Universal Universal Music Group Nashville Pressroom

EMI Records Nashville/Universal Music Canada recording artist Tyler Hubbard, receives gold certification in Canada for his debut self-titled solo album, Tyler Hubbard.  The album includes his hit single, “Dancing’ In The Country”, which hit No.1 at Canadian Country Radio earlier this year and stayed atop the charts four weeks, and “5 Foot 9”, which also hit No.1 at Canadian Country Radio.

The 21-time No.1 hitmaker and multi-PLATINUM-selling artist has already made a remarkable career as one half of duo Florida Georgia Line and can now add his first sold out solo Canadian headline tour.

Last night, Hubbard performed the final show of the Canadian dates where he celebrated his radio hits reaching No.1 and gold-certified album in Toronto, where he received a plaque presentation from the team at Universal Music Canada.

Recently, Hubbard released his new (and third) radio single “Back Then Right Now”. The track was co-produced by Hubbard alongside Jordan Schmidt, and it follows back-to-back No. 1 singles “5 Foot 9” and “Dancin’ In The Country.” The track is an ode to living wild and free, embracing life’s simplicity and memory-making moments. “Back Then Right Now” is the first of Hubbard’s new music since releasing his self-titled debut in January last year, and more new songs are expected in the coming months.

The Georgia-born and Nashville-based artist has an ever-growing fan-base and continues his ascent as a solo artist both on the radio and the road. Hubbard sets out in 2024 to support Kane Brown’s ‘In The Air Tour’ across the US and Canada, including a stop in Toronto April 5^th.

For more information, visit tylerhubbardofficial.com.

Reba McEntire’s new lifestyle book “Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots,” has topped The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists, following its October 10th release. “An homage to her faith, family, and Oklahoma upbringing (Booklist), the book is a “lifestyle guide that has a sense of humor” (Garden & Gun). Purchase the book HERE.

Additionally, her accompanying album Not That Fancy shot to the No. 1 spot on the Current Country Album chart. Reba teamed up with Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Cobb to record stripped-down versions of some of her most iconic songs, “making room for McEntire’s voice to shine” (American Songwriter). The 14-track collection features a brand new single “Seven Minutes In Heaven,” an homage to Reba’s mother. Watch the music video HERE. Listen to the album now HERE.

Amidst all buzz, Reba’s iconic hit “Fancy” – the namesake for the new book and album – surpassed 100 million streams on Spotify.

Opry member Garth Brooks, Opry member Jon Pardi, Opry’s Dan Rogers
Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Capitol Records Nashville Multi-Platinum singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi was officially welcomed into the Grand Ole Opry family tonight by Opry member Garth Brooks, an overwhelming surprise to Pardi.

“This is me and you joined in holy matrimony shared by our love of country music,” said Brooks as he stepped into the circle with Pardi to hand him the official Opry member award

Watch the induction HERE.

“It’s full circle to watch my hero, from flying around an arena in concert to right now,” said Pardi. “I love the Opry and being a part of its family. The future is so bright.”

Pardi’s Opry induction and performance will air as a Saturday night Opry Live on November 18th on the Opry’s television broadcast home, Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Capitol Records Nashville’s multi-Platinum singer/songwriter/producer will release his first Christmas album Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi this Friday (October 27th). Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi, the 12-track holiday album produced by the award-winning team of Pardi, Bart Butler and Ryan Gore, is available now for pre-add/pre-save here. As one of his first activities as an official Opry member, Pardi will be kicking off the third season of “Opry Country Christmas” on November 26th.

While performing at country music’s Stagecoach festival in April, Pardi was surprised on stage by his friend and Emmy Award-winning restauranteur Guy Fieri, and directed to a video on the big screen where Opry member and Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson appeared with the official Opry ask to the country star. Sharing the moment with thousands of cheering fans in his home state was a fitting celebration as Pardi will become the first California native inducted into the Opry. Click HERE to watch the invitation.

Jon, who just released his new single “Cowboys And Plowboys” with Luke Bryan, is currently headlining Mr. Saturday Night World Tour. For a full list of tour dates and information visit JonPardi.com.

Allegiant Travel Company (NASDAQ: ALGT) is thrilled to announce a collaboration with eight-time GRAMMY® Award winner and three-time ACM Entertainer of the Year Carrie Underwood, in support of the company’s Allways Rewards Visa® credit card and loyalty program.

“Carrie Underwood and Allegiant have a shared story and values that are rooted in small towns and the impact that affordable, accessible air travel has in connecting people with the friends, family and places that matter most,” said Scott DeAngelo, Allegiant’s chief marketing officer. “We believe Carrie’s universal appeal and embodiment of living what we refer to as ‘the nonstop life’ will introduce a new profile of customers and Allways Rewards Visa® cardholders to Allegiant’s brand of all nonstop, convenient, ultra-low-cost travel. We’re thrilled to collaborate with her and elevate the Allegiant experience for new and existing customers alike.”

The collaboration focuses on a series of commercials that highlight Carrie’s small-town roots, staying connected with the people, places and experiences that matter most while illustrating how the Allways Rewards Visa® card helps cardholders “Live their best Nonstop Life®”.

In addition to their small-town roots, Carrie and Allegiant have something else in common: a partnership with Make-A-Wish®.

Since 2012, Allegiant has been helping the national nonprofit grant wishes for kids across the country by providing them with airfare to their wish destinations. Carrie has been involved with the organization for more than 15 years, granting wishes since the beginning of her recording career.  Most recently, she arranged for a donation of $1 from each ticket sold for her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, which debuted in 2021 and has recently been extended into 2024, to be contributed to Make-A-Wish.

“I really responded to Allegiant’s mission to make travel accessible and affordable for people who may not live near a big city airport, helping them to live their own best ‘nonstop’ lives,” says Underwood. “I also appreciate the company’s history of giving back, which is important to me in everything I do.”

Allegiant will officially kick off Underwood’s partnership through a national advertising campaign, with the first national spot airing during Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime when the Buffalo Bills take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers October 26th.

The artist will feature in digital media and advertisements across various platforms and channels. Travelers booking their vacation can find flight days, times, and the lowest fares only at Allegiant.com.

Carrie is making her way up the country charts with her latest single, “Out Of That Truck.”

Luke Bryan, Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town are among the initial list of performers for this year’s CMA Awards. Jelly Roll, Old Dominion, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Tanya Tucker and K. Michelle will also perform.

CMA Awards co-host Luke will deliver a medley of his hits including “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “One Margarita,” “That’s My Kind Of Night,” “Play It Again” and “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” coming on the heels of celebrating his 30th No. 1 song.

Chris, who is nominated for three CMA Awards including Entertainer of the Year, Male Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year (with Carly Pearce) will take the stage to perform his latest single “White Horse.”

Additional collaborations include Jelly Roll taking the stage a second time with first-time CMA Awards performer K. Michelle for a moving rendition of “Love Can Build a Bridge,” and one of the newest members of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Tucker, will be joined by Vocal Group of the Year nominee Little Big Town, for a special performance of Tucker’s iconic “Delta Dawn.” Vocal Group and Music Video of the Year nominee this year, Old Dominion, and New Artist and Song of the Year nominee as well as first-time CMA Awards performer, Moroney, will perform their new song “Can’t Break Up Now.” Pearce, nominated for Female Vocalist and Musical Event, will take the stage to perform her lauded new single “We Don’t Fight Anymore” with Stapleton, in addition to his solo performance.

Additional performers and presenters for “The 57th Annual CMA Awards” will be announced in the weeks ahead.

The 57th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Luke Bryan and NFL great Peyton Manning, will air live from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena November 8th at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and the next day on HULU.

Brothers Osborne performed “Goodbyes Kickin’ In” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live on Monday (October 23rd).  The song is from their new self-titled album.

Chris Stapleton has been announced as one of the headliners for the inaugural “Heroes & Headliners” concert, which will pay tribute to veterans and their families. The concert, which will also feature Imagine Dragons and H.E.R., will be held at Tampa’s MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater on Veteran’s Day (November 11th). Fans will be able to stream the show beginning at 6:15pm ET/5:15pm CT on Walmart.com/Live, Facebook, Youtube and X/Twitter.

Comedian Nate Bargatze has just announced dates for his 2024 tour. Presale for all new shows begin Wednesday (October 25th) at 10am local time, using the code FUNNY.

https://twitter.com/natebargatze/status/1716839493230092737

More performers have been announced for this year’s Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, including Carrie Underwood, as well as Stevie Nicks, Adam Levine, Sia and Miguel, among others. Presenters include Ice T, Queen Latifah and LL Cool J.

BREAKING: We’re pleased to announce nine more incredible artists who will be joining us for the #RockHall2023 Induction Ceremony. Without further ado, here they are (thread)

— Rock Hall (@rockhall) October 24, 2023

The new lineup of artists join previously announced Chris Stapleton, Elton John, Dave Matthews, St. Vincent, H.E.R., New Edition and Brandi Carlile.

This year’s inductees are Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, Rage Against the Machine, Willie Nelson, the late George Michael,  The Spinners, Link Wray and DJ Kook Herc, Chaka Khan, Al Kooper and Bernie Taupin. Soul Train creator Don Cornelius will receive the Ahmet Ertegun Award.

The ceremony will stream live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York on Friday November 3rd at 8p ET/7pm CT on Disney+. A primetime special, featuring highlights from the ceremony, will air New Year’s Day 2024 at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC.

The Country Music Association awarded Country Music superstar Darius Rucker the CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award during a visit to “The Kelly Clarkson Show.” Rucker was presented the award in a surprise announcement from Clarkson during his visit to the show on Monday (October 23rd), where he spoke about his late mother Carolyn Rucker and explained how the namesake of his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, directly inspired his passion for giving back. 

“When I was a kid, she instilled in us that you help people—not people that are less fortunate; you help people that need help,” Rucker shared with Clarkson of one of his mom’s greatest lessons, also noting, “We grew up in a really poor neighborhood with not much and, you know, there was no reason for me to believe that I was gonna be here and make it. But she always instilled in me ‘believe in yourself, you can do whatever you want.’”  

The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award recognizes an individual who has served as a humanitarian through community leadership, financial support, personal volunteerism, and advocacy. The individual honored has evidenced commitment to worthwhile causes that are important to the Country Music Association and the Country Music community.  

Rucker pledged his support to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after an inspiring firsthand visit 15 years ago and, as a result, created the “Darius and Friends” charity auction, golf tournament and concert in 2010. Taking place each year in the days leading into CMA Fest, friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Brooks & Dunn, Brothers Osborne, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Vince Gill, Ashley McBryde, A.J. McLean of the Backstreet Boys, Brad Paisley and Kenny Rogers, among others. The event has now surpassed the $3.6 million mark, raising funds to benefit the research hospital leading the way the world understands, treats, and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

Rucker also co-chaired the capital campaign that generated $150 million to help build the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, SC—an effort directly inspired by his mom’s career as a MUSC nurse—and has advocated for over 200 charitable causes supporting public education and junior golf programs in South Carolina through the Hootie & the Blowfish Foundation while also serving as a National Chair for the National Museum of African American Music in Nashville. Rucker is a four-time CMA Awards nominee, taking home the CMA New Artist of the Year honor in 2009. For more information, visit DariusRucker.com. 

Country newcomer Bryce Leatherwood inks his first major label record deal after winning Season 22 of NBC’s “The Voice.” Universal Music Group Nashville in alliance with Republic Records has signed the Georgia native as Leatherwood sets his first song release “The Finger” for this Friday (October 27th).

(Front Row) Lori Christian, EVP, Marketing, UMGN; Bryce Leatherwood; Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN; Sabrina Butera, CAA
(Middle Row) Tom Luteran, Sony Music Publishing; Clint Higham, Morris Higham Management; Rod Essig, CAA; Robert Filhart, Morris Higham Management, Lauren Tweel, O’Neil Hagaman; James Deaton, Morris Higham Management; Sam Powers, O’Neil Hagaman
(Back Row) Rusty Gaston, Sony Music Publishing; Laura May, O’Neil Hagaman; Meredith Jones, CAA; Rob Femia, EVP, Business & Legal Affairs, UMGN
Photo credit: Chris Hollo

Since winning “The Voice,” the last winning contestant under coach Blake Shelton, Leatherwood moved to Nashville full time to focus on writing, recording, and touring. With a full team intact including Morris Higham Management, Creative Artists Agency, Sony Music Publishing, and O’Neil Hagaman, Leatherwood sets his path forward achieving his dreams in country music.

“Bryce Leatherwood grew up inspired by rich country roots listening to artists like Conway Twitty, George Jones and Merle Haggard who were introduced to him through his grandfather. He’s a phenomenal singer and performer and he wants to carry traditional country music with his own edge forward. I’m so excited for the passion Bryce brings to creating his own brand of traditional country music to the next generation of youth and I am so proud to have him on our team.” – Cindy Mabe, CEO and Chair, UMGN

“If someone would have told me at this time last year that not only would I win ‘The Voice,’ but it would lead to a record deal in Nashville, I wouldn’t have believed it. I have worked really hard to hone my skills and talent as a country artist and I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity that I have before me. Not only am I excited to start putting music out to my fans, but I’m looking forward to writing some kick-ass songs with the incredible writers here in Nashville. I’d like to thank God, my family, and all of my supporters for getting me to this point. Now, let’s get to work.
God bless country music.” – Bryce Leatherwood

Jon Pardi reveals the track listing for his first-ever holiday album, Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi. Produced by Pardi, Bart Butler and Ryan Gore, the 12-track project is available for pre-save/pre-add here and arrives officially this Friday (October 27th). Also this week, Pardi is set to become the first-ever California native inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. His lifelong dream to come true Opry induction takes place Tuesday (October 24th).

Pardi’s Opry induction and performance airs November 18th as a Saturday night Opry Live on the Opry’s television broadcast home, Circle Network, Circle All Access Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. The Opry show can also be heard on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, and the show’s flagship radio home, WSM Radio.

Following his induction, Pardi will kick off the holiday season performing live at Nashville’s favorite holiday tradition, Opry Country Christmas, on November 26tj, as his first major activity as an Opry member. Tickets for Opry Country Christmas are on-sale now at opry.com. The celebration then continues with Pardi’s previously announced winter holiday show at the Beacon Theatre in New York, NY, on December 16th. Tickets are available now at JonPardi.com.

Merry Christmas From Jon Pardi Track Listing:

1. Beer For Santa
2. 400 Horsepower Sleigh
3. All I Want For Christmas Is You
4. Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow
5. Merry Christmas From The Keys
6. Please Come Home For Christmas
7. Santa Looked A Lot Like Daddy
8. I’ve Been Bad, Santa (And Pillbox Patti)
9. Reindeer
10. Swing On Down To Texas
11. Winter Wonderland
12. A Long December

Jon is currently making waves at radio with his new single, “Cowboys And Plowboys,” with his buddy Luke Bryan.