MIKE GOSSIN RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR “LET’S RIDE,” FEATURING CHEYENNE KIMBALL

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Award-winning singer-songwriter Mike Gossin teamed up with former Gloriana bandmate Cheyenne Kimball for a brand-new single entitled “Let’s Ride” that has been garnering critical praise by fans and media alike. The single, which was released October 21st, has been racking up streams. The single is true Gloriana sound with the video getting over 96K views in about 3 months with little to no marketing.

The video, which was shot at Onyx Hall in Lawrenceburg, TN, was directed and produced by the Bolo Brothers. The video pays homage to longtime music industry sound technician Rick Reith, who suddenly passed away at the beginning of the year. Rick worked for many years with Gloriana and became like family. Mike, who wrote the treatment for the video, wanted to do something special by having Rick’s initials carved into a table featured in the video. “If it wasn’t for Rick, I wouldn’t be back in Nashville doing what I love and releasing the new music, so it felt fitting to honor him in some way in the video,” said Mike.

Mike goes on to explain, “I’m a fan of performance videos that also have a story element to them, so I wanted to incorporate the unexplainable gravitational pull for Cheyenne and I to come back together. After I had the dream with us performing together and she called out of the blue we decided to jump in and see where we can go. That’s what I wrote the song about, dropping everything, hopping in the truck and driving away together regardless of what’s happening around us and getting back to what we love, making music. I think we captured that in this video and I hope that fans enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

“Let’s Ride” will be a part of Mike Gossin’s upcoming solo project slated for release in 2023. As a founding member of the former powerhouse group Gloriana, Mike has toured internationally with superstars including Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Alan Jackson, and Sheryl Crow. During their time as a group Gloriana was on top of the charts with massive hits including “Wild at Heart,” “Kissed You Goodnight” and “Can’t Shake You.” They were nominated for numerous honors, winning AMA, CMT, and ACM Awards, and even played at the White House at the request of the President.

Rising Country Star Conner Smith Hits the Road for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour

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Tickets on Sale this Friday, January 27th at 10:00am Local

College students, buckle up as 22-year-old rising Country star Conner Smith is hitting the road to headline the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour in the Midwest & Southeast this Spring. Smith’s If I Went to College tour featuring special guests Mackenzie Carpenter and Jonathan Hutcherson will make its first pitstop in Rosemont, IL on February 9th. Country fans will be buzzing about this tour, as Smith has already earned 2023 recognition from MusicRow’s Next Big Thing, CMT Listen Up, and more.

“I’m pumped to partner with the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour for my first headlining run in 2023,” said Smith. “We’ll be hitting college towns all throughout the Midwest and Southeast. It’s gonna be a ton of fun, and I’m stoked to have Monster Energy taking it to the next level.”

Smith is quickly becoming Country’s hottest new artist on the rise, yet he is already considered a seasoned veteran within the elite Nashville songwriting community. Scoring his first publishing deal at only 16 years old, Smith has since toured alongside Thomas Rhett and accumulated over 90 million global streams to date on his hit single “Take it Slow.”

Headlining the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour is a momentous step forward in Smith’s career, who CMT calls “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.”

Tickets for the Monster Energy Outbreak Tour featuring Conner Smith will go on sale to the general public this Friday, January 27th at 10am local, with pre-sale starting on Tuesday.

ABOUT CONNER SMITH:

Just 22 years old and already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community, Conner Smith has become one of Country’s most hotly-anticipated new artists – an uncommon talent mixing prime-of-life passion with old-soul perspective. After penning his first song at 6 and scoring a publishing deal at 16, the Country prodigy wrote five of the six songs on his Zach Crowell-produced 2022 debut collection DIDN’T GO TOO FAR (The Valory Music Co.). The charismatic effort laid an artistic foundation that earned Smith 2022 Artist to Watch status from Spotify, Amazon Music and Opry NextStage, while also making him the only Country artist on Pandora’s Ten List 2022 and securing 2023 recognition from MusicRow Next Big Thing, CMT Listen Up, and more. Often hiding deep-thinking themes in plain sight, Smith scored his first Top 40 hit with the young-at-heart “Learn From It,” and followed up with a love-savoring new single “Take It Slow,” which has quickly racked up over 90 million global streams to date. Tracks like “I Hate Alabama,” “Orange and White” and “Summer On Your Lips” mine unexpected insight from vivid everyday stories, and as Smith continues to grow up in full view of his fans – both on the page and the stage – CMT calls him “an unstoppable force to be reckoned with.” That momentum will keep building in 2023, as Smith follows a year of touring alongside Thomas Rhett, Parker McCollum and Ryan Hurd with upcoming select dates opening for Chase Rice, and promises a new batch of “next level” music, further mixing in-the-moment energy with timeless meaning. For a full list of tour dates and more, visit ConnerSmithMusic.com.

CHASE WRIGHT’S WEDDING ANTHEM “NEVER LOVED BEFORE,” OUT FRIDAY JAN 27th

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PRE-SAVE HERE

Rising singer-songwriter and Indiana native Chase Wright is no stranger to navigating the peaks and valleys of relationships, with his 2022 release “Hurt No More” and 2021 hit “Wish You’d Miss Me” each exploring the longing of a past love despite its toxicity. Now, the new father is being more honest with himself than ever before, admitting that perhaps he never really knew what love was. Pre-save “Never Loved Before,” available everywhere Friday, HERE.

In Nov. 2022, the 2023 Pandora and Nash News Artist to Watch celebrated the birth of his first son, Ashur Lee Wright, with girlfriend Brittany Norris. Building his relationship with Norris and becoming a father put a new perspective on love – one more mature and authentic than he had ever felt prior.

“Everyone grows up learning how to navigate relationships differently, thinking they know what love is from an early age – and I was no different. Being in a relationship and raising our son Ashur together has taught me so much about love and partnership. And I’ve learned that love runs much deeper than any emotion I’ve felt before,” reflects Wright. “Growing together… and I hope that’s something everyone can find and recognize.”

The song, written by Wright alongside Jeffrey East and Josh Kelley, and produced by Jared Keim, premieres exclusively today on Taste of Country, with Wright reflecting on its meaning and how it has evolved since becoming a father. Read it HERE.

Download the lyrics HERE.

Most recently, Wright released his single “Hurt No More” in late 2022, penned by Kane Brown, Jeremy Bussey, Ben Johnson, Taylor Philips and Wright. The song details the inner turmoil of longing for a past love, while simultaneously acknowledging its toxic effects, and has become his fastest streaming song to-date, already garnering over 10 million streams and counting.

About Chase Wright:
Chase Wright is doing more than make his childhood dreams come true: he’s introducing himself as a bold new Nashville artist with a freewheeling approach to genre, firm footing in relatable storytelling and soft spot for big choruses. Respect for country music’s way around a story without feeling beholden to it defines the Indiana native’s energetic songs, which rely on electric loops and pop-rock chords alongside more traditional sounds made from steel strings and wood. It’s a confident blend that belies the fact that Wright first picked up a guitar as a freshman track star at DePauw University. After graduating with a degree in economics, Wright packed his bags for Nashville, where he has since earned a publishing deal with Toby & Molly Music and signed with Morris Higham for management. 2022 was a breakout year for the rising star who was recognized by Spotify as a Hot Country Artist to Watch and named among SiriusXM’s Highway Finds class. Most recently, Wright was recognized among Pandora’s Artists to Watch 2023: Country list. Following the 2021 release of his debut album Intertwined, Wright continues to roll out new music with his latest hit “Hurt No More” available to stream everywhere now. In total, fans have streamed his music to the tune of 135 million times.

2023 CRS Humanitarian Award Recipients Announced

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Tracy Lawrence Announced as 2023 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award Recipient and
Brent Michaels Named the 2023 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award Recipient

Brent Michaels

The Country Radio Broadcasters has announced Tracy Lawrence as the recipient of the 2023 CRS Artist Humanitarian Award and Brent Michaels as the recipient of the 2023 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award.

Beverlee Brannigan, CRS/CRB Board member and Chairwoman of the CRS Awards Committee, spoke about this year’s honorees, saying “We commend both Humanitarian Award winners for deep and personal commitments to their causes. Tracy Lawrence’s and Brent Michaels’ contributions go far beyond simply lending their names or influence. Each has devoted personal time, talents, and resources over a significant period of time. The results of their initiatives have improved lives in their communities. We are beyond proud to recognize Tracy and Brent’s efforts at CRS 2023.”

Tracy Lawrence’s authentic spirit of caring and generosity made him an easy selection for the CRS 2023 Artist Humanitarian Award. Tracy has displayed a strong level of personal commitment in his efforts toward addressing multiple aspects of homelessness. Through the Tracy Lawrence “Mission: Possible” platform, he has raised over $2 million to help fight homelessness. In the past year, he awarded substantial funding to 14 separate organizations. His Turkey Fry and Benefit Concert consistently features “A list” artists and has served up an impressive 73,000 meals. Tracy’s Mission: Possible Celebrity Golf Classic raised $800,000 in its first two years, with country stars and golf pros stepping up to play and support.

Tracy Lawrence

The CRB Artist Humanitarian Award was created in 1990 by the organization’s board, and honors a Country Artist whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support. This individual not only lends their name and influence but also dedicates their time, talent, and resources.

Past recipients of the Artist Humanitarian Award have included Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Kenny Chesney, Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Trace Adkins, Randy Owen, Toby Keith, and Brad Paisley, among others.

Brent Michaels is named the 2023 Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award recipient. Michaels’ contributions to his community extend far beyond his position at KUZZ, such as his work with his Shoe Guy campaign for League of Dreams, his Man of the Year campaign for Leukemia Lymphoma Society, his launch of the “6615” apparel line, raising over $15,000 since its inception, and the Active Bakersfield Alliance. He also participates in marathon challenges in his spare time to raise money for the Active BAKERSFIELD Alliance. Michaels has also been invited to take his St. Jude fundraising enthusiasm to Los Angeles and his hometown of Honolulu.

Every year, the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award is given at the discretion of the CRB Board of Directors to recognize an individual in the country radio industry who has displayed a magnanimous spirit of caring and generosity in service to his or her community.  This individual should be fully invested through hands-on action, demonstrating a personal commitment of time, talent, and resources to community causes.

Greatly respected for his award-winning on-air and programming work at WQYK/Tampa/St. Petersburg and WUSN/Chicago, Tom Rivers was also a highly regarded industry leader who was well known for his magnanimous and unselfish public service. Past recipients of the Tom Rivers Humanitarian Award include George G. Beasley, Lon Helton, Heather Froglear, Dan Halyburton, “Dollar” Bill Lawson, Peter Smyth, Jeff Smulyan, Mary Quaas, and more.

Both awards will be presented during the New Faces of Country Music® show on March 15, during CRS 2023.

BRIT TAYLOR KICKS OFF 2023 WITH NEW MUSIC AND TOUR AFTER SUCCESSFUL 2022

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With a successful 2022 now in the rear-view mirror, country artist Brit Taylor is promising a 2023 full of more new music and tons of shows.  The Kentucky-born singer/songwriter is releasing new music including her new single “Ain’t A Hard Livin’ ” on January 13 and her highly anticipated sophomore album Kentucky Blue on February 3 and hitting the road soon.
Pre-save here.

Another Taylor original, “Ain’t A Hard Livin’ ,” is a semi-autobiographical tune that combines fiddles and real life into a fresh new song with just a touch of ’60s rock and dose of country twang.  It is the final pre-release from her highly anticipated Sturgill Simpson/David Ferguson-produced album, Kentucky Blue. She will then hit the road, sharing Kentucky Blue with audiences across the South as well as at the highly publicized Railbird Music Festival and Schellraiser Festival this summer.

“I feel like 2022 has lasted about four years,” Taylor said.  “It’s been a lot of hard work, and I know the hardest work is just beginning.  In truth, the hardest part for me has just been the waiting.  I am so excited to finally release this new music. Sitting on it since we recorded it has been pure torture.  I can’t wait to get the music out there and hit the road!”

Taylor recorded the singles and her new album in late 2021 at the Clement Recording Studio (formerly The Cowboy Arms Hotel and Recording Spa) with Simpson and Ferguson. Last year, Taylor pre-released three singles from the album as well as a Christmas duet with Mike and the Moonpies.  She also toured in support of Blackberry Smoke, Kelsey Waldon, Dwight Yoakam, Alabama and Ian Noe as well as headlining her own shows.

About Brit Taylor 
Brit Taylor, who is a product of Eastern Kentucky’s famous Country Music Highway, U.S. 23, released her debut album Real Me in 2000 to critical acclaim.   Her sophomore album, Kentucky Blue, produced by Grammy winners Sturgill Simpson and David Ferguson, will be released Feb. 3, 2023. With a growing book of highly applauded original music, Taylor had an official artist showcase at the 2022 AMERICANAFEST and she headlined the official packed-house, after-party of Kentucky Rising, an all-star concert in Lexington, KY, to raise money for flood victims in East Kentucky.  Taylor has opened for Dwight Yoakam, Ian Noe, Alabama and Robert Earl Keen, as well as touring with Kelsey Waldon and Blackberry Smoke. She was featured Thanksgiving weekend on PBS’s “The Caverns Sessions” (formerly known as “Bluegrass Underground”), a musical series taped deep within The Caverns in Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains and the second longest running nationally televised musical show. Taylor stays true to the traditional sounds she loves and adapts them to the future she is.  Never fearing to draw from life’s experiences, her music holds a ring of truth and emotion that she delivers with a warmth and spirit that commits her to every listener.

GREG PRATT, RISING PGMG COUNTRY RECORDING ARTIST, RELEASES “SOMEBODY TELL MEMPHIS” TODAY

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Single Co-Written by Rick Tiger, Troy Brooks, Matt Willes, and David Tillery
Greg Pratt, rising PGMG Country Artist/Songwriter, releases today his new single  “Somebody Tell Memphis” which is available now on all streaming platforms.
LISTEN HERE:  https://cmdshft.ffm.to/SomebodyTellMemphis
Greg Pratt states “I’m from Memphis and I have experienced the pain of this kind of loss. I connected with the song instantly. No matter where you’re from, we all experience loss and the pain associated. THIS SONG is a call out into the dark- “You are not alone! There’s nothing you can do but to FEEL sometimes, feel every tiny bit of it, and let the blues run their course.”

Pratt adds “I am so excited about this single in part because it’s so different from anything out there, but seems to really connect with people every time I do it live. Also because my close buddy and co-writer Rick Tiger, whom we lost last year, wrote it. Proud to put it out for Rick. Hope you can hear it from Heaven.”

“Somebody Tell Memphis” is available now on Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and anywhere you stream music.

About Greg Pratt
Born and raised in the home of the blues, Memphis Tennessee, the son of a family of doctors, Greg was grooming to become another doctor in a proud family tradition. But with only one credit left to graduate college, Greg left school, packed his car with a few personal belongings, and with only about $3 in his pocket, set out to make his mark as a Country Music Entertainer in Nashville.  Needless to say, it was a great shock, and maybe even a momentary disappointment for those who had other dreams for Greg. But Greg had dreams of his own and he was determined to carve his own path in life. Nashville was the place to do it!
Over the next five years or so, Greg taught himself the guitar, how to write a song, and developed a powerful baritone voice that reverberates all the way to the listener’s soul. He worked his way from the back kitchen of a Nashville restaurant to the top of Broadway stages, as one of the most sought-after live performers in twang town, with visiting fans spanning the globe.

Manager/Producer, Jase Williams, and Greg Pratt set out to find his unique artistic direction and create records together that captured everything a listener will ever need to know about Greg Pratt. Entering 2023, Greg is now a proud performing member of the Country Music Association (CMA) and Academy of Country Music (ACM) and starts 2023 touring with label mate Angie Rey. Greg has also been nominated for a rising star award by Up-n-Country and is branching out to perform live in new U.S. markets.

OLE RED LAS VEGAS BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH VISIT FROM BLAKE SHELTON

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 Opry member Blake Shelton joined Ryman Hospitality Properties yesterday at Caesars Entertainment’s Horseshoe Las Vegas to provide a sneak peek of the upcoming Ole Red Las Vegas location, currently planned for a late 2023 grand opening. The preview event included a moderated Q&A between Shelton and Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman, Colin Reed, as well as live performances by past contestants from “The Voice,” Wendy Moten and The Swon Brothers.

Ole Red Las Vegas has broken ground in front of Caesars Entertainment’s Horseshoe Las Vegas at the Grand Bazaar Shops, on the southeast corner of Las Vegas Boulevard and Flamingo Road. At approximately 27,000 square feet with a planned 686 seats, Ole Red Las Vegas is slated to be the brand’s largest location to date and the first in the western United States.

“If you are going to do something here, you’ve got to do it big,” shared Shelton. “Every time I’m in Vegas, I want some country music and Ole Red is the remedy for that.”

Additional details of the four-story restaurant, bar and music venue were released to the public at the sneak peek event include:

  • First & Second Floors: Visitors can dig into scratch-made dishes in a laid-back dining area and experience concert-caliber country music from their seats. When the sun goes down, the space transforms into a full-blown honky-tonk with dance floors and designated VIP areas for a Vegas-style Ole Red experience.
  • Third Floor: Decked out with sophisticated lounge seating, advanced audio and visual technology, and high-end decor, the third floor is a versatile and flexible space, which serves as an overflow area for the restaurant, higher end VIP experiences, and a private event space for groups. Bottle service is available and the third-floor menu includes elevated offerings on top of Ole Red favorites.
  • Rooftop: The rooftop offers a casual but swanky restaurant environment during the day and a luxurious rooftop lounge at night. With premium cocktail flights, live music and DJ sets, and an unbeatable view of the Las Vegas strip, this is a highly sought-after space for private events and VIP guests. The rooftop menu includes Ole Red classics during the day and shareable items in the evening.

NO SMOKE AND MIRRORS FOR WALKER COUNTY: DEBUT EP, DUE FEBRUARY 10

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Empowering New Track “Mirror Mirror” Out Now

 In 2014, sisters Ivy and Sophie, then teenagers, signed a major label record deal with Warner Music Nashville as duo Walker County. From heartbreaks to true loves and county fairs to The Kelly Clarkson Show, fans around the world have followed as their sound and their spirits have evolved over the better part of a decade. At long last, the women of Walker County are stepping out and releasing their first EP, No Smoke and Mirrors, on February 10. Pre-save HERE.

Walker County released the first of the project’s five cuts, “You and Jesus” with Greylan James, in the fall (listen HERE). On Friday, they shared brand new track “Mirror Mirror” (listen HERE) and its official music video. Ivy and Sophie penned the empowering ballad alongside Autumn McEntire and Jennifer Schott. The music video (watch HERE) finds the sisters embracing their natural beauty.

“It’s so important to us to be good examples for the next generation,” Sophie shared on Instagram. “Even though we love getting glam and wearing fun makeup looks, we realize that in today’s world there is an immense pressure on women and young girls. Our society’s beauty standards are impossible to keep up with, and we never want to contribute to that. We believe that each and every one of us are divinely created. YOU are beautiful and you are one of a kind. We hope anyone who watches this video, man or woman, knows that this is true. Please be kind to yourself, you are the only you there is, and you are loved just the way you are!”

Sophie’s hard-driving rhythms on the drumkit and Ivy’s strutting, soulful vocals create a unique blend of country music that was inspired by the sounds of middle America they grew up on. Their blood-thick harmonies and inimitable verve continue to shine underneath maturing lyricism. The CMT Listen Up and Next Women of Country artists are practiced road warriors, opening for the likes of Willie Nelson, Dwight Yoakam, Martina McBride, Old Dominion and more. They’ve already earned millions of streams with fan-favorite tracks such as “Bits & Pieces” and “Drag It Out.”

INTRODUCING PROFESSOR LARRY GATLIN

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GRAMMY® AWARD-WINNING SINGER TO TEACH MASTER CLASS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS PERMIAN BASIN

Gatlin’s Professorship Launches January 23 with Eight-Week Songwriting Course

Photo Caption: Larry Gatlin (orange shirt – center) and UTPB President Dr. Sandra Woodley (left of Gatlin), Gather with University Faculty, Staff and Students to Celebrate Upcoming Course Photo Courtesy UTPB

GRAMMY® Award-winning Larry Gatlin is headed back to school. Not to learn— but to teach! The University of Texas Permian Basin (located in Odessa, TX) will debut its latest faculty member, Professor of Practice Gatlin, on January 23 when the legendary singer begins his own eight-week songwriting master class.

“Grammy Award-winning musician Larry Gatlin will be sharing his art of creative writing and storytelling with students this spring—all the skills that made him a hall of fame singer-songwriter,” explains UT Permian Basin President, Dr. Sandra Woodley. “As UTPB’s new Professor of Practice, he will lead an exciting new master class to share his experiences and encourage people from all walks of life to explore their own creativity and passion. We are thrilled about this partnership.”

“I believe there are only two kinds of people in the world … rocks and sponges,” quips Gatlin. “I am a sponge, and I am going to squeeze myself out on those kids at UTPB in the hope that some of them are sponges too.”

Gatlin is no stranger to West Texas. He was born in Seminole in 1948 and graduated from Odessa High School. He attended the University of Houston on a football scholarship where he majored in English and developed “a love affair with the English Language” that later served him well in his songwriting.

On the strength of his songwriting talents, Gatlin became known throughout the Nashville music industry. Gatlin, along with brothers Steve and Rudy, collectively known as the Gatlin Brothers, racked up hit after hit and banked some of the most prestigious awards in the industry. Gatlin penned every Gatlin Brothers hit you’ve ever heard. He has written songs that were later recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Charlie Rich, Johnny Mathis, Dottie West, and many more. In 2019, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

About Larry Gatlin
The close family harmonies of Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers have given the trio a signature sound that led to country classics like “All the Gold in California” and “Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer to You).” The brothers won a GRAMMY® for their 1976 breakthrough hit, “Broken Lady,” and reached #1 with several other songs soon thereafter. Along with five career nominations for the ACM Vocal Group, the Gatlin Brothers picked up three 1979 trophies: Single of the Year (“All the Gold in California”), Album of the Year (Straight Ahead) and Male Vocalist of the Year for Larry Gatlin. The brothers were also nominated for multiple CMA Awards including Vocal Group of the Year, Single of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Larry Gatlin has written songs recorded by Elvis Presley, Glen Campbell, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, Dottie West, Roy Orbison, Barry Gibb and countless gospel artists including the Gaither Vocal Band, the Booth Brothers, the Isaacs and many more. Larry was formally inducted into the prestigious Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the fall of 2019.

HANNAH BLAYLOCK RELEASES “MARRIED ALONE” JANUARY 27

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“Married Alone” releases January 27 with Childhood Friend and
CMT “Listen Up” 2023 Artist, Cody Belew

While many artists like Lee Brice have their own lanes – “nobody in Nashville writes better love songs right now than Brice” (USA Today) – it’s clear Hannah Blaylock is paving her own road as a master at songs of heartbreak. With tracks recorded by Reba McEntire (“Stronger than the Truth” was the title track to McEntire’s GRAMMY-nominated album), and “Married Alone,” cut by Sunny Sweeney and Vince Gill for Sweeney’s eponymous album (which rose to #2 on the Americana charts), Blaylock now takes the mic on her version of “Married Alone.”

On the song, co-written with Autumn McEntire and Josh Morningstar in 2019, Blaylock is joined by Cody Belew — one of CMT’s Listen Up Class of 2023, who Robert K. Oermann (MusicRow Magazine) calls “a for-real singer, for sure.”

“I tend to love writing good ol’ sad country songs and this is one of my recent favorites,” says Blaylock. “Cody and I recorded this over the pandemic lockdown in different locations, yet it’s one of the most intimate duets I’ve recorded, probably because Cody and I have known each other since 9th grade – he just gets me. Of all the voices I could have had on this song, I love that it’s his.”

“I owe a lot of credit to our producer Skylar Wilson who coordinated every instrument and masterminded all the puzzle pieces together,” she adds. “It’s one of those works that represents a time in history we will never forget and will be telling our children’s children about; when the world stopped.”

Belew says, “If you ever get the chance to sing with Hannah Blaylock, take it. She’s truly as good as it gets. Pair that with a song she wrote with one of Nashville’s finest songwriters, Autumn McEntire, and suddenly I’m pinching myself. Is this even real?! I don’t know Josh Morningstar, the third writer on ‘Married Alone,’ but what I do know is that he helped write a timeless country song. In my opinion, it’s one of the best examples of country music that I’ve heard in a long, long time.”

About Hannah Blaylock: 
Hannah Blaylock is an award-winning Country and Americana singer/songwriter. She released her first solo LP Bandit Queen, in Austin, TX with award-winning producer Martin Strayer and The Chicks in 2017. Her most recent release, The Fall EP, is the first half of an LP she will be putting out throughout 2023. She recorded the works with longtime friends and co-creators Autumn Mcentire and Jared Conrad. She has an extensive touring career making 20+ appearances on The Grand Ole Opry and has embarked on four major national country music tours, opening for artists including Little Big Town, Blake Shelton, Reba McEntire, Lady Antebellum, Brad Paisley and Rascal Flatts, and has shared the stage with artists like Ricky Skaggs and Alison Krauss. As a songwriter, she has had cuts such as Reba McEntire and Sunny Sweeney, and a top 20 charted single “Amen,” which she sang and performed in her former band, Edens Edge.

 

About Cody Belew:
Born and raised in rural Arkansas, singer/songwriter Cody Belew spent his childhood fishing, building forts, riding horses, and catching lightning bugs in mason jars. His love of the South is in his blood, and his music reflects the gritty, soulful textures that separate him from the rest of the pack in today’s country landscape. While Cody reminisces about the smells of hot biscuits on his mama’s stove, the sounds of crickets and bullfrogs in the fields, and the rough textures of lumber he worked on with his dad in the family barn, the thing he says speaks to him most is the one-room church in his hometown of Beebe, Arkansas, where he learned to sing when he was just a toddler.

Pursuing a music degree, Cody eventually moved to Nashville, where he made ends meet working with fashion, furniture restoration, and music. It wasn’t long before his vocal and songwriting talents were recognized, earning him an appearance on NBC’s The Voice.

After finishing The Voice as a Top 8 finalist, Cody was asked to open for Delta Rae, Florida Georgia Line, Rascal Flatts, and more, and started writing with GRAMMY Award-winning Deana Carter and Mike Reid, ACM Award winner Tia Sellers, and ascending recording artists like Hailey Whitters, Rick Brantley, and Waylon Payne.

Assembling a mix of candid originals and well-loved classics by artists who inspired him, Cody released his debut EP (the self-titled Cody Belew via Visionary Media Group) on March 18, 2022, and has a new album in the works for 2023.