
 The video (Watch Here) for the song started as more of a 2-week autumnal leaf study. I live in Harrisonburg, VA down the block from a beautiful city park. I wanted to try to film the changing of the leaves, so I started recording the same video every day for a couple of weeks in October/November. The video logs my small daily nature walks and the transformative show of the seasonal shifts. “

(22 Dec 2023) The staff at the Americana Music Association want to wish you a happy holiday season with some new festive tunes. Listen to their new holiday playlist SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC

MUSIC NEWS
(12 Dec 2023) Taylor Swift has donated $1 million (£795,000) to help support those affected by the recent tornadoes in Tennessee. Severe storms and tornadoes swept through parts of the U.S. state on Saturday, killing at least six people and causing extensive property damage.
In response to the devastation, the 33-year-old singer made a sizeable donation to the Tennessee Emergency Response Fund at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. On Monday, CEO Hal Cato confirmed Swift's contribution to the organisation, which helps residents by providing financial assistance, food, temporary housing, and debris clean-up.
Swift previously donated $1 million to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund in March 2020 to support victims of those tornadoes.

AWARDS
(14 Dec 2023) Luke Combs was presented the 2023 CMA International Artist Achievement Award and New Zealand-born artist Kaylee Bell the CMA Jeff Walker Global Artist Award during events surrounding the 57th Annual CMA Awards. SEE BLOG POST

(20 Dec 2023) The second annual People’s Choice Country Awards will return in 2024, airing live from the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock.

2023’s inaugural show, hosted by Opry members Little Big Town, recognized country talent with winners chosen entirely by the fans across various categories. Throughout the night, Toby Keith and Wynonna Judd were honored with awards, and viewers were treated to star-studded performances from Blake SheltonCarly PearceDan + ShayHardyJelly RollKane BrownKelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and more.

TOUR / LIVE EVENTS
(11 Dec 2023) Tour Support: Big Loud's Larry Fleet kicks off the 21-city Earned It Tour Feb. 15 in Johnson City, TN, wrapping April 19 in Houston. Support includes Austin WilliamsDalton Dover and Everette.
Fellow Big Loud artist Hailey Whitters will headline the Can't Tie'r Down Tour beginning Feb. 15 in St. Louis and concluding March 30 in Warrendale, PA.

Carrie Underwood has added six new October 2024 dates to her Reflection Las Vegas residency.

(11 Dec 2023) Miranda Lambert, Billy Strings and Turnpike Troubadours are set to headline the Under The Big Sky Music, Rodeo & Roundup Festival in Whitefish, Montana July 12-14.

Others slated to perform at the panoramic 360-acre Big Mountain Ranch include Tanya Tucker, Brothers Osborne, Sierra Ferrell, Paul Cauthen, Charles Wesley Godwin, City and ColourMt. Joy, Zach Top and more.

(12 Dec 2023) Just So Metal: Columbia's Megan Moroney joins the RIAA's "Class of 2023" as one of 57 artists across all genres earning first-time gold or platinum certifications. She has the highest solo certification in the country genre with her double platinum single, “Tennessee Orange.” Also making this year's class are Katelyn Brown (double platinum duet "Thank God" with husband Kane Brown), Hailey Whitters (platinum single "Everything She Ain't") and gold-certified Bryan MartinIan Munsick and Wyatt Flores. 

(12 Dec 2023) Festive All: Keith UrbanThomas Rhett and Luke Bryan will headline GoldenSky Country Music Festival Oct. 18-20 at Discovery Park in Sacramento. The lineup also includes Bailey ZimmermanRiley GreenGabby Barrett and more

(15 Dec 2023) Thinkin' Bout NYE: Artists including Kane BrownJackson DeanHardyCody JohnsonParker McCollumMegan Moroney, Brothers OsborneJon PardiCarly PearceBlake SheltonMorgan Wallen and Bailey Zimmerman have been added to the New Year's Eve Live: Nashville's Big Bash lineup.
Additionally, CMT/SXM's Cody Alan and CBS' Lonnie Quinn will be corresponding from New York City’s Times Square, along with performer Dustin Lynch. The show airs live Dec. 31 beginning at 7:30pm ET on CBS and Paramount+.

TV
(12 Dec 2023) Lainey Wilson performed "Wildflowers And Wildhorses" on ABC's Jimmy Kimmel Live (Dec 12).

(14 Dec 2023) Performances from Thursday night's (Dec 14) CMA Country Christmas included:

Jon Pardi's "Beer For Santa"

Lainey Wilson and Zach Williams' "Go Tell It On A Mountain"

Jordan Davis' "O Come All Ye Faithful"

The War And Treaty's "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)"

Ashley McBryde and Lindsey Sterling's "You're A Mean One, Mr Grinch"

Trisha Yearwood and Amy Grant's "Hark The Herald Angels Sing"


Watch the show on the BBC iPlayer LINK and on TV on Fri 22 December 2023 20:30 BBC FOUR

PRESS RELEASES
(12 Dec 2023) Oklahoma native/Texas-based troubadour Corey Kent is adding to his monumental year with the upcoming release of his new project, ’23a one take, stripped-back project that Kent made specifically for his fans—out December 28th (PRE-SAVE HERE).  This also comes alongside the announcement that Corey will return to the UK in January 2024 to support Ashley McBryde, which kicks off on the 17th January in Southampton and includes Eventim Apollo in London on the 20th January.
The announce was accompanied by the release of “Southeast Oklahoma Pines,” a love letter that pays homage to his hometown of Broken Bow, Oklahoma.

(12 Dec 2023) NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Following an explosive year with numerous sold-out shows across North America, multi-Platinum country rocker Brantley Gilbert gears up for the Off The Rails Tour 2024, with special guests Dylan Marlowe, Struggle Jennings and Demun Jones. To purchase tickets and for additional information, visit BrantleyGilbert.com.
“I can’t wait to hit the road and give BG Nation a taste of how we’ve been amping things up for the Off The Rails Tour,” shares Gilbert. “I’m a big fan of all the guys joining us, so I’m really looking forward to what they’ll bring to the whole show.


(12 Dec 2023) NEW YORK, NY - Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, released Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl, produced by Blackbird Presents, in deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray, Digital and 2xLP configurations on Friday, Dec. 15.

The digital edition of Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl features 52 performances including 13 digital-only bonus tracks exclusive to this release. 

So far, four preview tracks have been released including Dave Matthews (who inducted Willie into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last month) doing "Funny How Time Slips Away," The Avett Brothers (who joined Willie earlier this fall for his yearly Outlaw Festival tour) performing "Pick Up The Tempo," Willie's son Lukas Nelson delivering a gorgeous version of "Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground" and a just-released, all-star chorus of dozens of guests joining Willie for a rendition of "On The Road Again" coupled with "Happy Birthday."

The deluxe 2CD+Blu-ray edition of Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl includes three-hours of video performances from the concert along with three video bonus performances, 39 audio tracks and a multi-page booklet. A 2xLP vinyl edition featuring select highlights from the event will also be available Friday, Dec. 15. Both configurations can be pre-ordered and singles can be previewed HERE.

2023 has proved a banner year for Willie, who recorded two new studio albums for Legacy: I Don't Know a Thing About Love (Willie's musical tribute to legendary American songwriter Harlan Howard, released in March) and Bluegrass (Willie performing 12 of his favorite self-penned classics with a bluegrass ensemble). Released Sept. 15, Willie's Bluegrass entered the Billboard Bluegrass Albums chart (Sept. 30) at No. 1, marking his first appearance on the chart in its 21-year history. Willie's roots-inspired album has been nominated for the Grammy Award in the Best Bluegrass Album category.

(14 Dec 2023) Nashville, TN - Multi-platinum and Billion streaming band Parmalee will kick off 2024 with a performance of their new single “Gonna Love You” on ABC’s Good Morning America on Tuesday, January 9

“This has been such a great year for us, and we are thrilled to start 2024 with the television debut of ‘Gonna Love You,’” said lead singer Matt Thomas. “This song and the music video are so important to us and give a glimpse into some of the adversity we have encountered. But it's always been about the music and our fans, and we absolutely would not be here without their incredible support.”

(19 Dec 2023) DALLAS, TX– Christian country music artist,
Lady Redneck released her highly Christian anticipated album, GOD SO LOVED THE WORLD on December 22, 2023. The album features ten inspirational tracks, including five chart-topping hits, and it is sure to captivate listeners with its powerful messages of faith and love. Originally from Blackfoot, Idaho, Lady Redneck discovered her love for music at a young age while playing in her family band, Dusty Boots. Now, based in Dallas, Texas, she has made a name for herself as a solo artist, earning the respect of both fans and critics alike.

God So Loved The World” is described as “a true reflection of Lady Redneck’s small-town roots and unwavering faith”. Each song tells a story that is relatable and honest, making her music resonate with listeners from all walks of life. The album features three #1 hits on the UK iTunes Christian/Gospel Songs chart, including “Pray for Peace,” which received a nomination for “Christian Songwriter of the Year” at the Josie Music Awards held at the Grand Ole Opry.
The title track, “God So Loved The World,” released as a single on Sept 29. It has already made an impact on the international music scene, reaching #1 on the UK iTunes and been streamed over 35K times.
Dallas-based Christian and country singer-songwriter released her festive single Silver Bells (written by Jay Livingston, Ray Evans) on December 15th, 2023 to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
For more information on Lady Redneck and her music, visit her website at www.ladyredneck.org.

(23 Dec 2023)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Friday night (Dec 22), Amy Grant and Vince Gill celebrated their 100th show at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium as part of their sold-out 2023 “Christmas at the Ryman” residency.

This achievement also makes Grant and Gill the first artists to headline 100 shows at the Ryman. Grammy-nominated stand-up comedian and Nashville native Nate Bargatze surprised the duo on stage with a Hatch Show Print commemorating the 12-show run and centennial milestone. 
 Since the first show in 2008, “Christmas at the Ryman” has become one of Music City’s most treasured traditions, with fans from across the country and worldwide flocking to the historic venue to take in the holiday sounds of two of Nashville’s most cherished performers. Over the years, the husband-and-wife duo has filled the show with Christmas favorites such as “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “Tennessee Christmas,” “O Holy Night,” and “O Come All Ye Faithful.” 

INTERVIEWS
(13 Dec 2023) Interview: Eric Paslay on UK crowds, ‘Perfect Stranger’ EP and what’s coming next EF COUNTRY by Laura Cooney

(14 Dec 2023) Brooke Eden Opens Up About Challenging The Conventions Of Country and more!


(14 Dec 2023) CBS MORNINGS:  Willie Nelson shares the secret to writer's block and his approach to songwriting: "I haven't quit"
"I wrote this thing one time that says, 'I don't really want to write another song but don't tell that to my mind.' It keeps throwing out words and I have to make 'em rhyme." — On the heels of his book release, Energy Follows Thought, Willie Nelson sits down on CBS Mornings to discuss his songwriting and chronicles the highlights of his career. Watch here

(14 Dec 2023) Maren Morris sat down for an interview with Howard Stern covering everything from her recent split with husband Ryan Hurd to the time she auditioned for American Idol but didn’t make the cut. Maren shared was rejected by “American Idol” and also honored the late Christine McVie with a cover of Fleetwood Mac's "Songbird".

REVIEWS
(11 Dec 2024) Megan Moroney shimmered and shined during her sold-out show at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville on Thursday night (Dec. 7). “The Lucky Tour” stop also marked milestone moments for the up-and-coming star. Splashes of pink light and disco ball reflections swirled as the unforgettable night unfolded. Logan Crosby and Mackenzie Carpenter were the two openers.

WATCH
ICYMI: The latest season of Dancing with the Stars recently came to an end. Co-hosts Julianne Hough and Alfonso Ribeiro celebrated the finale with a special holiday-themed performance. They united to sing and dance to the classic Christmas tune, “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town” (watch on YouTube) In addition to being actors, television personalities, and former competitors on DWTS (Hough was a pro, Ribeiro was the star who won Season 19), both Ribeiro and Hough are singers. Julianne is a two-time ACM Award-winning country artist.

(14 Dec 2023) Cody Johnson performed “Away In A Manger" with Carl and Sheila Johnson, "Santa Claus Is Back In Town," "If We Make It Through December" and "I’ll Be Home For Christmas" during his CMT Christmas special.

Jon Pardi sang "400 Horsepower Sleigh" on NBC's Today (12/14).

(17 Dec 2024) Performances from Sunday night's (Dec 17) airing of Willie Nelson's 90th Birthday Celebration on CBS included a group "On The Road Again" singalong, Nelson and Sheryl Crow's "Far Away Places," The Chicks' "Bloody Mary Morning," Dave Matthews' "Funny How Time Slips Away," Nelson and Snoop Dogg's "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die," and Chris Stapleton's "Always On My Mind."

(18 Dec 2023) Award Winning Country Singer-Songwriter Brenda Cay was announced as American Songwriters Lyric Winner for 2024. Her single  "Remind Me of Me" dropped on December 8, 2023 and her music video now is available HERE

(18 Dec 2023) Happy Holidays from CMA! During this holiday season, the Country Music Association take time to celebrate how you inspired them throughout 2023.



BABY NEWS
Crib Note: Zac Brown Band's Caroline Jones and her husband, professional sailor Nick Dana, welcomed their first child, son Declan Tudor Dana, at their home Nov. 29. She called the birth "the most intense, raw and surreal experience of my life" in a social media post Friday (12/15). "Nick and I are overjoyed, overwhelmed, and very grateful to be able to soak up this time as a new family of three."

BIRTHDAYS
Birthdays in the week ahead
December 18: Tracy Byrd (1966), Cledus T Judd (1964)
December 19: the late Bill Carlisle (Carlisles) (1908; died March 17, 2003 (aged 94)), the late Little Jimmy Dickens (1920; died Jan 2, 2015 (aged 94), Janie Fricke (1947)
December 21: Albert Lee (1953), Lee Roy Parnell (1956), Christy Forester (Forester Sisters) (1962), Eric Gunderson (Love And Theft)
Birthday 22: Chuck Mead (BR5-49) (1960), Hawkshaw Hawkins - (1921; died March 5, 1963 (aged 41); in the 1963 plane crash that also killed country stars Patsy Cline and Cowboy Copas), Lori McKenna Lorraine Giroux (1968)
Birthday 25: Jimmy Buffett (1946), Barbara Mandrell (1948), Steve Wariner (1954), the late Kimber Clayton (1964; died Aug 14, 2006 at the age of 41 due to kidney disease complications) Alecia Elliott (1982), Alicia Alba (formerly The Adelaides) , Lucas Nelson (1988)
December 26: Audrey Wiggins (1967), Jenna Johnson (Track 45),
December 27: Karla Bonoff (1951), Shay Mooney (Dan + Shay), Walker Hayes (1979), Thomm Jutz (1969)
December 28: the late Joe Diffie (1958), Marcus Hummon (1960), Marty Roe (Diamond Rio) (1960), Cathy Burch (Burch Sisters) (1960)