‘90s Inspired Video Features a Retro Shelton

Blake Shelton moved to Nashville in the 1990s to follow his country music dreams. With the release this week of his new single, “No Body,” Shelton once again feels like a teenager. “I get excited and feel like a kid every time we release new music,” said Shelton. “But this song in particular takes me back to the ‘90s when I was in high school and first moved to Nashville, because it feels like what the music sounded like at that time.”

Written by Rodney Clawson, Chris Tompkins and Josh Kear, “No Body” tells the story of a guy who doesn’t want to be with “No Body” but the person he’s with. “The hook confused me the first time I heard it – I’m hoping it’s the same way for everyone else so they have to listen to it a bunch of times to figure it out!” laughed Shelton.”

Both the song and the official music video will be available on Friday, Aug. 19. Filmed in a country bar in the Los Angeles area, the video harkens back to that ‘90s era when country establishments were filled with patrons line dancing. The video is authentic to the time and finds Shelton wearing a cowboy hat on top of his infamous mullet.

In addition to the new music, Shelton, who is celebrating his 12^th year as a Grand Ole Opry member, will return to the Opry stage in Nashville on Saturday, Sept. 10 for performances in both the early and late shows. Shelton will no doubt perform his new single as well as several of his 28 No. 1 singles.

Upcoming programming focusing on the music of Arkansas will take place at the association’s 22nd annual music festival and conference event, Sept. 13-17 in Nashville, Tenn., presented in partnership with Arkansas Tourism and Visit Bentonville

This year, the Americana Music Association has selected the state of Arkansas as the regional music focus for its 22nd annual AMERICANAFEST, Sept. 13-17 in Nashville, Tenn. In partnership with Arkansas Tourism and Visit Bentonville, the destination music festival and conference event previews this special programming today that features multiple panels, special events and a music showcase over four days. Highlights include a panel focusing on the life and legacy of Johnny Cash; a special event with the brightest, upcoming Arkansan artists that are pushing the Americana genre forward; and an evening showcase of music with a star-studded tribute to Levon Helm. A full slate of programming can be found below.

“We’re beyond thrilled to spotlight the state of Arkansas at this year’s festival and celebrate its rich musical heritage,” said Jed Hilly, Executive Director of the Americana Music Association. “Through this programming, attendees will be able to experience the sounds of delta blues, rockabilly and Ozark folk, as we welcome our friends from the Arkansas tourism, music and creative industries who have built and are expanding the tradition of Americana.”

The Natural State has produced some of the most diverse and iconic pioneers of American music and contributors to the American songbook. From Sister Rosetta Tharpe, considered to be the birthmother of rock and roll, to Louis Jordan who ignited the move from rhythm and blues to rock and roll. Directly influenced by these local pioneers, Arkansas gave the world Johnny Cash, Charlie Rich, Al Green, Levon Helm, Ronnie Hawkins, Glen Campbell, Albert King, Howlin’ Wolf and many more. Two of the most significant artists mentioned in any of the writing about the roots of Americana music are Levon Helm (and The Band) and Johnny Cash, both Arkansas natives.

The Arkansas spotlight begins at the three-day conference portion of AMERICANAFEST on Wednesday, September 14, with music executive, visionary and Arkansas native Al Bell as a featured panelist for “Wattstax Now And Then: Celebrating 50 Years of Wattstax and Americana Music by Black Artists.” Bell, the former owner and CEO of the historic Stax Records, was born and raised in Brinkley, Arkansas before he became a disc jockey in Little Rock. He then propelled his Sunday morning DJ shifts into a lifelong career in the industry, working in promotions and producing records before making his way to the top of Stax Records. Hear from Bell and other contemporaries about the historic ’72 Wattstax festival that restored the Watts community spirit following the neighborhood rebellions outside of Los Angeles, California.

Additionally, Wednesday will include Arkansas musician Rev. Greg Spradlin moderating “Arkansas Creatives,” a discussion on creative influences that developed the Americana sound in The Natural State, with panelists Bonnie Montgomery, Jason Weinheimer (Fellowship Hall Sound) and Arkansas music historian Stephen Koch. The session will focus on how the Arkansas culture spawned the musical creativity that led to multiple influential artists carving a distinct Americana sound.

Peering into the past, industry veteran Sharon Corbitt will lead a history lesson during “Arkansas’ Delta Roots” on the innovators and originators of the southern delta sound. From gospel to country to blues, Larry McCray, Munnie Jordan (King Biscuit Blues Festival) and more panelists to be announced will discuss the artists that had a direct impact on the foundation of Americana.

Thursday is full of musical performances at 3rd and Lindsley. Sponsored by Arkansas Tourism and Visit Bentonville, the day begins with a special day party hosted by The House of Songs. The “Arkansas Extravaganza” will have appearances from Dylan Earl, David Starr, Shannon Wurst and more.

Following a glimpse into the future of Americana, the festivities continue in the evening with Arkansas showcasing acts taking the stage, which includes Willi Carlisle, Erin Enderlin, Larry McCray, Rev. Greg Spradlin and Bonnie Montgomery. The night closes with a special tribute honoring the career of Arkansas native Levon Helm. Backed by an Arkansas All-Star house band, Mike Farris, Allison Moorer, Autumn Nicholas, Webb Wilder, Oliver Wood and more will salute the legendary artist.

Kicking off the festivities on Friday, musician, writer and performer Robert Burke Warren will lead the charge on “Johnny Cash: An Arkansan Icon Endures,” with a deep dive into Cash’s historic career. Nearly 20 years after his passing, the Man in Black’s impact and influence still crosses genres, backgrounds and generations. His legacy as an Arkansan lives on through film, books and social media. AMERICANAFEST brings together Beverly Keel (MTSU), Adam Long (A-State Heritage Sites) and Robert K. Oermann to look at how his legacy has stood the test of time.

Returning on Saturday, September 17, The House of Songs hosts the “Arkansas Explorer Day Party” that will wrap up the week-long celebration and highlight the very best that The Natural State has to offer. Sponsored by Arkansas Tourism and Visit Bentonville, songwriters and Arkansas natives spotlight the sights, sounds and more with performances at InDo Nashville.

Those interested in attending AMERICANAFEST panels can purchase a 2022 Conference Registration (currently priced at $499 / $399 for Americana Music Association members), giving access to over 45 industry panels, more than 175 nightly showcases and close to 65 special events across town in Nashville. Music fans who are just interested in the nightly music showcases can purchase a Festival Wristband at $175, which allows entry into official showcases and select special events.

Whisperin’ Bill Anderson and Dolly Parton release a bluegrass version of “Someday It’ll All Make Sense,” available everywhere today.

To stream and download “Someday It’ll All Make Sense (Bluegrass Version)” click HERE.

“The bluegrass/acoustical version was the original way this song was recorded. Sierra Hull played mandolin, her husband, Justin Moses, played fiddle and dobro and the record was co-produced by longtime bluegrass stalwart, Thomm Jutz. Both Dolly and I have a deep appreciation for the simplicity and authenticity of this type of music, and we both wanted this version to be heard,” Anderson shared. “I think the intimacy and warmth of the acoustical approach allow the lyric of the song to stand out even more. And it’s that lyric that seems to be resonating with people.”

The song’s poignant lyrics are brought to life under the masterful direction of Trey Fanjoy (Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Paul McCartney, Keith Urban, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Loretta Lynn, Jack White), as the video shows the two country music icons journey down the road to hope. “Someday It’ll All Make Sense” was co-written by Anderson with Bobby Tomberlin and Ryan Larkins and is on Anderson’s most recent release, As Far As I Can See: The Best Of, released June 10 by MCA Records. To stream or download, click HERE.

As Far As I Can See: The Best Of is a collection of 16 songs and shares its name with the current exhibition at the Country Music Hall of Fame, Bill Anderson: As Far As I Can See. The name comes from the opening line of one of the first songs he ever wrote, “City Lights,” the country classic that was a hit for Ray Price in 1958. In addition to such beloved songs as “City Lights,” “Still,” Po’ Folks,” The Tip Of My Fingers,” and “Sometimes,” the album features a new song with country icon Dolly Parton, “Someday It’ll All Make Sense.” The newly recorded duet is joined by Anderson and Parton’s first-ever collaboration, an incredibly rare demo of “If It Is All The Same To You,” recorded in 1964 and eventually released as a duet with Jan Howard on Anderson’s chart-topping 1969 album of the same name. As Far As I Can See: The Best Of, was released by MCA Nashville/UMe, which has been Anderson’s label home for most of his seven-decade long career. The new project is released in conjunction with the first-time digital release of seven of Anderson’s albums from the 1960s, available HERE.

Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis, paid a visit to the Country Rebel Ranch to inspire up-and-coming artists Tony Jackson, Karissa Ella and Justin Holmes. In addition to celebrating Randy’s birthday, each artist picked their favorite classic Travis song to perform for him. The series launched with a trailer featuring interviews with each artist, Travis and wife, Mary, as well as Kevin and Darin Blue. Each performance has followed, with the final launching next Tuesday. Watch the series in full, here: https://lnk.to/cr-randyPR

This year, Warner Music Nashville and YouTube teamed up to bring Travis’ recently released “More Life” documentary to the platform in a seven-part series that is available to stream now and has amassed 145,000 views. “More Life” started as an intimate concert special in 2011 to honor the 25th anniversary of Randy Travis’ iconic album Storms of Life. Many didn’t know how important this documentary would become. As the film was being finalized in 2013, Randy unexpectedly became ill and suffered a massive stroke, making him unable to perform and severely limiting his speech due to aphasia. The film touches on his storied career, envelopes the final professionally filmed live performance from the man and inspires with his story of healing, redemption and faith. It was directed and produced by Shaun Silva and Tacklebox Films with WMN’s Shane Tarleton and Mike Dupree serving as executive producers. Additionally, the full documentary is now available for purchase on iTunes. Both links here: https://wmna.sh/morelife.

William Lee Golden and The Goldens New Three-Volume Collection, Golden Classics Available Now

Country and Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Grand Ole Opry member William Lee Golden and his sons ‘The Goldens’ join together in perfect harmony with the release of “Take It Easy,” from their new 3-album set, ‘Golden Classics’. Each group member’s talent shines on their version of the Eagles’ hit song, and their fun-loving chemistry is heard throughout the single. ‘Golden Classics’ which includes ‘Southern Accents,’ ‘Country Roads,’ and ‘Old Country Church,’ is the highly anticipated collection that contains over 30 songs spread across several genres that all have an impact on the lives and careers of William Lee Golden and The Goldens. Recently, William Lee Golden and The Goldens made their Grand Ole Opry debut as a family and continue to add shows throughout the country. The music video for “Take It Easy” was featured by M Music & Musicians Magazine and the single is available to download on all digital platforms today!

To order Golden Classics, visit HERE.

“This has always been a family favorite and since this is the 50th Anniversary for the song, it seemed appropriate to include on our new project. I hope everyone enjoys it as much as we enjoyed creating it,” shares William Lee Golden.

‘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 Accent,” 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.”