CMA To Receive LM's Dale Franklin Award

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The Country Music Association will be the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award, it was announced today (1/24). The organization will be bestowed with the honor Tuesday, May 17 at Nashville’s Renaissance Hotel.
“Leadership Music is excited to recognize CMA as the 2011 recipient of the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award,” says Jamie Cheek, president of Leadership Music Board of Directors. “As one of the foremost leaders in the music business, CMA has played an integral role in supporting many great artists as well as numerous businesses and organizations, including Leadership Music. We look forward to an extraordinarily special and intimate evening celebrating CMA’s accomplishments and years of service to our industry and community.”
The Dale Franklin Award was created in 2004 to recognize a music industry leader who exemplifies the highest quality of leadership and leading by example. Since the honor’s inception in 2004, recipients have included Tony Brown (2004), Gerry House (2005), Emmylou Harris (2006), Frances W. Preston (2007), The Bradley Family: Owen, Harold, Jerry, Connie and Patsy (2008); Garth Brooks, Jim Foglesong and Allen Reynolds (2009); and Fred Foster, Willie Nelson, and Kris Kristofferson (2010).
Analysis: Over the last three years, groups of individuals have been honored for the Dale Franklin Award but CMA is the first ever organization to be recognized. Leadership Music Exec. Dir. Karen Oertley explains that, while the award has historically been given to individuals, the criteria language specifies only that it will be awarded to a music industry “leader.” The Leadership Music board of directors felt that CMA’s initiatives such as the Awards, Music Festival, and Songwriter Series, combined with the generous donation of all net proceeds ($2.9 million) from the 2010 CMA Music Festival for flood relief and music education made all speak very favorably toward CMA’s leadership role in the community.
Tickets for this invitation-only event will be available in March.

Publishing Notes: Kobalt, BMG

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Kobalt Music Group is expanding its core business beyond music publishing to include the administration and marketing of other rights such as neighboring rights, synch rights for master recordings, and others to be announced later this year.
The company has worked for the last 18 months to develop a global extended rights collections platform which combines multiple rights into one large database. Kobalt’s new online synch database and licensing system will debut in late spring 201l at www.kobaltmusic.com.
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BMG has signed an exclusive worldwide administration deal with Notable Music Co., the entity founded by Cy Coleman. In addition to Coleman’s prestigious catalogue, BMG will represent the rights of Notable Music Co.’s full catalogue including the works of Bobby Hebb, Clifton Davis, Rosanne Cash, Wax Poetics, Chico Mann, Adriane Young, Aja West/The Mackrosoft and new masters by critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Sam Phillips.
BMG also announced that its North American division has signed an exclusive worldwide agreement with Yusuf (formerly Cat Stevens) which sees BMG handling all of the artist’s administration, collection and exploitation efforts worldwide on both back catalogue and recent releases.

Engineer Jim Williamson Passes

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Jim Williamson, the recording engineer known for work with Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson, passed away at his Nashville area home on Jan. 20. He was 75, and died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Williamson played a role in recordings classics such as Lynn’s “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” Tammy Wynette’s “Stand By Your Man,” Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden” and Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde album.
In fact, Williamson was behind the board when Dylan recorded “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35.” He handled it with ease when Dylan insisted on recording the song in a single take, in the dark.
Williamson ran the boards for Country Music Hall of Fame producers Don Law, Owen Bradley, Ken Nelson and Billy Sherrill. He is also credited with being one of the first Nashville engineers to provide musicians with headphones during the recording process.
Williamson also helped a young Kristofferson, working as a studio janitor at the time, record the demos that ultimately led to his signing at Monument Records.
“He was a great listener and a father figure to a lot of people,” says hit producer Garth Fundis. “He was a really awesome man—honest to a fault.”
“He was one of the finest engineers I ever worked with in Nashville,” agrees Haggard, who enlisted Williamson for more than 10 years.
Williamson was a devoted family man who would have celebrated his 50th anniversary with wife Edith this year. He is survived by Edith; daughter Debbie Williamson, of San Diego; daughter Suzy Pender, of Nashville; six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, Jimmy Williamson.
Williamson’s body is being cremated. Per his wishes, services will be private. No public memorial will be held.

Jim Williamson and granddaughter Claire Pender on Easter Day 2010.

Surprise Party Honors Galante

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Thirty nine years is a long career span to be in one industry. But when it’s all at the same company—and as its leader for most of the time—then the proper word is “remarkable.” And so it seemed perfectly natural that a group of friends organized an evening with an invitation that read, “Join Us As We celebrate Joe Galante’s remarkable 39 years with RCA, BMG and Sony Music.” The party was hosted by a who’s who of industry heavyweights [see invitation graphic for a list] and held under a large tent next to Ronnie and Janine Dunn’s barn. Oh yeah, the invite also warned, “Please keep this a secret. It’s a surprise for Joe.”
About 135 guests (Joe’s fans—we were holding fans with his face on them) were waiting inside the tent when the “Chairman” arrived. As he told the crowd later, “I thought I was going with my wife Phran to an animal rescue fund raising event.” He was really surprised. (Keeping a secret among that many people in the music industry is pretty remarkable in itself.)
Seen schmoozing merrily under the big top and offering congratulations was an amazing collection of artists and industry leaders including Troy Tomlinson, Allen Butler, Skip Bishop, Steve and Ree Guyer Buchanan, Mary Ann McCready, Robert Deaton, Dale Morris, Tom Collins, Alan Kates, Tammy Genovese, David Gales, Jimmy Rector, Keith Stegall, David Corlew, Michael Vaden, Craig Wiseman, Clay Bradley, Pat Higdon, Tony Conway, Lisa Harless, Mark Bright, Mike Dungan, Luke Lewis, Clarence Spalding, Tom Baldrica, Allen Brown and Doc McGhee. Also present were Alan Jackson, The Warren Brothers, Renee Bell, Terry Hemmings, Barbara Mandrell, K.T. Oslin, Cindy Mabe, Ed Hardy, Sarah Trahern, Greg Hill, Whitney Daane, Nancy Russell, Paul Barnabee, Clint Higham and Lorrie Morgan.


(L-R): Joe Galante, Martina McBride and John McBride

Butch Waugh kicked off the program…which began with a short video containing a photo collage and a humorous vintage video clip of an evening when K.T. Oslin guest hosted Ralph Emery’s TNN evening talk show. She had Mr. Galante as a guest and after a bit of banter, she told the crowd that industry exec’s are so important, “but they’re not very interesting.” The tent crowd loved it…
Next was a group of speakers that told “Joe” stories. Kenny Chesney recalled that he was performing in an East TN bar when he heard that Joe had signed him to the label. “Joe changed my life,” Kenny testified with total sincerity.
Chesney also told a funny story of how it took some time to get used to Joe’s way of doing things, especially since Joe was from New York. “I had just finished recording some tracks and called Joe hoping he might come down the street to hear them that minute. I was brought up to say ‘Hey what are you doing? Are you busy?’ But when I said that to Joe, he snapped, ‘What do you mean what am I doing? I’m trying to keep this label train on its tracks. Of course I’m busy….”
Chesney’s story highlighted something that Joe’s friends in the tent already knew. He’s always been focused, organized and serious about giving 110% and not especially interested in small talk. But as several artists noted, if Joe believed in you, having him working to make your career successful was a treasured asset.
Kix Brooks praised Joe’s ability to “say the right things at the right time,” to him and partner Ronnie Dunn when the famous duo hit a rough patch in 2000. “Galante was able to renew our faith in what we were doing and inspire us, thereby adding an additional 10 career years,” Brooks said gratefully.
John Rich thanked Galante for getting “two shots.” “First with Lonestar, and then later as a solo act. He believed in what I was doing and gave me the chances.” (Speaking of shots, there were “39 Years” party-favor shot glasses, filled with tequila.)
Gerry House emceed, injecting a few of his trademark zingers in between speakers. House is another executive already sorely missed since he recently stepped down from his morning radio show post. (But that’s a story for another party…)
As the evening drew to a close, for those of us who witnessed many of Joe’s 39 years, it felt like more than just the end of a great party, it felt like the end of a era…

(L-R): Phran Galante, Barbara Brooks, Nancy Russell, Ronnie Dunn, Clint Higham, Butch Waugh, Joe Galante, Renee Bell and Kix Brooks

Video Roundup: Grascals, Jesse and Noah, Adam Craig Band

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During Country Cares Radiothon last weekend in Memphis, The Grascals- Danny Roberts, Jeremy Abshire, Kristin Scott Benson, Jamie Johnson, Terry Eldredge and Terry Smith- posed with patient Ella at St. Jude's. (Credit: Jeremy Westby)


The Grascals‘ video for “I Am Strong” has been added for airplay by GAC and The Country Network. Country Hall of Famer Dolly Parton makes a special guest appearance in the video, which was directed by David Corlew and produced by former TN Commission head David Bennett. The song, written by Jamie Johnson and wife Susanne Mumpower-Johnson with friend Jenee Fleenor, was inspired by stories of children being treated for cancer and other diseases at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis. The emotional video was filmed at the hospital and several patients make appearances. “The bottom line and the whole point of the video was to convey the song’s message,” Johnson says.  “We didn’t want to take anything away from the children or their stories, and I think we stayed true to that.” A portion of the proceeds from the song will benefit St. Jude.
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Jesse and Noah Bellamy’s single “Dirty With A Southern Drawl” has been shipped to Texas radio this week by Luna Chica Records, and it is accompanied by a controversial video. Shot in Memphis by director Mike McCarthy, the video incorporates elements of comic book style and WWII iconography to tell the story of a woman’s plan to stop the war through striptease. “Even though this video may raise a few eyebrows along Music Row and will most-likely not be embraced by CMT and GAC, we all feel it maintained the artistic integrity which it was meant to have,” says Brenda Cline, general manager and director of A&R for Luna Chica Records. “We think that viewers are tired of the same old cookie cutter videos. I say ‘bravo’ to Mike McCarthy, and Jesse and Noah’s creative risk taking. As far as the song is concerned, it’s as country radio as it gets and it’s great!”
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The Adam Craig Band has released the video for its song “Nothin’ Wrong.” Directed by Jeff Johnson in conjunction with Gamma Blast, the video was shot in various locations around Manchester, Tennessee. The concept behind it was to capture the value and simple joy in small-town living, being surrounded by a few close friends and the memories shared with them. “I love working with Adam, Brian, Jimi and Ryan” says Jeff Catton, of InTune Entertainment, who manages the band. “They’re extremely hard working and very focused on their career.”

Toby Keith Releases DVD 10

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Toby Keith


Toby Keith will release a DVD compilation of his music videos on March 8. Titled 10, the DVD will include videos for songs such as his debut single “Should’ve Been A Cowboy,” his Willie Nelson collaboration “Beer For My Horses,” his latest “Bullets In The Gun” and others such as “I Love This Bar” and “As Good As I Once Was.”
Keith’s career includes airplay spins exceeding 70 million, and dozens of major honors including ten video awards.
On Jan. 29, Keith will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage eight years after his first and only performance there.
Toby Keith 10 Track Listing
1. Should’ve Been A Cowboy
2. How Do You Like Me Now?!
3. Courtesy Of The Red, White And Blue (The Angry American)
4. Beer For My Horses (Toby Keith & Willie Nelson)
5. I Love This Bar
6. American Soldier
7. As Good As I Once Was
8. American Ride
9. Bullets In The Gun
10. God Love Her

Music Council Partners With Nashville Entrepreneur Center

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Mayor Karl Dean, along with the Nashville Music Council, have announced a partnership with the recently launched Nashville Entrepreneur Center. This agreement will provide local start-ups in digital media and entertainment with direct support.
Initially the NEC will present business plans for the Music Council, providing entrepreneurs with executive level feedback. Additionally, the NEC will launch a mentoring program for the Music Council, pairing a start-up venture with an industry leader. ASCAP President Tim DuBois and former Sony Chairman Joe Galante have been elected to start the mentoring program.
“Cities seeking to grow and prosper in the 21st century have to support innovation and entrepreneurism in key industries,” says Mayor Dean. “The music industry in particular is ripe for new ideas and new business models that will help shape its transition into the digital age. This partnership between the Music Council and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center will help ensure that the future leader and leading ideas of the music industry are being cultivated right here in Nashville.”
Nashville Entrepreneur Center was launched in 2010 by Vanderbilt faculty member Michael Burcham in hopes of being an incubator for local businesses in four industries: healthcare, technology, social enterprise, and digital media & entertainment. New entrepreneurs will be able to access NEC and its staff for available options and resources.

Wynonna Debuts Novel, Book Signing in Nashville and NYC

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Wynonna Judd will travel to New York next week to make several media appearances for the upcoming release of her debut fictional novel, Restless Heart. The book will be released Jan. 25 and accompanied by appearances on programs such as The Today Show (NBC), The Joy Behar Show (HLN) and Access Hollywood (NBC). On Jan. 27 she will be featured on NBC Nonstop Moms in the City and Sirius/XM Radio The Morning Jolt with Larry Flick.
Wynonna will also sign copies of her book at the Barnes & Noble on Mallory Lane in Brentwood, TN on Friday, Feb. 4 at 7 pm CST. She will also appear at Borders in New York City for a book signing on Jan. 25.
The novel chronicles the life of Destiny Hart, who grapples with love, loss, success and surrender. “I wanted to tell a story of a young woman with her life unfolding before her, facing incredible challenges and incredible opportunities, and making good decisions,” explains Wynonna.
For a complete listing of Wynonna’s television appearances, please click here.

Big Country Signs Morgan Tobias

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Entrepreneur Glen Blaschke and hit songwriter Tammy Hyler announced the formation of Big Country Records and the signing of singer/songwriter Morgan Tobias during an industry launch at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum this week.
(L-R) standing: Joe Brazil, attorney for Morgan Tobias and Norman Gillis, attorney for Big Country Records. Seated: Glen Baschke, Pres. Big Country Records; Morgan Tobias; and Tammy Hyler, VP Creative for Big Country Records.

Photo: Alan Mayor

MusicRow CRS Meet & Greet Performers Revealed

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Sitting down? You may want to brace yourself for this news.
This year’s MusicRow CRS Meet & Greet and CountryBreakout Awards is going to be a doozie, and those who miss out will likely spend the rest of their days in regret and shame.
We are extremely pleased to feature emerging talents Colt Ford (Average Joe’s Ent.) and Joanna Smith (Columbia Nashville). Both entertainers hail from the great state of Georgia, but are miles apart on the stylistic continuum. Together they represent the wildly diverse talent parameters included under the big tent of modern country music.
Colt Ford’s unique party-starting hybrid of country-rock and hip-hop, combined with a high-energy live show, has catapulted him into a celebrated indie star. Originally from Athens, GA, the former pro-golfer turned musician built a massive following through relentless touring, eventually selling over 150k units of his debut Rollin’ Through The Country. His 2010 sophomore album Chicken & Biscuits hit No. 8 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and features an all-star list of collaborators like Joe Nichols, Randy Houser, DMC (of Run DMC), James Otto and more. Ford feels the key to his success has been in bringing something real to his shows and recordings.
“I tried to write songs I would like and that I thought people like me would like,” he says. “I wrote about things they know about, and I can’t tell you how often someone will say, ‘Are you from my home town?’ I’ll say no and they’ll say, ‘You must be, because you write about exactly who we are and what we do.’ That’s the connection. I just tried to be honest and real, and this is what happened. They know I’m one of them.”
Joanna Smith, raised on a farm in tiny Crestview unincorporated, GA, is a captivating young traditionalist, proudly displaying her rural roots in songs like “Farm Girl” and “Gettin’ Married.” After arriving in Nashville, she honed her live performance chops in front of the rowdy nighttime crowds at legendary Broadway hang Tootsie’s. Her upcoming debut album for Columbia features  her new single “Georgia Mud,” as well as a special guest appearance from another beloved traditionalist, Patty Loveless. Like Colt Ford, Smith’s music is an authentic extension of her upbringing and the sounds that inspire her.
“I write like I talk,” Smith says. “It’s just the way that I express myself and the most honest I can be. Songs that have a true story inspiring them are the songs that reach people. I play them and I watch the crowd. I see what they react to and that helps me write better songs.”
This special invitation-only event takes place Tuesday, March 1 leading up to Country Radio Seminar 2011.