Marcus K. Dowling
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Marcus K. Dowling
@marcuskdowling.bsky.social
120 followers 49 following 460 posts
Culture, At Large.
Iconoclastic Polymath.
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Marcus K. Dowling @marcuskdowling.bsky.social · Sep 16
For the Tennessean, I highlighted how in the 1970s, Robert Redford's ties to Nashville included Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, advocating for consumer rights, and involving himself in country music's expanding popularity.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Robert Redford's Nashville era included ties to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings in the '70s
Between 1976 and 1980, Robert Redford was frequently in Music City advocating for consumer rights and involving himself in country's popularity.
www.tennessean.com
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I spoke at length with Ne-Yo about his recent journey tapping into Nashville's country roots for his latest musical evolution.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Ne-Yo taps Nashville's country roots for his latest musical evolution
Grammy-winning pop, R&B hitmaker Ne-Yo talks reviving his longtime interest in country music with new sounds he's created in Nashville.
www.tennessean.com
September 22, 2025 at 10:21 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I highlighted how in the 1970s, Robert Redford's ties to Nashville included Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, advocating for consumer rights, and involving himself in country music's expanding popularity.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Robert Redford's Nashville era included ties to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings in the '70s
Between 1976 and 1980, Robert Redford was frequently in Music City advocating for consumer rights and involving himself in country's popularity.
www.tennessean.com
September 16, 2025 at 6:13 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For my latest Tennessean "Pick" newsletter, I highlighted the work Marcie Allen Van Mol, She Is The Music and FEMco's Leslie Fram are up to recently at Anzie Blue, plus the excellent songwriting showcased by HARDY and Jessie Jo Dillon's work on "Bottomland."

www.tennessean.com/story/nlette...
September 8, 2025 at 10:20 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Meet me at the Total Experience in one half a hour.

📸 = Christy Hunter
🌟 = Headline by MM / McKenzie Mitchell
🧥 = Boogie Child
🏨 = Waymore's Nashville
September 8, 2025 at 10:11 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For my latest Tennessean "Pick" newsletter, I highlighted Dolly: A True Original Musical" performer Carrie St. Louis and dove a bit deeper into her career and its inspirations.

www.tennessean.com/story/nlette...
August 31, 2025 at 8:59 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Margo Price wears Loretta Lynn's dress at the Grand Ole Opry, receives official proclamation from Mayor Freddie O'Connell

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Margo Price wears Loretta Lynn's dress at Opry, receives official proclamation from mayor
On Aug. 29, Margo Price released her latest album, "Hard Headed Woman," performed at the Grand Old Opry in a legendary Loretta Lynn gown, more
www.tennessean.com
August 30, 2025 at 11:59 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Big Machine Records, acts linked to the label, including Riley Green, Sheryl Crow, Carly Pearce, performed in downtown Nashville on Lower Broadway.

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Riley Green, Carly Pearce, Rascal Flatts headline concert on Nashville's Lower Broadway
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Big Machine Records, acts linked to the label, including Riley Green, Sheryl Crow and Carly Pearce, performed.
www.tennessean.com
August 30, 2025 at 11:57 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
John C. Reilly talks latest role as 'Mister Romantic,' hosting the Americanafest Honors & Awards

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
John C. Reilly talks latest role as 'Mister Romantic,' hosting Americana Honors & Awards
John C. Reilly discusses his acting, American songbook vocal work in "Mister Romantic," plus hosting the Americana Honors & Awards on Sept. 10.
www.tennessean.com
August 30, 2025 at 11:56 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Nashville's Pat McLaughlin recalls turning his home into a refuge after Hurricane Katrina

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Nashville's Pat McLaughlin recalls turning his home into a refuge after Hurricane Katrina
Singer-songwriter Pat McLaughlin provided safe haven for artists like Susan Cowsill, who experienced incredible tragedies during Hurricane Katrina.
www.tennessean.com
August 30, 2025 at 11:55 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
On Aug. 26, for the Tennessean, I witnessed MTSU rename its College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Middle Tennessee State renames part of college after Scott Borchetta
On Aug. 26, 2025, Middle Tennessee State University renamed its College of Media and Entertainment in honor of Big Machine CEO Scott Borchetta.
www.tennessean.com
August 30, 2025 at 11:54 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For The Tennessean, award-winning country performer Jordan Davis and I had an excellent discussion about his third album, "Learn The Hard Way," as well as balancing hit songs with successful touring.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
From 'Singles You Up' to 'Bar None,' Jordan Davis learns the hard way
ACM and CMA Award-winning country performer Jordan Davis talks his third album "Learn The Hard Way," plus balancing hit songs with successful touring.
www.tennessean.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:16 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Chapel Hart 'press pause,' while 2 members announce new country duo — Magnolia Rising

An exclusive conversation with Devynn Hart and Trea Swindle for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Chapel Hart 'press pause,' while 2 members announce new country duo — Magnolia Rising
The Opry & "America's Got Talent" beloved country trio Chapel Hart announce "pause" of group, members Devynn Hart, Trea Swindle premiere new pairing.
www.tennessean.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:15 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, Brian Kelley and I discussed his new album, "Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One," plus the value of spending three decades of being "into trying to remain authentic to myself in the moment."

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Brian Kelley's new album showcases his growth as a solo artist and songwriter
Brian Kelley has released "Sunshine State of Mind Season Two, Chapter One," his fourth solo album in four years.
www.tennessean.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:14 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Tanner Adell brings unique country swagger, packed crowd to Nashville's EXIT/IN

Cache McClay and I's latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Tanner Adell brings unique country swagger, packed crowd to Nashville's Exit/In
Country singer-songwriter, Beyoncé collaborator Tanner Adell performed at a capacity-filled Exit/In on August 21, 2025
www.tennessean.com
August 26, 2025 at 11:13 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, Grammy-winning bluegrass and pop artist Molly Tuttle and I discussed her creatively expansive new release "So Long Little Miss Sunshine," plus coming to terms with her lifelong battle with alopecia.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Molly Tuttle on hair loss, pop inspirations and new album 'So Long Little Miss Sunshine'
Grammy-winning bluegrass-pop artist Molly Tuttle releases "So Long Little Miss Sunshine" and comes to terms with her lifelong battle with alopecia.
www.tennessean.com
August 20, 2025 at 10:23 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I've spent the last month observing "Dolly: A True Original Musical," while also spending time with Dolly Parton, plus Quinn Titcomb, Carrie St. Louis and Katie Rose Clarke, the Broadway actresses who portray her.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Three actresses play Dolly Parton in her new musical. Inside their sisterhood
Broadway actresses Quinn Titcomb, Carrie St. Louis and Katie Rose Clarke portray Dolly Parton at different stages of her life.
www.tennessean.com
August 19, 2025 at 10:21 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I spent a night at the Grand Ole Opry with Elmo and Abby Cadabby, watching them make their Opry debuts, plus talking with them about all manner of things country music related.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Elmo, Abby Cadabby make Grand Ole Opry debut, share what they love about country music
As a part of the Grand Ole Opry's 100th anniversary, Sesame Street Muppets Abby Cadabby, Elmo joined Tayla Lynn, Lauren Alaina at the legendary Nashville venue.
www.tennessean.com
August 15, 2025 at 6:02 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Jeannie Seely's life of 'humor, spunk and sass' celebrated at
Grand Ole Opry memorial

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Jeannie Seely's life of 'humor, spunk and sass' celebrated at Grand Ole Opry memorial
Jeannie Seely's 5,398th Grand Ole Opry appearance was her final one — a legacy-honoring celebration at the Opry House.
www.tennessean.com
August 15, 2025 at 5:58 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, country performer Gavin Adcock and I sat at John Daly's Nashville and talked about his new album, "Own Worst Enemy," out August 15, plus his wild rise to country and touring stardom.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Gavin Adcock rips jeans, chugs whiskey and drops new album 'Own Worst Enemy'
ACM-nominated country performer Gavin Adcock talks his new album, "Own Worst Enemy," out August 15, plus his wild rise to country, touring stardom.
www.tennessean.com
August 13, 2025 at 4:57 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I took an exclusive tour of Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business' recently opened first phase of its $58 million Music Row expansion, plus learned why the school wants to "keep music on Music Row."

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Peek inside the first phase of Belmont University's $58M music business school expansion
Belmont University's Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business has opened the first of two phases of its $58 million Music Row expansion.
www.tennessean.com
August 13, 2025 at 10:29 AM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For my latest Tennessean "Pick" newsletter, I chronicled why hitmakers like Noah Kahan, Ed Sheeran & Alex Warren have arrived in Music City, showcased Corrina, new Tim McGraw, more reasons to stop by Robert's Western World.

www.tennessean.com/story/nlette...
August 8, 2025 at 6:23 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean / USATODAY, California-born singer-songwriter Alex Warren and I dove deep on how surviving grief and discovering love have inspired his two years of pop hits, plus why his unique sound works.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Alex Warren's 'Ordinary' turns pain into pop power
California-born singer-songwriter Alex Warren dives deep on surviving grief, discovering love, his two years of pop hits, why his unique sound works.
www.tennessean.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:23 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
Jason Aldean's timeless country appeal showcased at Bridgestone Arena

My latest for the Tennessean.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Jason Aldean's timeless country appeal showcased at Bridgestone Arena
Jason Aldean headlined at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on August 7, 2025. Kane Brown appeared as a guest, RaeLynn, Nate Smith opened.
www.tennessean.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:21 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
For the Tennessean, I spoke to Hannah Dasher, Madeline Edwards, and more about the March 2025 Sony Music Publishing releases that were recently passed country icon Jeannie Seely's final recordings.

www.tennessean.com/story/entert...
Nashville artists reflect on Grand Ole Opry member Jeannie Seely's final recordings
Hannah Dasher, Madeline Edwards and others discuss the Sony Music releases that country icon Jeannie Seely released just months before her death.
www.tennessean.com
August 8, 2025 at 3:20 PM
marcuskdowling.bsky.social
"Nonchalant, cherry on the top..."

📸 = Christy Hunter
🌟 = Headline by MM / McKenzie Mitchell
🧥 = H Bar C / Boogie Child
🏨 = Waymore Nashville

More soon.
August 7, 2025 at 10:56 AM