press releases
Merle Monroe Nominated for the IBMA New Artist of the Year And Debut of SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE To a Sold Out World Famous Station
For Immediate Release
Sheri Clark Agency
July 27, 2021
Merle Monroe Nominated for the International Bluegrass Music Association New Artist of the Year Award and Debuts Their Latest Project SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE To a Sold Out World Famous Station Inn
Merle Monroe had a busy week starting July 20 with the honor of being a featured performer for the International Bluegrass Music Association's Award Show Nomination Ceremony, and then back on Saturday July 24 for their album release event premiering their latest project, SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE to a sold out show at the World Famous Station Inn.
The first appearance was on Tuesday for the IBMA Awards Nomination Ceremony at The Station Inn hosted by Peter Cooper of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum with IBMA Board Chair Mike Simpson, and IBMA Executive Director Pat Morris.
Including the honor of performing two songs, Merle Monroe received a nomination for New Artist of the Year.
After a long wait due to the pandemic, Merle Monroe was able to premiere their latest project on Pinecastle Records, SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE for their second event of the week at The World Famous Station Inn in Nashville, TN on Saturday, July 24.
The show kicked-off with an introduction by Paul Schiminger, retiring Executive Director of The International Bluegrass Music Association, to a standing room only crowd, and was was also attended by present Executive Director, Pat Morris. Another incredible honor for the band was the presence of the Grand Ole Opry's Bill Anderson who celebrates his 60th year as a member. Mr. Anderson wrote the song "Saginaw Michigan", another cut on Merle Monroe's newest project, and was present for its live debut.
SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE features four number one songs, "Hello Sunshine", "God's Still In Control" and "I'm Leaving Town Tonight" all written by Merle Monroe's lead singer, Tim Raybon, and the latest "Goodbye Marie", a classic country hit by Mel McDaniel and Dennis Linde.
As an iTunes Featured New Release on both Country and Americana lists, SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE was officially released June 4, 2021 and is the second installment from Merle Monroe's Tim Raybon and Daniel Grindstaff featuring 7 new songs written by Tim, and 5 Country and Bluegrass originals and classics.
SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE is the #1 Roots Music Report Bluegrass Album for the weeks of July 10, 17 and 24th, with "Goodbye Marie" as the latest #1 single for week of July 10.
A continuing theme from their first number one Country/Alternative and Bluegrass project, "Back To The Country", SONGS OF A SIMPLE LIFE continues to pay homage to heroes with a mix of Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe styles. Tim Raybon and Daniel Grindstaff forge forward with original Country / Bluegrass songs that have become the trademark for Merle Monroe's American Music theme.
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Peter Cooper of Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Derek Deakin, Eddy Bell, Tim Raybon, Matt Wright, Daniel Grindstaff and Kevin Richardson
Daniel Grindstaff, Paul Schiminger (retiring Director of IBMA) Pat Morris (Director of IBMA) and Tim Raybon
Tim Raybon, 60 Year Member of The Grand Ole Opry, Bill Anderson and Daniel Grindstaff
Merle Monroe Releases Latest Sophomore Album ‘Songs of a Simple Life”
Featuring Brand New Single “Goodbye Marie”
Available for DJ Download on AirPlay Direct
Full Album Featuring 12 New Recordings Out Today via Pinecastle Records
June 4, 2021
Nashville, Tenn. - The wait is finally over, as critically-acclaimed band Merle Monroe releases their highly-anticipated sophomore album, Songs of a Simple Life. Available today via Pinecastle Records, the project includes 12 new recordings, each spotlighting the IBMA-nominated band’s signature style which is heavily influenced by music icons Bill Monroe and Merle Haggard. Fans can download and stream the full collection HERE.
Featured on the album is the latest single, “Goodbye Marie.” Written by Dennis Linde and Mel McDaniel, the lyrics perfectly fit the theme of the record. It was unveiled last week during a special edition of SiriusXM’s Sidetracks with host Kyle Cantrell. During the show, the band also exclusively premiered the entire project in-full for fans to hear for the very first time. Merle Monroe had another surprise earlier this week, when they also revealed another album cut called “Shelby Tell Me” on The Bluegrass Situation. Other standout recordings on Songs of a Simple Life include a must-hear rendition of “(I’d Be) A Legend In My Time” which showcases a different side of the band. Over the years, the track has been covered by Country greats like Ronnie Milsap, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Waylon Jennings, etc.
To date, the record has already produced THREE number one radio hits. With the first release “God’s Still In Control” being unveiled late spring of 2020, the song served as a leading inspiration to help get fans through the raging pandemic. It was followed by the second single “Hello Sunshine” last fall, which went on to top the Bluegrass charts for multiple weeks, becoming one of the group’s best charting songs. The track offered a glimmer of hope and optimism that was very much needed at the time. They also unveiled the hard-driving third single, “I’m Leaving Town Tonight” earlier this year which would spend multiple weeks in the top spot of the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart.
On Songs of a Simple Life, Merle Monroe is moving into new territory. Founded by members Tim Raybon and Danel Grindstaff, they’re charging full steam ahead. Raybon has proven himself as one of the genre’s most promising songwriters. In addition to writing THREE Number One hits for Merle Monroe over the last year, the hitmaker took his craft to new heights on the new record, penning an impressive seven cuts. Playing on the record includes Tim Raybon (vocals, guitar, bass), Daniel Grindstaff (vocals, banjo), Derek Deakins (fiddle), Kent Blanton (bass), Stephen Burwell (fiddle), Andy Leftwich (mandolin), Harry Stinson (percussion), Trey Hensley (guitar), Kevin Richardson (guitar), Gaven Largent (resophonic guitar), Harry Clark (mandolin) and Josh Swift (resophonic guitar).
Songs of a Simple Life Track Listing:
1. Hello Sunshine (written by Tim Raybon)
2. Goodbye Marie (written by Dennis Linde, Mel McDaniel)
3. I’m Leaving Town Tonight (written by Tim Raybon)
4. Shelby Tell Me (written by Tim Raybon)
5. Harlan Darlin’ (written by Tim Stafford, Bobby Starnes)
6. (I’d Be) A Legend in My Time (written by Don Gibson)
7. Roll On Muddy River (written by Vern and Rex Gosdin)
8. Renae Rose (written by Tim Raybon)
9. Sing His Praises Forever (written by Tim Raybon)
10. Saginaw Michigan (written by Bill Anderson, Don Wayne)
11. Forget About You (written by Tim Raybon)
12. God’s Still In Control (written by Tim Raybon)
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I'm Leaving Town Tonight
Newest single from upcoming project "Songs of a simple life" Due out May 7
Single Premiered Feb. 11 on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction
Nashville, Tenn. - Since Merle Monroe released their debut album in 2019, the Bluegrass group has quickly added to their list of accolades. In addition to charting multiple No. 1 hits and scoring their first IBMA nomination in 2020, they’re bringing a fresh approach to the evolving genre. With the New Year now in full swing, the band is moving to their brand new single, “I’m Leaving Town Tonight.” Written by co-founder Tim Raybon, the recording made its world premiere this morning on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction.
“We are very appreciative to our fans and our friends in radio for the support of our music - your support makes this worthwhile,” says Merle Monroe co-founders Daniel Grindstaff and Tim Raybon. “We hope you enjoy “I’m leaving town tonight” and can’t wait for you all to hear the upcoming project!”
“I’m Leaving Town Tonight” serves as the latest release from the band’s upcoming album Songs of a Simple Life, set for release on May 7. The sophomore project will pick up right where the debut Back to the Country left off, by writing the next chapter in the rising band’s story. “I’m Leaving Town Tonight” is an upbeat recording that is the perfect way to showcase what fans can expect from the full collection. It tells the story about leaving to escape all your troubles, but with a unique twist. Heavily inspired by their main influences Merle Haggard and Bill Monroe, that connection is clearly heard in the group’s signature sound.
Music enthusiasts got their first taste of the album in the form of the lead single, “God’s Still in Control” in 2020. To date, the song has struck a chord with fans, going on to spend multiple weeks at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Gospel Weekly Airplay Chart, along with Roots Music Report. Last fall, Merle Monroe unveiled the second single “Hello Sunshine,” which has gone on to become arguably their most successful hit to date. The anthem has spent several weeks at No. 1 on the Bluegrass Today Weekly Airplay Chart, with Music Row Magazine saying, “Happy, toe-tapping music of new love. Love these close-harmony, fleet-fingered guys.”
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Chart-Topping Band to Perform on the IBMA Awards Pre-Show Presented by The Bluegrass Situation Later This Week
The Country Note
