Bobby Karl Works The Room: Fan Fair Finale

Tim McGraw and Steve Moore, Chairman of the CMA Board of Directors. Photo: Alan Mayor

Chapter 340

Inspirational, is what it was.

Yes, the 2010 CMA Music Festival was a bounty of sounds. And, yes, it was intolerably hot. But the experience of being with those people, those fans, did my heart good. What spirit. What stamina. What love. I saw these things everywhere, from autograph lines, to concerts, from fan-club parties, to shops and restaurants.

Just for the record, we set one, as I predicted we would. The daily attendance was 65,000, and that doesn’t include the music industry or the media. The four nightly LP Field concerts were sell-outs at 49,000 per night.

How was it? Read on.

THURSDAY NIGHT

Carrie Underwood Photo: Alan Mayor

It was awesome gazing out at the crowd and seeing every seat in the coliseum full, all the way up to the top row in the top tier. This has never happened before. I hesitate to mention this, but I was at Fan Fair when it was held at Municipal Auditorium more than 30 years ago. I was there when it moved to the Fairgrounds. I was there when it moved downtown. And I was there when it changed its name. All of that is prelude to saying I never dreamed I would see this day.

With a Thursday-night bill that was book-ended by Alan Jackson and Carrie Underwood, with oh-by-the-way Tim McGraw, Lady Antebellum, Danny Gokey and Jason Aldean along for the ride, no wonder opening night was such a smash. The Oak Ridge Boys sang the National Anthem and tossed in “Elvira” for good measure.

Brad Paisley arrives at his fan club party at Nashville Shores. Photo By: Sharon Eaves

Speaking of Carrie, I believe she was the first with a fan-club party, having staged hers at Municipal Auditorium on Tuesday (6/8). On Thursday evening, Brad Paisley delighted the 700 attendees of his fan club party at Nashville Shores by arriving by boat. His crew and band members were good sports at being dunked into tubs. Are you with me? Brad’s new hit is “Water,” and the tour is “H2O.”

Across town at the Belcourt Theater, the 42nd annual IFCO show was staged. That’s right, this event actually pre-dates Fan Fair. Hit songwriter Victoria Shaw opened, bringing along Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer Gary Burr as her accompanist and harmony singer. Also, Canadian country Female Vocalist of the Year winner Jessie Farrell sang splendidly. But the coolest surprise was Doug Stone, singing the Victoria-and-Gary tune “Too Busy Being in Love.” Gary Morris, who has shed 80 pounds, enthralled the crowd next.

The tuneful and hilarious double Grammy winning Riders in the Sky performed its show #4,598 for the IFCO crowd. Rhonda Vincent & The Rage brought out Gene Watson for their duet “Staying Together.” We couldn’t let him leave without “Farewell Party,” which Mr. Magnificent nailed to the wall.

The silent auction only raised $200 for Second Harvest, but every little bit helps. Working the room were Cathy Gurley, Joe Bob & Suzi Barnhill, Trisha Walker-Cunningham, Jo Walker Meador, Beth Gwinn, Sarah Brosmer, Jim Bessman, Lisa Wysocky, Hope Powell and, of course, the indomitable Loudilla and Kay Johnson.

FRIDAY

The Chevy stage opened with James Wesley and closed with vivacious Emily West. The Durango Acoustic Corner in the Convention Center was at its best with the likes of Shawn Camp and The Randy Kohrs Band in the early afternoon. Alas, Ty Herndon up at the GAC Music City Zone Stage on the Courthouse Square, played to only around 100 people at noon. Sometimes during the weekend, acts up there played to less than 50. This zone is too far off the beaten track.

Riverfront Park had a splendid day, highlighted by the brilliant Patty Loveless and Chris Young around lunchtime. Mighty Craig Morgan was the afternoon finale. On a sadder note, one of the Riverfront security folks, Rock Solid’s Fred Stapleton, 34, expired that night in a closed medical tent. So far, the cause is unknown.

Ron Cox, Dan Ekback, Guy Penrod, Bill Denny, Bob Doyle, Lon Helton, Georgia Middleman, Jimmy Harnon, David Preston, John Juliano, Kitty Moon Emery, Ed Benson, Heath Owen, Tim Wipperman, George Briner, J. Horton Frank and Two Foot Fred worked the CMA’s Industry Hospitality Suite at LP Field that night. Proud parents Rick & Barb Lambert said they have opened a winery to make and market Miranda Lambert Wine back home in Lindale, Texas. Field trip!

Julianne Hough, photo: Alan Mayor

On stage, Storme Warren introduced Tennessee Titan Rob Bironis, who promised us a Super Bowl win (we’re going to hold you to that) before tossing footballs into the crowd autographed by teammates Kenny Britt and Courtland Finegan. The Band Perry did a fine harmonious job on “The Star Spangled Banner.”

Pageant singer Julianne Hough (See me toss my pretty hair? Look at these legs? How do you like by sparkly dress?) opened. You had to count Josh Turner as an evening highlight. The crowd squealed every time he hit a low note, formed dancing “train” lines and circled the stadium during “Long Black Train” and then kept on dancing in the aisles when he sang “Why Don’t We Just Dance.”

Keith Urban, Photo: Alan Mayor

Miranda Lambert rocked out on my favorite, “Famous in a Small Town.” Then she led her band through a frothing set that included her biggest hits. Keith Urban had them singing along, word-for-word, from his very first song. During his set, he brought out Little Big Town, Sarah Buxton and Tony Brown to accompany him on “A Little Help From My Friends,” illustrated by Nashville Flood footage on the video screens. Nice. Reba McEntire and Kid Rock ensued. Speaking of the latter, can somebody explain his stardom to me? Yes, he’s a fun guy. But he can’t sing, doesn’t play an instrument, isn’t funny, has a foul mouth, isn’t handsome and is a second-rate rapper. I guess it is just one of those Mysteries of Life.

SATURDAY

First up with a fan-club party on Saturday morning was Vince Gill, singing and telling stories at the Belcourt Theater. When I dropped by, the Fan Fair autograph booths at the Convention Center were being worked by Bryan White, Cherryholmes, Riders in the Sky, Julianne Hough, Mark Chestnut and Mark Wills. Plus, superstars Rascal Flatts were harmonizing to the delight of those gathered.

Upstairs at the Durango Acoustic Corner, Sarah Darling turned in a very nice set. Other highlights there included Lynn Anderson and Elizabeth Cook. Energetic Trent Tomlinson was tearing it up on the Chevy Stage when we arrived at the Bridgestone Arena. Jason Meadows made an appearance at the “K-9’s in Flight” show, but he proved to be an inept Frisbee tosser to the diving doggies. The Fontanel bus was parked nearby to transport fans to Nashville’s newest attraction.

One of the coolest sets of the festival was Jeffrey Steele’s inside the Country Music Hall of Fame’s Conservatory. The fans probably didn’t know who he was. But when he told stories and sang “My Town,” “Every Day,” “I’m Trying,” “Speed,” “Love Is a Beautiful Thing,” “My Wish” and the rest (sounding better than their hit recorded versions), they truly “got” what a Nashville songwriter is.

In the Family Zone, the ABC soap stars were autographing and doing Q&A sessions for the highly informed TV devotees. By the time we got to Riverfront, Hall of Famer Mel Tillis and his superb Statesiders band were giving a course in Country Music 101 and showing the kiddies exactly how to do it right. Gloriana followed. I bet you’d never predict those two on the same bill.

Schmoozing in the backstage hospitality tent were Neal Speilberg, Merrill Warner, Doug Casmus and Brad Schmitt. The General Jackson glided by picturesquely behind us.

Saturday night at LP field, Jeff Walker, David M. Ross, Chuck Aly, Ernie & Jerry Williams, Charlie Monk, Carson Chamberlain, Steve Moore and Keith Stegall were wining and dining in the hospitality suite, pausing for a splendid rendition of the National Anthem by Jamie O’Neal.

The robust voiced Randy Houser proved to be a high-energy opening act, alternately soaring on his ballad “Anything Goes” and rocking out with “Boots On.” Wow. What a singer. Easton Corbin was next. Then Billy Currington livened things up with a hit-packed set. Storme introduced The Thunderbolts, the pilots who did the jet fly-overs each night following the National Anthem. They stood at parade rest while cheers erupted.

Dozens of beach balls bounced through the crowd while The Zac Brown Band warbled “Toes.” This was followed by the first Fan Fair “jam” instrumental, including a drum solo (!). Zac brought out Joey + Rory and harmonized with them on their ode to the fans, “This Song’s for You.” That was a nice moment. I loved it that Zac and his boys sang “Free,” which is my favorite by them. Martina McBride turned in a splendid set, which included some unexpected tunes as well as her hits. Rascal Flatts closed.

Martina McBride and crew at CMA Music Festival. Pictured (l-r): RCA Nashville’s Norbert Nix and Keith Gale; Sony Music Nashville’s Paul Barnabee; Morris Artists Management’s Brandon Gill; Sony Music Nashville’s Gary Overton and Tom Baldrica; McBride; Morris Artists Management’s Mike Betterton (rear), Will Hitchcock, Clint Higham, Matt Petty, and Tiffany Benken; and Martina’s husband John McBride.

SUNDAY

The big news on Sunday was Taylor Swift’s marathon, 13-hour-plus autographing stint at Bridgestone Arena. Some fans had camped out overnight outside the venue, and more than a few of the teen girls were in tears after meeting their idol. Taylor greeted each like a long lost friend: “Ooh, look how pretty you are. How are you?” I am told that there were 10,000 in there when she did her mini concert and that more than 1,000 autograph seekers were accommodated. The gig was on June 13, the length was supposed to be 13 hours and Taylor’s lucky number is 13. Got that?

Outside Bridgestone, Gary Morris kicked things off on the Chevy Stage. Inside the convention center, the Durango Acoustic Corner featured the likes of bluegrassers Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, The Grascals and Cherryholmes. For the first time, performances on this stage were broadcast live by WSM’s 650. This experiment, usually hosted throughout the weekend by Bill Cody, was an audio triumph.

This year’s Sunday Mornin’ Country show was actually in the afternoon in TPAC’s Polk Theater. It was a tribute to Roy Clark and a Hee Haw reunion featuring Roni Stoneman, Charlie McCoy, The Nashville Edition, Lulu Roman and more.

Martina McBride’s annual YWCA Celebrity Auction was again held in the Family Zone. Her “Barbie” doll likeness went for $1,500. Brad Paisley’s guitar fetched $5,000.

More industry folks than ever packed the CMA suite that night at LP Field. Ed Hardy, Sarah Trahern, Bobby Young, Jonathan Pinkerton, Victoria Shaw, Charles Dorris, Rick Shipp, LeAnn Phelan, Tom Baldrica, John Elliott, Scott Hendricks, Gary Overton, Karen Byrd, Paul Barnabee and Ben Fowler were all there. Mayor Karl Dean and Nashville First Lady Anne Davis had just returned from a national mayors conference in Oklahoma City and were surprised to see that that metropolis is now billing itself as “Music City,” and citing Nashvillians such as Vince Gill and Kings of Leon as proof. How dare they?

On stage, CMT’s Evan Farmer hosted. Mark Wills did the “Star Spangled Banner” honors, followed by the most perfectly timed fly-over of the fest. Comedian Paul Harris opened. Justin Moore followed. The first highlight was Kellie Pickler’s sprightly set. Then Blake Shelton sang “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and more with great gusto. Trace Adkins, Darius Rucker and Brad Paisley were this year’s CMA Music Festival finale.

By the way, the fans’ “tweets” shown on the big screens were almost universally banal. Most of them read, “CMA Fest Rocks!” or something like that. One said, “Nashville is so awesome.” Well, yes, actually, it is.

Forbes Ranks Top Earning Country Stars

Forbes has released its annual listing of Country Music’s Top Earning Stars. The article notes that country fans are often loyal to their favorite artists for a long time, “Fame in Nashville seems to come with an irrevocable ticket into the hearts and wallets of country fans who, like the heroes of a sad song, are in it for the long haul.” The article offers a rationale for country music’s ability to ride the economic storm facing the entire music industry a bit better than some of its other formats.

“For many Americans today, the Great Recession isn’t going away any time soon, and there’s much to commiserate with in the lyrics of country songs,” says Catherine Fitterman Radbill, a professor at New York University who directs the school’s music business program.

Forbes also points to the over 2,000 U.S. country radio stations as another meaningful income source for artists/writers noting that eight of the ten most played artists on radio last year were country artists. For the list, Forbes tabulates box office receipts, merchandise and album sales, publishing royalties and endorsement/licensing deals. The period is from June 2009 to June 2010.

Full details HERE

1. Kenny Chesney leads the list with estimated earnings of $50 million, down slightly from the previous year’s $65 million.
2. Toby Keith $48 million
3. Taylor Swift $45 million
3. Rascal Flatts $45 million
5. Tim McGraw $30
6. Keith Urban $28
7. George Strait $25
8. Brad Paisley $22
9. Alan Jackson $15
10. Carrie Underwood $13

People’s Hot Country Guys

 

People magazine highlights “Country’s Hottest Guys” for its new July issue. Tim McGraw, who was named the hottest of the hunks, graces the cover.

The issue also features a behind-the-scenes look at the recent Brooks & Dunn tribute, a Q&A with Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert about their upcoming wedding, and exclusive pictures from Vince Gill’s daughter Jenny Gill’s wedding.

The 24 other sexy men featured in the publication are (in no particular order): Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, Randy Montana, George Strait, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, David Nail, Phillip Sweet, Gary Allan, Tom Gossin, Joe Nichols, Josh Thompson, Lee Brice, Mike Gossin, Jake Owen, Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Toby Keith, Brad Paisley, Jimi Westbrook, Kristian Bush, Blake Shelton, Chuck Wicks and Chris Young.

In conjunction with the magazine, People is offering free downloads from Trailer Choir, Thompson Square, Court Yard Hounds, Jaron and The Long Road to Love and more at www.people.com/free.

CMA Music Fest Photos

Blake Shelton’s fan club party, Judds reunion tour, Martina McBride at the Premiere Radio remote, Blair Garner’s After Midnite party, Riverstages and more…

Blake Shelton hosted his annual fan club party at the Wildhorse Saloon. The sold-out crowd requested songs and for every song he didn't know, Shelton donated $20 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. His final tally was $510. Miranda Lambert's mother, Beverly, requested the Black Crowes song, "She Talks To Angels," telling the singer, "I have a $100 request. If you don't know it, you have to double the donation." After conferring with his band, Shelton performed the Black Crowes hit. "Dancing With The Stars" finalist and ESPN correspondent, Erin Andrews, requested "Whiskey Bent And Hell Bound" by Hank Williams Jr. However, she told Shelton that she wanted Dierks Bentley to sing it. Surprise guest Bentley then took the stage. Other surprise guests were Laura Bell Bundy and Miranda Lambert. In all, Shelton's fan club raised over $31,000 for LLS that evening. Pictured (L to R) – Blake Shelton and Erin Andrews.

The Country Music Association presented The Judds with a 25th Anniversary plaque during their “The Final Encore” tour announcement at the 2010 CMA Music Festival. (L-R) CMA’s Bobette Dudley, Wynonna Judd, acting CMA Executive Director Steve Moore, Naomi Judd, Kerry Hansen of Big E Enterprises Management, and WME agent Greg Oswald.

Premiere Radio Networks, the official radio partner of The 2010 CMA Music Festival, hosted 18 of Country radio’s biggest stations, and the syndicated show, After MidNite with Blair Garner, at the Nashville Convention Center last week. More than 60 artists and celebrities stopped by, including Martina McBride (pictured above).

Blair Garner's After Midnite party, held Friday night at the Wildhorse Saloon. Pictured (l-r): Jaron of Jaron And The Long Road To Love, Laura Bell Bundy, Blair Garner, Miranda Lambert and Jarrod Neimann.

Point of Grace with Brenda Lee at the CMA Music Festival opening parade. Brenda Lee was the Grand Marshall. Pictured (L-R): POG members Dana Cappillino and Denise Jones, Brenda Lee, and POG member Shelley Breen.

Sammy Kershaw prior to his performance on the River Stages on Sunday. Pictured (L-R): CMA’s Kyle Quigley, Sammy and Jake Kennedy of BLA.

Jimmy Dean Passes [Updated: Arrangements]

Pictured with Elvis Presley at the "Jimmy Dean Show."

Country star and sausage king Jimmy Dean died last night, June 13, at age 81. As a member of the newest class of inductees to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Dean left his mark on the genre, most notably with his trademark song “Big Bad John.” He passed away at his home in Virginia.

Born in Plainview, Texas in 1928, Dean had a string of hits as a country singer in the 1960s, including “Big Bad John” in 1961. Throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s he attracted fans as host of his own television show, and often as a guest host for The Tonight Show. He made his feature film debut in the James Bond classic Diamonds Are Forever.

He went on to found the Jimmy Dean Sausage company in 1968.

He is survived by his wife, Donna Meade Dean.

Visitation:
Sunday, June 20
12:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Nelsen Funeral Home
4650 S. Laburnum Avenue
Richmond, VA 23231
Tel. (804) 222-8601

Funeral:
Monday, June 21
11:00 AM
Grove Avenue Baptist Church
8701 Ridge Road
Richmond, VA 23229

Interment: Private

CMT Awards Yield Record-breaking Viewership

More than 10.8 million total viewers tuned in for the 2010 CMT Music Awards and related programming on Wed., June 9 on CMT. According to Nielsen Media Research, the 8:00 p.m. premiere of the two-and-a-half hour show was up 19 percent over last year, making it CMT’s most-watched awards premiere in channel history. The show’s performance from 8-10:30 p.m. drove CMT to be the most-watched network in the time period across cable in the key 18-49 demo.

TV by the Numbers reports that the Awards show had 3.04 million viewers.

Hosted by Kid Rock, the 2010 CMT Music Awards featured performances from country music stars, including Jamey Johnson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, LeAnn Rimes, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban with John Mayer and Zac Brown Band. Presenters included Dancing With the Stars competitors Erin Andrews and Maks Chmerkovskiy, Laura Bell Bundy, Sheryl Crow, Paula Deen, Kara Dioguardi, Gloriana, Faith Hill, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Terrell Owens, Hayden Panettiere, Richard Petty, Kellie Pickler, Jada Pinkett-Smith, LeAnn Rimes, Blake Shelton, Jersey Shore’s Snooki and The Situation, David Spade, Taylor Swift, Kenan Thompson, Carrie Underwood, Luke Wilson, Trisha Yearwood and Zac Brown Band.

Congratulations Mr. Chairman, Job Well Done!

Joe Galante, Sony Music Nashville Chairman, left his 18th Ave. S. offices today officially turning over the reins of the organization to new Sony CEO Gary Overton. His departure marked the end of a 40-year career with the same company.

The transition was first announced in April when Galante noted, “As a 21-year-old kid from Queens starting out at RCA Records in New York, I never dreamed of the nearly 40-year journey that was before me. In 1974, a temporary Nashville assignment turned permanent, and it changed my life – I thank God for it every day. I have been inspired by so many exceptional artists and songwriters and feel privileged to be a part of their careers. I’ve worked with unique managers and executives who helped me learn more about this business and how to better my craft. My RCA, BMG and Sony family’s support and passion for our artists’ music helped us build the label group of the year for seven of the last eight years. This is solely my decision and I’m excited to begin my journey down another road. Nashville is my home and will continue to be.”

Marking today’s official changeover, the entire Sony Music Nashville staff assembled to recognize and pay tribute to Galante in what was undoubtedly a very emotional and private gathering for all involved.

Galante has helped launch the careers of such stars as Alabama, Carrie Underwood, Keith Whitley, Chris Young, The Judds, Martina McBride, K.T. Oslin, Kellie Pickler, Clint Black, Jake Owen, Lonestar and Sara Evans. He and his Nashville team have bolstered the careers of superstars Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Brooks & Dunn and Montgomery Gentry, among others; and, in addition, he has worked with icons including Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton and Ronnie Milsap. He has also been a driving force serving and leading industry organizations such as CMA, Leadership Music, NARAS and others.

Sony Music Nashville currently includes  four country label operations – RCA, Columbia, BNA and Arista Nashville – and Provident Music Group, one of the world’s leading Christian music companies. Sony Music Nashville is a division of Sony Music Entertainment.

Reading, Writing and Rhythm Concert Raises Funds

Photo L-R: Bucky Covington, Chely Wright, Buxton Hughes. Photo Credit: Melinda Norris

The recent 10th Annual Reading, Writing and Rhythm benefit concert donated over one ton of food to Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee and raised thousands of dollars for Kingston Springs Elementary, a local school affected badly by the floods.

The event included performances by Trisha Yearwood, Rodney Crowell, SHeDAISY, Jamey Johnson, Bucky Covington, Justin Moore, Buxton Hughes, Jann Arden, and Reading, Writing & Rhythm’s Founder, Chely Wright. Items were auctioned off throughout the evening including a shopping spree with Wright to Mitchell Gold and Bob Williams furniture store and a Fly Away trip to a Keith Urban show.

Toby Keith On Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular

Toby Keith will perform on the the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular in a live broadcast from the Charles River Esplanade in Boston that will be aired on CBS July 4. The show will be hosted for the fourth consecutive year by The Late Late Show‘s Craig Ferguson.

Keith will perform some of his biggest hits with The Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra under the direction of conductor Keith Lockhart. The Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, in its 37th year, is the orchestra’s annual free outdoor Fourth of July concert and is sponsored by Liberty Mutual Group.

McGraw To Host Music Fest TV Special

Tim McGraw has been tapped to host the CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock television special that will air Wed., Sept. 1 on ABC at 7:00 pm CT. Filming June 10-13, during the annual CMA Music Festival, the special features the stars and the four-day party/music celebration in Nashville.

This will be McGraw’s first appearance at the event since 2001, when he was a surprise guest during Kenny Chesney’s performance as part of the Nightly Concerts at LP Field and the event was still known as Fan Fair. His last announced appearance was in 2000, the last year Fan Fair was held at the Nashville Fairgrounds. He has participated in the event eight times since his Fan Fair debut in 1993.

Some of the artists appearing at LP Field during CMA Music Festival include Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Tim McGraw, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Zac Brown Band, and more.

The primetime television special, CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night to Rock, debuted in 2004 as a two-hour special highlighting the Festival and Music City. In 2005, the special moved to ABC.

In 2009, the special expanded to three hours boosting ABC ahead of CBS, NBC and FOX with the network’s second biggest audience during the summer season. With 7.4 million viewers and a 4.7/8 overall rating, it outperformed its broadcast rivals in total viewers topping CBS by 6 percent, NBC by 32 percent and FOX by 85 percent.

The special had a 43 percent increase in viewers compared to 2008, generating the biggest audience in four years and tallied its highest Adult 18-49 rating (2.0/6) in three years.