Nashville Music Guide Holiday Issue 2021 by Nashville Music Guide

p u p Wra 2021 h t wiHoliday guide

Volume 29 | Issue 200

PUBLICIZING SINGERS, WRITERS AND MUSICIANS TO MUSIC ROW & BEYOND SINCE 1995

Over 50 Holiday Must-listen singles and albums Inside!

LUKE COMBS AND CARLY PEARCE ARE THE THE 55TH ANNUAL CMA AWARD WINNERS FOR BEST MALE AND FEMALE VOCALISTS OF THE YEAR

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NashvilleMusicGuide.com 3 Tickets and Overnight Packages on Sale Now! ChristmasatGaylordOpryland.com

Editor’s Notes Nashville Music Guide is wrapping up another year of publication and we are honored to say that after 26 years we are still providing promotions to artists, musicians and writers to Music Row and beyond. Last year shuddered our industry to the core, but there has been light a light at the end of the tunnel this year, live music and life has slowly started to come back. Granted, it is a “new normal” but we will glaly take it and keep progressing forward. For many artists that break before next year for the holidays is much needed. It is a time to relax, rejuvenate and spend time with ones that bring joy to their lives. It is also a time for them to share their holiday spirit through music, show, and more. In this issue we have highlighted several holiday events and music to get you in the spirit. As well as a list of gifts and charitable giving back ideas. Tis the season for giving and thinking of others, the arts - whether it be music or artisans work can be such an uplifting gift. Plus, it is a great way to help an industry that has been hit so badly by the pandemic this year. We will also be hosting a holiday party this year! The Nashville Music Guide’s Jingle and Mingle will be held December 9th at The Troubador in Nashville. It is also a very special party as it will also be a gathering of old friends from the former venue Pick’s Nashville. We partnered with them for years and grew great friendships and connections there and are excited to be able to see some old faces and hopefully some new ones too. The night will include live music by Clay Aery, Dariann Leigh, Olivia West and special guests. Also in this issue, you will find the Country award lists for CMA, BMI, ASCAP, and SESAC in Nashville, our Best of 2021 section which highlights some of our favorites around the city in the Musical Realm of Nashville. We love our city so and love that everyday we get to share all the excitement it has with others. With the return on live music and music events, we are looking forward ot all the great happenings for next year including festivals, conferences, tours, and more. Be on the look out for our Ones to Watch 2022 issue after the first of the year. It is our forecast of what to do, who to be on the look out for and so much more this coming year. We would like to thank all of those that have continues to support us!! Happy Holidays to All! -- Randy Rich & Amanda Andrews NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Publisher & CEO Randy Rich Editor@NashvilleMusicGuide.com 615-973-2188 Managing Editor Amanda Andrews akandrews@NashvilleMusicGuide.com 615-481-5837 Contributors Preshias Harris, Jessica Northey, Rick Amburgey, Sherryl Craig, Steve Kilgore, Jessica Andrews, Captain Joe Kent, Cilene Bosch, Krys Midgett, Jan Braun, Taraya Harvey Photography Bob Coan, Jerry Overcast, Randi Radcliff, Mara Birdwell, Cilene Bosch, Alexandra Arielle, Danielle Del Valle Founder Dan Wunsch HOW TO REACH NMG Press releases, CD Reviews Editor@NashvilleMusicGuide.com

To check out the digital version of this issue as well as back issues of Nashville Music Guide scan the QR Code

Contents

Features 6

Sounds for the Season

Shows of the Season

Opry Conutry Christmas

How Does Christmas Sound?

Amazon Holidays

Pandora & Spotify

Lee Brice Laine Hardy McGuire Noah Smith Cole Swindell

Brantley Gilbert William Lee Golden Jacob Bryant Dallas Remington

Kentucky Headhunters Mandy Barnett Luke Combs Brett Young Thomas Rhett

ACM Awards Jason Aldean Marshall Tucker Joe Nichols

Lee Greenwood Travis Denning Bobby Tomberlin Cadillac Three

Eli Young Band Rock’n’Roll Series Christmas 4 Kids Country Rewind

Elvie Shane Ole Red Alex Miller Justin Moore

Music Venues

Gift of Giving Back

SESAC CountryAwards

Give a Little Christmas

BMI Country Awards

ASCAP CountryAwards

Best of 2021

Holiday Pop-up Bars

Parade of Trees

Local Gifts & Unique Music Finds

Departments 4

Editor’s Letter

Artist on the Rise Sounding Board

Tracy Lawrence Mission Possible

55th CMA Awards

Preshias Stocking Stuffers

Inside Track 30

Ryan Hurd Brad Paisley

CMA Awards CMHoF

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Nashville Music Holiday Holiday guide: Sounds for the Season

1. NEON CHRISTMAN 2. SNOW ANGELS 3. HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS “I love everything about the Christmas season,” 4. NAUGHTY LIST says Mitchell. “Celebrating and hanging out 5. LET IT SNOW! with family and friends. I hope ‘Naughty List’ 6. DON’T HANG THE MISTLETOE will help my fans get into the spirit of the season 7. JOY TO THE WORLD a little early this year.” 8. JINGLE BELL ROCK 9. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN Produced by Mitchell, Jordan M. Schmidt and Lindsay Rimes, Naughty List contains all seven 10. I HOPE IT SNOWS songs on Mitchell’s Neon Christmas released in 11. O HOLY NIGHT

MITCHELL TENPENNY NAUGHTY LIST

2020, as well as four additional tracks including two originals co-written by Mitchell- “Don’t Hang The Mistletoe” and “I Hope It Snows.”

randy travis an old time christmas (Deluxe edition)

1. OLD TIME CHRISTMAS 2. WINTER WONDERLAND 3. MEET ME UNDER THE MISTLETOE Originally released in 1989 and certified Gold 4. WHITE CHRISTMAS MAKES ME BLUE by the RIAA, this is the first Christmas record 5. SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN the country music icon ever released. The album 6. GOD REST YE MERRY GENTLEMEN contains three songs from the vault. “Little Toy 7. PRETTY PAPER Trains,” “There’s a New Kid In Town,” and 8. OH, WHAT A SILENT NIGHT “White Christmas” are sure to become your 9. HOW DO I WRAP MY HEART UP FOR newest favorites during the holidays. With the CHRISTMAS best time of year just around the corner, this album release comes at the perfect time to listen 10.THE CHRISTMAS SONG to Travis’ warm, inviting voice as you trim the 11. LITTLE TOY TRAINS 12. THERE’S A NEW KID IN TOWN tree and hang the lights. 13. WHITE CHRISTMAS

lucas hoge 12.25

1. christmas carnival 2. I’ll be home for christmas 12.25 is produced by GRAMMY®-nominated 3. let it snow Kent Wells and collaborations with Skip Ewing 4. mrs. santa claus and Jamie O’Neal. The album features re5. o holy night imagined holiday classics as well as four original 6. sleigh ride songs from Hoge. “This is my favorite project to date, not only did I have the best time recording 7. winter wonderland this with such a revered producer in the industry 8. december in a small town 9. hey christmas as Kent Wells. I got to have some good friends 10. wonderful christmastime and amazing country artists be a part of this as well,” shared Hoge. “Being able to have one of 11. christmas without you my musical inspirations, Skip Ewing, duet a song 12. let it snow with me and have Jamie O’Neal’s tremendous vocals on ‘Let it Snow’ was a dream. I hope everyone loves this record as much as I do, and becomes a staple for every Christmas season.”

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Hoge will be joined by Jamie O’Neal and The Swon Brothers for a show at The Listening Room in Nashville on Dec 13.

timmy brown a very timmy brown christmas

1. rudolph drank all the rumple minze 2. let it snow 3. mistletoe A Very Timmy Brown Christmas features new, original 4. miss you the most at christmas music but also the Christmas staples like “Mistletoe” 5. winter wonderland by Justin Bieber and “Let It Snow.” His “Miss You 6. amazing grace The Most At Christmas” is a melancholy tune that

pairs wonderfully next to his lively covers and single, “Rudolph Drank All The Rumple Minze,” which is a funny tale about if Rudolph drank one too many on Christmas Eve.“I’ve always loved Christmas time my whole life. It’s my favorite time of the year. I brought the idea to my producer, Josh Gleave, and we ran with it. A lot of people back home know me from singing at the local malls during Christmas time and I’m excited to share this project with everyone!” says Brown.

kat edmONson a kat edMONson christmas vol. 1: Holiday swinging

1. let it snow! 2. white christmas 3. jingle bell rock 4. the christmas blues The jazz vocalist and songwriter alongside her 5. o christmas tree 6. the christmas song band reinterpreted a host of beloved holiday classics for the album, including “Let It Snow,” 7. I’ve got my love to keep me warm “O Christmas Tree,” and “Jingle Bell Rock.” 8. happy holiday Edmonson describes, “My band and I had so 9. the chipmunk song much fun recording all these Christmas classics, 10. oh little town of bethlehem you can actually hear us laughing and joking around. This album is pure joy.”

josh abbott band christmas was

1. Silent night 2. marshmallow world The album produced by legendary producer 3. the new kid in town Marshall Altman, features their renditions of holiday 4. christmas was classics and originals such as “Silent Night.” 5. Santa better knock “Marshmallow World,” “The New Kid in Town,” “Christmas Was,” and “Santa Better Knock.” “I’ve thought about recording a Christmas project for years but never found the inspiration. Christmas 2020 was that inspiration,” said Josh Abbott. “Reflecting on a wild year, grateful for my wife & kids & family, I was motivated to record some songs that would be special to them. So this one is for them and I hope all of you enjoy it too.”

johnny lee santa clause is looking for love

1. santa claus is lookin’ for love 2. The christmas medley 3. the christmas song The album title track, “Santa Claus Is Lookin’ 4. bayou christmas For Love,” brings festive cheer and joy to every 5. please come home for christmas listener. The playful tune describes how Santa 6. blue year’s eve Claus needs more than just milk and cookies to 7. red, white, and blue christmas satisfy his constantly giving heart, he needs love 8. first noel too! Lee adds his country charm to unique takes 9. Would you know him on classic Christmas songs including a medley of favorites known around the world, as well as 10. o holy night upbeat originals such as “Bayou Christmas” and 11. ol’ time country christmas “Red, White, And Blue Christmas.” The album 12. merry christmas pretty baby 13. santa claus is lookin’ for love is the perfect mix of both traditional and fresh blues version yuletide tunes.

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1. whenever a child is born 2. better watch out 3. i’ll be home The Christmas collection includes poignant piano 4. mister snowman 5. just a kid ballads (“Whenever a Child is Born”), jaunty love songs (“Mr. Snowman”), an inventive take 6. christmas carol 7. whenever a child is born on “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” titled

skip ewing christmas

“Better Watch Out,” while “I’ll Be Home (An American Christmas)” honors the country’s military families by intermingling the bittersweet “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” with the patriotic “America the Beautiful.” The album celebrates Christmas’ spiritual side with “Just A Kid,” another Ewing original recorded years earlier by Kenny Chesney.

1. this chirstmas by wrabel 2. driving home for christmas by tom speight 3. all i want for christams is you by Nettwerk Records continues its tradition of the sweeplings Christmas music with an all-new, 13-track 4. love is christmas by rosie darling holiday album. The album kicks off with “this 5. 2000 miles by banners 6. lonely on christmas by geographer christmas,” an original song from gifted singersongwriter Wrabel. In addition the album features 7. jingle bells by syml 8. happy christmas by joshua radin original songs from Tim Atlas, Matt Maltese, and 9. christmas coffee by tim atlas Geographer and as well as contemporary covers 10. have yourself a merry little from BANNERS,, Rosie Darling, The Sweeplings, christmas by emily james Tom Speight, and Joshua Radin. Traditional classics 11. nothing breaks your heart like also appear on the album. christmas by matt maltese 12. in the bleak midwinter by oska 13. silent night by caren gray

ALMOST CHRISTMAS - CHRISTMAS MISTLETUNES

daniel tashian it’s a snow globe world

1. Christmas in the heart 2. christmas lights Daniel Tashian, fell in love with writing holiday music 3. snow globe world after meeting Christmas music mogul Johnny Marks at 4. santa’s magic sleigh age six. ‘It’s A Snow Globe World’ which was co-written 5. party at rudolph’s

and produced by Tashian, channels the timeless charm of Christmas classics with an edge. The piano-driven “Christmas In The Heart” draws on the warm nostalgia of the holidays, while “Christmas Lights feat. Karen Elson” hones in on holiday romance. “Snow Globe World feat. Patty Griffin” offers a late-night jazz cocktail feel, while “Santa’s Magic Sleigh feat. Sarah Buxton” pivots with a mellow disco melody. Tashian concludes the EP with a rocking solo track called “Party at Rudolph’s.”

pia mia christmas Recorded in a studio decked out in full Christmas décor and accompanied by a full orchestra and choir, the three new tracks feature the global pop star’s signature sweet and soulful voice which has established her name in the music industry where she continuously releases timeless pop smashes for listeners around the world. The original tracks entitled “Home”, “Unwrap Me”, and “New Year” combine her stirring vocal talents with warm and upbeat melodies that are sure to become holiday classics for years to come. NashvilleMusicGuide.com

1. intro 2. home 3. unwrap me 4. nye

brett Young & Friends sing the christmas classics He gathered a star-studded lineup of collaborators including Colbie Caillat, Sam Fischer, Dann Huff, Darius Rucker, Maddie & Tae, Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham to celebrate the spirit of the season. Fans also have a chance to experience the album’s soulful stylings and must-see duets during “CMT Christmas Crossroads with Brett Young and Friends” this December.

nefesh mountain a hanukkah holiday concert In December 2020 they gathered together with the band at the iconic Levon Helm studios to livestream this very special show for Hanukkah and the Holidays. “For us this show is a snapshot of this challenging and incredible moment in time; no audience, the height of the pandemic, AND (though very few knew at the time) Doni was about 2 months pregnant with our daughter Willow! This new album features 12 unreleased live songs from our show, featuring new originals, covers, and of course three Hanukkah classics from the great Woody Guthrie!”

jose james merry christmas from jose james The contemporary album celebrates the holiday season while honoring classic jazz and pop records of the 1950s. Combining the classic jazz-crooner elegance of Frank Sinatra and Nat “King” Cole with the earthy sophistication of soul legends Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, the ten track Merry Christmas from José James takes listeners on a world-class holiday experience from one of the greatest living voices in jazz.

1. Silver bells 2. white christmas ft. colbie caillat 3. the christmas song ft. phil wickham 4. the chipmunk song ft. dan huff 5. silent night ft. chris tomlin 6. Let it snow! ft. maddie & tae 7. rockin around the christmas tree ft. darius rucker 8. have yourself a merry little christmas ft. sam fischer

1. Hanukkah’s flame 2. kitchen gal 3. hanukkah dance 4. eretz’s reel 5. the narrow bridge 6. i’ve endured 7. donna donna 8. calum sgaire 9. The great circle trail 10. banjo medley 11. happy joyous hanukkah 12. i shall be released

1. christmas in new york 2. this christmas 3. the christmas song 4. i’ve got my love to keep me warm 5. the christmas waltz 6. have yourself a merry little christmas 7. let it snow! 8. christmas day 9. my favorite things 10. white christmas

a sentimental christmas with nat “king” cole and friends: cole classics reimagined

1. Deck the hall/joy to the world 2. o come all ye faithful/first noel 3. the very thought of you 4. auld lang syne A unique holiday album that weaves Nat’s 5. for sentimental reasons distinctive, beautifully restored vocals with 6. o holy night new arrangements and contemporary artists, the collection features virtual duets of holiday 7. o little town of bethlehem/silent classics with Kristin Chenoweth, Gloria Estefan, night John Legend, Johnny Mathis, and Calum Scott. 8. we wish you a merry christmas 9. a nightingale sang in berkley square 10. the little boy that santa claus forgot 11. the christmas song

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meghan trainor a very trainor christmas (deluxe edition) Meghan’s cover of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” stands out as one of three new additions to A Very Trainor Christmas, as she also put her own spin on the Darlene Love classic “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)” and serves up a cheeky and catchy original entitled “Christmas Coupon.” Last year, Meghan unveiled the original A Very Trainor Christmas to fan and critical adoration. In addition to debuting in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Holiday Albums Chart.

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1. Christmas coupon 2. rockin’ around the christmas tree 3. christmas (baby please come home) 4. my kind of present 5. it’s beginning to look alot like christmas 6. i believe in santa 7. last christmas 8. holidays ft. earth, wind & Fire 9. christmas party 10. winter wonderland 11. white christmas ft. seth macfarlane 12. holly jolly christmas 13. christmas got me blue 14. sleigh ride 15. my only wish 16. the christmas song 17. rudolph the red-nosed reindeer 18. naughty list 19. have yourself a merry little christmas 20. I’ll be home 21. silent night

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Nashville Music Holiday Holiday guide: Shows of the Season

A Country Christmas with the Oak Ridge Boys Nov. 24- Dec. 25 @ Gaylord Opryland Resort

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is proud to bring an unforgettable Christmas dinner show to Nashville. GRAMMY® Award-winning and Country Music Hall of Fame members The Oak Ridge Boys celebrate the Christmas season in Nashville this year with a 31-show residency as part of Gaylord Opryland’s 38th annual A Country Christmas show. The Oaks “Christmas in Tennessee” Dinner Show will feature a delicious holiday dinner prepared by the resort’s culinary team followed by The Oak Ridge Boys and their band performing a concert of Christmas classics, new favorites and many of the timeless hits that have shaped their legendary career.

More Information GaylordOpryland.com mission: save christmas featuring Elf™ Nov. 19 - Jan. 2 @ Gaylord Opryland Resort

When it comes to unique and unforgettable Christmas events in Nashville, TN, Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center brings one of the holidays’ most beloved movies to town with Mission: Save Christmas featuring Elf™. Journey into Buddy the Elf’s world to help save Christmas in this all-new Gaylord Hotels original event inspired by the hit Christmas film, Elf™. Your mission? Complete a list of fun-filled, challenging activities in order to muster enough Christmas cheer to power the Kringle 3000 and Santa’s sleigh. More than a dozen interactive experiences await in this multi-sensory, immersive attraction. Christmas in Nashville will never be the same!

More Information Gaylordopryland.com

CMT crossroads christmas & CMT’s A Tennesee kind of Christmas Premiering back-to-back on Wednesday, December 8th beginning at 8p/7c

Multi-Platinum entertainer Brett Young returns to the storied “CMT Crossroads” stage for the first-ever Christmas-themed episode of the critically-acclaimed music series. The 60-minute special will feature Young alongside an all-star lineup of friends and collaborators Boyz II Men, Chris Tomlin, Colbie Caillat, Dann Huff, Darius Rucker, Gavin DeGraw and Maddie & Tae performing renditions of classic Christmas hits from his inaugural holiday album. Country greats Amy Grant, Billy Ray Cyrus, Clay Walker, Pam Tillis, Sara & Olivia Evans, Steve Wariner, Tracy Lawrence and Wynonna will celebrate the season by sharing holiday traditions, personal memories and unforgettable performances of all-time favorite Christmas songs from numerous iconic venues and outdoor locations in and around Nashville. NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Both will re-air during CMT’s Christmas Week, running December 20-25; exact encore timing to be announced at a later date.

jeremy lister jazzy christmas December 23 @ 3rd and Lindsley

This show will feature big band/jazz holiday music with an epic band performing some classics and Jeremy Lister’s brand new original LP “Happy Holidays Everyone”. Opening the show is the brilliant, Kristian Dambrino. “We were only planning to put out one Christmas single, but that turned into an EP, and now has turned into a full-length album. We really went for it and brought in strings, brass, woodwinds, and percussion players to come join in with the band. It’s full on big band holiday music, and is a ton of fun for the whole family. I may be more excited about this project than anything I’ve ever put out.”

More Information 3rdandlindsley.com nashville nutcracker December 15-24 @ TPAC

Nashville Ballet is set to make their highly anticipated return to the theater this December with Nashville’s Nutcracker. Running at TPAC December 15–24, this will be the Company’s first live, indoor performance since February of 2020. To celebrate this triumphant return to the theater, Nashville Ballet has made Nashville’s Nutcracker a complete family-night-out experience, featuring a commemorative photo booth, meet and greets with characters from the production, and pre-performance story times hosted by Nashville Ballet teaching artists.

more information nasvhilleballet.com

North Pole Express Santa Excursion Train

Saturdays, Nov 20 - Dec 18 @ Tennessee Central Railway Museum Come ride on a restored classic streamlined stainless steel passenger train with Santa and his Elves. Bring your cameras for some great photo opportunities! Order your tickets soon as this trip sells out quickly. Refreshments And Souvenirs For Sale On Board The Train. Boarding starts at 8:30 with departure at 9:00 AM sharp for the trip. Then train will make a roughly 2 hour trip to Watertown Tn. Riders will then de-board for 2.5 hours to enjoy shopping and lunch in town. Arrival time back in Nashville will be approximately 3:30 PM.

More Information tcry.org

Holiday Lights at cheekwood

November 20 - January 9 @ Cheekwood “Back again for the seventh year with a one-mile-long path featuring over a million twinkling lights. Pinnacles of Light, an outdoor display showcasing 17 custom-made LED trees with programmed lights, is new this year. There will also be real reindeer, s’ mores pits, holiday carolers, Santa, gingerbread workshops, and cash bars with wine, beer, and hot chocolate.”

More Information cheekwood.org

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drew & Ellie Holcomb’s neighborly christmas December 22, Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Drew and Ellie Holcomb and their band The Neighbors return to the Schermerhorn for a celebration of holidays, family, friends and music. Enjoy an evening of Christmas standards, original holiday tunes, along with Holcomb favorites like “Fire & Dynamite,” “American Beauty” and more.

More Information nashvillesymphony.org

Christmas at the ryman with Amy & Vince December 13, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 21 & 22, 2021

“Christmas audiences are special,” explains Grant. “They tend to involve the whole family, and their emotions are a wonderful mix of anticipation and reverence. It’s a thrilling experience for both of us.” “These holiday tours have become our favorites,” Gill agrees.

More Information ryman.com

The Dancing lights of christmas November 12 - January 3 @ Wilson County and the James E. Ward Ag. Center The Dancing Lights of Christmas returns for it’s 12th consecutive season. Family owned and operated, they have created Tennessee’s largest synchronized light and music show with a 2.5 mile route and over two million lights dancing to some upbeat, traditional, and rockin’ Christmas tunes coming through your car radio so each visit is a new experience. It’s a great way to spend a “socially distanced” evening with the entire family and celebrate the magic of Christmaswithout having to leave the comfort of your own vehicle!

More Information dancinglightsofchristmas.com

broadway under the mistletoe

Nov 30 & Dec 1 @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center Multi-GRAMMY® Award winner Jennifer Nettles will close out a banner year by bringing a night of Broadway hits and holiday favorites to a city near you, with a new tour titled ‘Broadway Under the Mistletoe.’ Nettles shared, “I can’t think of a better way to round out my year than by celebrating the classic holiday and theatre favorites. I have dearly missed my fans and my band and look forward to coming back to the concert stage and celebrating together!”

More Information nashvillesymphony.org NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Opry Country Christmas The Grand Ole Opry® is beginning a new tradition this weekend with the inaugural season of Opry Country Christmas at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, TN. Opry Country Christmas hosted by Grammy®-winning Opry member Larry Gatlin will showcase songs of the holiday season during four shows November 28, December 5, December 8, and December 12. Each show will feature Opry members The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky and Mandy Barnett and Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie McCoy. Other Opry members, special guests, and spotlight artists will round out the shows made up exclusively of country Christmas favorites. Among the Spotlight Artists scheduled to appear during the season are Steve Wariner (November 28); Lorrie Morgan (December 5); Josh Turner (December 8); and Trace Adkins (December 12). All Opry Country Christmas shows will air on WSM Radio as well as WSM and Opry digital platforms. Tickets for Opry Country Christmas are on sale NOW. 11-28 Mandy Barnett, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Jason Crabb, Jeannie Seely, Steve Wariner (Spotlight) 12-5 Mandy Barnett, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, John Berry, Lorrie Morgan (Spotlight) 12-8 Mandy Barnett, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, Josh Turner (Spotlight) 12-12 Mandy Barnett, The Gatlin Brothers, Riders In The Sky, Charlie McCoy, The Isaacs, Connie Smith, Trace Adkins (Spotlight) Opry Country Christmas joins Nashville’s other beloved Christmas traditions including Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s Christmas at the Ryman residency. Tickets for the 12-concert run from Dec. 13-22 are on sale now, and will once again feature matinee performances of one of Music City’s most treasured shows. In years past, the husband and wife duo have 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.” Tickets are available at www.ryman.com. Additional holiday themed shows include the General Jackson Showboat Holiday lunch and dinner cruises, now through Dec. 25, tickets at www.GeneralJackson. com and The Oak Ridge Boys “Christmas in Tennessee” Dinner Show, now through Dec. 25, tickets at www.ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com. Tickets for 2022 Opry performances January 1 – June 11 and the 97th Opry Birthday Bash shows taking place October 7 and 8 are also on sale now. Go opry. com/2022shows to earn more and or call 1-800-SEE-OPRY.

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When we think of Christmas, sometimes it’s the sights that come to mind: the multi-colored lights framing the windows of neighbors’ houses, the line of eager children waiting to sit on Santa’s lap, the Nativity scene on the lawn at the local church. Or maybe it’s the smells that arise first: fresh-baked gingerbread, pine needles, a turkey dinner in the oven.

nominated The Christmas Message. Over the last decade he’s regularly celebrated the season with his annual “A Gospel According to Jazz Christmas” Tour. So, it only made sense to revisit the Christmas canon with a renewed perspective, especially following a season when many families spent the holiday apart during the pandemic.

On his new album for Artistry Music/Mack Avenue Music Group, GRAMMY® Award-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum asks How Does Christmas Sound? On his second holiday-themed album, Whalum doesn’t answer that question in the expected way – revisiting the most familiar carols, the ones that have already worn out their welcome most years by the time Thanksgiving rolls around. Instead, he finds a more spiritual, introspective sound for Christmas, one that acknowledges the melancholy that often accompanies the Yuletide and the faith that is so central to his own celebrations.

“We had to sit out a Christmas,” Whalum says. “I realized during the pandemic that Christmas means more to me now than it ever did. Like my faith, Christmas is axiomatic to my life, and I have evolved spiritually in so many ways.”

“You can talk about the sights and the smells, but to me it’s always a sound that takes me to the true meaning of Christmas,” Whalum explains. “Even in April, I will put on Nat King Cole’s Christmas record and it brings me peace.”

To reflect that profound evolution, Whalum reconvened with producer/trumpeter James McMillan, with whom he also worked on his monumental 2019 album Humanité, also on Artistry Music. The two share a friendship dating back much further, however, to their days touring in the horn section for the British pop duo Everything but the Girl. Their close relationship, as well as their experiences conceiving the globe-spanning Humanité, made McMillan the ideal collaborator for this latest endeavor, so Whalum returned to the producer’s studio in the seaside English hamlet of Hastings.

How Does Christmas Sound? follows Whalum’s previous holiday album, 2001’s GRAMMY® Award-

“One of the main points we made with Humanité was the fact that there’s so much life and culture and

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beauty that exists outside of your world. I’d like to say that life can be about getting to know some of it. So, James had the idea to bring to light all of these more obscure Christmas songs. It gave us a great opportunity to unearth these jewels of Christmas songs that exist outside of the American mainstream.” Those unexpected selections include the hymns “A Babe is Born” and “Es Ist Ein Ros Gesprungen” and the Contemporary Christian song “Thorns in the Straw.” Originally written and recorded by British singer-songwriter Graham Kendrick, the latter is here reimagined with a bright jazz feel and vocals by the saxophonist’s brother, singer Kevin Whalum. Family is central to the album as a whole, as it always has been throughout Whalum’s career. On the album’s title track, one of two new songs penned by Whalum for the occasion, the saxophonist’s nephew, actor/ singer Kortland Whalum, is the featured vocalist, while his son Kyle Whalum handles bass duties. “My discography is always about family, and this record is no different,” Whalum says. “Whenever I record music, I’d be crazy not to use my son who plays with Kelly Clarkson, my nephew who is out doing Broadway shows and my other nephew who plays with Bruno Mars.” (Whalum’s nephew, trombonist Kameron Whalum, is in fact so busy with his Bruno Mars duties that he was unable to participate in How Does Christmas Sound? but he’s a frequent guest on his uncle’s projects.) Not all of the songs that make up How Does Christmas Sound? are quite so arcane. The second track is perhaps the album’s most unexpected, a forlorn treatment of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas,” which has become the iconic Christmas song of its generation. Whalum’s reverently slow version becomes a song of faith, directed to the saxophonist’s savior rather than a Yuletide lover. “I probably would never have recorded that song, though it’s apparently the most popular Christmas song since ‘Joy to the World,’” Whalum admits. “My daughter convinced me, and James agreed that there was gold to be found in the song. When you slow it down it makes one consider the materialism and expectations around Christmastime that end up leaving people feeling empty and disappointed sometimes. So, in essence I’m saying to Christ,

‘You do the things that I need and fulfill my greatest dreams, so that as a gift is more than sufficient.’ It just so happens that because of that great gift, I also have these other gifts, like my wife and my family.” Whalum’s crooning tenor finds an intimate moment amidst all the year-end festivities on a wistful “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” aided by Mark Edwards’ sensitive piano and Marcus Finnie’s whispering brushwork on the drums. He switches to flute for an updated “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” and is joined by rising R&B star Chantae Cann on the Contemporary Christian favorite “Mary Did You Know?” which has been recorded by everyone from Kenny Rogers and Wynonna Judd to Cee-Lo Green, Pentatonix to Dolly Parton. Whalum’s second original, with lyrics by Nashville singer-songwriter Benita Hill, is the romantic ode “Seven,” with lead vocals by Kevin Whalum backed by the rich harmonies of Take 6. “What guy or girl wouldn’t want to have someone write a song about them as the seventh wonder of the world?” Whalum muses. “It’s the perfect Christmas present.” Conceived in Whalum’s home studio, his unique take on “Angels We Have Heard on High” is a solo tour-de-force layering soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones with percussion generated by the hammering of saxophone keys, all deftly performed by Whalum himself with accompaniments by Edwards and McMillan. The album concludes with an impassioned rendering of “In the Bleak Midwinter” given silken texture by the guitar playing of Mark Jaimes. More than just another merry round of caroling, How Does Christmas Sound? is Whalum’s attempt at offering a moment of soul-searching for Christmas revelers and a balm for those whose holidays don’t shine as brightly. “In Christendom we have this beautiful hymn, ‘There’s a Balm in Gilead,’ which says, ‘to heal the sin-sick soul, to make the wounded whole,’” Whalum shares. “I wanted to make it a point to ask how does Christmas sound when your heart is sad, when you feel anything but joy? I’m hoping that it impacts people in that way, that it reminds listeners that God is thinking about them.”

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The Gift of Giving Back Christmas 4 kids

Dec. 14 @ Hendersonville Wal-Mart For over twenty years, Christmas 4 Kids has given the joy of Christmas to thousands of children that might not otherwise experience it. Join us on December 14th, 2021 from 5:00pm to 9:00pm at the Hendersonville Walmart for our annual tour bus show.Get an up close look at tour buses and meet & greets with some of the music industries top stars! Artist announcements will be coming soon! Each child will receive a $150 shopping spree, at the Hendersonville Walmart on December 14th

More Information Christmas4kids.org wreaths across america

Nov 22 - Dec 31 @ Wreaths Across America Radio During this year’s season of hope and giving, Wreaths Across America Radio (WAAR) invites our troops from across the country and overseas, as well as their loved ones at home, to send a holiday greeting to one another in the form of an internet radio greeting. We call this the “Remembrance Ring” program. Anyone can participate by calling (888) 348-3352 to record a short holiday greeting. WAAR will play that message on-air during the holidays to help bring families, loved ones, members of our military, and American’s closer together for the holiday season. These special Messages will be broadcast between November 22nd and December 31, 2021.

Peace through music December 15

Peace Through Music: A Global Event for the Environment, set for December 15th. The event will feature more than 200 artists from more than 35 countries, including Black Pumas, Jack Johnson, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Sara Bareilles, Slash, and The Lumineers, together with world leaders and influencers, to join the fight for Planet Earth. The event will be broadcast on December 15th at 6 p.m. PST / 9 p.m. EST (2 a.m. GMT December 16th) on the Playing For Change YouTube channel. All net proceeds will go to organizations that prioritize real time solutions that facilitate environmental justice and sustainability.

nashville holiday music special

December 4, 5, & 25 @ ABC, Newschannel 2 Brought to you by the Emmy Award-winning producers of the Nashville Christmas Parade, the Nashville Holiday Music Special will share the joy of the season with audiences nationwide from Music City, USA. The Nashville Holiday Music Special will help ring in the holidays on WKRN News 2 and will air nationwide throughout the season. The one-hour program will feature a star-studded lineup of performances and celebrity appearances from iconic Nashville locations.

More Information nashvilleholidaymusicspecial.com Franktown festival of lights

Nov. 26 - Dec. 26 @ Williamson County Ag Expo Center “Franktown Open Hearts, a nonprofit that serves inner-city at-risk youth and their families in Franklin, will once again host the Franktown Festival of Lights, presented by First Bank, with over a mile-long Christmas-spirited experience that features thousands of sparkling holiday lights. In its third year, it’s Williamson County’s only drive-thru light spectacular. Attendees can relax in the comfort of their own car and wind their way through more than 200 light displays while listening to Christmas classics on the radio, some of which will be synchronized with the displays.

More Information Franktownfestivaloflights.com

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Give a little Christmas: Gift of Giving Back Spotlight

Every winter we hear a lot of talk about the “season of giving” and we rush around buying and wrapping pretty new things for our family and friends. Our debit cards sigh as we put them back in our wallets at the end of a long day. But what about the folks who don’t have the ability to buy those gifts?

I never had much growing up, but we never did without. As an adult, I have climbed above that poverty line and my kids have much more than they need, but I know how it felt to pinch pennies, cut corners, even pay a bill late in order to buy a small gift for my kids. Those years while we were building our life without support were harder than I hope they ever know. It was during those years that Give A Little Christmas was born. My best friend and fellow editor, Krys, was interviewing a friend for our previous magazine when he mentioned Santa Claus. He said he had always wanted to give presents to homeless children with his long white beard and his rosy-cheeked wife. Krys ran with it and helped Glenn and Dottie Tubb start making plans.

I will never forget our first event. Joey doesn’t climb out of bed easily and he had a particularly rough fall, recovering from a crushed hand. I had lost a lot of my odd jobs to his physical therapy and we had all been in a bit of a funk. That morning I told the boys that we had to go sing for a bunch of kids and help Santa give them presents. I still have never seen Joey jump out of bed so quickly. Our boys came alive when they met Santa and Mrs. Claus. They immediately went to work wrapping, distributing and helping however they could. Joey kept serving the Clauses plates of cookies and cups of milk. They glowed. That was the day I finally understood the spirit of giving, as it illuminated my children. Over the last seven years, Give A Little Christmas (GAL for short) has changed and grown into a blossoming 501c3. Glenn and Dottie had to retire for health reasons, I became the assistant director and our boys eventually learned the truth about the North Pole: it’s actually Southern. Elves are frequently long-haired teenage boys with slight drawls who look very cute in their fuzzy red hats.

GAL serves parts of Wilson, Davidson and Rutherford counties, collecting and distributing toys for families who rarely qualify for any other assistance. We service families with sudden life emergencies of all sizes from income loss due to totaled cars and unexpected injury expenses to big life emergencies like severe health problems, house fires, domestic violence and more. This Christmas we already have over 160 kids signed up.

every chimney.

4. Adopt! We welcome companies and organizations to adopt entire families. We especially like to adopt them out when the families have special-needs children whose gifts are rarely in the donation bins.

How The Elves Work

5. Get Ready For Next Year! We have a donation page where individuals and companies can opt to contribute monthly to our cause. Santa works all year and we do, too.

1. Collect! We host toy drives all over and all the time. We even have toy drives in the summer, a list of confirmed drives is included here.

As a special bonus, all contributions of time, gifts and money are qualifying donations and can get you a nice tax write-off or those much-needed volunteer hours.

2. Wrap! We throw wrapping parties where “elves” help us wrap the donations and label and bag them for distribution.

To have a box at your business, email givealittlechristmas@gmail.com

3. Party! We throw a big party for the kids to come meet Santa. Not all families can attend, but those who do receive large black bags out the back door while the kids are entertained. This way they wake to toys under their tree without us having to slide down

Want to be an elf? Visit givealittlenashville.com/give-alittle-christmas Story by Assistant Director of GAL, Olivia West, Photos Courtesy of Give a Little (GAL)

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Nashville Music Holiday guide: Holiday Pop-up Bars home alone hidden bar 200 4th Ave N

Home Alone at Hidden Bar officially opens on Wednesday, November 24, 2021. Step beyond the storage closet doors and be transformed to the infamous McCallister residence circa 1990. The beloved holiday movie comes to life in the Hidden Bar complete with signature moments from the iconic family home, along with Home Alone-inspired cocktail and snack menus inspired by the film. Guests can also expect cocktails and snacks inspired by the film. Wednesday | 5 pm to 11 pm Thursday | 5 pm to 11 pm Friday | 4 pm to Midnight Saturday | 4 pm to Midnight Sunday | 5 pm to 11 pm

Reindeer games @ HQ Beercade: 114 2nd ave s. The 4th annual Reindeer Games, an immersive holiday pop-up bar, is taking over Headquarters Beercade in SoBro again this November and December starting on November 19, 2021. Guests under 21 are permitted only on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 4:00pm to 6:00pm and Saturday from 11:00am to 2:00pm (unless rented for a private function). Guests can expect an experiential winter wonderland, including 3D Christmas tree displays, thousands of ornaments, 2,000 feet of twinkling lights, a life-size Santa’s sleigh, and festive food and cocktails. Expect creative riffs on classic Christmas drinks and holiday flavors, too. Reservations are recommended. For holiday party inquiries, email lauren@machinehospitality.com

candy cane jane’s 209 3rd ave n Candy Cane Jane’s, a Christmas-themed cocktail bar, is located at the rooftop of Jane’s Hideaway in Downtown Nashville. The holiday pop-up bar is open Wednesday through Sunday starting at 5:00pm. Guests can expect Christmas trees, lights, and holiday-themed cocktails. Enter at 209 Printer’s Alley and take the elevator to the 6th floor. Availability is first come first serve! Must be 21 or over to enter.

misfit bar 401 union st.

Misfit Bar opens Thursday, November 18, 2021, at Fairlane Hotel’s penthouse. The holiday-themed pop-up is open daily featuring snacks, cocktails, fire pits, and more NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Parade of Trees As part of Gaylord Opryland Resort’s 38th annual A Country Christmas event, Universal Music Group Nashville is hosting Parade of Trees, a display where their world-renowned artists have come together to showcase Christmas trees decorated by Grand Ole Opry members Alan Jackson, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Josh Turner, Keith Urban and Reba McEntire, along with Eric Church, George Strait, Luke Bryan and Mickey Guyton. Along with their trees, country music’s biggest stars have each donated “Once in a Lifetime” VIP experiences (fly-aways, VIP concert experiences, exclusive merchandise and more) all to benefit First Responders Children’s Foundation. Proceeds raised will provide scholarships and mental health services to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty. The Parade of Trees is on display in the resort’s Garden Conservatory now until January 2, 2022 as a self-guided tour of the Christmas trees decorated specifically to the artist’s style or album theme, and each VIP experience will be available for bid online at www.CharityStars.com/ParadeOfTrees until January 12, 2022. Some of the themes and experiences include Carrie Underwood’s white tree celebrating her Christmas album, My Gift (Special Edition), as well as a trip to Las Vegas for her upcoming REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency; Eric Church’s two trees representing his albums Heart and Soul, colored red with an American theme and blue with a rock n’ roll theme respectively (and accompanying East and West Coast VIP Experiences); Mickey Guyton’s “Indigo” tree (and Ultimate NYC Thanksgiving VIP Experience, which includes front row Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing) and Luke Bryan’s camo-themed tree (and Live In Las Vegas flyaway, including pre-show margarita toast with Luke). Other artist packages include VIP festival experiences, exclusive numbered prints, signed guitars, custom toy packages from Mattel, and more. The complete listings can be viewed at www.charitystars.com/paradeoftrees. Guests visiting Opryland can scan QR codes at each tree location to donate and gain access to win the designated artist’s VIP prize package, and fans can also bid on the sweepstakes online.

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Nashville Music Holiday Holiday guide:

Shop Local Gifts & Unique Music Finds Give The Gift Of a Holiday Message from a celebrity Tis’ the season to give your loved ones a gift that they will never forget. The preferred experiential gift should come from the original marketplace for fans to reach talent around the world in the form of personalized video messages. Cameo, which allows consumers to get an on-demand personalized shout out from music icons like Mandy Moore, Alice Cooper, Dean Ween, Josh Turner, Ice Cube, and many more. Over 1,000,000 Cameos have been fulfilled to date by every type of talent you can imagine.

More Information visit: CAMeo.com Dolly’s Williams Sonoma Holiday Collection Making sure your holiday season is as cheerful as Dolly herself, she has launched her exclusive holiday collaboration with Williams Sonoma. The new collection is inspired by Dolly’s holiday traditions and includes Dolly’s signature sugar cookie mix and a replica gingerbread log cabin reminiscent of her childhood home. Customers and fans of Dolly will also be able to celebrate the holidays with festive aprons and linens decorated in a patchwork design inspired by Dolly’s coat of many colors. The new collection is available only at Williams Sonoma and Williams-Sonoma.com.

More Information Williams-sonoma.com A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS: The True Story of a Family’s Christmas Miracle A DOLLY FOR CHRISTMAS celebrates the season’s themes of hope, love, and family as it explores a family’s adoption process. Inspired by Little Big Town’s Kimberly Schlapman’s struggle to conceive her second child and how she and her family decided to adopt, the book delves into how Schlapman’s first daughter wrote letters to Santa Claus about her desire for a sibling until the family was actually surprised by their new baby girl, Dolly, days before Christmas.

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers | Ages 4-8 | 224 pages Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy When a quilt shop owner finds a former Marine’s journal, she longs to heal his heart… Wrapped Up in Christmas Joy is the latest sweet romance from Hallmark Publishing author Janice Lynn. A sequel to her first story, Wrapped Up in Christmas, her new installment can also stand alone and is the perfect small-town Christmas romance to warm readers’ hearts during the holiday season. This heartwarming romance also includes a free Hallmark original recipe for Dilly Duchess Potatoes.

More information janicelynn.com Spontuneous - the song game Spontuneous - The Song Game is an old fashioned, tabletop board game, with no electronics. It’s a perfect game for music-lovers and crosses all genres of music. Created by Nashville-based entrepreneur, Rob Ridgeway, Spontuneous makes a board game out of that crazy occurrence where hearing a particular word spontaneously causes a song to pop into your head. Spontuneous’s tag line is, Sing it or Shout it…Talent NOT Required. So even if you can’t carry a tune in a bucket, this game is still for you.

More Information songgame.com NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Tracy Lawrence’s Annual Mission Possible Turkey Fry & Concert Country Music Legend and award-winning philanthropist, Tracy Lawrence, returned to host his wildly successful charity event, the 16th Annual Mission:Possible Turkey Fry and Benefit Concer on November 23. Since it’s conception in 2006, Mission:Possible has raised nearly $1 million and made approximately 97,000 meals for the homeless community around Nashville, TN. Funds raised by the event go to Nashville Rescue Mission to help continue their incredibly important work. This year, the two-part event began with the turkey fry kicking off the day in the parking lot of Nashville Rescue Mission. For the concert, Lawrence was joined by Dustyn Lynch, Michael Ray and Lainey Wilson, Additional funds raised annually through Mission:Possible are allocated throughout the year to those in need. Just recently, the organization donated $10,000 during Loretta Lynn’s Friends: Hometown Rising fundraising event, which to date has raised nearly $1 million for United Way of Humphrey’s County following the August 21st disaster that killed 20 during severe storms and extreme flash floods and left more than 500 homes affected by floodwaters. This year, Tracy is celebrating his 30th anniversary in Country music. To commemorate this momentous milestone, Tracy has been releasing his Hindsight 2020 project through three volumes that include all-new music along with his classic hits that fans have fallen in love with for three decades. Hindsight 2020 Volume 1: Stairway to Heaven Highway to Hell and Volume 2: Price of Fame are available now wherever you find great music! For more information visit: turkeyfry.org and learn more about Mission:Possible and how to donate at https://www.tlmissionpossible.com.

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ARTISTS O

THE RISE

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to Learn More About What These Rising Artists Have To Offer.

Bryce Vine Hip-Hop/Pop artist, Bryce Vine releases his first-ever original holiday song “The Holidays.” It’s catchy and a refreshing take about “that” something about the holidays.

Sam Williams “‘Blue Christmas’ is a classic that’s lonesome and vulnerable, while simultaneously fostering comfort to those of us feeling lonely during the holiday season,” says Sam.

Monica Martin Monica Martin shares her warm and gorgeously minimal version of the Christmas classic “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.”

The Weeklings The Weeklings recorded a Christmas song in the style of Dylan’s“Subterranean Homesick Blues?” Once again, the Cool Quartet brings us theelement of surprise on “Christmas Day.”

Lisa Mychols & Super 8 Take a new tune by the Scottish/LA duo and record it in the style of the classic Phil Spector album. The stunning vocals and beautiful music simply are the bling on “A Very Merry Christmas.”

Joseph Cook “No Time To Be Alone” is a cozy, Christmassy invite to a lover to keep each other company on Christmas Eve, the track showcases Cook’s tender songwriting style.

Cody Webb Upbeat and filled with familiar images of the season, “It’s Christmas” definitely puts a little *kick* in your step.

johnny gates The stripped down rendition of “Silent Night” features Gates’ signature country-rock fueled vocals while still keeping the integrity of the traditional tender ode.

Texas Hill and Home Free With these two group’s unparalleled, in-your-face harmonies, “Go Tell It On The Mountain” has been reimagined like never before and is sure to get you in the holiday spirit this year.

The Imaginaries “We were inspired to write ‘Christmas Town’ after spending many holiday seasons in Chickasha and experiencing the magic of the holiday season they bring firsthand,” says Maggie McClure.

Presley & Taylor A beautiful rendition of “Mary, Did You Know?” which addresses the mother of Christ and invites the listener to contemplate the relationship between Mary and her divine newborn son.

Molly Lovette Molly’s soothing vocals and lively take on this timeless tune evokes a combination of holiday bliss along with that heartwarming seasonal spirit everyone loves this time of year on NashvilleMusicGuide.com “Silver Bells.”

55th Annual CMA awards

“The 55th Annual CMA Awards” made a triumphant return to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, delivering an emotional broadcast celebrating the very best in Country Music. Shining a light on a community like no other, Country Music’s Biggest Night™ was filled with groundbreaking performances, heartfelt speeches and surprise wins. Luke Combs, who performed his brand new single “Doin’ This,” received the night’s top honor of CMA Entertainer of the Year, a first for the artist. Sharing that he was at a loss for words, especially after hearing presenter Alan Jackson say his name twice, Combs acknowledged all of this year’s artists in the category before saying, “I don’t deserve to win it, but I’m sure as hell glad that I did.” Chris Stapleton was the night’s biggest winner, taking home four wins for CMA Album, Single, Song and Male Vocalist of the Year, while also being recognized for his work as a producer on his album and single. In addition to Stapleton, producer Dave Cobb and mix engineer Vance Powell earned two awards for CMA Album and Single of the Year, while songwriter Mike Henderson earned a trophy for CMA Song of the Year. Brothers Osborne won CMA Vocal Duo of the Year, as T.J. Osborne graciously took to the stage to proclaim, NashvilleMusicGuide.com

“It really does feel like love wins tonight.” Jimmie Allen, who performed “Freedom Was a Highway,” received CMA New Artist of the Year, tearfully taking the stage to share that five years ago, he spent his last $100 to purchase a ticket to attend “The 50th Annual CMA Awards,” just to see his hero Charley Pride perform. In one of the most emotional acceptance speeches of the night, Carly Pearce was brought to tears upon winning CMA Female Vocalist of the Year for the first time, as fellow nominee Ashley McBryde helped her to the stage. Old Dominion continues their reign as CMA Vocal Group of the Year, having now won four years in a row. Winners announced prior to the live broadcast include Kelsea Ballerini and Kenny Chesney, taking home trophies for both CMA Musical Event of the Year and CMA Music Video of the Year for their collaboration “half of my hometown.” The song was produced by Ballerini, Ross Copperman and Jimmy Robbins, and the music video was directed by Patrick Tracy. Jenee Fleenor took home the trophy for CMA Musician of the Year. See below for the full list of this year’s winners. “Country Music as an artform has always been about storytelling, and this year’s CMA Awards broadcast, from performances to acceptance speeches, featured an incredibly wide range

of stories—deeply personal stories, unifying stories, fun and lighthearted stories, and stories of love and loss,” says Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “That is what makes this genre truly special, and I am so proud to have provided a platform for all of the incredible artists featured on this year’s CMA Awards to share their authentic selves with viewers around the globe. There was something poetic about returning to our home at Bridgestone Arena this year, and I am positive that I am not alone in wanting to relive the evening’s many magical moments.” Miranda Lambert, the most-nominated female in CMA Awards history, kicked off the night with a career-spanning retrospective of her greatest hits that brought the crowd to their feet as host Luke Bryan took the stage. After greeting his fellow nominees and friends seated at tables in the audience, Bryan was surprised by his “American Idol” co-judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, poking fun at his hosting abilities. Bryan later performed his new single “Up.” Award-winning singer and actress Jennifer Hudson captivated the audience with her first-ever CMA Awards performance of “Night Life,” a song originally written and recorded by Willie Nelson and later recorded by Aretha Franklin, followed by a show-stopping surprise duet with Chris

Stapleton of “You Are My Sunshine,” the Jimmie Davis-penned classic that both Franklin and Nelson also recorded. Stapleton also performed a stirring rendition of his song “Cold.” Mickey Guyton, Brittney Spencer and Madeline Edwards shared an empowering performance of Guyton’s new song “Love My Hair,” which received a standing ovation. The performance was introduced by 14-year-old activist Faith Fennidy, a young Black girl who, in 2018, left her 6th grade classroom in tears after school officials complained that her hairstyle violated school policy. Fennidy is now an inspiration behind the CROWN Act, created to ensure protection against discrimination based on race-based hairstyles In one of the night’s most touching moments, Brothers Osborne took the stage to perform “Younger Me,” a reassuring message of hope and strength to the younger version of oneself. Following a cold introduction, T.J. Osborne, who in February of 2021 publicly came out as gay, spoke about watching the CMA Awards for years and thinking how incredible it would be to be on the stage speaking his truth despite feeling that it would never be possible because of his sexuality. “I just wish, I wish my younger me could see me now.”

Friends.” Jason Aldean and Carrie Underwood delivered the world television premiere of their recent No. 1 hit “If I Didn’t Love You,” and Dierks Bentley welcomed BRELAND and HARDY on stage for “Beers On Me.” Keith Urban took to the streets of downtown Nashville, performing his new single “Wild Hearts” while walking down Broadway into Bridgestone Arena. Eric Church brought his nostalgic song “Heart On Fire” to the CMA Awards stage. Blake Shelton performed his new single “Come Back as a Country Boy.” And Zac Brown Band delivered a unifying message with their song “Same Boat.” Rounding out the evening, Gabby Barrett, Dan + Shay, Old Dominion, and Thomas Rhett also delivered stellar performances for CMA Awards viewers. Country artist Russell Dickerson, in partnership with Chevrolet, shared the inspirational story of Sarah Frei before inviting her to join him on stage to honor the CMA Foundation’s 30 Music Teachers of Excellence sitting in the audience. The moving segment brought the room to their feet.

“THE 55TH ANNUAL CMA AWARDS” ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR Luke Combs    SINGLE OF THE YEAR “Starting Over” – Chris Stapleton Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton (producers), Vance Powell (mix engineer) ALBUM OF THE YEAR   Starting Over – Chris Stapleton   Dave Cobb, Chris Stapleton (producers) Vance Powell (mix engineer) SONG OF THE YEAR “Starting Over” - Mike Henderson & Chris Stapleton (songwriters) FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR    Carly Pearce MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Chris Stapleton    VOCAL GROUP OF THE YEAR Old Dominion     VOCAL DUO OF THE YEAR Brothers Osborne    MUSICAL EVENT OF THE YEAR “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (ft. Kenny Chesney)   Kelsea Ballerini, Ross Copperman, Jimmy Robbins (producers) MUSICIAN OF THE YEAR Jenee Fleenor, Fiddle   MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR       “half of my hometown” – Kelsea Ballerini (ft. Kenny Chesney)   Patrick Tracy (director) NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR   Jimmie Allen

In true CMA Awards fashion, artists delivered once-in-alifetime collaborations throughout the night. Pearce and McBryde performed their heartachingly beautiful duet “Never Wanted to Be That Girl,” while Chris Young and Kane Brown brought the crowd to their feet with their charttopping, smalltown ode “Famous

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“EGGNOG” - CARRIE CUNNINGHAM

“THE FIRST NOEL” GABBY BARRETT

With flirty lyrics like everything about you makes me believe, you’re the one I want beneath the Christmas tree, maybe one of us’ll wrap the other one up tonight, “Eggnog” is sure to be a fan-favorite this holiday season.

Putting her heartfelt stamp on a Christmas classic, Gabby Barrett has released her rendition of “The First Noel.”

“I grew up listening to all kinds of music,” Carrie explains. “Even though I am mainly known for being a country artist, Motown music has always resonated with me - I am super excited to have written a Motown style Christmas song. I love being able to dive into my creative side and not put any boundaries on what I can do.” “CHRISTMAS MUST BE TONIGHT” VICTORIA BAILEY

Victoria Bailey got in the holiday spirit this year with the release of her single “Christmas Must Be Tonight,” a cover of a song originally released by The Band in 1977. “I love Christmas so much, and it’s been a dream come true to track a holiday song,” says Bailey. “The Band is one of my all-time favorites, and this song is so special to me. I wanted to put a ‘Victoria’ twist on it. My band and I recorded it live around one mic, acoustic, in the studio. There was so much beautiful energy in the room with the back-up vocals and string instruments, and it truly did feel like Christmas! It turned out exactly how I wanted – raw and live – and it just really represents who we are as a band and who I am as an artist.” “WON’T BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS” HOOTIE & THE BLOWFISH FEAT. ABIGAIL HODGES

To recognize the sacrifice of military service members and their families as the holiday season approaches, Hootie & the Blowfish have released “Won’t Be Home For Christmas” featuring Abigail Hodges. The song opens with David Hodges’ earnest plea “Dear Santa Claus / I write to you because / I don’t want toys this year / I just want my daddy here.” The duet portrays the dynamic between a young daughter at home and her deployed father brought to life by lead singer Darius Rucker’s lead vocals.

“I’m so happy to release my first Christmas song today,” said Barrett. “Christmas is one of my absolute favorite days of the year, and my faith is the cornerstone of my life, so being able to share both with “The First Noel” is a gift. I feel so blessed to do what I do every day and I hope that this song adds something special to your holidays.” “GREEN & GOLD” - JESS JOCOY

“Green & Gold” is a love song, but it is also a song of longing. It’s a song that looks at the stressful rat race that has become the holiday season and wishes it would all just take a deep breath of crisp winter air and remember that it’s meant to be enjoyed, especially with someone you love. “As much as I cringe at the word, I suppose it’s a song about escapism,” said Jocoy. “ We have these ideas in our heads about “silent nights” and “peace on earth,” but in reality, it’s the capitalist dream. “Green & Gold” is about finding solace in the little moments that make the season so special and trying to make them last as long as possible; even if that’s just for one night.” “LOVE ONE ANOTHER” - LERA LYNN

Nashville songwriter, Lera Lynn has released a holiday EP that’s title track “Love One Another” is the perfect seasonal anthem for giving back. “When I wrote the lyrics for “Love One Another,” I was looking for a timeless and universal holiday message,” said Lynn. “Now, for America, the message seems more ‘timely’ than ever.” “MARY’S VERY FIRST CHRISTMAS” KAREN WALDRUP

Karen Waldrup is releasing “Mary’s Very First Christmas”, on November 20th on all streaming sites. The song was written, and produced by Wood Newton, Mike Loudermilk, and Daniel Johnson on their new label Mary’s First Christmas Records, and is co-owned with Karen. The lyrics are based on the account from the gospel of Luke in the Bible.

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“MARY, DID YOU KNOW?” - STEPHANIE OWENS

“IT’S JUST NOT CHRISTMAS” - JESSICA LYNN

Jessica Lynn, is ready to bring everyone into the holiday spirit with her new single, “It’s Just Not Christmas”, out Nov. 20th. This Christmas ballad describes the longing that many experience while spending their holiday season without their loved ones. The track displays a struggle that many may face this holiday season as the pandemic continues to restrict social gatherings. While this holiday season may be a lonely one for many Lynn hopes this tune will help keep everyone company. “IF WE MAKE IT THROUGH DECEMBER” - TERA LYNNE FISTER Tera Lynne Fister’s “If We Make It Through December” resonates the sounds of a Christmas Country classic. Slow-tempoed and smooth instrumentals, the song is about a family trying to financially make it through the holidays, which is something that many can relate to this year. The song features Tera alongside artists Kennedy Fitzsimmons and Cassandra Sotos.

Stephanie Owens first holiday single. “Mary, Did You Know?” was written by Buddy Greene and Mark Lowry and produced by Owens. The Christmas ballad showcases piano and cello instrumentals. “I’ve always wanted to release a Christmas song. I love celebrating Jesus’ birth because it changed everything, and Jesus is everything to me. ‘Mary, Did You Know?’ has always resonated with me in a special way because of the rich, storytelling lyrics that reflect on the real meaning of Christmas.” Stephanie continues, “The holidays will undoubtedly look a little different for everyone this year in these times of uncertainty, but one thing remains true - God so loved the world that He sent His Son, Jesus, and we can find hope, peace, joy, and love in Him.”

“CHRISTMAS WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR” - GARY LEVOX Gary LeVox, most well-known and beloved as lead singer of Rascal Flatts, released “Christmas Will Be Different This Year” featuring Stephan Moccio (Big Machine Records). The thoughtful holiday track, that is especially poignant this year, was co-written by LeVox with Natalie Hemby and Moccio. The GRAMMY and Academy Award nominated composer/producer and Decca Records recording artist Stephan Moccio, who also produced the song, is featured as the pianist on the track. “COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS” - RITA WILSON & VINCE GILL “Count Your Blessings” is the perfect song for the holidays as a reminder to recognize life’s many rewards despite the recent challenges endured in the face of the pandemic. The meticulous arrangement featuring stark piano and lilting strings is beautifully paired with the intimate and moving vocals from Rita and Vince, who each deliver understated yet powerful performances. They will light your heart with happiness, make each hour bright and bring you gladness.

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Send me stuff, I love to get it! PreshiasWriter@hotmail.com TN/USA Google “Preshias” Preshias Harris is a music journalist and music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Her book, ‘The College of Songology: The Singer/Songwriter’s Need to Know Reference Handbook’ is available at www. collegeofsongology.com Follow her blog at nashvillemusicline.com.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6

ACM AWARDS: The ACM Awards are heading back to Las Vegas for the 2022 event. After two consecutive awards ceremonies in Nashville, they will be back in Nevada for the 57th Academy of Country Music Awards to be held Monday, March 7, 2022 at Allegiant Stadium. The 2022 Awards will be livestreamed exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UK. This will mark the first time a major awards event has streamed exclusively, rather than on broadcast television. Ticket information will be announced in the coming weeks. “We are thrilled to return to Las Vegas to celebrate country music’s party of the year in this incredible brand-new stadium and on the Prime Video streaming service for the first time ever,” says Damon Whiteside, CEO of the Academy of Country Music. Updates at acmcountry.com.

ALBUM NEWS: Jason Aldean continues to hold his ground making modern albums with an old-school soul through the release of the first part of his 10th studio album Macon (Macon Music/Broken Bow Records). Featuring the album’s recent multi-week No. One “If I Didn’t Love You” with Carrie Underwood, fans get a taste of where he is from and how far he has taken his signature sound through the nine new NashvilleMusicGuide.com

tracks and five live tracks. Over the course of the following months, Aldean will continue to deliver new songs leading into the full release of all 30 tracks - 20 new and at least one live hit off each of his previous albums - on April 22, 2022. The full release will be marked by a three-disc collector’s vinyl set and fans can listen on streaming platforms. Working alongside longtime producer Michael Knox, the expansive release’s first batch, Macon, runs the gamut from straight-up stadium rockers to bluesy barstool ballads, peppered with modern embellishments and all the chest thumping smalltown pride his fans have come to crave. Album details at JasonAldean.com.

ANNIVERSARY NEWS: In 2022, The Marshall Tucker Band (MTB) will celebrate five decades since its inception. To celebrate, the multi-platinum southern rock group will hit the road for its historic “50th Anniversary Tour.” The MTB revealed over 30 live concert dates with stops in Clearwater, Fla., Atlanta, Ga., Nashville, Tenn., Detroit, Mich., Chicago, Ill., New York, N.Y., Pittsburgh, Pa., Washington D.C., Phoenix, Ariz. and more. “Five decades of The Marshall Tucker Band ... sometimes it’s still hard to understand,” says MTB lead singer Doug Gray. “We are just regular people. The fans have given us so many special moments over these 50 years. I’m so proud of our band.” In 1972, original members Toy Caldwell, Tommy Caldwell, Doug Gray, Jerry Eubanks, George McCorkle and Paul Riddle came together in Spartanburg, S.C. to form a southern rock band. They knew they had the magic for something that could reach people well beyond the South Carolina state line. Dave Mason will join the legendary group on select live concert dates. Tour updates will be posted at marshalltucker.com.

ARTIST NEWS: Joe Nichols debuted the official music video for his latest single, “Home Run” (Quartz Hill Records) November 15 on CMT. Check out the video at CMT.com and joenichols.com. Filmed in and around Nashville including the Music City Baseball field, and directed by David “Doc” Abbott. “Home Run” was penned by award-winning songwriters Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson and Ross Copperman “Home Run” music video chronicles a day in Nichols’ life on the road and the sweet reunion with his family – wife Heather and daughters Dylan (9) and Georgia (7) – as he returns home on his bus.

“This video really captures the lyrics of the song, those moments of me working and out on the road and getting to come home,” says Nichols. “I love that my family is in it. I loved having my wife and my kids, my mom, and my sister in it. That’s what I really miss when I’m out on the road. It’s the first time my wife, Heather has been in one of my videos so that was a lot of fun.”

BAND NEWS: For multi-Platinum hitmakers Eli Young Band, the past year at home offered a chance to reset and recalibrate following two decades of success in the music industry. The Texas-based band has used the time for focused creativity, amassing a deep catalog of new songs. That renewed sense of excitement going into their next project is evident on a brand-new song available now via The Valory Music Co. Lead singer Mike Eli crafted the feel-good, singalong love song together with Laura Veltz and Jimmy Robbins, who also served as producer alongside Eric Arjes. For more information, visit eliyoungband.com and follow on social media @EliYoungBand. “I wrote so many songs in 2020, which was obviously a scary and odd time for the band and the world,” shares Eli. “This song was written towards the beginning when we still had a good handle on optimism and hope. It’s one of the things I love about this song. It’s about finding that person you’re meant to weather the storm with!”

CHARITY NEWS: The Rock‘n’Roll Running Series returned to Nashville for the 21st St. Jude Rock‘n’Roll Marathon.. Over 15,000 registered participants took on the Nashville streets lined with cheer squads, local bands and entertainment from start to finish. Will Cadwell (South Haven, Mich.) and Gisela Olalde (Nashville, Tenn.) were crowned champions. Nick French (Nashville, Tenn.) and Meg Murphy (Nashville, Tenn.) topped the podium.Participants received a running tour of Nashville and the numerous landmarks including running down Broadway past the Honky Tonks, Music Row, 12 South and Bicentennial Capitol Mall before the finish line greeted them at Nissan Stadium, the home of the Tennessee Titans. To see the full schedule of Rock ‘n’ Roll Running Series events, visit www.runrocknroll.com/all-events.

CHRISTMAS 4 KIDS NEWS: The 2021 Christmas 4 Kids kicked off in style on November 22 with the annual benefit concert at the Ryman Auditorium. The stars on stage included Eddie Montgomery, Steve Dorff, Texas Hill, Carolyn Dawn Johnson, Russell Dickerson, November Blue, Craig Wiseman, Jeffrey Steele and Brett James along with host Phil Vassar. The annual bus show is set for December 13 from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Hendersonville Walmart where you can get an up close look at the tour buses and meet some of the music industry’s top stars. It is easy to forget that there are families in the community who are less fortunate. It is sometimes a struggle to survive and many have no hope of providing extras (including toys and clothing) for Christmas. On December 14, volunteers and chaperones will accompany children in need to Walmart. Each child receives a new winter coat and $150.00 to spend however they choose on themselves and their families. More about Christmas 4 Kids and how you can donate or become a chaperone at christmas4kids.org and facebook.com/ Christmas4Kids/.

CLASSIC COUNTRY NEWS: Jeannie Seely and Jack Greene Together Again has been released to retail and digital music platforms by Country Rewind Records, that has established a well-known tradition of bringing unreleased traditional country music into the contemporary country era. This album consists of recordings made exclusively for radio broadcast and, although some song titles may be familiar, these specific recordings have never before been commercially available. The original master tapes were rescued by Country Rewind’s president and executive producer Tom Gramuglia and put in the safe hands of producer Paul Martin who brought the recordings up to twenty-first century audio quality. “I was thrilled that these recordings were still in existence and that they would be available to the public once again,” said an excited Jeannie Seely when she heard that these long-forgotten tapes had been re-discovered. “It will always be special to remember the years Jack and I worked together with an incredible group of musicians.” More about Country Rewind Records at https://www. countryrewindrecords.com.

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DUO NEWS:

CMA NEWS:

The Country Music Association awarded Luke Combs and Keith Urban with CMA International Artist Achievement Awards backstage during “The 55th Annual CMA Awards.” Combs, the newly crowned CMA Entertainer of the Year, was surprised with his 2021 award on Tuesday, Nov. 9 by Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. Previously announced via CMA socials, Urban was also surprised last week by Trahern at his rehearsal for his CMA Awards performance of “Wild Hearts” with the news of his 2020 honor. “Both Keith and Luke have been trailblazers for our genre, consistently growing and enhancing Country Music globally,” says Trahern. “They each place such a distinct priority on Country Music’s international fanbase and continue to further CMA’s mission to bring Country Music to audiences all over the world. We could not be prouder to present them both with this award.”https://cmaawards.com/

CMHoF NEWS:

Rising country powerhouse Ryan Hurd and Grammy-winning artist Maren Morris secure the #1 spot on U.S. Country Radio Mediabase chart with their Platinum-certified “Chasing After You” in November. The couple’s first official duet, “Chasing After You” was written by Brinley Addington and Jerry Flowers and produced by Teddy Reimer and Aaron Eshuis. Hurd is set to tour the U.S. next year, kicking off the Tour de Pelago headline run in January with dates including Chicago’s The Vic, New York’s Irving Plaza, Nashville’s Marathon Music Works and more. Tickets are on sale now—see full routing below and visit ryanhurd.com for more information. Hurd recently released his debut album Pelago, inspired by his upbringing on the shores of Lake Michigan. Hurd got his start in Nashville as a songwriter, penning Platinum hits and #1s for Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady A and Tim McGraw, among others. As an artist he’s released a series of EPs, spawning hits like the Platinum-certified “To a T” and earning more than 700 million streams to date. Tour updates at https://www.ryanhurd.com.

FOODY NEWS: Brad Paisley has launched “American Highway” Bourbon a whiskey aged in barrels stored in a 53-foot semi-trailer that followed his 2019 nation-wide tour for 7,314 miles across 25 states, from coast to coast. Three distinguished artists from vastly different backgrounds—each of whom committed himself to country music early in life—were welcomed into the Country Music Hall of Fame during a star-studded, emotionally moving Medallion Ceremony on Sunday, November 21. Dean Dillon, Marty Stuart, and Hank Williams Jr. were honored in the CMA Theater at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with heartfelt testimonials and once-in-a-lifetime musical tributes over the three-hour ceremony. “This is the pinnacle for what we do,” Hall of Fame member George Strait said when inducting songwriter Dean Dillon. Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum CEO Kyle Young, in his introduction, said: “These three men traveled very different paths to earning country music’s most hallowed honor...One [was] raised middle class, one impoverished, and one wealthy. They’ll forever be honored together at this museum.” Read the full report at https:// countrymusichalloffame.org/

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“Bourbon is like songwriting, it’s a blend of things coming together to make something incredible,” said Paisley. “These are really special barrels that saw more of the United States than most people I know.” The fluctuating climate of the barrels’ journey expanded and contracted their staves, imparting oak and char that cultivate the characteristics flavors of America’s native spirit. This well-traveled batch was then blended with three-year, 13year and 15-year-old Kentucky bourbons to create the final product. The next batch, to be released in 2022, was aged on the Rolling Rickhouse during Paisley’s 2021 tour. Paisley sums up the creative process that derived his bourbon: “It’s so similar to what goes into a great guitar. The right woods, the right craftsmanship, the right alchemy that makes this intangible, magical thing, and that’s what makes this so great to me.” More details at https://www.bradpaisley.com.

HISTORY MAKING NEWS: Curb Records recording artist Lee Brice’s “One Of Them Girls” made history winning the Country Song Of The Year award at the BMI Awards and the SESAC Awards. The #1 song was also awarded the Country Song Of The Year award at the ASCAP Awards, marking the first time that one song has taken all three awards in the same year. “What an incredible and unexpected honor!” said Brice. “It’s hard to tell when a song is going to resonate with folks the way this one has – I know I speak for myself, Ashley, Dallas and Ben when I say thank you to everyone who listened to and requested our song at Country radio and streamed it online. You all gave it a bigger life than we could have ever thought!” Curb Records Chairman, Mike Curb, states, “What an exciting moment for Lee Brice, Ashley Gorley, Dallas Davidson, Ben Johnson, Ben Glover and Kyle Jacobs. ‘One Of Them Girls’ has proven to be a hit song because of this great talent behind it, and it is wonderful for it to be recognized in such a big way.” More at leebrice.com.

IDOL NEWS: American Idol Winner Laine Hardy is teaming up with Wild Wing Cafe, a Carolinas-born restaurant chain and Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit that champions music education in schools, for a six-market tour that kicks off in Warner Robins, GA on Dec. 2 and concludes in Wild Wing Cafe’s headquarters city of Charlotte, N.C. on Dec. 10. Other stops include: Anderson, SC (Dec. 4), Raleigh, NC (Dec. 6), Savannah, GA (Dec. 7) and Columbia, SC (Dec. 9). “Growing up in a town with a population of 2000, our schools didn’t have much of a music education program so I had to figure it out on my own with the help of my family,” said 21-year-old Hardy. “It’s really important to me to help nurture the artists of tomorrow, giving back to my own schools and others through Little Kids Rock.” In each market, during the day Laine will visit a Little Kids Rock partner school presenting musical instrument gifts and that night, perform a free concert including songs from his recently released debut album, Here’s To Anyone, at the local Wild Wing Cafe. More at https://www.lainehardymusic.com.

INDIE MUSIC NEWS: McGuire, the sister trio of Caleigh, Kristen and Taylor McGuire who originally hail from Myrtle Beach, S.C have released a brand new song called “Lighthouse.” The hauntingly beautiful ballad is an ode to that special someone who anchors you during the most tumultuous times when the storms are raging about and all feels lost. The sibling harmonies perfectly complement the track about traversing the rough seas of life and how your partner offers that beacon of light to guide you through the darkness to safety and calmer waters. The imagery and lyrics in “Lighthouse,” written by Caleigh, Kristen and Taylor, were inspired by the time they spent on the water while growing up on the coast of South Carolina. “It describes how at times we can feel like we are drowning in a storm of emotions and reactions, and how someone’s love can have the power to save us,” said Caleigh McGuire. The striking new song is the latest from the talented trio, who have been performing together since their early teens. News updates at https://www.facebook.com/mcguiregirlsmusic. Brown County, Ohio native, Noah Smith, has released his highly anticipated eight song album, Ain’t So Bad Round Here. The project was produced by Noah Smith at Thought Machine Studio in Mount Orab, OH with mixing and mastering by Chris Harding. Studio musicians on the project included Michael Moeller playing banjo, mandolin and BGV’s, Aaron Roy on Drums, Dylan Jaynes on electric guitar and Alan Blankenship on bass guitar. Noah Smith finds himself walking the line between Country and Rock-n-Roll with a vivid, ambitious pace with a God-given talent and natural musical inclination, Noah’s old soul, deep thinking, and love for lyrics led him to an aggressive path of writing songs, everyday simple prose and melody immediately found their way into storytelling at its best, songwriting. News and updates at https://www.noahsmithmusic.com.

LABEL NEWS: (BBR Records) Cole Swindell has released “Never Say Never,” a duet with BBR Music Group’s fast-rising new artist Lainey Wilson, available at all digital service providers. Swindell co-wrote the duet with

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Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill. “Never Say Never” is the Georgia native’s 12th career single and the follow-up radio single to his back-to-back No. 1 hits “Love You Too Late” and most recently his milestone multi-week, 10th career No. 1 hit “Single Saturday Night” which has already logged over 245 million streams globally. “Never Say Never” is also the follow-up single to Wilson’s No. 1 smash hit “Things A Man Oughta Know,” which is still streaming more than 3 million times each week since it peaked in September. “I wrote ‘Never Say Never’ with Jessi Alexander and Chase McGill in 2018 about a relationship you just can’t stay away from. I have been a fan of Lainey Wilson’s for a while now and what she brings to this song is everything it needed,“ said Swindell. “So glad it’s finally out!” Music and more at https://www.coleswindell.com/.

opening the event on the Main Stage in front of one of the town’s historic homes, the Downing-Craft Home. William Lee Golden and The Goldens were honored with a proclamation and Key to City during a surprise presentation during the show. William Lee Golden and The Goldens have released three singles from their upcoming albums ‘Country Roads: Vintage Country Classics’, ‘Southern Accents: Pop & Country Rock,’ and ‘Old Country Church Gospel’ which will be released in early 2022. More info at williamleegolden. com.

MUSIC NEWS: Jacob Bryant delivers a passionate serenade with his new single, “Heartbeat,” featured on Bryant’s forthcoming Bar Stool Preacher album, slated for release on Jan. 14 from Thirty Tigers and American Roots Records. “Heartbeat” follows Bryant’s latest single, “Devil & an Old Six String.”

(Valory Records) Brantley Gilbert will be the first to admit he still finds it challenging to talk to girls – especially his childhood sweetheart-turned-wife Amber and daughter Braylen. “I’ve known Amber since we were kids. I’ve been married to her for 6 years now, and I’m still in awe of her. Then my daughter came along, and I realized I still struggle to find the right words to say to the girls I love,” Gilbert shares. Despite his struggle to find the right words, the Georgianative delivers some touching insight into his unconditional love for his family with his new song via The Valory Music Co. “How To Talk To Girls,” co-written with Brock Berryhill, Brian Wayne Davis, Brandon Day, Chase McGill, Josh Phillips, Taylor Phillips and Michael Ray. The Worst Country Tour of All Time continues with more opportunities to catch Gilbert live in North America before the end of 2021. Tickets and tour updates are available at brantleygilbert.com.

MEDIA NEWS: Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member William Lee Golden and his sons ‘The Goldens’ appeared at the 2021 Porchfest in Brewton, Ala. The annual event put together by The Greater Brewton Area Chamber of Commerce, Mayor Yank Lovelace, and the City of Brewton. Country, gospel, blues, Southern rock, and many other genres of music were performed throughout the family-friendly afternoon. The Brewton native and his sons kicked off the festivities by

After losing his mother in 2010, the budding singer-songwriter battled depression and anxiety, self-medicated with alcohol and cocaine and ultimately suffered a heart attack at the age of just 19, but he transformed the pain into passion. “Music is healing. As simple as that sounds, the process of creating my art about the life experiences I have had is my therapy,” Bryant explained. “From writing the songs, recording, mixing and mastering to finally seeing a finished product in my hands has been extremely therapeutic for me.” Produced by Bryant, Jesse Triplett, Brandon Metcalf, Noah Gordon and Jeff Catton, Bar Stool Preacher was recorded at South X Sea Studios in Nashville. More details at.jacobbryantmusic.com.

NEW SINGLE NEWS: Rising Country songwriter and performing artist, Dallas Remington, known for her energy and ambition, has released a new single, “Wild In The Woods,” to digital music platforms. Production, engineering and mixing was by Corey Lawson at Claw Sound Studios. The tune was written by Chris Sligh, Mary Kutter and Dallas Remington during a writing session while talking about the types of parties they would have once the pandemic is over. True to her roots, Remington said she would choose to have a bonfire on her family farm. “Wild In The Woods” is available on all digital streaming and download platforms. “I’d heard a guy at a Kroger in Springfield, TN tell someone “I don’t drink anymore, I like to keep my wild in the woods,”

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and I immediately wrote that down in my phone. When I met Dallas for the first time and she described what she wanted to write, that title fit perfectly. It was a fun write, and I’m so proud that this song will be out in the world,” shared Chris Sligh. See also facebook.com/dallasremingtonmusic.

OPRY NEWS:

for the very first time.

During all of their years as entertainers, Gramm® Awardwinning southern rock, blues and country group The Kentucky Headhunters have never performed on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry. That all changes on Saturday, Dec. 4 when the boys from the Bluegrass State walk into the Opry’s hallowed wooden circle

“I must say The Kentucky Headhunters had to take a deep breath, twice, when our publicist Don Murry Grubbs called to say we had been asked to be on the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time,” says Headhunters guitarist and vocalist Richard Young. In the early ‘90s when the Headhunters released their debut album, Pickin’ on Nashville, Bill Monroe approached Roy Acuff about having the group perform on the Opry stage. “Mr. Acuff said, ‘I think they are probably good boys and would do a fine job, but let’s get ‘em a haircut first,” reminisces Young. “Needless to say, it never happened. We are so looking forward to our first appearance on the Opry stage in 30 years. We still got our hair, too. Well, most of it!” More at www.kentuckyheadhunters.com. Mandy Barnett, one of the most heralded voices in music and a favorite of Grand Ole Opry fans, has been welcomed as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry by Marty Stuart. Barnett was joined on stage by Patsy Cline’s daughter Julie Fudge, who presented Barnett with an autographed photo of her mom. Stuart took the stage, saying, “You are like our sister, and we all want to be around you at this moment.” Inviting his band and Connie Smith to join him center stage, Stuart continued, “Many meaningful ladies have sung at this microphone, and I can’t think of anyone who was more born for this moment than you. 520 times- that’s how many times you’ve now played the Opry. That’s a long audition! On behalf of the cast, staff, and all the members, we welcome you with open arms and deepest hearts.” Barnett is scheduled to appear next in each of the Opry’s four “Opry Country Christmas” shows, debuting this coming holiday season at the Opry House on November 28, December 5, 8, and 12. More at mandybarnett.com. NashvilleMusicGuide.com

PERFORMANCE NEWS: Newly minted CMA Entertainer of the Year Luke Combs will embark on his first-ever headline stadium tour next year with performances at Denver’s Empower Field at Mile High on May 21, Seattle’s Lumen Field on June 4 and Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium on July 30. Special guests featured on the tour include Cody Johnson, Zach Bryan and Morgan Wade. Tickets for the newly confirmed shows are available now. Luke Combs has once again made history as his latest single, “Cold As You,” topped the Billboard Country Airplay and Mediabase/Country Aircheck charts. This is the seventh #1 to come from Combs’ deluxe album, What You See Ain’t Always What You Get—breaking the record for most #1 singles to come from the same album—as well as his twelfthconsecutive #1 single overall, another historic feat. The announcement added to a monumental week for the 6x CMA, 3x ACM and 3x Billboard Music Award-winner, who won Entertainer of the Year at the 55th Annual CMA Awards, and surprise-released his new song, “Doin’ This.”

PLATINUM NEWS: Brett Young has earned RIAA Platinum certification for “Lady,” the chart-topping smash inspired by his expanding family. The song marked Young’s 7th consecutive No. 1 hit to earn Platinum or Multi-Platinum certification. Written with Ross Copperman and Jon Nite, Young celebrated the milestone at BMLG Records’ Nashville office alongside Jimmy Harnen, President/CEO BMLG Records. Young stretched his creative inspirations alongside collaborators Ashley Gorley, Jon Nite and Jimmy Robbins to capture the heart wrenching jolt of his latest single, “You Didn’t.” The track is available at Country Radio now. Music, tour updates and more at brettyoungmusic.com.

RADIO NEWS: Radio is playing Thomas Rhett’s new single. Thomas Rhett kicks off a fresh chapter of new music releasing “Slow Down Summer” via The Valory Music Co. as the first taste of his sixth studio album Where We Started to be released early 2022. Following 18 career No. 1 smashes, “Slow Down Summer” features a stirring piano melody,

storytelling lyrics and a massive, 14-piece string section. The song captures a romance which burns hot but is destined to change with the seasons – all as emotions swirl with makethis-moment-last passion. Written on retreat in Montana with frequent collaborators Ashley Gorley, Jesse Frasure, Sean Douglas and his father Rhett Akins and produced by Dann Huff and Jesse Frasure, the song was created amid Thomas Rhett’s euphoric return to touring. Music, tour updates and more at ThomasRhett.com

A native of Warner Robins, Georgia, Denning has accelerated his ascent from a chart-topping single, releasing his debut EP Beer’s Better Cold that debuted in the Top 20 of Billboard’s Country Albums chart. Denning first made waves with the release of his Top 40 debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs.” More info at travisdenning.com.

SINGER-SONGWRITER NEWS: CMA, ACM and Grammy Nominee, Bobby Tomberlin, recently signed an extension to his songwriting contract with CURB Word Music. Tomberlin is entering his 27th year with the company, with over 100 songs recorded and the co-writer of the recent Willie Nelson/Barbra Streisand single, “I’d Want It To Be You”.

ROAD NEWS: Country music legend Lee Greenwood is sprinting towards the finish line of 2021, to put a wrap on what has shaped up as one of the highest-profile years of his career. Ahead in 2022 will be the January launch of his ‘40 Years of Hits Tour,’ which will find the multi-awarded country icon crisscrossing America to hit 40-plus concert dates already confirmed for the year, with more being added. The tour is being sponsored by ABC Supply Company, Inc. “This announcement is only the beginning of what is shaping up to be a record year for us,” says Greenwood. “I have not done such a major tour in many years, normally it is one or two in a row and back home. This tour is going to have me performing at places from small to large, fair to festival, and everything in between.” This year marked Greenwood’s official ‘40 Years of Hits’ celebration, recognizing his amazing presence as an artist, musician, songwriter, philanthropist, and consummate entertainer since his emergence on the national charts in the ’80s. Tour updates and more at leegreenwood.com.

SINGLE NEWS: Mercury Nashville Recording artist Travis Denning celebrated a new milestone, with the news that his first-ever No. One hit single “After A Few” has officially been certified Platinum by the RIAA, with over One Million units of the song being consumed since its release. Denning was surprised by his team at Universal Music Group, Red Light Management and the RIAA following a performance at Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. Denning co-wrote “After A Few” with Kelly Archer and Justin Weaver. “I’m blown away,” shared Denning. “This moment really only happens because of the team effort. My label, management, agent, radio, band and crew are all equally responsible for this milestone. Never would’ve dreamed I’d have a platinum song!”

Artists who have recorded songs written by the accomplished song smith include Blake Shelton, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, Kenny Rogers, Josh Turner, Dylan Scott, Rodney Atkins, Joe Nichols and the Oak Ridge Boys. BMI recently presented Tomberlin a Five Million Airplay Award for his song, “One More Day”, recorded by Diamond Rio and a One Million Airplay Award for “A Good Day To Run”, recorded by Darryl Worley. More at bobbytomberlinmusic.com.

TRIO NEWS: The Cadillac Three keep it funky with their bold live show and genre-fusion tracks rooted in Country storytelling, Rock grooves and psychedelic jams they grew up on in Nashville. As they wrap a headline run in the UK and Ireland in December, the long-haired dudes have announced their Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour. Dates kick off January 28, 2022, at Joe’s in Rosemont, IL with stops in more than 20 different cities. Tickets now on sale via thecadillacthree.com. “We will be hitting all our favorite cities and clubs, as well as some we’ve never played before, and can’t wait to see y’all there! It’s exciting to be on the road in 2022 with the Hillbilly Hypnotized Tour!” shared TC3 frontman Jaren Johnston. TC3 have officially marked a decade as a band. They have come a long way since their high school days of playing music in various arrangements, but the passion is only more amplified. Continuing to find different ways to connect with audiences the trio recently chatted with fans as they released their official video for “Devil’s Lettuce.”

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TOUR NEWS:

VIDEO NEWS:

Wheelhouse Records singer/ songwriter Elvie Shane will launch his first-ever headlining run, with his My Kinda Trouble Tour set to kick off on 2/17/2022 in Chattanooga, TN. The multicity stint will see Shane play major cities including Chicago, IL, Nashville, TN and more, and will mark some of Shane’s first live performances of his debut record Backslider. Joining him on tour will be Country newcomer, Frank Ray. Tickets for the tour are on sale now at elvieshane.com.

American Idol alum Alex Miller’s first official music video, “Don’t Let The Barn Door Hit Ya,” was shot in Alex’s hometown of Lancaster, Kentucky and at his grandfather GB Miller’s farm, the clip features several members of the Miller family, friendly locals and super-model/KY basketball TV and radio host Maria Montgomery. Cinematographer Steve Kinney made the most of the “country boy vs. city girl” concept, capturing the differences in the characters while also portraying the dichotomy between the beauty of the farm and the realities of rural life. The “just this side of slapstick” video opens with Montgomery tappin’ her toes and waiting on Alex to pick her up. After a brief truck ride, the “new gal” arrives at the farm, and is immediately put to work helping ready things for that night’s barn dance. You can learn a lot about stage presence by playing a tree,” he adds with a laugh. More at https:// alexmillercountry.com.

Shane’s tour announcement follows the recent celebration of his hit single “My Boy” topping the charts at country radio and being certified Gold by the RIAA. “My Boy” is taken from Backslider. Shane co-wrote the set that embodies the crunchy hooks of classic rock, the nostalgia of country music as well as the emotional electricity of Gospel and R&B. “I’ve never been more ready to break the chains!” shared Shane. “Getting to go out on the road for my first headlining tour is something we’ve been plotting for a while and feels like just the kinda trouble I could get into. I can’t wait to get out there and play this record live.”

VENUE NEWS: Ole Red is headed to Sin City. At a press conference, Blake Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties’ CEO Colin Reed announced plans to open the sixth location of the iconic venue in Las Vegas with an opening date set for 2023. The Vegas Ole red will be located in front of Caesars Entertainment’s Bally’s Las Vegas. Shelton and Reed said that the company intends to spend around $30 million to develop the site, the group’s first venue in the western United States. It is planned to be a four-story structure with a main-floor dining area and two more floors that will overlook the central stage below. There will also be a 4,500 square foot rooftop area with spectacular views of the Las Vegas cityscape. As with the other venues, Ole Red Las Vegas will feature a menu of Shelton-inspired food and cocktails. It will be the brand’s largest location to date. “I’m proud that we’re building a network of places where artists can get the kind of exposure playing live that is so critical for growing their fan base,” said Shelton. More about Ole Red at https://olered.com.

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VINYL NEWS: Multi-Platinum Country hitmaker Justin Moore has teamed up with Walmart for the exclusive, red vinyl release of his Greatest Hits album -- due Feb. 25, 2022 via The Valory Music Co. Chronicling Moore’s impressive career, the 13-track project features his 10 charttopping singles alongside a handful of longtime fanfavorites -- including “Bait a Hook” and “Backwoods” -- available now for pre-order here. Fresh off the release of “With A Woman You Love,” the twangladen love song is currently climbing the country radio charts and serves as the first track off another forthcoming studio album, also expected from Moore in 2022. Wrapping his extensive headlining tour in November, the Arkansas native hit the stage in Biloxi, MS, and Lake Charles, LA, to play his final shows of the year before heading home to celebrate the holidays with his family. For more information at justinmooremusic.com.

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Preshias’ Stocking Stuffers

Stuck for gift ideas? Here’s a stocking full of music for everyone on your list.

Lori McKenna Christmas is Right Here Three-time Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter and musician Lori McKenna’s debut holiday EP, Christmas Is Right Here, is now available. Produced by McKenna along with Luke Laird and Barry Dean, the six-song release features five new original holiday songs as well as a version of Paul McCartney’s “Wonderful Christmastime.” Of the project, McKenna shares, “It was such a joy making this holiday music with my Nashville family of co-writers, musicians and friends. I feel like we hit on some of the emotions that come with the holidays—the easy feelings and the harder ones. It seems impossible for me to talk or sing about the holidays without going back in time and I feel so blessed to have the music to come back with me.”

Track list

The new release continues a series of landmark years for McKenna following three widely acclaimed albums.

1. WONDERFUL CHRISTMASTIME 2. CHRISTMAS WITHOUT CRYING 3. NORTH POLE 4. STILL CHRISTMAS IN NASHVILLE 5. HAIL MARY 6. GRATEFUL

Additionally, McKenna continues to enjoy tremendous success as one of the music industry’s most in-demand songwriters. Earlier this year, she won her third Grammy Award for Best Country Song for The Highwomen’s “Crowded Table.” Details at http://www.lorimckenna.com.

Cody Johnson A Cody Johnson Christmas Cody Johnson (COJO Music/Warner Music Nashville) has released his first holiday album, A Cody Johnson Christmas. The ten-song project, which includes many of Johnson’s holiday favorites, also features two new original songs penned by producer Trent Willmon. To celebrate, Cody is gifting fans with the release of one of these originals, “Hat Made Of Mistletoe,” across all digital music platforms now. Johnson and Willmon also created newly imagined arrangements for the beloved Christmas carols “Away In A Manger” and “Silent Night.” Every song on the album was carefully chosen, with each of the ten tracks holding a personal meaning to the Johnson family. Johnson’s wife and daughters even make a rare appearance, lending their voices for a special version of “Silent Night.” It also features two new original songs penned by producer Trent Willmon. “It feels great to finally share all the details about my first Christmas album,” said Cody. “Every song on this record holds a special memory for my family. I hope my fans can make their own memories listening this holiday season.”

track list 1. christmas all year long 2. pretty paper 3. I’ll be home for christmas 4. if we make it through december 5. away in a manger 6. hat made of mistletoe 7. white christmas 8. silent night 9. feliz navidad 10. santa claus is back in town

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“It feels great to finally share all the details about my first Christmas album,” said Cody. “Every song on this record holds a special memory for my family. I hope my fans can make their own memories listening this holiday season.” Additionally, Johnson has announced ten concert dates for 2022 with more to be added, riding on the success of Human The Double Album. Updates at codyjohnsonmusic.com/.

Craig Campbell - “White Christmas” Craig Campbell fell in love with his wife and two daughters all over again during the pandemic lockdown. Evenings at home were spent singing around the old piano or Craig and Mindy being entertained by Preslee and Kinni Rose. Now, they are proud to release the Campbell Family version the holiday classic “White Christmas” on their Grindstone Records label. “Ain’t gonna lie…I love singing with my ladies,” Craig posted on social media. “My wife is one of the best singers I know, and both of my daughters have beautiful voices. Getting all of us together for this classic song is a dream come true.” Just announced at City Winery Nashville: Craig Campbell Family & Friends Christmas Show in the Lounge on Saturday, Dec. 20. Craig and his family have been performing for family, friends and fans for several years, and this year they’re adding his full band and special guests. More at craigcampbell.tv.

Jon Mullins - “Silent Night” | “O Holy Night” | “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” Jon Mullins has been ringing in the holiday season with a trio of beloved Christmas songs to welcome the holiday season: his beautiful take on the classic “Silent Night,” which he coproduced with Jamey Perrenot, the beloved “O Holy Night,” which he self-produced, and his unique Western Swing-styled take on the holiday chestnut, “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” which was co-produced by Mullins and Gideon Klein. Mullins is currently in the studio working on an EP of new music slated for release in early 2022. Music and more at https://www.jonmullins.com. “I have wanted to create a Christmas project for an incredibly long time to reinterpret some of my favorite classics and to be hands-on with the production,” states Mullins. Taking his fans to new and unexpected places is nothing new for Mullins, who after his stint on ‘The Voice’ in 2020, released a trio of soaring ballads that firmly established his vocal style and direction in the vein of Adele and Sam Smith, only to turn towards a more fun, up tempo dance track for his next release, “Hot Like Summer.”

Frank Myers - “If Everyday Could Be Christmas” With many #1 award-winning songs to his credit, Grammy Award-winning songwriter, artist and producer, Frank Myers, has released what industry tastemakers call a new Christmas Classic, “If Every Day Could Be Christmas.” The feel good tune was written by Frank J Myers, Gary Baker and Anthony Little, produced by Jimmy Nichols and Frank Myers in Nashville at Horse Tracks and Starstruck studios with mastering by Andrew Mendelson at Georgetown Masters. The heartwarming video in support of the project was filmed on location at Roberts Christmas Wonderland and Clear Tracks Studio in Clearwater, Florida.“To me, there is not a more magical time of the year than at Christmas! said Myers. “People are more loving, caring and giving than any other time. If we could just carry that feeling “all through the year” I think the world would be a much better place.”

Alex Miller - “That’s What Christmas is For” The Kentucky native’s first holiday release for Billy Jam Records is sure to become a seasonal classic - offering a bright, brisk track highlighted by Miller’s warm baritone voice. Written by Nashville tunesmiths C. Aaron Wilburn and Jerry Salley. “I’ve been a sucker for catchy holiday tunes since I first watched the movie Elf,” Alex admits. “I really liked the feel of this one – and all the memories of past Christmases it called up for me.” The rising star has a sleigh full of happy holiday recollections: While attending Paint Lick Elementary School in Lancaster, KY, Miller performed in several festive plays and musicals. “Mainly it was to get out of English, math and social studies,” Alex confesses. “But I actually learned quite a bit. I was in The Nutcracker for several years -- once played a soldier and one year a tree.

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Amazon Music Kicks Off the Holidays

Amazon Music announced its biggest season of holiday programming yet, with brand-new exclusive Christmas music. “This is one of our favorite times of the year, where we’re able to bring our customers around the world a collection of brand-new music and programming to celebrate the holiday season,” said Ryan Redington, VP of music industry, Amazon Music. “It’s always thrilling to see a spike in the charts for Christmas classics, and our Amazon Original songs for the holidays—from incredible artists like Camila Cabello, Summer Walker, and George Ezra—introduce a contemporary take on the familiar favorites that our customers love to stream. In fact, in the last three years, the top 25 most popular holiday Amazon Original songs, from artists such as Katy Perry, John Legend, and Justin Bieber, have surpassed 750 million streams globally.” Even more Amazon Original songs are available to stream now, including Camila Cabello’s cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” a fresh original song from Dan + Shay called “Pick Out a Christmas Tree,” a reimagined version of Marvin Gaye’s “Purple Snowflakes” performed by Leon Bridges, a new original song, “Carta Navideña,” by Sech, and Summer Walker’s version of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want to Come Home for Christmas,” coming November 12. Also out today is Norah Jones’ cover of “The Christmas Waltz,” Alessia Cara’s modern take on “Jingle Bell Rock,” a beautiful performance of Dean Martin’s “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” by She & Him, Chris Tomlin’s new version of his song “Emmanuel God With Us” featuring Anne Wilson, and an all-new song from NEEDTOBREATHE, Switchfoot, and JUDAH. called “Hometown Christmas.” “I’ve been traveling a lot since I was 15 and started working

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so I chose to record this song as an Amazon Original because I’ve always looked forward to being home in Miami with my family for Christmas,” said Camila Cabello. “I wanted to continue the world of my album ‘Familia’ by having it be a Mariachi rendition because I’m half Mexican and I grew up listening to Mariachi music. I’m excited to be on people’s Christmas playlists because it’s such a magical time of the year and getting to be part of the soundtrack during such an intimate family and friend holiday season is a real honor. It’s truly special and really sacred.” Amazon Music is celebrating the holidays across the globe, with new music arriving from international talent to light up the season. From the UK, singer/songwriter George Ezra will debut “Come on Home for Christmas,” his beautifully reworked take on Charles Brown’s “Please Come Home for Christmas.” British Amazon Music Breakthrough artist Olivia Dean, Chinese pianist Lang Lang, and German popsinger and songwriter Sarah Connor have each recorded their own reimagined versions of Nat King Cole’s timeless classic, “The Christmas Song.” In addition, Latin pop-rock trio Reik will debut their rendition of “Last Christmas,” and Marcos Witt will premiere a Spanglish version of “Noche de Paz (Silent Night) / Santa la Noche (O Holy Night)” with his daughter, Elena Witt-Guerra. From Mexico, singers María León, Paty Cantú, and María José team up for a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” out on November 19, and French-Canadian singer-songwriter Cœur de pirate premieres a melodic new original, “Parfait Noël.” Spanish pop band La Oreja de Van Gogh will also delight customers with their version of “Blanca Navidad.” “When I first heard I was going to do an Amazon Original, I immediately thought of the Marvin Gaye version of ‘Purple Snowflakes,’” said Leon Bridges. “It’s one of my favorite

with New Amazon Original Songs

Christmas songs and I love the classic stuff… but this one has a little bit more soul to it. There aren’t too many renditions of this song and I wanted to kind of put my own spin on it as far as figuring out the arrangement and give it the Fort Worth, Texas approach.”

of us—it was just the soundtrack for folks going out, families, friends going to a Christmas tree farm, or going to a store down the street and picking out a Christmas tree. We’re so excited about it and hopefully it brings a little joy this holiday season.”

In addition to new holiday songs, Amazon Music listeners can explore hundreds of festive playlists and stations across artists and decades, including “REDISCOVER: Mariah Carey Christmas,” “Holiday Favorites,” “Christmas Past,” and “Christmas Present,” and a host of new programmed destinations. “Fluent Holidays” is a new playlist celebrating fans who move fluidly between cultures, featuring English, Spanish and bilingual holiday tunes from artists including Reik, Sebastián Yatra, Camila Cabello, Katy Perry, and Sech. The playlist will spotlight English and Spanish language holiday classics, including new Amazon Original songs. “Merry Mix” is a global playlist on Amazon Music featuring iconic holiday classics mixed with tomorrow’s holiday hits. And starting November 19, customers in the U.S. can check out a hosted version of Merry Mix in DJ Mode, which will feature special guests such as Mariah Carey sharing their holiday memories, the stories behind their own holiday songs, and much more. Customers will also hear festive tracks including Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas,” Darlene Love’s “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home),” and John Legend’s “What Christmas Means to Me” with Stevie Wonder. To listen to the station, simply ask “Alexa, play Merry Mix in DJ Mode” in the Amazon Music app for iOS and Android or on Alexa-enabled devices.

Holiday Merch

“Writing original Christmas songs is difficult, because there’s already so many good songs that exist and ... you feel like everything’s already been said,” shared Dan + Shay. “One day we sat down to write our song and it sort of poured out

Fans can shop holiday merchandise collections on the Amazon Music Artist Merch Shop, a comprehensive shopping experience on Amazon.com, developed and curated by the Amazon Music team. To celebrate the season, Amazon Music offers a wide-ranging gift guide, featuring festive merch from some of the biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Lil Nas X, an exclusive holiday T-shirt from KISS, The Beatles, and more. Podcasts Amazon Music is home to millions of podcast episodes and shows for the entire family to enjoy together, including Little Stories Everywhere, and Wow in the World available on Wondery. This holiday, Amazon Original podcasts Uncommon Ground with Van Jones, Country Heat Weekly, and That Scene with Dan Patrick will feature special holiday episodes to celebrate the season. For a limited time, customers who haven’t yet tried Amazon Music Unlimited can get three months free—with unlimited access to more than 75 million songs, ad-free, in the highestquality streaming audio and millions of podcast episodes. In addition, with the purchase of select Amazon Echo devices, customers new to Amazon Music Unlimited can get six months free.

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Pandora Celebrates the Season With More Holiday Stations Than Ever Before Pandora is celebrating the season with more holiday stations than ever before! Pandora’s dozens of festive stations -more than 60 this year -- span genres, decades and moods, ensuring all listeners will find something to soundtrack all of their holiday happenings -from Thanksgiving to Hanukkah to Christmas to Kwanzaa. Pandora has invited Kelly Clarkson, Rob Thomas, Pentatonix and more to share their favorite holiday songs and traditions in exclusive Artist Takeover Modes on Today’s Christmas, Hipster Holidays, Holiday Hits, and Today’s Gospel Hits. Pandora’s Country Christmas station has gathered holiday stories and songs from Tim McGraw, Brett Eldridge, Darius Rucker, Lady A, Mickey Guyton, Josh Turner, and others for a very special Mode called The Pop Up: A Country Holiday. These guest DJ-style Modes will appear throughout November and December and offer a glimpse into how these artists are celebrating this year.

and Holiday Thumb 100: Modern (comprised of songs 1980-present) are programmed with the 100 songs that have earned the most thumbs ups from Pandora listeners. Pandora curators also pick their ultimate holiday tunes on the brand new Handpicked 100: Merry Shuffle station. Heavy metal fans have a brand new station to rock out to this holiday season. Yuletide Slay Ride features the best festive metal and hard rock. With tracks from Alice Cooper, AC/DC, Lemmy, Twisted Sister, Skid Row, Girlschool, GWAR and dozens of others, this station rocks the holidays hard. Kwanzaa Celebration also makes its official debut as a station this year. And, Pandora listeners can travel back in time with 2000s Christmas, 90s Christmas (new this year), 80s Christmas, and 70s Christmas (new this year) stations. Pandora’s flagship Christmas station has added more Modes this year, allowing listeners to fine-tune the station to hear even more of what they want at the moment. These Modes can be selected while listening to Christmas Radio on the Pandora app: Holiday Top Thumb 100 (also its own station), Acoustic Holiday, Christmas Present, Christmas Past, Grandma’s Favorites, Peaceful Instrumentals, Mistletoe Duets, and Christmas Ensemble. Additionally, Pandora has a selection of stations to set the mood for whatever you are doing this holiday season: Holiday Cooking, Holiday Cleaning, Holiday Travel, Holiday Workout, and more!

Pandora’s new holiday stations include three that have been curated by its listeners. Holiday Thumb 100 (made up of songs from all eras), Holiday Thumb 100: Traditional (featuring pre-1980 tracks),

Spotify Singles: HOliday Collection SPOTIFY announced the latest additions to its SPOTIFY SINGLES: HOLIDAY playlist, which can be found here. The 12 freshly-recorded covers and originals are from artists including SPOON, NAO, ASHNIKKO, JXDN, CAYLEE HAMMACK, CHANDLER MOORE, MISTERWIVES and SURFACES, as well as global artists EL ALFA (DOMINICIAN REPUBLIC), ALEXANDRA STRELISKI (CANADA), LOVA (SWEDEN), and LEE HI (KOREA). The 2021 collection marks the fifth year of SPOTIFY SINGLES: HOLIDAY, and includes a wide range of covers and originals from artists across a myriad of genres. Past SPOTIFY SINGLES; HOLIDAY contributors include JOHN LEGEND, CAMILO, NORAH JONES, MILEY CYRUS, KELLY CLARKSON, SAM SMITH, JULIEN BAKER and DEMI LOVATO. From ASHNIKKO’s genre-bending “Carol Of The Bells,” which she describes as a “strange little fairy chant,” to JXDN’s homage to his idols BLINK-182 with his cover of “Happy Holidays You Bastards” (he calls it “one of the best CHRISTMAS songs of all time”), and SPOON’s swaggering version of THE BEATLES’ “CHRISTMAS Time (Is Here Again)” that features, according to BRITT DANIEL, “the most band members doing vocals ever ... pretty sure I’m counting four.” it’s an eclectic collection of unexpected holiday faves.

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SESAC Celebrates Songwriters and Publishers at Nashville Music Awards SESAC celebrated its songwriters and music publishers behind the year’s most-performed country and Americana songs for the 2021 Nashville Music Awards, which took place in a digital format. The annual award winners were announced on the organization’s website and social media platforms with exclusive photos and videos from some of country music’s top songwriters, publishers, and performers. “Songwriting and music publishing are at the very core of the music business, and we at SESAC love that we get to honor those contributions,” said Scott Jungmichel, President and COO, SESAC PRO. “We are happy to celebrate our top performed songs over the past year.” “We are very proud of the songs we awarded this year,” said Shannan Hatch, Vice President of Creative Services. “Our Nashville creative team worked hard to come up with creative, cozy, and safe gatherings to celebrate the successes of our SESAC songwriter and publisher family who won awards. We all look forward to the future when we can safely celebrate with everyone in person.” Niko Moon was named SESAC’s Songwriter of the Year for the first time, who’s single “Good Time” became his first #1 hit as an artist. Additionally, he penned the chart-topper “Gone,” recorded by Dierks Bentley. Lee Brice’s seventh #1 hit song, “One Of Them Girls,” published by Warner Chappell Music was named SESAC Song of the Year. Warner Chappell Music also took home the Publisher of the Year accolade, most recently winning the award in 2019. Additionally, Walker Hayes’ 16-week #1 viral hit “Fancy Like,” written by affiliate Josh Jenkins and published by SMACK Songs and Kobalt, was awarded a new honor, Sync Song of the Year. AWARD WINNERS: “ONE OF THEM GIRLS” Writer: Lee Brice Publisher: Love Cannons Publishing, Warner Chappell Recorded by: Lee Brice “LOVE YOU LIKE I USED TO” Writer: Casey Brown Publisher: Blue Corolla Oklahoma, Feel Your Creative Pulse Music Recorded by: Russell Dickerson “GOOD TIME” Writer: Niko Moon Publisher: Niko Moon Publishing, Warner Chappell Recorded by:Niko Moon “DOWN TO ONE” Writer: Justin Ebach Publisher: Memory Days, Curb Wordspring Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by:Luke Bryan “NOBODY” Writer: Matt Alderman Publisher: Good Vibes Good Times Music, Curb Congregation Songs Recorded by: Dylan Scott

“MOMMA’S HOUSE” Writer: Justin Wilson Publisher: 404 Music Publishing, Somebody Play It Again, BMG Recorded by: Dustin Lynch “BREAKING UP WAS EASY IN THE 90’S” Writer: Chris La Corte Publisher: Card Tables Music, Miller Crow Music, Concord Tunes, Hang Your Hat Hits, Soaring Swine Songs Recorded by: Sam Hunt “SOMEBODY LIKE THAT” Writer: Alex Kline, Allison Veltz Cruz Publisher: Ziggys Z Music, Songs of Porterfied Music, Hipgnosis Tunes, Reviver Recorded by: Tenille Arts “FAMOUS FRIENDS” Writer: Cary Barlowe Publisher: Bennett’s Dad Songs, Warner Chappell Music, Songs of Rhythm House Black, Roc Nation US Music Recorded by: Chris Young and Kane Brown

“GONE” Writer Niko Moon Publisher: Niko Moon Publishing, Warner Chappell Recorded by: Dierks Bentley

“CHAMPAGNE NIGHT” Writer: Tina Annetta Gemza, Hillary Scott Publisher: G23 Music, EKT Music, Warner Chappell, Songland Television, BMG Recorded by: Lady A

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“UNDIVIDED” Writer: Chris Loocke Publisher: Warner Chappell Music, Tree Vibez Bus Vibes Recorded by:Tim McGraw and Tyler Hubbard “COLD BEER CALLING MY NAME” Writer: Alysa Vanderheym Publisher: Castle Bound Music Recorded by:Jameson Rodgers featuring Luke Combs “LIKE A LADY” Writer: Hillary Scott Publisher: EKT Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Recorded by: Lady A “WHAT SHE WANTS TONIGHT” Writer: Jon Nite Recorded by: Luke Bryan “JUST THE WAY” Recorded by: Parmalee X Blanco Brown “MEMORY I DON’T MESS WITH” Writer: Lee Brice Publisher: Love Cannons Publishing, Warner Chappell Recorded by: Lee Brice “I HOPE” Writer: Jon Nite Recorded by: Gabby Barrett

“LADY” Writer: Jon Nite Recorded by: Brett Young “BLAME IT ON YOU” Writer: Michael Tyler, Brian White Publisher: MTNOIZE, BW Tunes, Peertunes LTD, SB21 Music Publishing Recorded by: Jason Aldean “KNOW THAT I KNOW” Writer: Rachael Price, Mike Olson Publisher: 17 Lake Street Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Lake Street Dive “HYPOTHETICALS” Writer: Rachael Price, Mike Olson Publisher: 17 Lake Street Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Lake Street Dive “MAKING DO” Writer: Rachael Price, Mike Olson Publisher: 17 Lake Street Music, Warner Chappell Music Recorded by: Lake Street Dive “HIGH WIND” Writer: Andrew Nelson Publisher: Uncle Kens Music, The Back 40 Music Recorded by: Great Peacock “YOU GET IT ALL” Writer: Hayes Carll Publisher: Highway 87 Publishing, BMG Recorded by: Hayes Carll

Nashville’s

Music venues

downtown HonkyTonk Central 329 Broadway 615-394-3457 honkytonkcentral.com

BB King Blues Bar

east nashville

The East Room

Basement East

917 Woodland 615-645-9174 thebasementnashville.com

2412 Gallatin Ave 347-559-6031 facebook.com/theeastroom

3 Crow Bar

5 Spot

1006 Forrest Ave 616-259-9891 the5spotlive.com

1024 Woodland St. 615-262-3345 3crowbar.com

Lipstick Lounge

LimeLight

1400 Woodland 615-226-6343 thelipsticklounge.com

201 Woodland 615-248-6334 limelightnashville.com

SoundCheck Nashville

The Cobra

750 Cowan St 615-726-1165 soundchecknashville.com

2511 Gallatin Ave 629-800-2515 facebook.com/the-cobra-nashville

The Family Wash

Queen Ave

626A Main St. 615-645-9930

178 Queen Ave

elliston place Cafe Coco

210 Louise Ave 615-321-2626 cafecoco.com

The End

2219 Elliston Place 615-321-4457 endnashville.com

the gulch

Exit/In

2208 Elliston Place 615-321-3340 exitin.com

Station Inn 12th & Porter Rudy’s Jazz Room 402 12th Ave S 615-255-3307 stationinn.com

114 12th Ave N 615-678-7722 12andporter.com

809 Gleaves 615-988-2458 rudysjazzroom.com

midtown Rebar

1919 Division St 615-345-6298 rebarnashville.com

Winner’s

Loser’s

1913 Division St 615-340-0004 losersbar.com

Hopsmith Tavern

1903 Division St. 615-327-8001 facebook.com/blue.bar.921

1911 Division St 615-327-3115 losersbar.com

The Row

110 Lyle Ave 615-321-1224 therownashville.com

sobro

Third Man Records 623 7th Ave S 615-891-4393 thirdmanrecords.com

True Music

118 8th Ave S (The Cambria) cambrianashville.com

Decker & Dryer/L27

FGL House

Barlines

The Listening Room

807 Clark Place (The Westin) 615-248-2800 250 5th Ave S 615-782-5300 barlinesnashville.com

120 3rd Ave fglhouse.com

618 4th Ave S 615-259-3600 listeningroomcafe.com

Cannery-Mercy-HighWatt

3rd & Lindsley

1 Cannery Row 615-251-3020 mercyloung.com

816 3rd Ave N. 615-259-9891 3andlindsley.com

City Winery

609 Lafayette 615-324-1010 citywinery.com/nashville

Rockettown 601 4th Ave S 615-843-4001 rocketown.com

Schermerhorn

Country Music Hall of Fame

Swinging Doors

Flying Saucer

1 Symphony Place 615-687-6500 nashvillesymphony.com

111 4th Ace S. 615-736-5050 swingingdoorssaloon.com

222 5th Ave S 615-416-2001 countrymusichalloffame.com 111 10th Ave S 615-259-3039 beernurd.com

west end 110 28th Ave N 615-320-4339 localnash.com

Jason Aldean’s

311 Broadway jasonaldeansnashville,com

Tequila Cowboys

305 Broadway 615-747-9078 cadillacranchnashville.com

Whiskey Bent

120 2nd Ave N 615-401-2580 whiskeybentsaloon.com

Back Alley Diner

2613 West End Ave 615-327-4707 debichampion.com

green hills Blue Bird Cafe 4104 Hillsboro Rd 615-383-1416 bluebirdcafe.com

Kid Rock’s

221 Broadway 615-248-2706 facebook.com/bigasshonkytonk

Acme Feed & Seed

101 Broadway 615-915-0888 theacmenashville.com

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615-770-2000 bridgestonearena.com

Nashville Underground

Fiddle & Steel

Benchmark

Hard Rock Cafe

Puckett’s

Tin Roof Broadway

207 Broadway 615-457-3983 bootleggersnashville.com

117 2nd Ave N 615-742-8887 benchmarknashville.com

500 Church St. 615-770-2772 pucketttsgrocery.com/nashville

Lonnie’s Western Room

316 Broadway 615-242-4446 tinroofbroadway.com

208 Printers Alley 615-215-1122 lonnieswesternroom.com

Legends Corner

Ms Kelli’s

428 Broadway 615-248-6334 lengendscorner.com

Bourbon Street Blues Bar 220 Printers Alley 615-242-5837 bourbonstreetbluesandboogiebar.com

Luke’s 32 Bridge

hillsboro village

207 Printers Alley 615-255-4423 mskellis.com

Skull’s Ranbow Room 222 Printers Alley 615-810-9631 skullsrainbowroom.com

Robert’s Western World

2101 Belcourt Ave 615-383-9140 belcourt.com

1402 Clinton 615-891-1781 marathonmusicworks.com

Loveless Cafe

Ri’chard’s Cafe

CabaRay

5724 River Rd. 615-327-4630 raystevenscabray.com

The Sutler

Santa’s Pub

south nashville 2600 Franklin Pk 615-840-6124 thesutler.com

The Basement

2025 8th Ave S 615-269-0221 zanienash.com

1604 8th Ave S 615-254-4801 grimeys.com

Zanie’s Comedy Club Grimey’s

Adventure Science Center 800 Fort Negley 615-862-5160 adventuresci.org

Miss Jeanne’s Dinner Theater

Second Fiddle

Rippy’s

The Stage

Scoreboard

Crazytown

TPAC

Music City Bar & Grill

308 Broadway 615-254-5460 facebook.com/crazytownnashville

TN Repertory Theatre 161 Rains Ave 615-244-4878 tennesseerep.com

412 Broadway 615-726-0504 thestageonbroadway.com 505 Dedick St 615-255-2787 tpac.com

The Valentine

312 Broadway 615-202-6979 thevalentinenashville.com

Douglas Corner

2106 8th Ave S 615-298-1688 douglascorner.com

Layla’s Bluegrass Inn

429 Broadway 615-244-7477 rippysbarandgrill.com

2225 Brandsford Ave 615-593-1872 santaspub.com

1604 8th Ave S 615-254-8006 thebasementnashville.com

Ryman Auditorium

420 Broadway 615-248-4818 theﬁddle.com

8400 Hwy 100 615-646-9700 lovelesscafe.com

4420 Whites Creek Pike 615-299-9590

Municipal Auditorium

116 5th Ave N 615-889-3060 ryman.com

2025 Rosa L Parks Blvd 615-259-4343 milleniumhotels.com

Loretta Lynn Ranch

44 Hurricane Mills Rd 931-296-2800 lorettalynn.com

416 Broadway 615-244-9552 robertswesternworld.com

418 Broadway 615-726-2799 facebook.com/laylasbluegrassinn

Belcourt Taps

2117 Belcourt Ave 615-915-3622 belcourttaps.com

Marathon Music Works Maxwell House

301 Broadway lukes32bridge.com

417 4th Ave N 615-862-6390 nashvilleauditorium.com

South

1524 Demonbreun 615-724-1770 south-nashville.com

greater nashville

419 Broadway 615-650-9333 crossroadsbar.com

Bootleggers Inn

100 Broadway 615-871-6779 hardrockcafe.com

1538 Demonbreun 615-864-7393 dawghousesaloon.com

1516 Demonbreun 615-313-7103 tinroofbars.com

Crossroads

The Frist

210 Printers Alley 615-251-9002 ﬁddleandsteel.com

Dawghouse Saloon

Tin Roof

Belcourt Theatre

105 Broadway 615-964-3000 nashunderground.com

919 Broadway 615-244-3340 fristcenter.com

The Old Line

1524 Demonbreun 615-915-4421 facebook.com/theoldlinenash

Nudie’s Honky Tonk

409 Broadway facebook.com/nudieshonkytonk nudieshonkytonk.com

217 Arcade Alley 615-251-3003 backalleydiner.com

600 9th Ave S 615-902-9566 missjeannes.com

opryland Gaylord Opryland

2800 Opryland Dr 615-889-1000 gaylordhotels.com

2408 Music Valley Dr. 615-883-3866 scoreboardbar.net

2416 Music Valley Dr 615-883-2367 musiccitybar.com

Grand Ole Opry

2804 Opryland Dr 615-871-6779 opry.com

John A’s

2421 Music Valley Dr 615-885-1540 johnasresturant.com

Nashville Palace

2611 McGavock Pk 615-884-3004 nashvillepalace.net

Nashville Nightlife

2620 Music Valley Dr 615-885-5201 nashvillenightlife.com

422 Broadway 615-726-0463 tootsies.com

301 6th Ave S 615-244-3263 musicianhalloffame.com

Musician’s Hall of Fame

sylvan park

Wild Horse Saloon

Famous Saloon

4425 Murphy Rd. 615-942-5052 neighborssylvanpark.com

Tootsie’s

120 2nd Ave N 615-251-1000 wildhorsesaloon.com

The George Jones

128 2nd Ave N 615-818-0128 georgejones.com

AJ’s Good Time Bar

Springwater The Local Commodore 115 27th Ave N 615-862-8431 thespringwater.com

152 2nd Ave S 615-256-2727 bbkingbluesclub.com

demonbruen

421 Broadway 615-678-4808 ajsgoodtimebar.com

Margaritaville

322 Broadway 615-208-9080 margaritavillenashville.com

Ole Red

300 Broadway 629-203-7822 olered.com

110 2nd Ave N 615-933-5000 famoussaloon.com

Neighbors

Blue Moon

525 Basswood Ave 615-356-6666 bluemoongrille.com

Big Shotz

115 2nd Ave N 615-244-9011 bigshotznashville.com

Redneck Riviera

208 Broadway 615-436-4070 redneckrivieranashville.com

Whiskey Row

400 Broadway 629-203-7822 dierkswhiskeyrow.com

Mellow Mushroom

423 Broadway 615-454-4990 mellowmushroom.com

If you would like to list your venue, please submit your information to editor@nashvillemusicguide.com | ATTN: Music Venue Submission

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

BMI proudly paid tribute to the best in songwriting for its 69th Annual BMI Country Awards. The top songwriters, publishers and administrators of the previous year’s most-performed Country songs were celebrated across all BMI digital and social channels. Songwriter/producer Jesse Frasure was named Songwriter of the Year, “One of Them Girls,” co-written by Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson, won Song of the Year and the Publisher of the Year Award went to both Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music in a historic tie. To honor these achievements, BMI created a special page on its website where fans can watch video messages, listen to award-winning music, and learn more about their favorite Country songwriters. “Songwriters and publishers are the lifeblood of our business and our Nashville community, and it is an honor to represent and award our members every year,” said Clay Bradley, VP, Nashville. “We are thrilled to celebrate the phenomenal songwriters and publishers whose talent and hard work continue to propel our genre to new heights. We look forward to inviting you all back into our BMI home in 2022.” Powerhouse songwriter Jesse Frasure is receiving the Songwriter of the Year honor for a second time. He penned five of the year’s most-performed songs, including “Almost Maybes,” “ hole in the bottle,” “One Big Country Song,” “One Thing Right,” and “What’s Your Country Song.” Co-written by Dallas Davidson and Ben Johnson, Song of the Year, “One of Them Girls,” was recorded by Lee Brice and certified double platinum by the RIAA in August of this year. It spent three weeks at the No. 1 position on the Billboard Country Airplay chart and has remained in the Top 10 each recurrent week. Additionally, the song has over 390 million on-demand streams to date. This honor marks the 30th BMI County Award for Dallas Davidson and the very first for Ben Johnson. For the first time in 33 years, the Publisher of the Year designation ended with a tie between Sony Music Publishing and Warner Chappell Music. Collectively, the publishing powerhouses represent a combined total of 36 of this year’s award-winning titles. Sony Music Publishing’s award-winning titles include “ONE BEER,” “ Lovin’ on You,” “I Called Mama,” and “Beer Can’t Fix.” WarnerChappell Music’s titles include “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” “I Love My Country,” and “One Night Standards.” BMI also celebrated the songwriters and publishers of the 50 most-performed Country songs of the year. Among the songs honored are “Bluebird,” “Heartless,” “The Good Ones,” and “I Should Probably Go to Bed.” This year’s winners include 24 first-time BMI Country Award recipients, such as Ashley McBryde, Parker McCollum, and Taylor Kerr of Maddie & Tae. Additional winners include Miranda Lambert, Michael Hardy, Natalie Hemby, Shy Carter, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, and more.

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

BMI Country’s Top 50 Songs of 2021 AIN’T ALWAYS THE COWBOY Brandon Kinney, Josh Thompson

Big Music Machine, Music of MAM, MV2 Music, peermusic III Ltd, Whiskey Tub Music

ALMOST MAYBES Jesse Frasure

Songs of Roc Nation, Telemitry Rhythm House, WarnerTamerlane

BE A LIGHT

Josh Miller, Thomas Rhett Josh Thompson

Big Music Machine, Cricket On The Line, EMI-Blackwood, Jack 10, Music of MAM, MV2 Music, Warner-Tamerlane

GOOD TIME

Jordan Minton

Here Comes The Boom Music, Songs of Kobalt Music

THE GOOD ONES

Gabby Barrett, Zach Kale, Emily Landis, Jim McCormick

BMG Blue, BMG Platinum Songs US, Fox Landis Lyrics, GBF Music Global, Revinyl House, Songs of Jim McCormick, Sony/ ATV Countryside, Sony/ATV Tree

HAPPY DOES

Brock Berryhill, Brad Clawson, Greylan James, Jamie Paulin

Julian Bunetta, Thomas Rhett Zach Skelton

Don’t Be A Gypsy, Five Miles West Songs, Hold On Can, Get A Number 1 Music, Mandy’s Favorite Songs, Murphy the Wolf Music, Songs of Universal, SongsForTatum, WarnerTamerlane

BEERS AND SUNSHINE

Kane Brown, Lindsay Rimes EMI-Blackwood, Kane Brown

BEER CAN’T FIX

Dragon Bunny Music, EMIBlackwood, Music of BIG FAMILY

Ross Copperman

EMI-Blackwood, Iris in the Sky with Diamonds

BETTER TOGETHER

Luke Combs, Dan Isbell Randy Montana

50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Sony/ATV Countryside, Straight Dimes, Sullivan’s Guns Music, Warner-Tamerlane

BIG, BIG PLANS

Jacob Durrett, Chris Lane Ernest Keith Smith

Big, Big Plans, Big Loud Mountain, Ern Dog Music, Magic Mustang Music, Round Hill Works, Songs of Universal, Warner-Tamerlane

BLUEBIRD

Luke Dick, Natalie Hemby Miranda Lambert

Emileon Songs, Little Louder Songs, Pink Dog, Songs of Kobalt Music, Songs of Universal, Sony/ATV Tree, Wrucke For You

CHAMPAGNE NIGHT

Ester Dean, Charles Kelley Dave Thomson Dat Damn Dean Music, RADIOBULLETS, Songs of Universal, Sony/ATV Songs, Warner-Tamerlane

SOME GIRLS

Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell

ClearBox Benefit, Harding Road Music, New Writers of Sea Gayle Music, Relative Music Group, Songs of Kobalt Music, Sony/ATV Tree, West Pass Music

COOL AGAIN

Music, Koala T Tunes, Songs of Universal

DIE FROM A BROKEN HEART Taylor Kerr (Maddie & Tae) Big Music Machine, Jehovah Nissi Music

DOES TO ME

Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher Tyler Reeve

50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Kirbfinder’s Mucho, Love Music, Larkin Hill, Sony/ATV Tree, Straight Dimes

DONE

Chris Janson, Jamie Paulin Matt Roy

Anthem Red Vinyl Music, BMG Platinum Songs US, Rounding Third, Songs of Universal, SongsForTatum

DOWN TO ONE

Dallas Davidson, Kyle Fishman

Kyle Fishman Music, Natalia’s Music Money, Play It Again Ent, Round Hill Compositions

GOD WHISPERED YOUR NAME Micah Carter, Shy Carter James Slater

BMG Platinum Songs US, Bro 2 Bro Publishing, Protosail Publishing, Sony/ATV Tree, Worldwide EMG Music B, You Want How Much Of What

ONE MARGARITA Josh Thompson

Big Music Machine, Music of MAM, MV2 Music

PRETTY HEART

I CALLED MAMA

Marv Green, Jimmy Yeary

All Night Linda Music, Cedar Church Music, Sony/ATV Tree, Warner-Tamerlane

Parker McCollum, Randy Montana

ParkerMac Publishing, Sullivan’s Guns Music, Warner-Tamerlane

GOT WHAT I GOT

Thomas Archer, Alexander Palmer

Alexander Palmer Songs, Hits Like Hurricane, Music of MAM, MV2 Music, Warner-Tamerlane

HAPPY ANYWHERE Ross Copperman

EMI-Blackwood Music, Endurance Romeo Charlie, Smack of Ham Songs

cHASIN’ YOU

Morgan Wallen

Big Loud Mountain, Round Hill Works

I SHOULD PROBABLY GO TO BED

Sean Douglas, Jason Evigan, Shay Mooney

Bad Robot, BMG Platinum Songs US, Eastman Pond Publishing, Shay Mooney Music, WarnerTamerlane

LOVE YOU LIKE I USED TO Russell Dickerson, Parker Welling

BMG Platinum Songs US, Kailey’s Dream, Songs of Home Team, Music Tunes by TrailerParker, Warner-Tamerlane

JUST THE WAY

IN BETWEEN

Matt Thomas

NOBODY BUT YOU

Ross Copperman, Tommy Lee James

EMI-Blackwood Music, Endurance Romeo Charlie, Smack of Ham Songs, Songs of Kobalt Music, Still Working For The Man Music

ONE BEER

Michael Hardy, Jake Mitchell

ClearBox Benefit, Rednecker Music, Relative Music Group, Sea Gayle Tavern House Music, Sony/ATV Tree, West Pass Music

ONE BIG COUNTRY SONG

Jesse Frasure, Michael Hardy Relative Music Group, Songs of Roc Nation Music, Sony/ATV Tree, Telemitry Rhythm House Music, Warner-Tamerlane

LADY

Ross Copperman

Scotty McCreery

JM Thomas Music, Sony/ATV Countryside

EMI-Blackwood Music, Iris in the Sky with Diamonds

HARD TO FORGET

LONELY IF YOU ARE

ONE NIGHT STANDARDS

Russ Hull, Webb Pierce Mary Jean Shurtz

Chase Rice, Lindsay Rimes

Dack Janiels Publishing, EMIBlackwood Music, Koala T Tunes, Sony/ATV Countryside

Canned Biscuit Songs, Songs of Harpeth Valley, WarnerTamerlane

HEARTLESS

Tyler Hubbard, Brian Kelley Josh Miller

LONG LIVE

ONE OF THEM GIRLS

Big Loud Mountain, Jack 10, Pranch Ringle Music, Round Hill Works, T Hubb Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane

Natalia’s Music Money, Round Hill Compositions

Dagum Music, Songs of Universal

Jamie Music Publishing, Unichappell Music

Henry Agincourt Allen, Charlie Handsome, Ryan Hurd, Ernest Keith Smith, Morgan Wallen Big Loud Mountain, Bo Wallace Publishing, Duke City Music, Ern Dog Music, Hurdjamz, Round Hill Works, Songs of Kobalt Music, Songs of Universal

HOLE IN THE BOTTLE

LOVIN’ ON YOU

Thomas Archer, Luke Combs, Ray Fulcher, James McNair 50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Larkin Hill, Music of MAM, MV2 Music, Sony/ATV Countryside, Sony/ATV Tree, Straight Dimes Publishing, Warner-Tamerlane

Jesse Frasure

Songs of Roc Nation Music, Telemitry Rhythm House Music, Warner-Tamerlane

I HOPE YOU’RE HAPPY NOW

Luke Combs, Randy Montana

MOMMA’S HOUSE

Rodney Clawson, Michael Lotten, Dylan Schneider

50 Egg Music, Big Music Machine, Straight Dimes Publishing, Sullivan’s Guns Music, Warner-Tamerlane

Anthem Music, Ford Drives A Chevy, Lucky Mic Publishing, Music of Parallel, Round Hill Compositions, Shirt At Work

I LOVE MY COUNTRY

Kane Brown, Charlie Handsome, Chase McGill, Ernest Keith Smith, Will Weatherly Big Loud Mountain, Big Tree Vibez Music, Ern Dog Music, Kane Brown Music, Mandy’s Favorite Songs, Songs of Universal, Track House, Worldwide Entertainment, Warner-Tamerlane

MORE THAN MY HOMETOWN Charlie Handsome, Michael Hardy, Ernest Keith Smith Morgan Wallen

Big Loud Mountain, Relative Music Group, Round Hill Works, Songs of Universal, Sony/ATV Countryside, Sony/ATV Tree

SOMEBODY LIKE THAT Tenille Arts

Oven Music, Inc.

Ashley McBryde

Dallas Davidson, Ben Johnson

ONE THING RIGHT

Kane Brown, Jesse Frasure

Marshmello

Kane Brown Music, Marshmello Music, Songs of Kobalt Music, Songs of Roc Nation Music, Songs of Universal,Telemitry Rhythm House Music, WarnerTamerlane

STARTING OVER

Michael Henderson

Straight Six Music, Wixen Music

WHAT’S YOUR COUNTRY SONG

Rhett Akins, Jesse Frasure, Thomas Rhett, Parker Welling Cricket On The Line, EMIBlackwood, Ritten By Rhettro, Songs of Home Team Music, Songs of Roc Nation Music, Telemitry Rhythm House Music, Tunes by TrailerParker, WarnerTamerlane

WHY WE DRINK

Casey Beathard, Justin Moore Big Music Machine, Double Barrel Ace Music, Little Louder Songs, Seven Ring Circus Songs, Songs of Kobalt Music

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

2021 Ascap Country Music Awards The writers and publishers of country music’s most-performed songs of the past year will be honored by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) beginning today. The 59th Annual ASCAP Country Music Awards once again celebrate the genre’s best and brightest creatives in a special virtual format across all social media platforms. Using the hashtag #ASCAPAWARDS, exclusive winner photos, videos, acceptance speeches and a surprise or two will be posted to @ASCAP on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, giving fans, friends and industry peers a front row seat to the special event. Dedicated posts for each winning song will be rolled out on @ASCAP social media each day through November 10. Celebrated hitmaker Josh Osborne is named ASCAP Country Music Songwriter of the Year for the first time for eight chart-topping songs, including “7 Summers,” “Beers and Sunshine,” “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s,” “Happy Anywhere,” “Hard to Forget,” “How They Remember You,” “Next Girl” and “Nobody But You.” The honor brings Osborne’s total number of ASCAP Awards to 35, including Song of the Year wins in 2015, 2018 and 2020. George Strait, one of Osborne’s biggest influences, shared news of the win with Osborne in an exclusive video to be featured on @ASCAP social media. Ashley Gorley’s chart-topping “One of Them Girls” (recorded by Lee Brice) receives ASCAP Country Music Song of the Year honors. ASCAP social media will share Gorley’s award acceptance for the certified platinum single, which hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, along with kudos from Brice and several of the song’s publishers. Sony Music Publishing wins Publisher of the Year for the first time since 2012. Their winning songs included “Breaking Up Was Easy in the 90’s” (Sam Hunt), “Hole in the Bottle” (Kelsea Ballerini), “Lady” (Brett Young) and “Things a Man Oughta Know” (Lainey Wilson). SMP CEO Nashville, Rusty Gaston, will appear on @ASCAP social media thanking their songwriters and staff. ASCAP Chairman of the Board and President Paul Williams, Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Matthews and EVP, Chief Creative Officer John Titta kicked off the online festivities with a joint welcome video message along with congratulations from ASCAP Vice President, Membership Nashville Mike Sistad and the ASCAP Nashville team. The social media event will also include a celebration of the life of Connie Bradley, former head of ASCAP Nashville. A beloved music industry trailblazer who passed away earlier this year, Bradley served more than three decades at ASCAP, rising to Senior Vice President and head of their Nashville office at a time when women filled very few top leadership positions in the music industry. The video tribute features remembrances from country stars Wynonna Judd, Trisha Yearwood, Amy Grant and more. The ASCAP Country Music Awards will also feature special performances of three other top award-winning songs: Chris August will deliver his Keith Urban single “God Whispered Your Name;” Madeline Merlo will perform her Songland hit for Lady A, “Champagne Night,” and rising country star Lainey Wilson will share an exclusive performance of her recent #1 hit “Things a Man Oughta Know.” 7 SUMMERS Josh Osborne Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing BREAKING UP WAS EASY IN THE 90’S Zach Crowell, Josh Osborne Between the Pines, Kyler’s Kinda Night, Round Hill Songs, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville, Universal Music Publishing Group

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

ALL NIGHT Andrews Deroberts, John Osborne, TJ Osborne All The King’s Pens, Downtown Music Publishing, Patriot Games Publishing, Songs in the Key of Claire, Songstein Publishing, Trampy McCauley, Warner Chappell Music GOD WHISPERED YOUR NAME Chris August BMG Gold Songs, Gold Leaf Pages

ALMOST MAYBES Jordan Davis, Hillary Lindsey Anthem Entertainment, Concord Music Publishing, Jordan Davis Music BEERS AND SUNSHINE J.T. Harding, Josh Osborne, Darius Rucker Detroit Records and Tapes, Growingmusic Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music

BE A LIGHT Matt Dragsterm Big Loud Proud Songs, Big Machine Music, Round Hill Songs HOW THEY REMEMBER YOU Marc Beeson, Josh Osborne, Allen Shamblin Built on Rock Music, Clearbox Advantage, Downtown Music Publishing, Kobalt Songs, SMACKSongs, Son of Ron Songs, Sony Music Publishing

BEER CAN’T FIX Thomas Rhett Allied One Publishing, Downtown Music Publishing, Patriot Game Publishing NOBODY Dylan Scott Curb Song BLAME IT ON YOU Kurt Allison BMG Gold Songs, Makena Cove Music CHAMPAGNE NIGHT Paticia Conroy, Andrew Deroberts, Dave Haywood, Madeline Merlo Deluge Music, Downtown Music Publishing, Haywoodja Cut That Songs, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Patriot Games Publishing, Reservoir, Songs in the Key of Claire, Warner Chappell Music, DIE FROM A BROKEN HEART Maddie Font, Deric Ruttan, Jonathan Singleston Big Machine Music, Seven Red Birds Publishing, Sony Music Publishing Spirit Music Nashville, Warner Chappell Music DONE Mitch Oglesby Kjmmusic Publishing, Mitchell Marlow Music, Warner Chappell Music DRINKN’ BEER’ TALKIN’ GOD AMEN. Corey Crowder, Cale Dodds, Hunter Phelps Big Crowd Publishing, Cale Dodds Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Nontypical Music, Warner Chappell Music, Who Wants to Buy My Publishing DRINKING ALONE Brett James, David Garcia Common Music, Spirit Music Nashville, Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music EVERYWHERE BUT ON Paul Sikes, Matt Stell Endurance Music Group, Sony Music Publishing

MOMMA’S HOUSE Sony Music Publishing, Two Black Dogs FAMOUS FRIENDS Corey Crowder Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Warner Chappell Music GLAD YOU EXIST Jordan Reynolds, Dan Smyers Beats and Banjos, Buckeye26, Jreynmusic, Warner Chappell Music GOOD TIME Anna Moon, Joshua Murty, Mark Trussell Anna Moon Publishing, Future Heartbeat Publishing, Joshua Murty Publishing, Mark Trussell Music, Warner Chappell Music HAPPY ANYWHERE Matt Jenkins, Josh Osborne Combustion Music, Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Seeker Music Group, SMACKSongs, Sony Music Publishing, Tape Room Music, Warner Chappell Music, Who Wants to Buy My Publishing HARD TO FORGET Ashley Gorley, Josh Osborne Between The Pines, Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hills Songs, Sam Hunt Publishing, Smackborne Music, Sony Music Pubkishing, UNiversal Music Publishing Group HERE AND NOW David Garcia, David Lee Murphy, Craig Wiseman 4Thekidz Music, Big Loud Proud Songs, N2D Publishing Company, Old Desperadoes, Red Toe Rocker, Round Hill Songs, Spirit Music Nashville, The Vault Music HOLE IN THE BOTTLE Kelsea Ballerini, Ashley Gorley, Steph Jones, Hillary Lindsey 410 Music, Caleb’s College Fund, Concord Music Publishing, Hipgnosis Songs Group, Round Hill Songs, Sony Music Publishing, Steph Jones Who Music, Vistaville I LOVE MY COUNTRY Corey Crowder Big Crowd Publishing, Warner Chappell Music

NOBODY BUT YOU Josh Osborne Smackborne Music, Sony Music Publishing

WORHIP YOU Alexander “Eskeerdo” Izquierdo AIX Music Publishing, BMG Gold Songs

I SHOULD PROBABLY GO TO BED Dan Smyers Beats and Banjos, Warner Chappell Music

ONE BEER Hillary LIndsey Concord Music Publishing

JUST THE WAY Kevin Bard, Nolan Sipe Kevin Bard Music, Margetts Road Music, Nolan W. Sipe Music, Sony Music Publishing LADY Brett Young Caliville Publishing, Sony Music Publishing, Big Machine Music LONELY IF YOU ARE Hunter Phelps Nontypical Music, Warner Chappell Music, Who Wants To Buy My Publishing LONG LIVE Corey Crowder, David Garcia 4Thekidz Music, Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Spirit Music Nashville, The Vault Music, Warner Chappell Music

ONE MARGARITA Michael Carter, Matt Dragstrem Big Loud Proud Songs, Big Machine Music, Round Hill Songs, Sony Music Publishing ONE TOO MANY James ‘Boy Matthews’ Norton, Cleo Tigha Kobalt Songs Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music SHE’S MINE Scott Stepakoff Sony Music Publishing SINGLE SATURDAY NIGHT Ashley Gorley Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs SOME GIRLS CJ Solar Clearbox Advantage, Sea Gayle Music

MADE FOR YOU Neil Medley Songs of Mojo Two, Son of A Carl Music

STARTING OVER Chris Stapleton I Wrote These Songs, Warner Chappell Music

MINIMUM WAGE Corey Crowder Big Crowd Publishing, Georgia Song Vibez, Warner Chappell

THINGS A MAN OUGHTA KNOW Jonathan Singleton, Lainey Wilson Big Machine Music, Sony Music Publishing, Spirit Music Nashville

MY BOY Nick Columbia Boondock Voodoo Music Company, Kobalt Songs Music, Nick Columbia Publishing, Rome Phrey Songs

WHAT’S YOUR COUNTRY SONG Ashley Gorley Caleb’s College Fund, Round Hill Songs

NEXT GIRL Josh Osborne, Carly Pearce BMG Gold Songs, For The Kids Gold, Redfeather Publishing, Smackbone Music, Sony Music Publishing NO I IN BEER Kelley Lovelace, Brad Paisley Clearbox Advantage, Sea Gayle Music, Own My Own Music Publishing, Warner Chappell Music

WE DIDN’T HAVE MUCH Paul Digiovanni, Jeremy Stover Anthem Ent., Paulywood Music, RED Creative Group, Univeral Music Publishing Group WHY WE DRINK David Lee Murphy, Jeremy Stover Anthem Ent., N2D Publishing, Old Desperadoes

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Nashville Music guide’s

Best of 2021

Best Artist-Owned venue 1. Whiskey Row 2. Redneck Riviera 3. FGL House

1. Grimey’s 2. Great Escape 3. McKay’s

Best Bluegrass Venue

1. Station Inn 2. Layla’s 3. Cumberland Caverns

Best Breakout Artist 1. Brittney Spencer 2. Priscilla Block 3. Morgan Wade

Best Comedy club

1. The Comedy Club 2. Zanie’s 3. LOL Nashville

Best Concert Series 1. Live on the Green 2. Musician’s Corner 3. Music City Roots

Best Country VENUE

Best Boutiques

1. Wild Horse Saloon 2. Nashville Palace 3. The Troubador

1. Manuel 2. MODA 3. Two Old Hippies NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Best Music Shop

Best Disc Makers

1. We Make Tapes 2. VSG Nashville 3. Earmark Digital

Best Honky Tonk

1. AJ’s Goodtime Bar 2. The Stage 3. Robert’s Western World

Best Jazz VENUE

1. Rudy’s Jazz Room 2. Bourbon Street Blues 3. Skull’s Rainbow Room

Best karaoke Bar

1. Santa’s Pub 2. Ms. Kelli’s 3. Wild Beaver

Best Listening Room 1. City Winery 2. 3rd & Lindsley 3. Listening Room

Best Live Music venue 1. Ryman Auditorium 2. Grand Ole Opry 3. City Winery

Best Music Conference

1. AMA Conference 2. Music Biz Conference 3. NAMM

Best music festivals 1. Bonnaroo’s VirtuaROO 2. Americana Fest 3. Tin Pan South

Best Music history tour 1. CMHoF Tours 2. RCA Studio B 3. Walkin’ Nashville

Best Music museums 1. George Jones 2. Johnny Cash 3. Willie Nelson & Friends

Best Rock Venue

1. EXIT/IN 2. Springwater 3. 12th & Porter

Best Instrument shop

1. Fanny’s House of Music 2. Carter Vintage Guitars 3. Nashville New & Used Music

Best Open Mic Night 1. Commodore Grille 2. The Local 3. The Bluebird Cafe

Best online radio 1. ACME Radio 2. CMR Nashville 3. Gimme Radio

Best print shop

1. Midtown Printing 2. Hatch Show Print 3. Jive!

Best Radio Station 1. WSM Radio 2. Lightning 100 3. The Big 98

Best Songwriter Night 1. Whiskey Jam 2. Commodore Grille 3. Freakshow

Best Songwriter venue 1. Bluebird Cafe 2. Ri’chard’s Cafe 3. Puckett’s Grocery

Best Streaming shows

1. Grand Ole Opry 2. Quaranstream 3. Musicians Hall of Fame Backstage

Best LOCAL Podcasts

1. Dolly Parton’s America 2. Faith, Family & Friends 3. Living and Learning with Reba

Best Ent. Industry group for women

1. Women in Music 2. Song Suffragettes 3. Women in Country

Best Ent. industry Network group

1. Network After Work 2. SOLID 3. YEP

Best MUSIc PR Firm 1. Adkins Publicity 2. 2911 Media 3. Aristo PR

Best Artist MGMT Firm 1. Red Light Mgmt 2. Artist Mgmt Group 3. Play It Again Music

Best New Venue

1. Brooklyn Bowl

NashvilleMusicGuide.com

Nashville Music Guide Holiday Issue 2021

Articles inside

ASCAP Country Awards

SESAC Country Awards

Amazon Holidays

Pandora & Spotify

Preshias Stocking Stuffers

Elvie Shane Ole Red Alex Miller Justin Moore

Lee Greenwood Travis Denning Bobby Tomberlin Cadillac Three

Brantley Gilbert William Lee Golden Jacob Bryant Dallas Remington

Kentucky Headhunters Mandy Barnett Luke Combs Brett Young Thomas Rhett

Eli Young Band Rock’n’Roll Series Christmas 4 Kids Country Rewind

ACM Awards Jason Aldean Marshall Tucker Joe Nichols

Lee Brice Laine Hardy McGuire Noah Smith Cole Swindell

CMA Awards CMHoF

Sounding Board

55th CMA Awards

Artist on the Rise

Tracy Lawrence Mission Possible

Gift of Giving Back

Give a Little Christmas

Opry Conutry Christmas

Parade of Trees

How Does Christmas Sound?

Holiday Pop-up Bars

Sounds for the Season