Industry Ink: Chris Young, Willie Jones, Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant, Jon Reddick

Chris Young Adds USAA As Tour Sponsor

Country music star Chris Young, left, and NFL legend Joe Thomas, right, pose at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event on April 25, 2019 with Michael Dones and Joe Zettlemoyer at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s Raised On Country Tour 2019 and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

Chris Young has announced USAA as an Official Sponsor of the “Raised On Country Tour 2019.” USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the U.S. military and their families, will team with Young to create memorable experiences for military, veterans and their families throughout the coast-to-coast headlining tour.

With the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, kicked-off celebrations by hosting a special NFL Draft USAA Salute to Service event for invited military members stationed at Fort Campbell. The event, which took place earlier today at The Steps at WME, featured an acoustic performance by Young and a Q&A session featuring NFL Legend Joe Thomas. Following the on-stage portions of the event, both Young and Thomas met with military members, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Chris Young’s Raised On Country Tour 2019 kicks off May 16 in Alpharetta, Georgia with over 25 shows through September.

Willie Jones Releases New Single “Down For It”

Black River Entertainment’s Willie Jones has released his new single “Down For It,” via 4 Sound/Empire.

Jones says, “’Down For It’ was created earlier this year between writing sessions in Nashville and Los Angeles. You can hear the inspirations from both cities. Melodically, the song brought back memories of growing up in the ’90s and I saw images of shows like ‘Reading Rainbow’ in my head. When it was time to make the video, I thought paying homage to that show would be something cool and different. For those who remember, it should bring a smile to their face.”

In support of the new music, Willie will be touring all year with key performances during Nashville’s NFL’s Draft Week and CMT Fest.

 

Ty Herndon’s 2019 Rising Stars Grants Now Accepting Applications

Ty Herndon

GLAAD will award 2019 Rising Stars Grants of $2,500 to young people (ages 18-30) for their commitment to enhancing LGBTQ inclusion and representation in music. The Ty Herndon Rising Stars Grant for music is eligible to LGBTQ young people who are working to accelerate acceptance in the music industry.

In addition to the $2,500 grant, Rising Stars Grant recipient will attend GLAAD’s Concert for Love & Acceptance in Nashville,  including airfare and accommodations for the recipient and a guest. Applications are now open for submission, and will close May 19, 2019 at midnight PST. All applicants and recipients will be notified via email by May 24, 2019.

Gotee Records Signs Jon Reddick

Jon Reddick

Gotee Records has signed Jon Reddick, with the release of his single “You Keep Hope Alive,” penned with Anthony Skinner and Jess Cates, and produced by Nathan Nockels.

Reddick grew up the son of a pastor and the church pianist in Memphis, and brother to six siblings including Janice, who went on to become a Stellar Award and GMA Dove Award nominated recording artist for Motown Gospel. Eventually, Reddick and his family made their way to Nashville, where he has co-written with Matt Redman, Tommy Sims, Josh Kerr and Sheryl Crow. He has also played keys for artists including Nicole C. Mullen and Mandisa.