Inside Music Row

We kick off another "Inside Music Row" with the mention of Willie Nelson.  Willie is set to release a new collection of duets called "To All The Girls..."  Look for this project to be released next with with some country music's top female singers including Dolly Parton, Sheryl Crow, Loretta Lynn, Carrie Underwood, and many more.  Up next is Alan Jackson as he is bringing a little bit of bluegrass to New York City.  Alan will play a bunch of new tracks from his recently released "The Bluegrass Album" at Carnegie Hall October 28th.  Trace Adkins is also in the news as he will release "The King's Gift" October 29th.  This is an album of Celtic Christmas carols, and features songs with The Chieftains, Kevin Costner, and many more.  Restless Heart is also releasing a brand new Christmas album called "A Restless Heart Christmas" on October 29th.  In their thirty years together, this is the group's very first holiday album.  Thomas Rhett is also getting into the holiday spirit with his own headlining tour called "The Taste of Country Christmas Tour."  Eli Young Band is also in the news as they will host their inaugural House Party November 9th at Ranger Ballpark in their hometown of Arlington, Texas.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Joe Diffie to hear about his new hit "Girl Ridin' Shotgun." 

A graduate of Nashville's Fisk University, Mandisa was part of the acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers here in town.  However, it wasn't until she became a finalist on "American Idol's" season five that she started receiving national attention.  As the three-time Grammy nominee released her fourth studio album "Overcomer," she was overwhelmed at the feedback from her fans about them overcoming obstacles in their own lives.  We had a chance to hear from Mandisa about this project that is more than just a message, but rather a battle cry to overcome.

Steve Wariner is a busy man these days.  In addition to helping out with the CMA Nominations, he's celebrating the release of his latest project "It Ain't All Bad."  Steve has written all twelve tracks on the album, which is his first new non-instrumental album in more than eight years.  Reviews have been coming in strong, so we caught up with Steve here in town to hear all about the new music.

This is an exciting time of year leading up to the annual CMA Awards.  Music Row is buzzing about all the nominees...and who got left out.  We had a chance to check out the nominations from both Nashville and New York to see how this year's broadcast is shaping up.

We kick off another "Inside Music Row" with the mention of George Strait.  George has announced the final leg of his "Cowboy Rides Away Tour" with the final show plaing at Dallas' AT&T Stadium and plans on retiring from touring - although he will do a few events here and there.  Brett Eldredge is flying high right now fresh off the very first number one single, he celebrated by going skydiving.  Now he's continuing the momentum with his first headlining club tour.  Look for the "Bring You Back" Fall tour to make twenty stops after kicking things off in Oxford, Ohio this week.  Joe Nichols is also in the news as he is getting back in gear with the release of "Crickets.  Look for the album to hit stores next week.  Up next is former American Idol winner Scotty McCreery as he has donated $50,000 to various youth baseball programs with money raised from his "Major League Baseball Tour."  His sophomore project, "See You Tonight," hits stores October 15th.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Zane Williams to hear about his new single "Overnight Success."

Sweetwater Rain is a new trio on Curb Records that I'm sure you'll be hearing more from very soon.  Following the success of their debut single "Starshine," the guys have now been added to the fall leg of the Rascal Flatts' "Live and Loud" tour.  We had a chance to catch up with Sweetwater Rain to talk about that upcoming tour and their second single "Pray For Me."

Craig Morgan is excited about his new project "The Journey (Livin' Hits)" which went on sale earlier this month.  This new project includes four new songs and eith re-recordings of his biggest hits.  The lead single "Wake Up Loving You" has been called by many as the best song of his career.  We had a chance to check in with Craig about the new project.  Here's Kelly with more.

The Band Perry has taken the country music world by storm in the past three years.  After the release of their debut project, which included the quadruple platinum "If I Die Young," siblings Kimberly, Reid, and Neil Perry released their latest project "Pioneer" earlier this year, which has already given them two consecutive number ones.  We had a chance to catch up with the trio along with co-writers Jacob Bryant and John Davidson at a party to celebrate the success of "Done."

We kick off another "Inside Music Row" with the mention of Sugarland's Jennifer Nettles as she has released her first single from her debut solo album.  Jennifer co-wroter "That Girl" about a girl who has been bamboozled by a man who is in a relationship with another woman.  Carrie Underwood is mentioned next as she has been honored by BMI with their "million-air" award for songwriters.  Carrie was presented certificates for "Mama's Song," "Good Girl," and "All-American Girl."  Charlie Daniels is up next as he is bringing his popular book "Devil Went Down To Georgia" back to life through ebooks.  Up next is Martina McBride as she is bringing her "Joy of Christmas' Tour" to Nashville for one night only at the Ryman Auditorium.  Finally, we go Inside The Song with Elizabeth South to hear about a song of hers called "I Love You" which she recorded with Vince Gill.

The Casey Donahew Band is one of the hottest acts to come out of Texas recently.  Rdinging high on the success of their latest album "Standoff," the band is celebrating their number one on Texas radio for "Whiskey Baby."  We had a chance to check in behind the scenes on the set of that music video, which has a very unique feel to it.  Here is the Casey Donahew Band.