Blogs

Bobby Gibson's most recent Nashville Christian Country single "Heaven is Your Hometown" from the album of the same name was the #1 most downloaded song by radio djs and programmers on www.radiomusicdj.com service and top ten for several weeks. His other single releases of "One Rich Man" and "Call on Jesus" have shown up on many national charts, Bobby's smooth, easy listening, country voice makes the message in his songs intriguing and comforting.  Bobby's ministry includes not only singing, but reaching out to those in need of rehabilitation from addiction in his counseling career.  His own testimony is powerful and touches hearts everywhere he goes.  His latest song, "She Remembers," reminiscent of Diamond Rio's "She Misses Him on Sunday," and the movie "The Notebook" will warm the heart of every listener.

Nashville recording artist, Linda Boles, is a testament to the power of faith and music intertwined.  Born into a musical family, her journey through personal loss and spiritual discovery has inspired a unique blend of inspirational songs that speak directly to the heart.  With roots in bluegrass and a life enriched by a diverse array of musical experiences, Linda’s work transcends genre to connect with listeners across generations.  As she releases “CREATOR”, her story stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and divine inspiration.  Linda’s music is not just a collection of notes but a reflection of her journey with God, offering solace, inspiration, and a call to faith for all who listen.  

”When someone says they cannot see God, I just tell them to look around. His beautiful creation is everywhere.” - Linda Boles ❤️

DJ's can download the new release for broadcast purposes at  creator - linda boles | radiomusicdj.com

You can also find more information by visiting http://www.lindabolesmusic.com

NASHVILLE, TN (March 25, 2025) – Acclaimed musician and songwriter Bob Minner releases his latest single, “Listening to the Rain,” featuring Rhonda Vincent and John Meador. The track, premiering exclusively on Bluegrass Today, offers fans a fresh interpretation of the Don DeVaney-penned classic made famous by the Osborne Brothers. 

Reflecting on the inspiration behind the single, Minner shared, “My dad was an Osborne Brothers’ fan, and I remember their records being in the house when I was young. I had always heard 'Listening to the Rain' in my head as a slowed-down ballad due to the nature of the lyric, and I finally have a chance to give it that treatment. It’s an honor to bring my reimagined version of this timeless bluegrass song to the world featuring two of the greatest voices in today’s bluegrass genre, Rhonda Vincent and John Meador.”

“Bob is not only a master musician. He is also a brilliant producer and arranger. When he first showed me his arrangement on this Osborne Brothers classic, I knew it was going to be something very special. His choice of pairing the voices of the legendary Rhonda Vincent and the incredible tenor of newcomer John Meador, has created a beautiful duet that is destined to become a classic itself. It is simply a stunning recording of a timeless song,” states Jerry Salley, Creative Director, Billy Blue Records. 

Ronnie Reno, who played on the original Osborne Brothers recording, shared his thoughts on this new rendition, stating, “I played on the original recording of ‘Listening to the Rain’ with Bobby and Sonny in 1970. I love the new approach to this song, and it's wonderfully done. The vocals are outstanding. Bob’s production is outstanding. It's in the pocket and it's in time with your heart. I know Bobby and Sonny would be very proud of this recording.”

Minner’s “Listening to the Rain”  follows the success of his award-winning song “Fall In Tennessee,” which earned nominations for Song of the Year, Collaborative Recording of the Year, and Music Video of the Year, ultimately winning the International Bluegrass Music Association's (IBMA) Song of the Year award in 2024.

With this new release, Minner continues to solidify his reputation as one of Nashville’s most respected instrumentalists.

Song credits:
Bob Minner-Acoustic Guitar / Producer
Alan Bartram: Bass
Jesse Brock: Mandolin
Aaron Till: Fiddles
Engineer: Justin Kropf
Songwriter: Don DeVaney
Mix and master: Chris Latham
Sure Fire Music Company Inc./BMI

ABOUT BOB MINNER
Growing up on old-time string band music and bluegrass in Missouri, near St. Louis, Bob Minner’s lifelong love affair with music began at the tender age of 2 when he first strummed his plastic guitar. Since then, his musical journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, spanning across the United States, Canada, Australia, Italy, and beyond. His musical passion has played a serendipitous role in bringing Bob and his wife Ginger together, shaping not only their personal life but also providing a foundation for raising a family. After traveling with their own band for a while, the Minner’s settled in Nashville as Bob’s filled the role of acoustic guitarist for country icon Tim McGraw, a position he has held for an impressive 31 years and counting. 
 
Beyond being a skilled instrumentalist, Minner is a prolific songwriter with credits and cuts by TIm McGraw and by revered bluegrass bands like Authentic Unlimited, Blue Highway, Volume Five, Dailey & Vincent, Ronnie Bowman, Jim Lauderdale & the Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Shannon Slaughter, Blue Moon Rising, and others. He received both IBMA and SPBGMA  Song of the Year award in 2024 for “Fall in Tennessee” and has many other nominations to his credit. While constantly crafting new solo guitar compositions, Minner released the album There and Back and Back Again in 2011, Six String Sanctuary in 2019, SOLO in 2021, and, most recently, Five From Frankie and From Sulphur Springs to Rising Fawn in 2022, to critical acclaim. 

Website: https://minnerguitar.com/home

Socials: 
https://www.facebook.com/bobminnerguitar
https://www.instagram.com/bobminner
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYpnXHKsufjRLApjAEYKI5Q 

 
ABOUT BILLY BLUE RECORDS
Billy Blue Records is a boutique bluegrass label, home to an award-winning roster of artists including Adam McIntosh, Alan Bibey and Grasstowne, Appalachian Road Show, Authentic Unlimited, Bob Minner, Caroline Owens, Carson Peters & Iron Mountain, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, Dave Adkins, Jason Barie, Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Kristy Cox, Marty Raybon, the multi-artist projects Blue Collar Gospel, Country Faith Bluegrass, and the Grammy-nominated recording Gonna Sing Gonna Shout. Founded in 2018 by Jerry Salley, Ed Leonard, and Dottie Leonard Miller, Billy Blue is distributed to retail by the Orchard (Sony) and New Day Distribution.

Elaina Kay Smith is a Christian singer/songwriter from Chattanooga, TN.  Christian music has always been a part of her DNA and her passion since childhood.  Her sweet, soprano voice coupled with her ability to write heartwarming and inspirational songs, makes her one of the most unique new artists in Christian music.  She is a regular lead vocalist with the worship team at Calvary Chapel Chattanooga, wife and mother of three.   Elaina is releasing original music on a regular basis.  "Love Like No Other" was produced by the award winning and Grammy nominated producer, Gordon Mote.    

online at http://www.elainasmithmusic.com

About Jason Welch

Growing up in a home where the rule was if an instrument came into the house, it must be played, Jason Welch became a talented, versatile musician.  He plays drums, guitar, bass, saxophone, and probably anything he can put in his hands.   He is a prolific songwriter, recording his original songs which have been praised by radio and listeners alike.  Lastly, Jason's smooth country vocals bring each song to life emotionally as only a natural songwriter can.  He has had previous charting success on hisl last 3 releases, "Whiskey Stole My Grandma from Me," "Saving My Place," and "Candles."  Surrounded by a family who loves and supports his music and who took him as they traveled in Gospel music most of his life, Jason Welch will be an artist loved and played for a long time.

NASHVILLE, TN (March 7, 2025) – Caroline Owens, one of bluegrass music’s fastest-rising stars, makes her debut with Billy Blue Records, releasing the breakout single, “You’ve Still Got It.” With multiple accolades and nominations already under her belt, Owens has quickly made a name for herself as one of the genre’s most promising young talents and plans to release a full album (produced by Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge) later this year.
 
With an accompanying music video set for release in April, “You’ve Still Got It” builds on the success of her single “Build Me an Ark,” which climbed to #1 on the Bluegrass Today charts, along with “The Healing Kind,” which also topped the Top 20 chart on BanjoRadio. 
 
“When I first heard this single— penned by Jerry Salley and John Pennell— I just knew that I had to have this song,” stated Caroline Owens. “I remember Jerry playing it for me, and about halfway through, I said, ‘We’ve found the one. This is the first single. I don’t even need to hear the rest of the song to know that.’”
 
She continued, “with a fantastic team behind me, and the unwavering support of the Bluegrass community, I feel this is the turning of the page to an exciting new chapter in my career.” 

Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records added, “It’s as if John and I wrote this song specifically for Caroline! She delivers it with such raw emotion that I believe every word. Her passion and authenticity shine through, and we couldn’t be more excited about her music and what’s ahead for her future.”
 
Fans can stream “You’ve Still Got It” now on all digital platforms and stay up to date with her latest news and tour dates by following her on social media or visiting Online at https://carolineowensofficial.com 

ABOUT CAROLINE OWENS
Caroline Owens, a 3X IBMA Momentum & SPBGMA-nominated Bluegrass Female Vocalist of the Year, is a recording artist and songwriter for Billy Blue Records and Billy Blue Music Publishing in Nashville, TN. She has performed alongside many of the music industry's most accomplished artists such as Alison Krauss, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Suzanne Cox, The Isaacs, Larry Gatlin, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, The Malpass Brothers, Darin & Brooke Aldridge, and many others. 
 
In addition to her undeniable vocal talent, Caroline made her mark in the songwriting industry, when her debut single, “Heartbreak Train,” claimed the #1 Bluegrass song of 2023, on the Bluegrass Borderline Charts. 
 
To add to this radio success, her song, “No More Blue Moons in Kentucky” (Featuring Darin & Brooke Aldridge), earned a coveted spot on Billboard Magazine’s list of “Eight Must-Hear New Country Songs”.
 
She is loved by fans all around the world, and is recognized easily in a crowd of singers, but not only for her talent. Her humility and down-home, southern charm ensures that Caroline Owens possesses all of the necessary qualities and skills to become a household name in the fast-moving bluegrass genre.

"You've Still Got It"
Jerry Salley and John Pennell
Solargrass Music (BMI)/Country Gentleman Music (SESAC)

Produced by: Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge

Guitar: Cody Kilby
Bass & Dobro: Jeff Partin
Mandolin: Darin Aldridge
Fiddle: Tammy King
Banjo: Matt Menefee
Harmony Vocals: Jerry Salley and Darin Aldridge

Youtube Video link:  

https://youtu.be/HYzOmka4inM?si=ztcKOOWmhvE0UCkr

https://youtu.be/1vTnhF-ZLew?si=Yqq706sJk73HImvf

"Covering Up Holes" is the next single from Tina Adair's upcoming album.

Written by Billy Droze and John Meador, "Covering Up Holes" showcases Tina's sensitive tone and dynamic vocal range, and shows her delicate approach to song interpretation. Tina's elite talent and the band's performance create the perfect musical blend.

Featuring a supporting cast of Cody Kilby & Pat McGrath (acoustic guitars), Ronnie Stewart (fiddle), Seth Taylor (mando), Scott Vestal (banjo), Byron House (bass), Rob Ickes (dobro), and Wes Hightower (harmonies).

Produced by Tina Adair & Adam Engelhardt.

Written by Billy Droze & John Meador.

"When Adam Engelhardt first played me this song, I knew immediately that I wanted to record it. Written by two amazing songwriters and artists in their own right, Billy Droze and John Meador, it's a song that takes you on a journey of a relationship that is questioning why it is still trying to be. Although the lyrics are sad, the melody is beautiful. And in my opinion, the combination of the two is what makes this song so great. I loved getting to record Covering Up Holes and I hope you all love it too!”

The name Tina Adair has become synonymous with excellence as far as female vocalists in bluegrass music are concerned. Her family band, The Adairs, gave Tina her first introduction and exposure to the industry and when Tina was just 17 years old, she signed a recording contract with Sugar Hill Records. Her first album, Just You Wait And See, was released in ’97, produced by Jerry Douglas and featuring such luminaries as Chris Thile, Bryan Sutton, Aubrey Haynie, Viktor Krauss, Charlie Cushman, Keith Little, and Alan O’Bryant. The project was a success and garnered praise from radio and critics. After four years touring, Tina came off the road to attend college, though she did release one self-produced CD, All You Need, in 2000.   

After graduating from Nashville’s, Belmont University as an undergrad, Tina went to work in Nashville while also attending graduate school. But the music in her soul just couldn't be denied.  “One of my goals was to always get a college degree and was highly encouraged by my family. My brother and I were first generation college students, and my parents worked very very hard in order to pay for both both of our college educations. I was very blessed! Another dream of mine was to become a resident of Nashville, TN.  Therefore, Belmont University was where I studied and obtained a Bachelor of Business Administration degree majoring in Music Business, perfectly suited to my long term goals. "Upon graduating from Belmont, I began work in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business at Belmont, where I still reside."  Adair adds..."I am currently the Director of Advising in the Curb College and I have been at Belmont now for 20 years!"  

In February 2012, Tina released a solo record titled Born Bad which she recorded at Nashville's historic OceanWay Studios.  Less than a year later, in December 2012, Tina joined forces with four friends and prominent women in the bluegrass industry to form the all star female group, Sister Sadie. Sister Sadie has experienced incredible amount of radio and chart success since their start and was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for Best Bluegrass Album in 2019. The band has also made many appearances on the coveted GRAND OLE OPRY stage, making their debut on March 30, 2019. Sister Sadie has also been highly recognized by their peers with the IBMA, as recipients of the Vocal Group Of The Year award three years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021), as well as IBMA Entertainers Of The Year in 2020 making history as the first all female group to win both of these awards.  

October of 2020 brought exciting changes to Tina’s musical journey in the form of a new solo recording contract with Engelhardt Music Group of Nashville, TN. She released her debut project for her new label in the Spring of 2021, a full length self-titled album which proved to be a chart topping success entering the new year with the number #1 single, "Still Got a Long Way To Go."   It was also during this time that the Country Music Hall Of Fame had included Sister Sadie in their “Country Currents” series, which was such a huge honor for Adair. Later deciding to focus her attention on her solo career rather than split her time between that and the Sister Sadie band, added another level of transition for her.  

Tina was featured on the cover and with an in-depth article in the April 2023 edition of Bluegrass Unlimited.

NASHVILLE, TENN. (February 21, 2025) – Billy Blue Records is proud to announce the release of “Ruby Ann,” the newest single from Authentic Unlimited’s highly-praised album, So Much For Forever. This mid-tempo heartbreaker tells the story of someone left wondering why the love of his life has disappeared, carried by the band’s signature harmonies and skillful instrumentation. 
 
Co-written by all five members of Authentic Unlimited—Jesse Brock, Stephen Burwell, Jerry Cole, Eli Johnston, and John Meador—"Ruby Ann" captures the aching uncertainty of lost love. The song’s chorus asks, “Oh Ruby Ann, where have you gone? Why did you leave our little home?” blending sorrowful storytelling with the band’s unmistakable bluegrass drive.
 
“Authentic Unlimited has done it again,” says Jerry Salley, A&R/Creative Director of Billy Blue Records. “This song has everything you want in a great bluegrass tune: raw emotion, a melody that stays with you, and flawless vocals and musicianship.”
 
"To me, 'Ruby Ann' is the essence of a bluegrass song,” says co-writer and band member Stephen Burwell. “This song focuses on the powerful trio throughout the verses and choruses and leaves you feeling grassy.”

Building on the success of So Much For Forever—which topped Bluegrass Unlimited’s Top Bluegrass Albums Chart—and #1 singles “Fall in Tennessee” and “Big Wheels”, Authentic Unlimited continues to solidify their place as one of the most exciting acts in bluegrass today.

The band recently added to their growing list of achievements, earning four IBMA Bluegrass Music Awards in 2024, including both Song of the Year AND Video of the Year for “Fall in Tennessee,” Vocal Group of the Year, and Mandolin Player of the Year for band member Jesse Brock. They were also featured on the cover of Bluegrass Unlimited’s November issue.

With “Ruby Ann”, Authentic Unlimited once again proves that their signature blend of tradition and creativity resonates deeply with bluegrass fans. Audiences can catch them live at one of their 75+ tour stops this year.

Produced and Arranged by Authentic Unlimited

Vocals, Banjo, and Guitar: Eli Johnston

Vocals and Bass: Jerry Cole

Vocals and Guitar: John Meador

Mandolin: Jesse Brock

Fiddle and Percussion: Stephen Burwell

ABOUT AUTHENTIC UNLIMITED
Authentic Unlimited, a 2024 Grammy nominee and two-time IBMA Vocal Group of the Year, is a powerhouse bluegrass and Gospel band known for their incredible musical talent and dedication to the craft. The group features five seasoned musicians, each bringing unique backgrounds and impressive credentials. Stephen Burwell, a skilled fiddler from Texas and a former member of Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, also works as a recording engineer. Jerry Cole, raised in Tennessee, grew up immersed in music and toured with bands like Pine Mountain Railroad and IIIrd Tyme Out before joining Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver. Eli Johnston, originally from Missouri, discovered his passion for music early and has contributed original songs to the bluegrass world; he too has roots in Doyle Lawson’s band. Mandolin virtuoso Jesse Brock, from Kentucky, has won the IBMA Mandolin Player of the Year award three times, cementing his status in the industry. Rounding out the group is John Meador from East Tennessee, a talented guitarist and vocalist who began performing as a young teenager. Together, these five musicians form Authentic Unlimited, a group that’s quickly gaining recognition for their remarkable contributions to bluegrass and Gospel music.

"Silvertone Blues" is the next single from Compton and Newberry's album, Home In My Heart, released in September of 2024.

"Silvertone Blues" showcases Mike Compton and Joe Newberry's nod to traditional and new American music. Mike Compton plays mandolin and handles the Lead Vocals on this track and Joe Newberry the rhythm guitar and harmonies.

""Silvertone Blues" was learned from John Hartford and was written by the late Benny Martin about a Silvertone Guitar he ordered from the Sears Roebuck catalogue when he was a boy. Benny says that "the postman brought it on a big black 'hoss' in a paper box 4 feet long" The second verse describes him making "a dollar and a dime and a quarter" busking (on lower Broadway in Nashville) in front of Hardeman's Feed Store on a Saturday afternoon. " Mike Compton

Online at: http://www.comptonandnewberry.com

NASHVILLE, TN -

"I'll Be Here Either Way", written by mandolinist and vocalist Teo Quale, is their second single and another highlight of Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band's upcoming album (due out Early 2025).

Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band members are:

Teo Quale (mandolin, vocals), Miles Quale (fiddle, vocals),

Andrew Osborn (bass, vocals), and Ian Ly (guitar, vocals).

""I'll Be Here Either Way" started as a hook which I had been messing around with for a while. That hook eventually became the chorus of the song. From there, I wrote each verse and the bridge around that central idea. Although the story of the song doesn't pertain specifically to my life, its message is one to which many people can relate. "I'll Be Here Either Way" is special to me because it is the first song with lyrics that I've written."

- Teo Quale