Plot Synopsis

SKYVILLE LIVE is a series of one-hour music specials that showcase the biggest names in music, past and present, while featuring unique and unexpected pairings for once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. All 10 specials to be released in 2021 were filmed pre-COVID in front of an intimate studio audience at Skyville Live in Nashville, TN. Specials include:

"Kris Kristofferson & Friends" (Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at 10pm ET/PT): The series premiere celebrates the music of legendary singer-songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who is joined by Brandy Clark, Jason Isbell, Lady A, and Raul Malo. This one-hour tribute showcases the most memorable songs from his storied career, including "Me and Bobby McGee" and "Help Me Make It Through the Night," among others.

"Gladys Knight & Guests" (Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at 10pm): Music royalty Gladys Knight is joined by superstars Martina McBride and Estelle to perform beloved classics, including "Midnight Train to Georgia" and "Neither One of Us."

"Jerry Lee Lewis" (Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 10pm): Country music's biggest celebrities join forces to honor Jerry Lee Lewis, including Chris Stapleton, George Strait, Toby Keith, Lee Ann Womack, Kris Kristofferson, Waylon Payne, and more. "King George" Strait performed Lewis' 1957 classic "Great Balls of Fire," and "Middle Age Crazy." Keith performed Lewis hits including "Thirty Nine and Holding" and "Chantilly Lace." Womack offered an illustrious take on "What's Made Milwaukee Famous" and "She Even Woke Me Up To Say Goodbye." Payne offered "Who Will the Next Fool Be." Stapleton and the McCrary Sisters offered a soulful version of "Where He Leads Me." At the end of the evening, Lewis joined the other artists on stage as he sat behind the piano and led the entire room in a singalong of "Whole Lotta Shakin'."

"Cyndi Lauper" (Friday, May 7, 2021 at 10pm): Kelsea Ballerini and Ingrid Michaelson join Cyndi Lauper on stage to celebrate the pop trailblazer's career. As a nod toward Nashville, home of Skyville Live, Lauper sang several country music classics from her upcoming new album, "Detours," sharing that the songs were "from a time period when blues and country walked hand in hand, before Elvis cut the door down." All three women rocked the room with their own material, performing solo and in combinations. Playing dulcimer and backed by the Skyville Live band, Lauper belted out "Truer Colors." Then, joined onstage by Kelsea Ballerini and midway through the song by Michaelson, she closed with her anthem "Girls Just Want to Have Fun."

"Billy Gibbons" (linear TV premiere on Thursday, July 1, 2021 at 10pm on CMT): Anchored by legendary ZZ Top frontman Billy Gibbons, the live performance will also feature country music rocker Frankie Ballard, internationally-acclaimed guitar slinger Orianthi, soulful powerhouse ZZ Ward, and Grammy-nominated songwriter and musician Mike Henderson. This episode premiered on Tuesday, May 24, 2021 when it streamed live exclusively on AOL.com and go90.

"Melissa Etheridge" (Friday, August 5, 2021 at 10pm on CMT)

Emmylou Harris & Steve Earle (Friday, September 24, 2021 at 10pm on CMT): Emmylou Harris and Steve Earle bringing the best in American folk and country music, along with The Brothers Osborne, Margo Price and Buddy Miller.

"Gregg Allman & Friends" (linear TV premiere on Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 10pm on CMT): Chris Stapleton, Taj Mahal and Little Big Town join legendary southern rocker Gregg Allman for an epic jam session. Originally streamed live in December 2015, the concert took place in an intimate setting that gave the studio audience and online viewers around the world a rare insight into each performer's artistry. Among the evening's highlights were Mahal's rendering of "Cakewalk," playing Resonator guitar with tuba accompaniment, and "Walking Blues" in a solo interpretation that would have done Robert Johnson proud. Recently nominated for three Grammy Awards, Little Big Town dazzled with impeccable harmonies on "Girl Crush" and their earlier smash "Boondocks." And Stapleton's electrifying vocal on the Allman Brothers classic "Whipping Post" proved why he has been newly crowned king of Country music and picked up four more Grammy nominations. Allman traded verses with Mahal on the hard-rockin' "Statesboro Blues," and brought Little Big Town onto the stage to add spectacular backup on "Midnight Rider." He held the spotlight on his own with "These Days," and the night ended with everyone onstage for a supernova rendition of "One Way Out."

"Graham Nash and Friends" (linear TV premiere on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 10pm on CMT): Joining Graham Nash for the show during AmericanaFest are Ricky Skaggs, The Milk Carton Kids, The Secret Sisters and River Whyless. The event also features the Skyville Live band of industry elites. Led by guitarist Kenny Greenberg, the band features Mike Rojas (keys), Justin Schipper (pedal steel), Glenn Worf (bass), and Nick Buda (drums). Pairings consist of Jerry Lee Lewis joined by George Strait, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Chris Stapleton, Lee Ann Womack and Waylon Payne for a rousing version of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On," and Lady Antebellum, Jason Isbell, Jewel, Brandy Clark and Amanda Shires bringing down the house with Kris Kristofferson on his classic "Me and Bobby McGee." Additional collaborations include a fiery take on "Come to My Window" with Cam joining Melissa Etheridge on stage, and an impassioned performance of Steve Earle's "Pilgrim" featuring the acclaimed songwriter alongside Emmylou Harris, Brothers Osborne, Margo Price and Colter Wall.

Specials later in 2022 will feature Emmylou Harris, Martina McBride and more.