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Mumford & Sons return to the top 10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart, as the band’s first album in over six years, Rushmere, debuts at No. 3 on the April 12-dated list. It’s the sixth top 10-charting effort for the group overall.
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The album also takes a bow in the top 10 on Top Alternative Albums (No. 2), Top Rock Albums (No. 2), Americana/Folk Albums (No. 2), Independent Albums (No. 2), Top Rock & Alternative Albums (No. 3), Vinyl Albums (No. 3) and Indie Store Album Sales (No. 5).
Elsewhere in the top 10 on the Top Album Sales chart, Ariana Grande’s Eternal Sunshine reenters atop the list following its Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead expanded reissue, while the latest efforts from Lucy Dacus, Alison Krauss + Union Station and NAV all arrive in the region.
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Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart ranks the top-selling albums of the week based only on traditional album sales. The chart’s history dates back to May 25, 1991, the first week Billboard began tabulating charts with electronically monitored piece count information from SoundScan, now Luminate. Pure album sales were the sole measurement utilized by the Billboard 200 albums chart through the list dated Dec. 6, 2014, after which that chart switched to a methodology that blends album sales with track equivalent album (TEA) units and streaming equivalent album (SEA) units.
Rushmere launches with 20,500 copies sold in the U.S. in the week ending April 3, according to Luminate. Vinyl accounts for nearly half of that sum. The set’s first-week sales were bolstered by its availability across six vinyl variants (including a signed version), four CD variants (including two signed versions), a cassette tape and a standard digital download.
Atop the chart, Ariana Grande’s 2024 album Eternal Sunshine reenters at No. 1 with 61,000 sold (up 5,338%). Its sales surge was caused by the release of its Eternal Sunshine Deluxe: Brighter Days Ahead expanded reissue with six previously unreleased songs. (All versions of the album, old and new, are combined for tracking and charting purposes under the title Eternal Sunshine.)
Sales of Eternal Sunshine were aided by its availability in a variety of permutations released for the Brighter Days Ahead launch. The original Eternal Sunshine album had 13 tracks, and the core Brighter Days Ahead album added six cuts: one extended version of the album-opening “Inro (End of the World)” and five new songs.
Grande’s webstore sold three exclusive variants of the download edition of the album: the 19-track edition, a version with the 19 tracks plus instrumentals of the same cuts, and another version with the 19 tracks and a cappella renditions of each cut (all with alternative cover artwork). Grande also released two vinyl variants and six CD editions of the reissue (some signed by the artist), containing the 19 tracks plus the three bonus tracks originally found on the album’s “slightly deluxe” reissues last year. Vinyl accounted for 26,000 of the set’s sales for the week – it reenters at No. 1 on the Vinyl Albums chart.
Lucy Dacus nabs her first top 10 on Top Album Sales, and with her largest sales week yet, as Forever Is a Feeling bows at No. 2 with 24,000 sold. Sales of the project were helped by its availability across nine vinyl variants (some signed), three CD variants (including a signed edition), a cassette tape and a standard download album. (Vinyl accounted for 17,500 of the album’s first-week sales. It debuts at No. 2 on the Vinyl Albums chart.)
Lady Gaga’s former leader MAYHEM falls 2-4 on Top Album Sales (nearly 10,500; down 22%), Kendrick Lamar’s chart-topping GNX dips 4-5 (almost 9,500; down 18%) and Sabrina Carpenter’s former No. 1 Short n’ Sweet rises 7-6 (just over 9,000; down 4%).
Alison Krauss and Union Station’s Arcadia – the first album from Krauss and Union Station in 14 years – debuts at No. 7 with nearly 9,000 sold. Krauss and Union Station last released a new studio project with Paper Airplane in 2011. The new set was issued across three vinyl variants, three CD variants (including a signed edition) and a standard download album.
NAV’s OMW2 Rexdale rounds out the debuts in the top 10 on Top Album Sales, as it enters at No. 8 with nearly 7,500 sold. It was available to purchase on vinyl, two CD variants (including a signed edition), four deluxe boxed sets (containing a copy of the standard CD and branded clothing), a standard download album, and eight artist webstore-exclusive variants of the download album (each with bonus tracks and alternative cover artwork).
Closing out the top 10: Selena Gomez and benny blanco’s I Said I Love You First falls 1-9 in its second week (7,000; down 90%) and Chappell Roan’s chart-topping The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess is a non-mover at No. 10 (nearly 7,000; down 4%).
Bella, where have you been, loca? Twilight‘s going on tour!
GEA Live and Lionsgate announced Twilight concert tour on Wednesday (April 9), according to Variety. The 60-date run will span across U.S. and kick off with a preview performance in Spokane, Wash.,on Sept. 12. It then opens in Seattle on Sept. 13, a.k.a. National Twilighters Day.
The live-to-film experience will show the original 2008 movie accompanied by an onstage 12-piece ensemble of rock and orchestral musicians, who will synchronize their performance to scenes in the visual. Tickets go on sale this Friday (April 11).
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The five Twilight films (Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn – Parts 1 & 2) are based on the popular Stephanie Meyer book series of the same name. The first novel, released in 2005, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. To celebrate, publishers Little, Brown Books for Young Readers is releasing a new edition of the series for a new generation of fans. The Twilight Saga Deluxe Hardcover Collection features five hardcover books, including the four main entries in the series as well as Midnight Sun, the companion novel published in 2020.
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See the full list of dates of the Twilight concert tour below.
September 12 – Spokane, WA – First Interstate Center for the ArtsSeptember 13 – Seattle, WA – Paramount TheatreSeptember 14 – Bellingham, WA – Mount Baker TheatreSeptember 15 – Portland, OR – Arlene Schnitzer Concert HallSeptember 17 – Idaho Falls, ID – Frontier Center for the Performing ArtsSeptember 18 – Boise, ID – Velma V. Morrison Center for the Performing ArtsSeptember 19 – Eugene, OR – Hult Center for the Performing ArtsSeptember 20 – Sacramento, CA – SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts CenterSeptember 21 – Modesto, CA – Gallo Center for the ArtsSeptember 23 – San Francisco, CA – Golden Gate TheatreSeptember 24 – Costa Mesa, CA – Segerstrom Center for the ArtsSeptember 25 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Civic TheatreSeptember 26 – San Jose, CA – San Jose Center for the Performing ArtsSeptember 27 – Reno, NV – Pioneer CenterSeptember 28 – Salt Lake City, UT – Eccles TheaterSeptember 30 – Los Angeles, CA – The WilternOctober 1 – Riverside, CA – Fox Performing Arts CenterOctober 2 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Arts CenterOctober 3 – Tucson, AZ – Fox TucsonOctober 4 – Albuquerque, NM – Popejoy HallOctober 5 – Denver, CO – Buell TheatreOctober 7 – Omaha, NE – Orpheum TheatreOctober 8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Thelma Gaylord Performing Arts TheatreOctober 9 – Sugar Land, TX – Smart Financial CentreOctober 10 – Dallas, TX – Majestic TheatreOctober 11 – Austin, TX – Bass Concert HallOctober 12 – San Antonio, TX – Majestic TheatreOctober 14 – New Orleans, LA – The Mahalia Jackson TheaterOctober 15 – Jacksonville, FL – Moran Theater October 16 – Orlando, FL – Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing ArtsOctober 17 – Sarasota, FL – Van Wezel Performing Arts HallOctober 18 – W. Palm Beach, FL – Kravis CenterOctober 19 – Miami, FL – Knight Concert Hall at the Adrienne Arsht CenterOctober 21 – Wilmington, NC – Wilson CenterOctober 22 – Durham, NC – Durham Performing Arts CenterOctober 23 – Greensboro, NC – Tanger CenterOctober 24–25 – Washington, DC – National TheatreOctober 26 – Wallingford, CT – Oakdale TheatreOctober 28 – Cincinnati, OH – Proctor and Gamble HallOctober 29 – Chesterfield, MO – The FactoryOctober 30 – Des Moines, IA – Des Moines Civic CenterOctober 31 – Ft. Wayne, IN – Embassy TheatreNovember 1 – Utica, NY – Stanley TheatreNovember 2 – Boston, MA – Emerson Colonial TheaterNovember 4 – Charlotte, NC – Ovens AuditoriumNovember 5 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat TheatreNovember 6 – Detroit, MI – Fisher TheatreNovember 7–8 – Chicago, IL – Cadillac Palace TheatreNovember 9 – Minneapolis, MN – Orpheum TheatreNovember 11 – Rochester, NY – Kodak CenterNovember 12 – Red Bank, NJ – Count Basie TheatreNovember 13 – Portland, ME – Merrill AuditoriumNovember 14 – Buffalo, NY – UB Center for the ArtsNovember 15 – Providence, RI – The VETSNovember 16 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings TheatreNovember 18 – Reading, PA – Santander Performing Arts CenterNovember 19 – Baltimore, MD – Lyric Opera HouseNovember 20 – Dayton, OH – Victoria TheatreNovember 21 – Richmond, VA – Dominion Energy CenterNovember 22 – Philadelphia, PA – Met Opera HouseNovember 23 – Newark, NJ – New Jersey Performing Arts CenterNovember 25 – Atlanta, GA – Cobb Energy Performing Arts CentreNovember 26 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd HallNovember 28 – Columbus, OH – Palace TheatreNovember 29 – Cleveland, OH – KeyBank State TheatreNovember 30 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside Theatre
Four-time ACM Awards nominee and three-time CMA Triple Play winner Ernest has teamed with rap superstar Snoop Dogg for the new song “Gettin’ Gone.”
The song marks the first release from an upcoming project on Ernest’s newly-minted DeVille Records, which he launched in partnership with Big Loud Records. “Gettin’ Gone” was written by Ernest, Snoop Dogg, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins and Mark Holman, with production by Jacob Durrett.
The song embodies a hybrid of captivating melodic hooks and a solidly driving, folk-rock honky-tonk sound, creating the preview for what fans can expect from the expansive sounds on Ernest’s upcoming Cadillac Sessions mixtape-style compilation, out May 9. The set will highlight two new original songs and a cover song from DeVille Records artists Chandler Walters, Cody Lohden and Rhys Rutherford.
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Leaning into the song’s good-time vibes, the video for “Gettin’ Gone” highlights the camaraderie between the two creative forces, featuring Snoop Dogg and Ernest driving around Nashville in Ernest’s Cadillac DeVille, as well as footage of the pair outside of Williamson County, Tennessee’s Castle Recording Studios, where “Gettin’ Gone” was produced.
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Over the past few years, Ernest has steadily been forging a reputation as a multi-faceted hitmaker and industry kingpin, notching his own hit songs such as “Flower Shops” and “Cowgirls” (both featuring Morgan Wallen), as well as his work penning hits for artists including Wallen, Post Malone, Kane Brown, Diplo, Chris Lane and Florida Georgia Line. He also launched the music publishing venture ERN’s Cadillac Music in 2023.
This isn’t Snoop’s first time in the country space — the rap legend recently teamed with rapper-turned-country star Jelly Roll for “Last Dance With Mary Jane,” which flips the Tom Petty classic “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” The pair introduced the song last year during Jelly Roll’s headlining show at Bridgestone Arena. Earlier this year, Snoop Dogg made a surprise performance at Nashville venue Losers Bar and Grill, and more recently made his own imprint on downtown Nashville with the the new bar, Still G.I.N. Lounge by Dre and Snoop, on 2nd Avenue in Nashville.
Check out the video for “Gettin’ Gone” below:
The Association of Independent Music Publishers celebrated the work, successes and creativity of Nashville’s independent music publishers and songwriters on Tuesday evening (April 8) during the AIMP Nashville Country Awards held at Marathon Music Works. The evening awarded winners in eight categories.
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Hosted by media personality Storme Warren, the event saw many of Nashville’s songwriting and publishing elites gather to fete top songs, songwriters, artists and publishers. Rising artist-writer of the year and artist of the year nominees and winners, both past and present, paid homage to various tunes that have previously won the song of the year category.
2025 AIMP Nashville Awards
Kayla Schoen
HARDY performed the Little Big Town-recorded “Girl Crush,” Jordan Davis sang Keith Urban’s “Blue Ain’t Your Color,” Hailey Whitters offered a rendition of Midland’s “Drinkin’ Problem” and Carly Pearce performed Kacey Musgraves’ “Rainbow.” Lee Brice performed the Maren Morris hit “The Bones,” while Jackson Dean performed Brice’s “One of Them Girls.” Old Dominion sang Morgan Wallen’s “Sand in My Boots,” while Ashley McBryde sang Chris Stapleton’s “You Should Probably Leave.” Hannah Ellis and Nick Wayne teamed up to perform Davis’s hit “Next Thing You Know.”
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The evening also included a tender video tribute to the late Warner Chappell Music Nashville president/CEO Ben Vaughn, who passed away in January.
Wrensong Entertainment’s Ree Guyer said in a statement, “What a magical night celebrating the Nashville independent community of writers and publishers. There was an undeniable sense of community in the room. Thank you to my amazing awards committee, who worked incredibly hard to bring this night to life.”
2025 AIMP Nashville Awards
Kayla Schoen
See the list of this year’s winners and nominees below:
Rising songwriter of the year:
*7 nominees (because of a tie)Abram Dean – Independently published by Concord Music PublishingWINNER: Jon Decious – Independently published by OneRiot, ReservoirLalo Guzman – Independently published by SMACKSongsWyatt McCubbin – Independently published by 50 Egg Music, Tape Room MusicSteve Moakler – Independently published by Creative NationDaniel Ross – Independently published by Big Machine MusicChandler Walters – Independently published by Ern’s Cadillac Music, Big Loud Publishing
Rising artist writer of the year:
George Birge – Independently published by Big Machine MusicLaci Kaye Booth – Independently published by Big Machine MusicDylan Marlowe – Independently published by Play It Again Music, Relative Music GroupVincent Mason – Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music PublishingWINNER: Zach Top – Independently published by Major Bob MusicTucker Wetmore – Independently published by Back Blocks Music
Artist-writer of the year:
Ashley Cooke – Independently published by Back Blocks Music, Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Jordan Davis – Independently published by Anthem EntertainmentJackson Dean – Independently published by Little Louder MusicERNEST – Independently published by Big Loud PublishingHARDY – Independently published by Relative Music GroupCarly Pearce – Independently published by Altadena Music
Song champion of the year:
WINNER: Courtney Allen – Sr. Director, A&R, Concord Music PublishingGreg Gallo – VP, Creative, ReservoirShannan Hatch – SVP, Creative, SESACMaryAnn Keen – Director, Creative, BMI NashvilleSara Knabe – SVP, A&R, Big Loud MusicMelissa Spillman – VP, A&R, Concord Music Publishing
Publisher pick of the year:“Casseroles” written by Hillary Lindsey, Tom Douglas, and James Slater; Independently published by Concord Music PublishingPerformed by Hailey WhittersWINNER: “Hell Is A Dance Floor” written by Vincent Mason and Chase McDaniel; Independently published by Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing Performed by Vincent Mason“Killed A Man” written by Joe Fox, Geoff Warburton, and Jimi Bell; Independently published by Liz Rose Music, Big Machine Music, Range Music Publishing, Worktape Music Performed by Post Malone“Made In The USA” written by Ben Stennis, Emily Falvey, and Adam James; Independently published by SMACKSongs, Kobalt Music Publishing, Young Guns Publishing Performed by Cody Johnson“Midwest Rock & Roll” written by Ryan Hurd, Mark Holman, and Randy Montana; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Big Loud Publishing Performed by Ryan Hurd“The Loneliest Girl In The World” written by Laci Kaye Booth, Jon Stark, and Aby Gutierrez; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Dream3 Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Performed by Laci Kaye Booth
Song of the year:
“A Bar Song (Tipsy)” written by Mark Allen Williams, Joe Kent, Sean Cook, Collins Obinna Chibueze, Nevin Sastry, and Jerell Jones; Independently published by Kobalt Music, Seeker Music, Range Music PublishingPerformed by Shaboozey“Burn It Down” written by Hillary Lindsey, Liz Rose, Lori McKenna, and Parker McCollum; Independently published by Concord Music Publishing, Liz Rose Music, Creative NationPerformed by Parker McCollum“I Had Some Help” written by Ernest Keith Smith, Chandler Walters, Ashley Gorley, Morgan Wallen, Austin Post, Hoskins, Louis Bell, Ryan Vojtesak; Independently published by Big Loud Publishing, Ern’s Cadillac Music, Domain Capitol Group Performed by Post Malone & Morgan Wallen“Lies Lies Lies” written by Jessie Jo Dillon, Daniel Ross, Chris Tompkins, Josh Miller; Independently published by Big Machine Music, Concord Music Publishing, Boom Music GroupPerformed by Morgan WallenWINNER: “The Painter” written by Benjy Davis, Kat Higgins, and Ryan Larkins; Independently published by Big Machine MusicPerformed by Cody Johnson“Wind Up Missin’ You” written by Tucker Wetmore, Chris LaCorte, and Thomas Archer; Independently published by BackBlocks Music, Hang Your Hat Music, Concord Music Publishing, Combustion MusicPerformed by Tucker Wetmore
Songwriter of the year:
Rocky Block – Independently published by Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Jessie Jo Dillon – Independently published by Big Machine MusicAshley Gorley – Independently published by Domain Capitol GroupHunter Phelps – Independently published by Tape Room MusicTaylor Phillips – Independently published by Tape Room MusicJonathan Singleton – Independently published by 50 Egg Music
Top independent music publisher of the year:
Big Loud PublishingWINNER: Big Machine MusicConcord Music PublishingPurple Rabbit Music
Travis Scott and Pop Smoke connected in late 2019 for “GATTI,” and the gritty visual saw the duo riding in style inside a lavish Bugatti Chiron.
Instead of renting the luxury sports cars, Scott wanted to make the video authentic, so he ended up buying the Bugatti Chiron — reportedly worth more than $5 million — off the lot, which he explained to Complex‘s Joe La Puma as part of the publication’s On Display series.
“I remember I was doing the song, and Pop’s like, ‘You know, we gotta bring Bugattis out, man!’ I forgot who was helping us with the video,” Scott recalled. “The guy was like, ‘Yeah, man, I know somebody that can bring some Bugattis out for us.’”
La Flame continued: “I’m thinking, ‘Bring ’em out for us?’ Nah, f–k that. So I’m like, ‘Naw, I’m just gonna go and get this.’ We was at the shoot, me and Pop. He was like, ‘Man, damn bro. This s–t smells brand new.’ I was like ‘Yeah, bro. I just got it like a week ago.’”
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“GATTI” went on to serve as a standout from Scott and Cactus Jack’s JACKBOYS label compilation project in December 2019. The drill track peaked at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was Pop’s first Hot 100 entry. The Brooklyn rapper was killed less than two months later in February 2020 during an armed robbery shooting in L.A.’s Hidden Hills.
Pop Smoke was just 20 at the time of his death, and Scott had envisioned an extremely bright future for his friend as one of the superstars that would change the rap game.
“You one of the illest rappers,” he recalled telling Pop in 2019. “I feel like you changing the whole sound of New York. I don’t even know if you know right now, but from the sound of the beats to the way you putting it together, it’s gonna create an allegiance of sound and the creatives so you gonna have a million [Bugattis].”
Watch the “GATTI” video and Scott’s sit-down with Complex below.
Los Alegres Del Barranco’s “El Del Palenque” debuts at No. 1 on Billboard’s LyricFind Global chart dated April 12 following interest in the 2021 song amid the Mexican band’s controversy over a concert during which it showed images of a cartel leader while performing the tune. The LyricFind Global and LyricFind U.S. charts rank the […]
Loyle Carner has shared his first taste of new music in almost three years with the release of new singles “All I Need” and “In My Mind.”
The London-based musician (real name Ben Coyle-Larner) released hugo, his most recent LP, in October 2022. The album hit the No. 3 spot on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart and was nominated for the prestigious Mercury Prize.
In the last week, he began teasing new music with photos from the studio on his Instagram, and in an accompanying press release, Carner said that indie acts such as Fontaines D.C., Idles and Big Thief inspired him to write more alternative music after years with his hip-hop-influenced sound.
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On the tour supporting hugo, Carner formed a live band to help elevate his material, and utilised the new set-up for “All I Need” and “In My Mind.” The tour concluded in August 2024 with a show at London’s 35,000-capacity All Points East festival in Victoria Park.
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Carner is yet to confirm the release of what could be his fourth studio album, but in June, he will headline Glastonbury’s Other Stage alongside other huge names across the weekend, including Charli XCX and The Prodigy, and has teased it as “his only show of the summer.” The Pyramid Stage will be headlined by The 1975, Olivia Rodrigo and Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts.
Since arriving on the British scene more than a decade ago, the south Londoner has released three studio albums — Yesterday’s Gone (2017), Not Waving, but Drowning (2019) and hugo (2022) — and his material has crossed over 1.1 billion streams throughout his career. In that time, he has sold out historic venues such as London’s Wembley Arena, and collaborated closely with guitarist Tom Misch and jazz group Ezra Collective.
He has been passionate about his love of cooking and raising awareness for people living with ADHD. In 2024, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London, and was recently announced to star in his first acting gig in the upcoming BBC series Mint, by BAFTA-nominated Scrapper director Charlotte Regan.
Listen to his two new songs below:
Lucy Dacus and MUNA’s Katie Gavin are on the latest cover of Alternative Press, and the duo paid tribute to an iconic Vanity Fair cover for their photoshoot. In the snap, Dacus is seen in a barber chair with shaving cream on her face, as Gavin gives her a sensual shave while wearing a black […]
East Tennessee native and cultural icon Dolly Parton will soon have her inspirational career spotlighted in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Museum, when the Hall launches its new exhibition, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker, on May 20. The exhibit will run until September 2026.
Parton, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Songwriters Hall of Fame and Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, has forged a multifaceted career as a singer, songwriter, actor, author, businesswoman and philanthropist.
“Being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame was one of the greatest moments of my life, and being able to have a personal exhibit for the fans that put me there is a very big deal to me,” Parton said in a statement. “This seeker is very proud and honored, and I hope you enjoy my journey. I will always love you.”
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“After accomplishing enough for three lifetimes, Dolly Parton continues to astound and amaze us with her boundless talent, her vivacious wit and her tremendous generosity,” added Kyle Young, chief executive officer of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. “Like all great artists, Parton has demonstrated consistently that she can transform adversity and setbacks into works of stunning beauty and insight into the human condition.”
The exhibit will feature costumes, awards, instruments, photographs, handwritten lyrics and exclusive interview footage from throughout Parton’s career. In 1978, Parton was named as the Country Music Association’s entertainer of the year, and she was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1999. At 79, her tireless passion for her career is evident, as she continues extending her career’s acclaim with the recent announcements of her upcoming musical and Nashville hotel.
The exhibit will highlight key points in Parton’s career, such as the handwritten lyrics to her No. 1 hit “Jolene,” and the Sony portable cassette tape player recorder she used when she wrote her now-iconic songs including “I Will Always Love You,” “Jolene” and the exhibit’s namesake song, “The Seeker.”
Other pieces to be featured include Parton’s Kennedy Center Honors medallion she was presented with in 2006, as well as a cowgirl outfit Parton wore in the 1980 movie 9 to 5. Also on display will be a Lucy Adams-designed dress Parton wore on appearances on The Porter Wagoner Show, as well as the cover of the 1974 album Porter ‘n’ Dolly, which marked the final collaborative project from Parton and Wagoner. Another dress, designed by Steve Summers, features mesh fabric, spikes and breaded fringe, and was worn by Parton in promoting her 2023 album Rockstar.
The exhibit showcases Parton’s generational appeal through her inspirational, rags-to-riches story of growing up in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, in a home with no plumbing or electricity. She inherited from her family both a love of music and an intense work ethic, and by the age of 10, she was performing on radio and television broadcasts in Knoxville, Tenn. She began recording music by the time she was in her teens. She moved to Nashville after finishing high school, and released her debut album, Hello, I’m Dolly, in 1967 on Monument Records.
Crucially, Dolly Parton: Journey of a Seeker will highlight Parton’s determined spirit throughout her career and her unique creative and business vision, such as when, at age 13, she made her Grand Ole Opry debut, though only after she and her uncle Bill Owens persuaded Jimmy C. Newman to give her one of his Opry performance timeslots after an Opry manager refused to give her a performance timeslot due to her young age. In 1974, after a seven-year stint on The Porter Wagoner Show, Parton decided to part ways with Wagoner, with whom she had become one of country music’s most popular duos. That decision sparked the beginning of Parton’s rise as one of country music’s most revered and recognized solo artists.
Later on in her career, she opted to work with Los Angeles pop music producer Gary Klein on her 1977 album Here You Come Again, which brought backlash from some in the Nashville music community, who claimed she was abandoning Nashville in favor of pop music success. The album reached No. 1 on Billboard‘s top country albums chart, and the top 20 on the all-genre Billboard 200, spurred by songs including the title track and “Two Doors Down.” The album was also Parton’s first million-selling album, earned the star her first Grammy award win, and led to her film debut in the movie 9 to 5.
The exhibit also highlights the 10-time Grammy winner’s work as a philanthropist. Among her initiatives, in 1995, she encouraged new generations of children to love reading by founding Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. Three years later, she launched the Dollywood Foundation, with the Imagination Library as its flagship program. The program is now active in not only all 50 states, but also in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Along with the new Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exhibit, an illustrated and in-depth exhibit book will supplement the information presented in the gallery presentation. The book will highlight Parton’s career triumphs and share stories behind four of her most beloved songs, “9 to 5,” “Coat of Many Colors,” “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene.” The book will also be sold in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s store starting May 20. An official exhibit playlist will be available on all major streaming platforms beginning on May 20.
Rubby Pérez was among the victims of the deadly Jet Set nightclub roof collapse on Tuesday (April 8). Hours after the tragedy, it was confirmed that the 69-year-old merengue icon had died after being trapped in the rubble.
Pérez had been performing at the nightclub in the early morning hours of Tuesday at the upscale nightclub located in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, when the roof collapsed, killing more than 120 people, according to the Associated Press’ latest death toll, and injuring hundreds more.
On Wednesday, Pérez’s team posted an official statement on the artist’s Instagram account. “It is with deep sorrow that we inform you of the passing of our beloved Rubby Pérez,” the post reads in Spanish. “We sincerely appreciate all the love, support and solidarity we have received at this difficult time for his family, friends and fans. His musical and human legacy will live forever in our hearts.”
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Born Francisco Arturo Pérez in Hato Mayor, the singer launched his career as the lead vocalist of Wilfrido Vargas’ orchestra. He then kicked off his solo career in the 1980s and catapulted to stardom thanks to classics like “Volveré” and “Enamorado de Ella.”
Immediately after reports of his death, a number of Latin artists posted heartfelt tributes in honor of the musician. “Heartbroken, not only for all the victims of this tragedy but also for the departure of someone so admired,” merengue star Olga Tañón wrote on Instagram. “My God, maestro you leave us in great pain. One of my greatest idols of all my life!”
“My heart goes out to all Dominicans after such a terrible tragedy, the loss of a great musician, a great brother, who with his music transcended generations as was the great Rubby Pérez, and for all those who died and were affected under the same circumstances,” wrote Venezuelan salsa singer Oscar D’León.
Meanwhile, Wilfrido Vargas, who was a key figure in the rise of Pérez, shared on Instagram: “I am devastated. The best singer the genre has ever produced, the highest voice of merengue. The friend and idol of our genre, has just left us. I have no more words. This is very deep, deeper than what you can feel even in the most terrible of dreams. Farewell Rubby Pérez.”
“You have arrived in the presence of the Lord Jesus, dear and admired Rubby Pérez,” Juan Luis Guerra wrote on Instagram. “May God pour out strength and His peace that surpasses all understanding upon your family and friends!”
Fellow Dominican artist, Milly Quezada, expressed on Instagram: “Fly high my friend! Rest in peace dear Rubby! My heart goes out to your family and also to the families of all those affected in this tragedy!Without words…”
Other artists who mourned Rubby Pérez include Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Chichi Peralta, Elvis Crespo, Sergio Vargas, Yordano and Toño Rosario, among others.
