CJ Solar celebrated Valentine’s Day by releasing “Watered Down Whiskey,” the latest single from his upcoming EP. The new song follows the singles “Coming My Way,” “Wild Hair” and MusicRow Top 15 singles “American Girl” and “Airplane” from his Get Away With It EP.
Said CJ of the song: “My buddy (co-writer) Charlie Berry and I were sitting around one day talking about past relationships and how when you’re crushed after a break up and everyone new doesn’t quite meet what you had with the ex… and this song just fell out!”
- CJ Solar was named the 2019 Independent Artist of the Year by MusicRow magazine. He was named by Taste of Country as one of their “5 Country Artists to Watch,” and one of Rolling Stone Country’s “New Artists You Need To Know.
- CJ is an accomplished songwriter, with co-write credits on “Up Down,” a No. 1 for Morgan Wallen featuring Florida Georgia Line, and Jan Aldean’s “I Don’t Drink Anymore.” He’s also had cuts by Jerrod Niemann, Justin Moore and others. More about CJ at CJSolar.com
Brandy Clark has released an official video for her new song, “Love Is a Fire.” Of the inspiration behind the song, Clark reflects, “The idea [is] that love is a fire, you just never know if it’s going to warm you—or burn you.” “Love is a Fire” is the latest song from Clark’s new album, Your Life is a Record, to be released March 6 on Warner Records. Rolling Stone recently included it as one of their “70 Most Anticipated Albums of 2020.” Clark will tour extensively throughout 2020 including a series of winter tour dates with Tanya Tucker on the CMT Next Women of Nashville Tour. Find the “Love Is Fire” video at YouTube and see tour dates at https://www.brandyclarkmusic.com/
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“I Know Country” Q&A from www.IKnowCountry.com
QUESTION: “Bigger Than the Beatles” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart this week in 1996 for which male artist?
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TAPS is a wonderful organization that cares for the families of America’s fallen service men and women. The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is on the front line, supporting the loved ones left behind. On Monday, I went the launch party for a new project that involves both TAPS and the Roots & American Music Society, titled “Love Lives On,” featuring Lonestar, Vince Gill and friends. Some of Nashville’s most gifted and renowned songwriters have penned the family members’ intimate and personal stories in music and song. The title track and debut single, “Love Lives On,” will be released March 20, as an early introduction to the 10-track collaboration. It will available via all major digital retail and streaming outlets. Pre-sale event begins Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. Check out the moving videos and more info about the project at https://www.lovelivesonmusic.com/
March 24 to 28 it’s Tin Pan South, the festival that features live performances by country music’s biggest hit songwriters (and some up-and-comers) performing in the round. This year, Tin Pan South week will not only include five nights of back-to-back shows in 10 venues, but daytime programming at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum Thursday – Saturday. This one IS open to the public, and a great opportunity to hear songwriters doing acoustic sets of their songs. Tickets go fast! If you want tickets, go to www.tinpansouth.com Tuesday, Feb. 25 when Fast Access Passes go on sale. For a sneak peek at the line-up, download the festival app to see the performer list on Friday, Feb. 21.
And then… June 4 – June 7, CMA Music Fest is back! This is the Big One that attract country music fans from all over America and around the world. Go to https://cmafest.com/ for all the details. Four-day passes are on sale now. We’ll know more about which stars will be appearing on which stages in the weeks ahead.
If you are a fan of real ‘Texas Cowboy’ music, here’s some news: Bobby Marquez’s current radio single, “An Empty Glass,” has been nominated for an International European Award at the first annual ‘Red Carpet Awards’ to be held in Holland November 7, 2020. (That’s right: in HOLLAND!) Marquez’s version of the dance hall standard is up for Traditional Country Song of the Year. “An Empty Glass” appears on Bobby Marquez’s award-winning album titled, The Cowboy Way. Check out http://www.bobbymarquez.com/
And speaking of Texas music, Aaron Watson has earned a Texas-sized honor: an induction into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, joining the same ranks as George Strait, Robert Earl Keen, Willie Nelson and Nolan Ryan. Watson — whose hard work and genuine dedication to his craft has earned a steady climb from clubs to coliseums — was honored with TCHoF’s “2020 Spirit of Texas Award” at an induction ceremony at Billy Bob’s Texas. Watson is in the middle of a 32-date cross-country tour, supporting his 15th album, Red Bandana. You can see if his tour is coming to your town at https://www.aaronwatson.com/
Billboard Hot Country Songs Top 5 this week: (last week’s position in parentheses)
- (1) “10,000 Hours” Dan + Shay & Justin Bieber (19th week at No. 1!)
- (2) “The Bones” Maren Morris
- (3) “Kinfolks” Sam Hunt
- (4) “One Man Band” Old Dominion
- (7) “Homesick” Kane Brown
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“I Know Country” Q&A ANSWER: “Bigger Than the Beatles” was the 5th No. 1 for Joe Diffie. It was written by Jeb Stuart Anderson and Steve Dukes. Cledus T. Judd parodied the song with a version titled “She’s Got a Bigger Butt Than the Beatles.” It was on Judd’s album I Stoled This Album.
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On this day in Country Music
Some Number Ones on this date rom country music history…
Feb 19, 1966 Buck Owens’ “Waiting In Your Welfare Line” was No. 1 on the Country Singles chart and stayed there for seven weeks.
Feb 19, 1977 Elvis Presley was No. 1 on the Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart with “Moody Blue” – his final No. 1 during his lifetime.
Feb 19, 2014 Luke Bryan topped the Country Singles and Country Airplay charts with “Drink a Beer.” (Bryan has described “Drink a Beer” as “the coolest sad song ever” and notes he connects with the story after having lost both of his siblings.)
Feb 19, 2016 Thomas Rhett was in the middle of a long run at No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart with “Die A Happy Man,” a track from his 2nd album, Tangled Up. Rhett wrote the song with Sean Douglas and Joe Spargur.
This week’s Country Music Birthdays
February 16 Doug Phelps (Kentucky Headhunters), 1960
February 17 Bryan White, 1974
February 18 Juice Newton, 1952
February 20 Kathie Baillie (Baillie & the Boys), 1951
Coy Bowles (Zac Brown Band), 1979
February 21 Mary Chapin Carpenter, 1958
Eric Heatherly, 1970
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Preshias Harris is the author of “I Know Country” with 366 daily country music questions and answers. You can buy and instantly download your e-book copy at www.IKnowCountry.com.
Harris is also a music career development consultant with the emphasis on new and aspiring artists and songwriters. Visit www.collegeofsongology.com for more details. Follow her blog at www.nashvillemusicline.com
