Pulse – Country Music News

As co-owner of the Rolling With Jelly food truck in Nashville, Jelly Roll has one strict company policy unlike that of most every company in America -- he ONLY hires felons. He told Audacy, "Our mission statement was, we only hire second-chance guys. Every other place in the world is like, 'If you got a felony, you can't work here.' We're only hiring felons. They run the food truck and come out on tour with us some nights." Jelly Roll said he and his food truck partner, Jerry Gift, Jr., can relate as they have both "been in and out of jail, been through it all together."

This summer, Jelly Roll and Gift will celebrate the food truck's one-year anniversary.

Last weekend, the truck made its way to Kansas City, MO for the 2023 NFL Draft, according to Taste of Country.

Jelly Roll will release his new album, Whitsitt Chapel, on June 2nd. The album's second single, "Need A Favor," sits at Number 23 on the Mediabase chart this week.

Megan Moroney will release her debut album, Lucky, on Friday (May 5th). The 13-track project includes her debut single, "Tennessee Orange," which sits just outside the Top 10 on the Mediabase chart this week.

Megan hopes that those who listen to Lucky will not only come to know her better but will also be inspired by her. She tells us: "I hope listeners can just kind of really get to know me after listening to the record. All these songs feel very me whether it's like a funny song or a heartbreak song or a love song. They all feel very authentic to me, and I had some artists like Kacey Musgraves and Taylor Swift where their writing inspired me to write songs so I hope maybe some of these songs could inspire someone to do the same."

Megan recently wrapped up her Pistol Made of Roses Tour. This summer, she will hit the road with Brooks & Dunn, followed by her headlining The Lucky Tour beginning in New York City in September.

Willie Nelson will be among the inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame this year. The 2023 inductees were announced yesterday (Wednesday, May 3rd), and he joins Kate Bush, Sheryl Crow, Missy Elliott, George Michael, Rage Against the Machine and the Spinners in the Performer category. The 2023 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday, November 3rd at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.

Willie celebrated his 90th birthday on April 29th. In celebration, a two-day, star-studded musical event took place at Los Angeles' Hollywood Bowl. In addition to Willie, performers included Chris Stapleton, Dwight Yoakam, George Strait, Kris Kristofferson, Miranda Lambert, and Snoop Dogg, to name just a few.

The second episode of the docu-series CMT Stages will feature Scotty McCreery performing some of his biggest hits and reflecting on his career path to date. CMT Stages: Scotty McCreery is available now on CMT's official YouTube and Facebook channels, with breakout performances to be shared across all of CMT socials.

Scotty said, "I've always been a guy who likes to look back and share stories from my past while also moving forward with new goals. Doing CMT Stages was so much fun and brought back so many memories. I had a blast!"

In the episode, Scotty offers exclusive acoustic performances of his biggest hits including "It Matters to Her," "Damn Strait," "I Love You This Big" and his very first Number One hit, "Five More Minutes."

In a recent interview with Kelly Clarkson, Bebe Rexha talked about the process of getting Dolly Parton to record with her. Dolly was particular about the song choice and kindly declined one referencing "Heaven and Hell."

Rexha said she was so nice and sent her a handwritten note explaining that she "didn't want to go into that energy." So, the next song she sent to Dolly was "Seasons" and she loved it. Rexha said, a week later, Dolly had her part recorded and sent back to her.

Rexha admitted that she was so touched by it all, that she cried when she first heard Dolly's voice on the song. "Seasons" is on her new album called Bebe.

TL;DR:

• Bebe Rexha says Dolly was particular about the song choice and kindly declined one referencing "Heaven and Hell."
• So, the next song she sent to Dolly was "Seasons" and she loved it.
• "Seasons" is on her new album called Bebe.

Eric Church has teamed with entrepreneur Raj Alva in the creation of Outsiders Spirits, which unveiled its premiere release, named Whiskey JYPSI (pronounced gypsy), yesterday (Tuesday, May 2nd). Whiskey JYPSI's Legacy Batch 001 recently won the Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, according to a release.

Eric said, "Whiskey JYPSI celebrates doing things the unconventional way. It's the commitment to the creative spirit, the process and the journey that excite me the most. It's meant to inspire others to take chances like we have – follow a different path and enjoy and experience life at its fullest."

Whiskey JYPSI has partnered with ReserveBar to make Legacy Batch 001 available in 38 states and with an SRP of $199.99. For more information visit www.whiskeyjypsi.com.

Old Dominion have extended their No Bad Vibes Tour with the addition of more than 30 arenas around the country. The new round of dates will get underway on September 7th in Grand Rapids, MI. The trek will now wrap up at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on December 15th. Tickets to the new shows will go on sale on Friday (May 5th) at 10 a.m. local time weareolddominion.com.

The band announced the news on social media on Monday (MAy 1st) writing in part, "When we said we were back, we meant it. Keeping the good vibes rolling with new arena shows and special guests through the fall . . ."

Among the guests joining Old Dominion on the new dates are Priscilla Block, Adam Doleac, Kylie Morgan, Jameson Rodgers, Niko Moon, Kassi Ashton, Tyler Hubbard, Chase Rice and Kip Moore.

Old Dominion sit inside the Top 15 and climbing on the country charts with "Memory Lane."

Chris Janson will release a new song called "21 Forever" featuring Dolly Parton and Slash on Friday (May 5th). Chris co-wrote the track, which will be included on his upcoming album, due out early this summer.

He said, "I'm so thrilled to announce that two Global Icons have joined me in song for my absolute biggest collaboration to date. Dolly and Slash -- it doesn't get any BIGGER than that. I'm incredibly humbled and grateful for these two. Hope you all enjoy ‘21 Forever.'"

The lead track off Chris' upcoming album, called "All I Need Is You," is currently making it's climb up the country charts.

Chris Young is climbing the charts with the first taste of music from his upcoming album. The song is called "Looking For You," and he tells us the idea came from a relatable experience. "This actually just came from a place of sometimes you're looking for love and can't find it, and then sometimes you're like, 'I give up,' and it just smacks you in the face like a freight train out of nowhere, and I think a lot of people have been through that before where they just see somebody walk in even if they were looking for it or not looking for it they just find someone and it's like, 'This is perfect,' and so that was kind of the genesis of the idea of this song."

"Looking For You" climbs inside the Top 30 on the Mediabase chart this week.

Chris returns to the road this week with shows this weekend in Pala, Sacramento and Ventura, CA.

BRELAND will return to the UK and Europe this fall for his first ever headlining run called The Extra Mile Tour, kicking off on August 27th at The Long Road Festival in Leicestershire, UK. He will be joined by labelmate Avery Anna. Tickets for all dates are available on Friday (May 5th) at 10 a.m. (local).

Last Friday (April 28th), Shania Twain dropped her Queen Of Me: Royal Edition, the deluxe version of her latest album, featuring a brand new collaboration with BRELAND called "Inhale/Exhale AIR," which Shania took to socials writing "Thank you @breland for lending your voice to one of my favorite songs on the record!"

BRELAND is slated to join Shania this summer for her Queen of Me Tour.

Dierks Bentley charts his career 22nd Number One hit this week with "Gold," which claims the top of the Mediabase/Country Aircheck chart. The song is the lead track from his 10th studio album, Gravel & Gold, which was released in February.

Dierks tells us: "I think the song is a lot about just being present in the moment you're in, and recognizing that the grass isn't always greener, but it's pretty good where you are, just being present where you are. It's a message as much for me as much as anybody else about, I guess, about gratitude. I love the feel of the track. It's got that acoustic vibe that I hope is a little bit of my sound, but also still feels big and ready for these big amphitheaters we're playing and it's a good kick-off to the record, I think."

Dierks will launch his Gravel & Gold Tour on June 1st in Toronto, ON. He'll be joined by Jordan Davis along with Elle King, Tracy Lawrence, Tyler Braden, Caylee Hammack, Hot Country Knights, Kameron Marlowe, The Cadillac Three, The Red Clay Strays, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Shane Smith & the Saints, Caitlyn Smith and Hailey Whitters on select dates.

Blake Shelton had travelers at Nashville International Airport jumping out of their seats to catch a glimpse of him at his Ole Red location there when he recently showed up to pay a visit. The establishment's Instagram account posted a video of Blake walking out of the venue's kitchen and making his way to the stage for a surprise performance. The caption read, "POV: You're having lunch at Ole Red during a layover in the Nashville airport and the bossman shows up."

Blake told the crowd, "Believe it or not, it's the first time I've been into the Ole Red in the airport and thank you guys for supporting us and coming in."

In addition to the Nashville airport, there are Ole Red locations in downtown Nashville; Tishomingo, OK; Orlando, FL; and Gatlinburg, TN.

Kimberly Perry, formerly of The Band Perry, is revisiting an old hit as her debut solo single. "If I Die Young Pt. 2" will be released on Friday (May 5th) and will be featured on her upcoming EP called Bloom, set for release on June 9th. The Band Perry originally had incredible success with "If I Die Young," which also enjoyed success at pop radio and has been certified 9X platinum.

Kimberly said, "I felt like the story wasn't finished. There needed to be a sequel that talked about where my head is these days now that I've experienced so much life – I'm having a baby, I'm married, I've moved to Nashville; I've seen all of these dreams come true since writing the original version."

Kimberly is set to make her solo artist debut at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry this weekend on Saturday (May 6th). She will also perform on The Chevy Vibes Stage at CMA Fest on Sunday, June 11th.

Carrie Underwood is the latest country artist to curate her own SiriusXM channel, called "Carrie's Country," set to launch in June. According to SiriusXM, Carrie's channel will "highlight her friends, favorites, and influences — new and classic country, workout hits, gospel, and beyond."

She said, "I can't wait to welcome listeners into my personal musical universe, sharing my favorite music across all of the genres I love, from classic rock to the latest in country."

According to the network, Keith Urban, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Miranda Lambert, AC/DC, Guns N' Roses and the Rolling Stones will be a part of the lineup.

Jelly Roll will host "Opry NextStage Live" at Lava Cantina on May 10th at 2:30 p.m. CT in The Colony, Texas. The special Opry event will precede the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards on May 11th, which takes place in neighboring Frisco, Texas, and will introduce the Opry NextStage Class of 2023. Artists featured on the lineup include Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, ERNEST, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent, Kameron Marlowe, Megan Moroney and Ian Munsick.

A limited number of general admission tickets are still available, and a portion of proceeds will benefit ACM Lifting Lives.

Jelly Roll said, "When the Opry asked me to make my debut, it was a dream come true. The Opry is more than just a stage – it's a community that supports up-and-coming artists. They understand the importance of nurturing new talent and giving them a platform to shine. I've seen firsthand how the Opry has helped grow the careers of so many artists, and it's an honor to be a part of that tradition."

"Opry NextStage Live" will also stream on the Opry's television home, Circle Network, via Circle All Access Facebook and YouTube in addition to the Opry's own Facebook and YouTube channels.

Jon Pardi will become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry -- and the first California native to do so -- when he is officially inducted in the coming weeks. Jon was performing at Stagecoach in Indio, CA on Friday (April 28th) when chef Guy Fieri joined him on stage to introduce a video message from Alan Jackson, who made the official invitation.

Country Now reports that an emotional Jon told the crowd, "I moved to Nashville chasing a dream at 22 years old and now I'm here. I love you guys and I love country music. Thank you, everybody. This is an amazing night. I'll never forget it. I always wondered how this might happen if it was going to. I never imagined anything this great. That was incredible."

Jon's Opry induction date has yet to be announced.

Fans are speculating that Elle King and her fiance, Dan Tooker, have split up. Dan hasn't been seen in Elle's last several social media posts, and last week, she shared a series of selfies writing, "In my me myself n i era." On Friday (April 28th), Elle took the stage at the Stagecoach festival in Indio, CA wearing a neon green pant suit and the back of the suit blazer read "single."

People.com reports that while Elle did not comment about a breakup, "she did passionately point to the logo emblazoned on her jacket when it came time for her performances of her hit 'Ex's & Oh's.'"

Elle and Dan share 18-month-old son Lucky Levi.

Old Dominion have released a new song called "I Should Have Married You" based on fan demand. The guys wrote the song while in the studio over a year ago. They explain: "That's one we had a studio booked and we were, we were cutting a lot of other songs. But one day we just decided let's see if we can write something right here in the studio. So we all kind of huddled around and we fell on that idea and recorded and I think that day? Yeah. And it's one that we kind of teased a little clip of on social media. And people have just been kind of hammering us about releasing it for a while, which is nice. So this is really, we love the song and it's also very fan driven."

Old Dominion are in the Top 15 and climbing on the country charts with "Memory Lane."

They are nominated for Group of the Year at this month's ACM Awards, taking place in Frisco, TX on May 11th and streaming exclusively on Prime Video.

Todd Tilghman, the winner of Season 18 of NBC's The Voice, was surprised while performing on stage at Blake Shelton's Ole Red in Gatlinburg, TN on Friday (April 28th). Blake himself FaceTimed Todd during the performance, much to the delight of the fans in the audience.

Lee Brice has scored his first-ever Daytime Emmy Awards nomination. He appeared on the PBS Primetime series American Anthems, which honors everyday heroes who have overcome adversity and go on to make lasting positive impacts in their communities. His original song, "Pocket Change," written alongside Billy Montana and Adam Wood, mirrors the inspiring story of Ashley Ruiz - a "hope dealer" that pays for laundry services in low-income communities.

Lee said, "What can I say? I'm completely stunned. I never once thought I'd be an Emmy nominee! I had a great time working with ‘American Anthems' and meeting such an inspiring person like Ashley really puts life and everything we take for granted into perspective. On behalf of myself, Billy and Adam, I just want to say thank you so much for this incredible recognition."

The Daytime Emmy Awards telecast will air live on CBS and Paramount + on June 16th.

Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs, Kane Brown, Dolly Parton, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Jason Aldean, Cody Johnson, Miranda Lambert, Jo Dee Messina, Ashley McBryde, Jelly Roll, Cole Swindell, The War And Treaty, and Bailey Zimmerman are all set to perform live at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards. The ACM Awards, hosted by Dolly and Garth Brooks, will be free to stream live exclusively on Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch on Thursday, May 11th at 7 p.m. ET from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas. The full rebroadcast will stream the next day for free on Amazon Freevee.

Dolly will close out the show by delivering the world premiere of the lead single from her upcoming rock album, Rockstar.

Additional performers and presenters on the ACM Awards will be announced in the coming weeks.

Nate Smith's debut self-titled album is available everywhere today (Friday, April 28th). Fans can choose between the regular version and the deluxe version of album, which will include the fan favorite track "World On Fire" and five other new songs.

Nate tells us: "I want listeners to take away whatever they want when they listen to it. If they're getting hope out of it, that's cool. If they're getting over somebody, that's cool. I just want them to connect to the album someway emotionally, whatever that is."

Nate is nominated for New Male Artist of the Year at the upcoming ACM Awards. The show will stream live on Prime Video on May 11th at 8 p.m. ET from the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, TX.

Nate will perform at Stagecoach in Indio, CA for the first time tonight. Beginning on May 4th, he joins Thomas Rhett on his Home Team Tour 23.

Reba McEntire and Brooks & Dunn have released an acoustic version of their Number One hit "If You See Him, If You See Her" in celebration of the song's 25th anniversary. This acoustic version is one of 14 tracks from Reba's upcoming album, Not That Fancy, due out on October 6th.

The original song was the lead single on both Reba's album, If You See Him, and Brooks & Dunn's If You See Her, which were released at the same time by different record labels in 1998. The song climbed to the top of the country charts, holding the Number One spot for back-to-back weeks. The duet was sparked by their multi-year tour and marks one of many career collaborations between the two acts, including a Las Vegas residency.

The Not That Fancy album accompanies Reba's upcoming book, Not That Fancy: Simple Lessons on Living, Loving, Eating, and Dusting Off Your Boots, which will be released on Tuesday, October 10th. The book is a collection of Reba's stories, photos, lifestyle tips, and recipes.