Hometown Salutes The Band Perry

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The Band Perry returned to its hometown Greeneville, TN (10/10) to offer thanks for the town’s support in the form of a free concert. Siblings Kimberly, Neil and Reid were surprised when over 5,000 fans showed up and the town also declared Oct. 10 to The Band Perry Week. The CMA-nominated band released its self-titled debut album on October 12, featuring the Gold-certified single, “If I Die Young” and the Top Twenty hit, “Hip To My Heart.”

The Band Perry signed autographs for over four hours. Photo: Phil Gentry

Photos: Toby’s Team; Underwood Tour; Jordyn Shellhart

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Show Dog – Universal Music, TKO Artist Management, Paradigm, and UMG celebrate Toby Keith’s new album Bullet’s In The Gun coming in at No. 1 on both the Top Current Albums Chart and Top Country Album Chart. The title track and current single was the No. 1 most added single this week at country radio.

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Carrie Underwood was presented a plague commemorating her sold-out hometown stop in Tulas, OK. Photo credit: Jeremy Charles

Carrie Underwood performed a sold-out show this week in Tulsa, Oklahoma at the BOK Center for nearly 12,000 fans. The concert was the closest her tour will get to her hometown of Checotah, Oklahoma, about 45 minutes away. Underwood also headlined the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas Saturday night performing for over 10,000 fans. Special guests on the bill were Billy Currington and Sons of Sylvia. Underwood’s “Play On Tour,” hydrated by vitamin water® and sponsored by Olay, continues tonight (10/13) in Nashville. It will play over 100 cities in 2010 before wrapping December 19 in Calgary, Alberta Canada.

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L-R: Michelle Goble, ACM; Jordyn Shellhart; Rick Barker, Nashville To You

The Academy of Country Music welcomed Columbia Nashville Recording artist Jordyn Shellhart to the office for a visit when she was in Los Angeles this week. While at the Academy, Shellhart signed up for ACM professional membership and performed a few songs for the staff including the heartfelt “I Won’t Give Up On You.” The young singer-songwriter recently made her Grand Ole Opry debut on her 16th birthday.  Shellhart’s debut album on Sony Music Nashville, In A Room was released earlier this year to Best Buy and iTunes.

Tootsies Turns 50

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Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a special tribute show at the Ryman Auditorium on Nov. 7. Named for its original owner Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess, the Broadway honky tonk with access across the alley from the Ryman, has a colorful history as a popular hangout where Opry performers could jam between shows and catch a beer or two.

The Ryman tribute will include performances by Randy Houser, Terri Clark, Mel Tillis, Mark Chesnutt, The Grascals, Ronnie McDowell and newcomer Joanna Smith, with a special presentation by Grand Ole Opry legend, Little Jimmy Dickens. Tillis and Clark will co-host the evening with Kris Kristofferson, who is also scheduled to perform.

“Like Kris, all these artists have a history with Tootsie’s,” commented Steve Smith, Toosie’s current owner. “Spanning the decades, each has stories and special memories to share,” Smith added, “and their music is a part of Tootsie’s history. It’s going to be a memorable night.” For more information and tickets contact ticketmaster or www.tootsies.net.

NARAS Honors Loretta

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Garth Brooks, George Flanigen, Loretta Lynn, and Neil Portnow on the red carpet. Photo: Alan Mayor

Loretta and Garth on the red carpet. Photo: Alan Mayor

Legendary Loretta Lynn was honored by the Recording Academy during a star-studded gala last night (10/12) at the Ryman Auditorium.

The National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS) presented the Country Music Hall of Fame member with its President’s Merit Award. On January 31, Lynn was announced as a winner of the Academy’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Due to a family illness, she was unable to attend the Grammy Awards to accept, so that honor was also officially given to her on the Ryman stage.

“I really didn’t know this night was for me,” said Lynn, “but I’m sure proud. I don’t know what to say except thank you.”

Recording Academy president/CEO Neil Portnow confirmed that during rehearsals, Lynn seemed unaware that the gala was dedicated to her and her songs. “Loretta Lynn said to me in her innocent way, ‘I guess this night’s all about me.’”

Jack White. Photo: Alan Mayor

Co-presenter Jack White said, “Nobody tells it like Loretta Lynn, right?”

Lynn was accompanied by Garth Brooks, who was also on stage for the presentations. The evening was hosted by Reba McEntire. She and Brooks also sang, as did Martina McBride, Lee Ann Womack, Kid Rock and Gretchen Wilson.

Loretta and Garth onstage at the Ryman. Photo: Alan Mayor

DISClaimer Single Reviews (10/13/10)

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Variety is the spice of life, they say.

It’s certainly true in this week’s stack of platters. We have an electronic dance record, a comedy disc from a Country Music Hall of Famer, a pop/folk outing by a Russian country performer, a homespun ditty from a husband-and-wife team, a group re-naming, an Oz man’s cowbell-backed guitar rocker and a Texan with singer-songwriter grit to spare.

Where to turn?

Well, there’s no denying the pull and potency of the Tim McGraw single. So it is an obvious favorite for a Disc of the Day award.

But I don’t think I’d be out of line by suggesting that he could share it with the Oz man, Keith Urban.

KRYSTI WORLEY/Cowman
Writer: Paul Cook; Producer: Terry Mashburn; Publisher: Turtle on a Fencepost, ASCAP; Electric Cactus (www.krystiworley.com)
—More redneck rock, with the usual verbal cliches strung together (drankin,’ torn blue jeans, Skoal rings, tattoos, belt buckles, jacked-up trucks, lovin’ all night, blah, blah, blah) over thundering drums and guitars. Pass.

TIM McGRAW/Felt Good on My Lips
Writer: Brett Warren/Brad Warren/Jim Beavers/Brett Beavers; Producer: Byron Gallimore & Tim McGraw; Publisher: StyleSonic/Bilzuzz  & Bilzuzz/Buzz & Buzz/Sony-ATV Tree/Beavertime/FSMGI/Chestnut Barn/Chrysalis One, BMI/IMRO; Curb
—Droning electronica pulses steadily beneath Tim’s delivery of the tumbling-into-love lyric. Madly rhythmic. Insanely catchy. Everybody on the dancefloor!

ADAM CRAIG BAND/Nothin’ Wrong
Writer: Adam Craig/Keesy Timmer/Jon Nite; Producer: none listed; Publisher: InTune Nashville/Cowboy Timmer/Zavitson, BMI/ASCAP; Quarterback/American Roots (www.adamcraigband.com)
—Formerly billed as TelluRide, the group is now named after its solid lead vocalist. As usual, he delivers the goods, as do his ultra-accomplished band mates. Lively and engaging.

JOEY+ RORY/That’s Important to Me
Writer: Rory Feek/Joey Martin/Tim Johnson; Producer: Carl Jackson; Publisher: Giantslayer/Black in the Saddle/ole/Rufus Gold/Tim Johnson/Warner-Tamerlane/Marathon Key 2, ASCAP/SESAC/BMI; Sugar Hill/Vanguard/Roar(track) (www.joeyandrory.com)
—Simple truths, delivered with Joey’s customary emotional pull. The sweet song is wonderfully memorable, and the Rob Ickes dobro lines that echo the vocal are sheer poetry.

RIDIN’ HIGH BAND/Too Well to Go to Work
Writer: M. Jason Greene/Chris Cagle; Producer: none listed; Publisher: Son Daddy/Anjelito/Mark Hybner/WAMA, BMI/ASCAP; Centennial (www.ridinhighband.net)
—Recorded at the bottom of an empty grain silo. And I guess they didn’t have any pitch-correction machines down there.

KEITH URBAN/Put You in a Song
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Capitol Nashville (ERG)
—Radio magic. Joyous, rocking, melodic and utterly uplifting. Plus, it has a cowbell!

BLEU EDMONDSON/No Room for Mercy
Writer: none listed; Producer: Dwight A. Baker; Publisher: none listed; American Saint (track)
—I was completely smitten with this guy’s first record. The new one (titled The Future Ain’t What it Used to Be) has all the hallmarks of its predecessor. He writes with supremely poetic confidence and sings with gritty, gripping passion. This lead-off single is a tuneful, mid-tempo thumper with a chorus that goes straight for the heart. Somebody make this 2008 DisCovery Award winner a star.

MARY CHAPIN CARPENTER/The Way I Feel
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Rounder (ERG)
—As gorgeous a track as she has ever recorded. It is a grand and glorious road song about heading South alone on a midnight highway, listening to “I Won’t Back Down.” She is still just so totally great.

NATASHA BORZILOVA/Balancing Act
Writer: Natasha Borzilova; Producer: Natasha Borzilova; Publisher: Uncle Hadley, ASCAP; HMG (track) (www.natashaborzilova.com)
—She was formerly the front woman for the Russian country band Bering Strait. On the title track to her second solo CD, she carries a lilting acoustic tune along with her gentle soprano. It’s very pretty, but probably too pop for most country programmers.

MEL TILLIS/You Wouldn’t Believe It
Writer: none listed; Producer: none listed; Publisher: none listed; Show Dog Universal (track) (www.meltillis.com)
—Despite winning six consecutive Comedian of the Year awards from Music City News back in the day, Mel has never recorded a comedy album. Until now. Titled You Ain’t Gonna Believe This, it features three new songs (”Huntin’ Buddies,” “Who’s Gonna Wear the Dress” and “Slowing Down”). but the other 20 tracks are monologues. Including this little rib tickler about the lady finding the escaped elephant in her backyard garden. When she phones the police, she is asked what the animal is doing. “He’s pulling up my cabbage with his tale,” she replies. “What is he doing with it?” inquires the cop. “If I told you, you wouldn’t believe me!”

“Pure Country 2” Out Friday

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Pure Country 2—The Gift, the sequel to the hugely successful Pure Country film, will hit theaters Friday (10/15). Katrina Elam stars as a rising country singer, and George Strait, who lead the cast in the original, returns for the follow-up. Dean Cain appears in Pure Country 2, under the direction of Chris Cain who worked on the original and Young Guns.

Black River is releasing the movie’s soundtrack. “We were privileged to get to be involved with the movie on so many levels that it seemed only natural for us to release the soundtrack,” stated Black River President Jimmy Nichols. “This project represents a return to family values and the power of faith. Katrina is a well-deserved star. We’re thrilled to be a part of it all.”

The Steve Dorff-produced soundtrack mainly features Elam, and also includes a bonus track written for the movie and performed by Jonathan Cain (of Journey fame), Nichols, and Sarah Darling.

Dorff remarked, “This soundtrack is loaded with great songs performed by one of the most talented vocalists I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with, Katrina Elam! I’m also very proud of having elements of the score included on this CD. Chris Cain has once again set a wonderful example of how film and music can work so well hand in hand.” More at www.purecountry2thegift.com.

Marty Stuart Show Begins Season Three

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Marty Stuart, Grammy winner and country traditionalist will soon begin taping season three of his TV show, The Marty Stuart Show. Previous guests on the show have included Earl Scruggs, Merle Haggard, Dolly Parton, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Vince Gill, Old Crow Medicine Show and others over the past two seasons. Stuart’s show also received a 2010 Telly Award.

“I grew up watching shows like the Porter Wagoner show on TV, and I want to be able to provide people in America with a place to find that type of program again,” explains Stuart. “We try and highlight the best of what’s happening in the way of traditional country music. We get to work with old friends and some real music legends and also help introduce our audience to some new singers in the new wave coming up now….and it sure is fun!”

Stuart’s latest album Ghost Train was recently released. For more info visit www.martystuart.net

Kingsley Hosts Swift’s New Album Premiere

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Swift at the Grand Ole Opry 85th Birthday Celebration (10/9)

Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40, in association with TARGET, will present a 90-minute album premiere with Taylor Swift and her new CD Speak Now, hosted by Kingsley. The CD release date is set for October 25th.

“Just when you think the career of Taylor Swift can’t get any more amazing, she finds a way to top herself,” says Bob Kingsley. “‘Speak Now’ is a terrific record, highly melodic, both fun and thoughtful, with youthful energy and great songwriting. I’m very glad to be able to present the CD and Taylor’s insights into it to our radio audience.”

Market exclusive broadcast rights are available for the special. Stations airing it will gain exclusive access to the Target version of Speak Now for on-air giveaways. Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 is the number one syndicated country countdown, airing on over 360 stations across the U.S. and Canada. It is produced by KCCS Productions in Weatherford, TX, and is represented by Dial Global Radio Networks.

IEBA Celebrates Record Breaking 40th

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(L-R) Barry Jeffrey, David Corlew, Steve Hauser, Charlie Daniels, Gayle Holcomb, Paul Moore. Photo: Kevin Kennedy Photography

IEBA’s 40th Anniversary conference enjoyed a record-breaking 600 registrants at its Oct. 3-5 event in Nashville. “This year’s conference exceeded our wildest expectations not only in attendance, but in talent and educational content,” says IEBA Executive Director, Tiffany Davis. “We are thrilled so many of our members turned out to celebrate this tremendous milestone in IEBA’s history. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!”

In addition to agency showcases, seminars and special events the following were honored with International Entertainment Buyers Association Awards.

Entertainment Buyer of the Year
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group

Promoter of the Year
Live Nation

Talent Agent of the Year
Kevin Neal – Buddy Lee Attractions (BLA)

Venue of the Year
Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, Tenn.

Event of the Year
CMA Music Festival – Nashville, Tenn

Industry Achievement Award
Jim Morey – Morey Management Group

Chairman’s Award
Todd Boltin – Variety Attractions
Fran Romeo – Romeo Entertainment Group

Industry Gains Leiper’s Fork Venue

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The barn loft can accommodate up to 75 guests for a seated dinner and up to 125 guests for less formal mixers, while the venue itself can accommodate groups of 250 plus.

Southall Eden located in the artsy Leiper’s Fork community about 30 minutes from Music Row will soon have a new venue for music industry events. “Everyone knows and loves Puckett’s and Green’s Grocery,” says owner Shannon O’Kelley. “But there is a demand for a venue with a larger capacity. Having five acres and several structures on the property allows us to cater to larger crowds, as well as offer an outdoor atmosphere for those who want it.” Southall Eden features a historic barn with open renovated loft and more. www.southalleden.com