BAILEY ZIMMERMAN IS THIS YEAR’S NO. 4 TOP NEW ARTIST ACROSS ALL GENRES

/in /by
Announced as Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve Performer

Bailey Zimmerman is launching into 2023, fueled by impressive 2022 accomplishments that continue to pour in. Billboard’s year-end charts rank Zimmerman as their No. 2 Top New Country Artist and No. 4 Top New Artist across all genres. He also finds himself at No. 8 on the Top Country Artist chart and within the Top 50 of their Top Artists overall. ABC and dick clark productions also recently announced Zimmerman as part of their star-studded lineup of performers for Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2023, airing Saturday, December 31st on ABC.

Coming in hot at No. 3 on TikTok’s Emerging Artists chart in the U.S., he has also been named to multiple Year End Best Of lists including LA Times’ 100 Best Songs of 2022, NY Times’ Best Songs of 2022 and Holler’s 20 Best Country and Americana Songs of 2022. In addition, Zimmerman is the only country artist in 2022 to receive two Platinum certifications from the RIAA, beginning with his No. 1 debut single “Fall In Love,” the fastest debut single to reach No. 1 at country radio since 2015 and the first debut hit to make it all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart this year. Currently featured on iHeartCountry’s Mainstream and New Country stations as one of their latest On The Verge artists, he also earned a second certification for his current radio single, “Rock And A Hard Place,” which is set for a national TV debut on Good Morning America December 27th.

“We are so proud of the incredible year Bailey’s had and even more excited about what the future holds for this talented young artist,” shared 300 Elektra Entertainment’s Chairman & CEO, Kevin Liles. “The storied legacy of Elektra is built on artist development, a driving force that’s woven into our DNA and a mission that our amazing partners at Warner Music Nashville share with us. We know that this is just the start of his journey. Look out for BZ in ’23.”

“I’m in awe of how fast the country music community has embraced and helped accelerate this insanely talented artist,” added Warner Music Nashville Co-President, Ben Kline. “As big as this story already is, the best is truly yet to come. We are fortunate to have such great partners in Elektra to help reach our shared vision for Bailey.”

The Illinois native will be heading out on the road with global superstar Morgan Wallen for his 2023 One Night At A Time World Tour, kicking off overseas in New Zealand and Australia next March before returning stateside in April. The 39-date trek will visit multiple legendary venues including stadium stops at New Jersey’s MetLife Stadium, Chicago’s Wrigley Field, LA’s SoFi Stadium and Boston’s Fenway Park before wrapping on October 7th at Tacoma Dome in Washington. Tickets are on sale now at BaileyZimmermanMusic.com (see full list of tour dates below).

In October, Zimmerman shattered records with his first full-length release, Leave The Light On (LISTEN HERE), becoming not only the most-streamed all-genre debut of the year, but also the biggest streaming country debut of all time. The EP arrived at No. 2 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and No. 9 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. A worldwide success, the EP also debuted at No. 2 on Billboard’s Canadian Country Albums chart and No. 8 on their all-genre Canadian Albums Chart. Having recently soared past the impressive career milestone of more than 1 billion career streams, he joins Zach Bryan and Luke Combs as the only country artists this year to earn more than 1 million streams on each track during street week alone.

BLACKBIRD PRESENTS AND SIGHT UNSEEN ANNOUNCE WILLIE NELSON AND FAMILY DOCU-FILM SET TO DEBUT AT 2023 SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL

/in /by
Festival Screening Marks the World Premiere of the
First Authorized Work Exploring the Life of the Country Outlaw Icon

Blackbird Presents and Sight Unseen announce the world premiere of Willie Nelson and Family, the first authorized work exploring the life and career of the Country outlaw icon, debuting at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. The festival will take place January 19–29, 2023, in person in Park City, Salt Lake City, and the Sundance Resort, along with a selection of films available online across the country January 24–29, 2023.

With a career spanning seven decades, Nelson is widely recognized as one of the greatest singer/songwriter/guitar players in the history of popular music. An outlaw cowboy who transcended his humble beginnings in small-town Abbott, Texas, he remains beloved, continuing to speak for people from all walks of life with his music, philanthropy, marijuana advocacy and activism on behalf of the American farmer.

Award-winning filmmakers Thom Zimny and Oren Moverman fuse their own unique styles to construct an intimate and cinematic memoir of the Red Headed Stranger, traversing the highs, lows and in-betweens of Nelson’s personal life and professional career. Alongside close friends and family who have accompanied him on a remarkable journey, Nelson tells his story in his own voice.

Developed by longtime Nelson manager Mark Rothbaum and Blackbird Presents Founder & Chief Creative Officer Keith Wortman, Nelson and his family and friends provided exclusive participation and access to his archives. Executive Producers are Keith Wortman, Mark Rothbaum, Annie Nelson, Julia Lebedev, Eddie Vaisman, Leonid Lebedev, Sean Stuart and Mark Ankner.

SINGER-SONGWRITER ADAM WARNER RELEASES CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED ALBUM, WHAT WE’RE KNOWN FOR

/in /by

Country and southern rock singer-songwriter, U.S. Marine veteran and patriot, Adam Warner releases his new album What We’re Known For, available everywhere now (orcd.co/qqloabe) by Sunday Supper Records and The Orchard. Warner co-wrote most of the songs on the album on his family’s farm just outside of Lawrenceville, Illinois with songwriting buddies Mark Addison Chandler, Josh Gallagher and Taylor Goyette.

What We’re Known For is Warner’s deep dive into exploring southern rock and more modern country sounds than his previous releases. From rowdy southern rock honky tonk anthems like “One Drunk,” to the graceful tugging at his listener’s heartstrings on “Split A Beer,” to Adam showing his unrelenting love for his wife on “Lost In Country Song,” or the Marine veteran honoring the legacy of Charlie Daniels and fundraising for the Journey Home Project on his rocked out version of “Long Haired Country Boy,” What We’re Known For is one of 2022’s most appropriately and authentically named album releases coming out of Nashville.

 “To say I’m excited is an understatement,” said Warner. “My team, the songs, the production, everything is evolving. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!”

About Adam Warner:
Adam Warner brings a big sound from a small town swagger to the country scene; fusing his timeless drawl with the infectious ‘take it or leave it’ energy of rock n roll, Warner has mastered the art of a good time. After proudly serving in the United States Marines, Adam Warner crafted his country rock catalog in Nashville, Tennessee–with singles like “Catchin’ Hell” and “Long Haired Country Boy” and more in the pipeline for 2022, every aspect of his brand bleeds red, white and blue. A self-proclaimed bad influence, Warner has learned not to take himself too seriously, and his music offers his audience a chance to do the same.
Despite his rowdy bravado, Adam Warner still honors the best of country’s time honored traditions with songs like “Someone God Can Use,” which he humbly performed at the legendary Grand Ole Opry House. With influences extending across decades of musical icons, Warner has shared the stage with some of his biggest heroes, including Lee Brice, Jamey Johnson, Jerrod Niemann, American Young, Midland, Trace Adkins, Neil McCoy, Rhonda Vincent and Darrell Singletary. Having already celebrated a multitude of career highs, Warner has become ingrained in the country music community with releases like “Semper Fi” featuring Trace Adkins, which pays homage to active and former military, along with the 2018 Tennessee Titans anthem “Welcome to the South”–played at every home game at Nissan Stadium.
Adam Warner’s music mimics the philosophy in which he lives his life by. “Do what you love and love what you do,” he asserts, “there’s no restart button. One of the greatest things about music is that it lives forever, my songs will be around long after I’m gone. But while I’m here, I want to help people live in the moment. At the end of the day, if I can play a part in one person’s good day, if I can make some laugh, cry or feel something, I know I’ve done my job as an artist.” The best of Adam Warner is yet to come–stay tuned for upcoming tour dates and high-octane releases that’ll set the soundtrack for 2022.

CHRIS WILLIAMS AND KID REVERIE FIND A DEEPER LEVEL OF COLLABORATION ON NEW ALBUM

/in /by
 Something From Nothing Due out March 3rd; Hear first single “Half a Mile” Dec. 20

Chris Williams and Kid Reverie’s new album began with an inquisitive search for a simple sound. Having heard Steve Varney’s (Kid Reverie) open-back banjo accompanying fellow songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov on a YouTube video, Williams began tracking down something similar for his own personal collection. “That banjo sounded so amazing on one condenser mike, and I wanted to find one like it,” says Williams. After a long search, he landed on Varney’s website. Williams noticed that he offered lessons and decided to sign up for one or two. “I was so taken with his work and his instrument that I’d pay to talk to him,” Williams chuckles. Kid Reverie recalls, “Chris always came to our lessons with a solid idea. I routinely found myself saying something like, ‘This is great, now let’s make it a song.’”

The pair have just announced the upcoming album Something from Nothing—due out March 3rd, 2023. Born from their initial collaboration, the pair eventually c0-wrote the twelve songs that became Something from Nothing. C0-produced by Williams and Varney and mastered by Varney, the two played every instrument on the album—with the exception of Michael McKee who joins in on drums for five songs and Ayda Varney who plays cat toy sounds on a tune. “This process was very cathartic. It took a trying time for both of us and allowed us to open ourselves to a writing partnership that neither of us expected. I am grateful for this amazing musical experience and hope everyone enjoys these songs as much as we loved creating them!” Kid Reverie affirms that he’s “rarely had such deep collaboration with another songwriter. For so long it felt like we were just doing lessons. I think it took both of us quite a while to realize we were co-writing songs and making an album.”

Today, Chris Williams and Kid Reverie shared the first listen from Something from Nothing, the ebbing and flowing “Half a Mile.” Written a few tunes into Williams’ and Varney’s time writing songs together, “Half a Mile” was a marked point of exploration for the pair, entering a mix of time signatures and tempo changes. “Every writing session we had, I was blown away by Steve’s in-depth knowledge of theory, song structure and catalog of hundreds of songs and examples within each at his fingertips,” remembers Williams. “Very useful when reaching for ideas and inspiration.”

Joined on drums by the aforementioned McKee, Williams and Varney lay down a luscious bed of stringed instruments and on which the song’s story is told. “‘Half a Mile’ is about growing in different ways; about questioning generational teachings we all morph into by process of hand-me-down traditions,” says Williams, adding, “Finding we can have it multiple ways without abandoning anything entirely.” With a stack of beautiful background vocals and string arrangements, the song’s second chorus crashes into a loping ¾ time before stripping it all away and returning to the original feel for the final verse. “It’s hard to remember exactly who did what throughout each song, as we both wore so many hats,” Williams remembers. “As usual, our songwriting process was super gratifying.”

ALABAMA AWARDED PANDORA BILLIONAIRE PLAQUE

/in /by
Scotty McCreery Presents Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry with Plaque Commemorating Two Billion Streams on the Streaming Service

Iconic country rock group ALABAMA was surprised with a major honor last weekend. On Friday, December 9 at the Berglund Center Coliseum in Roanoke, VA, ALABAMA founding members Randy Owen and Teddy Gentry were interrupted mid-show by opening act Scotty McCreery who presented them with the Pandora Billionaire plaque. The honor commemorates over two billion ALABAMA streams on the streaming service.

“The Pandora plaque was a nice surprise,” says Gentry. “We thought a million plays was a very big deal but two billion plays of our songs puts it over the top. We appreciate Pandora and thanks for the award.”

“We are so thankful to our fans and listeners for playing our music for over 50 years,” adds Owen. “Two billion is a big number. That means they like our music and want to hear it again and again. Thank you Pandora for the award.”

McCreery, a previous recipient of the Pandora Billionaire plaque, was thrilled to make the presentation. “I’ve been a fan of ALABAMA all my life,” he explains. “It was an honor to open for them in Roanoke and then present the Pandora Billionaire plaque to Randy and Teddy later that night. It doesn’t get better than ALABAMA.”

About ALABAMA
Over 50 years ago, Jeff Cook, Teddy Gentry and Randy Owen left the cotton farms of Fort Payne, Alabama to spend the summer playing music in a Myrtle Beach, South Carolina bar called The Bowery. It took them six long years of tip jars and word-of-mouth to earn the major label deal they’d been dreaming of. Then, seemingly no time at all to change the face of country music. ALABAMA, country music’s first band, was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005. The group is known for hit songs including “Mountain Music,” “Roll On,” “Dixieland Delight” and “If You’re Gonna Play In Texas (You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band).” From humble beginnings picking cotton in the fields to international stars, ALABAMA went on to sell 80 million albums and charted 43 No.1 hits, becoming the most successful band in the history of country music. In November 2022, ALABAMA co-founder Jeff Cook passed following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s disease. With his prior encouragement and wishes, ALABAMA continues touring on a limited basis, keeping the iconic music they created alive for the current and future generation of fans.

About Pandora
Pandora, a subsidiary of SiriusXM, is the largest ad-supported audio entertainment streaming service in the U.S. Pandora provides consumers a uniquely-personalized music and podcast listening experience with its proprietary Music Genome Project® and Podcast Genome Project® technology. Pandora is also the leading digital audio advertising platform in the U.S. Through its own Pandora service, its AdsWizz platform, and third party services, such as SoundCloud, the Company connects brands to the largest ad-supported streaming audio marketplace in the country. Pandora is available through its mobile app, the web, and integrations with more than 2,000 connected products.

ARTISTS AND FRIENDS REFLECT ON THE PASSING OF CHARLIE MONK, THE MAYOR OF MUSIC ROW

/in /by

L-R Jeannie Seely Charlie Monk and Brenda Lee Photo Credit: Denise Mattox / Moments By Moser Photography 2019

Renowned leader in the Nashville music community, Charlie Monk, passed away on December 19 in his home in Nashville, TN. He was affectionately named and known by many in the industry as the Mayor of Music Row. He created a lasting impact in radio, song writing, record producing and television in a career spanning more than 60 years. Monk’s career began at WGEA in his hometown of Geneva, Alabama while he was in high school. He then attended Troy University where he worked a full-time shift on WTBF radio. In 1968, Monk moved to Nashville and propelled his career even further. His free-form music and talk show for WMTS radio was the first daily broadcast from Music Row. He joined the staff of The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) in 1970 and was a co-founder of the Country Radio Seminar, the long-running media gathering. There, he hosted the “New Faces Show” for 40 years as it launched legends including Jason Aldean, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church and Vince Gill. As a publisher, Monk notably fostered the careers of country music stars Randy Travis and Kenny Chesney. In 1977, he became Nashville chief of CBS Songs, which quickly became one of Music City’s top three publishers. He founded his own company, Monk Family Music Group, in 1983, taking a leave of absence in 1988 to spearhead the return of legendary publisher Acuff-Rose to its former glory. During Monk’s tenure, Acuff-Rose was the first publisher to win “Most Performed Song of the Year” from both ASCAP and Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) in the same year. Monk came back to radio in 2004 to host the morning show on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse. Most recently, Monk hosted a show on SiriusXM’s Prime Country and Willie’s Roadhouse.

Monk has served the music community in a variety of ways, including being an alumnus and former board member of Leadership Music, a member of the Country Music Association, the Academy of Country Music, and the Gospel Music Association, where he formerly served as vice president. He also served as vice president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, the Nashville Songwriters Association International and as local president of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG/AFTRA). He has been inducted into the Country Radio Hall of Fame, the Alabama Music Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame. In 2017, Monk was honored by his hometown of Geneva with a street named Charlie Monk Lane. In 2021, he received the Country Music Association’s Joe Talbot Award, recognizing outstanding leadership and contributions to the preservation and advancement of Country Music’s values and traditions.

Friends and colleagues in the Nashville music community shared their thoughts on Charlie Monk’s passing:

“My heart is literally in pieces. I simply cannot picture my future without Charlie Monk in it. His support of my career since it’s inception up through my current place at Willie’s Roadhouse has always amazed me, and our mutual love of humor was a personal bond between us. I will miss that, I will miss his voice, I will miss his jabs at me, I will miss his laughter, I will just miss him. Period. He has left us in tears, but there’s a lot more laughter in Heaven tonight.”–Jeannie Seely

“Charlie had a few minutes for everyone, and never too busy for some kind words, and usually funny. He made you feel like a friend. Charlie always had that quick wit and a smile, and he was so very accomplished. A unique individual who will be miss The Mayor. Rest in peace.”–Exile

“Charlie was always so supportive of Country Music artists. I always looked forward to and enjoyed my time spent with him. He was a champion and will be missed by all who knew him.”–John Berry

“Charlie was an icon, a visionary and a person who kept reinventing himself and every time he did it expanded his career and the music business in Nashville and beyond. We sure could use more folks like him right now thank you Charlie.”–Kent Blazy

” It’s a very sad day in country music and Charlie will be sorely missed.”–Heidi Newfield 

“This is sad sad news!! Charlie Monk was a character! Since I moved to Nashville in 1982 he had always been at EVERYTHING!! It will be so strange without him. He was proud of me, then he rooted for Hillary and for our Scott family project with Lang and Rylee Jean as well. There’s a huge hole left in the heart of Music Row that only Charlie will ever fill. You’ll never be forgotten Charlie. My deepest condolences to his family.”–Linda Davis

THE GRASCALS WELCOME BACK FOUNDING MEMBER, JAMIE JOHNSON, AND LOOK TOWARD 20TH ANNIVERSARY

/in /by
2023 tour dates announced; celebrating 20 years in 2024

It’s been almost twenty years since Terry Eldredge, Jamie Johnson, Jimmy Mattingly, Dave Talbot, Terry Smith, and Danny Roberts played a fateful run of shows at the Station Inn (with Bobby Osborne as the special guest) as an unnamed band in February of 2004—the earliest iteration of what would become bluegrass supergroup, The Grascals. The band quickly rose from the hallowed and popcorn-scented Station Inn, and their signature sound of cutting edge bluegrass mixed with Nashville songwriting sensibilities made legions of fast fans. That same fateful year, the band signed a record deal with Rounder Records, was booked as the opener and to perform with Dolly Parton on her “The Vintage Tour,” and became regulars on the Grand Ole Opry.

A lot has changed since 2004, as things do. Band members have come and gone, and The Grascals’ signature sound has both tightened up and grown more exploratory over their 10 record span. As the band looks towards their 20th anniversary in 2024, they are ecstatic to announce the return of founding member Jamie Johnson who left the band in 2015 for alcohol and depression treatment. This joyful announcement was made on stage at the Station Inn on December 10, a full circle moment given the band’s history with the venue.

Now, nearly 8 years in sobriety, and at the suggestion of his wife and son, Johnson rejoins with joy, “I thank my Lord for His grace and this gift of sobriety, my family for their daily support and the best love ever, and I thank The Grascals for giving me another chance to pick some great music and finish what we started 19 years ago.” Since getting sober, Johnson has become an outspoken advocate for others in recovery, and a practitioner of music-based addiction therapy.

“Having Jamie back with us makes the band feel brand new again because of the excitement he brings. I am really looking forward to this next chapter of The Grascals story,” says mandolin player, Danny Roberts. Bass player Terry Smith adds, “I’m so happy about the return of one of the most beloved Grascals in our band history. Jamie is family.”

2023’s Grascals’ lineup will feature Terry Smith (upright bass/vocals), Danny Roberts (mandolin), Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Adam Haynes (fiddle), John Bryan (guitar/vocals), and Jamie Johnson (guitar/vocals). For The Grascals, a musical bond has been forged at the intersection of personal friendships, shared professional resumes, and an appreciation for the innovative mingling of bluegrass and country music that has been a hallmark of the Nashville music scene for decades.

 

What’s next? At the top of next year, the band plans to record new music for their longtime label, Mountain Home Music Company, and fans should look for a new album in mid 2023. The Grascals will continue to be represented by The Andrea Roberts Agency who has worked with the band since 2004. And to celebrate their 20th anniversary, select tour dates will feature founding member, Terry Eldredge.

For more information on all things Grascals, please visit grascals.com.

On Tour:

1/7/23 – Jekyll Island, Ga – Jekyll Island Convention Center
1/28/23 – Nashville, TN – Music City Sheraton
2/17/23 – Asheville, NC – Crowne Plaza Hotel & Resort
2/25/23 – Brooksville, FL – Florida Classic Park
3/11/23 – Milan, IN – VFW Post 6234
3/25/23 – Clay City, KY – Meadowgreen Appalachian Music Park
3/31/23 – Bristol, VA – Delta Hotel by Marriott
4/1/23 – Immokalee, FL – Seminole Casino Hotel
5/25/23 – Branson, MO – Silver Dollar City
5/26/23 – Branson, MO – Silver Dollar City
6/15/23 – Roxboro, NC – Willow Oak Music Park
6/23/23 – Morehead, KY – Poppy Mountain Music Park
7/21/23 – Pickens, SC – Historic Hagood Mill
7/28/23 – Strawberry Point, IA – Backbone Bluegrass Music Park
9/9/23 – Mocksville, NC – Carolina Bible Camp
9/15/23 – Conway, MO – Starvy Creek Music Park
9/22/23 – Pigeon Forge, TN – Leconte Center
9/23/23 – Bean Blossom, IN – Bill Monroe Music Park & Campground
10/21/23 – Point Pleasant, WV – West Virginia Farm Museum

“MASTER COUNTRY TALENT” DALTON DOVER CLOSES OUT PIVOTAL YEAR AS AN ARTIST TO WATCH IN 2023

/in /by
Highly Anticipated New Music on the Horizon in 2023 via Universal Music Group Nashville

Rising country newcomer Dalton Dover continues to earn accolades and benchmarks among a series of milestones in a pivotal year as Pandora names him a 2023 Artist to Watch while CMT welcomes him as a member of their 2023 LISTEN UP class.

Earlier this month, Dover made his Grand Ole Opry debut with a performance of two new songs, “Giving Up On That” and “Dirt Roads And Jesus,” the latter being the first single he will release in 2023 via Universal Music Group Nashville/Mercury Records, who he signed with earlier this year.

“I never thought in a million years that I’d be standing right here in this circle,” Dover shared on stage. “I brought my family last year, and we walked through on the tour here at the Opry. Little did I know that a year later, I’d be making my Opry debut. It’s pretty special to say the least.”

In August, Dover was on the final night of his Ole Red residency, performing across the Nashville, Gatlinburg and Orlando locations, when legendary country artist Blake Shelton dialed in on the red phone at Ole Red Nashville and interrupted Dover’s set with an invitation to make his Grand Ole Opry debut. He tearfully accepted, replying, “I’ll be there, I promise.”

His debut invitation was a full circle moment for Dover, as Shelton marked one of the first milestones in his career on Season 16 of “The Voice,” where the Georgia native earned a chair turn from the coach for his performance of Keith Whitley’s “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”

After being named a 2022 Spotify Artist to Watch, he released “Hear About A Girl,” earning praise from Billboard noting, “Dover’s voice is both intimate and commanding on this track,” while MusicRow asserts it confirms “we’re in the presence of a master country talent when this man sings…Make him a star. Now.” He followed the song with “Damn Good Life,” with The Boot sharing, “Dover is savoring every moment in his uplifting new single,” while Country Now observes, “Between the optimistic narrative that Dover delivers through his crisp vocals and the carefree tune highlighted by the impressive guitar strum, nothing but a good time can be had when this song comes through the speakers.”

Dover has honed his captivating live show with two performances at CMA Fest, opening for Luke Comb’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium show in Atlanta, Ga. and joining Priscilla Block’s Welcome To The Block Party Tour. In 2023, he prepares to make his international debut in March at C2C: Country to Country Festival’s CMA Songwriters Series before joining Chase Rice on the Way Down Yonder Tour in April.

HOMEWARD BOUND: A GRAMMY® SALUTE TO THE SONGS OF PAUL SIMON

/in /by

Experience a CBS Special Tribute Concert Honoring the 16-Time GRAMMY Winner Paul Simon,
Wednesday, Dec. 21 on CBS at 9 p.m., ET/PT

HOMEWARD BOUND: A GRAMMY® SALUTE TO THE SONGS OF PAUL SIMON premieres Wednesday, Dec. 21 (9 p.m. – 11 p.m., ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+. The two-hour special tribute features a star-studded performer lineup of GRAMMY-winning artists, past nominees and iconic voices including Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, Eric Church, Rhiannon Giddens, Susanna Hoffs, Jonas Brothers, Angélique Kidjo, Ledisi, Little Big Town, Dave Matthews, Brad Paisley, Billy Porter, Sting, Take 6, Irma Thomas, Shaggy and Jimmy Cliff, Trombone Shorty, and Stevie Wonder, who will all pay homage to Simon’s legendary career.

Presenters and special appearances include Sofia Carson, Herbie Hancock, Woody Harrelson, Dustin Hoffman, Elton John, Folake Olowofoyeku, and Oprah Winfrey.

RAY STEVENS AND BRENDA LEE HONORED WITH CECIL SCAIFE VISIONARY AWARD

/in /by
On Sunday, December 4, Nashville’s CabaRay Showroom proved to be the perfect location to surprise music legends Ray Stevens and Brenda Lee with The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award. Stevens, who was in on the planning of the event, thought he was giving the award to Lee and Lee thought she was giving it to Stevens.
“Brenda and I ended up presenting each other with Cecil Scaife Visionary Awards to benefit the Mike Curb School of Music Business at Belmont University, located here in Nashville on Music Row,” says Stevens. “It was a great night!”
Upon accepting their awards, Stevens and Lee bantered back and forth as only lifelong friends can. The two have known each other since they were 12 (Lee) and 17 (Stevens) years of age, respectively.
Senator Marsha Blackburn, a past recipient of the award, presented each of the honorees with a Senate Statement for the Congressional Record. She thanked them for the contributions they have made to Tennessee and beyond with their time and talents and helping lift others up throughout their own careers.
The special evening opened to a sold out crowd with a 20-piece orchestra accompanying Mandy Barnett showcasing Lee’s classic hit, “I’m Sorry.” Additional performances by longtime friends of both honorees: Charlie McCoy (Lee’s “Jambalaya”) Jeannie Seely (Lee’s “Too Many Rivers”), Ricky Skaggs (Stevens’ “Everything is Beautiful”) and Lang Scott (Stevens’ “Misty”). Additionally, Stevens performed Lee’s “As Usual.” The grand finale of “Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree” was performed by The McCrary Sisters, who managed to coax Lee into joining them on-stage. Eventually, the evening’s entire lineup joined in to perform Lee’s classic holiday hit.
In between each vocal act, video greetings were presented from Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Dolly Parton, Tanya Tucker, Steve Wariner, Kyle Lehning, Mike Huckabee, and Mike Curb, who all expressed gratitude to the music icons.
Among the special guests who spoke was country star Pam Tillis who reminisced of her childhood memories with Stevens and Lee, calling them “the bricks and mortar of this town.”
The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award is given annually to an individual whose life and work have made it possible for future generations to realize careers in the music industry. In the 1970s, it was the late Cecil Scaife’s vision to create a music business program for musicians, artists, songwriters, and future music business executives to formally learn the industry he loved so dearly. Through the generosity and vision of Mike Curb, Scaife’s vision grew to become the world-renowned Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. Curb was the inaugural recipient of The Cecil Scaife Visionary Award in 2008.
Past recipients, in addition to Curb, include Tony Brown, Wynonna Judd, David Briggs, Norbert Pitman, Amy Grant, Jo Walker-Meador, “Sunshine” Sonny Payne and Harold Bradley.