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

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

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

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 BrooksTrisha YearwoodDolly PartonTanya TuckerSteve WarinerKyle LehningMike 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 BrownWynonna JuddDavid BriggsNorbert PitmanAmy GrantJo Walker-Meador, “Sunshine Sonny Payne and Harold Bradley.

BROTHERS OF THE HEART TO DELIVER SOPHOMORE ALBUM “LISTEN TO THE MUSIC” ON JANUARY 20, 2023

Single “Just As I Am” available everywhere Friday, December 16

Brothers of the Heart — the “country, bluegrass, gospel dream team” (Cowboys & Indians) featuring award-winning artists Jimmy Fortune, Bradley Walker, Mike Rogers, and Ben Isaacs — returns with its sophomore album Listen to the Music (Gaither Music Group), releasing January 20, 2023.

On the 12-track record, produced by group member Ben Isaacs (producer for Oak Ridge Boys, Rory Feek and more), the Brothers reimagine country, gospel and pop classics, including “Ring of Fire,” “Desperado,” “Bye Bye Love” and more. Showcasing the supergroup’s signature seamless harmonies and impeccable arrangements, the anticipated album illuminates the joy of listening to great music.

“Being a part of this project has been so much fun,” stated Isaacs. “Not only do I get to produce, I also get to sing with three of the best singers and musicians ever. The song choices on this project are special to all of us; we feel that the songs have been a huge part of our pasts. I hope the listener enjoys the music and hears our love and passion in every song.”

Listen to the Music’s second single, the Brothers’ breathtaking arrangement of the classic hymn “Just As I Am,” will be released Friday, December 16, on all digital streaming platforms. The album’s debut track, the group’s reimagining of The Statler Brothers’ “I’ll Go to My Grave Loving You,” is available everywhere now.

Following Brothers of the Heart’s acclaimed debut album Brotherly Love (more than 31 million streams worldwide), the Listen to the Music record will be accompanied by a DVD and TV special.

MARTINA McBRIDE CONTINUES TO BRING THE HOLIDAY CHEER THROUGH THE LAST WEEKEND OF HER 12TH ANNUAL “THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS TOUR”

One of Country music’s most iconic performers, Martina McBride, will be wrapping her 12th Annual “The Joy of Christmas Tour” this weekend in Fayetteville, AR on December 18th. Continuing with a favored tradition of fans and of Martina herself, the tour has brought the enchantment and warmth of the holiday season to fans with performances of all-time favorite classic tunes.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the Country Music Hall of Fame’s exhibit, Martina McBride: The Power of Her Voice, has been extended to be on display until July 2023. The collection, which was unveiled in the summer of 2021, explores the music and legacy of the influential vocalist, tracing her journey from performing in her family’s band as a child to becoming a chart-topping, award-winning, perspective-shifting Country music artist.

About Martina McBride:

Martina McBride is a multiple GRAMMY-nominated country singer, whose vocals have kept her at the top of the charts garnering six No. 1 hits and 20 Top 10 singles. Selling more than 18 million albums to date, she has earned 14 Gold, 9 Platinum, 3 Double Platinum and 2 Triple Platinum certifications. She has been honored with more than 15 major music awards, including four wins from the Country Music Association and three Academy of Country Music Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year.

In addition to her iconic music career, Martina continues building her lifestyle brand having released two cookbooks, “Martina’s Kitchen Mix: My Recipe Playlist for Real Life” (2018) and “Around the Table: Recipes and Inspiration for Gatherings Throughout the Year” (2014).  She recently wrapped the first season of “Vocal Point with Martina McBride”, her weekly podcast that featured Garth Brooks, Loretta Lynn, Little Big Town, Lukas Nelson, Emmylou Harris, Blake Shelton and many more.  Earlier this year she announced her “Livin’ Life Up Tour” with support from up-and-coming female artists Hannah Ellis, Hailey Whitters, Kalie Shorr and Sarah Allison Turner, and is planning her 10th annual “The Joy of Christmas Tour”.  Through her Team Music Is Love initiative, Martina has launched a series of fundraising and volunteer projects to support hunger relief, cancer research, domestic violence and helping women, children and families in need.

BRYAN RUBY ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF SUPPORT VIDEO FOR NEW HOLIDAY SINGLE, “CHRISTMAS WITH YOU”

Trailblazing singer/songwriter Bryan Ruby has announced the release of a support video for his new holiday single, “Christmas With You.” The in-studio video footage was captured by Justin Mayotte with all the warm and fuzzy festive feelings surrounding the season. The support video for the new holiday tune was premiered on AIM TV and is available on various streaming platforms including Byran Ruby’s official Vevo Video Channel here.

“Between music and baseball I spend most of the year on the road, so getting to come home for Christmas is always a high point. I wanted to paint that picture with this song,” expressed Bryan Ruby.

Smooth like expensive bourbon around a ski lodge or a nighttime fire pit,” shared David Ross, Founder of Music Row Magazine

Stream and download “Christmas With You” on Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music/ iTunes, YouTube Music, Pandora and more at bryanruby/christmas-with-you.

Co-written by Ruby, Kayleigh DeLozier, Kristin Denton, Chad Albert Sellers and David M. Ross, the tune has an instantly likable cool, bluesy groove and is sure to become a Christmas playlist favorite.

The new music was recorded at Nashville’s Pentavarit Studios and produced by Smith Curry. Bobby Holland served as Sound Engineer, David Axelrod as Mix and Vocal Tracking Engineer and mastering was done by Andrew Mendelson of Georgetown Masters in Nashville. Studio musicians on the project were Caleb Gilbreath on drums, Tim Denbo on bass, Devin Malone played acoustic guitar, Nathan Keeterle was on electric guitar, while Luke Moseley played keyboards and Bryan Ruby sang background vocals. Cover art was created by Max Gordon.

WILLIAM LEE GOLDEN AND THE GOLDENS RELEASE “I SAW THE LIGHT” MUSIC VIDEO

The Goldens New Three-Volume Collection, ‘Golden Classics’ consists of ‘Old Country Church,’ ‘Country Roads,’ and ‘Southern Accents’

Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member William Lee Golden and his sons ‘The Goldens’ release their latest music video for the Hank Williams classic, “I Saw The Light” from their three-album set, ‘Golden Classics.’ Paying homage to the songs that have influenced their lives throughout the years, The Goldens chose to showcase “I Saw The Light” as a perfect way to bring in the new year. “I Saw The Light” can be found on their ‘Country Roads’ country album included in ‘Golden Classics’ along with ‘Old Country Church’ and ‘Southern Accents.’ ‘Golden Classics’ is the highly anticipated three-volume set that contains over 30 songs spread across several genres that all have had an impact on the lives and careers of William Lee Golden and The Goldens. Recently, they made their Grand Ole Opry debut as a family and continue to add shows throughout the country.

The music video for “I Saw The Light” was premiered by Music Mayhem and the single is available to download on all digital platforms!

To order Golden Classics, visit HERE.

“When we went into the studio to record these songs, we couldn’t settle on just one album,” shares William Lee Golden. “There were simply too many to choose from, so we recorded three albums. We brought in cameras to capture the experience and I am so glad that we did. This has been a wonderful experience to share with my sons and I hope you are enjoying it as well!”

‘Southern Accents,’ ‘Country Roads’ and ‘Old Country Church’ were recorded when Golden gathered his sons Rusty, Craig, and Chris, his grandchildren Elizabeth, Rebekah, and Elijah, and friends Aaron McCune, and Ben Isaacs to bring their fresh interpretations to longtime favorites. William Lee Golden and The Goldens deliver reminiscent renditions of Johnny Cash’s “I Still Miss Someone,” and Jim Reeves’s “Welcome to My World.” Chris shines on Tom Petty’s “Southern Accents,” while Rusty delivers a vibrant take on Bob Seger’s hit “Hollywood Nights” and Craig, the rarely heard Golden, revives Gregg Allman’s “Multi-Colored Lady.”

William Lee Golden and The Goldens have recently released other videos including “If I Could Only Hear My Mother Pray Again,” “Bobbie Sue,” “Old Country Church,” and “The Long And Winding Road.”

ROB ICKES AND TREY HENSLEY ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM WITH NEW WITH NEW SINGLE “LIVING IN A SONG”

Full-length album Living In A Song due out February 10th via Compass Records

American roots music has seen its fair share of beloved duos over the years—from The Monroe Brothers and Flatt & Scruggs to modern-day pairs like Milk Carton Kids and The War and Treaty—but few leave audiences as amazed as Grammy Award nominees Rob Ickes and Trey Hensley. Built on the interplay of Ickes’s Dobro and Hensley’s six-string guitar, the only thing outshining the virtuosity of this group’s instrumental performances is their singing and songwriting prowess. On February 10th, Ickes and Hensley are set to release a new full-length album via Compass Records, Living In A Song. Featuring ten original tunes plus two timeless covers, and focusing on a classic country sound as heard in contemporaries like Chris Stapleton, Jamey Johnson, Sturgill Simpson, and Jason Isbell, Living In A Song is a love letter to a bygone Nashville and an in-depth look at the wonderful interplay between two masters of their craft.

Today, Ickes and Hensley shared a sneak peek of Living In A Song, the album’s title track which grew out of their experiences as touring musicians. According to Hensley, the song practically wrote itself after a long day on the road driving through Ohio. When Hensley digs into the lyrics there is no question that he has lived the story he is telling, lifted up even further when Ickes’ tenor harmony enters the chorus.

Fans can check out “Living In A Song” today at this link and pre-order or pre-save Living In A Song ahead of its February 10th release right here. Rob and Trey will next take the stage on December 30th in Asheville, North Carolina, with their friends Leftover Salmon.

MEDITATIVE PRODUCER SIX MISSING ANNOUNCES INTENTION II EP

Thoughtful producer Six Missing will be releasing his latest EP Intention II on the 9th of December via Sea Level Sounds. On the project, listeners are urged to discover the gentle record ‘Peaceful One’ that premiered on Sonofmarketing. The EP follows the release of his soothing single ‘Loving Kindness’, which garnered attention from well-known tastemaker magazines CLASH Magazine and Orb Mag. With 1.5 million streams across platforms, the musician has previously earned publication support from Stack/Bounce Chord and Tome To The Weather Machine, while his music has been aired on KEXP’s Pacific Notions Show and featured on chill-out music YouTube channels Ambient and Cosmic Soundwaves.

Six Missing discusses the idea behind the EP: “‘Intention II’ is a follow-up EP to ‘Intention’, which I released on New Year’s Day 2022. I loved the idea of sharing music intended for those wishing to sit and set clear intentions, versus resolutions, for the year ahead. I wanted to be able to give the listener a soundtrack for their meditation, a gentle place to exist while going inward. As with ‘Intention’, the track names are suggestions for words to meditate on.”

Intent on presenting a project with a definite purpose, Six Missing has crafted his latest EP in the hope that it will help calm the monkey mind. Like walking through a lush green meadow, Intention II captivates us with stunning details, sun-kissed chords and chirping bird song, easing us into a sense of wholeness. Caught in the moment, we can’t help but breathe it all in.

Six Missing is the studio project of the award-winning sound designer and composer TJ Dumser, who helped score, design, and engineer the audio for numerous film shorts and series, including Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, Avatar: The Legend of Korra, Witchcraft Motion Picture Company Presents Horror Anthology: Volume 1, and For Hemingway to name a few. His cinematic soundscapes lend themselves to film, TV, and activities where words fail to capture meaning. He finds inspiration in the work of notable creatives such as Harold Budd, Tangerine Dream and Fleet Foxes, while his own work can be likened to that of Nils Frahm, Brian Eno, Olafur Arnalds.

Originating from New York City, New York, TJ Dumser was born musical. As a toddler, he thrived on performing for his family, and as his love for music grew, so did his ability: TJ first learned to play the piano, then the guitar. Currently based in Austin, Texas, USA, TJ combines his obsession for sound with his love of meditation, releasing a soothing blend of lush ambient textures under the Six Missing moniker.

“CMT LISTEN UP” 2023 ANNOUNCES IT’S NEEST LIST OF ARTISTS TO WATCH

Twenty rising artists named to year-long campaign

CMT revealed its newest lineup of rising artists to watch in its highly anticipated 2023 CMT LISTEN UP program, which recognizes and supports country music’s most promising newcomers across CMT platforms. The year-long initiative is committed to raising support for these artists via full cross-brand support for their music and videos across CMT and CMT Music, CMT Hot 20 CountdownCMT Hits on Pluto TV, CMT.com and @CMT social platforms, in addition to opportunities across other Paramount Media Networks with live events, the Paramount Times Square NYC Billboard and more.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this exciting list of new artists to our 2023 LISTEN UP initiative,” shared Leslie Fram, SVP of Music & Talent at CMT.  “Each of these acts stand out in their authenticity and are already finding an audience with exceptional music. We look forward to amplifying their content across all CMT platforms and building long lasting relationships with this dynamic group of individuals.”

The following 20 artists join CMT’s prestigious 2023 LISTEN UP roster:

Ashley Cooke
Bailey Zimmerman
Brandon Ratcliff
Catie Offerman
Chapel Hart
Cody Belew
Conner Smith
Corey Kent
Dalton Dover
Drake Milligan
Hannah Ellis
Ian Munsick
Jackson Dean
Kameron Marlowe
Madeline Edwards
Nate Smith
Pillbox Patti
The War And Treaty
Warren Zeiders
Zach Bryan

Since 2011, CMT’s LISTEN UP franchise has introduced new talent to the brand’s passionate fan base and has helped launch the careers of many country sensations. Some notable alumni of the franchise include: Ashley McBryde, Blanco Brown, BRELAND, Brett Eldredge, Brittney Spencer, Carly Pearce, Dan + Shay, Gabby Barrett, Ingrid Andress, Jimmie Allen, Jon Pardi, Kacey Musgraves, Kelsea Ballerini, Lily Rose, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Morgan Wade, Thomas Rhett, Walker Hayes and Yola among others.