Category Archives: Nashville

Kelsea Ballerini, Trisha Yearwood and More Create Special Moments During Ninth Annual “OPRY GOES PINK” in Support of the Fight Againist Breast Cancer

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Opry Goes Pink 2017

The Grand Ole Opry® partnered with Women Rock For The Cure™ in the fight against breast cancer tonight with its ninth annual “Opry Goes Pink” show. Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini and ten-year-old cancer survivor Chrissy flipped the switch making the Opry’s signature barn Pink. Opry member Trisha Yearwood performed and introduced Chrissy as this year’s Women Rock for the Cure “Opry Goes Pink” honorary survivor, symbolizing individual battles being won against the disease. Chrissy, who at age eight was the youngest person ever to be diagnosed with breast cancer, is now cancer-free. She was joined on stage by her older sister as well as her parents, both of whom are also cancer survivors. Additional performances tonight included Arista Nashville’s LANCO, who made their Opry debut, Easton Corbin, Charles Esten, Runaway June, and Connie Smith. CMT’s Cody Alan made his debut as an Opry guest announcer. The Opry is donating $5 from each ticket sold since the announcement of tonight’s show to Women Rock For The Cure™. About the Grand Ole Opry The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through December 12.  To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com. About Women Rock For The Cure Women Rock For The Cure™ is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to connecting and supporting young women facing breast cancer. Founded in 2007, the organization works to build awareness and provide outreach programs through the power of the entertainment industry. Fueled by the annual Opry Goes Pink concert, the signature event has featured performances by Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. All proceeds benefit the organization’s outreach efforts, including the impactful Young Survivors Retreat, which brings together young women diagnosed with breast cancer. For additional information on Women Rock For The Cure, upcoming events and how to get involved, please visit www.WomenRockForTheCure.org.

Bobby Bare Launches Artist Management Firm

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

117 Entertainment Group President & CEO, Zach Farnum, announced today the creation of 117 Management with the signing of Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare. With the announcement comes the restructuring of the public relations branch of the company under the name 117 Publicity. A management staff will be announced in the coming weeks. “Bobby Bare is the quintessential country music legend. He paved paths for the Outlaw movement, is a Grammy-winner and Hall of Famer and has had over 50 country Top 40 hits,” said Farnum, adding, “Bare is one of the kindest and most respected people in the business. I’ve had an incredible and successful run working with him as his publicist and am humbled to move into this new role.” “I’m so glad to have Zach Farnum representing me, I think he’s just using me as bait to get bigger, younger acts,” joked Bare. Bobby Bare has released 39 albums charting over 50 country Top 40 singles including iconic songs like “Marie Laveau,” “500 Miles Away From Home” and “Daddy, What If,” just to name a few. His ode to the working man, “Detroit City,” won a Grammy in 1963 and he was inducted as a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Credited by many as the “architect of Outlaw Country,” Bare became a trailblazer by taking control of his own production on his albums from his record label. He is also widely known as one of the most avid fishermen in country music. 117 Publicity, headed by VP Bev Moser, represents a wide array of artists including Chuck Negron, Jerry Lee Lewis, Lewis Brice, Logan Mize, Paul Bogart, Max T. Barnes, Scooter Brown Band, Darren Bessette Band, Nashville Association of Talent Directors as well as Bare. About Bobby Bare Country Music Hall of Famer Bobby Bare is one of the most iconic country artists of all time, with chart-topping songs like “Detroit City,” “500 Miles,” “Marie Laveau” and many more. Artists from Little Jimmy Dickens and Hank Williams to big band acts like Phil Harris and the Dominoes all influenced his unique style leading to nearly five dozen top 40 hits from 1962 to 1983. The often referred to “Bruce Springsteen of Country” went on to earn multiple Grammy nominations and wins along with induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013 among many other awards and accolades. About 117 Entertainment Group 117 Entertainment Group is an entertainment firm specializing in management and publicity and marketing campaigns for musicians, events and brands. They represent the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Negron, Bobby Bare, Logan Mize, Lewis Brice, Paul Bogart and Scooter Brown Band, just to name a few. Zach Farnum has managed PR campaigns for an eclectic list of artists including Charlie Daniels, Don McLean, Randy Travis and many more, as well as high-profile events and festivals including A Heroes and Friends Tribute to Randy Travis, Charlie Daniels’ Volunteer Jam, Country Stampede, Tree Town Music Festival and more. Continue reading Bobby Bare Launches Artist Management Firm→

Kelsea Ballerini To Turn The Opry Pink

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Kelsea Ballerini to “Flip The Switch” On The Opry’s Signature Barn,  Trisha Yearwood to Introduce the Year’s Honorary Survivor  as Part of the Ninth Annual “Opry Goes Pink” in Support of the Fight Against Breast Cancer  The Grand Ole Opry® is joining Women Rock For The Cure™ in the fight against breast cancer on Tues., Oct. 24 with its ninth annual “Opry Goes Pink” show. Black River Entertainment’s Kelsea Ballerini will flip the switch on the Opry’s signature barn backdrop, turning it pink for the night as the “Legends” singer takes the stage to perform to raise awareness and funds for Women Rock for the CureTM, a Nashville-based non-profit committed to connecting and supporting young women facing breast cancer. Opry member Trisha Yearwood will also take the stage to perform and introduce this year’s Women Rock for the Cure honorary survivor, symbolizing individual battles being won against the disease. Arista Nashville’s LANCO will make their Opry debut, Easton Corbin, Runaway June, and others will perform, and CMT’s Cody Alan will appear as a guest announcer for the night, joining the ranks of other personalities who have appeared in the role including Garrison Keillor, Dan Rather, and Robin Roberts, among many others. Beginning today, when fans order tickets, $5 from every ticket sold will be donated to Women Rock For The Cure™.  Tickets are available at (615) 871-OPRY and opry.com. The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through December 12. About the Grand Ole Opry The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday Night Opry shows through December 12 and Wednesday shows returning September 13.  To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com. About Women Rock For The Cure Women Rock For The Cure™ is a Nashville-based 501(c)(3) organization committed to connecting and supporting young women facing breast cancer. Founded in 2007, the organization works to build awareness and provide outreach programs through the power of the entertainment industry. Fueled by the annual Opry Goes Pink concert, the signature event has featured performances by Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, Kacey Musgraves, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, LeAnn Rimes, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. All proceeds benefit the organization’s outreach efforts, including the impactful Young Survivors Retreat, which brings together young women diagnosed with breast cancer. For additional information on Women Rock For The Cure, upcoming events and how to get involved, please visit www.WomenRockForTheCure.org.

NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT VERN GOSDIN, JIM MCBRIDE, WALT ALDRIDGE AND TIM NICHOLS

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Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame 2017 Inductees

Vern Gosdin, Jim McBride, Walt Aldridge and Tim Nichols will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October, according to an announcement made today by Hall of Fame member Pat Alger, chair of the organization’s board of directors. The four new inductees will join the 203 existing members of the elite organization when they are officially inducted during the 47th Anniversary Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala on Monday, October 23, at the Music City Center. “The quality of the songs that emanate from the legendary Nashville Songwriting community is most often the standard by which songwriters measure their success,” says Alger. “Iconic songs from its eminent songwriters help make this town the musical sanctuary it has become and in turn, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame celebrates the illustrious careers of those songwriters each year by inducting four new members, the highest honor that any Nashville songwriter can hope for. This year we are extremely proud to welcome the class of 2017: Walt Aldridge and Tim Nichols in the songwriter category; Jim McBride in the veteran songwriter category and the late Vern Gosdin as our songwriter/artist.” Walt Aldridge’s songwriter credits include “(There’s) No Gettin’ Over Me” (Ronnie Milsap), “Holding Her And Loving You” (Earl Thomas Conley) and “Modern Day Bonnie And Clyde” (Travis Tritt).  Tim Nichols’ resume is known for “I’m Over You” (Keith Whitley), “Heads Carolina, Tails California” (Jo Dee Messina) and “Live Like You Were Dying” (Tim McGraw).  Jim McBride is the tunesmith behind “Rose In Paradise” (Waylon Jennings), “Chasing That Neon Rainbow” (Alan Jackson) and “Chattahoochee” (Alan Jackson).  Vern Gosdin popularized many of his own compositions, including “Set ’Em Up Joe,” “I’m Still Crazy” and “Chiseled In Stone.” The Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame Gala is one of the music industry’s premier events of the year.  The evening features tributes and performances of the inductees’ songs by special guest artists.  In recent years artists such as Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffett, Ronnie Dunn, Emmylou Harris, Alan Jackson, Tim McGraw, Thomas Rhett, Blake Shelton, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner and Trisha Yearwood have performed at or participated in the event.  Fellow songwriter organization the Nashville Songwriters Association International also participates in the evening by presenting its annual awards for the year’s Best Song, Songwriter and Songwriter/Artist, as well as the Top 10 “Songs I Wish I Had Written” as determined by their professional songwriters division. Tickets for the Hall of Fame Gala are $250 each and benefit the nonprofit Nashville Songwriters Foundation. Select seating is available to the public and may be purchased as available by contacting Executive Director Mark Ford at hoftix@nashvillesongwritersfoundation.com or 615-460-6556. About the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame: Induction into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame is one of the nation’s most highly prized songwriting achievements.  Since 1970, the Hall has enshrined more than 200 of the greatest writers from all genres of music ever to put words to music in Music City, including such luminaries as Bill Anderson, Bobby Braddock, Garth Continue reading NASHVILLE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME TO INDUCT VERN GOSDIN, JIM MCBRIDE, WALT ALDRIDGE AND TIM NICHOLS→

Kenny Chesney Launches Belmont and Tennessee State University Scholarship Contest

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Kenny Chesney on Country Music News

When it was time for a video for Kenny Chesney’s “All The Pretty Girls,” from Cosmic Hallelujah, the man The Wall Street Journal called “The King of the Road” could’ve gone the usual route. But in thinking about the song’s spirit and his own wild college days, it dawned on him: take “All The Pretty Girls” to the people living it, and have them make the video. “The best moments of being young and having fun should be captured,” says the songwriter from East Tennessee. “But nobody ever talks to the people who are right in the moment of living it about this kind of thing. Rather than look back, we oughta just go to the people living it.” Knowing how many young people come to Tennessee trying to get close to the dream, Chesney decided to reach out to the students at Nashville’s Belmont and Middle Tennessee State Universities, both schools with strong engagement in the music industry and invite them to create his next music video. And the winning entry – chosen by a blue-ribbon panel from Sony Nashville, CMT: Country Music Television and Chesney’s team – will receive a $5000 scholarship, as well as having their video world premiere on CMT: Country Music Television. Any student at Belmont University or Middle Tennessee State University may submit a video they’ve created for the song. Lyric, live action, notion, animation or something we’ve never thought of. As Chesney says, “Get creative. Get real. Get inside the song, and show us how ‘All The Pretty Girls’ looks, feels, and resolves.” For Chesney, who world-debuted the John C. McGinley pre-ambled album cut “Rich & Miserable” on the SiriusXM platform, seeking different ways to consider video speaks to his desire to create innovation in how supporting music is done. Now he wants to engage young filmmakers, music lovers and communicators to offer both a scholarship and a platform for their work to be seen. “I remember driving over the state line to West Virginia, playing in a restaurant, breaking down, driving back and parking in the music store lot, so I could turn in the sound system and get to class,” Chesney says. “When you have a dream, you’ll do whatever it takes. I’d like to bring some college students a little bit closer than I got… and I can’t wait to see the creativity everyone brings to this song.” “All The Pretty Girls” is the latest single from Chesney’s No. 1 Cosmic Hallelujah. Belmont and MTSU students can click here: www.KennyChesneyAllThePrettyGirls.com. Contest deadline is July 23. Winner will be announced July 31. “I wanna help a student filmmaker with school,” Chesney says. “And I want to give people a chance to get creative this summer.”

Miranda Lambert To Put Puppies on Parade With Muttnation March

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Miranda Lambert Muttnation Foundation on Country Music News Blog!

MIRANDA LAMBERT’S MUTTNATION MARCH TO KICK OFF MUTTNATION FOUNDATION ADOPTION DRIVE AT CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL ON JUNE 8 MEET ADOPTABLE DOGS AT MUSIC CITY CENTER AND ENTER TO WIN A TRIP TO MAKE-OVER A SHELTER WITH MIRANDA Nashville, TN – Vanner Records/RCA Records Nashville GRAMMY Award-winner and 13 time CMA Award winner, Miranda Lambert announces details surrounding her MuttNation events to take place during CMA Music Festival in Nashville, TN, June 8th through the 11th. To kick off the MuttNation festivities, Lambert will host the inaugural MuttNation March on the morning of June 8, where Lambert and her rescue dogs will get their “paws” marching from Nissan Stadium, over the Nashville Pedestrian Bridge, and ending in downtown Nashville. “So many shelter pets need a home, so we are going to march to raise awareness,” says Lambert. “Country music has the best fans in the world and together we can help so many animals find amazing homes.” Fans and their mutts are encouraged to join in on the celebration and help spread awareness for shelter pets. Registration for the inaugural MuttNation March begins TODAY at MuttNationFoundation.com. The cost to register is $15 per person and includes an event t-shirt to wear during the MuttNation March. Miranda’s MuttNation March concludes just steps away from the Music City Center where the MuttNation Foundation Adoption Drive will take place inside CMA Fan Fair X. The drive will take place throughout CMA Fest. The MuttNation Foundation Adoption Drive will feature a photo booth, the MuttNation mobile unit and the family favorite, “Puppy Corral”, but as always the goal is to find shelter dogs forever homes. The MuttNation Fueled by Miranda Lambert Pet Collection will be available to purchase, with a portion of those proceeds benefitting MuttNation Foundation. If you cannot physically be in Nashville for the March, don’t worry, you can still participate!  Starting today and running through June 19, fans can visit MuttNationFoundation.com and enter the MuttNation Shelter Day Sweepstakes, where you and a guest have a chance to win a day with Miranda Lambert making over an animal shelter in need.  Fans are rewarded at higher donation levels with a handful of unique incentives including exclusive merchandise, meet & greets and more. For more information on MuttNation events visit www.muttnationfoundation.com Save

Grand Ole Opry Introduces The Opry Box, Country Music’s First Merchandise Subscription Box

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Opry Box on Country Music News Blog!

The Grand Ole Opry is introducing country music fans to a new subscription box, the first of its kind to be curated around country living, Nashville, and the Opry. Each season, the Opry Box promises country music surprises including themed one-of-a-kind merchandise, an exclusive Inside The Circle magazine, and more. The Opry Box launches with “Opry Friends”, a box celebrating friendships between Opry artists as well as between country stars and their fans. Opry member Brad Paisley graces the cover of the seasonal magazine, sharing the stories about friends who contributed to his upcoming album LOVE AND WAR, also included in the first edition Box. Paisley’s Opry fishing buddy Little Jimmy Dickens is remembered in the Box with the inclusion of a travel mug emblazoned with the Country Music Hall of Famer’s name as found on his Opry House dressing room door. In addition to Box surprises, the inaugural Box also includes the Grammy®-nominated DVD/Blu-ray American Saturday Night: Live From The Grand Ole Opry featuring Paisley, Blake Shelton, Darius Rucker, Brett Eldredge, and The Band Perry. Single boxes ($40 plus shipping) and subscriptions for four seasonal boxes ($140 plus shipping) are available now at opry.com and at 1-800-SEE-OPRY. About the Grand Ole Opry
 The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, and Tuesday Night Opry shows will return February 14, 2017.  To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Marking more than  nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

Alan Jackson, Jerry, Reed, Don Schlitz Announced As Country Music Hall Of Fame Class Of 2017

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The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME (CMHOF) revealed its class of 2017 inductees TODAY (4/5) in three categories. JERRY REED in the Veteran Era category, ALAN JACKSON enters in the Modern Era category, and DON SCHLITZ in the Songwriter category. VINCE GILL, a 2007 CMHOF inductee, was on hand to announce 2017 honorees, the 57th group of Country legends to join the MUSEUM’s famous rotunda. The COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME was created in 1961 by the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA). Candidates are considered eligible for induction to the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME into the Modern Era category 20 years after they first achieve National prominence and into the Veteran Era category 40 years after they first achieve National prominence. The Songwriter category is awarded every third year in rotation with the Recording and/or Touring Musician Active Prior to 1980, and Non-Performer categories. Class of 2017 inductees will be officially inducted during the traditional invitation-only medallion ceremony later this YEAR. “Each of this YEAR’s inductees are well versed performers and songwriters and have helped define Country music and popular culture,” said CMA CEO SARAH TRAHERN. Added CMHOF CEO KYLE YOUNG, “These three storytellers have added much to our lives, and to the story of Country music. They stand as models of undeniable eloquence and empathy. Over many decades, they have brought laughter, joy, and tears to millions. The HALL OF FAME ROTUNDA will be grander for the presence of ALAN JACKSON, JERRY REED, and DON SCHLITZ.” Learn more about the inductees and watch the entire Class Of 2017 announcement here.

SWEET DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MUSIC CITY WITH THE OPENING OF THE PATSY CLINE MUSEUM

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Patsy Cline on Country Music News Blog

Nashville, she’s got you; the Patsy Cline Museum opening on Friday, April 7 will add another attraction to the “must-see” list for the city’s tourists and locals paying homage to the personal and professional life of the icon.   “In her short nine years as a recording artist from ‘55 to ‘63, she forever changed the voice of country music, the role of female artists and influenced performers across all genres,” says Founder Bill Miller. “To this very day, artists still cover her hits and you’ll hear her recordings used in motion pictures and TV series. She deserved her own museum as she continues to transcend generations of fans. We are honored to work with Patsy’s children to preserve her legacy.”   Located at 119 Third Avenue South, the Patsy Cline Museum houses the largest collection of Patsy Cline artifacts in the world featuring personal letters, photographs, costumes, clothing and household furnishings from her Nashville dream house that have been locked away for more than fifty years.   “I am very happy to speak on behalf of my brothers, Randy and Chip, and in honor of the legacy of my mother Patsy Cline,” says Julie Fudge. “Since the passing of our father, this is our first step together in continuing to share Mom’s music, life and story, as we feel Dad would have. We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with and experience what Bill will present to old and new fans alike.”   Guests will travel back to her humble beginnings in Winchester, VA and see family photos, possessions and even the very booth she waitressed as a teenager at Gaunt’s Drugstore. Never-before-seen costumes that exhibit her transition from western cowgirl to torch singing headliner will also be on display.  Many of the costumes exhibited are creations designed and sewn by her mother, Hilda. Guests will have the unique opportunity to step inside Patsy’s famed Rec Room, where many entertainers dropped in to jam and party in the dream home Patsy purchased on Nella Drive in Goodlettsville, Tenn. The room contains original furnishings owned and used by Cline and her husband Charlie Dick. A vintage jukebox broadcasts her mega-hit “Crazy,” highlighting its distinction as the most programmed jukebox song of all time. A bio film also documents Patsy’s career and is hosted by noted actress Beverly D’Angelo, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for her portrayal of Patsy Cline in the 1980 film “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” “Patsy Cline had the most profound impact on my life of anybody I never met,” says D’Angelo. The Patsy Cline Museum is located on the second level of the building which houses the world renowned Johnny Cash Museum. Guests are educated and entertained via cutting-edge audio and touch screen technology featuring Cline’s numerous audio and video performances. The museum is open daily from 9 AM – 7 PM CT.   Details on the museum are below:   Attraction: Patsy Cline Museum Address: 119 Third Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37202 Hours: Daily 9 AM Continue reading SWEET DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MUSIC CITY WITH THE OPENING OF THE PATSY CLINE MUSEUM→

WARNER/CHAPPELL MUSIC EXTENDS WORLDWIDE CO-PUBLISHING PARTNERSHIP WITH THiS MUSIC

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Hot off the press at CountryMusicNewsBlog.com!

Warner/Chappell Nashville today announced that it has extended its worldwide co-publishing partnership with leading Nashville-based music publishing company, THiS Music. Under the agreement, Warner/Chappell will continue to publish and administer THiS Music’s repertoire. THiS Music was formed in 2006 by owners Rusty Gaston, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington, and was launched in partnership with Warner/Chappell Music. “Rusty Gaston is a force of nature,” said Ben Vaughn, President, Warner/Chappell Nashville. “His relentless drive and passion for growing songwriters’ careers is legendary on Music Row and beyond. The company that he, Tim Nichols, and Connie Harrington built together just celebrated its 11th year of success – an incredible achievement – and everyone at Warner/Chappell is thrilled to continue our longstanding relationship and looking forward to making more great music together.” Rusty Gaston, Owner, THiS Music, added, “We’re thankful to have Warner/Chappell as a partner who understands, believes, and empowers the philosophy of THiS Music. They have expertly helped fuel our success for more than a decade, and we’re very happy to keep growing together.” THiS Music has a roster of some of today’s brightest artists and songwriters, including: Deric Ruttan, who co-wrote Jason Aldean’s current rising single “Any Ol’ Bar Stool”; Emily Weisband, who recently won a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Thy Will”; and two-time ASCAP Country Songwriter Of The Year, Ben Hayslip, who co-wrote Thomas Rhett’s No. 1 hit “Star of the Show.” Additional songwriters on THiS Music’s roster include Nichols, Harrington, Jessi Alexander, Marv Green, JT Harding, Molly Reed, Chris Yarber, and country artist Drew Baldridge.