Latest news with #RymanAuditorium
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
George Jones honored with statue on Ryman's Icon Walk
Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member George Jones is the latest genre icon to be memorialized with a bronze statue on the "Icons Walk" at the Ryman Auditorium's property. "One of the most influential and revered voices in country music history" joins statues of Little Jimmy Dickens, Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn and Charley Pride to represent "legacies that continue to inspire generations of performers," the Ryman said in a statement. Colin Reed, executive chairman of the Ryman Hospitality Properties board; George Jones' widow, Nancy Jones; and Grand Ole Opry cast member and frequent Jones collaborator Jamey Johnson attended a June 3 unveiling ceremony. Johnson noted that as much as Jones was renowned for his love of singing and country music, he was "a dear friend who was more like a distant relative, who was always good for a warm hug and a bright smile." Sculptor Ben Watts took about one year to complete the statue of Jones. It is similar to ones he created of Dickens and Monroe in 2017, Lynn in 2020 and Pride in 2023. "George was an icon to people who saved their last dime to appreciate the same incredible yet relatable things that made me love and stay with him. He and his fans, much like myself, were flawed people who lived real lives and deserved strength and love," Nancy Jones said in a 2023 Tennessean interview. The statue unveiling continues a year of celebrations surrounding the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary. Jones' 160 charting singles included 'He Stopped Loving Her Today and 'She Thinks I Still Care". He "left an indelible mark on music and culture" and "contributed to the Opry's rise as a cornerstone of country music," the Opry said in a statement. "His voice remains a benchmark of authenticity and excellence in country storytelling," added the Opry. Jones' figure joins those of Grand Ole Opry star Dickens (who died in 2014); bluegrass music's founding father Monroe (who died in 1996); groundbreaking country legend Pride (who died in 2020) and legendary female country star Lynn (who died in 2022) alongside the bronze figure of Capt. Thomas Ryman on the Ryman Auditorium plaza. Reed had the idea for the Icon Walk in 2015, after Dickens died. Thinking it unimaginable that he would never see the diminutive country performer at the Ryman again, Reed wanted to honor him and his presence there. Jones is depicted in the statue as the artist he was in his early 60s, around the turn of the 21st century. Nancy Jones, who aims to revive another George Jones Museum in Nashville — the original closed in Dec. 2021 — still maintains ownership of many of "The Possum"'s performance gear and stagewear. Watts wanted to create a lifelike portrayal of the singer, so she was able to outfit one of his assistants in the country legend's personal effects to help the creative process. "George would've wanted to have (his iconic) haircut and sideburns — he was so proud of that hairdo," Nancy Jones said. "And we had to have his favorite guitar strap there, too." When asked what she wanted the millions of tourists who may see her late husband's statue in the coming years to take from his presence, she paused, nearly teary-eyed, and said, "I don't want anyone to forget him and the fantastic music he released." Jones died in 2013. "To many country music fanatics, the Saratoga, Texas native's ability to weave authenticity so soulful that it could cause the warmest smile or chill you to the bone — sometimes in the same three-minute song — makes him, regardless of genre, the greatest singer that ever lived," The Tennessean wrote in April 2024. "As elegant as a vocalist as he was humble as a man, his uncanny ability to navigate between the two via magnificently crafted songs peerlessly marks a legacy that will perpetually inform country music's fundamentals and progression." This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: George Jones honored with statue on Ryman's Icon Walk
Forbes
6 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
Morgan Wallen Manages A Feat For The First Time On Billboard's Albums Chart
Morgan Wallen lands three albums inside the Billboard 200 top 10 this week, with I'm the Problem, ... More One Thing at a Time, and Dangerous, marking a career first. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - JUNE 02: Morgan Wallen performs onstage for the 16th Annual Darius and Friends St. Jude Benefit at Ryman Auditorium on June 02, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo byfor ABA) Morgan Wallen maintains his reign atop the Billboard 200 this week with his latest blockbuster, I'm the Problem. The collection opened at No. 1 last frame with just under half a million equivalent units, marking the largest debut of 2025. In its second stay on the tally, I'm the Problem holds with 286,000 equivalent units shifted, which is easily enough for the country superstar to retain his grip on the top spot. This week, Wallen achieves a rare feat on the Billboard 200 as one of his older projects climbs back into the upper tier, as it seems that American listeners aren't satisfied with just one – or even two – massive releases. For the first time in his career, Wallen occupies three spaces inside the top 10 on the Billboard 200. I'm the Problem, One Thing at a Time, and Dangerous: The Double Album all rank among the 10 most consumed full-lengths in the United States at the moment. I'm the Problem and One Thing at a Time are non-movers at Nos. 1 and 4, respectively, while Dangerous rises from No. 12 to No. 10, helping him accomplish this impressive showing. Dangerous returns to the top 10 largely due to a quiet week with limited competition. Two titles drop out of the highest tier, as 111XPANTIA by Fuerza Regida slips to No. 11, while Even in Arcadia from metal act Sleep Token falls from No. 6 to No. 14. The highest-ranking debut on this week's Billboard 200 comes from Joe Jonas, who launches Music for People Who Believe in Love at No. 24, far from the loftiest tier. All three of Wallen's current top 10 titles have previously ruled the Billboard 200. He has released only four full-lengths to date, with only If I Know Me missing out on running the show. That effort, which arrived in spring 2018, peaked at No. 10 and kickstarted one of the most successful runs in country music history. This week, all four of Wallen's albums appear on the Billboard 200. If I Know Me sits at No. 73, up two spaces from where it landed last frame. Amazingly, I'm the Problem, One Thing at a Time, and Dangerous all appear inside the top 10 on every Billboard tally on which they find space. The newest of the trio holds the No. 1 spot on five rankings in its second frame. Only If I Know Me is absent from the loftiest regions, though it still makes appearances on both the Billboard 200 and Top Country Albums chart.
Forbes
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Nashville Unveils Statue Honoring George Jones - Outside The Ryman Auditorium
New statue outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN honors country music legend George Jones With one of the most distinctive voices in music, showcased by songs like 'He Stopped Loving Her Today,' 'Grand Tour,' and others, many fans and artists alike consider George Jones the greatest country singer of all time. Now, twelve years after his death, the country legend has his own statue outside the Ryman Auditorium. Friends, family, and fans gathered in downtown Nashville to see the statue for the first time and celebrate the country legend who played the Ryman many times throughout his career, when it served as home to the Grand Ole Opry. Jones became a member of the Opry in 1956. At the unveiling ceremony, Colin Reed, Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman, presented Jones' wife, Nancy, with a photograph of Jones playing on the Ryman stage decades ago. Nancy Jones shows photograph of husband, George Jones, performing at the Ryman. The photo was given ... More to her by Ryman Hospitality Properties Executive Chairman Colin Reed at unveiling of Jones' statue. June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) Over the past year, Nancy has spent time with sculptor Ben Watts, sharing artifacts, clothing items, and photos of her husband, as Watts worked to create the statue. She was excited to see the end result. Colin Reed and George Jones's wife, Nancy, attend the unveiling ceremony of new statute. Ryman ... More Auditorium, June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) 'The statue is beautiful,' she said. 'It has the wedding band, the ring he wore all the time, it's just beautiful.' It also captures the way Jones dressed, his stance on stage, and even sports his favorite guitar strap. Nashville unveils new statue honoring George Jones. Ryman Auditorium. Famous for a steady string of country hits, Jones was equally well-known for getting into trouble due to his problems with drugs and alcohol. The man known as 'The Possum' also ended up with a second nickname of 'No Show Jones' after he failed to show up to a number of his own concerts. With Nancy's help, things improved for Jones later in life. Fellow musician and good friend Jamey Johson paid tribute to Jones with a couple of stories about his 'antics', like the one where a relative took away Jones' car keys to keep from drinking and Jones took off in a John Deere riding lawn mower. 'Everybody's heard about that lawn mower incident," Johnson, "but that dude really drove a lawn mower eight miles to get to a bar. At the time, it didn't seem like an antic to him. It was what was necessary if he was gonna get a drink.' Jamey Johnson pays tribute to friend and fellow country artist George Jones Ryman at the unveiling ... More of new George Jones statue. They not only shared a love of music, they had a special connection as both served in the Marines. June 03, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by) He also recounted a story about the time Jones and Buck Owens were touring together and alternating their shows. One night Jones would open and Owens would close, and the next night they'd reverse the order. It worked out fine until they were set to do a show near Jones' hometown on a night and Owens was scheduled to close. Jones, expecting a lot of people he knew might be there, asked Owens to switch and let 'him' close that night. Owens refused. 'So, George took the stage that night and did something Buck couldn't do,' Johnson explained. 'George knew every song that Buck Owens was going to do that night and since they were sharing the band, George went out and did Buck's entire set before Buck came on. When George walked off the stage he looked at Buck and said, 'Follow that.' Despite his Jones' reputation for bad behavior, Nancy says the one place that never happened – was the Ryman. Nancy Jones speaks at unveiling of George Jones statue in Nashville, TN 'George loved the Ryman. It meant everything to him. It's the one place I wish we could have worked every weekend because when he played there, he didn't believe in having a drink. He said, 'It's the Mother Church of Country Music' and he was absolutely thrilled when he would work there.' She said he played his best shows at the Ryman and would be so pleased to have his statue outside that building. 'It makes me feel good and I know it'd make George feel good. He'd say, 'Well, honey, I finally made it.'' Jones' statue becomes the newest addition to the Ryman Icon Walk honoring country music greats. George Jones statue becomes newest addition to Ryman Iconic Walk - Nashville, TN The idea began in 2015 with the first one, at the front of the building, honoring Little Jimmy Dickens. Since then, the Ryman has added four statues, all located on the side of the building: Bill Monroe, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, and now, George Jones. Little Jimmy Dickens statue in front of Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue of Bill Monroe on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue honoring Loretta Lynn on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN Statue honoring Charley Pride on Ryman Icon Walk outside the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, TN The one honoring Jones comes as the Opry celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. Nancy says she will continue to find new ways to build upon her husband's legacy and eventually plans to open a new George Jones Museum. She hears from fans all the time who still love and adore him, and his music continues to inspire new generations of country music artists. She says there's never been anyone like him. 'They only made one George Jones,' she says. 'Trust me." Throughout his lengthy career, Jones had more than 160 charting singles leaving an indelible mark on country music. Promotional studio portrait of American country singer and songwriter George Jones with an acoustic ... More guitar, circa 1970. (Photo by)
Forbes
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Blake Shelton Reaches A New Career Low Point
Blake Shelton's For Recreational Use Only debuts at No. 46 on the Billboard 200, marking the weakest ... More start of his career for a full-length album. NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - MARCH 19: Blake Shelton hosts Opry 100: A Live Celebration at Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium on March 19, 2025 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo byfor the Grand Ole Opry) Blake Shelton's new album For Recreational Use Only, debuts across multiple Billboard charts this week in the United States. While the country icon remains one of the genre's biggest figureheads, his latest project is off to a relatively weak start. In fact, its launch point is a shockingly low one for a superstar, who has reached the highest of highs several times before. For Recreational Use Only begins its run on the Billboard 200 at No. 46. As it joins the list of the most-consumed albums in the country, it immediately marks a career low for Shelton — at least when considering his traditional studio efforts. It barely beats his previous low point, set by his self-titled debut full-length Blake Shelton. That effort, which introduced him to the world and helped turn him into the star he is today, peaked at No. 45 when it arrived in 2001. Many of Shelton's past releases have entered the top 10 on the Billboard 200. He's sent a dozen projects into that region, and two of them have climbed all the way to No. 1. According to Luminate, For Recreational Use Only shifted just over 17,000 equivalent units in its first full seven-day tracking period. Of that total, 10,500 were pure purchases. While that sales sum is one of the largest of the week, it wasn't enough to prevent the country singer-songwriter from hitting a new low on the Billboard 200. Shelton's latest collection performs significantly better on two other Billboard rankings than on the all-consumption roster. It opens at No. 6 on the Top Album Sales chart thanks to its five-digit pure sales count. The title also launches at No. 8 on the Top Country Albums list. While that position also marks a new low for the star, it's still the highest-ranking debut on that tally this week. For Recreational Use Only experiences a noticeable drop when it comes to opening placement compared to Shelton's last album. He released Body Language in May 2021, and it peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard 200. This new project differs in that it wasn't released by a major label. Still, a No. 45 entry is undeniably disappointing.
India Today
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Alex G Announces 2025 North American tour with Nilüfer Yanya
Indie singer-songwriter Alex G will hit the road again this year, unveiling a 16-city North American tour scheduled for September and October tour kicks off September 11 in Boston and wraps up October 11 in tour will include visits to some of the world's most renowned venues, such as Los Angeles' Greek Theatre, New York's Radio City Music Hall, and the iconic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Other destinations include Toronto, Chicago, Denver, Oakland, and Atlanta, among many As reported by Rolling stone, British Indie singer-songwriter Nilfer Yanya will join Alex G on tour as supporting act. Her addition brings a thrilling element to the bill, offering fans a varied musical experience from two highly regarded independent On Sale This WeekPre-sale tickets will be available starting Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m. local time, and will run through Wednesday, May 21, at 10 p.m. General on-sale begins Thursday, May 22, at 10 Schedule HighlightsSept. 11 – Boston, MA (Roadrunner)Sept. 14 – Toronto, ON (HISTORY)Sept. 26 – Los Angeles, CA (The Greek Theatre)Oct. 04 – Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium)Oct. 08 – New York, NY (Radio City Music Hall)Oct. 11 – Philadelphia, PA (The Fillmore)For the full list of tour dates and ticket links, visit Alex G's official website or authorized ticketing READ: Lollapalooza 2025 full lineup and set times released: What to know
