VINCENT MASON STEPS INTO THE FAMED CIRCLE FOR HIS GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT

/in /by

FOR HIS GRAND OLE OPRY DEBUT

Vincent Mason marked a major milestone in his career as he stepped into the Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time this weekend. With an enthralling performance, the packed Opry house responded with enthusiasm watching him make history. The singer-songwriter captivated the audience and tugged at everyone’s emotions with his raw performance of two of his biggest songs, “Heart Like This” and “Hell Is A Dance Floor.“

“Performing on the Opry stage felt like a high I had never felt before,” Vincent shares. “You feel all of the energy and history of country music and it was overwhelming in the best way.”

Humbled by the immeasurable support from his friends, family, and fans while on his journey to the circle, his emotion was palpable throughout the night.

His breakout hit single “Hell is a Dance Floor” has already amassed over 45 million streams, and has recently been added to Spotify’s Hot Country playlist. Adding this new song to his discography, Vincent continues to validate why people say “he’s the next big thing in the country world” (Popdust). With his debut EP Can’t Just Be Me and latest releases “Heart Like This”, and “Train of Thought” his story comes together with everything he has learned and experienced.

In addition to being direct support on Gavin Adcock’s entire fall leg of his ‘Actin’ Up Again’ Tour Vincent is on the lineup for Stagecoach 2025.

LUKE COMBS AND OPRY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP ANNOUNCE NOVEMBER OPENING FOR CATEGORY 10

/in /by

Music fans from around the world will have another reason to visit Nashville this fall as Luke Combs and Opry Entertainment Group prepare to open the highly anticipated Category 10 venue this November.

The fan-first, next-level bar, restaurant and live music entertainment venue is set to host a three-day Grand Hire event from Monday, Sept. 30 to Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. The event will be held at One Fourteen, adjacent to Category 10, located at 114 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN. The Category 10 team is currently recruiting for management positions and will be hiring for front of house, back of house, retail and security roles at the hiring event. Candidates are strongly encouraged to apply online in advance to secure an interview time and day. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information and to see all Category 10 positions currently available, please visit www.opryentertainment.com/careers/category-10/.

Category 10 is slated to be the largest and most versatile entertainment complex in Nashville’s downtown entertainment district. The massive three-story venue features five entertainment experiences:

The Honky-Tonk: Situated at the front of the entertainment complex, the two-story genuine Honky-Tonk is complete with two bars, a retail shop and a main stage for top-caliber live music.

Hurricane Hall: Located on the first floor, and the epicenter of the venue, Hurricane Hall boasts the largest dance floor and stage in downtown Nashville, paired with an immersive light and sound experience. The space is fully equipped for world-class line-dancing and can host ticketed concert events with a capacity of up to 1,500 guests. It is also home to the Beer Never Broke My Heart bar and the Neon Dream bar.

The Still: Inspired by Luke’s songwriting, The Still, found on the second floor, is an intimate and elevated lounge setting with a wide selection of bourbon, hand-picked by Luke himself. The space is designed for Combs’ Bootleggers Fan Club, bourbon aficionados, songwriters, and music lovers.

5 Leaf Clover Sports Bar: Named after Luke’s hit song, “5 Leaf Clover,” the third-floor sports bar will have a mix of lounge and table seating along with massive screens to showcase an expansive selection of major sports playing year-round. For the ultimate sports fan, the space also features a real-time sports ticker wrapped around the room.

The Eye: Debuting in early 2025, The Eye is slated to have the largest outdoor deck in the Broadway area with a 7,000-square-foot rooftop and unobstructed views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium.

Category 10 is located on Nashville’s most historic street at 120 Second Avenue North. During the construction phase, guests can visit a pop-up Opry Shop adjacent to the venue, featuring merchandise and memorabilia from Opry Entertainment brands.

ABOUT CATEGORY 10:
Inspired by Luke’s certified RIAA Diamond debut #1 hit, “Hurricane,” Category 10 is an off-the-charts entertainment experience, bringing the best in live music, food, drink, and sports. Boasting downtown Nashville’s biggest stage and dance floor, a massive indoor/outdoor rooftop, a single barrel whiskey and bourbon bar, sports bar, and more, every space is influenced by Luke’s songs, lifestyle, and deep connection with his fans. Category 10 is expected to make landfall in November 2024.

ABOUT OPRY ENTERTAINMENT GROUP:
Rooted in the unparalleled country music history of the Grand Ole Opry, Opry Entertainment Group produces multi-platform entertainment experiences through its growing portfolio of entertainment venues. This includes the world-famous Grand Ole Opry, the iconic Ryman Auditorium, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Blake Shelton-inspired Ole Red brand and the Wildhorse Saloon which will be reimagined as Category 10, the Luke Combs-inspired entertainment experience coming November 2024. Through concerts, tours, music-inspired restaurants, digital content, and its WSM Radio and Circle Country platforms, Opry Entertainment Group connects millions of music fans to the artists they love through experiences they’ll never forget. Opry Entertainment Group is a subsidiary of Ryman Hospitality Properties, Inc. (NYSE: RHP) and part of a strategic investment with Atairos and NBCUniversal.

DOLLY WINES AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON

/in /by

Both sides of the Atlantic are falling in love with Dolly Wines as bottles are flying off shelves and into the hearts and hands of Dolly Parton fans and wine lovers alike. Global superstar Dolly Parton’s newly launched Dolly Wines and its widely celebrated varietals were produced in collaboration with Parton Family Cellars and Accolade Wines, one of the world’s largest wine companies. In a deal brokered by IMG, the Dolly Wines full collection features three varietals including Chardonnay, Rosé and Prosecco.

In the US, like Dolly herself, the Dolly Wines Chardonnay 2023 is captivating wine enthusiasts and fans alike, bringing people together by cheersing at the end of their 9 to 5, gifting to neighbors Two Doors Down, and Bubblin’ Over with excitement to ring in the new year with a toast of the Chardonnay, nationwide. The Dolly Wines Chardonnay is now available at leading US retailers including Kroger, Total Wine & More, Meijer, H-E-B and Cost Plus World Market.

Speaking about the launches, Dolly Parton said: “Dolly Wines are a gift from me, to you. Whether you’re sharing stories around the table, simply relaxing in the garden, or gathering with loved ones for the holiday, there’s a little sparkle in every bottle that is designed to bring joy and connection to every gathering.”

“We are beyond excited to bring Dolly Wines to the United States and the United Kingdom,” Accolade Wines Chief Marketing Officer, Sandy Mayo said. “Dolly herself was involved in all aspects of each wine, and we think they capture her captivating sense of fun and sparkle perfectly. Like the lady herself, we think everyone, everywhere will love it. Go ahead, pour yourself a cup of ambition!”

TAUREN WELLS TO HOST THE 55th ANNUAL GMA DOVE AWARDS 

/in /by

The Gospel Music Association is pleased to announce Tauren Wells will be returning as host and performer for the 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards for his second consecutive year. The GMA Dove Awards will happen live and in person on October 1, 2024 at the Allen Arena in Nashville, TN.

“Last year’s Dove Awards was such an incredible experience, we’ve decided to run it back!” says Tauren Wells. “I’m so excited to return as host for this year’s Dove Awards. It’s going to be a great night!”

Tauren Wells is a celebrated platinum-selling musician, preacher, public speaker, and father, with eight GMA Dove Awards (including Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year and New Artist of the Year), 10 GRAMMY® nominations, and a Billboard Music Award nomination. In addition, Wells has achieved seven number 1’s, and over 1.2 billion global streams to date and counting. Through his precise artistry, masterful lyrics and dance-oriented performances, Tauren uniquely connects his contemporary Christian and Gospel sound with elements of pop, hip-hop and R&B. “Take It All Back,” Tauren’s fastest rising single of his career, is a viral hit with 62M Global RTD stream and added to over 133K personal playlists on Spotify. Having toured with industry greats (Lionel Richie, Mariah Carey, etc.), he’s also performed on Good Morning America, Fox & Friends, Tamron Hall Show and The Kelly Clarkson Show. Born and raised in Michigan, Tauren currently resides in Texas with his wife and four sons. In 2024, The Wells family launched Church of Whitestone in Austin, TX, where Tauren and his wife are co-lead pastors.

The 55th Annual GMA Dove Awards are produced by the Gospel Music Association. Jackie Patillo and Justin Fratt serve as showrunners and executive producers, alongside Curtis Stoneberger and Paul Wright as producers. Russell E. Hall returns as director, Michael Nolan as scriptwriter, Scott Moore and Go Live Productions as production manager.

DYLAN SCHNEIDER ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM, PUZZLED, COMING SEPTEMBER 27

/in /by

Dylan Schneider today announces his debut album, PUZZLED, to release Friday, September 27. Giving fans a taste of what to expect, the “Artist to Watch” (Pandora, Amazon Music, Taste of Country) reveals his version of Dustin Lynch’s blazingly stunning, RIAA-cerified GOLD, Top 5 hit track “Momma’s House” that he co-wrote alongside Michael Lotten, Rodney Clawson and Justin Wilson. Listen to “Momma’s House” and pre-order/pre-save/pre-add PUZZLED HERE. 

“I’ve been working towards this debut album for my entire career,” shares Schneider. “I can’t believe it’s finally here! I have worked so hard on these songs and believe this album truly shows who I am, where I’ve been and where I’m going, and I can’t wait to see everyone’s reaction to it out on the road.”

Known for his consistently relatable, stadium-ready anthems like the irresistibly catchy and undeniable standout track “Carhartt,” “Country Music’s Next Rising Star” (Billboard) packs the electrifying energy of his live show into an unforgettable and highly anticipated debut project, filled to the brim with his incomparable rock-n-roll edge and pop-country swagger for 16 uniquely compelling tracks.

Co-writing every track, apart from the title track that he wrote entirely by himself, the MusicRow-praised “Next Big Thing” is already earning critical acclaim, as the record also features his TikTok viral hits “Ain’t Missin’ You” (68M streams) and “Bad Decisions” (16M streams), along with the autobiographical “Daddy Drinks Whiskey.”

With no signs of slowing down, the tenacious road warrior will hit major markets such as Los Angeles, Nashville, Dallas, Chicago, Seattle and more on his headlining 2024 “Bad Decisions” Tour this fall that has already sold out in numerous cities. Having been out with  Nate Smith and Kane Brown this year, Schneider continues the momentum opening on Luke Bryan’s “Mind of a Country Boy” Tour and Mitchell Tenpenny’s “Woke Up In A Dream” Tour. 

NEO-TRADITIONAL COUNTRY SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN PAYCHECK SETS NOVEMBER 1 DIGITAL RELEASE DATE FOR SECOND STUDIO ALBUM, “MORE DAYS BEHIND”

/in /by

Neo-traditional country singer-songwriter and independent recording artist John PayCheck announces his second studio album, More Days Behind, due out everywhere digitally on November 01. PayCheck recorded his sophomore album at Nashville’s Omni Sound Studio working with Bill McDermott (George Strait, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley) on production, and either writing or co-writing most of the songs with Scott Gabbey.

PayCheck has recently released several singles from More Days Behind, including the honky-tonk barn burner title track “More Days Behind,” along with a few other traditionally inspired, meat-on-the-bone country songs like “Drinkin’ and Cryin’, “Blondes and Bulls,” “Say Goodbye,” “Desert Rose,” “Biscuits and Gravy,” and a cover of George Strait’s hit “When Did You Stop Loving Me.” PayCheck will release the album’s next single “White Lights” on September 14, followed by “Foolish Ways” on October 01 ahead of the full album release date on November 01.

“This new album is an anthology of the very definition of country music,” says PayCheck. “We’ve got ballads, Texas-swing, stories and heartbreak, some light-hearted fun, and some deep-rooted sorrow. We’re hitting all the notes with this one!”

John PayCheck – the only son of outlaw country pioneer and Grand Ole Opry member Johnny PayCheck – recently made his own debut onto the Grand Ole Opry during an Opry Country Classics show on May 09 celebrating the legacy of his Father’s music.

“I’m basically just taking my music and message directly to the people in a grassroots manner, having fun with it, and hopefully making as many new friends, fans & artists as we can along the way,” says PayCheck. “I’m using this as the kickoff for my new CD, More Days Behind.”

EMILY ANN ROBERTS TO REUNITE WITH BLAKE SHELTON ON HIS FRIENDS & HEROES TOUR 2025

/in /by

Country music sensation Emily Ann Roberts will reunite with country music superstar Blake Shelton on his Friends & Heroes Tour 2025. The “He Set Her Off” singer will kick off each night with a thrilling performance before Shelton, who will be joined by country music heroes Craig Morgan, Deana Carter and Trace Adkins. The tour will hit 12 cities next year, with Roberts delivering an unforgettable show night after night.

Roberts and Shelton are no strangers to each other; in addition to teaming up on NBC’s The Voice, they embarked on a 17-date tour in early 2024 that entertained audiences across the United States and Canada.

“My band and I had the best time of our lives on theBack to the Honky Tonk Tour this year, so when Blake asked us back out for 2025 it was a no-brainer! I got to see him on the Friends & Heroes Tour a couple of years back and the show is absolutely incredible. I can’t wait to hear Deana Carter, Craig Morgan and Trace Adkins every night as well! It’s an honor to open the show for them,” Roberts said. 

“The Friends & Heroes Tour is one of my favorite tours because as a fan, I can’t think of a cooler concert to see,” said Shelton. “I get spoiled every night seeing these icons come out and do four or five of the biggest hits of their storied careers. And then get introduced to new talent like Emily Ann. I can’t wait,” Shelton said.

Known for her spirited live performances filled with lively fiddle, impressive guitar and enchanting vocals, Roberts charms audiences with her undeniable talent. She pours her heart into every moment on stage, captivating audiences of all ages and gaining new fans with every performance.

About Emily Ann Roberts
They say the path to the grandest stage is paved with relentless practice, and Emily Ann Roberts embodies this mantra. From humble beginnings on small Knoxville stages to 20 performances at the Grand Ole Opry, Roberts has diligently earned her place in the spotlight. Her journey began as a standout on Blake Shelton’s team on The Voice, a remarkable achievement even before graduating high school. Since then, Roberts has amassed a wealth of experience in performing, songwriting and recording. This dedication has translated into over 45 million streams, solidifying her status as a rising star in country music. In late 2023, Emily Ann released her debut full-length album, Can’t Hide Country, produced by Trent Willmon (Cody Johnson). The album, which has already garnered over 23 million streams, showcases her unique blend of traditional country and bluegrass roots, which is undeniably heard on the tune “Whole Lotta Little,” a viral sensation with over 10 million cumulative views on TikTok. The Deluxe Edition of Can’t Hide Country, released in April, features three new tracks, and her latest music video, “Find Me A Man,” continues to see success. Emily Ann’s star continues to rise, with her inclusion in the CMT Next Women of Country 2024 Class. After wrapping up Blake Shelton’s Back To The Honky Tonk Tour, she joined Jamey Johnson’s What A View Tour for eight select dates this summer. Adding to her impressive list of accomplishments, Emily Ann is also a featured artist in Disney’s Country Bear Musical Jamboree, performing “Try Everything” from Zootopia as Trixie St. Claire. From small-town beginnings to the national spotlight, Emily Ann Roberts continues to captivate audiences and garner countless fans with her tuneful twang, vivid songwriting and charismatic stage presence.

TWELVE-YEAR-OLD SINGER-SONGWRITER JOSIE SAL RELEASES HER VERSION OF “BLACK VELVET” TODAY!

/in /by

Country newcomer and twelve-year-old singer-songwriter Josie Sal is excited to release her newest single, a powerful cover of Alannah Myles’s iconic hit “Black Velvet” in celebration of the song’s 25th anniversary. Though she had never heard the track originally, Josie was frequently approached by fans who believed her voice would be perfect for the sultry, soulful song. Intrigued, she listened to “Black Velvet” and instantly felt a deep connection to its haunting melody and lyrics, knowing that recording it would be a defining moment in her young career. The much-anticipated single, which premiered today by The Hollywood Times, showcases Josie’s unique blend of country roots and contemporary flair, breathing new life into the classic hit and solidifying her place as a rising star in the country music scene.

“A few people that were coming to my gigs in Florida suggested that I sing “Black Velvet,” shares Josie. “I didn’t know the song, so I listened to it and loved it! I thought it was too low for my voice at the time but I added it to my playlist and listened to it all the time. I also researched the song and learned it was about Elvis Presley, and ironically the first song I ever learned was “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. When my voice finally changed, and I was able to sing the song, I began singing it at my gigs and it has become one of my favorite songs to sing and I knew it was something I wanted to record.”

MULTI-PLATINUM HITMAKERS RANDY HOUSER AND JUSTIN MOORE JOIN FORCES FOR “COUNTRY ROUND HERE TONIGHT”

/in /by

Embarking on their co-headlining Country Round Here Tonight Tour presented by Live Nation next Friday, Sept. 6, multi-Platinum hitmakers Randy Houser and Justin Moore release a collaborative version of “Country Round Here Tonight,” debuting the track on “Fox & Friends” All-American Summer Concert Series, Aug. 30.
 
Filled with the soulful sounds of steel guitars and fiddles, “Country Round Here Tonight,” written by Houser alongside Brice Long and Jeff Hyde, echoes the spirit of classic 90s country, evoking a deep sense of nostalgia:

      There’s a backed-up line of four-wheel drives
      Filling up the parking lot
      This little bar they call a hole in the wall
      Is everybody’s favorite spot
      There’s a saw dust floor waiting on the door
      To swing wide open, let us all inside
      Paycheck cash is gonna go fast
      Bout to get country round here tonight
      
      For all them boys in the fields making dollar bills
      Stacking that hay up high
      All them girls in the sand working on their tans
      Down by the riverside
      Getting through the day, hell, they just can’t wait
      To congregate round a cold beer sign
      Tie one on to a jukebox song
      Bout to get country round here tonight
 
This release also follows the pair’s new track “The Worst,” found on Moore’s forthcoming album This Is My Dirt, available Oct. 11. Fans can expect to hear both tracks on the upcoming co-headlining trek.
 
Houser also recently released “Rub A Little Dirt On It” featuring Riley Green, with Whiskey Riff sharing, “The father-and-son style song talks about learning to take the punches as they come and, when life doesn’t go your way, ‘Put A Little Dirt On It’ and try again. It’s the perfect message: sometimes it gets worse before it gets better,” and praising, “their thick southern drawls pair flawlessly…during the chorus, they each swap off, taking the lead while the other supports through harmonies, making it the perfect duet.”
 
Houser’s latest single “Country Back,” a full throttle proclamation of all things country, is currently climbing the charts at Country radio, as over 100 stations are now playing the song. Listen to “Country Back”.
 
Following the Country Round Here Tonight Tour, Houser is also set to join HARDY for three dates on the QUIT!! Tour, performing in his home state on Sept. 12 at Mississippi State University, followed by two dates at Red Rocks Amphitheatre on Oct. 20 and Oct. 21.

MARY MILLBEN DEBUTS NEW SINGLE “ON TO VICTORY” FEATURING LEE GREENWOOD AHEAD OF INAUGURAL ‘MARCH FOR KIDS’ EVENT TAKING PLACE SATURDAY, AUGUST 31ST IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

/in /by

Award-winning International Singer Mary Millben is set to release her new single “On To Victory” featuring Grammy, ACM, and CMA award-winning singer-songwriter Lee Greenwood ahead of the inaugural ‘March for Kids’ event in Washington, D.C. next Saturday, August 31st, 2024. Projected to draw thousands of parents from across America, this nonpartisan event is birthed from America’s grassroots movement defending parental rights and prioritizing children.

Written by Claude Gardner and choir arrangement by Leon Lacey, this anthem focuses on the protection of children in America while elevating the messages of freedom, liberty, and truth – foundational values of America.

“I am thrilled to debut this new anthem with my friend and featured guest artist Lee Greenwood. Lee and his wife Kim are my dear friends, and I am so honored to have Lee a part of this meaningful project. When March for Kids asked me to create an original song speaking to the protection of America’s kids and celebrating freedom, I felt the song needed more than just my voice and I immediately thought of Lee,” Millben said.

Greenwood, the voice of America’s most-recognized patriotic anthem “God Bless the U.S.A.”, and Millben, coined as America’s “National Anthem Singer” globally, both performed on the final night of the 2024 Republican National Convention, just prior to President Donald J. Trump accepting the nomination to be the 47th President of the United States.

“Just as I have for almost 15 years, for decades Lee has dedicated his life and music career to singing anthems about freedom and liberty. Anthems have the power to recenter us on what is right, true, and beneficial for humanity. A country is at its best when freedom and liberty are celebrated, truth is upheld, and children take priority. And this priority includes their protection. Children are God’s greatest gift to us, and I believe we all must do everything possible to protect them. So does Lee,” Millben said.

“This song will not only elevate March for Kids and bring inspiration to America’s moms, dads, grandparents, and guardians, but I truly believe every American and global citizen will be singing this song for years to come. Our kids are our future and hope,” Millben said.

With seven #1 songs & 25 charted singles to his credit, choosing songs proved to be a success for Greenwood. Lee Greenwood has won numerous industry awards including, Male Vocalist of the Year from the Academy of Country Music in 1983, two Male Vocalist of the Year awards from the Country Music Association in 1983 & 1984 and a Grammy for Top Male Vocal Performance in 1985 for “I.O.U.”. The CMA also named “God Bless The U.S.A.” its Song of the Year in 1985.

“God Bless the U.S.A.” went far beyond what Greenwood expected when he wrote it in the back of his tour bus in 1983. The song has been in the top five on the country singles charts three times (1991, 2001 and 2003), giving it the distinction of being the only song in any genre of music to achieve that feat. It was also #1 on the pop charts after 9/11/01. In addition, CBS News voted “God Bless The U.S.A.” the most recognizable patriotic song in America.  Having performed for five consecutive U.S. Presidents, 2024 marks the 40th anniversary of “God Bless The U.S.A.!”

Millben is a story of the American dream. A preacher’s daughter from Oklahoma, Millben has performed the National Anthem and patriotic music for four consecutive U.S. Presidents – President George W. Bush, President Barack Obama, President Donald Trump, and President Joe Biden, international royalty, and world leaders. Millben has been featured at the 58th Presidential Inauguration Victory Celebration for President Trump, The White House, the United States Congress, 2024 International Cricket Council T20 World Cup, for the National Football League (NFL), National Basketball Association (NBA), Major League Baseball (MLB), 2016 RIO Olympics, off-Broadway, in India, China, Europe, Canada, Africa, and in concert halls worldwide. Pairing her message of unity with diplomacy, Millben has gained international recognition for her performances of global anthems for India, China, Brazil, UAE, Israel, and other G20 countries.

February 2020, Notefornote Entertainment released Millben’s debut single “Grace Will Lead Me Home” on THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS original motion picture soundtrack now on all leading digital platforms globally and received Academy Award/Oscar eligibility. “Grace Will Lead Me Home” was written for THE MEANEST MAN IN TEXAS and the film is available on Amazon Prime Video. Millben is devoted to using her voice and platform to share God’s love to hearts and lands globally.