MCBRIDE & THE RIDE SOAR WITH NEW SINGLE "THAT'S HOW YOU KNOW"

Co-written by All Three Members and Brice Long

AVAILABLE HERE NOW

ACM/CMA nominees, McBride & The Ride, continue to quench the thirst of fans needing their fix of the harmony based trio with the release of their latest single, “That’s How You Know.” Billy Thomas, Ray Herndon and Terry McBride joined forces with prolific songwriter Brice Long to answer the age-old question on this sure-to-entertain track off their highly anticipated EP coming July 28.

“‘That’s How You Know’ was a labor of love in the studio,” McBride shares of their sessions at the iconic Nashville recording studio, The Sound Emporium, which gave birth to the rockin’, broken down, driving intro of the song. “We had no doubt that the song had something special. Once we established the intro we were off and running and never looked back.”

Drummer and vocalist Billy Thomas agrees that something special happened with this song. “We've all written for decades now with others and had fine results. But when the three of us are in a room together, a healthy artistic synthesis takes place.” The result is a straight shooting song full of anecdotes for the lovelorn dripping with McBride & The Ride’s signature harmonies.

Since the band's reunification last year fans have flocked to their shows, radio, streaming platforms, and social media to express their enthusiasm for their return. Many fans and radio executives believe McBride & The Ride are better than ever. With sold out shows at the historic Grand Ole Opry and Bridgestone Arena with the Nashville Predators, as well as a Top 30 independent single on country radio, it is easy to see why.

And the thing is, they’re just getting started. Their 5 song EP Marlboros & Avon formally marks their return to the country space and the beginning of a new chapter. “At the end of the day, it's all about the music and the connection it creates between us and our fans,” shares Ray Herndon (guitar/vocals). “We can't wait to keep writing and recording great music together and sharing it with the world."

“That's How You Know” is out now and available on all streaming platforms. Listen to it here.

MCBRIDE & THE RIDE ROCKS WITH NEW WEBB PIERCE COVER "HONKY TONK SONG"

CMA and ACM nominated country trio, McBride & The Ride, rocks on with the release of their latest single “Honky Tonk Song.” A cover of the Webb Pierce classic, it is country music at its finest with driving drums, electric licks galore, and Western pedal steel, perfect for a rowdy Friday night from Nashville to New Braunfels.

A staple in their live set, it is often their opening song and one that the band has been playing together since their early inception. “We’ve been covering this song since the 90s; it was a high energy number in our set then and continues to be that now,” Terry McBride shares. “It’s such a classic country song it was fun to finally put our spin on it (officially) as a band. What you hear on the record is exactly how we play it live, Billy smacking those drums, Ray ripping on guitar…when you’ve got great players you don’t need crazy production to beef it up.”

The reunited band has been taking the city by storm, performing to a sold-out crowd at the Grand Ole Opry as well as Bridgestone arena with the Nashville Predators. Their debut single “Marlboros & Avon” is officially Top 40 on the MusicRow chart and Top 30 on Texas CDX. Their upcoming EP Marlboros & Avon features new original songs and is set to be released early this summer.

McBride & The Ride will celebrate the release of “Honky Tonk Song” accordingly with a run of shows in Texas this weekend at The Kenney Store in Kenney and The Texan Theatre in Cleveland. The band is revving up for a busy spring and summer with dates in IA, MO, MN, IL, and OK, and opening slots this fall with Justin Moore, Lonestar, and John Michael Montgomery.

Listen to “Honky Tonk Song” 

To learn more about McBride & The Ride, please visit www.McBrideAndTheRide.com

MCBRIDE & THE RIDE RELEASES "ALONG COMES A GIRL"

90’s favorite country trio, McBride & The Ride, is continuing their wildly successful comeback with the release of "Along Comes A Girl" on March 3. Driving guitars, heartfelt lyrics, and infectious three-part harmonies abound on this sentimental track.
The song takes listeners on a sweet journey into the blessing of having daughters through all stages of life. Between the three original members, Terry McBride, Billy Thomas, and Ray Herndon, each proudly sports the title of either dad, stepdad, or grandad, to daughters and granddaughters. McBride, dad to 3 girls, wrote this song with Jon Nite and Skip Black and confides that having all girls changed his life, which made this song an easy one to pen in the writers room.

Fans, country radio, and media are embracing the triumphant return of McBride & The Ride with enthusiasm across all country platforms. Released to radio only at the end of January, their lead single “Marlboros & Avon” is already top 40 on the charts and continues to rise. “We had no idea what to expect but we’re pleasantly surprised at the response to our first single from fans and radio stations,” McBride shares. “We can't wait to see what the future has in store for us as we prepare to release our second single.”

Two months into a stellar year, the band is taking Nashville by storm by reuniting at the Grand Ole Opry, performing to a sold-out crowd at a hometown Predator’s game, and will soon be promoting their breakout single “Marlboros & Avon” at the upcoming Country Radio Seminar.

“Along Comes A Girl” is now available across all digital streaming platforms. 

To learn more please visit www.McBrideAndTheRide.com

 

MCBRIDE & THE RIDE REV UP WITH NEW MUSIC AVAILABLE NOW

Beloved 90s Country Trio Releases “Marlboros & Avon” Lead off Single 

From Upcoming Project

The resurgence of throwback Country rages on with the reuniting of 90s favorite CMA and ACM nominees, McBride & The Ride. The original line up of Terry McBride, Ray Herndon, and Billy Thomas are releasing their first single in two decades with “Marlboros & Avon.” Available on all digital platforms today.

The single drips with nostalgia for those that grew up in the 70s. Herndon opines, “Even if you didn’t grow up in the 70s, this song kinda makes you wish you had.” The writers, Mark Harris and Bill Vaughn, allowed McBride to add his own personal touches to the lyrics which resulted in a delicious walk down a small town Texas memory lane. “I love a song that you can connect with and relate to the first time you hear it,” he remembers from his first look at the lyrics. “It certainly sums up a big part of my life as a teenager in Central Texas in the 70s.”

“TV, music and drive-In screens set the stage for our life and dreams in a small town”

Vocalist and drummer Thomas also relates to the lyrics, “My mom sold Avon and had parties sometimes. My dad, a marine, never had a drink or smoked, but ironically we did own a Mercury!”

Produced by all three members, the song is the title track from the forthcoming EP and features driving electrics and a tight rhythm section that hasn’t missed a beat over the years. The arrangement stays true to the band’s sound, ensuring listeners will rock right along with them at the live show.

Fans will be delighted to hear the familiar, 3-part harmonies that defined McBride & The Ride’s success front and center on this hot track with an undeniably country sound all their own.

As classic as a Blue Mercury Marquis on a backroad.

Teaming up with Nashville booking agency Action Entertainment Collaborative, the band is heading out for select dates in OK, TX, FL, KY, MO, and MN this fall, with more shows being announced in 2023.

MCBRIDE AND THE RIDE ARE BRINGING THE 90'S BACK TO 3RD AND LINDSLEY ON 10/7

The 90s are back!

3RD AND LINDSLEY

OCTOBER 7 - 8:00PM CT

Don't miss an incredible night with ACM and CMA nominated band, McBride & The Ride, reuniting for the first time in nearly two decades. The original line up of Ray Herndon (vocals/guitar), Terry McBride (vocals/bass) and Billy Thomas (vocals/drums) have been in the studio recording new music and will take the stage to introduce fans to the new songs as well as delight them with the classics. Fans can expect a rocking night of country music with familiar hits like "Love on the Loose, Heart on the Run," “Sacred Ground,” "Going Out of My Mind," “Just One Night” and many more.

As for new music, the band has an EP featuring four brand new originals and a remake of the Webb Pierce classic, "Honky Tonk Song,” for Marlboros & Avon, which will be released in 2023. Listeners can expect the same tight-knit harmonies with a modernized sound and storytelling lyrics that is undeniably country. With nearly 30 years of collective touring between them, the trio has come together and are sounding better than ever. “Honestly we are having a blast. It feels like we haven’t missed a beat,” McBride shares. “Our harmonies are locked in, our musicianship is elevated, and we are just having so much fun. Our new music has a hint of that 90s sound along with our signature three-part harmonies that McBride & The Ride is known for. We kept it simple and recorded everything as a four-piece band, which allows us to perform these songs live with the same sound and instrumentation that was used on the record.”

To learn more please visit www.McBrideandTheRide.com

To purchase tickets please visit 3rdandLindsley.com

LAUREN MASCITTI TO BEGIN MONTHLY RESIDENCY AT 3RD AND LINDSLEY

June 15th will kick off #ClassicCountryCovers Live

 

American Idol alum Lauren Mascitti has spent the past two years posting her wildly popular weekly series #ClassicCountryCovers across social media. Nashville’s iconic venue 3rd and Lindsley has asked her to make it a live event, which is launching June 15th. 

At each #ClassicCountryCovers Live show, Lauren will call on her fellow classic country influenced musicians to join her in celebrating a different theme, creating a unique experience per show. “What better way to kick it off than to get my beautiful, talented girlfriends Kennedy Scott and Hannah Blaylock in on it and do our Tribute to Trio show,” Lauren announced. Kennedy Scott will handle the part of Emmylou Harris, Hannah Blaylock as Dolly Parton, and Mascitti will channel her finest Linda Ronstadt.

Tickets are available now

BRI BAGWELL SCORES SINGLE OF THE YEAR AND FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR AT TEXAS REGIONAL RADIO MUSIC AWARDS

Credit: Alex Arrezola

Bri Bagwell, country music's rapidly rising star, took home Single of the Year for her song "Heroes" and Female Vocalist of the Year at the 12th Annual Texas Regional Radio Music Awards (T3R Music Awards) this week. "Heroes" pays tribute to the biggest country music legends that have come before Bri, weaved with a love story that blossoms from a shared passion for country music. Pictured above, Bri and Kylie Frey performing their climbing #11 hit duet "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" and calling on the ladies of Texas country to help out.

Follow Bri Bagwell: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and bribagwell.com for more updates.

#EVENT - MAGGIE BAUGH & FRIENDS FEATURING ADAM SHOENFELD, HANNAH ELLIS, NICK WAYNE, THOMAS MAC, KAYLEE ROSE, SAM GROW AND JULIA COLE - WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16 AT 3RD AND LINDSLEY

Country singer/songwriter Maggie Baugh continues to take Nashville by storm with her monthly residency at 3rd & Lindsley. Maggie Baugh & Friends will continue on Wednesday, March 16, starting at 7:30 PM, doors at 6:00 PM. This edition of Maggie Baugh & Friends will be extra special as it falls on Maggie's twenty-second birthday! Baugh, named Spotify’s #1 Fresh Find in Country in 2021, has invited fellow top-tier emerging artists to share the stage with her for the not-to-miss bash.

On March 16, Baugh will be joined by Hannah Ellis, Adam Shoenfeld, Nick Wayne, Thomas Mac, Julia Cole, Sam Grow, Kaylee Rose, and many more for the show sponsored by Taylor Guitars and Change the Conversation.

TICKETS HERE

#TOURINGNEWS - KATHY MATTEA AND SUZY BOGGUSS ARE HITTING THE ROAD - TOGETHER AT LAST

GRAMMY WINNING HITMAKERS KICK OFF ACOUSTIC TOUR THIS WEEK

Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss have been preparing for this for a long time. The closest of friends for many years, these two country and folk legends have finally joined forces to share their celebrated music and personal chemistry on theater stages across the country. Appropriately titled Together At Last, the tour features both artists on stage for the entire performance, swapping songs and stories, singing harmony, and playing guitar on each other’s biggest hits. Never content to rest on their past achievements, the pair brings new material to these shows, along with two careers worth of humorous and heart-warming stories.

“Kathy and I always have a lot of irons in the fire,” says Suzy, “but we've had some time to think about priorities lately and we realized, this was a big one.”

“We know each other’s music so well,” adds Kathy. “It’s been fun to really dig in and learn these songs!”

Besides guesting on each other’s recordings, there have been only a few chances for them to perform together: the groundbreaking Women of Country showcase and a PBS White House special for television, as well as the GRAMMY-nominated collaboration with Alison Krauss and Graham Nash on his classic “Teach Your Children,” from the Red, Hot, and Country compilation.

Finally the time is right, and fans are excited to see Kathy Mattea and Suzy Bogguss...Together At Last!

The first leg of the tour begins this week, with another round of dates for the fall of 2022 to be announced.

JANUARY 28

Decatur, AL - Princess Theatre and Center for the Performing Arts

FEBRUARY 5

Hopkins, MN - Hopkins Center For The Arts

FEBRUARY 25

Frederick, MD - Weinberg Center for the Arts

APRIL 15 & 16

Franklin, TN - The Franklin Theatre

MAY 11

Menomonie, WI - The Mable Tainter

MAY 12

Stoughton, WI - Stoughton Opera House

MAY 20

Phoenixville, PA - Colonial Theatre

MAY 21

Alexandria, VA - Birchmere Music Hall

JUNE 2

Buffalo, NY - Kleinhans Music Hall

JUNE 3

Arlington, MA - Regent Theatre

JUNE 4

Rahway, NJ - Union County Performing Arts Center

ROBERT EARL KEEN ANNOUNCES "FEELIN' GOOD AGAIN" TOUR 2021

Tickets on sale Friday, June 4

Photo by: Nick Doll

Robert Earl Keen announced today the first leg of his Feelin' Good Again Tour 2021. The shows begin on June 3 in Waco, Texas, with more dates to be announced soon. Tickets for the Feelin’ Good Again Tour 2021 are available for purchase on Friday, June 4, at 10 AM CST at robertearlkeen.com.

The Feelin' Good Again Tour 2021 will feature Keen's favorites tracks from his 19 albums, including the fan-favorite homecoming anthem, "Feelin' Good Again," penned by Keen and inspired by the sentiment of returning home after a long time gone. Join Robert and his band for their high-energy, not-to-be missed return to live music.

Tour Dates:

June 3 - Waco, TX - The Backyard

June 4 - Christoval, TX - Cooper's BBQ Live

June 5 - Midland, TX - The Rusty Bucket BBQ and Tavern

June 6 - Bertram, TX - The Globe Theatre

June 26 - Irving, TX - The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

July 3 - Amarillo, TX - Starlight Ranch

July 4 - Kerrville, TX - Louise Hays Park

July 9 - Austin, TX - Nutty Brown Café and Amphitheatre

July 16 - Belton, TX - Schoepf’s BBQ

July 20 - Jackson, WY - Center for the Arts

July 21 - Jackson, WY - Center for the Arts

July 22 - Helena, MT - Lewis & Clark Brewery

July 23 - Livingston, MT - Pine Creek Lodge

July 24 - Big Sky, MT - PBR Rodeo

July 25 - Bozeman, MT - Armory Music Hall

July 26 - Missoula, MT - The Wilma

July 27 - Billings, MT - Red Oxx Event Lawn

July 29 - Lander, WY - Chamber Park Stage

July 30 - Denver, CO - Grizzly Rose

July 31 - Dillon, CO - Dillon Amphitheatre

Aug 12 - Park City, KS - Hartman Arena (With The Avett Brothers)

Aug 13 - Rogers, AR - Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion (With The Avett Brothers)

Aug 14 - El Dorado, AR - Murphy Arts District Amphitheatre (With The Avett Brothers)

Aug 26 - New Orleans, LA - House of Blues New Orleans

Aug 27 - Oxford, MS - The Lyric Oxford

Aug 28 - Montgomery, AL - The Hog Days of Summer

Sept 10 - Frankfort, KY - Grand Theatre Frankfort

Sept 12 - Bloomington, IL - The Castle Theatre

Sept 13 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway

Sept 14 - St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway

Sept 15 - Cincinnati, OH - Memorial Hall

Sept 16 - Owensboro, KY - ROMP Festival

Sept 17 - Decatur, AL - Princess Theatre Center

Sept 18 - Eureka Springs, AR - The Auditorium

Sept 24 - Helotes, TX - John T. Floore’s Country Store

AMERICAN IDOL'S LAUREN MASCITTI AND COUNTRY ICON PAM TILLIS COME TOGETHER ON "ONE LIFE STAND" MUSIC VIDEO

Mascitti’s Retro Video was Directed by Tillis

Nashville-based country artist and songwriter Lauren Mascitti and country music legend Pam Tillis recently collaborated on the music video for Mascitti’s new single “One Life Stand” (produced by Shawn Camp). Directed by Tillis, the clip premiered on Taste of Country and is featured on CMT.com and Ditty.TV. The enchanting retro piece was filmed on location in Shelbyville, TN on Flagship Detroit, the oldest DC-3 still flying, in Nashville at The Dive Motel, and at Pearl Diver, a tiki-bar and restaurant owned by Pam’s husband and producer, Matt Spicher.

Tillis and Mascitti met in 2004 in Branson, Missouri. Mascitti was only twelve years old at the time, working in a theater where Tillis often made appearances, when one of Tillis’ friends brought her to one of Pam’s shows and introduced the pair. They have worked together on a few occasions since meeting.

“I think Lauren is the total package. A voice like velvet. Smart, beautiful, she has the drive, but she’s also the most sensitive and caring person you’ll ever meet. She has total integrity with her music and as a woman,” adds Tillis.

Pam Tillis is a GRAMMY-award winner, member of the Grand Ole Opry, and platinum-selling artist. In addition to being a chart-topping and best-selling country singer-songwriter, Tillis enjoys directing and mentoring young artists. She began mentoring artists about 4 years ago, and as she worked with these young women, she eventually began to direct photo shoots. This led to the discovery of her love for being on the other side of the camera, composing shots, and making artists look their best. Tillis adds that it is, “the joy of creating with a different medium that really kept [her] going during the pandemic.” Her “One Life Stand” collaboration follows a track that Tillis and her husband helped Lauren produce in 2010, an experience that led her to say that Mascitti’s “drive and talent were unmistakable.”

“Pam is not only one of the most gifted artists and writers I’ve ever written with, but she has always been so kind to me. I started coming to Nashville around the age of 12 and even back then, she and her husband Matt Spicher were so quick to take me under their wing and offer up their friendship, kindness, and advice. Getting to work with Pam on this video was a full-circle moment for me, and a true honor. Not to mention so much fun!”

AMERICAN IDOL'S LAUREN MASCITTI ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE - "GOD MADE A WOMAN"

60,000 STREAMS ON SPOTIFY

4.2M VIEWS ON FACEBOOK

750K VIEWS ON YOUTUBE

NO. 18 ON ITUNES COUNTRY SINGLES

NO. 8 ON ITUNES COUNTRY ALBUM

Nashville-based singer-songwriter Lauren Mascitti has released her fan-favorite original song “God Made A Woman”. Performed live during American Idol’s Hollywood Week, the performance earned a standing ovation from all three Idol judges: Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.

 

“Thank you to all who watched me on American Idol, voted for me, and cheered me on,” says Mascitti. “The love and support from you all is unlike anything I have ever experienced. I will never stop writing and performing music. I know that the safest, most promising place for my future is in the Hands of God, so I’m trusting that this outcome is just part of the journey. Onward and upward!”

“I’m a sucker for a good songwriter. What I love the most is [Lauren’s] silky quality as a storyteller, and that’s the part I really fell in love with. I’ve melted already.” 

Lionel Richie, American Idol

“Gorgeous, classic, and classy.”  

Katy Perry, American Idol

 

A registered nurse in Nashville, Mascitti is praying for the health and safety of her colleagues and healthcare workers across the country. While she’s currently on a break following her stint on Idol, Lauren is looking forward to helping out as soon as she can. In addition to her nursing career, Lauren is committed to her songwriting and performing. Since moving to Nashville, she is grateful to have had the opportunity to write and perform with country music legends Ricky Skaggs, The Whites, Larry Gatlin, Pam Tillis, Shawn Camp, Matraca Berg, Delbert McClinton, Gary Nicholson, and more.

 

Fans can find Lauren live on socials in the next few weeks. On Wednesday, April 22 she will be taking over BMI’s Instagram Stories to share about her time on Idol and what’s next for her. Then on Thursday, May 7 at 7pm EDT, she will join the Martin Guitar “Jam In Place” live stream series on Facebook with fiancé, songwriter, and producer, Shawn Camp. Event donations for that live stream will benefit the MusiCares® Covid-19 Relief Fund.

www.laurenmascittimusic.com

DAVID STARR TEAMS UP WITH JOHN OATES AND JIM LAUDERDALE FOR NEW VIDEO "ROAD TO JUBILEE”

David Starr has released a new music video for “Road to Jubilee” featuring John Oates and Jim Lauderdale. Both Oates and Lauderdale are co-writers on Starr’s upcoming record, "Beauty & Ruin", with Oates overseeing production.

"Beauty & Ruin" is inspired by Of What Was, Nothing Is Left, a novel written by David's grandfather, in 1972. The final book Fred Starr published before his death, Of What Was, Nothing Is Left is a story of tragedy, family dysfunction, and denial set in rural southwest Arkansas. Along with Beauty & Ruin’s release, David has republished an updated version of the novel, with an additional forward and afterword.

After working with Oates on his 2017 "The Head & Heart" EP, David approached him with the following idea: what if we gave several of our favorite songwriters a copy of the book and asked them to write for a concept album based on the story?

The idea was not so much for them to retell the story, but to write songs inspired by the places, characters and situations found in the book. Along with Oates and Lauderdale, contributors to the project include Dana Cooper, Doug and Telisha Williams (Wild Ponies), Irene Kelley, Wood Newton, and Shelley Rae Korntved. 

A true Americana story, exploring human nature and all its flaws, the novel inspired these artists to mine their own history and life experience. The project hammers home the importance of storytelling, our country’s oral traditions, by pushing Fred Starr’s words forward and giving them new life.

"Beauty & Ruin" is set for release on February 21, 2020, with pre-orders available now.

For more information, go to www.davidstarrmusic.com

SECOND ANNUAL ANDREW MARSHALL DORFF MEMORIAL BENEFIT CONCERT TICKETS AVAILABLE TODAY

October 1 Benefit Show at City Winery will feature Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Devin Dawson, Rachel Wammack, Jeffrey Steele, & Josh Osborne with Additional Artists to be Announced

The second annual Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert will celebrate the amazing songs of Andrew Dorff, an acclaimed songwriter who had over 70 songs cut with 5 No. 1 hits, on October 1 at City Winery Nashville. Confirmed to perform are Hunter Hayes, Lori McKenna, Devin Dawson, Rachel Wammack, Jeffrey Steele, and Josh Osborne with additional performers to be announced. Tickets will be available today at 4 pm CST via www.citywinery.com.

"The evening will feature incredible performances by some of Andrew’s dear friends and co-writers. We will be raising money for pediatric oncology initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a cause dear to my son. My family and I look forward to celebrating and honoring Andrew's memory with our Nashville music family," says Steve Dorff, father of Andrew.

Contributions from the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund will play a key role in enabling more of our community’s young people to find expert, specialty cancer care. All proceeds from the benefit concert will help advance Children’s Hospital’s ongoing mission of compassionate patient care, discovery research, and clinical training.

About the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund:

Father Steve, brother Stephen, and sisters Callie and Kaitlyn established the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund to honor the memory of their son/brother Andrew, a talented Nashville songwriter known for writing songs for country stars such as Blake Shelton, Kenny Chesney, Rascal Flatts, Old Dominion, Hunter Hayes, and more. Andrew died unexpectedly in 2016. His songwriting was recognized and respected, but he had many other gifts that were admired and loved by his family and a wide circle of friends. Through this fund, Andrew’s family makes contributions to support nonprofit organizations that celebrate Andrew's life and talents and to honor his memory.

BROOKS FORSYTH RELEASES "CAST MY DREAMS TO THE WIND"

Video Directed by Award-winning Director, Nigel Dick

ArenA Recordings artist, Brooks Forsyth, has announced the release of his new music video for single, “Cast My Dreams to the Wind.”

Filmed in the cinematic gold mining town of Victor, Colorado, the video features Brooks Forsyth on acoustic guitar and vocals, Karli Rhind (violin), Kari Clifton (cello), and JJ Fajardo (drums). Brooks’ performance, with his versatile guitar playing and melodic storyteller’s voice, is hypnotic as he makes his way through a place seemingly frozen in time.

Directed by Nigel Dick, award-winning and widely acclaimed filmmaker, who was immediately taken by Brooks’ music, conceptualized the video around the timelessness and mood of the song. With 21 MTV awards, 26 Much Music Awards, and a GRAMMY, Nigel has directed some of the most iconic music videos in the industry, including “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Welcome to the Jungle,” “Paradise City” by Guns n’ Roses; “Wonderwall” by Oasis, “Believe” by Cher; and “Baby, One More Time” by Britney Spears, among many others. Nigel's videos were known to break an artist's career. Moreover, he rarely works with independent artists, making this video a true testament to the impact of Brooks’ music.

The premiere follows the release of Brooks’ new album, So Much Beyond Us. The album was produced by legendary Nashville songwriter/producer Buzz Cason and son Parker at the historic Creative Workshop studios in Nashville.

Buzz, who discovered the young artist from Boone, North Carolina, stated “Brooks Forsyth is an Appalachian musical treasure with universal appeal! Not since I first worked with Jimmy Buffett in the early seventies have I been so excited about a new artist. His songs prove his mastery of songwriting. He’s a jewel to record in the studio, an expert musician and a warm and highly gifted entertainer in person!”

So Much Beyond Us is available across all platforms (Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon).

www.brooksforsyth.com

ROBERT EARL KEEN LAUNCHES AMERICANA PODCAST

Americana pioneer, musical troubadour, and now podcast host, Robert Earl Keen, is excited to announce the launch of his new project, Americana Podcast: The 51st State at the end of the month. Scheduled to premiere on April 30, the first season will kick off with two episodes featuring guests Jamestown Revival and Lucero.

Americana Podcast: The 51st State is dedicated to sharing and expanding on the Americana genre's roots, reach, and definition. Each episode is told from the point of view of the musicians that have dedicated their lives to the genre. Host Robert Earl Keen, interviews musicians, exploring their unique histories, creative processes, successes, failures, and everything in between.

“Our mission is reflected in the title,” explains REK. “We want to define and expand the Americana music genre. Let’s unify the musical styles of folk, blues, bluegrass, country, string band, garage band rock into a powerful collectible under the same umbrella. Let’s make Americana, as Shakespeare said, ‘familiar in his mouth as household words.’ That is our mission. That is our goal. “

The first season of the show profiles six artists and with new episodes releasing monthly. Full of music, laughs, and insights, this podcast is a can’t-miss for music lovers.

Americana Podcast: The 51st State will be available for download on April 30. More information can be found here: www.americanapodcast.com

TEXAS LEGENDS SET THE HOUSTON RODEO RECORD STRAIT ... BY BREAKING IT

George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, & Lyle Lovett Close Out the Houston Rodeo

George Strait, accompanied by special guests Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett, closed the 2019 Houston Rodeo with a record-breaking set. George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, and Lyle Lovett now hold the NRG Stadium attendance record for concert-only performances. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo confirmed 80,108 fans attended the concert, breaking the previous record from 2013, which was also set by Strait and his openers Martina McBride and Randy Rogers Band, with 80,020 fans.

The NRG Stadium, home of the NFL's Houston Texans, has a seating capacity of 71,995 when events take place on the field, however, an additional 7,000 seats were added to the grounds for this past Sunday’s concert. Legendary Lone Star State singer-songwriters and longtime friends Robert Earl Keen and Lyle Lovett prepped the massive Houston crowd for Strait's 30th performance at the Rodeo. This performance marks Keen's fifth performance and Lovett's third.

INAUGURAL ANDREW MARSHALL DORFF MEMORIAL BENEFIT CONCERT BRINGS TOGETHER MUSIC COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE LEGACY OF SONGWRITER ANDREW DORFF

More than $25,000 Raised to Benefit Pediatric Oncology Initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt

The inaugural Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Benefit Concert brought the music community together at the Franklin Theatre to celebrate the life and legacy of Andrew Dorff, an acclaimed songwriter with over 70 songs recorded including five No. 1 hits. All songs performed throughout the evening were co-written by Andrew Dorff.

The event was emceed by Sirius XM's Storme Warren and featured incredible acoustic performances by some of Andrew's closest friends and co-writers. There were performances by Jeffrey Steele ("Love Didn't Love Me"), Lori McKenna and Barry Dean ("That's How You Know"), Mark Irwin ("Neon Light"), Tom Douglas ("Ghosts on the Radio"), Levi Hummon and Marcus Hummon ("Make It Love"), Rodney Clawson ("All of Me"), Frank Ray ("Tequila Mockingbird"), and Sam Bailey ("Bleed Red"). Brad Tursi, Matthew Ramsey, and Trevor Rosen of Old Dominion made a surprise appearance during the concert to perform "Save it for a Rainy Day," and the night ended with Hunter Hayes performing "Somebody's Heartbreak" and "Ladders and Parachutes." The event was sponsored by Sound Royalties, City National Bank, BMI, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, The Palm Restaurant, and Hand Family Companies.

"My goal for the evening was to honor Andrew's memory and talents with the people that loved him the most and to give back to a cause that was near and dear to his heart. I can't thank everyone enough for participating and putting together a special night for Andrew and for Children's Hospital," says Steve Dorff.

All proceeds went to pediatric oncology initiatives at Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, the principal beneficiary of The Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund, to help advance Children's Hospital's ongoing mission of compassionate patient care, discovery research and clinical training. Those unable to attend the event can make direct donations to the Andrew Marshall Dorff Memorial Fund here, which will also benefit Children’s Hospital. Contributions from the fund will play a key role in enabling more of our community’s young people to find expert, specialty cancer care.

Trevor Rosen, Matthew Ramsey, Brad Tursi of Old Dominion

Hunter Hayes

Marcus Hummon, Levi Hummon

Rodney Clawson

Frank Ray

Sam Bailey, Steve Dorff

Photo credit - Dot Video Design