Digital release supports tornado relief efforts

Though Music City has seen a difficult few weeks, it has also seen an outpouring of strength throughout the community. In that vein, Warner Music Nashville has announced a digital compilation entitled Nashville Strong, in support of tornado relief efforts. All WMN proceeds will be donated to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund via The Community Foundation. This initiative follows Warner Music Group’s contribution to the Fund in the immediate aftermath of this month’s natural disaster.

Artists from across the WMN roster are featured on the 21 song collection. No. 1 singles, including Blake Shelton’s “God’s Country,” Brett Eldredge’s “Drunk On Your Love,” Chris Janson’s “Good Vibes” and Cole Swindell’s “You Should Be Here,” join current radio hits “I Hope” (Gabby Barrett) and “More Hearts Than Mine” (Ingrid Andress) as well as other fan favorites from Ashley McBryde, Cody Johnson, Devin Dawson, Michael Ray, Morgan Evans and more.

The move follows the CMA/SESAC, Gibson Gives, CMT/WSMV and country stars donating to the clean up efforts following a pair of EF-2 tornadoes that ravaged through Nashville and nearby communities. The twisters killed nearly two dozen people and destroyed at several dozen buildings, including the popular East Nashville venue, The Basement East, leaving only one standing wall, containing a mural displaying “I Believe in Nashville.”

The Country Music Association (CMA) is giving $100k for tornado relief through The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee’s Emergency Response Fund, which supports affected communities and nonprofits helping victims address ongoing needs.

CMT, WSMV-TV and The American Red Cross raised nearly $400k in donations for tornado victims during the Rebuilding Tennessee Telethon that aired on March 5th across CMT’s social media platforms. Country stars, such as Lady Antebellum’s Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley, Cassadee Pope and Nashville’s Sam Palladio were among the celebrities who answered phones from people wanting to donate around the country.

Several stars even contributed large donations. Kid Rock donated $50k and Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta pitched in $100k. CoreCivic also pledged $25k with WSMV-TV pitching in $10k.

Before the telecast, Taylor Swift donated $1 million to the Middle Tennessee Emergency Response Fund. The country-turned-pop-star considers Nashville her home after relocating from her native Pennsylvania to kick start her career. The singer still owns a mansion in nearby Hendersonville.

Nashville-based Gibson guitars is working to make guitarists affected by storms whole again, providing immediate help by giving a guitar to any musician whose instrument was damaged or destroyed through its charitable organization, Gibson Gives.

Nashville Strong Track Listing:

1. Drunk On Your Love (Brett Eldredge)
2. One Night Standards (Ashley McBryde)
3. Good Vibes (Chris Janson)
4. I Hope (Gabby Barrett)
5. Dear Rodeo (Cody Johnson)
6. Cut Your Groove (Charlie Worsham)
7. Right Here Right Now (Ryan Griffin)
8. God’s Country (Blake Shelton)
9. More Hearts Than Mine (Ingrid Andress)
10. Dark Horse (Devin Dawson)
11. Hey Cowgirl (Randall King)
12. Dirt Road Dancin’ (Trea Landon)
13. Where I Get It From (Cale Dodds)
14. You Should Be Here (Cole Swindell)
15. I Don’t Want To Know (The Last Bandoleros)
16. Things That We Drink To (Morgan Evans)
17. The Hamptons (Walker County)
18. Get To You (Michael Ray)
19. Cake for Breakfast (Troy Cartwright)
20. Keep It Lit (Tegan Marie)
21. Wherever You Go (Dee White)