Universal Music and “American Idol” Join Forces

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19 Entertainment and American Idol creator Simon Fuller, and Universal Music Group (UMG), today announced a long-term strategic alliance to increase the development, distribution and marketing of American Idol’s musical artists. The announcement, which marked an abrupt end to Idol’s nine-season relationship with Sony Music, was made by Doug Morris, Chairman & Co-Chief Executive Officer of UMG, Lucian Grainge, Co-Chief Executive Officer of UMG, and by Simon Fuller on behalf of 19 Entertainment.

As part of this multi-year agreement, UMG’s Interscope Geffen A&M will market, promote and distribute albums globally from American Idol’s finalists and winning contestants across a broad array of retail and new media platforms. Recently, American Idol kicked-off auditions for its 10th season in Nashville and Milwaukee. Upcoming auditions will be held in Louisiana, Texas, New Jersey and California.

“With Idol celebrating our 10th season I wanted to inject some new power and weight behind our brand,” Fuller said. “We have been quietly delivering hits relentlessly for nine seasons and Lucian Grainge and Jimmy Iovine’s (Chairman, Interscope Geffen A&M) ambition, commitment, and determination to push the boundaries and go even further with Idol was very compelling. It is exciting to have the world’s biggest show partnered with the world’s biggest music company.”

“We like delivering hits and new artists,” stated Grainge. “UMG and American Idol is the right combination at the right time. Pairing the renowned expertise of Simon and Jimmy in developing and marketing musical talent creates a truly winning combination that will allow Idol’s artists to realize their fullest potential.”

Since its debut in 2001, America Idol has been responsible for selling more music than any other TV show in history, with over 100 million units in North America alone and over 120 million songs on iTunes.

Hall of Fame Opens Elvis Exhibit, Considers Expansion

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Loving You: Collecting Elvis Presley, a spotlight exhibit on one of the most beloved and influential cultural figures of the twentieth century, will be unveiled August 6 at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The exhibit, which celebrates Elvis Presley’s seventy-fifth birth year, is located within the Museum’s permanent exhibition and will run through January 2011.

Incorporating documents and artifacts from the Museum’s collection, the exhibit examines Presley’s continuing global appeal and the enduring support of his fans more than thirty years after Presley’s passing. Items to be displayed include a Munsingwear bathrobe and a Lord Nelson wristwatch owned by the King himself. Also featured are collectible items bearing Presley’s likeness, including a bronze bust designed by Armand LaMontagne, a Christmas ornament, a bottle of “Always Elvis” white wine, a porcelain music box and more.

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is looking into a expansion which would connect it with the new Nashville convention center currently in the works. The Tennessean reports that there are ongoing discussions about connecting the Hall to the proposed Music City Center, which would allow the museum to display more of its collection and possibly attract more visitors.

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Individual balcony seats for the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum’s All for the Hall Los Angeles fundraiser, taking place Thursday, September 23, at Club Nokia, will go on sale to the public on Friday, August 6. Tickets to the benefit concert, featuring performances by Country Music Hall of Fame members Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson, superstar Taylor Swift, and a very special fourth chair that must remain anonymous, are available for $250 and $150 (reserved seats in VIP section of the balcony with access to the VIP lounge) and $115 (reserved seats in the balcony). Tickets are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, the STAPLES Center Box Office or at the Club Nokia box office. A limited number of VIP tables are still available for purchase at $5,000 and $10,000 levels.

To purchase tickets or tables or for more information, contact Holly Lane at [email protected] or telephone (615) 416-2035 or (800) 852-6437.

Blackberry Smoke

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“Good One Comin’ On”

BamaJam/Nine North

With influences that run the gamut from country to bluegrass to metal to gospel and southern rock, Blackberry Smoke is more than the sum of its diverse parts. The band’s current single “Good One Comin’ On” is already making an impact at country radio.

“None of us have ever said, ‘Let’s be a southern rock band or a bluegrass band or a country band’,” explains frontman Charlie Starr. “We all love the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Stones and the Faces and Hank Williams and Bill Monroe. It’s not about what kind of music it is, as long as it’s good and it’s honest.”

The group, comprised of Starr, sibling rhythm section Richard and Brit Turner (bass and drums, respectively) and guitarist Paul Jackson, formed in 2000 and quickly established itself as a hard-working touring outfit on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line. The band has shared the stage with artists such as ZZ Top, Montgomery Gentry, The Outlaws, Marshall Tucker Band and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Acclaimed producer Dann Huff (Bon Jovi, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts) and Justin Niebank were tapped to produce the band’s second album Little Piece of Dixie, which is available now. The album contains songs written by the band as well as some of Nashville’s finest, including Lee Roy Parnell, David Lee Murphy, Gary Nicholson, Craig Wiseman, Randy Houser and Rob Hatch.

At the end of the day, Blackberry Smoke just wants to do what it has done for the last decade. “There ain’t nothing more fulfilling than making music people like,” says Paul. “The only way for us to promote our records was to tour year-round, 150 dates a year.”

“Performing is never a waste of time, even if there’s 20 people and the bartender there,” agrees Charlie.

http://www.blackberrysmoke.com/
http://www.facebook.com/BlackberrySmoke

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Nashville Well Represented Among VMA Noms

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Paramore on the set of their nominated video "Ignorance."

Nashville natives turned pop stars Kesha and Hayley Williams each scored four MTV Video Music Award nominations today (8/3). Taylor Swift also made an appearance on the list with her video “Fifteen” earning a nod for Best Female Video. The show airs Sun., Sept. 12.

Williams’ song “Airplanes” with rapper B.o.B. picked up three nominations and she also received a nod with longtime band Paramore for their video “Ignorance,” which is up for Best Rock Video.

Hip-hop popster Kesha raked in three noms for her debut hit “Tik Tok” and another one for her collaboration with 3OH!3, “My First Kiss.”

Lady Gaga set a record for the most nominations in a single year, bringing in 13 nods, far and away ahead of the second most nominated star Eminem, who will vie for eight trophies.

Fans can go to VMA.MTV.com (or text VMA to 97979 if they are Verizon subscribers) to vote through Sept. 12.

Soul Singer Bobby Hebb Passes

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Sunny, you smiled at me and really eased the pain.
The dark days are gone, and the bright days are here,
My Sunny one shines so sincere.
Sunny one so true, I love you.

Bobby Hebb, the Nashville singer who wrote and performed the soul-pop smash “Sunny,” died today (8/3) in Music City. He played a pivotal role in Nashville’s soul scene, but his roots can be traced to the country community, including his start on the Grand Ole Opry.

Born July 26, 1938, Hebb was raised by blind parents in his childhood home near what is today Music Row. Early in life he learned to perform, sing, tap dance, and play the spoons, often as a street musician. Eventually he landed an appearance on famed producer Owen Bradley’s local television show, which caught the attention of Roy Acuff, who in turn invited Hebb to join the Opry’s band. At the time, from about 1950-55, he was the show’s only African-American.

Bobby Hebb with the Beatles.

In 1960 Hebb recorded his own version of Acuff’s hit “Night Train To Memphis.” In 1966 his song “Sunny” earned him international prominence and a slot opening for the Beatles. The tune went on to become one of the most-played songs of the 20th century (No. 25 on BMI’s list) and was recorded by Frank Sinatra, Cher, Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, James Brown and countless others.

True to his Nashville heritage, Hebb followed his hit “Sunny” with a soul-stacked version of country standard “A Satisfied Mind.” Among other hits he wrote was “A Natural Man,” recorded by Lou Rawls.

Success came full circle for Hebb when he was one of the most prominently featured artists in the 2004 Country Music Hall of Fame exhibition Night Train To Nashville, and on the accompanying Grammy-winning album.

A funeral service has not been announced but arrangements are being handled by Terrell Broady Funeral Home, 3855 Clarksville Pike.

Marshall Chapman Offers New Book, Music This Fall

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It’s going to be a busy fall for songwriter and author Marshall Chapman, who is releasing a new book, new album and has a part in the upcoming film Country Strong.

Her latest book, They Came To Nashville, includes her remembrances and interviews with 15 musical luminaries, ranging from icons Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson, to newer faces like Miranda Lambert. Also included in the discussion about moving to Nashville are interviews with Bobby Braddock, Mary Gauthier, Gary Nicholson, Emmylou Harris, Terri Clark, Rodney Crowell, Don Henry, Beth Nielsen Chapman, John Hiatt, Eddie Angel, Ashley Cleveland, and Bobby Bare. Read an excerpt here.

Coming in October is her new album, Big Lonesome, and her book via Vanderbilt University Press and the Country Music Foundation Press. It is the follow-up to her first book, Goodbye, Little Rock and Roller, which was well received by peers and critics.

Marshall Chapman and Gwyneth Paltrow at the wrap party for "Country Strong."

Among other exciting news on the horizon for Chapman is her role as Gwyneth Paltrow’s character’s road manager in the upcoming film Country Strong. Also, Chapman and fellow hitmaker Matraca Berg composed music for the play Good Ol Girls, which just ended a successful New York run and will be going on the road.

Chapman’s songs have been recorded by Jimmy Buffett, Wynonna, Olivia Newton-John and many more.

Baker To Lead Ent. Law For Bone McAllester Norton

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Robert Baker

Longtime Music Row attorney Robert L. Baker has joined Bone McAllester Norton PLLC and will lead the firm’s new Entertainment Law Group, Chairman Charles W. Bone announced today (8/3).

As a previous founding member of Baker & Kelley, Robert Baker has experience in entertainment and intellectual property, where he represented artists, songwriters, producers (music, film and television), publishers, managers, labels and entertainment industry executives.

“We are delighted to have Rob’s leadership in this new area of legal practice for our firm,” says Charles Bone. “Nashville is known for its music and as a major part of the industry across all genres. In recent years, the film industry has really started evolving in the city, as well. Add to this the exploding field of digital content, and it becomes clear that there is a need for Rob’s knowledge and expertise in this area. We’re glad to have him on our team.”

“I am truly excited to bring my practice to Bone McAllester Norton,” Baker said. “I have known many of the lawyers there for years and look forward to expanding on the synergies that made this move not only possible, but smart.”

Baker, a Nashville native, is a member of the American, Tennessee and Nashville bar associations. He serves on the American Bar Association’s Forum on the Entertainment and Sports Industries. He is the immediate past President of the Young Lawyers Division of the Nashville Bar Association.

Bone McAllester Norton PLLC has 31 lawyers with offices in Nashville and in Hendersonville, Tennessee. Among its clients are Fisk University, the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, the Nashville Superspeedway, a number of Nashville banks, the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, and Norfolk Southern Railway Corp.

Registration, Submissions Open For SXSW 2011

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Conference registration is now open for the South By Southwest Music and Media Conference and Festival at sxsw.com. SXSW Music takes place March 16 – 20, 2011 in Austin, Texas, with the upcoming event marking the festival’s 25th year.

Daytime events at the Austin Convention Center will flow into the world-renowned music festival, which is scheduled to showcase over 1900 acts on stages throughout downtown Austin. Registration for SXSW Music allows access to all daytime events including the keynote address, panels, interviews, workshops, mentor sessions, peer meetings, the trade show, official SXSW day parties, and priority access into all SXSW nighttime showcases.

SXSW Music is now accepting showcase applications for acts to perform at the 2011 music festival at Sonicbids.com. All applications must be submitted no later than November 5, 2010.

HoriPro Marks 20 Years On Music Row

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HoriPro executives Butch Baker, Kaz Hori, Ronnie Gant, and Bob Beckham.

HoriPro Entertainment Group celebrated the 20th anniversary of the opening of its Music Row office with a party July 19 at Nashville’s Bound’ry Restaurant. The music publishing company has had offices in Tokyo, Japan for 50 years and then 20 years ago Kaz Hori and his family opened a Nashville branch with Bob Beckham.

Kaz Hori and his international HoriPro team, represented by staff members from the Tokyo, Los Angeles and Nashville offices.

Leadership Music Gala Attracts Star Performers, Honorees

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Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award winners (L-R): Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson

Leadership Music has recruited a stellar list of performers to give musical tributes to honorees Fred Foster, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson at its annual awards gala on Sun., Aug. 29.

Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett, Billy Swan and Lee Ann Womack will perform that evening at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel, and Vince Gill is sure to charm as master of ceremonies of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award dinner. More performers and special guests will be announced soon.

The event will celebrate the honorees’ legendary careers, which intertwined through veteran label executive and producer Foster’s Monument Records. These distinct trailblazers 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.

Reservations to attend the invitation-only fundraiser must be made by Tuesday, August 10. There are several seating options: Benefactor Tickets, which include a pre-event VIP reception, cocktail reception, preferred dinner 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. For more information, contact the Leadership Music office at [email protected]. Proceeds from the evening benefit Leadership Music, an educational 501(c)(3) organization.

Honorary Chairs for the 2010 Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award gala dinner are Bob Beckham, Del Bryant, Frances W. Preston and Kyle Young.

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.” 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).