Legendary Southern Gospel Group, Brian Free & Assurance announce the release of their two-disc 30th Anniversary Collection, coming this Friday April 21st. The group will be having a Pandora Southern Gospel station takeover in celebration. They also have support from Apple Music on this release with the launch of an Essentials playlist as well as a re-discover launch from Amazon Music. Click HERE to listen.
Alexis Wilkins, one of today’s leading new female vocalists announces the pre-save availability of her 6-song EP, Grit. Pre-orders/pre-saves are now available. The EP’s new single, “Heaven In A Stetson” is available on April 12th, and is the follow-up to “Stand. Her music is released on Saddle Up Records, with distribution by AWAL. Pre-save Grit Here.
The beloved Christian music group, Newsboys, is releasing “He Lives”, the first of multiple digital singles they intend to release in 2023, in anticipation of their latest recording project. Written by Chris McClarney and Church of the City (Franklin, TN), “He Lives” is available now on all streaming platforms on March 31, 2023. Listen HERE
Billy Blue Records signs on high-energy traditional bluegrass band, Carson Peters and Iron Mountain. Making numerous appearances internationally and at the esteemed Grand Ole Opry, the group is one of the hottest new artists in the genre, making a name for themselves by bringing a contagious atmosphere to their fans in concert.
One of today’s leading and most innovative bluegrass artists, Darin and Brooke Aldridge, enlist the legendary Ricky Skaggs, the renowned vocal stylist Mo Pitney, and uber musician and producer Mark Fain for a wonderful version of the Gospel classic, “Jordan.” The Bluegrass Situation is set to premiere the video on Wednesday, March 22nd. The song and video will go worldwide on Friday, March 24th, on YouTube HERE.
UFO’s over major cities, natural disasters on our beaches, chemical spills in the Heartland, and all manner of chaos around the globe can’t stop Tom MacDonald (if that shit couldn’t, he sure as hell won’t be cancelled, by the way). Today, the chart-toppling independent artist, producer, visionary, and Hangover Gang Founder joins forces with multiplatinum country icon John Rich for the appropriately titled new single and music video “End Of The World.”
Multi-platinum singer/songwriter John Rich was honored this week by the State of Tennessee and Dickson County with the installation of a “Tennessee Music Pathways” marker honoring his contributions to the state’s rich musical heritage. At the marker reveal in downtown Dickson, Rich shared memories of his time attending Dickson County High School his senior year. Rich was joined by city leaders Dickson County Mayor Bob Rial, City of Dickson Mayor Dr. Don L. Weiss, State Representative Jody Barrett, Tennessee Dept. of Tourist Development Assistant Commissioner Melanie Beauchamp, along with civic and community leaders. The event was hosted at the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum.
Platinum country star RaeLynn, is officially releasing her new single, “Broken One” along with a music video going live at midnight on Friday, March 10th. The brand-new song penned by Justin Morgan, Jason Duke, and RaeLynn herself, is raw, honest, and captures her powerful story. This is the second single released off her upcoming album, Funny Girl, coming August 2023. Pre-Save “Broken One” HERE.
RaeLynn’s unique sound and approach to songwriting is authentic and real. “Broken One” has an extra layer of personal meaning as it is the second part of "Love Triangle" off her Wildhorse album, about growing up in a divorced home and finding love and a marriage that has lasted. RaeLynn’s breathtaking and heartfelt music video captures this story by featuring her husband, daughter, and in-laws.
Nashville Wine Auction raised more than $845K at the 11th annual Pairings event, Nashville’s Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend on February 23rd-25th. Proceeds from the weekend will help fund the fight against cancer through local cancer organizations who provide innovative patient treatment, cancer research, and caregiver/patient support.
Folds of Honor Tennessee raised $204,960 at the annual Drams ‘N Jams fundraising event. This event featured performances from Kameron Marlowe, Tyler Braden, Drew Parker, Matt Thomas of the band Parmalee,
and Jessi Alexander. It also featured a whiskey tasting, both a silent and exciting live bourbon auction and more. Guest speaker, Kelli Campbell, gold star spouse and mother of four, delivered a moving speech about her family and connection to the Folds of Honor mission. This event brought together friends, entertainment, and fun at the Woolworth Theatre in support of Folds of Honor's mission to provide opportunities to the families of our nation’s injured and fallen service members and first responders in the form of scholarships.
Arkansas-bred and Nashville-based singer, songwriter, and artist, Alexis Wilkins, releases a brand-new single and the title track of her upcoming EP, “Grit”. The captivating and traditional country single comes shortly after the release of her previous single, “Stand”. Both are original tracks off Grit, expected to be released this Spring. "Stand" has already seen early success by hitting the top 10 on the iTunes charts, along with 4 million separate impressions. With the goal of making music that holds the tradition and legacy of the songs she grew up on, Grit comes out of the gates with swampy and melodic fiddle played by Jenee Fleenor, coupled with singing steel by Mike Johnson, Cactus Moser, Justin Weaver, and other greats. Her music is released on Saddle Up Records, with distribution by AWAL. Listen to “Grit” here.
Absolutely Gospel announced the nominees for the 2023 Absolutely Gospel Music Awards, which will take place on April 18, 2023. Artists and songwriters who call Daywind Music Group home dominated many top categories, including Song of the Year (8), Album of the Year (5), Progressive Single (7), Bluegrass Artist (6), Musician (6), Artist Songwriter (5), Professional Songwriter (4), Fan Favorite Artist of the Year (4), and more. Karen Peck & New River and Joseph Habedank led all artists with a phenomenal 10 nominations each this year, including Song of the Year and Fan Favorite Artist of the Year nominations or both.
Artists from Billy Blue Records, one of today’s premier bluegrass music labels, were honored with two wins at the 48th Annual SPBGMA Bluegrass Music Awards held at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville, TN, on Saturday, January 28th. Band leaders took center stage as Alan Bibey (Alan Bibey and Grasstowne) took home Mandolin Player of the Year, while Joe Mullins (Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers) took home Banjo Performer of the Year.
Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R.) is releasing “It’s Happening Right Here” on Tuesday, January 31, a shocking documentary that exposes the ways child sex traffickers are infiltrating nearly every big city and small town in the United States. The film, from DNA Films and director Nick Nanton, shows how O.U.R. and other non-profits are assisting law enforcement efforts in Michigan, California, Utah and other states to stop predators from sexually assaulting children as young as seven.
Tribute Quartet, releases their highly-anticipated Daywind album, Always Grace, on January 27th. Comprised of Gary Casto, Josh Singletary, Gus Gaches, and Ian Owens, Tribute Quartet is one of the most dynamic and sought-after male quartets in Gospel music with five #1 songs to their credit in the last two years.
International Bluegrass sensation, and Billy Blue Records artist, Kristy Cox, had a big weekend at the CMAA (Country Music Association of Australia) 51st Golden Guitar Awards in Tamworth, New South Wales. Cox received a well-deserved place in Australasian country music history when she was inducted into the 2023 Hands of Fame. Cox also won her 6th Golden Guitar at this year’s CMAA 51st Toyota® Golden Guitar awards for Bluegrass Recording of the Year for “Good Morning Moon,” a song she also performed live at the show. The song, written by, Jerry Salley and Laura Leigh Jones, was included in her 2022 Shades of Blue album release.
Katie Linendoll, one of the leading women in the field of technology, continues to make a name for herself. Linendoll, having a multitude of passions, pursued hers for music and entered the country music charts in 2022 as she embarked on this new venture. Katie’s new single, “Your Hands” is pure country Americana and one of the most streamed songs within the first week of its release. Listen HERE.
Chapel Hart, Danica, and Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle, the pride of Poplarville, Mississippi have taken the country by storm this year – amassing multiple accolades, accomplishments, chart-topping music, and numerous sold-out tour dates to culminate a banner year for the trio who just kicked off their first headlining tour – Glory Days. For more information on Chapel Hart’s music, tour dates, and more, please visit HERE.
