Lucky Horseshoe Entertainment and Anomaly Content & Entertainment (ACE) are excited to announce the production of a groundbreaking documentary film centered on the life and influence of country music icon Keith Whitley which will start filming in January 2025. Produced by Blake Shelton and Lee Metzger of Lucky Horseshoe Productions, along with ACE Partner Evan Hayes (Free Solo) and ACE Partner and CEO Justin Barocas serving as Executive Producer. The film aims to unveil the personal and professional journey of one of country music’s most influential and celebrated figures.

Zach Heinzerling, an Academy Award-nominated director renowned for his work on acclaimed projects like “Cutie and the Boxer” and “McCartney 3,2,1,” is set to direct the film.

“Thanks to Blake, we finally have the chance to uncover the truth behind the legend that is Keith Whitley: a layered and heartbreaking story of talent, hardship, and love that is long overdue,” Heinzerling states.

Keith Whitley, who passed away at the age of 34, left behind a legacy that continues to inspire countless artists like Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Ronnie Dunn, Alison Krauss, Lainey Wilson and Reba McEntire, who was a backup vocalist on Whitley’s debut album. Whitley was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2023. This film will delve into Whitley’s life, his struggles with addiction, his profound love for fellow country singer Lorrie Morgan and the impact of his music on the industry.

The documentary will feature extensive archival footage from the Country Music Hall of Fame and personal collections from Lorrie Morgan, providing a rich tapestry of Whitley’s life and career. It will also explore the small town of Sandy Hook, Kentucky, where Keith grew up, and include reflections from Lorrie as she navigates her own career while honoring his memory.

Blake Shelton, producer and lifelong admirer of Whitley’s work, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Keith Whitley released only three albums during his life, but his music has influenced generations of country music artists and fans.

“Gwen and I love to watch music documentaries, and I looked for his doc one night and couldn’t believe that there wasn’t one,” Shelton adds. “I’m proud and honored we get to bring his incredible story to film.”

“It’s an honor to bring Keith’s story to a wide audience,” added Lee Metzger. “He’s the kind of singer everyone knows the songs when they hear them but doesn’t know the story of the singer who performed them.”

Award winning producer Evan Hayes (Free Solo, The Way I See It) said, “What drew me to this project was the idea of tapping into a pop culture story that lies slightly beneath the surface. Here is this guy who is so important in the country music world – he inspired the modern Star Is Born, Morgan Wallen wrote a song about him and his music – and a lot of people don’t know his name. To be able to explore this character and this love story that had permeated pop culture country music in such an impactful way and to introduce it to mainstream audiences is exciting.”

As this project progresses, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to discovering the man behind the music, his legacy and the love story that shaped his life.

GRAMMY®, ACM and CMA winning Shenandoah has officially scored its 16th No. 1 hit. The band’s “Sunday in the South” (8 Track Entertainment) with Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan soared to the top of the iTunes All Genres and Country Charts last Thursday following the release of the song’s official music video. In just 48 hours, the video racked up over 8 million views across all social media platforms. It also scored the No. 9 trending music video on YouTube.

“This all comes as a stunning and pleasant surprise,” says Shenandoah frontman Marty Raybon. “We couldn’t have done this without Jason and Luke and we are eternally grateful for their willingness and friendship.”

The release of the music video sparked renewed interest in some older Shenandoah material. Thirty years after its release, Shenandoah Super Hits landed atop the iTunes Country Albums Chart, marking the group’s first No. 1 album in its 40-year career. Additionally, the original version of “Sunday in the South” (released 35 years ago) hit No. 5 on the iTunes Country Chart and No. 15 on the All Genres Chart.

The chart action marks the first time Shenandoah has ever landed two songs in the Top 5 of any chart at one time.

“The Fame family couldn’t be more excited for Shenandoah’s recent return to the top of the charts,” says Rodney Hall, President of Fame Studios. “I know my Dad is smiling down watching his favorite country voice hit the top of the charts again with his favorite country song he ever produced, ‘Sunday in the South.'”

Additional charting songs on the iTunes Country Chart following the release of the music video: No. 19 – “Two Dozen Roses”; No. 53 – “Next to You, Next to Me”; No. 64 – “Church on Cumberland Road”; No. 89 – “Moon Over Georgia”; No. 111 “Mama Knows”; No. 119 “Two Dozen Roses” (with Luke Combs); No. 137 – “Ghost in this House”

“Sunday in the South,” with Aldean and Bryan follows Shenandoah’s new version of their smash hit “Two Dozen Roses” with Luke Combs which reached #1 on the All Genre iTunes chart, #1 on the Country iTunes chart and amassed over 20 million global streams.

Quartz Hill Records’ Runaway June – the first female trio since The Chicks to break the Top 5 on the U.S. Mediabase Country Chart – released a sassy and revealing new breakup song, “He Ain’t My Problem,” available across all digital retail and streaming partners.

Produced by two-time GRAMMY winner Kristian Bush (Sugarland, Megan Moroney), the high-energy anthem was written by band members Jennifer Wayne, Natalie Stovall and Stevie Woodward.

“The three of us were sitting in a hotel room one night, and we were having a venting session, as ladies do,” recalls Stevie. “Jen says, ‘He ain’t my problem no more,’ and we’re, like, ‘Oh, snap! We’ve gotta write that one.’ So we ordered some parmesan fries and some wine and we wrote this tune. It’s a little too much of a true story.”

“I thought I’d have a family that always stuck together, but sometimes stuff just happens,” shares Jennifer. “We hope you can’t relate, but if you’re going through a divorce or a breakup or anything like that, this song is for you.”

“‘He Ain’t My Problem’ was not only so much fun to write, it’s also one of the most fun songs that we get to play in our set,” says Natalie. “It feels like everybody in the audience gets it and they’re in it with us, every single time we play the song. So, when we went into the studio to record it, it was really important to us to keep that feeling of playing live and having fun.”

Defiant guitars and driving percussion musically mirror the forward motion of movin’ on, while the lyrics of “He Ain’t My Problem” create an authentic and empowering alchemy of hurt, healing, and humor (Hey at least I ain’t gotta fake it tonight).

Chris LeDoux was well-known, and well-respected, in a lot of circles. A chart-topping musician, an ACM Pioneer Award-winner, a World Champion bareback rider in the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and most importantly a hero to his son, Ned LeDoux who is about to make his on-screen acting debut in the upcoming feature film “Buffalo Daze”. But the sweetest thing going for the LeDouxs at the moment is Ned’s new single, “One Hand In The Riggin’” that combines all of those aforementioned accomplishments with a very special duet guest: his late father, Chris. 

Ned, as many fans know, was a drummer in his dad’s band Western Underground until Chris’s passing in 2005. Deeply inspired to carry on the musical legacy Ned stepped out from behind the drums and picked up a guitar. With 3 albums and a thousand shows behind him, Ned has finally found his moment. 

Out today, “One Hand In The Riggin’” was the last song the elder LeDoux ever recorded and the first release by Ned since 2022’s Buckskin—and a bit of a serendipitous musical meeting of both generations of LeDoux men. “In 2003, one of the song’s writers, Brenn Hill, was working on a new album and asked dad to sing on this song with him,” Ned explains. “Due to unforeseen circumstances, it didn’t end up on the record. Twenty-one years later, I ran into Brenn at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, and he reminded me that he still had that vocal track—and that God had a better path for it.” The timing couldn’t have been better as LeDoux was just getting started recording his next album with producer Mac McAnally.

“Mac dropped dad’s vocal in while I was out on tour,” recalls LeDoux. “So, the first time I heard it, Dad and I were singing together. Man, it gave me chills.” The driving strums of “One Hand In The Riggin’” carry the combination of lonesome road song and cowboy country tune from verse to verse with Ned and Chris splitting vocal duties until they join together for the song’s defiantly jubilant choruses: “If I keep one hand in the riggin’ and one hand on the wheel / No matter how far down the road I go, there’s always one more rodeo / She’d like for me to settle down / As long as I’m still livin’, I keep one hand on the wheel and one hand in the riggin.’” For a man who’s made a career out of not singing songs about things he doesn’t know and, in his words, “sticking to what I understand,” this new tune from LeDoux is as true and earnest as it comes. And cutting it with the help of his dad, well, that’s what makes it sing. “It’s just a very special song for me,” says Ned. 

LeDoux’s mission in music has always been clear, a philosophy that rings more loudly now than ever before. “I’m just trying to write my own story and I’m a terrible pretender. I can’t write a song that I have no relation with because people would figure that out pretty quick. I’ll just stick to what I understand,” he explains. 

Fans can stream or purchase “One Hand In The Riggin’” today at this link and be sure to keep an eye out for more new music from LeDoux in early 2025. This weekend LeDoux and his band will perform at Silverton Casino Lodge’s Veil Pavillion in Las Vegas as part of the National Finals Rodeo. LeDoux will also make his silver screen debut as Teton Ridge’s NFR pre-show broadcast looks at the premiere of Buffalo Daze theatrical trailer December 6th.

Country rocker Will Wesley Country rocker Will Wesley is excited to release his latest Christmas single, “Go Tell It On The Mountain,” available today! Premiered by Think Country, Wesley brings a fresh, high-energy approach to the iconic hymn, adding his unique blend of soulful country and rock. Previously reimagined by legends like Josh Turner, Dolly Parton, and James Taylor, Wesley’s vibrant rendition breathes new life into this timeless classic, capturing the joy and celebration of the holiday season. Fans can stream “Go Tell It On The Mountain” on all major platforms now, making it a perfect addition to holiday playlists.

“I’ve always loved the classics of the holiday season,” shares Wesley. “Every year, countless Christmas songs are released, but there’s something special about the ones we keep coming back to—they take us home, often back to the magic of our childhood. Artists like Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Brenda Lee have created timeless favorites that still resonate today. I hope my version of “Go Tell It On The Mountain” brings a little of that same joy and nostalgia to your holiday season.”

Wesley recently released his deeply personal single, “12 O’clock In Texas,” a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Daniel, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose. Written from the depths of his grief, the song is a raw and emotional reflection on the devastating toll of addiction, capturing both the pain of loss and the enduring love for his brother. For Wesley, pouring his heart into songwriting was the most meaningful way to honor Daniel’s memory and ensure his story is never forgotten.

Blending soulful country and rock, 12 O’clock In Texas resonates with those who have faced similar heartbreak, offering a connection through shared experiences of loss. Premiered by CCM Magazine, the track shines a light on the struggles many families endure while standing as a testament to the healing power of music and the unbreakable bond between brothers.

“12 O’clock In Texas” is by far my most intimate body of work,” shares Wesley. “Losing a loved one is a subject we all have experienced in one way or another. My goal with this song and video is to help anyone who is struggling with grief and loss and to shine the light on their darkness. Sometimes a song is bigger than oneself and for me “12 O’clock In Texas” is that tune.”