Johnny Mathis Goes Country

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Gwyneth Paltrow’s doing it, Platinum-selling rockers Train are doing it, and rumor has that even Cher is getting into the game. Now we can add romantic crooner Johnny Mathis to the list of celebrities who have recently jumped over to the country side of the fence. For his first full album inspired by country music, Mathis, whose knowledge and love of music crosses all genres, handpicked the songs for Let It Be Me: Mathis In Nashville.

Producers Johnny and Fred Mollin assembled a group of the finest musicians in Nashville to record an album intentionally free of modern studio tricks. With engineer and Randy Travis producer Kyle Lehning on board to capture the sessions, Mathis recorded these songs live in the studio over the course of a week. His approach is sympathetic to the original country arrangements, with the musicians supporting some of the most intimate vocals Mathis has ever recorded.

Songs on Let It Be Me: Mathis In Nashville include “What A Wonderful World” (featuring Lane Brody), “Let It Be Me” (featuring Alison Krauss), “Make The World Go Away,” “Crazy,” “Southern Nights,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Lovin’ Arms,” “Shenandoah,” “We Must Be Lovin’ Right,” “I Can’t Stop Lovin’ You,” “Love Me Tender,” “Please Help Me I’m Falling” and “What A Wonderful World (Christmas Version)” (featuring Lane Brody).

Signed to Columbia Records in the mid-1950’s, Mathis is the longest-running artist on the label, with 17 million RIAA certified album and singles sales in the US alone. A sublime vocalist whose approach to pop music transcends passing fads and trends, Mathis has performed songs in an incredible variety of styles and categories — from music composed for stage and film to golden era jazz standards, contemporary pop hits, and holiday music both sacred and secular — assuring his reputation as one of the most enduring traditional pop vocalists in music history.

Perhaps best-known for his landmark singles (three of his recordings – “Chances Are,” “It’s Not For Me To Say,” and “Misty” – have been inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame) Mathis was one of the first musical artists to embrace the album concept and record thematically and sonically coherent collections of songs. His 1958 release, Johnny’s Greatest Hits inaugurated the ongoing “greatest hits” anthology phenomenon, becoming one of the most popular albums of all time after spending an unprecedented 490 continuous weeks (almost ten years) on the Billboard Top Albums Chart.  Mathis was given the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences in 2003.

Nashville’s Frost Specialty Merges With Integro

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The insurance brokerage and risk management firm Integro announced today (8/13) that it has completed a merger with Frost Specialty, LLC, a third-generation insurance agency specializing in serving the music industry and located on Music Row. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

From its founding in 1980 as a trailblazer in the Country and Christian music industries, Frost Specialty grew and evolved into an agency insuring some of the most successful touring artists in the world. The firm’s in-depth knowledge of the business of entertainment provides a unique advantage in managing the complex risks of its clients, and in developing exclusive and specialized programs tailored to performing artists, musicians and songwriters. Clients and services include the Country & Christian touring artists program, a group Copyright Infringement program and a Musical Instrument program. The Frost agency also handles the unique personal insurance needs of clients in the entertainment and sports industries.

“With the addition of Frost Specialty and its exceptional staff that set the industry standard, Integro has now catapulted to the forefront of entertainment risk specialists,” said Integro President and CEO Peter Garvey. “We’ve been greatly impressed by the superior knowledge, expertise and quality service Robert and his colleagues bring to their clients, and I couldn’t be more delighted with his decision to join forces with Integro and our existing entertainment risk capabilities. We are confident this combination will create an unbeatable solution for entertainment industry clients.”

As Integro’s dedicated Entertainment practice, Frost Specialty will continue under the leadership of Robert Frost as president.

“As stewards of the highly regarded Frost Specialty organization, we are very protective of our good name, and Integro meets our high standards as a partner going forward,” said Frost, who also becomes a managing principal of Integro and will lead Integro’s Nashville office. “We knew Integro through its reputation; it is a firm that shares our values regarding outstanding client service, professionalism and providing cutting-edge, innovative solutions. We are delighted to become members of the Integro team.”

Mix Nashville to Feature Keynoters Dodd and Niebank

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Mix Magazine will hold its annual Mix Nashville Sept. 13-14 at the newly reopened Soundcheck facility. The two-day event includes panels on the business and applications of studio and live production and features top engineers, producers and music industry professionals from the Nashville community. Sessions include topics diverse as Recording Guitar to Selling Your Music Online. Panelists this year include experienced, award-winning professional engineers such as Vance Powell, Joe Palmaccio, Steve Marcantonio, Lou Bradley and Chuck Ainlay.

Producer/engineers Richard Dodd and Justin Niebank will participate in a conversational style keynote address. Producer Nathan Chapman has also been confirmed to participate on the Anatomy Of A Hit panel.

“There was never any question we were coming back to Soundcheck,” says Mix magazine editor Tom Kenny. “What Ben Jumper and his team have done in the past three months rebuilding from the epicenter of a 1000-year flood is nothing short of remarkable. We’re excited to be part of the reopening of Soundcheck Nashville, and this will be the first look for a lot of people in the local recording and pro audio community.”

Admission to Mix Nashville is free to all residents of the greater Nashville/Middle Tennessee region. [Be sure to click the <Residents of Nashville> on the sign up page.] Non-residents can purchase $39 Earlybird tickets up until the day of the show. Tickets day of show are $79. All registrants, free and paid, must pre-register online at http://nashville.mixonline.com/

Pete Drake Enters Georgia Musician’s Hall

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Pete Drake

Musician’s Hall of Fame Member, pedal steel guitarist, producer, and recording artist Pete Drake will be inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame during the 32nd Annual Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards Show on September 11, 2010. Nashville musicians being inducted along with Drake (also posthumously) include songwriter John Jarrard and songwriter/recording artist Paul Davis. Other inductees in the class of 2010 include India.Arie, The Black Crowes, and Jennifer Larmore. Held at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre in North Atlanta, the ceremony will be televised live at 8:30 PM on Georgia Public Television.

Drake will be honored for his amazing four-decade career as an artist, producer and studio musician. Drake recorded with hundreds of artists, including Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Tammy Wynette and Waylon Jennings, just to name a few. He produced Ringo Starr’s first solo album Beaucoups of Blues, as well as projects with Ernest Tubb, the Oak Ridge Boys, and Charlie Louvin.

Drake’s wife and long-time business partner, Rose Drake, will attend the ceremony and accept the award in his honor.

“Pete was very proud of his Georgia roots, so it is really an honor for our family to have him recognized as a member of the Hall of Fame,” she says. “If he could have been here to attend the ceremony, I know he would have been thrilled.

The complete list of 2010 honorees is as follows: Performer- Multi-GRAMMY® winning R&B Soulstress, India.Arie; Group- Multi Platinum Rock and Roll Band, The Black Crowes; Non-Performer- Industry leader in Artist Management, Charlie Brusco; Classical- outstanding American mezzo-soprano and GRAMMY® winner, Jennifer Larmore; Pioneer- Virtuoso Classical Pianist, Charles Wadsworth; Singer/Songwriter, Paul Davis; Steel Guitarist, Pete Drake; Blues Musician, Rev. Pearly Brown; and songwriter, John Jarrard.

The evening will include live performances by The Black Crowes, Jennifer Larmore, legendary rock band, STYX and this year’s Horizon Award recipient, Spanish/Engish singer, Tyna Q. The Horizon Award is given to an up and coming performing artist or songwriter, either individual or group, with significant ties to the State of Georgia, and who is expected to make a significant future contribution to the world of music.

The awards are hosted by the Friends of Georgia Music Festival, a non-profit organization that honors the many achievements of Georgia musicians, songwriters, composers, conductors, publishers and agents. Each year, Friends of Georgia Music nominates, elects, and inducts honorees into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame, celebrating individuals who have made a significant contribution to Georgia’s musical traditions.

CMA Music Fest Tickets Available Aug. 23

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The dates for the 2011 CMA Music Festival are Thursday through Sunday, June 9-12, 2011. Four-day ticket packages will go on sale Monday, Aug. 23 at 10:00 AM CT.  Fans can purchase their tickets at Ticketmaster.com or 1-(800)-745-3000. They  can also purchase them through CMAfest.com or 1-(800)-CMA-FEST. Ticket prices are based on the level of seating at LP Field for the Nightly Concerts, and range from $115 to $325 plus handling fees. Since the 2010 CMA Music Festival sold out in advance, fans should order their tickets for next year now in order to reserve their place at what USA Today named “the crown jewel of country music festivals.”

“We are excited to celebrate 40 years of CMA Music Festival and Fan Fair in 2011, and look forward to the fans joining us for all the fun,” said Steve Moore, CMA Chairman of the Board. “We were fortunate that CMA Music Festival sold out completely in 2010 for the first time. Due to this strong demand, we suggest that fans buy their tickets now rather than waiting until it is too late.”

The 2010 Festival attracted more than 65,000 fans from all 50 states and 26 nations. The event was filmed for the seventh consecutive year, and will air as a three-hour special on Wednesday, Sept. 1 (7:00-10:00 PM CT) on the ABC Television Network. Hosted by Tim McGraw, the special will feature performances from Trace Adkins, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Billy Currington, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Kid Rock, Lady Antebellum, Miranda Lambert, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire, Justin Moore, Brad Paisley, Kellie Pickler, Rascal Flatts, Darius Rucker, Blake Shelton, Taylor Swift, Josh Turner, Uncle Kracker, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, and Zac Brown Band.

For up-to-the-minute information about tickets, travel information, schedules, artists appearing at 2011 CMA Music Festival, and more, visit www.CMAfest.com. Sign up for CMA Exclusive, the official eNewsletter of country music, where fans get connected to country and receive exciting updates about your favorite artists, contests, free stuff, and more. Join the free CMA Mobile Community by texting CMAINFO to 66937 (standard text rates apply).

Turcotte Joins Big Machine In Int’l Role

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Brad Turcotte

The Big Machine Label Group has announced the addition of Brad Turcotte in the newly created position of International Director of Marketing.

In his new role Turcotte will coordinate and liaison with all international distribution partners in regards to all aspects of foreign releases for the Big Machine Label Group. The Big Machine Label Group’s current labels include Big Machine Records, The Valory Music Co. and Republic Nashville.

Turcotte most recently served as an Executive Vice-President with Mathew Knowles and his Houston-based company, Music World Entertainment. Music World is the exclusive management home to Beyonce and Destiny’s Child, among others. Turcotte joined Music World after selling his record label, Compadre Records (Billy Joe Shaver, Suzy Bogguss, Johnny Cash, Trent Willmon, James McMurtry) to Knowles in February 2007, in which he was President and Founder. Turcotte holds a B.B.A./Music Business-Marketing from Belmont University and earned a law degree in 2003.

“This process was a long and tedious one as we needed an executive with a very special set of skills and experience. Brad’s multifaceted background is a perfect fit and his personality, passion and willingness to take on the world with us brought an end to our global search,” says Scott Borchetta, President & CEO Of the Big Machine Label Group. “We are very excited to have him in place as we prepare for Taylor’s worldwide October 25 release of Speak Now.”

“Great successes can happen anytime a label, regardless of genre, is allowed to move and think globally. I strongly believe in Scott’s worldwide vision for the roster and I am thrilled to help execute Big Machine’s long-term International agenda,” says Turcotte of his move.

Brad Turcotte can be reached at 615-324-9322 and at [email protected].

Facebook Enters Net Neutrality Fray

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[Updated 8/12] The net neutrality debate which has been slowly heating to a boil between Verizon,Google and FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski now has Facebook entering the fray. Facebook, the giant social network with over 500 million users, obviously has a vested interest in the outcome of rules affecting its ability to move data over broadband networks. Readers will recall that one of the main differences between the FCC and the Google/Verizon plans is that Google/Verizon wants neutrality applied only to wired networks, and not to wireless. Here’s what Andrew Noyes, policy spokesperson from Facebook has to say…

“Facebook continues to support principles of Net neutrality for both landline and wireless networks. Preserving an open Internet that is accessible to innovators–regardless of their size or wealth–will promote a vibrant and competitive marketplace where consumers have ultimate control over the content and services delivered through their Internet connections.”

Verizon and Google have not explained their reasons for differentiating between wired and wireless nets except to say that that area is “competitive and changing rapidly. Imposition of too many rules up front would not allow us to optimize this network in a fashion that would supercharge the growth we’ve seen in the past.”” However, the two companies have ties in the mobile space, specifically Google’s Android market.

Why should the music industry care about the ongoing and controversial net neutrality negotiations between the FCC, Verizon, Google and other groups? Perhaps because distribution of music and video depends upon Internet bandwidth to be heard, viewed and/or downloaded. The arguments currently taking place may well effect how content travels across wired and wireless networks and the associated cost.

Julius Genachowski

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski has proposed that regulations be enacted to require equal treatment for all legal web traffic—which is known as net neutrality. This means that large companies can’t make private deals with carriers for special traffic treatment. Imagine a super fast interstate toll road and a normal two lane county road. What if the toll road was so expensive that only the most wealthy drivers could afford to use it? That’s in effect is what the neutrality discussion is about. Proponents want to make sure that no one gets preferential treatment based upon size and/or ability to pay.

In the past few days, after seemingly agreeing to the principles of net neutrality, Google and Verizon (G/V) proposed a new plan they are also calling net neutrality, but it contains some important differences from the FCC version. The G/V concept calls for the creation of a premium services broadband network that might offer services which don’t exist at this time. They also want to exempt wireless Internet because it is too “competitive and changing rapidly.”

PC World’s Ian Paul asks some important questions. “What would the costs be to gain access to the special networks and private services? Would fees be structured like cable packages?” And he also notes that wireless access is growing rapidly and wonders why it would be excluded.

FCC Commissioner Michael J. Copps, clearly not a fan of the new Google/Verizon initiative, said it bluntly, “Some will claim this announcement moves the discussion forward. That’s one of its many problems. It is time to move a decision forward—a decision to reassert FCC authority over broadband telecommunications, to guarantee an open Internet now and forever, and to put the interests of consumers in front of the interests of giant corporations.”

The LA Times recently praised the attempt to gain consensus from all broadband providers saying, “The breakdown of those talks complicates matters, and suggests that Genachowski may have to rethink his plan to enforce net neutrality by bringing 21st century broadband providers under rules originally designed for 20th century telephone services. Whatever route it takes, though, the commission should move now. Genachowski is right about the need for enforceable rules that prevent broadband providers from blocking or slowing access to websites and services they don’t favor. Internet service providers are itching to create a toll lane to deliver content and services from companies that have the resources to pay for better access to consumers. If that toll lane crowds out the free and open Internet that’s been a breeding ground for innovation and creativity, the whole economy will suffer.”

Swift’s “Mine” Leaps Into Billboard’s Hot 100

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Taylor Swift’s new, rush-released single, “Mine,” has entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart at No. 3, making Swift the second female artist in the history of the Hot 100 to debut multiple tracks in the top five during a calendar year. Mariah Carey is the only other female with multiple top five debuts in a single year.

The leadoff single from Swift’s upcoming album Speak Now (due October 25), “Mine” also enters at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Digital Songs chart with 297,000 downloads in a partial sales week, according to Nielsen SoundScan.

Billboard also reports that “Mine” entered the Hot 100 Airplay chart at No. 53, with 23.9 million listener impressions, according to Nielsen BDS, with roughly 60% coming from country radio airplay and the rest from top 40 and adult outlets. “Mine” entered Billboard’s Country Songs chart at No. 26.

Performers Added To Dale Franklin Award

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Jamey Johnson, Lorrie Morgan and Randy Travis have been added to the list of tribute performers for the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, a gala event honoring Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson on Sunday, August 29, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.

Shawn Camp will lead a band of many of Nashville’s finest musicians during the musical tribute to the three country music greats, which will be hosted by Vince Gill and include appearances from previously announced luminaries Lee Ann Womack, Lyle Lovett, Billy Swan and Rodney Crowell, as well as surprise guests.

A limited number of tables and tickets are still available through Leadership Music. Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner table seating and program acknowledgment, are $500 each; Benefactor Tables of 10 are $5,000. Patron Tickets, for the cocktail reception and dinner, are $200 each for LM alumni and $250 for non-alumni; Patron Tables of 10 are $2,499.  Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.
The Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, named for the first executive director of Leadership Music, was created in 2004 “to recognize music industry leaders who exemplify the highest quality of leadership and leading by example.”

The careers of veteran record label executive and producer Fred Foster and iconic journeymen Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson intersected at Foster’s archetypal independent label, Monument Records. All trailblazers in distinct, if interconnected, ways, the three helped define—and redefine—the Music Row business model, elevate the Nashville songwriting medium, and push the boundaries of country music, all while maintaining maverick authenticity.

Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner are Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young.  Foster, Kristofferson and Nelson join previous Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award honorees Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family:  Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008), and Jim Foglesong, Allen Reynolds and Garth Brooks (2009).
For more information, contact LM at 615.770.7090 or [email protected].

Benefit News: Good Times For a Good Cause

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Annual Buds-n-Suds Music Fest Returns
The 13th Annual Buds-n-Suds Music Festival Presented by Big 98 Country will take place on Wednesday, August 25 at Loser’s Bar and Grill in support of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) Tennessee Chapter.  The outdoor concert will take place from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

This year’s festival will feature full-band performances by Stoney LaRue, Lee Brice and Sixwire, with special guests Keith Anderson and Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony), plus performance painter Rachel Kice will be on stage to create a masterpiece to be auctioned off at the end of the night. A silent auction will be held and will include a vast selection of autographed memorabilia from notable musicians, athletes and other celebrities.

Advance tickets can be purchased online at www.budsnsuds.com at a discounted price of a $15 donation or day of show at the Loser’s Bar and Grill for a $20 donation. VIP tickets are available online for a $60 donation and will include special seating area, drinks and appetizers. All proceeds benefit Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to finding the cure for Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The 13th Annual Buds ‘n’ Suds Benefit Concert is sponsored in part by Centocor Ortho Biotech and Aegis.

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Miller Harris Golf Tourney Coming in September
Registration is now open for the annual Miller Harris Foundation Golf Tournament, scheduled for Monday, September 13 at Temple Hills Golf Club, 6376 Temple Road in Franklin, TN. The Tournament benefits The Miller Harris Foundation, a non-profit that benefits Asthma-related causes. The early-bird special ticket price is $150 per player. After Sept. 1, the ticket price is $165 per player.

For more information on playing in the tournament, volunteering, or becoming a sponsor call 615-330-2056 or email [email protected]. To register for the Miller Harris Golf Tourney, click here.

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Coat Drive and Golf Tourney Coming In September
The 10th Annual Music Row Coat Drive and Writer Cup Golf Tournament gives Nashvillians a perfect chance to step up for the homeless. The two-tiered event takes place on Monday, Sept. 20 and Thursday Sept. 30.

Community members are encouraged to bring coats to work for pickup on Friday, Oct. 1. Please call 615-320-7300 or email [email protected] for pick up. Donations can be sent to Writer Cup, PO Box 121086, Nashville, Tn 37212. Please write “For the Room In The Inn” in the memo field of your check. All money and coats collected will go to The Nashville Mission & Music Row Coat Drive.

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Patsy Cline Birthday Bash Benefits W.O.Smith School
An all-female line-up of singer songwriters perform Patsy Cline songs on Patsy Cline’s birthday to honor the legenary singer’s memory and benefit Nashville’s W.O. Smith School.

Local songwriter Karen McNatt will host a night of Patsy Cline music, a Patsy look alike contest, ‘60s outfits with lots of Patsy trivia to celebrate her legacy and talent that ended much too soon.

There will not be a cover charge for this event, but donations will be collected during the evening to benefit W.O. Smith School, which assists children of low income families with music lessons.

The list of performers include country radio hit songwriters such as Kirsti Manna, Kacey Jones, Pam Belford, Lynn Langham,  as well as up-and-coming singers/songwriters including Kira Small, Ashley Rose, Barbara Morrison, Cassundra Hunter, Chellanie Adams, Dani Carroll, Diana Kelley, Fran Jackson, Grace Rische, Jeanetta Day, Jennifer Brantley, Julie Grower, Kathy Hudson, Laurie Merrow, Lorna Flowers, Louise Mosrie, Linda Titolo, Marghi Allen, Mary Hartman, Merry Agape,  Rebecca Hoskings, Tisha Simeral, Susan Shann and Wendy Jans.

The Patsy Cline Birthday Bash will take place at the  Red Rooster, 1530 Demonbreun Street in Nashville.